antiqueCollinsCOBUILD Advanced Learner�s Dictionary (Collins Cobuild)enCollinscalibre 5.4.1, fb2cut 2.5.4, fb2cut 2.6.227.6.2021bd132a13-963b-4ce8-876a-8163061c81651.0HarperCollins Publishers2018

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Copyright

Published by Collins

An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Westerhill Road

Bishopbriggs

Glasgow G64 2QT

Ninth Edition 2018

� HarperCollins Publishers 2018

eBook Edition � March 2018 �ISBN 978-0-00-828159-5

Version: 2018-02-01

Collins� and COBUILD� are registered trademarks of HarperCollins Publishers Limited

www.collinsdictionary.com/cobuild

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank those authors and publishers who kindly gave permission for copyright material to be used in the Collins Corpus. We would also like to thank Times Newspapers Ltd for providing valuable data.

Contents

How do I use a Collins Kindle Dictionary?

Title page

Copyright

Guide to dictionary features

Word classes

Pronunciation

COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary A-Z

About the Publisher

Guide to dictionary features

Several special features in this dictionary help you to build your vocabulary in interesting and effective ways. These features help you to see how vocabulary items are used in real texts, how words are built, which words commonly go together, and which words have similar meanings. They help you to avoid common mistakes and to understand more about how certain words came into the language and how they got their meaning. You can read about all these features in more detail below.

Synonyms are shown at key entries, each with a lively, up-to-date example, taken from the Collins Corpus. The example will give you a clear idea of the context in which that particular synonym typically appears in English. The numbers refer to the particular meaning within the main entry. To find out more about each synonym, go to that word in the dictionary. The synonyms feature allows you to browse the dictionary, expanding your vocabulary as you go.

Collocations panels show you which words are typically used together. For example, we might talk about �glorious weather� or �lovely weather�, but if the noun we want to use is �experience�, we would be more likely to talk about a �memorable experience� or a �rewarding experience�. The numbers refer to the particular meaning within the main entry. A knowledge of collocations will help you to sound natural and fluent when you are speaking and writing in English.

Usage notes give tips on avoiding common learner errors in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. These include uncountable nouns that learners often mistakenly use as if they were countable, typical preposition errors, and commonly confused words. Browse the dictionary for these invaluable notes and find out how to avoid all the most frequent mistakes in English.

Prefixes and suffixes are parts of words that help to give them their specific meaning. For example, words that start with the prefix poly- usually have �many� as part of their meaning, and words that end in -ly are often adverbs that indicate how something is done. Knowing a range of prefixes and suffixes will help you to work out the meanings of words by yourself, without always having to look the word up.

Word histories tell you where certain words come from and how they have changed in meaning over the years. For example, did you know that the word �slogan� comes from a Gaelic word meaning �war cry�? Or that the word �hippopotamus� comes from the Greek for �river horse�? Finding out the history of a word can be fascinating and sometimes surprising, and the images and ideas formed in our minds can help us to remember the word we have learnt about.

Word classes

ADJ

An adjective can be in the comparative or the superlative form.

ADV

An adverb can be in the comparative or the superlative form.

AUX

An auxiliary verb is used with another verb to add particular meanings to that verb, for example, to form the continuous aspect or the passive voice, or to form negatives and interrogatives. The verbs be, do, get, and have have some senses in which they are auxiliary verbs.

COLOUR

A colour word refers to a colour. It is like an adjective, e.g. The sky was blue, and also like a noun, e.g. She was dressed in red .

COMB

A combining form is a word which is joined with another word, usually with a hyphen, to form compounds.

CONJ

A conjunction usually links elements of the same grammatical type, such as two words or two clauses.

CONVENTION

A convention is a word or a fixed phrase which is used in conversation, for example when greeting someone, apologizing, or replying.

DET

A determiner is a word that is used at the beginning of a noun group, e.g. a tray, more time, some books, this amount . It can also be used to say who or what something belongs or relates to, e.g. his face, my flat, or to begin a question, e.g. Whose car were they in?

EXCLAM

An exclamation is a word or phrase which is spoken suddenly, loudly, or emphatically in order to express a strong emotion such as shock or anger. Exclamations are often followed by exclamation marks.

FRACTION

A fraction is used in numbers, e.g. three and a half, two and two thirds; before of and a noun group, e.g. half of the money, a third of the biscuits, three eighths of the pie; after in or into , e.g. in half, into thirds . A fraction is also used like a count noun, e.g. two halves, the first quarter of the year .

MODAL

A modal is used before the infinitive form of a verb, e.g. You may go . In questions, it comes before the subject, e.g. Must you speak? In negatives, it comes before the negative word, e.g. They would not like this . It does not inflect, for example, it does not take an -s in the third person singular, e.g. She can swim .

N-COUNT

A count noun has a plural form, usually made by adding -s . When it is singular, it usually has a determiner in front of it, such as the, her, or such .

N-PLURAL

A plural noun is always plural, and is used with plural verbs. If a pronoun is used to stand for the noun, it is a plural pronoun such as they or them , e.g. These clothes are ready to wear . Plural nouns which end in -s usually lose the -s when they come in front of another noun, e.g. trousers, trouser pocket. If they refer to a single object which has two main parts, such as jeans and glasses , the expression a pair of is sometimes used, e.g. a pair of jeans . This is shown as N-PLURAL [oft a pair of N ].

N-PROPER

A proper noun refers to one person, place, thing, or institution, and begins with a capital letter. Many proper nouns are used without a determiner, e.g. � higher education in America � Father Christmas ; some must be used with the .

N-PROPER-PLURAL

A plural proper noun is a proper noun which is always used in the plural with a plural verb.

N-SING

A singular noun is always singular, and needs a determiner.

N-TITLE

A title noun is used to refer to someone who has a particular role or position. Titles come before the name of the person and begin with a capital letter.

N-UNCOUNT

An uncount noun refers to things that are not normally counted or considered to be individual items. Uncount nouns do not have a plural form, and are used with a singular verb. They do not need determiners.

N-VAR

A variable noun typically combines the behaviour of both count and uncount nouns in the same sense. The singular form occurs freely both with and without determiners. Variable nouns also have a plural form, usually made by adding -s . Some variable nouns when used like uncount nouns refer to abstract things like hardship and injustice , and when used like count nouns refer to individual examples or instances of that thing, e.g. He is not afraid to protest against injustice. � It is never too late to correct an injustice . Others refer to objects which can be mentioned either individually or generally, like potato and salad : you can talk about a potato, potatoes , or potato .

NUM

A number is a word such as three and hundred . Numbers such as one, two, three are used like determiners, e.g. three bears; like adjectives, e.g. the four horsemen; like pronouns, e.g. She has three cases and I have two; and like quantifiers, e.g. Six of the boys stayed behind . Numbers such as hundred, thousand, million always follow a determiner or another number, e.g. two hundred people .

ORD

An ordinal is a type of number. Ordinals are used like adjectives, e.g. He was the third victim; like pronouns, e.g. She took the first place and I took the second � the second of the two teams; like adverbs, e.g. The other team came first; and like determiners, e.g. Fourth place goes to Timmy .

PHRASAL VERB

A phrasal verb consists of a verb and one or more particles, e.g. look after, look back, look down on . Some phrasal verbs are linking verbs or passive verbs.

PHRASE

Phrases are groups of words which are used together with little variation and which have a meaning of their own.

PREDET

A predeterminer is used in a noun group before a, the, or another determiner.

PREFIX

A prefix is a letter or group of letters, such as un- or multi- , which is added to the beginning of a word in order to form another word. For example, the prefix un- is added to happy to form unhappy .

PREP

A preposition begins a prepositional phrase and is followed by a noun group or a present participle. Patterns for prepositions are shown in the dictionary only if they are restricted in some way.

PRON

Pronouns are used to refer to someone or something that has already been mentioned or whose identity is known.

QUANT

A quantifier comes before of and a noun group.

QUEST

A question word is a word that is used to begin a question, for example, a wh-word.

SUFFIX

A suffix is a letter or group of letters such as �ly or �ness , which is added to the end of a word in order to form a new word, usually of a different word class.

V-LINK

A link verb connects a subject and a complement. Link verbs most commonly occur in the patterns [V adj] and [V n]. Most link verbs do not occur in the passive voice.

V-PASSIVE

A passive verb occurs in the passive voice only. Some phrasal verbs are passive verbs.

Pronunciation

IPA symbols

Vowel

Sounds

ɑː

c

a

lm,

a

h

ɑːʳ

he

a

rt, f

a

r

�

a

ct, m

a

ss

a

I

d

i

ve, cr

y

a

I

əʳ

f

i

re, t

y

re

aʊ

ou

t, d

ow

n

aʊəʳ

fl

ou

r, s

ou

r

e

m

e

t, l

e

nd, p

e

n

e

I

s

ay

, w

ei

ght

eəʳ

f

ai

r, c

a

re

I

f

i

t, w

i

n

iː

m

e

, s

ee

m

I

əʳ

n

ea

r, b

ea

rd

ɒ

l

o

t, sp

o

t

oʊ

n

o

te, c

oa

t

ɔː

cl

aw

, m

au

l

ɔʳ

m

o

re, c

o

rd

ɔ

I

b

oy

, j

oi

nt

ʊ

c

ou

ld, st

oo

d

uː

y

ou

,

u

se

ʊəʳ

l

u

re, p

u

re

ɜːʳ

t

u

rn, th

i

rd

ʌ

f

u

nd, m

u

st

ə

the first vowel in

a

bout

əʳ

the first vowel in

f

o

rgotten

i

the second vowel in

ver

y

u

the second vowel in

act

u

al

Consonant

Sounds

b

b

ed, ru

b

d

d

one, re

d

f

f

it, i

f

g

g

ood, do

g

h

h

at,

h

orse

y

y

ellow,

y

ou

k

k

ing, pi

ck

l

l

ip, bi

ll

ᵊl

hand

l

e, pane

l

m

m

at, ra

m

n

n

ot, ti

n

ᵊn

hidde

n

, writte

n

p

p

ay, li

p

r

r

un,

r

ead

s

s

oon, bu

s

t

t

alk, be

t

v

v

an, lo

v

e

w

w

in,

w

ool

ʰw

wh

y,

wh

eat

x

lo

ch

z

z

oo, bu

zz

ʃ

sh

ip, wi

sh

ʒ

mea

s

ure, lei

s

ure

ŋ

si

ng

, worki

ng

tʃ

ch

eap, wit

ch

θ

th

in, my

th

�

th

en, ba

the

dʒ

j

oy, brid

ge

Stress

Stress is shown by underlining the vowel in the stressed syllable:

two /tuː /

result /r I zʌ lt/

disappointing /d I səpɔ I nt I ŋ/

When a word is spoken in isolation, stress falls on the syllables which have vowels which are underlined. If there is one syllable underlined, it will have primary stress.

�TWO�

�reSULT�

If two syllables are underlined, the first will have secondary stress, and the second will have primary stress.

�DISapPOINTing�

A few words are shown with three underlined syllables, for example �disqualification� /d I skwɒ l I f I ke I ʃ ə n/. In this case, the third underlined syllable will have primary stress, while the secondary stress may be on the first or second syllable:

�DISqualifiCAtion� or �disQUALifiCAtion�

In the case of compound words, where the pronunciation of each part is given separately, the stress pattern is shown by underlining the headword: �o ff-pea k�, �fir st-cla ss�, but �o ff day�.

Stressed syllables

When words are used in context, the way in which they are pronounced depends upon the information units that are constructed by the speaker. For example, a speaker could say:

�the reSULT was disapPOINTing�

�it was a DISappointing reSULT�

�it was VERy disappointing inDEED�

In (3), neither of the two underlined syllables in disappointing /d I səpɔ I nt I ŋ/ receives either primary or secondary stress. This shows that it is not possible for a dictionary to predict whether a particular syllable will be stressed in context.

It should be noted, however, that in the case of adjectives with two stressed syllables, the second syllable often loses its stress when it is used before a noun:

�an OFF-peak FARE�

�a FIRST-class SEAT�

Two things should be noted about the marked syllables:

They can take primary or secondary stress in a way that is not shared by the other syllables.

Whether they are stressed or not, the vowel must be pronounced distinctly; it cannot be weakened to /ə/, / I / or /ʊ/.

These features are shared by most of the one-syllable words in English, which are therefore transcribed in this dictionary as stressed syllables:

two /tuː /

inn / I n/

tree /triː /

Unstressed syllables

It is an important characteristic of English that vowels in unstressed syllables tend not to be pronounced clearly. Many unstressed syllables contain the vowel /ə/, a neutral vowel which is not found in stressed syllables. The vowels / I / and /ʊ/, which are relatively neutral in quality, are also common in unstressed syllables.

Single-syllable grammatical words such as �shall� and �at� are often pronounced with a weak vowel such as /ə/. However, some of them are pronounced with a more distinct vowel under certain circumstances, for example when they occur at the end of a sentence. This distinct pronunciation is generally referred to as the strong form, and is given in this dictionary after the word STRONG .

shall /ʃəl, STRONG ʃ�l/

at /ət, STRONG �t/

Dictionary A-Z

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Aa

A , a /e I / (A's, a's )

1 N‑VAR A is the first letter of the English alphabet.

2 N‑VAR In music, A is the sixth note in the scale of C major.

3 N‑VAR If you get an A as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is extremely good.

4A or a is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with a, such as 'acceleration', 'amp�re', or 'answer'.

5 PHRASE People talk about getting from A to B when they are referring generally to journeys they need to make, without saying where the journeys will take them. □� Cars are for getting people from A to B in maximum safety.

a ◆◆◆ /ə, STRONG e I / or an /ən, STRONG �n/ A or an is the indefinite article. It is used at the beginning of noun groups which refer to only one person or thing. The form an is used in front of words that begin with vowel sounds. 1 DET You use a or an when you are referring to someone or something for the first time or when people may not know which particular person or thing you are talking about. □� A waiter entered with a tray. □� He started eating an apple. □� Today you've got a new teacher taking you. □� I manage a hotel.

2 DET You use a or an when you are referring to any person or thing of a particular type and do not want to be specific. □� I suggest you leave it to an expert. □� Bring a sleeping bag. □� I was waiting for a bus.

3 DET You use a or an in front of an uncount noun when that noun follows an adjective, or when the noun is followed by words that describe it more fully. □� There was a terrible sadness in her eyes.

4 DET You use a or an in front of a mass noun when you want to refer to a single type or make of something. □� Bollinger 'RD' is a rare, highly prized wine.

5 DET You use a in quantifiers such as a lot , a little , and a bit . □� I spend a lot on expensive jewelry and clothing. □� I've come looking for a bit of advice.

6 DET You use a or an to refer to someone or something as a typical member of a group, class, or type. □� Some parents believe a boy must learn to stand up and fight like a man.

7 DET You use a or an in front of the names of days, months, or festivals when you are referring to one particular instance of that day, month, or festival. □� The interview took place on a Friday afternoon.

8 DET You use a or an when you are saying what someone is or what job they have. □� I explained that I was an artist. □� He was now a teacher and a respectable member of the community.

9 DET You use a or an in front of the names of artists to refer to one individual painting or sculpture created by them. □� Most people have very little difficulty in seeing why a Van Gogh is a work of genius.

10 DET You use a or an instead of the number 'one', especially with words of measurement such as 'hundred', 'hour', and 'metre', and with fractions such as 'half', 'quarter', and 'third'. □� �more than a thousand acres of land. □� �a quarter of an hour.

11 DET You use a or an in expressions such as eight hours a day to express a rate or ratio. □� Prices start at �13.95 a metre for printed cotton. □� The helicopter can zip along at about 150 kilometres an hour.

PREFIX a-

is added to the beginning of some adjectives in order to form adjectives that describe someone or something that does not have the feature or quality indicated by the original word. For example, an apolitical person is someone who is not interested in politics or who does not support any political party.

aah /ɑː / →�see ah

A & E /e I ən iː / N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, A & E is the part of a hospital that deals with accidents and emergencies. A & E is an abbreviation for 'accident and emergency'. [BRIT ] in AM, use ER

AB /e I biː / (ABs ) N‑COUNT In some American universities, an AB is the same as a BA .

aback /əb� k/ PHRASE If you are taken abackby something, you are surprised or shocked by it and you cannot respond at once. □�[+�by ] Roland was taken aback by our strength of feeling.

aba|cus /� bəkəs/ (abacuses ) N‑COUNT An abacus is a frame used for counting. It has rods with sliding beads on them.

aba|lo|ne /�bəloʊ ni/ (abalones ) N‑VAR Abalone is a shellfish that you can eat and that has a shiny substance called mother-of-pearl inside its shell.

aban|don ◆◇◇ /əb� ndən/ (abandons , abandoning , abandoned )

1 VERB If you abandon a place, thing, or person, you leave the place, thing, or person permanently or for a long time, especially when you should not do so. □�[V n] He claimed that his parents had abandoned him. □�[V -ed] The road is strewn with abandoned vehicles.

2 VERB If you abandon an activity or piece of work, you stop doing it before it is finished. □�[V n] The authorities have abandoned any attempt to distribute food.

3 VERB If you abandon an idea or way of thinking, you stop having that idea or thinking in that way. □�[V n] Logic had prevailed and he had abandoned the idea.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] If you say that someone does something withabandon , you mean that they behave in a wild, uncontrolled way and do not think or care about how they should behave. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has spent money with gay abandon.

5 →�see also abandoned

6 PHRASE If people abandon ship , they get off a ship because it is sinking.

aban|doned ◆◇◇ /əb� ndənd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An abandoned place or building is no longer used or occupied. □� All that digging had left a network of abandoned mines and tunnels.

aban|don|ment /əb� ndənmənt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The abandonmentof a place, thing, or person is the act of leaving it permanently or for a long time, especially when you should not do so. □�[+�of ] �memories of her father's complete abandonment of her.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The abandonmentof a piece of work or activity is the act of stopping doing it before it is finished. □�[+�of ] Constant rain forced the abandonment of the next day's competitions.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The abandonmentof an idea or way of thinking is the act of stopping having the idea or of stopping thinking in that way.

abashed /əb� ʃt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are abashed , you feel embarrassed and ashamed. [WRITTEN ] □� He looked abashed, uncomfortable.

abate /əbe I t/ (abates , abating , abated ) VERB If something bad or undesirable abates , it becomes much less strong or severe. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] The storms had abated by the time they rounded Cape Horn.

abate|ment /əbe I tmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Abatement means a reduction in the strength or power of something or the reduction of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the abatement of carbon dioxide emissions. □� �noise abatement.

ab|at|toir /� bətwɑː r / (abattoirs ) N‑COUNT An abattoir is a place where animals are killed in order to provide meat. [BRIT ] in AM, use slaughterhouse

ab|bess /� bes/ (abbesses ) N‑COUNT An abbess is the nun who is in charge of the other nuns in a convent.

ab|bey /� bi/ (abbeys ) N‑COUNT An abbey is a church with buildings attached to it in which monks or nuns live or used to live.

ab|bot /� bət/ (abbots ) N‑COUNT An abbot is the monk who is in charge of the other monks in a monastery or abbey.

ab|bre|vi|ate /əbriː vie I t/ (abbreviates , abbreviating , abbreviated ) VERB If you abbreviate something, especially a word or a piece of writing, you make it shorter. □�[V n +�to ] He abbreviated his first name to Alec. [Also V n]

ab|bre|via|tion /əbriː vie I ʃ ə n/ (abbreviations ) N‑COUNT An abbreviation is a short form of a word or phrase, made by leaving out some of the letters or by using only the first letter of each word. □� The postal abbreviation for Kansas is KS.

ABC /e I biː siː / (ABCs )

1 N‑SING The ABCof a subject or activity is the parts of it that you have to learn first because they are the most important and basic. □�[+�of ] �the ABC of Marxism.

2 N‑COUNT Children who have learned their ABC or their ABCs have learned to recognize, write, or say the alphabet. [INFORMAL ]

ab|di|cate /� bd I ke I t/ (abdicates , abdicating , abdicated )

1 VERB If a king or queen abdicates , he or she gives up being king or queen. □�[V ] The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848. [Also V n] ●� ab|di|ca|tion /� bd I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □�[+�of ] �the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII.

2 VERB If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children. ●� ab|di|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] There had been a complete abdication of responsibility.

ab|do|men /� bdəmən, [AM ] �bdoʊ -/ (abdomens ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your abdomen is the part of your body below your chest where your stomach and intestines are. [FORMAL ] □� He was suffering from pains in his abdomen.

ab|domi|nal /�bdɒ m I n ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Abdominal is used to describe something that is situated in the abdomen or forms part of it. [FORMAL ] □� �vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

ab|domi|nals /�bdɒ m I n ə lz/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to your abdominal muscles as your abdominals when you are talking about exercise.

ab|duct /�bdʌ kt/ (abducts , abducting , abducted ) VERB If someone is abducted by another person, he or she is taken away illegally, usually using force. □�[be V -ed] His car was held up and he was abducted by four gunmen. □�[V n] She was charged with abducting a six-month-old child. ●� ab|duc|tion /�bdʌ kʃ ə n/ (abductions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the abduction of four youths. ●� ab|duc|tor (abductors ) N‑COUNT □� She co-operated with her abductor.

ab|er|rant /�be rənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable. [FORMAL ] □� Ian's rages and aberrant behavior worsened.

ab|er|ra|tion /� bəre I ʃ ə n/ (aberrations ) N‑VAR An aberration is an incident or way of behaving that is not typical. [FORMAL ] □� It became very clear that the incident was not just an aberration.

abet /əbe t/ (abets , abetting , abetted ) VERB If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something criminal or wrong. Abet is often used in the legal expression 'aid and abet'. [LEGAL , FORMAL ] □�[V n] His wife was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for aiding and abetting him.

abey|ance /əbe I əns/ PHRASE If something is in abeyance , it is not operating or being used at the present time. [FORMAL ] □� The saga is not over, merely in abeyance.

ab|hor /�bhɔː r / (abhors , abhorring , abhorred ) VERB If you abhor something, you hate it very much, especially for moral reasons. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He was a man who abhorred violence and was deeply committed to reconciliation.

ab|hor|rence /�bhɒ rəns, [AM ] -hɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's abhorrence of something is their strong hatred of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] They are anxious to show their abhorrence of racism.

ab|hor|rent /�bhɒ rənt, [AM ] -hɔː r-/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is abhorrentto you, you hate it very much or consider it completely unacceptable. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Racial discrimination is abhorrent to my council and our staff.

abide /əba I d/ (abides , abiding , abided )

1 PHRASE If you can't abide someone or something, you dislike them very much. □� I can't abide people who can't make up their minds.

2 →�see also abiding , law-abiding

▸� abide by PHRASAL VERB If you abide by a law, agreement, or decision, you do what it says you should do. □�[V P n] They have got to abide by the rules.

abid|ing /əba I d I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] An abiding feeling, memory, or interest is one that you have for a very long time. □� He has a genuine and abiding love of the craft.

abil|ity ◆◆◇ /əb I l I ti/ (abilities )

1 N‑SING [N to-inf, oft with poss] Your abilityto do something is the fact that you can do it. □� The public never had faith in his ability to handle the job. □� He has the ability to bring out the best in others.

2 N‑VAR [oft with poss] Your ability is the quality or skill that you have which makes it possible for you to do something. □� Her drama teacher spotted her ability. □� They repeatedly questioned his leadership abilities. □� Does the school cater for all abilities?

3 PHRASE If you do something to the best of your abilities or to the best of your ability , you do it as well as you can. □� I take care of them to the best of my abilities.

SUFFIX -ability

replaces -able at the end of adjectives to form nouns that refer to a particular state or quality. For example, reliability is the state or quality of being reliable.

ab|ject /� bdʒekt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use abject to emphasize that a situation or quality is extremely bad. [EMPHASIS ] □� Both of them died in abject poverty. □� This scheme was an abject failure. ●� ab|ject|ly ADV □� Both have failed abjectly.

ab|jure /�bdʒʊə r / (abjures , abjuring , abjured ) VERB If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �a formal statement abjuring military action.

ablaze /əble I z/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Something that is ablaze is burning very fiercely. □� Shops, houses, and vehicles were set ablaze.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a place is ablazewith lights or colours, it is very bright because of them. □�[+�with ] The chamber was ablaze with light.

able ◆◆◆ /e I b ə l/ (abler /e I blə r /, ablest /e I bl I st/)

1 PHRASE If you are able to do something, you have skills or qualities which make it possible for you to do it. □� The older child should be able to prepare a simple meal. □� The company say they're able to keep pricing competitive. □� They seemed able to work together very efficiently.

2 PHRASE If you are able to do something, you have enough freedom, power, time, or money to do it. □� You'll be able to read in peace. □� It would be nice to be able to afford to retire earlier.

3 ADJ Someone who is able is very clever or very good at doing something. □� �one of the brightest and ablest members of the government. SYNONYMS able ADJ 3

capable:She's a very capable speaker.

experienced:It's a team packed with experienced and mature professionals.

skilled:New industries demanded skilled labour not available locally.

competent:He was a loyal, distinguished and very competent civil servant.

SUFFIX -able

forms adjectives that indicate what someone or something can have done to them. For example, if something is movable , it is possible to move it.

able-bodied /e I b ə l bɒ did/ ADJ An able-bodied person is physically strong and healthy, rather than being weak or having a disability. □� She was able-bodied and reasonably intelligent.

ab|lu|tions /əbluː ʃ ə nz/ N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] Someone's ablutions are all the activities that are involved in washing himself or herself. [FORMAL or HUMOROUS ]

ably /e I bli/ ADV [ADV with v] Ably means skilfully and successfully. □� He was ably assisted by a number of other members.

ab|nor|mal /�bnɔː r m ə l/ ADJ Someone or something that is abnormal is unusual, especially in a way that is worrying. [FORMAL ] □� �abnormal heart rhythms and high anxiety levels. □� �a child with an abnormal fear of strangers. ●� ab|nor|mal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/adv, oft ADV with v] □� �abnormally high levels of glucose.

ab|nor|mal|ity /� bnɔː r m� l I ti/ (abnormalities ) N‑VAR An abnormality in something, especially in a person's body or behaviour, is an unusual part or feature of it that may be worrying or dangerous. [FORMAL ] □� Further scans are required to confirm the diagnosis of an abnormality.

aboard /əbɔː r d/ PREP If you are aboard a ship or plane, you are on it or in it. □� She invited 750 people aboard the luxury yacht, the Savarona. □� They said goodbye to him as he got aboard the train at Union Station. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Aboard is also an adverb. □� It had taken two hours to load all the people aboard.

abode /əboʊ d/ (abodes )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your abode is the place where you live. [FORMAL ] □� I went round the streets and found his new abode.

2 PHRASE If someone has no fixed abode , they are homeless. [LEGAL ] □� 30 per cent of psychiatric hospital beds are occupied by people of no fixed abode.

abol|ish /əbɒ l I ʃ/ (abolishes , abolishing , abolished ) VERB If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an end to it. □�[V n] The following year Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty for murder.

abo|li|tion /� bəl I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] The abolitionof something such as a system or practice is its formal ending. □�[+�of ] �the abolition of slavery in Brazil and the Caribbean.

abo|li|tion|ist /� bəl I ʃ ə n I st/ (abolitionists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An abolitionist is someone who campaigns for the abolition of a particular system or practice. □� There is no need to abandon the abolitionist principles as such.

A-bomb /e I bɒm/ (A-bombs ) N‑COUNT An A-bomb is an atomic bomb.

abomi|nable /əbɒ m I nəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is abominable is very unpleasant or bad. □� The President described the killings as an abominable crime. ●� abomi|nably /əbɒ m I nəbli/ ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj] □� Chloe has behaved abominably. □� Wallis was often abominably rude.

abom|ina|tion /əbɒ m I ne I ʃ ə n/ (abominations ) N‑COUNT If you say that something is an abomination , you think that it is completely unacceptable. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

abo|rigi|nal /� bər I dʒ I n ə l/ (aboriginals )

1 N‑COUNT An Aboriginal is an Australian Aborigine. □� The islands are considered by the west coast Aboriginals to be 'the place where time began'.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Aboriginal means belonging or relating to the Australian Aborigines. □� �Aboriginal art.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The aboriginal people or animals of a place are ones that have been there from the earliest known times or that were there before people or animals from other countries arrived.

Abo|rigi|ne /� bər I dʒ I ni/ (Aborigines ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Aborigines are members of the tribes that were living in Australia when Europeans arrived there.

abort /əbɔː r t/ (aborts , aborting , aborted )

1 VERB If an unborn baby is aborted , the pregnancy is ended deliberately and the baby is not born alive. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Her lover walked out on her after she had aborted their child. □�[V -ed] �tissue from aborted fetuses. [Also V ]

2 VERB If someone aborts a process, plan, or activity, they stop it before it has been completed. □�[V n] The decision was made to abort the mission.

abor|tion ◆◇◇ /əbɔː r ʃ ə n/ (abortions ) N‑VAR If a woman has an abortion , she ends her pregnancy deliberately so that the baby is not born alive. □� His girlfriend had an abortion.

abor|tion|ist /əbɔː r ʃən I st/ (abortionists )

1 N‑COUNT An abortionist is someone who performs abortions, usually illegally.

2 →�see also anti-abortionist

abor|tive /əbɔː r t I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An abortive attempt or action is unsuccessful. [FORMAL ] □� �an abortive attempt to prevent the current President from taking office.

abound /əbaʊ nd/ (abounds , abounding , abounded ) VERB If things abound , or if a place aboundswith things, there are very large numbers of them. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Stories abound about when he was in charge. □�[V +�with/in ] The book abounds with close-up images from space.

about ◆◆◆ /əbaʊ t/ In addition to the uses shown below, about is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives to introduce extra information. About is also often used after verbs of movement, such as 'walk' and 'drive', and in phrasal verbs such as 'mess about' and 'set about', especially in British English. 1 PREP You use about to introduce who or what something relates to or concerns. □� She came in for a coffee, and told me about her friend Shona. □� She knew a lot about food. □� The neighbours complained about the noise.

2 PREP When you mention the things that an activity or institution is about , you are saying what it involves or what its aims are. □� Leadership is about the ability to implement change.

3 PREP You use about after some adjectives to indicate the person or thing that a feeling or state of mind relates to. □� 'I'm sorry about Patrick,' she said. □� I feel so guilty and angry about the whole issue.

4 PREP If you do something about a problem, you take action in order to solve it. □� Rachel was going to do something about Jacob.

5 PREP When you say that there is a particular quality about someone or something, you mean that they have this quality. □� I think there's something a little peculiar about the results of your test.

6 ADV About is used in front of a number to show that the number is not exact. □� In my local health centre there's about forty parking spaces. □� The rate of inflation is running at about 2.7 percent.

7 ADV [ADV after v] If someone or something moves about , they keep moving in different directions. □� Everyone was running about. ●�PREP About is also a preposition. □� He wandered about the town stopping to listen to bands.

8 PREP If you put something about a person or thing, you put it around them. □� Helen threw her arms about him.

9 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is about , they are present or available. □� There's lots of money about these days for schemes like this.

10 ADJ If you are aboutto do something, you are going to do it very soon. If something is aboutto happen, it will happen very soon. □� I think he's about to leave. □� The film was about to start.

11how about →�see how

12what about →�see what

13just about →�see just ➊

14 PHRASE If someone is out and about , they are going out and doing things, especially after they have been unable to for a while. □� Despite considerable pain she has been getting out and about almost as normal.

15 PHRASE If someone is out and about , they are going to a lot of different places, often as part of their job. □� They often saw me out and about. USAGE about

Don�t use an -ing form in 'about to ' sentences. Don�t say, for example, � You are about crossing the River Jordan �. Say 'You are about to cross the River Jordan'. □� I was about to go home.

abou t-fa ce (about-faces ) N‑COUNT An about-face is a complete change of attitude or opinion. □� Few observers believe the president will do an about-face and start spending more.

abou t-tu rn (about-turns ) N‑COUNT An about-turn is the same as an about-face . [BRIT ] in AM, use about-face

above ◆◆◇ /əbʌ v/

1 PREP If one thing is above another one, it is directly over it or higher than it. □� He lifted his hands above his head. □� Apartment 46 was a quiet apartment, unlike the one above it. □� He was staring into the mirror above him. ●�ADV [ADV after v, from ADV ] Above is also an adverb. □� A long scream sounded from somewhere above. □� �a picture of the new plane as seen from above.

2 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] In writing, you use above to refer to something that has already been mentioned or discussed. □� Several conclusions could be drawn from the results described above. ●�N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] Above is also a noun. □� For additional information, contact any of the above. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Above is also an adjective. □� For a copy of their brochure, write to the above address.

3 PREP If an amount or measurement is above a particular level, it is greater than that level. □� The temperature crept up to just above 40 degrees. □� Victoria Falls has had above average levels of rainfall this year. □� Government spending is planned to rise 3 per cent above inflation. ●�ADV Above is also an adverb. □� Banks have been charging 25 percent and above for unsecured loans.

4 PREP If you hear one sound above another, it is louder or clearer than the second one. □� Then there was a woman's voice, rising shrilly above the barking.

5 PREP If someone is above you, they are in a higher social position than you or in a position of authority over you. □� I married above myself�rich county people. ●�ADV [from ADV ] Above is also an adverb. □� The police officers admitted beating the student, but said they were acting on orders from above.

6 PREP If you say that someone thinks they are above something, you mean that they act as if they are too good or important for it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm not above doing my own cleaning.

7 PREP If someone is above criticism or suspicion, they cannot be criticized or suspected because of their good qualities or their position. □� He was a respected academic and above suspicion.

8 PREP If you value one person or thing above any other, you value them more or consider that they are more important. □� �his tendency to put the team above everything.

9over and above →�see over ➋

10above the law →�see law

11above board →�see board USAGE above

Don�t use �above� in front of a number when you are talking about a quantity or number of things or people. For example, don�t say ' She had above thirty pairs of shoes '. Say �She had over thirty pairs of shoes� or �She had more than thirty pairs of shoes�. □� It cost over 3 million pounds. □� He saw more than 800 children there.

abo ve-the-li ne pro|mo |tion (above-the-line promotions ) N‑VAR Above-the-line promotion is the use of promotional methods that cannot be directly controlled by the company selling the goods or service, such as television or press advertising. Compare below-the-line promotion . [BUSINESS ] □� For maternity clothing retailers, most above-the-line promotion is conducted through focused sources such as mother and baby magazines.

ab|ra|ca|dab|ra /� brəkəd� brə/ EXCLAM Abracadabra is a word that someone says when they are performing a magic trick in order to make the magic happen.

abrade /əbre I d/ (abrades , abrading , abraded ) VERB To abrade something means to scrape or wear down its surface by rubbing it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] My skin was abraded and very tender.

abra|sion /əbre I ʒ ə n/ (abrasions ) N‑COUNT An abrasion is an area on a person's body where the skin has been scraped. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] He had severe abrasions to his right cheek.

abra|sive /əbre I s I v/

1 ADJ Someone who has an abrasive manner is unkind and rude. □� His abrasive manner has won him an unenviable notoriety.

2 ADJ An abrasive substance is rough and can be used to clean hard surfaces. □� �a new all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner.

abreast /əbre st/

1 ADV [ADV after v] If people or things walk or move abreast , they are next to each other, side by side, and facing in the same direction. □� The steep pavement was too narrow for them to walk abreast.

2 PHRASE If you are abreast of someone or something, you are level with them or in line with them. □� As he drew abreast of the man he pretended to stumble.

3 PHRASE If you keepabreast of a subject, you know all the most recent facts about it. □� He will be keeping abreast of the news.

abridged /əbr I dʒd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An abridged book or play has been made shorter by removing some parts of it. □� This is an abridged version of her new novel.

abroad ◆◇◇ /əbrɔː d/ ADV [ADV after v, n ADV , be ADV , from ADV ] If you go abroad , you go to a foreign country, usually one which is separated from the country where you live by an ocean or a sea. □� I would love to go abroad this year, perhaps to the South of France. □� �public opposition here and abroad. □� About 65 per cent of its sales come from abroad. SYNONYMS abroad ADV

overseas:Her only relatives live overseas.

away:Sophia was away on a business trip.

ab|ro|gate /� brəge I t/ (abrogates , abrogating , abrogated ) VERB If someone in a position of authority abrogates something such as a law, agreement, or practice, they put an end to it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty.

ab|rupt /əbrʌ pt/

1 ADJ An abrupt change or action is very sudden, often in a way which is unpleasant. □� Rosie's idyllic world came to an abrupt end when her parents' marriage broke up. ●� ab|rupt|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He stopped abruptly and looked my way.

2 ADJ Someone who is abrupt speaks in a rather rude, unfriendly way. □� He was abrupt to the point of rudeness. □� Cross was a little taken aback by her abrupt manner. ●� ab|rupt|ly ADV □� 'Good night, then,' she said abruptly.

abs /� bz/ N‑PLURAL Abs are the same as abdominals . [INFORMAL ] □� Throughout the exercise, focus on keeping your abs tight.

ab|scess /� bses/ (abscesses ) N‑COUNT An abscess is a painful swelling containing pus.

ab|scond /�bskɒ nd/ (absconds , absconding , absconded )

1 VERB If someone abscondsfrom somewhere such as a prison, they escape from it or leave it without permission. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] He was ordered to appear the following day, but absconded. □�[V +�from ] A dozen inmates have absconded from Forest Jail in the past year.

2 VERB If someone abscondswith something, they leave and take it with them, although it does not belong to them. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] Unfortunately, his partners were crooks and absconded with the funds.

ab|seil /� bse I l/ (abseils , abseiling , abseiled ) VERB To abseildown a cliff or rock face means to slide down it in a controlled way using a rope, with your feet against the cliff or rock. [BRIT ] in AM, use rappel

ab|sence ◆◇◇ /� bs ə ns/ (absences )

1 N‑VAR Someone's absence from a place is the fact that they are not there. □� �a bundle of letters which had arrived for me in my absence. □� Eleanor would later blame her mother-in-law for her husband's frequent absences.

2 N‑SING The absence of something from a place is the fact that it is not there or does not exist. □�[+�of ] The presence or absence of clouds can have an important impact on heat transfer. □�[+�of ] In the absence of a will the courts decide who the guardian is.

3 →�see also leave of absence

4conspicuous by one's absence →�see conspicuous SYNONYMS absence NOUN

1

time off:She has hardly had any time off for the last four years.

leave:Why don't you take a few days' leave?

2

lack:Despite his lack of experience, he got the job.

deficiency:They did blood tests on him for signs of vitamin deficiency.

shortage:Vietnam is suffering from a food shortage.

want:The men were daily becoming weaker from want of rest.

ab|sent /� bs ə nt/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is absentfrom a place or situation where they should be or where they usually are, they are not there. □�[+�from ] He has been absent from his desk for two weeks. □� Evans was absent without leave from his Hong Kong-based regiment.

2 ADJ If someone appears absent , they are not paying attention because they are thinking about something else. □� 'Nothing,' Rosie said in an absent way. ●� ab|sent|ly /� bs ə ntli/ ADV □� He nodded absently.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An absent parent does not live with his or her children. □� �absent fathers who fail to pay towards the costs of looking after their children.

4 PREP If you say that absent one thing, another thing will happen, you mean that if the first thing does not happen, the second thing will happen. [AM , FORMAL ] □� Absent a solution, people like Sue Godfrey will just keep on fighting.

ab|sen|tee /� bs ə ntiː / (absentees )

1 N‑COUNT An absentee is a person who is expected to be in a particular place but who is not there.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Absentee is used to describe someone who is not there to do a particular job in person. □� Absentee fathers will be forced to pay child maintenance.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In elections in the United States, if you vote by absentee ballot or if you are an absentee voter, you vote in advance because you will be away. [AM ]

ab|sen|tee|ism /� bs ə ntiː I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Absenteeism is the fact or habit of frequently being away from work or school, usually without a good reason.

ab|sen|tia /�bse ntiə, [AM ] -se nʃə/ PHRASE If something is done to you in absentia , it is done to you when you are not present. [FORMAL ] □� He was tried in absentia and sentenced to seven years in prison.

a bsent-mi nded ADJ Someone who is absent-minded forgets things or does not pay attention to what they are doing, often because they are thinking about something else. □� In his later life he became even more absent-minded. ●� absent-mindedly ADV [ADV with v] □� Elizabeth absent-mindedly picked a thread from his lapel.

ab|sinthe /� bs I nθ/ N‑UNCOUNT Absinthe is a very strong alcoholic drink that is green and tastes bitter.

ab|so|lute ◆◇◇ /� bsəluːt/ (absolutes )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Absolute means total and complete. □� It's not really suited to absolute beginners. □� A sick person needs absolute confidence and trust in a doctor.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use absolute to emphasize something that you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� About 12 inches wide is the absolute minimum you should consider. □� I think it's absolute nonsense.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An absolute ruler has complete power and authority over his or her country. □� He ruled with absolute power.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Absolute is used to say that something is definite and will not change even if circumstances change. □� They had given an absolute assurance that it would be kept secret.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] An amount that is expressed in absolute terms is expressed as a fixed amount rather than referring to variable factors such as what you earn or the effects of inflation. □� In absolute terms British wages remain low by European standards.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Absolute rules and principles are believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations. □� There are no absolute rules.

7 N‑COUNT An absolute is a rule or principle that is believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations.

8 →�see also decree absolute SYNONYMS absolute ADJ 1

complete:It shows a complete lack of understanding by management.

total:There was an almost total lack of management control.

sheer:His music is sheer delight.

unalloyed:�an occasion of unalloyed joy.

ab|so|lute|ly ◆◆◇ /� bsəluː tli/

1 ADV [usu ADV adj/adv, oft ADV with v] Absolutely means totally and completely. [EMPHASIS ] □� Jill is absolutely right. □� I absolutely refuse to get married. □� There is absolutely no difference!

2 ADV Some people say absolutely as an emphatic way of saying yes or of agreeing with someone. They say absolutely not as an emphatic way of saying no or of disagreeing with someone. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'It's worrying, isn't it?'�'Absolutely.' SYNONYMS absolutely ADV 1

completely:Dozens of flats had been completely destroyed.

totally:Young people want something totally different from the old ways.

fully:I don't fully agree with that.

wholly:For urban areas this approach was wholly inadequate.

utterly:Such an allegation is utterly without foundation.

a b|so|lute ma|jo r|ity (absolute majorities ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a political party wins an absolute majority , they obtain more seats or votes than the total number of seats or votes gained by their opponents in an election.

a b|so|lute ze ro N‑UNCOUNT Absolute zero is a theoretical temperature that is thought to be the lowest possible temperature.

ab|so|lu|tion /� bsəluː ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is given absolution , they are forgiven for something wrong that they have done. [FORMAL ] □� She felt as if his words had granted her absolution.

ab|so|lut|ism /� bsəluː t I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Absolutism is a political system in which one ruler or leader has complete power and authority over a country. □� �royal absolutism.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to someone's beliefs as absolutism if they think that their beliefs are true, right, or relevant in all situations, especially if you think they are wrong to behave in this way. [DISAPPROVAL ] ●� ab|so|lut|ist ADJ □� This absolutist belief is replaced by an appreciation that rules can vary.

ab|solve /�bzɒ lv/ (absolves , absolving , absolved ) VERB If a report or investigation absolves someone from blame or responsibility, it formally states that he or she is not guilty or is not to blame. □�[V n +�of/from ] A police investigation yesterday absolved the police of all blame in the incident. □�[V n] �the inquiry which absolved the soldiers.

ab|sorb /əbzɔː r b/ (absorbs , absorbing , absorbed )

1 VERB If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in. □�[V n] Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil. □�[be V -ed +�into ] Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly.

2 VERB If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in. □�[V n] The dark material absorbs light and warms up.

3 VERB If a group is absorbedinto a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group. □�[be V -ed +�into ] The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office. □�[V n] �an economy capable of absorbing thousands of immigrants.

4 VERB If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect. □�[V n] �footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the ground.

5 VERB If a system or society absorbs changes, effects, or costs, it is able to deal with them. □�[V n] The banks would be forced to absorb large losses.

6 VERB If something absorbs something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses up a great deal of it. □�[V n] It absorbed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for investment.

7 VERB If you absorb information, you learn and understand it. □�[V n] Too often he only absorbs half the information in the manual.

8 VERB If something absorbs you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy. □�[V n] �a second career which absorbed her more completely than her acting ever had.

9 →�see also absorbed , absorbing

ab|sorbed /əbzɔː r bd/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are absorbedin something or someone, you are very interested in them and they take up all your attention and energy. □�[+�in/by ] They were completely absorbed in each other.

ab|sor|bent /əbzɔː r bənt/ ADJ Absorbent material soaks up liquid easily. □� The towels are highly absorbent.

ab|sorb|er /əbzɔː r bə r / →�see shock absorber

ab|sorb|ing /əbzɔː r b I ŋ/ ADJ An absorbing task or activity interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy. □� 'Two Sisters' is an absorbing read.

ab|sorp|tion /əbzɔː r pʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The absorptionof a liquid, gas, or other substance is the process of it being soaked up or taken in. □�[+�of ] Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron from food.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The absorption of a group into a larger group is the process of it becoming part of the larger group.

ab|stain /�bste I n/ (abstains , abstaining , abstained )

1 VERB If you abstainfrom something, usually something you want to do, you deliberately do not do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�from ] Abstain from sex or use condoms. □�[V ] Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or abstain?

2 VERB If you abstain during a vote, you do not use your vote. □�[V ] Three Conservative MPs abstained in the vote.

ab|ste|mi|ous /�bstiː miəs/ ADJ Someone who is abstemious avoids doing too much of something enjoyable such as eating or drinking. [FORMAL ]

ab|sten|tion /�bste nʃ ə n/ (abstentions ) N‑VAR Abstention is a formal act of not voting either for or against a proposal. □� �a vote of sixteen in favor, three against, and one abstention.

ab|sti|nence /� bst I nəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Abstinence is the practice of abstaining from something such as alcoholic drink or sex, often for health or religious reasons. □� �six months of abstinence. □�[+�from ] �total abstinence from alcohol.

ab|stract /� bstr�kt/ (abstracts )

1 ADJ An abstract idea or way of thinking is based on general ideas rather than on real things and events. □� �abstract principles such as justice. □� It's not a question of some abstract concept. ●� ab|stract|ly ADV □� It is hard to think abstractly in these conditions.

2 PHRASE When you talk or think about something in the abstract , you talk or think about it in a general way, rather than considering particular things or events. □� Money was a commodity she never thought about except in the abstract.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, an abstract noun refers to a quality or idea rather than to a physical object. □� �abstract words such as glory, honor, and courage.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Abstract art makes use of shapes and patterns rather than showing people or things. □� �a modern abstract painting.

5 N‑COUNT An abstract is an abstract work of art.

6 N‑COUNT An abstractof an article, document, or speech is a short piece of writing that gives the main points of it.

ab|stract|ed /�bstr� kt I d/ ADJ Someone who is abstracted is thinking so deeply that they are not fully aware of what is happening around them. [WRITTEN ] □� The same abstracted look was still on his face. ●� ab|stract|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She nodded abstractedly.

ab|strac|tion /�bstr� kʃ ə n/ (abstractions ) N‑VAR An abstraction is a general idea rather than one relating to a particular object, person, or situation. [FORMAL ] □� Is it worth fighting a big war, in the name of an abstraction like sovereignty?

ab|struse /�bstruː s/ ADJ You can describe something as abstruse if you find it difficult to understand, especially when you think it could be explained more simply. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �fruitless discussions about abstruse resolutions.

ab|surd /�bsɜː r d/ ADJ If you say that something is absurd , you are criticizing it because you think that it is ridiculous or that it does not make sense. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is absurd to be discussing compulsory redundancy policies for teachers. □� I've known clients of mine go to absurd lengths, just to avoid paying me a few pounds. ●�N‑SING The absurd is something that is absurd. [FORMAL ] □� Parkinson had a sharp eye for the absurd. ●� ab|surd|ly ADV □� Prices were still absurdly low, in his opinion. ●� ab|surd|ity /�bsɜː r d I ti/ (absurdities ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] I find myself growing increasingly angry at the absurdity of the situation.

ab|surd|ist /�bsɜː r d I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An absurdist play or other work shows how absurd some aspect of society or human behaviour is.

abun|dance /əbʌ ndəns/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb, oft in N ] An abundanceof something is a large quantity of it. □�[+�of ] The area has an abundance of wildlife. □� Food was in abundance.

abun|dant /əbʌ ndənt/ ADJ Something that is abundant is present in large quantities. □� There is an abundant supply of cheap labour. □� Birds are abundant in the tall vegetation.

abun|dant|ly /əbʌ ndəntli/

1 ADV [ADV adj] If something is abundantly clear, it is extremely obvious. □� He made it abundantly clear that anybody who disagrees with his policies will not last long.

2 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] Something that occurs abundantly is present in large quantities. □� �a plant that grows abundantly in the United States.

abuse ◆◆◇ (abuses , abusing , abused ) The noun is pronounced /əbjuː s/. The verb is pronounced /əbjuː z/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them. □� �investigation of alleged child abuse. □� �victims of sexual and physical abuse. □� �controversy over human rights abuses.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Abuse is extremely rude and insulting things that people say when they are angry. □� I was left shouting abuse as the car sped off.

3 N‑VAR Abuse of something is the use of it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose. □�[+�of ] What went on here was an abuse of power. □� �drug and alcohol abuse.

4 VERB If someone is abused , they are treated cruelly and violently. □�[be V -ed] Janet had been abused by her father since she was eleven. □�[V n] �parents who feel they cannot cope or might abuse their children. □�[V -ed] �those who work with abused children. ●� abus|er (abusers ) N‑COUNT □� �a convicted child abuser.

5 VERB You can say that someone is abused if extremely rude and insulting things are said to them. □�[be V -ed] He alleged that he was verbally abused by other soldiers. [Also V n]

6 VERB If you abuse something, you use it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose. □�[V n] He showed how the rich and powerful can abuse their position. ●� abus|er N‑COUNT □� �the treatment of alcohol and drug abusers. SYNONYMS abuse NOUN 1

ill-treatment:lll-treatment of animals is still commonplace.

injury:She was awarded �3,500 for injury to her feelings.

maltreatment:2,000 prisoners died as a result of torture and maltreatment. VERB 4

ill-treat:They were not ill-treated, but their time in captivity was miserable.

maltreat:He said that he was not tortured or maltreated during his detention.

abu|sive /əbjuː s I v/

1 ADJ Someone who is abusive behaves in a cruel and violent way towards other people. □� He became violent and abusive toward Ben's mother. □� One in eight women lives in an abusive relationship.

2 ADJ Abusive language is extremely rude and insulting.

abut /əbʌ t/ (abuts , abutting , abutted ) VERB When land or a building abuts something or abuts on something, it is next to it. [FORMAL ]

abuzz /əbʌ z/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone says that a place is abuzzwith rumours or plans, they mean that everyone there is excited about them. [JOURNALISM ]

abys|mal /əb I zm ə l/ ADJ If you describe a situation or the condition of something as abysmal , you think that it is very bad or poor in quality. □� �our abysmal record at producing a scientifically trained workforce. □� The general standard of racing was abysmal. ●� abys|mal|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� The standard of education was abysmally low. □� As the chart shows, it has failed abysmally.

abyss /�b I s/ (abysses )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An abyss is a very deep hole in the ground. [LITERARY ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone is on the edge or brink of an abyss , they are about to enter into a very frightening or threatening situation. [LITERARY ]

AC /e I siː / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] AC is used to refer to an electric current that continually changes direction as it flows. AC is an abbreviation for 'alternating current'.

aca|cia /əke I ʃə/ (acacias or acacia ) N‑VAR An acacia or an acacia tree is a tree which grows in warm countries and which usually has small yellow or white flowers.

aca|deme /� kədiːm/ N‑UNCOUNT The academic world of universities is sometimes referred to as academe . [FORMAL ]

aca|demia /� kədiː miə/ N‑UNCOUNT Academia refers to all the academics in a particular country or region, the institutions they work in, and their work. □� �the importance of strong links between industry and academia.

aca|dem|ic ◆◇◇ /� kəde m I k/ (academics )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Academic is used to describe things that relate to the work done in schools, colleges, and universities, especially work which involves studying and reasoning rather than practical or technical skills. □� Their academic standards are high. □� I was terrible at school and left with few academic qualifications. ●� aca|dem|ical|ly /� kəde m I kli/ ADV □� He is academically gifted.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Academic is used to describe things that relate to schools, colleges, and universities. □� �the start of the last academic year. □� I'd had enough of academic life.

3 ADJ Academic is used to describe work, or a school, college, or university, that places emphasis on studying and reasoning rather than on practical or technical skills. □� The author has settled for a more academic approach.

4 ADJ Someone who is academic is good at studying. □� The system is failing most disastrously among less academic children.

5 N‑COUNT An academic is a member of a university or college who teaches or does research.

6 ADJ You can say that a discussion or situation is academic if you think it is not important because it has no real effect or cannot happen. □� Such is the size of the problem that these arguments are purely academic. SYNONYMS academic ADJ 4

scholarly:He was an intellectual, scholarly man.

intellectual:He belonged to an intellectual elite.

learned:She is a serious scholar, a genuinely learned woman.

erudite:Maria was never dull, always erudite and well informed.

well-read:He was clever, well-read and interested in the arts.

acad|emi|cian /ək� dəm I ʃ ə n, [AM ] � kədə-/ (academicians ) N‑COUNT An academician is a member of an academy, usually one which has been formed to improve or maintain standards in a particular field.

acad|emy ◆◇◇ /ək� dəmi/ (academies )

1 N‑COUNT Academy is sometimes used in the names of secondary schools and colleges, or private high schools in the United States. □�[+�of ] �the Royal Academy of Music. □� �her experience as a police academy instructor.

2 N‑COUNT Academy appears in the names of some societies formed to improve or maintain standards in a particular field. □�[+�of ] �the American Academy of Psychotherapists.

ac|cede /�ksiː d/ (accedes , acceding , acceded )

1 VERB If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] Britain would not accede to France's request.

2 VERB When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen. [FORMAL ] [Also V ]

ac|cel|er|ate /�kse ləre I t/ (accelerates , accelerating , accelerated )

1 VERB If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster. □�[V ] Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. □�[V n] The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme.

2 VERB When a moving vehicle accelerates , it goes faster and faster. □�[V ] Suddenly the car accelerated. □�[V prep/adv] She accelerated away from us.

ac|cel|era|tion /�kse ləre I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The accelerationof a process or change is the fact that it is getting faster and faster. □�[+�of/in ] He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular speed. □� Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.7 seconds.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Acceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object increases. [TECHNICAL ]

ac|cel|era|tor /�kse ləre I tə r / (accelerators ) N‑COUNT The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster. □� He eased his foot off the accelerator.

ac|cent /� ks ə nt/ (accents )

1 N‑COUNT Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from. □� He had developed a slight American accent.

2 N‑COUNT An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced.

3 N‑SING If you put the accenton a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance. □�[+�on ] He is putting the accent on military readiness.

ac|cent|ed /� ksent I d/

1 ADJ Language or speech that is accented is spoken with a particular accent. □� I spoke rather good, but heavily accented English.

2 →�see also accent

ac|cen|tu|ate /�kse ntʃue I t/ (accentuates , accentuating , accentuated ) VERB To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable. □�[V n] His shaven head accentuates his large round face.

ac|cept ◆◆◆ /�kse pt/ (accepts , accepting , accepted )

1 VERB If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it. □�[V n] Eventually Sam persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage. □�[V ] All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted.

2 VERB If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or valid. □�[V that] I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science. □�[V n] I don't think they would accept that view. □�[V n +�as ] He did not accept this reply as valid. □�[V -ed] �a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe.

3 VERB If you accept a plan or an intended action, you agree to it and allow it to happen. □�[V n] The Council will meet to decide if it should accept his resignation.

4 VERB If you accept an unpleasant fact or situation, you get used to it or recognize that it is necessary or cannot be changed. □�[V n] People will accept suffering that can be shown to lead to a greater good. □�[V n +�as ] Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life. □�[V that] I wasn't willing to accept that her leaving was a possibility.

5 VERB If a person, company, or organization accepts something such as a document, they recognize that it is genuine, correct, or satisfactory and agree to consider it or handle it. □�[V n] We advised newspapers not to accept the advertising. □�[be V -ed] Cheques can only be accepted up to the value guaranteed on the card. [Also V n as n/adj]

6 VERB If an organization or person accepts you, you are allowed to join the organization or use the services that are offered. □�[be V -ed] All-male groups will not be accepted. □�[V n +�as ] �incentives to private landlords to accept young people as tenants. [Also V n into n]

7 VERB If a person or a group of people accepts you, they begin to be friendly towards you and are happy with who you are or what you do. □�[V n] My grandparents have never had a problem accepting me. □�[V n +�as ] Many men still have difficulty accepting a woman as a business partner. □�[be V -ed +�into ] Stephen Smith was accepted into the family like an adopted brother.

8 VERB If you accept the responsibility or blame for something, you recognize that you are responsible for it. □�[V n] The company cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage.

9 VERB If you accept someone's advice or suggestion, you agree to do what they say. □�[V n] The army refused to accept orders from the political leadership.

10 VERB If a machine accepts a particular kind of thing, it is designed to take it and deal with it or process it. □�[V n] The telephone booths accept 10 and 20 pence coins.

11 →�see also accepted SYNONYMS accept VERB

1

take:When I took the job, I thought I could change the system.

take on:Don't take on more responsibilities than you can handle.

undertake:She undertook the very difficult task of monitoring the elections.

2

acknowledge:Belatedly, the government has acknowledged the problem.

admit:I am willing to admit that I do make mistakes.

allow:Warren allows that the policy may sometimes result in increased social inequality.

4

take:Harry's rudeness to everyone was becoming hard to take.

stand:Stoddart can stand any amount of personal criticism.

put up with:They had put up with terrible behaviour from their son.

tolerate:She can no longer tolerate the position that she's in.

bear:They will have to bear the misery of living in constant fear of war. USAGE accept

Don�t say that you � accept to do � what someone suggests. You say that you agree to do it. □� The princess agreed to go on television.

ac|cept|able ◆◇◇ /�kse ptəb ə l/

1 ADJ Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal. □�[+�for ] Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? □� The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more. ●� ac|cept|abil|ity /�kse ptəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a greater acceptability of other accents. ●� ac|cept|ably /�kse ptəbli/ ADV □� The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

2 ADJ If something is acceptableto someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen. □�[+�to ] They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. □� They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3 ADJ If you describe something as acceptable , you mean that it is good enough or fairly good. □� On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable. ●� ac|cept|ably ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem. SYNONYMS acceptable ADJ 3

all right:'How was school?'�'It was all right.'

satisfactory:Neither solution seemed satisfactory.

fine:The skiing is fine.

adequate:The western diet should be perfectly adequate for most people.

passable:She speaks passable French.

ac|cept|ance /�kse ptəns/ (acceptances )

1 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Acceptanceof an offer or a proposal is the act of saying yes to it or agreeing to it. □�[+�of ] The Party is being degraded by its acceptance of secret donations. □� �a letter of acceptance. □� �his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If there is acceptance of an idea, most people believe or agree that it is true. □� �a theory that is steadily gaining acceptance. □� There was a general acceptance that the defence budget would shrink.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Your acceptanceof a situation, especially an unpleasant or difficult one, is an attitude or feeling that you cannot change it and that you must get used to it. □�[+�of ] �his calm acceptance of whatever comes his way.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Acceptance of someone into a group means beginning to think of them as part of the group and to act in a friendly way towards them. □� �an effort to ensure that people with disabilities achieve real acceptance.

ac|cept|ed ◆◆◇ /�kse pt I d/

1 ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] Accepted ideas are agreed by most people to be correct or reasonable. □� There is no generally accepted definition of life. □� It is accepted wisdom that science has been partly responsible for the decline of religion.

2 →�see also accept

ac|cess ◆◇◇ /� kses/ (accesses , accessing , accessed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have accessto a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it. □�[+�to ] The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users. □�[+�to ] Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area. □�[+�to ] The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have accessto something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it. □�[+�to ] �a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you have accessto a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them. □�[+�to ] He was not allowed access to a lawyer.

4 VERB If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it. □�[V n] You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. SYNONYMS access NOUN 1

admission:There have been increases in hospital admissions of children.

entry:Entry to the museum is free.

admittance:We had not been able to gain admittance to the flat. VERB 4

acquire:I recently acquired some wood from a holly tree.

get:I asked him to get me some information.

gather:�a private detective using a hidden microphone to gather information.

obtain:Evans was trying to obtain a false passport and other documents. COLLOCATIONS access NOUN

1

verb +�access : allow, grant; deny, restrict; gain

2

adjective +�access : unlimited, unfettered, unrestricted VERB 4

access+�noun : the internet, the Web

a c|cess course (access courses ) N‑COUNT An access course is an educational course which prepares adults with few or no qualifications for study at a university or other place of higher education. [BRIT ]

ac|ces|sible /�kse s I b ə l/

1 ADJ If a place or building is accessibleto people, it is easy for them to reach it or get into it. If an object is accessible , it is easy to reach. □�[+�to ] The Centre is easily accessible to the general public. □� The premises are wheelchair accessible. ●� ac|ces|sibil|ity /�kse s I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the easy accessibility of the area.

2 ADJ If something is accessibleto people, they can easily use it or obtain it. □�[+�to ] The legal aid system should be accessible to more people. ●� ac|ces|sibil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the quality and accessibility of health care.

3 ADJ If you describe a book, painting, or other work of art as accessible , you think it is good because it is simple enough for people to understand and appreciate easily. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] �literary books that are accessible to a general audience. ●� ac|ces|sibil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] Seminar topics are chosen for their accessibility to a general audience.

ac|ces|sion /�kse ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] �the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.

ac|ces|so|rize /�kse səra I z/ (accessorizes , accessorizing , accessorized ) in BRIT, also use accessorise VERB To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive. □�[V n] Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress. [Also V n +�with ]

ac|ces|so|ry /�kse səri/ (accessories )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative. □� �an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Accessories are articles such as belts and scarves which you wear or carry but which are not part of your main clothing.

3 N‑COUNT If someone is guilty of being an accessoryto a crime, they helped the person who committed it, or knew it was being committed but did not tell the police. [LEGAL ] □�[+�to ] She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds.

a c|cess road (access roads ) N‑COUNT An access road is a road which enables traffic to reach a particular place or area. □�[+�to ] �the access road to the airport.

a c|cess time (access times ) N‑COUNT Access time is the time that is needed to get information that is stored in a computer. [COMPUTING ] □� This system helps speed up access times.

ac|ci|dent ◆◇◇ /� ks I dənt/ (accidents )

1 N‑COUNT An accident happens when a vehicle hits a person, an object, or another vehicle, causing injury or damage. □� She was involved in a serious car accident last week. □� Six passengers were killed in the accident.

2 N‑COUNT If someone has an accident , something unpleasant happens to them that was not intended, sometimes causing injury or death. □� 5,000 people die every year because of accidents in the home. □� The police say the killing of the young man was an accident.

3 N‑VAR [usu by N ] If something happens byaccident , it happens completely by chance. □� She discovered the problem by accident. COLLOCATIONS accident NOUN

1

noun +�accident : car, motorcycle, road, traffic; riding, skiing

adjective +�accident : fatal, serious; minor

verb +�accident : investigate, report, witness; survive

2

noun +�accident : workplace

adjective +�accident : freak, horrific, tragic, unfortunate; industrial, nuclear; minor

verb +�accident : avoid, prevent; cause

ac|ci|den|tal /� ks I de nt ə l/ ADJ An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended. □� The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. □� His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate. ●� ac|ci|den|tal|ly /� ks I de ntli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet. □� A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.

a c|ci|dent and eme r|gen|cy N‑COUNT The accident and emergency is the room or department in a hospital where people who have severe injuries or sudden illness are taken for emergency treatment. The abbreviation A & E is also used. [BRIT ] in AM, use emergency room

a c|ci|dent prone also accident-prone ADJ If you describe someone or something as accident prone , you mean that a lot of accidents or other unpleasant things happen to them.

ac|claim /əkle I m/ (acclaims , acclaiming , acclaimed )

1 VERB [usu passive] If someone or something is acclaimed , they are praised enthusiastically. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed for n/v-ing] She has been acclaimed for her leading roles in both theatre and film. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He was acclaimed as England's greatest modern painter. □�[be V -ed n] The group's debut album was immediately acclaimed a hip hop classic. ●� ac|claimed ADJ □� She has published six highly acclaimed novels.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Acclaim is public praise for someone or something. [FORMAL ] □� She has won critical acclaim for her excellent performance.

ac|cla|ma|tion /� kləme I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Acclamation is a noisy or enthusiastic expression of approval for someone or something. [FORMAL ] □� The news was greeted with considerable popular acclamation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is chosen or elected byacclamation , they are elected without a written vote. [FORMAL ] □� At first it looked like I was going to win by acclamation.

ac|cli|ma|tize /əkla I məta I z/ (acclimatizes , acclimatizing , acclimatized ) in BRIT, also use acclimatise VERB When you acclimatize or are acclimatizedto a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. □�[V pron-refl] This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. □�[V ] They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [Also V n to n] ●� ac|cli|ma|ti|za|tion /əkla I məta I ze I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -t I z-/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. ●� ac|cli|ma|tized ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □�[+�to ] It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings.

ac|co|lade /� kəle I d/ (accolades ) N‑COUNT If someone is given an accolade , something is done or said about them which shows how much people admire them. [FORMAL ] □� The Nobel prize has become the ultimate accolade in the sciences.

ac|com|mo|date /əkɒ məde I t/ (accommodates , accommodating , accommodated )

1 VERB [no cont] If a building or space can accommodate someone or something, it has enough room for them. □�[V n] The school in Poldown was not big enough to accommodate all the children.

2 VERB To accommodate someone means to provide them with a place to live or stay. □�[V n] �a hotel built to accommodate guests for the wedding of King Alfonso. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Students are accommodated in homes nearby.

3 VERB If something is planned or changed to accommodate a particular situation, it is planned or changed so that it takes this situation into account. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The roads are built to accommodate gradual temperature changes.

4 VERB If you do something to accommodate someone, you do it with the main purpose of pleasing or satisfying them. □�[V n] He has never put an arm around his wife to accommodate photographers.

ac|com|mo|dat|ing /əkɒ məde I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as accommodating , you like the fact that they are willing to do things in order to please you or help you. [APPROVAL ]

ac|com|mo|da|tion ◆◇◇ /əkɒ məde I ʃ ə n/ (accommodations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Accommodation is used to refer to buildings or rooms where people live or stay. [BRIT ] □� The government will provide temporary accommodation for up to three thousand people. □� Rates are higher for deluxe accommodations. in AM, use accommodations2 N‑UNCOUNT Accommodation is space in buildings or vehicles that is available for certain things, people, or activities. [FORMAL ] □� The school occupies split-site accommodation on the main campus. SYNONYMS accommodation NOUN 1

housing:�a shortage of affordable housing.

board:Free room and board are provided for all hotel staff.

lodging:He was given free lodging in a three-room flat.

dwelling:Some 3,500 new dwellings are planned for the area. USAGE accommodation

In American English, accommodation is usually a countable noun. □� The motel provides cheap accommodations and good steaks. COLLOCATIONS accommodation NOUN

1

noun +�accommodation : hotel, student; emergency

adjective +�accommodation : overnight, rental, sheltered, temporary; affordable, cheap, comfortable, suitable

verb +�accommodation : include, offer, provide; book, find

2

noun +�accommodation : office

ac|com|pa|ni|ment /əkʌ mpn I mənt/ (accompaniments )

1 N‑COUNT The accompaniment to a song or tune is the music that is played at the same time as it and forms a background to it. □� He sang 'My Funny Valentine' to a piano accompaniment.

2 N‑COUNT An accompaniment is something which goes with another thing. □�[+�to ] This recipe makes a good accompaniment to ice-cream. ●�PHRASE If one thing happens to the accompaniment of another, they happen at the same time. □� The team came out to the accompaniment of fireworks.

ac|com|pa|nist /əkʌ mpən I st/ (accompanists ) N‑COUNT An accompanist is a musician, especially a pianist, who plays one part of a piece of music while someone else sings or plays the main tune.

ac|com|pa|ny ◆◇◇ /əkʌ mpəni/ (accompanies , accompanying , accompanied )

1 VERB If you accompany someone, you go somewhere with them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Ken agreed to accompany me on a trip to Africa. □�[V -ed] The Prime Minister, accompanied by the governor, led the President up to the house.

2 VERB If one thing accompanies another, it happens or exists at the same time, or as a result of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] This volume of essays was designed to accompany an exhibition in Cologne.

3 VERB If you accompany a singer or a musician, you play one part of a piece of music while they sing or play the main tune. □�[V n] He sang and Alice accompanied him on the piano. SYNONYMS accompany VERB 1

escort:I escorted him to the door.

guide:He took the bewildered Elliott by the arm and guided him out.

lead:He took Dickon by the hand to lead him into the house.

usher:I ushered him into the office.

ac|com|pli /�kɒ mpliː/ →�see fait accompli

ac|com|plice /əkʌ mpl I s, [AM ] əkɒ m-/ (accomplices ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's accomplice is a person who helps them to commit a crime. □� The gunman escaped on a motorcycle being ridden by an accomplice.

ac|com|plish /əkʌ mpl I ʃ, [AM ] əkɒ m-/ (accomplishes , accomplishing , accomplished ) VERB If you accomplish something, you succeed in doing it. □�[V n] If we'd all work together, I think we could accomplish our goal. □�[be V -ed] They are sceptical about how much will be accomplished by legislation.

ac|com|plished /əkʌ mpl I ʃt, [AM ] əkɒ m-/ ADJ If someone is accomplished at something, they are very good at it. [FORMAL ] □� She is an accomplished painter.

ac|com|plish|ment /əkʌ mpl I ʃmənt, [AM ] əkɒ m-/ (accomplishments )

1 N‑COUNT An accomplishment is something remarkable that has been done or achieved. □� For a novelist, that's quite an accomplishment.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] Your accomplishments are the things that you can do well or the important things that you have done. [FORMAL ]

ac|cord ◆◆◆ /əkɔː r d/ (accords , according , accorded )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] An accord between countries or groups of people is a formal agreement, for example to end a war. □� �a fitting way to celebrate the peace accord.

2 VERB If you are accorded a particular kind of treatment, people act towards you or treat you in that way. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed n] His predecessor was accorded an equally tumultuous welcome. □�[V n n] The government accorded him the rank of Colonel. □�[V -ed] The treatment accorded to a United Nations official was little short of insulting. [Also V n +�to ]

3 VERB If one fact, idea, or condition accords with another, they are in agreement and there is no conflict between them. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] Such an approach accords with the principles of socialist ideology.

4 →�see also according to

5 PHRASE If one person, action, or fact is in accord with another, they are in agreement and there is no conflict between them. You can also say that two people or things are in accord . [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] �this military action, taken in accord with United Nations resolutions.

6 PHRASE If something happens of its own accord , it seems to happen by itself, without anyone making it happen. □� In many cases the disease will clear up of its own accord.

7 PHRASE If you do something of your own accord , you do it because you want to, without being asked or forced. □� He did not quit as France's prime minister of his own accord.

8 PHRASE If a number of people do something with one accord , they do it together or at the same time, because they agree about what should be done. [LITERARY ] □� With one accord they turned and walked back over the grass. SYNONYMS accord NOUN 1

agreement:The two countries signed an agreement to jointly launch satellites.

treaty:�negotiations over a 1992 treaty on global warming.

pact:Last month he signed a new non-aggression pact with Germany.

ac|cord|ance /əkɔː r dəns/ PHRASE If something is done in accordance with a particular rule or system, it is done in the way that the rule or system says that it should be done. □� Entries which are not in accordance with the rules will be disqualified.

ac|cord|ing|ly /əkɔː r d I ŋli/

1 ADV [oft ADV with v] You use accordingly to introduce a fact or situation which is a result or consequence of something that you have just referred to. □� We have a different background. Accordingly, we have the right to different futures.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you consider a situation and then act accordingly , the way you act depends on the nature of the situation. □� It is a difficult job and they should be paid accordingly.

ac|co rd|ing to ◆◆◆

1 PHRASE If someone says that something is true according to a particular person, book, or other source of information, they are indicating where they got their information. □� Philip stayed at the hotel, according to Mr Hemming. □� He and his father, according to local gossip, haven't been in touch for years.

2 PHRASE If something is done according to a particular set of principles, these principles are used as a basis for the way it is done. □� They both played the game according to the rules.

3 PHRASE If something varies according to a changing factor, it varies in a way that is determined by this factor. □� Prices vary according to the quantity ordered.

4 PHRASE If something happens according to plan , it happens in exactly the way that it was intended to happen. □� If all goes according to plan, the first concert will be Tuesday evening. USAGE according to

Don�t say ' according to me '. If you want to say what your opinion is, you can say in my opinion . □� In my opinion , all children should learn to swim.

ac|cor|di|on /əkɔː r diən/ (accordions ) N‑COUNT An accordion is a musical instrument in the shape of a fairly large box which you hold in your hands. You play the accordion by pressing keys or buttons on either side while moving the two sides together and apart. Accordions are used especially to play traditional popular music.

ac|cost /əkɒ st, [AM ] əkɔː st/ (accosts , accosting , accosted ) VERB If someone accosts another person, especially a stranger, they stop them or go up to them and speak to them in a way that seems rude or threatening. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] A man had accosted me in the street.

ac|count ◆◆◆ /əkaʊgla nt/ (accounts , accounting , accounted )

1 N‑COUNT If you have an account with a bank or a similar organization, you have an arrangement to leave your money there and take some out when you need it. □� Some banks make it difficult to open an account. □�[+�with ] I had two accounts with the bank, a savings account and a current account.

2 N‑COUNT In business, a regular customer of a company can be referred to as an account , especially when the customer is another company. [BUSINESS ] □� The Glasgow-based marketing agency has won two Edinburgh accounts.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Accounts are detailed records of all the money that a person or business receives and spends. [BUSINESS ] □� He kept detailed accounts. □� �an account book.

4 N‑COUNT An account is a written or spoken report of something that has happened. □�[+�of ] He gave a detailed account of what happened on the fateful night.

5 →�see also accounting , bank account , current account , deposit account

6 PHRASE If you say that something is true by all accounts or from all accounts , you believe it is true because other people say so. □� He is, by all accounts, a superb teacher.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone gave a good account of themselves in a particular situation, you mean that they performed well, although they may not have been completely successful. □� The team fought hard and gave a good account of themselves.

8 PHRASE If you say that something is of no account or of little account , you mean that it is very unimportant and is not worth considering. [FORMAL ] □� These obscure groups were of little account in national politics.

9 PHRASE If you buy or pay for something on account , you pay nothing or only part of the cost at first, and pay the rest later. □� The cards are issued to employees so they can purchase fuel on account.

10 PHRASE You use on account of to introduce the reason or explanation for something. □� The President declined to deliver the speech himself, on account of a sore throat.

11 PHRASE Your feelings on someone's account are the feelings you have about what they have experienced or might experience, especially when you imagine yourself to be in their situation. □� Mollie told me what she'd done and I was really scared on her account.

12 PHRASE If you tell someone not to do something on your account , you mean that they should do it only if they want to, and not because they think it will please you. [SPOKEN ] □� Don't leave on my account.

13 PHRASE If you say that something should on no account be done, you are emphasizing that it should not be done under any circumstances. [EMPHASIS ] □� On no account should the mixture boil.

14 PHRASE If you do something on your own account , you do it because you want to and without being asked, and you take responsibility for your own action. □� I told him if he withdrew it was on his own account.

15 PHRASE If you take something into account , or take account of something, you consider it when you are thinking about a situation or deciding what to do. □� The defendant asked for 21 similar offences to be taken into account. □� Urban planners in practice have to take account of many interest groups in society.

16 PHRASE If someone is called, held, or brought to account for something they have done wrong, they are made to explain why they did it, and are often criticized or punished for it. □�[+�for ] Ministers should be called to account for their actions.

▸� account for

1 PHRASAL VERB If a particular thing accounts for a part or proportion of something, that part or proportion consists of that thing, or is used or produced by it. □�[V P n] Computers account for 5% of the country's commercial electricity consumption.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something accounts for a particular fact or situation, it causes or explains it. □�[V P n] Now, the gene they discovered today doesn't account for all those cases.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you can account for something, you can explain it or give the necessary information about it. □�[V P n] How do you account for the company's alarmingly high staff turnover? □�[be V -ed P ] He said only 200 of the train's 600 passengers had been accounted for.

4 PHRASAL VERB If someone has to account for an action or policy, they are responsible for it, and may be required to explain it to other people or be punished if it fails. □�[V P n] The President and the President alone must account for his government's reforms.

5 PHRASAL VERB If a sum of money is accounted for in a budget, it has been included in that budget for a particular purpose. □�[be V -ed P ] The really heavy redundancy costs have been accounted for. [Also V P n] COLLOCATIONS account NOUN

1

noun +�account : deposit, savings

adjective +�account : current, joint; offshore

verb +�account : open; close

4

noun +�account : eyewitness

adjective +�account : detailed, first-hand, full

verb +�account : give, provide SYNONYMS account NOUN 4

description:Police have issued a description of the man who was aged between fifty and sixty.

report:With a report on these developments, here's Jim Fish in Belgrade.

record:There's no record of any marriage or children.

story:The parents all shared interesting stories about their children.

version:There are widely differing versions in the newspapers about the prison siege.

ac|count|able /əkaʊ ntəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are accountableto someone for something that you do, you are responsible for it and must be prepared to justify your actions to that person. □�[+�for ] Public officials can finally be held accountable for their actions. [Also +�to ] ●� ac|count|abil|ity /əkaʊ ntəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �an impetus towards democracy and greater accountability.

ac|count|an|cy /əkaʊ ntənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Accountancy is the theory or practice of keeping financial accounts.

ac|count|ant /əkaʊ ntənt/ (accountants ) N‑COUNT An accountant is a person whose job is to keep financial accounts.

ac|count|ing /əkaʊ nt I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Accounting is the activity of keeping detailed records of the amounts of money a business or person receives and spends. □� �the accounting firm of Leventhal & Horwath.

2 →�see also account

ac|cou|tre|ment /əkuː trəmənt/ (accoutrements ) in AM, also use accouterment N‑COUNT [usu pl] Accoutrements are all the things you have with you when you travel or when you take part in a particular activity. [HUMOROUS or OLD-FASHIONED ]

ac|cred|it /əkre d I t/ (accredits , accrediting , accredited ) VERB [usu passive] If an educational qualification or institution is accredited , it is officially declared to be of an approved standard. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] This degree programme is fully accredited by the Institution of Electrical Engineers. □�[V -ed] �an accredited college of Brunel University. ●� ac|credi|ta|tion /əkre d I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� This is the body responsible for the accreditation of MBA courses.

ac|cre|tion /əkriː ʃ ə n/ (accretions )

1 N‑COUNT An accretion is an addition to something, usually one that has been added over a period of time. [FORMAL ] □� The script has been gathering editorial accretions for years.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Accretion is the process of new layers or parts being added to something so that it increases in size. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] A coral reef is built by the accretion of tiny, identical organisms.

ac|cru|al /əkruː əl/ (accruals ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] In finance, the accrual of something such as interest or investments is the adding together of interest or different investments over a period of time. [BUSINESS ]

ac|crue /əkruː / (accrues , accruing , accrued )

1 VERB If money or interest accrues or if you accrue it, it gradually increases in amount over a period of time. [BUSINESS ] □�[V -ed] I owed �5,000�part of this was accrued interest. □�[V ] If you do not pay within 28 days, interest will accrue. □�[V n] Officials say the options will offer investors a longer time in which to accrue profits.

2 VERB If things such as profits or benefits accrueto someone, they are added to over a period of time. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] �the expectation that profits will accrue. □�[V +�to ] �a project from which considerable benefit will accrue to the community. [Also V n, V to n]

ac|cu|mu|late /əkjuː mjʊle I t/ (accumulates , accumulating , accumulated ) VERB When you accumulate things or when they accumulate , they collect or are gathered over a period of time. □�[V n] Households accumulate wealth across a broad spectrum of assets. □�[V ] Lead can accumulate in the body until toxic levels are reached.

ac|cu|mu|la|tion /əkjuː mjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (accumulations )

1 N‑COUNT An accumulationof something is a large number of things which have been collected together or acquired over a period of time. □�[+�of ] �an accumulation of experience and knowledge.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Accumulation is the collecting together of things over a period of time. □�[+�of ] �the accumulation of capital and the distribution of income.

ac|cu|mu|la|tive /əkjuː mjʊlət I v, [AM ] -le I t I v/ ADJ If something is accumulative, it becomes greater in amount, number, or intensity over a period of time. □� The consensus is that risk factors have an accumulative effect.

ac|cu|ra|cy /� kjʊrəsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The accuracyof information or measurements is their quality of being true or correct, even in small details. □�[+�of ] We cannot guarantee the accuracy of these figures.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] If someone or something performs a task, for example hitting a target, withaccuracy , they do it in an exact way without making a mistake. □� �weapons that could fire with accuracy at targets 3,000 yards away.

ac|cu|rate ◆◇◇ /� kjʊrət/

1 ADJ Accurate information, measurements, and statistics are correct to a very detailed level. An accurate instrument is able to give you information of this kind. □� Police have stressed that this is the most accurate description of the killer to date. □� Quartz timepieces are very accurate, to a minute or two per year. ●� ac|cu|rate|ly ADV □� The test can accurately predict what a bigger explosion would do.

2 ADJ An accurate statement or account gives a true or fair judgment of something. □� It is too early to give an accurate assessment of his condition. □� They were accurate in their prediction that he would change her life drastically. ●� ac|cu|rate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� What many people mean by the word 'power' could be more accurately described as 'control'.

3 ADJ You can use accurate to describe the results of someone's actions when they do or copy something correctly or exactly. □� Marks were given for accurate spelling and punctuation.

4 ADJ An accurate weapon or throw reaches the exact point or target that it was intended to reach. You can also describe a person as accurate if they fire a weapon or throw something in this way. □� The rifle was extremely accurate. ●� ac|cu|rate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the technology to aim bombs accurately from aircraft.

ac|curs|ed /əkɜː r s I d, əkɜː r st/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Some people use accursed to describe something which they are very annoyed about. [OLD-FASHIONED , FEELINGS ]

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a person is accursed , they have been cursed. [LITERARY ]

ac|cu|sa|tion /� kjʊze I ʃ ə n/ (accusations )

1 N‑VAR [oft N that] If you make an accusation against someone, you criticize them or express the belief that they have done something wrong. □� Kim rejects accusations that Country music is over-sentimental.

2 N‑COUNT [N that] An accusation is a statement or claim by a witness or someone in authority that a particular person has committed a crime, although this has not yet been proved. □�[+�of ] �people who have made public accusations of rape.

ac|cu|sa|tive /əkjuː zət I v/ N‑SING In the grammar of some languages, the accusative , or the accusative case , is the case used for a noun when it is the direct object of a verb, or the object of some prepositions. In English, only the pronouns 'me', 'him', 'her', 'us', and 'them' are in the accusative. Compare nominative .

ac|cu|sa|tory /əkjuː zətəri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ An accusatory look, remark, or tone of voice suggests blame or criticism. [WRITTEN ] □� �the accusatory tone of the questions.

ac|cuse ◆◆◇ /əkjuː z/ (accuses , accusing , accused )

1 VERB If you accuse someone of doing something wrong or dishonest, you say or tell them that you believe that they did it. □�[V n +�of ] He was accusing my mum of having an affair with another man. □�[V ] Talk things through in stages. Do not accuse or apportion blame. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you are accusedof a crime, a witness or someone in authority states or claims that you did it, and you may be formally charged with it and put on trial. □�[be V -ed +�of ] Her assistant was accused of theft and fraud by the police. □�[V n +�of ] All seven charges accused him of lying in his testimony. □�[V -ed] The accused men have been given relatively light sentences. [Also V n]

3 →�see also accused , accusing

4 PHRASE If someone stands accusedof something, they have been accused of it. □�[+�of ] The candidate stands accused of breaking promises even before he's in office. SYNONYMS accuse VERB

1

blame:If it wasn't Sam's fault, why was I blaming him?

allege:It was alleged that the restaurant discriminated against black customers.

denounce:Some 25,000 demonstrators denounced him as a traitor.

2

charge:Police have charged Mr Bell with murder.

indict:He was later indicted on corruption charges.

impeach:�an opposition move to impeach the President.

ac|cused /əkjuː zd/ (accused ) N‑COUNT You can use the accused to refer to a person or a group of people charged with a crime or on trial for it. [LEGAL ] □� The accused is alleged to be a member of a right-wing gang.

ac|cus|er /əkjuː zə r / (accusers ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] An accuser is a person who says that another person has done something wrong, especially that he or she has committed a crime. □� �a criminal proceeding where defendants have the right to confront their accusers.

ac|cus|ing /əkjuː z I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you look at someone with an accusing expression or speak to them in an accusing tone of voice, you are showing that you think they have done something wrong. □� The accusing look in her eyes conveyed her sense of betrayal. ●� ac|cus|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'Where have you been?' he asked Blake accusingly.

2 →�see also accuse

ac|cus|tom /əkʌ stəm/ (accustoms , accustoming , accustomed )

1 VERB If you accustomyourself or another person to something, you make yourself or them become used to it. [FORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl +�to ] The team has accustomed itself to the pace of first division rugby. □�[V n +�to ] Shakespeare has accustomed us to a mixture of humor and tragedy in the same play.

2 →�see also accustomed

ac|cus|tomed /əkʌ stəmd/

1 ADJ If you are accustomed to something, you know it so well or have experienced it so often that it seems natural, unsurprising, or easy to deal with. □�[+�to ] I was accustomed to being the only child at a table full of adults.

2 ADJ When your eyes become accustomedto darkness or bright light, they adjust so that you start to be able to see things, after not being able to see properly at first. □�[+�to ] My eyes were becoming accustomed to the gloom.

3 ADJ You can use accustomed to describe an action that someone usually does, a quality that they usually show, or an object that they usually use. □� He took up his accustomed position with his back to the fire. □� Fred acted with his accustomed shrewdness. □� His cap was missing from its accustomed peg. USAGE accustomed

Don�t say that someone is � accustomed to do � something or � used to do � something. You can say that someone is accustomed to doing something or used to doing something. □� The manager is accustomed to working late. □� I'm used to getting up early.

ace ◆◇◇ /e I s/ (aces )

1 N‑COUNT An ace is a playing card with a single symbol on it. In most card games, the ace of a particular suit has either the highest or the lowest value of the cards in that suit. □�[+�of ] �the ace of hearts.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] If you describe someone such as a sports player as an ace , you mean that they are very good at what they do. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the motor-racing ace. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Ace is also an adjective. □� �an ace horror-film producer.

3 ADJ If you say that something is ace , you think that it is good and you like it a lot. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �a really ace film.

4 N‑COUNT In tennis, an ace is a serve which is so fast that the other player cannot reach the ball.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone holds all the aces , you mean that they have all the advantages in a contest or situation.

acer|bic /əsɜː r b I k/ ADJ Acerbic humour is critical and direct. [FORMAL ] □� He was acclaimed for his acerbic wit and repartee.

acer|bity /əsɜː r b I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Acerbity is a kind of bitter, critical humour. [FORMAL ]

ac|etate /� s I te I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Acetate is a shiny artificial material, sometimes used for making clothes or records.

acetic acid /əsiː t I k � s I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Acetic acid is a colourless acid. It is the main substance in vinegar.

ac|etone /� s I toʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT Acetone is a type of solvent.

acety|lene /əse t I liːn/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Acetylene is a colourless gas which burns with a very hot bright flame. It is often used in lamps and for cutting and welding metal.

ache /e I k/ (aches , aching , ached )

1 VERB If you ache or a part of your body aches , you feel a steady, fairly strong pain. □�[V adv/prep] Her head was throbbing and she ached all over. □�[V ] My leg still aches when I sit down. □�[V -ing] The weary walkers soothed their aching feet in the sea.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] An ache is a steady, fairly strong pain in a part of your body. □� Poor posture can cause neck ache, headaches and breathing problems.

3 →�see also backache , headache , heartache , stomach ache

4 VERB If you achefor something or your heart aches , you want something very much, and feel very unhappy because you cannot have it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�for ] � couples aching for a child □�[V ] It was quite an achievement to keep smiling when his heart must have been aching.

5 PHRASE You can use aches and pains to refer in a general way to any minor pains that you feel in your body. □� It seems to ease all the aches and pains of a hectic and tiring day.

achiev|able /ətʃiː vəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something you are trying to do is achievable , you mean that it is possible for you to succeed in doing it. □� A 50% market share is achievable. □� It is often a good idea to start with smaller, easily achievable goals.

achieve ◆◆◇ /ətʃiː v/ (achieves , achieving , achieved ) VERB If you achieve a particular aim or effect, you succeed in doing it or causing it to happen, usually after a lot of effort. □�[V n] There are many who will work hard to achieve these goals. □�[V n] We have achieved what we set out to do. COLLOCATIONS achieve VERB

achieve+�noun : goal, objective, result, success; feat, grade, growth; fame, status

noun +�achieve : pupil, student; company

achieve+�adverb : consistently, easily

achieve|ment ◆◇◇ /ətʃiː vmənt/ (achievements )

1 N‑COUNT An achievement is something which someone has succeeded in doing, especially after a lot of effort. □� Reaching this agreement so quickly was a great achievement.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Achievement is the process of achieving something. □�[+�of ] Only the achievement of these goals will bring lasting peace. COLLOCATIONS achievement NOUN 1

noun +�achievement : career, lifetime; landmark

adjective +�achievement : major, notable, outstanding, remarkable; academic, educational, sporting; crowning, personal, proud

verb +�achievement : celebrate, honour; acknowledge, recognize SYNONYMS achievement NOUN 1

accomplishment:By any standards, the accomplishments of the past year are extraordinary.

feat:A racing car is an extraordinary feat of engineering.

coup:The sale is a big coup for the auction house.

achiev|er /ətʃiː və r / (achievers ) N‑COUNT A high achiever is someone who is successful in their studies or their work, usually as a result of their efforts. A low achiever is someone who achieves less than those around them. □� High achievers will receive cash bonuses.

Achilles heel /ək I liːz hiː l/ N‑SING [usu poss N ] Someone's Achilles heel is the weakest point in their character or nature, where it is easiest for other people to attack or criticize them. □� Horton's Achilles heel was that he could not delegate.

Achilles ten|don /ək I liːz te ndən/ (Achilles tendons ) N‑COUNT Your Achilles tendon or your Achilles is the tendon inside the back of your leg just above your heel.

ach|ing|ly /e I k I ŋli/ ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use achingly for emphasis when you are referring to things that create feelings of wanting something very much, but of not being able to have it. [WRITTEN , EMPHASIS ] □� �three achingly beautiful ballads.

achy /e I ki/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel achy , your body hurts. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� I feel achy all over.

acid ◆◇◇ /� s I d/ (acids )

1 N‑VAR An acid is a chemical substance, usually a liquid, which contains hydrogen and can react with other substances to form salts. Some acids burn or dissolve other substances that they come into contact with. □� �citric acid.

2 ADJ An acid substance contains acid. □� These shrubs must have an acid, lime-free soil. ●� acid|ity /�s I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the acidity of rainwater.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The drug LSD is sometimes referred to as acid . [INFORMAL ]

4 →�see also amino acid , hydrochloric acid , nitric acid , nucleic acid , sulphuric acid

a cid hou se N‑UNCOUNT Acid house is a type of electronic dance music with a strong, repeated rhythm.

acid|ic /əs I d I k/ ADJ Acidic substances contain acid. □� Dissolved carbon dioxide makes the water more acidic.

a cid rai n N‑UNCOUNT Acid rain is rain polluted by acid that has been released into the atmosphere from factories and other industrial processes. Acid rain is harmful to the environment.

a cid te st N‑SING Theacid test of something is an important aspect or result that it might have, which allows you to decide whether it is true or successful. □�[+�of ] The acid test of a school is 'would you send your own children there?'

ac|knowl|edge ◆◇◇ /�knɒ l I dʒ/ (acknowledges , acknowledging , acknowledged )

1 VERB If you acknowledge a fact or a situation, you accept or admit that it is true or that it exists. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] We have to acknowledge that something is wrong with the system. □�[V n] Belatedly, the government has acknowledged the problem. □�[V -ed] There is an acknowledged risk of lung cancer from radon. [Also V n to-inf, V n as n/adj]

2 VERB If someone's achievements, status, or qualities are acknowledged , they are known about and recognized by a lot of people, or by a particular group of people. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He is also acknowledged as an excellent goal-keeper. □�[V n] Some of the clergy refused to acknowledge the new king's legitimacy. [Also V n to-inf]

3 VERB If you acknowledge a message or letter, you write to the person who sent it in order to say that you have received it. □�[V n] The army sent me a postcard acknowledging my request.

4 VERB If you acknowledge someone, for example by moving your head or smiling, you show that you have seen and recognized them. □�[V n] He saw her but refused to even acknowledge her.

ac|knowl|edge|ment /�knɒ l I dʒmənt/ (acknowledgements ) also acknowledgment

1 N‑SING [oft N that] An acknowledgement is a statement or action which recognizes that something exists or is true. □� The President's resignation appears to be an acknowledgment that he has lost all hope of keeping the country together.

2 N‑PLURAL The acknowledgements in a book are the section in which the author thanks all the people who have helped him or her.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] A gesture of acknowledgement , such as a smile, shows someone that you have seen and recognized them. □� Farling smiled in acknowledgement and gave a bow.

4 N‑COUNT An acknowledgement is a letter or message that you receive from someone, telling you that something you have sent to them has arrived. □� I have received neither an acknowledgment nor a reply.

acme /� kmi/ N‑SING Theacmeof something is its highest point of achievement or excellence. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] His work is considered the acme of cinematic art.

acne /� kni/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone has acne , they have a skin condition which causes a lot of spots on their face and neck.

aco|lyte /� kəla I t/ (acolytes ) N‑COUNT An acolyte is a follower or assistant of an important person. [FORMAL ] □� To his acolytes, he is known simply as 'the Boss'.

acorn /e I kɔː r n/ (acorns ) N‑COUNT An acorn is a pale oval nut that is the fruit of an oak tree.

acous|tic /əkuː st I k/ (acoustics )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An acoustic guitar or other instrument is one whose sound is produced without any electrical equipment. ●� acous|ti|cal|ly /əkuː st I kli/ ADV □� �acoustically based music.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to the acoustics or the acoustic of a space, you are referring to the structural features which determine how well you can hear music or speech in it. ●� acous|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� The church is acoustically perfect.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Acoustics is the scientific study of sound.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Acoustic means relating to sound or hearing. Compare aural . □� �acoustic signals.

ac|quaint /əkwe I nt/ (acquaints , acquainting , acquainted )

1 VERB If you acquaint someone with something, you tell them about it so that they know it. If you acquaintyourself with something, you learn about it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�with ] �efforts to acquaint the public with their rights under the new law. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] I want to acquaint myself with your strengths and weaknesses.

2 →�see also acquainted

ac|quaint|ance /əkwe I ntəns/ (acquaintances )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An acquaintance is someone who you have met and know slightly, but not well. □�[+�of ] The proprietor was an old acquaintance of his.

2 N‑VAR [oft poss N , on N ] If you have an acquaintancewith someone, you have met them and you know them. □�[+�with ] He had met her through his acquaintance with Anne.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Your acquaintancewith a subject is your knowledge or experience of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] They had little or no acquaintance with philosophy or history.

4 PHRASE When you make someone's acquaintance , you meet them for the first time and get to know them a little. [FORMAL ] □� I first made his acquaintance in the early 1960s.

ac|quaint|ed /əkwe I nt I d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you are acquaintedwith something, you know about it because you have learned it or experienced it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] He was well acquainted with the literature of France, Germany and Holland.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are acquaintedwith someone, you have met them and you know them. You can also say that two people are acquainted . [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] No-one personally acquainted with the couple was permitted to talk to the Press. □� It's true we were acquainted, but no more than that.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you get or become acquaintedwith someone that you do not know, you talk to each other or do something together so that you get to know each other. You can also say that two people get or become acquainted . □�[+�with ] The meetings were a way to get acquainted with each other.

4 →�see also acquaint

ac|qui|esce /� kwie s/ (acquiesces , acquiescing , acquiesced ) VERB If you acquiescein something, you agree to do what someone wants or to accept what they do. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�in/to ] Steve seemed to acquiesce in the decision. □�[V ] When her mother suggested that she stay, Alice willingly acquiesced.

ac|qui|es|cence /� kwie s ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Acquiescence is agreement to do what someone wants, or acceptance of what they do even though you do not agree with it. [FORMAL ] □� Deirdre smiled her acquiescence.

ac|qui|es|cent /� kwie s ə nt/ ADJ Someone who is acquiescent is ready to agree to do what someone wants, or to accept what they do. [FORMAL ] □� Perhaps you are too acquiescent.

ac|quire ◆◇◇ /əkwa I ə r / (acquires , acquiring , acquired )

1 VERB If you acquire something, you buy or obtain it for yourself, or someone gives it to you. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He yesterday revealed he had acquired a 2.98 per cent stake in the company. □�[V n +�from ] I recently acquired some wood from a holly tree.

2 VERB If you acquire something such as a skill or a habit, you learn it, or develop it through your daily life or experience. □�[V n] I've never acquired a taste for spicy food.

3 VERB If someone or something acquires a certain reputation, they start to have that reputation. □�[V n] He has acquired a reputation as this country's premier solo violinist.

4 PHRASE If you describe something as an acquired taste , you mean that a lot of people do not like it when they first experience it, but often start to like it more when they get to know it better. □� Broad beans are very much an acquired taste. SYNONYMS acquire VERB 1

get:I'm getting a bike for my birthday.

receive:They will receive their awards at a ceremony in Stockholm.

obtain:Evans was trying to obtain a false passport and other documents.

ac|qui red im|mune de|fi |cien|cy syn|drome N‑UNCOUNT Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is the same as AIDS .

ac|quir|er /əkwa I ə rə r / (acquirers ) N‑COUNT In business, an acquirer is a company or person who buys another company. [BUSINESS ]

ac|qui|si|tion ◆◇◇ /� kw I z I ʃ ə n/ (acquisitions )

1 N‑VAR If a company or business person makes an acquisition , they buy another company or part of a company. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] �the acquisition of a profitable paper recycling company.

2 N‑COUNT If you make an acquisition , you buy or obtain something, often to add to things that you already have. □�[+�of ] �the President's recent acquisition of a helicopter.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] The acquisition of a skill or a particular type of knowledge is the process of learning it or developing it. □� �language acquisition.

ac|quisi|tive /əkw I z I t I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or an organization as acquisitive , you do not approve of them because you think they are too concerned with getting new possessions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We live in an acquisitive society.

ac|quit /əkw I t/ (acquits , acquitting , acquitted )

1 VERB [usu passive] If someone is acquittedof a crime in a court of law, they are formally declared not to have committed the crime. □�[be V -ed +�of ] Mr Ling was acquitted of disorderly behaviour by magistrates.

2 VERB If you acquityourself well or admirably in a particular situation, other people feel that you have behaved well or admirably. [FORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl adv] Most officers and men acquitted themselves well throughout the action.

ac|quit|tal /əkw I t ə l/ (acquittals ) N‑VAR Acquittal is a formal declaration in a court of law that someone who has been accused of a crime is innocent. □�[+�of ] �the acquittal of six police officers charged with beating a suspect. □� The jury voted 8-to-4 in favor of acquittal.

acre ◆◇◇ /e I kə r / (acres ) N‑COUNT An acre is an area of land measuring 4840 square yards or 4047 square metres. □�[+�of ] The property is set in two acres of land.

acre|age /e I kər I dʒ/ (acreages ) N‑VAR Acreage is a large area of farm land. [FORMAL ] □� He has sown coffee on part of his acreage. □�[+�of ] Enormous acreages of soya beans are grown in the United States.

ac|rid /� kr I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An acrid smell or taste is strong and sharp, and usually unpleasant. □� The room filled with the acrid smell of tobacco.

ac|ri|mo|ni|ous /� kr I moʊ niəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Acrimonious words or quarrels are bitter and angry. [FORMAL ] □� There followed an acrimonious debate. ●� ac|ri|mo|ni|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Our relationship ended acrimoniously.

ac|ri|mo|ny /� kr I məni, [AM ] -moʊni/ N‑UNCOUNT Acrimony is bitter and angry words or quarrels. [FORMAL ] □� The council's first meeting ended in acrimony.

ac|ro|bat /� krəb�t/ (acrobats ) N‑COUNT An acrobat is an entertainer who performs difficult physical acts such as jumping and balancing, especially in a circus.

ac|ro|bat|ic /� krəb� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An acrobatic movement or display involves difficult physical acts such as jumping and balancing, especially in a circus.

ac|ro|bat|ics /� krəb� t I ks/ N‑PLURAL Acrobatics are acrobatic movements.

ac|ro|nym /� krən I m/ (acronyms ) N‑COUNT An acronym is a word composed of the first letters of the words in a phrase, especially when this is used as a name. An example of an acronym is 'NATO', which is made up of the first letters of the 'North Atlantic Treaty Organization'.

across ◆◆◆ /əkrɒ s, [AM ] əkrɔː s/ In addition to the uses shown below, across is used in phrasal verbs such as 'come across', 'get across', and 'put across'. 1 PREP If someone or something goes across a place or a boundary, they go from one side of it to the other. □� She walked across the floor and lay down on the bed. □� He watched Karl run across the street to Tommy. □� �an expedition across Africa. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Across is also an adverb. □� Richard stood up and walked across to the window.

2 PREP If something is situated or stretched across something else, it is situated or stretched from one side of it to the other. □� �the floating bridge across Lake Washington in Seattle. □� He scrawled his name across the bill. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Across is also an adverb. □� Trim toenails straight across using nail clippers.

3 PREP If something is lying across an object or place, it is resting on it and partly covering it. □� She found her clothes lying across the chair. □� The wind pushed his hair across his face.

4 PREP Something that is across something such as a street, river, or area is on the other side of it. □� Anyone from the houses across the road could see him. □� When I saw you across the room I knew I'd met you before. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Across is also an adverb. □�[+�from ] They parked across from the Castro Theatre.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If you look across at a place, person, or thing, you look towards them. □� He glanced across at his sleeping wife. □� �breathtaking views across to the hills.

6 PREP You use across to say that a particular expression is shown on someone's face. □� An enormous grin spread across his face.

7 PREP If someone hits you across the face or head, they hit you on that part. □� Graham hit him across the face with the gun.

8 PREP When something happens across a place or organization, it happens equally everywhere within it. □� The film opens across America in December.

9 PREP When something happens across a political, religious, or social barrier, it involves people in different groups. □� �parties competing across the political spectrum.

10across the board →�see board

11 ADV Across is used in measurements to show the width of something. □� This hand-decorated plate measures 30cm across.

acryl|ic /�kr I l I k/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Acrylic material is artificial and is manufactured by a chemical process.

act ◆◆◆ /� kt/ (acts , acting , acted )

1 VERB When you act , you do something for a particular purpose. □�[V ] The deaths occurred when police acted to stop widespread looting and vandalism. □�[V adv/prep] I do not doubt that the bank acted properly.

2 VERB If you act on advice or information, you do what has been advised or suggested. □�[V +�on/upon ] A patient will usually listen to the doctor's advice and act on it.

3 VERB If someone acts in a particular way, they behave in that way. □�[V adv] �a gang of youths who were acting suspiciously. □�[V +�as if ] He acted as if he hadn't heard any of it. □�[V +�like ] Open wounds act like a magnet to flies.

4 VERB If someone or something acts as a particular thing, they have that role or function. □�[V +�as ] He acted as the ship's surgeon. [Also V +�like ]

5 VERB If someone acts in a particular way, they pretend to be something that they are not. □�[V adj] Chris acted astonished as he examined the note. □�[V n] Kenworthy had tried not to act the policeman.

6 VERB When professionals such as lawyers act for you, or act on your behalf , they are employed by you to deal with a particular matter. □�[V +�for ] Lawyers acting for the families of the victims � □�[V prep] Because we travelled so much, Sam and I asked a broker to act on our behalf.

7 VERB If a force or substance acts on someone or something, it has a certain effect on them. □�[V +�on/upon ] The drug acts very fast on the central nervous system. [Also V ]

8 VERB If you act , or act a part in a play or film, you have a part in it. □�[V ] She confessed to her parents her desire to act. □�[V +�in ] She acted in her first film when she was 13 years old. [Also V n]

9 N‑COUNT An act is a single thing that someone does. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Language interpretation is the whole point of the act of reading.

10 N‑SING If you say that someone's behaviour is an act , you mean that it does not express their real feelings. □� His anger was real. It wasn't an act.

11 N‑COUNT An Act is a law passed by the government. □�[+�of ] �an Act of Parliament.

12 N‑COUNT An act in a play, opera, or ballet is one of the main parts into which it is divided. □� Act II contained one of the funniest scenes I have ever witnessed.

13 N‑COUNT An act in a show is a short performance which is one of several in the show. □� This year numerous bands are playing, as well as comedy acts.

14 PHRASE If you catch someone in the act , you discover them doing something wrong or committing a crime. □�[+�of ] The men were caught in the act of digging up buried explosives.

15 PHRASE If someone who has been behaving badly cleans up their act , they start to behave in a more acceptable or responsible way. [INFORMAL ] □� The nation's advertisers need to clean up their act.

16 PHRASE If you get in on the act , you take part in or take advantage of something that was started by someone else. [INFORMAL ] □� Unsurprisingly, other firms are keen to get in on the act.

17 PHRASE You say that someone was in the act of doing something to indicate what they were doing when they were seen or interrupted. □� Ken was in the act of paying his bill when Neil came up behind him.

18 PHRASE If you get your act together , you organize your life or your affairs so that you are able to achieve what you want or to deal with something effectively. [INFORMAL ] □� The Government should get its act together.

19to act one's age →�see age

20to act the fool →�see fool

▸� act out PHRASAL VERB If you act out an event which has happened, you copy the actions which took place and make them into a play. □�[V P n] I used to come home and act out the movie for the kids. [Also V n P ]

▸� act up

1 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If something is acting up , it is not working properly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] She was messing with the coffee pot, which was acting up again.

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If a child is acting up , they are behaving badly. [INFORMAL ]

act|ing /� kt I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Acting is the activity or profession of performing in plays or films. □� She pursued an acting career after four years of modelling.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use acting before the title of a job to indicate that someone is doing that job temporarily. □� �the new acting President.

ac|tion ◆◆◆ /� kʃ ə n/ (actions , actioning , actioned )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Action is doing something for a particular purpose. □� The government is taking emergency action to deal with a housing crisis.

2 N‑COUNT An action is something that you do on a particular occasion. □� Jack was the sort of man who did not like his actions questioned.

3 N‑COUNT To bring a legal action against someone means to bring a case against them in a court of law. [LEGAL ] □�[+�against ] Two leading law firms are to prepare legal actions against tobacco companies.

4 N‑SING The action is all the important and exciting things that are happening in a situation. [INFORMAL ] □� Hollywood is where the action is now.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] The fighting which takes place in a war can be referred to as action . □� �a murderous war that would see millions die, as a result of direct military action. □� 13 soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in action.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] An action movie is a film in which a lot of dangerous and exciting things happen. An action hero is the main character in one of these films.

7 VERB [usu passive] If you action something that needs to be done, you deal with it. [BUSINESS ] □�[be V -ed] Documents can be actioned, or filed immediately.

8 PHRASE If someone or something is out of action , they are injured or damaged and cannot work or be used. □� He's been out of action for 16 months with a serious knee injury.

9 PHRASE If someone wants to have a piece of the action or a slice of the action , they want to take part in an exciting activity or situation, usually in order to make money or become more important.

10 PHRASE If you put an idea or policy into action , you begin to use it or cause it to operate. □� They have learned the lessons of business management theory, and put them into action. COLLOCATIONS action NOUN

1

adjective +�action : appropriate, decisive, drastic; emergency, immediate, urgent; disciplinary, legal, military

verb +�action : take; defend, justify, support; demand

3

verb +�action : bring, initiate, launch, pursue; threaten SYNONYMS action NOUN

1

measure:He said stern measures would be taken against the killers

step:He greeted the agreement as the first step towards peace.

manoeuvre:�manoeuvres to block the electoral process.

2

deed:His heroic deeds were celebrated in every corner of India.

move:It may also be a good move to suggest she talks things over.

act:My insurance excludes acts of sabotage and damage done by weapons of war.

ac|tion|able /� kʃənəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something that you do or say to someone is actionable , it gives them a valid reason for bringing a legal case against you.

a c|tion re |play (action replays ) N‑COUNT An action replay is a repeated showing, usually in slow motion, of an event that has just been on television. [BRIT ] in AM, use instant replay

ac|ti|vate /� kt I ve I t/ (activates , activating , activated ) VERB [usu passive] If a device or process isactivated , something causes it to start working. □�[be V -ed] Video cameras with night vision can be activated by movement. □�[V -ed] �a voice-activated computer. ●� ac|ti|va|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] A computer controls the activation of an air bag.

ac|tive ◆◆◇ /� kt I v/

1 ADJ Someone who is active moves around a lot or does a lot of things. □� Having an active youngster about the house can be quite wearing. □� �a long and active life.

2 ADJ If you have an active mind or imagination, you are always thinking of new things. □� �the tragedy of an active mind trapped by failing physical health.

3 ADJ If someone is active in an organization, cause, or campaign, they do things for it rather than just giving it their support. □� �a chance for fathers to play a more active role in childcare. ●� ac|tive|ly ADV □� They actively campaigned for the vote.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Active is used to emphasize that someone is taking action in order to achieve something, rather than just hoping for it or achieving it in an indirect way. [EMPHASIS ] □� Companies need to take active steps to increase exports. □� �active discouragement from teachers. ●� ac|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� They have never been actively encouraged to take such risks.

5 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that a person or animal is active in a particular place or at a particular time, you mean that they are performing their usual activities or performing a particular activity. □� Guerrilla groups are active in the province.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An active volcano has erupted recently or is expected to erupt quite soon. □� �molten lava from an active volcano.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An active substance has a chemical or biological effect on things. □� The active ingredient in some of the mouthwashes was simply detergent.

8 N‑SING In grammar, the active or the active voice means the forms of a verb which are used when the subject refers to a person or thing that does something. For example, in 'I saw her yesterday', the verb is in the active. Compare passive . SYNONYMS active ADJ 1

busy:Phil Martin is an exceptionally busy man.

lively:Josephine was bright, lively and cheerful.

energetic:Blackwell is 59, strong-looking and enormously energetic.

sprightly:�the sprightly 85-year-old President.

a c|tive du ty N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Active duty means the same as active service . [mainly AM ]

a c|tive se r|vice N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Someone who is onactive service is taking part in a war as a member of the armed forces. [mainly BRIT ] □� In April 1944 he was killed on active service.

ac|tiv|ism /� kt I v I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Activism is the process of campaigning in public or working for an organization in order to bring about political or social change.

ac|tiv|ist ◆◇◇ /� kt I v I st/ (activists ) N‑COUNT An activist is a person who works to bring about political or social changes by campaigning in public or working for an organization. □� The police say they suspect the attack was carried out by animal rights activists. COLLOCATIONS activist NOUN

noun +�activist : community, party; human rights, peace

adjective +�activist : environmental, political; anti-apartheid, black, gay, left-wing

verb +�activist : arrest, detain; anger SYNONYMS activist NOUN

militant:The militants might still find some new excuse to call a strike.

organizer:The organisers of the demonstration concede that they hadn't sought permission for it.

ac|tiv|ity ◆◆◇ /�kt I v I ti/ (activities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Activity is a situation in which a lot of things are happening or being done. □� �an extraordinary level of activity in the government bonds market. □�[+�of ] �the electrical activity of the brain.

2 N‑COUNT An activity is something that you spend time doing. □� You can take part in activities from canoeing to bird watching.

3 N‑PLURAL The activities of a group are the things that they do in order to achieve their aims. □� He had also been imprisoned for his political activities. COLLOCATIONS activity NOUN

1

noun +�activity : brain; business

adjective +�activity : electrical, planetary, volcanic; economic, physical; frantic, heightened, intense

verb +�activity : stimulate; monitor

2

noun +�activity : holiday, leisure, sports

adjective +�activity : daily, everyday, extracurricular; criminal, suspicious

3

noun +�activity : fundraising, government, terrorist

adjective +�activity : military

verb +�activity : coordinate, monitor, organize, undertake; suspend SYNONYMS activity NOUN

1

action:Hollywood is where the action is now.

bustle:There was a good deal of cheerful bustle.

commotion:Sounds of voices and commotion could be heard downstairs now.

2

pursuit:His favourite childhood pursuits were sailing, swimming and cycling.

hobby:My hobbies are letter writing, football, music, photography, and tennis.

pastime:His favourite pastime is golf.

a ct of Go d (acts of God ) N‑COUNT An act of God is an event that is beyond human control, especially one in which something is damaged or someone is hurt.

ac|tor ◆◇◇ /� ktə r / (actors ) N‑COUNT An actor is someone whose job is acting in plays or films. 'Actor' in the singular usually refers to a man, but some women who act prefer to be called 'actors' rather than 'actresses'. □� His father was an actor in the Cantonese Opera Company. □� You have to be a very good actor to play that part.

ac|tress ◆◇◇ /� ktrəs/ (actresses ) N‑COUNT An actress is a woman whose job is acting in plays or films. □� She's a very great dramatic actress.

ac|tual ◆◇◇ /� ktʃuəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use actual to emphasize that you are referring to something real or genuine. [EMPHASIS ] □� The segments are filmed using either local actors or the actual people involved. □� In this country, the actual number of miscarriages in humans is never fully recorded.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use actual to contrast the important aspect of something with a less important aspect. [EMPHASIS ] □� She had compiled pages of notes, but she had not yet gotten down to doing the actual writing.

3in actual fact →�see fact SYNONYMS actual ADJ 1

genuine:There was a risk of genuine refugees being returned to Vietnam.

real:Who's to know if they're real guns or not?

true:I think he's a true genius.

authentic:She has authentic charm whereas most people simply have nice manners.

a c|tual bodi|ly ha rm N‑UNCOUNT Actual bodily harm is a criminal offence in which someone gives another person a minor injury.

ac|tu|al|ity /� ktʃu� l I ti/ (actualities )

1 PHRASE You can use in actuality to emphasize that what you are saying is true, when it contradicts or contrasts with what you have previously said. [EMPHASIS ] □� In actuality, we've found that leaders appreciate the training.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Actuality is the state of really existing rather than being imagined. □� It exists in dreams rather than actuality.

ac|tu|al|ly ◆◆◆ /� ktʃuəli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use actually to indicate that a situation exists or happened, or to emphasize that it is true. [EMPHASIS ] □� One afternoon, I grew bored and actually fell asleep for a few minutes. □� Interest is only payable on the amount actually borrowed.

2 ADV You use actually when you are correcting or contradicting someone. [EMPHASIS ] □� No, I'm not a student. I'm a doctor, actually. □� 'So it's not a family show then?'�'Well, actually, I think that's exactly what it is.'

3 ADV You can use actually when you are politely expressing an opinion that other people might not have expected from you. [POLITENESS ] □� 'Do you think it's a good idea to socialize with one's patients?'�'Actually, I do, I think it's a great idea.'

4 ADV You use actually to introduce a new topic into a conversation. □� Well actually, John, I rang you for some advice. SYNONYMS actually ADV 1

really:What was really going on?

indeed:He did indeed keep important documents inside his hat.

in fact:We've had a pretty bad time while you were away. In fact, we very nearly split up this time.

genuinely:He was genuinely surprised. USAGE actually

Don�t use actually when you want to say that something is happening now. Use at present , at the moment , or right now . □� He�s in a meeting at the moment .

ac|tu|ari|al /� ktʃueə riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Actuarial means relating to the work of an actuary. □� The company's actuarial report is available on demand.

ac|tu|ary /� ktʃuəri, [AM ] -tʃueri/ (actuaries ) N‑COUNT An actuary is a person who is employed by insurance companies to calculate how much they should charge their clients for insurance.

ac|tu|ate /� ktʃue I t/ (actuates , actuating , actuated )

1 VERB If a person isactuatedby an emotion, that emotion makes them act in a certain way. □�[be V -ed] They were actuated by desire.

2 VERB If something actuates a device, the device starts working. □�[V n] The flow of current actuates the signal.

acu|ity /�kjuː I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Acuity is sharpness of vision or hearing, or quickness of thought. [FORMAL ] □� We work on improving visual acuity.

acu|men /� kjʊmen, [AM ] əkjuː mən/ N‑UNCOUNT Acumen is the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions. □� His sharp business acumen meant he quickly rose to the top.

acu|pres|sure /� kjʊpreʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Acupressure is the treatment of pain by a type of massage in which pressure is put on certain areas of a person's body.

acu|punc|ture /� kjʊpʌŋktʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Acupuncture is the treatment of a person's illness or pain by sticking small needles into their body at certain places.

acu|punc|tur|ist /� kjʊpʌŋktʃər I st/ (acupuncturists ) N‑COUNT An acupuncturist is a person who performs acupuncture.

acute /əkjuː t/

1 ADJ You can use acute to indicate that an undesirable situation or feeling is very severe or intense. □� The report has caused acute embarrassment to the government. □� The labour shortage is becoming acute.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An acute illness is one that becomes severe very quickly but does not last very long. Compare chronic . [MEDICAL ] □� �a patient with acute rheumatoid arthritis.

3 ADJ If a person's or animal's sight, hearing, or sense of smell is acute , it is sensitive and powerful. □� In the dark my sense of hearing becomes so acute.

4 ADJ An acute angle is less than 90�. Compare obtuse angle.

5 ADJ [ADJ n, n ADJ ] An acute accent is a symbol that is placed over vowels in some languages in order to indicate how that vowel is pronounced or over one letter in a word to indicate where it is stressed. You refer to a letter with this accent as, for example, e acute . For example, there is an acute accent over the letter 'e' in the French word 'caf�'.

acute|ly /əkjuː tli/

1 ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] If you feel or notice something acutely , you feel or notice it very strongly. □� He was acutely aware of the odour of cooking oil.

2 ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] If a feeling or quality is acutely unpleasant, it is extremely unpleasant. □� It was an acutely uncomfortable journey back to London.

ad ◆◇◇ /� d/ (ads ) N‑COUNT An ad is an advertisement. [INFORMAL ] □� She replied to a lonely hearts ad.

AD /e I diː / You use AD in dates to indicate the number of years or centuries that have passed since the year in which Jesus Christ is believed to have been born. Compare BC . □� The cathedral was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1136 AD. □� The Roman Empire was divided in the fourth century AD.

ad|age /� d I dʒ/ (adages ) N‑COUNT An adage is something which people often say and which expresses a general truth about some aspect of life. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �the old adage, 'Every baby brings its own love'.

ada|gio /ədɑː dʒioʊ, [AM ] -dʒoʊ/ (adagios )

1 ADV [ADV after v] Adagio written above a piece of music means that it should be played slowly.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An adagio is a piece of music that is played slowly. □� �Samuel Barber's Adagio For Strings. □� �the Adagio movement of his Sixth Symphony.

ada|mant /� dəmənt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If someone is adamantabout something, they are determined not to change their mind about it. □� The prime minister is adamant that he will not resign. □�[+�about ] Sue was adamant about that job in Australia. ●� ada|mant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� She was adamantly opposed to her husband travelling to Brussels.

Adam's ap|ple /� d ə mz � p ə l/ (Adam's apples ) N‑COUNT Your Adam's apple is the lump that sticks out of the front of your neck below your throat.

a|dapt /əd� pt/ (adapts , adapting , adapted )

1 VERB If you adaptto a new situation or adaptyourself to it, you change your ideas or behaviour in order to deal with it successfully. □�[V +�to ] The world will be different, and we will have to be prepared to adapt to the change. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] They have had to adapt themselves to a war economy. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you adapt something, you change it to make it suitable for a new purpose or situation. □�[V n] Shelves were built to adapt the library for use as an office. [Also V n +�to ]

3 VERB If you adapt a book or play, you change it so that it can be made into a film or a television programme. □�[V n] The scriptwriter helped him to adapt his novel for the screen. □�[be V -ed] The film has been adapted from a play of the same title.

4 →�see also adapted

adapt|able /əd� ptəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe a person or animal as adaptable , you mean that they are able to change their ideas or behaviour in order to deal with new situations. □� �a more adaptable and skilled workforce. ●� adapt|abil|ity /əd� ptəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The adaptability of wool is one of its great attractions.

ad|ap|ta|tion /� d�pte I ʃ ə n/ (adaptations )

1 N‑COUNT An adaptation of a book or play is a film or a television programme that is based on it. □�[+�of ] �Branagh's screen adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry the Fifth.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Adaptation is the act of changing something or changing your behaviour to make it suitable for a new purpose or situation. □� Most living creatures are capable of adaptation when compelled to do so.

a|dapt|ed /əd� pt I d/ ADJ If something is adapted to a particular situation or purpose, it is especially suitable for it. □�[+�to/for ] The camel's feet, well adapted for dry sand, are useless on mud.

adap|tion /əd� pʃ ə n/ (adaptions ) N‑VAR Adaption means the same as adaptation .

adap|tive /əd� pt I v/ ADJ Adaptive means having the ability or tendency to adapt to different situations. [FORMAL ] □� Societies need to develop highly adaptive behavioural rules for survival.

adap|tor /əd� ptə r / (adaptors ) also adapter

1 N‑COUNT An adaptor is a special device for connecting electrical equipment to a power supply, or for connecting different pieces of electrical or electronic equipment together.

2 N‑COUNT The adaptor of a book or play is the person who rewrites it for a film or a television programme.

add ◆◆◆ /� d/ (adds , adding , added )

1 VERB If you add one thing to another, you put it in or on the other thing, to increase, complete, or improve it. □�[V n +�to ] Add the grated cheese to the sauce. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Since 1908, chlorine has been added to drinking water. □�[V n +�to ] He wants to add a huge sports complex to Binfield Manor. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you add numbers or amounts together , you calculate their total. □�[V n with together ] Banks add all the interest and other charges together. □�[V -ed together ] Two and three added together are five. ●�PHRASAL VERB Add up means the same as add . □�[V P ] More than a quarter of seven year-olds cannot add up properly. □�[V n P ] We just added all the numbers up and divided one by the other. □�[V P ] He said the numbers simply did not add up.

3 VERB If one thing addsto another, it makes the other thing greater in degree or amount. □�[V +�to ] This latest incident will add to the pressure on the government.

4 VERB To add a particular quality to something means to cause it to have that quality. □�[V n] The generous amount of garlic adds flavour. □�[V n +�to ] Pictures add interest to plain painted walls.

5 VERB If you add something when you are speaking, you say something more. □�[V with quote] 'You can tell that he is extremely embarrassed,' Mr Brigden added. □�[V that] The President agreed, adding that he hoped for a peaceful solution.

6to add insult to injury →�see insult

▸� add in PHRASAL VERB If you add in something, you include it as a part of something else. □�[V P n] Once the vegetables start to cook add in a couple of tablespoons of water.

▸� add on

1 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If one thing is added on to another, it is attached to the other thing, or is made a part of it. □�[V P n] Holiday-makers can also add on a week in Majorca before or after the cruise. □�[V -ed P ] To the rear is a large dining room�added on early this century.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you add on an extra amount or item to a list or total, you include it. □�[V P n] Many loan application forms automatically add on insurance. [Also V n P ]

▸� add up

1 →�see add2

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu with neg] If facts or events do not add up , they make you confused about a situation because they do not seem to be consistent. If something that someone has said or done adds up , it is reasonable and sensible. □�[V P ] Police said they arrested Olivia because her statements did not add up.

3 PHRASAL VERB If small amounts of something add up , they gradually increase. □�[V P ] Even small savings can add up.

▸� add up to PHRASAL VERB If amounts add up to a particular total, they result in that total when they are put together. □�[V P P n] For a hit show, profits can add up to millions of dollars. SYNONYMS add VERB

1

include:The President is expected to include this idea in his education plan.

attach:The gadget can be attached to any vertical surface.

supplement:I suggest supplementing your diet with vitamins E and A.

append:Violet appended a note at the end of the letter.

2

count:I counted 34 wild goats grazing.

calculate:From this you can calculate the total mass in the Galaxy.

add up:It's good to be able to add up quickly.

total:They haven't totalled the exact figures.

ADD /e I diː diː / ADD is an abbreviation for attention deficit disorder .

add|ed /� d I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use added to say that something has more of a particular thing or quality. □� For added protection choose a lipstick with a sun screen.

a dd|ed va lue N‑UNCOUNT In marketing, added value is something which makes a product more appealing to customers. [BUSINESS ]

ad|den|dum /əde ndəm/ (addenda /əde ndə/) N‑COUNT An addendum is an additional section at the end of a book or document.

add|er /� də r / (adders ) N‑COUNT In Europe and Asia, an adder is a small poisonous snake that has a black pattern on its back. In North America, a number of different poisonous and non-poisonous snakes are called adders .

ad|dict /� d I kt/ (addicts )

1 N‑COUNT An addict is someone who takes harmful drugs and cannot stop taking them. □� He's only 24 years old and a drug addict.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is an addict , you mean that they like a particular activity very much and spend as much time doing it as they can. □� She is a TV addict and watches as much as she can.

ad|dict|ed /əd I kt I d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is addictedto a harmful drug cannot stop taking it. □�[+�to ] Many of the women are addicted to heroin and cocaine.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is addictedto something, you mean that they like it very much and want to spend as much time doing it as possible. □�[+�to ] She had become addicted to golf.

ad|dic|tion /əd I kʃ ə n/ (addictions )

1 N‑VAR [oft n N ] Addiction is the condition of taking harmful drugs and being unable to stop taking them. □� She helped him fight his drug addiction. □�[+�to ] �long-term addiction to nicotine.

2 N‑VAR An addictionto something is a very strong desire or need for it. □�[+�to ] He needed money to feed his addiction to gambling.

ad|dic|tive /əd I kt I v/

1 ADJ If a drug is addictive , people who take it cannot stop taking it. □� Cigarettes are highly addictive. □� Crack is the most addictive drug on the market.

2 ADJ Something that is addictive is so enjoyable that it makes you want to do it or have it a lot. □� This Japanese-developed game quickly becomes addictive.

ad|di|tion ◆◆◇ /əd I ʃ ə n/ (additions )

1 PHRASE You use in addition when you want to mention another item connected with the subject you are discussing. □� Part-time English classes are offered. In addition, students can take classes in other languages. □�[+�to ] There's a postage and packing fee in addition to the repair charge.

2 N‑COUNT An additionto something is a thing which is added to it. □�[+�to ] Most would agree that this particular use of technology is a worthy addition to the game.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Theadditionof something is the fact that it is added to something else. □�[+�of ] It was completely refurbished in 1987, with the addition of a picnic site.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Addition is the process of calculating the total of two or more numbers. □� �simple addition and subtraction problems.

ad|di|tion|al ◆◇◇ /əd I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Additional things are extra things apart from the ones already present. □� The U.S. is sending additional troops to the region. □� The insurer will also have to pay the additional costs of the trial. SYNONYMS additional ADJ

extra:Extra staff have been taken on to cover busy periods.

further:They believed there were likely to be further attacks.

supplementary:Provide them with additional background or with supplementary information.

spare:Don't forget to take a few spare batteries.

ad|di|tion|al|ly /əd I ʃənəli/

1 ADV You use additionally to introduce something extra such as an extra fact or reason. [FORMAL ] □� You can pay bills over the Internet. Additionally, you can check your balance or order statements.

2 ADV [ADV with v] Additionally is used to say that something happens to a greater extent than before. □� The birds are additionally protected in the reserves at Birsay.

ad|di|tive /� d I t I v/ (additives ) N‑COUNT An additive is a substance which is added in small amounts to foods or other things in order to improve them or to make them last longer. □� Strict safety tests are carried out on food additives.

ad|dle /� d ə l/ (addles , addling , addled ) VERB If something addles someone's mind or brain, they become confused and unable to think properly. □�[V n] I suppose the shock had addled his poor old brain.

ad|dled /� d ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as addled , you mean that they are confused or unable to think properly. □� You're talking like an addled romantic.

a dd-on (add-ons ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An add-on is an extra piece of equipment, especially computer equipment, that can be added to a larger one which you already own in order to improve its performance or its usefulness. □�[+�for ] Speakers are sold as add-ons for personal stereos.

ad|dress ◆◆◇ /ədre s, [AM ] � dres/ (addresses , addressing , addressed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your address is the number of the house, flat, or apartment and the name of the street and the town where you live or work. □� The address is 2025 M Street, Northwest, Washington, DC, 20036. □� We require details of your name and address.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a letter, envelope, or parcel is addressed to you, your name and address have been written on it. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Applications should be addressed to: The business affairs editor.

3 N‑COUNT The address of a website is its location on the internet, for example http://www.collinsdictionary.com. [COMPUTING ]

4 VERB If you address a group of people, you give a speech to them. □�[V n] He is due to address a conference on human rights next week. ●�N‑COUNT Address is also a noun. □�[+�to ] The President gave an address to the American people.

5 VERB If you address someone or address a remark to them, you say something to them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The two foreign ministers did not address each other directly when they last met. □�[V n +�to ] He addressed his remarks to Eleanor, ignoring Maria.

6 VERB If you address a problem or task or if you addressyourself to it, you try to understand it or deal with it. □�[V n] Mr King sought to address those fears when he spoke at the meeting. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] Throughout the book we have addressed ourselves to the problem of ethics. COLLOCATIONS address VERB

5

address+�noun : audience, crowd, gathering, rally; conference, meeting

8

address+�noun : concern, issue, problem, question; challenge, crisis, shortage, situation

address+�adverb : adequately, appropriately, effectively, properly, satisfactorily; immediately, urgently

ad|dre ss book (address books )

1 N‑COUNT An address book is a book in which you write people's names and addresses.

2 N‑COUNT An address book is a computer file which contains a list of email addresses. [COMPUTING ]

ad|dressee /� dresiː / (addressees ) N‑COUNT The addressee of a letter or parcel is the person or company that it is addressed to. [FORMAL ]

ad|duce /�djuː s, [AM ] -duː s/ (adduces , adducing , adduced ) VERB If you adduce something such as a fact or reason, you mention it in order to support an argument. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We can adduce evidence to support the claim.

ad|enoids /� d I nɔ I dz/ N‑PLURAL Adenoids are soft lumps of flesh at the back and top of a person's throat that sometimes become swollen and have to be removed.

adept /�de pt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is adeptat something can do it skilfully. □�[+�at ] He's usually very adept at keeping his private life out of the media. ●� adept|ly /�de ptli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� The therapist adeptly manipulated and massaged my body.

ad|equa|cy /� d I kwəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Adequacy is the quality of being good enough or great enough in amount to be acceptable.

ad|equate ◆◇◇ /� d I kwət/ ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If something is adequate , there is enough of it or it is good enough to be used or accepted. □� One in four people worldwide are without adequate homes. □� The old methods weren't adequate to meet current needs. [Also +�for ] ●� ad|equate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Many students are not adequately prepared for higher education. □� I speak the language adequately.

ADHD /e I diː e I tʃ diː / ADHD is an abbreviation for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder .

ad|here /�dh I ə r / (adheres , adhering , adhered )

1 VERB If you adhereto a rule or agreement, you act in the way that it says you should. □�[V +�to ] All members of the association adhere to a strict code of practice.

2 VERB If you adhereto an opinion or belief, you support or hold it. □�[V +�to ] If you can't adhere to my values, then you have to find another place to live.

3 VERB If something adheresto something else, it sticks firmly to it. □�[V +�to ] Small particles adhere to the seed. □�[V adv/prep] This sticky compound adheres well on this surface. [Also V ]

ad|her|ence /�dh I ə rəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Adherence is the fact of adhering to a particular rule, agreement, or belief. □�[+�to ] �strict adherence to the constitution.

ad|her|ent /�dh I ə rənt/ (adherents ) N‑COUNT An adherent is someone who holds a particular belief or supports a particular person or group. □� This idea is gaining adherents.

ad|he|sion /�dhiː ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Adhesion is the ability of one thing to stick firmly to another. [FORMAL ] □� Better driving equipment will improve track adhesion in slippery conditions.

ad|he|sive /�dhiː s I v/ (adhesives )

1 N‑VAR An adhesive is a substance such as glue, which is used to make things stick firmly together. □� Glue the mirror in with a strong adhesive.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An adhesive substance is able to stick firmly to something else. □� �adhesive tape.

ad hoc /� d hɒ k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ad hoc activity or organization is done or formed only because a situation has made it necessary and is not planned in advance. □� The Council meets on an ad hoc basis to discuss problems.

adieu /ədjuː / (adieus ) CONVENTION Adieu means the same as goodbye . [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ]

ad in|fi|ni|tum /� d I nf I na I təm/ ADV [ADV after v] If something happens ad infinitum , it is repeated again and again in the same way. □� This cycle repeats itself ad infinitum.

adj.Adj. is a written abbreviation for adjective .

ad|ja|cent /ədʒe I s ə nt/ ADJ If one thing is adjacentto another, the two things are next to each other. □� He sat in an adjacent room and waited. □�[+�to ] �offices adjacent to the museum.

ad|jec|ti|val /� dʒ I kta I v ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Adjectival means relating to adjectives or like an adjective. □� �an adjectival phrase.

ad|jec|tive /� dʒ I kt I v/ (adjectives ) N‑COUNT An adjective is a word such as 'big', 'dead', or 'financial' that describes a person or thing, or gives extra information about them. Adjectives usually come before nouns or after link verbs.

a d|jec|tive group (adjective groups ) N‑COUNT An adjective group or adjectival group is a group of words based on an adjective, such as 'very nice' or 'interested in football'. An adjective group can also consist simply of an adjective.

ad|join /ədʒɔ I n/ (adjoins , adjoining , adjoined ) VERB If one room, place, or object adjoins another, they are next to each other. [FORMAL ]

ad|journ /ədʒɜː r n/ (adjourns , adjourning , adjourned ) VERB If a meeting or trial is adjourned or if it adjourns , it is stopped for a short time. □�[be V -ed] The proceedings have now been adjourned until next week. □�[V ] I am afraid the court may not adjourn until three or even later.

ad|journ|ment /ədʒɜː r nmənt/ (adjournments ) N‑COUNT An adjournment is a temporary stopping of a trial, enquiry, or other meeting. □� The court ordered a four month adjournment.

ad|judge /ədʒʌ dʒ/ (adjudges , adjudging , adjudged ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is adjudgedto be something, they are judged or considered to be that thing. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] He was adjudged to be guilty. □�[be V -ed n] He was adjudged the winner by 54 votes to 3.

ad|ju|di|cate /ədʒuː d I ke I t/ (adjudicates , adjudicating , adjudicated ) VERB If you adjudicateon a dispute or problem, you make an official judgment or decision about it. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep] �a commissioner to adjudicate on legal rights. □�[V n] The international court of justice might be a suitable place to adjudicate claims. [Also V ] ●� ad|ju|di|ca|tion /ədʒuː d I ke I ʃ ə n/ (adjudications ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �unbiased adjudication of cases of unfair dismissal. ●� ad|ju|di|ca|tor /ədʒuː d I ke I tə r / (adjudicators ) N‑COUNT □� �an independent adjudicator.

ad|junct /� dʒʌŋkt/ (adjuncts )

1 N‑COUNT Something that is an adjunctto something larger or more important is connected with it or helps to perform the same task. □�[+�to ] Physical therapy is an important adjunct to drug treatments. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑COUNT In grammar, an adjunct is a word or group of words which indicates the circumstances of an action, event, or situation. An adjunct is usually a prepositional phrase or an adverb group.

ad|just ◆◇◇ /ədʒʌ st/ (adjusts , adjusting , adjusted )

1 VERB When you adjustto a new situation, you get used to it by changing your behaviour or your ideas. □�[V n +�to ] We have been preparing our fighters to adjust themselves to civil society. □�[V +�to ] I felt I had adjusted to the idea of being a mother very well. □�[V ] It has been hard to adjust but now I'm getting satisfaction from my work. [Also V adv]

2 →�see also well-adjusted

3 VERB If you adjust something, you change it so that it is more effective or appropriate. □�[V n] To attract investors, the government has adjusted its tax and labour laws.

4 VERB If you adjust something such as your clothing or a machine, you correct or alter its position or setting. □�[V n] Liz adjusted her mirror and then edged the car out of its parking bay.

5 VERB If you adjust your vision or if your vision adjusts , the muscles of your eye or the pupils alter to cope with changes in light or distance. □�[V n] He stopped to try to adjust his vision to the faint starlight. □�[V ] We stood in the doorway until our eyes adjusted. SYNONYMS adjust VERB

1

adapt:They have had to adapt themselves to a war economy.

accommodate:Some animal and plant species cannot accommodate to the rapidly changing conditions.

get used:This is how we do things here. You'll soon get used to it.

accustom:The team has accustomed itself to the pace of first division rugby.

3

alter:They have never altered their programmes by a single day.

adapt:Shelves were built to adapt the library for use as an office.

revise:The staff should work together to revise the school curriculum.

modify:The club members did agree to modify their recruitment policy.

amend:The president agreed to amend the constitution and allow multi-party elections.

ad|just|able /ədʒʌ stəb ə l/ ADJ If something is adjustable , it can be changed to different positions or sizes. □� The bags have adjustable shoulder straps. □� The seats are fully adjustable.

ad|just|er /ədʒʌ stə r / (adjusters ) also adjustor

1 N‑COUNT An adjuster is a device which allows you to alter a piece of equipment's position or setting. □� �a seat belt adjuster.

2 →�see also loss adjuster

ad|just|ment /ədʒʌ stmənt/ (adjustments )

1 N‑COUNT An adjustment is a small change that is made to something such as a machine or a way of doing something. □�[+�to ] Compensation could be made by adjustments to taxation. □�[+�for ] Investment is up by 5.7% after adjustment for inflation. [Also +�in ]

2 N‑COUNT An adjustment is a change in a person's behaviour or thinking. □�[+�to ] He will have to make major adjustments to his thinking if he is to survive in office.

ad|ju|tant /� dʒʊtənt/ (adjutants ) N‑COUNT An adjutant is an officer in the army who deals with administrative work.

a d-li b (ad-libs , ad-libbing , ad-libbed ) also ad lib

1 VERB If you ad-lib something in a play or a speech, you say something which has not been planned or written beforehand. □�[V n] He began comically ad-libbing a script. □�[V n] He's good at ad-libbing his way out of trouble. □�[V ] He is rather disjointed when he ad-libs. □�[V -ed] �ad-libbed phrases.

2 N‑COUNT An ad-lib is something which is said without having been planned or written beforehand. □� Every time I fluffed a line Lenny got me out of trouble with a brilliant ad-lib. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Ad lib is also an adverb. □� I spoke from the pulpit ad lib.

ad|man /� dm�n/ (admen ) N‑COUNT An adman is someone who works in advertising. [INFORMAL ]

ad|min /� dm I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Admin is the activity or process of organizing an institution or organization. [INFORMAL ] □� I have two assistants who help with the admin.

ad|min|is|ter /�dm I n I stə r / (administers , administering , administered )

1 VERB If someone administers something such as a country, the law, or a test, they take responsibility for organizing and supervising it. □�[V n] The plan calls for the U.N. to administer the country until elections can be held. [Also V n to n]

2 VERB If a doctor or a nurse administers a drug, they give it to a patient. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Paramedics are trained to administer certain drugs. [Also V n +�to ]

ad|min|is|tra|tion ◆◆◇ /�dm I n I stre I ʃ ə n/ (administrations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Administration is the range of activities connected with organizing and supervising the way that an organization or institution functions. □� Too much time is spent on administration. □� �a master's degree in business administration.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The administration of something is the process of organizing and supervising it. □�[+�of ] Standards in the administration of justice have degenerated.

3 N‑SING [usu n N ] The administration of a company or institution is the group of people who organize and supervise it. □� � a member of the college administration.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to a country's government as theadministration ; used especially in the United States. SYNONYMS administration NOUN 2

management:The dispute is about the management of the mining industry.

government:The first four years of government were completely disastrous.

control:The restructuring involves Mr Ronson giving up control of the company.

running:�the committee in charge of the day-to-day running of the party.

ad|min|is|tra|tive /�dm I n I strət I v, [AM ] -stre I t-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Administrative work involves organizing and supervising an organization or institution. □� Other industries have had to sack managers to reduce administrative costs.

ad|min|is|tra|tor /�dm I n I stre I tə r / (administrators ) N‑COUNT An administrator is a person whose job involves helping to organize and supervise the way that an organization or institution functions.

ad|mi|rable /� dm I rəb ə l/ ADJ An admirable quality or action is one that deserves to be praised and admired. □� Beyton is an admirable character. ●� ad|mi|rably /� dm I rəbli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� Peter had dealt admirably with the sudden questions about Keith.

ad|mi|ral /� dmərəl/ (admirals ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An admiral is a senior officer in a navy. □� �Admiral Hodges.

Ad|mi|ral|ty /� dmərəlti/ N‑PROPER In Britain, the Admiralty is the government department that is in charge of the navy.

ad|mi|ra|tion /� dm I re I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [in N ] Admiration is a feeling of great liking and respect for a person or thing. □�[+�for ] I have always had the greatest admiration for him. [Also +�of ]

ad|mire ◆◇◇ /ədma I ə r / (admires , admiring , admired )

1 VERB If you admire someone or something, you like and respect them very much. □�[V n] He admired the way she had coped with life. □�[V n +�for ] All those who knew him will admire him for his work.

2 VERB If you admire someone or something, you look at them with pleasure. □�[V n] We took time to stop and admire the view.

3 →�see also admiring SYNONYMS admire VERB 1

respect:I want him to respect me as a career woman.

look up to:You're a popular girl, Grace, and a lot of the younger ones look up to you.

revere:Today he's still revered as the father of the nation.

ad|mir|er /ədma I ə rə r / (admirers ) N‑COUNT If you are an admirer of someone, you like and respect them or their work very much. □�[+�of ] He was an admirer of her grandfather's paintings.

ad|mir|ing /ədma I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An admiring expression shows that you like or respect someone or something. □� He cast her an admiring glance.

ad|mis|sible /�dm I s I b ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If evidence is admissible , it is allowed in a court of law. □� Convictions will rise steeply now photographic evidence is admissible.

ad|mis|sion /�dm I ʃ ə n/ (admissions )

1 N‑VAR Admission is permission given to a person to enter a place, or permission given to a country to enter an organization. Admission is also the act of entering a place. □�[+�to ] Students apply for admission to a particular college. □�[+�of ] �an increase in hospital admissions of children.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft N n] Admissions to a place such as a school or university are the people who are allowed to enter or join it. □� Each school sets its own admissions policy.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Admission at a park, museum, or other place is the amount of money that you pay to enter it. □� Gates open at 10.30am and admission is free. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [N n] Admission is also used before a noun. □� The admission price is $8 for adults.

4 N‑VAR [N that] An admission is a statement that something bad, unpleasant, or embarrassing is true. □� By his own admission, he is not playing well. [Also +�of ]

ad|mit ◆◆◇ /�dm I t/ (admits , admitting , admitted )

1 VERB If you admit that something bad, unpleasant, or embarrassing is true, you agree, often unwillingly, that it is true. □�[V that] I am willing to admit that I do make mistakes. □�[V +�to ] Up to two thirds of 14 to 16 year olds admit to buying drink illegally. □�[V v-ing] I'd be ashamed to admit feeling jealous. □�[V n] None of these people will admit responsibility for their actions. □�[V with quote] 'Actually, most of my tennis is at club level,' he admitted.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is admittedto hospital, they are taken into hospital for treatment and kept there until they are well enough to go home. □�[be V -ed +�to ] She was admitted to hospital with a soaring temperature. □�[be V -ed] He was admitted yesterday for treatment of blood clots in his lungs.

3 VERB If someone is admittedto an organization or group, they are allowed to join it. □�[be V -ed +�to ] He was admitted to the Acad�mie Culinaire de France. □�[V n] �the continued survival of men's clubs where there is often great resistance to admitting women.

4 VERB To admit someone to a place means to allow them to enter it. □�[V n] Embassy security personnel refused to admit him or his wife. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Journalists are rarely admitted to the region. SYNONYMS admit VERB 1

confess:He had confessed to seventeen murders.

own up:The headmaster is waiting for someone to own up.

allow:Warren also allows that capitalist development may result in increased social inequality. COLLOCATIONS admit VERB 1

admit+�noun : guilt, liability, responsibility, wrongdoing; defeat; error, mistake; charge, offence; assault, fraud, manslaughter, murder, theft

admit+�adverb : privately, publicly; candidly, cheerfully, freely, openly, readily; grudgingly, reluctantly, ruefully, sheepishly

ad|mit|tance /�dm I t ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Admittance is the act of entering a place or institution or the right to enter it. □�[+�into/to ] We had not been able to gain admittance to the flat.

ad|mit|ted|ly /�dm I t I dli/ ADV You use admittedly when you are saying something which weakens the importance or force of your statement. □� It's only a theory, admittedly, but the pieces fit together.

ad|mix|ture /�dm I kstʃə r / N‑SING Admixture means the same as mixture . [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �an admixture of fact and fantasy.

ad|mon|ish /�dmɒ n I ʃ/ (admonishes , admonishing , admonished ) VERB If you admonish someone, you tell them very seriously that they have done something wrong. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�for ] They admonished me for taking risks with my health. □�[V n with quote] She admonished him gently, 'You should rest, not talk so much.' [Also V n, V n to-inf] ●� ad|mon|ish|ment (admonishments ) N‑VAR □� Sometimes he gave them a severe admonishment.

ad|moni|tion /� dmən I ʃ ə n/ (admonitions ) N‑VAR An admonition is a warning or criticism about someone's behaviour. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] She ignored the admonitions of her mother.

a d nau |seam PHRASE If someone does something ad nauseam , they do it repeatedly and over a long period of time so that it becomes annoying or boring. □� We discussed it ad nauseam.

ado /əduː / PHRASE If you do something without further ado or without more ado , you do it at once and do not discuss or delay it any longer. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� 'And now, without further ado, let me introduce our benefactor.'

ado|be /ədoʊ bi/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Adobe is a mixture of mud and straw that is dried into bricks in the sun and used for building, especially in hot countries. □� �a few blocks of adobe houses.

ado|les|cence /� dəle s ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Adolescence is the period of your life in which you develop from being a child into being an adult. □� Some people become very self-conscious in adolescence.

ado|les|cent /� dəle s ə nt/ (adolescents ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Adolescent is used to describe young people who are no longer children but who have not yet become adults. It also refers to their behaviour. □� It is important that an adolescent boy should have an adult in whom he can confide. ●�N‑COUNT An adolescent is an adolescent boy or girl. □� Young adolescents are happiest with small groups of close friends.

adopt ◆◆◇ /ədɒ pt/ (adopts , adopting , adopted )

1 VERB If you adopt a new attitude, plan, or way of behaving, you begin to have it. □�[V n] Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the complete withdrawal of troops. [Also V n as n] ●� adop|tion /ədɒ pʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the adoption of Japanese management practices by British manufacturing.

2 VERB If you adopt someone else's child, you take it into your own family and make it legally your son or daughter. □�[V n] There are hundreds of people desperate to adopt a child. □�[V -ed] The adopted child has the right to see his birth certificate. [Also V ] ●� adopt|er (adopters ) N‑COUNT □� A social worker is appointed to interview the prospective adopters. ●� adop|tion (adoptions ) N‑VAR □� They gave their babies up for adoption. SYNONYMS adopt VERB

1

take on:Don't take on more responsibilities than you can handle.

embrace:The new rules have been embraced by government watchdog organizations.

assume:He contented himself by assuming an air of superiority.

2

take in:The monastery has taken in 26 refugees.

foster:She has since gone on to find happiness by fostering more than 100 children.

adop|tive /ədɒ pt I v/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone's adoptive family is the family that adopted them. □� He was brought up by adoptive parents in London.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone's adoptive country or city is the one that they choose for their home, although they were not born there. □� They threatened to expel him from his adoptive country.

ador|able /ədɔː rəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is adorable , you are emphasizing that they are very attractive and you feel great affection for them. [EMPHASIS ] □� We have three adorable children.

ado|ra|tion /� dɔːre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Adoration is a feeling of great admiration and love for someone or something. □� He had been used to female adoration all his life.

adore /ədɔː r / (adores , adoring , adored )

1 VERB [no cont] If you adore someone, you feel great love and admiration for them. □�[V n] She adored her parents and would do anything to please them.

2 VERB [no cont] If you adore something, you like it very much. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] My mother adores bananas and eats two a day.

ador|ing /ədɔː r I ŋ/ ADJ An adoring person is someone who loves and admires another person very much. □� She can still pull in adoring audiences. ●� ador|ing|ly ADV □� �gazing adoringly at him.

adorn /ədɔː r n/ (adorns , adorning , adorned ) VERB If something adorns a place or an object, it makes it look more beautiful. □�[V n] His watercolour designs adorn a wide range of books.

adorn|ment /ədɔː r nmənt/ (adornments )

1 N‑VAR An adornment is something that is used to make a person or thing more beautiful. □� It was a building without any adornment or decoration.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Adornment is the process of making something more beautiful by adding something to it. □� Cosmetics are used for adornment.

adrena|lin /ədre nəl I n/ also adrenaline N‑UNCOUNT Adrenalin is a substance which your body produces when you are angry, scared, or excited. It makes your heart beat faster and gives you more energy. □� Seeing the crowd really got my adrenalin pumping.

adrift /ədr I ft/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a boat is adrift , it is floating on the water and is not tied to anything or controlled by anyone. □� They were spotted after three hours adrift in a dinghy.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is adrift , they feel alone with no clear idea of what they should do. □� Amy had the growing sense that she was adrift and isolated.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If something comes adrift , it is no longer attached to an object that it should be part of. [BRIT ] □�[+�from ] Three insulating panels had come adrift from the base of the vehicle.

adroit /ədrɔ I t/ ADJ Someone who is adroit is quick and skilful in their thoughts, behaviour, or actions. □� She is a remarkably adroit and determined politician.

ADSL /e I diː es e l/ ADSL is a method of transmitting digital information at high speed over telephone lines. ADSL is an abbreviation for 'asynchronous digital subscriber line'. [COMPUTING ] □� ADSL is always on, which makes your PC much more vulnerable to hacking.

adu|la|tion /� dʒʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Adulation is uncritical admiration and praise of someone or something. □� The book was received with adulation by critics.

adu|la|tory /� dʒʊle I təri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone makes an adulatory comment about someone, they praise them and show their admiration of them. □� �adulatory reviews.

adult ◆◆◇ /� dʌlt, [AM ] ədʌ lt/ (adults )

1 N‑COUNT An adult is a mature, fully developed person. An adult has reached the age when they are legally responsible for their actions. □� Becoming a father signified that he was now an adult. □� Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An adult is a fully developed animal. □� �a pair of adult birds.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Adult means relating to the time when you are an adult, or typical of adult people. □� I've lived most of my adult life in London.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is adult about something, you think that they act in a mature, intelligent way, especially when faced with a difficult situation. [APPROVAL ] □� We were very adult about it. We discussed it rationally over a drink.

5 ADJ You can describe things such as films or books as adult when they deal with sex in a very clear and open way. □� �an adult movie. SYNONYMS adult ADJ 3

grown-up:I have grown-up children who're doing well.

mature:He was a man of mature years.

a dult edu|ca |tion N‑UNCOUNT Adult education is education for adults in a variety of subjects, most of which are practical, not academic. Classes are often held in the evenings. □� Most adult education centres offer computing courses.

adul|ter|ate /ədʌ ltəre I t/ (adulterates , adulterating , adulterated ) VERB [usu passive] If something such as food or drink is adulterated , someone has made its quality worse by adding water or cheaper products to it. □�[be V -ed] The food had been adulterated to increase its weight. ●� adul|tera|tion /ədʌ ltəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the adulteration of tobacco.

adul|ter|er /ədʌ ltərə r / (adulterers ) N‑COUNT An adulterer is someone who commits adultery.

adul|ter|ess /ədʌ ltr I s/ (adulteresses ) N‑COUNT An adulteress is a woman who commits adultery. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

adul|ter|ous /ədʌ ltərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An adulterous relationship is a sexual relationship between a married person and someone they are not married to. An adulterous person is someone who commits adultery.

adul|tery /ədʌ ltəri/ N‑UNCOUNT If a married person commits adultery , they have sex with someone that they are not married to. □� She is going to divorce him on the grounds of adultery.

adult|hood /� dʌlthʊd, [AM ] ədʌ lt-/ N‑UNCOUNT Adulthood is the state of being an adult. □� Few people nowadays are able to maintain friendships into adulthood.

adv.Adv. is a written abbreviation for adverb .

ad|vance ◆◆◇ /�dvɑː ns, -v� ns/ (advances , advancing , advanced )

1 VERB To advance means to move forward, often in order to attack someone. □�[V prep/adv] The Allies began advancing on the city in 1943. □�[V ] The water is advancing at a rate of 5cm a day. □�[V -ing] �a picture of a man throwing himself before an advancing tank.

2 VERB To advance means to make progress, especially in your knowledge of something. □�[V ] Medical technology has advanced considerably.

3 →�see also advanced

4 VERB If you advance someone a sum of money, you lend it to them, or pay it to them earlier than arranged. □�[V n n] I advanced him some money, which he would repay on our way home. □�[V n] The bank advanced $1.2 billion to help the country with debt repayments.

5 N‑COUNT An advance is money which is lent or paid to someone before they would normally receive it. □� She was paid a �100,000 advance for her next two novels.

6 VERB To advance an event, or the time or date of an event, means to bring it forward to an earlier time or date. □�[V n] Too much protein in the diet may advance the ageing process.

7 VERB If you advance a cause, interest, or claim, you support it and help to make it successful. □�[V n] When not producing art of his own, Oliver was busy advancing the work of others.

8 VERB [usu passive] When a theory or argument is advanced , it is put forward for discussion. □�[be V -ed] Many theories have been advanced as to why some women suffer from depression.

9 N‑VAR An advance is a forward movement of people or vehicles, usually as part of a military operation. □�[+�on ] �an advance on enemy positions.

10 N‑VAR An advance in a particular subject or activity is progress in understanding it or in doing it well. □� �the technological advances of the last four decades.

11 N‑SING If something is an advanceon what was previously available or done, it is better in some way. □�[+�on ] This could be an advance on the present situation.

12 ADJ [ADJ n] Advance booking, notice, or warning is done or given before an event happens. □� They don't normally give any advance notice about which building they're going to inspect.

13 ADJ [ADJ n] An advance party or group is a small group of people who go on ahead of the main group. □� The 20-strong advance party will be followed by another 600 soldiers.

14 PHRASE If one thing happens or is done in advance of another, it happens or is done before the other thing. □� I had asked everyone to submit questions in advance of the meeting.

15 PHRASE If you do something in advance , you do it before a particular date or event. □� The subject of the talk is announced a week in advance.

ad|vanced ◆◇◇ /�dvɑː nst, -v� nst/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An advanced system, method, or design is modern and has been developed from an earlier version of the same thing. □� Without more training or advanced technical skills, they'll lose their jobs.

2 ADJ A country that is advanced has reached a high level of industrial or technological development. □� �a technologically advanced society.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An advanced student has already learned the basic facts of a subject and is doing more difficult work. An advanced course of study is designed for such students. □� The course is suitable for beginners and advanced students.

4 ADJ Something that is at an advanced stage or level is at a late stage of development. □� 'Medicare' is available to victims of advanced kidney disease. SYNONYMS advanced ADJ 1

sophisticated:�a large and sophisticated new British telescope.

up-to-date:This is Germany's most up to date electric power station.

state-of-the-art:�the production of state-of-the-art military equipment.

latest:I got to drive the latest model.

ad|vance|ment /�dvɑː nsmənt, -v� ns-/ (advancements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Advancement is progress in your job or in your social position. □� He cared little for social advancement.

2 N‑VAR The advancementof something is the process of helping it to progress or the result of its progress. □�[+�of ] �her work for the advancement of the status of women.

ad|van|tage ◆◆◇ /�dvɑː nt I dʒ, -v� n-/ (advantages )

1 N‑COUNT An advantage is something that puts you in a better position than other people. □�[+�over ] They are deliberately flouting the law in order to obtain an advantage over their competitors. □�[+�to ] A good crowd will be a definite advantage to me and the rest of the team.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Advantage is the state of being in a better position than others who are competing against you. □� Men have created a social and economic position of advantage for themselves over women.

3 N‑COUNT An advantage is a way in which one thing is better than another. □�[+�over ] This custom-built kitchen has many advantages over a standard one.

4 PHRASE If you take advantage of something, you make good use of it while you can. □� I intend to take full advantage of this trip to buy the things we need.

5 PHRASE If someone takes advantage of you, they treat you unfairly for their own benefit, especially when you are trying to be kind or to help them. □� He felt the church was taking advantage of her and pushing her to work too many hours.

6 PHRASE If you use or turn something to your advantage , you use it in order to benefit from it, especially when it might be expected to harm or damage you. □� The government have not been able to turn today's demonstration to their advantage. SYNONYMS advantage NOUN 3

benefit:I'm a great believer in the benefits of this form of therapy.

asset:Her leadership qualities were the greatest asset of the Conservative Party.

perk:One of the perks of being a student is cheap travel.

plus:Experience of any career in sales is a big plus.

ad|van|taged /�dvɑː nt I dʒd, -v� n-/ ADJ A person or place that is advantaged is in a better social or financial position than other people or places. □� Some cities are always going to be more advantaged.

ad|van|ta|geous /� dvənte I dʒəs/ ADJ If something is advantageousto you, it is likely to benefit you. □�[+�to ] Free exchange of goods was advantageous to all.

ad|vent /� dvent/ N‑UNCOUNT Theadventof an important event, invention, or situation is the fact of it starting or coming into existence. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the leap forward in communication made possible by the advent of the mobile phone.

Ad|vent N‑UNCOUNT In the Christian church, Advent is the period between Advent Sunday, the Sunday closest to the 30th of November, and Christmas Day.

ad|ven|ture /�dve ntʃə r / (adventures )

1 N‑COUNT If someone has an adventure , they become involved in an unusual, exciting, and rather dangerous journey or series of events. □� I set off for a new adventure in the United States.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Adventure is excitement and willingness to do new, unusual, or rather dangerous things. □� Their cultural backgrounds gave them a spirit of adventure.

ad|ve n|ture pla y|ground (adventure playgrounds ) N‑COUNT An adventure playground is an area of land for children to play in, usually in cities or in a park. It has wooden structures and equipment such as ropes, nets, and rubber tyres. [BRIT ]

ad|ven|tur|er /�dve ntʃərə r / (adventurers ) N‑COUNT An adventurer is a person who enjoys going to new, unusual, and exciting places.

ad|ven|ture|some /�dve ntʃə r səm/ ADJ Adventuresome means the same as adventurous . [AM ] □� Every day was exciting and adventuresome.

ad|ven|tur|ism /�dve ntʃər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Adventurism is a willingness to take risks, especially in order to obtain an unfair advantage in politics or business. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Lenin dismissed guerrilla warfare as 'adventurism.'

ad|ven|tur|ist /�dve ntʃər I st/ (adventurists ) ADJ If you describe someone or something as adventurist , you disapprove of them because they are willing to take risks in order to gain an unfair advantage in business or politics. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �aggressive and adventurist foreign policy. ●�N‑COUNT An adventurist is someone who behaves in an adventurist way. □� �political adventurists.

ad|ven|tur|ous /�dve ntʃərəs/

1 ADJ Someone who is adventurous is willing to take risks and to try new methods. Something that is adventurous involves new things or ideas. □� Warren was an adventurous businessman. □� The menu could have been more adventurous.

2 ADJ Someone who is adventurous is eager to visit new places and have new experiences. □� He had always wanted an adventurous life in the tropics.

ad|verb /� dvɜː r b/ (adverbs ) N‑COUNT An adverb is a word such as 'slowly', 'now', 'very', 'politically', or 'fortunately' which adds information about the action, event, or situation mentioned in a clause.

a d|verb group (adverb groups ) N‑COUNT An adverb group or adverbial group is a group of words based on an adverb, such as 'very slowly' or 'fortunately for us'. An adverb group can also consist simply of an adverb.

ad|ver|bial /�dvɜː r biəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Adverbial means relating to adverbs or like an adverb. □� �an adverbial expression.

ad|ver|sar|ial /� dvə r seə riəl/ ADJ If you describe something as adversarial , you mean that it involves two or more people or organizations who are opposing each other. [FORMAL ] □� In our country there is an adversarial relationship between government and business.

ad|ver|sary /� dvə r səri, [AM ] -seri/ (adversaries ) N‑COUNT Your adversary is someone you are competing with, or arguing or fighting against. □� His political adversaries were creating a certain amount of trouble for him.

ad|verse /� dvɜː r s, [AM ] �dvɜː rs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Adverse decisions, conditions, or effects are unfavourable to you. □� Despite the adverse conditions, the road was finished in just eight months. ●� ad|verse|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Price changes must not adversely affect the living standards of the people.

ad|ver|sity /�dvɜː r s I ti/ (adversities ) N‑VAR [oft in/of N ] Adversity is a very difficult or unfavourable situation. □� He showed courage in adversity.

ad|vert /� dvɜː r t/ (adverts )

1 N‑COUNT An advert is an announcement online, in a newspaper, on television, or on a poster about something such as a product, event, or job. [BRIT ] □�[+�for ] I saw an advert for a job with a large engineering company. in AM, use ad2 N‑COUNT If you say that an example of something is anadvertfor that thing in general, you mean that it shows how good that thing is. [BRIT ] □�[+�for ] This courtroom battle has been a poor advert for English justice.

3 N‑PLURAL You can use the adverts to refer to the interval in a commercial television programme, or between programmes, during which advertisements are shown. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� After the adverts, the presenter tried to pretend that everything was back to normal. in AM, use commercial break

ad|ver|tise ◆◇◇ /� dvə r ta I z/ (advertises , advertising , advertised )

1 VERB If you advertise something such as a product, an event, or a job, you tell people about it online, in newspapers, on television, or on posters in order to encourage them to buy the product, go to the event, or apply for the job. □�[V n] The players can advertise baked beans, but not rugby boots. □�[V ] Religious groups are currently not allowed to advertise on television.

2 VERB If you advertisefor someone to do something for you, for example to work for you or share your accommodation, you announce it online, in a newspaper, on television, or on a notice board. □�[V +�for ] We advertised for staff in a local newspaper.

3 VERB If you do not advertise the fact that something is the case, you try not to let other people know about it. □�[V n] There is no need to advertise the fact that you are a single woman.

4 →�see also advertising SYNONYMS advertise VERB 1

publicize:The author appeared on television to publicize her latest book.

promote:Weller has announced a full British tour to promote his second solo album.

plug:They're on the show just to plug their book or film.

ad|ver|tise|ment /�dvɜː r t I smənt, [AM ] � dvə r ta I z-/ (advertisements )

1 N‑COUNT An advertisement is an announcement online, or in a newspaper, on television, or on a poster about something such as a product, event, or job. [WRITTEN ] □� Miss Parrish recently placed an advertisement in the local newspaper. [Also +�for ]

2 N‑COUNT If you say that an example of something is anadvertisementfor that thing in general, you mean that it shows how good that thing is. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�for ] Both teams made so many mistakes that it was a poor advertisement for rugby league.

ad|ver|tis|er ◆◇◇ /� dvə r ta I zə r / (advertisers ) N‑COUNT An advertiser is a person or company that pays for a product, event, or job to be advertised online, in a newspaper, on television, or on a poster.

ad|ver|tis|ing /� dvə r ta I z I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Advertising is the activity of creating advertisements and making sure people see them.

a d|ver|tis|ing agen|cy (advertising agencies ) N‑COUNT An advertising agency is a company whose business is to create advertisements for other companies or organizations. □� Advertising agencies are losing their once-powerful grip on brand marketing.

a d|ver|tis|ing cam|paign (advertising campaigns ) N‑COUNT An advertising campaign is a planned series of advertisements. □� The Government has launched an advertising campaign to encourage people to vote.

ad|ver|tori|al /� dvɜː r tɔː riəl/ (advertorials ) N‑VAR An advertorial is an advertisement that uses the style of newspaper or magazine articles or television documentary programmes, so that it appears to be giving facts and not trying to sell a product.

ad|vice ◆◆◇ /�dva I s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you give someone advice , you tell them what you think they should do in a particular situation. □�[+�about ] Don't be afraid to ask for advice about ordering the meal. □�[+�on ] Your community officer can give you advice on how to prevent crime in your area. □� Take my advice and stay away from him! □�[+�of ] Most foreign nationals have now left the country on the advice of their governments.

2 PHRASE If you take advice or take legal advice , you ask a lawyer for his or her professional opinion on a situation. [FORMAL ] □�[+�on ] We are taking advice on legal steps to recover the money. USAGE advice

Advice is an uncountable noun. Don�t say advices or an advice . You can say a piece of advice . □� Could I give you a piece of advice ? COLLOCATIONS advice NOUN 1

noun +�advice : career, diet, investment, lifestyle, travel; parenting, relationship

adjective +�advice : dietary, legal, medical, professional; expert, impartial, independent, specialist; helpful, practical, sage, sound

verb +�advice : dispense, give, offer, provide; obtain, seek; follow, heed; ignore, reject

ad|vi ce co l|umn (advice columns ) N‑COUNT In a newspaper or magazine, the advice column contains letters from readers about their personal problems, and advice on what to do about them. [AM ] in BRIT, use agony column

ad|vi ce co l|umn|ist (advice columnists ) N‑COUNT An advice columnist is a person who writes a column in a newspaper or magazine in which they reply to readers who have written to them for advice on their personal problems. [AM ] in BRIT, use agony aunt

ad|vi ce line (advice lines ) N‑COUNT An advice line is a service that you can telephone in order to get advice about something. □� For help on crime prevention, call our 24-hour advice line.

ad|vis|able /�dva I zəb ə l/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you tell someone that it is advisableto do something, you are suggesting that they should do it, because it is sensible or is likely to achieve the result they want. [FORMAL ] □� Because of the popularity of the region, it is advisable to book hotels in advance. ●� ad|vis|abil|ity /�dva I zəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] I have doubts about the advisability of surgery in this case.

ad|vise ◆◇◇ /�dva I z/ (advises , advising , advised )

1 VERB If you advise someone to do something, you tell them what you think they should do. □�[V n to-inf] The minister advised him to leave as soon as possible. □�[V n wh] Herbert would surely advise her how to approach the bank. □�[V +�against ] I would strongly advise against it. □�[V that] Doctors advised that he should be transferred to a private room. [Also V with quote]

2 VERB If an expert advises people on a particular subject, he or she gives them help and information on that subject. □�[V n +�on ] �an officer who advises undergraduates on money matters. □�[V +�on ] A family doctor will be able to advise on suitable birth control.

3 VERB If you advise someone of a fact or situation, you tell them the fact or explain what the situation is. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�of ] I think it best that I advise you of my decision to retire.

4 →�see also ill-advised , well advised

ad|vis|ed|ly /�dva I z I dli/ ADV [ADV after v] If you say that you are using a word or expression advisedly , you mean that you have deliberately chosen to use it, even though it may sound unusual, wrong, or offensive, because it draws attention to what you are saying. □� I say 'boys' advisedly because we are talking almost entirely about male behaviour. □� What a crazy scheme, and I use that term advisedly.

ad|vise|ment /�dva I zmənt/ PHRASE If someone in authority takes a matter under advisement , they decide that the matter needs to be considered more carefully, often by experts. [AM , FORMAL ] □� I will take the suggestion under advisement, and refer it to the board.

ad|vis|er ◆◇◇ /�dva I zə r / (advisers ) also advisor N‑COUNT An adviser is an expert whose job is to give advice to another person or to a group of people. □� In Washington, the President and his advisers spent the day in meetings. □� �a careers adviser. [Also +�to ]

ad|vi|so|ry /�dva I zəri/ (advisories )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An advisory group regularly gives suggestions and help to people or organizations, especially about a particular subject or area of activity. [FORMAL ] □� �members of the advisory committee on the safety of nuclear installations.

2 N‑COUNT An advisory is an official announcement or report that warns people about bad weather, diseases, or other dangers or problems. [AM ] □� 26 states have issued health advisories.

ad|vo|ca|cy /� dvəkəsi/

1 N‑SING Someone's advocacyof a particular action or plan is their act of recommending it publicly. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] I support your advocacy of free trade.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] An advocacy group or organization is one that tries to influence the decisions of a government or other authority. [AM ]

ad|vo|cate ◆◇◇ (advocates , advocating , advocated ) The verb is pronounced /� dvəke I t/. The noun is pronounced /� dvəkət/. 1 VERB If you advocate a particular action or plan, you recommend it publicly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Mr Williams is a conservative who advocates fewer government controls on business. □�[V -ed] �the tax policy advocated by the Opposition.

2 N‑COUNT An advocateof a particular action or plan is someone who recommends it publicly. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He was a strong advocate of free market policies and a multi-party system.

3 N‑COUNT An advocate is a lawyer who speaks in favour of someone or defends them in a court of law. [LEGAL ]

4 N‑COUNT An advocate for a particular group is a person who works for the interests of that group. [AM ] □�[+�for ] �advocates for the homeless.

5 →�see also devil's advocate SYNONYMS advocate VERB 1

recommend:We strongly recommend reporting the incident to the police.

support:They support a total ban on imported coal

champion:The amendments had been championed by pro-democracy activists.

encourage:Their task is to help encourage private investment in Russia. NOUN 2

supporter:Bradley was a major supporter of the 1986 tax reform plan.

champion:He was once known as a champion of social reform.

proponent:Halsey was a leading proponent of the values of progressive education.

aegis /iː dʒ I s/ PHRASE Something that is done under the aegis of a person or organization is done with their official support and backing. [FORMAL ] □� The space programme will continue under the aegis of the armed forces.

aeon /iː ɒn/ (aeons ) in AM, use eon N‑COUNT An aeon is an extremely long period of time. □� Aeons ago, there were deserts where there is now fertile land.

aer|ate /eə re I t/ (aerates , aerating , aerated ) VERB To aerate a substance means to cause air or gas to pass through it. □�[V n] Aerate the soil by spiking with a fork.

aer|ial /eə riəl/ (aerials )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You talk about aerial attacks and aerial photographs to indicate that people or things on the ground are attacked or photographed by people in aeroplanes. □� Weeks of aerial bombardment had destroyed factories and highways.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use aerial to describe things that exist or happen above the ground or in the air. □� The seagulls swirled in aerial combat over the barges.

3 N‑COUNT An aerial is a device or a piece of wire that receives television or radio signals and is usually attached to a radio, television, car, or building. [BRIT ] □� �the radio aerials of taxis and cars. in AM, use antenna

aerie /e ri/ →�see eyrie

PREFIX aero-

is used at the beginning of words, especially nouns, that refer to things or activities connected with air or movement through the air. For example, aerodynamics is the science of how objects move through the air.

aero|bat|ics /eə rəb� t I ks/ The form aerobatic is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Aerobatics are skilful displays of flying, usually to entertain people watching from the ground.

aero|bic /eəroʊ b I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Aerobic activity exercises and strengthens your heart and lungs. □� Aerobic exercise gets the heart pumping and helps you to burn up the fat.

aero|bics /eəroʊ b I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Aerobics is a form of exercise which increases the amount of oxygen in your blood, and strengthens your heart and lungs. The verb that follows aerobics may be either singular or plural. □� I'd like to join an aerobics class to improve my fitness.

aero|drome /eə rədroʊm/ (aerodromes ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An aerodrome is a place or area where small aircraft can land and take off. [BRIT ] in AM, use airdrome

aero|dy|nam|ic /eə roʊda I n� m I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something such as a car has an aerodynamic shape or design, it goes faster and uses less fuel than other cars because the air passes over it more easily. □� The secret of the machine lies in the aerodynamic shape of the frame. ●� aero|dy|nami|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� Cars are becoming so aerodynamically efficient.

aero|dy|nam|ics /eə roʊda I n� m I ks/ The form aerodynamic is used as a modifier. In British English, aerodynamics is sometimes used as a plural noun, with a plural verb. N‑UNCOUNT Aerodynamics is the study of the way in which objects move through the air.

aero|nau|ti|cal /eə rənɔː t I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Aeronautical means involving or relating to the design and construction of aeroplanes. □� �the biggest aeronautical research laboratory in Europe.

aero|naut|ics /eə rənɔː t I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Aeronautics is the science of designing and building aeroplanes.

aero|plane /eə rəple I n/ (aeroplanes ) N‑COUNT An aeroplane is a vehicle with wings and one or more engines that enable it to fly through the air. [BRIT ] in AM, use airplane

aero|sol /eə rəsɒl, [AM ] -sɔːl/ (aerosols ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An aerosol is a small container in which a liquid such as paint or deodorant is kept under pressure. When you press a button, the liquid is forced out as a fine spray or foam.

aero|space /eə roʊspe I s/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Aerospace companies are involved in developing and making rockets, missiles, space vehicles, and related equipment. □� �the U.S. aerospace industry.

aes|thete /iː sθiːt, [AM ] e s-/ (aesthetes ) in AM, also use esthete N‑COUNT An aesthete is someone who loves and appreciates works of art and beautiful things.

aes|thet|ic /iːsθe t I k, [AM ] es-/ in AM, also use esthetic ADJ Aesthetic is used to talk about beauty or art, and people's appreciation of beautiful things. □� �products chosen for their aesthetic appeal as well as their durability and quality. ●�N‑SING The aesthetic of a work of art is its aesthetic quality. □�[+�of ] He responded very strongly to the aesthetic of this particular work. ●� aes|theti|cal|ly /iːsθe t I kli, [AM ] es-/ ADV □� There is nothing aesthetically pleasing about this bridge.

aes|thet|ics /iːsθe t I ks, [AM ] es-/ in AM, also use esthetics N‑UNCOUNT Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of the idea of beauty.

aeti|ol|ogy /iː tiɒ lədʒi/ →�see etiology

afar /əfɑː r / ADV [usu from ADV , oft ADV after v] Afar means a long way away. [LITERARY ] □� Seen from afar, its towering buildings beckon the visitor in.

af|fable /� fəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is affable is pleasant and friendly. □� Mr Brooke is an extremely affable and approachable man.

af|fair ◆◆◇ /əfeə r / (affairs )

1 N‑SING If an event or a series of events has been mentioned and you want to talk about it again, you can refer to it as the affair . □� The government has mishandled the whole affair. □� The affair began when customs officials inspected a convoy of 60 tankers.

2 N‑SING You can refer to an important or interesting event or situation as ' the � affair '. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □� �a reduction of defence expenditures in the wake of the Suez affair.

3 N‑SING You can describe the main quality of an event by saying that it is a particular kind of affair . □� Michael said that his planned 10-day visit would be a purely private affair.

4 N‑SING You can describe an object as a particular kind of affair when you want to draw attention to a particular feature, or indicate that it is unusual. □� All their beds were distinctive; Mac's was an iron affair with brass knobs.

5 N‑COUNT If two people who are not married to each other have an affair , they have a sexual relationship. □� She was having an affair with someone at work.

6 →�see also love affair

7 N‑PLURAL You can use affairs to refer to all the important facts or activities that are connected with a particular subject. □� He does not want to interfere in the internal affairs of another country.

8 →�see also current affairs , state of affairs

9 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your affairs are all the matters connected with your life which you consider to be private and normally deal with yourself. □� The unexpectedness of my father's death meant that his affairs were not entirely in order.

10 N‑SING [poss N ] If you say that a decision or situation is someone's affair , you mean that it is their responsibility, and other people should not interfere. □� If you wish to make a fool of yourself, that is your affair.

af|fect ◆◆◇ /əfe kt/ (affects , affecting , affected )

1 VERB If something affects a person or thing, it influences them or causes them to change in some way. □�[V n] Nicotine adversely affects the functioning of the heart and arteries. □�[V -ed] �the worst-affected areas of Somalia.

2 VERB If a disease affects someone, it causes them to become ill. □�[V n] Arthritis is a crippling disease which affects people all over the world.

3 VERB If something or someone affects you, they make you feel a strong emotion, especially sadness or pity. □�[V n] Her experience of the last few hours has deeply affected her. SYNONYMS affect VERB 1

influence:They still influence what's played on the radio.

impact on:Such schemes mean little unless they impact on people.

alter:They have never altered their programmes by a single day.

af|fec|ta|tion /� fekte I ʃ ə n/ (affectations ) N‑VAR If you say that someone's attitude or behaviour is an affectation , you disapprove of the fact that it is not genuine or natural, but is intended to impress other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I wore sunglasses all the time and people thought it was an affectation.

af|fect|ed /əfe kt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour as affected , you disapprove of the fact that they behave in an unnatural way that is intended to impress other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She had an affected air and a disdainful look.

af|fect|ing /əfe kt I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something such as a story or a piece of music as affecting , you think it is good because it makes you feel a strong emotion, especially sadness or pity. [LITERARY , APPROVAL ] □� �an affecting drama about a woman with a terminal illness.

af|fec|tion /əfe kʃ ə n/ (affections )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you regard someone or something with affection , you like them and are fond of them. □� She thought of him with affection. □�[+�for ] She had developed quite an affection for the place.

2 N‑PLURAL [with poss] Your affections are your feelings of love or fondness for someone. □� The distant object of his affections is Caroline.

af|fec|tion|ate /əfe kʃənət/ ADJ If you are affectionate , you show your love or fondness for another person in the way that you behave towards them. □� They seemed devoted to each other and were openly affectionate. ●� af|fec|tion|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He looked affectionately at his niece.

af|fi|da|vit /� f I de I v I t/ (affidavits ) N‑COUNT An affidavit is a written statement which you swear is true and which may be used as evidence in a court of law. [LEGAL ]

af|fili|ate (affiliates , affiliating , affiliated ) The noun is pronounced /əf I liət/. The verb is pronounced /əf I lie I t/. 1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An affiliate is an organization which is officially connected with another, larger organization or is a member of it. [FORMAL ] □� The World Chess Federation has affiliates in around 120 countries.

2 VERB If an organization affiliates to or with another larger organization, it forms a close connection with the larger organization or becomes a member of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to/with ] All youth groups will have to affiliate to the National Youth Agency. [Also V ]

af|fili|at|ed /əf I lie I t I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If an organization is affiliatedwith another larger organization, it is officially connected with the larger organization or is a member of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to/with ] There are 73 unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If a professional person, such as a lawyer or doctor, is affiliatedwith an organization, they are officially connected with that organization or do some official work for it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with/to ] He will remain affiliated with the firm as a special associate director. □� �our affiliated members.

af|filia|tion /əf I lie I ʃ ə n/ (affiliations )

1 N‑VAR If one group has an affiliation with another group, it has a close or official connection with it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with/to ] The group has no affiliation to any political party.

2 N‑VAR If you have an affiliationwith a group or another person, you have a close or official connection with them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with/to ] �Johnson's affiliation with shoe company Nike. □� They asked what her political affiliations were.

af|fin|ity /əf I n I ti/ (affinities ) N‑SING If you have an affinitywith someone or something, you feel that you are similar to them or that you know and understand them very well. □�[+�with ] He has a close affinity with the landscape he knew when he was growing up.

af|fi n|ity card (affinity cards ) N‑COUNT An affinity card is a type of credit card. The bank which issues the card gives a small amount of money to a charity or institution each time the customer spends a certain amount with their card.

af|firm /əfɜː r m/ (affirms , affirming , affirmed )

1 VERB If you affirm that something is true or that something exists, you state firmly and publicly that it is true or exists. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] The courts have affirmed that the act can be applied to social media. □�[V n] �a speech in which he affirmed a commitment to lower taxes. □�[V with quote] 'This place is a dump,' affirmed Miss T. [Also V n to-inf] ●� af|fir|ma|tion /� fə r me I ʃ ə n/ (affirmations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The ministers issued an affirmation of their faith in the system.

2 VERB If an event affirms something, it shows that it is true or exists. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Everything I had accomplished seemed to affirm that opinion. ●� af|fir|ma|tion N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] □�[+�of ] The high turnout was an affirmation of the importance that the voters attached to the election.

af|firma|tive /əfɜː r mət I v/

1 ADJ An affirmative word or gesture indicates that you agree with what someone has said or that the answer to a question is 'yes'. [FORMAL ] □� Haig was desperately eager for an affirmative answer. ●� af|firma|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Is that clear?' Bob nodded his head affirmatively.

2 PHRASE If you reply to a question in the affirmative , you say 'yes' or make a gesture that means 'yes'. [FORMAL ] □� He asked me if I was ready. I answered in the affirmative.

3 ADJ In grammar, an affirmative clause is positive and does not contain a negative word.

af|fi rma|tive a c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Affirmative action is the policy of giving jobs and other opportunities to members of groups such as racial minorities or women who might not otherwise have them. [AM ] in BRIT, use positive discrimination

af|fix (affixes , affixing , affixed ) The verb is pronounced /əf I ks/. The noun is pronounced /� f I ks/. 1 VERB If you affix one thing to another, you stick it or attach it to the other thing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] Complete the form and affix four tokens to its back. □�[V n] I covered the scroll in sealing wax, and affixed a red ribbon. □�[V -ed] �special storage racks affixed to the sides of buses. [Also V n prep/adv]

2 N‑COUNT An affix is a letter or group of letters, for example 'un-' or '-y', which is added to either the beginning or the end of a word to form a different word with a different meaning. For example, 'un-' is added to 'kind' to form 'unkind'. Compare prefix and suffix .

af|flict /əfl I kt/ (afflicts , afflicting , afflicted ) VERB If you are afflictedby pain, illness, or disaster, it affects you badly and makes you suffer. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�by/with ] Italy has been afflicted by political corruption for decades. □�[V n] There are two main problems which afflict people with hearing impairments.

af|flic|tion /əfl I kʃ ə n/ (afflictions ) N‑VAR An affliction is something which causes physical or mental suffering. [FORMAL ] □� Hay fever is an affliction which arrives at an early age.

af|flu|ence /� fluəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Affluence is the state of having a lot of money or a high standard of living. [FORMAL ] □� The postwar era was one of new affluence for the working class.

af|flu|ent /� fluənt/ ADJ If you are affluent , you have a lot of money. □� Today's affluent Indian tourists are also big spenders. ●�N‑PLURAL The affluent are people who are affluent. □� The diet of the affluent has not changed much over the decades.

af|ford ◆◇◇ /əfɔː r d/ (affords , affording , afforded )

1 VERB If you cannot afford something, you do not have enough money to pay for it. □�[V n] My parents can't even afford a new refrigerator. □�[V to-inf] We couldn't afford to buy a new rug.

2 VERB If you say that you cannot affordto do something or allow it to happen, you mean that you must not do it or must prevent it from happening because it would be harmful or embarrassing to you. □�[V to-inf] We can't afford to wait. □�[V n] The country could not afford the luxury of an election.

3 VERB If someone or something affords you an opportunity or protection, they give it to you. [FORMAL ] □�[V n n] This affords us the opportunity to ask questions about how the systems might change. □�[V n] It was a cold room, but it afforded a fine view of the Old City. USAGE afford

You use afford with can , could , or be able to . Don�t say that someone �affords� something. □� It�s too expensive � we can�t afford it. □� When will we be able to afford a new TV?

af|ford|able /əfɔː r dəb ə l/ ADJ If something is affordable , most people have enough money to buy it. □� �the availability of affordable housing. ●� af|forda|bil|ity /əfɔː r dəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �research into homelessness and housing affordability.

af|for|esta|tion /�fɒ r I ste I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -fɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Afforestation is the process of planting large numbers of trees on land which has few or no trees on it. □� Since the Sixties, afforestation has changed the Welsh countryside.

af|fray /əfre I / N‑SING An affray is a noisy and violent fight, especially in a public place. [FORMAL ]

af|front /əfrʌ nt/ (affronts , affronting , affronted )

1 VERB If something affronts you, you feel insulted and hurt because of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] His reforms had so affronted many of his natural supporters in England. ●� af|front|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� He pretended to be affronted, but inwardly he was pleased.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is an affrontto you, it is an obvious insult to you. □�[+�to ] It's an affront to human dignity to keep someone alive like this.

Af|ghan /� fg�n/ (Afghans ) ADJ Afghan means belonging or relating to Afghanistan, or to its people or language. □� �the Afghan capital, Kabul. ●�N‑COUNT An Afghan is a person who comes from Afghanistan.

afi|cio|na|do /əf I ʃiənɑː doʊ/ (aficionados ) N‑COUNT If someone is an aficionadoof something, they like it and know a lot about it. □�[+�of ] I happen to be an aficionado of the opera, and I love art museums. □� �a jazz aficionado.

afield /əfiː ld/

1 PHRASE Further afield or farther afield means in places or areas other than the nearest or most obvious one. □� They enjoy participating in a wide variety of activities, both locally and further afield.

2 PHRASE If someone comes fromfar afield , they come from a long way away. □� Many of those arrested came from far afield.

afire /əfa I ə r / ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is afire or is setafire , it is on fire or looks as if it is on fire.

aflame /əfle I m/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is on fire, you can say it is aflame . [LITERARY ]

afloat /əfloʊ t/

1 ADV [usu ADV after v, oft v-link ADV , n ADV ] If someone or something is afloat , they remain partly above the surface of water and do not sink. □� They talked modestly of their valiant efforts to keep the tanker afloat.

2 ADV [usu ADV after v, oft v-link ADV , n ADV ] If a person, business, or country stays afloat or is kept afloat , they have just enough money to pay their debts and continue operating. [BUSINESS ] □� They are borrowing just to stay afloat, not for investment.

afoot /əfʊ t/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that a plan or scheme is afoot , it is already happening or being planned, but you do not know much about it. □� Everybody knew that something awful was afoot.

afore|men|tioned /əfɔː r menʃ ə nd/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to the aforementioned person or subject, you mean the person or subject that has already been mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� A declaration will be issued at the end of the aforementioned U.N. conference.

afore|said /əfɔː r sed/ ADJ Aforesaid means the same as aforementioned . [FORMAL ] □� �the aforesaid organizations and institutions.

afoul /əfaʊ l/ PHRASE If you run afoul of someone or something, you do something which causes problems with them. [AM ] □� All of them had run afoul of the law at some time or other.

afraid ◆◇◇ /əfre I d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are afraidof someone or afraidto do something, you are frightened because you think that something very unpleasant is going to happen to you. □� She did not seem at all afraid. □�[+�of ] I was afraid of the other boys. □�[+�to ] I'm still afraid to sleep in my own bedroom.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are afraidfor someone else, you are worried that something horrible is going to happen to them. □�[+�for ] They were afraid for their own safety.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that, ADJ to-inf] If you are afraid that something unpleasant will happen, you are worried that it may happen and you want to avoid it. □� I was afraid that nobody would believe me. □�[+�of ] The Government is afraid of losing the election.

4 PHRASE If you want to apologize to someone or to disagree with them in a polite way, you can say I'm afraid . [SPOKEN , POLITENESS ] □� We don't have anything like that, I'm afraid. □� I'm afraid I can't help you. USAGE afraid

Don�t use �afraid� in front of a noun. For example, don�t say � an afraid boy �. Say �a frightened boy�. □� What's the best way to comfort a frightened child ?

afresh /əfre ʃ/ ADV [ADV after v] If you do something afresh , you do it again in a different way. □� They believe that the only hope for the French left is to start afresh.

Af|ri|can /� fr I kən/ (Africans )

1 ADJ African means belonging or relating to the continent of Africa, or to its countries or people. □� �the African continent. □� �African countries.

2 ADJ African means belonging or relating to black people who come from Africa. □� �traditional African culture. □� �dance music with African roots.

3 ADJ African is used to describe someone, usually a black person, who comes from Africa. □� �African women. ●�N‑COUNT An African is someone who is African. □� Fish is a staple in the diet of many Africans.

A frican-Ame rican (African-Americans ) N‑COUNT African-Americans are black people living in the United States who are descended from families that originally came from Africa. □� Today African-Americans are 12 percent of the population. ●�ADJ African-American is also an adjective. □� �a group of African-American community leaders.

A frican-Caribbe an (African-Caribbeans ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] African-Caribbean refers to people from the Caribbean whose ancestors came from Africa. □� �modern African-Caribbean culture. ●�N‑COUNT An African-Caribbean is someone who is African-Caribbean.

Af|ri|kaans /� fr I kɑː ns/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Afrikaans is one of the official languages of South Africa.

Af|ri|kan|er /� fr I kɑː nə r / (Afrikaners ) ADJ Afrikaner means belonging or relating to the white people in South Africa whose ancestors were Dutch. ●�N‑COUNT An Afrikaner is someone who is Afrikaner.

Afro /� froʊ/ (Afros )

1 ADJ Afro hair is very tightly curled and sticks out all around your head.

2 N‑COUNT An Afro is an Afro hairstyle.

Afro- /� froʊ-/ COMB Afro- is used to form adjectives and nouns that describe something that is connected with Africa. □� �very well known Afro-American family. □� �an Afro-centric fashion show.

A fro-Caribbe an (Afro-Caribbeans ) ADJ Afro-Caribbean refers to people from the Caribbean whose ancestors came from Africa. □� �Britain's Afro-Caribbean community. ●�N‑COUNT An Afro-Caribbean is someone who is Afro-Caribbean.

aft /ɑː ft, � ft/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If you go aft in a boat or plane, you go to the back of it. If you are aft , you are in the back.

af|ter ◆◆◆ /ɑː ftə r , � ftə r / In addition to the uses shown below, after is used in phrasal verbs such as 'ask after', 'look after', and 'take after'. 1 PREP If something happens after a particular date or event, it happens during the period of time that follows that date or event. □� After 19 May, strikes were occurring on a daily basis. □� After breakfast Amy ordered a taxi. □� It wasn't until after Christmas that I met Paul. ●�CONJ After is also a conjunction. □� Marina cared for him after he seriously injured his eye several years ago.

2 PREP [PREP v-ing] If you do one thing after doing another, you do it during the period of time that follows the other thing. □� After completing and signing it, please return the form to us in the envelope provided. □� �women who have changed their mind after deciding not to have children.

3 PREP You use after when you are talking about time. For example, if something is going to happen during the day after or the weekend after a particular time, it is going to happen during the following day or during the following weekend. □� She's leaving the day after tomorrow. ●�ADV [ADV after v] After is also an adverb. □� Tomorrow. Or the day after.

4 PREP If you go after someone, you follow or chase them. □� He walked out, and Louise went after him. □� �people who were after him for large amounts of money.

5 PREP If you are after something, you are trying to get it. □� They were after the money. □� I did eventually find what I was after.

6 PREP If you call, shout, or stare after someone, you call, shout, or stare at them as they move away from you. □� 'Come back!' he called after me.

7 PREP If you tell someone that one place is a particular distance after another, you mean that it is situated beyond the other place and further away from you. □� A few kilometres after the village, turn right to Montelabate.

8 PREP If one thing is written after another thing on a page, it is written following it or underneath it. □� I wrote my name after Penny's.

9 PREP You use after in order to give the most important aspect of something when comparing it with another aspect. □� After Germany, America is Britain's second-biggest customer.

10 PREP To be named after someone means to be given the same name as them. [BRIT ] □� He persuaded Virginia to name the baby after him. in AM, use for11 CONVENTION If you say ' after you ' to someone, you are being polite and allowing them to go in front of you or through a doorway before you do. [POLITENESS ]

12 PREP After is used when telling the time. If it is, for example, ten after six , the time is ten minutes past six. [AM ]

13after all →�see all

14 PHRASE If you do something to several things one after the other or one after another , you do it to one, then the next, and so on, with no break between your actions. □� Sybil ate three biscuits, one after the other.

15 PHRASE If something happens day after day or year after year , it happens every day or every year, for a long time. □� �people who'd been coming here year after year.

after- /ɑː ftə r -, � ftə r -/ COMB [ADJ n] After- is added to nouns to form adjectives which indicate that something takes place or exists after an event or process. □� �an after-dinner speech. □� After-tax profit fell by 28 percent.

after|care /ɑː ftə r keə r , � f-/ in BRIT, also use after-care N‑UNCOUNT Aftercare is the nursing and care of people who have been treated in hospital, and who are now recovering. □� As part of the treatment, he attended 15 weeks of after-care.

a fter-effect (after-effects ) in AM, use aftereffect N‑COUNT [usu pl] The after-effects of an event, experience, or substance are the conditions which result from it. □�[+�of ] �people still suffering from the after-effects of the accident.

after|glow /ɑː ftə r gloʊ, � f-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] The afterglow is the glow that remains after a light has gone, for example after the sun has gone down. [LITERARY ] □� �the light of the sunset's afterglow.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the good feeling or effects that remain after an event as the afterglow . □�[+�of ] �basking in the afterglow of their Champions League victory.

a fter-hou rs ADJ [ADJ n] You use after-hours to describe activities which happen after the end of the usual time for them. □� The school offers after-hours childcare.

after|life /ɑː ftə r la I f, � f-/ (afterlives ) also after-life N‑COUNT [usu sing] The afterlife is a life that some people believe begins when you die, for example a life in heaven or as another person or animal.

after|market /ɑː ftə r mɑː r k I t, � f-/

1 N‑SING The aftermarket is all the related products that are sold after an item, especially a car, has been bought. [BUSINESS ]

2 N‑SING The aftermarket in shares and bonds is the buying and selling of them after they have been issued. [BUSINESS ]

after|math /ɑː ftə r mɑːθ, � ftə r m�θ/ N‑SING Theaftermathof an important event, especially a harmful one, is the situation that results from it. □�[+�of ] In the aftermath of the coup, the troops opened fire on the demonstrators.

after|noon ◆◆◇ /ɑː ftə r nuː n, � f-/ (afternoons ) N‑VAR The afternoon is the part of each day which begins at lunchtime and ends at about six o'clock. □� He's arriving in the afternoon. □� He had stayed in his room all afternoon. □� �an afternoon news conference.

a fter|noon tea (afternoon teas ) N‑VAR Afternoon tea is a small meal you can have in the afternoon. It includes a cup of tea and food such as sandwiches and cakes. [BRIT ]

after|party /ɑː ftə r pɑː r t I , � f-/ (afterparties ) N‑COUNT An afterparty is a small party held after a larger event, to which only a small group of guests is invited. □� He met her at a fashion-show afterparty.

a fter-sales se r|vice (after-sales services ) N‑VAR A company's after-sales service is all the help and information that it provides to customers after they have bought a particular product. [BUSINESS ] □� �a local retailer who offers a good after-sales service. □� They attempt to keep the car buyer as a long-term customer by offering after-sales service.

a fter-schoo l ADJ [ADJ n] After-school activities are those that are organized for children in the afternoon or evening after they have finished school. □� �an after-school childcare scheme.

after|shave /ɑː ftə r ʃe I v, � f-/ (aftershaves ) also after-shave N‑VAR Aftershave is a liquid with a pleasant smell that men sometimes put on their faces after shaving.

after|shock /ɑː ftə r ʃɒk, � f-/ (aftershocks )

1 N‑COUNT Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes which occur after a large earthquake.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to the effects of an important event, especially a bad one, as the aftershock . [mainly JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] They were already under stress, thanks to the aftershock of last year's drought.

after|taste /ɑː ftə r te I st, � f-/ also after-taste N‑SING An aftertaste is a taste that remains in your mouth after you have finished eating or drinking something.

after|thought /ɑː ftə r θɔːt, � f-/ (afterthoughts ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you do or say something as anafterthought , you do or say it after something else as an addition, perhaps without careful thought. □� Almost as an afterthought he added that he missed her.

after|wards ◆◇◇ /ɑː ftə r wə r dz, � f-/ The form afterward is also used, mainly in American English. ADV If you do something or if something happens afterwards , you do it or it happens after a particular event or time that has already been mentioned. □� Shortly afterwards, police arrested four suspects. □� James was taken to hospital but died soon afterwards.

after|word /ɑː ftə r wɜː r d/ N‑SING An afterword is a short essay at the end of a book, usually written by the author.

again ◆◆◆ /əge n, əge I n/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use again to indicate that something happens a second time, or after it has already happened before. □� He kissed her again. □� Again there was a short silence. □� I don't ever want to go through anything like that again.

2 ADV [ADV after v] You use again to indicate that something is now in a particular state or place that it used to be in. □� He opened his attach�-case, removed a folder, then closed it again. □� I started to feel good about myself again.

3 ADV You can use again when you want to point out that there is a similarity between the subject that you are talking about now and a previous subject. □� Again the pregnancy was very similar to my previous two.

4 ADV You can use again in expressions such as but again , then again , and there again when you want to introduce a remark which contrasts with or weakens something that you have just said. □� It's easier to take a taxi. But then again you can't always get one.

5 ADV You can add again to the end of your question when you are asking someone to tell you something that you have forgotten or that they have already told you. [SPOKEN ] □� Sorry, what's your name again?

6 ADV You use again in expressions such as half as much again when you are indicating how much greater one amount is than another amount that you have just mentioned or are about to mention. □� Properties in the seaside resorts cost at least half as much again as those in the surrounding country.

7 PHRASE You can use again and again or time and again to emphasize that something happens many times. [EMPHASIS ] □� He would go over his work again and again until he felt he had it right.

8now and again →�see now

9once again →�see once

against ◆◆◆ /əge nst, əge I nst/ In addition to the uses shown below, against is used in phrasal verbs such as 'come up against', 'guard against', and 'hold against'. 1 PREP If one thing is leaning or pressing against another, it is touching it. □� She leaned against him. □� On a table pushed against a wall there were bottles of water. □� �the rain beating against the window panes.

2 PREP If you are against something such as a plan, policy, or system, you think it is wrong, bad, or stupid. □� Taxes are unpopular�it is understandable that voters are against them. □� Joan was very much against commencing drug treatment. □� �a march to protest against job losses. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Against is also an adverb. □� The vote for the suspension of the party was 283 in favour with 29 against.

3 PREP If you compete against someone in a game, you try to beat them. □� The tour will include games against the Australian Barbarians.

4 PREP If you take action against someone or something, you try to harm them. □� Security forces are still using violence against opponents of the government.

5 PREP If you take action against a possible future event, you try to prevent it. □� �the fight against crime. □� I must warn you against raising your hopes.

6 PREP If you do something against someone's wishes, advice, or orders, you do not do what they want you to do or tell you to do. □� He discharged himself from hospital against the advice of doctors.

7 PREP If you do something in order to protect yourself against something unpleasant or harmful, you do something which will make its effects on you less serious if it happens. □� A business needs insurance against risks such as fire and flood.

8 PHRASE If you have something against someone or something, you dislike them. □� Have you got something against women, Les?

9 PREP If something is against the law or against the rules, there is a law or a rule which says that you must not do it. □� It is against the law to detain you against your will for any length of time.

10 PREP If you are moving against a current, tide, or wind, you are moving in the opposite direction to it. □� �swimming upstream against the current.

11 PREP If something happens or is considered against a particular background of events, it is considered in relation to those events, because those events are relevant to it. □� The profits rise was achieved against a backdrop of falling metal prices.

12 PREP If something is measured or valued against something else, it is measured or valued by comparing it with the other thing. □� Our policy has to be judged against a clear test: will it improve the standard of education? □� The U.S. dollar is down against most foreign currencies today.

13 PHRASE If you discuss a particular set of facts or figures as against another set, you are comparing or contrasting the two sets of facts or figures. □� The study found that the average length of US TV breaks was 141 seconds as against 236 seconds in Britain.

14 PREP The odds against something happening are the chances or odds that it will not happen. □� The odds against him surviving are incredible. ●�ADV [n ADV ] Against is also an adverb. □� What were the odds against?

15up against →�see up ➋

16against the clock →�see clock

agape /əge I p/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as having their mouth agape , their mouth is open very wide, often because they are very surprised by something. [WRITTEN ] □� She stood looking at Carmen with her mouth agape.

ag|ate /� g I t/ (agates ) N‑VAR Agate is a very hard stone which is used to make jewellery.

age ◆◆◆ /e I dʒ/ (ages , ageing , aging , aged ) The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English. 1 N‑VAR Your age is the number of years that you have lived. □� She has a nephew who is just ten years of age. □�[+�of ] At the age of sixteen he qualified for a place at the University of Hamburg. □� I admired him for being so confident at his age.

2 N‑VAR The age of a thing is the number of years since it was made. □�[+�of ] Everything in the room looks in keeping with the age of the building.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Age is the state of being old or the process of becoming older. □� Perhaps he has grown wiser with age. □� The fabric was showing signs of age.

4 VERB When someone ages , or when something ages them, they seem much older and less strong or less alert. □�[V ] He had always looked so young, but he seemed to have aged in the last few months. □�[V n] He was only in his mid-thirties, but already worry had aged him.

5 N‑COUNT An age is a period in history. □�[+�of ] �the age of steam and steel. □� �items of Bronze Age pottery.

6 N‑COUNT You can say an age or ages to mean a very long time. [INFORMAL ] □� He waited what seemed an age. □� The bus took absolutely ages to arrive.

7 →�see also aged , ageing , coming of age , dark age , golden age , Ice Age , Iron Age , middle age , Stone Age

8 PHRASE If someone tells you to act your age , they are telling you to behave in a way that is suitable for someone your age, because they think you are behaving in a childish way. [DISAPPROVAL ]

9 PHRASE If something comes of age , it reaches an important stage of development and is accepted by a large number of people. □� The New York Yankees' stadium is where baseball came of age.

10 PHRASE When someone comes of age , they become legally an adult. □� The company was to be held in trust for Eddie until he came of age.

11 PHRASE Someone who is under age is not legally old enough to do something, for example to buy an alcoholic drink. □� Because she was under age, her parents were still responsible for her. □� �under age smoking. SYNONYMS age NOUN 6

time:We are in one of the most severe recessions in modern times.

era:It was an era of austerity.

period:No reference to their existence appears in any literature of the period.

epoch:The birth of Christ was the beginning of a major epoch of world history.

a ge-appro priate ADJ Something that is age-appropriate is suitable for the age that a person is. □� That dress isn't really age-appropriate.

aged ◆◇◇ Pronounced /e I dʒd/ for meaning 1 , and /e I dʒ I d/ for meanings 2 and 3 . 1 ADJ You use aged followed by a number to say how old someone is. □� Alan has two children, aged eleven and nine.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Aged means very old. □� She has an aged parent who's capable of being very difficult.

3 N‑PLURAL You can refer to all people who are very old as the aged . [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �people who work with the aged.

4 →�see also middle-aged

a ge group (age groups ) N‑COUNT An age group is the people in a place or organization who were born during a particular period of time, for example all the people aged between 18 and 25. □� �a style that would appeal to all age groups.

age|ing /e I dʒ I ŋ/ also aging

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone or something that is ageing is becoming older and less healthy or efficient. □� John lives with his ageing mother. □� Ageing aircraft need more frequent safety inspections.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Ageing is the process of becoming old or becoming worn out.

age|ism /e I dʒ I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Ageism is unacceptable behaviour that occurs as a result of the belief that older people are of less value than younger people. [DISAPPROVAL ]

age|ist /e I dʒ I st/ ADJ Ageist behaviour is unacceptable behaviour based on the belief that older people are of less value than younger people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �ageist bias from employers.

age|less /e I dʒləs/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as ageless , you mean that they never seem to look any older. [LITERARY ] □� She was rich, beautiful and seemingly ageless.

2 ADJ If you describe something as ageless , you mean that it is impossible to tell how old it is, or that it seems to have existed for ever. [LITERARY ] □� �the ageless oceans.

a ge lim|it (age limits ) N‑COUNT An age limit is the oldest or youngest age at which you are allowed under particular regulations to do something. □� In some cases there is a minimum age limit.

agen|cy ◆◆◇ /e I dʒənsi/ (agencies )

1 N‑COUNT An agency is a business which provides a service on behalf of other businesses. [BUSINESS ] □� We had to hire maids through an agency.

2 →�see also advertising agency , employment agency , press agency , travel agency

3 N‑COUNT An agency is a government organization responsible for a certain area of administration. □� �the government agency which monitors health and safety at work in Britain. COLLOCATIONS agency NOUN

1

noun +�agency : advertising, marketing; employment, recruitment; news

3

noun +�agency : aid, development, funding; intelligence, security

agen|da ◆◇◇ /ədʒe ndə/ (agendas )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to the political issues which are important at a particular time as an agenda . □�[+�on ] Does television set the agenda on foreign policy? □� The Danish president will put environmental issues high on the agenda.

2 →�see also hidden agenda

3 N‑COUNT An agenda is a list of the items that have to be discussed at a meeting. □� This is sure to be an item on the agenda next week.

agent ◆◆◇ /e I dʒənt/ (agents )

1 N‑COUNT An agent is a person who looks after someone else's business affairs or does business on their behalf. [BUSINESS ] □� You are buying direct, rather than through an agent.

2 →�see also estate agent , press agent , travel agent

3 N‑COUNT An agent in the arts world is a person who gets work for an actor or musician, or who sells the work of a writer to publishers.

4 N‑COUNT An agent is a person who works for a country's secret service. □�[+�for ] All these years he's been an agent for the East.

5 N‑COUNT A chemical that has a particular effect or is used for a particular purpose can be referred to as a particular kind of agent . □� �the bleaching agent in white flour.

agent pro|vo|ca|teur /� ʒɒn prɒvɒkətɜː r / (agents provocateurs ) N‑COUNT An agent provocateur is a person who is employed by the government or the police to encourage certain groups of people to break the law, so they can arrest them or make them lose public support. □� Agents provocateurs may seek to discredit the opposition.

a ge of con|se nt N‑SING Theage of consent is the age at which a person can legally agree to having a sexual relationship. □� He was under the age of consent.

a ge-o ld ADJ [usu ADJ n] An age-old story, tradition, or problem has existed for many generations or centuries. [WRITTEN ] □� This age-old struggle for control had led to untold bloody wars.

ag|glom|era|tion /əglɒ məre I ʃ ə n/ (agglomerations ) N‑VAR An agglomerationof things is a lot of different things gathered together, often in no particular order or arrangement. [FORMAL ]

ag|gran|dize /əgr� nda I z/ (aggrandizes , aggrandizing , aggrandized ) in BRIT, also use aggrandise VERB To aggrandize someone means to make them seem richer, more powerful, and more important than they really are. To aggrandize a building means to make it more impressive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V pron-refl] At the dinner table, my father would go on and on, showing off, aggrandising himself. □�[V n] �plans to aggrandise the building.

ag|gran|dize|ment /əgr� nd I zmənt/ in BRIT, also use aggrandisement1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone does something for aggrandizement , they do it in order to get power, wealth, and importance for themselves. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Economic necessity had prevailed over military aggrandizement.

2 →�see also self-aggrandizement

ag|gra|vate /� grəve I t/ (aggravates , aggravating , aggravated )

1 VERB If someone or something aggravates a situation, they make it worse. □�[V n] Stress and lack of sleep can aggravate the situation.

2 VERB If someone or something aggravates you, they make you annoyed. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] What aggravates you most about this country? ●� ag|gra|vat|ing ADJ □� You don't realise how aggravating you can be. ●� ag|gra|va|tion /� grəve I ʃ ə n/ (aggravations ) N‑VAR □� I just couldn't take the aggravation.

ag|gra|vat|ed /� grəve I t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Aggravated is used to describe a serious crime which involves violence. [LEGAL ] □� He was jailed for aggravated assault.

ag|gre|gate /� gr I gət/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An aggregate amount or score is made up of several smaller amounts or scores added together. □� Their previous four wins had provided an aggregate score of 12-7 in their favour. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Aggregate is also a noun. □� The highest aggregate came in the third round where Leeds and Middlesbrough drew 4-4.

2 N‑COUNT An aggregate is a number of people or things that are being considered as a single thing. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �society viewed as an aggregate of individuals.

ag|gres|sion /əgre ʃ ə n/ (aggressions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Aggression is a quality of anger and determination that makes you ready to attack other people. □� Aggression is by no means a male-only trait.

2 N‑VAR Aggression is violent and attacking behaviour. □� The raid was an unjustifiable act of aggression.

ag|gres|sive ◆◇◇ /əgre s I v/

1 ADJ An aggressive person or animal has a quality of anger and determination that makes them ready to attack other people. □� Some children are much more aggressive than others. □� Aggressive behaviour is a sign of emotional distress. ●� ag|gres|sive|ly ADV □� They'll react aggressively. ●� ag|gres|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Her aggressiveness made it difficult for him to explain his own feelings.

2 ADJ People who are aggressive in their work or other activities behave in a forceful way because they are very eager to succeed. □� He is respected as a very aggressive and competitive executive. ●� ag|gres|sive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� �countries noted for aggressively pursuing energy efficiency.

ag|gres|sor /əgre sə r / (aggressors ) N‑COUNT The aggressor in a fight or battle is the person, group, or country that starts it. □� They have been the aggressors in this conflict.

ag|grieved /əgriː vd/ ADJ If you feel aggrieved , you feel upset and angry because of the way in which you have been treated. □�[+�at ] I really feel aggrieved at this sort of thing.

ag|gro /� groʊ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Aggro is the difficulties and problems that are involved in something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Simply phone the ticket hot-line and all that aggro will be a thing of the past.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Aggro is aggressive or violent behaviour. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� They could see there wasn't going to be any aggro and they left us to it.

aghast /əgɑː st, əg� st/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If you are aghast , you are filled with horror and surprise. [FORMAL ] □� She watched aghast as his life flowed away. [Also +�at ]

ag|ile /� dʒa I l, [AM ] -dʒ ə l/

1 ADJ Someone who is agile can move quickly and easily. □� At 20 years old he was not as agile as he is now. ●� agil|ity /ədʒ I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� She blinked in surprise at his agility.

2 ADJ If you have an agile mind, you think quickly and intelligently. □� She was quick-witted and had an extraordinarily agile mind. ●� agil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� His intellect and mental agility have never been in doubt.

ag|ing /e I dʒ I ŋ/ →�see age , ageing

agi|tate /� dʒ I te I t/ (agitates , agitating , agitated )

1 VERB If people agitatefor something, they protest or take part in political activity in order to get it. □�[V +�for ] The women who worked in these mills had begun to agitate for better conditions. [Also V , V for n to-inf]

2 VERB If you agitate something, you shake it so that it moves about. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] All you need to do is gently agitate the water with a finger or paintbrush.

3 VERB If something agitates you, it worries you and makes you unable to think clearly or calmly. □�[V n] The thought of them getting her possessions when she dies agitates her.

4 →�see also agitation

agi|tat|ed /� dʒ I te I t I d/ ADJ If someone is agitated , they are very worried or upset, and show this in their behaviour, movements, or voice. □� Susan seemed agitated about something.

agi|ta|tion /� dʒ I te I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is in a state of agitation , they are very worried or upset, and show this in their behaviour, movements, or voice. □� Danny returned to Father's house in a state of intense agitation.

2 →�see also agitate

agi|ta|tor /� dʒ I te I tə r / (agitators ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone involved in politics as an agitator , you disapprove of them because of the trouble they cause in organizing campaigns and protests. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a famous actress who was accused of being a political agitator.

agit|prop /� dʒ I tprɒp/ also agit-prop N‑UNCOUNT Agitprop is the use of artistic forms such as drama or posters to further political aims.

aglow /əgloʊ /

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is aglow , it is shining and bright with a soft, warm light. [LITERARY ] □�[+�with ] The night skies will be aglow with fireworks.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is aglow or if their face is aglow , they look excited. [LITERARY ] □� 'It was incredible,' Kurt says, suddenly aglow. [Also +�with ]

AGM /e I dʒiː e m/ (AGMs ) also agm N‑COUNT The AGM of a company or organization is a meeting which it holds once a year in order to discuss the previous year's activities and accounts. AGM is an abbreviation for 'Annual General Meeting'. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

ag|nos|tic /�gnɒ st I k/ (agnostics )

1 N‑COUNT An agnostic believes that it is not possible to know whether God exists or not. Compare atheist .

2 ADJ Agnostic means relating to agnostics or to their beliefs. □� You grew up in an agnostic household and have never been able to bring yourself to believe in God.

ag|nos|ti|cism /�gnɒ st I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Agnosticism is the belief that it is not possible to say definitely whether or not there is a God. Compare atheism .

ago ◆◆◆ /əgoʊ / ADV [ADV with v, n ADV ] You use ago when you are referring to past time. For example, if something happened one year ago , it is one year since it happened. If it happened a long time ago , it is a long time since it happened. □� He was killed a few days ago in a skiing accident. □� The meeting is the first since the war began 14 years ago. □� Harry's daughter is dead. She died long ago. USAGE ago

Don�t use ago and since together. Don�t say, for example, � It's three years ago since it happened �. Say �It happened three years ago� or �It is three years since it happened�. □� It's two weeks since I wrote to you.

agog /əgɒ g/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are agog , you are excited about something, and eager to know more about it.

ago|nize /� gəna I z/ (agonizes , agonizing , agonized ) in BRIT, also use agonise VERB If you agonizeover something, you feel very anxious about it and spend a long time thinking about it. □�[V +�over/about ] Perhaps he was agonizing over the moral issues involved. [Also V ]

ago|nized /� gəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use agonised ADJ [usu ADJ n] Agonized describes something that you say or do when you are in great physical or mental pain. □� �the agonised look on his face.

ago|niz|ing /� gəna I z I ŋ/ in BRIT, also use agonising1 ADJ Something that is agonizing causes you to feel great physical or mental pain. □� He did not wish to die the agonizing death of his mother and brother. ●� ago|niz|ing|ly ADV □� Progress was agonizingly slow.

2 ADJ Agonizing decisions and choices are very difficult to make. □� He now faced an agonizing decision about his immediate future.

ago|ny /� gəni/ N‑UNCOUNT Agony is great physical or mental pain. □� She called out in agony.

a go|ny aunt (agony aunts ) N‑COUNT An agony aunt is a person who writes a column in a newspaper or magazine in which they reply to readers who have written to them for advice on their personal problems. [BRIT ] in AM, use advice columnist

a go|ny col|umn (agony columns ) N‑COUNT In a British newspaper or magazine, the agony column contains letters from readers about their personal problems, and advice on what to do about them. [BRIT ] in AM, use advice column

ago|ra|pho|bia /� gərəfoʊ biə/ N‑UNCOUNT Agoraphobia is the fear of open or public places.

ago|ra|pho|bic /� gərəfoʊ b I k/ (agoraphobics ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is agoraphobic suffers from agoraphobia. ●�N‑COUNT An agoraphobic is someone who suffers from agoraphobia.

agrar|ian /əgreə riən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Agrarian means relating to the ownership and use of land, especially farmland, or relating to the part of a society or economy that is concerned with agriculture.

agree ◆◆◆ /əgriː / (agrees , agreeing , agreed )

1 VERB If people agreewith each other about something, they have the same opinion about it or say that they have the same opinion. □�[V ] If we agreed all the time it would be a bit boring, wouldn't it? □�[V +�on ] Both have agreed on the need for the money. □�[V ] So we both agree there's a problem? □�[V +�with ] I see your point but I'm not sure I agree with you. □�[V +�with ] I agree with you that the open system is by far the best. □�[V ] 'It's appalling.'�'It is. I agree.' □�[V that] I agree that the demise of London zoo would be terrible. □�[V +�with ] I agree with every word you've just said. □�[V with quote] 'Frankly I found it rather frightening.' 'A little startling,' Mark agreed.

2 VERB If you agreeto do something, you say that you will do it. If you agreeto a proposal, you accept it. □�[V to-inf] He agreed to pay me for the drawings. □�[V +�to ] Donna agreed to both requests. [Also V ]

3 VERB If people agreeon something, or in British English if they agree something, they all decide to accept or do something. □�[V +�on/upon ] The warring sides have agreed on an unconditional ceasefire. □�[V n] We never agreed a date. □�[V n +�with ] The court had given the unions until September to agree terms with a buyer.

4 PHRASE If two people who are arguing about something agree to disagree or agree to differ , they decide to stop arguing because neither of them is going to change their opinion. □� You and I are going to have to agree to disagree then.

5 VERB If you agreewith an action or suggestion, you approve of it. □�[V +�with ] I don't agree with what they're doing.

6 VERB If one account of an event or one set of figures agreeswith another, the two accounts or sets of figures are the same or are consistent with each other. □�[V +�with ] His second statement agrees with facts as stated by the other witnesses. [Also V ]

7 VERB [with neg] If some food that you eat does not agree with you, it makes you feel ill. □�[V +�with ] I don't think the food here agrees with me.

8 VERB In grammar, if a word agreeswith a noun or pronoun, it has a form that is appropriate to the number or gender of the noun or pronoun. For example, in 'He hates it', the singular verb agrees with the singular pronoun 'he'.

9 →�see also agreed USAGE agree

Don�t say that you �agree� something, or that you � are agreed with it �. Also, when you use �agree� in this sense, don�t use progressive forms. Don�t say � I am agreeing with Mark �. □� I agree with Mark. □� He agreed with my idea.

agree|able /əgriː əb ə l/

1 ADJ If something is agreeable , it is pleasant and you enjoy it. □� �workers in more agreeable and better paid occupations.

2 ADJ If someone is agreeable , they are pleasant and try to please people. □� �lunch with an agreeable friend.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are agreeableto something or if it is agreeableto you, you are willing to do it or to allow it to happen. [FORMAL ] □� If you are agreeable, my PA will make all the necessary arrangements. □�[+�to ] �a solution that would be agreeable to all.

agreed /əgriː d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If people are agreedon something, they have reached a joint decision on it or have the same opinion about it. □�[+�on ] Okay, so are we agreed on going north? □� Everyone is agreed that something needs to be done about the situation.

2 CONVENTION When you are discussing something, you can say ' Agreed? ' to check whether the other people agree with what you have just said. You can say ' Agreed ' if you agree with what someone has just said. [FORMAL , SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'That means we move out today. Agreed?'�'Agreed.'

3 →�see also agree

agree|ment ◆◆◇ /əgriː mənt/ (agreements )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] An agreement is a formal decision about future action which is made by two or more countries, groups, or people. □� It looks as though a compromise agreement has now been reached. □� The two countries signed an agreement to jointly launch satellites.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Agreementon something is a joint decision that a particular course of action should be taken. □�[+�on ] The two men had not reached agreement on any issues.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Agreement with someone means having the same opinion as they have. □� The judge kept nodding in agreement. ●�PHRASE If you are in agreementwith someone, you have the same opinion as they have. □�[+�with ] Not all scholars are in agreement with her, however.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Agreement to a course of action means allowing it to happen or giving it your approval. □� The clinic doctor will then write to your GP to get his agreement. ●�PHRASE If you are in agreementwith a plan or proposal, you approve of it. □�[+�with ] The president was in full agreement with the proposal.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If there is agreement between two accounts of an event or two sets of figures, they are the same or are consistent with each other. □�[+�with ] Many other surveys have produced results essentially in agreement with these figures.

6 N‑UNCOUNT In grammar, agreement refers to the way that a word has a form appropriate to the number or gender of the noun or pronoun it relates to. COLLOCATIONS agreement NOUN 1

noun +�agreement : free trade, loan, peace, tenancy; confidentiality, non-disclosure

adjective +�agreement : binding, enforceable, unenforceable, voluntary; bilateral, formal, mutual; verbal, written

verb +�agreement : negotiate; come to, reach; sign SYNONYMS agreement NOUN

1

treaty:�negotiations over a 1992 treaty on global warming.

arrangement:The caves can be visited only by prior arrangement.

deal:Japan will have to do a deal with America on rice imports.

settlement:Our objective must be to secure a peace settlement.

4

assent:Without their assent a political settlement cannot be reached.

consent:At approximately 11:30 p.m., Pollard finally gave his consent to the search.

ag|ri|busi|ness /� grib I zn I s/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Agribusiness is the various businesses that produce, sell, and distribute farm products, especially on a large scale. [BUSINESS ]

ag|ri|cul|tur|al ◆◇◇ /� gr I kʌ ltʃərəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Agricultural means involving or relating to agriculture. □� �agricultural land. □� �corn and other agricultural products.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An agricultural place or society is one in which agriculture is important or highly developed. □� �traditional agricultural societies.

ag|ri|cul|tur|al|ist /� gr I kʌ ltʃərəl I st/ (agriculturalists ) N‑COUNT An agriculturalist is someone who is an expert on agriculture and who advises farmers.

ag|ri|cul|ture ◆◇◇ /� gr I kʌltʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Agriculture is farming and the methods that are used to raise and look after crops and animals. □� The Ukraine is strong both in industry and agriculture. SYNONYMS agriculture NOUN

farming:Modern intensive farming is subsidised by cheap oil.

husbandry:�soil-conserving methods of good husbandry.

PREFIX agro-

is used to form nouns and adjectives which refer to things relating to agriculture, or to agriculture combined with another activity. For example, agronomics is the branch of economics that studies how land is used in farming.

agrono|mist /əgrɒ nəm I st/ (agronomists ) N‑COUNT An agronomist is someone who studies the growing and harvesting of crops.

aground /əgraʊ nd/ ADV [ADV after v] If a ship runs aground , it touches the ground in a shallow part of a river, lake, or the sea, and gets stuck.

ah /ɑː / EXCLAM Ah is used in writing to represent a noise that people make in conversation, for example to acknowledge or draw attention to something, or to express surprise or disappointment. [FEELINGS ] □� Ah, so many questions, so little time.

aha /ɑːhɑː / EXCLAM Aha is used in writing to represent a noise that people make in conversation, for example to express satisfaction or surprise. [FEELINGS ] □� Aha! Here at last, the answer to my question.

ahead

➊�ADVERB USES

➋�PREPOSITION USES

➊ ahead ◆◆◇ /əhe d/ In addition to the uses shown below, ahead is used in phrasal verbs such as 'get ahead', 'go ahead', and 'press ahead'. 1 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] Something that is ahead is in front of you. If you look ahead , you look directly in front of you. □� Brett looked straight ahead. □� I peered ahead through the front screen. □� The road ahead was now blocked solid. □� Ahead, I saw the only tree for miles.

2 ADV [ADV after v] You use ahead with verbs such as 'push', 'move', and 'forge' to indicate that a plan, scheme, or organization is making fast progress. □� We are moving ahead with plans to send financial aid.

3 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If you are ahead in your work or achievements, you have made more progress than you expected to and are performing well. □� First half profits have charged ahead from �127.6m to �134.2m. □�[+�in ] Children in small classes are several months ahead in reading.

4 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If a person or a team is ahead in a competition, they are winning. □� Scotland were ahead in their European championship qualifier in Iceland. □� A goal would have put Dublin 6-1 ahead.

5 ADV [v-link ADV , ADV after v, n ADV ] Ahead also means in the future. □� A much bigger battle is ahead for the president. □� Now I can remember without mourning, and begin to look ahead.

6 ADV [ADV after v] If you prepare or plan something ahead , you do it some time before a future event so that everything is ready for that event to take place. □� The government wants figures that help it to plan ahead. □� Summer weddings need to be arranged months ahead.

7 ADV [ADV after v] If you go ahead , or if you go on ahead , you go in front of someone who is going to the same place so that you arrive there some time before they do. □� I went ahead and waited with Sean.

➋ ahea d of ◆◇◇

→�Please look at categories 7 and 8 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 PHRASE If someone is ahead of you, they are directly in front of you. If someone is moving ahead of you, they are in front of you and moving in the same direction. □� I saw a man in a blue jacket thirty metres ahead of me. □� She walked ahead of Helene up the steps into the hotel.

2 PHRASE If an event or period of time lies ahead of you, it is going to happen or take place soon or in the future. □� I tried to think about all the problems that were ahead of me tomorrow. □� She spent all night thinking about the future that lay ahead of her. □� We have a very busy day ahead of us today.

3 PHRASE In a competition, if a person or team does something ahead of someone else, they do it before the second person or team. □� Robertson's team crossed five metres ahead of their rivals.

4 PHRASE If something happens ahead of schedule or ahead of time, it happens earlier than was planned. □� This dish may be prepared a day ahead of time and refrigerated.

5 PHRASE If someone is ahead of someone else, they have made more progress and are more advanced in what they are doing. □� Henry generally stayed ahead of the others in the academic subjects.

6one step ahead of someone or something →�see step

7ahead of your time →�see time

ahem /əhe m/ CONVENTION In writing, ahem is used to show that someone is being ironic. Ahem is also used to show that someone wants to get another person's attention. □� It is not unknown for valuable display items to go, ahem, missing.

ahold /əhoʊ ld/

1 PHRASE If you get ahold of someone or something, you manage to contact, find, or get them. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� I tried again to get ahold of my cousin Joan.

2 PHRASE If you get ahold ofyourself , you force yourself to become calm and sensible after a shock or in a difficult situation. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� I'm going to have to get ahold of myself.

ahoy /əhɔ I / EXCLAM Ahoy is something that people in boats shout in order to attract attention. □� Ahoy there! □� Ship ahoy!

AI /e I a I / N‑UNCOUNT AI is an abbreviation for artificial intelligence , or artificial insemination .

aid ◆◆◆ /e I d/ (aids , aiding , aided )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Aid is money, equipment, or services that are provided for people, countries, or organizations who need them but cannot provide them for themselves. □�[+�to ] �convoys delivering humanitarian aid to besieged or isolated communities. □� They have already pledged billions of dollars in aid. □� �food aid convoys.

2 VERB To aid a country, organization, or person means to provide them with money, equipment, or services that they need. □�[V n] The ministry is working through international associations to aid the refugees. ●� -aided COMB □� �grant-aided factories. □� �state-aided schools.

3 VERB To aid someone means to help or assist them. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] �a software system to aid managers in advanced decision-making. □�[V -ed] The hunt for her killer will continue, with police aided by the army and air force. [Also V n to-inf] ●�N‑UNCOUNT Aid is also a noun. □� He was forced to turn for aid to his former enemy.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you perform a task with theaidof something, you need or use that thing to perform that task. □�[+�of ] He succeeded with the aid of a completely new method he discovered.

5 N‑COUNT An aid is an object, device, or technique that makes something easier to do. □�[+�to ] The book is an invaluable aid to teachers of literature.

6 VERB If something aids a process, it makes it easier or more likely to happen. □�[V n] The export sector will aid the economic recovery. □�[V +�in ] Calcium may aid in the prevention of colon cancer.

7 →�see also Band-Aid , first aid , hearing aid , legal aid

8 PHRASE An activity or event in aid of a particular cause or charity is intended to raise money for that cause or charity. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a charity performance in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

9 PHRASE If you come or go to someone's aid , you try to help them when they are in danger or difficulty. COLLOCATIONS aid NOUN

1

noun +�aid : development, food; government, state

adjective +�aid : humanitarian, legal, medical, military; foreign, international, overseas; economic, financial

verb +�aid : deliver, distribute, pledge, provide; cut, increase, suspend, withdraw; need, receive

4

verb +�aid : enlist

5

noun +�aid : buoyancy, hearing, mobility, teaching

adjective +�aid : electronic, navigational, visual VERB

2

aid+�noun : refugees; economy, research

3

aid+�noun : digestion, identification, understanding SYNONYMS aid NOUN

1

handout:Soldiers oversee the food handouts.

relief:�famine relief.

support:�the government's proposal to cut agricultural support by only about 15%.

charity:Her husband is unemployed and the family depends on charity.

assistance:We shall offer you assistance with legal expenses up to $5,000.

4

backing:He said the president had the full backing of his government to negotiate a deal.

support:The prime minister gave his full support to the government's reforms.

assistance:Since 1976 he has been operating the shop with the assistance of volunteers.

aide /e I d/ (aides ) N‑COUNT An aide is an assistant to someone who has an important job, especially in government or in the armed forces. □�[+�to ] �a close aide to the Prime Minister.

aide-de-camp /e I d də kɒ m/ (aides-de-camp ) N‑COUNT An aide-de-camp is an officer in the armed forces who helps an officer of higher rank. □�[+�to ] �a colonel who had been aide-de-camp to the king.

aide-memoire /e I d me mwɑː r / (aide-memoires ) also aide-m�moire N‑COUNT An aide-memoire is something such as a list that you use to remind you of something.

AIDS ◆◆◇ /e I dz/ N‑UNCOUNT AIDS is a disease which destroys the natural system of protection that the body has against other diseases. AIDS is an abbreviation for 'acquired immune deficiency syndrome'.

ail /e I l/ (ails , ailing , ailed ) VERB If something ails a group or area of activity, it is a problem or source of trouble for that group or for people involved in that activity. □�[V n] A full-scale debate is under way on what ails the industry.

ailer|on /e I lərɒn/ (ailerons ) N‑COUNT An aileron is a section on the back edge of the wing of an aircraft that can be raised or lowered in order to control the aircraft's movement.

ail|ing /e I l I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ailing organization or society is in difficulty and is becoming weaker. □� The rise in overseas sales is good news for the ailing American economy.

2 ADJ If someone is ailing , they are ill and are not getting better. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

ail|ment /e I lmənt/ (ailments ) N‑COUNT An ailment is an illness, especially one that is not very serious. □� The pharmacist can assist you with the treatment of common ailments.

aim ◆◆◇ /e I m/ (aims , aiming , aimed )

1 VERB If you aimfor something or aimto do something, you plan or hope to achieve it. □�[V +�for/at ] He is aiming for the 100 metres world record. □�[V to-inf] �an appeal which aims to raise funds for children with special needs.

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The aim of something that you do is the purpose for which you do it or the result that it is intended to achieve. □�[+�of ] The aim of the festival is to increase awareness of Hindu culture and traditions.

3 V-PASSIVE If an action or plan is aimedat achieving something, it is intended or planned to achieve it. □�[be V -ed at n/v-ing] The new measures are aimed at tightening existing sanctions. □�[V -ed] �talks aimed at ending the war.

4 VERB If you aimto do something, you decide or want to do it. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] Are you aiming to visit the gardens?

5 VERB [usu passive] If your actions or remarks are aimedat a particular person or group, you intend that the person or group should notice them and be influenced by them. □�[be V -ed +�at ] The stark message was aimed at the heads of some of Britain's biggest banks. □�[V -ed] Advertising aimed at children should be curbed.

6 VERB If you aim a weapon or object at something or someone, you point it towards them before firing or throwing it. □�[V n +�at ] He was aiming the rifle at Wade. □�[V -ed] �a missile aimed at the arms factory. □�[V +�at ] I didn't know I was supposed to aim at the same spot all the time. [Also V ]

7 N‑SING [oft poss N ] Your aim is your skill or action in pointing a weapon or other object at its target. □� He stood with the gun in his right hand and his left hand steadying his aim.

8 VERB If you aim a kick or punch at someone, you try to kick or punch them. □�[V n prep/adv] They aimed kicks at his shins. [Also V n]

9 PHRASE When you take aim , you point a weapon or object at someone or something, before firing or throwing it. □� She had spotted a man with a shotgun taking aim.

10 PHRASE If you take aim at someone or something, you criticize them strongly. [AM ] □� Republican strategists are taking particular aim at Democratic senators.

aim|less /e I mləs/ ADJ A person or activity that is aimless has no clear purpose or plan. □� After several hours of aimless searching they were getting low on fuel. ●� aim|less|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� I wandered around aimlessly.

ain't /e I nt/ People sometimes use ain't instead of 'am not', 'aren't', 'isn't', 'haven't', and 'hasn't'. Some people consider this use to be incorrect. [DIALECT , SPOKEN ] □� Well, it's obvious, ain't it?

air ◆◆◆ /eə r / (airs , airing , aired )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Air is the mixture of gases which forms the Earth's atmosphere and which we breathe. □� Draughts help to circulate air. □� Keith opened the window and leaned out into the cold air. □� �water and air pollutants.

2 N‑SING Theair is the space around things or above the ground. □� Government troops broke up the protest by firing their guns in the air.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n, by N ] Air is used to refer to travel in aircraft. □� Air travel will continue to grow at about 6% per year. □� Casualties had to be brought to hospital by air.

4 N‑SING If you say that someone or something has a particular air , you mean that they give this general impression. □�[+�of ] Jennifer regarded him with an air of amusement.

5 N‑PLURAL If you say that someone is putting on airs or giving themselves airs , you are criticizing them for behaving as if they are better than other people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� We're poor and we never put on airs.

6 VERB If a broadcasting company airs a television or radio programme, they show it on television or broadcast it on the radio. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] Tonight PBS will air a documentary called 'Democracy In Action'. ●� air|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] �the airing of offensive material.

7 VERB If you air your opinions, you make them known to people. □�[be V -ed] The whole issue was thoroughly aired at the meeting.

8 VERB If you air a room or building, you let fresh air into it. □�[V n] One day a week her mother systematically cleaned and aired each room.

9 VERB If you air clothing or bedding, you put it somewhere warm to make sure that it is completely dry.

10 PHRASE If you do something to clear the air , you do it in order to resolve any problems or disagreements that there might be. □� �an inquiry just to clear the air and settle the facts of the case.

11 PHRASE If something is in the air it is felt to be present, but it is not talked about. □� There was great excitement in the air.

12 PHRASE If someone is on the air , they are broadcasting on radio or television. If a programme is on the air , it is being broadcast on radio or television. If it is off the air , it is not being broadcast. □� She is going on the air as presenter of a new show. □� This message did not reach me until after the programme went off the air.

13 PHRASE If someone or something disappears into thin air , they disappear completely. If someone or something appears out of thin air , they appear suddenly and mysteriously. □� He had materialized out of thin air; I had not seen or heard him coming.

14 PHRASE If you say that a decision or a situation is up in the air , you mean that it has not yet been completely settled or planned. □� With his contract expiring during the summer, the defender's future is up in the air.

15 PHRASE If you say that you are walking on air or floating on air , you mean that you feel extremely happy about something. □� As soon as I know I'm in the team it's like I'm walking on air.

ai r a m|bu|lance (air ambulances ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] An air ambulance is a helicopter or plane that is used for taking people to hospital.

air|bag /eə r b�g/ (airbags ) also air bag N‑COUNT An airbag is a safety device in a car which automatically fills with air if the car crashes, and is designed to protect the people in the car when they are thrown forward in the crash.

ai r base (air bases ) also airbase N‑COUNT An air base is a centre where military aircraft take off or land and are serviced, and where many of the centre's staff live.

air|bed /eə r bed/ (airbeds ) also air bed N‑COUNT An airbed is a plastic or rubber mattress which can be folded or stored flat and which you fill with air before you use it.

air|borne /eə r bɔː r n/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If an aircraft is airborne , it is in the air and flying. □� The pilot did manage to get airborne.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Airborne troops use parachutes to get into enemy territory. □� The allies landed thousands of airborne troops.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Airborne means in the air or carried in the air. □� Many people are allergic to airborne pollutants such as pollen.

ai r brake (air brakes ) N‑COUNT Air brakes are brakes which are used on heavy vehicles such as buses and trains and which are operated by means of compressed air.

air|brush /eə r brʌʃ/ (airbrushes , airbrushing , airbrushed )

1 N‑COUNT An airbrush is an artist's tool which sprays paint onto a surface.

2 VERB To airbrush a photograph or other image means to change it using an airbrush, especially to make it more beautiful or perfect. □�[V -ed] �bits of photographs cut, pasted and then airbrushed to create a convincing whole. [Also V n]

Air|bus /eə r bʌs/ (Airbuses ) N‑COUNT An Airbus is an aeroplane which is designed to carry a large number of passengers for fairly short distances. [TRADEMARK ]

ai r-con N‑UNCOUNT Air-con is the same as air conditioning . [INFORMAL ] □� The bus is a 45-seater with air-con and video screens.

ai r con|di |tioned ADJ If a room or vehicle is air conditioned , the air in it is kept cool and dry by means of a special machine. □� �our new air conditioned trains.

ai r con|di |tion|er (air conditioners ) N‑COUNT An air conditioner is a machine which keeps the air in a building cool and dry.

ai r con|di |tion|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Air conditioning is a method of providing buildings and vehicles with cool dry air.

ai r-cooled ADJ [usu ADJ n] An air-cooled engine is prevented from getting too hot when it is running by cool air that passes over it, rather than being cooled by a liquid. □� The car was powered by a four cylinder air-cooled engine.

air|craft ◆◆◇ /eə r krɑːft, -kr�ft/ (aircraft ) N‑COUNT An aircraft is a vehicle which can fly, for example an aeroplane or a helicopter. □� The return flight of the aircraft was delayed. □� At least three military aircraft were destroyed. COLLOCATIONS aircraft NOUN

noun +�aircraft : combat, enemy, fighter, reconnaissance, surveillance; passenger, transport

adjective +�aircraft : commercial, military; pilotless, unmanned; light

verb +�aircraft : fly

ai r|craft car|ri|er (aircraft carriers ) N‑COUNT An aircraft carrier is a warship with a long, flat deck where aircraft can take off and land.

air|crew /eə r kruː/ (aircrews ) also air crew N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The aircrew on a plane are the pilot and other people who are responsible for flying it and for looking after any passengers who are on it.

air|drome /eə r droʊm/ (airdromes ) N‑COUNT An airdrome is a place or area where small aircraft can land and take off. [AM ] in BRIT, use aerodrome

ai r drop (air drops , air dropping , air dropped ) also airdrop , air-drop

1 N‑COUNT An air drop is a delivery of supplies by aircraft to an area that is hard to get to. The supplies are dropped from the aircraft on parachutes.

2 VERB If a country or organization air drops supplies to a place, it drops supplies there from aircraft. [Also V n]

air|fare /eə r fe r / (airfares ) N‑COUNT The airfare to a place is the amount it costs to fly there.

air|field /eə r fiːld/ (airfields ) N‑COUNT An airfield is an area of ground where aircraft take off and land. It is smaller than an airport.

air|flow /eə r floʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT The airflow around an object or vehicle is the way that the air flows around it.

ai r force ◆◇◇ (air forces ) N‑COUNT An air force is the part of a country's armed forces that is concerned with fighting in the air. □� �the United States Air Force.

ai r fresh|en|er (air fresheners ) N‑VAR An air freshener is a product people can buy which is meant to make rooms smell pleasant.

air|gun /eə r gʌn/ (airguns ) also air gun N‑COUNT An airgun is a gun which is fired by means of air pressure.

air|head /eə r hed/ (airheads ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone, especially a young woman, as an airhead , you are critical of them because you think they are not at all clever and are interested only in unimportant things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ai r|ing cup|board (airing cupboards ) N‑COUNT In British houses, an airing cupboard is a warm cupboard where you put clothes and other things that have been washed and partly dried, to make sure they are completely dry.

air|less /eə r ləs/ ADJ If a place is airless , there is no fresh air in it. □� �a dark, airless room.

air|lift /eə r l I ft/ (airlifts , airlifting , airlifted )

1 N‑COUNT An airlift is an operation to move people, troops, or goods by air, especially in a war or when land routes are closed. □�[+�of ] The UK and the USA organized an airlift of supplies.

2 VERB If people, troops, or goods are airlifted somewhere, they are carried by air, especially in a war or when land routes are closed. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The injured were airlifted to hospital in Prestwick.

air|line ◆◆◇ /eə r la I n/ (airlines ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An airline is a company which provides regular services carrying people or goods in aeroplanes. □� �the Dutch national airline KLM.

air|lin|er /eə r la I nə r / (airliners ) N‑COUNT An airliner is a large aeroplane that is used for carrying passengers.

air|lock /eə r lɒk/ (airlocks ) also air lock

1 N‑COUNT An airlock is a small room that is used to move between areas which do not have the same air pressure, for example in a spacecraft or submarine.

2 N‑COUNT An airlock is a bubble of air in a pipe that prevents liquid from flowing through.

air|mail /eə r me I l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n, by N ] Airmail is the system of sending letters, parcels, and goods by air. □� �an airmail letter. □� Goods are generally shipped by airmail.

air|man /eə r mən/ (airmen ) N‑COUNT An airman is a man who flies aircraft, especially one who serves in his country's air force.

ai r miles N‑PLURAL Air miles are points that you collect when you buy certain goods or services and which you can use to pay for air travel.

ai r pis|tol (air pistols ) N‑COUNT An air pistol is a small gun which is fired by means of air pressure.

air|plane /eə r ple I n/ (airplanes ) N‑COUNT An airplane is a vehicle with wings and one or more engines that enable it to fly through the air. [AM ] in BRIT, use aeroplane

air|play /eə r ple I / N‑UNCOUNT The airplay which a piece of popular music receives is the number of times it is played on the radio. □� Our first single got a lot of airplay.

air|port ◆◆◇ /eə r pɔː r t/ (airports ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An airport is a place where aircraft land and take off, which has buildings and facilities for passengers. □� �Heathrow Airport, the busiest international airport in the world.

ai r|port no v|el (airport novels ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to long novels such as thrillers and romances that are written in a popular style as airport novels .

ai r|port tax (airport taxes ) N‑VAR Airport tax is a tax that airline passengers have to pay in order to use an airport. □� Overnight return flights cost from �349 including airport taxes.

ai r pow|er also airpower N‑UNCOUNT A nation's air power is the strength of its air force. □� We will use air power to protect U.N. peacekeepers if necessary.

ai r rage N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Air rage is aggressive or violent behaviour by airline passengers. □� Most air rage incidents involve heavy drinking.

ai r raid (air raids ) N‑COUNT [N n] An air raid is an attack by military aircraft in which bombs are dropped. This expression is usually used by the country or group that is suffering the attack. □�[+�on ] �a series of daylight air raids on London by German bombers in 1917.

ai r ri|fle (air rifles ) N‑COUNT An air rifle is a rifle which is fired by means of air pressure.

air|ship /eə r ʃ I p/ (airships ) N‑COUNT An airship is an aircraft that consists of a large balloon which is filled with gas and is powered by an engine. It has a section underneath for passengers.

air|show /eə r ʃoʊ/ (airshows ) also air show N‑COUNT An airshow is an event at which aeroplane pilots entertain the public by performing very skilful and complicated movements with the aircraft in the sky.

air|space /eə r spe I s/ also air space N‑UNCOUNT A country's airspace is the part of the sky that is over that country and is considered to belong to it. □� The plane left British airspace.

air|speed /eə r spiːd/ (airspeeds ) also air speed N‑COUNT An aircraft's airspeed is the speed at which it travels through the air.

ai r strike (air strikes ) also airstrike N‑COUNT An air strike is an attack by military aircraft in which bombs are dropped. This expression is usually used by the country or group that is carrying out the attack. □� A senior defence official said last night that they would continue the air strikes.

air|strip /eə r str I p/ (airstrips ) N‑COUNT An airstrip is a stretch of land which has been cleared so that aircraft can take off and land. □� We landed on a grass airstrip, fifteen minutes after leaving Mahe.

ai r ter|mi|nal (air terminals ) N‑COUNT An air terminal is a building in which passengers wait before they get on to an aeroplane. [mainly BRIT ]

air|tight /eə r ta I t/ also air-tight

1 ADJ If a container is airtight , its lid fits so tightly that no air can get in or out. □� Store the cookies in an airtight tin.

2 ADJ An airtight alibi, case, argument, or agreement is one that has been so carefully put together that nobody will be able to find a fault in it. [AM ] □� Mick had an airtight alibi. in BRIT, use watertight

ai r time also airtime N‑UNCOUNT The airtime that something gets is the amount of time taken up with broadcasts about it. □� Even the best women's teams get little air time.

ai r-to-ai r ADJ [ADJ n] Air-to-air combat is a battle between military aeroplanes where rockets or bullets are fired at one aeroplane from another. □� �air-to-air missiles.

ai r traf|fic con|tro l

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Air traffic control is the activity of organizing the routes that aircraft should follow, and telling pilots by radio which routes they should take. □� �the nation's overburdened air-traffic-control system.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Air traffic control is the group of people who organize the routes aircraft take. □� They have to wait for clearance from air traffic control.

ai r traf|fic con|tro l|ler (air traffic controllers ) N‑COUNT An air traffic controller is someone whose job is to organize the routes that aircraft should follow, and to tell pilots by radio which routes they should take.

air|waves /eə r we I vz/ also air waves

1 N‑PLURAL The airwaves is used to refer to the activity of broadcasting on radio and television. For example, if someone says something over the airwaves , they say it on the radio or television. [JOURNALISM ] □� The election campaign has been fought not in street rallies but on the airwaves.

2 N‑PLURAL Airwaves are the radio waves which are used in radio and television broadcasting.

air|way /eə r we I / (airways )

1 N‑COUNT A person's airways are the passages from their nose and mouth down to their lungs, through which air enters and leaves their body. □� �an inflammation of the airways.

2 N‑PLURAL Theairways are all the routes that planes can travel along. □� How does a private pilot get access to the airways?

3 N‑PLURAL Airways means the same as airwaves . □� The interview went out over the airways.

air|woman /eə r wʊmən/ (airwomen ) N‑COUNT An airwoman is a woman who flies aircraft, especially one who serves in her country's air force.

air|worthy /eə r wɜː r �i/ ADJ If an aircraft is airworthy , it is safe to fly. □� The mechanics work hard to keep the helicopters airworthy. ●� air|worthiness N‑UNCOUNT □� All our aircraft have certificates of airworthiness.

airy /eə ri/ (airier , airiest )

1 ADJ If a building or room is airy , it has a lot of fresh air inside, usually because it is large. □� The bathroom has a light and airy feel.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use airy to describe someone's behaviour when they are light-hearted and casual about things which some people take seriously. □� Giving them an airy wave of his hand, the Commander sailed past.

ai ry-fai ry ADJ If you describe someone's ideas as airy-fairy , you are critical of them because you think the ideas are vague, impractical, and unrealistic. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �their airy-fairy principles.

aisle /a I l/ (aisles )

1 N‑COUNT An aisle is a long narrow gap that people can walk along between rows of seats in a public building such as a church or between rows of shelves in a supermarket. □� �the frozen food aisle.

2 N‑SING The aisle is used in expressions such as walking down the aisle to refer to the activity of getting married. □� He was in no hurry to walk down the aisle.

ajar /ədʒɑː r / ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a door is ajar , it is slightly open. □� He left the door ajar in case I needed him.

aka /e I ke I e I / also a.k.a.aka is an abbreviation for 'also known as'. aka is used especially when referring to someone's nickname or stage name. □� �the writer Barbara Vine, aka Ruth Rendell.

akim|bo /ək I mboʊ/ PHRASE If you stand arms akimbo or with arms akimbo , you stand with your hands on your hips and your elbows pointing outwards. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

akin /ək I n/ ADJ If one thing is akinto another, it is similar to it in some way. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Listening to his life story is akin to reading a good adventure novel.

SUFFIX -al

forms adjectives that indicate what something is connected with. For example, environmental problems are problems connected with the environment.

� la /ɑː lɑː/ PHRASE If you do something � la a particular person, you do it in the same style or in the same way that they would do it. □� �embracing the discoveries of science � la Galileo.

ala|bas|ter /� ləbɑːstə r , -b�s-/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Alabaster is a white stone that is used for making statues, vases, and ornaments.

� la carte /ɑː lɑː kɑː r t/ ADJ [ADJ n] An � la carte menu in a restaurant offers you a choice of individually priced dishes for each course. □� You could choose as much or as little as you wanted from an � la carte menu. ●�ADV [ADV after v] � la carte is also an adverb. □� A set meal is �26, or you can eat � la carte.

alac|rity /əl� kr I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] If you do something withalacrity , you do it quickly and eagerly. [FORMAL ]

alarm ◆◇◇ /əlɑː r m/ (alarms , alarming , alarmed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with/in N ] Alarm is a feeling of fear or anxiety that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen. □� The news was greeted with alarm by MPs. [Also +�over/about ]

2 VERB If something alarms you, it makes you afraid or anxious that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen. □�[V n] We could not see what had alarmed him.

3 N‑COUNT An alarm is an automatic device that warns you of danger, for example by ringing a bell. □� He heard the alarm go off.

4 N‑COUNT An alarm is the same as an alarm clock .

5 →�see also alarmed , alarming , burglar alarm , car alarm , false alarm , fire alarm , smoke alarm

6 PHRASE If you say that something sets alarm bells ringing, you mean that it makes people feel worried or concerned about something.

7 PHRASE If you raise the alarm or sound the alarm , you warn people of danger. □� His family raised the alarm when he had not come home by 9pm. SYNONYMS alarm NOUN 1

fear:I was sitting on the floor shivering with fear.

panic:An earthquake hit the capital, causing panic among the population.

anxiety:An earthquake hit the capital, causing panic among the population.

dread:She thought with dread of the cold winters to come. VERB 2

frighten:Most children are frightened by the sight of blood.

scare:You're scaring me.

startle:The telephone startled him. COLLOCATIONS alarm NOUN

1

adjective +�alarm : unnecessary, widespread

verb +�alarm : cause, express

3

noun +�alarm : intruder, panic, rape, security

verb +�alarm : activate, set, sound, trigger; fit, install

ala rm clock (alarm clocks ) N‑COUNT An alarm clock is a clock that you can set to make a noise so that it wakes you up at a particular time. □� I set my alarm clock for 4.30.

alarmed /əlɑː r md/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is alarmed , they feel afraid or anxious that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen. □�[+�by/at ] They should not be too alarmed by the press reports.

alarm|ing /əlɑː r m I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is alarming makes you feel afraid or anxious that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen. □� The disease has spread at an alarming rate. ●� alarm|ing|ly ADV □� �the alarmingly high rate of heart disease.

alarm|ist /əlɑː r m I st/ ADJ Someone or something that is alarmist causes unnecessary fear or anxiety that something unpleasant or dangerous is going to happen. □� Contrary to the more alarmist reports, he is not going to die.

alas /əl� s/ ADV You use alas to say that you think that the facts you are talking about are sad or unfortunate. [FORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Such scandals have not, alas, been absent. □� Alas, it's not that simple.

Al|ba|nian /�lbe I niən/ (Albanians )

1 ADJ Albanian means belonging or relating to Albania, its people, language, or culture. □� Her parents were Albanian. □� �the Albanian coast.

2 N‑COUNT An Albanian is a person who comes from Albania.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Albanian is the language spoken by people who live in Albania.

al|ba|tross /� lbətrɒs, [AM ] -trɔːs/ (albatrosses )

1 N‑COUNT An albatross is a very large white seabird.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe something or someone as an albatross around your neck, you mean that they cause you great problems from which you cannot escape, or they prevent you from doing what you want to do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Privatization could become a political albatross for the ruling party.

al|be|it /ɔːlbiː I t/ ADV You use albeit to introduce a fact or comment which reduces the force or significance of what you have just said. [FORMAL ] □� Charles's letter was indeed published, albeit in a somewhat abbreviated form.

al|bi|no /�lbiː noʊ, [AM ] -ba I n-/ (albinos ) N‑COUNT An albino is a person or animal with very white skin, white hair, and pink eyes. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Albino is also an adjective. □� �an albino rabbit.

al|bum ◆◆◇ /� lbəm/ (albums )

1 N‑COUNT An album is a collection of songs that is available for download, or as a CD or record. You can also refer to the CD or record as an album . □� Chris likes music and has a large collection of albums.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] An album is a book in which you keep things such as photographs or stamps that you have collected. □� Theresa showed me her photo album. COLLOCATIONS album NOUN

1

noun +�album : concept, compilation, solo, tribute; debut; comeback

adjective +�album : forthcoming, upcoming; acclaimed, best-selling, platinum, well-received; new, latest

verb +�album : produce, record; promote, release

2

noun +�album : photo

al|bu|min /� lbjʊm I n, [AM ] �lbjuː m I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Albumin is a protein that is found in blood plasma, egg white, and some other substances.

al|chemi|cal /�lke m I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Alchemical means relating to the science of alchemy. □� �alchemical experiments.

al|che|mist /� lkəm I st/ (alchemists ) N‑COUNT An alchemist was a scientist in the Middle Ages who tried to discover how to change ordinary metals into gold.

al|che|my /� lkəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Alchemy was a form of chemistry studied in the Middle Ages, which was concerned with trying to discover ways to change ordinary metals into gold.

al|co|hol ◆◇◇ /� lkəhɒl, [AM ] -hɔːl/ (alcohols )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Drinks that can make people drunk, such as beer, wine, and whisky, can be referred to as alcohol . □� Do either of you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol?

2 N‑VAR Alcohol is a colourless liquid that is found in drinks such as beer, wine, and whisky. It is also used in products such as perfumes and cleaning fluids. □� �low-alcohol beer.

al|co|hol|ic /� lkəhɒ l I k, [AM ] -hɔː l-/ (alcoholics )

1 N‑COUNT An alcoholic is someone who cannot stop drinking large amounts of alcohol, even when this is making them ill. □� He showed great courage by admitting that he is an alcoholic.

2 ADJ Alcoholic drinks are drinks that contain alcohol. □� �the serving of alcoholic drinks.

al|co|hol|ism /� lkəhɒl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT People who suffer from alcoholism cannot stop drinking large quantities of alcohol. □� �the problems of alcoholism.

al|cove /� lkoʊv/ (alcoves ) N‑COUNT An alcove is a small area of a room which is formed by one part of a wall being built further back than the rest of the wall. □� In the alcoves on either side of the fire were bookshelves.

al den|te /�l de nte I / ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you cook pasta or a vegetable until it is al dente , you cook it just long enough so that it is neither hard nor soft but is firm and slightly chewy.

al|der /ɔː ldə r / (alders ) N‑VAR An alder is a species of tree or shrub that grows especially in cool, damp places and loses its leaves in winter. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Alder is the wood from this tree.

al|der|man /ɔː ldə r mən/ (aldermen )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In some parts of the United States and Canada, an alderman is a member of the governing body of a city.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Until 1974 in England and Wales, an alderman was a senior member of a local council who was elected by other councillors.

ale /e I l/ (ales )

1 N‑VAR Ale is a kind of strong beer. □� �our selection of ales and spirits.

2 →�see also ginger ale , real ale

alec /� l I k/ (alecs ) →�see smart alec

aleck /� l I k/ (alecks ) →�see smart alec

alert ◆◇◇ /əlɜː r t/ (alerts , alerting , alerted )

1 ADJ If you are alert , you are paying full attention to things around you and are able to deal with anything that might happen. □� We all have to stay alert. □� He had been spotted by an alert neighbour. ●� alert|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The drug improved mental alertness.

2 ADJ If you are alertto something, you are fully aware of it. □�[+�to ] The bank is alert to the danger.

3 N‑COUNT An alert is a situation in which people prepare themselves for something dangerous that might happen soon. □� Due to a security alert, this train will not be stopping at Oxford Circus.

4 VERB If you alert someone to a situation, especially a dangerous or unpleasant situation, you tell them about it. □�[V n +�to ] He wanted to alert people to the activities of the group. □�[V n] I was hoping he'd alert the police.

5 →�see also red alert

6 PHRASE If soldiers or police are on alert , they are ready to deal with anything that may happen. □� Soldiers and police have been put on alert.

7 PHRASE If you are on the alertfor something, you are ready to deal with it if it happens. □� They want to be on the alert for similar buying opportunities.

A lev|el /e I lev ə l/ (A levels ) N‑VAR A levels are British educational qualifications which school children take when they are seventeen or eighteen years old. People usually need A levels if they want to go to university in Britain. □� He left school with four A levels.

al|fal|fa /�lf� lfə/ N‑UNCOUNT Alfalfa is a plant that is used for feeding farm animals. The shoots that develop from its seeds are sometimes eaten as a vegetable.

al|fres|co /�lfre skoʊ/ also al fresco ADJ [ADJ n] An alfresco activity, especially a meal, is one that takes place in the open air. □� � an al fresco breakfast of fresh fruit. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Alfresco is also an adverb. □� He came across the man shaving alfresco.

al|gae /� ldʒi, � lga I / N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Algae is a type of plant with no stems or leaves that grows in water or on damp surfaces.

al|gal /� lgəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Algal means relating to algae. □� Sewage nutrients do increase algal growth in the harbour.

al|ge|bra /� ldʒ I brə/ N‑UNCOUNT Algebra is a type of mathematics in which letters are used to represent possible quantities. WORD HISTORY algebra

The term al-jabr is taken from the title of a ninth-century Arabic book on mathematics. In Arabic, al-jabr means 'reunion' or 'integration'. When the book was later translated into Latin, al-jabr became algebra .

al|ge|bra|ic /� ldʒ I bre I I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Algebraic equations, expressions, and principles are based on or use algebra.

Al|ge|rian /� ldʒ I ə riən/ (Algerians )

1 ADJ Algerian means belonging or relating to Algeria, or its people or culture. □� �the Algerian desert. □� �a young Algerian actor.

2 N‑COUNT An Algerian is an Algerian citizen or a person of Algerian origin.

al|go|rithm /� lgər I �əm/ (algorithms ) N‑COUNT An algorithm is a series of mathematical steps, especially in a computer program, which will give you the answer to a particular kind of problem or question.

alia /e I liə/ →�see inter alia

ali|as /e I liəs/ (aliases )

1 N‑COUNT An alias is a false name, especially one used by a criminal. □� Using an alias, he had rented a house in Fleet, Hampshire.

2 PREP You use alias when you are mentioning another name that someone, especially a criminal or an actor, is known by. □� �the defendant Pericles Pericleous, alias Peter Smith.

ali|bi /� l I ba I / (alibis ) N‑COUNT If you have an alibi , you can prove that you were somewhere else when a crime was committed.

al|ien /e I liən/ (aliens )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Alien means belonging to a different country, race, or group, usually one you do not like or are frightened of. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He said they were opposed to the presence of alien forces in the region.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use alien to describe something that seems strange and perhaps frightening, because it is not part of your normal experience. □� His work offers an insight into an alien culture.

3 ADJ If something is aliento you or to your normal feelings or behaviour, it is not the way you would normally feel or behave. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Such an attitude is alien to most businessmen.

4 N‑COUNT An alien is someone who is not a legal citizen of the country in which they live. [FORMAL , LEGAL ]

5 N‑COUNT In science fiction, an alien is a creature from outer space.

al|ien|ate /e I liəne I t/ (alienates , alienating , alienated )

1 VERB If you alienate someone, you make them become unfriendly or unsympathetic towards you. □�[V n] The government cannot afford to alienate either group.

2 VERB To alienate a person from someone or something that they are normally linked with means to cause them to be emotionally or intellectually separated from them. □�[V n +�from ] His second wife, Alice, was determined to alienate him from his two boys.

alight /əla I t/ (alights , alighting , alighted )

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is alight , it is burning. □� Several buildings were set alight.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone's eyes are alight or if their face is alight , the expression in their eyes or on their face shows that they are feeling a strong emotion such as excitement or happiness. [LITERARY ] □�[+�with ] She paused and turned, her face alight with happiness.

3 VERB If a bird or insect alights somewhere, it lands there. [LITERARY ] □�[V prep/adv] A thrush alighted on a branch of the pine tree.

4 VERB When you alight from a train, bus, or other vehicle, you get out of it after a journey. [FORMAL ] [Also V ]

align /əla I n/ (aligns , aligning , aligned )

1 VERB If you alignyourself with a particular group, you support them because you have the same political aim. □�[V pron-refl prep] There are signs that the prime minister is aligning himself with the liberals. □�[V n prep] He has attempted to align the Socialists with the environmental movement. [Also V prep]

2 VERB If you align something, you place it in a certain position in relation to something else, usually parallel to it. □�[V n] A tripod will be useful to align and steady the camera. [Also V n prep]

align|ment /əla I nmənt/ (alignments )

1 N‑VAR An alignment is support for a particular group, especially in politics, or for a side in a quarrel or struggle. □� The church should have no political alignment.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The alignment of something is its position in relation to something else or to its correct position. □�[+�of ] �the alignment of mirrors in the telescope.

alike /əla I k/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If two or more things are alike , they are similar in some way. □� We looked very alike.

2 ADV [ADV after v] Alike means in a similar way. □� �their assumption that all men and women think alike.

3 ADV You use alike after mentioning two or more people, groups, or things in order to emphasize that you are referring to both or all of them. [EMPHASIS ] □� The techniques are being applied almost everywhere by big and small firms alike.

4 →�see also lookalike USAGE alike

Don�t use �alike� in front of a noun. Don�t say, for example, � They wore alike hats �. You say �They wore similar hats�. □� The two companies sell similar products.

ali|men|ta|ry ca|nal /�l I me ntri kən� l/ (alimentary canals ) N‑COUNT The alimentary canal in a person or animal is the passage in their body through which food passes from their mouth to their anus.

ali|mo|ny /� l I məni, [AM ] -moʊni/ N‑UNCOUNT Alimony is money that a court of law orders someone to pay regularly to their former wife or husband after they have got divorced. Compare palimony .

A -list

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An A-list celebrity is a celebrity who is very famous indeed. □� �an A-list Hollywood actress. □� Quinn's connections are strictly A-list.

2 N‑SING An A-list of celebrities is a group of celebrities who are very famous indeed. □�[+�of ] �the A-list of Hollywood stars.

alive ◆◇◇ /əla I v/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If people or animals are alive , they are not dead. □� She does not know if he is alive or dead. □� They kept her alive on a life support machine.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone seems alive , you mean that they seem to be very lively and to enjoy everything that they do. □� Our relationship made me feel more alive.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If an activity, organization, or situation is alive , it continues to exist or function. □� The big factories are trying to stay alive by cutting costs. □� Both communities have a tradition of keeping history alive.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a place is alivewith something, there are a lot of people or things there and it seems busy or exciting. □�[+�with ] The river was alive with birds.

5 PHRASE If people, places, or events come alive , they start to be lively again after a quiet period. If someone or something brings them alive , they cause them to come alive. □� The doctor's voice had come alive and his small eyes shone.

6 PHRASE If a story or description comes alive , it becomes interesting, lively, or realistic. If someone or something brings it alive , they make it seem more interesting, lively, or realistic. □� She made history come alive with tales from her own memories.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is alive and kicking , you are emphasizing not only that they continue to survive, but also that they are very active. [EMPHASIS ] □� �worries that the secret police may still be alive and kicking.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is alive and well , you are emphasizing that they continue to survive. [EMPHASIS ] □� A man who went missing yesterday during a blizzard has been found alive and well. USAGE alive

Don�t use �alive� in front of a noun. Don�t say, for example, � I have no alive relatives � or � They export alive animals �. Instead you use living to talk about people, or live /la I v/ to talk about animals. □� I have no living relatives. □� They export live animals.

al|ka|li /� lkəla I / (alkalis ) N‑VAR An alkali is a substance with a pH value of more than 7. Alkalis form chemical salts when they are combined with acids.

al|ka|line /� lkəla I n/ ADJ Something that is alkaline contains an alkali or has a pH value of more than 7. □� Some soils are actually too alkaline for certain plant life. ●� al|ka|lin|ity /�lkəl I n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] A pH test measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance.

all ◆◆◆ /ɔː l/

1 PREDET You use all to indicate that you are referring to the whole of a particular group or thing or to everyone or everything of a particular kind. □� �the restaurant that Hugh and all his friends go to. □� He lost all his money at a blackjack table in Las Vegas. ●�DET All is also a determiner. □� There is built-in storage space in all bedrooms. □� 85 percent of all American households owe money on mortgages. □� He was passionate about all literature. ●�QUANT All is also a quantifier. □� He was told to pack up all of his letters and personal belongings. □� He was talking to all of us. ●�PRON All is also a pronoun. □� We produce our own hair-care products, all based on herbal recipes. □� I'd spent all I had, every last penny. ●�PRON All is also an emphasizing pronoun. □� Milk, oily fish and egg all contain vitamin D. □� We all admire professionalism and dedication.

2 DET You use all to refer to the whole of a particular period of time. □� George had to cut grass all afternoon. □� She's been feeling bad all week. ●�PREDET All is also a predeterminer. □� She's worked all her life. □� He was looking at me all the time. ●�QUANT All is also a quantifier. □� He spent all of that afternoon polishing the silver. □� Two-thirds of the women interviewed think about food a lot or all of the time.

3 PRON You use all to refer to a situation or to life in general. □� All is silent on the island now. □� As you'll have read in our news pages, all has not been well of late.

4 ADV You use all to emphasize that something is completely true, or happens everywhere or always, or on every occasion. [EMPHASIS ] □� He loves animals and he knows all about them. □� Parts for the aircraft will be made all round the world. □� I got scared and I ran and left her all alone. □� He was doing it all by himself.

5 PRON You use all at the beginning of a clause when you are emphasizing that something is the only thing that is important. [EMPHASIS ] □� He said all that remained was to agree to a time and venue. □� All you ever want to do is go shopping! □� All I could say was, 'I'm sorry'.

6 DET You use all in expressions such as in all sincerity and in all probability to emphasize that you are being sincere or that something is very likely. [EMPHASIS ] □� In all fairness he had to admit that she was neither dishonest nor lazy.

7 ADV You use all when you are talking about an equal score in a game. For example, if the score is three all , both players or teams have three points.

8 ADV All is used in structures such as all the more or all the better to mean even more or even better than before. □� The living room is decorated in pale colours that make it all the more airy.

9 PRON You use all in expressions such as seen it all and done it all to emphasize that someone has had a lot of experience of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� You can't have it all - life is about choice, time is limited. □� Here's a man who has seen it all, tasted and heard it all.

10 PHRASE You say above all to indicate that the thing you are mentioning is the most important point. [EMPHASIS ] □� Above all, chairs should be comfortable.

11 PHRASE You use after all when introducing a statement which supports or helps explain something you have just said. □� I thought you might know somebody. After all, you're the man with connections.

12 PHRASE You use after all when you are saying that something that you thought might not be the case is in fact the case. □� I came out here on the chance of finding you at home after all.

13 PHRASE You use and all when you want to emphasize that what you are talking about includes the thing mentioned, especially when this is surprising or unusual. [EMPHASIS ] □� He dropped his sausage on the pavement and someone's dog ate it, mustard and all.

14 PHRASE You use all in all to introduce a summary or general statement. □� We both thought that all in all it might not be a bad idea.

15 PHRASE You use at all at the end of a clause to give emphasis in negative statements, conditional clauses, and questions. [EMPHASIS ] □� Robin never really liked him at all.

16 PHRASE All but a particular person or thing means everyone or everything except that person or thing. □� The general was an unattractive man to all but his most ardent admirers.

17 PHRASE You use all but to say that something is almost the case. □� The concrete wall that used to divide this city has now all but gone.

18 PHRASE You use for all to indicate that the thing mentioned does not affect or contradict the truth of what you are saying. □� For all its faults, the film instantly became a classic.

19 PHRASE You use for all in phrases such as for all I know , and for all he cares , to emphasize that you do not know something or that someone does not care about something. [EMPHASIS ] □� For all we know, he may even not be in this country. □� You can go right now for all I care.

20 PHRASE If you give your all or put your all into something, you make the maximum effort possible. □� He puts his all into every game.

21 PHRASE In all means in total. □� There was evidence that thirteen people in all had taken part in planning the murder.

22 PHRASE If something such as an activity is a particular price all in , that price includes everything that is offered. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Dinner is about �25 all in.

23 PHRASE You use of all to emphasize the words 'first' or 'last', or a superlative adjective or adverb. [EMPHASIS ] □� First of all, answer these questions. □� Now she faces her toughest task of all.

24 PHRASE You use of all in expressions such as of all people or of all things when you want to emphasize someone or something surprising. [EMPHASIS ] □� They met and fell in love in a supermarket, of all places.

25 PHRASE You use all in expressions like of all the cheek or of all the luck to emphasize how angry or surprised you are at what someone else has done or said. [FEELINGS ] □� Of all the lazy, indifferent, unbusinesslike attitudes to have!

26 PHRASE You use all of before a number to emphasize how small or large an amount is. [EMPHASIS ] □� It took him all of 41 minutes to score his first goal.

27 PHRASE You use all that in statements with negative meaning when you want to weaken the force of what you are saying. [SPOKEN , VAGUENESS ] □� He wasn't all that much older than we were.

28 PHRASE You can say that's all at the end of a sentence when you are explaining something and want to emphasize that nothing more happens or is the case. □� 'Why do you want to know that?' he demanded.�'Just curious, that's all.'

29 PHRASE You use all very well to suggest that you do not really approve of something or you think that it is unreasonable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is all very well adding garlic, but if it has been overcooked, its benefits are largely destroyed. USAGE after all

Don�t use �after all� when you want to introduce a final point, question, or topic. Instead you use finally or lastly . □� Finally I want to thank you all for coming.

all- /ɔː l-/

1 COMB [usu ADJ n] All- is added to nouns or adjectives in order to form adjectives which describe something as consisting only of the thing mentioned or as having only the quality indicated. □� �an all-star cast. □� �all-cotton sheeting.

2 COMB [usu ADJ n] All- is added to present participles or adjectives in order to form adjectives which describe something as including or affecting everything or everyone. □� Nursing a demented person is an all-consuming task.

3 COMB [usu ADJ n] All- is added to nouns in order to form adjectives which describe something as being suitable for or including all types of a particular thing. □� He wanted to form an all-party government of national unity.

Allah /� lə, � lɑː/ N‑PROPER Allah is the name of God in Islam.

a ll-Ame rican ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as an all-American boy or girl, you mean that they seem to have all the typical qualities that are valued by ordinary Americans, such as good looks and love of their country.

a ll-arou nd →�see all-round

al|lay /əle I / (allays , allaying , allayed ) VERB If you allay someone's fears or doubts, you stop them feeling afraid or doubtful. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He did what he could to allay his wife's fears.

a ll clea r

1 N‑SING The all clear is a signal that a dangerous situation, for example an air raid, has ended. □� The all clear was sounded about 10 minutes after the alert was given. ●�CONVENTION All clear is also a convention. □� 'All clear,' Misha growled.

2 N‑SING If someone in authority gives you the all clear , they give you permission to continue with a plan or activity, usually after a problem has been sorted out. □� I was given the all clear by the doctor to resume playing.

a ll-comers also all comers N‑PLURAL You use all-comers to refer to everyone who wants to take part in an activity, especially a competition. □� This is her second season offering residential courses for all-comers.

al|le|ga|tion ◆◇◇ /� l I ge I ʃ ə n/ (allegations ) N‑COUNT An allegation is a statement saying that someone has done something wrong. □� The company has denied the allegations. □�[+�of ] Allegations of brutality and theft have been levelled at the army. COLLOCATIONS allegation NOUN

noun +�allegation : abuse, assault, harassment, racism, rape; bribery, corruption, doping, fraud

adjective +�allegation : baseless, false, unfounded, unsubstantiated, untrue; credible, true; unproven; lurid

verb +�allegation : deny, dismiss, refute, reject; investigate; make

al|lege /əle dʒ/ (alleges , alleging , alleged ) VERB If you allegethat something bad is true, you say it but do not prove it. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] They alleged that the fires were caused by defective machinery. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The accused is alleged to have killed a man. □�[be V -ed that] It was alleged that the restaurant discriminated against black customers. [Also V with quote]

al|leged ◆◆◇ /əle dʒd/ ADJ [ADJ n] An alleged fact has been stated but has not been proved to be true. [FORMAL ] □� They have begun a hunger strike in protest at the alleged beating. ●� al|leg|ed|ly /əle dʒ I dli/ ADV □� His van allegedly struck the two as they were crossing a street. SYNONYMS alleged ADJ

apparent:There is at last an apparent end to the destructive price war.

ostensible:The ostensible purpose of these meetings was to gather information.

supposed:�when the rule of law is broken by its supposed guardians.

putative:�a putative father.

al|le|giance /əliː dʒ ə ns/ (allegiances ) N‑VAR Your allegiance is your support for and loyalty to a particular group, person, or belief. □�[+�to ] My allegiance to Kendall and his company ran deep.

al|le|gori|cal /� l I gɒ r I k ə l, [AM ] -gɔː r-/ ADJ An allegorical story, poem, or painting uses allegory. □� Every Russian knows the allegorical novel The Master And Margarita.

al|le|go|ry /� l I gəri, [AM ] -gɔːri/ (allegories )

1 N‑COUNT An allegory is a story, poem, or painting in which the characters and events are symbols of something else. Allegories are often moral, religious, or political. □�[+�of ] The book is a kind of allegory of Latin American history.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Allegory is the use of characters and events in a story, poem, or painting to represent other things. □� The poem's comic allegory was transparent.

al|le|gro /əle groʊ/ (allegros ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An allegro is a piece of classical music that should be played quickly and in a lively way.

a ll-embra cing ADJ Something that is all-embracing includes or affects everyone or everything. □� His hospitality was instantaneous and all-embracing.

al|ler|gen /� lə r dʒen/ (allergens ) N‑COUNT An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction in someone. [TECHNICAL ]

al|ler|gic /əlɜː r dʒ I k/

1 ADJ If you are allergicto something, you become ill or get a rash when you eat it, smell it, or touch it. □�[+�to ] I'm allergic to cats.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have an allergic reaction to something, you become ill or get a rash when you eat it, smell it, or touch it. □� Soya milk can cause allergic reactions in some children.

al|ler|gist /� lə r dʒ I st/ (allergists ) N‑COUNT An allergist is a doctor who specializes in treating people with allergies.

al|ler|gy /� lə r dʒi/ (allergies ) N‑VAR If you have a particular allergy , you become ill or get a rash when you eat, smell, or touch something that does not normally make people ill. □� Food allergies can result in an enormous variety of different symptoms.

al|le|vi|ate /əliː vie I t/ (alleviates , alleviating , alleviated ) VERB If you alleviate pain, suffering, or an unpleasant condition, you make it less intense or severe. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Nowadays, a great deal can be done to alleviate back pain. ●� al|le|via|tion /əliː vie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Their energies were focussed on the alleviation of the refugees' misery.

al|ley /� li/ (alleys )

1 N‑COUNT An alley is a narrow passage or street with buildings or walls on both sides.

2 →�see also blind alley , bowling alley

a l|ley cat (alley cats ) N‑COUNT An alley cat is a cat that lives in the streets of a town, is rather fierce, and is usually not owned by anyone.

alley|way /� liwe I / (alleyways ) also alley-way N‑COUNT An alleyway is the same as an alley .

al|li|ance ◆◇◇ /əla I əns/ (alliances )

1 N‑COUNT An alliance is a group of countries or political parties that are formally united and working together because they have similar aims. □� The two parties were still too much apart to form an alliance.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in N with n] An alliance is a relationship in which two countries, political parties, or organizations work together for some purpose. □�[+�with/between ] The trend has led to the formation of alliances between online-only retailers and traditional shops.

al|lied ◆◇◇ /� la I d, [AM ] əla I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Allied forces or troops are armies from different countries who are fighting on the same side in a war. □� �the approaching Allied forces.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Allied countries, troops, or political parties are united by a political or military agreement. □� �forces from three allied nations. [Also +�to ]

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If one thing or group is alliedto another, it is related to it because the two things have particular qualities or characteristics in common. □�[+�to/with ] �lectures on subjects allied to health, beauty and fitness.

4 ADJ Something that is alliedto another thing occurs with the other thing. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] He possessed a raw energy allied to a feeling of something special. □�[+�with ] �a disastrous rise in interest rates allied with a stock market slump.

al|li|ga|tor /� l I ge I tə r / (alligators ) N‑COUNT An alligator is a large reptile with short legs, a long tail and very powerful jaws. WORD HISTORY alligator

The word alligator comes from Spanish el lagarto , meaning `the lizard'.

a ll-inclu sive ADJ [usu ADJ n] All-inclusive is used to indicate that a price, especially the price of a holiday, includes all the charges and all the services offered. □� An all-inclusive two-week holiday costs around �2880 per person.

al|lit|era|tion /əl I təre I ʃən/ (alliterations ) N‑VAR Alliteration is the use in speech or writing of several words close together which all begin with the same letter or sound. [TECHNICAL ]

al|lit|era|tive /əl I tərət I v, [AM ] -təre I t I v/ ADJ Alliterative means relating to or connected with alliteration. [TECHNICAL ] □� Her campaign slogan, 'a president for the people', was pleasantly alliterative but empty.

al|lo|cate /� ləke I t/ (allocates , allocating , allocated ) VERB If one item or share of something is allocatedto a particular person or for a particular purpose, it is given to that person or used for that purpose. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Tickets are limited and will be allocated to those who apply first. □�[V n +�for/to ] This year's budget allocated �15m to cycle safety in the capital. □�[V n to-inf] Our plan is to allocate one member of staff to handle appointments. [Also V n n, V n]

al|lo|ca|tion /� ləke I ʃ ə n/ (allocations )

1 N‑COUNT An allocation is an amount of something, especially money, that is given to a particular person or used for a particular purpose. □�[+�for ] There will be a closer review of funding allocations for future conferences.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The allocation of something is the decision that it should be given to a particular person or used for a particular purpose. □� Town planning and land allocation had to be coordinated.

al|lot /əlɒ t/ (allots , allotting , allotted ) VERB [usu passive] If something is allottedto someone, it is given to them as their share. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The seats are allotted to the candidates who have won the most votes. □�[be V -ed n] We were allotted half an hour to address the committee.

al|lot|ment /əlɒ tmənt/ (allotments )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, an allotment is a small area of land in a town which a person rents to grow plants and vegetables on.

2 N‑COUNT An allotmentof something is a share or amount of it that is given to someone. □�[+�of ] His meager allotment of gas had to be saved for emergencies.

a ll-ou t also all out ADJ [ADJ n] You use all-out to describe actions that are carried out in a very energetic and determined way, using all the resources available. □� He launched an all-out attack on his critics. ●�ADV [ADV after v] All out is also an adverb. □� We will be going all out to ensure it doesn't happen again.

al|low ◆◆◆ /əlaʊ / (allows , allowing , allowed )

1 VERB If someone is allowedto do something, it is all right for them to do it and they will not get into trouble. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The children are not allowed to watch violent TV programmes. □�[V n to-inf] The Government will allow them to advertise on radio and television. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] They will be allowed home. □�[be V -ed] Smoking will not be allowed. [Also V n/v-ing]

2 VERB If you are allowed something, you are given permission to have it or are given it. □�[be V -ed] Gifts like chocolates or flowers are allowed. □�[be V -ed n] He should be allowed the occasional treat.

3 VERB If you allow something to happen, you do not prevent it. □�[V n to-inf] He won't allow himself to fail. □�[be V -ed to-inf] If the soil is allowed to dry out the tree could die.

4 VERB If one thing allows another thing to happen, the first thing creates the opportunity for the second thing to happen. □�[V n to-inf] The compromise will allow him to continue his free market reforms. □�[V n n] �an attempt to allow the Tory majority a greater share of power. □�[V n] She said this would allow more effective planning.

5 VERB If you allow a particular length of time or a particular amount of something for a particular purpose, you include it in your planning. □�[V n +�for ] Please allow 28 days for delivery. □�[V n] Allow about 75ml (3fl oz) per six servings.

6 VERB If you allowthat something is true, you admit or agree that it is true. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] Warren allows that capitalist development may result in increased social inequality.

7 PHRASE Some people use Allow me to� as a way of introducing something that they want to say or do. [FORMAL ] □� Allow me to introduce Dr Amberg.

▸� allow for PHRASAL VERB If you allow for certain problems or expenses, you include some extra time or money in your planning so that you can deal with them if they occur. □�[V P n] You have to allow for a certain amount of error. SYNONYMS allow VERB 1

permit:The guards permitted me to bring my camera and tape recorder.

authorize:We are willing to authorize the president to use force if necessary.

enable:This enables young people to do a form of alternative service.

sanction:He may now be ready to sanction the use of force.

let:I love sweets but Mum doesn't let me have them very often.

al|low|able /əlaʊ əb ə l/

1 ADJ If people decide that something is allowable , they let it happen without trying to stop it. □� Capital punishment is allowable only under exceptional circumstances.

2 ADJ Allowable costs or expenses are amounts of money that you do not have to pay tax on. [BUSINESS ]

al|low|ance /əlaʊ əns/ (allowances )

1 N‑COUNT An allowance is money that is given to someone, usually on a regular basis, in order to help them pay for the things that they need. □�[+�of ] He lives on a single parent's allowance of �70 a week.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A child's allowance is money that is given to him or her every week or every month by his or her parents. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use pocket money3 N‑COUNT Your tax allowance is the amount of money that you are allowed to earn before you have to start paying income tax. [BRIT ] □� �those earning less than the basic tax allowance. in AM, use personal exemption4 N‑COUNT A particular type of allowance is an amount of something that you are allowed in particular circumstances. □�[+�of ] Most of our flights have a baggage allowance of 44lbs per passenger.

5 PHRASE If you make allowancesfor something, you take it into account in your decisions, plans, or actions. □�[+�for ] We'll make allowances in the schedule for time off.

6 PHRASE If you make allowancesfor someone, you accept behaviour which you would not normally accept or deal with them less severely than you would normally, because of a problem that they have. □�[+�for ] He's tired so I'll make allowances for him.

al|loy /� lɔ I / (alloys ) N‑VAR An alloy is a metal that is made by mixing two or more types of metal together. □�[+�of ] Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.

a ll-po werful ADJ An all-powerful person or organization has the power to do anything they want. □� �the all-powerful labour unions.

a ll-pu rpose ADJ [ADJ n] You use all-purpose to refer to things that have lots of different uses or can be used in lots of different situations. □� Use all-purpose flour if you cannot find pastry flour.

a ll ri ght ◆◆◇ in BRIT, also use alright1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone or something is all right , you mean that you find them satisfactory or acceptable. □� Is it all right with you if we go now? □� 'How was school?'�'It was all right.' ●�ADJ [ADJ n] All right is also used before a noun. [INFORMAL ] □� He's an all right kind of guy really.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you say that something happens or goes all right , you mean that it happens in a satisfactory or acceptable manner. □� Things have thankfully worked out all right.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is all right , they are well or safe. □� All she's worried about is whether he is all right. □� Are you feeling all right now?

4 CONVENTION You say ' all right ' when you are agreeing to something. [FORMULAE ] □� 'I think you should go now.'�'All right.'.

5 CONVENTION You say ' all right? ' after you have given an instruction or explanation to someone when you are checking that they have understood what you have just said, or checking that they agree with or accept what you have just said. □� Peter, you get half the fees. All right?

6 CONVENTION If someone in a position of authority says ' all right ', and suggests talking about or doing something else, they are indicating that they want you to end one activity and start another. □� All right, Bob. You can go now.

7 CONVENTION You say ' all right ' during a discussion to show that you understand something that someone has just said, and to introduce a statement that relates to it. □� 'I'm a bit busy now.'�'All right, why don't I come back later?'

8 CONVENTION You say all right before a statement or question to indicate that you are challenging or threatening someone. □� All right, who are you and what are you doing in my office?

a ll-rou nd ◆◇◇ in AM, also use all-around1 ADJ [ADJ n] An all-round person is good at a lot of different skills, academic subjects, or sports. □� He is a great all-round player.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] All-round means doing or relating to all aspects of a job or activity. □� He demonstrated the all-round skills of a quarterback.

a ll-rou nder (all-rounders ) N‑COUNT Someone who is an all-rounder is good at a lot of different skills, academic subjects, or sports. [BRIT ] □� I class myself as an all-rounder.

a ll-sea ter ADJ [usu ADJ n] An all-seater stadium has enough seats for all the audience, rather than having some areas without seats where people stand. [BRIT ]

a ll-si nging a ll-da ncing PHRASE If you describe something new as all-singing, all-dancing , you mean that it is very modern and advanced, with a lot of additional features; used especially to show that you think a lot of these features are silly or unnecessary. [HUMOROUS ] □� �the executive's new all-singing, all-dancing website.

all|spice /ɔː lspa I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Allspice is a powder used as a spice in cooking, which is made from the berries of a tropical American tree.

a ll-star ADJ [ADJ n] An all-star cast, performance, or game is one which contains only famous or extremely good performers or players.

a ll-time ADJ [ADJ n] You use all-time when you are comparing all the things of a particular type that there have ever been. For example, if you say that something is the all-time best, you mean that it is the best thing of its type that there has ever been. □� The president's popularity nationally is at an all-time low. □� She is my all-time favourite artist.

al|lude /əluː d/ (alludes , alluding , alluded ) VERB If you alludeto something, you mention it in an indirect way. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] She also alluded to her rival's past marital troubles.

al|lure /əljʊə r , [AM ] əlʊ r/ N‑UNCOUNT The allure of something or someone is the pleasing or exciting quality that they have. □� It's a game that has really lost its allure.

al|lur|ing /əljʊə r I ŋ, [AM ] əlʊ r I ŋ/ ADJ Someone or something that is alluring is very attractive. □� �the most alluring city in South-East Asia.

al|lu|sion /əluː ʒ ə n/ (allusions ) N‑VAR An allusion is an indirect reference to someone or something. □�[+�to ] The title is perhaps an allusion to the author's childhood.

al|lu|sive /əluː s I v/ ADJ Allusive speech, writing, or art is full of indirect references to people or things. □� �Shakespeare's richly metaphoric and allusive language.

al|lu|vial /əluː viəl/ ADJ Alluvial soils are soils which consist of earth and sand left behind on land which has been flooded or where a river once flowed. [TECHNICAL ]

a ll-wea ther ADJ [ADJ n] All-weather sports take place on an artificial surface instead of on grass. □� �all-weather racing. □� �an all-weather tennis court.

ally ◆◆◇ (allies , allying , allied ) The noun is pronounced /� la I /. The verb is pronounced /əla I /. 1 N‑COUNT A country's ally is another country that has an agreement to support it, especially in war. □� Washington would not take such a step without its allies' approval. □�[+�of ] It was assumed that Germany would not want to bring such a powerful ally of Britain into the war.

2 N‑PLURAL The Allies were the armed forces that fought against Germany and Japan in the Second World War.

3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as your ally , you mean that they help and support you, especially when other people are opposing you. □�[+�of ] He is a close ally of the Prime Minister.

4 VERB If you allyyourself with someone or something, you give your support to them. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] He will have no choice but to ally himself with the new movement.

5 →�see also allied

SUFFIX -ally

is added to adjectives ending in -ic to form adverbs that indicate how something is done or what something relates to. For example, if something is done enthusiastically , it is done in an enthusiastic way.

alma ma|ter /� lmə mɑː tə r , - me I tə r / (alma maters )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] Your alma mater is the school or university which you went to. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑SING A school or college's alma mater is its official song. [AM ]

al|ma|nac /ɔː lmən�k/ (almanacs ) also almanack

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] An almanac is a book published every year which contains information about the movements of the planets, the changes of the moon and the tides, and the dates of important anniversaries.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] An almanac is a book published every year which contains information about events connected with a particular subject or activity, and facts and statistics about that activity.

al|ma|nack /ɔː lmən�k/ (almanacks ) →�see almanac

al|mighty /ɔː lma I ti/

1 N‑PROPER The Almighty is another name for God. You can also refer to Almighty God . □� Adam sought guidance from the Almighty.

2 EXCLAM People sometimes say God Almighty or Christ Almighty to express their surprise, anger, or horror. These expressions could cause offence. [FEELINGS ]

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Almighty means very serious or great in extent. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I had the most almighty row with the waitress.

al|mond /ɑː mənd/ (almonds )

1 N‑VAR Almonds are pale oval nuts. They are often used in cooking. □� �sponge cake flavoured with almonds.

2 →�see also sugared almond

3 N‑VAR An almond or an almond tree , is a tree on which almonds grow. □� On the left was a plantation of almond trees.

al|most ◆◆◆ /ɔː lmoʊst/ ADV [ADV before v] You use almost to indicate that something is not completely the case but is nearly the case. □� The couple had been dating for almost three years. □� Storms have been hitting almost all of Britain recently. □� The effect is almost impossible to describe. □� The arrested man will almost certainly be kept at this police station. □� He contracted Spanish flu, which almost killed him.

alms /ɑː mz/ N‑PLURAL Alms are gifts of money, clothes, or food to poor people. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

alms|house /ɑː mzhaʊs/ (almshouses ) also alms-house N‑COUNT Almshouses are houses in Britain which were built and run by charities to provide accommodation for poor or old people who could not afford to pay rent.

aloe vera /� loʊ v I ə rə/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Aloe vera is a substance that contains vitamins and minerals and is often used in cosmetics. Aloe vera is also the name of the plant from which this substance is extracted.

aloft /əlɒ ft, [AM ] əlɔː ft/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] Something that is aloft is in the air or off the ground. [LITERARY ] □� He held the trophy proudly aloft.

alone ◆◆◇ /əloʊ n/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] When you are alone , you are not with any other people. □� There is nothing so frightening as to be alone in a combat situation. □� He was all alone in the middle of the hall. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Alone is also an adverb. □� She has lived alone in this house for almost five years now.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If one person is alonewith another person, or if two or more people are alone , they are together, without anyone else present. □�[+�with ] I couldn't imagine why he would want to be alone with me. □�[+�with ] My brother and I were alone with Vincent.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are alone or feel alone , you mean that nobody who is with you, or nobody at all, cares about you. □� Never in her life had she felt so alone, so abandoned.

4 ADV [n ADV ] You say that one person or thing alone does something when you are emphasizing that only one person or thing is involved. [EMPHASIS ] □� You alone should determine what is right for you. □� They were convicted on forensic evidence alone.

5 ADV [n ADV ] If you say that one person or thing alone is responsible for part of an amount, you are emphasizing the size of that part and the size of the total amount. [EMPHASIS ] □� The BBC alone is sending 300 technicians, directors and commentators.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is alonein doing something, they are the only person doing it, and so are different from other people. □�[+�in ] Am I alone in thinking that this scandal should finish his career? ●�ADV [n ADV ] Alone is also an adverb. □� I alone was sane, I thought, in a world of crazy people.

7 ADV [ADV after v] When someone does something alone , they do it without help from other people. □� Bringing up a child alone should give you a sense of achievement.

8 PHRASE If you go it alone , you do something without any help from other people. [INFORMAL ] □� I missed the stimulation of working with others when I tried to go it alone.

9to leave someone or something alone →�see leave

10let alone →�see let USAGE alone

Don�t use �alone� in front of a noun. For example, don�t talk about � an alone woman �. Instead, say �a woman on her own�. □� These holidays are popular with people on their own .

along ◆◆◆ /əlɒ ŋ, [AM ] əlɔː ŋ/ In addition to the uses shown below, along is used in phrasal verbs such as 'go along with', 'play along', and 'string along'. 1 PREP If you move or look along something such as a road, you move or look towards one end of it. □� Newman walked along the street alone. □� The young man led Mark Ryle along a corridor. □� I looked along the length of the building.

2 PREP If something is situated along a road, river, or corridor, it is situated in it or beside it. □� �enormous traffic jams all along the roads. □� �houses built on piles along the river.

3 ADV [ADV after v] When someone or something moves along , they keep moving in a particular direction. □� She skipped and danced along. □� The wide road was blocked solid with traffic that moved along sluggishly.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If you say that something is going along in a particular way, you mean that it is progressing in that way. □� �the negotiations which have been dragging along interminably. □� My life is going along nicely.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If you take someone or something along when you go somewhere, you take them with you. □� This is open to women of all ages, so bring along your friends and colleagues.

6 ADV [ADV after v] If someone or something is coming along or is sent along , they are coming or being sent to a particular place. □� She invited everyone she knew to come along.

7 PHRASE You use along with to mention someone or something else that is also involved in an action or situation. □� The baby's mother escaped from the fire along with two other children.

8 PHRASE If something has been true or been present all along , it has been true or been present throughout a period of time. □� I've been fooling myself all along.

9along the way →�see way

along|side ◆◇◇ /əlɒ ŋsa I d, [AM ] -lɔː ŋ-/

1 PREP If one thing is alongside another thing, the first thing is next to the second. □� He crossed the street and walked alongside Central Park. □� Much of the industry was located alongside rivers. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Alongside is also an adverb. □� He waited several minutes for a car to pull up alongside.

2 PREP If you work alongside other people, you all work together in the same place. □� He had worked alongside Frank and Mark and they had become friends.

3 PREP If one thing exists or develops alongside another, the two things exist or develop together at the same time. □� Her self-confidence will develop alongside her technique.

aloof /əluː f/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is aloof is not very friendly and does not like to spend time with other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He seemed aloof and detached.

2 ADJ If someone stays alooffrom something, they do not become involved with it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] The Government is keeping aloof from the controversy.

aloud /əlaʊ d/

1 ADV [ADV after v] When you say something, read, or laugh aloud , you speak or laugh so that other people can hear you. □� When we were children, our father read aloud to us. □� 'You fool,' he said aloud.

2 PHRASE If you think aloud , you express your thoughts as they occur to you, rather than thinking first and then speaking.

al|paca /�lp� kə/ (alpacas )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Alpaca is a type of soft wool. □� �a light-grey alpaca suit.

2 N‑COUNT Alpacas are South American animals similar to llamas. Their hair is the source of alpaca wool.

al|pha|bet /� lfəbet/ (alphabets ) N‑COUNT An alphabet is a set of letters usually presented in a fixed order which is used for writing the words of a particular language or group of languages. □� The modern Russian alphabet has 31 letters. □� By two and a half he knew the alphabet.

al|pha|beti|cal /� lfəbe t I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Alphabetical means arranged according to the normal order of the letters in the alphabet. □� Their herbs and spices are arranged in alphabetical order. ●� al|pha|beti|cal|ly /� lfəbe t I kli/ ADV □� The catalog is organized alphabetically by label name.

al|pine /� lpa I n/ (alpines )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Alpine means existing in or relating to mountains, especially the ones in Switzerland. □� �grassy, alpine meadows.

2 N‑COUNT Alpines are small flowering plants that grow high up on mountains and are sometimes grown in gardens. There are many different types of alpines.

al|ready ◆◆◆ /ɔː lre di/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use already to show that something has happened, or that something had happened before the moment you are referring to. Speakers of British English use already with a verb in a perfect tense, putting it after 'have', 'has', or 'had', or at the end of a clause. Some speakers of American English use already with the simple past tense of the verb instead of a perfect tense. □� They had already voted for him at the first ballot. □� I already told you not to come over. □� They've spent nearly a billion dollars on it already.

2 ADV [ADV before v] You use already to show that a situation exists at this present moment or that it exists at an earlier time than expected. You use already after the verb 'be' or an auxiliary verb, or before a verb if there is no auxiliary. When you want add emphasis, you can put already at the beginning of a sentence. □� The authorities believe those security measures are already paying off. □� He was already rich. □� Get 10% off our already low prices! □� Already, he has a luxurious villa in Formello. USAGE already

Don�t confuse already with still or yet . Use still when something that existed in the past continued and exists now. Use yet when something has not happened, although it probably will happen in the future. □� Donald is 89 and he is still teaching. □� They haven�t finished yet .

al|right /ɔː lra I t/ →�see all right

Al|sa|tian /�lse I ʃ ə n/ (Alsatians ) N‑COUNT An Alsatian is a large, usually fierce dog that is often used to guard buildings or by the police to help them find criminals. [BRIT ] in AM, use German shepherd

also ◆◆◆ /ɔː lsoʊ/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You can use also to give more information about a person or thing, or to add another relevant fact. □� It is the work of Ivor Roberts-Jones, who also produced the statue of Churchill in Parliament Square. □� He is an asthmatic who was also anaemic. □� She has a reputation for brilliance. Also, she is gorgeous.

2 ADV [ADV before v] You can use also to indicate that something you have just said about one person or thing is true of another person or thing. □� His father, also a top-ranking officer, had perished during the war. □� We have been working very hard, and our families have also worked hard. □� Not only cancer, but also heart and lung disease are influenced by smoking.

a lso-ran (also-rans ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an also-ran , you mean that they have been or are likely to be unsuccessful in a contest.

al|tar /ɔː ltə r / (altars ) N‑COUNT An altar is a holy table in a church or temple.

a l|tar boy (altar boys ) N‑COUNT In the Roman Catholic church, an altar boy is a boy who helps the priest during Mass.

altar|piece /ɔː ltə r piːs/ (altarpieces ) N‑COUNT An altarpiece is a work of art behind the altar in a church.

al|ter ◆◇◇ /ɔː ltə r / (alters , altering , altered ) VERB If something alters or if you alter it, it changes. □�[V ] Little had altered in the village. □�[V n] They have never altered their programmes by a single day. SYNONYMS alter VERB

modify:The club members did agree to modify their recruitment policy.

change:They should change the law to make it illegal to own replica weapons.

adjust:To attract investors, Panama has adjusted its tax and labour laws.

amend:The president agreed to amend the constitution and allow multi-party elections.

tweak:The system will get even better as the engineers tweak its performance.

al|tera|tion /ɔː ltəre I ʃ ə n/ (alterations )

1 N‑COUNT An alteration is a change in or to something. □�[+�to/in ] Making some simple alterations to your diet will make you feel fitter. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT The alteration of something is the process of changing it. □� Her jacket was at the boutique waiting for alteration.

al|ter|ca|tion /ɔː ltə r ke I ʃ ə n/ (altercations ) N‑COUNT An altercation is a noisy argument or disagreement. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] I had a slight altercation with some people who objected to our filming. [Also +�between ]

a l|ter e go (alter egos )

1 N‑COUNT Your alter ego is the other side of your personality from the one which people normally see.

2 N‑COUNT You can describe the character that an actor usually plays on television or in films as his or her alter ego . □� If the actress were friends with her alter ego in real life, she knows exactly what advice she'd give.

al|ter|nate (alternates , alternating , alternated ) The verb is pronounced /ɔː ltə r ne I t/. The adjective and noun are pronounced /ɔːltɜː r nət/. 1 VERB When you alternate two things, you keep using one then the other. When one thing alternateswith another, the first regularly occurs after the other. □�[V +�with ] Her aggressive moods alternated with gentle or more co-operative states. □�[V ] The three acts will alternate as headliners throughout the tour. □�[V n] Now you just alternate layers of that mixture and eggplant. □�[V n +�with ] The band alternated romantic love songs with bouncy dance numbers. [Also +�between ] ●� al|ter|na|tion /ɔː ltə r ne I ʃ ə n/ (alternations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The alternation of sun and snow continued for the rest of our holiday.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Alternate actions, events, or processes regularly occur after each other. □� They were streaked with alternate bands of colour. ●� al|ter|nate|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� He could alternately bully and charm people.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If something happens on alternate days, it happens on one day, then happens on every second day after that. In the same way, something can happen in alternate weeks, years, or other periods of time. □� Lesley had agreed to Jim going skiing in alternate years.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use alternate to describe a plan, idea, or system which is different from the one already in operation and can be used instead of it. □� His group was forced to turn back and take an alternate route.

5 N‑COUNT An alternate is a person or thing that replaces another, and can act or be used instead of them. [AM ] □� In most jurisdictions, twelve jurors and two alternates are chosen.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative in meanings 2, 3, 4, and 5. □� �an alternate lifestyle.

a l|ter|nat|ing cu r|rent (alternating currents ) N‑VAR An alternating current is an electric current that continually changes direction as it flows. The abbreviation AC is also used.

al|ter|na|tive ◆◆◇ /ɔːltɜː r nət I v/ (alternatives ) The form alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative in meanings 2 , 3 , 4 , and 5 . 1 N‑COUNT If one thing is an alternativeto another, the first can be found, used, or done instead of the second. □�[+�to ] New ways to treat arthritis may provide an alternative to painkillers.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An alternative plan or offer is different from the one that you already have, and can be done or used instead. □� There were alternative methods of travel available.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Alternative is used to describe something that is different from the usual things of its kind, or the usual ways of doing something, in modern Western society. For example, an alternative lifestyle does not follow conventional ways of living and working. □� �unconventional parents who embraced the alternative lifestyle of the Sixties.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Alternative medicine uses traditional ways of curing people, such as medicines made from plants, massage, and acupuncture. □� �alternative health care.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Alternative energy uses natural sources of energy such as the sun, wind, or water for power and fuel, rather than oil, coal, or nuclear power. SYNONYMS alternative NOUN 1

substitute:�tests on humans to find a blood substitute made from animal blood.

option:What other options do you have? ADJ 2

other:He would have to accept it; there was no other way.

alternate:His group was forced to turn back and take an alternate route.

al|ter|na|tive|ly /ɔːltɜː r nət I vli/ ADV You use alternatively to introduce a suggestion or to mention something different to what has just been stated. □� Allow about eight hours for the drive from Calais. Alternatively, you can fly to Brive.

al|ter|na|tor /ɔː ltə r ne I tə r / (alternators ) N‑COUNT An alternator is a device, used especially in a car, that creates an electrical current that changes direction as it flows.

al|though ◆◆◆ /ɔːl�oʊ /

1 CONJ You use although to introduce a subordinate clause which contains a statement which contrasts with the statement in the main clause. □� Although he is known to only a few, his reputation among them is very great. □� Although the shooting has stopped for now, the destruction left behind is enormous.

2 CONJ You use although to introduce a subordinate clause which contains a statement which makes the main clause of the sentence seem surprising or unexpected. □� Although I was only six, I can remember seeing it on TV.

3 CONJ You use although to introduce a subordinate clause which gives some information that is relevant to the main clause but modifies the strength of that statement. □� He was in love with her, although he did not put that name to it.

4 CONJ You use although when admitting a fact about something which you regard as less important than a contrasting fact. □� Although they're expensive, they last forever and never go out of style. USAGE although

When a sentence begins with although or though , don�t use �but� or �yet� to introduce the main clause. Don�t say, for example, � Although he was late, yet he stopped to buy a sandwich �. You say �Although he was late, he stopped to buy a sandwich�. □� Although he was English, he spoke fluent French. SYNONYMS although CONJ 1

though:He's very attractive, though he certainly isn't a ladykiller.

while:While the numbers are relatively small, the potential market is large.

even though:Even though I work alone, there are people who I can interact with.

al|time|ter /� lt I miːtə r , [AM ] �lt I m I tə r / (altimeters ) N‑COUNT An altimeter is an instrument in an aircraft that shows the height of the aircraft above the ground.

al|ti|tude /� lt I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (altitudes ) N‑VAR If something is at a particular altitude , it is at that height above sea level. □�[+�of ] The aircraft had reached its cruising altitude of about 39,000 feet.

alto /� ltoʊ/ (altos )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An alto is a woman who has a low singing voice.

2 N‑COUNT An alto or male alto is a man who has the highest male singing voice.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An alto musical instrument has a range of notes of medium pitch.

al|to|geth|er ◆◇◇ /ɔː ltəge �ə r /

1 ADV [ADV after v] You use altogether to emphasize that something has stopped, been done, or finished completely. [EMPHASIS ] □� When Artie stopped calling altogether, Julie found a new man. □� His tour may have to be cancelled altogether.

2 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use altogether in front of an adjective or adverb to emphasize a quality that someone or something has. [EMPHASIS ] □� The choice of language is altogether different. □� Today's celebrations have been altogether more sedate.

3 ADV [with neg] You use altogether to modify a negative statement and make it less forceful. □� We were not altogether sure that the comet would miss the Earth.

4 ADV You can use altogether to introduce a summary of what you have been saying. □� Altogether, it was a delightful town garden, peaceful and secluded.

5 ADV If several amounts add up to a particular amount altogether , that amount is their total. □� Britain has a total of five thousand military personnel in the area altogether.

alt-right /ɔː ltra I t/ N‑SING [oft N n] The alt-right refers to a group of people with extreme right-wing views, including extreme views on race, who use the internet rather than traditional politics to organize and to share opinions. □� �alt-right websites.

al|tru|ism /� ltru I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Altruism is unselfish concern for other people's happiness and welfare.

al|tru|is|tic /� ltru I st I k/ ADJ If your behaviour or motives are altruistic , you show concern for the happiness and welfare of other people rather than for yourself.

alu|min|ium /� ljʊm I niəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Aluminium is a lightweight metal used, for example, for making cooking equipment and aircraft parts. [BRIT ] □� �aluminium cans. in AM, use aluminum

alu|mi|num /əluː m I nəm/ →�see aluminium

alum|nus /əlʌ mnəs/ (alumni /əlʌ mna I /) N‑COUNT The alumni of a school, college, or university are the people who used to be students there. [AM ]

al|ways ◆◆◆ /ɔː lwe I z/

1 ADV [ADV before v] If you always do something, you do it whenever a particular situation occurs. If you always did something, you did it whenever a particular situation occurred. □� Whenever I get into a relationship, I always fall madly in love. □� She's always late for everything. □� We've always done it this way. □� Always lock your garage.

2 ADV [ADV before v] If something is always the case, was always the case, or will always be the case, it is, was, or will be the case all the time, continuously. □� We will always remember his generous hospitality. □� He was always cheerful.

3 ADV If you say that something is always happening, especially something which annoys you, you mean that it happens repeatedly. □� She was always moving things around.

4 ADV You use always in expressions such as can always or could always when you are making suggestions or suggesting an alternative approach or method. □� If you can't find any decent apples, you can always try growing them yourself.

5 ADV [ADV before v] You can say that someone always was, for example, awkward or lucky to indicate that you are not surprised about what they are doing or have just done. □� She's going to be fine. She always was pretty strong.

Alzheimer's dis|ease /� ltsha I mə r z d I ziːz/ or Alzheimer's N‑UNCOUNT Alzheimer's disease is a condition in which a person's brain gradually stops working properly.

am /əm, STRONG �m/ Am is the first person singular of the present tense of be . Am is often shortened to 'm in spoken English. The negative forms are 'I am not' and 'I'm not'. In questions and tags in spoken English, these are usually changed to 'aren't I'.

AM /e I e m/ (AMs )

1AM is a method of transmitting radio waves that can be used to broadcast sound. AM is an abbreviation for 'amplitude modulation'.

2 N‑COUNT An AM is a member of the Welsh Assembly. AM is an abbreviation for 'assembly member'.

Am.Am. is a written abbreviation for American .

a.m. /e I e m/ also ama.m. is used after a number to show that you are referring to a particular time between midnight and noon. Compare p.m. □� The program starts at 9 a.m.

amalgam /əm� lgəm/ (amalgams ) N‑COUNT Something that is an amalgamof two or more things is a mixture of them.

amal|gam|ate /əm� lgəme I t/ (amalgamates , amalgamating , amalgamated ) VERB When two or more things, especially organizations, amalgamate or are amalgamated , they become one large thing. □�[V +�with ] The firm has amalgamated with an American company. □�[V +�into ] The chemical companies had amalgamated into a vast conglomerate. □�[V n +�with ] The Visitors' Centre amalgamates the traditions of the Old World with the technology of the New. [Also V pl-n] [Also V n +�into ] ●� amal|gama|tion /əm� lgəme I ʃ ə n/ (amalgamations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The governing body was created from an amalgamation of three organizations.

amass /əm� s/ (amasses , amassing , amassed ) VERB If you amass something such as money or information, you gradually get a lot of it. □�[V n] How had he amassed his fortune?

ama|teur ◆◇◇ /� mətə r , [AM ] -tʃɜːr/ (amateurs )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An amateur is someone who does something as a hobby and not as a job. □� Jerry is an amateur who dances because he feels like it.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Amateur sports or activities are done by people as a hobby and not as a job. □� �the local amateur dramatics society.

ama|teur|ish /� mətər I ʃ, [AM ] -tʃɜːr I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe something as amateurish , you think that it is not skilfully made or done. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The paintings looked very amateurish.

ama|teur|ism /� mətər I zəm, [AM ] -tʃɜːr-/ N‑UNCOUNT Amateurism is the belief that people should take part in sports and other activities as a hobby, for pleasure, rather than as a job, for money. □� Graham is a staunch supporter of amateurism.

amaze /əme I z/ (amazes , amazing , amazed ) VERB If something amazes you, it surprises you very much. □�[V n] He amazed us by his knowledge of Welsh history. □�[V ] The Riverside Restaurant promises a variety of food that never ceases to amaze! [Also it V n that/wh] ●� amazed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □�[+�by ] He said most of the cast was amazed by the play's success.

amaze|ment /əme I zmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Amazement is the feeling you have when something surprises you very much. □� I stared at her in amazement.

amaz|ing ◆◇◇ /əme I z I ŋ/ ADJ You say that something is amazing when it is very surprising and makes you feel pleasure, approval, or wonder. □� It's amazing what we can remember with a little prompting. ●� amaz|ing|ly ADV □� She was an amazingly good cook. SYNONYMS amazing ADJ

astonishing:�an astonishing display of physical strength.

surprising:A surprising number of customers order the same sandwich every day.

astounding:The results are quite astounding.

breathtaking:The house has breathtaking views from every room.

Ama|zon /� məzən/ (Amazons )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In Greek mythology, the Amazons were a tribe of women who were very good at fighting.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a tall, strong woman as an Amazon .

Ama|zo|nian /� məzoʊ niən/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Amazonian means related to the area around the river Amazon. □� �the Amazonian rainforest.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] People sometimes describe a tall, strong woman as Amazonian . □� �an Amazonian blonde.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Amazonian means belonging to or connected with the Amazons in Greek mythology. □� �Amazonian queens.

am|bas|sa|dor ◆◇◇ /�mb� sədə r / (ambassadors ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] An ambassador is an important official who lives in a foreign country and represents his or her own country's interests there. □�[+�to ] �the German ambassador to Poland.

am|bas|sa|dor|ial /�mb� sədɔː riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ambassadorial means belonging or relating to an ambassador. □� �an ambassadorial post.

am|ber /� mbə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Amber is a hard yellowish-brown substance used for making jewellery. □� �an amber choker with matching earrings.

2 COLOUR Amber is used to describe things that are yellowish-brown in colour.

3 COLOUR An amber traffic light is orange. □� Cars did not stop when the lights were on amber.

am|bi|ance /� mbiəns/ →�see ambience

am|bi|dex|trous /� mbide kstrəs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is ambidextrous can use both their right hand and their left hand equally skilfully.

am|bi|ence /� mbiəns/ also ambiance N‑SING The ambienceof a place is the character and atmosphere that it seems to have. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] The overall ambience of the room is cosy.

am|bi|ent /� mbiənt/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The ambient temperature is the temperature of the air above the ground in a particular place. [TECHNICAL ]

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ambient sound or light is the sound or light which is all around you. [TECHNICAL ] □� �ambient sounds of children in the background.

am|bi|gu|ity /� mb I gjuː I ti/ (ambiguities ) N‑VAR If you say that there is ambiguity in something, you mean that it is unclear or confusing, or it can be understood in more than one way. □�[+�about ] There is considerable ambiguity about what this part of the agreement actually means.

am|bigu|ous /�mb I gjuəs/

1 ADJ If you describe something as ambiguous , you mean that it is unclear or confusing because it can be understood in more than one way. □� This agreement is very ambiguous and open to various interpretations. □� They may not be fully aware of what they are voting for because of ambiguous language on the ballot paper. ●� am|bigu|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Zaire's national conference on democracy ended ambiguously.

2 ADJ If you describe something as ambiguous , you mean that it contains several different ideas or attitudes that do not fit well together. □� Students have ambiguous feelings about their role in the world.

am|bit /� mb I t/ N‑SING [usu with poss] The ambit of something is its range or extent. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Her case falls within the ambit of moral law.

am|bi|tion ◆◇◇ /�mb I ʃ ə n/ (ambitions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] If you have an ambitionto do or achieve something, you want very much to do it or achieve it. □� His ambition is to sail round the world. □� He harboured ambitions of becoming a Tory MP.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Ambition is the desire to be successful, rich, or powerful. □� Even when I was young I never had any ambition. SYNONYMS ambition NOUN 1

goal:The goal is to raise as much money as possible.

aim:�a research programme that has largely failed to achieve its principal aims.

target:He's won back his place too late to achieve his target of 20 goals this season.

objective:His objective was to play golf and win.

am|bi|tious /�mb I ʃəs/

1 ADJ Someone who is ambitious has a strong desire to be successful, rich, or powerful. □� Chris is so ambitious, so determined to do it all.

2 ADJ An ambitious idea or plan is on a large scale and needs a lot of work to be carried out successfully. □� The ambitious project was completed in only nine months.

am|biva|lent /�mb I vələnt/ ADJ If you say that someone is ambivalentabout something, they seem to be uncertain whether they really want it, or whether they really approve of it. □�[+�about ] She remained ambivalent about her marriage. □� He maintained an ambivalent attitude to the Church throughout his long life. ●� am|biva|lence /�mb I vələns/ (ambivalences ) N‑VAR □�[+�about/towards ] I've never lied about my feelings, including my ambivalence about getting married again.

am|ble /� mb ə l/ (ambles , ambling , ambled ) VERB When you amble , you walk slowly and in a relaxed manner. □�[V adv/prep] Slowly they ambled back to the car. □�[V adv/prep] We ambled along in front of the houses.

am|bro|sia /�mbroʊ ziə, [AM ] -ʒiə/ N‑UNCOUNT In Greek mythology, ambrosia is the food of the gods.

am|bu|lance /� mbjʊləns/ (ambulances ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] An ambulance is a vehicle for taking people to and from hospital.

am|bu|lance|man /� mbjʊlənsm�n/ (ambulancemen ) N‑COUNT An ambulanceman is a man who drives an ambulance or takes care of people in an ambulance on the way to hospital. [BRIT ] in AM, use ambulance driver

am|bush /� mbʊʃ/ (ambushes , ambushing , ambushed )

1 VERB If a group of people ambush their enemies, they attack them after hiding and waiting for them. □�[V n] The Guatemalan army says rebels ambushed and killed 10 patrolmen.

2 N‑VAR An ambush is an attack on someone by people who have been hiding and waiting for them. □� A policeman has been shot dead in an ambush.

3 PHRASE If someone is lying in ambush , they are hiding and waiting for someone, usually to attack them. □� The gunmen, lying in ambush, opened fire, killing the driver.

ame|lio|rate /əmiː liəre I t/ (ameliorates , ameliorating , ameliorated ) VERB If someone or something ameliorates a situation, they make it better or easier in some way. [FORMAL ]

amen /ɑː me n, e I -/ CONVENTION Amen is said by Christians at the end of a prayer.

ame|nable /əmiː nəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are amenableto something, you are willing to do it or accept it. □�[+�to ] Mazarin had been amenable to the idea.

amend /əme nd/ (amends , amending , amended )

1 VERB If you amend something that has been written such as a law, or something that is said, you change it in order to improve it or make it more accurate. □�[V n] The president agreed to amend the constitution and allow multi-party elections. □�[V -ed] �the amended version of the Act.

2 PHRASE If you make amends when you have harmed someone, you show that you are sorry by doing something to please them. □� He wanted to make amends for causing their marriage to fail.

amend|ment ◆◇◇ /əme ndmənt/ (amendments )

1 N‑VAR An amendment is a section that is added to a law or rule in order to change it. □� �an amendment to the defense bill.

2 N‑COUNT An amendment is a change that is made to a piece of writing. SYNONYMS amendment NOUN 1

adjustment:Compensation could be made by adjustments to taxation.

revision:An addition to earlier revisions of the questionnaire is the job requirement exercise.

amen|ity /əmiː n I ti, [AM ] -me n-/ (amenities ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Amenities are things such as shopping centres or sports facilities that are provided for people's convenience, enjoyment, or comfort. □� The hotel amenities include health clubs, conference facilities, and banqueting rooms.

Am|er|asian /əme re I ʒ ə n/ (Amerasians ) N‑COUNT People who have one American parent and one Asian parent are sometimes referred to as Amerasians . □� �discrimination against Amerasians. ●�ADJ Amerasian is also an adjective. □� �an Amerasian boy.

Ameri|can /əme r I kən/ (Americans )

1 ADJ American means belonging or relating to the United States of America, or to its people or culture. □� �the American Ambassador at the United Nations. □� �the influence of American television and movies.

2 →�see also Latin American

3 N‑COUNT An American is a person who comes from the United States of America. □� The Nobel Prize for medicine was won by two Americans.

Ameri|ca|na /əme r I kɑː nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Objects that come from or relate to America are referred to as Americana , especially when they are in a collection. □� �1950s Americana.

Ame ri|can foo t|ball (American footballs ) in AM, use football1 N‑UNCOUNT American football is a game similar to rugby that is played by two teams of eleven players using an oval-shaped ball. Players try to score points by carrying the ball to their opponents' end of the field, or by kicking it over a bar fixed between two posts. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT An American football is an oval-shaped ball used for playing American football. [BRIT ]

Ame ri|can I n|dian (American Indians ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] American Indian people or things belong to or come from one of the native peoples of America. [mainly BRIT ] ●�N‑COUNT An American Indian is someone who is American Indian. [in AM, use Indian , Native American ]

Ameri|can|ism /əme r I kən I zəm/ (Americanisms ) N‑COUNT An Americanism is an expression that is typical of people living in the United States of America.

Ameri|cani|za|tion /əme r I kəna I ze I ʃ ə n/ in BRIT, also use Americanisation N‑UNCOUNT Americanization is the process by which people or countries become more and more similar to Americans and the United States. □� �the Americanization of French culture.

Ameri|can|ized /əme r I kəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use Americanised ADJ If someone is Americanized , they do things in a way that is typical of the United States. □� He is getting very Americanized.

Ameri|ca|no /əme r I kɑː noʊ/ (Americanos ) also americano N‑UNCOUNT Americano is strong coffee with hot water added. ●�N‑COUNT An Americano is a cup of Americano.

Am|er|in|dian /� mər I ndiən/ (Amerindians ) Amerindian means the same as American Indian .

am|ethyst /� məθ I st/ (amethysts )

1 N‑VAR Amethysts are clear purple stones, sometimes used to make jewellery. □� The necklace consisted of amethysts set in gold. □� �rows of amethyst beads.

2 COLOUR Amethyst is used to describe things that are pale purple in colour. □� �as the colours changed from green to amethyst. □� �amethyst glass. WORD HISTORY amethyst

Amethyst comes from Greek amethustos meaning 'not drunk'. It was thought in ancient times that anyone wearing or touching an amethyst would not become drunk. Wine goblets were sometimes carved from amethyst.

ami|abil|ity /e I miəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Amiability is the quality of being friendly and pleasant. [WRITTEN ] □� I found his amiability charming.

ami|able /e I miəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is amiable is friendly and pleasant to be with. [WRITTEN ] ●� ami|ably ADV [ADV with v] □� We chatted amiably about old friends.

ami|cable /� m I kəb ə l/ ADJ When people have an amicable relationship, they are pleasant to each other and solve their problems without quarrelling. □� The meeting ended on reasonably amicable terms. ●� ami|cably /� m I kəbli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� He hoped the dispute could be settled amicably.

amid ◆◇◇ /əm I d/ The form amidst is also used, but is more literary. 1 PREP If something happens amid noises or events of some kind, it happens while the other things are happening. □� A senior leader cancelled a trip to Britain yesterday amid growing signs of a possible political crisis.

2 PREP If something is amid other things, it is surrounded by them. [LITERARY ]

amid|ships /əm I dʃ I ps/ ADV [ADV after v] Amidships means halfway along the length of a ship. □� The ferry hit us amidships.

amidst /əm I dst/ PREP Amidst means the same as amid . [LITERARY ]

ami|no acid /əmiː noʊ � s I d/ (amino acids ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Amino acids are substances containing nitrogen and hydrogen and which are found in proteins. Amino acids occur naturally in the body.

amiss /əm I s/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is amiss , you mean there is something wrong. □� Their instincts warned them something was amiss. □�[+�in ] Something is radically amiss in our health care system.

2 PHRASE If you say that something would not go amiss or would not come amiss , you mean that it would be pleasant and useful. [BRIT ] □� A bit of charm and humour would not go amiss.

am|ity /� m I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Amity is peaceful, friendly relations between people or countries. [FORMAL ] □� He wished to live in amity with his neighbour.

ammo /� moʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Ammo is ammunition for guns and other weapons. [INFORMAL ]

am|mo|nia /əmoʊ niə/ N‑UNCOUNT Ammonia is a colourless liquid or gas with a strong, sharp smell. It is used in making household cleaning substances.

am|mu|ni|tion /� mjʊn I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Ammunition is bullets and rockets that are made to be fired from guns. □� He had only seven rounds of ammunition for the revolver.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can describe information that you can use against someone in an argument or discussion as ammunition . □� The improved trade figures have given the government fresh ammunition.

am|ne|sia /�mniː ziə, -ʒə/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is suffering from amnesia , they have lost their memory.

am|ne|si|ac /�mniː zi�k/ (amnesiacs ) ADJ Someone who is amnesiac has lost their memory. □� She was taken to hospital, apparently amnesiac and shocked. ●�N‑COUNT An amnesiac is someone who is amnesiac. □� Even profound amnesiacs can usually recall how to perform daily activities.

am|nes|ty /� mn I sti/ (amnesties )

1 N‑VAR An amnesty is an official pardon granted to a group of prisoners by the state. □� Activists who were involved in crimes of violence will not automatically be granted amnesty.

2 N‑COUNT An amnesty is a period of time during which people can admit to a crime or give up weapons without being punished. □�[+�for ] The government has announced an immediate amnesty for rebel fighters.

am|nio|cen|tesis /� mnioʊsentiː s I s/ N‑SING If a pregnant woman has an amniocentesis , fluid is removed from her womb in order to check that her unborn baby is not affected by certain genetic disorders.

amoe|ba /əmiː bə/ (amoebae /əmiː bi/ or amoebas ) N‑COUNT An amoeba is the smallest kind of living creature. Amoebae consist of only one cell, and are found in water or soil.

amok /əmʌ k, əmɒ k/ PHRASE If a person or animal runs amok , they behave in a violent and uncontrolled way. □� There is a lack of respect for authority in some schools with kids running amok.

among ◆◆◆ /əmʌ ŋ/ The form amongst is also used, but is more literary. 1 PREP Someone or something that is situated or moving among a group of things or people is surrounded by them. □� They walked among the crowds in Red Square. □� �a little house among the trees.

2 PREP If you are among people of a particular kind, you are with them and having contact with them. □� Things weren't so bad, after all. I was among friends again. □� I was brought up among people who read and wrote a lot.

3 PREP If someone or something is among a group, they are a member of that group and share its characteristics. □� A fifteen year old girl was among the injured. □� Also among the speakers was the new American ambassador to Moscow.

4 PREP If you want to focus on something that is happening within a particular group of people, you can say that it is happening among that group. □� Unemployment is quite high, especially among young people.

5 PREP If something happens among a group of people, it happens within the whole of that group or between the members of that group. □� I am sick of all the quarrelling among politicians who should be concentrating on vital issues.

6 PREP If something such as a feeling, opinion, or situation exists among a group of people, most of them have it or experience it. □� The biggest fear among parents thinking of using the Internet is that their children will be exposed to pornography.

7 PREP If something applies to a particular person or thing amongothers , it also applies to other people or things. □� �a news conference attended among others by our foreign affairs correspondent.

8 PREP If something is shared among a number of people, some of it is given to all of them. □� Most of the furniture was left to the neighbours or distributed among friends.

9 PREP If people talk, fight, or agree amongthemselves , they do it together, without involving anyone else. □� European farm ministers disagree among themselves.

amongst /əmʌ ŋst/ PREP Amongst means the same as among . [LITERARY ]

amor|al /e I mɒ rəl, [AM ] -mɔː r-/ ADJ If you describe someone as amoral , you do not like the way they behave because they do not seem to care whether what they do is right or wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I strongly disagree with this amoral approach to politics.

amo|rous /� mərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's feelings or actions as amorous , you mean that they involve sexual desire.

amor|phous /əmɔː r fəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is amorphous has no clear shape or structure. [FORMAL ] □� A dark, strangely amorphous shadow filled the room. □� �the amorphous mass of the unemployed.

amor|tize /əmɔː r ta I z, [AM ] � mər-/ (amortizes , amortizing , amortized ) in BRIT, also use amortise VERB In finance, if you amortize a debt, you pay it back in regular payments. [BUSINESS ] □�[be V -ed] Business expenses had to be amortized over a 60 month period.

amount ◆◆◇ /əmaʊ nt/ (amounts , amounting , amounted )

1 N‑VAR The amountof something is how much there is, or how much you have, need, or get. □�[+�of ] He needs that amount of money to survive. □�[+�of ] I still do a certain amount of work for them. □� Postal money orders are available in amounts up to $700.

2 VERB If something amountsto a particular total, all the parts of it add up to that total. □�[V +�to ] Consumer spending on sports-related items amounted to �9.75 billion.

▸� amount to PHRASAL VERB If you say that one thing amounts to something else, you consider the first thing to be the same as the second thing. □�[V P n] The confessions were obtained by what amounts to torture. COLLOCATIONS amount NOUN 1

adjective +�amount : certain, considerable, fair, significant, substantial; enormous, huge, large, tremendous, vast; maximum, minimum; total

verb +�amount : invest, pay, spend; increase, reduce

amour /�mʊə r / (amours ) N‑COUNT An amour is a love affair, especially one which is kept secret. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ]

amp /� mp/ (amps )

1 N‑COUNT An amp is the same as an ampere . □� Use a 3 amp fuse for equipment up to 720 watts.

2 N‑COUNT An amp is the same as an amplifier . [INFORMAL ]

am|pere /� mpeə r , [AM ] -p I ə r / (amperes ) in BRIT, also use amp�re N‑COUNT An ampere is a unit which is used for measuring electric current. The abbreviation amp is also used.

am|pheta|mine /�mfe təmiːn/ (amphetamines ) N‑VAR Amphetamine is a drug which increases people's energy, makes them excited, and reduces their desire for food.

am|phib|ian /�mf I biən/ (amphibians )

1 N‑COUNT Amphibians are animals such as frogs and toads that can live both on land and in water.

2 N‑COUNT An amphibian is a vehicle which is able to move on both land and water, or an aeroplane which can land on both land and water.

am|phibi|ous /�mf I biəs/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In an amphibious military operation, army and navy forces attack a place from the sea. □� A third brigade is at sea, ready for an amphibious assault.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An amphibious vehicle is able to move on both land and water.

3 ADJ Amphibious animals are animals such as frogs and toads that can live both on land and in water.

am|phi|thea|tre /� mfiθ I ətə r / (amphitheatres ) in AM, use amphitheater N‑COUNT An amphitheatre is a large open area surrounded by rows of seats sloping upwards. Amphitheatres were built mainly in Greek and Roman times for the performance of plays.

am|ple /� mp ə l/ (ampler , amplest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is an ample amount of something, there is enough of it and usually some extra. □� There'll be ample opportunity to relax, swim and soak up some sun. ●� am|ply ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� They have been amply rewarded with huge salaries.

am|pli|fi|er /� mpl I fa I ə r / (amplifiers ) N‑COUNT An amplifier is an electronic device in a radio or stereo system which causes sounds or signals to get louder.

am|pli|fy /� mpl I fa I / (amplifies , amplifying , amplified )

1 VERB If you amplify a sound, you make it louder, usually by using electronic equipment. □�[V n] This landscape seemed to trap and amplify sounds. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The music was amplified with microphones. □�[V -ed] 'This is the police,' came the amplified voice from the helicopter. ●� am|pli|fi|ca|tion /� mpl I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a voice that needed no amplification.

2 VERB To amplify something means to increase its strength or intensity. □�[V n] The mist had been replaced by a kind of haze that seemed to amplify the heat.

am|pli|tude /� mpl I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (amplitudes ) N‑VAR In physics, the amplitude of a sound wave or electrical signal is its strength. [TECHNICAL ]

am|poule /� mpuːl/ (ampoules ) in AM, use ampule N‑COUNT An ampoule is a small container, usually made of glass, that contains a drug which will be injected into someone. The abbreviation amp is also used.

am|pu|tate /� mpjʊte I t/ (amputates , amputating , amputated ) VERB To amputate someone's arm or leg means to cut all or part of it off in an operation because it is diseased or badly damaged. □�[V n] To save his life, doctors amputated his legs. □�[have n V -ed] He had to have one leg amputated above the knee. [Also V ] ●� am|pu|ta|tion /� mpjʊte I ʃ ə n/ (amputations ) N‑VAR □� He lived only hours after the amputation.

am|pu|tee /� mpjʊtiː / (amputees ) N‑COUNT An amputee is someone who has had all or part of an arm or a leg amputated.

amu|let /� mjʊlət/ (amulets ) N‑COUNT An amulet is a small object that you wear or carry because you think it will bring you good luck and protect you from evil or injury.

amuse /əmjuː z/ (amuses , amusing , amused )

1 VERB If something amuses you, it makes you want to laugh or smile. □�[V n] The thought seemed to amuse him. □�[V ] Their antics never fail to amuse.

2 VERB If you amuseyourself , you do something in order to pass the time and not become bored. □�[V pron-refl] I need distractions. I need to amuse myself so I won't keep thinking about things. □�[V n] Put a selection of baby toys in his cot to amuse him if he wakes early.

3 →�see also amused , amusing

amused /əmjuː zd/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are amusedby something, it makes you want to laugh or smile. □�[+�by/at ] Sara was not amused by Franklin's teasing.

2 PHRASE If you keep someone amused , you find things to do which stop them getting bored. □� Having pictures to colour will keep children amused for hours.

amuse|ment /əmjuː zmənt/ (amusements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Amusement is the feeling that you have when you think that something is funny or amusing. □� He stopped and watched with amusement to see the child so absorbed. □� Steamers tooted at us as sailors on deck waved in amusement.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Amusement is the pleasure that you get from being entertained or from doing something interesting. □� I fell flat on my back, much to the amusement of the rest of the lads.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Amusements are ways of passing the time pleasantly. □� People had very few amusements to choose from. There was no radio, or television.

4 N‑PLURAL Amusements are games, rides, and other things that you can enjoy, for example at a fairground or at the seaside.

amu se|ment ar|cade (amusement arcades ) N‑COUNT An amusement arcade is a place where you can play games on machines which work when you put money in them.

amu se|ment park (amusement parks ) N‑COUNT An amusement park is the same as a funfair . [mainly AM ]

amus|ing /əmjuː z I ŋ/ ADJ Someone or something that is amusing makes you laugh or smile. □� He had a terrific sense of humour and could be very amusing. ●� amus|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� It must be amusingly written.

an /ən, STRONG �n/

1 DET An is used instead of 'a', the indefinite article, in front of words that begin with vowel sounds.

2 →�see also a

SUFFIX -an

is added to the names of some places in order to form adjectives or nouns that refer to people or things which come from that place. For example, the Australian foreign minister is the foreign minister for Australia.

ana|bol|ic ster|oid /� nəbɒl I k ste rɔ I d, st I ə r-/ (anabolic steroids ) N‑COUNT Anabolic steroids are drugs which people, especially athletes, take to make their muscles bigger and to give them more strength.

anach|ro|nism /ən� krən I zəm/ (anachronisms )

1 N‑COUNT You say that something is an anachronism when you think that it is out of date or old-fashioned. □� The President tended to regard the Church as an anachronism.

2 N‑COUNT An anachronism is something in a book, play, or film that is wrong because it did not exist at the time the book, play, or film is set. □� I noticed repeated linguistic anachronisms, which occur in every episode.

anach|ro|nis|tic /ən� krən I st I k/ ADJ You say that something is anachronistic when you think that it is out of date or old-fashioned. □� Many of its practices seem anachronistic.

anaemia /əniː miə/ in AM, use anemia N‑UNCOUNT Anaemia is a medical condition in which there are too few red cells in your blood, causing you to feel tired and look pale.

anaemic /əniː m I k/ in AM, use anemic1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is anaemic suffers from anaemia.

2 ADJ If you describe something as anaemic , you mean that it is not as strong or effective as you think it should be. □� We will see some economic recovery, but it will be very anaemic.

an|aero|bic /�neəroʊ b I k/

1 ADJ Anaerobic creatures or processes do not need oxygen in order to function or survive.

2 ADJ Anaerobic exercise is exercise such as weight training that improves your strength but does not raise your heart rate.

an|aes|the|sia /� n I sθiː ziə, -ʒə/ also anesthesia N‑UNCOUNT Anaesthesia is the use of anaesthetics in medicine and surgery.

an|aes|thet|ic /� n I sθe t I k/ (anaesthetics ) also anesthetic N‑VAR [oft under N ] Anaesthetic is a substance that doctors use to stop you feeling pain during an operation, either in the whole of your body when you are unconscious, or in a part of your body when you are awake. □� The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic.

anaes|the|tist /əniː sθət I st/ (anaesthetists ) N‑COUNT An anaesthetist is a doctor who specializes in giving anaesthetics to patients. [BRIT ] in AM, use anesthesiologist

anaes|the|tize /əniː sθəta I z/ (anaesthetizes , anaesthetizing , anaesthetized ) The spellings anesthetize in American English, and anaesthetise in British English are also used. 1 VERB When a doctor or other trained person anaesthetizes a patient, they make the patient unconscious or unable to feel pain by giving them an anaesthetic.

2 VERB If something such as a drug anaesthetizes part or all of your body, it makes you unable to feel anything in that part of your body.

ana|gram /� nəgr�m/ (anagrams ) N‑COUNT An anagram is a word or phrase formed by changing the order of the letters in another word or phrase. For example, 'triangle' is an anagram of 'integral'.

anal /e I n ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anal means relating to the anus of a person or animal.

an|alge|sic /� n ə ldʒiː z I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An analgesic drug reduces the effect of pain. [FORMAL ]

analo|gous /ən� ləgəs/ ADJ If one thing is analogousto another, the two things are similar in some way. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Marine construction technology is very complex, somewhat analogous to trying to build a bridge under water.

ana|logue /� nəlɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (analogues ) The spelling analog is used in American English, and also in British English for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT If one thing is an analogueof another, it is similar in some way. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] No model can ever be a perfect analogue of nature itself.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Analogue technology involves measuring, storing, or recording an infinitely variable amount of information by using physical quantities such as voltage.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An analogue watch or clock shows what it is measuring with a pointer on a dial rather than with a number display. Compare digital .

anal|ogy /ən� lədʒi/ (analogies ) N‑COUNT If you make or draw an analogybetween two things, you show that they are similar in some way. □�[+�between/with ] Once again, Hockett draws an analogy with American football

ana|lyse /� nəla I z/ (analyses , analysing , analysed ) in AM, use analyze1 VERB If you analyse something, you consider it carefully or use statistical methods in order to fully understand it. □�[V n] McCarthy was asked to analyse the data from the first phase of trials of the vaccine. □�[V wh] This book teaches you how to analyse what is causing the stress in your life.

2 VERB If you analyse something, you examine it using scientific methods in order to find out what it consists of. □�[V n] We haven't had time to analyse those samples yet. □�[have n V -ed] They had their tablets analysed to find out whether they were getting the real drug or not. [Also V wh]

ana|lys|er /� nəla I zə r / (analysers ) in AM, use analyzer1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An analyser is a piece of equipment which is used to analyse the substances that are present in something such as a gas. □� �an oxygen analyser.

2 N‑COUNT An analyser is someone who analyses information.

analy|sis ◆◇◇ /ən� l I s I s/ (analyses /ən� l I siːz/)

1 N‑VAR Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it. □�[+�of ] We did an analysis of the way that government money has been spent in the past.

2 N‑VAR Analysis is the scientific process of examining something in order to find out what it consists of. □� They collect blood samples for analysis at a national laboratory.

3 N‑COUNT An analysis is an explanation or description that results from considering something carefully. □�[+�of ] He started with an analysis of the situation as it stood in 1947.

4 PHRASE You use the expression in the final analysis or in the last analysis to indicate that the statement you are making is the most important or basic aspect of an issue. □� I'm on the right track and I think in the final analysis people will understand that. □� Violence in the last analysis produces more violence. SYNONYMS analysis NOUN

1

interpretation:Analysis and interpretation is a very personal thing.

evaluation:They announced that an inspection team was visiting the site, `for evaluation'.

scrutiny:The President promised a government open to public scrutiny.

3

examination:A post-mortem examination will check for any traces of drug taking.

study:�the first study of English children's attitudes.

test:X-rays and blood tests will also be used to aid diagnosis.

diagnosis:Symptoms may not appear for some weeks, so diagnosis can be difficult.

ana|lyst ◆◆◇ /� nəl I st/ (analysts )

1 N‑COUNT An analyst is a person whose job is to analyse a subject and give opinions about it. □� �a political analyst.

2 N‑COUNT An analyst is someone, usually a doctor, who examines and treats people who are emotionally disturbed.

ana|lyt|ic /� nəl I t I k/ ADJ Analytic means the same as analytical . [mainly AM ]

ana|lyti|cal /� nəl I t I k ə l/

1 ADJ An analytical way of doing something involves the use of logical reasoning. □� I have an analytical approach to every survey. ●� ana|lyti|cal|ly /� nəl I t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� A teacher can encourage children to think analytically.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Analytical research involves using chemical analysis. □� All raw materials are subjected to our latest analytical techniques.

ana|lyze /� nəla I z/ →�see analyse

an|ar|chic /�nɑː r k I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as anarchic , you disapprove of them because they do not recognize or obey any rules or laws. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �anarchic attitudes and complete disrespect for authority.

an|ar|chism /� nə r k I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Anarchism is the belief that the laws and power of governments should be replaced by people working together freely.

an|ar|chist /� nə r k I st/ (anarchists )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An anarchist is a person who believes in anarchism. □� �a well-known anarchist poet.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has anarchist beliefs or views, they believe in anarchism. □� He was apparently quite converted from his anarchist views.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is an anarchist , you disapprove of them because they seem to pay no attention to the rules or laws that everyone else obeys. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was a social anarchist.

an|ar|chis|tic /� nə r k I st I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An anarchistic person believes in anarchism. Anarchistic activity or literature promotes anarchism. □� �an anarchistic revolutionary movement.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as anarchistic , you disapprove of them because they pay no attention to the rules or laws that everyone else obeys. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Hell's Angels were once the most notorious and anarchistic of motorbike gangs.

anarcho- /�nɑː r koʊ-/ COMB Anarcho- combines with nouns and adjectives to form words indicating that something is both anarchistic and the other thing that is mentioned. □� In France there was a long tradition of anarcho-syndicalism.

an|ar|chy /� nə r ki/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe a situation as anarchy , you mean that nobody seems to be paying any attention to rules or laws. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Civil war and famine sent the nation plunging into anarchy.

anath|ema /ən� θəmə/ N‑UNCOUNT If something is anathemato you, you strongly dislike it. □�[+�to ] Violence was anathema to them.

ana|tomi|cal /� nətɒ m I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anatomical means relating to the structure of the bodies of people and animals. □� �minute anatomical differences between insects. ●� ana|tomi|cal|ly /� nətɒ m I kli/ ADV □� I need my pictures to be anatomically correct.

anato|mist /ən� təm I st/ (anatomists ) N‑COUNT An anatomist is an expert in anatomy.

anato|mize /ən� təma I z/ (anatomizes , anatomizing , anatomized ) in BRIT, also use anatomise VERB If you anatomise a subject or an issue, you examine it in great detail. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The magazine is devoted to anatomizing the inadequacies of liberalism.

anato|my /ən� təmi/ (anatomies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Anatomy is the study of the structure of the bodies of people or animals.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can refer to your body as your anatomy . [HUMOROUS ]

3 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An animal's anatomy is the structure of its body.

SUFFIX -ance

forms nouns that refer to a particular action, state, or quality. For example, brilliance is the state or quality of being brilliant, and appearance is the action of appearing.

an|ces|tor /� nsestə r / (ancestors )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, with poss] Your ancestors are the people from whom you are descended. □� �our daily lives, so different from those of our ancestors. □� He could trace his ancestors back seven hundred years.

2 N‑COUNT An ancestorof something modern is an earlier thing from which it developed. □�[+�of ] The direct ancestor of the modern cat was the Kaffir cat of ancient Egypt.

an|ces|tral /�nse strəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use ancestral to refer to a person's family in former times, especially when the family is important and has property or land which they have had for a long time. □� �the family's ancestral home in southern Germany.

an|ces|try /� nsestri/ (ancestries ) N‑COUNT Your ancestry is the fact that you are descended from certain people. □� �a family who could trace their ancestry back to the sixteenth century.

an|chor /� ŋkə r / (anchors , anchoring , anchored )

1 N‑COUNT An anchor is a heavy hooked object that is dropped from a boat into the water at the end of a chain in order to make the boat stay in one place.

2 VERB When a boat anchors or when you anchor it, its anchor is dropped into the water in order to make it stay in one place. □�[V ] We could anchor off the pier. □�[V n] They anchored the boat.

3 VERB If you anchor an object somewhere, you fix it to something to prevent it moving from that place. □�[V n prep] The roots anchor the plant in the earth. □�[V -ed] The child seat belt was not properly anchored to the car.

4 VERB The person who anchors a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the person who presents it and acts as a link between interviews and reports which come from other places or studios. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] Viewers saw him anchoring a five-minute summary of regional news. □�[V -ed] �a series of reports on the Vietnam War, anchored by Mr. Cronkite.

5 N‑COUNT The anchor on a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the person who presents it. [mainly AM ] □� He was the anchor of the 15-minute evening newscast.

6 PHRASE If a boat is at anchor , it is floating in a particular place and is prevented from moving by its anchor.

an|chor|age /� ŋkər I dʒ/ (anchorages ) N‑VAR An anchorage is a place where a boat can anchor safely. □� The nearest safe anchorage was in Halifax, Nova Scotia. □� The vessel yesterday reached anchorage off Dubai.

anchor|man /� ŋkə r m�n/ (anchormen ) also anchor man N‑COUNT The anchorman on a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the person who presents it.

anchor|woman /� ŋkə r wʊmən/ (anchorwomen ) N‑COUNT The anchorwoman on a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the woman who presents it.

an|cho|vy /� ntʃəvi, [AM ] -tʃoʊvi/ (anchovies ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Anchovies are small fish that live in the sea. They are often eaten salted.

an|cien re|gime /ɑː nsjɒn re I ʒiː m/

1 N‑SING Theancien regime was the political and social system in France before the revolution of 1789.

2 N‑SING If a country has had the same political system for a long time and you disapprove of it, you can refer to it as theancien regime . [DISAPPROVAL ]

an|cient ◆◇◇ /e I nʃənt/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Ancient means belonging to the distant past, especially to the period in history before the end of the Roman Empire. □� They believed ancient Greece and Rome were vital sources of learning. ●� an|cient|ly ADV □� Salisbury Plain was known anciently as Ellendune.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ancient means very old, or having existed for a long time. □� �ancient Jewish tradition.

a n|cient hi s|to|ry N‑UNCOUNT Ancient history is the history of ancient civilizations, especially Greece and Rome.

an|cil|lary /�ns I ləri, [AM ] � nsəleri/ (ancillaries )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The ancillary workers in an institution are the people such as cleaners and cooks whose work supports the main work of the institution. □� �ancillary staff. □� �ancillary services like cleaning. ●�N‑COUNT Ancillary is also a noun. □� �ancillaries who look after the children in the playground.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ancillary means additional to something else. [FORMAL ]

and ◆◆◆ /ənd, STRONG �nd/

1 CONJ You use and to link two or more words, groups, or clauses. □� When he returned, she and Simon had already gone. □� I'm going to write good jokes and become a good comedian. □� I'm 53 and I'm very happy.

2 CONJ You use and to link two words or phrases that are the same in order to emphasize the degree of something, or to suggest that something continues or increases over a period of time. [EMPHASIS ] □� We talked for hours and hours. □� He lay down on the floor and cried and cried.

3 CONJ You use and to link two statements about events when one of the events follows the other. □� I waved goodbye and went down the stone harbour steps.

4 CONJ You use and to link two statements when the second statement continues the point that has been made in the first statement. □� You could only tell the effects of the disease in the long term, and five years wasn't long enough.

5 CONJ You use and to link two clauses when the second clause is a result of the first clause. □� All through yesterday crowds have been arriving and by midnight thousands of people packed the square.

6 CONJ You use and to interrupt yourself in order to make a comment on what you are saying. □� As Downing claims, and as we noted above, reading is best established when the child has an intimate knowledge of the language.

7 CONJ You use and at the beginning of a sentence to introduce something else that you want to add to what you have just said. Some people think that starting a sentence with and is ungrammatical, but it is now quite common in both spoken and written English. □� Commuter airlines fly to out-of-the-way places. And business travelers are the ones who go to those locations.

8 CONJ You use and to introduce a question which follows logically from what someone has just said. □� 'He used to be so handsome.'�'And now?'.

9 CONJ And is used by broadcasters and people making announcements to change a topic or to start talking about a topic they have just mentioned. □� And now the headlines.

10 CONJ You use and to indicate that two numbers are to be added together. □� What does two and two make?

11 CONJ And is used before a fraction that comes after a whole number. □� �spent five and a half years. □� �fourteen and a quarter per cent.

12 CONJ You use and in numbers larger than one hundred, after the words 'hundred' or 'thousand' and before other numbers. □� �three thousand and twenty-six pounds.

an|dan|te /�nd� nti/ (andantes )

1 ADV [ADV after v] Andante written above a piece of music means that it should be played fairly slowly.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An andante is a piece of music that is played fairly slowly.

an|drogy|nous /�ndrɒ dʒ I nəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In biology, an androgynous person, animal, or plant has both male and female sexual characteristics. [TECHNICAL ]

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as androgynous , you mean that they are not distinctly masculine or feminine in appearance or in behaviour.

an|drogy|ny /�ndrɒ dʒ I ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Androgyny is the state of being neither distinctly masculine nor distinctly feminine.

an|droid /� ndrɔ I d/ (androids )

1 N‑COUNT In science fiction books and films, an android is a robot that looks like a human being.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Android is an operating system for mobile phones and tablets. [COMPUTING , TRADEMARK ]

3 N‑COUNT An Android is a mobile phone or tablet that uses this software. [TRADEMARK , COMPUTING ]

an|ec|do|tal /� n I kdoʊ t ə l/ ADJ Anecdotal evidence is based on individual accounts, rather than on reliable research or statistics, and so may not be valid. □� Anecdotal evidence suggests that sales in Europe have slipped.

an|ec|dote /� n I kdoʊt/ (anecdotes ) N‑VAR An anecdote is a short, amusing account of something that has happened.

anemia /əniː miə/ →�see anaemia

anemic /əniː m I k/ →�see anaemic

anemo|ne /əne məni/ (anemones ) N‑COUNT An anemone is a garden plant with red, purple, or white flowers.

an|es|the|sia /� n I sθiː ziə, -ʒə/ →�see anaesthesia

an|es|thesi|olo|gist /� n I sθiːziɒ lədʒ I st/ (anesthesiologists ) N‑COUNT An anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in giving anaesthetics to patients. [AM ] in BRIT, use anaesthetist

an|es|thet|ic /� n I sθe t I k/ →�see anaesthetic

anes|the|tist /əniː sθət I st/ (anesthetists ) N‑COUNT An anesthetist is a nurse or other person who gives an anaesthetic to a patient. [AM ]

anes|the|tize /əniː sθəta I z/ →�see anaesthetize

anew /ənjuː , [AM ] ənuː / ADV [ADV after v] If you do something anew , you do it again, often in a different way from before. [WRITTEN ] □� She's ready to start anew.

an|gel /e I ndʒ ə l/ (angels )

1 N‑COUNT Angels are spiritual beings that some people believe are God's servants in heaven.

2 N‑COUNT You can call someone you like very much an angel in order to show affection, especially when they have been kind to you or done you a favour. [FEELINGS ]

3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an angel , you mean that they seem to be very kind and good. [APPROVAL ]

an|gel|ic /�ndʒe l I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone as angelic if they are, or seem to be, very good, kind, and gentle. [APPROVAL ] □� �an angelic face.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Angelic means like angels or relating to angels. □� �angelic choirs.

an|gel|ica /�ndʒe l I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Angelica is the candied stems of the angelica plant which can be used in making cakes or sweets.

an|ger ◆◇◇ /� ŋgə r / (angers , angering , angered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Anger is the strong emotion that you feel when you think that someone has behaved in an unfair, cruel, or unacceptable way. □� He cried with anger and frustration. □�[+�at ] Ellen felt both despair and anger at her mother.

2 VERB If something angers you, it makes you feel angry. □�[V n] The decision to allow more offshore oil drilling angered some Californians. COLLOCATIONS anger NOUN 1

adjective +�anger : growing, mounting, widespread; pent-up, righteous

anger+�be +�adjective : palpable, understandable

verb +�anger : express, vent, voice; arouse, provoke, spark; control, suppress VERB 2

anger+�noun : fans, residents, voters

anger+�adverb : deeply

a nger ma n|age|ment N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Anger management is a set of guidelines that are designed to help people control their anger. □� �anger management courses

an|gi|na /�ndʒa I nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Angina is severe pain in the chest and left arm, caused by heart disease.

an|gle ◆◇◇ /� ŋg ə l/ (angles , angling , angled )

1 N‑COUNT An angle is the difference in direction between two lines or surfaces. Angles are measured in degrees. □� The boat is now leaning at a 30 degree angle.

2 →�see also right angle

3 N‑COUNT An angle is the shape that is created where two lines or surfaces join together. □� �the angle of the blade.

4 N‑COUNT An angle is the direction from which you look at something. □� Thanks to the angle at which he stood, he could just see the sunset.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a way of presenting something or thinking about it as a particular angle . □� He was considering the idea from all angles.

6 VERB [usu cont] If someone is angling for something, they are trying to get it without asking for it directly. □�[V +�for ] It sounds as if he's just angling for sympathy.

7 PHRASE If something is at an angle , it is leaning in a particular direction so that it is not straight, horizontal, or vertical. □� An iron bar stuck out at an angle.

an|gler /� ŋglə r / (anglers ) N‑COUNT An angler is someone who fishes with a fishing rod as a hobby.

An|gli|can /� ŋgl I kən/ (Anglicans )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anglican means belonging or relating to the Church of England, or to the churches related to it. □� �the Anglican Church. □� �an Anglican priest.

2 N‑COUNT An Anglican is a Christian who is a member of the Church of England, or of one of the churches related to it.

An|gli|can|ism /� ŋgl I kən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Anglicanism is the beliefs and practices of the Church of England, and of the churches related to it.

an|gli|cize /� ŋgl I sa I z/ (anglicizes , anglicizing , anglicized ) in BRIT, also use anglicise VERB If you anglicize something, you change it so that it resembles or becomes part of the English language or English culture. □�[V n] He had anglicized his surname. ●� an|gli|cized ADJ □� �an Anglicised version of the Welsh name 'Llywelyn'.

an|gling /� ŋgl I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Angling is the activity or sport of fishing with a fishing rod.

Anglo- /� ŋgloʊ-/

1 COMB [ADJ n] Anglo- combines with adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe something connected with relations between Britain and another country. □� �the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

2 COMB [ADJ n] Anglo- combines with adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe a person who has one British parent and one non-British parent. □� He was born of Anglo-American parentage.

A nglo-A sian (Anglo-Asians ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] An Anglo-Asian person is someone of Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi origin who has grown up in Britain. □� �the Anglo-Asian community. ●�N‑COUNT An Anglo-Asian is someone who is Anglo-Asian.

A nglo-Ca tholic (Anglo-Catholics )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The Anglo-Catholic part of the Church of England, or of the churches related to it, is the part whose beliefs and practices are similar to those of the Catholic Church. □� �a parish in the Anglo-Catholic tradition.

2 N‑COUNT An Anglo-Catholic is a Christian who belongs to the Anglo-Catholic section of the Church of England, or to the churches related to it.

A nglo-I ndian (Anglo-Indians ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] An Anglo-Indian person is someone whose family is partly British and partly Indian. □� �Anglo-Indian writer Amitav Ghosh. ●�N‑COUNT An Anglo-Indian is someone who is Anglo-Indian.

An|glo|phile /� ŋgloʊfa I l/ (Anglophiles ) ADJ If you describe a non-British person as Anglophile , you mean that they admire Britain and British culture. □� �a Shakespeare sonnet taught to him by his Anglophile uncle. ●�N‑COUNT Anglophile is also a noun. □� He became a fanatical Anglophile.

An|glo|phone /� ŋgləfoʊn/ (Anglophones )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Anglophone communities are English-speaking communities in areas where more than one language is commonly spoken. □� �anglophone Canadians. □� �anglophone Africa.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Anglophones are people whose native language is English or who speak English because they live in a country where English is one of the official languages.

A nglo-Sa xon (Anglo-Saxons )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The Anglo-Saxon period is the period of English history from the fifth century A.D. to the Norman Conquest in 1066. □� �the grave of an early Anglo-Saxon king. ●�N‑COUNT An Anglo-Saxon was someone who was Anglo-Saxon. □� �the mighty sea power of the Anglo-Saxons.

2 ADJ Anglo-Saxon people are members of or are descended from the English race. □� �white Anglo-Saxon Protestant men. ●�N‑COUNT Anglo-Saxon is also a noun. □� The difference is, you are Anglo-Saxons, we are Latins.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anglo-Saxon attitudes or ideas have been strongly influenced by English culture. □� Debilly had no Anglo-Saxon shyness about discussing money.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Anglo-Saxon is the language that was spoken in England between the fifth century A.D. and the Norman Conquest in 1066.

An|go|lan /�ŋgoʊ l ə n/ (Angolans )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Angolan means belonging or relating to Angola or its people. □� �the Angolan government.

2 N‑COUNT An Angolan is someone who comes from Angola.

an|go|ra /�ŋgɔː rə/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An angora goat or rabbit is a particular breed that has long silky hair.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Angora cloth or clothing is made from the hair of the angora goat or rabbit. □� �an angora sweater.

an|gry ◆◇◇ /� ŋgri/ (angrier , angriest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When you are angry , you feel strong dislike or impatience about something. □�[+�at ] She had been very angry at the person who stole her new bike. □�[+�with ] Are you angry with me for some reason? □�[+�about ] I was angry about the rumours. □� He's angry that people have called him a racist. □� An angry mob gathered outside the courthouse. ●� an|gri|ly /� ŋgr I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Officials reacted angrily to those charges.

angst /� ŋst/ N‑UNCOUNT Angst is a feeling of anxiety and worry. [JOURNALISM ]

an|guish /� ŋgw I ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Anguish is great mental suffering or physical pain. [WRITTEN ] □� Mark looked at him in anguish.

an|guished /� ŋgw I ʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anguished means showing or feeling great mental suffering or physical pain. [WRITTEN ] □� She let out an anguished cry.

an|gu|lar /� ŋgjʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Angular things have shapes that seem to contain a lot of straight lines and sharp points. □� He had an angular face with prominent cheekbones.

ani|mal ◆◆◇ /� n I m ə l/ (animals )

1 N‑COUNT An animal is a living creature such as a dog, lion, or rabbit, rather than a bird, fish, insect, or human being. □� He was attacked by wild animals. □� He had a real knowledge of animals, birds and flowers.

2 N‑COUNT Any living creature other than a human being can be referred to as an animal . □� Language is something which fundamentally distinguishes humans from animals. □� �a habitat for plants and animals.

3 N‑COUNT Any living creature, including a human being, can be referred to as an animal . □� Watch any young human being, or any other young animal.

4 ADJ Animal products come from animals rather than from plants. □� The illegal trade in animal products continues to flourish.

ani|mal|istic /� n I məli st I k/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as animalistic , you mean that they do not try to hide or control their basic feelings and physical needs. □� The two teams were matched in a ferocious, almost animalistic battle. □� �her animalistic instincts for survival.

a ni|mal ri ghts N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] People who are concerned with animal rights believe very strongly that animals should not be exploited or harmed by humans.

a ni|mal te st|ing N‑UNCOUNT Animal testing involves doing scientific tests on animals when developing new products or drugs.

ani|mate (animates , animating , animated ) The adjective is pronounced /� n I mət/. The verb is pronounced /� n I me I t/. 1 ADJ Something that is animate has life, in contrast to things like stones and machines which do not. □� �all aspects of the material world, animate and inanimate.

2 VERB To animate something means to make it lively or more cheerful. □�[V n] The girls watched, little teasing smiles animating their faces.

ani|mat|ed /� n I me I t I d/

1 ADJ Someone who is animated or who is having an animated conversation is lively and is showing their feelings. ●� ani|mat|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Sammy was talking animatedly with Ned.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An animated film is one in which puppets or drawings appear to move.

ani|ma|tion /� n I me I ʃ ə n/ (animations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Animation is the process of making films in which drawings or puppets appear to move. □� �computer animation.

2 N‑COUNT An animation is a film in which drawings or puppets appear to move.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Someone with animation shows liveliness in the way that they speak, look, or behave. □� They both spoke with animation.

4 →�see also suspended animation

ani|ma|tor /� n I me I tə r / (animators ) N‑COUNT An animator is a person who makes films by means of animation.

an|ime /� n I me I / N‑UNCOUNT Anime is a style of Japanese animated film that often contains scenes that are intended for adults. □� Japanese anime is usually richer, and more artistically dynamic than Hollywood's cartoons for kids.

ani|mos|ity /� n I mɒ s I ti/ (animosities ) N‑UNCOUNT Animosity is a strong feeling of dislike and anger. Animosities are feelings of this kind. □� There's a long history of animosity between the two nations.

ani|mus /� n I məs/ N‑UNCOUNT If a person has an animus against someone, they have a strong feeling of dislike for them, even when there is no good reason for it. [FORMAL ] □� Your animus towards him suggests that you are the wrong man for the job.

an|ise /� n I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Anise is a plant with seeds that have a strong smell and taste. It is often made into an alcoholic drink.

ani|seed /� n I siːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Aniseed is a substance made from the seeds of the anise plant. It is used as a flavouring in sweets, drinks, and medicine.

an|kle /� ŋk ə l/ (ankles ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your ankle is the joint where your foot joins your leg.

an|nals /� n ə lz/ N‑PLURAL [usu in the N of n] If something is in theannalsof a nation or field of activity, it is recorded as part of its history. □� He has become a legend in the annals of military history.

an|nex /�ne ks/ (annexes , annexing , annexed ) VERB If a country annexes another country or an area of land, it seizes it and takes control of it. □�[V n] Rome annexed the Nabatean kingdom in 106 AD. □�[V n +�to ] Hitler was determined to annex Austria to Germany. ●� an|nexa|tion /� nekse I ʃ ə n/ (annexations ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] □�[+�of ] �the Nazi annexation of territories in the run up to the Second World War.

an|nexe /� neks/ (annexes ) also annex

1 N‑COUNT An annexe is a building which is joined to or is next to a larger main building. □� �setting up a museum in an annexe to the theatre.

2 N‑COUNT An annexeto a document is a section added to it at the end. □� The Annex lists and discusses eight titles.

an|ni|hi|late /əna I I le I t/ (annihilates , annihilating , annihilated )

1 VERB To annihilate something means to destroy it completely. □�[be V -ed] The Army was annihilated. ●� an|ni|hi|la|tion /əna I I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the threat of nuclear war and annihilation of the human race.

2 VERB If you annihilate someone in a contest or argument, you totally defeat them. □�[V n] The Dutch annihilated the European champions 5-0.

an|ni|ver|sa|ry ◆◇◇ /� n I vɜː r səri/ (anniversaries ) N‑COUNT An anniversary is a date which is remembered or celebrated because a special event happened on that date in a previous year. □� �the celebrations of the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America.

an|no|tate /� noʊte I t/ (annotates , annotating , annotated ) VERB If you annotate written work or a diagram, you add notes to it, especially in order to explain it. □�[V n] Historians annotate, check and interpret the diary selections. □�[V -ed] �an annotated bibliography.

an|no|ta|tion /� noʊte I ʃ ə n/ (annotations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Annotation is the activity of annotating something. □� She retained a number of copies for further annotation.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] An annotation is a note that is added to a text or diagram, often in order to explain it. □� He supplied annotations to nearly 15,000 musical works.

an|nounce ◆◆◆ /ənaʊ ns/ (announces , announcing , announced )

1 VERB If you announce something, you tell people about it publicly or officially. □�[V that] He will announce tonight that he is resigning from office. □�[V n] When they announced their engagement, no one was surprised. □�[be V -ed that] It was announced that the groups have agreed to a cease-fire.

2 VERB If you announce a piece of news or an intention, especially something that people may not like, you say it loudly and clearly, so that everyone you are with can hear it. □�[V that] Peter announced that he had no intention of wasting his time at any university. □�[V with quote] 'I'm having a bath and going to bed,' she announced, and left the room.

3 VERB If an airport or railway employee announces something, they tell the public about it by means of a loudspeaker system. □�[V n] Station staff announced the arrival of the train over the tannoy. □�[V that] They announced his plane was delayed.

an|nounce|ment ◆◇◇ /ənaʊ nsmənt/ (announcements )

1 N‑COUNT [N that] An announcement is a statement made to the public or to the media which gives information about something that has happened or that will happen. □� Sir Robert made his announcement after talks with the President.

2 N‑SING The announcementof something that has happened is the act of telling people about it. □�[+�of ] �the announcement of their engagement.

3 N‑COUNT An announcement in a public place, such as a newspaper or the window of a shop, is a short piece of writing telling people about something or asking for something. □� An announcement in The Times listed the forthcoming marriage. SYNONYMS announcement NOUN 1

statement:The statement by the military denied any involvement in last night's attack.

declaration:The opening speeches sounded more like declarations of war than offerings of peace.

bulletin:A bulletin was released announcing that the president was out of danger.

communication:The ambassador has brought with him a communication from the President.

communiqu�:The communiqu� said military targets had been hit.

an|nounc|er /ənaʊ nsə r / (announcers )

1 N‑COUNT An announcer is someone who introduces programmes on radio or television or who reads the text of a radio or television advertisement. □� The radio announcer said it was nine o'clock.

2 N‑COUNT The announcer at a railway station or airport is the person who makes the announcements. □� The announcer apologised for the delay.

an|noy /ənɔ I / (annoys , annoying , annoyed )

1 VERB If someone or something annoys you, it makes you fairly angry and impatient. □�[V n] Try making a note of the things which annoy you. □�[V n that] It annoyed me that I didn't have time to do more reading. □�[V n to-inf] It just annoyed me to hear him going on. [Also V ]

2 →�see also annoyed , annoying

an|noy|ance /ənɔ I əns/ (annoyances )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Annoyance is the feeling that you get when someone makes you feel fairly angry or impatient. □� To her annoyance the stranger did not go away.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An annoyance is something that makes you feel angry or impatient. □� Inconsiderate neighbours can be more than an annoyance.

an|noyed /ənɔ I d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If you are annoyed , you are fairly angry about something. □� She is hurt and annoyed that the authorities have banned her from working with children.

2 →�see also annoy

an|noy|ing /ənɔ I I ŋ/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is annoying makes you feel fairly angry and impatient. □� You must have found my attitude annoying. □� The annoying thing about the scheme is that it's confusing. ●� an|noy|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Alex looked annoyingly cheerful.

2 →�see also annoy

an|nual ◆◆◇ /� njuəl/ (annuals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Annual events happen once every year. □� �the annual conference of Britain's trade union movement. □� In its annual report, UNICEF says at least 40,000 children die every day. ●� an|nual|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Companies report to their shareholders annually.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Annual quantities or rates relate to a period of one year. □� The electronic and printing unit has annual sales of about $80 million. ●� an|nual|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� El Salvador produces 100,000 tons of refined copper annually.

3 N‑COUNT An annual is a book or magazine that is published once a year.

4 N‑COUNT An annual is a plant that grows and dies within one year. SYNONYMS annual ADJ 1

yearly:�the yearly increase in the cost of raw materials.

an|nu|ity /ənjuː I ti, [AM ] ənuː I ti/ (annuities ) N‑COUNT An annuity is an investment or insurance policy that pays someone a fixed sum of money each year. [BUSINESS ]

an|nul /ənʌ l/ (annuls , annulling , annulled ) VERB [usu passive] If an election or a contract is annulled , it is declared invalid, so that legally it is considered never to have existed. □�[be V -ed] The marriage was annulled last month.

an|nul|ment /ənʌ lmənt/ (annulments ) N‑VAR The annulment of a contract or marriage is an official declaration that it is invalid, so that legally it is considered never to have existed. □�[+�of ] �the annulment of the elections.

an|num /� nəm/ →�see per annum

An|nun|cia|tion /ənʌ nsie I ʃ ə n/ N‑PROPER In Christianity, theAnnunciation was the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she was going to give birth to the son of God.

an|ode /� noʊd/ (anodes ) N‑COUNT In electronics, an anode is the positive electrode in a cell such as a battery. Compare cathode . [TECHNICAL ]

ano|dyne /� nəda I n/ ADJ If you describe something as anodyne , you are criticizing it because it has no strong characteristics and is not likely to excite, interest, or upset anyone. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Their quarterly meetings were anodyne affairs.

anoint /ənɔ I nt/ (anoints , anointing , anointed )

1 VERB To anoint someone means to put oil or water on a part of their body, usually for religious reasons. □�[V n] He anointed my forehead. □�[V n +�as ] The Pope has anointed him as Archbishop. □�[V -ed] �the anointed king.

2 VERB If a person in a position of authority anoints someone, they choose them to do a particular important job. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n +�as ] The populist party anointed him as its candidate. □�[V n] Mr. Olsen has always avoided anointing any successor.

anoma|lous /ənɒ mələs/ ADJ Something that is anomalous is different from what is usual or expected. [FORMAL ] □� For years this anomalous behaviour has baffled scientists.

anoma|ly /ənɒ məli/ (anomalies ) N‑COUNT If something is an anomaly , it is different from what is usual or expected. [FORMAL ] □� The British public's wariness of opera is an anomaly in Europe.

anon /ənɒ n/ ADV [ADV after v] Anon means quite soon. [LITERARY ] □� You shall see him anon.

anon.Anon. is often written after poems or other writing to indicate that the author is not known. Anon. is an abbreviation for 'anonymous'.

anony|mous /ənɒ n I məs/

1 ADJ If you remain anonymous when you do something, you do not let people know that you were the person who did it. □� You can remain anonymous if you wish. □� An anonymous benefactor stepped in to provide the prize money. □� �anonymous phone calls. ●� ano|nym|ity /� nɒn I m I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Both mother and daughter, who have requested anonymity, are doing fine. ●� anony|mous|ly ADV □� The latest photographs were sent anonymously to the magazine's headquarters.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is anonymous does not reveal who you are. □� Of course, that would have to be by anonymous vote. ●� ano|nym|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� He claims many more people would support him in the anonymity of a voting booth.

3 ADJ If you describe a place as anonymous , you dislike it because it has no unusual or interesting features and seems unwelcoming. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It's nice to stay in a home rather than in an anonymous holiday villa. ●� ano|nym|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� �the anonymity of the rented room.

ano|rak /� nər�k/ (anoraks ) N‑COUNT An anorak is a warm waterproof jacket, usually with a hood.

ano|rexia /�nəre ksiə/ N‑UNCOUNT Anorexia or anorexia nervosa is an illness in which a person has an overwhelming fear of becoming fat, and so refuses to eat enough and becomes thinner and thinner.

ano|rex|ic /�nəre ks I k/ (anorexics ) ADJ If someone is anorexic , they are suffering from anorexia and so are very thin. ●�N‑COUNT An anorexic is someone who is anorexic.

an|oth|er ◆◆◆ /ənʌ �ə r /

1 DET Another thing or person means an additional thing or person of the same type as one that already exists. □� Mrs. Madrigal buttered another piece of toast. □� We're going to have another baby. ●�PRON Another is also a pronoun. □� The demand generated by one factory required the construction of another.

2 DET You use another when you want to emphasize that an additional thing or person is different to one that already exists. □� I think he's just going to deal with this problem another day. □� The counsellor referred her to another therapist. ●�PRON Another is also a pronoun. □� He didn't really believe that any human being could read another's mind.

3 DET You use another at the beginning of a statement to link it to a previous statement. □� Another change that Sue made was to install central heating.

4 DET You use another before a word referring to a distance, length of time, or other amount, to indicate an additional amount. □� Continue down the same road for another 2 kilometres. □� He believes prices will not rise by more than another 4 per cent.

5 PRON You use one another to indicate that each member of a group does something to or for the other members. □� �women learning to help themselves and one another.

6 PHRASE If you talk about one thing after another , you are referring to a series of repeated or continuous events. □� They kept going, destroying one store after another.

7 PHRASE You use or another in expressions such as one kind or another when you do not want to be precise about which of several alternatives or possibilities you are referring to. □� �family members and visiting artists of one kind or another crowding the huge kitchen. USAGE another

Don�t use �another� in front of a plural noun or an uncountable noun. Don�t say, for example, � They arrange things better in another countries �. Say �They arrange things better in other countries�. □� Other people had the same idea.

an|swer ◆◆◆ /ɑː nsə r , � n-/ (answers , answering , answered )

1 VERB When you answer someone who has asked you something, you say something back to them. □�[V n] Just answer the question. □�[V ] He paused before answering. □�[V with quote] 'When?' asked Alba, 'Tonight', answered Tom. □�[V that] Williams answered that he had no specific proposals yet.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in N to n] An answer is something that you say when you answer someone. □� Without waiting for an answer, he turned and went in through the door. □� I don't quite know what to say in answer to your question.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone will not take no for an answer , you mean that they go on trying to make you agree to something even after you have refused. □� He would never take no for an answer.

4 VERB If you answer a letter or advertisement, you write to the person who wrote it. □�[V n] She answered an advert for a job as a cook. [Also V ]

5 N‑COUNT [oft in N to n] An answer is a letter that you write to someone who has written to you. □� I wrote to him but I never had an answer back. □� She wrote to his secretary in answer to his letter of the day before.

6 VERB When you answer the telephone, you pick it up when it rings. When you answer the door, you open it when you hear a knock or the bell. □�[V n] She answered her phone on the first ring. □�[V n] A middle-aged woman answered the door. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Answer is also a noun. □� I knocked at the front door and there was no answer.

7 N‑COUNT An answerto a problem is a solution to it. □�[+�to ] There are no easy answers to the problems facing the economy. □� Prison is not the answer for most young offenders.

8 N‑COUNT Someone's answer to a question in a test or quiz is what they write or say in an attempt to give the facts that are asked for. The answer to a question is the fact that was asked for. □� Simply marking an answer wrong will not help the pupil to get future examples correct. [Also +�to ]

9 VERB When you answer a question in a test or quiz, you write or say something in an attempt to give the facts that are asked for. □�[V n] To obtain her degree, she answered 81 questions over 10 papers.

10 N‑COUNT [oft in N to n] Your answerto something that someone has said or done is what you say or do in response to it or in defence of yourself. □� In answer to speculation that she wouldn't finish the race, she boldly declared her intention of winning it.

11 VERB If you answer something that someone has said or done, you respond to it. □�[V n +�with ] He answered her smile with one of his own. □�[V n] That statement seemed designed to answer criticism of allied bombing missions. [Also V n +�by ]

12 VERB If something answers a need or purpose, it satisfies it, because it has the right qualities. □�[V n] We provide specially designed shopping trolleys to answer the needs of parents with young children.

13 VERB If someone or something answers a particular description or answers to it, they have the characteristics described. □�[V n] Two men answering the description of the suspects tried to enter Switzerland. □�[V +�to ] The Japanese never built any aircraft remotely answering to this description.

▸� answer back PHRASAL VERB If someone, especially a child, answers back , they speak rudely to you when you speak to them. □�[V P ] She was punished by teachers for answering back. □�[V n P ] I always answered him back when I thought he was wrong.

▸� answer for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you have to answer for something bad or wrong you have done, you are punished for it. □�[V P n] He must be made to answer for his terrible crimes.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone has a lot to answer for , you are saying that their actions have led to problems which you think they are responsible for.

an|swer|able /ɑː nsərəb ə l, � n-/

1 ADJ If you are answerableto someone, you have to report to them and explain your actions. □�[+�to ] Councils should be answerable to the people who elect them.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are answerablefor your actions or for someone else's actions, you are considered to be responsible for them and if necessary must accept punishment for them. □�[+�for ] He must be made answerable for these terrible crimes.

a n|swer|ing ma|chine (answering machines ) N‑COUNT An answering machine is the same as an answerphone .

an|swer|phone /ɑː nsə r foʊn, � n-/ (answerphones ) N‑COUNT An answerphone is a device which you connect to your telephone and which records telephone calls while you are out. [mainly BRIT ]

ant /� nt/ (ants ) N‑COUNT Ants are small crawling insects that live in large groups.

ant|acid /�nt� s I d/ (antacids ) N‑VAR Antacid is a substance that reduces the level of acid in the stomach.

an|tago|nise /�nt� gəna I z/ →�see antagonize

an|tago|nism /�nt� gən I zəm/ (antagonisms ) N‑VAR Antagonism between people is hatred or dislike between them. Antagonisms are instances of this. □�[+�between ] There is still much antagonism between trades unions and the oil companies. □� Old antagonisms resurfaced.

an|tago|nist /�nt� gən I st/ (antagonists ) N‑COUNT Your antagonist is your opponent or enemy. □� Spassky had never previously lost to his antagonist.

an|tago|nis|tic /�nt� gən I st I k/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a person is antagonisticto someone or something, they show hatred or dislike towards them. □�[+�to/towards ] Nearly all the women I interviewed were aggressively antagonistic to the idea.

an|tago|nize /�nt� gəna I z/ (antagonizes , antagonizing , antagonized ) in BRIT, also use antagonise VERB If you antagonize someone, you make them feel angry or hostile towards you. □�[V n] He didn't want to antagonize her.

Ant|arc|tic /�ntɑː r kt I k/ N‑PROPER TheAntarctic is the area around the South Pole.

ante /� nti/ PHRASE If you up the ante or raise the ante , you increase your demands when you are in dispute or fighting for something. [JOURNALISM ]

ant|eater /� ntiːtə r / (anteaters ) also ant-eater N‑COUNT An anteater is an animal with a long nose that eats termites or ants. Anteaters live in warm countries.

ante|ced|ent /� nt I siː d ə nt/ (antecedents ) N‑COUNT An antecedent of something happened or existed before it and was similar to it in some way. [FORMAL ] □� We shall first look briefly at the historical antecedents of this theory.

ante|cham|ber /� ntitʃe I mbə r / (antechambers ) also ante-chamber N‑COUNT An antechamber is a small room leading into a larger room.

ante|di|lu|vian /� ntid I luː viən/ ADJ Antediluvian things are old or old-fashioned. [HUMOROUS ] □� �antediluvian attitudes to women.

ante|lope /� nt I loʊp/ (antelopes or antelope ) N‑COUNT An antelope is an animal like a deer, with long legs and horns, that lives in Africa or Asia. Antelopes are graceful and can run fast. There are many different types of antelope.

ante|na|tal /� ntine I t ə l/ also ante-natal ADJ [ADJ n] Antenatal means relating to the medical care of women when they are expecting a baby. □� �antenatal classes. □� �antenatal care.

an|ten|na /�nte nə/ (antennae /�nte niː/ or antennas ) antennas is the usual plural form for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The antennae of something such as an insect or crustacean are the two long, thin parts attached to its head that it uses to feel things with.

2 N‑COUNT An antenna is a device that sends and receives television or radio signals.

a nte-po st ADJ [usu ADJ n] In gambling, ante-post bets are placed before the day of a particular race or competition. [BRIT ] □� �the ante-post favourite for the Epsom Classic, Celtic Swing.

ante|ri|or /�nt I ə riə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anterior describes a part of the body that is situated at or towards the front of another part. [MEDICAL ] □� �the left anterior descending artery.

ante|room /� ntiruːm/ (anterooms ) also ante-room N‑COUNT An anteroom is a small room leading into a larger room. □� He had been patiently waiting in the anteroom for an hour.

an|them /� nθəm/ (anthems )

1 N‑COUNT An anthem is a song which is used to represent a particular nation, society, or group and which is sung on special occasions. □� The band played the Czech anthem.

2 →�see also national anthem

ant|hill /� nth I l/ (anthills ) also ant-hill N‑COUNT An anthill is a pile of earth formed by ants when they are making a nest.

an|thol|ogy /�nθɒ lədʒi/ (anthologies ) N‑COUNT An anthology is a collection of writings by different writers published together in one book. □� �an anthology of poetry.

an|thra|cite /� nθrəsa I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Anthracite is a type of very hard coal which burns slowly, producing a lot of heat and very little smoke.

an|thrax /� nθr�ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Anthrax is a disease of cattle and sheep, in which they get painful sores and a fever. Anthrax can be used in biological weapons.

an|thro|pol|ogy /� nθrəpɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Anthropology is the scientific study of people, society, and culture. ●� an|thro|polo|gist /� nθrəpɒ lədʒ I st/ (anthropologists ) N‑COUNT □� �an anthropologist who had been in China for three years.

an|thro|po|mor|phic /� nθrəpəmɔː r f I k/ ADJ Anthropomorphic means relating to the idea that an animal, a god, or an object has feelings or characteristics like those of a human being. □� �the anthropomorphic attitude to animals.

an|thro|po|mor|phism /� nθrəpəmɔː r f I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Anthropomorphism is the idea that an animal, a god, or an object has feelings or characteristics like those of a human being.

anti /� nti/ (antis )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to people who are opposed to a particular activity or idea as antis . [INFORMAL ] □� Despite what the antis would tell you, hunting is for people from all walks of life.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is opposed to something you can say that they are anti it. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� That's why you're so anti other people smoking.

PREFIX anti-

forms nouns and adjectives that refer to some sort of opposition. For example, anti-virus software protects a computer from attack by viruses.

a nti-abo rtionist (anti-abortionists ) N‑COUNT An anti-abortionist is someone who wants to limit or prevent the legal availability of abortions.

anti|bi|ot|ic /� ntiba I ɒ t I k/ (antibiotics ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Antibiotics are medical drugs used to kill bacteria and treat infections. □� Your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.

anti|body /� ntibɒdi/ (antibodies ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Antibodies are substances which a person's or an animal's body produces in their blood in order to destroy substances which carry disease.

an|tici|pate /�nt I s I pe I t/ (anticipates , anticipating , anticipated )

1 VERB If you anticipate an event, you realize in advance that it may happen and you are prepared for it. □�[V n] At the time we couldn't have anticipated the result of our campaigning. □�[be V -ed that] It is anticipated that the equivalent of 192 full-time jobs will be lost. □�[V that] I hadn't anticipated that Rob's team would advance that far. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you anticipate a question, request, or need, you do what is necessary or required before the question, request, or need occurs. □�[V n] What Jeff did was to anticipate my next question.

3 VERB If you anticipate something, you do it, think it, or say it before someone else does. □�[V n] In the 50s, Rauschenberg anticipated the conceptual art movement of the 80s.

an|tici|pat|ed /�nt I s I pe I t I d/ ADJ If an event, especially a cultural event, is eagerly anticipated , people expect that it will be very good, exciting, or interesting. □� �the most eagerly anticipated rock event of the year. □� �one of the conference's most keenly anticipated debates.

an|tici|pa|tion /�nt I s I pe I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Anticipation is a feeling of excitement about something pleasant or exciting that you know is going to happen. □� There's been an atmosphere of anticipation around here for a few days now.

2 PHRASE If something is done in anticipation of an event, it is done because people believe that event is going to happen. □� Troops in the Philippines have been put on full alert in anticipation of trouble during a planned general strike.

an|tici|pa|tory /�nt I s I pe I təri, [AM ] -pətɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An anticipatory feeling or action is one that you have or do because you are expecting something to happen soon. [FORMAL ] □� �an anticipatory smile.

anti|cli|max /� ntikla I m�ks/ (anticlimaxes ) N‑VAR You can describe something as an anticlimax if it disappoints you because it happens after something that was very exciting, or because it is not as exciting as you expected. □� After such a promising approach, the cave in itself was something of an anticlimax.

anti|clock|wise /� ntiklɒ kwa I z/ also anti-clockwise ADV [ADV after v] If something is moving anticlockwise , it is moving in the opposite direction to the direction in which the hands of a clock move. [BRIT ] □� The cutters are opened by turning the knob anticlockwise. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Anticlockwise is also an adjective. □� �an anticlockwise route around the coast. [in AM, use counterclockwise ]

an|tics /� nt I ks/ N‑PLURAL Antics are funny, silly, or unusual ways of behaving. □� Elizabeth tolerated Sarah's antics.

anti|cy|clone /� ntisa I kloʊn/ (anticyclones ) N‑COUNT An anticyclone is an area of high atmospheric pressure which causes settled weather conditions and, in summer, clear skies and high temperatures.

a nti-depre ssant (anti-depressants ) also antidepressant N‑COUNT An anti-depressant is a drug which is used to treat people who are suffering from depression.

anti|dote /� ntidoʊt/ (antidotes )

1 N‑COUNT An antidote is a chemical substance that stops or controls the effect of a poison. □� When he returned, he noticed their sickness and prepared an antidote.

2 N‑COUNT Something that is an antidoteto a difficult or unpleasant situation helps you to overcome the situation. □�[+�to ] Massage is a wonderful antidote to stress.

anti|freeze /� ntifriːz/ N‑UNCOUNT Antifreeze is a liquid which is added to water to stop it freezing. It is used in car radiators in cold weather.

anti|gen /� nt I dʒən/ (antigens ) N‑COUNT An antigen is a substance that helps the production of antibodies.

a nti-hero (anti-heroes ) also antihero N‑COUNT An anti-hero is the main character in a novel, play, or film who is not morally good and does not behave like a typical hero.

anti|his|ta|mine /� ntih I stəm I n/ (antihistamines ) also anti-histamine N‑COUNT An antihistamine is a drug that is used to treat allergies.

anti|mat|ter /� ntim�tə r / N‑UNCOUNT In science, antimatter is a form of matter whose particles have characteristics and properties opposite to those of ordinary matter. [TECHNICAL ]

anti|oxi|dant /� ntiɒ ks I dənt/ (antioxidants ) also anti-oxidant N‑COUNT An antioxidant is a substance which slows down the damage that can be caused to other substances by the effects of oxygen. Foods which contain antioxidants are thought to be very good for you.

anti|pas|to /� ntip�stoʊ/ (antipasti ) N‑VAR Antipasto is the sort of food that is often served at the beginning of an Italian meal, for example cold meats and vegetables in olive oil.

an|tipa|thy /�nt I pəθi/ N‑UNCOUNT Antipathy is a strong feeling of dislike or hostility towards someone or something. [FORMAL ] □� She'd often spoken of her antipathy towards London.

An|tipo|dean /�nt I pədiː ən/ also antipodean ADJ [usu ADJ n] Antipodean describes people or things that come from or relate to Australia and New Zealand. [BRIT ] □� This New Zealand winery produces some of the best antipodean wines.

An|tipo|des /�nt I pədiːz/ N‑PROPER People sometimes refer to Australia and New Zealand as the Antipodes . [BRIT ]

anti|quar|ian /� nt I kweə riən/ (antiquarians )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Antiquarian means concerned with old and rare objects. □� �an antiquarian bookseller. □� �antiquarian and second-hand books.

2 N‑COUNT An antiquarian is the same as an antiquary .

anti|quary /� nt I kwəri, [AM ] -kweri/ (antiquaries ) N‑COUNT An antiquary is a person who studies the past, or who collects or buys and sells old and valuable objects.

anti|quat|ed /� nt I kwe I t I d/ ADJ If you describe something as antiquated , you are criticizing it because it is very old or old-fashioned. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Many factories are so antiquated they are not worth saving.

an|tique ◆◇◇ /�ntiː k/ (antiques ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An antique is an old object such as a piece of china or furniture which is valuable because of its beauty or rarity. □� �a genuine antique. □� �antique silver jewellery.

an|tiqued /�ntiː kt/ ADJ An antiqued object is modern but has been made to look like an antique. □� Both rooms have antiqued pine furniture.

an|tiq|uity /�nt I kw I ti/ (antiquities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Antiquity is the distant past, especially the time of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. □� �famous monuments of classical antiquity.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Antiquities are things such as buildings, statues, or coins that were made in ancient times and have survived to the present day. □� �collectors of Roman antiquities.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The antiquity of something is its great age. □� �a town of great antiquity.

anti-Semite /� nti siː ma I t, [AM ] - se m-/ (anti-Semites ) N‑COUNT An anti-Semite is someone who strongly dislikes and is prejudiced against Jewish people.

a nti-Semi tic also antisemitic ADJ Someone or something that is anti-Semitic is hostile to or prejudiced against Jewish people.

anti-Semitism /� nti se m I t I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Anti-Semitism is hostility to and prejudice against Jewish people.

anti|sep|tic /� ntise pt I k/ (antiseptics )

1 N‑VAR Antiseptic is a substance that kills germs and harmful bacteria. □� She bathed the cut with antiseptic.

2 ADJ Something that is antiseptic kills germs and harmful bacteria. □� These vegetables and herbs have strong antiseptic qualities.

a nti-so cial also antisocial

1 ADJ Someone who is anti-social is unwilling to meet and be friendly with other people. □� �teenagers who will become aggressive and anti-social.

2 ADJ Anti-social behaviour is annoying or upsetting to other people.

an|tith|esis /�nt I θəs I s/ (antitheses /�nt I θəsiːz/) N‑COUNT Theantithesisof something is its exact opposite. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The little black dress is the antithesis of fussy dressing.

anti|theti|cal /� nt I θe t I k ə l/ ADJ Something that is antitheticalto something else is the opposite of it and is unable to exist with it. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�to ] Their priorities are antithetical to those of environmentalists.

anti|trust /� ntitrʌ st/ ADJ [ADJ n] In the United States, antitrust laws are intended to stop large firms taking over their competitors, fixing prices with their competitors, or interfering with free competition in any way.

a nti-vi rus also antivirus ADJ [ADJ n] Anti-virus software is software that protects a computer against viruses.

ant|ler /� ntlə r / (antlers ) N‑COUNT A male deer's antlers are the branched horns on its head.

an|to|nym /� ntən I m/ (antonyms ) N‑COUNT The antonym of a word is a word which means the opposite. [FORMAL ]

antsy /� ntsi/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is antsy , they are nervous or impatient. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� This is the end of a tour so I'm a little antsy, I guess.

anus /e I nəs/ (anuses ) N‑COUNT A person's anus is the hole from which faeces leaves their body.

an|vil /� nv I l/ (anvils ) N‑COUNT An anvil is a heavy iron block on which hot metals are beaten into shape.

anxi|ety ◆◇◇ /�ŋza I I ti/ (anxieties ) N‑VAR Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or worry. □� Her voice was full of anxiety. □�[+�about ] Many editorials express their anxieties about the economic chaos in the country. SYNONYMS anxiety NOUN

unease:Garland tried to appear casual, but he couldn't conquer his unease.

worry:His wife Cheryl said she had no worries about his health.

tension:Smiling and laughing has actually been shown to relieve tension and stress.

apprehension:It reflects real anger and apprehension about the future.

nervousness:I smiled warmly so he wouldn't see my nervousness.

anx|ious ◆◇◇ /� ŋkʃəs/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf, ADJ that] If you are anxiousto do something or anxiousthat something should happen, you very much want to do it or very much want it to happen. □� The miners were anxious to avoid a strike. □� He is anxious that there should be no delay. □� Those anxious for reform say that the present system is too narrow.

2 ADJ If you are anxious , you are nervous or worried about something. □� The foreign minister admitted he was still anxious about the situation in the country. □� A friend of mine is a very anxious person. ●� anx|ious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They are waiting anxiously to see who will succeed him.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An anxious time or situation is one during which you feel nervous and worried. □� He told last night of the anxious hours waiting to discover whether his girlfriend was safe from the earthquake. SYNONYMS anxious ADJ

1

eager:Robert was eager to talk about life in the Army.

keen:She's still keen to keep in touch.

impatient:He was impatient to get home.

2

uneasy:I had an uneasy feeling that he was going to spoil it.

concerned:I've been concerned about you lately.

worried:He seemed very worried.

nervous:She described Mr Hutchinson as nervous and jumpy after his wife's disappearance.

tense:There was a tense silence.

any ◆◆◆ /e ni/

1 DET You use any in statements with negative meaning to indicate that no thing or person of a particular type exists, is present, or is involved in a situation. □� I never make any big decisions. □� We are doing this all without any support from the hospital. □� Earlier reports were unable to confirm that there were any survivors. ●�QUANT Any is also a quantifier. □� You don't know any of my friends. ●�PRON Any is also a pronoun. □� The children needed new school clothes and Kim couldn't afford any.

2 DET You use any in questions and conditional clauses to ask whether there is some of a particular thing or some of a particular group of people, or to suggest that there might be. □� Do you speak any foreign languages? □� Have you got any cheese I can have with this bread? ●�QUANT Any is also a quantifier. □� Have you ever used a homeopathic remedy for any of the following reasons? ●�PRON Any is also a pronoun. □� The plants are inspected for insects and if I find any, they are squashed.

3 DET You use any in positive statements when you are referring to someone or something of a particular kind that might exist, occur, or be involved in a situation, when their exact identity or nature is not important. □� Any actor will tell you that it is easier to perform than to be themselves. □� I'm prepared to take any advice. ●�QUANT Any is also a quantifier. □� It had been the biggest mistake any of them could remember. ●�PRON Any is also a pronoun. □� Clean the mussels and discard any that do not close.

4 ADV You can also use any to emphasize a comparative adjective or adverb in a negative statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� I can't see things getting any easier for graduates.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is not just any person or thing, you mean that they are special in some way. □� It's fashionable for young people to wear trainers, but not just any trainers.

6 PHRASE If something does not happen or is not true any more or any longer , it has stopped happening or is no longer true. □� I don't want to see her any more. □� I couldn't keep the tears hidden any longer.

7in any case →�see case ➊

8by any chance →�see chance

9in any event →�see event

10not by any means →�see means

11any old →�see old

12at any rate →�see rate

any|body ◆◇◇ /e nibɒdi/ PRON Anybody means the same as anyone .

any|how /e nihaʊ/

1 ADV Anyhow means the same as anyway .

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something anyhow , you do it in a careless or untidy way. □� �her long legs which she displayed all anyhow getting in and out of her car.

any|more /e nimɔː r / In British English, the spelling anymore is sometimes considered incorrect, and any more is used instead. ADV [ADV after v] If something does not happen or is not true anymore , it has stopped happening or is no longer true. □� I don't ride my motorbike much anymore. □� I couldn't trust him anymore.

any|one ◆◆◇ /e niwʌn/ or anybody

1 PRON You use anyone or anybody in statements with negative meaning to indicate in a general way that nobody is present or involved in an action. □� You needn't talk to anyone if you don't want to. □� He was far too scared to tell anybody.

2 PRON You use anyone or anybody in questions and conditional clauses to ask or talk about whether someone is present or doing something. □� Why would anyone want that job? □� If anyone deserves to be happy, you do.

3 PRON You use anyone or anybody before words which indicate the kind of person you are talking about. □� It's not a job for anyone who is slow with numbers. □� Anybody interested in pop culture at all should buy this movie.

4 PRON You use anyone or anybody to refer to a person when you are emphasizing that it could be any person out of a very large number of people. [EMPHASIS ] □� Anyone could be doing what I'm doing.

5 PHRASE You use anyone who is anyone and anybody who is anybody to refer to people who are important or influential.

any|place /e niple I s/ ADV [ADV after v] Anyplace means the same as anywhere . [AM , INFORMAL ] □� She didn't have anyplace to go.

any|thing ◆◆◆ /e n I θ I ŋ/

1 PRON You use anything in statements with negative meaning to indicate in a general way that nothing is present or that an action or event does not or cannot happen. □� We can't do anything. □� She couldn't see or hear anything at all. □� By the time I get home, I'm too tired to do anything active.

2 PRON You use anything in questions and conditional clauses to ask or talk about whether something is present or happening. □� What happened, is anything wrong? □� Did you find anything? □� Is there anything you can do to help?

3 PRON You can use anything before words which indicate the kind of thing you are talking about. □� More than anything else, he wanted to become a teacher. □� Anything that's cheap this year will be even cheaper next year.

4 PRON You use anything to emphasize a possible thing, event, or situation, when you are saying that it could be any one of a very large number of things. [EMPHASIS ] □� He is young, fresh, and ready for anything. □� At that point, anything could happen.

5 PRON You use anything in expressions such as anything near , anything close to and anything like to emphasize a statement that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □� The only way he can live anything near a normal life is to have an operation.

6 PRON When you do not want to be exact, you use anything to talk about a particular range of things or quantities. □� The cows produce anything from 25 to 40 litres of milk per day.

7 PHRASE You use anything but in expressions such as anything but quiet and anything but attractive to emphasize that something is not the case. [EMPHASIS ] □� There's no evidence that he told anyone to say anything but the truth.

8 PHRASE You can say that you would not do something for anything to emphasize that you definitely would not want to do or be a particular thing. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� I wouldn't want to move for anything in the world.

9 PHRASE You use if anything , especially after a negative statement, to introduce a statement that adds to what you have just said. □� I never had to clean up after him. If anything, he did most of the cleaning.

10 PHRASE You can add or anything to the end of a clause or sentence in order to refer vaguely to other things that are or may be similar to what has just been mentioned. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , VAGUENESS ] □� Listen, if you talk to him or anything make sure you let us know, will you.

any|time /e nita I m/ ADV [ADV with v] You use anytime to mean a point in time which is not fixed or set. □� The college admits students anytime during the year. □� He can call me anytime.

any|way ◆◆◇ /e niwe I / or anyhow

1 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous point. □� I'm certain David's told you his business troubles. Anyway, it's no secret that he owes money. □� Mother certainly won't let him stay with her and anyhow he wouldn't.

2 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to suggest that a statement is true or relevant in spite of other things that have been said. □� I don't know why I settled on Aberdeen, but anyway I did. □� I wasn't qualified to apply for the job really but I got it anyhow.

3 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to correct or modify a statement, for example to limit it to what you definitely know to be true. □� Mary Ann doesn't want to have children. Not right now, anyway.

4 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that you are asking what the real situation is or what the real reason for something is. □� What do you want from me, anyway? □� Where was Bud, anyhow?

5 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that you are missing out some details in a story and are passing on to the next main point or event. □� I was told to go to Reading for this interview. It was a very amusing affair. Anyhow, I got the job.

6 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to change the topic or return to a previous topic. □� 'I've got a terrible cold.'�'Have you? Anyway, so you're staying at home this weekend?'

7 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that you want to end the conversation. □� 'Anyway, I'd better let you have your dinner. Give our love to Francis. Bye.'

any|ways /e niwe I z/ ADV Anyways is a non-standard form of anyway . [AM , SPOKEN ]

any|where ◆◇◇ /e ni h weə r /

1 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] You use anywhere in statements with negative meaning to indicate that a place does not exist. □� I haven't got anywhere to live. □� There had never been such a beautiful woman anywhere in the world.

2 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV , from ADV ] You use anywhere in questions and conditional clauses to ask or talk about a place without saying exactly where you mean. □� Did you try to get help from anywhere? □� If she wanted to go anywhere at all she had to wait for her father to drive her.

3 ADV You use anywhere before words that indicate the kind of place you are talking about. □� He'll meet you anywhere you want. □� Let us know if you come across anywhere that has something special to offer.

4 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] You use anywhere to refer to a place when you are emphasizing that it could be any of a large number of places. [EMPHASIS ] □� Rachel would have known Julia Stone anywhere. □� �jokes that are so funny they always work anywhere.

5 ADV When you do not want to be exact, you use anywhere to refer to a particular range of things. □�[+�from ] His shoes cost anywhere from $200 up. □�[+�from ] My visits lasted anywhere from three weeks to two months. [Also +�between/to ]

6 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use anywhere in expressions such as anywhere near and anywhere close to to emphasize a statement that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □� There weren't anywhere near enough empty boxes.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is not getting anywhere or is not going anywhere , you mean that they are not making progress or achieving a satisfactory result. □� The conversation did not seem to be getting anywhere.

AOB /e I oʊ biː / AOB is a heading on an agenda for a meeting, to show that any topics not listed separately can be discussed at this point, usually the end. AOB is an abbreviation for 'any other business'.

aor|ta /e I ɔː r tə/ (aortas ) N‑COUNT The aorta is the main artery through which blood leaves your heart before it flows through the rest of your body.

apace /əpe I s/ ADV [ADV after v] If something develops or continues apace , it is developing or continuing quickly. [FORMAL ]

apart

➊�POSITIONS AND STATES

➋�INDICATING EXCEPTIONS AND FOCUSING

➊ apart ◆◆◇ /əpɑː r t/ In addition to the uses shown below, apart is used in phrasal verbs such as 'grow apart' and 'take apart'. 1 ADV [ADV after v] When people or things are apart , they are some distance from each other. □�[+�from ] He was standing a bit apart from the rest of us, watching us. □�[+�from ] Ray and sister Renee lived just 25 miles apart from each other. □� �regions that were too far apart to have any way of knowing about each other.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If two people or things move apart or are pulled apart , they move away from each other. □� John and Isabelle moved apart, back into the sun. □� He tried in vain to keep the two dogs apart before the neighbour intervened.

3 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If two people are apart , they are no longer living together or spending time together, either permanently or just for a short time. □� It was the first time Jane and I had been apart for more than a few days. □� The law forbade spouses to live apart for any length of time.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If you take something apart , you separate it into the pieces that it is made of. If it comes or falls apart , its parts separate from each other. □� When the clock stopped he took it apart to find out what was wrong. □� Many school buildings are unsafe, and some are falling apart.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If something such as an organization or relationship falls apart , or if something tears it apart , it can no longer continue because it has serious difficulties. □� Any manager knows that his company will start falling apart if his attention wanders.

6 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] If something sets someone or something apart , it makes them different from other people or things. □� What really sets Mr Thaksin apart is that he comes from northern Thailand.

7 ADJ If people or groups are a long way apart on a particular topic or issue, they have completely different views and disagree about it. □� Their concept of a performance and our concept were miles apart.

8 PHRASE If you can't tell two people or things apart , they look exactly the same to you. □� I can still only tell Mark and Dave apart by the colour of their shoes!

➋ apart ◆◇◇ /əpɑː r t/

1 PHRASE You use apart from when you are making an exception to a general statement. □� There were nine others apart from me and the trainer.

2 ADV [n ADV ] You use apart when you are making an exception to a general statement. □� This was, New York apart, the first American city I had ever been in where people actually lived downtown.

3 PHRASE You use apart from to indicate that you are aware of one aspect of a situation, but that you are going to focus on another aspect. □� Illiteracy threatens Britain's industrial performance. But, quite apart from that, the individual who cannot read or write is unlikely to get a job.

apart|heid /əpɑː r tha I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Apartheid was a political system in South Africa in which people were divided into racial groups and kept apart by law. □� He praised her role in the struggle against apartheid. □� �the anti-apartheid movement.

apart|ment ◆◇◇ /əpɑː r tmənt/ (apartments ) N‑COUNT An apartment is a set of rooms for living in, usually on one floor of a large building. [mainly AM ] □� �bleak cities of concrete apartment blocks. in BRIT, use flat

apa rt|ment build|ing (apartment buildings ) or apartment house N‑COUNT An apartment building or apartment house is a tall building which contains different apartments on different floors. [AM ] in BRIT, use block of flats

apa|thet|ic /� pəθe t I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as apathetic , you are criticizing them because they do not seem to be interested in or enthusiastic about doing anything. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Even the most apathetic students are beginning to sit up and listen.

apa|thy /� pəθi/ N‑UNCOUNT You can use apathy to talk about someone's state of mind if you are criticizing them because they do not seem to be interested in or enthusiastic about anything. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ape /e I p/ (apes , aping , aped )

1 N‑COUNT Apes are chimpanzees, gorillas, and other animals in the same family.

2 VERB If you ape someone's speech or behaviour, you imitate it. □�[V n] Modelling yourself on someone you admire is not the same as aping all they say or do.

ape|ri|tif /�pe r I tiː f/ (aperitifs ) N‑COUNT An aperitif is an alcoholic drink that you have before a meal.

ap|er|ture /� pə r tʃə r / (apertures )

1 N‑COUNT An aperture is a narrow hole or gap. [FORMAL ] □� Through the aperture he could see daylight.

2 N‑COUNT In photography, the aperture of a camera is the size of the hole through which light passes to reach the film.

apex /e I peks/ (apexes )

1 N‑SING Theapexof an organization or system is the highest and most important position in it. □� At the apex of the party was its central committee.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Theapexof something is its pointed top or end. □� �the apex of the pyramid.

Apex /e I peks/ also APEX N‑SING [usu N n] An Apex or an Apex ticket is a ticket for a journey by air or rail which costs less than the standard ticket, but which you have to book a specified period in advance. □� The Apex fare is �195 return.

apha|sia /əfe I ziə, -ʒə/ N‑UNCOUNT Aphasia is a mental condition in which people are often unable to remember simple words or communicate. [MEDICAL ]

aphid /e I f I d/ (aphids ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Aphids are very small insects which live on plants and suck their juices.

apho|rism /� fər I zəm/ (aphorisms ) N‑COUNT An aphorism is a short witty sentence which expresses a general truth or comment. [FORMAL ] □� 'What if they gave a war and nobody came?' was one of his generation's favored aphorisms.

aph|ro|disi|ac /� frəd I zi�k/ (aphrodisiacs ) N‑COUNT An aphrodisiac is a food, drink, or drug which is said to make people want to have sex. □� Asparagus is reputed to be an aphrodisiac.

apiece /əpiː s/

1 ADV If people have a particular number of things apiece , they have that number each. □� He and I had two fish apiece. □� The winners got $23,250 apiece.

2 ADV If a number of similar things are for sale at a certain price apiece , that is the price for each one of them. □� Entire roast chickens were sixty cents apiece.

aplen|ty /əple nti/ ADV [n ADV ] If you have something aplenty , you have a lot of it. [LITERARY ] □� There were problems aplenty at work.

aplomb /əplɒ m/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] If you do something withaplomb , you do it with confidence in a relaxed way. [FORMAL ]

apoca|lypse /əpɒ kəl I ps/ N‑SING Theapocalypse is the total destruction and end of the world.

apoca|lyp|tic /əpɒ kəl I pt I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Apocalyptic means relating to the total destruction of something, especially of the world. □� �the reformer's apocalyptic warnings that the nation was running out of natural resources.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Apocalyptic means relating to or involving predictions about future disasters and the destruction of the world. □� �a gloomy and apocalyptic vision of a world hastening towards ruin.

apoc|ry|phal /əpɒ kr I f ə l/ ADJ An apocryphal story is one which is probably not true or did not happen, but which may give a true picture of someone or something.

apo|gee /� pədʒiː/ N‑SING The apogee of something such as a culture or a business is its highest or its greatest point. [FORMAL ]

apo|liti|cal /e I pəl I t I k ə l/

1 ADJ Someone who is apolitical is not interested in politics. □� As a musician, you cannot be apolitical.

2 ADJ If you describe an organization or an activity as apolitical , you mean that it is not linked to a particular political party. □� �the normally apolitical European Commission.

apolo|get|ic /əpɒ lədʒe t I k/ ADJ If you are apologetic , you show or say that you are sorry for causing trouble for someone, for hurting them, or for disappointing them. □� The hospital staff were very apologetic but that couldn't really compensate. □� 'I don't follow football,' she said with an apologetic smile. ●� apolo|geti|cal|ly /əpɒ lədʒe t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'It's of no great literary merit,' he said, almost apologetically.

apo|lo|gia /� pəloʊ dʒiə/ (apologias ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An apologia is a statement in which you defend something that you strongly believe in, for example a way of life, a person's behaviour, or a philosophy. [FORMAL ] □� The left have seen the work as an apologia for privilege and property.

apolo|gise /əpɒ lədʒa I z/ →�see apologize

apolo|gist /əpɒ lədʒ I st/ (apologists ) N‑COUNT An apologist is a person who writes or speaks in defence of a belief, a cause, or a person's life. [FORMAL ] □� 'I am no apologist for Hitler,' observed Pyat.

apolo|gize /əpɒ lədʒa I z/ (apologizes , apologizing , apologized ) in BRIT, also use apologise VERB When you apologizeto someone, you say that you are sorry that you have hurt them or caused trouble for them. You can say ' I apologize ' as a formal way of saying sorry. □�[V +�for ] I apologize for being late. □�[V ] Costello later apologized, saying he'd been annoyed by the man. □�[V +�to ] He apologized to the people who had been affected. [Also V with quote]

apol|ogy /əpɒ lədʒi/ (apologies )

1 N‑VAR An apology is something that you say or write in order to tell someone that you are sorry that you have hurt them or caused trouble for them. □� We received a letter of apology. □� He made a public apology for the team's performance.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] If you offer or make your apologies , you apologize. [FORMAL ] □� When Mary finally appeared, she made her apologies to Mrs Madrigal.

3 PHRASE If you say that you make no apologiesfor what you have done, you are emphasizing that you feel that you have done nothing wrong. □� Union officials made no apologies for the threatened chaos.

apo|plec|tic /� pəple kt I k/ ADJ If someone is apoplectic , they are extremely angry about something. [FORMAL ] □� It's enough to make them choke with apoplectic rage.

apo|plexy /� pəpleksi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Apoplexy is a stroke. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Apoplexy is extreme anger. [FORMAL ] □� He has already caused apoplexy with his books on class and on war.

apos|ta|sy /əpɒ stəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is accused of apostasy , they are accused of abandoning their religious faith, political loyalties, or principles. [FORMAL ] □� �a charge of apostasy.

apos|tate /əpɒ ste I t/ (apostates ) N‑COUNT An apostate is someone who has abandoned their religious faith, political loyalties, or principles. [FORMAL ]

apos|tle /əpɒ s ə l/ (apostles )

1 N‑COUNT The apostles were the followers of Jesus Christ who went from place to place telling people about him and trying to persuade them to become Christians.

2 N‑COUNT An apostleof a particular philosophy, policy, or cause is someone who strongly believes in it and works hard to promote it. □�[+�of ] Her mother was a dedicated apostle of healthy eating.

Ap|os|tol|ic /� pɒstɒ l I k/

1 ADJ Apostolic means belonging or relating to a Christian religious leader, especially the Pope. □� The work would be done by an apostolic administrator appointed by Rome.

2 ADJ Apostolic means belonging or relating to the early followers of Christ and to their teaching. □� He saw his vocation as one of prayer and apostolic work.

apos|tro|phe /əpɒ strəfi/ (apostrophes ) N‑COUNT An apostrophe is the mark ' when it is written to indicate that one or more letters have been left out of a word, as in 'isn't' and 'we'll'. It is also added to nouns to form possessives, as in 'Mike's car'.

apoth|ecary /əpɒ θ I kri, [AM ] -keri/ (apothecaries ) N‑COUNT An apothecary was a person who prepared medicines for people. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

apoth|eo|sis /əpɒ θioʊ s I s/

1 N‑SING If something is theapotheosisof something else, it is an ideal or typical example of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The Oriental in Bangkok is the apotheosis of the grand hotel.

2 N‑SING [with poss] If you describe an event or a time as someone's apotheosis , you mean that it was the high point in their career or their life. [FORMAL ]

app /� p/ (apps )

1 N‑COUNT An app is a computer program that is written and designed for a specific purpose. [COMPUTING ] □� �a basic picture-editing app.

2 N‑COUNT An app is a computer program that is designed for use on a mobile digital device. [COMPUTING ] □� The company recently launched a free phone app that translates conversations while you speak.

ap|pal /əpɔː l/ (appals , appalling , appalled ) in AM, use appall VERB If something appals you, it disgusts you because it seems so bad or unpleasant. □�[V n] His ignorance appals me. [Also V ]

ap|palled /əpɔː ld/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are appalled by something, you are shocked or disgusted because it is so bad or unpleasant. □� We are appalled that such items are still on sale.

ap|pal|ling /əpɔː l I ŋ/

1 ADJ Something that is appalling is so bad or unpleasant that it shocks you. □� They have been living under the most appalling conditions for two months. ●� ap|pal|ling|ly ADV □� He says that he understands why they behaved so appallingly.

2 ADJ You can use appalling to emphasize that something is very great or severe. [EMPHASIS ] □� I developed an appalling headache. ●� ap|pal|ling|ly ADV □� It's been an appallingly busy morning.

3 →�see also appal

ap|pa|rat|chik /� pər� tʃ I k/ (apparatchiks ) N‑COUNT An apparatchik is someone who works for a government or a political party and who obeys orders. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ap|pa|rat|us /� pəre I təs, -r� t-/ (apparatuses )

1 N‑VAR The apparatus of an organization or system is its structure and method of operation. □� For many years, the country had been buried under the apparatus of the regime.

2 N‑VAR Apparatus is the equipment, such as tools and machines, which is used to do a particular job or activity. □� One of the boys had to be rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

ap|par|el /əp� rəl/ N‑UNCOUNT Apparel means clothes, especially formal clothes worn on an important occasion. [mainly AM , FORMAL ]

ap|par|ent ◆◇◇ /əp� rənt/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An apparent situation, quality, or feeling seems to exist, although you cannot be certain that it does exist. □� I was a bit depressed by our apparent lack of progress.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is apparent to you, it is clear and obvious to you. □� It has been apparent that in other areas standards have held up well.

3 PHRASE If you say that something happens for no apparent reason , you cannot understand why it happens. □� The person may become dizzy for no apparent reason.

ap|par|ent|ly ◆◆◇ /əp� rəntli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use apparently to indicate that the information you are giving is something that you have heard, but you are not certain that it is true. [VAGUENESS ] □� Oil prices fell this week, apparently because of over-production.

2 ADV [ADV before v] You use apparently to refer to something that seems to be true, although you are not sure whether it is or not. □� The recent deterioration has been caused by an apparently endless recession. SYNONYMS apparently ADV 2

seemingly:He is a man with seemingly not an ounce of malice in him.

outwardly:Outwardly this looked like the beginning of a terrific programme.

ostensibly:He gave an interview ostensibly to talk about the economy.

ap|pa|ri|tion /� pər I ʃ ə n/ (apparitions ) N‑COUNT An apparition is someone you see or think you see but who is not really there as a physical being. [FORMAL ]

ap|peal ◆◆◇ /əpiː l/ (appeals , appealing , appealed )

1 VERB If you appealto someone to do something, you make a serious and urgent request to them. □�[V +�to/for ] The Prime Minister appealed to young people to use their vote. □�[V +�to ] He will appeal to the state for an extension of unemployment benefits. □�[V +�for ] The United Nations has appealed for help from the international community.

2 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] An appeal is a serious and urgent request. □�[+�to ] Romania's government issued a last-minute appeal to him to call off his trip.

3 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] An appeal is an attempt to raise money for a charity or for a good cause. □� �an appeal to save a library containing priceless manuscripts.

4 VERB If you appealto someone in authority against a decision, you formally ask them to change it. In British English, you appeal against something. In American English, you appeal something. □�[V +�against ] He said they would appeal against the decision. □�[V n] We intend to appeal the verdict. □�[V +�to ] Maguire has appealed to the Supreme Court to stop her extradition.

5 N‑VAR An appeal is a formal request for a decision to be changed. □�[+�against ] Heath's appeal against the sentence was later successful. □� The jury agreed with her, but she lost the case on appeal.

6 →�see also Court of Appeal

7 VERB If something appealsto you, you find it attractive or interesting. □�[V +�to ] On the other hand, the idea appealed to him. [Also V ]

8 N‑UNCOUNT The appeal of something is a quality that it has which people find attractive or interesting. □� Its new title was meant to give the party greater public appeal.

9 →�see also sex appeal

10 →�see also appealing SYNONYMS appeal VERB 1

beg:I begged to be allowed to leave.

request:They requested him to leave.

plead:The lady pleaded with her daughter to come back home.

implore:Opposition leaders this week implored the president to break the deadlock. NOUN 2

plea:�an impassioned plea to mankind to act to save the planet.

call:There have been calls for a new kind of security arrangement.

request:Vietnam made an official request that the meeting be postponed.

ap|pea l cou rt (appeal courts ) N‑COUNT An appeal court is the same as a Court of Appeal .

ap|peal|ing /əpiː l I ŋ/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is appealing is pleasing and attractive. □� There was a sense of humour to what he did that I found very appealing.

2 ADJ An appealing expression or tone of voice indicates to someone that you want help, advice, or approval. □� She gave him a soft appealing look that would have melted solid ice.

3 →�see also appeal

ap|pea l tri|bu |nal (appeal tribunals ) N‑COUNT An appeal tribunal is a special court or committee that is formed to reconsider a decision made by another court or committee.

ap|pear ◆◆◆ /əp I ə r / (appears , appearing , appeared )

1 V‑LINK [no cont] If you say that something appearsto be the way you describe it, you are reporting what you believe or what you have been told, though you cannot be sure it is true. [VAGUENESS ] □�[V to-inf] There appears to be increasing support for the leadership to take a more aggressive stance. □�[V to-inf] The aircraft appears to have crashed near Katmandu. □�[V that] It appears that some missiles have been moved. □�[V adj] It appears unlikely that the U.N. would consider making such a move. □�[V n] The presidency is beginning to appear a political irrelevance. □�[V adj] He appeared willing to reach an agreement.

2 V‑LINK [no cont] If someone or something appears to have a particular quality or characteristic, they give the impression of having that quality or characteristic. □�[V adj] She did her best to appear more self-assured than she felt. □�[V n] He is anxious to appear a gentleman. □�[V to-inf] Under stress these people will appear to be superficial, over-eager and manipulative.

3 VERB When someone or something appears , they move into a position where you can see them. □�[V ] A woman appeared at the far end of the street. [Also there V n]

4 VERB When something new appears , it begins to exist or reaches a stage of development where its existence can be noticed. □�[V ] �small white flowers which appear in early summer. □�[V ] Slogans have appeared on walls around the city. [Also there V n]

5 VERB When something such as a book appears , it is published or becomes available for people to buy. □�[V ] �a poem which appeared in his last collection of verse.

6 VERB When someone appearsin something such as a play, a show, or a television programme, they take part in it. □�[V +�in ] Jill Bennett appeared in several of his plays. □�[V +�on ] Student leaders appeared on television to ask for calm. [Also V +�at ]

7 VERB When someone appearsbefore a court of law or before an official committee, they go there in order to answer charges or to give information as a witness. □�[V +�at/in ] Two other executives appeared at Worthing Magistrates' Court charged with tax fraud. □�[V +�before ] The American will appear before members of the disciplinary committee at Portman Square.

ap|pear|ance ◆◆◇ /əp I ə rəns/ (appearances )

1 N‑COUNT When someone makes an appearance at a public event or in a broadcast, they take part in it. □� It was the president's second public appearance to date. □� He makes frequent television appearances.

2 N‑SING Someone's or something's appearance is the way that they look. □� She used to be so fussy about her appearance.

3 N‑SING The appearanceof someone or something in a place is their arrival there, especially when it is unexpected. □�[+�of ] The sudden appearance of a few bags of rice could start a riot.

4 N‑SING The appearanceof something new is its coming into existence or use. □�[+�of ] Fears are growing of a cholera outbreak following the appearance of a several cases in the city.

5 N‑SING If something has the appearanceof a quality, it seems to have that quality. □�[+�of ] We tried to meet both children's needs without the appearance of favoritism or unfairness.

6 PHRASE If something is true to all appearances , from all appearances , or by all appearances , it seems from what you observe or know about it that it is true. □� He was a small and to all appearances an unassuming man.

7 PHRASE If you keep up appearances , you try to behave and dress in a way that people expect of you, even if you can no longer afford it. □� His parents' obsession with keeping up appearances haunted his childhood.

8 PHRASE If you put in an appearance at an event, you go to it for a short time although you may not really want to, but do not stay. SYNONYMS appearance NOUN

2

looks:I never chose people just because of their looks.

aspect:The snowy street, like the church, assumed a dumb, lifeless aspect.

look:When he came to decorate the kitchen, Kenneth opted for a friendly rustic look.

4

arrival:The coronation broadcast marked the arrival of television.

advent:The advent of war led to a greater austerity.

emergence:�the emergence of new democracies in East and Central Europe.

onset:With the onset of war, oil prices climbed past $30 a barrel.

ap|pea r|ance mon|ey N‑UNCOUNT Appearance money is money paid to a famous person such as a sports star or film star for taking part in a public event.

ap|pease /əpiː z/ (appeases , appeasing , appeased ) VERB If you try to appease someone, you try to stop them from being angry by giving them what they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Gandhi was accused by some of trying to appease both factions of the electorate.

ap|pease|ment /əpiː zmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Appeasement means giving people what they want to prevent them from harming you or being angry with you. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ap|pel|lant /əpe lənt/ (appellants ) N‑COUNT An appellant is someone who is appealing against a court's decision after they have been judged guilty of a crime. [LEGAL ] □� The Court of Appeal upheld the appellants' convictions.

ap|pel|late court /əpe l I t kɔː r t/ (appellate courts ) N‑COUNT In the United States, an appellate court is a special court where people who have been convicted of a crime can appeal against their conviction. [AM ] in BRIT, use Court of Appeal

ap|pel|la|tion /� pəle I ʃ ə n/ (appellations ) N‑COUNT An appellation is a name or title that a person, place, or thing is given. [FORMAL ] □� He earned the appellation 'rebel priest.'

ap|pend /əpe nd/ (appends , appending , appended ) VERB When you append something to something else, especially a piece of writing, you attach it or add it to the end of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Violet appended a note at the end of the letter. □�[be V -ed +�to ] It was a relief that his real name hadn't been appended to the manuscript.

ap|pend|age /əpe nd I dʒ/ (appendages ) N‑COUNT An appendage is something that is joined to or connected with something larger or more important. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to/of ] The Great British Music Weekend was designed as an appendage to that year's Brit Awards.

ap|pen|di|ces /əpe nd I siːz/ Appendices is a plural form of appendix . [mainly BRIT ]

ap|pen|di|ci|tis /əpe nd I sa I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Appendicitis is an illness in which a person's appendix is infected and painful.

ap|pen|dix /əpe nd I ks/ (appendixes ) In British English, the plural form appendices /əpe nd I siːz/ is usually used for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT Your appendix is a small closed tube inside your body which is attached to your digestive system. □� �a burst appendix.

2 N‑COUNT An appendixto a book is extra information that is placed after the end of the main text.

ap|pe|tite /� p I ta I t/ (appetites )

1 N‑VAR Your appetite is your desire to eat. □� He has a healthy appetite. □� Symptoms are a slight fever, headache and loss of appetite.

2 N‑COUNT Someone's appetitefor something is their strong desire for it. □� �Americans' growing appetite for scandal.

ap|pe|tiz|er /� p I ta I zə r / (appetizers ) in BRIT, also use appetiser N‑COUNT An appetizer is the first course of a meal. It consists of a small amount of food.

ap|pe|tiz|ing /� p I ta I z I ŋ/ in BRIT, also use appetising ADJ Appetizing food looks and smells good, so that you want to eat it. □� �the appetising smell of freshly baked bread.

ap|plaud /əplɔː d/ (applauds , applauding , applauded )

1 VERB When a group of people applaud , they clap their hands in order to show approval, for example when they have enjoyed a play or concert. □�[V ] The audience laughed and applauded. □�[V n] Every person stood to applaud his unforgettable act of courage.

2 VERB When an attitude or action is applauded , people praise it. □�[be V -ed +�for ] He should be applauded for his courage. □�[be V -ed] This last move can only be applauded. □�[V n] She applauds the fact that they are promoting new ideas.

ap|plause /əplɔː z/ N‑UNCOUNT Applause is the noise made by a group of people clapping their hands to show approval. □� They greeted him with thunderous applause. □� �a round of applause.

ap|ple ◆◇◇ /� p ə l/ (apples )

1 N‑VAR An apple is a round fruit with smooth green, yellow, or red skin and firm white flesh. □� I want an apple. □� �his ongoing search for the finest varieties of apple. □� �a large garden with apple trees in it.

2 →�see also Adam's apple , Big Apple , crab apple

3 PHRASE If you say that someone is the apple of your eye , you mean that they are very important to you and you are extremely fond of them. □� Penny's only son was the apple of her eye.

apple|cart /� p ə lkɑː r t/ PHRASE If you upset the applecart , you do something which causes a plan, system, or arrangement to go wrong. □� They may also be friends of the chairman, so they are reluctant to upset the applecart.

a p|ple pie (apple pies )

1 N‑COUNT An apple pie is a kind of pie made with apples.

2 PHRASE If a room or a desk is in apple pie order , it is neat and tidy, and everything is where it should be. □� They found everything in apple-pie order.

3 PHRASE If you say that something is as American as apple pie , you mean that it is typically American. □� Jeans are as American as apple pie.

a p|ple sau ce also applesauce N‑UNCOUNT Apple sauce is a type of sauce made from pur�ed cooked apples.

ap|plet /� pl I t/ (applets ) N‑COUNT An applet is a computer program which is contained within a page on the internet, and which transfers itself to your computer and runs automatically while you are looking at that page. [COMPUTING ]

ap|pli|ance /əpla I əns/ (appliances )

1 N‑COUNT An appliance is a device or machine in your home that you use to do a job such as cleaning or cooking. Appliances are often electrical. [FORMAL ] □� �the vacuum cleaner, washing machine and other household appliances.

2 N‑SING The appliance of a skill or of knowledge is its use for a particular purpose. □�[+�of ] These advances were the result of the intellectual appliance of science.

ap|pli|cable /� pl I kəb ə l, əpl I kə-/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is applicableto a particular situation is relevant to it or can be applied to it. □� Appraisal was seen as most applicable to those in management jobs.

ap|pli|cant /� pl I kənt/ (applicants ) N‑COUNT An applicantfor something such as a job or a place at a college is someone who makes a formal written request to be given it.

ap|pli|ca|tion ◆◇◇ /� pl I ke I ʃ ə n/ (applications )

1 N‑COUNT [N to-inf, oft on/upon N ] An applicationfor something such as a job or membership of an organization is a formal written request for it. □�[+�for ] His application for membership of the organisation was rejected. □� Tickets are available on application.

2 N‑VAR The applicationof a rule or piece of knowledge is the use of it in a particular situation. □�[+�of ] Students learned the practical application of the theory they had learned in the classroom. [Also +�to ]

3 N‑COUNT In computing, an application is a piece of software designed to carry out a particular task.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Application is hard work and concentration on what you are doing over a period of time. □� �his immense talent, boundless energy and unremitting application.

5 N‑VAR The applicationof something to a surface is the act or process of putting it on or rubbing it into the surface. □�[+�of ] With repeated applications of weedkiller, the weeds were overcome. COLLOCATIONS application NOUN

1

noun +�application : job, licence, mortgage, patent; asylum, passport, visa; bail

adjective +�application : online, postal, written; formal

application+�be+�adjective : successful, unsuccessful

verb +�application : lodge, make, submit; dismiss, refuse, reject; approve, process, support

2

adjective +�application : clinical, industrial, practical; broad, general, wide

3

noun +�application : software, web

verb +�application : develop; run

5

adjective +�application : topical SYNONYMS application NOUN 1

request:France had agreed to his request for political asylum.

claim:Rival claims to Macedonian territory caused conflict in the Balkans.

demand:They consistently rejected the demand to remove U.S. troops.

appeal:Romania's government issued a last-minute appeal to him to call off his trip.

ap|pli|ca|tor /� pl I ke I tə r / (applicators ) N‑COUNT An applicator is a device that you use to put something somewhere when you do not want to touch it or do it with your hands.

ap|plied /əpla I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] An applied subject of study has a practical use, rather than being concerned only with theory. □� �Applied Physics. □� �plans to put more money into applied research.

ap|pli|que /əpliː ke I , [AM ] � pl I ke I / also appliqu� N‑UNCOUNT Applique is the craft of sewing fabric shapes onto larger pieces of cloth. You can also use applique to refer to things you make using this craft.

ap|pli|qued /əpliː ke I d, [AM ] � pl I ke I d/ also appliqu�d ADJ Appliqued shapes or fabric are formed from pieces of fabric which are stitched on to clothes or larger pieces of cloth. □� �a magnificent appliqued bedspread.

ap|ply ◆◆◇ /əpla I / (applies , applying , applied )

1 VERB If you applyfor something such as a job or membership of an organization, you write a letter or fill in a form in order to ask formally for it. □�[V +�for ] I am continuing to apply for jobs. □�[V to-inf] They may apply to join the organization.

2 VERB If you applyyourself to something or apply your mind to something, you concentrate hard on doing it or on thinking about it. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] Faulks has applied himself to this task with considerable energy. □�[V n +�to ] In spare moments he applied his mind to how rockets could be used to make money. [Also V pron-refl]

3 VERB [no cont] If something such as a rule or a remark appliesto a person or in a situation, it is relevant to the person or the situation. □�[V +�to ] The convention does not apply to us. □�[V ] The rule applies where a person owns stock in a corporation.

4 VERB If you apply something such as a rule, system, or skill, you use it in a situation or activity. □�[V n] The Government appears to be applying the same principle. □�[V n +�to ] His project is concerned with applying the technology to practical business problems.

5 VERB A name that is appliedto someone or something is used to refer to them. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Increasingly the term is applied to people succumbing to stress in a variety of people-orientated service industries.

6 VERB If you apply something to a surface, you put it on or rub it into the surface. □�[V n +�to ] The right thing would be to apply direct pressure to the wound. □�[V n] Applying the dye can be messy, particularly on long hair.

7 →�see also applied COLLOCATIONS apply VERB

4

apply+�noun : criterion, method, principle, rule, technique

noun +�apply : conditions, principles, restrictions, rules; charges, costs, discount, terms

6

apply+�noun : dye, fertiliser, make-up, paint, sunscreen; coat, layer; force, pressure SYNONYMS apply VERB 1

request:Mr Dennis said he had requested access to a telephone.

solicit:He's already solicited their support on health care reform.

appeal:The United Nations has appealed for help from the international community.

ap|point ◆◇◇ /əpɔ I nt/ (appoints , appointing , appointed )

1 VERB If you appoint someone to a job or official position, you formally choose them for it. □�[V n +�to ] It made sense to appoint a banker to this job. □�[V n to-inf] The commission appointed a special investigator to conduct its own inquiry. □�[V n +�as ] The Prime Minister has appointed a civilian as defence minister. □�[be V -ed n] She was appointed a U.S. delegate to the United Nations. [Also V n n, V n]

2 →�see also appointed

ap|point|ed /əpɔ I nt I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] If something happens at the appointed time, it happens at the time that was decided in advance. [FORMAL ]

-appointed /-əpɔ I nt I d/

1 COMB -appointed combines with adverbs to form adjectives such as well-appointed that describe a building or room that is equipped or furnished in the way that is mentioned. [WRITTEN ] □� Sloan looked round the well-appointed kitchen.

2 →�see also self-appointed

ap|poin|tee /əpɔ I ntiː / (appointees ) N‑COUNT An appointee is someone who has been chosen for a particular job or position of responsibility. [FORMAL ] □� �Becket, a recent appointee to the Supreme Court.

ap|point|ment ◆◇◇ /əpɔ I ntmənt/ (appointments )

1 N‑VAR [usu with poss] The appointment of a person to a particular job is the choice of that person to do it. □� �his appointment as foreign minister in 1985.

2 N‑COUNT An appointment is a job or position of responsibility. □� Mr Fay is to take up an appointment as a researcher with the Royal Society.

3 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] If you have an appointmentwith someone, you have arranged to see them at a particular time, usually in connection with their work or for a serious purpose. □�[+�with ] She has an appointment with her accountant. □� �a dental appointment.

4 PHRASE If something can be done by appointment , people can arrange in advance to do it at a particular time. □� Viewing is by appointment only.

ap|por|tion /əpɔː r ʃ ə n/ (apportions , apportioning , apportioned ) VERB When you apportion something such as blame, you decide how much of it different people deserve or should be given. [FORMAL ] □�[V n prep] The experts are even-handed in apportioning blame among E.U. governments. [Also V n]

ap|po|site /� pəz I t/ ADJ Something that is apposite is suitable for or appropriate to what is happening or being discussed. [FORMAL ] □� Recent events have made his central theme even more apposite.

ap|po|si|tion /� pəz I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] If two noun groups referring to the same person or thing are inapposition , one is placed immediately after the other, with no conjunction joining them, as in 'Her father, Nigel, left home three months ago.'

ap|prais|al /əpre I z ə l/ (appraisals )

1 N‑VAR If you make an appraisalof something, you consider it carefully and form an opinion about it. □�[+�of ] What is needed in such cases is a calm appraisal of the situation.

2 N‑VAR Appraisal is the official or formal assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of someone or something. Appraisal often involves observation or some kind of testing. □� Staff problems should be addressed through training and appraisals. [Also +�of ]

ap|praise /əpre I z/ (appraises , appraising , appraised ) VERB If you appraise something or someone, you consider them carefully and form an opinion about them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] This prompted many employers to appraise their selection and recruitment policies.

ap|prais|er /əpre I zə r / (appraisers ) N‑COUNT An appraiser is someone whose job is to estimate the cost or value of something such as property. [AM ] in BRIT, use valuer

ap|pre|ci|able /əpriː ʃəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An appreciable amount or effect is large enough to be important or clearly noticed. [FORMAL ]

ap|pre|ci|ate ◆◇◇ /əpriː ʃie I t/ (appreciates , appreciating , appreciated )

1 VERB If you appreciate something, for example a piece of music or good food, you like it because you recognize its good qualities. □�[V n] In time you'll appreciate the beauty and subtlety of this language.

2 VERB If you appreciate a situation or problem, you understand it and know what it involves. □�[V n] I never really appreciated the size of the club and what it means to the community. □�[V that] He appreciates that co-operation with the media is part of his professional duties.

3 VERB If you appreciate something that someone has done for you or is going to do for you, you are grateful for it. □�[V n] Peter stood by me when I most needed it. I'll always appreciate that. □�[V n] I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't mention it.

4 VERB If something that you own appreciates over a period of time, its value increases. □�[V ] They don't have any confidence that houses will appreciate in value.

ap|pre|cia|tion /əpriː ʃie I ʃ ə n/ (appreciations )

1 N‑SING Appreciationof something is the recognition and enjoyment of its good qualities. □�[+�of ] �an investigation into children's understanding and appreciation of art. □� Brian whistled in appreciation.

2 N‑SING [oft with poss] Your appreciationfor something that someone does for you is your gratitude for it. □�[+�for ] He expressed his appreciation for what he called Saudi Arabia's moderate and realistic oil policies. □�[+�of ] �the gifts presented to them in appreciation of their work.

3 N‑SING An appreciationof a situation or problem is an understanding of what it involves. □�[+�of ] They have a stronger appreciation of the importance of economic incentives.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Appreciation in the value of something is an increase in its value over a period of time. □�[+�of ] You have to take capital appreciation of the property into account.

ap|pre|cia|tive /əpriː ʃət I v/

1 ADJ An appreciative reaction or comment shows the enjoyment that you are getting from something. □� There is a murmur of appreciative laughter.

2 ADJ If you are appreciativeof something, you are grateful for it. □�[+�of ] We have been very appreciative of their support.

ap|pre|hend /� pr I he nd/ (apprehends , apprehending , apprehended ) VERB If the police apprehend someone, they catch them and arrest them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Police have not apprehended her killer.

ap|pre|hen|sion /� pr I he nʃ ə n/ (apprehensions )

1 N‑VAR Apprehension is a feeling of fear that something bad may happen. [FORMAL ] □� It reflects real anger and apprehension about the future. □� I tensed every muscle in my body in apprehension.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The apprehensionof someone who is thought to be a criminal is their capture or arrest by the police. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �information leading to the apprehension of the alleged killer.

ap|pre|hen|sive /� pr I he ns I v/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is apprehensive is afraid that something bad may happen. □�[+�about ] People are still terribly apprehensive about the future.

ap|pren|tice /əpre nt I s/ (apprentices , apprenticing , apprenticed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An apprentice is a young person who works for someone in order to learn their skill. □� He left school at 15 and trained as an apprentice carpenter.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a young person is apprenticedto someone, they go to work for them in order to learn their skill. □�[be V -ed +�to ] I was apprenticed to a builder when I was fourteen.

ap|pren|tice|ship /əpre nt I sʃ I p/ (apprenticeships ) N‑VAR Someone who has an apprenticeship works for a fixed period of time for a person who has a particular skill in order to learn the skill. Apprenticeship is the system of learning a skill like this.

ap|prise /əpra I z/ (apprises , apprising , apprised ) VERB When you are apprisedof something, someone tells you about it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�of ] Have customers been fully apprised of the advantages? □�[V n +�of ] We must apprise them of the dangers that may be involved.

ap|proach ◆◆◇ /əproʊ tʃ/ (approaches , approaching , approached )

1 VERB When you approach something, you get closer to it. □�[V n] He didn't approach the front door at once. □�[V ] When I approached, they grew silent. □�[V -ing] We turned to see the approaching car slow down. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Approach is also a noun. □� At their approach the little boy ran away and hid. □� �the approach of a low-flying helicopter.

2 N‑COUNT An approachto a place is a road, path, or other route that leads to it. □�[+�to ] The path serves as an approach to the boat house.

3 VERB [no cont] If you approach someone about something, you speak to them about it for the first time, often making an offer or request. □�[V n prep] When Chappel approached me about the job, my first reaction was disbelief. □�[V n to-inf] He approached me to create and design the restaurant. □�[V n] Anna approached several builders and was fortunate to come across Eddie. ●�N‑COUNT Approach is also a noun. □�[+�from ] There had already been approaches from buyers interested in the whole of the group. [Also +�to ]

4 VERB When you approach a task, problem, or situation in a particular way, you deal with it or think about it in that way. □�[V n prep/adv] The Bank has approached the issue in a practical way. □�[V n] Employers are interested in how you approach problems.

5 N‑COUNT Your approachto a task, problem, or situation is the way you deal with it or think about it. □�[+�to ] We will be exploring different approaches to gathering information.

6 VERB As a future time or event approaches , it gradually gets nearer as time passes. □�[V ] As autumn approached, the plants and colours in the garden changed. □�[V -ing] �the approaching crisis. ●�N‑SING Approach is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the festive spirit that permeated the house with the approach of Christmas.

7 VERB As you approach a future time or event, time passes so that you get gradually nearer to it. □�[V n] We approach the end of the year with the economy slowing and little sign of cheer.

8 VERB If something approaches a particular level or state, it almost reaches that level or state. □�[V n] Oil prices have approached their highest level for almost ten years. COLLOCATIONS approach NOUN 5

adjective +�approach : different, fresh, innovative, positive; balanced, conservative, cautious, traditional

verb +�approach : consider, favour, suggest, try; adopt; require VERB

1

approach+�noun : vehicle

approach+�adverb : cautiously, gingerly

3

approach+�noun : council

approach+�adverb : directly, formally, tentatively

4

approach+�noun : subject, task

6

noun +�approach : deadline, election, holiday, summer; storm

7

approach+�noun : age, retirement SYNONYMS approach NOUN 5

method:�new teaching methods.

way:Another way of making new friends is to go to an evening class.

technique:�tests performed using a new technique.

mode:�the capitalist mode of production. VERB

1

near:As he neared the stable, he slowed the horse and patted it.

4

deal with:�the way that building societies deal with complaints.

tackle:The first reason to tackle these problems is to save children's lives.

handle:She admitted to herself she didn't know how to handle the problem.

ap|proach|able /əproʊ tʃəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as approachable , you think that they are friendly and easy to talk to. [APPROVAL ]

ap|pro|ba|tion /� prəbe I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Approbation is approval of something or agreement to it. [FORMAL ]

ap|pro|pri|ate ◆◇◇ (appropriates , appropriating , appropriated ) The adjective is pronounced /əproʊ priət/. The verb is pronounced /əproʊ prie I t/. 1 ADJ Something that is appropriate is suitable or acceptable for a particular situation. □� Dress neatly and attractively in an outfit appropriate to the job. □� The teacher can then take appropriate action. ●� ap|pro|pri|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� It's entitled, appropriately enough, 'Art for the Nation'.

2 VERB If someone appropriates something which does not belong to them, they take it, usually without the right to do so. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Several other newspapers have appropriated the idea. SYNONYMS appropriate ADJ 1

suitable:She had no other dress suitable for the occasion.

right:She'd made the right choice in leaving New York.

fitting:The President's address was a fitting end to a bitter campaign.

proper:The Supreme Court will ensure that the proper procedures have been followed.

apt:�an apt description of the situation.

ap|pro|pria|tion /əproʊ prie I ʃ ə n/ (appropriations )

1 N‑COUNT An appropriation is an amount of money that a government or organization reserves for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □� The government raised defence appropriations by 12 per cent.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Appropriationof something that belongs to someone else is the act of taking it, usually without having the right to do so. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Other charges include fraud and illegal appropriation of land.

ap|prov|al ◆◇◇ /əpruː v ə l/ (approvals )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If you win someone's approvalfor something that you ask for or suggest, they agree to it. □� The chairman has also given his approval for an investigation into the case. □� The proposed modifications met with widespread approval.

2 N‑VAR Approval is a formal or official statement that something is acceptable. □� The testing and approval of new drugs will be speeded up.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If someone or something has your approval , you like and admire them. □� His son had an obsessive drive to gain his father's approval. PRAGMATICS approval

In this dictionary, the label APPROVAL indicates that you use the word or expression to show that you like or admire the person or thing you are talking about. An example of a word with this label is broad-minded.

ap|prove ◆◆◇ /əpruː v/ (approves , approving , approved )

1 VERB If you approve of an action, event, or suggestion, you like it or are pleased about it. □�[V +�of ] Not everyone approves of the festival.

2 VERB If you approve of someone or something, you like and admire them. □�[V +�of ] You've never approved of Henry, have you?

3 VERB If someone in a position of authority approves a plan or idea, they formally agree to it and say that it can happen. □�[V n] The Russian Parliament has approved a program of radical economic reforms.

4 →�see also approved , approving

ap|proved /əpruː vd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An approved method or course of action is officially accepted as appropriate in a particular situation. □� The approved method of cleaning is industrial sand-blasting.

ap|pro ved schoo l (approved schools ) N‑COUNT In Britain in the past, an approved school was a boarding school where young people could be sent to stay if they had been found guilty of a crime.

ap|prov|ing /əpruː v I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An approving reaction or remark shows support for something, or satisfaction with it. □� His mother leaned forward and gave him an approving look.

approx.Approx. is a written abbreviation for approximately . □� Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.

ap|proxi|mate (approximates , approximating , approximated ) The adjective is pronounced /əprɒ ks I mət/. The verb is pronounced /əprɒ ks I me I t/. 1 ADJ An approximate number, time, or position is close to the correct number, time, or position, but is not exact. □� The approximate cost varies from around �150 to �250. □� The times are approximate only. ●� ap|proxi|mate|ly ADV □� Approximately $150 million is to be spent on improvements.

2 ADJ An idea or description that is approximate is not intended to be precise or accurate, but to give some indication of what something is like. □� They did not have even an approximate idea what the Germans really wanted.

3 VERB If something approximatesto something else, it is similar to it but is not exactly the same. □�[V +�to ] Something approximating to a fair outcome will be ensured. □�[V n] By about 6 weeks of age, most babies begin to show something approximating a day/night sleeping pattern.

ap|proxi|ma|tion /əprɒ ks I me I ʃ ə n/ (approximations )

1 N‑COUNT An approximation is a fact, object, or description which is similar to something else, but which is not exactly the same. □�[+�of ] That is a fair approximation of the way in which the next boss is being chosen. [Also +�to ]

2 N‑COUNT An approximation is a number, calculation, or position that is close to a correct number, time, or position, but is not exact. □� Clearly that's an approximation, but my guess is there'll be a reasonable balance.

apptAppt is a written abbreviation for appointment .

Apr.Apr. is a written abbreviation for April .

apres-ski /� pre I skiː/ also apr�s-ski N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Apres-ski is evening entertainment and social activities in places where people go skiing.

apri|cot /e I pr I kɒt/ (apricots )

1 N‑VAR An apricot is a small, soft, round fruit with yellowish-orange flesh and a stone inside. □� �12 oz apricots, halved and stoned. □� �apricot tart.

2 COLOUR Apricot is used to describe things that are yellowish-orange in colour. □� The bridesmaids wore apricot and white organza.

April /e I pr I l/ (Aprils ) N‑VAR April is the fourth month of the year in the Western calendar. □� The changes will be introduced in April. □� They were married on 7 April 1927 at Paddington Register Office. □� He announced that he will retire next April.

A pril Foo l (April Fools ) N‑COUNT An April Fool is a trick that is played on April Fool's Day.

A pril Foo l's Day N‑UNCOUNT April Fool's Day is the 1st of April, the day on which people traditionally play tricks on each other.

a prio|ri /e I pra I ɔː ra I / ADJ [usu ADJ n] An a priori argument, reason, or probability is based on an assumed principle or fact, rather than on actual observed facts. ●�ADV [oft ADV after v] A priori is also an adverb. □� One assumes, a priori, that a parent would be better at dealing with problems.

apron /e I prən/ (aprons ) N‑COUNT An apron is a piece of clothing that you put on over the front of your normal clothes and tie round your waist, especially when you are cooking, in order to prevent your clothes from getting dirty.

ap|ro|pos /� prəpoʊ /

1 PREP Something which is apropos , or apropos of, a subject or event, is connected with it or relevant to it. [FORMAL ] □� All my suggestions apropos the script were accepted.

2 PREP Apropos or apropos of is used to introduce something that you are going to say which is related to the subject you have just been talking about. [FORMAL ] □� Apropos Dudley Moore living in California he said, 'He loves the space, Californians have a lot of space.'

apt /� pt/

1 ADJ An apt remark, description, or choice is especially suitable. □� The words of this report are as apt today as in 1929. □� �an apt description of the situation. ●� apt|ly ADV □� �the beach in the aptly named town of Oceanside.

2 ADJ If someone is aptto do something, they often do it and so it is likely that they will do it again. □� She was apt to raise her voice and wave her hands about.

ap|ti|tude /� pt I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (aptitudes ) N‑VAR Someone's aptitudefor a particular kind of work or activity is their ability to learn it quickly and to do it well. □�[+�for ] An aptitude for computing is beneficial for students taking this degree.

a p|ti|tude test (aptitude tests ) N‑COUNT An aptitude test is a test that is specially designed to find out how easily and how well you can do something.

aqua /� kwə/ COLOUR Aqua is the same as the colour aquamarine . □� �floor-length curtains in restful aqua and lavender colours.

aqua|marine /� kwəməriː n/ (aquamarines )

1 N‑VAR Aquamarines are clear, greenish-blue stones, sometimes used to make jewellery. □� A necklace set with aquamarines. □� �a large aquamarine ring.

2 COLOUR Aquamarine is used to describe things that are greenish-blue in colour. □� �warm aquamarine seas and white beaches.

aquar|ium /əkweə riəm/ (aquariums or aquaria /əkweə riə/)

1 N‑COUNT An aquarium is a building, often in a zoo, where fish and underwater animals are kept.

2 N‑COUNT An aquarium is a glass tank filled with water, in which people keep fish.

Aquar|ius /əkweə riəs/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Aquarius is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a person pouring water. People who are born approximately between 20th January and 18th February come under this sign.

2 N‑SING An Aquarius is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Aquarius.

aquat|ic /əkw� t I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An aquatic animal or plant lives or grows on or in water. □� �aquatic birds.

2 ADJ Aquatic means relating to water. □� �aquatic consultant Ben Tucker. □� �our aquatic resources.

aque|duct /� kw I dʌkt/ (aqueducts )

1 N‑COUNT An aqueduct is a long bridge with many arches, which carries a water supply or a canal over a valley. □� �an old Roman aqueduct.

2 N‑COUNT An aqueduct is a large pipe or canal which carries a water supply to a city or a farming area. □� �a nationwide system of aqueducts to carry water to the arid parts of this country.

aque|ous /e I kwiəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] In chemistry, an aqueous solution or cream has water as its base. [TECHNICAL ] □� �an aqueous solution containing various sodium salts.

aqui|fer /� kw I fə r / (aquifers ) N‑COUNT In geology, an aquifer is an area of rock underneath the surface of the earth which absorbs and holds water. [TECHNICAL ]

aqui|line /� kw I la I n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has an aquiline nose or profile, their nose is large, thin, and usually curved. [FORMAL ] □� He had a thin aquiline nose.

Arab /� rəb/ (Arabs )

1 N‑COUNT Arabs are people who speak Arabic and who come from the Middle East and parts of North Africa.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Arab means belonging or relating to Arabs or to their countries or customs. □� The Arab world is particularly keen on the use of cardamom with tea.

ara|besque /� rəbe sk/ (arabesques ) N‑COUNT An arabesque is a position in ballet dancing. The dancer stands on one leg with their other leg lifted and stretched out backwards, and their arms stretched out in front of them.

Ara|bian /əre I biən/ ADJ Arabian means belonging or relating to Arabia, especially to Saudi Arabia. □� �the Arabian Peninsula.

Ara|bic /� rəb I k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Arabic is a language that is spoken in the Middle East and in parts of North Africa.

2 ADJ Something that is Arabic belongs or relates to the language, writing, or culture of the Arabs. □� �the development of modern Arabic literature. □� �Arabic music.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An Arabic numeral is one of the written figures such as 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Ar|ab|ist /� rəb I st/ (Arabists ) N‑COUNT An Arabist is a person who supports Arab interests or knows a lot about the Arabic language.

ar|able /� rəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Arable farming involves growing crops such as wheat and barley rather than keeping animals or growing fruit and vegetables. Arable land is land that is used for arable farming.

Arab Spring N‑PROPER The Arab Spring is a period of time in and around 2011 to 2012 during which people in the Middle East and Africa tried to achieve democratic reforms. □� Social networking sites played an important role in the events of the Arab Spring.

ar|bi|ter /ɑː r b I tə r / (arbiters )

1 N‑COUNT An arbiter is a person or institution that judges and settles a quarrel between two other people or groups. [FORMAL ] □� He was the ultimate arbiter on both theological and political matters.

2 N‑COUNT An arbiterof taste or style is someone who has a lot of influence in deciding what is fashionable or socially desirable. [FORMAL ]

ar|bi|trage /ɑː r b I trɑːʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In finance, arbitrage is the activity of buying shares or currency in one financial market and selling it at a profit in another. [BUSINESS ]

ar|bi|tra|ger /ɑː r b I trɑːʒɜː r / (arbitragers ) also arbitrageur N‑COUNT In finance, an arbitrager is someone who buys currencies, securities, or commodities on one country's market in order to make money by immediately selling them at a profit on another country's market. [BUSINESS ]

ar|bi|trary /ɑː r b I tri, [AM ] -treri/ ADJ If you describe an action, rule, or decision as arbitrary , you think that it is not based on any principle, plan, or system. It often seems unfair because of this. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Arbitrary arrests and detention without trial were common. ●� ar|bi|trari|ly /ɑː r b I treə r I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� The victims were not chosen arbitrarily.

ar|bi|trate /ɑː r b I tre I t/ (arbitrates , arbitrating , arbitrated ) VERB When someone in authority arbitratesbetween two people or groups who are in dispute, they consider all the facts and make an official decision about who is right. □�[V +�between ] He arbitrates between investors and members of the association. □�[V ] The tribunal had been set up to arbitrate in the dispute. ●� ar|bi|tra|tor /ɑː r b I tre I tə r / (arbitrators ) N‑COUNT □� He served as an arbitrator in a series of commercial disputes in India.

ar|bi|tra|tion /ɑː r b I tre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Arbitration is the judging of a dispute between people or groups by someone who is not involved. □� The matter is likely to go to arbitration.

ar|bor|eal /ɑː r bɔː riəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Arboreal animals live in trees. [TECHNICAL ] □� �arboreal marsupials which resemble monkeys.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Arboreal means relating to trees. [FORMAL ] □� �the arboreal splendor of the valley.

ar|bo|retum /ɑː r bəriː təm/ (arboreta /ɑː r bəriː tə/ or arboretums ) N‑COUNT An arboretum is a specially designed garden of different types of trees.

ar|bour /ɑː r bə r / (arbours ) in AM, use arbor N‑COUNT An arbour is a shelter in a garden which is formed by leaves and stems of plants growing close together over a light framework.

arc /ɑː r k/ (arcs )

1 N‑COUNT An arc is a smoothly curving line or movement. □� The Aleutian chain is a long arc of islands in the North Pacific.

2 N‑COUNT In geometry, an arc is a part of the line that forms the outside of a circle. [TECHNICAL ]

ar|cade /ɑː r ke I d/ (arcades ) N‑COUNT An arcade is a covered passage where there are shops or market stalls. □� �a shopping arcade.

ar|ca de game (arcade games ) N‑COUNT An arcade game is a computer game of the type that is often played in amusement arcades.

ar|cane /ɑː r ke I n/ ADJ Something that is arcane is secret or mysterious. [FORMAL ] □� Until a few months ago few people outside the arcane world of contemporary music had heard of Gorecki.

arch /ɑː r tʃ/ (arches , arching , arched )

1 N‑COUNT An arch is a structure that is curved at the top and is supported on either side by a pillar, post, or wall.

2 N‑COUNT An arch is a curved line or movement.

3 N‑COUNT The arch of your foot is the curved section at the bottom in the middle.

4 VERB If you arch a part of your body such as your back or if it arches , you bend it so that it forms a curve. □�[V n] Don't arch your back, keep your spine straight. [Also V ]

5 VERB If you arch your eyebrows or if they arch , you move them upwards as a way of showing surprise or disapproval. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] 'Oh really?' he said, arching an eyebrow. [Also V ]

6 →�see also arched

arch- /ɑː r tʃ-/ COMB Arch- combines with nouns referring to people to form new nouns that refer to people who are extreme examples of something. For example, your arch-rival is the rival you most want to beat. □� �his arch-enemy.

ar|chae|ol|ogy /ɑː r kiɒ lədʒi/ also archeology N‑UNCOUNT Archaeology is the study of the societies and peoples of the past by examining the remains of their buildings, tools, and other objects. ●� ar|chaeo|logi|cal /ɑː r kiəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� �one of the region's most important archaeological sites. ●� ar|chae|olo|gist /ɑː r kiɒ lədʒ I st/ (archaeologists ) N‑COUNT □� The archaeologists found a house built around 300 BC.

ar|cha|ic /ɑː r ke I I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Archaic means extremely old or extremely old-fashioned. □� �archaic laws that are very seldom used.

arch|angel /ɑː r ke I ndʒ ə l/ (archangels ) N‑COUNT In the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions, an archangel is an angel of the highest rank.

arch|bishop /ɑː r tʃb I ʃəp/ (archbishops ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches, an archbishop is a bishop of the highest rank, who is in charge of all the bishops and priests in a particular country or region. □� �the Archbishop of Canterbury. □� �Archbishop Derek Worlock.

arch|deacon /ɑː r tʃdiː kən/ (archdeacons ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An archdeacon is a high-ranking clergyman who works as an assistant to a bishop, especially in the Anglican church.

arch|dio|cese /ɑː r tʃdai əs I s/ (archdioceses /ɑː r tʃdai əsiːz/) N‑COUNT An archdiocese is the area over which an archbishop has control.

arched /ɑː r tʃt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An arched roof, window, or doorway is curved at the top.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An arched bridge has arches as part of its structure. □� �a fortified arched bridge spanning the River Severn.

ar|che|ol|ogy /ɑː r kiɒ lədʒi/ →�see archaeology

arch|er /ɑː r tʃə r / (archers ) N‑COUNT An archer is someone who shoots arrows using a bow.

ar|chery /ɑː r tʃəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Archery is a sport in which people shoot arrows at a target using a bow.

ar|che|typ|al /ɑː r k I ta I p ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone or something that is archetypal has all the most important characteristics of a particular kind of person or thing and is a perfect example of it. [FORMAL ] □� Cricket is the archetypal English game.

ar|che|type /ɑː r k I ta I p/ (archetypes ) N‑COUNT An archetype is something that is considered to be a perfect or typical example of a particular kind of person or thing, because it has all their most important characteristics. [FORMAL ] □� Bristling with vigour, he is the archetype of the modern, global chief executive.

ar|che|typi|cal /ɑː r k I t I p I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Archetypical means the same as archetypal . □� �an archetypical BBC voice.

archi|pela|go /ɑː r kipe ləgoʊ/ (archipelagos or archipelagoes ) N‑COUNT An archipelago is a group of islands, especially small islands.

archi|tect /ɑː r k I tekt/ (architects )

1 N‑COUNT An architect is a person who designs buildings.

2 N‑COUNT You can use architect to refer to a person who plans large projects such as landscaping or railways. □� �Paul Andreu, chief architect of French railways.

3 N‑COUNT The architectof an idea, event, or institution is the person who invented it or made it happen. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �Russia's chief architect of economic reform.

archi|tec|tur|al /ɑː r k I te ktʃərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Architectural means relating to the design and construction of buildings. □� �Italy's architectural heritage. □� �the unique architectural style of towns like Lamu. ●� archi|tec|tur|al|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� The old city centre is architecturally rich.

archi|tec|ture /ɑː r k I tektʃə r / (architectures )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Architecture is the art of planning, designing, and constructing buildings. □� He studied classical architecture and design in Rome.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The architecture of a building is the style in which it is designed and constructed. □� �a fine example of Moroccan architecture.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The architectureof something is its structure. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the crumbling intellectual architecture of modern society.

ar|chiv|al /ɑː r ka I v ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Archival means belonging or relating to archives. □� �his extensive use of archival material.

ar|chive /ɑː r ka I v/ (archives )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The archive or archives are a collection of documents and records that contain historical information. You can also use archives to refer to the place where archives are stored. □� �the archives of the Imperial War Museum.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Archive material is information that comes from archives. □� �pieces of archive film.

archi|vist /ɑː r k I v I st/ (archivists ) N‑COUNT An archivist is a person whose job is to collect, sort, and care for historical documents and records.

arch|way /ɑː r tʃwe I / (archways ) N‑COUNT An archway is a passage or entrance that has a curved roof. □� Access was via a narrow archway.

a rc light (arc lights ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Arc lights are a type of very bright electric light. □� �the brilliant glare of the arc lights.

arc|tic /ɑː r kt I k/

1 N‑PROPER The Arctic is the area of the world around the North Pole. It is extremely cold and there is very little light in winter and very little darkness in summer. □� �winter in the Arctic. □� �Arctic ice.

2 ADJ If you describe a place or the weather as arctic , you are emphasizing that it is extremely cold. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The bathroom, with its ancient facilities, is positively arctic.

A rc|tic Ci rcle N‑PROPER The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line drawn around the northern part of the world at approximately 66� North.

ar|dent /ɑː r d ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ardent is used to describe someone who has extremely strong feelings about something or someone. □� He's been one of the most ardent supporters of the administration's policy.

ar|dor /ɑː r də r / →�see ardour

ar|dour /ɑː r də r / in AM, use ardor N‑UNCOUNT Ardour is a strong, intense feeling of love or enthusiasm for someone or something. [LITERARY ] □� �songs of genuine passion and ardour.

ar|du|ous /ɑː r dʒuəs/ ADJ Something that is arduous is difficult and tiring, and involves a lot of effort. □� The task was more arduous than he had calculated.

are /ə r , STRONG ɑː r / Are is the plural and the second person singular of the present tense of the verb be . Are is often shortened to -'re after pronouns in spoken English.

area ◆◆◆ /eə riə/ (areas )

1 N‑COUNT An area is a particular part of a town, a country, a region, or the world. □� �the large number of community groups in the area. □� She works in a rural area off the beaten track.

2 N‑COUNT Your area is the part of a town, country, or region where you live. An organization's area is the part of a town, country, or region that it is responsible for. □� Local authorities have been responsible for the running of schools in their areas. □� If there is an election in your area, you should go and vote.

3 N‑COUNT A particular area is a piece of land or part of a building that is used for a particular activity. □� �a picnic area. □� �the main check-in area located in Terminal 1.

4 N‑COUNT An area is a particular place on a surface or object, for example on your body. □� You will notice that your baby has two soft areas on the top of his head.

5 N‑VAR The area of a surface such as a piece of land is the amount of flat space or ground that it covers, measured in square units. □� The islands cover a total area of 625.6 square kilometers.

6 N‑COUNT You can use area to refer to a particular subject or topic, or to a particular part of a larger, more general situation or activity. □� �the politically sensitive area of old age pensions.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] On a football pitch, the area is the same as the penalty area . [INFORMAL ]

8 →�see also catchment area , disaster area , grey area , penalty area COLLOCATIONS area NOUN 1

adjective +�area : residential, rural, urban; isolated, remote; deprived, disadvantaged; huge, large, vast, wide

a rea code (area codes ) N‑COUNT The area code for a particular city or region is the series of numbers that you have to dial before someone's personal number if you are making a telephone call to that place from a different area. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use dialling code

arena /əriː nə/ (arenas )

1 N‑COUNT An arena is a place where sports, entertainments, and other public events take place. It has seats around it where people sit and watch. □� �the largest indoor sports arena in the world.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a field of activity, especially one where there is a lot of conflict or action, as an arena of a particular kind. □� He made it clear he had no intention of withdrawing from the political arena.

aren't ◆◆◇ /ɑː r nt, [AM ALSO ] ɑː rənt/

1Aren't is the usual spoken form of 'are not'.

2Aren't is the form of 'am not' that is used in questions or tags in spoken English.

Ar|gen|tine /ɑː r dʒənta I n/ (Argentines ) ADJ Argentine means the same as Argentinian . □� �Argentine agricultural products. ●�N‑COUNT An Argentine is the same as an Argentinian .

Ar|gen|tin|ian /ɑː r dʒənt I niən/ (Argentinians ) ADJ Argentinian means belonging or relating to Argentina or its people. □� �the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires. ●�N‑COUNT An Argentinian is someone who comes from Argentina.

ar|gon /ɑː r gɒn/ N‑UNCOUNT Argon is an inert gas which exists in very small amounts in the atmosphere. It is used in electric lights.

ar|got /ɑː r goʊ/ (argots ) N‑VAR An argot is a special language used by a particular group of people, which other people find difficult to understand. [FORMAL ] □� �the argot of teenagers. □� �footballing argot.

ar|gu|able /ɑː r gjuəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that it isarguablethat something is true, you believe that it can be supported by evidence and that many people would agree with it. [FORMAL ] □� It is arguable that this was not as grave a handicap as it might appear.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] An idea, point, or comment that is arguable is not obviously true or correct and should be questioned. [FORMAL ] □� It is arguable whether he ever had much control over the real economic power.

ar|gu|ably /ɑː r gjuəbli/ ADV [ADV before v] You can use arguably when you are stating your opinion or belief, as a way of giving more authority to it. □� Sausages are arguably the most popular food in the country.

ar|gue ◆◆◇ /ɑː r gjuː/ (argues , arguing , argued )

1 VERB If one person argueswith another, they speak angrily to each other about something that they disagree about. You can also say that two people argue . □�[V +�with ] The committee is concerned about players' behaviour, especially arguing with referees. □�[V ] They were still arguing; I could hear them down the road. [Also V +�about/over ]

2 VERB If you tell someone not to arguewith you, you want them to do or believe what you say without protest or disagreement. □�[V +�with ] Don't argue with me. □�[V ] The children go to bed at 10.30. No one dares argue.

3 VERB If you arguewith someone about something, you discuss it with them, with each of you giving your different opinions. □�[V +�with/about/over ] He was arguing with the King about the need to maintain the cavalry at full strength. □�[V +�about/over ] They are arguing over foreign policy. □�[V n] The two of them sitting in their office were arguing this point.

4 VERB If you arguethat something is true, you state it and give the reasons why you think it is true. □�[V that] His lawyers are arguing that he is unfit to stand trial. □�[be V -ed that] It could be argued that the British are not aggressive enough. [Also V with quote, V n]

5 VERB If you argue for something, you say why you agree with it, in order to persuade people that it is right. If you argue against something, you say why you disagree with it, in order to persuade people that it is wrong. □�[V +�for/against ] The report argues against tax increases. □�[V n] I argued the case for an independent central bank.

6 VERB If you argue , you support your opinions with evidence in an ordered or logical way. □�[V adv/prep] He argued persuasively, and was full of confidence. [Also V ]

7 VERB If you say that no-one can arguewith a particular fact or opinion, you are emphasizing that it is obviously true and so everyone must accept it. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�with ] We produced the best soccer of the tournament. Nobody would argue with that. [Also V that]

8to argue the toss →�see toss SYNONYMS argue VERB

1

disagree:The two men had disagreed about reincarnation.

quarrel:At one point we quarrelled, over something silly.

row:He had earlier rowed with his girlfriend.

squabble:My four-year-old squabbles with his friends.

fight:Mostly, they fight about paying bills.

3

discuss:The cabinet met today to discuss how to respond to the ultimatum.

debate:The United Nations Security Council will debate the issue today.

thrash out:�a sincere effort by two people to thrash out differences.

dispute:Some economists disputed whether consumer spending is as strong as the figures suggest.

ar|gu|ment ◆◆◇ /ɑː r gjʊmənt/ (arguments )

1 N‑VAR [N that] An argument is a statement or set of statements that you use in order to try to convince people that your opinion about something is correct. □�[+�for ] There's a strong argument for lowering the price. □�[+�against ] The doctors have set out their arguments against the proposals.

2 N‑VAR An argument is a discussion or debate in which a number of people put forward different or opposing opinions. □�[+�about/over ] The incident has triggered fresh arguments about public spending.

3 N‑COUNT An argument is a conversation in which people disagree with each other angrily or noisily. □�[+�with ] Anny described how she got into an argument with one of the marchers. □� �a heated argument. [Also +�between ]

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you accept something without argument , you do not question it or disagree with it. □� He complied without argument.

5 →�see also counter-argument SYNONYMS argument NOUN

1

case:Both these facts strengthen the case against hanging.

justification:To me the only justification for a zoo is educational.

rationale:However, the rationale for such initiatives is not, of course, solely economic.

3

row:A man had been stabbed to death in a family row.

quarrel:I had a terrible quarrel with my other brothers.

fight:He had a big fight with his dad the night before.

clash:There were clashes between police in riot gear and demonstrators.

feud:�a long and bitter feud between the state government and the villagers.

ar|gu|men|ta|tion /ɑː r gjʊmente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Argumentation is the process of arguing in an organized or logical way, for example in philosophy. [FORMAL ]

ar|gu|men|ta|tive /ɑː r gjʊme ntət I v/ ADJ Someone who is argumentative is always ready to disagree or start quarrelling with other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You're in an argumentative mood today!

aria /ɑː riə/ (arias ) N‑COUNT An aria is a song for one of the leading singers in an opera or choral work.

arid /� r I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Arid land is so dry that very few plants can grow on it. □� �new strains of crops that can withstand arid conditions.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a period of your life or an academic subject as arid , you mean that it has so little interest, excitement, or purpose that it makes you feel bored or unhappy. □� She had given him the only joy his arid life had ever known.

Aries /eə riːz/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Aries is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a ram. People who are born approximately between 21st March and 19th April come under this sign.

2 N‑SING An Aries is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Aries.

arise ◆◇◇ /əra I z/ (arises , arising , arose , arisen /ər I zən/)

1 VERB If a situation or problem arises , it begins to exist or people start to become aware of it. □�[V ] The birds also attack crops when the opportunity arises.

2 VERB If something arises from a particular situation, or arises out of it, it is created or caused by the situation. □�[V +�from/out of ] �an overwhelming sense of guilt arising from my actions.

3 VERB If something such as a new species, organization, or system arises , it begins to exist and develop. □�[V ] Heavy Metal music really arose in the late 60s.

4 VERB When you arise , you get out of bed in the morning. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] He arose at 6:30 a.m. as usual.

5 VERB When you arisefrom a sitting or kneeling position, you stand up. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�from ] When I arose from the chair, my father and Eleanor's father were in deep conversation. □�[V ] Arise, Sir William. SYNONYMS arise VERB 1

develop:A row has developed about the pollution emanating from a chemical plant.

occur:If headaches occur at night, lack of fresh air may be the cause.

result:Many hair problems result from what you eat.

stem from:Much of the instability stems from the economic effects of the war.

ar|is|toc|ra|cy /� r I stɒ krəsi/ (aristocracies ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] Thearistocracy is a class of people in some countries who have a high social rank and special titles. □� �a member of the aristocracy.

aris|to|crat /� r I stəkr�t, ər I st-/ (aristocrats ) N‑COUNT An aristocrat is someone whose family has a high social rank, especially someone who has a title.

aris|to|crat|ic /ər I stəkr� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Aristocratic means belonging to or typical of the aristocracy. □� �a wealthy, aristocratic family.

arith|me|tic The noun is pronounced /ər I θm I t I k/. The adjective is pronounced /� r I θme t I k/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Arithmetic is the part of mathematics that is concerned with the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of numbers. □� �an arithmetic test.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] You can use arithmetic to refer to the process of doing a particular sum or calculation. □� 4,000 women put in ten rupees each, which if my arithmetic is right adds up to 40,000 rupees.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to thearithmetic of a situation, you are concerned with those aspects of it that can be expressed in numbers, and how they affect the situation. □� The budgetary arithmetic suggests that government borrowing is set to surge.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Arithmetic means relating to or consisting of calculations involving numbers. □� �simple arithmetic operations such as adding or multiplying numbers.

arith|meti|cal /� r I θme t I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Arithmetical calculations, processes, or skills involve the addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division of numbers.

ark /ɑː r k/ N‑SING In the Bible, theark was a large boat which Noah built in order to save his family and two of every kind of animal from the Flood.

arm

➊�PART OF YOUR BODY OR OF SOMETHING ELSE

➋�WEAPONS

➊ arm ◆◆◆ /ɑː r m/ (arms )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your arms are the two long parts of your body that are attached to your shoulders and that have your hands at the end. □� She stretched her arms out. □� He had a large parcel under his left arm.

2 N‑COUNT The arm of a piece of clothing is the part of it that covers your arm.

3 N‑COUNT The arm of a chair is the part on which you rest your arm when you are sitting down.

4 N‑COUNT An armof an object is a long thin part of it that sticks out from the main part. □�[+�of ] �the lever arm of the machine. □�[+�of ] �the arms of the doctor's spectacles.

5 N‑COUNT An armof land or water is a long thin area of it that is joined to a broader area. □�[+�of ] At the end of the other arm of Cardigan Bay is Bardsey Island.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An armof an organization is a section of it that operates in a particular country or that deals with a particular activity. □�[+�of ] Millicom Holdings is the British arm of an American company.

7 PHRASE If two people are walking arm in arm , they are walking together with their arms linked. □�[+�with ] He walked from the court arm in arm with his wife.

8 PHRASE If you say that something costs an arm and a leg , you mean that it is very expensive. [INFORMAL ] □� A week at a health farm can cost an arm and a leg.

9 PHRASE If you hold something at arm's length , you hold it away from your body with your arm straight. □� He struck a match, and held it at arm's length.

10 PHRASE If you keep someone at arm's length , you avoid becoming too friendly or involved with them. □� She had always kept his family at arm's length.

11 PHRASE If you welcome some action or change with open arms , you are very pleased about it. If you welcome a person with open arms , you are very pleased about their arrival. [APPROVAL ] □� They would no doubt welcome the action with open arms.

12 PHRASE If you twist someone's arm , you persuade them to do something. [INFORMAL ] □� She had twisted his arm to get him to invite her.

➋ arm ◆◆◆ /ɑː r m/ (arms , arming , armed )

1 N‑PLURAL [oft N n] Arms are weapons, especially bombs and guns. [FORMAL ] □� The group had extensive supplies of arms. □� �arms control.

2 VERB If you arm someone with a weapon, you provide them with a weapon. □�[V n +�with ] She'd been so terrified that she had armed herself with a loaded rifle. □�[V n] Arming the police doesn't deter crime.

3 VERB If you arm someone with something that will be useful in a particular situation, you provide them with it. □�[V n +�with ] If she armed herself with knowledge, she could handle anything.

4 N‑PLURAL The arms of a city or of a noble family are its coat of arms. Arms is often used in the names of British pubs. □� �china painted with the arms of Philippe V. □� �his local pub, the Abercorn Arms.

5 →�see also armed , -armed , coat of arms , comrade-in-arms , small arms

6 PHRASE A person's right to bear arms is their right to own and use guns, as a means of defence.

7 PHRASE If soldiers lay down their arms , they stop fighting and give up their weapons. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

8 PHRASE If one group or country takes up armsagainst another, they prepare to attack and fight them. □� They threatened to take up arms against the government if their demands were not met.

9 PHRASE If people are up in armsabout something, they are very angry about it and are protesting strongly against it. □� Environmental groups are up in arms about plans for fracking in the area. COLLOCATIONS arm NOUN

➊1

adjective +�arm : left, right, upper; bare, muscular, prosthetic; folded, open, outstretched

verb +�arm : cross, fold, link; raise, wave; break

➊ 6

noun +�arm : finance, investment, management, research

adjective +�arm : charitable, commercial, investigative

➋ 1

adjective +�arms : nuclear; illegal

verb +�arms : bear, carry; smuggle, supply

ar|ma|da /ɑː r mɑː də/ (armadas ) N‑COUNT An armada is a large group of warships.

ar|ma|dil|lo /ɑː r məd I loʊ/ (armadillos ) N‑COUNT An armadillo is a small animal whose body is covered with large bony scales and which rolls itself into a ball when it is attacked. Armadillos are mainly found in South and Central America.

Ar|ma|ged|don /ɑː r məge d ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Armageddon is a terrible battle or war that some people think will lead to the total destruction of the world or the human race.

Ar|ma|gnac /ɑː r mənj�k/ (Armagnacs ) N‑VAR Armagnac is a type of brandy made in south-west France.

ar|ma|ments /ɑː r məmənts/ N‑PLURAL Armaments are weapons and military equipment belonging to an army or country. □� �global efforts to reduce nuclear and other armaments.

arm|band /ɑː r mb�nd/ (armbands )

1 N‑COUNT An armband is a band of fabric that you wear round your upper arm in order to show that you have an official position or belong to a particular group. Some people also wear a black armband to show that a friend or relation has died.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Armbands are plastic rings filled with air that people who are learning to swim wear on their upper arms to help them float. [mainly BRIT ]

arm|chair /ɑː r mtʃeə r / (armchairs )

1 N‑COUNT An armchair is a big comfortable chair which has a support on each side for your arms.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An armchair critic, fan, or traveller knows about a particular subject from reading or hearing about it rather than from practical experience.

armed ◆◆◇ /ɑː r md/

1 ADJ Someone who is armed is carrying a weapon, usually a gun. □� City police said the man was armed with a revolver. □� �a barbed-wire fence patrolled by armed guards. □� The rebels are well organised, disciplined and very well armed.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An armed attack or conflict involves people fighting with guns or carrying weapons. □� They had been found guilty of armed robbery.

3 →�see also arm ➊, -armed

-armed /-ɑː r md/

1 COMB -armed is used with adjectives to indicate what kind of arms someone has. □� �plump-armed women in cotton dresses.

2 COMB -armed is used with adjectives such as 'nuclear' and nouns such as 'missile' to form adjectives that indicate what kind of weapons an army or person has. □� �nuclear-armed navy vessels.

3 →�see also armed

a rmed fo rces ◆◇◇ N‑PLURAL The armed forces or the armed services of a country are its military forces, usually the army, navy, marines, and air force.

arm|ful /ɑː r mfʊl/ (armfuls ) N‑COUNT An armfulof something is the amount of it that you can carry fairly easily. □�[+�of ] He hurried out with an armful of brochures.

arm|hole /ɑː r mhoʊl/ (armholes ) N‑COUNT The armholes of something such as a shirt or dress are the openings through which you put your arms, or the places where the sleeves are attached.

ar|mi|stice /ɑː r m I st I s/ N‑SING An armistice is an agreement between countries who are at war with one another to stop fighting and to discuss ways of making peace. □� Finally, the Bolsheviks signed an armistice with Germany.

arm|load /ɑː r mloʊd/ (armloads ) N‑COUNT An armloadof something is the same as an armful of something. □�[+�of ] �an armload of books.

ar|mor /ɑː r mə r / →�see armour

ar|mored /ɑː r mə r d/ →�see armoured

ar|mor|er /ɑː r mərə r / (armorers ) →�see armourer

ar|mory /ɑː r məri/ (armories ) →�see armoury

ar|mour /ɑː r mə r / in AM, use armor1 N‑UNCOUNT In former times, armour was special metal clothing that soldiers wore for protection in battle. □� �knights in armour.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Armour consists of tanks and other military vehicles used in battle. [MILITARY ] □� �the biggest movement of heavy British armour.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Armour is a hard, usually metal, covering that protects a vehicle against attack. □� �a formidable warhead that can penetrate the armour of most tanks.

4 →�see also body armour

5knight in shining armour →�see knight

ar|moured /ɑː r mə r d/ in AM, use armored1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Armoured vehicles are fitted with a hard metal covering in order to protect them from gunfire and other missiles.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Armoured troops are troops in armoured vehicles.

ar|mour|er /ɑː r mərə r / (armourers ) in AM, use armorer N‑COUNT An armourer is someone who makes or supplies weapons.

a rmour-pla ted in AM, use armor-plated ADJ [usu ADJ n] An armour-plated vehicle or building has a hard metal covering in order to protect it from gunfire and other missiles. □� He has taken to travelling in an armour-plated car.

a rmour-pla ting in AM, use armor-plating N‑UNCOUNT The armour-plating on a vehicle or building is the hard metal covering which is intended to protect it from gunfire and other missiles.

ar|moury /ɑː r məri/ (armouries ) in AM, use armory1 N‑COUNT A country's armoury is all the weapons and military equipment that it has. □� He threatened to open the country's armouries to loyal tribes in an attempt to hold off the rebellion.

2 N‑COUNT An armoury is a place where weapons, bombs, and other military equipment are stored.

3 N‑COUNT In the United States, an armoury is a building used by the National Guard or Army Reserve for meetings and training.

4 N‑COUNT An armoury is a factory where weapons are made. [AM ]

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a large number of things which someone has available for a particular purpose as their armoury . [BRIT ] □� The strongest weapon in the government's armoury is the price cuts announced on Saturday.

arm|pit /ɑː r mp I t/ (armpits ) N‑COUNT Your armpits are the areas of your body under your arms where your arms join your shoulders.

arm|rest /ɑː r mrest/ (armrests ) also arm rest N‑COUNT The armrests on a chair are the two pieces on either side that support your arms when you are sitting down.

a rms race N‑SING An arms race is a situation in which two countries or groups of countries are continually trying to get more and better weapons than each other.

army ◆◆◆ /ɑː r mi/ (armies )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] An army is a large organized group of people who are armed and trained to fight on land in a war. Most armies are organized and controlled by governments. □� After returning from France, he joined the army. □� The army is about to launch a major offensive.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] An armyof people, animals, or things is a large number of them, especially when they are regarded as a force of some kind. □�[+�of ] �data collected by an army of volunteers. □� �armies of shoppers looking for bargains. COLLOCATIONS army NOUN

1

noun +�army : guerrilla, rebel; volunteer, reserve

adjective +�army : regular; advancing, invading, retreating

verb +�army : command, deploy, lead, mobilize; join; defeat

2

adjective +�army : growing, small, vast

A -road (A-roads ) N‑COUNT In some countries, an A-road is a major road. A-roads are narrower than motorways but are wider and straighter than B-roads.

aro|ma /əroʊ mə/ (aromas ) N‑COUNT An aroma is a strong, pleasant smell. □� �the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread.

aroma|thera|pist /əroʊ məθe rəp I st/ (aromatherapists ) N‑COUNT An aromatherapist is a person who is qualified to practise aromatherapy.

aroma|thera|py /əroʊ məθe rəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Aromatherapy is a type of treatment which involves massaging the body with special fragrant oils.

aro|mat|ic /� rəm� t I k/ ADJ An aromatic plant or food has a strong, pleasant smell of herbs or spices. □� �an evergreen shrub with deep green, aromatic leaves.

arose /əroʊ z/ Arose is the past tense of arise .

around ◆◆◆ /əraʊ nd/ Around is an adverb and a preposition. In British English, the word 'round' is often used instead. Around is often used with verbs of movement, such as 'walk' and 'drive', and also in phrasal verbs such as 'get around' and 'hand around'. 1 PREP To be positioned around a place or object means to surround it or be on all sides of it. To move around a place means to go along its edge, back to your starting point. □� She looked at the papers around her. □� �a prosperous suburb built around a new mosque. ●�ADV [n ADV ] Around is also an adverb. □� �a village with a rocky river, a ruined castle and hills all around. □� The drive takes you past mighty Bolton Castle, visible for miles around.

2 PREP If you move around a corner or obstacle, you move to the other side of it. If you look around a corner or obstacle, you look to see what is on the other side. □� The photographer stopped clicking and hurried around the corner. □� I peered around the edge of the shed�there was no sign of anyone else.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you turn around , you turn so that you are facing in the opposite direction. □� I turned around and wrote the title on the blackboard. □� He straightened up slowly and spun around on the stool to face us.

4 PREP If you move around a place, you travel through it, going to most of its parts. If you look around a place, you look at every part of it. □� I've been walking around Moscow and the town is terribly quiet. □� He glanced discreetly around the room at the other people. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Around is also an adverb. □� He backed away from the edge, looking all around at the flat horizon.

5 PREP If someone moves around a place, they move through various parts of that place without having any particular destination. □� In between the talks everyone is milling around and having coffee. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Around is also an adverb. □� My mornings are spent rushing around after him.

6 ADV [ADV after v] If you go around to someone's house, you visit them. □� She helped me unpack my things and then we went around to see the other girls.

7 ADV [ADV after v] You use around in expressions such as sit around and hang around when you are saying that someone is spending time in a place and not doing anything very important. □� After breakfast the next morning they sat around for an hour discussing political affairs. ●�PREP Around is also a preposition. □� He used to skip lessons and hang around the harbor with some other boys.

8 ADV [ADV after v] If you move things around , you move them so that they are in different places. □� She moved things around so the table was beneath the windows.

9 ADV [ADV after v] If a wheel or object turns around , it turns. □� The boat started to spin around in the water.

10 PREP You use around to say that something happens in different parts of a place or area. □� Elephants were often to be found in swamp in eastern Kenya around the Tana River. □� �pests and diseases around the garden. ●�ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] Around is also an adverb. □� Giovanni has the best Parma ham for miles around.

11 ADV If someone or something is around , they exist or are present in a place. □� The blackbird had a quick, wary look in case the cat was anywhere around. □� Just having lots of people around that you can talk to is important.

12 PREP The people around you are the people who you come into contact with, especially your friends and relatives, and the people you work with. □� We change our behaviour by observing the behaviour of those around us. □� Those around her would forgive her for weeping.

13 PREP If something such as a film, a discussion, or a plan is based around something, that thing is its main theme. □� �the gentle comedy based around the Larkin family. □� The discussion centered around four subjects.

14 ADV [n ADV , ADV after v] You use around in expressions such as this time around or to come around when you are describing something that has happened before or things that happen regularly. □� Senator Bentsen has declined to get involved this time around. □� When July Fourth comes around, the residents of Columbia City throw a noisy party.

15 PREP When you are giving measurements, you can use around to talk about the distance along the edge of something round. □� She was 40 inches around the hips.

16 ADV Around means approximately. □� My salary was around �39,000 plus a car and expenses. ●�PREP Around is also a preposition. □� He expects the elections to be held around November.

17 PHRASE Around about means approximately. [SPOKEN ] □� There is a Green party but it only scored around about 10 percent in the vote.

18 PHRASE You say all around to indicate that something affects all parts of a situation or all members of a group. □� He compared the achievements of the British and the French during 1916 and concluded that the latter were better all around.

19 PHRASE If someone has been around , they have had a lot of experience of different people and situations. [INFORMAL ]

20the other way around →�see way

arou nd-the-clo ck →�see clock

arous|al /əraʊ z ə l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Arousal is the state of being sexually excited. □� �sexual arousal. □� Use this technique to control your level of arousal.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Arousal is a state in which you feel excited or very alert, for example as a result of fear, stress, or anger. □� Thinking angry thoughts can provoke strong physiological arousal.

arouse /əraʊ z/ (arouses , arousing , aroused )

1 VERB If something arouses a particular reaction or attitude in people, it causes them to have that reaction or attitude. □�[V n] We left in the daytime so as not to arouse suspicion.

2 VERB If something arouses a particular feeling or instinct that exists in someone, it causes them to experience that feeling or instinct strongly. □�[V n] There is nothing like a long walk to arouse the appetite. [Also V n in n]

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are aroused by something, it makes you feel sexually excited. □�[be V -ed] Some men are aroused when their partner says erotic words to them. ●� aroused ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� Some men feel that they get most sexually aroused in the morning. ●� arous|ing ADJ □� Being stroked by a partner is usually more arousing than stroking yourself.

arr.

1Arr. is a written abbreviation for arrives . It is used on timetables to indicate what time a bus, train, or plane will reach a place. □� �dep. Victoria 19:27, arr. Ramsgate 21:10.

2Arr. is a written abbreviation for arranged . It is used to show that a piece of music written by one person has been rewritten in a different way or for different instruments by another person. □� 'A Good New Year', sung by Kenneth McKellar, (Trad., Arr. Knight).

ar|raign /əre I n/ (arraigns , arraigning , arraigned ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is arraigned on a particular charge, they are brought before a court of law to answer that charge. [LEGAL ] □�[be V -ed for n/v-ing] He was arraigned for criminally abetting a traitor.

ar|raign|ment /əre I nmənt/ (arraignments ) N‑VAR Arraignment is when someone is brought before a court of law to answer a particular charge. [LEGAL ] □� They are scheduled for arraignment October 5th. □� Crowds appeared at the arraignments, clashing with security forces.

ar|range ◆◇◇ /əre I ndʒ/ (arranges , arranging , arranged )

1 VERB If you arrange an event or meeting, you make plans for it to happen. □�[V n] She arranged an appointment for Friday afternoon at four-fifteen.

2 VERB If you arrange with someone to do something, you make plans with them to do it. □�[V to-inf] I've arranged to see him on Friday morning. □�[be V -ed that] It was arranged that the party would gather for lunch in the Royal Garden Hotel. □�[V +�for ] He had arranged for the boxes to be stored until they could be collected. [Also V that]

3 VERB If you arrange something for someone, you make it possible for them to have it or to do it. □�[V +�for ] I will arrange for someone to take you round. □�[V +�for ] The hotel manager will arrange for a baby-sitter. □�[V n] I've arranged your hotels for you.

4 VERB If you arrange things somewhere, you place them in a particular position, usually in order to make them look attractive or tidy. □�[V n] When she has a little spare time she enjoys arranging dried flowers.

5 VERB [usu passive] If a piece of music is arrangedby someone, it is changed or adapted so that it is suitable for particular instruments or voices, or for a particular performance. SYNONYMS arrange VERB 1

plan:I had been planning a trip to the West Coast.

prepare:The Party leadership is preparing for the next election.

organize:In the end, we all decided to organize a concert for Easter.

devise:We devised a scheme to help him.

ar|ranged /əre I ndʒd/ ADJ If you say how things are arranged , you are talking about their position in relation to each other or to something else. □� The house itself is three stories high and arranged around a courtyard.

ar|ra nged ma r|riage (arranged marriages ) N‑COUNT In an arranged marriage , the parents choose the person who their son or daughter will marry.

ar|range|ment ◆◇◇ /əre I ndʒmənt/ (arrangements )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, N to-inf] Arrangements are plans and preparations which you make so that something will happen or be possible. □�[+�for ] The staff is working frantically on final arrangements for the summit. □� She phoned Ellen, but made no arrangements to see her. □� �travel arrangements.

2 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] An arrangement is an agreement that you make with someone to do something. □� The caves can be visited only by prior arrangement. □� Her class teacher made a special arrangement to discuss her progress at school once a month.

3 N‑COUNT An arrangement of things, for example flowers or furniture, is a group of them displayed in a particular way. □� The house was always decorated with imaginative flower arrangements.

4 N‑COUNT If someone makes an arrangement of a piece of music, they change it so that it is suitable for particular voices or instruments, or for a particular performance. □�[+�of ] �an arrangement of a well-known piece by Mozart. SYNONYMS arrangement NOUN

1

plan:We're making plans for a trip to Mexico.

preparation:Behind any successful event lay months of preparations.

2

agreement:It looks as though a compromise agreement has now been reached

settlement:They are not optimistic about a settlement of the eleven-year conflict.

deal:The two sides tried and failed to come to a deal.

ar|rang|er /əre I ndʒə r / (arrangers )

1 N‑COUNT An arranger is a musician who arranges music by other composers, either for particular instruments or voices, or for a particular performance.

2 N‑COUNT An arranger is a person who arranges things for other people. □� �a loan arranger.

ar|rant /� rənt/ ADJ [ADJ n] Arrant is used to emphasize that something or someone is very bad in some way. [EMPHASIS ] □� That's arrant nonsense. □� �an arrant coward.

ar|ray /əre I / (arrays )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu sing] An arrayof different things or people is a large number or wide range of them. □�[+�of ] As the deadline approached she experienced a bewildering array of emotions.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An arrayof objects is a collection of them that is displayed or arranged in a particular way. □� We visited the local markets and saw wonderful arrays of fruit and vegetables.

ar|rayed /əre I d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If things are arrayed in a particular way, they are arranged or displayed in that way. [FORMAL ] □� Cartons of Chinese food were arrayed on a large oak table.

2 ADJ If something such as a military force is arrayed against someone, it is ready and able to be used against them. [FORMAL ]

ar|rears /ər I ə r z/

1 N‑PLURAL Arrears are amounts of money that you owe, especially regular payments that you should have made earlier. □� They have promised to pay the arrears over the next five years.

2 PHRASE If someone is in arrearswith their payments, or has got into arrears , they have not paid the regular amounts of money that they should have paid. □� �the 300,000 households who are more than six months in arrears with their mortgages.

3 PHRASE If sums of money such as wages or taxes are paid in arrears , they are paid at the end of the period of time to which they relate, for example after a job has been done and the wages have been earned. □� Unemployment benefit is paid fortnightly in arrears.

ar|rest ◆◆◇ /əre st/ (arrests , arresting , arrested )

1 VERB If the police arrest you, they take charge of you and take you to a police station, because they believe you may have committed a crime. □�[V n] Police arrested five young men in connection with one of the attacks. □�[be V -ed +�for ] The police say seven people were arrested for minor offences. [Also V n for n] ●�N‑VAR [oft under N ] Arrest is also a noun. □� The Police Department wasted no time in making an arrest. □� Murder squad detectives approached the man and placed him under arrest.

2 VERB If something or someone arrests a process, they stop it continuing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The sufferer may have to make major changes in his or her life to arrest the disease.

3 VERB If something interesting or surprising arrests your attention, you suddenly notice it and then continue to look at it or consider it carefully. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The work of an architect of genius always arrests the attention no matter how little remains.

4 →�see also house arrest SYNONYMS arrest VERB 1

capture:The guerrillas shot down one aeroplane and captured the pilot.

catch:Police say they are confident of catching the gunman.

detain:He was arrested and detained for questioning.

ar|rest|able /əre stəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An arrestable offence is an offence that you can be arrested for. □� Using foul and abusive language to a police officer is an arrestable offence.

ar|ri|val ◆◇◇ /əra I v ə l/ (arrivals )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss, on N ] When a person or vehicle arrives at a place, you can refer to their arrival . □� �the day after his arrival in England. □� He was dead on arrival at the nearby hospital. □� �the airport arrivals hall.

2 N‑VAR [oft with poss] When someone starts a new job, you can refer to their arrival in that job. □� �the power vacuum created by the arrival of a new president.

3 N‑SING [usu with poss] When something is brought to you or becomes available, you can refer to its arrival . □�[+�of ] I was flicking idly through a newspaper while awaiting the arrival of orange juice and coffee.

4 N‑SING When a particular time comes or a particular event happens, you can refer to its arrival . □�[+�of ] He celebrated the arrival of the New Year with a party for his friends.

5 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You can refer to someone who has just arrived at a place as a new arrival . □� A high proportion of the new arrivals are skilled professionals.

ar|rive ◆◆◇ /əra I v/ (arrives , arriving , arrived )

1 VERB When a person or vehicle arrives at a place, they come to it at the end of a journey. □�[V ] Fresh groups of guests arrived. □�[V prep/adv] The Princess Royal arrived at Gatwick this morning from Jamaica.

2 VERB When you arrive at a place, you come to it for the first time in order to stay, live, or work there. □�[V prep/adv] �in the old days before the European settlers arrived in the country. [Also V ]

3 VERB When something such as letter or meal arrives , it is brought or delivered to you. □�[V ] Breakfast arrived while he was in the bathroom.

4 VERB When something such as a new product or invention arrives , it becomes available. □�[V ] The game was due to arrive in Japanese stores in March.

5 VERB When a particular moment or event arrives , it happens, especially after you have been waiting for it or expecting it. □�[V ] The time has arrived when I need to give up smoking. □�[V ] �the belief that the army would be much further forward before winter arrived.

6 VERB When you arrive at something such as a decision, you decide something after thinking about it or discussing it. □�[V +�at ] �if the jury cannot arrive at a unanimous decision.

ar|ri|viste /� riviː st/ (arrivistes ) N‑COUNT You describe someone as an arriviste when you are criticizing them because they are trying very hard to belong to an influential or important social group which you feel they have no right to belong to. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �political arrivistes.

ar|ro|gant /� rəgənt/ ADJ Someone who is arrogant behaves in a proud, unpleasant way towards other people because they believe that they are more important than others. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was so arrogant. □� That sounds arrogant, doesn't it? ●� ar|ro|gance N‑UNCOUNT □� At times the arrogance of those in power is quite blatant.

ar|ro|gate /� rəge I t/ (arrogates , arrogating , arrogated ) VERB If someone arrogatesto themselves something such as a responsibility or privilege, they claim or take it even though they have no right to do so. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�to ] The assembly arrogated to itself the right to make changes. □�[V n +�to ] He arrogated the privilege to himself alone.

ar|row /� roʊ/ (arrows )

1 N‑COUNT An arrow is a long thin weapon which is sharp and pointed at one end and which often has feathers at the other end. An arrow is shot from a bow. □� Warriors armed with bows and arrows and spears have invaded their villages.

2 N‑COUNT An arrow is a written or printed sign that consists of a straight line with another line bent at a sharp angle at one end. This is a printed arrow: →. The arrow points in a particular direction to indicate where something is. □� A series of arrows points the way to his grave.

arrow|head /� roʊhed/ (arrowheads ) also arrow-head N‑COUNT An arrowhead is the sharp, pointed part of an arrow.

arrow|root /� roʊruːt/ N‑UNCOUNT Arrowroot is a substance obtained from a West Indian plant. It is used in cooking, for example for thickening sauces or in making biscuits.

arse /ɑː r s/ (arses )

1 N‑COUNT Your arse is your bottom. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] in AM, use ass2a pain in the arse →�see pain

arse|hole /ɑː r shoʊl/ (arseholes ) N‑COUNT If one person calls another person an arsehole , they think that person is extremely stupid or has behaved in a stupid way. [BRIT , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] in AM, use asshole

ar|senal /ɑː r sən ə l/ (arsenals )

1 N‑COUNT An arsenal is a large collection of weapons and military equipment held by a country, group, or person. □� Russia and the other republics are committed to destroying most of their nuclear arsenals.

2 N‑COUNT An arsenal is a building where weapons and military equipment are stored.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use arsenal to refer to a large number of tools, methods, or resources that someone has available to help them achieve what they want to do. □� Managers use a full arsenal of motivational techniques to get employees to take risks.

ar|senic /ɑː r sən I k/ N‑UNCOUNT Arsenic is a very strong poison which can kill people.

ar|son /ɑː r s ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Arson is the crime of deliberately setting fire to a building or vehicle. □� �a terrible wave of rioting, theft and arson.

ar|son|ist /ɑː r sən I st/ (arsonists ) N‑COUNT An arsonist is a person who deliberately sets fire to a building or vehicle.

art ◆◆◆ /ɑː r t/ (arts )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Art consists of paintings, sculpture, and other pictures or objects which are created for people to look at and admire or think deeply about. □� �the first exhibition of such art in the West. □� �contemporary and modern American art. □� �Whitechapel Art Gallery.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Art is the activity or educational subject that consists of creating paintings, sculptures, and other pictures or objects for people to look at and admire or think deeply about. □� �a painter, content to be left alone with her all-absorbing art. □� �Farnham College of Art and Design. □� �art lessons.

3 N‑VAR Thearts are activities such as music, painting, literature, cinema, and dance, which people can take part in for enjoyment, or to create works which express serious meanings or ideas of beauty. □� Catherine the Great was a patron of the arts and sciences. □�[+�of ] �the art of cinema.

4 N‑PLURAL [oft N n] At a university or college, arts are subjects such as history, literature, or languages in contrast to scientific subjects. □� �arts and social science graduates. □� �the Faculty of Arts.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Arts or art is used in the names of theatres or cinemas which show plays or films that are intended to make the audience think deeply about the content, and not simply to entertain them. □� �the Cambridge Arts Cinema.

6 N‑COUNT If you describe an activity as an art , you mean that it requires skill and that people learn to do it by instinct or experience, rather than by learning facts or rules. □� Fishing is an art.

7Art is an old-fashioned form of the second person singular of the present tense of the verb be .

8 →�see also Bachelor of Arts , fine art , martial art , Master of Arts , state-of-the-art , work of art COLLOCATIONS art NOUN 1

adjective +�art : contemporary, modern; abstract, conceptual

Art Deco /ɑː r t de koʊ/ also art deco N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Art Deco is a style of decoration and architecture that was common in the 1920s and 30s. It uses simple, bold designs on materials such as plastic and glass. □� �art deco lamps.

ar|te|fact /ɑː r t I f�kt/ (artefacts ) also artifact N‑COUNT An artefact is an ornament, tool, or other object that is made by a human being, especially one that is historically or culturally interesting.

ar|te|rial /ɑː r t I ə riəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Arterial means involving or relating to your arteries and the movement of blood through your body. □� �people with arterial disease.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An arterial road or railway is a main road or railway within a complex road or railway system.

ar|te|rio|sclero|sis /ɑː r t I ə rioʊskleroʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Arteriosclerosis is a medical condition in which the walls of your arteries become hard and thick, so your blood cannot flow through them properly. [MEDICAL ]

ar|tery /ɑː r təri/ (arteries )

1 N‑COUNT Arteries are the tubes in your body that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Compare vein . □� �patients suffering from blocked arteries.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an important main route within a complex road, railway, or river system as an artery . □� Clarence Street was one of the north-bound arteries of the central business district.

a rt form (art forms ) N‑COUNT If you describe an activity as an art form , you mean that it is concerned with creating objects, works, or performances that are beautiful or have a serious meaning. □� �Indian dance and related art forms.

art|ful /ɑː r tfʊl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as artful , you mean that they are clever and skilful at achieving what they want, especially by deceiving people. □� �an artful political gesture.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use artful to describe the way someone has done or arranged something, you approve of it because it is clever or elegant. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� There is also an artful contrast of shapes.

a rt-house also arthouse ADJ [ADJ n] An art-house film is a film that is intended to be a serious artistic work rather than a piece of popular entertainment.

ar|thrit|ic /ɑː r θr I t I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Arthritic is used to describe the condition, the pain, or the symptoms of arthritis. □� I developed serious arthritic symptoms and chronic sinusitis.

2 ADJ An arthritic person is suffering from arthritis, and cannot move very easily. Arthritic joints or hands are affected by arthritis. □� �an elderly lady who suffered with arthritic hands.

ar|thri|tis /ɑː r θra I t I s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Arthritis is a medical condition in which the joints in someone's body are swollen and painful. □� I have a touch of arthritis in the wrist.

2 →�see also rheumatoid arthritis

ar|ti|choke /ɑː r t I tʃoʊk/ (artichokes )

1 N‑VAR Artichokes or globe artichokes are round green vegetables that have fleshy leaves arranged like the petals of a flower.

2 →�see also Jerusalem artichoke

ar|ti|cle ◆◆◇ /ɑː r t I k ə l/ (articles )

1 N‑COUNT An article is a piece of writing that is published in a newspaper or magazine. □� �a newspaper article. □� According to an article in The Economist the drug could have side effects.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to objects as articles of some kind. □�[+�of ] �articles of clothing. □� �household articles.

3 PHRASE If you describe something as the genuine article , you are emphasizing that it is genuine, and often that it is very good. [EMPHASIS ] □� The market is flooded with fakes, so here's how to spot the genuine article.

4 N‑COUNT An articleof a formal agreement or document is a section of it which deals with a particular point. □� �Article 50 of the U.N. charter.

5 N‑PLURAL Someone who is in articles is being trained as a lawyer or accountant by a firm with whom they have a written agreement. [BRIT ]

6 N‑COUNT In grammar, an article is a kind of determiner. In English, 'a' and 'an' are called the indefinite article , and 'the' is called the definite article . COLLOCATIONS article NOUN 1

noun +�article : journal, magazine, newspaper

verb +�article : read; write; publish

adjective +�article : in-depth, informative SYNONYMS article NOUN 1

feature:�a special feature on the fund-raising project.

paper:He just published a paper in the journal Nature analyzing the fires.

piece:I disagree with Andrew Russell over his piece on British Rail.

item:There was an item in the paper about him.

ar|ti|cled /ɑː r t I k ə ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, someone who is articledto a firm of lawyers or accountants is employed by the firm and is training to become qualified. □�[+�to ] He was initially articled to a solicitor. □� �an articled clerk.

a r|ti|cle of fai th (articles of faith ) N‑COUNT If something is an article of faith for a person or group, they believe in it totally. □� For Republicans it is almost an article of faith that this tax should be cut.

ar|ticu|late (articulates , articulating , articulated ) The adjective is pronounced /ɑː r t I kjʊlət/. The verb is pronounced /ɑː r t I kjʊle I t/. 1 ADJ If you describe someone as articulate , you mean that they are able to express their thoughts and ideas easily and well. [APPROVAL ] □� She is an articulate young woman.

2 VERB When you articulate your ideas or feelings, you express them clearly in words. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The president has been accused of failing to articulate an overall vision in foreign affairs. [Also V wh]

3 VERB If you articulate something, you say it very clearly, so that each word or syllable can be heard. □�[V n] He articulated each syllable carefully. [Also V ]

ar|ticu|lat|ed /ɑː r t I kjʊle I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An articulated vehicle, especially a lorry, is made in two or more sections which are joined together by metal bars, so that the vehicle can turn more easily. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use rig , trailer truck

ar|ticu|la|tion /ɑː r t I kjʊle I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Articulation is the action of producing a sound or word clearly, in speech or music. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT The articulationof an idea or feeling is the expression of it, especially in words. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] This was seen as a way of restricting women's articulation of grievances.

ar|ti|fact /ɑː r t I f�kt/ →�see artefact

ar|ti|fice /ɑː r t I f I s/ (artifices ) N‑VAR Artifice is the clever use of tricks and devices. [FORMAL ] □� Weegee's photographs are full of artfulness, and artifice.

ar|ti|fi|cial /ɑː r t I f I ʃ ə l/

1 ADJ Artificial objects, materials, or processes do not occur naturally and are created by human beings, for example using science or technology. □� �a wholefood diet free from artificial additives, colours and flavours. □� The city is dotted with small lakes, natural and artificial. ●� ar|ti|fi|cial|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� �drugs which artificially reduce heart rate.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An artificial state or situation exists only because someone has created it, and therefore often seems unnatural or unnecessary. □� Removed from the artificial atmosphere of the fashion show, high-fashion clothes often look cheap and silly. ●� ar|ti|fi|cial|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �state subsidies that have kept retail prices artificially low.

3 ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as artificial , you disapprove of them because they pretend to have attitudes and feelings which they do not really have. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The voice was patronizing and affected, the accent artificial.

a r|ti|fi|cial in|semi|na |tion N‑UNCOUNT Artificial insemination is a medical technique for making a woman pregnant by injecting previously stored sperm into her womb. Female animals can also be made pregnant by artificial insemination. The abbreviation AI is also used.

a r|ti|fi|cial in|te l|li|gence N‑UNCOUNT Artificial intelligence is a type of computer technology which is concerned with making machines work in an intelligent way, similar to the way that the human mind works. The abbreviation AI is also used.

a r|ti|fi|cial res|pi|ra |tion N‑UNCOUNT Artificial respiration is the forcing of air into the lungs of someone who has stopped breathing, usually by blowing through their mouth or nose, in order to keep them alive and to help them to start breathing again. □� She was given artificial respiration and cardiac massage.

ar|til|lery /ɑː r t I ləri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Artillery consists of large, powerful guns which are transported on wheels and used by an army. □� Using tanks and heavy artillery, they seized the town. □� �the sound of artillery fire.

2 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The artillery is the section of an army which is trained to use large, powerful guns.

ar|ti|san /ɑː r t I z� n, [AM ] -zən/ (artisans ) N‑COUNT An artisan is someone whose job requires skill with their hands.

art|ist ◆◆◇ /ɑː r t I st/ (artists )

1 N‑COUNT An artist is someone who draws or paints pictures or creates sculptures as a job or a hobby. □� Each poster is signed by the artist. □� I'm not a good artist.

2 N‑COUNT An artist is a person who creates novels, poems, films, or other things which can be considered as works of art. □� His books are enormously easy to read, yet he is a serious artist.

3 N‑COUNT An artist is a performer such as a musician, actor, or dancer. □� �a popular artist who has sold millions of records.

4 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is an artist at a particular activity, you mean they are very skilled at it. □� He is an exceptional footballer�an artist. SYNONYMS artist NOUN 2

artisan:It's great to work with local artisans.

craftsman:The table in the kitchen was made by a local craftsman.

master:�a portrait by the Dutch master, Vincent van Gogh.

ar|tiste /ɑː r tiː st/ (artistes ) N‑COUNT An artiste is a professional entertainer, for example a singer or a dancer. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a cabaret artiste.

ar|tis|tic /ɑː r t I st I k/

1 ADJ Someone who is artistic is good at drawing or painting, or arranging things in a beautiful way. □� They encourage boys to be sensitive and artistic. □� Mary's got it all so nice�you remember how artistic she always was with colors.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Artistic means relating to art or artists. □� �the campaign for artistic freedom. □� �their 1,300 year old artistic traditions. ●� ar|tis|ti|cal|ly /ɑː r t I st I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� �artistically gifted children. □� Artistically, the photographs are stunning.

3 ADJ An artistic design or arrangement is beautiful. □� �an artistic arrangement of stone paving. ●� ar|tis|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� �artistically carved garden ornaments.

art|ist|ry /ɑː r t I stri/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Artistry is the creative skill of an artist, writer, actor, or musician. □� �portrait sculptors of considerable skill and artistry.

art|less /ɑː r tləs/ ADJ Someone who is artless is simple and honest, and does not think of deceiving other people. □� She was curiously artless. □� �Hemingway's artless air and charming smile.

Art Nou|veau /ɑː r t nuːvoʊ / also art nouveau N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Art Nouveau is a style of decoration and architecture that was common in the 1890s. It is characterized by flowing lines and patterns of flowers and leaves. □� We lunched at the stunning art nouveau Caf� American.

artsy /ɑː r tsi/ ADJ Artsy means the same as arty . [INFORMAL ]

a rtsy-fa rtsy →�see arty-farty

art|work /ɑː r twɜː r k/ (artworks )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Artwork is drawings and photographs that are prepared in order to be included in something such as a book or advertisement. □� The band have released the artwork for their forthcoming album.

2 N‑VAR Artworks are paintings or sculptures which are of high quality. □� The museum contains 6,000 contemporary and modern artworks. □� �a magnificent collection of priceless artwork.

arty /ɑː r ti/ ADJ Someone who is arty seems very interested in drama, film, music, poetry, or painting. People often describe someone as arty when they want to suggest that the person is pretentious. [INFORMAL ] □� Didn't you find her a little bit too arty? □� �an arty French film.

a rty-fa rty or artsy-fartsy ADJ If you describe someone as arty-farty , you are criticizing them for being interested in artistic ideas or activities that most people do not think are interesting or worthwhile. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an artsy-fartsy pretentious film.

as

➊�CONJUNCTION AND PREPOSITION USES

➋�USED WITH OTHER PREPOSITIONS AND CONJUNCTIONS

➊ as ◆◆◆ /əz, STRONG �z/

→�Please look at categories 12 to 23 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 CONJ If something happens as something else happens, it happens at the same time. □� Another policeman has been injured as fighting continued this morning. □� All the jury's eyes were on him as he continued. □� The play started as I got there.

2 PHRASE You use the structure as�as when you are comparing things. □� I never went through a final exam that was as difficult as that one. □� There was no obvious reason why this could not be as good a film as the original. ●�PHRASE As is also a conjunction. □� Being a mother isn't as bad as I thought at first! □� I don't think he was ever as fit as he should have been.

3 PHRASE You use as�as to emphasize amounts of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� You can look forward to a significant cash return by saving from as little as �10 a month. □� She gets as many as eight thousand letters a month.

4 PREP You use as when you are indicating what someone or something is or is thought to be, or what function they have. □� He has worked as a diplomat in the U.S., Sudan and Saudi Arabia. □� The news apparently came as a complete surprise. □� I had natural ability as a footballer.

5 PREP If you do something as a child or as a teenager, for example, you do it when you are a child or a teenager. □� She loved singing as a child and started vocal training at 12.

6 CONJ You use as to say how something happens or is done, or to indicate that something happens or is done in the same way as something else. □� I'll behave toward them as I would like to be treated. □� Today, as usual, he was wearing a three-piece suit. □� The book was banned in the U.S., as were two subsequent books.

7 PREP You use as in expressions like as a result and as a consequence to indicate how two situations or events are related to each other. □� As a result of fears about home security, more people are arranging for someone to stay in their home when they're away.

8 CONJ You use as to introduce short clauses which comment on the truth of what you are saying. □� As you can see, we're still working. □� We were sitting, as I remember, in a riverside restaurant.

9 CONJ You can use as to mean 'because' when you are explaining the reason for something. □� Enjoy the first hour of the day. This is important as it sets the mood for the rest of the day.

10 PHRASE You say as it were in order to make what you are saying sound less definite. [VAGUENESS ] □� I'd understood the words, but I didn't, as it were, understand the question.

11 PHRASE You use expressions such as as it is , as it turns out , and as things stand when you are making a contrast between a possible situation and what actually happened or is the case. □� I want to work at home on a Tuesday but as it turns out sometimes it's a Wednesday or a Thursday.

12as against →�see against

13as ever →�see ever

14as a matter of fact →�see fact

15as follows →�see follow

16as long as →�see long ➌

17as opposed to →�see opposed

18as regards →�see regard

19as soon as →�see soon

20as such →�see such

21as well →�see well ➌

22as well as →�see well ➌

23as yet →�see yet

➋ as ◆◆◆ /əz, STRONG �z/

1 PHRASE You use as for and as to at the beginning of a sentence in order to introduce a slightly different subject that is still connected to the previous one. □� The city has some wonderful museums. As for hotels 'Coco Reef' is a great choice.

2 PHRASE You use as to to indicate what something refers to. □� They should make decisions as to whether the student needs more help.

3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen as of , or in British English as from , a particular date or time, you mean that it will happen from that time on. □� The border will be opened as of January the 1st. □� She is to retire as from 1 October.

4 PHRASE You use as if and as though when you are giving a possible explanation for something or saying that something appears to be the case when it is not. □� Anne shrugged, as if she didn't know.

asap /e I es e I piː / ADV [ADV after v] asap is an abbreviation for 'as soon as possible'. □� The colonel ordered, 'I want two good engines down here asap.'

as|bes|tos /� sbe stɒs/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Asbestos is a grey material which does not burn and which has been used as a protection against fire or heat.

ASBO /� zboʊ / (ASBOs ) N‑COUNT An ASBO is a legal order restricting the activities or movements of someone who has repeatedly behaved in a way that upsets or annoys other people. ASBO is an abbreviation for 'anti-social behaviour order'. [BRIT ] □� Breach of an ASBO is a criminal offence.

as|cend /əse nd/ (ascends , ascending , ascended )

1 VERB If you ascend a hill or staircase, you go up it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] Mrs Clayton had to hold Lizzie's hand as they ascended the steps. □�[V prep/adv] Then we ascend steeply through forests of rhododendron. [Also V ]

2 VERB If a staircase or path ascends , it leads up to a higher position. [WRITTEN ] [Also V , V n]

3 VERB If something ascends , it moves up, usually vertically or into the air. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] Keep the drill steady while it ascends and descends.

4 VERB If someone ascendsto an important position, they achieve it or are appointed to it. When someone ascends a throne, they become king, queen, or pope. [FORMAL ]

5 →�see also ascending

as|cend|ancy /əse ndənsi/ also ascendency N‑UNCOUNT If one group has ascendancy over another group, it has more power or influence than the other group. [FORMAL ] □� Although geographically linked, the two provinces have long fought for political ascendancy.

as|cend|ant /əse ndənt/ PHRASE If someone or something is in the ascendant , they have or are getting more power, influence, or popularity than other people or things. [FORMAL ] □� Radical reformers are once more in the ascendant.

as|cend|ency /əse ndənsi/ →�see ascendancy

as|cend|ing /əse nd I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If a group of things is arranged in ascending order, each thing is bigger, greater, or more important than the thing before it. □� Now draw or trace ten dinosaurs in ascending order of size.

2 →�see also ascend

as|cen|sion /əse nʃ ə n/

1 N‑SING [with poss] In some religions, when someone goes to heaven, you can refer to their ascensionto heaven. □� �the two-day holiday marking the Prophet's ascension to heaven.

2 N‑SING [with poss] The ascension of a person to a high rank or important position is the act of reaching this position. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�to ] �50 years after his ascension to the Cambodian throne.

as|cent /əse nt/ (ascents )

1 N‑COUNT An ascent is an upward journey, especially when you are walking or climbing. □�[+�of ] He led the first ascent of Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain.

2 N‑COUNT An ascent is an upward slope or path, especially when you are walking or climbing. □� It was a tough course over a gradual ascent before the big climb of Bluebell Hill.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] An ascent is an upward, vertical movement. □� Burke pushed the button and the elevator began its slow ascent.

4 N‑SING The ascent of a person to a more important or successful position is the process of reaching this position. [WRITTEN ]

5 N‑SING In some religions, when someone goes to heaven, you can refer to their ascentto heaven.

as|cer|tain /� sə r te I n/ (ascertains , ascertaining , ascertained ) VERB If you ascertain the truth about something, you find out what it is, especially by making a deliberate effort to do so. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] It is always vital to ascertain the cause of a continual headache. □�[V that] Once they had ascertained that he was not a spy, they agreed to release him. □�[V wh] Take time to ascertain what services your bank is providing, and at what cost.

as|cet|ic /əse t I k/ (ascetics ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ascetic person has a way of life that is simple and strict, usually because of their religious beliefs. ●�N‑COUNT An ascetic is someone who is ascetic.

as|ceti|cism /əse t I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Asceticism is a simple, strict way of life with no luxuries or physical pleasures.

ascor|bic acid /�skɔː r b I k � s I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Ascorbic acid is another name for vitamin C. [TECHNICAL ]

as|cribe /əskra I b/ (ascribes , ascribing , ascribed )

1 VERB If you ascribe an event or condition to a particular cause, you say or consider that it was caused by that thing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] An autopsy eventually ascribed the baby's death to sudden infant death syndrome.

2 VERB If you ascribe a quality to someone, you consider that they possess it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] We do not ascribe a superior wisdom to government or the state.

3 VERB If you ascribe something such as a quotation or a work of art to someone, you say that they said it or created it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] He mistakenly ascribes the expression 'survival of the fittest' to Charles Darwin.

asexu|al /e I se kʃuəl/

1 ADJ Something that is asexual involves no sexual activity. □� Their relationship was totally asexual. □� �asexual reproduction. ●� asexu|al|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Many fungi can reproduce asexually.

2 ADJ Asexual creatures and plants have no sexual organs. □� �asexual parasites.

3 ADJ Someone who is asexual is not sexually attracted to other people. □� It is another unfortunate myth of our culture that older people are asexual.

ash /� ʃ/ (ashes )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Ash is the grey or black powdery substance that is left after something is burnt. You can also refer to this substance as ashes . □� A cloud of volcanic ash is spreading across wide areas of the Philippines. □� He brushed the cigarette ash from his sleeve.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] A dead person's ashes are their remains after their body has been cremated.

3 N‑VAR An ash is a tree that has smooth grey bark and loses its leaves in winter. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Ash is the wood from this tree. □� The rafters are made from ash.

ashamed /əʃe I md/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If someone is ashamed , they feel embarrassed or guilty because of something they do or they have done, or because of their appearance. □�[+�of ] I felt incredibly ashamed of myself for getting so angry. □� She was ashamed that she looked so shabby. [Also +�about ]

2 ADJ If you are ashamed of someone, you feel embarrassed to be connected with them, often because of their appearance or because you disapprove of something they have done. □�[+�of ] I've never told this to anyone, but it's true, I was terribly ashamed of my mum.

3 ADJ If someone is ashamedto do something, they do not want to do it because they feel embarrassed about it. □� Women are often ashamed to admit they are being abused.

ash|en /� ʃ ə n/ ADJ Someone who is ashen looks very pale, especially because they are ill, shocked, or frightened.

a shen-fa ced ADJ Someone who is ashen-faced looks very pale, especially because they are ill, shocked, or frightened. □� The survivors were ashen-faced and visibly shaken.

ashore /əʃɔː r / ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] Someone or something that comes ashore comes from the sea onto the shore. □� Oil has come ashore on a ten mile stretch to the east of Plymouth.

ash|tan|ga yoga /�ʃtɑː ŋə joʊ gə/ N‑UNCOUNT Ashtanga yoga is a type of yoga in which you move quickly from one position to another, while controlling your breathing.

ash|tray /� ʃtre I / (ashtrays ) N‑COUNT An ashtray is a small dish in which smokers can put the ash from their cigarettes and cigars.

A sh We dnes|day N‑UNCOUNT Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent.

Asian /e I ʒ ə n/ (Asians )

1 ADJ Asian means belonging to or relating to Asia. British people use this term especially to refer to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Americans use this term especially to refer to China, Korea, Thailand, Japan, or Vietnam. □� �Asian music. □� �the Asian community in San Francisco.

2 N‑COUNT An Asian is a person who comes from or is associated with a country or region in Asia. □� Lactose intolerance is very common in Asians and Africans.

Asi|at|ic /e I ʒi� t I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Asiatic means belonging or relating to Asia or its people. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

aside

➊�ADVERB AND NOUN USES

➋�PREPOSITION USES

➊ aside ◆◇◇ /əsa I d/ (asides ) In addition to the uses shown below, aside is used in phrasal verbs such as 'cast aside', 'stand aside', and 'step aside'. 1 ADV [ADV after v] If you move something aside , you move it to one side of you. □� Sarah closed the book and laid it aside.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you take or draw someone aside , you take them a little way away from a group of people in order to talk to them in private. □� Will put his arm around her shoulders and drew her aside.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you move aside , you get out of someone's way. □� She had been standing in the doorway, but now she stepped aside to let them pass.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If you set something such as time, money, or space aside for a particular purpose, you save it and do not use it for anything else. □� She wants to put her pocket-money aside for holidays. □� �the ground set aside for the new cathedral.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If you brush or sweep aside a feeling or suggestion, you reject it. □� Talk to a friend who will really listen and not brush aside your feelings. □� The Prime Minister swept aside concern about the rising cost of mortgages.

6 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] You use aside to indicate that you have finished talking about something, or that you are leaving it out of your discussion, and that you are about to talk about something else. □� Leaving aside the nutritional argument, these loaves are better value. □� Emotional arguments aside, here are the facts.

7 N‑COUNT An aside is a comment that a character in a play makes to the audience, which the other characters are supposed not to be able to hear. □� She rolls her eyes and mutters an aside to the camera, 'No wonder I'm stressed!'

8 N‑COUNT An aside is something that you say that is not directly connected with what you are talking about. □� The pace of the book is leisurely, with enjoyable literary and historical asides.

➋ asi de from PHRASE Aside from means the same as apart from . This form is more usual in American English.

A -side (A-sides ) N‑COUNT The A-side of a record that has been released as a single is the main song on it. You can also refer to the side of the record that contains this song as the A-side . Compare B-side .

asi|nine /� s I na I n/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as asinine , you mean that they are very foolish. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an asinine discussion.

ask ◆◆◆ /ɑː sk, � sk/ (asks , asking , asked )

1 VERB If you ask someone something, you say something to them in the form of a question because you want to know the answer. □�[V with quote] 'How is Frank?' he asked. □�[V n n] I asked him his name. □�[V n] I wasn't the only one asking questions. □�[V n wh] She asked me if I'd enjoyed my dinner. □�[V wh] If Daniel asks what happened in court we will tell him. □�[V n +�about ] You will have to ask David about that. □�[V ] 'I'm afraid to ask what it cost.'�'Then don't ask.' [Also V about n]

2 VERB If you ask someone to do something, you tell them that you want them to do it. □�[V n to-inf] We had to ask him to leave.

3 VERB If you askto do something, you tell someone that you want to do it. □�[V to-inf] I asked to see the Director.

4 VERB If you ask for something, you say that you would like it. □�[V +�for ] I decided to go to the next house and ask for food.

5 VERB If you ask for someone, you say that you would like to speak to them. □�[V +�for ] There's a man at the gate asking for you.

6 VERB If you ask someone's permission, opinion, or forgiveness, you try to obtain it by putting a request to them. □�[V n] Please ask permission from whoever pays the phone bill before making your call.

7 VERB If you ask someone to an event or place, you invite them to go there. □�[V n +�to ] Couldn't you ask Jon to the party? □�[V n adv] She asked me back to her house. [Also V n +�for ]

8 VERB If someone is asking a particular price for something, they are selling it for that price. □�[V n +�for ] Mr Pantelaras was asking �6,000 for his collection. [Also V n]

9 CONVENTION You reply ' don't ask me ' when you do not know the answer to a question, usually when you are annoyed or surprised that you have been asked. [FEELINGS ] □� 'She's got other things on her mind, wouldn't you think?' 'Don't ask me,' murmured Chris. 'I've never met her.'

10 PHRASE You can say ' may I ask ' as a formal way of asking a question, which shows you are annoyed or suspicious about something. [FEELINGS ] □� May I ask where you're going, sir?

11 PHRASE You can say ' if you ask me ' to emphasize that you are stating your personal opinion. [EMPHASIS ] □� He was nuts, if you ask me.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone is asking for trouble or is asking for it , you mean that they are behaving in a way that makes it very likely that they will get into trouble. □� To go ahead with the match after such clear advice had been asking for trouble.

▸� ask after PHRASAL VERB If someone asks after you, they ask someone how you are. □�[V P n] I had a letter from Jane. She asks after you.

▸� ask around in BRIT, also use ask round PHRASAL VERB If you ask around or ask round , you ask several people a question. □�[V P ] Ask around to see what others living in your area think about their doctors. SYNONYMS ask VERB

1

inquire:I rang up to inquire about train times.

question:This led the therapist to question Jim about his parents and their marriage.

query:One of the journalists queried whether sabotage could have been involved.

2

request:Mr Dennis said he had requested access to a telephone.

demand:The hijackers are demanding to speak to representatives of both governments.

plead:He was kneeling on the floor pleading for mercy.

beg:I begged to be allowed to leave.

askance /əsk� ns/

1 PHRASE If you look askanceat someone or something, you have a doubtful or suspicious attitude towards them. □� They have always looked askance at the western notion of democracy.

2 PHRASE If you look askanceat someone, you look at them in a doubtful or suspicious way.

askew /əskjuː / ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Something that is askew is not straight or not level with what it should be level with. □� There were no shutters at the windows, and some of the doors hung askew.

a sk|ing price (asking prices ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The asking price of something is the price which the person selling it says that they want for it, although they may accept less. □� Offers 15% below the asking price are unlikely to be accepted.

asleep /əsliː p/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is asleep is sleeping. □� My four-year-old daughter was asleep on the sofa.

2 PHRASE When you fall asleep , you start sleeping. □� Sam snuggled down in his pillow and fell asleep.

3 PHRASE Someone who is fast asleep or sound asleep is sleeping deeply. USAGE asleep

Don�t use asleep in front of a noun. Don�t, for example, talk about an � asleep child �. Instead, you can say a �sleeping child �. You also don't say that someone is � very asleep �. You can say that they are sound asleep or fast asleep . □� Chris is still sound asleep in the other bed.

as|para|gus /əsp� rəgəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Asparagus is a vegetable that is long and green and has small shoots at one end. It is cooked and served whole.

as|pect ◆◆◇ /� spekt/ (aspects )

1 N‑COUNT An aspect of something is one of the parts of its character or nature. □�[+�of ] Climate and weather affect every aspect of our lives. □�[+�of ] He was interested in all aspects of the work here.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The aspect of a building or window is the direction in which it faces. [FORMAL ] □� The house had a south-west aspect.

3 N‑UNCOUNT In grammar, aspect is the way that a verb group shows whether an activity is continuing, is repeated, or is completed. For example, in 'They were laughing', the verb is in the progressive aspect and shows that the action was continuing. Compare tense . SYNONYMS aspect NOUN 1

feature:The spacious gardens are a special feature of this property.

point:The most interesting point about the village was its religion.

side:Anxiety has a mental and a physical side.

factor:Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining fitness.

facet:The caste system shapes nearly every facet of Indian life.

as|pen /� spən/ (aspens ) N‑VAR An aspen is a tall tree with leaves that move a lot in the wind.

as|per|ity /�spe r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] If you say something withasperity , you say it impatiently and severely. [FORMAL ] □� 'I told you Preskel had no idea,' remarked Kemp with some asperity.

as|per|sions /əspɜː r ʃ ə nz, [AM ] -ʒ ə nz/ PHRASE If you cast aspersionson someone or something, you suggest that they are not very good in some way. [FORMAL ]

as|phalt /� sf�lt, -fɔːlt/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Asphalt is a black substance used to make the surfaces of things such as roads and playgrounds.

as|phyxia /�sf I ksiə/ N‑UNCOUNT Asphyxia is death or loss of consciousness caused by being unable to breathe properly. [MEDICAL ] □� Death was due to asphyxia through smoke inhalation.

as|phyxi|ate /�sf I ksie I t/ (asphyxiates , asphyxiating , asphyxiated ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is asphyxiated , they die or lose consciousness because they are unable to breathe properly. □�[be V -ed] Three people were asphyxiated in the crush for last week's train. ●� as|phyxia|tion /�sf I ksie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� A post mortem examination found that she died from asphyxiation.

as|pic /� sp I k/ N‑UNCOUNT Aspic is a clear shiny jelly made from meat juices. It is used in making cold savoury meat dishes. □� �cold chicken in aspic.

as|pir|ant /əspa I rənt, � sp I rənt/ (aspirants )

1 N‑COUNT Someone who is an aspirantto political power or to an important job has a strong desire to achieve it. [FORMAL ] □� �the young aspirant to power.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Aspirant means the same as aspiring . [FORMAL ] □� �aspirant politicians.

as|pi|ra|tion /� sp I re I ʃ ə n/ (aspirations ) N‑VAR Someone's aspirations are their desire to achieve things. □� �the needs and aspirations of our pupils. □� �the republic's aspiration to statehood.

as|pi|ra|tion|al /� sp I re I ʃən ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as aspirational , you mean that they have strong hopes of moving to a higher social status. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the typical tensions of an aspirational household.

2 ADJ If you describe a product as aspirational , you mean that it is bought or enjoyed by people who have strong hopes of moving to a higher social class. [JOURNALISM ] □� Fine music, particularly opera, has become aspirational, like fine food or foreign travel.

as|pire /əspa I ə r / (aspires , aspiring , aspired )

1 VERB If you aspire to something such as an important job, you have a strong desire to achieve it. □�[V +�to ] �people who aspire to public office. □�[V to-inf] They aspired to be gentlemen, though they fell far short of the ideal.

2 →�see also aspiring

as|pi|rin /� sp I r I n/ (aspirins or aspirin ) N‑VAR Aspirin is a mild drug which reduces pain and fever.

as|pir|ing /əspa I ə r I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you use aspiring to describe someone who is starting a particular career, you mean that they are trying to become successful in it. □� Many aspiring young artists are advised to learn by copying the masters.

2 →�see also aspire

ass /� s/ (asses )

1 N‑COUNT An ass is an animal which is related to a horse but which is smaller and has long ears.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an ass , you think that they are silly or do silly things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was generally disliked and regarded as a pompous ass.

3 N‑COUNT Your ass is your bottom. [AM , INFORMAL , RUDE ] in BRIT, use arse , bum

4 PHRASE Saying that someone can kiss your ass is a very rude way of expressing anger or disagreement. [AM , INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ]

5a pain in the ass →�see pain

as|sail /əse I l/ (assails , assailing , assailed )

1 VERB If someone assails you, they criticize you strongly. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] The opposition's newspapers assail the government each day.

2 VERB If someone assails you, they attack you violently. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed +�by ] Her husband was assailed by a young man with a knife in a Glasgow park.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are assailedby something unpleasant such as fears or problems, you are greatly troubled by a large number of them. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed] She is assailed by self-doubt and emotional insecurity.

as|sail|ant /əse I lənt/ (assailants ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's assailant is a person who has physically attacked them. [FORMAL ] □� Other party-goers rescued the injured man from his assailant.

as|sas|sin /əs� s I n/ (assassins ) N‑COUNT An assassin is a person who assassinates someone. □� He saw the shooting and memorised the number of the assassin's car.

as|sas|si|nate /əs� s I ne I t/ (assassinates , assassinating , assassinated ) VERB When someone important is assassinated , they are murdered as a political act. □�[be V -ed] Would the U.S.A. be radically different today if Kennedy had not been assassinated? □�[V n] The plot to assassinate Martin Luther King had started long before he was actually killed. ●� as|sas|si|na|tion /əs� s I ne I ʃ ə n/ (assassinations ) N‑VAR [N n] □�[+�of ] She would like an investigation into the assassination of her husband. □� He lives in constant fear of assassination.

as|sault ◆◇◇ /əsɔː lt/ (assaults , assaulting , assaulted )

1 N‑COUNT An assault by an army is a strong attack made on an area held by the enemy. □�[+�on/upon/against ] The rebels are poised for a new assault on the government garrisons.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Assault weapons such as rifles are intended for soldiers to use in battle rather than for purposes such as hunting.

3 N‑VAR An assaulton a person is a physical attack on them. □�[+�on/upon ] The attack is one of a series of savage sexual assaults on women in the university area. □� At the police station, I was charged with assault.

4 VERB To assault someone means to physically attack them. □�[V n] The gang assaulted him with iron bars. □�[be V -ed] She may have been sexually assaulted by her killer.

5 N‑COUNT An assaulton someone's beliefs is a strong criticism of them. □�[+�on/upon/against ] He leveled a verbal assault against his Democratic opponents. COLLOCATIONS assault NOUN

1

noun +�assault : air, ground

adjective +�assault : aerial, frontal; full-scale, sustained

verb +�assault : launch, mount, plan

3

adjective +�assault : domestic, physical, sexual; indecent, serious, vicious, violent; alleged, common, unlawful

verb +�assault : commit; investigate, report; admit, deny

5

adjective +�assault : full-on, verbal, withering

verb +�assault : launch

as|sau lt and ba t|tery N‑UNCOUNT Assault and battery is the crime of attacking someone and causing them physical harm. [LEGAL ]

as|sau lt course (assault courses ) N‑COUNT An assault course is an area of land covered with obstacles such as walls which people, especially soldiers, use to improve their skills and strength. [BRIT ] in AM, use obstacle course

as|say /�se I / (assays ) N‑COUNT An assay is a test of a substance to find out what chemicals it contains. It is usually carried out to find out how pure a substance is. [TECHNICAL ]

as|sem|blage /əse mbl I dʒ/ (assemblages ) N‑COUNT An assemblageof people or things is a collection of them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He had an assemblage of old junk cars filling the backyard.

as|sem|ble /əse mb ə l/ (assembles , assembling , assembled )

1 VERB When people assemble or when someone assembles them, they come together in a group, usually for a particular purpose such as a meeting. □�[V ] There wasn't even a convenient place for students to assemble between classes. □�[V +�in/at ] Thousands of people, mainly Zulus, assembled in a stadium in Thokoza. □�[V n] He has assembled a team of experts to handle queries.

2 VERB To assemble something means to collect it together or to fit the different parts of it together. □�[V n] Greenpeace managed to assemble enough boats to waylay the ship at sea.

as|sem|bler /əse mblə r / (assemblers ) N‑COUNT An assembler is a person, a machine, or a company which assembles the individual parts of a vehicle or a piece of equipment such as a computer.

as|sem|bly ◆◇◇ /əse mbli/ (assemblies )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An assembly is a large group of people who meet regularly to make decisions or laws for a particular region or country. □� �the campaign for the first free election to the National Assembly. □� �an assembly of party members from the Russian republic.

2 N‑COUNT An assembly is a group of people gathered together for a particular purpose. □� He waited until complete quiet settled on the assembly.

3 N‑UNCOUNT When you refer to rights of assembly or restrictions on assembly , you are referring to the legal right that people have to gather together. [FORMAL ]

4 N‑VAR In a school, assembly is a gathering of all the teachers and pupils at the beginning of every school day. □� By 9, the juniors are in the hall for assembly. □� �a long room with a stage at one end for assemblies.

5 N‑UNCOUNT The assembly of a machine, device, or object is the process of fitting its different parts together. □� For the rest of the day, he worked on the assembly of an explosive device. SYNONYMS assembly NOUN 2

gathering:�the twenty-second annual gathering of the South Pacific Forum.

conference:The president summoned the state governors to a conference on education.

rally:Supporters of the policy are gathering in Delhi for a rally.

convention:�the annual convention of the Society of Professional Journalists.

crowd:A huge crowd gathered in a square outside the Kremlin walls.

as|se m|bly line (assembly lines ) N‑COUNT An assembly line is an arrangement of workers and machines in a factory, where each worker deals with only one part of a product. The product passes from one worker to another until it is finished.

as|sembly|man /əse mblimən/ (assemblymen ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the United States, an assemblyman is an elected member of an assembly of people who make decisions and laws.

as|se m|bly plant (assembly plants ) N‑COUNT An assembly plant is a factory where large items such as cars are put together, usually using parts which have been made in other factories.

assembly|woman /əse mbliwʊmən/ (assemblywomen ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the United States, an assemblywoman is a female elected member of an assembly of people who make decisions and laws.

as|sent /əse nt/ (assents , assenting , assented )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If someone gives their assentto something that has been suggested, they formally agree to it. □�[+�to/for ] He gave his assent to the proposed legislation.

2 VERB If you assentto something, you agree to it or agree with it. □�[V +�to ] I assented to the request of the American publishers to write this book. [Also V ]

as|sert /əsɜː r t/ (asserts , asserting , asserted )

1 VERB If someone asserts a fact or belief, they state it firmly. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] Mr. Helm plans to assert that the bill violates the First Amendment. □�[V n] The defendants, who continue to assert their innocence, are expected to appeal. □�[V with quote] Altman asserted, 'We were making a political statement about western civilisation and greed.' ●� as|ser|tion /əsɜː r ʃ ə n/ (assertions ) N‑VAR □� There is no concrete evidence to support assertions that the recession is truly over.

2 VERB If you assert your authority, you make it clear by your behaviour that you have authority. □�[V n] After the war, the army made an attempt to assert its authority in the south of the country. ●� as|ser|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The decision is seen as an assertion of his authority within the company.

3 VERB If you assert your right or claim to something, you insist that you have the right to it. □�[V n] The republics began asserting their right to govern themselves. ●� as|ser|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] These institutions have made the assertion of ethnic identity possible.

4 VERB If you assertyourself , you speak and act in a forceful way, so that people take notice of you. □�[V pron-refl] He's speaking up and asserting himself confidently.

as|ser|tive /əsɜː r t I v/ ADJ Someone who is assertive states their needs and opinions clearly, so that people take notice. □� Women have become more assertive in the past decade. ●� as|ser|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'You don't need to do that,' said Pearl assertively. ●� as|ser|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �an assertiveness training class.

as|sess ◆◇◇ /əse s/ (assesses , assessing , assessed )

1 VERB When you assess a person, thing, or situation, you consider them in order to make a judgment about them. □�[V n] Our correspondent has been assessing the impact of the sanctions. □�[V wh] It would be a matter of assessing whether she was well enough to travel.

2 VERB When you assess the amount of money that something is worth or should be paid, you calculate or estimate it. □�[V n] Ask them to send you information on how to assess the value of your belongings. [Also V wh]

as|sess|ment ◆◇◇ /əse smənt/ (assessments )

1 N‑VAR An assessment is a consideration of someone or something and a judgment about them. □�[+�of ] There is little assessment of the damage to the natural environment.

2 N‑VAR An assessment of the amount of money that something is worth or that should be paid is a calculation or estimate of the amount. □�[+�of ] The losses were due to lenders' inflated assessments of mortgaged property. COLLOCATIONS assessment NOUN 1

noun +�assessment : impact, risk

adjective +�assessment : accurate, detailed, honest, objective; damning, downbeat, upbeat, withering; medical, psychiatric

verb +�assessment : complete, conduct, make, undertake; undergo SYNONYMS assessment NOUN 1

analysis:We did an analysis of the way that government money was spent.

evaluation:They announced that an inspection team was visiting the site, `for evaluation'.

appraisal:What is needed in such cases is a calm appraisal of the situation.

study:�the first study of English children's attitudes.

as|ses|sor /əse sə r / (assessors )

1 N‑COUNT An assessor is a person who is employed to calculate the value of something, or the amount of money that should be paid, for example in tax. [BUSINESS ]

2 N‑COUNT An assessor is a person who is an expert in a subject, especially someone asked to advise a court of law on that subject.

3 N‑COUNT An assessor is a person who judges the performance of someone else, for example in an exam, at an interview or at a sporting event.

as|set ◆◆◇ /� set/ (assets )

1 N‑COUNT Something or someone that is an asset is considered useful or helps a person or organization to be successful. □�[+�of ] He considered that the greatest asset of a bank was its reputation for probity.

2 N‑PLURAL The assets of a company or a person are all the things that they own. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] By the end of 1989 the group had assets of 3.5 billion francs. COLLOCATIONS asset NOUN

1

adjective +�asset : important, key, prize, valuable; natural

2

noun +�assets : liquid, property, state

adjective +�assets : financial, fixed, net, total; risky

verb +�assets : acquire, buy, sell, transfer; freeze, seize; manage, protect SYNONYMS asset NOUN 1

benefit:I'm a great believer in the benefits of this form of therapy.

advantage:A good crowd will be a definite advantage to the team.

blessing:Rivers are a blessing for an agricultural country.

a sset-stripping N‑UNCOUNT If a person or company is involved in asset-stripping , they buy companies cheaply, sell off their assets to make a profit, and then close the companies down. [BUSINESS , DISAPPROVAL ]

ass|hole /� shoʊl/ (assholes ) N‑COUNT If one person calls another person an asshole , they think that person is extremely stupid or has behaved in a stupid way. [AM , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] in BRIT, use arsehole

as|sidu|ous /əs I dʒuəs/ ADJ Someone who is assiduous works hard or does things very thoroughly. □� Podulski had been assiduous in learning his adopted language.

as|sign /əsa I n/ (assigns , assigning , assigned )

1 VERB If you assign a piece of work to someone, you give them the work to do. □�[V n +�to ] When I taught, I would assign a topic to children which they would write about. □�[V n n] Later in the year, she'll assign them research papers. □�[V n] When teachers assign homework, students usually feel an obligation to do it. [Also V n to-inf]

2 VERB If you assign something to someone, you say that it is for their use. □�[V n +�to ] The selling broker is then required to assign a portion of the commission to the buyer broker. □�[V n n] He assigned her all his land in Ireland.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is assignedto a particular place, group, or person, they are sent there, usually in order to work at that place or for that person. □�[be V -ed +�to ] I was assigned to Troop A of the 10th Cavalry. □�[be V -ed adv] Did you choose Russia or were you simply assigned there? □�[be V -ed n] Each of us was assigned a minder, someone who looked after us.

4 VERB If you assign a particular function or value to someone or something, you say they have it. □�[V n +�to ] Under Mr. Harel's system, each business must assign a value to each job. □�[V n n] Assign the letters of the alphabet their numerical values�A equals 1, B equals 2, etc.

as|sig|na|tion /� s I gne I ʃ ə n/ (assignations ) N‑COUNT An assignation is a secret meeting with someone, especially with a lover. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] She had an assignation with her boyfriend.

as|sign|ment /əsa I nmənt/ (assignments )

1 N‑COUNT An assignment is a task or piece of work that you are given to do, especially as part of your job or studies. □� The assessment for the course involves written assignments and practical tests.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to someone being given a particular task or job as their assignmentto the task or job. □�[+�to ] The Australian division was scheduled for assignment to Greece.

as|simi|late /əs I m I le I t/ (assimilates , assimilating , assimilated )

1 VERB When people such as immigrants assimilateinto a community or when that community assimilates them, they become an accepted part of it. □�[V ] There is every sign that new Asian-Americans are just as willing to assimilate. □�[V +�into/with ] His family tried to assimilate into the white and Hispanic communities. □�[V pron-refl] The Vietnamese are trying to assimilate themselves and become Americans. [Also V n, V n into n] ●� as|simi|la|tion /əs I m I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] They promote social integration and assimilation of minority ethnic groups into the culture.

2 VERB If you assimilate new ideas, techniques, or information, you learn them or adopt them. □�[V n] I was speechless, still trying to assimilate the enormity of what he'd told me. ●� as|simi|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] This technique brings life to instruction and eases assimilation of knowledge.

as|sist ◆◇◇ /əs I st/ (assists , assisting , assisted )

1 VERB If you assist someone, you help them to do a job or task by doing part of the work for them. □�[V n +�with ] The family decided to assist me with my chores. □�[be V -ed] Dr Amid was assisted by a young Asian nurse.

2 VERB If you assist someone, you give them information, advice, or money. □�[V n +�in ] The public is urgently requested to assist police in tracing this man. □�[V +�with ] Foreign Office officials assisted with transport and finance problems. □�[V n] The Authority will provide a welfare worker to assist you. [Also V n to-inf]

3 VERB If something assistsin doing a task, it makes the task easier to do. □�[V +�in/with ] �a chemical that assists in the manufacture of proteins. □�[V n +�in/with ] Here are some good sources of information to assist you in making the best selection. [Also V n to-inf] SYNONYMS assist VERB 1

back:The Prime Minister is backed by the civic movement, Public Against Violence.

support:The vice president insisted that he supported the hard-working people of New York.

aid:�a software system to aid managers in advanced decision-making.

as|sis|tance ◆◇◇ /əs I stəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If you give someone assistance , you help them do a job or task by doing part of the work for them. □� Since 1976 he has been operating the shop with the assistance of volunteers. □� She can still come downstairs with assistance but she's very weak.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you give someone assistance , you give them information or advice. □� Any assistance you could give the police will be greatly appreciated.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If someone gives a person or country assistance , they help them by giving them money. □� �a viable programme of economic assistance.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If something is done with theassistanceof a particular thing, that thing is helpful or necessary for doing it. □� The translations were carried out with the assistance of a medical dictionary.

5 PHRASE Someone or something that isofassistance to you is helpful or useful to you. □� Can I be of any assistance?

6 PHRASE If you come to someone's assistance , you take action to help them. □� The Goodwins, who were staying opposite them, noticed their struggle and came to their assistance. SYNONYMS assistance NOUN 1

backing:The president had the full backing of his government to negotiate a deal.

aid:He was forced to turn for aid to his former enemy.

support:The prime minister gave his full support to the government's reforms.

as|sis|tant ◆◇◇ /əs I stənt/ (assistants )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Assistant is used in front of titles or jobs to indicate a slightly lower rank. For example, an assistant director is one rank lower than a director in an organization. □� �the Assistant Secretary of Defense.

2 N‑COUNT Someone's assistant is a person who helps them in their work. □� Kalan called his assistant, Hashim, to take over while he went out.

3 N‑COUNT An assistant is a person who works in a shop selling things to customers. □� The assistant took the book and checked the price on the back cover. SYNONYMS assistant NOUN 2

helper:One table of six children had nearly as many helpers.

ally:He is a close ally of the Prime Minister.

aide:�a close aide to the Prime Minister.

as|si s|tant re f|eree (assistant referees ) N‑COUNT An assistant referee is the same as a linesman .

Assoc.Assoc. is a written abbreviation for association , associated , or associate .

as|so|ci|ate ◆◇◇ (associates , associating , associated ) The verb is pronounced /əsoʊ sie I t/. The noun and adjective are pronounced /əsoʊ siət/. 1 VERB If you associate someone or something with another thing, the two are connected in your mind. □�[V n +�with ] Through science we've got the idea of associating progress with the future.

2 VERB If you are associated with a particular organization, cause, or point of view, or if you associateyourself with it, you support it publicly. □�[be V -ed +�with ] I haven't been associated with the project over the last year. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] The press feels the need to associate itself with the green movement.

3 VERB If you say that someone is associating with another person or group of people, you mean they are spending a lot of time in the company of people you do not approve of. □�[V +�with ] What would they think if they knew that they were associating with a murderer?

4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] Your associates are the people you are closely connected with, especially at work. □� �the restaurant owner's business associates.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Associate is used before a rank or title to indicate a slightly different or lower rank or title. □� Mr Lin is associate director of the Institute.

as|so|ci|at|ed ◆◇◇ /əsoʊ sie I t I d/

1 ADJ If one thing is associatedwith another, the two things are connected with each other. □� These symptoms are particularly associated with migraine headaches.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Associated is used in the name of a company that is made up of a number of smaller companies which have joined together. □� �the Associated Press. SYNONYMS associated ADJ 1

connected:The dispute is not directly connected to the negotiations.

related:�equipment and accessories for diving and related activities.

allied:�lectures on subjects allied to health, beauty and fitness.

as|so|cia|tion ◆◆◇ /əsoʊ sie I ʃ ə n/ (associations )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] An association is an official group of people who have the same job, aim, or interest. □� �the Association of British Travel Agents. □� Research associations are often linked to a particular industry.

2 →�see also housing association

3 N‑COUNT Your associationwith a person or a thing such as an organization is the connection that you have with them. □�[+�with ] �the company's six-year association with retailer J.C. Penney Co.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If something has particular associations for you, it is connected in your mind with a particular memory, idea, or feeling. □�[+�for ] He has a shelf full of things, each of which has associations for him.

5 PHRASE If you do something in association with someone else, you do it together. SYNONYMS association NOUN

1

club:�a youth club.

union:�the question of which countries should join the currency union.

society:�the North of England Horticultural Society.

league:�the League of Nations.

coalition:He was opposed by a coalition of civil rights and women's organizations.

3

friendship:She struck up a close friendship with Desiree during rehearsals.

relationship:�the friendly relationship between France and Britain.

link:Kiev hopes to cement close links with Bonn.

tie:Quebec has always had particularly close ties to France.

as|so|cia|tive /əsoʊ ʃət I v, [AM ] -ʃie I t I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Associative thoughts are things that you think of because you see, hear, or think of something that reminds you of those things or which you associate with those things. □� The associative guilt was ingrained in his soul.

as|sort|ed /əsɔː r t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A group of assorted things is a group of similar things that are of different sizes or colours or have different qualities. □� �swimsuits, sizes 12-18, in assorted colours.

as|sort|ment /əsɔː r tmənt/ (assortments ) N‑COUNT An assortment is a group of similar things that are of different sizes or colours or have different qualities. □�[+�of ] �an assortment of cheese.

asst.Asst. is an abbreviation for assistant .

as|suage /əswe I dʒ/ (assuages , assuaging , assuaged )

1 VERB If you assuage an unpleasant feeling that someone has, you make them feel it less strongly. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] The announcement appeared designed to assuage concerns at home and abroad.

2 VERB If you assuage a need or desire for something, you satisfy it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] The meat they'd managed to procure assuaged their hunger.

as|sume ◆◆◇ /əsjuː m, [AM ] əsuː m/ (assumes , assuming , assumed )

1 VERB If you assumethat something is true, you imagine that it is true, sometimes wrongly. □�[V that] It is a misconception to assume that the two continents are similar. □�[be V -ed to-inf] If mistakes occurred, they were assumed to be the fault of the commander on the spot. □�[V so ] 'Today?'�'I'd assume so, yeah.'

2 VERB If someone assumes power or responsibility, they take power or responsibility. □�[V n] Mr Cross will assume the role of Chief Executive with a team of four directors.

3 VERB If something assumes a particular quality, it begins to have that quality. □�[V n] In his dreams, the mountains assumed enormous importance.

4 PHRASE You can use let us assume or let's assume when you are considering a possible situation or event, so that you can think about the consequences. □� Let us assume those clubs actually win something. Then players will receive large bonuses. □� Let's assume for a moment that I am a litigant in your court.

5 →�see also assuming

as|su med na me (assumed names ) N‑COUNT [usu under N ] If you do something under an assumed name , you do it using a name that is not your real name.

as|sum|ing /əsjuː m I ŋ, [AM ] -suː m-/ CONJ You use assuming or assuming that when you are considering a possible situation or event, so that you can think about the consequences. □� 'Assuming you're right,' he said, 'there's not much I can do about it, is there?'.

as|sump|tion ◆◇◇ /əsʌ mpʃ ə n/ (assumptions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N that, adj N , on N ] If you make an assumptionthat something is true or will happen, you accept that it is true or will happen, often without any real proof. □� �the scientific assumption on which the global warming theory is based.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's assumption of power or responsibility is their taking of it. □�[+�of ] The government have retained the support which greeted their assumption of power last March. SYNONYMS assumption NOUN 1

presumption:�the presumption that a defendant is innocent until proved guilty.

guess:Well, we can hazard a guess at the answer.

inference:There were two inferences to be drawn from her letter.

conjecture:That was a conjecture, not a fact.

supposition:There's a popular supposition that we're publicly funded.

as|sur|ance /əʃʊə rəns/ (assurances )

1 N‑VAR [oft N that] If you give someone an assurancethat something is true or will happen, you say that it is definitely true or will definitely happen, in order to make them feel less worried. □� He would like an assurance that other forces will not move into the territory. □�[+�of ] �the assurance of being loved and valued as a member of the household.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you do something withassurance , you do it with a feeling of confidence and certainty. □� Masur led the orchestra with assurance. □� The E.U. is now acquiring greater assurance and authority.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Assurance is insurance that provides cover in the event of death. [BRIT ] □� �endowment assurance.

4 →�see also life assurance

as|sure /əʃʊə r / (assures , assuring , assured )

1 VERB If you assure someone that something is true or will happen, you tell them that it is definitely true or will definitely happen, often in order to make them less worried. □�[V n that] He hastened to assure me that there was nothing traumatic to report. □�[V n with quote] 'Are you sure the raft is safe?' she asked anxiously. 'Couldn't be safer,' Max assured her confidently. □�[V n +�of ] Government officials recently assured Hindus of protection.

2 →�see also assured

3 VERB To assure someone of something means to make certain that they will get it. □�[V n +�of ] Real Madrid's 2-1 victory has all but assured them of the title. □�[V n n] Ways must be found to assure our children a decent start in life.

4 PHRASE You use phrases such as I can assure you or let me assure you to emphasize the truth of what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� I can assure you that the animals are well cared for.

as|sured ◆◇◇ /əʃʊə r d/

1 ADJ Someone who is assured is very confident and relaxed. □� He was infinitely more assured than in his more recent parliamentary appearances. ●� as|sur|ed|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� This a lyrical work written with the authority and assuredness of an experienced writer.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is assured , it is certain to happen. □� Our victory is assured; nothing can stop us.

3 ADJ If you are assured of something, you are certain to get it or achieve it. □�[+�of ] Laura Davies is assured of a place in Europe's team.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone can rest assuredthat something is the case, you mean that it is definitely the case, so they do not need to worry about it. [EMPHASIS ] □� Their parents can rest assured that their children's safety will be of paramount importance.

as|sur|ed|ly /əʃʊə r I dli/ ADV [ADV before v] If something is assuredly true, it is definitely true. □� He is, assuredly, not alone in believing they will win. □� The government most assuredly does believe in organic farming.

as|ter|isk /� stər I sk/ (asterisks ) N‑COUNT An asterisk is the sign *. It is used especially to indicate that there is further information about something in another part of the text.

astern /əstɜː r n/ ADV [be ADV ] Something that is astern is at the back of a ship or behind the back part. [TECHNICAL ]

as|ter|oid /� stərɔ I d/ (asteroids ) N‑COUNT An asteroid is one of the very small planets that move around the sun between Mars and Jupiter.

asth|ma /� smə, [AM ] � z-/ N‑UNCOUNT Asthma is a lung condition which causes difficulty in breathing.

asth|mat|ic /�sm� t I k, [AM ] �z-/ (asthmatics )

1 N‑COUNT People who suffer from asthma are sometimes referred to as asthmatics . □� I have been an asthmatic from childhood and was never able to play any sports. ●�ADJ Asthmatic is also an adjective. □� One child in ten is asthmatic.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Asthmatic means relating to asthma. □� �asthmatic breathing.

astig|ma|tism /əst I gmət I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone has astigmatism , the front of their eye has a slightly irregular shape, so they cannot see properly.

aston|ish /əstɒ n I ʃ/ (astonishes , astonishing , astonished ) VERB If something or someone astonishes you, they surprise you very much. □�[V n] Her dedication constantly astonishes me.

aston|ished /əstɒ n I ʃt/ ADJ [ADJ to-inf, ADJ that] If you are astonished by something, you are very surprised about it. □� They were astonished to find the driver was a six-year-old boy.

aston|ish|ing /əstɒ n I ʃ I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is astonishing is very surprising. □� �an astonishing display of physical strength. ●� aston|ish|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� Isabella was an astonishingly beautiful young woman.

aston|ish|ment /əstɒ n I ʃmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Astonishment is a feeling of great surprise. □� I spotted a shooting star which, to my astonishment, was bright green in colour. □� 'What?' Meg asked in astonishment.

astound /əstaʊ nd/ (astounds , astounding , astounded ) VERB If something astounds you, you are very surprised by it. □�[V n] He used to astound his friends with feats of physical endurance. [Also V ]

astound|ed /əstaʊ nd I d/ ADJ [ADJ to-inf, ADJ that] If you are astoundedby something, you are very shocked or surprised that it could exist or happen. □�[+�by ] I was astounded by its beauty. □�[+�at ] I was astounded at the kindness of the gesture.

astound|ing /əstaʊ nd I ŋ/ ADJ If something is astounding , you are shocked or amazed that it could exist or happen. □� The results are quite astounding. ●� astound|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� �astoundingly blue eyes.

as|tra|khan /� strək�n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Astrakhan is black or grey curly fur from the skins of lambs. It is used for making coats and hats. □� �a coat with an astrakhan collar.

as|tral /� strəl/ ADJ Astral means relating to the stars. [FORMAL ]

astray /əstre I /

1 PHRASE If you are led astray by someone or something, you behave badly or foolishly because of them. □� The judge thought he'd been led astray by older children.

2 PHRASE If someone or something leads you astray , they make you believe something which is not true, causing you to make a wrong decision. □� We drove east to Rostock, where my map led me astray.

3 PHRASE If something goes astray , it gets lost while it is being taken or sent somewhere. □� Many items of mail being sent to her have gone astray.

astride /əstra I d/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If you sit or stand astride something, you sit or stand with one leg on each side of it. □� �three youths who stood astride their bicycles and stared.

as|trin|gent /əstr I ndʒ ə nt/ (astringents ) N‑COUNT An astringent is a liquid that you put on your skin to make it less oily or to make cuts stop bleeding. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Astringent is also an adjective. □� �an astringent lotion.

PREFIX astro-

is used to form words which refer to things relating to the stars or to outer space. For example, astronomy is the scientific study of the stars, the planets and other objects in space.

as|trolo|ger /əstrɒ lədʒə r / (astrologers ) N‑COUNT An astrologer is a person who uses astrology to try to tell you things about your character and your future.

as|trol|ogy /əstrɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Astrology is the study of the movements of the planets, sun, moon, and stars in the belief that these movements can have an influence on people's lives. ●� as|tro|logi|cal /� strəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� He has had a keen and lifelong interest in astrological research.

as|tro|naut /� strənɔːt/ (astronauts ) N‑COUNT An astronaut is a person who is trained for travelling in a spacecraft.

as|trono|mer /əstrɒ nəmə r / (astronomers ) N‑COUNT An astronomer is a scientist who studies the stars, planets, and other natural objects in space.

as|tro|nomi|cal /� strənɒ m I k ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe an amount, especially the cost of something as astronomical , you are emphasizing that it is very large indeed. [EMPHASIS ] □� Houses in the village are selling for astronomical prices. ●� as|tro|nomi|cal|ly /� strənɒ m I kli/ ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� He was astronomically wealthy. □� House prices had risen astronomically.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Astronomical means relating to astronomy. □� �the British Astronomical Association.

as|trono|my /əstrɒ nəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Astronomy is the scientific study of the stars, planets, and other natural objects in space.

as|tro|physi|cist /� stroʊf I z I s I st/ (astrophysicists ) N‑COUNT An astrophysicist is someone who studies astrophysics.

as|tro|phys|ics /� stroʊf I z I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Astrophysics is the study of the physical and chemical structure of the stars, planets, and other natural objects in space.

as|tute /əstjuː t, [AM ] əstuː t/ ADJ If you describe someone as astute , you think they show an understanding of behaviour and situations, and are skilful at using this knowledge to their own advantage. □� She was politically astute. □� He made a series of astute business decisions. ●� as|tute|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� It soon became clear that they had chosen astutely.

asun|der /əsʌ ndə r / ADV [ADV after v] If something tears or is torn asunder , it is violently separated into two or more parts or pieces. [LITERARY ]

asy|lum /əsa I ləm/ (asylums )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If a government gives a person from another country asylum , they allow them to stay, usually because they are unable to return home safely for political reasons. □� He applied for asylum in 1987 after fleeing the police back home.

2 N‑COUNT An asylum is a psychiatric hospital. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

asy |lum seek|er (asylum seekers ) N‑COUNT An asylum seeker is a person who is trying to get asylum in a foreign country. □� Fewer than 7% of asylum seekers are accepted as political refugees.

asym|met|ric /e I s I me tr I k/ ADJ Asymmetric means the same as asymmetrical .

asym|met|ri|cal /e I s I me tr I k ə l/ ADJ Something that is asymmetrical has two sides or halves that are different in shape, size, or style. □� �asymmetrical shapes.

asym|me|try /e I s I mətri/ (asymmetries ) N‑VAR Asymmetry is the appearance that something has when its two sides or halves are different in shape, size, or style. □�[+�of ] �the asymmetry of Van de Velde's designs of this period.

asymp|to|mat|ic /e I s I mptəm� t I k/ ADJ If someone with a disease is asymptomatic , it means that they do not show any symptoms of the disease. [MEDICAL ] □� I have patients who are HIV-positive and asymptomatic.

at ◆◆◆ /ət, STRONG �t/ In addition to the uses shown below, at is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives to introduce extra information. At is also used in phrasal verbs such as 'keep on at' and 'play at'. 1 PREP You use at to indicate the place or event where something happens or is situated. □� We had dinner at a restaurant in Attleborough. □� I didn't like being alone at home. □� Hamstrings are supporting muscles at the back of the thigh. □� The announcement was made at a news conference in Peking.

2 PREP If someone is at school or college, or at a particular school or college, they go there regularly to study. □� He was shy and nervous as a boy, and unhappy at school. □� I majored in psychology at Hunter College.

3 PREP If you are at something such as a table, a door, or someone's side, you are next to it or them. □� Graham was already at the door. □� At his side was a beautiful young woman. □� He gave the girl at the desk the message.

4 PREP When you are describing where someone or something is, you can say that they are at a certain distance. You can also say that one thing is at an angle in relation to another thing. □� The two journalists followed at a discreet distance. □� The tree was leaning at a low angle from the ground.

5 PREP If something happens at a particular time, that is the time when it happens or begins to happen. □� The funeral will be carried out this afternoon at 3.00. □� He only sees her at Christmas and Easter.

6 PREP If you do something at a particular age, you do it when you are that age. □� Blake emigrated to Australia with his family at 13. □� Mary Martin has died at her home in California at the age of seventy-six.

7 PREP You use at to express a rate, frequency, level, or price. □� I drove back down the highway at normal speed. □� Check the oil at regular intervals, and have the car serviced regularly. □� The submarine lies at a depth of 6,000 feet in the Barents Sea.

8 PREP You use at before a number or amount to indicate a measurement. □� �as unemployment stays pegged at three million.

9 PREP If you look at someone or something, you look towards them. If you direct an object or a comment at someone, you direct it towards them. □� He looked at Michael and laughed. □� The crowds became violent and threw petrol bombs at the police.

10 PREP You can use at after verbs such as 'smile' or 'wave' and before nouns referring to people to indicate that you have put on an expression or made a gesture which someone is meant to see or understand. □� She opened the door and stood there, frowning at me. □� We waved at the staff to try to get the bill.

11 PREP If you point or gesture at something, you move your arm or head in its direction so that it will be noticed by someone you are with. □� He pointed at the empty bottle and the waitress quickly replaced it. □� He gestured at the shelves. 'I've bought many books from him.'

12 PREP If you are working at something, you are dealing with it. If you are aiming at something, you are trying to achieve it. □� She has worked hard at her marriage. □� �a $1.04m grant aimed at improving student performance on placement examinations.

13 PREP If something is done at someone's invitation or request, it is done as a result of it. □� She left the light on in the bathroom at his request.

14 PREP You use at to say that someone or something is in a particular state or condition. □� I am afraid we are not at liberty to disclose that information. □� Their countries had been at war for nearly six weeks.

15 PREP You use at before a possessive pronoun and a superlative adjective to say that someone or something has more of a particular quality than at any other time. □� He was at his happiest whilst playing cricket.

16 PREP You use at to say how something is being done. □� Three people were killed by shots fired at random from a minibus. □� Mr Martin was taken out of his car at gunpoint.

17 PREP You use at to show that someone is doing something repeatedly. □� She lowered the handkerchief which she had kept dabbing at her eyes. □� Miss Melville took a cookie and nibbled at it.

18 PREP You use at to indicate an activity or task when saying how well someone does it. □� I'm good at my work. □� Robin is an expert at cheesemaking.

19 PREP You use at to indicate what someone is reacting to. □� Eleanor was annoyed at having had to wait so long for him. □� The British team did not disguise their delight at their success.

20at all →�see all

ata|vis|tic /� təv I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Atavistic feelings or behaviour seem to be very primitive, like the feelings or behaviour of our earliest ancestors. [FORMAL ] □� �an atavistic fear of snakes.

ate /e t, e I t/ Ate is the past tense of eat .

at|el|ier /əte lie I , [AM ] � t ə lje I / (ateliers ) N‑COUNT An atelier is an artist's studio or workshop.

athe|ism /e I θi I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Atheism is the belief that there is no God. Compare agnosticism .

athe|ist /e I θi I st/ (atheists ) N‑COUNT An atheist is a person who believes that there is no God. Compare agnostic .

athe|is|tic /e I θi I st I k/ ADJ Atheistic means connected with or holding the belief that there is no God. □� �atheistic philosophers.

ath|lete ◆◇◇ /� θliːt/ (athletes )

1 N‑COUNT An athlete is a person who does a sport, especially athletics, or track and field events. □� Many top athletes find it hard, if not impossible to find real life again after retiring.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone who is fit and athletic as an athlete . □� I was no athlete.

a th|lete's foo t N‑UNCOUNT Athlete's foot is a fungal infection in which the skin between the toes becomes cracked or peels off.

ath|let|ic /�θle t I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Athletic means relating to athletes and athletics. □� They have been given college scholarships purely on athletic ability.

2 ADJ An athletic person is fit, and able to perform energetic movements easily. □� Xandra is an athletic 36-year-old with a 21-year-old's body.

ath|leti|cism /�θle t I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Athleticism is someone's fitness and ability to perform well at sports or other physical activities.

ath|let|ics /�θle t I ks/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Athletics refers to track and field sports such as running, the high jump, and the javelin. [mainly BRIT ] □� As the modern Games grew in stature, so too did athletics. in AM, use track and field2 N‑UNCOUNT Athletics refers to any kind of physical sports, exercise, or games. [AM ] □� �students who play intercollegiate athletics.

SUFFIX -ation

forms nouns that refer to a state or process, or to an instance of that process. For example, formation is the process of forming something.

atishoo /ət I ʃuː/ Atishoo is used, especially in writing, to represent the sound that you make when you sneeze.

at|las /� tləs/ (atlases ) N‑COUNT An atlas is a book of maps.

ATM /e I tiː e m/ (ATMs ) N‑COUNT An ATM is a machine built into the wall of a bank or other building, which allows people to take out money from their bank account by using a special card. ATM is an abbreviation for 'automated teller machine'. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use cash dispenser

at|mos|phere ◆◇◇ /� tməsf I ə r / (atmospheres )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A planet's atmosphere is the layer of air or other gases around it. □� �dangerous levels of pollution in the Earth's atmosphere.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The atmosphere of a place is the air that you breathe there. □�[+�of ] These gases pollute the atmosphere of towns and cities.

3 N‑SING The atmosphere of a place is the general impression that you get of it. □�[+�of ] There's still an atmosphere of great hostility and tension in the city.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If a place or an event has atmosphere , it is interesting. □� The old harbour is still full of atmosphere and well worth visiting. SYNONYMS atmosphere NOUN 3

feel:The room has a warm, cosy feel.

mood:First set the mood with music.

ambience:The overall ambience of the room is cosy. COLLOCATIONS atmosphere NOUN 3

noun +�atmosphere : carnival, festival, party; village

adjective +�atmosphere : convivial, friendly, intimate, relaxed; electric, incredible; febrile, hostile, tense

verb +�atmosphere : create

at|mos|pher|ic /� tməsfe r I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Atmospheric is used to describe something which relates to the Earth's atmosphere. □� �atmospheric gases. □� �atmospheric pressure.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a place or a piece of music as atmospheric , you like it because it has a particular quality which is interesting or exciting and makes you feel a particular emotion. [APPROVAL ]

a t|mo|spher|ic pre s|sure N‑UNCOUNT Atmospheric pressure is the pressure of the atmosphere on the Earth's surface.

at|mos|pher|ics /� tməsfe r I ks/ N‑PLURAL Atmospherics are elements in something such as a piece of music or a book which create a certain atmosphere. □� �Dickensian atmospherics.

at|oll /� tɒl, [AM ] -tɔːl/ (atolls ) N‑COUNT An atoll is a ring of coral rock, or a group of coral islands surrounding a lagoon.

atom /� təm/ (atoms ) N‑COUNT An atom is the smallest amount of a substance that can take part in a chemical reaction.

atom|ic /ətɒ m I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Atomic means relating to power that is produced from the energy released by splitting atoms. □� �atomic energy. □� �atomic weapons.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Atomic means relating to the atoms of substances.

ato m|ic bo mb (atomic bombs ) The form atom bomb is also used, mainly in British English. N‑COUNT An atomic bomb or an atom bomb is a bomb that causes an explosion by a sudden release of energy that results from splitting atoms.

aton|al /e I toʊ n ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Atonal music is music that is not written or played in any key or system of scales.

atone /ətoʊ n/ (atones , atoning , atoned ) VERB If you atonefor something that you have done, you do something to show that you are sorry you did it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�for ] He felt he had atoned for what he had done to his son.

atone|ment /ətoʊ nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT If you do something as an atonementfor doing something wrong, you do it to show that you are sorry. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] He is working for the world's poor as a personal atonement for his part in the war.

atop /ətɒ p/ PREP If something is atop something else, it is on top of it. [AM , also BRIT , LITERARY ] □� Under the newspaper, atop a sheet of paper, lay an envelope.

A to Z /e I tə ze d, [AM ] - ziː / (A to Zs )

1 N‑COUNT An A to Z is a book of maps showing all the streets and roads in a particular city and its surrounding towns. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ]

2 N‑SING An A to Zof a particular subject is a book or programme which gives information on all aspects of it, arranging it in alphabetical order. □�[+�of ] An A to Z of careers gives helpful information about courses.

atrium /e I triəm/ (atriums ) N‑COUNT An atrium is a part of a building such as a hotel or shopping centre, which extends up through several floors of the building and often has a glass roof.

atro|cious /ətroʊ ʃəs/

1 ADJ If you describe something as atrocious , you are emphasizing that its quality is very bad. [EMPHASIS ] □� The food here is atrocious. ●� atro|cious|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� He had written the note from memory, word perfect, and spelled atrociously.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or their actions as atrocious , you mean that it is unacceptable because it is extremely violent or cruel. □� The judge said he had committed atrocious crimes against women.

3 ADJ If you say that weather conditions are atrocious , you mean they are very bad, for example that it is extremely cold, wet, or windy.

atroc|ity /ətrɒ s I ti/ (atrocities ) N‑VAR An atrocity is a very cruel, shocking action. □� Those who committed this atrocity should be tried and punished.

at|ro|phy /� trəfi/ (atrophies , atrophying , atrophied ) VERB If a muscle or other part of the body atrophies , it decreases in size or strength, often as a result of an illness. [FORMAL ]

at|tach ◆◇◇ /ət� tʃ/ (attaches , attaching , attached )

1 VERB If you attach something to an object, you join it or fasten it to the object. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The gadget can be attached to any vertical surface. □�[V n] The astronauts will attach a motor that will boost the satellite into its proper orbit. □�[V -ed] For further information, please contact us on the attached form.

2 VERB If someone attacheshimself or herself to you, they join you and stay with you, often without being invited to do so. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] Natasha attached herself to the film crew filming at her orphanage.

3 VERB If people attach a quality to someone or something, or if it attachesto them, people consider that they have that quality. □�[V n +�to ] The authorities attached much significance to his visit. □�[V +�to ] �the magic that still attaches to the word 'spy'. □�[V -ed] �the stigma attached to mental illness.

4 VERB If you attach conditions to something such as an agreement, you state that specific things must be done before the agreement is valid. □�[V n +�to ] Banks do have the right to attach conditions to loans.

5 VERB In computing, if you attach a file to a message that you send to someone, you send it with the message but separate from it. □�[V n +�to ] It is possible to attach executable program files to e-mail.

6 →�see also attached

7no strings attached →�see string SYNONYMS attach VERB 1

stick:Clip the token and stick it on your card.

bind:Bind the ends of the cord together with thread.

join:The link is used to join the two ends of the chain.

fix:It is fixed on the wall.

fasten:Mamma fastened the picture on the wall.

at|ta|ch� /�t� ʃe I , [AM ] � t�ʃe I / (attach�s ) N‑COUNT An attach� is a member of staff in an embassy, usually with a special responsibility for something.

at|ta |ch� case (attach� cases ) N‑COUNT An attach� case is a flat case for holding documents.

at|tached /ət� tʃt/

1 ADJ If you are attached to someone or something, you like them very much. □�[+�to ] She is very attached to her family and friends.

2 ADJ If someone is attached to an organization or group of people, they are working with them, often only for a short time. □�[+�to ] Ford was attached to the battalion's first line of transport.

3 ADJ If one organization or institution is attached to a larger organization, it is part of that organization and is controlled and run by it. □�[+�to ] At one time the schools were mainly attached to the church.

at|tach|ment /ət� tʃmənt/ (attachments )

1 N‑VAR If you have an attachmentto someone or something, you are fond of them or loyal to them. □�[+�to ] As a teenager she formed a strong attachment to one of her teachers.

2 N‑COUNT An attachment is a device that can be fixed onto a machine in order to enable it to do different jobs. □�[+�for ] Some models come with attachments for dusting.

3 N‑COUNT An attachment is an extra document that is added to another document. □�[+�to ] Justice Fitzgerald included a 120-page discussion paper as an attachment to the annual report.

4 N‑COUNT In computing, an attachment is a file which is attached separately to a message that you send to someone. □� When you send an e-mail you can also send a sound or graphic file as an attachment.

at|tack ◆◆◆ /ət� k/ (attacks , attacking , attacked )

1 VERB To attack a person or place means to try to hurt or damage them using physical violence. □�[V n] He bundled the old lady into her hallway and brutally attacked her. □�[V ] While Haig and Foch argued, the Germans attacked. ●�N‑VAR Attack is also a noun. □�[+�on ] �a campaign of air attacks on strategic targets. □�[+�from ] Refugees had come under attack from federal troops.

2 VERB If you attack a person, belief, idea, or act, you criticize them strongly. □�[V n] He publicly attacked the people who've been calling for secret ballot nominations. □�[V n +�for ] A newspaper ran an editorial attacking him for being a showman. [Also V n as n/adj] ●�N‑VAR Attack is also a noun. □� The role of the state as a prime mover in planning social change has been under attack. □�[+�on ] The committee yesterday launched a scathing attack on British business for failing to invest.

3 VERB If something such as a disease, a chemical, or an insect attacks something, it harms or spoils it. □�[V n] The virus seems to have attacked his throat. □�[be V -ed] Several key crops failed when they were attacked by pests. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Attack is also a noun. □�[+�from ] This greatly reduces attacks from pests and diseases.

4 VERB If you attack a job or a problem, you start to deal with it in an energetic way. □�[V n] �an attempt to attack the budget problem.

5 VERB In games such as football, when one team attacks the opponent's goal, they try to score a goal. □�[V n] Now the U.S. is controlling the ball and attacking the opponent's goal. □�[V ] The goal was just reward for Villa's decision to attack constantly in the second half. ●�N‑COUNT Attack is also a noun. □� Lee was at the hub of some incisive attacks in the second half.

6 N‑COUNT An attackof an illness is a short period in which you suffer badly from it. □�[+�of ] It had brought on an attack of asthma.

7 →�see also counter-attack , heart attack

at|tack|er /ət� kə r / (attackers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a person who attacks someone as their attacker . □� There were signs that she struggled with her attacker before she was repeatedly stabbed.

at|tain /əte I n/ (attains , attaining , attained )

1 VERB If you attain something, you gain it or achieve it, often after a lot of effort. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Jim is halfway to attaining his pilot's licence.

2 VERB If you attain a particular state or condition, you may reach it as a result of natural development or work hard to attain this state. □�[V n] �attaining a state of calmness and confidence.

at|tain|able /əte I nəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is attainable can be achieved. □� It is unrealistic to believe perfection is an attainable goal.

at|tain|ment /əte I nmənt/ (attainments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The attainmentof an aim is the achieving of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the attainment of independence.

2 N‑COUNT An attainment is a skill you have learned or something you have achieved. [FORMAL ] □� �their educational attainments.

at|tempt ◆◆◆ /əte mpt/ (attempts , attempting , attempted )

1 VERB If you attemptto do something, especially something difficult, you try to do it. □�[V to-inf] The only time that we attempted to do something like that was in the city of Philadelphia. □�[V n] Before I could attempt a reply he added over his shoulder: 'Wait there.'

2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] If you make an attemptto do something, you try to do it, often without success. □� �a deliberate attempt to destabilise the defence. □�[+�at ] It was one of his rare attempts at humour.

3 N‑COUNT An attempt on someone's life is an attempt to kill them. □�[+�on ] �an attempt on the life of the former Iranian Prime Minister. COLLOCATIONS attempt NOUN 2

noun +�attempt : assassination, coup; escape, rescue; takeover

adjective +�attempt : abortive, botched, failed, futile, unsuccessful, vain; desperate; brave, valiant

verb +�attempt : block, defeat, foil, frustrate, prevent; make SYNONYMS attempt VERB 1

seek:He also denied that he would seek to annex the country.

try:I tried calling him when I got here but he wasn't at home.

aim:�an appeal which aims to raise funds for children with special needs.

strive:He strives hard to keep himself very fit.

endeavour:They are endeavouring to protect trade union rights NOUN 2

try:After a few tries Patrick gave up any attempt to reform her.

bid:�Sydney's successful bid for the 2000 Olympic Games�.

shot:The heavyweight champion will be given a shot at Holyfield's world title.

go:I always wanted to have a go at football.

effort:�his efforts to reform Italian research.

at|tempt|ed /əte mpt I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] An attempted crime or unlawful action is an unsuccessful effort to commit the crime or action. □� �a case of attempted murder.

at|tend ◆◆◇ /əte nd/ (attends , attending , attended )

1 VERB If you attend a meeting or other event, you are present at it. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The meeting will be attended by finance ministers from many countries. □�[V ] We want the maximum number of people to attend to help us cover our costs.

2 VERB If you attend an institution such as a school, college, or church, you go there regularly. □�[V n] They attended college together at the University of Pennsylvania. [Also V ]

3 VERB If you attendto something, you deal with it. If you attendto someone who is hurt or injured, you care for them. □�[V +�to ] The staff will helpfully attend to your needs. □�[V +�to ] The main thing is to attend to the injured. COLLOCATIONS attend VERB

1

attend+�noun : ceremony, event, function, party, reception, service; conference, hearing, meeting, session; class, course, seminar, workshop; funeral, wedding

2

attend+�noun : college, school, university; church

at|tend|ance /əte ndəns/ (attendances )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's attendance at an event or an institution is the fact that they are present at the event or go regularly to the institution. □�[+�at ] Her attendance at school was sporadic.

2 N‑VAR The attendance at an event is the number of people who are present at it. □� Average weekly cinema attendance in February was 2.41 million. □� This year attendances were 28% lower than forecast.

3 PHRASE If someone is in attendance at a place or an event, they are there.

at|tend|ant /əte ndənt/ (attendants )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An attendant is someone whose job is to serve or help people in a place such as a car park or a cloakroom. □� Tony Williams was working as a car-park attendant in Los Angeles.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use attendant to describe something that results from a thing already mentioned or that is connected with it. □� Mr Branson's victory, and all the attendant publicity, were well deserved. □�[+�on/upon ] �the risks attendant on the exploration of the unknown.

at|tend|ee /əte ndiː / (attendees ) N‑COUNT The attendees at something such as a meeting or a conference are the people who are attending it. [mainly AM ]

at|tend|er /əte ndə r / (attenders ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] The attenders at a particular place or event are the people who go there. □�[+�at ] He was a regular attender at the opera. [Also +�in ]

at|ten|tion ◆◆◇ /əte nʃ ə n/ (attentions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you give someone or something your attention , you look at it, listen to it, or think about it carefully. □� You have my undivided attention. □� Later he turned his attention to the desperate state of housing in the province. □� �young children with short attention spans.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Attention is great interest that is shown in someone or something, particularly by the general public. □� The property has already attracted considerable attention from overseas buyers. □� The conference may help to focus attention on the economy.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If someone or something is getting attention , they are being dealt with or cared for. □� Each year more than two million household injuries need medical attention.

4 N‑PLURAL You can refer to someone's efforts to help you, or the interest they show in you, as their attentions , especially if you dislike or disapprove of them. □�[+�of ] The only way to escape the unwanted attentions of the local men was not to go out.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you bring something to someone's attention or draw their attentionto it, you tell them about it or make them notice it. □�[+�of ] If we don't keep bringing this to the attention of the people, nothing will be done.

6 PHRASE If someone or something attracts your attention or catches your attention , you suddenly notice them. □� He sat at one of the round tables and tried to attract her attention.

7 PHRASE If you pay attentionto someone, you watch them, listen to them, or take notice of them. If you pay no attentionto someone, you behave as if you are not aware of them or as if they are not important. □�[+�to ] More than ever before, the food industry is paying attention to young consumers. □� Other people walk along the beach at night, so I didn't pay any attention at first.

8 PHRASE When people stand to attention or stand at attention , they stand straight with their feet together and their arms at their sides. □� Soldiers in full combat gear stood at attention. COLLOCATIONS attention NOUN

1

adjective +�attention : careful, close, full, undivided; particular, special

verb +�attention : give; have

2

noun +�attention : media, press

adjective +�attention : unwanted, unwelcome; international, national, public

verb +�attention : attract, catch, command, grab; deflect, distract, divert; focus

3

adjective +�attention : medical; immediate, urgent

verb +�attention : receive, require

4

adjective +�attention : unwanted SYNONYMS attention NOUN

1

thought:Usually at this time our thoughts are on Christmas.

mind:I put what happened during that game to the back of my mind.

scrutiny:His private life came under media scrutiny.

observation:She has good powers of observation.

3

care:Most of the staff specialize in the care of children.

support:We hope to continue to have her close support and friendship.

treatment:�a veterinary surgeon who specializes in the treatment of cage birds.

at|te n|tion de fi|cit dis|o r|der N‑UNCOUNT Attention deficit disorder is a condition where people, especially children, are unable to concentrate on anything for very long and so find it difficult to learn and often behave in inappropriate ways. The abbreviation ADD is often used.

at|te n|tion de fi|cit hyper|ac|ti v|ity dis|o r|der N‑UNCOUNT Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition where people, especially children, are extremely active and unable to concentrate on anything for very long, with the result that they find it difficult to learn and often behave in inappropriate ways. The abbreviation ADHD is often used.

atte ntion-grabbing ADJ [usu ADJ n] An attention-grabbing remark or activity is one that is intended to make people notice it. □� �an attention-grabbing marketing campaign.

at|ten|tive /əte nt I v/

1 ADJ If you are attentive , you are paying close attention to what is being said or done. □� He wishes the government would be more attentive to detail in their response. ●� at|ten|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� He questioned Chrissie, and listened attentively to what she told him.

2 ADJ Someone who is attentive is helpful and polite. □�[+�to ] Linda and her team are extremely attentive to the individual's needs.

at|tenu|ate /əte njue I t/ (attenuates , attenuating , attenuated ) VERB To attenuate something means to reduce it or weaken it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] You could never eliminate risk, but preparation and training could attenuate it.

at|tenu|at|ed /əte njue I t I d/ ADJ An attenuated object is unusually long and thin. [FORMAL ] □� �round arches and attenuated columns.

at|test /əte st/ (attests , attesting , attested ) VERB To attest something or attestto something means to say, show, or prove that it is true. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] Police records attest to his long history of violence. □�[V that] I can personally attest that the cold and flu season is here. [Also V with quote]

at|tic /� t I k/ (attics ) N‑COUNT An attic is a room at the top of a house just below the roof.

at|tire /əta I ə r / N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] Your attire is the clothes you are wearing. [FORMAL ] □� �seven women dressed in their finest attire.

at|tired /əta I ə r d/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you describe how someone is attired , you are describing how they are dressed. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] He was faultlessly attired in black coat and striped trousers.

at|ti|tude ◆◆◇ /� t I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (attitudes )

1 N‑VAR Your attitudeto something is the way that you think and feel about it, especially when this shows in the way you behave. □�[+�to/towards ] �the general change in attitude towards people with disabilities. □� His attitude made me angry.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone as a person withattitude , you mean that they have a striking and individual style of behaviour, especially a forceful or aggressive one. [JOURNALISM ] COLLOCATIONS attitude NOUN 1

adjective +�attitude : negative, positive; can-do, cavalier, laissez-faire, relaxed; aggressive, caring, hostile, responsible

verb +�attitude : adopt, develop, reflect; affect, change, influence SYNONYMS attitude NOUN 1

opinion:Most who expressed an opinion spoke favorably of Thomas.

view:I take the view that she should be stopped as soon as possible.

point of view:Try to look at this from my point of view.

perspective:The death of his father gave him a new perspective on life.

stance:They have maintained a consistently neutral stance.

at|ti|tu|di|nal /� t I tjuː d I n ə l, [AM ] -tuː d-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Attitudinal means related to people's attitudes and the way they look at their life. [FORMAL ] □� Does such an attitudinal change reflect real experiences in daily life?

at|tor|ney ◆◇◇ /ətɜː r ni/ (attorneys )

1 N‑COUNT In the United States, an attorney or attorney at law is a lawyer. □� �a prosecuting attorney.

2 →�see also District Attorney SYNONYMS attorney NOUN

lawyer:Prosecution and defence lawyers are expected to deliver closing arguments next week.

solicitor:You will need advice from a solicitor.

counsel:The defence counsel warned that the judge should stop the trial.

advocate:The court will appoint a public advocate to represent your son.

barrister:But their barristers pleaded for some leniency.

At|to r|ney Ge n|er|al (Attorneys General ) N‑COUNT A country's Attorney General is its chief law officer, who advises its government or ruler.

at|tract ◆◆◇ /ətr� kt/ (attracts , attracting , attracted )

1 VERB If something attracts people or animals, it has features that cause them to come to it. □�[V n] The Cardiff Bay project is attracting many visitors. □�[V n adv/prep] Warm weather has attracted the flat fish close to shore.

2 VERB If someone or something attracts you, they have particular qualities which cause you to like or admire them. If a particular quality attracts you to a person or thing, it is the reason why you like them. □�[V n] He wasn't sure he'd got it right, although the theory attracted him by its logic. □�[be V -ed +�to ] More people would be attracted to cycling if conditions were right.

3 VERB If you are attractedto someone, you are interested in them sexually. □�[be V -ed +�to ] In spite of her hostility, she was attracted to him. ●� at|tract|ed ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □�[+�to ] He was nice looking, but I wasn't deeply attracted to him.

4 VERB If something attracts support, publicity, or money, it receives support, publicity, or money. □�[V n] President Mwinyi said his country would also like to attract investment from private companies.

5 VERB If one object attracts another object, it causes the second object to move towards it. □�[V n +�to ] Anything with strong gravity attracts other things to it. [Also V n]

6to attract someone's attention →�see attention SYNONYMS attract VERB 1

draw:The game is currently drawing huge crowds.

appeal:On the other hand, the idea appealed to him.

lure:They did not realise that they were being lured into a trap.

entice:They'll entice doctors to move from the cities by paying them better salaries.

at|trac|tion /ətr� kʃ ə n/ (attractions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Attraction is a feeling of liking someone, and often of being sexually interested in them. □� His love for her was not just physical attraction.

2 N‑COUNT An attraction is a feature which makes something interesting or desirable. □�[+�of ] �the attractions of living on the waterfront.

3 N‑COUNT An attraction is something that people can go to for interest or enjoyment, for example a famous building. □� The walled city is an important tourist attraction.

at|trac|tive ◆◇◇ /ətr� kt I v/

1 ADJ A person who is attractive is pleasant to look at. □� She's a very attractive woman. □� He was always immensely attractive to women. ●� at|trac|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Most of us would say that physical attractiveness does not play a major part in how we react to the people we meet.

2 ADJ Something that is attractive has a pleasant appearance or sound. □� The creamy white flowers are attractive in the spring. ●� at|trac|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj] □� It's an attractively illustrated, detailed guide that's very practical.

3 ADJ You can describe something as attractive when it seems worth having or doing. □� Smoking is still attractive to many young people who see it as glamorous. ●� at|trac|tive|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □� The services are attractively priced and are tailored to suit individual requirements.

at|trib|ut|able /ətr I bjʊtəb ə l/ ADJ If something is attributable to an event, situation, or person, it is likely that it was caused by that event, situation or person. □�[+�to ] 10,000 deaths a year from chronic lung disease are attributable to smoking.

at|trib|ute (attributes , attributing , attributed ) The verb is pronounced /ətr I bjuːt/. The noun is pronounced /� tr I bjuːt/. 1 VERB If you attribute something to an event or situation, you think that it was caused by that event or situation. □�[V n +�to ] Women tend to attribute their success to external causes such as luck.

2 VERB If you attribute a particular quality or feature to someone or something, you think that they have got it. □�[V n +�to ] People were beginning to attribute superhuman qualities to him.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a piece of writing, a work of art, or a remark is attributedto someone, people say that they wrote it, created it, or said it. □�[be V -ed +�to ] This, and the remaining frescoes, are not attributed to Giotto.

4 N‑COUNT An attribute is a quality or feature that someone or something has. □� Cruelty is a normal attribute of human behaviour.

at|tri|tion /ətr I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Attrition is a process in which you steadily reduce the strength of an enemy by continually attacking them. [FORMAL ] □� The rebels have declared a cease-fire in their war of attrition against the government.

at|tuned /ətjuː nd, [AM ] ətuː nd/

1 ADJ If you are attunedto something, you can understand and appreciate it. □� He seemed unusually attuned to people's feelings.

2 ADJ If your ears are attunedto a sound, you can hear it and recognize it quickly. □�[+�to ] Their ears were still attuned to the sounds of the London suburb.

atypi|cal /e I t I p I k ə l/ ADJ Someone or something that is atypical is not typical of its kind. □� The economy of the province was atypical because it was particularly small.

auber|gine /oʊ bə r ʒiːn/ (aubergines ) N‑VAR An aubergine is a vegetable with a smooth, dark purple skin. [BRIT ] in AM, use eggplant

auburn /ɔː bə r n/ COLOUR Auburn hair is reddish brown.

auc|tion ◆◇◇ /ɔː kʃ ə n/ (auctions , auctioning , auctioned )

1 N‑VAR [oft for/at N , N n] An auction is a public sale where goods are sold to the person who offers the highest price. □� He bought the picture at auction in London some years ago.

2 VERB If something is auctioned , it is sold in an auction.

▸� auction off PHRASAL VERB If you auction off something, you sell it to the person who offers the most money for it, often at an auction. □�[be V -ed P ] Her dresses will be auctioned off for charity. □�[V n P ] We later auctioned it off to raise money for Jamie's foundation.

auc|tion|eer /ɔː kʃən I ə r / (auctioneers ) N‑COUNT An auctioneer is a person in charge of an auction.

auda|cious /ɔːde I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is audacious takes risks in order to achieve something. □� �an audacious plan to win the presidency.

audac|ity /ɔːd� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Audacity is audacious behaviour. □� I was shocked at the audacity and brazenness of the gangsters.

audible /ɔː d I b ə l/ ADJ A sound that is audible is loud enough to be heard. □� The Colonel's voice was barely audible. ●� audibly /ɔː d I bli/ ADV □� Hugh sighed audibly.

audi|ence ◆◆◇ /ɔː diəns/ (audiences )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The audience at a play, concert, film, or public meeting is the group of people watching or listening to it. □� He was speaking to an audience of students at the Institute for International Affairs.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The audience for a television or radio programme consists of all the people who watch or listen to it. □� The concert will be relayed to a worldwide television audience.

3 →�see also studio audience

4 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu sing] The audience of a writer or artist is the people who read their books or look at their work. □� Merle's writings reached a wide audience during his lifetime.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have an audiencewith someone important, you have a formal meeting with them. □�[+�with ] The Prime Minister will seek an audience with the Queen later this morning. COLLOCATIONS audience NOUN

1

noun +�audience : cinema, theatre

adjective +�audience : entire; large, packed, vast

verb +�audience : attract, delight, entertain, wow; address, face

2

noun +�audience : radio, studio, TV

adjective +�audience : live, peak; captive, worldwide

4

adjective +�audience : potential, receptive, wide

verb +�audience : reach

5

adjective +�audience : private

verb +�audience : request, seek SYNONYMS audience NOUN 1

house:They played in front of a packed house.

crowd:The crowd were enormously enthusiastic.

audio /ɔː dioʊ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Audio equipment is used for recording and reproducing sound. □� She uses her vocal training to make audio recordings of books for blind people.

audio|tape /ɔː dioʊte I p/ (audiotapes , audiotaping , audiotaped ) N‑UNCOUNT Audiotape is magnetic tape which is used to record sound.

au dio-vi sual also audiovisual ADJ [ADJ n] Audio-visual equipment and materials involve both recorded sound and pictures.

audit /ɔː d I t/ (audits , auditing , audited ) VERB When an accountant audits an organization's accounts, he or she examines the accounts officially in order to make sure that they have been done correctly. □�[V n] Each year they audit our accounts and certify them as being true and fair. ●�N‑COUNT Audit is also a noun. □� The bank first learned of the problem when it carried out an internal audit.

audi|tion /ɔːd I ʃ ə n/ (auditions , auditioning , auditioned )

1 N‑COUNT An audition is a short performance given by an actor, dancer, or musician so that a director or conductor can decide if they are good enough to be in a play, film, or orchestra.

2 VERB If you audition or if someone auditions you, you do an audition. □�[V +�for ] They're auditioning for new members of the cast for 'Miss Saigon' today. □�[V ] I heard your record and I want you to come and audition. [Also V n, V n +�for ]

audi|tor /ɔː d I tə r / (auditors ) N‑COUNT An auditor is an accountant who officially examines the accounts of organizations.

audi|to|rium /ɔː d I tɔː riəm/ (auditoriums or auditoria /ɔː d I tɔː riə/)

1 N‑COUNT An auditorium is the part of a theatre or concert hall where the audience sits.

2 N‑COUNT An auditorium is a large room, hall, or building which is used for events such as meetings and concerts. [AM ]

audi|tory /ɔː d I tri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Auditory means related to hearing. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the limits of the human auditory range.

au fait /oʊ fe I , [AM ] ɔː -/ ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you are au fait with something, you are familiar with it and know about it. □�[+�with ] �children who are so much more au fait with today's technology.

Aug.Aug. is a written abbreviation for August .

aug|ment /ɔːgme nt/ (augments , augmenting , augmented ) VERB To augment something means to make it larger, stronger, or more effective by adding something to it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] While searching for a way to augment the family income, she began making dolls. ●� aug|men|ta|tion /ɔː gmente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The augmentation of the army began along traditional lines.

augur /ɔː gə r / (augurs , auguring , augured ) VERB If something augurs well or badly for a person or a future situation, it is a sign that things will go well or badly. [FORMAL ] □�[V adv +�for ] The renewed violence this week hardly augurs well for smooth or peaceful change. [Also V n]

augu|ry /ɔː gjʊri/ (auguries ) N‑COUNT An augury is a sign of what will happen in the future. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] The auguries of death are fast gathering round his head.

august /ɔːgʌ st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone or something that is august is dignified and impressive. [FORMAL ] □� �the august surroundings of the Liberal Club.

August /ɔː gəst/ (Augusts ) N‑VAR August is the eighth month of the year in the Western calendar. □� The world premiere took place in August 1956. □� The trial will resume on 22 August. □� This August has been the wettest for four years.

auk /ɔː k/ (auks ) N‑COUNT An auk is a seabird with a heavy body and short tail.

Auld Lang Syne /oʊ ld l�ŋ za I n/ N‑PROPER Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish song about friendship that is traditionally sung as clocks strike midnight on New Year's Eve.

aunt ◆◆◇ /ɑː nt, � nt/ (aunts )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Someone's aunt is the sister of their mother or father, or the wife of their uncle. □� She wrote to her aunt in America. □� It was a present from Aunt Vera.

2 →�see also agony aunt

auntie /ɑː nti, � nti/ (aunties ) also aunty N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Someone's auntie is their aunt. [INFORMAL ] □� His uncle is dead, but his auntie still lives here. □� �my Auntie Elsie.

au pair /oʊ peə r , [AM ] ɔː -/ (au pairs ) N‑COUNT An au pair is a young person from a foreign country who lives with a family in order to learn the language and who helps to look after the children.

aura /ɔː rə/ (auras ) N‑COUNT An aura is a quality or feeling that seems to surround a person or place or to come from them. □�[+�of ] She had an aura of authority.

aural /ɔː rəl, aʊ rəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Aural means related to the sense of hearing. Compare acoustic . □� He became famous as an inventor of astonishing visual and aural effects.

aus|pices /ɔː sp I s I z/ PHRASE If something is done under the auspices of a particular person or organization, or under someone's auspices , it is done with their support and approval. [FORMAL ]

aus|pi|cious /ɔːsp I ʃəs/ ADJ Something that is auspicious indicates that success is likely. [FORMAL ] □� His career as a playwright had an auspicious start.

Aussie /ɒ zi, [AM ] ɔː -/ (Aussies ) ADJ [ADJ n] Aussie means Australian. [INFORMAL ] □� He is one of Aussie Rugby League's greats. ●�N‑COUNT An Aussie is a person from Australia. [INFORMAL ]

aus|tere /ɔːst I ə r /

1 ADJ If you describe something as austere , you approve of its plain and simple appearance. [APPROVAL ] □� The church was austere and simple.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as austere , you disapprove of them because they are strict and serious. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I found her a rather austere, distant, somewhat cold person.

3 ADJ An austere way of life is one that is simple and without luxuries. □� The life of the troops was still comparatively austere.

4 ADJ An austere economic policy is one which reduces people's living standards sharply. □� �a set of very austere economic measures to control inflation.

aus|ter|ity /ɔːste r I ti/ (austerities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Austerity is a situation in which people's living standards are reduced because of economic difficulties. □� �the years of austerity which followed the war.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to something as showing austerity , you like its plain and simple appearance. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �many abandoned buildings, some of which have a compact classical austerity and dignity.

Aus|tral|asian /ɒ strəle I ʒ ə n, [AM ] ɔː s-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Australasian means belonging or relating to Australasia or to its people.

Aus|tral|ian /ɒstre I liən/ (Australians )

1 ADJ Australian means belonging or relating to Australia, or to its people or culture. □� She went solo backpacking for eight months in the Australian outback.

2 N‑COUNT An Australian is someone who comes from Australia.

Aus|trian /ɒ striən, [AM ] ɔː s-/ (Austrians )

1 ADJ Austrian means belonging or relating to Austria, or to its people or culture. □� �the Austrian government.

2 N‑COUNT An Austrian is a person who comes from Austria.

Austro- /ɒ stroʊ, [AM ] ɔː stroʊ/ COMB Austro- combines with adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe something connected with Austria and another country. □� �the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

auteur /ɔːtɜː r / (auteurs ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a film director as an auteur when they have a very strong artistic influence on the films they make.

authen|tic /ɔːθe nt I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An authentic person, object, or emotion is genuine. □� �authentic Italian food. □� They have to look authentic. ●� au|then|tic|ity /ɔː θent I s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □� There are factors, however, that have cast doubt on the statue's authenticity.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as authentic , you mean that it is such a good imitation that it is almost the same as or as good as the original. [APPROVAL ] □� �patterns for making authentic frontier-style clothing.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An authentic piece of information or account of something is reliable and accurate. □� I had obtained the authentic details about the birth of the organization.

authen|ti|cate /ɔːθe nt I ke I t/ (authenticates , authenticating , authenticated ) VERB If you authenticate something, you state officially that it is genuine after examining it. □�[V n] He says he'll have no problem authenticating the stamp. [Also V n as n]

author ◆◆◇ /ɔː θə r / (authors )

1 N‑COUNT The authorof a piece of writing is the person who wrote it. □�[+�of ] She is the joint author of a booklet on Integrated Education.

2 N‑COUNT An author is a person whose job is writing books. □� �Philip Pullman, the best-selling author of children's fiction.

3 N‑COUNT The author of a plan or proposal is the person who thinks of it and works out the details. □�[+�of ] The authors of the plan believe they can reach this point within about two years.

4 →�see also co-author SYNONYMS author NOUN 1

novelist:�a romantic novelist.

writer:�detective stories by American writers.

hack:�a hack writer of cheap romances.

columnist:�the gossip columnists' favourite target.

journalist:I am doing media studies and hope to become a journalist.

author|ess /ɔː θəres/ (authoresses ) N‑COUNT An authoress is a female author. Many female writers object to this word, and prefer to be called authors.

autho|rial /ɔːθɔː riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Authorial means relating to the author of something such as a book or play. □� There are times when the book suffers from excessive authorial control.

author|ing /ɔː θər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Authoring is the creation of documents, especially for the internet. [COMPUTING ] □� �software authoring tools.

author|ise /ɔː θəra I z/ →�see authorize

authori|tar|ian /ɔːθɒ r I teə riən, [AM ] -θɔː r-/ (authoritarians ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or an organization as authoritarian , you are critical of them controlling everything rather than letting people decide things for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Senior officers could be considering a coup to restore authoritarian rule. ●�N‑COUNT An authoritarian is someone who is authoritarian. □� Don became the overly strict authoritarian he felt his brother needed.

authori|tari|an|ism /ɔːθɒ r I teə riən I zəm, [AM ] -θɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Authoritarianism is the state of being authoritarian or the belief that people with power, especially the State, have the right to control other people's actions. [FORMAL ]

authori|ta|tive /ɔːθɒ r I tət I v, [AM ] əθɔː r I te I t I v/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is authoritative gives an impression of power and importance and is likely to be obeyed. □� He has a commanding presence and a deep, authoritative voice.

2 ADJ Someone or something that is authoritative has a lot of knowledge of a particular subject. □� The first authoritative study of polio was published in 1840.

author|ity ◆◆◆ /ɔːθɒ r I ti, [AM ] -tɔː r-/ (authorities )

1 N‑PLURAL Theauthorities are the people who have the power to make decisions and to make sure that laws are obeyed. □� This provided a pretext for the authorities to cancel the elections.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] An authority is an official organization or government department that has the power to make decisions. □� �the Health Education Authority. □� Any alterations had to meet the approval of the local planning authority.

3 →�see also local authority

4 N‑UNCOUNT Authority is the right to command and control other people. □� The judge had no authority to order a second trial.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has authority , they have a quality which makes other people take notice of what they say. □� He had no natural authority and no capacity for imposing his will on others.

6 N‑UNCOUNT Authority is official permission to do something. □� The police were given authority to arrest anyone suspected of subversive thoughts.

7 N‑COUNT Someone who is an authority on a particular subject knows a lot about it. □�[+�on ] He's universally recognized as an authority on Russian affairs.

8 PHRASE If you say you have it on good authoritythat something is true, you mean that you believe it is true because you trust the person who told you about it. □� I have it on good authority that there's no way this light can cause skin cancer. COLLOCATIONS authority NOUN

1

noun +�authority : health, immigration, prison, tax

authority+�be +�adjective : powerless

verb +�authority : alert

2

noun +�authority : education, planning

adjective +�authority : regulatory, relevant, statutory

4

adjective +�authority : moral

verb +�authority : abuse, assert, exercise

7

adjective +�authority : leading SYNONYMS authority NOUN

1

the powers that be:The powers that be may keep us from building our house.

the state:The state does not collect enough revenue to cover its expenditure.

the system:He wants to be the tough rebel who bucks the system.

the Establishment:What do you expect? This is the Establishment we're taking on.

government:�fighting between government forces and left-wing rebels.

4

power:The police have the power of arrest.

jurisdiction:The British police have no jurisdiction over foreign bank accounts.

supremacy:The conservative old guard had re-established its political supremacy.

author|ize /ɔː θəra I z/ (authorizes , authorizing , authorized ) in BRIT, also use authorise VERB If someone in a position of authority authorizes something, they give their official permission for it to happen. □�[V n] It would certainly be within his power to authorize a police raid like that. ●� authori|za|tion /ɔː θəra I ze I ʃ ə n/ (authorizations ) N‑VAR □� The United Nations will approve his request for authorization to use military force to deliver aid.

author|ship /ɔː θə r ʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT The authorship of a piece of writing is the identity of the person who wrote it.

autism /ɔː t I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Autism is a developmental disorder that can cause someone to have difficulty in communicating with and responding to other people.

autis|tic /ɔːt I st I k/ ADJ An autistic person suffers from autism.

auto ◆◇◇ /ɔː toʊ/ (autos ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An auto is a car. [AM ] □� �the auto industry.

PREFIX auto-

forms words that refer to someone doing something to, for, or about themselves. For example, your autobiography is an account of your life, which you write yourself.

auto|bahn /ɔː toʊbɑːn/ (autobahns ) N‑COUNT An autobahn is a German motorway.

auto|bio|graphi|cal /ɔː toʊba I əgr� f I k ə l/ ADJ An autobiographical piece of writing relates to events in the life of the person who has written it. □� �a highly autobiographical novel of a woman's search for identity.

auto|bi|og|ra|phy /ɔː təba I ɒ grəfi/ (autobiographies ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Your autobiography is an account of your life, which you write yourself. □� He published his autobiography last autumn.

autoc|ra|cy /ɔːtɒ krəsi/ (autocracies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Autocracy is government or control by one person who has complete power. □� Many poor countries are abandoning autocracy.

2 N‑COUNT An autocracy is a country or organization that is ruled by one person who has complete power. □� She ceded all power to her son-in-law who now runs the country as an autocracy.

auto|crat /ɔː təkr�t/ (autocrats ) N‑COUNT An autocrat is a person in authority who has complete power.

auto|crat|ic /ɔː təkr� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An autocratic person or organization has complete power and makes decisions without asking anyone else's advice. □� The people have grown intolerant in recent weeks of the King's autocratic ways.

Auto|cue /ɔː toʊkjuː/ (Autocues ) N‑COUNT An Autocue is a device used by people speaking on television or at a public event, which displays words for them to read. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, use Teleprompter

auto|graph /ɔː təgrɑːf, -gr�f/ (autographs , autographing , autographed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An autograph is the signature of someone famous which is specially written for a fan to keep. □� He went backstage and asked for her autograph.

2 VERB If someone famous autographs something, they put their signature on it. □�[V n] I autographed a copy of one of my books. □�[V -ed] �an autographed photo of her idol.

au to-immu ne also autoimmune ADJ [usu ADJ n] Auto-immune describes medical conditions in which normal cells are attacked by the body's immune system. □� �auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

auto|mate /ɔː təme I t/ (automates , automating , automated ) VERB To automate a factory, office, or industrial process means to put in machines which can do the work instead of people. □�[V n] He wanted to use computers to automate the process. ●� auto|ma|tion /ɔː təme I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� In the last ten years automation has reduced the work force here by half.

auto|mat|ed /ɔː təme I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An automated factory, office, or industrial process uses machines to do the work instead of people.

auto|mat|ic ◆◇◇ /ɔː təm� t I k/ (automatics )

1 ADJ An automatic machine or device is one which has controls that enable it to perform a task without needing to be constantly operated by a person. Automatic methods and processes involve the use of such machines. □� Modern trains have automatic doors.

2 N‑COUNT An automatic is a gun that keeps firing shots until you stop pulling the trigger. □� He drew his automatic and began running in the direction of the sounds.

3 N‑COUNT An automatic is a car in which the gears change automatically as the car's speed increases or decreases.

4 ADJ An automatic action is one that you do without thinking about it. □� All of the automatic body functions, even breathing, are affected. ●� auto|mati|cal|ly /ɔː təm� t I kli/ ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Strangely enough, you will automatically wake up after this length of time.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something such as an action or a punishment is automatic , it happens without people needing to think about it because it is the result of a fixed rule or method. □� Those drivers should face an automatic charge of manslaughter. ●� auto|mati|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV n/adj] □� As an account customer, you are automatically entitled to a variety of benefits. SYNONYMS automatic ADJ 1

mechanized:�highly mechanised production methods.

mechanical:Most mechanical devices require oil as a lubricant.

automated:The equipment was made on highly automated production lines.

au to|mat|ic pi |lot or autopilot

1 PHRASE If you are on automatic pilot or on autopilot , you are acting without thinking about what you are doing, usually because you have done it many times before.

2 N‑SING An automatic pilot or an autopilot is a device in an aircraft that automatically keeps it on a particular course.

au to|mat|ic trans|mi s|sion N‑UNCOUNT A car that is fitted with automatic transmission has a gear system in which the gears change automatically.

automa|ton /ɔːtɒ mətən/ (automatons or automata /ɔːtɒ mətə/)

1 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is an automaton , you are critical of them because they behave as if they are so tired or bored that they do things without thinking. [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT An automaton is a small, mechanical figure that can move automatically.

auto|mo|bile /ɔː təməbiːl, [AM ] -moʊbiː l/ (automobiles ) N‑COUNT An automobile is a car. [mainly AM ]

auto|mo|tive /ɔː təmoʊ t I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] Automotive is used to refer to things relating to cars. □� �a chain of stores selling automotive parts.

autono|mous /ɔːtɒ nəməs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An autonomous country, organization, or group governs or controls itself rather than being controlled by anyone else. □� They proudly declared themselves part of a new autonomous province.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An autonomous person makes their own decisions rather than being influenced by someone else. □� Autonomous individuals are those who follow their own courses of action relatively unimpeded by others.

autono|my /ɔːtɒ nəmi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Autonomy is the control or government of a country, organization, or group by itself rather than by others. □� Activists stepped up their demands for local autonomy last month.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Autonomy is the ability to make your own decisions about what to do rather than being influenced by someone else or told what to do. [FORMAL ] □� Each of the area managers enjoys considerable autonomy in the running of his own area.

auto|pi|lot /ɔː toʊpa I lət/ (autopilots ) →�see automatic pilot

autop|sy /ɔː tɒpsi/ (autopsies ) N‑COUNT An autopsy is an examination of a dead body by a doctor who cuts it open in order to try to discover the cause of death.

autumn ◆◇◇ /ɔː təm/ (autumns ) N‑VAR Autumn is the season between summer and winter when the weather becomes cooler and the leaves fall off the trees. [BRIT ] □� We are always plagued by wasps in autumn. □� A final vote will take place next autumn. □� �in the autumn of 2000. □� Her hair was the colour of autumn leaves. in AM, usually use fall

autum|nal /ɔːtʌ mn ə l/

1 ADJ Autumnal means having features that are characteristic of autumn. [LITERARY ] □� �the autumnal colours of the trees.

2 ADJ Autumnal means happening in autumn. □� �the autumnal equinox.

aux|ilia|ry /ɔːgz I ljəri, [AM ] -ləri/ (auxiliaries )

1 N‑COUNT An auxiliary is a person who is employed to assist other people in their work. Auxiliaries are often medical workers or members of the armed forces. □� Nursing auxiliaries provide basic care, but are not qualified nurses.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Auxiliary staff and troops assist other staff and troops. □� The government's first concern was to augment the army and auxiliary forces.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Auxiliary equipment is extra equipment that is available for use when necessary. □� �an auxiliary motor. □� �auxiliary fuel tanks.

4 N‑COUNT In grammar, an auxiliary or auxiliary verb is a verb which is used with a main verb, for example to form different tenses or to make the verb passive. In English, the basic auxiliary verbs are 'be', 'have', and 'do'. Modal verbs such as 'can' and 'will' are also sometimes called auxiliaries.

avail /əve I l/ (avails , availing , availed )

1 PHRASE If you do something to no avail or to little avail , what you do fails to achieve what you want. [WRITTEN ] □� His efforts were to no avail.

2 VERB If you availyourself of an offer or an opportunity, you accept the offer or make use of the opportunity. [FORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl +�of ] Guests should feel at liberty to avail themselves of your facilities.

avail|able ◆◆◆ /əve I ləb ə l/

1 ADJ If something you want or need is available , you can find it or obtain it. □� The amount of money available to buy books has fallen by 17%. □�[+�for ] There are three small boats available for hire. ●� avail|abil|ity /əve I ləb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the easy availability of guns.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is available is not busy and is therefore free to talk to you or to do a particular task. □�[+�for ] Mr Leach is on holiday and was not available for comment.

ava|lanche /� vəlɑːntʃ, -l�ntʃ/ (avalanches )

1 N‑COUNT An avalanche is a large mass of snow that falls down the side of a mountain.

2 N‑SING You can refer to a very large quantity of things that all arrive or happen at the same time as an avalancheof them. □�[+�of ] �an avalanche of publicity

avant-garde /� vɒŋ gɑː r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Avant-garde art, music, theatre, and literature is very modern and experimental. □� �avant-garde concert music. ●�N‑SING Avant-garde is also a noun. □� He was an enthusiast for the avant-garde.

ava|rice /� vər I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Avarice is extremely strong desire for money and possessions. [LITERARY ] □� He paid a month's rent in advance, just enough to satisfy the landlord's avarice.

ava|ri|cious /� vər I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An avaricious person is very greedy for money or possessions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He sacrificed his own career so that his avaricious brother could succeed.

ava|tar /� vətɑː r / (avatars ) N‑COUNT An avatar is an image that represents you on the screen in an online game or chatroom □� My avatar has long hair.

Ave. N‑COUNT Ave. is a written abbreviation for avenue . □� �90 Dayton Ave.

avenge /əve ndʒ/ (avenges , avenging , avenged ) VERB If you avenge a wrong or harmful act, you hurt or punish the person who is responsible for it. □�[V n] He has devoted the past five years to avenging his daughter's death. □�[V pron-refl] She had decided to avenge herself and all the other women he had abused.

av|enue /� v I njuː, [AM ] -nuː/ (avenues )

1 N‑COUNT Avenue is sometimes used in the names of streets. The written abbreviation Ave. is also used. □� �the most expensive stores on Park Avenue.

2 N‑COUNT An avenue is a wide, straight road, especially one with trees on either side.

3 N‑COUNT An avenue is a way of getting something done. □�[+�of ] Talbot was presented with 80 potential avenues of investigation.

aver /əvɜː r / (avers , averring , averred ) VERB If you averthat something is the case, you say very firmly that it is true. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] He avers that chaos will erupt if he loses. □�[V with quote] 'Entertaining is something that everyone in the country can enjoy,' she averred. [Also V ]

av|er|age ◆◆◇ /� vər I dʒ/ (averages , averaging , averaged )

1 N‑COUNT An average is the result that you get when you add two or more numbers together and divide the total by the number of numbers you added together. □�[+�of ] Take the average of those ratios and multiply by a hundred. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Average is also an adjective. □� The average price of goods rose by just 2.2%.

2 N‑SING You use average to refer to a number or size that varies but is always approximately the same. □�[+�of ] It takes an average of ten weeks for a house sale to be completed.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An average person or thing is typical or normal. □� The average adult man burns 1,500 to 2,000 calories per day.

4 N‑SING An amount or quality that is the average is the normal amount or quality for a particular group of things or people. □� Most areas suffered more rain than usual, with Northern Ireland getting double the average for the month. ●�ADJ Average is also an adjective. □� �2.20 for a coffee is average. □� �a woman of average height.

5 ADJ Something that is average is neither very good nor very bad, usually when you had hoped it would be better. □� I was only average academically.

6 VERB To average a particular amount means to do, get, or produce that amount as an average over a period of time. □�[V n] We averaged 42 miles per hour.

7 PHRASE You say on average or on an average to indicate that a number is the average of several numbers. □� American shares rose, on average, by 38%.

8 PHRASE If you say that something is true on average , you mean that it is generally true. □� On average, American firms remain the most productive in the world.

9law of averages →�see law

▸� average out PHRASAL VERB If a set of numbers average outto a particular figure or if you average them outto that figure, their average is calculated to be that figure. □�[V P +�to/at ] Last year the Police lost nearly 27,000 hours to sick leave, which averages out at eight days per officer. □�[V n P ] Averaging it out between us there's less than �10 a month each to live on. [Also V P n]

averse /əvɜː r s/ ADJ [usu with neg] If you say that you are not averseto something, you mean that you quite like it or quite want to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] He's not averse to publicity, of the right kind.

aver|sion /əvɜː r ʃ ə n, [AM ] -ʒ ə n/ (aversions ) N‑VAR If you have an aversionto someone or something, you dislike them very much. □�[+�to/for ] Many people have a natural and emotional aversion to insects.

avert /əvɜː r t/ (averts , averting , averted )

1 VERB If you avert something unpleasant, you prevent it from happening. □�[V n] Talks with the teachers' union over the weekend have averted a strike.

2 VERB If you avert your eyes or gaze from someone or something, you look away from them. [Also V n from n]

a|vi|an flu /e I viən fluː/ N‑UNCOUNT Avian flu is a serious illness that can be transmitted to people from chickens, ducks, and other birds.

aviary /e I vjəri/ (aviaries ) N‑COUNT An aviary is a large cage or covered area in which birds are kept.

avia|tion /e I vie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Aviation is the operation and production of aircraft.

avia|tor /e I vie I tə r / (aviators ) N‑COUNT An aviator is a pilot of a plane, especially in the early days of flying. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

avid /� v I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use avid to describe someone who is very enthusiastic about something that they do. □� He misses not having enough books because he's an avid reader. ●� av|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Thank you for a most entertaining magazine, which I read avidly each month.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is avidfor something, you mean that they are very eager to get it. □�[+�for ] He was intensely eager, indeed avid, for wealth. ●� av|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Western suppliers too are competing avidly for business abroad.

avi|on|ics /e I viɒ n I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Avionics is the science of electronics used in aviation. [TECHNICAL ]

avo|ca|do /� vəkɑː doʊ/ (avocados ) in BRIT, also use avocado pear N‑VAR Avocados are pear-shaped vegetables, with hard skins and large stones, which are usually eaten raw.

avo|ca|tion /� voʊke I ʃ ə n/ (avocations ) N‑VAR Your avocation is a job or activity that you do because you are interested in it, rather than to earn your living. [FORMAL ] □� He was a printer by trade and naturalist by avocation.

avoid ◆◆◇ /əvɔ I d/ (avoids , avoiding , avoided )

1 VERB If you avoid something unpleasant that might happen, you take action in order to prevent it from happening. □�[V n] The pilots had to take emergency action to avoid a disaster. □�[V v-ing] Women have to dress modestly, to avoid being harassed by the locals.

2 VERB If you avoid doing something, you choose not to do it, or you put yourself in a situation where you do not have to do it. □�[V v-ing] Swann managed to avoid learning that lesson for a long time. □�[V n] He was always careful to avoid embarrassment.

3 VERB If you avoid a person or thing, you keep away from them. When talking to someone, if you avoid the subject, you keep the conversation away from a particular topic. □�[V n] She eventually had to lock herself in the toilets to avoid him.

4 VERB If a person or vehicle avoids someone or something, they change the direction they are moving in, so that they do not hit them. □�[V n] The driver had ample time to brake or swerve and avoid the woman.

avoid|able /əvɔ I dəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is avoidable can be prevented from happening. □� The tragedy was entirely avoidable.

avoid|ance /əvɔ I dəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Avoidanceof someone or something is the act of avoiding them. □�[+�of ] �the avoidance of stress.

avow /əvaʊ / (avows , avowing , avowed ) VERB If you avow something, you admit it or declare it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �a public statement avowing neutrality. [Also V with quote]

avowed /əvaʊ d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are an avowed supporter or opponent of something, you have declared that you support it or oppose it. [FORMAL ] □� She is an avowed vegetarian.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An avowed belief or aim is one that you have declared formally or publicly. [FORMAL ] □� �the council's avowed intention to stamp on racism.

avun|cu|lar /əvʌ ŋkjʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] An avuncular man or a man with avuncular behaviour is friendly and helpful towards someone younger. [FORMAL ] □� He began to talk in his most gentle and avuncular manner.

await ◆◇◇ /əwe I t/ (awaits , awaiting , awaited )

1 VERB If you await someone or something, you wait for them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He's awaiting trial, which is expected to begin early next year.

2 VERB Something that awaits you is going to happen or come to you in the future. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] A nasty surprise awaited them in Rosemary Lane.

awake /əwe I k/ (awakes , awaking , awoke , awoken )

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] Someone who is awake is not sleeping. □� I don't stay awake at night worrying about that. □� Nightmares kept me awake all night.

2 PHRASE Someone who is wide awake is fully awake and unable to sleep. □� I could not relax and still felt wide awake.

3 VERB When you awake or when something awakes you, you wake up. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] At midnight he awoke and listened to the radio for a few minutes. □�[V n] The sound of many voices awoke her with a start. [Also V to-inf]

awak|en /əwe I kən/ (awakens , awakening , awakened )

1 VERB To awaken a feeling in a person means to cause them to start having this feeling. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] The aim of the cruise was to awaken an interest in and an understanding of foreign cultures.

2 VERB When you awaken , or when something or someone awakens you, you wake up. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] Unfortunately, Grandma always seems to awaken at awkward moments. □�[V n] He was snoring when Desmond awakened him.

awak|en|ing /əwe I kən I ŋ/ (awakenings )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The awakening of a feeling or realization is the start of it. □�[+�of ] �the awakening of national consciousness in people.

2 PHRASE If you have a rude awakening , you are suddenly made aware of an unpleasant fact.

award ◆◆◇ /əwɔː r d/ (awards , awarding , awarded )

1 N‑COUNT An award is a prize or certificate that a person is given for doing something well. □� She presented a bravery award to schoolgirl Caroline Tucker.

2 N‑COUNT In law, an award is a sum of money that a court decides should be given to someone. □� �workmen's compensation awards.

3 N‑COUNT A pay award is an increase in pay for a particular group of workers. □� �this year's average pay award for teachers of just under 8%.

4 VERB If someone is awarded something such as a prize or an examination mark, it is given to them. □�[be V -ed n] She was awarded the prize for both films. □�[V n n] For his dedication the Mayor awarded him a medal of merit. [Also V n to n]

5 VERB To award something to someone means to decide that it will be given to that person. □�[V n +�to ] We have awarded the contract to a British shipyard. □�[V n n] A High Court judge had awarded him �6 million damages.

awa rd-wi nning ADJ [ADJ n] An award-winning person or thing has won an award, especially an important or valuable one. □� �an award-winning photo-journalist. □� �his award-winning film.

aware ◆◆◇ /əweə r /

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If you are awareof something, you know about it. □�[+�of ] Smokers are well aware of the dangers to their own health. □�[+�of ] He should have been aware of what his junior officers were doing. □� Some people may not be aware that this was a problem. ●� aware|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft N that] □�[+�of/about ] Candidates must demonstrate an awareness of diversity issues within the workplace.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If you are awareof something, you realize that it is present or is happening because you hear it, see it, smell it, or feel it. □�[+�of ] She was acutely aware of the noise of the city. □� Jane was suddenly aware that she was digging her nails into her thigh.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is aware notices what is happening around them or happening in the place where they live. □� They are politically very aware. ●� aware|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He introduced radio to the school to increase the children's awareness.

awash /əwɒ ʃ/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If the ground or a floor is awash , it is covered in water, often because of heavy rain or as the result of an accident. □� The bathroom floor was awash.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a place is awashwith something, it contains a large amount of it. □�[+�with ] This, after all, is a company which is awash with cash.

away ◆◆◆ /əwe I / Away is often used with verbs of movement, such as 'go' and 'drive', and also in phrasal verbs such as 'do away with' and 'fade away'. 1 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If someone or something moves or is moved awayfrom a place, they move or are moved so that they are no longer there. If you are awayfrom a place, you are not in the place where people expect you to be. □� An injured policeman was led away by colleagues. □� He walked away from his car. □� She drove away before either of them could speak again. □� Jason was away on a business trip.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you look or turn awayfrom something, you move your head so that you are no longer looking at it. □� She quickly looked away and stared down at her hands. □� As he stands up, he turns his face away from her so that she won't see his tears.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you put or tidy something away , you put it where it should be. If you hide someone or something away , you put them in a place where nobody can see them or find them. □� I put my journal away and prepared for bed. □� All her letters were carefully filed away in folders. □� I have $100m hidden away where no one will ever find it.

4 PHRASE If something is away from a person or place, it is at a distance from that person or place. □� The two women were sitting as far away from each other as possible. □� �a country estate thirty miles away from town.

5 ADV You use away to talk about future events. For example, if an event is a week away , it will happen after a week. □� �the Washington summit, now only just over two weeks away.

6 ADV [ADV after v] When a sports team plays away , it plays on its opponents' ground. □� �a sensational 4-3 victory for the team playing away. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Away is also an adjective. □� Charlton are about to play an important away match.

7 ADV [ADV after v] You can use away to say that something slowly disappears, becomes less significant, or changes so that it is no longer the same. □� So much snow has already melted away. □� His voice died away in a whisper.

8 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] You use away to show that there has been a change or development from one state or situation to another. □� There's been a dramatic shift away from traditional careers towards business and commerce.

9 ADV [ADV after v] You can use away to emphasize a continuous or repeated action. [EMPHASIS ] □� He would often be working away on his computer late into the night.

10 ADV [ADV after v] You use away to show that something is removed. □� The waitress whipped the plate away and put down my bill.

11far and away →�see far

12right away →�see right ➎

awe /ɔː / (awes , awed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Awe is the feeling of respect and amazement that you have when you are faced with something wonderful and often rather frightening. □� She gazed in awe at the great stones.

2 VERB [usu passive, no cont] If you are awedby someone or something, they make you feel respectful and amazed, though often rather frightened. □�[be V -ed] I am still awed by David's courage. □�[V -ed] The crowd listened in awed silence.

3 PHRASE If you are in awe of someone or if you stand in awe of them, you have a lot of respect for them and are slightly afraid of them.

a we-inspiring ADJ If you describe someone or something as awe-inspiring , you are emphasizing that you think that they are remarkable and amazing, although sometimes rather frightening. [EMPHASIS ] □� The higher we climbed, the more awe-inspiring the scenery became.

awe|some /ɔː səm/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An awesome person or thing is very impressive and often frightening. □� �the awesome responsibility of sending men into combat.

awe|struck /ɔː strʌk/ also awe-struck ADJ If someone is awestruck , they are very impressed and amazed by something. [WRITTEN ] □� I stood and gazed at him, awestruck that anyone could be so beautiful.

aw|ful ◆◇◇ /ɔː fʊl/

1 ADJ If you say that someone or something is awful , you dislike that person or thing or you think that they are not very good. □� We met and I thought he was awful. □� �an awful smell of paint. □� Even if the weather's awful there's lots to do. □� Jeans look awful on me. ●� aw|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The programme's awfulness has ensured it is talked about.

2 ADJ If you say that something is awful , you mean that it is extremely unpleasant, shocking, or bad. □� Her injuries were massive. It was awful. □� Some of their offences are so awful they would chill the blood.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you look or feel awful , you look or feel ill. □� I hardly slept at all and felt pretty awful.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use awful with noun groups that refer to an amount in order to emphasize how large that amount is. [EMPHASIS ] □� I've got an awful lot of work to do. ●� aw|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] □� Would you mind awfully waiting a bit, I'll be back right away.

5 ADV [ADV adj] You can use awful with adjectives that describe a quality in order to emphasize that particular quality. [AM , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Gosh, you're awful pretty.

awhile /ə h wa I l/ ADV [usu ADV after v] Awhile means for a short time. It is more commonly spelled 'a while', which is considered more correct, especially in British English. □� He worked awhile as a pharmacist in Cincinnati.

awk|ward /ɔː kwə r d/

1 ADJ An awkward situation is embarrassing and difficult to deal with. □� I was the first to ask him awkward questions but there'll be harder ones to come. □� There was an awkward moment as couples decided whether to stand next to their partners. ●� awk|ward|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� There was an awkwardly long silence.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] Something that is awkwardto use or carry is difficult to use or carry because of its design. A job that is awkward is difficult to do. □� It was small but heavy enough to make it awkward to carry. □� Full-size tripods can be awkward, especially if you're shooting a low-level subject. ●� awk|ward|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� The autoexposure button is awkwardly placed under the lens release button.

3 ADJ An awkward movement or position is uncomfortable or clumsy. □� Amy made an awkward gesture with her hands. ●� awk|ward|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He fell awkwardly and went down in agony clutching his right knee.

4 ADJ Someone who feels awkward behaves in a shy or embarrassed way. □� Women frequently say that they feel awkward taking the initiative in sex. ●� awk|ward|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'This is Malcolm,' the girl said awkwardly, to fill the silence. ●� awk|ward|ness N‑UNCOUNT

5 ADJ If you say that someone is awkward , you are critical of them because you find them unreasonable and difficult to live with or deal with. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She's got to an age where she is being awkward.

awn|ing /ɔː n I ŋ/ (awnings ) N‑COUNT An awning is a piece of material attached to a caravan or building which provides shelter from the rain or sun.

awoke /əwoʊ k/ Awoke is the past tense of awake .

awok|en /əwoʊ kən/ Awoken is the past participle of awake .

AWOL /e I wɒl/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone in the Armed Forces goes AWOL , they leave their post without the permission of a superior officer. AWOL is an abbreviation for 'absent without leave'.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone has gone AWOL , you mean that they have disappeared without telling anyone where they were going. [INFORMAL ]

awry /əra I / ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something goes awry , it does not happen in the way it was planned. □� She was in a fury over a plan that had gone awry.

axe /� ks/ (axes , axing , axed ) in AM, use ax1 N‑COUNT An axe is a tool used for cutting wood. It consists of a heavy metal blade which is sharp at one edge and attached by its other edge to the end of a long handle.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone's job or something such as a public service or a television programme is axed , it is ended suddenly and without discussion. □�[be V -ed] Community projects are being axed by hard-pressed social services departments.

3 N‑SING If a person or institution is facing the axe , that person is likely to lose their job or that institution is likely to be closed, usually in order to save money. [JOURNALISM ]

4 PHRASE If someone has an axe to grind , they are doing something for selfish reasons. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�with ] He seems like a decent bloke and I've got no axe to grind with him.

axes Pronounced /� ks I z/ for meaning 1 , and /� ksiːz/ for meaning 2 . 1Axes is the plural of axe .

2Axes is the plural of axis .

axi|om /� ksiəm/ (axioms ) N‑COUNT [oft N that] An axiom is a statement or idea which people accept as being true. [FORMAL ] □� �the long-held axiom that education leads to higher income.

axio|mat|ic /� ksiəm� t I k/ ADJ If something is axiomatic , it seems to be obviously true. [FORMAL ]

axis /� ks I s/ (axes )

1 N‑COUNT An axis is an imaginary line through the middle of something.

2 N‑COUNT An axis of a graph is one of the two lines on which the scales of measurement are marked.

axle /� ks ə l/ (axles ) N‑COUNT An axle is a rod connecting a pair of wheels on a car or other vehicle.

aya|tol|lah /a I ətɒ lə/ (ayatollahs ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An ayatollah is a type of Muslim religious leader.

aye /a I / (ayes ) also ay

1 CONVENTION Aye means yes; used in some dialects of British English. □� 'Do you remember your first day at school?'�'Oh aye. Yeah.'

2 ADV If you vote aye , you vote in favour of something.

3 N‑PLURAL The ayes are the people who vote in favour of something.

Ayurvedic /a I ʊə r ve I d I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ayurvedic medicine is a type of complementary medicine, originally from India, that uses herbs and other natural treatments. □� �an Ayurvedic practitioner.

azalea /əze I liə/ (azaleas ) N‑COUNT An azalea is a woody plant with shiny, dark-green leaves which produces many brightly-coloured flowers in the spring.

az|ure /� ʒuə r / COLOUR Azure is used to describe things that are bright blue. [LITERARY ] □� �an azure sky.

Bb

B , b /biː / (B's, b's )

1 N‑VAR B is the second letter of the English alphabet.

2 N‑VAR If you get a B as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is good.

B2B /biː tə biː / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] B2B is the selling of goods and services by one company to another using the internet. B2B is an abbreviation for 'business to business'. [BUSINESS ] □� American analysts have been somewhat cautious in estimating the size of the B2B market.

B2C /biː tə siː / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] B2C is the selling of goods and services by businesses to consumers using the internet. B2C is an abbreviation for 'business to consumer'. [BUSINESS ] □� 19 per cent of B2C companies are now worth little more than the cash on their balance sheets.

B4B4 is the written abbreviation for 'before', mainly used in text messages and emails.

BA /biː e I / (BAs ) also B.A.

1 N‑COUNT A BA is a first degree in an arts or social science subject. BA is an abbreviation for 'Bachelor of Arts'. □�[+�in ] I did a BA in film making.

2BA is written after someone's name to indicate that they have a BA. □� �Helen Rich, BA (Hons).

bab|ble /b� b ə l/ (babbles , babbling , babbled )

1 VERB If someone babbles , they talk in a confused or excited way. □�[V on/away ] Momma babbled on and on about how he was ruining me. □�[V ] They all babbled simultaneously. □�[V with quote] 'Er, hello, viewers,' he babbled.

2 N‑SING You can refer to people's voices as a babbleof sound when they are excited and confused, preventing you from understanding what they are saying. □�[+�of ] Kemp knocked loudly so as to be heard above the high babble of voices.

babe /be I b/ (babes )

1 N‑COUNT Some people use babe as an affectionate way of addressing someone they love. [AM , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� I'm sorry, babe. I didn't mean it.

2 N‑COUNT Some men refer to an attractive young woman as a babe . This use could cause offence. [INFORMAL ]

3 N‑COUNT A babe is the same as a baby . [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �newborn babes.

ba|bel /be I b ə l/ N‑SING If there is a babel of voices, you hear a lot of people talking at the same time, so that you cannot understand what they are saying. □� �a confused babel of sound.

ba|boon /b�buː n/ (baboons ) N‑COUNT A baboon is a large monkey that lives in Africa.

baby ◆◆◇ /be I bi/ (babies )

1 N‑COUNT A baby is a very young child, especially one that cannot yet walk or talk. □� My wife has just had a baby. □� Claire had to dress her baby sister.

2 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A baby animal is a very young animal. □� �a baby elephant. □� �baby birds.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Baby vegetables are vegetables picked when they are very small. □� Serve with baby new potatoes.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Some people use baby as an affectionate way of addressing someone, especially a young woman, or referring to them. [INFORMAL ] □� You have to wake up now, baby. COLLOCATIONS baby NOUN 1

adjective +�baby : healthy, newborn, premature; stillborn, unborn

verb +�baby : adopt, conceive, deliver, expect; breastfeed; lose

ba by boom (baby booms ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A baby boom is a period of time when a lot of babies are born in a particular place. [INFORMAL ] □� I'm a product of the postwar baby boom.

baby boom|er /be I bi buːmə r / (baby boomers ) also baby-boomer N‑COUNT [oft N n] A baby boomer is someone who was born during a baby boom, especially during the years after the end of the Second World War. [INFORMAL , mainly JOURNALISM ]

ba by bug|gy (baby buggies )

1 N‑COUNT A baby buggy is a small folding seat with wheels, which a young child can sit in and which can be pushed around. [BRIT ] in AM, use stroller2 N‑COUNT A baby buggy is another word for a baby carriage . [AM ]

ba by car|riage (baby carriages ) N‑COUNT A baby carriage is a small vehicle in which a baby can lie as it is pushed along. [AM ] in BRIT, use pram

ba|by|hood /be I bihʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Your babyhood is the period of your life when you were a baby.

ba|by|ish /be I bi I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Babyish actions, feelings, or looks are like a baby's, or are immature. □� �a fat, babyish face. □� I'm ashamed of the babyish nonsense I write.

baby|sit /be I bis I t/ (babysits , babysitting , babysat ) VERB If you babysitfor someone or babysit their children, you look after their children while they are out. □�[V +�for ] I promised to babysit for Mrs Plunkett. □�[V ] You can take it in turns to babysit. □�[V n] She had been babysitting him and his four-year-old sister. ●� baby|sitter (babysitters ) N‑COUNT □� It can be difficult to find a good babysitter. ●� baby|sitting N‑UNCOUNT □� Would you like me to do any babysitting?

ba by talk also baby-talk N‑UNCOUNT Baby talk is the language used by babies when they are just learning to speak, or the way in which some adults speak when they are talking to babies. □� Maria was talking baby talk to the little one.

bac|ca|lau|re|ate /b�kəlɔː riət/ (baccalaureates )

1 N‑SING The baccalaureate is an examination taken by students at the age of eighteen in France and some other countries.

2 N‑COUNT [usu N n] In the United States, a baccalaureate service or address is a service that is held or a talk that is given during the ceremony when students receive their degrees.

bach|elor /b� tʃələ r / (bachelors ) N‑COUNT A bachelor is a man who has never married.

Ba ch|elor of A rts (Bachelors of Arts ) N‑COUNT A Bachelor of Arts is a first degree in an arts or social science subject. In British English, it can also mean a person with that degree. The abbreviation BA or B.A. is also used.

Ba ch|elor of Sci |ence (Bachelors of Science ) N‑COUNT A Bachelor of Science is a first degree in a science subject. In British English, it can also mean a person with that degree. The abbreviation BSc or B.Sc. is also used.

ba ch|elor's de|gree (bachelor's degrees )

1 N‑COUNT A bachelor's degree is a first degree awarded by universities.

2 →�see also BA , BSc

ba|cil|lus /bəs I ləs/ (bacilli ) N‑COUNT A bacillus is any bacterium that has a long, thin shape.

back

➊�ADVERB USES

➋�OPPOSITE OF FRONT; NOUN AND ADJECTIVE USES

➌�VERB USES

➊ back ◆◆◆ /b� k/ In addition to the uses shown below, back is also used in phrasal verbs such as 'date back' and 'fall back on'. →�Please look at category 17 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you move back , you move in the opposite direction to the one in which you are facing or in which you were moving before. □� The photographers drew back to let us view the body. □�[+�from ] She stepped back from the door expectantly. □� He pushed her away and she fell back on the wooden bench.

2 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If you go back somewhere, you return to where you were before. □�[+�to ] I went back to bed. □�[+�in ] I'm due back in London by late afternoon. □� Smith changed his mind and moved back home. □� I'll be back as soon as I can. □� He made a round-trip to the terminal and back.

3 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If someone or something is back in a particular state, they were in that state before and are now in it again. □� The rail company said it expected services to get slowly back to normal. □� Denise hopes to be back at work by the time her daughter is one.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If you give or put something back , you return it to the person who had it or to the place where it was before you took it. If you get or take something back , you then have it again after not having it for a while. □� She handed the knife back. □�[+�in ] Put it back in the freezer. □� You'll get your money back.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If you put a clock or watch back , you change the time shown on it so that it shows an earlier time, for example when the time changes to winter time or standard time.

6 ADV [ADV after v] If you write or call back , you write to or phone someone after they have written to or phoned you. If you look back at someone, you look at them after they have started looking at you. □�[+�to ] They wrote back to me and they told me that I didn't have to do it. □� If the phone rings, say you'll call back after dinner. □� Lee looked at Theodora. She stared back.

7 ADV [ADV after v] You can say that you go or come backto a particular point in a conversation to show that you are mentioning or discussing it again. □�[+�to ] Can I come back to the question of policing once again? □�[+�to ] Going back to the school, how many staff are there?

8 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If something is or comes back , it is fashionable again after it has been unfashionable for some time. □� Short skirts are back. □�[+�into ] Consensus politics could easily come back into fashion.

9 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If someone or something is kept or situated backfrom a place, they are at a distance away from it. □�[+�from ] Keep back from the edge of the platform. □�[+�from ] I'm a few miles back from the border. □� He started for Dot's bedroom and Myrtle held him back.

10 ADV [ADV after v] If something is held or tied back , it is held or tied so that it does not hang loosely over something. □� The curtains were held back by tassels.

11 ADV [ADV after v] If you lie or sit back , you move your body backwards into a relaxed sloping or flat position, with your head and body resting on something. □� She lay back and stared at the ceiling. □� She leaned back in her chair and smiled.

12 ADV [ADV after v] If you look or shout back at someone or something, you turn to look or shout at them when they are behind you. □� Nick looked back over his shoulder and then stopped, frowning. □� He called back to her.

13 ADV You use back in expressions like back in London or back at the house when you are giving an account, to show that you are going to start talking about what happened or was happening in the place you mention. □�[+�in ] Meanwhile, back in London, Palace Pictures was collapsing. □�[+�at ] Later, back at home, the telephone rang.

14 ADV [ADV with v, n ADV ] If you talk about something that happened back in the past or several years back , you are emphasizing that it happened quite a long time ago. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�in ] The story starts back in 1950, when I was five. □� He contributed �50m to the project a few years back.

15 ADV [ADV after v] If you think backto something that happened in the past, you remember it or try to remember it. □�[+�to ] I thought back to the time in 1975 when my son was desperately ill.

16 PHRASE If someone moves back and forth , they repeatedly move in one direction and then in the opposite direction. □� He paced back and forth.

17to cast your mind back →�see mind ➊

➋ back ◆◆◆ /b� k/ (backs )

→�Please look at categories 22 to 24 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A person's or animal's back is the part of their body between their head and their legs that is on the opposite side to their chest and stomach. □� She turned her back to the audience. □� Three of the victims were shot in the back.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The backof something is the side or part of it that is towards the rear or farthest from the front. The back of something is normally not used or seen as much as the front. □�[+�of ] �a room at the back of the shop. □�[+�of ] She raised her hands to the back of her neck. □�[+�of ] Smooth the mixture with the back of a soup spoon.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Back is used to refer to the side or part of something that is towards the rear or farthest from the front. □� He opened the back door. □� Ann could remember sitting in the back seat of their car. □� �the path leading to the back garden.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The back of a chair or sofa is the part that you lean against when you sit on it. □�[+�of ] There was a neatly folded pink sweater on the back of the chair.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The back of something such as a piece of paper or an envelope is the side which is less important. □�[+�of ] He scribbled some notes on the back of the envelope.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The back of a book is the part nearest the end, where you can find the index or the notes, for example. □�[+�of ] �the index at the back of the book.

7 N‑SING You can use back in expressions such as round the back and out the back to refer generally to the area behind a house or other building. [BRIT , SPOKEN ] □� He had chickens and things round the back.

8 N‑UNCOUNT You use back in expressions such as out back to refer to the area behind a house or other building. You also use in back to refer to the rear part of something, especially a car or building. [AM ] □� Dan informed her that he would be out back on the patio cleaning his shoes. □� Catlett got behind the wheel and I sat in back. [Also +�of ]

9 N‑COUNT In team games such as football and hockey, a back is a player who is concerned mainly with preventing the other team from scoring goals, rather than scoring goals for their own team.

10 N‑COUNT In American football, a back is a player who stands behind the front line, runs with the ball and attacks rather than defends.

11 PHRASE If you say that something was done behind someone's back , you disapprove of it because it was done without them knowing about it, in an unfair or dishonest way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You eat her food, enjoy her hospitality and then criticize her behind her back.

12 PHRASE If you break the back of a task or problem, you do the most difficult part of what is necessary to complete the task or solve the problem. □� It seems at least that we've broken the back of inflation in this country.

13 PHRASE If two or more things are done back to back , one follows immediately after the other without any interruption. □� �two half-hour shows, which will be screened back to back.

14 PHRASE If you are wearing something back to front , you are wearing it with the back of it at the front of your body. If you do something back to front , you do it the wrong way around, starting with the part that should come last. [mainly BRIT ] □� He wears his baseball cap back to front. □� The picture was printed back to front. in AM, use backward

15 PHRASE If you say that one thing happens on the back of another thing, you mean that it happens after that other thing and in addition to it. □� The cuts, if approved, come on the back of a difficult eight years that have seen three fire stations closed.

16 PHRASE If someone is on the back foot , or if something puts them on the back foot , they feel threatened and act defensively. □� From now on, Labour will be on the back foot on the subject of welfare. □� I thought it would knock my confidence and put me on the back foot.

17 PHRASE If someone or something puts your back up or gets your back up , they annoy you. [INFORMAL ] □� Some food labelling practices really get my back up.

18to take a back seat →�see seat

➌ back ◆◆◆ /b� k/ (backs , backing , backed )

1 VERB If a building backsonto something, the back of it faces in the direction of that thing or touches the edge of that thing. □�[V +�onto ] We live in a ground floor flat which backs onto a busy street. □�[V +�onto ] His garden backs onto a school.

2 VERB When you back a car or other vehicle somewhere or when it backs somewhere, it moves backwards. □�[V n prep/adv] He backed his car out of the drive. □�[V ] I heard the engines revving as the lorries backed and turned.

3 VERB If you back a person or a course of action, you support them, for example by voting for them or giving them money. □�[V n] There is a new witness to back his claim that he is a victim of mistaken identity. ●� -backed COMB □� �government-backed loans to Egypt.

4 VERB If you back a particular person, team, or horse in a competition, you predict that they will win, and usually you bet money that they will win. □�[V n to-inf] He was heavily backed to win two Majors. □�[V n] It is upsetting to discover that you have backed a loser.

5 VERB [usu passive] If a singer is backedby a band or by other singers, they provide the musical background for the singer. □�[be V -ed +�by ] She was backed by acoustic guitar, bass and congas.

6 →�see also backing

▸� back away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you back awayfrom a commitment that you made or something that you were involved with in the past, you try to show that you are no longer committed to it or involved with it. □�[V P +�from ] The company backed away from plans to cut their pay by 15%. □�[V P ] Until yesterday, Britain had backed away because it didn't like the cost.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you back away , you walk backwards away from someone or something, often because you are frightened of them. □�[V P ] James got to his feet and started to come over, but the girls hastily backed away. [Also V P +�from ]

▸� back down PHRASAL VERB If you back down , you withdraw a claim, demand, or commitment that you made earlier, because other people are strongly opposed to it. □�[V P ] It's too late to back down now. □�[V P +�on/over ] He had to back down on plans to backdate the tax changes.

▸� back off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you back off , you move away in order to avoid problems or a fight. □�[V P ] They backed off in horror.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you back offfrom a claim, demand, or commitment that you made earlier, or if you back off it, you withdraw it. □�[V P +�from ] A spokesman says the president has backed off from his threat to boycott the conference. □�[V P n] The union has publicly backed off that demand.

▸� back out PHRASAL VERB If you back out , you decide not to do something that you previously agreed to do. □�[V P +�of ] Madonna backed out of the project after much wrangling. □�[V P ] Wells was supposed to put up half the money, but later backed out.

▸� back up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something backs up a statement, they supply evidence to suggest that it is true. □�[V P n] Radio signals received from the galaxy's centre back up the black hole theory. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you back up a computer file, you make a copy of it which you can use if the original file is damaged or lost. [COMPUTING ] □�[V P n] Make a point of backing up your files at regular intervals. □�[V n P ] I get so annoyed when I lose work because I've forgotten to back it up.

3 PHRASAL VERB If an idea or intention is backed up by action, action is taken to support or confirm it. □�[be V -ed P ] The Secretary General says the declaration must now be backed up by concrete and effective actions. □�[V P n] It is time the Government backed up its advert campaigns with tougher measures. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you back someone up , you show your support for them. □�[V n P ] His employers, Norfolk Social Services, backed him up. [Also V P n]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you back someone up , you help them by confirming that what they are saying is true. □�[V n P ] The girl denied being there, and the man backed her up. [Also V P n]

6 PHRASAL VERB If you back up , the car or other vehicle that you are driving moves back a short distance. □�[V P ] Back up, Hans. □�[V P +�to ] A police van drove through the protesters and backed up to the front door of the house.

7 PHRASAL VERB If vehicles back up , they form a line of traffic which has to wait before it can move on. □�[be V -ed P ] Traffic into London on the M11 was backed up for several miles. [Also V P , V P n]

8 PHRASAL VERB If you back up , you move backwards a short distance. □�[V P ] I backed up carefully until I felt the wall against my back. □�[V P amount] She backed up a few steps.

9 →�see also backup USAGE back

You never use �back� with the verb return . You do not say, for example, � He returned back to his office �. You say �He returned to his office�. □� I returned from the Middle East in 1956.

back|ache /b� ke I k/ (backaches ) N‑VAR Backache is a dull pain in your back.

back|bench /b� kbentʃ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A backbench MP is a Member of Parliament who is not a minister and who does not hold an official position in his or her political party. [BRIT , AUSTRALIAN ] □� Some backbench MPs have threatened to rebel.

back|bencher /b� kbe ntʃə r / (backbenchers ) N‑COUNT A backbencher is a Member of Parliament who is not a minister and who does not hold an official position in his or her political party. [BRIT ] □� �a senior Conservative backbencher.

back|benches /b� kbe ntʃ I z/ N‑PLURAL Thebackbenches are the seats in the British House of Commons where backbenchers sit. The Members of Parliament who sit on the backbenches are also referred to as the backbenches . [BRIT ] □� This issue is creating unrest on the backbenches.

back|bit|ing /b� kba I t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of backbiting , you mean that they say unpleasant or unkind things about someone who is not present, especially in order to stop them doing well at work. [DISAPPROVAL ]

back|bone /b� kboʊn/ (backbones )

1 N‑COUNT Your backbone is the column of small linked bones down the middle of your back.

2 N‑SING [usu with poss] The backbone of an organization or system is the part of it that gives it its main strength. □�[+�of ] Small businesses are the economic backbone of this country.

ba ck-breaking also backbreaking ADJ [usu ADJ n] Back-breaking work involves a lot of hard physical effort.

ba ck burn|er also backburner N‑SING If you put an issue on theback burner , you leave it in order to deal with it later because you now consider it to have become less urgent or important. □� Many speculated that the U.S. would put the peace process on the back burner.

ba ck ca ta|logue (back catalogues ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A musical performer's back catalogue is the music which they recorded and released in the past rather than their latest recordings.

back|cloth /b� kklɒθ, [AM ] -klɔːθ/ (backcloths )

1 N‑COUNT A backcloth is a large piece of cloth, often with scenery or buildings painted on it, that is hung at the back of a stage while a play is being performed. [BRIT ] in AM, use backdrop2 N‑SING The backclothof an event is the general situation in which it happens. [BRIT , JOURNALISM , LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the promise of tax cuts against the backcloth of a public-spending deficit.

ba ck co py (back copies ) N‑COUNT A back copy of a magazine or newspaper is the same as a back issue .

ba ck coun|try also backcountry N‑SING Theback country is an area that is a long way from any city and has very few people living in it. [AM ] □� They have moved deep into the back country.

back|date /b� kde I t/ (backdates , backdating , backdated ) also back-date VERB If a document or an arrangement is backdated , it is valid from a date before the date when it is completed or signed. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The contract that was signed on Thursday morning was backdated to March 11. □�[V n +�to ] Anyone who has overpaid tax will be able to backdate their claim to last April. [Also V n]

back|door /b� kdɔː r / also back door

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use backdoor to describe an action or process if you disapprove of it because you think it has been done in a secret, indirect, or dishonest way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He did the backdoor deals that allowed the government to get its budget through Parliament on time. □� He brushed aside talk of greedy MPs voting themselves a backdoor pay rise.

2 N‑SING If you say that someone is doing something through or by the backdoor , you disapprove of them because they are doing it in a secret, indirect, or dishonest way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Dentists claim the Government is privatising dentistry through the back door.

back|drop /b� kdrɒp/ (backdrops )

1 N‑COUNT A backdrop is a large piece of cloth, often with scenery painted on it, that is hung at the back of a stage while a play is being performed.

2 N‑COUNT The backdrop to an object or a scene is what you see behind it. □� Leeds Castle will provide a dramatic backdrop to a fireworks display next Saturday.

3 N‑COUNT The backdrop to an event is the general situation in which it happens. □� The election will take place against a backdrop of increasing instability.

back|er /b� kə r / (backers ) N‑COUNT A backer is someone who helps or supports a project, organization, or person, often by giving or lending money. □� I was looking for a backer to assist me in the attempted buy-out.

back|fire /b� kfa I ə r , [AM ] -fa I r/ (backfires , backfiring , backfired )

1 VERB If a plan or project backfires , it has the opposite result to the one that was intended. □�[V ] The President's tactics could backfire. □�[V +�on/against ] It all backfired on me!

2 VERB When a motor vehicle or its engine backfires , it produces an explosion in the exhaust pipe. □�[V ] The car backfired.

back|gam|mon /b� kg�mən/ N‑UNCOUNT Backgammon is a game for two people, played on a board marked with long triangles. Each player has 15 wooden or plastic discs. The players throw dice and move the discs around the board.

back|ground ◆◇◇ /b� kgraʊnd/ (backgrounds )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your background is the kind of family you come from and the kind of education you have had. It can also refer to such things as your social and racial origins, your financial status, or the type of work experience that you have. □� She came from a working-class background. □� His background was in engineering.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft against N ] The background to an event or situation consists of the facts that explain what caused it. □� The meeting takes place against a background of continuing political violence. □� �background information.

3 N‑SING Thebackground is sounds, such as music, which you can hear but which you are not listening to with your full attention. □� I kept hearing the sound of applause in the background. □� The background music was provided by an accordion player.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use background to refer to the things in a picture or scene that are less noticeable or important than the main things or people in it. □� �roses patterned on a blue background. ●�PHRASE Someone who stays in the background avoids being noticed, although the things that they do are important or influential. □� Rosemary likes to stay in the background. SYNONYMS background NOUN

1

upbringing:Martin's upbringing shaped his whole life.

childhood:She had a happy childhood.

nurture:The human organism learns partly by nature, partly by nurture.

2

environment:The twins were brought up in entirely different environments.

circumstances:The strategy was too dangerous in the explosive circumstances of the times.

history:He couldn't get a new job because of his medical history.

conditions:The conditions are ripe for the spread of disease.

back|hand /b� kh�nd/ (backhands ) N‑VAR A backhand is a shot in tennis or squash, which you make with your arm across your body. □� She practised her backhand.

back|hand|ed /b� kh� nd I d, [AM ] -h�nd I d/ also back-handed

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A backhanded compliment is a remark which seems to be an insult but could also be understood as a compliment. A backhanded compliment is also a remark which seems to be a compliment but could also be understood as an insult. □� Saying she's improved comes over as a backhanded compliment.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone is doing something in a backhanded way, they are doing it indirectly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� In a backhanded way, I think a lot of my energy and strength comes from my campaigning.

back|hand|er /b� kh�ndə r / (backhanders ) also back-hander N‑COUNT A backhander is an amount of money that is illegally paid to someone in a position of authority in order to encourage them to do something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

back|ing ◆◇◇ /b� k I ŋ/ (backings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has the backingof an organization or an important person, they receive support or money from that organization or person in order to do something. □�[+�of ] He said the president had the full backing of his government to negotiate a deal. □�[+�of ] Mr Bach set up his own consulting business with the backing of his old boss. [Also +�for ]

2 N‑VAR A backing is a layer of something such as cloth that is put onto the back of something in order to strengthen or protect it.

3 N‑COUNT [oft N n] The backing of a popular song is the music which is sung or played to accompany the main tune. □� For a while, she sang backing vocals in a folk-rock group. SYNONYMS backing NOUN 1

support:The prime minister gave his full support to the government's reforms.

approval:The chairman has also given his approval for an investigation into the case.

endorsement:It's important that we get the endorsement of the local colleges.

ba ck i s|sue (back issues ) N‑COUNT A back issue of a magazine or newspaper is one that was published some time ago and is not the most recent.

back|lash /b� kl�ʃ/ N‑SING A backlashagainst a tendency or recent development in society or politics, is a sudden, strong reaction against it. □� �the male backlash against feminism. □� �a right-wing backlash.

back|less /b� kləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A backless dress leaves most of a woman's back uncovered down to her waist.

back|log /b� klɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (backlogs ) N‑COUNT A backlog is a number of things which have not yet been done but which need to be done. □� There is a backlog of repairs and maintenance in schools.

ba ck nu m|ber (back numbers ) N‑COUNT A back number of a magazine or newspaper is the same as a back issue .

back|pack /b� kp�k/ (backpacks ) N‑COUNT A backpack is a bag with straps that go over your shoulders, so that you can carry things on your back when you are walking or climbing.

back|pack|er /b� kp�kə r / (backpackers ) N‑COUNT A backpacker is a person who goes travelling with a backpack.

back|pack|ing /b� kp�k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you go backpacking , you go travelling with a backpack.

ba ck pa s|sage (back passages ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to their rectum as their back passage . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

ba ck pay N‑UNCOUNT Back pay is money which an employer owes an employee for work that he or she did in the past. [BUSINESS ] □� He will receive $6,000 in back pay.

ba ck-pe dal (back-pedals , back-pedalling , back-pedalled ) also backpedal The forms back-pedaling and back-pedaled are used in American English. 1 VERB If you back-pedal , you express a different or less forceful opinion about something from the one you have previously expressed. □�[V ] Allen back-pedalled, saying that he had had no intention of offending them. □�[V +�on ] He appeared to back-pedal on that statement.

2 VERB If you say that someone back-pedals , you disapprove of their behaviour because they are not doing what they promised. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] She's backpedaled twice already. □�[V +�on/from ] The cabinet may backpedal on these commitments. ●� back-pedalling N‑UNCOUNT □� �Britain's back-pedalling on reforms.

back|rest /b� krest/ (backrests ) N‑COUNT The backrest of a seat or chair is the part which you rest your back on.

ba ck road (back roads ) N‑COUNT A back road is a small country road with very little traffic.

back|room /b� krʊm/ (back rooms ) also back-room , back room

1 N‑COUNT A backroom is a room that is situated at the back of a building, especially a private room. □� �the backroom of the officers' club.

2 N‑COUNT You can use backroom to refer to people in an organization who do important work but are not seen or known about by the public. You can also use backroom to refer to a place where such people work. □� Public scrutiny had brought civil servants out from the backroom and into the spotlight. □� �Mr Smith's backroom staff.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to a deal made by someone such as a politician as a backroom deal, you disapprove of it because it has been made in a secret, dishonest way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They have been calling the Presidency decision a backroom deal.

ba ck|room boy (backroom boys ) also backroom-boy N‑COUNT You can refer to a man as a backroom boy when he does important work in an organization and has good ideas but is not seen or known about by the public. [BRIT ]

ba ck-seat dri v|er (back-seat drivers ) also backseat driver

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a passenger in a car as a back-seat driver , they annoy you because they constantly give you advice about your driving. [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone, especially a politician, as a back-seat driver , you disapprove of them because they try to influence a situation that does not concern them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They accused the former prime minister of being a backseat driver.

back|side /b� ksa I d/ (backsides ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your backside is the part of your body that you sit on. [INFORMAL ]

ba ck-slapping also backslapping N‑UNCOUNT Back-slapping is noisy, cheerful behaviour which people use in order to show affection or appreciation to each other. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Back-slapping is also an adjective. □� Scott breaks away from his back-slapping admirers.

back|slid|ing /b� ksla I d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of backsliding , you disapprove of them because they have failed to do something they promised or agreed to do, or have started again doing something undesirable that they had previously stopped doing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the government's backsliding on free market reforms. □� This may help to maintain the gains you've made and to prevent backsliding.

ba ck-stab|bing N‑UNCOUNT Back-stabbing consists of unkind and disloyal actions or remarks that are likely to harm someone such as a friend or colleague. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She accused her colleagues of bullying and back-stabbing.

back|stage /b� kste I dʒ/ ADV [ADV after v] In a theatre, backstage refers to the areas behind the stage. □� He went backstage and asked for her autograph. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Backstage is also an adjective. □� �a backstage pass.

ba ck street (back streets ) also back-street , backstreet

1 N‑COUNT A back street in a town or city is a small, narrow street with very little traffic. □� The small church of San Michel is tucked away in a narrow back street of Port-au-Prince. □� �backstreet garages.

2 N‑PLURAL The back streets of a town or city are the areas of small, old, poor streets rather than the richer or newer areas. □� �the back streets of Berlin.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Back street activities are carried out unofficially, secretly, and often illegally. □� �back street abortions.

back|stroke /b� kstroʊk/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Backstroke is a swimming stroke that you do on your back.

2 N‑SING Thebackstroke is a swimming race in which the competitors swim backstroke. □� �the 100 metres backstroke.

ba ck-to-ba ck ADJ [usu ADJ n] Back-to-back wins or victories are victories that are gained one after another without any defeats between them. □� �their first back-to-back victories of the season.

back|track /b� ktr�k/ (backtracks , backtracking , backtracked ) also back-track

1 VERB If you backtrackon a statement or decision you have made, you do or say something that shows that you no longer agree with it or support it. □�[V ] The committee backtracked by scrapping the controversial bonus system. □�[V +�on ] The finance minister backtracked on his decision. [Also V +�from ] ●� back|track|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He promised there would be no backtracking on policies.

2 VERB If you backtrack , you go back along a path or route you have just used. □�[V ] Leonard jumped in his car and started backtracking. □�[V prep] We had to backtrack to the corner and cross the street.

3 VERB If you backtrack in an account or explanation, you talk about things which happened before the ones you were previously talking about. □�[V ] Can we just backtrack a little bit and look at your primary and secondary education?

back|up /b� kʌp/ (backups ) also back-up

1 N‑VAR Backup consists of extra equipment, resources, or people that you can get help or support from if necessary. □� There is no emergency back-up immediately available. □� Alternative treatments can provide a useful back-up to conventional treatment.

2 N‑VAR If you have something such as a second piece of equipment or set of plans as backup , you have arranged for them to be available for use in case the first one does not work. □� Every part of the system has a backup. □� Computer users should make regular back-up copies of their work.

back|ward /b� kwə r d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A backward movement or look is in the direction that your back is facing. Some people use backwards for this meaning. □� He turned and walked out without a backward glance. □� He did a backward flip.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone takes a backward step, they do something that does not change or improve their situation, but causes them to go back a stage. □� At a certain age, it's not viable for men to take a backward step into unskilled work.

3 ADJ A backward country or society does not have modern industries and machines. □� We need to accelerate the pace of change in our backward country. ●� back|ward|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] I was astonished at the backwardness of our country at the time.

4 ADJ A backward child has difficulty in learning. This use could cause offence. □� I was slow to walk and talk and my parents thought I was backward.

ba ckward-looking also backward looking ADJ If you describe someone or something as backward-looking , you disapprove of their attitudes, ideas, or actions because they are based on old-fashioned opinions or methods. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a stagnant, backward-looking culture.

back|wards /b� kwə r dz/ In American English, backward is usually used as an adverb instead of backwards . Backward is also sometimes used in this way in formal British English. 1 ADV [ADV after v] If you move or look backwards , you move or look in the direction that your back is facing. □� The diver flipped over backwards into the water. □� He took two steps backward. □� Bess glanced backwards. □� Keeping your back straight, swing one leg backwards. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Backwards is also an adjective. □� Without so much as a backwards glance, he steered her towards the car.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something backwards , you do it in the opposite way to the usual way. □� He works backwards, building a house from the top downwards.

3 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] You use backwards to indicate that something changes or develops in a way that is not an improvement, but is a return to old ideas or methods. □� Greater government intervention in businesses would represent a step backwards. □� �the blaming that keeps us looking backward.

4 →�see also backward

5 PHRASE If someone or something moves backwards and forwards , they move repeatedly first in one direction and then in the opposite direction. □� Draw the floss backwards and forwards between the teeth. □� �people travelling backwards and forwards to and from London.

6to bend over backwards →�see bend

back|wash /b� kwɒʃ/ N‑SING The backwash of an event or situation is an unpleasant situation that exists after it and as a result of it. □� �the backwash of the tragedy.

back|water /b� kwɔːtə r / (backwaters )

1 N‑COUNT A backwater is a place that is isolated. □� �a quiet rural backwater.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a place or institution as a backwater , you think it is not developing properly because it is isolated from ideas and events in other places and institutions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Britain could become a political backwater with no serious influence in the world.

back|woods /b� kwʊdz/ N‑PLURAL If you refer to an area as thebackwoods , you mean that it is a long way from large towns and is isolated from modern life. □� �the backwoods of Louisiana.

back|woods|man /b� kwʊdzmən/ (backwoodsmen ) N‑COUNT Backwoodsmen are people, especially politicians, who like the old ways of doing things, or who are involved in an organization at a local level. [mainly BRIT ] □� �Republican Party backwoodsmen in the United States.

back|yard /b� kjɑː r d/ (backyards ) also back yard

1 N‑COUNT A backyard is an area of land at the back of a house.

2 N‑COUNT [with poss] If you refer to a country's own backyard , you are referring to its own territory or to somewhere that is very close and where that country wants to influence events. □� Economics will not stop Europe's politicians complaining when jobs are lost in their own backyard.

ba|con /be I kən/ N‑UNCOUNT Bacon is salted or smoked meat which comes from the back or sides of a pig.

bac|te|ria /b�kt I ə riə/ N‑PLURAL Bacteria are very small organisms. Some bacteria can cause disease. □� Chlorine is added to kill bacteria.

bac|te|rial /b�kt I ə riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Bacterial is used to describe things that relate to or are caused by bacteria. □� Cholera is a bacterial infection.

bac|te|ri|ol|ogy /b�kt I ə riɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Bacteriology is the science and the study of bacteria. ●� bac|te|rio|logi|cal /b�kt I ə riəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� �the national bacteriological laboratory.

bac|te|rium /b�kt I ə r I ʊm/ Bacterium is the singular of bacteria .

bad ◆◆◆ /b� d/ (worse , worst )

1 ADJ Something that is bad is unpleasant, harmful, or undesirable. □� The bad weather conditions prevented the plane from landing. □� We have been going through a bad time. □� I've had a bad day at work. □� Divorce is bad for children. □� Analysts fear the situation is even worse than the leadership admits.

2 ADJ You use bad to indicate that something unpleasant or undesirable is severe or great in degree. □� He had a bad accident two years ago and had to give up farming. □� This was a bad case of dangerous driving. □� The pain is often so bad she wants to scream. □� The floods are described as the worst in nearly fifty years.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bad idea, decision, or method is not sensible or not correct. □� As a carbon-reduction measure this is not necessarily a bad idea. □� Of course politicians will sometimes make bad decisions. □� That's not a bad way to proceed, just somewhat different. □� The worst thing you can do is underestimate an opponent.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a piece of news, an action, or a sign as bad , you mean that it is unlikely to result in benefit or success. □� The closure of the project is bad news for her staff. □� It was a bad start in my relationship with Warr. □� The report couldn't have come at a worse time for the European Commission.

5 ADJ Something that is bad is of an unacceptably low standard, quality, or amount. □� Many old people in Britain are living in bad housing. □� The state schools' main problem is that teachers' pay is so bad. □� It was absolutely the worst food I have ever had.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone who is badat doing something is not skilful or successful at it. □�[+�at ] He had increased Britain's reputation for being bad at languages. □� He was a bad driver. □� Rose was a poor cook and a worse mother.

7 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that it is bad that something happens, you mean it is unacceptable, unfortunate, or wrong. □� Not being able to hear doesn't seem as bad as not being able to see. □� You need at least ten pounds if you go to the cinema nowadays�it's really bad.

8 ADJ [with neg] You can say that something is not bad to mean that it is quite good or acceptable, especially when you are rather surprised about this. □� 'How much is he paying you?'�'Oh, five thousand.'�'Not bad.' □� 'How are you, mate?'�'Not bad, mate, how's yourself?' □� He's not a bad chap�quite human for an accountant. □� That's not a bad idea.

9 ADJ A bad person has morally unacceptable attitudes and behaviour. □� I've made mistakes, but I'm not a bad person. □� He does not think that his beliefs make him any worse than any other man. ●� bad|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� They only recognise badness when they perceive it in others.

10 ADJ A bad child disobeys rules and instructions or does not behave in a polite and correct way. □� You are a bad boy for repeating what I told you. □� Many parents find it hard to discourage bad behaviour.

11 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you are in a bad mood, you are angry and behave unpleasantly to people. □� She is in a bit of a bad mood because she's just given up smoking.

12 ADJ [oft ADJ that] If you feelbadabout something, you feel rather sorry or guilty about it. □�[+�about ] You don't have to feel bad about relaxing. □� I feel bad that he's doing most of the work. □� Are you trying to make me feel bad?

13 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a bad back, heart, leg, or eye, it is injured, diseased, or weak. □� Alastair has a bad back so we have a hard bed.

14 ADJ [usu go ADJ , oft ADJ n] Food that has gonebad is not suitable to eat because it has started to decay. □� They bought so much meat that some went bad.

15 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bad language is language that contains offensive words such as swear words. □� I don't like to hear bad language in the street. □� I said a bad word.

16 →�see also worse , worst

17 PHRASE If you say that it is too bad that something is the case, you mean you are sorry or sad that it is the case. [FEELINGS ] □� It is too bad that Eleanor had to leave so soon. □� Too bad he used his intelligence for criminal purposes.

18 CONVENTION If you say ' too bad ', you are indicating that nothing can be done to change the situation, and that you do not feel sorry or sympathetic about this. [FEELINGS ] □� Too bad if you missed the bus.

19to make the best of a bad job →�see best

20bad blood →�see blood

21bad luck →�see luck

22to get a bad press →�see press

23to go from bad to worse →�see worse

ba d che que (bad cheques ) in AM, use bad check N‑COUNT A bad cheque is a bank cheque that will not be paid because there is a mistake on it, or because there is not enough money in the account of the person who wrote the cheque.

ba d de bt (bad debts ) N‑COUNT A bad debt is a sum of money that has been lent but is not likely to be repaid. □� The bank set aside �1.1 billion to cover bad debts from business failures.

bad|dy /b� di/ (baddies ) also baddie N‑COUNT [usu pl] A baddy is a person in a story or film who is considered to be evil or wicked, or who is fighting on the wrong side. You can also refer to the baddies in a situation in real life. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �the baddies who are trying to take over the world. in AM, usually use bad guy

bade /b� d, be I d/ Bade is a past tense of bid .

badge /b� dʒ/ (badges ) N‑COUNT A badge is a piece of metal or cloth which you wear to show that you belong to an organization or support a cause. American English usually uses button to refer to a small round metal badge.

badg|er /b� dʒə r / (badgers , badgering , badgered )

1 N‑COUNT A badger is a wild animal which has a white head with two wide black stripes on it. Badgers live underground and usually come up to feed at night.

2 VERB If you badger someone, you repeatedly tell them to do something or repeatedly ask them questions. □�[V n] She badgered her doctor time and again, pleading with him to do something. □�[V n to-inf] They kept phoning and writing, badgering me to go back. □�[V n +�into ] I had foolishly allowed myself to be badgered into volunteering .

ba d guy (bad guys ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A bad guy is a person in a story or film who is considered to be evil or wicked, or who is fighting on the wrong side. You can also refer to the bad guys in a situation in real life. [INFORMAL ] □� In the end the 'bad guys' are caught and sent to jail.

ba d hai r day (bad hair days ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] People sometimes say they are having a bad hair day when they do not feel very happy or relaxed, especially because their hair does not look good. [INFORMAL ] □� All this fuss is because Carol is having a bad hair day.

badi|nage /b� d I nɑːʒ, -nɑː ʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Badinage is humorous or light-hearted conversation that often involves teasing someone. [LITERARY ] □� �light-hearted badinage.

bad|ly ◆◇◇ /b� dli/ (worse , worst )

1 ADV [ADV with v] If something is done badly or goes badly , it is not very successful or effective. □� I was angry because I played so badly. □� The whole project was badly managed. □� The coalition did worse than expected, getting just 11.6 per cent of the vote.

2 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] If someone or something is badly hurt or badly affected, they are severely hurt or affected. □� The bomb destroyed a police station and badly damaged a church. □� One man was killed and another badly injured. □� It was a gamble that went badly wrong.

3 ADV [ADV with v] If you want or need something badly , you want or need it very much. □� Why do you want to go so badly? □� Planes landed at Bagram airport today carrying badly needed food and medicine.

4 ADV [ADV with v] If someone behaves badly or treats other people badly , they act in an unkind, unpleasant, or unacceptable way. □� They have both behaved very badly and I am very hurt. □� I would like to know why we pensioners are being so badly treated.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If something reflects badly on someone or makes others think badly of them, it harms their reputation. □� Teachers know that low exam results will reflect badly on them. □� Despite his illegal act, few people think badly of him.

6 ADV [usu ADV -ed, oft ADV after v] If a person or their job is badly paid, they are not paid very much for what they do. □� You may have to work part-time, in a badly paid job with unsociable hours. □� This is the most dangerous professional sport there is, and the worst paid.

7 →�see also worse , worst USAGE badly

Don�t use �bad� as an adverb. Don�t say, for example, � I did bad in my exam �. Say �I did badly in my exam �. □� The project was badly managed.

ba d|ly o ff (worse off , worst off ) in AM, also use bad off1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are badly off , you are in a bad situation. □� The average working week in Japan is 42.3 hours, compared with 41.6 in the U.K., so they are not too badly off.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are badly off , you do not have much money. □� It is outrageous that people doing well-paid jobs should moan about how badly off they are.

bad|min|ton /b� dm I ntən/ N‑UNCOUNT Badminton is a game played by two or four players on a rectangular court with a high net across the middle. The players try to score points by hitting a small object called a shuttlecock across the net using a racket.

bad-mouth /b� dmaʊ�/ (bad-mouths , bad-mouthing , bad-mouthed ) VERB If someone bad-mouths you, they say unpleasant things about you, especially when you are not there to defend yourself. □�[V n] Both men continually bad-mouthed each other.

ba d-te mpered ADJ Someone who is bad-tempered is not very cheerful and gets angry easily. □� He became bad-tempered and we argued constantly.

bae /be I / (baes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your bae is someone you are romantically involved with or in love with. [INFORMAL ] □� You might give that photo a caption like, "Just another Tuesday with my bae." □� Hey, bae, thinking about you.

baf|fle /b� f ə l/ (baffles , baffling , baffled ) VERB If something baffles you, you cannot understand it or explain it. □�[V n] An apple tree producing square fruit is baffling experts. ●� baf|fling ADJ □� I was constantly ill, with a baffling array of symptoms. ●� baf|fled ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� Police are baffled by the murder.

baf|fle|ment /b� f ə lmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Bafflement is the state of being baffled. □� The general response was one of understandable bafflement.

bag ◆◆◇ /b� g/ (bags )

1 N‑COUNT A bag is a container made of thin paper or plastic, for example one that is used in shops to put things in that a customer has bought. ●�N‑COUNT A bag of things is the amount of things contained in a bag.

2 N‑COUNT A bag is a strong container with one or two handles, used to carry things in. □� She left the hotel carrying a shopping bag. ●�N‑COUNT A bag of things is the amount of things contained in a bag.

3 N‑COUNT A bag is the same as a handbag .

4 N‑PLURAL If you have bags under your eyes, you have folds of skin there, usually because you have not had enough sleep.

5 QUANT If you say there is bags of something, you mean that there is a large amount of it. If you say that there are bagsof things, you mean that there are a large number of them. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] �a hotel with bags of character.

6 →�see also bum bag , carrier bag , mixed bag , shoulder-bag , sleeping bag , tea bag

7 PHRASE If you say that something is in the bag , you mean that you are certain that you will get it or achieve it. [INFORMAL ] □� 'I'll get the Republican nomination,' he assured me. 'It's in the bag.'

8to let the cat out of the bag →�see cat

ba|gel /be I g ə l/ (bagels ) N‑COUNT A bagel is a ring-shaped bread roll.

bag|gage /b� g I dʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Your baggage consists of the bags that you take with you when you travel. □� The passengers went through immigration control and collected their baggage. □� �excess baggage.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use baggage to refer to someone's emotional problems, fixed ideas, or prejudices. □� How much emotional baggage is he bringing with him into the relationship?

ba g|gage car (baggage cars ) N‑COUNT A baggage car is a railway carriage, often without windows, which is used to carry luggage, goods, or mail. [AM ] in BRIT, use van

bag|gy /b� gi/ (baggier , baggiest ) ADJ If a piece of clothing is baggy , it hangs loosely on your body. □� �a baggy jumper.

ba g lady (bag ladies ) N‑COUNT A bag lady is a homeless woman who carries her possessions in shopping bags.

bag|pipes /b� gpa I ps/ The form bagpipe is used as a modifier. N‑COUNT [usu pl] Bagpipes are a musical instrument that is traditionally played in Scotland. You play the bagpipes by blowing air through a pipe into a bag, and then squeezing the bag to force the air out through other pipes.

ba|guette /b�ge t/ (baguettes ) N‑COUNT A baguette is a type of long, thin, white bread which is traditionally made in France.

bah /bɑː , b� / EXCLAM ' Bah ' is used in writing to represent a noise that people make in order to express contempt, disappointment, or annoyance. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

Ba|ha|mian /bəhe I miən/ (Bahamians )

1 ADJ Bahamian means belonging or relating to the Bahamas or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT Bahamians are people who come from the Bahamas.

bail /be I l/ (bails , bailing , bailed ) The spelling bale is also used for meaning 5 , and for meanings 1 and 4 of the phrasal verb. 1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Bail is a sum of money that an arrested person or someone else puts forward as a guarantee that the arrested person will attend their trial in a law court. If the arrested person does not attend it, the money will be lost. □� He was freed on bail pending an appeal. □� The high court set bail at �8,000.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Bail is permission for an arrested person to be released after bail has been paid. □� He was yesterday given bail by South Yorkshire magistrates.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is bailed , they are released while they are waiting for their trial, after paying an amount of money to the court. □�[be V -ed] He was bailed for probation reports. □�[be V -ed to-inf] He was bailed to appear before local magistrates on 5 November.

4 VERB If you bail , you use a container to remove water from a boat or from a place which is flooded. □�[V ] We kept her afloat for a couple of hours by bailing frantically. [Also V n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Bail out means the same as bail . □�[V P n] A crew was sent down the shaft to close it off and bail out all the water. □�[V P ] The flood waters have receded since then, but residents are still bailing out.

5 PHRASE If a prisoner jumps bail , he or she does not come back for his or her trial after being released on bail. □� He had jumped bail last year while being tried on drug charges.

▸� bail out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you bail someone out , you help them out of a difficult situation, often by giving them money. □�[V n P +�of ] They will discuss how to bail the economy out of its slump. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see also bailout

3 PHRASAL VERB If you bail someone out , you pay bail on their behalf. □�[V n P ] He has been jailed eight times. Each time, friends bailed him out. [Also V P n]

4 PHRASAL VERB If a pilot bails outof an aircraft that is crashing, he or she jumps from it, using a parachute to land safely. □�[V P +�of ] Reid was forced to bail out of the crippled aircraft. □�[V P ] The pilot bailed out safely.

5 →�see bail5

bail|iff /be I l I f/ (bailiffs )

1 N‑COUNT A bailiff is a law officer who makes sure that the decisions of a court are obeyed. Bailiffs can take a person's furniture or possessions away if the person owes money. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A bailiff is an official in a court of law who deals with tasks such as keeping control in court. [AM ]

3 N‑COUNT A bailiff is a person who is employed to look after land or property for the owner. [BRIT ]

bail|out /be I laʊt/ (bailouts ) N‑COUNT A bailout of an organization or individual that has financial problems is the act of helping them by giving them money. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] �one of the biggest government bailouts of a private company in years.

bairn /beə r n/ (bairns ) N‑COUNT A bairn is a child. [SCOTTISH ] □� He's a lovely bairn.

bait /be I t/ (baits , baiting , baited )

1 N‑VAR Bait is food which you put on a hook or in a trap in order to catch fish or animals.

2 VERB If you bait a hook or trap, you put bait on it or in it. □�[V n +�with ] He baited his hook with pie. □�[V n] The boys dug pits and baited them so that they could spear their prey.

3 N‑VAR [oft a N ] To use something as bait means to use it to trick or persuade someone to do something. □� Service stations use petrol as a bait to lure drivers into the restaurants and other facilities. □� Television programmes are essentially bait to attract an audience for advertisements.

4 VERB If you bait someone, you deliberately try to make them angry by teasing them. □�[V n] He delighted in baiting his mother.

5 PHRASE If you take the bait , you react to something that someone has said or done exactly as they intended you to do. The expression rise to the bait is also used, mainly in British English. □� When she attempts to make you feel guilty, don't take the bait.

-baiting /-be I t I ŋ/

1 COMB You use -baiting after nouns to refer to the activity of attacking a particular group of people or laughing at their beliefs.

2 COMB Badger -baiting , bear -baiting , and bull -baiting involve making these animals fight dogs, while not allowing the animals to defend themselves properly.

baize /be I z/ N‑UNCOUNT Baize is a thick woollen material which is used for covering tables on which games such as cards and snooker are played.

bake ◆◇◇ /be I k/ (bakes , baking , baked )

1 VERB If you bake , you spend some time preparing and mixing together ingredients to make bread, cakes, pies, or other food which is cooked in the oven. □�[V ] I love to bake. ●� bak|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] □� On a Thursday she used to do all the baking.

2 VERB When a cake or bread bakes or when you bake it, it cooks in the oven without any extra liquid or fat. □�[V n] Bake the cake for 35 to 50 minutes. □�[V ] The batter rises as it bakes. □�[V -ed] �freshly baked bread.

3 VERB If places or people become extremely hot because the sun is shining very strongly, you can say that they bake . □�[V ] If you closed the windows, you baked. □�[V ] Britain bakes in a Mediterranean heatwave.

4 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A vegetable or fish bake is a dish that is made by chopping up and mixing together a number of ingredients and cooking them in the oven so that they form a fairly dry solid mass. [BRIT ] □� �an aubergine bake.

5 →�see also baking

ba ked bea ns N‑PLURAL Baked beans are dried beans cooked in tomato sauce in Britain or cooked with salt pork in North America. Baked beans are usually sold in cans.

Ba|ke|lite /be I kəla I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Bakelite is a type of hard plastic that was used in the past for making things such as telephones and radios. [TRADEMARK ]

bak|er /be I kə r / (bakers )

1 N‑COUNT A baker is a person whose job is to bake and sell bread, pastries, and cakes.

2 N‑COUNT A baker or a baker's is a shop where bread and cakes are sold. □� They're freshly baked. I fetched them from the baker's this morning.

bak|ery /be I kəri/ (bakeries ) N‑COUNT A bakery is a building where bread, pastries, and cakes are baked, or the shop where they are sold.

bake|ware /be I kweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Tins, trays, and dishes that are used for baking can be referred to as bakeware .

bak|ing /be I k I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use baking to describe weather or a place that is very hot indeed. □� �a baking July day. □� The coffins stood in the baking heat surrounded by mourners. □� �the baking Jordanian desert. ●�ADV [ADV adj] Baking is also an adverb. □� �the baking hot summer of 1969.

2 →�see also bake

ba k|ing pow|der (baking powders ) N‑VAR Baking powder is an ingredient used in cake making. It causes cakes to rise when they are in the oven.

ba k|ing sheet (baking sheets ) N‑COUNT A baking sheet is a flat piece of metal on which you bake foods such as biscuits or pies in an oven.

ba k|ing soda N‑UNCOUNT Baking soda is the same as bicarbonate of soda .

ba k|ing tray (baking trays ) N‑COUNT A baking tray is the same as a baking sheet . [BRIT ]

bala|cla|va /b� ləklɑː və/ (balaclavas ) N‑COUNT A balaclava is a tight woollen hood that covers every part of your head except your face.

bal|ance ◆◆◇ /b� ləns/ (balances , balancing , balanced )

1 VERB If you balance something somewhere, or if it balances there, it remains steady and does not fall. □�[V prep/adv] I balanced on the ledge. □�[V n prep/adv] He balanced a football on his head.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Balance is the ability to remain steady when you are standing up. □� The medicines you are currently taking could be affecting your balance.

3 VERB If you balance one thing with something different, each of the things has the same strength or importance. □�[V n +�with ] Balance spicy dishes with mild ones. □�[V n] The state has got to find some way to balance these two needs. □�[V ] Supply and demand on the currency market will generally balance. ●� bal|anced ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] □� This book is a well balanced biography.

4 N‑SING A balance is a situation in which all the different parts are equal in strength or importance. □�[+�between ] Their marriage is a delicate balance between traditional and contemporary values. □� �the ecological balance of the forest.

5 N‑SING If you say that thebalance tips in your favour, you start winning or succeeding, especially in a conflict or contest. □� �a powerful new gun which could tip the balance of the war in their favour.

6 VERB If you balance one thing against another, you consider its importance in relation to the other one. □�[V n +�against ] She carefully tried to balance religious sensitivities against democratic freedom.

7 VERB If someone balances their budget or if a government balances the economy of a country, they make sure that the amount of money that is spent is not greater than the amount that is received. □�[V n] He balanced his budgets by rigid control over public expenditure.

8 VERB If you balance your books or make them balance , you prove by calculation that the amount of money you have received is equal to the amount that you have spent. □�[V n] �teaching them to balance the books. □�[V ] To make the books balance, spending must fall and taxes must rise.

9 N‑COUNT The balance in your bank account is the amount of money you have in it. □� I'd like to check the balance in my account please.

10 N‑SING Thebalance of an amount of money is what remains to be paid for something or what remains when part of the amount has been spent. □� They were due to pay the balance on delivery.

11 →�see also bank balance

12 PHRASE If something hangs in the balance , it is uncertain whether it will happen or continue. □� The fate of the project hangs in the balance.

13 PHRASE If you keep your balance , for example when standing in a moving vehicle, you remain steady and do not fall over. If you lose your balance , you become unsteady and fall over.

14 PHRASE If you are off balance , you are in an unsteady position and about to fall. □� A gust of wind knocked him off balance and he fell face down in the mud.

15 PHRASE If you are thrown off balance by something, you are surprised or confused by it. □� She was trying to behave as if his visit hadn't thrown her off balance.

16 PHRASE You can say on balance to indicate that you are stating an opinion after considering all the relevant facts or arguments. □� On balance he agreed with Christine.

▸� balance out PHRASAL VERB If two or more opposite things balance out or if you balance them out , they become equal in amount, value, or effect. □�[V P ] Outgoings and revenues balanced out. □�[V P n] The strenuous exercise undergone could balance out the increased calories. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS balance NOUN 4

adjective +�balance : correct, fair, proper, reasonable, right; perfect; delicate

verb +�balance : shift, tilt, tip, upset; maintain, strike; redress, restore SYNONYMS balance VERB 3

offset:The increase in pay costs was more than offset by higher productivity.

compensate for:MPs say it is crucial that a system is found to compensate for inflation.

redress:�to redress the economic imbalance between the countries.

counteract:This event will counteract such trends.

bal|anced /b� lənst/

1 ADJ A balanced report, book, or other document takes into account all the different opinions on something and presents information in a fair and reasonable way. [APPROVAL ] □� �a fair, balanced, comprehensive report.

2 ADJ Something that is balanced is pleasing or useful because its different parts or elements are in the correct proportions. [APPROVAL ] □� �a balanced diet.

3 ADJ Someone who is balanced remains calm and thinks clearly, even in a difficult situation. [APPROVAL ] □� I have to prove myself as a respectable, balanced, person.

4 →�see also balance

ba l|ance of pa y|ments (balances of payments ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A country's balance of payments is the difference, over a period of time, between the payments it makes to other countries for imports and the payments it receives from other countries for exports. [BUSINESS ] □� Britain's balance of payments deficit has improved slightly.

ba l|ance of po w|er N‑SING The balance of power is the way in which power is distributed between rival groups or countries. □� �changes in the balance of power between the United States and Europe.

ba l|ance of tra de (balances of trade ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A country's balance of trade is the difference in value, over a period of time, between the goods it imports and the goods it exports. [BUSINESS ] □� The deficit in Britain's balance of trade in March rose to more than 2100 million pounds.

ba l|ance sheet (balance sheets ) N‑COUNT A balance sheet is a written statement of the amount of money and property that a company or person has, including amounts of money that are owed or are owing. Balance sheet is also used to refer to the general financial state of a company. [BUSINESS ] □� Rolls-Royce needed a strong balance sheet.

ba l|anc|ing act (balancing acts ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you perform a balancing act , you try to deal successfully with two or more people, groups, or situations that are in opposition to each other. □� �a delicate balancing act between a career, a home, and motherhood.

bal|co|ny /b� lkəni/ (balconies )

1 N‑COUNT A balcony is a platform on the outside of a building, above ground level, with a wall or railing around it.

2 N‑SING Thebalcony in a theatre or cinema is an area of seats above the main seating area.

bald /bɔː ld/ (balder , baldest )

1 ADJ Someone who is bald has little or no hair on the top of their head. □� The man's bald head was beaded with sweat. ●� bald|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He wears a cap to cover a spot of baldness.

2 ADJ If a tyre is bald , its surface has worn down and it is no longer safe to use.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A bald statement is in plain language and contains no extra explanation or information. □� The announcement came in a bald statement from the official news agency. □� The bald truth is he's just not happy. ●� bald|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'The leaders are outdated,' he stated baldly. 'They don't relate to young people.'

ba ld ea gle (bald eagles ) N‑COUNT A bald eagle is a large eagle with a white head that lives in North America. It is the national bird of the United States of America.

bal|der|dash /bɔː ldə r d�ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something that has been said or written is balderdash , you think it is completely untrue or very stupid. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

bald|ing /bɔː ld I ŋ/ ADJ Someone who is balding is beginning to lose the hair on the top of their head. □� He wore a straw hat to keep his balding head from getting sunburned.

baldy /bɔː ldi/ (baldies ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a bald person as a baldy , especially if they are talking about them or to them in a friendly or humorous way. Some people might find this offensive. [INFORMAL ] □� More than three-quarters of baldies and redheads had been teased.

bale /be I l/ (bales , baling , baled )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A bale is a large quantity of something such as hay, cloth, or paper, tied together tightly. □� �bales of hay.

2 VERB If something such as hay, cloth, or paper is baled , it is tied together tightly. □�[be V -ed] Once hay has been cut and baled it has to go through some chemical processes. [Also V n]

3 →�see also bail

bale|ful /be I lfʊl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Baleful means harmful, or expressing harmful intentions. [LITERARY ] □� �a baleful look. ●� bale|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He watched her balefully.

balk /bɔː lk, [AM ] bɔː k/ (balks , balking , balked ) also baulk VERB If you balkat something, you definitely do not want to do it or to let it happen. □�[V +�at ] Even biology undergraduates may balk at animal experiments. □�[V ] Last October the bank balked, alarmed that a $24m profit had turned into a $20m deficit.

Bal|kani|za|tion /bɔː lkəna I ze I ʃ ə n/ The spellings balkanization , and in British English balkanisation are also used. N‑UNCOUNT If you disapprove of the division of a country into separate independent states, you can refer to the Balkanization of the country. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We can't accept the fragmentation or balkanization of the country.

ball ◆◆◇ /bɔː l/ (balls , balling , balled )

1 N‑COUNT A ball is a round object that is used in games such as tennis, baseball, football, basketball, and cricket. □� �a golf ball. □� �a tennis ball.

2 N‑COUNT A ball is something or an amount of something that has a round shape. □� Thomas screwed the letter up into a ball. □�[+�of ] They heard a loud explosion and saw a ball of fire go up.

3 VERB When you ball something or when it balls , it becomes round. □�[V n adv/prep] He picked up the sheets of paper, and balled them tightly in his fists. □�[V adv/prep] His hands balled into fists.

4 N‑COUNT Theballof your foot or theballof your thumb is the rounded part where your toes join your foot or where your thumb joins your hand.

5 N‑COUNT A ball is a large formal social event at which people dance.

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A man's balls are his testicles. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

7 →�see also balls

8 PHRASE If you say that the ball is in someone's court , you mean that it is his or her responsibility to take the next action or decision in a situation. □� The ball's now in your court�you have to decide what you're going to do.

9 PHRASE If you get the ball rolling , set the ball rolling , or start the ball rolling , you start something happening. □� He will try to get the ball rolling again on peace talks.

10 PHRASE If someone is on the ball , they are very alert and aware of what is happening. □� She really is on the ball; she's bought houses at auctions so she knows what she's doing.

11 PHRASE If someone refuses to play ball , they are unwilling to do what someone wants them to do. [INFORMAL ] □� The association has threatened to withdraw its support if the banks refuse to play ball.

bal|lad /b� ləd/ (ballads )

1 N‑COUNT A ballad is a long song or poem which tells a story in simple language.

2 N‑COUNT A ballad is a slow, romantic, popular song.

bal|last /b� ləst/ N‑UNCOUNT Ballast is any substance that is used in ships or hot-air balloons to make them heavier and more stable. Ballast usually consists of water, sand, or iron.

ba ll bea r|ing (ball bearings ) also ball-bearing N‑COUNT Ball bearings are small metal balls placed between the moving parts of a machine to make the parts move smoothly.

ba ll boy (ball boys ) N‑COUNT In a tennis match, the ball boys pick up any balls that go into the net or off the court and throw them back to the players. In a baseball game, the ball boys are in charge of collecting the balls that are hit out of the field.

bal|le|ri|na /b� ləriː nə/ (ballerinas ) N‑COUNT A ballerina is a woman ballet dancer.

bal|let /b� le I , [AM ] b�le I / (ballets )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N , oft N n] Ballet is a type of very skilled and artistic dancing with carefully planned movements. □� I trained as a ballet dancer. □� She is also keen on the ballet.

2 N‑COUNT A ballet is an artistic work that is performed by ballet dancers. □� The performance will include the premiere of three new ballets.

bal|let|ic /b�le t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's movements as balletic , you mean that they have some of the graceful qualities of ballet. □� The subject seems to dance with balletic grace.

ba ll game (ball games ) also ballgame

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Ball games are games that are played with a ball such as tennis, baseball, and football.

2 N‑COUNT A ball game is a baseball match. [AM ] □� I'd still like to go to a ball game.

3 N‑SING You can use ball game to describe any situation or activity, especially one that involves competition. [JOURNALISM , SPOKEN ] □� Two of his biggest competitors are out of the ball game. ●�PHRASE If you say that a situation is a new ball game , you mean that it is completely different from, or much more difficult than, the previous situation or any situation that you have experienced before. □� He finds himself faced with a whole new ball game.

ba ll girl (ball girls ) N‑COUNT In a tennis match, the ball girls pick up any balls that go into the net or off the court and throw them back to the players. In a baseball game, the ball girls are in charge of collecting the balls that are hit out of the field.

ball|gown /bɔː lgaʊn/ (ballgowns ) N‑COUNT A ballgown is a long dress that women wear to formal dances.

bal|lis|tic /bəl I st I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Ballistic means relating to ballistics. □� �ballistic missiles. □� Ballistic tests have matched the weapons with bullets taken from the bodies of victims.

2 PHRASE If someone goes ballistic , they suddenly become very angry. [INFORMAL ] □� The singer went ballistic after one member of his band failed to show for a sound check.

3 PHRASE If something goes ballistic , it suddenly becomes very much greater or more powerful, often in a surprising or unwanted way. [INFORMAL ] □� August registrations have gone ballistic, accounting now for a quarter of the annual total.

bal|lis|tics /bəl I st I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Ballistics is the study of the movement of objects that are shot or thrown through the air, such as bullets fired from a gun.

bal|loon /bəluː n/ (balloons , ballooning , ballooned )

1 N‑COUNT A balloon is a small, thin, rubber bag that you blow air into so that it becomes larger and rounder or longer. Balloons are used as toys or decorations.

2 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A balloon is a large, strong bag filled with gas or hot air, which can carry passengers in a container that hangs underneath it. □� They are to attempt to be the first to circle the Earth non-stop by balloon.

3 VERB When something balloons , it increases rapidly in amount. □�[V ] Attendance has ballooned more than tenfold over the past 16 years. □�[V +�to ] The budget deficit has ballooned to $25 billion.

bal|loon|ing /bəluː n I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Ballooning is the sport or activity of flying a hot-air balloon.

bal|loon|ist /bəluː n I st/ (balloonists ) N‑COUNT A balloonist is a person who flies a hot-air balloon.

bal|lot ◆◇◇ /b� lət/ (ballots , balloting , balloted )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A ballot is a secret vote in which people select a candidate in an election, or express their opinion about something. □� The result of the ballot will not be known for two weeks. □� Fifty of its members will be elected by direct ballot.

2 N‑COUNT A ballot is a piece of paper on which you indicate your choice or opinion in a secret vote. □� Election boards will count the ballots by hand.

3 VERB If you ballot a group of people, you find out what they think about a subject by organizing a secret vote. □�[V n] The union said they will ballot members on whether to strike. ●� bal|lot|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� International observers say the balloting was fair. SYNONYMS ballot NOUN 1

vote:Why do you think we should have a vote on that?

election:The final election results will be announced on Friday.

poll:In 1945, Winston Churchill was defeated at the polls.

referendum:Estonia said it too planned to hold a referendum on independence. WORD HISTORY ballot

Ballot comes from Italian ballotta meaning 'little ball'. In medieval Venice, people voted by dropping black or white stones or balls into a box.

ba l|lot box (ballot boxes )

1 N‑COUNT A ballot box is the box into which ballot papers are put after people have voted.

2 N‑SING You can refer to the system of democratic elections as theballot box . □� Martinez expressed confidence of victory at the ballot box.

ba l|lot pa|per (ballot papers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A ballot paper is a piece of paper on which you indicate your choice or opinion in an election or ballot.

ba l|lot rig|ging also ballot-rigging N‑UNCOUNT Ballot rigging is the act of illegally changing the result of an election by producing a false record of the number of votes. □� The poll was widely discredited after allegations of ballot rigging.

ball|park /bɔː lpɑː r k/ (ballparks ) also ball park

1 N‑COUNT A ballpark is a park or stadium where baseball is played.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A ballpark figure or ballpark estimate is an approximate figure or estimate. □� I can't give you anything more than just sort of a ballpark figure. □� Ballpark estimates indicate a price tag of $90 million a month.

3 N‑SING If something such as an amount or claim is in theballpark , it is approximately right, but not exact. [INFORMAL ] □� What about 20 billion? That's more in the ballpark.

4 N‑SING If you say that someone or something is in theballpark , you mean that they are able to take part in a particular area of activity, especially because they are considered as good as others taking part. □� This puts them in the ballpark and makes them a major player.

ball|player /bɔː lple I ə r / (ballplayers ) also ball player N‑COUNT A ballplayer is a baseball player. [AM ]

ball|point /bɔː lpɔ I nt/ (ballpoints ) N‑COUNT A ballpoint or a ballpoint pen is a pen with a very small metal ball at the end which transfers the ink from the pen onto a surface.

ball|room /bɔː lruːm/ (ballrooms ) N‑COUNT A ballroom is a very large room that is used for dancing.

ba ll|room da nc|ing N‑UNCOUNT Ballroom dancing is a type of dancing in which a man and a woman dance together using fixed sequences of steps and movements.

balls /bɔː lz/ (ballses , ballsing , ballsed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has balls , you mean that they have courage. [INFORMAL , RUDE , APPROVAL ] □� I never had the balls to do anything like this.

2 EXCLAM ; N‑UNCOUNT You can say ' balls ' or say that what someone says is balls when you think that it is stupid or wrong. [BRIT , INFORMAL , VERY RUDE , FEELINGS ] □� What complete and utter balls!

▸� balls up PHRASAL VERB If you balls up a task or activity, you do it very badly, making a lot of mistakes. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[V P n] You have single-handedly ballsed up the best opportunity we've had! □�[V n P ] I have no intention of letting you balls it up. [Also V P ]

ba lls-up (balls-ups ) N‑COUNT If you make a balls-up of something, you do it very badly and make a lot of mistakes. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □� He's made a real balls-up of this.

ballsy /bɔː lzi/ (ballsier , ballsiest ) ADJ You can describe a person or their behaviour as ballsy if you admire them because you think they are energetic and brave. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �the most ballsy woman I know. □� �ballsy, gutsy live rap music.

bal|ly|hoo /b� lihuː , [AM ] -huː/ (ballyhooing , ballyhooed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] You can use ballyhoo to refer to great excitement or anger about something, especially when you disapprove of it because you think it is unnecessary or exaggerated. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They announced, amid much ballyhoo, that they had made a breakthrough.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you say that something is ballyhooed , you mean that there is a lot of excitement about it and people are claiming that it is very good. You use this word especially when you think the thing is not as exciting or good as people say. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] The power of red wine to counteract high cholesterol has been ballyhooed in the press. □�[V -ed] �the much-ballyhooed new Star Wars movie.

balm /bɑː m/ (balms )

1 N‑VAR Balm is a sweet-smelling oil that is obtained from some tropical trees and used to make creams that heal wounds or reduce pain.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If you refer to something as balm , you mean that it makes you feel better. [APPROVAL ] □� The place is balm to the soul.

balmy /bɑː mi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Balmy weather is fairly warm and pleasant. □� �a balmy summer's evening.

ba|lo|ney /bəloʊ ni/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that an idea or statement is baloney , you disapprove of it and think it is foolish or wrong. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� That's a load of baloney.

bal|sa /bɔː lsə/ N‑UNCOUNT Balsa or balsa wood is a very light wood from a South American tree.

bal|sam /bɔː lsəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Balsam is a sweet-smelling oil that is obtained from certain trees or bushes and used to make medicines and perfumes.

bal|sam|ic vin|egar /bɔːls� m I k v I n I gə r / N‑UNCOUNT Balsamic vinegar is a type of vinegar which tastes sweet and is made from grape juice.

bal|ti /bɔː lti/ (baltis ) N‑VAR A balti is a vegetable or meat dish of Indian origin which is cooked and served in a bowl-shaped pan.

bal|us|trade /b� ləstre I d, [AM ] -stre I d/ (balustrades ) N‑COUNT A balustrade is a railing or wall on a balcony or staircase.

bam|boo /b�mbuː / (bamboos ) N‑VAR Bamboo is a tall tropical plant with hard, hollow stems. The young shoots of the plant can be eaten and the stems are used to make furniture. □� �huts with walls of bamboo. □� �bamboo shoots.

bam|boo|zle /b�mbuː z ə l/ (bamboozles , bamboozling , bamboozled ) VERB To bamboozle someone means to confuse and often trick them. □�[V n +�into ] He bamboozled Mercer into defeat. □�[be V -ed] He was bamboozled by con men.

ban ◆◆◇ /b� n/ (bans , banning , banned )

1 VERB To ban something means to state officially that it must not be done, shown, or used. □�[V n] It was decided to ban smoking in all offices later this year. □�[V -ed] �a banned substance. ●� ban|ning (bannings ) N‑VAR □� No reason was given for the banning of the magazine. □� Opposition groups see the bannings as the latest stage of a government clampdown.

2 N‑COUNT A ban is an official ruling that something must not be done, shown, or used. □�[+�on ] The General also lifted a ban on political parties.

3 VERB If you are bannedfrom doing something, you are officially prevented from doing it. □�[be V -ed +�from ] He was banned from driving for three years. [Also V n]

ba|nal /bənɑː l, -n� l/ ADJ If you describe something as banal , you do not like it because you think that it is so ordinary that it is not at all effective or interesting. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Bland, banal music tinkled discreetly from hidden loudspeakers. ●�N‑SING You can refer to banal things as the banal . □� The allegations ranged from the banal to the bizarre. ●� ba|nal|ity /bən� l I ti/ (banalities ) N‑VAR □� �the banality of life. □� Neil's ability to utter banalities never ceased to amaze me. WORD HISTORY banal

In Old French, the word banal referred to the mill or bakery that was owned by the local lord and that all his tenants had to use. The word came to mean 'common to everyone' and from that, 'commonplace' or 'ordinary'.

ba|na|na /bənɑː nə, -n� n-/ (bananas )

1 N‑VAR Bananas are long curved fruit with yellow skins. □� �a bunch of bananas.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is behaving in a silly or crazy way, or if they become extremely angry, you can say that they are going bananas . [INFORMAL ] □� Adamson's going to go bananas on this one.

ba|na |na peel (banana peels ) N‑COUNT A banana peel is the same as a banana skin . [AM ]

ba|na |na re|pu b|lic (banana republics ) N‑COUNT Small, poor countries that are politically unstable are sometimes referred to as banana republics . [OFFENSIVE ]

ba|na |na skin (banana skins ) in AM, use banana peel1 N‑COUNT The thick yellow or green covering of a banana is called a banana skin . [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT If an important or famous person slips on a banana skin , they say or do something that makes them look stupid and causes them problems. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� �waiting for the government to slip on this week's banana skin.

ba|na |na spli t (banana splits ) N‑COUNT A banana split is a kind of dessert. It consists of a banana cut in half along its length, with ice cream, nuts, and sauce on top.

band ◆◆◇ /b� nd/ (bands , banding , banded )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A band is a small group of musicians who play popular music such as jazz, rock, or pop. □� He was a drummer in a rock band. □� Local bands provide music for dancing.

2 →�see also one-man band

3 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A band is a group of musicians who play brass and percussion instruments. □� Bands played German marches.

4 →�see also brass band

5 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A bandof people is a group of people who have joined together because they share an interest or belief. □� Bands of criminals have been roaming some neighborhoods. □� �a small but growing band of Japanese companies taking their first steps into American publishing.

6 N‑COUNT A band is a flat, narrow strip of cloth which you wear round your head or wrists, or which forms part of a piece of clothing. □� Almost all hospitals use a wrist-band of some kind with your name and details on it.

7 →�see also armbandwaistband

8 N‑COUNT A band is a strip of something such as colour, light, land, or cloth which contrasts with the areas on either side of it. □� �bands of natural vegetation between strips of crops. □� A band of light glowed in the space between floor and door.

9 N‑COUNT A band is a strip or loop of metal or other strong material which strengthens something, or which holds several things together. □� Surgeons placed a metal band around the knee cap to help it knit back together. □� �a strong band of flat muscle tissue.

10 →�see also elastic band , rubber band

11 N‑COUNT A band is a range of numbers or values within a system of measurement. □� �a tax band of 20p in the pound on the first �2,000 of taxable income.

12 →�see also waveband

13 →�see also wedding band

▸� band together PHRASAL VERB If people band together , they meet and act as a group in order to try and achieve something. □�[V P ] Women banded together to protect each other. COLLOCATIONS band NOUN 1

noun +�band : heavy metal, indie, jazz, pop, punk, rock; backing, tribute

verb +�band : form, join, play in

adjective +�band : live

band|age /b� nd I dʒ/ (bandages , bandaging , bandaged )

1 N‑COUNT A bandage is a long strip of cloth which is wrapped around a wounded part of someone's body to protect or support it. □� We put some ointment and a bandage on his knee. □� His chest was swathed in bandages.

2 VERB If you bandage a wound or part of someone's body, you tie a bandage around it. □�[V n] Apply a dressing to the wound and bandage it. □�[V -ed] �a bandaged hand. ●�PHRASAL VERB Bandage up means the same as bandage . □�[V n P ] I bandaged the leg up and gave her aspirin for the pain. [Also V P n]

Ba nd-Aid (Band-Aids ) also band-aid

1 N‑VAR A Band-Aid is a small piece of sticky tape that you use to cover small cuts or wounds on your body. [mainly AM , TRADEMARK ] in BRIT, use plaster2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to a Band-Aid solution to a problem, you mean that you disapprove of it because you think that it will only be effective for a short period. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We need long-term solutions, not short-term Band-Aid ones.

ban|dan|na /b�nd� nə/ (bandannas ) also bandana N‑COUNT A bandanna is a brightly-coloured piece of cloth which is worn around a person's neck or head.

B&B /biː ən biː / (B&Bs ) also b&b

1 N‑UNCOUNT B&B is the same as bed and breakfast . □� �three nights b&b.

2 N‑COUNT A B&B is the same as a bed and breakfast . □� There are B&Bs all over the islands.

band|ed /b� nd I d/ ADJ If something is banded , it has one or more bands on it, often of a different colour which contrasts with the main colour. □�[+�in/with ] �a stark tower, banded in dark and light stone.

-banded /-b�nd I d/ COMB -banded combines with colours to indicate that something has bands of a particular colour. □� Tables are set with white china and gold-banded silver cutlery.

ban|dit /b� nd I t/ (bandits ) N‑COUNT Robbers are sometimes called bandits , especially if they are found in areas where the rule of law has broken down. □� This is real bandit country.

ban|dit|ry /b� nd I tri/ N‑UNCOUNT Banditry is used to refer to acts of robbery and violence in areas where the rule of law has broken down.

band|leader /b� ndliːdə r / (bandleaders ) N‑COUNT A bandleader is the person who conducts a band, especially a jazz band.

band|saw /b� ndsɔː/ (bandsaws ) N‑COUNT A bandsaw is an electric saw that consists of a metal band that turns round and is used for cutting wood, metal, and other materials.

bands|man /b� ndzmən/ (bandsmen ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Bandsmen are musicians in a band, especially a military or brass band.

band|stand /b� ndst�nd/ (bandstands )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A bandstand is a platform with a roof where a military band or a brass band can play in the open air.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A bandstand is a platform inside a hall or large room where the band that is playing at a dance or other occasion stands. [mainly AM ]

band|wagon /b� ndw�gən/ (bandwagons )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to an activity or movement that has suddenly become fashionable or popular as a bandwagon . □� So what is really happening as the information bandwagon starts to roll? □� �the environmental bandwagon.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone, especially a politician, jumps or climbs on thebandwagon , they become involved in an activity or movement because it is fashionable or likely to succeed and not because they are really interested in it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Many farms are jumping on the bandwagon and advertising organically grown food.

band|width /b� ndw I dθ/ (bandwidths ) N‑VAR A bandwidth is the range of frequencies used for a particular telecommunications signal, radio transmission, or computer network.

ban|dy /b� ndi/ (bandies , bandying , bandied ) VERB If you bandy words with someone, you argue with them. □�[V n +�with ] Brand shook his head. He was tired of bandying words with the man. □�[V n adv] The prosecution and defense were bandying accusations back and forth.

▸� bandy about or bandy around PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone's name or something such as an idea is bandied about or is bandied around , that person or that thing is discussed by many people in a casual way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed P ] Young players now hear various sums bandied around about how much players are getting.

bane /be I n/ N‑SING Thebaneof someone or thebaneof someone's life is something that frequently makes them feel unhappy or annoyed. □� Spots can be the bane of a teenager's life.

bang /b� ŋ/ (bangs , banging , banged )

1 N‑COUNT A bang is a sudden loud noise such as the noise of an explosion. □� I heard four or five loud bangs. □� She slammed the door with a bang.

2 VERB If something bangs , it makes a sudden loud noise, once or several times. □�[V ] The engine spat and banged.

3 VERB If you bang a door or if it bangs , it closes suddenly with a loud noise. □�[V ] �the sound of doors banging. □�[V adj] All up and down the street the windows bang shut. □�[V n] The wind banged a door somewhere.

4 VERB If you bangon something or if you bang it, you hit it hard, making a loud noise. □�[V +�on ] We could bang on the desks and shout till they let us out. □�[V n] There is no point in shouting or banging the table.

5 VERB If you bang something on something or if you bang it down, you quickly and violently put it on a surface, because you are angry. □�[V n prep] She banged his dinner on the table. □�[V n with adv] He banged down the telephone.

6 VERB If you bang a part of your body, you accidentally knock it against something and hurt yourself. □�[V n] She'd fainted and banged her head. □�[V n +�against/on ] He hurried into the hall, banging his shin against a chair in the darkness. ●�N‑COUNT Bang is also a noun. □� �a nasty bang on the head.

7 VERB If you banginto something or someone, you bump or knock them hard, usually because you are not looking where you are going. □�[V +�into ] Various men kept banging into me in the narrow corridor.

8 N‑PLURAL Bangs are hair which is cut so that it hangs over your forehead. [AM ] in BRIT, use fringe9 ADV You can use bang to emphasize expressions that indicate an exact position or an exact time. [EMPHASIS ] □� �bang in the middle of the track. □� For once you leave bang on time for work.

10 →�see also big bang theory

11 PHRASE If you say bang goes something, you mean that it is now obvious that it cannot succeed or be achieved. □� There will be more work to do, not less. Bang goes the fantasy of retirement at 35.

12 PHRASE If something begins or ends with a bang , it begins or ends with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, or success. □� Her career began with a bang in 1986.

13to bang your head against a brick wall →�see wall

bang|er /b� ŋə r / (bangers )

1 N‑COUNT Bangers are sausages. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You can describe a car as a banger if it is old and in very bad condition. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �this clapped-out old banger.

3 N‑COUNT Bangers are fireworks that make a lot of noise. [BRIT ]

Bang|la|deshi /b� ŋgləde ʃi/ (Bangladeshis )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bangladeshi means belonging to or relating to Bangladesh, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT The Bangladeshis are the people who come from Bangladesh.

ban|gle /b� ŋg ə l/ (bangles ) N‑COUNT A bangle is a decorated metal or wooden ring that you can wear round your wrist or ankle.

ba ng-o n also bang on ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is bang-on with something, they are exactly right in their opinions or actions. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� If we are not bang-on with our preparations then we could have problems.

ban|ish /b� n I ʃ/ (banishes , banishing , banished )

1 VERB If someone or something is banishedfrom a place or area of activity, they are sent away from it and prevented from entering it. □�[be V -ed +�from/to ] I was banished to the small bedroom upstairs. □�[V n +�from/to ] They tried to banish him from politics.

2 VERB If you banish something unpleasant, you get rid of it. □�[V n] �a public investment programme intended to banish the recession.

3 VERB If you banish the thought of something, you stop thinking about it. □�[V n] He has now banished all thoughts of retirement. □�[be V -ed +�from/to ] The past few days had been banished from his mind.

ban|ish|ment /b� n I ʃmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Banishment is the act of banishing someone or the state of being banished. □� �banishment to 'Devil's Island'.

ban|is|ter /b� n I stə r / (banisters ) also bannister N‑COUNT A banister is a rail supported by posts and fixed along the side of a staircase. The plural banisters can be used to refer to one of these rails. □� I still remember sliding down the banisters.

ban|jo /b� ndʒoʊ/ (banjos ) N‑VAR A banjo is a musical instrument that looks like a guitar with a circular body, a long neck, and four or more strings.

bank

➊�FINANCE AND STORAGE

➋�AREAS AND MASSES

➌�OTHER VERB USES

➊ bank ◆◆◆ /b� ŋk/ (banks , banking , banked )

1 N‑COUNT A bank is an institution where people or businesses can keep their money. □� Which bank offers you the service that best suits your financial needs? □� I had �10,000 in the bank.

2 N‑COUNT A bank is a building where a bank offers its services.

3 VERB If you bank money, you pay it into a bank. □�[V n] Once the agency has banked your cheque, the process begins.

4 VERB If you bankwith a particular bank, you have an account with that bank. □�[V +�with ] I've banked with the Co-op for over 20 years.

5 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] You use bank to refer to a store of something. For example, a blood bank is a store of blood that is kept ready for use. □� Detectives examined the syringe for DNA traces and deposited the information in a central data bank.

➋ bank /b� ŋk/ (banks )

1 N‑COUNT The banksof a river, canal, or lake are the raised areas of ground along its edge. □�[+�of ] �30 miles of new developments along both banks of the Thames. □�[+�of ] �an old warehouse on the banks of a canal.

2 N‑COUNT A bank of ground is a raised area of it with a flat top and one or two sloping sides. □� �resting indolently upon a grassy bank.

3 N‑COUNT A bankof something is a long high mass of it. □�[+�of ] On their journey south they hit a bank of fog off the north-east coast of Scotland.

4 N‑COUNT A bankof things, especially machines, switches, or dials, is a row of them, or a series of rows. □�[+�of ] The typical laborer now sits in front of a bank of dials.

5 →�see also banked

➌ bank /b� ŋk/ (banks , banking , banked ) VERB When an aircraft banks , one of its wings rises higher than the other, usually when it is changing direction. □�[V ] A plane took off and banked above the highway in front of him.

▸� bank on PHRASAL VERB If you bank on something happening, you expect it to happen and rely on it happening. □�[V P n] 'He's not still there, I suppose?'�'I wouldn't bank on that,' she said. COLLOCATIONS bank NOUN ➊1

noun +�bank : high street, investment, merchant, savings

adjective +�bank : central, commercial, nationalized, retail

bank|able /b� ŋkəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In the entertainment industry, someone or something that is described as bankable is very popular and therefore likely to be very profitable. □� This movie made him the most bankable star in Hollywood.

ba nk ac|count (bank accounts ) N‑COUNT A bank account is an arrangement with a bank which allows you to keep your money in the bank and to take some out when you need it.

ba nk bal|ance (bank balances ) N‑COUNT Your bank balance is the amount of money that you have in your bank account at a particular time.

ba nk card (bank cards ) also bankcard

1 N‑COUNT A bank card is a plastic card which your bank gives you so you can get money from your bank account using a cash machine. It is also called an ATM card in American English.

2 N‑COUNT A bank card is a credit card that is supplied by a bank. [AM ]

ba nk draft (bank drafts ) N‑COUNT A bank draft is a cheque which you can buy from a bank in order to pay someone who is not willing to accept a personal cheque. □� Payments should be made by credit card or bank draft in U.S. dollars.

banked /b� ŋkt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A banked stretch of road is higher on one side than the other. □� He struggled to hold the bike down on the banked corners.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a place is bankedwith something, it is piled high with that thing. If something is banked up , it is piled high. □� Flowerbeds and tubs are banked with summer bedding plants. □� The snow was banked up along the roadside.

bank|er ◆◇◇ /b� ŋkə r / (bankers ) N‑COUNT A banker is someone who works in banking at a senior level. □� �an investment banker. □� �a merchant banker.

ba nk|er's draft (banker's drafts ) N‑COUNT A banker's draft is the same as a bank draft . □� You pay for the car by banker's draft in the local currency.

ba nk ho li|day (bank holidays ) N‑COUNT A bank holiday is a public holiday. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use national holiday

bank|ing ◆◇◇ /b� ŋk I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Banking is the business activity of banks and similar institutions.

ba nk man|ag|er (bank managers ) N‑COUNT A bank manager is someone who is in charge of a bank, or a particular branch of a bank, and who is involved in making decisions about whether or not to lend money to businesses and individuals. [BUSINESS ] □� This may have influenced your bank manager's decision not to give you a loan.

bank|note /b� ŋknoʊt/ (banknotes ) also bank note N‑COUNT Banknotes are pieces of paper money.

ba nk rate (bank rates ) N‑COUNT The bank rate is the rate of interest at which a bank lends money, especially the minimum rate of interest that banks are allowed to charge, which is decided by the country's central bank. □� �a sterling crisis that forced the bank rate up.

bank|roll /b� ŋkroʊl/ (bankrolls , bankrolling , bankrolled )

1 VERB To bankroll a person, organization, or project means to provide the financial resources that they need. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] The company has bankrolled a couple of local movies.

2 N‑SING A bankroll is the financial resources used to back a person, project, or institution. [AM ] □� We have a guaranteed minimum bankroll of �1.7m over the five albums.

bank|rupt /b� ŋkrʌpt/ (bankrupts , bankrupting , bankrupted )

1 ADJ People or organizations that go bankrupt do not have enough money to pay their debts. [BUSINESS ] □� If the firm cannot sell its products, it will go bankrupt. □� He was declared bankrupt after failing to pay a �114m loan guarantee.

2 VERB To bankrupt a person or organization means to make them go bankrupt. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The move to the market nearly bankrupted the firm and its director.

3 N‑COUNT A bankrupt is a person who has been declared bankrupt by a court of law. [BUSINESS ]

4 ADJ If you say that something is bankrupt , you are emphasizing that it lacks any value or worth. [EMPHASIS ] □� He really thinks that European civilisation is morally bankrupt.

bank|rupt|cy /b� nkrʌptsi/ (bankruptcies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Bankruptcy is the state of being bankrupt. [BUSINESS ] □� Many established firms were facing bankruptcy.

2 N‑COUNT A bankruptcy is an instance of an organization or person going bankrupt. [BUSINESS ] □� The number of corporate bankruptcies climbed in August.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to something's bankruptcy , you are emphasizing that it is completely lacking in value or worth. [EMPHASIS ] □� The massacre laid bare the moral bankruptcy of the regime.

ba nk state|ment (bank statements ) N‑COUNT A bank statement is a printed document showing all the money paid into and taken out of a bank account. Bank statements are usually sent by a bank to a customer at regular intervals.

ba nned su b|stance (banned substances ) N‑COUNT In sport, banned substances are drugs that competitors are not allowed to take because they could artificially improve their performance.

ban|ner /b� nə r / (banners )

1 N‑COUNT A banner is a long strip of cloth with something written on it. Banners are usually attached to two poles and carried during a protest or rally. □� �a large crowd of students carrying banners denouncing the government.

2 PHRASE If someone does something under the banner of a particular cause, idea, or belief, they do it saying that they support that cause, idea, or belief. □� �proposals to impose more taxation upon motorists under the banner of being 'green'.

ba n|ner ad (banner ads ) N‑COUNT A banner ad is a large advertisement on a website that stretches across the top or down the side of the window. It usually contains a link to the advertiser's website. [COMPUTING ]

ba n|ner hea d|line (banner headlines ) N‑COUNT A banner headline is a large headline in a newspaper that stretches across the front page. □� Today's front page carries a banner headline 'The adulterer, the bungler and the joker.'

bannister /b� n I stə r / →�see banister

banns /b� nz/ N‑PLURAL When a minister or priest reads or publishes thebanns , he or she makes a public announcement in church that two people are going to be married.

ban|quet /b� ŋkw I t/ (banquets ) N‑COUNT A banquet is a grand formal dinner. □� Last night he attended a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

ban|quet|ing /b� ŋkw I t I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A banqueting hall or room is a large room where banquets are held.

ban|quette /b�ŋke t/ (banquettes ) N‑COUNT A banquette is a long, low, cushioned seat. Banquettes are usually long enough for more than one person to sit on at a time.

ban|shee /b� nʃiː/ (banshees ) N‑COUNT In Irish folk stories, a banshee is a female spirit who warns you by her long, sad cry that someone in your family is going to die.

ban|tam /b� ntəm/ (bantams ) N‑COUNT A bantam is a breed of small chicken.

bantam|weight /b� ntəmwe I t/ (bantamweights ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] A bantamweight is a boxer who weighs between 51 and 53.5 kilograms, or a wrestler who weighs between 52 and 57 kilograms. A bantamweight is heavier than a flyweight but lighter than a featherweight. □� �the European bantamweight title-holder.

ban|ter /b� ntə r / (banters , bantering , bantered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Banter is teasing or joking talk that is amusing and friendly. □� She heard Tom exchanging good-natured banter with Jane.

2 VERB If you banterwith someone, you tease them or joke with them in an amusing, friendly way. □�[V +�with ] The soldiers bantered with him as though he was a kid brother. □�[V ] We bantered a bit while I tried to get the car started.

Ban|tu /b� ntuː , -tuː/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Bantu means belonging or relating to a group of peoples in central and southern Africa. This use could cause offence.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Bantu languages belong to a group of languages spoken in central and southern Africa. This use could cause offence.

bap /b� p/ (baps ) N‑COUNT In some dialects of British English, a bap is a soft flat bread roll.

bap|tise /b�pta I z/ →�see baptize

bap|tism /b� pt I zəm/ (baptisms ) N‑VAR A baptism is a Christian ceremony in which a person is baptized. Compare christening .

bap|tis|mal /b�pt I zməl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Baptismal means relating to or connected with baptism. [FORMAL ] □� �the baptismal ceremony.

ba p|tism of fi re (baptisms of fire ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone who has just begun a new job has a baptism of fire , they immediately have to cope with very many severe difficulties and obstacles. □� It was Mark's first introduction to royal duties and he came through his baptism of fire unscathed.

Bap|tist /b� pt I st/ (Baptists )

1 N‑COUNT A Baptist is a Christian who believes that people should not be baptized until they are old enough to understand the meaning of baptism.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Baptist means belonging or relating to Baptists. □� �a Baptist church.

bap|tize /b�pta I z/ (baptizes , baptizing , baptized ) in BRIT, also use baptise VERB [usu passive] When someone is baptized , water is put on their heads or they are covered with water as a sign that their sins have been forgiven and that they have become a member of the Christian Church. Compare christen . □�[be V -ed] At this time she decided to become a Christian and was baptised.

bar ◆◆◇ /bɑː r / (bars , barring , barred )

1 N‑COUNT A bar is a place where you can buy and drink alcoholic drinks. [mainly AM ] □� �Devil's Herd, the city's most popular country-western bar.

2 N‑COUNT A bar is a room in a pub or hotel where alcoholic drinks are served. [BRIT ] □� I'll see you in the bar later. □� On the ship there are lounges, a bar and a small duty-free shop.

3 N‑COUNT A bar is a counter on which alcoholic drinks are served. □� Michael was standing alone by the bar when Brian rejoined him. □� He leaned forward across the bar.

4 →�see also coffee bar , public bar , singles bar , snack bar , wine bar

5 N‑COUNT A bar is a long, straight, stiff piece of metal. □� �a brick building with bars across the ground floor windows. □� �a crowd throwing stones and iron bars.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is behind bars , you mean that they are in prison. □� Fisher was behind bars last night, charged with attempted murder. □� Nearly 5,000 people a year are put behind bars over motoring penalties.

7 N‑COUNT A barof something is a piece of it which is roughly rectangular. □� What is your favourite chocolate bar? □�[+�of ] �a bar of soap.

8 VERB If you bar a door, you place something in front of it or a piece of wood or metal across it in order to prevent it from being opened. □�[V n] For added safety, bar the door to the kitchen. ●� barred ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� The windows were closed and shuttered, the door was barred.

9 VERB If you bar someone's way, you prevent them from going somewhere or entering a place, by blocking their path. □�[V n] He stepped in front of her, barring her way.

10 VERB [usu passive] If someone is barredfrom a place or from doing something, they are officially forbidden to go there or to do it. □�[be V -ed +�from ] Women were barred from attending the Convention without a male companion. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Many jobs were barred to them.

11 N‑COUNT If something is a barto doing a particular thing, it prevents someone from doing it. □�[+�to ] One of the fundamental bars to communication is the lack of a common language.

12 PHRASE If you say that there are no holds barred when people are fighting or competing for something, you mean that they are no longer following any rules in their efforts to win. □� It is a war with no holds barred and we must prepare to resist.

13 PREP You can use bar when you mean 'except'. For example, all the work bar the washing means all the work except the washing. □� Bar a large massage table, there wasn't much furniture in the room. □� The aim of the service was to offer everything the independent investor wanted, bar advice. →�see also barring

14 PHRASE You use bar none to add emphasis to a statement that someone or something is the best of their kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� He is simply the best goalscorer we have ever had, bar none.

15 N‑PROPER TheBar is used to refer to the profession of a barrister in England, or of any kind of lawyer in the United States. □� Robert was planning to read for the Bar.

16 N‑COUNT In music, a bar is one of the several short parts of the same length into which a piece of music is divided. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use measure

barb /bɑː r b/ (barbs )

1 N‑COUNT A barb is a sharp curved point near the end of an arrow or fish-hook which makes it difficult to pull out.

2 N‑COUNT A barb is an unkind remark meant as a criticism of someone or something. □� The barb stung her exactly the way he hoped it would.

Bar|ba|dian /bɑː r be I diən/ (Barbadians )

1 ADJ Barbadian means belonging or relating to Barbados or its people.

2 N‑COUNT A Barbadian is someone who comes from Barbados.

bar|bar|ian /bɑː r beə riən/ (barbarians )

1 N‑COUNT In former times, barbarians were people from other countries who were thought to be uncivilized and violent. □� The Roman Empire was overrun by Nordic barbarians.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a barbarian , you disapprove of them because they behave in a way that is cruel or uncivilized. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Our maths teacher was a bully and a complete barbarian. □� We need to fight this barbarian attitude to science.

bar|bar|ic /bɑː r b� r I k/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as barbaric , you strongly disapprove of it because you think that it is extremely cruel or uncivilized. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� This barbaric treatment of animals has no place in any decent society. □� �a particularly barbaric act of violence.

bar|ba|rism /bɑː r bər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's behaviour as barbarism , you strongly disapprove of it because you think that it is extremely cruel or uncivilized. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We do not ask for the death penalty: barbarism must not be met with barbarism.

bar|bar|ity /bɑː r b� r I ti/ (barbarities ) N‑VAR If you refer to someone's behaviour as barbarity , you strongly disapprove of it because you think that it is extremely cruel. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the barbarity of war.

bar|ba|rous /bɑː r bərəs/

1 ADJ If you describe something as barbarous , you strongly disapprove of it because you think that it is rough and uncivilized. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He thought the poetry of Whitman barbarous.

2 ADJ If you describe something as barbarous , you strongly disapprove of it because you think that it is extremely cruel. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a barbarous attack.

bar|becue /bɑː r b I kjuː/ (barbecues , barbecuing , barbecued ) in AM, also use barbeque , Bar-B-Q1 N‑COUNT A barbecue is a piece of equipment which you use for cooking on in the open air.

2 N‑COUNT If someone has a barbecue , they cook food on a barbecue in the open air.

3 VERB If you barbecue food, especially meat, you cook it on a barbecue. □�[be V -ed] Tuna can be grilled, fried or barbecued. □�[V n] Here's a way of barbecuing corn-on-the-cob that I learned in the States. □�[V -ed] �barbecued chicken. [Also V ]

barbed /bɑː r bd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A barbed remark or joke seems polite or humorous, but contains a cleverly hidden criticism. □� �barbed comments.

ba rbed wi re N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Barbed wire is strong wire with sharp points sticking out of it, and is used to make fences. □� The factory was surrounded by barbed wire. □� �a barbed-wire fence.

bar|ber /bɑː r bə r / (barbers )

1 N‑COUNT A barber is a man whose job is cutting men's hair. □� He went to get his hair trimmed by the barber.

2 N‑SING A barber's is a shop where a barber works. [BRIT ] □� My Mum took me to the barber's. in AM, use barber shop

barber|shop /bɑː r bə r ʃɒp/ (barbershops )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Barbershop is a style of singing where a small group of people, usually men, sing in close harmony and without any musical instruments accompanying them. □� �a barbershop quartet.

2 →�see barber shop

ba r|ber shop (barber shops ) in AM, also use barbershop N‑COUNT A barber shop is a shop where a barber works.

bar|bie /bɑː r bi/ (barbies ) N‑COUNT A barbie is a barbecue . [BRIT , AUSTRALIAN , INFORMAL ]

bar|bi|tu|rate /bɑː r b I tʃʊr I t/ (barbiturates ) N‑COUNT A barbiturate is a drug which people take to make them calm or to help them to sleep. □� She was addicted to barbiturates.

Bar-B-Q /bɑː r b I kjuː/ →�see barbecue

ba r chart (bar charts ) N‑COUNT A bar chart is a graph which uses parallel rectangular shapes to represent changes in the size, value, or rate of something or to compare the amount of something relating to a number of different countries or groups. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use bar graph

ba r code (bar codes ) also barcode N‑COUNT A bar code is an arrangement of numbers and parallel lines that is printed on products to be sold in shops. The bar code can be read by computers.

bard /bɑː r d/ (bards ) N‑COUNT A bard is a poet. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ]

Bard N‑PROPER People sometimes refer to William Shakespeare as the Bard . □� �a new production of the Bard's early tragedy, Richard III.

bare ◆◇◇ /beə r / (barer , barest , bares , baring , bared )

1 ADJ If a part of your body is bare , it is not covered by any clothing. □� She was wearing only a thin robe over a flimsy nightdress, and her feet were bare. □� She had bare arms and a bare neck.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bare surface is not covered or decorated with anything. □� They would have liked bare wooden floors throughout the house.

3 ADJ If a tree or a branch is bare , it has no leaves on it. □� �an old, twisted tree, its bark shaggy, many of its limbs brittle and bare.

4 ADJ If a room, cupboard, or shelf is bare , it is empty. □� His fridge was bare apart from three very withered tomatoes. □� He led me through to a bare, draughty interviewing room.

5 ADJ An area of ground that is bare has no plants growing on it. □� That's probably the most bare, bleak, barren and inhospitable island I've ever seen.

6 ADJ If someone gives you the bare facts or the barest details of something, they tell you only the most basic and important things. □� Newspaper reporters were given nothing but the bare facts by the Superintendent in charge of the investigation.

7 ADJ If you talk about the bare minimum or the bare essentials, you mean the very least that is necessary. □� The army would try to hold the western desert with a bare minimum of forces. □� These are the bare essentials you'll need to dress your baby during the first few months.

8 ADJ Bare is used in front of an amount to emphasize how small it is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Sales are growing for premium wines, but at a bare 2 percent a year.

9 VERB If you bare something, you uncover it and show it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] Walsh bared his teeth in a grin.

10bare bones →�see bone

11 PHRASE If someone does something with their bare hands , they do it without using any weapons or tools. □� Police believe the killer punched her to death with his bare hands. □� Rescuers were using their bare hands to reach the trapped miners.

12 PHRASE If you lay something bare , you uncover it completely so that it can then be seen. □� The clearing out of disused workshops laid bare thousands of Italianate glazed tiles.

13 PHRASE If you lay bare something or someone, you reveal or expose them. □� No one wants to expose themselves, lay their feelings bare.

bare|back /beə r b�k/ ADV [ADV after v] If you ride bareback , you ride a horse without a saddle. □� I rode bareback to the paddock. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Bareback is also an adjective. □� She dreamed of being a bareback rider in a circus.

ba re-fa ced also barefaced ADJ [ADJ n] You use bare-faced to describe someone's behaviour when you want to emphasize that they do not care that they are behaving wrongly. [EMPHASIS ] □� What bare-faced cheek! □� �crooked politicians who tell bare-faced lies.

bare|foot /beə r fʊt/ also barefooted ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] Someone who is barefoot or barefooted is not wearing anything on their feet. □� I wore a white dress and was barefoot. □� �shivering with cold and barefooted.

bare|headed /beə r he d I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] Someone who is bareheaded is not wearing a hat or any other covering on their head. □� He was bareheaded in the rain. □� I rode bareheaded.

bare|ly ◆◇◇ /beə r li/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use barely to say that something is only just true or only just the case. □� Anastasia could barely remember the ride to the hospital. □� It was 90 degrees and the air conditioning barely cooled the room. □� His voice was barely audible.

2 ADV [ADV before v] If you say that one thing had barely happened when something else happened, you mean that the first event was followed immediately by the second. □� The Boeing 767 had barely taxied to a halt before its doors were flung open. SYNONYMS barely ADV 1

only just:The signs of an economic revival are only just beginning.

scarcely:He could scarcely breathe.

barf /bɑː r f/ (barfs , barfing , barfed ) VERB If someone barfs , they vomit. [INFORMAL ]

bar|fly /bɑː r fla I / (barflies ) N‑COUNT A barfly is a person who spends a lot of time drinking in bars [AM , INFORMAL ]

bar|gain ◆◇◇ /bɑː r g I n/ (bargains , bargaining , bargained )

1 N‑COUNT Something that is a bargain is good value for money, usually because it has been sold at a lower price than normal. □� At this price the wine is a bargain.

2 N‑COUNT A bargain is an agreement, especially a formal business agreement, in which two people or groups agree what each of them will do, pay, or receive. □� I'll make a bargain with you. I'll play hostess if you'll include Matthew in your guest-list. □� The treaty was based on a bargain between the French and German governments.

3 VERB When people bargainwith each other, they discuss what each of them will do, pay, or receive. □�[V +�with ] They prefer to bargain with individual clients, for cash. □�[V ] Shop in small local markets and don't be afraid to bargain. ●� bar|gain|er (bargainers ) N‑COUNT □� A union bargainer said that those jobs have been saved. ●� bar|gain|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The government has called for sensible pay bargaining.

4 PHRASE [ADJ ] If people drive a hard bargain , they argue with determination in order to achieve a deal which is favourable to themselves. □� �a law firm with a reputation for driving a hard bargain.

5 PHRASE You use into the bargain when mentioning an additional quantity, feature, fact, or action, to emphasize the fact that it is also involved. You can also say in the bargain in American English. [EMPHASIS ] □� This machine is designed to save you effort, and keep your work surfaces tidy into the bargain. □� She is rich. Now you say she is a beauty into the bargain.

6 PHRASE If you keep your side of the bargain , you do what you have promised or arranged to do. □� Dealing with this dictator wasn't an option. He wouldn't have kept his side of the bargain.

▸� bargain for or bargain on PHRASAL VERB If you have not bargained for or bargained on something that happens, you did not expect it to happen and so feel surprised or worried by it. □�[V P n] The effects of this policy were more than the government had bargained for. SYNONYMS bargain VERB 3

haggle:Ella taught her how to haggle with used furniture dealers.

barter:They have been bartering wheat for cotton and timber.

negotiate:It is not clear whether the president is willing to negotiate with the democrats.

ba r|gain ba se|ment also bargain-basement ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to something as a bargain basement thing, you mean that it is cheap and not very good quality. □� �a bargain-basement rock musical.

ba r|gain hunt|er (bargain hunters ) also bargain-hunter N‑COUNT A bargain hunter is someone who is looking for goods that are value for money, usually because they are on sale at a lower price than normal.

ba r|gain|ing chip (bargaining chips ) N‑COUNT In negotiations with other people, a bargaining chip is something that you are prepared to give up in order to obtain what you want. □� Rubio suggests that oil be used as a bargaining chip in any trade talks.

ba r|gain|ing coun|ter (bargaining counters ) N‑COUNT A bargaining counter is the same as a bargaining chip . [BRIT ]

barge /bɑː r dʒ/ (barges , barging , barged )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A barge is a long, narrow boat with a flat bottom. Barges are used for carrying heavy loads, especially on canals. □� Carrying goods by train costs nearly three times more than carrying them by barge.

2 VERB If you barge into a place or barge through it, you rush or push into it in a rough and rude way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�into ] Students tried to barge into the secretariat buildings. [Also V +�through ]

3 VERB If you barge into someone or barge past them, you bump against them roughly and rudely. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�past ] He barged past her and sprang at Gillian, knocking her to the floor. [Also V +�into ]

▸� barge in PHRASAL VERB If you barge in or barge in on someone, you rudely interrupt what they are doing or saying. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] I'm sorry to barge in like this, but I have a problem I hope you can solve. [Also V P +�on ]

ba rge pole also bargepole PHRASE If you say that you wouldn't touch something with a barge pole , you mean that you would not want to have anything to do with it, either because you do not trust it, or because you do not like it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] in AM, use wouldn't touch something with a ten-foot pole

ba r graph (bar graphs ) N‑COUNT A bar graph is the same as a bar chart . [AM ]

bari|tone /b� r I toʊn/ (baritones ) N‑COUNT In music, a baritone is a man with a fairly deep singing voice that is lower than that of a tenor but higher than that of a bass.

bar|ium /beə riəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Barium is a soft, silvery-white metal.

bark /bɑː r k/ (barks , barking , barked )

1 VERB When a dog barks , it makes a short, loud noise, once or several times. □�[V ] Don't let the dogs bark. □�[V +�at ] A small dog barked at a seagull he was chasing. ●�N‑COUNT Bark is also a noun. □� The Doberman let out a string of roaring barks.

2 VERB If you barkat someone, you shout at them aggressively in a loud, rough voice. □�[V +�at ] I didn't mean to bark at you. □�[V n] A policeman held his gun in both hands and barked an order. [Also V with quote]

3 N‑UNCOUNT Bark is the tough material that covers the outside of a tree.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone's bark is worse than their bite , you mean that they seem much more unpleasant or hostile than they really are. [INFORMAL ] □� She can be a bit tetchy but her bark is worse than her bite.

5to be barking up the wrong tree →�see tree

bar|keep|er /bɑː r kiːpə r / (barkeepers ) N‑COUNT A barkeeper is someone who serves drinks behind a bar. [AM ]

ba rk|ing ma d ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is barking mad , you mean that they are insane or are acting very strangely. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The builder looked at me as though I was barking mad.

bar|ley /bɑː r li/ N‑UNCOUNT Barley is a grain that is used to make food, beer, and whisky. □� �fields of ripening wheat and barley.

ba r|ley sug|ar N‑UNCOUNT Barley sugar is a sweet made from boiled sugar.

ba r|ley wa|ter N‑UNCOUNT Barley water is a drink made from barley. It is sometimes flavoured with orange or lemon.

bar|maid /bɑː r me I d/ (barmaids ) N‑COUNT A barmaid is a woman who serves drinks behind a bar. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use bartender

bar|man /bɑː r mən/ (barmen ) N‑COUNT A barman is a man who serves drinks behind a bar. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use bartender

bar mitz|vah /bɑː r m I tsvə/ (bar mitzvahs ) N‑COUNT A bar mitzvah is a ceremony that takes place on the thirteenth birthday of a Jewish boy, after which he is regarded as an adult.

bar|my /bɑː r mi/ (barmier , barmiest ) ADJ If you say that someone or something is barmy , you mean that they are slightly crazy or very foolish. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a barmy idea.

barn /bɑː r n/ (barns ) N‑COUNT A barn is a building on a farm in which crops or animal food can be kept.

bar|na|cle /bɑː r n I k ə l/ (barnacles ) N‑COUNT Barnacles are small shellfish that fix themselves tightly to rocks and the bottoms of boats.

ba rn dance (barn dances ) N‑COUNT A barn dance is a social event people go to for country dancing.

barn|storm /bɑː r nstɔː r m/ (barnstorms , barnstorming , barnstormed ) VERB When people such as politicians or performers barnstorm , they travel around the country making speeches or giving shows. [AM ] □�[V prep/adv] He barnstormed across the nation, rallying the people to the cause. □�[V n] The president travels thousands of miles as he barnstorms the country. □�[V -ing] �his barnstorming campaign for the governorship of Louisiana. [Also V ]

barn|storm|ing /bɑː r nstɔː r m I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A barnstorming performance is full of energy and very exciting to watch. [BRIT , APPROVAL ] □� They delivered a barnstorming performance of the band's biggest hits.

barn|yard /bɑː r njɑː r d/ (barnyards ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] On a farm, thebarnyard is the area in front of or next to a barn.

ba|rom|eter /bərɒ m I tə r / (barometers )

1 N‑COUNT A barometer is an instrument that measures air pressure and shows when the weather is changing.

2 N‑COUNT If something is a barometerof a particular situation, it indicates how things are changing or how things are likely to develop. □�[+�of ] In past presidential elections, Missouri has been a barometer of the rest of the country.

bar|on /b� rən/ (barons )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A baron is a man who is a member of the lowest rank of the nobility. [BRIT ] □� �their stepfather, Baron Michael Distemple.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] You can use baron to refer to someone who controls a large amount of a particular industry or activity and who is therefore extremely powerful. □� �the battle against the drug barons. □� �the British press barons.

bar|on|ess /b� rənes/ (baronesses ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A baroness is a woman who is a member of the lowest rank of the nobility, or who is the wife of a baron. [BRIT ] □� �Baroness Blatch.

bar|on|et /b� rən I t/ (baronets ) N‑COUNT A baronet is a man who has been made a knight. When a baronet dies, the title is passed on to his son. [BRIT ]

ba|ro|nial /bəroʊ niəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a house or room as baronial , you mean that it is large, impressive, and old-fashioned in appearance, and looks as if it belongs to someone from the upper classes. □� �baronial manor houses.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Baronial means relating to a baron or barons. □� �the baronial feuding of the Middle Ages.

baro|ny /b� rəni/ (baronies ) N‑COUNT A barony is the rank or position of a baron.

ba|roque /bərɒ k, [AM ] -roʊ k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Baroque architecture and art is an elaborate style of architecture and art that was popular in Europe in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. □� The baroque church of San Leonardo is worth a quick look. □� �a collection of treasures dating from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. ●�N‑SING The baroque style and period in art and architecture are sometimes referred to as the baroque . □� �the seventeenth-century taste for the baroque.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Baroque music is a style of European music that was written in the 18th century.

bar|rack /b� rək/ (barracks , barracking , barracked ) VERB If people in an audience barrack public speakers or performers, they interrupt them, for example by making rude remarks. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Fans gained more enjoyment barracking him than cheering on the team. ●� bar|rack|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He was affected badly by the barracking that he got from the crowd.

bar|racks /b� rəks/ N‑COUNT [oft in names] A barracks is a building or group of buildings where soldiers or other members of the armed forces live and work. �Barracks� is the singular and plural form. □� �an army barracks in the north of the city.

bar|ra|cu|da /b� rəkjuː də, [AM ] -kuː -/ (barracudas or barracuda ) N‑COUNT A barracuda is a large tropical sea fish that eats other fish.

bar|rage /b� rɑːʒ, [AM ] bərɑː ʒ/ (barrages , barraging , barraged ) Pronounced /bɑː r I dʒ/ for meaning 4 in American English. 1 N‑COUNT A barrage is continuous firing on an area with large guns and tanks. □� The two fighters were driven off by a barrage of anti-aircraft fire.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A barrageof something such as criticism or complaints is a large number of them directed at someone, often in an aggressive way. □�[+�of ] He was faced with a barrage of angry questions from the floor.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are barraged by people or things, you have to deal with a great number of people or things you would rather avoid. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Doctors are complaining about being barraged by drug-company salesmen. □�[be V -ed +�with ] He was barraged with calls from friends who were furious at the indiscreet disclosures.

4 N‑COUNT A barrage is a structure that is built across a river to control the level of the water. □� �a hydro-electric tidal barrage.

ba r|rage bal|loon (barrage balloons ) N‑COUNT Barrage balloons are large balloons which are fixed to the ground by strong steel cables. They are used in wartime, when the cables are intended to destroy low-flying enemy aircraft.

bar|rel ◆◇◇ /b� rəl/ (barrels , barrelling , barrelled ) in AM, use barreling , barreled1 N‑COUNT A barrel is a large, round container for liquids or food. □� The wine is aged for almost a year in oak barrels.

2 N‑COUNT In the oil industry, a barrel is a unit of measurement equal to 159 litres. □�[+�of ] Fully operational, the pipe can pump one million barrels of oil a day. □� Oil prices were closing at $19.76 a barrel.

3 N‑COUNT [n N ] The barrel of a gun is the tube through which the bullet moves when the gun is fired. □�[+�of ] He pushed the barrel of the gun into the other man's open mouth.

4 VERB If a vehicle or person is barrelling in a particular direction, they are moving very quickly in that direction. [mainly AM ] □�[V prep/adv] The car was barreling down the street at a crazy speed.

5 →�see also pork barrel

6 PHRASE If you say, for example, that someone moves or buys something lock, stock, and barrel , you are emphasizing that they move or buy every part or item of it. [EMPHASIS ] □� They dug up their New Jersey garden and moved it lock, stock, and barrel back home.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone is scraping the barrel , or scraping the bottom of the barrel , you disapprove of the fact that they are using or doing something of extremely poor quality. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

-barrelled /-b� rəld/ in AM, use -barreled1 COMB -barrelled combines with adjectives to form adjectives that describe a gun which has a barrel or barrels of the specified type. □� �a short-barreled rifle. □� �a double-barrelled shotgun.

2 →�see also double-barrelled

ba r|rel or|gan (barrel organs ) N‑COUNT A barrel organ is a large machine that plays music when you turn the handle on the side. Barrel organs used to be played in the street to entertain people.

bar|ren /b� rən/

1 ADJ A barren landscape is dry and bare, and has very few plants and no trees. □� �the country's landscape of high barren mountains.

2 ADJ Barren land consists of soil that is so poor that plants cannot grow in it. □� He also wants to use the water to irrigate barren desert land.

3 ADJ If you describe something such as an activity or a period of your life as barren , you mean that you achieve no success during it or that it has no useful results. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] �politics that are banal and barren of purpose. □� �the player, who ended a 14-month barren spell by winning the Tokyo event in October.

4 ADJ If you describe a room or a place as barren , you do not like it because it has almost no furniture or other objects in it. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] The room was austere, nearly barren of furniture or decoration.

5 ADJ A barren woman or female animal is unable to have babies. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He prayed that his barren wife would one day have a child.

bar|ri|cade /b� r I ke I d, [AM ] -ke I d/ (barricades , barricading , barricaded )

1 N‑COUNT A barricade is a line of vehicles or other objects placed across a road or open space to stop people getting past, for example during street fighting or as a protest. □� Large areas of the city have been closed off by barricades set up by the demonstrators.

2 VERB If you barricade something such as a road or an entrance, you place a barricade or barrier across it, usually to stop someone getting in. □�[V n] The rioters barricaded streets with piles of blazing tyres. □�[be V -ed] The doors had been barricaded.

3 VERB If you barricade yourself inside a room or building, you place barriers across the door or entrance so that other people cannot get in. □�[V n prep/adv] The students have barricaded themselves into their dormitory building. □�[be V -ed] About forty prisoners are still barricaded inside the wrecked buildings.

bar|ri|er ◆◇◇ /b� riə r / (barriers )

1 N‑COUNT A barrier is something such as a rule, law, or policy that makes it difficult or impossible for something to happen or be achieved. □�[+�to ] Duties and taxes are the most obvious barrier to free trade. [Also +�against/between ]

2 N‑COUNT A barrier is a problem that prevents two people or groups from agreeing, communicating, or working with each other. □� There is no reason why love shouldn't cross the age barrier. □� When you get involved in sports and athletes, a lot of the racial barriers are broken down. [Also +�between ]

3 N‑COUNT A barrier is something such as a fence or wall that is put in place to prevent people from moving easily from one area to another. □� The demonstrators broke through heavy police barriers. □� As each woman reached the barrier one of the men glanced at her papers.

4 N‑COUNT A barrier is an object or layer that physically prevents something from moving from one place to another. □�[+�between ] �a severe storm, which destroyed a natural barrier between the house and the lake. □� The packaging must provide an effective barrier to prevent contamination of the product.

5 N‑SING You can refer to a particular number or amount as a barrier when you think it is significant, because it is difficult or unusual to go above it. □�[+�of ] They are fearful that unemployment will soon break the barrier of three million.

6 →�see also crash barrier , sound barrier

ba r|ri|er meth|od (barrier methods ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Barrier methods of contraception involve the use of condoms, diaphragms, or other devices that physically prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.

bar|ring /bɑː r I ŋ/ PREP You use barring to indicate that the person, thing, or event that you are mentioning is an exception to your statement. □� Barring accidents, I believe they will succeed.

bar|rio /bɑː rioʊ/ (barrios )

1 N‑COUNT A barrio is a mainly Spanish-speaking area in an American city. [AM ] □� �the barrios of Santa Cruz.

2 N‑COUNT A barrio is an urban district in a Spanish-speaking country. [mainly AM ] □� �the barrios of Mexico City.

bar|ris|ter /b� r I stə r / (barristers ) N‑COUNT In England and Wales, a barrister is a lawyer who represents clients in the higher courts of law. Compare solicitor .

bar|room /bɑː r ruːm/ (barrooms ) also bar-room N‑COUNT A barroom is a room or building in which alcoholic drinks are served over a counter. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use bar , pub

bar|row /b� roʊ/ (barrows )

1 N‑COUNT A barrow is the same as a wheelbarrow .

2 N‑COUNT A barrow is a cart from which fruit or other goods are sold in the street. [BRIT ] in AM, use pushcart3 N‑COUNT A barrow is a large structure made of earth that people used to build over graves in ancient times.

ba r|row boy (barrow boys ) N‑COUNT A barrow boy is a man or boy who sells fruit or other goods from a barrow in the street. [BRIT ]

bar|tender /bɑː r tendə r / (bartenders ) N‑COUNT A bartender is a person who serves drinks behind a bar.

bar|ter /bɑː r tə r / (barters , bartering , bartered ) VERB If you barter goods, you exchange them for other goods, rather than selling them for money. □�[V n +�for ] They have been bartering wheat for cotton and timber. □�[V ] The market-place and street were crowded with those who'd come to barter. □�[V n] Traders came to barter horses. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Barter is also a noun. □� Overall, barter is a very inefficient means of organizing transactions. □� �a barter economy.

ba|sal /be I s ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Basal means relating to or forming the base of something. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the basal layer of the skin.

bas|alt /b� sɔːlt, [AM ] bəsɔː lt/ (basalts ) N‑VAR Basalt is a type of black rock that is produced by volcanoes.

base ◆◆◆ /be I s/ (bases , basing , based , baser , basest )

1 N‑COUNT The base of something is its lowest edge or part. □� There was a cycle path running along this side of the wall, right at its base. □� Line the base and sides of a 20cm deep round cake tin with paper.

2 N‑COUNT The base of something is the lowest part of it, where it is attached to something else. □�[+�of ] The surgeon placed catheters through the veins and arteries near the base of the head.

3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The base of an object such as a box or vase is the lower surface of it that touches the surface it rests on. □�[+�of ] Remove from the heat and plunge the base of the pan into a bowl of very cold water.

4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] The base of an object that has several sections and that rests on a surface is the lower section of it. □� The mattress is best on a solid bed base. □� The clock stands on an oval marble base, enclosed by a glass dome.

5 N‑COUNT A base is a layer of something which will have another layer added to it. □� Spoon the mixture on to the biscuit base and cook in a pre-heated oven. □� On many modern wooden boats, epoxy coatings will have been used as a base for varnishing.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A position or thing that is a base for something is one from which that thing can be developed or achieved. □� The family base was crucial to my development.

7 VERB If you base one thing on another thing, the first thing develops from the second thing. □�[V n +�on/upon ] He based his conclusions on the evidence given by the captured prisoners. ●� based ADJ □�[+�on/upon ] Three of the new products are based on traditional herbal medicines.

8 N‑COUNT A company's client base or customer base is the group of regular clients or customers that the company gets most of its income from. [BUSINESS ] □� The company has been expanding its customer base using trade magazine advertising.

9 N‑COUNT A military base is a place which part of the armed forces works from. □� Gunfire was heard at an army base close to the airport. □� �a massive air base in eastern Saudi Arabia.

10 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your base is the main place where you work, stay, or live. □� For most of the spring and early summer her base was her home in Scotland.

11 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a place is a base for a certain activity, the activity can be carried out at that place or from that place. □� The two hotels are attractive bases from which to explore southeast Tuscany.

12 N‑COUNT The base of a substance such as paint or food is the main ingredient of it, to which other substances can be added. □� Drain off any excess marinade and use it as a base for a pouring sauce. □� Oils may be mixed with a base oil and massaged into the skin.

13 N‑COUNT A base is a system of counting and expressing numbers. The decimal system uses base 10, and the binary system uses base 2.

14 N‑COUNT A base in baseball, softball, or rounders is one of the places at each corner of the square on the pitch.

base|ball ◆◇◇ /be I sbɔːl/ (baseballs )

1 N‑UNCOUNT In America, baseball is a game played by two teams of nine players. Each player from one team hits a ball with a bat and then tries to run around three bases and get to the home base before the other team can get the ball back.

2 N‑COUNT A baseball is a small hard ball which is used in the game of baseball.

base|board /be I sbɔːd/ (baseboards ) N‑COUNT A baseboard is a narrow length of wood which goes along the bottom of a wall in a room and makes a border between the walls and the floor. [AM ] in BRIT, use skirting board

based ◆◆◆ /be I st/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are based in a particular place, that is the place where you live or do most of your work. □� Both firms are based in Kent. □� Based on the edge of Lake Matt, Sunbeam Yachts started boatbuilding in 1870.

2 →�see also base

-based /-be I st/

1 COMB -based combines with nouns referring to places to mean something positioned or existing mainly in the place mentioned, or operating or organized from that place. □� �a Washington-based organization. □� �land-based missiles.

2 COMB -based combines with nouns to mean that the thing mentioned is a central part or feature. □� �computer-based jobs. □� �oil-based sauces.

3 COMB -based combines with adverbs to mean having a particular kind of basis. □� There are growing signs of more broadly-based popular unrest.

base|less /be I sləs/ ADJ If you describe an accusation, rumour, or report as baseless , you mean that it is not true and is not based on facts. □� The charges against her are baseless. □� �baseless allegations of corruption.

base|line /be I sla I n/ (baselines ) also base-line

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The baseline of a tennis, badminton, or basketball court is one of the lines at each end of the court that mark the limits of play. □� Martinez, when she served, usually stayed on the baseline.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In baseball, the baseline is the line that a player must not cross when running between bases.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A baseline is a value or starting point on a scale with which other values can be compared. □�[+�for ] You'll need such information to use as a baseline for measuring progress.

base|ment /be I smənt/ (basements ) N‑COUNT The basement of a building is a floor built partly or completely below ground level. □� They bought an old schoolhouse to live in and built a workshop in the basement.

ba se me t|al (base metals ) N‑VAR A base metal is a metal such as copper, zinc, tin, or lead that is not a precious metal.

ba se rate (base rates ) N‑COUNT In Britain, the base rate is the rate of interest that banks use as a basis when they are calculating the rates that they charge on loans. [BUSINESS ] □� Bank base rates of 7 per cent are too high.

bases Pronounced /be I s I z/ for meaning 1 . Pronounced /be I siːz/ and hyphenated ba+ses for meaning 2 . 1Bases is the plural of base .

2Bases is the plural of basis .

bash /b� ʃ/ (bashes , bashing , bashed )

1 N‑COUNT A bash is a party or celebration, especially a large one held by an official organization or attended by famous people. [INFORMAL ] □� He threw one of the biggest showbiz bashes of the year.

2 VERB If someone bashes you, they attack you by hitting or punching you hard. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] If someone tried to bash my best mate they would have to bash me as well. □�[V n prep/adv] I bashed him on the head and dumped him in the cold, cold water. □�[be/get V -ed] Two women were hurt and the chef was bashed over the head with a bottle.

3 VERB If you bash something, you hit it hard in a rough or careless way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] Too many golfers try to bash the ball out of sand. That spells disaster. □�[V prep/adv] A stand-in drummer bashes on a single snare and a pair of cymbals. [Also V n]

4 N‑COUNT If you get a bashon a part of your body, someone or something hits you hard, or you bump into something. [INFORMAL ]

5 VERB To bash someone means to criticize them severely, usually in a public way. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The President could continue to bash Democrats as being soft on crime.

6 →�see also -bashing

-basher /-b�ʃə r / (-bashers ) COMB -basher combines with nouns to form nouns referring to someone who is physically violent towards a particular type of person, or who is unfairly critical of a particular type of person. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �gay-bashers who go around looking for homosexuals to beat up.

bash|ful /b� ʃfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is bashful is shy and easily embarrassed. □� He seemed bashful and awkward. □� �a bashful young lady. ●� bash|ful|ly /b� ʃfʊli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'No,' Wang Fu said bashfully. ●� bash|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I was overcome with bashfulness when I met her.

-bashing /-b�ʃ I ŋ/

1 COMB -bashing combines with nouns to form nouns or adjectives that refer to strong, public, and often unfair criticism of the people or group mentioned. [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Tory-bashing or Labour-bashing will not be enough to shift bored, suspicious voters.

2 COMB -bashing combines with nouns to form nouns or adjectives that refer to the activity of violently attacking the people mentioned just because they belong to a particular group or community. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an outburst of violent gay-bashing in New York and other cities.

3 →�see also bash

ba|sic ◆◆◇ /be I s I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use basic to describe things, activities, and principles that are very important or necessary, and on which others depend. □� One of the most basic requirements for any form of angling is a sharp hook. □� �the basic skills of reading, writing and communicating. □� �the basic laws of physics. □� Access to justice is a basic right.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Basic goods and services are very simple ones which every human being needs. You can also refer to people's basic needs for such goods and services. □� �shortages of even the most basic foodstuffs. □� Hospitals lack even basic drugs for surgical operations. □� �the basic needs of food and water.

3 ADJ If one thing is basicto another, it is absolutely necessary to it, and the second thing cannot exist, succeed, or be imagined without it. □�[+�to ] �an oily liquid, basic to the manufacture of a host of other chemical substances. □�[+�to ] There are certain ethical principles that are basic to all the great religions.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use basic to emphasize that you are referring to what you consider to be the most important aspect of a situation, and that you are not concerned with less important details. [EMPHASIS ] □� There are three basic types of tea. □� The basic design changed little from that patented by Edison more than 100 years ago. □� The basic point is that sanctions cannot be counted on to produce a sure result.

5 ADJ You can use basic to describe something that is very simple in style and has only the most necessary features, without any luxuries. □� We provide 2-person tents and basic cooking and camping equipment. □� �the extremely basic hotel room.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Basic is used to describe a price or someone's income when this does not include any additional amounts. □� �an increase of more than twenty per cent on the basic pay of a typical worker. □� The basic price for a 10-minute call is only �2.49.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] The basic rate of income tax is the lowest or most common rate, which applies to people who earn average incomes. □� All this is to be done without big rises in the basic level of taxation. □� �a basic-rate taxpayer.

ba|si|cal|ly ◆◇◇ /be I s I kli/

1 ADV You use basically for emphasis when you are stating an opinion, or when you are making an important statement about something. [EMPHASIS ] □� This gun is designed for one purpose�it's basically to kill people. □� Basically I think he would be someone who complemented me in terms of character.

2 ADV You use basically to show that you are describing a situation in a simple, general way, and that you are not concerned with less important details. □� Basically you've got two choices. □� It's basically a vegan diet. SYNONYMS basically ADV 2

fundamentally:He can be very charming, but he is fundamentally a bully.

essentially:Essentially, vines and grapes need water, heat and light.

primarily:Public order is primarily an urban problem.

ba|sics /be I s I ks/

1 N‑PLURAL Thebasics of something are its simplest, most important elements, ideas, or principles, in contrast to more complicated or detailed ones. □�[+�of ] They will concentrate on teaching the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. □� A strong community cannot be built until the basics are in place. □� Let's get down to basics and stop horsing around.

2 N‑PLURAL Basics are things such as simple food, clothes, or equipment that people need in order to live or to deal with a particular situation. □� �supplies of basics such as bread and milk. □�[+�of ] �items that are the basics of a stylish wardrobe.

3 PHRASE If you talk about getting back to basics , you are suggesting that people have become too concerned with complicated details or new theories, and that they should concentrate on simple, important ideas or activities. □� The back-to-basics approach will tap into customers' yearning for a traditional bank.

ba |sic trai n|ing N‑UNCOUNT Basic training is the training that someone receives when they first join the armed forces.

bas|il /b� z ə l, [AM ] be I z ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Basil is a strong-smelling and strong-tasting herb that is used in cooking, especially with tomatoes.

ba|sili|ca /bəz I l I kə/ (basilicas ) N‑COUNT A basilica is a church which is rectangular in shape and has a rounded end.

ba|sin /be I s ə n/ (basins )

1 N‑COUNT A basin is a large or deep bowl that you use for holding liquids, or for mixing or storing food. □� Place the eggs and sugar in a large basin. □� �a pudding basin. ●�N‑COUNT A basinof something such as water is an amount of it that is contained in a basin. □�[+�of ] We were given a basin of water to wash our hands in.

2 N‑COUNT A basin is the same as a washbasin . □� �a cast-iron bath with a matching basin and WC.

3 N‑COUNT [oft in names] The basin of a large river is the area of land around it from which streams run down into it. □� �the Amazon basin.

4 N‑COUNT [oft in names] In geography, a basin is a particular region of the world where the earth's surface is lower than in other places. [TECHNICAL ] □� �countries around the Pacific Basin.

5 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A basin is a partially enclosed area of deep water where boats or ships are kept.

ba|sis ◆◆◇ /be I s I s/ (bases /be I siːz/)

1 N‑SING [usu on N ] If something is done on a particular basis , it is done according to that method, system, or principle. □� We're going to be meeting there on a regular basis. □� They want all groups to be treated on an equal basis. □� I've always worked on the basis that any extra money would go into property.

2 N‑SING [on N , N that] If you say that you are acting on the basisof something, you are giving that as the reason for your action. □�[+�of ] McGregor must remain confined, on the basis of the medical reports we have received.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The basis of something is its starting point or an important part of it from which it can be further developed. □�[+�for ] Both factions have broadly agreed that the U.N. plan is a possible basis for negotiation. □�[+�of ] �the sub-atomic particles that form the basis of nearly all matter on earth.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The basis for something is a fact or argument that you can use to prove or justify it. □� �Japan's attempt to secure the legal basis to send troops overseas. □� This is a common fallacy which has no basis in fact. COLLOCATIONS basis NOUN 1

adjective +�basis : annual, daily, hourly, monthly, weekly; interim, ongoing, permanent, temporary; full-time, part-time; case-by-case, first-come first-served; consistent, day-to-day, regular; voluntary

verb +�basis : form, lay, provide

ba |sis point (basis points ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] In finance, a basis point is one hundredth of one per cent (.01%). [BUSINESS ]

bask /bɑː sk, b� sk/ (basks , basking , basked )

1 VERB If you baskin the sunshine, you lie somewhere sunny and enjoy the heat. □�[V +�in ] All through the hot, still days of their holiday Amy basked in the sun. □�[V ] Crocodiles bask on the small sandy beaches.

2 VERB If you baskin someone's approval, favour, or admiration, you greatly enjoy their positive reaction towards you. □�[V +�in ] He has spent a month basking in the adulation of the fans back in Jamaica.

bas|ket /bɑː sk I t, b� s-/ (baskets )

1 N‑COUNT A basket is a stiff container that is used for carrying or storing objects. Baskets are made from thin strips of materials such as straw, plastic, or wire woven together. □� �big wicker picnic baskets filled with sandwiches. □� �a laundry basket. ●�N‑COUNT A basketof things is a number of things contained in a basket. □�[+�of ] �a small basket of fruit and snacks.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In economics, a basketof currencies or goods is the average or total value of a number of different currencies or goods. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] The pound's value against a basket of currencies hit a new low of 76.9.

3 N‑COUNT In basketball, the basket is a net hanging from a ring through which players try to throw the ball in order to score points. A basket is also the point scored when the ball is thrown through the ring.

4 →�see also bread basket , hanging basket , wastepaper basket

5to put all your eggs in one basket →�see egg

basket|ball /bɑː sk I tbɔːl, b� s-/ (basketballs )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Basketball is a game in which two teams of five players each try to score goals by throwing a large ball through a circular net fixed to a metal ring at each end of the court.

2 N‑COUNT A basketball is a large ball which is used in the game of basketball.

ba s|ket case (basket cases )

1 N‑COUNT If someone describes a country or organization as a basket case , they mean that its economy or finances are in a seriously bad state. [INFORMAL ] □� The country is an economic basket case with chronic unemployment and rampant crime.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a basket case , you think that they are insane. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� You're going to think I'm a basket case when I tell you this.

bas-relief /bɑː r I liː f, b� s-/ (bas-reliefs )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Bas-relief is a technique of sculpture in which shapes are carved so that they stand out from the background. □� �a classic white bas-relief design.

2 N‑COUNT A bas-relief is a sculpture carved on a surface so that it stands out from the background. □� �columns decorated with bas-reliefs.

bass ◆◇◇ (basses ) Pronounced /be I s/ for meanings 1 to 4 , and /b� s/ for meaning 5 . The plural of the noun in meaning 5 is bass . 1 N‑COUNT A bass is a man with a very deep singing voice. □� �the great Russian bass Chaliapin.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A bass drum, guitar, or other musical instrument is one that produces a very deep sound. □� He had found success as a vocalist and bass guitarist with the band.

3 N‑VAR In popular music, a bass is a bass guitar or a double bass . □� �a supporting cast of musicians on bass, drums, guitar and violin.

4 N‑UNCOUNT On a stereo system or radio, the bass is the ability to reproduce the lower musical notes. The bass is also the knob which controls this.

5 N‑VAR Bass are edible fish that are found in rivers and the sea. There are several types of bass. □� They unloaded their catch of cod and bass. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] Bass is a piece of this fish eaten as food. □� �a large fresh fillet of sea bass.

bas|set hound /b� s I t haʊnd/ (basset hounds ) N‑COUNT A basset hound is a dog with short strong legs, a long body, and long ears. It is kept as a pet or used for hunting.

bass|ist /be I s I st/ (bassists ) N‑COUNT A bassist is someone who plays the bass guitar or the double bass.

bas|soon /bəsuː n/ (bassoons ) N‑VAR A bassoon is a large musical instrument of the woodwind family that is shaped like a tube and played by blowing into a curved metal pipe.

bas|soon|ist /bəsuː n I st/ (bassoonists ) N‑COUNT A bassoonist is someone who plays the bassoon.

bas|tard /bɑː stə r d, b� s-/ (bastards )

1 N‑COUNT Bastard is an insulting word which some people use about a person, especially a man, who has behaved very badly. [RUDE , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A bastard is a person whose parents were not married to each other at the time that he or she was born. This use could cause offence. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

bas|tard|ized /bɑː stə r da I zd, b� s-/ in BRIT, also use bastardised ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to something as a bastardized form of something else, you mean that the first thing is similar to or copied from the second thing, but is of much poorer quality. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

baste /be I st/ (bastes , basting , basted ) VERB If you baste meat, you pour hot fat and the juices from the meat itself over it while it is cooking. □�[V n] Pam was in the middle of basting the turkey. □�[V ] Bake for 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally.

bas|ti|on /b� stiən, [AM ] -tʃən/ (bastions ) N‑COUNT If a system or organization is described as a bastionof a particular way of life, it is seen as being important and effective in defending that way of life. Bastion can be used both when you think that this way of life should be ended and when you think it should be defended. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a town which had been a bastion of white prejudice. □� The army was still one of the last male bastions.

bat ◆◇◇ /b� t/ (bats , batting , batted )

1 N‑COUNT A bat is a specially shaped piece of wood that is used for hitting the ball in baseball, softball, cricket, rounders, or table tennis. □� �a baseball bat.

2 VERB When you bat , you have a turn at hitting the ball with a bat in baseball, softball, cricket, or rounders. □�[V ] Australia, put in to bat, made a cautious start. ●� bat|ting N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� �his batting average. □� He's likely to open the batting.

3 N‑COUNT A bat is a small flying animal that looks like a mouse with wings made of skin. Bats are active at night.

4 →�see also old bat

5 PHRASE When something surprising or shocking happens, if someone doesn't bat an eyelid in British English, or doesn't bat an eye in American English, they remain calm and do not show any reaction.

6 PHRASE If someone does something off their own bat , they do it without anyone else suggesting it. [BRIT ] □� Whatever she did, she did off her own bat.

7 PHRASE If something happens right off the bat , it happens immediately. [AM ] □� He learned right off the bat that you can't count on anything in this business.

batch /b� tʃ/ (batches ) N‑COUNT A batchof things or people is a group of things or people of the same kind, especially a group that is dealt with at the same time or is sent to a particular place at the same time. □�[+�of ] �the current batch of trainee priests. □�[+�of ] She brought a large batch of newspaper cuttings.

bat|ed /be I t I d/ PHRASE If you wait for something with bated breath , you wait anxiously to find out what will happen. [FORMAL ] □� We listened with bated breath to Grandma's stories of her travels.

bath ◆◇◇ /bɑː θ, b� θ/ (baths , bathing , bathed ) When the form baths is the plural of the noun it is pronounced /bɑː �z/ or /b� θs/ in British English, and /b� �z/ in American English. When it is used in the present tense of the verb, it is pronounced /bɑː θs/ or /b� θs/. 1 N‑COUNT A bath is a container, usually a long rectangular one, which you fill with water and sit in while you wash your body. [BRIT ] □� In those days, only quite wealthy families had baths of their own. in AM, use bathtub2 N‑COUNT When you have or take a bath , or when you are in the bath , you sit or lie in a bath filled with water in order to wash your body. □� �if you have a bath every morning. □� Take a shower instead of a bath.

3 VERB If you bath someone, especially a child, you wash them in a bath. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Don't feel you have to bath your child every day. ●�N‑COUNT Bath is also a noun. □� The midwife gave him a warm bath. [in AM, use bathe ]

4 VERB When you bath , you have a bath. [BRIT ] □�[V prep/adv] The three children all bath in the same bath water. in AM, use bathe5 N‑COUNT A bath or a baths is a public building containing a swimming pool, and sometimes other facilities that people can use to have a wash or a bath.

6 N‑COUNT A bath is a container filled with a particular liquid, such as a dye or an acid, in which particular objects are placed, usually as part of a manufacturing or chemical process. □� �a developing photograph placed in a bath of fixer.

7 →�see also bloodbath , bubble bath , swimming bath , Turkish bath

bathe /be I �/ (bathes , bathing , bathed )

1 VERB If you bathe in a sea, river, or lake, you swim, play, or wash yourself in it. Birds and animals can also bathe . [mainly BRIT , FORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] The police have warned the city's inhabitants not to bathe in the polluted river. [Also V ] ●�N‑SING Bathe is also a noun. □� Fifty soldiers were taking an early morning bathe in a nearby lake. ●� bath|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Nude bathing is not allowed.

2 VERB When you bathe , you have a bath. [AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ] □�[V ] At least 60% of us now bathe or shower once a day.

3 VERB If you bathe someone, especially a child, you wash them in a bath. [AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ] □�[V n] Back home, Shirley plays with, feeds and bathes the baby.

4 VERB If you bathe a part of your body or a wound, you wash it gently or soak it in a liquid. □�[V n] Bathe the infected area in a salt solution.

5 VERB If a place is bathedin light, it is covered with light, especially a gentle, pleasant light. □�[be V -ed +�in ] The arena was bathed in warm sunshine. □�[V n +�in ] The lamp behind him seems to bathe him in warmth. [Also V n]

6 →�see also sunbathe

bathed /be I �d/

1 ADJ If someone is bathedin sweat, they are sweating a great deal. □�[+�in ] Chantal was writhing in pain and bathed in perspiration.

2 ADJ If someone is bathedin a particular emotion such as love, they feel it constantly in a pleasant way. [LITERARY ] □�[+�in ] �a physical sensation of being bathed in love.

bath|er /be I �ə r / (bathers ) N‑COUNT A bather is a person who is swimming in the sea, or in a river or lake. [mainly BRIT , FORMAL ]

bath|house /bɑː θhaʊs/ (bathhouses ) also bath house N‑COUNT A bathhouse is a public or private building containing baths, and often other facilities such as a sauna.

bath|ing cos|tume /be I � I ŋ kɒstjuːm, [AM ] -tuːm/ (bathing costumes ) N‑COUNT A bathing costume is a piece of clothing that is worn for swimming, especially by women and girls. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

bath|ing suit /be I � I ŋ suːt/ (bathing suits ) N‑COUNT A bathing suit is a piece of clothing which people wear when they go swimming. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

bath|ing trunks /be I � I ŋ trʌŋks/ N‑PLURAL Bathing trunks are shorts that a man wears when he goes swimming. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

bath|mat /bɑː θm�t, b� θ-/ (bathmats ) also bath mat N‑COUNT A bathmat is a mat which you stand on while you dry yourself after getting out of the bath.

ba|thos /be I θɒs/ N‑UNCOUNT In literary criticism, bathos is a sudden change in speech or writing from a serious or important subject to a ridiculous or very ordinary one. [TECHNICAL ]

bath|robe /bɑː θroʊb/ (bathrobes )

1 N‑COUNT A bathrobe is a loose piece of clothing made of the same material as towels. You wear it before or after you have a bath or a swim.

2 N‑COUNT A bathrobe is a dressing gown .

bath|room ◆◇◇ /bɑː θruːm, b� θ-/ (bathrooms )

1 N‑COUNT A bathroom is a room in a house that contains a bath or shower, a washbasin, and sometimes a toilet.

2 N‑SING A bathroom is a room in a house or public building that contains a toilet. [AM ] □� She had gone in to use the bathroom. in BRIT, usually use toilet

3 PHRASE People say that they are going to the bathroom when they want to say that they are going to use the toilet. [POLITENESS ]

ba th tow|el (bath towels ) N‑COUNT A bath towel is a very large towel used for drying your body after you have had a bath.

bath|tub /bɑː θtʌb, b� θ-/ (bathtubs ) N‑COUNT A bathtub is a long, usually rectangular container which you fill with water and sit in to wash your body. [AM ] in BRIT, use bath

ba th wa|ter also bathwater N‑UNCOUNT Your bath water is the water in which you sit or lie when you have a bath.

ba|tik /bətiː k, b� t I k/ (batiks )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Batik is a process for printing designs on cloth. Wax is put on those areas of the cloth that you do not want to be coloured by dye. □� �batik bedspreads.

2 N‑VAR A batik is a cloth which has been printed with a batik design. □� �batik from Bali.

bat|man /b� tm�n/ (batmen ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] In the British armed forces, an officer's batman is his personal servant.

ba|ton /b� tɒn, [AM ] bətɑː n/ (batons )

1 N‑COUNT A baton is a short heavy stick which is sometimes used as a weapon by the police. [BRIT ] in AM, use billy , billy club2 N‑COUNT A baton is a light, thin stick used by a conductor to conduct an orchestra or a choir.

3 N‑COUNT In athletics or track events, a baton is a short stick that is passed from one runner to another in a relay race.

4 N‑COUNT A baton is a long stick with a knob on one end that is sometimes carried by a person marching in a parade. The baton is spun round, thrown into the air and caught.

5 PHRASE If someone passes the batonto another person, they pass responsibility for something to that person. If someone picks up the baton , they take over responsibility for something. □� Does this mean that the baton of leadership is going to be passed to other nations?

ba |ton charge (baton charges , baton charging , baton charged ) also baton-charge N‑COUNT A baton charge is an attacking forward movement made by a large group of police officers carrying batons. [BRIT ] ●�VERB Baton-charge is also a verb. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] Police in riot gear baton-charged the crowd.

bats|man /b� tsmən/ (batsmen ) N‑COUNT The batsman in a game of cricket is the player who is batting. □� The batsman rose on his toes and played the rising ball down into the ground. □� He was the greatest batsman of his generation.

bat|tal|ion /bət� ljən/ (battalions )

1 N‑COUNT A battalion is a large group of soldiers that consists of three or more companies. □� Anthony was ordered to return to his battalion. □� He joined the second battalion of the Grenadier Guards.

2 N‑COUNT A battalionof people is a large group of them, especially a well-organized, efficient group that has a particular task to do. □�[+�of ] There were battalions of highly paid publicists to see that such news didn't make the press.

bat|ten /b� t ə n/ (battens , battening , battened )

1 N‑COUNT A batten is a long strip of wood that is fixed to something to strengthen it or to hold it firm. □� �a batten to support the base timbers.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is battened in place, it is made secure by having battens fixed across it or being closed firmly. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] The roof was never securely battened down.

3to batten down the hatches →�see hatch

bat|ter /b� tə r / (batters , battering , battered )

1 VERB If someone is battered , they are regularly hit and badly hurt by a member of their family or by their partner. □�[be V -ed] �evidence that the child was being battered. □�[V n] �boys who witness fathers battering their mothers. □�[V -ed] �battered husbands. ●� bat|ter|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Leaving the relationship does not mean that the battering will stop.

2 VERB To batter someone means to hit them many times, using fists or a heavy object. □�[V n prep/adv] He battered her around the head. □�[be V -ed] He was battered unconscious. [Also V n] ●� bat|tered ADJ □� Her battered body was discovered in a field.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a place is batteredby wind, rain, or storms, it is seriously damaged or affected by very bad weather. □�[be V -ed] The country has been battered by winds of between fifty and seventy miles an hour. □�[V n] �a storm that's been battering the Northeast coastline.

4 VERB If you batter something, you hit it many times, using your fists or a heavy object. □�[V n] They were battering the door, they were breaking in. □�[V n adj] Batter the steaks flat.

5 N‑VAR Batter is a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk that is used in cooking. □� �pancake batter. □� �fish in batter.

6 N‑COUNT In sports such as baseball and softball, a batter is a person who hits the ball with a wooden bat. □� �batters and pitchers.

7 →�see also battered , battering

bat|tered /b� tə r d/ ADJ Something that is battered is old and in poor condition because it has been used a lot. □� He drove up in a battered old car. □� �a battered leather suitcase.

bat|ter|ing /b� tər I ŋ/ (batterings ) N‑COUNT If something takes a battering , it suffers very badly as a result of a particular event or action. □� Sterling took a battering yesterday as worries grew about the state of Britain's economy.

ba t|ter|ing ram (battering rams ) also battering-ram N‑COUNT A battering ram is a long heavy piece of wood that is used to knock down the locked doors of buildings. □� They got a battering ram to smash down the door.

bat|tery /b� təri/ (batteries )

1 N‑COUNT Batteries are small devices that provide the power for electrical items such as torches and children's toys. □� The shavers come complete with batteries. □� �a battery-operated radio. □� �rechargeable batteries.

2 N‑COUNT A car battery is a rectangular box containing acid that is found in a car engine. It provides the electricity needed to start the car. □� �a car with a flat battery.

3 N‑COUNT A batteryof equipment such as guns, lights, or computers is a large set of it kept together in one place. □�[+�of ] They stopped beside a battery of abandoned guns. □�[+�of ] �batteries of spotlights set up on rooftops.

4 N‑COUNT A batteryof people or things is a very large number of them. □�[+�of ] �a battery of journalists and television cameras.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A batteryof tests is a set of tests that is used to assess a number of different aspects of something, such as your health. □�[+�of ] We give a battery of tests to each patient.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Battery farming is a system of breeding chickens and hens in which large numbers of them are kept in small cages, and used for their meat and eggs. [BRIT ] □� �battery hens being raised in dark, cramped conditions.

7 →�see also assault and battery

8to recharge your batteries →�see recharge

bat|tle ◆◆◇ /b� t ə l/ (battles , battling , battled )

1 N‑VAR A battle is a violent fight between groups of people, especially one between military forces during a war. □� �the victory of King William III at the Battle of the Boyne. □� �after a gun battle between police and drug traffickers. □� �men who die in battle.

2 N‑COUNT A battle is a conflict in which different people or groups compete in order to achieve success or control. □� The political battle over the pre-budget report promises to be a bitter one. □� �the eternal battle between good and evil in the world. □� �a macho battle for supremacy.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use battle to refer to someone's efforts to achieve something in spite of very difficult circumstances. □�[+�against ] �the battle against crime. □�[+�with ] She has fought a constant battle with her weight. □�[+�against ] Greg lost his brave battle against cancer two years ago.

4 VERB To battlewith an opposing group means to take part in a fight or contest against them. In American English, you can also say that one group or person is battling another. □�[V +�with/against ] Thousands of people battled with police and several were reportedly wounded. □�[V ] The sides must battle again for a quarter-final place on December 16. □�[V n] They're also battling the government to win compensation.

5 VERB To battle means to try hard to do something in spite of very difficult circumstances. In British English, you battleagainst something or with something. In American English, you battle something. □�[V to-inf] Doctors battled throughout the night to save her life. □�[V +�with/against/through ] �a lone yachtsman returning from his months of battling with the elements. □�[V n] In Wyoming, firefighters are still battling the two blazes. ●� bat|tler (battlers ) N‑COUNT □� If anyone can do it, he can. He's a battler and has a strong character.

6 →�see also pitched battle , running battle

7 PHRASE If one person or group does battlewith another, they take part in a battle or contest against them. You can also say that two people or groups do battle . □�[+�with/against ] He himself was going south to Gojjam to do battle with the rebels.

8 PHRASE If you say that something is half the battle , you mean that it is the most important step towards achieving something. □� Choosing the right type of paint for the job is half the battle.

9 PHRASE If you are fighting a losing battle , you are trying to achieve something but are not going to be successful. □� The crew fought a losing battle to try to restart the engines. □�[+�against ] �on a day when the sun is fighting a losing battle against the lowering clouds. [Also +�with ]

10 PHRASE If one group or person battles it outwith another, they take part in a fight or contest against each other until one of them wins or a definite result is reached. You can also say that two groups or two people battle it out . □�[+�with ] In the Cup Final, Leeds battled it out with the old enemy, Manchester United.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone haslost the battle , butwon the war , you mean that although they have been defeated in a small conflict they have won a larger, more important one of which it was a part. If you say that someone haswon the battlebutlost the war , you mean that they have won the small conflict but lost the larger one. □� The strikers may have won the battle, but they lost the war. SYNONYMS battle NOUN

1

conflict:�talks aimed at ending four decades of conflict.

clash:There were a number of clashes between police and demonstrators.

combat:Over 16 million men had died in combat.

attack:�a campaign of air attacks on strategic targets.

2

dispute:They have won previous pay disputes with the government.

struggle:He is currently locked in a power struggle with his Prime Minister.

debate:An intense debate is going on within the Israeli government.

ba ttle-axe (battle-axes ) The spellings battleaxe , and in American English battle-ax are also used. 1 N‑COUNT If you call a middle-aged or older woman a battle-axe , you mean she is very difficult and unpleasant because of her fierce and determined attitude. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A battle-axe is a large axe that was used as a weapon.

ba t|tle cruis|er (battle cruisers ) also battlecruiser N‑COUNT A battle cruiser is a large fast warship that is lighter than a battleship and moves more easily.

ba t|tle cry (battle cries ) also battle-cry

1 N‑COUNT A battle cry is a phrase that is used to encourage people to support a particular cause or campaign. □� Their battle-cry will be: 'Sign this petition before they sign away your country.'

2 N‑COUNT A battle cry is a shout that soldiers give as they go into battle.

battle|field /b� t ə lfiːld/ (battlefields )

1 N‑COUNT A battlefield is a place where a battle is fought. □� �the battlefields of the Somme.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an issue or field of activity over which people disagree or compete as a battlefield . □� �the domestic battlefield of family life.

battle|ground /b� t ə lgraʊnd/ (battlegrounds )

1 N‑COUNT A battleground is the same as a battlefield .

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an issue or field of activity over which people disagree or compete as a battleground . □� �the battleground of education. □� Children's literature is an ideological battleground.

bat|tle|ments /b� t ə lmənts/ N‑PLURAL The battlements of a castle or fortress consist of a wall built round the top, with gaps through which guns or arrows can be fired.

battle|ship /b� t ə lʃ I p/ (battleships ) N‑COUNT A battleship is a very large, heavily armed warship.

bat|ty /b� ti/ (battier , battiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is batty , you mean that they are rather eccentric or slightly crazy. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Laura's going a bit batty. □� �some batty uncle of theirs.

bau|ble /bɔː b ə l/ (baubles ) N‑COUNT A bauble is a small, cheap ornament or piece of jewellery. □� �Christmas trees decorated with coloured baubles.

baulk /bɔː lk, [AM ] bɔː k/ →�see balk

baux|ite /bɔː ksa I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Bauxite is a clay-like substance from which aluminium is obtained.

bawdy /bɔː di/ (bawdier , bawdiest ) ADJ A bawdy story or joke contains humorous references to sex. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

bawl /bɔː l/ (bawls , bawling , bawled )

1 VERB If you bawl , you shout in a very loud voice, for example because you are angry or you want people to hear you. □�[V +�at ] When I came back to the hotel Laura and Peter were shouting and bawling at each other. □�[V with quote] Then a voice bawled: 'Lay off! I'll kill you, you little rascal!'. □�[V n] He tried to direct the video like a fashion show, bawling instructions to the girls. ●�PHRASAL VERB Bawl out means the same as bawl . □�[V P with quote] Someone in the audience bawled out 'Not him again!' [Also V P n, V n P , V P +�to ]

2 VERB If you say that a child is bawling , you are annoyed because it is crying loudly. □�[V ] One of the toddlers was bawling, and the other had a runny nose. □�[V -ing] �a bawling baby. [Also V with quote]

bay ◆◇◇ /be I / (bays , baying , bayed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A bay is a part of a coast where the land curves inwards. □� �a short ferry ride across the bay. □� �the Bay of Bengal. □� �the San Francisco Bay area.

2 N‑COUNT A bay is a partly enclosed area, inside or outside a building, that is used for a particular purpose. □� The animals are herded into a bay, then butchered. □� The car reversed into the loading bay.

3 N‑COUNT A bay is an area of a room which extends beyond the main walls of a house, especially an area with a large window at the front of a house.

4 ADJ A bay horse is reddish-brown in colour.

5 VERB [usu cont] If a number of people are bayingfor something, they are demanding something angrily, usually that someone should be punished. □�[V +�for ] The referee ignored voices baying for a penalty. □�[V -ing] �the baying crowd.

6 VERB If a dog or wolf bays , it makes loud, long cries. □�[V +�at ] A dog suddenly howled, baying at the moon. [Also V ]

7 →�see also sick bay

8 PHRASE If you keep something or someone at bay , or hold them at bay , you prevent them from reaching, attacking, or affecting you. □� Eating oranges keeps colds at bay. □� Prisoners armed with baseball bats used the hostages to hold police at bay.

ba y leaf (bay leaves ) N‑COUNT A bay leaf is a leaf of an evergreen tree that can be dried and used as a herb in cooking.

bayo|net /be I ənət/ (bayonets , bayoneting , bayoneted )

1 N‑COUNT A bayonet is a long, sharp blade that can be fixed to the end of a rifle and used as a weapon.

2 VERB To bayonet someone means to push a bayonet into them. □�[V n] The soldiers were ordered to bayonet every man they could find.

bayou /ba I uː/ (bayous ) N‑COUNT A bayou is a slow-moving, marshy area of water in the southern United States, especially Louisiana.

ba y wi n|dow (bay windows ) N‑COUNT A bay window is a window that sticks out from the outside wall of a house.

ba|zaar /bəzɑː r / (bazaars )

1 N‑COUNT In areas such as the Middle East and India, a bazaar is a place where there are many small shops and stalls. □� Kamal was a vendor in Egypt's open-air bazaar.

2 N‑COUNT A bazaar is a sale to raise money for charity. □� �a church bazaar.

ba|zoo|ka /bəzuː kə/ (bazookas ) N‑COUNT A bazooka is a long, tube-shaped gun that is held on the shoulder and fires rockets.

BBC /biː biː siː / N‑PROPER The BBC is a British organization which broadcasts programmes on radio and television. BBC is an abbreviation for 'British Broadcasting Corporation'. □� The concert will be broadcast live by the BBC. □� �the BBC correspondent in Tunis.

BBQBBQ is the written abbreviation for barbecue .

BC /biː siː / You use BC in dates to indicate a number of years or centuries before the year in which Jesus Christ is believed to have been born. Compare AD . □� The brooch dates back to the fourth century BC.

BCE /biː siː iː / Many people now use BCE in dates to indicate a number of years or centuries before AD 1 or before the year in which Jesus is believed to have been born. Compare CE . □� Aristophanes' ancient comedy Lysistrata was performed first in Athens in 411 BCE. □� The first Jewish community settled in Rome in the second century BCE.

be

➊�AUXILIARY VERB USES

➋�OTHER VERB USES

➊ be ◆◆◆ /bi, STRONG biː/ (am , are , is , being , was , were , been ) In spoken English, forms of be are often shortened, for example 'I am' is shortened to 'I'm' and 'was not' is shortened to 'wasn't'. 1 AUX You use be with a present participle to form the continuous tenses of verbs. □�[AUX -ing] This is happening in every school throughout the country. □�[AUX -ing] She didn't always think carefully about what she was doing.

2be going to →�see going

3 AUX You use be with a past participle to form the passive voice. □�[AUX -ed] Forensic experts were called in. □�[AUX -ed] Her husband was killed in a car crash. □�[AUX -ed] The cost of electricity from coal-fired stations is expected to fall. □�[AUX -ed] Similar action is being taken by the U.S. government.

4 AUX You use be with an infinitive to indicate that something is planned to happen, that it will definitely happen, or that it must happen. □�[AUX to-inf] The talks are to begin tomorrow. □�[AUX to-inf] It was to be Johnson's first meeting with the board in nearly a month. □�[AUX to-inf] You are to answer to Brian, to take your orders from him.

5be about to →�see about

6 AUX You use be with an infinitive to say or ask what should happen or be done in a particular situation, how it should happen, or who should do it. □�[AUX to-inf] What am I to do without him? □�[AUX to-inf] Who is to say which of them had more power?

7 AUX You use was and were with an infinitive to talk about something that happened later than the time you are discussing, and was not planned or certain at that time. □�[AUX to-inf] Then he received a phone call that was to change his life. □�[AUX to-inf] A few hours later he was to prove it.

8 AUX You can say that something is to be seen, heard, or found in a particular place to mean that people can see it, hear it, or find it in that place. □�[AUX -ed] Little traffic was to be seen on the streets. □�[AUX -ed] They are to be found all over the world.

➋ be ◆◆◆ /bi, STRONG biː/ (am , are , is , being , was , were , been ) In spoken English, forms of be are often shortened, for example 'I am' is shortened to 'I'm' and 'was not' is shortened to 'wasn't'. 1 V‑LINK You use be to introduce more information about the subject, such as its identity, nature, qualities, or position. □�[V n] She's my mother. □�[V n] He is a very attractive man. □�[V n] My grandfather was a butcher. □�[V adj] The fact that you were willing to pay in the end is all that matters. □�[V adj] The sky was black. □�[V adj] It is 1,267 feet high. □�[V prep/adv] Cheney was in Madrid. □�[V prep/adv] His house is next door. □�[V adj] 'Is it safe?'�'Well of course it is.' □�[V adj] He's still alive isn't he?

2 V‑LINK You use be , with 'it' as the subject, in clauses where you are describing something or giving your judgment of a situation. □�[V adj] It was too chilly for swimming. □�[V adj to-inf] Sometimes it is necessary to say no. □�[V adj that] It is likely that investors will face losses. □�[V adj v-ing] It's nice having friends to chat to. □�[V n that] It's a good thing I brought lots of handkerchiefs. □�[V n v-ing] It's no good just having meetings. □�[V n to-inf] It's a good idea to avoid refined food. □�[V prep to-inf] It's up to us to prove it.

3 V‑LINK You use be with the impersonal pronoun 'there' in expressions like there is and there are to say that something exists or happens. □� Clearly there is a problem here. □� There are very few cars on this street. □� There was nothing new in the letter.

4 V‑LINK You use be as a link between a subject and a clause and in certain other clause structures, as shown below. □�[V n] It was me she didn't like, not what I represented. □�[V to-inf] What the media should not do is to exploit people's natural fears. □�[V v-ing] Our greatest problem is convincing them. □�[V wh] The question was whether protection could be improved. □�[V that] All I knew was that I didn't want to be there. □�[V +�as if ] Local residents said it was as if there had been a nuclear explosion.

5 V‑LINK You use be in expressions like the thing is and the point is to introduce a clause in which you make a statement or give your opinion. [SPOKEN ] □� The fact is, the players gave everything they had. □� The plan is good; the problem is it doesn't go far enough.

6 V‑LINK You use be in expressions like to be fair , to be honest , or to be serious to introduce an additional statement or opinion, and to indicate that you are trying to be fair, honest, or serious. □�[V adj] She's always noticed. But then, to be honest, Ghislaine likes being noticed. □�[V adj] I felt as if I was in a dream, or, to be more accurate, a nightmare.

7 V‑LINK The form ' be ' is used occasionally instead of the normal forms of the present tense, especially after 'whether'. [FORMAL ] □� The chemical agent, whether it be mustard gas or nerve gas, can be absorbed by the skin.

8 VERB If something is , it exists. [mainly FORMAL or LITERARY ]

9 V‑LINK To be yourself means to behave in the way that is right and natural for you and your personality. □�[V pron-refl] She'd learnt to be herself and to stand up for her convictions.

10 PHRASE If you talk about what would happen if it wasn't for someone or something, you mean that they are the only thing that is preventing it from happening. □� I could happily move back into a flat if it wasn't for the fact that I'd miss my garden. □� If it hadn't been for her your father would be alive today.

11 PHRASE You say ' Be that as it may ' when you want to move onto another subject or go further with the discussion, without deciding whether what has just been said is right or wrong. [VAGUENESS ] □� My dad was a nice man. A gentleman. Be that as it may, he hated Conservatives.

PREFIX be-

can be added to a noun followed by an '-ed' suffix to form an adjective that indicates that someone or something is covered with or wearing the thing named. For example, a piece of jewellery that is bedecked with diamonds is covered with diamonds.

beach ◆◇◇ /biː tʃ/ (beaches , beaching , beached )

1 N‑COUNT A beach is an area of sand or stones beside the sea. □� �a beautiful sandy beach. □� I just want to lie on the beach in the sun.

2 VERB If something such as a boat beaches , or if it is beached , it is pulled or forced out of the water and onto land. □�[V n] We beached the canoe, running it right up the bank. □�[V ] The boat beached on a mud flat. COLLOCATIONS beach NOUN 1

noun +�beach : pebble, sand, shingly

adjective +�beach : deserted, pristine, secluded, unspoilt; pebbly, sandy; beautiful, spectacular

bea ch ball (beach balls ) N‑COUNT A beach ball is a large, light ball filled with air, which people play with, especially on the beach.

bea ch bum (beach bums ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a beach bum , you mean that they spend a lot of time enjoying themselves on the beach or in the sea.

beach|comber /biː tʃkoʊmə r / (beachcombers ) also beach-comber N‑COUNT A beachcomber is someone who spends their time wandering along beaches looking for things they can use.

beach|front /biː tʃfrʌnt/ ADJ [ADJ n] A beachfront house, caf�, shop, or hotel is situated on or by a beach.

beach|head /biː tʃhed/ (beachheads ) also beach-head N‑COUNT A beachhead is an area of land next to the sea or a river where an attacking force has taken control and can prepare to advance further inland.

bea|con /biː kən/ (beacons )

1 N‑COUNT A beacon is a light or a fire, usually on a hill or tower, which acts as a signal or a warning.

2 N‑COUNT If someone acts as a beaconto other people, they inspire or encourage them. □�[+�of ] Our Parliament has been a beacon of hope to the peoples of Europe. □�[+�for ] He acted as a beacon for new immigrants.

bead /biː d/ (beads )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Beads are small pieces of coloured glass, wood, or plastic with a hole through the middle. Beads are often put together on a piece of string or wire to make jewellery. □� �a string of beads.

2 N‑COUNT A beadof liquid or moisture is a small drop of it. □�[+�of ] �beads of blood. □�[+�of ] He wiped away the beads of sweat on his forehead.

bead|ed /biː d I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A beaded dress, cushion, or other object is decorated with beads.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If something is beadedwith a liquid, it is covered in small drops of that liquid. □� The man's bald head was beaded with sweat.

bead|ing /biː d I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Beading is a narrow strip of wood that is used for decorating or edging furniture and doors.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Beading is an arrangement of beads used for decorating clothes. □� �a black velvet bodice with jet black beading.

beady /biː di/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Beady eyes are small, round, and bright.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone keeps a beady eye on a person or organization, they watch them carefully and suspiciously. □� The chairman keeps a beady eye on things.

bea|gle /biː g ə l/ (beagles ) N‑COUNT A beagle is a short-haired black and brown dog with long ears and short legs. It is kept as a pet or sometimes used for hunting.

beak /biː k/ (beaks ) N‑COUNT A bird's beak is the hard curved or pointed part of its mouth. □� �a black bird with a yellow beak.

beak|er /biː kə r / (beakers )

1 N‑COUNT A beaker is a plastic cup used for drinking, usually one with no handle. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A beaker is a large cup or glass. [AM ]

3 N‑COUNT A beaker is a glass or plastic jar which is used in chemistry.

be -all and e nd-all PHRASE If something is the be-all and end-all to you, it is the only important thing in your life, or the only important feature of a particular activity. □� For some people, competing is the be-all and end-all of their running.

beam /biː m/ (beams , beaming , beamed )

1 VERB If you say that someone is beaming , you mean that they have a big smile on their face because they are happy, pleased, or proud about something. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�at/with ] Frances beamed at her friend with undisguised admiration. □�[V with quote] 'Welcome back,' she beamed. □�[V -ing] �the beaming face of a 41-year-old man on the brink of achieving his dreams.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A beam is a line of energy, radiation, or particles sent in a particular direction. □� �high-energy laser beams. □�[+�of ] �a beam of neutrons.

3 VERB If something beams radio signals or television pictures or they are beamed somewhere, they are sent there by means of electronic equipment. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] The interview was beamed live across the state. □�[V prep/adv] The live satellite broadcast was beamed into homes across America. □�[V n prep/adv] �a ship which is due to begin beaming radio broadcasts to South East Asia.

4 N‑COUNT [n N ] A beamof light is a line of light that shines from an object such as a lamp.

5 VERB If something such as the sun or a lamp beams down, it sends light to a place and shines on it. □�[V adv/prep] A sharp white spot-light beamed down on a small stage. □�[V adv/prep] All you see of the outside world is the sunlight beaming through the cracks in the roof.

6 N‑COUNT A beam is a long thick bar of wood, metal, or concrete, especially one used to support the roof of a building. □� The ceilings are supported by oak beams.

7 →�see also off-beam

bean ◆◇◇ /biː n/ (beans )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu adj N ] Beans such as green beans , French beans , or broad beans are the seeds of a climbing plant or the long thin cases which contain those seeds.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu n N ] Beans such as soya beans and kidney beans are the dried seeds of a bean plant.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu n N ] Beans such as coffee beans or cocoa beans are the seeds of plants that are used to produce coffee, cocoa, and chocolate.

4 PHRASE If someone is full of beans , they are very lively and have a lot of energy and enthusiasm. □� Jem was full of beans after a long sleep.

5 PHRASE If you spill the beans , you tell someone something that people have been trying to keep secret.

6 →�see also baked beans

bea n bag (bean bags ) also beanbag N‑COUNT A bean bag is a large round cushion filled with tiny pieces of plastic or rubber. It takes the shape of your body when you sit on it.

bea n coun|ter (bean counters ) also bean-counter N‑COUNT You can describe people such as accountants and business managers as bean counters if you disapprove of them because you think they are only interested in money. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �bean counters who tend to focus on controlling expenses.

bea n curd N‑UNCOUNT Bean curd is a soft white or brown food made from soya beans.

bean|feast /biː nfiːst/ (beanfeasts ) N‑COUNT A beanfeast is a party or other social event. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

bean|pole /biː npoʊl/ (beanpoles ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a beanpole , you are criticizing them because you think that they are extremely tall and thin. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

bea n sprout (bean sprouts ) also beansprout N‑COUNT Bean sprouts are small, long, thin shoots grown from beans. They are frequently used in Chinese cookery.

bear

➊�VERB USES

➋�NOUN USES

➊ bear ◆◆◇ /beə r / (bears , bearing , bore , borne )

→�Please look at categories 19 to 24 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you bear something somewhere, you carry it there or take it there. [LITERARY ] □�[V n adv/prep] They bore the oblong hardwood box into the kitchen and put it on the table. ●� -bearing COMB □� �food-bearing lorries.

2 VERB If you bear something such as a weapon, you hold it or carry it with you. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �the constitutional right to bear arms. ●� -bearing COMB □� �rifle-bearing soldiers. □� �hundreds of flag-bearing marchers.

3 VERB If one thing bears the weight of something else, it supports the weight of that thing. □�[V n] The ice was not thick enough to bear the weight of marching men. ●� -bearing COMB □� �the load-bearing joints of the body.

4 VERB If something bears a particular mark or characteristic, it has that mark or characteristic. □�[V n] The houses bear the marks of bullet holes. □�[V n] �notepaper bearing the Presidential seal. □�[V n] The room bore all the signs of a violent struggle.

5 VERB If you bear an unpleasant experience, you accept it because you are unable to do anything about it. □�[V n] They will have to bear the misery of living in constant fear of war.

6 VERB [with neg] If you can't bear someone or something, you dislike them very much. □�[V n/v-ing] I can't bear people who make judgements and label me. □�[V to-inf] He can't bear to talk about it, even to me.

7 VERB If someone bears the cost of something, they pay for it. □�[V n] Patients should not have to bear the costs of their own treatment.

8 VERB If you bear the responsibility for something, you accept responsibility for it. □�[V n] If a woman makes a decision to have a child alone, she should bear that responsibility alone.

9 VERB If one thing bears no resemblance or no relationship to another thing, they are not at all similar. □�[V n] Their daily menus bore no resemblance whatsoever to what they were actually fed. □�[V n] For many software packages, the price bears little relation to cost.

10 VERB When a plant or tree bears flowers, fruit, or leaves, it produces them. □�[V n] As the plants grow and start to bear fruit they will need a lot of water. ●� -bearing COMB □� �a strong, fruit-bearing apple tree.

11 VERB If something such as a bank account or an investment bears interest, interest is paid on it. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The eight-year bond will bear annual interest of 10.5%. ●� -bearing COMB □� �interest-bearing current accounts.

12 VERB When a woman bears a child, she gives birth to him or her. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] Emma bore a son called Karl. □�[V n n] She bore him a daughter, Suzanna.

13 VERB If you bearyourself in a particular way, you move or behave in that way. [LITERARY ] □�[V pron-refl adv/prep] There was elegance and simple dignity in the way he bore himself.

14 VERB If you bear left or bear right when you are driving or walking along, you turn and continue in that direction. □�[V adv] Go left onto the A107 and bear left into Seven Sisters Road.

15 →�see also bore , borne

16 PHRASE If you bring something to bearon a situation, you use it to deal with that situation. □� British scientists have brought computer science to bear on this problem.

17 PHRASE If you bring pressure or influence to bear on someone, you use it to try and persuade them to do something. □� His companions brought pressure to bear on him, urging him to stop wasting money.

18to bear the brunt of →�see brunt

19to bear fruit →�see fruit

20to grin and bear it →�see grin

21to bear in mind →�see mind ➊

22to bear witness to →�see witness

▸� bear down

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something bears downon you, they move quickly towards you in a threatening way. □�[V P +�on ] A group of half a dozen men entered the pub and bore down on the bar. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB To bear downon something means to push or press downwards with steady pressure. □�[V P +�on ] The roof support structure had collapsed and the entire weight was bearing down on the ceiling. [Also V P ]

▸� bear out PHRASAL VERB If someone or something bears a person out or bears out what that person is saying, they support what that person is saying. □�[V P n] Recent studies have borne out claims that perfumes can cause psychological changes. [Also V n P ]

▸� bear with PHRASAL VERB If you ask someone to bear with you, you are asking them to be patient. □�[V P n] If you'll bear with me, Frank, just let me try to explain.

➋ bear /beə r / (bears )

1 N‑COUNT A bear is a large, strong wild animal with thick fur and sharp claws.

2 →�see also polar bear , teddy bear

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] On the stock market, bears are people who sell shares in expectation of a drop in price, in order to make a profit by buying them back again after a short time. Compare bull . [BUSINESS ] SYNONYMS bear VERB

➊1

carry:He carried the plate through to the dining room.

lift:She lifted the last of her drink to her lips.

hold:He held the pistol in his right hand.

➊ 5

accept:Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life.

tolerate:he can no longer tolerate the position that she's in.

put up with:They had put up with bad behaviour from their son.

go through:He was going through a very difficult time. COLLOCATIONS bear VERB

➊8

bear+�noun : responsibility

➊ 9

bear+�noun : relation, relationship, resemblance

bear|able /beə rəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is bearable , you feel that you can accept it or deal with it. □� A cool breeze made the heat pleasantly bearable.

beard /b I ə r d/ (beards ) N‑COUNT A man's beard is the hair that grows on his chin and cheeks. □� He's decided to grow a beard.

beard|ed /b I ə r d I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bearded man has a beard. □� �a bearded 40-year-old sociology professor.

bear|er /beə rə r / (bearers )

1 N‑COUNT The bearerof something such as a message is the person who brings it to you. □�[+�of ] I hate to be the bearer of bad news.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A bearer of a particular thing is a person who carries it, especially in a ceremony. [FORMAL ] □� �Britain's flag bearer at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

3 N‑COUNT The bearerof something such as a document, a right, or an official position is the person who possesses it or holds it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the traditional bourgeois notion of the citizen as a bearer of rights. □� Spanish identity documents state the bearer's profession.

4 →�see also pallbearer , standard bearer

bea r hug (bear hugs ) N‑COUNT A bear hug is a rather rough, tight, affectionate hug.

bear|ing ◆◇◇ /beə r I ŋ/ (bearings )

1 PHRASE If something has a bearing on a situation or event, it is relevant to it. □� Experts generally agree that diet has an important bearing on your general health. □� My father's achievements really don't have any bearing on what I do.

2 N‑SING [usu poss N ] Someone's bearing is the way in which they move or stand. [LITERARY ] □� She later wrote warmly of his bearing and behaviour.

3 N‑COUNT If you take a bearing with a compass, you use it to work out the direction in which a particular place lies or in which something is moving.

4 PHRASE If you get your bearings or find your bearings , you find out where you are or what you should do next. If you lose your bearings , you do not know where you are or what you should do next. □� A sightseeing tour of the city is included to help you get your bearings.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Bearings are small metal balls that are placed between moving parts of a machine in order to make them move smoothly and easily over each other. □� An oil seal was replaced, along with both front wheel bearings.

6 →�see also ball bearing

-bearing /-beər I ŋ/ COMB -bearing combines with nouns to form adjectives which describe things that hold the specified substance inside them. □� �oil-bearing rocks. □� �malaria-bearing mosquitos.

bear|ish /beə r I ʃ/ ADJ On the stock market, if there is a bearish mood, prices are expected to fall. Compare bullish . [BUSINESS ] □� Dealers said investors remain bearish.

bea r mar|ket (bear markets ) N‑COUNT A bear market is a situation on the stock market when people are selling a lot of shares because they expect that the shares will decrease in value and that they will be able to make a profit by buying them again after a short time. Compare bull market . [BUSINESS ]

bear|skin /beə r sk I n/ (bearskins )

1 N‑COUNT A bearskin is a tall fur hat that is worn by some British soldiers on ceremonial occasions.

2 N‑COUNT A bearskin is the skin and fur of a bear.

beast /biː st/ (beasts ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an animal as a beast , especially if it is a large, dangerous, or unusual one. [LITERARY ] □� �the threats our ancestors faced from wild beasts.

beast|ly /biː stli/

1 ADJ If you describe something as beastly , you mean that it is very unpleasant. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 ADJ If you describe someone as beastly , you mean that they are behaving unkindly. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

bea st of bu r|den (beasts of burden ) N‑COUNT A beast of burden is an animal such as an ox or a donkey that is used for carrying or pulling things.

beat ◆◆◆ /biː t/ (beats , beating , beaten ) The form beat is used in the present tense and is the past tense. 1 VERB If you beat someone or something, you hit them very hard. □�[V n] My sister tried to stop them and they beat her. □�[be V -ed +�to ] They were beaten to death with baseball bats.

2 VERB To beaton , beatat , or beatagainst something means to hit it hard, usually several times or continuously for a period of time. □�[V +�against ] There was dead silence but for a fly beating against the glass. □�[V +�at ] Nina managed to free herself and began beating at the flames with a pillow. □�[V +�on ] The rain was beating on the windowpanes. [Also V n] ●�N‑SING Beat is also a noun. □� �the rhythmic beat of the surf. ●� beat|ing N‑SING □� �the silence broken only by the beating of the rain.

3 VERB When your heart or pulse beats , it continually makes regular rhythmic movements. □�[V ] I felt my heart beating faster. ●�N‑COUNT Beat is also a noun. □� He could hear the beat of his heart. □� Most people's pulse rate is more than 70 beats per minute. ●� beat|ing N‑SING □� I could hear the beating of my heart.

4 VERB If you beat a drum or similar instrument, you hit it in order to make a sound. You can also say that a drum beats . □�[V n] When you beat the drum, you feel good. □�[V ] �drums beating and pipes playing. ●�N‑SING Beat is also a noun. □� �the rhythmical beat of the drum.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The beat of a piece of music is the main rhythm that it has. □� �the thumping beat of rock music.

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In music, a beat is a unit of measurement. The number of beats in a bar of a piece of music is indicated by two numbers at the beginning of the piece. □� It's got four beats to a bar.

7 →�see also upbeat , downbeat

8 VERB If you beat eggs, cream, or butter, you mix them thoroughly using a fork or beater. □�[V n] Beat the eggs and sugar until they start to thicken.

9 VERB When a bird or insect beats its wings or when its wings beat , its wings move up and down. □�[V n] Beating their wings they flew off. □�[V ] Its wings beat slowly.

10 VERB If you beat someone in a competition or election, you defeat them. □�[V n] In yesterday's games, Switzerland beat the United States two-one. □�[be V -ed +�into ] She was easily beaten into third place.

11 VERB If someone beats a record or achievement, they do better than it. □�[V n] He was as eager as his Captain to beat the record.

12 VERB If you beat something that you are fighting against, for example an organization, a problem, or a disease, you defeat it. □�[V n] It became clear that the Union was not going to beat the government. □� The doctor gave him the news that he'd beaten cancer.

13 VERB [usu passive] If an attack or an attempt is beatenoff or is beatenback , it is stopped, often temporarily. □�[be V -ed adv] The rescuers were beaten back by strong winds and currents. □�[V adv n] �the day after government troops beat off a fierce rebel attack on its capital.

14 VERB [no cont] If you say that one thing beats another, you mean that it is better than it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Being boss of a software firm beats selling insurance.

15 VERB [no cont] If you say you can't beat a particular thing you mean that it is the best thing of its kind. □�[V n] You can't beat soap and water for cleansing.

16 VERB To beat a time limit or an event means to achieve something before that time or event. □�[V n] They were trying to beat the midnight deadline.

17 N‑COUNT A police officer's or journalist's beat is the area for which he or she is responsible.

18 VERB You use beat in expressions such as 'It beats me' or 'What beats me is' to indicate that you cannot understand or explain something. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □�[V n] 'What am I doing wrong, anyway?'�'Beats me, Lewis.'

19 →�see also beaten , beaten-up , beating , beat-up

20 PHRASE If you intend to do something but someone beats you to it , they do it before you do. □� Don't be too long about it or you'll find someone has beaten you to it.

21 PHRASE A police officer on the beat is on duty, walking around the area for which he or she is responsible. □� The officer on the beat picks up information; hears cries for help; makes people feel safe.

22 PHRASE If you beat timeto a piece of music, you move your hand or foot up and down in time with the music. A conductor beats time to show the choir or orchestra how fast they should sing or play the music. □� He beats time with hands and feet.

23to beat someone black and blue →�see black

24to beat about the bush →�see bush

25to beat or knock the living daylights out of someone →�see daylights

26to beat the drum for someone or something →�see drum

27to beat someone at their own game →�see game

28to beat a retreat →�see retreat

▸� beat down

1 PHRASAL VERB When the sun beats down , it is very hot and bright.

2 PHRASAL VERB When the rain beats down , it rains very hard. □�[V P ] Even in the winter with the rain beating down, it's nice and cosy in there.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you beat down a person who is selling you something, you force them to accept a lower price for it than they wanted to get. □�[V n P ] A fair employer, when arranging for the pay of a carpenter, does not try to beat him down. □�[V P n] Beat down the seller to the price that suits you.

▸� beat out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you beat out sounds on a drum or similar instrument, you make the sounds by hitting the instrument. □�[V P n] Drums and cymbals beat out a solemn rhythm.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you beat out a fire, you cause it to go out by hitting it, usually with an object such as a blanket. □�[V P n] His brother beat out the flames with a blanket. □�[V n P ] She managed to beat the fire out.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you beat out someone in a competition, you defeat them. [mainly AM ] □�[V P n] Indianapolis beat out nearly 100 other cities as the site for a huge United Airlines maintenance center. □�[V n P ] If we are certain a rival will beat us out, we are wide open to jealousy.

▸� beat out of PHRASAL VERB If someone beats another person out of something, they get that thing by deceiving the other person or behaving dishonestly. □�[V n P P n] If he could beat his uncle out of a dollar he'd do it.

▸� beat up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone beats a person up , they hit or kick the person many times. □�[V n P ] Then they actually beat her up as well. □�[V P n] The government supporters are beating up anyone they suspect of favouring the demonstrators. ●� beating-up (beatings-up ) N‑COUNT □� There had been no violence, no beatings-up until then.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you beatyourselfup about something, you worry about it a lot or blame yourself for it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P +�about ] Tell them you don't want to do it any more. Don't beat yourself up about it. □�[V n P ] I don't beat myself up. I don't deal with things I can't handle.

▸� beat up on

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone beats up on a person or beats on them, they hit or kick the person many times. [AM ] □�[V P P n] He beat up on my brother's kid one time. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone beats up on another person, they threaten them or treat them unkindly. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V P P n] She had to beat up on every customer just to get the bills paid. COLLOCATIONS beat NOUN 3

verb +�beat : miss, skip VERB

10

beat+�noun : rival, side, team

11

beat+�noun : record

beat|able /biː təb ə l/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is beatable can be beaten. □� All teams are beatable, but it's going to be very, very difficult.

beat|en ◆◇◇ /biː t ə n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Beaten earth has been pressed down, often by people's feet, until it is hard. □� Before you is a well-worn path of beaten earth.

2 PHRASE A place that is off the beaten track is in an area where not many people live or go. □� Tiny secluded beaches can be found off the beaten track.

bea ten-u p ADJ [ADJ n] A beaten-up car or other object is old and in bad condition. □� Her sandals were old and somewhat beaten-up, but very comfortable.

beat|er /biː tə r / (beaters )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A beater is a tool or part of a machine which is used for beating things like eggs and cream. □� Whisk the batter with a wire whisk or hand beater until it is smooth and light.

2 →�see also world beater

bea|tif|ic /biː ət I f I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A beatific expression shows or expresses great happiness and calmness. [LITERARY ] □� �a beatific smile.

be|ati|fy /bi� t I fa I / (beatifies , beatifying , beatified ) VERB When the Catholic church beatifies someone who is dead, it declares officially that they were a holy person, usually as the first step towards making them a saint. □�[V n] The Pope beatified 498 priests and nuns killed in the Spanish Civil War. ●� be|ati|fi|ca|tion /bi� t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the Victorian divine.

beat|ing ◆◇◇ /biː t I ŋ/ (beatings )

1 N‑COUNT If someone is given a beating , they are hit hard many times, especially with something such as a stick. □� �after a savage beating by fellow inmates. □� The team secured pictures of prisoners showing signs of severe beatings.

2 N‑SING If something such as a business, a political party, or a team takes abeating , it is defeated by a large amount in a competition or election. □� Our firm has taken a terrible beating in recent years.

3 PHRASE If you say that something will take some beating , you mean that it is very good and it is unlikely that anything better will be done or made. [INFORMAL ] □� For sheer scale and grandeur, Leeds Castle in Kent takes some beating.

beat|nik /biː tn I k/ (beatniks ) N‑COUNT Beatniks were young people in the late 1950's who rejected traditional ways of living, dressing, and behaving. People sometimes use the word beatnik to refer to anyone who lives in an unconventional way. □� �a beatnik art student.

bea t-u p ADJ [ADJ n] A beat-up car or other object is old and in bad condition. [INFORMAL ] □� �a beat-up old Fiat 131.

beau /boʊ / (beaux or beaus ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A woman's beau is her boyfriend or lover. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

beaut /bjuː t/ (beauts ) N‑COUNT You describe someone or something as a beaut when you think they are very good. [mainly AM or AUSTRALIAN , INFORMAL ]

beau|te|ous /bjuː tiəs/ ADJ Beauteous means the same as beautiful. [LITERARY ]

beau|ti|cian /bjuːt I ʃ ə n/ (beauticians ) N‑COUNT A beautician is a person whose job is giving people beauty treatments such as doing their nails, treating their skin, and putting on their make-up.

beau|ti|ful ◆◆◇ /bjuː t I fʊl/

1 ADJ A beautiful person is very attractive to look at. □� She was a very beautiful woman. □� To me he is the most beautiful child in the world.

2 ADJ If you describe something as beautiful , you mean that it is very attractive or pleasing. □� New England is beautiful. □� It was a beautiful morning. ●� beau|ti|ful|ly /bjuː t I fli/ ADV [usu ADV after v] □� The children behaved beautifully. □� �a beautifully clear, sunny day.

3 ADJ You can describe something that someone does as beautiful when they do it very skilfully. □� That's a beautiful shot! ●� beau|ti|ful|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� Arsenal played beautifully.

beau|ti|fy /bjuː t I fa I / (beautifies , beautifying , beautified ) VERB If you beautify something, you make it look more beautiful. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Claire worked to beautify the garden.

beau|ty ◆◇◇ /bjuː ti/ (beauties )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Beauty is the state or quality of being beautiful. □� �an area of outstanding natural beauty. □� Everyone admired her elegance and her beauty.

2 N‑COUNT A beauty is a beautiful woman. [JOURNALISM ] □� She is known as a great beauty.

3 N‑COUNT You can say that something is a beauty when you think it is very good. [INFORMAL ] □� The pass was a real beauty, but the shot was poor.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The beauties of something are its attractive qualities or features. [LITERARY ] □� He was beginning to enjoy the beauties of nature.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Beauty is used to describe people, products, and activities that are concerned with making women look beautiful. □� Additional beauty treatments can be booked in advance.

6 N‑COUNT If you say that a particular feature is thebeautyof something, you mean that this feature is what makes the thing so good. □� There would be no effect on animals�that's the beauty of such water-based materials.

bea u|^ty con|test (beauty contests ) N‑COUNT A beauty contest is a competition in which young women are judged to decide which one is the most beautiful.

bea u|^ty pag|eant (beauty pageants ) N‑COUNT A beauty pageant is the same as a beauty contest . [AM ]

bea u|^ty par|lour (beauty parlours ) in AM, use beauty parlor N‑COUNT A beauty parlour is a place where women can go to have beauty treatments, for example to have their hair, nails or make-up done.

bea u|^ty queen (beauty queens ) N‑COUNT A beauty queen is a woman who has won a beauty contest.

bea u|^ty sa|lon (beauty salons ) N‑COUNT A beauty salon is the same as a beauty parlour .

bea u|^ty shop (beauty shops ) N‑COUNT A beauty shop is the same as a beauty parlour . [AM ]

bea u|^ty spot (beauty spots )

1 N‑COUNT A beauty spot is a place in the country that is popular because of its beautiful scenery. □� The Valley of Vinales is a lush and fertile valley and one of Cuba's finest beauty spots.

2 N‑COUNT A beauty spot is a small, dark spot on the skin which is supposed to add to a woman's beauty.

bea|ver /biː və r / (beavers , beavering , beavered )

1 N‑COUNT A beaver is a furry animal with a big flat tail and large teeth. Beavers use their teeth to cut wood and build dams in rivers.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Beaver is the fur of a beaver. □� �a coat with a huge beaver collar.

▸� beaver away PHRASAL VERB If you are beavering awayat something, you are working very hard at it. □�[V P +�at/on ] For more than a decade, Avery has been beavering away at an epic project. □�[V P ] They are beavering away to get everything ready for us.

be|bop /biː bɒp/ N‑UNCOUNT Bebop is a form of jazz music with complex harmonies and rhythms. The abbreviation bop is also used.

be|calmed /b I kɑː md/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a sailing ship is becalmed , it is unable to move because there is no wind. □� We were becalmed off Dungeness for several hours.

2 ADJ If something such as the economy, a company, or a series of talks is becalmed , it is not progressing at all, although it should be. [LITERARY ] □� �the becalmed peace talks.

be|came /b I ke I m/ Became is the past tense of become .

be|cause ◆◆◆ /b I kɒ z, [AM ] b I kɔː z/

1 CONJ You use because when stating the reason for something. □� He is called Mitch, because his name is Mitchell. □� Because it is an area of outstanding natural beauty, you can't build on it. □� 'Why didn't you tell me, Archie?'�'Because you might have casually mentioned it to somebody else.'

2 CONJ You use because when stating the explanation for a statement you have just made. □� Maybe they didn't want to ask questions, because they rented us a room without even asking to see our papers. □� The President has played a shrewd diplomatic game because from the outset he called for direct talks with the United States.

3 PHRASE If an event or situation occurs because of something, that thing is the reason or cause. □� Many families break up because of a lack of money. □� Because of the law in Ireland, we had to work out a way of getting her over to Britain.

4 PHRASE You use just because when you want to say that a particular situation should not necessarily make you come to a particular conclusion. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� Just because something has always been done a certain way does not make it right.

beck /be k/ PHRASE If one person is at another's beck and call , they have to be constantly available and ready to do whatever is asked, and this often seems unfair or undesirable.

beck|on /be kən/ (beckons , beckoning , beckoned )

1 VERB If you beckonto someone, you signal to them to come to you. □�[V +�to ] He beckoned to the waiter. □�[V n adv/prep] I beckoned her over. □�[V n to-inf] Hughes beckoned him to sit down on a sofa. [Also V ]

2 VERB If something beckons , it is so attractive to someone that they feel they must become involved in it. □�[V ] All the attractions of the peninsula beckon. □�[V n] The bright lights of Hollywood beckon many. [Also V +�to ]

3 VERB If something beckonsfor someone, it is very likely to happen to them. □�[V +�for ] The big time beckons for him. □�[V ] Old age beckons.

be|come ◆◆◆ /b I kʌ m/ (becomes , becoming , became ) The form become is used in the present tense and is the past participle. 1 V‑LINK If someone or something becomes a particular thing, they start to change and develop into that thing, or start to develop the characteristics mentioned. □�[V adj] I first became interested in Islam while I was doing my nursing training. □�[V adj] As she reached the age of thirty, she became convinced she would remain single all her life. □�[V n] After leaving school, he became a professional footballer.

2 VERB [no passive, no cont] If something becomes someone, it makes them look attractive or it seems right for them. □�[V n] Don't be crude tonight, Bernard, it doesn't become you.

3 PHRASE If you wonder what has become of someone or something, you wonder where they are and what has happened to them. □� She thought constantly about her family; she might never know what had become of them.

be|com|ing /b I kʌ m I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A piece of clothing, a colour, or a hairstyle that is becoming makes the person who is wearing it look attractive. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Softer fabrics are much more becoming than stiffer ones. ●� be|com|ing|ly ADV □� Her dress was of blue silk, quite light, and becomingly open at the neck.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Behaviour that is becoming is appropriate and proper in the circumstances. □� This behaviour is not any more becoming among our politicians than it is among our voters.

bed ◆◆◇ /be d/ (beds )

1 N‑COUNT A bed is a piece of furniture that you lie on when you sleep. □� She went into her bedroom and lay down on the bed. □� We finally went to bed at about 4am. □� By the time we got back from dinner, Nona was already in bed. □� When she had gone, Sam and Robina put the children to bed.

2 N‑COUNT If a place such as a hospital or a hotel has a particular number of beds , it is able to hold that number of patients or guests.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A bed in a garden or park is an area of ground that has been specially prepared so that plants can be grown in it. □� �beds of strawberries and rhubarb.

4 N‑COUNT A bed of shellfish or plants is an area in the sea or in a lake where a particular type of shellfish or plant is found in large quantities. □� The whole lake was rimmed with thick beds of reeds.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The sea bed or a river bed is the ground at the bottom of the sea or of a river. □� For three weeks a big operation went on to recover the wreckage from the sea bed.

6 N‑COUNT A bed of rock is a layer of rock that is found within a larger area of rock. □� Between the white limestone and the greyish pink limestone is a thin bed of clay.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a recipe or a menu says that something is served on a bedof a food such as rice or vegetables, it means it is served on a layer of that food. □�[+�of ] Heat the curry thoroughly and serve it on a bed of rice.

8 →�see also -bedded , bedding

9 PHRASE To go to bedwith someone means to have sex with them.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone has made their bed and must lie in it , you mean that since they have chosen to do a particular thing, they must now accept the unpleasant results of their action.

11 PHRASE When you make the bed , you neatly arrange the sheets and covers of a bed so that it is ready to sleep in.

12bed of roses →�see rose

BEd /biː e d/ (BEds ) in AM, use B.Ed. N‑COUNT A BEd is a degree which usually takes four years to complete and which qualifies someone to teach in a school. BEd is an abbreviation for 'Bachelor of Education.' Compare PGCE .

be d and brea k|fast (bed and breakfasts ) also bed-and-breakfast

1 N‑UNCOUNT Bed and breakfast is a system of accommodation in a hotel or guest house, in which you pay for a room for the night and for breakfast the following morning. The abbreviation B&B is also used. [mainly BRIT ] □� Bed and breakfast costs from �30 per person per night.

2 N‑COUNT A bed and breakfast is a guest house that provides bed and breakfast accommodation. The abbreviation B&B is also used. [mainly BRIT ] □� Accommodation can be arranged at local bed and breakfasts.

be|daz|zled /b I d� z ə ld/ ADJ If you are bedazzledby someone or something, you are so amazed and impressed by them that you feel confused. □�[+�by ] Many people are bedazzled by fame.

bed|bug /be dbʌg/ (bedbugs ) N‑COUNT A bedbug is a small insect with a round body and no wings which lives in dirty houses and feeds by biting people and sucking their blood when they are in bed.

bed|chamber /be dtʃe I mbə r / (bedchambers ) also bed-chamber N‑COUNT A bedchamber is a bedroom . [FORMAL ]

bed|clothes /be dkloʊ�z/ N‑PLURAL Bedclothes are the sheets and covers which you put over yourself when you get into bed.

-bedded /-be d I d/

1 COMB [usu ADJ n] -bedded combines with numbers to form adjectives which indicate how many beds a room contains. □� �a four-bedded room.

2 COMB -bedded combines with words such as 'twin' or 'double' to form adjectives which indicate what kind of beds a room contains. □� �twin-bedded cabins.

bed|ding /be d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Bedding is sheets, duvets, and blankets that are used on beds.

be d|ding plant (bedding plants ) N‑COUNT A bedding plant is a plant which lasts for one year. It is put in a flower bed before it flowers, and is then removed when it has finished flowering.

be|deck /b I de k/ (bedecks , bedecking , bedecked ) VERB If flags or other ornaments bedeck a place, a lot of them have been hung up to decorate it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] �flags bedecking the balcony.

be|decked /b I de kt/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If a place is bedeckedwith flags or other ornaments, these things have been hung up to decorate it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�with/in ] The palace was bedecked with flags. ●�COMB -bedecked is also a combining form. □� �a flower-bedecked stage.

be|dev|il /b I de v ə l/ (bedevils , bedevilling , bedevilled ) in AM, use bedeviling , bedeviled VERB If you are bedevilledby something unpleasant, it causes you a lot of problems over a period of time. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] His career was bedevilled by injury. □�[V n] �a problem that has bedevilled service industries for decades.

bed|fellow /be dfeloʊ/ (bedfellows ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] You refer to two things or people as bedfellows when they have become associated or related in some way. □� Sex and death are strange bedfellows.

bed|head /be dhed/ (bedheads ) also bed-head N‑COUNT A bedhead is a board which is fixed to the end of a bed behind your head. [BRIT ] in AM, use headboard

bed|lam /be dləm/ N‑UNCOUNT Bedlam means a great deal of noise and disorder. People often say 'It was bedlam' to mean 'There was bedlam'. □� The crowd went absolutely mad. It was bedlam.

be d lin|en also bed-linen N‑UNCOUNT Bed linen is sheets and pillowcases. □� �crisp white cotton bed linen.

Bedou|in /be dʊ I n/ (Bedouins or Bedouin )

1 N‑COUNT A Bedouin is a member of a particular Arab tribe.

2 ADJ Bedouin means relating to the Bedouin people. □� �Bedouin carpets.

bed|pan /be dp�n/ (bedpans ) also bed-pan N‑COUNT A bedpan is a shallow bowl shaped like a toilet seat, which is used instead of a toilet by people who are too ill to get out of bed.

bed|post /be dpoʊst/ (bedposts ) also bed-post N‑COUNT A bedpost is one of the four vertical supports at the corners of a bed with an old-fashioned wooden or iron frame.

be|drag|gled /b I dr� g ə ld/ ADJ Someone or something that is bedraggled looks untidy because they have got wet or dirty. □� He looked weary and bedraggled. □� �a bedraggled group of journalists.

bed|rid|den /be dr I d ə n/ ADJ Someone who is bedridden is so ill or has such a severe disability that they cannot get out of bed. □� He had to spend two years bedridden with an injury. □� �bedridden patients.

bed|rock /be drɒk/

1 N‑SING The bedrock of something is the principles, ideas, or facts on which it is based. □� Mutual trust is the bedrock of a relationship. □� �the bedrock principles of British democratic socialism.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Bedrock is the solid rock in the ground which supports all the soil above it.

bed|roll /be droʊl/ (bedrolls ) also bed-roll N‑COUNT A bedroll is a rolled-up sleeping bag or other form of bedding, which you can carry with you.

bed|room ◆◇◇ /be druːm/ (bedrooms ) N‑COUNT A bedroom is a room used for sleeping in. □� �the spare bedroom. □� �a two-bedroom apartment.

-bedroomed /-be druːmd/ COMB -bedroomed combines with numbers to form adjectives which indicate how many bedrooms a particular house or flat has. □� �a two-bedroomed flat.

bed|side /be dsa I d/

1 N‑SING [usu N n] Your bedside is the area beside your bed. □� She put a cup of tea down on the bedside table. □� He drew a chair up to the bedside and sat down.

2 N‑SING [usu with poss] If you talk about being at someone's bedside , you are talking about being near them when they are ill in bed. □� She kept vigil at the bedside of her critically ill son.

be d|side ma n|ner N‑SING A doctor's bedside manner is the way in which they talk to their patients.

bed|sit /be ds I t/ (bedsits ) N‑COUNT A bedsit is a room you rent which you use for both living in and sleeping in. [BRIT ] □� He was living alone in a dingy bedsit in London.

bed|sitter /be ds I tə r / (bedsitters ) also bed-sitter N‑COUNT A bedsitter is the same as a bedsit . [BRIT ]

bed|sores /be dsɔː r z/ N‑PLURAL Bedsores are sore places on a person's skin, caused by having to lie in bed for a long time without changing position.

bed|spread /be dspred/ (bedspreads ) N‑COUNT A bedspread is a decorative cover which is put over a bed, on top of the sheets and blankets.

bed|stead /be dsted/ (bedsteads ) N‑COUNT A bedstead is the metal or wooden frame of an old-fashioned bed.

bed|time /be dta I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Your bedtime is the time when you usually go to bed. □� It was eight-thirty, Trevor's bedtime. □� �bedtime stories.

bed|wet|ting /be dwet I ŋ/ also bed-wetting N‑UNCOUNT Bedwetting means urinating in bed, usually by small children.

bee /biː / (bees )

1 N‑COUNT A bee is an insect with a yellow-and-black striped body that makes a buzzing noise as it flies. Bees make honey, and can sting.

2 PHRASE If you have a bee in your bonnetabout something, you are so enthusiastic or worried about it that you keep mentioning it or thinking about it. □�[+�about ] He's got a bee in his bonnet about factory farming.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A bee is a social event where people get together for a competition or to do something such as sew. [AM ] □� That year I won first prize in the spelling bee.

Beeb /biː b/ N‑PROPER The BBC is sometimes called the Beeb . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He joined the Beeb at 19.

beech /biː tʃ/ (beeches ) N‑VAR A beech or a beech tree is a tree with a smooth grey trunk. □� �the branch of a huge beech. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Beech is the wood of this tree. □� The worktop is made of solid beech.

beef /biː f/ (beefs , beefing , beefed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Beef is the meat of a cow, bull, or ox. □� �roast beef. □� �beef stew.

2 →�see also corned beef

▸� beef up PHRASAL VERB If you beef up something, you increase, strengthen, or improve it. □�[V P n] Both sides are still beefing up their military strength. □�[V -ed P ] �a beefed up police presence. [Also V n P ]

beef|bur|ger /biː fbɜː r gə r / (beefburgers ) also beef burger N‑COUNT A beefburger is the same as a hamburger . [BRIT ] □� � beefburgers and chips.

beef|cake /biː fke I k/ (beefcakes ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Attractive men with large muscles can be referred to as beefcake . [INFORMAL ] □� �beefcake photos.

Beef|eater /biː fiːtə/ (Beefeaters ) N‑COUNT Beefeaters are guards at the Tower of London. They wear a uniform made in the style of the sixteenth century. [BRIT ]

beef|steak /biː fste I k/ (beefsteaks ) also beef steak N‑VAR Beefsteak is steak .

beefy /biː fi/ (beefier , beefiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone, especially a man, who is beefy has a big body and large muscles. □� �a beefy red-faced Englishman.

bee|hive /biː ha I v/ (beehives ) N‑COUNT A beehive is a structure in which bees are kept, designed so that the beekeeper can collect the honey that they produce.

bee|keeper /biː kiːpə r / (beekeepers ) N‑COUNT A beekeeper is a person who owns and takes care of bees.

bee|keeping /biː kiːp I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Beekeeping is the practice of owning and taking care of bees.

bee|line /biː la I n/ also bee-line PHRASE If you make a beeline for a place, you go to it as quickly and directly as possible. [INFORMAL ] □� She made a beeline for the car.

been /b I n, biː n/

1Been is the past participle of be .

2 VERB If you have been to a place, you have gone to it or visited it. □�[V prep/adv] He's already been to Tunisia, and is to go on to Morocco and Mauritania. □�[V prep/adv] I've been there before.

3 PHRASE People say been there, done that to show that they have had a similar experience to the one that has just been mentioned. □� Rick wants me to go backpacking in India with him, but I've been there, done that. □� 'I've tried so many diets in my life.' �'Oh yeah, been there, done that, got the T-shirt.'

beep /biː p/ (beeps , beeping , beeped )

1 N‑COUNT A beep is a short, loud sound like that made by a car horn or an answering machine.

2 VERB If something such as a horn beeps , or you beep it, it makes a short, harsh sound. □�[V ] The phone beeped and he grabbed it. □�[V n] He beeped the horn.

beep|er /biː pə r / (beepers ) N‑COUNT A beeper is a portable device that makes a beeping noise, usually to tell you to phone someone or to remind you to do something. □� His beeper sounded and he picked up the phone.

beer ◆◇◇ /b I ə r / (beers ) N‑VAR Beer is a bitter alcoholic drink made from grain. □� He sat in the kitchen drinking beer. □� We have quite a good range of beers. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of beer can be referred to as a beer . □� Would you like a beer?

bee r bel|ly (beer bellies ) N‑COUNT If a man has a beer belly , he has a fat stomach because of drinking too much beer. □� He was short and fat, with a large beer belly.

bee r gut (beer guts ) also beer-gut N‑COUNT A beer gut is the same as a beer belly .

beer|mat /b I ə r m�t/ (beermats ) also beer mat N‑COUNT A beermat is a cardboard mat for resting your glass of beer on in a bar or pub.

beery /b I ə ri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a person, especially a man, is described as beery , they have drunk a lot of beer. □� �jolly, beery farmers. □� �beery roars of applause.

bees|wax /biː zw�ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Beeswax is wax that is made by bees and used especially for making candles and furniture polish.

beet /biː t/ (beets )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Beet is a crop with a thick round root. It is often used to feed animals, especially cows. □� �fields of sweet corn and beet.

2 →�see also sugar beet

3 N‑VAR [usu pl] Beets are dark red roots that are eaten as a vegetable. They are often preserved in vinegar. [AM ] in BRIT, use beetroot

bee|tle /biː t ə l/ (beetles ) N‑COUNT A beetle is an insect with a hard covering to its body.

beet|root /biː truːt/ (beetroots ) N‑VAR Beetroot is a dark red root that is eaten as a vegetable. It is often preserved in vinegar. [BRIT ] in AM, use beet

be|fall /b I fɔː l/ (befalls , befalling , befell , befallen ) VERB If something bad or unlucky befalls you, it happens to you. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] �the disaster that befell the island of Flores.

be|fit /b I f I t/ (befits , befitting , befitted ) VERB If something befits a person or thing, it is suitable or appropriate for them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They offered him a post befitting his seniority and experience.

be|fore ◆◆◆ /b I fɔː r / In addition to the uses shown below, before is used in the phrasal verbs 'go before' and 'lay before'. 1 PREP If something happens before a particular date, time, or event, it happens earlier than that date, time, or event. □� Annie was born a few weeks before Christmas. □� Before World War II, women were not recruited as intelligence officers. □� Dan rarely comes to bed before 2 or 3am. ●�CONJ Before is also a conjunction. □� Stock prices climbed close to the peak they'd registered before the stock market crashed.

2 PREP [PREP v-ing] If you do one thing before doing something else, you do it earlier than the other thing. □� He spent his early life in Sri Lanka before moving to England. □� Before leaving, he went into his office to fill in the daily time sheet. ●�CONJ Before is also a conjunction. □� He took a cold shower and then towelled off before he put on fresh clothes.

3 ADV [n ADV ] You use before when you are talking about time. For example, if something happened the day before a particular date or event, it happened during the previous day. □� The war had ended only a month or so before. ●�PREP Before is also a preposition. □� It's interesting that he sent me the book twenty days before the deadline for my book. ●�CONJ Before is also a conjunction. □� Kelman had a book published in the U.S. more than a decade before a British publisher would touch him.

4 CONJ If you do something before someone else can do something, you do it when they have not yet done it. □� Before he could take another one, she laid her fingertips on his mouth.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If someone has done something before , they have done it on a previous occasion. If someone has not done something before , they have never done it. □� I had met Professor Lown before. □� She had never been to Italy before.

6 CONJ If there is a period of time or if several things are done before something happens, it takes that amount of time or effort for this thing to happen. □� It was some time before the door opened in response to his ring.

7 CONJ If a particular situation has to happen before something else happens, this situation must happen or exist in order for the other thing to happen. □� There was additional work to be done before all the troops would be ready.

8 PREP If someone is before something, they are in front of it. [FORMAL ] □� They drove through a tall iron gate and stopped before a large white villa.

9 PREP If you tell someone that one place is a certain distance before another, you mean that they will come to the first place first. □� The turn is about two kilometres before the roundabout.

10 PREP If you appear or come before an official person or group, you go there and answer questions. □� The Governor will appear before the committee next Tuesday.

11 PREP If something happens before a particular person or group, it is seen by or happens while this person or this group is present. □� The game followed a colourful opening ceremony before a crowd of seventy-four thousand.

12 PREP If you have something such as a journey, a task, or a stage of your life before you, you must do it or live through it in the future. □� Everyone in the room knew it was the single hardest task before them.

13 PREP When you want to say that one person or thing is more important than another, you can say that they come before the other person or thing. □� Life is still a juggling act, but my children come before anything else.

14before long →�see long ➌

before|hand /b I fɔː r h�nd/ ADV [usu ADV after v] If you do something beforehand , you do it earlier than a particular event. □� How could she tell beforehand that I was going to go out?

be|friend /b I fre nd/ (befriends , befriending , befriended ) VERB If you befriend someone, especially someone who is lonely or far from home, you make friends with them. □�[V n] The film's about an elderly woman and a young nurse who befriends her.

be|fud|dle /b I fʌ d ə l/ (befuddles , befuddling , befuddled ) VERB If something befuddles you, it confuses your mind or thoughts. □�[V n] �problems that are befuddling them. ●� be|fud|dled ADJ □� �his befuddled manner. □� �befuddled with drink.

beg /be g/ (begs , begging , begged )

1 VERB If you beg someone to do something, you ask them very anxiously or eagerly to do it. □�[V n to-inf] I begged him to come back to England with me. □�[V to-inf] I begged to be allowed to leave. □�[V +�for ] We are not going to beg for help any more. □�[V n] They dropped to their knees and begged forgiveness. [Also V n with quote]

2 VERB [oft cont] If someone who is poor is begging , they are asking people to give them food or money. □�[V +�for ] I was surrounded by people begging for food. □�[V ] There are thousands like him, begging on the streets and sleeping rough. □�[V n] She was living alone, begging food from neighbors.

3 PHRASE You say 'I beg to differ ' when you are politely emphasizing that you disagree with someone. [POLITENESS ]

4 PHRASE If you say that something is going begging , you mean that it is available but no one is using it or accepting it. □� There is other housing going begging in town.

5 PHRASE If you say that something begs a particular question , you mean that it makes people want to ask that question; some people consider that this use is incorrect. □� Hopewell's success begs the question: why aren't more companies doing the same?

6 PHRASE If you say that something begs a particular question , you mean that it assumes that the question has already been answered and so does not deal with it. [WRITTEN ] □� The research begs a number of questions.

7I beg your pardon →�see pardon

be|gan /b I g� n/ Began is the past tense of begin .

be|get /b I ge t/ (begets , begetting , begot , begotten )

1 VERB To beget something means to cause it to happen or be created. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Poverty begets debt.

2 VERB When a man begets a child, he becomes the father of that child. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

be|get|ter /b I ge tə r / (begetters ) N‑COUNT [with poss] The begetter of something has caused this thing to come into existence. [FORMAL ] □� He was the true begetter of modern youth culture.

beg|gar /be gə r / (beggars , beggaring , beggared )

1 N‑COUNT A beggar is someone who lives by asking people for money or food.

2 VERB If something beggars a person, country, or organization, it makes them very poor. □�[V n] He warned that lifting copyright restrictions could beggar the industry.

3 PHRASE If something beggars belief , it is impossible to believe it. If something beggars description , it is impossible to describe it. □� The statistics beggar belief. □� His courage beggars description.

be g|ging bowl (begging bowls ) N‑COUNT If a country or organization approaches other countries or organizations with a begging bowl , it asks them for money. [mainly BRIT ] □� He said earlier that he is not holding out a begging bowl.

be g|ging le t|ter (begging letters ) N‑COUNT A begging letter is a letter from a person or organization in which they ask you to send some money for a particular purpose. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I wrote hundreds of begging letters to charities and businesses.

be|gin ◆◆◆ /b I g I n/ (begins , beginning , began , begun )

1 VERB To beginto do something means to start doing it. □�[V to-inf] He stood up and began to move around the room. □�[V to-inf] The weight loss began to look more serious. □�[V v-ing] Snow began falling again.

2 VERB When something begins or when you begin it, it takes place from a particular time onwards. □�[V ] The problems began last November. □�[V n] He has just begun his fourth year in hiding. □�[V n] The U.S. is prepared to begin talks immediately.

3 VERB If you beginwith something, or beginby doing something, this is the first thing you do. □�[V +�with ] Could I begin with a few formalities? □�[V +�by ] �a businessman who began by selling golf shirts from the boot of his car. □�[V n prep] He began his career as a sound editor.

4 VERB [no cont] You use begin to mention the first thing that someone says. □�[V with quote] 'Professor Theron,' he began, 'I'm very pleased to see you'. □�[V ] He didn't know how to begin.

5 VERB [no cont] If one thing began as another, it first existed in the form of the second thing. □�[V +�as ] What began as a local festival has blossomed into an international event.

6 VERB [no cont] If you say that a thing or place begins somewhere, you are talking about one of its limits or edges. □�[V prep/adv] The fate line begins at the wrist.

7 VERB [no cont] If a word begins with a particular letter, that is the first letter of that word. □�[V +�with ] The first word begins with an F.

8 VERB [no cont] If you say that you cannot beginto imagine, understand, or explain something, you are emphasizing that it is almost impossible to explain, understand, or imagine. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V to-inf] You can't begin to imagine how much that saddens me.

9 PHRASE You use to begin with when you are talking about the first stage of a situation, event, or process. □� It was great to begin with but now it's difficult.

10 PHRASE You use to begin with to introduce the first of several things that you want to say. □� 'What do scientists think about that?'�'Well, to begin with, they doubt it's going to work.'

11to begin life →�see life

be|gin|ner /b I g I nə r / (beginners ) N‑COUNT A beginner is someone who has just started learning to do something and cannot do it very well yet. □� The course is suitable for beginners and advanced students.

be|gin|ning ◆◇◇ /b I g I n I ŋ/ (beginnings )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The beginningof an event or process is the first part of it. □� This was also the beginning of her recording career. □� Think of this as a new beginning.

2 N‑PLURAL Thebeginningsof something are the signs or events which form the first part of it. □� The discussions were the beginnings of a dialogue with Moscow.

3 N‑SING Thebeginningof a period of time is the time at which it starts. □� The wedding will be at the beginning of March.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The beginningof a piece of written material is the first words or sentences of it. □�[+�of ] �the question which was raised at the beginning of this chapter.

5 N‑PLURAL If you talk about the beginnings of a person, company, or group, you are referring to their backgrounds or origins. □� His views come from his own humble beginnings. SYNONYMS beginning NOUN 1

start:�1918, four years after the start of the Great War.

opening:The opening of the scene depicts Akhnaten and his family in a moment of intimacy.

outset:Decide at the outset what kind of learning programme you want to follow.

onset:With the onset of war, oil prices climbed past $30 a barrel.

be|gonia /b I goʊ niə/ (begonias ) N‑COUNT A begonia is a garden plant which has large brightly coloured leaves.

be|got /b I gɒ t/ Begot is the past tense of beget .

be|got|ten /b I gɒ t ə n/ Begotten is the past participle of beget .

be|grudge /b I grʌ dʒ/ (begrudges , begrudging , begrudged )

1 VERB If you do not begrudge someone something, you do not feel angry, upset, or jealous that they have got it. □�[V n n] I certainly don't begrudge him the Nobel Prize.

2 VERB If you do not begrudge something such as time or money, you do not mind giving it up. □�[V n] I do not begrudge the money I have lost.

be|grudg|ing|ly /b I grʌ dʒ I ŋli/ ADV [ADV with v] If you do something begrudgingly , you do it unwillingly. □� He agreed to her suggestion begrudgingly.

be|guile /b I ga I l/ (beguiles , beguiling , beguiled )

1 VERB If something beguiles you, you are charmed and attracted by it. □�[be V -ed] We are beguiled by the country's beauty and its magnificent cultural past.

2 VERB If someone beguiles you into doing something, they trick you into doing it. □�[V n +�into ] He used his newspapers to beguile the readers into buying shares in his company.

be|guil|ing /b I ga I l I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is beguiling is charming and attractive. [WRITTEN ] □� Mombasa is a town with a beguiling Arabic flavour. ●� be|guil|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� He was beguilingly boyish and attractive.

be|gun /b I gʌ n/ Begun is the past participle of begin .

be|half ◆◇◇ /b I hɑː f, -h� f/

1 PHRASE If you do something on someone's behalf , you do it for that person as their representative. The form in someone's behalf is also used, mainly in American English. □� She made an emotional public appeal on her son's behalf. □� Secret Service officer Robin Thompson spoke on behalf of his colleagues.

2 PHRASE If you feel, for example, embarrassed or angry on someone's behalf , you feel embarrassed or angry for them. □� 'What do you mean?' I asked, offended on Liddie's behalf.

be|have ◆◇◇ /b I he I v/ (behaves , behaving , behaved )

1 VERB The way that you behave is the way that you do and say things, and the things that you do and say. □�[V prep/adv] I couldn't believe these people were behaving in this way. □�[V prep/adv] He'd behaved badly.

2 VERB If you behave or behaveyourself , you act in the way that people think is correct and proper. □�[V ] You have to behave. □�[V pron-refl] They were expected to behave themselves.

3 VERB In science, the way that something behaves is the things that it does. □�[V prep/adv] Under certain conditions, electrons can behave like waves rather than particles. SYNONYMS behave VERB 1

act:He acted as if he hadn't heard any of it.

react:'How did he react?'�'Very calmly.'

conduct yourself:The way he conducts himself reflects on the party.

acquit yourself:Most officers and men acquitted themselves well throughout the action.

go about:He went about looking ill and unhappy.

-behaved /-b I he I vd/ COMB -behaved combines with adverbs such as 'well' or 'badly' to form adjectives that describe people's or animals' behaviour. □� The children are well-behaved and keen to learn.

be|hav|iour ◆◆◇ /b I he I vjə r / (behaviours ) in AM, use behavior1 N‑VAR People's or animals' behaviour is the way that they behave. You can refer to a typical and repeated way of behaving as a behaviour . □� Make sure that good behaviour is rewarded. □� �human sexual behaviour. □� These eating patterns are a learned behavior.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] In science, the behaviour of something is the way that it behaves. □� It will be many years before anyone can predict a hurricane's behavior with much accuracy.

3 PHRASE If someone is on their best behaviour , they are trying very hard to behave well. COLLOCATIONS behaviour NOUN

1

adjective +�behaviour : criminal, human, sexual; aggressive, antisocial, inappropriate, unacceptable

verb +�behaviour : change, control, tackle, tolerate; display, exhibit

2

verb +�behaviour : monitor, observe SYNONYMS behaviour NOUN 1

conduct:He has trouble understanding that other people judge him by his conduct.

actions:Jack was the sort of man who did not like his actions questioned.

demeanour:�her calm and cheerful demeanour.

ways:He said he was against returning to old authoritarian ways.

be|hav|iour|al /b I he I vjərəl/ in AM, use behavioral ADJ [ADJ n] Behavioural means relating to the behaviour of a person or animal, or to the study of their behaviour. □� �emotional and behavioural problems.

be|hav|iour|ism /b I he I vjər I zəm/ in AM, use behaviorism N‑UNCOUNT Behaviourism is the belief held by some psychologists that the only valid method of studying the psychology of people or animals is to observe how they behave. ●� be|hav|iour|ist (behaviourists ) N‑COUNT □� Animal behaviourists have been studying these monkeys for decades.

be|head /b I he d/ (beheads , beheading , beheaded ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is beheaded , their head is cut off, usually because they have been found guilty of a crime. □�[be V -ed] Charles I was beheaded by the Cromwellians.

be|held /b I he ld/ Beheld is the past tense of behold .

be|he|moth /b I hiː mɒθ, [AM ] -məθ/ (behemoths ) N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a behemoth , you mean that it is extremely large, and often that it is unpleasant, inefficient, or difficult to manage. [JOURNALISM , LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The city is a sprawling behemoth with no heart. □� �his behemoth 1,047 page book.

be|hest /b I he st/ (behests ) PHRASE If something is done at someone's behest , it is done because they have ordered or requested it. [FORMAL ] □� Both posts were removed at the school's behest.

behind

➊�PREPOSITION AND ADVERB USES

➋�NOUN USE

➊ be|hind ◆◆◆ /b I ha I nd/ In addition to the uses shown below, behind is also used in a few phrasal verbs, such as 'fall behind' and 'lie behind'. →�Please look at categories 14 to 17 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 PREP If something is behind a thing or person, it is on the other side of them from you, or nearer their back rather than their front. □� I put one of the cushions behind his head. □� They were parked behind the truck. ●�ADV [from ADV ] Behind is also an adverb. □� Rising into the hills behind are 800 acres of parkland. □� She was attacked from behind.

2 PREP If you are walking or travelling behind someone or something, you are following them. □� Keith wandered along behind him. □� Myra and Sam and the children were driving behind them. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Behind is also an adverb. □� The troopers followed behind, every muscle tensed for the sudden gunfire.

3 PREP If someone is behind a desk, counter, or bar, they are on the other side of it from where you are. □� The colonel was sitting behind a cheap wooden desk. □� He could just about see the little man behind the counter.

4 PREP When you shut a door or gate behind you, you shut it after you have gone through it. □� I walked out and closed the door behind me. □� He slammed the gate shut behind him.

5 PREP The people, reason, or events behind a situation are the causes of it or are responsible for it. □� It is still not clear who was behind the killing. □� He is embarrassed about the motives behind his decision.

6 PREP If something or someone is behind you, they support you and help you. □� He had the state's judicial power behind him.

7 PREP If you refer to what is behind someone's outside appearance, you are referring to a characteristic which you cannot immediately see or is not obvious, but which you think is there. □� What lay behind his anger was really the hurt he felt at Grace's refusal.

8 PREP If you are behind someone, you are less successful than them, or have done less or advanced less. □� Food production has already fallen behind the population growth. ●�ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] Behind is also an adverb. □� The rapid development of technology means that she is now far behind, and will need retraining.

9 PREP If an experience is behind you, it happened in your past and will not happen again, or no longer affects you. □� Maureen put the nightmare behind her.

10 PREP If you have a particular achievement behind you, you have managed to reach this achievement, and other people consider it to be important or valuable. □� He has 20 years of loyal service to Barclays Bank behind him.

11 PREP If something is behind schedule, it is not as far advanced as people had planned. If someone is behind schedule, they are not progressing as quickly at something as they had planned. □� The work is 22 weeks behind schedule.

12 ADV [ADV after v] If you stay behind , you remain in a place after other people have gone. □� About 1,200 personnel will remain behind to take care of the air base.

13 ADV [ADV after v] If you leave something or someone behind , you do not take them with you when you go. □� The rebels fled into the mountains, leaving behind their weapons and supplies.

14to do something behind someone's back →�see back ➋

15behind bars →�see bar

16behind the scenes →�see scene

17behind the times →�see time

➋ be|hind /b I ha I nd/ (behinds ) N‑COUNT Your behind is the part of your body that you sit on. USAGE behind

Don�t use �of � after behind . Don�t say, for example, � They parked the motorcycle behind of some bushes �. Say �They parked the motorcycle behind some bushes�.

behi nd-the-sce nes →�see scene

be|hold /b I hoʊ ld/ (beholds , beholding , beheld )

1 VERB If you behold someone or something, you see them. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] She looked into his eyes and beheld madness.

2lo and behold →�see lo

be|hold|en /b I hoʊ ld ə n/ ADJ If you are beholden to someone, you are in debt to them in some way or you feel that you have a duty to them because they have helped you. □� We feel really beholden to them for what they've done.

be|hold|er /b I hoʊ ldə r / (beholders )

1 PHRASE If you say that something such as beauty or art is in the eye of the beholder , you mean that it is a matter of personal opinion. □� Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

2 N‑COUNT Thebeholder of something is the person who is looking at it. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

be|hove /b I hoʊ v/ (behoves , behoved ) in AM, use behoove VERB If it behoves you to do something, it is right, necessary, or useful for you to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n to-inf] It behoves us to think of these dangers.

beige /be I ʒ/ COLOUR Something that is beige is pale brown in colour. □� �a pair of beige shorts. □� �muted shades of white and beige.

be|ing ◆◇◇ /biː I ŋ/ (beings )

1Being is the present participle of be .

2 V‑LINK Being is used in non-finite clauses where you are giving the reason for something. □�[V n] It being a Sunday, the old men had the day off. □�[V adj] Of course, being young, I did not worry. [Also V prep]

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to any real or imaginary creature as a being . □� �beings from outer space.

4 →�see also human being

5 N‑UNCOUNT Being is existence. Something that is in being or comes into being exists or starts to exist. □� Abraham Maslow described psychology as 'the science of being.' □� The Kingdom of Italy formally came into being on 17 March 1861.

6 PHRASE You can use being as to introduce a reason for what you are saying. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� I used to go everywhere with my mother being as I was the youngest.

7 →�see also well-being

8other things being equal →�see equal

9for the time being →�see time

be|jew|elled /b I dʒuː ə ld/ in AM, use bejeweled ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bejewelled person or object is wearing a lot of jewellery or is decorated with jewels. □� �bejewelled women. □� �a bejewelled golden tiara.

be|la|bour /b I le I bə r / (belabours , belabouring , belaboured ) in AM, use belabor1 VERB If you belabour someone or something, you hit them hard and repeatedly. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 VERB If you say that someone belabours the point, you mean that they keep on talking about it, perhaps in an annoying or boring way. □�[V n] I won't belabour the point, for this is a familiar story.

be|lat|ed /b I le I t I d/ ADJ A belated action happens later than it should have done. [FORMAL ] □� �the government's belated attempts to alleviate the plight of the poor. □� �a belated birthday present. ●� be|lat|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The leaders realized belatedly that the coup would be disastrous for everyone.

belch /be ltʃ/ (belches , belching , belched )

1 VERB If someone belches , they make a sudden noise in their throat because air has risen up from their stomach. □�[V ] Garland covered his mouth with his hand and belched discreetly. ●�N‑COUNT Belch is also a noun. □� He drank and stifled a belch.

2 VERB If a machine or chimney belches something such as smoke or fire or if smoke or fire belches from it, large amounts of smoke or fire come from it. □�[V n] Tired old trucks were struggling up the road below us, belching black smoke. □�[V +�from/out of ] Suddenly, clouds of steam started to belch from the engine. ●�PHRASAL VERB Belch out means the same as belch . □�[V P n] The power-generation plant belched out five tonnes of ash an hour. □�[V P ] �the vast quantities of smoke belching out from the volcano.

▸� belch out →�see belch2

be|lea|guered /b I liː gə r d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A beleaguered person, organization, or project is experiencing a lot of difficulties, opposition, or criticism. [FORMAL ] □� There have been seven coup attempts against the beleaguered government.

2 ADJ A beleaguered place or army is surrounded by its enemies. [FORMAL ] □� The rebels continue their push towards the beleaguered capital.

bel|fry /be lfri/ (belfries ) N‑COUNT The belfry of a church is the top part of its tower, where the bells are.

Bel|gian /be ldʒ ə n/ (Belgians ) ADJ Belgian means belonging or relating to Belgium or to its people. ●�N‑COUNT A Belgian is a person who comes from Belgium.

be|lie /b I la I / (belies , belying , belied )

1 VERB If one thing belies another, it hides the true situation and so creates a false idea or image of someone or something. □�[V n] Her looks belie her 50 years.

2 VERB If one thing belies another, it proves that the other thing is not true or genuine. □�[V n] The facts of the situation belie his testimony.

be|lief ◆◇◇ /b I liː f/ (beliefs )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Belief is a feeling of certainty that something exists, is true, or is good. □�[+�in ] � a traditional eastern belief in reincarnation. □�[+�in ] �a belief in personal liberty.

2 N‑PLURAL Your religious or political beliefs are your views on religious or political matters. □� He refuses to compete on Sundays because of his religious beliefs.

3 N‑SING [usu N that] If it is your belief that something is the case, it is your strong opinion that it is the case. □� It is our belief that improvements in health care will lead to a stronger economy.

4 PHRASE You use beyond belief to emphasize that something is true to a very great degree or that it happened to a very great degree. [EMPHASIS ] □� We are devastated, shocked beyond belief.

5 PHRASE You use contrary to popular belief to introduce a statement that is the opposite to what is thought to be true by most ordinary people. □� Contrary to popular belief, bread is not the best thing for birds.

6 PHRASE If you do one thing in the belief that another thing is true or will happen, you do it because you think, usually wrongly, that it is true or will happen. □� Civilians had broken into the building, apparently in the belief that it contained food.

be|lie f sys|tem (belief systems ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The belief system of a person or society is the set of beliefs that they have about what is right and wrong and what is true and false. □� �the belief systems of various ethnic groups.

be|liev|able /b I liː vəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is believable makes you think that it could be true or real. □� This book is full of believable, interesting characters.

be|lieve ◆◆◆ /b I liː v/ (believes , believing , believed )

1 VERB If you believe that something is true, you think that it is true, but you are not sure. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] Experts believe that the coming drought will be extensive. □�[V that] I believe you have something of mine. □�[V ] The main problem, I believe, lies elsewhere. □�[V n to-inf] We believe them to be hidden here in this apartment. □�[V so ] 'You've never heard of him?'�'I don't believe so.' [Also V n adj]

2 VERB If you believe someone or if you believe what they say or write, you accept that they are telling the truth. □�[V n] He did not sound as if he believed her. □�[V n] Don't believe what you read in the papers.

3 VERB If you believein fairies, ghosts, or miracles, you are sure that they exist or happen. If you believein a god, you are sure of the existence of that god. □�[V +�in ] I don't believe in ghosts. □�[V +�in ] Do you believe in magic? [Also V ]

4 VERB If you believe in a way of life or an idea, you are in favour of it because you think it is good or right. □�[V +�in ] He believed in marital fidelity.

5 VERB If you believe in someone or what they are doing, you have confidence in them and think that they will be successful. □�[V +�in ] If you believe in yourself you can succeed.

6 VERB Believe is used in expressions such as I can't believe how or it's hard to believe that in order to express surprise, for example because something bad has happened or something very difficult has been achieved. [FEELINGS ] □�[V wh] Many officers I spoke to found it hard to believe what was happening around them. [Also V that]

7 PHRASE You can use believe it or not to emphasize that what you have just said is surprising. [EMPHASIS ] □� That's normal, believe it or not.

8 PHRASE If you say would you believe it , you are emphasizing your surprise about something. [EMPHASIS ] □� And would you believe it, he's younger than me!

9 PHRASE You can use believe you me to emphasize that what you are saying is true. [EMPHASIS ] □� It's absolutely amazing, believe you me. USAGE believe

Believe is not used in the progressive. Don�t say, for example, � I am believing you �. Say �I believe you�. □� I believe that these findings should be presented to your readers. SYNONYMS believe VERB 1

suppose:The problem was more complex than he supposed.

consider:I had always considered myself a strong, competent woman.

assume:It is a misconception to assume that the two continents are similar.

gather:I gather his report is highly critical of the trial judge.

presume:'Had he been home all week?'�'I presume so.'

be|liev|er /b I liː və r / (believers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you are a great believer in something, you think that it is good, right, or useful. □�[+�in ] Mum was a great believer in herbal medicines.

2 N‑COUNT A believer is someone who is sure that a god exists or that their religion is true. □� I made no secret of the fact that I was not a believer.

be|lit|tle /b I l I t ə l/ (belittles , belittling , belittled ) VERB If you belittle someone or something, you say or imply that they are unimportant or not very good. □�[V n] We mustn't belittle her outstanding achievement.

bell ◆◇◇ /be l/ (bells )

1 N‑COUNT A bell is a device that makes a ringing sound and is used to give a signal or to attract people's attention. □� I've been ringing the door bell, there's no answer.

2 N‑COUNT A bell is a hollow metal object shaped like a cup which has a piece hanging inside it that hits the sides and makes a sound. □� Church bells tolled yesterday in remembrance of the five girls who were killed.

3 PHRASE If something is as clear as a bell , it is very clear indeed. □� There are 80 of these pictures and they're all as clear as a bell.

4 PHRASE If you say that something rings a bell , you mean that it reminds you of something, but you cannot remember exactly what it is. [INFORMAL ] □� The description of one of the lads is definitely familiar. It rings a bell.

be ll-bottoms The form bell-bottom is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL [oft N n] Bell-bottoms are trousers that are very wide at the bottom of the leg, near your feet. □� Flares, loons and bell-bottoms are back. □� �bell-bottom trousers.

bell|boy /be lbɔ I / (bellboys ) N‑COUNT A bellboy is a man or boy who works in a hotel, carrying bags or bringing things to the guests' rooms. [mainly AM ]

belle /be l/ (belles ) N‑COUNT A belle is a beautiful woman, especially the most beautiful woman at a party or in a group. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

bel|li|cose /be l I koʊs, -koʊz/ ADJ You use bellicose to refer to aggressive actions or behaviour that are likely to start an argument or a fight. [LITERARY ] □� He expressed alarm about the government's increasingly bellicose statements.

-bellied /-belid/

1 COMB -bellied can be added to an adjective to describe someone or something that has a stomach of a particular kind. □� The fat-bellied officer stood near the door. □� �the yellow-bellied sea-snake.

2 →�see also pot-bellied

bel|lig|er|ent /b I l I dʒərənt/ ADJ A belligerent person is hostile and aggressive. □� He was almost back to his belligerent mood of twelve months ago. ●� bel|lig|er|ent|ly ADV □� 'Why not?' he asked belligerently. ●� bel|lig|er|ence N‑UNCOUNT □� He could be accused of passion, but never belligerence.

bel|low /be loʊ/ (bellows , bellowing , bellowed )

1 VERB If someone bellows , they shout angrily in a loud, deep voice. □�[V with quote] 'I didn't ask to be born!' she bellowed. □�[V +�at ] She prayed she wouldn't come in and find them there, bellowing at each other. □�[V n prep] He bellowed information into the mouthpiece of the phone. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Bellow is also a noun. □�[+�of ] I was distraught and let out a bellow of tearful rage.

2 VERB When a large animal such as a bull or an elephant bellows , it makes a loud and deep noise. □�[V ] A heifer bellowed in her stall.

3 N‑COUNT [oft a pair of N ] A bellows is or bellows are a device used for blowing air into a fire in order to make it burn more fiercely.

be ll pep|per (bell peppers ) N‑COUNT A bell pepper is a hollow green, red, or yellow vegetable with seeds. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use pepper

be ll ring|er (bell ringers ) also bell-ringer N‑COUNT A bell ringer is someone who rings church bells or hand bells, especially as a hobby.

bell|wether /be lwe�ə r / (bellwethers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] If you describe something as a bellwether , you mean that it is an indication of the way a situation is changing. [mainly AM , JOURNALISM ] □� For decades the company was the bellwether of the British economy. □� IBM is considered the bellwether stock on Wall Street.

bel|ly /be li/ (bellies )

1 N‑COUNT [with poss] The belly of a person or animal is their stomach or abdomen. In British English, this is an informal or literary use. □� She laid her hands on her swollen belly. □� You'll eat so much your belly'll be like a barrel.

2 →�see also beer belly , pot belly

3 PHRASE If a company goes belly up , it does not have enough money to pay its debts. [INFORMAL ] □� I really can't afford to see this company go belly up.

belly|ache /be lie I k/ (bellyaches , bellyaching , bellyached ) also belly-ache

1 N‑VAR Bellyache is a pain inside your abdomen, especially in your stomach. [INFORMAL ]

2 VERB [usu cont] If you say that someone is bellyaching , you mean they complain loudly and frequently about something and you think this is unreasonable or unjustified. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�about ] �belly-aching about recession. [Also V ]

be l|ly but|ton (belly buttons ) N‑COUNT Your belly button is the small round thing in the centre of your stomach. [INFORMAL ]

be l|ly danc|er (belly dancers ) also belly-dancer N‑COUNT A belly dancer is a woman who performs a Middle Eastern dance in which she moves her hips and abdomen about.

be l|ly laugh (belly laughs ) also belly-laugh N‑COUNT A belly laugh is a very loud, deep laugh. □� Each gag was rewarded with a generous belly-laugh.

be|long ◆◇◇ /b I lɒ ŋ, [AM ] -lɔː ŋ/ (belongs , belonging , belonged )

1 VERB [no cont] If something belongs to you, you own it. □�[V +�to ] The house had belonged to her family for three or four generations.

2 VERB [no cont] You say that something belongs to a particular person when you are guessing, discovering, or explaining that it was produced by or is part of that person. □�[V +�to ] The handwriting belongs to a male.

3 VERB [no cont] If someone belongs to a particular group, they are a member of that group. □�[V +�to ] I used to belong to a youth club.

4 VERB [no cont] If something or someone belongs in or to a particular category, type, or group, they are of that category, type, or group. □�[V +�in/to ] The judges could not decide which category it belonged in.

5 VERB [no cont] If something belongs to a particular time, it comes from that time. □�[V +�to ] The pictures belong to an era when there was a preoccupation with high society.

6 VERB [no cont] If you say that something belongs to someone, you mean that person has the right to it. □�[V +�to ] �but the last word belonged to Rosanne.

7 VERB [no cont] If you say that a time belongs to a particular system or way of doing something, you mean that that time is or will be characterized by it. □�[V +�to ] The future belongs to democracy.

8 VERB [no cont] If a baby or child belongs to a particular adult, that adult is his or her parent or the person who is looking after him or her. □�[V +�to ] He deduced that the two children belonged to the couple.

9 VERB [no cont] When lovers say that they belongtogether , they are expressing their closeness or commitment to each other. □�[V together ] I really think that we belong together. □�[V +�with ] He belongs with me.

10 VERB [no cont] If a person or thing belongs in a particular place or situation, that is where they should be. □�[V adv/prep] You don't belong here. □�[V adv/prep] I'm so glad to see you back where you belong. □�[V ] They need to feel they belong. ●� be|long|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �a man utterly without a sense of belonging. USAGE belong

When belong is used with meaning 1 , it must be followed by to . Don�t say, for example, � This bag belongs me �. Say �This bag belongs to me�. □� Everything you see here belongs to me.

be|long|ings /b I lɒ ŋ I ŋz, [AM ] -lɔː ŋ-/ N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your belongings are the things that you own, especially things that are small enough to be carried. □� I collected my belongings and left.

be|lov|ed /b I lʌ v I d/ When the adjective is not followed by a noun it is pronounced /b I lʌ vd/ and is hyphenated be|loved. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n, Also v-link ADJ of/by n] A beloved person, thing, or place is one that you feel great affection for. □� He lost his beloved wife last year.

2 N‑SING [usu poss N ] Your beloved is the person that you love. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He takes his beloved into his arms.

be|low ◆◆◇ /b I loʊ /

1 PREP If something is below something else, it is in a lower position. □� He appeared from the apartment directly below Leonard's. □� The path runs below a long brick wall. □� The sun had already sunk below the horizon. ●�ADV [n ADV , ADV after v] Below is also an adverb. □� �a view to the street below. □� Spread out below was a great crowd.

2 PHRASE If something is below ground or below the ground , it is in the ground. □� They have designed a system which pumps up water from 70m below ground.

3 ADV [n ADV , ADV after v] You use below in a piece of writing to refer to something that is mentioned later. □� Please contact me on the number below.

4 PREP If something is below a particular amount, rate, or level, it is less than that amount, rate, or level. □� Night temperatures can drop below 15 degrees Celsius. □� Rainfall has been below average. ●�ADV Below is also an adverb. □� �temperatures at zero or below.

5 PREP If someone is below you in an organization, they are lower in rank. □� Such people often experience less stress than those in the ranks immediately below them.

6below par →�see par

be|low stai rs also below-stairs ADV [n ADV , ADV after v] People sometimes use below stairs to refer to the servants in a rich household and the things that are connected with them. □� �a glimpse of life below stairs at Buckingham Palace. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Below-stairs is also an adjective. □� �the below-stairs world of a 1920s country house.

belo w-the-be lt →�see belt

belo w-the-li ne pro|mo |tion (below-the-line promotions ) N‑VAR Below-the-line promotion is the use of promotional methods that can be controlled by the company selling the goods or service, such as in-store offers and direct selling. Compare above-the-line promotion . [BUSINESS ] □� The advertising campaign will be supported by a PR and below-the-line promotion.

belt ◆◇◇ /be lt/ (belts , belting , belted )

1 N‑COUNT A belt is a strip of leather or cloth that you fasten round your waist. □� He wore a belt with a large brass buckle.

2 →�see also safety belt , seat belt

3 N‑COUNT A belt in a machine is a circular strip of rubber that is used to drive moving parts or to move objects along. □� The turning disc is connected by a drive belt to an electric motor.

4 →�see also conveyor belt , fan belt

5 N‑COUNT A belt of land or sea is a long, narrow area of it that has some special feature. □� Miners in Zambia's northern copper belt have gone on strike.

6 →�see also Bible Belt , commuter belt , green belt

7 VERB If someone belts you, they hit you very hard. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] 'Is it right she belted old George in the gut?' she asked. ●�N‑COUNT Belt is also a noun. □� Father would give you a belt over the head with the scrubbing brush.

8 VERB If you belt somewhere, you move or travel there very fast. [INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] We belted down Iveagh Parade to where the motor was.

9 →�see also belted

10 PHRASE Something that is below the belt is cruel and unfair. □� Do you think it's a bit below the belt what they're doing? □� �this kind of below-the-belt discrimination.

11 PHRASE If you have to tighten your belt , you have to spend less money and manage without things because you have less money than you used to have. □� Clearly, if you are spending more than your income, you'll need to tighten your belt.

12 PHRASE If you have something under your belt , you have already achieved it or done it. □� Clare is now a full-time author with six books, including four novels, under her belt.

▸� belt out PHRASAL VERB If you belt out a song, you sing or play it very loudly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] We shouldn't have opera singers belting out the national anthem before England matches. [Also V n P ]

belt|ed /be lt I d/ ADJ If someone's jacket or coat, for example, is belted , it has a belt fastened round it. □� She wore a brown suede jacket, belted at the waist.

be lt-tightening N‑UNCOUNT If you need to do some belt-tightening , you must spend less money and manage without things because you have less money than you used to have. □� This will cause further belt-tightening in the public services.

belt|way /be ltwe I / (beltways ) N‑COUNT A beltway is a road that goes around a city or town, to keep traffic away from the centre. [AM ] in BRIT, use ring road

be|moan /b I moʊ n/ (bemoans , bemoaning , bemoaned ) VERB If you bemoan something, you express sorrow or dissatisfaction about it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Universities and other research establishments bemoan their lack of funds.

be|muse /b I mjuː z/ (bemuses , bemusing , bemused ) VERB If something bemuses you, it puzzles or confuses you. □�[V n] The sheer quantity of detail would bemuse even the most clear-headed author.

be|mused /b I mjuː zd/ ADJ If you are bemused , you are puzzled or confused. □� He was rather bemused by children. □� Mr. Sebastian was looking at the boys with a bemused expression. ●� be|mus|ed|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He was staring bemusedly at the picture of himself.

be|muse|ment /b I mjuː zmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Bemusement is the feeling that you have when you are puzzled or confused by something. □� A look of bemusement spread across their faces.

bench ◆◇◇ /be ntʃ/ (benches )

1 N‑COUNT A bench is a long seat of wood or metal that two or more people can sit on. □� He sat down on a park bench.

2 N‑COUNT A bench is a long, narrow table in a factory or laboratory. □� �the laboratory bench.

3 N‑PLURAL In parliament, different groups sit on different benches . For example, the government sits on the government benches . [BRIT ] □� �the opposition benches.

4 →�see also backbench , backbencher , backbenches , front bench

5 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] In a court of law, the bench is the judge or magistrates. □� The chairman of the bench adjourned the case until October 27.

bench|mark /be ntʃmɑː r k/ (benchmarks ) also bench mark N‑COUNT [usu sing] A benchmark is something whose quality or quantity is known and which can therefore be used as a standard with which other things can be compared. □�[+�for ] The truck industry is a benchmark for the economy.

bench|mark|ing /be ntʃmɑː r k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT In business, benchmarking is a process in which a company compares its products and methods with those of the most successful companies in its field, in order to try to improve its own performance. [BUSINESS ]

bend ◆◇◇ /be nd/ (bends , bending , bent )

1 VERB When you bend , you move the top part of your body downwards and forwards. Plants and trees also bend . □�[V adv/prep] I bent over and kissed her cheek. □�[V ] She bent and picked up a plastic bucket. □�[V -ed] She was bent over the sink washing the dishes.

2 VERB When you bend your head, you move your head forwards and downwards. □�[V n] Rick appeared, bending his head a little to clear the top of the door.

3 VERB When you bend a part of your body such as your arm or leg, or when it bends , you change its position so that it is no longer straight. □�[V n] These cruel devices are designed to stop prisoners bending their legs. □�[V ] As you walk faster, you will find the arms bend naturally and more quickly. ●� bent ADJ □� Keep your knees slightly bent.

4 VERB If you bend something that is flat or straight, you use force to make it curved or to put an angle in it. □�[V n prep] Bend the bar into a horseshoe. □�[V n] She'd cut a jagged hole in the tin, bending a knife in the process. ●� bent ADJ □� �a length of bent wire.

5 VERB When a road, beam of light, or other long thin thing bends , or when something bends it, it changes direction to form a curve or angle. □�[V ] The road bent slightly to the right. □�[V n] Glass bends light of different colours by different amounts.

6 N‑COUNT A bend in a road, pipe, or other long thin object is a curve or angle in it. □� The crash occurred on a sharp bend.

7 VERB If someone bendsto your wishes, they believe or do something different, usually when they do not want to. □�[V +�to ] Congress has to bend to his will. □�[V ] Do you think she's likely to bend on her attitude to Europe? [Also V n]

8 VERB If you bend rules or laws, you interpret them in a way that allows you to do something they would not normally allow you to do. □�[V n] A minority of officers were prepared to bend the rules.

9 VERB If you bend the truth or bend the facts, you say something that is not exactly true. □�[V n] Sometimes we bend the truth a little in order to spare them the pain of the real facts.

10 →�see also bent , hairpin bend

11 PHRASE If you say that someone is bending over backwardsto be helpful or kind, you are emphasizing that they are trying very hard to be helpful or kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� People are bending over backwards to please customers.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone or something drives you round the bend , you mean that you dislike them and they annoy or upset you very much. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� And can you make that tea before your fidgeting drives me completely round the bend?

bend|ed /be nd I d/ PHRASE If you ask someone for something on bended knee , you ask them very seriously for it. [FORMAL ] □� We beg the Government on bended knee not to cut this budget.

bend|er /be ndə r / (benders ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu on N ] If someone goes on a bender , they drink a very large amount of alcohol. [INFORMAL ]

bendy /be ndi/ (bendier , bendiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bendy object bends easily into a curved or angled shape. □� �a bendy toy whose limbs bend in every direction.

be|neath ◆◇◇ /b I niː θ/

1 PREP Something that is beneath another thing is under the other thing. □� She could see the muscles of his shoulders beneath his T-shirt. □� She found pleasure in sitting beneath the trees. □� �the frozen grass crunching beneath his feet. ●�ADV [n ADV ] Beneath is also an adverb. □� On a shelf beneath he spotted a photo album.

2 PREP If you talk about what is beneath the surface of something, you are talking about the aspects of it which are hidden or not obvious. □� �emotional strains beneath the surface. □� Beneath the festive mood there is an underlying apprehension.

3 PREP If you say that someone or something is beneath you, you feel that they are not good enough for you or not suitable for you. □� They decided she was marrying beneath her. □� Many find themselves having to take jobs far beneath them.

Ben|edic|tine /be n I d I ktin, -tiːn/ (Benedictines ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A Benedictine is a monk or nun who is a member of a Christian religious community that follows the rule of St. Benedict. □� �the famous Benedictine abbey of St Mary.

ben|edic|tion /be n I d I kʃ ə n/ (benedictions )

1 N‑VAR A benediction is a kind of Christian prayer. [FORMAL ] □� The minister pronounced the benediction. □� The Pope's hands were raised in benediction.

2 N‑VAR You can refer to something that makes people feel protected and at peace as a benediction . □� She could only raise her hand in a gesture of benediction.

ben|efac|tor /be n I f�ktə r / (benefactors ) N‑COUNT A benefactor is a person who helps a person or organization by giving them money. □�[+�of ] In his old age he became a benefactor of the arts.

be|nefi|cent /b I ne f I s ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A beneficent person or thing helps people or results in something good. [FORMAL ] □� �optimism about the beneficent effects of new technology.

ben|efi|cial /be n I f I ʃ ə l/ ADJ Something that is beneficial helps people or improves their lives. □�[+�to ] �vitamins which are beneficial to our health. □� Using computers has a beneficial effect on children's learning.

bene|fi|ciary /be n I f I ʃəri, [AM ] -ʃieri/ (beneficiaries )

1 N‑COUNT Someone who is a beneficiaryof something is helped by it. □�[+�of ] The main beneficiaries of pension equality so far seem to have been men.

2 N‑COUNT The beneficiaries of a will are legally entitled to receive money or property from someone when that person dies.

ben|efit ◆◆◇ /be n I f I t/ (benefits , benefiting or benefitting , benefited or benefitted )

1 N‑VAR The benefitof something is the help that you get from it or the advantage that results from it. □�[+�of ] Each family farms individually and reaps the benefit of its labor. □�[+�of ] I'm a great believer in the benefits of this form of therapy. □� For maximum benefit, use your treatment every day.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If something is to your benefit or is ofbenefitto you, it helps you or improves your life. □� This could now work to Albania's benefit. □�[+�to ] I hope what I have written will be of benefit to someone else who may feel the same way.

3 VERB If you benefitfrom something or if it benefits you, it helps you or improves your life. □�[V +�from ] Both sides have benefited from the talks. □�[V n] �a variety of government programs benefiting children. [Also V ]

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you have the benefit of some information, knowledge, or equipment, you are able to use it so that you can achieve something. □�[+�of ] Steve didn't have the benefit of a formal college education.

5 N‑VAR [oft on N ] Benefit is money that is given by the government to people who are poor, ill, or unemployed. □� �the removal of benefit from school-leavers.

6 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A benefit , or a benefit concert or dinner, is an event that is held in order to raise money for a particular charity or person. □� I am organising a benefit gig in Bristol to raise these funds.

7 →�see also fringe benefit , unemployment benefit

8 PHRASE If you give someone the benefit of the doubt , you treat them as if they are telling the truth or as if they have behaved properly, even though you are not sure that this is the case. □� At first I gave him the benefit of the doubt.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is doing something for the benefit of a particular person, you mean that they are doing it for that person. □� You need people working for the benefit of the community. COLLOCATIONS benefit NOUN

1

verb +�benefit : gain, obtain, reap; enjoy

5

noun +�benefit : disability, housing, sickness, unemployment, welfare

adjective +�benefit : in-work, means-tested, out-of-work

verb +�benefit : claim, receive VERB 3

benefit+�adverb : enormously, greatly, hugely; financially; disproportionately

Bene|lux /be n I lʌks/ ADJ [ADJ n] The Benelux countries are Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

be|nevo|lent /b I ne vələnt/

1 ADJ If you describe a person in authority as benevolent , you mean that they are kind and fair. □� The company has proved to be a most benevolent employer. ●� be|nevo|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Thorne nodded his understanding, smiling benevolently. ●� be|nevo|lence N‑UNCOUNT □� A bit of benevolence from people in power is not what we need.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Benevolent is used in the names of some organizations that give money and help to people who need it. [BRIT ] □� �the Army Benevolent Fund.

Ben|ga|li /beŋgɔː li/ (Bengalis )

1 ADJ Bengali means belonging or relating to Bengal, or to its people or language. □� She married a Bengali doctor.

2 N‑COUNT A Bengali is a person who comes from Bangladesh or West Bengal.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Bengali is the language that is spoken by people who live in Bangladesh and by many people in West Bengal.

be|night|ed /b I na I t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe people or the place where they live as benighted , you think they are unfortunate or do not know anything. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Famine hit that benighted country once more.

be|nign /b I na I n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use benign to describe someone who is kind, gentle, and harmless. □� They are normally a more benign audience. ●� be|nign|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� I just smiled benignly and stood back.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A benign substance or process does not have any harmful effects. □� We're taking relatively benign medicines and we're turning them into poisons.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A benign tumour will not cause death or serious harm. [MEDICAL ] □� It wasn't cancer, only a benign tumour.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Benign conditions are pleasant or make it easy for something to happen. □� They enjoyed an especially benign climate.

bent /be nt/

1Bent is the past tense and past participle of bend .

2 ADJ If an object is bent , it is damaged and no longer has its correct shape. □� The trees were all bent and twisted from the wind.

3 ADJ If a person is bent , their body has become curved because of old age or disease. [WRITTEN ] □� �a bent, frail, old man.

4 ADJ If someone is bent on doing something, especially something harmful, they are determined to do it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�on/upon ] He's bent on suicide.

5 N‑SING If you have a bentfor something, you have a natural ability to do it or a natural interest in it. □�[+�for ] His bent for natural history directed him towards his first job.

6 N‑SING [adj N ] If someone is of a particular bent , they hold a particular set of beliefs. □� �economists of a socialist bent.

7 ADJ If you say that someone in a position of responsibility is bent , you mean that they are dishonest or do illegal things. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �this bent accountant.

8 PHRASE If someone is bent double , the top part of their body is leaning forward towards their legs, usually because they are in great pain or because they are laughing a lot. In American English, you can also say that someone is bent over double . □�[+�with/in ] He left the courtroom on the first day bent double with stomach pain.

ben|zene /be nziːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Benzene is a clear, colourless liquid which is used to make plastics.

be|queath /b I kwiː �/ (bequeaths , bequeathing , bequeathed )

1 VERB If you bequeath your money or property to someone, you legally state that they should have it when you die. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] He bequeathed all his silver to his children.

2 VERB If you bequeath an idea or system, you leave it for other people to use or develop. [FORMAL ] □�[V n n] He bequeaths his successor an economy that is doing quite well. □�[V n +�to ] It is true that colonialism did not bequeath much to Africa. [Also V n]

be|quest /b I kwe st/ (bequests ) N‑COUNT A bequest is money or property which you legally leave to someone when you die. □� The church here was left a bequest to hire doctors who would work amongst the poor.

be|rate /b I re I t/ (berates , berating , berated ) VERB If you berate someone, you speak to them angrily about something they have done wrong. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�for ] Marion berated Joe for the noise he made. [Also V n]

Ber|ber /bɜː r bə r / (Berbers ) ADJ Berber means belonging or relating to a particular Muslim people in North Africa, or to their language or customs. ●�N‑COUNT A Berber is a person from the Berber community.

be|reaved /b I riː vd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bereaved person is one who has a relative or close friend who has recently died. □� Mr Dinkins visited the bereaved family to offer comfort. ●�N‑PLURAL The bereaved are people who are bereaved. □� He wanted to show his sympathy for the bereaved.

be|reave|ment /b I riː vmənt/ (bereavements ) N‑VAR Bereavement is the sorrow you feel or the state you are in when a relative or close friend dies. □� �those who have suffered a bereavement.

be|reft /b I re ft/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a person or thing is bereftof something, they no longer have it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The place seemed to be utterly bereft of human life.

be|ret /be re I , [AM ] bəre I / (berets ) N‑COUNT A beret is a circular, flat hat that is made of soft material and has no brim.

berk /bɜː r k/ (berks ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a berk , you think they are stupid or irritating. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ber|ry /be ri/ (berries ) N‑COUNT Berries are small, round fruit that grow on a bush or a tree. Some berries are edible, for example blackberries and raspberries.

ber|serk /bə r zɜː r k, -sɜː r k/

1 ADJ Berserk means crazy and out of control. □� He tossed back his head in a howl of berserk laughter.

2 PHRASE If someone or something goes berserk , they lose control of themselves and become very angry or violent. □� When I saw him, I went berserk.

berth /bɜː r θ/ (berths , berthing , berthed )

1 PHRASE If you give someone or something a wide berth , you avoid them because you think they are unpleasant, or dangerous, or simply because you do not like them. □� She gives showbiz parties a wide berth.

2 N‑COUNT A berth is a bed on a boat, train, or caravan. □� Goldring booked a berth on the first boat he could.

3 N‑COUNT A berth is a space in a harbour where a ship stays for a period of time.

4 VERB When a ship berths , it sails into harbour and stops at the quay. □�[V ] As the ship berthed in New York, McClintock was with the first immigration officers aboard. ●� berthed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� There the Gripsholm was berthed next to another ship.

be|seech /b I siː tʃ/ (beseeches , beseeching , beseeched ) VERB If you beseech someone to do something, you ask them very eagerly and anxiously. [LITERARY ] □�[V n to-inf] She beseeched him to cut his drinking and his smoking. □�[V with quote] 'Please stay and read to me, mummy' he beseeched. [Also V n, V n +�for ]

be|seech|ing /b I siː tʃ I ŋ/ ADJ A beseeching expression, gesture, or tone of voice suggests that the person who has or makes it very much wants someone to do something. [WRITTEN ] □� She looked up at him with beseeching eyes. ●� be|seech|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Hugh looked at his father beseechingly.

be|set /b I se t/ (besets , besetting ) The form beset is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. VERB If someone or something is besetby problems or fears, they have many problems or fears which affect them severely. □�[be V -ed +�by/with ] The country is beset by severe economic problems. □�[V n] �the problems now besetting the country.

be|side ◆◇◇ /b I sa I d/

1 PREP Something that is beside something else is at the side of it or next to it. □� On the table beside an empty plate was a pile of books. □� I moved from behind my desk to sit beside her.

2 →�see also besides

3 PHRASE If you are beside yourselfwith anger or excitement, you are extremely angry or excited. □� Cathy was beside herself with excitement.

4beside the point →�see point

be|sides ◆◇◇ /b I sa I dz/

1 PREP [oft PREP v-ing] Besides something or beside something means in addition to it. □� I think she has many good qualities besides being very beautiful. □� There was only one person besides Ford who knew Julia Jameson. ●�ADV Besides is also an adverb. □� You get to sample lots of baked things and take home masses of cookies besides.

2 ADV Besides is used to emphasize an additional point that you are making, especially one that you consider to be important. □� The house was too expensive and too big. Besides, I'd grown fond of our little rented house.

be|siege /b I siː dʒ/ (besieges , besieging , besieged )

1 VERB [usu passive] If you are besiegedby people, many people want something from you and continually bother you. □�[be V -ed] She was besieged by the press and the public.

2 VERB If soldiers besiege a place, they surround it and wait for the people in it to stop fighting or resisting. □�[V n] The main part of the army moved to Sevastopol to besiege the town. □�[V -ed] The air force was using helicopters to supply the besieged town.

be|smirch /b I smɜː r tʃ/ (besmirches , besmirching , besmirched ) VERB If you besmirch someone or their reputation, you say that they are a bad person or that they have done something wrong, usually when this is not true. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] People were trying to besmirch his reputation.

be|sot|ted /b I sɒ t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are besottedwith someone or something, you like them so much that you seem foolish or silly. □�[+�with ] He became so besotted with her that even his children were forgotten.

be|speak /b I spiː k/ (bespeaks , bespeaking , bespoke , bespoken ) VERB If someone's action or behaviour bespeaks a particular quality, feeling, or experience, it shows that quality, feeling, or experience. [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ]

be|spec|ta|cled /b I spe ktək ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is bespectacled is wearing glasses. [WRITTEN ] □� Mr Merrick was a slim, quiet, bespectacled man.

be|spoke /b I spoʊ k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A bespoke craftsman such as a tailor makes and sells things that are specially made for the customer who ordered them. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □� �suits made by a bespoke tailor.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Bespoke things such as clothes have been specially made for the customer who ordered them. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □� �bespoke coats.

best ◆◆◆ /be st/

1Best is the superlative of well . □� What's the best thing to do when I get a cold sore? □� It's not the best place to live if you wish to develop your knowledge and love of mountains.

2Best is the superlative of good . □� He was best known as a writer on mystical subjects.

3 N‑SING The best is used to refer to things of the highest quality or standard. □� We offer only the best to our clients. □� He'll have the best of care.

4 N‑SING [oft poss N ] Someone's best is the greatest effort or highest achievement or standard that they are capable of. □� Miss Blockey was at her best when she played the piano. □� One needs to be a first-class driver to get the best out of that sort of machinery.

5 N‑SING If you say that something is the best that can be done or hoped for, you think it is the most pleasant, successful, or useful thing that can be done or hoped for. □� A draw seems the best they can hope for. □� The best we can do is try to stay cool and muddle through.

6 ADV [ADV after v] If you like something best or like it the best , you prefer it. □� The thing I liked best about the show was the music. □� Mother liked it best when Daniel got money. □� What was the role you loved the best?

7Best is used to form the superlative of compound adjectives beginning with 'good' and 'well'. For example, the superlative of 'well-known' is 'best-known'.

8 →�see also second best , Sunday best

9 CONVENTION You can say ' All the best ' when you are saying goodbye to someone, or at the end of a letter. [FORMULAE ] □� Wish him all the best, and tell him we miss him.

10 PHRASE You use best of all to indicate that what you are about to mention is the thing that you prefer or that has most advantages out of all the things you have mentioned. □� It was comfortable and cheap: best of all, most of the rent was being paid by two American friends.

11 PHRASE If someone does something as best they can , they do it as well as they can, although it is very difficult. □� The older people were left to carry on as best they could.

12 PHRASE You use at best to indicate that even if you describe something as favourably as possible or if it performs as well as it possibly can, it is still not very good. □� This policy, they say, is at best confused and at worst non-existent.

13 PHRASE If you do your best or try your bestto do something, you try as hard as you can to do it, or do it as well as you can. □� I'll do my best to find out. □� It wasn't her fault, she was trying her best to help.

14 PHRASE If you say that something is for the best , you mean it is the most desirable or helpful thing that could have happened or could be done, considering all the circumstances. □� Whatever the circumstances, parents are supposed to know what to do for the best.

15 PHRASE If two people are the best of friends , they are close friends, especially when they have had a disagreement or fight in the past. □� Still, it isn't long before the two rivals become the best of friends.

16 PHRASE If you say that a particular person knows best , you mean that they have a lot of experience and should therefore be trusted to make decisions for other people. □� He was convinced that doctors and dentists knew best.

17 PHRASE If you make the best of something, you accept an unsatisfactory situation cheerfully and try to manage as well as you can. In British English, you can also say that you make the best of a bad job . □� �the virtues of good hard work, and making the best of what you have.

18to the best of your ability →�see ability

19to hope for the best →�see hope

20to the best of your knowledge →�see knowledge

21best of luck →�see luck

22the best part →�see part ➊

23at the best of times →�see time

24the best of both worlds →�see world

bes|tial /be stiəl, [AM ] -stʃəl/ ADJ If you describe behaviour or a situation as bestial , you mean that it is very unpleasant or disgusting. □� �the bestial conditions into which the city has sunk.

bes|ti|al|ity /be sti� l I ti, [AM ] -tʃ� l-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Bestiality is disgusting behaviour. [FORMAL ] □� It is shocking that humans can behave with such bestiality towards others.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Bestiality is sexual activity in which a person has sex with an animal.

best|ie /be stiː/ (besties ) N‑COUNT Your bestie is your best friend. [INFORMAL ] □� She spent the day hanging out with her bestie.

be st ma n N‑SING The best man at a wedding is the man who assists the bridegroom.

be st of bree d (best of breeds ) also best-of-breed

1 N‑COUNT The best of breed is the animal that wins first prize in its section at a dog show. □� The Queen's Trophy is presented to the best of breed Welsh corgi each February.

2 ADJ Best of breed products or services are the most successful products or services in a particular area. □� Gerstner transformed most of the company into a best of breed systems integration provider.

be|stow /b I stoʊ / (bestows , bestowing , bestowed ) VERB To bestow something on someone means to give or present it to them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�on/upon ] The Queen has bestowed a knighthood on him. [Also V on/upon n n]

be st pra c|tice N‑UNCOUNT Best practice is the way of running a business or providing a service that is recognized as correct or most effective. □� Schools will work together to share best practice.

be|stride /b I stra I d/ (bestrides , bestriding , bestrode , bestridden ) VERB To bestride something means to be the most powerful and important person or thing in it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] America's media companies bestride the globe.

be st se ll|er (best sellers ) also bestseller N‑COUNT A best seller is a book of which a lot of copies have been sold.

be st-se lling also bestselling

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A best-selling product such as a book is very popular and a large quantity of it has been sold.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A best-selling author is an author who has sold a very large number of copies of his or her book.

bet ◆◇◇ /be t/ (bets , betting ) The form bet is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you beton the result of a horse race, football game, or other event, you give someone a sum of money which they give you back with extra money if the result is what you predicted, or which they keep if it is not. □�[V +�on ] Jockeys are forbidden to bet on the outcome of races. □�[V amount +�on ] I bet �10 on a horse called Premonition. □�[V n amount] He bet them �500 they would lose. ●�N‑COUNT Bet is also a noun. □�[+�on ] Do you always have a bet on the Grand National? ●� bet|ting N‑UNCOUNT □� �his thousand-pound fine for illegal betting. □� �betting shops.

2 N‑COUNT A bet is a sum of money which you give to someone when you bet. □� You can put a bet on almost anything these days.

3 VERB [only cont] If someone is betting that something will happen, they are hoping or expecting that it will happen. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V that] The party is betting that the presidential race will turn into a battle for younger voters. □�[V +�on ] People were betting on a further easing of credit conditions.

4 →�see also betting

5 PHRASE You use expressions such as ' I bet ', ' I'll bet ', and ' you can bet ' to indicate that you are sure something is true. [INFORMAL ] □� I bet you were good at games when you were at school. □� I'll bet they'll taste out of this world.

6 PHRASE If you tell someone that something is a good bet , you are suggesting that it is the thing or course of action that they should choose. [INFORMAL ] □� Your best bet is to choose a guest house.

7 PHRASE If you say that it is a good bet or a safe bet that something is true or will happen, you are saying that it is extremely likely to be true or to happen. [INFORMAL ] □� It is a safe bet that the current owners will not sell.

8 PHRASE If you hedge your bets , you follow two courses of action to avoid making a decision between two things because you cannot decide which one is right. □� NASA is hedging its bets and adopting both strategies.

9 PHRASE You use I bet or I'll bet in reply to a statement to show that you agree with it or that you expected it to be true, usually when you are annoyed or amused by it. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □�[PHR that] 'I'd like to ask you something,' I said. 'I bet you would,' she grinned.

10 PHRASE You can use my bet is or it's my bet to give your personal opinion about something, when you are fairly sure that you are right. [INFORMAL ] □� My bet is that next year will be different. □� It's my bet that he's the guy behind this killing.

11 PHRASE If you say don't bet on something or I wouldn't bet on something, you mean that you do not think that something is true or will happen. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� 'We'll never get a table in there'�'Don't bet on it.'

12 CONVENTION If you reply ' Do you want to bet? ' or ' Want a bet? ' to someone, you mean you are certain that what they have said is wrong. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� 'Money can't buy happiness'�'Want to bet?'

13 PHRASE You use ' You bet ' or ' you bet your life ' to say yes in an emphatic way or to emphasize a reply or statement. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� 'It's settled, then?'�'You bet.' □� 'Are you afraid of snakes?'�'You bet your life I'm afraid of snakes.' SYNONYMS bet VERB 1

gamble:John gambled heavily on the horses.

stake:He has staked his reputation on the outcome. NOUN 1

gamble:�the French president's risky gamble in calling a referendum.

stake:The game was usually played for high stakes between two large groups.

beta block|er /biː tə blɒkə r , [AM ] be I tə -/ (beta blockers ) N‑COUNT A beta blocker is a drug which is used to treat people who have high blood pressure or heart problems.

bete noire /bet nwɑː r / also b�te noire N‑SING [oft with poss] If you refer to someone or something as your bete noire , you mean that you have a particular dislike for them or that they annoy you a great deal. □� Our real bete noire is the car boot sale.

be|tide /b I ta I d/ PHRASE If you say woe betide anyone who does a particular thing, you mean that something unpleasant will happen to them if they do it. [FORMAL ] □� Woe betide anyone who got in his way.

be|to|ken /b I toʊ kən/ (betokens , betokening , betokened ) VERB If something betokens something else, it is a sign of this thing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The president alone betokened the national identity.

be|tray /b I tre I / (betrays , betraying , betrayed )

1 VERB If you betray someone who loves or trusts you, your actions hurt and disappoint them. □�[V n] When I tell someone I will not betray his confidence, I keep my word. □�[V n] The President betrayed them when he went back on his promise not to raise taxes. ●� be|tray|er (betrayers ) N‑COUNT □� She was her friend and now calls her a betrayer.

2 VERB If someone betrays their country or their friends, they give information to an enemy, putting their country's security or their friends' safety at risk. □�[V n] They offered me money if I would betray my associates. □�[V n +�to ] The group were informers, and they betrayed the plan to the Germans. ●� be|tray|er N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] 'Traitor!' she screamed. 'Betrayer of England!'

3 VERB If you betray an ideal or your principles, you say or do something which goes against those beliefs. □�[V n] We betray the ideals of our country when we support capital punishment. ●� be|tray|er N‑COUNT □� Babearth regarded the middle classes as the betrayers of the Revolution.

4 VERB If you betray a feeling or quality, you show it without intending to. □�[V n] She studied his face, but it betrayed nothing.

be|tray|al /b I tre I əl/ (betrayals ) N‑VAR A betrayal is an action which betrays someone or something, or the fact of being betrayed. □�[+�of ] She felt that what she had done was a betrayal of Patrick.

be|troth|al /b I troʊ � ə l/ (betrothals ) N‑VAR A betrothal is an agreement to be married. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

be|trothed /b I troʊ �d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are betrothedto someone, you have agreed to marry them. [OLD-FASHIONED ] ●�N‑SING [usu poss N ] Your betrothed is the person you are betrothed to.

bet|ter ◆◆◆ /be tə r / (betters , bettering , bettered )

1Better is the comparative of good .

2Better is the comparative of well .

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you like one thing betterthan another, you like it more. □� I like your interpretation better than the one I was taught. □� They liked it better when it rained.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are better after an illness or injury, you have recovered from it. If you feel better , you no longer feel so ill. □� He is much better now, he's fine. □� The doctors were saying there wasn't much hope of me getting better.

5 PHRASE You use had better or 'd better when you are advising, warning, or threatening someone, or expressing an opinion about what should happen. □� It's half past two. I think we had better go home. □� You'd better run if you're going to get your ticket. ●�In spoken English, people sometimes use better without 'had' or 'be' before it. It has the same meaning. □� You better not say too much aloud.

6 PRON If you say that you expect or deserve better , you mean that you expect or deserve a higher standard of achievement, behaviour, or treatment from people than they have shown you. □� Our long-suffering mining communities deserve better than this.

7 VERB If someone betters a high achievement or standard, they achieve something higher. □�[V n] He recorded a time of 4 minutes 23, bettering the old record of 4-24.

8 VERB If you better your situation, you improve your social status or the quality of your life. If you betteryourself , you improve your social status. □�[V n] Others dreamed of owning land and of bettering their social position. □�[V pron-refl] Our parents chose to come here with the hope of bettering themselves.

9Better is used to form the comparative of compound adjectives beginning with 'good' and 'well.' For example, the comparative of 'well-off' is 'better-off.'

10 PHRASE You can say that someone is better doing one thing than another, or it is better doing one thing than another, to advise someone about what they should do. □� Wouldn't it be better putting a time-limit on the task? □� Subjects like this are better left alone.

11 PHRASE If something changes for the better , it improves. □� He dreams of changing the world for the better.

12 PHRASE If a feeling such as jealousy, curiosity, or anger gets the better of you, it becomes too strong for you to hide or control. □� She didn't allow her emotions to get the better of her.

13 PHRASE If you get the better of someone, you defeat them in a contest, fight, or argument. □� He is used to tough defenders, and he usually gets the better of them.

14 PHRASE If someone knows betterthan to do something, they are old enough or experienced enough to know it is the wrong thing to do. □� She knew better than to argue with Adeline.

15 PHRASE If you know betterthan someone, you have more information, knowledge, or experience than them. □� He thought he knew better than I did, though he was much less experienced.

16 PHRASE If you say that someone would be better off doing something, you are advising them to do it or expressing the opinion that it would benefit them to do it. □� If you've got bags, you're better off taking a taxi.

17 PHRASE If you go one better , you do something better than it has been done before or obtain something better than someone else has. □� Now General Electric have gone one better than nature and made a diamond purer than natural diamonds.

18 CONVENTION You say ' That's better ' in order to express your approval of what someone has said or done, or to praise or encourage them. □� 'I came to ask your advice�no, to ask for your help.'�'That's better. And how can I help you?'

19 PHRASE You can say ' so much the better ' or ' all the better ' to indicate that it is desirable that a particular thing is used, done, or available. □� Use strong white flour, and if you can get hold of durum wheat flour, then so much the better.

20 PHRASE You can use expressions like ' The bigger the better ' or ' The sooner the better ' to say that you would prefer it if something is big or happens soon. □� The Irish love a party, the bigger the better.

21 PHRASE If you intend to do something and then think better of it , you decide not to do it because you realize it would not be sensible. □� Alberg opened his mouth, as if to protest. But he thought better of it.

22 PHRASE If you say that something has happened or been done for better or worse , you mean that you are not sure whether the consequences will be good or bad, but they will have to be accepted because the action cannot be changed. □� I married you for better or worse, knowing all about these problems.

23against your better judgment →�see judgment

24to be better than nothing →�see nothing

25the better part →�see part ➊

bet|ter|ment /be tə r mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT The bettermentof something is the act or process of improving its standard or status. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] His research is for the betterment of mankind.

bet|ting /be t I ŋ/ PHRASE If you say the betting is that something will happen or is true, you are suggesting that it is very likely to happen or to be true. □� The betting is that the experience will make Japan more competitive still.

be t|ting shop (betting shops ) N‑COUNT A betting shop is a place where people can go to bet on something such as a horse race. [BRIT ]

be|tween ◆◆◆ /b I twiː n/ In addition to the uses shown below, between is used in a few phrasal verbs, such as 'come between'. 1 PREP If something is between two things or is in between them, it has one of the things on one side of it and the other thing on the other side. □� She left the table to stand between the two men. □� Charlie crossed between the traffic to the far side of the street.

2 PREP If people or things travel between two places, they travel regularly from one place to the other and back again. □� I spent a lot of time travelling between London and Bradford.

3 PREP A relationship, discussion, or difference between two people, groups, or things is one that involves them both or relates to them both. □� I think the relationship between patients and doctors has got a lot less personal. □� There has always been a difference between community radio and commercial radio.

4 PREP If something stands between you and what you want, it prevents you from having it. □� His sense of duty often stood between him and the enjoyment of life.

5 PREP If something is between two amounts or ages, it is greater or older than the first one and smaller or younger than the second one. □� Amsterdam is fun�a third of its population is aged between 18 and 30.

6 PREP If something happens between or in between two times or events, it happens after the first time or event and before the second one. □� The canal was built between 1793 and 1797. ●�ADV Between is also an adverb. □� They come in peaks lasting two or three minutes, with periods of calm in between.

7 PREP If you must choose between two or more things, you must choose just one of them. □� Students will be able to choose between English, French and Russian as their first foreign language.

8 PREP If people or places have a particular amount of something between them, this is the total amount that they have. □� The three sites employ 12,500 people between them.

9 PREP When something is divided or shared between people, they each have a share of it. □� There is only one bathroom shared between eight bedrooms.

10 PHRASE When you introduce a statement by saying ' between you and me ' or ' between ourselves ', you are indicating that you do not want anyone else to know what you are saying. □� Between you and me, though, it's been awful for business. □� Between ourselves, I know he wants to marry her.

bev|elled /be v ə ld/ in AM, use beveled ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a piece of wood, metal, or glass has bevelled edges, its edges are cut sloping. □� �a huge mirror with deep bevelled edges.

bev|er|age /be vər I dʒ/ (beverages ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft adj N ] Beverages are drinks. [FORMAL ] □� Alcoholic beverages are served in the hotel lounge. □� �foods and beverages.

bev|vy /be vi/ (bevvies ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you have a few bevvies , you have a few alcoholic drinks. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� It was just one of those things that happens after a few bevvies.

bevy /be vi/ (bevies ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A bevy of people is a group of people all together in one place. □� �a bevy of bright young officers.

be|wail /b I we I l/ (bewails , bewailing , bewailed ) VERB If you bewail something, you express great sorrow about it. [JOURNALISM , LITERARY ] □�[V n] �songs that bewail his dissatisfaction in love.

be|ware /b I weə r / VERB [only imper and inf] If you tell someone to bewareof a person or thing, you are warning them that the person or thing may harm them or be dangerous. □�[V +�of ] Beware of being too impatient with others. □�[V ] Beware, this recipe is not for slimmers.

be|wil|der /b I w I ldə r / (bewilders , bewildering , bewildered ) VERB If something bewilders you, it is so confusing or difficult that you cannot understand it. □�[V n] The silence from Alex had hurt and bewildered her.

be|wil|dered /b I w I ldə r d/ ADJ If you are bewildered , you are very confused and cannot understand something or decide what you should do. □� Some shoppers looked bewildered by the sheer variety of goods on offer.

be|wil|der|ing /b I w I ldər I ŋ/ ADJ A bewildering thing or situation is very confusing and difficult to understand or to make a decision about. □� A glance along his bookshelves reveals a bewildering array of interests. □� The choice of excursions was bewildering. ●� be|wil|der|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] □� The cast of characters in the scandal is bewilderingly large.

be|wil|der|ment /b I w I ldə r mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Bewilderment is the feeling of being bewildered. □� He shook his head in bewilderment.

be|witch /b I w I tʃ/ (bewitches , bewitching , bewitched ) VERB If someone or something bewitches you, you are so attracted to them that you cannot think about anything else. □�[V n] She was not moving, as if someone had bewitched her. ●� be|witch|ing ADJ □� Frank was a quiet young man with bewitching brown eyes.

be|yond ◆◆◇ /b I jɒ nd/

1 PREP If something is beyond a place or barrier, it is on the other side of it. □� They heard footsteps in the main room, beyond a door. ●�ADV [n ADV ] Beyond is also an adverb. □� The house had a fabulous view out to the Strait of Georgia and the Rockies beyond.

2 PREP If something happens beyond a particular time or date, it continues after that time or date has passed. □� Few jockeys continue race-riding beyond the age of 40. ●�ADV Beyond is also an adverb. □� She is confident about the company's prospects for the current financial year and beyond.

3 PREP If something extends beyond a particular thing, it affects or includes other things. □� His interests extended beyond the fine arts to international politics and philosophy.

4 PREP You use beyond to introduce an exception to what you are saying. □� I knew nothing beyond a few random facts.

5 PREP [oft PREP v-ing] If something goes beyond a particular point or stage, it progresses or increases so that it passes that point or stage. □� Their five-year relationship was strained beyond breaking point. □� It seems to me he's beyond caring about what anybody does.

6 PREP If something is, for example, beyond understanding or beyond belief, it is so extreme in some way that it cannot be understood or believed. □� What Jock had done was beyond my comprehension. □� Sweden is lovely in summer�cold beyond belief in winter.

7 PREP If you say that something is beyond someone, you mean that they cannot deal with it. □� The situation was beyond her control.

8beyond the pale →�see pale

9to live beyond your means →�see means

10beyond your wildest dreams →�see dream

11beyond a joke →�see joke

bha|ji /bɑː dʒi/ (bhajis ) N‑COUNT A bhaji is a small piece of food of Indian origin, made of vegetables fried in batter with spices. □� �an onion bhaji.

bhan|gra /b� ŋgrə/ also Bhangra N‑UNCOUNT Bhangra is a form of dance music that comes from India and uses traditional Indian instruments.

bi /ba I / ADJ Bi means the same as bisexual . [INFORMAL ]

PREFIX bi-

forms nouns and adjectives that have two as part of their meaning. For example, if someone is bilingual , they speak two languages.

bi|an|nual /ba I � njuəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A biannual event happens twice a year. □� You will need to have a routine biannual examination. ●� bi|an|nu|al|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Only since 1962 has the show been held biannually.

bias /ba I əs/ (biases , biasing , biased )

1 N‑VAR Bias is a tendency to prefer one person or thing to another, and to favour that person or thing. □� Bias against women permeates every level of the judicial system. □� There were fierce attacks on the BBC for alleged political bias.

2 N‑VAR Bias is a concern with or interest in one thing more than others. □� The Department has a strong bias towards neuroscience.

3 VERB To bias someone means to influence them in favour of a particular choice. □�[V n] We mustn't allow it to bias our teaching.

bi|ased /ba I əst/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is biased , they prefer one group of people to another, and behave unfairly as a result. You can also say that a process or system is biased . □�[+�against/in favour of ] He seemed a bit biased against women in my opinion. □� The judge was biased.

2 ADJ If something is biased towards one thing, it is more concerned with it than with other things. □� University funding was tremendously biased towards scientists.

bib /b I b/ (bibs ) N‑COUNT A bib is a piece of cloth or plastic which is worn by very young children to protect their clothes while they are eating.

Bi|ble ◆◇◇ /ba I b ə l/ (Bibles )

1 N‑PROPER TheBible is the holy book on which the Jewish and Christian religions are based.

2 N‑COUNT A Bible is a copy of the Bible.

Bi |ble Belt also bible belt N‑PROPER Parts of the southern United States are referred to as the Bible Belt because Protestants with strong beliefs have a lot of influence there.

bib|li|cal /b I bl I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Biblical means contained in or relating to the Bible. □� The community's links with Syria date back to biblical times.

bib|li|og|ra|phy /b I bliɒ grəfi/ (bibliographies )

1 N‑COUNT A bibliography is a list of books on a particular subject. □� At the end of this chapter there is a select bibliography of useful books.

2 N‑COUNT A bibliography is a list of the books and articles that are referred to in a particular book.

bi|carb /ba I kɑː r b/ N‑UNCOUNT Bicarb is an abbreviation for bicarbonate of soda . [INFORMAL ]

bi|car|bo|nate of soda /ba I kɑː r bəne I t əv soʊ də/ N‑UNCOUNT Bicarbonate of soda is a white powder which is used in baking to make cakes rise, and also as a medicine for your stomach.

bi|cen|tenary /ba I sentiː nəri, [AM ] -te n-/ (bicentenaries ) N‑COUNT A bicentenary is a year in which you celebrate something important that happened exactly two hundred years earlier. [BRIT ] in AM, use bicentennial

bi|cen|ten|nial /ba I sente niəl/ (bicentennials )

1 N‑COUNT A bicentennial is the same as a bicentenary . [mainly AM ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Bicentennial celebrations are held to celebrate a bicentenary.

bi|ceps /ba I seps/ (biceps ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your biceps are the large muscles at the front of the upper part of your arms.

bick|er /b I kə r / (bickers , bickering , bickered ) VERB When people bicker , they argue or quarrel about unimportant things. □�[V +�over/about ] I went into medicine to care for patients, not to waste time bickering over budgets. □�[V +�over/about ] �as states bicker over territory. □�[V +�with ] He is still bickering with the control tower over admissible approach routes. ●� bick|er|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The election will end months of political bickering.

bi|cy|cle /ba I s I k ə l/ (bicycles ) N‑COUNT A bicycle is a vehicle with two wheels which you ride by sitting on it and pushing two pedals with your feet. You steer it by turning a bar that is connected to the front wheel.

bi|cy|clist /ba I s I kl I st/ (bicyclists ) N‑COUNT A bicyclist is someone who enjoys cycling. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

bid

➊�ATTEMPTING OR OFFERING

➋�SAYING SOMETHING

➊ bid ◆◆◇ /b I d/ (bids , bidding ) The form bid is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] A bidfor something or a bidto do something is an attempt to obtain it or do it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�for ] �the city's successful bid for European City of Culture. □� The company said that it might cut 2,232 jobs in a bid to reduce costs.

2 N‑COUNT A bid is an offer to pay a particular amount of money for something that is being sold. □� Hanson made an agreed takeover bid of �351 million.

3 VERB If you bidfor something or bidto do something, you try to obtain it or do it. □�[V +�for ] The German private equity group reiterated its interest in bidding for the company. □�[V to-inf] I don't think she is bidding to be Prime Minister again.

4 VERB If you bidfor something that is being sold, you offer to pay a particular amount of money for it. □�[V +�for ] She decided to bid for a Georgian dressing table. □�[V ] The bank announced its intention to bid. □�[V n] He certainly wasn't going to bid $18 billion for this company. ●� bid|ding N‑UNCOUNT □� The bidding starts at �2 million.

➋ bid /b I d/ (bids , bidding , bade , bidden ) American English sometimes uses the form bid for the past tense. 1 VERB If you bid someone farewell, you say goodbye to them. If you bid them goodnight, you say goodnight to them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] She bade farewell to her son. □�[V n n] I bade her goodnight.

2 →�see also bidding SYNONYMS bid NOUN ➊1

attempt:�a deliberate attempt to destabilize the defence.

try:After a few tries, Patrick had given up any attempt to reform his brother.

effort:He made no effort to hide his disappointment.

bid|den /b I d ə n/ Bidden is a past participle of bid .

bid|der /b I də r / (bidders )

1 N‑COUNT A bidder is someone who offers to pay a certain amount of money for something that is being sold. If you sell something to the highest bidder , you sell it to the person who offers the most money for it. □� The sale will be made to the highest bidder subject to a reserve price being attained.

2 N‑COUNT A bidderfor something is someone who is trying to obtain it or do it. □�[+�for ] French accountancy firms will become eager bidders for a share of the British market.

bid|ding /b I d I ŋ/

1 PHRASE If you do something at someone's bidding , you do it because they have asked you to do it. [FORMAL ] □� At his bidding, the delegates rose and sang the national anthem.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone does another person's bidding , you disapprove of the fact that they do exactly what the other person asks them to do, even when they do not want to. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� She is very clever at getting men to do her bidding!

3 →�see also bid ➋

bid|dy /b I di/ (biddies ) N‑COUNT If someone describes an old woman as an old biddy , they are saying in an unkind way that they think she is silly or unpleasant. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� We're not just a lot of old biddies going on about jam.

bide /ba I d/ (bides , biding , bided ) PHRASE If you bide your time , you wait for a good opportunity before doing something. □� He was content to bide his time patiently, waiting for the opportunity to approach her.

bi|det /biː de I , [AM ] biːde I / (bidets ) N‑COUNT A bidet is a low fixed container in a bathroom which you can use to wash your bottom.

bi d price (bid prices ) N‑COUNT The bid price of a particular stock or share is the price that investors are willing to pay for it. [BUSINESS ] □� Speculation centred on a likely bid price of 380p a share.

bi|en|nial /ba I e niəl/ (biennials ) ADJ [ADJ n] A biennial event happens or is done once every two years. □� �the biennial Commonwealth conference.

biff /b I f/ (biffs , biffing , biffed ) VERB If you biff someone, you hit them with your fist. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

bi|fo|cals /ba I foʊ k ə lz/ The form bifocal is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Bifocals are glasses with lenses made in two halves. The top part is for looking at things some distance away, and the bottom part is for reading and looking at things that are close. □� Mrs Bierce wears thick bifocal lenses.

bi|fur|cate /ba I fɜːke I t/ (bifurcates , bifurcating , bifurcated ) VERB If something such as a line or path bifurcates or is bifurcated , it divides into two parts which go in different directions. □�[V ] A single furrow may bifurcate and form a letter Y. [Also V n] ●� bi|fur|ca|tion /ba I fɜːke I ʃən/ (bifurcations ) N‑VAR □�[+�between ] �the bifurcation between high art and popular culture.

big ◆◆◆ /b I g/ (bigger , biggest )

1 ADJ A big person or thing is large in physical size. □� Australia's a big country. □� Her husband was a big man. □� The car was too big to fit into our garage.

2 ADJ Something that is big consists of many people or things. □� The crowd included a big contingent from Ipswich. □� �the big backlog of applications.

3 ADJ If you describe something such as a problem, increase, or change as a big one, you mean it is great in degree, extent, or importance. □� The problem was just too big for her to tackle on her own. □� There could soon be a big increase in unemployment.

4 ADJ A big organization employs many people and has many customers. □� Exchange is largely controlled by big banks. □� �one of the biggest companies in Italy.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone is bigin a particular organization, activity, or place, you mean that they have a lot of influence or authority in it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�in ] Their father was very big in the army. □� I'm sure all the big names will come to the club.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] If you call someone a big bully or a big coward, you are emphasizing your disapproval of them. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Children often refer to their older brother or sister as their big brother or sister.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Capital letters are sometimes referred to as big letters. [INFORMAL ] □� �a big letter J.

9 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Big words are long or rare words which have meanings that are difficult to understand. [INFORMAL ] □� They use a lot of big words.

10 PHRASE If you make it big , you become successful or famous. [INFORMAL ] □� We're not just looking at making it big in the U.K., we want to be big internationally.

11 PHRASE If you think big , you make plans on a large scale, often using a lot of time, effort, or money. □� Maybe we're not thinking big enough.

12 PHRASE If something is happening in a big way , it is happening on a large scale. [INFORMAL ] □� I think boxing will take off in a big way here.

biga|mist /b I gəm I st/ (bigamists ) N‑COUNT A bigamist is a person who commits the crime of marrying someone when they are already legally married to someone else.

biga|mous /b I gəməs/ ADJ A bigamous marriage is one in which one of the partners is already legally married to someone else.

biga|my /b I gəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Bigamy is the crime of marrying a person when you are already legally married to someone else.

Bi g A p|ple N‑PROPER People sometimes refer to the city of New York as the Big Apple . [INFORMAL ] □� The main attractions of the Big Apple are well documented.

bi g ba nd (big bands ) N‑COUNT A big band is a large group of musicians who play jazz or dance music. Big bands were especially popular from the 1930s to the 1950s.

bi g ba ng theo|ry N‑SING In astronomy, the big bang theory is a theory that suggests that the universe was created as a result of an extremely large explosion.

Bi g Bro th|er N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes use Big Brother to refer to a person, government, or organization when they think it has complete control over people and is always checking what they do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It's an attempt to control what reaches the public. Big Brother is watching.

bi g bu si|ness

1 N‑UNCOUNT Big business is business which involves very large companies and very large sums of money. □� Big business will never let petty nationalism get in the way of a good deal.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Something that is big business is something which people spend a lot of money on, and which has become an important commercial activity. □� Sport has become big business.

bi g ca t (big cats ) N‑COUNT Big cats are lions, tigers, and other large wild animals in the cat family.

bi g ci ty N‑SING The big city is used to refer to a large city which seems attractive to someone because they think there are many exciting things to do there, and many opportunities to earn a lot of money. □� �a country girl who dreams of the big city and bright lights.

bi g da |ta N‑UNCOUNT Big data is extremely large amounts of information that can only be used with special computers. [COMPUTING ] □� �valuable analysis of big data.

bi g dea l

1 N‑SING If you say that something is a big deal , you mean that it is important or significant in some way. [INFORMAL ] □� I felt the pressure on me, winning was such a big deal for the whole family. □� It's no big deal.

2 PHRASE If someone makes a big dealout of something, they make a fuss about it or treat it as if it were very important. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�out of/of/about ] The Joneses make a big deal out of being 'different'.

3 CONVENTION You can say ' big deal ' to someone to show that you are not impressed by something that they consider important or impressive. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� 'You'll miss The Brady Bunch.'�'Big deal.'

bi g di p|per (big dippers ) N‑COUNT A big dipper is a fairground ride that carries people up and down steep slopes on a narrow railway at high speed. [BRIT ]

bi g fi sh (big fish )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a big fish , you believe that they are powerful or important in some way. [INFORMAL ] □� The four men arrested were described as really big fish by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is a big fish in a small pond , you mean that they are powerful or important but only within a small group of people. [INFORMAL ] □� In South Africa, Jani was a big fish in a small pond.

bi g ga me N‑UNCOUNT Large wild animals such as lions and elephants that are hunted for sport are often referred to as big game .

big|gie /b I gi/ (biggies ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to something or someone successful, well-known, or big as a biggie . [INFORMAL ] □� �Hollywood box-office biggies.

big|gish /b I g I ʃ/ ADJ Something that is biggish is fairly big. [INFORMAL ] □� �a biggish room.

bi g gu n (big guns ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a big gun , you mean that they have a lot of power or influence. [INFORMAL ] □� �the legal big guns who will prepare his defence.

bi g head (big heads ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a big head , you disapprove of them because they think they are very clever and know everything. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

bi g-hea ded ADJ If you describe someone as big-headed , you disapprove of them because they think they are very clever and know everything. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an arrogant, big-headed man.

bi g-hea rted ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as big-hearted , you think they are kind and generous, and always willing to help people. [WRITTEN ] □� �a big-hearted Irishman.

bi g hi t|ter (big hitters ) also big-hitter

1 N‑COUNT A big hitter is a sportsperson such as a golfer or tennis player who hits the ball with a lot of force. □� The Uruguayan-born big-hitter smashed 28 aces.

2 N‑COUNT A big hitter is a powerful or influential person, especially in business or politics. [INFORMAL ] □� He has always been a really big hitter in the banking world.

bi g mo n|ey N‑UNCOUNT Big money is an amount of money that seems very large to you, especially money which you get easily. □� They began to make big money during the war.

bi g mouth (big mouths ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a big mouth or that they have a big mouth, you mean that they tell other people things that should have been kept secret. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I've got a big mouth which I always manage to put my foot in.

bi g na me (big names ) N‑COUNT A big name is a person who is successful and famous because of their work. □�[+�in ] �all the big names in rock and pop.

bi g noi se (big noises ) N‑COUNT Someone who is a big noise has an important position in a group or organization. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

big|ot /b I gət/ (bigots ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a bigot , you mean that they are bigoted. [DISAPPROVAL ]

big|ot|ed /b I gət I d/ ADJ Someone who is bigoted has strong, unreasonable prejudices or opinions and will not change them, even when they are proved to be wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was bigoted and racist.

big|ot|ry /b I gətri/ N‑UNCOUNT Bigotry is the possession or expression of strong, unreasonable prejudices or opinions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He deplored religious bigotry.

bi g scree n N‑SING When people talk about the big screen , they are referring to films that are made for cinema rather than for television. □� She returns to the big screen to play Candy's overbearing mother, Rose.

bi g shot (big shots ) N‑COUNT A big shot is an important and powerful person in a group or organization. [INFORMAL ] □� He's a big shot in Chilean politics.

bi g-ticket ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as a big-ticket item, you mean that it costs a lot of money. [mainly AM ] □� Supercomputers are big-ticket items.

bi g time also big-time

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use big time to refer to the highest level of an activity or sport where you can achieve the greatest amount of success or importance. If you describe a person as big time , you mean they are successful and important. [INFORMAL ] □� He took a long time to settle in to big-time football. □� �a big-time investment banker.

2 N‑SING If someone hits the big time , they become famous or successful in a particular area of activity. [INFORMAL ] □� He has finally fulfilled his dreams and hit the big time.

3 ADV [ADV after v] You can use big time if you want to emphasize the importance or extent of something that has happened. [AM , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� They screwed things up big time. □� America lost big-time.

bi g toe (big toes ) N‑COUNT Your big toe is the largest toe on your foot.

bi g top N‑SING The large round tent that a circus uses for its performances is called the big top .

bi g whee l (big wheels ) N‑COUNT A big wheel is a very large upright wheel with carriages around the edge of it which people can ride in. Big wheels are often found at theme parks or fun fairs. [BRIT ] in AM, use ferris wheel

big|wig /b I gw I g/ (bigwigs ) N‑COUNT If you refer to an important person as a bigwig , you are being rather disrespectful about them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

bi|jou /biː ʒuː/ ADJ [ADJ n] Small houses are sometimes described as bijou houses in order to make them sound attractive or fashionable. □� �a bijou Mayfair flat.

bike ◆◇◇ /ba I k/ (bikes , biking , biked )

1 N‑COUNT A bike is a bicycle or a motorcycle. [INFORMAL ]

2 VERB To bike somewhere means to go there on a bicycle. [INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] I biked home from the beach.

bi ke la ne (bike lanes ) N‑COUNT A bike lane is a part of the road which is intended to be used only by people riding bicycles.

bik|er /ba I kə r / (bikers )

1 N‑COUNT Bikers are people who ride around on motorbikes, usually in groups.

2 N‑COUNT People who ride bicycles are called bikers . [AM ] in BRIT, use cyclist

bike|way /ba I kwe I / (bikeways ) N‑COUNT A bikeway is a road, route, or path intended for use by cyclists. [AUSTRALIAN ]

bi|ki|ni /b I kiː ni/ (bikinis ) N‑COUNT A bikini is a two-piece swimming costume worn by women. WORD HISTORY bikini

The bikini takes its name from the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, where an atom-bomb was exploded in 1946. The bikini was given its name because it was said that the effect on men caused by women wearing bikinis was as explosive and devastating as the effect of the atom-bomb.

bi|ki |ni line N‑SING A woman's bikini line is the edges of the area where her pubic hair grows.

bi|lat|er|al /ba I l� tərəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Bilateral negotiations, meetings, or agreements, involve only the two groups or countries that are directly concerned. [FORMAL ] □� �bilateral talks between Britain and America. ●� bi|lat|er|al|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, ADV adj] □� Disputes and differences between the two neighbours would be solved bilaterally.

bil|berry /b I lbəri/ (bilberries ) N‑COUNT A bilberry is a small, round, dark-blue fruit that grows on bushes in northern Europe.

bile /ba I l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Bile is a liquid produced by your liver which helps you to digest fat.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Bile is the bad-smelling liquid that comes out of your mouth when you vomit with no food in your stomach.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Bile is anger or bitterness towards someone or something. [LITERARY ] □� He aims his bile at religion, drugs, and politics.

bilge /b I ldʒ/ (bilges ) N‑COUNT The bilge or the bilges are the flat bottom part of a ship or boat.

bi|lin|gual /ba I l I ŋgwəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Bilingual means involving or using two languages. □� �bilingual education. □� �the Collins bilingual dictionaries.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is bilingual can speak two languages equally well, usually because they learned both languages as a child. □� He is bilingual in French and English.

bi|lin|gual|ism /ba I l I ŋgwəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Bilingualism is the ability to speak two languages equally well.

bili|ous /b I liəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone describes the appearance of something as bilious , they mean that they think it looks unpleasant and rather disgusting. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a bilious shade of green.

2 ADJ If you feel bilious , you feel sick and have a headache. □� She is suffering a bilious attack.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bilious is sometimes used to describe the feelings or behaviour of someone who is extremely angry or bad-tempered. [WRITTEN ] □� His speech was a bilious, rancorous attack on young people.

bilk /b I lk/ (bilks , bilking , bilked ) VERB To bilk someone out of something, especially money, means to cheat them out of it. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�out of ] They are charged with bilking investors out of millions of dollars. [Also V n]

bill ◆◆◇ /b I l/ (bills , billing , billed )

1 N‑COUNT A bill is a written statement of money that you owe for goods or services. □� They couldn't afford to pay the bills. □�[+�for ] He paid his bill for the newspapers promptly. □� �phone bills.

2 VERB [no cont] If you bill someone for goods or services you have provided them with, you give or send them a bill stating how much money they owe you for these goods or services. □�[V n +�for ] Are you going to bill me for this? [Also V n]

3 N‑SING The bill in a restaurant is a piece of paper on which the price of the meal you have just eaten is written and which you are given before you pay. [BRIT ] in AM, use check4 N‑COUNT A bill is a piece of paper money. [AM ] □� �a large quantity of U.S. dollar bills. in BRIT, use note5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In government, a bill is a formal statement of a proposed new law that is discussed and then voted on. □� This is the toughest crime bill that Congress has passed in a decade. □� The bill was approved by a large majority.

6 N‑SING The bill of a show or concert is a list of the entertainers who will take part in it.

7 VERB [usu passive] If someone is billedto appear in a particular show, it has been advertised that they are going to be in it. □�[be V -ed to-inf] She was billed to play the Red Queen in Snow White. ●� bill|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �their quarrels over star billing.

8 VERB If you bill a person or event as a particular thing, you advertise them in a way that makes people think they have particular qualities or abilities. □�[V n +�as ] They bill it as Britain's most exciting museum.

9 N‑COUNT A bird's bill is its beak.

10 →�see also Private Member's Bill

11 PHRASE If you say that someone or something fits the bill or fills the bill , you mean that they are suitable for a particular job or purpose. □� If you fit the bill, send a CV to Rebecca Rees.

12 PHRASE If you have to foot the billfor something, you have to pay for it. □� Who is footing the bill for her extravagant holiday?

bill|board /b I lbɔː r d/ (billboards ) N‑COUNT A billboard is a very large board on which posters are displayed.

-billed /-b I ld/ COMB -billed combines with adjectives to indicate that a bird has a beak of a particular kind or appearance. □� �yellow-billed ducks.

bil|let /b I l I t/ (billets , billeting , billeted )

1 VERB [usu passive] If members of the armed forces are billeted in a particular place, that place is provided for them to stay in for a period of time. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] The soldiers were billeted in private homes.

2 N‑COUNT A billet is a house where a member of the armed forces has been billeted.

bill|fold /b I lfoʊld/ (billfolds ) N‑COUNT A billfold is a small flat folded case, usually made of leather or plastic, where you can keep banknotes and credit cards. [AM ] in BRIT, use wallet

bil|liards /b I liə r dz/ The form billiard is used as a modifier. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Billiards is a game played on a large table, in which you use a long stick called a cue to hit balls against each other or into pockets around the sides of the table. [BRIT ] in AM, use pocket billiards , pool2 N‑UNCOUNT Billiards is a game played on a large table, in which you use a long stick called a cue to hit balls against each other or against the walls around the sides of the table. [AM ]

bil|lion ◆◆◆ /b I ljən/ (billions ) The plural form is billion after a number, or after a word or expression referring to a number, such as 'several' or 'a few'. 1 NUM A billion is a thousand million. □� �3 billion dollars. □� This year, almost a billion birds will be processed in the region.

2 QUANT If you talk about billions of people or things, you mean that there is a very large number of them but you do not know or do not want to say exactly how many. □�[+�of ] Biological systems have been doing this for billions of years. □�[+�of ] He urged U.S. executives to invest billions of dollars in his country. ●�PRON You can also use billions as a pronoun. □� He thought that it must be worth billions.

bil|lion|aire /b I ljəneə r / (billionaires ) N‑COUNT A billionaire is an extremely rich person who has money or property worth at least a thousand million pounds or dollars.

bil|lionth /b I ljənθ/ (billionths )

1 ORD The billionth item in a series is the one you count as number one billion. □� Disney will claim its one billionth visitor before the end of the century.

2 FRACTION A billionth is one of a billion equal parts of something. □� �a billionth of a second.

bi ll of fa re (bills of fare ) N‑COUNT The bill of fare at a restaurant is a list of the food for a meal from which you may choose what you want to eat. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

Bi ll of Ri ghts N‑SING A Bill of Rights is a written list of citizens' rights which is usually part of the constitution of a country.

bil|low /b I loʊ/ (billows , billowing , billowed )

1 VERB When something made of cloth billows , it swells out and moves slowly in the wind. □�[V ] The curtains billowed in the breeze. □�[V out ] Her pink dress billowed out around her.

2 VERB When smoke or cloud billows , it moves slowly upwards or across the sky. □�[V prep/adv] Steam billowed from under the bonnet. □�[V -ing] �billowing clouds of cigarette smoke.

3 N‑COUNT A billowof smoke or dust is a large mass of it rising slowly into the air. □�[+�of ] �smoke stacks belching billows of almost solid black smoke.

bil|ly /b I li/ (billies ) N‑COUNT A billy or billy club is a short heavy stick which is sometimes used as a weapon by the police. [AM ] in BRIT, use baton

bil|ly goat /b I li goʊt/ (billy goats ) N‑COUNT A billy goat is a male goat.

bim|bo /b I mboʊ/ (bimbos ) N‑COUNT If someone calls a young woman a bimbo , they think that although she is pretty she is rather stupid. This use could cause offence. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

bi|month|ly /ba I mʌ nθli/ in BRIT, also use bi-monthly ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bimonthly event or publication happens or appears every two months. □� �bimonthly newsletters.

bin /b I n/ (bins , binning , binned )

1 N‑COUNT A bin is a container that you put rubbish in. [mainly BRIT ] □� He screwed the paper small and chucked it in the bin. in AM, usually use garbage can , trash can2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A bin is a container that you keep or store things in. □� �a bread bin. □� �big steel storage bins.

3 VERB If you bin something, you throw it away. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He decided to bin his paintings.

bi|na|ry /ba I nəri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The binary system expresses numbers using only the two digits 0 and 1. It is used especially in computing.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Binary is the binary system of expressing numbers. □� The machine does the calculations in binary.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Binary describes something that has two different parts. [FORMAL ] □� �a binary star.

bi |na|ry co de (binary codes ) N‑VAR Binary code is a computer code that uses the binary number system. [COMPUTING ] □� The instructions are translated into binary code, a form that computers can easily handle.

bind /ba I nd/ (binds , binding , bound )

1 VERB If something binds people together , it makes them feel as if they are all part of the same group or have something in common. □�[V n with together ] It is the memory and threat of persecution that binds them together. □�[V n prep/adv] �the social and political ties that bind the U.S.A. to Britain. □�[V -ed] �a group of people bound together by shared language, culture, and beliefs. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you are bound by something such as a rule, agreement, or restriction, you are forced or required to act in a certain way. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Employers are not bound by law to conduct equal pay reviews. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The authorities will be legally bound to arrest any suspects. □�[V n to-inf] The treaty binds them to respect their neighbour's independence. [Also V n] ●� bound ADJ □�[+�by ] Few of them feel bound by any enduring loyalties.

3 VERB If you bind something or someone, you tie rope, string, tape, or other material around them so that they are held firmly. □�[V n adv/prep] Bind the ends of the cord together with thread. □�[V n] �the red tape which was used to bind the files.

4 VERB When a book is bound , the pages are joined together and the cover is put on. □�[be V -ed +�in ] Each volume is bound in bright-coloured cloth. □�[V n] Their business came from a few big publishers, all of whose books they bound. □�[V -ed] �four immaculately bound hardbacks. ●� -bound COMB □� �leather-bound stamp albums.

5 →�see also binding , bound ➊, double bind

▸� bind over PHRASAL VERB If someone is bound over by a court or a judge, they are given an order and must do as the order says for a particular period of time. [LEGAL ] □� On many occasions demonstrators were bound over to keep the peace. □�[V n P ] They put us in a cell, and the next day some bumbling judge bound us over. □�[V P n] The judge refused even to bind over the woman.

bind|er /ba I ndə r / (binders ) N‑COUNT A binder is a hard cover with metal rings inside, which is used to hold loose pieces of paper.

bind|ing /ba I nd I ŋ/ (bindings )

1 ADJ A binding promise, agreement, or decision must be obeyed or carried out. □� �proposals for a legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions. □�[+�on ] The panel's decisions are secret and not binding on the government.

2 N‑VAR [oft with poss] The binding of a book is its cover. □� Its books are noted for the quality of their paper and bindings.

3 N‑VAR Binding is a strip of material that you put round the edge of a piece of cloth or other object in order to protect or decorate it. □� �the Regency mahogany dining table with satinwood binding.

4 N‑VAR Binding is a piece of rope, cloth, tape, or other material that you wrap around something so that it can be gripped firmly or held in place.

5 →�see also bind

bind|weed /ba I ndwiːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Bindweed is a wild plant that winds itself around other plants and makes it difficult for them to grow.

binge /b I ndʒ/ (binges , bingeing , binged )

1 N‑COUNT If you go on a binge , you do too much of something, such as drinking alcohol, eating, or spending money. [INFORMAL ] □� She went on occasional drinking binges.

2 VERB If you binge , you do too much of something, such as drinking alcohol, eating, or spending money. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] I haven't binged since 1986. □�[V +�on ] I binged on pizzas or milkshakes.

bi nge dri nk|ing N‑UNCOUNT Binge drinking is the consumption of large amounts of alcohol within a short period of time. □� �a disturbing rise in binge drinking among young people. ●� binge drink|er (binge drinkers ) N‑COUNT □� �the increasing number of young binge drinkers who have four or more drinks on a night out.

bi nge-watch (binge-watches , binge-watching , binge-watched ) VERB If you binge-watch a television series, you watch several episodes one after another in a short time. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] It's not uncommon for viewers to binge-watch a whole season of programmes in just a couple of evenings.

bin|go /b I ŋgoʊ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Bingo is a game in which each player has a card with numbers on. Someone calls out numbers and if you are the first person to have all your numbers called out, you win the game.

2 EXCLAM You can say ' bingo! ' when something pleasant happens, especially in a surprising, unexpected, or sudden way. □� I was in a market in Tangier and bingo! I found this.

bi n lin|er (bin liners ) N‑COUNT A bin liner is a plastic bag that you put inside a waste bin or dustbin. [BRIT ] in AM, use garbage bag , trash bag

bin|ocu|lars /b I nɒ kjʊlə r z/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Binoculars consist of two small telescopes joined together side by side, which you look through in order to look at things that are a long way away.

PREFIX bio-

is used at the beginning of nouns and adjectives that refer to life or to the study of living things. For example, bioengineering is the study of engineering for medical purposes, such as the design and manufacture of artificial body parts�

bio|chemi|cal /ba I oʊke m I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Biochemical changes, reactions, and mechanisms relate to the chemical processes that happen in living things.

bio|chem|ist /ba I oʊke m I st/ (biochemists ) N‑COUNT A biochemist is a scientist or student who studies biochemistry.

bio|chem|is|try /ba I oʊke m I stri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that happen in living things.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The biochemistry of a living thing is the chemical processes that happen in it or are involved in it.

bio|degrad|able /ba I oʊd I gre I dəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is biodegradable breaks down or decays naturally without any special scientific treatment, and can therefore be thrown away without causing pollution. □� �a natural and totally biodegradable plastic.

bi|o|die|sel /ba I oʊdiː z ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Biodiesel is fuel made from natural sources such as plant oils, that can be used in diesel engines.

bio|di|ver|sity /ba I oʊda I vɜː r s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Biodiversity is the existence of a wide variety of plant and animal species living in their natural environment.

bio|en|gi|neer|ing /ba I oʊendʒ I n I ə r I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes use bioengineering to talk about genetic engineering.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Bioengineering is the use of engineering techniques to solve medical problems, for example to design and make artificial arms and legs.

bi|o|fu|el /ba I oʊfjuː əl/ N‑VAR A biofuel is a gas, liquid, or solid from natural sources such as plants that is used as a fuel. □� Biofuels can be mixed with conventional fuels.

bi|og|raph|er /ba I ɒ grəfə r / (biographers ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's biographer is a person who writes an account of their life.

bio|graphi|cal /ba I əgr� f I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Biographical facts, notes, or details are concerned with the events in someone's life. □� The book contains few biographical details.

bi|og|ra|phy /ba I ɒ grəfi/ (biographies )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A biography of someone is an account of their life, written by someone else.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Biography is the branch of literature which deals with accounts of people's lives. □� �a volume of biography and criticism.

biol.Biol. is a written abbreviation for biology or biological .

bio|logi|cal /ba I əlɒ dʒ I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Biological is used to describe processes and states that occur in the bodies and cells of living things. □� The living organisms somehow concentrated the minerals by biological processes. □� This is a natural biological response. ●� bio|logi|cal|ly /ba I əlɒ dʒ I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Much of our behaviour is biologically determined.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Biological is used to describe activities concerned with the study of living things. □� �the university's school of biological sciences.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Biological weapons and biological warfare involve the use of bacteria or other living organisms in order to attack human beings, animals, or plants. □� Such a war could result in the use of chemical and biological weapons.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Biological pest control is the use of bacteria or other living organisms in order to destroy other organisms which are harmful to plants or crops. □� �Jim Litsinger, a consultant on biological control of agricultural pests.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A child's biological parents are the man and woman who caused him or her to be born, rather than other adults who look after him or her. □� �foster parents for young teenagers whose biological parents have rejected them.

bio|lo gi|cal clo ck (biological clocks ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your biological clock is your body's way of registering time. It does not rely on events such as day or night, but on factors such as your habits, your age, and chemical changes taking place in your body. □� For women, the 'biological clock' governs the time for having children.

bio|lo gi|cal di|ve r|sity N‑UNCOUNT Biological diversity is the same as biodiversity .

bi|ol|ogy /ba I ɒ lədʒi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Biology is the science which is concerned with the study of living things. ●� bi|olo|gist /ba I ɒ lədʒ I st/ (biologists ) N‑COUNT □� �biologists studying the fruit fly.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The biology of a living thing is the way in which its body or cells behave. □� The biology of these diseases is terribly complicated. □� �human biology.

3 →�see also molecular biology

bio|medi|cal /ba I oʊme d I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Biomedical research examines the effects of drugs and medical techniques on the biological systems of living creatures. □� Biomedical research will enable many individuals infected with the disease to live longer, more comfortable lives.

bio|met|ric /ba I oʊme tr I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Biometric tests and devices use biological information about a person to create a detailed record of their personal characteristics. □� �the use of biometric information such as fingerprints.

bi|on|ic /ba I ɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In science fiction books or films, a bionic person is someone who has special powers, such as being exceptionally strong or having exceptionally good sight, because parts of their body have been replaced by electronic machinery. □� �the Bionic Woman.

bio|pic /ba I oʊp I k/ (biopics ) N‑COUNT A biopic is a film that tells the story of someone's life.

bi|op|sy /ba I ɒpsi/ (biopsies ) N‑VAR A biopsy is the removal and examination of fluids or tissue from a patient's body in order to discover why they are ill.

bio|sphere /ba I oʊsf I ə r / N‑SING Thebiosphere is the part of the earth's surface and atmosphere where there are living things. [TECHNICAL ]

bio|tech /ba I oʊtek/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Biotech means the same as biotechnology . □� �the biotech industry.

bio|tech|no|logi|cal /ba I oʊte knəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Biotechnological means relating to biotechnology. [TECHNICAL ] □� �modern biotechnological methods of genetic manipulation.

bio|tech|nol|ogy /ba I oʊteknɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Biotechnology is the use of living parts such as cells or bacteria in industry and technology. [TECHNICAL ] ●� bio|tech|nolo|gist /ba I oʊteknɒ lədʒ I st/ (biotechnologists ) N‑COUNT □� �biotechnologists turning proteins into pharmaceuticals.

bio|ter|ror|ism /ba I oʊte rər I zəm/ also bio-terrorism N‑UNCOUNT Bioterrorism is terrorism that involves the use of biological weapons. □� �the threat of bioterrorism. ●� bio|ter|ror|ist /ba I oʊte rər I st/ (bioterrorists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] □� �the war against bioterrorists. □� �a bioterrorist attack.

bio|weap|on /ba I oʊwe pən/ also bio-weapon (bioweapons ) N‑COUNT Bioweapons are biological weapons, which involve the use of bacteria or other living organisms in order to destroy other organisms which are harmful to plants and crops.

bi|par|ti|san /ba I pɑː r t I z� n, [AM ] ba I pɑː rt I z ə n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bipartisan means concerning or involving two different political parties or groups. □� �a bipartisan approach to educational reform.

bi|ped /ba I ped/ (bipeds ) N‑COUNT A biped is a creature with two legs. [TECHNICAL ]

bi|plane /ba I ple I n/ (biplanes ) N‑COUNT A biplane is an old-fashioned type of aeroplane with two pairs of wings, one above the other.

bi|po|lar /ba I poʊ lə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bipolar systems or situations are dominated by two strong and opposing opinions or elements. [FORMAL ] □� �the bipolar world of the Cold War years.

bi|po |lar dis|o r|der (bipolar disorders ) N‑VAR Bipolar disorder is a mental illness in which a person's state of mind changes between extreme happiness and extreme depression.

birch /bɜː r tʃ/ (birches ) N‑VAR A birch or a birch tree is a type of tall tree with thin branches.

bird ◆◆◇ /bɜː r d/ (birds )

1 N‑COUNT A bird is a creature with feathers and wings. Female birds lay eggs. Most birds can fly.

2 N‑COUNT Some men refer to young women as birds . This use could cause offence. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

3 →�see also early bird , game bird

4 PHRASE If you refer to two people as birds of a feather , you mean that they have the same interests or are very similar.

5 PHRASE A bird in the hand is something that you already have and do not want to risk losing by trying to get something else.

6 PHRASE If you say that a little bird told you about something, you mean that someone has told you about it, but you do not want to say who it was.

7 PHRASE If you say that doing something will kill two birds with one stone , you mean that it will enable you to achieve two things that you want to achieve, rather than just one.

bird|cage /bɜː r dke I dʒ/ (birdcages ) also bird cage N‑COUNT A birdcage is a cage in which birds are kept.

bi rd flu N‑UNCOUNT Bird flu is a virus which can be transmitted from chickens, ducks, and other birds to people.

birdie /bɜː r di/ (birdies , birdying , birdied )

1 N‑COUNT In golf, if you get a birdie , you get the golf ball into a hole in one stroke fewer than the number of strokes which has been set as the standard for a good player.

2 VERB If a golfer birdies a hole, he or she gets a birdie at that hole. □�[V n] He birdied five of the first seven holes.

bird|life /bɜː r dla I f/ also bird life N‑UNCOUNT The birdlife in a place is all the birds that live there.

bird|like /bɜː r dla I k/ also bird-like ADJ If someone has a birdlike manner, they move or look like a bird. □� �the birdlike way she darted about.

bi rd of pa ra|dise (birds of paradise ) N‑COUNT A bird of paradise is a songbird which is found mainly in New Guinea. The male birds have very brightly coloured feathers.

bi rd of pa s|sage (birds of passage ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a bird of passage , you mean that they are staying in a place for a short time before going to another place. □� Most of these emigrants were birds of passage who returned to Spain after a relatively short stay.

bi rd of pre y (birds of prey ) N‑COUNT A bird of prey is a bird such as an eagle or a hawk that kills and eats other birds and animals.

bi rd's eye vie w (bird's eye views ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You say that you have a bird's eye viewof a place when you are looking down at it from a great height, so that you can see a long way but everything looks very small.

bird|song /bɜː r dsɒŋ, [AM ] -sɔːŋ/ (birdsongs ) also bird song N‑UNCOUNT Birdsong is the sound of a bird or birds calling in a way which sounds musical. □� The air is filled with birdsong.

bi rd ta|ble (bird tables ) N‑COUNT A bird table is a small wooden platform on a pole which some people put in their garden in order to put food for the birds on it.

bi rd-watcher (bird-watchers ) also birdwatcher N‑COUNT A bird-watcher is a person whose hobby is watching and studying wild birds in their natural surroundings.

bi rd-watching also birdwatching N‑UNCOUNT Bird-watching is the activity of watching and studying wild birds in their natural surroundings.

Biro /ba I roʊ/ (Biros ) N‑COUNT A Biro is a pen with a small metal ball at its tip which transfers the ink onto the paper. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ]

birth ◆◇◇ /bɜː r θ/ (births )

1 N‑VAR When a baby is born, you refer to this event as his or her birth . □�[+�of ] It was the birth of his grandchildren which gave him greatest pleasure. □� She weighed 5lb 7oz at birth. □� �premature births.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] You can refer to the beginning or origin of something as its birth . □�[+�of ] �the birth of popular democracy.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Some people talk about a person's birth when they are referring to the social position of the person's family. □� �men of low birth. □� His birth, background and career show that you can make it in this country on merit alone.

4 →�see also date of birth , home birth

5 PHRASE If, for example, you are French by birth , you are French because your parents are French, or because you were born in France. □� Sadrudin was an Iranian by birth.

6 PHRASE When a woman gives birth , she produces a baby from her body. □� She's just given birth to a baby girl.

7 PHRASE To give birth to something such as an idea means to cause it to start to exist. □� A competition involving injured war veterans gave birth to the modern Paralympic movement.

8 PHRASE The country, town, or village of your birth is the place where you were born.

bi rth cer|tifi|cate (birth certificates ) N‑COUNT Your birth certificate is an official document which gives details of your birth, such as the date and place of your birth, and the names of your parents.

bi rth con|trol N‑UNCOUNT Birth control means planning whether to have children, and using contraception to prevent having them when they are not wanted.

birth|date /bɜː r θde I t/ (birthdates ) N‑COUNT Your birthdate is the same as your date of birth .

birth|day ◆◇◇ /bɜː r θde I , -di/ (birthdays ) N‑COUNT Your birthday is the anniversary of the date on which you were born.

bi rth|day suit (birthday suits ) N‑COUNT If you are in your birthday suit , you are not wearing any clothes. [INFORMAL , HUMOROUS or OLD-FASHIONED ]

birth|ing /bɜː r θ I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Birthing means relating to or used during the process of giving birth. □� The hospital has pioneered the use of birthing pools.

birth|mark /bɜː r θmɑː r k/ (birthmarks ) N‑COUNT A birthmark is a mark on someone's skin that has been there since they were born.

birth|place /bɜː r θple I s/ (birthplaces )

1 N‑COUNT Your birthplace is the place where you were born. [WRITTEN ]

2 N‑COUNT The birthplaceof something is the place where it began. □�[+�of ] Ironbridge Gorge is known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

bi rth rate (birth rates ) also birth-rate N‑COUNT The birth rate in a place is the number of babies born there for every 1000 people during a particular period of time. □� �improvements in food production and public health resulting in increasing birth rate. □� �a falling birth-rate.

birth|right /bɜː r θra I t/ (birthrights ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is your birthright is something that you feel you have a basic right to have, simply because you are a human being. □� Freedom is the natural birthright of every human.

bis|cuit /b I sk I t/ (biscuits )

1 N‑COUNT A biscuit is a small flat cake that is crisp and usually sweet. [BRIT ] in AM, use cookie2 N‑COUNT A biscuit is a small round dry cake that is made with baking powder, baking soda, or yeast. [AM ]

3 PHRASE If someone has done something very stupid, rude, or selfish, you can say that they take the biscuit or that what they have done takes the biscuit , to emphasize your surprise at their behaviour. [BRIT , EMPHASIS ] in AM, use take the cake

bi|sect /ba I se kt/ (bisects , bisecting , bisected ) VERB If something long and thin bisects an area or line, it divides the area or line in half. □�[V n] The main street bisects the town from end to end.

bi|sex|ual /ba I se kʃuəl/ (bisexuals ) ADJ Someone who is bisexual is sexually attracted to both men and women. ●�N‑COUNT Bisexual is also a noun. □� He was an active bisexual. ●� bi|sexu|al|ity /ba I se kʃu�l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Lillian opened up to Frank about her bisexuality.

bish|op /b I ʃəp/ (bishops )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A bishop is a clergyman of high rank in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox churches.

2 N‑COUNT In chess, a bishop is a piece that can be moved diagonally across the board on squares that are the same colour.

bish|op|ric /b I ʃəpr I k/ (bishoprics ) N‑COUNT A bishopric is the area for which a bishop is responsible, or the rank or office of being a bishop.

bi|son /ba I s ə n/ (bison ) N‑COUNT A bison is a large hairy animal with a large head that is a member of the cattle family. They used to be very common in North America and Europe. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use buffalo

bis|tro /biː stroʊ/ (bistros ) N‑COUNT A bistro is a small, informal restaurant or a bar where food is served.

bit ◆◆◆ /b I t/ (bits )

1 QUANT A bitof something is a small amount of it. □� All it required was a bit of work. □� I got paid a little bit of money.

2 PHRASE A bit means to a small extent or degree. It is sometimes used to make a statement less extreme. [VAGUENESS ] □� This girl was a bit strange. □� She looks a bit like his cousin Maureen. □� That sounds a bit technical. □� Isn't that a bit harsh?

3 PHRASE You can use a bit of to make a statement less forceful. For example, the statement 'It's a bit of a nuisance' is less forceful than 'It's a nuisance'. [VAGUENESS ] □� It's all a bit of a mess. □� This comes as a bit of a disappointment.

4 PHRASE Quite a bit means quite a lot. □� They're worth quite a bit of money. □� Things have changed quite a bit. □� He's quite a bit older than me.

5 PHRASE You use a bit before 'more' or 'less' to mean a small amount more or a small amount less. □� I still think I have a bit more to offer. □� Maybe we'll hear a little bit less noise.

6 PHRASE If you do something a bit , you do it for a short time. In British English, you can also say that you do something for a bit . □� Let's wait a bit. □� I hope there will be time to talk a bit. □� That should keep you busy for a bit.

7 N‑COUNT A bitof something is a small part or section of it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] That's the bit of the meeting that I missed. □� Now comes the really important bit. □� The best bit was walking along the glacier.

8 N‑COUNT A bit of something is a small piece of it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] Only a bit of string looped round a nail in the doorpost held it shut. □�[+�of ] �crumpled bits of paper.

9 N‑COUNT You can use bit to refer to a particular item or to one of a group or set of things. For example, a bitof information is an item of information. □�[+�of ] There was one bit of vital evidence which helped win the case. □�[+�of ] Not one single bit of work has been started towards the repair of this road.

10 N‑COUNT In computing, a bit is the smallest unit of information that is held in a computer's memory. It is either 1 or 0. Several bits form a byte. [COMPUTING ]

11 N‑COUNT A bit is 12� cents; mainly used in expressions such as two bits , which means 25 cents, or four bits , which means 50 cents. [AM ]

12Bit is the past tense of bite .

13 PHRASE If something happens bit by bit , it happens in stages. □� Bit by bit I began to understand what they were trying to do.

14 PHRASE If someone is champing at the bit or is chomping at the bit , they are very impatient to do something, but they are prevented from doing it, usually by circumstances that they have no control over. □� I expect you're champing at the bit, so we'll get things going as soon as we can.

15 PHRASE If you do your bit , you do something that, to a small or limited extent, helps to achieve something. □� Marcie always tried to do her bit.

16 PHRASE You say that one thing is every bit as good, interesting, or important as another to emphasize that the first thing is just as good, interesting, or important as the second. [EMPHASIS ] □� My dinner jacket is every bit as good as his.

17 PHRASE If you say that something is a bit much , you are annoyed because you think someone has behaved in an unreasonable way. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� It's a bit much expecting me to dump your boyfriend for you.

18 PHRASE You use not a bit when you want to make a strong negative statement. [mainly BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □� I'm really not a bit surprised. □� 'Are you disappointed?'�'Not a bit.'

19 PHRASE You say not a bit of it to emphasize that something that you might expect to be the case is not the case. [BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □� Did he give up? Not a bit of it!

20 PHRASE You can use bits and pieces or bits and bobs to refer to a collection of different things. [INFORMAL ]

21 PHRASE If you get the bit between your teeth , or take the bit between your teeth , you become very enthusiastic about a job you have to do.

22 PHRASE If something is smashed or blown to bits , it is broken into a number of pieces. If something falls to bits , it comes apart so that it is in a number of pieces. □� She found a pretty yellow jug smashed to bits.

23thrilled to bits →�see thrilled

bitch /b I tʃ/ (bitches , bitching , bitched )

1 N‑COUNT If someone calls a woman a bitch , they are saying in a very rude way that they think she behaves in a very unpleasant way. [RUDE , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

2 →�see also son of a bitch

3 VERB [oft cont] If you say that someone is bitchingabout something, you mean that you disapprove of the fact that they are complaining about it in an unpleasant way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�about ] They're forever bitching about everybody else. [Also V ]

4 N‑COUNT A bitch is a female dog.

bitchy /b I tʃi/ ADJ If someone is being bitchy or is making bitchy remarks, they are saying unkind things about someone. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm sorry. I know I was bitchy on the phone. ●� bitchi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� There's a lot of bitchiness.

bit|coin /b I tkɔ I n/ (bitcoins ) also Bitcoin N‑UNCOUNT Bitcoin is a digital currency used as a means of payment on the internet. □� Is bitcoin the gold standard of online currency? ●�N‑COUNT A bitcoin is a unit of this currency. □� Shops in some parts of Berlin now take payments in bitcoins as well as euros.

bite ◆◆◆ /ba I t/ (bites , biting , bit , bitten )

1 VERB If you bite something, you use your teeth to cut into it, for example in order to eat it or break it. If an animal or person bites you, they use their teeth to hurt or injure you. □�[V n] Both sisters bit their nails as children. □�[V +�into ] He bit into his sandwich. □�[V n adv/prep] He had bitten the cigarette in two. □�[V ] Llamas won't bite or kick.

2 N‑COUNT A bite of something, especially food, is the action of biting it. □�[+�of ] He took another bite of apple. □� You cannot eat a bun in one bite. ●�N‑COUNT A bite is also the amount of food you take into your mouth when you bite it. □� Look forward to eating the food and enjoy every bite.

3 N‑SING [usu N to-inf] If you have a bite to eat, you have a small meal or a snack. [INFORMAL ] □� It was time to go home for a little rest and a bite to eat.

4 VERB If a snake or a small insect bites you, it makes a mark or hole in your skin, and often causes the surrounding area of your skin to become painful or itchy. □�[be V -ed] We were all badly bitten by mosquitoes. [Also V ]

5 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A bite is an injury or a mark on your body where an animal, snake, or small insect has bitten you. □� Any dog bite, no matter how small, needs immediate medical attention.

6 VERB When an action or policy begins to bite , it begins to have a serious or harmful effect. □�[V ] As the sanctions begin to bite there will be more political difficulties ahead. □�[V prep/adv] The recession started biting deeply into British industry.

7 VERB If an object bites into a surface, it presses hard against it or cuts into it. □�[V prep/adv] There may even be some wire or nylon biting into the flesh. [Also V ]

8 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that a food or drink has bite , you like it because it has a strong or sharp taste. [APPROVAL ] □� �the addition of tartaric acid to give the wine some bite.

9 N‑SING If the air or the wind has a bite , it feels very cold. □� There was a bite in the air, a smell perhaps of snow.

10 VERB If a fish bites when you are fishing, it takes the hook or bait at the end of your fishing line in its mouth. □�[V ] After half an hour, the fish stopped biting and we moved on. ●�N‑COUNT Bite is also a noun. □� If I don't get a bite in a few minutes I lift the rod and twitch the bait.

11 →�see also love bite , nail-biting

12 PHRASE If someone bites the hand that feeds them, they behave badly or in an ungrateful way towards someone who they depend on. □� She is cynical about the film industry, but ultimately she has no intention of biting the hand that feeds her.

13 PHRASE If you bite your lip or your tongue , you stop yourself from saying something that you want to say, because it would be the wrong thing to say in the circumstances. □� I must learn to bite my lip. □� He bit his tongue as he found himself on the point of saying 'follow that car'.

14 PHRASE If something takes a bite out of a sum of money, part of the money is spent or taken away in order to pay for it. □� Local taxes are going to be taking a bigger bite out of people's income.

15someone's bark is worse than their bite →�see bark

16to bite the bullet →�see bullet

17to bite off more than one can chew →�see chew

18to bite the dust →�see dust SYNONYMS bite VERB 1

nibble:He started to nibble his biscuit.

gnaw:Woodlice attack living plants and gnaw at the stems.

chew:Be certain to eat slowly and chew your food extremely well.

crunch:Richard crunched into the apple. COLLOCATIONS bite NOUN 5

noun +�bite : flea, insect, mosquito, spider, tick; dog, shark, snake

adjective +�bite : fatal

bi te-sized also bite-size

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bite-sized pieces of food are small enough to fit easily in your mouth. □� �bite-sized pieces of cheese.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as bite-sized , you like it because it is small enough to be considered or dealt with easily. [APPROVAL ] □� �bite-sized newspaper items.

bit|ing /ba I t I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Biting wind or cold is extremely cold. □� �a raw, biting northerly wind. □� Antarctic air brought biting cold to southern Chile on Thursday.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Biting criticism or wit is very harsh or unkind, and is often caused by such feelings as anger or dislike. □� �a furore caused by the author's biting satire on the Church.

bit|map /b I tm�p/ (bitmaps , bitmapping , bitmapped ) N‑COUNT A bitmap is a type of graphics file on a computer. [COMPUTING ] □� �bitmap graphics for representing complex images such as photographs. ●�VERB Bitmap is also a verb. □�[V -ed] Bitmapped maps require huge storage space.

bi t part (bit parts ) also bit-part N‑COUNT A bit part is a small and unimportant role for an actor in a film or play.

bit|ten /b I t ə n/ Bitten is the past participle of bite .

bit|ter ◆◇◇ /b I tə r / (bitterest , bitters )

1 ADJ In a bitter argument or conflict, people argue very angrily or fight very fiercely. □� �the scene of bitter fighting during the Second World War. □� �a bitter attack on the Government's failure to support manufacturing. ●� bit|ter|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Any such thing would be bitterly opposed by most of the world's democracies. □� �a bitterly fought football match. ●� bit|ter|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The rift within the organization reflects the growing bitterness of the dispute.

2 ADJ If someone is bitter after a disappointing experience or after being treated unfairly, they continue to feel angry about it. □� She is said to be very bitter about the way she was sacked. □� His long life was marked by bitter personal and political memories. ●� bit|ter|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� 'And he sure didn't help us,' Grant said bitterly. □� �the party bureaucrats who bitterly resented their loss of power. ●� bit|ter|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I still feel bitterness and anger towards the person who knocked me down.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bitter experience makes you feel very disappointed. You can also use bitter to emphasize feelings of disappointment. □� I think the decision was a bitter blow from which he never quite recovered. □� The statement was greeted with bitter disappointment by many of the other delegates. ●� bit|ter|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� I was bitterly disappointed to have lost yet another race so near the finish.

4 ADJ Bitter weather, or a bitter wind, is extremely cold. □� Outside, a bitter east wind was accompanied by flurries of snow. ●� bit|ter|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� It's been bitterly cold here in Moscow.

5 ADJ A bitter taste is sharp, not sweet, and often slightly unpleasant. □� The leaves taste rather bitter.

6 N‑VAR Bitter is a kind of beer that is light brown in colour. [BRIT ] □� �a pint of bitter.

7 PHRASE If you say that you will continue doing something to the bitter end , especially something difficult or unpleasant, you are emphasizing that you will continue doing it until it is completely finished. [EMPHASIS ] □� The guerrillas would fight to the bitter end, he said, in order to achieve their main goal.

8a bitter pill →�see pill

bit|ter|ly /b I tə r li/ ADV [ADV adj] You use bitterly when you are describing an attitude which involves strong, unpleasant emotions such as anger or dislike. □� We are bitterly upset at what has happened.

bitter|sweet /b I tə r swiː t/ also bitter-sweet

1 ADJ If you describe an experience as bittersweet , you mean that it has some happy aspects and some sad ones. □� �bittersweet memories of his first appearance for the team.

2 ADJ A bittersweet taste seems bitter and sweet at the same time. □� �a wine with a bitter-sweet flavour.

bit|ty /b I ti/

1 ADJ If you say that something is bitty , you mean that it seems to be formed from a lot of different parts which you think do not fit together or go together well. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The programme was bitty and pointless.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as a little bitty person or thing, you are emphasizing that they are very small. [AM , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� She's just a little bitty wisp of a girl.

bi|tu|men /b I tʃʊm I n, [AM ] b I tuː mən/ N‑UNCOUNT Bitumen is a black sticky substance which is obtained from tar or petrol and is used in making roads.

bivou|ac /b I vu�k/ (bivouacs , bivouacking , bivouacked )

1 N‑COUNT A bivouac is a temporary camp made by soldiers or mountain climbers.

2 VERB If you bivouac in a particular place, you stop and stay in a bivouac there. □�[V prep/adv] We bivouacked on the outskirts of the city. [Also V ]

bi|week|ly /ba I wiː kli/ ADJ [ADJ n] A biweekly event or publication happens or appears once every two weeks. [AM ] □� He used to see them at the biweekly meetings. □� �Beverage Digest, the industry's biweekly newsletter. ●�ADV [ADV with v] Biweekly is also an adverb. □� The group meets on a regular basis, usually weekly or biweekly. [in BRIT, use fortnightly ]

biz /b I z/

1 N‑SING [oft n N ] Biz is sometimes used to refer to the entertainment business, especially pop music or films. [JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □� �a girl in the music biz.

2 →�see also showbiz

bi|zarre /b I zɑː r / ADJ Something that is bizarre is very odd and strange. □� The game was also notable for the bizarre behaviour of the team's manager. ●� bi|zarre|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� She dressed bizarrely.

blab /bl� b/ (blabs , blabbing , blabbed ) VERB If someone blabsabout something secret, they tell people about it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�about ] Her mistake was to blab about their affair. □�[V +�to ] No blabbing to your mates! □�[V n prep] She'll blab it all over the school. [Also V ]

black ◆◆◆ /bl� k/ (blacker , blackest , blacks , blacking , blacked )

1 COLOUR Something that is black is of the darkest colour that there is, the colour of the sky at night when there is no light at all. □� She was wearing a black coat with a white collar. □� He had thick black hair. □� I wear a lot of black. □� He was dressed all in black.

2 ADJ A black person belongs to a race of people with dark skins, especially a race from Africa. □� He worked for the rights of black people. □� �the traditions of the black community.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Black people are sometimes referred to as blacks . This use could cause offence. □� There are about thirty-one million blacks in the U.S�

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Black coffee or tea has no milk or cream added to it. □� A cup of black tea or black coffee contains no calories. □� I drink coffee black.

5 ADJ If you describe a situation as black , you are emphasizing that it is very bad indeed. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was, he said later, one of the blackest days of his political career. □� The future for the industry looks even blacker.

6 ADJ If someone is in a black mood, they feel very miserable and depressed. □� Her mood was blacker than ever.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Black humour involves jokes about sad or difficult situations. □� 'So you can all go over there and get shot,' he said, with the sort of black humour common among British troops here. □� It's a black comedy of racial prejudice, mistaken identity and thwarted expectations.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] People who believe in black magic believe that it is possible to communicate with evil spirits. □� He was also alleged to have conducted black magic ceremonies. □� The King was unjustly accused of practising the black arts.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is black and blue , you mean that they are badly bruised. □� Whenever she refused, he'd beat her black and blue. □� Bud's nose was still black and blue.

10 PHRASE If a person or an organization is in the black , they do not owe anyone any money. □� Until his finances are in the black I don't want to get married.

11 PHRASE If someone gives you a black look , they look at you in a way that shows that they are very angry about something. □� Passing my stall, she cast black looks at the amount of stuff still unsold.

12 PHRASE If you say that a particular colour is the new black , you mean that it has become fashionable. □� Beige is the new black, and works wonders for figures and complexions.

13 PHRASE People say that something is the new black to mean that it is suddenly fashionable or popular. □� Intelligence is the new black, and books with an intellectual content are making a comeback.

▸� black out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you black out , you lose consciousness for a short time. □�[V P ] Samadov said that he felt so ill that he blacked out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a place is blacked out , it is in darkness, usually because it has no electricity supply. □�[be V -ed P ] Large parts of the capital were blacked out after electricity pylons were blown up.

3 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a film or a piece of writing is blacked out , it is prevented from being broadcast or published, usually because it contains information which is secret or offensive. □�[be V -ed P ] TV pictures of the demonstration were blacked out.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you black out a piece of writing, you colour over it in black so that it cannot be seen. □�[V P n] They went through each page, blacking out any information a foreign intelligence expert could use. [Also V n P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you black out the memory of something, you try not to remember it because it upsets you. □�[V n P ] I tried not to think about it. I blacked it out. [Also V P n]

6 →�see also blackout

Bla ck A f|ri|ca N‑PROPER Black Africa is the part of Africa to the south of the Sahara Desert.

bla ck and whi te also black-and-white

1 COLOUR In a black and white photograph or film, everything is shown in black, white, and grey. □� �old black and white film footage.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A black and white television set shows only black-and-white pictures.

3 ADJ A black and white issue or situation is one which involves issues which seem simple and therefore easy to make decisions about. □� She saw things in black and white.

4 PHRASE You say that something is in black and white when it has been written or printed, and not just said. □� He'd seen the proof in black and white.

black|ball /bl� kbɔːl/ (blackballs , blackballing , blackballed ) VERB If the members of a club blackball someone, they vote against that person being allowed to join their club. □�[V n] Members can blackball candidates in secret ballots.

bla ck be lt (black belts )

1 N‑COUNT A black belt is worn by someone who has reached a very high standard in a sport such as judo or karate. □� He holds a black belt in karate.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone who has a black belt in judo or karate as a black belt . □� Murray is a judo black belt.

black|berry /bl� kbəri, [AM ] -beri/ (blackberries ) N‑COUNT A blackberry is a small, soft black or dark purple fruit.

black|bird /bl� kbɜː r d/ (blackbirds )

1 N‑COUNT A blackbird is a common European bird. The male has black feathers and a yellow beak, and the female has brown feathers.

2 N‑COUNT A blackbird is a common North American bird. The male has black feathers and often a red patch on its wings.

black|board /bl� kbɔː r d/ (blackboards ) N‑COUNT A blackboard is a dark-coloured board that you can write on with chalk. [BRIT ] in AM, use chalkboard

bla ck bo x (black boxes )

1 N‑COUNT A black box is an electronic device in an aircraft which records information about its flights. Black boxes are often used to provide evidence about accidents.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a system or device as a black box when you know that it produces a particular result but you have no understanding of how it works. □� They were part of the black box associated with high-flyer management development.

black|cur|rant /bl� kkʌ rənt, [AM ] -kɜːrənt/ (blackcurrants ) N‑COUNT In Europe, blackcurrants are a type of very small, dark purple fruits that grow in bunches on bushes. [BRIT ] □� �a carton of blackcurrant drink.

bla ck eco no|my N‑SING The black economy consists of the buying, selling, and producing of goods or services that goes on without the government being informed, so that people can avoid paying tax on them. [BRIT ] □� �an attempt to clamp down on the black economy.

black|en /bl� kən/ (blackens , blackening , blackened )

1 VERB To blacken something means to make it black or very dark in colour. Something that blackens becomes black or very dark in colour. □�[V n] The married women of Shitamachi maintained the custom of blackening their teeth. □�[V ] You need to grill the tomatoes until the skins blacken.

2 VERB If someone blackens your character, they make other people believe that you are a bad person. □�[V n] They're trying to blacken our name.

bla ck e ye (black eyes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone has a black eye , they have a dark-coloured bruise around their eye. □� We had a fight: I won and he got a black eye.

black|head /bl� khed/ (blackheads ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Blackheads are small, dark spots on someone's skin caused by blocked pores.

bla ck ho le (black holes ) N‑COUNT Black holes are areas in space, where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from them. Black holes are thought to be formed by collapsed stars.

bla ck i ce N‑UNCOUNT Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice on a road or path that is very difficult to see.

black|ish /bl� k I ʃ/ COLOUR Something that is blackish is very dark in colour. □� The water was blackish. □� Katy has long blackish hair.

black|list /bl� kl I st/ (blacklists , blacklisting , blacklisted )

1 N‑COUNT If someone is on a blacklist , they are seen by a government or other organization as being one of a number of people who cannot be trusted or who have done something wrong. □� A government official disclosed that they were on a secret blacklist.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone isblacklisted by a government or organization, they are put on a blacklist. □�[be V -ed] He has been blacklisted since being convicted of possessing marijuana in 1969. □�[V -ed] �the full list of blacklisted airports. ●� black|list|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �a victim of Hollywood's notorious blacklisting.

black|mail /bl� kme I l/ (blackmails , blackmailing , blackmailed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Blackmail is the action of threatening to reveal a secret about someone, unless they do something you tell them to do, such as giving you money. □� It looks like the pictures were being used for blackmail.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe an action as emotional or moral blackmail , you disapprove of it because someone is using a person's emotions or moral values to persuade them to do something against their will. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The tactics employed can range from overt bullying to subtle emotional blackmail.

3 VERB If one person blackmails another person, they use blackmail against them. □�[be V -ed] The government insisted that it would not be blackmailed by violence. □�[V n +�into ] I thought he was trying to blackmail me into saying whatever he wanted. [Also V n +�with ] ●� black|mail|er (blackmailers ) N‑COUNT □� The nasty thing about a blackmailer is that his starting point is usually the truth.

bla ck ma rk (black marks ) N‑COUNT A black markagainst someone is something bad that they have done or a bad quality that they have which affects the way people think about them. □� There was one black mark against him.

bla ck ma r|ket (black markets ) N‑COUNT If something is bought or sold on theblack market , it is bought or sold illegally. □� There is a plentiful supply of arms on the black market.

bla ck mar|ket|ee r (black marketeers ) N‑COUNT A black marketeer is someone who sells goods on the black market. [JOURNALISM ]

black|ness /bl� knəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Blackness is the state of being very dark. [LITERARY ] □� The twilight had turned to a deep blackness.

black|out /bl� kaʊt/ (blackouts ) also black-out

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A blackout is a period of time during a war in which towns and buildings are made dark so that they cannot be seen by enemy planes. □� �blackout curtains.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu n N ] If a blackout is imposed on a particular piece of news, journalists are prevented from broadcasting or publishing it. □� �a media blackout imposed by the Imperial Palace. □� Journalists said there was a virtual news blackout about the rally.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu n N ] If there is a power blackout , the electricity supply to a place is temporarily cut off. □� There was an electricity black-out in a large area in the north of the country.

4 N‑COUNT If you have a blackout , you temporarily lose consciousness. □� I suffered a black-out which lasted for several minutes.

bla ck pe p|per N‑UNCOUNT Black pepper is pepper which is dark in colour and has been made from the dried berries of the pepper plant, including their black outer cases.

bla ck pu d|ding (black puddings ) N‑VAR Black pudding is a thick sausage which has a black skin and is made from pork fat and pig's blood. [mainly BRIT ]

bla ck shee p N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe someone as theblack sheepof their family or of a group that they are a member of, you mean that they are considered bad or worthless by other people in that family or group. [DISAPPROVAL ]

black|smith /bl� ksm I θ/ (blacksmiths ) N‑COUNT A blacksmith is a person whose job is making things by hand out of metal that has been heated to a high temperature.

bla ck spot (black spots ) also blackspot

1 N‑COUNT If you describe a place, time, or part of a situation as a black spot , you mean that it is particularly bad or likely to cause problems. [BRIT ] □� There are recognised black spots in marriages which can lead to trouble.

2 N‑COUNT A black spot is a place on a road where accidents often happen. [BRIT ] □� The accident happened on a notorious black spot on the A43.

bla ck tie also black-tie

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A black tie event is a formal social event such as a party at which people wear formal clothes called evening dress. □� �a black-tie dinner for former students.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If a man is dressed in black tie , he is wearing formal evening dress, which includes a dinner jacket or tuxedo and a bow tie. □� Most of the guests will be wearing black tie.

black|top /bl� ktɒp/ N‑UNCOUNT Blacktop is a hard black substance which is used as a surface for roads. [AM ] □� �waves of heat rising from the blacktop. in BRIT, use tarmac

blad|der /bl� də r / (bladders )

1 N‑COUNT Your bladder is the part of your body where urine is stored until it leaves your body.

2 →�see also gall bladder

blade /ble I d/ (blades )

1 N‑COUNT The blade of a knife, axe, or saw is the edge, which is used for cutting. □� Many of these tools have sharp blades, so be careful.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The blades of a propeller are the long, flat parts that turn round.

3 N‑COUNT The blade of an oar is the thin flat part that you put into the water.

4 N‑COUNT A blade of grass is a single piece of grass.

5 →�see also razor blade , shoulder blade

6rotor blade →�see rotor

blag /bl� g/ (blags , blagging , blagged ) VERB To blag something such as a concert ticket means to persuade someone to give it to you free. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] We'd love to blag backstage tickets for his show.

blah /blɑː / CONVENTION You use blah, blah, blah to refer to something that is said or written without giving the actual words, because you think that they are boring or unimportant. [INFORMAL ] □� �the different challenges of their career, their need to change, to evolve, blah blah blah.

blame ◆◆◇ /ble I m/ (blames , blaming , blamed )

1 VERB If you blame a person or thing for something bad, you believe or say that they are responsible for it or that they caused it. □�[V n +�for ] The commission is expected to blame the army for many of the atrocities. □�[V n +�on ] The bank blamed the error on technological failings. □�[V n] If it wasn't Sam's fault, why was I blaming him? ●�N‑UNCOUNT Blame is also a noun. □� Nothing could relieve my terrible sense of blame.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The blamefor something bad that has happened is the responsibility for causing it or letting it happen. □�[+�for ] Some of the blame for the miscarriage of justice must be borne by the solicitors. □� The president put the blame squarely on his opponent.

3 VERB If you say that you do not blame someone for doing something, you mean that you consider it was a reasonable thing to do in the circumstances. □�[V n +�for ] I do not blame them for trying to make some money. □�[V n] He slammed the door and stormed off. I could hardly blame him.

4 PHRASE If someone is to blamefor something bad that has happened, they are responsible for causing it. □� If their forces were not involved, then who is to blame? □�[+�for ] The policy is partly to blame for causing the worst unemployment in Europe.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone has only themselves to blame or has no-one but themselves to blame , you mean that they are responsible for something bad that has happened to them and that you have no sympathy for them. □� My life is ruined and I suppose I only have myself to blame.

blame|less /ble I mləs/ ADJ Someone who is blameless has not done anything wrong. □� He feels he is blameless. □� The U.S. itself, of course, is not entirely blameless in trading matters.

blanch /blɑː ntʃ, bl� ntʃ/ (blanches , blanching , blanched )

1 VERB If you blanch , you suddenly become very pale. □�[V ] His face blanched as he looked at Sharpe's blood-drenched uniform. □�[V +�at ] She felt herself blanch at the unpleasant memories.

2 VERB If you say that someone blanchesat something, you mean that they find it unpleasant and do not want to be involved with it. □�[V +�at ] Everything he had said had been a mistake. He blanched at his miscalculations.

3 VERB If you blanch vegetables, fruit, or nuts, you put them into boiling water for a short time, usually in order to remove their skins, or to prepare them for freezing. □�[V n] Skin the peaches by blanching them.

blanc|mange /bləmɒ ndʒ/ (blancmanges ) N‑VAR Blancmange is a cold dessert that is made from milk, sugar, cornflour or corn starch, and flavouring, and looks rather like jelly.

bland /bl� nd/ (blander , blandest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as bland , you mean that they are rather dull and unexciting. □� Serle has a blander personality than Howard. □� �a bland, 12-storey office block. ●� bland|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the blandness of television.

2 ADJ Food that is bland has very little flavour. □� It tasted bland and insipid, like warmed cardboard.

blan|dish|ments /bl� nd I ʃmənts/ N‑PLURAL [oft with poss] Blandishments are pleasant things that someone says to another person in order to persuade them to do something. [FORMAL ] □� At first Lewis resisted their blandishments.

bland|ly /bl� ndli/ ADV [ADV with v] If you do something blandly , you do it in a calm and quiet way. □� 'It's not important,' he said blandly. □� The nurse smiled blandly.

blank /bl� ŋk/ (blanks , blanking , blanked )

1 ADJ Something that is blank has nothing on it. □� We could put some of the pictures over on that blank wall over there. □� He tore a blank page from his notebook. □� � a blank screen.

2 N‑COUNT A blank is a space which is left in a piece of writing or on a printed form for you to fill in particular information. □� Put a word in each blank to complete the sentence.

3 ADJ If you look blank , your face shows no feeling, understanding, or interest. □� Abbot looked blank. 'I don't quite follow, sir.'. □� His daughter gave him a blank look. ●� blank|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She stared at him blankly. ●� blank|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� His eyes have the blankness of someone half-asleep.

4 N‑SING If your mind or memory is a blank , you cannot think of anything or remember anything. □� I'm sorry, but my mind is a blank. □� I came round in hospital and did not know where I was. Everything was a complete blank.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Blanks are gun cartridges which contain explosive but do not contain a bullet, so that they cause no harm when the gun is fired. □� �a starter pistol which only fires blanks.

6 →�see also point-blank

7 PHRASE If you draw a blank when you are looking for someone or something, you do not succeed in finding them. [INFORMAL ] □� They drew a blank in their search for the driver.

8 PHRASE If your mind goes blank , you are suddenly unable to think of anything appropriate to say, for example in reply to a question. □� My mind went totally blank.

▸� blank out PHRASAL VERB If you blank out a particular feeling or thought, you do not allow yourself to experience that feeling or to have that thought. □�[V n P ] I learned to blank those feelings out. □�[V P n] I was trying to blank out previous situations from my mind.

bla nk che que (blank cheques ) in AM, use blank check1 N‑COUNT If someone is given a blank cheque , they are given the authority to spend as much money as they need or want. [JOURNALISM ] □� We are not prepared to write a blank cheque for companies that have run into trouble.

2 N‑COUNT If someone is given a blank cheque , they are given the authority to do what they think is best in a particular situation. [JOURNALISM ] □� America should not be given a blank cheque to do whatever it wants.

blan|ket /bl� ŋk I t/ (blankets , blanketing , blanketed )

1 N‑COUNT A blanket is a large square or rectangular piece of thick cloth, especially one which you put on a bed to keep you warm.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A blanketof something such as snow is a continuous layer of it which hides what is below or beyond it. □�[+�of ] The mud disappeared under a blanket of snow. □�[+�of ] Cold damp air brought in the new year under a blanket of fog.

3 VERB If something such as snow blankets an area, it covers it. □�[V n] More than a foot of snow blanketed parts of Michigan.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use blanket to describe something when you want to emphasize that it affects or refers to every person or thing in a group, without any exceptions. [EMPHASIS ] □� It is tempting to support a blanket ban on junk food advertising.

5 →�see also electric blanket , security blanket , wet blanket

bla nk ve rse N‑UNCOUNT Blank verse is poetry that does not rhyme. In English literature it usually consists of lines with five stressed syllables.

blare /bleə r / (blares , blaring , blared ) VERB If something such as a siren or radio blares or if you blare it, it makes a loud, unpleasant noise. □�[V ] The fire engines were just pulling up, sirens blaring. □�[V n] I blared my horn. ●�N‑SING Blare is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the blare of a radio through a thin wall. ●�PHRASAL VERB Blare out means the same as blare . □�[V P ] Music blares out from every cafe. □�[V P n] �giant loudspeakers which blare out patriotic music and the speeches of their leader. [Also V n P ]

blar|ney /blɑː r ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Blarney is things someone says that are flattering and amusing but probably untrue, and which you think they are only saying in order to please you or to persuade you to do something. [DISAPPROVAL ]

bla|s� /blɑː ze I , [AM ] blɑːze I / also blase ADJ If you describe someone as blas� , you mean that they are not easily impressed, excited, or worried by things, usually because they have seen or experienced them before. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] Far too many people are blas� about their driving skills. □� �his seemingly blas� attitude.

blas|pheme /bl�sfiː m/ (blasphemes , blaspheming , blasphemed ) VERB If someone blasphemes , they say rude or disrespectful things about God or religion, or they use God's name as a swear word. □�[V ] 'Don't blaspheme,' my mother said. □�[V +�against ] He had blasphemed against the Mother of God. ●� blas|phem|er (blasphemers ) N‑COUNT □� Such a figure is liable to be attacked as a blasphemer.

blas|phe|mous /bl� sfəməs/ ADJ You can describe someone who shows disrespect for God or a religion as blasphemous . You can also describe what they are saying or doing as blasphemous . □� She was accused of being blasphemous. □� Critics attacked the film as blasphemous.

blas|phe|my /bl� sfəmi/ (blasphemies ) N‑VAR You can describe something that shows disrespect for God or a religion as blasphemy . □� He was found guilty of blasphemy and sentenced to three years in jail.

blast ◆◇◇ /blɑː st, bl� st/ (blasts , blasting , blasted )

1 N‑COUNT A blast is a big explosion, especially one caused by a bomb. □� 250 people were killed in the blast.

2 VERB If something is blasted into a particular place or state, an explosion causes it to be in that place or state. If a hole is blasted in something, it is created by an explosion. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] �a terrible accident in which his left arm was blasted off by some kind of a bomb. □�[V n with adv] The explosion which followed blasted out the external supporting wall of her flat. [Also V n adj, V n prep]

3 VERB If workers are blasting rock, they are using explosives to make holes in it or destroy it, for example so that a road or tunnel can be built. □�[V n] Their work was taken up with boring and blasting rock with gelignite. □�[V n with adv] They're using dynamite to blast away rocks to put a road in. [Also V ] ●� blast|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Three miles away there was a salvo of blasting in the quarry.

4 VERB To blast someone means to shoot them with a gun. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n +�to ] �a son who blasted his father to death after a life-time of bullying. □�[be V -ed +�with ] He was blasted with a sawn-off shotgun in Oldham on Thursday. ●�N‑COUNT Blast is also a noun. □� �the man who killed Nigel Davies with a shotgun blast.

5 VERB If someone blasts their way somewhere, they get there by shooting at people or causing an explosion. □�[V n] The police were reported to have blasted their way into the house using explosives. □�[V n prep/adv] One armoured column attempted to blast a path through a barricade of buses and trucks.

6 VERB If something blasts water or air somewhere, it sends out a sudden, powerful stream of it. □�[V n prep/adv] A blizzard was blasting great drifts of snow across the lake. ●�N‑COUNT Blast is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Blasts of cold air swept down from the mountains.

7 VERB If you blast something such as a car horn, or if it blasts , it makes a sudden, loud sound. If something blasts music, or music blasts , the music is very loud. □�[V n] �drivers who do not blast their horns. □�[V ] The sound of western music blasted as she entered. ●�N‑COUNT Blast is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The buzzer suddenly responded in a long blast of sound.

8 PHRASE If something such as a radio or a heater is on full blast , or on at full blast , it is producing as much sound or power as it is able to. □� In many of those homes the television is on full blast 24 hours a day.

▸� blast away

1 PHRASAL VERB If a gun, or a person firing a gun, blasts away , the gun is fired continuously for a period of time. □�[V P ] Suddenly all the men pull out pistols and begin blasting away.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a radio or a pop group is blasting away , it is producing a loud noise. □�[V P ] Alarms blast away until you get up.

▸� blast off

1 PHRASAL VERB When a space rocket blasts off , it leaves the ground at the start of its journey.

2 →�see also blast-off

▸� blast out PHRASAL VERB If music or noise is blasting out , loud music or noise is being produced. □�[V P n] �loudspeakers blasting out essential tourist facts in every language known to man. □�[V P ] Pop music can be heard 10 miles away blasting out from the huge tented shanty-town.

blast|ed /blɑː st I d, bl� st I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Some people use blasted to express anger or annoyance at something or someone. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , FEELINGS ]

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A blasted landscape has very few plants or trees, and makes you feel sad or depressed when you look at it. [LITERARY ] □� �the blasted landscape where the battle was fought.

bla st fur|nace (blast furnaces ) N‑COUNT A blast furnace is a large structure in which iron ore is heated under pressure so that it melts and the pure iron metal separates out and can be collected.

bla st-off N‑UNCOUNT Blast-off is the moment when a rocket leaves the ground and rises into the air to begin a journey into space. □� The original planned launch was called off four minutes before blast-off.

bla|tant /ble I t ə nt/ ADJ You use blatant to describe something bad that is done in an open or very obvious way. [EMPHASIS ] □� Outsiders will continue to suffer the most blatant discrimination. □� �a blatant attempt to spread the blame for the fiasco. □� The elitism was blatant. ●� bla|tant|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �a blatantly sexist question. □� They said the song blatantly encouraged the killing of police officers.

bla|tant|ly /ble I t ə ntli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] Blatantly is used to add emphasis when you are describing states or situations which you think are bad. [EMPHASIS ] □� It became blatantly obvious to me that the band wasn't going to last. □� For years, blatantly false assertions have gone unchallenged.

blath|er /bl� �ə r / (blathers , blathering , blathered ) VERB If someone is blatheringon about something, they are talking for a long time about something that you consider boring or unimportant. □�[V with on ] The old men blather on and on. □�[V ] Stop blathering. □�[V +�about ] He kept on blathering about police incompetence. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Blather is also a noun. □� Anyone knows that all this is blather.

blaze /ble I z/ (blazes , blazing , blazed )

1 VERB When a fire blazes , it burns strongly and brightly. □�[V ] Three people died as wreckage blazed, and rescuers fought to release trapped drivers. □�[V -ing] �a blazing fire.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A blaze is a large fire which is difficult to control and which destroys a lot of things. [JOURNALISM ] □� Two firemen were hurt in a blaze which swept through a tower block last night.

3 VERB If something blazeswith light or colour, it is extremely bright. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�with ] The gardens blazed with colour. ●�N‑COUNT [usu a N of n] Blaze is also a noun. □� I wanted the front garden to be a blaze of colour.

4 N‑SING A blaze of publicity or attention is a great amount of it. □� He was arrested in a blaze of publicity. □� �the sporting career that began in a blaze of glory.

5 VERB If guns blaze , or blazeaway , they fire continuously, making a lot of noise. □�[V ] Guns were blazing, flares going up and the sky was lit up all around. □�[V with away ] She took the gun and blazed away with calm and deadly accuracy.

6with all guns blazing →�see gun

7 PHRASE If someone blazes a trail , they discover or develop something new. □� These surgeons have blazed the trail in the treatment of bomb victims.

blaz|er /ble I zə r / (blazers ) N‑COUNT A blazer is a kind of jacket which is often worn by members of a particular group, especially schoolchildren and members of a sports team.

blaz|ing /ble I z I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Blazing sun or blazing hot weather is very hot. □� Quite a few people were eating outside in the blazing sun.

bldg (bldgs ) in AM, use bldg.Bldg is a written abbreviation for building , and is used especially in the names of buildings. □� �Old National Bank Bldg.

bleach /bliː tʃ/ (bleaches , bleaching , bleached )

1 VERB If you bleach something, you use a chemical to make it white or pale in colour. □�[V n] These products don't bleach the hair. □�[V -ed] �bleached pine tables. □�[V -ing] �a bleaching agent.

2 VERB If the sun bleaches something, or something bleaches , its colour gets paler until it is almost white. □�[V ] The tree's roots are stripped and hung to season and bleach. □�[V n] The sun will bleach the hairs on your face.

3 N‑VAR Bleach is a chemical that is used to make cloth white, or to clean things thoroughly and kill germs.

bleach|ers /bliː tʃə r z/ N‑PLURAL Thebleachers are a part of an outdoor sports stadium, or the seats in that area, which are usually uncovered and are the least expensive place where people can sit. [AM ]

bleak /bliː k/ (bleaker , bleakest )

1 ADJ If a situation is bleak , it is bad, and seems unlikely to improve. □� The immediate outlook remains bleak. □� Many predicted a bleak future. ●� bleak|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The continued bleakness of the American job market was blamed.

2 ADJ If you describe a place as bleak , you mean that it looks cold, empty, and unattractive. □� The island's pretty bleak. □� �bleak inner-city streets.

3 ADJ When the weather is bleak , it is cold, dull, and unpleasant. □� The weather can be quite bleak on the coast.

4 ADJ If someone looks or sounds bleak , they look or sound depressed, as if they have no hope or energy. □� Alberg gave him a bleak stare. ●� bleak|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� 'There is nothing left,' she says bleakly.

bleary /bl I ə ri/ ADJ If your eyes are bleary , they look dull or tired, as if you have not had enough sleep or have drunk too much alcohol. □� I arrived bleary-eyed and rumpled. □� He stared at Leo with great bleary eyes.

bleat /bliː t/ (bleats , bleating , bleated )

1 VERB When a sheep or goat bleats , it makes the sound that sheep and goats typically make. □�[V ] From the slope below, the wild goats bleated faintly. □�[V -ing] �a small flock of bleating ewes and lambs. ●�N‑COUNT Bleat is also a noun. □� �the faint bleat of a distressed animal.

2 VERB If you say that someone bleatsabout something, you mean that they complain about it in a way which makes them sound weak and irritating. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�about ] They are always bleating about 'unfair' foreign competition. □�[V prep/adv] Don't come bleating to me every time something goes wrong. [Also V that]

bled /ble d/ Bled is the past tense and past participle of bleed .

bleed /bliː d/ (bleeds , bleeding , bled )

1 VERB When you bleed , you lose blood from your body as a result of injury or illness. □�[V ] His head had struck the sink and was bleeding. □�[V +�to ] She's going to bleed to death! ●� bleed|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� This results in internal bleeding.

2 VERB If the colour of one substance bleedsinto the colour of another substance that it is touching, it goes into the other thing so that its colour changes in an undesirable way. □�[V prep] The colouring pigments from the skins are not allowed to bleed into the grape juice.

3 VERB If someone is being bled , money or other resources are gradually being taken away from them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] We have been gradually bled for twelve years. □�[V n] They mean to bleed the British to the utmost.

4 →�see also nosebleed

bleed|ing /bliː d I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Bleeding is used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they feel strongly about something or dislike something. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

blee d|ing e dge The spelling bleeding-edge is used for meaning 2 . 1 N‑SING If you are at thebleeding edgeof a particular field of activity, you are involved in its most advanced or most exciting developments. □� McNally has spent 17 years at the bleeding edge of computing.

2 ADJ Bleeding-edge equipment or technology is the most advanced that there is in a particular field. □� �an RAF facility with bleeding-edge electronics and communications systems.

blee d|ing hea rt (bleeding hearts ) also bleeding-heart N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you describe someone as a bleeding heart , you are criticizing them for being sympathetic towards people who are poor and suffering, without doing anything practical to help. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm not a bleeding heart liberal.

bleep /bliː p/ (bleeps , bleeping , bleeped )

1 N‑COUNT A bleep is a short, high-pitched sound, usually one of a series, that is made by an electrical device. [mainly BRIT ]

2 VERB If something electronic bleeps , it makes a short, high-pitched sound. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V ] When we turned the boat about, the signal began to bleep again constantly.

bleep|er /bliː pə r / (bleepers ) N‑COUNT A bleeper is the same as a beeper . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

blem|ish /ble m I ʃ/ (blemishes , blemishing , blemished )

1 N‑COUNT A blemish is a small mark on something that spoils its appearance. □� Every piece is inspected, and if there is the slightest blemish on it, it is rejected.

2 N‑COUNT A blemishon something is a small fault in it. □�[+�on ] This is the one blemish on an otherwise resounding success.

3 VERB If something blemishes someone's character or reputation, it spoils it or makes it seem less good than it was in the past. □�[V n] He wasn't about to blemish that pristine record.

blem|ished /ble m I ʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use blemished to describe something such as someone's skin or a piece of fruit when its appearance is spoiled by small marks. □� �a skin tonic for oily, blemished complexions.

blend /ble nd/ (blends , blending , blended )

1 VERB If you blend substances together or if they blend , you mix them together so that they become one substance. □�[V n +�with ] Blend the butter with the sugar and beat until light and creamy. □�[V n] Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth cream. □�[V ] Put the soap and water in a pan and leave to stand until they have blended.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A blendof things is a mixture or combination of them that is useful or pleasant. □�[+�of ] The public areas offer a subtle blend of traditional charm with modern amenities.

3 VERB When colours, sounds, or styles blend , they come together or are combined in a pleasing way. □�[V ] You could paint the walls and ceilings the same colour so they blend together. □�[V +�with ] �the picture, furniture and porcelain collections that blend so well with the house itself.

4 VERB If you blend ideas, policies, or styles, you use them together in order to achieve something. □�[V n +�with ] The Glasgow-based cartoonist is a master at blending humour with the macabre. □�[V n] �a band that blended jazz, folk and classical music.

▸� blend in or blend into

1 PHRASAL VERB If something blends into the background, it is so similar to the background that it is difficult to see or hear it separately. □�[V P +�with ] The toad had changed its colour to blend in with its new environment. □�[V P n] �a continuous pale neutral grey, almost blending into the sky.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone blends into a particular group or situation, they seem to belong there, because their appearance or behaviour is similar to that of the other people involved. □�[V P n] It must have reinforced my determination to blend into my surroundings. □�[V P ] She felt she would blend in nicely. □�[V P +�with ] He blended in with the crowd at the art sale.

blend|er /ble ndə r / (blenders ) N‑COUNT A blender is an electrical kitchen appliance used for mixing liquids and soft foods together or turning fruit or vegetables into liquid.

bless /ble s/ (blesses , blessing , blessed )

1 VERB When someone such as a priest blesses people or things, he asks for God's favour and protection for them. □�[V n] �asking for all present to bless this couple and their loving commitment to one another.

2 CONVENTION Bless is used in expressions such as ' God bless ' or ' bless you ' to express affection, thanks, or good wishes. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� 'Bless you, Eva,' he whispered. □� God bless and thank you all so much.

3 CONVENTION You can say ' bless you ' to someone who has just sneezed. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ]

4 →�see also blessed , blessing

bless|ed Pronounced /ble st/ for meaning 1 , and /ble s I d/ for meaning 2 . 1 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If someone is blessed with a particular good quality or skill, they have that good quality or skill. □� Both are blessed with uncommon ability to fix things.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use blessed to describe something that you think is wonderful, and that you are grateful for or relieved about. [APPROVAL ] □� Rainy weather brings blessed relief to hay fever victims. ●� bless|ed|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Most British election campaigns are blessedly brief.

3 →�see also bless

bless|ing /ble s I ŋ/ (blessings )

1 N‑COUNT A blessing is something good that you are grateful for. □�[+�for ] Rivers are a blessing for an agricultural country. □�[+�of ] �the blessings of prosperity.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, with poss] If something is done with someone's blessing , it is done with their approval and support. □�[+�of ] With the blessing of the White House, a group of Democrats in Congress is meeting to find additional budget cuts. □� In April Thai and Indonesian leaders gave their formal blessing to the idea.

3 N‑COUNT A blessing is a prayer asking God to look kindly upon the people who are present or the event that is taking place.

4 →�see also bless

5 PHRASE If you tell someone to count their blessings , you are saying that they should think about how lucky they are instead of complaining. □� Some would argue this was no burden in fact, and that she should count her blessings.

6 PHRASE If you say that something is a blessing in disguise , you mean that it causes problems and difficulties at first but later you realize that it was the best thing that could have happened. □� The failure to conclude the trade talks last December could prove a blessing in disguise.

7 PHRASE If you say that a situation is a mixed blessing , you mean that it has disadvantages as well as advantages. □� For ordinary Italians, Sunday's news probably amounts to a mixed blessing.

blew /bluː / Blew is the past tense of blow .

blight /bla I t/ (blights , blighting , blighted )

1 N‑VAR You can refer to something as a blight when it causes great difficulties, and damages or spoils other things. □� This discriminatory policy has really been a blight on America. □� Manchester still suffers from urban blight and unacceptable poverty.

2 VERB If something blights your life or your hopes, it damages and spoils them. If something blights an area, it spoils it and makes it unattractive. □�[V n] An embarrassing blunder nearly blighted his career before it got off the ground. □�[V -ed] �a strategy to redevelop blighted inner-city areas.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Blight is a disease which makes plants dry up and die.

blight|er /bla I tə r / (blighters )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone you do not like as a blighter . [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was a nasty little blighter.

2 N‑COUNT You can use blighter as an informal way of referring to someone. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Lucky blighter, thought King.

Blighty /bla I ti/ N‑PROPER Blighty is a way of referring to England. [BRIT , HUMOROUS , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� See you back in Blighty!

bli|mey /bla I mi/ EXCLAM You say blimey when you are surprised by something or feel strongly about it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� 'We walked all the way to Moseley.'�'Blimey!'

blimp /bl I mp/ (blimps ) N‑COUNT A blimp is the same as an airship .

blind ◆◇◇ /bla I nd/ (blinds , blinding , blinded )

1 ADJ Someone who is blind is unable to see because their eyes are damaged. □� I started helping him run the business when he went blind. ●�N‑PLURAL The blind are people who are blind. This use could cause offence. □� He was a teacher of the blind. ●� blind|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Early diagnosis and treatment can usually prevent blindness.

2 VERB If something blinds you, it makes you unable to see, either for a short time or permanently. □�[V n] The sun hit the windscreen, momentarily blinding him.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are blindwith something such as tears or a bright light, you are unable to see for a short time because of the tears or light. □�[+�with ] Her mother groped for the back of the chair, her eyes blind with tears. ●� blind|ly ADV □� Lettie groped blindly for the glass.

4 ADJ If you say that someone is blind to a fact or a situation, you mean that they ignore it or are unaware of it, although you think that they should take notice of it or be aware of it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� All the time I was blind to your suffering. ●� blind|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �blindness in government policy to the very existence of the unemployed.

5 VERB If something blinds you to the real situation, it prevents you from realizing that it exists or from understanding it properly. □�[V n +�to ] He never allowed his love of Australia to blind him to his countrymen's faults.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone's beliefs or actions as blind when you think that they seem to take no notice of important facts or behave in an unreasonable way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �her blind faith in the wisdom of the Church. □� Lesley yelled at him with blind, hating rage.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] A blind corner is one that you cannot see round because something is blocking your view. □� He tried to overtake three cars on a blind corner and crashed head-on into a lorry.

8 N‑COUNT A blind is a roll of cloth or paper which you can pull down over a window as a covering.

9 →�see also blinding , blindly , colour-blind , Venetian blind

10 PHRASE If you say that someone is turning a blind eyeto something bad or illegal that is happening, you mean that you think they are pretending not to notice that it is happening so that they will not have to do anything about it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Teachers are turning a blind eye to pupils smoking at school, a report reveals today.

bli nd a l|ley (blind alleys ) N‑COUNT If you describe a situation as a blind alley , you mean that progress is not possible or that the situation can have no useful results. □� Ben wanted to go to drama school, which I worried would end up being a blind alley.

bli nd da te (blind dates ) N‑COUNT A blind date is an arrangement made for you to spend a romantic evening with someone you have never met before.

blind|er /bla I ndə r / (blinders ) N‑PLURAL Blinders are the same as blinkers . [AM ]

blind|fold /bla I ndfoʊld/ (blindfolds , blindfolding , blindfolded )

1 N‑COUNT A blindfold is a strip of cloth that is tied over someone's eyes so that they cannot see.

2 VERB If you blindfold someone, you tie a blindfold over their eyes. □�[V n] His abductors blindfolded him and drove him to a flat in southern Beirut. □�[V -ed] The report says prisoners were often kept blindfolded.

3 ADJ [ADJ after v] If someone does something blindfold , they do it while wearing a blindfold. □� The Australian chess grandmaster took on six opponents blindfold and beat five.

4 PHRASE If you say that you can do something blindfold , you are emphasizing that you can do it easily, for example because you have done it many times before. [EMPHASIS ] □� He read the letter again although already he could have recited its contents blindfold.

blind|ing /bla I nd I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A blinding light is extremely bright. □� The doctor worked busily beneath the blinding lights of the delivery room.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use blinding to emphasize that something is very obvious. [EMPHASIS ] □� I woke up in the middle of the night with a blinding flash of realization. ●� blind|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� It is so blindingly obvious that defence must be the responsibility of the state.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Blinding pain is very strong pain. □� There was a pain then, a quick, blinding agony that jumped along Danlo's spine.

blind|ly /bla I ndli/

1 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you say that someone does something blindly , you mean that they do it without having enough information, or without thinking about it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Don't just blindly follow what the banker says. □� Without adequate information, many students choose a college almost blindly.

2 →�see also blind

bli nd spot (blind spots )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that someone has a blind spot about something, you mean that they seem to be unable to understand it or to see how important it is. □� The prime minister has a blind spot on ethical issues. □� When I was single I never worried about money�it was a bit of a blind spot.

2 N‑COUNT A blind spot is an area in your range of vision that you cannot see properly but which you really should be able to see. For example, when you are driving a car, the area just behind your shoulders is often a blind spot.

bli nd tru st (blind trusts ) N‑COUNT A blind trust is a financial arrangement in which someone's investments are managed without the person knowing where the money is invested. Blind trusts are used especially by people such as members of parliament, so that they cannot be accused of using their position to make money unfairly. [BUSINESS ] □� His shares were placed in a blind trust when he became a government minister.

bling /bl I ŋ/ or bling-bling N‑UNCOUNT Some people refer to expensive or fancy jewellery as bling or bling-bling . [INFORMAL ] □� Big-name jewellers are battling it out to get celebrities to wear their bling. □� �gangsta rap's love of bling-bling.

blink /bl I ŋk/ (blinks , blinking , blinked )

1 VERB When you blink or when you blink your eyes, you shut your eyes and very quickly open them again. □�[V ] Kathryn blinked and forced a smile. □�[V n] She was blinking her eyes rapidly. □�[V +�at ] He blinked at her. ●�N‑COUNT Blink is also a noun. □� He kept giving quick blinks.

2 VERB When a light blinks , it flashes on and off. □�[V ] Green and yellow lights blinked on the surface of the harbour. □�[V on ] A warning light blinked on. [Also V out/off ]

3 PHRASE If a machine goes on the blink , it stops working properly. [INFORMAL ] □� �an old TV that's on the blink.

blink|ered /bl I ŋkə r d/ ADJ A blinkered view, attitude, or approach is narrow and does not take into account other people's opinions. A blinkered person has this kind of attitude. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They've got a very blinkered view of life. □� Haig was limited by his blinkered approach to strategy and tactics.

blink|ers /bl I ŋkə r z/ N‑PLURAL Blinkers are two pieces of leather which are placed at the side of a horse's eyes so that it can only see straight ahead. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use blinders

blip /bl I p/ (blips )

1 N‑COUNT A blip is a small spot of light, sometimes occurring with a short, high-pitched sound, which flashes on and off regularly on a piece of equipment such as a radar screen.

2 N‑COUNT A blip in a straight line, such as the line on a graph, is a point at which the line suddenly makes a sharp change of direction before returning to its original direction.

3 N‑COUNT A blip in a situation is a sudden but temporary change or interruption in it. □� �a minor blip in the upward trajectory of the markets.

bliss /bl I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Bliss is a state of complete happiness. □� It was a scene of such domestic bliss.

bliss|ful /bl I sfʊl/

1 ADJ A blissful situation or period of time is one in which you are extremely happy. □� We spent a blissful week together. □� There's just nothing more blissful than lying by that pool. ●� bliss|ful|ly /bl I sfʊli/ ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� We're blissfully happy. □� The summer passed blissfully.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone is in blissful ignorance of something unpleasant or serious, they are totally unaware of it. □� Many country parishes were still living in blissful ignorance of the post-war crime wave. ●� bliss|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV before v] □� At first, he was blissfully unaware of the conspiracy against him.

blis|ter /bl I stə r / (blisters , blistering , blistered )

1 N‑COUNT A blister is a painful swelling on the surface of your skin. Blisters contain a clear liquid and are usually caused by heat or by something repeatedly rubbing your skin.

2 VERB When your skin blisters or when something blisters it, blisters appear on it. □�[V ] The affected skin turns red and may blister. □�[V n] The sap of this plant blisters the skin. □�[V -ed] �pausing to bathe their blistered feet.

blis|ter|ing /bl I stər I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Blistering heat is very great heat. □� �a blistering summer day.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A blistering remark expresses great anger or dislike. □� The president responded to this with a blistering attack on his critics.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Blistering is used to describe actions in sport to emphasize that they are done with great speed or force. [JOURNALISM , EMPHASIS ] □� David set a blistering pace at first.

blithe /bla I �/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use blithe to indicate that something is done casually, without serious or careful thought. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It does so with blithe disregard for best scientific practice. ●� blithe|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Your editorial blithely ignores the hard facts.

blitz /bl I ts/ (blitzes , blitzing , blitzed )

1 VERB If a city or building is blitzed during a war, it is attacked by bombs dropped by enemy aircraft. □�[be V -ed] In the autumn of 1940, London was blitzed by an average of two hundred aircraft a night. □�[V n] They blitzed the capital with tanks, artillery, anti-aircraft weapons and machine guns.

2 N‑PROPER The heavy bombing of British cities by German aircraft in 1940 and 1941 is referred to as the Blitz .

3 N‑COUNT If you have a blitzon something, you make a big effort to deal with it or to improve it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] Regional accents are still acceptable but there is to be a blitz on incorrect grammar.

4 N‑COUNT An advertising or publicity blitz is a major effort to make the public aware of something. □� On December 8, the media blitz began in earnest.

blitz|krieg /bl I tskriːg/ (blitzkriegs )

1 N‑COUNT A blitzkrieg is a fast and intense military attack that takes the enemy by surprise and is intended to achieve a very quick victory.

2 N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes refer to a rapid and powerful attack or campaign in, for example, sport, politics, or advertising as a blitzkrieg . [INFORMAL ] □� �a blitzkrieg of media hype.

bliz|zard /bl I zə r d/ (blizzards ) N‑COUNT A blizzard is a very heavy snowstorm with strong winds.

bloat|ed /bloʊ t I d/

1 ADJ If someone's body or a part of their body is bloated , it is much larger than normal, usually because it has a lot of liquid or gas inside it. □� �the bloated body of a dead bullock. □� His face was bloated.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you feel bloated after eating a large meal, you feel very full and uncomfortable. □� Diners do not want to leave the table feeling bloated.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an organization as bloated , you mean that it is larger and less efficient than it should be. □� �its massive state apparatus and bloated bureaucracy.

bloat|ing /bloʊ t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Bloating is the swelling of a body or part of a body, usually because it has a lot of gas or liquid in it. □� �abdominal bloating and pain.

blob /blɒ b/ (blobs )

1 N‑COUNT A blobof thick or sticky liquid is a small, often round, amount of it. [INFORMAL ] □� �a blob of chocolate mousse.

2 N‑COUNT You can use blob to refer to something that you cannot see very clearly, for example because it is in the distance. [INFORMAL ] □� You could just see vague blobs of faces.

bloc /blɒ k/ (blocs )

1 N‑COUNT A bloc is a group of countries which have similar political aims and interests and that act together over some issues. □� �the former Soviet bloc. □� �the world's largest trading bloc.

2 →�see also en bloc

block ◆◆◇ /blɒ k/ (blocks , blocking , blocked )

1 N‑COUNT A block of flats or offices is a large building containing them. □�[+�of ] �blocks of council flats. □� �a white-painted apartment block.

2 N‑COUNT A block in a town is an area of land with streets on all its sides. □� She walked four blocks down High Street. □� He walked around the block three times.

3 N‑COUNT A blockof a substance is a large rectangular piece of it. □�[+�of ] �a block of ice.

4 VERB To block a road, channel, or pipe means to put an object across it or in it so that nothing can pass through it or along it. □�[V n] Some students today blocked a highway that cuts through the center of the city. □�[V -ed] He can clear blocked drains.

5 VERB If something blocks your view, it prevents you from seeing something because it is between you and that thing. □�[V n] �a row of spruce trees that blocked his view of the long north slope of the mountain.

6 VERB If you block someone's way, you prevent them from going somewhere or entering a place by standing in front of them. □�[V n] I started to move round him, but he blocked my way.

7 VERB If you block something that is being arranged, you prevent it from being done. □�[V n] For years the country has tried to block imports of various cheap foreign products.

8 N‑COUNT A blockof something such as tickets or shares is a large quantity of them, especially when they are all sold at the same time and are in a particular sequence or order. □�[+�of ] Those booking a block of seats get them at reduced rates.

9 N‑COUNT If you have a mental block or a block , you are temporarily unable to do something that you can normally do which involves using, thinking about, or remembering something.

10 →�see also breeze-block , building block , roadblock , starting block , stumbling block , tower block

11a chip off the old block →�see chip

▸� block in PHRASAL VERB If you are blocked in , someone has parked their car in such a way that you cannot drive yours away. □�[get V -ed P ] Our cars get blocked in and we can't leave for ages. □�[V n P ] Oh, is that your car outside? I may have blocked you in. [Also V P n]

▸� block off PHRASAL VERB When you block off a door, window, or passage, you put something across it so that nothing can pass through it. □�[V P n] They had blocked off the fireplaces to stop draughts. [Also V n P ]

▸� block out

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone blocks out a thought, they try not to think about it. □�[V P n] She accuses me of having blocked out the past. □�[V n P +�of ] I had to block the thought out of my mind.

2 PHRASAL VERB Something that blocks out light prevents it from reaching a place. □�[V P n] Thick chipboard across the window frames blocked out the daylight. □�[V n P ] Those clouds would have cast shadows that would have blocked some sunlight out.

block|ade /blɒke I d/ (blockades , blockading , blockaded )

1 N‑COUNT A blockade of a place is an action that is taken to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving it. □�[+�of ] Striking lorry drivers agreed to lift their blockades of main roads. □�[+�of ] �the economic blockade of Lithuania.

2 VERB If a group of people blockade a place, they stop goods or people from reaching that place. If they blockade a road or a port, they stop people using that road or port. □�[V n] Truck drivers have blockaded roads to show their anger over new driving regulations. [Also V -ed]

block|age /blɒ k I dʒ/ (blockages ) N‑COUNT A blockagein a pipe, tube, or tunnel is an object which blocks it, or the state of being blocked. □� �a total blockage in one of the coronary arteries.

block|bust|er /blɒ kbʌstə r / (blockbusters ) N‑COUNT A blockbuster is a film or book that is very popular and successful, usually because it is very exciting. [INFORMAL ]

block|bust|ing /blɒ kbʌst I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A blockbusting film or book is one that is very successful, usually because it is very exciting. [JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □� �a four-hour blockbusting disaster movie spread over two nights.

blo ck ca pi|tals N‑PLURAL [usu in N ] Block capitals are simple capital letters that are not decorated in any way.

blo ck le t|ters N‑PLURAL [usu in N ] Block letters are the same as block capitals .

blo ck vo te (block votes ) N‑COUNT A block vote is a large number of votes that are all cast in the same way by one person on behalf of a group of people.

blog /blɒ g, [AM ] blɔː g/ (blogs , blogging , blogged )

1 N‑COUNT A blog is a website where someone regularly records their thoughts or experiences or talks about a subject [COMPUTING ] □� When Barbieux started his blog, his aspirations were small; he simply hoped to communicate with a few people. ●� blog|ger (bloggers ) N‑COUNT □� While most bloggers comment on news reported elsewhere, some do their own reporting. ●� blog|ging N‑UNCOUNT □� �the explosion in the popularity of blogging.

2 VERB Someone who blogs writes a blog. □�[V n] She blogs about US politics.

blogo|sphere /blɒ gəsf I ə r / or blogsphere /blɒ gsf I ə r / N‑SING In computer technology, theblogosphere or theblogsphere is all the weblogs on the internet, considered collectively. [COMPUTING ] □� The blogosphere has been buzzing with theories as to who the victim is. □� The blogsphere has changed a lot in the past few years.

blog|post /blɒ gpoʊst/ (blogposts ) N‑COUNT A blogpost is a piece of writing that forms part of a regular blog. □� His latest blogpost describes the journey.

bloke /bloʊ k/ (blokes ) N‑COUNT A bloke is a man. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He is a really nice bloke.

blonde /blɒ nd/ (blondes , blonder , blondest ) The form blonde is usually used to refer to women, and blond to refer to men. 1 COLOUR A woman who has blonde hair has pale-coloured hair. Blonde hair can be very light brown or light yellow. The form blond is used when describing men. □� There were two little girls, one Asian and one with blonde hair. □� The baby had blond curls.

2 ADJ Someone who is blonde has blonde hair. □� He was blonder than his brother. □� �the striking blond actor.

3 N‑COUNT A blonde is a woman who has blonde hair.

blo nde bo mb|shell (blonde bombshells ) N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes use blonde bombshell to refer to a woman with blonde hair who is very attractive. [INFORMAL ]

blood ◆◆◇ /blʌ d/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Blood is the red liquid that flows inside your body, which you can see if you cut yourself.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use blood to refer to the race or social class of someone's parents or ancestors. □� There was Greek blood in his veins.

3 PHRASE If you say that there is bad bloodbetween people, you mean that they have argued about something and dislike each other. □� There is, it seems, some bad blood between Mills and the Baldwins.

4 PHRASE If you say that something makes your blood boil , you are emphasizing that it makes you very angry. [EMPHASIS ] □� It makes my blood boil to think two thugs decided to pick on an innocent young girl.

5 PHRASE If something violent and cruel is done in cold blood , it is done deliberately and in an unemotional way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The crime had been committed in cold blood.

6 →�see also cold-blooded

7 PHRASE If you say that something makes your blood run cold or makes your blood freeze , you mean that it makes you feel very frightened. [EMPHASIS ] □� The rage in his eyes made her blood run cold. □� He could hear a sudden roaring. His blood froze.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone has a person's blood on their hands , you mean that they are responsible for that person's death. □� He has my son's blood on his hands. I hope it haunts him for the rest of his days.

9 PHRASE If a quality or talent is in your blood , it is part of your nature, and other members of your family have it too. □� Diplomacy was in his blood: his ancestors had been feudal lords. □� He has adventure in his blood.

10 PHRASE You can use the expressions new blood , fresh blood , or young blood to refer to people who are brought into an organization to improve it by thinking of new ideas or new ways of doing things. □� There's been a major reshuffle of the cabinet to bring in new blood.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone sweats blood trying to do something, you are emphasizing that they try very hard to do it. [EMPHASIS ] □� I had to sweat blood for an M.A.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone draws first blood , you mean that they have had a success at the beginning of a competition or conflict. [mainly BRIT ] □� The home side drew first blood with a penalty from Murray Strang.

13flesh and blood →�see flesh

14own flesh and blood →�see flesh COLLOCATIONS blood NOUN 1

verb +�blood : shed, spill; lose

bloo d and thu n|der also blood-and-thunder ADJ [ADJ n] A blood and thunder performer or performance is very loud and emotional. □� He was a blood-and-thunder preacher.

bloo d bank (blood banks ) N‑COUNT A blood bank is a place where blood which has been taken from blood donors is stored until it is needed for people in hospital.

blood|bath /blʌ dbɑːθ, -b�θ/ (bloodbaths ) also blood bath N‑COUNT If you describe an event as a bloodbath , you are emphasizing that a lot of people were killed very violently. [EMPHASIS ] □� The war degenerated into a bloodbath of tribal killings.

bloo d broth|er (blood brothers ) also blood-brother N‑COUNT A man's blood brother is a man he has sworn to treat as a brother, often in a ceremony which involves mixing a small amount of their blood.

bloo d count (blood counts ) N‑COUNT Your blood count is the number of red and white cells in your blood. A blood count can also refer to a medical examination which determines the number of red and white cells in your blood. □� Her blood count was normal. □� We do a blood count to ensure that all is well.

bloo d-curdling also bloodcurdling ADJ [usu ADJ n] A blood-curdling sound or story is very frightening and horrible. □� �blood-curdling tales.

blo od do|nor (blood donors ) N‑COUNT A blood donor is someone who gives some of their blood so that it can be used in operations.

bloo d feud (blood feuds ) N‑COUNT A blood feud is a long-lasting, bitter disagreement between two or more groups of people, particularly family groups. Blood feuds often involve members of each group murdering or fighting with members of the other.

bloo d group (blood groups ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's blood group is the type of blood that they have in their body. There are four main types: A, B, AB, and O.

bloo d hea t N‑UNCOUNT Blood heat is a temperature of 37�C, which is about the same as the normal temperature of the human body.

blood|hound /blʌ dhaʊnd/ (bloodhounds ) N‑COUNT A bloodhound is a large dog with a very good sense of smell. Bloodhounds are often used to find people or other animals by following their scent.

blood|less /blʌ dləs/

1 ADJ A bloodless coup or victory is one in which nobody is killed. □� Reports from the area indicate that it was a bloodless coup. □� The campaign would be short and relatively bloodless. ●� blood|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� This war had to be fought fast and relatively bloodlessly.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's face or skin as bloodless , you mean that it is very pale. □� �her face grey and bloodless.

bloo d-letting

1 N‑UNCOUNT Blood-letting is violence or killing between groups of people, especially between rival armies. □� Once again there's been ferocious blood-letting in the township.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Journalists sometimes refer to a bitter quarrel between two groups of people from within the same organization as blood-letting . □� Hopefully a satisfactory solution can be reached without much blood-letting.

blood|line /blʌ dla I n/ (bloodlines ) N‑COUNT A person's bloodline is their ancestors over many generations, and the characteristics they are believed to have inherited from these ancestors.

bloo d lust also blood-lust N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If you say that someone is driven by a blood lust , you mean that they are acting in an extremely violent way because their emotions have been aroused by the events around them. □� The mobs became driven by a crazed blood-lust to take the city.

bloo d mon|ey

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone makes a payment of blood money to the family of someone who has been killed, they pay that person's family a sum of money as compensation. □� The US agreed to pay blood money to the families of the two victims.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Blood money is money that is paid to someone for murdering someone.

bloo d poi|son|ing N‑UNCOUNT Blood poisoning is a serious illness resulting from an infection in your blood.

bloo d pres|sure N‑UNCOUNT Your blood pressure is the amount of force with which your blood flows around your body. □� Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure. □� The Prime Minister had been taken ill with high blood pressure.

blo od pu d|ding (blood puddings ) N‑VAR Blood pudding is another word for black pudding .

bloo d-re d also blood red COLOUR Something that is blood-red is bright red in colour. □� �blood-red cherries.

bloo d re|la|tion (blood relations ) also blood relative N‑COUNT A blood relation or blood relative is someone who is related to you by birth rather than by marriage.

blood|shed /blʌ dʃed/ N‑UNCOUNT Bloodshed is violence in which people are killed or wounded. □� The government must increase the pace of reforms to avoid further bloodshed.

blood|shot /blʌ dʃɒt/ ADJ If your eyes are bloodshot , the parts that are usually white are red or pink. Your eyes can be bloodshot for a variety of reasons, for example because you are tired or you have drunk too much alcohol. □� John's eyes were bloodshot and puffy.

bloo d sport (blood sports ) also bloodsport N‑COUNT Blood sports are sports such as hunting in which animals are killed.

blood|stain /blʌ dste I n/ (bloodstains ) N‑COUNT A bloodstain is a mark on a surface caused by blood.

blood|stained /blʌ dste I nd/ ADJ Someone or something that is bloodstained is covered with blood. □� The killer must have been heavily bloodstained. □� �bloodstained clothing.

blood|stock /blʌ dstɒk/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Horses that are bred for racing are referred to as bloodstock .

blood|stream /blʌ dstriːm/ (bloodstreams ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your bloodstream is the blood that flows around your body. □� The disease releases toxins into the bloodstream.

blood|sucker /blʌ dsʌkə r / (bloodsuckers )

1 N‑COUNT A bloodsucker is any creature that sucks blood from a wound that it has made in an animal or person.

2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a bloodsucker , you disapprove of them because you think they do not do anything worthwhile but live off the efforts of other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� At last he was free from the financial bloodsuckers.

bloo d test (blood tests ) N‑COUNT A blood test is a medical examination of a small amount of your blood.

blood|thirsty /blʌ dθɜː r sti/ ADJ Bloodthirsty people are eager to use violence or display a strong interest in violent things. You can also use bloodthirsty to refer to very violent situations. □� They were savage and bloodthirsty. □� �some of the most tragic scenes witnessed even in this bloodthirsty war.

bloo d trans|fu|sion (blood transfusions ) N‑VAR A blood transfusion is a process in which blood is injected into the body of a person who is badly injured or ill.

bloo d type (blood types ) N‑COUNT Someone's blood type is the same as their blood group .

bloo d ves|sel (blood vessels ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Blood vessels are the narrow tubes through which your blood flows.

bloody ◆◇◇ /blʌ di/ (bloodier , bloodiest , bloodies , bloodying , bloodied )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bloody is used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are angry. [BRIT , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation or event as bloody , you mean that it is very violent and a lot of people are killed. □� Forty-three demonstrators were killed in bloody clashes. □� They came to power after a bloody civil war. ●� bloodi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Rebellions in the area were bloodily repressed by pro-government forces.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone or something as bloody if they are covered in a lot of blood. □� He was arrested last October, still carrying a bloody knife. □� Yulka's fingers were bloody and cracked. ●� bloodi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The soldier reeled bloodily away.

4 VERB If you have bloodied part of your body, there is blood on it, usually because you have had an accident or you have been attacked. □�[V n] One of our children fell and bloodied his knee. □�[V -ed] She stared at her own bloodied hands, unable to think or move.

Bloody Mary /blʌ di meə ri/ (Bloody Marys ) also bloody mary N‑COUNT A Bloody Mary is a drink made from vodka and tomato juice.

bloo dy-mi nded ADJ If you say that someone is being bloody-minded , you are showing that you disapprove of their behaviour because you think they are being deliberately difficult instead of being helpful. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He had a reputation for being bloody-minded and difficult. ●� bloody-mindedness N‑UNCOUNT □� This is sheer bloody-mindedness. □� �a rare mixture of courage and bloody-mindedness.

bloom /bluː m/ (blooms , blooming , bloomed )

1 N‑COUNT A bloom is the flower on a plant. [LITERARY , TECHNICAL ] □� �the sweet fragrance of the white blooms. □� Harry carefully picked the bloom.

2 PHRASE A plant or tree that is in bloom has flowers on it. □� �a pink climbing rose in full bloom. □� �the sweet smell of the blackberry in bloom.

3 VERB When a plant or tree blooms , it produces flowers. When a flower blooms , it opens. □�[V ] This plant blooms between May and June. ●� -blooming COMB □� �the scent of night-blooming flowers.

4 VERB If someone or something blooms , they develop good, attractive, or successful qualities. □�[V ] Not many economies bloomed that year, least of all gold exporters like Australia. □�[V +�into ] She bloomed into an utterly beautiful creature.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If something such as someone's skin has a bloom , it has a fresh and healthy appearance. □� The skin loses its youthful bloom.

6 →�see also blooming

bloom|ers /bluː mə r z/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Bloomers are an old-fashioned kind of women's underwear which consists of wide, loose trousers gathered at the knees.

bloom|ing /bluː m I ŋ/ ADJ Someone who is blooming looks attractively healthy and full of energy. □� She's in blooming health. □� If they were blooming with confidence they wouldn't need me.

bloop|er /bluː pə r / (bloopers ) N‑COUNT A blooper is a silly mistake. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� �the overwhelming appeal of television bloopers.

blos|som /blɒ səm/ (blossoms , blossoming , blossomed )

1 N‑VAR Blossom is the flowers that appear on a tree before the fruit. □� The cherry blossom came out early in Washington this year. □� �the blossoms of plants, shrubs and trees.

2 VERB If someone or something blossoms , they develop good, attractive, or successful qualities. □�[V ] Why do some people take longer than others to blossom? □�[V +�into ] What began as a local festival has blossomed into an international event. □�[V -ing] The pair have tried to keep their blossoming relationship under wraps. ●� blos|som|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the blossoming of British art, pop and fashion.

3 VERB When a tree blossoms , it produces blossom. □�[V ] Rain begins to fall and peach trees blossom.

blot /blɒ t/ (blots , blotting , blotted )

1 N‑COUNT If something is a blot on a person's or thing's reputation, it spoils their reputation. □�[+�on ] �a blot on the reputation of the architectural profession. □�[+�on ] This drugs scandal is another blot on the competition.

2 N‑COUNT A blot is a drop of liquid that has fallen on to a surface and has dried. □� �an ink blot.

3 VERB If you blot a surface, you remove liquid from it by pressing a piece of soft paper or cloth onto it. □�[V n] Before applying make-up, blot the face with a tissue to remove any excess oils. [Also V n adj]

4 PHRASE If you describe something such as a building as ablot on the landscape , you mean that you think it is very ugly and spoils an otherwise attractive place. □� The developers insist the �80m village will not leave a blot on the landscape.

▸� blot out

1 PHRASAL VERB If one thing blots out another thing, it is in front of the other thing and prevents it from being seen. □�[V P n] About the time the three climbers were halfway down, clouds blotted out the sun. □�[V n P ] �with mist blotting everything out except the endless black of the spruce on either side.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you try to blot out a memory, you try to forget it. If one thought or memory blots out other thoughts or memories, it becomes the only one that you can think about. □�[V P n] Are you saying that she's trying to blot out all memory of the incident? □�[V n P ] The boy has gaps in his mind about it. He is blotting certain things out. □�[V n P +�of ] She has suffered an extremely unhappy childhood, but simply blotted it out of her memory.

blotch /blɒ tʃ/ (blotches ) N‑COUNT A blotch is a small unpleasant-looking area of colour, for example on someone's skin.

blotched /blɒ tʃt/ ADJ Something that is blotched has blotches on it. □� Her face is blotched and swollen. □�[+�with ] �a dozen cargo planes blotched with camouflage colors.

blotchy /blɒ tʃi/ ADJ Something that is blotchy has blotches on it. □� My skin goes red and blotchy. □� �blotchy marks on the leaves.

blot|ter /blɒ tə r / (blotters ) N‑COUNT A blotter is a large sheet of blotting paper kept in a special holder on a desk.

blo t|ting pa|per N‑UNCOUNT Blotting paper is thick soft paper that you use for soaking up and drying ink on a piece of paper.

blouse /blaʊ z, [AM ] blaʊ s/ (blouses ) N‑COUNT A blouse is a kind of shirt worn by a girl or woman.

blow

➊�VERB USES

➋�NOUN USES

➊ blow ◆◆◇ /bloʊ / (blows , blowing , blew , blown )

→�Please look at categories 15 to 22 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB When a wind or breeze blows , the air moves. □�[V ] We woke to find a gale blowing outside.

2 VERB If the wind blows something somewhere or if it blows there, the wind moves it there. □�[V n with adv] Strong winds blew away most of the dust. □�[V adv/prep] Her cap fell off in the street and blew away. □�[V ] The bushes and trees were blowing in the wind. [Also V n prep]

3 VERB If you blow , you send out a stream of air from your mouth. □�[V prep/adv] Danny rubbed his arms and blew on his fingers to warm them. □�[V ] Take a deep breath and blow.

4 VERB If you blow something somewhere, you move it by sending out a stream of air from your mouth. □�[V n with adv] He picked up his mug and blew off the steam. [Also V n prep]

5 VERB If you blow bubbles or smoke rings, you make them by blowing air out of your mouth through liquid or smoke. □�[V n] He blew a ring of blue smoke.

6 VERB When a whistle or horn blows or someone blows it, they make a sound by blowing into it. □�[V ] The whistle blew and the train slid forward. □�[V n] A guard was blowing his whistle.

7 VERB When you blow your nose, you force air out of it through your nostrils in order to clear it. □�[V n] He took out a handkerchief and blew his nose.

8 VERB To blow something out , off , or away means to remove or destroy it violently with an explosion. □�[V n with adv] The can exploded, wrecking the kitchen and bathroom and blowing out windows. □�[V n prep] Rival gunmen blew the city to bits.

9 VERB If you say that something blows an event, situation, or argument into a particular extreme state, especially an uncertain or unpleasant state, you mean that it causes it to be in that state. □�[V n prep] Someone took my comment and tried to blow it into a major controversy.

10 VERB If you blow a large amount of money, you spend it quickly on luxuries. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] My brother lent me some money and I went and blew the lot.

11 VERB If you blow a chance or attempt to do something, you make a mistake which wastes the chance or causes the attempt to fail. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He has almost certainly blown his chance of touring India this winter. □�[V n] �the high-risk world of real estate, where one careless word could blow a whole deal. □�[V it ] Oh you fool! You've blown it!

12 →�see also full-blown , overblown

13to blow away the cobwebs →�see cobweb

14to blow someone's cover →�see cover

15to blow hot and cold →�see hot

16to blow a kiss →�see kiss

17to blow your top →�see top

18to blow the whistle →�see whistle

▸� blow away PHRASAL VERB If you say that you are blown awayby something, or if it blows you away , you mean that you are very impressed by it. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed P ] I was blown away by the tone and the quality of the story. □�[V n P ] She just totally blew me away with her singing.

▸� blow out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you blow out a flame or a candle, you blow at it so that it stops burning. □�[V P n] I blew out the candle. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see also blowout

▸� blow over PHRASAL VERB If something such as trouble or an argument blows over , it ends without any serious consequences. □�[V P ] Wait, and it'll all blow over.

▸� blow up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone blows something up or if it blows up , it is destroyed by an explosion. □�[V P n] He was jailed for 45 years for trying to blow up a plane. □�[V P ] Their boat blew up as they slept. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you blow up something such as a balloon or a tyre, you fill it with air. □�[V P n] Other than blowing up a tyre I hadn't done any car maintenance. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If a wind or a storm blows up , the weather becomes very windy or stormy. □�[V P ] A storm blew up over the mountains.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you blow upat someone, you lose your temper and shout at them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�at ] I'm sorry I blew up at you. □�[V P ] When Myra told Karp she'd expose his past, he blew up.

5 PHRASAL VERB If someone blows an incident up or if it blows up , it is made to seem more serious or important than it really is. □�[V P n] Newspapers blew up the story. □�[V n P ] The media may be blowing it up out of proportion. □�[V P prep/adv] The scandal blew up into a major political furore. [Also V P ]

6 PHRASAL VERB If a photographic image is blown up , a large copy is made of it. □�[be V -ed P ] The image is blown up on a large screen. □�[V -ed P ] �two blown up photos of Paddy. [Also V P n, V n P ]

7 →�see also blow-up

➋ blow ◆◇◇ /bloʊ / (blows )

1 N‑COUNT If someone receives a blow , they are hit with a fist or weapon. □�[+�to/on ] He went off to hospital after a blow to the face.

2 N‑COUNT If something that happens is a blowto someone or something, it is very upsetting, disappointing, or damaging to them. □�[+�to ] That ruling comes as a blow to environmentalists. □�[+�to ] His death dealt a severe blow to the army's morale.

3 PHRASE If two people or groups come to blows , they start fighting. □� The representatives almost came to blows at a meeting. USAGE explode or blow up?

If someone destroys a building with a bomb, you say that they blow it up . Don�t say � He wanted to explode the place .� Say �He wanted to blow the place up �.

blo w-by-blo w ADJ [usu ADJ n] A blow-by-blow account of an event describes every stage of it in great detail. [INFORMAL ] □� She wanted a blow-by-blow account of what happened.

blo w-dry (blow-dries , blow-drying , blow-dried ) VERB If you blow-dry your hair, you dry it with a hairdryer, often to give it a particular style. □�[V n] I find it hard to blow-dry my hair. □�[V -ed] He has blow-dried blonde hair. ●�N‑SING Blow-dry is also a noun. □� The price of a cut and blow-dry varies widely.

blow|er /bloʊ ə r / N‑SING The blower is the telephone. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

blow|lamp /bloʊ l�mp/ (blowlamps ) also blow lamp N‑COUNT A blowlamp is a device which produces a hot flame, and is used to heat metal or remove old paint. [BRIT ] in AM, use blowtorch

blown /bloʊ n/ Blown is the past participle of blow .

blow|out /bloʊ aʊt/ (blowouts ) also blow-out

1 N‑COUNT A blowout is a large meal, often a celebration with family or friends, at which people may eat too much. [INFORMAL ] □� Once in a while we had a major blowout.

2 N‑COUNT If you have a blowout while you are driving a car, one of the tyres suddenly bursts. □� A lorry travelling south had a blow-out and crashed.

3 N‑COUNT A blowoutin an amount or a price is a sudden increase in it. [AUSTRALIAN , JOURNALISM ] □�[+�in ] �a blowout in surgery costs.

blow|torch /bloʊ tɔː r tʃ/ (blowtorches ) N‑COUNT A blowtorch is the same as a blowlamp .

blo w-up (blow-ups ) also blowup

1 N‑COUNT A blow-up is a photograph or picture that has been made bigger. [INFORMAL ] □� �blow-ups of photographs she found on the internet.

2 N‑COUNT A blow-up is a sudden fierce argument. [INFORMAL ] □� He and Cohen appeared headed for a major blowup.

blub /blʌ b/ (blubs , blubbing , blubbed ) VERB If someone blubs , they cry because they are unhappy or frightened. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V ] Don't blub.

blub|ber /blʌ bə r / (blubbers , blubbering , blubbered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Blubber is the fat of whales, seals, and similar sea animals. □� The baby whale develops a thick layer of blubber to protect it from the cold sea.

2 VERB If someone blubbers , they cry noisily and in an unattractive way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] She started to blubber like a child.

bludg|eon /blʌ dʒ ə n/ (bludgeons , bludgeoning , bludgeoned )

1 VERB To bludgeon someone means to hit them several times with a heavy object. □�[V n] He broke into the old man's house and bludgeoned him with a hammer. □�[V -ed +�to ] A wealthy businessman has been found bludgeoned to death.

2 VERB If someone bludgeons you into doing something, they make you do it by behaving aggressively. □�[V n +�into ] Their approach simply bludgeons you into submission.

blue ◆◆◆ /bluː / (bluer , bluest , blues )

1 COLOUR Something that is blue is the colour of the sky on a sunny day. □� There were swallows in the cloudless blue sky. □� She fixed her pale blue eyes on her father's. □� �colourful blues and reds.

2 N‑PLURAL The blues is a type of music which was developed by African American musicians in the southern United States. It is characterized by a slow tempo and a strong rhythm.

3 N‑PLURAL If you have got the blues , you feel sad and depressed. [INFORMAL ] □� Interfering in-laws are the prime sources of the blues.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are feeling blue , you are feeling sad or depressed, often when there is no particular reason. [INFORMAL ] □� There's no earthly reason for me to feel so blue.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Blue films, stories, or jokes are about sex. □� �a secret stash of porn mags and blue movies.

6 PHRASE If something happens out of the blue , it happens unexpectedly. □� One of them wrote to us out of the blue several years later.

7blue moon →�see moon

blue ^baby (blue babies ) N‑COUNT A blue baby is a baby whose skin is slightly blue because it has been born with something wrong with its heart.

blue|bell /bluː bel/ (bluebells ) N‑COUNT Bluebells are plants that have blue bell-shaped flowers on thin upright stems. Bluebells flower in the spring.

blue|berry /bluː bəri, [AM ] -beri/ (blueberries ) N‑COUNT A blueberry is a small dark blue fruit that is found in North America. Blueberries are usually cooked before they are eaten.

blue -bla ck COLOUR Something that is blue-black is bluish black in colour. □� �blue-black feathers.

blue -bloo ded ADJ A blue-blooded person is from a royal or noble family. □� �blue-blooded aristocrats.

blue book (blue books ) also Blue Book N‑COUNT A blue book is an official government report or register of statistics. [BRIT ]

blue|bottle /bluː bɒt ə l/ (bluebottles ) N‑COUNT A bluebottle is a large fly with a shiny dark-blue body.

blue chi p (blue chips ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] Blue chip stocks and shares are an investment which are considered fairly safe to invest in while also being profitable. [BUSINESS ] □� Blue chip issues were sharply higher by the end of the day.

blue -co llar ADJ [ADJ n] Blue-collar workers work in industry, doing physical work, rather than in offices.

blue -eyed bo y (blue-eyed boys ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's blue-eyed boy is a young man who they like better than anyone else and who therefore receives better treatment than other people. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was the media's blue-eyed boy. in AM, use fair-haired boy

blue|grass /bluː grɑːs, -gr�s/ N‑UNCOUNT Bluegrass is a style of fast folk music that began in the Southern United States.

blue|ish /bluː I ʃ/ →�see bluish

blue jeans N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Blue jeans are the same as jeans . □� �faded blue jeans.

blue|print /bluː pr I nt/ (blueprints )

1 N‑COUNT A blueprintfor something is a plan or set of proposals that shows how it is expected to work. □�[+�for ] The country's president will offer delegates his blueprint for the country's future. □�[+�of ] �the blueprint of a new plan of economic reform.

2 N‑COUNT A blueprint of an architect's building plans or a designer's pattern is a photographic print consisting of white lines on a blue background. Blueprints contain all of the information that is needed to build or make something. □�[+�of ] �a blueprint of the whole place, complete with heating ducts and wiring. □� The documents contain a blueprint for a nuclear device.

3 N‑COUNT A genetic blueprint is a pattern which is contained within all living cells. This pattern decides how the organism develops and what it looks like. □�[+�of ] The offspring contain a mixture of the genetic blueprint of each parent.

blue rib|and /bluː r I bənd/ (blue ribands ) also blue ribband N‑COUNT If someone or something wins the blue riband in a competition, they win first prize. The prize is sometimes in the shape of a blue ribbon. [BRIT ] □� Olga did not win the all-round championship, the blue riband event. in AM, use blue ribbon

blue ri b|bon (blue ribbons ) N‑COUNT A blue ribbon is the same as a blue riband . [AM ]

blue|stocking /bluː stɒk I ŋ/ (bluestockings ) also blue-stocking N‑COUNT A bluestocking is an intellectual woman. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

bluesy /bluː zi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a song or the way it is performed as bluesy , you mean that it is performed in a way that is characteristic of the blues. □� �bluesy sax-and-strings theme music.

blue tit (blue tits ) N‑COUNT A blue tit is a small European bird with a blue head, wings, and tail, and a yellow front.

Blue|tooth /bluː tuːθ/ N‑UNCOUNT Bluetooth is a technology that allows computers, mobile phones and other devices to communicate with each other without being connected by wires. [TRADEMARK ]

bluff /blʌ f/ (bluffs , bluffing , bluffed )

1 N‑VAR A bluff is an attempt to make someone believe that you will do something when you do not really intend to do it. □� It is essential to build up the military option and show that this is not a bluff. □� What we're at here is a game of bluff.

2 →�see also double bluff

3 VERB If you bluff , you make someone believe that you will do something when you do not really intend to do it, or that you know something when you do not really know it. □�[V ] Either side, or both, could be bluffing. □�[V n] In each case the hijackers bluffed the crew using fake grenades.

4 PHRASE If you call someone's bluff , you tell them to do what they have been threatening to do, because you are sure that they will not really do it. □� Instead, you must call his bluff the next time he suggests a crazy idea.

blu|ish /bluː I ʃ/ also blueish COLOUR Something that is bluish is slightly blue in colour. □� �bluish-grey eyes.

blun|der /blʌ ndə r / (blunders , blundering , blundered )

1 N‑COUNT A blunder is a stupid or careless mistake. □� I think he made a tactical blunder by announcing it so far ahead of time.

2 VERB If you blunder , you make a stupid or careless mistake. □�[V ] No doubt I had blundered again.

3 VERB If you blunderinto a dangerous or difficult situation, you get involved in it by mistake. □�[V +�into ] People wanted to know how they had blundered into war, and how to avoid it in future.

4 VERB If you blunder somewhere, you move there in a clumsy and careless way. □�[V prep/adv] He had blundered into the table, upsetting the flowers.

blunt /blʌ nt/ (blunter , bluntest , blunts , blunting , blunted )

1 ADJ If you are blunt , you say exactly what you think without trying to be polite. □� She is blunt about her personal life. □� She told the industry in blunt terms that such discrimination is totally unacceptable. ●� blunt|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'I don't believe you!' Jeanne said bluntly. □� To put it bluntly, he became a pain. ●� blunt|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] □� His bluntness got him into trouble.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A blunt object has a rounded or flat end rather than a sharp one. □� One of them had been struck 13 times over the head with a blunt object.

3 ADJ A blunt knife or blade is no longer sharp and does not cut well.

4 VERB If something blunts an emotion, a feeling or a need, it weakens it. □�[V n] The constant repetition of violence has blunted the human response to it.

blur /blɜː r / (blurs , blurring , blurred )

1 N‑COUNT A blur is a shape or area which you cannot see clearly because it has no distinct outline or because it is moving very fast. □�[+�of ] Out of the corner of my eye I saw a blur of movement on the other side of the glass. □� Her face is a blur.

2 VERB When a thing blurs or when something blurs it, you cannot see it clearly because its edges are no longer distinct. □�[V n] This creates a spectrum of colours at the edges of objects which blurs the image. □�[V ] If you move your eyes and your head, the picture will blur. ●� blurred ADJ □� �blurred black and white photographs.

3 VERB If something blurs an idea or a distinction between things, that idea or distinction no longer seems clear. □�[V n] His latest work blurs the distinction between fact and fiction. ●� blurred ADJ □� The line between fact and fiction is becoming blurred.

4 VERB If your vision blurs , or if something blurs it, you cannot see things clearly. □�[V ] Her eyes, behind her glasses, began to blur. □�[V n] Sweat ran from his forehead into his eyes, blurring his vision. ●� blurred ADJ □� �visual disturbances like eye-strain and blurred vision.

Blu-Ray /bluː re I / N‑VAR Blu-Ray is a type of video disk that is used for storing large amounts of high quality digital information. [TRADEMARK ] □� Blu-Ray disks store data using a blue laser rather than a regular red one.

blurb /blɜː r b/ (blurbs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Theblurb about a new book, film, or exhibition is information about it that is written in order to attract people's interest. [INFORMAL ]

blur|ry /blɜː ri/ ADJ A blurry shape is one that has an unclear outline. □� �a blurry picture of a man.

blurt /blɜː r t/ (blurts , blurting , blurted ) VERB If someone blurts something, they say it suddenly, after trying hard to keep quiet or to keep it secret. □�[V with quote] 'I was looking for Sally', he blurted, and his eyes filled with tears. [Also V that]

▸� blurt out PHRASAL VERB If someone blurts something out , they blurt it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P with quote] 'You're mad,' the driver blurted out. □�[V P n] Over the food, Richard blurted out what was on his mind. [Also V n P ]

blush /blʌ ʃ/ (blushes , blushing , blushed ) VERB When you blush , your face becomes redder than usual because you are ashamed or embarrassed. □�[V ] 'Hello, Maria,' he said, and she blushed again. □�[V colour] I blushed scarlet at my stupidity. ●�N‑COUNT Blush is also a noun. □� 'The most important thing is to be honest,' she says, without the trace of a blush.

blush|er /blʌ ʃə r / (blushers ) N‑VAR Blusher is a coloured substance that women put on their cheeks.

blus|ter /blʌ stə r / (blusters , blustering , blustered ) VERB If you say that someone is blustering , you mean that they are speaking aggressively but without authority, often because they are angry or offended. □�[V with quote] 'That's lunacy,' he blustered. □�[V ] He was still blustering, but there was panic in his eyes. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Bluster is also a noun. □� �the bluster of the Conservatives' campaign.

blus|tery /blʌ stəri/ ADJ Blustery weather is rough, windy, and often rainy, with the wind often changing in strength or direction. □� It's a cold night here, with intermittent rain showers and a blustery wind. □� �a cool, blustery day.

Blvd in AM, use Blvd.Blvd is a written abbreviation for boulevard . It is used especially in addresses and on maps or signs. □� �1515 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209.

BMI /biː em a I / (BMIs ) N‑COUNT BMI is an abbreviation for body mass index . [MEDICAL ] □� The average BMI in women is around 23.

B -movie (B-movies ) N‑COUNT A B-movie is a film which is produced quickly and cheaply and is often considered to have little artistic value. □� �some old Hollywood B-movie.

bn.bn. is a written abbreviation for billion . □� �total value, dollars bn 15.6.

B.O. /biː oʊ / N‑UNCOUNT B.O. is an unpleasant smell caused by sweat on a person's body. B.O. is an abbreviation for body odour . [BRIT ]

boa /boʊ ə/ (boas )

1 N‑COUNT A boa or a feather boa is a long soft scarf made of feathers or of short pieces of very light fabric. □� She wore a large pink boa around her neck.

2 N‑COUNT A boa is the same as a boa constrictor .

bo a con|stri c|tor (boa constrictors ) N‑COUNT A boa constrictor is a large snake that kills animals by wrapping itself round their bodies and squeezing them to death. Boa constrictors are found mainly in South and Central America and the West Indies.

boar /bɔː r / (boars ) The plural boar can also be used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT A boar or a wild boar is a wild pig. □� Wild boar are numerous in the valleys.

2 N‑COUNT A boar is a male pig.

board ◆◆◇ /bɔː r d/ (boards , boarding , boarded )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A board is a flat, thin, rectangular piece of wood or plastic which is used for a particular purpose. □� �a chopping board.

2 N‑COUNT A board is a square piece of wood or stiff cardboard that you use for playing games such as chess. □� �a draughts board.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a blackboard or a noticeboard as a board . □� He wrote a few more notes on the board.

4 N‑COUNT Boards are long flat pieces of wood which are used, for example, to make floors or walls. □� The floor was draughty bare boards.

5 N‑COUNT Theboard of a company or organization is the group of people who control it and direct it. [BUSINESS ] □� Arthur wants to put his recommendation before the board at a meeting tomorrow. □� �the agenda for the September 12 board meeting.

6 →�see also board of directors

7 N‑COUNT Board is used in the names of various organizations which are involved in dealing with a particular kind of activity. □� A booklet listing all types of accommodation is published each year by the Spanish Tourist Board. □� �the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.

8 VERB When you board a train, ship, or aircraft, you get on it in order to travel somewhere. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] I boarded the plane bound for England. [Also V ]

9 N‑UNCOUNT Board is the food which is provided when you stay somewhere, for example in a hotel. □� Free room and board are provided for all hotel staff.

10 →�see also bulletin board

11 PHRASE An arrangement or deal that is above board is legal and is being carried out honestly and openly. □� All I knew about were Antony's own financial dealings, which were always above board.

12 PHRASE If a policy or a situation applies across the board , it affects everything or everyone in a particular group. □� There are hefty charges across the board for one-way rental. □� The President promised across-the-board tax cuts if re-elected.

13 PHRASE If something goes by the board , it is rejected or ignored, or is no longer possible. □� There was certainty in employment, which has completely gone by the board now.

14 PHRASE When you are on board a train, ship, or aircraft, you are on it or in it. □� They arrived at Gatwick airport on board a plane chartered by the Italian government. □� �a naval task force with two thousand marines on board.

15 PHRASE If someone sweeps the board in a competition or election, they win nearly everything that it is possible to win. □� Spain swept the board in boys' team competitions.

16 PHRASE If you take on board an idea or a problem, you begin to accept it or understand it. □� I hope that they will take on board some of what you have said.

▸� board up PHRASAL VERB If you board up a door or window, you fix pieces of wood over it so that it is covered up. □�[V P n] Shopkeepers have boarded up their windows. [Also V n P ] ●� board|ed up ADJ □� Half the shops are boarded up on the estate's small shopping street.

boa rd and lo dg|ing N‑UNCOUNT If you are provided with board and lodging , you are provided with food and a place to sleep, especially as part of the conditions of a job. □� You get a big salary incentive and free board and lodging too.

board|er /bɔː r də r / (boarders ) N‑COUNT A boarder is a pupil who lives at school during the term. [BRIT ] □� Sue was a boarder at Benenden.

boa rd game (board games ) also board-game N‑COUNT A board game is a game such as chess or backgammon, which people play by moving small objects around on a board. □� �a new board game played with dice.

board|ing /bɔː r d I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Boarding is an arrangement by which children live at school during the school term. □� �the master in charge of boarding. □� Average boarding fees are �10,350.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Boarding is long, flat pieces of wood which can be used to make walls, doors, and fences. □� �the white-painted boarding in the sitting room.

boa rd|ing card (boarding cards ) N‑COUNT A boarding card is a card which a passenger must have when boarding a plane or a boat.

boa rd|ing house (boarding houses ) The spellings boardinghouse in American English, and boarding-house in British English are also used. N‑COUNT A boarding house is a house which people pay to stay in for a short time.

boa rd|ing school (boarding schools ) also boarding-school N‑VAR A boarding school is a school which some or all of the pupils live in during the school term. Compare day school .

boa rd of di|re c|tors (boards of directors ) N‑COUNT A company's board of directors is the group of people elected by its shareholders to manage the company. [BUSINESS ] □� The Board of Directors has approved the decision unanimously.

board|room /bɔː r druːm/ (boardrooms ) also board room N‑COUNT The boardroom is a room where the board of a company meets. [BUSINESS ] □� Everyone had already assembled in the boardroom for the 9:00 a.m. session.

board|walk /bɔː r dwɔːk/ (boardwalks ) N‑COUNT A boardwalk is a path made of wooden boards, especially one along a beach. [AM ]

boast /boʊ st/ (boasts , boasting , boasted )

1 VERB If someone boasts about something that they have done or that they own, they talk about it very proudly, in a way that other people may find irritating or offensive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V that] Witnesses said Furci boasted that he took part in killing them. □�[V +�about/of ] Carol boasted about her costume. □�[V +�about/of ] He's boasted of being involved in the arms theft. □�[V ] We remember our mother's stern instructions not to boast. [Also V with quote] ●�N‑COUNT [oft N that] Boast is also a noun. □� It is the charity's proud boast that it has never yet turned anyone away.

2 VERB If someone or something can boast a particular achievement or possession, they have achieved or possess that thing. □�[V n] The houses will boast the latest energy-saving technology.

boast|ful /boʊ stfʊl/ ADJ If someone is boastful , they talk too proudly about something that they have done or that they own. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm not being boastful. □� �boastful predictions.

boat ◆◆◇ /boʊ t/ (boats )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A boat is something in which people can travel across water. □� One of the best ways to see the area is in a small boat. □� The island may be reached by boat from the mainland.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a passenger ship as a boat . □� When the boat reached Cape Town, we said a temporary goodbye.

3 →�see also gravy boat , rowing boat

4 PHRASE If you say that someone has missed the boat , you mean that they have missed an opportunity and may not get another.

5 PHRASE If you push the boat out , you spend a lot of money on something, especially in order to celebrate. [BRIT ] □� I earn enough to push the boat out now and again.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone isrocking the boat , you mean that they are upsetting a calm situation and causing trouble. □� I said I didn't want to rock the boat in any way.

7 PHRASE If two or more people are in the same boat , they are in the same unpleasant situation. COLLOCATIONS boat NOUN 1

noun +�boat : canal, patrol, pleasure, rescue; fishing, sailing

adjective +�boat : inflatable, wooden

verb +�boat : moor; sail, steer; capsize

boat|builder /boʊ tb I ldə r / (boatbuilders ) also boat builder N‑COUNT A boatbuilder is a person or company that makes boats.

boat|building /boʊ tb I ld I ŋ/ also boat-building N‑UNCOUNT Boatbuilding is the craft or industry of making boats. □� Sunbeam Yachts started boatbuilding in 1870.

boat|er /boʊ tə r / (boaters ) N‑COUNT A boater or a straw boater is a hard straw hat with a flat top and brim which is often worn for certain social occasions in the summer.

boat|house /boʊ thaʊs/ (boathouses ) also boat house N‑COUNT A boathouse is a building at the edge of a lake, in which boats are kept.

boat|ing /boʊ t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Boating is travelling on a lake or river in a small boat for pleasure. □� You can go boating or play tennis. □� They were killed in a boating accident.

boat|load /boʊ tloʊd/ (boatloads ) also boat load N‑COUNT A boatloadof people or things is a lot of people or things that are, or were, in a boat. □� �a boatload of rice.

boat|man /boʊ tmən/ (boatmen ) N‑COUNT A boatman is a man who is paid by people to take them across an area of water in a small boat, or a man who hires boats out to them for a short time.

bo at peo|ple N‑PLURAL Boat people are people who escape from their country in small boats to travel to another country in the hope that they will be able to live there. □� �50,000 Vietnamese boat people.

boa t train (boat trains ) N‑COUNT A boat train is a train that takes you to or from a port.

boat|yard /boʊ tjɑː r d/ (boatyards ) N‑COUNT A boatyard is a place where boats are built and repaired or kept.

bob /bɒ b/ (bobs , bobbing , bobbed )

1 VERB If something bobs , it moves up and down, like something does when it is floating on water. □�[V prep/adv] Huge balloons bobbed about in the sky above.

2 VERB If you bob somewhere, you move there quickly so that you disappear from view or come into view. □�[V adv/prep] She handed over a form, then bobbed down again behind a typewriter.

3 VERB When you bob your head, you move it quickly up and down once, for example when you greet someone. □�[V n] A hostess stood at the top of the steps and bobbed her head at each passenger. ●�N‑COUNT Bob is also a noun. □� The young man smiled with a bob of his head.

4 N‑COUNT A bob is a fairly short hair style for women in which the hair is the same length all the way round, except for the front.

5 PHRASE Bits and bobs are small objects or parts of something. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The microscope contains a few hundred dollars-worth of electronic bits and bobs.

bobbed /bɒ bd/ ADJ If a woman's hair is bobbed , it is cut in a bob.

bob|bin /bɒ b I n/ (bobbins ) N‑COUNT A bobbin is a small round object on which thread or wool is wound to hold it, for example on a sewing machine.

bob|ble /bɒ b ə l/ (bobbles ) N‑COUNT A bobble is a small ball of material, usually made of wool, which is used for decorating clothes. [BRIT ] □� �the bobble on his nightcap. in AM, usually use tassel

bo b|ble hat (bobble hats ) N‑COUNT A bobble hat is a woollen hat with a bobble on it. [BRIT ]

bob|by /bɒ bi/ (bobbies ) N‑COUNT A bobby is a British police officer, usually of the lowest rank. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� These days, the bobby on the beat is a rare sight.

bo b|by pin (bobby pins ) N‑COUNT A bobby pin is a small piece of metal or plastic bent back on itself, which someone uses to hold their hair in position. [AM ] in BRIT, use hairgrip

bob|cat /bɒ bk�t/ (bobcats ) N‑COUNT A bobcat is an animal in the cat family which has reddish-brown fur with dark spots or stripes and a short tail. Bobcats live in North America. □� Bobcats roam wild in the mountains.

bob|sled /bɒ bsled/ (bobsleds ) N‑COUNT A bobsled is the same as a bobsleigh . [mainly AM ]

bob|sleigh /bɒ bsle I / (bobsleighs ) N‑COUNT A bobsleigh is a vehicle with long thin strips of metal fixed to the bottom, which is used for racing downhill on ice. [BRIT ] in AM, use bobsled

bod /bɒ d/ (bods ) N‑COUNT A bod is a person. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He was definitely a bit of an odd bod.

bode /boʊ d/ (bodes , boding , boded ) VERB If something bodes ill, it makes you think that something bad will happen in the future. If something bodes well, it makes you think that something good will happen. [FORMAL ] □�[V adv +�for ] She says the way the bill was passed bodes ill for democracy. □�[V adv] Grace had dried her eyes. That boded well.

bodge /bɒ dʒ/ (bodges , bodging , bodged ) VERB If you bodge something, you make it or mend it in a way that is not as good as it should be. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I thought he had bodged the repair.

bod|ice /bɒ d I s/ (bodices ) N‑COUNT The bodice of a dress is the part above the waist. □� �a dress with a fitted bodice and circle skirt.

bo d|ice rip|per (bodice rippers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a film or novel which is set in the past and which includes a lot of sex scenes as a bodice ripper , especially if you do not think it is very good and is just intended to entertain people. [DISAPPROVAL ]

bo dice-ripping ADJ [ADJ n] A bodice-ripping film or novel is one which is set in the past and which includes a lot of sex scenes. You use this word especially if you do not think it is very good and is just intended to entertain people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �bodice-ripping yarns on TV.

bodi|ly /bɒ d I li/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Your bodily needs and functions are the needs and functions of your body. □� There's more to eating than just bodily needs.

2 →�see also grievous bodily harm

3 ADV [ADV with v] You use bodily to indicate that an action involves the whole of someone's body. □� I was hurled bodily to the deck.

bo di|ly fu nc|tion (bodily functions ) N‑COUNT A person's bodily functions are the normal physical processes that regularly occur in their body, particularly the ability to urinate and defecate. □� The child was not able to speak, walk properly or control bodily functions.

body ◆◆◆ /bɒ di/ (bodies )

1 N‑COUNT Your body is all your physical parts, including your head, arms, and legs. □� The largest organ in the body is the liver.

2 N‑COUNT You can also refer to the main part of your body, except for your arms, head, and legs, as your body . □� Lying flat on the floor, twist your body on to one hip and cross your upper leg over your body.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a person's dead body as a body . □� Officials said they had found no traces of violence on the body of the politician.

4 N‑COUNT A body is an organized group of people who deal with something officially. □� �the Chairman of the police representative body, the Police Federation. □� �the main trade union body, COSATU, Congress of South African Trade Unions.

5 N‑COUNT A body of people is a group of people who are together or who are connected in some way. □�[+�of ] �that large body of people which teaches other people how to teach.

6 N‑SING The bodyof something such as a building or a document is the main part of it or the largest part of it. □�[+�of ] The main body of the church had been turned into a massive television studio.

7 N‑COUNT The body of a car or aeroplane is the main part of it, not including its engine, wheels, or wings. □�[+�of ] The only shade was under the body of the plane.

8 N‑COUNT A body of water is a large area of water, such as a lake or a sea. □�[+�of ] It is probably the most polluted body of water in the world.

9 N‑COUNT A body of information is a large amount of it. □�[+�of ] An increasing body of evidence suggests that all of us have cancer cells in our bodies at times during our lives.

10 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that an alcoholic drink has body , you mean that it has a full and strong flavour. □� �a dry wine with good body.

11 →�see also foreign body , heavenly body COLLOCATIONS body NOUN 4

noun +�body : government, industry, tourism, trade; review

adjective +�body : independent, professional, public, representative; advisory, governing, regulatory, ruling, statutory

verb +�body : create, establish, set up

bo dy ar|mour in AM, use body armor N‑UNCOUNT Body armour is special protective clothing which people such as soldiers and police officers sometimes wear when they are in danger of being attacked with guns or other weapons.

bo dy bag (body bags ) N‑COUNT A body bag is a specially designed large plastic bag which is used to carry a dead body away, for example when someone has been killed in an accident or in battle. □� �the prospect of young soldiers coming home in body bags.

bo dy blow (body blows ) also body-blow N‑COUNT A body blow is something that causes great disappointment and difficulty to someone who is trying to achieve something. □� His resignation was a body blow to the team.

body|builder /bɒ dib I ldə r / (bodybuilders ) also body builder N‑COUNT A bodybuilder is a person who does special exercises regularly in order to make his or her muscles grow bigger.

body|building /bɒ dib I ld I ŋ/ also body building N‑UNCOUNT Bodybuilding is the activity of doing special exercises regularly in order to make your muscles grow bigger.

bo dy clock (body clocks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your body clock is the internal biological mechanism which causes your body to automatically behave in particular ways at particular times of the day. □� Jet lag is caused because the body clock does not readjust immediately to the time change.

body|guard /bɒ digɑː r d/ (bodyguards ) N‑COUNT A bodyguard is a person or a group of people employed to protect someone. □� Three of his bodyguards were injured in the attack. □� The King had brought his own bodyguard of twenty armed men.

bo dy lan|guage also body-language N‑UNCOUNT Your body language is the way in which you show your feelings or thoughts to other people by means of the position or movements of your body, rather than with words.

bo dy mass in|dex N‑SING A person's body mass index is a measurement that represents the relationship between their weight and their height. [MEDICAL ] □� �those with a body mass index of 30 and over.

bo dy odour in AM, use body odor N‑UNCOUNT Body odour is an unpleasant smell caused by sweat on a person's body.

bo dy po li|tic N‑SING Thebody politic is all the people of a nation when they are considered as a complete political group. [FORMAL ] □� �the king was the head of the body politic.

bo dy search (body searches , body searching , body searched ) also body-search VERB If a person is body searched , someone such as a police officer searches them while they remain clothed. Compare strip-search . □�[be V -ed] Foreign journalists were body-searched by airport police. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT Body search is also a noun. □� Fans may undergo body searches by security guards.

bo dy stock|ing (body stockings ) N‑COUNT A body stocking is a piece of clothing that covers the whole of someone's body and fits tightly. Body stockings are often worn by dancers.

body|suit /bɒ disuːt/ (bodysuits ) N‑COUNT A bodysuit is a piece of women's clothing that fits tightly over the top part of the body and fastens between the legs.

body|work /bɒ diwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT The bodywork of a motor vehicle is the outside part of it. □� A second hand car dealer will always look at the bodywork rather than the engine.

Boer /boʊ ə r , bɔː r / (Boers ) N‑COUNT The Boers are the descendants of the Dutch people who went to live in South Africa.

bof|fin /bɒ f I n/ (boffins )

1 N‑COUNT A boffin is a scientist, especially one who is doing research. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The boffins of Imperial College in London think they may have found a solution.

2 N‑COUNT Very clever people are sometimes called boffins . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� A computer boffin is set to make �5million from his revolutionary photo technology.

bog /bɒ g/ (bogs , bogging , bogged ) N‑COUNT A bog is an area of land which is very wet and muddy.

▸� bog down

1 PHRASAL VERB If a plan or process bogs down or if something bogs it down , it is delayed and no progress is made. □�[V n P ] We intended from the very beginning to bog the prosecution down over who did this. □�[V P ] The talks have bogged down over the issue of military reform.

2 →�see also bogged down

bo|gey /boʊ gi/ (bogeys ) The spelling bogy and the plural form bogies are also used. N‑COUNT A bogey is something or someone that people are worried about, perhaps without much cause or reason. □� Age is another bogey for actresses. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Bogey is also an adjective. □� Did people still tell their kids scare stories about bogey policewomen?

bogey|man /boʊ gim�n/ (bogeymen ) The spellings bogey man , and in American English boogeyman are also used. 1 N‑COUNT A bogeyman is someone whose ideas or actions are disapproved of by some people, and who is described by them as evil or unpleasant in order to make other people afraid. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The media depict him as a left-wing bogeyman.

2 N‑COUNT A bogeyman is an imaginary evil spirit. Some parents tell their children that the bogeyman will catch them if they behave badly.

bo gged do wn ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you get bogged downin something, it prevents you from making progress or getting something done. □�[+�in ] But why get bogged down in legal details? □� Sometimes this fact is obscured because churches get so bogged down by unimportant rules.

bog|gle /bɒ g ə l/ (boggles , boggling , boggled )

1 VERB If you say that the mind bogglesat something or that something boggles the mind, you mean that it is so strange or amazing that it is difficult to imagine or understand. □�[V +�at ] The mind boggles at the possibilities that could be in store for us. □�[V ] The good grace with which they face the latest privations makes the mind boggle. □�[V n] The management group's decision still boggled his mind.

2 →�see also mind-boggling

bog|gy /bɒ gi/ ADJ Boggy land is very wet and muddy land.

bo g-sta ndard ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as bog-standard you mean that is an ordinary example of its kind, with no exciting or interesting features. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� It's a fairly bog-standard thriller.

bo|gus /boʊ gəs/ ADJ If you describe something as bogus , you mean that it is not genuine. □� �their bogus insurance claim. □� He said these figures were bogus and totally inaccurate.

bogy /boʊ gi/ (bogies ) →�see bogey

bo|he|mian /boʊhiː miən/ (bohemians ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use bohemian to describe artistic people who live in an unconventional way. □� �a bohemian writer. □� �the bohemian lifestyle of the French capital. ●�N‑COUNT A bohemian is someone who lives in a bohemian way. □� I am a bohemian. I have no roots.

Bo|he|mian /bəhiː miən/ ADJ Bohemian means belonging or relating to Bohemia or its people.

boil ◆◇◇ /bɔ I l/ (boils , boiling , boiled )

1 VERB When a hot liquid boils or when you boil it, bubbles appear in it and it starts to change into steam or vapour. □�[V ] I stood in the kitchen, waiting for the water to boil. □�[V n] Boil the water in the saucepan and add the sage. □�[V -ing] �a saucepan of boiling water.

2 VERB When you boil a kettle or pan, or put it on to boil , you heat the water inside it until it boils. □�[V n] He had nothing to do but boil the kettle and make the tea. □�[V ] Marianne put the kettle on to boil.

3 VERB [only cont] When a kettle or pan is boiling , the water inside it has reached boiling point. □�[V ] Is the kettle boiling?

4 VERB When you boil food, or when it boils , it is cooked in boiling water. □�[V n] Boil the chick peas, add garlic and lemon juice. □�[V ] I'd peel potatoes and put them on to boil. □�[V -ed] �boiled eggs and toast.

5 VERB [usu cont] If you are boilingwith anger, you are very angry. □�[V +�with ] I used to be all sweetness and light on the outside, but inside I would be boiling with rage.

6 N‑COUNT A boil is a red, painful swelling on your skin, which contains a thick yellow liquid called pus.

7 →�see also boiling

8 PHRASE When you bring a liquid to the boil , you heat it until it boils. When it comes to the boil , it begins to boil. □� Put water, butter and lard into a saucepan and bring slowly to the boil.

9to make someone's blood boil →�see blood

▸� boil down PHRASAL VERB When you boil down a liquid or food, or when it boils down , it is boiled until there is less of it because some of the water in it has changed into steam or vapour. □�[V P n] He boils down the sauce and uses what's left.

▸� boil down to PHRASAL VERB If you say that a situation or problem boils down to a particular thing or can be boiled down to a particular thing, you mean that this is the most important or the most basic aspect of it. □�[V P P n] What they want boils down to just one thing. It is land.

▸� boil over

1 PHRASAL VERB When a liquid that is being heated boils over , it rises and flows over the edge of the container. □�[V P ] Heat the liquid in a large, wide container rather than a high narrow one, or it can boil over.

2 PHRASAL VERB When someone's feelings boil over , they lose their temper or become violent. □�[V P ] Sometimes frustration and anger can boil over into direct and violent action.

boi led swee t (boiled sweets ) N‑COUNT Boiled sweets are hard sweets that are made from boiled sugar. [BRIT ] in AM, use hard candy

boil|er /bɔ I lə r / (boilers ) N‑COUNT A boiler is a device which burns gas, oil, electricity, or coal in order to provide hot water, especially for the central heating in a building.

boil|er|plate /bɔ I lə r ple I t/ (boilerplates ) N‑VAR A boilerplate is a basic written contract that can be used to make many different kinds of contracts. □� �a predictable boilerplate of tax-relief proposals.

boi l|er suit (boiler suits ) N‑COUNT A boiler suit consists of a single piece of clothing that combines trousers and a jacket. You wear it over your clothes in order to protect them from dirt while you are working. [BRIT ] in AM, use overalls

boil|ing /bɔ I l I ŋ/

1 ADJ Something that is boiling or boiling hot is very hot. □� 'It's boiling in here,' complained Miriam. □� Often the food may be bubbling and boiling hot on the top, but the inside may still be cold.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are boiling or boiling hot , you mean that you feel very hot, usually unpleasantly hot. □� When everybody else is boiling hot, I'm freezing!

boi l|ing point also boiling-point

1 N‑UNCOUNT The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which it starts to change into steam or vapour. For example, the boiling point of water is 100� centigrade. □� The boiling point of water is mercury is 356.7� C. □� Heat the cream to boiling point and pour three quarters of it over the chocolate.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If a situation reaches boiling point , the people involved have become so angry that they can no longer remain calm and in control of themselves. □� The situation is rapidly reaching boiling point, and the army has been put on stand-by.

bois|ter|ous /bɔ I stərəs/ ADJ Someone who is boisterous is noisy, lively, and full of energy. □� �a boisterous but good-natured crowd. □� Most of the children were noisy and boisterous. ●� bois|ter|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Her friends laughed boisterously, too.

bold /boʊ ld/ (bolder , boldest )

1 ADJ Someone who is bold is not afraid to do things which involve risk or danger. □� Amrita becomes a bold, daring rebel. □� In 1960 this was a bold move. □� Poland was already making bold economic reforms. ●� bold|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� You can and must act boldly and confidently. ●� bold|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Don't forget the boldness of his economic programme.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is bold is not shy or embarrassed in the company of other people. □� I don't feel I'm being bold, because it's always been natural for me to just speak out. ●� bold|ly ADV □� 'You should do it,' the girl said, boldly.

3 ADJ A bold colour or pattern is very bright and noticeable. □� �bold flowers in various shades of red, blue or white. □� �bold, dramatic colours. ●� bold|ly ADV □� The design is pretty startling and very boldly coloured.

4 ADJ Bold lines or designs are drawn in a clear, strong way. □� Each picture is shown in colour on one page and as a bold outline on the opposite page.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Bold is print which is thicker and looks blacker than ordinary printed letters. [TECHNICAL ]

bo|lero (boleros ) Pronounced /bɒ ləroʊ, [AM ] bəle roʊ/ for meaning 1 , and /bəleə roʊ/ for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT A bolero is a very short jacket, sometimes without sleeves. Boleros are worn mainly by women.

2 N‑COUNT The bolero is a traditional Spanish dance. □� They danced a romantic bolero together.

Bo|liv|ian /bəl I viən/ (Bolivians ) ADJ Bolivian means belonging or relating to Bolivia or its people. ●�N‑COUNT A Bolivian is a person who comes from Bolivia.

bol|lard /bɒ lɑː r d/ (bollards )

1 N‑COUNT Bollards are short thick concrete posts that are used to prevent cars from going on to someone's land or on to part of a road. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT Bollards are strong wooden or metal posts on the side of a river or harbour. Boats are tied to them.

bol|locks /bɒ ləks/

1 EXCLAM ; N‑UNCOUNT Bollocks is used by some people to express disagreement, dislike, or annoyance. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ]

2 N‑PLURAL A man's bollocks are his testicles. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

Bol|she|vik /bɒ lʃ I v I k/ (Bolsheviks )

1 ADJ Bolshevik is used to describe the political system and ideas that Lenin and his supporters introduced in Russia after the Russian Revolution of 1917. □� Seventy-four years after the Bolshevik Revolution, the Soviet era ended. □� �anti-Bolshevik forces.

2 N‑COUNT A Bolshevik was a person who supported Lenin and his political ideas.

Bol|she|vism /bɒ lʃ I v I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Bolshevism is the political system and ideas that Lenin and his supporters introduced in Russia after the Russian Revolution of 1917.

bol|shy /bɒ lʃi/ also bolshie ADJ If you say that someone is bolshy , you mean that they easily get angry and often do not do what other people want them to do. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Carol is bolshy at not getting a promotion.

bol|ster /boʊ lstə r / (bolsters , bolstering , bolstered )

1 VERB If you bolster something such as someone's confidence or courage, you increase it. □�[V n] Hopes of an early cut in interest rates bolstered confidence.

2 VERB If someone tries to bolster their position in a situation, they try to strengthen it. □�[V n] Britain is free to adopt policies to bolster its economy. ●�PHRASAL VERB Bolster up means the same as bolster . □�[V P n] �an aid programme to bolster up their troubled economy. [Also V n P ]

3 N‑COUNT A bolster is a firm pillow shaped like a long tube which is sometimes put across a bed under the ordinary pillows.

▸� bolster up →�see bolster2

bolt /boʊ lt/ (bolts , bolting , bolted )

1 N‑COUNT A bolt is a long metal object which screws into a nut and is used to fasten things together.

2 VERB When you bolt one thing to another, you fasten them firmly together, using a bolt. □�[V n +�to ] The safety belt is easy to fit as there's no need to bolt it to seat belt anchorage points. □�[V n with together/on ] Bolt the components together. □�[V -ed] �a wooden bench which was bolted to the floor.

3 N‑COUNT A bolt on a door or window is a metal bar that you can slide across in order to fasten the door or window. □� I heard the sound of a bolt being slowly and reluctantly slid open.

4 VERB When you bolt a door or window, you slide the bolt across to fasten it. □�[V n] He reminded her that he would have to lock and bolt the kitchen door after her. □�[V -ed] �the heavy bolted doors .

5 VERB If a person or animal bolts , they suddenly start to run very fast, often because something has frightened them. □�[V ] The horse bolted when a gun went off. □�[V prep/adv] I made some excuse and bolted for the exit.

6 VERB If you bolt your food, you eat it so quickly that you hardly chew it or taste it. □�[V n] Being under stress can cause you to miss meals, eat on the move, or bolt your food. ●�PHRASAL VERB Bolt down means the same as bolt . □�[V P n] Back then I could bolt down three or four burgers and a pile of French fries. [Also V n P ]

7 N‑COUNT A bolt of lightning is a flash of lightning that is seen as a white line in the sky. □�[+�of ] Suddenly a bolt of lightning crackled through the sky.

8 PHRASE If someone is sitting or standing bolt upright , they are sitting or standing very straight. □� When I pushed his door open, Trevor was sitting bolt upright in bed.

9nuts and bolts →�see nut

▸� bolt down →�see bolt6

bo lt-hole (bolt-holes ) also bolthole N‑COUNT If you say that someone has a bolt-hole to go to, you mean that there is somewhere that they can go when they want to get away from people that they know. [BRIT ] □� The hotel is an ideal bolt-hole for Londoners.

bo lt-on ADJ [ADJ n] Bolt-on buys are purchases of other companies that a company makes in order to add them to its existing business. [BUSINESS ] □� Mr Hand said the company would make further bolt-on acquisitions in the U.S�

bomb ◆◆◇ /bɒ m/ (bombs , bombing , bombed )

1 N‑COUNT A bomb is a device which explodes and damages or destroys a large area. □� Bombs went off at two London train stations. □� It's not known who planted the bomb. □� Most of the bombs fell in the south. □� There were two bomb explosions in the city overnight.

2 N‑SING Nuclear weapons are sometimes referred to as the bomb . □� They are generally thought to have the bomb.

3 VERB When people bomb a place, they attack it with bombs. □�[V n] Airforce jets bombed the airport. ●� bomb|ing (bombings ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] Aerial bombing of rebel positions is continuing. □� There has been a series of car bombings.

4 →�see also petrol bomb , pipe bomb

▸� bomb out

1 PHRASAL VERB If a building or area is bombed out , it is destroyed by bombs. If people are bombed out , their houses are destroyed by bombs. □�[be V -ed P ] London had been bombed out.

2 →�see also bombed-out SYNONYMS bomb NOUN 1

explosive:There were traces of explosives in the bedroom.

mine:He stepped on an unexploded mine.

missile:�nuclear missiles.

grenade:A hand grenade was thrown at an army patrol.

bom|bard /bɒ mbɑː r d/ (bombards , bombarding , bombarded )

1 VERB If you bombard someone with something, you make them face a great deal of it. For example, if you bombard them with questions or criticism, you keep asking them a lot of questions or you keep criticizing them. □�[V n +�with ] He bombarded Catherine with questions to which he should have known the answers. □�[be V -ed +�by ] I've been bombarded by the press and television since I came back from Norway.

2 VERB When soldiers bombard a place, they attack it with continuous heavy gunfire or bombs. □�[V n] Rebel artillery units have regularly bombarded the airport.

bom|bard|ment /bɒ mbɑː r dmənt/ (bombardments )

1 N‑VAR A bombardment is a strong and continuous attack of gunfire or bombing. □� The city has been flattened by heavy artillery bombardments. □� The capital is still under constant bombardment by the rebel forces.

2 N‑VAR A bombardmentof ideas, demands, questions, or criticisms is an aggressive and exhausting stream of them. □�[+�of ] �the constant bombardment of images urging that work was important.

bom|bast /bɒ mb�st/ N‑UNCOUNT Bombast is trying to impress people by saying things that sound impressive but have little meaning. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There was no bombast or conceit in his speech.

bom|bas|tic /bɒ mb� st I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as bombastic , you are criticizing them for trying to impress other people by saying things that sound impressive but have little meaning. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was vain and bombastic. □� �the bombastic style adopted by his predecessor.

bo mb dis|pos|al N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Bomb disposal is the job of dealing with bombs which have not exploded, by taking out the fuse or by blowing them up in a controlled explosion. □� �an Army bomb disposal squad.

bo mbed-ou t ADJ [ADJ n] A bombed-out building has been damaged or destroyed by a bomb. □� �a bombed-out hospital.

bomb|er /bɒ mə r / (bombers )

1 N‑COUNT A bomber is a military aircraft which drops bombs. □� �a high speed bomber with twin engines.

2 N‑COUNT Bombers are people who cause bombs to explode in public places. □� Detectives hunting the London bombers will be keen to interview him.

bo mb|er jack|et (bomber jackets ) N‑COUNT A bomber jacket is a short jacket which is gathered into a band at the waist or hips. □� �a black leather bomber jacket.

bomb|shell /bɒ mʃel/ (bombshells )

1 N‑COUNT A bombshell is a sudden piece of bad or unexpected news. □� His resignation after thirteen years is a political bombshell. ●�PHRASE If someone drops a bombshell , they give you a sudden piece of bad or unexpected news. □� He dropped the bombshell. He told me he was dying.

2 →�see also blonde bombshell

bo mb site (bomb sites ) also bombsite N‑COUNT A bomb site is an empty area where a bomb has destroyed all the buildings. □� In London, where I grew up, we were surrounded by bomb sites.

bona fide /boʊ nə fa I di/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something or someone is bona fide , they are genuine or real. [FORMAL ] □� We are happy to donate to bona fide charitable causes.

bona fi|des /boʊ nə fa I diz/ N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Someone's bona fides are their good or sincere intentions. [LEGAL , FORMAL ] □� Mr Perks questioned them at length to establish their bona fides.

bo|nan|za /bən� nzə/ (bonanzas ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a sudden great increase in wealth, success, or luck as a bonanza . □� The expected sales bonanza hadn't materialised.

bonce /bɒ ns/ (bonces ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your bonce is your head. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

bond ◆◆◇ /bɒ nd/ (bonds , bonding , bonded )

1 N‑COUNT A bondbetween people is a strong feeling of friendship, love, or shared beliefs and experiences that unites them. □�[+�between ] The experience created a very special bond between us. □� �the bond that linked them.

2 VERB When people bondwith each other, they form a relationship based on love or shared beliefs and experiences. You can also say that people bond or that something bonds them. □�[V +�with ] Belinda was having difficulty bonding with the baby. □�[V ] They all bonded while writing graffiti together. □�[V n] What had bonded them instantly and so completely was their similar background. □�[V -ed] The players are bonded by a spirit that is rarely seen in an English team. [Also V n +�with ] ●� bond|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� They expect bonding to occur naturally.

3 N‑COUNT A bondbetween people or groups is a close connection that they have with each other, for example because they have a special agreement. □�[+�between ] �the strong bond between church and nation. □�[+�with ] �her political bond with the American president.

4 N‑COUNT A bond between two things is the way in which they stick to one another or are joined in some way. □� The superglue may not create a bond with some plastics.

5 VERB When one thing bondswith another, it sticks to it or becomes joined to it in some way. You can also say that two things bondtogether , or that something bonds them together . □�[V +�with ] Diamond may be strong in itself, but it does not bond well with other materials. □�[V with together ] In graphite sheets, carbon atoms bond together in rings. □�[be V -ed +�together ] Strips of wood are bonded together and moulded by machine. [Also V n +�with ]

6 N‑COUNT When a government or company issues a bond , it borrows money from investors. The certificate which is issued to investors who lend money is also called a bond . [BUSINESS ] □� Most of it will be financed by government bonds. □� �the recent sharp decline in bond prices.

7 →�see also junk bond , premium bond COLLOCATIONS bond NOUN 1

adjective +�bond : close, special, strong, unbreakable; common

verb +�bond : create, forge, form; cement, strengthen

bond|age /bɒ nd I dʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Bondage is the condition of being someone's property and having to work for them. □� Masters sometimes allowed their slaves to buy their way out of bondage.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Bondage is the condition of not being free because you are strongly influenced by something or someone. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] All people, she said, lived their lives in bondage to hunger, pain and lust.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Bondage is the practice of being tied up or tying your partner up in order to gain sexual pleasure.

bond|ed /bɒ nd I d/ ADJ A bonded company has entered into a legal agreement which offers its customers some protection if the company does not fulfil its contract with them. [BUSINESS ] □� The company is a fully bonded member of the Association of British Travel Agents.

bond|holder /bɒ ndhoʊldə r / (bondholders ) also bond holder N‑COUNT A bondholder is a person who owns one or more investment bonds. [BUSINESS ]

bone ◆◇◇ /boʊ n/ (bones , boning , boned )

1 N‑VAR Your bones are the hard parts inside your body which together form your skeleton. □� Many passengers suffered broken bones. □� Stephen fractured a thigh bone. □� The body is made up primarily of bone, muscle, and fat. □� She scooped the chicken bones back into the stewpot.

2 VERB If you bone a piece of meat or fish, you remove the bones from it before cooking it. □�[V n] Make sure that you do not pierce the skin when boning the chicken thighs.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bone tool or ornament is made of bone. □� �a small, expensive pocketknife with a bone handle.

4 →�see also marrow bone , T-bone steak

5 PHRASE The bare bonesof something are its most basic parts or details. □� There are not even the bare bones of a garden here�I've got nothing.

6 PHRASE If something is too close to the bone , it makes you feel uncomfortable because it is very close to the truth or to the real nature of something.

7 PHRASE If you make no bonesabout something, you talk openly about it, rather than trying to keep it a secret. □� Some of them make no bones about their political views.

8 PHRASE If you make no bonesabout doing something that is unpleasant or difficult or that might upset someone else, you do it without hesitating. □�[+�about ] He makes no bones about being on a revenge mission.

9 PHRASE If something such as costs are cut to the bone , they are reduced to the minimum possible. □� It has survived by cutting its costs to the bone. □� Profit margins have been slashed to the bone in an attempt to keep turnover moving.

10 PHRASE You use to the bone to indicate that you are very deeply affected by something. For example, if you feel chilled to the bone , your whole body feels extremely cold, often because you have had a shock. □� What I saw chilled me to the bone.

bo ne chi |na N‑UNCOUNT Bone china is a kind of thin china that contains powdered bone.

-boned /-boʊnd/ COMB -boned combines with adjectives such as 'big' and 'fine' to form adjectives which describe a person as having a particular type of bone structure or build. □� He was about seven years old, small and fine-boned like his mother.

bo ne dry also bone-dry ADJ If you say that something is bone dry , you are emphasizing that it is very dry indeed. [EMPHASIS ] □� Now the river bed is bone dry.

bo ne mar|row N‑UNCOUNT Bone marrow is the soft fatty substance inside human or animal bones. □� There are 2,000 children worldwide who need a bone marrow transplant.

bo ne meal also bonemeal N‑UNCOUNT Bone meal is a substance made from animal bones which is used as a fertilizer.

bo ne of con|te n|tion (bones of contention ) N‑COUNT If a particular matter or issue is a bone of contention , it is the subject of a disagreement or argument. □� The main bone of contention is the temperature level of the air-conditioners.

bon|fire /bɒ nfa I ə r / (bonfires ) N‑COUNT A bonfire is a fire that is made outdoors, usually to burn rubbish. Bonfires are also sometimes lit as part of a celebration. □� With bonfires outlawed in urban areas, gardeners must cart their refuse to a dump. WORD HISTORY bonfire

A bonfire is literally a 'bonefire'. Bones were used as fuel in the Middle Ages.

Bo n|fire Night also bonfire night N‑UNCOUNT Bonfire Night is the popular name for Guy Fawkes Night .

bong /bɒ ŋ/ (bongs ) N‑COUNT A bong is a long, deep sound such as the sound made by a big bell.

bon|go /bɒ ŋgoʊ/ (bongos ) N‑COUNT A bongo is a small drum that you play with your hands.

bon|ho|mie /bɒ nəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Bonhomie is happy, good-natured friendliness. [FORMAL ] □� He was full of bonhomie.

bonk /bɒ ŋk/ (bonks , bonking , bonked ) VERB If two people bonk , they have sexual intercourse. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

bonk|ers /bɒ ŋkə r z/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is bonkers , you mean that they are silly or act in a crazy way. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The man must be bonkers to take such a risk. □� I nearly went bonkers with frustration.

bon mot /bɒ n moʊ / (bons mots or bon mots ) N‑COUNT A bon mot is a clever, witty remark. [WRITTEN ] □� �a cheeky bon mot.

bon|net /bɒ n I t/ (bonnets )

1 N‑COUNT The bonnet of a car is the metal cover over the engine at the front. [BRIT ] □� When I lifted the bonnet, the noise seemed to be coming from the alternator. in AM, use hood2 N‑COUNT A bonnet is a hat with ribbons that are tied under the chin. Bonnets are now worn by babies. In the past, they were also worn by women.

bon|ny /bɒ ni/ (bonnier , bonniest ) ADJ Someone or something that is bonny is attractive and nice to look at. [mainly SCOTTISH or NORTHERN ENGLISH ] □� Jemima was a bonny Highland lassie of 15.

bon|sai /bɒ nsa I / (bonsai )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A bonsai or a bonsai tree is a tree or shrub that has been kept very small by growing it in a little pot and cutting it in a special way. □� �a beautiful Japanese bonsai tree.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Bonsai is the art of growing very small shrubs and trees.

bo|nus ◆◇◇ /boʊ nəs/ (bonuses )

1 N‑COUNT A bonus is an extra amount of money that is added to someone's pay, usually because they have worked very hard. □� Workers receive a large part of their pay in the form of bonuses and overtime. □� �a �15 bonus. □� �a special bonus payment.

2 N‑COUNT A bonus is something good that you get in addition to something else, and which you would not usually expect. □� We felt we might finish third. Any better would be a bonus. □� It has the added bonus of containing 30 per cent less fat than ordinary cheese.

3 N‑COUNT A bonus is a sum of money that an insurance company pays to its policyholders, for example a percentage of the company's profits. □� These returns will not be enough to meet the payment of annual bonuses to policyholders.

bon voy|age /bɒ n vɔ I ɑː ʒ/ CONVENTION You say ' bon voyage ' to someone who is going on a journey, as a way of saying goodbye and wishing them good luck. [FORMULAE ] □� Goodbye! Bon voyage!

bony /boʊ ni/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has a bony face or bony hands, for example, has a very thin face or very thin hands, with very little flesh covering their bones. □� �an old man with a bony face and white hair. □� He poked a long bony finger in Billy's chest.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The bony parts of a person's or animal's body are the parts made of bone. □� �the bony ridge of the eye socket.

boo /buː / (boos , booing , booed )

1 VERB If you boo a speaker or performer, you shout 'boo' or make other loud sounds to indicate that you do not like them, their opinions, or their performance. □�[V ] People were booing and throwing things at them. □�[V n] Demonstrators booed and jeered him. □�[be V -ed] He was booed off the stage. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Boo is also a noun. □� She was greeted with boos and hisses. ●� boo|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The fans are entitled to their opinion but booing doesn't help anyone.

2 EXCLAM You say ' Boo! ' loudly and suddenly when you want to surprise someone who does not know that you are there.

3 →�see also peekaboo

boob /buː b/ (boobs , boobing , boobed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A woman's boobs are her breasts. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

2 VERB If you boob , you make a mistake. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V ] Is their timing right, or have they boobed again? ●�N‑COUNT Boob is also a noun. □� The government once again has made a big boob.

boo b tube (boob tubes )

1 N‑SING Theboob tube is the television. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� �hours spent in front of the boob tube. in BRIT, use idiot box2 N‑COUNT A boob tube is a piece of women's clothing made of stretchy material that covers only her chest. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] in AM, use tube top

boo|by prize /buː bi pra I z/ (booby prizes ) N‑COUNT The booby prize is a prize given as a joke to the person who comes last in a competition.

booby-trap /buː bi tr�p/ (booby-traps , booby-trapping , booby-trapped ) also booby trap

1 N‑COUNT A booby-trap is something such as a bomb which is hidden or disguised and which causes death or injury when it is touched. □� Police were checking the area for booby traps.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is booby-trapped , a booby-trap is placed in it or on it. □�[be V -ed] �fears that the area may have been booby trapped. □�[V -ed] His booby-trapped car exploded.

boogey|man /buː gim�n/ (boogeymen ) →�see bogeyman

boo|gie /buː gi/ (boogies , boogying or boogieing , boogied ) VERB When you boogie , you dance to fast pop music. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V ] At night, a good place to boogie through till sunrise is the Pink Panther Bar.

book ◆◆◆ /bʊ k/ (books , booking , booked )

1 N‑COUNT A book is a number of pieces of paper, usually with words printed on them, which are fastened together and fixed inside a cover of stronger paper or cardboard. Books contain information, stories, or poetry, for example. □� His eighth book came out earlier this year and was an instant best-seller. □� �the author of a book on politics. □� �reference books.

2 N‑COUNT A bookof something such as stamps, matches, or tickets is a small number of them fastened together between thin cardboard covers. □�[+�of ] Can I have a book of first class stamps please?

3 VERB When you book something such as a hotel room or a ticket, you arrange to have it or use it at a particular time. □�[V n] British officials have booked hotel rooms for the women and children. □�[V n n] Laurie revealed she had booked herself a flight home last night. □�[V -ed] �three-star restaurants that are normally booked for months in advance.

4 N‑PLURAL A company's or organization's books are its records of money that has been spent and earned or of the names of people who belong to it. [BUSINESS ] □� For the most part he left the books to his managers and accountants. □� Around 12 per cent of the people on our books are in the computing industry.

5 VERB When a referee books a football player who has seriously broken the rules of the game, he or she officially writes down the player's name. □�[V n] The referee booked him in the first half for a tussle with the goalie.

6 VERB When a police officer books someone, he or she officially records their name and the offence that they may be charged with. □�[V n] They took him to the station and booked him for assault with a deadly weapon.

7 N‑COUNT In a very long written work such as the Bible, a book is one of the sections into which it is divided.

8 →�see also booking , cheque book , phone book

9 PHRASE If you bring someone to book , you punish them for an offence or make them explain their behaviour officially. □� Police should be asked to investigate so that the guilty can be brought to book soon.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is a closed book , you mean that you do not know anything about them. □� Frank Spriggs was a very able man but something of a closed book. □� Economics was a closed book to him.

11 PHRASE If a hotel, restaurant, theatre, or transport service is fully booked , or booked solid , it is booked up. □� The car ferries from the mainland are often fully booked by February.

12 PHRASE In my book means 'in my opinion' or 'according to my beliefs'. □� The greatest manager there has ever been, or ever will be in my book, is retiring.

13to cook the books →�see cook

14to take a leaf from someone's book →�see leaf

▸� book in or book into PHRASAL VERB When you book into a hotel or when you book in , you officially state that you have arrived to stay there, usually by signing your name in a register. [BRIT ] □�[V P n] He was happy to book into the Royal Pavilion Hotel. □�[V n P n] Today Mahoney booked himself into one of the best hotels in Sydney. [Also V n P ] in AM, use check in , check into

book|able /bʊ kəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something such as a theatre seat or plane ticket is bookable , it can be booked in advance. [mainly BRIT ] □� Tours leave from Palma and are bookable at some hotels or any travel agency.

2 ADJ In sports such as football, a bookable offence is an action for which a player can be officially warned by the referee. □� Both men were dismissed for a second bookable offence.

book|binder /bʊ kba I ndə r / (bookbinders ) also book-binder N‑COUNT A bookbinder is a person whose job is fastening books together and putting covers on them.

book|bind|ing /bʊ kba I nd I ŋ/ also book-binding N‑UNCOUNT Bookbinding is the work of fastening books together and putting covers on them.

book|case /bʊ kke I s/ (bookcases ) N‑COUNT A bookcase is a piece of furniture with shelves that you keep books on.

boo k club (book clubs ) N‑COUNT A book club is an organization that offers books at reduced prices to its members.

boo ked u p

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a hotel, restaurant, theatre, or transport service is booked up , it has no rooms, tables, or tickets left for a time or date. [mainly BRIT ] □� Some restaurants are so booked up and so elitist that who you are and who you know really does matter if you want a table.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is booked up , they have made so many arrangements that they have no more time to do things. [mainly BRIT ] □� Mr Wilson's diary is booked up for months ahead.

book|end /bʊ kend/ (bookends ) also book-end N‑COUNT [usu pl] Bookends are a pair of supports used to hold a row of books in an upright position by placing one at each end of the row.

bookie /bʊ ki/ (bookies ) N‑COUNT A bookie is the same as a bookmaker . [INFORMAL ]

book|ing /bʊ k I ŋ/ (bookings ) N‑COUNT A booking is the arrangement that you make when you book something such as a hotel room, a table at a restaurant, a theatre seat, or a place on public transport. □� I suggest you tell him there was a mistake over his late booking.

boo k|ing clerk (booking clerks ) N‑COUNT A booking clerk is a person who sells tickets, especially in a railway station. [BRIT ] □� �a railway booking clerk.

boo k|ing of|fice (booking offices ) N‑COUNT A booking office is a room where tickets are sold and booked, especially in a theatre or station. [BRIT ] in AM, use ticket office

book|ish /bʊ k I ʃ/ ADJ Someone who is bookish spends a lot of time reading serious books. [DISAPPROVAL ]

book|keeper /bʊ kkiːpə r / (bookkeepers ) also book-keeper N‑COUNT A bookkeeper is a person whose job is to keep an accurate record of the money that is spent and received by a business or other organization. [BUSINESS ]

book|keeping /bʊ kkiːp I ŋ/ also book-keeping N‑UNCOUNT Bookkeeping is the job or activity of keeping an accurate record of the money that is spent and received by a business or other organization. [BUSINESS ]

book|let /bʊ klət/ (booklets ) N‑COUNT A booklet is a small, thin book that has a paper cover and that gives you information about something.

book|maker /bʊ kme I kə r / (bookmakers ) N‑COUNT A bookmaker is a person whose job is to take your money when you bet and to pay you money if you win.

book|making /bʊ kme I k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Bookmaking is the activity of taking people's money when they bet and paying them money if they win. □� �an internet bookmaking business.

book|mark /bʊ kmɑː r k/ (bookmarks , bookmarking , bookmarked )

1 N‑COUNT A bookmark is a narrow piece of card or leather that you put between the pages of a book so that you can find a particular page easily.

2 N‑COUNT In computing, a bookmark is the address of an internet site that you put into a list on your computer so that you can return to it easily. [COMPUTING ] □� Save what you find with an electronic bookmark so you can return to it later. ●�VERB Bookmark is also a verb. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] But this site is definitely worth bookmarking.

book|plate /bʊ kple I t/ (bookplates ) N‑COUNT A bookplate is a piece of decorated paper which is stuck in the front of a book and on which the owner's name is printed or written.

book|sell|er /bʊ kselə r / (booksellers ) N‑COUNT A bookseller is a person who sells books.

book|shelf /bʊ kʃelf/ (bookshelves ) N‑COUNT A bookshelf is a shelf on which you keep books.

book|shop /bʊ kʃɒp/ (bookshops ) N‑COUNT A bookshop is a shop where books are sold. [BRIT ] in AM, use bookstore

book|stall /bʊ kstɔːl/ (bookstalls )

1 N‑COUNT A bookstall is a long table from which books and magazines are sold, for example at a conference or in a street market.

2 N‑COUNT A bookstall is a small shop with an open front where books and magazines are sold. Bookstalls are usually found in railway stations and airports. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use newsstand

book|store /bʊ kstɔː r / (bookstores ) N‑COUNT A bookstore is the same as a bookshop . [mainly AM ]

boo k value (book values ) N‑COUNT In business, the book value of an asset is the value it is given in the account books of the company that owns it. [BUSINESS ] □� The insured value of the airplane was greater than its book value.

book|worm /bʊ kwɜː r m/ (bookworms ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a bookworm , you mean they are very fond of reading. [INFORMAL ]

boom ◆◇◇ /buː m/ (booms , booming , boomed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a boom in the economy, there is an increase in economic activity, for example in the amount of things that are being bought and sold. □� An economic boom followed, especially in housing and construction. □� The 1980s were indeed boom years. □� �the cycle of boom and bust which has damaged us for 40 years.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A boomin something is an increase in its amount, frequency, or success. □�[+�in ] The boom in the sport's popularity has meant more calls for stricter safety regulations. □� Public transport has not been able to cope adequately with the travel boom.

3 VERB If the economy or a business is booming , the amount of things being bought or sold is increasing. □�[V ] When the economy is booming, people buy new cars. □�[V -ing] It has a booming tourist industry.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] On a boat, theboom is the long pole which is attached to the bottom of the sail and to the mast and which you move when you want to alter the direction in which you are sailing.

5 VERB When something such as someone's voice, a cannon, or a big drum booms , it makes a loud, deep sound that lasts for several seconds. □�[V with quote] 'Ladies,' boomed Helena, without a microphone, 'we all know why we're here tonight.' □�[V prep/adv] Thunder boomed like battlefield cannons over Crooked Mountain. [Also V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Boom out means the same as boom . □�[V P prep/adv] Music boomed out from loudspeakers. □�[V P with quote] A megaphone boomed out, 'This is the police.' □�[V P n] He turned his sightless eyes their way and boomed out a greeting. [Also V P ] ●�N‑COUNT Boom is also a noun. □� The stillness of night was broken by the boom of a cannon.

6 →�see also baby boom

▸� boom out →�see boom6 COLLOCATIONS boom NOUN

1

noun +�boom : building, construction, housing; commodities, dotcom, tech

adjective +�boom : economic; speculative, unprecedented, unsustainable; postwar

verb +�boom : fuel, stoke

2

noun +�boom : baby, population, tourism

boo m box (boom boxes ) N‑COUNT A boom box is a large portable machine for playing music, especially one that is played loudly in public by young people. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] in BRIT, use ghetto-blaster

boo m-bu st cy|cle (boom-bust cycles ) N‑COUNT A boom-bust cycle is a series of events in which a rapid increase in business activity in the economy is followed by a rapid decrease in business activity, and this process is repeated again and again. [BUSINESS ] □� We must avoid the damaging boom-bust cycles which characterised the 1980s.

boom|er|ang /buː mər�ŋ/ (boomerangs , boomeranging , boomeranged )

1 N‑COUNT A boomerang is a curved piece of wood which comes back to you if you throw it in the correct way. Boomerangs were first used by the people who were living in Australia when Europeans arrived there.

2 VERB If a plan boomerangs , its result is not the one that was intended and is harmful to the person who made the plan. □�[V ] The trick boomeranged, though. □�[V +�on/against ] Criticism can sometimes boomerang against the accusers.

boo m town (boom towns ) N‑COUNT A boom town is a town which has rapidly become very rich and full of people, usually because industry or business has developed there. □� Brisbane has become the boom town for Australian film and television.

boon /buː n/ (boons ) N‑COUNT You can describe something as a boon when it makes life better or easier for someone. □� This battery booster is a boon for photographers.

boon|dog|gle /buː ndɒgl/ (boondoggles ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to an official organization or activity as a boondoggle when they think it wastes a lot of time and money and does not achieve much. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The new runway is a billion-dollar boondoggle.

boor /bʊə r / (boors ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a boor , you think their behaviour and attitudes are rough, uneducated, and rude. [DISAPPROVAL ]

boor|ish /bʊə r I ʃ/ ADJ Boorish behaviour is rough, uneducated, and rude. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �their boorish rejection of the ageing movie star.

boost ◆◇◇ /buː st/ (boosts , boosting , boosted )

1 VERB If one thing boosts another, it causes it to increase, improve, or be more successful. □�[V n] It wants the government to take action to boost the economy. □�[V n] The move is designed to boost sales during the peak booking months of January and February. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Boost is also a noun. □� It would get the economy going and give us the boost that we need.

2 VERB If something boosts your confidence or morale, it improves it. □�[V n] We need a big win to boost our confidence. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Boost is also a noun. □� It did give me a boost to win such a big event. SYNONYMS boost VERB 1

increase:The increased investment will help stabilise the economy.

build:The encouragement that young boys receive builds a greater self-confidence.

develop:�weekly workshops that are designed to develop acting and theatre skills.

bolster:Hopes of an early cut in interest rates bolstered confidence. COLLOCATIONS boost NOUN

1

noun +�boost : cash

adjective +�boost : huge, major, timely, welcome

verb +�boost : provide; receive

2

noun +�boost : confidence, ego, morale VERB

1

boost+�noun : economy, growth, profit, sales

2

boost+�noun : confidence, morale

boost|er /buː stə r / (boosters )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A booster is something that increases a positive or desirable quality. □� It was amazing what a morale booster her visits proved. □� Praise is a great confidence booster.

2 N‑COUNT A booster is an extra engine in a machine such as a space rocket, which provides an extra amount of power at certain times. □� Ground controllers will then fire the booster, sending the satellite into its proper orbit.

3 N‑COUNT A booster is a small injection of a drug that you have some time after a larger injection, in order to make sure that the first injection will remain effective.

4 N‑COUNT [N n] A booster is someone who supports a sports team, organization, person, or place very enthusiastically. [AM ] □� A former associate of Mr. Pierce's was among the project's boosters.

boo st|er seat (booster seats ) also booster cushion N‑COUNT A booster seat or a booster cushion is a special seat which allows a small child to sit in a higher position, for example at a table or in a car.

boot ◆◇◇ /buː t/ (boots , booting , booted )

1 N‑COUNT Boots are shoes that cover your whole foot and the lower part of your leg. □� He sat in a kitchen chair, reached down and pulled off his boots. □� He was wearing riding pants, high boots, and spurs.

2 →�see also wellington

3 N‑COUNT Boots are strong, heavy shoes which cover your ankle and which have thick soles. You wear them to protect your feet, for example when you are walking or taking part in sport. □� The soldiers' boots resounded in the street.

4 VERB If you boot something such as a ball, you kick it hard. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n adv/prep] He booted the ball 40 yards back up field.

5 N‑COUNT The boot of a car is a covered space at the back or front, in which you carry things such as luggage and shopping. [BRIT ] □� He opened the boot to put my bags in. in AM, use trunk

6 PHRASE If you get the boot or are given the boot , you are told that you are not wanted any more, either in your job or by someone you are having a relationship with. [INFORMAL ] □� She was a disruptive influence, and after a year or two she got the boot.

7 PHRASE If someone puts the boot in , they attack another person by saying something cruel, often when the person is already feeling weak or upset. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

8 PHRASE You can say to boot to emphasize that you have added something else to something or to a list of things that you have just said. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He is making money and receiving free advertising to boot!

▸� boot out PHRASAL VERB If someone boots you outof a job, organization, or place, you are forced to leave it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Schools are booting out record numbers of unruly pupils. [Also V n P ]

▸� boot up PHRASAL VERB When you boot up a computer, you make it ready to use by putting in the instructions which it needs in order to start working. [COMPUTING ] □�[V P +�from/with ] I can boot up from the CD. □�[V n P ] Go over to your PC and boot it up.

boo t camp (boot camps )

1 N‑VAR In the United States, a boot camp is a camp where people who have just joined the army, navy, or marines are trained. [AM ]

2 N‑VAR A boot camp is a set of intensive exercises done on a regular basis and designed to improve strength and fitness. [AM ]

bootee /buː tiː / (bootees or booties )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Bootees are short woollen socks that babies wear instead of shoes.

2 N‑COUNT Bootees are short boots which come to just above the ankle. They are worn especially by women and girls.

booth /buː �/ (booths )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A booth is a small area separated from a larger public area by screens or thin walls where, for example, people can make a phone call or vote in private. □� I called her from a public phone booth near the entrance to the bar. □� In Darlington, queues formed at some polling booths.

2 N‑COUNT A booth in a restaurant or caf� consists of a table with long fixed seats on two or sometimes three sides of it. □� They sat in a corner booth, away from other diners.

boot|lace /buː tle I s/ (bootlaces ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A bootlace is a long thin cord which is used to fasten a boot.

boot|leg /buː tleg/ (bootlegs , bootlegging , bootlegged )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Bootleg is used to describe something that is made secretly and sold illegally. □� �a bootleg recording of the band's tour of Scandinavia. □� �bootleg liquor.

2 VERB To bootleg something such as a recording means to make and sell it illegally. □�[V n] He has sued a fan for bootlegging his concerts. □�[V -ed] Avid Bob Dylan fans treasure bootlegged recordings. ●�N‑COUNT Bootleg is also a noun. □� The record was a bootleg. ●� boot|leg|ger (bootleggers ) N‑COUNT □� Bootleggers sold 75 million dollars-worth of copies.

boot|strap /buː tstr�p/ (bootstraps , bootstrapping , bootstrapped )

1 VERB If you bootstrap an organization or an activity, you set it up or achieve it alone, using very few resources. □� Peterson bootstrapped the company himself, and hopes to continue without outside funding.

2 VERB If one thing is bootstrappedto another, it is attached to or associated with it. □� This command ensures that the software is bootstrapped to the correct system.

3 PHRASE If you have pulled yourself up by your bootstraps , you have achieved success by your own efforts, starting from very difficult circumstances and without help from anyone.

boo|ty /buː ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Booty is a collection of valuable things stolen from a place, especially by soldiers after a battle. □� Troops destroyed the capital and confiscated many works of art as war booty.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's booty is their bottom. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

booze /buː z/ (boozes , boozing , boozed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Booze is alcoholic drink. [INFORMAL ] □� �booze and cigarettes. □� �empty bottles of booze.

2 VERB If people booze , they drink alcohol. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] �a load of drunken businessmen who had been boozing all afternoon. ●� booz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He used to be famous for his boozing.

boozed /buː zd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is boozed or boozed up , they are drunk. [INFORMAL ] □� He's half asleep and a bit boozed.

booz|er /buː zə r / (boozers )

1 N‑COUNT A boozer is a pub . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� They're in the boozer most nights.

2 N‑COUNT A boozer is a person who drinks a lot of alcohol. [INFORMAL ] □� I thought he was a bit of a boozer.

boo ze-up (booze-ups ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a booze-up is a party or other social gathering where people drink a lot of alcohol. [INFORMAL ] □� �a booze-up at the rugby club.

boozy /buː zi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A boozy person is someone who drinks a lot of alcohol. [INFORMAL ] □� �a cheerful, boozy chain-smoker.

bop /bɒ p/ (bops , bopping , bopped )

1 N‑COUNT A bop is a dance. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� People just want a good tune and a good bop.

2 VERB If you bop , you dance. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] He was bopping around, snapping his fingers. □�[V ] Guests bopped and jigged the night away to the disco beat.

3 →�see also bebop

bop|per /bɒ pə r / →�see teenybopper

bo|rax /bɔː r�ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Borax is a white powder used, for example, in the making of glass and as a cleaning chemical.

bor|del|lo /bɔː r de loʊ/ (bordellos ) N‑COUNT A bordello is a brothel . [LITERARY ]

bor|der ◆◆◇ /bɔː r də r / (borders , bordering , bordered )

1 N‑COUNT The border between two countries or regions is the dividing line between them. Sometimes the border also refers to the land close to this line. □� They fled across the border. □� �the isolated jungle area near the Panamanian border. □� Clifford is enjoying life north of the border. □� �the Mexican border town of Tijuana.

2 VERB A country that borders another country, a sea, or a river is next to it. □�[V n] �the European and Arab countries bordering the Mediterranean. ●�PHRASAL VERB Border on means the same as border . □�[V P n] Both republics border on the Black Sea.

3 N‑COUNT A border is a strip or band around the edge of something. □� �pillowcases trimmed with a hand-crocheted border.

4 N‑COUNT In a garden, a border is a long strip of ground along the edge planted with flowers. □� �a lawn flanked by wide herbaceous borders. □� �border plants.

5 VERB If something is bordered by another thing, the other thing forms a line along the edge of it. □�[V -ed] �the mile of white sand beach bordered by palm trees and tropical flowers. □�[V n] Caesar marched north into the forests that border the Danube River.

▸� border on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you talk about a characteristic or situation bordering on something, usually something that you consider bad, you mean that it is almost that thing. □�[V P n] The atmosphere borders on the surreal.

2 →�see also border2 COLLOCATIONS border NOUN

1

noun +�border : desert, land, sea

adjective +�border : disputed, external, secure; eastern, northern, southern, western

verb +�border : cross, open, reopen, straddle; close, patrol, seal

4

noun +�border : flower, garden, shrub

adjective +�border : herbaceous SYNONYMS border NOUN 1

frontier:It wasn't difficult then to cross the frontier.

boundary:Drug traffickers operate across national boundaries.

border|land /bɔː r də r l�nd/ (borderlands )

1 N‑SING The borderlandbetween two things is an area which contains features from both of these things so that it is not possible to say that it belongs to one or the other. □� �on the borderland between sleep and waking.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The area of land close to the border between two countries or major areas can be called the borderlands . □� �Lebanon's southern borderlands.

border|line /bɔː r də r la I n/ (borderlines )

1 N‑COUNT The borderlinebetween two different or opposite things is the division between them. □�[+�between ] �a task which involves exploring the borderline between painting and photography. [Also +�of ]

2 ADJ Something that is borderline is only just acceptable as a member of a class or group. □� Some were obviously unsuitable and could be ruled out at once. Others were borderline cases.

bore ◆◇◇ /bɔː r / (bores , boring , bored )

1 VERB If someone or something bores you, you find them dull and uninteresting. □�[V n +�with ] Dickie bored him all through the meal with stories of the Navy. □�[V n] Life in the country bores me.

2 PHRASE If someone or something bores you to tears , bores you to death , or bores you stiff , they bore you very much. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� �a handsome engineer who bored me to tears with his tales of motorway maintenance.

3 N‑COUNT You describe someone as a bore when you think that they talk in a very uninteresting way. □� There is every reason why I shouldn't enjoy his company�he's a bore and a fool.

4 N‑SING You can describe a situation as a bore when you find it annoying. □� It's a bore to be sick, and the novelty of lying in bed all day wears off quickly.

5 VERB If you bore a hole in something, you make a deep round hole in it using a special tool. □�[V n] Get the special drill bit to bore the correct-size hole for the job.

6Bore is the past tense of bear .

7 →�see also bored , boring

-bore /-bɔː r / COMB [ADJ n] -bore combines with numbers to form adjectives which indicate the size of the barrel of a gun. □� He had a 12-bore shotgun.

bored /bɔː r d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are bored , you feel tired and impatient because you have lost interest in something or because you have nothing to do. □�[+�with ] I am getting very bored with this entire business.

bore|dom /bɔː r dəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Boredom is the state of being bored. □� He had given up attending lectures out of sheer boredom. □� They often find they begin to chat to relieve the boredom of the flight.

bore|hole /bɔː r hoʊl/ (boreholes ) N‑COUNT A borehole is a deep round hole made by a special tool or machine, especially one that is made in the ground when searching for oil or water.

bor|ing /bɔː r I ŋ/ ADJ Someone or something boring is so dull and uninteresting that they make people tired and impatient. □� Not only are mothers not paid but also most of their boring or difficult work is unnoticed. □� �boring television programmes. ●� bor|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� The meal itself was not so good�everything was boringly brown including the vegetables.

born ◆◆◇ /bɔː r n/

1 V-PASSIVE When a baby is born , it comes out of its mother's body at the beginning of its life. In formal English, if you say that someone is bornof someone or to someone, you mean that person is their parent. □�[be V -ed] My mother was 40 when I was born. □�[be V -ed +�of/to ] He was born of German parents and lived most of his life abroad. □�[V -ed +�of/to ] Willie Smith was the second son born to Jean and Stephen.

2 V-PASSIVE [no cont] If someone is bornwith a particular disease, problem, or characteristic, they have it from the time they are born. □�[be V -ed +�with ] He was born with only one lung. □�[be V -ed adj] Some people are born brainy. □�[be V -ed to-inf] I think he was born to be editor of a tabloid newspaper. □�[be V -ed n] We are all born leaders; we just need the right circumstances in which to flourish.

3 V-PASSIVE [no cont] You can use be born in front of a particular name to show that a person was given this name at birth, although they may be better known by another name. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed n] She was born Jenny Harvey on June 11, 1946.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use born to describe someone who has a natural ability to do a particular activity or job. For example, if you are a born cook, you have a natural ability to cook well. □� Jack was a born teacher.

5 V-PASSIVE When an idea or organization is born , it comes into existence. If something is bornof a particular emotion or activity, it exists as a result of that emotion or activity. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Congress passed the National Security Act, and the CIA was born. □�[be V -ed +�out of/of ] Energy conservation as a philosophy was born out of the 1973 oil crisis.

6 →�see also -born , first born , newborn

7to be born and bred →�see breed

8to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth →�see spoon

-born /-bɔː r n/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -born combines with adjectives that relate to countries or with the names of towns and areas to form adjectives that indicate where someone was born. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the dynamic German-born manager.

bo rn-agai n

1 ADJ A born-again Christian is a person who has become an evangelical Christian as a result of a religious experience.

2 ADJ You can use born-again to describe someone who has adopted a new set of beliefs or a new way of life and is very enthusiastic about it. □� As a 'born-again' cyclist I had decided that this season I would ride in a few races.

borne /bɔː r n/ Borne is the past participle of bear .

-borne /-bɔː r n/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -borne combines with nouns to form adjectives that describe the method or means by which something is carried or moved. □� �water-borne diseases. □� �a mosquito-borne infection. □� �rocket-borne weapons.

bor|ough /bʌ rə, [AM ] bɜː roʊ/ (boroughs ) N‑COUNT [N n] A borough is a town, or a district within a large town, which has its own council. □� �the New York City borough of Brooklyn.

bor|row ◆◇◇ /bɒ roʊ/ (borrows , borrowing , borrowed )

1 VERB If you borrow something that belongs to someone else, you take it or use it for a period of time, usually with their permission. □�[V n] Can I borrow a pen please? □�[V n] He wouldn't let me borrow his clothes.

2 VERB If you borrow money from someone or from a bank, they give it to you and you agree to pay it back at some time in the future. □�[V n +�from ] Morgan borrowed �5,000 from his father to form the company 20 years ago. □�[V +�from ] It's so expensive to borrow from finance companies. □�[V ] He borrowed heavily to get the money together. [Also V n]

3 VERB If you borrow a book from a library, you take it away for a fixed period of time. □�[V n +�from ] I couldn't afford to buy any, so I borrowed them from the library.

4 VERB If you borrow something such as a word or an idea from another language or from another person's work, you use it in your own language or work. □�[V n] I borrowed his words for my book's title. □�[V n] Their engineers are happier borrowing other people's ideas than developing their own.

5 PHRASE Someone who is living on borrowed time or who is on borrowed time has continued to live or to do something for longer than was expected, and is likely to die or be stopped from doing it soon. □� Perhaps that illness, diagnosed as fatal, gave him a sense of living on borrowed time. USAGE borrow

You don�t normally talk about borrowing or lending things that can�t be moved. Don�t say, for example, � Can I borrow your garage next week ?� Say �Can I use your garage next week?� □� You can use our washing machine.

bor|row|er /bɒ roʊə r / (borrowers ) N‑COUNT A borrower is a person or organization that borrows money.

bor|row|ing /bɒ roʊ I ŋ/ (borrowings ) N‑UNCOUNT Borrowing is the activity of borrowing money. □� We have allowed spending and borrowing to rise in this recession.

bor|stal /bɔː r st ə l/ (borstals ) N‑VAR In Britain in the past, a borstal was a kind of prison for young criminals, who were not old enough to be sent to ordinary prisons.

bos|om /bʊzəm/ (bosoms )

1 N‑COUNT A woman's breasts are sometimes referred to as her bosom or her bosoms . [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �a large young mother with a baby resting against her ample bosom.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A bosom friend is a friend who you know very well and like very much indeed. □� They were bosom friends. □� Sakota was her cousin and bosom pal.

boss ◆◆◇ /bɒ s/ (bosses , bossing , bossed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your boss is the person in charge of the organization or department where you work. □� He cannot stand his boss. □� Occasionally I have to go and ask the boss for a rise.

2 N‑COUNT If you are theboss in a group or relationship, you are the person who makes all the decisions. [INFORMAL ] □� He thinks he's the boss.

3 VERB If you say that someone bosses you, you mean that they keep telling you what to do in a way that is irritating. □�[V n prep/adv] We cannot boss them into doing more. □�[V n] 'You are not to boss me!' she shouted. ●�PHRASAL VERB Boss around , or in British English boss about , means the same as boss . □�[V n P ] He started bossing people around and I didn't like what was happening. [Also V P n]

4 PHRASE If you are your own boss , you work for yourself or make your own decisions and do not have anyone telling you what to do. □� I'm very much my own boss and no one interferes with what I do.

▸� boss around or boss about →�see boss3 COLLOCATIONS boss NOUN 1

noun +�boss : company, party, team, union

adjective +�boss : former, new SYNONYMS boss NOUN 1

manager:The chef, staff and managers are all Chinese.

head:�the head waiter.

chief:�a commission appointed by the police chief.

master:My master ordered me not to deliver the message except in private.

supervisor:�a full-time job as a supervisor at a factory.

bossy /bɒ si/ ADJ If you describe someone as bossy , you mean that they enjoy telling people what to do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She remembers being a rather bossy little girl. ●� bossi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� They resent what they see as bossiness.

bo|sun /boʊ s ə n/ (bosuns ) N‑COUNT The bosun on a ship is the officer whose job it is to look after the ship and its equipment.

bot /bɒ t/ (bots ) N‑COUNT A bot is a computer program that carries out tasks for other programs or users, especially on the internet. [COMPUTING ]

bo|tan|ic /bət� n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Botanic means the same as botanical .

bo|tani|cal /bət� n I k ə l/ (botanicals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Botanical books, research, and activities relate to the scientific study of plants. □� The area is of great botanical interest. □� �botanical gardens.

2 N‑COUNT Botanicals are drugs which are made from plants. □� The most effective new botanicals are extracts from cola nut and marine algae.

bota|nist /bɒ tən I st/ (botanists ) N‑COUNT A botanist is a scientist who studies plants.

bota|ny /bɒ təni/ N‑UNCOUNT Botany is the scientific study of plants.

botch /bɒ tʃ/ (botches , botching , botched )

1 VERB If you botch something that you are doing, you do it badly or clumsily. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] It is a silly idea and he has botched it. □�[V -ed] �a botched job. ●�PHRASAL VERB Botch up means the same as botch . □�[V P n] I hate having builders botch up repairs on my house. □�[V n P ] Hemingway complained that Nichols had 'botched everything up'.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you make abotchof something that you are doing, you botch it. [INFORMAL ] □� I rather made a botch of that whole thing.

▸� botch up →�see botch1

bo tch-up (botch-ups ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A botch-up is the same as a botch . [INFORMAL ] □� They were victims of a computer botch-up.

both ◆◆◆ /boʊ θ/

1 DET You use both when you are referring to two people or things and saying that something is true about each of them. □� She cried out in fear and flung both arms up to protect her face. □� Put both vegetables into a bowl and crush with a potato masher. ●�QUANT Both is also a quantifier. □�[+�of ] Both of these women have strong memories of the Vietnam War. □� We're going to Andreas's Boutique to pick out something original for both of us. ●�PRON Both is also a pronoun. □� Miss Brown and her friend, both from Stoke, were arrested on the 8th of June. □� Will there be public-works programmes, or community service, or both? ●�PRON Both is also an emphasizing pronoun. □� He visited the Institute of Neurology in Havana where they both worked. □� 'Well, I'll leave you both, then,' said Gregory. ●�PREDET Both is also a predeterminer. [EMPHASIS ] □� Both the band's writers are fascinating lyricists. □� Both the horses were out, tacked up and ready to ride.

2 CONJ You use the structure both�and when you are giving two facts or alternatives and emphasizing that each of them is true or possible. □� Now women work both before and after having their children. □� Any such action would have to be approved by both American and Saudi leaders.

both|er ◆◇◇ /bɒ �ə r / (bothers , bothering , bothered )

1 VERB If you do not botherto do something or if you do not botherwith it, you do not do it, consider it, or use it because you think it is unnecessary or because you are too lazy. □�[V to-inf] Lots of people don't bother to go through a marriage ceremony these days. □�[V v-ing] Most of the papers didn't even bother reporting it. □�[V ] Nothing I do makes any difference anyway, so why bother? □�[V +�with/about ] �and he does not bother with a helmet either.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Bother means trouble or difficulty. You can also use bother to refer to an activity which causes this, especially when you would prefer not to do it or get involved with it. □� I usually buy sliced bread�it's less bother. □� Most men hate the bother of shaving.

3 VERB If something bothers you, or if you bother about it, it worries, annoys, or upsets you. □�[V n] Is something bothering you? □�[V n] That kind of jealousy doesn't bother me. □�[V n that] It bothered me that boys weren't interested in me. □�[V +�about ] Never bother about people's opinions. [Also V n wh] ●� both|ered ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □�[+�about ] I was bothered about the blister on my hand. □� I'm not bothered if he has another child.

4 VERB If someone bothers you, they talk to you when you want to be left alone or interrupt you when you are busy. □�[V n] We are playing a trick on a man who keeps bothering me. □�[V n +�with/about ] I don't know why he bothers me with this kind of rubbish.

5 PHRASE If you say that you can't be botheredto do something, you mean that you are not going to do it because you think it is unnecessary or because you are too lazy. □� I just can't be bothered to look after the house.

6hot and bothered →�see hot SYNONYMS bother NOUN 2

trouble:You've caused us a lot of trouble.

problem:�the economic problems of the inner city.

difficulty:�the difficulty of getting accurate information.

nuisance:Sorry to be a nuisance. VERB 4

worry:I'm still in the early days of my recovery and that worries me.

trouble:Is anything troubling you?

concern:It concerned her that Bess was developing a crush on Max.

upset:She warned me not to say anything to upset him.

both|er|some /bɒ �ə r səm/ ADJ Someone or something that is bothersome is annoying or irritating. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

Bo|tox /boʊ tɒks/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Botox is a substance that is injected into the face in order to make the skin look smoother. [TRADEMARK ] □� �Botox injections.

bot|tle ◆◆◇ /bɒ t ə l/ (bottles , bottling , bottled )

1 N‑COUNT A bottle is a glass or plastic container in which drinks and other liquids are kept. Bottles are usually round with straight sides and a narrow top. □� There were two empty bottles on the table. □� He was pulling the cork from a bottle of wine. □� �Victorian scent bottles. ●�N‑COUNT A bottleof something is an amount of it contained in a bottle. □�[+�of ] Drink a bottle of water an hour - more if it's hot .

2 VERB To bottle a drink or other liquid means to put it into bottles after it has been made. □�[V n] This is a large truck which has equipment to automatically bottle the wine. □�[V -ed] �bottled water.

3 N‑COUNT A bottle is a drinking container used by babies. It has a special rubber part at the top through which they can suck their drink.

4 →�see also bottled , feeding bottle , hot-water bottle , water bottle

▸� bottle up PHRASAL VERB If you bottle up strong feelings, you do not express them or show them, especially when this makes you tense or angry. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n P ] Tension in the home increases if you bottle things up. □�[V P n] Be assertive rather than bottle up your anger.

bo t|tle bank (bottle banks ) N‑COUNT A bottle bank is a large container into which people can put empty bottles so that the glass can be used again. [BRIT ]

bot|tled /bɒ t ə ld/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bottled gas is kept under pressure in special metal cylinders which can be moved from one place to another.

2 →�see also bottle

bo ttle-feed (bottle-feeds , bottle-feeding , bottle-fed ) VERB If you bottle-feed a baby, you give it milk or a liquid like milk in a bottle rather than the baby sucking milk from its mother's breasts. □�[V n] New fathers love bottle-feeding their babies. □�[V -ed] �a bottle-fed baby.

bo ttle-gree n also bottle green COLOUR Something that is bottle-green is dark green in colour.

bottle|neck /bɒ t ə lnek/ (bottlenecks )

1 N‑COUNT A bottleneck is a place where a road becomes narrow or where it meets another road so that the traffic slows down or stops, often causing traffic jams.

2 N‑COUNT A bottleneck is a situation that stops a process or activity from progressing. □� He pushed everyone full speed ahead until production hit a bottleneck.

bo ttle-opener (bottle-openers ) N‑COUNT A bottle-opener is a metal device for removing caps or tops from bottles.

bot|tler /bɒ tələ r / (bottlers ) N‑COUNT A bottler is a person or company that puts drinks into bottles.

bo t|tle shop (bottle shops ) N‑COUNT A bottle shop is a shop which sells wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks. [AUSTRALIAN ]

bot|tom ◆◆◇ /bɒ təm/ (bottoms , bottoming , bottomed )

1 N‑COUNT Thebottomof something is the lowest or deepest part of it. □�[+�of ] He sat at the bottom of the stairs. □�[+�of ] Answers can be found at the bottom of page 8. □�[+�of ] �the bottom of the sea.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The bottom thing or layer in a series of things or layers is the lowest one. □� There's an extra duvet in the bottom drawer of the cupboard.

3 N‑COUNT Thebottomof an object is the flat surface at its lowest point. You can also refer to the inside or outside of this surface as the bottom . □� Spread the onion slices on the bottom of the dish. □� �the bottom of their shoes. □� �a suitcase with a false bottom.

4 N‑SING If you say that the bottom has dropped or fallen out of a market or industry, you mean that people have stopped buying the products it sells. [BUSINESS , JOURNALISM ] □� The bottom had fallen out of the city's property market.

5 N‑SING The bottomof a street or garden is the end farthest away from you or from your house. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �the Cathedral at the bottom of the street. in AM, usually use end6 N‑SING The bottomof a table is the end farthest away from where you are sitting. The bottomof a bed is the end where you usually rest your feet. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] Malone sat down on the bottom of the bed. in AM, usually use end7 N‑SING The bottomof an organization or career structure is the lowest level in it, where new employees often start. □� He had worked in the theatre for many years, starting at the bottom. □�[+�of ] �a contract researcher at the bottom of the pay scale.

8 N‑SING If someone is bottom or at the bottom in a survey, test, or league, their performance is worse than that of all the other people involved. □�[+�of ] He was always bottom of the class. □�[+�of ] The team is close to bottom of the League.

9 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your bottom is the part of your body that you sit on. □� If there was one thing she could change about her body it would be her bottom.

10 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft n N ] The lower part of a bikini, tracksuit, or pair of pyjamas can be referred to as the bottoms or the bottom . □� She wore blue tracksuit bottoms. □� �a skimpy bikini bottom.

11 →�see also -bottomed , rock bottom

12 PHRASE You use at bottom to emphasize that you are stating what you think is the real nature of something or the real truth about a situation. [EMPHASIS ] □� The two systems are, at bottom, conceptual models. □� At bottom, such an attitude is born out of fear of losing you.

13 PHRASE If something is at the bottom of a problem or unpleasant situation, it is the real cause of it. □� Often I find that anger and resentment are at the bottom of the problem.

14 PHRASE You can say that you mean something from the bottom of your heart to emphasize that you mean it very sincerely. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm happy, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. □� I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.

15 PHRASE If you want to get to the bottom of a problem, you want to solve it by finding out its real cause. □� I have to get to the bottom of this mess.

16to scrape the bottom of the barrel →�see barrel

▸� bottom out PHRASAL VERB If a trend such as a fall in prices bottoms out , it stops getting worse or decreasing, and remains at a particular level or amount. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V P ] He expects the recession to bottom out. COLLOCATIONS bottom NOUN

1

verb +�bottom : near, reach

10

noun +�bottom : bikini, jogging, pyjama, tracksuit

-bottomed /-bɒ təmd/ COMB -bottomed can be added to adjectives or nouns to form adjectives that indicate what kind of bottom an object or person has. □� �a glass-bottomed boat.

bot|tom|less /bɒ təmləs/

1 ADJ If you describe a supply of something as bottomless , you mean that it seems so large that it will never run out. □� Mum does not have a bottomless purse.

2 ADJ If you describe something as bottomless , you mean that it is so deep that it seems to have no bottom. □� His eyes were like bottomless brown pools.

3 PHRASE If you describe something as a bottomless pit , you mean that it seems as if you can take things from it and it will never be empty or put things in it and it will never be full. □� A gold mine is not a bottomless pit, the gold runs out. □� The problem is we don't have a bottomless pit of resources.

bo t|tom li ne (bottom lines )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thebottom line in a decision or situation is the most important factor that you have to consider. □� The bottom line is that it's not profitable.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu poss N ] The bottom line in a business deal is the least a person is willing to accept. □� She says �95,000 is her bottom line.

3 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] The bottom line is the total amount of money that a company has made or lost over a particular period of time. [BUSINESS ] □� �to force chief executives to look beyond the next quarter's bottom line.

botu|lism /bɒ tʃʊl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Botulism is a serious form of food poisoning. [MEDICAL ]

bou|doir /buː dwɑː r / (boudoirs ) N‑COUNT A boudoir is a woman's bedroom or private sitting room. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

bouf|fant /buː fɒn, [AM ] buːfɑː nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bouffant hairstyle is one in which your hair is high and full. □� �blonde bouffant hairdos.

bou|gain|vil|lea /buː gənv I liə/ (bougainvilleas ) in BRIT, also use bougainvillaea N‑VAR Bougainvillea is a climbing plant that has thin, red or purple flowers and grows mainly in hot countries.

bough /baʊ / (boughs ) N‑COUNT A bough is a large branch of a tree. [LITERARY ] □� I rested my fishing rod against a pine bough.

bought /bɔː t/ Bought is the past tense and past participle of buy .

bouil|la|baisse /buː jəbes/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Bouillabaisse is a rich stew or soup of fish and vegetables.

bouil|lon /buː jɒn, [AM ] bʊ ljɑːn/ (bouillons ) N‑VAR Bouillon is a liquid made by boiling meat and bones or vegetables in water and used to make soups and sauces.

boul|der /boʊ ldə r / (boulders ) N‑COUNT A boulder is a large rounded rock.

boules /buː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Boules is a game in which a small ball is thrown and then the players try to throw other balls as close to the first ball as possible.

boule|vard /buː ləvɑː r d, [AM ] bʊ l-/ (boulevards ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A boulevard is a wide street in a city, usually with trees along each side. □� �Lenton Boulevard.

bounce /baʊ ns/ (bounces , bouncing , bounced )

1 VERB When an object such as a ball bounces or when you bounce it, it moves upwards from a surface or away from it immediately after hitting it. □�[V n prep] I bounced a ball against the house. □�[V n] My father would burst into the kitchen bouncing a football. □�[V prep/adv] �a falling pebble, bouncing down the eroded cliff. □�[V ] They watched the dodgem cars bang and bounce. ●�N‑COUNT Bounce is also a noun. □� The wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball.

2 VERB If sound or light bounces off a surface or is bounced off it, it reaches the surface and is reflected back. □�[V +�off ] Your arms and legs need protection from light bouncing off glass. □�[V n +�off ] They work by bouncing microwaves off solid objects.

3 VERB If something bounces or if something bounces it, it swings or moves up and down. □�[V ] Her long black hair bounced as she walked. □�[V adv] Then I noticed the car was bouncing up and down as if someone were jumping on it. □�[V n] The wind was bouncing the branches of the big oak trees.

4 VERB If you bounce on a soft surface, you jump up and down on it repeatedly. □�[V prep/adv] She lets us do anything, even bounce on our beds. [Also V ]

5 VERB If someone bounces somewhere, they move there in an energetic way, because they are feeling happy. □�[V prep/adv] Moira bounced into the office.

6 VERB If you bounce your ideas off someone, you tell them to that person, in order to find out what they think about them. □�[V n +�off ] It was good to bounce ideas off another mind. □�[V n around ] Let's bounce a few ideas around.

7 VERB If a cheque bounces or if a bank bounces it, the bank refuses to accept it and pay out the money, because the person who wrote it does not have enough money in their account. □�[V ] Our only complaint would be if the cheque bounced. □�[V n] His bank wrongly bounced cheques worth �75,000.

8 VERB [V ] If an email or other electronic message bounces , it is returned to the person who sent it because the address was wrong or because of a problem with one of the computers involved in sending it. [COMPUTING ]

▸� bounce back PHRASAL VERB If you bounce back after a bad experience, you return very quickly to your previous level of success, enthusiasm, or activity. □�[V P ] We lost two or three early games in the World Cup, but we bounced back. □�[V P prep/adv] He is young enough to bounce back from this disappointment.

bounc|er /baʊ nsə r / (bouncers ) N‑COUNT A bouncer is a man who stands at the door of a club, prevents unwanted people from coming in, and makes people leave if they cause trouble.

bounc|ing /baʊ ns I ŋ/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n, ADJ n] If you say that someone is bouncingwith health, you mean that they are very healthy. You can also refer to a bouncing baby to mean a healthy baby. □� They are bouncing with health in the good weather. □� Derek is now the proud father of a bouncing baby girl.

2 →�see also bounce

bouncy /baʊ nsi/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is bouncy is very lively. □� She was bouncy and full of energy.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bouncy thing can bounce very well or makes other things bounce well. □� �a children's paradise filled with bouncy toys. □� �a bouncy chair.

bou ncy cas|tle (bouncy castles ) N‑COUNT A bouncy castle is a large object filled with air, often in the shape of a castle, which children play on at a fairground or other outdoor event.

bound

➊�BE BOUND

➋�OTHER USES

➊ bound ◆◇◇ /baʊ nd/

1Bound is the past tense and past participle of bind .

2 PHRASE If you say that something is bound to happen, you mean that you are sure it will happen, because it is a natural consequence of something that is already known or exists. □� There are bound to be price increases next year. □� If you are topless in a public place, this sort of thing is bound to happen.

3 PHRASE If you say that something is bound to happen or be true, you feel confident and certain of it, although you have no definite knowledge or evidence. [SPOKEN ] □� I'll show it to Benjamin. He's bound to know. □� We'll have more than one child, and one of them's bound to be a boy.

4 ADJ If one person, thing, or situation is bound to another, they are closely associated with each other, and it is difficult for them to be separated or to escape from each other. □�[+�to ] We are as tightly bound to the people we dislike as to the people we love.

5 ADJ If a vehicle or person is bound for a particular place, they are travelling towards it. □�[+�for ] The ship was bound for Italy. □�[+�for ] �a Russian plane bound for Berlin. ●�COMB -bound is also a combining form. □� �a Texas-bound oil freighter. □� �homeward-bound commuters.

6 PHRASE If something is bound up in a particular form or place, it is fixed in that form or contained in that place. □� He does not like having a large chunk of his wealth bound up in shares.

7 PHRASE If one thing is bound up with or in another, they are closely connected with each other, and it is difficult to consider the two things separately. □� My fate was bound up with hers. □� Their interests were completely bound up in their careers.

8 →�see also bind over

➋ bound ◆◇◇ /baʊ nd/ (bounds , bounding , bounded )

→�Please look at category 10 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑PLURAL [usu within/beyond N ] Bounds are limits which normally restrict what can happen or what people can do. □� Changes in temperature occur slowly and are constrained within relatively tight bounds. □�[+�of ] �a forceful personality willing to go beyond the bounds of convention. □�[+�of ] �the bounds of good taste.

2 VERB If an area of land is bounded by something, that thing is situated around its edge. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The area is bounded by Oxford Street to the north and Leicester Square to the south. □�[V n] �the trees that bounded the car park. □�[V -ed] �the park, bounded by two busy main roads and a huge housing estate.

3 V-PASSIVE If someone's life or situation is boundedby certain things, those are its most important aspects and it is limited or restricted by them. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Our lives are bounded by work, family and television.

4 VERB If a person or animal bounds in a particular direction, they move quickly with large steps or jumps. □�[V prep/adv] He bounded up the steps and pushed the bell of the door.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A bound is a long or high jump. [LITERARY ] □� With one bound Jack was free.

6 VERB If the quantity or performance of something bounds ahead, it increases or improves quickly and suddenly. □�[V adv] The shares bounded ahead a further 11p to 311p.

7 PHRASE If you say that a feeling or quality knows no bounds , you are emphasizing that it is very strong or intense. [EMPHASIS ] □� The passion of Argentinian football fans knows no bounds.

8 PHRASE If a place is out of bounds , people are not allowed to go there. □� For the last few days the area has been out of bounds to foreign journalists.

9 PHRASE If something is out of bounds , people are not allowed to do it, use it, see it, or know about it. □� The subject is out of bounds today.

10leaps and bounds →�see leap

-bound /-baʊnd/

1 COMB -bound combines with nouns to form adjectives which describe a person who finds it impossible or very difficult to leave the specified place. □� I'm pretty desk-bound, which is very frustrating.

2 COMB -bound combines with nouns to form adjectives which describe a place that is greatly affected by the specified type of weather. □� Three people were hurt in a 12-car pile up on a fog-bound motorway yesterday.

3 COMB -bound combines with nouns to form adjectives which describe something or someone that is prevented from working properly or is badly affected by the specified situation. [WRITTEN ] □� �the tradition-bound officers of the navy.

4 →�see also bound ➊ 5 , duty-bound , muscle-bound

bounda|ry /baʊ ndəri/ (boundaries )

1 N‑COUNT The boundaryof an area of land is an imaginary line that separates it from other areas. □�[+�of ] �the Bow Brook which forms the western boundary of the wood. □� Drug traffickers operate across national boundaries. [Also +�between ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The boundariesof something such as a subject or activity are the limits that people think that it has. □�[+�between ] The boundaries between history and storytelling are always being blurred and muddled. □�[+�of ] �extending the boundaries of press freedom.

bound|er /baʊ ndə r / (bounders ) N‑COUNT If you call a man a bounder , you mean he behaves in an unkind, deceitful, or selfish way. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

bound|less /baʊ ndləs/ ADJ If you describe something as boundless , you mean that there seems to be no end or limit to it. □� His reforming zeal was boundless.

boun|ti|ful /baʊ nt I fʊl/

1 ADJ A bountiful supply or amount of something pleasant is a large one. □� State aid is less bountiful than it was before. □� �a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables.

2 ADJ A bountiful area or period of time produces or provides large amounts of something, especially food. □� The land is bountiful and no one starves.

boun|ty /baʊ nti/ (bounties )

1 N‑VAR You can refer to something that is provided in large amounts as bounty . [LITERARY ] □� �autumn's bounty of fruits, seeds and berries.

2 N‑COUNT A bounty is money that is offered as a reward for doing something, especially for finding or killing a particular person. □� They paid bounties for people to give up their weapons.

bou n|ty hunt|er (bounty hunters ) N‑COUNT A bounty hunter is someone who tries to find or kill someone in order to get the reward that has been offered.

bou|quet /boʊke I , buː-/ (bouquets )

1 N‑COUNT A bouquet is a bunch of flowers which is attractively arranged. □�[+�of ] The woman carried a bouquet of dried violets.

2 N‑VAR The bouquet of something, especially wine, is the pleasant smell that it has. □� �a Sicilian wine with a bouquet of cloves.

bou|quet gar|ni /boʊke I gɑː r niː , buː-/ N‑SING A bouquet garni is a bunch of herbs that are tied together and used in cooking to add flavour to the food.

bour|bon /bɜː r bən/ (bourbons ) N‑VAR Bourbon is a type of whisky that is made mainly in America. □� I poured a little more bourbon into my glass. ●�N‑COUNT A bourbon is a small glass of bourbon.

bour|geois /bʊə r ʒwɑː/

1 ADJ If you describe people, their way of life, or their attitudes as bourgeois , you disapprove of them because you consider them typical of conventional middle-class people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's accusing them of having a bourgeois and limited vision.

2 →�see also petit bourgeois

bour|geoi|sie /bʊə r ʒwɑːziː /

1 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] In Marxist theory, the bourgeoisie are the middle-class people who own most of the wealth in a capitalist system. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the suppression of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie.

2 →�see also petit bourgeoisie

bourse /buː r s/ (bourses ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A country's or region's bourse is its stock exchange.

bout /baʊ t/ (bouts )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a boutof an illness or of an unpleasant feeling, you have it for a short period. □�[+�of ] He was recovering from a severe bout of flu. □�[+�of ] I was suffering with a bout of nerves.

2 N‑COUNT A boutof something that is unpleasant is a short time during which it occurs a great deal. □�[+�of ] The latest bout of violence has claimed twenty-four lives. □�[+�of ] A half-hour daily walk can be more beneficial than one hard bout of exercise a week.

3 N‑COUNT A bout is a boxing or wrestling match. □� This will be his eighth title bout in 19 months.

bou|tique /buːtiː k/ (boutiques ) N‑COUNT A boutique is a small shop that sells fashionable clothes, shoes, or jewellery.

bou|ti que ho|te l (boutique hotels ) N‑COUNT A boutique hotel is a small, high-quality and usually attractive hotel. □� They opened a boutique hotel in Istanbul.

bo|vine /boʊ va I n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bovine means relating to cattle. [TECHNICAL ]

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour or appearance as bovine , you think that they are stupid or slow. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm depressed by the bovine enthusiasm of the crowd's response.

bow

➊�BENDING OR SUBMITTING

➋�PART OF A SHIP

➌�OBJECTS

➊ bow /baʊ / (bows , bowing , bowed )

1 VERB When you bowto someone, you briefly bend your body towards them as a formal way of greeting them or showing respect. □�[V +�to ] They bowed low to Louis and hastened out of his way. □�[V ] He bowed slightly before taking her bag. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Bow is also a noun. □� I gave a theatrical bow and waved.

2 VERB If you bow your head, you bend it downwards so that you are looking towards the ground, for example because you want to show respect or because you are thinking deeply about something. □�[V n] He bowed his head and whispered a prayer of thanksgiving. □�[V -ed] She stood still, head bowed, hands clasped in front of her.

3 VERB If you bow to pressure or to someone's wishes, you agree to do what they want you to do. □�[V +�to ] Some shops are bowing to consumer pressure and stocking organically grown vegetables.

4 V-PASSIVE If you are bowed by something, you are made unhappy and anxious by it, and lose hope. □�[be V -ed] �their determination not to be bowed in the face of the allied attacks. ●�PHRASAL VERB To be bowed down means the same as to be bowed . □�[be V -ed P ] I am bowed down by my sins.

▸� bow down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you refuse to bow downto another person, you refuse to show them respect or to behave in a way which you think would make you seem weaker or less important than them. □�[V P +�to ] We should not have to bow down to anyone.

2 →�see also bow ➊ 4

▸� bow out PHRASAL VERB If you bow out of something, you stop taking part in it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V P ] He had bowed out gracefully when his successor had been appointed. [Also +�of ]

➋ bow /baʊ / (bows ) N‑COUNT The front part of a ship is called thebow or thebows . The plural bows can be used to refer either to one or to more than one of these parts. □� The waves were about five feet now, and the bow of the boat was leaping up and down.

➌ bow /boʊ / (bows )

1 N‑COUNT A bow is a knot with two loops and two loose ends that is used in tying shoelaces and ribbons. □� Add a length of ribbon tied in a bow.

2 N‑COUNT A bow is a weapon for shooting arrows which consists of a long piece of curved wood with a string attached to both its ends. □� Some of the raiders were armed with bows and arrows.

3 N‑COUNT The bow of a violin or other stringed instrument is a long thin piece of wood with fibres stretched along it, which you move across the strings of the instrument in order to play it.

bowd|ler|ize /baʊ dləra I z, [AM ] boʊ d-/ (bowdlerizes , bowdlerizing , bowdlerized ) in BRIT, also use bowdlerise VERB To bowdlerize a book or film means to take parts of it out before publishing it or showing it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] I'm bowdlerizing it�just slightly changing one or two words so listeners won't be upset. □�[V -ed] �a bowdlerised version of the song.

bowed Pronounced /boʊ d/ for meaning 1 , and /baʊ d/ for meaning 2 . 1 ADJ Something that is bowed is curved. □� �an old lady with bowed legs.

2 ADJ If a person's body is bowed , it is bent forward. □� He walked aimlessly along street after street, head down and shoulders bowed.

3 →�see also bow ➊

bow|el /baʊ əl/ (bowels )

1 N‑COUNT Your bowels are the tubes in your body through which digested food passes from your stomach to your anus.

2 N‑PLURAL You can refer in a polite way to someone getting rid of the waste from their body by saying that they move, open, or empty their bowels .

3 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the parts deep inside something such as the earth, a building, or a machine as the bowels of that thing. [HUMOROUS or LITERARY ] □� �deep in the bowels of the earth. □� Lyn went off into the dark bowels of the building.

bow|er /baʊə r / (bowers ) N‑COUNT A bower is a shady, leafy shelter in a garden or wood. [LITERARY ]

bowl ◆◇◇ /boʊ l/ (bowls , bowling , bowled )

1 N‑COUNT A bowl is a round container with a wide uncovered top. Some kinds of bowl are used, for example, for serving or eating food from, or in cooking, while other larger kinds are used for washing or cleaning. □� Put all the ingredients into a large bowl.

2 N‑COUNT The contents of a bowl can be referred to as a bowlof something. □�[+�of ] �a bowl of soup.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to the hollow rounded part of an object as its bowl . □�[+�of ] He smacked the bowl of his pipe into his hand. □� �the toilet bowl.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Bowls is a game in which players try to roll large wooden balls as near as possible to a small wooden ball. Bowls is usually played outdoors on grass. [BRIT ] in AM, use lawn bowling5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A set of bowls is a set of round wooden balls that you play bowls with.

6 VERB In a sport such as cricket, when a bowler bowls a ball, he or she sends it down the pitch towards a batsman. □�[V n] I can't see the point of bowling a ball like that. □�[V ] He bowled so well that we won two matches.

7 VERB If you bowlalong in a car or on a boat, you move along very quickly, especially when you are enjoying yourself. □�[V prep/adv] Veronica looked at him, smiling, as they bowled along.

8 N‑COUNT A large stadium where sports or concerts take place is sometimes called a Bowl . □� �the Crystal Palace Bowl. □� �the Rose Bowl.

9 →�see also bowling , begging bowl , fruit bowl , mixing bowl , punch bowl , salad bowl , sugar bowl

▸� bowl over

1 PHRASAL VERB To bowl someone over means to push them and make them fall to the ground. □�[be V -ed P ] The only physical risk I ran was being bowled over by one of the many joggers. □�[V n P ] Some people had to cling to trees as the flash flood bowled them over. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you are bowled overby something, you are very impressed or surprised by it. □�[be V -ed P ] Like any tourist, I was bowled over by India. □�[V n P ] �a man who bowled her over with his humour and charm. [Also V P n]

bow|ler /boʊ lə r / (bowlers ) N‑COUNT The bowler in a sport such as cricket is the player who is bowling the ball. □� He's a rather good fast bowler.

bo w|ler ha t (bowler hats ) N‑COUNT A bowler hat is a round, hard, black hat with a narrow brim which is worn by men, especially British businessmen. Bowler hats are no longer very common. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use derby

bowl|ful /boʊ lfʊl/ (bowlfuls ) N‑COUNT The contents of a bowl can be referred to as a bowlfulof something. □�[+�of ] They ate a large bowlful of cereal. □� I had a mixed salad�a huge bowlful for �3.20.

bowl|ing /boʊ l I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Bowling is a game in which you roll a heavy ball down a narrow track towards a group of wooden objects and try to knock down as many of them as possible. □� I go bowling for relaxation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In a sport such as cricket, bowling is the action or activity of bowling the ball towards the batsman.

bo wl|ing al|ley (bowling alleys ) N‑COUNT A bowling alley is a building which contains several tracks for bowling.

bo wl|ing green (bowling greens ) N‑COUNT A bowling green is an area of very smooth, short grass on which the game of bowls or lawn bowling is played.

bow tie /boʊ ta I / (bow ties ) also bow-tie N‑COUNT A bow tie is a tie in the form of a bow. Bow ties are worn by men, especially for formal occasions.

box ◆◆◇ /bɒ ks/ (boxes , boxing , boxed )

1 N‑COUNT A box is a square or rectangular container with hard or stiff sides. Boxes often have lids. □� He reached into the cardboard box beside him. □� They sat on wooden boxes. □� �the box of tissues on her desk. ●�N‑COUNT A boxof something is an amount of it contained in a box. □�[+�of ] She ate two boxes of liqueurs.

2 N‑COUNT A box is a square or rectangle that is printed or drawn on a piece of paper, a road, or on some other surface.

3 N‑SING In football, the box is the penalty area of the field. □� He scored from the penalty spot after being brought down in the box.

4 N‑COUNT A box is a small separate area in a theatre or at a sports ground or stadium, where a small number of people can sit to watch the performance or game.

5 N‑SING Television is sometimes referred to as the box . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Do you watch it live at all or do you watch it on the box?

6 N‑COUNT Box is used before a number as a postal address by organizations that receive a lot of mail. □� �Country Crafts, Box 111, Landisville.

7 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Box is a small evergreen tree with dark leaves which is often used to form hedges. □� �box hedges.

8 VERB To box means to fight someone according to the rules of boxing. □�[V ] At school I boxed and played rugby. □�[V n] The two fighters had previously boxed a 12-round match.

9 →�see also boxed , boxing , black box , chocolate-box , lunch box , phone box , postbox , post office box , sentry box , signal box , telephone box

▸� box in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you are boxed in , you are unable to move from a particular place because you are surrounded by other people or cars. □�[be V -ed P ] Armstrong was boxed in with 300 metres to go. □�[V n P ] The black cabs cut in front of them, trying to box them in.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something boxes you in , it puts you in a situation where you have very little choice about what you can do. □�[V n P ] Part of winning a mandate is having clear goals and not boxing yourself in. □�[V P n] We are not trying to box anybody in, we are trying to find a satisfactory way forward. ●� boxed in ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� The Chancellor is boxed in by inflation targets and sterling.

box|car /bɒ kskɑː r / (boxcars ) N‑COUNT A boxcar is a railway carriage, often without windows, which is used to carry luggage, goods, or mail. [AM ] in BRIT, use van

boxed /bɒ kst/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A boxed set or collection of things is sold in a box. □� � a boxed set of six cups and saucers. □� This boxed collection captures 64 of the greatest modern love songs.

2 →�see also box

box|er /bɒ ksə r / (boxers ) N‑COUNT A boxer is someone who takes part in the sport of boxing.

bo x|er shorts N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Boxer shorts are loose-fitting men's underpants that are shaped like the shorts worn by boxers.

box|ing /bɒ ks I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Boxing is a sport in which two people wearing large padded gloves fight according to special rules.

Bo x|ing Day N‑UNCOUNT Boxing Day is the 26th of December, the day after Christmas Day. [BRIT ]

bo x|ing glove (boxing gloves ) N‑COUNT Boxing gloves are big padded gloves worn for boxing.

bo x|ing ring (boxing rings ) N‑COUNT A boxing ring is a raised square platform with ropes around it in which boxers fight.

bo x lunch (box lunches ) N‑COUNT A box lunch is food, for example sandwiches, which you take to work, to school, or on a trip and eat as your lunch. [AM ] in BRIT, use packed lunch

bo x num|ber (box numbers ) N‑COUNT A box number is a number used as an address, for example one given by a newspaper for replies to a private advertisement, or one used by an organization for the letters sent to it.

bo x of|fice (box offices ) also box-office

1 N‑COUNT The box office in a theatre, cinema, or concert hall is the place where the tickets are sold.

2 N‑SING [N n] When people talk about thebox office , they are referring to the degree of success of a film or play in terms of the number of people who go to watch it or the amount of money it makes. □� The film has taken �180 million at the box office. □� The film was a huge box-office success.

box|set /bɒ kset/ (boxsets ) or box set N‑COUNT A boxset is a set of episodes of a television series, films, or recordings, sold together or made available to watch or listen to at the same time. □� We should have stayed in with a pizza and a boxset.

box|wood /bɒ kswʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Boxwood is a type of wood which is obtained from a box tree.

boxy /bɒ ksi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is boxy is similar to a square in shape and usually plain. □� �short boxy jackets.

boy ◆◆◆ /bɔ I / (boys )

1 N‑COUNT A boy is a child who will grow up to be a man. □� I knew him when he was a little boy. □� He was still just a boy.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a young man as a boy , especially when talking about relationships between boys and girls. □� �the age when girls get interested in boys.

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's boy is their son. [INFORMAL ] □� Eric was my cousin Edward's boy. □� I have two boys.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to a man as a boy , especially when you are talking about him in an affectionate way. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� �the local boy who made President. □� 'Come on boys', he shouted to the sailors.

5 →�see also backroom boy , blue-eyed boy , bully-boy , head boy , messenger boy , office boy , old boy , stable boy , Teddy boy

6 EXCLAM Some people say ' boy ' or ' oh boy ' in order to express feelings of excitement or admiration. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Oh Boy! Just think what I could tell him. COLLOCATIONS boy NOUN

1

noun +�boy : baby; country, farm

adjective +�boy : little, small, young; adolescent, teenage; bad, clever, good, naughty

4

noun +�boy : pin-up, poster, wonder; birthday

adjective +�boy : golden

bo y band (boy bands ) N‑COUNT A boy band is a band consisting of young men who sing pop music and dance. Boy bands are especially popular with teenage girls.

boy|cott /bɔ I kɒt/ (boycotts , boycotting , boycotted ) VERB If a country, group, or person boycotts a country, organization, or activity, they refuse to be involved with it in any way because they disapprove of it. □�[V n] The main opposition parties are boycotting the elections. ●�N‑COUNT Boycott is also a noun. □�[+�of/against/on ] Opposition leaders had called for a boycott of the vote.

boy|friend ◆◇◇ /bɔ I frend/ (boyfriends ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's boyfriend is a man or boy with whom they are having a romantic or sexual relationship. □� I don't know if she's got a boyfriend or not.

boy|hood /bɔ I hʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Boyhood is the period of a male person's life during which he is a boy. □� He has been a Derby County supporter since boyhood.

boy|ish /bɔ I I ʃ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a man as boyish , you mean that he is like a boy in his appearance or behaviour, and you find this characteristic quite attractive. [APPROVAL ] □� She was relieved to see his face light up with a boyish grin. □� He loves to learn, and has a boyish enthusiasm for life. ●� boy|ish|ly ADV □� John grinned boyishly.

2 ADJ If you describe a girl or woman as boyish , you mean that she looks like a boy, for example because she has short hair or small breasts. □� �her tall, boyish figure.

bo y ra c|er (boy racers ) N‑COUNT British journalists sometimes refer to young men who drive very fast, especially in expensive and powerful cars, as boy racers . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Bad driving is not just the preserve of boy racers.

Bo y Scou t (Boy Scouts ) also boy scout

1 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Boy Scouts is an organization for boys which teaches them discipline and practical skills. □� He's in the Boy Scouts.

2 N‑COUNT A Boy Scout is a boy who is a member of the Boy Scouts.

bozo /boʊ zoʊ/ (bozos ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a bozo , you mean that you think they are stupid. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He makes 'em look like bozos.

bps /bi ː piː e s/ bps is a measurement of the speed at which computer data is transferred, for example by a modem. bps is an abbreviation for 'bits per second'. [COMPUTING ] □� A minimum 28,800 bps modem is probably the slowest you'll want to put up with.

Br.Br. is a written abbreviation for British .

bra /brɑː / (bras ) N‑COUNT A bra is a piece of underwear that women wear to support their breasts.

brace /bre I s/ (braces , bracing , braced )

1 VERB If you braceyourself for something unpleasant or difficult, you prepare yourself for it. □�[V pron-refl +�for ] He braced himself for the icy plunge into the black water. □�[V pron-refl] She braced herself, as if to meet a blow.

2 VERB If you braceyourselfagainst something or brace part of your body against it, you press against something in order to steady your body or to avoid falling. □�[V pron-refl +�against ] Elaine braced herself against the dresser and looked in the mirror. □�[V n +�against ] He braced his back against the wall.

3 VERB If you brace your shoulders or knees, you keep them stiffly in a particular position. □�[V n] He braced his shoulders as the snow slashed across his face.

4 VERB To brace something means to strengthen or support it with something else. □�[V n] Overhead, the lights showed the old timbers, used to brace the roof.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to two things of the same kind as a braceof that thing. The plural form is also brace . □�[+�of ] �a brace of bottles of Mercier Rose champagne. □�[+�of ] �a few brace of grouse.

6 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A brace is a device attached to a part of a person's body, for example to a weak leg, in order to strengthen or support it. □� She wears a neck brace.

7 N‑COUNT A brace is a metal device that can be fastened to a child's teeth in order to help them grow straight.

8 N‑PLURAL Braces are a pair of straps that pass over your shoulders and fasten to your trousers at the front and back in order to stop them from falling down. [BRIT ] in AM, use suspenders9 N‑COUNT Braces or curly braces are a pair of written marks that you place around words, numbers, or parts of a computer code, for example to indicate that they are connected in some way or are separate from other parts of the writing or code. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use curly brackets

brace|let /bre I sl I t/ (bracelets ) N‑COUNT A bracelet is a chain or band, usually made of metal, which you wear around your wrist as jewellery.

brac|ing /bre I s I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something, especially a place, climate, or activity as bracing , you mean that it makes you feel fresh and full of energy. □� �a bracing walk.

brack|en /br� kən/ N‑UNCOUNT Bracken is a large plant with leaves that are divided into many thin sections. It grows on hills and in woods.

brack|et /br� k I t/ (brackets , bracketing , bracketed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If you say that someone or something is in a particular bracket , you mean that they come within a particular range, for example a range of incomes, ages, or prices. □� �a 33% top tax rate on everyone in these high-income brackets. □� Do you fall outside that age bracket?

2 N‑COUNT Brackets are pieces of metal, wood, or plastic that are fastened to a wall in order to support something such as a shelf. □� Fix the beam with the brackets and screws. □� �adjustable wall brackets.

3 VERB If two or more people or things are bracketedtogether , they are considered to be similar or related in some way. □�[be V -ed with together ] Small businesses are being bracketed together as high risk, regardless of their business plans and previous histories. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Austrian wine styles are often bracketed with those of northern Germany.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft in N ] Brackets are a pair of written marks that you place round a word, expression, or sentence in order to indicate that you are giving extra information. In British English, curved marks like these are also called brackets , but in American English, they are called parenthesis . □� The prices in brackets are special rates for the under 18s.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Brackets are pair of marks that are placed around a series of symbols in a mathematical expression to indicate that those symbols function as one item within the expression.

brack|ish /br� k I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Brackish water is slightly salty and unpleasant. □� �shallow pools of brackish water.

brag /br� g/ (brags , bragging , bragged ) VERB If you brag , you say in a very proud way that you have something or have done something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�about ] He's always bragging about his prowess as a cricketer. □�[V +�to ] He'll probably go around bragging to his friends. □�[V that] He once bragged that he would become the world's richest man. [Also V with quote, V ]

Brah|min /brɑː m I n/ (Brahmins ) also Brahman N‑COUNT A Brahmin is a Hindu of the highest social rank.

braid /bre I d/ (braids , braiding , braided )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Braid is a narrow piece of decorated cloth or twisted threads, which is used to decorate clothes or curtains. □� �a plum-coloured uniform with lots of gold braid.

2 VERB If you braid hair or a group of threads, you twist three or more lengths of the hair or threads over and under each other to make one thick length. [AM ] □�[V n] She had almost finished braiding Louisa's hair. □�[V -ed] He pictured her with long black braided hair. in BRIT, use plait3 N‑COUNT A braid is a length of hair which has been divided into three or more lengths and then braided. [AM ] in BRIT, use plait

braid|ed /bre I d I d/ ADJ A piece of clothing that is braided is decorated with braid.

Braille /bre I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Braille is a system of printing for blind people. The letters are printed as groups of raised dots that you can feel with your fingers.

brain ◆◆◇ /bre I n/ (brains )

1 N‑COUNT Your brain is the organ inside your head that controls your body's activities and enables you to think and to feel things such as heat and pain. □� Her father died of a brain tumour.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your brain is your mind and the way that you think. □� Once you stop using your brain you soon go stale. □� Stretch your brain with this puzzle.

3 N‑COUNT If someone has brains or a good brain , they have the ability to learn and understand things quickly, to solve problems, and to make good decisions. □� I had a good brain and the teachers liked me.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If someone is thebrains behind an idea or an organization, he or she had that idea or makes the important decisions about how that organization is managed. [INFORMAL ] □� Mr White was the brains behind the scheme. □�[+�of ] Some investigators regarded her as the brains of the gang.

5 PHRASE If you pick someone's brains , you ask them to help you with a problem because they know more about the subject than you. [INFORMAL ] □� Why should a successful company allow another firm to pick its brains?

6to rack your brains →�see rack COLLOCATIONS brain NOUN

1

adjective +�brain : human; left, right

verb +�brain : scan; affect, damage

2

adjective +�brain : human, teenage; mathematical, sharp, shrewd

verb +�brain : engage, stimulate, use

brain|child /bre I ntʃa I ld/ also brain-child N‑SING [with poss] Someone's brainchild is an idea or invention that they have thought up or created. □� The project was the brainchild of the British Council offices in India.

brai n dam|age N‑UNCOUNT If someone suffers brain damage , their brain is damaged by an illness or injury so that they cannot function normally. □� He suffered severe brain damage after a motorbike accident.

brai n-damaged ADJ Someone who is brain-damaged has suffered brain damage. □� The accident left the boy severely brain-damaged and almost totally reliant on others.

brai n-dea d also brain dead , braindead

1 ADJ If someone is declared brain-dead , they have suffered brain death.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is brain-dead , you are saying in a cruel way that you think they are very stupid. [DISAPPROVAL ]

brai n death N‑UNCOUNT Brain death occurs when someone's brain stops functioning, even though their heart may be kept beating using a machine.

brai n drain N‑SING When people talk about a brain drain , they are referring to the movement of a large number of scientists or academics away from their own country to other countries where the conditions and salaries are better.

-brained /-bre I nd/

1 COMB You can combine -brained with nouns to form adjectives which describe the quality of someone's mind when you consider that person to be rather stupid. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a scatter-brained professor.

2 →�see also hare-brained

brain|less /bre I nləs/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as brainless , you mean that you think they are stupid. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I got treated as if I was a bit brainless.

brain|power /bre I npaʊə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT Brainpower is intelligence or the ability to think. [JOURNALISM ] □� She admired Robert's brainpower.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the intelligent people in an organization or country as its brainpower . [JOURNALISM ] □� A country's principal resource is its brainpower.

brain|storm /bre I nstɔː r m/ (brainstorms , brainstorming , brainstormed )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a brainstorm , you suddenly become unable to think clearly. [BRIT ] □� I can have a brainstorm and be very extravagant.

2 N‑COUNT If you have a brainstorm , you suddenly have a clever idea. [AM ] □� 'Look,' she said, getting a brainstorm, 'Why don't you invite them here?' in BRIT, usually use brainwave3 VERB If a group of people brainstorm , they have a meeting in which they all put forward as many ideas and suggestions as they can think of. □�[V ] The women meet twice a month to brainstorm and set business goals for each other. □�[V n] We can brainstorm a list of the most influential individuals in the company. ●� brain|storming N‑UNCOUNT □� Hundreds of ideas had been tried and discarded during two years of brainstorming.

brai n teas|er (brain teasers ) also brain-teaser N‑COUNT A brain teaser is a question, problem, or puzzle that is difficult to answer or solve, but is not serious or important.

brain|wash /bre I nwɒʃ/ (brainwashes , brainwashing , brainwashed ) VERB If you brainwash someone, you force them to believe something by continually telling them that it is true, and preventing them from thinking about it properly. □�[V n +�into ] They brainwash people into giving up all their money. □�[be V -ed to-inf] We were brainwashed to believe we were all equal. [Also V n]

brain|wave /bre I nwe I v/ (brainwaves )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a brainwave , you suddenly have a clever idea. [BRIT ] □� In 1990 she had a brainwave that changed her life. in AM, usually use brainstorm2 N‑PLURAL Brainwaves are electrical signals produced by the brain which can be recorded and measured. □� His brainwaves were constantly monitored.

brainy /bre I ni/ (brainier , brainiest ) ADJ Someone who is brainy is clever and good at learning. [INFORMAL ] □� I don't class myself as being very intelligent or brainy.

braise /bre I z/ (braises , braising , braised ) VERB When you braise meat or a vegetable, you fry it quickly and then cook it slowly in a covered dish with a small amount of liquid. □�[V n] I braised some beans to accompany a shoulder of lamb. □�[V -ed] �braised cabbage.

brake /bre I k/ (brakes , braking , braked )

1 N‑COUNT Brakes are devices in a vehicle that make it go slower or stop. □� The brakes began locking. □� A seagull swooped down in front of her car, causing her to slam on the brakes.

2 VERB When a vehicle or its driver brakes , or when a driver brakes a vehicle, the driver makes it slow down or stop by using the brakes. □�[V ] She braked sharply to avoid another car. □�[V n] The system automatically brakes the car if there is an imminent risk of a collision. □�[V +�to ] She braked to a halt and switched off. [Also V n +�to ]

3 N‑COUNT You can use brake in a number of expressions to indicate that something has slowed down or stopped. □�[+�of ] Illness had put a brake on his progress.

bram|ble /br� mb ə l/ (brambles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Brambles are wild prickly bushes that produce blackberries. □� I became caught in the brambles.

bran /br� n/ N‑UNCOUNT Bran is the outer skin of grain that is left when the grain has been used to make flour. □� �oat bran.

branch ◆◇◇ /brɑː ntʃ, br� ntʃ/ (branches , branching , branched )

1 N‑COUNT The branches of a tree are the parts that grow out from its trunk and have leaves, flowers, or fruit growing on them.

2 N‑COUNT A branchof a business or other organization is one of the offices, shops, or groups which belong to it and which are located in different places. □�[+�of ] The local branch of Bank of America is handling the accounts. □� �Britain's leading autocare service with over 400 branches nationwide.

3 N‑COUNT [adj N ] A branchof an organization such as the government or the police force is a department that has a particular function. □�[+�of ] Senate employees could take their employment grievances to another branch of government. □�[+�of ] He had a fascination for submarines and joined this branch of the service. □� �the Metropolitan Police Special Branch.

4 N‑COUNT A branch of a subject is a part or type of it. □�[+�of ] Oncology is the branch of medicine dealing with tumors.

5 N‑COUNT A branchof your family is a group of its members who are descended from one particular person. □�[+�of ] This is one of the branches of the Roosevelt family.

▸� branch off PHRASAL VERB A road or path that branches off from another one starts from it and goes in a slightly different direction. If you branch off somewhere, you change the direction in which you are going. □�[V P prep/adv] After a few miles, a small road branched off to the right. [Also V P ]

▸� branch out PHRASAL VERB If a person or an organization branches out , they do something that is different from their normal activities or work. □�[V P prep/adv] I continued studying moths, and branched out to other insects. [Also V P ]

bra nch line (branch lines ) N‑COUNT A branch line is a railway line that goes to small towns rather than one that goes between large cities.

brand ◆◇◇ /br� nd/ (brands , branding , branded )

1 N‑COUNT [adj N ] A brand of a product is the version of it that is made by one particular manufacturer. □�[+�of ] Winston is a brand of cigarette. □� I bought one of the leading brands. □� �a supermarket's own brand.

2 N‑COUNT A brand of something such as a way of thinking or behaving is a particular kind of it. □�[+�of ] The British brand of socialism was more interested in reform than revolution.

3 VERB If someone is branded as something bad, people think they are that thing. □�[be V -ed +�as ] I was instantly branded as a rebel. □�[be V -ed adj] The company has been branded racist by some of its own staff. □�[V n n] The U.S. administration recently branded him a war criminal. [Also V n +�as , V n adj]

4 VERB When you brand an animal, you put a permanent mark on its skin in order to show who it belongs to, usually by burning a mark onto its skin. □�[V n] The owner couldn't be bothered to brand the cattle. ●�N‑COUNT Brand is also a noun. □� A brand was a mark of ownership burned into the hide of an animal with a hot iron. USAGE brand

Don�t talk about the �mark� of a product. For example, don�t say � What mark of coffee do you drink? � Say �What brand of coffee do you drink?� Don�t say � What mark of car do you drive? � Say �What make of car do you drive?� □� This is a very popular make of bike. SYNONYMS brand NOUN 1

trademark:Intellectual property law deals with trademarks, copyright and patents.

logo:The product was relaunched with a new website and logo in April.

brand|ed /br� nd I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] A branded product is one which is made by a well-known manufacturer and has the manufacturer's label on it. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� Supermarket lines are often cheaper than branded goods. in AM, use brand-name product

bra nd im|age (brand images ) N‑COUNT The brand image of a particular brand of product is the image or impression that people have of it, usually created by advertising. [BUSINESS ] □� Few products have brand images anywhere near as strong as Levi's.

brand|ing /br� nd I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT The branding of a product is the presentation of it to the public in a way that makes it easy for people to recognize or identify. [BUSINESS ] □� Local companies build the theme parks, while we look after the branding.

bran|dish /br� nd I ʃ/ (brandishes , brandishing , brandished ) VERB If you brandish something, especially a weapon, you hold it in a threatening way. □�[V n] He appeared in the lounge brandishing a knife.

bra nd lea d|er (brand leaders ) N‑COUNT The brand leader of a particular product is the brand of it that most people choose to buy. [BUSINESS ] □� In office supplies, we're the brand leader.

bra nd name (brand names ) N‑COUNT The brand name of a product is the name the manufacturer gives it and under which it is sold. [BUSINESS ] □� Its 270 stores sell brand names and designer labels at up to 60% less.

bra nd-ne w ADJ A brand-new object is completely new. □� Yesterday he went off to buy himself a brand-new car.

bran|dy /br� ndi/ (brandies ) N‑VAR Brandy is a strong alcoholic drink. It is often drunk after a meal. ●�N‑COUNT A brandy is a glass of brandy. □� After a couple of brandies, Michael started telling me his life story.

bra n|dy snap (brandy snaps ) N‑COUNT Brandy snaps are very thin crisp biscuits in the shape of hollow cylinders. They are flavoured with ginger and are often filled with cream.

brash /br� ʃ/ (brasher , brashest ) ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as brash , you disapprove of them because you think that they are too confident and aggressive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� On stage she seems hard, brash and uncompromising. ●� brash|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� I brashly announced to the group that NATO needed to be turned around. ●� brash|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He was a typical showman with a brashness bordering on arrogance.

brass /brɑː s, br� s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Brass is a yellow-coloured metal made from copper and zinc. It is used especially for making ornaments and musical instruments. □� The instrument is beautifully made in brass.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Brass instruments are musical instruments such as trumpets and horns that you play by blowing into them.

3 N‑SING Thebrass is the section of an orchestra which consists of brass wind instruments such as trumpets and horns.

4 PHRASE If you get down to brass tacks , you discuss the basic, most important facts of a situation. □� Let's take a quick look round and then we can get down to brass tacks.

bra ss ba nd (brass bands ) N‑COUNT A brass band is a band that is made up of brass and percussion instruments.

bras|se|rie /br� səri, [AM ] -riː / (brasseries ) N‑COUNT A brasserie is a small and usually cheap restaurant or bar.

bras|si|ca /br� s I kə/ (brassicas ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] Brassicas are vegetables such as cabbages, broccoli and turnips.

bras|siere /br� ziə r , [AM ] brəz I r/ (brassieres ) N‑COUNT A brassiere is the same as a bra . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

bra ss rub|bing (brass rubbings ) N‑COUNT A brass rubbing is a picture made by placing a piece of paper over a brass plate that has writing or a picture on it, and rubbing it with a wax crayon.

brassy /brɑː si, br� si/ (brassier , brassiest )

1 ADJ Brassy music is bold, harsh, and loud. □� Musicians blast their brassy jazz from street corners.

2 ADJ If you describe a woman's appearance or her behaviour as brassy , you think that she does not have good taste, and that she dresses or behaves in a way that is too loud or vulgar. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �Alec and his brassy blonde wife.

3 ADJ Something that is brassy has a yellow metallic colour and sometimes looks cheap. □� �a woman with big brassy ear-rings.

brat /br� t/ (brats ) N‑COUNT If you call someone, especially a child, a brat , you mean that he or she behaves badly or annoys you. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's a spoilt brat.

bra t pack (brat packs ) N‑COUNT A brat pack is a group of young people, especially actors or writers, who are popular or successful at the moment. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the Hollywood Brat Pack.

bra|va|do /brəvɑː doʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Bravado is an appearance of courage or confidence that someone shows in order to impress other people. □� 'You won't get away with this,' he said with unexpected bravado.

brave ◆◇◇ /bre I v/ (braver , bravest , braves , braving , braved )

1 ADJ Someone who is brave is willing to do things which are dangerous, and does not show fear in difficult or dangerous situations. □� He was not brave enough to report the loss of the documents. □� �those brave people who dared to challenge the Stalinist regimes. ●� brave|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Mr Kim bravely stood up to authority.

2 VERB If you brave unpleasant or dangerous conditions, you deliberately expose yourself to them, usually in order to achieve something. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] Thousands have braved icy rain to demonstrate their support.

3 PHRASE If someone is putting on a brave face or is putting a brave face on a difficult situation, they are pretending that they are happy or satisfied when they are not. □� He felt disappointed but he tried to put on a brave face.

bra ve new wo rld N‑SING If someone refers to a brave new world , they are talking about a situation or system that has recently been created and that people think will be successful and fair. □�[+�of ] �the brave new world of internet banking.

brav|ery /bre I vəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Bravery is brave behaviour or the quality of being brave. □� He deserves the highest praise for his bravery.

bra|vo /brɑː voʊ / EXCLAM Some people say ' bravo ' to express appreciation when someone has done something well. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� 'Bravo, Rena! You're right,' the students said.

bra|vu|ra /brəvjʊə rə, [AM ] -vʊ rə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone is doing something with bravura , you mean that they are using unnecessary extra actions that emphasize their skill or importance. [LITERARY ] □� The film is directed with technical bravura and visual splendour.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bravura performance or piece of work is done with bravura. [LITERARY ] □� Hampshire's young team gave a bravura performance to see off Essex.

brawl /brɔː l/ (brawls , brawling , brawled )

1 N‑COUNT A brawl is a rough or violent fight. □� He had been in a drunken street brawl.

2 VERB If someone brawls , they fight in a very rough or violent way. □�[V +�with ] A bride and groom spent their wedding night in separate police cells after brawling with hotel security guards. □�[V ] Two gangs of youths brawled on the dance floor of the ferry. ●� brawl|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The brawling between the fans and locals last night went on for several hours.

brawn /brɔː n/ N‑UNCOUNT Brawn is physical strength. □� He's got plenty of brains as well as brawn.

brawny /brɔː ni/ ADJ Someone who is brawny is strong and has big muscles. □� �a brawny young man.

bray /bre I / (brays , braying , brayed ) VERB When a donkey brays , it makes a loud harsh sound. □�[V ] The donkey brayed and tried to bolt.

bra|zen /bre I z ə n/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as brazen , you mean that they are very bold and do not care what other people think about them or their behaviour. □� They're quite brazen about their sexuality, it doesn't worry them. ●� bra|zen|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He was brazenly running a $400,000-a-month drug operation from the prison.

▸� brazen out PHRASAL VERB If you have done something wrong and you brazen it out , you behave confidently in order not to appear ashamed, even though you probably do feel ashamed. □�[V it P ] If you are caught simply argue that 'everyone does it' and brazen it out. □�[V P n] The president brazened out his misdeeds. □�[V n P ] He would brazen the matter out and he would do so in the most robust manner possible.

bra|zi|er /bre I ziə r , [AM ] -ʒər/ (braziers )

1 N‑COUNT A brazier is a large metal container in which coal or charcoal is burned to keep people warm when they are outside in cold weather, for example because of their work.

2 N‑COUNT A brazier is a grill that you use for cooking, usually with charcoal. [AM ]

Bra|zil|ian /brəz I liən/ (Brazilians ) ADJ Brazilian means belonging or relating to Brazil, or to its people or culture. ●�N‑COUNT A Brazilian is a person who comes from Brazil.

bra |zil nut (brazil nuts ) N‑COUNT Brazil nuts are large nuts with a woody shell that grow on trees in South America and that you can eat.

breach /briː tʃ/ (breaches , breaching , breached )

1 VERB If you breach an agreement, a law, or a promise, you break it. □�[V n] The newspaper breached the code of conduct on privacy.

2 N‑VAR A breachof an agreement, a law, or a promise is an act of breaking it. □�[+�of ] The congressman was accused of a breach of secrecy rules. □�[+�of ] �a $1 billion breach of contract suit.

3 N‑COUNT A breachin a relationship is a serious disagreement which often results in the relationship ending. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] Their actions threatened a serious breach in relations between the two countries. □�[+�between ] Little happens to heal the breach between the two warring factions.

4 VERB If someone or something breaches a barrier, they make an opening in it, usually leaving it weakened or destroyed. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Fire may have breached the cargo tanks and set the oil ablaze.

5 VERB If you breach someone's security or their defences, you manage to get through and attack an area that is heavily guarded and protected. □�[V n] The bomber had breached security by hurling his dynamite from a roof overlooking the building. ●�N‑COUNT Breach is also a noun. □� �widespread breaches of security at Ministry of Defence bases.

6 PHRASE If you step into the breach , you do a job or task which someone else was supposed to do or has done in the past, because they are suddenly unable to do it. □� I was persuaded to step into the breach temporarily when they became too ill to continue.

brea ch of the pea ce (breaches of the peace ) N‑VAR A breach of the peace is noisy or violent behaviour in a public place which is illegal because it disturbs other people. [LEGAL ] □� He admitted causing a breach of the peace. □� Four men were found guilty of breach of the peace.

bread ◆◇◇ /bre d/ (breads , breading , breaded )

1 N‑VAR Bread is a very common food made from flour, water, and yeast. □� �a loaf of bread. □� There is more fibre in wholemeal bread than in white bread.

2 VERB [usu passive] If food such as fish or meat is breaded , it is covered in tiny pieces of dry bread called breadcrumbs. It can then be fried or grilled. □�[be V -ed] It is important that food be breaded just minutes before frying. ●� bread|ed ADJ □� �breaded fish.

brea d and bu t|ter also bread-and-butter

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Something that is the bread and butter of a person or organization is the activity or work that provides the main part of their income. □� The mobile phone business was actually his bread and butter.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Bread and butter issues or matters are ones which are important to most people, because they affect them personally. □� The opposition gained support by concentrating on bread-and-butter matters.

brea d bas|ket (bread baskets ) also breadbasket N‑COUNT [usu with poss] If an area or region is described as the bread basket of a country, it provides a lot of the food for that country because crops grow very easily there. It therefore produces wealth for the country. □� The north-west became the country's bread basket.

brea d bin (bread bins ) N‑COUNT A bread bin is a wooden, metal, or plastic container for storing bread. [BRIT ] in AM, use breadbox

bread|board /bre dbɔː r d/ (breadboards ) also bread board N‑COUNT A breadboard is a flat piece of wood used for cutting bread on.

bread|box /bre dbɒks/ (breadboxes ) also bread box N‑COUNT A breadbox is the same as a bread bin . [AM ]

bread|crumb /bre dkrʌm/ (breadcrumbs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Breadcrumbs are tiny pieces of dry bread. They are used in cooking.

bread|fruit /bre dfruːt/ (breadfruit ) N‑VAR Breadfruit are large round fruit that grow on trees in the Pacific Islands and in tropical parts of America and that, when baked, look and feel like bread.

bread|line /bre dla I n/ N‑SING [usu on the N ] Someone who is on thebreadline is very poor indeed. □� We lived on the breadline to get our son through college. □� They're not exactly on the breadline.

breadth /bre tθ, [AM ] bre dθ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The breadthof something is the distance between its two sides. □�[+�of ] The breadth of the whole camp was 400 paces.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The breadthof something is its quality of consisting of or involving many different things. □�[+�of ] Older people have a tremendous breadth of experience. □�[+�of ] His breadth of knowledge filled me with admiration.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone does something or something happens throughout or across the length and breadth of a place, you are emphasizing that it happens everywhere in that place. [EMPHASIS ] □� The group built their reputation by playing across the length and breadth of North America. □� She has travelled the length and breadth of Britain.

4 →�see also hair's breadth

bread|winner /bre dw I nə r / (breadwinners ) also bread-winner N‑COUNT The breadwinner in a family is the person in it who earns the money that the family needs for essential things. □� I've always paid the bills and been the breadwinner.

break ◆◆◆ /bre I k/ (breaks , breaking , broke , broken )

1 VERB When an object breaks or when you break it, it suddenly separates into two or more pieces, often because it has been hit or dropped. □�[V n] He fell through the window, breaking the glass. □�[V ] The plate broke. □�[V n +�into ] Break the cauliflower into florets. □�[V +�into ] The plane broke into three pieces. □�[V -ed] �bombed-out buildings, surrounded by broken glass and rubble. □�[V -ing] The only sound was the crackle of breaking ice.

2 VERB If you break a part of your body such as your leg, your arm, or your nose, or if a bone breaks , you are injured because a bone cracks or splits. □�[V n] She broke a leg in a skiing accident. □�[V ] Old bones break easily. □�[V -ed] Several people were treated for broken bones. ●�N‑COUNT Break is also a noun. □� It has caused a bad break to Gabriella's leg.

3 VERB If a surface, cover, or seal breaks or if something breaks it, a hole or tear is made in it, so that a substance can pass through. □�[V n] Once you've broken the seal of a bottle there's no way you can put it back together again. □�[V ] The bandage must be put on when the blister breaks. □�[V -ed] Do not use the cream on broken skin.

4 VERB When a tool or piece of machinery breaks or when you break it, it is damaged and no longer works. □�[V ] When the clutch broke, the car was locked into second gear. □�[V n] The lead biker broke his bike chain. [Also V -ed]

5 VERB If you break a rule, promise, or agreement, you do something that you should not do according to that rule, promise, or agreement. □�[V n] We didn't know we were breaking the law. □�[V -ed] �broken promises.

6 VERB If you break free or loose, you free yourself from something or escape from it. □�[V adj] She broke free by thrusting her elbow into his chest.

7 VERB If someone breaks something, especially a difficult or unpleasant situation that has existed for some time, they end it or change it. □�[V n] New proposals have been put forward to break the deadlock among rival factions. □�[V n] The country is heading towards elections which may break the party's long hold on power. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Break is also a noun. □� Nothing that might lead to a break in the deadlock has been discussed yet.

8 VERB If someone or something breaks a silence, they say something or make a noise after a long period of silence. □�[V n] Hugh broke the silence. 'Is she always late?' he asked.

9 N‑COUNT If there is a breakin the cloud or weather, it changes and there is a short period of sunshine or fine weather. □�[+�in ] A sudden break in the cloud allowed rescuers to spot Michael Benson.

10 VERB If you breakwith a group of people or a traditional way of doing things, or you break your connection with them, you stop being involved with that group or stop doing things in that way. □�[V +�with ] In 1959, Akihito broke with imperial tradition by marrying a commoner. □�[V +�from ] They were determined to break from precedent. □�[V n +�with ] They have yet to break the link with the trade unions. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Break is also a noun. □� Making a completely clean break with the past, the couple got rid of all their old furniture.

11 VERB If you break a habit or if someone breaks you of it, you no longer have that habit. □�[V n] We don't like breaking habits when it comes to food. □�[V n +�of ] The professor hoped to break the students of the habit of looking for easy answers.

12 VERB To break someone means to destroy their determination and courage, their success, or their career. □�[V n] He never let his jailers break him. □�[V -ed] Ken's wife, Vicki, said: 'He's a broken man.'

13 VERB If someone breaksfor a short period of time, they rest or change from what they are doing for a short period. □�[V ] They broke for lunch.

14 N‑COUNT A break is a short period of time when you have a rest or a change from what you are doing, especially if you are working or if you are in a boring or unpleasant situation. □� They may be able to help with childcare so that you can have a break. □�[+�from ] I thought a 15 min break from his work would do him good. □� She rang Moira during a coffee break.

15 →�see also lunch break , tea break

16 N‑COUNT A break is a short holiday. □�[+�in ] They are currently taking a short break in Spain.

17 VERB If you break your journey somewhere, you stop there for a short time so that you can have a rest. □�[V n] Because of the heat we broke our journey at a small country hotel.

18 VERB To break the force of something such as a blow or fall means to weaken its effect, for example by getting in the way of it. □�[V n] He sustained serious neck injuries after he broke someone's fall.

19 VERB When a piece of news breaks , people hear about it online, or from the newspapers, television, or radio. □�[V ] The news broke that the Prime Minister had resigned. □�[V ] He resigned from his post as Bishop when the scandal broke.

20 VERB When you break a piece of bad news to someone, you tell it to them, usually in a kind way. □�[V n] Then Louise broke the news that she was leaving me. □�[V n +�to ] I worried for ages and decided that I had better break it to her.

21 N‑COUNT A break is a lucky opportunity that someone gets to achieve something. [INFORMAL ] □� He got his first break appearing in a variety show.

22 VERB If you break a record, you beat the previous record for a particular achievement. □�[V n] The film had broken all box office records.

23 →�see also record-breaking

24 VERB When day or dawn breaks , it starts to grow light after the night has ended. □�[V ] They continued the search as dawn broke.

25 →�see also daybreak

26 VERB When a wave breaks , it passes its highest point and turns downwards, for example when it reaches the shore. □�[V ] Danny listened to the waves breaking against the shore.

27 VERB If you break a secret code, you work out how to understand it. □�[V n] It was feared they could break the Allies' codes.

28 VERB If someone's voice breaks when they are speaking, it changes its sound, for example because they are sad or afraid. □�[V ] Godfrey's voice broke, and halted.

29 VERB When a boy's voice breaks , it becomes deeper and sounds more like a man's voice. □�[V ] He sings with the strained discomfort of someone whose voice hasn't quite broken.

30 VERB If the weather breaks or a storm breaks , it suddenly becomes rainy or stormy after a period of sunshine. □�[V ] I've been waiting for the weather to break.

31 VERB In tennis, if you break your opponent's serve, you win a game in which your opponent is serving. □�[V n] The world No 5 broke the 25-year-old Cypriot's serve twice. ●�N‑COUNT Break is also a noun. □� A single break of serve settled the first two sets.

32 →�see also broke , broken , heartbreak , heartbreaking , heartbroken , outbreak

33 PHRASE The break of day or the break of dawn is the time when it begins to grow light after the night. [LITERARY ] □� 'I,' he finished poetically, 'will watch over you to the break of day.'

34 CONVENTION You can say ' give me a break ' to show that you are annoyed by what someone has said or done. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� 'I'm a real intellectual-type guy' James joked. 'Oh, give me a break,' Tracy moaned.

35 PHRASE If you make a break or make a break for it , you run to escape from something. □� The moment had come to make a break or die.

36to break cover →�see cover

37to break even →�see even ➋

38to break new ground →�see ground

39to break someone's heart →�see heart

40all hell breaks loose →�see hell

41to break the ice →�see ice

42to break ranks →�see rank

43to break wind →�see wind ➊

▸� break away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you break awayfrom someone who is trying to hold you or catch you, you free yourself and run away. □�[V P +�from ] I broke away from him and rushed out into the hall. □�[V P ] Willie Hamilton broke away early in the race.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you break awayfrom something or someone that restricts you or controls you, you succeed in freeing yourself from them. □�[V P +�from ] Many contemporary designers have tried to break away from classical formal patterns.

▸� break down

1 PHRASAL VERB If a machine or a vehicle breaks down , it stops working. □�[V P ] Their car broke down.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a discussion, relationship, or system breaks down , it fails because of a problem or disagreement. □�[V P ] Talks with business leaders broke down last night. □�[V P ] Paola's marriage broke down.

3 PHRASAL VERB To break down something such as an idea or statement means to separate it into smaller parts in order to make it easier to understand or deal with. □�[V P n] The report breaks down the results region by region. □�[be V -ed P +�into ] These rules tell us how a sentence is broken down into phrases. [Also V n P +�into ]

4 PHRASAL VERB When a substance breaks down or when something breaks it down , a biological or chemical process causes it to separate into the substances which make it up. □�[V P ] Over time, the protein in the eggshell breaks down into its constituent amino acids. □�[V n P ] The oil is attacked by naturally occurring microbes which break it down. [Also V P n]

5 PHRASAL VERB If someone breaks down , they lose control of themselves and start crying. □�[V P ] Because he was being so kind and concerned, I broke down and cried.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you break down a door or barrier, you hit it so hard that it falls to the ground. □�[V P n] An unruly mob broke down police barricades and stormed the courtroom. □�[V n P ] Firefighters were called after his father failed to break the door down.

7 PHRASAL VERB To break down barriers or prejudices that separate people or restrict their freedom means to change people's attitudes so that the barriers or prejudices no longer exist. [APPROVAL ] □�[V P n] His early experience enabled him to break down barriers between Scottish Catholics and Protestants. [Also V n P ]

8 →�see also breakdown , broken-down

▸� break in

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone, usually a thief, breaks in , they get into a building by force. □�[V P ] Masked robbers broke in and made off with $8,000.

2 →�see also break-in

3 PHRASAL VERB If you break in on someone's conversation or activity, you interrupt them. □�[V P +�on ] O'Leary broke in on his thoughts. □�[V P ] Mrs Southern listened keenly, occasionally breaking in with pertinent questions. □�[V P with quote] 'She told you to stay here,' Mike broke in.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you break someone in , you get them used to a new job or situation. □�[V P n] The band are breaking in a new backing vocalist. [Also V n P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you break in something new, you gradually use or wear it for longer and longer periods until it is ready to be used or worn all the time. □�[V P n] When breaking in an engine, you should refrain from high speed for the first thousand miles. [Also V n P ]

▸� break into

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone breaks into a building, they get into it by force. □�[V P n] There was no one nearby who might see him trying to break into the house.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone breaks into something they suddenly start doing it. For example if someone breaks into a run they suddenly start running, and if they break into song they suddenly start singing. □�[V P n] The moment she was out of sight she broke into a run. □�[V P n] Then, breaking into a smile, he said, 'I brought you something.'

3 PHRASAL VERB If you break into a profession or area of business, especially one that is difficult to succeed in, you manage to have some success in it. □�[V P n] She finally broke into films after an acclaimed stage career.

▸� break off

1 PHRASAL VERB If part of something breaks off or if you break it off , it comes off or is removed by force. □�[V P ] The two wings of the aircraft broke off on impact. □�[V P n] Grace broke off a large piece of the clay. □�[V n P n] They've torn down wooden fences and broken branches off trees. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you break off when you are doing or saying something, you suddenly stop doing it or saying it. □�[V P ] Llewelyn broke off in mid-sentence. □�[V P n] He broke off the summit meeting before it had got properly started. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone breaks off a relationship, they end it. □�[V P n] The two West African states had broken off relations two years ago. □�[V n P +�with ] He doesn't seem to have the courage to break it off with her.

▸� break out

1 PHRASAL VERB If something such as war, fighting, or disease breaks out , it begins suddenly. □�[V P ] He was 29 when war broke out. □�[V P ] I was in a nightclub in Brixton and a fight broke out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a prisoner breaks outof a prison, they escape from it. □�[V P +�of ] The two men broke out of their cells and cut through a perimeter fence. [Also V P ]

3 →�see also breakout

4 PHRASAL VERB If you break outof a dull situation or routine, you manage to change it or escape from it. □�[V P +�of ] It's taken a long time to break out of my own conventional training. □�[V P ] I'm afraid to break out and do anything dramatic.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you break outin a rash or a sweat, a rash or sweat appears on your skin. □�[V P +�in ] A person who is allergic to cashews may break out in a rash when he consumes these nuts. □�[V P +�on ] A line of sweat broke out on her forehead and she thought she might faint.

▸� break through

1 PHRASAL VERB If you break through a barrier, you succeed in forcing your way through it. □�[V P n] Protesters tried to break through a police cordon. □�[V P +�onto ] About fifteen inmates broke through onto the roof.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you break through , you achieve success even though there are difficulties and obstacles. □�[V P ] There is still scope for new writers to break through. □�[V P n] I broke through the poverty barrier and it was education that did it.

3 →�see also breakthrough

▸� break up

1 PHRASAL VERB When something breaks up or when you break it up , it separates or is divided into several smaller parts. □�[V P ] There was a danger of the ship breaking up completely. □�[V P n] Break up the chocolate and melt it. □�[V n P +�into ] He broke the bread up into chunks and gave Meer a big one. □�[V n P ] Tanks are strongly built. It is a complicated and difficult process to break them up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you break upwith your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife, your relationship with that person ends. □�[V P +�with ] My girlfriend had broken up with me. □�[V P ] He felt appalled by the whole idea of marriage so we broke up.

3 PHRASAL VERB If a marriage breaks up or if someone breaks it up , the marriage ends and the partners separate. □�[V P ] MPs say they work too hard and that is why so many of their marriages break up. □�[V P n] Fred has given me no good reason for wanting to break up our marriage.

4 PHRASAL VERB When a meeting or gathering breaks up or when someone breaks it up , it is brought to an end and the people involved in it leave. □�[V P ] A neighbour asked for the music to be turned down and the party broke up. □�[V P n] Police used tear gas to break up a demonstration. □�[V n P ] He charged into the crowd. 'Break it up,' he shouted.

5 PHRASAL VERB When a school or the pupils in it break up , the school term ends and the pupils start their holidays. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] It's the last week before they break up, and they're doing all kinds of Christmas things.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is breaking up when you are speaking to them on a mobile phone, you mean that you can only hear parts of what they are saying because the signal is interrupted. □�[V P ] The line's gone; I think you're breaking up.

7 →�see also break-up

break|able /bre I kəb ə l/ (breakables ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Breakable objects are easy to break by accident. □� Put away any valuable or breakable objects. ●�N‑PLURAL Breakables are breakable objects. □� Keep breakables out of reach of very young children.

break|age /bre I k I dʒ/ (breakages )

1 N‑VAR Breakage is the act of breaking something. □� Brushing wet hair can cause stretching and breakage. □� Check that your insurance policy covers breakages and damage during removals.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A breakage is something that has been broken. □� Check that everything is in good repair before moving in, as you have to replace breakages.

break|away /bre I kəwe I / ADJ [ADJ n] A breakaway group is a group of people who have separated from a larger group, for example because of a disagreement. □� Sixteen members of Parliament have formed a breakaway group.

break|down /bre I kdaʊn/ (breakdowns )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The breakdownof something such as a relationship, plan, or discussion is its failure or ending. □�[+�of ] �the breakdown of talks between the U.S. and E.U. officials. □�[+�of ] �the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage. [Also +�in ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft adj N ] If you have a breakdown , you become very depressed, so that you are unable to cope with your life. □� Obviously we were under a lot of stress. And I basically had a breakdown.

3 →�see also nervous breakdown

4 N‑COUNT If a car or a piece of machinery has a breakdown , it stops working. □� Her old car was unreliable, so the trip was plagued by breakdowns.

5 N‑COUNT A breakdownof something is a list of its separate parts. □�[+�of ] The organisers were given a breakdown of the costs.

break|er /bre I kə r / (breakers )

1 N‑COUNT Breakers are big sea waves, especially at the point when they just reach the shore.

2 →�see also ice-breaker , law-breaker , record-breaker , strike-breaker

break-e ven poi nt N‑SING When a company reaches break-even point , the money it makes from the sale of goods or services is just enough to cover the cost of supplying those goods or services, but not enough to make a profit. [BUSINESS ] □� $200 million was considered to be the break-even point for the film.

break|fast ◆◇◇ /bre kfəst/ (breakfasts , breakfasting , breakfasted )

1 N‑VAR Breakfast is the first meal of the day. It is usually eaten in the early part of the morning. □� What's for breakfast? □� �breakfast cereal.

2 →�see also bed and breakfast , continental breakfast , English breakfast

3 VERB When you breakfast , you have breakfast. [FORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] All the ladies breakfasted in their rooms. USAGE breakfast

You don�t usually use �a� with breakfast . Don�t say, for example, ' She made a breakfast for everyone �. Say �She made breakfast for everyone�. □� They had eggs and toast for breakfast .

brea k|fast ta|ble (breakfast tables ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You refer to a table as the breakfast table when it is being used for breakfast. □� �reading the morning papers at the breakfast table.

brea k|fast te le|vi|sion N‑UNCOUNT Breakfast television refers to television programmes which are broadcast in the morning at the time when most people are having breakfast. [BRIT ]

brea k|fast time also breakfast-time N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] Breakfast time is the period of the morning when most people have their breakfast. □� By breakfast-time he was already at his desk.

brea k-in (break-ins ) N‑COUNT If there has been a break-in , someone has got into a building by force. □� The break-in had occurred just before midnight.

brea k|ing point N‑UNCOUNT [oft the/a N ] If something or someone has reached breaking point , they have so many problems or difficulties that they can no longer cope with them, and may soon collapse or be unable to continue. □� The report on the riot exposed a prison system stretched to breaking point.

break|neck /bre I knek/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that something happens or travels at breakneck speed, you mean that it happens or travels very fast. □� Jack drove to Mayfair at breakneck speed.

break|out /bre I kaʊt/ (breakouts ) also break-out N‑COUNT If there has been a breakout , someone has escaped from prison. □� High Point prison had the highest number of breakouts of any jail in Britain.

break|through /bre I kθruː/ (breakthroughs ) N‑COUNT A breakthrough is an important development or achievement. □�[+�in ] The company looks poised to make a significant breakthrough in China.

brea k-up (break-ups ) also breakup

1 N‑COUNT [n N ] The break-upof a marriage, relationship, or association is the act of it finishing or coming to an end because the people involved decide that it is not working successfully. □�[+�of ] �the acrimonious break-up of the meeting's first session. □� �a marital break-up.

2 N‑COUNT The break-upof an organization or a country is the act of it separating or dividing into several parts. □�[+�of ] The struggling music group is considering a break-up of its three divisions in an attempt to speed up recovery. □� One in five people believes that a break-up would be favourable.

break|water /bre I kwɔːtə r / (breakwaters ) N‑COUNT A breakwater is a wooden or stone wall that extends from the shore into the sea and is built in order to protect a harbour or beach from the force of the waves.

breast ◆◇◇ /bre st/ (breasts )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A woman's breasts are the two soft, round parts on her chest that can produce milk to feed a baby. □� She wears a low-cut dress which reveals her breasts. □� As my newborn cuddled at my breast, her tiny fingers stroked my skin. ●� -breasted COMB □� She was slim and muscular and full-breasted.

2 N‑COUNT A person's breast is the upper part of his or her chest. [LITERARY ] □� He struck his breast in a dramatic gesture.

3 N‑COUNT A bird's breast is the front part of its body. □� The cock's breast is tinged with chestnut. ●� -breasted COMB □� �flocks of red-breasted parrots.

4 N‑SING The breast of a shirt, jacket, or coat is the part which covers the top part of the chest. □� He reached into his breast pocket for his cigar case.

5 N‑VAR You can refer to piece of meat that is cut from the front of a bird or lamb as breast . □� �a chicken breast with vegetables. □�[+�of ] �breast of lamb.

6 →�see also double-breasted , single-breasted

breast|bone /bre stboʊn/ (breastbones ) also breast bone N‑COUNT Your breastbone is the long, flat bone which goes from your throat to the bottom of your ribs and to which your ribs are attached.

brea st-feed (breast-feeds , breast-feeding , breast-fed ) also breastfeed , breast feed VERB When a woman breast-feeds her baby, she feeds it with milk from her breasts, rather than from a bottle. □�[V n] Not all women have the choice whether or not to breast feed their babies. □�[V -ed] Leading scientists claim breast-fed babies are intellectually brighter. [Also V ] ●� breast-feeding N‑UNCOUNT □� There are many advantages to breast feeding.

brea st milk also breast-milk N‑UNCOUNT Breast milk is the white liquid produced by women to breast-feed their babies.

breast|plate /bre stple I t/ (breastplates ) N‑COUNT A breastplate is a piece of armour that covers and protects the chest.

brea st po ck|et (breast pockets ) N‑COUNT [with poss] The breast pocket of a man's coat or jacket is a pocket, usually on the inside, next to his chest. □� I kept the list in my breast pocket.

breast|stroke /bre stroʊk/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Breaststroke is a swimming stroke which you do on your front, moving your arms and legs horizontally in a circular motion.

breath ◆◇◇ /bre θ/ (breaths )

1 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Your breath is the air that you let out through your mouth when you breathe. If someone has bad breath , their breath smells unpleasant. □� I could smell the whisky on his breath. □� Smoking causes bad breath.

2 N‑VAR When you take a breath , you breathe in once. □� He took a deep breath, and began to climb the stairs. □� Gasping for breath, she leaned against the door. □� He spoke for one and a half hours and barely paused for breath.

3 PHRASE If you go outside for a breath of fresh air or for a breath of air , you go outside because it is unpleasantly warm indoors.

4 PHRASE If you describe something new or different as a breath of fresh air , you mean that it makes a situation or subject more interesting or exciting. [APPROVAL ] □� Her brisk treatment of an almost taboo subject was a breath of fresh air.

5 PHRASE When you get your breath back after doing something energetic, you start breathing normally again. [BRIT ] □� I reached out a hand to steady myself against the house while I got my breath back.

6 PHRASE When you catch your breath while you are doing something energetic, you stop for a short time so that you can start breathing normally again. □� He had stopped to catch his breath and make sure of his directions.

7 PHRASE If something makes you catch your breath , it makes you take a short breath of air, usually because it shocks you. □� Kenny caught his breath as Nikko nearly dropped the bottle.

8 PHRASE If you hold your breath , you make yourself stop breathing for a few moments, for example because you are under water. □� I held my breath and sank under the water.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is holding their breath , you mean that they are waiting anxiously or excitedly for something to happen. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�for ] The whole world holds its breath for this speech.

10 PHRASE If you are out of breath , you are breathing very quickly and with difficulty because you have been doing something energetic. □� There she was, slightly out of breath from running.

11 PHRASE You can use in the same breath or in the next breath to indicate that someone says two very different or contradictory things, especially when you are criticizing them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He hailed this week's arms agreement but in the same breath expressed suspicion about the motivations of the United States.

12 PHRASE If you are short of breath , you find it difficult to breathe properly, for example because you are ill. You can also say that someone suffers from shortness of breath . □� She felt short of breath and flushed. □� Any exercise that causes undue shortness of breath should be stopped.

13 PHRASE If you say that something takes your breath away , you are emphasizing that it is extremely beautiful or surprising. [EMPHASIS ] □� I heard this song on the radio and it just took my breath away.

14 PHRASE If you say something under your breath , you say it in a very quiet voice, often because you do not want other people to hear what you are saying. □� Walsh muttered something under his breath.

15with bated breath →�see bated

breath|able /briː �əb ə l/ ADJ A breathable fabric allows air to pass through it easily, so that clothing made from it does not become too warm or uncomfortable.

breatha|lyze /bre θəla I z/ (breathalyzes , breathalyzing , breathalyzed ) in BRIT, also use breathalyse VERB [usu passive] If the driver of a car is breathalyzed by the police, they ask him or her to breathe into a special bag or electronic device in order to test whether he or she has drunk too much alcohol. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] She was breathalysed and found to be over the limit.

Breatha|lyz|er /bre θəla I zə r / (Breathalyzers ) in BRIT, also use Breathalyser N‑COUNT A Breathalyzer is a special bag or electronic device that the police use to test whether a driver has drunk too much alcohol. [TRADEMARK ]

breathe ◆◇◇ /briː �/ (breathes , breathing , breathed )

1 VERB When people or animals breathe , they take air into their lungs and let it out again. When they breathe smoke or a particular kind of air, they take it into their lungs and let it out again as they breathe. □�[V ] He stood there breathing deeply and evenly. □�[V n] No American should have to drive out of town to breathe clean air. □�[V in n] A thirteen year old girl is being treated after breathing in smoke. [Also V out n] ●� breath|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Her breathing became slow and heavy. □� He heard only deep breathing.

2 VERB If someone breathes something, they say it very quietly. [LITERARY ] □�[V with quote] 'You don't understand,' he breathed. [Also V n]

3 VERB [no cont] If you do not breathe a word about something, you say nothing about it, because it is a secret. □�[V n] He never breathed a word about our conversation.

4 VERB If someone breathes life, confidence, or excitement into something, they improve it by adding this quality. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n +�into ] It is the readers who breathe life into a newspaper with their letters.

5to be breathing down someone's neck →�see neck

6to breathe a sigh of relief →�see sigh

▸� breathe in PHRASAL VERB When you breathe in , you take some air into your lungs. □�[V P ] She breathed in deeply.

▸� breathe out PHRASAL VERB When you breathe out , you send air out of your lungs through your nose or mouth. □�[V P ] Breathe out and ease your knees in toward your chest. SYNONYMS breathe VERB 1

inhale:He took a long slow breath, inhaling deeply.

exhale:Hold your breath for a moment and exhale.

pant:She climbed rapidly until she was panting with the effort.

gasp:She gasped for air and drew in a lungful of water.

breath|er /briː �ə r / (breathers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you take a breather , you stop what you are doing for a short time and have a rest. [INFORMAL ] □� Relax and take a breather whenever you feel that you need one.

brea th|ing space (breathing spaces ) N‑VAR A breathing space is a short period of time between two activities in which you can recover from the first activity and prepare for the second one. □� Firms need a breathing space if they are to recover.

breath|less /bre θləs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are breathless , you have difficulty in breathing properly, for example because you have been running or because you are afraid or excited. □� I was a little breathless and my heartbeat was bumpy and fast. ●� breath|less|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� 'I'll go in,' he said breathlessly. ●� breath|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Asthma causes wheezing and breathlessness.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use breathless for emphasis when you are describing feelings of excitement or exciting situations. [EMPHASIS ] □� Technology has advanced at a breathless pace. □� �the breathless excitement of early 1988, when hundreds and thousands of citizens gathered nightly for political meetings. ●� breath|less|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Nancy waited breathlessly for him to go on.

breath|taking /bre θte I k I ŋ/ also breath-taking ADJ If you say that something is breathtaking , you are emphasizing that it is extremely beautiful or amazing. [EMPHASIS ] □� The house has breathtaking views from every room. □� Some of their football was breathtaking, a delight to watch. ●� breath|taking|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] □� �the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery in Germany.

brea th test (breath tests ) N‑COUNT A breath test is a test carried out by police in which a driver blows into a special bag or electronic device to show how much alcohol he or she has drunk. □� Police will conduct random breath tests.

breathy /bre θi/ ADJ If someone has a breathy voice, you can hear their breath when they speak or sing. □� Her voice was suddenly breathy.

bred /bre d/

1Bred is the past tense and past participle of breed .

2 →�see also ill-bred , pure-bred , well-bred

breech /briː tʃ/ (breeches /briː tʃ I z/) N‑COUNT The breech of a gun is the part of the barrel at the back into which you load the bullets.

breeches /br I tʃ I z/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Breeches are trousers which reach as far as your knees. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �riding breeches.

breed ◆◇◇ /briː d/ (breeds , breeding , bred )

1 N‑COUNT A breed of a pet animal or farm animal is a particular type of it. For example, terriers are a breed of dog. □�[+�of ] �rare breeds of cattle. □� Certain breeds are more dangerous than others.

2 VERB If you breed animals or plants, you keep them for the purpose of producing more animals or plants with particular qualities, in a controlled way. □�[V n] He lived alone, breeding horses and dogs. □�[be V -ed to-inf] These dogs are bred to fight. ●� breed|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�for ] There is potential for selective breeding for better yields.

3 →�see also cross-breed

4 VERB When animals breed , they have babies. □�[V ] Frogs will usually breed in any convenient pond. □�[V -ing] The area now attracts over 60 species of breeding birds. ●� breed|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� During the breeding season the birds come ashore.

5 VERB If you say that something breeds bad feeling or bad behaviour, you mean that it causes bad feeling or bad behaviour to develop. □�[V n] If they are unemployed it's bound to breed resentment. □�[V n] Violence breeds violence.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to someone or something as one of a particular breedof person or thing when you want to talk about what they are like. □�[+�of ] Sue is one of the new breed of British women squash players who are making a real impact. □�[+�of ] The new breed of walking holidays puts the emphasis on enjoyment, not endurance.

7 →�see also breeding , ill-bred , pure-bred , well-bred

8 PHRASE Someone who was born and bred in a place was born there and grew up there. □� I was born and bred in the highlands.

9familiarity breeds contempt →�see familiarity COLLOCATIONS breed NOUN

1

noun +�breed : beef, cattle, dog, sheep

adjective +�breed : exotic, pedigree, rare; dangerous, hardy

6

adjective +�breed : dying, vanishing; different, new

verb +�breed : attract, spawn VERB

2

breed+�noun : cattle, horses, pigs

5

breed+�noun : contempt, success, violence

breed|er /briː də r / (breeders )

1 N‑COUNT Breeders are people who breed animals or plants. □� Her father was a well-known racehorse breeder.

2 →�see also fast-breeder reactor

breed|ing /briː d I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone says that a person has breeding , they mean that they think the person is from a good social background and has good manners. □� It's a sign of good breeding to know the names of all your staff.

2 →�see also breed

bree d|ing ground (breeding grounds )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a situation or place as a breeding groundfor something bad such as crime, you mean that this thing can easily develop in that situation or place. □�[+�for ] Flaws in the system have created a breeding ground for financial scandals.

2 N‑COUNT The breeding groundfor a particular type of creature is the place where this creature breeds easily. □� Warm milk is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

breeze /briː z/ (breezes , breezing , breezed )

1 N‑COUNT A breeze is a gentle wind. □� �a cool summer breeze.

2 VERB If you breezeinto a place or a position, you enter it in a very casual or relaxed manner. □�[V prep/adv] Lopez breezed into the quarter-finals of the tournament. □�[V prep/adv] 'Are you all right?' Francine asked as she breezed in with the mail.

3 VERB If you breeze through something such as a game or test, you cope with it easily. □�[V +�through ] John seems to breeze effortlessly through his many commitments at work.

bree ze-block (breeze-blocks ) also breeze block N‑COUNT A breeze-block is a large, grey brick made from ashes and cement. [BRIT ] in AM, use cinder block

breezy /briː zi/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as breezy , you mean that they behave in a casual, cheerful, and confident manner. □� �his bright and breezy personality. □� Mona tried to sound breezy. ●� breezi|ly /briː z I li/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� 'Hi,' he said breezily.

2 ADJ When the weather is breezy , there is a fairly strong but pleasant wind blowing. □� The day was breezy and warm.

breth|ren /bre �r I n/ N‑PLURAL [oft with poss] You can refer to the members of a particular organization or group, especially a religious group, as brethren . [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� They prayed for their brethren still living under persecution.

brev|ity /bre v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT The brevityof something is the fact that it is short or lasts for only a short time. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The bonus of this homely soup is the brevity of its cooking time.

brew /bruː / (brews , brewing , brewed )

1 VERB If you brew tea or coffee, you make it by pouring hot water over tea leaves or ground coffee. □�[V n] I'll get Venner to brew some tea.

2 N‑COUNT A brew is a particular kind of tea or coffee. It can also be a particular pot of tea or coffee. □� �a mild herbal brew.

3 VERB If a person or company brews beer, they make it. □�[V n] I brew my own beer. ●� brew|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the brewing of home-made alcohol.

4 VERB [usu cont] If a storm is brewing , large clouds are beginning to form and the sky is becoming dark because there is going to be a storm. □�[V ] We'd seen the storm brewing when we were out in the boat.

5 VERB [usu cont] If an unpleasant or difficult situation is brewing , it is starting to develop. □�[V ] At home a crisis was brewing. □�[V ] There's trouble brewing.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A brewof several things is a mixture of those things. □�[+�of ] Most cities generate a complex brew of pollutants. □�[+�of ] �a potent brew of smooth salesmanship and amateur psychiatry.

brew|er /bruː ə r / (brewers ) N‑COUNT Brewers are people or companies who make beer.

brew|ery /bruː əri/ (breweries ) N‑COUNT A brewery is a place where beer is made.

bri|ar /bra I ə r / (briars ) N‑COUNT A briar is a wild rose with long, prickly stems.

bribe /bra I b/ (bribes , bribing , bribed )

1 N‑COUNT A bribe is a sum of money or something valuable that one person offers or gives to another in order to persuade him or her to do something. □� He was being investigated for receiving bribes.

2 VERB If one person bribes another, they give them a bribe. □�[V n] He was accused of bribing a senior bank official. □�[V n to-inf] The government bribed the workers to be quiet.

brib|ery /bra I bəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Bribery is the act of offering someone money or something valuable in order to persuade them to do something for you. □� He was jailed on charges of bribery.

bric-a-brac /br I kəbr�k/ N‑UNCOUNT Bric-a-brac is a number of small ornamental objects of no great value.

brick /br I k/ (bricks )

1 N‑VAR Bricks are rectangular blocks of baked clay used for building walls, which are usually red or brown. Brick is the material made up of these blocks. □� She built bookshelves out of bricks and planks. □� �a tiny garden surrounded by high brick walls.

2 PHRASE [usu cont] If you are banging your head against a brick wall , what you are saying or doing is not having any effect although you keep saying or doing it. [INFORMAL ] □� I wanted to sort out this problem, but it was like banging my head against a brick wall.

3 PHRASE If you hit a brick wall or come up against a brick wall , you are unable to continue or make progress because something stops you. [INFORMAL ] □� After that my career just seemed to hit a brick wall.

4 PHRASE You can use bricks and mortar to refer to houses and other buildings, especially when they are considered as an investment. □� As an investment, bricks and mortar are not what they were.

5to come down on somebody like a ton of bricks →�see ton

brick|bat /br I kb�t/ (brickbats ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Brickbats are very critical or insulting remarks which are made in public about someone or something.

brickie /br I ki/ (brickies ) N‑COUNT A brickie is the same as a bricklayer . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

brick|layer /br I kle I ə r / (bricklayers ) N‑COUNT A bricklayer is a person whose job is to build walls using bricks.

brick|work /br I kwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the bricks in the walls of a building as the brickwork . □� There were cracks in the brickwork.

brid|al /bra I d ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Bridal is used to describe something that belongs or relates to a bride, or to both a bride and the person she is marrying. □� She wore a floor-length bridal gown. □� �the bridal party.

bride /bra I d/ (brides ) N‑COUNT A bride is a woman who is getting married or who has just got married.

bride|groom /bra I dgruːm/ (bridegrooms ) N‑COUNT A bridegroom is a man who is getting married or who has just got married.

brides|maid /bra I dzme I d/ (bridesmaids ) N‑COUNT A bridesmaid is a woman or a girl who helps and accompanies a bride on her wedding day.

bri de-to-be (brides-to-be ) N‑COUNT A bride-to-be is a woman who is soon going to be married.

bridge ◆◆◇ /br I dʒ/ (bridges , bridging , bridged )

1 N‑COUNT A bridge is a structure that is built over a railway, river, or road so that people or vehicles can cross from one side to the other. □� He walked back over the railway bridge. □� �the Golden Gate Bridge.

2 N‑COUNT A bridge between two places is a piece of land that joins or connects them. □� �a land bridge linking Serbian territories.

3 VERB To bridge the gap between two people or things means to reduce it or get rid of it. □�[V n] It is unlikely that the two sides will be able to bridge their differences.

4 VERB Something that bridges the gap between two very different things has some of the qualities of each of these things. □�[V n] �the singer who bridged the gap between pop music and opera.

5 N‑COUNT If something or someone acts as a bridge between two people, groups, or things, they connect them. □�[+�between ] We hope this book will act as a bridge between doctor and patient. □�[+�to ] They saw themselves as a bridge to peace.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thebridge is the place on a ship from which it is steered.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The bridge of your nose is the thin top part of it, between your eyes. □�[+�of ] On the bridge of his hooked nose was a pair of gold rimless spectacles.

8 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The bridge of a pair of glasses is the part that rests on your nose.

9 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The bridge of a violin, guitar, or other stringed instrument is the small piece of wood under the strings that holds them up.

10 N‑UNCOUNT Bridge is a card game for four players in which the players begin by declaring how many tricks they expect to win.

11 →�see also suspension bridge

12water under the bridge →�see water COLLOCATIONS bridge NOUN

1

noun +�bridge : pedestrian, railway

adjective +�bridge : concrete, wooden; historic; low, narrow, rickety

verb +�bridge : build, repair; close, open; cross, span

11

verb +�bridge : play VERB 4

bridge+�noun : divide, gap, gulf

bridge|head /br I dʒhed/ (bridgeheads ) N‑COUNT A bridgehead is a good position which an army has taken in the enemy's territory and from which it can advance or attack. □� A bridgehead was established.

bri dg|ing loan (bridging loans ) N‑COUNT A bridging loan is money that a bank lends you for a short time, for example so that you can buy a new house before you have sold the one you already own. [BRIT ]

bri|dle /bra I d ə l/ (bridles , bridling , bridled )

1 N‑COUNT A bridle is a set of straps that is put around a horse's head and mouth so that the person riding or driving the horse can control it.

2 VERB If you bridle , you show that you are angry or offended by moving your head and body upwards in a proud way. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] She bridled, then simply shook her head. □�[V +�at ] Alex bridled at the shortness of Pamela's tone.

bri |dle path (bridle paths ) also bridlepath N‑COUNT A bridle path is a path intended for people riding horses.

bridle|way /bra I d ə lwe I / (bridleways ) N‑COUNT A bridleway is the same as a bridle path . [BRIT ]

Brie /briː / also brie N‑UNCOUNT Brie is a type of cheese that comes from France. It is soft and creamy with a white skin.

brief ◆◆◇ /briː f/ (briefer , briefest , briefs , briefing , briefed )

1 ADJ Something that is brief lasts for only a short time. □� She once made a brief appearance on television. □� This time their visit is brief.

2 ADJ A brief speech or piece of writing does not contain too many words or details. □� In a brief statement, he concentrated entirely on international affairs. □� Write a very brief description of a typical problem.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are brief , you say what you want to say in as few words as possible. □� Now please be brief�my time is valuable.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe a period of time as brief if you want to emphasize that it is very short. [EMPHASIS ] □� For a few brief minutes we forgot the anxiety and anguish.

5 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Men's or women's underpants can be referred to as briefs . □� A bra and a pair of briefs lay on the floor.

6 VERB If someone briefs you, especially about a piece of work or a serious matter, they give you information that you need before you do it or consider it. □�[V n] A Defense Department spokesman briefed reporters. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The Prime Minister has been briefed by her parliamentary aides.

7 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] If someone gives you a brief , they officially give you responsibility for dealing with a particular thing. [mainly BRIT , FORMAL ] □� She joined the company less than two years ago with a brief to turn the studio around.

8 →�see also briefer , briefing

9 PHRASE You can say in brief to indicate that you are about to say something in as few words as possible or to give a summary of what you have just said. □� In brief, take no risks.

▸� brief against PHRASAL VERB If someone, especially a politician, briefs against another person, he or she tries to harm the other person's reputation by saying something unfavourable about them. [BRIT ] □�[V P n] Ministerial colleagues were briefing against him.

brief|case /briː fke I s/ (briefcases ) N‑COUNT A briefcase is a case used for carrying documents in.

brief|er /briː fə r / (briefers ) N‑COUNT A briefer is an official who has the job of giving information about something, for example a war. □� Military briefers say no planes were shot down today.

brief|ing /briː f I ŋ/ (briefings )

1 N‑VAR A briefing is a meeting at which information or instructions are given to people, especially before they do something. □� They're holding a press briefing tomorrow. □� Security staff did not then receive any briefing before they started each shift.

2 →�see also brief

brief|ly /briː fli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] Something that happens or is done briefly happens or is done for a very short period of time. □� He smiled briefly. □� Guerillas captured and briefly held an important provincial capital.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If you say or write something briefly , you use very few words or give very few details. □� There are four basic alternatives; they are described briefly below.

3 ADV You can say briefly to indicate that you are about to say something in as few words as possible. □� Briefly, no less than nine of our agents have passed information to us.

brig /br I g/ (brigs )

1 N‑COUNT A brig is a type of ship with two masts and square sails.

2 N‑COUNT A brig is a prison on a ship, especially a warship. [AM ]

Brig.Brig. is a written abbreviation for brigadier . [BRIT ] □� �Brig. Douglas Erskin Crum.

bri|gade /br I ge I d/ (brigades )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A brigade is one of the groups which an army is divided into. □� �the men of the Seventh Armoured Brigade.

2 →�see also fire brigade

briga|dier /br I gəd I ə r / (brigadiers ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A brigadier is a senior officer who is in charge of a brigade in the British armed forces.

bri ga|dier ge n|er|al (brigadier generals ) also brigadier-general N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the United States, a brigadier general is a senior officer in the armed forces who is often in charge of a brigade and has a rank above colonel and below major general. □� �Brigadier General Gary Whipple of the Louisiana National Guard.

brig|and /br I gənd/ (brigands ) N‑COUNT A brigand is someone who attacks people and robs them, especially in mountains or forests. [LITERARY ] □� �a notorious brigand who hijacked trains.

bright ◆◆◇ /bra I t/ (brighter , brightest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bright colour is strong and noticeable, and not dark. □� �a bright red dress. □� �the bright uniforms of the guards parading at Buckingham Palace. ●� bright|ly ADV □� �a display of brightly coloured flowers. ●� bright|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� You'll be impressed with the brightness and the beauty of the colours.

2 ADJ A bright light, object, or place is shining strongly or is full of light. □� �a bright October day. □� She leaned forward, her eyes bright with excitement. ●� bright|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �a warm, brightly lit room. □� The sun shone brightly. ●� bright|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] An astronomer can determine the brightness of each star.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as bright , you mean that they are quick at learning things. □� I was convinced that he was brighter than average.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bright idea is clever and original. □� Ford had the bright idea of paying workers enough to buy cars.

5 ADJ If someone looks or sounds bright , they look or sound cheerful and lively. □� The boy was so bright and animated. □� 'May I help you?' said a bright American voice over the telephone. ●� bright|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He smiled brightly as Ben approached.

6 ADJ If the future is bright , it is likely to be pleasant or successful. □� Both had successful careers and the future looked bright. □� There are much brighter prospects for a comprehensive settlement than before.

7 PHRASE If you look on the bright side , you try to be cheerful about a bad situation by thinking of some advantages that could result from it, or thinking that it is not as bad as it could have been.

bright|en /bra I t ə n/ (brightens , brightening , brightened )

1 VERB If someone brightens or their face brightens , they suddenly look happier. □�[V ] Seeing him, she seemed to brighten a little. ●�PHRASAL VERB Brighten up means the same as brighten . □�[V P ] He brightened up a bit.

2 VERB If your eyes brighten , you suddenly look interested or excited. □�[V ] His eyes brightened and he laughed. □�[V +�with ] Her tearful eyes brightened with interest.

3 VERB If someone or something brightens a place, they make it more colourful and attractive. □�[V n] Tubs planted with wallflowers brightened the area outside the door. ●�PHRASAL VERB Brighten up means the same as brighten . □�[V P n] David spotted the pink silk lampshade in a shop and thought it would brighten up the room. [Also V n P ]

4 VERB If someone or something brightens a situation or the situation brightens , it becomes more pleasant, enjoyable, or favourable. □�[V n] That does not do much to brighten the prospects of kids in the city. □�[V ] It is undeniable that the economic picture is brightening. ●�PHRASAL VERB Brighten up means the same as brighten . □�[V P n] His cheerful face brightens up the dullest of days. [Also V P ]

5 VERB When a light brightens a place or when a place brightens , it becomes brighter or lighter. □�[V ] The sky above the ridge of mountains brightened. □�[V n] The late afternoon sun brightened the interior of the church.

6 VERB If the weather brightens , it becomes less cloudy or rainy, and the sun starts to shine. □�[V ] By early afternoon the weather had brightened. ●�PHRASAL VERB Brighten up means the same as brighten . □�[V P ] Hopefully it will brighten up, or we'll be coming back early.

▸� brighten up →�see brighten3 , brighten4 , brighten6

bri ght li ghts N‑PLURAL If someone talks about thebright lights , they are referring to life in a big city where you can do a lot of enjoyable and exciting things and be successful. □�[+�of ] The bright lights of Hollywood beckon many.

bri ght spark (bright sparks ) N‑COUNT If you say that some bright spark had a particular idea or did something, you mean that their idea or action was clever, or that it seemed clever but was silly in some way. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� 'Why not give out one of the cybercafe's email addresses?' suggested one bright spark. □� Some bright spark turned the heating off last night!

brill /br I l/ ADJ If you say that something is brill , you are very pleased about it or think that it is very good. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� What a brill idea!

bril|liant ◆◇◇ /br I liənt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A brilliant person, idea, or performance is extremely clever or skilful. □� She had a brilliant mind. □� Her brilliant performance had earned her two Golden Globes. ●� bril|liant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� It is a very high quality production, brilliantly written and acted. ●� bril|liance N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □� He was a deeply serious musician who had shown his brilliance very early.

2 ADJ You can say that something is brilliant when you are very pleased about it or think that it is very good. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� If you get a chance to see the show, do go�it's brilliant. □� My sister's given me this brilliant book. ●� bril|liant|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� It's extremely hard working together but on the whole it works brilliantly.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A brilliant career or success is very successful. □� He served four years in prison, emerging to find his brilliant career in ruins. □� The raid was a brilliant success. ●� bril|liant|ly ADV □� The strategy worked brilliantly.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A brilliant colour is extremely bright. □� �a brilliant white open-necked shirt. ●� bril|liant|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� Many of the patterns show brilliantly coloured flowers. ●� bril|liance N‑UNCOUNT □� �an iridescent blue butterfly in all its brilliance.

5 ADJ You describe light, or something that reflects light, as brilliant when it shines very brightly. □� The event was held in brilliant sunshine. ●� bril|liant|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� It's a brilliantly sunny morning. ●� bril|liance N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] His eyes became accustomed to the dark after the brilliance of the sun outside. SYNONYMS brilliant ADJ

1

intelligent:�lively and intelligent conversation.

sharp:He is very sharp, a quick thinker and swift with repartee.

intellectual:They were very intellectual and witty.

clever:He's a very clever man.

2

excellent:The recording quality is excellent.

wonderful:It's wonderful to see you.

marvellous:He certainly is a marvellous actor.

superb:There is a superb 18-hole golf course 6 miles away.

brim /br I m/ (brims , brimming , brimmed )

1 N‑COUNT [adj N ] The brim of a hat is the wide part that sticks outwards at the bottom. □�[+�of ] Rain dripped from the brim of his baseball cap. □� �a flat black hat with a wide brim. ●� -brimmed COMB [usu ADJ n] □� �a floppy-brimmed hat.

2 VERB [usu cont] If someone or something is brimming with a particular quality, they are full of that quality. □�[V +�with ] England are brimming with confidence after two straight wins in the tournament. ●�PHRASAL VERB Brim over means the same as brim . □�[V P +�with ] Her heart brimmed over with love and adoration for Charles. [Also V P ]

3 VERB When your eyes are brimming with tears, they are full of fluid because you are upset, although you are not actually crying. □�[V +�with ] Michael looked at him imploringly, eyes brimming with tears. ●�PHRASAL VERB Brim over means the same as brim . □�[V P +�with ] When she saw me, her eyes brimmed over with tears and she could not speak. [Also V P ]

4 VERB If something brimswith particular things, it is packed full of them. □�[V +�with ] The flowerbeds brim with a mixture of lilies and roses.

5 PHRASE If something, especially a container, is filled to the brim or full to the brimwith something, it is filled right up to the top. □� Richard filled her glass right up to the brim.

▸� brim over →�see brim2 , brim3

brim|ful /br I mfʊ l/ ADJ Someone who is brimfulof an emotion or quality feels or seems full of it. An object or place that is brimfulof something is full of it. □�[+�of ] She was brimful of energy and enthusiasm. □�[+�with ] The United States is brimful with highly paid doctors.

brim|stone /br I mstoʊn/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Brimstone is the same as sulphur . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 PHRASE When people talk about fire and brimstone , they are referring to hell and how they think people are punished there after death. [LITERARY ]

brine /bra I n/ (brines ) N‑VAR Brine is salty water, especially salty water that is used for preserving food. □� Soak the walnuts in brine for four or five days.

bring ◆◆◆ /br I ŋ/ (brings , bringing , brought )

1 VERB If you bring someone or something with you when you come to a place, they come with you or you have them with you. □�[V n] Remember to bring an apron or an old shirt to protect your clothes. □�[V n] Come to my party and bring a friend with you. □�[V n with adv] Someone went upstairs and brought down a huge kettle. □�[V n +�for ] My father brought home a book for me. [V n prep]

2 VERB If you bring something somewhere, you move it there. □�[V n with adv] Reaching into her pocket, she brought out a key. □�[V n with adv] Her mother brought her hands up to her face. [Also V n prep]

3 VERB If you bring something that someone wants or needs, you get it for them or carry it to them. □�[V n +�for ] He went and poured a brandy for Dena and brought it to her. □�[V n n] The stewardess kindly brought me a blanket. [Also V n, Also V n +�to ]

4 VERB To bring something or someone to a place or position means to cause them to come to the place or move into that position. □�[V n prep/adv] I told you about what brought me here. □�[V n v-ing] She survived a gas blast which brought her home crashing down on top of her.

5 VERB If you bring something new to a place or group of people, you introduce it to that place or cause those people to hear or know about it. □�[V n +�to ] �the drive to bring art to the public.

6 VERB To bring someone or something into a particular state or condition means to cause them to be in that state or condition. □�[V n prep] He brought the car to a stop in front of the square. □�[V n prep] His work as a historian brought him into conflict with the political establishment. □�[V n with adv] They have brought down income taxes.

7 VERB If something brings a particular feeling, situation, or quality, it makes people experience it or have it. □�[V n +�to ] We should be deeply proud of their efforts to bring peace to these warzones. □�[V n +�on ] Banks have brought trouble on themselves by lending rashly. □�[V +�to ] He brought to the job not just considerable experience but passionate enthusiasm. □�[V n n] Her three children brought her joy. [Also V n +�from ]

8 VERB If a period of time brings a particular thing, it happens during that time. □�[V n] For Sandro, the new year brought disaster. □�[V n] We don't know what the future will bring.

9 VERB If you bring a legal action against someone or bring them to trial, you officially accuse them of doing something illegal. □�[V n +�against ] He campaigned relentlessly to bring charges of corruption against members of the party. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The ship's captain and crew may be brought to trial and even sent to prison.

10 VERB If a television or radio programme is broughtto you by an organization, they make it, broadcast it, or pay for it to be made or broadcast. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed +�to ] You're listening to Science in Action, brought to you by the BBC World Service. □�[V n n] We'll be bringing you all the details of the day's events.

11 VERB When you are talking, you can say that something brings you to a particular point in order to indicate that you have now reached that point and are going to talk about a new subject. □�[V n +�to ] And that brings us to the end of this special report from Germany.

12 VERB If you cannot bringyourself to do something, you cannot do it because you find it too upsetting, embarrassing, or disgusting. □�[V pron-refl to-inf] It is very tragic and I am afraid I just cannot bring myself to talk about it.

13to bring something alive →�see alive

14to bring something to bear →�see bear ➊

15to bring the house down →�see house

16to bring up the rear →�see rear

▸� bring about PHRASAL VERB To bring something about means to cause it to happen. □�[V P n] One way they can bring about political change is by putting pressure on the country. [Also V n P ]

▸� bring along PHRASAL VERB If you bring someone or something along , you bring them with you when you come to a place. □�[V P n] They brought along Laura Jane in a pram. □�[V n P ] Dad brought a notebook along to the beach, in case he was seized by sudden inspiration.

▸� bring back

1 PHRASAL VERB Something that brings back a memory makes you think about it. □�[V P n] Your article brought back sad memories for me. □�[V n P ] Talking about it brought it all back.

2 PHRASAL VERB When people bring back a practice or fashion that existed at an earlier time, they introduce it again. □�[V P n] An e-petition to bring back the death penalty in Britain was swiftly overtaken by a petition to continue the ban. [Also V n P ]

▸� bring down

1 PHRASAL VERB When people or events bring down a government or ruler, they cause the government or ruler to lose power. □�[V P n] They were threatening to bring down the government by withdrawing from the ruling coalition. □�[V n P ] �a petition backing the Prime Minister against a minority of MPs who want to bring him down.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something brings down a person or aeroplane, they cause them to fall, usually by shooting them. □�[V P n] Military historians may never know what brought down the jet. [Also V n P ]

▸� bring forward

1 PHRASAL VERB If you bring forward a meeting or event, you arrange for it to take place at an earlier date or time than had been planned. □�[V P n] He had to bring forward an 11 o'clock meeting so that he could get to the funeral on time. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you bring forward an argument or proposal, you state it so that people can consider it. □�[V P n] The Government will bring forward several proposals for legislation. [Also V n P ]

▸� bring in

1 PHRASAL VERB When a government or organization brings in a new law or system, they introduce it. □�[V P n] The government brought in a controversial law under which it could take any land it wanted. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB Someone or something that brings in money makes it or earns it. □�[V P n] I have three part-time jobs, which bring in about �14,000 a year. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you bring in someone from outside a team or organization, you invite them to do a job or join in an activity or discussion. □�[V P n] The firm decided to bring in a new management team. [Also V n P ]

▸� bring off PHRASAL VERB If you bring off something difficult, you do it successfully. □�[V P n] They were about to bring off an even bigger coup. □�[V n P ] He thought his book would change society. But he didn't bring it off.

▸� bring on

1 PHRASAL VERB If something brings on an illness, pain, or feeling, especially one that you often suffer from, it causes you to have it. □�[V P n] Severe shock can bring on an attack of acne. □�[V -ed P ] Bob died of a heart attack, brought on by his lifestyle. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASE You can say ` Bring it on! ' to show that you are ready and eager to face a challenge, a fight, or a difficult situation. [INFORMAL ] □� 'Are you sure about this trip?' David asked. 'Yeah,' said Julie, 'Bring it on!'

▸� bring out

1 PHRASAL VERB When a person or company brings out a new product, especially a new book or CD, they produce it and put it on sale. □�[V P n] A journalist all his life, he's now brought out a book. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB Something that brings out a particular kind of behaviour or feeling in you causes you to show it, especially when it is something you do not normally show. □�[V P n] He is totally dedicated and brings out the best in his pupils. [Also V n P ]

▸� bring up

1 PHRASAL VERB When someone brings up a child, they look after it until it is an adult. If someone has been brought up in a certain place or with certain attitudes, they grew up in that place or were taught those attitudes when they were growing up. □�[V P n] She brought up four children. □�[V n P ] His grandmother and his father brought him up. □�[be V -ed P to-inf] We'd been brought up to think that borrowing money was bad. □�[be V -ed P n] I was brought up a Methodist.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you bring up a particular subject, you introduce it into a discussion or conversation. □�[V P n] He brought up a subject rarely raised during the course of this campaign. □�[V n P ] Why are you bringing it up now?

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone brings up food or wind, food or air is forced up from their stomach through their mouth. □�[V P n] It's hard for the baby to bring up wind.

bri ng-and-bu y sale (bring-and-buy sales ) N‑COUNT A bring-and-buy sale is an informal sale to raise money for a charity or other organization. People who come to the sale bring things to be sold and buy things that other people have brought. [BRIT ]

bring|er /br I ŋə r / (bringers ) N‑COUNT A bringerof something is someone who brings or provides it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] He was the bringer of good news.

brink /br I ŋk/ N‑SING If you are on thebrinkof something, usually something important, terrible, or exciting, you are just about to do it or experience it. □�[+�of ] Their economy is teetering on the brink of collapse. □�[+�of ] Failure to communicate had brought the two nations to the brink of war.

brink|man|ship /br I ŋkmənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Brinkmanship is a method of behaviour, especially in politics, in which you deliberately get into dangerous situations which could result in disaster but which could also bring success. [JOURNALISM ] □� There is a lot of political brinkmanship involved in this latest development.

bri|oche /briɒ ʃ/ (brioches ) N‑VAR Brioche is a kind of sweet bread. □� I'll have coffee and a brioche.

brisk /br I sk/ (brisker , briskest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A brisk activity or action is done quickly and in an energetic way. □� Taking a brisk walk can often induce a feeling of well-being. □� The horse broke into a brisk trot. ●� brisk|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Eve walked briskly down the corridor to her son's room. ●� brisk|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� With determined briskness, Amy stood up and put their cups back on the tray.

2 ADJ If trade or business is brisk , things are being sold very quickly and a lot of money is being made. [BUSINESS ] □� Vendors were doing a brisk trade in souvenirs. ●� brisk|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� A trader said gold sold briskly on the local market.

3 ADJ If the weather is brisk , it is cold and fresh. □� The breeze was cool, brisk and invigorating.

4 ADJ Someone who is brisk behaves in a busy, confident way which shows that they want to get things done quickly. □� The Chief summoned me downstairs. He was brisk and businesslike. ●� brisk|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Anyhow,' she added briskly, 'it's none of my business.'

bris|ket /br I sk I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Brisket is a cut of beef that comes from the breast of the cow.

bris|tle /br I s ə l/ (bristles )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Bristles are the short hairs that grow on a man's chin after he has shaved. The hairs on the top of a man's head can also be called bristles when they are cut very short. □� �two days' growth of bristles.

2 N‑COUNT The bristles of a brush are the thick hairs or hair-like pieces of plastic which are attached to it. □�[+�on ] As soon as the bristles on your toothbrush begin to wear, throw it out.

3 N‑COUNT Bristles are thick, strong animal hairs that feel hard and rough. □� It has a short stumpy tail covered with bristles.

bris|tling /br I sl I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Bristling means thick, hairy, and rough. It is used to describe things such as moustaches, beards, or eyebrows. □� �a bristling white moustache.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone's attitude as bristling , you are emphasizing that it is full of energy and enthusiasm. [EMPHASIS ] □� There's a bristling attitude not too far beneath the surface of most New York folk.

bris|tly /br I sli/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bristly hair is thick and rough. □� His bristly red hair was standing on end.

2 ADJ If a man's chin is bristly , it is covered with bristles because he has not shaved recently. □� �the giant's bristly cheek.

Brit /br I t/ (Brits ) N‑COUNT British people are sometimes referred to as Brits . [INFORMAL ] □� Holiday-mad Brits are packing their buckets and spades and heading for the sun.

Brit|ish /br I t I ʃ/

1 ADJ British means belonging or relating to the United Kingdom, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑PLURAL TheBritish are the people of Great Britain.

Bri t|ish A sian (British Asians )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A British Asian person is someone of Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi origin who has grown up in Britain.

2 N‑COUNT A British Asian is a person who is British Asian.

Brit|ish|er /br I t I ʃə/ (Britishers ) N‑COUNT In American English or old-fashioned British English, British people are sometimes informally referred to as Britishers .

Bri t|ish Su m|mer Time N‑UNCOUNT British Summer Time is a period in the spring and summer during which the clocks are put forward, so that people can have an extra hour of daylight in the evening. [BRIT ] □� When we put the clocks forward in March we go into British Summer Time. in AM, use daylight saving time

Brit|on /br I t ə n/ (Britons ) N‑COUNT A Briton is a person who comes from Great Britain. [FORMAL ] □� The role is played by seventeen-year-old Briton Jane March.

Brit|pop /br I tpɒp/ N‑UNCOUNT Britpop is a type of pop music made by British bands. It was especially popular in the mid-1990s. □� �the supposed rivalry between the two leading Britpop bands.

brit|tle /br I t ə l/

1 ADJ An object or substance that is brittle is hard but easily broken. □� Pine is brittle and breaks. □� �the dry, brittle ends of the hair.

2 ADJ If you describe a situation, relationship, or someone's mood as brittle , you mean that it is unstable, and may easily change. □� They are nurturing a diplomatic relationship that is dangerously brittle but cannot be allowed to fail.

broach /broʊ tʃ/ (broaches , broaching , broached ) VERB When you broach a subject, especially a sensitive one, you mention it in order to start a discussion on it. □�[V n] Eventually I broached the subject of her early life.

broad ◆◆◇ /brɔː d/ (broader , broadest )

1 ADJ Something that is broad is wide. □� His shoulders were broad and his waist narrow. □� The hills rise green and sheer above the broad river. □� �a broad expanse of green lawn.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A broad smile is one in which your mouth is stretched very wide because you are very pleased or amused. □� He greeted them with a wave and a broad smile. ●� broad|ly ADV □� Charles grinned broadly.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use broad to describe something that includes a large number of different things or people. □� A broad range of issues was discussed. □� �a broad coalition of workers, peasants, students and middle class professionals. ●� broad|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� This gives children a more broadly based education.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use broad to describe a word or meaning which covers or refers to a wide range of different things. □� The term Wissenschaft has a much broader meaning than the English word 'science'. □� �restructuring in the broad sense of the word. ●� broad|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� We define education very broadly.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You use broad to describe a feeling or opinion that is shared by many people, or by people of many different kinds. □� The agreement won broad support in the U.S. Congress. □� �a film with broad appeal. ●� broad|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The new law has been broadly welcomed by road safety organisations.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A broad description or idea is general rather than detailed. □� These documents provided a broad outline of the Society's development. □� We have discussed in broad terms the course of action appropriate at each stage. ●� broad|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� There are, broadly speaking, three ways in which this is done. □� Broadly, it makes connections between ideas about healing and how they link to plants.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] A broad hint is a very obvious hint. □� They've been giving broad hints about what to expect. ●� broad|ly ADV □� He hinted broadly that he would like to come.

8 ADJ A broad accent is strong and noticeable. □� �a Briton who spoke in a broad Yorkshire accent.

9 →�see also broadly

10in broad daylight →�see daylight SYNONYMS broad ADJ 1

wide:�a wide-brimmed sunhat.

large:The pike lives mainly in large rivers and lakes.

spacious:The house has a spacious kitchen and dining area.

expansive:�an expansive grassy play area.

B -road (B-roads ) also B road N‑COUNT A B-road is a minor road. [BRIT ]

broad|band /brɔː db�nd/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Broadband is a method of sending many electronic messages at the same time, using a wide range of frequencies. [COMPUTING ] □� They planned to develop new broadband services.

broa d bea n (broad beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Broad beans are flat round beans that are light green in colour and are eaten as a vegetable. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use fava beans

broa d-bru sh also broad brush ADJ [usu ADJ n] A broad-brush approach, strategy, or solution deals with a problem in a general way rather than concentrating on details. □� He's giving a broad brush approach to the subject.

broad|cast ◆◇◇ /brɔː dkɑːst, -k�st/ (broadcasts , broadcasting ) The form broadcast is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb. 1 N‑COUNT A broadcast is a programme, performance, or speech on the radio or on television. □�[+�on ] In a broadcast on state radio the government announced that it was willing to resume peace talks.

2 VERB To broadcast a programme means to send it out by radio waves, so that it can be heard on the radio or seen on television. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] The concert will be broadcast live on television and radio. □�[V ] CNN also broadcasts in Europe. [Also V n] COLLOCATIONS broadcast NOUN 1

noun +�broadcast : radio, satellite, television; election, news

adjective +�broadcast : commercial, live, outside; political

verb +�broadcast : watch VERB 2

broadcast+�adverb : live, nationally, nightly SYNONYMS broadcast VERB 2

transmit:The game was transmitted live in Spain and Italy.

show:The drama will be shown on American TV next year.

air:Tonight PBS will air a documentary called 'Democracy In Action'.

televise:The Grand Prix will be televised by the BBC.

broad|cast|er /brɔː dkɑːstə r , -k�st-/ (broadcasters ) N‑COUNT A broadcaster is someone who gives talks or takes part in interviews and discussions on radio or television programmes.

broad|cast|ing ◆◇◇ /brɔː dkɑːst I ŋ, -k�st-/ N‑UNCOUNT Broadcasting is the making and sending out of television and radio programmes. □� If this happens, it will change the face of religious broadcasting. □� �the state broadcasting organisation.

broad|en /brɔː d ə n/ (broadens , broadening , broadened )

1 VERB When something broadens , it becomes wider. □�[V +�into ] The trails broadened into roads. □�[V +�to ] The smile broadened to a grin. [Also V ]

2 VERB When you broaden something such as your experience or popularity or when it broadens , the number of things or people that it includes becomes greater. □�[V n] We must broaden our appeal. □�[V ] The political spectrum has broadened.

broad|ly /brɔː dli/

1 ADV You can use broadly to indicate that something is generally true. □� The President broadly got what he wanted out of his meeting. □� The idea that software is capable of any task is broadly true in theory.

2 →�see also broad

broa d|ly ba sed in BRIT, also use broadly-based ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is broadly based involves many different kinds of things or people. □� � a broadly-based political movement for democracy.

broa d-mi nded also broadminded ADJ If you describe someone as broad-minded , you approve of them because they are willing to accept types of behaviour which other people consider immoral. [APPROVAL ] □� �a fair and broad-minded man.

broad|sheet /brɔː dʃiːt/ (broadsheets ) N‑COUNT A broadsheet is a newspaper that is printed on large sheets of paper. Broadsheets are generally considered to be more serious than other newspapers. Compare tabloid .

broad|side /brɔː dsa I d/ (broadsides )

1 N‑COUNT A broadside is a strong written or spoken attack on a person or institution. □�[+�against ] He launched a broadside against the young British kitchen staff who are not prepared to dedicate themselves to their chosen career.

2 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV , oft ADV on ] If a ship is broadsideto something, it has its longest side facing in the direction of that thing. [TECHNICAL ] □�[+�to ] The ship was moored broadside to the pier.

bro|cade /brəke I d/ (brocades ) N‑VAR Brocade is a thick, expensive material, often made of silk, with a raised pattern on it. □� �a cream brocade waistcoat.

broc|co|li /brɒ kəli/ N‑UNCOUNT Broccoli is a vegetable with green stalks and green or purple tops.

bro|chure /broʊ ʃə r , [AM ] broʊʃʊ r/ (brochures ) N‑COUNT A brochure is a magazine or thin book with pictures that gives you information about a product or service. □� �travel brochures.

brogue /broʊ g/ (brogues )

1 N‑SING If someone has a brogue , they speak English with a strong accent, especially Irish or Scots. □� Gill speaks in a quiet Irish brogue.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Brogues are thick leather shoes which have an elaborate pattern punched into the leather.

broil /brɔ I l/ (broils , broiling , broiled ) VERB When you broil food, you cook it using very strong heat directly above or below it. [AM ] □�[V n] I'll broil the lobster. □�[V -ed] �broiled chicken. in BRIT, use grill

broil|er /brɔ I lə r / (broilers ) N‑COUNT A broiler is a part of a stove which produces strong heat and cooks food placed underneath it. [AM ] in BRIT, use grill

broil|ing /brɔ I l I ŋ/ ADJ If the weather is broiling , it is very hot. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� �the broiling midday sun.

broke /broʊ k/

1Broke is the past tense of break .

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are broke , you have no money. [INFORMAL ] □� What do you mean, I've got enough money? I'm as broke as you are.

3 PHRASE If a company or person goes broke , they lose money and are unable to continue in business or to pay their debts. [INFORMAL , BUSINESS ] □� Balton went broke twice in his career.

4 PHRASE If you go for broke , you take the most extreme or risky of the possible courses of action in order to try and achieve success. [INFORMAL ] □� It was a sharp disagreement about whether to go for broke or whether to compromise.

bro|ken /broʊ kən/

1Broken is the past participle of break .

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A broken line is not continuous but has gaps or spaces in it. □� A broken blue line means the course of a waterless valley.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use broken to describe a marriage that has ended in divorce, or a home in which the parents of the family are divorced, when you think this is a sad or bad thing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She spoke for the first time about the traumas of a broken marriage. □� Children from broken homes are more likely to leave home before the age of 18.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone talks in broken English, for example, or in broken French, they speak slowly and make a lot of mistakes because they do not know the language very well. □� Eric could only respond in broken English.

bro ken-do wn ADJ [usu ADJ n] A broken-down vehicle or machine no longer works because it has something wrong with it. □� �a broken-down car.

bro ken-hea rted ADJ Someone who is broken-hearted is very sad and upset because they have had a serious disappointment.

bro|ker ◆◇◇ /broʊ kə r / (brokers , brokering , brokered )

1 N‑COUNT A broker is a person whose job is to buy and sell shares, foreign money, or goods for other people. [BUSINESS ]

2 VERB If a country or government brokers an agreement, a ceasefire, or a round of talks, they try to negotiate or arrange it. □�[V n] He has already brokered a peace treaty that will come into force on Friday.

bro|ker|age /broʊ kər I dʒ/ (brokerages ) N‑COUNT [usu N n] A brokerage or a brokerage firm is a company of brokers. [BUSINESS ] □� �Japan's four biggest brokerages.

brol|ly /brɒ li/ (brollies ) N‑COUNT A brolly is the same as an umbrella . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

bro|mance /broʊ m�ns/ (bromances ) N‑COUNT A bromance is a close but not sexual relationship between two men. [INFORMAL ] □� The two men continued their bromance with a trip to the theatre.

bro|mide /broʊ ma I d/ (bromides )

1 N‑VAR Bromide is a drug which used to be given to people to calm their nerves when they were worried or upset. □� �a dose of bromide.

2 N‑COUNT A bromide is a comment which is intended to calm someone down when they are angry, but which has been expressed so often that it has become boring and meaningless. [FORMAL ] □� The meeting produced the usual bromides about the environment.

bron|chial /brɒ ŋkiəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Bronchial means affecting or concerned with the bronchial tubes. [MEDICAL ] □� She suffers from bronchial asthma.

bro n|chial tu be (bronchial tubes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your bronchial tubes are the two tubes which connect your windpipe to your lungs. [MEDICAL ]

bron|chi|tis /brɒŋka I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Bronchitis is an illness like a very bad cough in which your bronchial tubes become sore and infected. □� He was in bed with bronchitis.

bron|co /brɒ ŋkoʊ/ (broncos ) N‑COUNT In the western United States, especially in the 19th century, a wild horse was sometimes referred to as a bronco . □� �two cowboys riding bucking broncos.

bronze /brɒ nz/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Bronze is a yellowish-brown metal which is a mixture of copper and tin. □� The bronze statue of Mars is a copy of a famous statue found just outside Todi in 1837.

2 N‑COUNT A bronze is a bronze medal .

3 COLOUR Something that is bronze is yellowish-brown in colour. □� �huge bronze chrysanthemums.

Bro nze Age N‑PROPER TheBronze Age was a period of time which began when people started making things from bronze about 4,000�6,000 years ago.

bronzed /brɒ nzd/ ADJ Someone who is bronzed is attractively brown because they have been in the sun. □� He's bronzed from a short holiday in California.

bro nze me d|al (bronze medals ) N‑COUNT A bronze medal is a medal made of bronze or bronze-coloured metal that is given as a prize to the person who comes third in a competition, especially a sports contest.

brooch /broʊ tʃ/ (brooches ) N‑COUNT A brooch is a small piece of jewellery which has a pin at the back so it can be fastened on a dress, blouse, or coat.

brood /bruː d/ (broods , brooding , brooded )

1 N‑COUNT A brood is a group of baby birds that were born at the same time to the same mother.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to someone's young children as their brood when you want to emphasize that there are a lot of them. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] �a large brood of children.

3 VERB If someone broods over something, they think about it a lot, seriously and often unhappily. □�[V +�over/on/about ] She constantly broods about her family. □�[V ] I continued to brood. Would he always be like this?

brood|ing /bruː d I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Brooding is used to describe an atmosphere or feeling that makes you feel anxious or slightly afraid. [LITERARY ] □� The same heavy, brooding silence descended on them.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone's expression or appearance is brooding , they look as if they are thinking deeply and seriously about something, especially something that is making them unhappy. [LITERARY ] □� She kissed him and gazed into his dark, brooding eyes.

broody /bruː di/

1 ADJ You say that someone is broody when they are thinking a lot about something in an unhappy way. □� He became very withdrawn and broody.

2 ADJ A broody hen is ready to lay or sit on eggs.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe a woman as broody , you mean that she wants to have a baby and she keeps thinking about it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

brook /brʊ k/ (brooks , brooking , brooked )

1 N‑COUNT A brook is a small stream.

2 VERB If someone in a position of authority will brook no interference or opposition, they will not accept any interference or opposition from others. □�[V n] She'd had a plan of action, one that would brook no interference.

broom /bru ːm/ (brooms )

1 N‑COUNT A broom is a kind of brush with a long handle. You use a broom for sweeping the floor.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Broom is a wild bush with a lot of tiny yellow flowers.

broom|stick /bruː mst I k/ (broomsticks )

1 N‑COUNT A broomstick is an old-fashioned broom which has a bunch of small sticks at the end.

2 N‑COUNT A broomstick is the handle of a broom.

Bros.Bros. is an abbreviation for brothers . It is usually used as part of the name of a company. [BUSINESS ] □� �Lazard Bros. of New York.

broth /brɒ θ, [AM ] brɔː θ/ (broths ) N‑VAR Broth is a kind of soup. It usually has vegetables or rice in it.

broth|el /brɒ θ ə l/ (brothels ) N‑COUNT A brothel is a building where men can go to pay to have sex with prostitutes.

broth|er ◆◆◆ /brʌ �ə r / (brothers ) The old-fashioned form brethren is still sometimes used as the plural for meanings 3 and 4 . 1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your brother is a boy or a man who has the same parents as you. □� Oh, so you're Peter's younger brother. □� Have you got any brothers and sisters?

2 →�see also half-brother , stepbrother

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can describe a man as your brother if he belongs to the same race, religion, country, profession, or trade union as you, or if he has similar ideas to you. □� He told reporters he'd come to be with his Latvian brothers.

4 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT Brother is a title given to a man who belongs to a religious community such as a monastery. □� �Brother Otto. □� �the Christian Brothers community which owns the castle.

5 N‑COUNT Brothers is used in the names of some companies and shops. □� �the film company Warner Brothers.

brother|hood /brʌ �ə r hʊd/ (brotherhoods )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Brotherhood is the affection and loyalty that you feel for people with whom you have something in common. □� People threw flowers into the river between the two countries as a symbolic act of brotherhood.

2 N‑COUNT A brotherhood is an organization whose members all have the same political aims and beliefs or the same job or profession. □� �a secret international brotherhood.

bro ther-in-law (brothers-in-law ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's brother-in-law is the brother of their husband or wife, or the man who is married to one of their siblings.

broth|er|ly /brʌ �ə r li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A man's brotherly feelings are feelings of love and loyalty which you expect a brother to show. □� �family loyalty and brotherly love. □� He gave her a brief, brotherly kiss.

brought /brɔː t/ Brought is the past tense and past participle of bring .

brou|ha|ha /bruː hɑːhɑː/ N‑SING A brouhaha is an excited and critical fuss or reaction to something. [mainly JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�over ] �the recent brouhaha over a congressional pay raise.

brow /braʊ / (brows )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your brow is your forehead. □� He wiped his brow with the back of his hand.

2to knit your brow →�see knit

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your brows are your eyebrows. □� He had thick brown hair and shaggy brows.

4 N‑COUNT The browof a hill is the top part of it. □�[+�of ] He was on the look-out just below the brow of the hill.

brow|beat /braʊ biːt/ (browbeats , browbeating , browbeaten ) The form browbeat is used in the present tense and is also the past tense. VERB If someone tries to browbeat you, they try to force you to do what they want. □�[V n] �attempts to deceive, con, or browbeat the voters. □�[V n +�into ] When I backed out of the 100 metres, an older kid tried to browbeat me into it. ●� brow|beat|en ADJ □� �the browbeaten employees.

brown ◆◆◆ /braʊ n/ (browner , brownest , browns , browning , browned )

1 COLOUR Something that is brown is the colour of earth or of wood. □� �her deep brown eyes. □� The stairs are decorated in golds and earthy browns.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] You can describe a white-skinned person as brown when they have been sitting in the sun until their skin has become darker than usual. □� I don't want to be really really brown, just have a nice light golden colour.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Brown is used to describe grains that have not had their outer layers removed, and foods made from these grains. □� �brown bread. □� �spicy tomato sauce served over a bed of brown rice.

4 VERB When food browns or when you brown food, you cook it, usually for a short time on a high flame. □�[V ] Cook for ten minutes until the sugar browns. □�[V n] He browned the chicken in a frying pan.

bro wned o ff ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are browned off , you mean that you are annoyed and depressed. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Sorry, I'm just thoroughly browned off.

brown|field /braʊ nfiːld/ ADJ [ADJ n] Brownfield land is land in a town or city where houses or factories have been built in the past, but which is not being used at the present time. □� By 2005 he wanted half of all new houses to be built on previously developed land: so-called brownfield sites.

bro wn goods N‑PLURAL Brown goods are electrical appliances such as televisions and audio equipment. Compare white goods . □� Revenue from brown goods, including televisions and hi-fis, rose nearly 12 per cent.

brownie /braʊ ni/ (brownies ) The spelling Brownie is also used for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] Brownies are small flat biscuits or cakes. They are usually chocolate flavoured and have nuts in them. □� �chocolate brownies. □� �a tray of brownies.

2 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Brownies is a junior version of the Girl Guides in Britain for girls between the ages of seven and ten, or of the Girl Scouts in the United States for girls between the ages of six and eight. ●�N‑COUNT A Brownie is a girl who is a member of the Brownies.

bro wnie point (brownie points ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If someone does something to score brownie points , they do it because they think they will be praised for it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�with ] They're just trying to score brownie points with politicians.

brown|ish /braʊ n I ʃ/ COLOUR Something that is brownish is slightly brown in colour.

bro wn-no sing N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of brown-nosing , you are saying in a rather offensive way that they are agreeing with someone important in order to get their support. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Brown-nosing of the power brokers won't save you.

brown|stone /braʊ nstoʊn/ (brownstones ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a brownstone is a type of house which was built during the 19th century. Brownstones have a front that is made from a reddish-brown stone.

browse /braʊ z/ (browses , browsing , browsed )

1 VERB If you browse in a shop, you look at things in a fairly casual way, in the hope that you might find something you like. □�[V ] I stopped in several bookstores to browse. □�[V prep/adv] I'm just browsing around. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Browse is also a noun. □�[+�around ] �a browse around the shops.

2 VERB If you browsethrough a book or magazine, you look through it in a fairly casual way. □�[V prep] �sitting on the sofa browsing through the TV pages of the paper.

3 VERB If you browse on a computer, you search for information in computer files or on the internet. [COMPUTING ] □�[V adv/prep] Try browsing around in the network bulletin boards.

4 VERB When animals browse , they feed on plants. □�[V ] �the three red deer stags browsing 50 yards from my lodge on the fringes of the forest. [Also V +�on , V n]

brows|er /braʊ zə r / (browsers )

1 N‑COUNT A browser is a piece of computer software that you use to search for information on the internet. [COMPUTING ]

2 N‑COUNT A browser is someone who browses in a shop. □� �a casual browser.

bruise /bruː z/ (bruises , bruising , bruised )

1 N‑COUNT A bruise is an injury which appears as a purple mark on your body, although the skin is not broken. □� How did you get that bruise on your cheek? □� She was treated for cuts and bruises.

2 VERB If you bruise a part of your body, a bruise appears on it, for example because something hits you. If you bruise easily, bruises appear when something hits you only slightly. □�[V n] I had only bruised my knee. □�[V adv] Some people bruise more easily than others. ●� bruised ADJ □� I escaped with severely bruised legs.

3 VERB If a fruit, vegetable, or plant bruises or is bruised , it is damaged by being handled roughly, making a mark on the skin. □�[V n] Choose a warm, dry day to cut them off the plants, being careful not to bruise them. □�[V -ed] �bruised tomatoes and cucumbers. □�[V adv] Be sure to store them carefully as they bruise easily. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Bruise is also a noun. □� �bruises on the fruit's skin.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you are bruised by an unpleasant experience, it makes you feel unhappy or upset. □�[be V -ed] The government will be severely bruised by yesterday's events. ●� bruis|ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �the bruising experience of near-bankruptcy.

bruis|er /bruː zə r / (bruisers ) N‑COUNT A bruiser is someone who is tough, strong, and aggressive, and enjoys a fight or argument. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has a reputation as a political bruiser.

bruis|ing /bruː z I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has bruising on their body, they have bruises on it. [FORMAL ] □� She had quite severe bruising and a cut lip.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In a bruising battle or encounter, people fight or compete with each other in a very aggressive or determined way. [JOURNALISM ] □� The administration hopes to avoid another bruising battle over civil rights.

Brum|mie /brʌ mi/ (Brummies ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Brummie means belonging to or coming from Birmingham in England. [INFORMAL ] ●�N‑COUNT A Brummie is someone who comes from Birmingham.

brunch /brʌ ntʃ/ (brunches ) N‑VAR Brunch is a meal that is eaten in the late morning. It is a combination of breakfast and lunch.

bru|nette /bruːne t/ (brunettes ) N‑COUNT A brunette is a white-skinned woman or girl with dark brown hair.

brunt /brʌ nt/ PHRASE To bear the brunt or take the bruntof something unpleasant means to suffer the main part or force of it. □� Young people are bearing the brunt of unemployment. □� A child's head tends to take the brunt of any fall.

bru|schet|ta /bruːʃe tə/ (bruschettas ) N‑VAR Bruschetta is a slice of toasted bread which is brushed with olive oil and usually covered with chopped tomatoes.

brush ◆◇◇ /brʌ ʃ/ (brushes , brushing , brushed )

1 N‑COUNT A brush is an object which has a large number of bristles or hairs fixed to it. You use brushes for painting, for cleaning things, and for tidying your hair. □� We gave him paint and brushes. □� Stains are removed with buckets of soapy water and scrubbing brushes. □� �a hair brush.

2 VERB If you brush something or brush something such as dirt off it, you clean it or tidy it using a brush. □�[V n] Have you brushed your teeth? □�[V n prep] She brushed the powder out of her hair. □�[V n with adv] Using a small brush, he brushed away the fine sawdust. ●�N‑SING Brush is also a noun. □� I gave it a quick brush with my hairbrush.

3 VERB If you brush something with a liquid, you apply a layer of that liquid using a brush. □�[V n +�with ] Take a sheet of filo pastry and brush it with melted butter.

4 VERB If you brush something somewhere, you remove it with quick light movements of your hands. □�[V n with adv] He brushed his hair back with both hands. □�[V n prep] He brushed the snow off the windshield.

5 VERB If one thing brushesagainst another or if you brush one thing against another, the first thing touches the second thing lightly while passing it. □�[V prep] Something brushed against her leg. □�[V n] I felt her dark brown hair brushing the back of my shoulder. □�[V n prep] She knelt and brushed her lips softly across Michael's cheek.

6 VERB If you brushpast someone or brushby them, you almost touch them as you go past them. [WRITTEN ] □�[V prep/adv] My father would burst into the kitchen, brushing past my mother.

7 N‑COUNT If you have a brushwith someone, you have an argument or disagreement with them. You use brush when you want to make an argument or disagreement sound less serious than it really is. [VAGUENESS ] □�[+�with ] My first brush with a headmaster came six years ago. □�[+�with ] It is his third brush with the law in less than a year.

8 N‑COUNT If you have a brushwith a particular situation, usually an unpleasant one, you almost experience it. □�[+�with ] �the trauma of a brush with death. □�[+�with ] The corporation is fighting to survive its second brush with bankruptcy.

9 N‑UNCOUNT Brush is an area of rough open land covered with small bushes and trees. You also use brush to refer to the bushes and trees on this land. □� �the brush fire that destroyed nearly 500 acres. □� �a meadow of low brush and grass.

10 →�see also broad-brush , nail brush

11tarred with the same brush →�see tar

▸� brush aside or brush away PHRASAL VERB If you brush aside or brush away an idea, remark, or feeling, you refuse to consider it because you think it is not important or useful, even though it may be. □�[V n P ] Perhaps you shouldn't brush the idea aside too hastily. □�[V P n] He brushed away my views on politics.

▸� brush up or brush up on PHRASAL VERB If you brush up something or brush up on it, you practise it or improve your knowledge of it. □�[V P n] I had hoped to brush up my Spanish. □�[V P P n] Eleanor spent much of the summer brushing up on her driving.

brushed /brʌ ʃt/ ADJ [ADJ n] Brushed cotton, nylon, or other fabric feels soft and furry.

bru sh-off N‑SING If someone gives you thebrush-off when you speak to them, they refuse to talk to you or be nice to you. [INFORMAL ] □� I wanted to keep in touch, but when I called him he gave me the brush-off.

brush|stroke /brʌ ʃstroʊk/ (brushstrokes ) N‑COUNT Brushstrokes are the marks made on a surface by a painter's brush. □� He paints with harsh, slashing brushstrokes.

brush|wood /brʌ ʃwʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Brushwood consists of small pieces of wood that have broken off trees and bushes.

brush|work /brʌ ʃwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT An artist's brushwork is their way of using their brush to put paint on a canvas and the effect that this has in the picture. □� � the texture of the artist's brushwork.

brusque /brʌ sk/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as brusque , you mean that they deal with things, or say things, quickly and shortly, so that they seem to be rude. □� The doctors are brusque and busy. □� They received a characteristically brusque reply from him. ●� brusque|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'It's only a sprain,' Paula said brusquely.

brus|sels sprout /brʌ səlz spraʊ t/ (brussels sprouts ) also Brussels sprout N‑COUNT [usu pl] Brussels sprouts are vegetables that look like tiny cabbages.

bru|tal /bruː t ə l/

1 ADJ A brutal act or person is cruel and violent. □� He was the victim of a very brutal murder. □� �the brutal suppression of anti-government protests. □� Jensen is a dangerous man, and can be very brutal and reckless. ●� bru|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Her real parents had been brutally murdered.

2 ADJ If someone expresses something unpleasant with brutal honesty or frankness, they express it in a clear and accurate way, without attempting to disguise its unpleasantness. □� It was refreshing to talk about themselves and their feelings with brutal honesty. □� He took an anguished breath. He had to be brutal and say it. ●� bru|tal|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The talks had been brutally frank.

3 ADJ Brutal is used to describe things that have an unpleasant effect on people, especially when there is no attempt by anyone to reduce their effect. □� The dip in prices this summer will be brutal. □� The 20th century brought brutal change to some countries. ●� bru|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The early-morning New York air can be brutally cold.

bru|tal|ise /bruː təla I z/ →�see brutalize

bru|tal|ity /bruːt� l I ti/ (brutalities ) N‑VAR Brutality is cruel and violent treatment or behaviour. A brutality is an instance of cruel and violent treatment or behaviour. □� �police brutality. □� �the atrocities and brutalities committed by a former regime.

bru|tal|ize /bruː təla I z/ (brutalizes , brutalizing , brutalized ) in BRIT, also use brutalise1 VERB If an unpleasant experience brutalizes someone, it makes them cruel or violent. □�[V n] Here's a man who has brutalized his own people. □�[be V -ed] He was brutalized by the experience of being in prison.

2 VERB If one person brutalizes another, they treat them in a cruel or violent way. □�[V n] �a 15th century explorer who brutalized people and enslaved them.

brute /bruː t/ (brutes )

1 N‑COUNT If you call someone, usually a man, a brute , you mean that they are rough, violent, and insensitive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a drunken brute.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] When you refer to brute strength or force, you are contrasting it with gentler methods or qualities. □� He used brute force to take control. □� Boxing is a test of skill and technique, rather than brute strength.

brut|ish /bruː t I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as brutish , you think that they are brutal and uncivilized. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The man was brutish and coarse. □� �brutish bullying.

BS /biː e s/

1BS is an abbreviation for 'British Standard', which is a standard that something sold in Britain must reach in a test to prove that it is satisfactory or safe. Each standard has a number for reference. □� Does your electric blanket conform to BS 3456?

2 A BS is the same as a BSc . [AM ]

BSc /biː es siː / (BScs ) also B.Sc.

1 N‑COUNT A BSc is a first degree in a science subject. BSc is an abbreviation for 'Bachelor of Science'. □� He completed his BSc in chemistry in 1934.

2BSc is written after someone's name to indicate that they have a BSc. □� �J. Hodgkison BSc.

BSE /biː es iː / N‑UNCOUNT BSE is a disease which affects the nervous system of cattle and kills them. BSE is an abbreviation for 'bovine spongiform encephalopathy'.

B -side (B-sides ) N‑COUNT The B-side of a pop record had the less important or less popular song on it. Compare A-side . □� �a compilation of the band's A and B-sides.

BTWBTW is the written abbreviation for 'by the way', often used in email.

bub|ble /bʌ b ə l/ (bubbles , bubbling , bubbled )

1 N‑COUNT Bubbles are small balls of air or gas in a liquid. □� Ink particles attach themselves to air bubbles and rise to the surface. □�[+�of ] �a bubble of gas trapped under the surface.

2 N‑COUNT A bubble is a hollow ball of soapy liquid that is floating in the air or standing on a surface. □� With soap and water, bubbles and boats, children love bathtime.

3 N‑COUNT A bubble is a situation in which large numbers of people want to buy shares in a company that is new or not yet financially successful, and pay more than the shares are worth. When it becomes clear that the shares are worth less than people paid for them, you can say that the bubble has burst. [BUSINESS ] □� This is the point when a rising market turns into a speculative bubble. □� They vie to cash in before the bubble bursts.

4 N‑COUNT In a cartoon, a speech bubble is the shape which surrounds the words that a character is thinking or saying.

5 VERB When a liquid bubbles , bubbles move in it, for example because it is boiling or moving quickly. □�[V ] Heat the seasoned stock until it is bubbling. □�[V adv/prep] The fermenting wine has bubbled up and over the top.

6 VERB [usu cont] A feeling, influence, or activity that is bubbling away continues to occur. □�[V adv/prep] �political tensions that have been bubbling away for years.

7 VERB [usu cont] Someone who is bubbling with a good feeling is so full of it that they keep expressing the way they feel to everyone around them. □�[V +�with ] She came to the phone bubbling with excitement. ●�PHRASAL VERB Bubble over means the same as bubble . □�[V P +�with ] He was quite tireless, bubbling over with vitality. ●�N‑COUNT Bubble is also a noun. □�[+�of ] As she spoke she felt a bubble of optimism rising inside her.

▸� bubble over →�see bubble7

bu b|ble and sque a k N‑UNCOUNT Bubble and squeak is a dish made from a mixture of cold cooked cabbage, potato, and sometimes meat. It can be grilled or fried.

bu b|ble bath (bubble baths )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Bubble bath is a liquid that smells nice and makes a lot of bubbles when you add it to your bath water.

2 N‑COUNT When you have a bubble bath , you lie in a bath of water with bubble bath in it. □� �a long, relaxing bubble bath.

bu b|ble gum also bubblegum N‑UNCOUNT Bubble gum is a sweet substance similar to chewing gum. You can blow it out of your mouth so it makes the shape of a bubble. □�[+�on ] I got bubblegum on the seat of Nanna's car.

bu b|ble tea (bubble teas ) N‑VAR Bubble tea is a sweet drink based on tea mixed with milk or fruit flavourings, with chewy balls made of tapioca or jelly floating in it.

bub|bly /bʌ bli/

1 ADJ Someone who is bubbly is very lively and cheerful and talks a lot. [APPROVAL ] □� �a bubbly girl who loves to laugh. □� She had a bright and bubbly personality.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Champagne is sometimes called bubbly . [INFORMAL ] □� Guests were presented with glasses of bubbly on arrival.

3 ADJ If something is bubbly , it has a lot of bubbles in it. □� Melt the butter over a medium-low heat. When it is melted and bubbly, put in the flour.

bu|bon|ic plague /bjuːbɒ n I k ple I g, [AM ] buː-/ N‑UNCOUNT Bubonic plague is a serious infectious disease spread by rats. It killed many people during the Middle Ages.

buc|ca|neer /bʌ kən I ə r / (buccaneers )

1 N‑COUNT A buccaneer was a pirate . Buccaneers often attacked and stole from Spanish ships in the 17th and 18th centuries.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a buccaneer , you mean that they are clever and successful, especially in business, but you do not completely trust them. [BRIT ]

buc|ca|neer|ing /bʌ kən I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as buccaneering , you mean that they enjoy being involved in risky or even dishonest activities, especially in order to make money. [BRIT ] □� �a buccaneering British businessman.

buck /bʌ k/ (bucks , bucking , bucked )

1 N‑COUNT A buck is a US or Australian dollar. [INFORMAL ] □� That would probably cost you about fifty bucks. □�[+�on ] Why can't you spend a few bucks on a coat?

2 N‑COUNT A buck is the male of various animals, including the deer, antelope, rabbit and kangaroo.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has buck teeth, their upper front teeth stick forward out of their mouth.

4 VERB If a horse bucks , it kicks both of its back legs wildly into the air, or jumps into the air wildly with all four feet off the ground. □�[V ] The stallion bucked as he fought against the reins holding him tightly in.

5 VERB If you buck the trend, you obtain different results from others in the same area. If you buck the system, you get what you want by breaking or ignoring the rules. □�[V n] While other newspapers are losing circulation, we are bucking the trend. □�[V n] He wants to be the tough rebel who bucks the system.

6 PHRASE If you get more bang for the buck , you spend your money wisely and get more for your money than if you were to spend it in a different way. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� Put simply, the company will get more bang for its buck.

7 PHRASE When someone makes a fast buck or makes a quick buck , they earn a lot of money quickly and easily, often by doing something which is considered to be dishonest. [INFORMAL ] □� His life isn't ruled by looking for a fast buck. □� They were just in it to make a quick buck.

8 PHRASE If you are trying to make a buck , you are trying to earn some money. [INFORMAL ] □� The owners don't want to overlook any opportunity to make a buck.

9 PHRASE If you pass the buck , you refuse to accept responsibility for something, and say that someone else is responsible. [INFORMAL ] □� David says the responsibility is Mr Smith's and it's no good trying to pass the buck.

10 PHRASE If you say ' The buck stops here ' or ' The buck stops with me', you mean that you have to take responsibility for something and will not try to pass the responsibility on to someone else. [INFORMAL ] □� The buck stops with him. He is ultimately responsible for every aspect of the broadcast.

▸� buck for PHRASAL VERB If you are bucking for something, you are working very hard to get it. [AM ] □�[V P n] She is bucking for a promotion.

▸� buck up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you buck someone up or buck up their spirits, you say or do something to make them more cheerful. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] Anything anybody said to him to try and buck him up wouldn't sink in. □�[V P n] The aim, it seemed, was to buck up their spirits in the face of the recession.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone to buck up or to buck up their ideas, you are telling them to start behaving in a more positive and efficient manner. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] People are saying if we don't buck up we'll be in trouble. □�[V P n] Buck up your ideas or you'll get more of the same treatment.

buck|et /bʌ k I t/ (buckets ) N‑COUNT A bucket is a round metal or plastic container with a handle attached to its sides. Buckets are often used for holding and carrying water. □� We drew water in a bucket from the well outside the door. ●�N‑COUNT A bucketof water is the amount of water contained in a bucket. □�[+�of ] She threw a bucket of water over them.

buck|et|ful /bʌ k I tfʊl/ (bucketfuls )

1 N‑COUNT A bucketfulof something is the amount contained in a bucket.

2 PHRASE If someone produces or gets something by the bucketful , they produce or get something in large quantities. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Over the years they have sold radios by the bucketful.

bu ck|et list (bucket lists ) N‑COUNT Your bucket list consists of all the things you would really like to do or see in your life. [INFORMAL ] □� He made a quick visit to the Taj Mahal just to cross it off his bucket list. □� The singer said that performing a James Bond theme tune was definitely on her bucket list.

bu ck|et seat (bucket seats ) N‑COUNT A bucket seat is a seat for one person in a car or an aeroplane which has rounded sides that partly enclose and support the body.

buck|le /bʌ k ə l/ (buckles , buckling , buckled )

1 N‑COUNT A buckle is a piece of metal or plastic attached to one end of a belt or strap, which is used to fasten it. □� He wore a belt with a large brass buckle.

2 VERB When you buckle a belt or strap, you fasten it. □�[V n] A door slammed in the house and a man came out buckling his belt.

3 VERB If an object buckles or if something buckles it, it becomes bent as a result of very great heat or force. □�[V ] The door was beginning to buckle from the intense heat. □�[V n] A freak wave had buckled the deck.

4 VERB If your legs or knees buckle , they bend because they have become very weak or tired. □�[V ] Mcanally's knees buckled and he crumpled down onto the floor.

buck|led /bʌ k ə ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] Buckled shoes have buckles on them, either to fasten them or as decoration.

Bu ck's Fi zz also Bucks Fizz N‑UNCOUNT Buck's Fizz is a drink made by mixing champagne or another fizzy white wine with orange juice. [BRIT ]

buck|shot /bʌ kʃɒt/ N‑UNCOUNT Buckshot consists of pieces of lead fired from a gun when hunting animals.

buck|skin /bʌ ksk I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Buckskin is soft, strong leather made from the skin of a deer or a goat.

buck|wheat /bʌ k h wiːt/ N‑UNCOUNT Buckwheat is a type of small black grain used for feeding animals and making flour. Buckwheat also refers to the flour itself.

bu|col|ic /bjuːkɒ l I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bucolic means relating to the countryside. [LITERARY ] □� �the bucolic surroundings of Chantilly.

bud /bʌ d/ (buds , budding , budded )

1 N‑COUNT A bud is a small pointed lump that appears on a tree or plant and develops into a leaf or flower. □� Rosanna's favourite time is early summer, just before the buds open.

2 VERB [usu cont] When a tree or plant is budding , buds are appearing on it or are beginning to open. □�[V ] The leaves were budding on the trees below.

3 →�see also budding , cotton bud , taste bud

4 PHRASE When a tree or plant is in bud or has come into bud , it has buds on it. □� The flowers are bronzy in bud and bright yellow when open. □� �almond trees that should come into bud soon.

5 PHRASE If you nip something such as bad behaviour in the bud , you stop it before it can develop very far. [INFORMAL ] □� It is important to recognize jealousy and to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand.

Buddha /bʊ də/ (Buddhas )

1 N‑PROPER Buddha is the title given to Gautama Siddhartha, the religious teacher and founder of Buddhism.

2 N‑COUNT A Buddha is a statue or picture of the Buddha.

Bud|dhism /bʊ d I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Buddhism is a religion which teaches that the way to end suffering is by overcoming your desires.

Bud|dhist /bʊ d I st/ (Buddhists )

1 N‑COUNT A Buddhist is a person whose religion is Buddhism.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Buddhist means relating or referring to Buddhism. □� �Buddhist monks. □� �Buddhist philosophy.

bud|ding /bʌ d I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as, for example, a budding businessman or a budding artist, you mean that they are starting to succeed or become interested in business or art. □� The forum is now open to all budding entrepreneurs. □� Budding writers are told to write about what they know.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use budding to describe a situation that is just beginning. □� Our budding romance was over. □� �Russia's budding democracy.

bud|dy /bʌ di/ (buddies ) N‑COUNT A buddy is a close friend, usually a male friend of a man. [mainly AM ] □� We became great buddies.

budge /bʌ dʒ/ (budges , budging , budged )

1 VERB If someone will not budge on a matter, or if nothing budges them, they refuse to change their mind or to come to an agreement. □�[V ] The Americans are adamant that they will not budge on this point. □�[V n] No amount of prodding will budge him.

2 VERB If someone or something will not budge , they will not move. If you cannot budge them, you cannot make them move. □�[V ] Her mother refused to budge from London. □�[V n] I got a grip on the boat and pulled but I couldn't budge it.

budg|eri|gar /bʌ dʒərigɑː r / (budgerigars ) N‑COUNT Budgerigars are small, brightly-coloured birds from Australia that people often keep as pets.

budg|et ◆◆◇ /bʌ dʒ I t/ (budgets , budgeting , budgeted )

1 N‑COUNT Your budget is the amount of money that you have available to spend. The budget for something is the amount of money that a person, organization, or country has available to spend on it. □� She will design a fantastic new kitchen for you�and all within your budget. □� Someone had furnished the place on a tight budget. □� There can be more room in the budget for better foods if meat is kept to a minimum.

2 N‑COUNT The budget of an organization or country is its financial situation, considered as the difference between the money it receives and the money it spends. [BUSINESS ] □� The hospital obviously needs to balance the budget each year. □� �his readiness to raise taxes as part of an effort to cut the budget deficit.

3 N‑PROPER In Britain, the Budget is the financial plan in which the government states how much money it intends to raise through taxes and how it intends to spend it. The Budget is also the speech in which this plan is announced. □� �other indirect tax changes announced in the Budget.

4 VERB If you budget certain amounts of money for particular things, you decide that you can afford to spend those amounts on those things. □�[V amount +�for ] The company has budgeted $10 million for advertising. □�[be V -ed +�at ] The movie is only budgeted at $10 million. □�[V ] I'm learning how to budget. ●� budg|et|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� We have continued to exercise caution in our budgeting for the current year.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Budget is used in advertising to suggest that something is being sold cheaply. □� Cheap flights are available from budget travel agents from �240.

▸� budget for PHRASAL VERB If you budget for something, you take account of it when you are deciding how much you can afford to spend on different things. □�[V P n] The authorities had budgeted for some non-payment. COLLOCATIONS budget NOUN

1

noun +�budget : family, household; aid, defence, education, welfare; advertising, marketing

adjective +�budget : limited, tight; ringfenced

verb +�budget : draw up, set; cut, slash

2

adjective +�budget : balanced

verb +�budget : balance

-budget /-bʌdʒ I t/ COMB -budget combines with adjectives such as 'low' and 'big' to form adjectives which indicate how much money is spent on something, especially the making of a film. □� They were small, low-budget films, shot on location. □� �a big-budget adventure movie starring Mel Gibson.

budg|et|ary /bʌ dʒ I təri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ [ADJ n] A budgetary matter or policy is concerned with the amount of money that is available to a country or organization, and how it is to be spent. [FORMAL ] □� Local authorities are reining in costs because of severe budgetary constraints.

budgie /bʌ dʒi/ (budgies ) N‑COUNT A budgie is the same as a budgerigar . [INFORMAL ]

buff /bʌ f/ (buffs , buffing , buffed )

1 COLOUR Something that is buff is pale brown in colour. □� He took a largish buff envelope from his pocket.

2 N‑COUNT You use buff to describe someone who knows a lot about a particular subject. For example, if you describe someone as a film buff , you mean that they know a lot about films. [INFORMAL ] □� Judge Lanier is a real film buff.

3 ADJ-GRADED You can describe someone, especially a man, as buff if they are in good physical shape with large muscles. [INFORMAL ] □� We all want to get a buff athlete's body.

4 VERB If you buff the surface of something, for example your car or your shoes, you rub it with a piece of soft material in order to make it shine. □�[V n] He was already buffing the car's hubs. ●� buff|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Regular buffing helps prevent nails from splitting.

buf|fa|lo /bʌ fəloʊ/ (buffaloes or buffalo ) N‑COUNT A buffalo is a wild animal like a large cow with horns that curve upwards. Buffalo are usually found in southern and eastern Africa.

buff|er /bʌ fə r / (buffers , buffering , buffered )

1 N‑COUNT [N n] A buffer is something that prevents something else from being harmed or that prevents two things from harming each other. □�[+�against ] Keep savings as a buffer against unexpected cash needs. □� The Prison Service acts as a buffer between the minister and his critics. [Also +�between ]

2 VERB If something is buffered , it is protected from harm. □�[be V -ed] The company is buffered by long-term contracts with growers. [Also V n]

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The buffers on a train or at the end of a railway line are two metal discs on springs that reduce the shock when a train hits them. [mainly BRIT ]

4 N‑COUNT A buffer is an area in a computer's memory where information can be stored for a short time. [COMPUTING ]

bu ff|er state (buffer states ) N‑COUNT A buffer state is a peaceful country situated between two or more larger hostile countries. □� Poland before WWII acted as a buffer state between Germany and the USSR.

bu ff|er zone (buffer zones ) N‑COUNT A buffer zone is an area created to separate opposing forces or groups which belongs to neither of them.

buf|fet (buffets , buffeting , buffeted ) Pronounced /bʌ fe I , [AM ] bʊfe I / for meanings 1 to 3 , and /bʌ f I t/ for meanings 4 and 5 . 1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A buffet is a meal of cold food that is displayed on a long table at a party or public occasion. Guests usually serve themselves from the table. □� �a buffet lunch.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A buffet is a caf�, usually in a hotel or station. □� We sat in the station buffet sipping tea.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] On a train, the buffet or the buffet car is the carriage or car where meals and snacks are sold. [BRIT ] in AM, use dining car4 VERB If something is buffeted by strong winds or by stormy seas, it is repeatedly struck or blown around by them. □�[be V -ed] Their plane had been severely buffeted by storms. □�[V n] Storms swept the country, closing roads, buffeting ferries and killing as many as 30 people. ●� buf|fet|ing (buffetings ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �the buffetings of the winds.

5 VERB If an economy or government is buffetedby difficult or unpleasant situations, it experiences many of them. □�[be V -ed] The whole of Africa had been buffeted by social and political upheavals.

buf|foon /bʌfuː n/ (buffoons ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a buffoon , you mean that they often do foolish things. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

buf|foon|ery /bʌfuː nəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Buffoonery is foolish behaviour that makes you laugh. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

bug /bʌ g/ (bugs , bugging , bugged )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A bug is an insect or similar small creature. [INFORMAL ] □� We noticed tiny bugs that were all over the walls.

2 N‑COUNT A bug is an illness which is caused by small organisms such as bacteria. [INFORMAL ] □� I think I've got a bit of a stomach bug. □� �the killer brain bug meningitis.

3 N‑COUNT If there is a bug in a computer program, there is a mistake in it. [COMPUTING ] □� There is a bug in the software.

4 N‑COUNT A bug is a tiny hidden microphone which transmits what people are saying. □� There was a bug on the phone.

5 VERB If someone bugs a place, they hide tiny microphones in it which transmit what people are saying. □�[V n] He heard that they were planning to bug his office. ●� bug|ging N‑UNCOUNT □� �an electronic bugging device.

6 N‑SING [oft n N ] You can say that someone has been bitten by a particular bug when they suddenly become very enthusiastic about something. [INFORMAL ] □� I've definitely been bitten by the gardening bug. □� Roundhay Park in Leeds was the place I first got the fishing bug.

7 VERB If someone or something bugs you, they worry or annoy you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I only did it to bug my parents.

bug|bear /bʌ gbeə r / (bugbears ) N‑COUNT Something or someone that is your bugbear worries or upsets you. □� Money is my biggest bugbear.

bu g-eyed ADJ A bug-eyed person or animal has eyes that stick out. [INFORMAL ] □� �bug-eyed monsters. □� We were bug-eyed in wonderment.

bug|ger /bʌ gə r / (buggers , buggering , buggered )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] Some people use bugger to describe a person who has done something annoying or stupid. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑SING Some people say that a job or task is abugger when it is difficult to do. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

3 VERB Some people use bugger in expressions such as bugger him or bugger the cost in order to emphasize that they do not care about the person or thing that the word or phrase refers to. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ]

4 VERB To bugger someone means to have anal intercourse with them.

5 EXCLAM Some people say bugger it or bugger when they are angry that something has gone wrong. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ]

▸� bugger about or bugger around PHRASAL VERB If someone buggers about or buggers around , they waste time doing unnecessary things. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

▸� bugger off PHRASAL VERB If someone buggers off , they go away quickly and suddenly. People often say bugger off as a rude way of telling someone to go away. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

▸� bugger up PHRASAL VERB If someone buggers something up , they ruin it or spoil it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

bu g|ger a ll also bugger-all PRON Bugger all is a rude way of saying 'nothing'. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

bug|gered /bʌ gə r d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone says that they will be buggered if they do something, they mean that they do not want to do it and they will definitely not do it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone says that they are buggered , they mean that they are very tired. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone says that something is buggered , they mean that it is completely ruined or broken. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

bug|gery /bʌ gəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Buggery is anal intercourse.

bug|gy /bʌ gi/ (buggies )

1 N‑COUNT A buggy is the same as a baby buggy .

2 N‑COUNT A buggy is a small lightweight carriage pulled by one horse.

bu|gle /bjuː g ə l/ (bugles ) N‑COUNT A bugle is a simple brass musical instrument that looks like a small trumpet. Bugles are often used in the army to announce when activities such as meals are about to begin.

bu|gler /bjuː glə r / (buglers ) N‑COUNT A bugler is someone who plays the bugle.

build ◆◆◆ /b I ld/ (builds , building , built )

1 VERB If you build something, you make it by joining things together. □�[V n] Developers are now proposing to build a hotel on the site. □�[be V -ed +�in ] The house was built in the early 19th century. ●� build|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� In Japan, the building of Kansai airport continues. ●� built ADJ [adv ADJ , ADJ to-inf] □� Even newly built houses can need repairs. □�[+�for ] It's a product built for safety. □� �structures that are built to last.

2 VERB If you build something into a wall or object, you make it in such a way that it is in the wall or object, or is part of it. □�[be V -ed +�into ] If the TV was built into the ceiling, you could lie there while watching your favourite programme.

3 VERB If people build an organization, a society, or a relationship, they gradually form it. □�[V n] He and a partner set up on their own and built a successful fashion company. □�[V n] Their purpose is to build a fair society and a strong economy. □�[V n] I wanted to build a relationship with my team. ●� build|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the building of the great civilisations of the ancient world.

4 VERB If you build an organization, system, or product on something, you base it on it. □�[V n prep] We will then have a firmer foundation of fact on which to build theories.

5 VERB If you build something into a policy, system, or product, you make it part of it. □�[V n into n] We have to build computers into the school curriculum. □�[V n into n] How much delay should we build into the plan?

6 VERB To build someone's confidence or trust means to increase it gradually. If someone's confidence or trust builds , it increases gradually. □�[V n] Diplomats hope the meetings will build mutual trust. □�[V ] Usually when we're six months or so into a recovery, confidence begins to build. ●�PHRASAL VERB Build up means the same as build . □�[V P n] The delegations had begun to build up some trust in one another. □�[V P ] We will start to see the confidence in the housing market building up again. [Also +�V P to ]

7 VERB If you buildon the success of something, you take advantage of this success in order to make further progress. □�[V +�on/upon ] The new regime has no successful economic reforms on which to build.

8 VERB If pressure, speed, sound, or excitement builds , it gradually becomes greater. □�[V ] Pressure built yesterday for postponement of the ceremony. □�[V +�to/into ] The last chords of the suite build to a crescendo. ●�PHRASAL VERB Build up means the same as build . □�[V P n] We can build up the speed gradually and safely. □�[V P ] Economists warn that enormous pressures could build up, forcing people to emigrate westwards. [Also +�V P to ]

9 N‑VAR Someone's build is the shape that their bones and muscles give to their body. □� He's described as around thirty years old, six feet tall and of medium build.

10 →�see also building , built

▸� build up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you build up something or if it builds up , it gradually becomes bigger, for example because more is added to it. □�[V P n] The regime built up the largest army in Africa. □�[V P ] Slowly a thick layer of fat builds up on the pan's surface. [Also V n P , V P +�to ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you build someone up , you help them to feel stronger or more confident, especially when they have had a bad experience or have been ill. □�[V n P ] Build her up with kindness and a sympathetic ear.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you build someone or something up , you make them seem important or exciting, for example by talking about them a lot. □�[V n P ] The media will report on it and the tabloids will build it up. □�[V n P +�as ] Historians built him up as the champion of parliament.

4 →�see also build6 , build8 , build-up , built-up

▸� build up to PHRASAL VERB If you build up to something you want to do or say, you try to prepare people for it by starting to do it or introducing the subject gradually. □�[V P P n] We had been building up to this point for many months.

build|er /b I ldə r / (builders ) N‑COUNT A builder is a person whose job is to build or repair houses and other buildings. □� The builders have finished the roof.

build|ing ◆◆◆ /b I ld I ŋ/ (buildings ) N‑COUNT A building is a structure that has a roof and walls, for example a house or a factory. □� They were on the upper floor of the building. □� Crowds gathered around the Parliament building. COLLOCATIONS building NOUN

noun +�building : farm, government, office, school

adjective +�building : derelict, historic, listed, Victorian; high-rise, public, residential, tall; brick, stone

verb +�building : construct, erect, renovate; demolish, destroy; evacuate, occupy

bui ld|ing block (building blocks ) N‑COUNT If you describe something as a building block of something, you mean it is one of the separate parts that combine to make that thing. □�[+�of ] �molecules that are the building blocks of all life on earth.

bui ld|ing site (building sites ) N‑COUNT A building site is an area of land on which a building or a group of buildings is in the process of being built or altered.

bui ld|ing so|ci|ety (building societies ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a building society is a business which will lend you money when you want to buy a house. You can also invest money in a building society, where it will earn interest. Compare savings and loan association.

bui ld-up (build-ups ) also buildup , build up

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A build-up is a gradual increase in something. □�[+�of ] There has been a build-up of troops on both sides of the border. □�[+�of ] The disease can also cause a build up of pressure in the inner ear leading to severe earache.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The build-up to an event is the way that journalists, advertisers, or other people talk about it a lot in the period of time immediately before it, and try to make it seem important and exciting. □� The exams came, almost an anti-climax after the build-up that the students had given them.

built /b I lt/

1Built is the past tense and past participle of build .

2 ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you say that someone is built in a particular way, you are describing the kind of body they have. □� �a strong, powerfully-built man of 60. □� He was a huge man, built like an oak tree.

3 →�see also well-built

bui lt-i n ADJ [ADJ n] Built-in devices or features are included in something as a part of it, rather than being separate. □� �a built-in double oven. □� We're going to have built-in cupboards in the bedrooms.

bui lt-u p ADJ [usu ADJ n] A built-up area is an area such as a town or city which has a lot of buildings in it. □� A speed limit of 30 mph was introduced in built-up areas.

bulb /bʌ lb/ (bulbs )

1 N‑COUNT A bulb is the glass part of an electric lamp, which gives out light when electricity passes through it. □� The stairwell was lit by a single bulb.

2 N‑COUNT A bulb is a root shaped like an onion that grows into a flower or plant. □� �tulip bulbs.

bulb|ous /bʌ lbəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is bulbous is round and fat in a rather ugly way. □� �his bulbous purple nose.

Bul|gar|ian /bʌlgeə riən/ (Bulgarians )

1 ADJ Bulgarian means belonging or relating to Bulgaria, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Bulgarian is a person who comes from Bulgaria.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Bulgarian is the main language spoken by people who live in Bulgaria.

bulge /bʌ ldʒ/ (bulges , bulging , bulged )

1 VERB If something such as a person's stomach bulges , it sticks out. □�[V ] Jiro waddled closer, his belly bulging and distended. □�[V adv/prep] He bulges out of his black T-shirt. □�[V -ing] He is 6ft 3ins with bulging muscles.

2 VERB If someone's eyes or veins are bulging , they seem to stick out a lot, often because the person is making a strong physical effort or is experiencing a strong emotion. □�[V ] He shouted at his brother, his neck veins bulging. □�[V -ing] �bulging eyes.

3 VERB [oft cont] If you say that something is bulgingwith things, you are emphasizing that it is full of them. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�with ] They returned home with the car bulging with boxes. □�[V -ing] �a bulging briefcase. [Also V ]

4 N‑COUNT Bulges are lumps that stick out from a surface which is otherwise flat or smooth. □� Why won't those bulges on your hips and thighs go?

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a bulgein something, there is a sudden large increase in it. □�[+�in ] �a bulge in aircraft sales. [Also +�of ]

bu|limia /buːl I miə/ N‑UNCOUNT Bulimia or bulimia nervosa is an illness in which a person has a very great fear of becoming fat, and so they make themselves vomit after eating.

bu|limic /buːl I m I k/ (bulimics ) ADJ If someone is bulimic , they are suffering from bulimia. □� �bulimic patients. □� I was anorexic and bulimic. ●�N‑COUNT A bulimic is someone who is bulimic. □� �a former bulimic.

bulk /bʌ lk/

1 N‑SING You can refer to something's bulk when you want to emphasize that it is very large. [WRITTEN , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] �the shadowy bulk of an ancient barn.

2 N‑SING [usu poss N ] You can refer to a large person's body or to their weight or size as their bulk . □� Bannol lowered his bulk carefully into the chair. □� Despite his bulk, he moved lightly on his feet.

3 QUANT The bulkof something is most of it. □�[+�of ] The bulk of the text is essentially a review of these original documents. □�[+�of ] The vast bulk of imports and exports are carried by sea. ●�PRON Bulk is also a pronoun. □� They come from all over the world, though the bulk is from the Indian subcontinent.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [in N , N n] If you buy or sell something inbulk , you buy or sell it in large quantities. □� Buying in bulk is more economical than shopping for small quantities. □� �bulk purchasing.

▸� bulk up or bulk out PHRASAL VERB If someone or something bulks up or bulks out , they become bigger or heavier. □�[V P n] Use extra vegetables to bulk up the omelette. □�[V P ] Holyfield had bulked up to 210 pounds using weights. [Also V n P ]

bulk|head /bʌ lkhed/ (bulkheads ) N‑COUNT A bulkhead is a wall which divides the inside of a ship or aeroplane into separate sections. [TECHNICAL ]

bulky /bʌ lki/ (bulkier , bulkiest ) ADJ Something that is bulky is large and heavy. Bulky things are often difficult to move or deal with. □� �bulky items like lawn mowers.

bull /bʊ l/ (bulls )

1 N‑COUNT A bull is a male animal of the cow family.

2 N‑COUNT Some other male animals, including elephants and whales, are called bulls . □� �a massive bull elephant with huge tusks.

3 N‑COUNT On the stock market, bulls are people who buy shares in expectation of a price rise, in order to make a profit by selling the shares again after a short time. Compare bear . [BUSINESS ]

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is bull or a load of bull , you mean that it is complete nonsense or absolutely untrue. [INFORMAL ] □� I think it's a load of bull.

5 →�see also cock-and-bull story , pit bull terrier

6 PHRASE If you take the bull by the horns , you do something that you feel you ought to do even though it is difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant. □� Now is the time for the Chancellor to take the bull by the horns and announce a two per cent cut in interest rates.

7like a red rag to a bull →�see rag

bu ll bar (bull bars ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] On some motor vehicles, bull bars are metal bars fixed to the front that are designed to protect it if it crashes.

bull|dog /bʊ ldɒg, [AM ] -dɔːg/ (bulldogs ) N‑COUNT A bulldog is a small dog with a large square head and short hair.

bu ll|dog clip (bulldog clips ) N‑COUNT A bulldog clip is a metal clip with a spring lever that opens and closes two flat pieces of metal. It is used for holding papers together. [BRIT ]

bull|doze /bʊ ldoʊz/ (bulldozes , bulldozing , bulldozed )

1 VERB If people bulldoze something such as a building, they knock it down using a bulldozer. □�[V n] She defeated developers who wanted to bulldoze her home to build a supermarket.

2 VERB If people bulldoze earth, stone, or other heavy material, they move it using a bulldozer. □�[V n] He bulldozed 450 acres of woodland for his vineyard.

3 VERB If someone bulldozes a plan through or bulldozes another person into doing something, they get what they want in an unpleasantly forceful way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n with through ] The party in power planned to bulldoze through a full socialist programme. □�[V n +�through ] The coalition bulldozed the resolution through the plenary session. □�[V n +�into ] My parents tried to bulldoze me into going to college. [Also V n]

bull|doz|er /bʊ ldoʊzə r / (bulldozers ) N‑COUNT A bulldozer is a large vehicle with a broad metal blade at the front, which is used for knocking down buildings or moving large amounts of earth.

bul|let /bʊ l I t/ (bullets )

1 N‑COUNT A bullet is a small piece of metal with a pointed or rounded end, which is fired out of a gun.

2 →�see also plastic bullet , rubber bullet

3 PHRASE If someone bites the bullet , they accept that they have to do something unpleasant but necessary. [JOURNALISM ] □� Tour operators may be forced to bite the bullet and cut prices.

bul|letin ◆◇◇ /bʊ l I t I n/ (bulletins )

1 N‑COUNT A bulletin is a short news report on the radio or television. □� �the early morning news bulletin.

2 N‑COUNT A bulletin is a short official announcement made publicly to inform people about an important matter. □� At 3.30 p.m. a bulletin was released announcing that the president was out of immediate danger.

3 N‑COUNT A bulletin is a regular newspaper or leaflet that is produced by an organization or group such as a school or church.

bu l|letin board (bulletin boards )

1 N‑COUNT A bulletin board is a board which is usually attached to a wall in order to display notices giving information about something. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use noticeboard2 N‑COUNT In computing, a bulletin board is a system that enables users to send and receive messages of general interest. [COMPUTING ] □� The bulletin board provided a forum for investors to exchange news.

bu l|let point (bullet points ) N‑COUNT A bullet point is one of a series of important items for discussion or action in a document, usually marked by a square or round symbol. □�[+�for ] Use bold type for headings and bullet points for noteworthy achievements.

bu llet-proof also bulletproof ADJ Something that is bullet-proof is made of a strong material that bullets cannot pass through. □� �bullet-proof glass. □� �a bullet-proof vest.

bull|fight /bʊ lfa I t/ (bullfights ) N‑COUNT A bullfight is a form of public entertainment in which people fight and kill bulls. Bullfights take place in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.

bull|fighter /bʊ lfa I tə r / (bullfighters ) N‑COUNT A bullfighter is the person who tries to injure or kill the bull in a bullfight.

bull|fighting /bʊ lfa I t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Bullfighting is the form of public entertainment in which people try to kill bulls in bullfights.

bull|finch /bʊ lf I ntʃ/ (bullfinches ) N‑COUNT A bullfinch is a type of small European bird. The male has a black head and a pinkish-red breast.

bull|frog /bʊ lfrɒg, [AM ] -frɔːg/ (bullfrogs ) N‑COUNT A bullfrog is a type of large frog which makes a very loud noise.

bull|horn /bʊ lhɔː r n/ (bullhorns ) N‑COUNT A bullhorn is a device for making your voice sound louder in the open air. [AM ] in BRIT, use loudhailer , megaphone

bul|lion /bʊ liən/ N‑UNCOUNT Bullion is gold or silver, usually in the form of bars.

bull|ish /bʊ l I ʃ/

1 ADJ On the stock market, if there is a bullish mood, prices are expected to rise. Compare bearish . [BUSINESS ] □� The market opened in a bullish mood.

2 ADJ If someone is bullishabout something, they are cheerful and optimistic about it. □�[+�about ] Even now, he is bullish about the company's future. [Also +�on ]

bu ll mar|ket (bull markets ) N‑COUNT A bull market is a situation on the stock market when people are buying a lot of shares because they expect that the shares will increase in value and that they will be able to make a profit by selling them again after a short time. Compare bear market . [BUSINESS ]

bull|ock /bʊ lək/ (bullocks ) N‑COUNT A bullock is a young bull that has been castrated.

bull|ring /bʊ lr I ŋ/ (bullrings ) N‑COUNT A bullring is a circular area of ground surrounded by rows of seats where bullfights take place.

bu ll's-eye (bull's-eyes )

1 N‑COUNT Thebull's-eye is the small circular area at the centre of a target. □� Five of his bullets had hit the bull's-eye.

2 N‑COUNT In shooting or the game of darts, a bull's-eye is a shot or throw of a dart that hits the bull's-eye.

3 N‑COUNT If something that you do or say hits thebull's-eye , it has exactly the effect that you intended it to have. [INFORMAL ]

bull|shit /bʊ lʃ I t/ (bullshits , bullshitting , bullshitted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is bullshit , you are saying that it is nonsense or completely untrue. [INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� All the rest I said, all that was bullshit.

2 VERB If you say that someone is bullshitting you, you mean that what they are telling you is nonsense or completely untrue. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[V n] Don't bullshit me, Brian! □�[V ] He's basically bullshitting.

bu ll te r|ri|er (bull terriers )

1 N‑COUNT A bull terrier is a breed of strong dog with a short, whitish coat and a thick neck.

2 →�see also pit bull terrier

bull|whip /bʊ l h w I p/ (bullwhips ) N‑COUNT A bullwhip is a very long, heavy whip.

bul|ly /bʊ li/ (bullies , bullying , bullied )

1 N‑COUNT A bully is someone who often hurts or frightens other people. □� I fell victim to the office bully.

2 VERB If someone bullies you, they often do or say things to hurt or frighten you. □�[V n] I wasn't going to let him bully me. ●� bul|ly|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �schoolchildren who were victims of bullying.

3 VERB If someone bullies you into something, they make you do it by using force or threats. □�[V n +�into ] We think an attempt to bully them into submission would be counterproductive. □�[V n +�into ] She used to bully me into doing my schoolwork. □�[be V -ed] The government says it will not be bullied by the press. [Also V n]

bu lly-boy (bully-boys ) also bully boy

1 N‑COUNT If you describe a man as a bully-boy , you disapprove of him because he is rough and aggressive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �bully-boys and murderers.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone uses bully-boy tactics, you disapprove of them because they use rough and aggressive methods. [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Some people accuse the tax inspectors of bully-boy tactics.

bul|wark /bʊ lwə r k/ (bulwarks ) N‑COUNT A bulwarkagainst something protects you against it. A bulwarkof something protects it. □�[+�against ] The abbeys were founded in the 12th century by King David as a bulwark against the English. [Also +�of ]

bum /bʌ m/ (bums , bumming , bummed )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's bum is the part of their body which they sit on. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A bum is a person who has no permanent home or job and who gets money by working occasionally or by asking people for money. [AM , INFORMAL ]

3 N‑COUNT If someone refers to another person as a bum , they think that person is worthless or irresponsible. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� You're all a bunch of bums.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Some people use bum to describe a situation that they find unpleasant or annoying. [INFORMAL ] □� He knows you're getting a bum deal.

5 VERB If you bum something off someone, you ask them for it and they give it to you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Mind if I bum a cigarette?

6 →�see also beach bum

▸� bum around PHRASAL VERB If you bumaround , you go from place to place without any particular destination, either for enjoyment or because you have nothing else to do. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] I think they're just bumming around at the moment, not doing a lot. □�[V P ] She went off to bum around the world with a boyfriend.

bu m bag (bum bags ) N‑COUNT A bum bag consists of a small bag attached to a belt which you wear round your waist. You use it to carry things such as money and keys. [BRIT ] in AM, use fanny pack

bum|ble /bʌ mb ə l/ (bumbles , bumbling , bumbled )

▸� bumble around in BRIT, also use bumble about PHRASAL VERB When someone bumbles around or bumbles about , they behave in a confused, disorganized way, making mistakes and usually not achieving anything. □�[V P ] Most of us are novices on the computer�just bumbling about on them.

bumble|bee /bʌ mb ə lbiː/ (bumblebees ) also bumble bee N‑COUNT A bumblebee is a large hairy bee.

bum|bling /bʌ mbl I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a person or their behaviour as bumbling , you mean that they behave in a confused, disorganized way, making mistakes and usually not achieving anything. □� �a clumsy, bumbling, inarticulate figure.

bumf /bʌ mf/ also bumph N‑UNCOUNT Bumf consists of documents containing information which you may not need or find interesting. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� These days, we are bombarded with endless junk mail, fliers, and general bumf.

bum|mer /bʌ mə r / (bummers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that something is abummer , you mean that it is unpleasant or annoying. [INFORMAL ] □� I had a bummer of a day. □� What a bummer!

bump /bʌ mp/ (bumps , bumping , bumped )

1 VERB If you bump into something or someone, you accidentally hit them while you are moving. □�[V +�into/against ] They stopped walking and he almost bumped into them. □�[V n] He bumped his head on the low beams of the house. ●�N‑COUNT Bump is also a noun. □� Small children often cry after a minor bump.

2 N‑COUNT A bump is the action or the dull sound of two heavy objects hitting each other. □� I felt a little bump and I knew instantly what had happened. □� The child took five steps, and then sat down with a bump.

3 N‑COUNT A bump is a minor injury or swelling that you get if you bump into something or if something hits you. □�[+�on ] She fell against our coffee table and got a large bump on her forehead.

4 N‑COUNT If you have a bump while you are driving a car, you have a minor accident in which you hit something. [INFORMAL ]

5 N‑COUNT A bump on a road is a raised, uneven part. □� The truck hit a bump and bounced.

6 VERB If a vehicle bumpsover a surface, it travels in a rough, bouncing way because the surface is very uneven. □�[V prep/adv] We left the road, and again bumped over the mountainside.

7 →�see also goose bumps

8 PHRASE If someone comes down to earthwith a bump , they suddenly start recognizing unpleasant facts after a period of time when they have not been doing this. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�after ] We were brought back to earth with a bump by financial reality.

▸� bump into PHRASAL VERB If you bump into someone you know, you meet them unexpectedly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] I happened to bump into Mervyn Johns in the hallway.

▸� bump off PHRASAL VERB To bump someone off means to kill them. [often HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] They will probably bump you off anyway! □�[V P n] �a vigilante killer who is bumping off criminals.

bump|er /bʌ mpə r / (bumpers )

1 N‑COUNT Bumpers are bars at the front and back of a vehicle which protect it if it bumps into something.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A bumper crop or harvest is one that is larger than usual. □� �a bumper crop of rice. □� In the state of Iowa, it's been a bumper year for corn.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that something is bumper size, you mean that it is very large. □� �bumper profits. □� �a bumper pack of matches.

bu mp|er car (bumper cars ) N‑COUNT A bumper car is a small electric car with a wide rubber bumper all round. People drive bumper cars around a special enclosure at a fairground.

bu mp|er stick|er (bumper stickers ) N‑COUNT A bumper sticker is a small piece of paper or plastic with words or pictures on it, designed for sticking onto the back of your car. It usually has a political, religious, or humorous message. □� �a bumper sticker that said, 'Happiness Is Being a Grandmother'.

bumph /bʌ mf/ →�see bumf

bump|kin /bʌ mpk I n/ (bumpkins ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a bumpkin , you think they are uneducated and stupid because they come from the countryside. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �unsophisticated country bumpkins.

bump|tious /bʌ mpʃəs/ ADJ If you say that someone is bumptious , you are criticizing them because they are very pleased with themselves and their opinions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a bumptious bureaucrat.

bumpy /bʌ mpi/ (bumpier , bumpiest )

1 ADJ A bumpy road or path has a lot of bumps on it. □� �bumpy cobbled streets.

2 ADJ A bumpy journey is uncomfortable and rough, usually because you are travelling over an uneven surface. □� �a hot and bumpy ride across the desert.

bun /bʌ n/ (buns )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] Buns are small bread rolls. They are sometimes sweet and may contain dried fruit or spices. □� �a currant bun.

2 N‑COUNT Buns are small sweet cakes. They often have icing on the top. [BRIT ]

3 N‑COUNT If a woman has her hair in a bun , she has fastened it tightly on top of her head or at the back of her head in the shape of a ball.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your buns are your buttocks. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� I'd pinch his buns and kiss his neck.

bunch ◆◇◇ /bʌ ntʃ/ (bunches , bunching , bunched )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, adj N ] A bunchof people is a group of people who share one or more characteristics or who are doing something together. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] My neighbours are a bunch of busybodies. □�[+�of ] We were a pretty inexperienced bunch of people really. □� The players were a great bunch.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A bunchof flowers is a number of flowers with their stalks held or tied together. □�[+�of ] He had left a huge bunch of flowers in her hotel room.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A bunchof bananas or grapes is a group of them growing on the same stem. □�[+�of ] Lili had fallen asleep clutching a fat bunch of grapes.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A bunchof keys is a set of keys kept together on a metal ring. □�[+�of ] George took out a bunch of keys and went to work on the complicated lock.

5 QUANT A bunchof things is a number of things, especially a large number. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] We did a bunch of songs together. ●�PRON Bunch is also a pronoun. □� I'd like to adopt a multi-racial child. In fact, I'd love a whole bunch.

6 N‑PLURAL [usu in N ] If a girl has her hair inbunches , it is parted down the middle and tied on each side of her head. [BRIT ]

7 VERB If clothing bunchesaround a part of your body, it forms a set of creases around it. □�[V +�around ] She clutches the sides of her skirt until it bunches around her waist.

▸� bunch up or bunch together PHRASAL VERB If people or things bunch up or bunch together , or if you bunch them up or bunch them together , they move close to each other so that they form a small tight group. □�[V P ] They were bunching up, almost treading upon each other's heels. □�[V -ed P ] People were bunched up at all the exits. □�[V n P ] If they need to bunch aircraft more closely together, they will do so.

bun|dle /bʌ nd ə l/ (bundles , bundling , bundled )

1 N‑COUNT A bundleof things is a number of them that are tied together or wrapped in a cloth or bag so that they can be carried or stored. □�[+�of ] He gathered the bundles of clothing into his arms. □� I have about 20 year's magazines tied up in bundles.

2 N‑SING If you describe someone as, for example, a bundleof fun, you are emphasizing that they are full of fun. If you describe someone as a bundleof nerves, you are emphasizing that they are very nervous. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] I remember Mickey as a bundle of fun, great to have around. □�[+�of ] Life at high school wasn't a bundle of laughs, either.

3 N‑COUNT If you refer to a bundleof things, you are emphasizing that there is a wide range of them. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] The profession offers a bundle of benefits, not least of which is extensive training.

4 VERB If someone is bundled somewhere, someone pushes them there in a rough and hurried way. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] He was bundled into a car and driven 50 miles to a police station. [Also V n prep/adv]

5 VERB To bundle software means to sell it together with a computer, or with other hardware or software, as part of a set. [COMPUTING ] □�[V -ed] It's cheaper to buy software bundled with a PC than separately.

bung /bʌ ŋ/ (bungs , bunging , bunged )

1 N‑COUNT A bung is a round piece of wood, cork, or rubber which you use to close the hole in a container such as a barrel or flask.

2 VERB If you bung something somewhere, you put it there in a quick and careless way. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] Pour a whole lot of cold water over the rice, and bung it in the oven.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is bunged up , it is blocked. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The sink's bunged up again. □� My nose is all bunged up.

bun|ga|low /bʌ ŋgəloʊ/ (bungalows ) N‑COUNT A bungalow is a house which has only one level, and no stairs. WORD HISTORY bungalow

Bungalow comes from Hindi banglā meaning 'of Bengal'. A bungalow was originally a house of the style generally occupied by Europeans in Bengal, a one-storey house with a verandah round it and a thatched roof.

bungee jump|ing /bʌ ndʒi dʒʌmp I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone goes bungee jumping , they jump from a high place such as a bridge or cliff with a long piece of strong elastic cord tied around their ankle connecting them to the bridge or cliff.

bun|gle /bʌ ŋg ə l/ (bungles , bungling , bungled ) VERB If you bungle something, you fail to do it properly, because you make mistakes or are clumsy. □�[V n] Two prisoners bungled an escape bid after running either side of a lamp-post while handcuffed. □�[V -ed] �the FBI's bungled attempt to end the 51 day siege. ●�N‑COUNT Bungle is also a noun. □� �an appalling administrative bungle. ●� bun|gling ADJ □� �a bungling burglar.

bun|gler /bʌ ŋglə r / (bunglers ) N‑COUNT A bungler is a person who often fails to do things properly because they make mistakes or are clumsy.

bun|ion /bʌ njən/ (bunions ) N‑COUNT A bunion is a large painful lump on the first joint of a person's big toe.

bunk /bʌ ŋk/ (bunks )

1 N‑COUNT A bunk is a bed that is fixed to a wall, especially in a ship or caravan. □� He left his bunk and went up on deck again.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something as bunk , you think that it is foolish or untrue. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Even those who think psychoanalysis is bunk might find that lying on a couch being listened to is worthwhile.

bu nk bed (bunk beds ) N‑COUNT Bunk beds are two beds fixed one above the other in a frame.

bun|ker /bʌ ŋkə r / (bunkers )

1 N‑COUNT A bunker is a place, usually underground, that has been built with strong walls to protect it against heavy gunfire and bombing. □� �an extensive network of fortified underground bunkers.

2 N‑COUNT A bunker is a container for coal or other fuel.

3 N‑COUNT On a golf course, a bunker is a large area filled with sand, which is deliberately put there as an obstacle that golfers must try to avoid.

bun|kum /bʌ ŋkəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something that has been said or written is bunkum , you mean that you think it is completely untrue or very stupid. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

bun|ny /bʌ ni/ (bunnies ) N‑COUNT A bunny or a bunny rabbit is a child's word for a rabbit. [INFORMAL ]

bunt|ing /bʌ nt I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Bunting consists of rows of small coloured flags that are used to decorate streets and buildings on special occasions. □� Red, white and blue bunting hung in the city's renovated train station.

buoy /bɔ I , [AM ] buː i/ (buoys , buoying , buoyed )

1 N‑COUNT A buoy is a floating object that is used to show ships and boats where they can go and to warn them of danger.

2 VERB If someone in a difficult situation is buoyed by something, it makes them feel more cheerful and optimistic. □�[be V -ed +�by ] In May they danced in the streets, buoyed by their victory. □�[V n] German domestic consumption buoyed the German economy. ●�PHRASAL VERB Buoy up means the same as buoy . □�[be V -ed P ] They are buoyed up by a sense of hope. [Also V n P ]

buoy|an|cy /bɔ I ənsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Buoyancy is the ability that something has to float on a liquid or in the air. □� Air can be pumped into the diving suit to increase buoyancy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Buoyancy is a feeling of cheerfulness. □� �a mood of buoyancy and optimism.

3 N‑UNCOUNT There is economic buoyancy when the economy is growing. □� The likelihood is that the slump will be followed by a period of buoyancy.

buoy|ant /bɔ I ənt/

1 ADJ If you are in a buoyant mood, you feel cheerful and behave in a lively way. □� You will feel more buoyant and optimistic about the future than you have for a long time.

2 ADJ A buoyant economy is a successful one in which there is a lot of trade and economic activity. □� We have a buoyant economy and unemployment is considerably lower than the regional average. □� Analysts expect the share price to remain buoyant.

3 ADJ A buoyant object floats on a liquid. □� This was such a small and buoyant boat.

bur|ble /bɜː r b ə l/ (burbles , burbling , burbled )

1 VERB If something burbles , it makes a low continuous bubbling sound. □�[V prep] The water burbled over gravel. □�[V ] The river gurgled and burbled.

2 VERB If you say that someone is burbling , you mean that they are talking in a confused way. □�[V n] He burbled something incomprehensible. □�[V +�about ] Key burbled about the wonderful people who contribute to tourism. □�[V +�on about ] He burbles on about freedom. [Also V that, V with quote]

bur|den ◆◇◇ /bɜː r d ə n/ (burdens , burdening , burdened )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe a problem or a responsibility as a burden , you mean that it causes someone a lot of difficulty, worry, or hard work. □�[+�of ] The developing countries bear the burden of an enormous external debt. □� Her death will be an impossible burden on Paul. □� The financial burden will be more evenly shared. [Also +�on ]

2 N‑COUNT A burden is a heavy load that is difficult to carry. [FORMAL ]

3 VERB If someone burdens you with something that is likely to worry you, for example a problem or a difficult decision, they tell you about it. □�[V n +�with ] We decided not to burden him with the news. [Also V n]

4 →�see also beast of burden COLLOCATIONS burden NOUN 1

noun +�burden : debt, tax

adjective +�burden : heavy, huge, intolerable, unsustainable; administrative, economic, financial

verb +�burden : impose, increase, place; bear, carry, share, shoulder; ease, lift, reduce, shift

bur|dened /bɜː r d ə nd/

1 ADJ If you are burdened with something, it causes you a lot of worry or hard work. □�[+�with ] Nicaragua was burdened with a foreign debt of $11 billion. □�[+�by ] They may be burdened by guilt and regret.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as burdened with a heavy load, you are emphasizing that it is very heavy and that they are holding it or carrying it with difficulty. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�by ] Anna and Rosemary arrived, burdened by bags and food baskets. [Also +�with ]

bur|den|some /bɜː r d ə nsəm/ ADJ If you describe something as burdensome , you mean it is worrying or hard to deal with. [WRITTEN ] □� �a burdensome debt. □� The load was too burdensome.

bu|reau /bjʊə roʊ/ The usual plural in British English is bureaux . The usual plural in American English is bureaus . 1 N‑COUNT A bureau is an office, organization, or government department that collects and distributes information. □�[+�of ] �the Federal Bureau of Investigation. □� �the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

2 N‑COUNT A bureau is an office of a company or organization which has its main office in another town or country. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] □� �the Wall Street Journal's Washington bureau.

3 N‑COUNT A bureau is a writing desk with shelves and drawers and a lid that opens to form the writing surface. [BRIT ]

4 N‑COUNT A bureau is a chest of drawers. [AM ]

bu|reau|cra|cy /bjʊrɒ krəsi/ (bureaucracies )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A bureaucracy is an administrative system operated by a large number of officials. □� State bureaucracies can tend to stifle enterprise and initiative.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Bureaucracy refers to all the rules and procedures followed by government departments and similar organizations, especially when you think that these are complicated and cause long delays. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� People usually complain about having to deal with too much bureaucracy.

bu|reau|crat /bjʊə rəkr�t/ (bureaucrats ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Bureaucrats are officials who work in a large administrative system. You can refer to officials as bureaucrats especially if you disapprove of them because they seem to follow rules and procedures too strictly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The economy is still controlled by bureaucrats.

bu|reau|crat|ic /bjʊə rəkr� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bureaucratic means involving complicated rules and procedures which can cause long delays. □� Diplomats believe that bureaucratic delays are inevitable. □� The department has become a bureaucratic nightmare.

bu|reaux /bjʊə roʊz/ Bureaux is a plural form of bureau .

bur|geon /bɜː r dʒ ə n/ (burgeons , burgeoning , burgeoned ) VERB If something burgeons , it grows or develops rapidly. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] My confidence began to burgeon later in life. □�[V -ing] �Japan's burgeoning satellite-TV industry.

burg|er /bɜː r gə r / (burgers ) N‑COUNT A burger is a flat round mass of minced meat or vegetables, which is fried and often eaten in a bread roll. □� �burger and chips. □� �vegetable burgers.

burgh|er /bɜː r gə r / (burghers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The burghers of a town or city are the people who live there, especially the richer or more respectable people. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

bur|glar /bɜː r glə r / (burglars ) N‑COUNT A burglar is a thief who enters a house or other building by force. □� Burglars broke into their home.

bu r|glar alarm (burglar alarms ) N‑COUNT A burglar alarm is an electric device that makes a bell ring loudly if someone tries to enter a building by force.

bur|glar|ize /bɜː r gləra I z/ (burglarizes , burglarizing , burglarized ) VERB [usu passive] If a building is burglarized , a thief enters it by force and steals things. [AM ] □�[be V -ed] Her home was burglarized. in BRIT, use burgle

bur|gla|ry /bɜː r gləri/ (burglaries ) N‑VAR If someone commits a burglary , they enter a building by force and steal things. Burglary is the act of doing this. □� An 11-year-old boy committed a burglary. □� He's been arrested for burglary.

bur|gle /bɜː r g ə l/ (burgles , burgling , burgled ) VERB If a building is burgled , a thief enters it by force and steals things. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] I found that my flat had been burgled. □�[V n] Two teenagers burgled the home of Mr Jones's mother. in AM, use burglarize

bur|gun|dy /bɜː r gəndi/ (burgundies )

1 COLOUR Burgundy is used to describe things that are purplish-red in colour. □� He was wearing a burgundy polyester jacket. □� �burgundy-coloured armchairs.

2 N‑VAR Burgundy is a type of wine. It can be white or red in colour and comes from the region of France called Burgundy. □� �a bottle of white burgundy.

bur|ial /be riəl/ (burials ) N‑VAR A burial is the act or ceremony of putting a dead body into a grave in the ground. □� The priest prepared the body for burial. □� He can have a decent burial.

bu r|ial ground (burial grounds ) N‑COUNT A burial ground is a place where bodies are buried, especially an ancient place. □� �an ancient burial ground.

bur|lap /bɜː r l�p/ N‑UNCOUNT Burlap is a thick, rough fabric that is used for making sacks. [AM ] □� �a burlap sack. in BRIT, use hessian

bur|lesque /bɜː r le sk/ (burlesques ) N‑VAR A burlesque is a performance or a piece of writing that makes fun of something by copying it in an exaggerated way. You can also use burlesque to refer to a situation in real life that is like this. □� The book read like a black comic burlesque. □� �a trio of burlesque Moscow stereotypes.

bur|ly /bɜː r li/ (burlier , burliest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A burly man has a broad body and strong muscles. □� He was a big, burly man.

Bur|mese /bɜː r miː z/ (Burmese )

1 ADJ Burmese means belonging or relating to Burma, or to its people, language, or culture. Burma is now known as Myanmar.

2 N‑COUNT A Burmese is a person who comes from Burma.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Burmese is the main language spoken by the people who live in Burma, now known as Myanmar.

burn ◆◆◇ /bɜː r n/ (burns , burning , burned , burnt ) The past tense and past participle is burned in American English, and burned or burnt in British English. 1 VERB If there is a fire or a flame somewhere, you say that there is a fire or flame burning there. □�[V ] Fires were burning out of control in the center of the city. □�[V ] There was a fire burning in the large fireplace.

2 VERB If something is burning , it is on fire. □�[V ] When I arrived one of the vehicles was still burning. □�[V -ing] That boy was rescued from a burning house. ●� burn|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� When we arrived in our village there was a terrible smell of burning.

3 VERB If you burn something, you destroy or damage it with fire. □�[V n] Protesters set cars on fire and burned a building. □�[V n] Coal fell out of the fire, and burned the carpet. ●� burn|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the burning of the great library at Alexandria.

4 VERB If you burn a fuel or if it burns , it is used to produce heat, light, or energy. □�[V n] The power stations burn coal from the Ruhr region. □�[V ] Manufacturers are working with new fuels to find one that burns more cleanly than petrol.

5 VERB If you burn something that you are cooking or if it burns , you spoil it by using too much heat or cooking it for too long. □�[V n] I burnt the toast. □�[V ] Watch them carefully as they finish cooking because they can burn easily. ●� burnt ADJ □� �the smell of burnt toast.

6 VERB If you burn part of your body, burnyourself , or are burnt , you are injured by fire or by something very hot. □�[V n] Take care not to burn your fingers. □�[be V -ed] If you are badly burnt, seek medical attention. [Also V pron-refl] ●�N‑COUNT Burn is also a noun. □� She suffered appalling burns to her back.

7 VERB [usu passive] If someone is burnt or burnt to death, they are killed by fire. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Women were burned as witches in the middle ages. □�[be V -ed +�to ] At least 80 people were burnt to death when their bus caught fire.

8 VERB If a light is burning , it is shining. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] The building was darkened except for a single light burning in a third-story window.

9 VERB [usu cont] If your face is burning , it is red because you are embarrassed or upset. □�[V ] Liz's face was burning.

10 VERB If you are burningwith an emotion or are burningto do something, you feel that emotion or the desire to do that thing very strongly. □�[V +�with ] The young boy was burning with a fierce ambition. □�[V to-inf] Dan burned to know what the reason could be.

11 VERB If you burn or get burned in the sun, the sun makes your skin become red and sore. □�[V ] Build up your tan slowly and don't allow your skin to burn. □�[V n] Summer sun can burn fair skin in minutes.

12 VERB If a part of your body burns or if something burns it, it has a painful, hot, or stinging feeling. □�[V ] My eyes burn from staring at the needle. □�[V +�with ] His face was burning with cold. □�[V n] �delicious Indian recipes which won't burn your throat.

13 VERB To burn a CD-ROM means to write or copy data onto it. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] You can use this software to burn custom compilations of your favorite tunes.

14 →�see also burning

15to burn the candle at both ends →�see candle

16to get your fingers burned →�see finger

17to burn something to the ground →�see ground

18to burn the midnight oil →�see midnight

19to have money to burn →�see money

▸� burn down PHRASAL VERB If a building burns down or if someone burns it down , it is completely destroyed by fire. □�[V P ] Six months after Bud died, the house burned down. □�[V P n] Anarchists burnt down a restaurant. [Also V n P ]

▸� burn off PHRASAL VERB If someone burns off energy, they use it. □�[V P n] This will improve your performance and help you burn off calories. [Also V n P ]

▸� burn out

1 PHRASAL VERB If a fire burnsitselfout , it stops burning because there is nothing left to burn. □�[V pron-refl P ] Fire officials let the fire burn itself out.

2 →�see also burnout , burnt-out

▸� burn up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something burns up or if fire burns it up , it is completely destroyed by fire or strong heat. □�[V P ] The satellite re-entered the atmosphere and burned up. □�[V P n] Fires have burned up 180,000 acres of timber. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If something burns up fuel or energy, it uses it. □�[V P n] Brisk walking burns up more calories than slow jogging. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS burn VERB 2

burn+�adverb : brightly, fiercely NOUN 6

adjective +�burn : horrific, serious, severe; minor

verb +�burn : suffer

bu rned-ou t →�see burnt-out

burn|er /bɜː r nə r / (burners )

1 N‑COUNT A burner is a device which produces heat or a flame, especially as part of a cooker, stove, or heater. □� He put the frying pan on the gas burner.

2 →�see also back burner , front burner

burn|ing /bɜː r n I ŋ/

1 ADJ You use burning to describe something that is extremely hot. □� �the burning desert of Central Asia. ●�ADV [ADV adj] Burning is also an adverb. □� He touched the boy's forehead. It was burning hot.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have a burning interest in something or a burning desire to do something, you are extremely interested in it or want to do it very much. □� I had a burning ambition to become a journalist. □� She had a burning desire to wreak revenge.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A burning issue or question is a very important or urgent one that people feel very strongly about. □� The burning question is: whose taxes should be raised?

bur|nish /bɜː r n I ʃ/ (burnishes , burnishing , burnished ) VERB To burnish the image of someone or something means to improve their image. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] It was a move that has burnished Mr Hu's populist credentials.

bur|nished /bɜː r n I ʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe something as burnished when it is bright or smooth. [LITERARY ] □� The clouds glowed like burnished gold.

burn|out /bɜː r naʊt/ also burn-out N‑UNCOUNT If someone suffers burnout , they exhaust themselves at an early stage in their life or career because they have achieved too much too quickly. [INFORMAL ]

burnt /bɜː r nt/ Burnt is a past tense and past participle of burn .

bu rnt-out also burned-out

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Burnt-out vehicles or buildings have been so badly damaged by fire that they can no longer be used. □� �a burnt-out car.

2 ADJ If someone is burnt-out , they exhaust themselves at an early stage in their life or career because they have achieved too much too quickly. [INFORMAL ] □� But everyone I know who kept it up at that intensity is burnt out.

burp /bɜː r p/ (burps , burping , burped ) VERB When someone burps , they make a noise because air from their stomach has been forced up through their throat. □�[V ] Charlie burped loudly. ●�N‑COUNT Burp is also a noun. □� There followed a barely audible burp.

burqa /bɜː r kə/ also burka (burqas ) N‑COUNT A burqa is a long garment that covers the head and body and is traditionally worn by women in Islamic countries.

burr /bɜː r / (burrs ) The spelling bur is also used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT A burr is the part of some plants which contains seeds and which has little hooks on the outside so that it sticks to clothes or fur.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone has a burr , they speak English with a regional accent in which 'r' sounds are pronounced more strongly than in the standard British way of speaking. □� �a warm West Country burr.

bur|row /bʌ roʊ, [AM ] bɜː -/ (burrows , burrowing , burrowed )

1 N‑COUNT A burrow is a tunnel or hole in the ground that is dug by an animal such as a rabbit.

2 VERB If an animal burrows into the ground or into a surface, it moves through it by making a tunnel or hole. □�[V prep/adv] The larvae burrow into cracks in the floor.

3 VERB If you burrow in a container or pile of things, you search there for something using your hands. □�[V prep/adv] He burrowed into the pile of charts feverishly.

4 VERB If you burrow into something, you move underneath it or press against it, usually in order to feel warmer or safer. □�[V prep/adv] She turned her face away from him, burrowing into her heap of covers.

bur|sar /bɜː r sə r / (bursars ) N‑COUNT The bursar of a school or college is the person who is in charge of its finance or general administration.

bur|sa|ry /bɜː r səri/ (bursaries ) N‑COUNT A bursary is a sum of money which is given to someone to allow them to study in a college or university. [mainly BRIT ]

burst ◆◇◇ /bɜː r st/ (bursts , bursting ) The form burst is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If something bursts or if you burst it, it suddenly breaks open or splits open and the air or other substance inside it comes out. □�[V ] The driver lost control when a tyre burst. □�[V n] It is not a good idea to burst a blister. □�[V -ed] �a flood caused by a burst pipe.

2 VERB If a dam bursts , or if something bursts it, it breaks apart because the force of the river is too great. □�[V ] A dam burst and flooded their villages. [Also V n]

3 VERB If a river bursts its banks, the water rises and goes on to the land. □�[V n] Monsoons caused the river to burst its banks.

4 VERB When a door or lid bursts open, it opens very suddenly and violently because someone pushes it or there is great pressure behind it. □�[V open ] The door burst open and an angry young nurse appeared. [Also V apart ]

5 VERB To burstinto or out of a place means to enter or leave it suddenly with a lot of energy or force. □�[V prep/adv] Gunmen burst into his home and opened fire.

6 VERB If you say that something bursts onto the scene, you mean that it suddenly starts or becomes active, usually after developing quietly for some time. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�onto/upon ] He burst onto the fashion scene in the early 1980s.

7 N‑COUNT A burstof something is a sudden short period of it. □�[+�of ] �a burst of machine-gun fire. □� The current flows in little bursts.

▸� burst into

1 PHRASAL VERB If you burst into tears, laughter, or song, you suddenly begin to cry, laugh, or sing. □�[V P n] She burst into tears and ran from the kitchen. □�[V P n] �books that cause adults to burst into helpless laughter.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that something bursts into a particular situation or state, you mean that it suddenly changes into that situation or state. □�[V P n] This weekend's fighting is threatening to burst into full-scale war.

3to burst into flames →�see flame

▸� burst out PHRASAL VERB If someone bursts out laughing, crying, or making another noise, they suddenly start making that noise. You can also say that a noise bursts out . □�[V P v-ing] The class burst out laughing. □�[V P ] Then the applause burst out. □�[V P +�into/in ] Everyone burst out into conversation.

burst|ing /bɜː r st I ŋ/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a place is burstingwith people or things, it is full of them. □�[+�with ] The place appears to be bursting with young directors. □�[+�with ] �a terraced vegetable garden, bursting with produce.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you say that someone is bursting with a feeling or quality, you mean that they have a great deal of it. □�[+�with ] I was bursting with curiosity. □�[+�with ] �a character bursting with energy and vivacity.

3 ADJ If you are burstingto do something, you are very eager to do it. [INFORMAL ] □� She was bursting to tell everyone.

4 →�see also burst

bury ◆◇◇ /be ri/ (buries , burying , buried )

1 VERB To bury something means to put it into a hole in the ground and cover it up with earth. □�[V n prep/adv] They make the charcoal by burying wood in the ground and then slowly burning it. □�[V n] �squirrels who bury nuts and seeds. □�[V -ed] �buried treasure.

2 VERB To bury a dead person means to put their body into a grave and cover it with earth. □�[V n] �soldiers who helped to bury the dead in large communal graves. □�[V n adj] I was horrified that people would think I was dead and bury me alive. □�[V -ed] More than 9,000 men lie buried here.

3 VERB If someone says they have buried one of their relatives, they mean that one of their relatives has died. □�[V n] He had buried his wife some two years before he retired.

4 VERB If you bury something under a large quantity of things, you put it there, often in order to hide it. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] I was looking for my handbag, which was buried under a pile of old newspapers.

5 VERB If something buries a place or person, it falls on top of them so that it completely covers them and often harms them in some way. □�[V n] Latest reports say that mud slides buried entire villages. □�[V -ed] He was buried under the debris for several hours.

6 VERB If you bury your head or face in something, you press your head or face against it, often because you are unhappy. □�[V n prep/adv] She buried her face in the pillows.

7 VERB If something buriesitself somewhere, or if you bury it there, it is pushed very deeply in there. □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] The missile buried itself deep in the grassy hillside. □�[V -ed] He stood on the sidewalk with his hands buried in the pockets of his dark overcoat. [Also V n prep/adv]

8to bury the hatchet →�see hatchet

bus ◆◇◇ /bʌ s/ (buses , busses , bussing , bussed ) The plural form of the noun is buses . The third person singular of the verb is busses . American English uses the spellings buses , busing , bused for the verb. 1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A bus is a large motor vehicle which carries passengers from one place to another. Buses drive along particular routes, and you have to pay to travel in them. □� He missed his last bus home. □� They had to travel everywhere by bus.

2 VERB When someone is bussed to a particular place or when they bus there, they travel there on a bus. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] Students from around the country are being bussed in for the protest. □�[V adv/prep] To get our Colombian visas we bussed back to Medellin. □�[V -ed] Essential services were provided by Serbian workers bussed in from outside the province.

3 VERB [usu passive] In some parts of the United States, when children are bused to school, they are transported by bus to a school in a different area so that children of different races can be educated together. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] Many schools were in danger of closing because the children were bused out to other areas. ●� bus|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The courts ordered busing to desegregate the schools.

bu s boy (bus boys ) N‑COUNT A bus boy is someone whose job is to set or clear tables in a restaurant. [AM ]

bush /bʊ ʃ/ (bushes )

1 N‑COUNT A bush is a large plant which is smaller than a tree and has a lot of branches. □� Trees and bushes grew down to the water's edge.

2 N‑SING [oft N n] The wild, uncultivated parts of some hot countries are referred to as thebush . □� They walked through the dense Mozambican bush for thirty six hours.

3 PHRASE If you tell someone not to beat about the bush , you mean that you want them to tell you something immediately and quickly, rather than in a complicated, indirect way. □� Stop beating about the bush. What's he done?

bushed /bʊ ʃt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are bushed , you mean that you are extremely tired. [INFORMAL ] □� I'm bushed. I'm going to bed.

bush|el /bʊ ʃ ə l/ (bushels ) N‑COUNT A bushel is a unit of volume that is used for measuring agricultural produce such as corn or beans. A bushel is equivalent in volume to eight gallons.

Bush|man /bʊ ʃm�n/ (Bushmen ) N‑COUNT A Bushman is an aboriginal person from the southwestern part of Africa, especially the Kalahari desert region.

bushy /bʊ ʃi/ (bushier , bushiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Bushy hair or fur is very thick. □� �bushy eyebrows. □� �a bushy tail.

2 ADJ A bushy plant has a lot of leaves very close together. □� �strong, sturdy, bushy plants.

busi|ly /b I z I li/ ADV [ADV with v] If you do something busily , you do it in a very active way. □� The two saleswomen were busily trying to keep up with the demand.

busi|ness ◆◆◆ /b I zn I s/ (businesses )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Business is work relating to the production, buying, and selling of goods or services. □� �young people seeking a career in business. □� Jennifer has an impressive academic and business background. □� �Harvard Business School.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Business is used when talking about how many products or services a company is able to sell. If business is good, a lot of products or services are being sold and if business is bad, few of them are being sold. □� They worried that German companies would lose business. □� Business is booming.

3 N‑COUNT A business is an organization which produces and sells goods or which provides a service. □� The company was a family business. □� The majority of small businesses go broke within the first twenty-four months. □� He was short of cash after the collapse of his business.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Business is work or some other activity that you do as part of your job and not for pleasure. □� I'm here on business. □� You can't mix business with pleasure. □� �business trips.

5 N‑SING You can use business to refer to a particular area of work or activity in which the aim is to make a profit. □� May I ask you what business you're in? □� �the music business.

6 N‑SING You can use business to refer to something that you are doing or concerning yourself with. □� �recording Ben as he goes about his business. □�[+�of ] There was nothing left for the teams to do but get on with the business of racing.

7 N‑UNCOUNT You can use business to refer to important matters that you have to deal with. □� The most important business was left to the last. □� I've got some unfinished business to attend to.

8 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] If you say that something is your business , you mean that it concerns you personally and that other people have no right to ask questions about it or disagree with it. □� My sex life is my business. □� If she doesn't want the police involved, that's her business. □� It's not our business.

9 N‑SING You can use business to refer in a general way to an event, situation, or activity. For example, you can say something is 'a wretched business' or you can refer to 'this assassination business'. □� We have sorted out this wretched business at last. □� This whole business is very puzzling.

10 N‑SING You can use business when describing a task that is unpleasant in some way. For example, if you say that doing something is a costly business , you mean that it costs a lot. [INFORMAL ] □� Coastal defence is a costly business. □� Parenting can be a stressful business.

11 →�see also big business , show business

12 PHRASE If two people or companies do businesswith each other, one sells goods or services to the other. □�[+�with ] I was fascinated by the different people who did business with me.

13 PHRASE If you say that someone has no businessto be in a place or to do something, you mean that they have no right to be there or to do it. □� Really I had no business to be there at all.

14 PHRASE A company that is in business is operating and trading. □� You can't stay in business without cash.

15 PHRASE If you say you are in business , you mean you have everything you need to start something immediately. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� All you need is a microphone, and you're in business.

16 PHRASE If you say that someone means business , you mean they are serious and determined about what they are doing. [INFORMAL ] □� Now people are starting to realise that he means business.

17 PHRASE If you say to someone ' mind your own business ' or ' it's none of your business ', you are rudely telling them not to ask about something that does not concern them. [INFORMAL ] □� I asked Laura what was wrong and she told me to mind my own business.

18 PHRASE If a shop or company goes out of business or is put out of business , it has to stop trading because it is not making enough money. □� Thousands of firms could go out of business.

19 PHRASE In a difficult situation, if you say it is business as usual , you mean that people will continue doing what they normally do. □� The Queen was determined to show it was business as usual. USAGE business

When you use business in the sense of making, buying, and selling goods or services, don�t say �a business�. Don�t say, for example, � We�ve got a business to do �. Say �We�ve got some business to do�. □� Are you in San Francisco for business or pleasure? COLLOCATIONS business NOUN

2

business+�be +�adjective : booming, brisk, good; slow

verb +�business : lose

3

noun +�business : family; investment

adjective +�business : local, small; profitable, successful

verb +�business : expand, run, set up, start; buy, sell; value

5

noun +�business : entertainment, music

7

adjective +�business : important, unfinished

bu si|ness a n|gel (business angels ) N‑COUNT A business angel is a person who gives financial support to a commercial venture and receives a share of any profits from it, but who does not expect to be involved in its management.

bu si|ness card (business cards ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A person's business card or their card is a small card which they give to other people, and which has their name and details of their job and company printed on it.

bu si|ness cla ss ADJ [ADJ n] Business class seating on an aeroplane costs less than first class but more than economy class. □� You can pay to be upgraded to a business class seat. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Business class is also an adverb. □� They flew business class. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Business class is the business class seating on an aeroplane. □� The Australian team will be seated in business class.

bu si|ness end N‑SING The business endof a tool or weapon is the end of it which does the work or causes damage rather than the end that you hold. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the business end of a vacuum cleaner.

bu si|ness hours N‑PLURAL Business hours are the hours of the day in which a shop or a company is open for business. □� All showrooms are staffed during business hours.

business|like /b I znəsla I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as businesslike , you mean that they deal with things in an efficient way without wasting time. □� Mr. Penn sounds quite businesslike. □� This activity was carried on in a businesslike manner.

business|man ◆◇◇ /b I zn I sm�n/ (businessmen ) N‑COUNT A businessman is a man who works in business.

bu si|ness per|son (business people ) N‑COUNT Business people are people who work in business. □� �a self-employed business person.

bu si|ness plan (business plans ) N‑COUNT A business plan is a detailed plan for setting up or developing a business, especially one that is written in order to borrow money. □�[+�for ] She learned how to write a business plan for the catering business she wanted to launch.

bu si|ness school (business schools ) N‑COUNT A business school is a school or college which teaches business subjects such as economics and management.

business|woman /b I zn I swʊmən/ (businesswomen ) N‑COUNT A businesswoman is a woman who works in business.

busk /bʌ sk/ (busks , busking , busked ) VERB People who busk play music or sing for money in the streets or other public places. [BRIT ] □�[V ] They spent their free time in Glasgow busking in Argyle Street. ●� busk|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Passers-by in the area have been treated to some high-quality busking.

busk|er /bʌ skə r / (buskers ) N‑COUNT A busker is a person who sings or plays music for money in streets and other public places. [BRIT ]

bu s lane (bus lanes ) N‑COUNT A bus lane is a part of the road which is intended to be used only by buses.

bus|load /bʌ sloʊd/ (busloads ) N‑COUNT A busloadof people is a large number of passengers on a bus. □�[+�of ] �a busload of Japanese tourists.

bus|man's holi|day /bʌ smənz hɒ l I de I / N‑SING If you have a holiday, but spend it doing something similar to your usual work, you can refer to it as a busman's holiday .

bu s shel|ter (bus shelters ) N‑COUNT A bus shelter is a bus stop that has a roof and at least one open side.

bu s stop (bus stops ) N‑COUNT A bus stop is a place on a road where buses stop to let passengers on and off.

bust /bʌ st/ (busts , busting , busted ) The form bust is used as the present tense of the verb, and can also be used as the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you bust something, you break it or damage it so badly that it cannot be used. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] They will have to bust the door to get him out.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is busted , the police arrest them. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] They were busted for possession of cannabis.

3 VERB If police bust a place, they go to it in order to arrest people who are doing something illegal. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] �police success in busting UK-based drug factories. ●�N‑COUNT Bust is also a noun. □� Six tons of cocaine were seized last week in Panama's biggest drug bust.

4 ADJ A company or fund that is bust has no money left and has been forced to close down. [INFORMAL , BUSINESS ] □� It is taxpayers who will pay most of the bill for bailing out bust banks.

5 PHRASE If a company goes bust , it loses so much money that it is forced to close down. [INFORMAL , BUSINESS ] □� �a Swiss company which went bust last May.

6 N‑COUNT A bust is a statue of the head and shoulders of a person. □�[+�of ] �a bronze bust of the Queen.

7 N‑COUNT You can use bust to refer to a woman's breasts, especially when you are describing their size. □� Good posture also helps your bust look bigger.

-buster /-bʌstə r / (-busters )

1 COMB -buster combines with nouns to form new nouns which refer to someone who breaks a particular law. □� The Security Council will consider taking future actions against sanction-busters. □� �copyright-busters.

2 COMB -buster combines with nouns to form new nouns which refer to someone or something that fights or overcomes the specified crime or undesirable activity. □� Hoover was building his reputation as a crime-buster. □� �fraud-busters.

bust|ier /bʌ stiə r / (bustiers ) N‑COUNT A bustier is a type of close-fitting strapless top worn by women.

bus|tle /bʌ s ə l/ (bustles , bustling , bustled )

1 VERB If someone bustles somewhere, they move there in a hurried way, often because they are very busy. □�[V prep/adv] She bustled about, turning on lights, moving pillows around on the sofa.

2 VERB A place that is bustlingwith people or activity is full of people who are very busy or lively. □�[V +�with ] The sidewalks are bustling with people. □�[V -ing] The main attraction was the bustling market.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Bustle is busy, noisy activity. □�[+�of ] �the hustle and bustle of modern life.

bu st-up (bust-ups )

1 N‑COUNT A bust-up is a serious quarrel, often resulting in the end of a relationship. [INFORMAL ] □� She had had this bust-up with her family.

2 N‑COUNT A bust-up is a fight. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a bust-up which she says left her seriously hurt.

busty /bʌ sti/ ADJ If you describe a woman as busty , you mean that she has large breasts. [INFORMAL ]

busy ◆◇◇ /b I zi/ (busier , busiest , busies , busying , busied )

1 ADJ [oft ADJ v-ing] When you are busy , you are working hard or concentrating on a task, so that you are not free to do anything else. □� What is it? I'm busy. □� They are busy preparing for a hectic day's activity on Saturday. □� Rachel said she would be too busy to come. □� Phil Martin is an exceptionally busy man.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A busy time is a period of time during which you have a lot of things to do. □� It'll have to wait. This is our busiest time. □� Even with her busy schedule she finds time to watch TV. □� I had a busy day and was rather tired.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ -ing] If you say that someone is busy thinking or worrying about something, you mean that it is taking all their attention, often to such an extent that they are unable to think about anything else. □� I'm so busy worrying about all the wrong things that I'm not focusing on the right ones. □�[+�with ] Most people are too busy with their own troubles to give much help.

4 VERB If you busyyourself with something, you occupy yourself by dealing with it. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] He busied himself with the camera. □�[V pron-refl v-ing] She busied herself getting towels ready. □�[V pron-refl] For a while Kathryn busied herself in the kitchen.

5 ADJ A busy place is full of people who are doing things or moving about. □� The Strand is one of London's busiest and most affluent streets. □� The ward was busy and Amy hardly had time to talk.

6 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When a telephone line is busy , you cannot make your call because the line is already being used by someone else. [mainly AM ] □� I tried to reach him, but the line was busy.

7 →�see also busily

busy|body /b I zibɒdi/ (busybodies ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a busybody , you are criticizing the way they interfere in other people's affairs. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� This government is full of interfering busybodies.

but ◆◆◆ /bət, STRONG bʌt/

1 CONJ You use but to introduce something which contrasts with what you have just said, or to introduce something which adds to what you have just said. □� 'You said you'd stay till tomorrow.'�'I know, Bel, but I think I would rather go back.' □� Place the saucepan over moderate heat until the cider is very hot but not boiling. □� He not only wants to be taken seriously as a musician, but as a poet too.

2 CONJ You use but when you are about to add something further in a discussion or to change the subject. □� They need to recruit more people into the prison service. But another point I'd like to make is that many prisons were built in the nineteenth century.

3 CONJ You use but after you have made an excuse or apologized for what you are just about to say. □� Please excuse me, but there is something I must say. □� I'm sorry, but it's nothing to do with you. □� Forgive my asking, but you're not very happy, are you?

4 CONJ You use but to introduce a reply to someone when you want to indicate surprise, disbelief, refusal, or protest. [FEELINGS ] □� 'I don't think I should stay in this house.'�'But why?' □� 'Somebody wants you on the telephone'�'But no one knows I'm here!'

5 PREP But is used to mean 'except'. □� Europe will be represented in all but two of the seven races. □� He didn't speak anything but Greek. □� The crew of the ship gave them nothing but bread to eat.

6 ADV [ADV n] But is used to mean 'only'. [FORMAL ] □� Orbit is but one of the sculptor's striking creations. □� Lots of interesting different flavours combine - mixed spice and wild berries to name but two.

7 N‑PLURAL You use buts in expressions like ' no buts ' and ' ifs and buts ' to refer to reasons someone gives for not doing something, especially when you do not think that they are good reasons. □� 'B-b-b-b-but' I stuttered.�'Never mind the buts,' she ranted. □� He committed a crime, no ifs or buts about it.

8 PHRASE You use cannot but , could not but , and cannot help but when you want to emphasize that you believe something must be true and that there is no possibility of anything else being the case. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The pistol was positioned where I couldn't help but see it. □� She could not but congratulate him.

9 PHRASE You use but for to introduce the only factor that causes a particular thing not to happen or not to be completely true. □� �the small square below, empty but for a delivery van and a clump of palm trees.

10 PHRASE You use but then or but then again before a remark which slightly contradicts what you have just said. □� Rob spends hours in the bathroom, but then again so do I.

11 PHRASE You use but then before a remark which suggests that what you have just said should not be regarded as surprising. □� He was a fine young man, but then so had his father been. □� Sonia might not speak the English language well, but then who did?

12all but →�see all

13anything but →�see anything

bu|tane /bjuː te I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Butane is a gas that is obtained from petroleum and is used as a fuel.

butch /bʊ tʃ/

1 ADJ If you describe a woman as butch , you mean that she behaves or dresses in a masculine way. This use could cause offence. [INFORMAL ]

2 ADJ If you describe a man as butch , you mean that he behaves in an extremely masculine way. [INFORMAL ]

butch|er /bʊ tʃə r / (butchers , butchering , butchered )

1 N‑COUNT A butcher is a shopkeeper who cuts up and sells meat. Some butchers also kill animals for meat and make foods such as sausages and meat pies.

2 N‑COUNT A butcher or a butcher's is a shop where meat is sold.

3 VERB To butcher an animal means to kill it and cut it up for meat. □�[be V -ed] All his meat is butchered on site before being sold in the farm shop.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone as a butcher when they have killed a lot of people in a very cruel way, and you want to express your horror and disgust. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �the Duke of Cumberland, infamous still as the butcher of Culloden.

5 VERB You can say that someone has butchered people when they have killed a lot of people in a very cruel way, and you want to express your horror and disgust. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Guards butchered 1,350 prisoners.

butch|ery /bʊ tʃəri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the cruel killing of a lot of people as butchery when you want to express your horror and disgust at this. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� In her view, war is simply a legalised form of butchery.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Butchery is the work of cutting up meat and preparing it for sale. □� �a carcass hung up for butchery.

but|ler /bʌ tlə r / (butlers ) N‑COUNT A butler is the most important male servant in a wealthy house.

butt /bʌ t/ (butts , butting , butted )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's butt is their bottom. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� Frieda grinned, pinching him on the butt.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] The butt or the butt endof a weapon or tool is the thick end of its handle. □� Troops used tear gas and rifle butts to break up the protests.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] The buttof a cigarette or cigar is the small part of it that is left when someone has finished smoking it.

4 N‑COUNT A butt is a large barrel used for collecting or storing liquid.

5 N‑SING If someone or something is thebuttof jokes or criticism, people often make fun of them or criticize them. □�[+�of ] He is still the butt of cruel jokes about his humble origins.

6 VERB If a person or animal butts you, they hit you with the top of their head. □�[V n] Lawrence kept on butting me but the referee did not warn him. [Also V n prep]

7 →�see also head-butt , water butt

▸� butt in PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is butting in , you are criticizing the fact that they are joining in a conversation or activity without being asked to. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] Sorry, I don't mean to butt in. □�[V P with quote] 'I should think not,' Sarah butted in. [Also +�on ]

but|ter ◆◇◇ /bʌ tə r / (butters , buttering , buttered )

1 N‑VAR Butter is a soft yellow substance made from cream. You spread it on bread or use it in cooking. □� �bread and butter. □� Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl.

2 VERB If you butter something such as bread or toast, you spread butter on it. □�[V n] She spread pieces of bread on the counter and began buttering them. □�[V -ed] �buttered scones.

3 →�see also bread and butter , peanut butter

▸� butter up PHRASAL VERB If someone butters you up , they try to please you because they want you to help or support them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] The bank has to butter up investors because it is in a fiercely competitive market. □�[V n P ] I tried buttering her up. 'I've always admired people with these sorts of talents.'

bu t|ter bean (butter beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Butter beans are the yellowish flat round seeds of a kind of bean plant. They are eaten as a vegetable, and in Britain they are usually sold dried rather than fresh.

butter|cup /bʌ tə r kʌp/ (buttercups ) N‑COUNT A buttercup is a small plant with bright yellow flowers.

butter|fly /bʌ tə r fla I / (butterflies )

1 N‑COUNT A butterfly is an insect with large colourful wings and a thin body.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Butterfly is a swimming stroke which you do on your front, kicking your legs and bringing your arms over your head together.

3 PHRASE If you have butterflies in your stomach or have butterflies , you are very nervous or excited about something. [INFORMAL ] □� An exam, or even an exciting social event may produce butterflies in the stomach.

butter|milk /bʌ tə r m I lk/ N‑UNCOUNT Buttermilk is the liquid that remains when fat has been removed from cream when butter is being made. You can drink buttermilk or use it in cooking.

butter|scotch /bʌ tə r skɒtʃ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Butterscotch is a hard yellowish-brown sweet made from butter and sugar boiled together.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] A butterscotch flavoured or coloured thing has the flavour or colour of butterscotch. □� �butterscotch sauce.

but|tery /bʌ təri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Buttery food contains butter or is covered with butter. □� �buttery new potatoes. □� �the buttery taste of the pastry.

but|tock /bʌ tək/ (buttocks ) N‑COUNT Your buttocks are the two rounded fleshy parts of your body that you sit on.

but|ton ◆◇◇ /bʌ t ə n/ (buttons , buttoning , buttoned )

1 N‑COUNT Buttons are small hard objects sewn on to shirts, coats, or other pieces of clothing. You fasten the clothing by pushing the buttons through holes called buttonholes. □� �a coat with brass buttons.

2 VERB If you button a shirt, coat, or other piece of clothing, you fasten it by pushing its buttons through the buttonholes. □�[V n] Ferguson stood up and buttoned his coat. ●�PHRASAL VERB Button up means the same as button . □�[V P n] I buttoned up my coat; it was chilly. □�[V n P ] The young man slipped on the shirt and buttoned it up. □�[V -ed P ] It was freezing out there even in his buttoned-up overcoat.

3 N‑COUNT A button is a small object on a machine or electrical device that you press in order to operate it. □� He reached for the remote control and pressed the 'play' button.

4 N‑COUNT A button is a small piece of metal or plastic which you wear in order to show that you support a particular movement, organization, or person. You fasten a button to your clothes with a pin. [AM ] in BRIT, use badge

▸� button up →�see button2

bu tton-down ADJ [ADJ n] A button-down shirt or a shirt with a button-down collar has a button under each end of the collar which you can fasten.

bu t|toned u p also buttoned-up ADJ If you say that someone is buttoned up , you mean that they do not usually talk about their thoughts and feelings. [INFORMAL ] □� �the buttoned-up wife of an English clergyman.

button|hole /bʌ t ə nhoʊl/ (buttonholes , buttonholing , buttonholed )

1 N‑COUNT A buttonhole is a hole that you push a button through in order to fasten a shirt, coat, or other piece of clothing.

2 N‑COUNT A buttonhole is a flower that you wear on your coat or dress. [BRIT ]

3 VERB If you buttonhole someone, you stop them and make them listen to you. □�[V n] This fearsome woman buttonholed me in the first week and said she was very unhappy.

bu t|ton mu sh|room (button mushrooms ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Button mushrooms are small mushrooms used in cooking.

but|tress /bʌ trəs/ (buttresses ) N‑COUNT Buttresses are supports, usually made of stone or brick, that support a wall.

but|ty /bʌ ti/ (butties ) N‑COUNT A butty is a sandwich . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

bux|om /bʌ ksəm/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a woman as buxom , you mean that she looks healthy and attractive and has a rounded body and big breasts. □� Melissa was a tall, buxom blonde.

buy ◆◆◆ /ba I / (buys , buying , bought )

1 VERB If you buy something, you obtain it by paying money for it. □�[V n] He could not afford to buy a house. □�[V pron-refl n] Lizzie bought herself a mountain bike. □�[V n n] I'd like to buy him lunch.

2 VERB If you talk about the quantity or standard of goods an amount of money buys , you are referring to the price of the goods or the value of the money. □�[V n] About �70,000 buys a habitable house around here. □�[V n n] If the pound's value is high, British investors will spend their money abroad because the pound will buy them more.

3 VERB If you buy something like time, freedom, or victory, you obtain it but only by offering or giving up something in return. □�[V n] It was a risky operation, but might buy more time. □�[V n] For them, affluence was bought at the price of less freedom in their work environment.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you say that a person can be bought , you are criticizing the fact that they will give their help or loyalty to someone in return for money. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] Once he shows he can be bought, they settle down to a regular payment.

5 VERB If you buy an idea or a theory, you believe and accept it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I'm not buying any of that nonsense. ●�PHRASAL VERB Buy into means the same as buy . □�[V P n] I bought into the popular myth that when I got the next house, I'd finally be happy.

6 N‑COUNT If something is a good buy , it is of good quality and not very expensive. □� This was still a good buy even at the higher price.

▸� buy into

1 PHRASAL VERB If you buy into a company or an organization, you buy part of it, often in order to gain some control of it. [BUSINESS ] □�[V P n] Other companies could buy into the firm.

2 →�see also buy5

▸� buy off PHRASAL VERB If you say that a person or organization buys off another person or group, you are criticizing the fact that they are giving them something such as money so that they will not complain or cause trouble. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P n] �policies designed to buy off the working-class vote. □�[V n P ] In buying your children all these things, you are in a sense buying them off.

▸� buy out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you buy someone out , you buy their share of something such as a company or piece of property that you previously owned together. □�[V P n] The bank had to pay to buy out most of the 200 former partners. □�[V n P ] He bought his brother out for $17 million.

2 →�see also buyout

▸� buy up PHRASAL VERB If you buy up land, property, or a commodity, you buy large amounts of it, or all that is available. □�[V P n] The mention of price rises sent citizens out to their shops to buy up as much as they could. □�[V n P ] The tickets will be on sale from somewhere else because the agencies have bought them up.

bu y-back (buy-backs ) N‑COUNT A buy-back is a situation in which a company buys shares back from its investors. [BUSINESS ] □� �a share buy-back scheme. □� The company announced an extensive stock buy-back program.

buy|er ◆◇◇ /ba I ə r / (buyers )

1 N‑COUNT A buyer is a person who is buying something or who intends to buy it. □� Car buyers are more interested in safety and reliability than speed.

2 N‑COUNT A buyer is a person who works for a large store deciding what goods will be bought from manufacturers to be sold in the store.

bu y|er's ma r|ket N‑SING When there is a buyer's market for a particular product, there are more of the products for sale than there are people who want to buy them, so buyers have a lot of choice and can make prices come down. Compare seller's market . [BUSINESS ]

buy|out /ba I aʊt/ (buyouts )

1 N‑COUNT A buyout is the buying of a company, especially by its managers or employees. [BUSINESS ] □� It is thought that a management buyout is one option.

2 →�see also MBO

buzz /bʌ z/ (buzzes , buzzing , buzzed )

1 VERB If something buzzes or buzzes somewhere, it makes a long continuous sound, like the noise a bee makes when it is flying. □�[V ] The intercom buzzed and he pressed down the appropriate switch. □�[V prep/adv] Attack helicopters buzzed across the city. ●�N‑COUNT Buzz is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the irritating buzz of an insect. ●� buzz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He switched off the transformer and the buzzing stopped.

2 VERB If people are buzzingaround , they are moving around quickly and busily. [WRITTEN ] □�[V adv/prep] A few tourists were buzzing about.

3 VERB If questions or ideas are buzzingaround your head, or if your head is buzzingwith questions or ideas, you are thinking about a lot of things, often in a confused way. □�[V +�around in ] Many more questions were buzzing around in my head. □�[V +�with ] Top style consultants will leave you buzzing with new ideas. [Also V ]

4 VERB [usu cont] If a place is buzzingwith activity or conversation, there is a lot of activity or conversation there, especially because something important or exciting is about to happen. □�[V +�with ] The rehearsal studio is buzzing with lunchtime activity. □�[V -ing] �Hong Kong's buzzing, pulsating atmosphere. [Also V , V prep]

5 N‑SING You can use buzz to refer to a long continuous sound, usually caused by lots of people talking at once. □�[+�of ] A buzz of excitement filled the courtroom as the defendant was led in. □�[+�of ] �the excited buzz of conversation.

6 N‑SING If something gives you a buzz , it makes you feel very happy or excited for a short time. [INFORMAL ] □� Performing still gives him a buzz. □�[+�from ] He got a buzz from creating confrontations.

7 N‑SING If a place or event has a buzz , it has a lively, interesting, and modern atmosphere. □�[+�about ] The girls fell in love with Dublin on previous visits. They said that what they liked was the buzz about the place.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use buzz to refer to a word, idea, or activity which has recently become extremely popular. □� �the latest buzz phrase in garden design circles. □� Sex education in schools was the buzz topic.

9 VERB If an aircraft buzzes a place, it flies low over it, usually in a threatening way. □�[V n] American fighter planes buzzed the city.

buz|zard /bʌ zə r d/ (buzzards ) N‑COUNT A buzzard is a large bird of prey.

buzz|er /bʌ zə r / (buzzers ) N‑COUNT A buzzer is an electrical device that is used to make a buzzing sound for example, to attract someone's attention.

buzz|saw /bʌ zsɔː/ (buzzsaws ) N‑COUNT A buzzsaw is an electric saw consisting of a round metal disk with a sharp serrated edge. It is powered by an electric motor and is used for cutting wood and other materials. [AM ] in BRIT, use circular saw

buzz|word /bʌ zwɜː r d/ (buzzwords ) also buzz word N‑COUNT A buzzword is a word or expression that has become fashionable in a particular field and is being used a lot by the media. □�[+�of ] Biodiversity was the buzzword of the Rio Earth Summit.

buzzy /bʌ zi/ (buzzier , buzziest ) ADJ If a place, event, or atmosphere is buzzy , it is lively, interesting, and modern. [INFORMAL ] □� The cafe has an intimate but buzzy atmosphere.

by ◆◆◆ The preposition is pronounced /ba I /. The adverb is pronounced /ba I /. In addition to the uses shown below, by is used in phrasal verbs such as 'abide by', 'put by', and 'stand by'. 1 PREP If something is done by a person or thing, that person or thing does it. □� The feast was served by his mother and sisters. □� I was amazed by their discourtesy and lack of professionalism. □� The town has been under attack by rebel groups for a week now.

2 PREP If you say that something such as a book, a piece of music, or a painting is by a particular person, you mean that this person wrote it or created it. □� �a painting by Van Gogh. □� He read Enobarbus's speech from Anthony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

3 PREP If you do something by a particular means, you do it using that thing. □� We'll be travelling by car. □� �dinners by candlelight.

4 PREP [PREP v-ing] If you achieve one thing by doing another thing, your action enables you to achieve the first thing. □� Make the sauce by boiling the cream and stock together in a pan. □� The all-female yacht crew made history by becoming the first to sail round the world. □� By using the air ambulance to transport patients, they can save up to �15,000 per patient.

5 PREP You use by in phrases such as 'by chance' or 'by accident' to indicate whether or not an event was planned. □� I met him by chance out walking yesterday. □� He opened Ingrid's letter by mistake. □� Whether by design or accident his timing was perfect.

6 PREP If someone is a particular type of person by nature, by profession, or by birth, they are that type of person because of their nature, their profession, or the family they were born into. □� I am certainly lucky to have a kind wife who is loving by nature. □� She's a nurse by profession and now runs a counselling service for women. □� Her parents were in fact American by birth.

7 PREP If something must be done by law, it happens according to the law. If something is the case by particular standards, it is the case according to the standards. □� Pharmacists are required by law to give the medicine prescribed by the doctor. □� �evening wear that was discreet by his standards.

8 PREP If you say what someone means by a particular word or expression, you are saying what they intend the word or expression to refer to. □� Stella knew what he meant by 'start again'. □� 'You're unbelievably lucky'�'What do you mean by that?'

9 PREP If you hold someone or something by a particular part of them, you hold that part. □� He caught her by the shoulder and turned her around. □� She was led by the arm to a small room at the far end of the corridor. □� He picked up the photocopy by one corner and put it in his wallet.

10 PREP Someone or something that is by something else is beside it and close to it. □� Judith was sitting in a rocking-chair by the window. □� They stood by the side of the road. □� Emma was by the door. ●�ADV [ADV after v] By is also an adverb. □� Large numbers of security police stood by.

11 PREP If a person or vehicle goes by you, they move past you without stopping. □� A few cars passed close by me. □� He kept walking and passed by me on his side of the street. ●�ADV [ADV after v] By is also an adverb. □� The bomb went off as a police patrol went by.

12 PREP If you stop by a place, you visit it for a short time. □� We had made arrangements to stop by her house in Pacific Grove. ●�ADV [ADV after v] By is also an adverb. □� I'll stop by after dinner and we'll have that talk.

13 PREP If something happens by a particular time, it happens at or before that time. □� By eight o'clock he had arrived at my hotel. □� We all knew by then that the affair was practically over.

14 PREP If you do something by day, you do it during the day. If you do it by night, you do it during the night. □� By day a woman could safely walk the streets, but at night the pavements became dangerous. □� She had no wish to hurry alone through the streets of London by night.

15 PREP In arithmetic, you use by before the second number in a multiplication or division sum. □� �an apparent annual rate of 22.8 per cent (1.9 multiplied by 12). □� 230cm divided by 22cm is 10.45cm.

16 PREP You use by to talk about measurements of area. For example, if a room is twenty feet by fourteen feet, it measures twenty feet in one direction and fourteen feet in the other direction. □� Three prisoners were sharing one small cell 3 metres by 2 metres.

17 PREP If something increases or decreases by a particular amount, that amount is gained or lost. □� Violent crime has increased by 10 percent since last year. □� Their pay has been cut by one-third.

18 PREP Things that are made or sold by the million or by the dozen are made or sold in those quantities. □� Parcels arrived by the dozen from America. □� Liberty fabrics, both for furnishing and for dress-making, are sold by the metre.

19 PREP You use by in expressions such as 'minute by minute' and 'drop by drop' to talk about things that happen gradually, not all at once. □� His father began to lose his memory bit by bit, becoming increasingly forgetful.

20 PHRASE If you are by yourself , you are alone. □� �a dark-haired man sitting by himself in a corner.

21 PHRASE If you do something by yourself , you succeed in doing it without anyone helping you. □� I didn't know if I could raise a child by myself. USAGE by

Don�t use �by� with the names of towns or cities. Use near instead. □� Winston Churchill was born near Oxford.

bye ◆◇◇ /ba I / also bye-bye CONVENTION Bye and bye-bye are informal ways of saying goodbye.

bye -law →�see bylaw

by -election (by-elections ) N‑COUNT A by-election is an election that is held to choose a new member of parliament when a member has resigned or died. [BRIT ]

Bye|lo|rus|sian /bie loʊrʌ ʃ ə n/ (Byelorussians )

1 ADJ Byelorussian means belonging or relating to Byelorussia or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Byelorussian is a Byelorussian citizen, or a person of Byelorussian origin.

by|gone /ba I gɒn, [AM ] -gɔːn/ (bygones )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Bygone means happening or existing a very long time ago. □� The book recalls other memories of a bygone age. □� �bygone generations.

2 PHRASE If two people let bygones be bygones , they decide to forget about unpleasant things that have happened between them in the past.

by|law /ba I lɔː/ (bylaws ) also bye-law , by-law

1 N‑COUNT A bylaw is a law which is made by a local authority and which applies only in their area. [BRIT ] □� The by-law makes it illegal to drink in certain areas.

2 N‑COUNT A bylaw is a rule which controls the way an organization is run. [AM ] □� Under the company's bylaws, he can continue as chairman until the age of 70.

by |line /ba I la I n/ (bylines ) also by-line N‑COUNT A byline is a line at the top of an article in a newspaper or magazine giving the author's name. [TECHNICAL ]

BYOD /biː wa I oʊ diː / N‑UNCOUNT BYOD is the practice of allowing employees to use their own computers and smart phones to connect to company information. BYOD is an abbreviation for 'bring your own device'. □� The firm has a BYOD policy.

by|pass /ba I pɑːs, -p�s/ (bypasses , bypassing , bypassed )

1 VERB If you bypass someone or something that you would normally have to get involved with, you ignore them, often because you want to achieve something more quickly. □�[V n] A growing number of employers are trying to bypass the unions altogether. □�[be V -ed] Regulators worry that controls could easily be bypassed.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A bypass is a surgical operation performed on or near the heart, in which the flow of blood is redirected so that it does not flow through a part of the heart which is diseased or blocked. □� �heart bypass surgery.

3 VERB If a surgeon bypasses a diseased artery or other part of the body, he or she performs an operation so that blood or other bodily fluids do not flow through it. □�[V n] Small veins are removed from the leg and used to bypass the blocked stretch of coronary arteries.

4 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A bypass is a main road which takes traffic around the edge of a town rather than through its centre. □� A new bypass around the city is being built. □� �the Hereford bypass.

5 VERB If a road bypasses a place, it goes around it rather than through it. □�[V n] �money for new roads to bypass cities.

6 VERB If you bypass a place when you are travelling, you avoid going through it. □�[V n] The rebel forces simply bypassed Zwedru on their way further south.

by -product (by-products ) also byproduct

1 N‑COUNT A by-product is something which is produced during the manufacture or processing of another product. □�[+�of ] The raw material for the tyre is a by-product of petrol refining.

2 N‑COUNT Something that is a by-productof an event or situation happens as a result of it, although it is usually not expected or planned. □�[+�of ] A by-product of their meeting was the release of these fourteen men.

byre /ba I ə r / (byres ) N‑COUNT A byre is a cowshed. [BRIT , LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ]

by|stander /ba I st�ndə r / (bystanders ) N‑COUNT A bystander is a person who is present when something happens and who sees it but does not take part in it. □� It looks like an innocent bystander was killed instead of you.

byte /ba I t/ (bytes ) N‑COUNT In computing, a byte is a unit of storage approximately equivalent to one printed character. [COMPUTING ] □� �two million bytes of data.

by|way /ba I we I / (byways )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A byway is a small road which is not used by many cars or people. □�[+�of ] �the highways and byways of America.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The bywaysof a subject are the less important or less well-known areas of it. □�[+�of ] My research focuses on the byways of children's literature.

by|word /ba I wɜː r d/ (bywords )

1 N‑COUNT Someone or something that is a bywordfor a particular quality is well-known for having that quality. □�[+�for ] �the Rolls-Royce brand name, a byword for quality.

2 N‑COUNT A byword is a word or phrase which people often use. □�[+�of ] Loyalty and support became the bywords of the day.

byz|an|tine /b I z� nta I n, [AM ] b I zəntiːn/ also Byzantine

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Byzantine means related to or connected with the Byzantine Empire. □� �Byzantine civilisation. □� There are also several well-preserved Byzantine frescoes.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a system or process as byzantine , you are criticizing it because it seems complicated or secretive. [DISAPPROVAL ]

Cc

C , c /siː / (C's, c's )

1 N‑VAR C is the third letter of the English alphabet.

2 N‑VAR In music, C is the first note in the scale of C major.

3 N‑VAR If you get a C as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is average.

4c. is written in front of a date or number to indicate that it is approximate. c. is an abbreviation for 'circa'. □� �the museum's re-creation of a New York dining-room (c. 1825�35).

5C or c is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with c, such as 'copyright' or 'Celsius'. □� Heat the oven to 180�C.

6 →�see also C-in-C , c/o

cab /k� b/ (cabs )

1 N‑COUNT A cab is a taxi.

2 N‑COUNT The cab of a truck or train is the front part in which the driver sits. □� A Luton van has additional load space over the driver's cab.

ca|bal /kəb� l/ (cabals ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a group of politicians or other people as a cabal , you are criticizing them because they meet and decide things secretly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] He had been chosen by a cabal of fellow senators. □� �a secret government cabal.

caba|ret /k� bəre I , [AM ] -re I / (cabarets )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cabaret is live entertainment consisting of dancing, singing, or comedy acts that are performed in the evening in restaurants or nightclubs. □� Helen made a successful career in cabaret.

2 N‑COUNT A cabaret is a show that is performed in a restaurant or nightclub, and that consists of dancing, singing, or comedy acts. □� Peter and I also did a cabaret at the Corn Exchange.

cab|bage /k� b I dʒ/ (cabbages ) N‑VAR A cabbage is a round vegetable with white, green, or purple leaves that is usually eaten cooked.

cab|bie /k� bi/ (cabbies ) also cabby N‑COUNT A cabbie is a person who drives a taxi. [INFORMAL ]

ca|ber /ke I bə r / (cabers ) N‑COUNT A caber is a long, heavy, wooden pole. It is thrown into the air as a test of strength in the traditional Scottish sport called 'tossing the caber'.

cab|in /k� b I n/ (cabins )

1 N‑COUNT A cabin is a small room in a ship or boat. □� He showed her to a small cabin.

2 N‑COUNT A cabin is one of the areas inside a plane. □� He sat quietly in the First Class cabin, looking tired.

3 N‑COUNT A cabin is a small wooden house, especially one in an area of forests or mountains. □� �a log cabin.

ca b|in crew (cabin crews ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The cabin crew on an aircraft are the people whose job is to look after the passengers.

ca b|in cruis|er (cabin cruisers ) N‑COUNT A cabin cruiser is a motor boat which has a cabin for people to live or sleep in.

cabi|net ◆◆◇ /k� b I n I t/ (cabinets )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A cabinet is a cupboard used for storing things such as medicine or alcoholic drinks or for displaying decorative things in. □� He looked at the display cabinet with its gleaming sets of glasses.

2 →�see also filing cabinet

3 N‑COUNT [oft N n] The Cabinet is a group of the most senior ministers in a government, who meet regularly to discuss policies. □� The announcement came after a three-hour Cabinet meeting. □� �a former Cabinet Minister. COLLOCATIONS cabinet NOUN

1

noun +�cabinet : bathroom, bedside, kitchen; display, drinks, medicine, trophy

adjective +�cabinet : glass, glass-fronted, wooden

3

adjective +�Cabinet : shadow

verb +�Cabinet : announce, appoint, form, name; reshuffle

ca bi|net mak|er (cabinet makers ) also cabinetmaker N‑COUNT A cabinet maker is a person who makes high-quality wooden furniture.

ca|ble ◆◇◇ /ke I b ə l/ (cables , cabling , cabled )

1 N‑VAR A cable is a thick wire, or a group of wires inside a rubber or plastic covering, which is used to carry electricity or electronic signals. □� �overhead power cables. □� �strings of coloured lights with weatherproof cable.

2 N‑VAR A cable is a kind of very strong, thick rope, made of wires twisted together. □� �the heavy anchor cable. □� Steel cable will be used to replace worn ropes.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cable is used to refer to television systems in which the signals are sent along underground wires rather than by radio waves. □� They ran commercials on cable systems across the country. □� The channel is only available on cable.

4 N‑COUNT A cable is the same as a telegram . □� She sent a cable to her mother.

5 VERB [usu passive] If a country, a city, or someone's home is cabled , cables and other equipment are put in place so that the people there can receive cable television. □�[be V -ed] In France, 27 major cities are soon to be cabled. □�[V -ed] In the U.K., 254,000 homes are cabled.

6 →�see also cabling

ca |ble car (cable cars ) N‑COUNT A cable car is a vehicle for taking people up mountains or steep hills. It is pulled by a moving cable.

ca |ble te le|vi|sion N‑UNCOUNT Cable television is a television system in which signals are sent along wires rather than by radio waves.

ca|bling /ke I bl I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cabling is used to refer to electrical or electronic cables, or to the process of putting them in a place. □� �modern offices equipped with computer cabling.

2 →�see also cable

cache /k� ʃ/ (caches )

1 N‑COUNT A cache is a quantity of things such as weapons that have been hidden. □� A huge arms cache was discovered by police. □�[+�of ] �a cache of weapons and explosives.

2 N‑COUNT A cache or cachememory is an area of computer memory that is used for temporary storage of data and can be accessed more quickly than the main memory. [COMPUTING ] □� The least accessed data in cache memory is replaced by newly accessed data.

ca|chet /k� ʃe I , [AM ] k�ʃe I / N‑SING If someone or something has a certain cachet , they have a quality which makes people admire them or approve of them. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □� A Mercedes carries a certain cachet.

cack-handed /k� k h� nd I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as cack-handed , you mean that they handle things in an awkward or clumsy way. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the cack-handed way they handled the incident.

cack|le /k� k ə l/ (cackles , cackling , cackled ) VERB If someone cackles , they laugh in a loud unpleasant way, often at something bad that happens to someone else. □�[V ] The old lady cackled, pleased to have produced so dramatic a reaction. [Also V with quote, V at n] ●�N‑COUNT Cackle is also a noun. □� He let out a brief cackle.

ca|copho|nous /kəkɒ fənəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a mixture of sounds as cacophonous , you mean that they are loud and unpleasant. □� �the cacophonous beat of pop music.

ca|copho|ny /kəkɒ fəni/ (cacophonies ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can describe a loud, unpleasant mixture of sounds as a cacophony . □�[+�of ] All around was bubbling a cacophony of voices.

cac|tus /k� ktəs/ (cactuses or cacti /k� kta I /) N‑COUNT A cactus is a thick fleshy plant that grows in many hot, dry parts of the world. Cacti have no leaves and many of them are covered in prickles.

cad /k� d/ (cads ) N‑COUNT If you say that a man is a cad , you mean that he treats other people, especially women, badly or unfairly. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He's a scoundrel! A cad!

CAD /k� d/ N‑UNCOUNT CAD refers to the use of computer software in the design of things such as cars, buildings, and machines. CAD is an abbreviation for 'computer aided design'. [COMPUTING ] □� �CAD software.

ca|dav|er /kəd� və r / (cadavers ) N‑COUNT A cadaver is a dead body. [FORMAL ]

ca|dav|er|ous /kəd� vərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as cadaverous , you mean they are extremely thin and pale. [WRITTEN ] □� �a tall man with a long, cadaverous face.

cad|die /k� di/ (caddies , caddying , caddied ) also caddy

1 N‑COUNT In golf, a caddie is a person who carries golf clubs and other equipment for a player.

2 VERB If you caddiefor a golfer, you act as their caddie. □�[V +�for ] Lil caddied for her son. [Also V ]

ca|dence /ke I d ə ns/ (cadences )

1 N‑COUNT The cadence of someone's voice is the way their voice gets higher and lower as they speak. [FORMAL ] □� He recognized the Polish cadences in her voice.

2 N‑COUNT A cadence is the phrase that ends a section of music or a complete piece of music.

ca|den|za /kəde nzə/ (cadenzas ) N‑COUNT In classical music, a cadenza is a long and difficult solo passage in a piece for soloist and orchestra.

ca|det /kəde t/ (cadets ) N‑COUNT A cadet is a young man or woman who is being trained in the armed services or the police. □� �army cadets. □� �the Cadet Corps.

cadge /k� dʒ/ (cadges , cadging , cadged ) VERB If someone cadges food, money, or help from you, they ask you for it and succeed in getting it. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Can I cadge a cigarette? □�[V n +�from/off ] He could cadge a ride from somebody.

cad|mium /k� dmiəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Cadmium is a soft bluish-white metal that is used in the production of nuclear energy.

ca|dre /kɑː də r , [AM ] -dre I / (cadres ) N‑COUNT A cadre is a small group of people who have been specially chosen, trained, and organized for a particular purpose. □�[+�of ] �an elite cadre of international managers.

Cae|sar|ean /s I zeə riən/ (Caesareans ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A Caesarean or a Caesarean section is an operation in which a baby is lifted out of a woman's womb through an opening cut in her abdomen. □� My youngest daughter was born by Caesarean.

Caesar sal|ad /siː zə r s� ləd/ (Caesar salads ) also caesar salad N‑VAR Caesar salad is a type of salad containing lettuce, eggs, cheese, and small pieces of fried bread, served with a dressing of oil, vinegar, and herbs.

caf� /k� fe I , [AM ] k�fe I / (caf�s ) also cafe

1 N‑COUNT A caf� is a place where you can buy drinks, simple meals, and snacks, but, in Britain, not usually alcoholic drinks.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A street caf� or a pavement caf� is a caf� which has tables and chairs on the pavement outside it where people can eat and drink. □� �an Italian street caf�. □� �sidewalk caf�s and boutiques.

ca f� bar (caf� bars ) N‑COUNT A caf� bar is a caf� where you can also buy alcoholic drinks.

caf|eteria /k� f I t I ə riə/ (cafeterias ) N‑COUNT A cafeteria is a restaurant where you choose your food from a counter and take it to your table after paying for it. Cafeterias are usually found in public buildings such as hospitals and stores.

caf|eti|�re /k�fətjeə r / (cafeti�res ) N‑COUNT A cafeti�re is a type of coffee pot that has a disc with small holes in it attached to the lid. You push the lid down to separate the liquid from the ground coffee when it is ready to drink.

caff /k� f/ (caffs ) N‑COUNT A caff is a caf� which serves simple British food such as fried eggs, bacon, and sausages. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a transport caff.

caf|feine /k� fiːn, [AM ] k�fiː n/ N‑UNCOUNT Caffeine is a chemical substance found in coffee, tea, and cocoa, which affects your brain and body and makes you more active.

caf|tan /k� ft�n/ (caftans ) also kaftan N‑COUNT A caftan is a long loose garment with long sleeves. Caftans are worn by men in Arab countries, and by women in America and Europe.

cage /ke I dʒ/ (cages )

1 N‑COUNT A cage is a structure of wire or metal bars in which birds or animals are kept. □� I hate to see birds in cages.

2 →�see also rib cage

3 PHRASE If someone rattles your cage , they do something which is intended to make you feel nervous. □� If he's trying to rattle your cage, it's working.

caged /ke I dʒd/ ADJ A caged bird or animal is inside a cage. □� Mark was still pacing like a caged animal.

ca ge fi ght|ing N‑UNCOUNT Cage fighting is a type of organized violent fighting that takes place in an enclosed space. □� He climbs into the ring and glides to the centre with the kind of confidence that comes from being European kick-boxing and cage fighting champion.

cag|ey /ke I dʒi/ ADJ If you say that someone is being cagey about something, you mean that you think they are deliberately not giving you much information or expressing an opinion about it. □�[+�about ] He is cagey about what he was paid for the business.

ca|hoots /kəhuː ts/ PHRASE If you say that one person is in cahootswith another, you do not trust the first person because you think that they are planning something secretly with the other. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�with ] In his view they were all in cahoots with the police.

cairn /keə r n/ (cairns ) N‑COUNT A cairn is a pile of stones which marks a boundary, a route across rough ground, or the top of a mountain. A cairn is sometimes also built in memory of someone.

ca|jole /kədʒoʊ l/ (cajoles , cajoling , cajoled ) VERB If you cajole someone into doing something, you get them to do it after persuading them for some time. □�[V n +�into ] It was he who had cajoled Garland into doing the film. □�[V n to-inf] He cajoled Mr Dobson to stand for mayor. [Also V n, V ]

Ca|jun /ke I dʒən/ (Cajuns )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cajun means belonging or relating to a group of people who live mainly in Louisiana in the United States, and are descended from French people. Cajun is also used to refer to the language and culture of these people. □� They played some Cajun music. □� �Cajun food.

2 N‑COUNT A Cajun is a person of Cajun origin.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Cajun is a dialect of French spoken by Cajun people. □� �the first book ever written in Cajun.

cake ◆◇◇ /ke I k/ (cakes )

1 N‑VAR A cake is a sweet food made by baking a mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, and fat in an oven. Cakes may be large and cut into slices or small and intended for one person only. □� �a piece of cake. □� Would you like some chocolate cake? □� �little cakes with white icing.

2 N‑COUNT Food that is formed into flat round shapes before it is cooked can be referred to as cakes . □� �fish cakes. □� �home-made potato cakes.

3 N‑COUNT A cakeof soap is a small block of it. □�[+�of ] �a small cake of lime-scented soap.

4 PHRASE If you think that someone wants the benefits of doing two things when it is only reasonable to expect the benefits of doing one, you can say that they want to have their cake and eat it . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� To many it sounds like he wants to have his cake and eat it.

5 PHRASE If you think something is very easy to do, you can say it is a piece of cake . People often say this to stop someone feeling worried about doing something they have to do. [INFORMAL ] □� Just another surveillance job, old chap. Piece of cake to somebody like you.

6 PHRASE If someone has done something very stupid, rude, or selfish, you can say that they take the cake or that what they have done takes the cake , to emphasize your surprise at their behaviour. [AM , EMPHASIS ] in BRIT, use take the biscuit7the icing on the cake →�see icing

caked /ke I kt/ ADJ If something is cakedwith mud, blood, or dirt, it is covered with a thick dry layer of it. □�[+�with/in ] Her shoes were caked with mud. ●�COMB [usu ADJ n] Caked is also a combining form. □� �herds of mud-caked cattle and sheep.

ca ke mix (cake mixes ) N‑VAR Cake mix is a powder that you mix with eggs and water or milk to make a cake. You bake the mixture in the oven.

ca ke pan (cake pans ) N‑COUNT A cake pan is a metal container that you bake a cake in. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use cake tin

ca ke tin (cake tins ) N‑COUNT A cake tin is a metal container that you bake a cake in. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use cake pan

cake|walk /ke I kwɔːk/ N‑SING If you say that something is a cakewalk , you mean that it is very easy to do or achieve. □� Fittipaldi's victory was a cakewalk.

cal /k� l/ (cals ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, num N ] Cals are units of measurement for the energy value of food. Cal is an abbreviation for 'calorie'. □� �325 cals per serving.

cal|a|mar|i /k� ləmɑ ːr I / N‑UNCOUNT Calamari is squid that has been prepared for eating, usually by cutting it into rings, dipping it in a mixture of flour, milk, and eggs, and frying it.

cala|mine /k� ləma I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Calamine is a liquid that you can put on your skin when it is sore or itchy. □� �calamine lotion.

ca|lami|tous /kəl� m I təs/ ADJ If you describe an event or situation as calamitous , you mean it is very unfortunate or serious. [FORMAL ] □� �the calamitous state of the country.

ca|lam|ity /kəl� m I ti/ (calamities ) N‑VAR A calamity is an event that causes a great deal of damage, destruction, or personal distress. [FORMAL ] □� He described drugs as the greatest calamity of the age. □� It could only end in calamity.

cal|ci|fied /k� ls I fa I d/ ADJ Body tissue that is calcified has become hard because of the presence of substances called calcium salts. □� �calcified tissue.

cal|cium /k� lsiəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Calcium is a soft white element which is found in bones and teeth, and also in limestone, chalk, and marble.

cal|cu|lable /k� lkjʊləb ə l/ ADJ Calculable amounts or consequences can be calculated.

cal|cu|late /k� lkjʊle I t/ (calculates , calculating , calculated )

1 VERB If you calculate a number or amount, you discover it from information that you already have, by using arithmetic, mathematics, or a special machine. □�[V n] From this you can calculate the total mass in the Galaxy. □�[V that] We calculate that the average size farm in Lancaster County is 65 acres. [Also V wh]

2 VERB If you calculate the effects of something, especially a possible course of action, you think about them in order to form an opinion or decide what to do. □�[V n] I believe I am capable of calculating the political consequences accurately. □�[V that] He is calculating that the property market will be back on its feet within two years. WORD HISTORY calculate

Calculate comes from the Latin word calculare meaning 'count using small stones', from calculus , meaning 'stone'. The Romans used small stones to count with.

cal|cu|lat|ed /k� lkjʊle I t I d/

1 ADJ If something is calculatedto have a particular effect, it is specially done or arranged in order to have that effect. □� Their movements were calculated to terrify landowners into abandoning their holdings.

2 ADJ If you say that something is not calculatedto have a particular effect, you mean that it is unlikely to have that effect. □� Such a statement was hardly calculated to deter future immigrants.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe a clever or dishonest action as calculated when it is very carefully planned or arranged. □� Irene's cleaning the floor had been a calculated attempt to cover up her crime.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If you take a calculated risk, you do something which you think might be successful, although you have fully considered the possible bad consequences of your action.

cal|cu|lat|ing /k� lkjʊle I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as calculating , you disapprove of the fact that they deliberately plan to get what they want, often by hurting or harming other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Northbridge is a cool, calculating and clever criminal who could strike again.

cal|cu|la|tion /k� lkjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (calculations )

1 N‑VAR A calculation is something that you think about and work out mathematically. Calculation is the process of working something out mathematically. □� Leonard made a rapid calculation: he'd never make it in time. □�[+�of ] �the calculation of their assets.

2 N‑VAR A calculation is something that you think carefully about and arrive at a conclusion on after having considered all the relevant factors. □� For the President, the calculations are equally difficult. If the peacekeeping operation goes wrong, he risks appearing weak.

cal|cu|la|tor /k� lkjʊle I tə r / (calculators ) N‑COUNT A calculator is a small electronic device that you use for making mathematical calculations. □� �a pocket calculator.

cal|cu|lus /k� lkjʊləs/ N‑UNCOUNT Calculus is a branch of advanced mathematics which deals with variable quantities.

cal|en|dar /k� l I ndə r / (calendars )

1 N‑COUNT A calendar is a chart or device which displays the date and the day of the week, and often the whole of a particular year divided up into months, weeks, and days. □� There was a calendar on the wall above, with large squares around the dates.

2 N‑COUNT A calendar is a particular system for dividing time into periods such as years, months, and weeks, often starting from a particular point in history. □� The Christian calendar was originally based on the Julian calendar of the Romans.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] You can use calendar to refer to a series or list of events and activities which take place on particular dates, and which are important for a particular organization, community, or person. □� It is one of the British sporting calendar's most prestigious events.

ca l|en|dar mo nth (calendar months )

1 N‑COUNT A calendar month is one of the twelve months of the year. □� Winners will be selected at the end of each calendar month.

2 N‑COUNT A calendar month is the period from a particular date in one month to the same date in the next month, for example from April 4th to May 4th.

ca l|en|dar yea r (calendar years ) N‑COUNT A calendar year is a period of twelve months from January 1 to December 31. Calendar year is often used in business to compare with the financial year .

calf /kɑː f, [AM ] k� f/ (calves /kɑː vz, [AM ] k� vz/)

1 N‑COUNT A calf is a young cow.

2 N‑COUNT Some other young animals, including elephants and whales, are called calves .

3 N‑COUNT Your calf is the thick part at the back of your leg, between your ankle and your knee. □� �a calf injury.

ca lf-length ADJ [ADJ n] Calf-length skirts, dresses, and coats come to halfway between your knees and ankles. □� �a black, calf-length coat.

calf|skin /kɑː fsk I n, [AM ] k� f-/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Calfskin shoes and clothing are made from the skin of a calf. □� �calfskin boots.

cali|ber /k� l I bə r / →�see calibre

cali|brate /k� l I bre I t/ (calibrates , calibrating , calibrated )

1 VERB If you calibrate an instrument or tool, you mark or adjust it so that you can use it to measure something accurately. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] �instructions on how to calibrate a thermometer.

2 VERB If you calibrate something, you measure it accurately. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] �a way of calibrating the shift of opinion within the Labour Party. ●� cali|bra|tion (calibrations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the precise calibration of the achievement level of those observed.

cali|bre /k� l I bə r / (calibres ) in AM, use caliber1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] The calibreof a person is the quality or standard of their ability or intelligence, especially when this is high. □�[+�of ] I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The calibreof something is its quality, especially when it is good. □�[+�of ] The calibre of teaching was very high.

3 N‑COUNT [adj N ] The calibre of a gun is the width of the inside of its barrel. [TECHNICAL ] □� �a .22 calibre rifle.

cali|co /k� l I koʊ/ (calicoes ) N‑VAR Calico is plain white fabric made from cotton.

cali|per /k� l I pə r / (calipers ) also calliper

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft a pair of N ] Calipers are an instrument consisting of two long, thin pieces of metal joined together at one end, and are used to measure the size of things.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Calipers are devices consisting of metal rods held together by straps, which are used to support a person's legs when they cannot walk properly.

ca|liph /ke I l I f/ (caliphs ) also calif N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A caliph was a Muslim ruler. □� �the caliph of Baghdad.

cal|is|then|ics /k� l I sθe n I ks/ also callisthenics N‑PLURAL Calisthenics are simple exercises that you can do to keep fit and healthy.

call ◆◆◆ /kɔː l/ (calls , calling , called )

1 VERB If you call someone or something by a particular name or title, you give them that name or title. □�[V n n] 'Doctor�'�'Will you please call me Sarah?' □�[V n +�by ] Everybody called each other by their surnames. ●� called ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� There are two men called Buckley at the Home Office. □� �a device called an optical amplifier.

2 VERB If you call someone or something a particular thing, you suggest they are that thing or describe them as that thing. □�[V n n] The speech was interrupted by members of the Conservative Party, who called him a traitor. □�[V n adj] She calls me lazy and selfish. □�[V it adj to-inf] He called it particularly cynical to begin releasing the hostages on Christmas Day. □�[V pron-refl n] Anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist.

3 VERB If you call something, you say it in a loud voice, because you are trying to attract someone's attention. □�[V n] He could hear the others downstairs in different parts of the house calling his name. □�[V with quote] 'Boys!' she called again. ●�PHRASAL VERB Call out means the same as call . □�[V P n] The butcher's son called out a greeting. □�[V P with quote] The train stopped and a porter called out, 'Middlesbrough!' [Also V n P ]

4 VERB If you call someone, you telephone them. □�[V n] Would you call me as soon as you find out? □�[V n] A friend of mine gave me this number to call. □�[V ] 'May I speak with Mr Coyne, please?'�'May I ask who's calling?'

5 VERB If you call someone such as a doctor or the police, you ask them to come to you, usually by phoning them. □�[V n] He screamed for someone to call an ambulance. □�[be V -ed to-inf] One night he was called to see a woman with tuberculosis.

6 VERB If you call someone, you ask them to come to you by shouting to them. □�[V n] She called her young son: 'Here, Stephen, come and look at this!' □�[V n prep] He called me over the Tannoy.

7 N‑COUNT When you make a telephone call , you telephone someone. □�[+�to ] I made a phone call to the United States to talk to a friend. □�[+�from ] I've had hundreds of calls from other victims.

8 VERB If someone in authority calls something such as a meeting, rehearsal, or election, they arrange for it to take place at a particular time. □�[V n] The Committee decided to call a meeting of the All India Congress. □�[V n] The 79-year-old Swiss called a press conference in Zurich to announce his objections to the decision.

9 VERB [usu passive] If someone is called before a court or committee, they are ordered to appear there, usually to give evidence. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The child waited two hours before she was called to give evidence. □�[be V -ed prep] I was called as an expert witness. [Also be V -ed]

10 VERB If you call somewhere, you make a short visit there. □�[V prep/adv] A market researcher called at the house where he was living. □�[V ] Andrew now came almost weekly to call. ●�N‑COUNT Call is also a noun. □�[+�on ] He decided to pay a call on Tommy Cummings.

11 VERB When a train, bus, or ship calls somewhere, it stops there for a short time to allow people to get on or off. □�[V prep/adv] The steamer calls at several ports along the way.

12 VERB To call a game or sporting event means to cancel it, for example because of rain or bad light. [AM ] □�[V n] We called the next game.

13 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] If there is a callfor something, someone demands that it should happen. □�[+�for ] There have been calls for a new kind of security arrangement. □� Almost all workers heeded a call to stay at home during the strike.

14 N‑UNCOUNT If there is little or no call for something, very few people want it to be done or provided. □�[+�for ] 'Have you got just plain chocolate?'�'No, I'm afraid there's not much call for that.'

15 N‑SING [with poss] The callof something such as a place is the way it attracts or interests you strongly.

16 N‑COUNT The call of a particular bird or animal is the characteristic sound that it makes. □� �a wide range of animal noises and bird calls.

17 →�see also calling , so-called

18 PHRASE If you say that there is no call for someone to behave in a particular way, you are criticizing their behaviour, usually because you think it is rude. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There was no call for him to single you out from all the others.

19 PHRASE If someone is on call , they are ready to go to work at any time if they are needed, especially if there is an emergency. □� In theory I'm on call day and night. □� �a doctor on call.

20 PHRASE If you call in sick , you telephone the place where you work to tell them you will not be coming to work because you are ill. □� 'Shouldn't you be at work today?'�'I called in sick.'

21to call someone's bluff →�see bluff

22to call it a day →�see day

23to call a halt →�see halt

24to call something to mind →�see mind ➊

25call of nature →�see nature

26to call something your own →�see own

27to call something into question →�see question

28to call it quits →�see quit

29to call a spade a spade →�see spade

30to call the tune →�see tune

31too close to call →�see close ➋

▸� call back PHRASAL VERB If you call someone back , you telephone them again or in return for a telephone call that they have made to you. □�[V n P ] If we're not around she'll take a message and we'll call you back. [Also V P n (not pron)]

▸� call for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you call for someone, you go to the building where they are, so that you can both go somewhere. □�[V P n] I shall be calling for you at seven o'clock.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you call for something, you demand that it should happen. □�[V P n] They angrily called for Robinson's resignation.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something calls for a particular action or quality, it needs it or makes it necessary. □�[V P n] It's a situation that calls for a blend of delicacy and force.

▸� call in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you call someone in , you ask them to come and help you or do something for you. □�[V P n] Call in an architect or surveyor to oversee the work. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you call in somewhere, you make a short visit there. □�[V P ] He just calls in occasionally. □�[V P +�on ] I got into the habit of calling in on Gloria on my way home.

▸� call off PHRASAL VERB If you call off an event that has been planned, you cancel it. □�[V P n] He has called off the trip. □�[V n P ] The union threatened a strike but called it off at the last minute.

▸� call on or call upon

1 PHRASAL VERB If you call on someone to do something or call upon them to do it, you say publicly that you want them to do it. □�[V P n to-inf] One of Kenya's leading churchmen has called on the government to resign.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you call on someone or call upon someone, you pay them a short visit. □�[V P n] Sofia was intending to call on Miss Kitts.

▸� call out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you call someone out , you order or request that they come to help, especially in an emergency. □�[V P n] Colombia has called out the army and imposed emergency measures. □�[V n P ] I called the doctor out. □�[be V -ed P +�to ] The fire brigade should always be called out to a house fire.

2 →�see also call3

▸� call up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you call someone up , you telephone them. [mainly AM ] □�[V n P ] When I'm in Pittsburgh, I call him up. □�[V P n] He called up the museum. □�[V P ] Sometimes I'd even call up at 4 a.m.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone is called up , they are ordered to join the army, navy, or air force. □�[be V -ed P ] Youngsters coming up to university were being called up. □�[V P n] The United States has called up some 150,000 military reservists. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone is called up , they are chosen to play in a sports team. □�[be V -ed P ] He is likely to be called up for Thursday's match against Italy.

4 →�see also call-up

▸� call upon →�see call on USAGE call

Don�t use �as� with call . Don�t say, for example, � We decided to call our daughter as Hannah � or � They called him as a traitor �. Say 'They called him a traitor'. □� He called the report unfair.

call|back /kɔː lb�k/ (callbacks ) N‑COUNT A callback is an occasion when you are asked to return for a second interview for a job, or a second audition for a part in a show. □� Needless to say, the audition went badly, and I never got a callback.

ca ll box (call boxes ) also call-box

1 N‑COUNT A call box is the same as a telephone box . [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT A call box is a telephone in a box or case, often on a pole, that is at the side of a road and that you can use in emergencies. [mainly AM ]

ca ll cen|tre (call centres ) in AM, use call center N‑COUNT A call centre is an office where people work answering or making telephone calls for a particular company.

call|er /kɔː lə r / (callers )

1 N‑COUNT A caller is a person who is making a telephone call. □� An anonymous caller told police what had happened.

2 N‑COUNT A caller is a person who comes to see you for a short visit. □� She ushered her callers into a cluttered living-room.

ca ll girl (call girls ) N‑COUNT A call girl is a prostitute who makes appointments by telephone.

cal|lig|ra|pher /kəl I grəfə r / (calligraphers ) N‑COUNT A calligrapher is a person skilled in the art of calligraphy. □� She is a skilled calligrapher.

cal|lig|ra|phy /kəl I grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Calligraphy is the art of producing beautiful handwriting using a brush or a special pen.

ca ll-in (call-ins ) N‑COUNT A call-in is a programme on radio or television in which people telephone with questions or opinions and their calls are broadcast. [AM ] □� �a call-in show on Los Angeles radio station KABC. in BRIT, use phone-in

call|ing /kɔː l I ŋ/ (callings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A calling is a profession or career which someone is strongly attracted to, especially one which involves helping other people. □� He was a consultant physician, a serious man dedicated to his calling.

ca ll|ing card (calling cards ) N‑COUNT A calling card is a small card with personal information about you on it, such as your name and address, which you can give to people when you go to visit them. [mainly AM ]

cal|li|per /k� l I pə r / →�see caliper

cal|lis|then|ics /k� l I sθe n I ks/ →�see calisthenics

cal|lous /k� ləs/ ADJ A callous person or action is very cruel and shows no concern for other people or their feelings. □� �his callous disregard for human life. ●� cal|lous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the callousness of Raymond's murder. ●� cal|lous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She callously put her daughter's life in peril.

cal|loused /k� ləst/ also callused ADJ A foot or hand that is calloused is covered in calluses. □� �blunt, calloused fingers.

cal|low /k� loʊ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A callow young person has very little experience or knowledge of the way they should behave as an adult. □� �a callow youth.

ca ll sign (call signs ) N‑COUNT A call sign is the letters and numbers which identify a person, vehicle, or organization that is broadcasting on the radio or sending messages by radio.

ca ll-up (call-ups )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If a person gets their call-up papers, they receive an official order to join the armed forces.

2 N‑COUNT A call-up is an occasion on which people are ordered to report for service in the armed forces. □�[+�of ] The call-up of National Guard and reserve units begun in late August.

cal|lus /k� ləs/ (calluses ) N‑COUNT A callus is an unwanted area of thick skin, usually on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, which has been caused by something rubbing against it.

call wai t|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Call waiting is a telephone service that sends you a signal if another call arrives while you are already on the phone.

calm ◆◇◇ /kɑː m/ (calmer , calmest , calms , calming , calmed )

1 ADJ A calm person does not show or feel any worry, anger, or excitement. □� She is usually a calm and diplomatic woman. □� Try to keep calm and just tell me what happened. □� She sighed, then continued in a soft, calm voice. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Calm is also a noun. □� He felt a sudden sense of calm, of contentment. ●� calm|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Alan looked at him and said calmly, 'I don't believe you.'

2 VERB If you calm someone, you do something to make them feel less angry, worried, or excited. □�[V pron-refl] She was breathing quickly and tried to calm herself. □�[V n] Some people say smoking calms your nerves. ●� calm|ing ADJ □� �a fresh, cool fragrance which produces a very calming effect on the mind.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Calm is used to refer to a quiet, still, or peaceful atmosphere in a place. □�[+�of ] �the rural calm of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone says that a place is calm , they mean that it is free from fighting or public disorder, when trouble has recently occurred there or had been expected. [JOURNALISM ] □� The city of Sarajevo appears relatively calm today. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Calm is also a noun. □� Community and church leaders have appealed for calm and no retaliation.

5 VERB To calm a situation means to reduce the amount of trouble, violence, or panic there is. □�[V n] Mr Beazer tried to calm the protests.

6 ADJ If the sea or a lake is calm , the water is not moving very much and there are no big waves. □� �as we slid into the calm waters of Cowes Harbour.

7 ADJ Calm weather is pleasant weather with little or no wind. □� Tuesday was a fine, clear and calm day.

8 N‑COUNT In sailing, a flat calm or a dead calm is a condition of the sea or the weather in which there is very little wind or movement of the water. [TECHNICAL ]

9 VERB When the sea calms , it becomes still because the wind stops blowing strongly. When the wind calms , it stops blowing strongly. □�[V ] Dawn came, the sea calmed but the cold was as bitter as ever.

10 PHRASE You can use the calm before the storm to refer to a quiet period in which there is little or no activity, before a period in which there is a lot of trouble or intense activity.

▸� calm down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you calm down , or if someone calms you down , you become less angry, upset, or excited. □�[V P ] Calm down for a minute and listen to me. □�[V n P ] He needs to calm himself down and find a balance. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If things calm down , or someone or something calms things down , the amount of activity, trouble, or panic is reduced. □�[V P ] We will go back to normal when things calm down. □�[V n P ] Neil Howorth, director of the academy, tried to calm things down. COLLOCATIONS calm NOUN 3

adjective +�calm : eerie, preternatural, uneasy; relative; unruffled, Zen-like

verb +�calm : maintain, restore

calm|ly /kɑː mli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You can use calmly to emphasize that someone is behaving in a very controlled or ordinary way in a frightening or unusual situation. [WRITTEN , EMPHASIS ] □� The gunmen calmly walked away and escaped in a waiting car.

2 →�see also calm

Cal|or gas /k� lə r g�s/ N‑UNCOUNT Calor gas is gas in liquid form which is sold in special containers so that people can use it in places which are not connected to the gas supply, such as tents or caravans. [TRADEMARK ]

ca|lor|ic /kəlɔː r I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Caloric means relating to calories. □� �a daily caloric intake of from 400 to 1200 calories.

calo|rie /k� ləri/ (calories )

1 N‑COUNT Calories are units used to measure the energy value of food. People who are on diets try to eat food that does not contain many calories. □� A cafe latte does have quite a lot of calories. □� �calorie controlled diets.

2 →�see also -calorie

-calorie /-k� ləri/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -calorie is used after adjectives such as low or high to indicate that food contains a small or a large number of calories. □� �low-calorie margarine. □� �reduced-calorie mayonnaise.

calo|rif|ic /k� lər I f I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] The calorific value of something, or its calorific content, is the number of calories it contains. [TECHNICAL ] □� �food with a high calorific value.

cal|um|ny /k� ləmni/ (calumnies ) N‑VAR Calumny or a calumny is an untrue statement made about someone in order to reduce other people's respect and admiration for them. [FORMAL ] □� He was the victim of calumny.

calve /kɑː v, [AM ] k� v/ (calves , calving , calved )

1 VERB When a cow calves , it gives birth to a calf. □�[V ] When his cows calve each year he keeps one or two calves for his family.

2 VERB Some other female animals, including elephants and whales, are said to calve when they give birth to their young. □�[V ] The whales migrate some 6,000 miles to breed and calve in the warm lagoons.

3Calves is the plural of calf .

Cal|vin|ist /k� lv I n I st/ (Calvinists )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Calvinist means belonging or relating to a strict Protestant church started by John Calvin. □� �the Calvinist work ethic.

2 N‑COUNT A Calvinist is a member of the Calvinist church.

ca|lyp|so /kəl I psoʊ/ (calypsos ) N‑COUNT A calypso is a song about a current subject, sung in a style which originally comes from the West Indies.

ca|ma|ra|derie /k� mərɑː dəri, [AM ] kɑː m-/ N‑UNCOUNT Camaraderie is a feeling of trust and friendship among a group of people who have usually known each other for a long time or gone through some kind of experience together. □�[+�of ] �the loyalty and camaraderie of the wartime Army.

cam|ber /k� mbə r / (cambers ) N‑COUNT A camber is a gradual downward slope from the centre of a road to each side of it.

cam|cord|er /k� mkɔː r də r / (camcorders ) N‑COUNT A camcorder is a portable video camera which records both pictures and sound.

came /ke I m/ Came is the past tense of come .

cam|el /k� m ə l/ (camels )

1 N‑COUNT A camel is a large animal that lives in deserts and is used for carrying goods and people. Camels have long necks and one or two lumps on their backs called humps.

2the straw that broke the camel's back →�see straw

ca mel-hair The spellings camel hair , and in American English camel's hair , are also used. ADJ [ADJ n] A camel-hair coat is made of a kind of soft, thick woollen cloth, usually creamy-brown in colour.

ca|mel|lia /kəmiː liə/ (camellias ) N‑COUNT A camellia is a large bush that has shiny leaves and large white, pink, or red flowers similar to a rose.

Cam|em|bert /k� mɒmbeə r / (Camemberts ) N‑VAR Camembert is a type of cheese that comes from Northern France. It is soft and creamy with a white skin.

cameo /k� mioʊ/ (cameos )

1 N‑COUNT A cameo is a short description or piece of acting which expresses cleverly and neatly the nature of a situation, event, or person's character. □� He played a cameo role, that of a young cancer patient in hospital.

2 N‑COUNT A cameo is a piece of jewellery, usually oval in shape, consisting of a raised stone figure or design fixed on to a flat stone of another colour. □� �a cameo brooch.

cam|era ◆◆◇ /k� mrə/ (cameras )

1 N‑COUNT A camera is a piece of equipment that is used for taking photographs, making films, or producing television pictures. Many cameras are now included as part of other digital devices such as phones and tablets. □� Her gran lent her a camera for a school trip to Venice and Egypt. □� �a video camera. □� They were caught speeding by hidden cameras.

2 PHRASE If someone or something is on camera , they are being filmed. □� Just about anything could happen and we'll be there to catch it on camera when it does.

3 PHRASE If you do something or if something happens off camera , you do it or it happens when not being filmed. □� They were anything but friendly off-camera, refusing even to take the same lift. □� �off-camera interviews.

4 PHRASE If a trial is held in camera , the public and the press are not allowed to attend. [FORMAL ] □� This morning's appeal was held in camera.

camera|man /k� mrəm�n/ (cameramen ) N‑COUNT A cameraman is a person who operates a camera for television or film making.

ca m|era phone (camera phones ) N‑COUNT A camera phone is a mobile phone that can also take photographs.

ca mera-shy ADJ Someone who is camera-shy is nervous and uncomfortable about being filmed or about having their photograph taken.

camera|work /k� mrəwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT The camerawork in a film is the way it has been filmed, especially if the style is interesting or unusual in some way. □� The director employs sensuous, atmospheric camerawork and deft dramatic touches.

cami|sole /k� m I soʊl/ (camisoles ) N‑COUNT A camisole is a short piece of clothing that women wear on the top half of their bodies underneath a shirt or blouse, for example. □� �silk camisoles.

camo|mile /k� məma I l/ also chamomile N‑UNCOUNT Camomile is a scented plant with flowers like small daisies. The flowers can be used to make herbal tea.

camou|flage /k� məflɑːʒ/ (camouflages , camouflaging , camouflaged )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Camouflage consists of things such as leaves, branches, or brown and green paint, which are used to make it difficult for an enemy to see military forces and equipment. □� They were dressed in camouflage and carried automatic rifles. □� �a camouflage jacket.

2 VERB [usu passive] If military buildings or vehicles are camouflaged , things such as leaves, branches, or brown and green paint are used to make it difficult for an enemy to see them. □�[be V -ed] You won't see them from the air. They'd be very well camouflaged.

3 VERB If you camouflage something such as a feeling or a situation, you hide it or make it appear to be something different. □�[V n] I think that there has been an attempt to camouflage what really happened. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Camouflage is also a noun. □�[+�for ] The constant partygoing of her later years was a desperate camouflage for her grief.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Camouflage is the way in which some animals are coloured and shaped so that they cannot easily be seen in their natural surroundings.

camp ◆◆◇ /k� mp/ (camps , camping , camped )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A camp is a collection of huts and other buildings that is provided for a particular group of people, such as refugees, prisoners, or soldiers, as a place to live or stay. □� �a refugee camp. □� 2,500 foreign prisoners-of-war, including Americans, had been held in camps near Tambov.

2 N‑VAR A camp is an outdoor area with buildings, tents, or caravans where people stay on holiday.

3 N‑VAR A camp is a collection of tents or caravans where people are living or staying, usually temporarily while they are travelling. □� �gypsy camps. □� We'll make camp on that hill ahead.

4 VERB If you camp somewhere, you stay or live there for a short time in a tent or caravan, or in the open air. □�[V ] We camped near the beach. ●�PHRASAL VERB Camp out means the same as camp . □�[V P ] For six months they camped out in a caravan in a meadow at the back of the house. ●� camp|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�in ] They went camping in the wilds. □� �a camping trip.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of people who all support a particular person, policy, or idea as a particular camp . □� While the 'yes' camp remains in the lead, the jump in numbers of undecideds will cause alarm.

6 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour, performance, or style of dress as camp , you mean that it is exaggerated and amusing, often in a way that is thought to be typical of some male homosexuals. [INFORMAL ] □� James Barron turns in a delightfully camp performance. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Camp is also a noun. □� The video was seven minutes of high camp and melodrama.

7 →�see also aide-de-camp , camped , concentration camp , holiday camp , labour camp , prison camp , training camp

8 PHRASE If a performer camps it up , they deliberately perform in an exaggerated and often amusing way. [INFORMAL ]

▸� camp out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that people camp out somewhere in the open air, you are emphasizing that they stay there for a long time, because they are waiting for something to happen. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V P ] �reporters who had camped out in anticipation of her arrival.

2 →�see camp4 COLLOCATIONS camp NOUN

1

noun +�camp : detention, internment, labour, prison, refugee

2

noun +�camp : holiday, summer

3

verb +�camp : make, pitch, set up

cam|paign ◆◆◆ /k� mpe I n/ (campaigns , campaigning , campaigned )

1 N‑COUNT A campaign is a planned set of activities that people carry out over a period of time in order to achieve something such as social or political change. □� During his election campaign he promised to put the economy back on its feet. □�[+�against ] �the campaign against public smoking. [Also +�to-inf ]

2 VERB If someone campaignsfor something, they carry out a planned set of activities over a period of time in order to achieve their aim. □�[V +�for ] We are campaigning for law reform. □�[V to-inf] They have been campaigning to improve the legal status of women. [Also V ] [Also V against ]

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] In a war, a campaign is a series of planned movements carried out by armed forces. □� The allies are intensifying their air campaign.

4 →�see also advertising campaign COLLOCATIONS campaign NOUN 1

noun +�campaign : ad, awareness, marketing, poster; election, leadership, re-election, referendum; hate, smear

verb +�campaign : conduct, launch, mount, run; back, support

adjective +�campaign : effective, successful; presidential VERB 2

campaign+�adverb : relentlessly, tirelessly, vigorously, vociferously SYNONYMS campaign NOUN 1

drive:The ANC is about to launch a nationwide recruitment drive.

appeal:�an appeal to save a library containing priceless manuscripts.

push:They urged negotiators to make a final push to arrive at an agreement.

offensive:�a diplomatic offensive.

crusade:He made it his crusade to teach children to love books. VERB 2

crusade:�an adopted boy whose cause is taken up by a crusading lawyer.

press:Police might now press for changes in the law.

push:Germany is pushing for direct flights to be established.

cam|paign|er /k� mpe I nə r / (campaigners ) N‑COUNT A campaigner is a person who campaigns for social or political change. □� �anti-hunting campaigners. [Also +�for/against ]

ca mp bed (camp beds ) N‑COUNT A camp bed is a small bed that you can fold up. [BRIT ] in AM, use cot

camped /k� mpt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If people are camped or camped out somewhere in the open air, they are living, staying, or waiting there, often in tents. □� Most of the refugees are camped high in the mountains.

camp|er /k� mpə r / (campers )

1 N‑COUNT A camper is someone who is camping somewhere.

2 N‑COUNT A camper is the same as a camper van .

ca mp|er van (camper vans ) N‑COUNT A camper van is a van which is equipped with beds and cooking equipment so that you can live, cook, and sleep in it.

camp|fire /k� mpfa I ə r / (campfires ) also camp fire N‑COUNT A campfire is a fire that you light out of doors when you are camping.

ca mp fo l|low|er (camp followers ) also camp-follower

1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a camp follower , you mean that they do not officially belong to a particular group or movement but support it for their own advantage. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the Tory leader's friends and camp followers.

2 N‑COUNT Camp followers are people who travel with an army or other group, especially members of soldiers' families, or people who supply goods and services to the army.

camp|ground /k� mpgraʊnd/ (campgrounds ) N‑COUNT A campground is the same as a campsite . [mainly AM ]

cam|phor /k� mfə r / N‑UNCOUNT Camphor is a strong-smelling white substance used in various medicines, in mothballs, and in making plastics.

ca mp|ing site (camping sites ) N‑COUNT A camping site is the same as a campsite .

camp|site /k� mpsa I t/ (campsites ) N‑COUNT A campsite is a place where people who are on holiday can stay in tents.

cam|pus /k� mpəs/ (campuses ) N‑COUNT A campus is an area of land that contains the main buildings of a university or college. □� Private automobiles are not allowed on campus.

campy /k� mpi/ ADJ Campy means the same as camp . □� �a campy spy spoof.

cam|shaft /k� mʃɑːft, -ʃ�ft/ (camshafts ) N‑COUNT A camshaft is a rod in an engine and works to change circular motion into motion up and down or from side to side.

can

➊�MODAL USES

➋�CONTAINER

➊ can ◆◆◆ /kən, STRONG k�n/ Can is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. The form cannot is used in negative statements. The usual spoken form of cannot is can't , pronounced /kɑː nt, [AM ] k� nt/. 1 MODAL You use can when you are mentioning a quality or fact about something which people may make use of if they want to. □� Chicken is also the most versatile of meats. It can be roasted whole or in pieces. □� A central reservation number can direct you to accommodations that best suit your needs. □� A selected list of some of those stocking a comprehensive range can be found in Chapter 8.

2 MODAL You use can to indicate that someone has the ability or opportunity to do something. □� Don't worry yourself about me, I can take care of myself. □� I can't give you details because I don't actually have any details. □� See if you can find Karlov and tell him we are ready for dinner. □� 'You're needed here, Livy'�'But what can I do?'. □� Customers can choose from sixty hit titles before buying.

3 MODAL You use cannot to indicate that someone is not able to do something because circumstances make it impossible for them to do it. □� We cannot buy food, clothes and pay for rent and utilities on $20 a week. □� She cannot sleep and the pain is often so bad she wants to scream.

4 MODAL You use can to indicate that something is true sometimes or is true in some circumstances. □� �long-term therapy that can last five years or more. □� Exercising alone can be boring. □� Coral can be yellow, blue, or green.

5 MODAL You use cannot and can't to state that you are certain that something is not the case or will not happen. □� From her knowledge of Douglas's habits, she feels sure that the attacker can't have been Douglas. □� Things can't be that bad. □� You can't be serious, Mrs Lorimer?

6 MODAL You use can to indicate that someone is allowed to do something. You use cannot or can't to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something. □� You must buy the credit life insurance before you can buy the disability insurance. □� Here, can I really have your jeans when you grow out of them? □� We can't answer any questions, I'm afraid.

7 MODAL You use cannot or can't when you think it is very important that something should not happen or that someone should not do something. [EMPHASIS ] □� It is an intolerable situation and it can't be allowed to go on. □� The committee can't demand from her more than it demands from its own members.

8 MODAL You use can , usually in questions, in order to make suggestions or to offer to do something. □� This old lady was struggling out of the train and I said, 'Oh, can I help you?'. □� Hello John. What can we do for you? □� You can always try the beer you know�it's usually all right in this bar.

9 MODAL You use can in questions in order to make polite requests. You use can't in questions in order to request strongly that someone does something. [POLITENESS ] □� Can I have a look at that? □� Can you please help? □� Can you fill in some of the details of your career? □� Why can't you leave me alone?

10 MODAL You use can as a polite way of interrupting someone or of introducing what you are going to say next. [FORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� Can I interrupt you just for a minute? □� But if I can interrupt, Joe, I don't think anybody here is personally blaming you.

11 MODAL You use can with verbs such as 'imagine', 'think', and 'believe' in order to emphasize how you feel about a particular situation. [INFORMAL or SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� You can imagine he was terribly upset. □� You can't think how glad I was to see them all go.

12 MODAL You use can in questions with 'how' to indicate that you feel strongly about something. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� How can you complain about higher taxes? □� How can you say such a thing? □� How can you expect me to believe your promises?

➋ can /k� n/ (cans , canning , canned )

1 N‑COUNT A can is a metal container in which something such as food, drink, or paint is put. The container is usually sealed to keep the contents fresh. □� �empty beer cans. □�[+�of ] �cans of paint and brushes.

2 VERB [usu passive] When food or drink is canned , it is put into a metal container and sealed so that it will remain fresh. □�[be V -ed] �fruits and vegetables that will be canned, skinned, diced or otherwise processed. □�[V -ed] It was always roast lamb and canned peas for Sunday lunch.

3 N‑SING The can is the toilet. [AM , INFORMAL ]

4 VERB If you are canned , you are dismissed from your job. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The extremists prevailed, and the security minister was canned.

5 →�see also canned

Ca|na|dian /kəne I diən/ (Canadians )

1 ADJ Canadian means belonging or relating to Canada, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Canadian is a Canadian citizen, or a person of Canadian origin.

ca|nal /kən� l/ (canals )

1 N‑COUNT A canal is a long, narrow stretch of water that has been made for boats to travel along or to bring water to a particular area. □� �the Grand Union Canal. □� �Venetian canals and bridges.

2 N‑COUNT A canal is a narrow tube inside your body for carrying food, air, or other substances. □� �delaying the food's progress through the alimentary canal.

ca|na l boat (canal boats ) N‑COUNT A canal boat is a long, narrow boat used for travelling on canals.

cana|p� /k� nəpe I / (canap�s ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Canap�s are small pieces of biscuit or toast with food such as meat, cheese, or p�t� on top. They are often served with drinks at parties.

ca|nard /k� nɑː r d, [AM ] kənɑː rd/ (canards ) N‑COUNT A canard is an idea or a piece of information that is false, especially one that is spread deliberately in order to harm someone or their work. □� The charge that Harding was a political stooge may be a canard.

ca|nary /kəneə ri/ (canaries ) N‑COUNT Canaries are small yellow birds which sing beautifully and are often kept as pets.

ca|na ry ye l|low COLOUR Something that is canary yellow is a light yellow in colour. □� �a canary yellow dress.

ca n-can N‑SING Thecan-can is a dance in which women kick their legs in the air to fast music. □� �can-can dancers from the Moulin Rouge.

can|cel ◆◇◇ /k� ns ə l/ (cancels , cancelling , cancelled ) in AM, use canceling , canceled1 VERB If you cancel something that has been arranged, you stop it from happening. If you cancel an order for goods or services, you tell the person or organization supplying them that you no longer wish to receive them. □�[V n] She cancelled her visit to Japan. □�[be V -ed] Many trains have been cancelled and a limited service is operating on other lines. □�[V ] There is normally no refund should a client choose to cancel. ●� can|cel|la|tion /k� nsəle I ʃ ə n/ (cancellations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The cancellation of the Royal Film Performance is indeed a real shame. □�[+�on ] �passengers who suffer delays and cancellations on planes, trains, ferries and buses.

2 VERB If someone in authority cancels a document, an insurance policy, or a debt, they officially declare that it is no longer valid or no longer legally exists. □�[V n] He intends to try to leave the country, in spite of a government order cancelling his passport. □�[be V -ed +�by] She learned her insurance had been canceled by Pacific Mutual Insurance Company. ●� can|cel|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a march by groups calling for cancellation of Third World debt.

3 VERB To cancel a stamp or a cheque means to mark it to show that it has already been used and cannot be used again. □�[V n] The new device can also cancel the check after the transaction is complete. □�[V -ed] �cancelled stamps.

▸� cancel out PHRASAL VERB If one thing cancels out another thing, the two things have opposite effects, so that when they are combined no real effect is produced. □�[V n P ] He wonders if the different influences might not cancel each other out. □�[be V -ed P +�by] The goal was cancelled out just before half-time by Craig McLurg. [Also V P n] SYNONYMS cancel VERB 1

call off:He has called off the trip.

scrap:It had been thought that passport controls would be scrapped.

abandon:The authorities have abandoned any attempt to distribute food.

abort:The decision was made to abort the mission.

can|cer ◆◆◇ /k� nsə r / (cancers ) N‑VAR [oft n N ] Cancer is a serious disease in which cells in a person's body increase rapidly in an uncontrolled way, producing abnormal growths. □� Her mother died of breast cancer. □� Ninety per cent of lung cancers are caused by smoking.

Can|cer (Cancers )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cancer is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a crab. People who are born approximately between the 21st of June and the 22nd of July come under this sign.

2 N‑COUNT A Cancer is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Cancer.

can|cer|ous /k� nsərəs/ ADJ Cancerous cells or growths are cells or growths that are the result of cancer. □� �production of cancerous cells. □� Nine out of ten lumps are not cancerous.

can|de|la|bra /k� ndəlɑː brə/ (candelabras ) N‑COUNT A candelabra is an ornamental holder for two or more candles.

can|de|la|brum /k� ndəlɑː brəm/ (candelabra ) N‑COUNT A candelabrum is the same as a candelabra .

can|did /k� nd I d/

1 ADJ When you are candid about something or with someone, you speak honestly. □�[+�with ] I haven't been completely candid with him. □� �a candid interview.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A candid photograph of someone is one that was taken when the person did not know they were being photographed.

can|di|da|cy /k� nd I dəsi/ (candidacies ) N‑VAR [oft with poss] Someone's candidacy is their position of being a candidate in an election. □�[+�for ] Today he is formally announcing his candidacy for President.

can|di|date ◆◆◇ /k� nd I de I t/ (candidates )

1 N‑COUNT A candidate is someone who is being considered for a position, for example someone who is running in an election or applying for a job. □� The Democratic candidate is still leading in the polls. □� We all spoke to them and John emerged as the best candidate.

2 N‑COUNT A candidate is someone who is taking an examination. [BRIT ]

3 N‑COUNT A candidate is someone who is studying for a degree at a college. [AM ]

4 N‑COUNT A candidate is a person or thing that is regarded as being suitable for a particular purpose or as being likely to do or be a particular thing. □�[+�for ] Those who are overweight or indulge in high-salt diets are candidates for hypertension. COLLOCATIONS candidate NOUN 1

noun +�candidate : leadership

adjective +�candidate : external, internal; favoured, preferred; likely, obvious, potential, prospective, suitable; mayoral, parliamentary, presidential; vice-presidential

verb +�candidate : field, put up, select, stand as; interview SYNONYMS candidate NOUN 1

contender:She will be a strong contender for a place in Britain's gymnastics squad.

competitor:Blocker, one of the oldest competitors, won the individual silver medal.

contestant:The five remaining contestants enter the quarter finals.

rival:The world champion finished two seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

can|di|da|ture /k� nd I dətʃə r / (candidatures ) N‑VAR [usu poss N ] Candidature means the same as candidacy . [BRIT , FORMAL ]

can|died /k� ndid/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Food such as candied fruit has been covered with sugar or has been cooked in sugar syrup. □� �candied orange peel.

can|dle /k� nd ə l/ (candles )

1 N‑COUNT A candle is a stick of hard wax with a piece of string called a wick through the middle. You light the wick in order to give a steady flame that provides light. □� The bedroom was lit by a single candle.

2 PHRASE If you burn the candle at both ends , you try to do too many things in too short a period of time so that you have to stay up very late at night and get up very early in the morning to get them done.

candle|light /k� nd ə lla I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Candlelight is the light that a candle produces. □� They dined by candlelight.

candle|lit /k� nd ə ll I t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A candlelit room or table is lit by the light of candles. □� �a candlelit dinner for two.

candle|stick /k� nd ə lst I k/ (candlesticks ) N‑COUNT A candlestick is a narrow object with a hole at the top which holds a candle.

ca n-do ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone has a can-do attitude, you approve of them because they are confident and willing to deal with problems or new tasks, rather than complaining or giving up. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� He is known for his optimistic can-do attitude.

can|dour /k� ndə r / in AM, use candor N‑UNCOUNT Candour is the quality of speaking honestly and openly about things. □� �a brash, forceful man, noted both for his candour and his quick temper.

can|dy /k� ndi/ (candies ) N‑VAR Candy is sweet foods such as toffees or chocolate. [AM ] □� �a piece of candy. □� �a large box of candies. in BRIT, usually use sweets

ca n|dy bar (candy bars ) N‑COUNT A candy bar is a long, thin, sweet food, usually covered in chocolate. [AM ]

candy|floss /k� ndiflɒs, [AM ] -flɔːs/ also candy-floss

1 N‑UNCOUNT Candyfloss is a large pink or white mass of sugar threads that is eaten from a stick. It is sold at fairs or other outdoor events. [BRIT ] in AM, use cotton candy2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] If you think something such as a CD or film has no real value, you can say that it is candyfloss . [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� She took to writing candyfloss romances.

cane /ke I n/ (canes )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Cane is used to refer to the long, hollow, hard stems of plants such as bamboo. Strips of cane are often used to make furniture, and some types of cane can be crushed and processed to make sugar. □� �cane furniture. □� �cane sugar. □� Bamboo produces an annual crop of cane. □� Dig out and burn infected canes.

2 N‑COUNT A cane is a long thin stick with a curved or round top which you can use to support yourself when you are walking, or which in the past was fashionable to carry with you.

3 N‑COUNT A cane is a long, thin, flexible stick which in the past was used to hit people, especially children at school, as a punishment. □� Until the 1980s, some criminals were still flogged with a rattan cane as a punishment. ●�N‑SING The cane is used to refer to the punishment of being hit with a cane.

4 →�see also sugar cane

ca|nine /ke I na I n/ ADJ [ADJ n] Canine means relating to dogs. □� �research into canine diseases.

can|is|ter /k� n I stə r / (canisters )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A canister is a strong metal container. It is used to hold gases or chemical substances. □� Riot police hurled tear gas canisters and smoke bombs into the crowd. □�[+�of ] �canisters of commercial fuel.

2 N‑COUNT A canister is a metal, plastic, or china container with a lid. It is used for storing food such as sugar and flour.

3 N‑COUNT A canister is a flat round container. It is usually made of metal and is used to store photographic film.

can|ker /k� ŋkə r / (cankers )

1 N‑COUNT A canker is something evil that spreads and affects things or people. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the canker of jealousy.

2 N‑VAR Canker is a disease which affects the wood of shrubs and trees, making the outer layer come away to expose the inside of the stem. □� In gardens, cankers are most prominent on apple and pear trees.

can|na|bis /k� nəb I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Cannabis is the hemp plant when it is used as a drug.

canned /k� nd/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Canned music, laughter, or applause on a television or radio programme has been recorded beforehand and is added to the programme to make it sound as if there is a live audience.

2 →�see also can ➋

can|nel|lo|ni /k� nəloʊ ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Cannelloni is large tube-shaped pieces of pasta that contain a filling of meat, cheese, or vegetables.

can|nery /k� nəri/ (canneries ) N‑COUNT A cannery is a factory where food is canned.

can|ni|bal /k� n I b ə l/ (cannibals ) N‑COUNT Cannibals are people who eat the flesh of other human beings. □� �a tropical island inhabited by cannibals.

can|ni|bal|ism /k� n I bəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If a group of people practise cannibalism , they eat the flesh of other people.

can|ni|bal|is|tic /k� n I bəl I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cannibalistic people and practices are connected with cannibalism. □� �lurid cannibalistic feasts.

can|ni|bal|ize /k� n I bəla I z/ (cannibalizes , cannibalizing , cannibalized ) in BRIT, also use cannibalise1 VERB If you cannibalize something, you take it to pieces and use it to make something else. □�[V n] They cannibalized damaged planes for the parts.

2 VERB If one of a company's products cannibalizes the company's sales, people buy it instead of any of the company's other products. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] A website need not cannibalise existing sales.

can|non /k� nən/ (cannons )

1 N‑COUNT A cannon is a large gun, usually on wheels, which used to be used in battles.

2 N‑COUNT A cannon is a heavy automatic gun, especially one that is fired from an aircraft.

3 PHRASE If someone is a loose cannon , they do whatever they want and nobody can predict what they are going to do. □� Max is a loose cannon politically.

4 →�see also water cannon

can|non|ade /k� nəne I d/ (cannonades ) N‑COUNT A cannonade is an intense continuous attack of gunfire. □� �the distant thunder of a cannonade.

cannon|ball /k� nənbɔːl/ (cannonballs ) also cannon ball N‑COUNT A cannonball is a heavy metal ball that is fired from a cannon.

ca n|non fod|der also cannon-fodder N‑UNCOUNT If someone in authority regards people they are in charge of as cannon fodder , they do not care if these people are harmed or lost in the course of their work. □� The conscripts were treated as cannon fodder.

can|not ◆◇◇ /k� nɒt, kənɒ t/ Cannot is the negative form of can .

can|ny /k� ni/ (cannier , canniest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A canny person is clever and able to think quickly. You can also describe a person's behaviour as canny . □� He was far too canny to risk giving himself away.

ca|noe /kənuː / (canoes ) N‑COUNT A canoe is a small, narrow boat that you move through the water using a stick with a wide end called a paddle.

ca|noe|ing /kənuː I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Canoeing is the sport of using and racing a canoe. □� They went canoeing in the wilds of Canada.

ca|noe|ist /kənuː I st/ (canoeists ) N‑COUNT A canoeist is someone who is skilled at racing and performing tests of skill in a canoe.

can|on /k� nən/ (canons )

1 N‑COUNT A canon is a member of the clergy who is on the staff of a cathedral.

2 N‑COUNT A canon of texts is a list of them that is accepted as genuine or important. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He had to read a canon of accepted literary texts. □� �the Irish literary canon.

ca|noni|cal /kənɒ n I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] If something has canonical status, it is accepted as having all the qualities that a thing of its kind should have. □� �Ballard's status as a canonical writer.

can|on|ize /k� nəna I z/ (canonizes , canonizing , canonized ) in BRIT, also use canonise VERB [usu passive] If a dead person is canonized , it is officially announced by the Catholic Church that he or she is a saint. □�[be V -ed] Joan of Arc was finally canonized by Pope Benedict XV in 1920.

ca n|on la w N‑UNCOUNT Canon law is the law of the Christian Church. It has authority only for that church and its members. □� The Church's canon law forbids remarriage of divorced persons.

ca|noo|dle /kənuː d ə l/ (canoodles , canoodling , canoodled ) VERB If two people are canoodling , they are kissing and holding each other a lot. [mainly OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V +�with ] He was seen canoodling with his new girlfriend. [Also V ]

ca n open|er (can openers ) N‑COUNT A can opener is the same as a tin opener .

cano|pied /k� nəpid/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A canopied building or piece of furniture is covered with a roof or a piece of material supported by poles. □� �a canopied Elizabethan bed.

cano|py /k� nəpi/ (canopies )

1 N‑COUNT A canopy is a decorated cover, often made of cloth, which is placed above something such as a bed or a seat.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A canopy is a layer of something that spreads out and covers an area, for example the branches and leaves that spread out at the top of trees in a forest. □� The trees formed such a dense canopy that all beneath was a deep carpet of pine-needles.

cant /k� nt/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to moral or religious statements as cant , you are criticizing them because you think the person making them does not really believe what they are saying. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �politicians holding forth with their usual hypocritical cant.

can't /kɑː nt, [AM ] k� nt/ Can't is the usual spoken form of 'cannot'.

can|ta|loupe /k� ntəluːp, [AM ] -loʊp/ (cantaloupes ) also cantaloup N‑COUNT A cantaloupe is a type of melon .

can|tan|ker|ous /k�nt� ŋkərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is cantankerous is always finding things to argue or complain about. [WRITTEN ] □� �a cantankerous old man.

can|ta|ta /k�ntɑː tə/ (cantatas ) N‑COUNT A cantata is a fairly short musical work for singers and instruments.

can|teen /k�ntiː n/ (canteens )

1 N‑COUNT A canteen is a place in a factory, shop, or college where meals are served to the people who work or study there. □� �a school canteen. □� �canteen food.

2 N‑COUNT A canteen is a small plastic bottle for carrying water and other drinks. Canteens are used by soldiers. □�[+�of ] �a full canteen of water.

3 N‑COUNT A canteenof cutlery is a set of knives, forks, and spoons in a specially designed box.

can|ter /k� ntə r / (canters , cantering , cantered ) VERB When a horse canters , it moves at a speed that is slower than a gallop but faster than a trot. □�[V +�into , V prep/adv] The competitors cantered into the arena to conclude the closing ceremony. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Canter is also a noun. □� Carnac set off at a canter.

can|ti|lever /k� nt I liːvə r / (cantilevers ) N‑COUNT A cantilever is a long piece of metal or wood used in a structure such as a bridge. One end is fastened to something and the other end is used to support part of the structure. □� �the old steel cantilever bridge.

can|ti|levered /k� nt I liːvə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cantilevered structure is constructed using cantilevers. □� �a cantilevered balcony.

can|ton /k� ntɒn/ (cantons ) N‑COUNT A canton is a political or administrative region in some countries, for example Switzerland. □� �the Swiss canton of Berne.

Can|ton|ese /k� ntəniː z/ (Cantonese )

1 ADJ Cantonese means belonging or relating to the Chinese provinces of Canton (Guangdong in Mandarin).

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The Cantonese are the people who come from the Chinese provinces of Canton (Guangdong in Mandarin).

3 N‑UNCOUNT Cantonese is the language spoken in the Chinese provinces of Guango, Kwansai, and Hong Kong, as well as in other parts of the world.

can|ton|ment /k�ntuː nmənt, [AM ] -toʊ n-/ (cantonments ) N‑COUNT A cantonment is a group of buildings or a camp where soldiers live.

can|vas /k� nvəs/ (canvases )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Canvas is a strong, heavy cloth that is used for making things such as tents, sails, and bags. □� �a canvas bag.

2 N‑VAR A canvas is a piece of canvas or similar material on which an oil painting can be done.

3 N‑COUNT A canvas is a painting that has been done on canvas. □�[+�by ] The show includes canvases by masters like Carpaccio, Canaletto and Guardi.

can|vass /k� nvəs/ (canvasses , canvassing , canvassed )

1 VERB If you canvassfor a particular person or political party, you go around an area trying to persuade people to vote for that person or party. □�[V +�for ] I'm canvassing for the Conservative Party. ●� can|vass|er (canvassers ) N‑COUNT □� �a Conservative canvasser.

2 VERB If you canvass public opinion, you find out how people feel about a particular subject. □�[V n] Members of Parliament are spending the weekend canvassing opinion in their constituencies.

can|yon /k� njən/ (canyons ) N‑COUNT A canyon is a long, narrow valley with very steep sides. □� �the Grand Canyon.

cap ◆◇◇ /k� p/ (caps , capping , capped )

1 N‑COUNT A cap is a soft, flat hat with a curved part at the front which is called a peak. Caps are usually worn by men and boys. □� �a dark-blue baseball cap.

2 N‑COUNT A cap is a special hat which is worn as part of a uniform. □� �a frontier guard in olive-grey uniform and a peaked cap.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a sports player is capped , they are chosen to represent their country in a team game such as football, rugby, or cricket. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] Rees, 32, has been capped for England 23 times. □�[V -ed] �England's most capped rugby union player.

4 N‑COUNT If a sports player represents their country in a team game such as football, rugby, or cricket, you can say that they have been awarded a cap . [BRIT ] □�[+�for ] He will win his first cap for Wales in Sunday's Test match against Australia.

5 VERB If the government caps an organization, council, or budget, it limits the amount of money that the organization or council is allowed to spend, or limits the size of the budget. □�[V n] The Secretary of State for Environment has the power to cap councils which spend excessively.

6 N‑COUNT The cap of a bottle is its lid. □�[+�of ] She unscrewed the cap of her water bottle and gave him a drink.

7 N‑COUNT A cap is a circular rubber device that a woman places inside her vagina to prevent herself from becoming pregnant. [BRIT ]

8 VERB If someone says that a good or bad event caps a series of events, they mean it is the final event in the series, and the other events were also good or bad. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The win capped a fine tournament for the Irish team.

9 VERB [usu passive] If someone's teeth are capped , covers are fixed over them so that they look better. □�[be V -ed] He suddenly smiled, revealing teeth that had recently been capped. □�[have n V -ed] I had my teeth capped.

10 →�see also ice cap

ca|pa|bil|ity /ke I pəb I l I ti/ (capabilities )

1 N‑VAR [oft adj N , N to-inf] If you have the capability or the capabilities to do something, you have the ability or the qualities that are necessary to do it. □� People experience differences in physical and mental capability depending on the time of day. □� The standards set four years ago will be far below the athletes' capabilities now.

2 N‑VAR [usu adj N , N to-inf] A country's military capability is its ability to fight in a war. □� Their military capability has been reduced.

ca|pable ◆◇◇ /ke I pəb ə l/

1 ADJ If a person or thing is capable of doing something, they have the ability to do it. □�[+�of ] He appeared hardly capable of conducting a coherent conversation. □�[+�of ] The kitchen is capable of catering for several hundred people.

2 ADJ Someone who is capable has the skill or qualities necessary to do a particular thing well, or is able to do most things well. □� She's a very capable speaker. □� Sam was a highly capable manager. ●� ca|pably /ke I pəbli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Happily it was all dealt with very capably by the police and security people. SYNONYMS capable ADJ 2

accomplished:She is an accomplished painter.

competent:He was a loyal, distinguished and very competent civil servant.

skilful:He is widely regarded as Hungary's most skilful politician.

adept:He is an adept guitar player.

proficient:A great number of Egyptians are proficient in foreign languages.

able:�one of the brightest and ablest members of the government.

ca|pa|cious /kəpe I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is capacious has a lot of space to put things in. [FORMAL ] □� �her capacious handbag.

ca|paci|tor /kəp� s I tə r / (capacitors ) N‑COUNT A capacitor is a device for accumulating electric charge.

ca|pac|ity ◆◇◇ /kəp� s I ti/ (capacities )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss, N to-inf] Your capacityfor something is your ability to do it, or the amount of it that you are able to do. □�[+�for ] Our capacity for giving care, love and attention is limited. □� Her mental capacity and temperament are as remarkable as his. □� �people's creative capacities.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The capacity of something such as a factory, industry, or region is the quantity of things that it can produce or deliver with the equipment or resources that are available. □� Bread factories are working at full capacity. □� The region is valued for its coal and vast electricity-generating capacity.

3 N‑COUNT The capacity of a piece of equipment is its size or power, often measured in particular units. □�[+�of ] �an aircraft with a bomb-carrying capacity of 454 kg.

4 N‑VAR The capacity of a container is its volume, or the amount of liquid it can hold, measured in units such as litres or gallons. □�[+�of ] �the fuel tanks, which had a capacity of 140 litres. □� Grease 6 ramekin dishes of 150 ml (5�6 fl oz) capacity.

5 N‑SING [oft to N ] The capacity of a building, place, or vehicle is the number of people or things that it can hold. If a place is filled to capacity , it is as full as it can possibly be. □�[+�of ] Each stadium had a seating capacity of about 50,000. □� Toronto hospital maternity wards were filled to capacity.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A capacity crowd or audience completely fills a theatre, sports stadium, or other place. □� A capacity crowd of 76,000 people was at Wembley football stadium for the event.

7 N‑COUNT [in N ] If you do something in a particular capacity , you do it as part of a particular job or duty, or because you are representing a particular organization or person. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�as ] She visited the Philippines in her capacity as a Special Representative of Unicef. □� This article is written in a personal capacity. COLLOCATIONS capacity NOUN

1

adjective +�capacity : creative, earning, intellectual, mental; diminished, limited

verb +�capacity : boost, develop

2

adjective +�capacity : full, maximum, spare; productive

verb +�capacity : boost, expand, increase; reduce

3

noun +�capacity : engine, fuel

4

noun +�capacity : lung, storage SYNONYMS capacity NOUN 1

ability:He has the ability to bring out the best in others.

facility:He and Marcia shared a facility for languages.

aptitude:Some students have more aptitude for academic work than others.

capability:People experience differences in mental capability depending on the time of day.

cape /ke I p/ (capes )

1 N‑COUNT A cape is a large piece of land that sticks out into the sea from the coast. □� In 1978, Naomi James became the first woman to sail solo around the world via Cape Horn.

2 N‑COUNT A cape is a short cloak. □� �a woollen cape.

ca|per /ke I pə r / (capers , capering , capered )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Capers are the small green buds of caper plants. They are usually sold preserved in vinegar.

2 VERB If you caperabout , you run and jump around because you are happy or excited. □�[V adv/prep] They were capering about, shouting and laughing.

ca|pil|lary /kəp I ləri, [AM ] k� pəleri/ (capillaries ) N‑COUNT Capillaries are tiny blood vessels in your body.

capi|tal ◆◆◆ /k� p I t ə l/ (capitals )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Capital is a large sum of money which you use to start a business, or which you invest in order to make more money. [BUSINESS ] □� Companies are having difficulty in raising capital. □� A large amount of capital is invested in all these branches.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] You can use capital to refer to buildings or machinery which are necessary to produce goods or to make companies more efficient, but which do not make money directly. [BUSINESS ] □� �capital equipment that could have served to increase production. □� �capital investment.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Capital is the part of an amount of money borrowed or invested which does not include interest. [BUSINESS ] □� With a conventional repayment mortgage, the repayments consist of both capital and interest.

4 N‑COUNT The capital of a country is the city or town where its government or parliament meets. □�[+�of ] �Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

5 N‑COUNT If a place is thecapitalof a particular industry or activity, it is the place that is most famous for it, because it happens in that place more than anywhere else. □�[+�of ] Colmar has long been considered the capital of the wine trade. □�[+�of ] �New York, the fashion capital of the world.

6 N‑COUNT Capitals or capital letters are written or printed letters in the form which is used at the beginning of sentences or names. 'T', 'B', and 'F' are capitals. □� The name and address are written in capitals.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] A capital offence is one that is so serious that the person who commits it can be punished by death. □� Espionage is a capital offence in this country. □� �Americans wrongly convicted of capital crimes.

8 →�see also working capital

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is making capital out of a situation, you disapprove of the way they are gaining an advantage for themselves through other people's efforts or bad luck. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He rebuked the President for trying to make political capital out of the hostage situation.

ca pi|tal ac|cou nt (capital accounts )

1 N‑COUNT A country's capital account is the part of its balance of payments that is concerned with the movement of capital.

2 N‑COUNT A capital account is a financial statement showing the capital value of a company on a particular date. [BUSINESS ]

ca pi|tal gai ns N‑PLURAL Capital gains are the profits that you make when you buy something and then sell it again at a higher price. [BUSINESS ] □� He called for the reform of capital gains tax.

ca pi|tal goods N‑PLURAL Capital goods are used to make other products. Compare consumer goods . [BUSINESS ]

ca pi|tal i n|flow (capital inflows ) N‑VAR In economics, capital inflow is the amount of capital coming into a country, for example in the form of foreign investment. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�into ] �a large drop in the capital inflow into America.

ca pital-inte nsive ADJ Capital-intensive industries and businesses need the investment of large sums of money. Compare labour-intensive . [BUSINESS ]

capi|tal|ise /k� p I təla I z/ →�see capitalize

capi|tal|ism /k� p I təl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Capitalism is an economic and political system in which property, business, and industry are owned by private individuals and not by the state. □� �the return of capitalism to Hungary.

capi|tal|ist /k� p I təl I st/ (capitalists )

1 ADJ A capitalist country or system supports or is based on the principles of capitalism. □� I'm a strong believer in the capitalist system. □� �capitalist economic theory.

2 N‑COUNT A capitalist is someone who believes in and supports the principles of capitalism. □� �relations between capitalists and workers.

3 N‑COUNT A capitalist is someone who owns a business which they run in order to make a profit for themselves. □� In general, industrialization relied heavily on private capitalists, who built the new factories and offices.

capi|tal|ist|ic /k� p I təl I st I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Capitalistic means supporting or based on the principles of capitalism. □� �the forces of capitalistic greed. □� �capitalistic economic growth.

capi|tal|ize /k� p I təla I z/ (capitalizes , capitalizing , capitalized ) in BRIT, also use capitalise1 VERB If you capitalizeon a situation, you use it to gain some advantage for yourself. □�[V +�on/upon ] The rebels seem to be trying to capitalize on the public's discontent with the government.

2 VERB In business, if you capitalize something that belongs to you, you sell it in order to make money. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] Our intention is to capitalize the company by any means we can. □�[be V -ed +�at ] The company will be capitalized at �2 million. ●� capi|tali|za|tion /k� p I təla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a massive capitalization programme.

ca pi|tal le t|ter (capital letters ) N‑COUNT Capital letters are the same as capitals .

ca pi|tal pu n|ish|ment N‑UNCOUNT Capital punishment is punishment which involves the legal killing of a person who has committed a serious crime such as murder. □� Most democracies have abolished capital punishment.

ca|pitu|late /kəp I tʃʊle I t/ (capitulates , capitulating , capitulated ) VERB If you capitulate , you stop resisting and do what someone else wants you to do. □�[V ] The club eventually capitulated and now grants equal rights to women. □�[V +�to ] In less than two hours Cohen capitulated to virtually every demand.

ca|pon /ke I pən/ (capons ) N‑COUNT A capon is a male chicken that has had its sex organs removed and has been specially fattened up to be eaten.

cap|puc|ci|no /k� pətʃiː noʊ/ (cappuccinos ) N‑UNCOUNT Cappuccino is coffee which is made using milk and has froth and sometimes powdered chocolate on top. ●�N‑COUNT A cappuccino is a cup of cappuccino.

ca|price /k�priː s/ (caprices ) N‑VAR A caprice is an unexpected action or decision which has no strong reason or purpose. [FORMAL ] □� I lived in terror of her sudden caprices and moods.

ca|pri|cious /k�pr I ʃəs/ ADJ Someone who is capricious often changes their mind unexpectedly. □� The Union accused him of being capricious and undemocratic.

Cap|ri|corn /k� pr I kɔː r n/ (Capricorns )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Capricorn is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a goat. People who are born approximately between the 22nd of December and the 19th of January come under this sign.

2 N‑COUNT A Capricorn is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Capricorn.

cap|si|cum /k� ps I kəm/ (capsicums ) N‑VAR Capsicums are peppers .

cap|size /k�psa I z, [AM ] k� psa I z/ (capsizes , capsizing , capsized ) VERB If you capsize a boat or if it capsizes , it turns upside down in the water. □�[V ] The sea got very rough and the boat capsized. □�[V n] I didn't count on his capsizing the raft.

cap|stan /k� pstən/ (capstans ) N‑COUNT A capstan is a machine consisting of a drum that turns round and pulls in a heavy rope or something attached to a rope, for example an anchor.

cap|sule /k� psjuːl, [AM ] k� ps ə l/ (capsules )

1 N‑COUNT A capsule is a very small tube containing powdered or liquid medicine, which you swallow. □� �cod liver oil capsules.

2 N‑COUNT A capsule is a small container with a drug or other substance inside it, which is used for medical or scientific purposes. □� They first implanted capsules into the animals' brains.

3 N‑COUNT A space capsule is the part of a spacecraft in which people travel, and which often separates from the main rocket. □� A Russian space capsule is currently orbiting the Earth.

Capt. N‑TITLE Capt. is a written abbreviation for captain . □� Capt. Hunt asked which engine was on fire.

cap|tain ◆◆◇ /k� pt I n/ (captains , captaining , captained )

1 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT In the army, navy, and some other armed forces, a captain is an officer of middle rank. □� �Captain Mark Phillips. □� �a captain in the British army. □� Are all your weapons in place, Captain?

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] The captainof a sports team is the player in charge of it. □� The former Australia cricket captain offers a unique insight into his nation's sporting psyche.

3 N‑COUNT The captain of a ship is the sailor in charge of it. □�[+�of ] �the captain of the aircraft carrier Saratoga.

4 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE The captain of an aeroplane is the pilot in charge of it.

5 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the United States and some other countries, a captain is a police officer or firefighter of fairly senior rank.

6 VERB If you captain a team or a ship, you are the captain of it. □�[V n] Two months later, he captained Pakistan to victory in the World Cup.

cap|tain|cy /k� pt I nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT The captaincy of a team is the position of being captain. □�[+�of ] His captaincy of the team was ended by mild eye trouble.

ca p|tain of i n|dus|try (captains of industry ) N‑COUNT You can refer to the owners or senior managers of industrial companies as captains of industry .

cap|tcha /k� ptʃə/ (captchas ) N‑VAR Captcha is a system for checking that a human and not a machine is using a computer. Captcha is an abbreviation for 'completely automated public Turing test to tell computers and humans apart'. □� We use captcha to screen for spam.

cap|tion ◆◆◇ /k� pʃ ə n/ (captions ) N‑COUNT A caption is the words printed underneath a picture or cartoon which explain what it is about. □� On the back of the photo is written the simple caption, 'Mrs. Monroe'.

cap|ti|vate /k� pt I ve I t/ (captivates , captivating , captivated ) VERB If you are captivated by someone or something, you find them fascinating and attractive. □�[be V -ed +�by ] I was captivated by her brilliant mind. □�[V n] For 40 years she has captivated the world with her radiant looks.

cap|ti|vat|ing /k� pt I ve I t I ŋ/ ADJ Someone or something that is captivating fascinates or attracts you. □� �her captivating smile and alluring looks.

cap|tive /k� pt I v/ (captives )

1 ADJ A captive person or animal is being kept imprisoned or enclosed. [LITERARY ] □� Her heart had begun to pound inside her chest like a captive animal. ●�N‑COUNT A captive is someone who is captive. □� He described the difficulties of surviving for four months as a captive.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A captive audience is a group of people who are not free to leave a certain place and so have to watch or listen. A captive market is a group of people who cannot choose whether or where to buy things. □� We all performed dances before a captive audience of parents and patrons. □� Airlines consider business travellers a captive market.

3 PHRASE If you take someone captive or hold someone captive , you take or keep them as a prisoner. □� Richard was finally released one year after he'd been taken captive.

ca p|tive bree d|ing N‑UNCOUNT Captive breeding is the breeding of wild animals in places such as zoos, especially animals which have become rare in the wild.

cap|tiv|ity /k�pt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/of N ] Captivity is the state of being kept imprisoned or enclosed. □� The great majority of barn owls are reared in captivity. □� He was released today after more than two months of captivity.

cap|tor /k� ptə r / (captors ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can refer to the person who has captured a person or animal as their captor . □� They did not know what their captors would do.

cap|ture ◆◇◇ /k� ptʃə r / (captures , capturing , captured )

1 VERB If you capture someone or something, you catch them, especially in a war. □�[V n] The guerrillas shot down one aeroplane and captured the pilot. □�[V n +�from ] The United States captured Puerto Rico from the Spaniards in 1898. □�[V -ed] �the murders of fifteen thousand captured Polish soldiers. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Capture is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the final battles which led to the army's capture of the town. □�[+�by ] The shooting happened while the man was trying to evade capture by the security forces.

2 VERB [no cont] If something or someone captures a particular quality, feeling, or atmosphere, they represent or express it successfully. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The mood was captured by a cartoon in the New York Post.

3 VERB If something captures your attention or imagination, you begin to be interested or excited by it. If someone or something captures your heart, you begin to love them or like them very much. □�[V n] �the great names of the Tory party who usually capture the historian's attention. □�[V n] �one man's undying love for the woman who captured his heart.

4 VERB If an event is captured in a photograph or on film, it is photographed or filmed. □�[be V -ed +�on/in ] The incident was captured on video. □�[be V -ed] The images were captured by TV crews filming outside the base. □�[V n] �photographers who captured the traumatic scene. [Also V n +�on/in ]

5 VERB If you capture something that you are trying to obtain in competition with other people, you succeed in obtaining it. □�[V n] The company aims to capture more sales at a time of significant challenges in the supermarket sector. SYNONYMS capture VERB 1

catch:Police say they are confident of catching the gunman.

arrest:The police say seven people were arrested for minor offences.

seize:Men carrying sub-machine guns seized the five soldiers and drove them away.

apprehend:Police have not apprehended her killer.

car ◆◆◆ /kɑː r / (cars )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A car is a motor vehicle with room for a small number of passengers. □� He had left his tickets in his car. □� They arrived by car.

2 N‑COUNT A car is one of the separate sections of a train. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use carriage3 N‑COUNT Railway carriages are called cars when they are used for a particular purpose. [BRIT ] □� He made his way into the dining car for breakfast.

4 →�see also cable car

ca|rafe /kər� f/ (carafes ) N‑COUNT A carafe is a glass container in which you serve water or wine. □�[+�of ] He ordered a carafe of water.

ca r alarm (car alarms ) N‑COUNT A car alarm is a device in a car which makes a loud noise if anyone tries to break into the vehicle. □� He returned to find his car alarm going off.

cara|mel /k� rəmel/ (caramels )

1 N‑VAR A caramel is a chewy sweet food made from sugar, butter, and milk.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Caramel is burnt sugar used for colouring and flavouring food.

cara|mel|ize /k� rəməla I z/ (caramelizes , caramelizing , caramelized ) in BRIT, also use caramelise1 VERB If sugar caramelizes , it turns to caramel as a result of being heated. □�[V ] Cook until the sugar starts to caramelize.

2 VERB If you caramelize something such as fruit, you cook it with sugar so that it is coated with caramel. □�[V n] Start by caramelizing some onions. □�[V -ed] �caramelised apples.

cara|pace /k� rəpe I s/ (carapaces )

1 N‑COUNT A carapace is the protective shell on the back of some animals such as tortoises or crabs. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an attitude that someone has in order to protect themselves as their carapace . [LITERARY ] □� The arrogance became his protective carapace.

car|at /k� rət/ (carats )

1 N‑COUNT A carat is a unit for measuring the weight of diamonds and other precious stones. It is equal to 0.2 grams. □� The gemstone is 28.6 millimetres high and weighs 139.43 carats. □� �a huge eight-carat diamond.

2 COMB Carat is used after a number to indicate how pure gold is. The purest gold is 24-carat gold. □� �a 14-carat gold fountain pen.

cara|van /k� rəv�n/ (caravans )

1 N‑COUNT A caravan is a vehicle without an engine that can be pulled by a car or van. It contains beds and cooking equipment so that people can live or spend their holidays in it. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use trailer2 N‑COUNT A caravan is a group of people and animals or vehicles who travel together.

cara|van|ning /k� rəv�n I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Caravanning is the activity of having a holiday in a caravan. [BRIT ] □� He was on a caravanning holiday.

ca ra|van site (caravan sites ) N‑COUNT A caravan site is an area of land where people can stay in a caravan on holiday, or where people live in caravans. [BRIT ] in AM, use trailer park

cara|way /k� rəwe I / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Caraway is a plant with strong-tasting seeds that are used in cooking. Caraway seeds are often used to flavour bread and cakes.

carb /kɑː r b/ (carbs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Carbs are foods such as potatoes, pasta, and bread, that contain a lot of carbohydrate. □� Eat a wide variety of carbs, fruit, and vegetables.

car|bine /kɑː r ba I n, [AM ] -biː n/ (carbines ) N‑COUNT A carbine is a light automatic rifle.

car|bo|hy|drate /kɑː r boʊha I dre I t/ (carbohydrates ) N‑VAR [usu pl] Carbohydrates are substances, found in certain kinds of food, that provide you with energy. Foods such as sugar and bread that contain these substances can also be referred to as carbohydrates . □� �carbohydrates such as bread, pasta or chips.

car|bol|ic acid /kɑː r bɒ l I k � s I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Carbolic acid or carbolic is a liquid that is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. □� Carbolic acid is usually used for cleaning. □� She smelled strongly of carbolic soap.

ca r bomb (car bombs ) N‑COUNT A car bomb is a bomb which is inside a car, van, or truck.

car|bon ◆◇◇ /kɑː r bən/ N‑UNCOUNT Carbon is a chemical element that diamonds and coal are made up of.

car|bon|ate /kɑː r bəne I t/ (carbonates ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Carbonate is used in the names of some substances that are formed from carbonic acid, which is a compound of carbon dioxide and water. □� �1,500 milligrams of calcium carbonate. □�[+�of ] �carbonate of ammonia solution.

car|bon|at|ed /kɑː r bəne I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Carbonated drinks are drinks that contain small bubbles of carbon dioxide. □� �colas and other carbonated soft drinks.

ca r|bon copy (carbon copies )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that one person or thing is a carbon copyof another, you mean that they look or behave exactly like them. □�[+�of ] She's a carbon copy of her mother.

2 N‑COUNT A carbon copy is a copy of a piece of writing that is made using carbon paper.

ca r|bon cre d|it (carbon credits ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Carbon credits are an allowance that certain companies have, permitting them to burn a certain amount of fossil fuels. □� The company helps to develop green projects which are awarded carbon credits.

ca r|bon da|ting N‑UNCOUNT Carbon dating is a system of calculating the age of a very old object by measuring the amount of radioactive carbon it contains.

ca r|bon di|o x|ide N‑UNCOUNT Carbon dioxide is a gas. It is produced by animals and people breathing out, and by chemical reactions.

ca r|bon fo ot|print N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by your activities over a particular period. □� We all need to look for ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

ca r|bon mon|o x|ide N‑UNCOUNT Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is produced especially by the engines of vehicles.

ca r|bon ne u|tral ADJ A carbon neutral lifestyle, company, or activity does not cause an increase in the overall amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. □� More organizations are becoming carbon neutral.

ca r|bon tax (carbon taxes ) N‑COUNT A carbon tax is a tax on the burning of fuels such as coal, gas, and oil. Its aim is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

ca r|bon tra d|ing N‑UNCOUNT Carbon trading is the practice of buying and selling the right to produce carbon dioxide emissions, so that people, countries or companies who use a lot of fuel and electricity can buy rights from those that do not use so much.

ca r boo t sale (car boot sales ) N‑COUNT A car boot sale is a sale where people sell things they own and do not want from a little stall or from the back of their car. [BRIT ] in AM, use garage sale

car|bun|cle /kɑː r bʌŋk ə l/ (carbuncles ) N‑COUNT A carbuncle is a large swelling under the skin.

car|bu|ret|tor /kɑː r bəre tə r , [AM ] -re I tə r / (carburettors ) in AM, use carburetor N‑COUNT A carburettor is the part of an engine, usually in a car, in which air and petrol are mixed together to form a vapour which can be burned.

car|cass /kɑː r kəs/ (carcasses ) in BRIT, also use carcase N‑COUNT A carcass is the body of a dead animal. □�[+�of ] A cluster of vultures crouched on the carcass of a dead buffalo.

car|cino|gen /kɑː r s I nədʒ ə n, kɑː r s I nədʒen/ (carcinogens ) N‑COUNT A carcinogen is a substance which can cause cancer. [MEDICAL ]

car|cino|gen|ic /kɑː r s I nədʒe n I k/ ADJ A substance that is carcinogenic is likely to cause cancer. [MEDICAL ]

car|ci|no|ma /kɑː r s I noʊ mə/ (carcinomas )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Carcinoma is a type of cancer. [MEDICAL ]

2 N‑COUNT Carcinomas are malignant tumours. [MEDICAL ]

card ◆◆◇ /kɑː r d/ (cards )

1 N‑COUNT A card is a piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard on which something is written or printed. □� Check the numbers below against the numbers on your card.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A card is a piece of cardboard or plastic, or a small document, which shows information about you and which you carry with you, for example to prove your identity. □� They check my bag and press card. □� �her membership card. □� The authorities have begun to issue ration cards.

3 N‑COUNT A card is a rectangular piece of plastic, issued by a bank, company, or shop, which you can use to buy things or obtain money. □� He paid the whole bill with an American Express card. □� Holiday-makers should beware of using plastic cards in foreign cash dispensers.

4 N‑COUNT A card is a folded piece of stiff paper with a picture and sometimes a message printed on it, which you send to someone on a special occasion. □� She sends me a card on my birthday. □� �millions of get-well cards.

5 N‑COUNT A card is the same as a postcard . □� Send your details on a card to the following address.

6 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A card is a piece of thin cardboard carried by someone such as a business person in order to give to other people. A card shows the name, address, telephone number, and other details of the person who carries it. [BUSINESS ] □� Here's my card. You may need me.

7 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cards are thin pieces of cardboard with numbers or pictures printed on them which are used to play various games. □� �a pack of cards.

8 N‑UNCOUNT If you are playing cards , you are playing a game using cards. □� A group of officers was sitting round a table in the sun playing cards.

9 N‑COUNT You can use card to refer to something that gives you an advantage in a particular situation. If you play a particular card , you use that advantage. □� It was his strongest card in their relationship�that she wanted him more than he wanted her. □� This permitted Western manufacturers to play their strong cards: capital and technology.

10 N‑UNCOUNT Card is strong, stiff paper or thin cardboard. □� She put the pieces of card in her pocket.

11 →�see also bank card , business card , calling card , cash card , cheque card , Christmas card , credit card , debit card , gold card , identity card , index card , payment card , place card , playing card , report card , smart card , wild card

12 PHRASE If you say that something is on the cards in British English, or in the cards in American English, you mean that it is very likely to happen. □� Last summer she began telling friends that a New Year marriage was on the cards.

13 PHRASE If you say that someone will achieve success if they play their cards right , you mean that they will achieve success if they act skilfully and use the advantages that they have. □� You're looking for fun and romance and, if you play your cards right, you may just get it.

14 PHRASE If you put or lay your cards on the table , you deal with a situation by speaking openly about your feelings, ideas, or plans. □� Put your cards on the table and be very clear about your complaints.

car|da|mom /kɑː r dəməm/ (cardamoms ) also cardamon N‑VAR Cardamom is a spice. It comes from the seeds of a plant grown in Asia.

card|board /kɑː r dbɔː r d/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cardboard is thick, stiff paper that is used, for example, to make boxes and models. □� �a cardboard box. □� �a life-size cardboard cut-out of a police officer.

ca rd-carrying

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A card-carrying member of a particular group or political party is an official member of that group or party, rather than someone who supports it. □� I've been a card-carrying member of the Labour party for five years.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as, for example, a card-carrying feminist, you are emphasizing the fact that they believe strongly in and try to carry out the ideas of feminism. [EMPHASIS ]

ca rd game (card games ) N‑COUNT A card game is a game that is played using a set of playing cards.

card|holder /kɑː r dhoʊldə r / (cardholders ) N‑COUNT A cardholder is someone who has a bank card or credit card. □� The average cardholder today carries three to four bank cards.

car|di|ac /kɑː r di�k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Cardiac means relating to the heart. [MEDICAL ] □� The king was suffering from cardiac weakness.

ca r|di|ac ar|re st (cardiac arrests ) N‑VAR A cardiac arrest is a heart attack. [MEDICAL ]

cardie /kɑː r di/ (cardies ) N‑COUNT A cardie is the same as a cardigan . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

car|di|gan /kɑː r d I gən/ (cardigans ) N‑COUNT A cardigan is a knitted woollen sweater that you can fasten at the front with buttons or a zip.

car|di|nal /kɑː r dn ə l/ (cardinals )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A cardinal is a high-ranking priest in the Catholic Church. □� In 1448, Nicholas was appointed a cardinal. □� They were encouraged by a promise from Cardinal Winning.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A cardinal rule or quality is the one that is considered to be the most important. [FORMAL ] □� As a salesman, your cardinal rule is to do everything you can to satisfy a customer.

3 N‑COUNT A cardinal is a common North American bird. The male has bright red feathers.

ca r|di|nal nu m|ber (cardinal numbers ) N‑COUNT A cardinal number is a number such as 1, 3, or 10 that tells you how many things there are in a group but not what order they are in. Compare ordinal number .

ca r|di|nal poi nt (cardinal points ) N‑COUNT The cardinal points are the four main points of the compass, north, south, east, and west.

ca r|di|nal si n (cardinal sins ) N‑COUNT If you describe an action as a cardinal sin , you are indicating that some people strongly disapprove of it. □� I committed the physician's cardinal sin: I got involved with my patients.

ca rd in|dex (card indexes ) N‑COUNT A card index is a number of cards with information written on them which are arranged in a particular order, usually alphabetical, so that you can find the information you want easily.

car|di|olo|gist /kɑː r diɒ lədʒ I st/ (cardiologists ) N‑COUNT A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in the heart and its diseases.

car|di|ol|ogy /kɑː r diɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Cardiology is the study of the heart and its diseases.

car|dio|vas|cu|lar /kɑː r dioʊv� skjʊlə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Cardiovascular means relating to the heart and blood vessels. [MEDICAL ] □� Smoking places you at serious risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

ca rd ta|ble (card tables ) also card-table N‑COUNT A card table is a small light table which can be folded up and which is sometimes used for playing games of cards on.

care ◆◆◆ /keə r / (cares , caring , cared )

1 VERB [no cont] If you careabout something, you feel that it is important and are concerned about it. □�[V +�about ] �a company that cares about the environment. □�[V wh] �young men who did not care whether they lived or died. □�[V ] Does anybody know we're here, does anybody care?

2 VERB [no cont] If you carefor someone, you feel a lot of affection for them. [APPROVAL ] □�[V +�for/about ] He wanted me to know that he still cared for me. □�[V +�for/about ] �people who are your friends, who care about you. [Also V ] ●� car|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the 'feminine' traits of caring and compassion.

3 VERB If you carefor someone or something, you look after them and keep them in a good state or condition. □�[V +�for ] They hired a nurse to care for her. □�[V -ed +�for ] �these distinctive cars, lovingly cared for by private owners. □�[V -ed] �well-cared-for homes. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Care is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Most of the staff specialise in the care of children. □� �sensitive teeth which need special care. □� She denied the murder of four children who were in her care.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Children who are incare are looked after by the state because their parents are dead or unable to look after them properly. [BRIT ] □� �a home for children in care. □� She was taken into care as a baby.

5 VERB [no cont] If you say that you do not carefor something or someone, you mean that you do not like them. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V +�for ] She had met both sons and did not care for either.

6 VERB [no cont] If you say that someone does something when they careto do it, you mean that they do it, although they should do it more willingly or more often. □�[V to-inf] The woman tells anyone who cares to listen that she's going through hell. □�[V to-inf] Experts reveal only as much as they care to.

7 VERB [no cont] You can ask someone if they would carefor something or if they would careto do something as a polite way of asking if they would like to have or do something. [POLITENESS ] □�[V +�for ] Would you care for some orange juice? □�[V to-inf] He said he was off to the beach and would we care to join him.

8 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] If you do something withcare , you give careful attention to it because you do not want to make any mistakes or cause any damage. □� Condoms are an effective method of birth control if used with care. □� We'd taken enormous care in choosing the location.

9 N‑COUNT Your cares are your worries, anxieties, or fears. □� Lean back in a hot bath and forget all the cares of the day. □� Johnson seemed without a care in the world.

10 →�see also aftercare , caring , day care , intensive care

11 PHRASE You can use for all I care to emphasize that it does not matter at all to you what someone does. [EMPHASIS ] □� You can go right now for all I care.

12 PHRASE If you say that you couldn't care lessabout someone or something, you are emphasizing that you are not interested in them or worried about them. In American English, you can also say that you could care less , with the same meaning. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�about ] I couldn't care less about the bloody woman. □� I used to be proud working for them; now I could care less. I'm just out here for the money.

13 PHRASE If someone sends you a letter or parcel care of a particular person or place, they send it to that person or place, and it is then passed on to you. In American English, you can also say in care of . □� Please write to me care of the publishers.

14 PHRASE If you take care of someone or something, you look after them and prevent them from being harmed or damaged. □� There was no one else to take care of their children. □� You have to learn to take care of your possessions.

15 CONVENTION You can say ' Take care ' when saying goodbye to someone. [FORMULAE ]

16 PHRASE If you take careto do something, you make sure that you do it. □� Foley followed Albert through the gate, taking care to close the latch.

17 PHRASE To take care of a problem, task, or situation means to deal with it. □� They leave it to the system to try and take care of the problem. □� 'Do you need clean sheets?'�'No. Mrs. May took care of that.'

18 PHRASE You can say ' Who cares? ' to emphasize that something does not matter to you at all. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�about ] Who cares about some stupid vacation? □� 'But we might ruin the stove.'�'Who cares?'

ca|reen /kəriː n/ (careens , careening , careened ) VERB To careen somewhere means to rush forward in an uncontrollable way. [mainly AM ] □�[V prep/adv] He stood to one side as they careened past him.

ca|reer ◆◆◇ /kər I ə r / (careers , careering , careered )

1 N‑COUNT A career is the job or profession that someone does for a long period of their life. □�[+�as ] She is now concentrating on a career as a fashion designer. □�[+�in ] �a career in journalism. □� �a political career.

2 N‑COUNT Your career is the part of your life that you spend working. □� During his career, he wrote more than fifty plays. □�[+�as ] She began her career as a teacher.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Careers advice or guidance in British English, or career advice or guidance in American English, consists of information about different jobs and help with deciding what kind of job you want to do. □� Get hold of the company list from your careers advisory service.

4 VERB [oft cont] If a person or vehicle careers somewhere, they move fast and in an uncontrolled way. □�[V prep/adv] His car careered into a river. □�[V prep/adv] He went careering off down the track. COLLOCATIONS career NOUN 1

noun +�career : acting, coaching, modelling

adjective +�career : distinguished, glittering, illustrious, successful; academic, managerial, musical, political, professional; international

verb +�career : forge, pursue; begin, embark on, launch, start; abandon, give up SYNONYMS career NOUN 1

occupation:I was looking for an occupation which would be an adventure.

employment:She was unable to find employment.

vocation:It could well be that he has a real vocation.

livelihood:�fishermen who depend on the seas for their livelihood.

profession:Harper was a teacher by profession.

ca|ree r break (career breaks ) N‑COUNT If someone takes a career break , they stop working in their particular profession for a period of time, with the intention of returning to it later. [BUSINESS ] □� Many women still take career breaks to bring up children.

ca|reer|ist /kər I ə r I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Careerist people are ambitious and think that their career is more important than anything else. □� �careerist politicians.

ca|ree r wom|an (career women ) N‑COUNT A career woman is a woman with a career who is interested in working and progressing in her job, rather than staying at home looking after the house and children.

care|free /keə r friː/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A carefree person or period of time doesn't have or involve any problems, worries, or responsibilities. □� Chantal remembered carefree past summers at the beach.

care|ful ◆◆◇ /keə r fʊl/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are careful , you give serious attention to what you are doing, in order to avoid harm, damage, or mistakes. If you are carefulto do something, you make sure that you do it. □�[+�on ] Careful on those stairs! □� We had to be very careful not to be seen. □� Pupils will need careful guidance on their choice of options. ●� care|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Have a nice time, dear, and drive carefully. □� He had chosen his words carefully in declaring that the murderers were madmen.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Careful work, thought, or examination is thorough and shows a concern for details. □� He has decided to prosecute her after careful consideration of all the relevant facts. □� What we now know about the disease was learned by careful study of diseased organs. ●� care|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He explained very carefully what he was doing.

3 ADJ If you tell someone to be careful about doing something, you think that what they intend to do is probably wrong, and that they should think seriously before they do it. □�[+�about/of ] I think you should be careful about talking of the rebels as heroes. ●� care|ful|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He should think carefully about actions like this which play into the hands of his opponents.

4 ADJ If you are carefulwith something such as money or resources, you use or spend only what is necessary. □�[+�with ] It would force industries to be more careful with natural resources.

care|giv|er /keə r g I və r / (caregivers ) also care giver N‑COUNT A caregiver is someone who is responsible for looking after another person, for example, a person who has a disability, or is ill or very young. [mainly AM ] □� It is nearly always women who are the primary care givers.

ca re home (care homes ) N‑COUNT A care home is a large house or institution where people with particular problems or special needs are looked after. □�[+�for ] �a residential care home for the elderly.

care|less /keə r ləs/

1 ADJ If you are careless , you do not pay enough attention to what you are doing, and so you make mistakes, or cause harm or damage. □�[+�of ] I'm sorry. How careless of me. □�[+�with ] Some mothers were a bit careless with money. □� Mr Clarke had pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. ●� care|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She was fined �100 for driving carelessly. ●� care|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The defence conceded stupid goals through sheer carelessness.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is carelessof something such as their health or appearance, you mean that they do not seem to be concerned about it, or do nothing to keep it in a good condition. □�[+�of ] He had shown himself careless of personal safety. □� That shows a fairly careless attitude to clothes, doesn't it? [Also +�about ]

care|less|ly /keə r ləsli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If someone does something carelessly , they do it without much thought or effort. [WRITTEN ] □� He carelessly left the garage door unlocked. □� 'Oh,' he said carelessly. 'I'm in no hurry to get back.'

2 →�see also careless

car|er /keə rə r / (carers ) N‑COUNT A carer is someone who is responsible for looking after another person, for example, a person who has a disability, or is ill or very young. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] Women are more likely than men to be carers of elderly dependent relatives. in AM, use caregiver , caretaker

ca|ress /kəre s/ (caresses , caressing , caressed ) VERB If you caress someone, you stroke them gently and affectionately. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] He was gently caressing her golden hair. ●�N‑COUNT Caress is also a noun. □� Margaret took me to one side, holding my arm in a gentle caress.

care|taker /keə r te I kə r / (caretakers )

1 N‑COUNT A caretaker is a person whose job it is to look after a large building such as a school or a block of flats or apartments, and deal with small repairs to it. [BRIT ] in AM, use janitor2 N‑COUNT A caretaker is a person whose job it is to take care of a house or property when the owner is not there.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A caretaker government or leader is in charge temporarily until a new government or leader is appointed. □� The military intends to hand over power to a caretaker government.

4 N‑COUNT A caretaker is someone who is responsible for looking after another person, for example, a person who has a disability, or is ill or very young. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use carer

ca re work|er (care workers )

1 N‑COUNT A care worker is someone whose job involves helping people who have particular problems or special needs, for example in a care home.

2 →�see also health care worker

care|worn /keə r wɔː r n/ ADJ A person who looks careworn looks worried, tired, and unhappy. □� Her face was careworn with anxiety.

car|go /kɑː r goʊ/ (cargoes ) N‑VAR The cargo of a ship or plane is the goods that it is carrying. □�[+�of ] The boat calls at the main port to load its regular cargo of bananas. □� �cargo planes.

Car|ib|bean /k� rəbiː ən, [AM ] kər I biən/ (Caribbeans )

1 N‑PROPER TheCaribbean is the sea which is between the West Indies, Central America, and the north coast of South America.

2 ADJ Caribbean means belonging or relating to the Caribbean Sea and its islands, or to its people.

3 N‑COUNT A Caribbean is a person from a Caribbean island.

4 →�see also Afro-Caribbean

cari|bou /k� r I buː/ (caribou ) N‑COUNT A caribou is a large north American deer.

cari|ca|ture /k� r I kətʃʊə r , [AM ] -tʃər/ (caricatures , caricaturing , caricatured )

1 N‑COUNT A caricatureof someone is a drawing or description of them that exaggerates their appearance or behaviour in a humorous or critical way. □�[+�of ] The poster showed a caricature of him with a devil's horns and tail.

2 VERB If you caricature someone, you draw or describe them in an exaggerated way in order to be humorous or critical. □�[be V -ed] Her political career has been caricatured in headlines. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He was caricatured as a turnip. [Also V n as n]

3 N‑COUNT If you describe something as a caricatureof an event or situation, you mean that it is a very exaggerated account of it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] Are such views really a caricature of the truth?

cari|ca|tur|ist /k� r I kətʃʊər I st/ (caricaturists ) N‑COUNT A caricaturist is a person who shows other people in an exaggerated way in order to be humorous or critical, especially in drawings or cartoons.

car|ies /keə riz/ N‑UNCOUNT Caries is decay in teeth. [TECHNICAL ] □� �dental caries.

car|ing ◆◇◇ /keə r I ŋ/

1 ADJ If someone is caring , they are affectionate, helpful, and sympathetic. □� He is a lovely boy, very gentle and caring. □� �a loving, caring husband.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The caring professions are those such as nursing and social work that are involved with looking after people who are ill or who need help in coping with their lives. [BRIT ] □� The course is also suitable for those in the caring professions. □� �the caring services.

3 →�see also care SYNONYMS caring ADJ 1

compassionate:My father was a deeply compassionate man.

kind:She is warmhearted and kind to everyone and everything.

warm:She was a warm and loving mother.

sympathetic:It may be that he sees you only as a sympathetic friend.

ca r-jacker (car-jackers ) N‑COUNT A car-jacker is someone who attacks and steals from people who are driving their own cars.

car|jack|ing /kɑː r dʒ�k I ŋ/ (carjackings ) N‑VAR A carjacking is an attack on a person who is driving their own car during which things may be stolen or they may be harmed physically.

car|load /kɑː r loʊd/ (carloads ) N‑COUNT A carloadof people or things is as many people or things as a car can carry. □�[+�of ] Wherever he goes, a carload of soldiers goes with him.

car|mine /kɑː r ma I n, -m I n/ COLOUR Carmine is a deep bright-red colour. [LITERARY ] □� �a tulip with carmine petals.

car|nage /kɑː r n I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Carnage is the violent killing of large numbers of people, especially in a war. [LITERARY ] □� �a planned attempt to wreak carnage in a very busy town centre.

car|nal /kɑː r n ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Carnal feelings and desires are sexual and physical, without any spiritual element. [FORMAL ] □� Their ruling passion is that of carnal love.

car|na|tion /kɑː r ne I ʃ ə n/ (carnations ) N‑COUNT A carnation is a plant with white, pink, or red flowers.

car|ni|val /kɑː r n I v ə l/ (carnivals )

1 N‑COUNT A carnival is a public festival during which people play music and sometimes dance in the streets.

2 N‑COUNT A carnival is a travelling show which is held in a park or field and at which there are machines to ride on, entertainments, and games. [AM ] in BRIT, use funfair

car|ni|vore /kɑː r n I vɔː r / (carnivores )

1 N‑COUNT A carnivore is an animal that eats meat. [TECHNICAL ]

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a carnivore , you are saying, especially in a humorous way, that they eat meat. □� This is a vegetarian dish that carnivores love.

car|nivo|rous /kɑː r n I vərəs/

1 ADJ Carnivorous animals eat meat. [TECHNICAL ] □� Snakes are carnivorous.

2 ADJ Carnivorous can be used, especially humorously, to describe someone who eats meat.

car|ob /k� rəb/ (carobs )

1 N‑VAR A carob or carob tree is a Mediterranean tree that stays green all year round. It has dark-brown fruit that tastes similar to chocolate.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] The dark-brown fruit of the carob tree can be referred to as carob . It is often made into powder and used instead of chocolate. □� If you do yearn for chocolate, try a carob bar instead.

car|ol /k� rəl/ (carols ) N‑COUNT Carols are Christian religious songs that are sung at Christmas. □� �carol singers at the door.

ca|rot|id ar|tery /kərɒ t I d ɑː r təri/ (carotid arteries ) N‑COUNT A carotid artery is one of the two arteries in the neck that supply the head with blood. [MEDICAL ]

ca|rouse /kəraʊ z/ (carouses , carousing , caroused ) VERB If you say that people are carousing , you mean that they are behaving very noisily and drinking a lot of alcohol as they enjoy themselves. □�[V +�with ] He's now more likely to be seen tending his garden than carousing with the stars.

carou|sel /k� rəse l/ (carousels )

1 N‑COUNT At an airport, a carousel is a moving surface from which passengers can collect their luggage.

2 N‑COUNT A carousel is a large circular machine with seats, often in the shape of animals or cars. People can sit on it and go round and round for fun.

carp /kɑː r p/ (carps , carping , carped ) carp can also be used as the plural form for meaning 1 . 1 N‑VAR A carp is a kind of fish that lives in lakes and rivers.

2 VERB If you say that someone is carping , you mean that they keep criticizing or complaining about someone or something, especially in a way you think is unnecessary or annoying. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�at ] He cannot understand why she's constantly carping at him. [Also V about ] ●� carp|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� She was in no mood to put up with Blanche's carping.

ca r park (car parks ) also carpark N‑COUNT A car park is an area or building where people can leave their cars. [BRIT ] in AM, use parking lot

car|pen|ter /kɑː r p I ntə r / (carpenters ) N‑COUNT A carpenter is a person whose job is making and repairing wooden things.

car|pen|try /kɑː r p I ntri/ N‑UNCOUNT Carpentry is the activity of making and repairing wooden things.

car|pet /kɑː r p I t/ (carpets , carpeting , carpeted )

1 N‑VAR A carpet is a thick covering of soft material which is laid over a floor or a staircase. □� They put down wooden boards, and laid new carpets on top. □� �the stain on our living-room carpet.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a floor or a room is carpeted , a carpet is laid on the floor. □�[be V -ed] The room had been carpeted and the windows glazed with coloured glass. □�[be V -ed] The main gaming room was thickly carpeted. [Also +�with ]

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A carpetof something such as leaves or plants is a layer of them which covers the ground. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] The carpet of leaves in my yard became more and more noticeable.

4 VERB [usu passive] If the ground is carpetedwith something such as leaves or plants, it is completely covered by them. [LITERARY ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] The ground was thickly carpeted with pine needles.

5 →�see also carpeting , red carpet

6to sweep something under the carpet →�see sweep

carpet|bag|ger /kɑː r p I tb�gə r / (carpetbaggers ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a carpetbagger , you disapprove of them because they are trying to become a politician in an area which is not their home, simply because they think they are more likely to succeed there. [AM , DISAPPROVAL ]

ca r|pet bomb|ing N‑UNCOUNT Carpet bombing is heavy bombing from aircraft, with the intention of hitting as many places as possible in a particular area.

car|pet|ing /kɑː r p I t I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You use carpeting to refer to a carpet, or to the type of material that is used to make carpets. □� �a bedroom with wall-to-wall carpeting. □� Carpeting is a reasonably cheap floor-covering.

2 →�see also carpet

ca r|pet slip|per (carpet slippers ) N‑COUNT Carpet slippers are soft, comfortable slippers.

car pool /kɑː r puːl/ (car pools , car pooling , car pooled ) also carpool , car-pool

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A car pool is an arrangement where a group of people take turns driving each other to work, or driving each other's children to school. In American English, car pool is sometimes used to refer simply to people travelling together in a car. □� �the carpool lanes in LA.

2 VERB If a group of people car pool , they take turns driving each other to work, or driving each other's children to school. [mainly AM or AUSTRALIAN ] □�[V ] The government says fewer Americans are carpooling to work.

3 N‑COUNT A car pool is a number of cars that are owned by a company or organization for the use of its employees or members. [BUSINESS ]

ca r port (car ports ) also carport N‑COUNT A car port is a shelter for cars which is attached to a house and consists of a flat roof supported on pillars.

car|riage /k� r I dʒ/ (carriages )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A carriage is an old-fashioned vehicle, usually for a small number of passengers, which is pulled by horses. □� The President-elect followed in an open carriage drawn by six beautiful gray horses.

2 N‑COUNT A carriage is one of the separate, long sections of a train that carries passengers. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use car3 N‑COUNT A carriage is the same as a baby carriage . [AM ]

4 N‑UNCOUNT Carriage is the cost or action of transporting or delivering goods. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □� It costs �10.86 for one litre including carriage. in AM, usually use delivery charge5 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Your carriage is the way you hold your body and head when you are walking, standing, or sitting. [LITERARY ] □� Her legs were long and fine, her hips slender, her carriage erect.

carriage|way /k� r I dʒwe I / (carriageways ) N‑COUNT A carriageway is one side of a road on which traffic travelling in opposite directions is separated by a barrier. [BRIT ]

car|ri|er ◆◇◇ /k� riə r / (carriers )

1 N‑COUNT A carrier is a vehicle that is used for carrying people, especially soldiers, or things. □� There were armoured personnel carriers and tanks on the streets.

2 →�see also aircraft carrier

3 N‑COUNT A carrier is a passenger airline. □� Aer Lingus, Ireland's national carrier, will report its full-year results tomorrow.

4 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A carrier is a person or an animal that is infected with a disease and so can make other people or animals ill. □� �screening of Ebola carriers. □�[+�of ] �carriers of disease such as mosquitoes and worms.

ca r|ri|er bag (carrier bags ) N‑COUNT A carrier bag is a bag made of plastic or paper which has handles and which you carry shopping in. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use shopping bag

car|ri|on /k� riən/ N‑UNCOUNT Carrion is the decaying flesh of dead animals.

car|rot /k� rət/ (carrots )

1 N‑VAR Carrots are long, thin, orange-coloured vegetables. They grow under the ground, and have green shoots above the ground.

2 N‑COUNT Something that is offered to people in order to persuade them to do something can be referred to as a carrot . Something that is meant to persuade people not to do something can be referred to in the same sentence as a 'stick'. □�[+�of ] They will be set targets, with a carrot of extra cash and pay if they achieve them. □� Why the new emphasis on sticks instead of diplomatic carrots?

3 →�see also carrot and stick

ca r|rot and sti ck also carrot-and-stick ADJ [ADJ n] If an organization has a carrot and stick approach or policy, they offer people things in order to persuade them to do something and punish them if they refuse to do it. □� The government is proclaiming a carrot-and-stick approach to the problem.

car|ry ◆◆◆ /k� ri/ (carries , carrying , carried )

1 VERB If you carry something, you take it with you, holding it so that it does not touch the ground. □�[V n] He was carrying a briefcase. □�[V n prep/adv] He carried the plate through to the dining room. □�[V n prep/adv] If your job involves a lot of paperwork, you're going to need something to carry it all in.

2 VERB If you carry something, you have it with you wherever you go. □�[V n] You have to carry a bleeper so that they can call you in at any time.

3 VERB If something carries a person or thing somewhere, it takes them there. □�[V n adv/prep] Flowers are designed to attract insects which then carry the pollen from plant to plant. □�[V n] The ship could carry seventy passengers.

4 VERB If a person or animal is carrying a disease, they are infected with it and can pass it on to other people or animals. □�[V n] Frogs eat pests which destroy crops and carry diseases.

5 VERB [no passive, no cont] If an action or situation has a particular quality or consequence, you can say that it carries it. □�[V n] Check that any medication you're taking carries no risk for your developing baby.

6 VERB If a quality or advantage carries someone into a particular position or through a difficult situation, it helps them to achieve that position or deal with that situation. □�[V n prep/adv] He had the ruthless streak necessary to carry him into the Cabinet.

7 VERB If you carry an idea or a method to a particular extent, you use or develop it to that extent. □�[V n prep/adv] It's not such a new idea, but I carried it to extremes. □�[V n prep/adv] We could carry that one step further by taking the same genes and putting them into another crop.

8 VERB If a newspaper or poster carries a picture or a piece of writing, it contains it or displays it. □�[V n] Several papers carry the photograph of Mr Anderson.

9 VERB [usu passive] In a debate, if a proposal or motion is carried , a majority of people vote in favour of it. □�[be V -ed] A motion backing its economic policy was carried by 322 votes to 296.

10 VERB [no cont] If a crime carries a particular punishment, a person who is found guilty of that crime will receive that punishment. □�[V n] It was a crime of espionage and carried the death penalty.

11 VERB If a sound carries , it can be heard a long way away. □�[V adv] Even in this stillness Leaphorn doubted if the sound would carry far. [Also V ]

12 VERB [no passive] If a candidate or party carries a state or area, they win the election in that state or area. [AM ] □�[V n] At that time George W. Bush carried the state with 56 percent of the vote. in BRIT, usually use take13 VERB If you carryyourself in a particular way, you walk and move in that way. □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] They carried themselves with great pride and dignity.

14 VERB [usu cont] If a woman is carrying a child, she is pregnant. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

15 PHRASE If you get carried away or are carried away , you are so eager or excited about something that you do something hasty or foolish. □� I got completely carried away and almost cried.

16to carry conviction →�see conviction

17to carry the day →�see day

18to carry weight →�see weight

▸� carry off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you carry something off , you do it successfully. □�[V n P ] He's got the experience and the authority to carry it off. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you carry off a prize or a trophy, you win it. □�[V P n] It carried off the Evening Standard drama award for best play. [Also V n P ]

▸� carry on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you carry on doing something, you continue to do it. □�[V P v-ing] The assistant carried on talking. □�[V P +�with ] Her bravery has given him the will to carry on with his life and his work. □�[V P n] His eldest son Joseph carried on his father's traditions. □�[V P ] 'Do you mind if I just start with the few formal questions please?'�'Carry on.'

2 PHRASAL VERB If you carry on an activity, you do it or take part in it for a period of time. □�[V P n] The consulate will carry on a political dialogue with Indonesia.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is carrying on , you are irritated with them because they are talking very excitedly and saying a lot of unnecessary things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] She was yelling and screaming and carrying on. □�[V P +�about ] He was carrying on about some stupid television series.

▸� carry out PHRASAL VERB If you carry out a threat, task, or instruction, you do it or act according to it. □�[be V -ed P +�by] Police say they believe the attacks were carried out by nationalists. □�[V n P ] Commitments have been made with very little intention of carrying them out.

▸� carry over PHRASAL VERB If something carries over or is carried over from one situation to another, it continues to exist or apply in the new situation. □�[V P +�into/to ] Priestley's rational outlook in science carried over to religion. □�[be V -ed P +�into/to ] Springs and wells were decorated, a custom which was carried over into Christian times in Europe.

▸� carry through PHRASAL VERB If you carry something through , you do it or complete it, often in spite of difficulties. □�[V P n] We don't have the confidence that the U.N. will carry through a sustained program. □�[V n P ] The state announced a clear-cut policy and set out to carry it through.

carry|all /k� riɔːl/ (carryalls ) N‑COUNT A carryall is a large bag made of nylon, canvas, or leather, which you use to carry your clothes and other possessions, for example when you are travelling. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use holdall

carry|cot /k� rikɒt/ (carrycots ) N‑COUNT A carrycot is a small bed for babies which has handles so it can be carried. [BRIT ]

ca rry-on ADJ Carry-on baggage or luggage is the bags that you take inside an aeroplane with you. □� Passengers who have only carry-on luggage may go directly to the departure gate.

cart /kɑː r t/ (carts , carting , carted )

1 N‑COUNT A cart is an old-fashioned wooden vehicle that is used for transporting goods or people. Some carts are pulled by animals. □� �a country where horse-drawn carts far outnumber cars.

2 VERB If you cart things or people somewhere, you carry them or transport them there, often with difficulty. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n with adv] One of their father's relatives carted off the entire contents of the house. [Also V n prep]

3 N‑COUNT A cart is a small vehicle with a motor. [AM ] □� He drove up in a golf cart to watch them.

4 N‑COUNT A cart or a shopping cart is a large metal basket on wheels which is provided by shops such as supermarkets for customers to use while they are in the shop. [AM ] in BRIT, use trolley

carte blanche /kɑː r t blɒ nʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to-inf] If someone gives you carte blanche , they give you the authority to do whatever you think is right. □�[+�to-inf] They gave him carte blanche to make decisions.

car|tel /kɑː r te l/ (cartels ) N‑COUNT A cartel is an association of similar companies or businesses that have grouped together in order to prevent competition and to control prices. [BUSINESS ] □� �a drug cartel.

cart|horse /kɑː r thɔː r s/ (carthorses ) also cart-horse N‑COUNT A carthorse is a large, powerful horse that is used to pull carts or farm machinery. □� Where we use tractors, obviously they used cart-horses in those days.

car|ti|lage /kɑː r t I l I dʒ/ (cartilages ) N‑VAR Cartilage is a strong, flexible substance in your body, especially around your joints and in your nose. □� �a serious knee cartilage injury.

car|tog|ra|pher /kɑː r tɒ grəfə r / (cartographers ) N‑COUNT A cartographer is a person whose job is drawing maps.

car|tog|ra|phy /kɑː r tɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Cartography is the art or activity of drawing maps and geographical charts.

car|ton /kɑː r t ə n/ (cartons )

1 N‑COUNT A carton is a plastic or cardboard container in which food or drink is sold. □�[+�of ] �a two-pint carton of milk.

2 N‑COUNT A carton is a large, strong cardboard box in which goods are stored and transported. [AM ]

car|toon /kɑː r tuː n/ (cartoons )

1 N‑COUNT A cartoon is a humorous drawing or series of drawings in a newspaper or magazine. □� �a cartoon strip in the Daily Mirror.

2 →�see also strip cartoon

3 N‑COUNT A cartoon is a film in which all the characters and scenes are drawn rather than being real people or objects. □� �the Saturday morning cartoons.

car|toon|ist /kɑː r tuː n I st/ (cartoonists ) N‑COUNT A cartoonist is a person whose job is to draw cartoons for newspapers and magazines.

car|too n strip (cartoon strips ) N‑COUNT A cartoon strip is a series of drawings that tells a story. [mainly BRIT ]

car|tridge /kɑː r tr I dʒ/ (cartridges )

1 N‑COUNT A cartridge is a metal or cardboard tube containing a bullet and an explosive substance. Cartridges are used in guns.

2 N‑COUNT A cartridge is part of a machine or device that can be easily removed and replaced when it is worn out or empty.

cart|wheel /kɑː r t h wiːl/ (cartwheels ) N‑COUNT If you do a cartwheel , you do a fast, circular movement with your body. You fall sideways, put your hands on the ground, swing your legs over, and return to a standing position.

carve /kɑː r v/ (carves , carving , carved )

1 VERB If you carve an object, you make it by cutting it out of a substance such as wood or stone. If you carve something such as wood or stone into an object, you make the object by cutting it out. □�[V n] One of the prisoners has carved a beautiful wooden chess set. □�[V n prep] He carves his figures from white pine. □�[V ] I picked up a piece of wood and started carving. □�[V -ed] �carved stone figures.

2 →�see also carving

3 VERB If you carve writing or a design on an object, you cut it into the surface of the object. □�[V n +�in/on ] He carved his name on his desk. □�[V -ed] The ornately carved doors were made in the seventeenth century.

4 VERB If you carve a piece of cooked meat, you cut slices from it so that you can eat it. □�[V n] Andrew began to carve the chicken. □�[V n +�into ] Carve the meat into slices.

▸� carve up PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone carves something up , you disapprove of the way they have divided it into small parts. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P n] He has set about carving up the company which Hammer created from almost nothing. □�[V n P ] They have begun carving the country up like a pie.

carv|er /kɑː r və r / (carvers ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A carver is a person who carves wood or stone, as a job or as a hobby. □� The ivory industry employed about a thousand carvers.

carv|ing /kɑː r v I ŋ/ (carvings )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A carving is an object or a design that has been cut out of a material such as stone or wood. □�[+�of ] �a wood carving of a human hand.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] Carving is the art of carving objects, or of carving designs or writing on objects.

ca rv|ing knife (carving knives ) N‑COUNT A carving knife is a long sharp knife that is used to cut cooked meat.

cas|cade /k�ske I d/ (cascades , cascading , cascaded )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a cascadeof something, you mean that there is a large amount of it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] The women have lustrous cascades of black hair.

2 VERB If water cascades somewhere, it pours or flows downwards very fast and in large quantities. □�[V adv/prep] She hung on as the freezing, rushing water cascaded past her. [Also V ]

case

➊�INSTANCES AND OTHER ABSTRACT MEANINGS

➋�CONTAINERS

➌�GRAMMAR TERM

➊ case ◆◆◆ /ke I s/ (cases )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A particular case is a particular situation or incident, especially one that you are using as an individual example or instance of something. □�[+�of ] Surgical training takes at least nine years, or 11 in the case of obstetrics. □� One of the effects of dyslexia, in my case at least, is that you pay tremendous attention to detail. □�[+�of ] The Honduran press published reports of eighteen cases of alleged baby snatching.

2 N‑COUNT A case is a person or their particular problem that a doctor, social worker, or other professional is dealing with. □�[+�of ] �the case of a 57-year-old man who had suffered a stroke. □�[+�of ] Some cases of arthritis respond to a gluten-free diet. □� Child protection workers were meeting to discuss her case.

3 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you say that someone is a sad case or a hopeless case , you mean that they are in a sad situation or a hopeless situation. □� I knew I was going to make it�that I wasn't a hopeless case.

4 →�see also basket case , nutcase

5 N‑COUNT A case is a crime or mystery that the police are investigating. □� Mr. Hitchens said you have solved some very unusual cases.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The casefor or against a plan or idea consists of the facts and reasons used to support it or oppose it. □�[+�for ] He sat there while I made the case for his dismissal. □�[+�against ] Both these facts strengthen the case against hanging. □� She argued her case.

7 N‑COUNT In law, a case is a trial or other legal inquiry. □� It can be difficult for public figures to win a libel case. □� The case was brought by his family, who say their reputation has been damaged.

8 →�see also test case

9 PHRASE You say in any case when you are adding something which is more important than what you have just said, but which supports or corrects it. [EMPHASIS ] □� Alf said that there was nothing he could do, and in any case, it was a private matter.

10 PHRASE You say in any case after talking about things that you are not sure about, to emphasize that your next statement is the most important thing or the thing that you are sure about. [EMPHASIS ] □� Either he escaped, or he came to grief. In any case, he was never seen again.

11 PHRASE If you do something in case or just in case a particular thing happens, you do it because that thing might happen. □� In case anyone was following me, I made an elaborate detour.

12 PHRASE If you do something or have something in case of a particular thing, you do it or have it because that thing might happen or be true. □� Many shops along the route have been boarded up in case of trouble.

13 PHRASE You use in case in expressions like 'in case you didn't know' or 'in case you've forgotten' when you are telling someone in a rather irritated way something that you think is either obvious or none of their business. [FEELINGS ] □� She's nervous about something, in case you didn't notice.

14 PHRASE You say in that case or in which case to indicate that what you are going to say is true if the possible situation that has just been mentioned actually exists. □� Members are concerned that a merger might mean higher costs, in which case they would oppose it.

15 PHRASE You can say that you are doing something just in case to refer vaguely to the possibility that a thing might happen or be true, without saying exactly what it is. □� I guess we've already talked about this but I'll ask you again just in case.

16 PHRASE You say as the case may be or whatever the case may be to indicate that the statement you are making applies equally to the two or more alternatives that you have mentioned. □� They know how everything works�or doesn't work, as the case may be.

17 PHRASE If you say that a task or situation is a case of a particular thing, you mean that it consists of that thing or can be described as that thing. □� It's not a case of whether anyone would notice or not.

18 PHRASE If you say that something is a case in point , you mean that it is a good example of something you have just mentioned. □� In many cases religious persecution is the cause of people fleeing their country. A case in point is colonial India.

19 PHRASE If you say that something is the case , you mean that it is true or correct. □� You'll probably notice her having difficulty swallowing. If this is the case, give her plenty of liquids. □� Consumers had hoped the higher prices would mean more goods in stores. But that was not the case.

20 PHRASE If you say that someone is on the case , you mean that they are aware of a particular problem and are trying to resolve it. □� Management is on the case now, and it looks as if things will return to normal soon.

➋ case /ke I s/ (cases )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A case is a container that is specially designed to hold or protect something. □�[+�for ] �a black case for his spectacles.

2 →�see also attach� case , bookcase , briefcase , packing case , pillowcase , showcase

3 N‑COUNT A case is a suitcase.

4 N‑COUNT A caseof wine or other alcoholic drink is a box containing a number of bottles, usually twelve, which is sold as a single unit.

➌ case /ke I s/ (cases )

1 N‑COUNT In the grammar of many languages, the case of a group such as a noun group or adjective group is the form it has which shows its relationship to other groups in the sentence.

2 →�see accusative , nominative

3 →�see also lower case , upper case COLLOCATIONS case NOUN ➊7

noun +�case : abuse, fraud, libel, murder, rape; court

adjective +�case : civil, criminal

verb +�case : bring; adjourn; hear

case|book /ke I sbʊk/ (casebooks ) N‑COUNT A casebook is a written record of the cases dealt with by someone such as a doctor, social worker, or police officer.

ca se hi s|to|ry (case histories ) N‑COUNT A person's case history is the record of past events or problems that have affected them, especially their medical history. □� I took her to a homoeopath, who started by taking a very long and detailed case history.

ca se law N‑UNCOUNT Case law is law that has been established by following decisions made by judges in earlier cases. [LEGAL ]

case|load /ke I sloʊd/ (caseloads ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The caseload of someone such as a doctor, social worker, or lawyer is the number of cases that they have to deal with. □� Social workers say the average caseload is 32 families per employee.

case|ment /ke I smənt/ (casements ) N‑COUNT A casement or a casement window is a window that opens by means of hinges, usually at the side. [WRITTEN ]

case-se nsitive ADJ In computing, if a written word such as a password is case-sensitive , it must be written in a particular form, for example using all capital letters or all small letters, in order for the computer to recognize it. [COMPUTING ]

ca se study (case studies ) N‑COUNT A case study is a written account that gives detailed information about a person, group, or thing and their development over a period of time. □�[+�of ] �a large case study of malaria in West African children.

case|work /ke I swɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Casework is social work that involves actually dealing or working with the people who need help.

case|worker /ke I swɜː r kə r / (caseworkers ) N‑COUNT A caseworker is someone who does casework.

cash ◆◆◇ /k� ʃ/ (cashes , cashing , cashed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cash is money in the form of notes and coins rather than cheques. □� �two thousand pounds in cash.

2 →�see also hard cash , petty cash

3 N‑UNCOUNT Cash means the same as money, especially money which is immediately available. [INFORMAL ] □� �a state-owned financial-services group with plenty of cash.

▸� cash in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone cashes inon a situation, you are criticizing them for using it to gain an advantage, often in an unfair or dishonest way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P +�on ] Residents said local gang leaders had cashed in on the violence to seize valuable land.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you cash in something such as an insurance policy, you exchange it for money. □�[V P n] Avoid cashing in a policy early as you could lose out heavily. □�[V P n] He did not cash in his shares. [Also V n P ]

ca sh-and-ca rry (cash-and-carries ) N‑COUNT A cash-and-carry is a large shop where you can buy goods in larger quantities and at lower prices than in ordinary shops. Cash-and-carries are mainly used by people in business to buy goods for their shops or companies.

ca sh card (cash cards ) also cashcard N‑COUNT A cash card is a card that banks give to their customers so that they can get money out of a cash dispenser. [BRIT ]

ca sh cow (cash cows ) N‑COUNT In business, a cash cow is a product or investment that steadily continues to be profitable. [BUSINESS ]

ca sh crop (cash crops ) N‑COUNT A cash crop is a crop that is grown in order to be sold. □� Cranberries have become a major cash crop.

ca sh desk (cash desks ) N‑COUNT A cash desk is a place in a large shop where you pay for the things you want to buy. [BRIT ] in AM, use cashier's desk

ca sh dis|pens|er (cash dispensers ) N‑COUNT A cash dispenser is a machine built into the wall of a bank or other building, which allows people to take out money from their bank account using a special card. [BRIT ] in AM, use ATM

cash|ew /k� ʃuː, k�ʃuː / (cashews ) N‑COUNT A cashew or a cashew nut is a curved nut that you can eat.

ca sh flow also cashflow N‑UNCOUNT The cash flow of a firm or business is the movement of money into and out of it. [BUSINESS ] □� Some construction firms fell into administration after suffering cashflow problems.

cash|ier /k�ʃ I ə r / (cashiers ) N‑COUNT A cashier is a person who customers pay money to or get money from in places such as shops or banks.

cash|ie r's check (cashier's checks ) N‑COUNT A cashier's check is one which a cashier signs and which is drawn on a bank's own funds. [AM ]

cash|ie r's desk (cashier's desks ) N‑COUNT A cashier's desk is the same as a cash desk . [AM ]

cash|less /k� ʃləs/ ADJ Cashless payments are made using cards or electronic methods rather than physical money. □� The school caf� uses a cashless system.

cash|mere /k� ʃm I ə r , [AM ] k� ʒm I r/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cashmere is a kind of very fine, soft wool. □� �a big soft cashmere sweater.

cash|point /k� ʃpɔ I nt/ (cashpoints ) N‑COUNT A cashpoint is the same as a cash dispenser . [BRIT ] in AM, use ATM

ca sh reg|is|ter (cash registers ) N‑COUNT A cash register is a machine in a shop, pub, or restaurant that is used to add up and record how much money people pay, and in which the money is kept.

ca sh-starved ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cash-starved company or organization does not have enough money to operate properly, usually because another organization, such as the government, is not giving them the money that they need. [BUSINESS , JOURNALISM ] □� �cash-starved councils forced to cut back on vital services.

ca sh-strapped ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a person or organization is cash-strapped , they do not have enough money to buy or pay for the things they want or need. [JOURNALISM ] □� �cash-strapped students.

cas|ing /ke I s I ŋ/ (casings ) N‑COUNT A casing is a substance or object that covers something and protects it. □�[+�of ] �the outer casings of missiles.

ca|si|no /kəsiː noʊ/ (casinos ) N‑COUNT A casino is a building or room where people play gambling games such as roulette.

cask /kɑː sk, k� sk/ (casks ) N‑COUNT A cask is a wooden barrel that is used for storing things, especially alcoholic drink. □�[+�of ] �casks of sherry.

cas|ket /kɑː sk I t, k� sk-/ (caskets )

1 N‑COUNT A casket is a small box in which you keep valuable things. [LITERARY ]

2 N‑COUNT A casket is a coffin . [mainly AM ]

cas|sa|va /kəsɑː və/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cassava is a South American plant with thick roots. It is grown for food.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cassava is a substance that comes from the root of the cassava plant and is used to make flour.

cas|se|role /k� səroʊl/ (casseroles )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A casserole is a dish made of meat and vegetables that have been cooked slowly in a liquid. □� �a huge lamb casserole, full of herbs and vegetables .

2 N‑COUNT A casserole or a casserole dish is a large heavy container with a lid. You cook casseroles and other dishes in it. □� �a flameproof casserole.

cas|sette /kəse t/ (cassettes ) N‑COUNT [oft on N ] A cassette is a small, flat, rectangular plastic case containing magnetic tape which was used in the past for recording and playing back sound or film. □� I started very early, writing my first tune at three. I still have it on cassette.

cas|sock /k� sək/ (cassocks ) N‑COUNT A cassock is a long piece of clothing, often black, that is worn by members of the clergy in some churches.

cast ◆◆◇ /kɑː st, k� st/ (casts , casting ) The form cast is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The cast of a play or film is all the people who act in it. □� The show is very amusing and the cast are very good.

2 VERB To cast an actor in a play or film means to choose them to act a particular role in it. □�[V n +�in/as ] Casting three actresses in the film to play one role was very challenging. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He was cast as a college professor. □�[V n] He had no trouble casting the movie. ●� cast|ing N‑UNCOUNT [N n] □� �the casting director of Ealing film studios.

3 VERB To cast someone in a particular way or as a particular thing means to describe them in that way or suggest they are that thing. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Democrats have been worried about being cast as the party of the poor. □�[V pron-refl +�as ] Holland would never dare cast himself as a virtuoso pianist. [Also +�in ]

4 VERB If you cast your eyes or cast a look in a particular direction, you look quickly in that direction. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n prep/adv] He cast a stern glance at the two men. □�[V n prep/adv] I cast my eyes down briefly. □�[V n] The maid, casting black looks, hurried out. [Also V n n]

5 VERB If something casts a light or shadow somewhere, it causes it to appear there. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n prep] The moon cast a bright light over the yard. □�[V n] They flew in over the beach, casting a huge shadow.

6 VERB To cast doubt on something means to cause people to be unsure about it. □�[V n +�on ] Last night a top criminal psychologist cast doubt on the theory.

7 VERB When you cast your vote in an election, you vote. □�[V n] About ninety-five per cent of those who cast their votes approve the new constitution. □�[V -ed] Gaviria had been widely expected to obtain well over half the votes cast.

8 VERB To cast something or someone somewhere means to throw them there. [LITERARY ] □�[V n prep] He gathered up the twigs and cast them into the fire. □�[have n V -ed prep] John had Maude and her son cast into a dungeon.

9 VERB To cast an object means to make it by pouring a liquid such as hot metal into a specially shaped container and leaving it there until it becomes hard. □�[V -ed +�in ] �sculptures cast in bronze. [Also V n in n, V n]

10 N‑COUNT A cast is a model that has been made by pouring a liquid such as plaster or hot metal onto something or into something, so that when it hardens it has the same shape as that thing. □�[+�of ] An orthodontist took a cast of the inside of Billy's mouth.

11 N‑COUNT A cast is the same as a plaster cast .

12 →�see also casting

13to cast aspersions →�see aspersions

14the die is cast →�see die

15to cast your mind back →�see mind ➊

16to cast your net wider →�see net ➊

▸� cast around for in BRIT, also use cast about for PHRASAL VERB If you cast around for something or cast about for it, you try to find it or think of it. □�[V P P n] She had been casting around for a good excuse to go to New York.

▸� cast aside PHRASAL VERB If you cast aside someone or something, you get rid of them because they are no longer necessary or useful to you. □�[V P n] Sweden needs to cast aside outdated policies and thinking.

▸� cast off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cast off something, you get rid of it because it is no longer necessary or useful to you, or because it is harmful to you. [LITERARY ] □�[V P n] The essay exhorts women to cast off their servitude to husbands and priests. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you are on a boat and you cast off , you untie the rope that is keeping the boat in a fixed position. □�[V P ] He cast off, heading out to the bay.

cas|ta|nets /k� stəne ts/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Castanets are a Spanish musical instrument consisting of two small round pieces of wood or plastic held together by a cord. You hold the castanets in your hand and knock the pieces together with your fingers.

cast|away /kɑː stəwe I , k� st-/ (castaways ) N‑COUNT A castaway is a person who has managed to swim or float to a lonely island or shore after their boat has sunk.

caste /kɑː st, k� st/ (castes )

1 N‑COUNT A caste is one of the traditional social classes into which people are divided in a Hindu society. □� Most of the upper castes worship the Goddess Kali.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Caste is the system of dividing people in a society into different social classes. □� The caste system shapes nearly every facet of Indian life.

cas|tel|lat|ed /k� stəle I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A castellated wall or building looks like a castle. [TECHNICAL ] □� �a 19th-century castellated mansion.

cast|er /kɑː stə r , k� stə r / →�see castor

ca st|er sug|ar also castor sugar N‑UNCOUNT Caster sugar is white sugar that has been ground into fine grains. It is used in cooking. [BRIT ] in AM, use superfine sugar

cas|ti|gate /k� st I ge I t/ (castigates , castigating , castigated ) VERB If you castigate someone or something, you speak to them angrily or criticize them severely. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Marx never lost an opportunity to castigate colonialism. □�[V n +�for ] She castigated him for having no intellectual interests. ●� cas|ti|ga|tion /k� st I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �Bradley's public castigation of the police chief.

cast|ing /kɑː st I ŋ, k� st-/ (castings )

1 N‑COUNT A casting is an object or piece of machinery which has been made by pouring a liquid such as hot metal into a container, so that when it hardens it has the required shape.

2 →�see also cast

ca st|ing vo te (casting votes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] When a committee has given an equal number of votes for and against a proposal, the chairperson can give a casting vote . This vote decides whether or not the proposal will be passed. □� Only Mr King's casting vote secured the rate rise.

ca st i ron

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cast iron is iron which contains a small amount of carbon. It is hard and cannot be bent so it has to be made into objects by casting. □� Made from cast iron, it is finished in graphite enamel. □� �the cast-iron chair legs.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cast-iron guarantee or alibi is one that is absolutely certain to be effective and will not fail you. □� They would have to offer cast-iron guarantees to invest in long-term projects.

cas|tle ◆◇◇ /kɑː s ə l, k� s ə l/ (castles )

1 N‑COUNT A castle is a large building with thick, high walls. Castles were built by important people, such as kings, in former times, especially for protection during wars and battles.

2 →�see also sand castle

3 N‑COUNT In chess, a castle is a piece that can be moved forwards, backwards, or sideways.

ca st-off (cast-offs ) also castoff ADJ [ADJ n] Cast-off things, especially clothes, are ones which someone no longer uses because they are old or unfashionable, and which they give to someone else or throw away. □� Alexandra looked plump and awkward in her cast-off clothing. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cast-off is also a noun. □� I never had anything new to wear as a child, only a cousin's cast-offs.

cas|tor /kɑː stə r , k� st-/ (castors ) also caster N‑COUNT Castors are small wheels fitted to a piece of furniture so that it can be moved more easily.

ca s|tor oil N‑UNCOUNT Castor oil is a thick yellow oil that is obtained from the seeds of the castor oil plant. It has a very unpleasant taste and in former times was used as a medicine.

ca s|tor sug|ar →�see caster sugar

cas|trate /k�stre I t, [AM ] k� stre I t/ (castrates , castrating , castrated ) VERB To castrate a male animal or a man means to remove his testicles. □�[V n] In the ancient world, it was probably rare to castrate a dog or cat. □�[V -ed] �a castrated male horse. ●� cas|tra|tion /k�stre I ʃ ə n/ (castrations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the castration of male farm animals.

cas|ual /k� ʒuəl/

1 ADJ If you are casual , you are, or you pretend to be, relaxed and not very concerned about what is happening or what you are doing. □�[+�about ] It's difficult for me to be casual about anything. □� He's an easy-going, friendly young man with a casual sort of attitude towards money. ●� casu|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'No need to hurry,' Ben said casually.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A casual event or situation happens by chance or without planning. □� What you mean as a casual remark could be misinterpreted. □� Even a casual observer could notice the tense atmosphere.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Casual clothes are ones that you normally wear at home or on holiday, and not on formal occasions. □� I also bought some casual clothes for the weekend. ●� casu|al|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� They were smartly but casually dressed.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Casual work is done for short periods and not on a permanent or regular basis. □� �establishments which employ people on a casual basis, such as pubs and restaurants. □� It became increasingly expensive to hire casual workers.

ca sual ga me (casual games ) N‑COUNT A casual game is a simple video game that is easy to play. □� There's a big market for casual games.

casu|al|ize /k� ʒuəla I z/ (casualizes , casualizing , casualized ) in BRIT, also use casualise VERB If a business casualizes its employees or casualizes their labour, it replaces employees with permanent contracts and full rights with employees with temporary contracts and few rights. [BUSINESS ] □�[V -ed] �a casualised workforce. [Also V n] ●� casu|ali|za|tion /k� ʒuəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the casualisation of employment.

casu|al|ty ◆◇◇ /k� ʒuəlti/ (casualties )

1 N‑COUNT A casualty is a person who is injured or killed in a war or in an accident. □� Troops fired on demonstrators near the Royal Palace causing many casualties.

2 N‑COUNT A casualtyof a particular event or situation is a person or a thing that has suffered badly as a result of that event or situation. □�[+�of ] Fiat has been one of the greatest casualties of the recession.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Casualty is the part of a hospital where people who have severe injuries or sudden illnesses are taken for emergency treatment. [BRIT ] □� I was taken to casualty at St Thomas's Hospital. in AM, use emergency room

casu|ist|ry /k� zju I stri, [AM ] k� ʒu-/ N‑UNCOUNT Casuistry is the use of clever arguments to persuade or trick people. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

cat ◆◇◇ /k� t/ (cats )

1 N‑COUNT A cat is a furry animal that has a long tail and sharp claws. Cats are often kept as pets.

2 N‑COUNT Cats are lions, tigers, and other wild animals in the same family.

3 →�see also Cheshire cat , fat cat , wildcat

4 PHRASE If you let the cat out of the bag , you tell people about something that was being kept secret. You often do this by mistake.

5 PHRASE In a fight or contest, if one person plays cat and mouse , or a game of cat and mouse , with the other, the first person tries to confuse or deceive the second in order to defeat them. □� The youths have played cat and mouse with the police.

6 PHRASE If you put the cat among the pigeons or set the cat among the pigeons , you cause fierce argument or discussion by doing or saying something. [BRIT ] □� If we win, that will put the cat among the pigeons.

7 PHRASE If you say ' There's no room to swing a cat ' or ' You can't swing a cat ', you mean that the place you are talking about is very small or crowded. □� It was described as a large, luxury mobile home, but there was barely room to swing a cat.

cata|clysm /k� təkl I zəm/ (cataclysms ) N‑COUNT A cataclysm is an event that causes great change or harm. [FORMAL ]

cata|clys|mic /k� təkl I zm I k/ ADJ A cataclysmic event is one that changes a situation or society very greatly, especially in an unpleasant way. [FORMAL ] □� Few had expected that change to be as cataclysmic as it turned out to be.

cata|comb /k� təkuːm, [AM ] -koʊm/ (catacombs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Catacombs are ancient underground passages and rooms, especially under a city, where people used to be buried.

Cata|lan /k� təl�n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is Catalan belongs or relates to Catalonia, its people, or its language. Catalonia is a region of Spain.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Catalan is one of the languages spoken in Catalonia.

cata|logue /k� təlɒg/ (catalogues , cataloguing , catalogued ) in AM, usually use catalog1 N‑COUNT A catalogue is a list of things such as the goods you can buy from a particular company, the objects in a museum, or the books in a library. □� �the world's biggest seed catalogue.

2 VERB To catalogue things means to make a list of them. □�[V n] The Royal Greenwich Observatory was founded to observe and catalogue the stars.

3 N‑COUNT A catalogueof similar things, especially bad things, is a number of them considered or discussed one after another. □�[+�of ] �the latest tragedy in a catalogue of disasters.

cata|lyse /k� təla I z/ (catalyses , catalysing , catalysed ) in AM, use catalyze1 VERB If something catalyses a thing or a situation, it makes it active. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Any unexpected circumstance that arises may catalyze a sudden escalation of violence.

2 VERB In chemistry, if something catalyses a reaction or event, it causes it to happen. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] The wires do not have a large enough surface to catalyse a big explosion.

ca|taly|sis /kət� l I s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Catalysis is the speeding up of a chemical reaction by adding a catalyst to it. [TECHNICAL ]

cata|lyst /k� təl I st/ (catalysts )

1 N‑COUNT You can describe a person or thing that causes a change or event to happen as a catalyst . □�[+�for ] I very much hope that this case will prove to be a catalyst for change. □� He said he saw the bank's role as a catalyst to encourage foreign direct investment.

2 N‑COUNT In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that causes a chemical reaction to take place more quickly.

cata|lyt|ic /k� təl I t I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In chemistry, a catalytic substance or a substance with catalytic properties is a substance which increases the speed of a chemical reaction. □� �carbon molecules with unusual chemical and catalytic properties.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or thing as having a catalytic effect, you mean that they cause things to happen or they increase the speed at which things happen. [FORMAL ] □� Governments do, however, have a vital catalytic role in orchestrating rescue operations.

ca ta|lyt|ic con|ve rt|er (catalytic converters ) N‑COUNT A catalytic converter is a device which is fitted to a car's exhaust to reduce the pollution coming from it.

cata|ma|ran /k� təmər� n/ (catamarans ) N‑COUNT A catamaran is a sailing boat with two parallel hulls that are held in place by a single deck.

cata|pult /k� təpʌlt/ (catapults , catapulting , catapulted )

1 N‑COUNT A catapult is a device for shooting small stones. It is made of a Y-shaped stick with a piece of elastic tied between the two top parts. [BRIT ] in AM, use slingshot2 VERB If someone or something catapults or is catapulted through the air, they are thrown very suddenly, quickly, and violently through it. □�[V prep] We've all seen enough dummies catapulting through windscreens in TV warnings to know the dangers of not wearing seat belts. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] He was catapulted into the side of the van. [Also V n prep/adv]

3 VERB If something catapults you into a particular state or situation, or if you catapult there, you are suddenly and unexpectedly caused to be in that state or situation. □�[be V -ed +�into ] Suddenly she was catapulted into his jet-set lifestyle. □�[V +�to ] Affleck catapulted to fame after picking up an Oscar.

cata|ract /k� tər�kt/ (cataracts ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, N n] Cataracts are layers over a person's eyes that prevent them from seeing properly. Cataracts usually develop because of old age or illness. □� Age is not a factor in cataract surgery.

ca|tarrh /kətɑː r / N‑UNCOUNT Catarrh is a medical condition in which a lot of mucus is produced in your nose and throat. You may get catarrh when you have a cold.

ca|tas|tro|phe /kət� strəfi/ (catastrophes ) N‑COUNT A catastrophe is an unexpected event that causes great suffering or damage. □� From all points of view, war would be a catastrophe.

cata|stroph|ic /k� təstrɒ f I k/

1 ADJ Something that is catastrophic involves or causes a sudden terrible disaster. □� A tidal wave caused by the earthquake hit the coast causing catastrophic damage. □� The water shortage in this country is potentially catastrophic. ●� cata|strophi|cal|ly /k� təstrɒ f I kli/ ADV [usu ADV after v] □� The faulty left-hand engine failed catastrophically as the aircraft approached the airport.

2 ADJ If you describe something as catastrophic , you mean that it is very bad or unsuccessful. □� �another catastrophic attempt to wrest control from a rival Christian militia. □� His mother's untimely death had a catastrophic effect on him. ●� cata|strophi|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� By the time we had to sell, prices had fallen catastrophically.

cata|ton|ic /k� tətɒ n I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as being in a catatonic state, you mean that they are not moving or responding at all, usually as a result of illness, shock, or drugs. [MEDICAL , LITERARY ] □� �and the traumatised heroine sinks into a catatonic trance.

cat|bird seat /k� tbɜː r d siːt/ PHRASE If you say that someone is in the catbird seat , you think that their situation is very good. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� If he had not been hurt, his team would be sitting in the catbird seat.

ca t bur|glar (cat burglars ) N‑COUNT A cat burglar is a thief who steals from houses or other buildings by climbing up walls and entering through windows or through the roof.

cat|call /k� tkɔːl/ (catcalls ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Catcalls are loud noises that people make to show that they disapprove of something they are watching or listening to. □� The crowd responded with boos and catcalls.

catch ◆◆◇ /k� tʃ/ (catches , catching , caught )

1 VERB If you catch a person or animal, you capture them after chasing them, or by using a trap, net, or other device. □�[V n] Police say they are confident of catching the gunman. □�[V n] Where did you catch the fish? □�[V -ed] I wondered if it was an animal caught in a trap.

2 VERB If you catch an object that is moving through the air, you seize it with your hands. □�[V n] I jumped up to catch a ball and fell over. ●�N‑COUNT Catch is also a noun. □� He missed the catch and the match was lost.

3 VERB If you catch a part of someone's body, you take or seize it with your hand, often in order to stop them going somewhere. □�[V n] Liz caught his arm. □�[V n prep] He knelt beside her and caught her hand in both of his. □�[V n prep] Garrido caught her by the wrist.

4 VERB If one thing catches another, it hits it accidentally or manages to hit it. □�[V n] The stinging slap almost caught his face. □�[V n +�with ] I may have caught him with my elbow but it was just an accident. □�[V n +�on ] He caught her on the side of her head with his other fist.

5 VERB If something catcheson or in an object or if an object catches something, it accidentally becomes attached to the object or stuck in it. □�[V prep] Her ankle caught on a root, and she almost lost her balance. □�[V n prep] A man caught his foot in the lawnmower.

6 VERB When you catch a bus, train, or plane, you get on it in order to travel somewhere. □�[V n] We were in plenty of time for Anthony to catch the ferry. □�[V n prep] He caught a taxi to Harrods.

7 VERB If you catch someone doing something wrong, you see or find them doing it. □�[V n v-ing] He caught a youth breaking into a car. □�[V n prep] They caught him on camera doing it more than once.

8 VERB If you catchyourself doing something, especially something surprising, you suddenly become aware that you are doing it. □�[V pron-refl v-ing] I caught myself feeling almost sorry for poor Mr Laurence.

9 VERB If you catch something or catch a glimpse of it, you notice it or manage to see it briefly. □�[V n] As she turned back, she caught the puzzled look on her mother's face. □�[V n] He caught a glimpse of the man's face in a shop window.

10 VERB If you catch something that someone has said, you manage to hear it. □�[V n] I do not believe I caught your name. □�[V wh] The men out in the corridor were trying to catch what they said.

11 VERB If you catch a TV or radio programme or an event, you manage to see or listen to it. □�[V n] Bill turns on the radio to catch the local news.

12 VERB If you catch someone, you manage to contact or meet them to talk to them, especially when they are just about to go somewhere else. □�[V n] I dialled Elizabeth's number thinking I might catch her before she left for work. □�[V n] Hello, Dolph. Glad I caught you.

13 VERB If something or someone catches you by surprise or at a bad time, you were not expecting them or do not feel able to deal with them. □�[V n prep] She looked as if the photographer had caught her by surprise. □�[V n prep] I'm sorry but I just cannot say anything. You've caught me at a bad time. □�[V n adj] The sheer number of spectators has caught everyone unprepared.

14 VERB If something catches your attention or your eye, you notice it or become interested in it. □�[V n] My shoes caught his attention. □�[V n] A quick movement across the aisle caught his eye.

15 V-PASSIVE If you are caught in a storm or other unpleasant situation, it happens when you cannot avoid its effects. □�[be/get V -ed +�in] When he was fishing off the island he was caught in a storm and almost drowned. □�[be V -ed +�between] Visitors to the area were caught between police and the rioters.

16 V-PASSIVE If you are caught between two alternatives or two people, you do not know which one to choose or follow. □�[be V -ed +�between ] The Jordanian leader is caught between both sides in the dispute. □�[be V -ed +�between ] She was caught between envy and admiration.

17 VERB If you catch a cold or a disease, you become ill with it. □�[V n] The more stress you are under, the more likely you are to catch a cold.

18 VERB To catch liquids or small pieces that fall from somewhere means to collect them in a container. □�[V n] �a specially designed breadboard with a tray to catch the crumbs.

19 VERB If something catches the light or if the light catches it, it reflects the light and looks bright or shiny. □�[V n] They saw the ship's guns, catching the light of the moon. □�[V n +�in ] Often a fox goes across the road in front of me and I just catch it in the headlights.

20 N‑COUNT A catch on a window, door, or container is a device that fastens it. □�[+�of ] She fiddled with the catch of her bag.

21 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A catch is a hidden problem or difficulty in a plan or an offer that seems surprisingly good. □� The catch is that you work for your supper, and the food and accommodation can be very basic.

22 N‑COUNT When people have been fishing, their catch is the total number of fish that they have caught. □� The catch included one fish over 18 pounds.

23 N‑UNCOUNT Catch is a game in which children throw a ball to each other.

24 N‑UNCOUNT Catch is a game in which one child chases other children and tries to touch or catch one of them.

25 →�see also catching

26 PHRASE You can say things such as ' You wouldn't catch me doing that ' to emphasize that you would never do a particular thing. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� You wouldn't catch me in there, I can tell you.

27to catch your breath →�see breath

28to catch fire →�see fire ➊

29to catch hold of something →�see hold ➊

30to catch sight of something →�see sight

▸� catch on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you catch onto something, you understand it, or realize that it is happening. □�[V P +�to ] He got what he could out of me before I caught on to the kind of person he'd turned into. □�[V P ] Wait a minute! I'm beginning to catch on.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something catches on , it becomes popular. □�[V P ] The idea has been around for ages without catching on.

▸� catch out PHRASAL VERB To catch someone out means to cause them to make a mistake that reveals that they are lying about something, do not know something, or cannot do something. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P prep] Detectives followed him for months hoping to catch him out in some deception. □�[be V -ed P +�by] The government has been caught out by the speed of events. [Also V n P , V P n]

▸� catch up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you catch upwith someone who is in front of you, you reach them by walking faster than they are walking. □�[V P ] I stopped and waited for her to catch up. □�[V P +�with ] We caught up with the others.

2 PHRASAL VERB To catch upwith someone means to reach the same standard, stage, or level that they have reached. □�[V P +�with ] Most late developers will catch up with their friends. □�[V P ] John began the season better than me but I have fought to catch up. □�[V P +�on/in ] During the evenings, the school is used by kids who want to catch up on English and mathematics.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you catch upon an activity that you have not had much time to do recently, you spend time doing it. □�[V P +�on/with ] I was catching up on a bit of reading.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you catch up on friends who you have not seen for some time or on their lives, you talk to them and find out what has happened in their lives since you last talked together. □�[V P +�on ] The ladies spent some time catching up on each other's health and families. □�[V P +�with ] She plans to return to Dublin to catch up with the relatives she has not seen since she married.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you are caught upin something, you are involved in it, usually unwillingly. □�[be V -ed P +�in ] The people themselves weren't part of the conflict; they were just caught up in it. [Also be/get V -ed P ]

▸� catch up with

1 PHRASAL VERB When people catch up with someone who has done something wrong, they succeed in finding them in order to arrest or punish them. □�[V P P n] The law caught up with him yesterday.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something catches up with you, you are forced to deal with something unpleasant that happened or that you did in the past, which you have been able to avoid until now. □�[V P P n] Although he subsequently became a successful businessman, his criminal past caught up with him. COLLOCATIONS catch VERB

9

catch+�noun : glimpse, sight

14

catch+�noun : attention, eye

18

catch+�noun : chill, cold, flu, pneumonia

Catch-22 /k� tʃ twenti tuː / also Catch 22 N‑SING [oft N n] If you describe a situation as a Catch-22 , you mean it is an impossible situation because you cannot do one thing until you do another thing, but you cannot do the second thing until you do the first thing. □� It's a Catch 22 situation here. Nobody wants to support you until you're successful, but without the support how can you ever be successful?

ca tch-all (catch-alls ) in AM, also use catchall N‑COUNT A catch-all is a term or category which includes many different things. □� Globalisation is a catch-all to describe increased international trade. □� Indigestion is a catch-all term for any kind of stomach distress.

catch|er /k� tʃə r / (catchers ) N‑COUNT In baseball, the catcher is the player who stands behind the batter. The catcher has a special glove for catching the ball.

catch|ing /k� tʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If an illness or a disease is catching , it is easily passed on or given to someone else. [INFORMAL ] □� There are those who think eczema is catching.

catch|ment /k� tʃmənt/ (catchments ) N‑COUNT In geography, catchment is the process of collecting water, in particular the process of water flowing from the ground and collecting in a river. Catchment is also the water that is collected in this way. [TECHNICAL ]

ca tch|ment area (catchment areas )

1 N‑COUNT The catchment areaof a school, hospital, or other service is the area that it serves. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �the catchment areas of the district general hospitals.

2 N‑COUNT In geography, the catchment area of a river is the area of land from which water flows into the river. [TECHNICAL ]

ca tch-phrase (catch-phrases ) also catch phrase N‑COUNT A catch-phrase is a sentence or phrase which becomes popular or well-known, often because it is frequently used by a famous person.

catchy /k� tʃi/ (catchier , catchiest ) ADJ If you describe a tune, name, or advertisement as catchy , you mean that it is attractive and easy to remember. □� The songs were both catchy and original. □� The blog post tried to draw in readers through a catchy title.

cat|echism /k� t I k I zəm/ (catechisms ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In a Catholic, Episcopal, or Orthodox Church, the catechism is a series of questions and answers about religious beliefs, which has to be learned by people before they can become full members of that Church.

cat|egor|ic /k� t I gɒ r I k, [AM ] -gɔː r-/ ADJ Categoric means the same as categorical .

cat|egori|cal /k� t I gɒ r I k ə l, [AM ] -gɔː r-/ ADJ If you are categorical about something, you state your views very definitely and firmly. □� �his categorical denial of the charges of sexual harassment. ●� cat|egori|cal|ly /k� t I gɒ r I kli, [AM ] -gɔː r-/ ADV [ADV with v] □� They totally and categorically deny the charges. □� He stated categorically that this would be his last season in Formula One.

cat|ego|rize /k� t I gəra I z/ (categorizes , categorizing , categorized ) in BRIT, also use categorise VERB If you categorize people or things, you divide them into sets or you say which set they belong to. □�[V n] Lindsay, like his films, is hard to categorise. □�[V n] Make a list of your child's toys and then categorise them as sociable or antisocial. □�[V -ing] �new ways of categorizing information. ●� cat|ego|ri|za|tion /k� t I gəra I ze I ʃ ə n/ (categorizations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the categorisation of new types of missiles.

cat|ego|ry ◆◇◇ /k� t I gri, [AM ] -gɔːri/ (categories ) N‑COUNT If people or things are divided into categories , they are divided into groups in such a way that the members of each group are similar to each other in some way. □�[+�of ] This book clearly falls into the category of fictionalised autobiography. □� The tables were organised into six different categories. SYNONYMS category NOUN 1

class:�the division of the stars into six classes of brightness.

genre:�his love of films and novels in the horror genre.

sort:What sort of school did you go to?

type:In 1990, 25% of households were of this type.

ca|ter /ke I tə r / (caters , catering , catered )

1 VERB In British English, to cater for a group of people means to provide all the things that they need or want. In American English, you say you cater to a person or group of people. □�[V +�for ] Minorca is the sort of place that caters for families. □�[V +�to ] We cater to an exclusive clientele.

2 VERB In British English, to cater for something means to take it into account. In American English, you say you cater to something. □�[V +�for ] �shops that cater for the needs of men. □�[V +�to ] Exercise classes cater to all levels of fitness.

3 VERB If a person or company caters for an occasion such as a wedding or a party, they provide food and drink for all the people there. □�[V +�for ] Nunsmere Hall can cater for receptions of up to 300 people. □�[V n] Does he cater parties too?

4 →�see also catering , self-catering

ca|ter|er /ke I tərə r / (caterers ) N‑COUNT Caterers are people or companies that provide food and drink for a place such as an office or for special occasions such as weddings and parties. □� �food brought in from outside caterers.

ca|ter|ing /ke I tər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N , oft N n] Catering is the activity of providing food and drink for a large number of people, for example at weddings and parties. □�[+�for ] He recently did the catering for a presidential reception.

cat|er|pil|lar /k� tə r p I lə r / (caterpillars ) N‑COUNT A caterpillar is a small, worm-like animal that feeds on plants and eventually develops into a butterfly or moth.

cat|er|waul /k� tə r wɔːl/ (caterwauls , caterwauling , caterwauled ) VERB If a person or animal caterwauls , they make a loud, high, unpleasant noise like the noise that cats make when they fight. □�[V ] �shrieking and caterwauling in mock distress. ●�N‑COUNT Caterwaul is also a noun. □� �blood-curdling caterwauls. ●� cat|er|waul|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �high-pitched moaning and caterwauling.

cat|fight /k� tfa I t/ (catfights ) N‑COUNT A catfight is an angry fight or quarrel, especially between women. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □� A catfight has erupted over who will get top billing.

cat|fish /k� tf I ʃ/ (catfish ) N‑VAR Catfish are a type of fish that have long thin spines around their mouths.

ca|thar|sis /kəθɑː r s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Catharsis is getting rid of unhappy memories or strong emotions such as anger or sadness by expressing them in some way. □� He wrote out his rage, which gradually became a form of catharsis.

ca|thar|tic /kəθɑː r t I k/ ADJ Something that is cathartic has the effect of catharsis. [FORMAL ] □� His laughter was cathartic, an animal yelp that brought tears to his eyes.

ca|thedral /kəθiː drəl/ (cathedrals ) N‑COUNT A cathedral is a very large and important church which has a bishop in charge of it. □� �St. Paul's Cathedral. □� �the cathedral city of Canterbury.

Cath|er|ine wheel /k� θər I n h wiːl/ (Catherine wheels ) also catherine wheel N‑COUNT A Catherine wheel is a firework in the shape of a circle which spins round and round.

cath|eter /k� θ I tə r / (catheters ) N‑COUNT A catheter is a tube which is used to introduce liquids into a human body or to withdraw liquids from it. [MEDICAL ]

cath|ode /k� θoʊd/ (cathodes ) N‑COUNT A cathode is the negative electrode in a cell such as a battery. Compare anode .

ca thode-ray tube (cathode-ray tubes ) N‑COUNT A cathode-ray tube is a device in televisions and computer terminals which sends an image onto the screen. [TECHNICAL ]

Catho|lic ◆◇◇ /k� θl I k/ (Catholics )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The Catholic Church is the branch of the Christian Church that accepts the Pope as its leader and is based in the Vatican in Rome. □� �the Catholic Church. □� �Catholic priests. □� �the Catholic faith.

2 →�see also Anglo-Catholic

3 N‑COUNT A Catholic is a member of the Catholic Church. □� At least nine out of ten Mexicans are baptised Catholics.

4 ADJ If you describe a collection of things or people as catholic , you are emphasizing that they are very varied. □� He was a man of catholic tastes, a lover of grand opera, history and the fine arts.

Ca|tholi|cism /kəθɒ l I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Catholicism is the traditions, the behaviour, and the set of Christian beliefs that are held by Catholics. □� �her conversion to Catholicism.

cat|kin /k� tk I n/ (catkins ) N‑COUNT A catkin is a long, thin, soft flower that hangs on some trees, for example birch trees and hazel trees.

cat|nap /k� tn�p/ (catnaps ) also cat-nap N‑COUNT A catnap is a short sleep, usually one which you have during the day. [INFORMAL ]

cat|suit /k� tsuːt/ (catsuits ) N‑COUNT A catsuit is a piece of women's clothing that is made in one piece and fits tightly over the body and legs. [BRIT ]

cat|sup /k� tsəp/ →�see ketchup

cat|tery /k� təri/ (catteries ) N‑COUNT A cattery is a place where you can leave your cat to be looked after when you go on holiday. [BRIT ]

cat|tle /k� t ə l/ N‑PLURAL Cattle are cows and bulls. □� �the finest herd of beef cattle for two hundred miles.

ca t|tle grid (cattle grids ) N‑COUNT A cattle grid is a set of metal bars in the surface of a road which prevents cattle and sheep from walking along the road, but allows people and vehicles to pass. [BRIT ] in AM, use cattle guard

ca t|tle guard (cattle guards ) N‑COUNT A cattle guard is the same as a cattle grid . [AM ]

cattle|man /k� t ə lm�n/ (cattlemen ) N‑COUNT A cattleman is a man who looks after or owns cattle, especially in North America or Australia.

ca t|tle mar|ket (cattle markets )

1 N‑COUNT A cattle market is a market where cattle are bought and sold.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to an event such as a disco or a beauty contest as a cattle market , you disapprove of it because women are considered there only in terms of their sexual attractiveness. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ca t|tle prod (cattle prods ) N‑COUNT A cattle prod is an object shaped like a long stick. Farmers make cattle move in a particular direction by pushing the cattle prod against the bodies of the animals. □� �an electric cattle prod.

cat|ty /k� ti/ (cattier , cattiest ) ADJ If someone, especially a woman or girl, is being catty , they are being unpleasant and unkind. [INFORMAL ] □� �catty remarks.

cat|walk /k� twɔːk/ (catwalks )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] At a fashion show, the catwalk is a narrow platform that models walk along to display clothes.

2 N‑COUNT A catwalk is a narrow bridge high in the air, for example between two parts of a tall building, on the outside of a large structure, or over a stage.

Cau|ca|sian /kɔːke I ʒən/ (Caucasians )

1 ADJ A Caucasian person is a white person. [FORMAL ] □� �a 25-year-old Caucasian male. ●�N‑COUNT A Caucasian is someone who is Caucasian. □� Ann Hamilton was a Caucasian from New England.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anthropologists use Caucasian to refer to someone from a racial grouping coming from Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. [TECHNICAL ] □� �blue eyes and Caucasian features. ●�N‑COUNT A Caucasian is someone who is Caucasian.

cau|cus /kɔː kəs/ (caucuses ) N‑COUNT A caucus is a group of people within an organization who share similar aims and interests or who have a lot of influence. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the Black Caucus of minority congressmen.

caught /kɔː t/ Caught is the past tense and past participle of catch .

caul|dron /kɔː ldrən/ (cauldrons ) N‑COUNT A cauldron is a very large, round metal pot used for cooking over a fire. In stories and fairy tales, a cauldron is used by witches for their spells.

cau|li|flow|er /kɒ liflaʊə r , [AM ] kɔː -/ (cauliflowers ) N‑VAR Cauliflower is a large round vegetable that has a hard white centre surrounded by green leaves.

caus|al /kɔː z ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is a causal relationship between two things, one thing is responsible for causing the other thing. [FORMAL ] □� Rawlins stresses that it is impossible to prove a causal link between the drug and the deaths.

cau|sal|ity /kɔːz� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Causality is the relationship of cause and effect. [FORMAL ] □� �the chain of causality that produces an earthquake.

cau|sa|tion /kɔːze I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The causation of something, usually something bad, is the factors that have caused it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The gene is only part of the causation of illness.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Causation is a study of the factors involved in causing something. [FORMAL ]

causa|tive /kɔː zət I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] Causative factors are ones which are responsible for causing something. [FORMAL ] □� Obesity is the main causative factor in Type 2 diabetes.

cause ◆◆◆ /kɔː z/ (causes , causing , caused )

1 N‑COUNT The causeof an event, usually a bad event, is the thing that makes it happen. □�[+�of ] Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of death and disease. □� The causes are a complex blend of local and national tensions.

2 VERB To cause something, usually something bad, means to make it happen. □�[V n] Attempts to limit family size among some minorities are likely to cause problems. □�[V n n] This was a genuine mistake, but it did cause me some worry. □�[V n to-inf] �a protein that gets into animal cells and attacks other proteins, causing disease to spread. □�[V -ed] Experts are assessing the damage caused by a fire at the aircraft factory.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to-inf] If you have causefor a particular feeling or action, you have good reasons for feeling it or doing it. □�[+�for ] Only a few people can find any cause for celebration. □� Both had much cause to be grateful.

4 N‑COUNT A cause is an aim or principle which a group of people supports or is fighting for. □� Refusing to have one leader has not helped the cause.

5 →�see also lost cause

6 PHRASE You use cause and effect to talk about the way in which one thing is caused by another. □� �fundamental laws of biological cause and effect.

7 PHRASE If you say that something is in a good cause or for a good cause , you mean that it is worth doing or giving to because it will help other people, for example by raising money for charity. □� The Raleigh International Bike Ride is open to anyone who wants to raise money for a good cause. COLLOCATIONS cause NOUN

1

noun +�cause : root

adjective +�cause : underlying; common, likely

4

adjective +�cause : hopeless, lost; noble, worthy VERB 2

cause+�noun : controversy, offence, outrage; chaos, damage, harm, havoc; delay, disruption; problem, trouble; death, injury, pain SYNONYMS cause NOUN 1

origin:Their medical problems are basically physical in origin.

source:Renewable sources of energy must be used where practical.

root:We got to the root of the problem. VERB 2

produce:The talks are aimed at producing a new world trade treaty.

create:Criticizing will only destroy a relationship and create feelings of failure.

lead to:This discovery led on to studies of the immune system.

generate:�the excitement generated by the changes in the world of education.

provoke:His election success has provoked a shocked reaction.

'cause /kə z/ also cause CONJ 'Cause is an informal way of saying because . □� 30 families are suffering 'cause they're out of work.

cause c�|l�|bre /koʊ z se I le brə/ (causes c�l�bres ) also cause celebre N‑COUNT A cause c�l�bre is an issue, person, or criminal trial that has attracted a lot of public attention and discussion. [FORMAL ] □� The trial became a cause celebre in Paris and internationally.

cause|way /kɔː zwe I / (causeways ) N‑COUNT A causeway is a raised path or road that crosses water or wet land.

caus|tic /kɔː st I k/

1 ADJ Caustic chemical substances are very powerful and can dissolve other substances. □� �caustic cleaning agents. □� Remember that this is caustic; use gloves or a spoon.

2 ADJ A caustic remark is extremely critical, cruel, or bitter. [FORMAL ] □� His abrasive wit and caustic comments were an interviewer's nightmare.

cau s|tic so da N‑UNCOUNT Caustic soda is a powerful chemical substance used to make strong soaps and clean drains.

cau|ter|ize /kɔː təra I z/ (cauterizes , cauterizing , cauterized ) in BRIT, also use cauterise VERB If a doctor cauterizes a wound, he or she burns it with heat or with a chemical in order to close it up and prevent it from becoming infected. □�[V n] He cauterized the wound with a piece of red-hot iron.

cau|tion /kɔː ʃ ə n/ (cautions , cautioning , cautioned )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Caution is great care which you take in order to avoid possible danger. □� Extreme caution should be exercised when buying part-worn tyres. □� The Chancellor is a man of caution.

2 VERB If someone cautions you, they warn you about problems or danger. □�[V +�against ] Tony cautioned against misrepresenting the situation. □�[V n +�against/about ] The statement clearly was intended to caution Seoul against attempting to block the council's action again. □�[V that] But experts caution that instant gratification comes at a price. [Also V n that, V n to-inf] ●�N‑UNCOUNT Caution is also a noun. □� There was a note of caution for the Treasury in the figures.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone who has broken the law is cautioned by the police, they are warned that if they break the law again official action will be taken against them. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] The two men were cautioned but police say they will not be charged. ●�N‑COUNT Caution is also a noun. □� Liam was eventually let off with a caution.

4 VERB [usu passive] If someone who has been arrested is cautioned , the police warn them that anything they say may be used as evidence in a trial. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] Nobody was cautioned after arrest.

5 PHRASE If you throw caution to the wind , you behave in a way that is not considered sensible or careful. □� I threw caution to the wind and rode as fast as I could.

6to err on the side of caution →�see err

cau|tion|ary /kɔː ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cautionary story or a cautionary note to a story is one that is intended to give a warning to people. □� An editorial in The Times sounds a cautionary note.

cau|tious ◆◇◇ /kɔː ʃəs/

1 ADJ Someone who is cautious acts very carefully in order to avoid possible danger. □�[+�about ] The scientists are cautious about using enzyme therapy on humans. □� He is a very cautious man. ●� cau|tious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� David moved cautiously forward and looked over the edge. □� Cautiously, he moved himself into an upright position.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's attitude or reaction as cautious , you mean that it is limited or careful. □� He has been seen as a champion of a more cautious approach to economic reform. ●� cau|tious|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� Cook was cautiously optimistic that he would finally solve the problem. □� Rebel sources have so far reacted cautiously to the threat. SYNONYMS cautious ADJ 2

careful:Pupils will need careful guidance on their choice of options.

wary:They were very wary about giving him a contract.

prudent:It is always prudent to start any exercise programme gradually at first.

circumspect:The banks should have been more circumspect in their dealings.

cav|al|cade /k� v ə lke I d/ (cavalcades ) N‑COUNT A cavalcade is a procession of people on horses or in cars or carriages. □�[+�of ] �a cavalcade of limousines and police motorcycles.

cava|lier /k� vəl I ə r / ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as cavalier , you are criticizing them because you think that they do not consider other people's feelings or take account of the seriousness of a situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Editor takes a cavalier attitude to the concept of fact checking.

cav|al|ry /k� v ə lri/

1 N‑SING The cavalry is the part of an army that uses armoured vehicles for fighting. □� �the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division.

2 N‑SING The cavalry is the group of soldiers in an army who ride horses. □� �a young cavalry officer.

cav|al|ry|man /k� v ə lrim�n/ (cavalrymen ) N‑COUNT A cavalryman is a soldier who is in the cavalry, especially one who rides a horse.

cave ◆◇◇ /ke I v/ (caves , caving , caved ) N‑COUNT A cave is a large hole in the side of a cliff or hill, or one that is under the ground. □� �a cave more than 1,000 feet deep.

▸� cave in

1 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a roof or a ceiling caves in , it collapses inwards. □�[V P ] Part of the roof has caved in.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you cave in , you suddenly stop arguing or resisting, especially when people put pressure on you to stop. □�[V P ] After a ruinous strike, the union caved in. □�[V P +�to ] The Prime Minister has caved in to backbench pressure. □�[V P +�on ] He's caved in on capital punishment.

ca|veat /k� vi�t, [AM ] ke I v-/ (caveats ) N‑COUNT [oft N that] A caveat is a warning of a specific limitation of something such as information or an agreement. [FORMAL ] □� There was one caveat: he was not to enter into a merger or otherwise weaken the Roche family's control of the firm.

ca|veat emp|tor /k� vi�t e mptɔː r , [AM ] ke I v-/ CONVENTION Caveat emptor means 'let the buyer beware', and is a warning to someone buying something that it is their responsibility to identify and accept any faults in it. [FORMAL , WRITTEN ]

ca ve-in (cave-ins ) N‑COUNT A cave-in is the sudden collapse of the roof of a cave or mine.

cave|man /ke I vm�n/ (cavemen ) N‑COUNT Cavemen were people in prehistoric times who lived mainly in caves.

cav|er /ke I və r / (cavers ) N‑COUNT A caver is someone who goes into underground caves as a sport.

cav|ern /k� və r n/ (caverns ) N‑COUNT A cavern is a large deep cave.

cav|ern|ous /k� və r nəs/ ADJ A cavernous room or building is very large inside, and so it reminds you of a cave. □� The work space is a bare and cavernous warehouse.

cavi|ar /k� viɑː r / (caviars ) also caviare N‑VAR Caviar is the salted eggs of a fish called a sturgeon.

cav|il /k� v ə l/ (cavils , cavilling , cavilled ) in AM, use caviling , caviled VERB [no passive] If you say that someone cavilsat something, you mean that they make criticisms of it that you think are unimportant or unnecessary. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] Let us not cavil too much. □�[V +�at ] I don't think this is the time to cavil at the wording of the report. ●�N‑COUNT Cavil is also a noun. □� These cavils aside, most of the essays are very good indeed.

cav|ity /k� v I ti/ (cavities )

1 N‑COUNT A cavity is a space or hole in something such as a solid object or a person's body. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT In dentistry, a cavity is a hole in a tooth, caused by decay. [TECHNICAL ]

ca v|ity wa ll (cavity walls ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A cavity wall is a wall that consists of two separate walls with a space between them. Cavity walls help to keep out noise and cold. [mainly BRIT ] □� �cavity wall insulation.

ca|vort /kəvɔː r t/ (cavorts , cavorting , cavorted )

1 VERB When people cavort , they leap about in a noisy and excited way. □�[V ] You can enjoy a quick snack while your children cavort in the sand.

2 VERB Cavort is sometimes used by journalists to suggest that people were behaving in a playfully sexual way. □�[V +�with ] Dr Murray, 56, cavorted with the models on a jaunt to Trinidad and Tobago.

caw /kɔː / (caws , cawing , cawed ) VERB When a bird such as a crow or a rook caws , it makes a loud harsh sound. □�[V ] Outside, a raven cawed.

cay|enne pep|per /ka I e n pe pə r / N‑UNCOUNT Cayenne pepper or cayenne is a red powder with a hot taste which is made from dried peppers and is used to flavour food. □� Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of cayenne.

CB /siː biː / N‑UNCOUNT CB , an abbreviation for 'Citizens' Band', is a range of radio frequencies which the general public is allowed to use to send messages to each other. It is used especially by truck drivers and other drivers who use radio sets in their vehicles.

cc /siː siː /

1 You use cc when referring to the volume or capacity of something such as the size of a car engine. cc is an abbreviation for 'cubic centimetres'. □� �1,500 cc sports cars.

2cc is used at the end of a business letter to indicate that a copy is being sent to another person. [BUSINESS ] □� �cc J. Chan, S. Cooper.

CCTV /siː siː tiː viː / N‑UNCOUNT CCTV is an abbreviation for 'closed-circuit television'. □� �a CCTV camera. □� The girls were filmed on CCTV.

CD ◆◇◇ /siː diː / (CDs ) N‑COUNT CDs are small plastic discs on which sound, especially music, can be recorded. CDs can also be used to store information which can be read by a computer. CD is an abbreviation for 'compact disc'. □� The Beatles' Red and Blue compilations were issued on CD for the first time.

C D burn|er (CD burners ) N‑COUNT A CD burner is the same as a CD writer . [COMPUTING ]

C.diff /siː d I f/ N‑UNCOUNT C.diff is an abbreviation for Clostridium difficile . [MEDICAL ]

C D play|er ◆◇◇ (CD players ) N‑COUNT A CD player is a machine on which you can play CDs.

Cdr in AM, also use CDR N‑TITLE Cdr is the written abbreviation for commander when it is used as a title. □� �Cdr A.C. Moore.

CD-ROM ◆◇◇ /siː diː rɒ m/ (CD-ROMs ) N‑COUNT A CD-ROM is a CD on which a very large amount of information can be stored and then read using a computer. CD-ROM is an abbreviation for 'compact disc read-only memory'. [COMPUTING ] □� The collected Austen novels on CD-ROM will cost �35.

CD-ROM drive /siː diː rɒ m dra I v/ (CD-ROM drives ) N‑COUNT A CD-ROM drive is the device that you use with a computer to play CD-ROMs. [COMPUTING ]

C D writ|er (CD writers ) N‑COUNT A CD writer is a piece of computer equipment that you use for copying data from a computer onto a CD. [COMPUTING ]

CE / siː iː / Many people now use CE in dates to indicate a number of years or centuries after AD 1 or after the year in which Jesus is believed to have been born. Compare BCE . □� Christianity was adopted in 324 CE as the official religion of the Roman Empire. □� The language was practically extinct by the sixth century CE.

cease ◆◇◇ /siː s/ (ceases , ceasing , ceased )

1 VERB If something ceases , it stops happening or existing. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] At one o'clock the rain had ceased.

2 VERB If you ceaseto do something, you stop doing it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] He never ceases to amaze me. □�[V v-ing] A small number of firms have ceased trading.

3 VERB If you cease something, you stop it happening or working. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The Daily Herald ceased publication, to be replaced by The Sun. SYNONYMS cease VERB 2

stop:Stop throwing those stones!

discontinue:Do not discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor.

end:Talks have resumed to try to end the fighting.

finish:As soon as he'd finished eating, he excused himself.

cease|fire ◆◇◇ /siː sfa I ə r / (ceasefires ) also cease-fire N‑COUNT A ceasefire is an arrangement in which countries or groups of people that are fighting each other agree to stop fighting. □� They have agreed to a ceasefire after three years of conflict.

cease|less /siː sləs/ ADJ If something, often something unpleasant, is ceaseless , it continues for a long time without stopping or changing. [FORMAL ] □� There is a ceaseless struggle from noon to night. ●� cease|less|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The characters complain ceaselessly about food queues, prices and corruption.

ce|dar /siː də r / (cedars ) N‑VAR A cedar or a cedar tree is a large evergreen tree with wide branches and small thin leaves called needles. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cedar is the wood of this tree. □� The yacht is built of cedar strip planking.

cede /siː d/ (cedes , ceding , ceded ) VERB If someone in a position of authority cedes land or power to someone else, they let them have the land or power, often as a result of military or political pressure. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] Only a short campaign took place in Puerto Rico, but after the war Spain ceded the island to America. □�[V n] The General had promised to cede power by January.

ce|dil|la /s I d I lə/ (cedillas ) N‑COUNT A cedilla is a symbol that is written under the letter 'c' in French, Portuguese, and some other languages to show that you pronounce it like a letter 's' rather than like a letter 'k'. It is written �.

cei|lidh /ke I li/ (ceilidhs ) N‑COUNT A ceilidh is an informal entertainment, especially in Scotland or Ireland, at which there is folk music, singing, and dancing.

ceil|ing /siː l I ŋ/ (ceilings )

1 N‑COUNT A ceiling is the horizontal surface that forms the top part or roof inside a room. □� The rooms were spacious, with tall windows and high ceilings. □� The study was lined from floor to ceiling on every wall with bookcases.

2 N‑COUNT A ceilingon something such as prices or wages is an official upper limit that cannot be broken. □�[+�on ] �an informal agreement to put a ceiling on salaries. □�[+�of ] The agreement sets the ceiling of twenty-two-point-five million barrels a day on OPEC production.

ce|leb /s I le b/ (celebs ) N‑COUNT A celeb is the same as a celebrity . [mainly JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ]

cel|ebrant /se l I brənt/ (celebrants ) N‑COUNT A celebrant is a person who performs or takes part in a religious ceremony. [FORMAL ]

cel|ebrate ◆◇◇ /se l I bre I t/ (celebrates , celebrating , celebrated )

1 VERB If you celebrate , you do something enjoyable because of a special occasion or to mark someone's success. □�[V ] I was in a mood to celebrate. □�[V n] Tom celebrated his 24th birthday two days ago.

2 VERB If an organization or country is celebrating an anniversary, it has existed for that length of time and is doing something special because of it. □�[V n] The Society is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

3 VERB When priests celebrate Holy Communion or Mass, they officially perform the actions and ceremonies that are involved. □�[V n] The Pope will celebrate Mass in Westminster Cathedral.

cel|ebrat|ed /se l I bre I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A celebrated person or thing is famous and much admired. □� He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.

cel|ebra|tion ◆◇◇ /se l I bre I ʃ ə n/ (celebrations )

1 N‑COUNT A celebration is a special enjoyable event that people organize because something pleasant has happened or because it is someone's birthday or anniversary. □� I can tell you, there was a celebration in our house that night. □� �his eightieth birthday celebrations.

2 N‑SING The celebrationof something is praise and appreciation which is given to it. □�[+�of ] This was not a memorial service but a celebration of his life. SYNONYMS celebration NOUN 1

party:The couple met at a party.

festivity:There was a general air of festivity and abandon.

revelry:�New Year revelries.

jubilee:�Queen Victoria's jubilee. COLLOCATIONS celebration NOUN 1

noun +�celebration : anniversary, birthday, centenary, wedding; goal, victory

adjective +�celebration : joyous, wild; low-key

celebration+�be +�adjective : short-lived

verb +�celebration : organize, plan; attend; spark, trigger

cel|ebra|tory /se ləbre I təri, [AM ] se l I brətɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A celebratory meal, drink, or other activity takes place to celebrate something such as a birthday, anniversary, or victory. □� That night she, Nicholson and the crew had a celebratory dinner.

ce|leb|rity ◆◇◇ /s I le br I ti/ (celebrities )

1 N‑COUNT A celebrity is someone who is famous, especially in areas of entertainment such as films, music, writing, or sport. □� He signed his first contract with Universal, changed his name and became a celebrity almost overnight. □� �a host of celebrities.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If a person or thing achieves celebrity , they become famous, especially in areas of entertainment such as films, music, writing, or sport. □� Joanna has finally made it to the first rank of celebrity after 25 years as an actress.

cel|ery /se ləri/ N‑UNCOUNT Celery is a vegetable with long pale green stalks. It is eaten raw in salads. □� �a stick of celery.

ce|les|tial /s I le stiəl/ ADJ Celestial is used to describe things relating to heaven or to the sky. [LITERARY ] □� Gravity governs the motions of celestial bodies.

celi|ba|cy /se l I bəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Celibacy is the state of being celibate.

celi|bate /se l I bət/ (celibates )

1 ADJ Someone who is celibate does not marry or have sex, because of their religious beliefs. □� The Pope bluntly told the world's priests yesterday to stay celibate. ●�N‑COUNT A celibate is someone who is celibate.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is celibate does not have sex during a particular period of their life. □� I was celibate for two years.

cell ◆◆◇ /se l/ (cells )

1 N‑COUNT A cell is the smallest part of an animal or plant that is able to function independently. Every animal or plant is made up of millions of cells. □� Those cells divide and give many other different types of cells. □� �blood cells. □� Soap destroys the cell walls of bacteria.

2 N‑COUNT A cell is a small room in which a prisoner is locked. A cell is also a small room in which a monk or nun lives.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] You can refer to a small group of people within a larger organization as a cell . COLLOCATIONS cell NOUN

1

noun +�cell : blood, brain, fat, nerve, skin; cancer

adjective +�cell : abnormal, cancerous, dead

2

noun +�cell : jail, prison

cel|lar /se lə r / (cellars )

1 N‑COUNT A cellar is a room underneath a building, which is often used for storing things in. □� The box of papers had been stored in a cellar at the family home.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A person's or restaurant's cellar is the collection of different wines that they have. □� �the restaurant's extensive wine cellar.

cel|list /tʃe l I st/ (cellists ) N‑COUNT A cellist is someone who plays the cello.

cell|mate /se lme I t/ (cellmates ) also cell-mate N‑COUNT [usu with poss] In a prison, someone's cellmate is the person they share their cell with.

cel|lo /tʃe loʊ/ (cellos ) N‑VAR A cello is a musical instrument with four strings that looks like a large violin. You play the cello with a bow while sitting down and holding it upright between your legs.

cel|lo|phane /se ləfe I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Cellophane is a thin, transparent material that is used to wrap things. [TRADEMARK ] □� She tore off the cellophane, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. □� �a cellophane wrapper.

cell|phone /se lfoʊn/ (cellphones ) also cell-phone N‑COUNT A cell phone is a type of telephone which does not need wires to connect it to a telephone system. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use mobile phone

cel|lu|lar /se ljʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cellular means relating to the cells of animals or plants. □� Many toxic effects can be studied at the cellular level.

ce l|lu|lar pho ne (cellular phones ) N‑COUNT A cellular phone is the same as a cellphone . [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use mobile phone

cel|lu|lite /se ljʊla I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Cellulite is lumpy fat which people may get under their skin, especially on their thighs.

cel|lu|loid /se ljʊlɔ I d/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] You can use celluloid to refer to films and the cinema. □� King's works seem to lack something on celluloid.

cel|lu|lose /se ljʊloʊs/ N‑UNCOUNT Cellulose is a substance that exists in the cell walls of plants and is used to make paper, plastic, and various fabrics and fibres.

Celsius /se lsiəs/ ADJ Celsius is a scale for measuring temperature, in which water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees. It is represented by the symbol �C. □� Highest temperatures 11� Celsius, that's 52� Fahrenheit. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Celsius is also a noun. □� The thermometer shows the temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Celt /ke lt, se lt/ (Celts ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a Celt , you mean that they are part of the racial group which comes from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and some other areas such as Brittany.

Celt|ic /ke lt I k, se l-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as Celtic , you mean that it is connected with the people and the culture of Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and some other areas such as Brittany. □� �important figures in Celtic tradition.

ce|ment /s I me nt/ (cements , cementing , cemented )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cement is a grey powder which is mixed with sand and water in order to make concrete. □� �a mixture of wet sand and cement.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cement is the same as concrete . □� �the hard cold cement floor.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] Glue that is made for sticking particular substances together is sometimes called cement . □� Stick the pieces on with tile cement.

4 VERB Something that cements a relationship or agreement makes it stronger. □�[V n] Nothing cements a friendship between countries so much as trade.

5 VERB [usu passive] If things are cemented together, they are stuck or fastened together. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Most artificial joints are cemented into place.

ce|me nt mix|er (cement mixers ) N‑COUNT A cement mixer is a machine with a large revolving container into which builders put cement, sand, and water in order to make concrete.

cem|etery /se mətri, [AM ] -teri/ (cemeteries ) N‑COUNT A cemetery is a place where dead people's bodies or their ashes are buried.

ceno|taph /se nətɑːf, -t�f/ (cenotaphs ) N‑COUNT A cenotaph is a structure that is built in honour of soldiers who died in a war.

cen|sor /se nsə r / (censors , censoring , censored )

1 VERB If someone in authority censors letters or the media, they officially examine them and cut out any information that is regarded as secret. □�[V n] The military-backed government has heavily censored the news.

2 N‑COUNT A censor is a person who has been officially appointed to examine letters or the media and to cut out any parts that are regarded as secret. □� The report was cleared by the American military censors.

3 VERB If someone in authority censors a book, play, or film, they officially examine it and cut out any parts that are considered to be immoral or inappropriate. □�[V n] ITV companies tend to censor bad language in feature films.

4 N‑COUNT A censor is a person who has been officially appointed to examine plays, films, and books and to cut out any parts that are considered to be immoral. □� �the British Board of Film Censors.

cen|so|ri|ous /sensɔː riəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as censorious , you do not like the way they strongly disapprove of and criticize someone else's behaviour. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Despite strong principles he was never censorious.

cen|sor|ship /se nsə r ʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Censorship is the censoring of books, plays, films, or reports, especially by government officials, because they are considered immoral or secret in some way. □� The government today announced that press censorship was being lifted.

cen|sure /se nʃə r / (censures , censuring , censured ) VERB If you censure someone for something that they have done, you tell them that you strongly disapprove of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The ethics committee may take a decision to admonish him or to censure him. □�[V n +�for ] I would not presume to censure Osborne for hating his mother. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Censure is also a noun. □� It is a controversial policy which has attracted international censure.

cen|sus /se nsəs/ (censuses ) N‑COUNT A census is an official survey of the population of a country that is carried out in order to find out how many people live there and to obtain details of such things as people's ages and jobs.

cent ◆◇◇ /se nt/ (cents )

1 N‑COUNT A cent is a small unit of money worth one-hundredth of some currencies, for example the dollar and the euro. □� A cup of rice which cost thirty cents a few weeks ago is now being sold for up to one dollar. □� We haven't got a cent.

2 →�see also per cent

cen|taur /se ntɔː r / (centaurs ) N‑COUNT In classical mythology, a centaur is a creature with the head, arms, and upper body of a man, and the body and legs of a horse.

cen|te|nar|ian /se nt I neə riən/ (centenarians ) N‑COUNT A centenarian is someone who is a hundred years old or older. □� Japan has more than 4,000 centenarians.

cen|te|nary /sentiː nəri, [AM ] -te n-/ (centenaries ) N‑COUNT The centenaryof an event such as someone's birth is the 100th anniversary of that event. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �an event marking the centenary of his birth. in AM, use centennial

cen|ten|nial /sente niəl/ N‑SING [oft N n] A centennial is the same as a centenary . [mainly AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ] □� Now his centennial Tate Modern show offers an overview of his career.

cen|ter /se ntə r / →�see centre

cen|ti|grade /se nt I gre I d/ ADJ Centigrade is a scale for measuring temperature, in which water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees. It is represented by the symbol �C. □� �daytime temperatures of up to forty degrees centigrade. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Centigrade is also a noun. □� The number at the bottom is the recommended water temperature in Centigrade.

cen|ti|li|tre /se nt I liːtə r / (centilitres ) in AM, use centiliter N‑COUNT A centilitre is a unit of volume in the metric system equal to ten millilitres or one-hundredth of a litre.

cen|ti|me|tre /se nt I miːtə r / (centimetres ) in AM, use centimeter N‑COUNT A centimetre is a unit of length in the metric system equal to ten millimetres or one-hundredth of a metre. □� �a tiny fossil plant, only a few centimetres high.

cen|ti|pede /se nt I piːd/ (centipedes ) N‑COUNT A centipede is a long, thin creature with a lot of legs.

cen|tral ◆◆◆ /se ntrəl/

1 ADJ Something that is central is in the middle of a place or area. □� �Central America's Caribbean coast. □� �a rich woman living in central London. ●� cen|tral|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� The main cabin has its full-sized double bed centrally placed with plenty of room around it.

2 ADJ A place that is central is easy to reach because it is in the centre of a city, town, or particular area. □� �a central location in the capital. ●� cen|tral|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� �this centrally located hotel, situated on the banks of the Marne Canal.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A central group or organization makes all the important decisions that are followed throughout a larger organization or a country. □� There is a lack of trust towards the central government in Rome. □� �the central committee of the Cuban communist party. ●� cen|tral|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� This is a centrally planned economy.

4 ADJ The central person or thing in a particular situation is the most important one. □�[+�to ] Black dance music has been central to mainstream pop since the early '60s. □� �a central part of their culture. ●� cen|tral|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the centrality of love to happiness. ●� cen|tral|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� In her memoirs Naomi is quick to acknowledge that her grandmother was centrally important in her venture as a writer. SYNONYMS central ADJ 4

main:My main concern now is to protect the children.

chief:Financial stress is well established as a chief reason for divorce.

key:He is expected to be the key witness at the trial.

principal:�the country's principal source of foreign exchange earnings.

fundamental:A fundamental human right is being withheld from these people.

ce n|tral hea t|ing N‑UNCOUNT Central heating is a heating system for buildings. Air or water is heated in one place and travels round a building through pipes and radiators.

cen|tral|ise /se ntrəla I z/ →�see centralize

cen|tral|ism /se ntrəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Centralism is a way of governing a country, or organizing something such as industry, education, or politics, which involves having one central group of people who give instructions to everyone else.

cen|tral|ist /se ntrəl I st/ (centralists ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Centralist organizations govern a country or organize things using one central group of people who control and instruct everyone else. □� �a strong centralist state. ●�N‑COUNT A centralist is someone with centralist views.

cen|tral|ize /se ntrəla I z/ (centralizes , centralizing , centralized ) in BRIT, also use centralise VERB To centralize a country, state, or organization means to create a system in which one central group of people gives instructions to regional groups. □�[V n] In the mass production era, multinational firms tended to centralize their operations. □�[V -ed] The economy of the times made it difficult to support centralized rule. ●� cen|trali|za|tion /se ntrəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �an increasing centralization of control over the environment.

ce n|tral|ly hea t|ed ADJ [usu ADJ n] A centrally heated building or room has central heating. □� Centrally heated offices tend to be stuffy.

ce n|tral ne rv|ous sys|tem (central nervous systems ) N‑COUNT Your central nervous system is the part of your nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.

ce n|tral res|er|va |tion (central reservations ) N‑COUNT The central reservation is the strip of ground, often covered with grass, that separates the two sides of a major road. [BRIT ] in AM, use median , median strip

cen|tre ◆◆◆ /se ntə r / (centres , centring , centred ) in AM, use center1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A centre is a building where people have meetings, take part in a particular activity, or get help of some kind. □� We went to a party at the leisure centre. □� �the National Exhibition Centre.

2 N‑COUNT If an area or town is a centre for an industry or activity, that industry or activity is very important there. □� London is also the major international insurance centre.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The centre of something is the middle of it. □�[+�of ] A large wooden table dominates the centre of the room. □� Bake until light golden and crisp around the edges and slightly soft in the centre.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The centre of a town or city is the part where there are the most shops and businesses and where a lot of people come from other areas to work or shop. □� �the city centre.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something or someone is at the centreof a situation, they are the most important thing or person involved. □�[+�of ] �the man at the centre of the controversy. □�[+�of ] At the centre of the inquiry has been concern for the pensioners involved.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone or something is the centreof attention or interest, people are giving them a lot of attention. □�[+�of ] The rest of the cast was used to her being the centre of attention. □�[+�of ] The centre of attraction was Pierre Auguste Renoir's oil painting.

7 N‑SING [oft N n] In politics, the centre refers to groups and their beliefs, when they are considered to be neither left-wing nor right-wing. □� The Democrats have become a party of the centre. □� �the centre parties.

8 VERB If something centres or is centredon a particular thing or person, that thing or person is the main subject of attention. □�[V +�on/around ] �a plan which centred on academic achievement and personal motivation. □�[be V -ed +�on/around ] When working with patients, my efforts are centred on helping them to overcome illness. [Also V n on/around n] ●� -centred COMB □� �a child-centred approach to teaching.

9 VERB If an industry or event is centred in a place, or if it centres there, it takes place to the greatest extent there. □�[be V -ed prep] Chinese restaurants have traditionally been centred around Chinatown. □�[V prep] The disturbances have centred round the two main university areas. □�[V -ed] Between 100 and 150 travellers' vehicles were scattered around the county, with the largest gathering centred on Ampfield.

10 →�see also community centre , detention centre , garden centre , health centre , job centre , left-of-centre , nerve centre , reception centre , remand centre , right-of-centre , shopping centre

cen|tred /se ntə r d/ in AM, use centered1 ADJ If an industry or event is centred in a place, it takes place to the greatest extent there. □� The tremor was centred in the Gulf of Sirte.

2 ADJ If you feel centred , you feel calm, confident, and in control of your emotions. □� I'm trying to be more centred, and not fall apart when I go through difficult things.

-centred /-sentə r d/ in AM, use -centered1 COMB -centred can be added to adjectives and nouns to indicate what kind of a centre something has. □� �lemon-centered white chocolates.

2 →�see also centre , self-centred

centre|fold /se ntə r foʊld/ (centrefolds ) in AM, use centerfold N‑COUNT A centrefold is a picture that covers the two central pages of a magazine, especially a photograph of a naked or partly naked woman.

ce ntre-fo rward (centre-forwards ) N‑COUNT A centre-forward in a team sport such as football or hockey is the player or position in the middle of the front row of attacking players.

ce n|tre of gra v|ity (centres of gravity ) N‑COUNT The centre of gravity of an object is a point in it. If this point is above the base of the object, it stays stable, rather than falling over.

centre|piece /se ntə r piːs/ (centrepieces ) in AM, use centerpiece1 N‑COUNT The centrepieceof something is the best or most interesting part of it. □�[+�of ] The centrepiece of the plan is the idea of regular referendums, initiated by voters.

2 N‑COUNT A centrepiece is an ornament which you put in the middle of something, especially a dinner table.

ce n|tre sta ge The spellings centre-stage in British English, and center stage in American English are also used. N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] If something or someone takes centre stage , they become very important or noticeable. □� Nuclear proliferation has returned to centre stage in international affairs.

cen|trifu|gal force /sentr I fjʊg ə l fɔː r s/ N‑UNCOUNT In physics, centrifugal force is the force that makes objects move outwards when they are spinning around something or travelling in a curve. □� The juice is extracted by centrifugal force.

cen|tri|fuge /se ntr I fjuːdʒ/ (centrifuges ) N‑COUNT A centrifuge is a machine that spins mixtures of different substances around very quickly so that they separate by centrifugal force.

cen|trist /se ntr I st/ (centrists ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Centrist policies and parties are moderate rather than extreme. □� He had left the movement because it had abandoned its centrist policies. ●�N‑COUNT A centrist is someone with centrist views.

cen|tu|ri|on /sentjʊə riən, [AM ] -tʊr -/ (centurions ) N‑COUNT A centurion was an officer in the Roman army.

cen|tu|ry ◆◆◆ /se ntʃəri/ (centuries )

1 N‑COUNT A century is a period of a hundred years that is used when stating a date. For example, the 19th century was the period from 1801 to 1900. □� �celebrated figures of the late eighteenth century. □� �a 17th-century merchant's house.

2 N‑COUNT A century is any period of a hundred years. □� The drought there is the worst in a century.

3 N‑COUNT In cricket, a century is a score of one hundred runs or more by one batsman.

CEO ◆◇◇ /siː iː oʊ / (CEOs ) N‑COUNT CEO is an abbreviation for chief executive officer .

ce|ram|ic /s I r� m I k/ (ceramics )

1 N‑VAR [usu N n] Ceramic is clay that has been heated to a very high temperature so that it becomes hard. □� �ceramic tiles. □� �items made from hand-painted ceramic.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Ceramics are ceramic ornaments or objects. □� �a collection of Chinese ceramics.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Ceramics is the art of making artistic objects out of clay.

ce|real /s I ə riəl/ (cereals )

1 N‑VAR Cereal or breakfast cereal is a food made from grain. It is mixed with milk and eaten for breakfast. □� I have a bowl of cereal every morning.

2 N‑COUNT Cereals are plants such as wheat, corn, or rice that produce grain. □� �the rich cereal-growing districts of the Paris Basin.

cere|bral /se r I brəl, [AM ] səriː brəl/

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as cerebral , you mean that they are intellectual rather than emotional. [FORMAL ] □� Washington struck me as a precarious place from which to publish such a cerebral newspaper.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cerebral means relating to the brain. [MEDICAL ] □� �a cerebral haemorrhage.

ce re|bral pa l|sy N‑UNCOUNT Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by damage to a baby's brain before or during its birth, which makes its limbs and muscles permanently weak.

cer|emo|nial /se r I moʊ niəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is ceremonial relates to a ceremony or is used in a ceremony. □� He represented the nation on ceremonial occasions. □� Feathers of various kinds are used by Native Americans for ceremonial purposes.

2 ADJ A position, function, or event that is ceremonial is considered to be representative of an institution, but has very little authority or influence. □� Up to now the post of president has been largely ceremonial.

cer|emo|ni|ous|ly /se r I moʊ niəsli/ ADV [ADV with v] If someone does something ceremoniously , they do it in an extremely formal way. [WRITTEN ] □� They ceremoniously cut a piece of ribbon, declaring the exhibition open. □� He thanked her ceremoniously.

cer|emo|ny ◆◇◇ /se r I məni, [AM ] -moʊni/ (ceremonies )

1 N‑COUNT A ceremony is a formal event such as a wedding. □� �his grandmother's funeral, a private ceremony attended only by the family. □� Today's award ceremony took place at the British Embassy in Tokyo.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] Ceremony consists of the special things that are said and done on very formal occasions. □� The Republic was proclaimed in public with great ceremony.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [without N ] If you do something without ceremony , you do it quickly and in a casual way. □� 'Is Hilton here?' she asked without ceremony.

4 →�see also master of ceremonies COLLOCATIONS ceremony NOUN 1

noun +�ceremony : closing, opening; awards, medal, presentation; citizenship, civil partnership, graduation, marriage, wedding; induction, initiation, swearing-in

adjective +�ceremony : glittering, glitzy, lavish, star-studded; civil, religious; intimate, low-key

verb +�ceremony : attend; conduct, hold, host, perform

ce|rise /səriː s/ COLOUR Something that is cerise is a bright pinkish red.

cert /sɜː r t/ (certs ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something is a cert , you mean that you are certain they will succeed. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� There's no such thing as a cert in horse racing. □� Anthony was a dead cert for promotion.

cert. (certs ) Cert. is a written abbreviation for certificate .

certain

➊�BEING SURE

➋�REFERRING AND INDICATING AMOUNT

➊ cer|tain ◆◇◇ /sɜː r t ə n/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that/wh] If you are certain about something, you firmly believe it is true and have no doubt about it. If you are not certain about something, you do not have definite knowledge about it. □� She's absolutely certain she's going to make it in the world. □� We are not certain whether the appendix had already burst or not. □�[+�of ] It wasn't a balloon�I'm certain of that. [Also +�about ]

2 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you say that something is certainto happen, you mean that it will definitely happen. □� However, the scheme is certain to meet opposition from fishermen's leaders. □�[+�of ] Brazil need to beat Uruguay to be certain of a place in the finals. □� The Prime Minister is heading for certain defeat if he forces a vote. □� Victory looked certain.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is certain , you firmly believe that it is true, or have definite knowledge about it. □� One thing is certain, both have the utmost respect for each other. □� It is certain that Rodney arrived the previous day.

4 PHRASE If you know something for certain , you have no doubt at all about it. □� Hill had to find out for certain.

5 PHRASE If you make certainthat something is the way you want or expect it to be, you take action to ensure that it is. □� Firstly, they must make certain that their pension needs are adequately catered for.

➋ cer|tain ◆◆◇ /sɜː r t ə n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use certain to indicate that you are referring to one particular thing, person, or group, although you are not saying exactly which it is. □� There will be certain people who'll say 'I told you so!'. □� Leaflets have been air dropped telling people to leave certain areas.

2 QUANT When you refer to certainof a group of people or things, you are referring to some particular members of that group. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] They'll have to give up completely on certain of their studies.

3 ADJ You can use a certain before the name of a person in order to indicate that you do not know the person or anything else about them. □� She managed to arrange for them to be hidden in the house of a certain Father Boduen.

4 ADJ You use a certain to indicate that something such as a quality or condition exists, and often to suggest that it is not great in amount or degree. □� That was the very reason why he felt a certain bitterness. SYNONYMS certain ADJ ➊1

sure:She was no longer sure how she felt about him.

positive:'She's never late. You sure she said eight?'�'Positive.'

confident:I am confident that everything will come out right in time.

satisfied:People must be satisfied that the treatment is safe.

convinced:He was convinced that I was part of the problem.

cer|tain|ly ◆◆◇ /sɜː r t ə nli/

1 ADV You use certainly to emphasize what you are saying when you are making a statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� The bombs are almost certainly part of a much bigger conspiracy. □� Today's inflation figure is certainly too high. □� Certainly, pets can help children develop friendship skills.

2 ADV You use certainly when you are agreeing with what someone has said. □� 'In any case you remained friends.'�'Certainly.' □� 'You keep out of their way don't you?'�'I certainly do.'

3 ADV You say certainly not when you want to say 'no' in a strong way. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Perhaps it would be better if I withdrew altogether.'�'Certainly not!' SYNONYMS certainly ADV 1

definitely:Something should definitely be done about that.

without (a) doubt:The refugees, without a doubt, are the most vulnerable.

undoubtedly:Hanley is undoubtedly a great player.

unquestionably:He is unquestionably a star.

cer|tain|ty /sɜː r t ə nti/ (certainties )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N , N that] Certainty is the state of being definite or of having no doubts at all about something. □� I have told them with absolute certainty there'll be no change of policy. □�[+�about ] If you buy from reputable dealers you have more certainty about what you're getting.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Certainty is the fact that something is certain to happen. □� A general election became a certainty three weeks ago. □�[+�of ] �the certainty of more violence and bloodshed.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Certainties are things that nobody has any doubts about. □� There are no certainties in modern Europe.

cer|ti|fi|able /sɜː r t I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as certifiable , you think that their behaviour is extremely unreasonable or foolish. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �if he can convince the committee that he is not certifiable.

cer|tifi|cate /sə r t I f I kət/ (certificates )

1 N‑COUNT A certificate is an official document stating that particular facts are true. □� �birth certificates. □� �share certificates.

2 N‑COUNT A certificate is an official document that you receive when you have completed a course of study or training. The qualification that you receive is sometimes also called a certificate . □� To the right of the fireplace are various framed certificates. □� �the Post-Graduate Certificate of Education.

cer|tifi|cat|ed /sə r t I f I ke I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A certificated person has been awarded a certificate to prove that they have achieved a certain level or standard. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a genuine certificated physician.

cer|ti|fy /sɜː r t I fa I / (certifies , certifying , certified )

1 VERB If someone in an official position certifies something, they officially state that it is true. □�[V that] The president certified that the project would receive $650m from overseas sources. □�[V n] The National Election Council is supposed to certify the results of the election. □�[be V -ed as adj] It has been certified as genuine. □�[be V -ed adj] Mrs Simpson was certified dead. [Also V n adj, V n as adj] ●� cer|ti|fi|ca|tion /sə r t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (certifications ) N‑VAR □� An employer can demand written certification that the relative is really ill.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is certifiedas a particular kind of worker, they are given a certificate stating that they have successfully completed a course of training in their profession. □�[get V -ed +�as ] They wanted to get certified as divers. □�[V -ed] �a certified accountant. ●� cer|ti|fi|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Pupils would be offered training leading to the certification of their skill in a particular field.

cer|ti|tude /sɜː r t I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (certitudes ) N‑UNCOUNT [oft N that] Certitude is the same as certainty . [FORMAL ] □� We have this definite certitude that Cicippio will be freed.

cer|vi|cal /sɜː r v I k ə l, sə r va I k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Cervical means relating to the cervix. [MEDICAL ] □� �the number of women dying from cervical cancer.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cervical means relating to the neck. [MEDICAL ] □� �the discs in the upper cervical spine.

cer|vix /sɜː r v I ks/ (cervixes or cervices /sə r va I siːz/) N‑COUNT The cervix is the entrance to the womb. [MEDICAL ]

ces|sa|tion /sese I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] The cessationof something is the stopping of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He would not agree to a cessation of hostilities.

cess|pit /se sp I t/ (cesspits ) N‑COUNT A cesspit is a hole or tank in the ground into which waste water and sewage flow.

cess|pool /se spuːl/ (cesspools ) N‑COUNT A cesspool is the same as a cesspit .

ce|ta|cean /s I te I ʃ ə n/ (cetaceans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cetaceans are animals such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

cet|era →�see etcetera

cf.cf. is used in writing to introduce something that should be considered in connection with the subject you are discussing. □� For the more salient remarks on the matter, cf. Isis Unveiled, Vol. I.

CFC /siː ef siː / (CFCs ) N‑COUNT CFCs are gases that were widely used in the past in things such as aerosols and refrigerators and can cause damage to the ozone layer. CFC is an abbreviation for 'chlorofluorocarbon'.

CFS /siː ef e s/ N‑UNCOUNT CFS is an abbreviation for chronic fatigue syndrome .

CGI /siː dʒiː a I / N‑UNCOUNT CGI is a type of computer technology that is used to make special effects in cinema and on television. CGI is an abbreviation for computer-generated imagery . □� He tried to limit the use of CGI in the film, instead building sets.

ch. (chs ) N‑VAR Ch. is a written abbreviation for chapter .

cha-cha /tʃɑː tʃɑː/ (cha-chas ) N‑COUNT A cha-cha is a Latin American dance with small fast steps.

chafe /tʃe I f/ (chafes , chafing , chafed )

1 VERB If your skin chafes or is chafed by something, it becomes sore as a result of something rubbing against it. □�[V n] My shorts were chafing my thighs. □�[V +�against ] His wrists began to chafe against the cloth strips binding them. □�[V ] The messenger bent and scratched at his knee where the strapping chafed.

2 VERB [no passive] If you chafeat something such as a restriction, you feel annoyed about it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�at ] He had chafed at having to take orders from another. □�[V +�under ] He was chafing under the company's new ownership. [Also V +�against ]

chaff /tʃɑː f, tʃ� f/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Chaff is the outer part of grain such as wheat. It is removed before the grain is used as food.

2 PHRASE If you separate the wheat from the chaff or sort the wheat from the chaff , you decide which people or things in a group are good or important and which are not. □� It isn't always easy to separate the wheat from the chaff.

chaf|finch /tʃ� f I ntʃ/ (chaffinches ) N‑COUNT A chaffinch is a small European bird. Male chaffinches have reddish-brown fronts and grey heads.

cha|grin /ʃ� gr I n, [AM ] ʃəgr I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Chagrin is a feeling of disappointment, upset, or annoyance, perhaps because of your own failure. [FORMAL , WRITTEN ] □� Much to his father's chagrin, Al had no taste for further education.

cha|grined /ʃ� gr I nd, [AM ] ʃəgr I nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are chagrinedby something, it disappoints, upsets, or annoys you, perhaps because of your own failure. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�by ] The chair of the committee did not appear chagrined by the compromises and delays.

chain ◆◇◇ /tʃe I n/ (chains , chaining , chained )

1 N‑COUNT A chain consists of metal rings connected together in a line. □� His open shirt revealed a fat gold chain. □� The dogs were leaping and growling at the full stretch of their chains.

2 N‑PLURAL [in N ] If prisoners are in chains , they have thick rings of metal round their wrists or ankles to prevent them from escaping. □� He'd spent four and a half years in windowless cells, much of the time in chains.

3 VERB If a person or thing is chainedto something, they are fastened to it with a chain. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The dog was chained to the leg of the one solid garden seat. □�[V n +�to ] She chained her bike to the railings. □�[V -ed] We were sitting together in our cell, chained to the wall. ●�PHRASAL VERB Chain up means the same as chain . □�[V n P ] I'll lock the doors and chain you up. □�[V -ed P ] All the rowing boats were chained up. [Also V P n]

4 N‑COUNT A chain of things is a group of them existing or arranged in a line. □�[+�of ] �a chain of islands known as the Windward Islands. □� Students tried to form a human chain around the parliament.

5 N‑COUNT A chainof shops, hotels, or other businesses is a number of them owned by the same person or company. □� �a large supermarket chain. □�[+�of ] �Italy's leading chain of cinemas.

6 N‑SING A chain of events is a series of them happening one after another. □�[+�of ] �the bizarre chain of events that led to his departure in January 1938.

7 →�see also food chain

▸� chain up →�see chain4 COLLOCATIONS chain NOUN 6

noun +�chain : cinema, hotel, pub, restaurant, supermarket; clothing, DIY, electricals, fashion; discount, high-street

adjective +�chain : retail

chained /tʃe I nd/ ADJ If you say that someone is chained to a person or a situation, you are emphasizing that there are reasons why they cannot leave that person or situation, even though you think they might like to. □�[+�to ] At work, he was chained to a system of boring meetings.

chai n gang (chain gangs ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a chain gang is a group of prisoners who are chained together to do work outside their prison. Chain gangs existed especially in former times.

chai n let|ter (chain letters ) N‑COUNT A chain letter is a letter, often with a promise of money, that is sent to several people who send copies on to several more people. Chain letters are illegal in some countries.

chai n mai l N‑UNCOUNT Chain mail is a kind of armour made from small metal rings joined together so that they look like cloth.

chai n re|a c|tion (chain reactions )

1 N‑COUNT A chain reaction is a series of chemical changes, each of which causes the next.

2 N‑COUNT A chain reaction is a series of events, each of which causes the next. □�[+�of ] The powder immediately ignited and set off a chain reaction of explosions.

chai n saw (chain saws ) also chainsaw N‑COUNT A chain saw is a big saw with teeth fixed in a chain that is driven round by a motor.

chai n-smoke (chain-smokes , chain-smoking , chain-smoked ) VERB Someone who chain-smokes smokes cigarettes or cigars continuously. □�[V ] Melissa had chain-smoked all evening while she waited for a phone call from Tom. [Also V n]

chai n-smoker (chain-smokers ) also chain smoker N‑COUNT A chain-smoker is a person who chain-smokes.

chai n store (chain stores ) also chain-store N‑COUNT A chain store is one of several similar shops that are owned by the same person or company, especially one that sells a variety of things.

chair ◆◆◇ /tʃeə r / (chairs , chairing , chaired )

1 N‑COUNT A chair is a piece of furniture for one person to sit on. Chairs have a back and four legs. □� He rose from his chair and walked to the window.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] At a university, a chair is the post of professor. □�[+�of/in ] He has been appointed to the chair of sociology at Southampton University.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The person who is the chairof a committee or meeting is the person in charge of it. □�[+�of ] She shared her concerns with the chair of the church's finance council.

4 VERB If you chair a meeting or a committee, you are the person in charge of it. □�[V n] He was about to chair a meeting in Venice of E.U. foreign ministers.

5 N‑SING The chair is the same as the electric chair . [AM ]

chai r lift (chair lifts ) also chairlift N‑COUNT A chair lift is a line of chairs that hang from a moving cable and carry people up and down a mountain or ski slope.

chair|man ◆◆◇ /tʃeə r mən/ (chairmen )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The chairman of a committee, organization, or company is the head of it. □�[+�of ] Glyn Ford is chairman of the Committee which produced the report. □� I had done business with the company's chairman.

2 N‑COUNT The chairman of a meeting or debate is the person in charge, who decides when each person is allowed to speak. □� The chairman declared the meeting open. □� I hear you, Mr. Chairman. COLLOCATIONS chairman NOUN 1

noun +�chairman : club, committee, company, party; deputy

adjective +�chairman : former, outgoing; executive, non-executive, honorary; acting, interim

verb +�chairman : appoint, elect

chair|man|ship /tʃeə r mənʃ I p/ (chairmanships ) N‑VAR The chairmanship of a committee or organization is the fact of being its chairperson. Someone's chairmanship can also mean the period during which they are chairperson. □�[+�of ] The Government has set up a committee under the chairmanship of Professor Roy Goode.

chair|person /tʃeə r pɜː r s ə n/ (chairpersons ) N‑COUNT The chairperson of a meeting, committee, or organization is the person in charge of it. □�[+�of ] She's the chairperson of the safety committee.

chair|woman /tʃeə r wʊmən/ (chairwomen ) N‑COUNT The chairwoman of a meeting, committee, or organization is the woman in charge of it. □�[+�of ] The chairwoman of the committee backed the new approach.

chaise longue /ʃe I z lɒ ŋ/ (chaises longues ) The singular and the plural are both pronounced in the same way. N‑COUNT A chaise longue is a kind of sofa with only one arm and usually a back along half its length.

chaise lounge /ʃe I z laʊ ndʒ/ (chaise lounges ) N‑COUNT A chaise lounge is the same as a chaise longue . [AM ]

cha|let /ʃ� le I , [AM ] ʃ�le I / (chalets ) N‑COUNT A chalet is a small wooden house, especially in a mountain area or a holiday camp.

chal|ice /tʃ� l I s/ (chalices )

1 N‑COUNT A chalice is a large gold or silver cup with a stem. Chalices are used to hold wine in the Christian service of Holy Communion.

2 PHRASE If you refer to a job or an opportunity as a poisoned chalice , you mean that it seems to be very attractive but you believe it will lead to failure. □� He does not regard his new job as a poisoned chalice.

chalk /tʃɔː k/ (chalks , chalking , chalked )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Chalk is a type of soft white rock. You can use small pieces of it for writing or drawing with. □� �the highest chalk cliffs in Britain. □� Her skin was chalk white and dry-looking.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Chalk is small sticks of chalk, or a substance similar to chalk, used for writing or drawing with. □� �somebody writing with a piece of chalk. □� �drawing a small picture with coloured chalks.

3 VERB If you chalk something, you draw or write it using a piece of chalk. □�[V n] He chalked the message on the blackboard. □�[V -ed] There was a blackboard with seven names chalked on it.

4 PHRASE If you say that two people or things are like chalk and cheese , you are emphasizing that they are completely different from each other. [BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □� The two places, he insists, are as different as chalk and cheese. □� We are very aware of our differences, we accept that we are chalk and cheese.

▸� chalk up PHRASAL VERB If you chalk up a success, a victory, or a number of points in a game, you achieve it. □�[V P n] Andy Wilkinson chalked up his first win of the season. [Also V n P ]

chalk|board /tʃɔː kbɔː r d/ (chalkboards ) N‑COUNT A chalkboard is a dark-coloured board that you can write on with chalk. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use blackboard

chalky /tʃɔː ki/

1 ADJ Something that is chalky contains chalk or is covered with chalk. □� The chalky soil around Saumur produces the famous Anjou wines.

2 ADJ Something that is chalky is a pale dull colour or has a powdery texture. □� Her face became a chalky white.

chal|lenge ◆◆◇ /tʃ� l I ndʒ/ (challenges , challenging , challenged )

1 N‑VAR A challenge is something new and difficult which requires great effort and determination. □� I like a big challenge and they don't come much bigger than this. □� The new government's first challenge is the economy.

2 PHRASE If someone rises to the challenge , they act in response to a difficult situation which is new to them and are successful. □�[+�of ] Such projects illustrate the company's ability to rise to the challenge of an evolving marketplace.

3 N‑VAR A challengeto something is a questioning of its truth or value. A challengeto someone is a questioning of their authority. □�[+�to ] The demonstrators have now made a direct challenge to the authority of the government.

4 VERB If you challenge ideas or people, you question their truth, value, or authority. □�[V n to-inf] Democratic leaders have challenged the president to sign the bill. □�[be V -ed] The move was immediately challenged by two of the republics. □�[V n +�on/about ] I challenged him on the hypocrisy of his political attitudes. [Also V with quote, V n]

5 VERB If you challenge someone, you invite them to fight or compete with you in some way. □�[V n +�to ] A mum challenged her to a fight after their daughters fell out. □�[V n to-inf] He left a note at the scene of the crime, challenging detectives to catch him. □�[V n] We challenged a team who called themselves 'College Athletes'. ●�N‑COUNT Challenge is also a noun. □� A third presidential candidate emerged to mount a serious challenge.

6 →�see also challenged , challenging COLLOCATIONS challenge NOUN

1

adjective +�challenge : big, great, major; daunting, serious, tough

verb +�challenge : enjoy, relish; pose, present; accept, face, meet, overcome

5

noun +�challenge : leadership, promotion, title

verb +�challenge : mount

chal|lenged /tʃ� l I ndʒd/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you say that someone is challenged in a particular way, you mean that they have a disability in that area. Challenged is often combined with inappropriate words for humorous effect. □� �terms like 'vertically-challenged'�meaning short. □� She ran off with an intellectually-challenged ski instructor.

chal|leng|er /tʃ� l I ndʒə r / (challengers ) N‑COUNT A challenger is someone who competes with you for a position or title that you already have, for example being a sports champion or a political leader. □�[+�to ] The Glasgow team was the strongest challenger to the winners from London. [Also +�for ]

chal|leng|ing /tʃ� l I ndʒ I ŋ/

1 ADJ A challenging task or job requires great effort and determination. □� Mike found a challenging job as a computer programmer. □� I'm ready to do all those things which are more challenging.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you do something in a challenging way, you seem to be inviting people to argue with you or compete against you in some way. □� Mona gave him a challenging look.

cham|ber ◆◇◇ /tʃe I mbə r / (chambers )

1 N‑COUNT A chamber is a large room, especially one that is used for formal meetings. □� We are going to make sure we are in the council chamber every time he speaks.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a country's parliament or to one section of it as a chamber . □� More than 80 parties are contesting seats in the two-chamber parliament. □�[+�of ] His government has only a 16-seat majority in the Chamber of Deputies.

3 N‑COUNT A chamber is a room designed and equipped for a particular purpose. □� For many, the dentist's surgery remains a torture chamber.

4 →�see also gas chamber

cham|ber|lain /tʃe I mbə r l I n/ (chamberlains ) N‑COUNT A chamberlain is the person who is in charge of the household affairs of a king, queen, or person of high social rank.

chamber|maid /tʃe I mbə r me I d/ (chambermaids ) N‑COUNT A chambermaid is a woman who cleans and tidies the bedrooms in a hotel.

cha m|ber mu|sic N‑UNCOUNT Chamber music is classical music written for a small number of instruments.

cha m|ber of co m|merce (chambers of commerce ) N‑COUNT A chamber of commerce is an organization of businessmen that promotes local commercial interests. [BUSINESS ]

cha m|ber or|ches|tra (chamber orchestras ) N‑COUNT A chamber orchestra is a small orchestra which plays classical music.

cha m|ber pot (chamber pots ) N‑COUNT A chamber pot is a round container shaped like a very large cup. Chamber pots used to be kept in bedrooms so that people could urinate in them instead of having to leave their room during the night.

cha|me|le|on /kəmiː liən/ (chameleons ) N‑COUNT A chameleon is a kind of lizard whose skin changes colour to match the colour of its surroundings.

cham|ois /ʃ� mi/ (chamois ) Pronounced /ʃ� mwɑː/ for meaning 1 in British English. 1 N‑COUNT Chamois are small animals rather like goats that live in the mountains of Europe and South West Asia.

2 N‑COUNT A chamois or a chamois leather is a soft leather cloth used for cleaning and polishing.

chamo|mile /k� məma I l/ →�see camomile

champ /tʃ� mp/ (champs ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A champ is the same as a champion . [INFORMAL ] □� �the reigning European heavyweight champ.

cham|pagne /ʃ� mpe I n/ (champagnes ) N‑VAR Champagne is an expensive French white wine with bubbles in. It is often drunk to celebrate something.

cham|pers /ʃ� mpə r z/ N‑UNCOUNT Champers is champagne. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

cham|pi|on ◆◆◇ /tʃ� mpiən/ (champions , championing , championed )

1 N‑COUNT A champion is someone who has won the first prize in a competition, contest, or fight. □� �a former Commonwealth champion. □� Kasparov became world champion. □� �a champion boxer and skier.

2 N‑COUNT If you are a championof a person, a cause, or a principle, you support or defend them. □�[+�of ] He was once known as a champion of social reform.

3 VERB If you champion a person, a cause, or a principle, you support or defend them. □�[V n] He passionately championed the poor. □�[be V -ed +�by] The amendments had been championed by pro-democracy activists. SYNONYMS champion NOUN 1

winner:The winner was a horse called Last Town.

victor:He was the eventual victor.

conqueror:He easily overcame Garcia, Saturday's conqueror of Ernie Els.

cham|pi|on|ship ◆◆◇ /tʃ� mpiənʃ I p/ (championships )

1 N‑COUNT A championship is a competition to find the best player or team in a particular sport. □� �the world chess championship.

2 N‑SING The championship refers to the title or status of being a sports champion. □� This season I expect us to retain the championship and win the European Cup.

chance ◆◆◆ /tʃɑː ns, tʃ� ns/ (chances , chancing , chanced )

1 N‑VAR [N that] If there is a chanceof something happening, it is possible that it will happen. □�[+�of ] Do you think they have a chance of beating Australia? □�[+�of ] This partnership has a good chance of success. □�[+�of ] The specialist who carried out the brain scan thought Tim's chances of survival were still slim. □� There was really very little chance that Ben would ever have led a normal life.

2 N‑COUNT [usu N to-inf] If you have a chanceto do something, you have the opportunity to do it. □� The electoral council announced that all eligible people would get a chance to vote. □� I felt I had to give him a chance. [Also +�for ]

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A chance meeting or event is one that is not planned or expected. □� �a chance meeting. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Chance is also a noun. □� �a victim of chance and circumstance.

4 VERB If you chanceto do something or chanceon something, you do it or find it although you had not planned or tried to. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] It was just then that I chanced to look round. □�[V +�upon/on/across ] They once holidayed in Rome and chanced upon a bar called The Seamus Heaney.

5 VERB If you chance something, you do it even though there is a risk that you may not succeed or that something bad may happen. □�[V it ] Andy knew the risks. I cannot believe he would have chanced it. □�[V n] He decided no assassin would chance a shot from amongst that crowd.

6 →�see also off-chance

7 PHRASE Something that happens by chance was not planned by anyone. □� He had met Mr Maude by chance.

8 PHRASE You can use by any chance when you are asking questions in order to find out whether something that you think might be true is actually true. □� Are they by any chance related?

9 PHRASE If you say that someone stands a chanceof achieving something, you mean that they are likely to achieve it. If you say that someone doesn't stand a chanceof achieving something, you mean that they cannot possibly achieve it. □�[+�of ] Being very good at science subjects, I stood a good chance of gaining high grades. □�[+�of ] Neither is seen as standing any chance of snatching the leadership from him.

10 PHRASE When you take a chance , you try to do something although there is a large risk of danger or failure. □�[+�on ] You take a chance on the weather if you holiday in the U.K. □� From then on, they were taking no chances. COLLOCATIONS chance NOUN 2

adjective +�chance : decent, fair, good, realistic, reasonable; little, outside, slight, slim; excellent, golden, strong

verb +�chance : get, have, stand; miss, waste; create, offer; grab, seize, take

chan|cel /tʃɑː ns ə l, tʃ� ns ə l/ (chancels ) N‑COUNT The chancel is the part of a church containing the altar, where the clergy and the choir usually sit.

chan|cel|lery /tʃɑː nsələri, tʃ� ns-/ (chancelleries )

1 N‑COUNT A chancellery is the building where a chancellor has his offices.

2 N‑SING Thechancellery is the officials who work in a chancellor's office. □� He is a former head of the chancellery.

Chan|cel|lor ◆◆◇ /tʃɑː nslə r , tʃ� ns-/ (Chancellors )

1 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT Chancellor is the title of the head of government in Germany and Austria. □� �Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany. □� �as the Chancellor arrived.

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, the Chancellor is the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

3 N‑COUNT The Chancellor of a British university is the official head of the university. The Chancellor does not take part in running the university.

4 N‑COUNT The head of some American universities is called theChancellor .

5 →�see also vice-chancellor

Cha n|cel|lor of the Ex|che q|uer (Chancellors of the Exchequer ) N‑COUNT The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the minister in the British government who makes decisions about finance and taxes.

chan|cel|lor|ship /tʃɑː nslə r ʃ I p, tʃ� ns-/ N‑SING Thechancellorship is the position of chancellor. Someone's chancellorship is the period of time when they are chancellor. □� Austria prospered under his chancellorship.

chan|cer /tʃɑː nsə, tʃ� nsə/ (chancers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to someone as a chancer if you think they use opportunities for their own advantage and often pretend to have skills they do not have. [INFORMAL ] □� �a corrupt, opportunistic chancer.

Chan|cery /tʃɑː nsəri, tʃ� ns-/ N‑SING [oft in N ] In Britain, theChancery or Chancery Division is the Lord Chancellor's court, which is a division of the High Court of Justice.

chancy /tʃɑː nsi, tʃ� nsi/ ADJ Something that is chancy involves a lot of risk or uncertainty. [INFORMAL ] □� Investment is becoming a chancy business.

chan|de|lier /ʃ� ndəl I ə r / (chandeliers ) N‑COUNT A chandelier is a large, decorative frame which holds light bulbs or candles and hangs from the ceiling.

change ◆◆◆ /tʃe I ndʒ/ (changes , changing , changed )

1 N‑VAR If there is a changein something, it becomes different. □�[+�in ] The ambassador appealed for a change in U.S. policy. □�[+�of ] What is needed is a change of attitude on the part of architects. □� There are going to have to be some drastic changes. □� �a passionate, eloquent campaigner for political change in her home country. □� This is a time of change for the corporation.

2 →�see also sea change

3 N‑SING If you say that something is a change or makes a change , you mean that it is enjoyable because it is different from what you are used to. [APPROVAL ] □� It is a complex system, but it certainly makes a change. □� Do you feel like you could do with a change?

4 VERB If you changefrom one thing to another, you stop using or doing the first one and start using or doing the second. □�[V +�to ] His doctor increased the dosage but did not change to a different medication. □�[V +�from] He changed from voting against to abstaining.

5 VERB When something changes or when you change it, it becomes different. □�[V ] We are trying to detect and understand how the climates change. □�[V from n to n] In the union office, the mood gradually changed from resignation to rage. □�[V +�into ] She has now changed into a happy, self-confident woman. □�[V n] They should change the law to make it illegal to own replica weapons. □�[V n] Trees are changing colour earlier than last year. □�[V -ed] He is a changed man since you left. □�[V -ing] A changing world has put pressures on the corporation. [Also V n into n]

6 VERB To change something means to replace it with something new or different. □�[V n] I paid �80 to have my car radio fixed and I bet all they did was change a fuse. □�[V n] If you want to change your doctor there are two ways of doing it. ●�N‑COUNT [oft a N of n] Change is also a noun. □�[+�of ] A change of leadership alone will not be enough.

7 VERB When you change your clothes or change , you take some or all of your clothes off and put on different ones. □�[V n] Ben had merely changed his shirt. □�[V ] They had allowed her to shower and change. □�[V +�into ] I changed into a tracksuit. □�[get V -ed] I've got to get changed first. I've got to put my uniform on. [Also V +�out of ]

8 N‑COUNT A change of clothes is an extra set of clothes that you take with you when you go to stay somewhere or to take part in an activity. □�[+�of ] He stuffed a bag with a few changes of clothing.

9 VERB When you change a bed or change the sheets, you take off the dirty sheets and put on clean ones. □�[V n] After changing the bed, I would fall asleep quickly. □�[V n] I changed the sheets on your bed today.

10 VERB When you change a baby or change its nappy or diaper, you take off the dirty one and put on a clean one. □�[V n] She criticizes me for the way I feed or change him. □�[V -ed] He needs his nappy changed.

11 VERB When you change buses, trains, or planes or change , you get off one bus, train, or plane and get on to another in order to continue your journey. □�[V n] At Glasgow I changed trains for Greenock. □�[V ] We were turned off the train at Hanover, where we had to change.

12 VERB When you change gear or change into another gear, you move the gear lever on a car, bicycle, or other vehicle in order to use a different gear. [BRIT ] □�[V n] The driver tried to change gear, then swerved. □�[V prep] He looked up into the mirror as he changed through his gears. in AM, use shift13 N‑UNCOUNT Your change is the money that you receive when you pay for something with more money than it costs because you do not have exactly the right amount of money. □� 'There's your change.'�'Thanks very much.'. □� They told the shopkeeper to keep the change.

14 N‑UNCOUNT Change is coins, rather than paper money. □� Thieves ransacked the office, taking a sack of loose change. □�[+�for ] The man in the store won't give him change for the phone unless he buys something.

15 →�see also small change

16 N‑UNCOUNT If you have changefor larger notes, bills, or coins, you have the same value in smaller notes, bills, or coins, which you can give to someone in exchange. □�[+�for ] The courier had change for a �10 note. ●�PHRASE If you make change , you give someone smaller notes, bills, or coins, in exchange for the same value of larger ones. [AM ]

17 VERB When you change money, you exchange it for the same amount of money in a different currency, or in smaller notes, bills, or coins. □�[V n] You can expect to pay the bank a fee of around 1% to 2% every time you change money. □�[V n +�into ] Find an agency that will change one foreign currency directly into another.

18 PHRASE If you say that you are doing something or something is happening for a change , you mean that you do not usually do it or it does not usually happen, and you are happy to be doing it or that it is happening. □� Now let me ask you a question, for a change. □� Liz settled back in her seat, comfortably relaxed, enjoying being driven for a change.

19to change for the better →�see better

20to change hands →�see hand ➊

21a change of heart →�see heart

22to change your mind →�see mind ➊

23to change places →�see place

24to ring the changes →�see ring ➊

25to change the subject →�see subject

26to change tack →�see tack

27to change your tune →�see tune

28to change for the worse →�see worse

▸� change down PHRASAL VERB When you change down , you move the gear lever in the vehicle you are driving in order to use a lower gear. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] Changing down, he turned into the drive. □�[V P +�to ] I braked at the second corner and changed down to third. in AM, use shift down

▸� change over

1 PHRASAL VERB If you change overfrom one thing to another, you stop doing one thing and start doing the other. □�[V P +�from/to ] We are gradually changing over to a completely metric system. □�[V P ] The two men swapped places, always extinguishing the light when they changed over.

2 →�see also changeover

▸� change up PHRASAL VERB When you change up , you move the gear lever in the vehicle you are driving in order to use a higher gear. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] I accelerated and changed up. in AM, use shift up SYNONYMS change NOUN 1

alteration:Making some simple alterations to your diet will make you feel fitter.

transformation:Chemical transformations occur.

modification:Relatively minor modifications were required. VERB 5

alter:Little had altered in the village.

transform:Your metabolic rate is the speed at which your body transforms food into energy.

revise:He soon came to revise his opinion of the profession.

modify:The club members did agree to modify their recruitment policy.

change|able /tʃe I ndʒəb ə l/ ADJ Someone or something that is changeable is likely to change many times. □� The forecast is for changeable weather.

change|ling /tʃe I ndʒl I ŋ/ (changelings ) N‑COUNT A changeling is a child who was put in the place of another child when they were both babies. In stories changelings were often taken or left by fairies. [LITERARY ]

cha nge ma n|age|ment N‑UNCOUNT Change management is a style of management that aims to encourage organizations and individuals to deal effectively with the changes taking place in their work. [BUSINESS ] □� She is hoping to go into change management or IT management when she graduates.

cha nge of li fe N‑SING The change of life is the menopause .

change|over /tʃe I ndʒoʊvə r / (changeovers ) N‑COUNT A changeover is a change from one activity or system to another. □�[+�to ] He again called for a faster changeover to a market economy. □� Right now we are in the changeover period between autumn and winter.

cha nge purse (change purses ) N‑COUNT A change purse is a very small bag that people, especially women, keep their money in. [AM ] in BRIT, use purse

cha ng|ing room (changing rooms ) N‑COUNT A changing room is a room where you can change your clothes and usually have a shower, for example at a sports centre.

chan|nel ◆◆◇ /tʃ� n ə l/ (channels , channelling , channelled ) in AM, use channeling , channeled1 N‑COUNT A channel is a television station. □� �the only serious current affairs programme on either channel. □� �the presenter of Channel 4 News.

2 N‑COUNT A channel is a band of radio waves on which radio messages can be sent and received.

3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If you do something through a particular channel , or particular channels , that is the system or organization that you use to achieve your aims or to communicate. □�[+�for ] The Americans recognise that the U.N. can be the channel for greater diplomatic activity. □�[+�of ] Keeping channels of communication open was crucial.

4 VERB If you channel money or resources into something, you arrange for them to be used for that thing, rather than for a wider range of things. □�[V n prep] �a nonprofit foundation through which to channel funds to alleviate poverty.

5 VERB If you channel your energies or emotions into something, you concentrate on or do that one thing, rather than a range of things. □�[V n +�into ] Stephen is channelling his energies into a novel called Blue. [Also V n adv]

6 N‑COUNT A channel is a passage along which water flows. □� Keep the drainage channel clear.

7 N‑COUNT A channel is a route used by boats.

8 N‑PROPER The Channel or the English Channel is the narrow area of water between England and France. SYNONYMS channel VERB 5

direct:Direct the learner's attention to the significant features.

focus:Today he was able to focus his message exclusively on the economy.

concentrate:This helps you to be aware of time and concentrates your mind on the immediate task.

cha nnel-hopping N‑UNCOUNT Channel-hopping means switching quickly between different television channels because you are looking for something interesting to watch. [BRIT ] in AM, use channel-surfing

cha nnel-surfing N‑UNCOUNT Channel-surfing is the same as channel-hopping . [mainly AM ]

chant /tʃɑː nt, tʃ� nt/ (chants , chanting , chanted )

1 N‑COUNT A chant is a word or group of words that is repeated over and over again. □�[+�of ] He was greeted by the chant of 'Judas! Judas!'.

2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A chant is a religious song or prayer that is sung on only a few notes. □� �a Buddhist chant.

3 VERB If you chant something or if you chant , you repeat the same words over and over again. □�[V n] Demonstrators chanted slogans. □�[V with quote] The crowd chanted 'We are with you.' □�[V ] Several thousand people chanted and demonstrated outside the building. [Also V that] ●� chant|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� A lot of the chanting was in support of the deputy Prime Minister.

4 VERB If you chant or if you chant something, you sing a religious song or prayer. □�[V ] Muslims chanted and prayed. □�[V n] Mr Sharma lit incense and chanted Sanskrit mantras. ●� chant|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The chanting inside the temple stopped.

Cha|nu|kah /hɑː nəkə/ N‑UNCOUNT Chanukah is the same as Hanukkah .

cha|os ◆◇◇ /ke I ɒs/ N‑UNCOUNT Chaos is a state of complete disorder and confusion. □� The world's first transatlantic balloon race ended in chaos last night. SYNONYMS chaos NOUN

disorder:The emergency room was in disorder.

confusion:There was confusion when a man fired shots.

mayhem:�the economic mayhem that this country's going through now.

havoc:Rioters caused havoc in the centre of the town.

cha|ot|ic /ke I ɒ t I k/ ADJ Something that is chaotic is in a state of complete disorder and confusion. □� Mullins began to rummage among the chaotic mess of papers on his desk.

chap /tʃ� p/ (chaps )

1 N‑COUNT A chap is a man or boy. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� She thought he was a very nice chap.

2 →�see also chapped

chap. (chaps ) N‑VAR Chap. is a written abbreviation for chapter . □� Today the best tests are performed in the hospital (see chap. 17).

chap|el /tʃ� p ə l/ (chapels )

1 N‑COUNT A chapel is a part of a church which has its own altar and which is used for private prayer. □� �the chapel of the Virgin Mary.

2 N‑COUNT A chapel is a small church attached to a hospital, school, or prison. □�[+�of ] We married in the chapel of Charing Cross Hospital in London.

3 N‑VAR A chapel is a building used for worship by members of some Christian churches. Chapel refers to the religious services that take place there. □� �a Methodist chapel. □� On Sundays, the family went three times to chapel.

chap|er|one /ʃ� pəroʊn/ (chaperones , chaperoning , chaperoned ) also chaperon

1 N‑COUNT A chaperone is someone who accompanies another person somewhere in order to make sure that they do not come to any harm.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are chaperonedby someone, they act as your chaperone. □�[be V -ed] We were chaperoned by our aunt.

chap|lain /tʃ� pl I n/ (chaplains ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A chaplain is a member of the Christian clergy who does religious work in a place such as a hospital, school, prison, or in the armed forces. □� He joined the 40th Division as an army chaplain.

chap|lain|cy /tʃ� pl I nsi/ (chaplaincies )

1 N‑COUNT A chaplaincy is the building or office in which a chaplain works.

2 N‑COUNT A chaplaincy is the position or work of a chaplain. □�[+�of ] �the chaplaincy of the Royal Hospital.

chapped /tʃ� pt/ ADJ If your skin is chapped , it is dry, cracked, and sore. □� �chapped hands. □� Her skin felt chapped.

chap|py /tʃ� pi/ (chappies ) N‑COUNT A chappy is the same as a chap . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� His cheeky chappy image is reinforced by the spiky hair and the wide grin.

chap|ter ◆◆◇ /tʃ� ptə r / (chapters )

1 N‑COUNT A chapter is one of the parts that a book is divided into. Each chapter has a number, and sometimes a title. □� As we shall see in Chapter 9, there is a totally different explanation. □� I took the title of this chapter from one of my favorite books.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] A chapterin someone's life or in history is a period of time during which a major event or series of related events takes place. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�in ] This had been a particularly difficult chapter in the country's recent history. □�[+�of ] �one of the most dramatic chapters of recent British politics.

cha p|ter house (chapter houses )

1 N‑COUNT A chapter house is the building or set of rooms in the grounds of a cathedral where the members of the clergy hold their meetings.

2 N‑COUNT In a university or college, a chapter house is the place where a fraternity or sorority lives or meets. [AM ]

char /tʃɑː r / (chars , charring , charred )

1 VERB If food chars or if you char it, it burns slightly and turns black as it is cooking. □�[V ] Toast hazelnuts on a baking sheet until the skins char. □�[V n] Halve the peppers and char the skins under a hot grill. ●� char|ring N‑UNCOUNT □� The chops should be cooked over moderate heat to prevent excessive charring.

2 →�see also charred

chara|banc /ʃ� rəb�ŋ/ (charabancs ) N‑COUNT A charabanc is a large old-fashioned coach with several rows of seats. Charabancs were used especially for taking people on trips or on holiday. [BRIT ]

char|ac|ter ◆◆◇ /k� r I ktə r / (characters )

1 N‑COUNT The character of a person or place consists of all the qualities they have that make them distinct from other people or places. □� Perhaps there is a negative side to his character that you haven't seen yet. □�[+�of ] The character of this country has been formed by immigration.

2 N‑SING [oft in N ] If something has a particular character , it has a particular quality. □� The financial concessions granted to British Aerospace were, he said, of a precarious character. □� The state farms were semi-military in character.

3 N‑SING You can use character to refer to the qualities that people from a particular place are believed to have. □� Individuality is a valued and inherent part of the British character.

4 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You use character to say what kind of person someone is. For example, if you say that someone is a strange character , you mean they are strange. □� It's that kind of courage and determination that makes him such a remarkable character. □� What a sad character that Nigel is.

5 N‑VAR Your character is your personality, especially how reliable and honest you are. If someone is of good character , they are reliable and honest. If they are of bad character , they are unreliable and dishonest. □� He's begun a series of personal attacks on my character. □� Mr Bartman was a man of good character.

6 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has character , you mean that they have the ability to deal effectively with difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situations. [APPROVAL ] □� She showed real character in her attempts to win over the crowd. □� I didn't know Ron had that much strength of character.

7 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that a place has character , you mean that it has an interesting or unusual quality which makes you notice it and like it. [APPROVAL ] □� An ugly shopping centre stands across from one of the few buildings with character.

8 N‑COUNT The characters in a film, book, or play are the people that it is about. □� The film is autobiographical and the central character is played by Collard himself. □� He's made the characters believable.

9 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a character , you mean that they are interesting, unusual, or amusing. [INFORMAL ] □� He'll be sadly missed. He was a real character.

10 N‑COUNT A character is a letter, number, or other symbol that is written or printed.

11 PHRASE If someone's actions are in character , they are doing what you would expect them to do, knowing what kind of person they are. If their actions are out of character , they are not doing what you would expect them to do. □�[+�for ] It was entirely in character for Rachel to put her baby first. □� What else could make him behave so out of character?

cha r|ac|ter ac|tor (character actors ) N‑COUNT A character actor is an actor who specializes in playing unusual or eccentric people.

cha r|ac|ter as|sas|si|na|tion (character assassinations ) N‑VAR A character assassination is a deliberate attempt to destroy someone's reputation, especially by criticizing them in an unfair and dishonest way when they are not present. □�[+�of ] A full-scale character assassination of the dead woman got underway in the tabloid press.

char|ac|ter|ful /k� r I ktə r fʊl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as characterful , you mean that it is pleasant and interesting. [JOURNALISM ] □� �small characterful hotels serving local cuisine.

char|ac|ter|is|tic ◆◇◇ /k� r I ktər I st I k/ (characteristics )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The characteristics of a person or thing are the qualities or features that belong to them and make them recognizable. □�[+�of ] Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing. □� �their physical characteristics.

2 ADJ A quality or feature that is characteristicof someone or something is one which is often seen in them and seems typical of them. □� Windmills are a characteristic feature of the Mallorcan landscape. □� Nehru responded with characteristic generosity. ●� char|ac|ter|is|ti|cal|ly /k� r I ktər I st I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� He replied in characteristically robust style. SYNONYMS characteristic NOUN 1

feature:The spacious gardens are a special feature of this property.

quality:�the pretentious quality of the poetry.

attribute:He has every attribute you could want and could play for any team.

trait:Creativity is a human trait.

property:A radio signal has both electrical and magnetic properties.

char|ac|teri|za|tion /k� r I ktəra I ze I ʃ ə n/ (characterizations ) in BRIT, also use characterisation1 N‑VAR Characterization is the way an author or an actor describes or shows what a character is like. □�[+�of ] �Chaucer's characterization of Criseyde.

2 →�see also characterize

char|ac|ter|ize /k� r I ktəra I z/ (characterizes , characterizing , characterized ) in BRIT, also use characterise1 VERB If something is characterizedby a particular feature or quality, that feature or quality is an obvious part of it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�by ] This election campaign has been characterized by violence. □�[V n] A bold use of colour characterizes the bedroom.

2 VERB If you characterize someone or something as a particular thing, you describe them as that thing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�as ] Both companies have characterized the relationship as friendly.

char|ac|ter|less /k� r I ktə r ləs/ ADJ If you describe something as characterless , you mean that it is dull and uninteresting. □� The town is boring and characterless. □� �a bland and characterless meal.

cha r|ac|ter rec|og|ni |tion N‑UNCOUNT Character recognition is a process which allows computers to recognize written or printed characters such as numbers or letters and to change them into a form that the computer can use. [COMPUTING ]

cha|rade /ʃərɑː d, [AM ] -re I d/ (charades )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe someone's actions as a charade , you mean that their actions are so obviously false that they do not convince anyone. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I wondered why he had gone through the elaborate charade. □�[+�of ] The U.N. at the moment is still trying to maintain the charade of neutrality.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Charades is a game for teams of players in which one team acts a word or phrase, syllable by syllable, until other players guess the whole word or phrase.

char|coal /tʃɑː r koʊl/ N‑UNCOUNT Charcoal is a black substance obtained by burning wood without much air. It can be burned as a fuel, and small sticks of it are used for drawing with.

chard /tʃɑː r d/ N‑UNCOUNT Chard is a plant with a round root, large leaves, and a thick stalk.

charge ◆◆◆ /tʃɑː r dʒ/ (charges , charging , charged )

1 VERB If you charge someone an amount of money, you ask them to pay that amount for something that you have sold to them or done for them. □�[V n] Even local nurseries charge �100 a week. □�[V n +�for ] The hospitals charge the patients for every aspirin. □�[V ] Some banks charge if you access your account to determine your balance. □�[V n n] �the architect who charged us a fee of seven hundred and fifty pounds.

2 VERB To charge something to a person or organization means to tell the people providing it to send the bill to that person or organization. To charge something to someone's account means to add it to their account so they can pay for it later. □�[V n +�to ] Go out and buy a pair of glasses, and charge it to us. □�[be V -ed +�to ] All transactions have been charged to your account.

3 N‑COUNT A charge is an amount of money that you have to pay for a service. □� We can arrange this for a small charge. □�[+�of ] Customers who arrange overdrafts will face a monthly charge of �5.

4 N‑COUNT A charge is a formal accusation that someone has committed a crime. □� He may still face criminal charges. □�[+�of ] They appeared at court yesterday to deny charges of murder.

5 VERB When the police charge someone, they formally accuse them of having done something illegal. □�[V n] They have the evidence to charge him. □�[V n +�with ] Police have charged Mr Bell with murder.

6 VERB If you charge someone with doing something wrong or unpleasant, you publicly say that they have done it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n +�with ] He charged the minister with lying about the economy.

7 N‑UNCOUNT If you take chargeof someone or something, you make yourself responsible for them and take control over them. If someone or something is in your charge , you are responsible for them. □�[+�of ] A few years ago Bacryl took charge of the company. □�[+�of ] I have been given charge of this class. □� They would never forget their time in his charge.

8 PHRASE If you are in charge in a particular situation, you are the most senior person and have control over something or someone. □� Who's in charge here? □�[+�of ] �the Swiss governess in charge of the smaller children.

9 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you describe someone as your charge , they have been given to you to be looked after and you are responsible for them. □� The coach tried to get his charges motivated.

10 VERB If you charge towards someone or something, you move quickly and aggressively towards them. □�[V prep/adv] He charged through the door to my mother's office. □�[V ] He ordered us to charge. □�[V -ing] �a charging bull. ●�N‑COUNT Charge is also a noun. □� �a bayonet charge.

11 VERB To charge a battery means to pass an electrical current through it in order to make it more powerful or to make it last longer. □�[V n] Alex had forgotten to charge the battery. ●�PHRASAL VERB Charge up means the same as charge . □�[V P n] The car recovers energy to charge up the batteries while driving. [Also V n P ]

12 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An electrical charge is an amount of electricity that is held in or carried by something. [TECHNICAL ]

13 →�see also baton charge , charged , cover charge , depth charge , service charge

14 PHRASE If something is free of charge , it does not cost anything. □� The leaflet is available free of charge from post offices.

▸� charge up →�see charge11 SYNONYMS charge NOUN 3

price:�a sharp increase in the price of petrol.

rate:Calls cost 36p per minute cheap rate and 48p at all other times.

cost:Badges are also available at a cost of �2.50.

payment:The fund will make payments of just over �1 billion next year.

toll:We pay enough in toll charges to use their roads. VERB 5

accuse:Her assistant was accused of theft and fraud by the police.

indict:He was later indicted on corruption charges.

impeach:�an opposition move to impeach the President.

charge|able /tʃɑː r dʒəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is chargeable , you have to pay a sum of money for it. [FORMAL ] □� The day of departure is not chargeable if rooms are vacated by 12.00 noon.

2 ADJ If something is chargeable , you have to pay tax on it. [FORMAL ] □� �the taxpayer's chargeable gain.

cha rge card (charge cards ) also chargecard

1 N‑COUNT A charge card is a plastic card that you use to buy goods on credit from a particular store or group of stores. Compare credit card . [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A charge card is the same as a credit card . [AM ]

charged /tʃɑː r dʒd/

1 ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If a situation is charged , it is filled with emotion and therefore very tense or exciting. □� There was a highly-charged atmosphere. □� A wedding is an emotionally-charged situation.

2 ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] Charged particles carry an electrical charge. □� �negatively-charged ions.

char|g� d'af|faires /ʃɑː r ʒe I d�feə r / (charg�s d'affaires )

1 N‑COUNT A charg� d'affaires is a person appointed to act as head of a diplomatic mission in a foreign country while the ambassador is away.

2 N‑COUNT A charg� d'affaires is the head of a minor diplomatic mission in a foreign country.

cha rge nurse (charge nurses ) N‑COUNT A charge nurse is a nurse who is in charge of a hospital ward. [BRIT ]

charg|er /tʃɑː r dʒə r / (chargers )

1 N‑COUNT A charger is a device used for charging or recharging batteries. □�[+�for ] He forgot the charger for his mobile phone.

2 N‑COUNT A charger was a strong horse that a knight in the Middle Ages used to ride in battle.

cha r-grilled also chargrilled ADJ [usu ADJ n] Char-grilled meat or fish has been cooked so that it burns slightly and turns black. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use charbroiled

chari|ot /tʃ� riət/ (chariots ) N‑COUNT In ancient times, chariots were fast-moving vehicles with two wheels that were pulled by horses.

cha|ris|ma /kər I zmə/ N‑UNCOUNT You say that someone has charisma when they can attract, influence, and inspire people by their personal qualities. □� He has neither the policies nor the personal charisma to inspire people.

char|is|mat|ic /k� r I zm� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A charismatic person attracts, influences, and inspires people by their personal qualities. □� �her striking looks and charismatic personality.

chari|table /tʃ� r I təb ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A charitable organization or activity helps and supports people who are ill or very poor, or who have a disability. □� �charitable work for cancer awareness.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is charitable to people is kind or understanding towards them. □�[+�towards ] They were rather less than charitable towards the referee.

char|ity ◆◇◇ /tʃ� r I ti/ (charities )

1 N‑COUNT A charity is an organization which raises money in order to help people who are sick or very poor, or who have a disability. □� The National Trust is a registered charity. □� She was working as a volunteer at a homeless charity in Cambridge.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you give money tocharity , you give it to one or more charitable organizations. If you do something forcharity , you do it in order to raise money for one or more charitable organizations. □� He made substantial donations to charity. □� Gooch will be raising money for charity. □� �a charity event.

3 N‑UNCOUNT People who live on charity live on money or goods which other people give them because they are poor. □� My mum was very proud. She wouldn't accept charity. □� Her husband is unemployed and the family depends on charity.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Charity is kindness and understanding towards other people. [FORMAL ]

cha r|ity shop (charity shops ) N‑COUNT A charity shop is a shop that sells used goods cheaply and gives its profits to a charity. [BRIT ] in AM, use thrift shop

char|la|tan /ʃɑː r lət ə n/ (charlatans ) N‑COUNT You describe someone as a charlatan when they pretend to have skills or knowledge that they do not really possess. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was exposed as a charlatan.

Charles|ton /tʃɑː r lstən/ N‑SING TheCharleston is a lively dance that was popular in the 1920s.

charm /tʃɑː r m/ (charms , charming , charmed )

1 N‑VAR Charm is the quality of being pleasant or attractive. □� 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', the 1937 Disney classic, has lost none of its original charm. □� The house had its charms, not the least of which was the furniture that came with it.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone who has charm behaves in a friendly, pleasant way that makes people like them. □� He was a man of great charm and distinction.

3 VERB If you charm someone, you please them, especially by using your charm. □�[V n] He even charmed Mrs Prichard, carrying her shopping and flirting with her, though she's 83.

4 N‑COUNT A charm is a small ornament that is fixed to a bracelet or necklace.

5 N‑COUNT A charm is an act, saying, or object that is believed to have magic powers. □� �a good luck charm.

6 PHRASE If you say that something worked like a charm , you mean that it was very effective or successful. □� Economically, the policy worked like a charm.

charmed /tʃɑː r md/ ADJ [ADJ n] A charmed place, time, or situation is one that is very beautiful or pleasant, and seems slightly separate from the real world or real life. [WRITTEN ] □� �the charmed atmosphere of Oxford in the late Twenties.

cha rmed ci r|cle N‑SING If you refer to a group of people as a charmed circle , you mean that they seem to have special power or influence, and do not allow anyone else to join their group. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the immense role played by this very small charmed circle of critics.

charm|er /tʃɑː r mə r / (charmers )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone, especially a man, as a charmer , you think that they behave in a very charming but rather insincere way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He comes across as an intelligent, sophisticated, charmer.

2 →�see also snake charmer

charm|ing /tʃɑː r m I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you say that something is charming , you mean that it is very pleasant or attractive. □� �a charming little fishing village. □� �the charming custom of wearing a rose on that day. ●� charm|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� There's something charmingly old-fashioned about his brand of entertainment.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as charming , you mean they behave in a friendly, pleasant way that makes people like them. □� �a charming young man. □�[+�to ] He can be charming to his friends. ●� charm|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Calder smiled charmingly and put out his hand. 'A pleasure, Mrs Talbot.'

charm|less /tʃɑː r mləs/ ADJ If you say that something or someone is charmless , you mean that they are unattractive or uninteresting. [WRITTEN ] □� �flat, charmless countryside.

cha rm of|fen|sive N‑SING If you say that someone has launched a charm offensive , you disapprove of the fact that they are being very friendly to their opponents or people who are causing problems for them. [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�against ] The Swiss recruitment group, will launch a charm offensive against shareholders to try to bring its takeover deal back to the table.

char|nel house /tʃɑː r n ə l haʊs/ (charnel houses ) N‑COUNT A charnel house is a place where the bodies and bones of dead people are stored.

charred /tʃɑː r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Charred plants, buildings, or vehicles have been badly burnt and have become black because of fire. □� �the charred remains of a tank.

chart ◆◇◇ /tʃɑː r t/ (charts , charting , charted )

1 N‑COUNT A chart is a diagram, picture, or graph which is intended to make information easier to understand. □� Male unemployment was 14.2%, compared with 5.8% for women (see chart on next page). □� The chart below shows our top 10 choices.

2 →�see also bar chart , flow chart , pie chart

3 N‑COUNT A chart is a map of the sea or stars. □�[+�of ] �charts of Greek waters.

4 VERB If you chart an area of land, sea, or sky, or a feature in that area, you make a map of the area or show the feature in it. □�[V n] Ptolemy charted more than 1000 stars in 48 constellations. □�[be V -ed] These seas have been well charted.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Thecharts are the official lists that show which songs have had the most downloads or which CDs have sold the most copies each week. □� This album confirmed The Orb's status as national stars, going straight to Number One in the charts. □� They topped both the U.S. singles and album charts at the same time.

6 VERB If you chart the development or progress of something, you observe it and record or show it. You can also say that a report or graph charts the development or progress of something. □�[V n] Bulletin boards charted each executive's progress. SYNONYMS chart NOUN 1

table:Other research supports the figures in Table 3.3.

diagram:You can reduce long explanations to simple charts or diagrams.

graph:Recorded information can be viewed via charts and graphs.

visual:Remember you want your visuals to reinforce your message.

char|ter ◆◇◇ /tʃɑː r tə r / (charters , chartering , chartered )

1 N‑COUNT A charter is a formal document describing the rights, aims, or principles of an organization or group of people. □� �Article 50 of the United Nations Charter.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A charter plane or boat is one which is hired for use by a particular person or group and which is not part of a regular service. □� �the last charter plane carrying out foreign nationals. □� �frequent charter flights to Spain.

3 VERB If a person or organization charters a plane, boat, or other vehicle, they hire it for their own use. □�[V n] He chartered a jet to fly her home from California to Switzerland. □�[V -ed] They arrived in a yacht chartered by the sports management company.

4 PHRASE If you describe a decision or policy as a charter for someone or something you disapprove of, you mean that it is likely to help or encourage them. □�[+�for ] They described the Home Office scheme as a 'charter for cheats'.

char|tered /tʃɑː r tə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Chartered is used to indicate that someone, such as an accountant or a surveyor, has formally qualified in their profession. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use certified

cha r|ter me m|ber (charter members ) N‑COUNT A charter memberof a club, group, or organization is one of the first members, often one who was involved in setting it up. [AM ] in BRIT, use founder member

char|woman /tʃɑː r wʊmən/ (charwomen ) N‑COUNT A charwoman is a woman who is employed to clean houses or offices. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

chary /tʃeə ri/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are charyof doing something, you are fairly cautious about doing it. □�[+�of ] I am rather chary of making too many idiotic mistakes. [Also +�about ]

chase ◆◇◇ /tʃe I s/ (chases , chasing , chased )

1 VERB If you chase someone, or chaseafter them, you run after them or follow them quickly in order to catch or reach them. □�[V n] She chased the thief for 100 yards. □�[V +�after ] He said nothing to waiting journalists, who chased after him as he left. ●�N‑COUNT Chase is also a noun. □� He was reluctant to give up the chase. □�[+�through ] Police said he was arrested without a struggle after a car chase through the streets of Biarritz.

2 VERB If you are chasing something you want, such as work or money, you are trying hard to get it. □�[V n] In Wales, 14 people are chasing every job. □�[V +�after ] �publishers and booksellers chasing after profits from high-volume sales. ●�N‑SING Chase is also a noun. □�[+�for ] They took an invincible lead in the chase for the championship.

3 VERB If someone chases someone that they are attracted to, or chasesafter them, they try hard to persuade them to have a sexual relationship with them. □�[V n] I'm not very good at flirting or chasing women. □�[V +�after ] 'I was always chasing after unsuitable men,' she says. ●�N‑SING Chase is also a noun. □� The chase is always much more exciting than the conquest anyway.

4 VERB If someone chases you from a place, they force you to leave by using threats or violence. □�[V n +�from/out of/off ] Many farmers will then chase you off their land quite aggressively. □�[V n +�away/off/out ] Angry demonstrators chased him away.

5 PHRASE If someone cuts to the chase , they start talking about or dealing with what is important, instead of less important things. □� Hi everyone, we all know why we are here today, so let's cut to the chase.

6 VERB To chase someone from a job or a position or from power means to force them to leave it. □�[V n +�from/out of ] The army will not allow its commander-in-chief to be chased from power.

7 VERB If you chase somewhere, you run or rush there. □�[V prep/adv] They chased down the stairs into the narrow, dirty street.

8 →�see also wild goose chase

9 PHRASE If you give chase , you run after someone or follow them quickly in order to catch them. □� Other officers gave chase but the killers escaped.

10 PHRASE If you talk about the thrill of the chase , you are referring to the excitement that people feel when they are trying hard to get something. □� It's the thrill of the chase, the buzz of the risk, that drives you on.

▸� chase away PHRASAL VERB If someone or something chases away worries, fears, or other bad feelings, they cause those feelings to change and become happier. [WRITTEN ] □�[V P n] Ellery's return will help to chase away some of the gloom.

▸� chase down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you chase someone down , you run after them or follow them quickly and catch them. [mainly AM ] □�[V n P ] Ness chased the thief down and held him until police arrived. □�[V P n] For thousands of years chasing down game was the main activity in which humans were involved.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you chase someone or something down , you manage to find them after searching for them. □�[V n P ] That's when I chased her down to be the singer in my band. □�[V P n] Bank officials argued that it is not their job to chase down every asset of every bank debtor.

▸� chase up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you chase up something that is needed or needs dealing with, you find it or find out what is being done about it. □�[V n P ] When I didn't hear from the suppliers or receive a refund, I chased the matter up. □�[V P n] The authority can chase up the source of the pollution and demand that the owner clean it up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you chase someone up , you look for them and find them because you want them to do something or give you something. □�[V P n] �the story of a man who comes to Hollywood to chase up a client who has defaulted on a debt. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS chase NOUN 1

noun +�chase : car, police

adjective +�chase : high-speed

verb +�chase : begin, continue, join; abandon, give up

chas|er /tʃe I sə r / (chasers ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A chaser is an alcoholic drink that you have after you have drunk a stronger or weaker alcoholic drink. □� �whisky with beer chasers.

chasm /k� zəm/ (chasms )

1 N‑COUNT A chasm is a very deep crack in rock, earth, or ice.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that there is a chasm between two things or between two groups of people, you mean that there is a very large difference between them. □� �the chasm that divides the worlds of university and industry. □�[+�between ] �the chasm between rich and poor in America.

chas|sis /ʃ� si/ chassis /ʃ� siz/ can also be used as the plural form. N‑COUNT A chassis is the framework that a vehicle is built on.

chaste /tʃe I st/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as chaste , you mean that they do not have sex with anyone, or they only have sex with their husband or wife. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He remained chaste.

chas|ten /tʃe I s ə n/ (chastens , chastening , chastened ) VERB [usu passive] If you are chastenedby something, it makes you regret that you have behaved badly or stupidly. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�by ] He has clearly not been chastened by his thirteen days in detention. □�[V -ed] �a chastened England out to prove they are indeed one of the best teams in the world. [Also be V -ed +�into ] ●� chas|tened ADJ □� The President now seems a more chastened and less confident politician than when he set out a week ago.

chas|ten|ing /tʃe I sən I ŋ/ ADJ A chastening experience makes you regret that you have behaved badly or stupidly. □� From this chastening experience he learnt some useful lessons.

chas|tise /tʃ�sta I z/ (chastises , chastising , chastised ) VERB If you chastise someone, you speak to them angrily or punish them for something wrong that they have done. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�for ] Thomas Rane chastised Peters for his cruelty. □�[V n] The Securities Commission chastised the firm but imposed no fine. □�[V pron-refl] I just don't want you to chastise yourself.

chas|tise|ment /tʃ�sta I zmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Chastisement is the same as punishment. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

chas|tity /tʃ� st I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Chastity is the state of not having sex with anyone, or of only having sex with your husband or wife. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He took a vow of chastity and celibacy.

chat ◆◇◇ /tʃ� t/ (chats , chatting , chatted )

1 VERB When people chat , they talk to each other in an informal and friendly way. □�[V ] The women were chatting. □�[V +�to/with ] I was chatting to him the other day. □�[V +�about ] We chatted about old times. ●�N‑COUNT Chat is also a noun. □�[+�with ] I had a chat with John.

2 VERB When people chat , they exchange short written messages on the internet or on their phones. □�[V ] The software allows students to collaborate on documents and to chat via instant messaging. □�[V +�to/with ] Kirstie was chatting with friends on a website. ●�N‑COUNT Chat is also a noun. □� The author took part in a live web chat.

▸� chat up PHRASAL VERB If you chat someone up , usually someone you do not know very well, you talk to them in a friendly way because you are sexually attracted to them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] He'd spent most of that evening chatting up one of my friends. □�[V n P ] She was chatting one of the guys up. COLLOCATIONS chat VERB 1

chat+�adverb : animatedly, excitedly, happily, merrily; amiably NOUN 1

adjective +�chat : cosy, friendly, informal; heart-to-heart, one-to-one, private; brief

ch�|teau /ʃ� toʊ/ (ch�teaux /ʃ� toʊz/) also chateau N‑COUNT A ch�teau is a large country house or castle in France.

chat|elaine /ʃ� təle I n/ (chatelaines ) N‑COUNT A chatelaine is the female owner, or the wife of the owner, of a castle or large country house.

chat|line /tʃ� tla I n/ (chatlines ) also chat line N‑COUNT People phone in to chatlines to have conversations with other people who have also phoned in. [BRIT ] □� She started using chat lines basically for someone to talk to.

cha t room (chat rooms ) N‑COUNT A chat room is a site on the internet where people can exchange messages about a particular subject. [COMPUTING ]

cha t show (chat shows ) N‑COUNT A chat show is a television or radio show in which people talk in a friendly, informal way about different topics. [BRIT ] in AM, use talk show

chat|tel /tʃ� t ə l/ (chattels ) N‑VAR Chattels are things that belong to you. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� They were slaves, to be bought and sold as chattels.

chat|ter /tʃ� tə r / (chatters , chattering , chattered )

1 VERB If you chatter , you talk quickly and continuously, usually about things which are not important. □�[V adv/prep] Everyone's chattering away in different languages. □�[V +�about ] Erica was friendly and chattered about Andrew's children. □�[V -ing] He listened to chattering maids as they passed by. [Also V ] ●�N‑UNCOUNT Chatter is also a noun. □� �idle chatter. □� Lila kept up a steady stream of chatter.

2 VERB If your teeth chatter , they keep knocking together because you are very cold or very nervous. □�[V ] She was so cold her teeth chattered.

3 VERB When birds or animals chatter , they make high-pitched noises. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] Birds were chattering somewhere. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Chatter is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �almond trees vibrating with the chatter of crickets.

chatter|box /tʃ� tə r bɒks/ (chatterboxes ) N‑COUNT A chatterbox is someone who talks a lot. [INFORMAL ]

cha t|ter|ing clas|ses N‑PLURAL Thechattering classes are people such as journalists, broadcasters, or public figures who comment on events but have little or no influence over them. [BRIT , JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Radical feminism is currently the fashionable topic among the chattering classes.

chat|ty /tʃ� ti/

1 ADJ Someone who is chatty talks a lot in a friendly, informal way. □� She's quite a chatty person.

2 ADJ A chatty style of writing or talking is friendly and informal. □� � a long, chatty e-mail from a colleague.

cha t-up line (chat-up lines ) N‑COUNT A chat-up line is a remark that someone makes in order to start a conversation with someone they do not know but find sexually attractive. [BRIT ] in AM, use line

chauf|feur /ʃoʊ fə r , ʃoʊfɜː r / (chauffeurs , chauffeuring , chauffeured )

1 N‑COUNT The chauffeur of a rich or important person is the man or woman who is employed to look after their car and drive them around in it.

2 VERB If you chauffeur someone somewhere, you drive them there in a car, usually as part of your job. □�[V n adv/prep] It was certainly useful to have her there to chauffeur him around. □�[V -ed] Caroline had a chauffeured car waiting to take her to London. [Also V n]

chau|vin|ism /ʃoʊ v I n I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Chauvinism is a strong, unreasonable belief that your own country is more important and morally better than other people's. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] It may also appeal to the latent chauvinism of many ordinary people. ●� chau|vin|ist (chauvinists ) N‑COUNT □� They consider themselves patriots, but they are chauvinists and authoritarians.

2 →�see also male chauvinism

3 →�see also male chauvinist

chau|vin|is|tic /ʃoʊ v I n I st I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as chauvinistic , you believe that they think their own country is more important and morally better than any other. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �national narrow-mindedness and chauvinistic arrogance.

2 ADJ If you describe a man or his behaviour as chauvinistic , you disapprove of him for believing that men are naturally better and more important than women. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� My ex-boyfriend Anthony was very chauvinistic.

chav /tʃ� v/ (chavs ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a chav , you think that the way they look shows a lack of taste and education, although they may wear expensive clothes. [DISAPPROVAL ]

cheap ◆◆◇ /tʃiː p/ (cheaper , cheapest )

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n] Goods or services that are cheap cost less money than usual or than you expected. □� Smoke detectors are cheap and easy to put up. □� Running costs are coming down because of cheaper fuel. □� They served breakfast all day and sold it cheap. ●� cheap|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� It will produce electricity more cheaply than a nuclear plant. ●� cheap|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The cheapness and simplicity of the design makes it ideal for our task.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe goods as cheap , you mean they cost less money than similar products but their quality is poor. □� Don't resort to cheap copies; save up for the real thing. □� �a tight suit made of some cheap material.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone's remarks or actions as cheap , you mean that they are unkindly or insincerely using a situation to benefit themselves or to harm someone else. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� These tests will inevitably be used by politicians to make cheap political points.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as cheap , you are criticizing them for being unwilling to spend money. [AM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Oh, please, Dad, just this once don't be cheap.

5 PHRASE If someone does or buys something on the cheap , they spend less money than they should because they are more concerned with what it costs than with its quality. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Most modern housing estates are terrible and inevitably done on the cheap.

cheap|en /tʃiː pən/ (cheapens , cheapening , cheapened ) VERB If something cheapens a person or thing, it lowers their reputation or position. □�[V n] When America boycotted the Moscow Games, it cheapened the medals won. □�[V -ed] Love is a word cheapened by overuse.

cheapo /tʃiː poʊ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Cheapo things are very inexpensive and probably of poor quality. [INFORMAL ] □� �cheapo deals on wobbly airlines.

chea p sho t (cheap shots ) N‑COUNT A cheap shot is a comment someone makes which you think is unfair or unkind. [DISAPPROVAL ]

cheap|skate /tʃiː pske I t/ (cheapskates ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a cheapskate , you think that they are mean and do not like spending money. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Tell your husband not to be a cheapskate.

cheat /tʃiː t/ (cheats , cheating , cheated )

1 VERB When someone cheats , they do not obey a set of rules which they should be obeying, for example in a game or exam. □�[V ] Students may be tempted to cheat in order to get into top schools. ●� cheat|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� In an election in 1988, he was accused of cheating by his opponent.

2 N‑COUNT Someone who is a cheat does not obey a set of rules which they should be obeying. □� Cheats will be disqualified.

3 VERB If someone cheats you out of something, they get it from you by behaving dishonestly. □�[V n +�out of/of ] The company engaged in a deliberate effort to cheat them out of their pensions. □�[V n] Many brokers were charged with cheating customers in commodity trades.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone cheats death , you mean they only just avoid being killed. [JOURNALISM ] □� He cheated death when he was rescued from the roof of his blazing cottage.

▸� cheat on

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone cheats on their husband, wife, or partner, they have a sexual relationship with another person. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] I'd found Philippe was cheating on me and I was angry and hurt.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone cheats on something such as an agreement or their taxes, they do not do what they should do under a set of rules. [mainly AM ] □�[V P n] Their job is to check that none of the signatory countries is cheating on the agreement.

cheat|er /tʃiː tə r / (cheaters ) N‑COUNT A cheater is someone who cheats. [mainly AM ]

chea t sheet (cheat sheets ) N‑COUNT A cheat sheet is a short list of information that you can use to help you do or remember something. □� If this all sounds too hard to remember, print out the cheat sheet and stick it on the side of your computer screen for quick reference.

check ◆◆◇ /tʃe k/ (checks , checking , checked )

1 VERB If you check something such as a piece of information or a document, you make sure that it is correct or satisfactory. □�[V n] Check the accuracy of everything in your CV. □�[V ] I think there is an age limit, but I'd have to check. □�[V wh] She hadn't checked whether she had a clean ironed shirt. □�[V that] He checked that he had his room key. □�[V +�with ] I shall need to check with the duty officer. ●�N‑COUNT Check is also a noun. □�[+�on ] He is being constantly monitored with regular checks on his blood pressure. □� �a security check.

2 →�see also cross-check

3 VERB If you check on someone or something, you make sure they are in a safe or satisfactory condition. □�[V +�on ] He decided to check on things at the warehouse.

4 VERB If you check something that is written on a piece of paper, you put a mark, like a V with the right side extended, next to it to show that something is correct or has been selected or dealt with. [AM ] □�[V n] Check the box at the top of the form indicating that it is the correct version. in BRIT, usually use tick5 VERB To check something, usually something bad, means to stop it from spreading or continuing. □�[V n] Sex education is also expected to help check the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

6 VERB If you checkyourself or if something checks you, you suddenly stop what you are doing or saying. □�[V pron-refl] He was about to lose his temper but checked himself in time. □�[V n] I held up one finger to check him.

7 VERB When you check your luggage at an airport, you give it to an official so that it can be taken on to your plane. □�[V n] We arrived at the airport, checked our baggage and wandered around the gift shops. ●�PHRASAL VERB To check in your luggage means the same as to check it. □�[V P n] They checked in their luggage and found seats in the departure lounge. [Also V n P ]

8 N‑COUNT The check in a restaurant is a piece of paper on which the price of your meal is written and which you are given before you pay. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use bill9 CONVENTION In a game of chess, you say check when you are attacking your opponent's king.

10 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A pattern of squares, usually of two colours, can be referred to as checks or a check . □� Styles include stripes and checks. □� �a red and white check dress.

11 PHRASE If something or someone is held in check or is kept in check , they are controlled and prevented from becoming too great or powerful. □� Unemployment was still held in check but the economy was stagnating.

12 A check is the same as a cheque . [AM ]

13 →�see also double-check , rain check , spot check

▸� check in

1 PHRASAL VERB When you check in or check into a hotel or clinic, or if someone checks you in , you arrive and go through the necessary procedures before you stay there. □�[V P ] I'll ring the hotel. I'll tell them we'll check in tomorrow. □�[V P n] He has checked into an alcohol treatment centre. □�[V n P ] Check us in at the hotel and wait for my call. [Also V n P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB When you check in at an airport, you arrive and show your ticket before going on a flight. □�[V P ] He had checked in at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport for a flight to Manchester.

3 →�see also check-in , check7

▸� check off PHRASAL VERB When you check things off , you check or count them while referring to a list of them, to make sure you have considered all of them. □�[V P n] Once you've checked off the items you ordered, put this record in your file. □�[V n P ] I haven't checked them off but I would say that's about the number.

▸� check out

1 PHRASAL VERB When you check outof a hotel or clinic where you have been staying, or if someone checks you out , you pay the bill and leave. □�[V P +�of ] They packed and checked out of the hotel. □�[V P ] I was disappointed to miss Bryan, who had just checked out. □�[V n P +�of ] I'd like to check him out of here the day after tomorrow. [Also V P n, V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you check out something or someone, you find out information about them to make sure that everything is correct or satisfactory. □�[V n P ] Maybe we ought to go down to the library and check it out. □�[V P n] The police had to check out the call.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something checks out , it is correct or satisfactory. □�[V P ] She was in San Diego the weekend Jensen got killed. It checked out.

4 →�see also checkout

▸� check up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you check upon something, you find out information about it. □�[V P +�on ] It is certainly worth checking up on your benefit entitlements. □�[V P ] The Government employs tax inspectors to check up and make sure people pay all their tax.

2 →�see also check-up

3 PHRASAL VERB If you check upon someone, you obtain information about them, usually secretly. □�[V P +�on ] I'm sure he knew I was checking up on him. COLLOCATIONS check NOUN 1

noun +�check : health, safety, security; border; background

adjective +�check : rigorous, stringent, thorough; regular, routine

verb +�check : carry out, do, make, perform, run; undergo VERB 1

check+�adverb : carefully, rigorously, thoroughly; periodically, regularly, routinely SYNONYMS check VERB 1

examine:He examined her passport and stamped it.

test:Test the water with your wrist.

verify:I verified the source from which I had that information.

vet:All objects are vetted by a distinguished panel of experts.

inspect:Elaine went outside to inspect the playing field.

check|book /tʃe kbʊk/ →�see cheque book

checked /tʃe kt/ ADJ Something that is checked has a pattern of small squares, usually of two colours. □� He was wearing blue jeans and a checked shirt.

check|er /tʃe kə r / (checkers )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Checkers is a game for two people, played with 24 round pieces on a board. [AM ] in BRIT, use draughts2 N‑COUNT A checker is a person or machine that has the job of checking something. □� Run what you've written through a spell checker before sending.

checker|board /tʃe kə r bɔː r d/ (checkerboards ) in BRIT, also use chequerboard1 N‑COUNT A checkerboard is a square board with 64 black and white squares that is used for playing checkers or chess. [AM ] in BRIT, use chessboard , draughts board2 ADJ [ADJ n] A checkerboard pattern is made up of equal-sized squares of two different colours, usually black and white.

check|ered /tʃe kə r d/ →�see chequered

che ck-in (check-ins ) N‑COUNT At an airport, a check-in is the counter or desk where you check in.

che ck|ing ac|count (checking accounts ) N‑COUNT A checking account is a personal bank account which you can take money out of at any time using your cheque book or cash card. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use current account

check|list /tʃe kl I st/ (checklists ) N‑COUNT A checklist is a list of all the things that you need to do, information that you want to find out, or things that you need to take somewhere, which you make in order to ensure that you do not forget anything. □�[+�of ] Make a checklist of the tools and materials you will need.

che ck mark (check marks ) N‑COUNT A check mark is a written mark like a V with the right side extended. It is used to show that something is correct or has been selected or dealt with. [AM ] in BRIT, use tick

check|mate /tʃe kme I t/ N‑UNCOUNT In chess, checkmate is a situation in which you cannot stop your king being captured and so you lose the game. WORD HISTORY checkmate

The purpose of the game of chess may be to capture your opponent's king, but in terms of word origins, a player's aim is really to kill the king: checkmate comes from the Arabic phrase shāh māt , meaning 'the king is dead'.

check|out /tʃe kaʊt/ (checkouts ) also check-out N‑COUNT In a supermarket, a checkout is a counter where you pay for things you are buying. □� �queuing at the checkout in Sainsbury's.

check|point /tʃe kpɔ I nt/ (checkpoints ) N‑COUNT A checkpoint is a place where traffic is stopped so that it can be checked.

che ck-up (check-ups ) also checkup N‑COUNT A check-up is a medical examination by your doctor or dentist to make sure that there is nothing wrong with your health. □� The disease was detected during a routine check-up.

ched|dar /tʃe də r / (cheddars ) N‑VAR Cheddar is a type of hard yellow cheese, originally made in Britain.

cheek /tʃiː k/ (cheeks )

1 N‑COUNT Your cheeks are the sides of your face below your eyes. □� Tears were running down her cheeks. □� She kissed him lightly on both cheeks. ●� -cheeked COMB □� �rosy-cheeked children.

2 N‑SING You say that someone has a cheek when you are annoyed or shocked at something unreasonable that they have done. [INFORMAL ] □� I'm amazed they had the cheek to ask in the first place. □� I still think it's a bit of a cheek sending a voucher rather than a refund. □� The cheek of it, lying to me like that!

3 PHRASE If you turn the other cheek when someone harms or insults you, you do not harm or insult them in return.

4cheek by jowl →�see jowl

cheek|bone /tʃiː kboʊn/ (cheekbones ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your cheekbones are the two bones in your face just below your eyes. □� She was very beautiful, with high cheekbones.

cheeky /tʃiː ki/ (cheekier , cheekiest ) ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as cheeky , you think that they are slightly rude or disrespectful but in a charming or amusing way. [mainly BRIT ] □� The boy was cheeky and casual. □� Martin gave her a cheeky grin. ●� cheeki|ly /tʃiː k I li/ ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He strolled cheekily past the commissionaires for a free wash in the gentlemen's cloakroom.

cheer ◆◇◇ /tʃ I ə r / (cheers , cheering , cheered )

1 VERB When people cheer , they shout loudly to show their approval or to encourage someone who is doing something such as taking part in a game. □�[V ] We all cheered as they drove up the street. □�[V n] �2,000 Villa fans who cheered him into his goal. □�[V +�for ] �the Irish Americans who came to the park to cheer for their boys. □�[V -ing] Cheering crowds lined the route. ●�N‑COUNT Cheer is also a noun. □�[+�from ] The colonel was rewarded with a resounding cheer from the men.

2 VERB If you are cheeredby something, it makes you happier or less worried. □�[be V -ed] Stephen noticed that the people around him looked cheered by his presence. □�[V n] The weather was perfect but it did nothing to cheer him. ●� cheer|ing ADJ □� �very cheering news.

3 CONVENTION People sometimes say ' Cheers ' to each other just before they drink an alcoholic drink. [mainly BRIT , FORMULAE ]

4 CONVENTION Some people say ' Cheers ' as a way of saying 'thank you' or 'goodbye'. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FORMULAE ]

▸� cheer on PHRASAL VERB When you cheer someone on , you shout loudly in order to encourage them, for example when they are taking part in a game. □�[V n P ] A thousand supporters packed into the stadium to cheer them on. □�[V P n] Most will probably be cheering on their favourite players.

▸� cheer up PHRASAL VERB When you cheer up or when something cheers you up , you stop feeling depressed and become more cheerful. □�[V n P ] I think he misses her terribly. You might cheer him up. □�[V pron-refl P ] I wrote that song just to cheer myself up. □�[V P ] Cheer up, better times may be ahead. [Also V P n] SYNONYMS cheer VERB 2

hearten:The news heartened everybody.

encourage:Investors were encouraged by the news.

brighten:That really brightened my day.

cheer|ful /tʃ I ə r fʊl/

1 ADJ Someone who is cheerful is happy and shows this in their behaviour. □� They are both very cheerful in spite of their colds. □�[+�about ] Jack sounded quite cheerful about the idea. ●� cheer|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'We've come with good news,' Pat said cheerfully. □� She greeted him cheerfully. ●� cheer|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] □� I remember this extraordinary man with particular affection for his unfailing cheerfulness.

2 ADJ Something that is cheerful is pleasant and makes you feel happy. □� The nursery is bright and cheerful, with plenty of toys.

cheerio /tʃ I ə rioʊ / CONVENTION People sometimes say ' Cheerio ' as a way of saying goodbye. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FORMULAE ]

cheer|leader /tʃ I ə r liːdə r / (cheerleaders ) N‑COUNT A cheerleader is one of the people who leads the crowd in cheering at a large public event, especially a sports event.

cheer|less /tʃ I ə r ləs/ ADJ Cheerless places or weather are dull and depressing. □� The kitchen was dank and cheerless. □� �a bleak, cheerless day.

cheery /tʃ I ə ri/ (cheerier , cheeriest ) ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as cheery , you mean that they are cheerful and happy. □� She was cheery and talked to them about their problems. ●� cheeri|ly ADV □� 'Come on in,' she said cheerily.

cheese ◆◇◇ /tʃiː z/ (cheeses )

1 N‑VAR Cheese is a solid food made from milk. It is usually white or yellow. □� �bread and cheese. □� �cheese sauce. □� He cut the mould off a piece of cheese. □� �delicious French cheeses.

2 →�see also cottage cheese , cream cheese , goat cheese , macaroni cheese

3as different as chalk and cheese →�see chalk

cheese|board /tʃiː zbɔː r d/ (cheeseboards ) also cheese board N‑COUNT [usu sing] A cheeseboard is a board from which cheese is served at a meal.

cheese|burg|er /tʃiː zbɜː r gə r / (cheeseburgers ) N‑COUNT A cheeseburger is a flat round piece of cooked meat called a burger with a slice of cheese on top, served in a bread roll.

cheese|cake /tʃiː zke I k/ (cheesecakes ) N‑VAR Cheesecake is a dessert that consists of a base made from broken biscuits covered with a soft sweet mixture containing cream cheese.

cheese|cloth /tʃiː zklɒθ, [AM ] -klɔːθ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cheesecloth is cotton cloth that is very thin and light. There are tiny holes between the threads of the cloth. □� �cheesecloth shirts.

cheesed off /tʃiː zd ɒ f/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are cheesed off , you are annoyed, bored, or disappointed. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�by ] Jean was thoroughly cheesed off by the whole affair.

cheesy /tʃiː zi/ (cheesier , cheesiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cheesy food is food that tastes or smells of cheese. □� �cheesy biscuits.

2 ADJ If you describe something as cheesy , you mean that it is cheap, unpleasant, or insincere. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a cheesy Baghdad hotel. □� Politicians persist in imagining that 'the people' warm to their cheesy slogans.

chee|tah /tʃiː tə/ (cheetahs ) N‑COUNT A cheetah is a wild animal that looks like a large cat with black spots on its body. Cheetahs can run very fast.

chef /ʃe f/ (chefs ) N‑COUNT A chef is a cook in a restaurant or hotel.

chemi|cal ◆◆◇ /ke m I k ə l/ (chemicals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Chemical means involving or resulting from a reaction between two or more substances, or relating to the substances that something consists of. □� �chemical reactions that cause ozone destruction. □� �the chemical composition of the ocean. □� �chemical weapons. ●� chemi|cal|ly /ke m I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �chemically-treated foods. □� The medicine chemically affects your physiology.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Chemicals are substances that are used in a chemical process or made by a chemical process. □� The whole food chain is affected by the over-use of chemicals in agriculture. □� �the chemical industry.

che mi|cal en|gi|nee r (chemical engineers ) N‑COUNT A chemical engineer is a person who designs and constructs the machines needed for industrial chemical processes.

che mi|cal en|gi|nee r|ing N‑UNCOUNT Chemical engineering is the designing and constructing of machines that are needed for industrial chemical processes.

che|mise /ʃəmiː z/ (chemises ) N‑COUNT A chemise is a long, loose piece of underwear worn by women in former times.

chem|ist /ke m I st/ (chemists )

1 N‑COUNT A chemist or a chemist's is a shop where drugs and medicines are sold or given out, and where you can buy cosmetics and some household goods. [BRIT ] □� There are many creams available from the chemist which should clear the infection.

2 N‑COUNT A chemist is someone who works in a chemist's shop and is qualified to prepare and sell medicines. [BRIT ] in AM, use druggist , pharmacist3 N‑COUNT A chemist is a person who does research connected with chemistry or who studies chemistry. □� She worked as a research chemist.

chem|is|try /ke m I stri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Chemistry is the scientific study of the structure of substances and of the way that they react with other substances.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The chemistry of an organism or a material is the chemical substances that make it up and the chemical reactions that go on inside it. □�[+�of ] We have literally altered the chemistry of our planet's atmosphere. □� Stress has a profound effect on our body chemistry.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that there is chemistry between two people, you mean that it is obvious they are attracted to each other or like each other very much. □�[+�between ] �the extraordinary chemistry between the two actors.

chemo /kiː moʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Chemo is the same as chemotherapy . [INFORMAL ] □� The first time I had chemo I was quite scared.

chemo|thera|py /kiː moʊθe rəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Chemotherapy is the treatment of disease using chemicals. It is often used in treating cancer.

che|nille /ʃəniː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Chenille is cloth or clothing made from a type of thick furry thread.

cheque /tʃe k/ (cheques ) in AM, use check1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A cheque is a printed form on which you write an amount of money and who it is to be paid to. Your bank then pays the money to that person from your account. □�[+�for ] He wrote them a cheque for �10,000. □� I'd like to pay by cheque.

2 →�see also blank cheque , traveller's cheque

che que book (cheque books ) The spellings chequebook , and in American English, checkbook are also used. N‑COUNT A cheque book is a book of cheques which your bank gives you so that you can pay for things by cheque.

che que|book jou r|nal|ism also cheque-book journalism in AM, use checkbook journalism N‑UNCOUNT Chequebook journalism is the practice of paying people large sums of money for information about crimes or famous people in order to get material for newspaper articles. [DISAPPROVAL ]

che que card (cheque cards ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a cheque card or a cheque guarantee card is a small plastic card given to you by your bank and which you have to show when you are paying for something by cheque or when you are cashing a cheque at another bank.

chequer|board /tʃe kə r bɔː r d/ →�see checkerboard

cheq|uered /tʃe kə r d/ in AM, use checkered1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a person or organization has had a chequered career or history, they have had a varied past with both good and bad periods. □� He had a chequered political career spanning nearly forty years.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is chequered has a pattern with squares of two or more different colours. □� �red chequered tablecloths.

cher|ish /tʃe r I ʃ/ (cherishes , cherishing , cherished )

1 VERB If you cherish something such as a hope or a pleasant memory, you keep it in your mind for a long period of time. □�[V n] The president will cherish the memory of this visit to Ohio. ●� cher|ished ADJ [ADJ n] □� �the cherished dream of a world without wars.

2 VERB If you cherish someone or something, you take good care of them because you love them. □�[V n] The previous owners had cherished the house. ●� cher|ished ADJ [ADJ n] □� He described the picture as his most cherished possession.

3 VERB If you cherish a right, a privilege, or a principle, you regard it as important and try hard to keep it. □�[V n] These people cherish their independence and sovereignty. ●� cher|ished ADJ [ADJ n] □� Freud called into question some deeply-cherished beliefs.

che|root /ʃəruː t/ (cheroots ) N‑COUNT A cheroot is a cigar with both ends cut flat.

cher|ry /tʃe ri/ (cherries )

1 N‑COUNT Cherries are small, round fruit with red skins.

2 N‑VAR A cherry or a cherry tree is a tree that cherries grow on.

cherry-pick /tʃe rip I k/ (cherry-picks , cherry-picking , cherry-picked ) VERB If someone cherry-picks people or things, they choose the best ones from a group of them, often in a way that other people consider unfair. □�[V n] The club is in debt while others are queuing to cherry-pick their best players.

cher|ub /tʃe rəb/ (cherubs ) N‑COUNT A cherub is a kind of angel that is represented in art as a naked child with wings.

che|ru|bic /tʃəruː b I k/ ADJ If someone looks cherubic , they look sweet and innocent like a cherub. [LITERARY ]

cher|vil /tʃɜː r v I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Chervil is a herb that tastes like aniseed.

Chesh|ire cat /tʃe ʃə r k� t/ PHRASE If someone is grinning like a Cheshire cat or like the Cheshire cat , they are smiling very widely. □� He had a grin on his face like a Cheshire Cat.

chess /tʃe s/ N‑UNCOUNT Chess is a game for two people, played on a chessboard. Each player has 16 pieces, including a king. Your aim is to move your pieces so that your opponent's king cannot escape being taken. □� �the world chess championships.

chess|board /tʃe sbɔː r d/ (chessboards ) N‑COUNT A chessboard is a square board with 64 black and white squares that is used for playing chess.

chest ◆◇◇ /tʃe st/ (chests )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your chest is the top part of the front of your body where your ribs, lungs, and heart are. □� He crossed his arms over his chest. □� He was shot in the chest. □� He complained of chest pain.

2 N‑COUNT A chest is a large, heavy box used for storing things. □� At the very bottom of the chest were his carving tools. □� �a treasure chest. □� �a medicine chest.

3 PHRASE If you get something off your chest , you talk about something that has been worrying you. □� I feel it's done me good to get it off my chest.

che st com|pre ss|ion N‑VAR Chest compression is the act of applying pressure to someone's chest in order to help blood flow through the heart in an emergency situation. □� Give one breath of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, followed by five chest compressions.

chest|nut /tʃe snʌt/ (chestnuts )

1 N‑COUNT A chestnut or chestnut tree is a tall tree with broad leaves. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Chestnut is the wood of this tree.

2 →�see also horse chestnut

3 N‑COUNT Chestnuts are the reddish-brown nuts that grow on chestnut trees. You can eat chestnuts.

4 COLOUR Something that is chestnut is dark reddish-brown in colour. □� �a woman with chestnut hair. □� �a chestnut mare.

che st of dra wers (chests of drawers ) N‑COUNT A chest of drawers is a low, flat piece of furniture with drawers in which you keep clothes and other things.

chesty /tʃe sti/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you have a chesty cough, you have a lot of mucus in your lungs. [BRIT ]

chev|ron /ʃe vrɒn/ (chevrons ) N‑COUNT A chevron is a V shape. □� The chevron or arrow road sign indicates a sharp bend to the left or right.

chew /tʃuː / (chews , chewing , chewed )

1 VERB When you chew food, you use your teeth to break it up in your mouth so that it becomes easier to swallow. □�[V n] Be certain to eat slowly and chew your food extremely well. □�[V +�at/on ] Daniel leaned back on the sofa, still chewing on his apple. □�[V ] �the sound of his mother chewing and swallowing.

2 VERB If you chew gum or tobacco, you keep biting it and moving it around your mouth to taste the flavour of it. You do not swallow it. □�[V n] One girl was chewing gum.

3 VERB If you chew your lips or your fingernails, you keep biting them because you are nervous. □�[V n] He chewed his lower lip nervously.

4 VERB If a person or animal chews an object, they bite it with their teeth. □�[V n] They pause and chew their pencils. □�[V prep] One owner left his pet under the stairs where the animal chewed through electric cables.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone has bitten off more than they can chew , you mean that they are trying to do something which is too difficult for them. □� He bought the old hotel but soon realized he had bitten off more than he could chew.

6to chew the cud →�see cud

▸� chew up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you chew food up , you chew it until it is completely crushed or soft. □�[V n P ] I took one of the pills and chewed it up. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If something is chewed up , it has been destroyed or damaged in some way. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed P ] Every spring the ozone is chewed up, and the hole appears. □�[V P n] �rebels who are now chewing up Government-held territory. □�[V n P ] This town is notorious for chewing people up and spitting them out.

che w|ing gum N‑UNCOUNT Chewing gum is a kind of sweet that you can chew for a long time. You do not swallow it. □� �a stick of chewing gum.

chewy /tʃuː i/ (chewier , chewiest ) ADJ If food is chewy , it needs to be chewed a lot before it becomes soft enough to swallow. □� The meat was too chewy. □� �chewy chocolate cookies.

chia|ro|scu|ro /ki� rəskʊə roʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Chiaroscuro is the use of light and shade in a picture, or the effect produced by light and shade in a place. □� �the natural chiaroscuro of the place.

chic /ʃiː k/

1 ADJ Something or someone that is chic is fashionable and sophisticated. □� Her gown was very French and very chic.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Chic is used to refer to a particular style or to the quality of being chic. □� �French designer chic.

chi|can|ery /ʃ I ke I nəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Chicanery is using cleverness to cheat people. [FORMAL ]

chi|ca|no /tʃ I ke I noʊ/ (chicanos ) N‑COUNT A chicano is an American citizen, whose family originally came from Mexico. [AM ] □� �views expressed by one young Chicano interviewed by Phinney.

chick /tʃ I k/ (chicks ) N‑COUNT A chick is a baby bird.

chick|en ◆◇◇ /tʃ I k I n/ (chickens , chickening , chickened )

1 N‑COUNT Chickens are birds which are kept on a farm for their eggs and for their meat. □� Lionel built a coop so that they could raise chickens and have a supply of fresh eggs. □� �free-range chickens. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Chicken is the flesh of this bird eaten as food. □� �roast chicken with wild mushrooms. □� �chicken soup.

2 N‑COUNT If someone calls you a chicken , they mean that you are afraid to do something. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm scared of the dark. I'm a big chicken. ●�ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Chicken is also an adjective. □� Why are you so chicken, Gregory?

3 PHRASE If you say that someone is counting their chickens , you mean that they are assuming that they will be successful or get something, when this is not certain. □� I don't want to count my chickens before they are hatched.

4 PHRASE If you describe a situation as a chicken and egg situation, you mean that it is impossible to decide which of two things caused the other one. □� It's a chicken and egg question: does team spirit lead to winning or does winning generate team spirit?

5chickens come home to roost →�see roost

▸� chicken out PHRASAL VERB If someone chickens outof something they were intending to do, they decide not to do it because they are afraid. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�of ] His mother complains that he makes excuses to chicken out of family occasions such as weddings. □�[V P ] I had never ridden on a motor-cycle before. But it was too late to chicken out.

chi ck|en feed also chickenfeed N‑UNCOUNT If you think that an amount of money is so small it is hardly worth having or considering, you can say that it is chicken feed . □� I was making a million a year, but that's chicken feed in the pop business.

chicken|pox /tʃ I k I npɒks/ also chicken pox N‑UNCOUNT Chickenpox is a disease which gives you a high temperature and red spots that itch.

chi ck|en wire N‑UNCOUNT Chicken wire is a type of thin wire netting.

chi ck flick (chick flicks ) N‑COUNT A chick flick is a romantic film that is not very serious and is intended to appeal to women. [INFORMAL ]

chi ck lit N‑UNCOUNT Chick lit is modern fiction about the lives and romantic problems of young women, usually written by young women. [INFORMAL ]

chick|pea /tʃ I kpiː/ (chickpeas ) also chick pea N‑COUNT [usu pl] Chickpeas are hard round seeds that look like pale-brown peas. They can be cooked and eaten.

chick|weed /tʃ I kwiːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Chickweed is a plant with small leaves and white flowers which grows close to the ground.

chico|ry /tʃ I kəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Chicory is a plant with crunchy bitter-tasting leaves. It is eaten in salads, and its roots are sometimes used instead of coffee.

chide /tʃa I d/ (chides , chiding , chided ) VERB If you chide someone, you speak to them angrily because they have done something wicked or foolish. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n +�for/about ] Cross chided himself for worrying. □�[V n] He gently chided the two women.

chief ◆◆◆ /tʃiː f/ (chiefs )

1 N‑COUNT The chief of an organization is the person who is in charge of it. □� �a commission appointed by the police chief. □�[+�of ] �Putin's chief of security.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE The chief of a tribe is its leader. □�[+�of ] �Sitting Bull, chief of the Sioux tribes of the Great Plains.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Chief is used in the job titles of the most senior worker or workers of a particular kind in an organization. □� �the chief test pilot.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] The chief cause, part, or member of something is the most important one. □� Financial stress is well established as a chief reason for divorce. □� The job went to one of his chief rivals. SYNONYMS chief ADJ 4

primary:That's the primary reason the company's share price has held up so well.

leading:Britain's future as a leading industrial nation depends on investment.

main:What are the main differences and similarities between them?

prime:Political stability, meanwhile, will be a prime concern.

principal:�the country's principal source of foreign exchange earnings.

Chie f Co n|sta|ble (Chief Constables ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A Chief Constable is the officer who is in charge of the police force in a particular county or area in Britain.

chie f ex|e cu|tive o f|fic|er (chief executive officers ) N‑COUNT The chief executive officer of a company is the person who has overall responsibility for the management of that company. The abbreviation CEO is often used. [BUSINESS ]

Chie f Ju s|tice (Chief Justices ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A Chief Justice is the most important judge of a court of law, especially a supreme court.

chief|ly /tʃiː fli/ ADV [ADV with v] You use chiefly to indicate that a particular reason, emotion, method, or feature is the main or most important one. □� He joined the consular service, chiefly because this was one of the few job vacancies.

Chie f of Sta ff (Chiefs of Staff ) N‑COUNT The Chiefs of Staff are the most senior officers in each service of the armed forces.

chief|tain /tʃiː ftən/ (chieftains ) N‑COUNT A chieftain is the leader of a tribe. □� �the legendary British chieftain, King Arthur.

chif|fon /ʃ I fɒn, [AM ] ʃ I fɑː n/ (chiffons ) N‑VAR Chiffon is a kind of very thin silk or nylon cloth that you can see through. □� �floaty chiffon skirts.

chi|gnon /ʃiː njɒn, [AM ] ʃiːnjɑː n/ (chignons ) N‑COUNT A chignon is a knot of hair worn at the back of a woman's head.

Chi|hua|hua /tʃ I wɑː wɑː/ (Chihuahuas ) also chihuahua N‑COUNT A Chihuahua is a very small dog with short hair.

chil|blain /tʃ I lble I n/ (chilblains ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Chilblains are painful red swellings which people sometimes get on their fingers or toes in cold weather.

child ◆◆◆ /tʃa I ld/ (children )

1 N‑COUNT A child is a human being who is not yet an adult. □� When I was a child I lived in a country village. □� He's just a child. □� �a child of six. □� It was only suitable for children.

2 N‑COUNT Someone's children are their sons and daughters of any age. □� How are the children? □� The young couple decided to have a child.

child|bearing /tʃa I ldbeər I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Childbearing is the process of giving birth to babies.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A woman of childbearing age is of an age when women are normally able to give birth to children.

chi ld be n|efit N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, child benefit is an amount of money paid weekly by the state to families for each of their children.

child|birth /tʃa I ldbɜː r θ/ N‑UNCOUNT Childbirth is the act of giving birth to a child. □� She died in childbirth.

child|care /tʃa I ldkeə r / N‑UNCOUNT Childcare refers to looking after children, and to the facilities which help parents to do so. □� Both partners shared childcare.

child|hood ◆◇◇ /tʃa I ldhʊd/ (childhoods ) N‑VAR [oft poss N , N n] A person's childhood is the period of their life when they are a child. □� She had a happy childhood. □� �childhood illnesses.

child|ish /tʃa I ld I ʃ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Childish means relating to or typical of a child. □� �childish enthusiasm.

2 ADJ If you describe someone, especially an adult, as childish , you disapprove of them because they behave in an immature way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �Penny's selfish and childish behaviour. □� Don't be so childish.

child|less /tʃa I ldləs/ ADJ Someone who is childless has no children. □� �childless couples.

child|like /tʃa I ldla I k/ ADJ You describe someone as childlike when they seem like a child in their character, appearance, or behaviour. □� His most enduring quality is his childlike innocence.

child|minder /tʃa I ldma I ndə r / (childminders ) N‑COUNT A childminder is someone whose job it is to look after children when the children's parents are away or are at work. Childminders usually work in their own homes. [BRIT ]

child|minding /tʃa I ldma I nd I ŋ/ also child-minding N‑UNCOUNT Childminding is looking after children when it is done by someone such as a childminder. [BRIT ]

chi ld pro di|gy (child prodigies ) N‑COUNT A child prodigy is a child with a very great talent. □� She was a child prodigy, giving concerts before she was a teenager.

child|proof /tʃa I ldpruːf/ also child proof ADJ Something that is childproof is designed in a way which ensures that children cannot harm it or be harmed by it. □� The rear doors include childproof locks.

chil|dren /tʃ I ldrən/ Children is the plural of child .

chili /tʃ I li/ (chilies or chilis ) →�see chilli

chill /tʃ I l/ (chills , chilling , chilled )

1 VERB When you chill something or when it chills , you lower its temperature so that it becomes colder but does not freeze. □�[V n] Chill the fruit salad until serving time. □�[V ] These doughs can be rolled out while you wait for the pastry to chill. □�[V -ed] �a glass of chilled champagne.

2 VERB When cold weather or something cold chills a person or a place, it makes that person or that place feel very cold. □�[be V -ed] An exposed garden may be chilled by cold winds. □�[V -ed] Wade placed his chilled hands on the radiator. □�[V -ing] The boulder sheltered them from the chilling wind.

3 N‑COUNT If something sends a chill through you, it gives you a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety. □� The violence used against the students sent a chill through Indonesia. □� He smiled, an odd, dreamy smile that sent chills up my back.

4 N‑COUNT A chill is a mild illness which can give you a slight fever and headache. □� He caught a chill while performing at a rain-soaked open-air venue.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Chill weather is cold and unpleasant. □� �chill winds, rain and choppy seas. ●�N‑SING Chill is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the cold chill of the night.

▸� chill out PHRASAL VERB To chill out means to relax after you have done something tiring or stressful. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] After raves, we used to chill out in each other's bedrooms.

chil|lax /tʃ I l� ks/ (chillaxes , chillaxing , chillaxed ) VERB If you chillax , you relax and stop being angry or anxious. [INFORMAL ] □� He spent the weekend chillaxing at his beach house.

chill|er /tʃ I lə r / (chillers ) N‑COUNT A chiller is a very frightening film or novel.

chil|li /tʃ I li/ (chillies or chillis ) also chili N‑VAR Chillies are small red or green peppers. They have a very hot taste and are used in cooking.

chil|li con car|ne /tʃ I li kɒn kɑː r ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Chilli con carne is a dish made from minced meat, vegetables, and powdered or fresh chillies.

chill|ing /tʃ I l I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as chilling , you mean it is frightening. □� He described in chilling detail how he attacked her. ●� chill|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� The film chillingly shows the ways that the love of money alters us.

chi l|li pow|der also chili powder N‑UNCOUNT Chilli powder is a very hot-tasting powder made mainly from dried chillies. It is used in cooking.

chi ll-out ADJ [ADJ n] Chill-out places or things are intended to help you relax. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �some summer chill-out music.

chil|ly /tʃ I li/ (chillier , chilliest )

1 ADJ Something that is chilly is unpleasantly cold. □� It was a chilly afternoon. □� The rooms had grown chilly.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you feel chilly , you feel rather cold. □� I'm a bit chilly.

3 ADJ You say that relations between people are chilly or that a person's response is chilly when they are not friendly, welcoming, or enthusiastic. □� I was slightly afraid of their chilly distant politeness.

chime /tʃa I m/ (chimes , chiming , chimed )

1 VERB When a bell or a clock chimes , it makes ringing sounds. □�[V ] He heard the front doorbell chime. □�[V n] �as the Guildhall clock chimed three o'clock. □�[V -ing] �a mahogany chiming clock.

2 N‑COUNT A chime is a ringing sound made by a bell, especially when it is part of a clock. □�[+�of ] The ceremony started as the chimes of midnight struck.

3 N‑PLURAL Chimes are a set of small objects which make a ringing sound when they are blown by the wind. □� �the haunting sound of the wind chimes.

▸� chime in PHRASAL VERB If you chime in , you say something just after someone else has spoken. □�[V P with quote] 'Why?' Pete asked impatiently.�'Yes, why?' Bob chimed in. 'It seems like a good idea to me.' □�[V P +�with ] At this, some of the others chime in with memories of prewar deprivations. [Also V P ]

▸� chime in with or chime with PHRASAL VERB If one thing chimes in with another thing or chimes with it, the two things are similar or consistent with each other. □�[V P P n] He has managed to find a response to each new political development that chimes in with most Germans' instinct. □�[V P n] The president's remarks do not entirely chime with those coming from American and British politicians.

chi|mera /ka I m I ə rə/ (chimeras )

1 N‑COUNT A chimera is an unrealistic idea that you have about something or a hope that you have that is unlikely to be fulfilled. [FORMAL ] □� Religious unity remained as much a chimera as ever.

2 N‑COUNT In Greek mythology, a chimera is a creature with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a snake.

chim|ney /tʃ I mni/ (chimneys ) N‑COUNT A chimney is a pipe through which smoke goes up into the air, usually through the roof of a building. □� This gas fire doesn't need a chimney.

chi m|ney breast (chimney breasts ) also chimney-breast N‑COUNT A chimney breast is the part of a wall in a room which is built out round a chimney. [BRIT ]

chimney|piece /tʃ I mnipiːs/ (chimneypieces ) also chimney-piece N‑COUNT A chimneypiece is the same as a mantelpiece . [BRIT ]

chi m|ney pot (chimney pots ) also chimney-pot N‑COUNT A chimney pot is a short pipe which is fixed on top of a chimney.

chi m|ney stack (chimney stacks ) also chimney-stack N‑COUNT A chimney stack is the brick or stone part of a chimney that is above the roof of a building. [BRIT ]

chi m|ney sweep (chimney sweeps ) also chimney-sweep N‑COUNT A chimney sweep is a person whose job is to clean the soot out of chimneys.

chimp /tʃ I mp/ (chimps ) N‑COUNT A chimp is the same as a chimpanzee . [INFORMAL ]

chim|pan|zee /tʃ I mp�nziː / (chimpanzees ) N‑COUNT A chimpanzee is a kind of small African ape.

chin /tʃ I n/ (chins ) N‑COUNT Your chin is the part of your face that is below your mouth and above your neck. □� �a double chin. □� He rubbed the gray stubble on his chin.

chi|na /tʃa I nə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] China is a hard white substance made from clay. It is used to make things such as cups, bowls, plates, and ornaments. □� �a small boat made of china. □� �china cups.

2 →�see also bone china

3 N‑UNCOUNT Cups, bowls, plates, and ornaments made of china are referred to as china . □� Judy collects blue and white china.

Chi |na tea N‑UNCOUNT China tea is tea made from large dark-green or reddish-brown tea leaves. It is usually drunk without milk or sugar.

China|town /tʃa I nətaʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT Chinatown is the name given to the area in a city where there are many Chinese shops and restaurants, and which is a social centre for the Chinese community in the city.

Chi|nese /tʃa I niː z/ (Chinese )

1 ADJ Chinese means relating to or belonging to China, or its people, languages, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The Chinese are the people who come from China.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The languages that are spoken in China, especially Mandarin, are often referred to as Chinese .

chink /tʃ I ŋk/ (chinks )

1 N‑COUNT A chink in a surface is a very narrow crack or opening in it. □�[+�in ] �a chink in the wall. □�[+�in ] He peered through a chink in the curtains.

2 N‑COUNT A chink of light is a small patch of light that shines through a small opening in something. □�[+�of ] I noticed a chink of light at the end of the corridor.

chi|nos /tʃiː noʊz/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Chinos are casual, loose trousers made from cotton.

chintz /tʃ I nts/ (chintzes ) N‑VAR Chintz is a cotton fabric decorated with flowery patterns. □� �chintz curtains.

chintzy /tʃ I ntsi/

1 ADJ Something that is chintzy is decorated or covered with chintz. [BRIT ] □� �chintzy armchairs.

2 ADJ If you describe something as chintzy , you mean that it is showy and looks cheap. [mainly AM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a chintzy table lamp.

3 ADJ You can describe someone as chintzy if they are mean and seem to spend very little money compared with other people. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �disadvantages such as depending on chintzy and humiliating public dole for income.

chip ◆◇◇ /tʃ I p/ (chips , chipping , chipped )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Chips are long, thin pieces of potato fried in oil or fat and eaten hot, usually with a meal. [BRIT ] □� I had fish and chips in a cafe. in AM, use French fries2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Chips or potato chips are very thin slices of fried potato that are eaten cold as a snack. [AM ] □� �a package of onion-flavored potato chips. in BRIT, use crisps3 N‑COUNT A silicon chip is a very small piece of silicon with electronic circuits on it which is part of a computer or other piece of machinery.

4 N‑COUNT A chip is a small piece of something or a small piece which has been broken off something. □� It contains real chocolate chips. □�[+�of ] Teichler's eyes gleamed like chips of blue glass.

5 N‑COUNT A chip in something such as a piece of china or furniture is where a small piece has been broken off it. □� The washbasin had a small chip.

6 VERB If you chip something or if it chips , a small piece is broken off it. □�[V n] The blow chipped the woman's tooth. □�[V ] Steel baths are lighter but chip easily. ●� chipped ADJ □� They drank out of chipped mugs.

7 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Chips are plastic counters used in gambling to represent money. □� He put the pile of chips in the centre of the table and drew a card.

8 N‑COUNT In discussions between people or governments, a chip or a bargaining chip is something of value which one side holds, which can be exchanged for something they want from the other side. □� The information could be used as a bargaining chip to extract some parallel information from Britain.

9 →�see also blue chip

10 PHRASE If you describe someone as a chip off the old block , you mean that they are just like one of their parents in character or behaviour. □� My father was a comedian and I am a chip off the old block.

11 PHRASE If you say that something happens when the chips are down , you mean it happens when a situation gets very difficult. [INFORMAL ] □� When the chips are down, she's very tough.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone has a chip on their shoulder , you think that they feel inferior or that they believe they have been treated unfairly. [INFORMAL ] □� He had this chip on his shoulder about my mum and dad thinking that they're better than him.

▸� chip away at

1 PHRASAL VERB If you chip away at something such as an idea, a feeling, or a system, you gradually make it weaker or less likely to succeed by repeated efforts. □�[V P P n] Instead of an outright coup attempt, the rebels want to chip away at her authority.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you chip away at a debt or an amount of money, you gradually reduce it. □�[V P P n] The group had hoped to chip away at its debts by selling assets.

▸� chip in

1 PHRASAL VERB When a number of people chip in , each person gives some money so that they can pay for something together. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] They chip in for the petrol and food. □�[V P n] The brothers chip in a certain amount of money each month to hire a home health aide. [Also V P +�with ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone chips in during a conversation, they interrupt it in order to say something. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P with quote] 'That's true,' chipped in Quaver. □�[V P ] He chipped in before Clements could answer.

chi p and PI N N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Chip and PIN is a method of paying for goods you have bought by using both a bank card and a PIN number. □� IT engineers traced the problem to a chip and pin system that was not properly connected.

chip|board /tʃ I pbɔː r d/ N‑UNCOUNT Chipboard is a hard material made out of very small pieces of wood which have been pressed together. It is often used for making doors and furniture.

chip|munk /tʃ I pmʌŋk/ (chipmunks ) N‑COUNT A chipmunk is a small animal with a large furry tail and a striped back.

Chippendale /tʃ I pənde I l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Chippendale is a style of furniture from the eighteenth century. □� �a pair of Chippendale chairs.

chip|per /tʃ I pə r / ADJ Chipper means cheerful and lively. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

chip|pings /tʃ I p I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL [usu n N ] Wood chippings or stone chippings are small pieces of wood or stone which are used, for example, to cover surfaces such as paths or roads.

chip|py /tʃ I pi/ (chippies ) also chippie N‑COUNT A chippy is the same as a chip shop . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I go to the chippy at least once a week.

chi p shop (chip shops ) N‑COUNT A chip shop is a shop which sells hot food such as fish and chips, fried chicken, sausages, and meat pies. The food is cooked in the shop and people take it away to eat at home or in the street. [BRIT ]

chi|ropo|dist /k I rɒ pəd I st/ (chiropodists ) N‑COUNT A chiropodist is a person whose job is to treat and care for people's feet.

chi|ropo|dy /k I rɒ pədi/ N‑UNCOUNT Chiropody is the professional treatment and care of people's feet.

chi|ro|prac|tic /ka I ə rəpr�kt I k/ N‑UNCOUNT Chiropractic is the treatment of injuries by pressing and moving people's joints, especially the spine.

chi|ro|prac|tor /ka I ə rəpr�ktə r / (chiropractors ) N‑COUNT A chiropractor is a person who treats injuries by chiropractic.

chirp /tʃɜː r p/ (chirps , chirping , chirped ) VERB When a bird or an insect such as a cricket or grasshopper chirps , it makes short high-pitched sounds. □�[V ] The crickets chirped faster and louder. ●�N‑COUNT Chirp is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The chirps of the small garden birds sounded distant. ●� chirp|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the chirping of birds.

chirpy /tʃɜː r pi/ (chirpier , chirpiest ) ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as chirpy , you mean they are very cheerful and lively. [INFORMAL ] □� Hutson is a small, chirpy bloke. □� She sounded quite chirpy; all she needs is rest.

chir|rup /tʃ I rəp, [AM ] tʃɜː rəp/ (chirrups , chirruping , chirruped ) VERB If a person or bird chirrups , they make short high-pitched sounds. □�[V with quote] 'My gosh,' she chirruped. □�[V ] I woke up to the sound of larks chirruping. [Also V n]

chis|el /tʃ I z ə l/ (chisels , chiselling , chiselled ) in AM, use chiseling , chiseled1 N‑COUNT A chisel is a tool that has a long metal blade with a sharp edge at the end. It is used for cutting and shaping wood and stone.

2 VERB If you chisel wood or stone, you cut and shape it using a chisel. □�[V n] They sit and chisel the stone to size.

chis|elled /tʃ I z ə ld/ in AM, use chiseled ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone, usually a man, has chiselled features, you mean that their face has a strong, clear bone structure. □� Women find his chiselled features irresistible. □� �a chiselled jaw.

chit /tʃ I t/ (chits ) N‑COUNT A chit is a short official note, such as a receipt, an order, or a memo, usually signed by someone in authority. [BRIT , also AM , MILITARY ] □� Schrader initialled the chit for the barman.

chi t-chat also chitchat N‑UNCOUNT Chit-chat is informal talk about things that are not very important. □� Not being a mother, I found the chit-chat exceedingly dull.

chiv|al|ric /ʃ I v� lr I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Chivalric means relating to or connected with the system of chivalry that was believed in and followed by medieval knights. □� �chivalric ideals.

chiv|al|rous /ʃ I vəlrəs/ ADJ A chivalrous man is polite, kind, and unselfish, especially towards women. [APPROVAL ] □� He was handsome, upright and chivalrous.

chiv|al|ry /ʃ I vəlri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Chivalry is polite, kind, and unselfish behaviour, especially by men towards women. □� Marie seemed to revel in his old-fashioned chivalry.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In the Middle Ages, chivalry was the set of rules and way of behaving which knights were expected to follow. □� �the age of chivalry.

chives /tʃa I vz/ N‑PLURAL Chives are the long thin hollow green leaves of a herb with purple flowers. Chives are cut into small pieces and added to food to give it a flavour similar to onions.

chiv|vy /tʃ I vi/ (chivvies , chivvying , chivvied ) VERB If you chivvy someone, you keep telling them to do something that they do not want to do. [BRIT ] □�[V n +�into ] Jovial ladies chivvy you into ordering more than you can eat! □�[V n with adv] He chivvies the troops along with a few well-directed words. [Also V n to-inf, V n, V n prep]

chla|myd|ia /kləm I diə/ N‑UNCOUNT Chlamydia is a sexually-transmitted disease.

chlo|ride /klɔː ra I d/ (chlorides ) N‑VAR [oft n N ] Chloride is a chemical compound of chlorine and another substance. □� The scientific name for common salt is sodium chloride.

chlo|rin|at|ed /klɔː r I ne I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Chlorinated water, for example drinking water or water in a swimming pool, has been cleaned by adding chlorine to it. □� �swimming in chlorinated pools.

chlo|rine /klɔː riːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Chlorine is a strong-smelling gas that is used to clean water and to make cleaning products.

chloro|fluoro|car|bon /klɔː roʊflʊə roʊkɑː r bən/ (chlorofluorocarbons ) N‑COUNT Chlorofluorocarbons are the same as CFCs .

chlo|ro|form /klɒ rəfɔː r m, [AM ] klɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Chloroform is a colourless liquid with a strong sweet smell, which makes you unconscious if you breathe its vapour.

chlo|ro|phyll /klɒ rəf I l, [AM ] klɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Chlorophyll is a green substance in plants which enables them to use the energy from sunlight in order to grow.

choc-ice /tʃɒ k a I s, [AM ] tʃɔː k -/ (choc-ices ) also choc ice N‑COUNT A choc-ice is a small block of ice cream covered in chocolate. [BRIT ]

chock-a-block /tʃɒ k ə blɒ k/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] A place that is chock-a-block is very full of people, things, or vehicles. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] The small roads are chock-a-block with traffic.

chock-full /tʃɒ k fʊ l/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Something that is chock-full is completely full. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The 32-page catalog is chock-full of things that add fun to festive occasions.

cho|co|hol|ic /tʃɒ kəhɒ l I k, [AM ] tʃɔː kəhɔː l I k/ (chocoholics ) N‑COUNT A chocoholic is someone who eats a great deal of chocolate and finds it hard to stop themselves eating it. [INFORMAL ] □� The Confectionery Warehouse is a chocoholic's dream.

choco|late ◆◇◇ /tʃɒ kl I t, [AM ] tʃɔː k-/ (chocolates )

1 N‑VAR Chocolate is a sweet hard food made from cocoa beans. It is usually brown in colour and is eaten as a sweet. □� �a bar of chocolate. □� Do you want some chocolate? □� �rich chocolate cake.

2 →�see also milk chocolate , plain chocolate

3 N‑UNCOUNT Chocolate or hot chocolate is a drink made from a powder containing chocolate. It is usually made with hot milk. □� �a small cafeteria where the visitors can buy tea, coffee and chocolate. □� I sipped the hot chocolate she had made. ●�N‑COUNT A cup of chocolate can be referred to as a chocolate or a hot chocolate . □� I'll have a hot chocolate please.

4 N‑COUNT Chocolates are small sweets or nuts covered with a layer of chocolate. They are usually sold in a box. □� �a box of chocolates. □� Here, have a chocolate.

5 COLOUR Chocolate is used to describe things that are dark brown in colour. □� The curtains and the coverlet of the bed were chocolate velvet. □� She placed the chocolate-coloured coat beside the case. WORD HISTORY chocolate

Europeans were first introduced to chocolate at the court of the Aztec king Montezuma in the 16th century. Chocolate or xocolatl was a bitter Aztec drink made from cocoa beans. The name xocolatl means 'bitter water', from Aztec xococ , meaning 'bitter', and atl , meaning 'water'.

cho colate-box also chocolate box ADJ [ADJ n] Chocolate-box places or images are very pretty but in a boring or conventional way. [BRIT ] □� �a village of chocolate-box timbered houses.

choice ◆◆◇ /tʃɔ I s/ (choices , choicer , choicest )

1 N‑COUNT If there is a choiceof things, there are several of them and you can choose the one you want. □�[+�of ] It's available in a choice of colours. □�[+�between ] At lunchtime, there's a choice between the buffet or the set menu. □�[+�of ] Club Sportif offer a wide choice of holidays.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your choice is someone or something that you choose from a range of things. □�[+�of ] Although he was only joking, his choice of words made Rodney angry.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Choice means of very high quality. [FORMAL ] □� �Fortnum and Mason's choicest chocolates.

4 PHRASE If you have no choicebut to do something or have little choicebut to do it, you cannot avoid doing it. □� They had little choice but to agree to what he suggested.

5 PHRASE The thing or person of your choice is the one that you choose. □� �tickets to see the football team of your choice. □� In many societies children still marry someone of their parents' choice.

6 PHRASE The item of choice is the one that most people prefer. □� The drug is set to become the treatment of choice for asthma worldwide. COLLOCATIONS choice NOUN

1

adjective +�choice : wide

verb +�choice : offer, provide; limit, restrict

2

noun +�choice : career, film, lifestyle

adjective +�choice : informed, obvious, popular, rational

verb +�choice : affect, determine, govern, influence; make

choir /kwa I ə r / (choirs ) N‑COUNT A choir is a group of people who sing together, for example in a church or school. □� He has been singing in his church choir since he was six.

choir|boy /kwa I ə r bɔ I / (choirboys ) N‑COUNT A choirboy is a boy who sings in a church choir.

choir|master /kwa I ə r mɑːstə r , -m�st-/ (choirmasters ) N‑COUNT A choirmaster is a person whose job is to train a choir.

choke /tʃoʊ k/ (chokes , choking , choked )

1 VERB When you choke or when something chokes you, you cannot breathe properly or get enough air into your lungs. □�[V ] The coffee was almost too hot to swallow and made him choke for a moment. □�[V +�on ] A small child could choke on the doll's hair. □�[V n] Dense smoke swirled and billowed, its rank fumes choking her. □�[V +�to ] The girl choked to death after breathing in smoke. □�[V -ing] Within minutes the hall was full of choking smoke.

2 VERB To choke someone means to squeeze their neck until they are dead. □�[V n] The men pushed him into the entrance of a nearby building where they choked him with his tie.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a place is chokedwith things or people, it is full of them and they prevent movement in it. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The village's roads are choked with traffic. □�[be V -ed +�by ] His pond has been choked by the fast-growing weed.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The choke in a car, truck, or other vehicle is a device that reduces the amount of air going into the engine and makes it easier to start.

▸� choke back PHRASAL VERB If you choke back tears or a strong emotion, you force yourself not to show your emotion. □�[V P n] Choking back tears, he said Mary died in his arms.

▸� choke off PHRASAL VERB To choke off financial growth means to restrict or control the rate at which a country's economy can grow. □�[V P n] They warned the Chancellor that raising taxes in the Budget could choke off the recovery.

choked /tʃoʊ kt/ ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ with n] If you say something in a choked voice or if your voice is choked with emotion, your voice does not have its full sound, because you are upset or frightened. □� 'Why did Ben do that?' she asked, in a choked voice. □�[+�with ] One young conscript rose with a message of thanks, his voice choked with emotion.

chok|er /tʃoʊ kə r / (chokers ) N‑COUNT A choker is a necklace or band of material that fits very closely round a woman's neck. □� �a pearl choker.

chol|era /kɒ lərə/ N‑UNCOUNT Cholera is a serious disease that often kills people. It is caused by drinking infected water or by eating infected food. □� �a cholera epidemic.

chol|er|ic /kɒ lər I k/ ADJ A choleric person gets angry very easily. You can also use choleric to describe a person who is very angry. [FORMAL ] □� �his choleric disposition. □� He was affable at one moment, choleric the next.

cho|les|ter|ol /kəle stərɒl, [AM ] -rɔːl/ N‑UNCOUNT Cholesterol is a substance that exists in the fat, tissues, and blood of all animals. Too much cholesterol in a person's blood can cause heart disease. □� �a dangerously high cholesterol level.

chomp /tʃɒ mp/ (chomps , chomping , chomped )

1 VERB If a person or animal chomps their way through food or chompson food, they chew it noisily. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�way through ] I would chomp my way through breakfast, even though I'm not hungry. □�[V prep/adv] I lost a tooth while chomping on a French baguette! [Also V n]

2to chomp at the bit →�see bit

choose ◆◆◇ /tʃuː z/ (chooses , choosing , chose , chosen )

1 VERB If you choose someone or something from several people or things that are available, you decide which person or thing you want to have. □�[V n] They will be able to choose their own leaders in democratic elections. □�[V n to-inf] �citizens who had chosen that weekend to begin their holiday. □�[V +�from/between ] There are several patchwork cushions to choose from. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Houston was chosen as the site for the convention. □�[V -ed] He did well in his chosen profession. [Also V n +�as , V ]

2 VERB If you chooseto do something, you do it because you want to or because you feel that it is right. □�[V to-inf] They knew that discrimination was going on, but chose to ignore it. □�[V ] You can just take out the interest each year, if you choose.

3 PHRASE If there is little to choose between people or things or nothing to choose between them, it is difficult to decide which is better or more suitable. [mainly BRIT ] □� There is very little to choose between the world's top tennis players.

4 PHRASE The chosen few are a small group who are treated better than other people. You sometimes use this expression when you think this is unfair. □� Learning should no longer be an elitist pastime for the chosen few.

5to pick and choose →�see pick

choosy /tʃuː zi/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is choosy is difficult to please because they will only accept something if it is exactly what they want or if it is of very high quality. [mainly INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] Skiers should be particularly choosy about the insurance policy they buy.

chop ◆◇◇ /tʃɒ p/ (chops , chopping , chopped )

1 VERB If you chop something, you cut it into pieces with strong downward movements of a knife or an axe. □�[V n +�into ] Chop the butter into small pieces. □�[V n] Visitors were set to work chopping wood. □�[V -ed] �chopped tomatoes.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A chop is a small piece of meat cut from the ribs of a sheep or pig. □� �grilled lamb chops.

3 PHRASE When people chop and change , they keep changing their minds about what to do or how to act. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Don't ask me why they have chopped and changed so much.

4 PHRASE If something is for the chop or is going to get the chop , it is going to be stopped or closed. If someone is for the chop , they are going to lose their job or position. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He won't say which programmes are for the chop.

▸� chop down PHRASAL VERB If you chop down a tree, you cut through its trunk with an axe so that it falls to the ground. □�[V P n] Sometimes they have to chop down a tree for firewood. [Also V n P ]

▸� chop off PHRASAL VERB To chop off something such as a part of someone's body means to cut it off. □�[V P n] She chopped off her golden, waist-length hair. □�[V n P ] They dragged him to the village square and chopped his head off.

▸� chop up PHRASAL VERB If you chop something up , you chop it into small pieces. □�[V P n] Chop up three firm tomatoes. □�[V -ed P ] �chopped up banana. SYNONYMS chop VERB 1

cut:Cut the tomatoes in half vertically.

fell:Badly infected trees should be felled and burned.

slash:He came within two minutes of bleeding to death after slashing his wrists.

hack:We undertook the task of hacking our way through the jungle.

chop|per /tʃɒ pə r / (choppers ) N‑COUNT A chopper is a helicopter. [INFORMAL ] □� Overhead, the chopper roared and the big blades churned the air.

cho p|ping board (chopping boards ) N‑COUNT A chopping board is a wooden or plastic board that you chop meat and vegetables on. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use cutting board

chop|py /tʃɒ pi/ (choppier , choppiest ) ADJ When water is choppy , there are a lot of small waves on it because there is a wind blowing. □� A gale was blowing and the sea was choppy.

chop|stick /tʃɒ pst I k/ (chopsticks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Chopsticks are a pair of thin sticks which people in China and the Far East use to eat their food.

chop suey /tʃɒ p suː i/ N‑UNCOUNT Chop suey is a Chinese-style dish that consists of meat and vegetables that have been stewed together.

cho|ral /kɔː rəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Choral music is sung by a choir. □� His collection of choral music from around the world is called 'Voices'.

cho|rale /kɔːrɑː l, -r� l/ (chorales )

1 N‑COUNT A chorale is a piece of music sung as part of a church service. □� �a Bach chorale.

2 N‑COUNT A chorale is a group of people who sing together. [AM ]

chord /kɔː r d/ (chords )

1 N‑COUNT A chord is a number of musical notes played or sung at the same time with a pleasing effect. □�[+�of ] �the opening chords of 'Stairway to Heaven'.

2 →�see also vocal cords

3 PHRASE If something strikes a chordwith you, it makes you feel sympathy or enthusiasm. □� These words will strike a chord with all parents of teenagers.

chore /tʃɔː r / (chores )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A chore is a task that you must do but that you find unpleasant or boring. □� She sees exercise primarily as an unavoidable chore.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Chores are tasks such as cleaning, washing, and ironing that have to be done regularly at home. □� My husband and I both go out to work so we share the household chores.

cho|reo|graph /kɒ riəgrɑːf, [AM ] kɔː riəgr�f/ (choreographs , choreographing , choreographed ) VERB When someone choreographs a ballet or other dance, they invent the steps and movements and tell the dancers how to perform them. □�[V n] Achim had choreographed the dance in Act II himself. □�[V ] She has danced, choreographed, lectured and taught all over the world.

cho|reo|graphed /kɒ riəgrɑːft, [AM ] kɔː riəgr�ft/ ADJ You describe an activity involving several people as choreographed when it is arranged but is intended to appear natural. □� �a carefully-choreographed White House meeting between the two presidents.

cho|reog|ra|pher /kɒ riɒ grəfə r , [AM ] kɔː -/ (choreographers ) N‑COUNT A choreographer is someone who invents the movements for a ballet or other dance and tells the dancers how to perform them.

cho|reo|graph|ic /kɒ riəgr� f I k, [AM ] kɔː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Choreographic means relating to or connected with choreography. □� �his choreographic work for The Birmingham Royal Ballet.

cho|reog|ra|phy /kɒ riɒ grəfi, [AM ] kɔː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Choreography is the inventing of steps and movements for ballets and other dances.

chor|is|ter /kɒ r I stə r , [AM ] kɔː -/ (choristers ) N‑COUNT A chorister is a singer in a church choir.

chor|tle /tʃɔː r t ə l/ (chortles , chortling , chortled ) VERB To chortle means to laugh in a way that shows you are very pleased. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] There was silence for a moment, then Larry began chortling. ●�N‑COUNT Chortle is also a noun. □� He gave a chortle.

cho|rus /kɔː rəs/ (choruses , chorusing , chorused )

1 N‑COUNT A chorus is a part of a song which is repeated after each verse. □�[+�of ] Caroline sang two verses and the chorus of her song. □� Everyone joined in the chorus.

2 N‑COUNT A chorus is a large group of people who sing together. □� The chorus was singing 'The Ode to Joy'.

3 N‑COUNT A chorus is a piece of music written to be sung by a large group of people. □� �the Hallelujah Chorus.

4 N‑COUNT A chorus is a group of singers or dancers who perform together in a show, in contrast to the soloists. □� Students played the lesser parts and sang in the chorus.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] When there is a chorusof criticism, disapproval, or praise, that attitude is expressed by a lot of people at the same time. □�[+�of ] The government is defending its economic policies against a growing chorus of criticism.

6 VERB When people chorus something, they say it or sing it together. [WRITTEN ] □�[V with quote] 'Hi,' they chorused.

7 →�see also dawn chorus

cho |rus girl (chorus girls ) also chorus-girl N‑COUNT A chorus girl is a young woman who sings or dances as part of a group in a show or film.

chose /tʃoʊ z/ Chose is the past tense of choose .

cho|sen /tʃoʊ z ə n/ Chosen is the past participle of choose .

chow /tʃaʊ / (chows )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Food can be referred to as chow . [AM , INFORMAL ] □� Help yourself to some chow.

2 N‑COUNT A chow is a kind of dog that has a thick coat and a curled tail. Chows originally came from China.

chow|der /tʃaʊ də r / (chowders ) N‑VAR [usu n N ] Chowder is a thick soup containing pieces of fish.

chow mein /tʃaʊ me I n, - miː n/ N‑UNCOUNT Chow mein is a Chinese-style dish that consists of fried noodles, cooked meat, and vegetables. □� �chicken chow mein.

Christ /kra I st/ N‑PROPER Christ is one of the names of Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the son of God and whose teachings are the basis of Christianity. □� �the teachings of Christ.

chris|ten /kr I s ə n/ (christens , christening , christened )

1 VERB [usu passive] When a baby is christened , he or she is given a name during the Christian ceremony of baptism. Compare baptize . □�[be V -ed] She was born in March and christened in June. □�[be V -ed] She was christened Susan.

2 VERB You say that you christen a person, place, or object a particular name if you choose a name for them and start calling them by that name. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The pair were christened 'The Women in Black' after they both wore black dresses at a party.

3 VERB You say that you christen something new when you use it for the first time, especially if you do something special to mark the occasion. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] To christen the new hall, a number of great orchestras have been invited to play.

Chris|ten|dom /kr I s ə ndəm/ N‑PROPER All the Christian people and countries in the world can be referred to as Christendom . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

chris|ten|ing /kr I s ə n I ŋ/ (christenings ) N‑COUNT A christening is a Christian ceremony in which a baby is made a member of the Christian Church and is officially given his or her name. Compare baptism . □� �my granddaughter's christening. □� �a christening robe.

Christian ◆◆◇ /kr I stʃən/ (Christians )

1 N‑COUNT A Christian is someone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. □� He was a devout Christian.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Christian means relating to Christianity or Christians. □� �the Christian Church. □� �the Christian faith. □� Most of my friends are Christian.

Chris|ti|an|ity /kr I sti� n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Christianity is a religion that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the belief that he was the son of God. □� He converted to Christianity that day.

Chri stian name (Christian names ) N‑COUNT Some people refer to their first names as their Christian names . □� Despite my attempts to get him to call me by my Christian name he insisted on addressing me as 'Mr Kennedy'.

Chri stian Sci |ence N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Christian Science is a type of Christianity which emphasizes the use of prayer to cure illness. □� �members of the Christian Science Church.

Christ|mas /kr I sməs/ (Christmases )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Christmas is a Christian festival when the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December. □� The day after Christmas is generally a busy one for retailers. □� Merry Christmas, Mom.

2 N‑VAR [oft N n] Christmas is the period of several days around and including Christmas Day. □� He'll be in the hospital over Christmas, so we'll be spending our Christmas Day there.

Chri st|mas cake (Christmas cakes ) N‑VAR A Christmas cake is a special cake that is eaten at Christmas in Britain and some other countries.

Chri st|mas card (Christmas cards ) N‑COUNT Christmas cards are cards with greetings, which people send to their friends and family at Christmas.

Chri st|mas Da y N‑UNCOUNT Christmas Day is the 25th of December, when Christmas is celebrated.

Chri st|mas E ve N‑UNCOUNT Christmas Eve is the 24th of December, the day before Christmas Day.

Chri st|mas pu d|ding (Christmas puddings ) N‑VAR Christmas pudding is a special pudding that is eaten at Christmas. [mainly BRIT ]

Chri st|mas sto ck|ing (Christmas stockings ) N‑COUNT A Christmas stocking is a long sock which children hang up on Christmas Eve. During the night, parents fill the stocking with small presents.

Christ|massy /kr I sməsi/ in AM, also use Christmasy ADJ Something that is Christmassy is typical of or suitable for Christmas. [INFORMAL ] □� Choose Christmassy colours such as red and green.

Chri st|mas tree (Christmas trees ) N‑COUNT A Christmas tree is a fir tree, or an artificial tree that looks like a fir tree, which people put in their houses at Christmas and decorate with coloured lights and ornaments.

chro|mat|ic /krəm� t I k/

1 ADJ In music, chromatic means related to the scale that consists only of semitones. □� �the notes of the chromatic scale.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Chromatic means related to colours.

chrome /kroʊ m/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Chrome is metal plated with chromium. □� �old-fashioned chrome taps.

chro|mium /kroʊ miəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Chromium is a hard, shiny metallic element, used to make steel alloys and to coat other metals. □� �chromium-plated fire accessories.

chro|mo|so|mal /kroʊ məsoʊ m ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Chromosomal means relating to or connected with chromosomes. □� �chromosomal abnormalities.

chro|mo|some /kroʊ məsoʊm/ (chromosomes ) N‑COUNT A chromosome is a part of a cell in an animal or plant. It contains genes which determine what characteristics the animal or plant will have. □� Each cell of our bodies contains 46 chromosomes.

chron|ic /krɒ n I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A chronic illness or disability lasts for a very long time. Compare acute . □� �chronic back pain. ●� chroni|cal|ly /krɒ n I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� Most of them were chronically ill.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can describe someone's bad habits or behaviour as chronic when they have behaved like that for a long time and do not seem to be able to stop themselves. □� �a chronic worrier.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A chronic situation or problem is very severe and unpleasant. □� One cause of the artist's suicide seems to have been chronic poverty. ●� chroni|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� Research and technology are said to be chronically underfunded.

chro n|ic fa|ti gue sy n|drome N‑UNCOUNT Chronic fatigue syndrome is an illness that is thought to be caused by a virus, and which affects people for a long period of time. Its symptoms include tiredness and aching muscles. The abbreviation CFS is often used.

chroni|cle /krɒ n I k ə l/ (chronicles , chronicling , chronicled )

1 VERB To chronicle a series of events means to write about them or show them in broadcasts in the order in which they happened. □�[V n] The series chronicles the everyday adventures of two eternal bachelors. [Also V wh] ●� chroni|cler (chroniclers ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �the chronicler of the English civil war.

2 N‑COUNT A chronicle is an account or record of a series of events. □�[+�of ] �this vast chronicle of Napoleonic times.

3 N‑COUNT Chronicle is sometimes used as part of the name of a newspaper. □� �the San Francisco Chronicle.

chrono|logi|cal /krɒ nəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If things are described or shown in chronological order, they are described or shown in the order in which they happened. □� I have arranged these stories in chronological order. ●� chrono|logi|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj] □� The exhibition is organised chronologically.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to someone's chronological age, you are referring to the number of years they have lived, in contrast to their mental age or the stage they have reached in their physical or emotional development. [FORMAL ]

chro|nol|ogy /krənɒ lədʒi/ (chronologies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The chronologyof a series of past events is the times at which they happened in the order in which they happened. □�[+�of ] She gave him a factual account of the chronology of her brief liaison.

2 N‑COUNT A chronology is an account or record of the times and the order in which a series of past events took place. □�[+�of ] The second part of Duffy's book is a detailed chronology of the Reformation.

chro|nom|eter /krɒnɒ m I tə r / (chronometers ) N‑COUNT A chronometer is an extremely accurate clock that is used especially by sailors at sea.

chrysa|lis /kr I səl I s/ (chrysalises )

1 N‑COUNT A chrysalis is a butterfly or moth in the stage between being a larva and an adult.

2 N‑COUNT A chrysalis is the hard, protective covering that a chrysalis has. □� �a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.

chry|san|themum /kr I z� nθəməm/ (chrysanthemums ) N‑COUNT A chrysanthemum is a large garden flower with many long, thin petals.

chub|by /tʃʌ bi/ (chubbier , chubbiest ) ADJ A chubby person is rather fat. □� Do you think I'm too chubby? □� �his chubby hands.

chuck /tʃʌ k/ (chucks , chucking , chucked )

1 VERB When you chuck something somewhere, you throw it there in a casual or careless way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] I took a great dislike to the clock, so I chucked it in the dustbin. [Also V n, V n n]

2 VERB If you chuck your job or some other activity, you stop doing it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Last summer, he chucked his 10-year career as a London stockbroker and headed for the mountains. ●�PHRASAL VERB In British English chuck in and chuck up mean the same as chuck . □�[V P n] Almost half the British public think about chucking in their jobs and doing their own thing at least once a month.

3 VERB If your girlfriend or boyfriend chucks you, they end the relationship. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] There wasn't a great fuss when I chucked her.

4 N‑COUNT A chuck is a device for holding a tool in a machine such as a drill.

▸� chuck away PHRASAL VERB If you chuck something away , you throw it away or waste it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] You cannot chuck money away on little luxuries like that.

▸� chuck in →�see chuck2

▸� chuck out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you chuck something out , you throw it away, because you do not need it or cannot use it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Many companies have struggled valiantly to use less energy and chuck out less rubbish. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If a person is chucked outof a job, a place, or their home, they are forced by other people to leave. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed P ] Any head teacher who made errors like this would be chucked out. □�[be V -ed P +�of ] I was chucked out of my London flat. □�[V n P ] Her parents are going to chuck her out on the street.

▸� chuck up →�see chuck2

chuck|le /tʃʌ k ə l/ (chuckles , chuckling , chuckled ) VERB When you chuckle , you laugh quietly. □�[V ] The banker chuckled and said, 'Of course not.'. □�[V +�at/over ] He chuckled at her forthrightness. [Also V with quote] ●�N‑COUNT Chuckle is also a noun. □� He gave a little chuckle.

chuffed /tʃʌ ft/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf, ADJ that] If you are chuffedabout something, you are very pleased about it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] She had just moved into a new house and was pretty chuffed about that. [Also +�with ]

chug /tʃʌ g/ (chugs , chugging , chugged ) VERB When a vehicle chugs somewhere, it goes there slowly, noisily and with difficulty. □�[V prep/adv] The train chugs down the track.

chum /tʃʌ m/ (chums ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Your chum is your friend. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �his old chum Anthony.

chum|my /tʃʌ mi/ (chummier , chummiest ) ADJ If people or social events are chummy , they are pleasant and friendly. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

chump /tʃʌ mp/ (chumps ) N‑COUNT If you call someone who you like a chump , you are telling them that they have done something rather stupid or foolish, or that they are always doing stupid things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The guy's a chump. I could do a better job myself.

chunk /tʃʌ ŋk/ (chunks )

1 N‑COUNT Chunksof something are thick solid pieces of it. □�[+�of ] �a chunk of meat. □� Cut the melon into chunks.

2 N‑COUNT A chunkof something is a large amount or large part of it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The company owns a chunk of farmland near Gatwick Airport.

chunky /tʃʌ ŋki/ (chunkier , chunkiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A chunky person is broad and heavy. □� The soprano was a chunky girl from California.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A chunky object is large and thick. □� �a chunky sweater. □� �chunky jewellery.

church ◆◆◇ /tʃɜː r tʃ/ (churches )

1 N‑VAR A church is a building in which Christians worship. You usually refer to this place as church when you are talking about the time that people spend there. □� �one of Britain's most historic churches. □� �St Helen's Church. □� I didn't see you in church on Sunday.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A Church is one of the groups of people within the Christian religion, for example Catholics or Methodists, that have their own beliefs, clergy, and forms of worship. □�[+�of ] �co-operation with the Church of Scotland. □� Church leaders said he was welcome to return.

church|goer /tʃɜː r tʃgoʊə r / (churchgoers ) also church-goer N‑COUNT A churchgoer is a person who goes to church regularly.

church|man /tʃɜː r tʃmən/ (churchmen ) N‑COUNT A churchman is the same as a clergyman. [FORMAL ]

Chu rch of E ng|land N‑PROPER The Church of England is the main church in England. It has the Queen as its head and it does not recognize the authority of the Pope.

chu rch school (church schools ) N‑COUNT A church school is a school which has a special relationship with a particular branch of the Christian Church, and where there is strong emphasis on worship and the teaching of religion.

church|warden /tʃɜː r tʃwɔː r d ə n/ (churchwardens ) N‑COUNT In the Anglican Church, a churchwarden is the person who has been chosen by a congregation to help the vicar of a parish with administration and other duties.

church|yard /tʃɜː r tʃjɑː r d/ (churchyards ) N‑COUNT A churchyard is an area of land around a church where dead people are buried.

churl|ish /tʃɜː r l I ʃ/ ADJ Someone who is churlish is unfriendly, bad-tempered, or impolite. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She would think him churlish if he refused. □� The room was so lovely it seemed churlish to argue.

churn /tʃɜː r n/ (churns , churning , churned )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A churn is a container which is used for making butter.

2 VERB If something churns water, mud, or dust, it moves it about violently. □�[V n] The propeller churned the water and the ship was away. □�[V -ed] �unsurfaced roads now churned into mud by the annual rains. ●�PHRASAL VERB Churn up means the same as churn . □�[V P n] The recent rain had churned up the waterfall into a muddy whirlpool. □�[V n P ] Occasionally they slap the water with their tails or churn it up in play. □�[V -ed P ] �muddy, churned-up ground.

3 VERB If you say that your stomach is churning , you mean that you feel sick. You can also say that something churns your stomach. □�[V ] My stomach churned as I stood up. [Also V n]

▸� churn out PHRASAL VERB To churn out something means to produce large quantities of it very quickly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] He began to churn out literary compositions in English. [Also V n P ]

▸� churn up →�see churn2

churn|ing /tʃɜː r n I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Churning water is moving about violently. [LITERARY ] □� �anything to take our minds off that gap and the brown, churning water below.

chute /ʃuː t/ (chutes )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A chute is a steep, narrow slope down which people or things can slide. □� Passengers escaped from the plane's front four exits by sliding down emergency chutes.

2 N‑COUNT A chute is a parachute. [INFORMAL ] □� You can release the chute with either hand, but it is easier to do it with the left.

chut|ney /tʃʌ tni/ (chutneys ) N‑VAR Chutney is a cold sauce made from fruit, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is sold in jars and you eat it with meat or cheese. □� �mango chutney.

chutz|pah /hʊ tspə/ in AM, also use chutzpa N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has chutzpah , you mean that you admire the fact that they are not afraid or embarrassed to do or say things that shock, surprise, or annoy other people. [APPROVAL ] □� Einstein had the chutzpah to discard common sense and long-established theory.

CIA /siː a I e I / N‑PROPER The CIA is the government organization in the United States that collects secret information about other countries. CIA is an abbreviation for 'Central Intelligence Agency'.

cia|bat|ta /tʃəb� tə/ N‑UNCOUNT Ciabatta or ciabatta bread is a type of white Italian bread that is made with olive oil.

ciao /tʃaʊ / CONVENTION Some people say ' Ciao ' as an informal way of saying goodbye to someone who they expect to see again soon. [FORMULAE ]

ci|ca|da /s I kɑː də, [AM ] -ke I də/ (cicadas ) N‑COUNT A cicada is a large insect that lives in hot countries and makes a loud high-pitched noise.

CID /siː a I diː / N‑PROPER TheCID is the branch of the police force in Britain concerned with finding out who has committed crimes. CID is an abbreviation for 'Criminal Investigation Department'.

ci|der /sa I də r / (ciders ) N‑VAR Cider is a drink made from apples which in Britain usually contains alcohol. In the United States, cider does not usually contain alcohol, and if it does contain alcohol, it is usually called hard cider . ●�N‑COUNT A glass of cider can be referred to as a cider . □� He ordered a cider.

ci|gar /s I gɑː r / (cigars ) N‑COUNT Cigars are rolls of dried tobacco leaves which people smoke. □� He was sitting alone smoking a big cigar.

ciga|rette ◆◇◇ /s I gəre t/ (cigarettes ) N‑COUNT Cigarettes are small tubes of paper containing tobacco which people smoke. □� He went out to buy a packet of cigarettes.

ciga|re tte butt (cigarette butts ) in BRIT, also use cigarette end N‑COUNT A cigarette butt or a cigarette end is the part of a cigarette that you throw away when you have finished smoking it.

ciga|re tte hold|er (cigarette holders ) also cigarette-holder N‑COUNT A cigarette holder is a narrow tube that you can put a cigarette into in order to hold it while you smoke it.

ciga|re tte light|er (cigarette lighters ) N‑COUNT A cigarette lighter is a device which produces a small flame when you press a switch and which you use to light a cigarette or cigar.

cig|gy /s I gi/ (ciggies ) also ciggie N‑COUNT A ciggy is a cigarette. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

C -in-C N‑SING A C-in-C is the same as a commander-in-chief .

cinch /s I ntʃ/ N‑SING If you say that something is a cinch , you mean that you think it is very easy to do. [INFORMAL ] □� It sounds difficult, but compared to full-time work it was a cinch.

cin|der block /s I ndə r blɒk/ (cinder blocks ) also cinderblock N‑COUNT [oft N n] A cinder block is a large grey brick made from coal cinders and cement which is used for building. [AM ] in BRIT, use breeze-block

Cinderella /s I ndəre lə/ (Cinderellas ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] If you describe a person or organization as a Cinderella , you mean that they receive very little attention and that they deserve to receive more. □�[+�of ] It is a Cinderella of charities, and needs more help.

cin|ders /s I ndə r z/ N‑PLURAL Cinders are the black pieces that are left after something such as wood or coal has burned away. □� The wind sent sparks and cinders flying.

cine /s I ni/ ADJ [ADJ n] Cine is used to refer to things that are used in or connected with the making or showing of films. □� �a cine camera. □� �a cine projector.

cin|ema ◆◇◇ /s I n I mə/ (cinemas )

1 N‑COUNT A cinema is a place where people go to watch films for entertainment. [mainly BRIT ] □� The country has relatively few cinemas. in AM, usually use movie theater , movie house2 N‑SING You can talk about the cinema when you are talking about seeing a film in a cinema. [mainly BRIT ] □� I can't remember the last time we went to the cinema. in AM, usually use the movies3 N‑UNCOUNT Cinema is the business and art of making films. □� Contemporary African cinema has much to offer in its vitality and freshness.

cin|emat|ic /s I n I m� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cinematic means relating to films made for the cinema. □� �a genuine cinematic masterpiece.

cin|ema|tog|ra|pher /s I n I mətɒ grəfə r / (cinematographers ) N‑COUNT A cinematographer is a person who decides what filming techniques should be used during the shooting of a film.

cin|ema|tog|ra|phy /s I n I mətɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Cinematography is the technique of making films for the cinema. □� �an admirer of Arthur Jafa's breathtaking cinematography.

cin|na|mon /s I nəmən/ N‑UNCOUNT Cinnamon is a sweet spice used for flavouring food.

ci|pher /sa I fə r / (ciphers ) also cypher N‑COUNT A cipher is a secret system of writing that you use to send messages. □� �converting their messages into ciphers. □� During World War II he worked as a cipher clerk.

cir|ca /sɜː r kə/ PREP Circa is used in front of a particular year to say that this is the approximate date when something happened or was made. [FORMAL ] □� The story tells of a runaway slave girl in Louisiana, circa 1850.

cir|cle ◆◆◇ /sɜː r k ə l/ (circles , circling , circled )

1 N‑COUNT A circle is a shape consisting of a curved line completely surrounding an area. Every part of the line is the same distance from the centre of the area. □� The flag was red, with a large white circle in the centre. □� I wrote down the number 46 and drew a circle around it.

2 N‑COUNT A circleof something is a round flat piece or area of it. □�[+�of ] Cut out 4 circles of pastry. □�[+�of ] �a circle of yellow light.

3 N‑COUNT A circleof objects or people is a group of them arranged in the shape of a circle. □�[+�of ] The monument consists of a circle of gigantic stones. □� We stood in a circle holding hands.

4 VERB If something circles an object or a place, or circlesaround it, it forms a circle around it. □�[V n] This is the ring road that circles the city. □�[V +�around/round ] �the long curving driveway that circled around the vast clipped lawn.

5 VERB If an aircraft or a bird circles or circles something, it moves round in a circle in the air. □�[V ] The plane circled, awaiting permission to land. □�[V adv/prep] There were two helicopters circling around. □�[V n] �like a hawk circling prey.

6 VERB To circlearound someone or something, or to circle them, means to move around them. □�[V +�around/round ] Emily kept circling around her mother. □�[V n] The silent wolves would track and circle them.

7 VERB If you circle something on a piece of paper, you draw a circle around it. □�[V n] Circle the correct answers on the coupon below.

8 N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of people as a circle when they meet each other regularly because they are friends or because they belong to the same profession or share the same interests. □�[+�of ] He has a small circle of friends. □� Alton has made himself fiercely unpopular in certain circles.

9 N‑SING In a theatre or cinema, the circle is an area of seats on the upper floor.

10 →�see also Arctic Circle , dress circle , inner circle , vicious circle , virtuous circle

11 PHRASE If you say that you have come full circle or have turned full circle , you mean that after a long series of events or changes the same situation that you started with still exists. □� We've come full circle and dark-blue jeans are once again the height of style. SYNONYMS circle NOUN 1

ring:�a ring of blue smoke.

disc:Most shredding machines are based on a revolving disc with replaceable blades.

round:�small fresh rounds of goats' cheese.

cir|cuit ◆◇◇ /sɜː r k I t/ (circuits )

1 N‑COUNT An electrical circuit is a complete route which an electric current can flow around. □� Any attempts to cut through the cabling will break the electrical circuit.

2 →�see also closed-circuit , short-circuit

3 N‑COUNT A circuit is a series of places that are visited regularly by a person or group, especially as a part of their job. □� It's a common problem, the one I'm asked about most when I'm on the lecture circuit.

4 N‑COUNT A racing circuit is a track on which cars, motorbikes, or cycles race. [mainly BRIT ]

5 N‑COUNT A circuitof a place or area is a journey all the way round it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] She made a slow circuit of the room.

ci r|cuit board (circuit boards ) N‑COUNT A circuit board is the same as a printed circuit board .

ci r|cuit break|er (circuit breakers ) also circuit-breaker N‑COUNT A circuit breaker is a device which can stop the flow of electricity around a circuit by switching itself off if anything goes wrong. □� There is an internal circuit breaker to protect the instrument from overload.

cir|cui|tous /sə r kjuː I təs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A circuitous route is long and complicated rather than simple and direct. [FORMAL ] □� The cabdriver took them on a circuitous route to the police station.

cir|cuit|ry /sɜː r k I tri/ N‑UNCOUNT Circuitry is a system of electric circuits. □� The computer's entire circuitry was on a single board.

ci r|cuit train|ing N‑UNCOUNT Circuit training is a type of physical training in which you do a series of different exercises, each for a few minutes.

cir|cu|lar /sɜː r kjʊlə r / (circulars )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is circular is shaped like a circle. □� �a circular hole twelve feet wide and two feet deep. □� Using a circular motion, massage gently.

2 →�see also semi-circular

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A circular journey or route is one in which you go to a place and return by a different route. □� Both sides of the river can be explored on this circular walk.

4 ADJ A circular argument or theory is not valid because it uses a statement to prove something which is then used to prove the statement.

5 N‑COUNT A circular is an official letter or advertisement that is sent to a large number of people at the same time. □� The proposal has been widely publicised in information circulars sent to newspapers.

ci r|cu|lar sa w (circular saws ) N‑COUNT A circular saw is a round metal disc with a sharp edge which is used for cutting wood and other materials. [BRIT ] in AM, use buzzsaw

cir|cu|late /sɜː r kjʊle I t/ (circulates , circulating , circulated )

1 VERB If a piece of writing circulates or is circulated , copies of it are passed round among a group of people. □�[be V -ed] The document was previously circulated in New York at the United Nations. □�[V n] Public employees, teachers and liberals are circulating a petition for his recall. □�[V ] This year anonymous leaflets have been circulating in Beijing. ●� cir|cu|la|tion /sɜː r kjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �an inquiry into the circulation of 'unacceptable literature'.

2 VERB If something such as a rumour circulates or is circulated , the people in a place tell it to each other. □�[V ] Rumours were already beginning to circulate that the project might have to be abandoned. □�[be V -ed] I deeply resented those sort of rumours being circulated at a time of deeply personal grief. [Also V n]

3 VERB When something circulates , it moves easily and freely within a closed place or system. □�[V ] �a virus which circulates via the bloodstream and causes ill health in a variety of organs. □�[V ] Cooking odours can circulate throughout the entire house. [Also V prep] ●� cir|cu|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Use a fan to aid the circulation of air in the room. □�[+�of ] �the principle of free circulation of goods.

4 VERB If you circulate at a party, you move among the guests and talk to different people. □�[V ] Let me get you something to drink, then I must circulate.

cir|cu|la|tion /sɜː r kjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (circulations )

1 N‑COUNT The circulation of a newspaper or magazine is the number of copies that are sold each time it is produced. □� The Daily News once had the highest circulation of any daily in the country. □� The paper has proved unable to maintain its circulation figures.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Your circulation is the movement of blood through your body. □� Anyone with heart, lung or circulation problems should seek medical advice before flying. □� �cold spots in the fingers caused by poor circulation.

3 →�see also circulate

4 PHRASE If something such as money is in circulation , it is being used by the public. If something is out of circulation or has been withdrawn from circulation , it is no longer available for use by the public. □� �a society like America, with perhaps 180 million guns in circulation. □� �the decision to take 50 and 100 ruble bills out of circulation.

cir|cu|la|tory /sɜː r kjʊle I təri, [AM ] -lətɔːri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Circulatory means relating to the circulation of blood in the body. [MEDICAL ] □� �the human circulatory system.

cir|cum|cise /sɜː r kəmsa I z/ (circumcises , circumcising , circumcised )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a boy or man is circumcised , the loose skin at the end of his penis is cut off. □�[be V -ed] He had been circumcised within eight days of birth as required by Jewish law. ●� cir|cum|ci|sion /sɜː r kəms I ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] □� Jews and Moslems practise circumcision for religious reasons.

2 VERB [usu passive] In some cultures, if a girl or woman is circumcised , her clitoris is cut or cut off. □�[be V -ed] An estimated 90 million women around the world have been circumcised. ●� cir|cum|ci|sion N‑UNCOUNT □� �a campaigner against female circumcision.

cir|cum|fer|ence /sə r kʌ mfrəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The circumference of a circle, place, or round object is the distance around its edge. □� �a scientist calculating the Earth's circumference. □� The island is 3.5 km in circumference.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The circumference of a circle, place, or round object is its edge. □�[+�of ] Cut the salmon into long strips and wrap it round the circumference of the bread.

cir|cum|flex /sɜː r kəmfleks/ (circumflexes ) N‑COUNT A circumflex or a circumflex accent is a symbol written over a vowel in French and other languages, usually to indicate that it should be pronounced longer than usual. It is used for example in the word 'r�le'.

cir|cum|lo|cu|tion /sɜː r kəmloʊkjuː ʃ ə n/ (circumlocutions ) N‑VAR A circumlocution is a way of saying or writing something using more words than are necessary instead of being clear and direct. [FORMAL ]

cir|cum|navi|gate /sɜː r kəmn� v I ge I t/ (circumnavigates , circumnavigating , circumnavigated ) VERB If someone circumnavigates the world or an island, they sail all the way around it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] For this year at least, our race to circumnavigate the globe in less than 80 days is over.

cir|cum|scribe /sɜː r kəmskra I b/ (circumscribes , circumscribing , circumscribed ) VERB If someone's power or freedom is circumscribed , it is limited or restricted. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The army evidently fears that, under him, its activities would be severely circumscribed. □�[V n] There are laws circumscribing the right of individual citizens to cause bodily harm to others.

cir|cum|spect /sɜː r kəmspekt/ ADJ If you are circumspect , you are cautious in what you do and say and do not take risks. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] The banks should have been more circumspect in their dealings. ●� cir|cum|spect|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� You should behave as circumspectly as possible in political matters.

cir|cum|spec|tion /sɜː r kəmspe kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] Circumspection is cautious behaviour and a refusal to take risks. [FORMAL ] □� This is a region to be treated with circumspection.

cir|cum|stance ◆◇◇ /sɜː r kəmst�ns/ (circumstances )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The circumstances of a particular situation are the conditions which affect what happens. □� Recent opinion polls show that 60 percent favor abortion under certain circumstances. □� I wish we could have met under happier circumstances.

2 N‑PLURAL The circumstances of an event are the way it happened or the causes of it. □�[+�of ] I'm making inquiries about the circumstances of Mary Dean's murder. □� Hundreds of people had died there in terrible circumstances during and after the revolution.

3 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Your circumstances are the conditions of your life, especially the amount of money that you have. □� �help and support for the single mother, whatever her circumstances. □� I wouldn't have expected to find you in such comfortable circumstances.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Events and situations which cannot be controlled are sometimes referred to as circumstance . □� There are those, you know, who, by circumstance, end up homeless. □� You might say that we've been victims of circumstance.

5 PHRASE You can emphasize that something must not or will not happen by saying that it must not or will not happen under any circumstances . [EMPHASIS ] □� She made it clear that under no circumstances would she cancel the trip.

6 PHRASE You can use in the circumstances or under the circumstances before or after a statement to indicate that you have considered the conditions affecting the situation before making the statement. □� Under the circumstances, a crash was unavoidable. SYNONYMS circumstance NOUN 1

conditions:The conditions are ripe for the spread of disease.

situation:She's in a hopeless situation.

scenario:In the worst-case scenario, you could become a homeless person.

cir|cum|stan|tial /sɜː r kəmst� nʃ ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Circumstantial evidence is evidence that makes it seem likely that something happened, but does not prove it. [FORMAL ] □� There is no conclusive proof, but there is a lot of circumstantial evidence.

cir|cum|vent /sɜː r kəmve nt/ (circumvents , circumventing , circumvented ) VERB If someone circumvents a rule or restriction, they avoid having to obey the rule or restriction, in a clever and perhaps dishonest way. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Military planners tried to circumvent the treaty.

cir|cus /sɜː r kəs/ (circuses )

1 N‑COUNT A circus is a group that consists of clowns, acrobats, and animals which travels around to different places and performs shows. □� My real ambition was to work in a circus. □� �circus performers. ●�N‑SING The circus is the show performed by these people. □� My dad took me to the circus.

2 N‑SING If you describe a group of people or an event as a circus , you disapprove of them because they attract a lot of attention but do not achieve anything useful. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It could well turn into some kind of a media circus.

cir|rho|sis /s I roʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Cirrhosis or cirrhosis of the liver is a disease which destroys a person's liver and which can kill them. It is often caused by drinking too much alcohol.

cis|sy /s I si/ →�see sissy

cis|tern /s I stə r n/ (cisterns )

1 N‑COUNT A cistern is a container which stores the water supply for a building, or that holds the water for flushing a toilet. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use tank2 N‑COUNT A cistern is a container for storing rain water. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use water butt

cita|del /s I təd ə l/ (citadels )

1 N‑COUNT In the past, a citadel was a strong building in or near a city, where people could shelter for safety. □� The citadel at Besan�on towered above the river.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a system or organization as a citadelof a particular way of life, usually one you disapprove of, you mean that it is powerful and effective in defending that way of life. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] The business is no longer regarded as a citadel of commerce.

ci|ta|tion /sa I te I ʃ ə n/ (citations )

1 N‑COUNT A citation is an official document or speech which praises a person for something brave or special that they have done. □� His citation says he showed outstanding and exemplary courage.

2 N‑COUNT A citation from a book or other piece of writing is a passage or phrase from it. [FORMAL ]

3 N‑COUNT A citation is the same as a summons . [AM ] □� The court could issue a citation and fine Ms. Robbins.

cite ◆◇◇ /sa I t/ (cites , citing , cited )

1 VERB If you cite something, you quote it or mention it, especially as an example or proof of what you are saying. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She cites a favourite poem by George Herbert. □�[V n +�as ] I am merely citing his reaction as typical of British industry. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Spain was cited as the most popular holiday destination.

2 VERB To cite a person means to officially name them in a legal case. To cite a reason or cause means to state it as the official reason for your case. □�[V n] They cited Alex's refusal to return to the marital home. □�[be V -ed for v-ing] Three admirals and a top Navy civilian will be cited for failing to act on reports of sexual assaults.

3 VERB If someone is cited , they are officially ordered to appear before a court. [AM , LEGAL ] □�[V n] The judge ruled a mistrial and cited the prosecutors for outrageous misconduct. in BRIT, use be summonsed SYNONYMS cite VERB 1

quote:He quoted statistics saying that the standard of living had fallen.

name:She was jailed for refusing to name a source.

mention:Ferguson was mentioned in the report as being directly responsible.

specify:He has not specified what action he would like them to take.

citi|zen ◆◆◇ /s I t I z ə n/ (citizens )

1 N‑COUNT Someone who is a citizen of a particular country is legally accepted as belonging to that country. □� �American citizens. □� The life of ordinary citizens began to change.

2 N‑COUNT The citizensof a town or city are the people who live there. □�[+�of ] �the citizens of Buenos Aires.

3 →�see also senior citizen

4 ADJ You describe someone as a citizen journalist or a citizen scientist, for example, when they are an ordinary person with no special training who does something that is usually done by professionals. □� Several reports are coming from citizen journalists in the area.

citi|zen|ry /s I t I z ə nri/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The people living in a country, state, or city can be referred to as the citizenry . [AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ] □� He used the medium of radio when he wanted to reassure the citizenry.

Ci ti|zens' Band N‑PROPER [oft N n] Citizens' Band is a range of radio frequencies which the general public is allowed to use to send messages to each other and is used especially by truck drivers in their vehicles. The abbreviation CB is often used. □� �Citizens' Band radios.

citi|zen|ship /s I t I z ə nʃ I p/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] If you have citizenship of a country, you are legally accepted as belonging to it. □� After 15 years in the U.S.A., he has finally decided to apply for American citizenship.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Citizenship is the fact of belonging to a community because you live in it, and the duties and responsibilities that this brings. □� Their German peers had a more developed sense of citizenship.

cit|ric acid /s I tr I k � s I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Citric acid is a weak acid found in many kinds of fruit, especially citrus fruit such as oranges and lemons.

cit|rus /s I trəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] A citrus fruit is a juicy fruit with a sharp taste such as an orange, lemon, or grapefruit. □� �citrus groves.

city ◆◆◆ /s I ti/ (cities ) N‑COUNT A city is a large town. □� �the city of Bologna. □� �a busy city centre.

City N‑PROPER The City is the part of London where many important financial institutions have their main offices. People often refer to these financial institutions as the City . □� �a foreign bank in the City. □� The City fears that profits could fall.

ci ty ce n|tre (city centres ) N‑COUNT The city centre is the busiest part of a city, where most of the shops and businesses are. [mainly BRIT ] □� There is high demand for city centre offices.

ci ty fa |thers also City Fathers N‑PLURAL You can refer to the members of a city council or city's government as the city fathers . □� The city fathers have just given final approval to a new stadium.

ci ty ha ll (city halls ) also City Hall N‑COUNT ; N‑PROPER The city hall is the building which a city council uses as its main offices. □� They massed in front of the city hall. □� �at Sheffield City Hall.

ci ty sli ck|er (city slickers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a city slicker , you mean that they live and work in a city and are used to city life. [INFORMAL ] □� �the city slickers in the capital.

civ|ic /s I v I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use civic to describe people or things that have an official status in a town or city. □� �the businessmen and civic leaders of Manchester.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use civic to describe the duties or feelings that people have because they belong to a particular community. □� �a sense of civic pride.

civ|ics /s I v I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Civics is the study of the rights and duties of the citizens of a society. [mainly AM ] □� �my high-school civics class.

civ|il ◆◆◇ /s I v ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use civil to describe events that happen within a country and that involve the different groups of people in it. □� �civil unrest.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use civil to describe people or things in a country that are not connected with its armed forces. □� �the U.S. civil aviation industry.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use civil to describe things that are connected with the state rather than with a religion. □� They were married on August 9 in a civil ceremony in Venice. □� �Jewish civil and religious law.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use civil to describe the rights that people have within a society. □� �a United Nations covenant on civil and political rights.

5 ADJ Someone who is civil is polite in a formal way, but not particularly friendly. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] As visitors, the least we can do is be civil to the people in their own land. ●� civ|il|ly ADV □� The man nodded civilly to Sharpe, then consulted a notebook. ●� ci|vil|ity /s I v I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] �civility to underlings.

ci v|il de|fe nce in AM, use civil defense N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Civil defence is the organization and training of the ordinary people in a country so that they can help the armed forces, medical services, or police force, for example if the country is attacked by an enemy. □� �a civil defence exercise.

ci v|il dis|obe di|ence N‑UNCOUNT Civil disobedience is the refusal by ordinary people in a country to obey laws or pay taxes, usually as a protest. □� The opposition threatened a campaign of civil disobedience.

ci v|il en|gi|nee r (civil engineers ) N‑COUNT A civil engineer is a person who plans, designs, and constructs roads, bridges, harbours, and public buildings.

ci v|il en|gi|nee r|ing N‑UNCOUNT Civil engineering is the planning, design, and building of roads, bridges, harbours, and public buildings. □� London's sewerage network was the biggest civil engineering project in the world at the time.

ci|vil|ian ◆◇◇ /s I v I liən/ (civilians )

1 N‑COUNT In a military situation, a civilian is anyone who is not a member of the armed forces. □� The safety of civilians caught up in the fighting must be guaranteed.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In a military situation, civilian is used to describe people or things that are not military. □� �the country's civilian population. □� �civilian casualties. □� �a soldier in civilian clothes.

civi|li|sa|tion /s I v I la I ze I ʃ ə n/ →�see civilization

civi|lise /s I v I la I z/ →�see civilize

civi|lised /s I v I la I zd/ →�see civilized

ci|vil|ity /s I v I l I ti/ →�see civil

civi|li|za|tion /s I v I la I ze I ʃ ə n/ (civilizations ) in BRIT, also use civilisation1 N‑VAR A civilization is a human society with its own social organization and culture. □� The ancient civilizations of Central and Latin America were founded upon corn.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Civilization is the state of having an advanced level of social organization and a comfortable way of life. □� �our advanced state of civilisation.

civi|lize /s I v I la I z/ (civilizes , civilizing , civilized ) in BRIT, also use civilise VERB To civilize a person or society means to educate them and improve their way of life. □�[V n] �a comedy about a man who tries to civilise a woman�but she ends up civilising him. □�[V -ing] It exerts a civilizing influence on mankind.

civi|lized /s I v I la I zd/ in BRIT, also use civilised1 ADJ If you describe a society as civilized , you mean that it is advanced and has sensible laws and customs. [APPROVAL ] □� I believed that in civilized countries, torture had ended long ago.

2 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as civilized , you mean that they are polite and reasonable. □� I wrote to my ex-wife. She was very civilised about it.

ci v|il la w N‑UNCOUNT Civil law is the part of a country's set of laws which is concerned with the private affairs of citizens, for example marriage and property ownership, rather than with crime.

ci v|il li b|er|ties The form civil liberty is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL A person's civil liberties are the rights they have to say, think, and do what they want as long as they respect other people's rights. □� �his commitment to human rights and civil liberties. □� �civil liberty campaigners.

Ci v|il List N‑PROPER The Civil List is money paid by the state every year to members of the British Royal Family to cover their living expenses.

ci vi|l pa rt|ner|ship (civil partnerships ) N‑VAR A civil partnership is a legal relationship between two people of the same sex that is similar to marriage. □� The two men entered into a civil partnership last year.

ci v|il ri ghts N‑PLURAL [oft N n] Civil rights are the rights that people have in a society to equal treatment and equal opportunities, whatever their race, sex, or religion. □� �the civil rights movement. □� �violations of civil rights.

ci v|il se rv|ant (civil servants ) N‑COUNT A civil servant is a person who works in the Civil Service in Britain and some other countries, or for the local, state, or federal government in the United States.

Ci v|il Se r|vice also civil service N‑SING TheCivil Service of a country consists of its government departments and all the people who work in them. In many countries, the departments concerned with military and legal affairs are not part of the Civil Service. □� �a job in the Civil Service.

ci v|il wa r ◆◇◇ (civil wars ) N‑COUNT A civil war is a war which is fought between different groups of people who live in the same country. □� �the Spanish Civil War.

civ|vies /s I viz/ N‑PLURAL [oft in N ] People in the armed forces use civvies to refer to ordinary clothes that are not part of a uniform. [INFORMAL ] □� They might have been soldiers in civvies.

civ|vy street /s I vi striːt/ N‑UNCOUNT People in the armed forces use civvy street to refer to life and work which is not connected with the armed forces. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

CJD /siː dʒe I diː / N‑UNCOUNT CJD is an incurable brain disease that affects human beings and is believed to be caused by eating beef from cows with BSE. CJD is an abbreviation for 'Creutzfeldt Jakob disease'.

clcl is a written abbreviation for centilitre . □� �two 75cl bottles of quality wine.

clack /kl� k/ (clacks , clacking , clacked ) VERB If things clack or if you clack them, they make a short loud noise, especially when they hit each other. □�[V ] The windshield wipers clacked back and forth. □�[V n] I clacked one ski against the other and almost tripped. ●�N‑SING ; N‑COUNT Clack is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �listening to the clack of her shoes on the stairs. □� Her bracelets were going clack-clack-clack, she was shaking so hard.

clad /kl� d/

1 ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you are cladin particular clothes, you are wearing them. [LITERARY ] □�[+�in ] �the figure of a woman, clad in black. □� �posters of scantily-clad women. ●�COMB Clad is also a combining form. □� �the leather-clad biker.

2 ADJ A building, part of a building, or mountain that is cladwith something is covered by that thing. [LITERARY ] □�[+�in/with ] The walls and floors are clad with ceramic tiles. ●�COMB Clad is also a combining form. □� �the distant shapes of snow-clad mountains.

clad|ding /kl� d I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] Cladding is a covering of tiles, wooden boards, or other material that is fixed to the outside of a building to protect it against bad weather or to make it look more attractive. □� �stone cladding.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cladding is a layer of metal which is put round fuel rods in a nuclear reactor.

claim ◆◆◆ /kle I m/ (claims , claiming , claimed )

1 VERB If you say that someone claimsthat something is true, you mean they say that it is true but you are not sure whether or not they are telling the truth. □�[V that] He claimed that it was all a conspiracy against him. □�[V to-inf] A man claiming to be a journalist threatened to reveal details about her private life. □�[V with quote] 'I had never received one single complaint against me,' claimed the humiliated doctor. □�[V n] He claims a 70 to 80 per cent success rate.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A claim is something which someone says which they cannot prove and which may be false. □� He repeated his claim that the people backed his action. □� He rejected claims that he had affairs with six women.

3 VERB If you say that someone claims responsibility or credit for something, you mean they say that they are responsible for it, but you are not sure whether or not they are telling the truth. □�[V n] An underground organisation has claimed responsibility for the bomb explosion.

4 VERB If you claim something, you try to get it because you think you have a right to it. □�[V n] Now they are returning to claim what was theirs.

5 N‑COUNT A claim is a demand for something that you think you have a right to. □�[+�to ] Rival claims to Macedonian territory caused conflict in the Balkans.

6 VERB If someone claims a record, title, or prize, they gain or win it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] Zhuang claimed the record in 54.64 seconds.

7 N‑COUNT If you have a claim on someone or their attention, you have the right to demand things from them or to demand their attention. □�[+�on ] She'd no claims on him now. □�[+�on ] He was surrounded by people, all with claims on his attention.

8 VERB If something or someone claims your attention, they need you to spend your time and effort on them. □�[V n] There is already a long list of people claiming her attention.

9 VERB If you claim money from the government, an insurance company, or another organization, you officially apply to them for it, because you think you are entitled to it according to their rules. □�[V n] Some 25 per cent of the people who are entitled to claim State benefits do not do so. □�[V ] John had taken out redundancy insurance but when he tried to claim, he was refused payment. □�[V +�for ] They intend to claim for damages against the three doctors. ●�N‑COUNT Claim is also a noun. □�[+�for ] �the office which has been dealing with their claim for benefit. □�[+�on ] Last time we made a claim on our insurance they paid up really quickly.

10 VERB If you claim money or other benefits from your employers, you demand them because you think you deserve or need them. □�[V n] The union claimed a pay rise worth four times the rate of inflation. ●�N‑COUNT Claim is also a noun. □�[+�for ] They are making substantial claims for improved working conditions. □� Electricity workers have voted for industrial action in pursuit of a pay claim.

11 VERB If you say that a war, disease, or accident claims someone's life, you mean that they are killed in it or by it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Heart disease is the biggest killer, claiming 180,000 lives a year.

12 →�see also no claims

13 PHRASE Someone's claim to fame is something quite important or interesting that they have done or that is connected with them. □� His greatest claim to fame is that he coached an England side to victory.

14 PHRASE If you lay claim to something you do not have, you say that it belongs to you. [FORMAL ] □� Five Asian countries lay claim to the islands.

15to stake a claim →�see stake

claim|ant /kle I mənt/ (claimants )

1 N‑COUNT A claimant is someone who is receiving money from the state because they are unemployed or they are unable to work because they are ill. [BRIT ] □� �benefit claimants.

2 N‑COUNT A claimant is someone who asks to be given something which they think they are entitled to. □� The compensation will be split between 140 claimants.

clai ms ad|just|er (claims adjusters ) also claims adjustor N‑COUNT A claims adjuster is someone who is employed by an insurance company to decide how much money a person making a claim should receive. [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use loss adjuster

clair|voy|ant /kleə r vɔ I ənt/ (clairvoyants )

1 ADJ Someone who is believed to be clairvoyant is believed to know about future events or to be able to communicate with dead people. □� �clairvoyant powers.

2 N‑COUNT A clairvoyant is someone who claims to be clairvoyant.

clam /kl� m/ (clams , clamming , clammed ) N‑COUNT Clams are a kind of shellfish which can be eaten.

▸� clam up PHRASAL VERB If someone clams up , they stop talking, often because they are shy or to avoid giving away secrets. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] As soon as I told her my name, she clammed up.

clam|ber /kl� mbə r / (clambers , clambering , clambered ) VERB If you clamber somewhere, you climb there with difficulty, usually using your hands as well as your feet. □�[V prep/adv] They clambered up the stone walls of a steeply terraced olive grove.

clam|my /kl� mi/ ADJ Something that is clammy is unpleasantly damp or sticky. □�[+�with ] My shirt was clammy with sweat.

clam|or|ous /kl� mərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe people or their voices as clamorous , you mean they are talking loudly or shouting. [LITERARY ] □� �the crowded, clamorous streets.

clam|our /kl� mə r / (clamours , clamouring , clamoured ) in AM, use clamor1 VERB If people are clamouringfor something, they are demanding it in a noisy or angry way. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�for ] �competing parties clamouring for the attention of the voter. □�[V to-inf] At breakfast next morning my two grandsons were clamouring to go swimming. ●�N‑SING Clamour is also a noun. □�[+�for ] �the clamour for his resignation.

2 N‑SING Clamour is used to describe the loud noise of a large group of people talking or shouting together. □� She could hear a clamour in the road outside.

clamp /kl� mp/ (clamps , clamping , clamped )

1 N‑COUNT A clamp is a device that holds two things firmly together.

2 VERB When you clamp one thing to another, you fasten the two things together with a clamp. □�[V n +�to ] Somebody forgot to bring along the U-bolts to clamp the microphones to the pole.

3 VERB To clamp something in a particular place means to put it or hold it there firmly and tightly. □�[V n prep] Simon finished dialing and clamped the phone to his ear. □�[V n +�together ] He clamped his lips together. □�[V n adj] You beg him to try just one spoonful, and he clamps his mouth shut. □�[V -ed] Peter jumped to his feet with his hand clamped to his neck.

4 N‑COUNT A clamp is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally-parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away. The driver has to pay to have the clamp removed. [BRIT ] in AM, use Denver boot5 VERB To clamp a car means to fit a clamp to one of its wheels so that it cannot be driven away. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Courts in Scotland have ruled it illegal to clamp a car parked on private ground and then to demand a fine. in AM, use boot ●� clamp|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The AA called for laws to regulate clamping firms.

▸� clamp down PHRASAL VERB To clamp downon people or activities means to take strong official action to stop or control them. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V P +�on ] Police are clamping down on drivers who exceed the speed limit. □�[V P ] Banking regulators failed to clamp down until earlier this month.

clamp|down /kl� mpdaʊn/ (clampdowns ) also clamp-down N‑COUNT A clampdown is a sudden restriction on a particular activity by a government or other authority. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�on ] �a clampdown on the employment of illegal immigrants.

clan /kl� n/ (clans )

1 N‑COUNT A clan is a group which consists of families that are related to each other. □� �rival clans.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of people with the same interests as a clan . [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a powerful clan of industrialists from Monterrey.

clan|des|tine /kl�nde st I n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is clandestine is hidden or kept secret, often because it is illegal. [FORMAL ] □� �their clandestine meetings.

clang /kl� ŋ/ (clangs , clanging , clanged ) VERB When a large metal object clangs , it makes a loud noise. □�[V ] The door clanged shut behind them. ●�N‑VAR Clang is also a noun. □� He pulled the gates to with a clang.

clang|er /kl� ŋə r / (clangers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to something stupid or embarrassing that someone does or says as a clanger . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] ●�PHRASE If you say that you have dropped a clanger , you mean that you have done or said something stupid or embarrassing. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

clank /kl� ŋk/ (clanks , clanking , clanked ) VERB When large metal objects clank , they make a noise because they are hitting together or hitting against something hard. □�[V ] A pan rattled and clanked. □�[V prep] 'Here we are now,' Beth said, as the train clanked into a tiny station. □�[V -ing] �the clanking noise of the ferry.

clan|nish /kl� n I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe a group of people as clannish , you mean that they often spend time together and may seem unfriendly to other people who are not in the group. [INFORMAL ] □� They were a clannish lot, not given to welcoming strangers.

clans|man /kl� nzmən/ (clansmen ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Clansmen are people who are members of the same clan .

clap /kl� p/ (claps , clapping , clapped )

1 VERB When you clap , you hit your hands together to show appreciation or attract attention. □�[V ] The men danced and the women clapped. □�[V n] Midge clapped her hands, calling them back to order. □�[V n] Londoners came out on to the pavement to wave and clap the marchers. ●�N‑SING Clap is also a noun. □� Let's give the children a big clap.

2 VERB If you clap your hand or an object onto something, you put it there quickly and firmly. □�[V n prep] I clapped a hand over her mouth.

3 N‑COUNT A clap of thunder is a sudden and loud noise of thunder.

4to clap eyes on someone →�see eye

clap|board /kl� pbɔː r d, kl� bə r d/ (clapboards )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A clapboard building has walls which are covered with long narrow pieces of wood, usually painted white.

2 N‑COUNT A clapboard is the same as a clapperboard . [AM ]

cla pped-ou t also clapped out ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or a machine as clapped-out , you mean that they are old and no longer able to work properly. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �his clapped-out old car. □� �clapped out comedians.

clapper|board /kl� pə r bɔː r d/ (clapperboards ) also clapper-board N‑COUNT A clapperboard consists of two pieces of wood that are connected by a hinge and hit together before each scene when making a film, to make it easier to match the sound and pictures of different scenes. [BRIT ] in AM, use clapboard

clap|trap /kl� ptr�p/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something that someone says as claptrap , you mean that it is stupid or foolish although it may sound important. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� This is the claptrap that politicians have peddled many times before.

clar|et /kl� rət/ (clarets )

1 N‑VAR Claret is a type of French red wine.

2 COLOUR Something that is claret is purplish-red in colour. [LITERARY ]

clari|fied /kl� r I fa I d/ ADJ Clarified butter has been made clear by being heated.

clari|fy /kl� r I fa I / (clarifies , clarifying , clarified ) VERB To clarify something means to make it easier to understand, usually by explaining it in more detail. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] A bank spokesman was unable to clarify the situation. ●� clari|fi|ca|tion /kl� r I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (clarifications ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The union has written to Zurich asking for clarification of the situation.

clari|net /kl� r I ne t/ (clarinets ) N‑VAR A clarinet is a musical instrument of the woodwind family in the shape of a pipe. You play the clarinet by blowing into it and covering and uncovering the holes with your fingers.

clari|net|tist /kl� r I ne t I st/ (clarinettists ) also clarinetist N‑COUNT A clarinettist is someone who plays the clarinet.

cla ri|on call (clarion calls ) N‑COUNT A clarion call is a strong and emotional appeal to people to do something. [LITERARY ] □�[+�for ] Paine's words are a clarion call for democracy.

clar|ity /kl� r I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The clarity of something such as a book or argument is its quality of being well explained and easy to understand. □� �the clarity with which the author explains technical subjects.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Clarity is the ability to think clearly. □�[+�of ] In business circles he is noted for his flair and clarity of vision.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Clarity is the quality of being clear in outline or sound. □� This remarkable technology provides far greater clarity than conventional x-rays.

clash ◆◇◇ /kl� ʃ/ (clashes , clashing , clashed )

1 VERB When people clash , they fight, argue, or disagree with each other. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�with ] A group of 400 demonstrators clashed with police. □�[V +�with ] Behind the scenes, Parsons clashed with almost everyone on the show. □�[V +�over ] The working groups have also clashed over genetically modified crops. ●�N‑COUNT Clash is also a noun. □�[+�between ] There have been a number of clashes between police in riot gear and demonstrators. [Also +�with ]

2 VERB Beliefs, ideas, or qualities that clashwith each other are very different from each other and therefore are opposed. □�[V +�with ] Don't make any policy decisions which clash with official company thinking. □�[V ] Here, morality and good sentiments clash headlong. ●�N‑COUNT Clash is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Inside government, there was a clash of views.

3 VERB If one event clashes with another, the two events happen at the same time so that you cannot attend both of them. □�[V +�with ] I couldn't go on the trip as it clashed with my final exams.

4 VERB If one colour or style clasheswith another, the colours or styles look ugly together. You can also say that two colours or styles clash . □�[V +�with ] The red door clashed with the soft, natural tones of the stone walls. □�[V ] So what if the colours clashed? SYNONYMS clash VERB 1

fight:As a child she fought with her younger sister.

argue:They were still arguing; I could hear them down the road.

disagree:They can communicate even when they strongly disagree.

quarrel:At one point we quarrelled, over something silly.

feud:He feuded with his ex-wife. COLLOCATIONS clash VERB 1

clash+�adverb : repeatedly; angrily, violently NOUN

1

adjective +�clash : violent

2

noun +�clash : culture, personality

clasp /klɑː sp, kl� sp/ (clasps , clasping , clasped )

1 VERB If you clasp someone or something, you hold them tightly in your hands or arms. □�[V n] She clasped the children to her. □�[V -ed] He paced the corridor, hands clasped behind his back.

2 N‑COUNT A clasp is a small device that fastens something. □�[+�of ] �the clasp of her handbag.

class ◆◆◆ /klɑː s, kl� s/ (classes , classing , classed )

1 N‑COUNT A class is a group of pupils or students who are taught together. □� He had to spend about six months in a class with younger students. □� Reducing class sizes should be a top priority.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A class is a course of teaching in a particular subject. □� He acquired a law degree by taking classes at night. □� I go to dance classes here in New York.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [in N ] If you do something in class , you do it during a lesson in school. □� There is lots of reading in class.

4 N‑SING The students in a school or university who finish their course in a particular year are often referred to as the class of that year. □�[+�of ] These two members of Yale's Class of 2002 never miss a reunion.

5 N‑VAR Class refers to the division of people in a society into groups according to their social status. □� �the relationship between social classes. □� �the characteristics of the British class structure.

6 →�see also chattering classes , middle class , upper class , working class

7 N‑COUNT A classof things is a group of them with similar characteristics. □�[+�of ] �the division of the stars into six classes of brightness.

8 VERB If someone or something is classed as a particular thing, they are regarded as belonging to that group of things. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Since the birds inter-breed they cannot be classed as different species. □�[V pron-refl +�as ] I class myself as an ordinary working person. □�[V n +�as ] I would class my garden as medium in size. □�[V -ed +�as ] He was not an explorer but can certainly be classed as a pioneer.

9 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something has class , you mean that they are elegant and sophisticated. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� He's got the same style off the pitch as he has on it�sheer class.

10 →�see also business class , first-class , second-class , third-class , top-class , world-class

11 PHRASE If someone is in a class of their own , they have more of a particular skill or quality than anyone else. If something is in a class of its own , it is better than any other similar thing. □� As a player, he was in a class of his own. COLLOCATIONS class NOUN

2

noun +�class : cookery, dance, exercise, yoga; evening, night

verb +�class : run, teach; attend, go to, take

5

adjective +�class : lower, middle, ruling, upper; privileged, professional, wealthy

cla ss a c|tion (class actions ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A class action is a legal case brought by a group of people rather than an individual.

cla ss-conscious ADJ Someone who is class-conscious is very aware of the differences between the various classes of people in society, and often has a strong feeling of belonging to a particular class. □� Nineteenth-century Britain was a class-conscious society. ●� class-consciousness N‑UNCOUNT □� There was very little snobbery or class-consciousness in the wartime navy.

clas|sic ◆◆◇ /kl� s I k/ (classics )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A classic example of a thing or situation has all the features which you expect such a thing or situation to have. □� The debate in the mainstream press has been a classic example of British hypocrisy. □� His first two goals were classic cases of being in the right place at the right time. ●�N‑COUNT Classic is also a noun. □�[+�of ] It was a classic of interrogation: first the bully, then the kind one who offers sympathy.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A classic film, piece of writing, or piece of music is of very high quality and has become a standard against which similar things are judged. □� �the classic children's film Huckleberry Finn. □� �a classic study of the American penal system. ●�N‑COUNT Classic is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The record won a gold award and remains one of the classics of modern popular music. □� �a film classic.

3 N‑COUNT A classic is a book which is well-known and considered to be of a high literary standard. You can refer to such books generally as the classics . □� As I grow older, I like to reread the classics regularly.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Classic style is simple and traditional and is not affected by changes in fashion. □� Wear classic clothes which feel good and look good. □� These are classic designs which will fit in well anywhere.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Classics is the study of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, especially their languages, literature, and philosophy. □� �a Classics degree.

clas|si|cal ◆◇◇ /kl� s I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use classical to describe something that is traditional in form, style, or content. □� Fokine did not change the steps of classical ballet; instead he found new ways of using them. □� �the scientific attitude of Smith and earlier classical economists.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Classical music is music that is considered to be serious and of lasting value.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Classical is used to describe things which relate to the ancient Greek or Roman civilizations. □� �the healers of ancient Egypt and classical Greece.

clas|si|cal|ly /kl� s I kli/

1 ADV [ADV -ed] Someone who has been classically trained in something such as art, music, or ballet has learned the traditional skills and methods of that subject. □� Peter is a classically-trained pianist.

2 ADV [ADV adj/-ed] Classically is used to indicate that something is based on or reminds people of the culture of ancient Greece and Rome. □� �the classically-inspired church of S. Francesco.

clas|si|cism /kl� s I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Classicism is a style of art practised especially in the 18th century in Europe. It has simple regular forms and the artist does not attempt to express strong emotions.

clas|si|cist /kl� s I s I st/ (classicists )

1 N‑COUNT A classicist is someone who studies the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, especially their languages, literature, and philosophy.

2 N‑COUNT In the arts, especially in architecture, a classicist is someone who follows the principles of classicism in their work.

clas|si|fi|ca|tion /kl� s I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (classifications )

1 N‑COUNT A classification is a division or category in a system which divides things into groups or types. □�[+�of ] Its tariffs cater for four basic classifications of customer.

2 →�see also classify

clas|si|fied /kl� s I fa I d/ ADJ Classified information or documents are officially secret. □� He has a security clearance that allows him access to classified information.

cla s|si|fied a d (classified ads ) N‑COUNT Classified ads or classified advertisements are small advertisements in a newspaper or magazine. They are usually from a person or small company.

clas|si|fieds /kl� s I fa I dz/ N‑PLURAL Theclassifieds are the same as classified ad .

clas|si|fy /kl� s I fa I / (classifies , classifying , classified ) VERB To classify things means to divide them into groups or types so that things with similar characteristics are in the same group. □�[V n] It is necessary initially to classify the headaches into certain types. □�[V n +�as ] The coroner immediately classified his death as a suicide. ●� clas|si|fi|ca|tion /kl� s I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (classifications ) N‑VAR □� �the British Board of Film Classification. □� �the arbitrary classification of knowledge into fields of study.

class|less /klɑː sləs, kl� s-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] When politicians talk about a classless society, they mean a society in which people are not affected by social status. [APPROVAL ] □� �the new Prime Minister's vision of a classless society.

class|mate /klɑː sme I t, kl� s-/ (classmates ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your classmates are students who are in the same class as you at school or college.

class|room /klɑː sruːm, kl� s-/ (classrooms ) N‑COUNT A classroom is a room in a school where lessons take place.

classy /klɑː si, kl� si/ (classier , classiest ) ADJ If you describe someone or something as classy , you mean they are stylish and sophisticated. [INFORMAL ] □� The German star put in a classy performance.

clat|ter /kl� tə r / (clatters , clattering , clattered )

1 VERB If you say that people or things clatter somewhere, you mean that they move there noisily. □�[V prep/adv] He turned and clattered down the stairs.

2 VERB If something hard clatters , it makes repeated short noises as it hits against another hard thing. [LITERARY ] □�[V prep] She set her cup down, and it clattered against the saucer. ●�N‑SING Clatter is also a noun. □�[+�of ] From somewhere distant he heard the clatter of a typewriter.

clause /klɔː z/ (clauses )

1 N‑COUNT A clause is a section of a legal document. □� He has a clause in his contract which entitles him to a percentage of the profits. □� �a complaint alleging a breach of clause 4 of the code.

2 N‑COUNT In grammar, a clause is a group of words containing a verb. Sentences contain one or more clauses. There are finite clauses and non-finite clauses.

3 →�see also main clause , relative clause , subordinate clause

claus|tro|pho|bia /klɔː strəfoʊ biə/ N‑UNCOUNT Someone who suffers from claustrophobia feels very uncomfortable or anxious when they are in small or enclosed places.

claus|tro|pho|bic /klɔː strəfoʊ b I k/

1 ADJ You describe a place or situation as claustrophobic when it makes you feel uncomfortable and unhappy because you are enclosed or restricted. □� They lived in an unhealthily claustrophobic atmosphere. □� The house felt too claustrophobic.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel claustrophobic , you feel very uncomfortable or anxious when you are in a small, crowded, or enclosed place. □� The churning, pressing crowds made her feel claustrophobic.

clavi|chord /kl� v I kɔː r d/ (clavichords ) N‑VAR A clavichord is a musical instrument rather like a small piano. When you press the keys, small pieces of metal come up and hit the strings. Clavichords were especially popular during the eighteenth century.

clavi|cle /kl� v I k ə l/ (clavicles ) N‑COUNT Your clavicles are your collar bones. [MEDICAL ]

claw /klɔː / (claws , clawing , clawed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The claws of a bird or animal are the thin, hard, curved nails at the end of its feet. □� The cat tried to cling to the edge by its claws.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The claws of a lobster, crab, or scorpion are the two pointed parts at the end of its legs which are used for holding things.

3 VERB If an animal clawsat something, it scratches or damages it with its claws. □�[V +�at ] The wolf clawed at the tree and howled the whole night. [Also V n]

4 VERB To clawat something means to try very hard to get hold of it. □�[V +�at ] His fingers clawed at Blake's wrist. [Also V n]

5 VERB If you claw your way somewhere, you move there with great difficulty, trying desperately to find things to hold on to. □�[V way prep/adv] Some did manage to claw their way up iron ladders to the safety of the upper deck.

▸� claw back

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone claws back some of the money or power they had lost, they get some of it back again. [BRIT ] □�[V P n] They will eventually be able to claw back all or most of the debt. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If a government claws back money, it finds a way of taking money back from people that it gave money to in another way. [BRIT ] □�[V P n] The Chancellor will try to claw back �3.5 billion in next year's Budget. [Also V n P ]

clay /kle I / (clays )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Clay is a kind of earth that is soft when it is wet and hard when it is dry. Clay is shaped and baked to make things such as pots and bricks. □� �the heavy clay soils of Cambridgeshire. □� As the wheel turned, the potter shaped and squeezed the lump of clay into a graceful shape. □� �a little clay pot.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N , N n] In tennis, matches played on clay are played on courts whose surface is covered with finely crushed stones or brick. □� He was a clay-court specialist who won Wimbledon five times.

cla y pi |geon (clay pigeons ) N‑COUNT [usu N n] Clay pigeons are discs of baked clay which are thrown into the air by a machine as targets for gun shooting practice. □� �hunting and clay-pigeon shooting.

clean ◆◆◇ /kliː n/ (cleaner , cleanest , cleans , cleaning , cleaned )

1 ADJ Something that is clean is free from dirt or unwanted marks. □� He wore his cleanest slacks, a clean shirt and a navy blazer. □� Disease has not been a problem because clean water is available. □� The metro is efficient and spotlessly clean.

2 ADJ You say that people or animals are clean when they keep themselves or their surroundings clean.

3 ADJ A clean fuel or chemical process does not create many harmful or polluting substances. □� Fans of electric cars say they are clean, quiet and economical. ●� clean|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Manufacturers are working with new fuels to find one that burns more cleanly than petrol.

4 VERB If you clean something or clean dirt off it, you make it free from dirt and unwanted marks, for example by washing or wiping it. If something cleans easily, it is easy to clean. □�[V n] Her father cleaned his glasses with a paper napkin. □�[V n prep/adv] It took half an hour to clean the orange powder off the bath. □�[V adv] Wood flooring not only cleans easily, but it's environmentally friendly into the bargain. ●�N‑SING Clean is also a noun. □� Give the cooker a good clean.

5 VERB If you clean a room or house, you make the inside of it and the furniture in it free from dirt and dust. □�[V ] My parents cooked and cleaned. □�[V n] She got up early and cleaned the flat. ●� clean|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� I do the cleaning myself.

6 ADJ If you describe something such as a book, joke, or lifestyle as clean , you think that they are not sexually immoral or offensive. [APPROVAL ] □� They're trying to show clean, wholesome, decent movies. □� Flirting is good clean fun.

7 ADJ If someone has a clean reputation or record, they have never done anything illegal or wrong. □� Accusations of tax evasion have tarnished his clean image. □� You can hire these from most car hire firms, provided you have a clean driving licence.

8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A clean game or fight is carried out fairly, according to the rules. □� He called for a clean fight in the election and an end to 'negative campaigning'. ●� clean|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� The game had been cleanly fought.

9 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A clean sheet of paper has no writing or drawing on it. □� Take a clean sheet of paper and down the left-hand side make a list.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] If you make a clean break or start, you end a situation completely and start again in a different way. □� She wanted to make a clean break from her mother and father.

11 ADV [oft ADV before v] Clean is used to emphasize that something was done completely. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� It burned clean through the seat of my overalls. □� I clean forgot everything I had prepared.

12 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe an action as clean to indicate that it is carried out simply and quickly without mistakes. □� They were more concerned about the dogs' welfare than a clean getaway. ●� clean|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� I struck the ball cleanly and my shot was on target.

13 PHRASE If you come cleanabout something that you have been keeping secret, you admit it or tell people about it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] It would be better if you come clean about it and let her know what kind of man she is seeing. [Also +�on ]

14to clean up your act →�see act

15to keep your nose clean →�see nose

16a clean slate →�see slate

17to wipe the slate clean →�see slate

18a clean sweep →�see sweep

19clean as a whistle →�see whistle

▸� clean out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you clean out something such as a cupboard, room, or container, you take everything out of it and clean the inside of it thoroughly. □�[V P n] Mr. Wall asked if I would help him clean out the bins. □�[V n P ] If you are using the same pan, clean it out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone cleans you out , they take all the money and valuables you have. If they clean out a place, they take everything of value that is in it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] They cleaned me out. I need to go to a cashpoint. □�[V P n] When they first captured the port, they virtually cleaned out its warehouses.

▸� clean up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you clean up a mess or clean up a place where there is a mess, you make things tidy and free of dirt again. □�[V P n] Police in the city have been cleaning up the debris left by a day of violent confrontation. □�[V P ] Nina and Mary were in the kitchen, cleaning up after dinner. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB To clean up something such as the environment or an industrial process means to make it free from substances or processes that cause pollution. □�[V P n] Under pressure from the public, many regional governments cleaned up their beaches. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If the police or authorities clean up a place or area of activity, they make it free from crime, corruption, and other unacceptable forms of behaviour. □�[V pron-refl P ] After years of neglect and decline the city was cleaning itself up. □�[V P n] Since then, the authorities have tried to clean up the sport.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you go and clean up , you make yourself clean and tidy, especially after doing something that has made you dirty. □�[get V -ed P ] Johnny, go inside and get cleaned up. □�[V n P ] I cleaned myself up a bit, and got the baby ready.

5 PHRASAL VERB If someone cleans up , they make a large profit or get a lot of money. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] It has cleaned up at the box office.

▸� clean up after PHRASAL VERB If you clean up after someone, you clean or tidy a place that they have made dirty or untidy. □�[V P P n] You can use the kitchen, but please clean up after yourself. SYNONYMS clean ADJ 1

spotless:Each morning cleaners make sure everything is spotless.

immaculate:Her front room was kept immaculate.

pristine:Now the house is in pristine condition.

clea n-cu t ADJ Someone, especially a boy or man, who is clean-cut has a neat, tidy appearance. □� �his clean-cut good looks.

clea n ea t|ing N‑UNCOUNT Clean eating is the practice of eating only certain foods that are thought to be healthy and natural. □� This craze for clean eating was responsible for a 30% growth in demand for avocados last year.

clean|er /kliː nə r / (cleaners )

1 N‑COUNT A cleaner is someone who is employed to clean the rooms and furniture inside a building.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A cleaner is someone whose job is to clean a particular type of thing. □� He was a window cleaner.

3 N‑VAR [usu n N ] A cleaner is a substance used for cleaning things. □� �oven cleaner. □� �abrasive cleaners.

4 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A cleaner is a device used for cleaning things. □� �an air cleaner.

5 →�see also pipe cleaner , vacuum cleaner

6 N‑COUNT A cleaner or a cleaner's is a shop where things such as clothes are dry-cleaned.

clea n|ing lady (cleaning ladies ) N‑COUNT A cleaning lady is a woman who is employed to clean the rooms and furniture inside a building.

clea n|ing wom|an (cleaning women ) N‑COUNT A cleaning woman is the same as a cleaning lady .

clean|li|ness /kle nl I nəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Cleanliness is the degree to which people keep themselves and their surroundings clean. □� Many of Britain's beaches fail to meet minimum standards of cleanliness. □� �the importance of personal cleanliness.

cleanse /kle nz/ (cleanses , cleansing , cleansed )

1 VERB To cleanse a place, person, or organization of something dirty, unpleasant, or evil means to make them free from it. □�[V pron-refl +�of ] Straight after your last cigarette your body will begin to cleanse itself of tobacco toxins. □�[V n] Confession cleanses the soul.

2 VERB If you cleanse your skin or a wound, you clean it. □�[V n] Catherine demonstrated the proper way to cleanse the face. □�[V -ing] �cleansing lotions.

cleans|er /kle nzə r / (cleansers )

1 N‑VAR A cleanser is a liquid or cream that you use for cleaning your skin.

2 N‑VAR A cleanser is a liquid or powder that you use in cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. [mainly AM ]

clea n-sha ven ADJ If a man is clean-shaven , he does not have a beard or a moustache.

clea n-up (clean-ups ) in AM, use cleanup N‑COUNT A clean-up is the removing of dirt, pollution, crime, or corruption from somewhere. □�[+�of ] �the need for a clean-up of Italian institutions. □� The Governor has now called in the National Guard to assist the cleanup operation.

clear ◆◆◆ /kl I ə r / (clearer , clearest , clears , clearing , cleared )

1 ADJ Something that is clear is easy to understand, see, or hear. □� The book is clear, readable and adequately illustrated. □� The space telescope has taken the clearest pictures ever of Pluto. □� He repeated his answer, this time in a clear, firm tone of voice. ●� clear|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj, oft ADV after v] □� Whales journey up the coast of Africa, clearly visible from the beach. □� It was important for children to learn to express themselves clearly.

2 ADJ Something that is clear is obvious and impossible to be mistaken about. □� It was a clear case of homicide. □� The clear message of the scientific reports is that there should be a drastic cut in car use. □� A spokesman said the British government's position is perfectly clear. □� It's not clear whether the incident was an accident or deliberate. ●� clear|ly ADV □� Clearly, the police cannot break the law in order to enforce it.

3 ADJ If you are clearabout something, you understand it completely. □�[+�about ] It is important to be clear about what Chomsky is doing here. □� People use scientific terms with no clear idea of their meaning. [Also +�on ]

4 ADJ If your mind or your way of thinking is clear , you are able to think sensibly and reasonably, and you are not affected by confusion or by a drug such as alcohol. □� She needed a clear head to carry out her instructions. ●� clear|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The only time I can think clearly is when I'm alone.

5 VERB To clear your mind or your head means to free it from confused thoughts or from the effects of a drug such as alcohol. □�[V n] He walked up Fifth Avenue to clear his head. □�[V n +�of ] Our therapists will show you how to clear your mind of worries.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A clear substance is one which you can see through and which has no colour, like clean water. □� �a clear glass panel. □� The water is clear and plenty of fish are visible.

7 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a surface, place, or view is clear , it is free of unwanted objects or obstacles. □� The runway is clear�go ahead and land. □�[+�of ] Caroline prefers her worktops to be clear of clutter. □� The windows will allow a clear view of the beach.

8 VERB When you clear an area or place or clear something from it, you remove things from it that you do not want to be there. □�[V n] To clear the land and harvest the bananas they decided they needed a male workforce. □�[V n +�of ] Workers could not clear the tunnels of smoke. □�[V n +�from ] Firefighters were still clearing rubble from apartments damaged at the scene of the attack. [Also V n with adv] [Also V n +�off ]

9 VERB If something or someone clears the way or the path for something to happen, they make it possible. □�[V n +�for ] The Prime Minister resigned today, clearing the way for the formation of a new government.

10 ADJ If it is a clear day or if the sky is clear , there is no mist, rain, or cloud. □� On a clear day you can see the French coast. □� The winter sky was clear.

11 VERB When fog or mist clears , it gradually disappears. □�[V ] The early morning mist had cleared.

12 ADJ Clear eyes look healthy, attractive, and shining. □� �clear blue eyes. □� Her eyes were clear and steady.

13 ADJ If your skin is clear , it is healthy and free from spots.

14 ADJ If you say that your conscience is clear , you mean you do not think you have done anything wrong. □� Mr Garcia said his conscience was clear over the jail incidents.

15 ADJ If something or someone is clearof something else, it is not touching it or is a safe distance away from it. □�[+�of ] As soon as he was clear of the terminal building he looked round.

16 VERB If an animal or person clears an object or clears a certain height, they jump over the object, or over something that height, without touching it. □�[V n] He was the first vaulter to clear 6.00 metres.

17 VERB When a bank clears a cheque or when a cheque clears , the bank agrees to pay the sum of money mentioned on it. □�[V n] Polish banks can still take two or three weeks to clear a cheque. □�[V ] Allow time for the cheque to clear.

18 VERB [usu passive] If a course of action is cleared , people in authority give permission for it to happen. □�[be V -ed] Linda Gradstein has this report from Jerusalem, which was cleared by an Israeli censor. □�[be V -ed +�for ] Within an hour, the helicopter was cleared for take-off. [Also be V -ed to-inf]

19 VERB If someone is cleared , they are proved to be not guilty of a crime or mistake. □�[be V -ed of n/v-ing] She was cleared of murder and jailed for just five years for manslaughter. □�[V n] In a final effort to clear her name, Eunice has written a book.

20 →�see also clearing , crystal clear

21 CONVENTION You can say ' Is that clear? ' or ' Do I make myself clear? ' after you have told someone your wishes or instructions, to make sure that they have understood you, and to emphasize your authority. □� We're only going for half an hour, and you're not going to buy anything. Is that clear?

22 PHRASE If someone is in the clear , they are not in danger, or are not blamed or suspected of anything. □� The Audit Commission said that the ministry was in the clear.

23 PHRASE If you make something clear , you say something in a way that makes it impossible for there to be any doubt about your meaning, wishes, or intentions. □�[PHR that] Mr O'Friel made it clear that further insults of this kind would not be tolerated. □� The far-right has now made its intentions clear.

24 PHRASE If something or someone is a certain amount clear of a competitor, they are that amount ahead of them in a competition or race. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] The team are now seven points clear of West Ham. □�[+�of ] He crossed the line three seconds clear of Tom Snape.

25 PHRASE If you steer clear or stay clearof someone or something, you avoid them. □�[+�of ] The rabbis try to steer clear of political questions.

26to clear the air →�see air

27the coast is clear →�see coast

28to clear the decks →�see deck

29loud and clear →�see loud

30to clear your throat →�see throat

▸� clear away PHRASAL VERB When you clear things away or clear away , you put away the things that you have been using, especially for eating or cooking. □�[V P n] The waitress had cleared away the plates and brought coffee. □�[V P ] Tania cooked, served, and cleared away. [Also V n P ]

▸� clear off PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone to clear off , you are telling them rather rudely to go away. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] The boys told me to clear off.

▸� clear out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone to clear outof a place or to clear out , you are telling them rather rudely to leave the place. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P +�of ] She turned to the others in the room. 'The rest of you clear out of here.'. □�[V P ] 'Clear out!' he bawled. 'Private property!'

2 PHRASAL VERB If you clear out a container, room, or house, you tidy it and throw away the things in it that you no longer want. □�[V P n] I took the precaution of clearing out my desk before I left. [Also V n P ]

3 →�see also clear-out

▸� clear up

1 PHRASAL VERB When you clear up or clear a place up , you tidy things and put them away. □�[V P ] After breakfast they played while I cleared up. □�[V P n] I cleared up my room. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB To clear up a problem, misunderstanding, or mystery means to settle it or find a satisfactory explanation for it. □�[be V -ed P ] During dinner the confusion was cleared up: they had mistaken me for Kenny. [Also V n P , V P n]

3 →�see also clear-up

4 PHRASAL VERB To clear up a medical problem, infection, or disease means to cure it or get rid of it. If a medical problem clears up , it goes away. □�[V P n] Antibiotics should be used to clear up the infection. □�[V P ] Acne often clears up after the first three months of pregnancy. [Also V n P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB When the weather clears up , it stops raining or being cloudy. □�[V P ] It all depends on the weather clearing up.

clear|ance /kl I ə rəns/ (clearances )

1 N‑VAR Clearance is the removal of old buildings, trees, or other things that are not wanted from an area. □� �a slum clearance operation in Nairobi. □�[+�of ] The U.N. pledged to help supervise the clearance of mines.

2 N‑VAR If you get clearanceto do or have something, you get official approval or permission to do or have it. □�[+�to ] Thai Airways said the plane had been given clearance to land.

3 N‑VAR The clearance of a bridge is the distance between the lowest point of the bridge and the road or the water under the bridge. □� The lowest fixed bridge has 12.8m clearance.

clea r|ance sale (clearance sales ) N‑COUNT A clearance sale is a sale in which the goods in a shop are sold at reduced prices, because the shopkeeper wants to get rid of them quickly or because the shop is closing down.

cle ar-cu t ADJ Something that is clear-cut is easy to recognize and quite distinct. □� This was a clear-cut case of the original landowner being in the right. □� The issue is not so clear cut.

clea r-hea ded ADJ If you describe someone as clear-headed , you mean that they are sensible and think clearly, especially in difficult situations. [APPROVAL ] □� �his clear-headed grasp of the laws of economics.

clear|ing /kl I ə r I ŋ/ (clearings ) N‑COUNT A clearing is a small area in a forest where there are no trees or bushes. □�[+�in ] A helicopter landed in a clearing in the dense jungle.

clea r|ing bank (clearing banks ) N‑COUNT The clearing banks are the main banks in Britain. Clearing banks use the central clearing house in London to deal with other banks. [BUSINESS ]

clea r|ing house (clearing houses ) also clearing-house

1 N‑COUNT If an organization acts as a clearing house , it collects, sorts, and distributes specialized information. □�[+�for ] The centre will act as a clearing house for research projects for former nuclear scientists.

2 N‑COUNT A clearing house is a central bank which deals with all the business between the banks that use its services. [BUSINESS ]

clea r-out (clear-outs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] When you have a clear-out , you collect together all the things that you do not want and throw them away. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

clea r-si ghted ADJ If you describe someone as clear-sighted , you admire them because they are able to understand situations well and to make sensible judgments and decisions about them. [APPROVAL ] □� Try to keep a clear-sighted view of your objective.

clea r-up ADJ [ADJ n] The clear-up rate for a crime or in an area is the percentage of criminals caught by the police, compared to the total number of crimes reported. [BRIT ] □� The clear-up rate for murders remains high.

cleat /kliː t/ (cleats ) N‑COUNT A cleat is a kind of hook with two ends which is used to hold ropes, especially on sailing boats.

cleav|age /kliː v I dʒ/ (cleavages ) N‑COUNT A woman's cleavage is the space between her breasts, especially the top part which you see if she is wearing a dress with a low neck.

cleave /kliː v/ (cleaves , cleaving ) The past tense can be either cleaved or clove ; the past participle can be cleaved , cloven , or cleft for meaning 1 , and is cleaved for meaning 2 . 1 VERB To cleave something means to split or divide it into two separate parts, often violently. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] They just cleave the stone along the cracks.

2 VERB If someone cleaves to something or to someone else, they begin or continue to have strong feelings of loyalty towards them. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] She has cleaved to these principles all her life.

cleav|er /kliː və r / (cleavers ) N‑COUNT A cleaver is a knife with a large square blade, used for chopping meat or vegetables. □� �a meat cleaver.

clef /kle f/ (clefs ) N‑COUNT A clef is a symbol at the beginning of a line of music that indicates the pitch of the written notes.

cleft /kle ft/ (clefts )

1 N‑COUNT A cleft in a rock or in the ground is a narrow opening in it. □�[+�in ] �a narrow cleft in the rocks too small for humans to enter.

2 N‑COUNT A cleft in someone's chin is a line down the middle of it.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has a cleft chin, they have a cleft in their chin.

cle ft pa l|ate (cleft palates ) N‑VAR If someone has a cleft palate , they were born with a narrow opening along the roof of their mouth which makes it difficult for them to speak properly.

clema|tis /kle mət I s/ (clematises or clematis ) N‑VAR A clematis is a type of flowering shrub which can be grown to climb up walls or fences. There are many different varieties of clematis.

clem|en|cy /kle mənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is granted clemency , they are punished less severely than they could be. [FORMAL ] □� He avoided a stay in jail after a plea for clemency by his lawyer.

clem|ent /kle mənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Clement weather is pleasantly mild and dry. [FORMAL ]

clem|en|tine /kle mənta I n/ (clementines ) N‑COUNT A clementine is a fruit that looks like a small orange.

clench /kle ntʃ/ (clenches , clenching , clenched )

1 VERB When you clench your fist or your fist clenches , you curl your fingers up tightly, usually because you are very angry. □�[V n] Alex clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. □�[V ] She pulled at his sleeve and he turned on her, fists clenching again before he saw who it was. □�[V -ed] �angry protestors with clenched fists.

2 VERB When you clench your teeth or they clench , you squeeze your teeth together firmly, usually because you are angry or upset. □�[V n] Patsy had to clench her jaw to suppress her anger. □�[V -ed] Slowly, he released his breath through clenched teeth. [Also V ]

3 VERB If you clench something in your hand or in your teeth, you hold it tightly with your hand or your teeth. □�[V n] I clenched the arms of my chair.

cler|gy /klɜː r dʒi/ N‑PLURAL The clergy are the official leaders of the religious activities of a particular group of believers. □� These proposals met opposition from the clergy.

clergy|man /klɜː r dʒimən/ (clergymen ) N‑COUNT A clergyman is a male member of the clergy.

cler|ic /kle r I k/ (clerics ) N‑COUNT A cleric is a member of the clergy. □� His grandfather was a Muslim cleric.

cleri|cal /kle r I k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Clerical jobs, skills, and workers are concerned with work that is done in an office. □� �a strike by clerical staff in all government departments. □� The hospital blamed the mix-up on a clerical error.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Clerical means relating to the clergy. □� �Iran's clerical leadership.

clerk /klɑː r k, [AM ] klɜː rk/ (clerks , clerking , clerked )

1 N‑COUNT A clerk is a person who works in an office, bank, or law court and whose job is to look after the records or accounts. □� She was offered a job as an accounts clerk with a travel firm.

2 N‑COUNT In a hotel, office, or hospital, a clerk is the person whose job is to answer the telephone and deal with people when they arrive. [mainly AM ] □� �a hotel clerk.

3 N‑COUNT A clerk is someone who works in a store. [AM ]

4 VERB To clerk means to work as a clerk. [mainly AM ] □�[V ] Gene clerked at the auction.

clev|er ◆◇◇ /kle və r / (cleverer , cleverest )

1 ADJ Someone who is clever is intelligent and able to understand things easily or plan things well. □� He's a very clever man. □� My sister was always a lot cleverer than I was. ●� clev|er|ly ADV □� She would cleverly pick up on what I said. ●� clev|er|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Her cleverness seems to get in the way of her emotions.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A clever idea, book, or invention is extremely effective and shows the skill of the people involved. □� �a clever and gripping novel. □� �this clever new gadget. ●� clev|er|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� �a cleverly-designed swimsuit.

cli|ch� /kliː ʃe I , [AM ] kliːʃe I / (clich�s ) in BRIT, also use cliche N‑COUNT A clich� is an idea or phrase which has been used so much that it is no longer interesting or effective or no longer has much meaning. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] I've learned that the cliche about life not being fair is true.

cli|ch�d /kliː ʃe I d, [AM ] kliːʃe I d/ in BRIT, also use cliched ADJ If you describe something as clich�d , you mean that it has been said, done, or used many times before, and is boring or untrue. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The dialogue and acting in the play are tired, cliched and corny.

click ◆◇◇ /kl I k/ (clicks , clicking , clicked )

1 VERB If something clicks or if you click it, it makes a short, sharp sound. □�[V ] The applause rose to a crescendo and cameras clicked. □�[V P +�off ] He clicked off the radio. □�[V n] Blake clicked his fingers at a passing waiter, who hurried across to them. ●�N‑COUNT Click is also a noun. □� The telephone rang three times before I heard a click and then her recorded voice. [Also V P +�on ]

2 VERB [no passive] If you clickon an area of a computer screen, you point the cursor at that area and press one of the buttons on the mouse in order to make something happen. [COMPUTING ] □�[V +�on ] I clicked on a link and recent reviews of the production came up. [Also V , V n] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Click is also a noun. □�[+�of ] You can check your email with a click of your mouse.

3 VERB When you suddenly understand something, you can say that it clicks . [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] When I saw the television report, it all clicked. □�[V that] It suddenly clicked that this was fantastic fun.

4to click into place →�see place

click|able /kl I kəb ə l/ ADJ A clickable image on a computer screen is one that you can point the cursor at and click on, in order to make something happen. [COMPUTING ] □� �a Web site with clickable maps showing hotel locations.

cli ck bait N‑UNCOUNT Click bait is something on a website that encourages people to click on a link. [INFORMAL ] □� The images of animals serve as click bait.

cli|ent ◆◇◇ /kla I ənt/ (clients ) N‑COUNT A client of a professional person or organization is a person or company that receives a service from them in return for payment. [BUSINESS ] □� �a solicitor and his client. □� The company required clients to pay substantial fees in advance. SYNONYMS client NOUN

customer:Our customers have very tight budgets.

consumer:�improving public services and consumer rights.

buyer:Car buyers are more interested in safety and reliability than speed.

patron:Like so many of the hotel�s patrons, he adored the food.

shopper:Better protection is available for shoppers who use a credit card.

cli |ent base (client bases ) N‑COUNT A business's client base is the same as its customer base . [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] Enviros Consulting has a client base of more than 2,000 organisations.

cli|en|tele /kliː ɒnte l, kla I ən-/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The clientele of a place or organization are its customers or clients. □� This pub had a mixed clientele.

cli |ent sta te (client states ) N‑COUNT A client state is a country which is controlled or influenced by another larger and more powerful state, or which depends on this state for support and protection. □� �France and its African client states.

cliff /kl I f/ (cliffs ) N‑COUNT A cliff is a high area of land with a very steep side, especially one next to the sea. □� The car rolled over the edge of a cliff.

cliff|hanger /kl I fh�ŋə r / (cliffhangers ) also cliff-hanger N‑COUNT A cliffhanger is a situation or part of a play or film that is very exciting or frightening because you are left for a long time not knowing what will happen next. □� The election is likely to be a cliff-hanger. □� �cliffhanger endings to keep you in suspense.

cliff|top /kl I ftɒp/ (clifftops ) N‑COUNT A clifftop is the area of land around the top of a cliff. □� �a house on the clifftop. □� �25 acres of spectacular clifftop scenery.

cli|mac|tic /kla I m� kt I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] A climactic moment in a story or a series of events is one in which a very exciting or important event occurs. [FORMAL ] □� �the film's climactic scene.

cli|mate ◆◇◇ /kla I mət/ (climates )

1 N‑VAR The climate of a place is the general weather conditions that are typical of it. □�[+�of ] �the hot and humid climate of Cyprus.

2 N‑COUNT You can use climate to refer to the general atmosphere or situation somewhere. □� The economic climate remains uncertain. □�[+�of ] �the existing climate of violence and intimidation. SYNONYMS climate NOUN 1

weather:�the weather conditions.

temperature:Coping with severe drops in temperature can be very difficult.

climes:He left Britain for the sunnier climes of Southern France.

cli |mate change N‑UNCOUNT Climate change refers to changes in the earth�s climate, especially the gradual rise in temperature caused by high levels of carbon dioxide and other gases. □� Human activity has led to deforestation, species becoming extinct, rising sea levels and climate change.

cli|mat|ic /kla I m� t I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Climatic conditions, changes, and effects relate to the general weather conditions of a place. □� �the threat of rising sea levels and climatic change from overheating of the atmosphere.

cli|ma|tolo|gist /kla I mətɒ lədʒ I st/ (climatologists ) N‑COUNT A climatologist is someone who studies climates.

cli|max /kla I m�ks/ (climaxes , climaxing , climaxed )

1 N‑COUNT The climaxof something is the most exciting or important moment in it, usually near the end. □�[+�of/to ] For Pritchard, getting a medal was the climax of her career. □�[+�to ] It was the climax to 24 hours of growing anxiety. □� The last golf tournament of the European season is building up to a dramatic climax.

2 VERB The event that climaxes a sequence of events is an exciting or important event that comes at the end. You can also say that a sequence of events climaxeswith a particular event. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The demonstration climaxed two weeks of strikes. □�[V +�with ] They've just finished a sell-out U.K. tour that climaxed with a three-night stint at Brixton Academy. [Also V ]

3 N‑VAR A climax is an orgasm .

4 VERB When someone climaxes , they have an orgasm. □�[V ] Often, a man can enjoy making love but may not be sufficiently aroused to climax.

climb ◆◇◇ /kla I m/ (climbs , climbing , climbed )

1 VERB If you climb something such as a tree, mountain, or ladder, or climbup it, you move towards the top of it. If you climbdown it, you move towards the bottom of it. □�[V n] He picked up his suitcase and climbed the stairs. □�[V +�up ] I told her about him climbing up the drainpipe. □�[V +�down ] Kelly climbed down the ladder into the water. □�[V ] Children love to climb. ●�N‑COUNT Climb is also a noun. □� �an hour's leisurely climb through olive groves and vineyards.

2 VERB If you climb somewhere, you move there carefully, for example because you are moving into a small space or trying to avoid falling. □�[V prep/adv] The girls hurried outside, climbed into the car, and drove off. □�[V prep/adv] He must have climbed out of his cot.

3 VERB When something such as an aeroplane climbs , it moves upwards to a higher position. When the sun climbs , it moves higher in the sky. □�[V ] The plane continued to climb until it reached its cruising altitude. [Also V prep]

4 VERB When something climbs , it increases in value or amount. □�[V ] The nation's unemployment rate has been climbing steadily since last June. □�[V +�by ] Prices have climbed by 21% since the beginning of the year. □�[V +�to/from ] The FA Cup Final's audience climbed to 12.3 million. □�[V amount] Jaguar shares climbed 43 pence to 510 pence.

5 →�see also climbing

6a mountain to climb →�see mountain

▸� climb down PHRASAL VERB If you climb down in an argument or dispute, you admit that you are wrong, or change your intentions or demands. □�[V P ] If Lafontaine is forced to climb down, he may wish to reconsider his position. □�[V P +�on/over ] He has climbed down on pledges to reduce capital gains tax. SYNONYMS climb VERB

1

ascend:Then we ascend steeply through forests of rhododendron.

scale:�Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to scale Everest.

mount:Llewelyn was mounting the stairs up into the keep.

clamber:They clambered up the stone walls of a steeply terraced olive grove.

4

increase:The population continues to increase.

mount:The decibel level was mounting.

go up:Interest rates went up.

rise:Pre-tax profits rose from �842,000 to �1.82m. COLLOCATIONS climb VERB

1

climb+�noun : ladder, stairs, steps; hill, mountain; fence, wall

4

climb+�adverb : rapidly, sharply, steeply; gradually, slowly; steadily NOUN 1

adjective +�climb : steep, stiff; arduous, strenuous; slow, steady; uphill, upward

cli mb-down (climb-downs ) also climbdown N‑COUNT A climb-down in an argument or dispute is the act of admitting that you are wrong or of changing your intentions or demands. □� The government was forced into a humiliating climb-down.

climb|er /kla I mə r / (climbers )

1 N‑COUNT A climber is someone who climbs rocks or mountains as a sport or a hobby.

2 N‑COUNT A climber is a plant that grows upwards by attaching itself to other plants or objects.

climb|ing /kla I m I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Climbing is the activity of climbing rocks or mountains.

2 →�see also climb , rock climbing , social climbing

cli mb|ing frame (climbing frames ) N‑COUNT A climbing frame is a structure that has been made for children to climb and play on. It consists of metal or wooden bars joined together. [BRIT ] in AM, use jungle gym

clime /kla I m/ (climes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu adj N ] You use clime in expressions such as warmer climes and foreign climes to refer to a place that has a particular kind of climate. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] He left Britain for the sunnier climes of Southern France.

clinch /kl I ntʃ/ (clinches , clinching , clinched )

1 VERB If you clinch something you are trying to achieve, such as a business deal or victory in a contest, you succeed in obtaining it. □�[V n] Hibernian clinched the First Division title when they beat Hamilton 2�0. □�[V n +�with ] This has fuelled speculation that he is about to clinch a deal with an American engine manufacturer.

2 VERB The thing that clinches an uncertain matter settles it or provides a definite answer. □�[V n] Evidently this information clinched the matter. □�[V it ] That was the clue which clinched it for us.

clinch|er /kl I ntʃə r / (clinchers ) N‑COUNT A clincher is a fact or argument that finally proves something, settles a dispute, or helps someone achieve a victory. [INFORMAL ] □� DNA fingerprinting has proved the clincher in this investigation. □� The clincher was City's second goal, scored minutes from the end.

cling /kl I ŋ/ (clings , clinging , clung )

1 VERB If you clingto someone or something, you hold onto them tightly. □�[V +�to/onto ] Another man was rescued as he clung to the riverbank. □�[V +�together ] They hugged each other, clinging together under the lights.

2 VERB If someone clingsto a position or a possession they have, they do everything they can to keep it even though this may be very difficult. □�[V +�to/onto ] He appears determined to cling to power. □�[V +�on ] Another minister clung on with a majority of only 18. □�[V +�on to ] Japan's productivity has overtaken America in some industries, but elsewhere the United States has clung on to its lead.

cling|film /kl I ŋf I lm/ also cling film N‑UNCOUNT Clingfilm is a thin, clear, stretchy plastic that you use to cover food in order to keep it fresh. [BRIT ] in AM, use plastic wrap , Saran wrap

clingy /kl I ŋi/ (clingier , clingiest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone as clingy , you mean that they become very attached to people and depend on them too much. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� A very clingy child can drive a parent to distraction.

2 ADJ Clingy clothes fit tightly round your body. □� �long clingy skirts.

clin|ic ◆◇◇ /kl I n I k/ (clinics ) N‑COUNT A clinic is a building where people go to receive medical advice or treatment. □� �a family planning clinic. COLLOCATIONS clinic NOUN

noun +�clinic : abortion, family planning, fertility; GP, health, hospital, pain; addiction, rehab

adjective +�clinic : antenatal, dental, medical, psychiatric; veterinary; private, walk-in

verb +�clinic : attend, visit; hold, open, run

clini|cal /kl I n I k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Clinical means involving or relating to the direct medical treatment or testing of patients. [MEDICAL ] □� The first clinical trials were expected to begin next year. □� �a clinical psychologist. ●� clini|cal|ly /kl I n I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� It has been clinically proved that it is better to stretch the tight muscles first.

2 ADJ You use clinical to describe thought or behaviour which is very logical and does not involve any emotion. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� All this questioning is so analytical and clinical�it kills romance.

cli ni|cal tri |al (clinical trials ) N‑COUNT When a new type of drug or medical treatment undergoes clinical trials , it is tested directly on patients to see if it is effective. □� Two rival laser surgery systems are undergoing clinical trials in the U.S.

cli|ni|cian /kl I n I ʃ ə n/ (clinicians ) N‑COUNT A clinician is a doctor who specializes in clinical work.

clink /kl I ŋk/ (clinks , clinking , clinked ) VERB If objects made of glass, pottery, or metal clink or if you clink them, they touch each other and make a short, light sound. □�[V n +�against/with ] She clinked her glass against his. □�[V n] They clinked glasses. □�[V +�against ] The empty bottle clinked against the seat. □�[V ] Their glasses clinked, their eyes met. ●�N‑COUNT Clink is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the clink of a spoon in a cup.

clip /kl I p/ (clips , clipping , clipped )

1 N‑COUNT A clip is a small device, usually made of metal or plastic, that is specially shaped for holding things together. □� She took the clip out of her hair.

2 VERB When you clip things together or when things clip together, you fasten them together using a clip or clips. □�[V n +�to/on ] He clipped his safety belt to a fitting on the deck. □�[V n prep/adv] He clipped his cufflinks neatly in place. □�[V +�to ] �an electronic pen which clips to the casing. □�[V -ed] His flashlight was still clipped to his belt.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A clip from a film or a radio or television programme is a short piece of it that is broadcast separately. □�[+�from ] �a clip from the movie 'Shane'.

4 VERB If you clip something, you cut small pieces from it, especially in order to shape it. □�[V n] I saw an old man out clipping his hedge.

5 VERB If you clip something out of a newspaper or magazine, you cut it out. □�[V n +�from/out of ] Kids in his neighborhood clipped his picture from the newspaper and carried it around.

6 VERB If something clips something else, it hits it accidentally at an angle before moving off in a different direction. □�[V n] The lorry clipped the rear of a tanker and then crashed into a second truck.

7 →�see also bulldog clip , clipped , clipping , paper clip

clip|board /kl I pbɔː r d/ (clipboards )

1 N‑COUNT A clipboard is a board with a clip at the top. It is used to hold together pieces of paper that you need to carry around, and provides a firm base for writing.

2 N‑COUNT In computing, a clipboard is a file where you can temporarily store text or images from one document until you are ready to use them again. [COMPUTING ]

cli p-on ADJ [ADJ n] A clip-on object is designed to be fastened to something by means of a clip. □� �a clip-on tie. □� �a clip-on light.

clipped /kl I pt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Clipped means neatly cut. □� �a quiet street of clipped hedges and flowering gardens.

2 ADJ If you say that someone has a clipped way of speaking, you mean they speak with quick, short sounds, and usually that they sound upper-class. □� The Chief Constable's clipped tones crackled over the telephone line.

clip|per /kl I pə r / (clippers ) N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Clippers are a tool used for cutting small amounts from something, especially from someone's hair or nails.

clip|ping /kl I p I ŋ/ (clippings )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A clipping is an article, picture, or advertisement that has been cut from a newspaper or magazine. □� �bulletin boards crowded with newspaper clippings.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft n N ] Clippings are small pieces of something that have been cut from something larger. □� Having mown the lawn, there are all those grass clippings to get rid of. □� �nail clippings.

clique /kliː k/ (cliques ) N‑COUNT If you describe a group of people as a clique , you mean that they spend a lot of time together and seem unfriendly towards people who are not in the group. [DISAPPROVAL ]

cli|quey /kliː ki/ in AM, usually use cliquish ADJ If you describe a group of people or their behaviour as cliquey , you mean they spend their time only with other members of the group and seem unfriendly towards people who are not in the group. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �cliquey gossip.

clito|ral /kl I tərəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Clitoral means concerned with or relating to the clitoris. □� �clitoral stimulation.

clito|ris /kl I tər I s/ (clitorises ) N‑COUNT The clitoris is a part at the front of a woman's sexual organs where she can feel sexual pleasure.

Cllr. N‑TITLE Cllr. is a written abbreviation for councillor . [BRIT ] □� �Cllr. Ned Dewitt.

cloak /kloʊ k/ (cloaks , cloaking , cloaked )

1 N‑COUNT A cloak is a long, loose, sleeveless piece of clothing which people used to wear over their other clothes when they went out.

2 N‑SING A cloak of something such as mist or snow completely covers and hides something. □�[+�of ] Today most of England will be under a cloak of thick mist.

3 N‑SING If you refer to something as a cloak , you mean that it is intended to hide the truth about something. □�[+�of ] Preparations for the wedding were made under a cloak of secrecy.

4 VERB To cloak something means to cover it or hide it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n +�in ] �the decision to cloak major tourist attractions in unsightly hoardings. □�[V -ed +�in ] The beautiful sweeping coastline was cloaked in mist.

cloa k-and-da gger also cloak and dagger ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cloak-and-dagger activity is one which involves mystery and secrecy. □� She was released from prison in a cloak-and-dagger operation yesterday.

cloak|room /kloʊ kruːm/ (cloakrooms )

1 N‑COUNT In a public building, the cloakroom is the place where people can leave their coats, umbrellas, and so on. □� �a cloakroom attendant.

2 N‑COUNT A cloakroom is a room containing toilets in a public building or a room containing a toilet on the ground floor of someone's house. [BRIT ]

clob|ber /klɒ bə r / (clobbers , clobbering , clobbered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to someone's possessions, especially their clothes, as their clobber . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 VERB If you clobber someone, you hit them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Hillary clobbered him with a vase.

cloche /klɒ ʃ/ (cloches ) N‑COUNT A cloche is a long, low cover made of glass or clear plastic that is put over young plants to protect them from the cold.

clock ◆◇◇ /klɒ k/ (clocks , clocking , clocked )

1 N‑COUNT A clock is an instrument, for example in a room or on the outside of a building, that shows what time of day it is. □� He was conscious of a clock ticking. □� He also repairs clocks and watches. □� �a digital clock.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A time clock in a factory or office is a device that is used to record the hours that people work. Each worker puts a special card into the device when they arrive and leave, and the times are recorded on the card. □� Government workers were made to punch time clocks morning, noon and night.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In a car, theclock is the instrument that shows the speed of the car or the distance it has travelled. [mainly BRIT ] □� The car had 160,000 miles on the clock.

4 VERB To clock a particular time or speed in a race means to reach that time or speed. □�[V n] Elliott clocked the fastest time this year for the 800 metres.

5 VERB [usu passive] If something or someone is clockedat a particular time or speed, their time or speed is measured at that level. □�[be V -ed +�at ] He has been clocked at 11 seconds for 100 metres.

6 →�see also alarm clock , biological clock , body clock , cuckoo clock , grandfather clock , o'clock

7 PHRASE If you are doing something against the clock , you are doing it in a great hurry, because there is very little time. □� The emergency services were working against the clock as the tide began to rise. □� It's now become a race against the clock.

8 PHRASE If something is done round the clock or around the clock , it is done all day and all night without stopping. □� Rescue services have been working round the clock to free stranded motorists.

9 PHRASE If you want to turn the clock back or put the clock back , you want to return to a situation that used to exist, usually because the present situation is unpleasant. □� In some ways we wish we could turn the clock back. □� We cannot put back the clock.

▸� clock in PHRASAL VERB When you clock in at work, you arrive there or put a special card into a device to show what time you arrived. □�[V P ] I have to clock in by eight.

▸� clock off PHRASAL VERB When you clock off at work, you leave work or put a special card into a device to show what time you left. □�[V P ] The Night Duty Officer was ready to clock off. □�[V P n] They clocked off duty and left at ten to three.

▸� clock on PHRASAL VERB When workers clock on at a factory or office, they put a special card into a device to show what time they arrived. □�[V P ] They arrived to clock on and found the factory gates locked.

▸� clock out PHRASAL VERB Clock out means the same as clock off . □�[V P +�of ] She had clocked out of her bank at 5.02pm using her plastic card. [Also V P ]

▸� clock up PHRASAL VERB If you clock up a large number or total of things, you reach that number or total. □�[V P n] In two years, he clocked up over 100 victories.

clo ck tow|er (clock towers ) N‑COUNT A clock tower is a tall, narrow building with a clock at the top.

clock|wise /klɒ kwa I z/ ADV [ADV after v] When something is moving clockwise , it is moving in a circle in the same direction as the hands on a clock. □� He told the children to start moving clockwise around the room. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Clockwise is also an adjective. □� Gently swing your right arm in a clockwise direction.

clock|work /klɒ kwɜː r k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A clockwork toy or device has machinery inside it which makes it move or operate when it is wound up with a key. □� �a clockwork train-set.

2 PHRASE If you say that something happens like clockwork , you mean that it happens without any problems or delays, or happens regularly. □� The Queen's holiday is arranged to go like clockwork, everything pre-planned to the minute.

clod /klɒ d/ (clods ) N‑COUNT A clodof earth is a large lump of earth.

clog /klɒ g/ (clogs , clogging , clogged )

1 VERB When something clogs a hole or place, it blocks it so that nothing can pass through. □�[V n] Dirt clogs the pores, causing spots. □�[V n] The traffic clogged the Thames bridges.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Clogs are heavy leather or wooden shoes with thick wooden soles.

▸� clog up PHRASAL VERB When something clogs up a place, or when it clogs up , it becomes blocked so that little or nothing can pass through. □�[V P n] 22,000 tourists were clogging up the pavements. □�[V P ] The result is that the lungs clog up with a thick mucus.

clois|ter /klɔ I stə r / (cloisters ) N‑COUNT A cloister is a covered area round a square in a monastery or a cathedral.

clois|tered /klɔ I stə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a cloistered way of life, you live quietly and are not involved in the normal busy life of the world around you. □� �the cloistered world of royalty.

clone /kloʊ n/ (clones , cloning , cloned )

1 N‑COUNT If someone or something is a clone of another person or thing, they are so similar to this person or thing that they seem to be exactly the same as them. □� Designers are mistaken if they believe we all want to be supermodel clones.

2 N‑COUNT A clone is an animal or plant that has been produced artificially, for example in a laboratory, from the cells of another animal or plant. A clone is exactly the same as the original animal or plant.

3 VERB To clone an animal or plant means to produce it as a clone. □�[V n] The idea of cloning extinct life forms still belongs to science fiction.

close

➊�SHUTTING OR COMPLETING

➋�NEARNESS; ADJECTIVE USES

➌�NEARNESS; VERB USES

➍�USED AS A ROAD NAME

➊ close ◆◆◆ /kloʊ z/ (closes , closing , closed )

→�Please look at categories 12- 15 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB When you close something such as a door or lid or when it closes , it moves so that a hole, gap, or opening is covered. □�[V n] If you are cold, close the window. □�[V ] Zacharias heard the door close. □�[V -ed] Keep the curtains closed.

2 VERB When you close something such as an open book or umbrella, you move the different parts of it together. □�[V n] Slowly he closed the book.

3 VERB If you close something such as a computer file or window, you give the computer an instruction to remove it from the screen. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] To close your document, press CTRL+W on your keyboard.

4 VERB When you close your eyes or your eyes close , your eyelids move downwards, so that you can no longer see. □�[V n] Bess closed her eyes and fell asleep. □�[V ] When we sneeze, our eyes close.

5 VERB When a place closes or is closed , work or activity stops there for a short period. □�[V ] Shops close only on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. □�[V n] It was Saturday; they could close the office early. □�[V n] Government troops closed the airport. □�[V -ed] The restaurant was closed for the night.

6 VERB If a place such as a factory, shop, or school closes , or if it is closed , all work or activity stops there permanently. □�[V ] Many enterprises will be forced to close. □�[V n] If they do close the local college I'll have to go to Worcester. ●�PHRASAL VERB Close down means the same as close . □�[V P n] Minford closed down the business and went into politics. □�[V P ] Many of the smaller stores have closed down. [Also V n P ] ●� clos|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] �the closing of the steelworks.

7 VERB To close a road or border means to block it in order to prevent people from using it. □�[V n] The police had to close the road to traffic.

8 VERB To close a conversation, event, or matter means to bring it to an end or to complete it. □�[V n] DNA tests could close the case. □�[V -ed] The Prime Minister is said to now consider the matter closed. □�[V -ing] �the closing ceremony of the National Political Conference.

9 VERB If you close a bank account, you take all your money out of it and inform the bank that you will no longer be using the account. □�[V n] He had closed his account with the bank five years earlier.

10 VERB On the stock market or the currency markets, if a share price or a currency closes at a particular value, that is its value at the end of the day's business. [BUSINESS ] □�[V prep/adv] Dawson shares closed at 219p, up 5p. □�[V adj] The U.S. dollar closed higher in Tokyo today.

11 N‑SING Thecloseof a period of time or an activity is the end of it. To bring or draw something to a close means to end it. □�[+�of ] By the close of business, they knew the campaign was a success. □� Brian's retirement brings to a close a glorious chapter in British football history.

12 →�see also closed , closing

13to close the door on something →�see door

14to close your eyes to something →�see eye

15to close ranks →�see rank

▸� close down →�see close ➊ 6

▸� close off PHRASAL VERB To close something off means to separate it from other things or people so that they cannot go there. □�[V P n] Police closed off about 12 blocks of a major San Francisco thoroughfare for today's march.

▸� close up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone closes up a building, they shut it completely and securely, often because they are going away. □�[V P n] Just close up the shop. □�[V -ed P ] The summer house had been closed up all year.

2 PHRASAL VERB If an opening, gap, or something hollow closes up , or if you close it up , it becomes closed or covered. □�[V P ] Don't use cold water as it shocks the blood vessels into closing up. [Also V n P ]

➋ close ◆◆◆ /kloʊ s/ (closer , closest )

→�Please look at categories 19 and 20 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If one thing or person is closeto another, there is only a very small distance between them. □�[+�to ] Her lips were close to his head and her breath tickled his ear. □� The man moved closer, lowering his voice. □� The tables were pushed close together so diners could talk across the aisles. ●� close|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� Wherever they went they were closely followed by security men.

2 ADJ You say that people are closeto each other when they like each other very much and know each other very well. □� She and Linda became very close. □�[+�to ] As a little girl, Karan was closest to her sister Gail. □� I shared a house with a close friend from school. ●� close|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] I asked whether her closeness to her mother ever posed any problems.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Your close relatives are the members of your family who are most directly related to you, for example your parents and your brothers or sisters. □� �large changes such as the birth of a child or death of a close relative.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n, Also v-link ADJ to n] A close ally or partner of someone knows them well and is very involved in their work. □� He was once regarded as one of Mr Brown's closest political advisers. □�[+�to ] A senior source close to the Prime Minister told us: 'Our position has not changed.'

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Close contact or co-operation involves seeing or communicating with someone often. □� Both nations are seeking closer links with the West. □� He lived alone, keeping close contact with his three grown-up sons. ●� close|ly ADV [ADV after v] □�[+�with ] We work closely with the careers officers in schools.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is a close connection or resemblance between two things, they are strongly connected or are very similar. □� There is a close connection between pain and tension. □� Clare's close resemblance to his elder sister invoked a deep dislike in him. ●� close|ly ADV [ADV before v, ADV -ed] □� �a pattern closely resembling a cross. □� �fruits closely related to the orange.

7 ADJ Close inspection or observation of something is careful and thorough. □� He discovered, on closer inspection, that the rocks contained gold. □� Let's have a closer look. ●� close|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� If you look closely at the problems in society, you'll see evidence of discrimination.

8 ADJ A close competition or election is won or seems likely to be won by only a small amount. □� It is still a close contest between two leading opposition parties. □� It's going to be very close. ●� close|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� This will be a closely fought race.

9 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are closeto something or if it is close , it is likely to happen or come soon. If you are closeto doing something, you are likely to do it soon. □�[+�to ] She sounded close to tears. □� A senior White House official said the agreement is close. □�[+�to ] He's close to signing a contract.

10 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is close or comes closeto something else, it almost is, does, or experiences that thing. □�[+�to ] An airliner came close to disaster while approaching Heathrow Airport.

11 ADJ If the atmosphere somewhere is close , it is unpleasantly warm with not enough air.

12 PHRASE Something that is close by or close at hand is near to you. □� Did a new hairdressing shop open close by? □� Lake and mountain scenery is also close at hand: it's a 90-minute drive to the Mont-Tremblant ski resort.

13 PHRASE If you describe an event as a close shave , a close thing , or a close call , you mean that an accident or a disaster very nearly happened. □� You had a close shave, but you knew when you accepted this job that there would be risks.

14 PHRASE If you keep a close eyeon someone or something or keep a close watchon them, you observe them carefully to make sure they are progressing as you want them to. □� The President's foreign policy team are keeping a close eye on events.

15 PHRASE Close to a particular amount or distance means slightly less than that amount or distance. In British English, you can also say close on a particular amount or distance. □�[+�to ] Sisulu spent close to 30 years in prison. □�[+�on ] Catering may now account for close on a quarter of pub turnover.

16 PHRASE If you look at something close up or close to , you look at it when you are very near to it. □�[+�up ] They always look smaller close up.

17 →�see also close-up

18 PHRASE If something such as a competition or an election is too close to call , it is not possible to predict who will win because it seems likely to be won by only a very small margin. [JOURNALISM ] □� In the Senate, the count is too close to call at this point.

19at close quarters →�see quarter

20at close range →�see range

➌ close ◆◇◇ /kloʊ z/ (closes , closing , closed ) VERB If you are closingon someone or something that you are following, you are getting nearer and nearer to them. □�[V +�on ] I was within 15 seconds of the guy in second place and closing on him. [Also V ]

▸� close in

1 PHRASAL VERB If a group of people close inon a person or place, they come nearer and nearer to them and gradually surround them. □�[V P +�on ] Eight thousand soldiers were closing in on him. □�[V P ] As Parretti walked across the tarmac, fraud officers closed in.

2 PHRASAL VERB When winter or darkness closes in , it arrives. □�[V P ] The dark nights and cold weather are closing in.

➍ Close /kloʊ s/ (Closes ) N‑COUNT [n N ] Close is used in the names of some streets in Britain. □� �116 Dendridge Close.

close-cropped /kloʊ s krɒ pt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Close-cropped hair or grass is cut very short.

closed /kloʊ zd/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A closed group of people does not welcome new people or ideas from outside. □� It was to be a closed circle of no more than twelve women. □� It is a closed society in the sense that they've not been exposed to many things.

2 →�see also close ➊

3a closed book →�see book

4behind closed doors →�see door

clo sed-ci rcuit also closed circuit ADJ [ADJ n] A closed-circuit television or video system is one that operates within a limited area such as a building. □� There's a closed-circuit television camera in the reception area.

clo sed sho p (closed shops ) N‑COUNT If a factory, shop, or other business is a closed shop , the employees must be members of a particular trade union. [BUSINESS ] □� �the trade union which they are required to join under the closed shop agreement.

close-fitting /kloʊ s f I t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Close-fitting clothes fit tightly and show the shape of your body.

close-knit /kloʊ s n I t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A close-knit group of people are closely linked, do things together, and take an interest in each other. □� Events over the last year have created a close-knit community.

close-run /kloʊ s rʌ n/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something such as a race or contest as a close-run thing, you mean that it was only won by a very small amount. □� In such a close-run race as this election, the campaign becomes all important.

close sea|son /kloʊ s siːzən/ in AM, use closed season N‑SING In football and some other sports, the close season is the period of the year when the sport is not played professionally. [BRIT ] □� Football clubs have been busy in the close season transfer market.

clos|et /klɒ z I t/ (closets )

1 N‑COUNT A closet is a piece of furniture with doors at the front and shelves inside, which is used for storing things. [AM ] in BRIT, use cupboard2 N‑COUNT A closet is a very small room for storing things, especially one without windows. [AM , also BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Closet is used to describe a person who has beliefs, habits, or feelings which they keep secret, often because they are embarrassed about them. Closet is also used of their beliefs, habits, or feelings. □� He is a closet Fascist.

4 →�see also closeted

5a skeleton in the closet →�see skeleton

clos|et|ed /klɒ z I t I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are closetedwith someone, you are talking privately to them. [FORMAL or LITERARY ] □� Charles and I were closeted in his study for the briefing session.

close-up /kloʊ s ʌp/ (close-ups ) N‑COUNT A close-up is a photograph or a picture in a film that shows a lot of detail because it is taken very near to the subject. □�[+�of ] �a close-up of Harvey's face. ●�PHRASE If you see something in close-up , you see it in great detail in a photograph or piece of film which has been taken very near to the subject. □� Hughes stared up at him in close-up from the photograph.

clos|ing /kloʊ z I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The closing part of an activity or period of time is the final part of it. □� He entered RAF service in the closing stages of the war.

2 →�see also close ➊

clo s|ing price (closing prices ) N‑COUNT On the stock exchange, the closing price of a share is its price at the end of a day's business. [BUSINESS ] □� The price is slightly above yesterday's closing price.

clo s|ing time (closing times ) N‑VAR Closing time is the time when something such as a shop, library, or pub closes and people have to leave. □� We were in the pub until closing time.

Clos|trid|ium diffi|cile /klɒstr I diəm d I f I s I li, - d I f I siː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that causes severe diarrhoea. It is commonly found in hospitals. C.diff is also used. [MEDICAL ]

clo|sure /kloʊ ʒə r / (closures )

1 N‑VAR The closure of a place such as a business or factory is the permanent ending of the work or activity there. □�[+�of ] �the closure of the Ravenscraig steelworks. □� Almost three in four clinics say they face closure by the end of the year.

2 N‑COUNT The closure of a road or border is the blocking of it in order to prevent people from using it.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If someone achieves closure , they succeed in accepting something bad that has happened to them. [mainly AM ] □� I asked McKeown if the reunion was meant to achieve closure.

clot /klɒ t/ (clots , clotting , clotted )

1 N‑COUNT A clot is a sticky lump that forms when blood dries up or becomes thick. □� He needed emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.

2 VERB When blood clots , it becomes thick and forms a lump. □�[V ] The patient's blood refused to clot. □�[V -ing] Aspirin apparently thins the blood and inhibits clotting.

cloth /klɒ θ, [AM ] klɔː θ/ (cloths )

1 N‑VAR Cloth is fabric which is made by weaving or knitting a substance such as cotton, wool, silk, or nylon. Cloth is used especially for making clothes. □� She began cleaning the wound with a piece of cloth.

2 N‑COUNT A cloth is a piece of cloth which you use for a particular purpose, such as cleaning something or covering something. □� Clean the surface with a damp cloth. □� �a tray covered with a cloth.

3 N‑SING The cloth is sometimes used to refer to Christian priests and ministers. □� �a man of the cloth.

clo th ca p (cloth caps ) N‑COUNT A cloth cap is a soft flat cap with a stiff, curved part at the front called a peak. Cloth caps are usually worn by men.

clothe /kloʊ �/ (clothes , clothing , clothed )

1 VERB To clothe someone means to provide them with clothes to wear. □�[V n] She was on her own with two kids to feed and clothe.

2 →�see also clothed , clothes , clothing

clothed /kloʊ �d/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you are clothedin a certain way, you are dressed in that way. □� He lay down on the bed fully clothed. □�[+�in ] �women clothed in black.

clothes ◆◆◇ /kloʊ �z/

1 N‑PLURAL Clothes are the things that people wear, such as shirts, coats, trousers, and dresses. □� Moira walked upstairs to change her clothes. □� He dressed quickly in casual clothes.

2 →�see also plain-clothes

clo thes horse (clothes horses )

1 N‑COUNT A clothes horse is a folding frame used inside someone's house to hang washing on while it dries.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone, especially a woman, as a clothes horse , you mean that they are fashionable and think a lot about their clothes, but have little intelligence or no other abilities. [DISAPPROVAL ]

clothes|line /kloʊ �zla I n/ (clotheslines ) also clothes line N‑COUNT A clothesline is a thin rope on which you hang washing so that it can dry.

clo thes peg (clothes pegs ) N‑COUNT A clothes peg is a small device which you use to fasten clothes to a washing line. [BRIT ] in AM, use clothespin

clothes|pin /kloʊ �zp I n/ (clothespins ) N‑COUNT A clothespin is the same as a clothes peg . [AM ]

cloth|ing ◆◇◇ /kloʊ � I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Clothing is the things that people wear. □� Some locals offered food and clothing to the refugees. □� What is your favourite item of clothing? □� Wear protective clothing.

clo t|ted crea m N‑UNCOUNT Clotted cream is very thick cream made by heating milk gently and taking the cream off the top. It is made mainly in the southwest of England.

cloud ◆◇◇ /klaʊ d/ (clouds , clouding , clouded )

1 N‑VAR A cloud is a mass of water vapour that floats in the sky. Clouds are usually white or grey in colour. □� �the varied shapes of the clouds. □� The sky was almost entirely obscured by cloud. □� �the risks involved in flying through cloud.

2 N‑COUNT A cloudof something such as smoke or dust is a mass of it floating in the air. □�[+�of ] The hens darted away on all sides, raising a cloud of dust.

3 VERB If you say that something clouds your view of a situation, you mean that it makes you unable to understand the situation or judge it properly. □�[V n] Perhaps anger had clouded his vision, perhaps his judgment had been faulty. □�[V n] In his latter years religious mania clouded his mind.

4 VERB If you say that something clouds a situation, you mean that it makes it unpleasant. □�[be V -ed +�by ] His last years were clouded by financial difficulties.

5 VERB If glass clouds or if moisture clouds it, tiny drops of water cover the glass, making it difficult to see through. □�[V ] The mirror clouded beside her cheek. □�[V n] I run the water very hot, clouding the mirror.

6 ADJ Cloud-based technology allows you to use programs and information that are stored on the internet rather than on your own computer. □� We use a cloud-based communication system.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone is on cloud nine , you are emphasizing that they are very happy. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� When Michael was born I was on cloud nine.

8every cloud has a silver lining →�see silver lining

▸� cloud over PHRASAL VERB If the sky clouds over , it becomes covered with clouds. □�[V P ] After a fine day, the sky had clouded over and suddenly rain lashed against the windows. COLLOCATIONS cloud NOUN

1

noun +�cloud : rain, storm

adjective +�cloud : black, dark, grey, white; billowing, fluffy, thick

2

noun +�cloud : ash, dust

cloud|burst /klaʊ dbɜː r st/ (cloudbursts ) N‑COUNT A cloudburst is a sudden, very heavy fall of rain.

cloud com|pu |ting N‑UNCOUNT Cloud computing is a model of computer use in which services that are available on the internet are provided to users on a temporary basis. [COMPUTING ]

clou d-cu ckoo-land N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If you say that someone is living in cloud-cuckoo-land , you are criticizing them because they think there are no problems and that things will happen exactly as they want them to, when this is obviously not the case. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I was living in cloud-cuckoo-land about my salary expectations.

cloud|less /klaʊ dləs/ ADJ If the sky is cloudless , there are no clouds in it.

cloudy /klaʊ di/ (cloudier , cloudiest )

1 ADJ If it is cloudy , there are a lot of clouds in the sky. □� �a windy, cloudy day.

2 ADJ A cloudy liquid is less clear than it should be.

clout /klaʊ t/ (clouts , clouting , clouted )

1 VERB If you clout someone, you hit them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Rachel clouted him. □�[V n +�on ] The officer clouted her on the head. ●�N‑COUNT Clout is also a noun. □� I was half tempted to give one of them a clout myself.

2 N‑UNCOUNT A person or institution that has clout has influence and power. [INFORMAL ] □� This former TV actress already has the clout to alter movie screenplays.

clove /kloʊ v/ (cloves )

1 N‑VAR Cloves are small dried flower buds used as a spice. □� �chicken soup with cloves.

2 N‑COUNT A cloveof garlic is one of the sections of a garlic bulb.

clo|ven hoof /kloʊ v ə n huː f/ (cloven hooves or cloven hoofs ) N‑COUNT Animals that have cloven hooves have feet that are divided into two parts. Cows, sheep, and goats have cloven hooves.

clo|ver /kloʊ və r / (clovers ) N‑VAR Clover is a small plant with pink or white ball-shaped flowers. □� �a four-leaf clover.

clown /klaʊ n/ (clowns , clowning , clowned )

1 N‑COUNT A clown is a performer in a circus who wears funny clothes and bright make-up, and does silly things in order to make people laugh.

2 VERB If you clown , you do silly things in order to make people laugh. □�[V ] Bruno clowned and won affection everywhere. ●�PHRASAL VERB Clown around and clown about mean the same as clown . □�[V P ] Bev made her laugh, the way she was always clowning around. ●� clown|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� She senses that behind the clowning there is a terrible sense of anguish.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a clown , you mean that they say funny things or do silly things to amuse people. □� He was laughing, the clown of the twosome.

4 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a clown , you disapprove of them and have no respect for them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I still think I could do a better job than those clowns in Washington.

clown|fish /klaʊ nf I ʃ/ (clownfish ) N‑COUNT A clownfish is a small, brightly-coloured sea fish.

clown|ish /klaʊ n I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe a person's appearance or behaviour as clownish , you mean that they look or behave rather like a clown, and often that they appear rather foolish. □� He had a clownish sense of humour.

cloy|ing /klɔ I I ŋ/ ADJ You use cloying to describe something that you find unpleasant because it is much too sweet, or too sentimental. □� Her cheap, cloying scent enveloped him.

cloze /kloʊ z/ (clozes ) N‑COUNT [usu N n] In language teaching, a cloze test is a test in which words are removed from a text and replaced with spaces. The learner has to fill each space with a suitable word. [TECHNICAL ]

club ◆◆◆ /klʌ b/ (clubs , clubbing , clubbed )

1 N‑COUNT A club is an organization of people interested in a particular activity or subject who usually meet on a regular basis. □� �the Chorlton Conservative Club. □� �a youth club. □� He was club secretary.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A club is a place where the members of a club meet. □� I stopped in at the club for a drink.

3 N‑COUNT A club is a team which competes in sporting competitions. □� �Liverpool football club.

4 N‑COUNT A club is the same as a nightclub . □� It's a big dance hit in the clubs. □� �the London club scene.

5 N‑COUNT A club is a long, thin, metal stick with a piece of wood or metal at one end that you use to hit the ball in golf. □� �a six-iron club.

6 N‑COUNT A club is a thick heavy stick that can be used as a weapon. □� Men armed with knives and clubs attacked his home.

7 VERB To club a person or animal means to hit them hard with a thick heavy stick or a similar weapon. □�[V n] Two thugs clubbed him with baseball bats. □�[V n +�to ] Clubbing baby seals to death for their pelts is wrong.

8 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Clubs is one of the four suits in a pack of playing cards. Each card in the suit is marked with one or more black symbols: ♣. □� �the ace of clubs. ●�N‑COUNT A club is a playing card of this suit. □� The next player discarded a club.

▸� club together PHRASAL VERB If people club together to do something, they all give money towards the cost of it. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] For my thirtieth birthday, my friends clubbed together and bought me a watch. COLLOCATIONS club NOUN

1

noun +�club : golf; youth

verb +�club : join, leave; form, found

3

noun +�club : baseball, football, rugby

adjective +�club : bottom, top; former, old

club|bable /klʌ bəb ə l/ ADJ A clubbable person is friendly and likes being with other people, which makes them good members of social clubs. □� He is a clubbable chap.

club|ber /klʌ bə r / (clubbers ) N‑COUNT A clubber is someone who regularly goes to nightclubs.

club|bing /klʌ b I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Clubbing is the activity of going to nightclubs.

club|by /klʌ bi/ ADJ If you describe an institution or a group of people as clubby , you mean that all the people in it are friendly with each other and do not welcome other people in. [INFORMAL ] □� Politics is clubby, careerist, and cynical.

clu b foo t (club feet ) in AM, usually use clubfoot N‑COUNT If someone has a club foot , they are born with a badly twisted foot.

club|house /klʌ bhaʊs/ (clubhouses ) also club-house N‑COUNT A clubhouse is a place where the members of a club, especially a sports club, meet.

club|land /klʌ bl�nd/

1 N‑UNCOUNT A city's clubland is the area that contains all the best nightclubs. [BRIT ] □� �London's clubland.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Clubland refers to the most popular nightclubs and the people that go to them. [BRIT ] □� �a contemporary clubland sound.

clu b so da N‑UNCOUNT Club soda is fizzy water used for mixing with alcoholic drinks and fruit juice. [mainly AM ]

cluck /klʌ k/ (clucks , clucking , clucked ) VERB When a hen clucks , it makes short, low noises. □�[V ] Chickens clucked in the garden.

clue /kluː / (clues )

1 N‑COUNT A clueto a problem or mystery is something that helps you to find the answer to it. □�[+�to ] Geneticists in Canada have discovered a clue to the puzzle of why our cells get old and die.

2 N‑COUNT A clue is an object or piece of information that helps someone solve a crime. □�[+�to ] The vital clue to the killer's identity was his nickname, Peanuts.

3 N‑COUNT A clue in a crossword or game is information which is given to help you to find the answer to a question.

4 PHRASE If you haven't a clue about something, you do not know anything about it or you have no idea what to do about it. [INFORMAL ] □� I haven't a clue what I'll give Carl for his birthday next year. WORD HISTORY clue

The word clue comes from the old word clew , meaning a ball of wool. In Greek mythology, Ariadne gives Theseus a ball of wool to help him find his way out of the Minotaur�s labyrinth. As a result, the word clew started to mean something that shows the way.

clu ed-u p also clued up ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is clued-upon a particular subject, you are showing your approval of the fact that they have a great deal of detailed knowledge and information about it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □�[+�on ] I've always found him clued-up on whatever he was talking about.

clue|less /kluː ləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as clueless , you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they do not know anything about a particular subject or that they are incapable of doing a particular thing properly. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] I came into adult life clueless about a lot of things that most people take for granted.

clump /klʌ mp/ (clumps , clumping , clumped )

1 N‑COUNT A clumpof things such as trees or plants is a small group of them growing together. □�[+�of ] �a clump of trees bordering a side road.

2 N‑COUNT A clump of things such as wires or hair is a group of them collected together in one place. □� I was combing my hair and it was just falling out in clumps. [Also +�of ]

3 VERB If things clump together , they gather together and form small groups or lumps. □�[V +�together ] Brown rice takes longer to cook but it doesn't clump together as easily as white rice.

clumpy /klʌ mpi/ (clumpier , clumpiest ) ADJ Clumpy means big and clumsy. □� �clumpy shoes.

clum|sy /klʌ mzi/ (clumsier , clumsiest )

1 ADJ A clumsy person moves or handles things in a careless, awkward way, often so that things are knocked over or broken. □� Unfortunately, I was still very clumsy behind the wheel of the jeep. ●� clum|si|ly /klʌ mz I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� The rooks flew clumsily towards their nests. ●� clum|si|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Ben's biggest problem is clumsiness.

2 ADJ A clumsy action or statement is not skilful or is likely to upset people. □� The action seemed a clumsy attempt to topple the Janata Dal government. □� He denied the announcement was clumsy and insensitive. ●� clum|si|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� If the matter were handled clumsily, it could cost Miriam her life. ●� clum|si|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I was ashamed at my clumsiness and insensitivity.

clung /klʌ ŋ/ Clung is the past tense and past participle of cling .

clunk /klʌ ŋk/ (clunks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A clunk is a sound made by a heavy object hitting something hard. □� Something fell to the floor with a clunk.

clunk|er /klʌ ŋkə r / (clunkers ) N‑COUNT If you describe a machine, especially a car, as a clunker , you mean that it is very old and almost falling apart. [AM ]

clunky /klʌ ŋki/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as clunky , you mean that it is solid, heavy, and rather awkward. □� �a clunky piece of architecture.

clus|ter /klʌ stə r / (clusters , clustering , clustered )

1 N‑COUNT A clusterof people or things is a small group of them close together. □�[+�of ] There's no town here, just a cluster of shops, cabins and motels at the side of the highway.

2 VERB If people clustertogether , they gather together in a small group. □�[V +�together ] The passengers clustered together in small groups. □�[V +�around/round ] The children clustered around me. [Also V prep]

3 →�see also clustered

clu s|ter bomb (cluster bombs ) N‑COUNT A cluster bomb is a type of bomb which is dropped from an aircraft. It contains a large number of smaller bombs that spread out before they hit the ground.

clus|tered /klʌ stə r d/ ADJ If people or things are clustered somewhere, there is a group of them close together there. □� Officials were clustered at every open office door, talking excitedly.

clutch /klʌ tʃ/ (clutches , clutching , clutched )

1 VERB If you clutchat something or clutch something, you hold it tightly, usually because you are afraid or anxious. □�[V +�at ] I staggered and had to clutch at a chair for support. □�[V n] She was clutching a photograph.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] If someone is in another person's clutches , that person has captured them or has power over them. □� Stojanovic escaped their clutches by jumping from a moving vehicle.

3 N‑COUNT In a vehicle, the clutch is the pedal that you press before you change gear. □� Laura let out the clutch and pulled slowly away down the drive.

4to clutch at straws →�see straw

clut|ter /klʌ tə r / (clutters , cluttering , cluttered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Clutter is a lot of things in an untidy state, especially things that are not useful or necessary. □� Caroline prefers her worktops to be clear of clutter.

2 VERB If things or people clutter a place, they fill it in an untidy way. □�[V n] Empty soft-drink cans clutter the desks. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The roads were cluttered with cars and vans. ●�PHRASAL VERB Clutter up means the same as clutter . □�[V P n] The vehicles cluttered up the car park. □�[V n P ] This room is so impressive it would be a shame to clutter it up. [Also V n P +�with ]

cmcm is the written abbreviation for centimetre or centimetres . □� His height had increased by 2.5 cm.

CmdrCmdr is a written abbreviation for commander . □� �Cmdr Richard Mason.

Co. ◆◆◇

1Co. is used as an abbreviation for company when it is part of the name of an organization. [BUSINESS ] □� �the Blue Star Amusement Co.

2Co. is used as a written abbreviation for county before the names of some counties, especially in Ireland. □� �Co. Waterford.

3 PHRASE You use and co. after someone's name to mean the group of people associated with that person. [INFORMAL ] □� Wayne Hussey and Co. will be playing two live sets each evening.

PREFIX co-

forms verbs and nouns that refer to people sharing things or doing things together. For example, if two people co-write a book, they write it together. The co-author of a book is one of the people who have written it.

C.O. /siː oʊ / (C.O.s ) N‑COUNT A soldier's C.O. is his or her commanding officer .

c/o You write c/o before an address on an envelope when you are sending it to someone who is staying or working at that address, often for only a short time. c/o is an abbreviation for 'care of'. □� �Mr A D Bright, c/o Sherman Ltd, 62 Burton Road, Bristol 8.

coach ◆◆◇ /koʊ tʃ/ (coaches , coaching , coached )

1 N‑COUNT A coach is someone who trains a person or team of people in a particular sport. □� Tony Woodcock has joined German amateur team SC Brueck as coach.

2 VERB When someone coaches a person or a team, they help them to become better at a particular sport. □�[V n +�to ] He coached the team to success in La Liga. □�[V n] I had coached the Alliance team for some time.

3 N‑COUNT A coach is a person who is in charge of a sports team. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use manager4 N‑COUNT In baseball, a coach is a member of a team who stands near the first or third base, and gives signals to other members of the team who are on bases and are trying to score. [AM ]

5 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A coach is someone who gives people special teaching in a particular subject, especially in order to prepare them for an examination. □� What you need is a drama coach.

6 VERB If you coach someone, you give them special teaching in a particular subject, especially in order to prepare them for an examination. □�[V n] He gently coached me in French.

7 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A coach is a large, comfortable bus that carries passengers on long journeys. [BRIT ] □� As we headed back to Calais, the coach was badly delayed by roadworks. □� I hate travelling by coach. in AM, use bus8 N‑COUNT A coach is one of the separate sections of a train that carries passengers. [BRIT ] □� The train was an elaborate affair of sixteen coaches. in AM, use car9 N‑COUNT A coach is an enclosed vehicle with four wheels which is pulled by horses, and in which people used to travel. Coaches are still used for ceremonial events in some countries, such as Britain.

coach|load /koʊ tʃloʊd/ (coachloads ) also coach-load N‑COUNT A coachloadof people is a group of people who are travelling somewhere together in a coach. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] Dorset is as yet unspoilt by coachloads of tourists.

coach|man /koʊ tʃmən/ (coachmen ) N‑COUNT A coachman was a man who drove a coach that was pulled by horses. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

coa ch sta|tion (coach stations ) N‑COUNT A coach station is an area or a building which coaches leave from or arrive at on regular journeys. [BRIT ] in AM, use bus station

co|agu|late /koʊ� gjʊle I t/ (coagulates , coagulating , coagulated ) VERB When a liquid coagulates , it becomes very thick. □�[V ] The blood coagulates to stop wounds bleeding. ●� co|agu|la|tion /koʊ� gjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Blood becomes stickier to help coagulation in case of a cut.

coal ◆◇◇ /koʊ l/ (coals )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Coal is a hard black substance that is extracted from the ground and burned as fuel. □� Gas-fired electricity is cheaper than coal.

2 N‑PLURAL Coals are burning pieces of coal. □� It is important to get the coals white-hot before you start cooking.

coa|lesce /koʊ əle s/ (coalesces , coalescing , coalesced ) VERB If two or more things coalesce , they come together and form a larger group or system. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep] Cities, if unrestricted, tend to coalesce into bigger and bigger conurbations. □�[V ] His sporting and political interests coalesced admirably in his writing about climbing.

coal|face /koʊ lfe I s/ (coalfaces ) N‑COUNT In a coal mine, the coalface is the part where the coal is being cut out of the rock.

coal|field /koʊ lfiːld/ (coalfields ) N‑COUNT A coalfield is a region where there is coal under the ground. □� The park lies on top of a coalfield.

coa|li|tion ◆◇◇ /koʊ əl I ʃ ə n/ (coalitions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A coalition is a government consisting of people from two or more political parties. □� Since June the country has had a coalition government.

2 N‑COUNT A coalition is a group consisting of people from different political or social groups who are co-operating to achieve a particular aim. □�[+�of ] He had been opposed by a coalition of about 50 civil rights, women's and Latino organizations.

coa l mine (coal mines ) also coalmine N‑COUNT A coal mine is a place where coal is dug out of the ground.

coa l min|er (coal miners ) also coalminer N‑COUNT A coal miner is a person whose job is mining coal.

coa l scut|tle (coal scuttles ) N‑COUNT A coal scuttle is a container for keeping coal in. [mainly BRIT ]

coa l tar also coal-tar N‑UNCOUNT Coal tar is a thick black liquid made from coal which is used for making drugs and chemical products. □� �coal tar dyes.

coarse /kɔː r s/ (coarser , coarsest )

1 ADJ Coarse things have a rough texture because they consist of thick threads or large pieces. □� �a jacket made of very coarse cloth. □� �a beach of coarse sand. ●� coarse|ly ADV □� �coarsely-ground black pepper.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as coarse , you mean that he or she talks and behaves in a rude and offensive way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The soldiers did not bother to moderate their coarse humour in her presence. ●� coarse|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The women laughed coarsely at some vulgar joke.

coars|en /kɔː r s ə n/ (coarsens , coarsening , coarsened )

1 VERB If something coarsens or is coarsened , it becomes thicker or rougher in texture. □�[V ] Skin thickens, dries and coarsens after sun exposure. □�[V -ed] �his gnarled, coarsened features. [Also V n]

2 VERB If someone's behaviour or speech coarsens or if they coarsen it, they become less polite or they begin to speak in a less pleasant way. □�[V ] Her voice has deepened and coarsened with the years. □�[V n] He had coarsened his voice to an approximation of Cockney.

coast ◆◆◇ /koʊ st/ (coasts , coasting , coasted )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] The coast is an area of land that is next to the sea. □� Campsites are usually situated along the coast, close to beaches. □�[+�of ] �the west coast of Scotland.

2 VERB If a vehicle coasts somewhere, it continues to move there with the motor switched off, or without being pushed or pedalled. □�[V prep/adv] I switched off the engine and coasted round the corner. [Also V ]

3 PHRASE If you say that the coast is clear , you mean that there is nobody around to see you or catch you. □� 'You can come out now,' he called. 'The coast is clear. She's gone.'

coast|al /koʊ st ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Coastal is used to refer to things that are in the sea or on the land near a coast. □� Local radio stations serving coastal areas often broadcast forecasts for yachtsmen. □� The fish are on sale from our own coastal waters.

coast|er /koʊ stə r / (coasters )

1 N‑COUNT A coaster is a small mat that you put underneath a glass or cup to protect the surface of a table.

2 N‑COUNT A coaster is a ship that sails along the coast taking goods to ports. [BRIT ]

3 →�see also roller-coaster

coast|guard /koʊ stgɑː r d/ (coastguards ) in AM, usually use Coast Guard1 N‑COUNT A coastguard is an official who watches the sea near a coast in order to get help for sailors when they need it and to stop illegal activities. [mainly BRIT ] ●�N‑SING Thecoastguard is the organization to which coastguards belong. [BRIT ] □� The survivors were lifted off by two helicopters from the Coastguard.

2 N‑COUNT The Coast Guard is a part of a country's military forces and is responsible for protecting the coast, carrying out rescues, and doing police work along the coast. [AM ] □� The U.S. Coast Guard says it rescued more than 100 Haitian refugees. ●�N‑COUNT A Coast Guard is a member of the coastguard. [AM ] □� The boat was intercepted by U.S. Coast Guards.

coast|line /koʊ stla I n/ (coastlines ) N‑VAR A country's coastline is the outline of its coast. □� Thousands of volunteers gave up part of their weekend to clean up the California coastline.

coat ◆◇◇ /koʊ t/ (coats , coating , coated )

1 N‑COUNT A coat is a piece of clothing with long sleeves which you wear over your other clothes when you go outside. □� He turned off the television, put on his coat and walked out.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] An animal's coat is the fur or hair on its body. □� Vitamin B6 is great for improving the condition of dogs' and horses' coats.

3 VERB If you coat something with a substance or in a substance, you cover it with a thin layer of the substance. □�[V n +�with/in ] Coat the fish with seasoned flour. ●� coat|ed ADJ [v-link ADJ , adv ADJ ] □�[+�with/in ] TV pictures showed a dying bird coated with oil. □� Dip the pieces so they are completely coated.

4 N‑COUNT A coatof paint or varnish is a thin layer of it on a surface. □�[+�of ] The front door needs a new coat of paint.

-coated /koʊ t I d/

1 COMB [ADJ n] -coated combines with colour adjectives such as 'white' and 'red', or words for types of coat like 'fur', to form adjectives that describe someone as wearing a certain sort of coat. □� At the top of the stairs stood the white-coated doctors.

2 COMB -coated combines with names of substances such as 'sugar' and 'plastic' to form adjectives that describe something as being covered with a thin layer of that substance. □� �chocolate-coated sweets. □� �plastic-coated wire.

coa t hang|er (coat hangers ) also coathanger N‑COUNT A coat hanger is a curved piece of wood, metal, or plastic that you hang a piece of clothing on.

coat|ing /koʊ t I ŋ/ (coatings ) N‑COUNT A coatingof a substance is a thin layer of it spread over a surface. □�[+�of ] Under the coating of dust and cobwebs, he discovered a fine French Louis XVI clock.

coa t of a rms (coats of arms ) N‑COUNT The coat of arms of a family, town, or organization is a special design in the form of a shield that they use as a symbol of their identity. [mainly BRIT ]

coa t-tails also coattails

1 N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] Coat-tails are the two long pieces at the back of a tailcoat .

2 PHRASE If you do something on the coat-tails of someone else, you are able to do it because of the other person's success, and not because of your own efforts. □� They accused him of riding on the coat-tails of the president.

co -au thor (co-authors , co-authoring , co-authored ) also coauthor

1 N‑COUNT The co-authorsof a book, play, or report are the people who have written it together. □�[+�of ] He is the co-author of a forthcoming book on the refugee crisis.

2 VERB If two or more people co-author a book, play, or report, they write it together. □�[V n] He's co-authored a book on policy for tourism. □�[V n +�with ] Karen Matthews co-authored the study with Lewis Kullers.

coax /koʊ ks/ (coaxes , coaxing , coaxed )

1 VERB If you coax someone into doing something, you gently try to persuade them to do it. □�[V n prep] Start trying to coax the rabbit out of its hutch. □�[V n to-inf] The government coaxed them to give up their strike. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you coax something such as information out of someone, you gently persuade them to give it to you. □�[V n +�out of/from ] The police officer talked yesterday of her role in trying to coax vital information from the young victim.

cob /kɒ b/ (cobs )

1 N‑COUNT A cob is a round loaf of bread. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A cob is a type of short strong horse.

3 →�see also corn on the cob

co|balt /koʊ bɔːlt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cobalt is a hard silvery-white metal which is used to harden steel and for producing a blue dye. □� �a country rich in copper, cobalt and diamonds.

2 COLOUR Cobalt or cobalt blue is a deep-blue colour. □� �a woman in a soft cobalt blue dress.

cob|ble /kɒ b ə l/ (cobbles , cobbling , cobbled ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cobbles are the same as cobblestones . □� They found Trish sitting on the cobbles of the stable yard.

▸� cobble together PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone has cobbled something together , you mean that they have made or produced it roughly or quickly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P n] The group had cobbled together a few decent songs. □�[V n P ] You can cobble it together from any old combination of garments.

cob|bled /kɒ b ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cobbled street has a surface made of cobblestones. □� Cottrell strode out across the cobbled courtyard.

cob|bler /kɒ blə r / (cobblers )

1 N‑COUNT A cobbler is a person whose job is to make or mend shoes. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something that someone has just said as cobblers , you mean that you think it is nonsense. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� These guys talk an awful load of old cobblers.

cobble|stone /kɒ b ə lstoʊn/ (cobblestones ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cobblestones are stones with a rounded upper surface which used to be used for making streets. □� �the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Left Bank.

co|bra /koʊ brə/ (cobras ) N‑COUNT A cobra is a kind of poisonous snake that can make the skin on the back of its neck into a hood.

cob|web /kɒ bweb/ (cobwebs )

1 N‑COUNT A cobweb is the net which a spider makes for catching insects.

2 PHRASE If something blows or clears away the cobwebs , it makes you feel more mentally alert and lively when you had previously been feeling tired. □� �a walk on the South Downs to blow away the cobwebs.

cob|webbed /kɒ bwebd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cobwebbed surface is covered with cobwebs. □� �cobwebbed racks of wine bottles.

co|caine /koʊke I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Cocaine is a powerful drug which some people take for pleasure, but which they can become addicted to.

coc|cyx /kɒ ks I ks/ (coccyxes ) The plural coccyges is used in American English. N‑COUNT The coccyx is the small triangular bone at the lower end of the spine in human beings and some apes.

cochi|neal /kɒ tʃ I niː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Cochineal is a red substance that is used for colouring food.

coch|lea /kɒ kliə/ (cochleae /kɒ kliiː/) N‑COUNT The cochlea is the spiral-shaped part of the inner ear.

cock /kɒ k/ (cocks , cocking , cocked )

1 N‑COUNT A cock is an adult male chicken. [mainly BRIT ] □� The cock was announcing the start of a new day. in AM, use rooster2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] You refer to a male bird, especially a male game bird, as a cock when you want to distinguish it from a female bird. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a cock pheasant.

3 N‑COUNT A man's cock is his penis. [INFORMAL , VERY RUDE ]

4 →�see also stopcock

5to cock a snook at someone →�see snook

▸� cock up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cock something up , you ruin it by doing something wrong. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[V n P ] 'Seems like I've cocked it up,' Egan said. □�[V P n] They've cocked up the address.

2 →�see also cock-up

co ck-a-hoo p ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are cock-a-hoop , you are extremely pleased about something that you have done. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

co ck-and-bu ll sto|ry (cock-and-bull stories ) N‑COUNT If you describe something that someone tells you as a cock-and-bull story , you mean that you do not believe it is true. [INFORMAL ]

cocka|poo /kɒ kəpuː / (cockapoos ) N‑COUNT A cockapoo is a kind of dog that is a cross between the cocker spaniel breed and the poodle breed.

cocka|tiel /kɒ kətiː əl/ (cockatiels ) N‑COUNT A cockatiel is a bird similar to a cockatoo that is often kept as a pet.

cocka|too /kɒ kətuː , [AM ] -tuː/ (cockatoos ) N‑COUNT A cockatoo is a kind of parrot from Australia or New Guinea which has a bunch of feathers called a crest on its head.

co cked ha t (cocked hats )

1 N‑COUNT A cocked hat is a hat with three corners that used to be worn with some uniforms.

2 PHRASE If you say that one thing knocks another thing into a cocked hat , you mean that it is much better or much more significant than the other thing. □� This design knocks everything else into a cocked hat.

cock|er|el /kɒ kərəl/ (cockerels ) N‑COUNT A cockerel is a young male chicken. [mainly BRIT ]

cock|er span|iel /kɒ kə r sp� njəl/ (cocker spaniels ) N‑COUNT A cocker spaniel is a breed of small dog with silky hair and long ears.

cock|eyed /kɒ ka I d, [AM ] -a I d/ also cock-eyed

1 ADJ If you say that an idea or scheme is cockeyed , you mean that you think it is very unlikely to succeed. □� She has some cockeyed delusions about becoming a pop star.

2 ADJ If something is cockeyed , it looks wrong because it is not in a level or straight position. □� �dusty photographs hanging at cockeyed angles on the walls.

cock|le /kɒ k ə l/ (cockles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cockles are small edible shellfish.

cock|ney /kɒ kni/ (cockneys )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A cockney is a person who was born in the East End of London. □� �a Cockney cab driver.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cockney is the dialect and accent of the East End of London. □� The man spoke with a Cockney accent.

cock|pit /kɒ kp I t/ (cockpits ) N‑COUNT In an aeroplane or racing car, the cockpit is the part where the pilot or driver sits.

cock|roach /kɒ kroʊtʃ/ (cockroaches ) N‑COUNT A cockroach is a large brown insect that is sometimes found in warm places or where food is kept.

cock|sure /kɒ kʃʊə r / ADJ Someone who is cocksure is so confident and sure of their abilities that they annoy other people. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

cock|tail /kɒ kte I l/ (cocktails )

1 N‑COUNT A cocktail is an alcoholic drink which contains several ingredients. □� On arrival, guests are offered wine or a champagne cocktail.

2 N‑COUNT A cocktail is a mixture of a number of different things, especially ones that do not go together well. □�[+�of ] The court was told she had taken a cocktail of drugs and alcohol.

3 →�see also fruit cocktail , Molotov cocktail , prawn cocktail

co ck|tail dress (cocktail dresses ) N‑COUNT A cocktail dress is a dress that is suitable for formal social occasions.

co ck|tail lounge (cocktail lounges ) N‑COUNT A cocktail lounge is a room in a hotel, restaurant, or club where you can buy alcoholic drinks. □� Let's meet in the cocktail lounge at the Hilton.

co ck|tail par|ty (cocktail parties ) N‑COUNT A cocktail party is a party, usually held in the early evening, where cocktails or other alcoholic drinks are served. People often dress quite formally for them.

co ck-up (cock-ups ) N‑COUNT If you make a cock-up of something, you ruin it by doing something wrong. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[+�of ] He was in danger of making a real cock-up of this.

cocky /kɒ ki/ (cockier , cockiest ) ADJ Someone who is cocky is so confident and sure of their abilities that they annoy other people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was a little bit cocky when he was about 11 because he was winning everything.

co|coa /koʊ koʊ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cocoa is a brown powder made from the seeds of a tropical tree. It is used in making chocolate. □� The Ivory Coast became the world's leading cocoa producer. □� �cocoa beans.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cocoa is a hot drink made from cocoa powder and milk or water.

coco|nut /koʊ kənʌt/ (coconuts )

1 N‑COUNT A coconut is a very large nut with a hairy shell, which has white flesh and milky juice inside it. □� �the smell of roasted meats mingled with spices, coconut oil and ripe tropical fruits.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Coconut is the white flesh of a coconut. □� �desiccated coconut.

co co|nut milk N‑UNCOUNT Coconut milk is the milky juice inside coconuts.

co co|nut palm (coconut palms ) N‑COUNT A coconut palm is a tall tree on which coconuts grow.

co|coon /kəkuː n/ (cocoons , cocooning , cocooned )

1 N‑COUNT A cocoon is a covering of silky threads that the larvae of moths and other insects make for themselves before they grow into adults.

2 N‑COUNT If you are in a cocoonof something, you are wrapped up in it or surrounded by it. □�[+�of ] He stood there in a cocoon of golden light.

3 N‑COUNT If you are living in a cocoon , you are in an environment in which you feel protected and safe, and sometimes isolated from everyday life. □� You cannot live in a cocoon and overlook these facts.

4 VERB If something cocoons you from something, it protects you or isolates you from it. □�[V n +�from ] There is nowhere to hide when things go wrong, no organisation to cocoon you from blame. □�[V pron-refl +�in ] The playwright cocooned himself in a world of pretence. [Also V n +�in ]

co|cooned /kəkuː nd/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is cocoonedin blankets or clothes, they are completely wrapped in them. □�[+�in ] She is comfortably cocooned in pillows. □� �my snugly-cocooned baby sleeping in his pram.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is cocooned , you mean that they are isolated and protected from everyday life and problems. □�[+�in ] She was cocooned in a private world of privilege. □�[+�from ] They were cocooned from the experience of poverty.

cod /kɒ d/ (cods or cod )

1 N‑VAR Cod are a type of large edible fish. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Cod is this fish eaten as food. □� A Catalan speciality is to serve salt cod cold.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use cod to describe something which is not genuine and which is intended to deceive or amuse people by looking or sounding like the real thing. [BRIT ] □� �a cod documentary on what animals think of living in a zoo.

coda /koʊ də/ (codas )

1 N‑COUNT A coda is a separate passage at the end of something such as a book or a speech that finishes it off.

2 N‑COUNT In music, a coda is the final part of a fairly long piece of music which is added in order to finish it off in a pleasing way.

cod|dle /kɒ d ə l/ (coddles , coddling , coddled ) VERB To coddle someone means to treat them too kindly or protect them too much. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] She coddled her youngest son madly.

code ◆◇◇ /koʊ d/ (codes , coding , coded )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A code is a set of rules about how people should behave or about how something must be done. □� �Article 159 of the Turkish penal code. □�[+�of ] �the code of the Samurai. □� �local building codes.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A code is a system of replacing the words in a message with other words or symbols, so that nobody can understand it unless they know the system. □� They used elaborate secret codes, as when the names of trees stood for letters. □� If you can't remember your number, write it in code in a diary.

3 N‑COUNT A code is a group of numbers or letters which is used to identify something, such as a postal address or part of a telephone system. □� Callers dialling the wrong area code will not get through.

4 N‑COUNT A code is any system of signs or symbols that has a meaning. □� Only one voucher or promotional code can be used per transaction.

5 N‑COUNT The genetic code of a person, animal or plant is the information contained in DNA which determines the structure and function of cells, and the inherited characteristics of all living things. □� �the genetic code that determines every bodily feature.

6 VERB If a gene codes for something such as a substance or characteristic, it creates or determines it. □�[V for ] These genes code for proteins that appear to play a role in appetite control. □�[V for ] �the genes that code for facial appearance.

7 VERB To code something means to give it a code or to mark it with its code. □�[V n] He devised a way of coding every statement uniquely.

8 N‑UNCOUNT Computer code is a system or language for expressing information and instructions in a form which can be understood by a computer. [COMPUTING ]

9 VERB To code means to write programs and instructions for a computer using computer code. □�[V ] Learning to code may be the fastest way into employment for young people. □�[V n] The course teaches you to code a multi-platform web app in just one day.

10 →�see also bar code , Highway Code , machine code , morse code , postcode , zip code SYNONYMS code NOUN 1

principle:�moral principles.

rule:Strictly speaking, this was against the rules.

ethic:It is common to distinguish between personal and social ethics.

etiquette:�the rules of diplomatic etiquette.

convention:It's just a social convention that men don't wear skirts.

maxim:I believe in the maxim 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

cod|ed /koʊ d I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Coded messages have words or symbols which represent other words, so that the message is secret unless you know the system behind the code. □� She was fascinated with coded messages, secrets and plots.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone is using coded language, they are expressing their opinion in an indirect way, usually because that opinion is likely to offend people. □� It's widely assumed that his lyrics were coded references to homosexuality.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Coded electronic signals use a binary system of digits which can be decoded by an appropriate machine. [TECHNICAL ] □� The coded signal is received by satellite dish aerials.

co|deine /koʊ diːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Codeine is a drug which is used to relieve pain, especially headaches, and the symptoms of a cold.

co de name (code names , code naming , code named ) also codename , code-name

1 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A code name is a name used for someone or something in order to keep their identity secret. □� One of their informers was working under the code name Czerny.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a military or police operation is code-named something, it is given a name which only the people involved in it know. □�[be V -ed n] The operation was code-named Moonlight Sonata. □�[V -ed] �a military contingent, code-named Sparrowhawk.

co de of co n|duct (codes of conduct ) N‑COUNT The code of conduct for a group or organization is an agreement on rules of behaviour for the members of that group or organization. □� Doctors in Britain say a new code of conduct is urgently needed to protect the doctor-patient relationship.

co de of pra c|tice (codes of practice ) N‑COUNT A code of practice is a set of written rules which explains how people working in a particular profession should behave. □� The auctioneers are violating a code of practice by dealing in stolen goods.

co -depe ndent (co-dependents ) ADJ A co-dependent person is in an unsatisfactory relationship with someone who is ill or an addict, but does not want the relationship to end. [TECHNICAL ] □� Guys can be co-dependent, too. ●�N‑COUNT Co-dependent is also a noun. □� The program is geared around the problems of being a co-dependent. ●� co-dependency N‑UNCOUNT □� �the dangers of co-dependency.

co de word (code words ) also codeword , code-word N‑COUNT A code word is a word or phrase that has a special meaning, different from its normal meaning, for the people who have agreed to use it in this way. □�[+�for ] �magnum, the code word for launching a radar attack.

co|dex /koʊ deks/ (codices ) N‑COUNT A codex is an ancient type of book which was written by hand, not printed.

codg|er /kɒ dʒə r / (codgers ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] Oldcodger is a disrespectful way of referring to an old man. [DISAPPROVAL ]

co|di|ces /koʊ d I siː z/ Codices is the plural of codex .

codi|cil /koʊ d I s I l, [AM ] kɑː d-/ (codicils ) N‑COUNT A codicil is an instruction that is added to a will after the main part of it has been written. [LEGAL ]

codi|fy /koʊ d I fa I , [AM ] kɑː d-/ (codifies , codifying , codified ) VERB If you codify a set of rules, you define them or present them in a clear and ordered way. □�[V n] The latest draft of the agreement codifies the panel's decision. ●� codi|fi|ca|tion /koʊ d I f I ke I ʃ ə n, [AM ] kɑː d-/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The codification of the laws began in the 1840s.

cod|ing /koʊ d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] Coding is a method of making something easy to recognize or distinct, for example by colouring it. □� �a colour coding that will ensure easy reference for potential users.

co d-liver oi l also cod liver oil N‑UNCOUNT Cod liver oil is a thick yellow oil which is given as a medicine, especially to children, because it is full of vitamins A and D.

cod|piece /kɒ dpiːs/ (codpieces ) N‑COUNT A codpiece was a piece of material worn by men in the 15th and 16th centuries to cover their genitals.

cods|wallop /kɒ dzwɒləp/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something that someone has just said as codswallop , you mean that you think it is nonsense. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� This is a load of codswallop.

co -ed (co-eds ) in AM, usually use coed1 ADJ A co-ed school or college is the same as a co-educational school or college. □� He was educated at a co-ed comprehensive school.

2 N‑COUNT A co-ed is a female student at a co-educational college or university. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� �two University of Florida coeds.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A co-ed sports facility or sporting activity is one that both males and females use or take part in at the same time. [AM ] □� You have a choice of co-ed or single-sex swimming exercise classes. in BRIT, usually use mixed

co -educa tional also coeducational ADJ A co-educational school, college, or university is attended by both boys and girls. □� The college has been co-educational since 1971.

co|ef|fi|cient /koʊ I f I ʃənt/ (coefficients ) N‑COUNT A coefficient is a number that expresses a measurement of a particular quality of a substance or object under specified conditions. [TECHNICAL ] □� �production coefficients.

co|erce /koʊɜː r s/ (coerces , coercing , coerced ) VERB If you coerce someone into doing something, you make them do it, although they do not want to. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�into ] Potter claimed he was coerced into pleading guilty. [Also V n to-inf]

co|er|cion /koʊɜː r ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Coercion is the act or process of persuading someone forcefully to do something that they do not want to do. □� It was vital that the elections should be free of coercion or intimidation.

co|er|cive /koʊɜː r s I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Coercive measures are intended to force people to do something that they do not want to do. □� The eighteenth-century Admiralty had few coercive powers over its officers.

co|ex|ist /koʊ I gz I st/ (coexists , coexisting , coexisted ) also co-exist VERB If one thing coexistswith another, they exist together at the same time or in the same place. You can also say that two things coexist . □�[V +�with ] Pockets of affluence coexist with poverty. □�[V ] Bankers and clockmakers have coexisted in the City for hundreds of years.

co|ex|ist|ence /koʊ I gz I st ə ns/ also co-existence N‑UNCOUNT The coexistenceof one thing with another is the fact that they exist together at the same time or in the same place. □�[+�with ] He also believed in coexistence with the West.

C of E C of E is an abbreviation for Church of England . □� Mrs Steele was head of Didcot's C of E primary school.

cof|fee ◆◇◇ /kɒ fi, [AM ] kɔː fi/ (coffees )

1 N‑VAR Coffee is a hot drink made with water and ground or powdered coffee beans. □� Would you like some coffee? ●�N‑COUNT A coffee is a cup of coffee. □� I made a coffee.

2 N‑VAR Coffee is the roasted beans or powder from which the drink is made. □� Brazil harvested 28m bags of coffee in 1991. □� �superior quality coffee.

co f|fee bar (coffee bars ) N‑COUNT A coffee bar is a small caf� where non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are sold.

co f|fee bean (coffee beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Coffee beans are small dark-brown beans that are roasted and ground to make coffee. They are the seeds of the coffee plant.

co f|fee break (coffee breaks ) N‑COUNT A coffee break is a short period of time, usually in the morning or afternoon, when you stop working and have a cup of coffee. □� It looks like she'll be too busy to stop for a coffee break.

co f|fee cup (coffee cups ) also coffee-cup N‑COUNT A coffee cup is a cup in which coffee is served. Coffee cups are usually smaller than tea cups.

co f|fee grind|er (coffee grinders ) N‑COUNT A coffee grinder is a machine for grinding coffee beans.

co f|fee house (coffee houses ) also coffee-house N‑COUNT A coffee house is a kind of bar where people sit to drink coffee and talk. Coffee houses were especially popular in Britain in the 18th century.

co f|fee morn|ing (coffee mornings ) N‑COUNT A coffee morning is a social event at which coffee and tea are served. It takes place in the morning, and is usually intended to raise money for charity. [BRIT ]

co f|fee name (coffee names ) N‑COUNT Your coffee name is a name that you give in some situations because it is simpler than your real name. [INFORMAL ] □� I gave the woman my coffee name.

co f|fee pot (coffee pots ) also coffeepot N‑COUNT A coffee pot is a tall narrow pot with a spout and a lid, in which coffee is made or served.

co f|fee shop (coffee shops ) also coffee-shop N‑COUNT A coffee shop is a kind of restaurant that sells coffee, tea, cakes, and sometimes sandwiches and light meals.

co f|fee ta|ble (coffee tables ) also coffee-table N‑COUNT A coffee table is a small low table in a living room.

co ffee-table book (coffee-table books ) N‑COUNT A coffee-table book is a large expensive book with a lot of pictures, which is designed to be looked at rather than to be read properly, and is usually placed where people can see it easily.

cof|fer /kɒ fə r / (coffers )

1 N‑COUNT A coffer is a large strong chest used for storing valuable objects such as money or gold and silver. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑PLURAL [n N ] The coffersof an organization consist of the money that it has to spend, imagined as being collected together in one place. □�[+�of ] The money goes towards sports, as well as swelling the coffers of the government.

cof|fin /kɒ f I n, [AM ] kɔː f I n/ (coffins )

1 N‑COUNT A coffin is a box in which a dead body is buried or cremated.

2 PHRASE If you say that one thing is a nail inthecoffinof another thing, you mean that it will help bring about its end or failure. □�[+�of ] A fine would be the final nail in the coffin of the airline.

cog /kɒ g/ (cogs )

1 N‑COUNT A cog is a wheel with square or triangular teeth around the edge, which is used in a machine to turn another wheel or part.

2 PHRASE If you describe someone as a cog in a machine or wheel , you mean that they are a small part of a large organization or group. □� Mr Lake was an important cog in the Republican campaign machine.

co|gent /koʊ dʒ ə nt/ ADJ A cogent reason, argument, or example is strong and convincing. [FORMAL ] □� There were perfectly cogent reasons why Julian Cavendish should be told of the Major's impending return. ●� co|gen|cy N‑UNCOUNT □� The film makes its points with cogency and force.

cogi|tate /kɒ dʒ I te I t/ (cogitates , cogitating , cogitated ) VERB If you are cogitating , you are thinking deeply about something. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] He sat silently cogitating. □�[V +�on/about ] �to cogitate on the meaning of life. ●� cogi|ta|tion /kɒ dʒ I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� After much cogitation, we decided to move to the Isle of Wight.

cog|nac /kɒ nj�k, [AM ] koʊ n-/ (cognacs ) also Cognac N‑VAR Cognac is a type of brandy made in the south west of France. □� �a bottle of Cognac. □� �one of the world's finest cognacs. ●�N‑COUNT A cognac is a glass of cognac. □� Phillips ordered a cognac.

cog|nate /kɒ gne I t/ ADJ Cognate things are related to each other. [FORMAL ] □� �cognate words. [Also +�with ]

cog|ni|sance /kɒ gn I z ə ns/ →�see cognizance

cog|ni|sant /kɒ gn I z ə nt/ →�see cognizant

cog|ni|tion /kɒgn I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Cognition is the mental process involved in knowing, learning, and understanding things. [FORMAL ] □� �processes of perception and cognition.

cog|ni|tive /kɒ gn I t I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] Cognitive means relating to the mental process involved in knowing, learning, and understanding things. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □� As children grow older, their cognitive processes become sharper.

cog|ni|zance /kɒ gn I z ə ns/ in BRIT, also use cognisance

1 PHRASE If you take cognizance of something, you take notice of it or acknowledge it. [FORMAL ] □� The government failed to take cognisance of their protest.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cognizance is knowledge or understanding. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the teacher's developing cognizance of the child's intellectual activity.

cog|ni|zant /kɒ gn I z ə nt/ in BRIT, also use cognisant ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is cognizantof something, they are aware of it or understand it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] We are cognizant of the problem.

co|gno|scen|ti /kɒ njəʃe nti/ N‑PLURAL [oft n N ] The cognoscenti are the people who know a lot about a particular subject. [FORMAL ] □� She has an international reputation among film cognoscenti.

co|hab|it /koʊh� b I t/ (cohabits , cohabiting , cohabited ) VERB If two people are cohabiting , they are living together and have a sexual relationship, but are not married. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] In Italy people hardly ever cohabit. □�[V +�with ] �a study of 616 adults who have cohabited with a partner during the past ten years. □�[V ] The number of couples who cohabit is rising dramatically. ●� co|habi|ta|tion /koʊh� b I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The decline in marriage has been offset by a rise in cohabitation.

co|here /koʊh I ə r / (coheres , cohering , cohered ) VERB If the different elements of a piece of writing, a piece of music, or a set of ideas cohere , they fit together well so that they form a united whole. □�[V ] The various elements of the novel fail to cohere. □�[V +�with ] This coheres with Peel's championing of alternative music. □�[V ] The empire could not cohere as a legitimate whole.

co|her|ence /koʊh I ə rəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Coherence is a state or situation in which all the parts or ideas fit together well so that they form a united whole. □� The anthology has a surprising sense of coherence.

co|her|ent /koʊh I ə rənt/

1 ADJ If something is coherent , it is well planned, so that it is clear and sensible and all its parts go well with each other. □� He has failed to work out a coherent strategy for modernising the service. □� The President's policy is perfectly coherent. ●� co|her|ence N‑UNCOUNT □� The campaign was widely criticised for making tactical mistakes and for a lack of coherence.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is coherent , they express their thoughts in a clear and calm way, so that other people can understand what they are saying. □� He's so calm when he answers questions in interviews. I wish I could be that coherent. ●� co|her|ence N‑UNCOUNT □� She lost consciousness and when she came round she still lacked coherence and focus.

co|he|sion /koʊhiː ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is cohesion within a society, organization, or group, the different members fit together well and form a united whole. □�[+�of ] The cohesion of the armed forces was rapidly breaking down.

co|he|sive /koʊhiː s I v/ ADJ Something that is cohesive consists of parts that fit together well and form a united whole. □� Huston had assembled a remarkably cohesive and sympathetic cast.

co|hort /koʊ hɔː r t/ (cohorts ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A person's cohorts are their friends, supporters, or associates. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Drake and his cohorts were not pleased with my appointment.

coiffed /kwɑː ft/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If someone has neatly coiffed hair, their hair is very carefully arranged. [FORMAL ] □� Her hair was perfectly coiffed.

coif|fure /kwɑːfjʊə r / (coiffures ) N‑COUNT A person's coiffure is their hairstyle. [FORMAL ] □� �her immaculate golden coiffure.

coif|fured /kwɑːfjʊə r d/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] Coiffured means the same as coiffed . [FORMAL ]

coil /kɔ I l/ (coils , coiling , coiled )

1 N‑COUNT A coilof rope or wire is a length of it that has been wound into a series of loops. □�[+�of ] Tod shook his head angrily and slung the coil of rope over his shoulder. □� The steel arrives at the factory in coils.

2 N‑COUNT A coil is one loop in a series of loops. □� Pythons kill by tightening their coils so that their victim cannot breathe.

3 N‑COUNT A coil is a thick spiral of wire through which an electrical current passes.

4 N‑COUNT The coil is a contraceptive device used by women. It is fitted inside a woman's womb, usually for several months or years.

5 VERB If you coil something, you wind it into a series of loops or into the shape of a ring. If it coilsaround something, it forms loops or a ring. □�[V n] He turned off the water and began to coil the hose. □�[V -ed] A huge rattlesnake lay coiled on the blanket. ●�PHRASAL VERB Coil up means the same as coil . □�[V n P ] Once we have the wire, we can coil it up into the shape of a spring. □�[V -ed P ] Her hair was coiled up on top of her head. [Also V P n]

coiled /kɔ I ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] Coiled means in the form of a series of loops. □� �a heavy coiled spring. □� �special coiled kettle flexes.

coin /kɔ I n/ (coins , coining , coined )

1 N‑COUNT A coin is a small piece of metal which is used as money. □� �50 pence coins. □� �Frederick's gold coin collection.

2 VERB If you coin a word or a phrase, you are the first person to say it. □�[V n] Jaron Lanier coined the term 'virtual reality' and pioneered its early development.

3 PHRASE You say ' to coin a phrase ' to show that you realize you are making a pun or using a clich�. □� Fifty local musicians have, to coin a phrase, banded together to form the Jazz Umbrella.

4 PHRASE You use the other side of the coin to mention a different aspect of a situation. □� Low pay is the other side of the coin of falling unemployment.

coin|age /kɔ I n I dʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Coinage is the coins which are used in a country. □� �the world's finest collection of medieval European coinage.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Coinage is the system of money used in a country. □� It took four years for Britain just to decimalise its own coinage.

co|in|cide /koʊ I nsa I d/ (coincides , coinciding , coincided )

1 VERB If one event coincideswith another, they happen at the same time. □�[V +�with ] The exhibition coincides with the 50th anniversary of his death. □�[V ] The beginning of the solar and lunar years coincided every 13 years.

2 VERB If the ideas or interests of two or more people coincide , they are the same. □�[V ] Our views don't always coincide, but we always voice our opinions. □�[V +�with ] Our father was delighted when our opinions coincided with his own.

co|in|ci|dence /koʊ I ns I dəns/ (coincidences ) N‑VAR A coincidence is when two or more similar or related events occur at the same time by chance and without any planning. □� Mr. Berry said the timing was a coincidence and that his decision was unrelated to Mr. Roman's departure. □� The premises of Chabert and Sons were situated by the river and, by coincidence, not too far away from where Eric Talbot had met his death.

co|in|ci|dent /koʊ I ns I dənt/

1 ADJ Coincident events happen at the same time. [FORMAL ] □� �coincident birth times. □�[+�with ] Coincident with the talks, the bank was permitted to open a New York branch.

2 ADJ Coincident opinions, ideas, or policies are the same or are very similar to each other. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] Their aims are coincident with ours. □� Coincident interests with the corporate rich and political directorate are pointed out.

co|in|ci|dent|al /koʊ I ns I de nt ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is coincidental is the result of a coincidence and has not been deliberately arranged. □� Any resemblance to actual persons, places or events is purely coincidental.

co|in|ci|dent|al|ly /koʊ I ns I de ntli/ ADV [usu ADV with cl/group, oft ADV before v] You use coincidentally when you want to draw attention to a coincidence. □� Coincidentally, I had once found myself in a similar situation.

coir /kɔ I ə r / N‑UNCOUNT Coir is a rough material made from coconut shells which is used to make ropes and mats.

coi|tal /koʊ I t ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Coital means connected with or relating to sexual intercourse. [TECHNICAL ] □� �coital techniques.

coi|tus /koʊ I təs/ N‑UNCOUNT Coitus is sexual intercourse. [TECHNICAL ]

coke /koʊ k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Coke is a solid black substance that is produced from coal and is burned as a fuel. □� �a coke-burning stove.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Coke is the same as cocaine . [INFORMAL ]

col. (cols ) col. is a written abbreviation for column and colour .

Col. N‑TITLE Col. is a written abbreviation for colonel when it is being used as a title in front of someone's name. □� �Col. Frank Weldon.

cola /koʊ lə/ (colas ) N‑VAR Cola is a sweet brown non-alcoholic fizzy drink. □� �a can of cola. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of cola can be referred to as a cola .

co|la|da /kɒlɑː də/ (coladas ) →�see pina colada

col|an|der /kɒ ləndə, kʌ l-/ (colanders ) N‑COUNT A colander is a container in the shape of a bowl with holes in it which you wash or drain food in.

cold ◆◆◇ /koʊ ld/ (colder , coldest , colds )

1 ADJ Something that is cold has a very low temperature or a lower temperature than is normal or acceptable. □� Rinse the vegetables under cold running water. □� He likes his tea neither too hot nor too cold. □� Your dinner's getting cold. ●� cold|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] She complained about the coldness of his hands.

2 ADJ If it is cold , or if a place is cold , the temperature of the air is very low. □� It was bitterly cold. □� The house is cold because I can't afford to turn the heat on. □� This is the coldest winter I can remember. ●� cold|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Within quarter of an hour the coldness of the night had gone.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Cold weather or low temperatures can be referred to as thecold . □� He must have come inside to get out of the cold. □� His feet were blue with cold.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are cold , your body is at an unpleasantly low temperature. □� I was freezing cold. □� I'm hungry, I'm cold and I've nowhere to sleep.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cold food, such as salad or meat that has been cooked and cooled, is not intended to be eaten hot. □� A wide variety of hot and cold snacks will be available. □� �cold meats.

6 ADJ Cold colours or cold light give an impression of coldness. □� Generally, warm colours advance in painting and cold colours recede. □� �the cold blue light from a streetlamp.

7 ADJ A cold person does not show much emotion, especially affection, and therefore seems unfriendly and unsympathetic. If someone's voice is cold , they speak in an unfriendly unsympathetic way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What a cold, unfeeling woman she was. □� 'Send her away,' Eve said in a cold, hard voice. ●� cold|ly ADV □� 'I'll see you in the morning,' Hugh said coldly. ●� cold|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� His coldness angered her.

8 ADJ A cold trail or scent is one which is old and therefore difficult to follow. □� He could follow a cold trail over hard ground and even over stones.

9 N‑COUNT If you have a cold , you have a mild, very common illness which makes you sneeze a lot and gives you a sore throat or a cough.

10 →�see also common cold

11 PHRASE If you catch cold , or catch a cold , you become ill with a cold. □� Let's dry our hair so we don't catch cold.

12 PHRASE If something leaves you cold , it fails to excite or interest you. □� Lawrence is one of those writers who either excite you enormously or leave you cold.

13 PHRASE If someone is out cold , they are unconscious or sleeping very heavily. □� She was out cold but still breathing.

14in cold blood →�see blood

15to get cold feet →�see foot

16to blow hot and cold →�see hot

17to pour cold water on something →�see water SYNONYMS cold ADJ 1

chilly:It was a chilly afternoon.

biting:�a raw, biting northerly wind.

freezing:The cinema was freezing.

icy:An icy wind blew hard across the open spaces.

cool:I felt a current of cool air.

co ld-bloo ded

1 ADJ Someone who is cold-blooded does not show any pity or emotion. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a cold-blooded murderer. □� This was a brutal and cold-blooded killing.

2 ADJ Cold-blooded animals have a body temperature that changes according to the surrounding temperature. Reptiles, for example, are cold-blooded.

co ld ca ll (cold calls , cold calling , cold called )

1 N‑COUNT If someone makes a cold call , they telephone or visit someone they have never contacted, without making an appointment, in order to try and sell something. □� She had worked as a call centre operator making cold calls for time-share holidays.

2 VERB To cold call means to make a cold call. □�[V ] You should refuse to meet anyone who cold calls with an offer of financial advice. [Also V n] ●� cold calling N‑UNCOUNT □� Cold calling has given the industry a bad name.

co ld co m|fort N‑UNCOUNT If you say that a slightly encouraging fact or event is cold comfortto someone, you mean that it gives them little or no comfort because their situation is so difficult or unpleasant. □�[+�to/for ] These figures may look good on paper but are cold comfort to the islanders themselves.

co ld cuts N‑PLURAL Cold cuts are thin slices of cooked meat which are served cold. [AM ]

co ld fi sh N‑SING If you say that someone is a cold fish , you think that they are unfriendly and unemotional. [DISAPPROVAL ]

co ld frame (cold frames ) N‑COUNT A cold frame is a wooden frame with a glass top in which you grow small plants to protect them from cold weather.

co ld-hea rted ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cold-hearted person does not feel any affection or sympathy towards other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a cold-hearted killer.

co ld shou l|der (cold-shoulders , cold-shouldering , cold-shouldered ) The form cold-shoulder is used for the verb. 1 N‑SING If one person gives another thecold shoulder , they behave towards them in an unfriendly way, to show them that they do not care about them or that they want them to go away. □� But when Gough looked to Haig for support, he was given the cold shoulder.

2 VERB If one person cold-shoulders another, they give them the cold-shoulder. □�[V n] He was cold-shouldered by his team-mates for bringing shame on the club.

co ld snap (cold snaps ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A cold snap is a short period of cold and icy weather.

co ld sore (cold sores ) N‑COUNT Cold sores are small sore spots that sometimes appear on or near someone's lips and nose when they have a cold. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use fever blister

co ld sto r|age N‑UNCOUNT If something such as food is put in cold storage , it is kept in an artificially-cooled place in order to preserve it. □� The strawberries are kept in cold storage to prevent them spoiling during transportation.

co ld store (cold stores ) N‑COUNT A cold store is a building or room which is artificially cooled so that food can be preserved in it. [BRIT ]

co ld swea t (cold sweats ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu in/into N ] If you are in a cold sweat , you are sweating and feel cold, usually because you are very afraid or nervous. □� He awoke from his sleep in a cold sweat.

co ld tu r|key N‑UNCOUNT Cold turkey is the unpleasant physical reaction that people experience when they suddenly stop taking a drug that they have become addicted to. [INFORMAL ] □� The quickest way to get her off the drug was to let her go cold turkey.

Co ld Wa r also cold war N‑PROPER The Cold War was the period of hostility and tension between the Soviet bloc and the Western powers that followed the Second World War. □� �the first major crisis of the post-Cold War era.

cole|slaw /koʊ lslɔː/ N‑UNCOUNT Coleslaw is a salad of chopped raw cabbage, carrots, onions, and sometimes other vegetables, usually with mayonnaise.

col|ic /kɒ l I k/ N‑UNCOUNT Colic is an illness in which you get severe pains in your stomach and bowels. Babies especially suffer from colic.

col|icky /kɒ l I ki/ ADJ If someone, especially a baby, is colicky , they are suffering from colic.

co|li|tis /kəla I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Colitis is an illness in which your colon becomes inflamed. [TECHNICAL ]

col|labo|rate /kəl� bəre I t/ (collaborates , collaborating , collaborated )

1 VERB When one person or group collaborateswith another, they work together, especially on a book or on some research. □�[V +�with ] He collaborated with his son Michael on the English translation of the text. □�[V +�with ] A hospital will collaborate with a retail developer to improve retail and catering services. □�[V +�on/in ] �a place where professionals and amateurs collaborated in the making of music. □�[V ] The two men met and agreed to collaborate. [Also pl-n V to-inf, V with n to-inf]

2 VERB If someone collaborateswith an enemy that is occupying their country during a war, they help them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�with ] He was accused of having collaborated with the secret police. [Also V ]

col|labo|ra|tion /kəl� bəre I ʃ ə n/ (collaborations )

1 N‑VAR [in N ] Collaboration is the act of working together to produce a piece of work, especially a book or some research. □�[+�between ] This arose as a result of close collaboration between the two museums. □� �scientific collaborations. □�[+�with ] Drummond was working on a book in collaboration with Zodiac Mindwarp.

2 N‑COUNT A collaboration is a piece of work that has been produced as the result of people or groups working together. □�[+�with ] He was also a writer of beautiful stories, some of which are collaborations with his fiancee. [Also +�between ]

3 N‑UNCOUNT Collaboration is the act of helping an enemy who is occupying your country during a war. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She faced charges of collaboration. [Also +�with ]

col|labo|ra|tion|ist /kəl� bəre I ʃən I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A collaborationist government or individual is one that helps or gives support to the enemy during the war. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Quinn headed the collaborationist government throughout the war.

col|labo|ra|tive /kəl� bərət I v, [AM ] -re I t-/ ADJ [ADJ n] A collaborative piece of work is done by two or more people or groups working together. [FORMAL ] □� �a collaborative research project. □� 'The First Day' is their first collaborative album.

col|labo|ra|tor /kəl� bəre I tə r / (collaborators )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A collaborator is someone that you work with to produce a piece of work, especially a book or some research. □� The Irvine group and their collaborators are testing whether lasers do the job better.

2 N‑COUNT A collaborator is someone who helps an enemy who is occupying their country during a war. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Two alleged collaborators were shot dead by masked activists.

col|lage /kɒ lɑːʒ, [AM ] kəlɑː ʒ/ (collages )

1 N‑COUNT A collage is a picture that has been made by sticking pieces of coloured paper and cloth onto paper.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Collage is the method of making pictures by sticking pieces of coloured paper and cloth onto paper.

col|la|gen /kɒ lədʒən/ N‑UNCOUNT Collagen is a protein that is found in the bodies of people and animals. It is often used as an ingredient in cosmetics or is injected into the face in cosmetic surgery, in order to make the skin look younger. □� The collagen that is included in face creams comes from animal skin. □� �collagen injections.

col|lapse ◆◆◇ /kəl� ps/ (collapses , collapsing , collapsed )

1 VERB If a building or other structure collapses , it falls down very suddenly. □�[V ] A section of the Bay Bridge had collapsed. □�[V -ing] Most of the deaths were caused by landslides and collapsing buildings. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Collapse is also a noun. □� Governor Deukmejian called for an inquiry into the freeway's collapse.

2 VERB If something, for example a system or institution, collapses , it fails or comes to an end completely and suddenly. □�[V ] His business empire collapsed under a massive burden of debt. □�[V -ing] The rural people have been impoverished by a collapsing economy. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Collapse is also a noun. □� The coup's collapse has speeded up the drive to independence. □� Their economy is teetering on the brink of collapse.

3 VERB If you collapse , you suddenly faint or fall down because you are very ill or weak. □�[V ] He collapsed following a vigorous exercise session at his home. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Collapse is also a noun. □� A few days after his collapse he was sitting up in bed.

4 VERB If you collapse onto something, you sit or lie down suddenly because you are very tired. □�[V prep] She arrived home exhausted and barely capable of showering before collapsing on her bed. [Also V ] SYNONYMS collapse VERB

1

fall down:Children jumped from upper floors as the building fell down around them.

give:My knees gave under me.

give way:The hook in the ceiling had given way.

cave in:Part of the roof has caved in.

2

fail:He was afraid the revolution they had started would fail.

fold:2,500 small businesses were folding each week.

founder:The talks have foundered.

break down:Talks with business leaders broke down last night.

fall through:The deal fell through.

3

faint:She suddenly fell forward on to the table and fainted.

crumple:He immediately crumpled to the floor.

pass out:He felt sick and dizzy and then passed out.

keel over:He then keeled over and fell flat on his back.

black out:Samadov said that he felt so ill that he blacked out.

col|laps|ible /kəl� ps I b ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A collapsible object is designed to be folded flat when it is not being used. □� �a collapsible chair.

col|lar /kɒ lə r / (collars , collaring , collared )

1 N‑COUNT The collar of a shirt or coat is the part which fits round the neck and is usually folded over. □� His tie was pulled loose and his collar hung open. □� �a coat with a huge fake fur collar.

2 →�see also blue-collar , dog-collar , white-collar

3 N‑COUNT A collar is a band of leather or plastic which is put round the neck of a dog or cat.

4 VERB If you collar someone who has done something wrong or who is running away, you catch them and hold them so that they cannot escape. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] As Kerr fled towards the exit, Boycott collared him at the ticket barrier.

collar|bone /kɒ lə r boʊn/ (collarbones ) in BRIT, also use collar bone N‑COUNT Your collarbones are the two long bones which run from throat to your shoulders. □� Harold had a broken collarbone.

col|lar|less /kɒ lə r ləs/ ADJ [ADJ n] A collarless shirt or jacket has no collar.

col|late /kəle I t/ (collates , collating , collated ) VERB When you collate pieces of information, you gather them all together and examine them. □�[V n] Roberts has spent much of his working life collating the data on which the study was based. ●� col|la|tion /kəle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Many countries have no laws governing the collation of personal information.

col|lat|er|al /kəl� tərəl/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft as N ] Collateral is money or property which is used as a guarantee that someone will repay a loan. [FORMAL ] □� Most people here cannot borrow from banks because they lack collateral.

col|la t|er|al da m|age N‑UNCOUNT Collateral damage is accidental injury to non-military people or damage to non-military buildings which occurs during a military operation. □� To minimize collateral damage, maximum precision in bombing was required.

col|league ◆◆◇ /kɒ liːg/ (colleagues ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Your colleagues are the people you work with, especially in a professional job. □� A colleague urged him to see a psychiatrist, but Faulkner refused. SYNONYMS colleague NOUN

partner:He's a partner in a Chicago law firm.

associate:�the restaurant owner's business associates.

workmate:My workmates didn't want me to leave.

col|lect ◆◆◇ /kəle kt/ (collects , collecting , collected )

1 VERB If you collect a number of things, you bring them together from several places or from several people. □�[V n] Two young girls were collecting firewood. □�[be V -ed] 1.5 million signatures have been collected.

2 VERB If you collect things, such as stamps or books, as a hobby, you get a large number of them over a period of time because they interest you. □�[V n] One of Tony's hobbies was collecting rare birds. ●� col|lect|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] □� �hobbies like stamp collecting and fishing.

3 VERB When you collect someone or something, you go and get them from the place where they are waiting for you or have been left for you. [BRIT ] □�[V n +�from ] David always collects Alistair from school on Wednesdays. □�[V n] After collecting the cash, the kidnapper made his escape down the disused railway line. in AM, usually use pick up4 VERB If a substance collects somewhere, or if something collects it, it keeps arriving over a period of time and is held in that place or thing. □�[V prep/adv] Methane gas does collect in the mines around here. □�[V n] �water tanks which collect rainwater from the house roof. [Also V ]

5 VERB If something collects light, energy, or heat, it attracts it. □�[V n] Like a telescope, it has a curved mirror to collect the sunlight.

6 VERB If you collectfor a charity or for a present for someone, you ask people to give you money for it. □�[V +�for ] Are you collecting for charity? □�[V n +�for ] They collected donations for a fund to help military families. [Also V n]

7 VERB If you collectyourself or collect your thoughts, you make an effort to calm yourself or prepare yourself mentally. □�[V pron-refl] She paused for a moment to collect herself. □�[V n] He was grateful for a chance to relax and collect his thoughts.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] A collect call is a telephone call that is paid for by the person receiving it, not the person making it. [AM ] □� She received a collect phone call from Alaska. ●�PHRASE If you call collect when you make a telephone call, the person who you are phoning pays the cost of the call and not you. [AM ] □� Should you lose your ticket, call collect on STA's helpline. in BRIT, usually use reverse the charges SYNONYMS collect VERB

1

gather:I suggest we gather enough firewood to last the night.

compile:Councils compiled a register of all adults living in their areas.

assemble:Greenpeace managed to assemble enough boats to waylay the ship at sea.

accumulate:Households accumulate wealth across a broad spectrum of assets.

round up:We've rounded up a selection of products.

3

fetch:Sylvia fetched a towel from the bathroom.

pick up:We drove to the airport the next morning to pick up Susan.

get:Go and get your daddy for me.

col|lect|able /kəle ktəb ə l/ also collectible ADJ A collectable object is one which is valued very highly by collectors because it is rare or beautiful. □� Many of these cushions have survived and are very collectible.

col|lect|ed /kəle kt I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An author's collected works or letters are all their works or letters published in one book or in a set of books. □� �the collected works of Rudyard Kipling.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is collected , you mean that they are very calm and self-controlled, especially when they are in a difficult or serious situation. □� Police say she was cool and collected during her interrogation.

3 →�see also collect

col|lect|ible /kəle kt I b ə l/ →�see collectable

col|lect|ing /kəle kt I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A collecting tin or box is one that is used to collect money for charity. [BRIT ] in AM, use collection box2 →�see also collect

col|lec|tion ◆◆◇ /kəle kʃ ə n/ (collections )

1 N‑COUNT A collectionof things is a group of similar things that you have deliberately acquired, usually over a period of time. □�[+�of ] The Art Gallery of Ontario has the world's largest collection of sculptures by Henry Moore. □� He made the mistake of leaving his valuable record collection with a former girlfriend.

2 N‑COUNT A collectionof stories, poems, or articles is a number of them published in one book. □�[+�of ] The institute has assembled a collection of essays from foreign affairs experts.

3 N‑COUNT A collectionof things is a group of things. □�[+�of ] Wye Lea is a collection of farm buildings that have been converted into an attractive complex.

4 N‑COUNT A fashion designer's new collection consists of the new clothes they have designed for the next season.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Collection is the act of collecting something from a place or from people. □� Money can be sent to any one of 22,000 agents worldwide for collection. □�[+�of ] �computer systems to speed up collection of information.

6 N‑COUNT If you organize a collection for charity, you collect money from people to give to charity. □�[+�for ] I asked my headmaster if he could arrange a collection for a refugee charity.

7 N‑COUNT A collection is money that is given by people in church during some Christian services.

col|le c|tion box (collection boxes ) N‑COUNT A collection box is a box or tin that is used to collect money for charity. [AM ]

col|lec|tive ◆◇◇ /kəle kt I v/ (collectives )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Collective actions, situations, or feelings involve or are shared by every member of a group of people. □� It was a collective decision. □� The country's politicians are already heaving a collective sigh of relief. ●� col|lec|tive|ly ADV □� The Cabinet is collectively responsible for policy.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A collective amount of something is the total obtained by adding together the amounts that each person or thing in a group has. □� Their collective volume wasn't very large. ●� col|lec|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� In 1968 the states collectively spent $2 billion on it.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The collective term for two or more types of thing is a general word or expression which refers to all of them. □� Social science is a collective name, covering a series of individual sciences. ●� col|lec|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �other sorts of cells (known collectively as white corpuscles).

4 N‑COUNT A collective is a business or farm which is run, and often owned, by a group of people who take an equal share of any profits. [BUSINESS ] □� He will see that he is participating in all the decisions of the collective.

col|le c|tive ba r|gain|ing N‑UNCOUNT When a trade union engages in collective bargaining , it has talks with an employer about its members' pay and working conditions. [BUSINESS ]

col|le c|tive nou n (collective nouns ) N‑COUNT A collective noun is a noun such as 'family' or 'team' that refers to a group of people or things.

col|le c|tive un|co n|scious N‑SING In psychology, thecollective unconscious consists of the basic ideas and images that all people are believed to share because they have inherited them.

col|lec|ti|vise /kəle kt I va I z/ →�see collectivize

col|lec|tiv|ism /kəle kt I v I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Collectivism is the political belief that a country's industries and services should be owned and controlled by the state or by all the people in a country. Socialism and communism are both forms of collectivism.

col|lec|tiv|ist /kəle kt I v I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Collectivist means relating to collectivism. □� �collectivist ideals.

col|lec|ti|vize /kəle kt I va I z/ (collectivizes , collectivizing , collectivized ) in BRIT, also use collectivise VERB If farms or factories are collectivized , they are brought under state ownership and control, usually by combining a number of small farms or factories into one large one. □�[be V -ed] Most large businesses were collectivized at the start of the war. □�[V n] He forced the country to collectivize agriculture. □�[V -ed] �large collectivised farms. ●� col|lec|tivi|za|tion /kəle kt I va I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the collectivisation of agriculture.

col|lec|tor /kəle ktə r / (collectors )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A collector is a person who collects things of a particular type as a hobby. □� �a stamp-collector. □�[+�of ] �a respected collector of Indian art.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] You can use collector to refer to someone whose job is to take something such as money, tickets, or rubbish from people. For example, a rent collector collects rent from people. □� He earned his living as a tax collector. □� �a garbage collector.

col|le c|tor's item (collector's items ) N‑COUNT A collector's item is an object which is highly valued by collectors because it is rare or beautiful.

col|lege ◆◆◇ /kɒ l I dʒ/ (colleges )

1 N‑VAR ; N‑COUNT A college is an institution where students study after they have left school. □� Their daughter Joanna is doing business studies at a local college. □� He is now a professor of economics at Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A college is one of the institutions which some British universities are divided into. □� He was educated at Balliol College, Oxford.

3 N‑COUNT At some universities in the United States, colleges are divisions which offer degrees in particular subjects. □� �a professor at the University of Florida College of Law.

4 N‑COUNT College is used in Britain in the names of some secondary schools which charge fees. □� In 1854, Cheltenham Ladies' College became the first girls' public school. COLLOCATIONS college NOUN 1

noun +�college : community, further education, sixth form; art, catering, drama

adjective +�college : agricultural, naval, secretarial, theological; technical

verb +�college : attend; finish, leave

col|legi|ate /kəliː dʒiət/ ADJ [ADJ n] Collegiate means belonging or relating to a college or to college students. [mainly AM ] □� The 1933 national collegiate football championship was won by Michigan. □� �collegiate life.

col|lide /kəla I d/ (collides , colliding , collided )

1 VERB If two or more moving people or objects collide , they crash into one another. If a moving person or object collideswith a person or object that is not moving, they crash into them. □�[V ] Two trains collided head-on in north-eastern Germany early this morning. □�[V +�with ] Racing up the stairs, he almost collided with Daisy. □�[V +�with ] He collided with a pine tree near the North Gate.

2 VERB If the aims, opinions, or interests of one person or group collidewith those of another person or group, they are very different from each other and are therefore opposed. □�[V +�with ] The aims of the negotiators in New York again seem likely to collide with the aims of the warriors in the field. □�[V ] What happens when the two interests collide will make a fascinating spectacle.

col|lie /kɒ li/ (collies ) N‑COUNT A collie or a collie dog is a dog with long hair and a long, narrow nose.

col|liery /kɒ ljəri/ (collieries ) N‑COUNT A colliery is a coal mine and all the buildings and equipment which are connected with it. [BRIT ]

col|li|sion /kəl I ʒ ə n/ (collisions )

1 N‑VAR A collision occurs when a moving object crashes into something. □�[+�with ] They were on their way to the Shropshire Union Canal when their van was involved in a collision with a car. □�[+�between ] I saw a head-on collision between two aeroplanes.

2 N‑COUNT A collisionof cultures or ideas occurs when two very different cultures or people meet and conflict. □�[+�of ] The play represents the collision of three generations. [Also +�between/with ]

col|li |sion course

1 N‑SING [usu on a N ] If two or more people or things are on acollision course , there is likely to be a sudden and violent disagreement between them. □� The two communities are now on a collision course. □�[+�with ] Britain's universities are set on a collision course with the government.

2 N‑SING [usu on a N ] If two or more people or things are on acollision course , they are likely to meet and crash into each other violently. □�[+�with ] There is an asteroid on a collision course with the Earth.

col|lo|cate (collocates , collocating , collocated ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ ləkət/. The verb is pronounced /kɒ ləke I t/. 1 N‑COUNT In linguistics, a collocate of a particular word is another word which often occurs with that word. [TECHNICAL ]

2 VERB In linguistics, if one word collocateswith another, they often occur together. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V +�with ] 'Detached' collocates with 'house'. [Also V ]

col|lo|ca|tion /kɒ ləke I ʃ ə n/ (collocations ) N‑VAR In linguistics, collocation is the way that some words occur regularly whenever another word is used. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the basic notion of collocation.

col|lo|quial /kəloʊ kwiəl/ ADJ Colloquial words and phrases are informal and are used mainly in conversation. □� �a colloquial expression. ●� col|lo|qui|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� These topaz rocks are known colloquially as Killiekrankie diamonds.

col|lo|qui|al|ism /kəloʊ kwiəl I zəm/ (colloquialisms ) N‑COUNT A colloquialism is a colloquial word or phrase.

col|lude /kəluː d/ (colludes , colluding , colluded ) VERB If one person colludeswith another, they co-operate with them secretly or illegally. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�with ] Several local officials are in jail on charges of colluding with the Mafia. □�[V +�in ] My mother colluded in the myth of him as the swanky businessman. □�[V ] The two companies were colluding to exploit consumers. [Also pl-n V to-inf]

col|lu|sion /kəluː ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [in N ] Collusion is secret or illegal co-operation, especially between countries or organizations. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�between ] He found no evidence of collusion between record companies and retailers. [Also +�with ]

col|lu|sive /kəluː s I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Collusive behaviour involves secret or illegal co-operation, especially between countries or organizations. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �collusive business practices.

co|logne /kəloʊ n/ (colognes ) N‑VAR Cologne is a kind of weak perfume.

Co|lom|bian /kəlʌ mbiən/ (Colombians )

1 ADJ Colombian means belonging or relating to Colombia or its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Colombian is a Colombian citizen, or a person of Colombian origin.

co|lon /koʊ lən/ (colons )

1 N‑COUNT A colon is the punctuation mark : which you can use in several ways. For example, you can put it before a list of things or before reported speech.

2 N‑COUNT Your colon is the part of your intestine above your rectum. □� �cancer of the colon.

colo|nel ◆◇◇ /kɜː r n ə l/ (colonels ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A colonel is a senior officer in an army, air force, or the marines. □� This particular place was run by an ex-Army colonel. □� �Colonel Edward Staley.

co|lo|nial /kəloʊ niəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Colonial means relating to countries that are colonies, or to colonialism. □� �the 31st anniversary of Jamaica's independence from British colonial rule. □� �the colonial civil service.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A Colonial building or piece of furniture was built or made in a style that was popular in America in the 17th and 18th centuries. [mainly AM ] □� �the white colonial houses on the north side of the campus.

co|lo|ni|al|ism /kəloʊ niəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Colonialism is the practice by which a powerful country directly controls less powerful countries and uses their resources to increase its own power and wealth. □� �the bitter oppression of slavery and colonialism. □� It is interesting to reflect why European colonialism ended.

co|lo|ni|al|ist /kəloʊ niəl I st/ (colonialists )

1 ADJ Colonialist means relating to colonialism. □� �the European colonialist powers.

2 N‑COUNT A colonialist is a person who believes in colonialism or helps their country to get colonies. □� �rulers who were imposed on the people by the colonialists.

co|lon|ic ir|ri|ga|tion /koʊ lɒn I k I r I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Colonic irrigation is a medical procedure in which a person's colon is washed by injecting water or other fluids into it.

colo|nist /kɒ lən I st/ (colonists ) N‑COUNT Colonists are the people who start a colony or the people who are among the first to live in a particular colony. □� �the early American colonists.

colo|nize /kɒ ləna I z/ (colonizes , colonizing , colonized ) in BRIT, also use colonise1 VERB If people colonize a foreign country, they go to live there and take control of it. □�[V n] The first British attempt to colonize Ireland was in the twelfth century. □�[V -ed] For more than 400 years, we were a colonized people.

2 VERB When large numbers of animals colonize a place, they go to live there and make it their home. □�[V n] Toads are colonising the whole place.

3 VERB [usu passive] When an area is colonizedby a type of plant, the plant grows there in large amounts. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The area was then colonized by scrub.

col|on|nade /kɒ ləne I d/ (colonnades ) N‑COUNT A colonnade is a row of evenly-spaced columns. □�[+�with ] �a colonnade with stone pillars.

col|on|nad|ed /kɒ ləne I d I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] A colonnaded building has evenly-spaced columns.

colo|ny /kɒ ləni/ (colonies )

1 N‑COUNT A colony is a country which is controlled by a more powerful country. □� He was born in Algeria, a former colony of France.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a place where a particular group of people lives as a particular kind of colony . □� �a penal colony. □� �industrial colonies.

3 N‑COUNT A colonyof birds, insects, or animals is a group of them that live together. □�[+�of ] The Shetlands are famed for their colonies of sea birds.

col|or /kʌ lə r / →�see colour

col|ora|tion /kʌ ləre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The coloration of an animal or a plant is the colours and patterns on it. □� �plants with yellow or red coloration.

colo|ra|tu|ra /kɒ lərətʊə rə, [AM ] kʌ l-/ (coloraturas )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Coloratura is very complicated and difficult music for a solo singer, especially in opera. [TECHNICAL ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A coloratura is a singer, usually a woman, who is skilled at singing coloratura. [TECHNICAL ]

col|ori|za|tion /kʌ ləra I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Colorization is a technique used to add colour to old black and white films. □�[+�of ] �the colorization of old film classics.

col|or|ized /kʌ ləra I zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A colorized film is an old black and white film which has had colour added to it using a special technique. □� The film is available in a colorized version.

co|los|sal /kəlɒ s ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as colossal , you are emphasizing that it is very large. [EMPHASIS ] □� There has been a colossal waste of public money. □� The task they face is colossal. ●� co|los|sal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� Their policies have been colossally destructive.

co|los|sus /kəlɒ səs/ (colossi /kəlɒ sa I /)

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe someone or something as a colossus , you think that they are extremely important and great in ability or size. [JOURNALISM , EMPHASIS ] □� �saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins. □�[+�of ] He became a colossus of the labour movement.

2 N‑COUNT A colossus is an extremely large statue.

co|los|to|my /kəlɒ stəmi/ (colostomies ) N‑COUNT A colostomy is a surgical operation in which a permanent opening from the colon is made. [MEDICAL ]

col|our ◆◆◆ /kʌ lə r / (colours , colouring , coloured ) in AM, use color1 N‑COUNT The colour of something is the appearance that it has as a result of the way in which it reflects light. Red, blue, and green are colours. □� 'What colour is the car?'�'Red.'. □� Her silk dress was sky-blue, the colour of her eyes. □� Judi's favourite colour is pink. □� The badges come in twenty different colours and shapes.

2 N‑VAR A colour is a substance you use to give something a particular colour. Dyes and make-up are sometimes referred to as colours . □� �The Body Shop Herbal Hair Colour. □� It is better to avoid all food colours. □� �the latest lip and eye colours.

3 VERB If you colour something, you use something such as dyes or paint to change its colour. □�[V n] Many women begin colouring their hair in their mid-30s. □�[V n] We'd been making cakes and colouring the posters. □�[V n colour] The petals can be cooked with rice to colour it yellow. ●� col|our|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� They could not afford to spoil those maps by careless colouring.

4 VERB If someone colours , their face becomes redder than it normally is, usually because they are embarrassed. □�[V ] Andrew couldn't help noticing that she coloured slightly.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] Someone's colour is the colour of their skin. People often use colour in this way to refer to a person's race. [POLITENESS ] □� I don't care what colour she is. □� He acknowledged that Mr Taylor's colour and ethnic origins were utterly irrelevant in the circumstances.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A colour photograph, picture, or film is one that shows things in all their colours, and not just in black, white, and grey. □� There was a colour photo of me in the newspaper.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Colour is a quality that makes something especially interesting or exciting. □� She had resumed the travel necessary to add depth and colour to her novels.

8 →�see also local colour

9 VERB If something colours your opinion, it affects the way that you think about something. □�[V n] The attitude of the parents must colour the way children approach school.

10 N‑PLURAL A country's national colours are the colours of its national flag. □� The Opera House is decorated with the Hungarian national colours: green, red and white.

11 N‑PLURAL People sometimes refer to the flag of a particular part of an army, navy, or air force, or the flag of a particular country as its colours . □� Troops raised the country's colors in a special ceremony. □� �the battalion's colours.

12 N‑PLURAL A sports team's colours are the colours of the clothes they wear when they play. □� I was wearing the team's colours.

13 →�see also coloured , colouring

14 PHRASE If you pass a test with flying colours , you have done very well in the test. □� So far McAllister seemed to have passed all the tests with flying colors.

15 PHRASE If a film or television programme is in colour , it has been made so that you see the picture in all its colours, and not just in black, white, or grey. □� Was he going to show the film? Was it in colour?

16 PHRASE People of colour are people who belong to a race with dark skins. [POLITENESS ] □� Black communities spoke up to defend the rights of all people of color.

17 PHRASE If you see someone in their true colours or if they show their true colours , you realize what they are really like. □� The children are seeing him in his true colours for the first time now. □� The team showed their true colours by beating the league leaders.

▸� colour in PHRASAL VERB If you colour in a drawing, you give it different colours using crayons or paints. □�[V P n] Draw simple shapes for your child to colour in. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS colour NOUN 1

noun +�colour : eye, hair, skin

adjective +�colour : bold, bright, strong, vibrant, vivid; light, muted, neutral, pale, pastel; cool, rich, warm; dark, deep

col|our|ant /kʌ lərənt/ (colourants ) in AM, use colorant N‑COUNT A colourant is a substance that is used to give something a particular colour. □� �a new range of hair colourants.

co lour-blind in AM, use color-blind1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is colour-blind cannot see the difference between colours, especially between red and green. □� Sixteen times as many men are colour-blind as women. ●� colour-blindness N‑UNCOUNT □� What exactly is colour-blindness and how do you find out if you have it?

2 ADJ A colour-blind system or organization does not treat people differently according to their race or nationality. □� �the introduction of more colour-blind anti-poverty programmes.

co lour-co ded in AM, use color-coded ADJ Things that are colour-coded use colours to represent different features or functions. □� The contents are emptied into colour-coded buckets.

col|oured /kʌ lə r d/ in AM, use colored1 ADJ Something that is coloured a particular colour is that colour. □� The illustration shows a cluster of five roses coloured apricot-orange. □� �a cheap gold-coloured bracelet.

2 ADJ Something that is coloured is a particular colour or combination of colours, rather than being just white, black, or the colour that it is naturally. □� You can often choose between plain white or coloured and patterned scarves. □� �brightly-coloured silks laid out on market stalls.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A coloured person belongs to a race of people with dark skins. [OFFENSIVE , OLD-FASHIONED ]

co l|our|fast /kʌ lə r fɑːst, -f�st/ in AM, use colorfast ADJ A fabric that is colourfast has a colour that will not get paler when the fabric is washed or worn.

col|our|ful /kʌ lə r fʊl/ in AM, use colorful1 ADJ Something that is colourful has bright colours or a lot of different colours. □� The flowers were colourful and the scenery magnificent. □� People wore colourful clothes and seemed to be having a good time. ●� col|our|ful|ly ADV □� �the sight of dozens of colourfully-dressed people.

2 ADJ A colourful story is full of exciting details. □� The story she told was certainly colourful, and extended over her life in England, Germany and Spain. □� �the country's colourful and often violent history.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A colourful character is a person who behaves in an interesting and amusing way. □� A colourful character, he likes extravagant gestures.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has had a colourful past or a colourful career, they have been involved in exciting but often slightly shocking things. □� More details surfaced of her colourful past as the story developed.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Colourful language is rude or offensive language. [POLITENESS ]

col|our|ing /kʌ lər I ŋ/ in AM, use coloring1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The colouring of something is the colour or colours that it is. □�[+�of ] Other countries vary the coloring of their bank notes as well as their size. □� �the scenery was losing its bright colouring.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Someone's colouring is the colour of their hair, skin, and eyes. □� None of them had their father's dark colouring. □� Choose shades which tone in with your natural colouring.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Colouring is a substance that is used to give colour to food. □� A few drops of green food coloring were added.

4 →�see also colour

co l|our|ing book (colouring books ) in AM, use coloring book N‑COUNT A colouring book is a book of simple drawings which children can colour in.

col|our|ist /kʌ lər I st/ (colourists ) in AM, use colorist1 N‑COUNT A colourist is someone such as an artist or a fashion designer who uses colours in an interesting and original way.

2 N‑COUNT A colourist is a hairdresser who specializes in colouring people's hair.

col|our|less /kʌ lə r ləs/ in AM, use colorless1 ADJ Something that is colourless has no colour at all. □� �a colourless, almost odourless liquid with a sharp, sweetish taste.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone's face is colourless , it is very pale, usually because they are frightened, shocked, or ill. □� Her face was colourless, and she was shaking. □� His complexion was colorless and he hadn't shaved.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Colourless people or places are dull and uninteresting. □� We hurried through the colourless little town set on the fast-flowing Nyakchu.

co l|our scheme (colour schemes ) in AM, use color scheme N‑COUNT In a room or house, the colour scheme is the way in which colours have been used to decorate it. □� �a stylish colour scheme of olive green and mustard.

co l|our su p|plement (colour supplements ) N‑COUNT A colour supplement is a colour magazine which is one of the sections of a newspaper, especially at weekends. [BRIT ] in AM, use supplement

colt /koʊ lt/ (colts ) N‑COUNT A colt is a young male horse.

colt|ish /koʊ lt I ʃ/ ADJ A young person or animal that is coltish is full of energy but clumsy or awkward, because they lack physical skill or control. □� �coltish teenagers.

col|umn ◆◇◇ /kɒ ləm/ (columns )

1 N‑COUNT A column is a tall, often decorated cylinder of stone which is built to honour someone or forms part of a building. □� �a London landmark, Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.

2 N‑COUNT A column is something that has a tall narrow shape. □�[+�of ] The explosion sent a column of smoke thousands of feet into the air.

3 N‑COUNT A column is a group of people or animals which moves in a long line. □�[+�of ] There were reports of columns of military vehicles appearing on the streets.

4 N‑COUNT On a printed page such as a page of a dictionary, newspaper, or printed chart, a column is one of two or more vertical sections which are read downwards. □�[+�of ] We had stupidly been looking at the wrong column of figures.

5 N‑COUNT In a newspaper or magazine, a column is a section that is always written by the same person or is always about the same topic. □�[+�for ] She also writes a regular column for the Times Educational Supplement.

6 →�see also agony column , gossip column , personal column , spinal column , steering column

col|umn|ist /kɒ ləm I st/ (columnists ) N‑COUNT A columnist is a journalist who regularly writes a particular kind of article in a newspaper or magazine. □�[+�for ] Clarence Page is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

coma /koʊ mə/ (comas ) N‑COUNT [usu in/into N ] Someone who is in a coma is in a state of deep unconsciousness. □� She was in a coma for seven weeks.

co|ma|tose /koʊ mətoʊs/

1 ADJ A person who is comatose is in a coma. [MEDICAL ] □� The right side of my brain had been so severely bruised that I was comatose for a month.

2 ADJ [oft ADJ after v] A person who is comatose is in a deep sleep, usually because they are tired or have drunk too much alcohol. [INFORMAL ] □� Grandpa lies comatose on the sofa.

comb /koʊ m/ (combs , combing , combed )

1 N‑COUNT A comb is a flat piece of plastic or metal with narrow pointed teeth along one side, which you use to tidy your hair.

2 VERB When you comb your hair, you tidy it using a comb. □�[V n] Salvatore combed his hair carefully. □�[V -ed] Her reddish hair was cut short and neatly combed.

3 VERB If you comb a place, you search everywhere in it in order to find someone or something. □�[V n +�for ] Officers combed the woods for the murder weapon. □�[V n] They fanned out and carefully combed the temple grounds.

4 VERB If you combthrough information, you look at it very carefully in order to find something. □�[V +�through ] Eight police officers then spent two years combing through the evidence.

5 →�see also fine-tooth comb

com|bat ◆◇◇ (combats , combating or combatting , combated or combatted ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ mb�t/. The verb is pronounced /kəmb� t/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Combat is fighting that takes place in a war. □� Over 16 million men had died in combat. □� Yesterday saw hand-to-hand combat in the city. □� �combat aircraft.

2 N‑COUNT A combat is a battle, or a fight between two people. □� It was the end of a long combat.

3 VERB If people in authority combat something, they try to stop it happening. □�[V n] Congress has criticised new government measures to combat crime. SYNONYMS combat NOUN 1

fighting:More than nine hundred people have died in the fighting.

war:He spent part of the war in the National Guard.

battle:�after a gun battle between police and drug traffickers.

action:13 soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in action.

conflict:�talks aimed at ending four decades of conflict. COLLOCATIONS combat NOUN

1

adjective +�combat : gladiatorial, hand-to-hand, mortal, unarmed; aerial, frontline

2

adjective +�combat : ferocious, long VERB 3

combat+�noun : crime, extremism, fraud, terrorism; disease, obesity

com|bat|ant /kɒ mbət ə nt, [AM ] kəmb� t-/ (combatants ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A combatant is a person, group, or country that takes part in the fighting in a war. □� I have never suggested that U.N. forces could physically separate the combatants in the region. □� They come from the combatant nations.

com|bat|ive /kɒ mbət I v, [AM ] kəmb� t I v/ ADJ A person who is combative is aggressive and eager to fight or argue. □� He conducted the meeting in his usual combative style, refusing to admit any mistakes. ●� com|bat|ive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� They quickly developed a reputation for combativeness.

co m|bat trou |sers N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Combat trousers are large, loose trousers with lots of pockets. □� He was wearing black combat trousers and a hooded fleece.

com|bi|na|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ mb I ne I ʃ ə n/ (combinations ) N‑COUNT A combinationof things is a mixture of them. □�[+�of ] �a fantastic combination of colours. □�[+�of ] �the combination of science and art. SYNONYMS combination NOUN

mix:The story is a magical mix of fantasy and reality.

mixture:They looked at him with a mixture of horror, envy, and awe.

blend:�a blend of wine and sparkling water.

compound:Honey is a compound of water, sugar, vitamins and enzymes.

fusion:His fusions of jazz, pop and African melodies have proved highly successful.

com|bi|na |tion lock (combination locks ) N‑COUNT A combination lock is a lock which can only be opened by turning a dial or a number of dials according to a particular series of letters or numbers. □� �a briefcase with combination locks.

com|bine ◆◇◇ (combines , combining , combined ) The verb is pronounced /kəmba I n/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mba I n/. 1 VERB If you combine two or more things or if they combine , they exist together. □�[V n +�with ] The Church has something to say on how to combine freedom with responsibility. □�[V to-inf] Relief workers say it's worse than ever as disease and starvation combine to kill thousands. □�[V -ed] This technique combined with any other therapy is perfectly safe. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you combine two or more things or if they combine , they join together to make a single thing. □�[V n] David Jacobs was given the job of combining the data from these 19 studies into one giant study. □�[V n +�with ] Combine the flour with 3 tablespoons water to make a paste. □�[V ] Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen combine chemically to form carbohydrates and fats. □�[V -ed +�with ] Combined with other compounds, they created a massive dynamite-type bomb.

3 VERB If someone or something combines two qualities or features, they have both those qualities or features at the same time. □�[V n] Their system combines strong government and proportional representation. □�[V n +�with ] �a clever, far-sighted lawyer who combines legal expertise with social concern. □�[V -ed] Her tale has a consciously youthful tone and storyline, combined with a sly humour.

4 VERB If someone combines two activities, they do them both at the same time. □�[V n +�with ] It is possible to combine a career with being a mother. □�[V n] He will combine the two jobs over the next three years.

5 VERB If two or more groups or organizations combine or if someone combines them, they join to form a single group or organization. □�[V n] �an announcement by Steetley and Tarmac of a joint venture that would combine their operations. □�[V to-inf] Different states or groups can combine to enlarge their markets. [Also V n +�with ]

6 N‑COUNT A combine is a group of people or organizations that are working or acting together. □� �an energy and chemicals combine that is Germany's fourth-biggest company. SYNONYMS combine VERB 2

mix:Mix the ingredients together slowly.

bind:These compounds bind with genetic material in the liver.

blend:Blend the butter with the sugar and beat until light and creamy.

amalgamate:The chemical companies had amalgamated into a vast conglomerate.

merge:The two countries merged into one.

com|bined /kəmba I nd/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A combined effort or attack is made by two or more groups of people at the same time. □� These refugees are looked after by the combined efforts of governments and charities.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The combined size or quantity of two or more things is the total of their sizes or quantities added together. □� After the merger, the two banks had combined assets of some $146 billion.

co m|bine ha r|vest|er (combine harvesters ) N‑COUNT A combine harvester is a large machine which is used on farms to cut, sort, and clean grain.

com|bi n|ing form (combining forms ) N‑COUNT A combining form is a word that is used, or used with a particular meaning, only when joined to another word. For example, '-legged' as in 'four-legged' and '-fold' as in 'fivefold' are combining forms.

com|bo /kɒ mboʊ/ (combos ) N‑COUNT A combo is a small group of musicians who play jazz, dance, or popular music. [INFORMAL ] □� �a new-wave rock combo.

com|bus|tible /kəmbʌ st I b ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A combustible material or gas catches fire and burns easily. [FORMAL ] □� The ability of coal to release a combustible gas has long been known.

com|bus|tion /kəmbʌ stʃən/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Combustion is the act of burning something or the process of burning. [TECHNICAL ] □� The energy is released by combustion on the application of a match.

2 →�see also internal combustion engine

come ◆◆◆ /kʌ m/ (comes , coming , came ) The form come is used in the present tense and is the past participle. Come is used in a large number of expressions which are explained under other words in this dictionary. For example, the expression 'to come to terms with something' is explained at 'term'. 1 VERB When a person or thing comes to a particular place, especially to a place where you are, they move there. □�[V prep/adv] Two police officers came into the hall. □�[V prep/adv] Come here, Tom. □�[V prep/adv] You'll have to come with us. □�[V ] We heard the train coming. □�[V ] Can I come too? □�[V v-ing prep/adv] The impact blew out some of the windows and the sea came rushing in.

2 VERB When someone comesto do something, they move to the place where someone else is in order to do it, and they do it. In British English, someone can also come and do something and in American English, someone can come do something. However, you always say that someone came and did something. □�[V to-inf] Eleanor had come to visit her. □�[V and v] Come and meet Roger. □�[V inf] I want you to come visit me.

3 VERB When you come to a place, you reach it. □�[V +�to ] He came to a door that led into a passageway.

4 VERB If something comes upto a particular point or downto it, it is tall enough, deep enough, or long enough to reach that point. □�[V up prep] The water came up to my chest. □�[V down prep] I wore a large shirt of Jamie's which came down over my hips.

5 VERB If something comes apart or comes to pieces , it breaks into pieces. If something comes off or comes away , it becomes detached from something else. □�[V adv/prep] The pistol came to pieces, easily and quickly. □�[V adv/prep] The door knobs came off in our hands.

6 V‑LINK You use come in expressions such as come to an end or come into operation to indicate that someone or something enters or reaches a particular state or situation. □�[V +�to ] The Communists came to power in 1944. □�[V +�into ] I came into contact with very bright Harvard and Yale students. □�[V adj] Their worst fears may be coming true.

7 VERB If someone comesto do something, they do it at the end of a long process or period of time. □�[V to-inf] She said it so many times that she came to believe it.

8 VERB You can ask how something cameto happen when you want to know what caused it to happen or made it possible. □�[V to-inf] How did you come to meet him?

9 VERB When a particular event or time comes , it arrives or happens. □�[V prep/adv] The announcement came after a meeting at the Home Office. □�[V ] The time has come for us to move on. □�[V ] There will come a time when the crisis will occur. ●� com|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] Most of my patients welcome the coming of summer.

10 PREP You can use come before a date, time, or event to mean when that date, time, or event arrives. For example, you can say come the spring to mean 'when the spring arrives'. □� Come the election on the 20th of May, we will have to decide.

11 VERB If a thought, idea, or memory comes to you, you suddenly think of it or remember it. □�[V +�to ] He was about to shut the door when an idea came to him. □�[V to n that] Then it came to me that perhaps he did understand.

12 VERB If money or property is going to come to you, you are going to inherit or receive it. □�[V +�to ] He did have pension money coming to him when the factory shut down.

13 VERB If a case comes before a court or tribunal or comes to court, it is presented there so that the court or tribunal can examine it. □�[V +�before ] They were ready to explain their case when it came before the planning committee. □�[V +�to ] President Cristiani expected the case to come to court within ninety days.

14 VERB If something comes to a particular number or amount, it adds up to it. □�[V +�to ] Lunch came to $80.

15 VERB If someone or something comes from a particular place or thing, that place or thing is their origin, source, or starting point. □�[V +�from ] Nearly half the students come from abroad. □�[V +�from ] Chocolate comes from the cacao tree. □�[V +�from ] The term 'claret', used to describe Bordeaux wines, may come from the French word 'clairet'.

16 VERB Something that comes from something else or comes of it is the result of it. □�[V +�from ] There is a feeling of power that comes from driving fast. □�[V +�of ] He asked to be transferred there some years ago, but nothing came of it.

17 VERB If someone or something comes first, next, or last, they are first, next, or last in a series, list, or competition. □�[V ] The two countries have been unable to agree which step should come next. □�[V ord] The horse had already won at Lincolnshire and come second at Lowesby.

18 VERB If a type of thing comesin a particular range of colours, forms, styles, or sizes, it can have any of those colours, forms, styles, or sizes. □�[V +�in ] Bikes come in all shapes and sizes. □�[V +�in ] The wallpaper comes in black and white only.

19 VERB You use come in expressions such as it came as a surprise when indicating a person's reaction to something that happens. □�[V +�as ] Major's reply came as a complete surprise to the House of Commons. □�[V +�as ] The arrest has come as a terrible shock.

20 VERB The next subject in a discussion that you come to is the one that you talk about next. □�[V +�to ] Finally in the programme, we come to the news that the American composer and conductor, Leonard Bernstein, has died. □�[V +�to ] That is another matter altogether. And we shall come to that next.

21 VERB To come means to have an orgasm. [INFORMAL ]

22 →�see also coming , comings and goings

23 PHRASE If you say that someone is, for example, as good as they come , or as stupid as they come , you are emphasizing that they are extremely good or extremely stupid. [EMPHASIS ] □� The new finance minister was educated at Oxford and is as traditional as they come.

24 PHRASE You can use the expression when it comes down to it or when you come down to it for emphasis, when you are giving a general statement or conclusion. [EMPHASIS ] □� When you come down to it, however, the basic problems of life have not changed.

25 PHRASE If you say that someone has it coming to them, you mean that they deserve everything bad that is going to happen to them, because they have done something wrong or are a bad person. If you say that someone got what was coming to them, you mean that they deserved the punishment or bad experience that they have had. [INFORMAL ] □� He was pleased that Brady was dead because he probably had it coming to him.

26 PHRASE You use the expression come to think of it to indicate that you have suddenly realized something, often something obvious. □� You know, when you come to think of it, this is very odd.

27 PHRASE When you refer to a time or an event to come or one that is still to come , you are referring to a future time or event. □� I hope in years to come he will reflect on his decision. □� The worst of the storm is yet to come.

28 PHRASE You can use the expression when it comes to or when it comes down to in order to introduce a new topic or a new aspect of a topic that you are talking about. □� We know we should cut down on fat but that doesn't help when it comes to eating. □� However, when it comes down to somebody that they know, they have a different feeling.

29 PHRASE You can use expressions like I know where you're coming from or you can see where she's coming from to say that you understand someone's attitude or point of view. □� To understand why they are doing it, it is necessary to know where they are coming from.

▸� come about PHRASAL VERB When you say how or when something came about , you say how or when it happened. □�[V P +�through ] Any possible solution can only come about through dialogue. □�[V P ] That came about when we went to Glastonbury last year. □�[V P that] It came about that he combined his businesses.

▸� come across

1 PHRASAL VERB If you come across something or someone, you find them or meet them by chance. □�[V P n] I came across a group of children playing.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone or what they are saying comes across in a particular way, they make that impression on people who meet them or are listening to them. □�[V P +�as ] When sober he can come across as an extremely pleasant and charming young man. □�[V P adv] He came across very, very well.

▸� come along

1 PHRASAL VERB You tell someone to come along to encourage them in a friendly way to do something, especially to attend something. □�[V P ] There's a big press launch today and you're most welcome to come along.

2 CONVENTION You say 'come along' to someone to encourage them to hurry up, usually when you are rather annoyed with them. □�[V P ] Come along, Osmond. No sense in your standing around.

3 PHRASAL VERB When something or someone comes along , they occur or arrive by chance. □�[V P ] I waited a long time until a script came along that I thought was genuinely funny. □�[V P ] It was lucky you came along.

4 PHRASAL VERB If something is coming along , it is developing or making progress. □�[V P adv] Pentagon spokesman Williams says those talks are coming along quite well. □�[V P ] How's Ferguson coming along?

▸� come around in BRIT, also use come round1 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes around or comes roundto your house, they call there to see you. □�[V P ] Beryl came round this morning to apologize. □�[V P +�to ] Quite a lot of people came round to the house.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you come around or come roundto an idea, you eventually change your mind and accept it or agree with it. □�[V P +�to ] It looks like they're coming around to our way of thinking. □�[V P ] She will eventually come round.

3 PHRASAL VERB When something comes around or comes round , it happens as a regular or predictable event. □�[V P ] I hope still to be in the side when the World Cup comes around next year.

4 PHRASAL VERB When someone who is unconscious comes around or comes round , they recover consciousness. □�[V P ] When I came round I was on the kitchen floor.

▸� come at PHRASAL VERB If a person or animal comes at you, they move towards you in a threatening way and try to attack you. □�[V P n +�with ] He told police the man had come at him with a knife. [Also V P n]

▸� come back

1 PHRASAL VERB If something that you had forgotten comes backto you, you remember it. □�[V P +�to ] I'll think of his name in a moment when it comes back to me. □�[V P ] When I thought about it, it all came back.

2 PHRASAL VERB When something comes back , it becomes fashionable again. □�[V P ] I'm glad hats are coming back.

3 →�see also comeback

▸� come back to PHRASAL VERB If you come back to a topic or point, you talk about it again later. □�[V P P n] 'What does that mean please?'�'I'm coming back to that. Just write it down for the minute.'

▸� come between PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If someone or something comes between two people, or comes between a person and a thing, they make the relationship or connection between them less close or happy. □�[V P n] It's difficult to imagine anything coming between them.

▸� come by PHRASAL VERB To come by something means to obtain it or find it. □�[V P n] How did you come by that cheque?

▸� come down

1 PHRASAL VERB If the cost, level, or amount of something comes down , it becomes less than it was before. □�[V P ] Interest rates should come down. □�[V P +�to/from ] If you buy three bottles, the bottle price comes down to �2.42. □�[V P +�by ] The price of petrol is coming down by four pence a gallon.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something comes down , it falls to the ground. □�[V P ] The cold rain came down.

▸� come down on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you come down on one side of an argument, you declare that you support that side. □�[V P P n] After much quibbling, the judges came down on the side of Thornton.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you come down on someone, you punish or criticize them severely. □�[V P P n] Referees will come down hard on such cheating.

▸� come down to PHRASAL VERB If a problem, decision, or question comes down to a particular thing, that thing is the most important factor involved. □�[V P P n] Walter Crowley says the problem comes down to money. □�[V P P n] I think that it comes down to the fact that people do feel very dependent on their automobile. □�[V P P n] What it comes down to is, there are bad people out there, and somebody has to deal with them.

▸� come down with PHRASAL VERB If you come down with an illness, you get it. □�[V P P n] Thomas came down with chickenpox at the weekend.

▸� come for PHRASAL VERB If people such as soldiers or police come for you, they come to find you, usually in order to harm you or take you away, for example to prison. □�[V P n] Lotte was getting ready to fight if they came for her.

▸� come forward PHRASAL VERB If someone comes forward , they offer to do something or to give some information in response to a request for help. □�[V P ] A vital witness came forward to say that she saw Tanner wearing the boots.

▸� come in

1 PHRASAL VERB If information, a report, or a telephone call comes in , it is received. □�[V P ] Reports are now coming in of trouble at yet another jail.

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If you have some money coming in , you receive it regularly as your income. □�[V P ] She had no money coming in and no funds.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes inon a discussion, arrangement, or task, they join it. □�[V P +�on ] Can I come in here too, on both points? □�[V P ] He had a designer come in and redesign the uniforms.

4 PHRASAL VERB When a new idea, fashion, or product comes in , it becomes popular or available. □�[V P ] It was just when geography was really beginning to change and lots of new ideas were coming in.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you ask where something or someone comes in , you are asking what their role is in a particular matter. □�[V P ] Rose asked again, 'But where do we come in, Henry?'

6 PHRASAL VERB When the tide comes in , the water in the sea gradually moves so that it covers more of the land.

▸� come in for PHRASAL VERB If someone or something comes in for criticism or blame, they receive it. □�[V P P n] The plans have already come in for fierce criticism in many quarters of the country.

▸� come into

1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If someone comes into some money, some property, or a title, they inherit it. □�[V P n] My father has just come into a fortune in diamonds.

2 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If someone or something comes into a situation, they have a role in it. □�[V P n] We don't really know where Hortense comes into all this.

▸� come off

1 PHRASAL VERB If something comes off , it is successful or effective. □�[V P ] It was a good try but it didn't quite come off.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes off worst in a contest or conflict, they are in the worst position after it. If they come off best, they are in the best position. □�[V P adv] Some Democrats still have bitter memories of how, against all odds, they came off worst during the inquiry.

3 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you come off a drug or medicine, you stop taking it. □�[V P n] �people trying to come off tranquillizers.

4 CONVENTION You say 'come off it' to someone to show them that you think what they are saying is untrue or wrong. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ]

▸� come on

1 CONVENTION You say 'Come on' to someone to encourage them to do something they do not much want to do. [SPOKEN ] □� Come on Doreen, let's dance.

2 CONVENTION You say 'Come on' to someone to encourage them to hurry up. [SPOKEN ]

3 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If you have an illness or a headache coming on , you can feel it starting. □�[V P ] Tiredness and fever are much more likely to be a sign of flu coming on.

4 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If something or someone is coming on well, they are developing well or making good progress. □�[V P adv] Lee is coming on very well now and it's a matter of deciding how to fit him into the team.

5 PHRASAL VERB When something such as a machine or system comes on , it starts working or functioning. □�[V P ] The central heating was coming on and the ancient wooden boards creaked.

6 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If a new season or type of weather is coming on , it is starting to arrive. □�[V P ] Winter was coming on again. □�[V P to-inf] I had two miles to go and it was just coming on to rain.

▸� come on to

1 PHRASAL VERB When you come on to a particular topic, you start discussing it. □�[V P P n] We're now looking at a smaller system but I'll come on to that later.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes on to you, they show that they are interested in starting a sexual relationship with you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P P n] I don't think that a woman, by using make-up, is trying to come on to a man.

▸� come out

1 PHRASAL VERB When a new product such as a book or CD comes out , it becomes available to the public. □�[V P ] The book comes out this week.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a fact comes out , it becomes known to people. □�[V P ] The truth is beginning to come out about what happened. □�[V P that] It came out that he was already married.

3 PHRASAL VERB When a gay person comes out , they let people know that they are gay. □�[V P ] �the few gay men there who dare to come out. □�[V P +�as ] I came out as a lesbian when I was still in my teens.

4 PHRASAL VERB To come out in a particular way means to be in the position or state described at the end of a process or event. □�[V P adv/prep] In this grim little episode, few people come out well. □�[V P adj] So what makes a good marriage? Faithfulness comes out top of the list. □�[V P +�of ] Julian ought to have resigned, then he'd have come out of it with some credit.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you come outfor something, you declare that you support it. If you come outagainst something, you declare that you do not support it. □�[V P prep/adv] Its members had come out virtually unanimously against the tests.

6 PHRASAL VERB When a group of workers comes out on strike, they go on strike. [BRIT ] □�[V P prep] On September 18 the dockers again came out on strike. in AM, use go out on strike7 PHRASAL VERB If a photograph does not come out , it does not appear or is unclear when it is developed and printed. □�[V P ] None of her snaps came out.

8 PHRASAL VERB When the sun, moon, or stars come out , they appear in the sky. □�[V P ] Oh, look. The sun's come out.

▸� come out in PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you come out in spots, you become covered with them. [BRIT ] □�[V P P n] When I changed to a new soap I came out in a terrible rash. in AM, use break out

▸� come out with PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you come out with a remark, especially a surprising one, you make it. □�[V P n] Everyone who heard it just burst out laughing when he came out with it.

▸� come over

1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If a feeling or desire, especially a strange or surprising one, comes over you, it affects you strongly. □�[V P n] As I entered the corridor which led to my room that eerie feeling came over me. □�[V P n] I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes overall dizzy or shy, for example, they suddenly start feeling or acting in that way. □�[V P adj] When Connie pours her troubles out to him, Joe comes over all sensitive.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone or what they are saying comes over in a particular way, they make that impression on people who meet them or are listening to them. □�[V P +�as ] You come over as a capable and amusing companion.

▸� come round →�see come around

▸� come through

1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] To come through a dangerous or difficult situation means to survive it and recover from it. □�[V P n] The city had faced racial crisis and come through it.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a feeling or message comes through , it is clearly shown in what is said or done. □�[V P ] I hope my love for the material came through, because it is a great script.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something comes through , it arrives, especially after some procedure has been carried out. □�[V P ] The news came through at about five o'clock on election day.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you come through with what is expected or needed from you, you succeed in doing or providing it. □�[V P +�on/with ] He puts his administration at risk if he doesn't come through on these promises for reform. □�[V P +�for ] We found that we were totally helpless, and our women came through for us.

▸� come to PHRASAL VERB When someone who is unconscious comes to , they recover consciousness. □�[V P ] When he came to and raised his head he saw Barney.

▸� come under

1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you come under attack or pressure, for example, people attack you or put pressure on you. □�[V P n] His relationship with the KGB came under scrutiny.

2 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If something comes under a particular authority, it is managed or controlled by that authority. □�[V P n] The prison comes under the authority of the Security Committee.

3 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If something comes under a particular heading, it is in the category mentioned. □�[V P n] The news came under the heading of human interest.

▸� come up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes up or comes upto you, they approach you until they are standing close to you. □�[V P ] Her cat came up and rubbed itself against their legs. □�[V P +�to ] He came up to me and said: 'Come on, John.'

2 PHRASAL VERB If something comes up in a conversation or meeting, it is mentioned or discussed. □�[V P ] The subject came up at a news conference in Beijing today.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something is coming up , it is about to happen or take place. □�[V P ] We do have elections coming up.

4 PHRASAL VERB If something comes up , it happens unexpectedly. □�[V P ] I was delayed�something came up at home.

5 PHRASAL VERB If a job comes up or if something comes upfor sale, it becomes available. □�[V P ] A research fellowship came up at Girton and I applied for it and got it. □�[V P +�for ] The house came up for sale and the couple realised they could just about afford it.

6 PHRASAL VERB When the sun or moon comes up , it rises. □�[V P ] It will be so great watching the sun come up.

7 PHRASAL VERB In law, when a case comes up , it is heard in a court of law. □�[V P ] He is one of the reservists who will plead not guilty when their cases come up.

▸� come up against PHRASAL VERB If you come up against a problem or difficulty, you are faced with it and have to deal with it. □�[V P P n] We came up against a great deal of resistance in dealing with the case.

▸� come up for PHRASAL VERB When someone or something comes upfor consideration or action of some kind, the time arrives when they have to be considered or dealt with. □�[V P P n] The TV rights contract came up for renegotiation.

▸� come upon

1 PHRASAL VERB If you come upon someone or something, you meet them or find them by chance. □�[V P n] I came upon an irresistible item at a yard sale.

2 PHRASAL VERB If an attitude or feeling comes upon you, it begins to affect you. [LITERARY ] □�[V P n] A sense of impending doom came upon all of us.

▸� come up to PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] To be coming up to a time or state means to be getting near to it. □�[V P P n] It's just coming up to ten minutes past eleven now.

▸� come up with

1 PHRASAL VERB If you come up with a plan or idea, you think of it and suggest it. □�[V P P n] Several of the members have come up with suggestions of their own.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you come up with a sum of money, you manage to produce it when it is needed. □�[V P P n] If Warren can come up with the $15 million, we'll go to London. SYNONYMS come VERB 1

arrive:Fresh groups of guests arrived.

appear:A woman appeared at the far end of the street.

reach:He did not stop until he reached the door.

turn up:Richard had turned up on Christmas Eve with Tony. USAGE come from

Don�t use a progressive form in sentences like these. Don�t say, for example, � Where are you coming from? � or � I am coming from Zambia �. Say �Where do you come from ?� or �I come from Zambia�.

come|back (comebacks )

1 N‑COUNT If someone such as an entertainer or sports personality makes a comeback , they return to their profession or sport after a period away. □� A British bullfighter is making a comeback at the age of 67.

2 N‑COUNT If something makes a comeback , it becomes fashionable again. □� Tight-fitting T-shirts are making a comeback.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you have no comeback when someone has done something wrong to you, there is nothing you can do to have them punished or held responsible.

co|median /kəmiː diən/ (comedians ) N‑COUNT A comedian is an entertainer whose job is to make people laugh, by telling jokes or funny stories.

co|medic /kəmiː d I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Comedic means relating to comedy. [FORMAL ] □� �a festival of comedic talent from around the world.

co|medi|enne /kəmiː die n/ (comediennes ) N‑COUNT A comedienne is a female entertainer whose job is to make people laugh, by telling jokes or funny stories.

come|down /kʌ mdaʊn/ in BRIT, also use come-down N‑SING If you say that something is a comedown , you think that it is not as good as something else that you have just done or had. □� The prospect of relegation is a comedown for a club that finished second two seasons ago.

com|edy ◆◇◇ /kɒ mədi/ (comedies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Comedy consists of types of entertainment, such as plays and films, or particular scenes in them, that are intended to make people laugh. □� He dropped out of university in Manchester to pursue a career in comedy. □� �a TV comedy series.

2 N‑COUNT A comedy is a play, film, or television programme that is intended to make people laugh.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The comedy of a situation involves those aspects of it that make you laugh. □�[+�in ] Jackie sees the comedy in her millionaire husband's thrifty habits.

4 →�see also situation comedy COLLOCATIONS comedy NOUN

1

adjective +�comedy : alternative, black, light; musical, physical, stand-up

2

noun +�comedy : cult, hit

adjective +�comedy : gentle, romantic, satirical, witty

come|ly /kʌ mli/ (comelier , comeliest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A comely woman is attractive. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

co me-on (come-ons ) N‑COUNT A come-on is a gesture or remark which someone makes in order to encourage another person to make sexual advances to them. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�from ] He ignores come-ons from the many women who seem to find him attractive.

com|er /kʌmə r / (comers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can use comers to refer to people who arrive at a particular place. □� I arrived at the church at two-thirty p.m. to find some early comers outside the main door. □� The first comer was the Sultan himself.

2 →�see also all-comers , latecomer , newcomer

com|et /kɒ m I t/ (comets ) N‑COUNT A comet is a bright object with a long tail that travels around the sun. □� Halley's Comet is going to come back in 2061.

come|up|pance /kʌ mʌ pəns/ also come-uppance N‑SING [usu poss N ] If you say that someone has got their comeuppance , you approve of the fact that they have been punished or have suffered for something wrong that they have done. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� The central character is a bad man who shoots people and gets his comeuppance.

com|fort ◆◇◇ /kʌ mfə r t/ (comforts , comforting , comforted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/for N ] If you are doing something incomfort , you are physically relaxed and contented, and are not feeling any pain or other unpleasant sensations. □� This will enable the audience to sit in comfort while watching the shows. □� The shoe has padding around the collar, heel and tongue for added comfort.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Comfort is a style of life in which you have enough money to have everything you need. □� Thanks to the success of her books, she lives in comfort.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Comfort is what you feel when worries or unhappiness stop. □�[+�to ] He welcomed the truce, but pointed out it was of little comfort to families spending Christmas without a loved one. □� He will be able to take some comfort from inflation figures due on Friday. □� He found comfort in Eva's blind faith in him.

4 →�see also cold comfort

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a person, thing, or idea as a comfort , you mean that it helps you to stop worrying or makes you feel less unhappy. □� It's a comfort talking to you. □� Being able to afford a drink would be a comfort in these tough times.

6 VERB If you comfort someone, you make them feel less worried, unhappy, or upset, for example by saying kind things to them. □�[V n] Ned put his arm around her, trying to comfort her.

7 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Comforts are things which make your life easier and more pleasant, such as electrical devices you have in your home. □� She enjoys the material comforts married life has brought her. □� Electricity provides us with warmth and light and all our modern home comforts.

8 →�see also creature comforts

9 PHRASE If you say that something is, for example, too close for comfort , you mean you are worried because it is closer than you would like it to be. □� The bombs fell in the sea, many too close for comfort. □� Interest rates and inflation were too high for comfort.

com|fort|able ◆◇◇ /kʌ mftəb ə l/

1 ADJ If a piece of furniture or an item of clothing is comfortable , it makes you feel physically relaxed when you use it, for example because it is soft. □� �a comfortable fireside chair. □� Trainers are so comfortable to wear.

2 ADJ If a building or room is comfortable , it makes you feel physically relaxed when you spend time in it, for example because it is warm and has nice furniture. □� A home should be comfortable and friendly. □� �somewhere warm and comfortable. ●� com|fort|ably /kʌ mftəbli/ ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� �the comfortably-furnished living room.

3 ADJ If you are comfortable , you are physically relaxed because of the place or position you are sitting or lying in. □� Lie down on your bed and make yourself comfortable. □� She tried to manoeuvre her body into a more comfortable position. ●� com|fort|ably ADV [ADV with v] □� Are you sitting comfortably? □� He would be tucked comfortably into bed.

4 ADJ If you say that someone is comfortable , you mean that they have enough money to be able to live without financial problems. □� 'Is he rich?'�'He's comfortable.' □� She came from a stable, comfortable, middle-class family. ●� com|fort|ably ADV □� Cayton describes himself as comfortably well-off.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] In a race, competition, or election, if you have a comfortable lead, you are likely to win it easily. If you gain a comfortable victory or majority, you win easily. □� By half distance we held a comfortable two-lap lead. □� He appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory. ●� com|fort|ably ADV [ADV with v] □� They should have won comfortably, but had to settle for a draw.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you feel comfortablewith a particular situation or person, you feel confident and relaxed with them. □�[+�with ] Nervous politicians might well feel more comfortable with a step-by-step approach. □�[+�with ] He liked me and I felt comfortable with him. □�[+�about ] I'll talk to them, but I won't feel comfortable about it. ●� com|fort|ably ADV [ADV after v] □� They talked comfortably of their plans.

7 ADJ When a sick or injured person is said to be comfortable , they are in a stable physical condition. □� He was described as comfortable in hospital last night.

8 ADJ A comfortable life, job, or situation does not cause you any problems or worries. □� �a comfortable teaching job at a university. □� Kohl's retirement looks far from comfortable.

com|fort|ably /kʌ mftəbli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something comfortably , you do it easily. □� Only take upon yourself those things that you know you can manage comfortably. □� Three of the six have comfortably exceeded their normal life expectancy.

2 →�see also comfortable

co m|fort|ably o ff ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is comfortably off , they have enough money to be able to live without financial problems. □� He had no plans to retire even though he is now very comfortably off.

com|fort|er /kʌ mfə r tə r / (comforters )

1 N‑COUNT A comforter is a person or thing that comforts you. □� He became her devoted friend and comforter.

2 N‑COUNT A comforter is a large cover filled with feathers or similar material which you put over yourself in bed instead of a sheet and blankets. [AM ] in BRIT, use duvet , quilt

co m|fort food N‑UNCOUNT If you call something comfort food , you mean it is enjoyable to eat and makes you feel happier, although it may not be very good for your health. □� For me, spaghetti bolognese is the ultimate comfort food.

com|fort|ing /kʌ mfə r t I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that something is comforting , you mean it makes you feel less worried or unhappy. □� My mother had just died and I found the book very comforting. □� In the midst of his feelings of impotence, a comforting thought arrived. ●� com|fort|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □� 'Everything's under control here,' her mother said comfortingly.

co m|fort zone (comfort zones ) N‑COUNT If a situation or activity is out of your comfort zone , it does not make you feel secure, comfortable, or in control. □� I like to do things that take me out of my comfort zone.

com|frey /kʌ mfri/ N‑UNCOUNT Comfrey is a herb that is used to make drinks and medicines.

com|fy /kʌ mfi/ (comfier , comfiest ) ADJ A comfy item of clothing, piece of furniture, room, or position is a comfortable one. [INFORMAL ] □� Loose-fitting shirts are comfy. □� �a comfy chair.

com|ic /kɒ m I k/ (comics )

1 ADJ If you describe something as comic , you mean that it makes you laugh, and is often intended to make you laugh. □� The novel is comic and tragic. □� Most of these trips had exciting or comic moments.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Comic is used to describe comedy as a form of entertainment, and the actors and entertainers who perform it. □� Grodin is a fine comic actor. □� �a comic opera.

3 N‑COUNT A comic is an entertainer who tells jokes in order to make people laugh.

4 N‑COUNT A comic is a magazine that contains stories told in pictures. [mainly BRIT ] □� Joe loved to read 'Superman' comics. in AM, usually use comic book

comi|cal /kɒ m I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as comical , you mean that it makes you want to laugh because it seems funny or silly. □� Her expression is almost comical. □� Events took a comical turn. ●� comi|cal|ly /kɒ m I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� She raised her eyebrows comically. USAGE comical

Don�t use �comical� to describe things that are intended to make you laugh. Don�t say, for example, � He is a great comical actor �. You say 'He is a great comic actor.' □� The novel is both comic and tragic.

co m|ic book (comic books ) N‑COUNT A comic book is a magazine that contains stories told in pictures. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use comic

co m|ic strip (comic strips ) N‑COUNT A comic strip is a series of drawings that tell a story, especially in a newspaper or magazine.

com|ing ◆◆◆ /kʌ m I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A coming event or time is an event or time that will happen soon. □� This obviously depends on the weather in the coming months.

co m|ing of a ge

1 N‑SING When something reaches an important stage of development and is accepted by a large number of people, you can refer to this as its coming of age . □� �postwar Germany's final coming-of-age as an independent sovereign state.

2 N‑SING [with poss] Someone's coming of age is the time when they become legally an adult. □� �traditional coming-of-age ceremonies.

co m|ings and go |ings N‑PLURAL [with poss] Comings and goings refers to the way people keep arriving at and leaving a particular place. □�[+�of ] They noted the comings and goings of the journalists.

com|ma /kɒ mə/ (commas ) N‑COUNT A comma is the punctuation mark, which is used to separate parts of a sentence or items in a list.

com|mand ◆◇◇ /kəmɑː nd, -m� nd/ (commands , commanding , commanded )

1 VERB If someone in authority commands you to do something, they tell you that you must do it. [mainly WRITTEN ] □�[V n to-inf] He commanded his troops to attack. □�[V with quote] 'Get in your car and follow me,' he commanded. □�[V that] He commanded that roads be built to link castles across the land. □�[V n with quote] 'Don't panic,' I commanded myself. [Also V n] ●�N‑VAR Command is also a noun. □� The tanker failed to respond to a command to stop. □� �the note of command in his voice.

2 VERB [no cont] If you command something such as respect or obedience, you obtain it because you are popular, famous, or important. □�[V n] �an excellent physician who commanded the respect of all his colleagues.

3 VERB If an army or country commands a place, they have total control over it. □�[V n] Yemen commands the strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Command is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the struggle for command of the air.

4 VERB An officer who commands part of an army, navy, or air force is responsible for controlling and organizing it. □�[V n] �the French general who commands the U.N. troops in the region. □�[V ] He didn't just command. He personally fought in several heavy battles. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Command is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He took command of 108 Squadron.

5 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] In the armed forces, a command is a group of officers who are responsible for organizing and controlling part of an army, navy, or air force. □� He had authorisation from the military command to retaliate.

6 N‑COUNT In computing, a command is an instruction that you give to a computer.

7 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has command of a situation, they have control of it because they have, or seem to have, power or authority. □�[+�of ] Mr Baker would take command of the campaign. □� It was his senior partner who was in command.

8 N‑UNCOUNT Your command of something, such as a foreign language, is your knowledge of it and your ability to use this knowledge. □�[+�of ] His command of English was excellent.

9 →�see also high command , second-in-command

10 PHRASE If you have a particular skill or particular resources at your command , you have them and can use them fully. [FORMAL ] □� She sought revenge with all the skills at her command.

com|man|dant /kɒ mənd�nt/ (commandants ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A commandant is an army officer in charge of a particular place or group of people.

com|ma nd eco no|my (command economies ) N‑COUNT In a command economy , business activities and the use of resources are decided by the government, and not by market forces. [BUSINESS ] □� �the Czech Republic's transition from a command economy to a market system.

com|man|deer /kɒ mənd I ə r / (commandeers , commandeering , commandeered )

1 VERB If the armed forces commandeer a vehicle or building owned by someone else, they officially take charge of it so that they can use it. □�[V n] The soldiers commandeered vehicles in the capital and occupied the television station. □�[V -ed] They drove in convoy round the city in commandeered cars.

2 VERB To commandeer something owned by someone else means to take charge of it so that you can use it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] The hijacker commandeered the plane on a domestic flight.

com|mand|er ◆◇◇ /kəmɑː ndə r , -m� nd-/ (commanders )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A commander is an officer in charge of a military operation or organization. □� The commander and some of the men had been released. □� �Commander Bob Marks.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A commander is an officer in the Royal Navy or the U.S. Navy. COLLOCATIONS commander NOUN 1

noun +�commander : army; battalion, brigade, platoon, section, squadron

adjective +�commander : military, naval; senior, supreme; rebel

comma nder-in-chie f (commanders-in-chief ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A commander-in-chief is a senior officer who is in charge of all the forces in a particular area. □�[+�of ] He was to be the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

com|mand|ing /kəmɑː nd I ŋ, -m� nd-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you are in a commanding position or situation, you are in a strong or powerful position or situation. □� Right now you're in a more commanding position than you have been for ages. □� The French vessel has a commanding lead.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as commanding , you mean that they are powerful and confident. [APPROVAL ] □� Lovett was a tall, commanding man with a waxed gray moustache. □� The voice at the other end of the line was serious and commanding.

3 →�see also command

com|ma nd|ing o f|fic|er (commanding officers ) N‑COUNT A commanding officer is an officer who is in charge of a military unit. □� He got permission from his commanding officer to join me.

com|mand|ment /kəmɑː ndmənt, -m� nd-/ (commandments ) N‑COUNT The TenCommandments are the ten rules of behaviour which, according to the Old Testament of the Bible, people should obey.

com|man|do /kəmɑː ndoʊ, -m� nd-/ (commandos or commandoes )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A commando is a group of soldiers who have been specially trained to carry out surprise attacks. □�[+�of ] �a small commando of marines. □� The hostages were freed in the commando raid.

2 N‑COUNT A commando is a soldier who is a member of a commando.

com|ma nd per|fo r|mance (command performances ) N‑COUNT A command performance is a special performance of a play or show which is given for a head of state.

com|ma nd post (command posts ) N‑COUNT A command post is a place from which a commander in the army controls and organizes his forces.

com|memo|rate /kəme məre I t/ (commemorates , commemorating , commemorated ) VERB To commemorate an important event or person means to remember them by means of a special action, ceremony, or specially-created object. □�[V n] One room contained a gallery of paintings commemorating great moments in baseball history. ●� com|memo|ra|tion /kəme məre I ʃ ə n/ (commemorations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �a part of Jews' commemoration of Passover.

com|memo|ra|tive /kəme mərət I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] A commemorative object or event is intended to make people remember a particular event or person. □� The Queen unveiled a commemorative plaque.

com|mence /kəme ns/ (commences , commencing , commenced ) VERB When something commences or you commence it, it begins. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] The academic year commences at the beginning of October. □�[V n] They commenced a systematic search. □�[V to-inf] The hunter knelt beside the animal carcass and commenced to skin it. [Also V v-ing]

com|mence|ment /kəme nsmənt/ (commencements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The commencement of something is its beginning. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] All should be at least 16 years of age at the commencement of this course.

2 N‑VAR [usu N n] Commencement is a ceremony at a university, college, or high school at which students formally receive their degrees or diplomas. [AM ] in BRIT, use graduation

com|mend /kəme nd/ (commends , commending , commended )

1 VERB If you commend someone or something, you praise them formally. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�for/on ] I commended her for that action. □�[V n +�for/on ] I commend Ms. Orth on writing such an informative article. □�[be V -ed +�for ] The book was widely commended for its candour. □�[V n] The reports commend her bravery. □�[be V -ed +�by ] His actions were commended by the Jury. ●� com|men|da|tion /kɒ mende I ʃ ə n/ (commendations ) N‑COUNT □�[+�from ] The Company received a commendation from the Royal Society of Arts.

2 VERB If someone commends a person or thing to you, they tell you that you will find them good or useful. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] I can commend it to him as a realistic course of action.

com|mend|able /kəme ndəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as commendable , you approve of it or are praising it. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� Mr Sparrow has acted with commendable speed.

com|men|su|rate /kəme nsərət/ ADJ [ADJ n] If the level of one thing is commensuratewith another, the first level is in proportion to the second. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] Employees are paid salaries commensurate with those of teachers. [Also +�to ]

com|ment ◆◆◇ /kɒ ment/ (comments , commenting , commented )

1 VERB If you commenton something, you give your opinion about it or you give an explanation for it. □�[V +�on ] Stratford police refuse to comment on whether anyone has been arrested. □�[V ] You really can't comment till you know the facts. □�[V with quote] 'I'm always happy with new developments,' he commented. □�[V that] Stuart commented that this was very true.

2 N‑VAR A comment is something that you say which expresses your opinion of something or which gives an explanation of it. □� He made his comments at a news conference in Amsterdam. □� There's been no comment so far from police about the allegations. □� The Prime Minister, who is abroad, was not available for comment.

3 N‑SING If an event or situation is a commenton something, it reveals something about that thing, usually something bad. □�[+�on ] He argues that family problems are typically a comment on some unresolved issues in the family.

4 CONVENTION People say ' no comment ' as a way of refusing to answer a question, usually when it is asked by a journalist. □� No comment. I don't know anything. COLLOCATIONS comment VERB 1

comment+�adverb : publicly NOUN 2

adjective +�comment : derogatory, inappropriate, negative, offensive, unacceptable; racist, sexist; positive, upbeat; unhelpful

com|men|tary /kɒ məntri, [AM ] -teri/ (commentaries )

1 N‑VAR A commentary is a description of an event that is broadcast on radio or television while the event is taking place. □� He gave the listening crowd a running commentary. □�[+�on ] That programme will include live commentary on the England�Ireland game.

2 N‑COUNT A commentary is an article or book which explains or discusses something. □�[+�on ] Mr Rich will be writing a twice-weekly commentary on American society and culture.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Commentary is discussion or criticism of something. □� The show mixed comedy with social commentary.

com|men|tate /kɒ mənte I t/ (commentates , commentating , commentated ) VERB To commentate means to give a radio or television commentary on an event. □�[V +�on ] They are in Sweden to commentate on the European Championships. □�[V +�for ] He commentates for the BBC.

com|men|ta|tor ◆◇◇ /kɒ mənte I tə r / (commentators )

1 N‑COUNT A commentator is a broadcaster who gives a radio or television commentary on an event. □� �a sports commentator.

2 N‑COUNT A commentator is someone who often writes or broadcasts about a particular subject. □� �a political commentator. □�[+�on ] A. M. Babu is a commentator on African affairs.

com|merce ◆◇◇ /kɒ mɜː r s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Commerce is the activities and procedures involved in buying and selling things. □� They have made their fortunes from industry and commerce.

2 →�see also chamber of commerce SYNONYMS commerce NOUN 1

trade:The ministry had direct control over every aspect of foreign trade.

business:Jennifer has an impressive academic and business background.

transaction:Those are the business transactions that count.

com|mer|cial ◆◆◇ /kəmɜː r ʃ ə l/ (commercials )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Commercial means involving or relating to the buying and selling of goods. □� Docklands in its heyday was a major centre of industrial and commercial activity. □� Attacks were reported on police, vehicles and commercial premises.

2 ADJ Commercial organizations and activities are concerned with making money or profits, rather than, for example, with scientific research or providing a public service. □� The NHS adopted a more commercial and businesslike financial framework. □� Conservationists are concerned over the effect of commercial exploitation of forests. □� Whether the project will be a commercial success is still uncertain. ●� com|mer|cial|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, ADV with v] □� They abandoned the project, saying it was not commercially viable. □� Insulin is produced commercially from animals.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A commercial product is made to be sold to the public. □� They are the leading manufacturer in both defence and commercial products. ●� com|mer|cial|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� It was the first commercially available machine to employ artificial intelligence.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A commercial vehicle is a vehicle used for carrying goods, or passengers who pay.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Commercial television and radio are paid for by the broadcasting of advertisements, rather than by the government. □� He got a job as a programme controller for the local commercial radio station.

6 ADJ Commercial is used to describe something such as a film or a type of music that it is intended to be popular with the public, and is not very original or of high quality. □� There's a feeling among a lot of people that music has become too commercial.

7 N‑COUNT A commercial is an advertisement that is broadcast on television or radio. SYNONYMS commercial ADJ 2

profitable:It was profitable for them to produce large amounts of food.

saleable:Something that is saleable is easy to sell to people.

marketable:�telling them how to turn their prize research projects into marketable products.

com|me r|cial ba nk (commercial banks ) N‑COUNT A commercial bank is a bank which makes short-term loans using money from current or checking accounts. [BUSINESS ]

com|me r|cial brea k (commercial breaks ) N‑COUNT A commercial break is the interval during a commercial television programme, or between programmes, during which advertisements are shown.

com|mer|cial|ism /kəmɜː r ʃəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Commercialism is the practice of making a lot of money from things without caring about their quality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Koons has engrossed himself in a world of commercialism that most modern artists disdain.

com|mer|cial|ize /kəmɜː r ʃəla I z/ (commercializes , commercializing , commercialized ) in BRIT, also use commercialise VERB If something is commercialized , it is used or changed in such a way that it makes money or profits, often in a way that people disapprove of. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] It seems such a pity that a distinguished name should be commercialized in such a manner. □�[V n] Federal agencies should commercialize research. ●� com|mer|cial|ized ADJ □� Rock'n'roll has become so commercialized and safe since punk. ●� com|mer|ciali|za|tion /kəmɜː r ʃəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the commercialization of Christmas.

com|mie /kɒ mi/ (commies ) N‑COUNT A commie is the same as a communist . [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

com|mis|er|ate /kəm I zəre I t/ (commiserates , commiserating , commiserated ) VERB If you commiserate with someone, you show them pity or sympathy when something unpleasant has happened to them. □�[V +�with ] When I lost, he commiserated with me.

com|mis|sari|at /kɒ m I seə riət/ (commissariats ) N‑COUNT A commissariat is a military department that is in charge of food supplies.

com|mis|sary /kɒ m I səri, [AM ] -seri/ (commissaries ) N‑COUNT A commissary is a shop that provides food and equipment in a place such as a military camp or a prison. [AM ]

com|mis|sion ◆◆◇ /kəm I ʃ ə n/ (commissions , commissioning , commissioned )

1 VERB If you commission something or commission someone to do something, you formally arrange for someone to do a piece of work for you. □�[V n] The Ministry of Agriculture commissioned a study into low-input farming. □�[V n to-inf] You can commission them to paint something especially for you. □�[V -ed] �specially commissioned reports. ●�N‑VAR Commission is also a noun. □� Parliament has set up a commission to investigate football-related violence.

2 N‑COUNT A commission is a piece of work that someone is asked to do and is paid for. □� Just a few days ago, I finished a commission.

3 N‑VAR [oft on N ] Commission is a sum of money paid to a salesperson for every sale that he or she makes. If a salesperson is paid oncommission , the amount they receive depends on the amount they sell. □� The salesmen work on commission only. □� He also got a commission for bringing in new clients.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If a bank or other company charges commission , they charge a fee for providing a service, for example for exchanging money or issuing an insurance policy. [BUSINESS ] □� Sellers pay a fixed commission fee.

5 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A commission is a group of people who have been appointed to find out about something or to control something. □� The authorities have been asked to set up a commission to investigate the murders. □� �the Press Complaints Commission.

6 N‑COUNT If a member of the armed forces receives a commission , he or she becomes an officer. □�[+�as ] He accepted a commission as a naval officer.

7 PHRASE If something, for example a ship or a piece of equipment, is out of commission , it is broken and cannot be used until it is repaired. □� The operator expects the ship to be out of commission until the end of September.

8 →�see also High Commission

com|mis|sion|er ◆◇◇ /kəm I ʃənə r / (commissioners ) also Commissioner

1 N‑COUNT A commissioner is an important official in a government department or other organization. □� �the European Commissioner for External Affairs. □� �police commissioner.

2 →�see also High Commissioner

com|mit ◆◆◇ /kəm I t/ (commits , committing , committed )

1 VERB If someone commits a crime or a sin, they do something illegal or bad. □�[V n] I have never committed any crime. □�[V n] This is a man who has committed murder.

2 VERB If someone commitssuicide , they deliberately kill themselves. □�[V n] There are unconfirmed reports he tried to commit suicide.

3 VERB If you commit money or resources to something, you decide to use them for a particular purpose. □�[V n +�to/for ] They called on Western nations to commit more money to the poorest nations. □�[V n] He should not commit American troops without the full consent of Congress.

4 VERB If you commityourself to something, you say that you will definitely do it. If you commityourself to someone, you decide that you want to have a long-term relationship with them. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] They could not commit themselves to any definite course of action. □�[V pron-refl] I'd like us to be closer but I don't want to commit myself too soon. □�[V +�to ] You don't have to commit to anything over the phone. [Also V n +�to ] ●� com|mit|ted ADJ □�[+�to ] He said the government remained committed to peace. □� �a committed socialist.

5 VERB If you do not want to commityourself on something, you do not want to say what you really think about it or what you are going to do. □�[V pron-refl +�on ] It isn't their diplomatic style to commit themselves on such a delicate issue. □�[V pron-refl] She didn't want to commit herself one way or the other.

6 VERB [usu passive] If someone is committedto a hospital, prison, or other institution, they are officially sent there for a period of time. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Arthur's drinking caused him to be committed to a psychiatric hospital. [Also be V -ed]

7 VERB [usu passive] In the British legal system, if someone is committed for trial , they are sent by magistrates to stand trial in a crown court. □�[be V -ed +�for ] He is expected to be committed for trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

8 VERB If you commit something to paper or to writing, you record it by writing it down. If you commit something to memory, you learn it so that you will remember it. □�[V n +�to ] She had not committed anything to paper about it. □�[V n +�to ] I'll repeat that so you can commit it to memory.

com|mit|ment ◆◆◇ /kəm I tmənt/ (commitments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Commitment is a strong belief in an idea or system. □�[+�to ] �commitment to the ideals of Bolshevism.

2 N‑COUNT A commitment is something which regularly takes up some of your time because of an agreement you have made or because of responsibilities that you have. □� Work commitments forced her to uproot herself and her son from Reykjavik.

3 N‑COUNT [usu N to-inf] If you make a commitmentto do something, you promise that you will do it. [FORMAL ] □� We made a commitment to keep working together. □�[+�to ] They made a commitment to peace.

4 N‑VAR Commitment is the process of officially sending someone to a prison or to hospital. [AM ] in BRIT, use committal SYNONYMS commitment NOUN

1

dedication:We admire her dedication to the cause of humanity.

loyalty:I have sworn an oath of loyalty to the monarchy.

devotion:�devotion to the cause of the people and to socialism.

2

duty:I carried out my duties conscientiously.

responsibility:�programmes to help employees balance work and family responsibilities.

obligation:When teachers assign homework, students usually feel an obligation to do it.

com|mit|tal /kəm I t ə l/ (committals ) N‑VAR Committal is the process of officially sending someone to a prison or to hospital. [BRIT ] □�[+�to ] �his committal to prison. □� �committal proceedings. in AM, use commitment

com|mit|tee ◆◆◆ /kəm I ti/ (committees ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A committee is a group of people who meet to make decisions or plans for a larger group or organization that they represent. □�[+�of ] �a committee of ministers. □� He sat on the firm's management committee. COLLOCATIONS committee NOUN

noun +�committee : executive, management; ethics, finance

adjective +�committee : advisory, consultative, disciplinary; congressional, ministerial, parliamentary; judicial, scientific, technical

verb +�committee : appoint, establish, form, set up; appear before; chair, serve on, sit on

com|mode /kəmoʊ d/ (commodes )

1 N‑COUNT A commode is a movable piece of furniture shaped like a chair, which has a large pot below or inside it. It is used as a toilet, especially by people who are too ill to be able to walk easily. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A commode is a toilet. [AM ]

com|mo|di|ous /kəmoʊ diəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A commodious room or house is large and has a lot of space. [WRITTEN ]

com|mod|ity /kəmɒ d I ti/ (commodities ) N‑COUNT A commodity is something that is sold for money. [BUSINESS ] □� The government increased prices on several basic commodities like bread and meat.

com|mo|dore /kɒ mədɔː r / (commodores ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A commodore is an officer of senior rank in the navy, especially the British Royal Navy.

com|mon ◆◆◆ /kɒ mən/ (commoner , commonest , commons )

1 ADJ If something is common , it is found in large numbers or it happens often. □� His name was Hansen, a common name in Norway. □� Oil pollution is the commonest cause of death for seabirds. □� It was common practice for prisoners to carve objects from animal bones to pass the time. ●� com|mon|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Parsley is probably the most commonly used of all herbs.

2 ADJ If something is commonto two or more people or groups, it is done, possessed, or used by them all. □� Moldavians and Romanians share a common language. □�[+�to ] Such behaviour is common to all young people.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] When there are more animals or plants of a particular species than there are of related species, then the first species is called common . □� �the common house fly.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Common is used to indicate that someone or something is of the ordinary kind and not special in any way. □� Common salt is made up of 40% sodium and 60% chloride.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Common decency or common courtesy is the decency or courtesy which most people have. You usually talk about this when someone has not shown these characteristics in their behaviour to show your disapproval of them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He didn't have the common courtesy to ask permission.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use common to describe knowledge, an opinion, or a feeling that is shared by people in general. □� It is common knowledge that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. ●� com|mon|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� A little adolescent rebellion is commonly believed to be healthy.

7 ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as common , you mean that they show a lack of taste, education, and good manners. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She might be a little common at times, but she was certainly not boring.

8 N‑COUNT A common is an area of grassy land, usually in or near a village or small town, where the public is allowed to go. □� We are warning women not to go out on to the common alone. □� �Wimbledon Common.

9 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Commons is the same as the House of Commons . The members of the House of Commons can also be referred to as the Commons . □� The Prime Minister is to make a statement in the Commons this afternoon. □� The Commons has spent over three months on the bill.

10 →�see also lowest common denominator

11 PHRASE If two or more things have something in common , they have the same characteristic or feature. □� The oboe and the clarinet have got certain features in common. □�[+�with ] In common with most Italian lakes, access to the shores of Orta is restricted.

12 PHRASE If two or more people have something in common , they share the same interests or experiences. □�[+�with ] He had very little in common with his sister.

13common ground →�see ground

14the common touch →�see touch USAGE common

Don�t use a that -clause after common . Don�t say, for example, �It is quite common that motorists fall asleep while driving �. You say �It is quite common for motorists to fall asleep while driving�. □� It is common for a child to become temporarily deaf after an ear infection.

com|mon|al|ity /kɒmən� l I ti/ (commonalities ) N‑VAR Commonality is used to refer to a feature or purpose that is shared by two or more people or things. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] We don't have the same commonality of interest. □�[+�between ] There is an amazing number of commonalities between systems.

co m|mon co ld (common colds ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thecommon cold is a mild illness. If you have it, your nose is blocked or runny and you have a sore throat or a cough.

co m|mon cu r|ren|cy N‑UNCOUNT If you say that an idea or belief has become common currency , you mean it is widely used and accepted. □� The story that she was trapped in a loveless marriage became common currency.

co m|mon de|no mi|na|tor (common denominators )

1 N‑COUNT In mathematics, a common denominator is a number which can be divided exactly by all the denominators in a group of fractions.

2 N‑COUNT A common denominator is a characteristic or attitude that is shared by all members of a group of people. □� I think the only common denominator of success is hard work.

3 →�see also lowest common denominator

com|mon|er /kɒ mənə r / (commoners ) N‑COUNT In countries which have a nobility, commoners are the people who are not members of the nobility. □� It's only the second time a potential heir to the throne has married a commoner.

co m|mon la nd (common lands ) N‑UNCOUNT Common land is land which everyone is allowed to use.

co m|mon la w also common-law

1 N‑UNCOUNT Common law is the system of law which is based on judges' decisions and on custom rather than on written laws. □� Canadian libel law is based on English common law.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A common law relationship is regarded as a marriage because it has lasted a long time, although no official marriage contract has been signed. □� �his common law wife.

co m|mon ma r|ket (common markets )

1 N‑COUNT A common market is an organization of countries who have agreed to trade freely with each other and make common decisions about industry and agriculture. [BUSINESS ] □� �the Central American Common Market.

2 N‑PROPER The Common Market is the former name of the European Union .

co m|mon nou n (common nouns ) N‑COUNT A common noun is a noun such as 'tree', 'water', or 'beauty' that is not the name of one particular person or thing. Compare proper noun .

co mmon-or-ga rden also common or garden ADJ [ADJ n] You can use common-or-garden to describe something you think is ordinary and not special in any way. [mainly BRIT ] □� It's not just a common-or-garden phone! in AM, use garden-variety

common|place /kɒ mənple I s/ (commonplaces )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is commonplace , it happens often or is often found, and is therefore not surprising. □� Foreign vacations have become commonplace.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A commonplace is a remark or opinion that is often expressed and is therefore not original or interesting. □� It is a commonplace to say that movies can manipulate public taste.

co m|mon room (common rooms ) also common-room N‑COUNT A common room is a room in a university or school where people can sit, talk, and relax. [mainly BRIT ]

co m|mon se nse also commonsense N‑UNCOUNT Your common sense is your natural ability to make good judgments and to behave in a practical and sensible way. □� Use your common sense. □� �a common-sense approach.

co m|mon sto ck

1 N‑UNCOUNT Common stock refers to the shares in a company that are owned by people who have a right to vote at the company's meetings and to receive part of the company's profits after the holders of preferred stock have been paid. [AM , BUSINESS ] □� The company priced its offering of 2.7 million shares of common stock at 20 cents a share.

2 →�see also preferred stock

common|wealth ◆◇◇ /kɒ mənwelθ/

1 N‑PROPER The Commonwealth is an organization consisting of the United Kingdom and most of the countries that were previously under its rule.

2 N‑COUNT Commonwealth is used in the official names of some countries, groups of countries, or parts of countries. □�[+�of ] �the Commonwealth of Australia. □�[+�of ] �the Commonwealth of Independent States, which replaced the Soviet Union.

com|mo|tion /kəmoʊ ʃ ə n/ (commotions ) N‑VAR A commotion is a lot of noise, confusion, and excitement. □� He heard a commotion outside.

comms /kɒ mz/ N‑PLURAL Comms is an abbreviation for communications . [INFORMAL ] □� �comms software.

com|mu|nal /kɒ mjʊn ə l, [AM ] kəmjuː n ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Communal means relating to particular groups in a country or society. □� Communal violence broke out in different parts of the country. □� �inter-communal relations.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use communal to describe something that is shared by a group of people. □� The inmates ate in a communal dining room. □� �communal ownership. ●� com|mu|nal|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� Meals are taken communally in the dining room.

com|mune (communes , communing , communed ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ mjuːn/. The verb is pronounced /kəmjuː n/. 1 N‑COUNT A commune is a group of people who live together and share everything. □� Mack lived in a commune.

2 N‑COUNT In France and some other countries, a commune is a town, village, or area which has its own council.

3 VERB If you say that someone is communing with an animal or spirit, or with nature, you mean that they appear to be communicating with it. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�with ] She would happily trot behind him as he set off to commune with nature.

com|mu|ni|cable /kəmjuː n I kəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A communicable disease is one that can be passed on to other people. [MEDICAL ]

com|mu|ni|cant /kəmjuː n I kənt/ (communicants ) N‑COUNT A communicant is a person in the Christian church who receives communion. [FORMAL ]

com|mu|ni|cate ◆◇◇ /kəmjuː n I ke I t/ (communicates , communicating , communicated )

1 VERB If you communicatewith someone, you share or exchange information with them, for example by speaking, writing, or using equipment. You can also say that two people communicate . □�[V +�with ] My natural mother has never communicated with me. □�[V +�with ] A person who cannot speak can use a speech synthesizer to communicate with hearing people. □�[V ] They communicated in sign language. ●� com|mu|ni|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�with ] I have had no direct communication with my colleagues. □�[+�between ] �use of the radio telephone for communication between controllers and pilots.

2 VERB If you communicate information, a feeling, or an idea to someone, you let them know about it. □�[V n +�to ] They successfully communicate their knowledge to others. □�[V n] People must communicate their feelings.

3 VERB If one person communicateswith another, they successfully make each other aware of their feelings and ideas. You can also say that two people communicate . □�[V +�with ] He was never good at communicating with the players. □�[V +�with ] Family therapy showed us how to communicate with each other. □�[V ] �considerate individuals who can communicate and work in a team. ●� com|mu|ni|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�between ] There was a tremendous lack of communication between us. □� �communication skills. [Also +�with ] ●� com|mu|ni|ca|tor (communicators ) N‑COUNT □� She's a good communicator.

com|mu|ni|ca|tion ◆◇◇ /kəmjuː n I ke I ʃ ə n/ (communications )

1 N‑PLURAL [oft N n] Communications are the systems and processes that are used to communicate or broadcast information, especially by means of electricity or radio waves. □� �a communications satellite. □� �communications equipment.

2 N‑COUNT A communication is a message. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] The ambassador has brought with him a communication from the President.

3 →�see also communicate

com|mu|ni|ca|tive /kəmjuː n I kət I v/

1 ADJ Someone who is communicative talks to people, for example about their feelings, and tells people things. □� She has become a lot more tolerant and communicative.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Communicative means relating to the ability to communicate. □� We have a very communicative approach to teaching languages.

com|mun|ion /kəmjuː njən/ (communions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Communion with nature or with a person is the feeling that you are sharing thoughts or feelings with them. □�[+�with ] �communion with nature.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Communion is the Christian ceremony in which people eat bread and drink wine in memory of Christ's death. □� Most villagers took communion only at Easter.

com|mu|ni|qu� /kəmjuː n I ke I , [AM ] -ke I / (communiqu�s ) N‑COUNT A communiqu� is an official statement or announcement. [FORMAL ] □� The communiqu� said military targets had been hit.

com|mun|ism /kɒ mjʊn I zəm/ also Communism N‑UNCOUNT Communism is the political belief that all people are equal and that workers should control the means of producing things. □� �the ultimate triumph of communism in the world.

com|mun|ist ◆◆◇ /kɒ mjʊn I st/ (communists )

1 N‑COUNT A communist is someone who believes in communism.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Communist means relating to communism. □� �the Communist Party.

com|mu|nity ◆◆◆ /kəmjuː n I ti/ (communities )

1 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] Thecommunity is all the people who live in a particular area or place. □� He's well liked by people in the community. □� The growth of such vigilante gangs has worried community leaders, police and politicians.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A particular community is a group of people who are similar in some way. □� The police haven't really done anything for the black community in particular. □� �the business community.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Community is friendship between different people or groups, and a sense of having something in common. □� Two of our greatest strengths are diversity and community. COLLOCATIONS community NOUN 2

noun +�community : faith, immigrant, minority; arts, business, farming, fishing, mining

adjective +�community : gay; Christian, Jewish, Muslim; Aboriginal, Asian, black, ethnic, Indian; close-knit, thriving, vibrant; broad, entire, international, local, whole; medical, scientific

verb +�community : benefit, help, serve SYNONYMS community NOUN 1

society:�the complexities of South African society.

public:The poll is a test of the public's confidence in the government.

population:�the local population.

com|mu |nity cen|tre (community centres ) in AM, use community center N‑COUNT A community centre is a place that is specially provided for the people, groups, and organizations in a particular area, where they can go in order to meet one another and do things.

com|mu |nity co l|lege (community colleges ) N‑COUNT A community college is a local college where students from the surrounding area can take courses in practical or academic subjects. [AM ]

com|mu |nity po|li c|ing N‑UNCOUNT Community policing is a system in which police officers work only in one particular area of the community, so that everyone knows them.

com|mu |nity se r|vice N‑UNCOUNT Community service is unpaid work that criminals sometimes do as a punishment instead of being sent to prison. □� He was sentenced to 140 hours' community service.

com|mute /kəmjuː t/ (commutes , commuting , commuted )

1 VERB If you commute , you travel a long distance every day between your home and your place of work. □�[V +�to/from ] Mike commutes to London every day. □�[V +�between ] McLaren began commuting between Paris and London. □�[V ] He's going to commute. ●� com|mut|er (commuters ) N‑COUNT □� The number of commuters to London has dropped by 100,000. □� �a commuter train. ●� com|mut|ing N‑UNCOUNT

2 N‑COUNT A commute is the journey that you make when you commute. [mainly AM ] □� The average Los Angeles commute is over 60 miles a day.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a death sentence or prison sentence is commutedto a less serious punishment, it is changed to that punishment. □�[be V -ed +�to ] His death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. □�[be V -ed] Prison sentences have been commuted.

com|mu t|er belt (commuter belts ) N‑COUNT A commuter belt is the area surrounding a large city, where many people who work in the city live. □� �people who live in the commuter belt around the capital.

com|pact (compacts , compacting , compacted ) The adjective and verb are pronounced /kəmp� kt/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mp�kt/. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Compact things are small or take up very little space. You use this word when you think this is a good quality. [APPROVAL ] □� �my compact office in Washington. □� �the new, more compact Czech government. ●� com|pact|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The very compactness of the cottage made it all the more snug and appealing.

2 ADJ A compact person is small but strong. □� He was compact, probably no taller than me.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A compact cassette, camera, or car is a small type of cassette, camera, or car.

4 VERB To compact something means to press it so that it becomes more solid. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The Smith boy was compacting the trash. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The soil settles and is compacted by the winter rain.

co m|pact di sc (compact discs ) in AM, also use compact disk N‑COUNT [oft on N ] Compact discs are small shiny discs that contain music or computer information. The abbreviation CD is also used.

com|pan|ion /kəmp� njən/ (companions ) N‑COUNT A companion is someone who you spend time with or who you are travelling with. □� Fred had been her constant companion for the last six years of her life. □� I asked my travelling companion what he thought of the situation. WORD HISTORY companion

A companion was originally someone you liked enough to share a meal with. The Latin word companio consists of the roots com- , meaning 'with' or 'together', and panis , meaning 'bread'.

com|pan|ion|able /kəmp� njənəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe a person as companionable , you mean they are friendly and pleasant to be with. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] ●� com|pan|ion|ably /kəmp� njənəbli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� They walked companionably back to the house.

com|pan|ion|ship /kəmp� njənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Companionship is having someone you know and like with you, rather than being on your own. □� I depended on his companionship and on his judgment.

com|pan|ion|way /kəmp� njənwe I / (companionways ) N‑COUNT A companionway is a staircase or ladder that leads from one deck to another on a ship.

com|pa|ny ◆◆◆ /kʌ mpəni/ (companies )

1 N‑COUNT A company is a business organization that makes money by selling goods or services. □� Sheila found some work as a secretary in an insurance company. □� �the Ford Motor Company.

2 N‑COUNT A company is a group of opera singers, dancers, or actors who work together. □� �the Phoenix Dance Company.

3 N‑COUNT A company is a group of soldiers that is usually part of a battalion or regiment, and that is divided into two or more platoons. □� The division will consist of two tank companies and one infantry company.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Company is having another person or other people with you, usually when this is pleasant or stops you feeling lonely. □� 'I won't stay long.'�'No, please. I need the company'. □�[+�of ] Ross had always enjoyed the company of women. □� I'm not in the mood for company.

5 →�see also joint-stock company , public company

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is in good company , you mean that they should not be ashamed of a mistake or opinion, because it is shared by many others, or by someone important or successful. □� If you find it difficult to cope with your family you are in good company because most people feel the same.

7 PHRASE If you have company , you have a visitor or friend with you. □� He didn't say he had had company.

8 PHRASE When you are in company , you are with a person or group of people. □� When they were in company she always seemed to dominate the conversation.

9 PHRASE If you feel, believe, or know something in company with someone else, you both feel, believe, or know it. [FORMAL ] □� Saudi Arabia, in company with some other Gulf oil states, is concerned to avoid any repetition of the two oil price shocks of the 1970s.

10 PHRASE If you keep someone company , you spend time with them and stop them feeling lonely or bored. □� Why don't you stay here and keep Emma company?

11 PHRASE If you keep company with a person or with a particular kind of person, you spend a lot of time with them. □� He keeps company with all sorts of lazy characters.

12 PHRASE If two or more people part company , they go in different directions after going in the same direction together. [WRITTEN ] □� The three of them parted company at the bus stop. [Also +�with ]

13 PHRASE If you part companywith someone, you end your association with them, often because of a disagreement. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] The tennis star has parted company with his Austrian trainer. □� We have agreed to part company after differences of opinion. SYNONYMS company NOUN 1

business:The company was a family business.

firm:The firm's employees were expecting large bonuses.

corporation:�multi-national corporations.

concern:If not a large concern, the nursery was at least a successful one.

multinational:�multinationals such as Ford and IBM.

co m|pa|ny ca r (company cars ) N‑COUNT A company car is a car which an employer gives to an employee to use as their own, usually as a benefit of having a particular job, or because their job involves a lot of travelling. [BUSINESS ]

co m|pa|ny se c|re|tary (company secretaries ) N‑COUNT A company secretary is a person whose job within a company is to keep the legal affairs, accounts, and administration in order. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

com|pa|rable /kɒ mpərəb ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is comparable to something else is roughly similar, for example in amount or importance. □� �paying the same wages to men and women for work of comparable value. □�[+�to ] Farmers were meant to get an income comparable to that of townspeople. □�[+�with ] The risk it poses is comparable with smoking just one cigarette every year.

2 ADJ If two or more things are comparable , they are of the same kind or are in the same situation, and so they can reasonably be compared. □� In other comparable countries real wages increased much more rapidly. □� By contrast, the comparable figure for the Netherlands is 16 per cent.

com|para|tive /kəmp� rət I v/ (comparatives )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use comparative to show that you are judging something against a previous or different situation. For example, comparative calm is a situation which is calmer than before or calmer than the situation in other places. □� �those who manage to reach the comparative safety of Fendel. □� The task was accomplished with comparative ease. ●� com|para|tive|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� �a comparatively small nation. □� �children who find it comparatively easy to make and keep friends.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A comparative study is a study that involves the comparison of two or more things of the same kind. □� �a comparative study of the dietary practices of people from various regions. □� �a professor of English and comparative literature.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, the comparative form of an adjective or adverb shows that something has more of a quality than something else has. For example, 'bigger' is the comparative form of 'big', and 'more quickly' is the comparative form of 'quickly'. Compare superlative . ●�N‑COUNT Comparative is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The comparative of 'pretty' is 'prettier'.

com|pare ◆◇◇ /kəmpeə r / (compares , comparing , compared )

1 VERB When you compare things, you consider them and discover the differences or similarities between them. □�[V n] Compare the two illustrations in Fig 60. □�[V n +�with ] Was it fair to compare independent schools with state schools? □�[V n +�to ] Note how smooth the skin of the upper arm is, then compare it to the skin on the elbow.

2to compare notes →�see note

3 VERB If you compare one person or thing to another, you say that they are like the other person or thing. □�[V n +�to/with ] Some commentators compared his work to that of James Joyce. □�[V n +�to/with ] I can only compare the experience to falling in love.

4 VERB If one thing compares favourably with another, it is better than the other thing. If it compares unfavourably, it is worse than the other thing. □�[V adv +�with ] Our road safety record compares favourably with that of other European countries. □�[V adv] How do the two techniques compare in terms of application?

5 VERB [usu with neg] If you say that something does not compare with something else, you mean that it is much worse. □�[V +�with ] The flowers here do not compare with those at home.

6 →�see also compared

com|pared ◆◆◇ /kəmpeə r d/

1 PHRASE If you say, for example, that one thing is large or small compared with another or compared to another, you mean that it is larger or smaller than the other thing. □�[+�with ] The room was light and lofty compared with our Tudor ones. □�[+�with ] Columbia was a young city compared to venerable Charleston.

2 PHRASE You talk about one situation or thing compared with another or compared to another when contrasting the two situations or things. □�[V -ed +�to ] In 1800 Ireland's population was nine million, compared to Britain's 16 million.

com|pari|son ◆◇◇ /kəmp� r I sən/ (comparisons )

1 N‑VAR When you make a comparison , you consider two or more things and discover the differences between them. □�[+�of ] �a comparison of the British and German economies. □�[+�between ] Its recommendations are based on detailed comparisons between the public and private sectors. □� There are no previous statistics for comparison.

2 N‑COUNT When you make a comparison , you say that one thing is like another in some way. □� It is demonstrably an unfair comparison. □�[+�of ] The comparison of her life to a sea voyage simplifies her experience.

3 PHRASE If you say, for example, that something is large or small in comparisonwith , in comparisonto , or by comparisonwith something else, you mean that it is larger or smaller than the other thing. □� The amount of carbon dioxide released by burning coal is small in comparison. □�[+�with ] Those places are modern by comparison with Tresillian. [Also +�to ]

4 PHRASE If you say there is no comparisonbetween one thing and another, you mean that you think the first thing is much better than the second, or very different from it. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�between ] There is no comparison between such a player and the ordinary casual participant.

com|part|ment /kəmpɑː r tmənt/ (compartments )

1 N‑COUNT A compartment is one of the separate spaces into which a railway carriage is divided. □� On the way home we shared our first-class compartment with a group of businessmen.

2 N‑COUNT A compartment is one of the separate parts of an object that is used for keeping things in. □�[+�of ] �the secret compartment of my jewel box.

3 →�see also glove compartment

com|part|men|tal|ize /kɒ mpɑː r tme ntəla I z/ (compartmentalizes , compartmentalizing , compartmentalized ) in BRIT, also use compartmentalise VERB To compartmentalize something means to divide it into separate sections. □�[V n] Men often compartmentalized their lives and don't mix their personal and professional lives. [Also V n +�into ] ●� com|part|men|tal|ized ADJ □� �the compartmentalised world of Japanese finance.

com|pass /kʌ mpəs/ (compasses )

1 N‑COUNT A compass is an instrument that you use for finding directions. It has a dial and a magnetic needle that always points to the north. □� We had to rely on a compass and a lot of luck to get here.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Compasses are a hinged V-shaped instrument that you use for drawing circles.

com|pas|sion /kəmp� ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Compassion is a feeling of pity, sympathy, and understanding for someone who is suffering. □�[+�from ] Elderly people need time and compassion from their physicians.

com|pas|sion|ate /kəmp� ʃ ə nət/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as compassionate , you mean that they feel or show pity, sympathy, and understanding for people who are suffering. [APPROVAL ] □� My father was a deeply compassionate man. □� She has a wise, compassionate face.

com|pa s|sion|ate lea ve N‑UNCOUNT Compassionate leave is time away from your work that your employer allows you for personal reasons, especially when a member of your family dies or is seriously ill. [BUSINESS ]

co m|pass point (compass points ) N‑COUNT A compass point is one of the 32 marks on the dial of a compass that show direction, for example north, south, east, and west.

com|pat|ible /kəmp� t I b ə l/

1 ADJ If things, for example systems, ideas, and beliefs, are compatible , they work well together or can exist together successfully. □�[+�with ] Free enterprise, he argued, was compatible with Russian values and traditions. □� Marriage and the life I live just don't seem compatible. ●� com|pat|ibil|ity /kəmp� t I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�with ] National courts can freeze any law while its compatibility with European legislation is being tested. [Also +�of/between ]

2 ADJ If you say that you are compatible with someone, you mean that you have a good relationship with them because you have similar opinions and interests. □� Mildred and I are very compatible. She's interested in the things that interest me. [Also +�with ] ●� com|pat|ibil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� As a result of their compatibility, Haig and Fraser were able to bring about wide-ranging reforms.

3 ADJ If one make of computer or computer equipment is compatiblewith another make, especially IBM, they can be used together and can use the same software. [COMPUTING ]

com|pat|ri|ot /kəmp� triət, [AM ] -pe I t-/ (compatriots ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your compatriots are people from your own country. □� Chris Robertson of Australia beat his compatriot Chris Dittmar in the final.

com|pel /kəmpe l/ (compels , compelling , compelled )

1 VERB If a situation, a rule, or a person compels you to do something, they force you to do it. □�[V n to-inf] �the introduction of legislation to compel cyclists to wear a helmet. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Drivers are compelled by law to have insurance. [Also V n]

2 PHRASE If you feel compelledto do something, you feel that you must do it, because it is the right thing to do. □� I felt morally compelled to help.

com|pel|ling /kəmpe l I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A compelling argument or reason is one that convinces you that something is true or that something should be done. □� A compelling answer was provided in the final session from two different sources.

2 ADJ If you describe something such as a film or book, or someone's appearance, as compelling , you mean you want to keep looking at it or reading it because you find it so interesting. □� �a frighteningly violent yet compelling film.

com|pen|dium /kəmpe ndiəm/ (compendiums ) N‑COUNT A compendium is a short but detailed collection of information, usually in a book. □�[+�of ] The Roman Catholic Church has issued a compendium of its teachings.

com|pen|sate /kɒ mpənse I t/ (compensates , compensating , compensated )

1 VERB To compensate someone for money or things that they have lost means to pay them money or give them something to replace that money or those things. □�[be V -ed +�for ] To ease financial difficulties, farmers could be compensated for their loss of subsidies. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you compensatefor a lack of something or for something you have done wrong, you do something to make the situation better. □�[V +�for ] The company agreed to keep up high levels of output in order to compensate for supplies lost. □�[V ] She would then feel guilt for her anger and compensate by doing even more for the children.

3 VERB Something that compensates for something else balances it or reduces its effects. □�[V +�for ] MPs say it is crucial that a system is found to compensate for inflation.

4 VERB If you try to compensatefor something that is wrong or missing in your life, you try to do something that removes or reduces the harmful effects. □�[V +�for ] Nothing could ever compensate for the pain of being separated from her children.

com|pen|sa|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ mpənse I ʃ ə n/ (compensations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Compensation is money that someone who has experienced loss or suffering claims from the person or organization responsible, or from the state. □�[+�for ] He received one year's salary as compensation for loss of office. □� The court ordered him to pay �300 compensation.

2 N‑VAR If something is some compensationfor something bad that has happened, it makes you feel better. □�[+�for ] Helen gained some compensation for her earlier defeat by winning the final open class. □� There are compensations in moving to the north-east where the quality of life is excellent.

com|pen|sa|tory /kɒ mpənse I təri, [AM ] kəmpe nsətɔːri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Compensatory payments involve money paid as compensation. [FORMAL ] □� The jury awarded $11.2 million in compensatory damages.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Compensatory measures are designed to help people who have special problems or disabilities. [FORMAL ] □� Money should be spent on compensatory programmes for deprived children.

com|pere /kɒ mpeə r / (comperes , compering , compered )

1 N‑COUNT A compere is the person who introduces the people taking part in a radio or television show or a live show. [BRIT ] in AM, use emcee2 VERB The person who comperes a show introduces the people who take part in it. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Sarita Sagharwal compered the programme. □�[V ] They asked Paul to compere. in AM, use emcee

com|pete ◆◇◇ /kəmpiː t/ (competes , competing , competed )

1 VERB When one firm or country competeswith another, it tries to get people to buy its own goods in preference to those of the other firm or country. You can also say that two firms or countries compete . □�[V +�with ] Its products compete with own-label desserts in most supermarkets. □�[V +�with ] The stores compete with each other for increased market shares. □�[V +�for ] Banks and building societies are competing fiercely for business. □�[V ] The American economy, and its ability to compete abroad, was slowing down according to the report. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you competewith someone for something, you try to get it for yourself and stop the other person getting it. You can also say that two people competefor something. □�[V +�with/for ] Kangaroos compete with sheep and cattle for sparse supplies of food and water. □�[V +�with ] Schools should not compete with each other or attempt to poach pupils. □�[V +�for ] More than 2300 candidates from 93 political parties are competing for 486 seats.

3 VERB If you compete in a contest or a game, you take part in it. □�[V prep] He will be competing in the London�Calais�London race. □�[V ] It is essential for all players who wish to compete that they earn computer ranking points.

4 →�see also competing SYNONYMS compete VERB 1

challenge:We challenged a team who called themselves 'College Athletes'.

contest:He quickly won his party's nomination to contest the elections.

vie:The two are vying for the support of New York voters.

rival:The image quality obviously cannot rival that of more expensive models.

com|pe|tence /kɒ mp I təns/ N‑UNCOUNT Competence is the ability to do something well or effectively. □�[+�as ] His competence as an economist had been reinforced by his successful fight against inflation.

com|pe|ten|cy /kɒ mp I tənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Competency means the same as competence . □� �managerial competency.

com|pe|tent /kɒ mp I tənt/

1 ADJ Someone who is competent is efficient and effective. □� He was a loyal, distinguished and very competent civil servant. □� �a competent performance. ●� com|pe|tent|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The government performed competently in the face of multiple challenges.

2 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you are competentto do something, you have the skills, abilities, or experience necessary to do it well. □� Most adults do not feel competent to deal with a medical emergency involving a child.

com|pet|ing /kəmpiː t I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Competing ideas, requirements, or interests cannot all be right or satisfied at the same time. □� They talked about the competing theories of the origin of life. □� �the competing demands of work and family.

2 →�see also compete

com|pe|ti|tion ◆◆◇ /kɒ mp I t I ʃ ə n/ (competitions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Competition is a situation in which two or more people or groups are trying to get something which not everyone can have. □�[+�for ] There's been some fierce competition for the title. □� Young painters enjoyed the support and stimulating competition of peers.

2 N‑SING Thecompetition is the person or people you are competing with. □� I have to change my approach, the competition is too good now.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Competition is an activity involving two or more firms, in which each firm tries to get people to buy its own goods in preference to the other firms' goods. □� The deal would have reduced competition in the commuter-aircraft market. □�[+�from ] Clothing stores also face heavy competition from factory outlets.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The competition is the goods that a rival organization is selling. □� The American aerospace industry has been challenged by some stiff competition.

5 N‑VAR A competition is an event in which many people take part in order to find out who is best at a particular activity. □� �a surfing competition. □� He will be banned from international competition for four years. COLLOCATIONS competition NOUN

1

adjective +�competition : fierce, intense, stiff, tough

3

verb +�competition : increase, introduce, promote

5

verb +�competition : hold, organize, run; enter

com|peti|tive ◆◇◇ /kəmpe t I t I v/

1 ADJ Competitive is used to describe situations or activities in which people or firms compete with each other. □� Only by keeping down costs will America maintain its competitive advantage over other countries. □� Japan is a highly competitive market system. □� Universities are very competitive for the best students. ●� com|peti|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He's now back up on the slopes again, skiing competitively.

2 ADJ A competitive person is eager to be more successful than other people. □� He has always been ambitious and fiercely competitive. □� I'm a very competitive person and I was determined not be beaten. ●� com|peti|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� They worked hard together, competitively and under pressure. ●� com|peti|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I can't stand the pace, I suppose, and the competitiveness, and the unfriendliness.

3 ADJ Goods or services that are at a competitive price or rate are likely to be bought, because they are less expensive than other goods of the same kind. □� Homes for sale at competitive prices will secure interest from serious purchasers. ●� com|peti|tive|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� �a number of early Martin and Gibson guitars, which were competitively priced. ●� com|peti|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] It is only on the world market that we can prove the competitiveness and quality of our goods.

com|peti|tor ◆◇◇ /kəmpe t I tə r / (competitors )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A company's competitors are companies who are trying to sell similar goods or services to the same people. □� The bank isn't performing as well as some of its competitors.

2 N‑COUNT A competitor is a person who takes part in a competition or contest. □� Herbert Blocker of Germany, one of the oldest competitors, won the individual silver medal.

com|pi|la|tion /kɒ mp I le I ʃ ə n/ (compilations )

1 N‑COUNT A compilation is a book, CD, or programme that contains many different items that have been gathered together, usually ones which have already appeared in other places. □�[+�of ] His latest album release is a compilation of his jazz works over the past decade.

2 →�see also compile

com|pile /kəmpa I l/ (compiles , compiling , compiled ) VERB When you compile something such as a report, book, or programme, you produce it by collecting and putting together many pieces of information. □�[V n] The book took 10 years to compile. □�[V -ed] A report compiled by the Fed's Philadelphia branch described the economy as weak.

com|pil|er /kəmpa I lə r / (compilers )

1 N‑COUNT A compiler is someone who compiles books, reports, or lists of information.

2 N‑COUNT A compiler is a computer program which converts language that people can use into a code that the computer can understand. [COMPUTING ]

com|pla|cen|cy /kəmple I s ə nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Complacency is being complacent about a situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] �a worrying level of complacency about the risks of infection from sexually transmitted diseases. □�[+�on ] She warned that there was no room for complacency on inflation.

com|pla|cent /kəmple I s ə nt/ ADJ A complacent person is very pleased with themselves or feels that they do not need to do anything about a situation, even though the situation may be uncertain or dangerous. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] We cannot afford to be complacent about our health. □� �the Chancellor's complacent attitude towards the far-right's activities.

com|plain ◆◆◇ /kəmple I n/ (complains , complaining , complained )

1 VERB If you complainabout a situation, you say that you are not satisfied with it. □�[V that] Miners have complained bitterly that the government did not fulfill their promises. □�[V +�about/of ] The American couple complained about the high cost of visiting Europe. □�[V +�to ] They are liable to face more mistreatment if they complain to the police. □�[V ] People should complain when they consider an advert offensive. □�[V with quote] 'I do everything you ask of me,' he complained.

2 VERB If you complain of pain or illness, you say that you are feeling pain or feeling ill. □�[V +�of ] He complained of a headache.

com|plain|ant /kəmple I nənt/ (complainants ) N‑COUNT A complainant is a person who starts a court case in a court of law. [LEGAL ]

com|plain|er /kəmple I nə r / (complainers ) N‑COUNT A complainer is someone who complains a lot about their problems or about things they do not like. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was a terrible complainer�always moaning about something.

com|plaint ◆◇◇ /kəmple I nt/ (complaints )

1 N‑VAR A complaint is a statement in which you express your dissatisfaction with a particular situation. □�[+�about ] There's been a record number of complaints about the standard of service on Britain's railways. □� People have been reluctant to make formal complaints to the police.

2 N‑COUNT A complaint is a reason for complaining. □� My main complaint is that we can't go out on the racecourse anymore.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to an illness as a complaint , especially if it is not very serious. □� Eczema is a common skin complaint which often runs in families. SYNONYMS complaint NOUN 1

protest:The unions called a two-hour strike in protest at the railway authority's announcement.

objection:I have no objection to banks making money.

grumble:My grumble is with the structure and organization of the material.

criticism:�unfair criticism of his tactics.

com|plai|sant /kəmple I z ə nt/ ADJ If you are complaisant , you are willing to accept what other people are doing without complaining. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

com|ple|ment (complements , complementing , complemented ) The verb is pronounced /kɒ mpl I ment/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpl I mənt/. 1 VERB If one thing complements another, it goes well with the other thing and makes its good qualities more noticeable. □�[V n] Nutmeg, parsley and cider all complement the flavour of these beans well.

2 VERB If people or things complement each other, they are different or do something different, which makes them a good combination. □�[V n] There will be a written examination to complement the practical test. □�[V n] We complement one another perfectly.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a complementto something else complements it. □�[+�to ] The green wallpaper is the perfect complement to the old pine of the dresser.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The complementof things or people that something has is the number of things or people that it normally has, which enable it to function properly. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Each ship had a complement of around a dozen officers and 250 men.

5 N‑COUNT In grammar, the complement of a link verb is an adjective group or noun group which comes after the verb and describes or identifies the subject. For example, in the sentence 'They felt very tired', 'very tired' is the complement. In 'They were students', 'students' is the complement.

com|ple|men|tary /kɒ mpl I me ntri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n, Also v-link ADJ to n] Complementary things are different from each other but make a good combination. [FORMAL ] □� To improve the quality of life through work, two complementary strategies are necessary. □�[+�to ] He has done experiments complementary to those of Eigen. ●� com|ple|men|ta|rity /kɒ mpl I ment� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�between ] �the complementarity between public and private authorities.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Complementary medicine refers to ways of treating patients which are different from the ones used by most Western doctors, for example acupuncture and homoeopathy. □� �combining orthodox treatment with a wide range of complementary therapies.

com|ple|men|ta|tion /kɒ mpl I mente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] In linguistics, a complementation pattern of a verb, noun, or adjective is the patterns that typically follow it. [TECHNICAL ]

com|plete ◆◆◆ /kəmpliː t/ (completes , completing , completed )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use complete to emphasize that something is as great in extent, degree, or amount as it possibly can be. [EMPHASIS ] □� The rebels had taken complete control. □� It shows a complete lack of understanding by management. □� The resignation came as a complete surprise. □� He was the complete opposite of Raymond. ●� com|plete|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� Dozens of flats had been completely destroyed. □� �something completely different.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use complete to emphasize that you are referring to the whole of something and not just part of it. [EMPHASIS ] □� A complete tenement block was burnt to the ground. □� The job sheets eventually filled a complete book.

3 ADJ If something is complete , it contains all the parts that it should contain. □� The list may not be complete. □� �a complete dinner service. ●� com|plete|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the accuracy and completeness of the information obtained.

4 VERB [no cont] To complete a set or group means to provide the last item that is needed to make it a full set or group. □�[V n] �the stickers needed to complete the collection.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The complete works of a writer are all their books or poems published together in one book or as a set of books. □� �the Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

6 PHRASE If one thing comes complete with another, it has that thing as an extra or additional part. □�[+�with ] The diary comes complete with a gold-coloured ballpoint pen.

7 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is complete , it has been finished. □� The work of restoring the farmhouse is complete. □� It'll be two years before the process is complete.

8 VERB If you complete something, you finish doing, making, or producing it. □�[V n] Peter Mayle has just completed his first novel. □�[get n V -ed] �the rush to get the stadiums completed on time. ●� com|ple|tion /kəmpliː ʃ ə n/ (completions ) N‑VAR □� The project is nearing completion. □� House completions for the year should be up from 1,841 to 2,200.

9 VERB [no cont] If you complete something, you do all of it. □�[V n] She completed her degree in two years. □�[V n] This book took years to complete.

10 VERB If you complete a form or questionnaire, you write the answers or information asked for in it. □�[V n] Simply complete the coupon below. □�[V -ed] Use the enclosed envelope to return your completed survey.

com|plex ◆◆◇ /kɒ mpleks/ (complexes ) The adjective is pronounced /kəmple ks/ in American English. 1 ADJ Something that is complex has many different parts, and is therefore often difficult to understand. □� �in-depth coverage of today's complex issues. □� �a complex system of voting. □� �her complex personality. □� �complex machines.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, a complex sentence contains one or more subordinate clauses as well as a main clause. Compare compound , simple .

3 N‑COUNT A complex is a group of buildings designed for a particular purpose, or one large building divided into several smaller areas. □� �plans for constructing a new stadium and leisure complex. □�[+�of ] �a complex of offices and flats.

4 N‑COUNT If someone has a complex about something, they have a mental or emotional problem relating to it, often because of an unpleasant experience in the past. □�[+�about ] I have never had a complex about my height. □� �a deranged attacker, driven by a persecution complex.

5 →�see also guilt complex , inferiority complex

com|plex|ion /kəmple kʃ ə n/ (complexions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] When you refer to someone's complexion , you are referring to the natural colour or condition of the skin on their face. □� She had short brown hair and a pale complexion.

2 N‑COUNT The complexion of something is its general nature or character. [FORMAL ] □� But surely this puts a different complexion on things.

com|plex|ities /kəmple ks I tiz/ N‑PLURAL The complexities of something are the many complicated factors involved in it. □� The issue is surrounded by legal complexities.

com|plex|ity /kəmple ks I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Complexity is the state of having many different parts connected or related to each other in a complicated way. □� �a diplomatic tangle of great complexity. □�[+�of ] �the increasing complexity of modern weapon systems.

com|pli|ance /kəmpla I əns/ N‑UNCOUNT Compliancewith something, for example a law, treaty, or agreement means doing what you are required or expected to do. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] The company says it is in full compliance with U.S. labor laws.

com|pli|ant /kəmpla I ənt/ ADJ If you say that someone is compliant , you mean they willingly do what they are asked to do. [FORMAL ] □� �a docile and compliant workforce.

com|pli|cate /kɒ mpl I ke I t/ (complicates , complicating , complicated ) VERB To complicate something means to make it more difficult to understand or deal with. □�[V n] The day's events, he said, would only complicate the task of the peacekeeping forces. □�[V n] To complicate matters further, everybody's vitamin requirements vary.

com|pli|cat|ed ◆◇◇ /kɒ mpl I ke I t I d/ ADJ If you say that something is complicated , you mean it has so many parts or aspects that it is difficult to understand or deal with. □� The situation in Lebanon is very complicated. □� �a very complicated voting system.

com|pli|ca|tion /kɒ mpl I ke I ʃ ə n/ (complications )

1 N‑COUNT A complication is a problem or difficulty that makes a situation harder to deal with. □�[+�to ] The age difference was a complication to the relationship. □� An added complication is the growing concern for the environment.

2 N‑COUNT A complication is a medical problem that occurs as a result of another illness or disease. □�[+�of ] Blindness is a common complication of diabetes. □�[+�from ] He died of complications from a heart attack.

com|plic|it /kəmpl I s I t/ ADJ If someone is complicitin a crime or unfair activity, they are involved in it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�in ] He did not witness her execution, yet he and the others are complicit in her death.

com|plic|ity /kəmpl I s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Complicity is involvement with other people in an illegal activity or plan. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] Recently a number of policemen were sentenced to death for their complicity in the murder. □�[+�with ] He is accused of complicity with the leader of the coup.

com|pli|ment (compliments , complimenting , complimented ) The verb is pronounced /kɒ mpl I ment/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpl I mənt/. 1 N‑COUNT A compliment is a polite remark that you say to someone to show that you like their appearance, appreciate their qualities, or approve of what they have done. □� He has never paid me a compliment. □� I try to graciously accept both compliments and criticism.

2 VERB If you compliment someone, you pay them a compliment. □�[V n +�on ] They complimented me on the way I looked each time they saw me. [Also V n]

3 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] You can refer to your compliments when you want to express thanks, good wishes, or respect to someone in a formal way. [POLITENESS ] □�[+�to ] My compliments to the chef.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone returns the compliment , you mean that they do the same thing to someone else as that person has done to them. □� They entertained us splendidly and it's time we returned the compliment.

5 PHRASE If you say that you are giving someone something with your compliments , you are saying in a polite and fairly formal way that you are giving it to them, especially as a gift or a favour. [POLITENESS ] □� Please give this to your boss with my compliments.

com|pli|men|tary /kɒ mpl I me ntri/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are complimentary about something, you express admiration for it. □� The staff have been very complimentary, and so have the customers. □� We often get complimentary remarks regarding the cleanliness of our patio.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A complimentary seat, ticket, or book is given to you free. □� He had complimentary tickets to take his wife to see the movie.

com|ply /kəmpla I / (complies , complying , complied ) VERB If someone or something complieswith an order or set of rules, they are in accordance with what is required or expected. □�[V +�with ] The commander said that the army would comply with the ceasefire. □�[V ] There are calls for his resignation, but there is no sign yet that he will comply. [Also V to n]

com|po|nent ◆◇◇ /kəmpoʊ nənt/ (components )

1 N‑COUNT The components of something are the parts that it is made of. □�[+�of ] Enriched uranium is a key component of a nuclear weapon. □� The management plan has four main components. □� They were automotive component suppliers to motor manufacturers.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The component parts of something are the parts that make it up. □� First we have to break the system down into its component parts. □� They manufacture component parts for engines.

com|port /kəmpɔː r t/ (comports , comporting , comported ) VERB If you comportyourself in a particular way, you behave in that way. [FORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] He comports himself with modesty.

com|pose /kəmpoʊ z/ (composes , composing , composed )

1 VERB The things that something is composedof are its parts or members. The separate things that compose something are the parts or members that form it. □�[be V -ed +�of ] The force would be composed of troops from NATO countries. □�[V n] Protein molecules compose all the complex working parts of living cells. □�[V -ed] They agreed to form a council composed of leaders of the rival factions.

2 VERB When someone composes a piece of music, they write it. □�[V n] Vivaldi composed a large number of very fine concertos. □�[V ] Cale also uses electronic keyboards to compose.

3 VERB If you compose something such as a letter, poem, or speech, you write it, often using a lot of concentration or skill. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He started at once to compose a reply to Anna. □�[V -ed] The document composed in Philadelphia transformed the confederation of sovereign states into a national government.

4 VERB If you composeyourself or if you compose your features, you succeed in becoming calm after you have been angry, excited, or upset. □�[V pron-refl] She quickly composed herself as the car started off. □�[V n] Then he composed his features, took Godwin's hand awkwardly and began to usher him from the office.

com|posed /kəmpoʊ zd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is composed , they are calm and able to control their feelings. □� Laura was very calm and composed.

com|pos|er /kəmpoʊ zə r / (composers ) N‑COUNT A composer is a person who writes music, especially classical music.

com|po|site /kɒ mpəz I t, [AM ] kəmpɑː z I t/ (composites ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A composite object or item is made up of several different things, parts, or substances. □� �composite pictures with different faces superimposed over one another. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Composite is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Spain is a composite of diverse traditions and people.

com|po|si|tion /kɒ mpəz I ʃ ə n/ (compositions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT When you talk about the composition of something, you are referring to the way in which its various parts are put together and arranged. □�[+�of ] Television has transformed the size and composition of audiences. □� Forests vary greatly in composition from one part of the country to another.

2 N‑COUNT The compositions of a composer, painter, or other artist are the works of art that they have produced. □� Mozart's compositions are undoubtedly amongst the world's greatest.

3 N‑COUNT A composition is a piece of written work that children write at school.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Composition is the technique or skill involved in creating a work of art. □� He taught the piano, organ and composition.

com|po|si|tion|al /kɒ mpəz I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Compositional refers to the way composers and artists use their skills or techniques in their work. [TECHNICAL ] □� �Mozart's compositional style.

com|posi|tor /kəmpɒ z I tə r / (compositors ) N‑COUNT A compositor is a person who arranges the text and pictures of a book, magazine, or newspaper before it is printed.

com|post /kɒ mpɒst, [AM ] -poʊst/ (composts , composting , composted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Compost is a mixture of decayed plants and vegetable waste which is added to the soil to help plants grow. □� �a small compost heap.

2 N‑VAR Compost is specially treated soil that you buy and use to grow seeds and plants in pots.

3 VERB To compost things such as unwanted bits of plants means to make them into compost. □�[V n] Cut down and compost spent cucumbers, tomatoes and other crops.

com|po|sure /kəmpoʊ ʒə r / N‑UNCOUNT Composure is the appearance or feeling of calm and the ability to control your feelings. [FORMAL ] □� For once Dimbleby lost his composure. It was all he could do to stop tears of mirth falling down his cheeks.

com|pote /kɒ mpoʊt/ (compotes ) N‑VAR Compote is fruit stewed with sugar or in syrup.

com|pound (compounds , compounding , compounded ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpaʊnd/. The verb is pronounced /kəmpaʊ nd/. 1 N‑COUNT A compound is an enclosed area of land that is used for a particular purpose. □� Police fired on them as they fled into the embassy compound. □� �a military compound.

2 N‑COUNT In chemistry, a compound is a substance that consists of two or more elements. □� Organic compounds contain carbon in their molecules.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is a compoundof different things, it consists of those things. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Salt in its essential form is a compound of sodium and chlorine.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Compound is used to indicate that something consists of two or more parts or things. □� �a tall shrub with shiny compound leaves. □� �the compound microscope.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, a compound noun, adjective, or verb is one that is made up of two or more words, for example 'fire engine', 'bottle-green', and 'force-feed'.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, a compound sentence is one that is made up of two or more main clauses. Compare complex , simple .

7 VERB To compound a problem, difficulty, or mistake means to make it worse by adding to it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Additional bloodshed and loss of life will only compound the tragedy. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The problem is compounded by the medical system here.

com|pound|ed /kəmpaʊ nd I d/ ADJ If something is compounded of different things, it is a mixture of those things. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �an emotion oddly compounded of pleasure and bitterness.

co m|pound fra c|ture (compound fractures ) N‑COUNT A compound fracture is a fracture in which the broken bone sticks through the skin.

co m|pound i n|ter|est N‑UNCOUNT Compound interest is interest that is calculated both on an original sum of money and on interest which has previously been added to the sum. Compare simple interest . [BUSINESS ]

com|pre|hend /kɒ mpr I he nd/ (comprehends , comprehending , comprehended ) VERB If you cannot comprehend something, you cannot understand it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] I just cannot comprehend your attitude. □�[V ] Whenever she failed to comprehend she invariably laughed.

com|pre|hen|sible /kɒ mpr I he ns I b ə l/ ADJ Something that is comprehensible can be understood. [FORMAL ] □� He spoke abruptly, in barely comprehensible Arabic.

com|pre|hen|sion /kɒ mpr I he nʃ ə n/ (comprehensions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Comprehension is the ability to understand something. [FORMAL ] □� This was utterly beyond her comprehension.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Comprehension is full knowledge and understanding of the meaning of something. [FORMAL ] □� They had the same expression of dawning comprehension, surprise, and relief.

3 N‑VAR When pupils do comprehension , they do an exercise to find out how well they understand a piece of spoken or written language.

com|pre|hen|sive ◆◇◇ /kɒ mpr I he ns I v/ (comprehensives )

1 ADJ Something that is comprehensive includes everything that is needed or relevant. □� The Rough Guide to Nepal is a comprehensive guide to the region.

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, a comprehensive is a state school in which children of all abilities are taught together. □� �Birmingham's inner-city comprehensives. □� She taught French at Cheam Comprehensive in South London. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Comprehensive is also an adjective. □� He left comprehensive school at the age of 16. SYNONYMS comprehensive ADJ 1

thorough:This very thorough survey goes back to 1784.

full:Full details will be sent to you once your application is accepted.

complete:The list may not be complete.

wide:The brochure offers a wide choice of hotels, apartments and holiday homes.

extensive:The facilities available are very extensive.

com|pre|hen|sive|ly /kɒ mpr I he ns I vli/ ADV [usu ADV with v] Something that is done comprehensively is done thoroughly. □� England were comprehensively beaten by South Africa.

com|press (compresses , compressing , compressed ) The verb is pronounced /kəmpre s/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpres/. 1 VERB When you compress something or when it compresses , it is pressed or squeezed so that it takes up less space. □�[V n] Poor posture, sitting or walking slouched over, compresses the body's organs. □�[V ] Air will compress but the brake fluid won't. ●� com|pres|sion /kəmpre ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The compression of the wood is easily achieved.

2 VERB If you compress something such as a piece of writing or a description, you make it shorter. □�[V -ed] All those three books are compacted and compressed into one book.

3 VERB [usu passive] If an event is compressedinto a short space of time, it is given less time to happen than normal or previously. □�[be V -ed +�into ] The four debates will be compressed into an unprecedentedly short eight-day period. □�[be V -ed] Some courses such as engineering had to be compressed.

4 N‑COUNT A compress is a pad of wet or dry cloth pressed on part of a patient's body to reduce fever. □� Sore throats may be relieved by cold compresses.

com|pressed /kəmpre st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Compressed air or gas is squeezed into a small space or container and is therefore at a higher pressure than normal. It is used especially as a source of power for machines.

com|pres|sor /kəmpre sə r / (compressors ) N‑COUNT A compressor is a machine or part of a machine that squeezes gas or air and makes it take up less space.

com|prise /kəmpra I z/ (comprises , comprising , comprised )

1 VERB If you say that something comprises or is comprised of a number of things or people, you mean it has them as its parts or members. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] MCC's main committee comprises 18 members. □�[be V -ed +�of ] The task force is comprised of congressional leaders and cabinet heads. □�[V -ed] A crowd comprised of the wives and children of scientists staged a demonstration.

2 VERB The things or people that comprise something are the parts or members that form it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Women comprise 44% of hospital medical staff.

com|pro|mise ◆◇◇ /kɒ mprəma I z/ (compromises , compromising , compromised )

1 N‑VAR A compromise is a situation in which people accept something slightly different from what they really want, because of circumstances or because they are considering the wishes of other people. □�[+�between ] Encourage your child to reach a compromise between what he wants and what you want. □� The government's policy of compromise is not universally popular.

2 VERB If you compromisewith someone, you reach an agreement with them in which you both give up something that you originally wanted. You can also say that two people or groups compromise . □�[V +�over ] The government has compromised with its critics over monetary policies. □�[V +�on ] 'Nine,' said I. 'Nine thirty,' tried he. We compromised on 9.15. □�[V +�on ] Israel had originally wanted $1 billion in aid, but compromised on the $650 million. [Also pl-n V , V (non-recip)]

3 VERB If someone compromises themselves or compromises their beliefs, they do something which damages their reputation for honesty, loyalty, or high moral principles. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V pron-refl] He compromised himself by accepting a bribe. □�[V n] He would rather shoot himself than compromise his principles. SYNONYMS compromise NOUN 1

give and take:�a happy relationship where there's a lot of give and take.

concession:The King made major concessions to end the confrontation with his people.

trade-off:The newspaper's headline indicates that there was a trade-off at the summit. VERB 2

concede:The government conceded some of their demands.

meet halfway:The Democrats are willing to meet the president halfway.

trade off:They might trade off information for a reduced sentence.

com|pro|mis|ing /kɒ mprəma I z I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe information or a situation as compromising , you mean that it reveals an embarrassing or guilty secret about someone. □� How had this compromising picture come into the possession of the press?

comp|trol|ler /kəntroʊ lə r / (comptrollers ) N‑COUNT A comptroller is someone who is in charge of the accounts of a business or a government department; used mainly in official titles. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] It's not every day that a new comptroller of Her Majesty's Household is appointed.

com|pul|sion /kəmpʌ lʃ ə n/ (compulsions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A compulsion is a strong desire to do something, which you find difficult to control. □� He felt a sudden compulsion to drop the bucket and run.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone uses compulsion in order to get you to do something, they force you to do it, for example by threatening to punish you if you do not do it. □� Students learn more when they were in class out of choice rather than compulsion.

com|pul|sive /kəmpʌ ls I v/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use compulsive to describe people or their behaviour when they cannot stop doing something wrong, harmful, or unnecessary. □� �a compulsive liar. □� He was a compulsive gambler and often heavily in debt. ●� com|pul|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� John is compulsively neat and clean, he's terrified of germs.

2 ADJ If a book or television programme is compulsive , it is so interesting that you do not want to stop reading or watching it. □� The second series of this drama has been explosive, compulsive viewing. ●� com|pul|sive|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �a series of compulsively readable novels.

com|pul|so|ry /kəmpʌ lsəri/ ADJ If something is compulsory , you must do it or accept it, because it is the law or because someone in a position of authority says you must. □� In East Germany, learning Russian was compulsory. □� Many young men are trying to get away from compulsory military conscription. ●� com|pul|so|ri|ly /kəmpʌ lsər I li/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Five of the company's senior managers have been made compulsorily redundant.

com|punc|tion /kəmpʌ ŋkʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has nocompunctionabout doing something, you mean that they do it without feeling ashamed or guilty. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has no compunction about relating how he killed his father.

com|pu|ta|tion /kɒ mpjʊte I ʃ ə n/ (computations ) N‑VAR Computation is mathematical calculation. □� The discrepancies resulted from different methods of computation. □� He took a few notes and made computations.

com|pu|ta|tion|al /kɒ mpjʊte I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Computational means using computers. □� �the limits of the computational methods available 50 years ago.

com|pute /kəmpjuː t/ (computes , computing , computed ) VERB To compute a quantity or number means to calculate it. □�[V n] I tried to compute the cash value of the ponies and horse boxes.

com|put|er ◆◆◇ /kəmpjuː tə r / (computers )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by/on N ] A computer is an electronic machine that can store and deal with large amounts of information. □� The data are then fed into a computer. □� The car was designed by computer.

2 →�see also personal computer COLLOCATIONS computer NOUN 1

noun +�computer : desktop, home, laptop, tablet

adjective +�computer : handheld, personal, portable; powerful, sophisticated

verb +�computer : operate, program, run, use; install, reboot, restart, upgrade; hack, infect

com|put|er|ate /kəmpjuː tərət/ ADJ If someone is computerate , they have enough skill and knowledge to be able to use a computer.

com|pu t|er game (computer games ) N‑COUNT A computer game is a game that you play on a computer or on a small portable piece of electronic equipment.

com|put|er|ize /kəmpjuː təra I z/ (computerizes , computerizing , computerized ) in BRIT, also use computerise VERB To computerize a system, process, or type of work means to arrange for a lot of the work to be done by computer. □�[V n] We need to computerize everything that's done by hand at the moment. □�[V ] Many hospitals say they simply can't afford to computerize. ●� com|put|eri|za|tion /kəmpjuː təra I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the benefits of computerization.

com|put|er|ized /kəmpjuː təra I zd/ in BRIT, also use computerised1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A computerized system, process, or business is one in which the work is done by computer. □� The National Cancer Institute now has a computerized system that can quickly provide information. □� �the most highly-computerized businesses.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Computerized information is stored on a computer. □� Computerized data bases are proliferating fast. □� The public registry in Panama City keeps computerized records of all companies.

compu ter-li terate ADJ If someone is computer-literate , they have enough skill and knowledge to be able to use a computer. □� We look for applicants who are numerate, computer-literate and energetic self-starters.

com|pu|ting /kəmpjuː t I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Computing is the activity of using a computer and writing programs for it. □� Courses range from cookery to computing.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Computing means relating to computers and their use. □� Many graduates are employed in the electronics and computing industries.

com|rade /kɒ mre I d, [AM ] -r�d/ (comrades ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your comrades are your friends, especially friends that you share a difficult or dangerous situation with. [LITERARY ] □� Unlike so many of his comrades he survived the war.

co mrade-in-a rms (comrades-in-arms ) also comrade in arms N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A comrade-in-arms is someone who has worked for the same cause or purpose as you and has shared the same difficulties and dangers. □� �Deng Xiaoping, Mao's long-time comrade-in-arms.

com|rade|ly /kɒ mre I dli, [AM ] -r�d-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you do something in a comradely way, you are being pleasant and friendly to other people. [FORMAL ] □� They worked in comradely silence.

com|rade|ship /kɒ mre I dʃ I p, [AM ] -r�d-/ N‑UNCOUNT Comradeship is friendship between a number of people who are doing the same work or who share the same difficulties or dangers. □�[+�of ] �the comradeship of his fellow soldiers.

con /kɒ n/ (cons , conning , conned )

1 VERB If someone cons you, they persuade you to do something or believe something by telling you things that are not true. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�of/out of ] He claimed that the businessman had conned him of �10,000. □�[V n +�into ] White conned his way into a job as a warehouseman. □�[be V -ed] The British motorist has been conned by the government. [Also V n]

2 N‑COUNT A con is a trick in which someone deceives you by telling you something that is not true. [INFORMAL ] □� Slimming snacks that offer miraculous weight loss are a con.

3 N‑COUNT A con is the same as a convict . [INFORMAL ]

4 →�see also mod cons

5pros and cons →�see pro

Con

1 N‑TITLE Con is the written abbreviation for constable , when it is part of a police officer's title. [BRIT ] □� �Det Con Terence Woodwiss.

2Con is the written abbreviation for conservative . [BRIT ] □� This issue could be resolved with a further debate with leaders of the Greens, SNP and Ukip, and no Lib, Lab or Con.

co n art|ist (con artists ) N‑COUNT A con artist is someone who tricks other people into giving them their money or property.

conc.Conc. is the written abbreviation for concessionary . [BRIT ] □� The guided tours cost �4 (conc. �3.50).

con|cat|ena|tion /kɒnk� təne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT A concatenationof things or events is their occurrence one after another, because they are linked. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the Internet, the world's biggest concatenation of computing power.

con|cave /kɒ nke I v, kɒnke I v/ ADJ A surface that is concave curves inwards in the middle. □� �a concave stomach.

con|ceal /kənsiː l/ (conceals , concealing , concealed )

1 VERB If you conceal something, you cover it or hide it carefully. □�[V n] Frances decided to conceal the machine behind a hinged panel. □�[V -ed] Five people were arrested for carrying concealed weapons.

2 VERB If you conceal a piece of information or a feeling, you do not let other people know about it. □�[V n] Robert could not conceal his relief. □�[V n +�from ] She knew at once that he was concealing something from her.

3 VERB If something conceals something else, it covers it and prevents it from being seen. □�[V n] �a pair of carved Indian doors which conceal a built-in cupboard.

con|ceal|ment /kənsiː lmənt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Concealment is the state of being hidden or the act of hiding something. □�[+�of ] �the concealment of weapons.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The concealmentof information or a feeling involves keeping it secret. □�[+�of ] His concealment of his true motives was masterly. □�[+�of ] I think there was deliberate concealment of relevant documents.

con|cede ◆◇◇ /kənsiː d/ (concedes , conceding , conceded )

1 VERB If you concede something, you admit, often unwillingly, that it is true or correct. □�[V that] Bess finally conceded that Nancy was right. □�[V with quote] 'Well,' he conceded, 'I do sometimes mumble a bit.' □�[V n] Mr. Chapman conceded the need for Nomura's U.S. unit to improve its trading skills. [Also V n n]

2 VERB If you concede something to someone, you allow them to have it as a right or privilege. □�[V n] The government conceded the right to establish independent trade unions. □�[V n +�to ] The French subsequently conceded full independence to Laos. [Also V n n]

3 VERB If you concede something, you give it to the person who has been trying to get it from you. □�[V n] The strike ended after the government conceded some of their demands.

4 VERB In sport, if you concede goals or points, you are unable to prevent your opponent from scoring them. [BRIT ] □�[V n +�to ] They conceded four goals to Leeds United. □�[V n] Luton conceded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. in AM, use give up5 VERB If you concede a game, contest, or argument, you end it by admitting that you can no longer win. □�[V n +�to ] Reiner, 56, has all but conceded the race to his rival. □�[V n] Alain Prost finished third and virtually conceded the world championship.

6 VERB If you concede defeat, you accept that you have lost a struggle. □�[V n] Airtours conceded defeat in its attempt to take control of holiday industry rival Owners Abroad. □�[V n] He happily conceded the election.

con|ceit /kənsiː t/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Conceit is very great pride in your abilities or achievements that other people feel is too great. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Pamela knew she was a good student, and that was not just a conceit.

con|ceit|ed /kənsiː t I d/ ADJ If you say that someone is conceited , you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they are far too proud of their abilities or achievements. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I thought him conceited and arrogant.

con|ceiv|able /kənsiː vəb ə l/ ADJ If something is conceivable , you can imagine it or believe it. □� It is just conceivable that a single survivor might be found.

con|ceive /kənsiː v/ (conceives , conceiving , conceived )

1 VERB If you cannot conceiveof something, you cannot imagine it or believe it. □�[V +�of ] I just can't even conceive of that quantity of money. □�[V +�of ] He was immensely ambitious but unable to conceive of winning power for himself. [Also V that]

2 VERB If you conceive something as a particular thing, you consider it to be that thing. □�[V n +�as ] The ancients conceived the Earth as afloat in water. □�[V +�of ] We conceive of the family as being in a constant state of change. □�[V +�of ] Elvis conceived of himself as a ballad singer.

3 VERB If you conceive a plan or idea, you think of it and work out how it can be done. □�[V n] She had conceived the idea of a series of novels. □�[V +�of ] He conceived of the first truly portable computer in 1968.

4 VERB When a woman conceives , she becomes pregnant. □�[V ] Women, he says, should give up alcohol before they plan to conceive. □�[V n] A mother who already has non-identical twins is more likely to conceive another set of twins.

con|cen|trate ◆◇◇ /kɒ ns ə ntre I t/ (concentrates , concentrating , concentrated )

1 VERB If you concentrateon something, or concentrate your mind on it, you give all your attention to it. □�[V +�on ] It was up to him to concentrate on his studies and make something of himself. □�[V ] At work you need to be able to concentrate. □�[V n +�on ] This helps you to be aware of time and concentrates your mind on the immediate task.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is concentratedin an area, it is all there rather than being spread around. □�[be V -ed +�in ] Most development has been concentrated in and around cities. [Also be V -ed adv]

3 N‑VAR Concentrate is a liquid or substance from which water has been removed in order to make it stronger, or to make it easier to store. □� �orange juice made from concentrate.

4 PHRASE If you say that an unpleasant fact or situation concentrates someone's mind , you mean that it makes them think clearly, because they are aware of the serious consequences if they do not. □� A term in prison will concentrate his mind wonderfully. SYNONYMS concentrate VERB 1

pay attention:I didn't pay any attention at first.

con|cen|trat|ed /kɒ ns ə ntre I t I d/

1 ADJ A concentrated liquid has been increased in strength by having water removed from it. □� Sweeten dishes sparingly with honey, or concentrated apple or pear juice.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A concentrated activity is directed with great intensity in one place. □� �a more concentrated effort to reach out to troubled kids.

con|cen|tra|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ ns ə ntre I ʃ ə n/ (concentrations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Concentration on something involves giving all your attention to it. □� Neal kept interrupting, breaking my concentration. □� We lacked concentration and it cost us the goal and the game.

2 N‑VAR A concentrationof something is a large amount of it or large numbers of it in a small area. □�[+�of ] The area has one of the world's greatest concentrations of wildlife. □�[+�of ] There's been too much concentration of power in the hands of central authorities.

3 N‑VAR [n N ] The concentrationof a substance is the proportion of essential ingredients or substances in it. □�[+�of ] pH is a measure of the concentration of free hydrogen atoms in a solution.

co n|cen|tra |tion camp (concentration camps ) N‑COUNT A concentration camp is a prison in which large numbers of ordinary people are kept in very bad conditions, usually during a war.

con|cen|tric /kənse ntr I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Concentric circles or rings have the same centre. □� On a blackboard, he drew five concentric circles.

con|cept ◆◇◇ /kɒ nsept/ (concepts ) N‑COUNT A concept is an idea or abstract principle. □�[+�of ] She added that the concept of arranged marriages is misunderstood in the west.

con|cep|tion /kənse pʃ ə n/ (conceptions )

1 N‑VAR A conceptionof something is an idea that you have of it in your mind. □�[+�of ] My conception of a garden was based on gardens I had visited in England. □�[+�of ] I see him as someone with not the slightest conception of teamwork.

2 N‑VAR Conception is the process in which the egg in a woman is fertilized and she becomes pregnant. □� Six weeks after conception your baby is the size of your little fingernail.

con|cep|tual /kənse ptʃuəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Conceptual means related to ideas and concepts formed in the mind. □� �replacing old laws with new within the same conceptual framework. ●� con|cep|tu|al|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The monograph is conceptually confused, unclear in its structure and weak in its methodology.

con|cep|tu|al|ize /kənse ptʃuəla I z/ (conceptualizes , conceptualizing , conceptualized ) in BRIT, also use conceptualise VERB If you conceptualize something, you form an idea of it in your mind. □�[V n] How we conceptualize things has a lot to do with what we feel. □�[V n +�as ] Tiffany conceptualized herself as a mother, whose primary task was to feed her baby.

con|cern ◆◆◆ /kənsɜː r n/ (concerns , concerning , concerned )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [N that] Concern is worry about a situation. □�[+�about ] The group has expressed concern about reports of political violence. □�[+�over ] The move follows growing public concern over the spread of the disease. □� There is no cause for concern.

2 VERB [no cont] If something concerns you, it worries you. □�[V n] The growing number of people seeking refuge in Thailand is beginning to concern Western aid agencies. □�[V n that] It concerned her that Bess was developing a crush on Max. ●� con|cerned ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] □�[+�for ] We're naturally concerned for our daughter's safety. □� Academics are concerned that students are not sufficiently prepared for university courses. □� �a phone call from a concerned neighbor. [Also +�about ]

3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A concern is a fact or situation that worries you. □� His concern was that people would know that he was responsible. □� Unemployment was the electorate's main concern.

4 N‑VAR Someone's concernwith something is their feeling that it is important. □�[+�with ] �a story that illustrates how dangerous excessive concern with safety can be.

5 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's concerns are the things that they consider to be important. □�[+�of ] Feminism must address issues beyond the concerns of middle-class whites.

6 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Concernfor someone is a feeling that you want them to be happy, safe, and well. If you do something out of concernfor someone, you do it because you want them to be happy, safe, and well. □� Without her care and concern, he had no chance at all. □�[+�for ] He had only gone along out of concern for his two grandsons.

7 VERB If you concernyourself with something, you give it attention because you think that it is important. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] I didn't concern myself with politics. ●� con|cerned ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] □� The agency is more concerned with making arty ads than understanding its clients' businesses.

8 VERB [no cont] If something such as a book or a piece of information concerns a particular subject, it is about that subject. □�[V n] The bulk of the book concerns Sandy's two middle-aged children. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] Chapter 2 concerns itself with the methodological difficulties. ●� con|cerned ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] □� Randolph's work was exclusively concerned with the effects of pollution on health.

9 VERB [no cont] If a situation, event, or activity concerns you, it affects or involves you. □�[V n] It was just a little unfinished business from my past, and it doesn't concern you at all. ●� con|cerned ADJ [n ADJ ] □� It's a very stressful situation for everyone concerned. □�[+�in ] I believe he was concerned in all those matters you mention. [Also +�with ]

10 N‑SING [with poss] If a situation or problem is your concern , it is something that you have a duty or responsibility to be involved with. □�[+�of ] The technical aspects were the concern of the Army. □� I would be glad to get rid of them myself. But that is not our concern.

11 N‑COUNT You can refer to a company or business as a concern , usually when you are describing what type of company or business it is. [FORMAL , BUSINESS ] □� If not a large concern, Queensbury Nursery was at least a successful one.

12 PHRASE You can say ' as far as I'm concerned ' to indicate that you are giving your own opinion. □� As far as I'm concerned the officials incited the fight.

13 PHRASE You can say as far as something is concerned to indicate the subject that you are talking about. □� As far as cholesterol is concerned, then, one oil is as good as another.

14 PHRASE If a company is a going concern , it is actually doing business, rather than having stopped trading or not yet having started trading. [BUSINESS ] □� The receivers will always prefer to sell a business as a going concern.

15 PHRASE If something is of concernto someone, they find it worrying and unsatisfactory. □� Any injury to a child is a cause of great concern to us. □� The survey's findings are a matter of great concern.

16 PHRASE If something is of concernto you, it is important to you. □� How they are paid should be of little concern to the bank as long as they are paid. COLLOCATIONS concern NOUN 1

noun +�concern : safety, security

adjective +�concern : grave, growing, serious, severe; main, primary; immediate, pressing; genuine, legitimate

concern+�be +�adjective : understandable, unfounded

verb +�concern : express, raise, voice; address

con|cerned ◆◇◇ /kənsɜː r nd/

1 →�see concern

2 ADJ If you are concernedto do something, you want to do it because you think it is important. □� We were very concerned to keep the staff informed about what we were doing. SYNONYMS concerned ADJ 2

anxious:The minister admitted he was anxious about the situation in his country.

worried:If you're worried about his progress, discuss it with his teacher.

bothered:I was bothered about the blister on my hand.

disturbed:Doctors were disturbed that so few patients were women.

con|cern|ing /kənsɜː r n I ŋ/

1 PREP You use concerning to indicate what a question or piece of information is about. [FORMAL ] □� �various questions concerning pollution and the environment.

2 ADJ If something is concerning , it causes you to feel concerned about it. □� It is particularly concerning that he is working for non-British companies while advising on foreign policy.

con|cert ◆◇◇ /kɒ nsə r t/ (concerts )

1 N‑COUNT A concert is a performance of music. □�[+�of ] �a short concert of piano music. □� I've been to plenty of live rock concerts. □� �a new concert hall.

2 PHRASE If a musician or group of musicians appears in concert , they are giving a live performance. □� I want people to remember Elvis in concert.

con|cert|ed /kənsɜː r t I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A concerted action is done by several people or groups working together. □� Martin Parry, author of the report, says it's time for concerted action by world leaders.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you make a concerted effort to do something, you try very hard to do it. □� He made a concerted effort to win me away from my steady, sweet but boring boyfriend.

con|cert|go|er /kɒ nsə r tgoʊə r / (concertgoers ) also concert-goer N‑COUNT A concertgoer is someone who goes to concerts regularly.

con|cer|ti|na /kɒ nsə r tiː nə/ (concertinas ) N‑VAR A concertina is a musical instrument consisting of two end pieces with stiff paper or cloth that folds up between them. You play the concertina by pressing the buttons on the end pieces while moving them together and apart.

concert|master /kɒ nsə r tmɑːstə r , -m�st-/ (concertmasters ) N‑COUNT The concertmaster of an orchestra is the most senior violin player, who acts as a deputy to the conductor. [AM , AUSTRALIAN ] in BRIT, use leader

con|cer|to /kəntʃeə r toʊ/ (concertos ) N‑COUNT A concerto is a piece of music written for one or more solo instruments and an orchestra. □� �Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto. □� �a wonderful concerto for two violins and string orchestra.

con|ces|sion ◆◇◇ /kənse ʃ ə n/ (concessions )

1 N‑COUNT If you make a concessionto someone, you agree to let them do or have something, especially in order to end an argument or conflict. □� The King made major concessions to end the confrontation with his people. [Also +�to/from ]

2 N‑COUNT A concession is a special right or privilege that is given to someone. □�[+�for ] �tax concessions for mothers who stay at home with their children.

3 N‑COUNT A concession is a special price which is lower than the usual price and which is often given to old people, students, and the unemployed. [BRIT ] □�[+�for ] Open daily; admission �1.10 with concessions for children and OAPs. in AM, use reduction4 N‑COUNT A concession is an arrangement where someone is given the right to sell a product or to run a business, especially in a building belonging to another business. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, usually use franchise

con|ces|sion|aire /kənse ʃəneə r / (concessionaires ) N‑COUNT A concessionaire is a person or company that has the right to sell a product or to run a business, especially in a building belonging to another business. [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use franchisee

con|ces|sion|ary /kənse ʃ ə nri/ ADJ [ADJ n] A concessionary price is a special price which is lower than the normal one and which is often given to old people, students, and the unemployed. [BRIT ] □� There are concessionary rates for students. in AM, use reduced

con|ces|sion|er /kənse ʃənə r / (concessioners ) N‑COUNT A concessioner is the same as a concessionaire . [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use franchisee

con|ces|sive clause /kənse s I v klɔːz/ (concessive clauses ) N‑COUNT A concessive clause is a subordinate clause which refers to a situation that contrasts with the one described in the main clause. For example, in the sentence 'Although he was tired, he couldn't get to sleep', the first clause is a concessive clause. [TECHNICAL ]

conch /kɒ ntʃ, kɒ ŋk/ (conches ) N‑COUNT A conch is a shellfish with a large shell rather like a snail's. A conch or a conch shell is the shell of this creature.

con|ci|erge /kɒ nsieə r ʒ/ (concierges )

1 N‑COUNT A concierge is a person, especially in France, who looks after a block of flats and checks people entering and leaving the building.

2 N‑COUNT In a hotel, a concierge is an employee who helps guests, for example by making restaurant reservations.

con|cili|ate /kəns I lie I t/ (conciliates , conciliating , conciliated ) VERB If you conciliate someone, you try to end a disagreement with them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] His duty was to conciliate the people, not to provoke them. □�[V ] The President has a strong political urge to conciliate. □�[V -ing] He spoke in a low, nervous, conciliating voice.

con|cili|ation /kəns I lie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Conciliation is willingness to end a disagreement or the process of ending a disagreement. □� The experience has left him sceptical about efforts at conciliation.

con|cilia|tory /kəns I liətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ When you are conciliatory in your actions or behaviour, you show that you are willing to end a disagreement with someone. □� The President's speech was hailed as a conciliatory gesture toward business.

con|cise /kənsa I s/

1 ADJ Something that is concise says everything that is necessary without using any unnecessary words. □� Burton's text is concise and informative. ●� con|cise|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He'd delivered his report clearly and concisely.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A concise edition of a book, especially a dictionary, is shorter than the original edition. □� �Sotheby's Concise Encyclopedia of Porcelain.

con|clave /kɒ ŋkle I v/ (conclaves ) N‑COUNT A conclave is a meeting at which the discussions are kept secret. The meeting which is held to elect a new Pope is called a conclave.

con|clude ◆◇◇ /kənkluː d/ (concludes , concluding , concluded )

1 VERB If you concludethat something is true, you decide that it is true using the facts you know as a basis. □�[V that] Larry had concluded that he had no choice but to accept Paul's words as the truth. □�[V n +�from ] So what can we conclude from this debate? □�[V with quote] 'The situation in the inner cities is bad and getting worse,' she concluded.

2 VERB When you conclude , you say the last thing that you are going to say. [FORMAL ] □�[V with quote] 'It's a waste of time,' he concluded. □�[V ] I would like to conclude by saying that I do enjoy your magazine. ●� con|clud|ing ADJ [ADJ n] □� On the radio I caught the Minister's concluding remarks at the Blackpool conference.

3 VERB When something concludes , or when you conclude it, you end it. [FORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] The evening concluded with dinner and speeches. □�[V n] The Group of Seven major industrial countries concluded its annual summit meeting today.

4 VERB If one person or group concludes an agreement, such as a treaty or business deal, with another, they arrange it. You can also say that two people or groups conclude an agreement. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�with ] Iceland concluded agreements with several other countries. □�[V n] If the clubs cannot conclude a deal, an independent tribunal will decide. SYNONYMS conclude VERB 1

reckon:He reckoned he was still fond of her.

assume:It is a misconception to assume that the two continents are similar.

infer:I inferred from what she said that you have not been well.

deduce:Alison had cleverly deduced that I was the author of the letter.

con|clu|sion ◆◇◇ /kənkluː ʒ ə n/ (conclusions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N that] When you come to a conclusion , you decide that something is true after you have thought about it carefully and have considered all the relevant facts. □� Over the years I've come to the conclusion that she's a very great musician. □� I know I'm doing the right thing but other people will draw their own conclusions.

2 N‑SING The conclusion of something is its ending. □�[+�of ] At the conclusion of the programme, I asked the children if they had any questions.

3 N‑SING The conclusion of a treaty or a business deal is the act of arranging it or agreeing it. □�[+�of ] �the expected conclusion of a free-trade agreement between the two countries.

4 PHRASE You can refer to something that seems certain to happen as a foregone conclusion . □� It was a foregone conclusion that I would end up in the same business as him.

5 PHRASE You say ' in conclusion ' to indicate that what you are about to say is the last thing that you want to say. □� In conclusion, walking is a cheap, safe, enjoyable and readily available form of exercise.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone jumps to a conclusion , you are critical of them because they decide too quickly that something is true, when they do not know all the facts. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[PHR that] I didn't want her to jump to the conclusion that the divorce was in any way her fault. COLLOCATIONS conclusion NOUN

1

adjective +�conclusion : definitive, firm, inescapable; tentative; logical, obvious, sensible

verb +�conclusion : draw, reach

2

adjective +�conclusion : satisfactory, speedy, successful; final, ultimate; fitting, natural SYNONYMS conclusion NOUN 1

assumption:We question their assumption that all men and women think alike.

judgement:How can he form any judgement of the matter without the figures?

verdict:The doctor's verdict was that he was entirely healthy.

inference:There were two inferences to be drawn from her letter.

deduction:It was a pretty astute deduction.

con|clu|sive /kənkluː s I v/ ADJ Conclusive evidence shows that something is certainly true. □� Her attorneys claim there is no conclusive evidence that any murders took place. □� Research on the matter is far from conclusive. ●� con|clu|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� A new study proved conclusively that smokers die younger than non-smokers.

con|coct /kənkɒ kt/ (concocts , concocting , concocted )

1 VERB If you concoct an excuse or explanation, you invent one that is not true. □�[V n] Mr Ferguson said the prisoner concocted the story to get a lighter sentence.

2 VERB If you concoct something, especially something unusual, you make it by mixing several things together. □�[V n] Eugene was concocting Rossini Cocktails from champagne and pureed raspberries.

con|coc|tion /kənkɒ kʃ ə n/ (concoctions ) N‑COUNT A concoction is something that has been made out of several things mixed together. □�[+�of ] �a concoction of honey, yogurt, oats, and apples.

con|comi|tant /kənkɒ m I tənt/ (concomitants )

1 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ with n] Concomitant is used to describe something that happens at the same time as another thing and is connected with it. [FORMAL ] □� Cultures that were better at trading saw a concomitant increase in their wealth. □�[+�with ] This approach was concomitant with the move away from relying solely on official records.

2 N‑COUNT A concomitantof something is another thing that happens at the same time and is connected with it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The right to deliberately alter quotations is not a concomitant of a free press.

con|cord /kɒ ŋkɔː r d/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Concord is a state of peaceful agreement. [FORMAL ] □� They pursued a balanced policy for the sake of national concord.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In grammar, concord refers to the way that a word has a form appropriate to the number or gender of the noun or pronoun it relates to. For example, in 'He hates it', there is concord between the singular form of the verb and the singular pronoun 'he'.

con|cord|ance /kənkɔː r d ə ns/ (concordances )

1 N‑VAR If there is concordancebetween two things, they are similar to each other or consistent with each other. [FORMAL ] □�[+�between ] �a partial concordance between theoretical expectations and empirical evidence.

2 N‑COUNT A concordance is a list of the words in a text or group of texts, with information about where in the text each word occurs and how often it occurs. The sentences each word occurs in are often given.

con|course /kɒ ŋkɔː r s/ (concourses ) N‑COUNT A concourse is a wide hall in a public building, for example a hotel, airport, or station.

con|crete ◆◇◇ /kɒ ŋkriːt/ (concretes , concreting , concreted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Concrete is a substance used for building which is made by mixing together cement, sand, small stones, and water. □� The posts have to be set in concrete. □� They had lain on sleeping bags on the concrete floor.

2 VERB When you concrete something such as a path, you cover it with concrete. □�[V n] He merely cleared and concreted the floors.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use concrete to indicate that something is definite and specific. □� He had no concrete evidence. □� I must have something to tell him. Something concrete. ●� con|crete|ly ADV □� �by way of making their point more concretely.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A concrete object is a real, physical object. □� �using concrete objects to teach addition and subtraction.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A concrete noun is a noun that refers to a physical object rather than to a quality or idea.

6 PHRASE If a plan or idea is set in concrete or embedded in concrete , it is fixed and cannot be changed. □� As Mr Blunkett emphasised, nothing is yet set in concrete. SYNONYMS concrete ADJ 3

clear-cut:This was a clear-cut case of the landowner being in the right.

black and white:But this isn't a simple black and white affair, Marianne.

definite:We didn't have any definite proof.

clear:It was a clear case of homicide.

co n|crete ju n|gle (concrete jungles ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a city or area as a concrete jungle , you mean that it has a lot of modern buildings and you think it is ugly or unpleasant to live in. [DISAPPROVAL ]

con|cu|bine /kɒ ŋkjʊba I n/ (concubines ) N‑COUNT In former times, a concubine was a woman who lived with and had a sexual relationship with a man of higher social rank without being married to him.

con|cur /kənkɜː r / (concurs , concurring , concurred ) VERB If one person concurswith another person, the two people agree. You can also say that two people concur . [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] Local feeling does not necessarily concur with the press. □�[V +�in ] Both doctors concurred in this decision. □�[V that] Butler and Stone concur that the war threw people's lives into a moral relief. □�[V ] Four other judges concurred. □�[V that] After looking at the jug, Faulkner concurred that it was late Roman, third or fourth century. [Also V ]

con|cur|rence /kənkʌ rəns, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (concurrences )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] Someone's concurrence is their agreement to something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Any change ought not to be made without the general concurrence of all concerned.

2 N‑VAR If there is a concurrenceof two or more things, they happen at the same time. □�[+�of ] The concurrence of their disappearances had to be more than coincidental.

con|cur|rent /kənkʌ rənt, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n, oft v-link ADJ with n, v-link ADJ ] Concurrent events or situations happen at the same time. □� Galerie St. Etienne is holding three concurrent exhibitions. □� Concurrent with her acting career, Bron has managed to write two books of her own. ●� con|cur|rent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� His sentence is to run concurrently with a sentence he is already serving.

con|cussed /kənkʌ st/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is concussed , they lose consciousness or feel sick or confused because they have been hit hard on the head. □� My left arm is badly bruised and I was slightly concussed.

con|cus|sion /kənkʌ ʃ ə n/ (concussions ) N‑VAR If you suffer concussion after a blow to your head, you lose consciousness or feel sick or confused. □� Nicky was rushed to hospital with concussion. □� She fell off a horse and suffered a concussion.

con|demn ◆◇◇ /kənde m/ (condemns , condemning , condemned )

1 VERB If you condemn something, you say that it is very bad and unacceptable. □�[V n] Political leaders united yesterday to condemn the latest wave of violence. □�[V n +�for ] Graham was right to condemn his players for lack of ability, attitude and application. □�[V n +�as ] �a document that condemns sexism as a moral and social evil. [Also V pron-refl]

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is condemnedto a punishment, they are given this punishment. □�[be V -ed +�to ] He was condemned to life imprisonment. □�[V -ed] �appeals by prisoners condemned to death.

3 VERB If circumstances condemn you to an unpleasant situation, they make it certain that you will suffer in that way. □�[V n +�to ] Their lack of qualifications condemned them to a lifetime of boring, usually poorly-paid work. [Also V n to-inf]

4 VERB If authorities condemn a building, they officially decide that it is not safe and must be pulled down or repaired. □�[V n] �proceedings to condemn buildings in the area.

5 →�see also condemned

con|dem|na|tion /kɒ ndemne I ʃ ə n/ (condemnations ) N‑VAR Condemnation is the act of saying that something or someone is very bad and unacceptable. □�[+�of ] There was widespread condemnation of Saturday's killings. □�[+�from ] The raids have drawn a strong condemnation from the United Nations Security Council.

con|dem|na|tory /kɒ ndemne I təri, [AM ] kənde mnətɔːri/ ADJ Condemnatory means expressing strong disapproval. [FORMAL ] □� He was justified in some of his condemnatory outbursts.

con|demned /kənde md/

1 ADJ A condemned man or woman is going to be executed. □� �prison officers who had sat with the condemned man during his last days.

2 ADJ A condemned building is in such a bad condition that it is not safe to live in, and so its owners are officially ordered to pull it down or repair it. □� They took over a condemned 1960s tower block last year for one night.

con|de mned cell (condemned cells ) N‑COUNT A condemned cell is a prison cell for someone who is going to be executed. [BRIT ]

con|den|sa|tion /kɒ ndense I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Condensation consists of small drops of water which form when warm water vapour or steam touches a cold surface such as a window. □� He used his sleeve to wipe the condensation off the glass.

con|dense /kənde ns/ (condenses , condensing , condensed )

1 VERB If you condense something, especially a piece of writing or speech, you make it shorter, usually by including only the most important parts. □�[V n +�into ] We have learnt how to condense serious messages into short, self-contained sentences. [Also V n]

2 VERB When a gas or vapour condenses , or is condensed , it changes into a liquid. □�[V ] Water vapour condenses to form clouds. □�[V +�into/out of ] The compressed gas is cooled and condenses into a liquid. [Also V n]

con|densed /kənde nst/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A condensed book, explanation, or piece of information has been made shorter, usually by including only the most important parts. □� The Council was merely given a condensed version of what had already been disclosed in Washington.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Condensed liquids have been made thicker by removing some of the water in them. □� �condensed mushroom soup.

con|de nsed mi lk N‑UNCOUNT Condensed milk is very thick sweetened milk that is sold in cans.

con|den|ser /kənde nsə r / (condensers )

1 N‑COUNT A condenser is a device that cools gases into liquids.

2 N‑COUNT A condenser is a device for accumulating electric charge.

con|de|scend /kɒ nd I se nd/ (condescends , condescending , condescended )

1 VERB If someone condescendsto do something, they agree to do it, but in a way which shows that they think they are better than other people and should not have to do it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V to-inf] He condescended to speak but he contradicted himself.

2 VERB If you say that someone condescendsto other people, you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they behave in a way which shows that they think they are superior to other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�to ] Don't condescend to me. [Also V ]

con|de|scend|ing /kɒ nd I se nd I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that someone is condescending , you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they talk or behave in a way which shows that they think they are superior to other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm fed up with your money and your whole condescending attitude.

con|de|scen|sion /kɒ nd I se nʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Condescension is condescending behaviour. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There was a tinge of condescension in her greeting.

con|di|ment /kɒ nd I mənt/ (condiments ) N‑COUNT A condiment is a substance such as salt, pepper, or mustard that you add to food when you eat it in order to improve the flavour.

con|di|tion ◆◆◆ /kənd I ʃ ə n/ (conditions , conditioning , conditioned )

1 N‑SING If you talk about the condition of a person or thing, you are talking about the state that they are in, especially how good or bad their physical state is. □� He remains in a critical condition in a California hospital. □� The two-bedroom chalet is in good condition. □� You can't drive in that condition.

2 N‑PLURAL The conditions under which something is done or happens are all the factors or circumstances which directly affect it. □� This change has been timed under laboratory conditions. □� The mild winter has created the ideal conditions for an ant population explosion.

3 N‑PLURAL The conditions in which people live or work are the factors which affect their comfort, safety, or health. □� People are living in appalling conditions. □� He could not work in these conditions any longer.

4 N‑COUNT A condition is something which must happen or be done in order for something else to be possible, especially when this is written into a contract or law. □�[+�for ] �economic targets set as a condition for loan payments. □� �terms and conditions of employment. □� Egypt had agreed to a summit subject to certain conditions.

5 N‑COUNT If someone has a particular condition , they have an illness or other medical problem. □� Doctors suspect he may have a heart condition.

6 VERB [usu passive] If someone is conditioned by their experiences or environment, they are influenced by them over a period of time so that they do certain things or think in a particular way. □�[be V -ed] We are all conditioned by early impressions and experiences. □�[be V -ed to-inf] You have been conditioned to believe that it is weak to be scared. □�[be V -ed into v-ing/n] I just feel women are conditioned into doing housework. □�[V -ed] �a conditioned response. ●� con|di|tion|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Because of social conditioning, men don't expect themselves to be managed by women.

7 VERB To condition your hair or skin means to put something on it which will keep it in good condition. □�[V n] �a protein which is excellent for conditioning dry and damaged hair.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone is in no conditionto do something, you mean that they are too ill, upset, or drunk to do it. □� She was clearly in no condition to see anyone.

9 PHRASE When you agree to do something on condition that something else happens, you mean that you will only do it if this other thing also happens. □� He spoke to reporters on condition that he was not identified.

10 PHRASE If someone is out of condition , they are unhealthy and unfit, because they do not do enough exercise. □� He was too out of condition to clamber over the top.

11in mint condition →�see mint

con|di|tion|al /kənd I ʃən ə l/

1 ADJ If a situation or agreement is conditionalon something, it will only happen or continue if this thing happens. □�[+�on ] Their support is conditional on his proposals meeting their approval. □� �a conditional offer. ●� con|di|tion|al|ly /kənd I ʃ ə nəli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Mr Smith has conditionally agreed to buy a shareholding in the club.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, a conditional clause is a subordinate clause which refers to a situation which may exist or whose possible consequences you are considering. Most conditional clauses begin with 'if' or 'unless', for example 'If that happens, we'll be in big trouble' and 'You don't have to come unless you want to'.

con|di |tion|al di s|charge (conditional discharges ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone who is convicted of an offence is given a conditional discharge by a court, they are not punished unless they later commit a further offence. [BRIT , LEGAL ]

con|di|tion|er /kənd I ʃənə r / (conditioners )

1 N‑VAR A conditioner is a substance which you can put on your hair after you have washed it to make it softer.

2 N‑VAR [oft n N ] A conditioner is a thick liquid which you can use when you wash clothes in order to make them feel softer.

3 →�see also air conditioner

con|do /kɒ ndoʊ/ (condos ) N‑COUNT Condo means the same as condominium . [AM , INFORMAL ]

con|do|lence /kəndoʊ ləns/ (condolences )

1 N‑UNCOUNT A message of condolence is a message in which you express your sympathy for someone because one of their friends or relatives has died recently. □� Neil sent him a letter of condolence.

2 N‑PLURAL When you offer or express your condolences to someone, you express your sympathy for them because one of their friends or relatives has died recently. □� He expressed his condolences to the families of the people who died in the incident.

con|dom /kɒ ndɒm/ (condoms ) N‑COUNT A condom is a covering made of thin rubber which a man can wear on his penis as a contraceptive or as protection against disease during sexual intercourse.

con|do|min|ium /kɒ ndəm I niəm/ (condominiums )

1 N‑COUNT A condominium is an apartment building in which each apartment is owned by the person who lives there. [AM ]

2 N‑COUNT A condominium is one of the privately-owned apartments in a condominium. [AM ]

con|done /kəndoʊ n/ (condones , condoning , condoned ) VERB If someone condones behaviour that is morally wrong, they accept it and allow it to happen. □�[V n] I have never encouraged nor condoned violence.

con|dor /kɒ ndɔː r / (condors ) N‑COUNT A condor is a large South American bird that eats the meat of dead animals.

con|du|cive /kəndjuː s I v, [AM ] -duː s I v/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing is conduciveto another thing, it makes the other thing likely to happen. □�[+�to ] Sometimes the home environment just isn't conducive to reading.

con|duct ◆◆◇ (conducts , conducting , conducted ) The verb is pronounced /kəndʌ kt/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ ndʌkt/. 1 VERB When you conduct an activity or task, you organize it and carry it out. □�[V n] I decided to conduct an experiment. □�[V n] He said they were conducting a campaign against democrats across the country.

2 N‑SING The conductof a task or activity is the way in which it is organized and carried out. □�[+�of ] Also up for discussion will be the conduct of free and fair elections.

3 VERB If you conduct yourself in a particular way, you behave in that way. □�[V pron-refl] The way he conducts himself reflects on the party and will increase criticisms against him. □�[V n] Most people believe they conduct their private and public lives in accordance with Christian morality.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's conduct is the way they behave in particular situations. □� He has trouble understanding that other people judge him by his conduct.

5 VERB When someone conducts an orchestra or choir, they stand in front of it and direct its performance. □�[V n] Dennis had recently begun a successful career conducting opera in Europe. □�[V ] Solti will continue to conduct here and abroad.

6 VERB [no cont] If something conducts heat or electricity, it allows heat or electricity to pass through it or along it. □�[V n] Water conducts heat faster than air. COLLOCATIONS conduct VERB 1

conduct+�verb : experiment, research, review, study, test, trial; poll, survey; inquiry, interview, investigation, operation, search NOUN 4

adjective +�conduct : improper, inappropriate, reprehensible, unacceptable, unsporting; disorderly, unlawful, violent SYNONYMS conduct VERB 1

carry out:Police say they believe the attacks were carried out by nationalists.

perform:These people have performed outstanding acts of bravery and kindness.

run:He ran a lot of tests and it turned out I had an infection.

execute:We are going to execute our campaign plan to the letter.

con|du ct|ed tou r (conducted tours ) N‑COUNT A conducted tour is a visit to a building, town, or area during which someone goes with you and explains everything to you.

con|duc|tion /kəndʌ kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Conduction is the process by which heat or electricity passes through or along something. [TECHNICAL ] □� Temperature becomes uniform by heat conduction until finally a permanent state is reached.

con|duc|tive /kəndʌ kt I v/ ADJ A conductive substance is able to conduct things such as heat and electricity. [TECHNICAL ] □� Salt water is much more conductive than fresh water is. ●� con|duc|tiv|ity /kɒ ndʌkt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a device which monitors electrical conductivity.

con|duc|tor /kəndʌ ktə r / (conductors )

1 N‑COUNT A conductor is a person who stands in front of an orchestra or choir and directs its performance.

2 N‑COUNT On a bus, the conductor is the person whose job is to help passengers and check tickets.

3 N‑COUNT On a train, a conductor is a person whose job is to travel on the train in order to help passengers and check tickets. [AM ] in BRIT, use guard4 N‑COUNT A conductor is a substance that heat or electricity can pass through or along.

5 →�see also lightning conductor , semiconductor

con|duit /kɒ ndju I t, [AM ] -du I t/ (conduits )

1 N‑COUNT A conduit is a small tunnel, pipe, or channel through which water or electrical wires go.

2 N‑COUNT A conduit is a person or country that links two or more other people or countries. □�[+�for ] He was welcomed and used as a trusted conduit for information. [Also +�to ]

cone /koʊ n/ (cones )

1 N‑COUNT A cone is a shape with a circular base and smooth curved sides ending in a point at the top.

2 N‑COUNT A cone is the fruit of a tree such as a pine or fir. □� �a bowl of fir cones.

3 N‑COUNT A cone is a thin, cone-shaped biscuit that is used for holding ice cream. You can also refer to an ice cream that you eat in this way as a cone . □� She stopped by the ice-cream shop and had a chocolate cone.

4 →�see also pine cone , traffic cone

con|fec|tion /kənfe kʃ ə n/ (confections ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a sweet food that someone has made as a confection . [WRITTEN ] □� �a confection made with honey and nuts.

con|fec|tion|er /kənfe kʃənə r / (confectioners ) N‑COUNT A confectioner is a person whose job is making or selling sweets and chocolates.

con|fe c|tion|ers' su g|ar N‑UNCOUNT Confectioners' sugar is very fine white sugar that is used for making icing and candy. [AM ] in BRIT, use icing sugar

con|fec|tion|ery /kənfe kʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ N‑UNCOUNT Confectionery is sweets and chocolates. [WRITTEN ] □� �hand-made confectionery.

con|fed|era|cy /kənfe dərəsi/ (confederacies ) N‑COUNT A confederacy is a union of states or people who are trying to achieve the same thing. □� �a confederacy of regional states.

con|fed|er|ate /kənfe dərət/ (confederates ) N‑COUNT Someone's confederates are the people they are working with in a secret activity.

con|fed|era|tion /kənfe dəre I ʃ ə n/ (confederations ) N‑COUNT A confederation is an organization or group consisting of smaller groups or states, especially one that exists for business or political purposes. □�[+�of ] �the Confederation of Indian Industry. □�[+�of ] �plans to partition the republic into a confederation of mini-states.

con|fer /kənfɜː r / (confers , conferring , conferred )

1 VERB When you conferwith someone, you discuss something with them in order to make a decision. You can also say that two people confer . □�[V +�with ] He conferred with Hill and the others in his office. □�[V ] His doctors conferred by telephone and agreed that he must get away from his family for a time.

2 VERB To confer something such as power or an honour on someone means to give it to them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�on ] The constitution also confers large powers on Brazil's 25 constituent states. □�[V n] Never imagine that rank confers genuine authority.

con|fer|ence ◆◆◆ /kɒ nfrəns/ (conferences )

1 N‑COUNT A conference is a meeting, often lasting a few days, which is organized on a particular subject or to bring together people who have a common interest. □�[+�on ] The President summoned all the state governors to a conference on education. □� �the Conservative Party conference. □� Last weekend the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland held a conference, attended by 450 delegates.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A conference is a meeting at which formal discussions take place. □� They sat down at the dinner table, as they always did, before the meal, for a conference. □� Her employer was in conference with two lawyers and did not want to be interrupted.

3 →�see also press conference SYNONYMS conference NOUN 1

meeting:�business meetings.

forum:The organisation provides a forum where problems can be discussed.

convention:�the annual convention of the Society of Professional Journalists.

symposium:He had been taking part in an international symposium on population.

convocation:�a convocation of the American Youth Congress.

co n|fer|ence call (conference calls ) N‑COUNT A conference call is a phone call in which more than two people take part. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�with ] There are daily conference calls with Washington.

con|fess /kənfe s/ (confesses , confessing , confessed )

1 VERB If someone confesses to doing something wrong, they admit that they did it. □�[V +�to ] He had confessed to seventeen murders. □�[V that] I had expected her to confess that she only wrote these books for the money. □�[V n] Most rape victims confess a feeling of helplessness. □�[V ] Ray changed his mind, claiming that he had been forced into confessing. □�[V with quote] 'I played a very bad match,' he confessed. [Also V wh, V pron-refl adj/n]

2 VERB If someone confesses or confesses their sins, they tell God or a priest about their sins so that they can be forgiven. □�[V n] You just go to the church and confess your sins. □�[V n +�to ] Once we have confessed our failures and mistakes to God, we should stop feeling guilty. [Also V , V to n]

3 PHRASE You use expressions like ' I confess ', ' I must confess ', or ' I have to confess ' to apologize slightly for admitting something you are ashamed of or that you think might offend or annoy someone. [POLITENESS ] □� I confess it's got me baffled. □� I must confess I'm not a great enthusiast for long political programmes.

con|fessed /kənfe st/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use confessed to describe someone who openly admits that they have a particular fault or have done something wrong. □� She is a confessed monarchist.

con|fes|sion /kənfe ʃ ə n/ (confessions )

1 N‑COUNT A confession is a signed statement by someone in which they admit that they have committed a particular crime. □� They forced him to sign a confession.

2 N‑VAR Confession is the act of admitting that you have done something that you are ashamed of or embarrassed about. □� The diaries are a mixture of confession and observation. □� I have a confession to make.

3 N‑VAR If you make a confessionof your beliefs or feelings, you publicly tell people that this is what you believe or feel. □�[+�of ] �Tatyana's confession of love.

4 N‑VAR In the Catholic church and in some other churches, if you go to confession , you privately tell a priest about your sins and ask for forgiveness. □� He never went to Father Porter for confession again.

con|fes|sion|al /kənfe ʃən ə l/ (confessionals )

1 N‑COUNT A confessional is the small room in a church where Christians, especially Roman Catholics, go to confess their sins.

2 ADJ A confessional speech or writing contains confessions. □� The convictions rest solely on disputed witness and confessional statements.

con|fes|sor /kənfe sə r / (confessors )

1 N‑COUNT A confessor is a priest who hears a person's confession.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as your confessor , you mean that they are the person you can talk to about your secrets or problems. □� He was their adviser, confidant and father confessor.

con|fet|ti /kənfe ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Confetti is small pieces of coloured paper that people throw over the bride and bridegroom at a wedding.

con|fi|dant /kɒ nf I d�nt, -d� nt/ (confidants ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's confidant is a man who they are able to discuss their private problems with. □�[+�of ] �a close confidant of the president.

con|fi|dante /kɒ nf I d�nt, -d� nt/ (confidantes ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's confidante is a woman who they are able to discuss their private problems with. □� You are her closest friend and confidante.

con|fide /kənfa I d/ (confides , confiding , confided ) VERB If you confidein someone, you tell them a secret. □�[V +�in ] I knew she had some problems in her job because she had confided in me. □�[V +�to ] He confided to me that he felt like he was being punished. □�[V that] On New Year's Eve he confided that he had suffered rather troubling chest pains. □�[V n +�to ] I confided my worries to Michael. [Also V with quote]

con|fi|dence ◆◆◇ /kɒ nf I dəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have confidencein someone, you feel that you can trust them. □�[+�in ] I have every confidence in you. □�[+�in ] This has contributed to the lack of confidence in the police. □� His record on ceasefires inspires no confidence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have confidence , you feel sure about your abilities, qualities, or ideas. □� The band is on excellent form and brimming with confidence. □� I always thought the worst of myself and had no confidence whatsoever.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] If you can say something withconfidence , you feel certain it is correct. □� I can say with confidence that such rumours were totally groundless.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] If you tell someone something inconfidence , you tell them a secret. □� We told you all these things in confidence. □� Even telling Lois seemed a betrayal of confidence. ●�PHRASE If you take someone into your confidence , you tell them a secret. □� He was one of the few that she took into her confidence about how the story would develop.

5 →�see also vote of no confidence SYNONYMS confidence NOUN

1

trust:He destroyed me and my trust in men.

belief:It is our belief that improvements in health care will lead to a stronger, more prosperous economy.

faith:She had placed a great deal of faith in Mr Penleigh.

2

self-assurance:She displayed considerable self-assurance.

assurance:Masur led the orchestra with assurance.

aplomb:The whole cast executed the production with truly professional aplomb.

self-possession:She found her customary self-possession had deserted her. COLLOCATIONS confidence NOUN

1

noun +�confidence : business, consumer, investor, market

adjective +�confidence : complete, full, new-found, renewed; public

confidence+�be +�adjective : high, sky-high; fragile, low

verb +�confidence : have, increase, inspire, restore; lose, undermine

2

adjective +�confidence : great, quiet, supreme

verb +�confidence : boost, build, exude, gain; lack, lose, shake

4

adjective +�confidence : strict, utmost

5

verb +�confidence : betray, share

co n|fi|dence game (confidence games ) N‑COUNT A confidence game is the same as a confidence trick . [mainly AM ]

co n|fi|dence man (confidence men ) N‑COUNT A confidence man is a man who persuades people to give him their money or property by lying to them. [mainly AM ]

co n|fi|dence trick (confidence tricks ) N‑COUNT A confidence trick is a trick in which someone deceives you by telling you something that is not true, often to trick you out of money. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use confidence game

con|fi|dent ◆◇◇ /kɒ nf I dənt/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If you are confident about something, you are certain that it will happen in the way you want it to. □� I am confident that everything will come out right in time. □�[+�of ] Mr Ryan is confident of success. □�[+�about ] Management is confident about the way business is progressing. ●� con|fi|dent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I can confidently promise that this year is going to be very different.

2 ADJ If a person or their manner is confident , they feel sure about their own abilities, qualities, or ideas. □� In time he became more confident and relaxed. ●� con|fi|dent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She walked confidently across the hall.

3 ADJ [oft ADJ that] If you are confidentthat something is true, you are sure that it is true. A confident statement is one that the speaker is sure is true. □� She is confident that everybody is on her side. □� 'Bet you I can', comes the confident reply. ●� con|fi|dent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I can confidently say that none of them were or are racist.

con|fi|den|tial /kɒ nf I de nʃ ə l/

1 ADJ Information that is confidential is meant to be kept secret or private. □� She accused them of leaking confidential information about her private life. □� We'll take good care and keep what you've told us strictly confidential, Mr. Lane. ●� con|fi|den|tial|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Any information they give will be treated confidentially. ●� con|fi|den|ti|al|ity /kɒ nf I denʃi� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the confidentiality of the client-solicitor relationship.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you talk to someone in a confidential way, you talk to them quietly because what you are saying is secret or private. □� All of this is delivered in a warm, confidential tone. □� His face suddenly turned solemn, his voice confidential. ●� con|fi|den|tial|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Nash hadn't raised his voice, still spoke rather softly, confidentially.

con|fi|den|tial|ly /kɒ nf I de nʃəli/

1 ADV Confidentially is used to say that what you are telling someone is a secret and should not be discussed with anyone else. □� Confidentially, I am not sure that it wasn't above their heads.

2 →�see also confidential

con|figu|ra|tion /kənf I gʊre I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -f I gjə-/ (configurations )

1 N‑COUNT A configuration is an arrangement of a group of things. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �Stonehenge, in south-western England, an ancient configuration of giant stones.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The configuration of a computer system is way in which all its parts, such as the hardware and software, are connected together in order for the computer to work. [COMPUTING ]

con|fig|ure /kənf I gə r , [AM ] -gjər/ (configures , configuring , configured ) VERB If you configure a piece of computer equipment, you set it up so that it is ready for use. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] How easy was it to configure the software?

con|fine (confines , confining , confined ) The verb is pronounced /kənfa I n/. The noun confines is pronounced /kɒ nfa I nz/. 1 VERB To confine something to a particular place or group means to prevent it from spreading beyond that place or group. □�[V n +�to ] Health officials have successfully confined the epidemic to the Tabatinga area. □�[V n] The U.S. will soon be taking steps to confine the conflict.

2 VERB If you confineyourself or your activities to something, you do only that thing and are involved with nothing else. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] He did not confine himself to the one language. □�[V -ed] His genius was not confined to the decoration of buildings.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is confined to a mental institution, prison, or other place, they are sent there and are not allowed to leave for a period of time. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The woman will be confined to a mental institution.

4 N‑PLURAL Something that is within the confinesof an area or place is within the boundaries enclosing it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The movie is set entirely within the confines of the abandoned factory.

5 N‑PLURAL The confinesof a situation, system, or activity are the limits or restrictions it involves. □�[+�of ] �away from the confines of the British class system. □�[+�of ] I can't stand the confines of this marriage.

con|fined /kənfa I nd/

1 ADJ If something is confined to a particular place, it exists only in that place. If it is confinedto a particular group, only members of that group have it. □�[+�to ] The problem is not confined to Germany. □�[+�to ] These dangers are not confined to smokers.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A confined space or area is small and enclosed by walls. □� His long legs bent up in the confined space.

3 ADJ If someone is confined to a wheelchair, bed, or house, they have to stay there, because they have a disability or are ill. This use could cause offence. □�[+�to ] He had been confined to a wheelchair since childhood.

con|fine|ment /kənfa I nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Confinement is the state of being forced to stay in a prison or another place which you cannot leave. □� She had been held in solitary confinement for four months.

con|firm ◆◆◇ /kənfɜː r m/ (confirms , confirming , confirmed )

1 VERB [no cont] If something confirms what you believe, suspect, or fear, it shows that it is definitely true. □�[V that] X-rays have confirmed that he has not broken any bones. □�[V n] These new statistics confirm our worst fears about the depth of the recession. ●� con|fir|ma|tion /kɒ nfə r me I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] They took her resignation from Bendix as confirmation of their suspicions.

2 VERB If you confirm something that has been stated or suggested, you say that it is true because you know about it. □�[V that] The spokesman confirmed that the area was now in rebel hands. □�[V n] He confirmed what had long been feared. ●� con|fir|ma|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� She glanced over at James for confirmation.

3 VERB If you confirm an arrangement or appointment, you say that it is definite, usually in a letter or on the telephone. □�[V n] You make the reservation, and I'll confirm it in writing. ●� con|fir|ma|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�by ] Travel arrangements are subject to confirmation by State Tourist Organisations.

4 VERB [usu passive] If someone is confirmed , they are formally accepted as a member of a Christian church during a ceremony in which they say they believe what the church teaches. □�[be V -ed] He was confirmed as a member of the Church of England. ●� con|fir|ma|tion (confirmations ) N‑VAR □� �when I was being prepared for Confirmation. □� Flu prevented her from attending her daughter's confirmation.

5 VERB [no cont] If something confirms you in your decision, belief, or opinion, it makes you think that you are definitely right. □�[V n +�in ] It has confirmed me in my decision not to become a nurse.

6 VERB If someone confirms their position, role, or power, they do something to make their power, position, or role stronger or more definite. □�[V n] Williams has confirmed his position as the world's number one snooker player.

7 VERB If something confirms you as something, it shows that you definitely deserve a name, role, or position. □�[V n +�as ] His new role could confirm him as one of our leading actors.

con|firmed /kənfɜː r md/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use confirmed to describe someone who has a particular habit or belief that they are very unlikely to change. □� I'm a confirmed bachelor.

con|fis|cate /kɒ nf I ske I t/ (confiscates , confiscating , confiscated ) VERB If you confiscate something from someone, you take it away from them, usually as a punishment. □�[V n +�from ] The courts can confiscate assets from people who have committed offences. □�[V n] They confiscated weapons, ammunition and propaganda material. ●� con|fis|ca|tion /kɒ nf I ske I ʃ ə n/ (confiscations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The new laws allow the confiscation of assets purchased with proceeds of the drugs trade.

con|fit /kɒ nfiː/ (confits ) N‑VAR Confit is meat such as goose or duck which has been cooked and preserved in its own fat. □�[+�of ] �confit of duck.

con|fla|gra|tion /kɒ nfləgre I ʃ ə n/ (conflagrations ) N‑COUNT A conflagration is a fire that burns over a large area and destroys property. [FORMAL ]

con|flate /kənfle I t/ (conflates , conflating , conflated ) VERB If you conflate two or more descriptions or ideas, or if they conflate , you combine them in order to produce a single one. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Her letters conflate past and present. □�[V n +�with ] Unfortunately the public conflated fiction with reality and made her into a saint. □�[V ] The two meanings conflated.

con|flict ◆◆◇ (conflicts , conflicting , conflicted ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ nfl I kt/. The verb is pronounced /kənfl I kt/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/into N ] Conflict is serious disagreement and argument about something important. If two people or groups are inconflict , they have had a serious disagreement or argument and have not yet reached agreement. □� Try to keep any conflict between you and your ex-partner to a minimum. □� Employees already are in conflict with management over job cuts.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conflict is a state of mind in which you find it impossible to make a decision. □� �the anguish of his own inner conflict.

3 N‑VAR Conflict is fighting between countries or groups of people. [JOURNALISM , WRITTEN ] □� �talks aimed at ending four decades of conflict.

4 N‑VAR A conflict is a serious difference between two or more beliefs, ideas, or interests. If two beliefs, ideas, or interests are inconflict , they are very different. □�[+�between ] There is a conflict between what they are doing and what you want. □�[+�of ] Do you feel any conflict of loyalties? □� The two objectives are in conflict.

5 VERB If ideas, beliefs, or accounts conflict , they are very different from each other and it seems impossible for them to exist together or to each be true. □�[V ] Personal ethics and professional ethics sometimes conflict. □�[V +�with ] He held firm opinions which usually conflicted with my own. □�[V -ing] �three powers with conflicting interests. COLLOCATIONS conflict NOUN

1

adjective +�conflict : industrial, political; potential

verb +�conflict : resolve, settle, solve; avoid, end, prevent

2

adjective +�conflict : inner, internal

3

adjective +�conflict : armed, bloody, escalating, military; ethnic, sectarian

con|flu|ence /kɒ nfluəns/ N‑SING The confluenceof two rivers is the place where they join and become one larger river. □�[+�of ] The 160-metre falls mark the dramatic confluence of the rivers Nera and Velino.

con|form /kənfɔː r m/ (conforms , conforming , conformed )

1 VERB If something conformsto something such as a law or someone's wishes, it is of the required type or quality. □�[V +�to/with ] The lamp has been designed to conform to British safety requirements.

2 VERB If you conform , you behave in the way that you are expected or supposed to behave. □�[V ] Many children who can't or don't conform are often bullied. □�[V +�to/with ] He did not feel obliged to conform to the rules that applied to ordinary men.

3 VERB If someone or something conforms to a pattern or type, they are very similar to it. □�[V +�to ] I am well aware that we all conform to one stereotype or another.

con|form|ist /kənfɔː r m I st/ (conformists ) ADJ Someone who is conformist behaves or thinks like everyone else rather than doing things that are original. □� He may have to become more conformist if he is to prosper again. ●�N‑COUNT A conformist is someone who is conformist.

con|form|ity /kənfɔː r m I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If something happens inconformitywith something such as a law or someone's wishes, it happens as the law says it should, or as the person wants it to. □� The prime minister is, in conformity with the constitution, chosen by the president.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conformity means behaving in the same way as most other people. □� Excessive conformity is usually caused by fear of disapproval.

con|found /kənfaʊ nd/ (confounds , confounding , confounded ) VERB If someone or something confounds you, they make you feel surprised or confused, often by showing you that your opinions or expectations of them were wrong. □�[V n] The choice of Governor may confound us all.

con|front ◆◇◇ /kənfrʌ nt/ (confronts , confronting , confronted )

1 VERB If you are confrontedwith a problem, task, or difficulty, you have to deal with it. □�[be V -ed +�with/by ] She was confronted with severe money problems. □�[V n] Ministers underestimated the magnitude of the task confronting them.

2 VERB If you confront a difficult situation or issue, you accept the fact that it exists and try to deal with it. □�[V n] We are learning how to confront death. □�[V n] NATO countries have been forced to confront fundamental moral questions.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are confronted by something that you find threatening or difficult to deal with, it is there in front of you. □�[be V -ed +�with/by ] I was confronted with an array of knobs, levers, and switches.

4 VERB If you confront someone, you stand or sit in front of them, especially when you are going to fight, argue, or compete with them. □�[V n] She pushed her way through the mob and confronted him face to face. □�[V n] The candidates confronted each other during a televised debate.

5 VERB If you confront someone with something, you present facts or evidence to them in order to accuse them of something. □�[V n +�with ] She had decided to confront Kathryn with what she had learnt. □�[V n +�about ] I could not bring myself to confront him about it. □�[V n] His confronting me forced me to search for the answers. SYNONYMS confront VERB

2

tackle:The first reason to tackle these problems is to save children's lives.

deal with:She saw a psychiatrist who used hypnotism to help her deal with her fear.

brave:Thousands have braved icy rain to demonstrate their support.

cope:She has had to cope with losing all her previous status and money.

face up to:They were having to face up to the fact that they had lost everything.

4

tackle:I tackled him about how anyone could live amidst so much poverty.

challenge:I challenged him on the hypocrisy of his political attitudes.

oppose:Mr Taylor was not bitter towards those who had opposed him.

stand up to:He shouted at me, so I shouted back�the first time in my life I'd stood up to him.

con|fron|ta|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ nfrʌnte I ʃ ə n/ (confrontations ) N‑VAR A confrontation is a dispute, fight, or battle between two groups of people. □�[+�with ] The commission remains so weak that it will continue to avoid confrontation with governments.

con|fron|ta|tion|al /kɒ nfrʌnte I ʃən ə l/ ADJ If you describe the way that someone behaves as confrontational , you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they are aggressive and likely to cause an argument or dispute. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The committee's confrontational style of campaigning has made it unpopular.

con|fuse /kənfjuː z/ (confuses , confusing , confused )

1 VERB If you confuse two things, you get them mixed up, so that you think one of them is the other one. □�[V n] Great care is taken to avoid confusing the two types of projects. □�[V n +�with ] I can't see how anyone could confuse you with another! ●� con|fu|sion /kənfjuː ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Use different colours of felt pen on your sketch to avoid confusion.

2 VERB To confuse someone means to make it difficult for them to know exactly what is happening or what to do. □�[V n] German politics surprised and confused him.

3 VERB To confuse a situation means to make it complicated or difficult to understand. □�[V n] To confuse the issue, the amount of sleep people need varies enormously.

con|fused /kənfjuː zd/

1 ADJ If you are confused , you do not know exactly what is happening or what to do. □�[+�about/by ] A survey showed people were confused about what they should eat to stay healthy. □� Things were happening too quickly and Brian was confused.

2 ADJ Something that is confused does not have any order or pattern and is difficult to understand. □� The situation remains confused as both sides claim success.

con|fus|ing /kənfjuː z I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is confusing makes it difficult for people to know exactly what is happening or what to do. □� The statement is highly confusing.

con|fu|sion /kənfjuː ʒ ə n/ (confusions )

1 N‑VAR If there is confusion about something, it is not clear what the true situation is, especially because people believe different things. □�[+�about ] There's still confusion about the number of casualties. □� Omissions in my recent article must have caused confusion.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Confusion is a situation in which everything is in disorder, especially because there are lots of things happening at the same time. □� There was confusion when a man fired shots.

3 →�see also confuse

con|ga /kɒŋ gə/ (congas ) N‑COUNT If a group of people dance a conga , they dance in a long winding line, with each person holding on to the back of the person in front.

con|geal /kəndʒiː l/ (congeals , congealing , congealed ) VERB When a liquid congeals , it becomes very thick and sticky and almost solid. □�[V ] The blood had started to congeal. □�[V -ed] �spilled wine mingled with congealed soup.

con|gen|ial /kəndʒiː niəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A congenial person, place, or environment is pleasant. [FORMAL ] □� He is back in more congenial company.

con|geni|tal /kəndʒe n I t ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A congenital disease or medical condition is one that a person has had from birth, but is not inherited. [MEDICAL ] □� When John was 17, he died of congenital heart disease. ●� con|geni|tal|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� �congenitally deaf patients.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A congenital characteristic or feature in a person is so strong that you cannot imagine it ever changing, although there may seem to be no reason for it. □� He was a congenital liar and usually in debt. ●� con|geni|tal|ly ADV □� I admit to being congenitally lazy.

con|ger /kɒ ŋgə r / (congers ) N‑VAR A conger or a conger eel is a large fish that looks like a snake.

con|gest|ed /kəndʒe st I d/

1 ADJ A congested road or area is extremely crowded and blocked with traffic or people. □� He first promised two weeks ago to clear Britain's congested roads. □�[+�with ] Some areas are congested with both cars and people.

2 ADJ If a part of the body is congested , it is blocked. [FORMAL ] □� The arteries in his neck had become fatally congested.

con|ges|tion /kəndʒe stʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] If there is congestion in a place, the place is extremely crowded and blocked with traffic or people. □� The problems of traffic congestion will not disappear in a hurry.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Congestion in a part of the body is a medical condition in which the part becomes blocked. [FORMAL ] □� �nasal congestion.

con|ge s|tion charge (congestion charges ) N‑COUNT Congestion charges refer to money motorists must pay in order to drive in some city centres. Congestion charges are intended to reduce traffic within those areas. ●� con|ges|tion charg|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the decision on whether to introduce congestion charging on urban roads.

con|ges|tive /kəndʒe st I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] A congestive disease is a medical condition where a part of the body becomes blocked. [MEDICAL ] □� �congestive heart failure.

con|glom|er|ate /kənglɒ mərət/ (conglomerates ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A conglomerate is a large business firm consisting of several different companies. [BUSINESS ] □� Fiat is Italy's largest industrial conglomerate.

con|glom|era|tion /kənglɒ məre I ʃ ə n/ (conglomerations ) N‑COUNT A conglomerationof things is a group of many different things, gathered together. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a conglomeration of peoples speaking different languages.

con|gratu|late /kəngr� tʃʊle I t/ (congratulates , congratulating , congratulated )

1 VERB If you congratulate someone, you say something to show you are pleased that something nice has happened to them. □�[V n +�on ] She congratulated him on the birth of his son. □�[V n] I was delighted with my promotion. Everyone congratulated me. [Also V n +�for ] ●� con|gratu|la|tion /kəngr� tʃʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� We have received many letters of congratulation.

2 VERB If you congratulate someone, you praise them for something good that they have done. □�[V n +�for/on ] I really must congratulate the organisers for a well-run and enjoyable event. □�[V n] We specifically wanted to congratulate certain players.

3 VERB If you congratulateyourself , you are pleased about something that you have done or that has happened to you. □�[V pron-refl] Waterstone has every reason to congratulate himself.

con|gratu|la|tions /kəngr� tʃʊle I ʃ ə nz/

1 CONVENTION You say ' Congratulations ' to someone in order to congratulate them on something nice that has happened to them or something good that they have done. [FORMULAE ] □� Congratulations, you have a healthy baby boy. □�[+�to ] Congratulations to everybody who sent in their ideas.

2 N‑PLURAL If you offer someone your congratulations , you congratulate them on something nice that has happened to them or on something good that they have done. □�[+�to ] The club also offers its congratulations to D. Brown on his appointment as president.

con|gratu|la|tory /kəngr� tʃʊle I təri, [AM ] -lətɔːri/ ADJ A congratulatory message expresses congratulations. □� He sent Kim a congratulatory letter.

con|gre|gant /kɒ ŋgr I gənt/ (congregants ) N‑COUNT Congregants are members of a congregation. [mainly AM ]

con|gre|gate /kɒ ŋgr I ge I t/ (congregates , congregating , congregated ) VERB When people congregate , they gather together and form a group. □�[V ] Visitors congregated on Sunday afternoons to view public exhibitions.

con|gre|ga|tion /kɒ ŋgr I ge I ʃ ə n/ (congregations ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The people who are attending a church service or who regularly attend a church service are referred to as the congregation . □� Most members of the congregation begin arriving a few minutes before services.

con|gress /kɒ ŋgres/ (congresses ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A congress is a large meeting that is held to discuss ideas and policies. □� A lot has changed after the party congress.

Con|gress ◆◆◇ /kɒ ŋgres/ N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] Congress is the elected group of politicians that is responsible for making the law in the United States. It consists of two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. □� We want to cooperate with both the administration and Congress.

con|gres|sion|al /kəngre ʃən ə l/ also Congressional ADJ [ADJ n] A congressional policy, action, or person relates to the United States Congress. □� The president explained his plans to congressional leaders.

Congress|man /kɒ ŋgr I smən/ (Congressmen ) also congressman N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A Congressman is a male member of the US Congress, especially of the House of Representatives.

Congress|person /kɒ ŋgr I spɜː r s ə n/ (Congresspeople ) also congressperson N‑COUNT A Congressperson is a member of the US Congress, especially of the House of Representatives.

Congress|woman /kɒ ŋgr I swʊmən/ (Congresswomen ) also congresswoman N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A Congresswoman is a female member of the US Congress, especially of the House of Representatives. □� The meeting was organised by Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

con|gru|ence /kɒ ŋgruəns/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Congruence is when two things are similar or fit together well. [FORMAL ] □�[+�between ] �a necessary congruence between political, cultural and economic forces.

con|gru|ent /kɒ ŋgruənt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing is congruentwith another thing, they are similar or fit together well. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] They want to work in an organisation whose values are congruent with their own.

coni|cal /kɒ n I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A conical object is shaped like a cone. □� We were soon aware of a great conical shape to the north-east.

co|ni|fer /kɒ n I fə r / (conifers ) N‑COUNT Conifers are a group of trees and shrubs, for example pine trees and fir trees, that grow in cooler areas of the world. They have fruit called cones, and very thin leaves called needles which they do not normally lose in winter.

co|nif|er|ous /kən I fərəs, [AM ] koʊ-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A coniferous forest or wood is made up of conifers.

con|jec|tur|al /kəndʒe ktʃərəl/ ADJ A statement that is conjectural is based on information that is not certain or complete. [FORMAL ] □� There is something undeniably conjectural about such claims.

con|jec|ture /kəndʒe ktʃə r / (conjectures , conjecturing , conjectured )

1 N‑VAR A conjecture is a conclusion that is based on information that is not certain or complete. [FORMAL ] □� That was a conjecture, not a fact. □� There are several conjectures. □� The future of the province remains a matter of conjecture.

2 VERB When you conjecture , you form an opinion or reach a conclusion on the basis of information that is not certain or complete. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] He conjectured that some individuals may be able to detect major calamities. □�[V ] This may be true or partly true; we are all conjecturing here. [Also V wh, V n]

con|join /kəndʒɔ I n/ (conjoins , conjoining , conjoined ) VERB If two or more things conjoin or if you conjoin them, they are united and joined together. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] The wisdom of the retired generals and backbench MPs conjoins. □�[be V -ed +�with ] America's rise in rates was conjoined with higher rates elsewhere. □�[V n] �if we conjoin the two responses. [Also V n +�with , V +�with ]

con|joined twin /kəndʒɔ I nd tw I n/ (conjoined twins ) N‑COUNT Conjoined twins are twins who are born with their bodies joined.

con|ju|gal /kɒ ndʒʊg ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Conjugal means relating to marriage or a married couple's relationship, especially their sexual relationship. [FORMAL ] □� �a man deprived of his conjugal rights.

con|ju|gate /kɒ ndʒʊge I t/ (conjugates , conjugating , conjugated ) VERB When pupils or teachers conjugate a verb, they give its different forms in a particular order. □�[V n] �a child who can read at one and is conjugating Latin verbs at four.

con|junc|tion /kəndʒʌ ŋkʃ ə n/ (conjunctions )

1 N‑COUNT A conjunctionof two or more things is the occurrence of them at the same time or place. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the conjunction of two events. □�[+�of ] �a conjunction of religious and social factors.

2 N‑COUNT In grammar, a conjunction is a word or group of words that joins together words, groups, or clauses. In English, there are co-ordinating conjunctions such as 'and' and 'but', and subordinating conjunctions such as 'although', 'because', and 'when'.

3 PHRASE If one thing is done or used in conjunctionwith another, the two things are done or used together. [FORMAL ] □� The army should have operated in conjunction with the fleet to raid the enemy's coast.

con|junc|ti|vi|tis /kəndʒʌ ŋkt I va I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Conjunctivitis is an eye infection which causes the thin skin that covers the eye to become red. [MEDICAL ]

con|jure /kʌ ndʒə r , [AM ] kɑː n-/ (conjures , conjuring , conjured ) VERB If you conjure something out of nothing, you make it appear as if by magic. □�[V n +�from/out of ] Thirteen years ago she found herself having to conjure a career from thin air. □�[V n] They managed to conjure a victory. ●�PHRASAL VERB Conjure up means the same as conjure . □�[V P n] Every day a different chef will be conjuring up delicious dishes in the restaurant. [Also V n P ]

▸� conjure up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you conjure up a memory, picture, or idea, you create it in your mind. □�[V P n] When we think of adventurers, many of us conjure up images of larger-than-life characters trekking to the North Pole. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a word or sound conjures up particular images or ideas, it makes you think of them. □�[V P n] Their music conjures up a warm night in the tropics. □�[V P n] What does the word 'feminist' conjure up for you?

3 →�see conjure

con|jur|er /kʌ ndʒərə r , [AM ] kɑː n-/ (conjurers ) also conjuror N‑COUNT A conjurer is a person who entertains people by doing magic tricks.

co n|jur|ing trick (conjuring tricks ) N‑COUNT A conjuring trick is a trick in which something is made to appear or disappear as if by magic.

con|jur|or /kʌ ndʒərə r , [AM ] kɑː n-/ →�see conjurer

conk /kɒ ŋk/ (conks , conking , conked )

▸� conk out PHRASAL VERB If something such as a machine or a vehicle conks out , it stops working or breaks down. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] The dynamo conked out so we've got no electricity.

conk|er /kɒ ŋkə r / (conkers )

1 N‑COUNT Conkers are round brown nuts which come from horse chestnut trees. [BRIT ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conkers is a children's game in which you tie a conker to a piece of string and try to break your opponent's conker by hitting it as hard as you can with your own. [BRIT ]

co n man (con men ) also conman N‑COUNT A con man is a man who persuades people to give him their money or property by lying to them. □� A few years ago she was the victim of a con man.

con|nect /kəne kt/ (connects , connecting , connected )

1 VERB If something or someone connects one thing to another, or if one thing connectsto another, the two things are joined together. □�[V n +�to ] You can connect the machine to your hi-fi. □�[V n] The traditional method is to enter the exchanges at night and connect the wires. □�[V +�to ] Two cables connect to each corner of the plate. □�[V -ed] �a television camera connected to the radio telescope. [Also V ]

2 VERB If a piece of equipment or a place is connectedto a source of power or water, it is joined to that source so that it has power or water. □�[be V -ed +�to ] These appliances should not be connected to power supplies. □�[V -ed] Ischia was now connected to the mainland water supply. [Also V n +�to ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Connect up means the same as connect . □�[be V -ed P +�to ] The shower only needs to be connected up to the cold water supply. □�[V n P +�to ] They turned the barricade into a potential death trap by connecting it up to the mains.

3 VERB If a telephone operator connects you, he or she enables you to speak to another person by telephone. □�[V n] To call the police, dial 999 and the operator will connect you. □�[be V -ed +�to ] He asked to be connected to the central switchboard. [Also V n +�to ]

4 VERB If two things or places connect or if something connects them, they are joined and people or things can pass between them. □�[V n] �the long hallway that connects the rooms. □�[V n +�with ] The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries with the uterus. □�[V +�with ] His workshop connected with a small building in the garden. □�[V -ing] The two rooms have connecting doors. [Also V ]

5 VERB If one train or plane, for example, connectswith another, it arrives at a time which allows passengers to change to the other one in order to continue their journey. □�[V +�with ] �a train connecting with a ferry to Ireland. □�[V -ing] My connecting plane didn't depart for another six hours. [Also V ]

6 VERB If you connectto a particular plane or train, or if another plane or train connects you to it, you change to that plane or train from another one in order to continue your journey. □�[V +�to ] �business travellers wanting to connect to a long-haul flight. □�[V n] That will connect you with time to spare for the seven o'clock Concorde. [Also V n +�to ]

7 VERB If you connect a person or thing with something, you realize that there is a link or relationship between them. □�[V n +�with/to ] He didn't connect me with that embarrassing review I wrote seven years ago. □�[V n] I wouldn't have connected the two things.

8 VERB Something that connects a person or thing with something else shows or provides a link or relationship between them. □�[V n +�with/to ] A search of Brady's house revealed nothing that could connect him with the robberies. □�[V n] What connects them?

▸� connect up →�see connect2

con|nect|ed /kəne kt I d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing is connectedwith another, there is a link or relationship between them. □�[+�with ] Have you ever had any skin problems connected with exposure to the sun? □�[+�to ] The dispute is not directly connected to the negotiations.

2 →�see also connect , well-connected

con|nec|tion ◆◇◇ /kəne kʃ ə n/ (connections ) in BRIT, also use connexion1 N‑VAR A connection is a relationship between two things, people, or groups. □�[+�between ] There was no evidence of a connection between BSE and the brain diseases recently confirmed in cats. □�[+�with ] The police say he had no connection with the security forces.

2 N‑COUNT A connection is a joint where two wires or pipes are joined together. □� Check all radiators for small leaks, especially round pipework connections.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If a place has good road, rail, or air connections , many places can be directly reached from there by car, train, or plane. □�[+�to ] Fukuoka has excellent air and rail connections to the rest of the country.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you get a connection at a station or airport, you catch a train, bus, or plane, after getting off another train, bus, or plane, in order to continue your journey. □� My flight was late and I missed the connection.

5 N‑PLURAL Your connections are the people who you know or are related to, especially when they are in a position to help you. □� She used her connections to full advantage.

6 PHRASE If you write or talk to someone in connection with something, you write or talk to them about that thing. [FORMAL ] □� 13 men have been questioned in connection with the murder. SYNONYMS connection NOUN 1

relation:It is a question of the relation of ethics to economics.

relationship:There is a relationship between diet and cancer.

link:�the link between smoking and lung cancer.

association:Black was considered inappropriate because of its associations with death.

correlation:�the correlation between smoking and disease.

con|nec|tive /kəne kt I v/ (connectives ) N‑COUNT A connective is the same as a conjunction .

con|ne c|tive ti s|sue N‑UNCOUNT Connective tissue is the substance in the bodies of animals and people which fills in the spaces between organs and connects muscles and bones. [TECHNICAL ]

con|nec|tiv|ity /kɒnekt I vəti/ N‑UNCOUNT Connectivity is the ability of a computing device to connect to other computers or to the internet. [COMPUTING ] □� � a new phone with faster mobile internet connectivity.

con|nect|or /kəne ktə r / (connectors ) N‑COUNT A connector is a device that joins two pieces of equipment, wire, or piping together.

con|nex|ion /kəne kʃ ə n/ →�see connection

con|niv|ance /kəna I v ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with the N of n] Connivance is a willingness to allow or assist something to happen even though you know it is wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] The deficit had grown with the connivance of the banks. □� The goods were exported with official connivance.

con|nive /kəna I v/ (connives , conniving , connived ) VERB If one person conniveswith another to do something, they secretly try to achieve something which will benefit both of them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�with ] He accused ministers of conniving with foreign companies to tear up employment rights. □� Senior politicians connived to ensure that he was not released. □�[V +�with ] �local authorities suspected of conniving with the Mafia.

con|niv|ing /kəna I v I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as conniving , you mean you dislike them because they make secret plans in order to get things for themselves or harm other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Edith was seen as a conniving, greedy woman.

con|nois|seur /kɒ nəsɜː r / (connoisseurs ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A connoisseur is someone who knows a lot about the arts, food, drink, or some other subject. □� Sarah tells me you're something of an art connoisseur. □�[+�of ] �connoisseurs of good food.

con|no|ta|tion /kɒ nəte I ʃ ə n/ (connotations ) N‑COUNT The connotations of a particular word or name are the ideas or qualities which it makes you think of. □� It's just one of those words that's got so many negative connotations. □�[+�of ] 'Urchin', with its connotation of mischievousness, may not be a particularly apt word.

con|note /kənoʊ t/ (connotes , connoting , connoted ) VERB If a word or name connotes something, it makes you think of a particular idea or quality. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The term 'organization' often connotes a sense of neatness.

con|quer /kɒ ŋkə r / (conquers , conquering , conquered )

1 VERB If one country or group of people conquers another, they take complete control of their land. □�[V n] During 1936, Mussolini conquered Abyssinia. □�[be V -ed] Early in the eleventh century the whole of England was again conquered by the Vikings.

2 VERB If you conquer something such as a problem, you succeed in ending it or dealing with it successfully. □�[V n] He has never conquered his addiction to smoking. □�[V n] �the first man in history to conquer Everest.

con|quer|or /kɒ ŋkərə r / (conquerors ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The conquerors of a country or group of people are the people who have taken complete control of that country or group's land. □� The people of an oppressed country obey their conquerors because they want to go on living.

con|quest /kɒ ŋkwest/ (conquests )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Conquest is the act of conquering a country or group of people. □�[+�of ] He had led the conquest of southern Poland in 1939. □� After the Norman Conquest the forest became a royal hunting preserve.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Conquests are lands that have been conquered in war. □� He had realized that Britain could not have peace unless she returned at least some of her former conquests.

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If someone makes a conquest , they succeed in attracting and usually sleeping with another person. You usually use conquest when you want to indicate that this relationship is not important to the person concerned. □� Despite his conquests, he remains lonely and isolated.

4 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] You can refer to the person that someone has succeeded in attracting as their conquest . □� Pushkin was a womaniser whose conquests included everyone from prostitutes to princesses.

5 N‑SING Theconquestof something such as a problem is success in ending it or dealing with it. □�[+�of ] The conquest of inflation has been the Government's overriding economic priority for nearly 15 years.

con|quis|ta|dor /kɒnkw I stədɔː r / (conquistadors or conquistadores ) N‑COUNT The conquistadors were the sixteenth-century Spanish conquerors of Central and South America.

con|science /kɒ nʃ ə ns/ (consciences )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N , adj N ] Your conscience is the part of your mind that tells you whether what you are doing is right or wrong. If you have a guilty conscience , you feel guilty about something because you know it was wrong. If you have a clear conscience , you do not feel guilty because you know you have done nothing wrong. □� I have battled with my conscience over whether I should actually send this letter. □� What if he got a guilty conscience and brought it back? □� I could go away again with a clear conscience.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conscience is doing what you believe is right even though it might be unpopular, difficult, or dangerous. □� He refused for reasons of conscience to sign a new law legalising abortion. □� �the law on freedom of conscience and religious organizations.

3 →�see also prisoner of conscience

4 N‑UNCOUNT Conscience is a feeling of guilt because you know you have done something that is wrong. □� I'm so glad he had a pang of conscience. □� They have shown a ruthless lack of conscience.

5 PHRASE If you say that you cannot do something in all conscience , in good conscience , or in conscience , you mean that you cannot do it because you think it is wrong. □� She could not, in good conscience, back out on her deal with him.

6 PHRASE If you have something on your conscience , you feel guilty because you know you have done something wrong. □� Now the murderer has two deaths on his conscience.

con|sci|en|tious /kɒ nʃie nʃəs/ ADJ Someone who is conscientious is very careful to do their work properly. □�[+�about ] We are generally very conscientious about our work. ●� con|sci|en|tious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He studied conscientiously and enthusiastically.

co n|sci|en|tious ob|je ct|or (conscientious objectors ) N‑COUNT A conscientious objector is a person who refuses to join the armed forces because they think that it is morally wrong to do so.

con|scious ◆◇◇ /kɒ nʃəs/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ that] If you are consciousof something, you notice it or realize that it is happening. □� She was very conscious of Max studying her. □� Conscious that he was becoming light-headed again, he went over to the window.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ that] If you are consciousof something, you think about it a lot, especially because you are unhappy about it or because you think it is important. □�[+�of ] I'm very conscious of my weight.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A conscious decision or action is made or done deliberately with you giving your full attention to it. □� I don't think we ever made a conscious decision to have a big family. □� Make a conscious effort to relax your muscles. ●� con|scious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Sophie was not consciously seeking a replacement after her father died.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is conscious is awake rather than asleep or unconscious. □� She was fully conscious all the time and knew what was going on.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Conscious memories or thoughts are ones that you are aware of. □� He had no conscious memory of his four-week stay in hospital. ●� con|scious|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Most people cannot consciously remember much before the ages of 5 to 7 years.

-conscious /kɒ nʃəs/ COMB -conscious combines with words such as 'health', 'fashion', 'politically', and 'environmentally' to form adjectives which describe someone who believes that the aspect of life indicated is important. □� We're all becoming increasingly health-conscious these days.

con|scious|ness ◆◇◇ /kɒ nʃəsnəs/ (consciousnesses )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu poss N ] Your consciousness is your mind and your thoughts. □� That idea has been creeping into our consciousness for some time.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The consciousness of a group of people is their set of ideas, attitudes, and beliefs. □� The Greens were the catalysts of a necessary change in the European consciousness.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You use consciousness to refer to an interest in and knowledge of a particular subject or idea. □� Her political consciousness sprang from her upbringing.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Consciousness is the state of being awake rather than being asleep or unconscious. If someone loses consciousness , they become unconscious, and if they regain consciousness , they become conscious after being unconscious. □� She banged her head and lost consciousness. □� He drifted in and out of consciousness.

5 →�see also stream of consciousness

co n|scious|ness rais|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Consciousness raising is the process of developing awareness of an unfair situation, with the aim of making people want to help in changing it. □� �consciousness-raising groups.

con|script (conscripts , conscripting , conscripted ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ nskr I pt/. The verb is pronounced /kənskr I pt/. 1 N‑COUNT A conscript is a person who has been made to join the armed forces of a country.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is conscripted , they are officially made to join the armed forces of a country. □�[be V -ed +�into ] He was conscripted into the German army. □�[be V -ed] Peter was conscripted like every other young man.

con|scrip|tion /kənskr I pʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Conscription is officially making people in a particular country join the armed forces. □� All adult males will be liable for conscription.

con|se|crate /kɒ ns I kre I t/ (consecrates , consecrating , consecrated ) VERB When a building, place, or object is consecrated , it is officially declared to be holy. When a person is consecrated , they are officially declared to be a bishop. □�[be V -ed] The church was consecrated in 1234. □�[V n] He defied the Pope by consecrating four bishops without his approval.

con|secu|tive /kənse kjʊt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Consecutive periods of time or events happen one after the other without interruption. □� The Cup was won for the third consecutive year by the Toronto Maple Leafs. ●� con|secu|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� I won first prize for several years consecutively.

con|sen|sual /kənse nʃuəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A consensual approach, view, or decision is one that is based on general agreement among all the members of a group. □� Consultation is traditional in the consensual Belgian system of labour relations.

2 ADJ If sexual activity is consensual , both partners willingly take part in it. [LEGAL ] □� Consensual sexual contact between two males can be a criminal activity.

con|sen|sus /kənse nsəs/ N‑SING A consensus is general agreement among a group of people. □�[+�amongst ] The consensus amongst scientists is that the world will warm up over the next few decades. □� The question of when the troops should leave would be decided by consensus.

con|sent /kənse nt/ (consents , consenting , consented )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you give your consentto something, you give someone permission to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Pollard finally gave his consent to the search. □� Can my child be medically examined without my consent?

2 VERB If you consentto something, you agree to do it or to allow it to be done. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] He finally consented to go. □�[V +�to ] The patient must consent to the surgery. □�[V ] I was a little surprised when she consented.

3 →�see also age of consent

con|sent|ing /kənse nt I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A consenting adult is a person who is considered to be old enough to make their own decisions about who they have sex with. □� What consenting adults do in private is their own business.

con|se|quence ◆◇◇ /kɒ ns I kwens/ (consequences )

1 N‑COUNT The consequencesof something are the results or effects of it. □�[+�of ] Her lawyer said she understood the consequences of her actions and was prepared to go to jail. □�[+�for ] An economic crisis may have tremendous consequences for our global security.

2 PHRASE If one thing happens and then another thing happens in consequence or as a consequence , the second thing happens as a result of the first. □� His departure was totally unexpected and, in consequence, no plans had been made for his replacement. □� � a time when many people are losing their jobs as a consequence of the recession.

3 PHRASE Something or someone of consequence is important or valuable. If something or someone is of no consequence , or of little consequence , they are not important or valuable. [FORMAL ] □� As an overseer, he suddenly found himself a person of consequence. □� Where he is from is of no consequence to me.

4 PHRASE If you tell someone that they must take the consequences or face the consequences , you warn them that something unpleasant will happen to them if they do not stop behaving in a particular way. □� These pilots must now face the consequences of their actions and be brought to trial. □� If climate changes continue, we will suffer the consequences. COLLOCATIONS consequence NOUN 1

adjective +�consequence : dire, disastrous, negative, tragic; inevitable, long-term, serious, unintended; economic, social

verb +�consequence : accept, bear, face, suffer; consider, understand; avoid, escape SYNONYMS consequence NOUN 1

result:She developed asthma as a direct result of the work.

effect:Even minor head injuries can cause long-lasting psychological effects.

outcome:It's too early to know the outcome of her illness.

repercussions:It was an effort which was to have painful repercussions.

upshot:So the upshot is we're going for lunch on Friday.

con|se|quent /kɒ ns I kwənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n, oft n ADJ upon/on n] Consequent means happening as a direct result of an event or situation. [FORMAL ] □� The warming of the Earth and the consequent climatic changes affect us all.

con|se|quen|tial /kɒ ns I kwe nʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Consequential means the same as consequent . [FORMAL ] □� �extra staff and consequential costs such as accommodation.

2 ADJ Something that is consequential is important or significant. [FORMAL ] □� From a medical standpoint, a week is usually not a consequential delay.

con|se|quent|ly /kɒ ns I kwentli/ ADV Consequently means as a result. [FORMAL ] □� Grandfather Dingsdale had sustained a broken back while working in the mines. Consequently, he spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

con|serv|an|cy /kənsɜː r vənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Conservancy is used in the names of organizations that work to preserve and protect the environment. □� �the Nature Conservancy Council.

con|ser|va|tion /kɒ nsə r ve I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Conservation is saving and protecting the environment. □� �a four-nation regional meeting on elephant conservation. □� �tree-planting and other conservation projects.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conservation is saving and protecting historical objects or works of art such as paintings, sculptures, or buildings. □�[+�of ] The second image was discovered during conservation of the painting.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The conservation of a supply of something is the careful use of it so that it lasts for a long time. □� �projects aimed at promoting energy conservation.

con|ser|va |tion a rea (conservation areas )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a conservation area is an area where birds and animals are protected. □� �wildlife conservation areas.

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, a conservation area is an area where old buildings are protected and new building is controlled.

con|ser|va|tion|ist /kɒ nsə r ve I ʃən I st/ (conservationists ) N‑COUNT A conservationist is someone who cares greatly about the conservation of the environment and who works to protect it.

con|serva|tism /kənsɜː r vət I zəm/ The spelling Conservatism is also used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑UNCOUNT Conservatism is a political philosophy which believes that if changes need to be made to society, they should be made gradually. You can also refer to the political beliefs of a conservative party in a particular country as Conservatism . □� �the philosophy of modern Conservatism.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conservatism is unwillingness to accept changes and new ideas. □�[+�of ] The conservatism of the literary establishment in this country is astounding.

con|serva|tive ◆◆◇ /kənsɜː r vət I v/ (conservatives ) The spelling Conservative is also used for meaning 1 . 1 ADJ A Conservative politician or voter is a member of or votes for the Conservative Party in Britain. □� Most Conservative MPs appear happy with the government's reassurances. □� �disenchanted Conservative voters. ●�N‑COUNT Conservative is also a noun. □� In 1951, the Conservatives were returned to power.

2 ADJ Someone who is conservative has right-wing views. □� �counties whose citizens invariably support the most conservative candidate in any election. ●�N‑COUNT Conservative is also a noun. □� The new judge is 50-year-old David Suitor who's regarded as a conservative.

3 ADJ Someone who is conservative or has conservative ideas is unwilling to accept changes and new ideas. □� It is essentially a narrow and conservative approach to child care.

4 ADJ If someone dresses in a conservative way, their clothes are conventional in style. □� The girl was well dressed, as usual, though in a more conservative style. ●� con|ser|va|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She was always very conservatively dressed when we went out.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A conservative estimate or guess is one in which you are cautious and estimate or guess a low amount which is probably less than the real amount. □� A conservative estimate of the bill, so far, is about �22,000. □� This guess is probably on the conservative side. ●� con|ser|va|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The bequest is conservatively estimated at �30 million. SYNONYMS conservative ADJ 3

traditional:�traditional parents, who believed in laying down the law for their children.

conventional:�a respectable married woman with conventional opinions.

proper:It is right and proper to do this.

correct:I think English men are very polite and very correct.

genteel:�two maiden ladies with genteel manners and voices.

Con|se rva|tive Par|ty N‑PROPER TheConservative Party is the main right-of-centre party in Britain.

con|serva|toire /kənsɜː r vətwɑː r / (conservatoires ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A conservatoire is an institution where musicians are trained. □� �the Paris Conservatoire.

con|ser|va|tor /kənsɜː r vətə r / (conservators ) N‑COUNT A conservator is someone whose job is to clean and repair historical objects or works of art.

con|serva|tory /kənsɜː r vətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (conservatories )

1 N‑COUNT A conservatory is a room with glass walls and a glass roof, which is attached to a house. People often grow plants in a conservatory.

2 N‑COUNT A conservatory is an institution where musicians are trained. □� �the New England Conservatory of Music.

con|serve (conserves , conserving , conserved ) The verb is pronounced /kənsɜː r v/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ nsɜː r v/. 1 VERB If you conserve a supply of something, you use it carefully so that it lasts for a long time. □�[V n] The republic's factories have closed for the weekend to conserve energy.

2 VERB To conserve something means to protect it from harm, loss, or change. □�[V n] �a big increase in U.S. aid to help developing countries conserve their forests.

3 N‑VAR Conserve is jam containing a large proportion of fruit, usually in whole pieces.

con|sid|er ◆◆◆ /kəns I də r / (considers , considering , considered )

1 VERB If you consider a person or thing to be something, you have the opinion that this is what they are. □�[V n to-inf] We don't consider our customers to be mere consumers; we consider them to be our friends. □�[V n n/adj] I had always considered myself a strong, competent woman. □�[V n +�as ] I consider activities such as jogging and weightlifting as unnatural. □�[V that] Barbara considers that pet shops which sell customers these birds are very unfair.

2 VERB If you consider something, you think about it carefully. □�[V n] The jury was asked to consider the credibility of his evidence. □�[V wh] Consider how much you can afford to pay for a course, and what is your upper limit.

3 VERB If you are considering doing something, you intend to do it, but have not yet made a final decision whether to do it. □�[V v-ing] I had seriously considered telling the story from the point of view of the wives. □�[V n] They are considering the launch of their own political party.

4 →�see also considered , considering

con|sid|er|able ◆◆◇ /kəns I dərəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Considerable means great in amount or degree. [FORMAL ] □� To be without Pearce would be a considerable blow. □� Doing it properly makes considerable demands on our time. □� Vets' fees can be considerable, even for routine visits. ●� con|sid|er|ably ADV [ADV with v] □� Children vary considerably in the rate at which they learn these lessons. □� Their dinner parties had become considerably less formal. SYNONYMS considerable ADJ

marked:There has been a marked increase in crimes against property.

substantial:That is a very substantial improvement in the present situation.

reasonable:They will need a reasonable amount of desk area and good light.

appreciable:This has not had an appreciable effect on production.

sizeable:Harry inherited the house and a sizeable chunk of land.

con|sid|er|ate /kəns I dərət/ ADJ Someone who is considerate pays attention to the needs, wishes, or feelings of other people. [APPROVAL ] □� I think he's the most charming, most considerate man I've ever known. □�[+�of ] I've always understood one should try and be considerate of other people.

con|sid|era|tion ◆◇◇ /kəns I dəre I ʃ ə n/ (considerations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Consideration is careful thought about something. □�[+�of ] He said there should be careful consideration of the future role of the BBC.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [under N ] If something is under consideration , it is being discussed. □� Several proposals are under consideration by the state assembly.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you show consideration , you pay attention to the needs, wishes, or feelings of other people. □�[+�for ] Show consideration for other rail travellers. □� Really, her tone said, some people have absolutely no consideration.

4 N‑COUNT A consideration is something that should be thought about, especially when you are planning or deciding something. □� A major consideration when choosing a dog is the size of your house and garden.

5 PHRASE If you take something into consideration , you think about it because it is relevant to what you are doing. □� Safe driving is good driving because it takes into consideration the lives of other people.

con|sid|ered /kəns I də r d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A considered opinion or act is the result of careful thought. □� We will give a considered response to the proposals by the end of the week.

2 →�see also consider

con|sid|er|ing ◆◇◇ /kəns I dər I ŋ/

1 PREP You use considering to indicate that you are thinking about a particular fact when making a judgment or giving an opinion. □� The former hostage is in remarkably good shape considering his ordeal.

2 CONJ You use considering that to indicate that you are thinking about a particular fact when making a judgment or giving an opinion. □� Considering that you are no longer involved with this man, your response is a little extreme.

3 ADV When you are giving an opinion or making a judgment, you can use considering to suggest that you have thought about all the circumstances, and often that something has succeeded in spite of these circumstances. [SPOKEN ] □� I think you're pretty safe, considering.

con|sign /kənsa I n/ (consigns , consigning , consigned ) VERB To consign something or someone to a place or situation where they will be forgotten or do not want to be means to put them there. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�to ] For decades, many of his works were consigned to the basements of museums.

con|sign|ment /kənsa I nmənt/ (consignments ) N‑COUNT A consignmentof goods is a load that is being delivered to a place or person. □�[+�of ] The first consignment of food has already left Bologna.

con|sist ◆◇◇ /kəns I st/ (consists , consisting , consisted )

1 VERB Something that consists of particular things or people is formed from them. □�[V +�of ] Breakfast consisted of porridge served with butter.

2 VERB Something that consists in something else has that thing as its main or only part. □�[V +�in ] His work consisted in advising companies on the siting of new factories. SYNONYMS consist of VERB 1

be made (out) of:The top of the table is made of glass.

contain:Greek yogurt contains much less fat than double cream.

comprise:The exhibition comprises 50 oils and watercolours.

be composed of:The force would be composed of troops from NATO countries.

con|sist|en|cy /kəns I stənsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Consistency is the quality or condition of being consistent. □� He scores goals with remarkable consistency. □� There's always a lack of consistency in matters of foreign policy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The consistency of a substance is how thick or smooth it is. □�[+�of ] Dilute the paint with water until it is the consistency of milk.

con|sist|ent ◆◇◇ /kəns I stənt/

1 ADJ Someone who is consistent always behaves in the same way, has the same attitudes towards people or things, or achieves the same level of success in something. □� Becker has never been the most consistent of players anyway. □� �his consistent support of free trade. ●� con|sist|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� It's something I have consistently denied. □� Jones and Armstrong maintain a consistently high standard.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If one fact or idea is consistentwith another, they do not contradict each other. □�[+�with ] This result is consistent with the findings of Garnett & Tobin.

3 ADJ An argument or set of ideas that is consistent is one in which no part contradicts or conflicts with any other part. □� These are clear consistent policies which we are putting into place. SYNONYMS consistent ADJ 1

constant:He has been her constant companion for the last four months.

steady:�a politician who's steady almost to the point of being boring.

reliable:Japanese cars are so reliable.

dependable:He was a good friend, a dependable companion.

co n|so|la |tion prize (consolation prizes )

1 N‑COUNT A consolation prize is a small prize which is given to a person who fails to win a competition.

2 N‑COUNT A consolation prize is something that is arranged for or is given to a person to make them feel happier when they have failed to achieve something better. □� Her appointment was seen as a consolation prize after she lost the election.

con|sole (consoles , consoling , consoled ) The verb is pronounced /kənsoʊ l/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ nsoʊl/. 1 VERB If you console someone who is unhappy about something, you try to make them feel more cheerful. □�[V with quote] 'Never mind, Ned,' he consoled me. □�[V n] Often they cry, and I have to play the role of a mother, consoling them. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] I can console myself with the fact that I'm not alone. □�[V pron-refl that] He consoled himself that Emmanuel looked like a nice boy, who could be a good playmate for his daughter. [Also V n with/for n, V n that] [Also V pron-refl +�for ] ●� con|so|la|tion /kɒ nsəle I ʃ ə n/ (consolations ) N‑VAR □�[+�for ] The only consolation for the Scottish theatre community is that they look likely to get another chance. □� He knew then he was right, but it was no consolation.

2 N‑COUNT A console is a panel with a number of switches or knobs that is used to operate a machine.

con|soli|date /kənsɒ l I de I t/ (consolidates , consolidating , consolidated )

1 VERB If you consolidate something that you have, for example power or success, you strengthen it so that it becomes more effective or secure. □�[V n] Many young singers started and consolidated their careers at Covent Garden.

2 VERB To consolidate a number of small groups or firms means to make them into one large organization. □�[V n] The state has 60 days to consolidate Louisiana's four higher-education boards.

con|som|m� /kɒnsɒ me I , [AM ] kɒ nsəme I / (consomm�s ) N‑VAR [oft n N ] Consomm� is a thin, clear soup, usually made from meat juices. □� �chicken consomm�.

con|so|nant /kɒ nsənənt/ (consonants ) N‑COUNT A consonant is a sound such as 'p', 'f', 'n', or 't' which you pronounce by stopping the air flowing freely through your mouth. Compare vowel .

con|sort (consorts , consorting , consorted ) The verb is pronounced /kənsɔː r t/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ nsɔː r t/. 1 VERB If you say that someone consorts with a particular person or group, you mean that they spend a lot of time with them, and usually that you do not think this is a good thing. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�with ] He regularly consorted with known drug-dealers.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE [oft n N ] The ruling monarch's wife or husband is called their consort . □� At tea-time, Victoria sang duets with her Consort, Prince Albert. □� She was surely the most distinguished queen consort we have had.

con|sor|tium /kənsɔː r tiəm/ (consortia /kənsɔː r tiə/ or consortiums ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A consortium is a group of people or firms who have agreed to co-operate with each other. □� The consortium includes some of the biggest building contractors in Britain.

con|spicu|ous /kənsp I kjuəs/

1 ADJ If someone or something is conspicuous , people can see or notice them very easily. □� He spent his money in a conspicuous way on fast cars and luxury holidays. □� You may feel tearful in situations where you feel conspicuous. ●� con|spicu|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Johnston's name was conspicuously absent from the list.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is conspicuous by their absence , you are drawing attention to the fact that they are not in a place or situation where you think they should be. □� He was conspicuous by his absence in the post-match celebrations.

con|spi cu|ous con|su mp|tion N‑UNCOUNT Conspicuous consumption means spending your money in such a way that other people can see how wealthy you are. □� It was an age of conspicuous consumption�those who had money liked to display it.

con|spira|cy /kənsp I rəsi/ (conspiracies )

1 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] Conspiracy is the secret planning by a group of people to do something illegal. □� Seven men, all from Bristol, admitted conspiracy to commit arson. □� He believes there was a conspiracy to kill the president.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A conspiracy is an agreement between a group of people which other people think is wrong or is likely to be harmful. □� He persuaded himself that they had formed some kind of conspiracy against him.

con|spi ra|cy theo|ry (conspiracy theories ) N‑COUNT A conspiracy theory is a belief that a group of people are secretly trying to harm someone or achieve something. You usually use this term to suggest that you think this is unlikely. □� Did you ever swallow the conspiracy theory about Kennedy?

con|spira|tor /kənsp I rətə r / (conspirators ) N‑COUNT A conspirator is a person who joins a conspiracy.

con|spira|to|rial /kənsp I rətɔː riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone does something such as speak or smile in a conspiratorial way, they do it in a way that suggests they are sharing a secret with someone. □� His voice had sunk to a conspiratorial whisper.

con|spire /kənspa I ə r / (conspires , conspiring , conspired )

1 VERB If two or more people or groups conspireto do something illegal or harmful, they make a secret agreement to do it. □�[V to-inf] They'd conspired to overthrow the government. □�[V +�with ] �a defendant convicted of conspiring with his brother to commit robberies. □�[V +�against ] I had a persecution complex and thought people were conspiring against me.

2 VERB If events conspireto produce a particular result, they seem to work together to cause this result. □�[V to-inf] History and geography have conspired to bring Greece to a moment of decision. □�[V +�against ] But fateful forces beyond the band's control were to conspire against them.

con|sta|ble /kʌ nstəb ə l, kɒ n-/ (constables )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Britain and some other countries, a constable is a police officer of the lowest rank. □� He was a constable at Sutton police station. □� �Constable Stuart Clark. □� Thanks for your help, Constable.

2 →�see also Chief Constable

3 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the United States, a constable is an official who helps keep the peace in a town. They are lower in rank than a sheriff.

con|stabu|lary /kənst� bjʊləri, [AM ] -leri/ (constabularies )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain and some other countries, a constabulary is the police force of a particular area. □� �the Chief Constable of the Nottinghamshire Constabulary.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a constabulary is the constables in a particular area, or the area that they are responsible for.

con|stan|cy /kɒ nstənsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Constancy is the quality of staying the same even though other things change. □� We live in a world without constancy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Constancy is the quality of being faithful and loyal to a particular person or belief. [APPROVAL ] □� �those who have proved their constancy in love.

con|stant ◆◆◇ /kɒ nstənt/ (constants )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use constant to describe something that happens all the time or is always there. □� Inflation is a constant threat. □� He has been her constant companion for the last four months. ●� con|stant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The direction of the wind is constantly changing.

2 ADJ If an amount or level is constant , it stays the same over a particular period of time. □� The average speed of the winds remained constant.

3 N‑COUNT A constant is a thing or value that always stays the same. □� In the world of fashion it sometimes seems that the only constant is ceaseless change.

con|stel|la|tion /kɒ nstəle I ʃ ə n/ (constellations ) N‑COUNT A constellation is a group of stars which form a pattern and have a name. □�[+�of ] �a planet orbiting a star in the constellation of Cepheus.

con|ster|na|tion /kɒ nstə r ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Consternation is a feeling of anxiety or fear. [FORMAL ] □� His decision caused consternation in the art photography community.

con|sti|pat|ed /kɒ nst I pe I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is constipated has difficulty in getting rid of solid waste from their body.

con|sti|pa|tion /kɒ nst I pe I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Constipation is a medical condition which causes people to have difficulty getting rid of solid waste from their body.

con|stitu|en|cy /kənst I tʃuənsi/ (constituencies )

1 N‑COUNT A constituency is an area for which someone is elected as the representative in a parliament or government.

2 N‑COUNT A particular constituency is a section of society that may give political support to a particular party or politician. □� In France, farmers are a powerful political constituency.

con|stitu|ent /kənst I tʃuənt/ (constituents )

1 N‑COUNT A constituent is someone who lives in a particular constituency, especially someone who is able to vote in an election.

2 N‑COUNT A constituentof a mixture, substance, or system is one of the things from which it is formed. □�[+�of ] Caffeine is the active constituent of drinks such as tea and coffee.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The constituent parts of something are the things from which it is formed. [FORMAL ] □� �a plan to split the company into its constituent parts and sell them separately.

con|sti tu|ent as|se m|bly (constituent assemblies ) N‑COUNT A constituent assembly is a body of representatives that is elected to create or change their country's constitution.

con|sti|tute /kɒ nst I tjuːt, [AM ] -tuːt/ (constitutes , constituting , constituted )

1 V‑LINK [no cont] If something constitutes a particular thing, it can be regarded as being that thing. □�[V n] Testing patients without their consent would constitute a professional and legal offence.

2 V‑LINK [no cont] If a number of things or people constitute something, they are the parts or members that form it. □�[V n] Volunteers constitute more than 95% of The Center's work force.

3 VERB [usu passive] When something such as a committee or government is constituted , it is formally established and given authority to operate. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] On 6 July, a People's Revolutionary Government was constituted. □�[V -ed] The accused will appear before a specially-constituted military tribunal.

con|sti|tu|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ nst I tjuː ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ (constitutions )

1 N‑COUNT The constitution of a country or organization is the system of laws which formally states people's rights and duties. □� The club's constitution prevented women from becoming full members.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your constitution is your health. □� He must have an extremely strong constitution. SYNONYMS constitution NOUN 1

code:�Article 159 of the Turkish penal code.

charter:�the Social Charter of workers' rights.

con|sti|tu|tion|al ◆◇◇ /kɒ nst I tjuː ʃən ə l, [AM ] -tuː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Constitutional means relating to the constitution of a particular country or organization. □� �efforts to resolve the country's constitutional crisis.

con|sti|tu|tion|al|ity /kɒ nst I tjuːʃən� l I ti, [AM ] -tuː-/ N‑UNCOUNT In a particular political system, theconstitutionalityof a law or action is the fact that it is allowed by the constitution. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] They plan to challenge the constitutionality of the law.

con|strain /kənstre I n/ (constrains , constraining , constrained )

1 VERB To constrain someone or something means to limit their development or force them to behave in a particular way. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Women are too often constrained by family commitments and by low expectations.

2 PHRASE If you feel constrainedto do something, you feel that you must do it, even though you would prefer not to. □� For some reason he felt constrained to lower his voice.

con|straint /kənstre I nt/ (constraints )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A constraint is something that limits or controls what you can do. □� Their decision to abandon the trip was made because of financial constraints. [Also +�on ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Constraint is control over the way you behave which prevents you from doing what you want to do.

con|strict /kənstr I kt/ (constricts , constricting , constricted )

1 VERB If a part of your body, especially your throat, is constricted or if it constricts , something causes it to become narrower. □�[V n] Severe migraine can be treated with a drug which constricts the blood vessels. □�[V ] My throat constricted, so that I had to concentrate on breathing.

2 VERB If something constricts you, it limits your actions so that you cannot do what you want to do. □�[V n] She objects to the tests the Government's advisers have devised because they constrict her teaching style.

con|stric|tion /kənstr I kʃ ə n/ (constrictions )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Constrictions are rules or factors which limit what you can do and prevent you from doing what you want to do. □�[+�of ] I hated the constrictions of school.

2 →�see also constrict

con|struct /kənstrʌ kt/ (constructs , constructing , constructed )

1 VERB If you construct something such as a building, road, or machine, you build it or make it. □�[V n] The company is constructing 70 homes and a 130-room hotel on the land. □�[be V -ed +�from/of/out of ] The boxes should be constructed from rough-sawn timber. □�[V -ed] They thought he had escaped through a specially-constructed tunnel.

2 VERB If you construct something such as an idea, a piece of writing, or a system, you create it by putting different parts together. □�[V n] He eventually constructed a business empire which ran to Thailand and Singapore. □�[be V -ed +�from/out of ] The novel is constructed from a series of on-the-spot reports. □�[V -ed] �using carefully-constructed tests.

con|struc|tion ◆◇◇ /kənstrʌ kʃ ə n/ (constructions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Construction is the building of things such as houses, factories, roads, and bridges. □� He'd already started construction on a hunting lodge. □� �the only nuclear power station under construction in Britain. □� �the downturn in the construction industry.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The construction of something such as a vehicle or machine is the making of it. □�[+�of ] �companies who have long experience in the construction of those types of equipment. □� With the exception of teak, this is the finest wood for boat construction.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] The construction of something such as a system is the creation of it. □�[+�of ] �the construction of a just system of criminal justice.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to an object that has been built or made as a construction . □� The British pavilion is an impressive steel and glass construction the size of Westminster Abbey.

5 N‑UNCOUNT You use construction to refer to the structure of something and the way it has been built or made. □� The Shakers believed that furniture should be plain, simple, useful, practical and of sound construction. □� The chairs were light in construction yet extremely strong.

6 N‑COUNT A grammatical construction is a particular arrangement of words in a sentence, clause, or phrase. □� Avoid complex verbal constructions.

con|struc|tive /kənstrʌ kt I v/ ADJ A constructive discussion, comment, or approach is useful and helpful rather than negative and unhelpful. □� She welcomes constructive criticism. □� After their meeting, both men described the talks as frank, friendly and constructive.

con|stru c|tive di s|mi s|sal N‑UNCOUNT If an employee claims constructive dismissal , they begin a legal action against their employer in which they claim that they were forced to leave their job because of the behaviour of their employer. [BUSINESS ] □� The woman claims she was the victim of constructive dismissal after being demoted.

con|struc|tor /kənstrʌ ktə r / (constructors ) N‑COUNT A racing car constructor or aircraft constructor is a company that builds racing cars or aircraft.

con|strue /kənstruː / (construes , construing , construed ) VERB If something is construed in a particular way, its nature or meaning is interpreted in that way. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�as ] What may seem helpful behaviour to you can be construed as interference by others. □�[V n +�as ] He may construe the approach as a hostile act. □�[V n prep/adv] We are taught to construe these terms in a particular way.

con|sul /kɒ ns ə l/ (consuls ) N‑COUNT A consul is an official who is sent by his or her government to live in a foreign city in order to look after all the people there that belong to his or her own country.

con|su|lar /kɒ nsjʊlə r , [AM ] -sə-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Consular means involving or relating to a consul or the work of a consul. □� If you need to return to the U.K. quickly, British Consular officials may be able to arrange it.

con|su|late /kɒ nsjʊlət, [AM ] -sə-/ (consulates ) N‑COUNT A consulate is the place where a consul works. □� They managed to make contact with the British consulate in Lyons.

con|sult ◆◇◇ /kənsʌ lt/ (consults , consulting , consulted )

1 VERB If you consult an expert or someone senior to you or consultwith them, you ask them for their opinion and advice about what you should do or their permission to do something. □�[V n] Consult your doctor about how much exercise you should attempt. □�[V +�with ] He needed to consult with an attorney. □�[V n] If you are in any doubt, consult a financial adviser.

2 VERB If a person or group of people consultswith other people or consults them, they talk and exchange ideas and opinions about what they might decide to do. □�[V +�with ] After consulting with her daughter and manager she decided to take on the part, on her terms. □�[V n] The two countries will have to consult their allies. □�[V ] The umpires consulted quickly.

3 VERB If you consult a book or a map, you look in it or look at it in order to find some information. □�[V n] Consult the chart on page 44 for the correct cooking times. SYNONYMS consult VERB 2

confer:He conferred with Hill and the others in his office.

debate:He likes to debate issues with his friends.

deliberate:The jury deliberated about two hours before returning with the verdict.

discuss:The cabinet met today to discuss how to respond to the ultimatum.

con|sul|tan|cy /kənsʌ ltənsi/ (consultancies )

1 N‑COUNT A consultancy is a company that gives expert advice on a particular subject. □� A survey of 57 hospitals by Newchurch, a consultancy, reveals striking improvements.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Consultancy is expert advice on a particular subject which a person or group is paid to provide to a company or organization. □� The project provides both consultancy and training.

con|sult|ant ◆◇◇ /kənsʌ ltənt/ (consultants )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A consultant is an experienced doctor with a high position, who specializes in one area of medicine. [mainly BRIT ] □� Shirley's brother is now a consultant heart surgeon in Sweden. in AM, usually use specialist2 N‑COUNT A consultant is a person who gives expert advice to a person or organization on a particular subject. □� �a team of management consultants sent in to reorganise the department. SYNONYMS consultant NOUN 2

specialist:�a specialist in diseases of the nervous system.

adviser:�a careers adviser.

authority:He's universally recognized as an authority on Russian affairs.

expert:�an expert on trade in that area.

con|sul|ta|tion /kɒ nsəlte I ʃ ə n/ (consultations )

1 N‑VAR A consultation is a meeting which is held to discuss something. Consultation is discussion about something. □�[+�with ] Next week he'll be in Florida for consultations with the President. □�[+�with ] The plans were drawn up in consultation with the World Health Organisation.

2 N‑VAR A consultationwith a doctor or other expert is a meeting with them to discuss a particular problem and get their advice. Consultation is the process of getting advice from a doctor or other expert. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�with ] A personal diet plan is devised after a consultation with a nutritionist.

3 N‑COUNT A consultation is a meeting where several doctors discuss a patient and his or her condition and treatment. [AM ]

4 N‑UNCOUNT Consultation of a book or other source of information is looking at it in order to find out certain facts. □� The studies available for consultation should help to avoid the pitfalls.

con|sul|ta|tive /kənsʌ ltət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A consultative committee or document gives advice or makes proposals about a particular problem or subject. □� �the consultative committee on local government finance.

con|su lt|ing room (consulting rooms ) N‑COUNT A doctor's or therapist's consulting room is the room in which they see their patients. [BRIT ] in AM, use doctor's office

con|sum|able /kənsjuː məb ə l, [AM ] -suː -/ (consumables ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Consumable goods are items which are intended to be bought, used, and then replaced. □� �demand for consumable articles. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Consumable is also a noun. □� Suppliers add computer consumables, office equipment and furniture to their product range.

con|sume /kənsjuː m, [AM ] -suː m/ (consumes , consuming , consumed )

1 VERB If you consume something, you eat or drink it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Many people experienced a drop in their cholesterol levels when they consumed oat bran.

2 VERB To consume an amount of fuel, energy, or time means to use it up. □�[V n] New refrigerators consume 70 percent less electricity than older models.

3 VERB If a feeling or idea consumes you, it affects you very strongly indeed. □�[V n] The memories consumed him.

4 →�see also consumed , consuming

con|sumed /kənsjuː md, [AM ] -suː md/ ADJ If you are consumedwith a feeling or idea, it affects you very strongly indeed. [LITERARY ] □�[+�with/by ] They are consumed with jealousy at her success.

con|sum|er ◆◆◇ /kənsjuː mə r , [AM ] -suː -/ (consumers ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A consumer is a person who buys things or uses services. □� �improving public services and consumer rights. SYNONYMS consumer NOUN 1

buyer:Car buyers are more interested in safety and reliability than speed.

customer:Our customers have very tight budgets.

con|su m|er cre d|it N‑UNCOUNT Consumer credit is money that is lent to people by organizations such as banks, building societies, and shops so that they can buy things. □� New consumer credit fell to $3.7 billion in August.

con|su m|er du |rable (consumer durables ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Consumer durables are goods which are expected to last a long time, and are bought infrequently. [BRIT ] in AM, use durable goods

con|su m|er goods N‑PLURAL Consumer goods are items bought by people for their own use, rather than by businesses. Compare capital goods .

con|sum|er|ism /kənsjuː mər I zəm, [AM ] -suː -/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Consumerism is the belief that it is good to buy and use a lot of goods. □� They have clearly embraced Western consumerism.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Consumerism is the protection of the rights and interests of consumers.

con|sum|er|ist /kənsjuː mər I st, [AM ] -suː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Consumerist economies are ones which encourage people to consume a lot of goods. [BUSINESS , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �our consumerist society.

co n|sum|er so|ci |ety (consumer societies ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use consumer society to refer to a society where people think that spending money on goods and services is very important.

con|sum|ing /kənsjuː m I ŋ, [AM ] -suː -/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A consuming passion or interest is more important to you than anything else. □� He has developed a consuming passion for chess.

2 →�see also consume , time-consuming

con|sum|mate /kɒ nsəme I t/ (consummates , consummating , consummated ) The adjective is pronounced /kɒ nsʌmət/. The verb is pronounced /kɒ nsəme I t/. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use consummate to describe someone who is extremely skilful. [FORMAL ] □� He acted the part with consummate skill. □� Those familiar with Sanders call him a consummate politician.

2 VERB If two people consummate a marriage or relationship, they make it complete by having sex. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They consummated their passion only after many hesitations and delays.

con|sump|tion /kənsʌ mpʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The consumption of fuel or natural resources is the amount of them that is used or the act of using them. □� The laws have led to a reduction in fuel consumption in the U.S. □�[+�of ] �a tax on the consumption of non-renewable energy resources.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The consumption of food or drink is the act of eating or drinking something, or the amount that is eaten or drunk. [FORMAL ] □� Most of the wine was unfit for human consumption. □�[+�of ] The average daily consumption of fruit and vegetables is around 200 grams.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Consumption is the act of buying and using things. □� Recycling the waste from our increased consumption is better than burning it.

4 →�see also conspicuous consumption

con|sump|tive /kənsʌ mpt I v/ ADJ A consumptive person suffers from tuberculosis . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

cont.Cont. is an abbreviation for 'continued', which is used at the bottom of a page to indicate that a letter or text continues on another page.

con|tact ◆◆◇ /kɒ nt�kt/ (contacts , contacting , contacted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Contact involves meeting or communicating with someone, especially regularly. □�[+�with ] Opposition leaders are denying any contact with the rebels. □�[+�between ] He forbade contacts between directors and executives outside his presence.

2 PHRASE If you are in contactwith someone, you regularly meet them or communicate with them. □�[+�with ] He was in direct contact with the kidnappers. □� We do keep in contact.

3 VERB If you contact someone, you telephone them, write to them, or go to see them in order to tell or ask them something. □�[V n] Contact the Tourist Information Bureau for further details. □�[V n] When she first contacted me, Frances was upset.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Your contact details or number are information such as a telephone number where you can be contacted. □� You must leave your full name and contact details when you phone.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If you come into contact with someone or something, you meet that person or thing in the course of your work or other activities. □� The college has brought me into contact with western ideas.

6 PHRASE If you make contactwith someone, you find out where they are and talk or write to them. □� Then, after she had become famous, he tried to make contact with her.

7 PHRASE If you lose contactwith someone who you have been friendly with, you no longer see them, speak to them, or write to them. □� Though they all live nearby, I lost contact with them really quickly. □� Mother and son lost contact when Nicholas was in his early twenties.

8 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/into N with n] When people or things are in contact , they are touching each other. □� They compared how these organisms behaved when left in contact with different materials. □� The cry occurs when air is brought into contact with the baby's larynx. □� There was no physical contact, nor did I want any.

9 N‑UNCOUNT Radio contact is communication by means of radio. □�[+�with ] The plane lost contact with the control tower shortly after take-off.

10 N‑COUNT A contact is someone you know in an organization or profession who helps you or gives you information. □� Their contact in the United States Embassy was called Phil.

11to make eye contact →�see eye

co n|tact lens (contact lenses ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Contact lenses are small plastic lenses that you put on the surface of your eyes to help you see better, instead of wearing glasses.

con|tact|less /kɒ nt�ktl I s/ ADJ A contactless credit card or payment system uses technology that recognizes electronic data, and does not require the customer's signature or personal identification number. □� The new system is designed to provide contactless travel cards for use on trains and buses.

con|ta|gion /kənte I dʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Contagion is the spreading of a particular disease by someone touching another person who is already affected by the disease. □� They have been reluctant to admit AIDS patients, in part because of unfounded fears of contagion.

con|ta|gious /kənte I dʒəs/

1 ADJ A disease that is contagious can be caught by touching people or things that are infected with it. Compare infectious . □� �a highly contagious disease of the lungs.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A feeling or attitude that is contagious spreads quickly among a group of people. □� Antonio has a contagious enthusiasm for the beautiful aspect of food.

con|tain ◆◆◇ /kənte I n/ (contains , containing , contained )

1 VERB [no cont] If something such as a box, bag, room, or place contains things, those things are inside it. □�[V n] The bag contained a Christmas card. □�[V n] Factory shops contain a wide range of cheap furnishings. □�[V n] The 77,000-acre estate contains five of the highest peaks in Scotland.

2 VERB [no cont] If a substance contains something, that thing is a part of it. □�[V n] Most of that old paint contains lead, which is hazardous if ingested.

3 VERB [no cont] If writing, speech, or film contains particular information, ideas, or images, it includes them. □�[V n] This sheet contained a list of problems a patient might like to raise with the doctor. □�[V n] The two discs also contain two of Britten's lesser-known song-cycles.

4 VERB [no cont] If a group or organization contains a certain number of people, those are the people that are in it. □�[V n] The committee contains 11 Democrats and nine Republicans.

5 VERB If you contain something, you control it and prevent it from spreading or increasing. □�[V n] More than a hundred firefighters are still trying to contain the fire at the plant.

6 VERB If you cannot contain a feeling such as excitement or anger, or if you cannot containyourself , you cannot prevent yourself from showing your feelings. □�[V pron-refl] He was bursting with curiosity and just couldn't contain himself. □�[V n] Evans could barely contain his delight: 'I'm so proud of her,' he said.

7 →�see also self-contained SYNONYMS contain VERB 1

hold:The small bottles don't seem to hold much.

include:The list includes many British internationals.

accommodate:The school was not big enough to accommodate all the children.

enclose:Enclose the pot in a clear polythene bag.

con|tain|er /kənte I nə r / (containers )

1 N‑COUNT A container is something such as a box or bottle that is used to hold or store things in. □� �the plastic containers in which fish are stored and sold.

2 N‑COUNT A container is a very large metal or wooden box used for transporting goods so that they can be loaded easily onto ships and lorries.

con|tai n|er ship (container ships ) N‑COUNT A container ship is a ship that is designed for carrying goods that are packed in large metal or wooden boxes.

con|tain|ment /kənte I nmənt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Containment is the action or policy of keeping another country's power or area of control within acceptable limits or boundaries.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The containmentof something dangerous or unpleasant is the act or process of keeping it under control within a particular area or place. □�[+�of ] Fire crews are hoping they can achieve full containment of the fire before the winds pick up.

con|tami|nant /kənt� m I nənt/ (contaminants ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A contaminant is something that contaminates a substance such as water or food. [FORMAL ] □� Contaminants found in poultry will also be found in their eggs.

con|tami|nate /kənt� m I ne I t/ (contaminates , contaminating , contaminated ) VERB If something is contaminatedby waste, dirt, chemicals, or radiation, it is made dirty or harmful. □�[be V -ed] Have any fish been contaminated in the Arctic Ocean? □�[V -ed] �vast tracts of empty land, much of it contaminated by years of army activity. [Also V n] ●� con|tami|nat|ed ADJ □�[+�with ] Nuclear weapons plants across the country are heavily contaminated with toxic wastes. □� More than 100,000 people could fall ill after drinking contaminated water. ●� con|tami|na|tion /kənt� m I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the contamination of the ocean by plastic.

con|tem|plate /kɒ ntəmple I t/ (contemplates , contemplating , contemplated )

1 VERB If you contemplate an action, you think about whether to do it or not. □�[V n] For a time he contemplated a career as an army medical doctor. □�[V v-ing] She contemplates leaving for the sake of the kids.

2 VERB If you contemplate an idea or subject, you think about it carefully for a long time. □�[V n] As he lay in his hospital bed that night, he cried as he contemplated his future. ●� con|tem|pla|tion /kɒ ntəmple I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� It is a place of quiet contemplation.

3 VERB If you contemplate something or someone, you look at them for a long time. □�[V n] He contemplated his hands, still frowning. ●� con|tem|pla|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] He was lost in the contemplation of the landscape for a while.

con|tem|pla|tive /kənte mplət I v/ ADJ Someone who is contemplative thinks deeply, or is thinking in a serious and calm way. □� Martin is a quiet, contemplative sort of chap.

con|tem|po|ra|neous /kənte mpəre I niəs/ ADJ If two events or situations are contemporaneous , they happen or exist during the same period of time. [FORMAL ] □� No recording or contemporaneous note was made of the conversation with Mr Diamond.

con|tem|po|rary ◆◇◇ /kənte mpərəri, [AM ] -pəreri/ (contemporaries )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Contemporary things are modern and relate to the present time. □� They wanted traditional music; he felt more contemporary music would aid outreach. □� Only the names are ancient; the characters are modern and contemporary.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Contemporary people or things were alive or happened at the same time as something else you are talking about. □� �drawing upon official records and the reports of contemporary witnesses.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Someone's contemporary is a person who is or was alive at the same time as them. □� Like most of my contemporaries, I grew up in a vastly different world. SYNONYMS contemporary ADJ 1

modern:�the problem of materialism in modern society.

current:Current thinking suggests that toxins only have a small part to play.

up-to-date:�Germany's most up-to-date electric power station.

recent:Sales have fallen by more than 75 percent in recent years.

present-day:Even by present-day standards these were large aircraft.

con|tempt /kənte mpt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have contemptfor someone or something, you have no respect for them or think that they are unimportant. □�[+�for ] He has contempt for those beyond his immediate family circle. □� I hope voters will treat his advice with the contempt it deserves.

2 PHRASE If you hold someone or something in contempt , you feel contempt for them. □� Small wonder that many voters hold their politicians in contempt.

3familiarity breeds contempt →�see familiarity

con|tempt|ible /kənte mpt I b ə l/ ADJ If you feel that someone or something is contemptible , you feel strong dislike and disrespect for them. [FORMAL ] □� �this contemptible act of violence.

con|te mpt of cou rt N‑UNCOUNT Contempt of court is the criminal offence of disobeying an instruction from a judge or a court of law. [LEGAL ] □� He faced imprisonment for contempt of court.

con|temp|tu|ous /kənte mptʃuəs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are contemptuousof someone or something, you do not like or respect them at all. □�[+�of ] He's openly contemptuous of all the major political parties. □� She gave a contemptuous little laugh.

con|tend /kənte nd/ (contends , contending , contended )

1 VERB If you have to contend with a problem or difficulty, you have to deal with it or overcome it. □�[V +�with ] It is time, once again, to contend with racism. □�[V +�with ] American businesses could soon have a new kind of lawsuit to contend with.

2 VERB If you contendthat something is true, you state or argue that it is true. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] The government contends that he is fundamentalist.

3 VERB If you contendwith someone for something such as power, you compete with them to try to get it. □�[V +�for ] �the two main groups contending for power. □�[V +�with ] �with 10 U.K. construction yards contending with rivals from Norway, Holland, Italy and Spain. □�[V -ing] �a binding political settlement between the contending parties.

con|tend|er /kənte ndə r / (contenders ) N‑COUNT A contender is someone who takes part in a competition. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�for ] Her trainer said yesterday that she would be a strong contender for a place in Britain's Commonwealth squad. [Also +�in ]

content

➊�NOUN USES

➋�ADJECTIVE AND VERB USES

➊ con|tent ◆◇◇ /kɒ ntent/ (contents )

1 N‑PLURAL The contents of a container such as a bottle, box, or room are the things that are inside it. □�[+�of ] Empty the contents of the pan into the sieve. □� Sandon Hall and its contents will be auctioned by Sotheby's on October 6.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the content or contents of something such as a book, speech, or television programme, you are referring to the subject that it deals with, the story that it tells, or the ideas that it expresses. □�[+�of ] She is reluctant to discuss the content of the play. □� The letter's contents were not disclosed.

3 N‑PLURAL The contents of a book are its different chapters and sections, usually shown in a list at the beginning of the book. □� There is no initial list of contents.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The content of something such as an educational course or a programme of action is the elements that it consists of. □� Previous students have had nothing but praise for the course content and staff.

5 N‑SING [n N ] You can use content to refer to the amount or proportion of something that a substance contains. □� Sunflower margarine has the same fat content as butter.

➋ con|tent /kənte nt/ (contents , contenting , contented )

→�Please look at category 4 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are contentwith something, you are willing to accept it, rather than wanting something more or something better. □�[+�with ] I'm perfectly content with the way the campaign has gone. □�[+�with ] Not content with rescuing one theatre, Sally Green has taken on another.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are content , you are fairly happy or satisfied. □� He says his daughter is quite content.

3 VERB If you contentyourself with something, you accept it and do not try to do or have other things. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] He wisely contented himself with his family and his love of nature. □�[V pron-refl +�with/by ] Most manufacturers content themselves with updating existing models.

4to your heart's content →�see heart

con|tent|ed /kənte nt I d/ ADJ If you are contented , you are satisfied with your life or the situation you are in. □� Whenever he returns to this place he is happy and contented. □� She was gazing at him with a soft, contented smile on her face.

con|ten|tion /kənte nʃ ə n/ (contentions )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's contention is the idea or opinion that they are expressing in an argument or discussion. □� This evidence supports their contention that the outbreak of violence was prearranged.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n of N ] If something is a cause ofcontention , it is a cause of disagreement or argument. □� A particular source of contention is plans to privatise state-run companies.

3 →�see also bone of contention

4 PHRASE If you are in contention in a contest, you have a chance of winning it. □�[+�for ] He was in contention for a place in the European championship squad.

con|ten|tious /kənte nʃəs/ ADJ A contentious issue causes a lot of disagreement or arguments. [FORMAL ] □� Sanctions are expected to be among the most contentious issues. □� �a country where land prices are politically contentious.

con|tent|ment /kənte ntmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Contentment is a feeling of quiet happiness and satisfaction. □� I cannot describe the feeling of contentment that was with me at that time.

co n|tent pro|vi d|er (content providers ) N‑COUNT A content provider is a company that supplies material such as text, music, or images for use on websites. [COMPUTING ] □� �content providers such as CNN and MTV.

con|test ◆◇◇ (contests , contesting , contested ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ ntest/. The verb is pronounced /kənte st/. 1 N‑COUNT A contest is a competition or game in which people try to win. □� Few contests in the recent history of British boxing have been as thrilling. □� �a writing contest.

2 →�see also beauty contest

3 N‑COUNT A contest is a struggle to win power or control. □� The state election due in November will be the last such ballot before next year's presidential contest. □�[+�between ] �a clear contest between church and state.

4 VERB If someone contests an election or competition, they take part in it and try to win it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] He quickly won his party's nomination to contest the elections. □�[V -ed] �a closely contested regional flower show.

5 VERB If you contest a statement or decision, you object to it formally because you think it is wrong or unreasonable. □�[V n] Your former employer has to reply within 14 days in order to contest the case. □�[V -ed] Gender discrimination is a hotly-contested issue.

con|test|ant /kənte stənt/ (contestants ) N‑COUNT A contestant in a competition or quiz is a person who takes part in it.

con|text ◆◇◇ /kɒ ntekst/ (contexts )

1 N‑VAR [oft adj N ] The contextof an idea or event is the general situation that relates to it, and which helps it to be understood. □�[+�of ] We are doing this work in the context of reforms in the economic, social and cultural spheres. □� �the historical context in which Chaucer wrote.

2 N‑VAR The context of a word, sentence, or text consists of the words, sentences, or text before and after it which help to make its meaning clear. □� Without a context, I would have assumed it was written by a man.

3 PHRASE If something is seen in context or if it is put into context , it is considered together with all the factors that relate to it. □� Taxation is not popular in principle, merely acceptable in context. □� It is important that we put Jesus into the context of history.

4 PHRASE If a statement or remark is quoted out of context , the circumstances in which it was said are not correctly reported, so that it seems to mean something different from the meaning that was intended. □� Thomas says that he has been taken out of context on the issue. SYNONYMS context NOUN 1

circumstances:The strategy was too dangerous in the explosive circumstances of the times.

times:We are in one of the most severe recessions in modern times.

conditions:The conditions are ripe for the spread of disease.

situation:Army officers said the situation was under control.

con|tex|tual /kənte kstʃuəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A contextual issue or account relates to the context of something. [FORMAL ] □� The writer builds up a clever contextual picture of upper-class life.

con|tigu|ous /kənt I gjuəs/ ADJ Things that are contiguous are next to each other or touch each other. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] Its vineyards are virtually contiguous with those of Ausone. □�[+�to ] �two years of travel throughout the 48 contiguous states.

con|ti|nent ◆◇◇ /kɒ nt I nənt/ (continents )

1 N‑COUNT A continent is a very large area of land, such as Africa or Asia, that consists of several countries. □� She loved the African continent. □� Dinosaurs evolved when most continents were joined in a single land mass.

2 N‑PROPER People sometimes use the Continent to refer to the continent of Europe except for Britain. [mainly BRIT ] □� Its shops are among the most stylish on the Continent.

con|ti|nen|tal /kɒ nt I ne nt ə l/ (continentals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Continental means situated on or belonging to the continent of Europe except for Britain. [mainly BRIT ] □� He sees no signs of improvement in the U.K. and continental economy.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A continental is someone who comes from the continent of Europe. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone or something as continental , you think that they are typical of the continent of Europe. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Continental is used to refer to something that belongs to or relates to a continent. □� The most ancient parts of the continental crust are 4000 million years old.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The continental United States consists of all the states which are situated on the continent of North America, as opposed to Hawaii and territories such as the Virgin Islands. [mainly AM ] □� Shipping is included on orders sent within the continental U.S.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Continental means existing or happening in the American colonies during the American Revolution. [AM ] □� �George Washington, Commander of the Continental Army.

7 N‑COUNT Continentals were soldiers who fought in the Continental Army against the British in the American Revolution. [AM ]

co n|ti|nen|tal brea k|fast (continental breakfasts ) N‑COUNT A continental breakfast is breakfast that consists of food such as bread, butter, jam, and a hot drink. There is no cooked food.

co n|ti|nen|tal dri ft N‑UNCOUNT Continental drift is the slow movement of the Earth's continents towards and away from each other.

co n|ti|nen|tal she lf N‑UNCOUNT Thecontinental shelf is the area which forms the edge of a continent, ending in a steep slope to the depths of the ocean. □� �the deep water off the Continental Shelf.

con|tin|gen|cy /kənt I ndʒ ə nsi/ (contingencies )

1 N‑VAR A contingency is something that might happen in the future. [FORMAL ] □� I need to examine all possible contingencies.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A contingency plan or measure is one that is intended to be used if a possible situation actually occurs. [FORMAL ] □� We have contingency plans.

con|tin|gent /kənt I ndʒ ə nt/ (contingents )

1 N‑COUNT A contingentof police, soldiers, or military vehicles is a group of them. [FORMAL ] □� There were contingents from the navies of virtually all E.U. countries.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A contingent is a group of people representing a country or organization at a meeting or other event. [FORMAL ] □� The strong British contingent suffered mixed fortunes.

3 ADJ If something is contingenton something else, the first thing depends on the second in order to happen or exist. [FORMAL ] □�[+�on/upon ] In effect, growth is contingent on improved incomes for the mass of the low-income population.

con|tin|ual /kənt I njuəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A continual process or situation happens or exists without stopping. □� The school has been in continual use since 1883. □� Despite continual pain, he refused all drugs. ●� con|tinu|al|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She cried almost continually and threw temper tantrums.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Continual events happen again and again. □� �the government's continual demands for cash to finance its chronic deficit. □� She suffered continual police harassment. ●� con|tinu|al|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Malcolm was continually changing his mind.

con|tinu|ance /kənt I njuəns/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The continuance of something is its continuation. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �thus ensuring the continuance of the human species.

con|tinu|ation /kənt I njue I ʃ ə n/ (continuations )

1 N‑VAR [usu with poss] The continuationof something is the fact that it continues, rather than stopping. □�[+�of ] It's the coalition forces who are to blame for the continuation of the war.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a continuation of something else is closely connected with it or forms part of it. □�[+�of ] It would just be a continuation of previous visits he has made to Israel.

con|tinue ◆◆◆ /kənt I njuː/ (continues , continuing , continued )

1 VERB If someone or something continuesto do something, they keep doing it and do not stop. □�[V to-inf] I hope they continue to fight for equal justice after I'm gone. □�[V to-inf] Interest rates continue to fall. □�[V v-ing] They are determined to continue working when they reach retirement age. □�[V +�with ] There is no reason why you should not continue with any sport or activity you already enjoy.

2 VERB If something continues or if you continue it, it does not stop happening. □�[V ] He insisted that the conflict would continue until conditions were met for a ceasefire. □�[V n] Outside the building people continue their vigil, huddling around bonfires. □�[V -ed] �the continued existence of a species.

3 VERB If you continue with something, you start doing it again after a break or interruption. □�[V +�with ] I went up to my room to continue with my packing. □�[V v-ing] She looked up for a moment, then continued drawing.

4 VERB If something continues or if you continue it, it starts again after a break or interruption. □�[V ] He denies 18 charges. The trial continues today. □�[V n] Once, he did dive for cover but he soon reappeared and continued his activities.

5 VERB If you continue , you begin speaking again after a pause or interruption. □�[V with quote] 'You have no right to intimidate this man,' Alison continued. □�[V ] Tony drank some coffee before he continued. □�[V ] Please continue.

6 VERB If you continueas something or continue in a particular state, you remain in a particular job or state. □�[V +�as ] He had hoped to continue as a full-time career officer. □�[V prep] For ten days I continued in this state.

7 VERB If you continue in a particular direction, you keep walking or travelling in that direction. □�[V prep/adv] He continued rapidly up the path, not pausing until he neared the house.

con|ti nu|ing edu|ca |tion N‑UNCOUNT Continuing education is education for adults in a variety of subjects, most of which are practical, not academic.

con|ti|nu|ity /kɒ nt I njuː I ti, [AM ] -nuː -/ (continuities )

1 N‑VAR Continuity is the fact that something continues to happen or exist, with no great changes or interruptions. □� An historical awareness also imparts a sense of continuity. □�[+�of ] �a tank designed to ensure continuity of fuel supply during aerobatics.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In film making, continuity is the way that things filmed at different times are made to look as if they were filmed at the same time or in the right sequence. [TECHNICAL ] □� Walt and I referred to the original footage to check continuity and lighting.

con|ti|nu |ity an|nounc|er (continuity announcers ) N‑COUNT A continuity announcer is someone who introduces the next programme on a radio or television station.

con|tinu|ous /kənt I njuəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A continuous process or event continues for a period of time without stopping. □� Residents report that they heard continuous gunfire. □� �all employees who had a record of five years' continuous employment with the firm. ●� con|tinu|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The civil war has raged almost continuously for ten years. □� It is the oldest continuously-inhabited city in America.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A continuous line or surface has no gaps or holes in it. □� �a continuous line of boats.

3 ADJ In English grammar, continuous verb groups are formed using the auxiliary 'be' and the present participle of a verb, as in 'I'm feeling a bit tired' and 'She had been watching them for some time'. Continuous verb groups are used especially when you are focusing on a particular moment. Compare simple .

con|ti nu|ous as|se ss|ment N‑UNCOUNT If pupils or students undergo continuous assessment , they get qualifications partly or entirely based on the work they do during the year, rather than on exam results. [BRIT ]

con|tin|uum /kənt I njuəm/ (continua /kənt I njuə/ or continuums ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A continuum is a set of things on a scale, which have a particular characteristic to different degrees. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] These various complaints are part of a continuum of ill-health.

con|tort /kəntɔː r t/ (contorts , contorting , contorted ) VERB If someone's face or body contorts or is contorted , it moves into an unnatural and unattractive shape or position. □�[V ] His face contorts as he screams out the lyrics. □�[V n] The gentlest of her caresses would contort his already tense body. □�[V -ed] Brenner was breathing hard, his face contorted with pain.

con|tor|tion /kəntɔː r ʃ ə n/ (contortions ) N‑COUNT Contortions are movements of your body or face into unusual shapes or positions. □�[+�of ] I had to admire the contortions of the gymnasts.

con|tor|tion|ist /kəntɔː r ʃən I st/ (contortionists ) N‑COUNT A contortionist is someone who twists their body into strange and unnatural shapes and positions in order to entertain other people, for example in a circus.

con|tour /kɒ ntʊə r / (contours )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to the general shape or outline of an object as its contours . [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the texture and colour of the skin, the contours of the body.

2 N‑COUNT A contour on a map is a line joining points of equal height and indicating hills, valleys, and the steepness of slopes. □� �a contour map showing two hills and this large mountain in the middle.

con|toured /kɒ ntʊə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] A contoured surface has curves and slopes on it, rather than being flat. □� �the lush fairways and contoured greens of the course. □� Sophia settled into her comfortably-contoured seat.

contra|band /kɒ ntrəb�nd/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Contraband refers to goods that are taken into or out of a country illegally. □� Most of the city markets were flooded with contraband goods.

contra|cep|tion /kɒ ntrəse pʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Contraception refers to methods of preventing pregnancy. □� Use a reliable method of contraception.

contra|cep|tive /kɒ ntrəse pt I v/ (contraceptives )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A contraceptive method or device is a method or a device which a woman uses to prevent herself from becoming pregnant. □� It was at that time she started taking the contraceptive pill.

2 N‑COUNT A contraceptive is a device or drug that prevents a woman from becoming pregnant. □� �oral contraceptives.

con|tract ◆◆◇ (contracts , contracting , contracted ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ ntr�kt/. The verb is pronounced /kəntr� kt/. 1 N‑COUNT A contract is a legal agreement, usually between two companies or between an employer and employee, which involves doing work for a stated sum of money. □� The company won a prestigious contract for work on Europe's tallest building. □� He was given a seven-year contract with an annual salary of $150,000.

2 VERB If you contractwith someone to do something, you legally agree to do it for them or for them to do it for you. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] You can contract with us to deliver your cargo. □�[V to-inf] The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has already contracted to lease part of its collection to a museum in Japan.

3 VERB When something contracts or when something contracts it, it becomes smaller or shorter. □�[V ] Blood is only expelled from the heart when it contracts. □�[V n] New research shows that an excess of meat and salt can contract muscles. ●� con|trac|tion /kəntr� kʃ ə n/ (contractions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the contraction and expansion of blood vessels. □� Foods and fluids are mixed in the stomach by its muscular contractions.

4 VERB When something such as an economy or market contracts , it becomes smaller. □�[V ] The manufacturing economy contracted in October for the sixth consecutive month.

5 VERB [no cont] If you contract a serious illness, you become ill with it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He contracted the disease from a blood transfusion. □�[V -ed] Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer contracted by women.

6 VERB If you contract a marriage, alliance, or other relationship with someone, you arrange to have that relationship with them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She contracted a formal marriage to a British ex-serviceman.

7 N‑COUNT If there is a contracton a person or on their life, someone has made an arrangement to have them killed. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] The convictions resulted in the local crime bosses putting a contract on him.

8 PHRASE If you are under contractto someone, you have signed a contract agreeing to work for them, and for no-one else, during a fixed period of time. □� By now she was under contract to MGM and on her way to Hollywood.

▸� contract out

1 PHRASAL VERB If a company contracts out work, they employ other companies to do it. [BUSINESS ] □�[V P n +�to ] Firms can contract out work to one another. □�[V P n] When Barclays Bank contracted out its cleaning, the new company was cheaper. □�[V n P ] �the trend of contracting services out rather than performing them in-house. [Also V n P +�to , V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If a person or group contracts outof a system or scheme, they formally say that they do not want to take part in it. [BRIT ] □�[V P +�of ] Employees can contract out of their employer's occupational pension scheme. □�[V P ] �a deal which converts into a pay-as-you-go service unless you contract out. SYNONYMS contract NOUN 1

agreement:It looks as though a compromise agreement has now been reached.

deal:The two sides tried and failed to come to a deal.

pact:Last month the two countries signed a new non-aggression pact.

settlement:They are not optimistic about a settlement of the eleven-year conflict. VERB 3

constrict:Severe migraine can be treated with a drug which constricts the blood vessels.

tighten:Sofia's throat had tightened and she couldn't speak.

shorten:As they shorten, cells become more prone to disease and death.

con|trac|tion /kəntr� kʃ ə n/ (contractions )

1 N‑COUNT When a woman who is about to give birth has contractions , she experiences a very strong, painful tightening of the muscles of her womb.

2 N‑COUNT A contraction is a shortened form of a word or words. □�[+�for ] 'It's' (with an apostrophe) should be used only as a contraction for 'it is'.

3 →�see also contract

con|trac|tor /kɒ ntr�ktə r , kəntr� k-/ (contractors ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A contractor is a person or company that does work for other people or organizations. [BUSINESS ] □� �a major U.S. defense contractor.

con|trac|tual /kəntr� ktʃuəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A contractual arrangement or relationship involves a legal agreement between people. [FORMAL ] □� The company has not fulfilled certain contractual obligations. ●� con|trac|tu|al|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj] □� Rank was contractually obliged to hand him a cheque for $30 million.

contra|dict /kɒ ntrəd I kt/ (contradicts , contradicting , contradicted )

1 VERB If you contradict someone, you say that what they have just said is wrong, or suggest that it is wrong by saying something different. □�[V n] She dared not contradict him. □�[V n] His comments appeared to contradict remarks made earlier in the day by the chairman. □�[V pron-refl] He often talks in circles, frequently contradicting himself and often ends up saying nothing.

2 VERB If one statement or piece of evidence contradicts another, the first one makes the second one appear to be wrong. □�[V n] The result seems to contradict a major U.S. study reported last November.

contra|dic|tion /kɒ ntrəd I kʃ ə n/ (contradictions ) N‑COUNT If you describe an aspect of a situation as a contradiction , you mean that it is completely different from other aspects, and so makes the situation confused or difficult to understand. □�[+�of ] The performance seemed to me unpardonable, a contradiction of all that the competition is supposed to be. □� The militants see no contradiction in using violence to bring about a religious state.

contra|dic|tory /kɒ ntrəd I ktəri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ If two or more facts, ideas, or statements are contradictory , they state or imply that opposite things are true. □� Customs officials have made a series of contradictory statements about the equipment. □� �advice that sometimes is contradictory and confusing.

contra|flow /kɒ ntrəfloʊ/ (contraflows ) N‑COUNT A contraflow is a situation in which vehicles travelling on a main road in one direction have to use lanes that are normally used by traffic travelling in the opposite direction, because the road is being repaired. [BRIT ] □� �a contraflow between Junctions Eleven and Twelve of the M5.

contra|in|di|ca|tion /kɒ ntrə I nd I ke I ʃ ə n/ (contraindications ) also contra-indication N‑COUNT [usu pl] Contraindications are specific medical reasons for not using a particular treatment for a medical condition in the usual way. [MEDICAL ] □�[+�for ] Contraindications for this drug include liver or kidney impairment.

con|tral|to /kəntr� ltoʊ/ (contraltos ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A contralto is a woman with a low singing voice. □� The score calls for a contralto. □� I had a very low contralto voice.

con|trap|tion /kəntr� pʃ ə n/ (contraptions ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a device or machine as a contraption , especially when it looks strange or you do not know what it is used for. □� Wearers use the strange contraption for facial exercises.

con|trar|ian /kəntreə riən/ (contrarians ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A contrarian is a person who deliberately behaves in a way that is different from the people around them. [FORMAL ] □� He is by nature a contrarian. □� �the young contrarian intellectual.

con|tra|ry /kɒ ntrəri, [AM ] -treri/

1 ADJ Ideas, attitudes, or reactions that are contraryto each other are completely different from each other. □�[+�to ] This view is contrary to the aims of critical social research for a number of reasons. □� Several of those present, including Weinberger, had contrary information.

2 PHRASE If you say that something is true contrary to other people's beliefs or opinions, you are emphasizing that it is true and that they are wrong. [EMPHASIS ] □� Contrary to popular belief, moderate exercise actually decreases your appetite.

3 PHRASE You use on the contrary when you have just said or implied that something is not true and are going to say that the opposite is true. □� It is not an idea around which the Community can unite. On the contrary, I see it as one that will divide us.

4 PHRASE You can use on the contrary when you are disagreeing strongly with something that has just been said or implied, or are making a strong negative reply. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'People just don't do things like that.'�'On the contrary, they do them all the time.'

5 PHRASE You can use quite the contrary to emphasize a previous negative statement, or when you are making a strong negative reply. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm not a feminist, quite the contrary.

6 PHRASE When a particular idea is being considered, evidence or statements to the contrary suggest that this idea is not true or that the opposite is true. □� He stuck to his assumption despite growing evidence to the contrary. USAGE contrary

Don�t say �on the contrary� when you are going to mention something that gives a different opinion from something you have just said. Don�t say, for example, � I don�t like living in the centre of the town. On the contrary, it�s useful when you want to buy something '. Say �I don�t like living in the centre of the town. On the other hand , it�s useful when you want to buy something�. □� It�s a difficult job. But, on the other hand , the salary is good.

con|trast ◆◇◇ (contrasts , contrasting , contrasted ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ ntrɑːst, -tr�st/. The verb is pronounced /kəntrɑː st, -tr� st/. 1 N‑VAR A contrast is a great difference between two or more things which is clear when you compare them. □�[+�between ] �the contrast between town and country. □� The two visitors provided a startling contrast in appearance. □� Silk was used with wool for contrast.

2 PHRASE You say by contrast or in contrast , or in contrast to something, to show that you are mentioning a very different situation from the one you have just mentioned. □� The private sector, by contrast, has plenty of money to spend. □� In contrast, the lives of girls in well-to-do families were often very sheltered. □� In contrast to similar services in France and Germany, Intercity rolling stock is very rarely idle.

3 PHRASE If one thing is in contrastto another, it is very different from it. □� His public statements have always been in marked contrast to those of his son.

4 N‑COUNT If one thing is a contrastto another, it is very different from it. □�[+�to ] The boy's room is a complete contrast to the guest room. □� �a country of great contrasts.

5 VERB If you contrast one thing with another, you point out or consider the differences between those things. □�[V n +�with ] She contrasted the situation then with the present crisis. □�[V n] In this section we contrast four possible broad approaches.

6 VERB If one thing contrastswith another, it is very different from it. □�[V +�with ] Johnson's easy charm contrasted sharply with the prickliness of his boss. □�[V -ing] Paint the wall in a contrasting colour. [Also V ]

7 N‑UNCOUNT Contrast is the degree of difference between the darker and lighter parts of a photograph, television picture, or painting. COLLOCATIONS contrast NOUN

1

adjective +�contrast : marked, sharp, stark, startling; dynamic

verb +�contrast : offer, provide, show

4

adjective +�contrast : complete, total; interesting, refreshing VERB 6

contrast+�adverb : markedly, sharply, starkly, strikingly; unfavourably SYNONYMS contrast NOUN 1

difference:�the vast difference in size.

disparity:�the great disparity of wealth between rich and poor countries. VERB 5

differentiate:A child may not differentiate between his imagination and the real world.

distinguish:It is necessary to distinguish the policies of two successive governments.

contra|vene /kɒ ntrəviː n/ (contravenes , contravening , contravened ) VERB To contravene a law or rule means to do something that is forbidden by the law or rule. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The Board has banned the film on the grounds that it contravenes criminal libel laws. ●� contra|ven|tion /kɒ ntrəve nʃ ə n/ (contraventions ) N‑VAR [oft in N of n] □�[+�of ] The government has lent millions of pounds to banks in contravention of the laws.

con|tre|temps /kɒ ntrətɒm/ (contretemps ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A contretemps is a small disagreement that is rather embarrassing. [LITERARY ] □�[+�with ] He was briefly arrested in Rome after a contretemps with Italian police.

con|trib|ute ◆◇◇ /kəntr I bjuːt/ (contributes , contributing , contributed )

1 VERB If you contributeto something, you say or do things to help to make it successful. □�[V +�to ] The three sons also contribute to the family business. □�[V n +�to ] He believes he has something to contribute to a discussion concerning the uprising. [Also V ]

2 VERB To contribute money or resources to something means to give money or resources to help pay for something or to help achieve a particular purpose. □�[V n] The U.S. is contributing $4 billion in loans, credits and grants. □�[V n +�to/towards ] NATO officials agreed to contribute troops and equipment to such an operation if the U.N. Security Council asked for it. [Also V ] ●� con|tribu|tor /kəntr I bjʊtə r / (contributors ) N‑COUNT □�[+�to ] �the largest net contributors to E.U. funds.

3 VERB If something contributesto an event or situation, it is one of the causes of it. □�[V +�to ] The report says design faults in both the vessels contributed to the tragedy. □�[V -ing] Stress, both human and mechanical, may also be a contributing factor.

4 VERB If you contributeto a magazine, newspaper, or book, you write things that are published in it. □�[V +�to ] I was asked to contribute to a newspaper article making predictions for the new year. □�[V -ing] He is a contributing editor for Vanity Fair magazine. ●� con|tribu|tor N‑COUNT □�[+�to ] He covers Central America and is a regular contributor to The New Yorker.

con|tri|bu|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ ntr I bjuː ʃ ə n/ (contributions )

1 N‑COUNT If you make a contributionto something, you do something to help make it successful or to produce it. □�[+�to ] He was awarded a prize for his contribution to world peace.

2 N‑COUNT A contribution is a sum of money that you give in order to help pay for something. □�[+�of ] �charitable contributions of a half million dollars or more.

3 N‑COUNT A contributionto a magazine, newspaper, or book is something that you write to be published in it. COLLOCATIONS contribution NOUN

1

adjective +�contribution : important, major, outstanding, significant; positive, solid, valuable

verb +�contribution : make; acknowledge, recognize, value

2

noun +�contribution : employer, pension

adjective +�contribution : charitable, parental, tax-deductible, voluntary

verb +�contribution : increase, pay

con|tribu|tor /kəntr I bjʊtə r / (contributors )

1 N‑COUNT You can use contributor to refer to one of the causes of an event or situation, especially if that event or situation is an unpleasant one. □�[+�to ] Old buses are major contributors to pollution in British cities.

2 →�see also contribute

con|tribu|tory /kəntr I bjʊtəri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A contributory factor of a problem or accident is one of the things which caused it to exist or happen. [FORMAL ] □� We now know that repressing anger is a contributory factor in many physical illnesses.

con|trite /kəntra I t, kɒ ntra I t/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are contrite , you are very sorry because you have done something wrong. [FORMAL ]

con|triv|ance /kəntra I v ə ns/ (contrivances )

1 N‑VAR If you describe something as a contrivance , you disapprove of it because it is unnecessary and artificial. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They wear simple clothes and shun modern contrivances. □� Music with a tendency towards contrivance and lack of substance.

2 N‑COUNT A contrivance is an unfair or dishonest scheme or trick to gain an advantage for yourself. □� �some contrivance to raise prices.

con|trive /kəntra I v/ (contrives , contriving , contrived )

1 VERB If you contrive an event or situation, you succeed in making it happen, often by tricking someone. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The oil companies were accused of contriving a shortage of gasoline to justify price increases.

2 VERB If you contriveto do something difficult, you succeed in doing it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] The orchestra contrived to produce some of its best playing for years.

con|trived /kəntra I vd/

1 ADJ If you say that something someone says or does is contrived , you think it is false and deliberate, rather than natural and not planned. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There was nothing contrived or calculated about what he said. □� It mustn't sound like a contrived compliment.

2 ADJ If you say that the plot of a play, film, or novel is contrived , you mean that it is unlikely and unconvincing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The plot seems contrived.

con|trol ◆◆◆ /kəntroʊ l/ (controls , controlling , controlled )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Controlof an organization, place, or system is the power to make all the important decisions about the way that it is run. □�[+�of ] The restructuring involves Mr Ronson giving up control of the company. □�[+�over ] The first aim of his government would be to establish control over the republic's territory. ●�PHRASE If you are in controlof something, you have the power to make all the important decisions about the way it is run. □� Nobody knows who is in control of the club. □� In the West, people feel more in control of their own lives. ●�PHRASE If something is under your control , you have the power to make all the important decisions about the way that it is run. □� All the newspapers were taken under government control.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have control of something or someone, you are able to make them do what you want them to do. □�[+�of ] He lost control of his car. □�[+�over ] Some teachers have more control over pupils than their parents have.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you show control , you prevent yourself behaving in an angry or emotional way. □� He had a terrible temper, and sometimes he would completely lose control. □� He was working hard to keep control of himself.

4 VERB The people who control an organization or place have the power to take all the important decisions about the way that it is run. □�[V n] He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California. □�[V -ing] Minebea ended up selling its controlling interest in both firms. ●� -controlled COMB □� AGA Gas is Swedish-controlled. □� �the state-controlled media.

5 VERB To control a piece of equipment, process, or system means to make it work in the way that you want it to work. □�[V n] �a computerised system to control the gates. □�[V -ed] �the controlled production of energy from sugar by a cell. ●� -controlled COMB □� �computer-controlled traffic lights.

6 VERB When a government controls prices, wages, or the activity of a particular group, it uses its power to restrict them. □�[V n] The federal government tried to control rising health-care costs. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Control is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Control of inflation remains the government's absolute priority.

7 VERB If you controlyourself , or if you control your feelings, voice, or expression, you make yourself behave calmly even though you are feeling angry, excited, or upset. □�[V pron-refl] Jo was advised to learn to control herself. □�[V n] I just couldn't control my temper. ●� con|trolled ADJ □� Her manner was quiet and very controlled.

8 VERB To control something dangerous means to prevent it from becoming worse or from spreading. □�[V n] One of the biggest tasks will be to control the spread of malaria.

9 N‑COUNT A control is a device such as a switch or lever which you use in order to operate a machine or other piece of equipment. □� I practised operating the controls. □� �the control box. ●�PHRASE If someone is at thecontrolsof a machine or other piece of equipment, they are operating it. □� He died of a heart attack while at the controls of the plane.

10 N‑VAR Controls are the methods that a government uses to restrict increases, for example in prices, wages, or weapons. □� Critics question whether price controls would do any good. □� They have very strict gun control in Sweden.

11 N‑VAR [n N ] Control is used to refer to a place where your documents or luggage are officially checked when you enter a foreign country. □� He went straight through Passport Control without incident.

12 →�see also air traffic control , birth control , quality control , remote control , stock control

13 PHRASE If something is out of control , no-one has any power over it. □� The fire is burning out of control.

14 PHRASE If something harmful is under control , it is being dealt with successfully and is unlikely to cause any more harm. □� If the current violence is to be brought under control, the government needs to act.

con|tro l freak (control freaks ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a control freak , you mean that they want to be in control of every situation they find themselves in. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

con|trol|lable /kəntroʊ ləb ə l/ ADJ If something is controllable you are able to control or influence it. □� This makes the surfboards more controllable. □� �controllable aspects of life.

con|trol|ler /kəntroʊ lə r / (controllers )

1 N‑COUNT A controller is a person who has responsibility for a particular organization or for a particular part of an organization. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �the job of controller of BBC 1. □�[+�of ] �the financial controller of W H Smith.

2 →�see also air traffic controller

3 N‑COUNT A controller is the same as a comptroller .

con|tro l tow|er (control towers ) N‑COUNT A control tower is a building at an airport from which instructions are given to aircraft when they are taking off or landing. You can also refer to the people who work in a control tower as the control tower . □� The pilot told the control tower that he'd run into technical trouble.

con|tro|ver|sial ◆◇◇ /kɒ ntrəvɜː r ʃ ə l/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as controversial , you mean that they are the subject of intense public argument, disagreement, or disapproval. □� Immigration is a controversial issue in many countries. □� The changes are bound to be controversial. ●� con|tro|ver|sial|ly ADV [oft ADV with v] □� More controversially, he claims that these higher profits cover the cost of finding fresh talent.

con|tro|ver|sy ◆◇◇ /kɒ ntrəvɜː r si, kəntrɒ və r si/ (controversies ) N‑VAR Controversy is a lot of discussion and argument about something, often involving strong feelings of anger or disapproval. □� The proposed cuts have caused considerable controversy. [Also +�over/about ] SYNONYMS controversy NOUN

argument:The issue has caused heated political argument.

contention:They generally tried to avoid subjects of contention between them.

debate:There has been a lot of debate among scholars about this.

disagreement:Congress and the President are still locked in disagreement over the proposals.

con|tu|sion /kəntjuː ʒ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ (contusions ) N‑COUNT A contusion is a bruise . [MEDICAL ]

co|nun|drum /kənʌ ndrəm/ (conundrums ) N‑COUNT A conundrum is a problem or puzzle which is difficult or impossible to solve. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �this theological conundrum of the existence of evil and suffering in a world created by a good God.

con|ur|ba|tion /kɒ nə r be I ʃ ə n/ (conurbations ) N‑COUNT A conurbation consists of a large city together with the smaller towns around it. [mainly BRIT , FORMAL ] □� �London and all the other major conurbations.

con|va|lesce /kɒ nvəle s/ (convalesces , convalescing , convalesced ) VERB If you are convalescing , you are resting and getting your health back after an illness or operation. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] After two weeks, I was allowed home, where I convalesced for three months. □�[V +�from ] �those convalescing from illness or surgery.

con|va|les|cence /kɒ nvəle s ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Convalescence is the period or process of becoming healthy and well again after an illness or operation. [FORMAL ]

con|va|les|cent /kɒ nvəle s ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Convalescent means relating to convalescence. [FORMAL ] □� �an officers' convalescent home.

con|vec|tion /kənve kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Convection is the process by which heat travels through air, water, and other gases and liquids. [TECHNICAL ] □� �clouds which lift warm, moist air by convection high into the atmosphere.

con|ve c|tor heat|er (convector heaters ) N‑COUNT A convector heater is a heater that heats a room by means of hot air.

con|vene /kənviː n/ (convenes , convening , convened ) VERB If someone convenes a meeting or conference, they arrange for it to take place. You can also say that people convene or that a meeting convenes . [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Last August he convened a meeting of his closest advisers at Camp David. □�[V ] Senior officials convened in October in London.

con|ven|er /kənviː nə r / →�see convenor

con|veni|ence /kənviː niəns/ (conveniences )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] If something is done for your convenience , it is done in a way that is useful or suitable for you. □� He was happy to make a detour for her convenience. □�[+�of ] �the need to put the rights of citizens above the convenience of elected officials. ●�PHRASE If something is arranged to happen at your convenience , it happens at a time which is most suitable for you. [FORMAL ] □� Delivery times are arranged at your convenience.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe something as a convenience , you mean that it is very useful. □� Mail order is a convenience for buyers who are too busy to shop.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Conveniences are pieces of equipment designed to make your life easier. □� �an apartment with all the modern conveniences.

4 N‑COUNT A public convenience is a building containing toilets which is provided in a public place for anyone to use. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □� �the cubicles of a public convenience.

5 →�see also convenient

con|ve ni|ence food N‑UNCOUNT Convenience food is frozen, dried, or canned food that can be heated and prepared very quickly and easily. □� I rely too much on convenience food.

con|ve ni|ence store (convenience stores ) N‑COUNT A convenience store is a shop which sells mainly food and which is usually open until late at night.

con|veni|ent /kənviː niənt/

1 ADJ If a way of doing something is convenient , it is easy, or very useful or suitable for a particular purpose. □� �a flexible and convenient way of paying for business expenses. □� The family thought it was more convenient to eat in the kitchen. ●� con|veni|ence N‑UNCOUNT □� They may use a credit card for convenience. ●� con|veni|ent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The body spray slips conveniently into your sports bag for freshening up after a game.

2 ADJ If you describe a place as convenient , you are pleased because it is near to where you are, or because you can reach another place from there quickly and easily. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�for ] The town is well placed for easy access to London and convenient for Heathrow Airport. □� Martin drove along until he found a convenient parking place. ●� con|veni|ent|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, oft ADV after v] □� It was very conveniently situated just across the road from the City Reference Library.

3 ADJ A convenient time to do something, for example to meet someone, is a time when you are free to do it or would like to do it. □�[+�for ] Would this evening be convenient for you?

4 ADJ If you describe someone's attitudes or actions as convenient , you think they are only adopting those attitudes or performing those actions in order to avoid something difficult or unpleasant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We cannot make this minority a convenient excuse to turn our backs. □� It does seem a bit convenient, doesn't it? ●� con|veni|ent|ly ADV □� They've conveniently forgotten the risk of heart disease. □� Conveniently, he had developed amnesia about that part of his life.

con|ven|or /kənviː nə r / (convenors ) also convener

1 N‑COUNT A convenor is a trade union official who organizes the union representatives at a particular factory. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A convenor is someone who convenes a meeting.

con|vent /kɒ nv ə nt/ (convents ) N‑COUNT A convent is a building in which a community of nuns live.

con|ven|tion ◆◇◇ /kənve nʃ ə n/ (conventions )

1 N‑VAR A convention is a way of behaving that is considered to be correct or polite by most people in a society. □� It's just a social convention that men don't wear skirts. □� Despite her wish to defy convention, she had become pregnant and married at 21.

2 N‑COUNT In art, literature, or the theatre, a convention is a traditional method or style. □�[+�of ] �the stylistic conventions of Egyptian art.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A convention is an official agreement between countries or groups of people. □�[+�on ] �the U.N. convention on climate change. □� �the Geneva convention.

4 N‑COUNT A convention is a large meeting of an organization or political group. □�[+�of ] �the annual convention of the Society of Professional Journalists. □� �the Republican convention.

con|ven|tion|al ◆◇◇ /kənve nʃən ə l/

1 ADJ Someone who is conventional has behaviour or opinions that are ordinary and normal. □� �a respectable married woman with conventional opinions. ●� con|ven|tion|al|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� People still wore their hair short and dressed conventionally.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A conventional method or product is one that is usually used or that has been in use for a long time. □� �the risks and drawbacks of conventional family planning methods. □� This new memory stick holds twice as much information as a conventional pen drive. ●� con|ven|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The farmer was fined for passing off conventionally-produced food as organic.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Conventional weapons and wars do not involve nuclear explosives. □� We must reduce the danger of war by controlling nuclear, chemical and conventional arms.

4conventional wisdom →�see wisdom SYNONYMS conventional ADJ 1

traditional:�traditional parents, who believed in laying down the law for their children.

conservative:People tend to be more conservative as they get older.

respectable:He came from a perfectly respectable middle-class family.

con|ven|tion|eer /kənve nʃən I ə r / (conventioneers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Conventioneers are people who are attending a convention. [AM ]

co n|vent school (convent schools ) N‑COUNT A convent school is a school where many of the teachers are nuns.

con|verge /kənvɜː r dʒ/ (converges , converging , converged )

1 VERB If people or vehicles converge on a place, they move towards it from different directions. □�[V +�on ] Competitors from more than a hundred countries have converged on Sheffield for the Games.

2 VERB If roads or lines converge , they meet or join at a particular place. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] As they flow south, the five rivers converge.

3 VERB If different ideas or societies converge , they stop being different and become similar to each other. □�[V ] Film tastes on the two sides of the Atlantic seem to have converged. □�[V +�with ] The views of householders converged and created a new consensus.

con|ver|gence /kənvɜː r dʒ ə ns/ (convergences ) N‑VAR The convergence of different ideas, groups, or societies is the process by which they stop being different and become more similar. [FORMAL ] □� �the need to move towards greater economic convergence.

con|ver|sant /kənvɜː r s ə nt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are conversantwith something, you are familiar with it and able to deal with it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] Those in business are not, on the whole, conversant with basic scientific principles.

con|ver|sa|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ nvə r se I ʃ ə n/ (conversations )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a conversationwith someone, you talk with them, usually in an informal situation. □�[+�with ] He's a talkative guy, and I struck up a conversation with him. □� I waited for her to finish a telephone conversation.

2 PHRASE If you say that people are in conversation , you mean that they are talking together. □�[+�with ] When I arrived I found her in conversation with Mrs Williams.

3 PHRASE If you make conversation , you talk to someone in order to be polite and not because you really want to. □� He had been trying to make conversation.

con|ver|sa|tion|al /kɒ nvə r se I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Conversational means relating to, or similar to, casual and informal talk. □� His father wanted him to learn conversational German.

con|ver|sa|tion|al|ist /kɒ nvə r se I ʃənəl I st/ (conversationalists ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A good conversationalist is someone who talks about interesting things when they have conversations. □� Joan is a brilliant conversationalist.

con|verse (converses , conversing , conversed ) The verb is pronounced /kənvɜː r s/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ nvɜː r s/. 1 VERB If you conversewith someone, you talk to them. You can also say that two people converse . [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] Luke sat directly behind the pilot and conversed with him. □�[V ] They were conversing in German, their only common language.

2 N‑SING The converse of a statement is its opposite or reverse. [FORMAL ] □� Your job is critical to where and how you live � and the converse is also true.

con|verse|ly /kɒ nvɜː r sli, kənvɜː r sli/ ADV You say conversely to indicate that the situation you are about to describe is the opposite or reverse of the one you have just described. [FORMAL ] □� In real life, nobody was all bad, nor, conversely, all good.

con|ver|sion /kənvɜː r ʃ ə n/ (conversions )

1 N‑VAR Conversion is the act or process of changing something into a different state or form. □�[+�of ] �the conversion of disused rail lines into cycle routes. □� A loft conversion can add considerably to the value of a house.

2 N‑VAR [oft with poss] If someone changes their religion or beliefs, you can refer to their conversionto their new religion or beliefs. □�[+�to ] �his conversion to Christianity. □� It's hard to trust the President's conversion.

con|vert ◆◇◇ (converts , converting , converted ) The verb is pronounced /kənvɜː r t/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ nvɜː r t/. 1 VERB If one thing is converted or convertsinto another, it is changed into a different form. □�[be V -ed +�into/to ] The signal will be converted into digital code. □�[V n +�into/to ] �naturally occurring substances which the body can convert into vitamins. □�[V +�into/to ] �a table that converts into an ironing board.

2 VERB If someone converts a room or building, they alter it in order to use it for a different purpose. □�[V n] By converting the loft, they were able to have two extra bedrooms. □�[V n +�into ] �the entrepreneur who wants to convert County Hall into an hotel. □�[V -ed] He is living in a converted barn.

3 VERB If you convert a vehicle or piece of equipment, you change it so that it can use a different fuel. □�[V n +�to ] Save money by converting your car to unleaded. □�[V n] The programme to convert every gas burner in Britain took 10 years. [Also V n +�into ]

4 VERB If you convert a quantity from one system of measurement to another, you calculate what the quantity is in the second system. □�[V n prep] Converting metric measurements to U.S. equivalents is easy. [Also V n]

5 VERB If someone converts you, they persuade you to change your religious or political beliefs. You can also say that someone convertsto a different religion. □�[V n] If you try to convert him, you could find he just walks away. □�[V n +�to ] He was a major influence in converting Godwin to political radicalism. □�[V +�to ] He converted to Catholicism in 1917.

6 N‑COUNT A convert is someone who has changed their religious or political beliefs. □�[+�to ] She, too, was a convert to Roman Catholicism. □� I took to these new pursuits with the enthusiasm of a convert who has just found religion.

7 VERB If someone converts you to something, they make you very enthusiastic about it. □�[V n +�to ] He quickly converted me to the joys of cross-country skiing. [Also V n]

8 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a convertto something, you mean that they have recently become very enthusiastic about it. □�[+�to ] �recent converts to vegetarianism.

9to preach to the converted →�see preach SYNONYMS convert VERB 1

turn into:A prince turns into a frog in this cartoon fairytale.

transform:Your body transforms food into energy.

adapt:Shelves were built to adapt the library for use as an office.

modify:The club members did agree to modify their recruitment policy.

alter:They have never altered their programmes by a single day.

con|vert|er /kənvɜː r tə r / (converters )

1 N‑COUNT A converter is a device that changes something into a different form.

2 →�see also catalytic converter

con|vert|ible /kənvɜː r t I b ə l/ (convertibles )

1 N‑COUNT A convertible is a car with a soft roof that can be folded down or removed. □� Her own car is a convertible Golf.

2 ADJ In finance, convertible investments or money can be easily exchanged for other forms of investments or money. [BUSINESS ] □� �the introduction of a convertible currency. ●� con|vert|ibil|ity /kənvɜː r t I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the convertibility of the rouble. □� �rapid export growth based on currency convertibility.

con|vex /kɒ nveks/ ADJ Convex is used to describe something that curves outwards in the middle. □� �the large convex mirror above the fireplace.

con|vey /kənve I / (conveys , conveying , conveyed )

1 VERB To convey information or feelings means to cause them to be known or understood by someone. □�[V n] In every one of her pictures she conveys a sense of immediacy. □�[V n] He also conveyed his views and the views of the bureaucracy.

2 VERB To convey someone or something to a place means to carry or transport them there. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The railway company extended a branch line to Brightlingsea to convey fish direct to Billingsgate.

con|vey|ance /kənve I əns/ (conveyances )

1 N‑COUNT A conveyance is a vehicle. [LITERARY ] □� Mahoney had never seen such a conveyance before.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The conveyance of something is the process of carrying or transporting it from one place to another. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the conveyance of bicycles on Regional Railways trains.

con|vey|anc|ing /kənve I əns I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Conveyancing is the process of transferring the legal ownership of property. [mainly BRIT , LEGAL ]

con|vey|or belt /kənve I ə r belt/ (conveyor belts )

1 N‑COUNT A conveyor belt or a conveyor is a continuously-moving strip of rubber or metal which is used in factories for moving objects along so that they can be dealt with as quickly as possible. □� The damp bricks went along a conveyor belt into another shed to dry.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a situation as a conveyor belt , you dislike it because it produces things or people which are all the same or always deals with things or people in the same way. [DISAPPROVAL ]

con|vict ◆◇◇ (convicts , convicting , convicted ) The verb is pronounced /kənv I kt/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ nv I kt/. 1 VERB If someone is convictedof a crime, they are found guilty of that crime in a law court. □�[be V -ed of n/v-ing] In 1977 he was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. □�[V n] There was insufficient evidence to convict him. □�[V -ed] �a convicted drug dealer. [Also V n of n]

2 N‑COUNT A convict is someone who is in prison. [JOURNALISM ] COLLOCATIONS convict VERB 1

convict+�adverb : wrongfully, wrongly; unanimously NOUN 2

adjective +�convict : escaped; former

con|vic|tion ◆◇◇ /kənv I kʃ ə n/ (convictions )

1 N‑COUNT [usu N that] A conviction is a strong belief or opinion. □� It is our firm conviction that a step forward has been taken. □� Their religious convictions prevented them from taking up arms.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have conviction , you have great confidence in your beliefs or opinions. □� 'We shall, sir,' said Thorne, with conviction.

3 PHRASE If something carries conviction , it is likely to be true or likely to be believed. □� Nor did his denial carry conviction.

4 N‑COUNT If someone has a conviction , they have been found guilty of a crime in a court of law. □� He will appeal against his conviction. COLLOCATIONS conviction NOUN

1

adjective +�conviction : deep, firm; ideological, moral, religious

2

adjective +�conviction : absolute, utter

verb +�conviction : express, have; lack

4

verb +�conviction : obtain, secure, uphold; overturn, quash

con|vince ◆◇◇ /kənv I ns/ (convinces , convincing , convinced )

1 VERB If someone or something convinces you of something, they make you believe that it is true or that it exists. □�[V n +�of ] I soon convinced the jury of my innocence. □�[V n that] It is difficult to convince the public of the need for change. [Also V n]

2 VERB If someone or something convinces you to do something, they persuade you to do it. [mainly AM ] □�[V n to-inf] In January, he convinced her to join him in the Pyrenees. [Also V n]

con|vinced ◆◇◇ /kənv I nst/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , usu ADJ that] If you are convincedthat something is true, you feel sure that it is true. □� He was convinced that I was part of the problem. □�[+�of ] He became convinced of the need for cheap editions of good quality writing. USAGE convinced

You do not use a �to �-infinitive after convinced . You do not say, for example, � He is convinced to have failed �. You say �He is convinced that he has failed�. □� He was convinced that her mother was innocent.

con|vinc|ing /kənv I ns I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as convincing , you mean that they make you believe that a particular thing is true, correct, or genuine. □� This is the first convincing evidence that the ageing process can be slowed. □� He sounded very convincing. ●� con|vinc|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He argued forcefully and convincingly that they were likely to bankrupt the budget.

con|viv|ial /kənv I viəl/ ADJ Convivial people or occasions are pleasant, friendly, and relaxed. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �looking forward to a convivial evening. □� The atmosphere was quite convivial.

con|vo|ca|tion /kɒ nvəke I ʃ ə n/ (convocations ) N‑COUNT A convocation is a meeting or ceremony attended by a large number of people. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a convocation of the American Youth Congress.

con|vo|lut|ed /kɒ nvəluːt I d/ ADJ If you describe a sentence, idea, or system as convoluted , you mean that it is complicated and difficult to understand. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Despite its length and convoluted plot, this is a rich and rewarding read.

con|vo|lu|tion /kɒ nvəluː ʃ ə n/ (convolutions )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Convolutions are curves on an object or design that has a lot of curves. [LITERARY ]

2 N‑VAR You can use convolutions to refer to a situation that is very complicated. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the thorny convolutions of love.

con|voy /kɒ nvɔ I / (convoys ) N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A convoy is a group of vehicles or ships travelling together. □� �a U.N. convoy carrying food and medical supplies. □� They travel in convoy with armed guards.

con|vulse /kənvʌ ls/ (convulses , convulsing , convulsed ) VERB If someone convulses or if they are convulsedby or with something, their body moves suddenly in an uncontrolled way. □�[V ] Olivia's face convulsed in a series of twitches. □�[V n] He let out a cry that convulsed his bulky frame and jerked his arm. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The opposing team were so convulsed with laughter that they almost forgot to hit the ball.

con|vul|sion /kənvʌ lʃ ə n/ (convulsions )

1 N‑COUNT If someone has convulsions , they suffer uncontrollable movements of their muscles.

2 N‑COUNT If there are convulsions in a country, system, or organization, there are major unexpected changes in it. □� �the political convulsions that led to de Gaulle's return to power in May 1958.

con|vul|sive /kənvʌ ls I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A convulsive movement or action is sudden and cannot be controlled. [FORMAL ] □� She thought she could never stop until convulsive sobs racked her even more.

coo /kuː / (coos , cooing , cooed )

1 VERB When a dove or pigeon coos , it makes the soft sounds that doves and pigeons typically make. □�[V ] Pigeons fluttered in and out, cooing gently.

2 VERB When someone coos , they speak in a very soft, quiet voice which is intended to sound attractive. □�[V +�at/over ] She paused to coo at the baby. □�[V with quote] 'Isn't this marvellous?' she cooed.

cook ◆◆◇ /kʊ k/ (cooks , cooking , cooked )

1 VERB When you cook a meal, you prepare food for eating by heating it. □�[V n] I have to go and cook the dinner. □�[V ] Chefs at the St James Court restaurant have cooked for the Queen. □�[V n n] We'll cook them a nice Italian meal. ●� cook|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Her hobbies include music, dancing, sport and cooking.

2 VERB When you cook food, or when food cooks , it is heated until it is ready to be eaten. □�[V n] �some basic instructions on how to cook a turkey. □�[V ] Let the vegetables cook gently for about 10 minutes. □�[V -ed] Drain the pasta as soon as it is cooked.

3 N‑COUNT A cook is a person whose job is to prepare and cook food, especially in someone's home or in an institution. □� They had a butler, a cook, and a maid.

4 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you say that someone is a good cook , you mean they are good at preparing and cooking food.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone has cooked the books , you mean that they have changed figures or a written record in order to deceive people. [INFORMAL ]

6 →�see also cooking

▸� cook up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone cooks up a dishonest scheme, they plan it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] He must have cooked up his scheme on the spur of the moment. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone cooks up an explanation or a story, they make it up. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] She'll cook up a convincing explanation. [Also V n P ]

cook|book /kʊ kbʊk/ (cookbooks ) also cook-book N‑COUNT A cookbook is a book that contains recipes for preparing food.

cook|er /kʊ kə r / (cookers )

1 N‑COUNT A cooker is a large metal device for cooking food using gas or electricity. A cooker usually consists of a grill, an oven, and some gas or electric rings. [BRIT ] □� �a gas cooker.

2 →�see also pressure cooker

cook|ery /kʊ kəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Cookery is the activity of preparing and cooking food.

coo k|ery book (cookery books ) N‑COUNT A cookery book is the same as a cookbook . [BRIT ]

cookie /kʊ ki/ (cookies )

1 N‑COUNT A cookie is a sweet biscuit. [mainly AM ]

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is a tough cookie , you mean that they have a strong and determined character. [INFORMAL ]

3 N‑COUNT A cookie is data sent from a website and stored on your computer which allows websites to record your browsing activity and remember information. [COMPUTING ]

cook|ing ◆◇◇ /kʊ k I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cooking is food which has been cooked. □� The menu is based on classic French cooking.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cooking ingredients or equipment are used in cookery. □� Finely slice the cooking apples. □� �cooking pots.

3 →�see also cook

cook|out /kʊ kaʊt/ (cookouts ) N‑COUNT A cookout is the same as a barbecue . [AM ]

cook|top /kʊ ktɒp/ (cooktops ) N‑COUNT A cooktop is a surface on top of a cooker or set into a work surface, which can be heated in order to cook things on it. [mainly AM ]

cook|ware /kʊ kweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Cookware is the range of pans and pots which are used in cooking. □� �several lines of popular cookware and utensils.

cool ◆◆◇ /kuː l/ (cooler , coolest , cools , cooling , cooled )

1 ADJ Something that is cool has a temperature which is low but not very low. □� I felt a current of cool air. □� The vaccines were kept cool in refrigerators.

2 ADJ If it is cool , or if a place is cool , the temperature of the air is low but not very low. □� Thank goodness it's cool in here. □� Store grains and cereals in a cool, dry place. □� �a cool November evening. ●�N‑SING Cool is also a noun. □�[+�of ] She walked into the cool of the hallway.

3 ADJ Clothing that is cool is made of thin material so that you do not become too hot in hot weather. □� In warm weather, you should wear clothing that is cool and comfortable.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Cool colours are light colours which give an impression of coolness. □� Choose a cool colour such as cream.

5 VERB When something cools or when you cool it, it becomes lower in temperature. □�[V ] Drain the meat and allow it to cool. □�[V n] Huge fans will have to cool the concrete floor to keep it below 150 degrees. □�[V -ing] �a cooling breeze. ●�PHRASAL VERB To cool down means the same as to cool . □�[V P ] Avoid putting your car away until the engine has cooled down. □�[V n P ] The other main way the body cools itself down is by panting. [Also V P n (not pron)]

6 VERB When a feeling or emotion cools , or when you cool it, it becomes less powerful. □�[V ] Within a few minutes tempers had cooled. □�[V n] His weird behaviour had cooled her passion.

7 ADJ If you say that a person or their behaviour is cool , you mean that they are calm and unemotional, especially in a difficult situation. [APPROVAL ] □� He was marvellously cool again, smiling as if nothing had happened. ●� cool|ly ADV □� Everyone must think this situation through calmly and coolly. □� �coolly 'objective' professionals.

8 ADJ If you say that a person or their behaviour is cool , you mean that they are unfriendly or not enthusiastic. □� I didn't like him at all. I thought he was cool, aloof, and arrogant. □� The idea met with a cool response. ●� cool|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� 'It's your choice, Nina,' David said coolly.

9 ADJ If you say that a person or their behaviour is cool , you mean that they are fashionable and attractive. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� He was trying to be really cool and trendy.

10 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is coolabout something, you mean that they accept it and are not angry or upset about it. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] Bev was really cool about it all.

11 ADJ If you say that something is cool , you think it is very good. [INFORMAL ] □� Kathleen gave me a really cool dress.

12 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use cool to emphasize that an amount or figure is very large, especially when it has been obtained easily. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Columbia recently re-signed the band for a cool $30 million.

13 PHRASE If you keep your cool in a difficult situation, you manage to remain calm. If you lose your cool , you get angry or upset. [INFORMAL ] □� She kept her cool and managed to get herself out of the ordeal.

14 PHRASE If you play it cool , you deliberately behave in a calm, unemotional way because you do not want people to know you are enthusiastic or angry about something. [INFORMAL ] □� It's ridiculous to play it cool if someone you're mad about is mad about you too.

15as cool as a cucumber →�see cucumber

▸� cool down

1 →�see cool5

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone cools down or if you cool them down , they become less angry than they were. □�[V P ] He has had time to cool down and look at what happened more objectively. □�[V P n] First McNeil had to cool down the volatile Australian 20-year old.

▸� cool off PHRASAL VERB If someone or something cools off , or if you cool them off , they become cooler after having been hot. □�[V P ] Maybe he's trying to cool off out there in the rain. □�[V n P ] She made a fanning motion, pretending to cool herself off. □�[V P n] Cool off the carrots quickly.

cool|ant /kuː lənt/ (coolants ) N‑VAR Coolant is a liquid used to keep a machine or engine cool while it is operating.

cool|er /kuː lə r / (coolers )

1 N‑COUNT A cooler is a container for keeping things cool, especially drinks.

2 →�see also cool

coo l-hea ded ADJ If you describe someone as cool-headed , you mean that they stay calm in difficult situations. [APPROVAL ] □� She has a reputation for being calm and cool-headed. □� �a cool-headed, responsible statesman.

coo ling-o ff period (cooling-off periods ) N‑COUNT A cooling-off period is an agreed period of time during which two sides with opposing views try to resolve a dispute before taking any serious action. □� There should be a seven-day cooling-off period between a strike ballot and industrial action.

coo l|ing tow|er (cooling towers ) N‑COUNT A cooling tower is a very large, round, high building which is used to cool water from factories or power stations. □� �landscapes dominated by cooling towers and factory chimneys.

coon /kuː n/ (coons )

1 N‑COUNT A coon is a raccoon . [AM , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT Coon is an extremely offensive word for a black person. [INFORMAL , VERY OFFENSIVE ]

coop /kuː p/ (coops ) N‑COUNT A coop is a cage where you keep small animals or birds such as chickens and rabbits.

co -op (co-ops ) N‑COUNT A co-op is a co-operative. [INFORMAL ] □� The co-op sells the art work at exhibitions.

cooped up /kuː pt ʌ p/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is cooped up , you mean that they live or are kept in a place which is too small, or which does not allow them much freedom. □� He is cooped up in a cramped cell with 10 other inmates.

coop|er /kuː pə r / (coopers ) N‑COUNT A cooper is a person who makes barrels. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

co-o perate ◆◇◇ (co-operates , co-operating , co-operated ) also cooperate

1 VERB If you co-operatewith someone, you work with them or help them for a particular purpose. You can also say that two people co-operate . □�[V +�with ] The U.N. had been co-operating with the State Department on a plan to find countries willing to take the refugees. □�[V ] The couple spoke about how they would co-operate in the raising of their child. [Also V (non-recip)] ●� co-operation N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�with ] A deal with Japan could indeed open the door to economic co-operation with East Asia.

2 VERB If you co-operate , you do what someone has asked or told you to do. □�[V +�with ] He agreed to co-operate with the police investigation. □�[V ] The plan failed because the soldiers refused to co-operate. ●� co-operation N‑UNCOUNT □� The police underlined the importance of the public's co-operation in the hunt for the bombers.

co-o perative (co-operatives ) also cooperative

1 N‑COUNT A co-operative is a business or organization run by the people who work for it, or owned by the people who use it. These people share its benefits and profits. [BUSINESS ] □� Most of the fresh produce in her kitchen is delivered by a farming co-operative. □� The restaurant is run as a co-operative.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A co-operative activity is done by people working together. □� He was transferred to FBI custody in a smooth co-operative effort between Egyptian and U.S. authorities. ●� co-operatively ADV [ADV after v] □� They agreed to work co-operatively to ease tensions wherever possible.

3 ADJ If you say that someone is co-operative , you mean that they do what you ask them to without complaining or arguing. □� I made every effort to be co-operative.

co-o perative so|ci|ety (co-operative societies ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a co-operative society is a commercial organization with several shops in a particular district. Customers can join this organization and get a share of its profits.

co-o pt (co-opts , co-opting , co-opted )

1 VERB If you co-opt someone, you persuade them to help or support you. □�[V n] Mr Wallace tries to co-opt rather than defeat his critics.

2 VERB If someone is co-optedinto a group, they are asked by that group to become a member, rather than joining or being elected in the normal way. □�[be V -ed +�into/onto ] He was posted to Malta, where he was co-opted into MI5. □�[V n] He's been authorised to co-opt anyone he wants to join him.

3 VERB If a group or political party co-opts a slogan or policy, they take it, often from another group or political party, and use it themselves. □�[V n] He co-opted many nationalist slogans and cultivated a populist image.

co-ordinate (co-ordinates , co-ordinating , co-ordinated ) also coordinate The verb is pronounced /koʊɔː r d I ne I t/. The noun is pronounced /koʊɔː r d I nət/. 1 VERB If you co-ordinate an activity, you organize the various people and things involved in it. □�[V n] Government officials visited the earthquake zone to co-ordinate the relief effort. ●� co-ordinated ADJ □� �a rapid and well-co-ordinated international rescue operation. ●� co-ordinator (co-ordinators ) N‑COUNT □� �the party's campaign co-ordinator.

2 VERB If you co-ordinate clothes or furnishings that are used together, or if they co-ordinate , they are similar in some way and look nice together. □�[V n] She'll show you how to co-ordinate pattern and colours. □�[V +�with ] Tie it with fabric bows that co-ordinate with other furnishings. □�[V ] Colours and looks must fit the themes of the seasons so that the shops co-ordinate well. □�[V -ing] �curtains and co-ordinating bed covers.

3 N‑PLURAL Co-ordinates are pieces of clothing or soft furnishings which are similar and which are intended to be worn or used together. □� �new lingerie co-ordinates.

4 VERB If you co-ordinate the different parts of your body, you make them work together efficiently to perform particular movements. □�[V n] They undergo intensive treatment to help them to coordinate their limbs better.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The co-ordinates of a point on a map or graph are the two sets of numbers or letters that you need in order to find that point. [TECHNICAL ] □� Can you give me your co-ordinates?

co-o rdinating con|ju nc|tion (co-ordinating conjunctions ) N‑COUNT A co-ordinating conjunction is a word such as 'and', 'or', or 'but' which joins two or more words, groups, or clauses of equal status, for example two main clauses. Compare subordinating conjunction . [TECHNICAL ]

co -ordina tion

1 N‑UNCOUNT Co-ordination means organizing the activities of two or more groups so that they work together efficiently and know what the others are doing. □�[+�between/of ] �the lack of co-ordination between the civilian and military authorities. ●�PHRASE If you do something in co-ordination with someone else, you both organize your activities so that you work together efficiently. □� �operating either in coordination with federal troops or alone.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Co-ordination is the ability to use the different parts of your body together efficiently. □� To improve hand-eye co-ordination, practise throwing and catching balls.

coot /kuː t/ (coots ) N‑COUNT A coot is a water bird with black feathers and a white patch on its forehead.

cop /kɒ p/ (cops )

1 N‑COUNT A cop is a police officer. [INFORMAL ] □� Frank didn't like having the cops know where to find him.

2 PHRASE If you say that something is not much cop , you mean that it is not very good, and is disappointing. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Today's top managers weren't much cop as footballers originally.

cope ◆◇◇ /koʊ p/ (copes , coping , coped )

1 VERB If you copewith a problem or task, you deal with it successfully. □�[V +�with ] It was amazing how my mother coped with bringing up eight children. □�[V ] The problems were an annoyance, but we managed to cope.

2 VERB If you have to cope with an unpleasant situation, you have to accept it or bear it. □�[V +�with ] She has had to cope with losing all her previous status and money.

3 VERB If a machine or a system can copewith something, it is large enough or complex enough to deal with it satisfactorily. □�[V +�with ] New blades have been designed to cope with the effects of dead insects. □�[V ] The banks were swamped by compensation claims and were unable to cope . SYNONYMS cope VERB 1

manage:She had managed perfectly well without medication for three years.

get by:I'm a survivor. I'll get by.

deal with:She saw a psychiatrist who used hypnotism to help her deal with her fear. COLLOCATIONS cope VERB 1

cope+�adverb : admirably, brilliantly, comfortably, magnificently, well; emotionally, financially, psychologically

copi|er /kɒ piə r / (copiers )

1 N‑COUNT A copier is a machine which makes exact copies of writing or pictures on paper, usually by a photographic process.

2 N‑COUNT A copier is someone who copies what someone else has done. □�[+�of ] �their reputation as a copier of other countries' designs, patents, and inventions.

co -pilot (co-pilots ) N‑COUNT The co-pilot of an aircraft is a pilot who assists the chief pilot.

co|pi|ous /koʊ piəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A copious amount of something is a large amount of it. □� He had worked until the early hours of the morning, helped by copious amounts of coffee. □� He attended his lectures and took copious notes. ●� co|pi|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� The victims were bleeding copiously.

co p-out (cop-outs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to something as a cop-out , you think that it is a way for someone to avoid doing something that they should do. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� To decline to vote is a cop-out. □� The film's ending is an unsatisfactory cop-out.

cop|per /kɒ pə r / (coppers )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Copper is reddish-brown metal that is used to make things such as coins and electrical wires. □� Chile is the world's largest producer of copper. □� �a copper mine.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Copper is sometimes used to describe things that are reddish-brown in colour. [LITERARY ] □� His hair has reverted back to its original copper hue.

3 N‑COUNT A copper is a police officer. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �your friendly neighbourhood copper.

co pper-bo ttomed ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as copper-bottomed , you believe that it is certain to be successful. [BRIT ] □� Their copper-bottomed scheme went badly wrong.

cop|pery /kɒ pəri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A coppery colour is reddish-brown like copper. □� �pale coppery leaves.

cop|pice /kɒ p I s/ (coppices , coppicing , coppiced )

1 N‑COUNT A coppice is a small group of trees growing very close to each other. [BRIT ] □� �coppices of willow. in AM, use copse2 VERB To coppice trees or bushes means to cut off parts of them, in order to make them look more attractive or to make it easier to obtain wood from them. [mainly BRIT , TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] It is best to coppice the trees in the winter before the sap rises. □�[V -ed] �extensive oak woods with coppiced hazel and sweet chestnut. □�[V -ing] �areas where coppicing of hawthorn and hazel occurs.

co ps-and-ro bbers ADJ [ADJ n] A cops-and-robbers film, television programme, or book is one whose story involves the police trying to catch criminals.

copse /kɒ ps/ (copses ) N‑COUNT A copse is a small group of trees growing very close to each other. □�[+�of ] �a little copse of fir trees.

cop|ter /kɒ ptə r / (copters ) N‑COUNT A copter is a helicopter. [INFORMAL ]

Cop|tic /kɒ pt I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Coptic means belonging or relating to a part of the Christian Church which was started in Egypt. □� The Coptic Church is among the oldest churches of Christianity.

copu|la /kɒ pjʊlə/ (copulas ) N‑COUNT A copula is the same as a linking verb .

copu|late /kɒ pjʊle I t/ (copulates , copulating , copulated ) VERB If one animal or person copulateswith another, they have sex. You can also say that two animals or people copulate. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V +�with ] During the time she is paired to a male, the female allows no other males to copulate with her. □�[V ] Whales take twenty-four hours to copulate. ●� copu|la|tion /kɒ pjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (copulations ) N‑VAR □� �acts of copulation.

copy ◆◆◇ /kɒ pi/ (copies , copying , copied )

1 N‑COUNT If you make a copyof something, you produce something that looks like the original thing. □�[+�of ] The reporter apparently obtained a copy of Steve's resignation letter.

2 VERB If you copy something, you produce something that looks like the original thing. □�[V n] She never participated in obtaining or copying any classified documents for anyone. □�[be V -ed] �top designers, whose work has been widely copied. □�[V n +�from ] He copied the chart from a book.

3 VERB If you copy a piece of writing, you write it again exactly. □�[V n] He would allow John to copy his answers to difficult algebra questions. □�[V n +�into ] He copied the data into a notebook. □�[V +�from ] We're copying from textbooks because we don't have enough to go round. ●�PHRASAL VERB Copy out means the same as copy . □�[V P n] He wrote the title on the blackboard, then copied out the text sentence by sentence. □�[V n P ] 'Did he leave a phone number?'�'Oh, yes.' She copied it out for him.

4 VERB If you copy a person or what they do, you try to do what they do or try to be like them, usually because you admire them or what they have done. □�[V n] Children can be seen to copy the behaviour of others whom they admire or identify with. □�[V n +�from ] �the coquettish gestures she had copied from actresses in soap operas. ●� copy|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Children learn by copying.

5 N‑COUNT A copyof a book, newspaper, or CD is one of many that are exactly the same. □�[+�of ] I bought a copy of 'U.S.A. Today' from a street-corner machine. □� You can obtain a copy for $2 from New York Central Art Supply.

6 N‑UNCOUNT In journalism, copy is written material that is ready to be printed or read in a broadcast. [TECHNICAL ] □� �his ability to write the most lyrical copy in the history of sports television. □� �advertising copy.

7 N‑UNCOUNT In journalism, copy is news or information that can be used in an article in a newspaper. [TECHNICAL ] □� �journalists looking for good copy.

8 →�see also back copy , carbon copy , hard copy COLLOCATIONS copy NOUN

1

adjective +�copy : duplicate, exact, identical

verb +�copy : keep, obtain, receive; enclose, send

5

noun +�copy : hardback, paperback

adjective +�copy : advance, autographed, bound, free; dog-eared, well-thumbed

verb +�copy : buy, distribute, sell, sign VERB

2

copy+�noun : document, file, software

copy+�adverb : illegally; widely

3

copy+�noun : drawing, text

copy+�adverb : painstakingly, verbatim

4

copy+�noun : behaviour

copy+�adverb : slavishly

copy|book /kɒ pibʊk/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A copybook action is done perfectly, according to established rules. [mainly BRIT ] □� Yuri gave a copybook display.

2 PHRASE If you blot your copybook , you spoil your good reputation by doing something wrong. [mainly BRIT ] □� Alec blotted his copybook�got sent home for bad behaviour.

copy|cat /kɒ pik�t/ (copycats ) also copy-cat

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A copycat crime is committed by someone who is copying someone else. □� �a series of copycat attacks by hooligan gangs.

2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a copycat , you are accusing them of copying your behaviour, dress, or ideas. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is said that Coco Chanel herself didn't mind copycats.

copy|ist /kɒ pi I st/ (copyists ) N‑COUNT A copyist copies other people's music or paintings or, in the past, made written copies of documents. □� She copies the true artist's signature as part of a painting, as do most copyists.

copy|right /kɒ pira I t/ (copyrights ) N‑VAR If someone has copyright on a piece of writing or music, it is illegal to reproduce or perform it without their permission. □� To order a book one first had to get permission from the monastery that held the copyright. □� She threatened legal action for breach of copyright.

copy|right|ed /kɒ pira I t I d/ ADJ Copyrighted material is protected by a copyright. □� They used copyrighted music without permission.

copy|writer /kɒ pira I tə r / (copywriters ) N‑COUNT A copywriter is a person whose job is to write the words for advertisements.

co|quette /kɒke t, [AM ] koʊ-/ (coquettes ) N‑COUNT A coquette is a woman who behaves in a coquettish way.

co|quet|tish /kɒke t I ʃ, [AM ] koʊ-/ ADJ If you describe a woman as coquettish , you mean she acts in a playful way that is intended to make men find her attractive. □� �a coquettish glance.

cor /kɔː r / EXCLAM You can say cor when you are surprised or impressed. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Cor, look, Annie.

cora|cle /kɒ rək ə l, [AM ] kɔː -/ (coracles ) N‑COUNT In former times, a coracle was a simple round rowing boat made of woven sticks covered with animal skins.

cor|al /kɒ rəl, [AM ] kɔː -/ (corals )

1 N‑VAR Coral is a hard substance formed from the bones of very small sea animals. It is often used to make jewellery. □� The women have elaborate necklaces of turquoise and pink coral.

2 N‑COUNT Corals are very small sea animals.

3 COLOUR Something that is coral is dark orangey-pink in colour. □� �coral lipstick. □� �the coral-coloured flower buds.

co r|al ree f (coral reefs ) N‑COUNT A coral reef is a long narrow mass of coral and other substances, the top of which is usually just above or just below the surface of the sea. □� An unspoilt coral reef encloses the bay.

cord /kɔː r d/ (cords )

1 N‑VAR Cord is strong, thick string. □� The door had been tied shut with a length of nylon cord. □� �gilded cords and tassels.

2 N‑VAR Cord is wire covered in rubber or plastic which connects electrical equipment to an electricity supply. □� �electrical cord. □� We used so many lights that we needed four extension cords.

3 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Cords are trousers made of corduroy . □� He had bare feet, a T-shirt and cords on.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Cord means made of corduroy . □� �a pair of cord trousers.

5 →�see also spinal cord , umbilical cord , vocal cords

cor|dial /kɔː r diəl, [AM ] -dʒəl/ (cordials )

1 ADJ Cordial means friendly. [FORMAL ] □� He had never known him to be so chatty and cordial. ●� cor|di|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They all greeted me very cordially and were eager to talk about the new project.

2 N‑VAR Cordial is a sweet non-alcoholic drink made from fruit juice. [BRIT ]

cord|ite /kɔː r da I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Cordite is an explosive substance used in guns and bombs.

cord|less /kɔː r dləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cordless telephone or piece of electric equipment is operated by a battery fitted inside it and is not connected to the electricity mains. □� The waitress approached Picone with a cordless phone.

cor|don /kɔː r d ə n/ (cordons , cordoning , cordoned ) N‑COUNT A cordon is a line or ring of police, soldiers, or vehicles preventing people from entering or leaving an area. □� Police formed a cordon between the two crowds.

▸� cordon off PHRASAL VERB If police or soldiers cordon off an area, they prevent people from entering or leaving it, usually by forming a line or ring. □�[V P n] Police cordoned off part of the city centre. □�[V n P ] The police cordoned everything off.

cor|don bleu /kɔː r dɒn blɜː / ADJ [ADJ n] Cordon bleu is used to describe cookery or cooks of the highest standard. □� I took a cordon bleu cookery course.

cor|du|roy /kɔː r dərɔ I / (corduroys )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Corduroy is thick cotton cloth with parallel raised lines on the outside. □� �a corduroy jacket.

2 N‑PLURAL Corduroys are trousers made out of corduroy.

core ◆◇◇ /kɔː r / (cores , coring , cored )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] The core of a fruit is the central part of it. It contains seeds or pips. □� Peel the pears and remove the cores.

2 VERB If you core a fruit, you remove its core. □�[V n] �machines for peeling and coring apples.

3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The core of an object, building, or city is the central part of it. □� �the earth's core. □�[+�of ] The core of the city is a series of ancient squares.

4 N‑SING The coreof something such as a problem or an issue is the part of it that has to be understood or accepted before the whole thing can be understood or dealt with. □�[+�of ] �the ability to get straight to the core of a problem.

5 N‑SING [N n] A core team or a core group is a group of people who do the main part of a job or piece of work. Other people may also help, but only for limited periods of time. □� We already have our core team in place. □�[+�of ] A core of about six staff would continue with the project.

6 N‑SING [usu N n] In a school or college, core subjects are a group of subjects that have to be studied. □� The core subjects are English, mathematics and science. □�[+�of ] �a core of nine academic subjects.

7 N‑SING [usu N n] The core businesses or the core activities of a company or organization are their most important ones. □� The group plans to concentrate on six core businesses. □�[+�of ] However, the main core of the company performed outstandingly.

8 →�see also hard core , hard-core , soft-core

9 PHRASE You can use to the core to describe someone who is a very strong supporter of someone or something and will never change their views. For example, you can say that someone is Republican to the core . □� The villagers are royalist to the core.

10 PHRASE If someone is shaken to the core or shocked to the core , they are extremely shaken or shocked. □� Leonard was shaken to the core; he'd never seen or read anything like it. SYNONYMS core NOUN 4

essence:Others claim that Ireland's very essence is expressed through the language.

nub:That, I think, is the nub of the problem.

heart:The heart of the problem is supply and demand.

substance:The substance of his discussions doesn't really matter.

crux:He said the crux of the matter was economic policy.

co -reli gionist (co-religionists ) in AM, usually use coreligionist N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] A person's co-religionists are people who have the same religion. [FORMAL ] □� They will turn for help to their co-religionists in the Middle East.

cor|gi /kɔː r gi/ (corgis ) N‑COUNT A corgi is a type of small dog with short legs and a pointed nose.

co|ri|an|der /kɒ ri� ndə r , [AM ] kɔː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Coriander is a plant with seeds that are used as a spice and leaves that are used as a herb.

cork /kɔː r k/ (corks )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cork is a soft, light substance which forms the bark of a type of Mediterranean tree. □� �cork floors. □� �cork-soled clogs.

2 N‑COUNT A cork is a piece of cork or plastic that is pushed into the opening of a bottle to close it.

cork|er /kɔː r kə r / (corkers ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something is a corker , you mean that they are very good. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

cork|screw /kɔː r kskruː/ (corkscrews ) N‑COUNT A corkscrew is a device for pulling corks out of bottles.

cor|mo|rant /kɔː r mərənt/ (cormorants ) N‑COUNT A cormorant is a type of dark-coloured bird with a long neck. Cormorants usually live near the sea and eat fish.

corn /kɔː r n/ (corns )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Corn is used to refer to crops such as wheat and barley. It can also be used to refer to the seeds from these plants. [BRIT ] □� �fields of corn. □� He filled the barn to the roof with corn. in AM, use grain2 N‑UNCOUNT Corn is the same as maize . □� �rows of corn in an Iowa field.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Corns are small, painful areas of hard skin which can form on your foot, especially near your toes.

4 →�see also popcorn , sweetcorn

corn|bread /kɔː r nbred/ also corn bread N‑UNCOUNT Cornbread is bread made from ground maize or corn. It is popular in the United States.

co rn cob (corn cobs ) also corncob N‑COUNT [usu pl] Corn cobs are the long rounded parts of the maize or corn plant on which small yellow seeds grow, and which is eaten as a vegetable.

cor|nea /kɔː r niə/ (corneas ) N‑COUNT The cornea is the transparent skin covering the outside of your eye.

cor|neal /kɔː r niəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Corneal means relating to the cornea. □� �corneal scars.

corned beef /kɔː r nd biː f/ N‑UNCOUNT Corned beef is beef which has been cooked and preserved in salt water.

cor|ner ◆◆◇ /kɔː r nə r / (corners , cornering , cornered )

1 N‑COUNT A corner is a point or an area where two or more edges, sides, or surfaces of something join. □�[+�of ] He saw the corner of a magazine sticking out from under the blanket. □� Write 'By Airmail' in the top left-hand corner.

2 N‑COUNT The corner of a room, box, or similar space is the area inside it where its edges or walls meet. □�[+�of ] �a card table in the corner of the living room. □�[+�of ] The ball hurtled into the far corner of the net. □� Finally I spotted it, in a dark corner over by the piano.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The cornerof your mouth or eye is the side of it. □�[+�of ] Out of the corner of her eye she saw that a car had stopped.

4 N‑COUNT The corner of a street is the place where one of its sides ends as it joins another street. □� We can't have police officers on every corner. □� He waited until the man had turned a corner.

5 N‑COUNT A corner is a bend in a road. □� �a sharp corner.

6 N‑COUNT In football, hockey, and some other sports, a corner is a free shot or kick taken from the corner of the pitch.

7 VERB If you corner a person or animal, you force them into a place they cannot escape from. □�[V n] A police motor-cycle chased his car twelve miles, and cornered him near Rome. □�[V -ed] He was still sitting huddled like a cornered animal.

8 VERB If you corner someone, you force them to speak to you when they have been trying to avoid you. □�[V n] Golan managed to corner the young producer-director for an interview.

9 VERB If a company or place corners an area of trade, they gain control over it so that no one else can have any success in that area. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] This restaurant has cornered the Madrid market for specialist paellas.

10 VERB If a car, or the person driving it, corners in a particular way, the car goes round bends in roads in this way. □�[V adv/prep] Peter drove jerkily, cornering too fast and fumbling the gears.

11 PHRASE If you say that something is around the corner , you mean that it will happen very soon. In British English, you can also say that something is round the corner . □� The Chancellor of the Exchequer says that economic recovery is just around the corner.

12 PHRASE If you say that something is around the corner , you mean that it is very near. In British English, you can also say that something is round the corner . □� My new place is just around the corner.

13 PHRASE If you cut corners , you do something quickly by doing it in a less thorough way than you should. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Take your time, don't cut corners and follow instructions to the letter.

14 PHRASE You can use expressions such as the four corners of the world to refer to places that are a long way from each other. [WRITTEN ] □� They've combed the four corners of the world for the best accessories.

15 PHRASE If you are in a corner or in a tight corner , you are in a situation which is difficult to deal with and get out of. □� The government is in a corner on interest rates. □� He appears to have backed himself into a tight corner. COLLOCATIONS corner NOUN 1

adjective +�corner : far, remote; dark, quiet, shady, sheltered

co r|ner shop (corner shops ) also corner-shop N‑COUNT A corner shop is a small shop, usually on the corner of a street, that sells mainly food and household goods. [BRIT ] in AM, use corner store

corner|stone /kɔː r nə r stoʊn/ (cornerstones ) also corner-stone N‑COUNT The cornerstoneof something is the basic part of it on which its existence, success, or truth depends. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Research is the cornerstone of the profession.

co r|ner store (corner stores ) N‑COUNT A corner store is the same as a corner shop . [AM ]

cor|net /kɔː r n I t, [AM ] kɔː r ne t/ (cornets )

1 N‑VAR A cornet is a musical instrument of the brass family that looks like a small trumpet.

2 N‑COUNT An ice cream cornet is a soft thin biscuit shaped like a cone with ice cream in it. [BRIT ]

co rn ex|change (corn exchanges ) also Corn Exchange N‑COUNT A corn exchange is a large building where, in former times, grain was bought and sold. [BRIT ]

corn|field /kɔː r nfiːld/ (cornfields ) also corn field N‑COUNT A cornfield is a field in which corn is being grown.

corn|flake /kɔː r nfle I k/ (cornflakes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cornflakes are small flat pieces of maize that are eaten with milk as a breakfast cereal. They are popular in Britain and the United States.

corn|flour /kɔː r nflaʊə r / also corn flour N‑UNCOUNT Cornflour is a fine white powder made from maize and is used to make sauces thicker. [BRIT ] in AM, use cornstarch

corn|flower /kɔː r nflaʊə r / (cornflowers ) N‑VAR Cornflowers are small plants with flowers that are usually blue. □� Her eyes were a bright, cornflower blue.

cor|nice /kɔː r n I s/ (cornices ) N‑COUNT A cornice is a strip of plaster, wood, or stone which goes along the top of a wall or building.

Cor|nish /kɔː r n I ʃ/

1 ADJ Cornish means belonging or relating to the English county of Cornwall. □� �the rugged Cornish coast. □� �Cornish fishermen.

2 N‑PLURAL The Cornish are the people of Cornwall.

Co r|nish pa sty (Cornish pasties ) also cornish pasty N‑COUNT A Cornish pasty is a small pie with meat and vegetables inside. [BRIT ]

corn|meal /kɔː r nmiːl/ also corn meal N‑UNCOUNT Cornmeal is a powder made from maize. It is used in cooking.

co rn on the co b (corn on the cobs ) also corn-on-the-cob N‑VAR Corn on the cob is the long rounded part of the maize or corn plant on which small yellow seeds grow, and which is eaten as a vegetable.

corn|starch /kɔː r nstɑː r tʃ/ also corn starch N‑UNCOUNT Cornstarch is the same as cornflour . [AM ]

cor|nu|co|pia /kɔː r njʊkoʊ piə/ N‑SING A cornucopiaof things is a large number of different things. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �a table festooned with a cornucopia of fruit.

corny /kɔː r ni/ (cornier , corniest ) ADJ If you describe something as corny , you mean that it is obvious or sentimental and not at all original. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I know it sounds corny, but I'm really not motivated by money.

cor|ol|lary /kərɒ ləri, [AM ] kɔː rəleri/ (corollaries ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A corollary of something is an idea, argument, or fact that results directly from it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The number of prisoners increased as a corollary of the government's determination to combat violent crime.

co|ro|na /kəroʊ nə/ N‑SING The sun's corona is its outer atmosphere. [TECHNICAL ]

coro|nary /kɒ rənri, [AM ] kɔː rəneri/ (coronaries )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Coronary means belonging or relating to the heart. [MEDICAL ] □� If the coronary arteries are free of obstructions, the heart will receive sufficient oxygen.

2 N‑COUNT If someone has a coronary , they collapse because the flow of blood to their heart is blocked by a large lump of blood called a clot.

co ro|nary throm|bo |sis (coronary thromboses ) N‑VAR A coronary thrombosis is the same as a coronary . [MEDICAL ]

coro|na|tion /kɒ rəne I ʃ ə n, [AM ] kɔː r-/ (coronations ) N‑COUNT A coronation is the ceremony at which a king or queen is crowned. □�[+�of ] �the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

coro|ner /kɒ rənə r , [AM ] kɔː r-/ (coroners ) N‑COUNT A coroner is an official who is responsible for investigating the deaths of people who have died in a sudden, violent, or unusual way. □� The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.

coro|net /kɒ rənət, [AM ] kɔː rəne t/ (coronets ) N‑COUNT A coronet is a small crown.

Corp.Corp. is a written abbreviation for corporation . [BUSINESS ] □� �Sony Corp. of Japan.

cor|po|ra /kɔː r pərə/ Corpora is a plural of corpus .

cor|po|ral /kɔː r prəl/ (corporals ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A corporal is a non-commissioned officer in the army or United States Marines. □� The corporal shouted an order at the men. □� �Corporal Devereux.

co r|po|ral pu n|ish|ment N‑UNCOUNT Corporal punishment is the punishment of people by hitting them.

cor|po|rate ◆◇◇ /kɔː r prət/ ADJ [ADJ n] Corporate means relating to business corporations or to a particular business corporation. [BUSINESS ] □� �the U.K. corporate sector. □� �a corporate lawyer. □� This established a strong corporate image.

cor|po|rate ho s|pi|ta l|ity N‑UNCOUNT Corporate hospitality is the entertainment that a company offers to its most valued clients, for example by inviting them to sporting events and providing them with food and drink. [BUSINESS ] □� �corporate hospitality at football grounds. □� �executives in a corporate hospitality tent.

cor|po|rate rai d|er (corporate raiders ) N‑COUNT A corporate raider is a person or organization that tries to take control of a company by buying a large number of its shares. [BUSINESS ]

cor|po|ra|tion ◆◇◇ /kɔː r pəre I ʃ ə n/ (corporations )

1 N‑COUNT A corporation is a large business or company. [BUSINESS ] □� �multi-national corporations. □� �the Seiko Corporation.

2 N‑COUNT In some large British cities, the corporation is the local authority that is responsible for providing public services. □� �the corporation's task of regenerating 900 acres of the inner city. SYNONYMS corporation NOUN 1

multinational:�multinationals such as Ford and IBM.

firm:The firm's employees were expecting large bonuses.

company:�the Ford Motor Company.

concern:If not a large concern, Queensbury Nursery was at least a successful one.

business:The company was a family business.

cor|po|ra |tion tax N‑UNCOUNT Corporation tax is a tax that companies have to pay on the profits they make. [BUSINESS ]

cor|po|rat|ism /kɔː r prət I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Corporatism is the organization and control of a country by groups who share a common interest or profession. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'The age of corporatism must be put firmly behind us,' he proclaimed.

cor|po|rat|ist /kɔː r prət I st/ (corporatists )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use corporatist to describe organizations, ideas, or systems which follow the principles of corporatism. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� � a corporatist political system.

2 N‑COUNT A corporatist is someone who believes in the principles of corporatism. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The defeat of the corporatists is easy to understand.

cor|po|real /kɔː r pɔː riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Corporeal means involving or relating to the physical world rather than the spiritual world. [FORMAL ] □� �man's corporeal existence.

corps /kɔː r / (corps )

1 N‑COUNT A Corps is a part of the army which has special duties. □� �the Army Medical Corps. □� �the Russian Officer Corps.

2 N‑COUNT The Corps is the United States Marine Corps. [AM ] □� �seventy-five men, all combat veterans, all members of The Corps' most exclusive unit.

3 N‑COUNT A corps is a small group of people who do a special job. □� �the diplomatic corps. □� �the foreign press corps.

corps de bal|let /kɔː r də b� le I , [AM ] - b�le I / N‑SING In ballet, the corps de ballet is the group of dancers who dance together, in contrast to the main dancers, who dance by themselves.

corpse /kɔː r ps/ (corpses ) N‑COUNT A corpse is a dead body, especially the body of a human being.

cor|pu|lent /kɔː r pjʊlənt/ ADJ If you describe someone as corpulent , you mean they are fat. [LITERARY ] □� �a rather corpulent farmer.

cor|pus /kɔː r pəs/ (corpora /kɔː r pərə/ or corpuses ) N‑COUNT A corpus is a large collection of written or spoken texts that is used for language research. [TECHNICAL ]

cor|pus|cle /kɔː r pʌs ə l, [AM ] -pəs ə l/ (corpuscles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Corpuscles are red or white blood cells. □� Deficiency of red corpuscles is caused by a lack of iron.

cor|ral /kərɑː l, [AM ] -r� l/ (corrals , corralling , corralled )

1 N‑COUNT In North America, a corral is a space surrounded by a fence where cattle or horses are kept.

2 VERB To corral a person or animal means to capture or confine them. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] Within hours, police corralled the three men Lewis had named.

cor|rect ◆◆◇ /kəre kt/ (corrects , correcting , corrected )

1 ADJ If something is correct , it is in accordance with the facts and has no mistakes. [FORMAL ] □� The correct answers can be found at the bottom of page 8. □� The following information was correct at time of going to press. ●� cor|rect|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Did I pronounce your name correctly? ●� cor|rect|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Ask the investor to check the correctness of what he has written.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is correct , what they have said or thought is true. [FORMAL ] □� You are absolutely correct. The leaves are from a bay tree. □� If Casey is correct, the total cost of the cleanup would come to $110 billion.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The correct thing or method is the thing or method that is required or is most suitable in a particular situation. □� The use of the correct materials was crucial. □� �the correct way to produce a crop of tomato plants. ●� cor|rect|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� If correctly executed, this shot will get the ball close to the hole.

4 ADJ If you say that someone is correctin doing something, you approve of their action. □�[+�in ] You are perfectly correct in trying to steer your mother towards increased independence. □� I think the president was correct to reject the offer. ●� cor|rect|ly ADV □� When an accident happens, quite correctly questions are asked.

5 VERB If you correct a problem, mistake, or fault, you do something which puts it right. □�[V n] He has criticised the government for inefficiency and delays in correcting past mistakes. ●� cor|rec|tion /kəre kʃ ə n/ (corrections ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �legislation to require the correction of factual errors. □� We will then make the necessary corrections.

6 VERB If you correct someone, you say something which you think is more accurate or appropriate than what they have just said. □�[V n with quote] 'Actually, that isn't what happened,' George corrects me. □�[V n] I must correct him on a minor point. [Also V with quote]

7 VERB When someone corrects a piece of writing, they look at it and mark the mistakes in it. □�[V n] He focused on preparing his classes and correcting his students' work.

8 ADJ If a person or their behaviour is correct , their behaviour is in accordance with social or other rules. □� I think English men are very polite and very correct. ●� cor|rect|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She behaved correctly but not affectionately towards her father. ●� cor|rect|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �his stiff-legged gait and formal correctness.

cor|rec|tion /kəre kʃ ə n/ (corrections )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Corrections are marks or comments made on a piece of work, especially school work, which indicate where there are mistakes and what are the right answers.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Correction is the punishment of criminals. [mainly AM ] □� �jails and other parts of the correction system.

3 →�see also correct

cor|rec|tion|al /kəre kʃənəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Correctional means related to prisons. [mainly AM ] □� He is currently being held in a metropolitan correctional center.

cor|rec|tive /kəre kt I v/ (correctives )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Corrective measures or techniques are intended to put right something that is wrong. □� Scientific institutions have been reluctant to take corrective action. □� He has received extensive corrective surgery to his skull.

2 N‑COUNT If something is a correctiveto a particular view or account, it gives a more accurate or fairer picture than there would have been without it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] �a useful corrective to the mistaken view that all psychologists are behaviourists.

cor|re|late /kɒ rəle I t, [AM ] kɔː r-/ (correlates , correlating , correlated )

1 VERB If one thing correlateswith another, there is a close similarity or connection between them, often because one thing causes the other. You can also say that two things correlate . [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] Obesity correlates with increased risk for hypertension and stroke. □�[V ] The political opinions of spouses correlate more closely than their heights. □�[be V -ed +�with/to ] The loss of respect for British science is correlated to reduced funding. □�[be V -ed] At the highest executive levels, earnings and performance aren't always correlated. [Also V +�to ]

2 VERB If you correlate things, you work out the way in which they are connected or the way they influence each other. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�with ] The report correlated the stock market values of the companies with their losses. □�[V n] Lieutenant Ryan closed his eyes, first mentally viewing the different crime scenes, then correlating the data.

cor|re|la|tion /kɒ rəle I ʃ ə n, [AM ] kɔː r-/ (correlations ) N‑COUNT A correlationbetween things is a connection or link between them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�between ] �the correlation between smoking and disease.

cor|rela|tive /kɒre lət I v/ (correlatives ) N‑COUNT If one thing is a correlativeof another, the first thing is caused by the second thing, or occurs together with it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Man has rights only in so far as they are a correlative of duty.

cor|re|spond /kɒ r I spɒ nd, [AM ] kɔː r-/ (corresponds , corresponding , corresponded )

1 VERB If one thing correspondsto another, there is a close similarity or connection between them. You can also say that two things correspond . □�[V +�to/with ] Racegoers will be given a number which will correspond to a horse running in a race. □�[V ] The two maps of London correspond closely. □�[V ] Her expression is concerned but her body language does not correspond. ●� cor|re|spond|ing ADJ [ADJ n] □� March and April sales were up 8 per cent on the corresponding period last year.

2 VERB If you correspondwith someone, you write letters to them. You can also say that two people correspond . □�[V +�with ] She still corresponds with American friends she met in Majorca nine years ago. □�[V ] We corresponded regularly.

cor|re|spond|ence /kɒ r I spɒ ndəns, [AM ] kɔː r-/ (correspondences )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Correspondence is the act of writing letters to someone. □� The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. □�[+�with ] His interest in writing came from a long correspondence with a close college friend.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's correspondence is the letters that they receive or send. □� He always replied to his correspondence.

3 N‑COUNT If there is a correspondencebetween two things, there is a close similarity or connection between them. □�[+�between ] In African languages there is a close correspondence between sounds and letters.

co r|re|spo nd|ence course (correspondence courses ) N‑COUNT A correspondence course is a course in which you study at home, receiving your work by post and sending it back by post. □� I took a correspondence course in computing.

cor|re|spond|ent ◆◆◇ /kɒ r I spɒ ndənt, [AM ] kɔː r-/ (correspondents ) N‑COUNT A correspondent is a newspaper or television journalist, especially one who specializes in a particular type of news. □� �The Times Diplomatic Correspondent.

cor|re|spond|ing|ly /kɒ r I spɒ nd I ŋli, [AM ] kɔː r-/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] You use correspondingly when describing a situation which is closely connected with one you have just mentioned or is similar to it. □� As his political stature has shrunk, he has grown correspondingly more dependent on the army.

cor|ri|dor /kɒ r I dɔː r , [AM ] kɔː r I dər/ (corridors )

1 N‑COUNT A corridor is a long passage in a building, with doors and rooms on one or both sides.

2 N‑COUNT A corridor is a strip of land that connects one country to another or gives it a route to the sea through another country. □� The republic lay in a narrow corridor of disputed land.

cor|robo|rate /kərɒ bəre I t/ (corroborates , corroborating , corroborated ) VERB To corroborate something that has been said or reported means to provide evidence or information that supports it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] I had access to a wide range of documents which corroborated the story. ●� cor|robo|ra|tion /kərɒ bəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] He needed independent corroboration of his version of the accident.

cor|robo|ra|tive /kərɒ bərət I v, [AM ] -re I t I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] Corroborative evidence or information supports an idea, account, or argument. [FORMAL ] □� �a written statement supported by other corroborative evidence.

cor|rode /kəroʊ d/ (corrodes , corroding , corroded )

1 VERB If metal or stone corrodes , or is corroded , it is gradually destroyed by a chemical or by rust. □�[V ] He has devised a process for making gold wires which neither corrode nor oxidise. □�[be V -ed] Engineers found the structure had been corroded by moisture. □�[V n] Acid rain destroys trees and corrodes buildings. ●� cor|rod|ed ADJ □� The investigators found that the underground pipes were badly corroded.

2 VERB To corrode something means to gradually make it worse or weaker. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] Suffering was easier to bear than the bitterness he felt corroding his spirit.

cor|ro|sion /kəroʊ ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Corrosion is the damage that is caused when something is corroded. □� Zinc is used to protect other metals from corrosion.

cor|ro|sive /kəroʊ s I v/

1 ADJ A corrosive substance is able to destroy solid materials by a chemical reaction. □� Sodium and sulphur are highly corrosive.

2 ADJ If you say that something has a corrosive effect, you mean that it gradually causes serious harm. [FORMAL ] □� �the corrosive effects of inflation.

cor|ru|gat|ed /kɒ rəge I t I d, [AM ] kɔː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Corrugated metal or cardboard has been folded into a series of small parallel folds to make it stronger. □� �a hut with a corrugated iron roof.

cor|rupt /kərʌ pt/ (corrupts , corrupting , corrupted )

1 ADJ Someone who is corrupt behaves in a way that is morally wrong, especially by doing dishonest or illegal things in return for money or power. □� �to save the nation from corrupt politicians of both parties. □� He had accused three opposition members of corrupt practices. ●� cor|rupt|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �several government officials charged with acting corruptly.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is corruptedby something, it causes them to become dishonest and unjust and unable to be trusted. □�[be V -ed] It is sad to see a man so corrupted by the desire for money and power.

3 VERB To corrupt someone means to cause them to stop caring about moral standards. □�[V n] �warning that television will corrupt us all. □�[V ] Cruelty depraves and corrupts.

4 VERB [usu passive] If something is corrupted , it becomes damaged or spoiled in some way. □�[be V -ed] Some of the finer type-faces are corrupted by cheap, popular computer printers. □�[V -ed] �corrupted data.

cor|rup|tion ◆◇◇ /kərʌ pʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Corruption is dishonesty and illegal behaviour by people in positions of authority or power. □� Distribution of food throughout the country is being hampered by inefficiency and corruption.

cor|sage /kɔː r sɑː ʒ/ (corsages ) N‑COUNT A corsage is a very small bunch of flowers that is fastened to a woman's dress below the shoulder.

cor|set /kɔː r s I t/ (corsets ) N‑COUNT A corset is a stiff piece of underwear worn by some women, especially in the past. It fits tightly around their hips and waist and makes them thinner around the waist when they wear it.

cor|set|ed /kɔː r s I t I d/ ADJ A woman who is corseted is wearing a corset.

cor|tege /kɔː r te I ʒ, [AM ] -te ʒ/ (corteges ) also cort�ge N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A cortege is a procession of people who are walking or riding in cars to a funeral.

cor|tex /kɔː r teks/ (cortices /kɔː r t I siːz/) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thecortex of the brain or of another organ is its outer layer. [MEDICAL ] □� �the cerebral cortex.

cor|ti|sone /kɔː r t I zoʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT Cortisone is a hormone used in the treatment of arthritis, allergies, and some skin diseases.

co|rus|cat|ing /kɒ rəske I t I ŋ, [AM ] kɔː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A coruscating speech or performance is lively, intelligent, and impressive. [LITERARY , APPROVAL ] □� �coruscating humour.

cor|vette /kɔː r ve t/ (corvettes ) N‑COUNT A corvette is a small fast warship that is used to protect other ships from attack.

'cos ◆◆◇ /kəz/ also cos CONJ 'Cos is an informal way of saying because . [BRIT , SPOKEN ] □� It was absolutely horrible going up the hills 'cos they were really, really steep. in AM, use 'cause

cosh /kɒ ʃ/ (coshes , coshing , coshed )

1 N‑COUNT A cosh is a heavy piece of rubber or metal which is used as a weapon. [BRIT ]

2 VERB To cosh someone means to hit them hard on the head with a cosh or a similar weapon. [BRIT ] □�[V n] �robbers who punched Tom and coshed Helen.

cos|met|ic /kɒzme t I k/ (cosmetics )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cosmetics are substances such as lipstick or powder, which people put on their face to make themselves look more attractive.

2 ADJ If you describe measures or changes as cosmetic , you mean they improve the appearance of a situation or thing but do not change its basic nature, and you are usually implying that they are inadequate. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is a cosmetic measure which will do nothing to help the situation long term.

cos|me t|ic su r|gery N‑UNCOUNT Cosmetic surgery is surgery done to make a person look more attractive.

cos|mic /kɒ zm I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cosmic means occurring in, or coming from, the part of space that lies outside Earth and its atmosphere. □� �cosmic radiation. □� �cosmic debris.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cosmic means belonging or relating to the universe. □� �the cosmic laws governing our world.

cos|mic ra ys N‑PLURAL Cosmic rays are rays that reach Earth from outer space and consist of atomic nuclei.

cos|mol|ogy /kɒzmɒ lədʒi/ (cosmologies )

1 N‑VAR A cosmology is a theory about the origin and nature of the universe. □� �the ideas implicit in Big Bang cosmology.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cosmology is the study of the origin and nature of the universe. ●� cos|molo|gist (cosmologists ) N‑COUNT □� �astronomers and cosmologists. ●� cos|mo|logi|cal /kɒ zməlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� �cosmological sciences.

cos|mo|naut /kɒ zmənɔːt/ (cosmonauts ) N‑COUNT A cosmonaut is an astronaut from the former Soviet Union.

cos|mo|poli|tan /kɒ zməpɒ l I tən/

1 ADJ A cosmopolitan place or society is full of people from many different countries and cultures. [APPROVAL ] □� London has always been a cosmopolitan city.

2 ADJ Someone who is cosmopolitan has had a lot of contact with people and things from many different countries and as a result is very open to different ideas and ways of doing things. [APPROVAL ] □� The family are rich, and extremely sophisticated and cosmopolitan.

cos|mos /kɒ zmɒs, [AM ] -məs/ N‑SING The cosmos is the universe. [LITERARY ] □� �the natural laws of the cosmos.

cos|set /kɒ s I t/ (cossets , cosseting or cossetting , cosseted or cossetted ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is cosseted , everything possible is done for them and they are protected from anything unpleasant. □�[be V -ed] Our kind of travel is definitely not suitable for people who expect to be cosseted.

cost ◆◆◆ /kɒ st, [AM ] kɔː st/ (costs , costing ) The form cost is used in the present tense, and is also the past tense and past participle, except for meaning 4 , where the form costed is used. 1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The costof something is the amount of money that is needed in order to buy, do, or make it. □�[+�of ] The cost of a loaf of bread has increased five-fold. □�[+�of ] In 1989 the price of coffee fell so low that in many countries it did not even cover the cost of production. □�[+�of ] Badges are also available at a cost of �2.50.

2 VERB If something costs a particular amount of money, you can buy, do, or make it for that amount. □�[V amount] This course is limited to 12 people and costs �50. □�[V n amount] It's going to cost me over $100,000 to buy new trucks.

3 N‑PLURAL Your costs are the total amount of money that you must spend on running your home or business. □� Costs have been cut by 30 to 50 per cent.

4 VERB [usu passive] When something that you plan to do or make is costed , the amount of money you need is calculated in advance. □�[be V -ed] Everything that goes into making a programme, staff, rent, lighting, is now costed. □�[V -ed] �apartments, a restaurant and a hotel, costed at around 10 million pounds. ●�PHRASAL VERB Cost out means the same as cost . □�[V P n] �training days for charity staff on how to draw up contracts and cost out proposals. □�[have n V -ed P ] It is always worth having a loft conversion costed out. [Also V n P ]

5 N‑PLURAL If someone is ordered by a court of law to pay costs , they have to pay a sum of money towards the expenses of a court case they are involved in. □� He was jailed for 18 months and ordered to pay �550 costs.

6 N‑UNCOUNT If something is sold atcost , it is sold for the same price as it cost the seller to buy it. □� �a store that provided soft drinks and candy bars at cost.

7 N‑SING The costof something is the loss, damage, or injury that is involved in trying to achieve it. □�[+�of ] In March Mr Salinas shut down the city's oil refinery at a cost of $500 million and 5,000 jobs. □�[+�to ] He had to protect his family, whatever the cost to himself.

8 VERB If an event or mistake costs you something, you lose that thing as the result of it. □�[V n n] �a six-year-old boy whose life was saved by an operation that cost him his sight. □�[V n] The increase will hurt small business and cost many thousands of jobs.

9 PHRASE If you say that something must be avoided at all costs , you are emphasizing that it must not be allowed to happen under any circumstances. [EMPHASIS ] □� They told him a disastrous world trade war must be avoided at all costs.

10 PHRASE If you say that something must be done at any cost , you are emphasizing that it must be done, even if this requires a lot of effort or money. [EMPHASIS ] □� This book is of such importance that it must be published at any cost.

11 PHRASE If you say that something costs money , you mean that it has to be paid for, and perhaps cannot be afforded. □� Well-designed clothes cost money.

12 PHRASE If you know something to your cost , you know it because of an unpleasant experience that you have had. □� Kathryn knows to her cost the effect of having served a jail sentence.

13to cost someone dear →�see dear

▸� cost out →�see cost4 SYNONYMS cost NOUN 1

price:�a sharp increase in the price of petrol.

worth:I went and bought about six dollars' worth of potato chips.

expense:He's bought a specially big TV at vast expense.

charge:We can arrange this for a small charge.

rate:�specially reduced rates for travellers using Gatwick Airport.

co st ac|count|ing N‑UNCOUNT Cost accounting is the recording and analysis of all the various costs of running a business. [BUSINESS ]

co -star (co-stars , co-starring , co-starred ) in AM, also use costar1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] An actor's or actress's co-stars are the other actors or actresses who also have one of the main parts in a particular film. □� He now lives in Berlin with his co-star from the film.

2 VERB If an actor or actress co-starswith another actor or actress, the two of them have the main parts in a particular film. □�[V +�with ] This fall she co-stars in a film with the acclaimed British actor Kenneth Branagh. □�[V +�in ] They co-starred in a television version of EM Forster's A Room with a View. □�[V +�in ] She revealed the pair were to co-star in an action movie.

3 VERB If a film co-stars particular actors, they have the main parts in it. □�[V n] The film co-stars Dame Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

co st-effe ctive ADJ Something that is cost-effective saves or makes a lot of money in comparison with the costs involved. □� The bank must be run in a cost-effective way. ●� cost-effectively ADV [ADV after v] □� The management tries to produce the magazine as cost-effectively as possible. ●� cost-effectiveness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] A Home Office report has raised doubts about the cost-effectiveness of the proposals.

cost|ing /kɒ st I ŋ, [AM ] kɔː st-/ (costings ) N‑VAR A costing is an estimate of all the costs involved in a project or a business venture. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� We'll put together a proposal, including detailed costings, free of charge. in AM, use costs

cost|ly /kɒ stli, [AM ] kɔː st-/ (costlier , costliest )

1 ADJ If you say that something is costly , you mean that it costs a lot of money, often more than you would want to pay. □� Having professionally-made curtains can be costly, so why not make your own?

2 ADJ If you describe someone's action or mistake as costly , you mean that it results in a serious disadvantage for them, for example the loss of a large amount of money or the loss of their reputation. □� Psychometric tests can save organizations from grim and costly mistakes.

co st of li v|ing N‑SING The cost of living is the average amount of money that people in a particular place need in order to be able to afford basic food, housing, and clothing. □� Companies are moving jobs to towns with a lower cost of living.

co st-plu s ADJ [ADJ n] A cost-plus basis for a contract about work to be done is one in which the buyer agrees to pay the seller or contractor all the cost plus a profit. □� All vessels were to be built on a cost-plus basis.

co st pri ce (cost prices ) N‑VAR [oft at N ] If something is sold atcost price , it is sold for the same price as it cost the seller to buy it. [BRIT ] □� �a factory shop where you can buy very fashionable shoes at cost price.

cos|tume /kɒ stjuːm, [AM ] -tuːm/ (costumes )

1 N‑VAR An actor's or performer's costume is the set of clothes they wear while they are performing. □� Even from a distance the effect of his fox costume was stunning. □� The performers, in costume and make-up, were walking up and down backstage. □� In all, she has eight costume changes.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The clothes worn by people at a particular time in history, or in a particular country, are referred to as a particular type of costume . □� �men and women in eighteenth-century costume.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A costume play or drama is one which is set in the past and in which the actors wear the type of clothes that were worn in that period. □� �a lavish costume drama set in Ireland and the U.S. in the 1890s.

co s|tume jew|el|lery in AM, use costume jewelry N‑UNCOUNT Costume jewellery is jewellery made from cheap materials.

cos|tum|er /kɒ stjuːmə r / (costumers ) N‑COUNT A costumer is the same as a costumier . [AM ]

cos|tumi|er /kɒstjuː miə r , [AM ] -tuː -/ (costumiers ) N‑COUNT A costumier is a person or company that makes or supplies costumes. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a theatrical costumier. in AM, use costumer

cosy /koʊ zi/ (cosier , cosiest ) in AM, use cozy1 ADJ A house or room that is cosy is comfortable and warm. □� Downstairs there's a breakfast room and guests can relax in the cosy bar. ●� co|si|ly /koʊ z I li/ ADV □� We took time to relax in the cosily-decorated drawing room.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are cosy , you are comfortable and warm. □� They like to make sure their guests are comfortable and cosy. ●� co|si|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He was settled cosily in the corner with an arm round Lynda.

3 ADJ You use cosy to describe activities that are pleasant and friendly, and involve people who know each other well. □� �a cosy chat between friends. ●� co|si|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �chatting cosily with friends over coffee.

cot /kɒ t/ (cots )

1 N‑COUNT A cot is a bed for a baby, with bars or panels round it so that the baby cannot fall out. [BRIT ] in AM, use crib2 N‑COUNT A cot is a narrow bed, usually made of canvas fitted over a frame which can be folded up. [AM ] in BRIT, use camp bed

co t death (cot deaths ) N‑VAR Cot death is the sudden death of a baby while it is asleep, although the baby had not previously been ill. [BRIT ] in AM, use crib death

co|terie /koʊ təri/ (coteries ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A coterieof a particular kind is a small group of people who are close friends or have a common interest, and who do not want other people to join them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The songs he recorded were written by a small coterie of dedicated writers.

cot|tage ◆◇◇ /kɒ t I dʒ/ (cottages ) N‑COUNT A cottage is a small house, usually in the country. □� They used to have a cottage in N.W. Scotland. □� My sister Yvonne also came to live at Ockenden Cottage with me. COLLOCATIONS cottage NOUN 1

noun +�cottage : country, holiday; three-bedroom, two-bedroom

adjective +�cottage : stone, terraced, thatched; charming, cosy, pretty, quaint

co t|tage chee se N‑UNCOUNT Cottage cheese is a soft, white, lumpy cheese made from sour milk.

co t|tage i n|dus|try (cottage industries ) N‑COUNT A cottage industry is a small business that is run from someone's home, especially one that involves a craft such as knitting or pottery. [BUSINESS ] □� Bookbinding is largely a cottage industry.

co t|tage loaf (cottage loaves ) N‑COUNT A cottage loaf is a loaf of bread which has a smaller round part on top of a larger round part. [BRIT ]

co t|tage pie (cottage pies ) N‑VAR Cottage pie is a dish which consists of minced meat in gravy with mashed potato on top. [BRIT ]

cot|tag|ing /kɒ t I dʒ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cottaging is homosexual activity between men in public toilets. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

cot|ton ◆◇◇ /kɒ t ə n/ (cottons , cottoning , cottoned )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Cotton is a type of cloth made from soft fibres from a particular plant. □� �a cotton shirt.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cotton is a plant which is grown in warm countries and which produces soft fibres used in making cotton cloth. □� �a large cotton plantation in Tennessee.

3 N‑VAR Cotton is thread that is used for sewing, especially thread that is made from cotton. [mainly BRIT ] □� There's a needle and cotton there. in AM, use thread4 N‑UNCOUNT Cotton or absorbent cotton is a soft mass of cotton, used especially for applying liquids or creams to your skin. [AM ] in BRIT, use cotton wool

▸� cotton on PHRASAL VERB If you cotton onto something, you understand it or realize it, especially without people telling you about it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�to ] She had already cottoned on to the fact that the nanny was not all she appeared. □�[V P ] It wasn't until he started laughing that they cottoned on!

▸� cotton to PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you cotton to someone or something, you start to like them. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] His style of humor was very human, and that's why people cotton to him. □�[V P n] I was being shut out and that's something I just don't cotton to.

co t|ton bud (cotton buds ) N‑COUNT A cotton bud is a small stick with a ball of cotton wool at each end, which people use, for example, for applying make-up. [BRIT ] in AM, use Q-tip

co t|ton ca n|dy N‑UNCOUNT Cotton candy is a large pink or white mass of sugar threads that is eaten from a stick. It is sold at fairs or other outdoor events. [AM ] in BRIT, use candyfloss

cotton|wood /kɒ t ə nwʊd/ (cottonwoods ) N‑COUNT A cottonwood or a cottonwood tree is a kind of tree that grows in North America and has seeds that are covered with hairs that look like cotton.

co t|ton woo l N‑UNCOUNT Cotton wool is a soft mass of cotton, used especially for applying liquids or creams to your skin. [BRIT ] in AM, use cotton

couch /kaʊ tʃ/ (couches , couching , couched )

1 N‑COUNT A couch is a long, comfortable seat for two or three people.

2 N‑COUNT A couch is a narrow bed which patients lie on while they are being examined or treated by a doctor.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a statement is couchedin a particular style of language, it is expressed in that style of language. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed +�in/as ] The new centre-right government's radical objectives are often couched in moderate terms.

cou|chette /kuːʃe t/ (couchettes ) N‑COUNT A couchette is a bed on a train or a boat which is folded against the wall or used as a seat during the day. [mainly BRIT ]

cou ch po|ta|to (couch potatoes ) N‑COUNT A couch potato is someone who spends most of their time watching television and does not exercise or have any interesting hobbies. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �couch potatoes flicking through endless satellite TV channels.

couch|surf|ing /kaʊ tʃsɜː r f I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Couchsurfing is the practice of sleeping at the houses of several different people for a period of time without paying. □� He spent a few months couchsurfing.

cou|gar /kuː gə r / (cougars ) N‑COUNT A cougar is a wild member of the cat family. Cougars have brownish-grey fur and live in mountain regions of North and South America. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use puma

cough ◆◇◇ /kɒ f, [AM ] kɔː f/ (coughs , coughing , coughed )

1 VERB When you cough , you force air out of your throat with a sudden, harsh noise. You often cough when you are ill, or when you are nervous or want to attract someone's attention. □�[V ] Graham began to cough violently. □�[V ] He coughed. 'Excuse me, Mrs Allsworthy, could I have a word?' ●�N‑COUNT Cough is also a noun. □� They were interrupted by an apologetic cough. ●� cough|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He was then overcome by a terrible fit of coughing.

2 N‑COUNT A cough is an illness in which you cough often and your chest or throat hurts. □� �if you have a persistent cough for over a month.

3 VERB If you cough blood or mucus, it comes up out of your throat or mouth when you cough. □�[V n] I started coughing blood so they transferred me to a hospital. ●�PHRASAL VERB Cough up means the same as cough . □�[V P n] Keats became feverish, continually coughing up blood. [Also V n P ]

▸� cough up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cough up an amount of money, you pay or spend that amount, usually when you would prefer not to. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�for ] I'll have to cough up $10,000 a year for tuition. □�[V P ] Will this be enough to persuade Congress to cough up? [Also V P n +�for ]

2 →�see also cough3

cou gh medi|cine (cough medicines ) N‑VAR Cough medicine is liquid medicine that you take when you have a cough.

cou gh mix|ture (cough mixtures ) N‑VAR Cough mixture is the same as cough medicine . [BRIT ]

could ◆◆◆ /kəd, STRONG kʊd/ Could is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. Could is sometimes considered to be the past form of can , but in this dictionary the two words are dealt with separately. 1 MODAL You use could to indicate that someone had the ability to do something. You use could not or couldn't to say that someone was unable to do something. □� For my return journey, I felt I could afford the extra and travel first class. □� I could see that something was terribly wrong. □� When I left school at 16, I couldn't read or write. □� There was no way she could have coped with a baby around.

2 MODAL You use could to indicate that something sometimes happened. □� Though he had a temper and could be nasty, it never lasted. □� He could be very pleasant when he wanted to.

3 MODAL You use could have to indicate that something was a possibility in the past, although it did not actually happen. □� He could have made a fortune as a lawyer. □� He did not regret saying what he did but felt that he could have expressed it differently.

4 MODAL You use could to indicate that something is possibly true, or that it may possibly happen. □� Doctors told him the disease could have been caused by years of working in smokey clubs. □� An improvement in living standards could be years away.

5 MODAL You use could not or couldn't to indicate that it is not possible that something is true. □� Anne couldn't be expected to understand the situation. □� He couldn't have been more than fourteen years old.

6 MODAL You use could to talk about a possibility, ability, or opportunity that depends on other conditions. □� Their hope was that a new and better country could be born. □� I knew that if I spoke to Myra, I could get her to call my father.

7 MODAL You use could when you are saying that one thing or situation resembles another. □� The charming characters she draws look like they could have walked out of the 1920s.

8 MODAL You use could , or couldn't in questions, when you are making offers and suggestions. □� I could call the local doctor. □� You could look for a career abroad where environmental jobs are better paid and more secure. □� It would be a good idea if you could do this exercise twice or three times on separate days.

9 MODAL You use could in questions when you are making a polite request or asking for permission to do something. Speakers sometimes use couldn't instead of 'could' to show that they realize that their request may be refused. [POLITENESS ] □� Could I stay tonight? □� Could I speak to you in private a moment, John? □� He asked if he could have a cup of coffee. □� Couldn't I watch you do it?

10 MODAL People sometimes use structures with if I could or could I as polite ways of interrupting someone or of introducing what they are going to say next. [FORMAL , SPOKEN , POLITENESS ] □� Well, if I could just interject. □� Could I ask you if there have been any further problems? □� First of all, could I begin with an apology for a mistake I made last week?

11 MODAL You use could to say emphatically that someone ought to do the thing mentioned, especially when you are annoyed because they have not done it. You use why couldn't in questions to express your surprise or annoyance that someone has not done something. [EMPHASIS ] □� We've come to see you, so you could at least stand and greet us properly. □� Idiot! You could have told me! □� He could have written. □� Why couldn't she have said something?

12 MODAL You use could when you are expressing strong feelings about something by saying that you feel as if you want to do the thing mentioned, although you do not do it. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Welcome back' was all they said. I could have kissed them! □� She could have screamed with tension.

13 MODAL You use could after 'if' when talking about something that you do not have the ability or opportunity to do, but which you are imagining in order to consider what the likely consequences might be. □� If I could afford it I'd have four television sets. □� If only I could get some sleep, I would be able to cope.

14 MODAL You use could not or couldn't with comparatives to emphasize that someone or something has as much as is possible of a particular quality. For example, if you say 'I couldn't be happier', you mean that you are extremely happy. [EMPHASIS ] □� The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't be happier. □� The news couldn't have come at a better time.

15 MODAL In speech, you use how could in questions to emphasize that you feel strongly about something bad that has happened. [EMPHASIS ] □� How could you allow him to do something like that? □� How could she do this to me?

16could do with →�see do ➋

couldn't /kʊ d ə nt/ Couldn't is the usual spoken form of 'could not'.

could've /kʊdəv/ Could've is the usual spoken form of 'could have', when 'have' is an auxiliary verb.

coun|cil ◆◆◆ /kaʊ ns ə l/ (councils )

1 N‑COUNT A council is a group of people who are elected to govern a local area such as a city or, in Britain, a county. □� �Cheshire County Council. □� The city council has voted almost unanimously in favour. □� �David Ward, one of just two Liberal Democrats on the council.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Council houses or flats are owned by the local council, and people pay rent to live in them. [BRIT ] □� There is a shortage of council housing.

3 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu in names] Council is used in the names of some organizations. □� �the National Council for Civil Liberties. □� �community health councils.

4 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu sing] In some organizations, the council is the group of people that controls or governs it. □�[+�of ] He was a member of the council of the Royal Northern College of Music.

5 N‑COUNT A council is a specially organized, formal meeting that is attended by a particular group of people. □�[+�of ] The President said he would call a grand council of all Afghans. COLLOCATIONS council NOUN 1

noun +�council : city, county, district, town

adjective +�council : governing, local, regional

verb +�council : contact, elect SYNONYMS council NOUN 4

committee:�an elected Management Committee who serve the Association on a voluntary basis.

board:�the agenda for the September 12 board meeting.

panel:The advisory panel disagreed with the decision.

quango:Powers have been transferred to a wide variety of new quangos.

cou n|cil hou se (council houses ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a council house is a house that is owned by a local council and that people can rent at a low cost.

coun|cil|lor /kaʊ nsələ r / (councillors ) in AM, use councilor N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A councillor is a member of a local council. □� �Councillor Michael Poulter.

council|man /kaʊ ns ə lmən/ (councilmen ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A councilman is a man who is a member of a local council. [AM ] □� �a city councilman. in BRIT, use councillor

cou n|cil of wa r (councils of war ) N‑COUNT A council of war is a meeting that is held in order to decide how a particular threat or emergency should be dealt with. [FORMAL ]

cou n|cil tax N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] In Britain, council tax is a tax that you pay to your local authority in order to pay for local services such as schools, libraries, and rubbish collection. The amount of council tax that you pay depends on the value of the house or flat where you live.

coun|cil|woman /kaʊ ns ə lwʊmən/ (councilwomen ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A councilwoman is a woman who is a member of a local council. [AM ] □� �Councilwoman Johnson. in BRIT, use councillor

coun|sel ◆◇◇ /kaʊ ns ə l/ (counsels , counselling , counselled ) in AM, use counseling , counseled1 N‑UNCOUNT Counsel is advice. [FORMAL ] □� He had always been able to count on her wise counsel. □� His parishioners sought his counsel and loved him.

2 VERB If you counsel someone to take a course of action, or if you counsel a course of action, you advise that course of action. [FORMAL ] □�[V n to-inf] My advisers counselled me to do nothing. □�[V n] The prime minister was right to counsel caution about military intervention. [Also V with quote]

3 VERB If you counsel people, you give them advice about their problems. □�[V n] �a psychologist who counsels people with eating disorders. □�[V n +�on ] Crawford counsels her on all aspects of her career. [Also V on n]

4 N‑COUNT Someone's counsel is the lawyer who gives them advice on a legal case and speaks on their behalf in court. □� Singleton's counsel said after the trial that he would appeal.

coun|sel|ling /kaʊ nsəl I ŋ/ in AM, use counseling N‑UNCOUNT Counselling is advice which a therapist or other expert gives to someone about a particular problem.

coun|sel|lor /kaʊ nsələ r / (counsellors ) in AM, use counselor N‑COUNT A counsellor is a person whose job is to give advice to people who need it, especially advice on their personal problems.

count ◆◆◇ /kaʊ nt/ (counts , counting , counted )

1 VERB When you count , you say all the numbers one after another up to a particular number. □�[V ] He was counting slowly under his breath. □�[V +�to ] Brian counted to twenty and lifted his binoculars.

2 VERB If you count all the things in a group, you add them up in order to find how many there are. □�[V n] I counted the money. It was more than five hundred pounds. □�[V num] I counted 34 wild goats grazing. □�[V -ed] With more than 90 percent of the votes counted, the Liberals should win nearly a third of the seats. [Also V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Count up means the same as count . □�[V P n] Couldn't we just count up our ballots and bring them to the courthouse? [Also V n P ] ●� count|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The counting of votes is proceeding smoothly.

3 N‑COUNT A count is the action of counting a particular set of things, or the number that you get when you have counted them. □� The final count in last month's referendum showed 56.7 per cent in favour.

4 N‑COUNT [n N ] You use count when referring to the level or amount of something that someone or something has. □� He cut his daily calorie count from 3,000 to 2,000.

5 →�see also blood count , pollen count

6 N‑SING You use count in expressions such as a count of three or a count of ten when you are measuring a length of time by counting slowly up to a certain number. □�[+�of ] Hold your breath for a count of five, then slowly breathe out.

7 VERB If something or someone countsfor something or counts , they are important or valuable. □�[V ] It doesn't matter where charities get their money from: what counts is what they do with it. □�[V +�for ] When I first came to college I realised that brainpower didn't count for much.

8 VERB If something counts or is countedas a particular thing, it is regarded as being that thing, especially in particular circumstances or under particular rules. □�[V +�as ] No one agrees on what counts as a desert. □�[V ] When you were a child, your wishes didn't always count. □�[V n +�as ] They can count it as a success. [Also V n n/adj]

9 VERB If you count something when you are making a calculation, you include it in that calculation. □�[V n] Statistics don't count the people who aren't qualified to be in the work force. □�[be V -ed +�as ] The years before their arrival in prison are not counted as part of their sentence. [Also V n +�as ]

10 N‑COUNT You can use count to refer to one or more points that you are considering. For example, if someone is wrong on two counts , they are wrong in two ways. □� 'You drink Scotch,' she said. 'All Republicans drink Scotch.'�'Wrong on both counts. I'm a Democrat, and I drink bourbon.'

11 N‑COUNT In law, a count is one of a number of charges brought against someone in court. □�[+�of ] He was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of murder.

12 PHRASE If you keep countof a number of things, you note or keep a record of how many have occurred. If you lose countof a number of things, you cannot remember how many have occurred. □�[+�of ] He struggles to keep count of the number of flights he takes yearly. □�[+�of ] She'd lost count of the interviews she'd been called for.

13 PHRASE If someone is out for the count , they are unconscious or very deeply asleep. [INFORMAL ]

14 PHRASE If you say that someone should stand up and be counted , you mean that they should say publicly what they think, and not hide it or be ashamed of it. □� Those involved and benefiting from the scandal must be prepared to stand up and be counted.

15to count your blessings →�see blessing

▸� count against PHRASAL VERB If something counts against you, it may cause you to be rejected or punished, or cause people to have a lower opinion of you. □�[V P n] He is highly regarded, but his youth might count against him.

▸� count in PHRASAL VERB [usu imper] If you tell someone to count you in , you mean that you want to be included in an activity. □�[V n P ] She shrugged. 'You can count me in, I guess.'

▸� count on or count upon

1 PHRASAL VERB If you count on something or count upon it, you expect it to happen and include it in your plans. □�[V P n/v-ing] The government thought it could count on the support of the trades unions.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you count on someone or count upon them, you rely on them to support you or help you. □�[V P n] Don't count on Lillian. □�[V P n to-inf] I can always count on you to cheer me up.

▸� count out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you count out a sum of money, you count the notes or coins as you put them in a pile one by one. □�[V P n] Mr. Rohmbauer counted out the money and put it in an envelope. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu imper] If you tell someone to count you out , you mean that you do not want to be included in an activity. □�[V n P ] If this is the standard to which I have to drop to gain membership, then count me out!

▸� count towards in AM, usually use count toward PHRASAL VERB If something counts towards or counts toward an achievement or right, it is included as one of the things that give you the right to it. □�[V P n] In many courses, work from the second year onwards can count towards the final degree.

▸� count up →�see count2

▸� count upon →�see count on COLLOCATIONS count VERB

1

count+�adverb : backwards, slowly

2

count+�noun : calories, cash, minutes, votes; number

7

noun +�count : opinion

Count /kaʊ nt/ (counts ) also count N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A Count is a European nobleman with the same rank as an English earl. □� Her father was a Polish Count.

count|able noun /kaʊ ntəb ə l naʊ n/ (countable nouns ) N‑COUNT A countable noun is the same as a count noun .

count|down /kaʊ ntdaʊn/ (countdowns )

1 N‑SING A countdown is the counting aloud of numbers in reverse order before something happens, especially before a spacecraft is launched. □� The countdown has begun for the launch of the space shuttle.

2 N‑COUNT The countdown to an event is the period of time leading up to the event. □�[+�to ] �the countdown to the next election.

coun|te|nance /kaʊ nt I nəns/ (countenances , countenancing , countenanced )

1 VERB If someone will not countenance something, they do not agree with it and will not allow it to happen. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Jake would not countenance Janis's marrying while still a student.

2 N‑COUNT Someone's countenance is their face. [LITERARY ]

coun|ter ◆◇◇ /kaʊ ntə r / (counters , countering , countered )

1 N‑COUNT In a place such as a shop or caf�, a counter is a long narrow table or flat surface at which customers are served. □� �a woman serving behind the counter at a bakery. □� �the cosmetics counter.

2 VERB If you do something to counter a particular action or process, you do something which has an opposite effect to it or makes it less effective. □�[V n] The leadership discussed a plan of economic measures to counter the effects of such a blockade. □�[V +�by ] Sears then countered by filing an antitrust lawsuit.

3 N‑SING Something that is a counter to something else has an opposite effect to it or makes it less effective. □�[+�to ] Pay and benefits can be used as a counter to job insecurity.

4 VERB If you counter something that someone has said, you say something which shows that you disagree with them or which proves that they are wrong. □�[V n] Both of them had to counter fierce criticism. □�[V +�with ] The union countered with letters rebutting the company's claims. □�[V +�by ] The Prime Minister countered by stating that he had grave misgivings about the advice he had been given. □�[V with quote] 'But Peter, it's not that simple,' Goldstone countered in a firm voice. [Also V that]

5 N‑COUNT A counter is a mechanical or electronic device which keeps a count of something and displays the total. □� �an answerphone with an LED display call counter.

6 N‑COUNT A counter is a small, flat, round object used in board games.

7 →�see also bargaining counter , bean counter , Geiger counter , rev counter

8 PHRASE If a medicine can be bought over the counter , you do not need a prescription to buy it. □� Are you taking any other medicines whether on prescription or bought over the counter? □� �basic over-the-counter remedies.

9 PHRASE Over-the-counter shares are bought and sold directly rather than on a stock exchange. [BUSINESS ]

10 PHRASE If one thing runs counter to another, or if one thing is counter to another, the first thing is the opposite of the second thing or conflicts with it. [FORMAL ] □� Much of the plan runs counter to European agriculture and environmental policy.

11 PHRASE If someone buys or sells goods under the counter , they buy or sell them secretly and illegally. □� The smugglers allegedly sold the gold under the counter, cheating the VAT man out of �5 million. COLLOCATIONS counter VERB

2

counter+�noun : attack, extremism, terrorism, threat; effect

4

counter+�noun : accusation, argument, claim, criticism

PREFIX counter-

forms words that refer to actions or activities that oppose another action or activity. For example, a counter-measure is an action you take to weaken the effect of another action or situation.

counter|act /kaʊ ntər�kt/ (counteracts , counteracting , counteracted ) VERB To counteract something means to reduce its effect by doing something that produces an opposite effect. □�[V n] My husband has to take several pills to counteract high blood pressure.

cou nter-argument (counter-arguments ) in AM, usually use counterargument N‑COUNT A counter-argument is an argument that makes an opposing point to another argument. □�[+�to ] �an attempt to develop a counter-argument to the labour theory.

cou nter-attack (counter-attacks , counter-attacking , counter-attacked ) also counterattack VERB If you counter-attack , you attack someone who has attacked you. □�[V ] The security forces counter-attacked the following day and quelled the unrest. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT Counter-attack is also a noun. □� The army began its counter-attack this morning.

counter|bal|ance /kaʊ ntə r b�lens/ (counterbalances , counterbalancing , counterbalanced ) also counter-balance

1 VERB To counterbalance something means to balance or correct it with something that has an equal but opposite effect. □�[V n] Add honey to counterbalance the acidity.

2 N‑COUNT Something that is a counterbalanceto something else counterbalances that thing. □�[+�to ] �organisations set up as a counterbalance to groups allied to the ANC.

coun|ter|bid /kaʊ ntə r b I d/ (counterbids ) N‑COUNT A counterbid is a bid that is made in response to a bid from another person or group, offering the seller more advantages. □� Bass is expected to make a surprise counterbid for First Leisure's family entertainment division on Tuesday, sparking a bid war.

counter|blast /kaʊ ntə r blɑːst, -bl�st/ (counterblasts ) also counter-blast N‑COUNT A counterblast is a strong angry reply to something that has been said, written, or done. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�to ] British experts delivered a strong counter-blast to the Professor's claims.

counter|clockwise /kaʊ ntə r klɒ kwa I z/ also counter-clockwise ADV [ADV after v] If something is moving counterclockwise , it is moving in the opposite direction to the direction in which the hands of a clock move. [AM ] □� Rotate the head clockwise and counterclockwise. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Counterclockwise is also an adjective. □� The dance moves in a counter-clockwise direction. [in BRIT, use anticlockwise ]

cou nter-culture (counter-cultures ) also counterculture N‑VAR Counter-culture is a set of values, ideas, and ways of behaving that are completely different from those of the rest of society. □� �a history of British counter-culture.

cou nter-e spionage in AM, use counterespionage N‑UNCOUNT Counter-espionage is the same as counter-intelligence .

counter|feit /kaʊ ntə r f I t/ (counterfeits , counterfeiting , counterfeited )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Counterfeit money, goods, or documents are not genuine, but have been made to look exactly like genuine ones in order to deceive people. □� He admitted possessing and delivering counterfeit currency. ●�N‑COUNT Counterfeit is also a noun. □� They sold luxury watches and handbags � all counterfeits.

2 VERB If someone counterfeits something, they make a version of it that is not genuine but has been made to look genuine in order to deceive people. □�[V n] �the coins Davies is alleged to have counterfeited. ●� counter|feit|er (counterfeiters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] □� �a gang of counterfeiters.

counter|foil /kaʊ ntə r fɔ I l/ (counterfoils ) N‑COUNT A counterfoil is the part of a cheque, ticket, or other document that you keep when you give the other part to someone else.

cou nter-inte lligence also counter intelligence , counterintelligence N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Counter-intelligence consists of actions that a country takes in order to find out whether another country is spying on it and to prevent it from doing so. □� �the FBI's department of counter-intelligence. □� �a counter-intelligence officer.

counter|mand /kaʊ ntə r mɑː nd, -m� nd/ (countermands , countermanding , countermanded ) VERB If you countermand an order, you cancel it, usually by giving a different order. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] I can't countermand an order Winger's given.

cou nter-measure (counter-measures ) also countermeasure N‑COUNT A counter-measure is an action that you take in order to weaken the effect of another action or a situation, or to make it harmless. □� Because the threat never developed, we didn't need to take any real countermeasures.

counter|pane /kaʊ ntə r pe I n/ (counterpanes ) N‑COUNT A counterpane is a decorative cover on a bed. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

counter|part ◆◇◇ /kaʊ ntə r pɑː r t/ (counterparts ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's or something's counterpart is another person or thing that has a similar function or position in a different place. □� The Foreign Secretary telephoned his Italian counterpart to protest.

counter|point /kaʊ ntə r pɔ I nt/ (counterpoints ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a counterpointto something else contrasts with it in a satisfying way. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�to ] Paris is just a short train journey away, providing the perfect counterpoint to the peace and quiet of Reims.

cou nter-produ ctive also counterproductive ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is counter-productive achieves the opposite result from the one that you want to achieve. □� In practice, however, such an attitude is counter-productive.

cou nter-revolu tion (counter-revolutions ) in AM, also use counterrevolution1 N‑COUNT A counter-revolution is a revolution that is intended to reverse the effects of a previous revolution. □� The consequences of the counter-revolution have been extremely bloody.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to activities that are intended to reverse the effects of a previous revolution as counter-revolution . □� Such actions would be regarded as counter-revolution.

cou nter-revolu tionary (counter-revolutionaries ) in AM, also use counterrevolutionary1 ADJ Counter-revolutionary activities are activities intended to reverse the effects of a previous revolution. □� �counter-revolutionary propaganda.

2 N‑COUNT A counter-revolutionary is a person who is trying to reverse the effects of a previous revolution.

counter|sign /kaʊ ntə r sa I n/ (countersigns , countersigning , countersigned ) VERB If you countersign a document, you sign it after someone else has signed it. □�[V n] The President refused to countersign the Prime Minister's decree.

counter|ten|or /kaʊ ntə r tenə r / (countertenors ) also counter-tenor N‑COUNT A countertenor is a man who sings with a high voice that is similar to a low female singing voice.

coun|ter|ter|ror|ism /kaʊ ntə r te rər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Counterterrorism consists of activities that are intended to prevent terrorist acts or to get rid of terrorist groups. ●� coun|ter|ter|ror|ist ADJ □� There were gaps in their counterterrorist strategy.

counter|top /kaʊ ntə r tɒp/ (countertops ) N‑COUNT A countertop is a flat surface in a kitchen which is easily cleaned and on which you can prepare food. [AM ] in BRIT, use worktop , work surface

counter|vail|ing /kaʊ ntə r ve I l I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A countervailing force, power, or opinion is one which is of equal strength to another one but is its opposite or opposes it. [FORMAL ] □� Their strategy is greatest in effect when there is no countervailing power.

counter|weight /kaʊ ntə r we I t/ (counterweights ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A counterweight is an action or proposal that is intended to balance or counter other actions or proposals. □�[+�to ] His no-inflation bill serves as a useful counterweight to proposals less acceptable to the Committee.

coun|tess /kaʊ nt I s/ (countesses ) also Countess N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A countess is a woman who has the same rank as a count or earl, or who is married to a count or earl. □� �the Countess of Lichfield.

count|ing /kaʊ nt I ŋ/

1 PREP Not counting a particular thing means not including that thing. Counting a particular thing means including that thing. □� �an average operating profit of 15% to 16% of sales, not counting administrative expenses.

2 PHRASE If you say and counting after a number or an amount of something, you mean that the number or amount is continuing to increase. □� There is a 1,700-year-old tea tree still living in southern China which is more than 100 feet tall and counting.

count|less /kaʊ ntləs/ ADJ [ADJ n] Countless means very many. □� There are countless small ski areas dotted about the province.

cou nt noun (count nouns ) N‑COUNT A count noun is a noun such as 'bird', 'chair', or 'year' which has a singular and a plural form and is always used after a determiner in the singular.

coun|tri|fied /kʌ ntr I fa I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use countrified to describe something that seems or looks like something in the country, rather than in a town. □� The house was so handsome, with a lovely countrified garden.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Countrified is used to describe pop music that sounds similar to country music. [JOURNALISM ] □� The sound veers between jazz and countrified blues.

coun|try ◆◆◆ /kʌ ntri/ (countries )

1 N‑COUNT A country is one of the political units which the world is divided into, covering a particular area of land. □� Indonesia is the fifth most populous country in the world. □� �that disputed boundary between the two countries. □� Young people do move around the country quite a bit these days.

2 N‑SING The people who live in a particular country can be referred to as thecountry . □� Seventy per cent of this country is opposed to blood sports.

3 N‑SING The country consists of places such as farms, open fields, and villages which are away from towns and cities. □� �a healthy life in the country. □� She was cycling along a country road near Compi�gne.

4 N‑UNCOUNT A particular kind of country is an area of land which has particular characteristics or is connected with a particular well-known person. □� Varese Ligure is a small town in mountainous country east of Genoa.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Country music is popular music from the southern United States. □� The brilliant young country singer tours her songs about lost love and cigarettes, from March 7.

6 PHRASE If you travel across country , you travel through country areas, avoiding major roads and towns. □� From here we walked across country to Covington.

7 PHRASE If you travel across country , you travel a long distance, from one part of a country to another. □� We've just moved all the way across country to begin a new life.

8 PHRASE If a head of government or a government goes to the country , they hold a general election. [BRIT ] □� The Prime Minister does not have to go to the country for another year. USAGE country

When you use country to talk about a place far away from the city, the only determiner you can use with it is the . Don�t say, for example, � I like living in Paris, but my parents prefer to live in a country �. You say �I like living in Paris, but my parents prefer to live in the country �. □� We have a house in the country . COLLOCATIONS country NOUN 1

adjective +�country : home, native; developing, poor, rich; foreign

verb +�country : flee, leave

cou n|try and we st|ern also country-and-western N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Country and western is the same as country music. □� �a successful country and western singer.

cou n|try club (country clubs ) N‑COUNT A country club is a club in the country where you can play sports and attend social events.

cou n|try cou s|in (country cousins ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a country cousin , you think that they are unsophisticated because they come from the country.

cou n|try da nc|ing N‑UNCOUNT Country dancing is traditional dancing in which people dance in rows or circles.

cou n|try hou se (country houses ) N‑COUNT A country house is a large, often attractive, house in the country, usually one that is or was owned by a rich or noble family. [BRIT ]

country|man /kʌ ntrimən/ (countrymen )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your countrymen are people from your own country. □� Unlike Handel's fellow countryman and contemporary Johann Bach, Handel never had a musical family.

2 N‑COUNT A countryman is a person who lives in the country rather than in a city or a town. □� He had the red face of a countryman.

cou n|try sea t (country seats ) N‑COUNT A country seat is a large house with land in the country which is owned by someone who also owns a house in a town. □� His family have a country seat in Oxfordshire.

country|side ◆◇◇ /kʌ ntrisa I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Thecountryside is land which is away from towns and cities. □� I've always loved the English countryside. □� We are surrounded by lots of beautiful countryside. SYNONYMS countryside NOUN

country:She was cycling along a country road near Compi�gne.

outdoors:Life in the great outdoors isn't supposed to be luxurious.

green belt:The result will be at least 3,000 houses on our green belt.

country|wide /kʌ ntriwa I d/ ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] Something that happens or exists countrywide happens or exists throughout the whole of a particular country. □� Armed robbery and abduction have been on the increase countrywide. □� They sent out questionnaires to 100 schools countrywide. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Countrywide is also an adjective. □� �a countrywide network of volunteers.

country|woman /kʌ ntriwʊmən/ (countrywomen )

1 N‑COUNT A countrywoman is a woman who lives in the country rather than in a city or a town. □� She had the slow, soft voice of a countrywoman.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your countrywomen are women from your own country. □� The 25-year-old hit long to allow her fellow countrywoman to extend her lead to 4�0.

coun|ty ◆◆◇ /kaʊ nti/ (counties ) N‑COUNT A county is a region of Britain, Ireland, or the USA which has its own local government. □� Over 50 events are planned throughout the county.

cou n|ty cou n|cil (county councils ) N‑COUNT A county council is an organization which runs local government in a county in Britain. □� �Devon County Council.

cou n|ty cou rt (county courts ) N‑COUNT A county court is a local court which deals with private disputes between people, but does not deal with serious crimes. [BRIT ]

cou n|ty sea t (county seats ) N‑COUNT A county seat is the same as a county town . [AM ]

cou n|ty to wn (county towns ) N‑COUNT A county town is the most important town in a county, where the local government is. [BRIT ] □� We met in Dorchester, Dorset's bustling county town. in AM, use county seat

coup ◆◇◇ /kuː / (coups )

1 N‑COUNT When there is a coup , a group of people seize power in a country. □� �a military coup. □� They were sentenced to death for their part in April's coup attempt.

2 N‑COUNT A coup is an achievement which is thought to be especially good because it was very difficult. □�[+�for ] The sale is a big coup for the auction house. COLLOCATIONS coup NOUN

1

noun +�coup : boardroom, leadership, palace

adjective +�coup : attempted, failed, successful; bloodless, military

verb +�coup : mount, plot, stage

2

noun +�coup : propaganda, publicity

adjective +�coup : major

verb +�coup : score SYNONYMS coup NOUN 2

achievement:Reaching this agreement so quickly was a great achievement.

feat:A racing car is an extraordinary feat of engineering.

masterstroke:Graham pulled a masterstroke by playing Merson in the centre of midfield.

accomplishment:For a novelist, that's quite an accomplishment.

stroke of genius:At the time, his appointment seemed a stroke of genius.

coup de grace /kuː də grɑː s/ N‑SING A coup de grace is an action or event which finally destroys something, for example an institution, which has been gradually growing weaker. [FORMAL ] □� Irving Kristol delivered the coup de grace in a letter dated June 12: they had decided to reject the proposal.

coup d'�tat /kuː de I tɑː / (coups d'�tat ) N‑COUNT When there is a coup d'�tat , a group of people seize power in a country.

cou|p� /kuː pe I / (coup�s ) N‑COUNT A coup� is a car with a fixed roof, a sloping back, two doors, and seats for four people. [BRIT ] in AM, use coupe

coupe /kuː p/ (coupes ) N‑COUNT A coupe is the same as a coup� . [AM ]

cou|ple ◆◆◇ /kʌ p ə l/ (couples , coupling , coupled )

1 QUANT If you refer to a couple of people or things, you mean two or approximately two of them, although the exact number is not important or you are not sure of it. □�[+�of ] Across the street from me there are a couple of police officers standing guard. □�[+�of ] I think the trouble will clear up in a couple of days. □�[+�of ] �a small town a couple of hundred miles from New York City. ●�DET Couple is also a determiner in spoken American English, and before 'more' and 'less'. □� �a couple weeks before the election. □� I think I can play maybe for a couple more years. ●�PRON Couple is also a pronoun. □� I've got a couple that don't look too bad.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A couple is two people who are married, living together, or having a sexual relationship. □� The couple have no children. □� �after burglars ransacked an elderly couple's home.

3 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A couple is two people that you see together on a particular occasion or that have some association. □� �as the four couples began the opening dance.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you say that one thing produces a particular effect when it is coupled with another, you mean that the two things combine to produce that effect. □�[be V -ed +�with ] �a problem that is coupled with lower demand for the machines themselves. □�[V -ed] Over-use of those drugs, coupled with poor diet, leads to physical degeneration.

5 VERB [usu passive] If one piece of equipment is coupledto another, it is joined to it so that the two pieces of equipment work together. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Its engine is coupled to a semiautomatic gearbox. □�[be V -ed +�together ] The various systems are coupled together in complex arrays.

6 →�see also coupling COLLOCATIONS couple NOUN 2

adjective +�couple : gay, heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, same-sex; married, unmarried; childless; elderly, middle-aged, young SYNONYMS couple NOUN

2

item:She and Gino were an item.

pair:He and Paula made an unlikely pair.

3

duo:�Britain's former golden duo of Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell.

pair:They have hit more runs together than any pair in history.

cou|plet /kʌ pl I t/ (couplets ) N‑COUNT A couplet is two lines of poetry which come next to each other, especially two lines that rhyme with each other and are the same length. □� �rhyming couplets.

cou|pling /kʌ pl I ŋ/ (couplings )

1 N‑COUNT A coupling is a device which is used to join two vehicles or pieces of equipment together. □� Before driving away, re-check the trailer coupling.

2 N‑COUNT An act of sexual intercourse is sometimes referred to as a coupling . [FORMAL ] □� �sexual couplings.

3 →�see also couple

cou|pon /kuː pɒn/ (coupons )

1 N‑COUNT A coupon is a piece of printed paper which allows you to pay less money than usual for a product, or to get it free. □� Bring the coupon below to any Tecno store and pay just �10.99. □� �a 50p money-off coupon.

2 N‑COUNT A coupon is a small form, for example in a newspaper or magazine, which you send off to ask for information, to order something, or to enter a competition. □� Send the coupon with a cheque for �18.50, made payable to 'Good Housekeeping'.

cour|age ◆◇◇ /kʌ r I dʒ, [AM ] kɜː r-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Courage is the quality shown by someone who decides to do something difficult or dangerous, even though they may be afraid. □� He has impressed everyone with his authority and personal courage. □� They do not have the courage to apologise for their actions.

2 →�see also Dutch courage

3 PHRASE If you have the courage of your convictions , you have the confidence to do what you believe is right, even though other people may not agree or approve. □� Developers should have the courage of their convictions and stick to what they do best.

4to pluck up the courage →�see pluck SYNONYMS courage NOUN 1

bravery:He deserves the highest praise for his bravery.

nerve:He never got up enough nerve to meet me.

fortitude:He suffered a long series of illnesses with tremendous dignity and fortitude.

daring:His daring may have cost him his life.

cou|ra|geous /kəre I dʒəs/ ADJ Someone who is courageous shows courage. □� It was a very frightening experience and they were very courageous. □� It was a courageous decision, and one that everybody admired.

cour|gette /kʊə r ʒe t/ (courgettes ) N‑VAR Courgettes are long thin vegetables with dark green skin. [BRIT ] in AM, use zucchini

cou|ri|er ◆◇◇ /kʊ riə r / (couriers , couriering , couriered )

1 N‑COUNT A courier is a person who is paid to take letters and parcels direct from one place to another. □� The cheques were delivered to the bank by a private courier firm.

2 N‑COUNT A courier is a person employed by a travel company to look after people who are on holiday.

3 VERB If you courier something somewhere, you send it there by courier. □�[V n +�to ] I couriered it to Darren in New York. [Also V n]

course ◆◆◆ /kɔː r s/ (courses , coursing , coursed )

1Course is often used in the expression 'of course', or instead of 'of course' in informal spoken English. See of course .

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] The course of a vehicle, especially a ship or aircraft, is the route along which it is travelling. □� The pilot requested clearance to alter course to avoid the storm. □� The tug was seaward of the Hakai Passage on a course that diverged from the Calvert Island coastline.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A courseof action is an action or a series of actions that you can do in a particular situation. □�[+�of ] My best course of action was to help Gill by being loyal, loving and endlessly sympathetic. □�[+�for ] Vietnam is trying to decide on its course for the future.

4 N‑SING You can refer to the way that events develop as, for example, the course of history or the course of events . □�[+�of ] �a series of decisive naval battles which altered the course of history.

5 N‑COUNT A course is a series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject. □�[+�in ] �a course in business administration. □�[+�on ] I'm shortly to begin a course on the modern novel.

6 →�see also access course , correspondence course , refresher course , sandwich course

7 N‑COUNT A course of medical treatment is a series of treatments that a doctor gives someone. □�[+�of ] Treatment is supplemented with a course of antibiotics to kill the bacterium.

8 N‑COUNT A course is one part of a meal. □� The lunch was excellent, especially the first course. □� �a three-course dinner.

9 N‑COUNT In sport, a course is an area of land where races are held or golf is played, or the land over which a race takes place. □� Only 12 seconds separated the first three riders on the Bickerstaffe course.

10 N‑COUNT The course of a river is the channel along which it flows. □� Romantic chateaux and castles overlook the river's twisting course.

11 PHRASE If something happens in the course of a particular period of time, it happens during that period of time. □� In the course of the 1930s, steel production in Britain approximately doubled. □� We struck up a conversation, in the course of which it emerged that he was a sailing man.

12 PHRASE If you do something as a matter of course , you do it as part of your normal work or way of life. □� If police are carrying arms as a matter of course then doesn't it encourage criminals to carry them?

13 PHRASE If a ship or aircraft is on course , it is travelling along the correct route. If it is off course , it is no longer travelling along the correct route. □� The ill-fated ship was sent off course into shallow waters and rammed by another vessel.

14 PHRASE If you are on course for something, you are likely to achieve it. □� The company is on course for profits of �20m in the next financial year.

15 PHRASE If something runs its course or takes its course , it develops naturally and comes to a natural end. □� Over 20,000 cows died before the epidemic ran its course.

16 PHRASE If you stay the course , you finish something that you have started, even though it has become very difficult. □� The oldest president in American history had stayed the course for two terms.

17 PHRASE If something changes or becomes true in the course of time , it changes or becomes true over a long period of time. □� In the course of time, many of their myths become entangled.

18in due course →�see due SYNONYMS course NOUN 5

curriculum:�the history curriculum.

studies:She gave up her studies to have Alexander.

module:These courses are organized into three four-week modules.

cou rse book (course books ) also coursebook N‑COUNT A course book is a textbook that students and teachers use as the basis of a course.

cou rse work also coursework N‑UNCOUNT Course work is work that students do during a course, rather than in exams, especially work that counts towards a student's final grade. □� Some 20 per cent of marks are awarded for coursework.

cours|ing /kɔː r s I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Coursing is a sport in which rabbits or hares are hunted with dogs.

court

➊�NOUN USES

➋�VERB USES

➊ court ◆◆◆ /kɔː r t/ (courts )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N , N n, oft in/at N ] A court is a place where legal matters are decided by a judge and jury or by a magistrate. □� At this rate, we could find ourselves in the divorce courts! □� �a county court judge. □� He was deported on a court order following a conviction for armed robbery. □� The 28-year-old striker was in court last week for breaking a rival player's jaw.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to the people in a court, especially the judge, jury, or magistrates, as a court . □� A court at Tampa, Florida has convicted five officials on fraud charges.

3 N‑COUNT [oft on/off N ] A court is an area in which you play a game such as tennis, basketball, badminton, or squash. □� The hotel has several tennis and squash courts. □� She watched a few of the games while waiting to go on court.

4 N‑COUNT [oft with poss, oft at N ] The court of a king or queen is the place where he or she lives and carries out ceremonial or administrative duties. □�[+�of ] She came to visit England, where she was presented at the court of James I.

5 →�see also Crown Court , High Court , kangaroo court

6 PHRASE If you go to court or take someone to court , you take legal action against them. □� They have received at least twenty thousand pounds each but had gone to court to demand more. □� �members of trade associations who want to take bad debtors to court.

7 PHRASE If someone holds court in a place, they are surrounded by a lot of people who are paying them a lot of attention because they are interesting or famous. □� �in the days when Marlene Dietrich and Ernest Hemingway held court in the famous El Floridita club.

8 PHRASE If a legal matter is decided or settled out of court , it is decided without legal action being taken in a court of law. □� �a payment of two million pounds in an out of court settlement.

➋ court /kɔː r t/ (courts , courting , courted )

1 VERB To court a particular person, group, or country means to try to please them or improve your relations with them, often so that they will do something that you want them to do. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] Commercial radio stations are courting listeners who prefer different types of music.

2 VERB If you court something such as publicity or popularity, you try to attract it. □�[V n] She has to court publicity to sell records and concert tickets.

3 VERB If you court something unpleasant such as disaster or unpopularity, you act in a way that makes it likely to happen. □�[V n] If he thinks he can remain in power by force, he is courting disaster. SYNONYMS court NOUN ➊3

ground:�the city's football ground.

field:He was the fastest thing I ever saw on a baseball field.

arena:�the largest indoor sports arena in the world.

pitch:There was a swimming-pool, cricket pitches, playing fields.

park:Professional baseball has been played in one park or another since 1896.

cour|teous /kɜː r tiəs/ ADJ Someone who is courteous is polite and respectful to other people. □� He was a kind and courteous man. □� My friend's reply was courteous but firm. ●� cour|teous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Then he nodded courteously to me and walked off to perform his unpleasant duty.

cour|tesan /kɔː r t I z� n, [AM ] -zən/ (courtesans ) N‑COUNT In former times, a courtesan was a woman who had sexual relationships with rich and powerful men for money.

cour|tesy /kɜː r t I si/ (courtesies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Courtesy is politeness, respect, and consideration for others. [FORMAL ] □� �a gentleman who behaves with the utmost courtesy towards ladies. □� He did not even have the courtesy to reply to my email.

2 N‑SING If you refer to thecourtesyof doing something, you are referring to a polite action. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] By extending the courtesy of a phone call to my clients, I was building a personal relationship with them.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Courtesies are polite, conventional things that people say in formal situations. [FORMAL ]

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Courtesy is used to describe services that are provided free of charge by an organization to its customers, or to the general public. □� A courtesy shuttle bus operates between the hotel and the town. □� �a courtesy phone.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A courtesy call or a courtesy visit is a formal visit that you pay someone as a way of showing them politeness or respect. □� The President paid a courtesy call on Emperor Akihito.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [N n, by N ] A courtesy title is a title that someone is allowed to use, although it has no legal or official status. □� Both were accorded the courtesy title of Lady.

7 PHRASE If something is provided courtesy of someone or by courtesy of someone, they provide it. You often use this expression in order to thank them. □�[+�of ] The waitress brings over some congratulatory glasses of champagne, courtesy of the restaurant.

8 PHRASE If you say that one thing happens courtesy of another or by courtesy of another, you mean that the second thing causes or is responsible for the first thing. □�[+�of ] The air was fresh, courtesy of three holes in the roof. □� As millions will have seen, by courtesy of the slow motion re-runs, the referee made a mistake.

court|house /kɔː r thaʊs/ (courthouses )

1 N‑COUNT A courthouse is a building in which a court of law meets. [AM ] in BRIT, use court2 N‑COUNT A courthouse is a building used by the government of a county. [AM ]

cour|ti|er /kɔː r tiə r / (courtiers ) N‑COUNT Courtiers were noblemen and women who spent a lot of time at the court of a king or queen.

court|ly /kɔː r tli/ ADJ You use courtly to describe someone whose behaviour is very polite, often in a rather old-fashioned way. [LITERARY ] □� The waiter made a courtly bow.

cou rt ma r|tial (court martials , court martialling , court martialled ) also court-martial The spellings court martialing and court martialed are used in American English; courts martial is also used as a plural form for the noun. 1 N‑VAR A court martial is a trial in a military court of a member of the armed forces who is charged with breaking a military law. □�[+�on ] He is due to face a court-martial on drugs charges. □� He was arrested, tried by court martial and shot.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a member of the armed forces is court martialled , he or she is tried in a military court. □�[be V -ed] I was court-martialled and sentenced to six months in a military prison.

Cou rt of Ap|pea l (Courts of Appeal ) in AM, usually use Court of Appeals N‑COUNT A Court of Appeal is a court which deals with appeals against legal judgments. □� The case is being referred to the Court of Appeal.

cou rt of in|qui ry (courts of inquiry ) N‑COUNT A court of inquiry is a group of people who are officially appointed to investigate a serious accident or incident, or an official investigation into a serious accident or incident. [mainly BRIT ] □� The government has instituted a court of inquiry to look into the allegations.

cou rt of la w (courts of law ) N‑COUNT When you refer to a court of law , you are referring to a legal court, especially when talking about the evidence that might be given in a trial. □� We have a witness who would swear to it in a court of law.

court|room /kɔː r truːm/ (courtrooms ) N‑COUNT A courtroom is a room in which a legal court meets.

court|ship /kɔː r tʃ I p/ (courtships )

1 N‑VAR Courtship is the activity of courting or the time during which a man and a woman are courting. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� After a short courtship, she accepted his marriage proposal.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The courtship of male and female animals is their behaviour before they have sex. □� Courtship is somewhat vocal with a lot of displaying by the male.

cou rt shoe (court shoes ) N‑COUNT Court shoes are women's shoes that do not cover the top part of the foot and are usually made of plain leather with no design. [BRIT ] in AM, use pumps

court|yard /kɔː r tjɑː r d/ (courtyards ) N‑COUNT A courtyard is an open area of ground which is surrounded by buildings or walls. □� They walked through the arch and into the cobbled courtyard.

cous|cous /kuː skuːs/ N‑UNCOUNT Couscous is a type of food that is made from crushed steamed wheat, or a dish consisting of this food served with a spicy stew. It is traditionally eaten in North Africa.

cous|in ◆◆◇ /kʌ z ə n/ (cousins )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Your cousin is the child of your uncle or aunt. □� My cousin Mark helped me. □� We are cousins.

2 →�see also country cousin , second cousin

cou|ture /kuːtjʊə r , [AM ] -tʊ r/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Couture is the designing and making of expensive fashionable clothes, or the clothes themselves. [FORMAL ] □� �Christian Lacroix's first Paris couture collection.

cou|tu|ri|er /kuːtʊə rie I , [AM ] kuːtʊrie I / (couturiers ) N‑COUNT A couturier is a person who designs, makes, and sells expensive, fashionable clothes for women.

cove /koʊ v/ (coves ) N‑COUNT A cove is a part of a coast where the land curves inwards so that the sea is partly enclosed. □� �a hillside overlooking Fairview Cove.

cov|en /kʌ vən/ (covens ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A coven is a group of witches.

cov|enant /kʌ vənənt/ (covenants )

1 N‑COUNT A covenant is a formal written agreement between two or more people or groups of people which is recognized in law. □� �the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

2 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A covenant is a formal written promise to pay a sum of money each year for a fixed period, especially to a charity. [mainly BRIT ] □� If you make gifts through a covenant, you can reclaim the tax which already paid on this money. in AM, usually use pledge

Cov|en|try /kɒ v ə ntri, [AM ] kʌ v I ntri/ PHRASE If people send you to Coventry , they avoid speaking to you whenever they meet you, as a way of punishing you for something that you have done. [BRIT ]

cov|er ◆◆◆ /kʌ və r / (covers , covering , covered )

1 VERB If you cover something, you place something else over it in order to protect it, hide it, or close it. □�[V n +�with ] Cover the casserole with a tight-fitting lid. □�[V n] He whimpered and covered his face. □�[V -ed] Keep what's left in a covered container in the fridge.

2 VERB If one thing covers another, it has been placed over it in order to protect it, hide it, or close it. □�[V n] His finger went up to touch the black patch which covered his left eye. □�[be V -ed +�with ] His head was covered with a khaki turban.

3 VERB If one thing covers another, it forms a layer over its surface. □�[V n] The clouds had spread and nearly covered the entire sky. □�[be V -ed +�with/in ] The desk was covered with papers.

4 VERB To cover something with or in something else means to put a layer of the second thing over its surface. □�[V n +�with/in ] The trees in your garden may have covered the ground with apples, pears or plums.

5 VERB If you cover a particular distance, you travel that distance. □�[V n] It would not be easy to cover ten miles on that amount of petrol.

6 VERB To cover someone or something means to protect them from attack, for example by pointing a gun in the direction of people who may attack them, ready to fire the gun if necessary. □�[V n] You go first. I'll cover you.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Cover is protection from enemy attack that is provided for troops or ships carrying out a particular operation, for example by aircraft. □� They said they could not provide adequate air cover for ground operations.

8 N‑UNCOUNT Cover is trees, rocks, or other places where you shelter from the weather or from an attack, or hide from someone. □� Charles lit the fuses and they ran for cover.

9 VERB An insurance policy that covers a person or thing guarantees that money will be paid by the insurance company in relation to that person or thing. □�[V n] Their insurer paid the �900 bill, even though the policy did not strictly cover it. □�[V n +�against ] You should take out travel insurance covering you and your family against theft.

10 N‑UNCOUNT Insurance cover is a guarantee from an insurance company that money will be paid by them if it is needed. □� Make sure that the firm's insurance cover is adequate.

11 VERB If a law covers a particular set of people, things, or situations, it applies to them. □�[V n] The law covers four categories of experiments.

12 VERB If you cover a particular topic, you discuss it in a lecture, course, or book. □�[V n] The Oxford Chemistry Primers aim to cover important topics in organic chemistry.

13 VERB If journalists, newspapers, or television companies cover an event, they report on it. □�[V n] Robinson was sent to Italy to cover the World Cup.

14 VERB If a sum of money covers something, it is enough to pay for it. □�[V n] Send it to the address given with �1.50 to cover postage and administration.

15 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A cover is something which is put over an object, usually in order to protect it. □� �a family room with washable covers on the furniture. □� �a duvet cover.

16 N‑PLURAL The covers on your bed are the things such as sheets and blankets that you have on top of you.

17 N‑COUNT The cover of a book or a magazine is the outside part of it. □� �a small spiral-bound booklet with a green cover. □� I used to read every issue from cover to cover.

18 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a cover for secret or illegal activities seems respectable or normal, and is intended to hide the activities. □�[+�for ] They set up a spurious temple that was a cover for sexual debauchery. □� As a cover story he generally tells people he is a freelance photographer.

19 VERB If you cover for someone who is doing something secret or illegal, you give false information or do not give all the information you have, in order to protect them. □�[V +�for ] Why would she cover for someone who was trying to kill her?

20 VERB If you cover for someone who is ill or away, you do their work for them while they are not there. □�[V +�for ] She did not have enough nurses to cover for those who went ill or took holiday.

21 VERB To cover a song originally performed by someone else means to record a new version of it. □�[V n] He must make a decent living from other artists covering his songs.

22 N‑COUNT A cover is the same as a cover version . □�[+�of ] The single is a cover of an old Rolling Stones song.

23 →�see also covered , covering

24 PHRASE To blow someone's cover means to cause their true identity or the true nature of their work to be revealed. [INFORMAL ] □� The young man looked embarrassed, as if he were a spy whose cover had been blown.

25 PHRASE If you break cover , you leave a place where you have been hiding or sheltering from attack, usually in order to run to another place. □� They began running again, broke cover and dashed towards the road.

26 PHRASE If you take cover , you shelter from gunfire, bombs, or the weather. □� Shoppers took cover behind cars as police marksmen returned fire.

27 PHRASE If you are under cover , you are under something that protects you from gunfire, bombs, or the weather. □� 'Get under cover!' shouted Billy, and we darted once more for the tables.

28 PHRASE If you do something under cover of a particular situation, you are able to do it without being noticed because of that situation. □� They move under cover of darkness.

29 PHRASE If you cover your back or cover your rear , you do something in order to protect yourself, for example against criticism or against accusations of doing something wrong. □� David has covered his back by having a clause inserted in the contract.

▸� cover up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cover something or someone up , you put something over them in order to protect or hide them. □�[V n P ] He fell asleep in the front room so I covered him up with a duvet. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you cover up something that you do not want people to know about, you hide the truth about it. □�[V P n] He suspects there's a conspiracy to cover up the crime. □�[V n P ] They knew they had done something terribly wrong and lied to cover it up. □�[V P +�for ] How do we know you're not just covering up for your friend?

3 →�see also cover-up SYNONYMS cover VERB 2

conceal:The hat concealed her hair.

screen:Most of the road behind the hotel was screened by a block of flats.

hide:The man's heavy moustache hid his upper lip completely.

mask:A thick grey cloud masked the sun.

cov|er|age ◆◇◇ /kʌ vər I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT The coverage of something in the news is the reporting of it. □�[+�of ] Now a special TV network gives live coverage of most races. COLLOCATIONS coverage NOUN

noun +�coverage : media, news, press, television

adjective +�coverage : blanket, detailed, extensive, wide; live

verb +�coverage : expand, extend, provide; receive, watch

co v|er charge (cover charges ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A cover charge is a sum of money that you must pay in some restaurants and nightclubs in addition to the money that you pay there for your food and drink.

cov|ered /kʌ və r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] A covered area is an area that has a roof. □� There are 40 shops, cafes and restaurants in a covered mall.

co v|ered wa g|on (covered wagons ) N‑COUNT A covered wagon is a wagon that has an arched canvas roof and is pulled by horses. Covered wagons were used by the early American settlers as they travelled across the country.

co v|er girl (cover girls ) N‑COUNT A cover girl is an attractive woman whose photograph appears on the front of a magazine.

cov|er|ing /kʌ vər I ŋ/ (coverings ) N‑COUNT A covering is a layer of something that protects or hides something else. □�[+�of ] Leave a thin covering of fat. □� Sawdust was used as a hygienic floor covering.

co v|er|ing le t|ter (covering letters ) N‑COUNT A covering letter is a letter that you send with a parcel or with another letter in order to provide extra information. [BRIT ] in AM, use cover letter

cov|er|let /kʌ və r l I t/ (coverlets ) N‑COUNT A coverlet is the same as a bedspread . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

co v|er le t|ter (cover letters ) N‑COUNT A cover letter is the same as a covering letter . [AM ]

cov|er|mount /kʌ və r maʊnt/ (covermounts ) N‑COUNT A covermount is a small gift attached to the front cover of a magazine.

co ver-mou nted also covermounted ADJ Cover-mounted items such as makeup and CDs are attached to the front of a magazine as free gifts. □� The first issue has a cover-mounted CD-ROM.

cov|ert /kʌ və r t, koʊ vɜː r t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Covert activities or situations are secret or hidden. [FORMAL ] □� They have been supplying covert military aid to the rebels. ●� cov|ert|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He was arrested after being filmed covertly by the authorities.

co ver-up (cover-ups ) in AM, also use coverup N‑COUNT A cover-up is an attempt to hide a crime or mistake. □� General Schwarzkopf denied there'd been any cover-up.

co v|er ver|sion (cover versions ) N‑COUNT A cover versionof a song is a version of it recorded by a singer or band who did not originally perform the song. □� �British cover versions of American hits.

cov|et /kʌ v I t/ (covets , coveting , coveted ) VERB If you covet something, you strongly want to have it for yourself. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She coveted his job so openly that conversations between them were tense.

cov|et|ed /kʌ v I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use coveted to describe something that very many people would like to have. □� �one of sport's most coveted trophies. □� �a supply of highly-coveted hard currency.

cov|et|ous /kʌ v I təs/ ADJ A covetous person has a strong desire to possess something, especially something that belongs to another person. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has attracted covetous glances from England's biggest clubs.

cov|ey /kʌ vi/ (coveys ) N‑COUNT A coveyof grouse or partridges is a small group of them.

cow ◆◇◇ /kaʊ / (cows , cowing , cowed )

1 N‑COUNT A cow is a large female animal that is kept on farms for its milk. People sometimes refer to male and female animals of this species as cows . □� Dad went out to milk the cows. □� �a herd of cows.

2 →�see also cattle

3 N‑COUNT [oft N n] Some female animals, including elephants and whales, are called cows . □� �a cow elephant.

4 N‑COUNT If someone describes a woman as a cow , they dislike her and think that she is unpleasant or stupid. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

5 VERB If someone is cowed , they are made afraid, or made to behave in a particular way because they have been frightened or badly treated. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The government, far from being cowed by these threats, has vowed to continue its policy. □�[V n +�into ] �cowing them into submission. ●� cowed ADJ □�[+�by ] By this time she was so cowed by the beatings that she meekly obeyed.

6 →�see also mad cow disease , sacred cow

cow|ard /kaʊ ə r d/ (cowards ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a coward , you disapprove of them because they are easily frightened and avoid dangerous or difficult situations. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She accused her husband of being a coward.

cow|ard|ice /kaʊ ə r d I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Cowardice is cowardly behaviour. □� He openly accused his opponents of cowardice.

cow|ard|ly /kaʊ ə r dli/ ADJ If you describe someone as cowardly , you disapprove of them because they are easily frightened and avoid doing dangerous and difficult things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I was too cowardly to complain. □� �a cowardly act of violence.

cow|bell /kaʊ bel/ (cowbells ) N‑COUNT A cowbell is a small bell that is hung around a cow's neck so that the ringing sound makes it possible to find the cow.

cow|boy /kaʊ bɔ I / (cowboys )

1 N‑COUNT A cowboy is a male character in a western. □� �cowboy films.

2 N‑COUNT A cowboy is a man employed to look after cattle in North America, especially in former times.

3 N‑COUNT [oft N n] You can refer to someone who runs a business as a cowboy if they run it dishonestly or are not experienced, skilful, or careful in their work. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� We don't want to look like a bunch of cowboys.

cow|er /kaʊ ə r / (cowers , cowering , cowered ) VERB If you cower , you bend forward and downwards because you are very frightened. □�[V ] The hostages cowered in their seats.

cow|hide /kaʊ ha I d/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cowhide is leather made from the skin of a cow. □� �cowhide boots.

cowl /kaʊ l/ (cowls ) N‑COUNT A cowl is a large loose hood covering a person's head, or their head and shoulders. Cowls are worn especially by monks.

co -wo rker (co-workers ) N‑COUNT Your co-workers are the people you work with, especially people on the same job or project as you.

cow|pat /kaʊ p�t/ (cowpats ) also cow pat N‑COUNT A cowpat is a pile of faeces from a cow.

cow|shed /kaʊ ʃed/ (cowsheds ) N‑COUNT A cowshed is a building where cows are kept or milked.

cow|slip /kaʊ sl I p/ (cowslips ) N‑COUNT A cowslip is a small wild plant with yellow, sweet-smelling flowers.

cox /kɒ ks/ (coxes ) N‑COUNT In a rowing boat, the cox is the person who gives instructions to the rowers.

cox|swain /kɒ ks ə n/ (coxswains ) N‑COUNT The coxswain of a lifeboat or other small boat is the person who steers the boat.

coy /kɔ I /

1 ADJ A coy person is shy, or pretends to be shy, about love and sex. □� She is modest without being coy. ●� coy|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She smiled coyly at Algie as he took her hand and raised it to his lips.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is being coy , they are unwilling to talk about something that they feel guilty or embarrassed about. □�[+�about ] Mr Alexander is not the slightest bit coy about his ambitions. ●� coy|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The administration coyly refused to put a firm figure on the war's costs.

coy|ote /ka I oʊ ti/ (coyotes ) N‑COUNT A coyote is a small wolf which lives in the plains of North America.

coy|pu /kɔ I puː/ (coypus ) N‑COUNT A coypu is a large South American rodent which lives near water.

cozy /koʊ zi/ →�see cosy

Cpl. N‑TITLE Cpl. is the written abbreviation for corporal when it is used as a title. □� �Cpl. G. Walker.

CPR /siː piː ɑː r / N‑UNCOUNT CPR is a medical technique for reviving someone whose heart has stopped beating by pressing on their chest and breathing into their mouth. CPR is an abbreviation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation . [MEDICAL ] □� McMullen performed CPR while other bystanders called 911.

CPU /siː piː juː / (CPUs ) N‑COUNT In a computer, the CPU is the part that processes all the data and makes the computer work. CPU is an abbreviation for 'central processing unit'. [COMPUTING ]

crab /kr� b/ (crabs ) N‑COUNT A crab is a sea creature with a flat round body covered by a shell, and five pairs of legs with large claws on the front pair. Crabs usually move sideways. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Crab is the flesh of this creature eaten as food.

cra b ap|ple (crab apples ) N‑COUNT A crab apple is a tree like an apple tree that produces small sour fruit.

crab|by /kr� bi/ (crabbier , crabbiest ) ADJ Someone who is crabby is bad-tempered and unpleasant to people. [INFORMAL ]

crab|meat /kr� bmiːt/ also crab meat N‑UNCOUNT Crabmeat is the part of a crab that you eat.

crack

➊�VERB USES

➋�NOUN AND ADJECTIVE USES

➊ crack ◆◇◇ /kr� k/ (cracks , cracking , cracked )

1 VERB If something hard cracks , or if you crack it, it becomes slightly damaged, with lines appearing on its surface. □�[V ] A gas main had cracked under my neighbour's garage and gas had seeped into our homes. □�[V n] Crack the salt crust on the fish and you will find the skin just peels off.

2 VERB If something cracks , or if you crack it, it makes a sharp sound like the sound of a piece of wood breaking. □�[V ] Thunder cracked in the sky. □�[V n] He cracked his fingers nervously.

3 VERB If you crack a hard part of your body, such as your knee or your head, you hurt it by accidentally hitting it hard against something. □�[V n] He cracked his head on the pavement and was knocked cold.

4 VERB When you crack something that has a shell, such as an egg or a nut, you break the shell in order to reach the inside part. □�[V n] Crack the eggs into a bowl.

5 VERB If you crack a problem or a code, you solve it, especially after a lot of thought. □�[V n] He has finally cracked the system after years of painstaking research.

6 VERB If someone cracks , they lose control of their emotions or actions because they are under a lot of pressure. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] She's calm and strong, and she is just not going to crack.

7 VERB If your voice cracks when you are speaking or singing, it changes in pitch because you are feeling a strong emotion. □�[V ] Her voice cracked and she began to cry.

8 VERB If you crack a joke, you tell it. □�[V n] Somebody cracked a joke and we all laughed.

9 →�see also cracked , cracking

10 PHRASE If you say that something is not all it's cracked up to be , you mean that it is not as good as other people have said it is. [INFORMAL ] □� Package holidays are not always all they're cracked up to be.

▸� crack down

1 PHRASAL VERB If people in authority crack downon a group of people, they become stricter in making the group obey rules or laws. □�[V P +�on ] The government has cracked down hard on those campaigning for greater democracy. □�[V P ] There has been a lot of drinking. We are cracking down now. Anyone who gets caught is fired.

2 →�see also crackdown

▸� crack on PHRASAL VERB If you crack on with something, you continue doing it, especially with more effort than before, or as quickly as possible. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] You've just got to crack on, whatever the problems are. □�[V P +�with ] Just tell him what to do and he'll crack on with the work.

▸� crack up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone cracks up , they are under such a lot of emotional strain that they become mentally ill. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] She would have cracked up if she hadn't allowed herself some fun.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you crack up or if someone or something cracks you up , you laugh a lot. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] She told stories that cracked me up and I swore to write them down so you could enjoy them too. □�[V P ] We all just cracked up laughing.

➋ crack /kr� k/ (cracks )

1 N‑COUNT A crack is a very narrow gap between two things, or between two parts of a thing. □�[+�in ] Kathryn had seen him through a crack in the curtains.

2 N‑SING If you open something such as a door, window, or curtain a crack , you open it only a small amount. □� He went to the door, opened it a crack, and listened.

3 N‑COUNT A crack is a line that appears on the surface of something when it is slightly damaged. □�[+�in ] The plate had a crack in it. □�[+�in ] Hundreds of office buildings and homes developed large cracks in walls and ceilings.

4 N‑COUNT A crack is a sharp sound, like the sound of a piece of wood breaking. □� Suddenly there was a loud crack and glass flew into the car. □� 'Crack!'�The first shot rang out, hitting Paolo.

5 N‑SING If you have or take a crack at something, you make an attempt to do or achieve something. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�at ] I should love to have a crack at the Olympia title in my last year.

6 N‑COUNT A crack is a slightly rude or cruel joke. □�[+�about ] When Paul made the crack about the 'famous girl detective', I began to suspect that he had it in for you.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Crack is a very pure form of the drug cocaine.

8 →�see also crack cocaine

9 ADJ [ADJ n] A crack soldier or sportsman is highly trained and very skilful. □� �a crack undercover police officer.

10 →�see also craic

11 PHRASE If you say that someone does something at the crack of dawn , you are emphasizing that they do it very early in the morning. [EMPHASIS ] □� I often start work at the crack of dawn when there is a big order to get out.

cra ck co|cai ne also crack-cocaine N‑UNCOUNT Crack cocaine is a form of the drug cocaine which has been purified and made into crystals.

crack|down /kr� kdaʊn/ (crackdowns ) N‑COUNT A crackdown is strong official action that is taken to punish people who break laws. □� �anti-government unrest that ended with the violent army crackdown.

cracked /kr� kt/

1 ADJ An object that is cracked has lines on its surface because it is damaged. □� The ceiling was grey and cracked. □� �a cracked mirror.

2 ADJ A cracked voice or a cracked musical note sounds rough and unsteady. □� When he spoke, his voice was hoarse and cracked.

crack|er /kr� kə r / (crackers )

1 N‑COUNT A cracker is a thin, crisp biscuit which is often eaten with cheese.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something is a cracker , you like and admire them very much. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� She's a cracker. □�[+�of ] 'Dude' is a cracker of an album.

3 N‑COUNT A cracker is a hollow cardboard tube covered with coloured paper. Crackers make a loud noise when they are pulled apart and usually contain a small toy and a paper hat. In Britain they are used mainly at Christmas. □� �a Christmas cracker.

crack|ing /kr� k I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use cracking to describe something you think is very good or exciting. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� It's a cracking novel.

2 PHRASE If you tell someone to get cracking , you are telling them to start doing something immediately. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Mark, you'd better get cracking, the sooner the better.

crack|le /kr� k ə l/ (crackles , crackling , crackled ) VERB If something crackles , it makes a rapid series of short, harsh noises. □�[V ] The radio crackled again. □�[V -ing] �a crackling fire. ●�N‑COUNT Crackle is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the crackle of flames and gunfire.

crack|ly /kr� k ə li/ ADJ Something that is crackly , especially a recording or broadcast, has or makes a lot of short, harsh noises. □� �a crackly phone line.

crack|pot /kr� kpɒt/ (crackpots ) ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone or their ideas as crackpot , you disapprove of them because you think that their ideas are strange and crazy. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �crackpot schemes. ●�N‑COUNT A crackpot is a crackpot person. □� She was no more a crackpot than the rest of us.

cra|dle /kre I d ə l/ (cradles , cradling , cradled )

1 N‑COUNT A cradle is a baby's bed with high sides. Cradles often have curved bases so that they rock from side to side.

2 N‑COUNT The cradle is the part of a telephone on which the receiver rests while it is not being used. □� I dropped the receiver back in the cradle.

3 N‑COUNT A cradle is a frame which supports or protects something. □� He fixed the towing cradle round the hull.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A place that is referred to as the cradle of something is the place where it began. □�[+�of ] Mali is the cradle of some of Africa's richest civilizations.

5 VERB If you cradle someone or something in your arms or hands, you hold them carefully and gently. □�[V n +�in ] I cradled her in my arms. □�[V n] He was sitting at the big table cradling a large bowl of milky coffee.

6 PHRASE If something affects you from the cradle to the grave , it affects you throughout your life. □� The bond of brotherhood was one to last from the cradle to the grave.

craft ◆◇◇ /krɑː ft, kr� ft/ (crafts , crafting , crafted ) craft is both the singular and the plural form for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a boat, a spacecraft, or an aircraft as a craft . □� With great difficulty, the fisherman manoeuvred his small craft close to the reef.

2 →�see also landing craft

3 N‑COUNT A craft is an activity such as weaving, carving, or pottery that involves making things skilfully with your hands. □� All kinds of traditional craft industries are preserved here.

4 N‑COUNT You can use craft to refer to any activity or job that involves doing something skilfully. □� Maurice Murphy, one of the country's leading classical trumpeters, learnt his craft with the Black Dyke Mills band.

5 VERB If something is crafted , it is made skilfully. □�[be V -ed] The windows would probably have been crafted in the latter part of the Middle Ages. □�[V n] Many delegates were willing to craft a compromise. □�[V -ed] The author extracts the maximum from every carefully-crafted scene in this witty tale. □�[V -ed] �original, hand-crafted bags at affordable prices.

cra ft fair (craft fairs ) N‑COUNT A craft fair is an event at which people sell goods they have made.

crafti|ly /krɑː ft I li, kr� ft-/ →�see crafty

crafts|man /krɑː ftsmən, kr� ft-/ (craftsmen ) N‑COUNT A craftsman is a man who makes things skilfully with his hands. □� The table in the kitchen was made by a local craftsman.

crafts|man|ship /krɑː ftsmənʃ I p, kr� ft-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Craftsmanship is the skill that someone uses when they make beautiful things with their hands. □�[+�of ] It is easy to appreciate the craftsmanship of Armani.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Craftsmanship is the quality that something has when it is beautiful and has been very carefully made. □� His canoes are known for their style, fine detail and craftsmanship.

crafts|people /krɑː ftspiːp ə l, kr� ft-/ N‑PLURAL Craftspeople are people who make things skilfully with their hands. □� �highly-skilled craftspeople.

crafts|wom|an /krɑː ftswʊmən, kr� fts-/ (craftswomen ) N‑COUNT A craftswoman is a woman who makes things skilfully with her hands.

crafty /krɑː fti, kr� fti/ (craftier , craftiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as crafty , you mean that they achieve what they want in a clever way, often by deceiving people. □� �a crafty, lying character who enjoys plotting against others. □� A crafty look came to his eyes.

crag /kr� g/ (crags ) N‑COUNT A crag is a steep rocky cliff or part of a mountain.

crag|gy /kr� gi/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A craggy cliff or mountain is steep and rocky. □� �tiny villages on craggy cliffs.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A craggy face has large features and deep lines. □� He's a very small man with a lined, craggy face.

craic /kr� k/ in BRIT, also use crack N‑SING If you are talking about something that you did and you say 'the craic was great', or 'it was a good craic ', you mean that you had a really good time, especially because everyone was talking, joking, and laughing. [IRISH , INFORMAL ] □� They go to the pubs not for the drink alone, but for the crack.

cram /kr� m/ (crams , cramming , crammed )

1 VERB If you cram things or people into a container or place, you put them into it, although there is hardly enough room for them. □�[V n prep/adv] While nobody was looking, she squashed her school hat and crammed it into a wastebasket. □�[V n +�full of ] I crammed my bag full of swimsuits and T-shirts and headed for the coast. □�[V n +�with ] She crammed her mouth with caviar.

2 VERB If people craminto a place or vehicle or cram a place or vehicle, so many of them enter it at one time that it is completely full. □�[V prep] We crammed into my car and set off. □�[V n] Friends and admirers crammed the chapel at the small Los Angeles cemetery where Monroe is buried.

3 VERB If you are cramming for an examination, you are learning as much as possible in a short time just before you take the examination. □�[V +�for ] She was cramming for her Economics exam. ●� cram|ming N‑UNCOUNT □� It would take two or three months of cramming to prepare for Vermont's bar exam.

crammed /kr� md/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a place is crammedwith things or people, it is full of them, so that there is hardly room for anything or anyone else. □�[+�with/full of ] The house is crammed with priceless furniture and works of art.

2 ADJ If people or things are crammedinto a place or vehicle, it is full of them. □�[+�into ] Between two and three thousand refugees were crammed into the church buildings.

cram|mer /kr� mə r / (crammers ) N‑COUNT A crammer is a school, teacher, or book which prepares students for an exam by teaching them a lot in a short time. [BRIT ]

cramp /kr� mp/ (cramps , cramping , cramped )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cramp is a sudden strong pain caused by a muscle suddenly contracting. You sometimes get cramp in a muscle after you have been making a physical effort over a long period of time. □�[+�in ] Hillsden was complaining of cramp in his calf muscles. □� She started getting stomach cramps this morning.

2 PHRASE If someone or something cramps your style , their presence or existence restricts your behaviour in some way. [INFORMAL ] □� People think having your dad on tour would cramp your style.

cramped /kr� mpt/ ADJ A cramped room or building is not big enough for the people or things in it. □� There are hundreds of families living in cramped conditions on the floor of the airport lounge.

cram|pon /kr� mpɒn/ (crampons ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Crampons are metal plates with spikes underneath which mountain climbers fasten to the bottom of their boots, especially when there is snow or ice, in order to make climbing easier.

cran|berry /kr� nbəri, [AM ] -beri/ (cranberries ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft N n] Cranberries are red berries with a sour taste. They are often used to make a sauce or jelly that you eat with meat.

crane /kre I n/ (cranes , craning , craned )

1 N‑COUNT A crane is a large machine that moves heavy things by lifting them in the air. □� The little prefabricated hut was lifted away by a huge crane.

2 N‑COUNT A crane is a kind of large bird with a long neck and long legs.

3 VERB If you crane your neck or head, you stretch your neck in a particular direction in order to see or hear something better. □�[V n] She craned her neck to get a better view. □�[V to-inf] Children craned to get close to him. □�[V adv/prep] She craned forward to look at me.

crane|fly /kre I nfla I / (craneflies ) also crane fly N‑COUNT A cranefly is a harmless flying insect with long legs.

cra|nial /kre I niəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Cranial means relating to your cranium. [TECHNICAL ] □� �cranial bleeding.

cra|nium /kre I niəm/ (craniums or crania /kre I niə/) N‑COUNT Your cranium is the round part of your skull that contains your brain. [TECHNICAL ]

crank /kr� ŋk/ (cranks , cranking , cranked )

1 N‑COUNT If you call someone a crank , you think their ideas or behaviour are strange. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Prime Minister called Councillor Marshall 'a crank'.

2 N‑COUNT A crank is a device that you turn in order to make something move.

3 VERB If you crank an engine or machine, you make it move or function, especially by turning a handle. □�[V n] The chauffeur got out to crank the motor.

▸� crank up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you crank up a machine or a device, you make it function harder or at a greater level. [BRIT ] □�[V P n] Just crank up your hearing aid a peg or two. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you crank up a machine or device, you start it. [AM ] □�[V P n] �May's warm weather, which caused people to crank up their air conditioners. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you crank up the volume of something, you turn it up until it is very loud. □�[V P n] Someone cranked up the volume of the public address system. □�[V n P adj] By about six, they're cranking the music up loud again. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB To crank something up means to increase it or make it more intense. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] The legal authorities cranked up the investigation. [Also V n P ]

crank|shaft /kr� ŋkʃɑːft, -ʃ�ft/ (crankshafts ) N‑COUNT A crankshaft is the main shaft of an internal combustion engine. □� The engine had a broken crankshaft.

cranky /kr� ŋki/ (crankier , crankiest )

1 ADJ If you describe ideas or ways of behaving as cranky , you disapprove of them because you think they are strange. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Vegetarianism has shed its cranky image.

2 ADJ Cranky means bad-tempered. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� It was a long trek, and Jack and I both started to get cranky after about ten minutes.

cran|ny /kr� ni/ (crannies )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Crannies are very narrow openings or spaces in something. □� They fled like lizards into crannies in the rocks.

2every nook and cranny →�see nook

crap /kr� p/ (craps , crapping , crapped )

1 ADJ If you describe something as crap , you think that it is wrong or of very poor quality. [INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] ●�N‑UNCOUNT Crap is also a noun. □� It is a tedious, humourless load of crap.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Crap is sometimes used to refer to faeces. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

3 VERB To crap means to get rid of faeces from your body. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

4 N‑UNCOUNT Craps or crap is a gambling game, played mainly in North America, in which you throw two dice and bet what the total will be. □� I'll shoot some craps or play some blackjack.

crap|py /kr� pi/ (crappier , crappiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as crappy , you think it is of very poor quality. Many people consider this word offensive. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �reading a crappy detective novel.

crash ◆◆◇ /kr� ʃ/ (crashes , crashing , crashed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A crash is an accident in which a moving vehicle hits something and is damaged or destroyed. □� His elder son was killed in a car crash a few years ago. □� �a plane crash.

2 VERB If a moving vehicle crashes or if the driver crashes it, it hits something and is damaged or destroyed. □�[V ] The plane crashed mysteriously near the island of Ustica. □�[V +�into ] �when his car crashed into the rear of a van. □�[V n] He crashed his bike into a parked car and broke his arm. □�[V -ed] Her body was found near a crashed car.

3 VERB If something crashes somewhere, it moves and hits something else violently, making a loud noise. □�[V prep/adv] The door swung inwards to crash against a chest of drawers behind it. □�[V prep/adv] I heard them coming, crashing through the undergrowth, before I saw them.

4 N‑COUNT A crash is a sudden, loud noise. □� Two people in the flat recalled hearing a loud crash about 1.30 a.m.

5 VERB If a business or financial system crashes , it fails suddenly, often with serious effects. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] When the market crashed, they assumed the deal would be cancelled. ●�N‑COUNT Crash is also a noun. □� He predicted correctly that there was going to be a stock market crash.

6 VERB If a computer or a computer program crashes , it fails suddenly. [COMPUTING ] □�[V ] �after the computer crashed for the second time in 10 days.

▸� crash out PHRASAL VERB If someone crashes out somewhere, they fall asleep where they are because they are very tired or drunk. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] I just want to crash out on the sofa. □�[V -ed P ] The band are crashed out on the floor. COLLOCATIONS crash NOUN 1

noun +�crash : car, helicopter, plane, train, tram

adjective +�crash : fatal, near-fatal; head-on, high-speed; horrific VERB 2

noun +�crash : aircraft, helicopter, jet, plane; bus, car, lorry, motorcycle, truck

crash+�noun : aircraft, helicopter, jet, plane; bus, car, lorry, motorcycle, truck

crash+�adverb : headlong, head-on

cra sh bar|ri|er (crash barriers ) N‑COUNT A crash barrier is a strong low fence built along the side of a road or between the two halves of a motorway in order to prevent accidents. [BRIT ] in AM, use guardrail

cra sh cou rse (crash courses ) N‑COUNT A crash coursein a particular subject is a short course in which you are taught basic facts or skills, for example before you start a new job. □�[+�in ] I did a 15-week crash course in typing.

cra sh hel|met (crash helmets ) N‑COUNT A crash helmet is a helmet that motorcyclists wear in order to protect their heads if they have an accident.

cra sh-la nd (crash-lands , crash-landing , crash-landed ) also crash land VERB If a pilot crash-lands an aircraft, or if it crash-lands , it lands more quickly and less safely than usual, for example when there is something wrong with the aircraft, and it cannot land normally. □�[V n] He arrives in his biplane and crash lands it in a tree. □�[V ] A light aircraft crash-landed on a putting green yesterday. ●� crash-landing (crash-landings ) N‑COUNT □� His plane made a crash-landing during a sandstorm yesterday.

crass /kr� s/ (crasser , crassest ) ADJ Crass behaviour is stupid and does not show consideration for other people. □� The government has behaved with crass insensitivity. ●� crass|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �one of the most crassly stupid political acts of modern times. □� These teachings can be crassly misinterpreted.

crate /kre I t/ (crates , crating , crated )

1 N‑COUNT A crate is a large box used for transporting or storing things. □� �a pile of wooden crates. □� A crane was already unloading crates and pallets.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is crated , it is packed in a crate so that it can be transported or stored somewhere safely. □�[be V -ed] The much repaired plane was crated for the return journey.

3 N‑COUNT A crate is a plastic or wire box divided into sections which is used for carrying bottles. ●�N‑COUNT A crateof something is the amount of it that is contained in a crate. □�[+�of ] We've also got a bonus quiz with crates of beer as prizes!

cra|ter /kre I tə r / (craters ) N‑COUNT A crater is a very large hole in the ground, which has been caused by something hitting it or by an explosion.

cra|tered /kre I tə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If the surface of something is cratered , it has many craters in it. □� � the Moon's cratered surface.

cra|vat /krəv� t/ (cravats ) N‑COUNT A cravat is a piece of folded cloth which a man wears wrapped around his neck.

crave /kre I v/ (craves , craving , craved ) VERB If you crave something, you want to have it very much. □�[V n] There may be certain times of day when smokers crave their cigarette. □�[V +�for ] You may be craving for some fresh air. [Also V to-inf] ●� crav|ing (cravings ) N‑COUNT □�[+�for ] �a craving for sugar. □� �her craving to be loved.

cra|ven /kre I v ə n/ ADJ Someone who is craven is very cowardly. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They condemned the deal as a craven surrender.

craw|fish /krɔː f I ʃ/ (crawfish ) N‑COUNT A crawfish is a small shellfish with five pairs of legs which lives in rivers and streams. You can eat some types of crawfish. [AM ] in BRIT, use crayfish

crawl /krɔː l/ (crawls , crawling , crawled )

1 VERB When you crawl , you move forward on your hands and knees. □�[V ] Don't worry if your baby seems a little reluctant to crawl or walk. □�[V prep/adv] I began to crawl on my hands and knees towards the door. □�[V prep/adv] As he tried to crawl away, he was hit in the shoulder.

2 VERB When an insect crawls somewhere, it moves there quite slowly. □�[V prep] I watched the moth crawl up the outside of the lampshade.

3 VERB If someone or something crawls somewhere, they move or progress slowly or with great difficulty. □�[V prep/adv] I crawled out of bed at nine-thirty. □�[V ] Hairpin turns force the car to crawl at 10 miles an hour in some places. ●�N‑SING Crawl is also a noun. □� The traffic on the approach road slowed to a crawl.

4 VERB [only cont] If you say that a place is crawling with people or animals, you are emphasizing that it is full of them. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�with ] This place is crawling with police.

5 N‑SING The crawl is a kind of swimming stroke which you do lying on your front, swinging one arm over your head, and then the other arm.

6 PHRASE If something makes your skin crawl or makes your flesh crawl , it makes you feel shocked or disgusted. □� I hated this man, his very touch made my skin crawl.

7 →�see also kerb-crawling , pub crawl

crawl|er /krɔː lə r / (crawlers ) N‑COUNT A crawler is a computer program that visits websites and collects information when you do an internet search. [COMPUTING ]

cray|fish /kre I f I ʃ/ (crayfish ) N‑COUNT A crayfish is a small shellfish with five pairs of legs which lives in rivers and streams. You can eat some types of crayfish.

cray|on /kre I ɒn/ (crayons ) N‑COUNT A crayon is a pencil containing coloured wax or clay, or a rod of coloured wax used for drawing.

craze /kre I z/ (crazes ) N‑COUNT If there is a craze for something, it is very popular for a short time. □� Walking is the latest fitness craze.

crazed /kre I zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Crazed people are wild and uncontrolled, and perhaps insane. [WRITTEN ] □� A crazed gunman slaughtered five people last night.

-crazed /-kre I zd/ COMB -crazed combines with nouns to form adjectives that describe people whose behaviour is wild and uncontrolled because of the thing the noun refers to. □� �a drug-crazed killer.

cra|zi|ly /kre I z I li/

1 ADV [ADV after v] If something moves crazily , it moves in a way or in a direction that you do not expect. [WRITTEN ] □� The ball bounced crazily over his shoulder into the net.

2 →�see also crazy

cra|zy ◆◇◇ /kre I zi/ (crazier , craziest , crazies )

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as crazy , you think they are very foolish or strange. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� People thought they were all crazy to try to make money from manufacturing. □� That's why he's got so caught up with this crazy idea about Mr. Trancas. ●� cra|zi|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� The teenagers shook their long, black hair and gesticulated crazily.

2 ADJ Someone who is crazy is insane. [INFORMAL ] □� If I sat home and worried about all this stuff, I'd go crazy. □� He strides around the room beaming like a crazy man. ●�N‑COUNT Crazy is also a noun. □� Outside, mumbling, was one of New York's ever-present crazies.

3 ADJ If you are crazy about something, you are very enthusiastic about it. If you are notcrazyabout something, you do not like it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] He's still crazy about both his work and his hobbies. ●�COMB Crazy is also a combining form. □� This city is football-crazy and deserves a top side.

4 ADJ If you are crazy about someone, you are deeply in love with them. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] None of that matters, because we're crazy about each other.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something or someone makes you crazy or drives you crazy , they make you extremely annoyed or upset. [INFORMAL ] □� This sitting around is driving me crazy. □� When Jock woke up and found you gone he went crazy.

6 PHRASE You use like crazy to emphasize that something happens to a great degree. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The stuff was selling like crazy.

cra |zy pa v|ing N‑UNCOUNT Crazy paving is pieces of stone of different shapes fitted together to make a path or flat area.

creak /kriː k/ (creaks , creaking , creaked ) VERB If something creaks , it makes a short, high-pitched sound when it moves. □�[V ] The bed-springs creaked. □�[V adj] The door creaked open. □�[V -ing] �the creaking stairs. ●�N‑COUNT Creak is also a noun. □� The door was pulled open with a creak.

creaky /kriː ki/

1 ADJ A creaky object creaks when it moves. □� She pushed open a creaky door.

2 ADJ If you describe something as creaky , you think it is bad in some way because it is old or old-fashioned. □� �its creaky and corrupt political system.

cream ◆◆◇ /kriː m/ (creams , creaming , creamed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cream is a thick yellowish-white liquid taken from milk. You can use it in cooking or put it on fruit or desserts. □� �strawberries and cream.

2 →�see also clotted cream , double cream , single cream , sour cream , whipping cream

3 N‑UNCOUNT Cream is used in the names of soups that contain cream or milk. □�[+�of ] �cream of mushroom soup.

4 N‑VAR A cream is a substance that you rub into your skin, for example to keep it soft or to heal or protect it. □� Gently apply the cream to the affected areas. □� �sun protection creams.

5 →�see also face cream

6 COLOUR Something that is cream is yellowish-white in colour. □� �cream silk stockings. □� �a cream-coloured Persian cat.

7 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] Cream is used in expressions such as the cream of society and the cream of British athletes to refer to the best people or things of a particular kind. □�[+�of ] The Ball was attended by the cream of Hollywood society. ●�PHRASE You can refer to the best people or things of a particular kind as the cream of the crop .

8 →�see also ice cream , peaches and cream , salad cream , shaving cream

▸� cream off

1 PHRASAL VERB To cream off part of a group of people means to take them away and treat them in a special way, because they are better than the others. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P n] The private schools cream off many of the best pupils.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a person or organization creams off a large amount of money, they take it and use it for themselves. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P n] This means smaller banks can cream off big profits during lending booms.

crea m chee se N‑UNCOUNT Cream cheese is a very rich, soft white cheese.

crea m cra ck|er (cream crackers ) N‑COUNT Cream crackers are crisp dry biscuits which are eaten with cheese. [BRIT ]

cream|er /kriː mə r / (creamers ) N‑VAR Creamer is a white powder that is used in tea and coffee instead of milk. □� �coffee whitened with a non-dairy creamer.

cream|ery /kriː məri/ (creameries ) N‑COUNT A creamery is a place where milk and cream are made into butter and cheese.

crea m of ta r|tar N‑UNCOUNT Cream of tartar is a white powder used in baking.

crea m tea (cream teas ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a cream tea is an afternoon meal that consists of tea to drink and small cakes called scones that are eaten with jam and cream. Cream teas are served in places such as tea shops.

creamy /kriː mi/ (creamier , creamiest )

1 ADJ Food or drink that is creamy contains a lot of cream or milk. □� �rich, creamy coffee. □� �a creamy chocolate and nut candy bar.

2 ADJ Food that is creamy has a soft smooth texture and appearance. □� �creamy mashed potato. □� Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.

crease /kriː s/ (creases , creasing , creased )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Creases are lines that are made in cloth or paper when it is crushed or folded. □�[+�in ] She stood up, frowning at the creases in her silk dress. □�[+�of ] Papa flattened the creases of the map with his broad hands.

2 VERB If cloth or paper creases or if you crease it, lines form in it when it is crushed or folded. □�[V ] Most outfits crease a bit when you are travelling. □�[V n] Liz sat down on the bed, lowering herself carefully so as not to crease her skirt. ●� creased ADJ □� His clothes were creased, as if he had slept in them.

3 N‑COUNT Creases in someone's skin are lines which form where their skin folds when they move. □� When Crevecoeur smiled, the creases in his face deepened. ●� creased ADJ □� �Jock's creased drunken face.

4 N‑SING In cricket, thecrease is a line on the playing surface where the batsman stands. □� Haynes was still at the crease, unbeaten on 84.

cre|ate ◆◆◆ /krie I t/ (creates , creating , created )

1 VERB To create something means to cause it to happen or exist. □�[V n] We set business free to create more jobs in Britain. □�[V n] Criticizing will only destroy a relationship and create feelings of failure. ●� crea|tion /krie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] These businesses stimulate the creation of local jobs.

2 VERB When someone creates a new product or process, they invent it or design it. □�[V n] It is really great for a radio producer to create a show like this. SYNONYMS create VERB

1

cause:Attempts to limit family size among some minorities are likely to cause problems.

lead to:Ethnic tensions among the republics could lead to civil war.

bring about:The only way they can bring about political change is by putting pressure on the country.

2

make:She made her own bread.

form:They formed a circle and sang 'Auld Lang Syne'.

produce:The drug is known to produce side-effects in women.

invent:He invented the first electric clock.

devise:We devised a scheme to help him.

crea|tion /krie I ʃ ə n/ (creations )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to something that someone has made as a creation , especially if it shows skill, imagination, or artistic ability. □� The bathroom is entirely my own creation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] In many religions, creation is the making of the universe, Earth, and creatures by God. □� A guy who believes in divine creation argues with a girl who believes in evolution.

3 N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes refer to the whole world or universe and everything in it as creation . [LITERARY ] □� We seek not only to save ourselves, but to save all creation.

4 →�see also create

crea|tion|ism /krie I ʃ ə n I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Creationism is the belief that the account of the creation of the universe in the Bible is true, and that the theory of evolution is incorrect.

crea|tion|ist /krie I ʃ ə n I st/ (creationists ) N‑COUNT A creationist is someone who believes that the story of the creation of the universe in the Bible is true, and who rejects the theory of evolution.

crea|tive ◆◇◇ /krie I t I v/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A creative person has the ability to invent and develop original ideas, especially in the arts. □� Like so many creative people, he was never satisfied. □� �her obvious creative talents. ●� crea|tiv|ity /kriː e I t I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� American art reached a peak of creativity in the '50s and '60s.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Creative activities involve the inventing and making of new kinds of things. □� �creative writing. □� Cooking is creative.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use something in a creative way, you use it in a new way that produces interesting and unusual results. □� �his creative use of words. ●� crea|tive|ly ADV □� Genet teaches you to think creatively.

crea |tive ac|cou nt|ing N‑UNCOUNT Creative accounting is when companies present or organize their accounts in such a way that they gain money for themselves or give a false impression of their profits. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Much of the apparent growth in profits that occurred in the 1980s was the result of creative accounting.

crea|tor /krie I tə r / (creators )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The creator of something is the person who made it or invented it. □�[+�of ] �Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.

2 N‑PROPER God is sometimes referred to as the Creator . □� This was the first object placed in the heavens by the Creator.

crea|ture /kriː tʃə r / (creatures )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to any living thing that is not a plant as a creature , especially when it is of an unknown or unfamiliar kind. People also refer to imaginary animals and beings as creatures . □� Alaskan Eskimos believe that every living creature possesses a spirit. □� The garden is surrounded by a hedge in which many small creatures can live.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a particular type of creature , you are focusing on a particular quality they have. □� She's charming, a sweet creature. □�[+�of ] She was a creature of the emotions, rather than reason.

3a creature of habit →�see habit

crea |ture co m|forts N‑PLURAL Creature comforts are the things that you need to feel comfortable in a place, for example good food and modern equipment. □�[+�of ] They appreciate all the creature comforts of home.

cr�che /kre ʃ/ (cr�ches ) also creche N‑COUNT A cr�che is a place where small children can be left to be looked after while their parents are doing something else. [BRIT ] in AM, use day nursery

cre|dence /kriː d ə ns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If something lends or gives credenceto a theory or story, it makes it easier to believe. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Studies are needed to lend credence to the notion that genuine progress can be made.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you give credenceto a theory or story, you believe it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] You're surely not giving any credence to this story of Hythe's?

cre|den|tials /kr I de nʃ ə lz/

1 N‑PLURAL Someone's credentials are their previous achievements, training, and general background, which indicate that they are qualified to do something. □�[+�as ] �her credentials as a Bach specialist. □�[+�of ] I can testify to the credentials of the clientele.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Someone's credentials are a letter or certificate that proves their identity or qualifications. □� Britain's new ambassador has presented his credentials to the President.

cred|ibil|ity /kre d I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone or something has credibility , people believe in them and trust them. □� The police have lost their credibility.

cre d|ibi l|ity gap N‑SING A credibility gap is the difference between what a person says or promises and what they actually think or do. □� There is a credibility gap developing between employers and employees.

cred|ible /kre d I b ə l/

1 ADJ Credible means able to be trusted or believed. □�[+�to ] Her claims seem credible to many. □� To maintain a credible threat of intervention, we have to maintain a credible alliance.

2 ADJ A credible candidate, policy, or system, for example, is one that appears to have a chance of being successful. □� Mr Robertson would be a credible candidate.

cred|it ◆◆◇ /kre d I t/ (credits , crediting , credited )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] If you are allowed credit , you are allowed to pay for goods or services several weeks or months after you have received them. □� The group can't get credit to buy farming machinery. □� You can ask a dealer for a discount whether you pay cash or buy on credit.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [in N , N n] If someone or their bank account is in credit , their bank account has money in it. [mainly BRIT ] □� The idea that I could be charged when I'm in credit makes me very angry. □� Interest is payable on credit balances.

3 VERB When a sum of money is creditedto an account, the bank adds that sum of money to the total in the account. □�[be V -ed +�to ] She noticed that only $80,000 had been credited to her account. □�[V n +�to ] The bank decided to change the way it credited payments to accounts. □�[be V -ed] Interest is calculated daily and credited once a year, on 1 April. [Also V n]

4 N‑COUNT A credit is a sum of money which is added to an account. □� The statement of total debits and credits is known as a balance.

5 N‑COUNT A credit is an amount of money that is given to someone. □� The senator outlined his own tax cut, giving families $350 in tax credits per child.

6 N‑UNCOUNT If you get thecreditfor something good, people praise you because you are responsible for it, or are thought to be responsible for it. □� It would be wrong for us to take all the credit. □�[+�for ] Some of the credit for her relaxed manner must go to Andy.

7 VERB If people credit someone with an achievement or if it is credited to them, people say or believe that they were responsible for it. □�[V n +�with ] The staff are crediting him with having saved Hythe's life. □�[be V -ed +�to ] There are 630 words whose first-time use is credited to Milton by the Oxford English Dictionary. [Also V n +�to , V +�with ]

8 VERB If you credit someone with a quality, you believe or say that they have it. □�[V n +�with ] I wonder why you can't credit him with the same generosity of spirit.

9 N‑SING If you say that someone is a credit to someone or something, you mean that their qualities or achievements will make people have a good opinion of the person or thing mentioned. □�[+�to ] He is one of the greatest British players of recent times and is a credit to his profession.

10 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The list of people who helped to make a film, a CD, or a television programme is called thecredits .

11 N‑COUNT A credit is a successfully-completed part of a higher education course. At some universities and colleges you need a certain number of credits to be awarded a degree.

12 PHRASE If you say that something does someone credit , you mean that they should be praised or admired because of it. □� You're a nice girl, Lettie, and your kind heart does you credit.

13 PHRASE To give someone credit for a good quality means to believe that they have it. □�[+�for ] Bratbakk had more ability than the media gave him credit for.

14 PHRASE You say on the credit side in order to introduce one or more good things about a situation or person, usually when you have already mentioned the bad things about them. □� On the credit side, he's always been wonderful with his mother.

15 PHRASE If something is to someone's credit , they deserve praise for it. □� She pulled herself together and, to her credit, looked upon life as a positive experience.

16 PHRASE If you already have one or more achievements to your credit , you have achieved them. □� I have twenty novels and countless magazine stories to my credit.

cred|it|able /kre d I təb ə l/

1 ADJ A creditable performance or achievement is of a reasonably high standard. □� They turned out a quite creditable performance.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's actions or aims as creditable , you mean that they are morally good. □� Not a very creditable attitude, I'm afraid.

cre d|it card (credit cards ) N‑COUNT A credit card is a plastic card that you use to buy goods on credit. Compare charge card .

cre d|it crunch N‑SING A credit crunch is a period during which there is a sudden reduction in the amount of money that banks and other lenders have available to lend. [JOURNALISM ] □� The most common argument for cutting interest rates is to prevent a global credit crunch.

cre d|it hour (credit hours ) N‑COUNT A credit hour is a credit that a school or college awards to students who have completed a course of study. [AM ] □� Now he needs only two credit hours to graduate.

cre d|it note (credit notes ) N‑COUNT A credit note is a piece of paper that a shop gives you when you return goods that you have bought from it. It states that you are entitled to take goods of the same value without paying for them. [BRIT ] in AM, use credit slip

credi|tor /kre d I tə r / (creditors ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your creditors are the people who you owe money to. □� The company said it would pay in full all its creditors.

cre d|it rat|ing N‑SING Your credit rating is a judgment of how likely you are to pay money back if you borrow it or buy things on credit.

cre d|it slip (credit slips ) N‑COUNT A credit slip is the same as a credit note . [AM ]

cre d|it tra ns|fer (credit transfers )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A credit transfer is a direct payment of money from one bank account into another. [BRIT ] in AM, use money transfer2 N‑COUNT If a student has a credit transfer when they change from one school or college to another, their credits are transferred from their old school or college to their new one. [AM ]

credit|worthy /kre d I twɜː r �i/ also credit-worthy ADJ A creditworthy person or organization is one who can safely be lent money or allowed to have goods on credit, for example because in the past they have always paid back what they owe. □� Building societies make loans to creditworthy customers. ●� credit|worthi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] They now take extra steps to verify the creditworthiness of customers.

cre|do /kriː doʊ, kre I -/ (credos ) N‑COUNT A credo is a set of beliefs, principles, or opinions that strongly influence the way a person lives or works. [FORMAL ] □� Lord Clarendon's liberal credo was one of the foundations of his political conduct.

cre|du|lity /kr I djuː l I ti, [AM ] -duː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Credulity is a willingness to believe that something is real or true. [WRITTEN ] □� The plot does stretch credulity.

credu|lous /kre dʒʊləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as credulous , you have a low opinion of them because they are too ready to believe what people tell them and are easily deceived. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �quack doctors charming money out of the pockets of credulous health-hungry citizens.

creed /kriː d/ (creeds )

1 N‑COUNT A creed is a set of beliefs, principles, or opinions that strongly influence the way people live or work. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �their devotion to their creed of self-help.

2 N‑COUNT A creed is a religion. [FORMAL ] □� The centre is open to all, no matter what race or creed.

creek /kriː k/ (creeks )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A creek is a narrow place where the sea comes a long way into the land. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A creek is a small stream or river. [AM ] □� Follow Austin Creek for a few miles.

3 PHRASE If someone is up the creek , they are in a bad or difficult situation, or are wrong in some way. You can also say that someone is up the creek without a paddle . [INFORMAL ]

creep /kriː p/ (creeps , creeping , crept )

1 VERB When people or animals creep somewhere, they move quietly and slowly. □�[V adv/prep] Back I go to the hotel and creep up to my room. □�[V adv/prep] The rabbit creeps away and hides in a hole.

2 VERB If something creeps somewhere, it moves very slowly. □�[V adv/prep] Mist had crept in again from the sea.

3 VERB If something creeps in or creeps back, it begins to occur or becomes part of something without people realizing or without them wanting it. □�[V in ] Insecurity might creep in. □�[V +�into ] An increasing ratio of mistakes, perhaps induced by tiredness, crept into her game. □�[V adv/prep] �a proposal that crept through unnoticed at the National Council in December.

4 VERB If a rate or number creepsup to a higher level, it gradually reaches that level. □�[V +�up to ] The inflation rate has been creeping up to 9.5 per cent. □�[V up ] The average number of students in each class is creeping up from three to four. [Also V adj]

5 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a creep , you mean that you dislike them a great deal, especially because they are insincere and flatter people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

6 PHRASE If someone or something gives you the creeps , they make you feel very nervous or frightened. [INFORMAL ] □� I always hated that statue. It gave me the creeps.

7to make someone's flesh creep →�see flesh

▸� creep up on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you creep up on someone, you move slowly closer to them without being seen by them. □�[V P P n] They'll creep up on you while you're asleep.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a feeling or state creeps up on you, you hardly notice that it is beginning to affect you or happen to you. □�[V P P n] The desire to be a mother may creep up on you unexpectedly.

creep|er /kriː pə r / (creepers ) N‑COUNT Creepers are plants with long stems that wind themselves around objects.

creepy /kriː pi/ (creepier , creepiest ) ADJ If you say that something or someone is creepy , you mean they make you feel very nervous or frightened. [INFORMAL ] □� There were certain places that were really creepy at night.

creepy-crawly /kriː pi krɔː li/ (creepy-crawlies ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to insects as creepy-crawlies when they give you a feeling of fear or disgust. This word is mainly used by children. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

cre|mate /kr I me I t, [AM ] kriː me I t/ (cremates , cremating , cremated ) VERB [usu passive] When someone is cremated , their dead body is burned, usually as part of a funeral service. □�[be V -ed] She wants Chris to be cremated. ●� cre|ma|tion /kr I me I ʃ ə n/ (cremations ) N‑VAR □� At Miss Garbo's request there was a cremation after a private ceremony. □� Half of California's deceased opt for cremation.

crema|to|rium /kre mətɔː riəm/ (crematoria /kre mətɔː riə/ or crematoriums ) N‑COUNT A crematorium is a building in which the bodies of dead people are burned.

crema|tory /kriː mətɔːri/ (crematories ) N‑COUNT A crematory is the same as a crematorium . [AM ]

cr�me de la cr�me /kre m də lɑː kre m/ N‑SING If you refer to someone or something as the cr�me de la cr�me , you mean they are the very best person or thing of their kind. [JOURNALISM , APPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �the cr�me de la cr�me of fashion designers.

cr�me fraiche /kre m fre ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cr�me fraiche is a type of thick, slightly sour cream.

cren|el|lat|ed /kre nəle I t I d/ in AM, also use crenelated ADJ [usu ADJ n] In a castle, a crenellated wall has gaps in the top or openings through which to fire at attackers. [TECHNICAL ] □� �crenellated turrets.

cre|ole /kriː oʊl/ (creoles ) also Creole

1 N‑VAR A creole is a language that has developed from a mixture of different languages and has become the main language in a particular place. □� She begins speaking in the Creole of Haiti. □� �French Creole.

2 N‑COUNT A Creole is a person of mixed African and European race, who lives in the West Indies and speaks a creole language.

3 N‑COUNT A Creole is a person descended from the Europeans who first settled in the West Indies or the southern United States of America.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Creole means belonging to or relating to the Creole community. □� Coconut Rice Balls is a Creole dish.

creo|sote /kriː əsoʊt/ N‑UNCOUNT Creosote is a thick dark liquid made from coal tar which is used to prevent wood from rotting.

crepe /kre I p/ (crepes )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Crepe is a thin fabric with an uneven surface and is made of cotton, silk, or wool. □� Use a crepe bandage to support the affected area.

2 N‑COUNT A crepe is a thin pancake . □� �chicken-filled crepes.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Crepe is a type of rubber with a rough surface. □� �a pair of crepe-soled ankle-boots.

cre pe pa |per N‑UNCOUNT Crepe paper is stretchy paper with an uneven surface. Coloured crepe paper is often used for making decorations.

crept /kre pt/ Crept is the past tense and past participle of creep .

cre|pus|cu|lar /kr I pʌ skjʊlə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Crepuscular means relating to twilight . [LITERARY ] □� �peering through the crepuscular gloom.

cre|scen|do /kr I ʃe ndoʊ/ (crescendos )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A crescendo is a noise that gets louder and louder. Some people also use crescendo to refer to the point when a noise is at its loudest. □� The applause rose to a crescendo and cameras clicked.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] People sometimes describe an increase in the intensity of something, or its most intense point, as a crescendo . [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] There was a crescendo of parliamentary and press criticism.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In music, a crescendo is a section of a piece of music in which the music gradually gets louder and louder.

cres|cent /kre s ə nt, kre z-/ (crescents )

1 N‑COUNT A crescent is a curved shape that is wider in the middle than at its ends, like the shape of the moon during its first and last quarters. It is the most important symbol of the Islamic faith. □� A glittering Islamic crescent tops the mosque. □�[+�of ] �a narrow crescent of sand dunes. □� �a crescent moon.

2 N‑COUNT Crescent is sometimes used as part of the name of a street or row of houses that is usually built in a curve. [mainly BRIT ] □� �44 Colville Crescent.

cress /kre s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cress is a plant with small green leaves that are used in salads or to decorate food. See also mustard and cress .

2 N‑UNCOUNT mustard and cress is sometimes referred to as cress .

crest /kre st/ (crests )

1 N‑COUNT The crestof a hill or a wave is the top of it. ●�PHRASE If you say that you are on the crest of a wave , you mean that you are feeling very happy and confident because things are going well for you. □� The band are riding on the crest of a wave with the success of their new single.

2 N‑COUNT A bird's crest is a group of upright feathers on the top of its head. □� Both birds had a dark blue crest.

3 N‑COUNT A crest is a design that is the symbol of a noble family, a town, or an organization. □� On the wall is the family crest.

crest|ed /kre st I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A crested bird is a bird that has a crest on its head. □� �crested hawks.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Crested objects have on them the crest of a noble family, a town, or an organization. □� �crested writing paper.

crest|fallen /kre stfɔːlən/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you look crestfallen , you look sad and disappointed about something.

cret|in /kre t I n, [AM ] kriː t ə n/ (cretins ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a cretin , you think they are very stupid. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

cret|in|ous /kre t I nəs, [AM ] kriː tənəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as cretinous , you think they are very stupid. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

cre|vasse /kr I v� s/ (crevasses ) N‑COUNT A crevasse is a large, deep crack in thick ice or rock. □� He fell down a crevasse.

crev|ice /kre v I s/ (crevices ) N‑COUNT A crevice is a narrow crack or gap, especially in a rock. □� �a huge boulder with rare ferns growing in every crevice.

crew ◆◇◇ /kruː / (crews , crewing , crewed )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The crew of a ship, an aircraft, or a spacecraft is the people who work on and operate it. □�[+�of ] The mission for the crew of the space shuttle is essentially over. □� The surviving crew members were ferried ashore.

2 N‑COUNT A crew is a group of people with special technical skills who work together on a task or project. □� �a two-man film crew making a documentary.

3 VERB If you crew a boat, you work on it as part of the crew. □�[V ] She took part in ocean races and crewed on yachts. □�[V n] There were to be five teams of three crewing the boat. □�[V -ed] �a fully-crewed yacht.

4 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] You can use crew to refer to a group of people you disapprove of. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �one of the youngest members of a criminal crew.

cre w cut (crew cuts ) also crewcut N‑COUNT A crew cut is a man's hairstyle in which his hair is cut very short.

crew|man /kruː m�n/ (crewmen ) N‑COUNT A crewman is a member of a crew.

cre w neck (crew necks ) in AM, use crewneck N‑COUNT A crew neck or a crew neck sweater is a sweater with a round neck.

crib /kr I b/ (cribs ) N‑COUNT A crib is a bed for a small baby. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use cot

cri b death (crib deaths ) N‑VAR Crib death is the sudden death of a baby while it is asleep, although the baby had not previously been ill. [AM ] in BRIT, use cot death

cri b sheet (crib sheets ) N‑COUNT A crib sheet is the same as a cheat sheet . [BRIT ] □� He spoke without notes but with a crib sheet of four points.

crick /kr I k/ (cricks ) N‑COUNT If you have a crick in your neck or in your back, you have a pain there caused by muscles becoming stiff.

crick|et ◆◇◇ /kr I k I t/ (crickets )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cricket is an outdoor game played between two teams. Players try to score points, called runs, by hitting a ball with a wooden bat. □� During the summer term we would play cricket at the village ground. □� �the Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

2 N‑COUNT A cricket is a small jumping insect that produces short, loud sounds by rubbing its wings together.

crick|et|er /kr I k I tə r / (cricketers ) N‑COUNT A cricketer is a person who plays cricket.

crick|et|ing /kr I k I t I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Cricketing means relating to or taking part in cricket. □� �Australia's cricketing heroes. □� �his cricketing career.

cri|er /kra I ə r / →�see town crier

cri|key /kra I ki/ EXCLAM Some people say crikey in order to express surprise, especially at something unpleasant. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ]

crime ◆◆◇ /kra I m/ (crimes )

1 N‑VAR A crime is an illegal action or activity for which a person can be punished by law. □� He and Lieutenant Cassidy were checking the scene of the crime. □� Mr Steele has committed no crime and poses no danger to the public. □� We need a positive programme of crime prevention.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that doing something is a crime , you think it is very wrong or a serious mistake. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It would be a crime to travel all the way to Australia and not stop in Sydney. COLLOCATIONS crime NOUN 1

noun +�crime : gun, knife; hate, sex, war; gang, youth

adjective +�crime : heinous, horrific, violent; organized, serious; petty, victimless, white-collar; unsolved; juvenile

verb +�crime : combat, fight, prevent, reduce, tackle; investigate, solve; commit, perpetrate

cri me scene (crime scenes ) N‑COUNT A crime scene is a place that is being investigated by the police because a crime has taken place there. □� Photographs of the crime scene began to arrive within twenty minutes.

cri me wave also crimewave N‑SING When more crimes than usual are committed in a particular place, you can refer to this as a crime wave . □� The country is in the grip of a teenage crime wave.

crimi|nal ◆◆◇ /kr I m I n ə l/ (criminals )

1 N‑COUNT A criminal is a person who regularly commits crimes. □� A group of gunmen attacked a prison and set free nine criminals in Moroto.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Criminal means connected with crime. □� He faces various criminal charges.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe an action as criminal , you think it is very wrong or a serious mistake. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He said a full-scale dispute involving strikes would be criminal.

cri mi|nal cou rt (criminal courts ) N‑COUNT A criminal court is a law court that deals with criminal offences.

crimi|nal|ize /kr I m I nəla I z/ (criminalizes , criminalizing , criminalized ) in BRIT, also use criminalise VERB If a government criminalizes an action or person, it officially declares that the action or the person's behaviour is illegal. □�[V n] Every nation should criminalise malicious activities on computer networks.

crimi|nol|ogy /kr I m I nɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals. ●� crimi|nolo|gist /kr I m I nɒ lədʒ I st/ (criminologists ) N‑COUNT □� �a criminologist at the University of Montreal.

crimp /kr I mp/ (crimps , crimping , crimped )

1 VERB If you crimp something such as a piece of fabric or pastry, you make small folds in it. □�[V n] Crimp the edges to seal them tightly.

2 VERB To crimp something means to restrict or reduce it. [AM ] □�[V n] The dollar's recent strength is crimping overseas sales and profits.

Crimp|lene /kr I mpliːn/ also crimplene N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Crimplene is an artificial fabric used for making clothes which does not crease easily. [mainly BRIT , TRADEMARK ]

crim|son /kr I mz ə n/ (crimsons ) COLOUR Something that is crimson is deep red in colour. □� �a mass of crimson flowers.

cringe /kr I ndʒ/ (cringes , cringing , cringed ) VERB If you cringeat something, you feel embarrassed or disgusted, and perhaps show this feeling in your expression or by making a slight movement. □�[V ] Molly had cringed when Ann started picking up the guitar. □�[V +�at ] Chris had cringed at the thought of using her own family for publicity. □�[V +�in ] I cringed in horror.

crin|kle /kr I ŋk ə l/ (crinkles , crinkling , crinkled )

1 VERB If something crinkles or if you crinkle it, it becomes slightly creased or folded. □�[V ] He shrugged whimsically, his eyes crinkling behind his glasses. □�[V n] When she laughs, she crinkles her perfectly-formed nose.

2 N‑COUNT Crinkles are small creases or folds.

crin|kly /kr I ŋkli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A crinkly object has many small creases or folds in it or in its surface. □� �her big crinkly face. □� �crinkly paper.

crino|line /kr I nəl I n/ (crinolines ) N‑COUNT A crinoline was a round frame which women wore under their skirts in the 19th century.

crip|ple /kr I p ə l/ (cripples , crippling , crippled )

1 N‑COUNT A person with a physical disability or a serious permanent injury is sometimes referred to as a cripple . [OFFENSIVE ] □� She has gone from being a healthy, fit, and sporty young woman to being a cripple.

2 VERB If someone is crippled by an injury, it is so serious that they can never move their body properly again. □�[be V -ed] Mr Easton was seriously crippled in an accident and had to leave his job. □�[V n] He had been warned that another bad fall could cripple him for life. □�[V -ed] He heaved his crippled leg into an easier position.

3 VERB If something cripples a person, it causes them severe psychological or emotional problems. □�[V n] Howard wanted to be a popular singer, but stage fright crippled him. □�[V -ed] I'm not perfect but I'm also not emotionally crippled or lonely.

4 VERB To cripple a machine, organization, or system means to damage it severely or prevent it from working properly. □�[V n] A total cut-off of supplies would cripple the country's economy. □�[V -ed] The pilot was able to maneuver the crippled aircraft out of the hostile area.

crip|pling /kr I pl I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A crippling illness or disability is one that severely damages your health or your body. □� Arthritis and rheumatism are prominent crippling diseases.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that an action, policy, or situation has a crippling effect on something, you mean it has a very serious, harmful effect. □� The high cost of borrowing has a crippling effect on many small firms.

cri|sis ◆◆◇ /kra I s I s/ (crises /kra I siːz/) N‑VAR A crisis is a situation in which something or someone is affected by one or more very serious problems. □� Natural disasters have obviously contributed to the continent's economic crisis. □� He had made arrangements for additional funding before the company was in crisis. □� �children's illnesses or other family crises. □� �someone to turn to in moments of crisis. SYNONYMS crisis NOUN 1

emergency:The hospital will cater only for emergencies.

catastrophe:From all points of view, war would be a catastrophe.

disaster:Many had lost all in the disaster and were destitute.

cri |sis ma n|age|ment N‑UNCOUNT People use crisis management to refer to a management style that concentrates on solving the immediate problems occurring in a business rather than looking for long-term solutions. [BUSINESS ] □� Today's NSC is overcome by day-to-day crisis management. □� �a crisis-management team.

crisp /kr I sp/ (crisper , crispest , crisps , crisping , crisped )

1 ADJ Food that is crisp is pleasantly hard, or has a pleasantly hard surface. [APPROVAL ] □� Bake the potatoes for 15 minutes, till they're nice and crisp. □� �crisp bacon. □� �crisp lettuce. ●� crisp|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The pizza base retains its crispness without becoming brittle. ●� crisp|ly ADV □� �crisply-fried onion rings.

2 VERB If food crisps or if you crisp it, it becomes pleasantly hard, for example because you have heated it at a high temperature. □�[V ] Cook the bacon until it begins to crisp. □�[V n] Spread breadcrumbs on a dry baking sheet and crisp them in the oven.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Crisps are very thin slices of fried potato that are eaten cold as a snack. [BRIT ] □� �a packet of crisps. □� �cheese and onion potato crisps. in AM, use chips or potato chips4 ADJ Weather that is pleasantly fresh, cold, and dry can be described as crisp . [APPROVAL ] □� �a crisp autumn day.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Crisp cloth or paper is clean and has no creases in it. □� I slipped between the crisp clean sheets. □� �crisp banknotes. ●� crisp|ly ADV □� �his crisply-pressed suit.

crisp|bread /kr I spbred/ (crispbreads ) N‑VAR Crispbreads are thin dry biscuits made from wheat or rye. They are often eaten instead of bread by people who want to lose weight.

crispy /kr I spi/ (crispier , crispiest ) ADJ Food that is crispy is pleasantly hard, or has a pleasantly hard surface. [APPROVAL ] □� �crispy fried onions. □� �crispy bread rolls.

criss-cross /kr I s krɒs, [AM ] - krɔːs/ (criss-crosses , criss-crossing , criss-crossed ) also crisscross

1 VERB If a person or thing criss-crosses an area, they travel from one side to the other and back again many times, following different routes. If a number of things criss-cross an area, they cross it, and cross over each other. □�[V n] They criss-crossed the country by bus. □�[V n] Telephone wires criss-cross the street.

2 VERB If two sets of lines or things criss-cross , they cross over each other. □�[V ] Wires criss-cross between the tops of the poles, forming a grid. □�[V n] The roads criss-cross one another in a fashion that at times defies logic. [Also V n]

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A criss-cross pattern or design consists of lines crossing each other. □� Slash the tops of the loaves with a sharp serrated knife in a criss-cross pattern.

cri|teri|on /kra I t I ə riən/ (criteria /kra I t I ə riə/) N‑COUNT A criterion is a factor on which you judge or decide something. □�[+�for ] The most important criterion for entry is that applicants must design and make their own work.

crit|ic ◆◆◇ /kr I t I k/ (critics )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A critic is a person who writes about and expresses opinions about things such as books, films, music, or art. □� The New York critics had praised her performance.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone who is a critic of a person or system disapproves of them and criticizes them publicly. □� Her critics accused her of caring only about success. SYNONYMS critic NOUN 1

judge:A panel of judges is now selecting the finalists.

reviewer:�the reviewer for the Times Literary Supplement.

criti|cal ◆◆◇ /kr I t I k ə l/

1 ADJ A critical time, factor, or situation is extremely important. □� The incident happened at a critical point in the campaign. □� He says setting priorities is of critical importance. □� How you finance a business is critical to the success of your venture. ●� criti|cal|ly /kr I t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Economic prosperity depends critically on an open world trading system. □� It was a critically important moment in his career.

2 ADJ A critical situation is very serious and dangerous. □� The authorities are considering an airlift if the situation becomes critical. □� Its day-to-day finances are in a critical state. ●� criti|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Moscow is running critically low on food supplies.

3 ADJ If a person is critical or in a critical condition in hospital, they are seriously ill. □� Ten of the injured are said to be in critical condition. ●� criti|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� She was critically ill.

4 ADJ To be criticalof someone or something means to criticize them. □�[+�of ] His report is highly critical of the trial judge. □� He has apologised for critical remarks he made about the referee. ●� criti|cal|ly ADV □�[+�of ] She spoke critically of Lara.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A critical approach to something involves examining and judging it carefully. □� We need to become critical text-readers. □� �the critical analysis of political ideas. ●� criti|cal|ly ADV □� Wyman watched them critically.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] If something or someone receives critical acclaim, critics say that they are very good. □� The film met with considerable critical and public acclaim. SYNONYMS critical ADJ

1

crucial:�the most crucial election campaign for years.

momentous:The past three years have been among the most momentous in world history.

decisive:The election campaign has now entered its final, decisive phase.

vital:After her release, she was able to give vital information about her kidnapper.

4

scathing:He then launched a scathing attack on previous leaders.

disparaging:He was critical of the people, disparaging of their crude manners.

derogatory:He refused to withdraw derogatory remarks made about his boss.

disapproving:Janet gave him a disapproving look.

contemptuous:He's openly contemptuous of all the major political parties.

cri ti|cal ma ss

1 N‑SING In physics, the critical mass of a substance is the minimum amount of it that is needed for a nuclear chain reaction. [TECHNICAL ]

2 N‑SING A critical mass of something is an amount of it that makes it possible for something to happen or continue. □�[+�of ] Only in this way can the critical mass of participation be reached.

criti|cise /kr I t I sa I z/ →�see criticize

criti|cism ◆◆◇ /kr I t I s I zəm/ (criticisms )

1 N‑VAR [N that] Criticism is the action of expressing disapproval of something or someone. A criticism is a statement that expresses disapproval. □� This policy had repeatedly come under strong criticism on Capitol Hill. □�[+�of ] �unfair criticism of his tactics. □� The criticism that the English do not truly care about their children was often voiced.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Criticism is a serious examination and judgment of something such as a book or play. □� She has published more than 20 books including novels, poetry and literary criticism. COLLOCATIONS criticism NOUN 1

adjective +�criticism : constructive, legitimate, widespread; fierce, harsh, heavy, strong; unfair, unjustified, unwarranted

verb +�criticism : attract, draw, face, spark; direct, level, voice; deflect, dismiss, reject SYNONYMS criticism NOUN 1

censure:It is a controversial policy which has attracted international censure.

disapproval:His action had been greeted with almost universal disapproval.

disparagement:Reviewers have been almost unanimous in their disparagement of this book.

denigration:�the denigration of minorities in this country.

criti|cize ◆◇◇ /kr I t I sa I z/ (criticizes , criticizing , criticized ) in BRIT, also use criticise VERB If you criticize someone or something, you express your disapproval of them by saying what you think is wrong with them. □�[V n] His mother had rarely criticized him or any of her children. □�[V n +�for ] The minister criticised the police for failing to come up with any leads.

cri|tique /kr I tiː k/ (critiques ) N‑COUNT A critique is a written examination and judgment of a situation or of a person's work or ideas. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] She had brought a book, a feminist critique of Victorian lady novelists.

crit|ter /kr I tə r / (critters ) N‑COUNT A critter is a living creature. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� �little furry critters.

croak /kroʊ k/ (croaks , croaking , croaked )

1 VERB When a frog or bird croaks , it makes a harsh, low sound. □�[V ] Thousands of frogs croaked in the reeds by the riverbank. ●�N‑COUNT Croak is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the guttural croak of the frogs.

2 VERB If someone croaks something, they say it in a low, rough voice. □�[V with quote] Tiller moaned and managed to croak, 'Help me.'. □�[V n] She croaked something unintelligible. ●�N‑COUNT Croak is also a noun. □� His voice was just a croak.

croaky /kroʊ ki/ ADJ If someone's voice is croaky , it is low and rough.

cro|chet /kroʊ ʃe I , [AM ] kroʊʃe I / (crochets , crocheting , crocheted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Crochet is a way of making cloth out of cotton or wool by using a needle with a small hook at the end. □� �a black crochet waistcoat.

2 VERB If you crochet , you make cloth by using a needle with a small hook at the end. □�[V ] She offered to teach me to crochet. □�[V n] Ma and I crocheted new quilts. □�[V -ed] �crocheted rugs.

crock /krɒ k/ (crocks )

1 N‑COUNT A crock is a clay pot or jar. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an old crock , you mean that they are old and weak. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe what someone has said as a crock , you mean that you think it is foolish, wrong, or untrue. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

crock|ery /krɒ kəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Crockery is the plates, cups, saucers, and dishes that you use at meals. [mainly BRIT ] □� We had no fridge, cooker, cutlery or crockery.

croco|dile /krɒ kəda I l/ (crocodiles ) N‑COUNT A crocodile is a large reptile with a long body and strong jaws. Crocodiles live in rivers and eat meat.

cro co|dile tea rs N‑PLURAL If someone is crying crocodile tears , their tears and sadness are not genuine or sincere. □� The sight of George shedding crocodile tears made me sick.

cro|cus /kroʊ kəs/ (crocuses ) N‑COUNT Crocuses are small white, yellow, or purple flowers that are grown in parks and gardens in the early spring.

croft /krɒ ft, [AM ] krɔː ft/ (crofts ) N‑COUNT In Scotland, a croft is a small piece of land which is owned and farmed by one family and which provides them with food. □� �a remote croft near Loch Nevis.

croft|er /krɒ ftə r , [AM ] krɔː ft-/ (crofters ) N‑COUNT In Scotland, a crofter is a person who lives on a croft or small farm.

croft|ing /krɒ ft I ŋ, [AM ] krɔː ft-/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In Scotland, crofting is the activity of farming on small pieces of land. □� �isolated crofting communities.

crois|sant /kw� sɒn, [AM ] kwɑːsɑː n/ (croissants ) N‑VAR Croissants are small, sweet bread rolls in the shape of a crescent that are eaten for breakfast. □� �coffee and croissants.

crone /kroʊ n/ (crones ) N‑COUNT A crone is an ugly old woman. [LITERARY ]

cro|ny /kroʊ ni/ (cronies ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can refer to friends that someone spends a lot of time with as their cronies , especially when you disapprove of them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He returned from a lunchtime drinking session with his business cronies.

cro|ny|ism /kroʊ ni I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone in authority of cronyism , you mean that they use their power or authority to get jobs for their friends. [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ]

crook /krʊ k/ (crooks , crooking , crooked )

1 N‑COUNT A crook is a dishonest person or a criminal. [INFORMAL ] □� The man is a crook and a liar.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The crook of your arm or leg is the soft inside part where you bend your elbow or knee. □�[+�of ] She hid her face in the crook of her arm.

3 VERB If you crook your arm or finger, you bend it. □�[V n] He crooked his finger: 'Come forward,' he said.

4 N‑COUNT A crook is a long pole with a large hook at the end. A crook is carried by a bishop in religious ceremonies, or by a shepherd. □� �a shepherd's crook.

5 PHRASE If someone says they will do something by hook or by crook , they are determined to do it, even if they have to make a great effort or use dishonest means. □� They intend to get their way, by hook or by crook.

crook|ed /krʊ k I d/

1 ADJ If you describe something as crooked , especially something that is usually straight, you mean that it is bent or twisted. □� �the crooked line of his broken nose. □� �a crooked little tree.

2 ADJ A crooked smile is uneven and bigger on one side than the other. □� Polly gave her a crooked grin. ●� crook|ed|ly ADV □� Nick was smiling crookedly at her.

3 ADJ If you describe a person or an activity as crooked , you mean that they are dishonest or criminal. [INFORMAL ] □� �a crooked cop.

croon /kruː n/ (croons , crooning , crooned )

1 VERB If you croon , you sing or hum quietly and gently. □�[V ] He would much rather have been crooning in a smoky bar. □�[V n] Later in the evening, Lewis began to croon another Springsteen song.

2 VERB If one person talks to another in a soft gentle voice, you can describe them as crooning , especially if you think they are being sentimental or insincere. □�[V with quote] 'Dear boy,' she crooned, hugging him heartily. □�[V n] The man was crooning soft words of encouragement to his wife. [Also V ]

croon|er /kruː nə r / (crooners ) N‑COUNT A crooner is a male singer who sings sentimental songs, especially the love songs of the 1930s and 1940s.

crop ◆◇◇ /krɒ p/ (crops , cropping , cropped )

1 N‑COUNT Crops are plants such as wheat and potatoes that are grown in large quantities for food. □� Rice farmers here still plant and harvest their crops by hand. □� The main crop is wheat and this is grown even on the very steep slopes.

2 →�see also cash crop

3 N‑COUNT The plants or fruits that are collected at harvest time are referred to as a crop . □�[+�of ] Each year it produces a fine crop of fruit. □� This year's corn crop should be about 8 percent more than last year.

4 N‑SING You can refer to a group of people or things that have appeared together as a crop of people or things. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The present crop of books and documentaries about Marilyn Monroe exploit the thirtieth anniversary of her death.

5 VERB When a plant crops , it produces fruits or parts which people want. □�[V ] Although these vegetables adapt well to our temperate climate, they tend to crop poorly.

6 VERB To crop someone's hair means to cut it short. □�[V n] She cropped her hair and dyed it blonde. ●� cropped ADJ □� She had cropped grey hair.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A crop is a short hairstyle. □� She had her long hair cut into a boyish crop.

8 VERB If you crop a photograph, you cut part of it off, in order to get rid of part of the picture or to be able to frame it. □�[V n] I decided to crop the picture just above the water line. □�[be V -ed +�from ] Her husband was cropped from the photograph. [Also V n from n]

9the cream of the crop →�see cream

▸� crop up PHRASAL VERB If something crops up , it appears or happens, usually unexpectedly. □�[V P ] His name has cropped up at every selection meeting this season. COLLOCATIONS crop NOUN

1

noun +�crop : cereal, potato, root, wheat; cash

verb +�crop : harvest, produce; plant, sow; damage, destroy

3

adjective +�crop : bumper, fine; agricultural, staple

4

adjective +�crop : current, present

cropped /krɒ pt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cropped items of clothing are shorter than normal. □� Women athletes wear cropped tops and tight shorts.

2 →�see also crop

crop|per /krɒ pə r / PHRASE If you say that someone has come a cropper , you mean that they have had an unexpected and embarrassing failure. [INFORMAL ] □� �internet businesses that came a cropper.

cro p top (crop tops ) N‑COUNT A crop top is a very short, usually tight, top worn by a girl or a woman.

cro|quet /kroʊ ke I , [AM ] kroʊke I / N‑UNCOUNT Croquet is a game played on grass in which the players use long wooden sticks called mallets to hit balls through metal arches.

cro|quette /kroʊke t/ (croquettes ) N‑COUNT Croquettes are small amounts of mashed potato or meat rolled in breadcrumbs and fried.

cross

➊�VERB AND NOUN USES

➋�ADJECTIVE USE

➊ cross ◆◆◇ /krɒ s, [AM ] krɔː s/ (crosses , crossing , crossed )

→�Please look at categories 16 to 21 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you cross something such as a room, a road, or an area of land or water, you move or travel to the other side of it. If you crossto a place, you move or travel over a room, road, or area of land or water in order to reach that place. □�[V n] She was partly to blame for failing to look as she crossed the road. □�[V n] They have crossed the border into Greece and asked for political asylum. □�[V +�to ] Egan crossed to the drinks cabinet and poured a Scotch. [Also V adv/prep, V +�into ]

2 VERB A road, railway, or bridge that crosses an area of land or water passes over it. □�[V n] The Defford to Eckington road crosses the river half a mile outside Eckington.

3 VERB Lines or roads that cross meet and go across each other. □�[V ] �the intersection where Main and Center Streets cross. □�[V n] It is near where the pilgrimage route crosses the road to Quimper.

4 VERB If someone or something crosses a limit or boundary, for example the limit of acceptable behaviour, they go beyond it. □�[V n] I normally never write into magazines but Mr Stubbs has finally crossed the line.

5 VERB If an expression crosses someone's face, it appears briefly on their face. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] Berg tilts his head and a mischievous look crosses his face.

6 N‑COUNT A cross is a shape that consists of a vertical line or piece with a shorter horizontal line or piece across it. It is the most important Christian symbol. □� Round her neck was a cross on a silver chain.

7 VERB If Christians crossthemselves , they make the sign of a cross by moving their hand across the top half of their body. □�[V pron-refl] 'Holy Mother of God!' Marco crossed himself.

8 N‑COUNT If you describe something as a cross that someone has to bear, you mean it is a problem or disadvantage which they have to deal with or bear. □� Two young men perishing in such circumstances is a hard cross to bear for each family.

9 N‑COUNT A cross is a written mark in the shape of an X. You can use it, for example, to indicate that an answer to a question is wrong, to mark the position of something on a map, or to indicate your vote on a ballot paper. □� Put a tick next to those activities you like and a cross next to those you dislike.

10 VERB If you cross your arms, legs, or fingers, you put one of them on top of the other. □�[V n] Jill crossed her legs and rested her chin on one fist, as if lost in deep thought. □�[V -ed] He was sitting there in the living room with his legs crossed.

11 VERB If you cross someone who is likely to get angry, you oppose them or refuse to do what they want. □�[V n] If you ever cross him, forget it, you're finished.

12 N‑SING Something that is a cross between two things is neither one thing nor the other, but a mixture of both. □�[+�between ] It was a lovely dog. It was a cross between a collie and a golden retriever.

13 N‑COUNT In some team sports such as football and hockey, a cross is the passing of the ball from the side of the field to a player in the centre, usually in front of the goal. □� He hit an accurate cross to Groves.

14 ADJ [ADJ n] A cross street is a road that crosses another more important road. [AM ] □� The Army boys had personnel carriers blockading the cross streets.

15 →�see also crossing

16to cross your fingers →�see finger

17cross my heart →�see heart

18to cross your mind →�see mind ➊

19people's paths cross →�see path

20to cross the Rubicon →�see Rubicon

21to cross swords →�see sword

▸� cross off PHRASAL VERB If you cross off words on a list, you decide that they no longer belong on the list, and often you draw a line through them to indicate this. □�[V P n] I checked the chart and found I had crossed off the wrong thing. □�[V n P n] They have enough trouble finding nutritious food without crossing meat off their shopping lists. [Also V n P ]

▸� cross out PHRASAL VERB If you cross out words on a page, you draw a line through them, because they are wrong or because you want to change them. □�[V P n] He crossed out 'fellow subjects', and instead inserted 'fellow citizens'. [Also V n P ]

➋ cross /krɒ s, [AM ] krɔː s/ (crosser , crossest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is cross is rather angry or irritated. □�[+�with ] I'm terribly cross with him. □�[+�about ] She was rather cross about having to trail across London. ●� cross|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'No, no, no,' Morris said crossly. SYNONYMS cross ADJ ➋1

angry:Are you angry with me for some reason?

irritated:Not surprisingly, her teacher is getting irritated with her.

annoyed:She tapped her forehead and looked annoyed with herself.

grumpy:Some folk think I'm a grumpy old man.

peevish:Aubrey had slept little and that always made him peevish.

cross|bar /krɒ sbɑː r , [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crossbars )

1 N‑COUNT A crossbar is a horizontal piece of wood attached to two upright pieces, for example a part of the goal in football.

2 N‑COUNT The crossbar of a man's or boy's bicycle is the horizontal metal bar between the handlebars and the saddle.

cross|bones /krɒ sboʊnz, [AM ] krɔː s-/ →�see skull and crossbones

cro ss-bo rder

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Cross-border trade occurs between companies in different countries. □� Currency-conversion costs remain one of the biggest obstacles to cross-border trade.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cross-border attacks involve people crossing a border and going a short way into another country. □� �a cross-border raid into Zambian territory.

cross|bow /krɒ sboʊ, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crossbows ) N‑COUNT A crossbow is a weapon consisting of a small, powerful bow that is fixed across a piece of wood, and aimed like a gun.

cro ss-breed (cross-breeds , cross-breeding , cross-bred ) also crossbreed

1 VERB If one species of animal or plant cross-breedswith another, they reproduce, and new or different animals or plants are produced. You can also say that someone cross-breeds something such as an animal or plant. □�[V +�with ] By cross-breeding with our native red deer, the skia deer have affected the gene pool. □�[V n +�with ] Unfortunately attempts to crossbreed it with other potatoes have been unsuccessful. □�[V n] More farmers are creating hybrid crops by cross-breeding existing fruits. □�[V -ed] �a cross-bred labrador. [Also V ]

2 N‑COUNT A cross-breed is an animal that is the result of cross-breeding.

cro ss-Cha nnel also cross-channel ADJ [ADJ n] Cross-Channel travel is travel across the English Channel, especially by boat. □� �the cross-channel ferry. □� Dieppe has plenty to attract cross-Channel visitors.

cro ss-che ck (cross-checks , cross-checking , cross-checked ) VERB If you cross-check information, you check that it is correct using a different method or source from the one originally used to obtain it. □�[V n] You have to scrupulously check and cross-check everything you hear. □�[be V -ed +�against ] His version will later be cross-checked against that of the university. □�[V +�with ] They want to ensure such claims are justified by cross-checking with other records. [Also V , V n +�with ]

cro ss-cou ntry

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cross-country is the sport of running, riding, or skiing across open countryside rather than along roads or around a running track. □� She finished third in the world cross-country championships in Antwerp.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A cross-country journey involves less important roads or railway lines, or takes you from one side of a country to the other. □� �cross-country rail services. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Cross-country is also an adverb. □� They drove cross-country in his van.

cro ss-cu ltural ADJ [ADJ n] Cross-cultural means involving two or more different cultures. □� What would any World Cup be without a cross-cultural experience?

cro ss-current (cross-currents ) in AM, also use crosscurrent1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A cross-current is a current in a river or sea that flows across another current. □� Cross-currents can sweep the strongest swimmer helplessly away.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to conflicting ideas or traditions as cross-currents . □� �the cross-currents within the Conservative Party.

cro ss-dre ss (cross-dresses , cross-dressing , cross-dressed ) VERB If someone cross-dresses , they wear the clothes of the opposite sex, especially for sexual pleasure. □�[V ] If they want to cross-dress, that's fine. ●� cross-dresser (cross-dressers ) N‑COUNT □� He finds it impossible to join in with other cross-dressers and so resorts to dressing in secret. ●� cross-dressing N‑UNCOUNT □� Cross-dressing is far more common than we realise.

cro ss-exa mine (cross-examines , cross-examining , cross-examined ) VERB When a lawyer cross-examines someone during a trial or hearing, he or she questions them about the evidence that they have already given. □�[V n] The accused's lawyers will get a chance to cross-examine him. □�[be V -ed +�about ] You know you are liable to be cross-examined mercilessly about the assault. [Also V n +�about ] ●� cross-examination (cross-examinations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �during the cross-examination of a witness in a murder case. □� Under cross-examination, he admitted he had lied to the police.

cro ss-eyed ADJ Someone who is cross-eyed has eyes that seem to look towards each other.

cross|fire /krɒ sfa I ə r , [AM ] krɔː s-/ also cross-fire

1 N‑UNCOUNT Crossfire is gunfire, for example in a battle, that comes from two or more different directions and passes through the same area.

2 PHRASE If you are caught in the crossfire , you become involved in an unpleasant situation in which people are arguing with each other, although you do not want to be involved or say which person you agree with. □�[+�between ] They are caught in the crossfire between the education establishment and the government.

cross|ing /krɒ s I ŋ, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crossings )

1 N‑COUNT A crossing is a journey by boat or ship to a place on the other side of a sea, river, or lake. □� The vessel docked in Swansea after a ten-hour crossing.

2 N‑COUNT A crossing is a place where two roads, paths, or lines cross.

3 N‑COUNT A crossing is the same as a pedestrian crossing . [BRIT ] □� A car hit her on a crossing. in AM, use crosswalk4 →�see also pelican crossing , zebra crossing

5 N‑COUNT A crossing is the same as a grade crossing or a level crossing .

cro ss-le gged ADV [ADV after v] If someone is sitting cross-legged , they are sitting on the floor with their legs bent so that their knees point outwards. □� He sat cross-legged on the floor.

cross|over /krɒ soʊvə r , [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crossovers )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] A crossover of one style and another, especially in music or fashion, is a combination of the two different styles. □�[+�of ] �the contemporary crossover of pop, jazz and funk.

2 N‑SING In music or fashion, if someone makes a crossoverfrom one style to another, they become successful outside the style they were originally known for. □�[+�from/to ] I told her the crossover from actress to singer is easier than singer to actress.

cro ss-pa rty ADJ Cross-party activities involve two or more political parties. A cross-party group consists of members from two or more political parties. □� Special election procedures allow cross-party voting. □� Decisions are being made by cross-party committees.

cro ss-pu rposes also cross purposes PHRASE If people are at cross-purposes , they do not understand each other because they are working towards or talking about different things without realizing it. □�[+�with ] The two friends find themselves at cross-purposes with the officials.

cro ss-que stion (cross-questions , cross-questioning , cross-questioned ) VERB If you cross-question someone, you ask them a lot of questions about something. □�[V n] The police came back and cross-questioned Des again.

cro ss-re ference (cross-references , cross-referencing , cross-referenced )

1 N‑COUNT A cross-reference is a note in a book which tells you that there is relevant or more detailed information in another part of the book.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something such as a book is cross-referenced , cross-references are put in it. □�[be V -ed] Nearly 2,300 plant lists have been checked and cross-referenced. □�[V -ed] �an index of products and services which is cross-referenced to the supplying companies.

cross|roads /krɒ sroʊdz, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crossroads )

1 N‑COUNT A crossroads is a place where two roads meet and cross each other. □� Turn right at the first crossroads.

2 N‑SING [oft at a N ] If you say that something is at acrossroads , you mean that it has reached a very important stage in its development where it could go one way or another. □� The company was clearly at a crossroads.

cro ss-section (cross-sections ) also cross section

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a cross-sectionof particular things or people, you mean a group of them that you think is typical or representative of all of them. □�[+�of ] I was surprised at the cross-section of people there. □�[+�of ] It is good that there is a wide cross-section of sport on television.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A cross-section of an object is what you would see if you could cut straight through the middle of it. □�[+�of ] �a cross-section of an airplane. □� The hall is square in cross-section.

cro ss-stitch also cross stitch N‑UNCOUNT Cross-stitch is a type of decorative sewing where one stitch crosses another.

cross|walk /krɒ swɔːk, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crosswalks ) N‑COUNT A crosswalk is a place where pedestrians can cross a street and where drivers must stop to let them cross. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use pedestrian crossing

cross|wind /krɒ sw I nd, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crosswinds ) also cross-wind N‑COUNT A crosswind is a strong wind that blows across the direction that vehicles, boats, or aircraft are travelling in, and that makes it difficult for them to keep moving steadily forward.

cross|wise /krɒ swa I z, [AM ] krɔː s-/ in AM, also use crossways ADV [ADV after v] Crosswise means diagonally across something. □� Rinse and slice the courgettes crosswise.

cross|word /krɒ swɜː r d, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crosswords ) N‑COUNT A crossword or crossword puzzle is a word game in which you work out the answers and write them in the white squares of a pattern of small black and white squares.

crotch /krɒ tʃ/ (crotches )

1 N‑COUNT Your crotch is the part of your body between the tops of your legs. □� Glover kicked him hard in the crotch.

2 N‑COUNT The crotch of something such as a pair of trousers is the part that covers the area between the tops of your legs. □� They were too long in the crotch.

crotch|et /krɒ tʃ I t/ (crotchets ) N‑COUNT A crotchet is a musical note that has a time value equal to two quavers. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use quarter note

crotch|ety /krɒ tʃ I ti/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A crotchety person is bad-tempered and easily irritated. [INFORMAL ] □� �a crotchety old man.

crouch /kraʊ tʃ/ (crouches , crouching , crouched ) VERB If you are crouching , your legs are bent under you so that you are close to the ground and leaning forward slightly. □�[V prep/adv] We were crouching in the bushes. □�[V -ed] The man was crouched behind the Mercedes. ●�N‑SING Crouch is also a noun. □� They walked in a crouch, each bent over close to the ground. ●�PHRASAL VERB Crouch down means the same as crouch . □�[V P ] He crouched down and reached under the mattress. □�[V P prep/adv] He crouched down beside him.

croup /kruː p/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Croup is a disease which children sometimes suffer from that makes it difficult for them to breathe and causes them to cough a lot.

crou|pi|er /kruː pie I , [AM ] -iər/ (croupiers ) N‑COUNT A croupier is the person in charge of a gambling table in a casino, who collects the bets and pays money to the people who have won.

crou|ton /kruː tɒn/ (croutons ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Croutons are small pieces of toasted or fried bread that are added to soup just before you eat it.

crow /kroʊ / (crows , crowing , crowed )

1 N‑COUNT A crow is a large black bird which makes a loud, harsh noise.

2 VERB When a cock crows , it makes a loud sound, often early in the morning. □�[V ] The cock crows and the dawn chorus begins.

3 VERB If you say that someone is crowingabout something they have achieved or are pleased about, you disapprove of them because they keep telling people proudly about it. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�about/over ] Edwards is already crowing about his assured victory. □�[V that] We've seen them all crowing that the movement is dead.

4 PHRASE If you say that a place is a particular distance away as the crow flies , you mean that it is that distance away measured in a straight line. □� It was 150 miles inland from Boston as the crow flies.

crow|bar /kroʊ bɑː r / (crowbars ) N‑COUNT A crowbar is a heavy iron bar which is used as a lever.

crowd ◆◆◇ /kraʊ d/ (crowds , crowding , crowded )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A crowd is a large group of people who have gathered together, for example to watch or listen to something interesting, or to protest about something. □� A huge crowd gathered in a square outside the Kremlin walls. □� The crowd were enormously enthusiastic. □�[+�of ] The explosions took place in shopping centres as crowds of people were shopping for Mother's Day.

2 N‑COUNT A particular crowd is a group of friends, or a set of people who share the same interests or job. [INFORMAL ] □� All the old crowd have come out for this occasion.

3 VERB When people crowdaround someone or something, they gather closely together around them. □�[V +�round/around n] The hungry refugees crowded around the tractors. □�[V round/around ] Police blocked off the road as hotel staff and guests crowded around.

4 VERB If people crowdinto a place or are crowdedinto a place, large numbers of them enter it so that it becomes very full. □�[V +�into ] Hundreds of thousands of people have crowded into the centre of the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. □�[be V -ed +�into ] One group of journalists were crowded into a minibus. □�[V -ed] 'Bravo, bravo,' chanted party workers crowded in the main hall. [Also V n into n]

5 VERB If a group of people crowd a place, there are so many of them there that it is full. □�[V n] Thousands of demonstrators crowded the streets shouting slogans.

6 VERB If people crowd you, they stand very closely around you trying to see or speak to you, so that you feel uncomfortable. □�[V n] It had been a tense day with people crowding her all the time.

▸� crowd in PHRASAL VERB If problems or thoughts crowd inon you, a lot of them happen to you or affect you at the same time, so that they occupy all your attention and make you feel unable to escape. □�[V P +�on ] Everything is crowding in on me. □�[V P ] She tried to sleep, but thoughts crowded in and images flashed into her mind.

▸� crowd out PHRASAL VERB If one thing crowds out another, it is so successful or common that the other thing does not have the opportunity to be successful or exist. □�[V P n] My busy schedule crowded out nearly all time for reflection. [Also V n P ]

crowd|ed /kraʊ d I d/

1 ADJ If a place is crowded , it is full of people. □� He peered slowly around the small crowded room. [Also +�with ]

2 ADJ If a place is crowded , a lot of people live there. □� �a crowded city of 2 million.

3 ADJ If your timetable, your life, or your mind is crowded , it is full of events, activities, or thoughts. □� Never before has a summit had such a crowded agenda. [Also +�with ]

crowd|fund /kraʊ dfʌnd/ (crowdfunds , crowdfunding , crowdfunded ) VERB If you crowdfund a project, you get the money to pay for it by asking a large number of people to each give money. □�[V n] She crowdfunded her first book. □�[V -ed] Their crowdfunded legal fund has already collected more than $150,000.

crowd|fund|ing /kraʊ dfʌnd I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Crowdfunding is when a large number of people each give an amount of money to pay for a project, especially by using a website to collect the money. □� The project was financed through crowdfunding.

cro wd-pleaser (crowd-pleasers ) also crowd pleaser N‑COUNT If you describe a performer, politician, or sports player as a crowd-pleaser , you mean they always please their audience. You can also describe an action or event as a crowd-pleaser . □� He gets spectacular goals and is a real crowd pleaser.

cro wd-puller (crowd-pullers ) also crowd puller N‑COUNT If you describe a performer or event as a crowd-puller , you mean that they attract a large audience. □� The exhibition is hardly a crowd-puller.

crowd|sourc|ing /kraʊ dsɔː r s I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Crowdsourcing is the practice of getting ideas or help on a project from a large number of people, usually through the internet. □� We used crowdsourcing to develop the software.

crown ◆◇◇ /kraʊ n/ (crowns , crowning , crowned )

1 N‑COUNT A crown is a circular ornament, usually made of gold and jewels, which a king or queen wears on their head at official ceremonies. You can also use crown to refer to anything circular that is worn on someone's head. □�[+�of ] �a crown of flowers.

2 N‑PROPER The government of a country that has a king or queen is sometimes referred to as the Crown . In British criminal cases the prosecutor is the Crown . □� She says the sovereignty of the Crown must be preserved. □� �a Minister of the Crown. □� �chief witness for the Crown.

3 VERB [usu passive] When a king or queen is crowned , a crown is placed on their head as part of a ceremony in which they are officially made king or queen. □�[be V -ed] Elizabeth was crowned in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. □�[be V -ed n] Two days later, Juan Carlos was crowned king. □�[V -ed] �the newly-crowned King.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your crown is the top part of your head, at the back. □�[+�of ] He laid his hand gently on the crown of her head.

5 N‑COUNT A crown is an artificial top piece fixed over a broken or decayed tooth.

6 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] In sport, winning an important competition is sometimes referred to as a crown . □� �his dream of a fourth Wimbledon crown.

7 VERB An achievement or event that crowns something makes it perfect, successful, or complete. □�[be V -ed by ] The summit was crowned by the signing of the historic START treaty. □�[V -ing] �the crowning achievement of his career.

Cro wn Cou rt (Crown Courts ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in names] In England and Wales, a Crown Court is a court in which criminal cases are tried by a judge and jury rather than by a magistrate. □� He appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday on a drink-driving charge.

cro wn je w|el (crown jewels ) N‑PLURAL The Crown Jewels are the crown, sceptre, and other precious objects which are used on important official occasions by the King or Queen.

Cro wn Pri nce (Crown Princes ) N‑COUNT A Crown Prince is a prince who will be king of his country when the present king or queen dies. □� �the crown prince's palace. □� �Sultan Mahmood's son, Crown Prince Ibrahim Mahmood.

Cro wn Pri n|cess (Crown Princesses ) N‑COUNT A Crown Princess is a princess who is the wife of a Crown Prince, or will be queen of her country when the present king or queen dies. □� �his second wife, Crown Princess Catherine.

cro wn pro s|ecu|tor (crown prosecutors ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In Britain, a crown prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the state and who prosecutes people who are accused of crimes.

cro w's feet N‑PLURAL Crow's feet are wrinkles which some older people have at the outside corners of their eyes.

cro w's nest N‑SING On a ship, the crow's nest is a small platform high up on the mast, where a person can go to look in all directions.

cru|cial ◆◇◇ /kruː ʃ ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as crucial , you mean it is extremely important. □� He had administrators under him but took the crucial decisions himself. □�[+�to ] Improved consumer confidence is crucial to an economic recovery. ●� cru|cial|ly ADV □� Chewing properly is crucially important. □� Crucially, though, it failed to secure the backing of the banks.

cru|ci|ate liga|ment /kruː ʃ I I t l I gəmənt, -e I t -/ (cruciate ligaments ) N‑COUNT A cruciate ligament is either of a pair of ligaments that cross at the knee. □� He will be out of the team for the rest of the season after damaging his cruciate ligaments.

cru|ci|ble /kruː s I b ə l/ (crucibles )

1 N‑COUNT A crucible is a pot in which metals or other substances can be melted or heated up to very high temperatures.

2 N‑SING Crucible is used to refer to a situation in which something is tested or a conflict takes place, often one which produces something new. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �a system in which ideas are tested in the crucible of party contention.

cru|ci|fix /kruː s I f I ks/ (crucifixes ) N‑COUNT A crucifix is a cross with a figure of Christ on it.

cru|ci|fix|ion /kruː s I f I kʃ ə n/ (crucifixions )

1 N‑VAR Crucifixion is a way of killing people which was common in the Roman Empire, in which they were tied or nailed to a cross and left to die. □�[+�of ] �her historical novel about the crucifixion of Christians in Rome.

2 N‑PROPER The Crucifixion is the crucifixion of Christ. □� �the central message of the Crucifixion.

cru|ci|form /kruː s I fɔː r m/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cruciform building or object is shaped like a cross. [FORMAL ] □� �a cruciform tower.

cru|ci|fy /kru ːs I fa I / (crucifies , crucifying , crucified )

1 VERB [usu passive] If someone is crucified , they are killed by being tied or nailed to a cross and left to die. □�[be V -ed] �the day that Christ was crucified.

2 VERB To crucify someone means to criticize or punish them severely. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] She'll crucify me if she finds you still here.

crude /kruː d/ (cruder , crudest , crudes )

1 ADJ A crude method or measurement is not exact or detailed, but may be useful or correct in a rough, general way. □� Measurements of blood pressure are a crude way of assessing the risk of heart disease. ●� crude|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The donors can be split�a little crudely�into two groups.

2 ADJ If you describe an object that someone has made as crude , you mean that it has been made in a very simple way or from very simple parts. □� �crude wooden boxes. ●� crude|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� �a crudely-carved wooden form.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as crude , you disapprove of them because they speak or behave in a rude, offensive, or unsophisticated way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Nev! Must you be quite so crude? □� �crude language. ●� crude|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He hated it when she spoke so crudely.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Crude substances are in a natural or unrefined state, and have not yet been used in manufacturing processes. □� �8.5 million tonnes of crude steel.

5 N‑VAR Crude is the same as crude oil .

cru de oi l N‑UNCOUNT Crude oil is oil in its natural state before it has been processed or refined.

crudi|t�s /kruː d I te I , [AM ] -te I / N‑PLURAL Crudit�s are pieces of raw vegetable, often served before a meal.

cru|el /kruː əl/ (crueller , cruellest ) in AM, use crueler , cruelest1 ADJ Someone who is cruel deliberately causes pain or distress to people or animals. □� Children can be so cruel. □� Don't you think it's cruel to cage a creature up? ●� cru|el|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Douglas was often cruelly tormented by jealous siblings.

2 ADJ A situation or event that is cruel is very harsh and causes people distress. □� �struggling to survive in a cruel world with which they cannot cope. ●� cru|el|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� His life has been cruelly shattered by an event not of his own making.

cru|el|ty /kruː əlti/ (cruelties ) N‑VAR Cruelty is behaviour that deliberately causes pain or distress to people or animals. □�[+�to ] Britain had laws against cruelty to animals but none to protect children. □�[+�of ] He had been unable to escape the cruelties of war.

cru|et /kruː I t/ (cruets )

1 N‑COUNT A cruet is a small container, or set of containers, for salt, pepper, or mustard which is used at meals. [BRIT ] □� �a cruet set.

2 N‑COUNT A cruet is a small glass bottle that contains oil or vinegar and is used at the table at meals. [AM ]

cruise ◆◇◇ /kruː z/ (cruises , cruising , cruised )

1 N‑COUNT A cruise is a holiday during which you travel on a ship or boat and visit a number of places. □� He and his wife were planning to go on a world cruise.

2 VERB If you cruise a sea, river, or canal, you travel around it or along it on a cruise. □�[V n] She wants to cruise the canals of France in a barge. □�[V prep/adv] Try cruising around the Greek islands in a traditional fishing boat.

3 VERB If a car, ship, or aircraft cruises somewhere, it moves there at a steady comfortable speed. □�[V prep/adv] A black and white police car cruised past.

4 VERB If a team or sports player cruises to victory, they win easily. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�to ] Williams looked in awesome form as she cruised to an easy victory.

crui se mi s|sile (cruise missiles ) N‑COUNT A cruise missile is a missile which carries a nuclear warhead and which is guided by a computer.

cruis|er /kruː zə r / (cruisers )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A cruiser is a motor boat which has an area for people to live or sleep in. □� �a motor cruiser.

2 →�see also cabin cruiser

3 N‑COUNT A cruiser is a large fast warship. □� Italy had lost three cruisers and two destroyers.

4 N‑COUNT A cruiser is a police car. [AM ]

cruiser|weight /kruː zə r we I t/ (cruiserweights ) N‑COUNT A cruiserweight is another name for a light heavyweight . [mainly BRIT ]

cru ise ship (cruise ships ) N‑COUNT A cruise ship is a large ship which takes people from place to place on a cruise holiday, and on which entertainment, food, and drink are provided. □� He got a job as a singer on a cruise ship.

crumb /krʌ m/ (crumbs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Crumbs are tiny pieces that fall from bread, biscuits, or cake when you cut it or eat it. □� I stood up, brushing crumbs from my trousers.

2 N‑COUNT A crumbof something, for example information, is a very small amount of it. □�[+�of ] At last Andrew gave them a crumb of information.

crum|ble /krʌ mb ə l/ (crumbles , crumbling , crumbled )

1 VERB If something crumbles , or if you crumble it, it breaks into a lot of small pieces. □�[V ] Under the pressure, the flint crumbled into fragments. □�[V n] Roughly crumble the cheese into a bowl.

2 VERB If an old building or piece of land is crumbling , parts of it keep breaking off. □�[V ] The high- and low-rise apartment blocks built in the 1960s are crumbling. □�[V prep/adv] The cliffs were estimated to be crumbling into the sea at the rate of 10ft an hour. ●�PHRASAL VERB Crumble away means the same as crumble . □�[V P ] Britain's coastline stretches 4000 kilometres and much of it is crumbling away.

3 VERB If something such as a system, relationship, or hope crumbles , it comes to an end. □�[V ] Their economy crumbled under the weight of sanctions. ●�PHRASAL VERB Crumble away means the same as crumble . □�[V P ] Opposition more or less crumbled away.

4 VERB If someone crumbles , they stop resisting or trying to win, or become unable to cope. □�[V ] He is a skilled and ruthless leader who isn't likely to crumble under pressure.

5 N‑VAR [usu n N ] A crumble is a baked pudding made from fruit covered with a mixture of flour, butter, and sugar. [BRIT ] □� �apple crumble.

▸� crumble away →�see crumble2 , crumble3

crum|bly /krʌ mbli/ (crumblier , crumbliest ) ADJ Something that is crumbly is easily broken into a lot of little pieces. □� �crumbly cheese.

crum|my /krʌ mi/ (crummier , crummiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is crummy is unpleasant, of very poor quality, or not good enough. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� When I first came here, I had a crummy flat.

crum|pet /krʌ mp I t/ (crumpets )

1 N‑COUNT Crumpets are round, flat pieces of a substance like bread or batter with small holes in them. You toast them and eat them with butter. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Some men refer to attractive women as crumpet . This use could cause offence. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

crum|ple /krʌ mp ə l/ (crumples , crumpling , crumpled )

1 VERB If you crumple something such as paper or cloth, or if it crumples , it is squashed and becomes full of untidy creases and folds. □�[V n] She crumpled the paper in her hand. □�[V ] The front and rear of the car will crumple during a collision. ●�PHRASAL VERB Crumple up means the same as crumple . □�[V P n] She crumpled up her coffee cup. □�[V n P ] Nancy crumpled up the note and threw it in the bin. ●� crum|pled ADJ □� His uniform was crumpled, untidy, splashed with mud.

2 VERB If someone crumples , they collapse, for example when they have received a shock. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] His body crumpled. □�[V prep] He immediately crumpled to the floor. □�[V -ed] Chance McAllister lay crumpled on the floor.

▸� crumple up →�see crumple1

crunch /krʌ ntʃ/ (crunches , crunching , crunched )

1 VERB If you crunch something hard, such as a sweet, you crush it noisily between your teeth. □�[V n] She sucked an ice cube into her mouth, and crunched it loudly. □�[V +�into/on ] Richard crunched into the apple.

2 VERB If something crunches or if you crunch it, it makes a breaking or crushing noise, for example when you step on it. □�[V ] A piece of china crunched under my foot. □�[V n] He crunched the sheets of paper in his hands. ●�N‑COUNT Crunch is also a noun. □�[+�of ] She heard the crunch of tires on the gravel driveway.

3 VERB If you crunch across a surface made of very small stones, you move across it causing it to make a crunching noise. □�[V prep/adv] I crunched across the gravel. □�[V prep/adv] �wheels crunching over a stony surface.

4 N‑SING [oft N n] You can refer to an important time or event, for example when an important decision has to be made, as thecrunch . □� He can rely on my support when the crunch comes. □� The Prime Minister is expected to call a crunch meeting on Monday. ●�PHRASE If you say that something will happen if or when it comes to the crunch , you mean that it will happen if or when the time comes when something has to be done. □� If it comes to the crunch, I'll resign over this.

5 VERB To crunch numbers means to do a lot of calculations using a calculator or computer. □�[V n] I pored over the books with great enthusiasm, often crunching the numbers until 1:00 a.m.

6 N‑COUNT A situation in which a business or economy has very little money can be referred to as a crunch . [BUSINESS ] □� �a financial crunch that could threaten the company's future.

7 N‑COUNT Crunches are exercises that you do to strengthen your stomach muscles. They involve sitting up from a lying position with your legs straight, bent, or raised. □� He spends hours doing crunches and squats in the gym.

crunchy /krʌ ntʃi/ (crunchier , crunchiest ) ADJ Food that is crunchy is pleasantly hard or crisp so that it makes a noise when you eat it. [APPROVAL ] □� �fresh, crunchy vegetables.

cru|sade /kruːse I d/ (crusades , crusading , crusaded )

1 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] A crusade is a long and determined attempt to achieve something for a cause that you feel strongly about. □�[+�against/for ] Footballers launched an unprecedented crusade against racism on the terraces.

2 VERB If you crusade for a particular cause, you make a long and determined effort to achieve something for it. □�[V +�against/for ] �a newspaper that has crusaded against the country's cocaine traffickers. □�[V -ing] �an adopted boy whose cause is taken up by a crusading lawyer.

3 N‑PROPER‑PLURAL The Crusades were the wars that were fought by Christians in Palestine against the Muslims during the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth centuries.

cru|sad|er /kruːse I də r / (crusaders )

1 N‑COUNT A crusaderfor a cause is someone who does a lot in support of it. □�[+�for ] He has set himself up as a crusader for higher press and broadcasting standards.

2 N‑COUNT A Crusader was a knight who fought in the Crusades.

crush /krʌ ʃ/ (crushes , crushing , crushed )

1 VERB To crush something means to press it very hard so that its shape is destroyed or so that it breaks into pieces. □�[V n] Andrew crushed his empty can. □�[V n] Peel and crush the garlic. □�[V -ed] �crushed ice.

2 VERB To crush a protest or movement, or a group of opponents, means to defeat it completely, usually by force. □�[V n] The military operation was the first step in a plan to crush the uprising. ●� crush|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the violent crushing of anti-government demonstrations.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are crushed by something, it upsets you a great deal. □�[be V -ed] Listen to criticism but don't be crushed by it.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you are crushed against someone or something, you are pushed or pressed against them. □�[be V -ed prep] We were at the front, crushed against the stage.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A crush is a crowd of people close together, in which it is difficult to move. □� Franklin and his thirteen-year-old son somehow got separated in the crush.

6 N‑COUNT If you have a crushon someone, you are in love with them but do not have a relationship with them. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] She had a crush on you, you know.

crush|er /krʌ ʃə r / (crushers ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A crusher is a piece of equipment used for crushing things. □� �a garlic crusher.

crush|ing /krʌ ʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A crushing defeat, burden, or disappointment is a very great or severe one. [EMPHASIS ] □� His loss would be a crushing blow to Liverpool's title hopes.

crush|ing|ly /krʌ ʃ I ŋli/ ADV [ADV adj] You can use crushingly to emphasize the degree of a negative quality. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a collection of crushingly bad jokes.

crust /krʌ st/ (crusts )

1 N‑COUNT The crust on a loaf of bread is the outside part.

2 N‑COUNT A pie's crust is its cooked pastry.

3 N‑COUNT A crust is a hard layer of something, especially on top of a softer or wetter substance. □�[+�of ] As the water evaporates, a crust of salt is left on the surface of the soil.

4 N‑COUNT The Earth's crust is its outer layer. □� Earthquakes leave scars in the Earth's crust.

5 →�see also upper crust

crus|ta|cean /krʌste I ʃ ə n/ (crustaceans ) N‑COUNT A crustacean is an animal with a hard shell and several pairs of legs, which usually lives in water. Crabs, lobsters, and shrimps are crustaceans.

crust|ed /krʌ st I d/ ADJ If something is crustedwith a substance, it is covered with a hard or thick layer of that substance. [LITERARY ] □�[+�with ] �flat grey stones crusted with lichen. ●�COMB Crusted is also a combining form. □� He sat down to remove his mud-crusted boots.

crusty /krʌ sti/ (crustier , crustiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Crusty bread has a hard, crisp outside. □� �crusty French loaves.

crutch /krʌ tʃ/ (crutches )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft on N ] A crutch is a stick whose top fits round or under the user's arm, which someone with an injured foot or leg uses to support their weight when walking. □� I can walk without the aid of crutches. □� I was on crutches for a while.

2 N‑SING If you refer to someone or something as a crutch , you mean that they give you help or support. □�[+�of ] He gave up the crutch of alcohol.

3 N‑COUNT Your crutch is the same as your crotch . [mainly BRIT ] □� He kicked him in the crutch.

crux /krʌ ks/ N‑SING The cruxof a problem or argument is the most important or difficult part of it which affects everything else. □�[+�of ] He said the crux of the matter was economic policy.

cry ◆◆◇ /kra I / (cries , crying , cried )

1 VERB When you cry , tears come from your eyes, usually because you are unhappy or hurt. □�[V ] I hung up the phone and started to cry. □�[V ] Please don't cry. □�[V +�with ] He cried with anger and frustration. □�[V -ing] �a crying baby. ●�N‑SING Cry is also a noun. □� A nurse patted me on the shoulder and said, 'You have a good cry, dear.' ●� cry|ing N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □� She had been unable to sleep for three days because of her 13-week-old son's crying.

2 VERB If you cry something, you shout it or say it loudly. □�[V with quote] 'Nancy Drew,' she cried, 'you're under arrest!'. [Also V that] ●�PHRASAL VERB Cry out means the same as cry . □�[V P with quote] 'You're wrong, quite wrong!' Henry cried out, suddenly excited. □�[V P that] She cried out that no storm was going to stop her. [Also V P n]

3 N‑COUNT A cry is a loud, high sound that you make when you feel a strong emotion such as fear, pain, or pleasure. □�[+�of ] A cry of horror broke from me. □� With a cry, she rushed forward.

4 N‑COUNT A cry is a shouted word or phrase, usually one that is intended to attract someone's attention. □�[+�of ] Thousands of people burst into cries of 'bravo' on the steps of the parliament. □�[+�for ] Passers-by heard his cries for help.

5 →�see also battle cry , rallying cry

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to a public protest about something or an appeal for something as a cry of some kind. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] There have been cries of outrage about this expenditure. [Also+�for ]

7 N‑COUNT A bird's or animal's cry is the loud, high sound that it makes. □�[+�of ] �the cry of a seagull.

8 →�see also crying

9 PHRASE Something that is a far cry from something else is very different from it. □� Their lives are a far cry from his own poor childhood.

10 EXCLAM You use the expression for crying out loud in order to show that you are annoyed or impatient, or to add force to a question or request. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� I mean, what's he ever done in his life, for crying out loud?

11to cry your eyes out →�see eye

12a shoulder to cry on →�see shoulder

▸� cry off PHRASAL VERB If you cry off , you tell someone that you cannot do something that you have agreed or arranged to do. □�[V P ] She was invited to a party but had to cry off at the last minute.

▸� cry out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cry out , you call out loudly because you are frightened, unhappy, or in pain. □�[V P +�in ] He was crying out in pain on the ground when the ambulance arrived. □�[V P ] Hart cried out as his head struck rock.

2 →�see also cry2

▸� cry out for PHRASAL VERB If you say that something cries out for a particular thing or action, you mean that it needs that thing or action very much. □�[V P P n] This is a disgraceful state of affairs and cries out for a thorough investigation. COLLOCATIONS cry NOUN 3

adjective +�cry : anguished, plaintive, loud, shrill

verb +�cry : hear; give, utter VERB 1

cry+�adverb : hysterically, uncontrollably; quietly, silently; openly

cry|baby /kra I be I bi/ (crybabies ) also cry baby , cry-baby N‑COUNT If someone calls a child a crybaby , they mean that the child cries a lot for no good reason. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

cry|ing /kra I I ŋ/

1 PHRASE If you say that there is a crying need for something, you mean that there is a very great need for it. □� There is a crying need for more magistrates from the ethnic minority communities.

2 PHRASE You can say that something is a crying shame if you are annoyed and upset about it. [FEELINGS ] □� It's a crying shame that police have to put up with these mindless attacks.

3 →�see also cry

cryo|gen|ics /kra I oʊdʒe n I ks/ The form cryogenic is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Cryogenics is a branch of physics that studies what happens to things at extremely low temperatures.

crypt /kr I pt/ (crypts ) N‑COUNT A crypt is an underground room underneath a church or cathedral. □� �people buried in the crypt of an old London church.

cryp|tic /kr I pt I k/ ADJ A cryptic remark or message contains a hidden meaning or is difficult to understand. □� He has issued a short, cryptic statement denying the spying charges. □� My father's notes are more cryptic here. ●� cryp|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Not necessarily,' she says cryptically.

crypto- /kr I ptoʊ-/ COMB Crypto- is added to adjectives and nouns to form other adjectives and nouns which refer to people who have hidden beliefs and principles.

crys|tal ◆◇◇ /kr I st ə l/ (crystals )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A crystal is a small piece of a substance that has formed naturally into a regular symmetrical shape. □� �salt crystals. □� �a single crystal of silicon.

2 →�see also liquid crystal , liquid crystal display

3 N‑VAR Crystal is a transparent rock that is used to make jewellery and ornaments. □� �a strand of crystal beads.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Crystal is a high-quality glass, usually with patterns cut into its surface. □� Some of the finest drinking glasses are made from lead crystal. □� �crystal glasses.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Glasses and other containers made of crystal are referred to as crystal . □� Get out your best china and crystal.

cry s|tal ba ll (crystal balls ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone, especially an expert, looks into a crystal ball , you mean that they are trying to predict the future. Crystal balls are traditionally used by fortune-tellers. □� Local economists have looked into their crystal balls and seen something rather nasty.

cry s|tal clea r

1 ADJ Water that is crystal clear is absolutely clear and transparent like glass. □� The cliffs, lapped by a crystal-clear sea, remind her of Capri.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that a message or statement is crystal clear , you are emphasizing that it is very easy to understand. [EMPHASIS ] □� The message is crystal clear�if you lose weight, you will feel better.

crys|tal|line /kr I st ə la I n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A crystalline substance is in the form of crystals or contains crystals. □� Diamond is the crystalline form of the element carbon.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Crystalline means clear or bright. [LITERARY ] □� �a huge plain dotted with crystalline lakes.

crys|tal|lize /kr I st ə la I z/ (crystallizes , crystallizing , crystallized ) in BRIT, also use crystallise1 VERB If you crystallize an opinion or idea, or if it crystallizes , it becomes fixed and definite in someone's mind. □�[V n] He has managed to crystallise the feelings of millions of ordinary people. □�[V ] Now my thoughts really began to crystallise.

2 VERB If a substance crystallizes , or something crystallizes it, it turns into crystals. □�[V ] Don't stir or the sugar will crystallise. □�[V n] �a 19th-century technique that actually crystallizes the tin.

crys|tal|lized /kr I st ə la I zd/ in BRIT, also use crystallised ADJ [usu ADJ n] Crystallized fruits and sweets are covered in sugar which has been melted and then allowed to go hard.

C S ga s N‑UNCOUNT CS gas is a gas which causes you to cry and makes breathing painful. It is sometimes used by the police to control a crowd which is rioting. [BRIT ]

cub /kʌ b/ (cubs ) The spelling Cub is also used for meanings 2 and 3 . 1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A cub is a young wild animal such as a lion, wolf, or bear. □� �three five-week-old lion cubs.

2 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Cubs or the Cub Scouts is a version of the Scouts for boys between the ages of eight and ten.

3 N‑COUNT A cub or a cub scout is a boy who is a member of the Cubs.

Cu|ban /kjuː bən/ (Cubans )

1 ADJ Cuban means belonging or relating to Cuba, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Cuban is a Cuban citizen, or a person of Cuban origin.

cubby-hole /kʌ bi hoʊl/ (cubby-holes ) also cubbyhole N‑COUNT A cubby-hole is a very small room or space for storing things. □� It's in the cubby-hole under the stairs.

cube /kjuː b/ (cubes , cubing , cubed )

1 N‑COUNT A cube is a solid object with six square surfaces which are all the same size. □� �cold water with ice cubes in it. □� The cabinet comes with locks and key and is shaped like a cube.

2 VERB When you cube food, you cut it into cube-shaped pieces. □�[V n] Remove the seeds and stones and cube the flesh. □�[V -ed] Serve with cubed bread.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thecubeof a number is another number that is produced by multiplying the first number by itself twice. For example, the cube of 2 is 8.

cu be roo t (cube roots ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thecube rootof a number is another number that makes the first number when it is multiplied by itself twice. For example, the cube root of 8 is 2.

cu|bic /kjuː b I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Cubic is used in front of units of length to form units of volume such as 'cubic metre' and 'cubic foot'. □� �3 billion cubic metres of soil.

cu|bi|cle /kjuː b I k ə l/ (cubicles ) N‑COUNT A cubicle is a very small enclosed area, for example one where you can have a shower or change your clothes. □� �a separate shower cubicle.

Cub|ism /kjuː b I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Cubism is a style of art, begun in the early twentieth century, in which objects are represented as if they could be seen from several different positions at the same time, using many lines and geometric shapes.

Cub|ist /kjuː b I st/ (Cubists )

1 N‑COUNT A Cubist is an artist who painted in the style of Cubism.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cubist art is art in the style of Cubism. □� �Picasso's seminal Cubist painting, 'The Poet'.

cu|boid /kjuː bɔ I d/ (cuboids ) N‑COUNT A cuboid is a solid shape with six rectangular surfaces or four rectangular and two square surfaces. □� Instead of a cylindrical tin, the chocolates will come in a cardboard cuboid. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cuboid is also an adjective. □� The building consists of five interlinked cuboid galleries.

cu b re|port|er (cub reporters ) N‑COUNT A cub reporter is a young newspaper journalist who is still being trained. □� He had been a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star.

cu b scout →�see cub

cuck|old /kʌ koʊld/ (cuckolds , cuckolding , cuckolded )

1 N‑COUNT A cuckold is a man whose wife is having an affair with another man. [LITERARY ]

2 VERB If a married woman is having an affair, she and her lover are cuckolding her husband. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] His wife had cuckolded him.

cuckoo /kʊ kuː/ (cuckoos ) N‑COUNT A cuckoo is a bird that has a call of two quick notes, and lays its eggs in other birds' nests.

cu ckoo clock (cuckoo clocks ) N‑COUNT A cuckoo clock is a clock with a door from which a toy cuckoo comes out and makes noises like a cuckoo every hour or half hour.

cu|cum|ber /kjuː kʌmbə r / (cucumbers )

1 N‑VAR A cucumber is a long thin vegetable with a hard green skin and wet transparent flesh. It is eaten raw in salads.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is as cool as a cucumber , you are emphasizing that they are very calm and relaxed, especially when you would not expect them to be. [EMPHASIS ] □� You can hardly be held responsible for Darrow waltzing in, cool as a cucumber, and demanding thousands of pounds.

cud /kʌ d/ PHRASE When animals such as cows or sheep chew the cud , they slowly chew their partly-digested food over and over again in their mouth before finally swallowing it.

cud|dle /kʌ d ə l/ (cuddles , cuddling , cuddled ) VERB If you cuddle someone, you put your arms round them and hold them close as a way of showing your affection. □�[V n] He cuddled the newborn girl. □�[V ] They used to kiss and cuddle in front of everyone. ●�N‑COUNT Cuddle is also a noun. □� Give her a cuddle.

cud|dly /kʌ d ə li/ (cuddlier , cuddliest )

1 ADJ A cuddly person or animal makes you want to cuddle them. [APPROVAL ] □� He is a small, cuddly man with spectacles.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cuddly toys are soft toys that look like animals.

cudg|el /kʌ dʒ ə l/ (cudgels )

1 N‑COUNT A cudgel is a thick, short stick that is used as a weapon.

2 PHRASE If you take up the cudgelsfor someone or something, you speak or fight in support of them. □�[+�for/against ] The trade unions took up the cudgels for the 367 staff made redundant.

cue ◆◇◇ /kjuː / (cues , cueing , cued )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] In the theatre or in a musical performance, a performer's cue is something another performer says or does that is a signal for them to begin speaking, playing, or doing something. □� I had never known him miss a cue.

2 VERB If one performer cues another, they say or do something which is a signal for the second performer to begin speaking, playing, or doing something. □�[V n] He read the scene, with Seaton cueing him.

3 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] If you say that something that happens is a cuefor an action, you mean that people start doing that action when it happens. □�[+�for ] That was the cue for several months of intense bargaining.

4 N‑COUNT A cue is a long, thin wooden stick that is used to hit the ball in games such as snooker, billiards, and pool.

5 PHRASE If you say that something happened on cue or as if on cue , you mean that it happened just when it was expected to happen, or just at the right time. □� Kevin arrived right on cue to care for Harry.

6 PHRASE If you take your cuefrom someone or something, you do something similar in a particular situation. □�[+�from ] Taking his cue from his companion, he apologized for his earlier display of temper. COLLOCATIONS cue NOUN 1

verb +�cue : take; miss; provide

cuff /kʌ f/ (cuffs , cuffing , cuffed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The cuffs of a shirt or dress are the parts at the ends of the sleeves, which are thicker than the rest of the sleeve. □� �a pale blue shirt with white collar and cuffs.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The cuffs on a pair of pants or trousers are the parts at the ends of the legs, which are folded up. [AM ] □�[+�of ] �the cuffs of his jeans. in BRIT, use turn-up3 VERB If the police cuff someone, they put handcuffs on them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] She hoped they wouldn't cuff her hands behind her back.

4 PHRASE An off-the-cuff remark is made without being prepared or thought about in advance. □� I didn't mean any offence. It was a flippant, off-the-cuff remark.

cuff|link /kʌ fl I ŋk/ (cufflinks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cufflinks are small decorative objects used for holding together shirt cuffs around the wrist. □� �a pair of gold cufflinks.

cui|sine /kw I ziː n/ (cuisines )

1 N‑VAR The cuisine of a country or district is the style of cooking that is characteristic of that place. □�[+�of ] The cuisine of Japan is low in fat. □� �traditional French cuisine.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The skill or profession of cooking unusual or interesting food can be referred to as cuisine . □� �residential courses in gourmet cuisine.

cul-de-sac /kʌ l d I s�k, [AM ] - s� k/ (cul-de-sacs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A cul-de-sac is a short road which is closed off at one end. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a four-bedroom detached house in a quiet cul-de-sac. in AM, usually use dead end

culi|nary /kʌ l I nəri, [AM ] kjuː ləneri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Culinary means concerned with cooking. [FORMAL ] □� She was keen to acquire more advanced culinary skills.

cull /kʌ l/ (culls , culling , culled )

1 VERB If items or ideas are culled from a particular source or number of sources, they are taken and gathered together. □�[be V -ed +�from ] All this, needless to say, had been culled second-hand from radio reports. □�[V n +�from ] Laura was passing around photographs she'd culled from the albums at home.

2 VERB To cull animals means to kill the weaker animals in a group in order to reduce their numbers. □�[V n] To save remaining herds and habitat, the national parks department is planning to cull 2000 elephants. ●�N‑COUNT Cull is also a noun. □� In many South African reserves, annual culls are routine. ●� cull|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The culling of seal cubs has led to an outcry from environmental groups.

cul|mi|nate /kʌ lm I ne I t/ (culminates , culminating , culminated ) VERB If you say that an activity, process, or series of events culminates in or with a particular event, you mean that event happens at the end of it. □�[V +�in/with ] They had an argument, which culminated in Tom getting drunk.

cul|mi|na|tion /kʌ lm I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑SING Something, especially something important, that is theculminationof an activity, process, or series of events happens at the end of it. □�[+�of ] Their arrest was the culmination of an operation in which 120 other people were detained.

cu|lottes /kjuːlɒ ts, [AM ] kuː-/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Culottes are knee-length women's trousers that look like a skirt.

cul|pable /kʌ lpəb ə l/ ADJ If someone or their conduct is culpable , they are responsible for something wrong or bad that has happened. [FORMAL ] □� Their decision to do nothing makes them culpable. □� �manslaughter resulting from culpable negligence. ●� cul|pabil|ity /kʌ lpəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He added there was clear culpability on the part of the government.

cul|prit /kʌ lpr I t/ (culprits )

1 N‑COUNT When you are talking about a crime or something wrong that has been done, you can refer to the person who did it as theculprit . □� The culprits in the robbery have not been identified.

2 N‑COUNT When you are talking about a problem or bad situation, you can refer to its cause as theculprit . □� About 10% of Japanese teenagers are overweight. The main culprit is Western fast food.

cult /kʌ lt/ (cults )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A cult is a fairly small religious group, especially one which is considered strange. □� The teenager may have been abducted by a religious cult. [Also +�of ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cult is used to describe things that are very popular or fashionable among a particular group of people. □� Since her death, she has become a cult figure. □� The film is destined to become a cult classic.

3 N‑SING Someone or something that is a cult has become very popular or fashionable among a particular group of people. □� Ludlam was responsible for making Ridiculous Theatre something of a cult.

4 N‑COUNT The cult of something is a situation in which people regard that thing as very important or special. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Meanwhile, the personality cult around this campaigner grew.

cul|ti|vate /kʌ lt I ve I t/ (cultivates , cultivating , cultivated )

1 VERB If you cultivate land or crops, you prepare land and grow crops on it. □�[V n] She also cultivated a small garden of her own. □�[V -ed] �the few patches of cultivated land. ●� cul|ti|va|tion /kʌ lt I ve I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. □� Farmers with many acres under cultivation profited.

2 VERB If you cultivate an attitude, image, or skill, you try hard to develop it and make it stronger or better. □�[V n] Cultivating a positive mental attitude towards yourself can reap tremendous benefits. ●� cul|ti|va|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the cultivation of a positive approach to life and health.

3 VERB If you cultivate someone or cultivate a friendship with them, you try hard to develop a friendship with them. □�[V n] He may be monarch one day so we must cultivate him. □�[V n] The President has carefully cultivated relationships with at least five influential ministers.

cul|ti|vat|ed /kʌ lt I ve I t I d/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as cultivated , you mean they are well educated and have good manners. [FORMAL ] □� His mother was an elegant, cultivated woman.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cultivated plants have been developed for growing on farms or in gardens. □� �a mixture of wild and cultivated varieties.

cul|ti|va|tor /kʌ lt I ve I tə r / (cultivators ) N‑COUNT A cultivator is a tool or machine which is used to break up the earth or to remove weeds, for example in a garden or field.

cul|tur|al ◆◇◇ /kʌ ltʃərəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cultural means relating to a particular society and its ideas, customs, and art. □� �a deep sense of personal honour which was part of his cultural heritage. □� �the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation which promotes cultural and educational exchanges between Britain and India. ●� cul|tur|al|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �an informed guide to culturally- and historically-significant sites. □� Culturally, they have much in common with their neighbours just across the border.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cultural means involving or concerning the arts. □� �the sponsorship of sports and cultural events by tobacco companies. ●� cul|tur|al|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �one of our better-governed, culturally-active regional centres�Manchester or Birmingham, say.

cu l|tur|al awa re|ness N‑UNCOUNT Someone's cultural awareness is their understanding of the differences between themselves and people from other countries or other backgrounds, especially differences in attitudes and values. □� �programs to promote diversity and cultural awareness within the industry.

cul|ture ◆◆◇ /kʌ ltʃə r / (cultures , culturing , cultured )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Culture consists of activities such as the arts and philosophy, which are considered to be important for the development of civilization and of people's minds. □� �aspects of popular culture. □� �France's Minister of Culture and Education.

2 N‑COUNT A culture is a particular society or civilization, especially considered in relation to its beliefs, way of life, or art. □� �people from different cultures. □� We live in a culture that is competitive.

3 N‑COUNT The culture of a particular organization or group consists of the habits of the people in it and the way they generally behave. □�[+�of ] The benefits system creates a culture of dependency.

4 N‑COUNT In science, a culture is a group of bacteria or cells which are grown, usually in a laboratory as part of an experiment. [TECHNICAL ] □�[+�of ] �a culture of human cells.

5 VERB In science, to culture a group of bacteria or cells means to grow them, usually in a laboratory as part of an experiment. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] To confirm the diagnosis, the hospital laboratory must culture a colony of bacteria. SYNONYMS culture NOUN 3

lifestyle:They enjoyed an income and lifestyle that many people would envy.

way of life:Mining activities have totally disrupted the traditional way of life of these people.

cul|tured /kʌ ltʃə r d/ ADJ If you describe someone as cultured , you mean that they have good manners, are well educated, and know a lot about the arts. □� He is a cultured man with a wide circle of friends.

cu l|tured pea rl (cultured pearls ) N‑COUNT A cultured pearl is a pearl that is created by putting sand or grit into an oyster.

cu l|ture shock N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Culture shock is a feeling of anxiety, loneliness, and confusion that people sometimes experience when they first arrive in another country. □� Callum, recently arrived in Glasgow, is jobless, homeless, friendless, and suffering from culture shock.

cul|vert /kʌ lvə r t/ (culverts ) N‑COUNT A culvert is a water pipe or sewer that crosses under a road or railway.

-cum- /-kʌm-/ COMB -cum- is put between two nouns to form a noun referring to something or someone that is partly one thing and partly another. □� �a dining-room-cum-study.

cum|ber|some /kʌ mbə r səm/

1 ADJ Something that is cumbersome is large and heavy and therefore difficult to carry, wear, or handle. □� Although the machine looks cumbersome, it is actually easy to use.

2 ADJ A cumbersome system or process is very complicated and inefficient. □� �an old and cumbersome computer system.

cum|in /kʌ m I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Cumin is a sweet-smelling spice, and is popular in Indian cooking.

cum|mer|bund /kʌ mə r bʌnd/ (cummerbunds ) N‑COUNT A cummerbund is a wide piece of cloth worn round the waist as part of a man's evening dress.

cu|mu|la|tive /kjuː mjʊlət I v/ ADJ If a series of events have a cumulative effect, each event makes the effect greater. □� Simple pleasures, such as a walk on a sunny day, have a cumulative effect on our mood. ●� cu|mu|la|tive|ly ADV □� His administration was plagued by one petty scandal after another, cumulatively very damaging.

cu|mu|lus /kjuː mjʊləs/ (cumuli /kjuː mjʊla I /) N‑VAR Cumulus is a type of thick white cloud formed when hot air rises very quickly. □� �huge cumulus clouds.

cun|ni|lin|gus /kʌ n I l I ŋgəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Cunnilingus is oral sex which involves someone using their mouth to stimulate a woman's genitals.

cun|ning /kʌ n I ŋ/

1 ADJ Someone who is cunning has the ability to achieve things in a clever way, often by deceiving other people. □� These disturbed kids can be cunning. □� The clever folk in management came up with a cunning plan. ●� cun|ning|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� They were cunningly disguised in golf clothes.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cunning is the ability to achieve things in a clever way, often by deceiving other people. □�[+�of ] �one more example of the cunning of today's art thieves.

cunt /kʌ nt/ (cunts )

1 N‑COUNT Cunt is an offensive word that some people use to refer to a woman's vagina. [VERY RUDE ]

2 N‑COUNT If someone calls another person a cunt , they are expressing contempt for that person. [VERY OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

cup ◆◆◆ /kʌ p/ (cups , cupping , cupped )

1 N‑COUNT A cup is a small round container that you drink from. Cups usually have handles and are made from china or plastic. □� �cups and saucers. ●�N‑COUNT A cupof something is the amount of something contained in a cup. □�[+�of ] Mix about four cups of white flour with a pinch of salt.

2 N‑COUNT Things, or parts of things, that are small, round, and hollow in shape can be referred to as cups . □�[+�of ] �the brass cups of the small chandelier.

3 N‑COUNT A cup is a large metal cup with two handles that is given to the winner of a game or competition.

4 N‑COUNT Cup is used in the names of some sports competitions in which the prize is a cup. □� Sri Lanka's cricket team will play India in the final of the Asia Cup.

5 VERB If you cup your hands , you make them into a curved shape like a cup. □�[V n prep] He cupped his hands around his mouth and called out for Diane. □�[V n] David knelt, cupped his hands and splashed river water on to his face. □�[V -ed] She held it in her cupped hands for us to see.

6 VERB If you cup something in your hands, you make your hands into a curved dish-like shape and support it or hold it gently. □�[V n prep] He cupped her chin in the palm of his hand. □�[V n] He cradled the baby in his arms, his hands cupping her tiny skull.

7not your cup of tea →�see tea

cup|board /kʌ bə r d/ (cupboards )

1 N‑COUNT A cupboard is a piece of furniture that has one or two doors, usually contains shelves, and is used to store things. In British English, cupboard refers to all kinds of furniture like this. In American English, closet is usually used instead to refer to larger pieces of furniture. □� The kitchen cupboard was stocked with tins of soup and food.

2 N‑COUNT A cupboard is a very small room that is used to store things, especially one without windows. [BRIT ] in AM, use closet3a skeleton in the cupboard →�see skeleton

cup|cake /kʌ pke I k/ (cupcakes ) N‑COUNT Cupcakes are small iced cakes for one person.

cup|ful /kʌ pfʊl/ (cupfuls ) N‑COUNT A cupfulof something is the amount of something a cup can contain. □�[+�of ] �a cupful of warm milk.

cu|pid /kjuː p I d/ (cupids ) also Cupid N‑PROPER Cupid is the Roman god of love. He is usually shown as a baby boy with wings and a bow and arrow. ●�PHRASE If you say that someone is playing cupid , you mean that they are trying to bring two people together to start a romantic relationship. □� �the aristocrat who played Cupid to the Duke and Duchess.

cu|po|la /kjuː pələ/ (cupolas ) N‑COUNT A cupola is a roof or part of a roof that is shaped like a dome. [FORMAL ]

cup|pa /kʌ pə/ (cuppas ) N‑COUNT A cuppa is a cup of tea. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Have you time for a cuppa?

cu p tie (cup ties ) also cup-tie N‑COUNT In sports, especially football, a cup tie is a match between two teams who are taking part in a competition in which the prize is a cup. [BRIT ]

cur /kɜː r / (curs ) N‑COUNT A cur is an unfriendly dog, especially a mongrel. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

cur|able /kjʊə rəb ə l/ ADJ If a disease or illness is curable , it can be cured. □� Most skin cancers are completely curable if detected in the early stages.

cu|rate (curates , curating , curated ) The noun is pronounced /kjʊə rət/. The verb is pronounced /kjʊre I t/. 1 N‑COUNT A curate is a clergyman in the Anglican Church who helps the priest.

2 VERB [usu passive] If an exhibition is curated by someone, they organize it. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The Hayward exhibition has been curated by the artist Bernard Luthi.

cu|ra|tive /kjʊə rət I v/ ADJ Something that has curative properties can cure people's illnesses. [FORMAL ] □� Ancient civilizations believed in the curative powers of fresh air and sunlight.

cu|ra|tor /kjʊre I tə r / (curators ) N‑COUNT A curator is someone who is in charge of the objects or works of art in a museum or art gallery.

cu|ra|to|rial /kjʊ rətɔː riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Curatorial means relating to curators and their work. [FORMAL ] □� �the museum's curatorial team.

curb /kɜː r b/ (curbs , curbing , curbed )

1 VERB If you curb something, you control it and keep it within limits. □�[V n] �advertisements aimed at curbing the spread of the disease. □�[be V -ed] He called for energy consumption to be curbed. ●�N‑COUNT Curb is also a noun. □�[+�on ] He called for much stricter curbs on immigration.

2 VERB If you curb an emotion or your behaviour, you keep it under control. □�[V n] He curbed his temper.

3 →�see kerb

curd /kɜː r d/ (curds ) N‑VAR [usu pl] The thick white substance which is formed when milk turns sour can be referred to as curds .

cur|dle /kɜː r d ə l/ (curdles , curdling , curdled ) VERB If milk or eggs curdle or if you curdle them, they separate into different bits. □�[V ] The sauce should not boil or the egg yolk will curdle. □�[V n] The herb has been used for centuries to curdle milk.

cure ◆◇◇ /kjʊə r / (cures , curing , cured )

1 VERB If doctors or medical treatments cure an illness or injury, they cause it to end or disappear. □�[be V -ed] Her cancer can only be controlled, not cured.

2 VERB If doctors or medical treatments cure a person, they make the person well again after an illness or injury. □�[V n] MDT is an effective treatment and could cure all the leprosy sufferers worldwide. □�[be V -ed] Almost overnight I was cured. □�[V n +�of ] Now doctors believe they have cured him of the disease.

3 N‑COUNT A curefor an illness is a medicine or other treatment that cures the illness. □�[+�for ] Atkinson has been told rest is the only cure for his ankle injury.

4 VERB If someone or something cures a problem, they bring it to an end. □�[V n] Private firms are willing to make large-scale investments to help cure Russia's economic troubles.

5 N‑COUNT A curefor a problem is something that will bring it to an end. □�[+�for ] The magic cure for inflation does not exist.

6 VERB If an action or event cures someone of a habit or an attitude, it makes them stop having it. □�[V n +�of ] The experience was a detestable ordeal, and it cured him of any ambitions to direct again. □�[V n] He went to a clinic to cure his drinking and overeating.

7 VERB [usu passive] When food, tobacco, or animal skin is cured , it is dried, smoked, or salted so that it will last for a long time. □�[be V -ed] Legs of pork were cured and smoked over the fire. □�[V -ed] �sliced cured ham. COLLOCATIONS cure VERB

1

cure+�noun : ailment, cancer, disease; hangover

2

cure+�noun : patient

cure+�adverb : completely, fully, miraculously NOUN

3

adjective +�cure : effective, miraculous

verb +�cure : develop, discover, find; research, seek

5

adjective +�cure : magic, quick

cu re-all (cure-alls ) N‑COUNT A cure-all is something that is believed, usually wrongly, to be able to solve all the problems someone or something has, or to cure a wide range of illnesses. □�[+�for ] The introduction of market discipline to the economy was not a magic cure-all.

cur|few /kɜː r fjuː/ (curfews ) N‑VAR A curfew is a law stating that people must stay inside their houses after a particular time at night, for example during a war. □� The village was placed under curfew. □� Crowds of people defied the curfew to celebrate on the streets.

cu|rio /kjʊə rioʊ/ (curios ) N‑COUNT A curio is an object such as a small ornament which is unusual and fairly rare. □� �Oriental curios. □� �antique and curio shops.

cu|ri|os|ity /kjʊə riɒ s I ti/ (curiosities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Curiosity is a desire to know about something. □� Ryle accepted more out of curiosity than anything else. □� To satisfy our own curiosity we traveled to Baltimore.

2 N‑COUNT A curiosity is something that is unusual, interesting, and fairly rare. □� There is much to see in the way of castles, curiosities, and museums.

cu|ri|ous ◆◇◇ /kjʊə riəs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are curiousabout something, you are interested in it and want to know more about it. □�[+�about ] Steve was intensely curious about the world I came from. □� �a group of curious villagers. ●� cu|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The woman in the shop had looked at them curiously.

2 ADJ If you describe something as curious , you mean that it is unusual or difficult to understand. □� The pageant promises to be a curious mixture of the ancient and modern. □� The naval high command's response to these developments is rather curious. ●� cu|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� Harry was curiously silent through all this.

curl /kɜː r l/ (curls , curling , curled )

1 N‑COUNT If you have curls , your hair is in the form of tight curves and spirals. □� �the little girl with blonde curls.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If your hair has curl , it is full of curls. □� Dry curly hair naturally for maximum curl and shine.

3 VERB If your hair curls or if you curl it, it is full of curls. □�[V ] She has hair that refuses to curl. □�[V n] Maria had curled her hair for the event. □�[V -ed] Afro hair is short and tightly curled.

4 N‑COUNT A curlof something is a piece or quantity of it that is curved or spiral in shape. □�[+�of ] A thin curl of smoke rose from a rusty stove. □�[+�of ] �curls of lemon peel.

5 VERB If your toes, fingers, or other parts of your body curl , or if you curl them, they form a curved or round shape. □�[V prep/adv] His fingers curled gently round her wrist. □�[V n] Raise one foot, curl the toes and point the foot downwards. □�[V -ed] She sat with her legs curled under her. [Also V , V n prep/adv]

6 VERB If something curls somewhere, or if you curl it there, it moves there in a spiral or curve. □�[V prep/adv] Smoke was curling up the chimney. □�[V n prep/adv] He curled the ball into the net.

7 VERB If a person or animal curls into a ball, they move into a position in which their body makes a rounded shape. □�[V +�into ] He wanted to curl into a tiny ball. □�[V -ed] The kitten was curled on a cushion on the sofa. ●�PHRASAL VERB Curl up means the same as curl . □�[V P +�into ] In colder weather, your cat will curl up into a tight, heat-conserving ball. □�[V P ] She curled up next to him. □�[V -ed P ] He was asleep there, curled up in the fetal position.

8 VERB When a leaf, a piece of paper, or another flat object curls , its edges bend towards the centre. □�[V ] The rose leaves have curled because of an attack by grubs. ●�PHRASAL VERB Curl up means the same as curl . □�[V P ] The corners of the lino were curling up.

▸� curl up →�see curl7 , curl8

curl|er /kɜː r lə r / (curlers ) N‑COUNT Curlers are small plastic or metal tubes that women roll their hair round in order to make it curly. □� �a woman with her hair in curlers.

cur|lew /kɜː r ljuː/ (curlews ) N‑COUNT A curlew is a large brown bird with long legs and a long curved beak. Curlews live near water and have a very distinctive cry.

cur|li|cue /kɜː r l I kjuː/ (curlicues ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Curlicues are decorative twists and curls, usually carved or made with a pen. [LITERARY ] □� �the gothic curlicues of cottages and churches.

curly /kɜː r li/ (curlier , curliest )

1 ADJ Curly hair is full of curls. □� I've got naturally curly hair. □� Her hair was dark and curly.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Curly is sometimes used to describe things that are curved or spiral in shape. □� �cauliflowers with extra-long curly leaves. □� �dragons with curly tails.

cur|mudg|eon /kə r mʌ dʒən/ (curmudgeons ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a curmudgeon , you do not like them because they are mean or bad-tempered. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �such a terrible old curmudgeon.

cur|mudg|eon|ly /kə r mʌ dʒənli/ ADJ If you describe someone as curmudgeonly , you do not like them because they are mean or bad-tempered. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

cur|rant /kʌ rənt, [AM ] kɜː r-/ (currants )

1 N‑COUNT Currants are small dried black grapes, used especially in cakes.

2 N‑COUNT Currants are bushes which produce edible red, black, or white berries. The berries are also called currants .

3 →�see also blackcurrant , redcurrant

cur|ren|cy ◆◇◇ /kʌ rənsi, [AM ] kɜː r-/ (currencies )

1 N‑VAR The money used in a particular country is referred to as its currency . □� Tourism is the country's top earner of foreign currency. □� A deficit is likely to lead to a fall in the value of a currency.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If a custom, idea, or word has currency , it is used and accepted by a lot of people at a particular time. [FORMAL ] □� 'Loop' is one of those computer words that has gained currency in society.

3 →�see also common currency

cur|rent ◆◆◆ /kʌ rənt, [AM ] kɜ ːr-/ (currents )

1 N‑COUNT A current is a steady and continuous flowing movement of some of the water in a river, lake, or sea. □�[+�of ] Under normal conditions, the ocean currents of the tropical Pacific travel from east to west. □� The couple were swept away by the strong current.

2 N‑COUNT A current is a steady flowing movement of air. □�[+�of ] I felt a current of cool air blowing in my face.

3 N‑COUNT An electric current is a flow of electricity through a wire or circuit. □� A powerful electric current is passed through a piece of graphite.

4 N‑COUNT A particular current is a particular feeling, idea, or quality that exists within a group of people. □�[+�of ] Each party represents a distinct current of thought.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Current means happening, being used, or being done at the present time. □� The current situation is very different to that in 1990. □� He plans to repeal a number of current policies. ●� cur|rent|ly ADV [ADV before v] □� Twelve potential vaccines are currently being tested on human volunteers.

6 ADJ Ideas and customs that are current are generally accepted and used by most people. □� Current thinking suggests that toxins play only a small part in the build up of cellulite.

7 →�see also alternating current , direct current SYNONYMS current ADJ 5

present:�the government's present economic difficulties.

ongoing:There is an ongoing debate on the issue.

contemporary:Only the names are ancient; the characters are modern and contemporary.

present-day:�present-day champions of the cause.

modern:�the problem of materialism in modern society.

cu r|rent ac|cou nt (current accounts )

1 N‑COUNT A current account is a personal bank account which you can take money out of at any time using your cheque book or cash card. [BRIT ] □� His current account was seriously overdrawn. in AM, use checking account2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] A country's current account is the difference in value between its exports and imports over a particular period of time. [BUSINESS ] □� We will probably have a small current-account surplus for this year.

cu r|rent af|fai rs N‑PLURAL If you refer to current affairs , you are referring to political events and problems in society which are discussed in newspapers, and on television and radio. □� �the BBC's current affairs programme 'Panorama'.

cu r|rent a s|sets (current assets ) N‑COUNT Current assets are assets which a company does not use on a continuous basis, such as stocks and debts, but which can be converted into cash within one year. [BUSINESS ] □� The company lists its current assets at $56.9 million.

cur|ricu|lum /kər I kjʊləm/ (curriculums or curricula /kər I kjʊlə/)

1 N‑COUNT A curriculum is all the different courses of study that are taught in a school, college, or university. □� Russian is the one compulsory foreign language on the school curriculum.

2 →�see also National Curriculum

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A particular curriculum is one particular course of study that is taught in a school, college, or university. □� �the history curriculum.

cur|ricu|lum vitae /kər I kjʊləm viː ta I , [AM ] -ti/ N‑SING A curriculum vitae is the same as a CV . [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use r�sum�

cur|ried /kʌ rid, [AM ] kɜː rid/ ADJ [ADJ n] Curried meat or vegetables have been flavoured with hot spices.

cur|ry /kʌ ri, [AM ] kɜː ri/ (curries , currying , curried )

1 N‑VAR Curry is a dish composed of meat and vegetables, or just vegetables, in a sauce containing hot spices. It is usually eaten with rice and is one of the main dishes of India. □� �vegetable curry. □� I went for a curry last night.

2 PHRASE If one person tries to curry favourwith another, they do things in order to try to gain their support or co-operation. □�[+�with ] Politicians are eager to promote their 'happy family' image to curry favour with voters.

cu r|ry pow|der (curry powders ) N‑VAR Curry powder is a powder made from a mixture of spices. It is used in cooking, especially when making curry.

curse /kɜː r s/ (curses , cursing , cursed )

1 VERB If you curse , you use rude or offensive language, usually because you are angry about something. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] I cursed and hobbled to my feet. ●�N‑COUNT Curse is also a noun. □� He shot her an angry look and a curse.

2 VERB If you curse someone, you say insulting things to them because you are angry with them. □�[V n] Grandma protested, but he cursed her and rudely pushed her aside. □�[V pron-refl] He cursed himself for having been so careless.

3 VERB If you curse something, you complain angrily about it, especially using rude language. □�[V n] So we set off again, cursing the delay, towards the west.

4 N‑COUNT If you say that there is a curseon someone, you mean that there seems to be a supernatural power causing unpleasant things to happen to them. □�[+�on/upon ] Maybe there is a curse on my family.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to something that causes a great deal of trouble or harm as a curse . □�[+�of ] Apathy is the long-standing curse of British local democracy.

curs|ed /kɜː r st/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you are cursed with something, you are very unlucky in having it. □�[+�with ] Bulman was cursed with a poor memory for names.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is cursed is suffering as the result of a curse. □� The whole family seemed cursed.

cur|sor /kɜː r sə r / (cursors ) N‑COUNT On a computer screen, the cursor is a small shape that indicates where anything that is typed by the user will appear. [COMPUTING ]

cur|sory /kɜː r səri/ ADJ [ADJ n] A cursory glance or examination is a brief one in which you do not pay much attention to detail. □� Burke cast a cursory glance at the menu, then flapped it shut.

curt /kɜː r t/ ADJ If you describe someone as curt , you mean that they speak or reply in a brief and rather rude way. □� Her tone of voice was curt. □� 'The matter is closed,' was the curt reply. ●� curt|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'I'm leaving,' she said curtly.

cur|tail /kɜː r te I l/ (curtails , curtailing , curtailed ) VERB If you curtail something, you reduce or limit it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] NATO plans to curtail the number of troops being sent to the region.

cur|tail|ment /kɜː r te I lmənt/ N‑SING The curtailmentof something is the act of reducing or limiting it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the curtailment of presidential power.

cur|tain ◆◇◇ /kɜː r t ə n/ (curtains )

1 N‑COUNT Curtains are large pieces of material which you hang from the top of a window. [mainly BRIT ] □� Her bedroom curtains were drawn. in AM, usually use drapes2 N‑COUNT Curtains are pieces of very thin material which you hang in front of windows in order to prevent people from seeing in. [AM ] in BRIT, use net curtains3 N‑SING In a theatre, the curtain is the large piece of material that hangs in front of the stage until a performance begins. □� The curtain rises toward the end of the Prelude.

4 N‑SING You can refer to something as a curtain when it is thick and difficult to see through or get past. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] Something dark disappeared behind the curtain of leaves.

5 →�see also Iron Curtain

6 PHRASE If something brings down the curtain on an event or situation, it causes or marks the end of it. □� �management changes that will finally bring down the curtain on Lord Forte's extraordinary working life

cu r|tain call (curtain calls ) also curtain-call N‑COUNT In a theatre, when actors or performers take a curtain call , they come forward to the front of the stage after a performance in order to receive the applause of the audience. □� They took 23 curtain calls.

cur|tained /kɜː r t ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A curtained window, door, or other opening has a curtain hanging across it. □� �heavily-curtained windows.

cu rtain-raiser (curtain-raisers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A curtain-raiser is an event, especially a sporting event or a performance, that takes place before a more important one, or starts off a series of events. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�to ] The game is the curtain-raiser to the National Football League season.

curt|sy /kɜː r tsi/ (curtsies , curtsying , curtsied ) also curtsey VERB If a woman or a girl curtsies , she lowers her body briefly, bending her knees and sometimes holding her skirt with both hands, as a way of showing respect for an important person. □�[V +�to ] We were taught how to curtsy to the Queen. □�[V ] Ingrid shook the Duchess's hand and curtsied. ●�N‑COUNT Curtsy is also a noun. □� She gave a curtsy.

cur|va|ceous /kɜː r ve I ʃəs/ ADJ If someone describes a woman as curvaceous , they think she is attractive because of the curves of her body. [APPROVAL ] □� �a curvaceous blonde.

cur|va|ture /kɜː r vətʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT The curvatureof something is its curved shape, especially when this shape is part of the circumference of a circle. [TECHNICAL ] □�[+�of ] �the curvature of the Earth.

curve /kɜː r v/ (curves , curving , curved )

1 N‑COUNT A curve is a smooth, gradually bending line, for example part of the edge of a circle. □�[+�of ] �the curve of his lips. □�[+�in ] �a curve in the road.

2 VERB If something curves , or if someone or something curves it, it has the shape of a curve. □�[V ] Her spine curved. □�[V adv/prep] The track curved away below him. □�[V -ing] �a knife with a slightly curving blade. □�[V n] A small, unobtrusive smile curved the cook's thin lips.

3 VERB If something curves , it moves in a curve, for example through the air. □�[V ] The ball curved strangely in the air.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to a change in something as a particular curve , especially when it is represented on a graph. □� Each firm will face a downward-sloping demand curve.

5 →�see also learning curve

6 PHRASE If someone throws you a curve or if they throw you a curve ball , they surprise you by doing something you do not expect. [mainly AM ] □� At the last minute, I threw them a curve ball by saying, 'We're going to bring spouses'.

7 PHRASE People, products or ideas that are ahead of the curve are more advanced or modern than others of their kind. □� Her fashion designs were always ahead of the curve.

curved /kɜː r vd/ ADJ A curved object has the shape of a curve or has a smoothly bending surface. □� �a small, curved staircase. □� �the curved lines of the chairs.

curvy /kɜː r vi/ ADJ If someone describes a woman as curvy , they think she is attractive because of the curves of her body. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ]

cush|ion /kʊ ʃ ə n/ (cushions , cushioning , cushioned )

1 N‑COUNT A cushion is a fabric case filled with soft material, which you put on a seat to make it more comfortable. □� �a velvet cushion.

2 N‑COUNT A cushion is a soft pad or barrier, especially one that protects something. □� The company provides a styrofoam cushion to protect the tablets during shipping.

3 VERB Something that cushions an object when it hits something protects it by reducing the force of the impact. □�[V n] �a giant airbag to cushion your landing. □�[V n +�from ] The suspension is designed to cushion passengers from the effects of rough roads.

4 VERB To cushion the effect of something unpleasant means to reduce it. □�[V n] He was trying to cushion the blow of this terrible news. □�[V n +�against ] The subsidies are designed to cushion farmers against unpredictable weather.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a cushionagainst something unpleasant reduces its effect. □�[+�against ] Housing benefit provides a cushion against hardship.

cush|ion|ing /kʊ ʃən I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cushioning is something soft that protects an object when it hits something. □� Running shoes have extra cushioning.

cushy /kʊ ʃi/ (cushier , cushiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cushy job or situation is pleasant because it does not involve much work or effort. [INFORMAL ] □� �a cushy job in the civil service.

cusp /kʌ sp/ PHRASE If you say that someone or something is on the cusp , you mean they are between two states, or are about to be in a particular state. □�[+�of ] I am sitting on the cusp of middle age.

cuss /kʌ s/ (cusses , cussing , cussed ) VERB If someone cusses , they swear at someone or use bad language. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V ] Tosh was known to be a man who would cuss and shout. □�[V +�at ] He rails and cusses at those pop stars. [Also V n]

cus|tard /kʌ stə r d/ (custards ) N‑VAR Custard is a sweet yellow sauce made from milk and eggs or from milk and a powder. It is eaten with fruit and puddings. □� �bananas and custard.

cu s|tard pie (custard pies ) N‑COUNT Custard pies are artificial pies which people sometimes throw at each other as a joke. □� �a custard pie fight.

cus|to|dial /kʌstoʊ diəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Custodial means relating to keeping people in prison. [mainly BRIT , FORMAL ] □� If he is caught again he will be given a custodial sentence.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If a child's parents are divorced or separated, the custodial parent is the parent who has custody of the child. [LEGAL ]

cus|to|dian /kʌstoʊ diən/ (custodians ) N‑COUNT The custodian of an official building, a companies' assets, or something else valuable is the person who is officially in charge of it. □�[+�of ] �the custodian of the holy shrines in Mecca and Medina.

cus|to|dy /kʌ stədi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Custody is the legal right to keep and look after a child, especially the right given to a child's mother or father when they get divorced. □�[+�of ] I'm going to go to court to get custody of the children. □� Child custody is normally granted to the mother.

2 PHRASE Someone who is in custody or has been taken into custody has been arrested and is being kept in prison until they can be tried in a court. □� Three people appeared in court and two of them were remanded in custody. □� She was taken into custody later that day.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is being held in a particular type of custody , they are being kept in a place that is similar to a prison. □� Barrett was taken into protective custody.

cus|tom /kʌ stəm/ (customs )

1 N‑VAR A custom is an activity, a way of behaving, or an event which is usual or traditional in a particular society or in particular circumstances. □�[+�of ] The custom of lighting the famous flame goes back centuries. □� Chung has tried to adapt to local customs.

2 N‑SING [oft with poss] If it is your customto do something, you usually do it in particular circumstances. □� It was his custom to approach every problem cautiously.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If a shop has your custom , you regularly buy things there. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □� You have the right to withhold your custom if you so wish.

4 →�see also customs

cus|tom|ary /kʌ stəmri, [AM ] -meri/

1 ADJ Customary is used to describe things that people usually do in a particular society or in particular circumstances. [FORMAL ] □� It is customary to offer a drink or a snack to guests.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Customary is used to describe something that a particular person usually does or has. □� Yvonne took her customary seat behind her desk.

cu stom-bui lt V-PASSIVE If something is custom-built , it is built according to someone's special requirements. □�[be V -ed] The machine was custom-built by Steve Roberts. □�[V -ed] �a custom-built kitchen.

cus|tom|er ◆◆◇ /kʌ stəmə r / (customers )

1 N‑COUNT A customer is someone who buys goods or services, especially from a shop. □� Our customers have very tight budgets. □� �the quality of customer service.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] You can use customer in expressions such as a cool customer or a tough customer to indicate what someone's behaviour or character is like. [INFORMAL ] □� �two pretty awkward customers. COLLOCATIONS customer NOUN

1

adjective +�customer : happy, loyal, regular, satisfied; potential, valued

verb +�customer : attract, help, offer, serve; charge; lose

2

adjective +�customer : cool, slippery, tough

cu s|tom|er base (customer bases ) N‑COUNT A business's customer base is all its regular customers, considered as a group. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] �Halifax's customer base of 21 million people.

cu s|tom|er re|la |tions

1 N‑PLURAL Customer relations are the relationships that a business has with its customers and the way in which it treats them. [BUSINESS ] □� Good customer relations require courtesy, professionalism and effective response.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Customer relations is the department within a company that deals with complaints from customers. [BUSINESS ] □� �Tucson Electric's customer-relations department.

cu s|tom|er sa t|is|fa c|tion N‑UNCOUNT When customers are pleased with the goods or services they have bought, you can refer to customer satisfaction . □� I really believe that it is possible to both improve customer satisfaction and reduce costs. □�[+�with ] Customer satisfaction with their mobile service runs at more than 90 per cent.

cu s|tom|er se r|vice N‑UNCOUNT Customer service refers to the way that companies behave towards their customers, for example how well they treat them. [BUSINESS ] □� �a mail-order business with a strong reputation for customer service. □� The firm has an excellent customer service department.

cus|tom|ize /kʌ stəma I z/ (customizes , customizing , customized ) in BRIT, also use customise VERB If you customize something, you change its appearance or features to suit your tastes or needs. □�[V n] �a control that allows photographers to customise the camera's basic settings. □�[V -ed] �customized software.

cu stom-ma de V-PASSIVE If something is custom-made , it is made according to someone's special requirements. □�[be V -ed] Furniture can also be custom-made to suit your own requirements. □�[V -ed] �a custom-made suit.

cus|toms /kʌ stəmz/

1 N‑PROPER [oft N n] Customs is the official organization responsible for collecting taxes on goods coming into a country and preventing illegal goods from being brought in. □� �components similar to those seized by British customs. □� �customs officers.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Customs is the place where people arriving from a foreign country have to declare goods that they bring with them. □� He walked through customs.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Customs duties are taxes that people pay for importing and exporting goods.

4 →�see also custom

Cu s|toms and E x|cise N‑PROPER Customs and Excise is a British government department which is responsible for collecting taxes on imported and exported goods. Compare Customs Service .

Cu s|toms Ser|vice N‑PROPER TheCustoms Service is a United States federal organization which is responsible for collecting taxes on imported and exported goods. Compare Customs and Excise .

cut ◆◆◆ /kʌ t/ (cuts , cutting ) The form cut is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you cut something, you use a knife or a similar tool to divide it into pieces, or to mark it or damage it. If you cut a shape or a hole in something, you make the shape or hole by using a knife or similar tool. □�[V n] Mrs. Haines stood nearby, holding scissors to cut a ribbon. □�[V n prep/adv] The thieves cut a hole in the fence. □�[V n n] Mr. Long was now cutting himself a piece of the pink cake. □�[V +�through ] You can hear the saw as it cuts through the bones. □�[V -ed] �thinly-cut cucumber sandwiches. ●�N‑COUNT Cut is also a noun. □�[+�in ] The operation involves making several cuts in the cornea.

2 VERB If you cutyourself or cut a part of your body, you accidentally injure yourself on a sharp object so that you bleed. □�[V pron-refl] Johnson cut himself shaving. □�[V n] I started to cry because I cut my finger. □�[V -ed] Blood from his cut lip trickled over his chin. ●�N‑COUNT Cut is also a noun. □�[+�on ] He had sustained a cut on his left eyebrow. □� �cuts and bruises.

3 VERB If you cut something such as grass, your hair, or your fingernails, you shorten them using scissors or another tool. □�[V n] The most recent tenants hadn't even cut the grass. □�[have n V -ed] You've had your hair cut, it looks great. □�[V -ed] She had dark red hair, cut short. ●�N‑SING Cut is also a noun. □� Prices vary from salon to salon, starting at �17 for a cut and blow-dry.

4 VERB [usu passive] The way that clothes are cut is the way they are designed and made. □�[V -ed] �badly-cut blue suits.

5 VERB If you cut across or through a place, you go through it because it is the shortest route to another place. □�[V +�across/through ] He decided to cut across the Heath, through Greenwich Park.

6 →�see also short cut

7 VERB If you cut something, you reduce it. □�[V n] The first priority is to cut costs. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The U.N. force is to be cut by 90%. □�[V amount +�from/off ] �a deal to cut 50 billion dollars from the federal deficit. ●�N‑COUNT Cut is also a noun. □�[+�in ] The economy needs an immediate 2 per cent cut in interest rates. □� �the government's plans for tax cuts.

8 VERB If you cut a text, broadcast, or performance, you shorten it. If you cut a part of a text, broadcast, or performance, you do not publish, broadcast, or perform that part. □�[V n] The audience wants more music and less drama, so we've cut some scenes. ●�N‑COUNT Cut is also a noun. □�[+�in ] It has been found necessary to make some cuts in the text.

9 VERB To cut a supply of something means to stop providing it or stop it being provided. □�[V n] They used pressure tactics to force them to return, including cutting food and water supplies. ●�N‑COUNT Cut is also a noun. □�[+�in ] The strike had already led to cuts in electricity and water supplies in many areas.

10 VERB If you cut a pack of playing cards, you divide it into two. □�[V n] Place the cards face down on the table and cut them.

11 CONVENTION When the director of a film says ' cut ', they want the actors and the camera crew to stop filming.

12 VERB When a singer or band cuts a CD, they make a recording of their music. □�[V n] She eventually cut her own album.

13 VERB When a child cuts a tooth, a new tooth starts to grow through the gum. □�[V n] Many infants do not cut their first tooth until they are a year old.

14 VERB If a child cuts classes or cuts school, they do not go to classes or to school when they are supposed to. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] Cutting school more than once in three months is a sign of trouble.

15 VERB If you tell someone to cut something, you are telling them in an irritated way to stop it. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □�[V n] Why don't you just cut the crap and open the door.

16 N‑COUNT A cut of meat is a piece or type of meat which is cut in a particular way from the animal, or from a particular part of it. □� Use a cheap cut such as spare rib chops.

17 N‑SING [oft poss N ] Someone's cut of the profits or winnings from something, especially ones that have been obtained dishonestly, is their share. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The lawyers, of course, take their cut of the little guy's winnings.

18 N‑COUNT A cut is a narrow valley which has been cut through a hill so that a road or railroad track can pass through. [AM ] in BRIT, use cutting19 →�see also cutting

20 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is a cut above other people or things of the same kind, you mean they are better than them. [INFORMAL ] □� Joan Smith's detective stories are a cut above the rest.

21 PHRASE If you say that a situation or solution is cut and dried , you mean that it is clear and definite. □� Unfortunately, things cannot be as cut and dried as many people would like. □� We are aiming for guidelines, not cut-and-dried answers.

22 PHRASE If you say that someone can't cut it , you mean that they do not have the qualities needed to do a task or cope with a situation. [INFORMAL ] □� He doesn't think English-born players can cut it abroad.

23 PHRASE If you talk about thecut and thrustof an activity, you are talking about the aspects of it that make it exciting and challenging. □� �cut-and-thrust debate between two declared adversaries.

24 PHRASE If you say that something cuts both ways , you mean that it can have two opposite effects, or can have both good and bad effects. □� This publicity cuts both ways. It focuses on us as well as on them.

25to cut something to the bone →�see bone

26to cut corners →�see corner

27to cut the mustard →�see mustard

28to cut someone to the quick →�see quick

29to cut a long story short →�see story

30to cut your teeth on something →�see tooth

▸� cut across PHRASAL VERB If an issue or problem cuts across the division between two or more groups of people, it affects or matters to people in all the groups. □�[V P n] The problem cuts across all socioeconomic lines and affects all age groups.

▸� cut back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cut back something such as expenditure or cut backon it, you reduce it. □�[V P n] They will be concerned to cut back expenditure on unnecessary items. □�[V P +�on ] The Government has cut back on defence spending. □�[V P ] We have been cutting back a bit: we did have thirteen horses, but now it's nine. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see also cutback

▸� cut down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cut downon something or cut down something, you use or do less of it. □�[V P +�on ] He cut down on coffee and ate a balanced diet. □�[V P n] Car owners were asked to cut down travel. □�[V P ] If you spend more than your income, can you try to cut down? [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you cut down a tree, you cut through its trunk so that it falls to the ground. □�[V P n] A vandal with a chainsaw cut down a tree. [Also V n P ]

▸� cut in PHRASAL VERB If you cut inon someone, you interrupt them when they are speaking. □�[V P +�on ] Immediately, Daniel cut in on Joanne's attempts at reassurance. □�[V P with quote] 'Not true,' the Duchess cut in. [Also V P ]

▸� cut off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cut something off , you remove it with a knife or a similar tool. □�[V P n] Mrs Kreutz cut off a generous piece of the meat. □�[V n P n] He cut me off a slice. □�[V n P ] He threatened to cut my hair off.

2 PHRASAL VERB To cut someone or something off means to separate them from things that they are normally connected with. □�[V P n +�from ] One of the goals of the campaign is to cut off the enemy from its supplies. □�[V n P ] The storm has cut us off. ●� cut off ADJ □� Without a car we still felt very cut off.

3 PHRASAL VERB To cut off a supply of something means to stop providing it or stop it being provided. □�[V P n] The rebels have cut off electricity from the capital. □�[V n P ] Why cut the money off?

4 PHRASAL VERB If you get cut off when you are on the telephone, the line is suddenly disconnected and you can no longer speak to the other person. □�[be V -ed P ] When you do get through, you've got to say your piece quickly before you get cut off. □�[V n P ] I'm going to cut you off now because we've got lots of callers waiting. [Also V P n (not pron)]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you cut someone off when they are speaking, you interrupt them and stop them from speaking. □�[V n P ] 'But, sir, I'm under orders to�' Clark cut him off. 'Don't argue with me.' [Also V P n]

6 →�see also cut-off

7to cut off your nose to spite your face →�see nose

▸� cut out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cut something out , you remove or separate it from what surrounds it using scissors or a knife. □�[V P n] Cut out the coupon and send those cheques off today. □�[V n P ] I cut it out and pinned it to my studio wall.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you cut out a part of a text, you do not print, publish, or broadcast that part, because to include it would make the text too long or unacceptable. □�[V P n] I listened to the programme and found they'd cut out all the interesting stuff. □�[V P n +�from/of ] Her editors wanted her to cut out the poetry from her novel. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB To cut out something unnecessary or unwanted means to remove it completely from a situation. For example, if you cut out a particular type of food, you stop eating it, usually because it is bad for you. □�[V n P ] I've simply cut egg yolks out entirely. □�[V P n] A guilty plea cuts out the need for a long trial.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone to cut something out , you are telling them in an irritated way to stop it. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □�[V n P ] Do yourself a favour, and cut that behaviour out. □�[V it P ] 'Cut it out, Chip,' I said. □�[V P n] He had better cut out the nonsense.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you cut someone outof an activity, you do not allow them to be involved in it. If you cut someone outof a will, you do not allow them to share in it. □�[V n P +�of ] Environmentalists say this would cut them out of the debate over what to do with public lands. □�[V n P +�of ] 'Cut her out of your will,' urged his nephew. □�[be V -ed P ] He felt that he was being cut out. [Also V P n]

6 PHRASAL VERB If an object cuts out the light, it is between you and the light so that you are in the dark. □�[V P n] The curtains were half drawn to cut out the sunlight. [Also V n P ]

7 PHRASAL VERB If an engine cuts out , it suddenly stops working. □�[V P ] The helicopter crash landed when one of its two engines cut out.

8 →�see also cut out , cut-out

9to have your work cut out →�see work

▸� cut up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cut something up , you cut it into several pieces. □�[V P n] He sits in his apartment cutting up magazines. □�[V n P ] Halve the tomatoes, then cut them up coarsely.

2 →�see also cut up

3 PHRASAL VERB If one driver cuts another driver up , the first driver goes too close in front of the second one, for example after passing them. □�[V n P ] They were crossing from lane to lane, cutting everyone up. SYNONYMS cut VERB

1

carve:Andrew began to carve the chicken.

slice:Helen sliced the cake.

hack:Matthew desperately hacked through the leather.

chop:Visitors were set to work chopping wood.

pierce:Pierce the skin of the potato with a fork.

3

clip:I saw an old man out clipping his hedge.

mow:He continued to mow the lawn and do other routine chores.

trim:My friend trims my hair every eight weeks.

prune:You have to prune a bush if you want fruit.

8

reduce:Consumption is being reduced by 25 per cent.

lower:The Central Bank has lowered interest rates by 2 percent.

decrease:Gradually decrease the amount of vitamin C you are taking.

diminish:Universities are facing grave problems because of diminishing resources.

slash:Everyone agrees that subsidies have to be slashed.

cu t and drie d →�see cut

cut|away /kʌ təwe I / (cutaways ) also cut-away

1 N‑COUNT In a film or video, a cutaway or a cutaway shot is a picture that shows something different from the main thing that is being shown. □� I asked the cameraman to give me some cutaways for the interviews.

2 N‑COUNT A cutaway or a cutaway coat or jacket is one which is cut diagonally from the front to the back, so that the back is longer. [AM ] in BRIT, use tailcoat3 ADJ [ADJ n] A cutaway picture shows what something such as a machine looks like inside.

cut|back /kʌ tb�k/ (cutbacks ) also cut-back N‑COUNT A cutback is a reduction that is made in something. □�[+�in ] London Underground said it may have to axe 500 signalling jobs because of government cutbacks in its investment.

cute /kjuː t/ (cuter , cutest )

1 ADJ Something or someone that is cute is very pretty or attractive, or is intended to appear pretty or attractive. [INFORMAL ] □� Oh, look at that dog! He's so cute. □� �a cute little baby.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as cute , you think they are sexually attractive. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� There was this girl, and I thought she was really cute.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as cute , you mean that they deal with things cleverly. [AM ] □� That's a cute trick.

cute|sy /kjuː tsi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as cutesy , you dislike them because you think they are unpleasantly pretty and sentimental. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �cutesy paintings of owls.

cu t gla ss also cut-glass N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cut glass is glass that has patterns cut into its surface. □� �a cut-glass bowl.

cu|ti|cle /kjuː t I k ə l/ (cuticles ) N‑COUNT Your cuticles are the skin at the base of each of your fingernails.

cut|lass /kʌ tləs/ (cutlasses ) N‑COUNT A cutlass is a short sword that used to be used by sailors.

cut|lery /kʌ tləri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cutlery consists of the knives, forks, and spoons that you eat your food with. [BRIT ] □� She arranged plates and cutlery on a small table. in AM, use silverware , flatware2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to knives and tools used for cutting as cutlery . [AM ]

cut|let /kʌ tlət/ (cutlets ) N‑COUNT A cutlet is a small piece of meat which is usually fried or grilled. □� �grilled lamb cutlets.

cu t-off (cut-offs ) also cutoff

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] A cut-off or a cut-off point is the level or limit at which you decide that something should stop happening. □� The cut-off date for registering is yet to be announced. □� On young girls it can look really great, but there is a definite age cut-off on this.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The cut-offof a supply or service is the complete stopping of the supply or service. □�[+�of ] A total cut-off of supplies would cripple the country's economy.

cu t ou t ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are not cut outfor a particular type of work, you do not have the qualities that are needed to be able to do it well. □�[+�for ] I left medicine anyway. I wasn't really cut out for it.

cu t-out (cut-outs )

1 N‑COUNT A cardboard cut-out is a shape that has been cut from thick card. □� You'd swear he was a cardboard cut-out except that he'd moved his rifle.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A cut-out is a device that turns off a machine automatically in particular circumstances. □� Use a kettle with an automatic cut-out so it doesn't boil for longer than necessary.

cu t-price ADJ [ADJ n] Cut-price goods or services are cheaper than usual. [BRIT ] □� �the cut-price clothing chain. □� �cut-price tickets. in AM, use cut-rate

cu t-rate ADJ [ADJ n] Cut-rate goods or services are cheaper than usual. □� �cut-rate auto insurance.

cut|ter /kʌ tə r / (cutters )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A cutter is a tool that you use for cutting through something. □� �a pastry cutter. □� �wire cutters.

2 N‑COUNT A cutter is a person who cuts or reduces something. □� He has been using every opportunity to boost his credibility as a budget cutter.

cu t-throat ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation as cut-throat , you mean that the people or companies involved all want success and do not care if they harm each other in getting it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �cut-throat competition.

cut|ting ◆◇◇ /kʌ t I ŋ/ (cuttings )

1 N‑COUNT A cutting is a piece of writing which has been cut from a newspaper or magazine. [BRIT ] □� Here are the press cuttings and reviews. in AM, use clipping2 N‑COUNT A cutting from a plant is a part of the plant that you have cut off so that you can grow a new plant from it. □�[+�from ] Take cuttings from it in July or August.

3 N‑COUNT A cutting is a narrow valley cut through a hill so that a railway line or road can pass through. [BRIT ] in AM, use cut4 ADJ A cutting remark is unkind and likely to hurt someone's feelings. □� People make cutting remarks to help themselves feel superior or powerful.

cu t|ting board (cutting boards ) N‑COUNT A cutting board is a wooden or plastic board that you chop meat and vegetables on. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use chopping board

cu t|ting e dge The spelling cutting-edge is used for meaning 3 . 1 N‑SING [usu at/on the N of n] If you are at thecutting edgeof a particular field of activity, you are involved in its most important or most exciting developments. □�[+�of ] This shipyard is at the cutting edge of world shipbuilding technology.

2 N‑SING If someone or something gives you a cutting edge , they give you an advantage over your competitors. □� He will give the team a cutting edge when it comes to the race for the championship.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cutting-edge techniques or equipment are the most advanced that there are in a particular field. □� What we are planning is cutting-edge technology never seen in Australia before.

cu t|ting room N‑SING Thecutting room in a film production company is the place where the film is edited. □� Her scene ended up on the cutting room floor.

cuttle|fish /kʌ t ə lf I ʃ/ (cuttlefish ) N‑COUNT A cuttlefish is a sea animal that has a soft body and a hard shell inside.

cu t u p ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are cut upabout something that has happened, you are very unhappy because of it. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] Terry was very cut up about Jim's death.

CV ◆◇◇ /siː viː / (CVs ) N‑COUNT Your CV is a brief written account of your personal details, your education, and the jobs you have had. You can send a CV when you are applying for a job. CV is an abbreviation for 'curriculum vitae'. [mainly BRIT ] □� Send them a copy of your CV. in AM, use r�sum�

cwtcwt is a written abbreviation for hundredweight .

SUFFIX -cy

forms nouns that refer to a particular state or quality. For example, accuracy is the state or quality of being accurate.

cya|nide /sa I əna I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Cyanide is a highly poisonous substance.

cy|ber|bul|ly|ing /sa I bə r bʊli I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cyberbullying is the use of the internet to frighten or upset someone, usually by sending them unpleasant messages. □� The girl experienced a high level of cyberbullying.

cy|ber|caf� /sa I bə r k�fe I / (cybercaf�s ) N‑COUNT A cybercaf� is a caf� where people can pay to use the internet.

cy|ber|crime /sa I bə r kra I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Cybercrime is crime committed by means of computers or the internet. □� Security experts say cybercrime and junk mail may increase too.

cy|ber|net|ics /sa I bə r ne t I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Cybernetics is science which involves studying the way electronic machines and human brains work, and developing machines that do things or think like people.

cy|ber|punk /sa I bə r pʌŋk/ N‑UNCOUNT Cyberpunk is a type of science fiction.

cy|ber|sex /sa I bə r seks/ N‑UNCOUNT Cybersex involves using the internet for sexual purposes, especially by exchanging sexual messages with another person. □� He became jealous of his partner's cybersex relationship.

cy|ber|space /sa I bə r spe I s/ N‑UNCOUNT In computer technology, cyberspace refers to data banks and networks, considered as a place. [COMPUTING ]

cy|ber|squatting /sa I bə r skwɒt I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cybersquatting involves buying an internet domain name that might be wanted by another person, business, or organization with the intention of selling it to them and making a profit. [COMPUTING ] ●� cy|ber|squatter (cybersquatters ) N‑COUNT □� The old official club website address has been taken over by cybersquatters.

cy|ber|stalk|ing /sa I bə r stɔːk I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cyberstalking is the use of the internet to contact someone or find out information about them in a way that is annoying or frightening. □� The man now faces jail for cyberstalking offences.

cy|ber|ter|ror|ism /sa I bə r terər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Cyberterrorism is the use of computers and the internet to attack or frighten large numbers of people, usually in order to achieve political aims or to force a government to do something. □� The government has pledged more money to fight cyberterrorism and other online attacks.

cy|borg /sa I bɔː r g/ (cyborgs ) N‑COUNT In science fiction, a cyborg is a being that is part human and part machine, or a machine that looks like a human being.

cyc|la|men /s I kləmən/ (cyclamen ) N‑COUNT A cyclamen is a plant with white, pink, or red flowers.

cy|cle ◆◇◇ /sa I k ə l/ (cycles , cycling , cycled )

1 VERB If you cycle , you ride a bicycle. □�[V prep/adv] He cycled to Ingwold. □�[V ] Britain could save �4.6 billion a year in road transport costs if more people cycled. □�[V n] Over 1000 riders cycled 100 miles around the Vale of York. ●� cy|cling N‑UNCOUNT □� The quiet country roads are ideal for cycling.

2 N‑COUNT A cycle is a bicycle. □� �an eight-mile cycle ride.

3 N‑COUNT A cycle is a motorcycle. [AM ]

4 N‑COUNT A cycle is a series of events or processes that is repeated again and again, always in the same order. □�[+�of ] �the life cycle of the plant.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A cycle is a single complete series of movements in an electrical, electronic, or mechanical process. □� �10 cycles per second. COLLOCATIONS cycle NOUN 4

noun +�cycle : sleep

adjective +�cycle : business, economic; menstrual, natural

verb +�cycle : break, complete, repeat

cy |cle path (cycle paths ) N‑COUNT A cycle path is a special path on which people can travel by bicycle separately from motor vehicles.

cy|cle|way /sa I k ə lwe I / (cycleways ) N‑COUNT A cycleway is a road, route, or path for cyclists. [BRIT ] in AM, use bikeway

cy|clic /s I kl I k, sa I k-/ ADJ Cyclic means the same as cyclical .

cy|cli|cal /s I kl I k ə l, sa I k-/ ADJ A cyclical process is one in which a series of events happens again and again in the same order. □� �the cyclical nature of the airline business.

cy|clist /sa I kl I st/ (cyclists ) N‑COUNT A cyclist is someone who rides a bicycle, or is riding a bicycle.

cy|clone /sa I kloʊn/ (cyclones ) N‑COUNT A cyclone is a violent tropical storm in which the air goes round and round.

cyg|net /s I gn I t/ (cygnets ) N‑COUNT A cygnet is a young swan.

cyl|in|der /s I l I ndə r / (cylinders )

1 N‑COUNT A cylinder is an object with flat circular ends and long straight sides. □�[+�of ] �a cylinder of foam. □� It was recorded on a wax cylinder.

2 N‑COUNT A gas cylinder is a cylinder-shaped container in which gas is kept under pressure. □� �oxygen cylinders.

3 N‑COUNT In an engine, a cylinder is a cylinder-shaped part in which a piston moves backwards and forwards. □� �a 2.5 litre, four-cylinder engine.

cy|lin|dri|cal /s I l I ndr I k ə l/ ADJ Something that is cylindrical is in the shape of a cylinder. □� �a cylindrical aluminium container. □� It is cylindrical in shape.

cym|bal /s I mb ə l/ (cymbals ) N‑COUNT A cymbal is a flat circular brass object that is used as a musical instrument. You hit it with a stick or hit two cymbals together, making a loud noise.

cyn|ic /s I n I k/ (cynics ) N‑COUNT A cynic is someone who believes that people always act selfishly. □� I have come to be very much of a cynic in these matters.

cyni|cal /s I n I k ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as cynical , you mean they believe that people always act selfishly. □� �his cynical view of the world. ●� cyni|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� As one former customer said cynically, 'He's probably pocketed the difference!'

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are cynicalabout something, you do not believe that it can be successful or that the people involved are honest. □�[+�about ] It's hard not to be cynical about reform.

cyni|cal|ly /s I n I kli/

1 ADV If you say that someone is cynically doing something, you mean they are doing it to benefit themselves and they do not care that they are deceiving, harming, or using people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He accused the mainstream political parties of cynically exploiting this situation.

2 →�see also cynical

cyni|cism /s I n I s I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cynicism is the belief that people always act selfishly. □� I found Ben's cynicism wearing at times.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cynicismabout something is the belief that it cannot be successful or that the people involved are not honourable. □�[+�about ] This talk betrays a certain cynicism about free trade.

cy|pher /sa I fə r / →�see cipher

cy|press /sa I prəs/ (cypresses ) N‑VAR A cypress or a cypress tree is a type of conifer .

Cyp|ri|ot /s I priət/ (Cypriots )

1 ADJ Cypriot means belonging or relating to Cyprus, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Cypriot is a Cypriot citizen, or a person of Cypriot origin.

Cy|ril|lic /s I r I l I k/ also cyrillic ADJ [ADJ n] The Cyrillic alphabet is the alphabet that is used to write some Slavonic languages, such as Russian and Bulgarian.

cyst /s I st/ (cysts ) N‑COUNT A cyst is a growth containing liquid that appears inside your body or under your skin. □� He had a minor operation to remove a cyst.

cyst|ic fi|bro|sis /s I st I k fa I broʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Cystic fibrosis is a serious disease of the glands which usually affects children and can make breathing difficult.

cys|ti|tis /s I sta I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Cystitis is a bladder infection. [MEDICAL ] □� �an attack of cystitis.

czar /zɑː r / →�see tsar

cza|ri|na /zɑːriː nə/ →�see tsarina

czar|ist /zɑː r I st/ →�see tsarist

Czech /tʃe k/ (Czechs )

1 ADJ Czech means belonging or relating to the Czech Republic, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Czech is a person who comes from the Czech Republic.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Czech is the language spoken in the Czech Republic.

Czecho|slo|vak /tʃe kəsloʊ v�k/ (Czechoslovaks )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Czechoslovak means belonging or relating to the former state of Czechoslovakia.

2 N‑COUNT A Czechoslovak was a person who came from Czechoslovakia.

Czecho|slo|va|kian /tʃe kəsləv� kiən/ (Czechoslovakians )

1 ADJ Czechoslovakian means the same as Czechoslovak .

2 N‑COUNT A Czechoslovakian was a person who came from Czechoslovakia.

Dd

D , d /diː / (D's, d's ) N‑VAR D is the fourth letter of the English alphabet.

d' /d-/ →�see d'you

-'d Pronounced /-d/ after a vowel sound and /-əd/ after a consonant sound. 1-'d is a spoken form of 'had', especially when 'had' is an auxiliary verb. It is added to the end of the pronoun which is the subject of the verb. For example, 'you had' can be shortened to 'you'd'.

2-'d is a spoken form of 'would'. It is added to the end of the pronoun which is the subject of the verb. For example, 'I would' can be shortened to 'I'd'.

D.A. /diː e I / (D.A.s ) N‑COUNT A D.A. is a District Attorney . [AM ]

dab /d� b/ (dabs , dabbing , dabbed )

1 VERB If you dab something, you touch it several times using quick, light movements. If you dab a substance onto a surface, you put it there using quick, light movements. □�[V n] She arrived weeping, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. □�[V n prep/adv] She dabbed iodine on the cuts on her forehead. □�[V +�at ] He dabbed at his lips with the napkin. [Also V ]

2 N‑COUNT A dab of something is a small amount of it that is put onto a surface. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a dab of glue.

3 N‑VAR A dab is a small flat fish with rough scales.

DAB /d� b/ DAB is the transmission of digital stereo over conventional radio channels. DAB is an abbreviation for 'digital audio broadcasting'. □� The overall sound quality of DAB is miles better than FM.

dab|ble /d� b ə l/ (dabbles , dabbling , dabbled ) VERB If you dabblein something, you take part in it but not very seriously. □�[V +�in/with/at ] He dabbled in business. □�[V ] Magicians do not dabble, they work hard.

da b ha nd (dab hands ) N‑COUNT In British English, if you are a dab handat something, you are very good at doing it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�at ] She's a dab hand at DIY.

dace /de I s/ (dace ) N‑VAR A dace is a type of fish that lives in rivers and lakes.

da|cha /d� tʃə, [AM ] dɑː tʃə/ (dachas ) N‑COUNT A dacha is a country house in Russia.

dachs|hund /d� kshʊnd, [AM ] dɑː ksʊnt/ (dachshunds ) N‑COUNT A dachshund is a small dog that has very short legs, a long body, and long ears. WORD HISTORY dachshund

Dachshund is a German word meaning badger-dog , from Dachs , meaning 'badger', and Hund , meaning 'dog'. Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers.

dad ◆◇◇ /d� d/ (dads ) N‑COUNT Your dad is your father. You can call your dad 'Dad'. [INFORMAL ] □� How do you feel, Dad? □� He's living with his mum and dad.

dad|dy /d� di/ (daddies ) N‑COUNT Children often call their father daddy . [INFORMAL ] □� Look at me, Daddy! □� She wanted her mummy and daddy.

dad|dy longlegs /d� di lɒ ŋlegz, [AM ] - lɔː ŋ-/ (daddy longlegs ) N‑COUNT A daddy longlegs is a flying insect with very long legs.

dado /de I doʊ/ (dados ) N‑COUNT A dado is a strip of wood that can be fixed to the lower part of a wall. The wall is then often decorated differently above and below the dado .

daf|fo|dil /d� fəd I l/ (daffodils ) N‑COUNT A daffodil is a yellow spring flower with a central part shaped like a tube and a long stem.

daffy /d� fi/ ADJ If you describe a person or thing as daffy , you mean that they are strange or foolish, but in a rather attractive way. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� Daisy called her daffy, but goodhearted. □� �a daffy storyline.

daft /dɑː ft, d� ft/ (dafter , daftest ) ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as daft , you think that they are stupid, impractical, or rather strange. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He's not so daft as to listen to rumours. □� Don't be daft!

dag|ger /d� gə r / (daggers )

1 N‑COUNT A dagger is a weapon like a knife with two sharp edges.

2 PHRASE If you say that two people are at daggers drawn , you mean they are having an argument and are still very angry with each other. [BRIT ] □� She and her mother were at daggers drawn.

dahl|ia /de I liə/ (dahlias ) N‑COUNT A dahlia is a garden flower with a lot of brightly coloured petals.

dai|ly ◆◆◇ /de I li/ (dailies )

1 ADV [ADV after v] If something happens daily , it happens every day. □� Cathay Pacific flies daily non-stop to Hong Kong from Heathrow. □� The Visitor Centre is open daily 8.30 a.m.�4.30 p.m. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Daily is also an adjective. □� They held daily press briefings.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Daily quantities or rates relate to a period of one day. □� �a diet containing adequate daily amounts of fresh fruit. □� Our average daily turnover is about �300.

3 N‑COUNT A daily is a newspaper that is published every day of the week except Sunday. □� Copies of the local daily had been scattered on a table. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Daily is also an adjective. □� He studied the daily papers.

4 PHRASE Your daily life is the things that you do every day as part of your normal life. □� �the failure of the government to improve most people's daily lives.

dain|ty /de I nti/ (daintier , daintiest ) ADJ If you describe a movement, person, or object as dainty , you mean that they are small, delicate, and pretty. □� �dainty pink flowers. ●� dain|ti|ly ADV [ADV with v, Also ADV adj] □� She walked daintily down the steps.

dai|qui|ri /da I k I ri, d� k-/ (daiquiris ) N‑COUNT A daiquiri is a drink made with rum, lime or lemon juice, sugar, and ice.

dairy /deə ri/ (dairies )

1 N‑COUNT A dairy is a shop or company that sells milk and food made from milk, such as butter, cream, and cheese.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Dairy is used to refer to foods such as butter and cheese that are made from milk. □� �dairy produce. □� �vitamins found in eggs, meat and dairy products.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Dairy is used to refer to the use of cattle to produce milk rather than meat. □� �a small vegetable and dairy farm. □� �the feeding of dairy cows.

dais /de I I s/ (daises ) N‑COUNT A dais is a raised platform in a hall.

dai|sy /de I zi/ (daisies ) N‑COUNT A daisy is a small wild flower with a yellow centre and white petals. WORD HISTORY daisy

Daisy comes from Old English d�ges ēage , meaning 'day's eye'. The flower was given this name because it opens in the daytime and closes at night.

dai |sy chain (daisy chains ) also daisy-chain N‑COUNT A daisy chain is a string of daisies that have been joined together by their stems to make a necklace. [mainly BRIT ]

dal /dɑː l/ (dals ) also dhal N‑VAR Dal is an Indian dish made from pulses such as chick peas or lentils.

dale /de I l/ (dales ) N‑COUNT A dale is a valley. [BRIT ]

dal|li|ance /d� liəns/ (dalliances )

1 N‑VAR If two people have a brief romantic relationship, you can say that they have a dalliance with each other, especially if they do not take it seriously. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's dalliancewith something is a brief involvement with it. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[+�with ] �my brief dalliance with higher education.

dal|ly /d� li/ (dallies , dallying , dallied )

1 VERB If you dally , you act or move very slowly, wasting time. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V ] The bureaucrats dallied too long. □�[V +�over ] He did not dally over the choice of a partner. [Also V +�with ]

2 VERB If someone dallieswith you, they have a romantic, but not serious, relationship with you. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V +�with ] In the past he dallied with actresses and lady novelists.

Dal|ma|tian /d�lme I ʃ ə n/ (Dalmatians ) N‑COUNT A Dalmatian is a large dog with short, smooth, white hair and black or dark brown spots.

dam /d� m/ (dams , damming , dammed )

1 N‑COUNT A dam is a wall that is built across a river in order to stop the water flowing and to make a lake. □� �plans to build a dam on the Danube River.

2 VERB To dam a river means to build a dam across it. □�[V n] �plans to dam the nearby Delaware River.

dam|age ◆◆◇ /d� m I dʒ/ (damages , damaging , damaged )

1 VERB To damage an object means to break it, spoil it physically, or stop it from working properly. □�[V n] He maliciously damaged a car with a baseball bat. □�[V n] The sun can damage your skin.

2 VERB To damage something means to cause it to become less good, pleasant, or successful. □�[V n] Jackson doesn't want to damage his reputation as a political personality. ●� dam|ag|ing ADJ □�[+�to ] Is the recycling process in itself damaging to the environment?

3 N‑UNCOUNT Damage is physical harm that is caused to an object. □�[+�to ] The blast caused extensive damage to the house. □� Many professional boxers end their careers with brain damage.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Damage consists of the unpleasant effects that something has on a person, situation, or type of activity. □�[+�to ] Incidents of this type cause irreparable damage to relations with the community.

5 N‑PLURAL If a court of law awards damages to someone, it orders money to be paid to them by a person who has damaged their reputation or property, or who has injured them. □� He was vindicated in court and damages were awarded. SYNONYMS damage VERB

1

smash:Someone smashed a bottle.

harm:�a warning that the product may harm the environment.

ruin:Roads and bridges have been destroyed and crops ruined.

devastate:A few days before, a fire had devastated large parts of Windsor Castle.

wreck:He wrecked the garden.

2

spoil:It's important not to let mistakes spoil your life.

ruin:My wife was ruining her health through worry.

mar:That election was marred by massive cheating.

wreck:His life has been wrecked by the tragedy.

da m|age limi|ta |tion N‑UNCOUNT Damage limitation is action that is taken to make the bad results of something as small as possible, when it is impossible to avoid bad results completely. [BRIT ] □� The meeting was merely an exercise in damage limitation. in AM, use damage control

dam|ask /d� məsk/ (damasks ) N‑VAR Damask is a type of heavy cloth with a pattern woven into it.

dame /de I m/ (dames )

1 N‑TITLE Dame is a title given to a woman as a special honour because of important service or work that she has done. [BRIT ] □� �Dame Judi Dench.

2 N‑COUNT A dame is a woman. This use could cause offence. [AM , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Who does that dame think she is?

dam|mit /d� m I t/ →�see damn

damn /d� m/ (damns , damning , damned )

1 EXCLAM Damn , damn it , and dammit are used by some people to express anger or impatience. [INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ] □� Don't be flippant, damn it! This is serious.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Damn is used by some people to emphasize what they are saying. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □� There's not a damn thing you can do about it now. ●�ADV [ADV adj/adv] Damn is also an adverb. □� As it turned out, I was damn right.

3 VERB If you say that a person or a news report damns something such as a policy or action, you mean that they are very critical of it. □�[V n] �a sensational book in which she damns the ultra-right party.

4 →�see also damned , damning

5 PHRASE If you say that someone does not give a damn about something, you are emphasizing that they do not care about it at all. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

6 PHRASE Some people say as near as damn it or as near as dammit to emphasize that what they have said is almost completely accurate, but not quite. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □� It's as near as damn it the same thing.

dam|nable /d� mnəb ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use damnable to emphasize that you dislike or disapprove of something a great deal. [OLD-FASHIONED , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □� What a damnable climate we have! ●� dam|nably /d� mnəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� It was damnably unfair that he should suffer so much.

dam|na|tion /d� mne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT According to some religions, if someone suffers damnation , they have to stay in hell for ever after they have died because of their sins. □� �a fear of eternal damnation.

damned /d� md/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Damned is used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are angry or frustrated. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □� They're a damned nuisance. ●�ADV [ADV adj/adv] Damned is also an adverb. □� We are making a damned good profit, I tell you that.

2 PHRASE If someone says ' I'm damned if I'm going to do it' or ' I'll be damned if I'll do it', they are emphasizing that they do not intend to do something and think it is unreasonable for anyone to expect them to do it. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

damned|est /d� md I st/ PHRASE If you say that you will do your damnedest to achieve something, you mean that you will try as hard as you can to do it, even though you think that it will take a lot of effort. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □� I did my damnedest to persuade her.

da mn foo l ADJ [ADJ n] Damn fool means 'very stupid'. [AM , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □� What a damn fool thing to do!

damn|ing /d� m I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe evidence or a report as damning , you mean that it suggests very strongly that someone is guilty of a crime or has made a serious mistake. □� �a damning report into his handling of the affair.

Damocles /d� məkliːz/ PHRASE If you say that someone has the Sword of Damocles hanging over their head, you mean that they are in a situation in which something very bad could happen to them at any time. [LITERARY ]

damp /d� mp/ (damper , dampest , damps , damping , damped )

1 ADJ Something that is damp is slightly wet. □� Her hair was still damp. □� She wiped the table with a damp cloth.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Damp is moisture that is found on the inside walls of a house or in the air. □� There was damp everywhere and the entire building was in need of rewiring.

3 →�see also rising damp

4 VERB If you damp something, you make it slightly wet. □�[V n] Hillsden damped a hand towel and laid it across her forehead.

▸� damp down PHRASAL VERB To damp down something such as a strong emotion, an argument, or a crisis means to make it calmer or less intense. □�[V P n] His hand moved to his mouth as he tried to damp down the panic.

da mp course (damp courses ) N‑COUNT A damp course is a layer of waterproof material which is put into the bottom of the outside wall of a building to prevent moisture from rising. [BRIT ]

damp|en /d� mpən/ (dampens , dampening , dampened )

1 VERB To dampen something such as someone's enthusiasm or excitement means to make it less lively or intense. □�[V n] Nothing seems to dampen his perpetual enthusiasm. ●�PHRASAL VERB To dampen something down means the same as to dampen it. □�[V P n] Although unemployment rose last month, this is unlikely to dampen down wage demands. □�[V n P ] The economy overheated and the government used to interest rates to dampen it down.

2 VERB If you dampen something, you make it slightly wet. □�[V n] She took the time to dampen a washcloth and do her face.

damp|en|er /d� mpnə r / PHRASE To put a dampener on something means the same as to put a damper on it. □� Boy, did this woman know how to put a dampener on your day.

damp|er /d� mpə r / (dampers ) PHRASE To put a damper on something means to have an effect on it which stops it being as enjoyable or as successful as it should be. [INFORMAL ] □� The cold weather put a damper on our plans.

damp|ness /d� mpnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Dampness is moisture in the air, or on the surface of something. □� The tins had to be kept away from dampness.

da mp-proof course (damp-proof courses ) N‑COUNT A damp-proof course is the same as a damp course .

dam|sel /d� mz ə l/ (damsels ) N‑COUNT A damsel is a young, unmarried woman. [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He keeps coming to the aid of this damsel in distress.

dam|son /d� mz ə n/ (damsons ) N‑COUNT A damson is a small, sour, purple plum.

dance ◆◆◇ /dɑː ns, d� ns/ (dances , dancing , danced )

1 VERB When you dance , you move your body and feet in a way which follows a rhythm, usually in time to music. □�[V ] Polly had never learned to dance. □�[V +�to ] I like to dance to the music on the radio.

2 N‑COUNT A dance is a particular series of graceful movements of your body and feet, which you usually do in time to music. □� Sometimes the people doing this dance hold brightly colored scarves. □� She describes the tango as a very sexy dance.

3 VERB When you dancewith someone, the two of you take part in a dance together, as partners. You can also say that two people dance . □�[V +�with ] It's a terrible thing when nobody wants to dance with you. □�[V ] Shall we dance? □�[V ] He asked her to dance. ●�N‑COUNT Dance is also a noun. □� Come and have a dance with me.

4 N‑COUNT A dance is a social event where people dance with each other. □� �the school dance.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Dance is the activity of performing dances, as a public entertainment or an art form. □� She loves dance, drama and music. □� �dance classes.

6 VERB If you dance a particular kind of dance, you do it or perform it. □�[V n] Then we put the music on, and we all danced the Charleston.

7 VERB If you dance somewhere, you move there lightly and quickly, usually because you are happy or excited. [LITERARY ] □�[V adv/prep] He danced off down the road.

8 VERB If you say that something dances , you mean that it moves about, or seems to move about, lightly and quickly. [LITERARY ] □�[V adv/prep] Light danced on the surface of the water.

9to dance to someone's tune →�see tune

10to make a song and dance about →�see song and dance

da nce floor (dance floors ) also dancefloor N‑COUNT In a restaurant or night club, the dance floor is the area where people can dance.

da nce hall (dance halls ) N‑COUNT Dance halls were large rooms or buildings where people used to pay to go and dance, usually in the evening. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

danc|er /dɑː nsə r , d� ns-/ (dancers )

1 N‑COUNT A dancer is a person who earns money by dancing, or a person who is dancing. □� His previous girlfriend was a dancer with the Royal Ballet.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you say that someone is a good dancer or a bad dancer , you are saying how well or badly they can dance. □� He was the best dancer in LA.

da nce stu|dio (dance studios ) N‑COUNT A dance studio is a place where people pay to learn how to dance.

danc|ing ◆◇◇ /dɑː ns I ŋ, d� ns-/ N‑UNCOUNT When people dance for enjoyment or to entertain others, you can refer to this activity as dancing . □� All the schools have music and dancing as part of the curriculum. □� Let's go dancing tonight. □� �dancing shoes.

dan|de|lion /d� nd I la I ən/ (dandelions ) N‑COUNT A dandelion is a wild plant which has yellow flowers with lots of thin petals. When the petals of each flower drop off, a fluffy white ball of seeds grows.

dan|druff /d� ndrʌf/ N‑UNCOUNT Dandruff is small white pieces of dead skin in someone's hair, or fallen from someone's hair. □� He has very bad dandruff.

dan|dy /d� ndi/ (dandies )

1 N‑COUNT A dandy is a man who thinks a great deal about his appearance and always dresses in smart clothes.

2 ADJ If you say that something is dandy , you mean it is good or just right. [AM , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

Dane /de I n/ (Danes ) N‑COUNT A Dane is a person who comes from Denmark.

dan|ger ◆◆◇ /de I ndʒə r / (dangers )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Danger is the possibility that someone may be harmed or killed. □� My friends endured tremendous danger in order to help me. □� His life could be in danger.

2 N‑COUNT A danger is something or someone that can hurt or harm you. □�[+�of ] �the dangers of smoking. □�[+�to ] Britain's roads are a danger to cyclists.

3 N‑SING [N that] If there is a dangerthat something unpleasant will happen, it is possible that it will happen. □� There is a real danger that some people will no longer be able to afford insurance.

4 PHRASE If someone who has been seriously ill is out of danger , they are still ill, but they are not expected to die.

dan|ger|ous ◆◆◇ /de I ndʒərəs/ ADJ If something is dangerous , it is able or likely to hurt or harm you. □� It's a dangerous stretch of road. □� �dangerous drugs. □� It's dangerous to jump to early conclusions. ●� dan|ger|ous|ly ADV [oft ADV after v] □� He is dangerously ill. □� The coach rocked dangerously.

dan|gle /d� ŋg ə l/ (dangles , dangling , dangled )

1 VERB If something danglesfrom somewhere or if you dangle it somewhere, it hangs or swings loosely. □�[V prep/adv] A gold bracelet dangled from his left wrist. □�[V n prep/adv] He and I were sitting out on his jetty dangling our legs in the water. [Also V , V n]

2 VERB If you say that someone is dangling something attractive before you, you mean they are offering it to you in order to try to influence you in some way. □�[V n +�before/in front of ] They've dangled rich rewards before me.

Dan|ish /de I n I ʃ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Danish means relating to or belonging to Denmark, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Danish is the language spoken in Denmark.

Da n|ish pa s|try (Danish pastries ) N‑COUNT Danish pastries are cakes made from sweet pastry. They are often filled with things such as apple or almond paste.

dank /d�ŋ k/ ADJ A dank place, especially an underground place such as a cave, is unpleasantly damp and cold. □� The kitchen was dank and cheerless.

dap|per /d� pə r / ADJ A man who is dapper has a very neat and clean appearance, and is often also small and thin. □� �a dapper little man.

dap|pled /d� p ə ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use dappled to describe something that has dark or light patches on it, or that is made up of patches of light and shade. □� �a dappled horse. □�[+�with/by/in ] The path was dappled with sunlight.

dare ◆◇◇ /deə r / (dares , daring , dared ) Dare sometimes behaves like an ordinary verb, for example 'He dared to speak' and 'He doesn't dare to speak' and sometimes like a modal, for example 'He daren't speak'. 1 VERB If you do not dareto do something, you do not have enough courage to do it, or you do not want to do it because you fear the consequences. If you dareto do something, you do something which requires a lot of courage. □�[V to-inf] Most people hate Harry but they don't dare to say so. □�[V inf] We have had problems in our family that I didn't dare tell Uncle. ●�MODAL Dare is also a modal. □� Dare she risk staying where she was? □� The government dare not raise interest rates again. □� 'Are you coming with me?'�'I can't, Alice. I daren't.'

2 VERB If you dare someone to do something, you challenge them to prove that they are not frightened of doing it. □�[V n to-inf] She looked at him, her eyes daring him to comment.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu as/for/on a N ] A dare is a challenge which one person gives to another to do something dangerous or frightening. □� When found, the children said they'd run away for a dare.

4 PHRASE If you say to someone ' don't you dare ' do something, you are telling them not to do it and letting them know that you are angry. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� Allen, don't you dare go anywhere else, you hear?

5 PHRASE You say ' how dare you ' when you are very shocked and angry about something that someone has done. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� How dare you pick up the phone and listen in on my conversations!

6 PHRASE You use ' dare I say it ' when you know that what you are going to say will disappoint or annoy someone. [POLITENESS ] □� My life has become predictable and, dare I say it, just a little dull.

7 PHRASE You can use ' I dare say ' or ' I daresay ' before or after a statement to indicate that you believe it is probably true.

dare|devil /deə r dev ə l/ (daredevils )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Daredevil people enjoy doing physically dangerous things. □� A daredevil parachutist jumped from the top of Tower Bridge today. ●�N‑COUNT Daredevil is also a noun. □� He was a daredevil when young.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use daredevil to describe actions that are physically dangerous and require courage. □� The show's full of daredevil feats.

daren't /deə r nt/ Daren't is the usual spoken form of 'dare not'.

dare|say /deə r se I / →�see dare

dar|ing /deə r I ŋ/

1 ADJ People who are daring are willing to do or say things which are new or which might shock or anger other people. □� Bergit was probably more daring than I was. □� He realized this to be a very daring thing to ask. ●� dar|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �a daringly low-cut dress.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A daring person is willing to do things that might be dangerous. □� His daring rescue saved the lives of the youngsters.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Daring is the courage to do things which might be dangerous or which might shock or anger other people. □� His daring may have cost him his life.

dark ◆◆◇ /dɑː r k/ (darker , darkest )

1 ADJ When it is dark , there is not enough light to see properly, for example because it is night. □� It was too dark inside to see much. □� People usually draw the curtains once it gets dark. □� She snapped off the light and made her way back through the dark kitchen. ●� dark|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The light went out, and the room was plunged into darkness. ●� dark|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� �a darkly lit, seedy dance hall.

2 N‑SING The dark is the lack of light in a place. □� I've always been afraid of the dark.

3 ADJ If you describe something as dark , you mean that it is black in colour, or a shade that is close to black. □� He wore a dark suit and carried a black attach� case. ●� dark|ly ADV [ADV after v, Also ADV adj/-ed] □� Joanne's freckles stood out darkly against her pale skin.

4 ADJ When you use dark to describe a colour, you are referring to a shade of that colour which is close to black, or seems to have some black in it. □� She was wearing a dark blue dress.

5 ADJ If someone has dark hair, eyes, or skin, they have brown or black hair, eyes, or skin. □� He had dark, curly hair.

6 ADJ If you describe a white person as dark , you mean that they have brown or black hair, and often a brownish skin. □� He's gorgeous � tall and dark.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dark period of time is unpleasant or frightening. □� This was the darkest period of the war.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] A dark place or area is mysterious and not fully known about. □� �the dark recesses of the mind.

9 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dark thoughts are sad, and show that you are expecting something unpleasant to happen. [LITERARY ] □� Troy's chatter kept me from thinking dark thoughts.

10 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dark looks or remarks make you think that the person giving them wants to harm you or that something horrible is going to happen. [LITERARY ] □� �dark threats. ●� dark|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Something's wrong here,' she said darkly.

11 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as dark , you mean that it is related to things that are serious or unpleasant, rather than light-hearted. □� Their dark humor never failed to astound him. ●� dark|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� The atmosphere after Wednesday's debut was as darkly comic as the film itself.

12 →�see also pitch-dark

13 PHRASE If you do something after dark , you do it when the sun has set and night has begun. □� They avoid going out alone after dark.

14 PHRASE If you do something before dark , you do it before the sun sets and night begins. □� They'll be back well before dark.

15 PHRASE If you are in the darkabout something, you do not know anything about it. □�[+�about ] The investigators admit that they are completely in the dark about the killing.

16 PHRASE If you describe something someone says or does as a shot in the dark or a stab in the dark , you mean they are guessing that what they say is correct or that what they do will be successful. □� Every single one of those inspired guesses had been shots in the dark.

da rk age (dark ages ) also Dark Age

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a period in the history of a society as a dark age , you think that it is characterized by a lack of knowledge and progress. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Education Secretary accuses teachers of wanting to return to a dark age.

2 N‑PROPER The Dark Ages are the period of European history between about 500 A.D. and about 1000 A.D.

dark|en /dɑː r kən/ (darkens , darkening , darkened )

1 VERB If something darkens or if a person or thing darkens it, it becomes darker. □�[V ] The sky darkened abruptly. □�[V n] She had put on her make-up and darkened her eyelashes.

2 VERB If someone's mood darkens or if something darkens their mood, they suddenly become rather unhappy. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] My sunny mood suddenly darkened. □�[V n] Nothing was going to darken his mood today.

3 VERB If someone's face darkens , they suddenly look angry. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] Rawley's face darkened again.

dark|ened /dɑː r kənd/ ADJ [ADJ n] A darkened building or room has no lights on inside it. □� He drove past darkened houses.

da rk gla sses N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Dark glasses are glasses which have dark-coloured lenses to protect your eyes in the sunshine.

da rk ho rse (dark horses ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a dark horse , you mean that people know very little about them, although they may have recently had success or may be about to have success.

da rk ma t|ter N‑UNCOUNT Dark matter is material that is believed to form a large part of the universe, but which has never been seen.

dark|room /dɑː r kruːm/ (darkrooms ) N‑COUNT A darkroom is a room which can be sealed off from natural light and is lit only by red light. It is used for developing photographs.

dar|ling /dɑː r l I ŋ/ (darlings )

1 N‑COUNT You call someone darling if you love them or like them very much. [FEELINGS ] □� Thank you, darling.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Some people use darling to describe someone or something that they love or like very much. [INFORMAL ] □� To have a darling baby boy was the greatest gift I could imagine.

3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a darling , you are fond of them and think that they are nice. [INFORMAL ] □� He's such a darling.

4 N‑COUNT [with poss] The darlingof a group of people is someone who is especially liked by that group. □� Rajneesh was the darling of a prosperous family.

darn /dɑː r n/ (darns , darning , darned )

1 VERB If you darn something knitted or made of cloth, you mend a hole in it by sewing stitches across the hole and then weaving stitches in and out of them. □�[V n] Aunt Emilie darned old socks. ●� darn|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �chores such as sewing and darning.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] People sometimes use darn or darned to emphasize what they are saying, often when they are annoyed. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� There's not a darn thing he can do about it. ●�ADV [ADV adj/adv] Darn is also an adverb. □� �the desire to be free to do just as we darn well please.

3 PHRASE You can say I'll be darned to show that you are very surprised about something. [AM , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� 'A talking horse!' he exclaimed. 'Well, I'll be darned.'

dart /dɑː r t/ (darts , darting , darted )

1 VERB If a person or animal darts somewhere, they move there suddenly and quickly. [WRITTEN ] □�[V prep/adv] Ingrid darted across the deserted street.

2 VERB If you dart a look at someone or something, or if your eyes dartto them, you look at them very quickly. [LITERARY ] □�[V n +�at ] She darted a sly sideways glance at Bramwell. □�[V prep/adv] The conductor's eyes darted to Wilfred, then fixed on Michael again.

3 N‑COUNT A dart is a small, narrow object with a sharp point which can be thrown or shot. □� Markov died after being struck by a poison dart.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Darts is a game in which you throw darts at a round board which has numbers on it.

dart|board /dɑː r tbɔː r d/ (dartboards ) N‑COUNT A dartboard is a circular board with numbers on it which is used as the target in a game of darts.

dash /d� ʃ/ (dashes , dashing , dashed )

1 VERB If you dash somewhere, you run or go there quickly and suddenly. □�[V adv/prep] Suddenly she dashed down to the cellar. ●�N‑SING Dash is also a noun. □� �a 160-mile dash to hospital.

2 VERB [no cont] If you say that you have to dash , you mean that you are in a hurry and have to leave immediately. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] Oh, Tim! I'm sorry but I have to dash.

3 N‑COUNT A dashof something is a small quantity of it which you add when you are preparing food or mixing a drink. □�[+�of ] Add a dash of balsamic vinegar.

4 N‑COUNT A dashof a quality is a small amount of it that is found in something and often makes it more interesting or distinctive. □�[+�of ] �a story with a dash of mystery thrown in.

5 VERB If you dash something against a wall or other surface, you throw or push it violently, often so hard that it breaks. [LITERARY ] □�[V n +�against ] She seized the doll and dashed it against the stone wall with tremendous force. [Also V n prep]

6 VERB If an event or person dashes someone's hopes or expectations, it destroys them by making it impossible that the thing that is hoped for or expected will ever happen. [JOURNALISM , LITERARY ] □�[V n] The announcement dashed hopes of an early end to the crisis. □�[have n V -ed] They had their championship hopes dashed by a 3�1 defeat.

7 N‑COUNT A dash is a straight, horizontal line used in writing, for example to separate two main clauses whose meanings are closely connected.

8 N‑COUNT The dash of a car is its dashboard .

9 PHRASE If you make a dash for a place, you run there very quickly, for example to escape from someone or something. □� I made a dash for the front door but he got there before me.

▸� dash off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you dash offto a place, you go there very quickly. □�[V P +�to ] He dashed off to lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you dash off a piece of writing, you write or compose it very quickly, without thinking about it very much. □�[V P n] He dashed off a couple of novels.

dash|board /d� ʃbɔː r d/ (dashboards ) N‑COUNT The dashboard in a car is the panel facing the driver's seat where most of the instruments and switches are.

dash|ing /d� ʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dashing person or thing is very stylish and attractive. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He was the very model of the dashing RAF pilot.

das|tard|ly /d� stə r dli/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe an action as dastardly , you mean it is wicked and intended to hurt someone. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a person as dastardly , you mean they are wicked. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

DAT /d� t/ N‑UNCOUNT DAT is a type of magnetic tape used to make very high quality recordings of sound by recording it in digital form. DAT is an abbreviation for 'digital audio tape'.

da|ta ◆◆◇ /de I tə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT ; N‑PLURAL You can refer to information as data , especially when it is in the form of facts or statistics that you can analyse. In American English, data is usually a plural noun. In technical or formal British English, data is sometimes a plural noun, but at other times, it is an uncount noun. □� The study was based on data from 2,100 women. □� To cope with these data, hospitals bought large mainframe computers.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Data is information that can be stored and used by a computer program. [COMPUTING ] □� No important data is stored on the devices. SYNONYMS data NOUN 1

facts:His opponent swamped him with facts and figures.

figures:New Government figures predict that one in two marriages will end in divorce.

statistics:Official statistics show real wages declining by 24%.

da |ta bank (data banks ) also databank N‑COUNT A data bank is the same as a database .

data|base /de I təbe I s/ (databases ) also data base N‑COUNT A database is a collection of data that is stored in a computer and that can easily be used and added to. □� They maintain a database of hotels that cater for businesswomen.

da |ta min|ing N‑UNCOUNT Data mining involves collecting information from data stored in a database, for example in order to find out about people's shopping habits. [COMPUTING ] □� Data mining is used to analyse individuals' buying habits.

da |ta pro |cess|ing N‑UNCOUNT Data processing is the series of operations that are carried out on data, especially by computers, in order to present, interpret, or obtain information. □� Taylor's company makes data-processing systems.

date ◆◆◇ /de I t/ (dates , dating , dated )

1 N‑COUNT A date is a specific time that can be named, for example a particular day or a particular year. □� What's the date today? □� You will need to give the dates you wish to stay and the number of rooms you require.

2 VERB If you date something, you give or discover the date when it was made or when it began. □�[V n] I think we can date the decline of Western Civilization quite precisely. □�[V n +�to ] Archaeologists have dated the fort to the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius.

3 VERB When you date something such as a letter or a cheque, you write that day's date on it. □�[V n] Once the decision is reached, he can date and sign the sheet. □�[V -ed] The letter is dated 2 July 1993.

4 N‑SING [at N ] If you want to refer to an event without saying exactly when it will happen or when it happened, you can say that it will happen or happened at some date in the future or past. □� Retain copies of all correspondence, since you may need them at a later date.

5 PHRASE To date means up until the present time. □� 'Dottie' is by far his best novel to date.

6 VERB If something dates , it goes out of fashion and becomes unacceptable to modern tastes. □�[V ] A black coat always looks smart and will never date.

7 VERB If your ideas, what you say, or the things that you like or can remember date you, they show that you are quite old or older than the people you are with. □�[V n] It's going to date me now. I attended that school from 1969 to 1972.

8 N‑COUNT A date is an appointment to meet someone or go out with them, especially someone with whom you are having, or may soon have, a romantic relationship. □� I have a date with Bob.

9 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If you have a date with someone with whom you are having, or may soon have, a romantic relationship, you can refer to that person as your date . □� He lied to Essie, saying his date was one of the girls in the show.

10 VERB If you are dating someone, you go out with them regularly because you are having, or may soon have, a romantic relationship with them. You can also say that two people are dating . □�[V n] For a year I dated a woman who was a research assistant. □�[V ] They've been dating for three months.

11 N‑COUNT A date is a small, dark-brown, sticky fruit with a stone inside. Dates grow on palm trees in hot countries.

12 →�see also blind date , carbon dating , dated , out of date , up-to-date

▸� date back PHRASAL VERB If something dates backto a particular time, it started or was made at that time. □�[V P +�to ] �a palace dating back to the 16th century. □�[V P amount] This tradition dates back over 200 years.

▸� date from PHRASAL VERB If something dates from a particular time, it started or was made at that time. □�[V P n] The present controversy dates from 2016.

dat|ed /de I t I d/ ADJ Dated things seem old-fashioned, although they may once have been fashionable or modern. □� �people in dated dinner-jackets.

da te of bi rth (dates of birth ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your date of birth is the exact date on which you were born, including the year. □� The registration form showed his date of birth as August 2, 1979.

da te palm (date palms ) N‑VAR A date palm is a palm tree on which dates grow.

da te ra pe N‑UNCOUNT Date rape is when a man rapes a woman whom he has met socially.

da|ting /de I t I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Dating agencies or services are for people who are trying to find a girlfriend or boyfriend. □� I joined a dating agency.

da|tive /de I t I v/ N‑SING In the grammar of some languages, for example Latin, the dative , or the dative case, is the case used for a noun when it is the indirect object of a verb, or when it comes after some prepositions.

da|tum /de I təm, dɑː təm/ →�see data

daub /dɔː b/ (daubs , daubing , daubed ) VERB When you daub a substance such as mud or paint on something, you spread it on that thing in a rough or careless way. □�[V n prep/adv] The make-up woman daubed mock blood on Jeremy. □�[V n +�with ] They sent death threats and daubed his home with slogans.

daugh|ter ◆◆◆ /dɔː tə r / (daughters ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's daughter is their female child. □� �Flora and her daughter Catherine. □� �the daughter of a university professor. □� I have two daughters.

dau ghter-in-law (daughters-in-law ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's daughter-in-law is the wife of one of their children.

daunt /dɔː nt/ (daunts , daunting , daunted ) VERB If something daunts you, it makes you feel slightly afraid or worried about dealing with it. □�[V n] �a gruelling journey that would have daunted a woman half her age. ●� daunt|ed ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� It is hard to pick up such a book and not to feel a little daunted.

daunt|ing /dɔː nt I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is daunting makes you feel slightly afraid or worried about dealing with it. □� They were faced with the daunting task of restoring the house. ●� daunt|ing|ly ADV □� She is dauntingly articulate.

daunt|less /dɔː ntləs/ ADJ A dauntless person is brave and confident and not easily frightened. [LITERARY ] □� �their dauntless courage.

dau|phin /dɔː f I n, doʊ f�n/ also Dauphin N‑SING In former times, the king and queen of France's oldest son was called the dauphin .

daw|dle /dɔː d ə l/ (dawdles , dawdling , dawdled ) VERB If you dawdle , you spend more time than is necessary going somewhere. □�[V ] Eleanor will be back any moment, if she doesn't dawdle.

dawn /dɔː n/ (dawns , dawning , dawned )

1 N‑VAR Dawn is the time of day when light first appears in the sky, just before the sun rises. □� Nancy woke at dawn.

2 N‑SING Thedawnof a period of time or a situation is the beginning of it. [LITERARY ] □� �the dawn of the radio age.

3 VERB If something is dawning , it is beginning to develop or come into existence. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] The age of the computerized toilet has dawned. ●� dawn|ing N‑SING □� �the dawning of the space age.

4 VERB When you say that a particular day dawned , you mean it arrived or began, usually when it became light. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] When the great day dawned, the first concern was the weather.

5at the crack of dawn →�see crack ➋

▸� dawn on or dawn upon PHRASAL VERB If a fact or idea dawns on you, you realize it. □�[V P n that] It gradually dawned on me that I still had talent and ought to run again. □�[V P n] Then the chilling truth dawned on Captain Gary Snavely.

da wn cho |rus N‑SING Thedawn chorus is the singing of birds at dawn. [BRIT ]

da wn rai d (dawn raids )

1 N‑COUNT If police officers carry out a dawn raid , they go to someone's house very early in the morning to search it or arrest them. □� Thousands of pounds worth of drugs were seized in dawn raids yesterday.

2 N‑COUNT If a person or company carries out a dawn raid , they try to buy a large number of a company's shares at the start of a day's trading, especially because they want to buy the whole company. [BUSINESS ] □� They acquired 11.2 per cent of the company in a dawn raid on Monday.

day ◆◆◆ /de I / (days )

1 N‑COUNT A day is one of the seven twenty-four hour periods of time in a week.

2 N‑VAR Day is the time when it is light, or the time when you are up and doing things. □� 27 million working days are lost each year due to work accidents and sickness. □� He arranged for me to go down to London one day a week. □� The snack bar is open during the day.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a particular period in history as a particular day or as particular days . □� He began to talk about the Ukraine of his uncle's day. □� She is doing just fine these days.

4 PHRASE If something happens day after day , it happens every day without stopping. □� The newspaper job had me doing the same thing day after day.

5 PHRASE In this day and age means in modern times. □� Even in this day and age the old attitudes persist.

6 PHRASE If you say that something has seen better days , you mean that it is old and in poor condition. □� The tweed jacket she wore had seen better days.

7 PHRASE If you call it a day , you decide to stop what you are doing because you are tired of it or because it is not successful. □� Faced with mounting debts, the decision to call it a day was inevitable.

8 PHRASE If someone carries the day , they are the winner in a contest such as a battle, debate, or sporting competition. [JOURNALISM ] □� For the time being, the liberals seem to have carried the day.

9 PHRASE If you say that something has had its day , you mean that the period during which it was most successful or popular has now passed. □� Beat music may finally have had its day.

10 PHRASE If something makes your day , it makes you feel very happy. [INFORMAL ] □� Come on, Bill. Send Tom a card and make his day.

11 PHRASE One day or some day or one of these days means at some time in the future. □� I too dreamed of living in London one day. □� I hope some day you will find the woman who will make you happy.

12 PHRASE If you say that something happened the other day , you mean that it happened a few days ago. □� I phoned your office the other day.

13 PHRASE If someone or something saves the day in a situation which seems likely to fail, they manage to make it successful. □� �this story about how he saved the day at his daughter's birthday party.

14 PHRASE If something happens from day to day or day by day , it happens each day. □� Your needs can differ from day to day. □� I live for the moment, day by day, not for the past.

15 PHRASE If it is a month or a year to the day since a particular thing happened, it is exactly a month or a year since it happened. □� It was January 19, a year to the day since he had arrived in Singapore.

16 PHRASE To this day means up until and including the present time. □� To this day young Zulu boys practise fighting.

17 PHRASE If a particular person, group, or thing wins the day , they win a battle, struggle, or competition. If they lose the day , they are defeated. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □� His determination and refusal to back down had won the day.

18 PHRASE If you say that a task is all in a day's work for someone, you mean that they do not mind doing it although it may be difficult, because it is part of their job or because they often do it. □�[+�for ] For war reporters, dodging snipers' bullets is all in a day's work.

19it's early days →�see early

20at the end of the day →�see end

21late in the day →�see late

22someone's days are numbered →�see number

23the good old days →�see old

-day /-de I / COMB You use -day with a number to indicate how long something lasts. □� The Sudanese leader has left for a two-day visit to Zambia.

day|break /de I bre I k/ N‑UNCOUNT Daybreak is the time in the morning when light first appears. □� Pedro got up every morning before daybreak.

da y care N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Day care is care that is provided during the day for people who cannot look after themselves, such as small children, old people, or people who are ill. Day care is provided by paid workers. □� �a day-care centre for elderly people.

day|dream /de I driːm/ (daydreams , daydreaming , daydreamed ) also day-dream

1 VERB If you daydream , you think about pleasant things for a period of time, usually about things that you would like to happen. □�[V +�about ] Do you work hard for success rather than daydream about it? □�[V +�of ] He daydreams of being a famous journalist. □�[V ] I am inclined to daydream.

2 N‑COUNT A daydream is a series of pleasant thoughts, usually about things that you would like to happen. □� He escaped into daydreams of beautiful women.

Day-Glo /de I gloʊ/ also Dayglo N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Day-Glo colours are shades of orange, pink, green, and yellow which are so bright that they seem to glow. [TRADEMARK ]

da y job PHRASE If someone tells you not to give up the day job , they are saying that they think you should continue doing what you are good at, rather than trying something new which they think you will fail at. [HUMOROUS ]

day|light /de I la I t/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Daylight is the natural light that there is during the day, before it gets dark. □� Lack of daylight can make people feel depressed.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Daylight is the time of day when it begins to get light. □� Quinn returned shortly after daylight yesterday morning.

3 PHRASE If you say that a crime is committed in broad daylight , you are expressing your surprise that it is done during the day when people can see it, rather than at night. [EMPHASIS ] □� A girl was attacked on a train in broad daylight.

da y|light ro b|bery N‑UNCOUNT If someone charges you a great deal of money for something and you think this is unfair or unreasonable, you can refer to this as daylight robbery . [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They're just ripping the fans off; it's daylight robbery.

day|lights /de I la I ts/

1 PHRASE If you knock the living daylights out of someone, or beat the living daylights out of them, you hit them very hard many times. [INFORMAL ]

2 PHRASE If someone or something scares the living daylights out of you, they make you feel extremely scared. [INFORMAL ]

Da y|light Sav|ing Time also daylight saving time N‑UNCOUNT Daylight Saving Time is a period of time in the summer when the clocks are set one hour forward, so that people can have extra light in the evening. [AM ] in BRIT, use British Summer Time

day|long /de I lɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Daylong is used to describe an event or activity that lasts for the whole of one day. [mainly AM ] □� �a daylong meeting.

da y nu rse|ry (day nurseries ) N‑COUNT A day nursery is a place where children who are too young to go to school can be left all day while their parents are at work.

da y o ff (days off ) N‑COUNT A day off is a day when you do not go to work, even though it is usually a working day. □� It was Mrs Dearden's day off, and Paul was on duty in her place.

da y of re ck|on|ing N‑SING If someone talks about the day of reckoning , they mean a day or time in the future when people will be forced to deal with an unpleasant situation which they have avoided until now. □� The day of reckoning is coming for the water company directors.

da y o ne N‑SING If something happens fromday one of a process, it happens right from the beginning. If it happens onday one , it happens right at the beginning. □� This has been a bad inquiry from day one.

da y re|lea se also day-release N‑UNCOUNT Day release is a system in which workers spend one day each week at a college in order to study a subject connected with their work. [BRIT ]

da y re|tu rn (day returns ) N‑COUNT A day return is a train or bus ticket which allows you to go somewhere and come back on the same day for a lower price than an ordinary return ticket. [BRIT ] in AM, use round trip ticket

da y room (day rooms ) N‑COUNT A day room is a room in a hospital where patients can sit and relax during the day.

da y school (day schools ) N‑COUNT A day school is a school where the students go home every evening and do not live at the school. Compare boarding school .

day|time /de I ta I m/

1 N‑SING Thedaytime is the part of a day between the time when it gets light and the time when it gets dark. □� In the daytime he stayed up in his room, sleeping, or listening to music. □� Please give a daytime telephone number.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Daytime television and radio is broadcast during the morning and afternoon on weekdays. □� �ITV's new package of daytime programmes.

da y-to-da y ADJ [ADJ n] Day-to-day things or activities exist or happen every day as part of ordinary life. □� I am a vegetarian and use a lot of lentils in my day-to-day cooking.

da y tra d|er (day traders ) N‑COUNT On the stock market, day traders are traders who buy and sell particular securities on the same day. [BUSINESS ]

da y trip (day trips ) also day-trip N‑COUNT A day trip is a journey to a place and back again on the same day, usually for pleasure.

da y-tripper (day-trippers ) also day tripper N‑COUNT A day-tripper is someone who goes on a day trip. [BRIT ]

daze /de I z/ N‑SING [oft in a N ] If someone is in adaze , they are feeling confused and unable to think clearly, often because they have had a shock or surprise. □� For 35 minutes I was walking around in a daze.

dazed /de I zd/ ADJ If someone is dazed , they are confused and unable to think clearly, often because of shock or a blow to the head. □� At the end of the interview I was dazed and exhausted.

daz|zle /d� z ə l/ (dazzles , dazzling , dazzled )

1 VERB If someone or something dazzles you, you are extremely impressed by their skill, qualities, or beauty. □�[V n +�with ] George dazzled her with his knowledge of the world. □�[V ] The movie's special effects fail to dazzle. [Also V n]

2 N‑SING [with poss] The dazzleof something is a quality it has, such as beauty or skill, which is impressive and attractive. □� The dazzle of stardom and status attracts them.

3 VERB If a bright light dazzles you, it makes you unable to see properly for a short time. □�[V n] The sun, glinting from the pool, dazzled me.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The dazzle of a light is its brightness, which makes it impossible for you to see properly for a short time. □� The sun's dazzle on the water hurts my eyes.

5 →�see also razzle-dazzle

dazz|ling /d� zl I ŋ/

1 ADJ Something that is dazzling is very impressive or beautiful. □� He gave Alberg a dazzling smile. ●� dazz|ling|ly ADV □� The view was dazzlingly beautiful.

2 ADJ A dazzling light is very bright and makes you unable to see properly for a short time. □� He shielded his eyes against the dazzling declining sun. ●� dazz|ling|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� The loading bay seemed dazzlingly bright.

DC /diː siː / N‑UNCOUNT DC is used to refer to an electric current that always flows in the same direction. DC is an abbreviation for 'direct current'.

D -day N‑UNCOUNT You can use D-day to refer to the day that is chosen for the beginning of an important activity. □� D-day for my departure was set for 29th June.

DDT /diː diː tiː / N‑UNCOUNT DDT is a poisonous substance which is used for killing insects.

PREFIX de-

is added to some verbs to make verbs that mean the opposite. For example, if something degenerates , it becomes weaker.

dea|con /diː kən/ (deacons ) N‑COUNT A deacon is a member of the clergy, for example in the Church of England, who is lower in rank than a priest.

de|ac|tiv|ate /di� kt I ve I t/ (deactivates , deactivating , deactivated ) VERB If someone deactivates an explosive device or an alarm, they make it harmless or impossible to operate. □�[V n] Russia is deactivating some of its deadliest missiles.

dead ◆◆◇ /de d/

1 ADJ A person, animal, or plant that is dead is no longer living. □� Her husband's been dead a year now. □� The group had shot dead another hostage. □� �old newspapers and dead flowers. ●�N‑PLURAL The dead are people who are dead. □� The dead included six people attending a religious ceremony.

2 ADJ If you describe a place or a period of time as dead , you do not like it because there is very little activity taking place in it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �some dead little town where the liveliest thing is the flies.

3 ADJ Something that is dead is no longer being used or is finished. □� The dead cigarette was still between his fingers.

4 ADJ If you say that an idea, plan, or subject is dead , you mean that people are no longer interested in it or willing to develop it any further. □� It's a dead issue, Baxter.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dead language is no longer spoken or written as a means of communication, although it may still be studied. □� We used to grumble that we were wasting time learning a dead language.

6 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A telephone or piece of electrical equipment that is dead is no longer functioning, for example because it no longer has any electrical power. □� On another occasion I answered the phone and the line went dead.

7 ADJ In sport, when a ball is dead , it has gone outside the playing area, or a situation has occurred in which the game has to be temporarily stopped, and none of the players can score points or gain an advantage. [JOURNALISM ]

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Dead is used to mean 'complete' or 'absolute', especially before the words 'centre', 'silence', and 'stop'. [EMPHASIS ] □� They hurried about in dead silence, with anxious faces. □� Lila's boat came to a dead stop.

9 ADV Dead means 'precisely' or 'exactly'. [EMPHASIS ] □� Mars was visible, dead in the centre of the telescope. □� Their arrows are dead on target.

10 ADV Dead is sometimes used to mean 'very'. [BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� I am dead against the legalisation of drugs.

11 CONVENTION If you reply ' Over my dead body ' when a plan or action has been suggested, you are emphasizing that you dislike it, and will do everything you can to prevent it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� 'Let's invite her to dinner.'�'Over my dead body!'

12 PHRASE If you say that something such as an idea or situation is dead and buried , you are emphasizing that you think that it is completely finished or past, and cannot happen or exist again in the future. [EMPHASIS ] □� I thought the whole business was dead and buried.

13 PHRASE If you say that a person or animal dropped dead or dropped down dead , you mean that they died very suddenly and unexpectedly. □� He dropped dead on the quayside.

14 PHRASE If you say that you feel dead or are half dead , you mean that you feel very tired or ill and very weak. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� You looked half dead after that journey.

15 PHRASE If something happens in the dead of night , at dead of night , or in the dead of winter , it happens in the middle part of the night or the winter, when it is darkest or coldest. [LITERARY ] □� We buried it in the garden at dead of night.

16 PHRASE If you say that you wouldn't be seen dead or be caught dead in particular clothes, places, or situations, you are expressing strong dislike or disapproval of them. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I wouldn't be seen dead in a straw hat.

17 PHRASE To stop dead means to suddenly stop happening or moving. To stop someone or something dead means to cause them to suddenly stop happening or moving. □� We all stopped dead and looked at it.

18 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is dead in the water , you are emphasizing that they have failed, and that there is little hope of them being successful in the future. [EMPHASIS ] □� A 'no' vote would have left the treaty dead in the water.

19to flog a dead horse →�see flog

20a dead loss →�see loss

21a dead ringer →�see ringer

22to stop dead in your tracks →�see track SYNONYMS dead ADJ 1

deceased:�his recently deceased mother.

late:�my late husband.

extinct:It is 250 years since the wolf became extinct in Britain.

dead|beat /de dbiːt/ (deadbeats ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a deadbeat , you are criticizing them because you think they are lazy and do not want to be part of ordinary society. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

dea d-bea t also dead beat ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are dead-beat , you are very tired and have no energy left. [INFORMAL ]

dea d du ck (dead ducks ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone or something as a dead duck , you are emphasizing that you think they have absolutely no chance of succeeding. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

dead|en /de d ə n/ (deadens , deadening , deadened ) VERB If something deadens a feeling or a sound, it makes it less strong or loud. □�[V n] He needs morphine to deaden the pain in his chest.

dea d e nd (dead ends )

1 N‑COUNT If a street is a dead end , there is no way out at one end of it.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A dead end job or course of action is one that you think is bad because it does not lead to further developments or progress. □� Waitressing was a dead-end job.

dead|en|ing /de d ə n I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A deadening situation destroys people's enthusiasm and imagination. □� She was bored with the deadening routine of her life.

dea d ha nd N‑SING You can refer to the dead hand of a particular thing when that thing has a bad or depressing influence on a particular situation. [mainly BRIT ] □� �the dead hand of bureaucracy.

dea d-head (dead-heads , dead-heading , dead-headed ) also deadhead

1 VERB To dead-head a plant which is flowering means to remove all the dead flowers from it. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Dead-head roses as the blooms fade.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a deadhead , you mean that they are stupid or slow. [AM , INFORMAL ]

dea d hea t (dead heats ) N‑COUNT If a race or contest is adead heat , two or more competitors are joint winners, or are both winning at a particular moment in the race or contest. In American English, you can say that a race or contest is in adead heat . □� The race ended in a dead heat between two horses.

dea d le t|ter (dead letters ) N‑COUNT If you say that a law or agreement is a dead letter , you mean that it still exists but people ignore it. □� No one does anything about it and the law becomes a dead letter.

dead|line ◆◇◇ /de dla I n/ (deadlines ) N‑COUNT A deadline is a time or date before which a particular task must be finished or a particular thing must be done. □� We were not able to meet the deadline because of manufacturing delays. □�[+�for ] The deadline for submissions to the competition will be Easter Sunday.

dead|lock /de dlɒk/ (deadlocks ) N‑VAR If a dispute or series of negotiations reaches deadlock , neither side is willing to give in at all and no agreement can be made. □� They called for a compromise on all sides to break the deadlock in the world trade talks.

dead|locked /de dlɒkt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a dispute or series of negotiations is deadlocked , no agreement can be reached because neither side will give in at all. You can also say that the people involved are deadlocked . □�[+�over ] The peace talks have been deadlocked over the issue of human rights since August.

dead|ly /de dli/ (deadlier , deadliest )

1 ADJ If something is deadly , it is likely or able to cause someone's death, or has already caused someone's death. □� He was acquitted on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. □� �a deadly disease currently affecting dolphins. □� Passive smoking can be deadly too.

2 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as deadly , you mean that they will do or say anything to get what they want, without caring about other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Duchess levelled a deadly look at Nikko.

3 ADV [ADV adj] You can use deadly to emphasize that something has a particular quality, especially an unpleasant or undesirable quality. [EMPHASIS ] □� Broadcast news was accurate and reliable but deadly dull.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A deadly situation has unpleasant or dangerous consequences. □� �the deadly combination of low expectations and low achievement.

5 ADJ Deadly enemies or rivals fight or compete with each other in a very aggressive way. □� The two became deadly enemies.

dea d mea t N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone is dead meat , you mean that they are in very serious trouble that may result in them being hurt or injured in some way. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ]

dead|pan /de dp�n/ ADJ Deadpan humour is when you appear to be serious and are hiding the fact that you are joking or teasing someone. □� �her natural capacity for irony and deadpan humour.

dea d wei ght (dead weights )

1 N‑COUNT A dead weight is a load which is surprisingly heavy and difficult to lift.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to something that makes change or progress difficult as a dead weight . □� �the dead weight of traditional policies.

dea d woo d N‑UNCOUNT People or things that have been used for a very long time and that are no longer considered to be useful can be referred to as dead wood . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the idea that historical linguistics is so much dead wood.

deaf /de f/ (deafer , deafest )

1 ADJ Someone who is deaf is unable to hear anything or is unable to hear very well. □� She is now profoundly deaf. ●�N‑PLURAL The deaf are people who are deaf. This use could cause offence. □� Many regular TV programs are captioned for the deaf. ●� deaf|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Because of her deafness she was hard to make conversation with.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is deaf to people's requests, arguments, or criticisms, you are criticizing them because they refuse to pay attention to them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] The provincial assembly were deaf to all pleas for financial help.

3to fall on deaf ears →�see ear

4to turn a deaf ear →�see ear

deaf|en /de fən/ (deafens , deafening , deafened )

1 VERB If a noise deafens you, it is so loud that you cannot hear anything else at the same time. □�[V n] The noise of the typewriters deafened her.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are deafenedby something, you are made deaf by it, or are unable to hear for some time. □�[be V -ed] He was deafened by the noise from the gun.

3 →�see also deafening

deaf|en|ing /de fən I ŋ/

1 ADJ A deafening noise is a very loud noise. □� �the deafening roar of fighter jets taking off.

2 ADJ If you say there was a deafeningsilence , you are emphasizing that there was no reaction or response to something that was said or done. [EMPHASIS ] □� When we ask people for suggestions we get a deafening silence.

dea f-mu te (deaf-mutes ) N‑COUNT A deaf-mute is someone who cannot hear or speak. This word could cause offence.

deal

➊�QUANTIFIER USES

➋�VERB AND NOUN USES

➊ deal ◆◇◇ /diː l/ QUANT If you say that you need or have a great deal of or a good deal of a particular thing, you are emphasizing that you need or have a lot of it. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a great deal of money. □� I am in a position to save you a good deal of time. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Deal is also an adverb. □� Their lives became a good deal more comfortable. □� He depended a great deal on his partner for support. ●�PRON Deal is also a pronoun. □� Although he had never met the man, he knew a good deal about him.

➋ deal ◆◆◆ /diː l/ (deals , dealing , dealt )

→�Please look at category 8 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑COUNT If you make a deal , do a deal , or cut a deal , you complete an agreement or an arrangement with someone, especially in business. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�with/on ] Japan will have to do a deal with America on rice imports. □� The two sides tried and failed to come to a deal. □� He was involved in shady business deals.

2 VERB If a person, company, or shop deals in a particular type of goods, their business involves buying or selling those goods. [BUSINESS ] □�[V +�in ] They deal in antiques. □�[V +�in ] �the rights of our citizens to hold and to deal in foreign currency.

3 VERB If someone deals illegal drugs, they sell them. □�[V n] I certainly don't deal drugs. ●� deal|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] □� �his involvement in drug dealing and illegal money laundering.

4 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If someone has had a bad deal , they have been unfortunate or have been treated unfairly. □� The people of Liverpool have had a bad deal for many, many years.

5 VERB If you deal playing cards, you give them out to the players in a game of cards. □�[V n n] The croupier dealt each player a card, face down. □�[V n] He once dealt cards in an illegal gambling joint. ●�PHRASAL VERB Deal out means the same as deal . □�[V P n] Dalton dealt out five cards to each player.

6 PHRASE If an event deals a blowto something or someone, it causes them great difficulties or makes failure more likely. [JOURNALISM ] □� The summer drought has dealt a heavy blow to the government's economic record.

7 →�see also dealings , wheel and deal

8a raw deal →�see raw

▸� deal out PHRASAL VERB If someone deals out a punishment or harmful action, they punish or harm someone. [WRITTEN ] □�[V P n +�to ] �a failure to deal out effective punishment to aggressors. [Also V P n (not pron), V n P ]

▸� deal with

1 PHRASAL VERB When you deal with something or someone that needs attention, you give your attention to them, and often solve a problem or make a decision concerning them. □�[V P n] �the way that building societies deal with complaints. □�[V P n] The President said the agreement would allow other vital problems to be dealt with.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you deal with an unpleasant emotion or an emotionally difficult situation, you recognize it, and remain calm and in control of yourself in spite of it. □�[V P n] She saw a psychiatrist who used hypnotism to help her deal with her fear.

3 PHRASAL VERB If a book, speech, or film deals with a particular thing, it has that thing as its subject or is concerned with it. □�[V P n] �the parts of his book which deal with contemporary Paris.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you deal with a particular person or organization, you have business relations with them. □�[V P n] When I worked in Florida I dealt with British people all the time. SYNONYMS deal NOUN ➋1

agreement:It looks as though a compromise agreement has now been reached.

understanding:We had not set a date for marriage but there was an understanding between us.

contract:The company won a prestigious contract for work on Europe's tallest building.

pact:Last month he signed a new non-aggression pact with Germany.

deal|break|er /diː lbre I kə r / (dealbreakers ) N‑COUNT A dealbreaker is an issue that prevents people from reaching an agreement. □� Their refusal to change location was a dealbreaker.

deal|er ◆◇◇ /diː lə r / (dealers )

1 N‑COUNT A dealer is a person whose business involves buying and selling things. □� �an antique dealer. □� �dealers in commodities and financial securities.

2 →�see also wheeler-dealer

3 N‑COUNT A dealer is someone who buys and sells illegal drugs. □� They aim to clear every dealer from the street. SYNONYMS dealer NOUN 1

trader:Market traders display an exotic selection of the island's produce.

merchant:Any knowledgeable wine merchant would be able to advise you.

supplier:�Hillsdown Holdings, one of the U.K.'s biggest food suppliers.

tradesman:There was a meeting of the local tradesmen.

deal|er|ship /diː lə r ʃ I p/ (dealerships ) N‑COUNT A dealership is a company that sells cars, usually for one car company. □� �a car dealership.

dea l|ing room (dealing rooms ) N‑COUNT A dealing room is a place where shares, currencies, or commodities are bought and sold. [BUSINESS ]

deal|ings /diː l I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Someone's dealingswith a person or organization are the relations that they have with them or the business that they do with them. □�[+�with ] He has learnt little in his dealings with the international community.

dea l-maker (deal-makers ) also dealmaker N‑COUNT A deal-maker is someone in business or politics who makes deals. ●� deal-making N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� �a chairman with a reputation for deal-making. □� �Britain's deal-making culture.

dealt /de lt/ Dealt is the past tense and past participle of deal .

dean /diː n/ (deans )

1 N‑COUNT A dean is an important official at a university or college. □�[+�of ] She was Dean of the Science faculty at Sophia University.

2 N‑COUNT A dean is a priest who is the main administrator of a large church. □�[+�of ] �Alan Webster, former Dean of St Paul's.

dear ◆◇◇ /d I ə r / (dearer , dearest , dears )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use dear to describe someone or something that you feel affection for. □� Mrs Cavendish is a dear friend of mine.

2 ADJ If something is dear to you or dear to your heart , you care deeply about it. □� This is a subject very dear to the hearts of academics up and down the country.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use dear in expressions such as ' my dear fellow ', ' dear girl ', or ' my dear Richard ' when you are addressing someone whom you know and are fond of. You can also use expressions like this in a rude way to indicate that you think you are superior to the person you are addressing. [BRIT , FEELINGS ] □� Of course, Toby, my dear fellow, of course.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Dear is written at the beginning of a letter, followed by the name or title of the person you are writing to. □� Dear Peter, I have been thinking about you so much during the past few days.

5 CONVENTION In British English, you begin formal letters with ' Dear Sir ' or ' Dear Madam '. In American English, you begin them with 'Sir' or 'Madam'. [WRITTEN ] □� 'Dear sir,' she began.

6 N‑COUNT You can call someone dear as a sign of affection. [FEELINGS ] □� You're a lot like me, dear.

7 EXCLAM You can use dear in expressions such as ' oh dear ', ' dear me ', and ' dear, dear ' when you are sad, disappointed, or surprised about something. [FEELINGS ] □� 'Oh dear, oh dear.' McKinnon sighed. 'You, too.'

8 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is dear , you mean that it costs a lot of money, usually more than you can afford or more than you think it should cost. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Clothes here are much dearer than in the States.

9 PHRASE If something that someone does costs them dear , they suffer a lot as a result of it. □� Such complacency is costing the company dear.

dear|est /d I ə r I st/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] When you are writing to someone you are very fond of, you can use dearest at the beginning of the letter before the person's name. □� Dearest Maria, Aren't I terrible, not coming back like I promised?

2nearest and dearest →�see near

dearie /d I ə ri/ N‑COUNT Some people use dearie as a friendly way of addressing someone, or as a way of showing that they think they are superior. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ]

dear|ly /d I ə r li/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you love someone dearly , you love them very much. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� She loved her father dearly.

2 ADV [ADV before v] If you would dearly like to do or have something, you would very much like to do it or have it. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I would dearly love to marry.

3 PHRASE If you pay dearlyfor doing something or if it costs you dearly , you suffer a lot as a result. [FORMAL ] □� He drank too much and is paying dearly for it.

dearth /dɜː r θ/ N‑SING If there is adearthof something, there is not enough of it. □�[+�of ] �the dearth of good fiction by English authors.

death ◆◆◇ /de θ/ (deaths )

1 N‑VAR Death is the permanent end of the life of a person or animal. □� 1.5 million people are in immediate danger of death from starvation. □� �the thirtieth anniversary of her death. □� There had been a death in the family.

2 N‑COUNT A particular kind of death is a particular way of dying. □� They made sure that he died a horrible death.

3 N‑SING Thedeathof something is the permanent end of it. □� It meant the death of everything he had ever been or ever hoped to be.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone is at death's door , you mean they are very ill indeed and likely to die. [INFORMAL ] □� He told his boss a tale about his mother being at death's door.

5 PHRASE If you say that you will fight to the death for something, you are emphasizing that you will do anything to achieve or protect it, even if you suffer as a consequence. [EMPHASIS ] □� She'd have fought to the death for that child.

6 PHRASE If you refer to a fight or contest as a fight to the death , you are emphasizing that it will not stop until the death or total victory of one of the opponents. [EMPHASIS ] □� He now faces a fight to the death to reach the quarter-finals.

7 PHRASE If you say that something is a matter oflife and death , you are emphasizing that it is extremely important, often because someone may die or suffer great harm if people do not act immediately. [EMPHASIS ] □� Well, never mind, John, it's not a matter of life and death.

8 PHRASE If someone is put to death , they are executed. [FORMAL ] □� Those put to death by firing squad included three generals.

9 PHRASE You use to death after a verb to indicate that a particular action or process results in someone's death. □� He was stabbed to death. □� �relief missions to try to keep the country's population from starving to death. □� He almost bled to death after the bullet severed an artery.

10 PHRASE You use to death after an adjective or a verb to emphasize the action, state, or feeling mentioned. For example, if you are frightened to death or bored to death , you are extremely frightened or bored. [EMPHASIS ] □� He scares teams to death with his pace and power.

death|bed /de θbed/ (deathbeds ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss, oft on N ] If someone is on their deathbed , they are in a bed and about to die. □� He promised his mother on her deathbed that he would never marry.

dea th blow also death-blow N‑SING If you say that an event or action deals adeath blowto something such as a plan or hope, or is adeath blowto something, you mean that it puts an end to it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�to ] The deportations would be a death blow to the peace process.

dea th camp (death camps ) N‑COUNT A death camp is a place where prisoners are kept, especially during a war, and where many of them die or are killed.

dea th cer|tifi|cate (death certificates ) N‑COUNT A death certificate is an official certificate signed by a doctor which states the cause of a person's death.

dea th duties N‑PLURAL Death duties were a tax which had to be paid on the money and property of someone who had died. This tax is now called inheritance tax . [BRIT ]

dea th knell also death-knell N‑SING If you say that something sounds thedeath knellfor a particular person or thing, you mean it will cause that person or thing to fail, end, or cease to exist. □�[+�for ] The tax increase sounded the death knell for the business.

death|ly /de θli/

1 ADV [ADV adj] If you say that someone is deathly pale or deathly still, you are emphasizing that they are very pale or still, like a dead person. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □� Bernadette turned deathly pale.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that there is a deathly silence or a deathly hush, you are emphasizing that it is very quiet. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □� A deathly silence hung over the square.

dea th mask (death masks ) also death-mask N‑COUNT A death mask is a model of someone's face, which is made from a mould that was taken of their face soon after they died.

dea th pen|al|ty N‑SING Thedeath penalty is the punishment of death used in some countries for people who have committed very serious crimes. □� If convicted for murder, both youngsters could face the death penalty.

dea th rate (death rates ) N‑COUNT The death rate is the number of people per thousand who die in a particular area during a particular period of time. □� By the turn of the century, Pittsburgh had the highest death rate in the United States.

dea th rat|tle also death-rattle N‑SING If you say that one thing is the death rattle of another, you mean that the first thing is a sign that very soon the second thing will come to an end. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] His rhetoric sounds like the death rattle of a fading leadership.

death row /de θ roʊ / N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] If someone is ondeath row , they are in the part of a prison which contains the cells for criminals who have been sentenced to death. [AM ] □� He has been on Death Row for 11 years.

dea th sen|tence (death sentences ) N‑COUNT A death sentence is a punishment of death given by a judge to someone who has been found guilty of a serious crime such as murder. □� His original death sentence was commuted to life in prison.

dea th squad (death squads ) N‑COUNT Death squads are groups of people who operate illegally and carry out the killing of people such as their political opponents or criminals.

dea th taxes N‑PLURAL Death taxes were a tax which had to be paid on the money and property of someone who had died. This tax is now called inheritance tax . [AM ]

dea th throes also death-throes

1 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] The death throesof something are its final stages, just before it fails completely or ends. [LITERARY ]

2 N‑PLURAL [oft in poss N ] If a person or animal is in their death throes , they are dying and making violent, uncontrolled movements, usually because they are suffering great pain.

dea th toll (death tolls ) also death-toll N‑COUNT The death toll of an accident, disaster, or war is the number of people who die in it.

dea th trap (death traps ) also death-trap N‑COUNT If you say that a place or vehicle is a death trap , you mean it is in such bad condition that it might cause someone's death. [INFORMAL ] □� Badly-built kit cars can be death traps.

dea th war|rant (death warrants ) also death-warrant

1 N‑COUNT A death warrant is an official document which orders that someone is to be executed as a punishment for a crime.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is signing their own death warrant , you mean that they are behaving in a way which will cause their ruin or death. □� By accusing the King of murder, he signed his own death warrant.

dea th wish also death-wish N‑SING A death wish is a conscious or unconscious desire to die or be killed.

deb /de b/ (debs ) N‑COUNT A deb is the same as a debutante .

de|ba|cle /de I bɑː k ə l, [AM ] d I b-/ (debacles ) in BRIT, also use d�b�cle N‑COUNT A debacle is an event or attempt that is a complete failure. □�[+�of ] After the debacle of the war the world was never the same again.

de|bar /d I bɑː r , diː -/ (debars , debarring , debarred ) VERB [usu passive] If you are debarredfrom doing something, you are prevented from doing it by a law or regulation. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�from ] If found guilty, she could be debarred from politics for seven years. [Also be V -ed from -ing]

de|base /d I be I s/ (debases , debasing , debased ) VERB To debase something means to reduce its value or quality. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Politicians have debased the meaning of the word 'freedom'. ●� de|based ADJ □� �the debased standards of today's media.

de|base|ment /d I be I smənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Debasement is the action of reducing the value or quality of something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the debasement of popular culture.

de|bat|able /d I be I təb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is debatable , you mean that it is not certain. □� Whether we can stay in this situation is debatable. □� It is debatable whether or not antibiotics would make any difference.

de|bate ◆◆◇ /d I be I t/ (debates , debating , debated )

1 N‑VAR A debate is a discussion about a subject on which people have different views. □� An intense debate is going on within the Israeli government. □�[+�about ] There has been a lot of debate among scholars about this. [Also +�on/over ]

2 N‑COUNT A debate is a formal discussion, for example in a parliament or institution, in which people express different opinions about a particular subject and then vote on it. □� There are expected to be some heated debates in parliament over the next few days. [Also +�on/about ] ●� de|bat|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� �debating skills.

3 VERB If people debate a topic, they discuss it fairly formally, putting forward different views. You can also say that one person debates a topic with another person. □�[V n] The United Nations Security Council will debate the issue today. □�[V wh] Scholars have debated whether or not Yagenta became a convert. □�[V n +�with ] He likes to debate issues with his friends. [Also V with n]

4 VERB If you debate whether to do something or what to do, you think or talk about possible courses of action before deciding exactly what you are going to do. □�[V wh] Taggart debated whether to have yet another coffee. □�[V v-ing] I debated going back inside, but decided against it.

5 PHRASE If you say that a matter is open to debate , you mean that people have different opinions about it, or it has not yet been firmly decided. □� Which of them has more musical talent is open to debate. COLLOCATIONS debate NOUN

1

noun +�debate : election, independence, referendum; TV

adjective +�debate : fierce, heated, lively, passionate, robust, vigorous; acrimonious, bitter, divisive, furious; considerable, much; ethical, political; ongoing

verb +�debate : provoke, spark, trigger; reignite, reopen, revive; fuel, stimulate

2

adjective +�debate : parliamentary; presidential VERB 3

debate+�noun : issue, matter, question, subject, topic

debate+�adverb : fiercely, heatedly, hotly, passionately, vigorously; earnestly, intensely; endlessly; openly, publicly SYNONYMS debate NOUN 1

discussion:There was a lot of discussion about the wording of the report.

argument:The issue has caused heated political argument.

dispute:They have won previous pay disputes with the government.

controversy:The proposed cuts have caused considerable controversy. VERB 3

discuss:I will be discussing the situation with colleagues tomorrow.

thrash out:�a sincere effort by two people to thrash out differences.

argue:They were still arguing; I could hear them down the road.

wrangle:A group of MPs is still wrangling with the government over the timing of elections.

de|bat|er /d I be I tə r / (debaters ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A debater is someone who takes part in debates. □� They are skilled debaters.

de|bauched /d I bɔː tʃt/ ADJ If you describe someone as debauched , you mean they behave in a way that you think is socially unacceptable, for example because they drink a lot of alcohol or have sex with a lot of people. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a debt-ridden and debauched lifestyle.

de|bauch|ery /d I bɔː tʃəri/ N‑UNCOUNT You use debauchery to refer to the drinking of alcohol or to sexual activity if you disapprove of it or regard it as excessive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �scenes of drunkenness and debauchery.

de|ben|ture /d I be ntʃə r / (debentures ) N‑COUNT A debenture is a type of savings bond which offers a fixed rate of interest over a long period. Debentures are usually issued by a company or a government agency. [BUSINESS ]

de|bili|tate /d I b I l I te I t/ (debilitates , debilitating , debilitated )

1 VERB [usu passive] If you are debilitatedby something such as an illness, it causes your body or mind to become gradually weaker. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�by ] Stewart took over yesterday when Russell was debilitated by a stomach virus. ●� de|bili|tat|ing ADJ □� �a debilitating illness. ●� de|bili|tat|ed ADJ □� Occasionally a patient is so debilitated that he must be fed intravenously.

2 VERB To debilitate an organization, society, or government means to gradually make it weaker. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �their efforts to debilitate the political will of the Western alliance. ●� de|bili|tat|ing ADJ □� �years of debilitating economic crisis. ●� de|bili|tat|ed ADJ □� �the debilitated ruling party.

de|bil|ity /d I b I l I ti/ (debilities ) N‑VAR Debility is a weakness of a person's body or mind, especially one caused by an illness. [FORMAL ] □� �exhaustion or post-viral debility.

deb|it /de b I t/ (debits , debiting , debited )

1 VERB When your bank debits your account, money is taken from it and paid to someone else. □�[V n] We will always confirm the revised amount to you in writing before debiting your account.

2 N‑COUNT A debit is a record of the money taken from your bank account, for example when you write a cheque. □� The total of debits must balance the total of credits.

3 →�see also direct debit

de b|it card (debit cards ) N‑COUNT A debit card is a bank card that you can use to pay for things. When you use it the money is taken out of your bank account immediately.

debo|nair /de bəneə r / ADJ A man who is debonair is confident, charming, and well-dressed. □� He was a handsome, debonair, death-defying racing-driver.

de|brief /diː briː f/ (debriefs , debriefing , debriefed ) VERB When someone such as a soldier, diplomat, or astronaut is debriefed , they are asked to give a report on an operation or task that they have just completed. □�[be V -ed] The men have been debriefed by British and Saudi officials. □�[V n] He went to Rio after the CIA had debriefed him.

de|brief|ing /diː briː f I ŋ/ (debriefings ) N‑VAR A debriefing is a meeting where someone such as a soldier, diplomat, or astronaut is asked to give a report on an operation or task that they have just completed. □� A debriefing would follow this operation, to determine where it went wrong.

de|bris /de I bri, [AM ] de I briː / N‑UNCOUNT Debris is pieces from something that has been destroyed or pieces of rubbish or unwanted material that are spread around. □� A number of people were killed by flying debris.

debt ◆◆◇ /de t/ (debts )

1 N‑VAR A debt is a sum of money that you owe someone. □� Three years later, he is still paying off his debts. □� �reducing the country's $18 billion foreign debt.

2 →�see also bad debt

3 N‑UNCOUNT Debt is the state of owing money. □� Stress is a main reason for debt. ●�PHRASE If you are in debt or get into debt , you owe money. If you are out of debt or get out of debt , you succeed in paying all the money that you owe. □� He was already deeply in debt through gambling losses. □� How can I accumulate enough cash to get out of debt?

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in poss N ] You use debt in expressions such as I owe you a debt or I am in your debt when you are expressing gratitude for something that someone has done for you. [FORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� He was so good to me that I can never repay the debt I owe him. COLLOCATIONS debt NOUN 1

noun +�debt : bank, government, sovereign; credit card, household, mortgage, student

adjective +�debt : bad, crippling, toxic; manageable, outstanding, sustainable, unsecured, unsustainable; national

verb +�debt : clear, pay off, reduce, repay, service; get into, incur, owe SYNONYMS debt NOUN 1

loan:The country has no access to foreign loans or financial aid.

liabilities:The company had assets of $138 million and liabilities of $120.5 million.

de bt bur|den (debt burdens ) N‑COUNT A debt burden is a large amount of money that one country or organization owes to another and which they find very difficult to repay. □� �the massive debt burden of the Third World.

debt|or /de tə r / (debtors ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A debtor is a country, organization, or person who owes money. □� �the situation of debtor countries.

de bt-ridden ADJ [usu ADJ n] Debt-ridden countries, companies, or people owe extremely large amounts of money. □� �the debt-ridden economies of Latin America.

de|bug /diː bʌ g/ (debugs , debugging , debugged ) VERB When someone debugs a computer program, they look for the faults in it and correct them so that it will run properly. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] The production lines ground to a halt for hours while technicians tried to debug software.

de|bunk /diː bʌ ŋk/ (debunks , debunking , debunked ) VERB If you debunk a widely held belief, you show that it is false. If you debunk something that is widely admired, you show that it is not as good as people think it is. □�[V n] Historian Michael Beschloss debunks a few myths.

de|but ◆◇◇ /de I bjuː, [AM ] de I bjuː / (debuts ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The debut of a performer or sports player is their first public performance, appearance, or recording. □� Israel's brightest young star made his international debut on Wednesday. □� It was the fastest selling debut album in the history of the British charts. COLLOCATIONS debut NOUN

noun +�debut : big-screen, film, screen, stage; acting

adjective +�debut : acclaimed, impressive, memorable, sensational; directorial, solo, theatrical; first-class, international; auspicious, promising

debu|tante /de bjʊtɑːnt/ (debutantes ) N‑COUNT A debutante is a young woman from the upper classes who has started going to social events with other young people. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

Dec.Dec. is a written abbreviation for December .

dec|ade ◆◆◇ /de ke I d/ (decades ) N‑COUNT A decade is a period of ten years, especially one that begins with a year ending in 0, for example 1980 to 1989. □� �the last decade of the nineteenth century.

deca|dent /de kədənt/ ADJ If you say that a person or society is decadent , you think that they have low moral standards and are interested mainly in pleasure. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the excesses and stresses of their decadent rock 'n' roll lifestyles. ●� deca|dence N‑UNCOUNT □� The empire had for years been falling into decadence.

de|caf /diː k�f/ (decafs ) also decaff N‑VAR Decaf is decaffeinated coffee. [INFORMAL ]

de|caf|fein|at|ed /diː k� f I ne I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Decaffeinated coffee has had most of the caffeine removed from it.

de|cal /diː k�l/ (decals ) N‑COUNT Decals are pieces of paper with a design on one side. The design can be transferred onto a surface by heating it, soaking it in water, or pressing it hard. [AM ] in BRIT, use transfer

de|camp /d I k� mp/ (decamps , decamping , decamped ) VERB If you decamp , you go away from somewhere secretly or suddenly. □�[V ] We all decamped to the pub.

de|cant /d I k� nt/ (decants , decanting , decanted ) VERB If you decant a liquid into another container, you put it into another container. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�into ] She always used to decant the milk into a jug. [Also V n]

de|cant|er /d I k� ntə r / (decanters ) N‑COUNT A decanter is a glass container that you use for serving wine, sherry, or port.

de|capi|tate /d I k� p I te I t/ (decapitates , decapitating , decapitated ) VERB If someone is decapitated , their head is cut off. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] A worker was decapitated when a lift plummeted down the shaft on top of him. ●� de|capi|ta|tion /d I k� p I te I ʃ ə n/ (decapitations ) N‑VAR □� �executions by decapitation.

de|cath|lon /d I k� θlɒn/ (decathlons ) N‑COUNT The decathlon is a competition in which athletes compete in 10 different sporting events.

de|cay /d I ke I / (decays , decaying , decayed )

1 VERB When something such as a dead body, a dead plant, or a tooth decays , it is gradually destroyed by a natural process. □�[V ] The bodies buried in the fine ash slowly decayed. □�[V -ing] The ground was scattered with decaying leaves. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Decay is also a noun. □� When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease. ●� de|cayed ADJ □� �decayed teeth.

2 VERB If something such as a society, system, or institution decays , it gradually becomes weaker or its condition gets worse. □�[V ] Popular cinema seems to have decayed. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Decay is also a noun. □� There are problems of urban decay and gang violence.

de|ceased /d I siː st/ (deceased )

1 N‑COUNT The deceased is used to refer to a particular person or to particular people who have recently died. [LEGAL ] □� The identities of the deceased have now been determined.

2 ADJ A deceased person is one who has recently died. [FORMAL ] □� �his recently deceased mother.

de|ceit /d I siː t/ (deceits ) N‑VAR Deceit is behaviour that is deliberately intended to make people believe something which is not true. □� They have been involved in a campaign of deceit.

de|ceit|ful /d I siː tfʊl/ ADJ If you say that someone is deceitful , you mean that they behave in a dishonest way by making other people believe something that is not true. □� The ambassador called the report deceitful and misleading.

de|ceive /d I siː v/ (deceives , deceiving , deceived )

1 VERB If you deceive someone, you make them believe something that is not true, usually in order to get some advantage for yourself. □�[V n] He has deceived and disillusioned us all. □�[V n +�into ] She deceived her father into thinking she was going to school.

2 VERB If you deceiveyourself , you do not admit to yourself something that you know is true. □�[V pron-refl] Alcoholics are notorious for their ability to deceive themselves about the extent of their problem.

3 VERB If something deceives you, it gives you a wrong impression and makes you believe something that is not true. □�[V n] His gentle, kindly appearance did not deceive me.

de|cel|er|ate /diː se ləre I t/ (decelerates , decelerating , decelerated )

1 VERB When a vehicle or machine decelerates or when someone in a vehicle decelerates , the speed of the vehicle or machine is reduced. □�[V ] �the sensation of the train decelerating. ●� de|cel|era|tion /diː se ləre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The harder the brake pedal is pressed, the greater the car's deceleration.

2 VERB When the rate of something such as inflation or economic growth decelerates , it slows down. □�[V ] Inflation has decelerated remarkably over the past two years. ●� de|cel|era|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �a significant deceleration in the annual rate of growth.

De|cem|ber /d I se mbə r / (Decembers ) N‑VAR December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Western calendar. □� �a bright morning in mid-December. □� Her baby was born on 4 December.

de|cen|cy /diː s ə nsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Decency is the quality of following accepted moral standards. □� His sense of decency forced him to resign.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone did nothave the decencyto do something, you are criticizing them because there was a particular action which they did not do but which you believe they ought to have done. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Nobody had the decency to inform me of what was planned.

de|cent ◆◇◇ /diː s ə nt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Decent is used to describe something which is considered to be of an acceptable standard or quality. □� Nearby is a village with a decent pub. ●� de|cent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, Also ADV adj] □� The allies say they will treat their prisoners decently.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Decent is used to describe something which is morally correct or acceptable. □� But, after a decent interval, trade relations began to return to normal. ●� de|cent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, Also ADV adj] □� And can't you dress more decently�people will think you're a tramp.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Decent people are honest and behave in a way that most people approve of. □� The majority of people around here are decent people.

de|cen|tral|ize /diː se ntrəla I z/ (decentralizes , decentralizing , decentralized ) in BRIT, also use decentralise VERB To decentralize government or a large organization means to move some departments away from the main administrative area, or to give more power to local departments. □�[V n] They have decentralised the company and made it less bureaucratic. □�[V ] �the need to decentralize and devolve power to regional governments. ●� de|cen|trali|za|tion /diː se ntrəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �increased decentralisation and greater powers for regional authorities.

de|cep|tion /d I se pʃ ə n/ (deceptions ) N‑VAR Deception is the act of deceiving someone or the state of being deceived by someone. □� He admitted conspiring to obtain property by deception.

de|cep|tive /d I se pt I v/ ADJ If something is deceptive , it encourages you to believe something which is not true. □� Appearances can be deceptive. ●� de|cep|tive|ly ADV □� The storyline is deceptively simple.

deci|bel /de s I bel/ (decibels ) N‑COUNT A decibel is a unit of measurement which is used to indicate how loud a sound is. □� Continuous exposure to sound above 80 decibels could be harmful.

de|cide ◆◆◆ /d I sa I d/ (decides , deciding , decided )

1 VERB If you decide to do something, you choose to do it, usually after you have thought carefully about the other possibilities. □�[V to-inf] She decided to do a secretarial course. □�[V that] He has decided that he doesn't want to embarrass the movement and will therefore step down. □�[V +�against ] The house needed totally rebuilding, so we decided against buying it. □�[V wh] I had a cold and couldn't decide whether to go to work or not. □�[V ] Think about it very carefully before you decide. [Also V +�in favour of ]

2 VERB If a person or group of people decides something, they choose what something should be like or how a particular problem should be solved. □�[V n] She was still young, he said, and that would be taken into account when deciding her sentence.

3 VERB If an event or fact decides something, it makes it certain that a particular choice will be made or that there will be a particular result. □�[V n] The goal that decided the match came just before the interval. □�[V if] The results will decide if he will win a place at a good university. □�[V -ing] Luck is certainly one deciding factor.

4 VERB If you decide that something is true, you form that opinion about it after considering the facts. □�[V that] He decided Franklin must be suffering from a bad cold. □�[V wh] I couldn't decide whether he was incredibly brave or just insane.

5 VERB If something decides you to do something, it is the reason that causes you to choose to do it. □�[V n to-inf] The banning of his play decided him to write about censorship. □�[V n] I don't know what finally decided her, but she agreed. [Also V n that]

▸� decide on PHRASAL VERB If you decide on something or decide upon something, you choose it from two or more possibilities. □�[V P n] After leaving university, Therese decided on a career in publishing.

de|cid|ed /d I sa I d I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Decided means clear and definite. □� Her ignorance of the area put her at a decided disadvantage.

de|cid|ed|ly /d I sa I d I dli/ ADV Decidedly means to a great extent and in a way that is very obvious. □� Sometimes he is decidedly uncomfortable at what he sees on the screen.

de|cid|er /d I sa I də r / (deciders )

1 N‑COUNT In sport, a decider is one of the games in a series, which establishes which player or team wins the series. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� He won the decider which completed England's 3�2 victory over Austria.

2 N‑COUNT In games such as football and hockey, thedecider is the last goal to be scored in a match that is won by a difference of only one goal. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� McGrath scored the decider in Villa's 2�1 home win over Forest.

de|cidu|ous /d I s I dʒuəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A deciduous tree or bush is one that loses its leaves in the autumn every year.

deci|mal /de s I m ə l/ (decimals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A decimal system involves counting in units of ten. □� �the decimal system of metric weights and measures.

2 N‑COUNT A decimal is a fraction that is written in the form of a dot followed by one or more numbers which represent tenths, hundredths, and so on: for example .5, .51, .517. □� �simple math concepts, such as decimals and fractions.

de ci|mal poi nt (decimal points ) N‑COUNT A decimal point is the dot in front of a decimal fraction.

deci|mate /de s I me I t/ (decimates , decimating , decimated )

1 VERB To decimate something such as a group of people or animals means to destroy a very large number of them. □�[V n] The pollution could decimate the river's thriving population of kingfishers.

2 VERB To decimate a system or organization means to reduce its size and effectiveness greatly. □�[V n] �a recession which decimated the nation's manufacturing industry.

de|ci|pher /d I sa I fə r / (deciphers , deciphering , deciphered ) VERB If you decipher a piece of writing or a message, you work out what it says, even though it is very difficult to read or understand. □�[V n] I'm still no closer to deciphering the code.

de|ci|sion ◆◆◆ /d I s I ʒ ə n/ (decisions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] When you make a decision , you choose what should be done or which is the best of various possible actions. □�[+�on ] A decision was taken to discipline Marshall. □� I don't want to make the wrong decision and regret it later.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Decision is the act of deciding something or the need to decide something. □� The moment of decision cannot be delayed.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Decision is the ability to decide quickly and definitely what to do. □� He is very much a man of decision and action. COLLOCATIONS decision NOUN 1

adjective +�decision : correct, right, wrong; difficult, easy, hard, tough; controversial, unpopular; informed; unanimous; conscious

verb +�decision : come to, make, reach, take; announce; reverse, overrule, overturn

deci sion-making N‑UNCOUNT Decision-making is the process of reaching decisions, especially in a large organization or in government.

de|ci|sive /d I sa I s I v/

1 ADJ If a fact, action, or event is decisive , it makes it certain that there will be a particular result. □� �his decisive victory in the presidential elections. ●� de|ci|sive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The plan was decisively rejected by Congress three weeks ago.

2 ADJ If someone is decisive , they have or show an ability to make quick decisions in a difficult or complicated situation. □� He should give way to a younger, more decisive leader. ●� de|ci|sive|ly ADV □� 'I'll call for you at half ten,' she said decisively. ●� de|ci|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� His supporters admire his decisiveness.

deck ◆◇◇ /de k/ (decks , decking , decked )

1 N‑COUNT A deck on a vehicle such as a bus or ship is a lower or upper area of it. □� �a luxury liner with five passenger decks.

2 →�see also flight deck

3 N‑COUNT [oft on N ] The deck of a ship is the top part of it that forms a floor in the open air which you can walk on. □� She stood on the deck and waved.

4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A tape deck or record deck is a piece of equipment on which you play tapes or records. □� I stuck a tape in the deck.

5 N‑COUNT A deck of cards is a complete set of playing cards. [AM ] □� Matt picked up the cards and shuffled the deck. in BRIT, usually use pack6 N‑COUNT A deck is a flat wooden area next to a house, where people can sit and relax or eat. □� A natural timber deck leads into the main room of the home.

7 VERB If something is deckedwith pretty things, it is decorated with them. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n +�with ] Villagers decked the streets with bunting. □�[V -ed] The house was decked with flowers.

8 PHRASE If you clear the decks , you get ready to start something new by finishing any work that has to be done or getting rid of any problems that are in the way. □� Clear the decks before you think of taking on any more responsibilities.

▸� deck out PHRASAL VERB If a person or thing is decked outwith or in something, they are decorated with it or wearing it, usually for a special occasion. □�[be V -ed P ] The cab was decked out with multi-coloured lights. □�[V n P ] She had decked him out from head to foot in expensive clothes. [Also V P n]

deck|chair /de ktʃeə r / (deckchairs ) also deck chair N‑COUNT A deckchair is a simple chair with a folding frame, and a piece of canvas as the seat and back. Deckchairs are usually used on the beach, on a ship, or in the garden.

-decker /-de kə r / COMB [ADJ n] -decker is used after adjectives like 'double' and 'single' to indicate how many levels or layers something has. □� �a red double-decker bus full of tourists. □� �a triple-decker peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

deck|hand /de kh�nd/ (deckhands ) N‑COUNT A deckhand is a person who does the cleaning and other work on the deck of a ship.

deck|ing /de k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Decking is wooden boards that are fixed to the ground in a garden or other outdoor area for people to walk on. [mainly BRIT ]

de ck shoe (deck shoes ) N‑COUNT Deck shoes are flat casual shoes made of canvas or leather.

de|claim /d I kle I m/ (declaims , declaiming , declaimed ) VERB If you declaim , you speak dramatically, as if you were acting in a theatre. [WRITTEN ] □�[V with quote] He raised his right fist and declaimed: 'Liar and cheat!'. □�[V n] He used to declaim French verse to us. [Also V , V that]

de|clama|tory /d I kl� mətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ A declamatory phrase, statement, or way of speaking is dramatic and confident. [FORMAL ]

dec|la|ra|tion ◆◇◇ /de kləre I ʃ ə n/ (declarations )

1 N‑COUNT A declaration is an official announcement or statement. □� They will sign the declaration tomorrow. □�[+�of ] The opening speeches sounded more like declarations of war than offerings of peace.

2 N‑COUNT A declaration is a firm, emphatic statement which shows that you have no doubts about what you are saying. □�[+�of ] �declarations of undying love.

3 N‑COUNT A declaration is a written statement about something which you have signed and which can be used as evidence in a court of law. □� On the customs declaration, the sender labeled the freight as agricultural machinery.

de|clare ◆◆◇ /d I kleə r / (declares , declaring , declared )

1 VERB If you declare that something is true, you say that it is true in a firm, deliberate way. You can also declare an attitude or intention. [WRITTEN ] □�[V that] Speaking outside Ten Downing Street, she declared that she would fight on. □�[V with quote] 'I'm absolutely thrilled to have done what I've done,' he declared. □�[V n] He declared his intention to become the best golfer in the world. [Also V n n, V n to-inf]

2 VERB If you declare something, you state officially and formally that it exists or is the case. □�[V n] The government is ready to declare a permanent ceasefire. □�[V n adj] His lawyers are confident that the judges will declare Mr Stevens innocent. □�[V n to-inf] The U.N. has declared it to be a safe zone. □�[V that] You may have to declare that you have had an HIV test.

3 VERB If you declare goods that you have bought in another country or money that you have earned, you say how much you have bought or earned so that you can pay tax on it. □�[V n] Your income must be declared on this form.

de|clas|si|fy /diː kl� s I fa I / (declassifies , declassifying , declassified ) VERB [usu passive] If secret documents or records are declassified , it is officially stated that they are no longer secret. □�[be V -ed] These reports were only declassified last year.

de|cline ◆◆◇ /d I kla I n/ (declines , declining , declined )

1 VERB If something declines , it becomes less in quantity, importance, or strength. □�[V +�from ] The number of staff has declined from 217,000 to 114,000. □�[V amount] Hourly output by workers declined 1.3% in the first quarter. □�[V ] Union membership and union power are declining fast. □�[V -ing] �a declining birth rate. [Also V +�to/by ]

2 VERB If you decline something or declineto do something, you politely refuse to accept it or do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He declined their invitation. □�[V to-inf] The band declined to comment on the story. □�[V ] He offered the boys some coffee. They declined politely.

3 N‑VAR If there is a declinein something, it becomes less in quantity, importance, or quality. □�[+�in ] There wasn't such a big decline in enrollments after all. □� The first signs of economic decline became visible.

4 PHRASE If something is in decline or on the decline , it is gradually decreasing in importance, quality, or power. □� Thankfully the smoking of cigarettes is on the decline.

5 PHRASE If something goes or fallsinto decline , it begins to gradually decrease in importance, quality, or power. □� Libraries are an investment for the future and they should not be allowed to fall into decline. SYNONYMS decline VERB

1

fall:Output will fall by 6%.

drop:Temperatures can drop to freezing at night.

sink:Pay increases have sunk to around seven per cent.

decrease:Population growth is decreasing by 1.4% each year.

lessen:He is used to a lot of attention from his wife, which will inevitably lessen when the baby is born.

dwindle:Exports are dwindling and the trade deficit is swelling.

2

refuse:He offered me a second drink which I refused.

reject:Seventeen publishers rejected the manuscript before Jenks saw its potential.

turn down:I thanked him for the offer but turned it down. NOUN 3

fall:There was a sharp fall in the value of the pound.

drop:The poll indicates a drop in support for the Conservatives.

decrease:Bank base rates have fallen from 10 per cent to 6 per cent�a decrease of 40 per cent.

deterioration:�the slow steady deterioration of a patient with Alzheimer's disease.

worsening:This latest incident is bound to lead to a further worsening of relations between the two countries.

downturn:They predicted a severe economic downturn. COLLOCATIONS decline NOUN 3

adjective +�decline : precipitous, rapid, sharp, steep; gradual, steady; irreversible, terminal

verb +�decline : halt; reverse; offset VERB

1

decline+�adverb : precipitously, rapidly, sharply, steeply; steadily

2

decline+�noun : invitation, offer, request

de|code /diː koʊ d/ (decodes , decoding , decoded )

1 VERB If you decode a message that has been written or spoken in a code, you change it into ordinary language. □�[V n] All he had to do was decode it and pass it over.

2 VERB A device that decodes a broadcast signal changes it into a form that can be displayed on a television screen. □�[V n] About 60,000 subscribers have special adapters to receive and decode the signals.

de|cod|er /diː koʊ də r / (decoders ) N‑COUNT A decoder is a device used to decode messages or signals sent in code, for example the television signals from a satellite.

de|colo|niza|tion /diː kɒ ləna I ze I ʃ ə n/ in BRIT, also use decolonisation N‑UNCOUNT Decolonization means giving political independence to a country that was previously a colony.

de|com|mis|sion /diː kəm I ʃ ə n/ (decommissions , decommissioning , decommissioned ) VERB When something such as a nuclear reactor or a large machine is decommissioned , it is taken to pieces because it is no longer going to be used. □�[be V -ed] HMS Warspite was decommissioned as part of defence cuts. [Also V n]

de|com|pose /diː kəmpoʊ z/ (decomposes , decomposing , decomposed ) VERB When things such as dead plants or animals decompose , or when something decomposes them, they change chemically and begin to decay. □�[V ] �a dead body found decomposing in a wood. □�[V +�into ] The debris slowly decomposes into compost. □�[V n] The fertiliser releases nutrients gradually as bacteria decompose it. ●� de|com|posed ADJ □� The body was too badly decomposed to be identified at once.

de|com|po|si|tion /diː kɒ mpəz I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Decomposition is the process of decay that takes place when a living thing changes chemically after dying. [FORMAL ]

de|com|pres|sion /diː kəmpre ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Decompression is the reduction of the force on something that is caused by the weight of the air. □� Decompression blew out a window in the plane.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Decompression is the process of bringing someone back to the normal pressure of the air after they have been deep underwater. □� �a decompression chamber.

de|con|gest|ant /diː kəndʒe stənt/ (decongestants ) N‑VAR A decongestant is a medicine which helps someone who has a cold to breathe more easily.

de|con|struct /diː kənstrʌ kt/ (deconstructs , deconstructing , deconstructed ) VERB In philosophy and literary criticism, to deconstruct an idea or text means to show the contradictions in its meaning, and to show how it does not fully explain what it claims to explain. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] She sets up a rigorous intellectual framework to deconstruct various categories of film. ●� de|con|struc|tion /diː kənstrʌ kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the deconstruction of the macho psyche.

de|con|tami|nate /diː kənt� m I ne I t/ (decontaminates , decontaminating , decontaminated ) VERB To decontaminate something means to remove all germs or dangerous substances from it. □�[V n] �procedures for decontaminating pilots hit by chemical weapons. ●� de|con|tami|na|tion /diː kənt�m I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The land will require public money for decontamination.

de|con|trol /diː kəntroʊ l/ (decontrols , decontrolling , decontrolled ) VERB When governments decontrol an activity, they remove controls from it so that companies or organizations have more freedom. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] The government chose not to decontrol oil and gas prices last January. ●�N‑VAR Decontrol is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �continuing decontrol of banking institutions.

de|cor /de I kɔː r , [AM ] de I kɔː r/ N‑UNCOUNT The decor of a house or room is its style of furnishing and decoration. □� The decor is simple�black lacquer panels on white walls.

deco|rate ◆◇◇ /de kəre I t/ (decorates , decorating , decorated )

1 VERB If you decorate something, you make it more attractive by adding things to it. □�[V n +�with ] He decorated his room with pictures of all his favorite sports figures. □�[V n] Use shells to decorate boxes, trays, mirrors or even pots.

2 VERB If you decorate a room or the inside of a building, you put new paint or wallpaper on the walls and ceiling, and paint the woodwork. □�[V n] We decorated the guest bedroom in shades of white and cream. □�[V ] The boys are planning to decorate when they get the time. □�[have n V -ed] I had the flat decorated quickly so that Philippa could move in. ●� deco|rat|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� I did a lot of the decorating myself. ●� deco|ra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� The renovation process and decoration took four months.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is decorated , they are given a medal or other honour as an official reward for something that they have done. □�[be V -ed] He was decorated for bravery in battle.

deco|ra|tion /de kəre I ʃ ə n/ (decorations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] The decoration of a room is its furniture, wallpaper, and ornaments. □� The decoration and furnishings had to be practical enough for a family home.

2 N‑VAR Decorations are features that are added to something in order to make it look more attractive. □� The only wall decorations are candles and a single mirror.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Decorations are brightly coloured objects such as pieces of paper and balloons, which you put up in a room on special occasions to make it look more attractive. □� Festive paper decorations had been hung from the ceiling.

4 N‑COUNT A decoration is an official title or honour which is given to someone, usually in the form of a medal, as a reward for military bravery or public service. □� He was awarded several military decorations.

5 →�see also decorate

deco|ra|tive /de kərət I v/ ADJ Something that is decorative is intended to look pretty or attractive. □� The curtains are for purely decorative purposes and do not open or close.

deco|ra|tor /de kəre I tə r / (decorators )

1 N‑COUNT A decorator is a person whose job is to paint houses or put wallpaper up. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A decorator is a person who is employed to design and decorate the inside of people's houses. [AM ] in BRIT, use interior decorator

deco|rous /de kərəs/ ADJ Decorous behaviour is very respectable, calm, and polite. [FORMAL ] ●� deco|rous|ly ADV □� He sipped his drink decorously.

de|co|rum /d I kɔː rəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Decorum is behaviour that people consider to be correct, polite, and respectable. [FORMAL ] □� I was treated with decorum and respect throughout the investigation.

de|cou|ple /diː kʌ p ə l/ (decouples , decoupling , decoupled ) VERB If two countries, organizations, or ideas that were connected in some way are decoupled , the connection between them is ended. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �a conception which decouples culture and politics. □�[V n +�from ] The issue threatened to decouple Europe from the United States.

de|coy /diː kɔ I / (decoys ) N‑COUNT If you refer to something or someone as a decoy , you mean that they are intended to attract people's attention and deceive them, for example by leading them into a trap or away from a particular place. □� He was booked on a flight leaving that day, but that was just a decoy.

de|crease (decreases , decreasing , decreased ) The verb is pronounced /d I kriː s/. The noun is pronounced /diː kriːs/. 1 VERB When something decreases or when you decrease it, it becomes less in quantity, size, or intensity. □�[V +�by ] Population growth is decreasing by 1.4% each year. □�[V +�from/to ] The number of independent firms decreased from 198 to 96. □�[V amount] Raw-steel production by the nation's mills decreased 2.1% last week. □�[V +�in ] Since 1945 air forces have decreased in size. □�[V n] Gradually decrease the amount of vitamin C you are taking. □�[V -ing] We've got stable labor, decreasing interest rates, low oil prices.

2 N‑COUNT A decreasein the quantity, size, or intensity of something is a reduction in it. □�[+�in ] �a decrease in the number of young people out of work. □�[+�of ] Bank base rates have fallen from 10 per cent to 6 per cent�a decrease of 40 per cent.

de|cree /d I kriː / (decrees , decreeing , decreed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A decree is an official order or decision, especially one made by the ruler of a country. □� In July he issued a decree ordering all unofficial armed groups in the country to disband.

2 VERB If someone in authority decrees that something must happen, they decide or state this officially. □�[V that] The U.N. Security Council has decreed that the election must be held by May. □�[V n] The king decreed a general amnesty.

3 N‑COUNT A decree is a judgment made by a law court. [mainly AM ] □� �court decrees.

de|cree a b|so|lute (decrees absolute ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A decree absolute is the final order made by a court in a divorce case which ends a marriage completely.

de|cree nisi /d I kriː na I sa I / (decrees nisi ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A decree nisi is an order made by a court which states that a divorce must take place at a certain time in the future unless a good reason is produced to prevent this.

de|crep|it /d I kre p I t/ ADJ Something that is decrepit is old and in bad condition. Someone who is decrepit is old and weak. □� The film had been shot in a decrepit old police station.

de|crepi|tude /d I kre p I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Decrepitude is the state of being very old and in poor condition. [FORMAL ] □� The building had a general air of decrepitude and neglect.

de|crimi|nal|ize /diː kr I m I nəla I z/ (decriminalizes , decriminalizing , decriminalized ) in BRIT, also use decriminalise VERB When a criminal offence is decriminalized , the law changes so that it is no longer a criminal offence. □�[be V -ed] �the question of whether prostitution should be decriminalized. [Also V n] ●� de|crimi|nali|za|tion /diː kr I m I nəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] We urged the Government to consider decriminalisation of personal drug possession.

de|cry /d I kra I / (decries , decrying , decried ) VERB If someone decries an idea or action, they criticize it strongly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He is impatient with those who decry the scheme. □�[V n +�as ] People decried the campaign as a waste of money.

dedi|cate /de d I ke I t/ (dedicates , dedicating , dedicated )

1 VERB If you say that someone has dedicated themselves to something, you approve of the fact that they have decided to give a lot of time and effort to it because they think that it is important. [APPROVAL ] □�[V pron-refl +�to ] Back on the island, he dedicated himself to politics. □�[V n +�to ] Bessie has dedicated her life to caring for others. ●� dedi|cat|ed ADJ □�[+�to ] He's quite dedicated to his students. ●� dedi|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] We admire her dedication to the cause of humanity.

2 VERB If someone dedicates something such as a book, play, or piece of music to you, they mention your name, for example in the front of a book or when a piece of music is performed, as a way of showing affection or respect for you. □�[V n +�to ] She dedicated her first album to Woody Allen.

dedi|cat|ed /de d I ke I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use dedicated to describe someone who enjoys a particular activity very much and spends a lot of time doing it. □� Her great-grandfather had clearly been a dedicated and stoical traveller.

2 ADJ You use dedicated to describe something that is made, built, or designed for one particular purpose or thing. □� Such areas should also be served by dedicated cycle routes. □�[+�to ] �the world's first museum dedicated to ecology.

3 →�see also dedicate

dedi|ca|tion /de d I ke I ʃ ə n/ (dedications )

1 N‑COUNT A dedication is a message which is written at the beginning of a book, or a short announcement which is sometimes made before a play or piece of music is performed, as a sign of affection or respect for someone.

2 →�see also dedicate

de|duce /d I djuː s, [AM ] -duː s/ (deduces , deducing , deduced ) VERB If you deduce something or deduce that something is true, you reach that conclusion because of other things that you know to be true. □�[V that] Alison had cleverly deduced that I was the author of the letter. □�[be V -ed +�from ] The date of the document can be deduced from references to the Civil War. □�[V n] She hoped he hadn't deduced the reason for her visit. [Also V n from n, V with quote]

de|duct /d I dʌ kt/ (deducts , deducting , deducted ) VERB When you deduct an amount from a total, you subtract it from the total. □�[V n +�from ] The company deducted this payment from his compensation. [Also V n]

de|duc|tion /d I dʌ kʃ ə n/ (deductions )

1 N‑COUNT A deduction is a conclusion that you have reached about something because of other things that you know to be true. □�[+�about ] It was a pretty astute deduction.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Deduction is the process of reaching a conclusion about something because of other things that you know to be true. □� �a case that tested his powers of deduction.

3 N‑COUNT A deduction is an amount that has been subtracted from a total. □� �your gross income (before tax and National Insurance deductions).

4 N‑UNCOUNT Deduction is the act or process of subtracting an amount of money from a total amount. □� After the deduction of tax at 20 per cent, the interest rate will be 6.2 per cent.

de|duc|tive /d I dʌ kt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Deductive reasoning involves drawing conclusions logically from other things that are already known. [FORMAL ]

deed /diː d/ (deeds )

1 N‑COUNT A deed is something that is done, especially something that is very good or very bad. [LITERARY ] □� �the warm feeling one gets from doing a good deed.

2 N‑COUNT A deed is a document containing the terms of an agreement, especially an agreement concerning the ownership of land or a building. [LEGAL ] □� He asked if I had the deeds to his father's property.

dee d poll PHRASE In Britain, if you change your name by deed poll , you change it officially and legally.

deem /diː m/ (deems , deeming , deemed ) VERB If something is deemedto have a particular quality or to do a particular thing, it is considered to have that quality or do that thing. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed adj/n] French and German were deemed essential. □�[V n adj/n] He says he would support the use of force if the U.N. deemed it necessary. □�[be V -ed to-inf] I was deemed to be a competent shorthand typist. [Also V n to-inf]

deep ◆◆◇ /diː p/ (deeper , deepest )

1 ADJ If something is deep , it extends a long way down from the ground or from the top surface of something. □� The water is very deep and mysterious-looking. □� Den had dug a deep hole in the centre of the garden. □� Kelly swore quietly, looking at the deep cut on his left hand. □� �a deep ravine. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Deep is also an adverb. □� Deep in the earth's crust the rock may be subjected to temperatures high enough to melt it. □� Gingerly, she put her hand in deeper, to the bottom. ●� deep|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □� There isn't time to dig deeply and put in manure or compost.

2 ADJ A deep container, such as a cupboard, extends or measures a long distance from front to back. □� The wardrobe was very deep.

3 ADJ [n ADJ ] [as ADJ as ] You use deep to talk or ask about how much something measures from the surface to the bottom, or from front to back. □� I found myself in water only three feet deep. □� The mud is ankle deep around Shush Square. □� How deep did the snow get? ●�COMB Deep is also a combining form. □� �an inch-deep stab wound.

4 ADV [ADV after v] Deep in an area means a long way inside it. □� They were now deep inside rebel territory.

5 ADV If you say that things or people are two , three , or fourdeep , you mean that there are two, three, or four rows or layers of them there. □� A crowd three deep seemed paralysed by the images on these monitors.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use deep to emphasize the seriousness, strength, importance, or degree of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� I had a deep admiration for Sartre. □� He wants to express his deep sympathy to the family. ●� deep|ly ADV □� Our meetings and conversations left me deeply depressed.

7 ADV If you experience or feel something deepinside you or deepdown , you feel it very strongly even though you do not necessarily show it. □� Deep down, she supported her husband's involvement in the organization.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are in a deep sleep, you are sleeping peacefully and it is difficult to wake you. □� Una soon fell into a deep sleep. ●� deep|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She slept deeply but woke early.

9 ADJ If you are deep in thought or deep in conversation, you are concentrating very hard on what you are thinking or saying and are not aware of the things that are happening around you. □�[+�in ] Abby was so deep in thought that she had walked past without seeing me.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] A deep breath or sigh uses or fills the whole of your lungs. □� Cal took a long, deep breath, struggling to control his own emotions. ●� deep|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She sighed deeply and covered her face with her hands.

11 ADJ You use deep to describe colours that are strong and fairly dark. □� The sky was deep blue and starry. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Deep is also an adjective. □� �deep colours.

12 ADJ A deep sound is low in pitch. □� His voice was deep and mellow. □� They heard a deep, distant roar.

13 ADJ If you describe someone as deep , you mean that they are quiet and reserved in a way that makes you think that they have good qualities such as intelligence or determination. □� James is a very deep individual.

14 ADJ If you describe something such as a problem or a piece of writing as deep , you mean that it is important, serious, or complicated. □� They're written as adventure stories. They're not intended to be deep.

15 ADV If you are deepin debt, you have a lot of debts. □�[+�in/into ] He is so deep in debt and desperate for money that he's apparently willing to say anything. ●� deep|ly ADV □�[+�in/into ] Because of her medical and her legal bills, she is now penniless and deeply in debt.

16 PHRASE If you know something deep down or deep down inside , you know that it is true, but you are not always conscious of it or willing to admit it to yourself. □� We knew deep down that we could do it. □� Deep down, we had always detested each other.

17 PHRASE If you say that you took a deep breath before doing something dangerous or frightening, you mean that you tried to make yourself feel strong and confident. □� I took a deep breath and went in.

18 PHRASE If you say that something goes deep or runs deep , you mean that it is very serious or strong and is hard to change. □� His anger and anguish clearly went deep.

19in at the deep end →�see end

20in deep water →�see water

deep|en /diː pən/ (deepens , deepening , deepened )

1 VERB If a situation or emotion deepens or if something deepens it, it becomes stronger and more intense. □�[V ] If this is not stopped, the financial crisis will deepen. □�[V n] Surviving tough times can really deepen your relationship.

2 VERB If you deepen your knowledge or understanding of a subject, you learn more about it and become more interested in it. □�[V n] He did not get a chance to deepen his knowledge of Poland.

3 VERB When a sound deepens or is deepened , it becomes lower in tone. □�[V ] Her voice has deepened and coarsened with the years. □�[V n] The music room had been made to reflect and deepen sounds.

4 VERB When your breathing deepens , or you deepen it, you take more air into your lungs when you breathe. □�[V ] He heard her breathing deepen. □�[V n] When you are ready to finish the exercise, gradually deepen your breathing.

5 VERB If people deepen something, they increase its depth by digging out its lower surface. □�[V n] �a major project to deepen the channel.

6 VERB Something such as a river or a sea deepens where the bottom begins to slope downwards. □�[V ] As we drew nearer to it the water gradually deepened.

dee p free ze (deep freezes ) also deep-freeze N‑COUNT A deep freeze is the same as a freezer .

dee p-fry (deep-fries , deep-frying , deep-fried ) VERB If you deep-fry food, you fry it in a large amount of fat or oil. □�[V n] Heat the oil and deep-fry the fish fillets.

dee p-roo ted ADJ [usu ADJ n] Deep-rooted means the same as deep-seated . □� �long-term solutions to a deep-rooted problem.

dee p-sea ADJ [ADJ n] Deep-sea activities take place in the areas of the sea that are a long way from the coast. □� �deep-sea diving. □� �a deep-sea fisherman.

dee p-sea ted ADJ [usu ADJ n] A deep-seated problem, feeling, or belief is difficult to change because its causes have been there for a long time. □� The country is still suffering from deep-seated economic problems.

dee p-set ADJ [usu ADJ n] Deep-set eyes seem to be further back in the face than most people's eyes. [WRITTEN ] □� He had deep-set brown eyes.

dee p-si x (deep-sixes , deep-sixing , deep-sixed ) VERB To deep-six something means to get rid of it or destroy it. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I'd simply like to deep-six this whole project.

Dee p Sou th N‑SING TheDeep South consists of the states that are furthest south in the United States.

deep vein throm|bo |sis (deep vein thromboses ) N‑VAR Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition caused by blood clots in the legs moving up to the lungs. The abbreviation DVT is also used. [MEDICAL ] □� He could have died after developing deep vein thrombosis during a flight to Sydney.

deer /d I ə r / (deer ) N‑COUNT A deer is a large wild animal that eats grass and leaves. A male deer usually has large, branching horns.

deer|stalker /d I ə r stɔːkə r / (deerstalkers ) N‑COUNT A deerstalker is an old-fashioned hat with parts at the sides which can be folded down to cover the ears. Deerstalkers are usually worn by men.

de|face /d I fe I s/ (defaces , defacing , defaced ) VERB If someone defaces something such as a wall or a notice, they spoil it by writing or drawing things on it. □�[V n] It's illegal to deface banknotes.

de fac|to /de I f� ktoʊ/ ADJ [ADJ n] De facto is used to indicate that something is a particular thing, even though it was not planned or intended to be that thing. [FORMAL ] □� This might be interpreted as a de facto recognition of the republic's independence. ●�ADV De facto is also an adverb. □� They will be de facto in a state of war.

defa|ma|tion /de fəme I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Defamation is the damaging of someone's good reputation by saying something bad and untrue about them. [FORMAL ] □� He sued for defamation.

de|fama|tory /d I f� mətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ Speech or writing that is defamatory is likely to damage someone's good reputation by saying something bad and untrue about them. [FORMAL ] □� The article was highly defamatory.

de|fame /d I fe I m/ (defames , defaming , defamed ) VERB If someone defames another person or thing, they say bad and untrue things about them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Sgt Norwood complained that the article defamed him.

de|fault /d I fɔː lt/ (defaults , defaulting , defaulted ) Pronounced /diː fɔːlt/ for meanings 2 and 3 . 1 VERB If a person, company, or country defaults on something that they have legally agreed to do, such as paying some money or doing a piece of work before a particular time, they fail to do it. [LEGAL ] □�[V +�on ] The credit card business is down, and more borrowers are defaulting on loans. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [in N ] Default is also a noun. □� The corporation may be charged with default on its contract with the government.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A default situation is what exists or happens unless someone or something changes it. □� �default passwords installed on commercial machines.

3 N‑UNCOUNT In computing, the default is a particular set of instructions which the computer always uses unless the person using the computer gives other instructions. [COMPUTING ] □� The default is usually the setting that most users would probably choose. □� �default settings.

4 PHRASE If something happens by default , it happens only because something else which might have prevented it or changed it has not happened. [FORMAL ] □� Premium-rate numbers are often barred by mobile phone networks by default.

de|fault|er /d I fɔː ltə r / (defaulters ) N‑COUNT A defaulter is someone who does not do something that they are legally supposed to do, such as make a payment at a particular time, or appear in a court of law.

de|feat ◆◆◇ /d I fiː t/ (defeats , defeating , defeated )

1 VERB If you defeat someone, you win a victory over them in a battle, game, or contest. □�[V n] His guerrillas defeated the colonial army in 1954.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a proposal or motion in a debate is defeated , more people vote against it than for it. □�[be V -ed] The proposal was defeated by just one vote.

3 VERB If a task or a problem defeats you, it is so difficult that you cannot do it or solve it. □�[V n] There were times when the challenges of writing such a huge novel almost defeated her.

4 VERB To defeat an action or plan means to cause it to fail. □�[V n] The navy played a limited but significant role in defeating the rebellion.

5 N‑VAR Defeat is the experience of being beaten in a battle, game, or contest, or of failing to achieve what you wanted to. □� The most important thing is not to admit defeat until you really have to. □�[+�for ] The vote is seen as a defeat for the anti-abortion lobby. SYNONYMS defeat VERB 1

beat:In yesterday's games, Switzerland beat the United States two�one.

conquer:Early in the eleventh century the whole of England was again conquered by the Vikings.

de|feat|ism /d I fiː t I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Defeatism is a way of thinking or talking which suggests that you expect to be unsuccessful. □� �the mood of economic defeatism.

de|feat|ist /d I fiː t I st/ (defeatists ) N‑COUNT A defeatist is someone who thinks or talks in a way that suggests that they expect to be unsuccessful. ●�ADJ Defeatist is also an adjective. □� There is no point going out there with a defeatist attitude.

def|ecate /de fəke I t/ (defecates , defecating , defecated ) VERB When people and animals defecate , they get rid of waste matter from their body through their anus. [FORMAL ] ●� def|eca|tion /de fəke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The drug's side-effects can include involuntary defecation.

de|fect (defects , defecting , defected ) The noun is pronounced /diː fekt/. The verb is pronounced /d I fe kt/. 1 N‑COUNT A defect is a fault or imperfection in a person or thing. □� He was born with a hearing defect. □� �a defect in the aircraft caused the crash.

2 VERB If you defect , you leave your country, political party, or other group, and join an opposing country, party, or group. □�[V +�to/from ] 25 per cent of its listed client base defect to rival auditors. □�[V ] �a KGB officer who defected in 1963. ●� de|fec|tion /d I fe kʃ ə n/ (defections ) N‑VAR □� �the defection of at least sixteen Parliamentary deputies.

de|fec|tive /d I fe kt I v/ ADJ If something is defective , there is something wrong with it and it does not work properly. □� Retailers can return defective merchandise.

de|fec|tor /d I fe ktə r / (defectors ) N‑COUNT A defector is someone who leaves their country, political party, or other group, and joins an opposing country, party, or group.

de|fence ◆◆◇ /d I fe ns/ (defences ) The spelling defense is used in American English, and in meaning 8 is pronounced /diː fens/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Defence is action that is taken to protect someone or something against attack. □� The land was flat, giving no scope for defence. □� By wielding a knife in defence you run the risk of having it used against you.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Defence is the organization of a country's armies and weapons, and their use to protect the country or its interests. □� Twenty eight percent of the federal budget is spent on defense. □� �the French defence minister.

3 N‑PLURAL The defences of a country or region are all its armed forces and weapons. □� �the need to maintain Britain's defences at a sufficiently high level.

4 N‑COUNT A defence is something that people or animals can use or do to protect themselves. □�[+�against ] The immune system is our main defence against disease.

5 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A defence is something that you say or write which supports ideas or actions that have been criticized or questioned. □�[+�of ] Chomsky's defence of his approach goes further.

6 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] In a court of law, an accused person's defence is the process of presenting evidence in their favour. □� He has insisted on conducting his own defence.

7 N‑SING Thedefence is the case that is presented by a lawyer in a trial for the person who has been accused of a crime. You can also refer to this person's lawyers as thedefence . □� The defence was that the records of the interviews were fabricated by the police.

8 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb, oft poss N , oft in N ] In games such as football or hockey, the defence is the group of players in a team who try to stop the opposing players scoring a goal or a point. □� Their defence, so strong last season, has now conceded 12 goals in six games. □� I still prefer to play in defence.

9 PHRASE If you come to someone's defence , you help them by doing or saying something to protect them. □� He realized none of his schoolmates would come to his defense. COLLOCATIONS defence NOUN

5

adjective +�defence : passionate, spirited, successful, vigorous

verb +�defence : launch, mount

7

adjective +�defence : credible, robust, solid

de|fence|less /d I fe nsləs/ in AM, use defenseless ADJ If someone or something is defenceless , they are weak and unable to defend themselves properly. □� �a savage attack on a defenceless young girl.

de|fe nce mecha|nism (defence mechanisms ) N‑COUNT A defence mechanism is a way of behaving or thinking which is not conscious or deliberate and is an automatic reaction to unpleasant experiences or feelings such as anxiety and fear.

de|fend ◆◆◇ /d I fe nd/ (defends , defending , defended )

1 VERB If you defend someone or something, you take action in order to protect them. □�[V n] His courage in defending religious and civil rights inspired many outside the church. [Also V n against n]

2 VERB If you defend someone or something when they have been criticized, you argue in support of them. □�[V n] Matt defended all of Clarence's decisions, right or wrong. [Also V pron-refl]

3 VERB When a lawyer defends a person who has been accused of something, the lawyer argues on their behalf in a court of law that the charges are not true. □�[V n] �a lawyer who defended political prisoners during the military regime. □�[V n +�against ] He has hired a lawyer to defend him against the allegations. □�[V ] Guy Powell, defending, told magistrates: 'It's a sad and disturbing case.'

4 VERB When a sports player plays in the tournament which they won the previous time it was held, you can say that they are defending their title. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The reigning champion expects to defend her title successfully next year. SYNONYMS defend VERB 1

protect:So, what can women do to protect themselves from heart disease?

guard:Gunmen guarded homes near the cemetery with shotguns.

shield:He shielded his head from the sun with an old sack.

safeguard:The interests of minorities will have to be safeguarded under a new constitution.

de|fend|ant /d I fe ndənt/ (defendants ) N‑COUNT A defendant is a person who has been accused of breaking the law and is being tried in court.

de|fend|er /d I fe ndə r / (defenders )

1 N‑COUNT If someone is a defenderof a particular thing or person that has been criticized, they argue or act in support of that thing or person. □�[+�of ] �the most ardent defenders of conventional family values.

2 N‑COUNT A defender in a game such as football or hockey is a player whose main task is to try and stop the other side scoring.

de|fense /d I fe ns/ →�see defence

de|fen|sible /d I fe ns I b ə l/ ADJ An opinion, system, or action that is defensible is one that people can argue is right or good. □� Her reasons for acting are morally defensible.

de|fen|sive /d I fe ns I v/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use defensive to describe things that are intended to protect someone or something. □� The Government hastily organized defensive measures against the raids.

2 ADJ Someone who is defensive is behaving in a way that shows they feel unsure or threatened. □� Like their children, parents are often defensive about their private lives. ●� de|fen|sive|ly ADV □� 'Oh, I know, I know,' said Kate, defensively. ●� de|fen|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He felt a certain defensiveness about his position.

3 PHRASE If someone is on the defensive , they are trying to protect themselves or their interests because they feel unsure or threatened. □� Accusations are likely to put the other person on the defensive.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In sports, defensive play is play that is intended to prevent your opponent from scoring goals or points against you. □� I'd always played a defensive game, waiting for my opponent to make a mistake. ●� de|fen|sive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Mexico did not play defensively.

de|fer /d I fɜː r / (defers , deferring , deferred )

1 VERB If you defer an event or action, you arrange for it to happen at a later date, rather than immediately or at the previously planned time. □�[V n/v-ing] Customers often defer payment for as long as possible.

2 VERB If you defer to someone, you accept their opinion or do what they want you to do, even when you do not agree with it yourself, because you respect them or their authority. □�[V +�to ] Doctors are encouraged to defer to experts.

def|er|ence /de frəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Deference is a polite and respectful attitude towards someone, especially because they have an important position. □� The old sense of deference and restraint in royal reporting has vanished. [Also +�to ]

def|er|en|tial /de fəre nʃ ə l/ ADJ Someone who is deferential is polite and respectful towards someone else. □� They like five-star hotels and deferential treatment. [Also +�to ] ●� def|er|en|tial|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The old man spoke deferentially.

de|fer|ment /d I fɜː r mənt/ (deferments ) N‑VAR Deferment means arranging for something to happen at a later date. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the deferment of debt repayments.

de|fer|ral /d I fɜː rəl/ (deferrals ) N‑VAR Deferral means the same as deferment .

de|fi|ance /d I fa I əns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Defiance is behaviour or an attitude which shows that you are not willing to obey someone. □�[+�of ] �his courageous defiance of the government.

2 PHRASE If you do something in defiance of a person, rule, or law, you do it even though you know that you are not allowed to do it. □� Thousands of people have taken to the streets in defiance of the curfew.

de|fi|ant /d I fa I ənt/ ADJ If you say that someone is defiant , you mean they show aggression or independence by refusing to obey someone. □� The players are in defiant mood as they prepare for tomorrow's game. ●� de|fi|ant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� They defiantly rejected any talk of a compromise.

de|fib|ril|la|tor /diːf I br I le I tə r / (defibrillators ) N‑COUNT A defibrillator is a machine that starts the heart beating normally again after a heart attack, by giving it an electric shock. [MEDICAL ]

de|fi|cien|cy /d I f I ʃ ə nsi/ (deficiencies )

1 N‑VAR Deficiencyin something, especially something that your body needs, is not having enough of it. □� They did blood tests on him for signs of vitamin deficiency.

2 N‑VAR A deficiency that someone or something has is a weakness or imperfection in them. [FORMAL ] □� �a serious deficiency in our air defence.

de|fi|cient /d I f I ʃ ə nt/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is deficientin a particular thing, they do not have the full amount of it that they need in order to function normally or work properly. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] �a diet deficient in vitamin B. ●�COMB Deficient is also a combining form. □� Vegetarians can become iron-deficient.

2 ADJ Someone or something that is deficient is not good enough for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □� �deficient landing systems.

defi|cit ◆◆◇ /de fəs I t/ (deficits ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A deficit is the amount by which something is less than what is required or expected, especially the amount by which the total money received is less than the total money spent. □� They're ready to cut the federal budget deficit for the next fiscal year. ●�PHRASE If an account or organization is in deficit , more money has been spent than has been received. □� The current account of the balance of payments is in deficit. COLLOCATIONS deficit NOUN

noun +�deficit : budget, pension, trade

verb +�deficit : cut, eliminate, halve, reduce; tackle SYNONYMS deficit NOUN

shortfall:The government has refused to make up a �30,000 shortfall in funding.

shortage:A shortage of funds is preventing the U.N. from monitoring relief.

de|file /d I fa I l/ (defiles , defiling , defiled )

1 VERB To defile something that people think is important or holy means to do something to it or say something about it which is offensive. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] He had defiled the sacred name of the Holy Prophet.

2 N‑COUNT A defile is a very narrow valley or passage, usually through mountains. [FORMAL ]

de|fin|able /d I fa I nəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is definable can be described or identified. □� Many suffered from a definable mental disorder. □� �groups broadly definable as conservative.

de|fine ◆◇◇ /d I fa I n/ (defines , defining , defined )

1 VERB If you define something, you show, describe, or state clearly what it is and what its limits are, or what it is like. □�[V wh] We were unable to define what exactly was wrong with him. □�[V n] He was asked to define his concept of cool. ●� de|fined ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] □� �a party with a clearly defined programme and strict rules of membership.

2 VERB If you define a word or expression, you explain its meaning, for example in a dictionary. □�[V n +�as ] Collins English Dictionary defines a workaholic as 'a person obsessively addicted to work'. SYNONYMS define VERB 1

describe:The myth of Narcissus is described in Ovid's work.

interpret:The whole speech could be interpreted as a coded message to the Americans.

characterize:Both companies have characterized the relationship as friendly.

de|fined /d I fa I nd/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If something is clearly defined or strongly defined , its outline is clear or strong. □� A clearly defined track now leads down to the valley.

defi|nite /de f I n I t/

1 ADJ If something such as a decision or an arrangement is definite , it is firm and clear, and unlikely to be changed. □� It's too soon to give a definite answer. □� Her Royal Highness has definite views about most things. □� She made no definite plans for her future.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Definite evidence or information is true, rather than being someone's opinion or guess. □� We didn't have any definite proof.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use definite to emphasize the strength of your opinion or belief. [EMPHASIS ] □� There has already been a definite improvement. □� That's a very definite possibility.

4 ADJ Someone who is definite behaves or talks in a firm, confident way. □� Mary is very definite about this.

de fi|nite a r|ti|cle (definite articles ) N‑COUNT The word 'the' is sometimes called thedefinite article .

defi|nite|ly ◆◇◇ /de f I n I tli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use definitely to emphasize that something is the case, or to emphasize the strength of your intention or opinion. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm definitely going to get in touch with these people. □� 'I think the earlier ones are a lot better.'�'Mm, definitely.'

2 ADV [ADV before v] If something has been definitely decided, the decision will not be changed. □� He told them that no venue had yet been definitely decided. SYNONYMS definitely ADV 1

certainly:The public is certainly getting tired of hearing about it.

clearly:Clearly, the police cannot break the law in order to enforce it.

unquestionably:He is unquestionably a star.

undeniably:Bringing up a baby is undeniably hard work.

defi|ni|tion ◆◇◇ /de f I n I ʃ ə n/ (definitions )

1 N‑COUNT A definition is a statement giving the meaning of a word or expression, especially in a dictionary. □�[+�of ] There is no general agreement on a standard definition of intelligence. ●�PHRASE If you say that something has a particular quality by definition , you mean that it has this quality simply because of what it is. □� Human perception is highly imperfect and by definition subjective.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Definition is the quality of being clear and distinct. □� The speakers criticised his new programme for lack of definition. SYNONYMS definition NOUN 2

clarity:This remarkable technology provides far greater clarity than conventional x-rays.

sharpness:The telescope shows us our Universe with wonderful sharpness and clarity.

de|fini|tive /d I f I n I t I v/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is definitive provides a firm conclusion that cannot be questioned. □� No one has come up with a definitive answer as to why this should be so. ●� de|fini|tive|ly ADV □� The Constitution did not definitively rule out divorce.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A definitive book or performance is thought to be the best of its kind that has ever been done or that will ever be done. □� His 'An Orkney Tapestry' is still the definitive book on the islands.

de|flate /d I fle I t/ (deflates , deflating , deflated )

1 VERB If you deflate someone or something, you take away their confidence or make them seem less important. □�[V n] Britain's other hopes of medals were deflated earlier in the day. ●� de|flat|ed ADJ □� When she refused I felt deflated.

2 VERB When something such as a tyre or balloon deflates , or when you deflate it, all the air comes out of it. □�[V ] When it returns to shore, the life-jacket will deflate and revert to a harness. □�[V n] We deflate the tyres to make it easier to cross the desert.

de|fla|tion /diː fle I ʃ ə n, d I f-/ N‑UNCOUNT Deflation is a reduction in economic activity that leads to lower levels of industrial output, employment, investment, trade, profits, and prices. [BUSINESS ]

de|fla|tion|ary /diː fle I ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A deflationary economic policy or measure is one that is intended to or likely to cause deflation. [BUSINESS ]

de|flect /d I fle kt/ (deflects , deflecting , deflected )

1 VERB If you deflect something such as criticism or attention, you act in a way that prevents it from being directed towards you or affecting you. □�[V n] Cage changed his name to deflect accusations of nepotism. □�[V n +�from ] It's a maneuver to deflect the attention of the people from what is really happening.

2 VERB To deflect someone from a course of action means to make them decide not to continue with it by putting pressure on them or by offering them something desirable. □�[V n +�from ] The war did not deflect him from the path he had long ago taken. □�[V n] Never let a little problem deflect you.

3 VERB If you deflect something that is moving, you make it go in a slightly different direction, for example by hitting or blocking it. □�[V n] My forearm deflected most of the first punch.

de|flec|tion /d I fle kʃ ə n/ (deflections )

1 N‑VAR The deflection of something means making it change direction. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the deflection of light as it passes through the slits in the grating.

2 N‑COUNT In sport, the deflection of a ball, kick, or shot is when the ball hits an object and then travels in a different direction.

de|flow|er /diː flaʊ ə r / (deflowers , deflowering , deflowered ) VERB When a woman is deflowered , she has sexual intercourse with a man for the first time. [LITERARY ] □�[be V -ed] Nora was deflowered by a man who worked in a soda-water factory. [Also V n]

de|fo|li|ant /diː foʊ liənt/ (defoliants ) N‑VAR A defoliant is a chemical used on trees and plants to make all their leaves fall off. Defoliants are especially used in war to remove protection from an enemy.

de|fo|li|ate /diː foʊ lie I t/ (defoliates , defoliating , defoliated ) VERB To defoliate an area or the plants in it means to cause the leaves on the plants to fall off or be destroyed. This is done especially in war to remove protection from an enemy. □�[V n] Large areas of jungle were defoliated by a chemical. ●� de|fo|lia|tion /diː foʊ lie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �preventing defoliation of trees by caterpillars.

de|for|est /diː fɒ r I st, [AM ] -fɔː r-/ (deforests , deforesting , deforested ) VERB [usu passive] If an area is deforested , all the trees there are cut down or destroyed. □�[be V -ed] The area had largely been deforested by the middle of the 19th century. ●� de|for|esta|tion /diː fɒ r I ste I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -fɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the ecological crisis of deforestation.

de|form /d I fɔː r m/ (deforms , deforming , deformed ) VERB If something deforms a person's body or something else, it causes it to have an unnatural shape. In technical English, you can also say that the second thing deforms . □�[V n] Bad rheumatoid arthritis deforms limbs. □�[V ] �the ability of a metal to deform to a new shape without cracking. ●� de|formed ADJ □� He was born with a deformed right leg. ●� de|for|ma|tion /diː fɔː r me I ʃ ə n/ (deformations ) N‑VAR □� Changing stresses bring about more cracking and rock deformation.

de|form|ity /d I fɔː r m I ti/ (deformities )

1 N‑COUNT A deformity is a part of someone's body which is not the normal shape because of injury or illness, or because they were born this way. □� �facial deformities in babies.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Deformity is the condition of having a deformity. □� The bones begin to grind against each other, leading to pain and deformity.

de|fraud /d I frɔː d/ (defrauds , defrauding , defrauded ) VERB If someone defrauds you, they take something away from you or stop you from getting what belongs to you by means of tricks and lies. □�[V n] He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud the government. □�[V n +�of/out of ] �allegations that he defrauded taxpayers of thousands of dollars.

de|fray /d I fre I / (defrays , defraying , defrayed ) VERB If you defray someone's costs or expenses, you give them money which represents the amount that they have spent, for example while they have been doing something for you or acting on your behalf. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The government has committed billions toward defraying the costs of the war.

de|frock /diːfrɒ k/ (defrocked ) V-PASSIVE If a priest is defrocked , he is forced to stop being a priest because of bad behaviour. □�[be V -ed] Mellors was preaching heresy and had to be immediately defrocked. □�[V -ed] �a defrocked priest.

de|frost /diː frɒ st, [AM ] -frɔː st/ (defrosts , defrosting , defrosted )

1 VERB When you defrost frozen food or when it defrosts , you allow or cause it to become unfrozen so that you can eat it or cook it. □�[V n] She has a microwave, but uses it mainly for defrosting bread. □�[V ] Once the turkey has defrosted, remove the giblets.

2 VERB When you defrost a fridge or freezer, you switch it off or press a special switch so that the ice inside it can melt. You can also say that a fridge or freezer is defrosting . □�[V n] Defrost the fridge regularly so that it works at maximum efficiency. [Also V ]

deft /de ft/ (defter , deftest ) ADJ A deft action is skilful and often quick. [WRITTEN ] □� With a deft flick of his foot, Mr Worth tripped one of the raiders up. ●� deft|ly ADV □� One of the waiting servants deftly caught him as he fell. ●� deft|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �Dr Holly's surgical deftness and experience.

de|funct /d I fʌ ŋkt/ ADJ If something is defunct , it no longer exists or has stopped functioning or operating. □� �the leader of the now defunct Social Democratic Party.

de|fuse /diː fjuː z/ (defuses , defusing , defused )

1 VERB If you defuse a dangerous or tense situation, you calm it. □�[V n] The organization helped defuse potentially violent situations.

2 VERB If someone defuses a bomb, they remove the fuse so that it cannot explode. □�[V n] Police have defused a bomb found in a building in London.

defy /d I fa I / (defies , defying , defied )

1 VERB If you defy someone or something that is trying to make you behave in a particular way, you refuse to obey them and behave in that way. □�[V n] This was the first (and last) time that I dared to defy my mother.

2 VERB If you defy someone to do something, you challenge them to do it when you think that they will be unable to do it or too frightened to do it. □�[V n to-inf] I defy you to read this book and not feel motivated to change.

3 VERB [no passive, no cont] If something defies description or understanding, it is so strange, extreme, or surprising that it is almost impossible to understand or explain. □�[V n] It's a devastating and barbaric act that defies all comprehension.

de|gen|era|cy /d I dʒe nərəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the behaviour of a group of people as degeneracy , you mean that you think it is shocking, immoral, or disgusting. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the moral degeneracy of society.

de|gen|er|ate (degenerates , degenerating , degenerated ) The verb is pronounced /d I dʒe nəre I t/. The adjective and noun are pronounced /d I dʒe nərət/. 1 VERB If you say that someone or something degenerates , you mean that they become worse in some way, for example weaker, lower in quality, or more dangerous. □�[V ] Inactivity can make your joints stiff, and the bones may begin to degenerate. □�[V +�into ] �a very serious humanitarian crisis which could degenerate into a catastrophe. ●� de|gen|era|tion /d I dʒe nəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �various forms of physical and mental degeneration.

2 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as degenerate , you disapprove of them because you think they have low standards of behaviour or morality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a group of degenerate computer hackers.

3 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a degenerate , you disapprove of them because you think they have low standards of behaviour or morality. [DISAPPROVAL ]

de|gen|era|tive /d I dʒe nərət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A degenerative disease or condition is one that gets worse as time progresses. □� �degenerative diseases of the brain, like Alzheimer's.

deg|ra|da|tion /de grəde I ʃ ə n/ (degradations )

1 N‑VAR You use degradation to refer to a situation, condition, or experience which you consider shameful and disgusting, especially one which involves poverty or immorality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They were sickened by the scenes of misery and degradation they found.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Degradation is the process of something becoming worse or weaker, or being made worse or weaker. □� I feel this signals the degradation of American culture.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The degradation of land or of the environment is the process of its becoming damaged and poorer, for example because of the effects of pollution, industry, and modern agricultural methods. [TECHNICAL ]

de|grade /d I gre I d/ (degrades , degrading , degraded )

1 VERB Something that degrades someone causes people to have less respect for them. □�[V n] �the notion that pornography degrades women. □�[V pron-refl] When I asked him if he had ever taken bribes he said he wouldn't degrade himself like that. ●� de|grad|ing ADJ □� Mr Porter was subjected to a degrading strip-search.

2 VERB To degrade something means to cause it to get worse. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �the ability to meet human needs indefinitely without degrading the environment.

3 VERB In science, if a substance degrades or if something degrades it, it changes chemically and decays or separates into different substances. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V ] This substance degrades rapidly in the soil. □�[V n] �the ability of these enzymes to degrade cellulose.

de|gree ◆◆◇ /d I griː / (degrees )

1 N‑COUNT You use degree to indicate the extent to which something happens or is the case, or the amount which something is felt. □�[+�of ] These man-made barriers will ensure a very high degree of protection. □�[+�of ] Politicians have used television with varying degrees of success. ●�PHRASE If something has a degree of a particular quality, it has a small but significant amount of that quality. □� Their wages do, however, allow them a degree of independence.

2 N‑COUNT A degree is a unit of measurement that is used to measure temperatures. It is often written as �, for example 23�. □� It's over 80 degrees outside.

3 N‑COUNT A degree is a unit of measurement that is used to measure angles, and also longitude and latitude. It is often written as �, for example 23�. □� It was pointing outward at an angle of 45 degrees.

4 N‑COUNT A degree at a university or college is a course of study that you take there, or the qualification that you get when you have passed the course. □� He took a master's degree in economics at Yale. □� �the first year of a degree course.

5 →�see also first-degree , second-degree , third-degree

6 PHRASE If something happens by degrees , it happens slowly and gradually. □� The crowd in Robinson's Coffee-House was thinning, but only by degrees.

7 PHRASE You use expressions such as to some degree , to a large degree , or to a certain degree in order to indicate that something is partly true, but not entirely true. [VAGUENESS ] □� These statements are, to some degree, all correct.

8 PHRASE You use expressions such as to what degree and to the degree that when you are discussing how true a statement is, or in what ways it is true. [VAGUENESS ] □� To what degree would you say you had control over things that went on? COLLOCATIONS degree NOUN

1

adjective +�degree : great, high, large; certain, considerable, fair, reasonable; various, varying

5

adjective +�degree : postgraduate, undergraduate; honorary; first-class, second-class

verb +�degree : gain, obtain, receive SYNONYMS degree NOUN 1

extent:Growing up with him soon made me realise the extent of his determination.

amount:I still do a certain amount of work for them.

level:The exercises are marked according to their level of difficulty.

proportion:A large proportion of the dolphins in that area will eventually die.

de|hu|man|ize /diː hjuː məna I z/ (dehumanizes , dehumanizing , dehumanized ) in BRIT, also use dehumanise VERB If you say that something dehumanizes people, you mean it takes away from them good human qualities such as kindness, generosity, and independence. □�[V n] The years of civil war have dehumanized all of us.

de|hu|midi|fi|er /diːhjuːm I d I fa I ə r / (dehumidifiers ) N‑COUNT A dehumidifier is a machine that is used to reduce the amount of moisture in the air.

de|hy|drate /diː ha I dre I t, -ha I dre I t/ (dehydrates , dehydrating , dehydrated )

1 VERB [usu passive] When something such as food is dehydrated , all the water is removed from it, often in order to preserve it. □�[be V -ed] Normally specimens have to be dehydrated. ●� de|hy|drat|ed ADJ □� Dehydrated meals, soups and sauces contain a lot of salt.

2 VERB If you dehydrate or if something dehydrates you, you lose too much water from your body so that you feel weak or ill. □�[V ] People can dehydrate in weather like this. □�[V n] Alcohol quickly dehydrates your body. ●� de|hy|dra|tion /diː ha I dre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a child who's got diarrhoea and is suffering from dehydration.

dei|fi|ca|tion /de I I f I ke I ʃ ə n, [AM ] diː -/ N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the deification of someone or something, you mean that they are regarded with very great respect and are not criticized at all. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the deification of science in the 1940s.

dei|fy /de I I fa I , [AM ] diː -/ (deifies , deifying , deified ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is deified , they are considered to be a god or are regarded with very great respect. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Valentino was virtually deified by legions of female fans.

deign /de I n/ (deigns , deigning , deigned ) VERB If you say that someone deigned to do something, you are expressing your disapproval of the fact that they did it unwillingly, because they thought they were too important to do it. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V to-inf] At last, Harper deigned to speak.

de|ism /de I I zəm, [AM ] diː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Deism is the belief that there is a God who made the world but does not influence human lives.

de|ity /de I I t I , [AM ] diː -/ (deities ) N‑COUNT A deity is a god or goddess. [FORMAL ]

d�j� vu /de I ʒɑː vuː / N‑UNCOUNT D�j� vu is the feeling that you have already experienced the things that are happening to you now. □� The sense of d�j� vu was overwhelming.

de|ject|ed /d I dʒe kt I d/ ADJ If you are dejected , you feel miserable or unhappy, especially because you have just been disappointed by something. □� Everyone has days when they feel dejected or down. ●� de|ject|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Passengers queued dejectedly for the increasingly dirty toilets.

de|jec|tion /d I dʒe kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Dejection is a feeling of sadness that you get, for example, when you have just been disappointed by something. □� There was a slight air of dejection about her.

de jure /de I dʒʊə re I , [AM ] diː dʒʊ ri/ ADJ [ADJ n] De jure is used to indicate that something legally exists or is a particular thing. [LEGAL ] □� �politicians and kings, de jure leaders of men. ●�ADV De jure is also an adverb. □� The Synod's declarations prevailed de jure but not de facto in the Roman Catholic Church down to the Reformation era.

de|lay ◆◆◇ /d I le I / (delays , delaying , delayed )

1 VERB If you delay doing something, you do not do it immediately or at the planned or expected time, but you leave it until later. □�[V n] For sentimental reasons I wanted to delay my departure until June. □�[V ] So don't delay, write in now for your chance of a free gift.

2 VERB To delay someone or something means to make them late or to slow them down. □�[V n] Can you delay him in some way? □�[V n] The passengers were delayed for an hour.

3 VERB If you delay , you deliberately take longer than necessary to do something. □�[V ] If he delayed any longer, the sun would be up.

4 N‑VAR If there is a delay , something does not happen until later than planned or expected. □� Although the tests have caused some delay, flights should be back to normal this morning.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Delay is a failure to do something immediately or in the required or usual time. □� We'll send you a quote without delay.

de|la yed a c|tion ADJ [ADJ n] A delayed action mechanism causes a delay on the device it is fitted to, so that it does not work as soon as you switch it on or operate it. □� �a type of delayed action parachute.

de|lay|er|ing /diːle I ər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Delayering is the process of simplifying the administrative structure of a large organization in order to make it more efficient. [BUSINESS ]

de|la y|ing ta c|tic (delaying tactics ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Delaying tactics are things that someone does in order to deliberately delay the start or progress of something. □� Ministers are using delaying tactics to postpone the report yet again.

de|lec|table /d I le ktəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something, especially food or drink, as delectable , you mean that it is very pleasant. □� �delectable desserts, cakes and puddings.

de|lec|ta|tion /diː lekte I ʃ ə n/ PHRASE If you do something for someone's delectation , you do it to give them enjoyment or pleasure. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] She makes scones and cakes for the delectation of visitors.

del|egate ◆◇◇ (delegates , delegating , delegated ) The noun is pronounced /de l I gət/. The verb is pronounced /de l I ge I t/. 1 N‑COUNT A delegate is a person who is chosen to vote or make decisions on behalf of a group of other people, especially at a conference or a meeting.

2 VERB If you delegate duties, responsibilities, or power to someone, you give them those duties, those responsibilities, or that power so that they can act on your behalf. □�[V n +�to ] He plans to delegate more authority to his deputies. □�[V ] Many employers find it hard to delegate. [Also V n] ●� del|ega|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� A key factor in running a business is the delegation of responsibility.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are delegatedto do something, you are given the duty of acting on someone else's behalf by making decisions, voting, or doing some particular work. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Officials have now been delegated to start work on a draft settlement.

del|ega|tion ◆◇◇ /de l I ge I ʃ ə n/ (delegations )

1 N‑COUNT A delegation is a group of people who have been sent somewhere to have talks with other people on behalf of a larger group of people. □� He was sent to New York as part of the Dutch delegation to the United Nations.

2 →�see also delegate

de|lete /d I liː t/ (deletes , deleting , deleted ) VERB If you delete something that has been written down or stored in a computer, you cross it out or remove it. □�[V n] He also deleted files from the computer system. ●� de|letion /d I liː ʃ ə n/ (deletions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] This involved the deletion of a great deal of irrelevant material.

del|eteri|ous /de l I t I ə riəs/ ADJ Something that has a deleterious effect on something has a harmful effect on it. [FORMAL ] □� Petty crime is having a deleterious effect on community life.

deli /de li/ (delis ) N‑COUNT A deli is a shop or part of a shop that sells food such as cheese and cold meat. Deli is an abbreviation for 'delicatessen'.

de|lib|er|ate ◆◇◇ (deliberates , deliberating , deliberated ) The adjective is pronounced /d I l I bərət/. The verb is pronounced /d I l I bəre I t/. 1 ADJ If you do something that is deliberate , you planned or decided to do it beforehand, and so it happens on purpose rather than by chance. □� Witnesses say the firing was deliberate and sustained. ●� de|lib|er|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� It looks as if the blaze was started deliberately. □� Mr Christopher's answer was deliberately vague.

2 ADJ If a movement or action is deliberate , it is done slowly and carefully. □� �stepping with deliberate slowness up the steep paths. ●� de|lib|er|ate|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The Japanese have acted calmly and deliberately.

3 VERB If you deliberate , you think about something carefully, especially before making a very important decision. □�[V +�over/about ] She deliberated over the decision for a long time before she made up her mind. □�[V n] The Court of Criminal Appeals has been deliberating his case for almost two weeks.

de|lib|era|tion /d I l I bəre I ʃ ə n/ (deliberations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Deliberation is the long and careful consideration of a subject. □� After much deliberation, a decision was reached.

2 N‑PLURAL Deliberations are formal discussions where an issue is considered carefully. □� Their deliberations were rather inconclusive.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] If you say or do something with deliberation , you do it slowly and carefully. □� Fred spoke with deliberation. □� My mother folded her coat across the back of the chair with careful deliberation.

de|lib|era|tive /d I l I bərət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A deliberative institution or procedure has the power or the right to make important decisions. [FORMAL ] □� �a deliberative chamber like the House of Commons.

deli|ca|cy /de l I kəsi/ (delicacies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Delicacy is the quality of being easy to break or harm, and refers especially to people or things that are attractive or graceful. □�[+�of ] �the delicacy of a rose.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that a situation or problem is of some delicacy , you mean that it is difficult to handle and needs careful and sensitive treatment. □� There is a matter of some delicacy which I would like to discuss.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] If someone handles a difficult situation withdelicacy , they handle it very carefully, making sure that nobody is offended. □� Both countries are behaving with rare delicacy.

4 N‑COUNT A delicacy is a rare or expensive food that is considered especially nice to eat. □� Smoked salmon was considered an expensive delicacy.

deli|cate /de l I kət/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is delicate is small and beautifully shaped. □� He had delicate hands. ●� deli|cate|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� She was a shy, delicately pretty girl with enormous blue eyes.

2 ADJ Something that is delicate has a colour, taste, or smell which is pleasant and not strong or intense. □� Young haricot beans have a tender texture and a delicate, subtle flavour. ●� deli|cate|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □� �a soup delicately flavoured with nutmeg.

3 ADJ If something is delicate , it is easy to harm, damage, or break, and needs to be handled or treated carefully. □� Although the coral looks hard, it is very delicate.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is delicate is not healthy and strong, and becomes ill easily. □� She was physically delicate and psychologically unstable.

5 ADJ You use delicate to describe a situation, problem, matter, or discussion that needs to be dealt with carefully and sensitively in order to avoid upsetting things or offending people. □� The members are afraid of upsetting the delicate balance of political interests. ●� deli|cate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �a delicately-worded memo.

6 ADJ A delicate task, movement, action, or product needs or shows great skill and attention to detail. □� �a long and delicate operation carried out at a hospital in Florence. ●� deli|cate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the delicately embroidered sheets.

deli|ca|tes|sen /de l I kəte s ə n/ (delicatessens ) N‑COUNT A delicatessen is a shop that sells high quality foods such as cheeses and cold meats that have been imported from other countries.

de|li|cious /d I l I ʃəs/

1 ADJ Food that is delicious has a very pleasant taste. □� There's always a wide selection of delicious meals to choose from. ●� de|li|cious|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� This yoghurt has a deliciously creamy flavour.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as delicious , you mean that it is very pleasant. □� �that delicious feeling of surprise. ●� de|li|cious|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� It leaves your hair smelling deliciously fresh and fragrant.

de|light ◆◇◇ /d I la I t/ (delights , delighting , delighted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Delight is a feeling of very great pleasure. □� Throughout the house, the views are a constant source of surprise and delight. □� Andrew roared with delight when he heard Rachel's nickname for the baby. □� To my great delight, it worked perfectly.

2 PHRASE If someone takes delight or takes a delightin something, they get a lot of pleasure from it. □� Haig took obvious delight in proving his critics wrong.

3 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] You can refer to someone or something that gives you great pleasure or enjoyment as a delight . [APPROVAL ] □� Sampling the local cuisine is one of the delights of a holiday abroad.

4 VERB If something delights you, it gives you a lot of pleasure. □�[V n] She has created a style of music that has delighted audiences all over the world.

5 VERB If you delightin something, you get a lot of pleasure from it. □�[V +�in ] Generations of adults and children have delighted in the story. □�[V +�in ] He delighted in sharing his love of birds with children. SYNONYMS delight NOUN 1

joy:Salter shouted with joy.

happiness:I think mostly she was looking for happiness.

ecstasy:�a state of almost religious ecstasy.

bliss:It was a scene of such domestic bliss.

rapture:His speech was received with rapture by his supporters.

de|light|ed ◆◇◇ /d I la I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] If you are delighted , you are extremely pleased and excited about something. □� I know Frank will be delighted to see you. □�[+�with ] He said that he was delighted with the public response. ●� de|light|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'There!' Jackson exclaimed delightedly.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] If someone invites or asks you to do something, you can say that you would be delighted to do it, as a way of showing that you are very willing to do it. [FEELINGS ] □� 'You must come to Tinsley's graduation party.'�'I'd be delighted.' SYNONYMS delighted ADJ 1

thrilled:He's thrilled to bits at the news.

ecstatic:They were greeted by the cheers of an ecstatic crowd.

jubilant:�the jubilant crowds of Paris.

elated:I was elated that my second heart bypass had been successful.

over the moon:She was over the moon when she heard the news.

de|light|ful /d I la I tfʊl/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as delightful , you mean they are very pleasant. □� It was the most delightful garden I had ever seen. ●� de|light|ful|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� �a delightfully refreshing cologne.

de|lim|it /d I l I m I t/ (delimits , delimiting , delimited ) VERB If you delimit something, you fix or establish its limits. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] This is not meant to delimit what approaches social researchers can adopt.

de|lin|eate /d I l I nie I t/ (delineates , delineating , delineated )

1 VERB If you delineate something such as an idea or situation, you describe it or define it, often in a lot of detail. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Biography must to some extent delineate characters.

2 VERB If you delineate a border, you say exactly where it is going to be. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �an agreement to delineate the border.

de|lin|quen|cy /d I l I ŋkwənsi/ (delinquencies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Delinquency is criminal behaviour, especially that of young people. □� He had no history of delinquency.

2 →�see also juvenile delinquency

de|lin|quent /d I l I ŋkwənt/ (delinquents )

1 ADJ Someone, usually a young person, who is delinquent repeatedly commits minor crimes. □� �remand homes for delinquent children. ●�N‑COUNT Delinquent is also a noun. □� �a nine-year-old delinquent.

2 →�see also juvenile delinquent

de|liri|ous /d I l I ə riəs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is delirious is unable to think or speak in a sensible and reasonable way, usually because they are very ill and have a fever. □� I was delirious and blacked out several times.

2 ADJ Someone who is delirious is extremely excited and happy. □� I was delirious with joy. ●� de|liri|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] □� Dora returned from her honeymoon deliriously happy.

de|lir|ium /d I l I ə riəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is suffering from delirium , they are not able to think or speak in a sensible and reasonable way because they are very ill and have a fever. □� In her delirium, she had fallen to the floor several times.

de|list /diː l I st/ (delists , delisting , delisted ) VERB If a company delists or if its shares are delisted , its shares are removed from the official list of shares that can be traded on the stock market. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The group asked the Stock Exchange to delist the shares of four of its companies. □�[be V -ed +�from ] The shares dived and were delisted from the London market. [Also V ]

de|liv|er ◆◆◇ /d I l I və r / (delivers , delivering , delivered )

1 VERB If you deliver something somewhere, you take it there. □�[V n +�to ] The Canadians plan to deliver more food to southern Somalia. □�[V n] The spy returned to deliver a second batch of classified documents. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you deliver something that you have promised to do, make, or produce, you do, make, or produce it. □�[V n] They have yet to show that they can really deliver working technologies. □�[V ] We don't promise what we can't deliver.

3 VERB If you deliver a person or thing into someone's care, you give them responsibility for that person or thing. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�into/to ] Mrs Montgomery was delivered into Mr Hinchcliffe's care. □�[V n +�into/to ] David delivered Holly gratefully into the woman's outstretched arms.

4 VERB If you deliver a lecture or speech, you give it in public. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The president will deliver a speech about schools.

5 VERB When someone delivers a baby, they help the woman who is giving birth to the baby. □�[V n] Her husband had to deliver the baby himself.

6 VERB If someone delivers a blow to someone else, they hit them. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed] Those blows to the head could have been delivered by a woman. [Also V n]

de|liv|er|ance /d I l I vərəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Deliverance is rescue from imprisonment, danger, or evil. [LITERARY ] □�[+�from ] The opening scene shows them celebrating their sudden deliverance from war.

de|liv|ery ◆◇◇ /d I l I vəri/ (deliveries )

1 N‑VAR Delivery or a delivery is the bringing of letters, parcels, or other goods to someone's house or to another place where they want them. □� It is available at �108, including VAT and delivery. □� �the delivery of goods and resources.

2 N‑COUNT A delivery of something is the goods that are delivered. □� I got a delivery of fresh eggs this morning.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A delivery person or service delivers things to a place. □� �a pizza delivery man.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] You talk about someone's delivery when you are referring to the way in which they give a speech or lecture. □� His speeches were magnificently written but his delivery was hopeless.

5 N‑VAR Delivery is the process of giving birth to a baby. □� In the end, it was an easy delivery: a fine baby boy.

de|li v|ery room (delivery rooms ) N‑COUNT In a hospital, the delivery room is the room where women give birth to their babies.

dell /de l/ (dells ) N‑COUNT A dell is a small valley which has trees growing in it. [LITERARY ]

del|phin|ium /delf I niəm/ (delphiniums ) N‑COUNT A delphinium is a garden plant which has a tall stem with blue flowers growing up it.

del|ta /de ltə/ (deltas ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A delta is an area of low, flat land shaped like a triangle, where a river splits and spreads out into several branches before entering the sea. □� �the Mississippi delta.

de|lude /d I luː d/ (deludes , deluding , deluded )

1 VERB If you deludeyourself , you let yourself believe that something is true, even though it is not true. □�[V pron-refl] The President was deluding himself if he thought he was safe from such action. □�[V pron-refl that] We delude ourselves that we are in control. □�[V pron-refl +�into ] I had deluded myself into believing that it would all come right in the end.

2 VERB To delude someone into thinking something means to make them believe what is not true. □�[V n +�into ] Television deludes you into thinking you have experienced reality, when you haven't. □�[be V -ed] He had been unwittingly deluded by their mystical nonsense. [Also V n]

de|lud|ed /d I luː d I d/ ADJ Someone who is deluded believes something that is not true. □� �deluded fanatics.

del|uge /de ljuːdʒ/ (deluges , deluging , deluged )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A delugeof things is a large number of them which arrive or happen at the same time. □�[+�of ] A deluge of manuscripts began to arrive in the post. □�[+�of ] This has brought a deluge of criticism.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a place or person is delugedwith things, a large number of them arrive or happen at the same time. □�[be V -ed +�with/by ] During 1933, Papen's office was deluged with complaints.

3 N‑COUNT A deluge is a sudden, very heavy fall of rain. □� About a dozen homes were damaged in the deluge.

de|lu|sion /d I luː ʒ ə n/ (delusions )

1 N‑COUNT A delusion is a false idea. □� I was under the delusion that he intended to marry me.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Delusion is the state of believing things that are not true. □� This was not optimism, it was delusion.

3 PHRASE If someone has delusions of grandeur , they think and behave as if they are much more important or powerful than they really are. [DISAPPROVAL ]

deluxe /d I lʌ ks/ in BRIT, also use de luxe ADJ [ADJ n, n ADJ ] Deluxe goods or services are better in quality and more expensive than ordinary ones. □� �a rare, highly prized deluxe wine.

delve /de lv/ (delves , delving , delved )

1 VERB If you delveinto something, you try to discover new information about it. □�[V +�into ] Tormented by her ignorance, Jenny delves into her mother's past. □�[V adv] If you're interested in a subject, use the Internet to delve deeper.

2 VERB If you delveinto something such as a cupboard or a bag, you search inside it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V prep/adv] She delved into her rucksack and pulled out a folder.

dema|gog|ic /de məgɒ dʒ I k/ ADJ If you say that someone such as a politician is demagogic , you are criticizing them because you think they try to win people's support by appealing to their emotions rather than using reasonable arguments. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

dema|gogue /de məgɒg, [AM ] -gɔːg/ (demagogues ) in AM, also use demagog N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If you say that someone such as a politician is a demagogue you are criticizing them because you think they try to win people's support by appealing to their emotions rather than using reasonable arguments. [DISAPPROVAL ]

dema|gogy /de məgɒdʒi/ or demagoguery N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to a method of political rule as demagogy if you disapprove of it because you think it involves appealing to people's emotions rather than using reasonable arguments. [DISAPPROVAL ]

de|mand ◆◆◆ /d I mɑː nd, -m� nd/ (demands , demanding , demanded )

1 VERB If you demand something such as information or action, you ask for it in a very forceful way. □�[V n +�from ] Mr Byers last night demanded an immediate explanation from the Education Secretary. □�[V that] Russia demanded that Unita send a delegation to the peace talks. □�[V to-inf] The hijackers are demanding to speak to representatives of both governments. □�[V with quote] 'What did you expect me to do about it?' she demanded.

2 VERB If one thing demands another, the first needs the second in order to happen or be dealt with successfully. □�[V n] He said the task of reconstruction would demand much patience, hard work and sacrifice.

3 N‑COUNT A demand is a firm request for something. □�[+�for ] There have been demands for services from tenants up there.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to demand , or to the demandfor something, you are referring to how many people want to have it, do it, or buy it. □� Another flight would be arranged on Saturday if sufficient demand arose. □� Demand for coal is down and so are prices.

5 N‑PLURAL Thedemandsof something or its demandson you are the things which it needs or the things which you have to do for it. □�[+�of ] �the demands and challenges of a new job. [Also +�on ]

6 PHRASE If someone or something is in demand or in great demand , they are very popular and a lot of people want them. □� He was much in demand as a lecturer in the U.S.

7 PHRASE If someone or something makes demandson you, they require you to do things which need a lot of time, energy, or money. □� I had no right to make demands on his time.

8 PHRASE If something is available or happens on demand , you can have it or it happens whenever you want it or ask for it. □� There was free tea and coffee on demand. SYNONYMS demand VERB 1

request:Mr Dennis said he had requested access to a telephone.

ask for:I decided to go to the next house and ask for food.

order:The President has ordered a full investigation.

insist on:She insisted on being present at all the interviews. USAGE demand

When demand is a verb, don�t use �for� after it. Don�t say, for example, � They are demanding for higher wages. � Say �They are demanding higher wages�. COLLOCATIONS demand VERB 1

demand+�noun : answer, apology, explanation; compensation, money, payment, ransom; action NOUN 4

noun +�demand : consumer

adjective +�demand : growing, increasing, rising, strong; falling, reduced, slowing, weak; domestic, global

verb +�demand : meet, satisfy; boost, increase, stimulate; create; reduce, weaken

de|mand|ing /d I mɑː nd I ŋ, -m� nd-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A demanding job or task requires a lot of your time, energy, or attention. □� He found he could no longer cope with his demanding job.

2 ADJ People who are demanding are not easily satisfied or pleased. □� Ricky was a very demanding child.

de|mar|cate /diː mɑː r ke I t, [AM ] d I mɑː rk-/ (demarcates , demarcating , demarcated ) VERB If you demarcate something, you establish its boundaries or limits. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] A special U.N. commission was formed to demarcate the border.

de|mar|ca|tion /diː mɑː r ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Demarcation is the establishment of boundaries or limits separating two areas, groups, or things. [FORMAL ] □� Talks were continuing about the demarcation of the border between the two countries.

de|mean /d I miː n/ (demeans , demeaning , demeaned )

1 VERB If you demeanyourself , you do something which makes people have less respect for you. □�[V pron-refl] He plays a struggling immigrant who is forced to demean himself with a series of bread line jobs.

2 VERB To demean someone or something means to make people have less respect for them. □�[V n] Some groups say that pornography demeans women.

de|mean|ing /d I miː n I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is demeaning makes people have less respect for the person who is treated in that way, or who does that thing. □� �demeaning sexist comments. [Also +�to ]

de|mean|our /d I miː nə r / in AM, use demeanor N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Your demeanour is the way you behave, which gives people an impression of your character and feelings. [FORMAL ] □� �her calm and cheerful demeanour.

de|ment|ed /d I me nt I d/

1 ADJ Someone who is demented has a severe mental illness, especially Alzheimer's disease. [MEDICAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 ADJ If you describe someone as demented , you think that their actions are strange, foolish, or uncontrolled. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Sid broke into demented laughter.

de|men|tia /d I me nʃə/ (dementias ) N‑VAR Dementia is a serious illness of the mind. [MEDICAL ]

dem|erara sug|ar /de məreərə ʃʊ gə r / N‑UNCOUNT Demerara sugar is a type of brown sugar. It is made from sugar cane that is grown in the West Indies. [BRIT ]

de|merge /diː mɜː r dʒ/ (demerges , demerging , demerged ) VERB If a large company is demerged or demerges , it is broken down into several smaller companies. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □�[V n] His ultimate aim is to demerge the group. □�[V ] Many companies merge and few demerge. [Also V n from n]

de|merg|er /diː mɜː r dʒə r / (demergers ) N‑COUNT A demerger is the separation of a large company into several smaller companies. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

de|mer|it /diː me r I t/ (demerits ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu with poss] The demeritsof something or someone are their faults or disadvantages. [FORMAL ] □� �articles debating the merits and demerits of the three candidates.

demi- /de mi-/ PREFIX Demi- is used at the beginning of some words to refer to something equivalent to half of the object or amount indicated by the rest of the word.

demi|god /de migɒd/ (demigods )

1 N‑COUNT In mythology, a demigod is a less important god, especially one who is half god and half human.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a famous or important person such as a politician, writer, or musician as a demigod , you mean that you disapprove of the way in which people admire them and treat them like a god. [DISAPPROVAL ]

de|mili|ta|rize /diː m I l I təra I z/ (demilitarizes , demilitarizing , demilitarized ) in BRIT, also use demilitarise VERB To demilitarize an area means to ensure that all military forces are removed from it. □�[V n] He said the U.N. had made remarkable progress in demilitarizing the region. ●� de|mili|ta|ri|za|tion /diː m I l I təra I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Demilitarization of the country was out of the question.

de|mise /d I ma I z/ N‑SING [usu with poss] The demise of something or someone is their end or death. [FORMAL ] □� �the demise of the reform movement.

demo /de moʊ/ (demos , demoing , demoed )

1 N‑COUNT A demo is a demonstration by a group of people to show their opposition to something or their support for something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �an anti-racist demo.

2 N‑COUNT A demo is a demonstration in which someone shows you how to do something or how it works. [INFORMAL ] □� 'Simply lift your left foot over your right and back again,' he said, giving me a quick demo. □� You can watch product demos on their website.

3 VERB If you demo something, you demonstrate how to do it or how it works. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] She will demo recipes on stage.

4 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A demo is a CD or tape with a sample of someone's music recorded on it. [INFORMAL ] □� He listened to one of my demo tapes.

de|mob /diː mɒb/ N‑UNCOUNT Someone's demob is their release from the armed forces. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I didn't get back to Brussels until after my demob.

de|mobbed /diːmɒ bd/ V-PASSIVE When soldiers are demobbed , they are released from the armed forces. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] I'm still in the air force, though I'll be demobbed in a couple of months. □�[V -ed] �housing and retraining demobbed soldiers.

de|mo|bi|lize /diː moʊ b I la I z/ (demobilizes , demobilizing , demobilized ) in BRIT, also use demobilise VERB If a country or armed force demobilizes its troops, or if its troops demobilize , its troops are released from service and allowed to go home. □�[V n] Both sides have agreed to demobilize 70% of their armies. □�[V ] It is unlikely that the rebels will agree to demobilise. ●� de|mo|bi|li|za|tion /diː moʊ b I la I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the demobilisation of a 100,000 strong army.

de|moc|ra|cy ◆◆◇ /d I mɒ krəsi/ (democracies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Democracy is a system of government in which people choose their rulers by voting for them in elections. □� �the spread of democracy in Eastern Europe. □� �the pro-democracy movement.

2 N‑COUNT A democracy is a country in which the people choose their government by voting for it. □� The new democracies face tough challenges.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Democracy is a system of running organizations, businesses, and groups in which each member is entitled to vote and take part in decisions. □� �the union's emphasis on industrial democracy.

demo|crat ◆◆◇ /de məkr�t/ (democrats )

1 N‑COUNT A Democrat is a member or supporter of a particular political party which has the word 'democrat' or 'democratic' in its title, for example the Democratic Party in the United States. □� �a senior Christian Democrat. □� The Congressman is a Democrat from New York.

2 N‑COUNT A democrat is a person who believes in the ideals of democracy, personal freedom, and equality. □� This is the time for democrats and not dictators.

demo|crat|ic ◆◆◇ /de məkr� t I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A democratic country, government, or political system is governed by representatives who are elected by the people. □� The country returned to democratic rule after a series of military governments. ●� demo|crati|cal|ly /de məkr� t I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� That June, Yeltsin became Russia's first democratically elected President.

2 ADJ Something that is democratic is based on the idea that everyone should have equal rights and should be involved in making important decisions. □� Education is the basis of a democratic society. ●� demo|crati|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� This committee will enable decisions to be made democratically.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Democratic is used in the titles of some political parties. □� �the Social Democratic Party.

de|moc|ra|tize /d I mɒ krəta I z/ (democratizes , democratizing , democratized ) in BRIT, also use democratise VERB If a country or a system is democratized , it is made democratic. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] �a further need to democratize the life of society as a whole. ●� de|moc|ra|ti|za|tion /d I mɒ krəta I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the democratisation of Eastern Europe.

de|mo|graph|ic /de məgr� f I k/ (demographics )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Demographic means relating to or concerning demography.

2 N‑PLURAL The demographics of a place or society are the statistics relating to the people who live there. □�[+�of ] �the changing demographics of the United States.

3 N‑SING In business, a demographic is a group of people in a society, especially people in a particular age group. [BUSINESS ] □� Most of our listeners are in the 25�39 demographic.

de|mog|ra|phy /d I mɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Demography is the study of the changes in numbers of births, deaths, marriages, and cases of disease in a community over a period of time. ●� de|mog|ra|pher (demographers ) N‑COUNT □� �a politically astute economist and demographer.

de|mol|ish /d I mɒ l I ʃ/ (demolishes , demolishing , demolished )

1 VERB To demolish something such as a building means to destroy it completely. □�[V n] A storm moved directly over the island, demolishing buildings and flooding streets.

2 VERB If you demolish someone's ideas or arguments, you prove that they are completely wrong or unreasonable. □�[V n] Our intention was to demolish the rumours that have surrounded him.

demo|li|tion /de məl I ʃ ə n/ (demolitions ) N‑VAR The demolition of a building is the act of deliberately destroying it, often in order to build something else in its place. □� The project required the total demolition of the old bridge.

de|mon /diː mən/ (demons )

1 N‑COUNT A demon is an evil spirit. □� �a woman possessed by demons.

2 N‑COUNT If you approve of someone because they are very skilled at what they do or because they do it energetically, you can say that they do it like a demon . [APPROVAL ] □� He played like a demon.

de|mon|ic /d I mɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Demonic means coming from or belonging to a demon or being like a demon. □� �demonic forces. □� �a demonic grin.

de|mon|ize /diː məna I z/ (demonizes , demonizing , demonized ) in BRIT, also use demonise VERB If people demonize someone, they convince themselves that that person is evil. □�[V n] Each side began to demonize the other.

de|mon|ol|ogy /diː mənɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Demonology is a set of beliefs which says that a particular situation or group of people is evil or unacceptable. □� �the usual deranged Right-wing stereotype of fascist Left demonology.

de|mon|strable /d I mɒ nstrəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A demonstrable fact or quality can be shown to be true or to exist. [FORMAL ] □� The road safety programme is having a demonstrable effect on road users. ●� de|mon|strably /d I mɒ nstrəbli/ ADV □� �demonstrably false statements.

dem|on|strate ◆◇◇ /de mənstre I t/ (demonstrates , demonstrating , demonstrated )

1 VERB To demonstrate a fact means to make it clear to people. □�[V n] The study also demonstrated a direct link between obesity and mortality. □�[V that] You have to demonstrate that you are reliable. □�[V +�to ] They are anxious to demonstrate to the voters that they have practical policies. □�[V wh] He's demonstrated how a campaign based on domestic issues can move votes.

2 VERB If you demonstrate a particular skill, quality, or feeling, you show by your actions that you have it. □�[V n] Have they, for example, demonstrated a commitment to democracy?

3 VERB When people demonstrate , they march or gather somewhere to show their opposition to something or their support for something. □�[V +�against ] 30,000 angry farmers demonstrated against possible cuts in subsidies. □�[V +�for ] In the cities vast crowds have been demonstrating for change. □�[V ] Thousands of people demonstrated outside the parliament building.

4 VERB If you demonstrate something, you show people how it works or how to do it. □�[V n] The company demonstrated an app for surgeons that showed X-rays on the screen. □�[V how] A style consultant will demonstrate how to dress to impress. SYNONYMS demonstrate VERB

1

prove:�trying to prove how groups of animals have evolved.

show:Research shows that a high-fibre diet may protect you from bowel cancer.

establish:Medical tests established that she was not their own child.

indicate:This indicates whether remedies are suitable for children.

3

march:The demonstrators marched through the capital chanting slogans and demanding free elections.

protest:The students were protesting at overcrowding in the university hostels.

picket:100 union members and supporters picketed outside.

dem|on|stra|tion ◆◇◇ /de mənstre I ʃ ə n/ (demonstrations )

1 N‑COUNT A demonstration is a march or gathering which people take part in to show their opposition to something or their support for something. □� Riot police broke up a demonstration by students.

2 N‑COUNT A demonstration of something is a talk by someone who shows you how to do it or how it works. □� �a cookery demonstration.

3 N‑COUNT A demonstrationof a fact or situation is a clear proof of it. □�[+�of ] This is a clear demonstration of how technology has changed.

4 N‑COUNT A demonstration of a quality or feeling is an expression of it. □�[+�of ] There's been no public demonstration of opposition to the President. SYNONYMS demonstration NOUN

1

march:Organisers expect up to 300,000 protesters to join the march.

protest:�a protest march.

rally:Supporters of the policy are reported to be gathering in Delhi for a mass rally.

demo:�an anti-racist demo.

4

display:Normally, such an outward display of affection is reserved for his mother.

show:She said goodbye to Hilda with a convincing show of affection.

de|mon|stra|tive /d I mɒ nstrət I v/ (demonstratives )

1 ADJ Someone who is demonstrative shows affection freely and openly. □� We came from the English tradition of not being demonstrative. ●� de|mon|stra|tive|ly ADV □� Some children respond more demonstratively than others.

2 N‑COUNT In grammar, the words 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' are sometimes called demonstratives .

de|mon|stra|tor ◆◇◇ /de mənstre I tə r / (demonstrators )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Demonstrators are people who are marching or gathering somewhere to show their opposition to something or their support for something. □� I saw the police using tear gas to try and break up a crowd of demonstrators.

2 N‑COUNT A demonstrator is a person who shows people how something works or how to do something.

de|mor|al|ize /d I mɒ rəla I z, [AM ] -mɔː r-/ (demoralizes , demoralizing , demoralized ) in BRIT, also use demoralise VERB If something demoralizes someone, it makes them lose so much confidence in what they are doing that they want to give up. □�[V n] Clearly, one of the objectives is to demoralize the enemy troops in any way they can. ●� de|mor|al|ized ADJ □� The ship's crew were now exhausted and utterly demoralized.

de|mor|al|iz|ing /d I mɒ rəla I z I ŋ, [AM ] -mɔː r-/ in BRIT, also use demoralising ADJ If something is demoralizing , it makes you lose so much confidence in what you are doing that you want to give up. □� Redundancy can be a demoralising prospect.

de|mote /d I moʊ t/ (demotes , demoting , demoted )

1 VERB If someone demotes you, they give you a lower rank or a less important position than you already have, often as a punishment. □�[V n] It's very difficult to demote somebody who has been standing in during maternity leave. ●� de|mo|tion /d I moʊ ʃ ə n/ (demotions ) N‑VAR □� He is seeking redress for what he alleges was an unfair demotion.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a team in a sports league is demoted , that team has to compete in the next competition in a lower division, because it was one of the least successful teams in the higher division. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] The club was demoted at the end of last season. ●� de|mo|tion N‑VAR □� The team now almost certainly faces demotion.

de|mot|ic /d I mɒ t I k/

1 ADJ Demotic language is the type of informal language used by ordinary people. [FORMAL ] □� �television's demotic style of language.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Demotic is used to describe something or someone that is typical of ordinary people. [FORMAL ] □� �demotic entertainments such as TV soap operas.

de|mur /d I mɜː r / (demurs , demurring , demurred )

1 VERB If you demur , you say that you do not agree with something or will not do something that you have been asked to do. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] The doctor demurred, but Piercey was insistent.

2 PHRASE If you do something without demur , you do it immediately and without making any protest. [FORMAL ] □� His plan was accepted without demur.

de|mure /d I mjʊə r /

1 ADJ If you describe someone, usually a young woman, as demure , you mean they are quiet and rather shy, usually in a way that you like and find appealing, and behave very correctly. [APPROVAL ] □� She's very demure and sweet. ●� de|mure|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She smiled demurely.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Demure clothes do not reveal your body and they give the impression that you are shy and behave correctly. [WRITTEN ] □� �a demure high-necked white blouse. ●� de|mure|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� She was demurely dressed in a black woollen suit.

de|mu|tu|alize /diː mjuː tʃuəla I z/ (demutualizes , demutualizing , demutualized ) in BRIT, also use demutualise VERB If a building society or insurance company demutualizes , it abandons its mutual status and becomes a limited company. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □�[V ] 97 per cent of the group's members support its plans to demutualize. [Also V n] ●� de|mu|tu|ali|za|tion /diː mjuːtʃuəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Policyholders voted for demutualisation.

de|mys|ti|fy /diː m I st I fa I / (demystifies , demystifying , demystified ) VERB If you demystify something, you make it easier to understand by giving a clear explanation of it. □�[V n] This book aims to demystify medical treatments.

den /de n/ (dens )

1 N‑COUNT A den is the home of certain types of wild animals such as lions or foxes.

2 N‑COUNT Your den is a quiet room in your house where you can go to study, work, or carry on a hobby without being disturbed. [AM ]

3 N‑COUNT A den is a secret place where people meet, usually for a dishonest purpose. □� I could provide you with the addresses of at least three illegal drinking dens.

4 N‑COUNT If you describe a place as a den of a particular type of bad or illegal behaviour, you mean that a lot of that type of behaviour goes on there. □�[+�of ] �the one-bedroomed flat that was to become his den of savage debauchery.

de|na|tion|al|ize /diː n� ʃənəla I z/ (denationalizes , denationalizing , denationalized ) in BRIT, also use denationalise VERB To denationalize an industry or business means to transfer it into private ownership so that it is no longer owned and controlled by the state. [OLD-FASHIONED , BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The government started to denationalize financial institutions. ●� de|na|tion|ali|za|tion /diː n� ʃənəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the denationalisation of industry.

de|ni|al /d I na I əl/ (denials )

1 N‑VAR A denial of something is a statement that it is not true, does not exist, or did not happen. □� Despite official denials, the rumours still persist. □�[+�of ] Denial of the Mafia's existence is nothing new.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The denialof something to someone is the act of refusing to let them have it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the denial of visas to international relief workers.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] In psychology, denial is when a person cannot or will not accept an unpleasant truth. □� �an addict who is in denial about his addiction.

den|ier /de niə r / N‑UNCOUNT [num N ] Denier is used when indicating the thickness of stockings and tights. □� �fifteen-denier stockings.

deni|grate /de n I gre I t/ (denigrates , denigrating , denigrated ) VERB If you denigrate someone or something, you criticize them unfairly or insult them. □�[V n] They denigrated his work, questioning whether it did anything to confront the problems. ●� deni|gra|tion /de n I gre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the denigration of minorities in this country.

den|im /de n I m/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Denim is a thick cotton cloth, usually blue, which is used to make clothes. Jeans are made from denim. □� �a light blue denim jacket.

den|ims /de n I mz/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Denims are casual trousers made of denim. □� She was dressed in blue denims.

deni|zen /de n I z ə n/ (denizens ) N‑COUNT A denizenof a particular place is a person, animal, or plant that lives or grows in this place. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Gannets are denizens of the open ocean.

de|nomi|na|tion /d I nɒ m I ne I ʃ ə n/ (denominations )

1 N‑COUNT A particular denomination is a particular religious group which has slightly different beliefs from other groups within the same faith. □� Acceptance of women preachers varies greatly from denomination to denomination.

2 N‑COUNT The denomination of a banknote or coin is its official value. □� �a pile of bank notes, mostly in small denominations.

de|nomi|na|tion|al /d I nɒ m I ne I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Denominational means relating to or organized by a particular religious denomination. □� �a growth in the number of denominational schools.

de|nomi|na|tor /d I nɒ m I ne I tə r / (denominators )

1 N‑COUNT In mathematics, thedenominator is the number which appears under the line in a fraction.

2 →�see also common denominator , lowest common denominator

de|note /d I noʊ t/ (denotes , denoting , denoted )

1 VERB If one thing denotes another, it is a sign or indication of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Red eyes denote strain and fatigue. □�[V that] There was a message waiting, denoting that someone had been here ahead of her.

2 VERB What a symbol denotes is what it represents. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] In figure 24 'D' denotes quantity demanded and 'S' denotes quantity supplied.

de|noue|ment /de I nuː mɒn/ (denouements ) also d�nouement N‑COUNT [usu sing] In a book, play, or series of events, the denouement is the sequence of events at the end, when things come to a conclusion. □� �an unexpected denouement.

de|nounce /d I naʊ ns/ (denounces , denouncing , denounced )

1 VERB If you denounce a person or an action, you criticize them severely and publicly because you feel strongly that they are wrong or evil. □�[V n] German leaders denounced the attacks and pleaded for tolerance. □�[V n +�as ] Some 25,000 demonstrators denounced him as a traitor.

2 VERB If you denounce someone who has broken a rule or law, you report them to the authorities. □�[V n] �informers who might denounce you at any moment. [Also V n +�to ]

dense /de ns/ (denser , densest )

1 ADJ Something that is dense contains a lot of things or people in a small area. □� Where Bucharest now stands, there once was a large, dense forest. □� They thrust their way through the dense crowd. ●� dense|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� Java is a densely populated island.

2 ADJ Dense fog or smoke is difficult to see through because it is very heavy and dark. □� A dense column of smoke rose several miles into the air.

3 ADJ In science, a dense substance is very heavy in relation to its volume. [TECHNICAL ] □� �a small dense star.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is dense , you mean that you think they are stupid and that they take a long time to understand simple things. [INFORMAL ] □� He's not a bad man, just a bit dense.

den|sity /de ns I ti/ (densities )

1 N‑VAR Density is the extent to which something is filled or covered with people or things. □�[+�of ] �a law which restricts the density of housing. □� The region has a very high population density.

2 N‑VAR [oft with poss] In science, the density of a substance or object is the relation of its mass or weight to its volume. [TECHNICAL ]

dent /de nt/ (dents , denting , dented )

1 VERB If you dent the surface of something, you make a hollow area in it by hitting or pressing it. □�[V n] Its brass feet dented the carpet's thick pile. ●� dent|ed ADJ □� Watch out for bargains, but never buy dented cans.

2 N‑COUNT A dent is a hollow in the surface of something which has been caused by hitting or pressing it. □�[+�in ] There was a dent in the car which hadn't been there before.

3 VERB If something dents your ideas or your pride, it makes you realize that your ideas are wrong, or that you are not as good or successful as you thought. □�[V n] This has not dented the City's enthusiasm for the company.

den|tal /de nt ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Dental is used to describe things that relate to teeth or to the care and treatment of teeth. □� You can get free dental treatment. □� �the dental profession.

de n|tal floss

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dental floss is a type of thread that is used to clean the gaps between your teeth.

2 →�see also floss

den|tist /de nt I st/ (dentists ) N‑COUNT A dentist is a person who is qualified to examine and treat people's teeth. □� Visit your dentist twice a year for a check-up. ●�N‑SING The dentist or the dentist's is used to refer to the surgery or clinic where a dentist works. □� It's worse than being at the dentist's.

den|tis|try /de nt I stri/ N‑UNCOUNT Dentistry is the work done by a dentist.

den|tures /de ntʃə r z/ The form denture is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Dentures are artificial teeth worn by people who no longer have all their own teeth.

de|nude /d I njuː d, [AM ] -nuː d/ (denudes , denuding , denuded )

1 VERB To denude an area means to destroy the plants in it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Mining would pollute the lake and denude the forest. [Also V n of n]

2 VERB To denude someone or something of a particular thing means to take it away from them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�of ] The Embassy is now denuded of all foreign and local staff.

de|nun|cia|tion /d I nʌ nsie I ʃ ə n/ (denunciations )

1 N‑VAR Denunciationof someone or something is severe public criticism of them. □�[+�of ] On September 24, he wrote a stinging denunciation of his critics.

2 N‑VAR Denunciation is the act of reporting someone who has broken a rule or law to the authorities. □�[+�of ] �the denunciation of Jews to the Nazis during the Second World War.

Den|ver boot /de nvə r buː t/ (Denver boots ) N‑COUNT A Denver boot is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away. The driver has to pay to have the device removed. [AM ] in BRIT, use clamp , wheel clamp

deny ◆◆◇ /d I na I / (denies , denying , denied )

1 VERB When you deny something, you state that it is not true. □�[V n] She denied both accusations. □�[V that] The government has denied that there was a plot to assassinate the president. □�[V v-ing] They all denied ever having seen her.

2 VERB If you deny someone something that they need or want, you refuse to let them have it. □�[V n n] If he is unlucky, he may find that his ex-partner denies him access to his children. □�[V pron-refl n] Don't deny yourself pleasure. COLLOCATIONS deny VERB 1

deny+�noun : allegation, claim, report, rumour, suggestion; accusation, charge; involvement, knowledge; assault, conspiracy, murder

deny+�adverb : categorically, emphatically, firmly, strenuously, strongly; consistently, repeatedly; angrily, hotly, vehemently

de|odor|ant /dioʊ dərənt/ (deodorants ) N‑VAR Deodorant is a substance that you can use on your body to hide or prevent the smell of sweat.

de|odor|ize /dioʊ dəra I z/ (deodorizes , deodorizing , deodorized ) in BRIT, also use deodorise VERB If you deodorize something, you remove unpleasant smells from it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The product cleans and deodorises carpets in one action. □�[V -ing] �a deodorising foot spray.

de|part /d I pɑː r t/ (departs , departing , departed )

1 VERB When something or someone departsfrom a place, they leave it and start a journey to another place. □�[V +�from ] Our tour departs from Heathrow Airport on 31 March and returns 16 April. □�[V +�for ] In the morning Mr McDonald departed for Sydney. □�[V n] The coach departs Potsdam in the morning. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you departfrom a traditional, accepted, or agreed way of doing something, you do it in a different or unexpected way. □�[V +�from ] Why is it in this country that we have departed from good educational sense?

3 VERB If someone departs from a job, they resign from it or leave it. In American English, you can say that someone departs a job. □�[V +�from ] Lipton is planning to depart from the company he founded. □�[V ] It is not unusual for staff to depart at this time of year. □�[V n] He departed baseball in the '60s.

de|part|ed /d I pɑː r t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Departed friends or relatives are people who have died. [FORMAL ] □� �departed friends. ●�N‑PLURAL The departed are people who have died. □� We held services for the departed.

de|part|ment ◆◆◆ /d I pɑː r tmənt/ (departments )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A department is one of the sections in an organization such as a government, business, or university. A department is also one of the sections in a large shop. □�[+�of ] �the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. □� He moved to the sales department. □� �the jewelry department.

2 PHRASE If you say that a task or area of knowledge is not your department , you mean that you are not responsible for it or do not know much about it. □� 'I'm afraid the name means nothing to me,' he said. 'That's not my department.' SYNONYMS department NOUN 1

office:�Downing Street's press office.

division:�the sales division.

de|part|men|tal /diː pɑː r tme nt ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Departmental is used to describe the activities, responsibilities, or possessions of a department in a government, company, or other organization. □� �the departmental budget.

de|pa rt|ment store (department stores ) N‑COUNT A department store is a large shop which sells many different kinds of goods.

de|par|ture ◆◇◇ /d I pɑː r tʃə r / (departures )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] Departure or a departure is the act of going away from somewhere. □�[+�for ] �the President's departure for Helsinki. □�[+�of ] They hoped this would lead to the departure of all foreign forces from the country. □�[+�from ] The airline has more than 90 scheduled departures from here every day.

2 N‑VAR [with poss] The departure of a person from a job, or a member from an organization, is their act of leaving it or being forced to leave it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] This would inevitably involve his departure from the post of Prime Minister.

3 N‑COUNT If someone does something different or unusual, you can refer to their action as a departure . □�[+�from ] In a departure from tradition, some union leaders condemned the strikes. COLLOCATIONS departure NOUN

1

adjective +�departure : early; scheduled

verb +�departure : announce; delay

2

adjective +�departure : abrupt, hasty, shock, sudden; imminent, impending; acrimonious

verb +�departure : hasten

3

adjective +�departure : major, new, significant; dramatic, radical

de|pa r|ture lounge (departure lounges ) N‑COUNT In an airport, the departure lounge is the place where passengers wait before they get onto their plane.

de|pa r|ture tax (departure taxes ) N‑VAR Departure tax is a tax that airline passengers have to pay in order to use an airport. □� Many countries charge departure tax in U.S. dollars rather than local currency.

de|pend ◆◆◇ /d I pe nd/ (depends , depending , depended )

1 VERB If you say that one thing dependson another, you mean that the first thing will be affected or determined by the second. □�[V +�on/upon ] The cooking time needed depends on the size of the potato. □�[V +�on/upon ] How much it costs depends upon how much you buy.

2 VERB If you dependon someone or something, you need them in order to be able to survive physically, financially, or emotionally. □�[V +�on/upon ] He depended on his writing for his income. □�[V +�on/upon ] Choosing the right account depends on working out your likely average balance.

3 VERB If you can dependon a person, organization, or law, you know that they will support you or help you when you need them. □�[V +�on/upon ] 'You can depend on me,' Cross assured him.

4 VERB You use depend in expressions such as it depends to indicate that you cannot give a clear answer to a question because the answer will be affected or determined by other factors. □�[V ] 'But how long can you stay in the house?'�'I don't know. It depends.'. □�[V +�on ] It all depends on your definition of punk, doesn't it?

5 PHRASE You use depending on when you are saying that something varies according to the circumstances mentioned. □� I tend to have a different answer, depending on the family. USAGE depend

Depend is never an adjective. Don�t say, for example, that someone or something � is depend on � another person or thing. You say that they are dependent on that person or thing. □� The local economy is dependent on oil and gas extraction.

de|pend|able /d I pe ndəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is dependable , you approve of them because you feel that you can be sure that they will always act consistently or sensibly, or do what you need them to do. [APPROVAL ] □� He was a good friend, a dependable companion.

de|pend|ant /d I pe ndənt/ (dependants ) also dependent N‑COUNT Your dependants are the people you support financially, such as your children. [FORMAL ] □� The British Legion raises funds to help ex-service personnel and their dependants.

de|pend|ence /d I pe ndəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Your dependenceon something or someone is your need for them in order to succeed or be able to survive. □�[+�on ] �the city's traditional dependence on tourism.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] If you talk about drug dependence or alcohol dependence , you are referring to a situation where someone is addicted to drugs or is an alcoholic.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You talk about the dependence of one thing on another when the first thing will be affected or determined by the second. □� �the dependence of circulation on production.

de|pend|en|cy /d I pe ndənsi/ (dependencies )

1 N‑COUNT A dependency is a country which is controlled by another country.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You talk about someone's dependency when they have a deep emotional, physical, or financial need for a particular person or thing, especially one that you consider excessive or undesirable. □�[+�on ] We worried about his dependency on his mother.

3 N‑VAR [usu n N ] If you talk about alcohol dependency or chemical dependency , you are referring to a situation where someone is an alcoholic or is addicted to drugs. [mainly AM ] □� The medicine may also create chemical dependency.

de|pend|ent /d I pe ndənt/

1 ADJ To be dependenton something or someone means to need them in order to succeed or be able to survive. □�[+�on/upon ] The local economy is overwhelmingly dependent on oil and gas extraction.

2 ADJ If one thing is dependenton another, the first thing will be affected or determined by the second. □�[+�on/upon ] The treatment of infertility is largely dependent on the ability of couples to pay.

3 →�see also dependant

de|per|son|al|ize /diː pɜː r sənəla I z/ (depersonalizes , depersonalizing , depersonalized ) in BRIT, also use depersonalise1 VERB To depersonalize a system or a situation means to treat it as if it did not really involve people, or to treat it as if the people involved were not really important. □�[V n] It is true that modern weaponry depersonalised war.

2 VERB To depersonalize someone means to treat them as if they do not matter because their individual feelings and thoughts are not important. □�[V n] She does not feel that the book depersonalises women.

de|pict /d I p I kt/ (depicts , depicting , depicted )

1 VERB To depict someone or something means to show or represent them in a work of art such as a drawing or painting. □�[V n] �a gallery of pictures depicting Nelson's most famous battles.

2 VERB To depict someone or something means to describe them or give an impression of them in writing. □�[V n] Margaret Atwood's novel depicts a gloomy, futuristic America. □�[V n +�as ] Children's books often depict farmyard animals as gentle, lovable creatures.

de|pic|tion /d I p I kʃ ə n/ (depictions ) N‑VAR A depiction of something is a picture or a written description of it.

de|pila|tory /d I p I lətəri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (depilatories )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Depilatory substances and processes remove unwanted hair from your body. □� �a depilatory cream.

2 N‑COUNT A depilatory is a depilatory substance.

de|plete /d I pliː t/ (depletes , depleting , depleted ) VERB To deplete a stock or amount of something means to reduce it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �substances that deplete the ozone layer. ●� de|plet|ed ADJ □� �Robert E. Lee's worn and depleted army. ●� de|ple|tion /d I pliː ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the depletion of underground water supplies.

de|ple t|ed ura |nium N‑UNCOUNT Depleted uranium is a type of uranium that is used in some bombs.

de|plor|able /d I plɔː rəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is deplorable , you think that it is very bad and unacceptable. [FORMAL ] □� Many of them live under deplorable conditions. ●� de|plor|ably ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� The reporters behaved deplorably.

de|plore /d I plɔː r / (deplores , deploring , deplored ) VERB If you say that you deplore something, you think it is very wrong or immoral. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He deplored the fact that the Foreign Secretary was driven into resignation.

de|ploy /d I plɔ I / (deploys , deploying , deployed )

1 VERB To deploy troops, weapons, or resources means to means to make them ready to be used. □�[V n] The president said he had no intention of deploying ground troops.

2 VERB If you deploy something or if it deploys , you use it effectively or it works effectively. □�[V ] Airbags deploy with such force they could easily injure a small child. [Also V n]

de|ploy|ment /d I plɔ I mənt/ (deployments ) N‑VAR The deployment of troops, resources, or equipment is the organization and positioning of them so that they are ready for quick action. □�[+�of ] �the deployment of troops into townships.

de|popu|late /diː pɒ pjʊle I t/ (depopulates , depopulating , depopulated ) VERB To depopulate an area means to greatly reduce the number of people living there. □�[V n] The famine threatened to depopulate the continent. ●� de|popu|lat|ed ADJ □� �a small, rural, and depopulated part of the south-west. ●� de|popu|la|tion /diː pɒ pjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �rural depopulation.

de|port /d I pɔː r t/ (deports , deporting , deported ) VERB If a government deports someone, usually someone who is not a citizen of that country, it sends them out of the country because they have committed a crime or because it believes they do not have the right to be there. □�[V n] �a government decision earlier this month to deport all illegal immigrants. [Also V n from/to n] ●� de|por|ta|tion /diː pɔː r te I ʃ ə n/ (deportations ) N‑VAR □� �thousands of migrants facing deportation.

de|por|tee /diː pɔː r tiː / (deportees ) N‑COUNT A deportee is someone who is being deported.

de|port|ment /d I pɔː r tmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Your deportment is the way you behave, especially the way you walk and move. [FORMAL ]

de|pose /d I poʊ z/ (deposes , deposing , deposed ) VERB [usu passive] If a ruler or political leader is deposed , they are forced to give up their position. □�[be V -ed] Mr Ben Bella was deposed in a coup in 1965.

de|pos|it ◆◇◇ /d I pɒ z I t/ (deposits , depositing , deposited )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A deposit is a sum of money which is part of the full price of something, and which you pay when you agree to buy it. □� A �50 deposit is required when ordering, and the balance is due upon delivery.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A deposit is a sum of money which you pay when you start renting something. The money is returned to you if you do not damage what you have rented. □� It is common to ask for the equivalent of a month's rent as a deposit.

3 N‑COUNT A deposit is a sum of money which is in a bank account or savings account, especially a sum which will be left there for some time.

4 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A deposit is a sum of money which you have to pay if you want to be a candidate in a parliamentary or European election. The money is returned to you if you receive more than a certain percentage of the votes. [BRIT ] □� The Tory candidate lost his deposit.

5 N‑COUNT A deposit is an amount of a substance that has been left somewhere as a result of a chemical or geological process. □� �underground deposits of gold and diamonds.

6 VERB To deposit someone or something somewhere means to put them or leave them there. □�[V n] Someone was seen depositing a packet. □�[V n prep/adv] Fritz deposited a glass and two bottles of beer in front of Wolfe.

7 VERB If you deposit something somewhere, you put it where it will be safe until it is needed again. □�[V n prep/adv] You are advised to deposit valuables in the hotel safe.

8 VERB If you deposit a sum of money, you pay it into a bank account or savings account. □�[V n] The customer has to deposit a minimum of �100 monthly.

9 VERB [usu passive] If a substance is deposited somewhere, it is left there as a result of a chemical or geological process. □�[be V -ed] The phosphate was deposited by the decay of marine microorganisms. COLLOCATIONS deposit NOUN

1

adjective +�deposit : hefty, minimum; non-refundable, refundable

verb +�deposit : pay; forfeit, lose; refund

5

noun +�deposit : coal, gold, iron, mineral; calcium

adjective +�deposit : glacial, sedimentary; rich; fatty VERB 8

deposit+�noun : cash, cheque, money SYNONYMS deposit VERB 6

place:Chairs were hastily placed in rows for the parents.

put:Leaphorn put the photograph on the desk.

lay:Lay a sheet of newspaper on the floor.

drop:Drop the noodles into the water.

de|po s|it ac|count (deposit accounts ) N‑COUNT A deposit account is a type of bank account where the money in it earns interest. [BRIT ] in AM, use savings account

depo|si|tion /de pəz I ʃ ə n/ (depositions ) N‑COUNT A deposition is a formal written statement, made for example by a witness to a crime, which can be used in a court of law if the witness cannot be present. □� The jury heard 200 pages of depositions.

de|posi|tor /d I pɒ z I tə r / (depositors ) N‑COUNT A bank's depositors are the people who have accounts with that bank.

de|posi|tory /d I pɒ z I təri/ (depositories ) N‑COUNT A depository is a place where objects can be stored safely.

de|pot /de poʊ, [AM ] diː -/ (depots )

1 N‑COUNT A depot is a place where large amounts of raw materials, equipment, arms, or other supplies are kept until they are needed. □� �food depots. □� �a government arms depot.

2 N‑COUNT A depot is a large building or open area where buses or railway engines are kept when they are not being used. [mainly BRIT ]

3 N‑COUNT A depot is a bus station or railway station. [AM ] □� �a bus depot in Ozark, Alabama.

de|prave /d I pre I v/ (depraves , depraving , depraved ) VERB Something that depraves someone makes them morally bad or evil. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �material likely to deprave or corrupt those who see it.

de|praved /d I pre I vd/ ADJ Depraved actions, things, or people are morally bad or evil. □� �a disturbing and depraved film.

de|prav|ity /d I pr� v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Depravity is very dishonest or immoral behaviour. [FORMAL ] □� �the absolute depravity that can exist in war.

dep|re|cate /de pr I ke I t/ (deprecates , deprecating , deprecated ) VERB If you deprecate something, you criticize it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He deprecated the low quality of entrants to the profession.

dep|re|cat|ing /de pr I ke I t I ŋ/ ADJ A deprecating attitude, gesture, or remark shows that you think that something is not very good, especially something associated with yourself. [WRITTEN ] □� Erica made a little deprecating shrug. ●� dep|re|cat|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He speaks deprecatingly of his father as a lonely man.

de|pre|ci|ate /d I priː ʃie I t/ (depreciates , depreciating , depreciated ) VERB If something such as a currency depreciates or if something depreciates it, it loses some of its original value. □�[V ] Inflation is rising rapidly; the yuan is depreciating. □�[V n] The demand for foreign currency depreciates the real value of local currencies. □�[V +�by ] During those five years, the pound depreciated by a quarter. ●� de|pre|cia|tion /d I priː ʃie I ʃ ə n/ (depreciations ) N‑VAR □� �miscellaneous costs, including machinery depreciation and wages.

dep|re|da|tion /de pr I de I ʃ ə n/ (depredations ) N‑VAR The depredations of a person, animal, or force are their harmful actions, which usually involve taking or damaging something. [FORMAL ] □� Much of the region's environmental depredation is a result of poor planning.

de|press /d I pre s/ (depresses , depressing , depressed )

1 VERB If someone or something depresses you, they make you feel sad and disappointed. □�[V n] I must admit the state of the country depresses me.

2 VERB If something depresses prices, wages, or figures, it causes them to become less. □�[V n] The stronger U.S. dollar depressed sales.

de|pressed /d I pre st/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are depressed , you are sad and feel that you cannot enjoy anything, because your situation is so difficult and unpleasant. □� She's been very depressed and upset about this whole situation.

2 ADJ A depressed place or industry does not have enough business or employment to be successful. □� �legislation to encourage investment in depressed areas.

de|press|ing /d I pre s I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is depressing makes you feel sad and disappointed. □� Yesterday's unemployment figures were depressing. ●� de|press|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� It all sounded depressingly familiar to Janet.

de|pres|sion ◆◇◇ /d I pre ʃ ə n/ (depressions )

1 N‑VAR Depression is a mental state in which you are sad and feel that you cannot enjoy anything, because your situation is so difficult and unpleasant. □� Mr Thomas was suffering from depression.

2 N‑COUNT A depression is a time when there is very little economic activity, which causes a lot of unemployment and poverty. □�[+�of ] He never forgot the hardships he witnessed during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

3 N‑COUNT A depression in a surface is an area which is lower than the parts surrounding it. □� �an area pockmarked by rain-filled depressions.

4 N‑COUNT A depression is a mass of air that has a low pressure and that often causes rain. SYNONYMS depression NOUN

1

sadness:It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that I say farewell.

sorrow:It was a time of great sorrow.

unhappiness:There was a lot of unhappiness in my adolescence.

misery:All that money brought nothing but sadness and misery and tragedy.

despondency:There's a mood of gloom and despondency in the country.

2

recession:The recession caused sales to drop off.

slump:�the slump of the early 1980s.

credit crunch:The most common argument for cutting interest rates is to prevent a global credit crunch.

stagnation:�the stagnation of the steel industry.

de|pres|sive /d I pre s I v/ (depressives )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Depressive means relating to depression or to being depressed. □� He's no longer a depressive character. □� �a severe depressive disorder.

2 N‑COUNT A depressive is someone who suffers from depression.

3 →�see also manic-depressive

dep|ri|va|tion /de pr I ve I ʃ ə n/ (deprivations ) N‑VAR If you suffer deprivation , you do not have or are prevented from having something that you want or need. □� Millions more suffer from serious sleep deprivation caused by long work hours.

de|prive /d I pra I v/ (deprives , depriving , deprived ) VERB If you deprive someone of something that they want or need, you take it away from them, or you prevent them from having it. □�[V n +�of ] They've been deprived of the fuel necessary to heat their homes.

de|prived /d I pra I vd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Deprived people or people from deprived areas do not have the things that people consider to be essential in life, for example acceptable living conditions or education. □� �probably the most severely deprived children in the country.

dept (depts ) in AM, use dept.Dept is used as a written abbreviation for department , usually in the name of a particular department. □� �the Internal Affairs Dept.

depth ◆◇◇ /de pθ/ (depths )

1 N‑VAR [with poss] The depth of something such as a river or hole is the distance downwards from its top surface, or between its upper and lower surfaces. □� The smaller lake ranges from five to fourteen feet in depth. □� The depth of the shaft is 520 yards. □� They were detected at depths of more than a kilometre in the sea.

2 N‑VAR [with poss] The depth of something such as a cupboard or drawer is the distance between its front surface and its back.

3 N‑VAR If an emotion is very strongly or intensely felt, you can talk about its depth . □�[+�of ] I am well aware of the depth of feeling that exists in Londonderry.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The depth of a situation is its extent and seriousness. □�[+�of ] The country's leadership had underestimated the depth of the crisis.

5 N‑UNCOUNT The depth of someone's knowledge is the great amount that they know. □�[+�of ] We felt at home with her and were impressed with the depth of her knowledge.

6 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something has depth , you mean that they have serious and interesting qualities which are not immediately obvious and which you have to think about carefully before you can fully understand them. □� His music lacks depth.

7 N‑PLURAL The depths are places that are a long way below the surface of the sea or earth. [LITERARY ] □� The ship vanished into the depths.

8 N‑PLURAL If you talk about the depths of an area, you mean the parts of it which are very far from the edge. □�[+�of ] �the depths of the countryside.

9 N‑PLURAL If you are inthe depths of an unpleasant emotion, you feel that emotion very strongly. □�[+�of ] I was in the depths of despair when the baby was sick.

10 N‑PLURAL If something happens in the depths of a difficult or unpleasant period of time, it happens in the middle and most severe or intense part of it. □�[+�of ] The country is in the depths of a recession.

11 PHRASE If you deal with a subject in depth , you deal with it very thoroughly and consider all the aspects of it. □� We will discuss these three areas in depth.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone is out of their depth , you mean that they are in a situation that is much too difficult for them to be able to cope with it. □� Mr Gibson is clearly intellectually out of his depth.

13 PHRASE If you are out of your depth , you are in water that is deeper than you are tall, with the result that you cannot stand up with your head above water.

14to plumb new depths →�see plumb

15to plumb the depths →�see plumb

de pth charge (depth charges ) N‑COUNT A depth charge is a type of bomb which explodes under water and which is used especially to destroy enemy submarines.

depu|ta|tion /de pjʊte I ʃ ə n/ (deputations ) N‑COUNT A deputation is a small group of people who have been asked to speak to someone on behalf of a larger group of people, especially in order to make a complaint. □�[+�of ] A deputation of elders from the village arrived headed by its chief.

de|pute /d I pjuː t/ (deputes , deputing , deputed ) VERB [usu passive] If you are deputed to do something, someone tells or allows you to do it on their behalf. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] A sub-committee was deputed to investigate the claims.

depu|tize /de pjʊta I z/ (deputizes , deputizing , deputized ) in BRIT, also use deputise VERB If you deputizefor someone, you do something on their behalf, for example attend a meeting. □�[V +�for ] I sometimes had to deputise for him in the kitchen. □�[V ] Mr Schulmann cannot be here to welcome you and has asked me to deputize.

depu|ty ◆◆◇ /de pjʊti/ (deputies )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A deputy is the second most important person in an organization such as a business or government department. Someone's deputy often acts on their behalf when they are not there. □� �France's minister for culture and his deputy.

2 N‑COUNT In some parliaments or law-making bodies, the elected members are called deputies .

de|rail /diː re I l/ (derails , derailing , derailed )

1 VERB To derail something such as a plan or a series of negotiations means to prevent it from continuing as planned. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The present wave of political killings is the work of people trying to derail peace talks.

2 VERB If a train is derailed or if it derails , it comes off the track on which it is running. □�[be V -ed] Several people were injured today when a train was derailed. □�[V ] No-one knows why the train derailed. [Also V n]

de|rail|ment /diː re I lmənt/ (derailments ) N‑VAR A derailment is an accident in which a train comes off the track on which it is running.

de|ranged /d I re I ndʒd/ ADJ Someone who is deranged behaves in a wild and uncontrolled way, often as a result of mental illness. □� A deranged man shot and killed 14 people.

de|range|ment /d I re I ndʒmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Derangement is the state of being mentally ill and unable to think or act in a controlled way. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

der|by /dɑː r bi, [AM ] dɜː rbi/ (derbies )

1 N‑COUNT A derby is a sporting event involving teams from the same area or city. [BRIT ] □� �a North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A derby is a sports competition or race where there are no restrictions or limits on who can enter. [AM ]

de|regu|late /diː re gjʊle I t/ (deregulates , deregulating , deregulated ) VERB To deregulate something means to remove controls and regulations from it. □�[V n] �the need to deregulate the U.S. airline industry.

de|regu|la|tion /diː re gjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Deregulation is the removal of controls and restrictions in a particular area of business or trade. [BUSINESS ] □� Since deregulation, banks are permitted to set their own interest rates.

der|elict /de r I l I kt/ ADJ A place or building that is derelict is empty and in a bad state of repair because it has not been used or lived in for a long time. □� Her body was found dumped in a derelict warehouse less than a mile from her home.

der|elic|tion /de r I l I kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If a building or a piece of land is in a state of dereliction , it is deserted or abandoned. □� The previous owners had rescued the building from dereliction.

de r|elic|tion of du ty N‑UNCOUNT Dereliction of duty is deliberate or accidental failure to do what you should do as part of your job. [FORMAL ] □� He pleaded guilty to wilful dereliction of duty.

de|ride /d I ra I d/ (derides , deriding , derided ) VERB If you deride someone or something, you say that they are stupid or have no value. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Opposition MPs derided the Government's response to the crisis.

de ri|gueur /də r I gɜː r / ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that a possession or habit is de rigueur , you mean that it is fashionable and therefore necessary for anyone who wants to avoid being considered unfashionable. □� T-shirts now seem almost de rigueur in the West End.

de|ri|sion /d I r I ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you treat someone or something with derision , you express contempt for them. □� He tried to calm them, but was greeted with shouts of derision.

de|ri|sive /d I ra I s I v/ ADJ A derisive noise, expression, or remark expresses contempt. □� There was a short, derisive laugh. ●� de|ri|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Phil's tormentor snorted derisively.

de|ri|sory /d I ra I zəri/

1 ADJ If you describe something such as an amount of money as derisory , you are emphasizing that it is so small or inadequate that it seems silly or not worth considering. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She was being paid what I considered a derisory amount of money.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Derisory means the same as derisive . □� �derisory remarks about the police.

deri|va|tion /de r I ve I ʃ ə n/ (derivations ) N‑VAR The derivation of something, especially a word, is its origin or source. □�[+�of ] The derivation of its name is obscure.

de|riva|tive /d I r I vət I v/ (derivatives )

1 N‑COUNT A derivative is something which has been developed or obtained from something else. □� �a poppy-seed derivative similar to heroin.

2 ADJ If you say that something is derivative , you are criticizing it because it is not new or original but has been developed from something else. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �their dull, derivative debut album.

de|rive /d I ra I v/ (derives , deriving , derived )

1 VERB If you derive something such as pleasure or benefit from a person or from something, you get it from them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�from ] Mr Ying is one of those happy people who derive pleasure from helping others.

2 VERB If you say that something such as a word or feeling derives or is derived from something else, you mean that it comes from that thing. □�[be V -ed +�from ] Anna's strength is derived from her parents and her sisters. □�[V +�from ] The word Easter derives from Eostre, the pagan goddess of spring. [Also V n from n]

der|ma|ti|tis /dɜː r məta I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Dermatitis is a medical condition which makes your skin red and painful.

der|ma|tolo|gist /dɜː r mətɔ lədʒ I st/ (dermatologists ) N‑COUNT A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of skin and the treatment of skin diseases. ●� der|ma|tol|ogy N‑UNCOUNT □� �drugs used in dermatology.

de|roga|tory /d I rɒ gətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you make a derogatory remark or comment about someone or something, you express your low opinion of them. □� He refused to withdraw derogatory remarks made about his boss.

der|rick /de r I k/ (derricks )

1 N‑COUNT A derrick is a machine that is used to move cargo on a ship by lifting it in the air.

2 N‑COUNT A derrick is a tower built over an oil well which is used to raise and lower the drill.

derring-do /de r I ŋ duː / N‑UNCOUNT Derring-do is the quality of being bold, often in a rather showy or foolish way. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

der|vish /dɜː r v I ʃ/ (dervishes )

1 N‑COUNT A dervish is a member of a Muslim religious group which has a very active and lively dance as part of its worship.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is like a dervish , you mean that they are turning round and round, waving their arms about, or working very quickly. □� Brian was whirling like a dervish, slapping at the mosquitoes and moaning.

de|sali|na|tion /diː s�l I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Desalination is the process of removing salt from sea water so that it can be used for drinking, or for watering crops.

des|cant /de sk�nt/ (descants ) N‑COUNT A descant is a tune which is played or sung above the main tune in a piece of music.

de|scend /d I se nd/ (descends , descending , descended )

1 VERB If you descend or if you descend a staircase, you move downwards from a higher to a lower level. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep] Things are cooler and more damp as we descend to the cellar. □�[V n] She descended one flight of stairs. [Also V ]

2 VERB When a mood or atmosphere descendson a place or on the people there, it affects them by spreading among them. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�on/upon/over ] An uneasy calm descended on the area. [Also V ]

3 VERB If a large group of people arrive to see you, especially if their visit is unexpected or causes you a lot of work, you can say that they have descendedon you. □�[V +�on/upon ] 3,000 city officials descended on Capitol Hill to lobby for more money.

4 VERB When night, dusk, or darkness descends , it starts to get dark. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] Darkness has now descended and the moon and stars shine hazily in the clear sky.

5 VERB If you say that someone descends to behaviour which you consider unacceptable, you are expressing your disapproval of the fact that they do it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�to ] We're not going to descend to such methods.

6 VERB When you want to emphasize that the situation that someone is entering is very bad, you can say that they are descending into that situation. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�into ] He was ultimately overthrown and the country descended into chaos.

de|scend|ant /d I se ndənt/ (descendants )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu with poss] Someone's descendants are the people in later generations who are related to them. □�[+�of ] They are descendants of the original English and Scottish settlers.

2 N‑COUNT Something modern which developed from an older thing can be called a descendantof it. □�[+�of ] His design was a descendant of a 1956 device.

de|scend|ed /d I se nd I d/

1 ADJ A person who is descended from someone who lived a long time ago is directly related to them. □�[+�from ] She told us she was descended from some Scottish Lord.

2 ADJ An animal that is descended from another sort of animal has developed from the original sort.

de|scend|ing /d I se nd I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] When a group of things is listed or arranged indescendingorder , each thing is smaller or less important than the thing before it. □� All the other ingredients, including water, have to be listed in descending order by weight.

de|scent /d I se nt/ (descents )

1 N‑VAR A descent is a movement from a higher to a lower level or position. □�[+�into ] �the crash of an Airbus A300 on its descent into Kathmandu airport.

2 N‑COUNT A descent is a surface that slopes downwards, for example the side of a steep hill. □� On the descents, cyclists spin past cars, freewheeling downhill at tremendous speed.

3 N‑SING When you want to emphasize that a situation becomes very bad, you can talk about someone's or something's descent into that situation. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�from/to ] �his swift descent from respected academic to struggling small businessman.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [usu of adj N ] You use descent to talk about a person's family background, for example their nationality or social status. [FORMAL ] □� All the contributors were of African descent.

de|scribe ◆◆◆ /d I skra I b/ (describes , describing , described )

1 VERB If you describe a person, object, event, or situation, you say what they are like or what happened. □�[V wh] We asked her to describe what kind of things she did in her spare time. □�[V n] She read a poem by Carver which describes their life together. □�[V v-ing] Just before his death he described seeing their son in a beautiful garden.

2 VERB If a person describes someone or something as a particular thing, he or she believes that they are that thing and says so. □�[V n +�as ] He described it as an extraordinarily tangled and complicated tale. □� Even his closest allies describe him as forceful, aggressive and determined. □�[V n +�as ] He described the meeting as marking a new stage in the peace process. SYNONYMS describe VERB 1

relate:She related her tale of living rough.

report:I reported the theft to the police.

explain:I explained that each person has different ideas of what freedom is.

define:He was asked to define his concept of cool.

detail:The report detailed the human rights abuses committed during the war.

de|scrip|tion ◆◇◇ /d I skr I pʃ ə n/ (descriptions )

1 N‑VAR A description of someone or something is an account which explains what they are or what they look like. □�[+�of ] Police have issued a description of the man who was aged between fifty and sixty. □� He has a real gift for vivid description.

2 N‑SING If something is of a particular description , it belongs to the general class of items that are mentioned. □� Events of this description occurred daily.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You can say that something is beyonddescription , or that it defiesdescription , to emphasize that it is very unusual, impressive, terrible, or extreme. [EMPHASIS ] □� His face is weary beyond description. SYNONYMS description NOUN 1

account:He gave a detailed account of what happened on the fateful night.

report:She came back to give us a progress report on how the project is going.

explanation:There was a hint of schoolboy shyness in his explanation.

profile:A newspaper published profiles of the candidates' wives.

sketch:I had a basic sketch of a plan.

de|scrip|tive /d I skr I pt I v/ ADJ Descriptive language or writing indicates what someone or something is like. □� �his descriptive way of writing.

des|ecrate /de s I kre I t/ (desecrates , desecrating , desecrated ) VERB If someone desecrates something which is considered to be holy or very special, they deliberately damage or insult it. □�[V n] She shouldn't have desecrated the picture of a religious leader. ●� des|ecra|tion /de s I kre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The whole area has been shocked by the desecration of the cemetery.

de|seed /diː siː d/ (deseeds , deseeding , deseeded ) also de-seed VERB To deseed a fruit or vegetable means to remove all the seeds from it. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Halve and deseed the peppers.

de|seg|re|gate /diː se gr I ge I t/ (desegregates , desegregating , desegregated ) VERB To desegregate something such as a place, institution, or service means to officially stop keeping the people who use it in separate groups, especially groups that are defined by race. □�[V n] �efforts to desegregate sport. □�[V -ed] The school system itself is not totally desegregated. ●� de|seg|re|ga|tion /diː se grəge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Desegregation may be harder to enforce in rural areas.

de|sen|si|tize /diː se ns I ta I z/ (desensitizes , desensitizing , desensitized ) in BRIT, also use desensitise VERB To desensitize someone to things such as pain, anxiety, or other people's suffering, means to cause them to react less strongly to them. □�[V n +�to ] �the language that is used to desensitize us to the terrible reality of war. [Also V n]

des|ert ◆◇◇ (deserts , deserting , deserted ) The noun is pronounced /de zə r t/. The verb is pronounced /d I zɜː r t/ and is hyphenated de|sert. 1 N‑VAR [oft in names] A desert is a large area of land, usually in a hot region, where there is almost no water, rain, trees, or plants. □� �the Sahara Desert. □� �the burning desert sun.

2 VERB If people or animals desert a place, they leave it and it becomes empty. □�[V n] Farmers are deserting their fields and coming here looking for jobs. ●� de|sert|ed ADJ □� She led them into a deserted sidestreet.

3 VERB If someone deserts you, they go away and leave you, and no longer help or support you. □�[V n] Mrs Roding's husband deserted her years ago. ●� de|ser|tion /d I zɜː r ʃ ə n/ (desertions ) N‑VAR □� �her father's desertion.

4 VERB If you desert something that you support, use, or are involved with, you stop supporting it, using it, or being involved with it. □�[V ] The paper's price rise will encourage readers to desert in even greater numbers. □�[V n] He was pained to see many youngsters deserting kibbutz life. □�[V n +�for ] Discerning shoppers are deserting supermarkets for artisan bakers. ●� de|ser|tion N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �a mass desertion of the Party by the electorate.

5 VERB If a quality or skill that you normally have deserts you, you suddenly find that you do not have it when you need it or want it. □�[V n] Even when he appeared to be depressed, a dry sense of humour never deserted him. □�[V n] She lost the next five games, and the set, as her confidence abruptly deserted her.

6 VERB If someone deserts , or deserts a job, especially a job in the armed forces, they leave that job without permission. □�[V ] He was a second-lieutenant in the army until he deserted. □�[V +�from ] He deserted from army intelligence last month. ●� de|ser|tion N‑VAR □� The high rate of desertion has added to the army's woes.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone has got their just deserts , you mean that they deserved the unpleasant things that have happened to them, because they did something bad. [FEELINGS ] □� At the end of the book, the bad guys get their just deserts.

de|sert|er /d I zɜː r tə r / (deserters ) N‑COUNT A deserter is someone who leaves their job in the armed forces without permission.

des|er|ti|fi|ca|tion /d I zɜː r t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Desertification is the process by which a piece of land becomes dry, empty, and unsuitable for growing trees or crops on. □� A third of Africa is under threat of desertification.

des|ert is|land /de zə r t a I lənd/ (desert islands ) N‑COUNT A desert island is a small tropical island, where nobody lives.

de|serve ◆◇◇ /d I zɜː r v/ (deserves , deserving , deserved )

1 VERB If you say that a person or thing deserves something, you mean that they should have it or receive it because of their actions or qualities. □�[V n] Government officials clearly deserve some of the blame as well. □�[V to-inf] These people deserve to make more than the minimum wage. □�[V n] I felt I deserved better than that. □�[V -ed] The Park Hotel has a well-deserved reputation.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone got what they deserved , you mean that they deserved the bad thing that happened to them, and you have no sympathy for them. [FEELINGS ] □� One of them said the two dead joy riders got what they deserved.

de|serv|ed|ly /d I zɜː r v I dli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] You use deservedly to indicate that someone deserved what happened to them, especially when it was something good. □� He deservedly won the Player of the Year award.

de|serv|ing /d I zɜː r v I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you describe a person, organization, or cause as deserving , you mean that you think they should be helped. □� The money saved could be used for more deserving causes.

2 ADJ If someone is deserving of something, they have qualities or achievements which make it right that they should receive it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �artists deserving of public subsidy.

des|ic|ca|ted /de s I ke I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Desiccated things have lost all the moisture that was in them. [FORMAL ] □� �desiccated flowers and leaves.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Desiccated food has been dried in order to preserve it. □� �desiccated coconut.

des|ic|ca|tion /de s I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Desiccation is the process of becoming completely dried out. [FORMAL ] □� �the disastrous consequences of the desiccation of the wetland.

de|sign ◆◆◆ /d I za I n/ (designs , designing , designed )

1 VERB When someone designs a garment, building, machine, or other object, they plan it and make a detailed drawing of it from which it can be built or made. □�[V n] They wanted to design a machine that was both attractive and practical. □�[V -ed] �men wearing specially designed boots.

2 VERB When someone designs a survey, policy, or system, they plan and prepare it, and decide on all the details of it. □�[V n] We may be able to design a course to suit your particular needs. □�[V -ed] A number of very well designed studies have been undertaken.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Design is the process and art of planning and making detailed drawings of something. □� He was a born mechanic with a flair for design.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The design of something is the way in which it has been planned and made. □� �a new design of clock. □� BMW is recalling 8,000 cars because of a design fault.

5 N‑COUNT A design is a drawing which someone produces to show how they would like something to be built or made. □�[+�for ] They drew up the design for the house in a week.

6 N‑COUNT A design is a pattern of lines, flowers, or shapes which is used to decorate something. □� Many pictures have been based on simple geometric designs.

7 N‑COUNT A design is a general plan or intention that someone has in their mind when they are doing something. □� Is there some design in having him in the middle?

8 V-PASSIVE If something is designed for a particular purpose, it is intended for that purpose. □�[be V -ed to-inf] This project is designed to help landless people. □�[be V -ed +�for ] It's not designed for anyone under age eighteen.

9 PHRASE If something happens or is done by design , someone does it deliberately, rather than by accident. □� The pair met often�at first by chance but later by design.

10 PHRASE If someone has designs on something, they want it and are planning to get it, often in a dishonest way. □� He didn't even notice she had designs on him. COLLOCATIONS design NOUN

3

noun +�design : costume, fashion, product; garden, set, web

adjective +�design : industrial, urban

4

adjective +�design : contemporary, elegant, good; innovative, intelligent, modern, original

verb +�design : adapt, improve, modify

5

verb +�design : create, draw up

6

adjective +�design : floral, geometric, simple, stylish VERB 1

design+�noun : building, garden, house, product SYNONYMS design VERB 1

plan:We are planning a new kitchen.

create:It is really great for a radio producer to create a show like this.

produce:The company produces parts for the car industry.

invent:He invented the first electric clock. NOUN 6

pattern:�a golden robe embroidered with purple thread stitched into a pattern of flames.

motif:�a rose motif.

shape:�sofas and chairs of contrasting shapes and colours.

des|ig|nate (designates , designating , designated ) The verb is pronounced /de z I gne I t/. The adjective is pronounced /de z I gnət/. 1 VERB When you designate someone or something as a particular thing, you formally give them that description or name. □�[V n +�as ] �a man interviewed in one of our studies whom we shall designate as E. □�[V n n] There are efforts under way to designate the bridge a historic landmark. □�[V -ed] I live in Exmoor, which is designated as a national park.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is designatedfor a particular purpose, it is set aside for that purpose. □�[be V -ed +�as/for ] Some of the rooms were designated as offices. □�[V -ed] �scholarships designated for minorities.

3 VERB When you designate someone as something, you formally choose them to do that particular job. □�[V n +�as ] Designate someone as the spokesperson.

4 ADJ [n ADJ ] Designate is used to describe someone who has been formally chosen to do a particular job, but has not yet started doing it. □� Japan's Prime Minister-designate is completing his Cabinet today.

de s|ig|nat|ed dri v|er (designated drivers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The designated driver in a group of people travelling together is the one who has agreed to drive, or who is insured to drive.

des|ig|na|tion /de z I gne I ʃ ə n/ (designations ) N‑VAR A designation is a description, name, or title that is given to someone or something. Designation is the fact of giving that description, name, or title. [FORMAL ] □� �the designation of land as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

de|sign|er ◆◇◇ /d I za I nə r / (designers )

1 N‑COUNT A designer is a person whose job is to design things by making drawings of them. □� Carolyne is a fashion designer.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Designer clothes or designer labels are expensive, fashionable clothes made by a famous designer, rather than being made in large quantities in a factory. □� He wears designer clothes and drives an antique car.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use designer to describe things that are worn or bought because they are fashionable. [INFORMAL ] □� Designer beers and trendy wines have replaced the good old British pint.

de|sign|er ba by (designer babies ) also designer child N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a baby that has developed from an embryo with certain desired characteristics as a designer baby . [mainly JOURNALISM ]

de|sir|able /d I za I ə rəb ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is desirable is worth having or doing because it is useful, necessary, or popular. □� Prolonged negotiation was not desirable. ●� de|sir|abil|ity /d I za I ə rəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the desirability of democratic reform.

2 ADJ Someone who is desirable is considered to be sexually attractive. □� �the young women whom his classmates thought most desirable. ●� de|sir|abil|ity N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] □� �Veronica's desirability.

de|sire ◆◆◇ /d I za I ə r / (desires , desiring , desired )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A desire is a strong wish to do or have something. □� I had a strong desire to help and care for people. □�[+�for ] They seem to have lost their desire for life.

2 VERB [no cont] If you desire something, you want it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She had remarried and desired a child with her new husband. □�[V to-inf] But Fred was bored and desired to go home. ●� de|sired ADJ [ADJ n] □� You may find that just threatening this course of action will produce the desired effect.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Desire for someone is a strong feeling of wanting to have sex with them. □� Teenage sex, for instance, may come not out of genuine desire but from a need to get love.

4 PHRASE If you say that something leaves a lot to be desired , you mean that it is not as good as it should be. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The selection of programmes leaves a lot to be desired.

de|sir|ous /d I za I ə rəs/ ADJ If you are desirous of doing something or desirous of something, you want to do it very much or want it very much. [FORMAL ] □� The enemy is so desirous of peace that he will agree to any terms.

de|sist /d I z I st/ (desists , desisting , desisted ) VERB If you desistfrom doing something, you stop doing it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�from ] Ford never desisted from trying to persuade him to return to America.

desk ◆◆◇ /de sk/ (desks )

1 N‑COUNT A desk is a table, often with drawers, which you sit at to write or work.

2 N‑SING [oft n N ] The place in a hotel, hospital, airport, or other building where you check in or obtain information is referred to as a particular desk . □� I spoke to the girl on the reception desk.

3 N‑SING [oft n N ] A particular department of a broadcasting company, or of a newspaper or magazine company, can be referred to as a particular desk . □� Over now to Simon Ingram at the sports desk.

de sk clerk (desk clerks ) N‑COUNT A desk clerk is someone who works at the main desk in a hotel. [AM ] in BRIT, use receptionist

de|skill /diːsk I l/ (deskills , deskilling , deskilled ) VERB [oft passive] If workers are deskilled , they no longer need special skills to do their work, especially because of modern methods of production. □�[be V -ed] Administrative staff may be deskilled through increased automation and efficiency.

desk|top /de sktɒp/ (desktops ) also desk-top

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Desktop computers are a convenient size for using on a desk or table, but are not designed to be portable. □� You can watch it on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

2 N‑COUNT A desktop is a desktop computer.

3 N‑COUNT The desktop of a computer is the display of icons that you see on the screen when the computer is ready to use.

de sk|top pu b|lish|ing N‑UNCOUNT Desktop publishing is the production of printed materials such as newspapers and magazines using a desktop computer and a laser printer, rather than using conventional printing methods. The abbreviation DTP is also used.

deso|late /de sələt/

1 ADJ A desolate place is empty of people and lacking in comfort. □� �a desolate landscape of flat green fields broken by marsh.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is desolate , they feel very sad, alone, and without hope. [LITERARY ] □� He was desolate without her.

deso|la|tion /de səle I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Desolation is a feeling of great unhappiness and hopelessness. □� The sense of loss and desolation we feel at her death is beyond description.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to desolation in a place, you mean that it is empty and frightening, for example because it has been destroyed by a violent force or army. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We looked out upon a scene of desolation and ruin.

des|pair /d I speə r / (despairs , despairing , despaired )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Despair is the feeling that everything is wrong and that nothing will improve. □� I looked at my wife in despair. □� �feelings of despair or inadequacy.

2 VERB If you despair , you feel that everything is wrong and that nothing will improve. □�[V ] 'Oh, I despair sometimes,' he says in mock sorrow. □�[V +�at ] He does despair at much of the press criticism.

3 VERB If you despair of something, you feel that there is no hope that it will happen or improve. If you despair of someone, you feel that there is no hope that they will improve. □�[V +�of ] He wished to earn a living through writing but despaired of doing so.

des|patch /d I sp� tʃ/ →�see dispatch

des|pe|ra|do /de spərɑː doʊ/ (desperadoes or desperados ) N‑COUNT A desperado is someone who does illegal, violent things without worrying about the danger. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

des|per|ate ◆◇◇ /de spərət/

1 ADJ If you are desperate , you are in such a bad situation that you are willing to try anything to change it. □� Troops are needed to help get food to the people in desperate need. □� He made a desperate attempt to hijack a plane. ●� des|per|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Thousands are desperately trying to leave their battered homes.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If you are desperatefor something or desperateto do something, you want or need it very much indeed. □� They'd been married nearly four years and June was desperate to start a family. □�[+�for ] People are desperate for him to do something. ●� des|per|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He was a boy who desperately needed affection.

3 ADJ A desperate situation is very difficult, serious, or dangerous. □� India's United Nations ambassador said the situation is desperate.

des|pera|tion /de spəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Desperation is the feeling that you have when you are in such a bad situation that you will try anything to change it. □� This feeling of desperation and helplessness was common to most of the refugees.

des|pic|able /d I sp I kəb ə l, [AM ] de sp I k-/ ADJ If you say that a person or action is despicable , you are emphasizing that they are extremely nasty, cruel, or evil. [EMPHASIS ] □� The Minister said the bombing was a despicable crime.

des|pise /d I spa I z/ (despises , despising , despised ) VERB If you despise something or someone, you dislike them and have a very low opinion of them. □�[V n] I can never, ever forgive him. I despise him.

de|spite ◆◆◇ /d I spa I t/

1 PREP You use despite to introduce a fact which makes the other part of the sentence surprising. □� It is possible to lead happy and productive lives despite their loss.

2 PREP If you do something despiteyourself you do it although you did not really intend or expect to. □� Despite myself, Harry's remarks had caused me to stop and reflect.

de|spoil /d I spɔ I l/ (despoils , despoiling , despoiled ) VERB To despoil a place means to make it less attractive, valuable, or important by taking things away from it or by destroying it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �people who despoil the countryside.

de|spond|en|cy /d I spɒ ndənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Despondency is a strong feeling of unhappiness caused by difficulties which you feel you cannot overcome. □� There's a mood of gloom and despondency in the country.

de|spond|ent /d I spɒ ndənt/ ADJ If you are despondent , you are very unhappy because you have been experiencing difficulties that you think you will not be able to overcome. □� I feel despondent when my work is rejected. ●� de|spond|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Despondently, I went back and told Bill the news.

des|pot /de spɒt, [AM ] -pət/ (despots ) N‑COUNT A despot is a ruler or other person who has a lot of power and who uses it unfairly or cruelly.

des|pot|ic /d I spɒ t I k/ ADJ If you say that someone is despotic , you are emphasizing that they use their power over other people in a very unfair or cruel way. [EMPHASIS ] □� The country was ruled by a despotic tyrant.

des|pot|ism /de spət I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Despotism is cruel and unfair government by a ruler or rulers who have a lot of power.

des|sert /d I zɜː r t/ (desserts ) N‑VAR Dessert is something sweet, such as fruit or a pudding, that you eat at the end of a meal. □� She had homemade ice cream for dessert.

dessert|spoon /d I zɜː r tspuːn/ (dessertspoons ) also dessert spoon

1 N‑COUNT A dessertspoon is a spoon which is midway between the size of a teaspoon and a tablespoon. You use it to eat desserts.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food resting on a dessertspoon as a dessertspoon of food. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �a rounded dessertspoon of flour.

dessert|spoon|ful /d I zɜː r tspuːnfʊl/ (dessertspoonfuls or dessertspoonsful ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food resting on a dessertspoon as a dessertspoonful of food. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �a dessertspoonful of olive oil.

des|se rt wi ne (dessert wines ) N‑VAR A dessert wine is a sweet wine, usually a white wine, that is served with dessert.

de|sta|bi|lize /diːste I bəla I z/ (destabilizes , destabilizing , destabilized ) in BRIT, also use destabilise VERB To destabilize something such as a country or government means to create a situation which reduces its power or influence. □�[V n] Their sole aim is to destabilize the Indian government. ●� de|sta|bi|li|za|tion /diːste I b ə la I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the destabilization of the country.

des|ti|na|tion /de st I ne I ʃ ə n/ (destinations ) N‑COUNT The destination of someone or something is the place to which they are going or being sent. □� Spain is still our most popular holiday destination. □� Only half of the emergency supplies have reached their destination.

des|tined /de st I nd/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If something is destinedto happen or if someone is destinedto behave in a particular way, that thing seems certain to happen or be done. □� London seems destined to lose more than 2,000 hospital beds. □� Everyone knew that Muriel was destined for great things.

2 ADJ If someone is destined for a particular place, or if goods are destined for a particular place, they are travelling towards that place or will be sent to that place. □�[+�for ] �products destined for Saudi Arabia.

des|ti|ny /de st I ni/ (destinies )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] A person's destiny is everything that happens to them during their life, including what will happen in the future, especially when it is considered to be controlled by someone or something else. □� We are masters of our own destiny.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Destiny is the force which some people believe controls the things that happen to you in your life. □� Is it destiny that brings people together, or is it accident?

des|ti|tute /de st I tjuːt, [AM ] -tuːt/ ADJ Someone who is destitute has no money or possessions. [FORMAL ] □� �destitute children who live on the streets.

des|ti|tu|tion /de st I tjuː ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Destitution is the state of having no money or possessions. [FORMAL ]

de -stre ss also destress (de-stresses , de-stressing , de-stressed ) VERB If you de-stress or if something de-stresses you, you do something that helps you to relax. □�[V ] I make sure I make time for fishing because it's how I de-stress. □�[V n] All of these help relax and de-stress you from the rigors of daily life.

de|stroy ◆◆◇ /d I strɔ I / (destroys , destroying , destroyed )

1 VERB To destroy something means to cause so much damage to it that it is completely ruined or does not exist any more. □�[V n] That's a sure recipe for destroying the economy and creating chaos.

2 VERB To destroy someone means to ruin their life or to make their situation impossible to bear. □�[V n] If I was younger or more naive, the criticism would have destroyed me.

3 VERB [usu passive] If an animal is destroyed , it is killed, either because it is ill or because it is dangerous. □�[be V -ed] Lindsay was unhurt but the horse had to be destroyed.

4 →�see also soul-destroying

de|stroy|er /d I strɔ I ə r / (destroyers ) N‑COUNT A destroyer is a small, heavily armed warship.

de|struc|tion ◆◇◇ /d I strʌ kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Destruction is the act of destroying something, or the state of being destroyed. □� �an international agreement aimed at halting the destruction of the ozone layer.

de|struc|tive /d I strʌ kt I v/ ADJ Something that is destructive causes or is capable of causing great damage, harm, or injury. □� �the awesome destructive power of nuclear weapons. ●� de|struc|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the size of armies and the destructiveness of their weapons. ●� de|struc|tive|ly ADV □� Power can be used creatively or destructively.

des|ul|tory /de səltri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ Something that is desultory is done in an unplanned and disorganized way, and without enthusiasm. [FORMAL ] □� The constables made a desultory attempt to keep them away from the barn.

de|tach /d I t� tʃ/ (detaches , detaching , detached )

1 VERB If you detach one thing from another that it is fixed to, you remove it. If one thing detachesfrom another, it becomes separated from it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Detach the white part of the application form and keep it. □�[V n +�from ] It is easy to detach the currants from the stems. □�[V +�from ] There was an accident when the towrope detached from the car. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you detachyourself from something, you become less involved in it or less concerned about it than you used to be. □�[V pron-refl +�from ] It helps them detach themselves from their problems and become more objective.

de|tach|able /d I t� tʃəb ə l/ ADJ If a part of an object is detachable , it has been made so that it can be removed from the object. □� �a cake tin with a detachable base.

de|tached /d I t� tʃt/

1 ADJ Someone who is detached is not personally involved in something or has no emotional interest in it. □� He tries to remain emotionally detached from the prisoners, but fails.

2 ADJ A detached house is one that is not joined to any other house. [mainly BRIT ]

de|tach|ment /d I t� tʃmənt/ (detachments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Detachment is the feeling that you have of not being personally involved in something or of having no emotional interest in it. □� �a doctor's professional detachment.

2 N‑COUNT A detachment is a group of soldiers who are sent away from the main group to do a special job.

de|tail ◆◆◇ /diː te I l/ (details , detailing , detailed ) The pronunciation /d I te I l/ is also used in American English. 1 N‑COUNT The detailsof something are its individual features or elements. □�[+�of ] The details of the plan are still being worked out. □� I recall every detail of the party.

2 N‑PLURAL [adj N ] Details about someone or something are facts or pieces of information about them. □�[+�of ] See the bottom of this page for details of how to apply for this exciting offer.

3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A detail is a minor point or aspect of something, as opposed to the central ones. □� Only minor details now remain to be settled.

4 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the small features of something which are often not noticed as detail . □� We like his attention to detail and his enthusiasm.

5 N‑COUNT A detail of a picture is a part of it that is printed separately and perhaps made bigger, so that smaller features can be clearly seen.

6 VERB If you detail things, you list them or give information about them. □�[V n] The report detailed the human rights abuses committed during the war. [Also V how]

7 PHRASE If someone does not go into details about a subject, or does not go into the detail , they mention it without explaining it fully or properly. □� He said he had been in various parts of Britain but did not go into details.

8 PHRASE If you examine or discuss something in detail , you do it thoroughly and carefully. □� We examine the wording in detail before deciding on the final text. COLLOCATIONS detail NOUN

1

noun +�detail : account, bank, credit card; contact

adjective +�detail : intimate, personal; financial, technical

2

adjective +�detail : exact, full, further

detail+�be +�adjective : available

verb +�detail : announce, give, provide, publish; disclose, leak, release, reveal SYNONYMS detail NOUN 1

feature:The most unusual feature in the room is an extraordinary pair of candles.

point:Many of the points in the report are correct.

particular:You will find all the particulars in Chapter 9.

aspect:He was interested in all aspects of the work here.

de|tailed ◆◇◇ /diː te I ld, [AM ] d I te I ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A detailed report or plan contains a lot of details. □� Yesterday's letter contains a detailed account of the decisions.

de|tain /d I te I n/ (detains , detaining , detained )

1 VERB When people such as the police detain someone, they keep them in a place under their control. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The act allows police to detain a suspect for up to 48 hours.

2 VERB To detain someone means to delay them, for example by talking to them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Thank you. We won't detain you any further.

de|tainee /diː te I niː / (detainees ) N‑COUNT A detainee is someone who is held prisoner by a government because of his or her political views or activities.

de|tect /d I te kt/ (detects , detecting , detected )

1 VERB To detect something means to find it or discover that it is present somewhere by using equipment or making an investigation. □�[V n] �a sensitive piece of equipment used to detect radiation. □�[V wh] �a device which can detect who is more at risk of a heart attack.

2 VERB If you detect something, you notice it or sense it, even though it is not very obvious. □�[V n] Arnold could detect a certain sadness in the old man's face.

de|tect|able /d I te ktəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is detectable can be noticed or discovered. □� Doctors say the disease is probably inherited but not detectable at birth.

de|tec|tion /d I te kʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Detection is the act of noticing or sensing something. □�[+�of ] �the early detection of breast cancer.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Detection is the discovery of something which is supposed to be hidden. □� They are cheating but are sophisticated enough to avoid detection. [Also +�of ]

3 N‑UNCOUNT Detection is the work of investigating a crime in order to find out what has happened and who committed it. □� The detection rate for motor vehicle theft that year was just 11.7 per cent.

de|tec|tive ◆◇◇ /d I te kt I v/ (detectives )

1 N‑COUNT A detective is someone whose job is to discover what has happened in a crime or other situation and to find the people involved. Some detectives work in the police force and others work privately. □� Detectives are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious. □� She hired a private detective in an attempt to find her daughter.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A detective novel or story is one in which a detective tries to solve a crime.

de|tec|tor /d I te ktə r / (detectors ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A detector is an instrument which is used to discover that something is present somewhere, or to measure how much of something there is. □� �a metal detector. □� �fire alarms and smoke detectors.

de|tente /de I tɒ nt/ also d�tente N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Detente is a state of friendly relations between two countries when previously there had been problems between them. [FORMAL ] □� �their desire to pursue a policy of detente.

de|ten|tion /d I te nʃ ə n/ (detentions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Detention is when someone is arrested or put into prison, especially for political reasons. □� �the detention without trial of government critics.

2 N‑VAR Detention is a punishment for naughty schoolchildren, who are made to stay at school after the other children have gone home. □� The teacher kept the boys in detention after school.

de|te n|tion cen|tre (detention centres ) in AM, use detention center N‑COUNT A detention centre is a sort of prison, for example a place where people who have entered a country illegally are kept while a decision is made about what to do with them.

de|ter /d I tɜː r / (deters , deterring , deterred ) VERB To deter someone from doing something means to make them not want to do it or continue doing it. □�[V n +�from ] Supporters of the death penalty argue that it would deter criminals from carrying guns. □�[V n] Arrests and jail sentences have done nothing to deter the protesters.

de|ter|gent /d I tɜː r dʒ ə nt/ (detergents ) N‑VAR Detergent is a chemical substance, usually in the form of a powder or liquid, which is used for washing things such as clothes or dishes.

de|terio|rate /d I t I ə riəre I t/ (deteriorates , deteriorating , deteriorated ) VERB If something deteriorates , it becomes worse in some way. □�[V ] There are fears that the situation might deteriorate into full-scale war. ●� de|terio|ra|tion /d I t I ə riəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�in ] �concern about the rapid deterioration in relations between the two countries.

de|ter|mi|nant /d I tɜː r m I nənt/ (determinants ) N‑COUNT A determinant of something causes it to be of a particular kind or to happen in a particular way. [FORMAL ]

de|ter|mi|nate /d I tɜː r m I nət/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Determinate means fixed and definite. [FORMAL ] □� �a contract for the exclusive possession of land for some determinate period.

de|ter|mi|na|tion /d I tɜː r m I ne I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to-inf] Determination is the quality that you show when you have decided to do something and you will not let anything stop you. □� Everyone concerned acted with great courage and determination.

2 →�see also determine

de|ter|mine ◆◆◇ /d I tɜː r m I n/ (determines , determining , determined )

1 VERB If a particular factor determines the nature of a thing or event, it causes it to be of a particular kind. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The size of the chicken pieces will determine the cooking time. □�[V wh] What determines whether you are a career success or a failure? ●� de|ter|mi|na|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �the gene which is responsible for male sex determination.

2 VERB To determine a fact means to discover it as a result of investigation. [FORMAL ] □�[V wh] The investigation will determine what really happened. □�[V n] Testing needs to be done to determine the long-term effects on humans. □�[V that] Science has determined that the risk is very small.

3 VERB If you determine something, you decide it or settle it. □�[V n] The Baltic people have a right to determine their own future. □�[V wh] My aim was first of all to determine what I should do next. [Also V that, V wh-to-inf] ●� de|ter|mi|na|tion (determinations ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] □�[+�of ] We must take into our own hands the determination of our future.

4 VERB If you determineto do something, you make a firm decision to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] He determined to rescue his two countrymen. □�[V that] I determined that I would ask him outright.

de|ter|mined ◆◇◇ /d I tɜː r m I nd/ ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you are determinedto do something, you have made a firm decision to do it and will not let anything stop you. □� His enemies are determined to ruin him. □� He made determined efforts to overcome the scandal. ●� de|ter|mined|ly ADV □� She shook her head, determinedly.

de|ter|min|er /d I tɜː r m I nə r / (determiners ) N‑COUNT In grammar, a determiner is a word which is used at the beginning of a noun group to indicate, for example, which thing you are referring to or whether you are referring to one thing or several. Common English determiners are 'a', 'the', 'some', 'this', and 'each'.

de|ter|min|ism /d I tɜː r m I n I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Determinism is the belief that all actions and events result from other actions, events, or situations, so people cannot in fact choose what to do. [FORMAL ] □� I don't believe in historical determinism.

de|ter|min|ist /d I tɜː r m I n I st/ (determinists )

1 N‑COUNT A determinist is someone who believes in determinism. [FORMAL ]

2 ADJ Determinist ideas are based on determinism. [FORMAL ] □� The determinist doctrines in question maintained that certain people were born to be slaves.

de|ter|min|is|tic /d I tɜː r m I n I st I k/

1 ADJ Deterministic ideas or explanations are based on determinism. [FORMAL ] □� �a deterministic view of human progress.

2 ADJ Deterministic forces and factors cause things to happen in a way that cannot be changed. [FORMAL ] □� Genetics is probabilistic, not deterministic.

de|ter|rence /d I te rəns, [AM ] -tɜː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Deterrence is the prevention of something, especially war or crime, by having something such as weapons or punishment to use as a threat. □� �policies of nuclear deterrence.

de|ter|rent /d I te rənt, [AM ] -tɜː r-/ (deterrents )

1 N‑COUNT A deterrent is something that prevents people from doing something by making them afraid of what will happen to them if they do it. □� They seriously believe that capital punishment is a deterrent.

2 N‑COUNT A deterrent is a weapon or set of weapons designed to prevent enemies from attacking by making them afraid to do so. □� �a nuclear deterrent.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If something has a deterrent effect, it has the effect of preventing people from doing certain things. □� �his belief in the deterrent value of capital punishment.

de|test /d I te st/ (detests , detesting , detested ) VERB If you detest someone or something, you dislike them very much. □�[V n] My mother detested him. □�[V v-ing] Jean detested being photographed.

de|test|able /d I te stəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is detestable , you mean you dislike them very much. [FORMAL ] □� I find their views detestable.

de|throne /diː θroʊ n/ (dethrones , dethroning , dethroned ) VERB [usu passive] If a king, queen, or other powerful person is dethroned , they are removed from their position of power. □�[be V -ed] He was dethroned and went into exile.

deto|nate /de təne I t/ (detonates , detonating , detonated ) VERB If someone detonates a device such as a bomb, or if it detonates , it explodes. □�[V n] France is expected to detonate its first nuclear device in the next few days. □�[V ] An explosive device detonated on the roof of the building.

deto|na|tion /de təne I ʃ ə n/ (detonations )

1 N‑COUNT A detonation is a large or powerful explosion. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Detonation is the action of causing a device such as a bomb to explode. [FORMAL ] □� �accidental detonation of nuclear weapons.

deto|na|tor /de təne I tə r / (detonators ) N‑COUNT A detonator is a small amount of explosive or a piece of electrical or electronic equipment which is used to explode a bomb or other explosive device.

de|tour /diː tʊə r / (detours )

1 N‑COUNT If you make a detour on a journey, you go by a route which is not the shortest way, because you want to avoid something such as a traffic jam, or because there is something you want to do on the way. □� He did not take the direct route home, but made a detour around the outskirts of the city.

2 N‑COUNT A detour is a special route for traffic to follow when the normal route is blocked, for example because it is being repaired. [AM ] in BRIT, use diversion

de|tox /diː tɒ ks/ (detoxes , detoxing , detoxed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Detox is treatment given to people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol in order to stop them from being addicted. □� A patient going through acute detox will have an assigned nurse nearby. □� �a detox therapist.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A detox is a treatment that is intended to remove poisonous or harmful substances from your body. □� Overhaul your body with a cleansing detox. □� Give yourself a healthy glow on our detox diet.

3 VERB If someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol detoxes , or if another person detoxes them, they undergo treatment which stops them from being addicted. □�[V n] �mums trying to detox their kids. □�[V ] �drugs binges and failed attempts to detox.

4 VERB If you detox , or if something detoxes your body, you do something to remove poisonous or harmful substances from your body. □�[V ] It might be an idea to detox after the indulgences of Christmas. □�[V n] Honey can help to detox the body.

de|toxi|fi|ca|tion /diːtɒ ks I f I ke I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Detoxification is treatment given to people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol in order to stop them from being addicted.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Detoxification is treatment that is intended to remove poisonous or harmful substances from your body. □� Drink at least 2 litres of still mineral water throughout the day to aid detoxification.

de|toxi|fy /diːtɒ ks I fa I / (detoxifies , detoxifying , detoxified )

1 VERB If someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol detoxifies , or if they are detoxified , they undergo treatment which stops them from being addicted. □�[V n] �drugs which block the affects of heroin use and rapidly detoxify addicts. □�[V ] With the controversial new treatment, addicts will be able to detoxify rapidly.

2 VERB If you detoxify , or if something detoxifies your body, you do something to remove poisonous or harmful substances from your body. □�[V ] Many people have made it a rule to detoxify once a year. □�[V n] Seaweed baths can help to detoxify the body.

3 VERB To detoxify a poisonous substance means to change it chemically so that it is no longer poisonous. □�[V n] Vitamin C helps to detoxify pollutants in the body.

de|tract /d I tr� kt/ (detracts , detracting , detracted ) VERB If one thing detractsfrom another, it makes it seem less good or impressive. □�[V +�from ] The publicity could detract from our election campaign. [Also V n +�from ]

de|trac|tor /d I tr� ktə r / (detractors ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu with poss] The detractors of a person or thing are people who criticize that person or thing. [JOURNALISM ] □� This performance will silence many of his detractors.

det|ri|ment /de tr I mənt/

1 PHRASE If something happens to the detriment of something or to a person's detriment , it causes harm or damage to them. [FORMAL ] □� Children spend too much time on schoolwork, to the detriment of other activities.

2 PHRASE If something happens without detriment to a person or thing, it does not harm or damage them. [FORMAL ]

det|ri|men|tal /de tr I me nt ə l/ ADJ Something that is detrimentalto something else has a harmful or damaging effect on it. □�[+�to ] �foods suspected of being detrimental to health.

de|tri|tus /d I tra I təs/ N‑UNCOUNT Detritus is the small pieces of rubbish that remain after an event has finished or when something has been used. [FORMAL ] □� �the detritus of war.

deuce /djuː s, [AM ] duː s/ (deuces ) N‑UNCOUNT Deuce is the score in a game of tennis when both players have forty points. One player has to win two points one after the other to win the game.

de|value /diː v� ljuː/ (devalues , devaluing , devalued )

1 VERB To devalue something means to cause it to be thought less impressive or less deserving of respect. □�[V n] They spread tales about her in an attempt to devalue her work. ●� de|valued ADJ □� Police officers feel devalued and let down.

2 VERB To devalue the currency of a country means to reduce its value in relation to other currencies. □�[V n +�by ] The yuan was devalued by about 4 per cent. [Also V n] ●� de|valua|tion /diː v� ljue I ʃ ə n/ (devaluations ) N‑VAR □� It will lead to devaluation of a number of European currencies.

dev|as|tate /de vəste I t/ (devastates , devastating , devastated ) VERB If something devastates an area or a place, it damages it very badly or destroys it totally. □�[V n] A few days before, a fire had devastated large parts of Windsor Castle.

dev|as|tat|ed /de vəste I t I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are devastated by something, you are very shocked and upset by it. □� Teresa was devastated, her dreams shattered.

dev|as|tat|ing /de vəste I t I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as devastating , you are emphasizing that it is very harmful or damaging. [EMPHASIS ] □� Affairs do have a devastating effect on marriages.

2 ADJ You can use devastating to emphasize that something is very shocking, upsetting, or terrible. [EMPHASIS ] □� The diagnosis was devastating. She had cancer.

3 ADJ You can use devastating to emphasize that something or someone is very impressive. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a devastating display of galloping and jumping. ●� dev|as|tat|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� Its advertising is devastatingly successful.

dev|as|ta|tion /de vəste I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Devastation is severe and widespread destruction or damage. □� A huge bomb blast brought chaos and devastation to the city yesterday.

de|vel|op ◆◆◆ /d I ve ləp/ (develops , developing , developed )

1 VERB When something develops , it grows or changes over a period of time and usually becomes more advanced, complete, or severe. □�[V ] It's hard to say at this stage how the market will develop. □�[V +�into ] These clashes could develop into open warfare. □�[V -ing] Society begins to have an impact on the developing child. ●� de|vel|oped ADJ □� Their bodies were well-developed and super fit.

2 VERB If a problem or difficulty develops , it begins to occur. □�[V ] A huge row has developed about the pollution emanating from a chemical plant. □�[V +�from/out of ] �blood clots in his lungs, a problem which developed from a leg injury.

3 VERB If you say that a country develops , you mean that it changes from being a poor agricultural country to being a rich industrial country. □�[V ] All countries, it was predicted, would develop and develop fast.

4 →�see also developed , developing

5 VERB If you develop a business or industry, or if it develops , it becomes bigger and more successful. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] She won a grant to develop her own business. □�[V ] Over the last few years tourism here has developed considerably. ●� de|vel|oped ADJ □� Housing finance is less developed in continental Europe.

6 VERB To develop land or property means to make it more profitable, by building houses or factories or by improving the existing buildings. □�[V n] Entrepreneurs developed fashionable restaurants and bars in the area. [Also V ] ●� de|vel|oped ADJ □� Developed land was to grow from 5.3% to 6.9%.

7 VERB If you develop a habit, reputation, or belief, you start to have it and it then becomes stronger or more noticeable. □�[V n] Mr Robinson has developed the reputation of a ruthless cost-cutter.

8 VERB If you develop a skill, quality, or relationship, or if it develops , it becomes better or stronger. □�[V n] Now you have an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of each other. □�[V ] Their friendship developed through their shared interest in the Arts. ●� de|vel|oped ADJ □� �a highly developed instinct for self-preservation.

9 VERB If you develop an illness, or if it develops , you become affected by it. □�[V n] The test should identify which smokers are most prone to develop lung cancer. □�[V ] A sharp ache developed in her back muscles.

10 VERB If a piece of equipment develops a fault, it starts to have the fault. □�[V n] The aircraft made an unscheduled landing after developing an electrical fault.

11 VERB If someone develops a new product, they design it and produce it. □�[V n] He claims that several countries have developed nuclear weapons secretly.

12 VERB If you develop an idea, theory, story, or theme, or if it develops , it gradually becomes more detailed, advanced, or complex. □�[V n] I would like to thank them for allowing me to develop their original idea. □�[V ] The idea of weather forecasting developed incredibly quickly.

13 VERB To develop photographs means to make negatives or prints from a photographic film. SYNONYMS develop VERB

1

grow:The economy continues to grow.

progress:Were you surprised that his disease progressed so quickly?

evolve:As medical knowledge evolves, beliefs change.

advance:Medical technology has advanced considerably.

flourish:Business flourished and within six months they were earning 18,000 roubles a day.

2

result:Ignore the early warnings and illness could result.

arise:�if a problem arises later in the pregnancy.

ensue:A brief but embarrassing silence ensued.

come about:That came about when we went to Glastonbury last year.

de|vel|oped /d I ve ləpt/ ADJ If you talk about developed countries or the developed world, you mean the countries or the parts of the world that are wealthy and have many industries. □� This scarcity is inevitable in less developed countries.

de|vel|op|er /d I ve ləpə r / (developers )

1 N‑COUNT A developer is a person or a company that buys land and builds houses, offices, shops, or factories on it, or buys existing buildings and makes them more modern. [BUSINESS ] □� �common land which would have a high commercial value if sold to developers.

2 N‑COUNT A developer is someone who develops something such as an idea, a design, or a product. □�[+�of ] John Bardeen was also co-developer of the theory of superconductivity.

de|vel|op|ing /d I ve ləp I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you talk about developing countries or the developing world, you mean the countries or the parts of the world that are poor and have few industries. □� In the developing world cigarette consumption is increasing.

de|vel|op|ment ◆◆◆ /d I ve ləpmənt/ (developments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Development is the gradual growth or formation of something. □�[+�of ] �an ideal system for studying the development of the embryo.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Development is the growth of something such as a business or an industry. [BUSINESS ] □� Education is central to a country's economic development. [Also +�of ]

3 N‑VAR Development is the process or result of making a basic design gradually better and more advanced. □� We are spending $850m on research and development.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Development is the process of making an area of land or water more useful or profitable. □�[+�of ] The talks will focus on economic development of the region.

5 N‑COUNT A development is an event or incident which has recently happened and is likely to have an effect on the present situation. □� Police said there had been a significant development in the case.

6 N‑COUNT A development is an area of houses or buildings which have been built by property developers. COLLOCATIONS development NOUN

1

noun +�development : career, character; language

adjective +�development : personal, professional

2

noun +�development : business, property

adjective +�development : commercial, economic, sustainable

verb +�development : encourage, promote, support

3

noun +�development : product, software

adjective +�development : industrial, technological; exciting

4

adjective +�development : economic, rural, urban

5

adjective +�development : interesting, major, recent, significant

6

noun +�development : housing

adjective +�development : residential SYNONYMS development NOUN

1

growth:The area has seen a rapid population growth.

increase:�a sharp increase in productivity.

expansion:The company has abandoned plans for further expansion.

5

event:�in the wake of recent events in Europe.

incident:These incidents were the latest in a series of disputes.

occurrence:The food queues have become a daily occurrence across the country.

de|vel|op|men|tal /d I ve ləpme nt ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Developmental means relating to the development of someone or something. □� �the emotional, educational, and developmental needs of the child.

de|ve l|op|ment ba nk (development banks ) N‑COUNT A development bank is a bank that provides money for projects in poor countries or areas. [BUSINESS ]

de|vi|ant /diː viənt/ (deviants )

1 ADJ Deviant behaviour or thinking is different from what people normally consider to be acceptable. □� �the social reactions to deviant and criminal behaviour. ●� de|vi|ance /diː viəns/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �sexual deviance, including the abuse of children.

2 N‑COUNT A deviant is someone whose behaviour or beliefs are different from what people normally consider to be acceptable.

de|vi|ate /diː vie I t/ (deviates , deviating , deviated ) VERB To deviatefrom something means to start doing something different or not planned, especially in a way that causes problems for others. □�[V +�from ] They stopped you as soon as you deviated from the script. [Also V ]

de|via|tion /diː vie I ʃ ə n/ (deviations ) N‑VAR Deviation means doing something that is different from what people consider to be normal or acceptable. □�[+�from ] Deviation from the norm is not tolerated.

de|vice ◆◇◇ /d I va I s/ (devices )

1 N‑COUNT A device is an object that has been invented for a particular purpose, for example for recording or measuring something. □� �an electronic device that protects your vehicle 24 hours a day.

2 N‑COUNT A device is a method of achieving something. □�[+�for ] They claim that military spending is used as a device for managing the economy.

3 PHRASE If you leave someone to their own devices , you leave them alone to do as they wish. □� Left to his own devices, Osborn is a fluent�and often original�guitarist. COLLOCATIONS device NOUN 1

noun +�device : explosive, incendiary, safety, storage; listening, navigation, recording, tracking

adjective +�device : electronic, mechanical, medical, nuclear; handheld, mobile, portable; high-tech, simple, sophisticated

verb +�device : design, develop, test; detonate, install, plant SYNONYMS device NOUN 1

gadget:�kitchen gadgets including toasters, kettles and percolators.

tool:I find the best tool for the purpose is a pair of shears.

instrument:�instruments for cleaning and polishing teeth.

appliance:He learned to use the vacuum cleaner, washing machine and other household appliances.

implement:�knives and other useful implements.

dev|il /de v ə l/ (devils )

1 N‑PROPER In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the Devil is the most powerful evil spirit.

2 N‑COUNT A devil is an evil spirit. □� �the idea of angels with wings and devils with horns and hoofs.

3 N‑COUNT You can use devil to emphasize the way you feel about someone. For example, if you call someone a poor devil , you are saying that you feel sorry for them. You can call someone you are fond of but who sometimes annoys or irritates you an old devil or a little devil . [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� I felt sorry for Blake, poor devil.

4 PHRASE If you say that you are between the devil and the deep blue sea , you mean that you are in a difficult situation where you have to choose between two equally unpleasant courses of action.

5 PHRASE People say speak of the devil , or in British English talk of the devil , if someone they have just been talking about appears unexpectedly. □� Well, talk of the devil!

6 PHRASE When you want to emphasize how annoyed or surprised you are, you can use an expression such as what the devil , how the devil, or why the devil . [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� 'What the devil's the matter?'

dev|il|ish /de vəl I ʃ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A devilish idea or action is cruel or unpleasant. □� �the devilish destructiveness of modern weapons.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use devilish to emphasize how extreme or difficult something is. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a devilish puzzle. ●� dev|il|ish|ly ADV □� It is devilishly painful.

de vil-may-ca re ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has a devil-may-care attitude, you mean that they seem relaxed and do not seem worried about the consequences of their actions. [APPROVAL ]

de v|il's a d|vo|cate N‑UNCOUNT [oft with det] If you playdevil's advocate in a discussion or debate, you express an opinion which you may not agree with but which is very different to what other people have been saying, in order to make the argument more interesting.

de|vi|ous /diː viəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as devious you do not like them because you think they are dishonest and like to keep things secret, often in a complicated way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Newman was devious, prepared to say one thing in print and another in private. ●� de|vi|ous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the deviousness of drug traffickers.

de|vise /d I va I z/ (devises , devising , devised ) VERB If you devise a plan, system, or machine, you have the idea for it and design it. □�[V n] We devised a scheme to help him.

de|void /d I vɔ I d/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is devoid of a quality or thing, you are emphasizing that they have none of it. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] I have never looked on a face that was so devoid of feeling.

de|vo|lu|tion /diː vəluː ʃ ə n, de v-/ N‑UNCOUNT Devolution is the transfer of some authority or power from a central organization or government to smaller organizations or government departments. □�[+�of ] �the devolution of power to the regions.

de|volve /d I vɒ lv/ (devolves , devolving , devolved ) VERB If you devolve power, authority, or responsibility to a less powerful person or group, or if it devolvesupon them, it is transferred to them. □�[V n +�to ] �the need to decentralize and devolve power to regional governments. □�[V n] We have made a conscious effort to devolve responsibility. □�[V +�upon/on ] A large portion of this cost devolves upon the patient.

de|vote /d I voʊ t/ (devotes , devoting , devoted )

1 VERB If you devote yourself, your time, or your energy to something, you spend all or most of your time or energy on it. □�[V n +�to ] He decided to devote the rest of his life to scientific investigation. □�[V n +�to ] Considerable resources have been devoted to proving him a liar. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] She gladly gave up her part-time job to devote herself entirely to her art.

2 VERB If you devote a particular proportion of a piece of writing or a speech to a particular subject, you deal with the subject in that amount of space or time. □�[V n +�to ] He devoted a major section of his massive report to an analysis of U.S. aircraft design.

de|vot|ed /d I voʊ t I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone who is devotedto a person loves that person very much. □� �a loving and devoted husband. □�[+�to ] 50 years on, the couple are still devoted to one another.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are devotedto something, you care about it a lot and are very enthusiastic about it. □�[+�to ] I have personally been devoted to this cause for many years. □� Joyce Bryt is a devoted Star Trek fan.

3 ADJ Something that is devoted to a particular thing deals only with that thing or contains only that thing. □�[+�to ] The shop is devoted to a new range of accessories.

devo|tee /de vətiː / (devotees ) N‑COUNT Someone who is a devoteeof a subject or activity is very enthusiastic about it. □�[+�of ] Mr Carpenter is obviously a devotee of Britten's music.

de|vo|tion /d I voʊ ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Devotion is great love, affection, or admiration for someone. □� At first she was flattered by his devotion.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Devotion is commitment to a particular activity. □�[+�to ] �devotion to the cause of the people and to socialism.

de|vo|tion|al /d I voʊ ʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Devotional activities, writings, or objects relate to religious worship. □� �devotional pictures.

de|vo|tions /d I voʊ ʃ ə nz/ N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] Someone's devotions are the prayers that they say. □� Normally he performs his devotions twice a day.

de|vour /d I vaʊə r / (devours , devouring , devoured )

1 VERB If a person or animal devours something, they eat it quickly and eagerly. □�[V n] A medium-sized dog will devour at least one can of food per day.

2 VERB If you devour a book or magazine, for example, you read it quickly and with great enthusiasm. □�[V n] She began devouring newspapers when she was only 12.

de|vout /d I vaʊ t/

1 ADJ A devout person has deep religious beliefs. □� She was a devout Christian. ●�N‑PLURAL The devout are people who are devout. □� �priests instructing the devout.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as a devout supporter or a devout opponent of something, you mean that they support it enthusiastically or oppose it strongly. □� �devout Marxists.

de|vout|ly /d I vaʊ tli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] Devoutly is used to emphasize how sincerely or deeply you hope for something or believe in something. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He devoutly hoped it was true.

2 ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] Devoutly is used to emphasize how deep someone's religious beliefs are, or to indicate that something is done in a devout way. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a devoutly Buddhist country.

dew /djuː , [AM ] duː / N‑UNCOUNT Dew is small drops of water that form on the ground and other surfaces outdoors during the night. □� The dew gathered on the leaves.

dewy /djuː i, [AM ] duː i/

1 ADJ Something that is dewy is wet with dew. [LITERARY ]

2 ADJ If your skin looks dewy , it looks soft and glows healthily.

de wy-e yed ADJ If you say that someone is dewy-eyed , you are criticizing them because you think that they are unrealistic and think events and situations are better than they really are. [DISAPPROVAL ]

dex|ter|ity /dekste r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Dexterity is skill in using your hands, or sometimes your mind. □� �Reid's dexterity on the guitar.

dex|ter|ous /de kstrəs/ also dextrous ADJ Someone who is dexterous is very skilful and clever with their hands. □� As people grow older they generally become less dexterous.

dex|trose /de kstroʊz, [AM ] -roʊs/ N‑UNCOUNT Dextrose is a natural form of sugar that is found in fruits, honey, and in the blood of animals.

dia|be|tes /da I əbiː tiːz, [AM ] -t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Diabetes is a medical condition in which someone has too much sugar in their blood.

dia|bet|ic /da I əbe t I k/ (diabetics )

1 N‑COUNT A diabetic is a person who suffers from diabetes. □� �an insulin-dependent diabetic. ●�ADJ Diabetic is also an adjective. □� �diabetic patients.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Diabetic means relating to diabetes. □� He found her in a diabetic coma.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Diabetic foods are suitable for diabetics.

dia|bol|ic /da I əbɒ l I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Diabolic is used to describe things that people think are caused by or belong to the Devil. [FORMAL ] □� �the diabolic forces which lurk in all violence.

2 ADJ If you describe something as diabolic , you are emphasizing that it is very bad, extreme, or unpleasant. [mainly AM , EMPHASIS ] □� Pitt's smile returned, and it was hideously diabolic.

dia|boli|cal /da I əbɒ l I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as diabolical , you are emphasizing that it is very bad, extreme, or unpleasant. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� It was a diabolical error, a schoolboy error. ●� dia|boli|cal|ly /da I əbɒ l I kli/ ADV □� �diabolically difficult clues.

dia|dem /da I ədem/ (diadems ) N‑COUNT A diadem is a small crown with precious stones in it.

di|ag|nose /da I əgnoʊz, [AM ] -noʊs/ (diagnoses , diagnosing , diagnosed ) VERB If someone or something is diagnosedas having a particular illness or problem, their illness or problem is identified. If an illness or problem is diagnosed , it is identified. □�[be V -ed +�as ] The soldiers were diagnosed as having flu. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Susan had a mental breakdown and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. □�[be V -ed +�as ] In 1894 her illness was diagnosed as cancer. □�[V n] He could diagnose an engine problem simply by listening. [Also be V -ed adj]

di|ag|no|sis /da I əgnoʊ s I s/ (diagnoses ) N‑VAR Diagnosis is the discovery and naming of what is wrong with someone who is ill or with something that is not working properly. □� I need to have a second test to confirm the diagnosis.

di|ag|nos|tic /da I əgnɒ st I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Diagnostic equipment, methods, or systems are used for discovering what is wrong with people who are ill or with things that do not work properly. □� �X-rays and other diagnostic tools.

di|ago|nal /da I � gən ə l/ (diagonals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A diagonal line or movement goes in a sloping direction, for example, from one corner of a square across to the opposite corner. □� �a pattern of diagonal lines. ●� di|ago|nal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Vaulting the stile, he headed diagonally across the paddock.

2 N‑COUNT A diagonal is a line that goes in a sloping direction. □� The bed linen is patterned in stylish checks, stripes, diagonals and triangles.

3 N‑COUNT In geometry, a diagonal is a straight line that joins two opposite corners in a flat four-sided shape such as a square. □� Mark five points an equal distance apart along the diagonals.

dia|gram /da I əgr�m/ (diagrams ) N‑COUNT A diagram is a simple drawing which consists mainly of lines and is used, for example, to explain how a machine works. □� You can reduce long explanations to simple charts or diagrams.

dia|gram|mat|ic /da I əgrəm� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is in diagrammatic form is arranged or drawn as a diagram. □� This is the virus in very crude simple diagrammatic form.

dial /da I əl/ (dials , dialling , dialled ) in AM, use dialing , dialed1 N‑COUNT A dial is the part of a machine or instrument such as a clock or watch which shows you the time or a measurement that has been recorded. □� The luminous dial on the clock showed five minutes to seven.

2 N‑COUNT A dial is a control on a device or piece of equipment which you can move in order to adjust the setting, for example to select or change the frequency on a radio or the temperature of a heater. □� He turned the dial on the radio.

3 N‑COUNT On some telephones, especially older ones, thedial is the disc on the front that you turn with your finger to choose the number that you want to call. The disc has holes in it, and numbers or letters behind the holes.

4 VERB If you dial or if you dial a number, you turn the dial or press the buttons on a telephone in order to phone someone. □�[V n] He lifted the phone and dialled her number. □�[V ] He dialled, and spoke briefly to the duty officer.

dia|lect /da I əlekt/ (dialects ) N‑VAR [oft in N ] A dialect is a form of a language that is spoken in a particular area. □� In the fifties, many Italians spoke only local dialect. □� They began to speak rapidly in dialect.

dia|lec|tic /da I əle kt I k/ (dialectics )

1 N‑COUNT People refer to the dialectic or dialectics of a situation when they are referring to the way in which two very different forces or factors work together, and the way in which their differences are resolved. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □� �the dialectics of class struggle and of socio-economic change.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In philosophy, dialectics is a method of reasoning and reaching conclusions by considering theories and ideas together with ones that contradict them. [TECHNICAL ]

dia|lec|ti|cal /da I əle kt I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In philosophy, Dialectical is used to describe situations, theories, and methods which depend on resolving opposing factors. □� The essence of dialectical thought is division.

di al|ling code (dialling codes ) N‑COUNT A dialling code for a particular city or region is the series of numbers that you have to dial before a particular telephone number if you are making a call to that place from a different area. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use area code

di al|ling tone (dialling tones ) N‑COUNT The dialling tone is the noise which you hear when you pick up a telephone receiver and which means that you can dial the number you want. [BRIT ] in AM, use dial tone

di a|log bo x (dialog boxes ) N‑COUNT A dialog box is a small area containing information or questions that appears on a computer screen when you are performing particular operations. [COMPUTING ]

dia|logue ◆◇◇ /da I əlɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (dialogues ) in AM, also use dialog1 N‑VAR Dialogue is communication or discussion between people or groups of people such as governments or political parties. □� People of all social standings should be given equal opportunities for dialogue.

2 N‑VAR A dialogue is a conversation between two people in a book, film, or play. □� The dialogue is amusing but the plot is weak. COLLOCATIONS dialogue NOUN

1

adjective +�dialogue : constructive; interfaith, political

verb +�dialogue : begin, establish, open, start; encourage, promote

2

adjective +�dialogue : amusing, sharp, snappy, witty; contrived, stilted; spoken

verb +�dialogue : improvise

di al tone (dial tones ) N‑COUNT The dial tone is the same as the dialling tone . [AM ]

di|aly|sis /da I � l I s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Dialysis or kidney dialysis is a method of treating kidney failure by using a machine to remove waste material from the kidneys. □� I was on dialysis for seven years before my first transplant.

dia|man|te /da I əm� nti, [AM ] diː əmɑːnte I / also diamant� N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Diamante jewellery is made from small pieces of cut glass which look like diamonds. □� �diamante earrings.

di|am|eter /da I � m I tə r / (diameters ) N‑VAR [oft in N ] The diameter of a round object is the length of a straight line that can be drawn across it, passing through the middle of it. □� �a tube less than a fifth of the diameter of a human hair.

dia|met|ri|cal|ly /da I əme tr I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] If you say that two things are diametrically opposed, you are emphasizing that they are completely different from each other. [EMPHASIS ]

dia|mond /da I əmənd/ (diamonds )

1 N‑VAR A diamond is a hard, bright, precious stone which is clear and colourless. Diamonds are used in jewellery and for cutting very hard substances. □� �a pair of diamond earrings.

2 N‑COUNT A diamond is a shape with four straight sides of equal length where the opposite angles are the same, but none of the angles is equal to 90�: ♦. □� He formed his hands into the shape of a diamond.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Diamonds is one of the four suits of cards in a pack of playing cards. Each card in the suit is marked with one or more red symbols in the shape of a diamond. □� He drew the seven of diamonds. ●�N‑COUNT A diamond is a playing card of this suit.

di a|mond ju |bi|lee (diamond jubilees ) N‑COUNT A diamond jubilee is the sixtieth anniversary of an important event.

dia|per /da I əpə r / (diapers ) N‑COUNT A diaper is a piece of soft towel or paper, which you fasten round a baby's bottom in order to soak up its urine and faeces. [AM ] □� He never changed her diapers, never bathed her. in BRIT, use nappy

di|apha|nous /da I � fənəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Diaphanous cloth is very thin and almost transparent. [LITERARY ] □� �a diaphanous dress of pale gold.

dia|phragm /da I əfr�m/ (diaphragms )

1 N‑COUNT Your diaphragm is a muscle between your lungs and your stomach. It is used when you breathe.

2 N‑COUNT A diaphragm is a circular rubber contraceptive device that a woman places inside her vagina.

dia|rist /da I ər I st/ (diarists ) N‑COUNT A diarist is a person who records things in a diary which is later published.

di|ar|rhoea /da I əriː ə/ in AM, use diarrhea N‑UNCOUNT If someone has diarrhoea , a lot of liquid faeces comes out of their body because they are ill.

dia|ry ◆◇◇ /da I əri/ (diaries ) N‑COUNT A diary is a book which has a separate space for each day of the year. You use a diary to write down things you plan to do, or to record what happens in your life day by day.

di|as|po|ra /da I � spərə/ N‑SING People who come from a particular nation, or whose ancestors came from it, but who now live in many different parts of the world are sometimes referred to as thediaspora . [FORMAL ] □� �the history of peoples from the African diaspora.

dia|tribe /da I ətra I b/ (diatribes ) N‑COUNT A diatribe is an angry speech or article which is extremely critical of someone's ideas or activities. □� The book is a diatribe against the academic left.

dice /da I s/ (dices , dicing , diced )

1 N‑COUNT A dice is a small cube which has between one and six spots or numbers on its sides, and which is used in games to provide random numbers. In old-fashioned English, 'dice' was used only as a plural form, and the singular was die , but now 'dice' is used as both the singular and the plural form.

2 VERB If you dice food, you cut it into small cubes. □�[V n] Dice the onion.

dicey /da I si/ (dicier , diciest ) ADJ Something that is dicey is slightly dangerous or uncertain. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� There was a dicey moment as one of our party made a risky climb up the cliff wall.

di|choto|my /da I kɒ təmi/ (dichotomies ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a dichotomy between two things, there is a very great difference or opposition between them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�between ] There is a dichotomy between the academic world and the industrial world.

dick /d I k/ (dicks ) N‑COUNT A man's dick is his penis. [INFORMAL , VERY RUDE ]

dick|er /d I kə r / (dickers , dickering , dickered ) VERB If you say that people are dickering about something, you mean that they are arguing or disagreeing about it, often in a way that you think is foolish or unnecessary. [mainly AM , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�over/about ] Management and labor are dickering over pay, benefits and working conditions. □�[V ] He may be expecting us to dicker. Don't.

dick|head /d I khed/ (dickheads ) N‑COUNT If someone calls a man a dickhead , they are saying that they think he is very stupid. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

dic|tate (dictates , dictating , dictated ) The verb is pronounced /d I kte I t, [AM ] d I kte I t/. The noun is pronounced /d I kte I t/. 1 VERB If you dictate something, you say or read it aloud for someone else to write down. □�[V n] Sheldon writes every day of the week, dictating his novels in the morning. [Also V ]

2 VERB If someone dictatesto someone else, they tell them what they should do or can do. □�[V n] What right has one country to dictate the environmental standards of another? □�[V wh] He cannot be allowed to dictate what can and cannot be inspected. □�[V +�to ] What gives them the right to dictate to us what we should eat? □�[V n +�to ] The officers were more or less able to dictate terms to successive governments.

3 VERB If one thing dictates another, the first thing causes or influences the second thing. □�[V n] The film's budget dictated a tough schedule. □�[V wh] Of course, a number of factors will dictate how long an apple tree can survive. □�[V that] Circumstances dictated that they played a defensive rather than attacking game.

4 VERB You say that reason or common sense dictatesthat a particular thing is the case when you believe strongly that it is the case and that reason or common sense will cause other people to agree. □�[V that] Commonsense now dictates that it would be wise to sell a few shares.

5 N‑COUNT A dictate is an order which you have to obey. □�[+�of ] Their job is to ensure that the dictates of the Party are followed.

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Dictates are principles or rules which you consider to be extremely important. □�[+�of ] We have followed the dictates of our consciences and have done our duty.

dic|ta|tion /d I kte I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Dictation is the speaking or reading aloud of words for someone else to write down.

dic|ta|tor /d I kte I tə r , [AM ] d I kte I t-/ (dictators ) N‑COUNT A dictator is a ruler who has complete power in a country, especially power which was obtained by force and is used unfairly or cruelly.

dic|ta|tor|ial /d I ktətɔː riəl/

1 ADJ Dictatorial means controlled or used by a dictator. □� He suspended the constitution and assumed dictatorial powers.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as dictatorial , you do not like the fact that they tell people what to do in a forceful and unfair way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �his dictatorial management style.

dic|ta|tor|ship /d I kte I tə r ʃ I p/ (dictatorships )

1 N‑VAR Dictatorship is government by a dictator. □� �a new era of democracy after a long period of military dictatorship in the country.

2 N‑COUNT A dictatorship is a country which is ruled by a dictator or by a very strict and harsh government. □� Every country in the region was a military dictatorship.

dic|tion /d I kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Someone's diction is how clearly they speak or sing. □� His diction wasn't very good.

dic|tion|ary /d I kʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ (dictionaries ) N‑COUNT A dictionary is a book in which the words and phrases of a language are listed alphabetically, together with their meanings or their translations in another language. □� �a Welsh-English dictionary.

dic|tum /d I ktəm/ (dictums or dicta )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A dictum is a saying that describes an aspect of life in an interesting or wise way. □� �the dictum that it is preferable to be roughly right than precisely wrong.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A dictum is a formal statement made by someone who has authority. □� �Disraeli's dictum that the first priority of the government must be the health of the people.

did /d I d/ Did is the past tense of do .

di|dac|tic /da I d� kt I k/

1 ADJ Something that is didactic is intended to teach people something, especially a moral lesson. [FORMAL ] □� In totalitarian societies, art exists for didactic purposes.

2 ADJ Someone who is didactic tells people things rather than letting them find things out or discussing things. [FORMAL ] □� He is more didactic in his approach to the learning process.

did|dle /d I d ə l/ (diddles , diddling , diddled )

1 VERB If someone diddles you, they take money from you dishonestly or unfairly. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] They diddled their insurance company by making a false claim.

2 VERB If someone diddles , they waste time and do not achieve anything. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V around ] �if Congress were to just diddle around and not take any action at all.

did|geri|doo /d I dʒəriduː / (didgeridoos ) N‑COUNT A didgeridoo is an Australian musical instrument that consists of a long pipe which makes a low sound when you blow into it.

didn't /d I d ə nt/ Didn't is the usual spoken form of 'did not'.

die ◆◆◆ /da I / (dies , dying , died )

1 VERB [no passive] When people, animals, and plants die , they stop living. □�[V ] A year later my dog died. □�[V +�of/from ] Sadly, both he and my mother died of cancer. □�[V n] I would die a very happy person if I could stay in music my whole life. □�[V adj] �friends who died young.

2 VERB [only cont] If a person, animal, or plant is dying , they are so ill or so badly injured that they will not live very much longer. □�[V ] The elm trees are all dying. □�[V +�of/from ] Every working day I treat people who are dying from lung diseases caused by smoking.

3 VERB [no passive] If someone dies a violent, unnatural, or painful death, they die in a violent, unnatural, or painful way. □�[V n] He watched helplessly as his mother died an agonizing death.

4 VERB If a machine or device dies , it stops completely, especially after a period of working more and more slowly or inefficiently. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] Then suddenly, the engine coughed, spluttered and died.

5 VERB [only cont] You can say that you are dying of thirst, hunger, boredom, or curiosity to emphasize that you are very thirsty, hungry, bored, or curious. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�of ] Order me a pot of tea, I'm dying of thirst.

6 VERB [only cont] You can say that you are dying for something or are dyingto do something to emphasize that you very much want to have it or do it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�for ] I'm dying for a breath of fresh air. □�[V to-inf] She was dying to talk to Frank.

7 VERB You can use die in expressions such as ' I almost died ' or ' I'd die if anything happened ' where you are emphasizing your feelings about a situation, for example to say that it is very shocking, upsetting, embarrassing, or amusing. [INFORMAL , mainly SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □�[V ] I nearly died when I learned where I was ending up. □�[V +�of ] I nearly died of shame. □�[V v-ing] I thought I'd die laughing.

8 N‑COUNT A die is a specially shaped or patterned block of metal which is used to press or cut other metal into a particular shape.

9 →�see also dying

10 PHRASE You can say that the die is cast to draw attention to the importance of an event or decision which is going to affect your future and which cannot be changed or avoided.

11 PHRASE If you say that habits or attitudes die hard , you mean that they take a very long time to disappear or change, so that it may not be possible to get rid of them completely. □� Old habits die hard.

▸� die away PHRASAL VERB If a sound dies away , it gradually becomes weaker or fainter and finally disappears completely. □�[V P ] The firing finally began to die away in the late afternoon.

▸� die down PHRASAL VERB If something dies down , it becomes very much quieter or less intense. □�[V P ] The controversy is unlikely to die down.

▸� die out

1 PHRASAL VERB If something dies out , it becomes less and less common and eventually disappears completely. □�[V P ] We used to believe that capitalism would soon die out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a fire or wind dies out , it gradually stops burning or blowing. [AM ] □�[V P ] Once the fire has died out, the salvage team will move in.

die|hard /da I hɑː r d/ (diehards ) also die-hard N‑COUNT [oft N n] A diehard is someone who is very strongly opposed to change and new ideas, or who is a very strong supporter of a person or idea.

die|sel /diː z ə l/ (diesels )

1 N‑VAR Diesel or diesel oil is the heavy oil used in a diesel engine.

2 N‑COUNT A diesel is a vehicle which has a diesel engine.

die |sel en|gine (diesel engines ) N‑COUNT A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine in which oil is burnt by very hot air. Diesel engines are used in buses and trucks, and in some trains and cars.

diet ◆◆◇ /da I ət/ (diets , dieting , dieted )

1 N‑VAR Your diet is the type and range of food that you regularly eat. □� It's never too late to improve your diet. □� �a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables.

2 N‑COUNT If a doctor puts someone on a diet , he or she makes them eat a special type or range of foods in order to improve their health. □�[+�of ] He was put on a diet of milky food.

3 N‑VAR If you are on a diet , you eat special kinds of food or you eat less food than usual because you are trying to lose weight. □� Have you been on a diet? You've lost a lot of weight.

4 VERB If you are dieting , you eat special kinds of food or you eat less food than usual because you are trying to lose weight. □�[V ] I've been dieting ever since the birth of my fourth child. ●� diet|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� She has already lost around two stone through dieting.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Diet drinks or foods have been specially produced so that they do not contain many calories. □� �sugar-free diet drinks.

6 N‑COUNT If you are fed on a dietof something, especially something unpleasant or of poor quality, you receive or experience a very large amount of it. □�[+�of ] The radio had fed him a diet of pop songs.

di|etary /da I ətri, [AM ] -teri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use dietary to describe anything that concerns a person's diet. □� Dr Susan Hankinson has studied the dietary habits of more than 50,000 women.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use the word dietary to describe substances such as fibre and fat that are found in food. □� �a source of dietary fibre.

di|et|er /da I ətə r / (dieters ) N‑COUNT A dieter is someone who is on a diet or who regularly goes on diets.

di|etet|ic /da I əte t I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Dietetic food or drink is food or drink that has been specially produced so that it does not contain many calories. [AM , FORMAL ] □� All dietetic meals are low in sugar.

di|eti|cian /da I ət I ʃ ə n/ (dieticians ) also dietitian N‑COUNT A dietician is a person whose job is to give people advice about the kind of food they should eat. Dieticians often work in hospitals.

dif|fer /d I fə r / (differs , differing , differed )

1 VERB If two or more things differ , they are unlike each other in some way. □�[V +�from ] The story he told police differed from the one he told his mother. □�[V ] Management styles differ.

2 VERB If people differ about something, they do not agree with each other about it. □�[V prep] The two leaders had differed on the issue of sanctions. □�[V ] That is where we differ. □�[V +�with ] Since his retirement, Crowe has differed with the President on several issues.

3to agree to differ →�see agree

4I beg to differ →�see beg

dif|fer|ence ◆◆◇ /d I frəns/ (differences )

1 N‑COUNT The difference between two things is the way in which they are unlike each other. □�[+�between ] That is the fundamental difference between the two societies. □�[+�in ] �the vast difference in size.

2 N‑SING A difference between two quantities is the amount by which one quantity is less than the other. □� The difference is 8532.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] If people have their differences about something, they disagree about it. □� The two communities are learning how to resolve their differences.

4 PHRASE If something makes a difference or makes a lot of difference , it affects you and helps you in what you are doing. If something makes no difference , it does not have any effect on what you are doing. □� Where you live can make such a difference to the way you feel. □� His retirement won't make any difference to the way we conduct our affairs.

5 PHRASE If you split the difference with someone, you agree on an amount or price which is halfway between two suggested amounts or prices. □� Shall we split the difference and say $7,500?

6 PHRASE If you describe a job or holiday, for example, as a job with a difference or a holiday with a difference , you mean that the job or holiday is very interesting and unusual. [INFORMAL ] □� For a beach resort with a difference, try Key West.

7 PHRASE If there is a difference of opinion between two or more people or groups, they disagree about something. □� Was there a difference of opinion over what to do with the prize money? COLLOCATIONS difference NOUN

1

noun +�difference : age, gender

adjective +�difference : crucial, fundamental, marked, significant; slight, subtle; cultural, genetic

verb +�difference : notice, know, tell, understand; explain, show

2

noun +�difference : goal; height, price, temperature, time

verb +�difference : measure; pay, pocket

3

adjective +�difference : irreconcilable; ideological

verb +�difference : resolve

dif|fer|ent ◆◆◆ /d I frənt/

1 ADJ If two people or things are different , they are not like each other in one or more ways. □�[+�from ] London was different from most European capitals. □� If he'd attended music school, how might things have been different? □� We have totally different views. ●�ADJ In British English, people sometimes say that one thing is different to another. Some people consider this use to be incorrect. □�[+�to ] My approach is totally different to his. ●�ADJ People sometimes say that one thing is different than another. This use is often considered incorrect in British English, but it is acceptable in American English. □�[+�than ] We're not really any different than they are. ●� dif|fer|ent|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� Every individual learns differently. [Also +�from ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use different to indicate that you are talking about two or more separate and distinct things of the same kind. □� Different countries specialised in different products. □� The number of calories in different brands of drinks varies enormously.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] You can describe something as different when it is unusual and not like others of the same kind. □� This recipe is certainly interesting and different.

dif|fer|en|tial /d I fəre nʃ ə l/ (differentials )

1 N‑COUNT In mathematics and economics, a differential is a difference between two values in a scale. □� The two countries pledged to maintain the differential between their currencies.

2 N‑COUNT A differential is a difference between things, especially rates of pay. [mainly BRIT ] □� During the Second World War, industrial wage differentials in Britain widened.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Differential means relating to or using a difference between groups or things. [FORMAL ] □� �differential voting rights.

dif|fer|en|ti|ate /d I fəre nʃie I t/ (differentiates , differentiating , differentiated )

1 VERB If you differentiatebetween things or if you differentiate one thing from another, you recognize or show the difference between them. □�[V +�between ] A child may not differentiate between his imagination and the real world. □�[V n +�from ] At this age your baby cannot differentiate one person from another.

2 VERB A quality or feature that differentiates one thing from another makes the two things different. □�[V n +�from ] �distinctive policies that differentiate them from the other parties. ●� dif|fer|en|tia|tion /d I fərenʃie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The differentiation between the two product ranges will increase.

dif|fi|cult ◆◆◆ /d I f I kəlt/

1 ADJ Something that is difficult is not easy to do, understand, or deal with. □� The lack of childcare provisions made it difficult for single mothers to get jobs. □� It was a very difficult decision to make. □� We're living in difficult times.

2 ADJ Someone who is difficult behaves in an unreasonable and unhelpful way. □� I had a feeling you were going to be difficult about this.

dif|fi|cul|ty ◆◆◇ /d I f I kəlti/ (difficulties )

1 N‑COUNT A difficulty is a problem. □� �the difficulty of getting accurate information. □� The country is facing great economic difficulties.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have difficulty doing something, you are not able to do it easily. □� Do you have difficulty getting up?

3 PHRASE If you are in difficulty or in difficulties , you are having a lot of problems. COLLOCATIONS difficulty NOUN

1

noun +�difficulty : breathing, learning

adjective +�difficulty : economic, financial, practical, technical; serious

verb +�difficulty : encounter, face; overcome

2

adjective +�difficulty : considerable, extreme

verb +�difficulty : experience, find; cause SYNONYMS difficulty NOUN 1

complication:An added complication is the growing concern for the environment.

obstacle:To succeed, you must learn to overcome obstacles.

hitch:After some technical hitches the show finally got under way.

snag:There is a snag though, it costs �9,600 a year.

hurdle:The weather will be the biggest hurdle so I have to be ready.

dif|fi|dent /d I f I dənt/ ADJ Someone who is diffident is rather shy and does not enjoy talking about themselves or being noticed by other people. □� Helen was diffident and reserved. ●� dif|fi|dence /d I f I dəns/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He entered the room with a certain diffidence. ●� dif|fi|dent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Would you,' he asked diffidently, 'like to talk to me about it?'

dif|fuse (diffuses , diffusing , diffused ) The verb is pronounced /d I fjuː z/. The adjective is pronounced /d I fjuː s/. 1 VERB If something such as knowledge or information is diffused , or if it diffuses somewhere, it is made known over a wide area or to a lot of people. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed] Over time, the technology is diffused and adopted by other countries. □�[V n] �an attempt to diffuse new ideas. □�[V prep] As agriculture developed, agricultural ideas diffused across Europe. ●� dif|fu|sion /d I fjuː ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the development and diffusion of ideas.

2 VERB To diffuse a feeling, especially an undesirable one, means to cause it to weaken and lose its power to affect people. □�[V n] The arrival of letters from the president did nothing to diffuse the tension.

3 VERB If something diffuses light, it causes the light to spread weakly in different directions. □�[V n] Diffusing a light also reduces its power.

4 VERB To diffuse or be diffused through something means to move and spread through it. □�[V prep] It allows nicotine to diffuse slowly and steadily into the bloodstream. □�[V n prep] Speakers that diffuse music into each room are hidden in the ceiling. [Also V , V n] ●� dif|fu|sion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] There are data on the rates of diffusion of molecules.

5 ADJ Something that is diffuse is not directed towards one place or concentrated in one place but spread out over a large area. [WRITTEN ] □� �a diffuse community.

6 ADJ If you describe something as diffuse , you mean that it is vague and difficult to understand or explain. □� His writing is diffuse and it is difficult to make out what he is trying to say.

dig ◆◇◇ /d I g/ (digs , digging , dug )

1 VERB If people or animals dig , they make a hole in the ground or in a pile of earth, stones, or rubbish. □�[V ] They tried digging in a patch just below the cave. □�[V n] Dig a largish hole and bang the stake in first. □�[V +�through ] Rescue workers are digging through the rubble in search of other victims. □�[V +�for ] They dug for shellfish at low tide.

2 VERB If you diginto something such as a deep container, you put your hand in it to search for something. □�[V +�into/in ] He dug into his coat pocket for his keys.

3 VERB If you dig one thing into another or if one thing digsinto another, the first thing is pushed hard into the second, or presses hard into it. □�[V n +�into ] She digs the serving spoon into the moussaka. □�[V +�into ] He could feel the beads digging into his palm.

4 VERB If you dig into a subject or a store of information, you study it very carefully in order to discover or check facts. □�[V +�into ] The enquiry dug deeper into the alleged financial misdeeds of his government. □�[V +�into ] He has been digging into the local archives.

5 VERB If you digyourself out of a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially one which you caused yourself, you manage to get out of it. □�[V pron-refl prep] He's taken these measures to try and dig himself out of a hole.

6 N‑COUNT [oft on N ] A dig is an organized activity in which people dig into the ground in order to discover ancient historical objects. □� He's an archaeologist and has been on a dig in Crete for the past year.

7 N‑COUNT If you have a digat someone, you say something which is intended to make fun of them or upset them. □�[+�at ] She couldn't resist a dig at Dave after his unfortunate performance.

8 N‑COUNT If you give someone a dig in a part of their body, you push them with your finger or your elbow, usually as a warning or as a joke.

9 N‑PLURAL [oft in N ] If you live indigs , you live in a room in someone else's house and pay them rent. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He went to London and lived in digs in Gloucester Road.

10to dig one's heels in →�see heel

▸� dig around

1 PHRASAL VERB If you dig around in a place or container, you search for something in every part of it. □�[V P +�in ] I went home to dig around in my closets for some old tapes. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you dig around , you try to find information about someone or something. □�[V P ] They said, after digging around, the photo was a fake.

▸� dig in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you dig a substance in , or dig it into the soil, you mix it into the soil by digging. □�[V P n] I usually dig in a small barrow load of compost in late summer. □�[V n P n] To dig calcium into the soil, he warned, does not help the plant.

2 PHRASAL VERB When soldiers dig in or dig themselves in , they dig trenches and prepare themselves for an attack by the enemy. □�[V P ] The battalion went directly to the airport to begin digging in. □�[V pron-refl P ] The enemy must be digging themselves in now ready for the attack. □�[V -ed P ] Our forces are dug in along the river.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone digs in , or digs into some food, they start eating eagerly. If you tell someone to dig in , you are inviting them to start eating, and encouraging them to eat as much as they want. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] 'Listen,' said Daisy, digging into her oatmeal. □�[V P ] Pull up a chair and dig in!

▸� dig out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you dig someone or something outof a place, you get them out by digging or by forcing them from the things surrounding them. □�[V n P +�of ] �digging minerals out of the Earth. □�[V P n] She dug out a photograph from under a pile of papers. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you dig something out , you find it after it has been stored, hidden, or forgotten for a long time. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Recently, I dug out Barstow's novel and read it again. □�[V n P ] We'll try and dig the number out for you if you want it.

▸� dig up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you dig up something, you remove it from the ground where it has been buried or planted. □�[V P n] You would have to dig up the plant yourself. □�[V n P ] Dig it up once the foliage has died down.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you dig up an area of land, you dig holes in it. □�[V P n] Yesterday they continued the search, digging up the back yard of a police station. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you dig up information or facts, you discover something that has not previously been widely known. □�[V P n] Managers are too expensive and important to spend time digging up market information. □�[V -ed P ] His description fits perfectly the evidence dug up by Clyde. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS dig NOUN 8

adjective +�dig : cheeky, good-natured, light-hearted, playful, tongue-in-cheek; sly, subtle; thinly-veiled

di|gest (digests , digesting , digested ) The verb is pronounced /da I dʒe st/. The noun is pronounced /da I dʒest/. 1 VERB When food digests or when you digest it, it passes through your body to your stomach. Your stomach removes the substances that your body needs and gets rid of the rest. □�[V ] Do not undertake strenuous exercise for a few hours after a meal to allow food to digest. □�[V n] She couldn't digest food properly. □�[V -ed] Nutrients from the digested food can be absorbed into the blood.

2 VERB If you digest information, you think about it carefully so that you understand it. □�[V n] They learn well but seem to need time to digest information.

3 VERB If you digest some unpleasant news, you think about it until you are able to accept it and know how to deal with it. □�[V n] All this has upset me. I need time to digest it all.

4 N‑COUNT A digest is a collection of pieces of writing. They are published together in a shorter form than they were originally published. □� �the Middle East Economic Digest.

di|gest|ible /da I dʒe st I b ə l/

1 ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] Digestible food is food that is easy to digest. □� Bananas are easily digestible.

2 ADJ If a theory or idea is digestible , it is easy to understand. □� The book's aim was to make economic theory more digestible.

di|ges|tion /da I dʒe stʃən/ (digestions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Digestion is the process of digesting food. □� No liquids are served with meals because they interfere with digestion.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your digestion is the system in your body which digests your food.

di|ges|tive /da I dʒe st I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can describe things that are related to the digestion of food as digestive . □� �digestive juices that normally work on breaking down our food.

di|ge s|tive sys|tem (digestive systems ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your digestive system is the system in your body that digests the food you eat.

dig|ger /d I gə r / (diggers ) N‑COUNT A digger is a machine that is used for digging. □� �a mechanical digger.

digi|cam /d I dʒ I k�m/ (digicams ) N‑COUNT A digicam is the same as a digital camera .

dig|it /d I dʒ I t/ (digits )

1 N‑COUNT A digit is a written symbol for any of the ten numbers from 0 to 9. □� Her telephone number differs from mine by one digit.

2 N‑COUNT A digit is a finger, thumb, or toe. [FORMAL ]

digi|tal ◆◇◇ /d I dʒ I t ə l/

1 ADJ Digital systems record or transmit information in the form of thousands of very small signals. □� Digital technology allowed a rapid expansion in the number of TV channels. ●� digi|tal|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� �digitally recorded sound.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Digital devices such as watches or clocks give information by displaying numbers rather than by having a pointer which moves round a dial. Compare analogue . □� �a digital display.

di gi|tal au dio tape N‑UNCOUNT Digital audio tape is a type of magnetic tape used to make very high quality recordings of sound by recording it in digital form. The abbreviation DAT is often used.

di gi|tal ca m|era (digital cameras ) N‑COUNT A digital camera is a camera that produces digital images that can be stored on a computer, displayed on a screen, and printed. □� The speed with which digital cameras can take, process and transmit an image is phenomenal.

digi|tal i m|mi|grant (digital immigrants ) N‑COUNT A digital immigrant is a person who was born before it was common to use things such as personal computers and mobile phones. □� At sixty, I'm definitely a digital immigrant.

digi|tal na |tive (digital natives ) N‑COUNT A digital native is someone who has used the internet and mobile phones since they were a child. □� Digital natives like these kids understand the games instinctively.

di gi|tal ra |dio (digital radios )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Digital radio is radio in which the signals are transmitted in digital form and decoded by the radio receiver.

2 N‑COUNT A digital radio is a radio that can receive digital signals. □� Manufacturers are working on a new generation of cheaper digital radios.

di gi|tal re|co rd|ing (digital recordings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Digital recording is the process of converting sound or images into numbers.

2 N‑COUNT A digital recording is a recording made by converting sound or images into numbers.

di gi|tal te le|vi|sion (digital televisions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Digital television is television in which the signals are transmitted in digital form and decoded by the television receiver.

2 N‑COUNT A digital television is a television that can receive digital signals. □� �wide screen digital televisions.

di gi|tal TV (digital TVs )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Digital TV is the same as digital television .

2 N‑COUNT A digital TV is the same as a digital television .

dig|it|ize /d I dʒ I ta I z/ (digitizes , digitizing , digitized ) in BRIT, also use digitise VERB To digitize information means to turn it into a form that can be read easily by a computer. □�[V n] The picture is digitised by a scanner.

dig|ni|fied /d I gn I fa I d/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is dignified , you mean they are calm, impressive and deserve respect. □� He seemed a very dignified and charming man.

dig|ni|fy /d I gn I fa I / (dignifies , dignifying , dignified )

1 VERB To dignify something means to make it impressive. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] Tragic literature dignifies sorrow and disaster.

2 VERB If you say that a particular reaction or description dignifies something you have a low opinion of, you mean that it makes it appear acceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] We won't dignify this kind of speculation with a comment.

dig|ni|tary /d I gn I tri, [AM ] -teri/ (dignitaries ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Dignitaries are people who are considered to be important because they have a high rank in government or in the Church.

dig|nity /d I gn I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone behaves or moves with dignity , they are calm, controlled, and admirable. □� �her extraordinary dignity and composure.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the dignity of people or their lives or activities, you mean that they are valuable and worthy of respect. □� �the sense of human dignity.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Your dignity is the sense that you have of your own importance and value, and other people's respect for you. □� She still has her dignity.

di|gress /da I gre s/ (digresses , digressing , digressed ) VERB If you digress , you move away from the subject you are talking or writing about and talk or write about something different for a while. □�[V ] I've digressed a little to explain the situation so far, so let me now recap. □�[V +�from ] She digressed from her prepared speech to pay tribute to the President. ●� di|gres|sion /da I gre ʃ ə n/ (digressions ) N‑VAR □� The text is dotted with digressions.

dike /da I k/ →�see dyke

dik|tat /d I kt�t, [AM ] d I ktɑː t/ (diktats ) N‑VAR You use diktat to refer to something such as a law or government which people have to obey even if they do not agree with it, especially one which seems unfair. [DISAPPROVAL ]

di|lapi|da|ted /d I l� p I de I t I d/ ADJ A building that is dilapidated is old and in a generally bad condition.

di|late /da I le I t/ (dilates , dilating , dilated ) VERB When things such as blood vessels or the pupils of your eyes dilate or when something dilates them, they become wider or bigger. □�[V ] At night, the pupils dilate to allow in more light. □�[V n] Exercise dilates blood vessels on the surface of the brain. ●� di|lat|ed ADJ □� His eyes seemed slightly dilated.

di|la|tory /d I lətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ Someone or something that is dilatory is slow and causes delay. [FORMAL ] □� You might expect politicians to smooth things out when civil servants are being dilatory.

dil|do /d I ldoʊ/ (dildos ) N‑COUNT A dildo is an object shaped like a penis, which women can use to get sexual pleasure. [INFORMAL ]

di|lem|ma /da I le mə, [AM ] d I l-/ (dilemmas )

1 N‑COUNT A dilemma is a difficult situation in which you have to choose between two or more alternatives. □� He was faced with the dilemma of whether or not to return to his country.

2on the horns of a dilemma →�see horn

dil|et|tan|te /d I lət� nti, [AM ] -tɑːnt/ (dilettantes or dilettanti ) N‑COUNT You can use dilettante to talk about someone who seems interested in a subject, especially in art, but who does not really know very much about it. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

dili|gent /d I l I dʒ ə nt/ ADJ Someone who is diligent works hard in a careful and thorough way. □� Meyers is a diligent and prolific worker. ●� dili|gence /d I l I dʒ ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The police are pursuing their inquiries with great diligence. ●� dili|gent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The two sides are now working diligently to resolve their differences.

dill /d I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Dill is a herb with yellow flowers and a strong sweet smell.

di|lute /da I luː t/ (dilutes , diluting , diluted )

1 VERB If a liquid is diluted or dilutes , it is added to or mixes with water or another liquid, and becomes weaker. □�[V n prep] If you give your baby juice, dilute it well with cooled, boiled water. □�[be V -ed] The liquid is then diluted. □�[V ] The poisons seeping from contaminated land quickly dilute in the water. [Also V n] ●� di|lu|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �ditches dug for sewage dilution.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dilute liquid is very thin and weak, usually because it has had water added to it. □� �a dilute solution of bleach.

3 VERB If someone or something dilutes a belief, quality, or value, they make it weaker and less effective. □�[V n] There was a clear intention to dilute black voting power. ●� di|lu|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a potentially devastating dilution of earnings per share.

di|lu|tion /da I luː ʃ ə n/ (dilutions ) N‑COUNT A dilution is a liquid that has been diluted with water or another liquid, so that it becomes weaker. □� 'Aromatherapy oils' are not pure essential oils but dilutions.

dim /d I m/ (dimmer , dimmest , dims , dimming , dimmed )

1 ADJ Dim light is not bright. □� She stood waiting, in the dim light. ●� dim|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� He followed her into a dimly lit kitchen. ●� dim|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the dimness of an early September evening.

2 ADJ A dim place is rather dark because there is not much light in it. □� The room was dim and cool and quiet. ●� dim|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I squinted to adjust my eyes to the dimness.

3 ADJ A dim figure or object is not very easy to see, either because it is in shadow or darkness, or because it is far away. □� Pete's torch picked out the dim figures of Bob and Chang. ●� dim|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The shoreline could be dimly seen.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a dim memory or understanding of something, it is difficult to remember or is unclear in your mind. □� It seems that the '60s era of social activism is all but a dim memory. ●� dim|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Christina dimly recalled the procedure.

5 ADJ If the future of something is dim , you have no reason to feel hopeful or positive about it. □� The prospects for a peaceful solution are dim.

6 ADJ If you describe someone as dim , you think that they are stupid. [INFORMAL ]

7 VERB If you dim a light or if it dims , it becomes less bright. □�[V n] Dim the lighting�it is unpleasant to lie with a bright light shining in your eyes. □�[V ] The houselights dimmed.

8 VERB If your future, hopes, or emotions dim or if something dims them, they become less good or less strong. □�[V ] Their economic prospects have dimmed. □�[V n] Forty eight years of marriage have not dimmed the passion between Bill and Helen.

9 VERB If your memories dim or if something dims them, they become less clear in your mind. □�[V ] Their memory of what happened has dimmed. □�[V n] The intervening years had dimmed his memory.

10to take a dim view →�see view

dime /da I m/ (dimes ) N‑COUNT A dime is an American coin worth ten cents.

di|men|sion /da I me nʃ ə n, d I m-/ (dimensions )

1 N‑COUNT A particular dimension of something is a particular aspect of it. □� There is a political dimension to the accusations. □� This adds a new dimension to our work.

2 N‑PLURAL If you talk about the dimensions of a situation or problem, you are talking about its extent and size. □� The dimensions of the market collapse were certainly not anticipated.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A dimension is a measurement such as length, width, or height. If you talk about the dimensions of an object or place, you are referring to its size and proportions. □�[+�of ] Drilling will continue on the site to assess the dimensions of the new oilfield.

4 →�see also fourth dimension

di|men|sion|al /da I me nʃənəl, [AM ] d I m-/ →�see two-dimensional , three-dimensional

di|min|ish /d I m I n I ʃ/ (diminishes , diminishing , diminished )

1 VERB When something diminishes , or when something diminishes it, it becomes reduced in size, importance, or intensity. □�[V ] The threat of nuclear war has diminished. □�[V n] Federalism is intended to diminish the power of the central state. □�[V -ing] Universities are facing grave problems because of diminishing resources. □�[V -ed] This could mean diminished public support for the war.

2 VERB If you diminish someone or something, you talk about them or treat them in a way that makes them appear less important than they really are. □�[V n] He never put her down or diminished her.

di|mi n|ished re|spon|sibi l|ity N‑UNCOUNT In law, diminished responsibility is a defence which states that someone is not mentally well enough to be totally responsible for their crime.

di|mi n|ish|ing re|tu rns N‑UNCOUNT In economics, diminishing returns is a situation in which the increase in production, profits, or benefits resulting from something is less than the money or energy that is invested.

dimi|nu|tion /d I m I njuː ʃ ə n, [AM ] -nuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT A diminution of something is its reduction in size, importance, or intensity. [FORMAL ] □� �despite a slight diminution in asset value.

di|minu|tive /d I m I njʊt I v/ (diminutives )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A diminutive person or object is very small. □� She noticed a diminutive figure standing at the entrance.

2 N‑COUNT A diminutive is an informal form of a name. For example, 'Jim' and 'Jimmy' are diminutives of 'James'.

dim|mer /d I mə r / (dimmers ) N‑COUNT A dimmer or a dimmer switch is a switch that allows you to gradually change the brightness of an electric light.

dim|ple /d I mp ə l/ (dimples ) N‑COUNT A dimple is a small hollow in someone's cheek or chin, often one that you can see when they smile. □� Bess spoke up, smiling so that her dimples showed.

dim|pled /d I mp ə ld/ ADJ Something that is dimpled has small hollows in it. □� �a man with a dimpled chin.

dim|wit /d I mw I t/ (dimwits ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a dimwit , you mean that they are ignorant and stupid. [INFORMAL ]

di m-wi tted also dimwitted ADJ If you describe someone as dim-witted , you are saying in quite an unkind way that you do not think they are very clever. [INFORMAL ]

din /d I n/ N‑SING A din is a very loud and unpleasant noise that lasts for some time. □� They tried to make themselves heard over the din of the crowd.

di|nar /diː nɑː r / (dinars ) N‑COUNT [num N ] The dinar is the unit of money that is used in some north African and Middle Eastern countries, and also in the republics which were part of Yugoslavia. ●�N‑SING The dinar is also used to refer to the currency system of these countries.

dine ◆◇◇ /da I n/ (dines , dining , dined )

1 VERB [no passive] When you dine , you have dinner. [FORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] He dines alone most nights. □�[V ] They used to enjoy going out to dine.

2to wine and dine →�see wine

din|er /da I nə r / (diners )

1 N‑COUNT A diner is a small cheap restaurant that is open all day. [AM ]

2 N‑COUNT The people who are having dinner in a restaurant can be referred to as diners . □� They sat in a corner, away from other diners.

ding-dong /d I ŋ dɒŋ, [AM ] - dɔːŋ/ N‑COUNT Ding-dong is used in writing to represent the sound made by a bell.

din|ghy /d I ŋgi/ (dinghies ) N‑COUNT A dinghy is a small open boat that you sail or row.

din|go /d I ŋgoʊ/ (dingoes ) N‑COUNT A dingo is an Australian wild dog.

din|gy /d I ndʒi/ (dingier , dingiest )

1 ADJ A dingy building or place is rather dark and depressing, and perhaps dirty. □� Shaw took me to his rather dingy office.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dingy clothes, curtains, or furnishings look dirty or dull. □� �wallpaper with stripes of dingy yellow.

di n|ing car (dining cars ) N‑COUNT A dining car is a carriage on a train where passengers can have a meal.

di n|ing room (dining rooms ) also dining-room N‑COUNT The dining room is the room in a house where people have their meals, or a room in a hotel where meals are served.

di n|ing ta|ble (dining tables ) also dining-table N‑COUNT A dining table is a table that is used for having meals on.

dinky /d I ŋki/ (dinkier , dinkiest )

1 ADJ If you describe something as dinky , you mean that it is attractive and appealing, usually because it is quite small and well-designed. [BRIT , INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� Darby drove a dinky old Fiat sports car.

2 ADJ If you describe something as dinky , you mean that it is small and unimportant. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The hotels are full up, and the guests have had to go to this dinky little motel way out on Stewart Avenue.

din|ner ◆◆◇ /d I nə r / (dinners )

1 N‑VAR Dinner is the main meal of the day, usually served in the early part of the evening. □� She invited us to her house for dinner. □� Would you like to stay and have dinner?

2 →�see also TV dinner

3 N‑VAR Any meal you eat in the middle of the day can be referred to as dinner .

4 N‑COUNT A dinner is a formal social event at which a meal is served. It is held in the evening. □� �a series of official lunches and dinners. COLLOCATIONS dinner NOUN

1

adjective +�dinner : candlelit, intimate, romantic

verb +�dinner : cook, make, prepare

4

noun +�dinner : awards, charity, fundraising, gala, reunion

adjective +�dinner : black-tie, fancy, formal, posh; lavish, slap-up, sumptuous

verb +�dinner : hold, host; attend

di n|ner dance (dinner dances ) also dinner-dance N‑COUNT A dinner dance is a social event where a large number of people come to have dinner and to dance. Dinner dances are held in the evening at hotels, restaurants, and social clubs. [BRIT ]

di n|ner jack|et (dinner jackets ) also dinner-jacket N‑COUNT A dinner jacket is a jacket, usually black, worn by men for formal social events. [BRIT ] in AM, use tuxedo

di n|ner par|ty (dinner parties ) N‑COUNT A dinner party is a social event where a small group of people are invited to have dinner and spend the evening at someone's house.

di n|ner ser|vice (dinner services ) N‑COUNT A dinner service is a set of plates and dishes from which meals are eaten and served. It may also include cups and saucers. [BRIT ] in AM, use dinnerware set

di n|ner ta|ble (dinner tables ) also dinner-table N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a table as thedinner table when it is being used for dinner. [BRIT ] □� Sam was left at the dinner table with Peg.

din|ner|time /d I nə r ta I m/ also dinner time N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] Dinnertime is the period of the day when most people have their dinner. □� The telephone call came shortly before dinnertime.

din|ner|ware /d I nə r weə r / N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the plates and dishes you use during a meal as dinnerware . [mainly AM ]

di n|ner|ware set (dinnerware sets ) N‑COUNT A dinnerware set is the same as a dinner service . [AM ]

di|no|saur /da I nəsɔː r / (dinosaurs )

1 N‑COUNT Dinosaurs were large reptiles which lived in prehistoric times.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to an organization as a dinosaur , you mean that it is large, inefficient, and out of date. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �industrial dinosaurs.

dint /d I nt/ PHRASE If you achieve a result by dint of something, you achieve it by means of that thing. [WRITTEN ] □� He succeeds by dint of sheer hard work.

di|oc|esan /da I ɒ s I sən/ ADJ [ADJ n] Diocesan means belonging or relating to a diocese. □� �the diocesan synod.

dio|cese /da I əs I s/ (dioceses ) N‑COUNT A diocese is the area over which a bishop has control.

di|ox|ide /da I ɒ ksa I d/ →�see carbon dioxide

di|ox|in /da I ɒ ks I n/ (dioxins ) N‑VAR Dioxins are poisonous chemicals which occur as a by-product of the manufacture of certain weedkillers and disinfectants.

dip /d I p/ (dips , dipping , dipped )

1 VERB If you dip something in a liquid, you put it into the liquid for a short time, so that only part of it is covered, and take it out again. □�[V n +�into/in ] Quickly dip the base in and out of cold water. ●�N‑COUNT Dip is also a noun. □� One dip into the bottle should do an entire nail.

2 VERB If you dip your hand into a container or dipinto the container, you put your hand into it in order to take something out of it. □�[V n +�into ] She dipped a hand into the jar of sweets and pulled one out. □�[V +�into ] Watch your fingers as you dip into the pot. □�[V n with in ] Ask the children to guess what's in each container by dipping their hands in.

3 VERB If something dips , it makes a downward movement, usually quite quickly. □�[V ] Blake jumped in expertly; the boat dipped slightly under his weight. □�[V prep] The sun dipped below the horizon. ●�N‑COUNT Dip is also a noun. □� I noticed little things, a dip of the head, a twitch in the shoulder.

4 VERB If an area of land, a road, or a path dips , it goes down quite suddenly to a lower level. □�[V ] The road dipped and rose again. □�[V adv/prep] �a path which suddenly dips down into a tunnel. ●�N‑COUNT Dip is also a noun. □� Where the road makes a dip, turn right.

5 VERB If the amount or level of something dips , it becomes smaller or lower, usually only for a short period of time. □�[V prep/adv] Unemployment dipped to 6.9 per cent last month. □�[V ] The president became more cautious as his popularity dipped. ●�N‑COUNT Dip is also a noun. □�[+�in ] �the current dip in farm spending.

6 N‑VAR A dip is a thick creamy sauce. You dip pieces of raw vegetable or biscuits into the sauce and then eat them. □� Maybe we could just buy some dips. □� �prawns with avocado dip.

7 N‑COUNT If you have or take a dip , you go for a quick swim in the sea, a river, or a swimming pool. □� She flicked through a romantic paperback between occasional dips in the pool.

8 VERB If you are driving a car and dip the headlights, you operate a switch that makes them shine downwards, so that they do not shine directly into the eyes of other drivers. [BRIT ] □�[V n] He dipped his headlights as they came up behind a slow-moving van. □�[V -ed] This picture shows the view from a car using normal dipped lights. in AM, use dim9 VERB If you dip into a book, you have a brief look at it without reading or studying it seriously. □�[V +�into ] �a chance to dip into a wide selection of books on Buddhism.

10 VERB If you dip into a sum of money that you had intended to save, you use some of it to buy something or pay for something. □�[V +�into ] Just when she was ready to dip into her savings, Greg hastened to her rescue.

11 →�see also lucky dip

12to dip your toes →�see toe

Dip.Dip. is a written abbreviation for diploma .

diph|theria /d I fθ I ə riə, d I p-/ N‑UNCOUNT Diphtheria is a dangerous infectious disease which causes fever and difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

diph|thong /d I fθɒŋ, d I p-/ (diphthongs ) N‑COUNT A diphthong is a vowel in which the speaker's tongue changes position while it is being pronounced, so that the vowel sounds like a combination of two other vowels. The vowel sound in 'tail' is a diphthong.

di|plo|ma /d I ploʊ mə/ (diplomas ) N‑COUNT A diploma is a qualification which may be awarded to a student by a university or college, or by a high school in the United States. □�[+�in ] �a new two-year course leading to a diploma in social work.

di|plo|ma|cy /d I ploʊ məsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Diplomacy is the activity or profession of managing relations between the governments of different countries. □� Today's UN resolution will be a significant success for American diplomacy.

2 →�see also shuttle diplomacy

3 N‑UNCOUNT Diplomacy is the skill of being careful to say or do things which will not offend people. □� He stormed off in a fury, and it took all Minnelli's powers of diplomacy to get him to return.

dip|lo|mat ◆◇◇ /d I pləm�t/ (diplomats ) N‑COUNT A diplomat is a senior official who discusses affairs with another country on behalf of his or her own country, usually working as a member of an embassy.

dip|lo|mat|ic ◆◇◇ /d I pləm� t I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Diplomatic means relating to diplomacy and diplomats. □� �before the two countries resume full diplomatic relations. □� Efforts are being made to avert war and find a diplomatic solution. ●� dip|lo|mati|cal|ly /d I pləm� t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �a growing sense of doubt that the conflict can be resolved diplomatically.

2 ADJ Someone who is diplomatic is able to be careful to say or do things without offending people. □� She is very direct. I tend to be more diplomatic, I suppose. ●� dip|lo|mati|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Their sound is very interesting,' he says, diplomatically.

di p|lo|mat|ic ba g (diplomatic bags ) N‑COUNT A diplomatic bag is a bag or container in which mail is sent to and from foreign embassies. Diplomatic bags are protected by law, so that they are not opened by anyone except the official or embassy they are addressed to. [BRIT ] in AM, use diplomatic pouch

di p|lo|mat|ic corps (diplomatic corps ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] Thediplomatic corps is the group of all the diplomats who work in one city or country.

di p|lo|mat|ic im|mu n|ity N‑UNCOUNT Diplomatic immunity is the freedom from legal action and from paying taxes that a diplomat has in the country in which he or she is working. □� The embassy official claimed diplomatic immunity and was later released.

di p|lo|mat|ic po uch (diplomatic pouches ) N‑COUNT A diplomatic pouch is the same as a diplomatic bag . [mainly AM ]

di p|lo|mat|ic ser|vice also Diplomatic Service N‑PROPER The diplomatic service is the government department that employs diplomats to work in foreign countries. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use foreign service

dip|py /d I pi/ (dippier , dippiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as dippy , you mean that they are slightly odd or unusual, but in a way that you find charming and attractive. [INFORMAL ]

dip|stick /d I pst I k/ (dipsticks ) N‑COUNT A dipstick is a metal rod with marks along one end. It is used to measure the amount of liquid in a container, especially the amount of oil in a car engine.

dire /da I ə r /

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dire is used to emphasize how serious or terrible a situation or event is. [EMPHASIS ] □� A government split would have dire consequences for domestic peace. □� He was in dire need of hospital treatment.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something as dire , you are emphasizing that it is of very low quality. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

di|rect ◆◆◆ /da I re kt, d I -/ (directs , directing , directed )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Direct means moving towards a place or object, without changing direction and without stopping, for example in a journey. □� They'd come on a direct flight from Athens. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Direct is also an adverb. □� You can fly direct to Amsterdam from most British airports. ●� di|rect|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The jumbo jet is due to fly the hostages directly back to London.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If something is in direct heat or light, it is strongly affected by the heat or light, because there is nothing between it and the source of heat or light to protect it. □� Medicines should be stored away from direct sunlight.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use direct to describe an experience, activity, or system which only involves the people, actions, or things that are necessary to make it happen. □� He has direct experience of the process of privatisation. □� He seemed to be in direct contact with the Boss. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Direct is also an adverb. □� I can deal direct with your Inspector Kimble. ●� di|rect|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� We cannot measure pain directly. It can only be estimated.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use direct to emphasize the closeness of a connection between two things. [EMPHASIS ] □� They were unable to prove that she died as a direct result of his injection.

5 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as direct , you mean that they are honest and open, and say exactly what they mean. □� He avoided giving a direct answer. ●� di|rect|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� At your first meeting, explain simply and directly what you hope to achieve. ●� di|rect|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Using 'I' adds directness to a piece of writing.

6 VERB If you direct something at a particular thing, you aim or point it at that thing. □�[V n +�at/towards/on ] I directed the extinguisher at the fire without effect.

7 VERB If your attention, emotions, or actions are directedat a particular person or thing, you are focusing them on that person or thing. □�[be V -ed +�to/towards ] The learner's attention needs to be directed to the significant features. □�[V n +�at ] Do not be surprised if, initially, she directs her anger at you. [Also V n to n/-ing]

8 VERB If a remark or look is directedat you, someone says something to you or looks at you. □�[be V -ed +�towards ] She could hardly believe the question was directed towards her. □�[be V -ed +�at ] The abuse was directed at the TV crews. □�[V n +�at ] Arnold directed a meaningful look at Irma.

9 VERB If you direct someone somewhere, you tell them how to get there. □�[V n +�to ] Could you direct them to Dr Lamont's office, please? [Also V n adv/prep]

10 VERB When someone directs a project or a group of people, they are responsible for organizing the people and activities that are involved. □�[V n] Christopher will direct day-to-day operations. ●� di|rec|tion /da I re kʃ ə n, d I r-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Organizations need clear direction.

11 VERB When someone directs a film, play, or television programme, they are responsible for the way in which it is performed and for telling the actors and assistants what to do. □�[V n] He directed various TV shows. □�[V ] �Miss Birkin's long-held ambition to direct as well as act.

12 VERB If you are directedto do something, someone in authority tells you to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] They have been directed to give special attention to the problem of poverty. □�[V n to-inf] The Bishop directed the faithful to stay at home.

13 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are a direct descendant of someone, you are related to them through your parents and your grandparents and so on. □� She is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria.

14 →�see also direction , directly

di|re ct a c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Direct action involves doing something such as going on strike or demonstrating in order to put pressure on an employer or government to do what you want, instead of trying to talk to them.

di|re ct cu r|rent (direct currents ) N‑VAR A direct current is an electric current that always flows in the same direction. The abbreviation DC is also used. □� Some kinds of batteries can be recharged by connecting them to a source of direct current.

di |rect de b|it (direct debits ) N‑VAR If you pay a bill by direct debit , you give permission for the company who is owed money to transfer the correct amount from your bank account into theirs, usually every month. [mainly BRIT ] □� Switch to paying your mortgage by direct debit.

di |rect di s|course N‑UNCOUNT In grammar, direct discourse is speech which is reported by using the exact words that the speaker used. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use direct speech

di|re ct hi t (direct hits ) N‑COUNT If a place suffers a direct hit , a bomb, bullet, or other missile that has been aimed at it lands exactly in that place, rather than some distance away. □� The dug-outs were secure from everything but a direct hit.

di|rec|tion ◆◆◇ /da I re kʃ ə n/ (directions )

1 N‑VAR A direction is the general line that someone or something is moving or pointing in. □� St Andrews was ten miles in the opposite direction. □�[+�of ] He drove off in the direction of Larry's shop. □� The instruments will register every change of direction or height.

2 N‑VAR A direction is the general way in which something develops or progresses. □� They threatened to walk out if the party did not change direction.

3 N‑PLURAL Directions are instructions that tell you what to do, how to do something, or how to get somewhere. □� I should know by now not to throw away the directions until we've finished cooking.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The direction of a film, play, or television programme is the work that the director does while it is being made. □� His failures underline the difference between theatre and film direction.

5 →�see also direct SYNONYMS direction NOUN 1

way:Does anybody know the way to the bathroom?

course:Aircraft can avoid each other by altering course to left or right.

route:�the most direct route to the town centre.

di|rec|tion|al /da I re kʃən ə l, d I r-/

1 ADJ If something such as a radio aerial, microphone, or loudspeaker is directional , it works most effectively in one direction, rather than equally in all directions at once. [TECHNICAL ] □� Dish aerials are highly directional.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Directional means relating to the direction in which something is pointing or going. [TECHNICAL ] □� Jets of compressed air gave the aircraft lateral and directional stability.

di|rec|tion|less /da I re kʃ ə nləs, d I r-/ ADJ If you describe an activity or an organization as directionless , you mean that it does not seem to have any point or purpose. If you describe a person as directionless , you mean that they do not seem to have any plans or ideas. □� �his seemingly disorganized and directionless campaign.

di|rec|tive /da I re kt I v, d I r-/ (directives ) N‑COUNT A directive is an official instruction that is given by someone in authority. □� Thanks to a new E.U. directive, insecticide labelling will be more specific.

di|rect|ly /da I re ktli, d I r-/

1 ADV If something is directly above, below, or in front of something, it is in exactly that position. □� The naked bulb was directly over his head.

2 ADV If you do one action directlyafter another, you do the second action as soon as the first one is finished. □� Directly after the meeting, a senior cabinet minister spoke to the BBC.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If something happens directly , it happens without any delay. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He will be there directly.

4 →�see also direct

di|re ct mai l N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Direct mail is a method of marketing which involves companies sending advertising material directly to people who they think may be interested in their products. [BUSINESS ] □� �efforts to solicit new customers by direct mail and television advertising.

di|re ct ma r|ket|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Direct marketing is the same as direct mail . [BUSINESS ] □� The direct marketing industry has become adept at packaging special offers.

di|re ct o b|ject (direct objects ) N‑COUNT In grammar, the direct object of a transitive verb is the noun group which refers to someone or something directly affected by or involved in the action performed by the subject. For example, in 'I saw him yesterday', 'him' is the direct object. Compare indirect object .

di|rec|tor ◆◆◆ /da I re ktə r , d I r-/ (directors )

1 N‑COUNT The director of a play, film, or television programme is the person who decides how it will appear on stage or screen, and who tells the actors and technical staff what to do.

2 N‑COUNT In some organizations and public authorities, the person in charge is referred to as thedirector . □�[+�of ] �the director of the intensive care unit at Guy's Hospital.

3 N‑COUNT The directors of a company are its most senior managers, who meet regularly to make important decisions about how it will be run. [BUSINESS ] □� He served on the board of directors of a local bank.

4 N‑COUNT The director of an orchestra or choir is the person who is conducting it. [AM ] in BRIT, use conductor SYNONYMS director NOUN 2

head:Heads of government from more than 100 countries gather in Geneva tomorrow.

manager:�Linda Emery, marketing manager for Wall's sausages.

chief:�a commission appointed by the police chief.

boss:Occasionally I have to go and ask the boss for a rise.

di|rec|to|rate /da I re ktərət, d I r-/ (directorates )

1 N‑COUNT A directorate is a board of directors in a company or organization. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] The Bank would be managed by a directorate of professional bankers.

2 N‑COUNT A directorate is a part of a government department which is responsible for one particular thing. □� �the Health and Safety Directorate of the E.U.

di|re c|tor ge n|er|al (directors general ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The director general of a large organization such as the BBC is the person who is in charge of it.

di|rec|to|rial /da I rektɔː ri ə l, d I r-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Directorial means relating to the job of being a film or theatre director. □� �Sam Mendes' directorial debut.

di|rec|tor|ship /da I re ktə r ʃ I p, d I r-/ (directorships ) N‑COUNT A directorship is the job or position of a company director. [BUSINESS ] □� Barry resigned his directorship in December 1973.

di|rec|tory /da I re ktəri, d I r-/ (directories )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A directory is a book which gives lists of facts, for example people's names, addresses, and telephone numbers, or the names and addresses of business companies, usually arranged in alphabetical order. □� �a telephone directory.

2 N‑COUNT A directory is an area of a computer disk which contains one or more files or other directories. [COMPUTING ] □� This option lets you create new files or directories.

3 N‑COUNT On the internet, a directory is a list of the subjects that you can find information on. [COMPUTING ] □� Yahoo is the oldest internet directory service.

di|re c|tory en|qui ries N‑UNCOUNT Directory enquiries is a service which you can telephone to find out someone's telephone number. [BRIT ] □� He dialled directory enquiries. in AM, use information , directory assistance

di|re ct ru le N‑UNCOUNT Direct rule is a system in which a central government rules an area which has had its own parliament or law-making organization in the past.

di |rect speech N‑UNCOUNT In grammar, direct speech is speech which is reported by using the exact words that the speaker used. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use direct discourse

di|re ct ta x (direct taxes ) N‑COUNT A direct tax is a tax which a person or organization pays directly to the government, for example income tax.

di|re ct taxa |tion N‑UNCOUNT Direct taxation is a system in which a government raises money by means of direct taxes.

dirge /dɜː r dʒ/ (dirges ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A dirge is a slow, sad song or piece of music. Dirges are sometimes performed at funerals.

dirt /dɜː r t/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If there is dirt on something, there is dust, mud, or a stain on it. □� I started to scrub off the dirt.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the earth on the ground as dirt , especially when it is dusty. □� They all sit on the dirt in the dappled shade of a tree.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A dirt road or track is made from hard earth. A dirt floor is made from earth without any cement, stone, or wood laid on it. □� I drove along the dirt road.

4 N‑SING If you say that you have thedirton someone, you mean that you have information that could harm their reputation or career. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] Steve was keen to get all the dirt he could on her.

5 PHRASE If someone dishes the dirton you, they say bad things about you, without worrying if they are true or not, or if they will damage your reputation. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He dishes the dirt on his buddies.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone treats you like dirt , you are angry with them because you think that they treat you unfairly and with no respect. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� People think they can treat me like dirt!

di rt bike (dirt bikes ) N‑COUNT A dirt bike is a type of motorbike that is designed to be used on rough ground.

di rt-chea p also dirt cheap ADJ If you say that something is dirt-cheap , you are emphasizing that it is very cheap indeed. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� They're always selling off stuff like that dirt cheap.

di rt-poo r also dirt poor ADJ A dirt-poor person or place is extremely poor.

dirty ◆◇◇ /dɜː r ti/ (dirtier , dirtiest , dirties , dirtying , dirtied )

1 ADJ If something is dirty , it is marked or covered with stains, spots, or mud, and needs to be cleaned. □� She still did not like the woman who had dirty fingernails.

2 VERB To dirty something means to cause it to become dirty. □�[V n] He was afraid the dog's hairs might dirty the seats.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an action as dirty , you disapprove of it and consider it unfair, immoral, or dishonest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The gunman had been hired by a rival Mafia family to do the dirty deed. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Dirty is also an adverb. □� Jim Browne is the kind of fellow who can fight dirty.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a joke, a book, or someone's language as dirty , you mean that it refers to sex in a way that some people find offensive. □� They told dirty jokes and sang raucous ballads. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Dirty is also an adverb. □� I'm often asked whether the men talk dirty to me. The answer is no.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Dirty is used before words of criticism to emphasize that you do not approve of someone or something. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� You dirty liar.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone washes their dirty linen in public , you disapprove of their discussing or arguing about unpleasant or private things in front of other people. There are several other forms of this expression, for example wash your dirty laundry in public , or in American English, air your dirty laundry in public . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We shouldn't wash our dirty laundry in public and if I was in his position, I'd say nothing.

7 PHRASE If someone gives you a dirty look , they look at you in a way which shows that they are angry with you. [INFORMAL ] □� Michael gave him a dirty look and walked out.

8 PHRASE Dirty old man is an expression some people use to describe an older man who they think shows an unnatural interest in sex. [DISAPPROVAL ]

9 PHRASE To do someone's dirty work means to do a task for them that is dishonest or unpleasant and which they do not want to do themselves. □� As an elite army hit squad, the army would send us out to do their dirty work for them.

10 PHRASE If you say that an expression is a dirty word in a particular group of people, you mean it refers to an idea that they strongly dislike or disagree with. □� Marketing became a dirty word at the company.

di rty bo mb (dirty bombs ) N‑COUNT A dirty bomb is a nuclear bomb that uses explosives to release radioactive material over a wide area.

di rty tri ck (dirty tricks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] You describe the actions of an organization or political group as dirty tricks when you think they are using illegal methods to harm the reputation or effectiveness of their rivals. □� He claimed he was the victim of a dirty tricks campaign�

PREFIX dis-

can be added to some words to form words that have the opposite meaning. For example, if someone is dishonest , they are not honest.

dis|abil|ity /d I səb I l I ti/ (disabilities )

1 N‑COUNT A disability is a permanent injury, illness, or physical or mental condition that tends to restrict the way that someone can live their life. □� Facilities for people with disabilities are still insufficient.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Disability is the state of being disabled. □� Disability can make extra demands on financial resources.

dis|able /d I se I b ə l/ (disables , disabling , disabled )

1 VERB If an injury or illness disables someone, it affects them so badly that it restricts the way that they can live their life. □�[V n] She did all this tendon damage and it really disabled her. □�[V -ed] One in five men will be disabled by a stroke. ●� dis|abling ADJ □� �skin ulcers which are disfiguring and sometimes disabling.

2 VERB If someone or something disables a system or mechanism, they stop it working, usually temporarily. □�[V n] �if you need to disable a car alarm.

dis|abled /d I se I b ə ld/ ADJ Someone who is disabled has an illness, injury, or condition that tends to restrict the way that they can live their life, especially by making it difficult for them to move about. □� �practical problems encountered by disabled people in the workplace. ●�N‑PLURAL People who are disabled are sometimes referred to as the disabled . This use could cause offence. □� There are toilet facilities for the disabled.

dis|able|ment /d I se I b ə lmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Disablement is the state of being disabled or the experience of becoming disabled. [FORMAL ] □� �permanent total disablement resulting in inability to work.

dis|abuse /d I səbjuː z/ (disabuses , disabusing , disabused ) VERB If you disabuse someone of something, you tell them or persuade them that what they believe is in fact untrue. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�of ] They thought country people liked to please strangers. I did not disabuse them of this notion.

dis|ad|vant|age /d I sədvɑː nt I dʒ, -v� n-/ (disadvantages )

1 N‑COUNT A disadvantage is a factor which makes someone or something less useful, acceptable, or successful than other people or things. □�[+�of ] His two main rivals suffer the disadvantage of having been long-term political exiles. □�[+�of ] �the advantages and disadvantages of allowing priests to marry.

2 PHRASE If you are at a disadvantage , you have a problem or difficulty that many other people do not have, which makes it harder for you to be successful. □� The children from poor families were at a distinct disadvantage.

3 PHRASE If something is to your disadvantage or works to your disadvantage , it creates difficulties for you. □� A snap election would be to their disadvantage.

dis|ad|van|taged /d I sədvɑː nt I dʒd, -v� n-/ ADJ People who are disadvantaged or live in disadvantaged areas live in bad conditions and tend not to get a good education or have a reasonable standard of living. □� �the educational problems of disadvantaged children. ●�N‑PLURAL The disadvantaged are people who are disadvantaged.

dis|ad|van|ta|geous /d I s� dvənte I dʒəs/ ADJ Something that is disadvantageousto you puts you in a worse position than other people. □�[+�to/for ] One proposed change may be advantageous for parents and disadvantageous for couples without children, or vice versa.

dis|af|fect|ed /d I səfe kt I d/ ADJ Disaffected people no longer fully support something such as an organization or political ideal which they previously supported. □� He attracts disaffected voters.

dis|af|fec|tion /d I səfe kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Disaffection is the attitude that people have when they stop supporting something such as an organization or political ideal. □�[+�with ] �people's disaffection with their country and its leaders.

dis|agree /d I səgriː / (disagrees , disagreeing , disagreed )

1 VERB If you disagreewith someone or disagreewith what they say, you do not accept that what they say is true or correct. You can also say that two people disagree . □�[V +�with ] You must continue to see them no matter how much you may disagree with them. □�[V ] They can communicate even when they strongly disagree. □�[V ] 'I think it is inappropriate.'�'I disagree.'. □� The two men had disagreed about reincarnation.

2 VERB If you disagreewith a particular action or proposal, you disapprove of it and believe that it is wrong. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V +�with ] I respect the president but I disagree with his decision.

dis|agree|able /d I səgriː əb ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is disagreeable is rather unpleasant. □� �a disagreeable odour. ●� dis|agree|ably /d I səgriː əbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� The taste is bitter and disagreeably pungent.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is disagreeable is unfriendly or unhelpful. □� He's a shallow, disagreeable man.

dis|agree|ment /d I səgriː mənt/ (disagreements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Disagreement means objecting to something such as a proposal. □� Britain and France have expressed some disagreement with the proposal.

2 N‑VAR [oft in N ] When there is disagreement about something, people disagree or argue about what should be done. □� My instructor and I had a brief disagreement.

dis|al|low /d I səlaʊ / (disallows , disallowing , disallowed ) VERB If something is disallowed , it is not allowed or accepted officially, because it has not been done correctly. □�[be V -ed] England scored again, but the whistle had gone and the goal was disallowed. □�[V n] The Internal Revenue Service sought to disallow the payments.

dis|ap|pear ◆◇◇ /d I səp I ə r / (disappears , disappearing , disappeared )

1 VERB If you say that someone or something disappears , you mean that you can no longer see them, usually because you or they have changed position. □�[V ] The black car drove away from them and disappeared. □�[V prep] Clive disappeared into a room by himself.

2 VERB If someone or something disappears , they go away or are taken away somewhere where nobody can find them. □�[V ] �a Japanese woman who disappeared thirteen years ago.

3 VERB If something disappears , it stops existing or happening. □�[V ] The immediate security threat has disappeared. USAGE disappear

Don�t use disappeared as an adjective. If you can�t find something because it is not in its usual place, don�t say that it � is disappeared �. You say that it has disappeared . □� He discovered that a pint of milk had disappeared from the fridge.

dis|ap|pear|ance /d I səp I ə rəns/ (disappearances )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] If you refer to someone's disappearance , you are referring to the fact that nobody knows where they have gone. □� Her disappearance has baffled police.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to the disappearance of an object, you are referring to the fact that it has been lost or stolen. □�[+�from ] Police are investigating the disappearance from council offices of confidential files.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The disappearance of a type of thing, person, or animal is a process in which it becomes less common and finally no longer exists. □�[+�of ] �the virtual disappearance of the red telephone box.

dis|ap|point /d I səpɔ I nt/ (disappoints , disappointing , disappointed ) VERB If things or people disappoint you, they are not as good as you had hoped, or do not do what you hoped they would do. □�[V n] She knew that she would disappoint him.

dis|ap|point|ed ◆◇◇ /d I səpɔ I nt I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ that, ADJ to-inf] If you are disappointed , you are rather sad because something has not happened or because something is not as good as you had hoped. □�[+�with ] Castle-hunters won't be disappointed with the Isle of Man. □� I was disappointed that Kluge was not there. □� I was disappointed to see the lack of coverage afforded to this event.

2 ADJ If you are disappointed in someone, you are rather sad because they have not behaved as well as you expected them to. □�[+�in ] You should have accepted that. I'm disappointed in you. SYNONYMS disappointed ADJ 1

disheartened:He was disheartened by their hostile reaction.

dissatisfied:Dissatisfied customers can return the product for a full refund.

downhearted:Max sighed, sounding even more downhearted.

dis|ap|point|ing /d I səpɔ I nt I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is disappointing is not as good or as large as you hoped it would be. □� The wine was excellent, but the food was disappointing. ●� dis|ap|point|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� Progress is disappointingly slow.

dis|ap|point|ment /d I səpɔ I ntmənt/ (disappointments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Disappointment is the state of feeling disappointed. □� Despite winning the title, their last campaign ended in great disappointment. □� Book early to avoid disappointment.

2 N‑COUNT Something or someone that is a disappointment is not as good as you had hoped. □� For many, their long-awaited homecoming was a bitter disappointment.

dis|ap|prov|al /d I səpruː v ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you feel or show disapproval of something or someone, you feel or show that you do not approve of them. □� His action had been greeted with almost universal disapproval. [Also +�of ] PRAGMATICS disapproval

In this dictionary, the label DISAPPROVAL indicates that you use the word or expression to show that you dislike the person or thing you are talking about. An example of a word with this label is infantile.

dis|ap|prove /d I səpruː v/ (disapproves , disapproving , disapproved ) VERB If you disapproveof something or someone, you feel or show that you do not like them or do not approve of them. □�[V +�of ] Most people disapprove of such violent tactics. □�[V ] The Prime Minister made it clear that he disapproved.

dis|ap|prov|ing /d I səpruː v I ŋ/ ADJ A disapproving action or expression shows that you do not approve of something or someone. □� Janet gave him a disapproving look. ●� dis|ap|prov|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Antonio looked at him disapprovingly.

dis|arm /d I sɑː r m/ (disarms , disarming , disarmed )

1 VERB To disarm a person or group means to take away all their weapons. □�[V n] We will agree to disarming troops and leaving their weapons at military positions.

2 VERB If a country or group disarms , it gives up the use of weapons, especially nuclear weapons. □�[V ] He argued that nations should disarm whether or not this is matched by reciprocal disarmament by others.

3 VERB If a person or their behaviour disarms you, they cause you to feel less angry, hostile, or critical towards them. □�[V n] His unease disarmed her.

dis|arma|ment /d I sɑː r məmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Disarmament is the act of reducing the number of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, that a country has. □� �the pace of nuclear disarmament.

dis|arm|ing /d I sɑː r m I ŋ/ ADJ If someone or something is disarming , they make you feel less angry or hostile. □� Leonard approached with a disarming smile. ●� dis|arm|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� He is, as ever, business-like, and disarmingly honest.

dis|ar|ray /d I səre I /

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If people or things are indisarray , they are disorganized and confused. □� The nation is in disarray following rioting led by the military.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If things or places are indisarray , they are in a very untidy state. □� She was left lying on her side and her clothes were in disarray.

dis|as|sem|ble /d I səse mb ə l/ (disassembles , disassembling , disassembled ) VERB To disassemble something means to take it to pieces. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] You'll have to disassemble the drill.

dis|as|so|ci|ate /d I səsoʊ ʃie I t/ (disassociates , disassociating , disassociated )

1 VERB If you disassociateyourself from something or someone, you say or show that you are not connected with them, usually in order to avoid trouble or blame. □�[V pron-refl +�from ] I wish to disassociate myself from this very sad decision.

2 VERB If you disassociate one group or thing from another, you separate them. □�[V n +�from ] �an attempt by the president to disassociate the military from politics.

dis|as|ter ◆◇◇ /d I zɑː stə r , -z� s-/ (disasters )

1 N‑COUNT A disaster is a very bad accident such as an earthquake or a plane crash, especially one in which a lot of people are killed. □� It was the second air disaster in the region in less than two months.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a disaster , you are emphasizing that you think it is extremely bad or unacceptable. [EMPHASIS ] □� The whole production was just a disaster!

3 N‑UNCOUNT Disaster is something which has very bad consequences for you. □� The government brought itself to the brink of fiscal disaster.

4 PHRASE If you say that something is a recipe for disaster , you mean that it is very likely to have unpleasant consequences.

dis|a s|ter area (disaster areas )

1 N‑COUNT A disaster area is a part of a country or the world which has been very seriously affected by a disaster such as an earthquake or a flood. □� The region has been declared a disaster area.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a place, person, or situation as adisaster area , you mean that they are in a state of great disorder or failure. [INFORMAL ] □� He's a nice old rascal but a disaster area as a politician.

dis|as|trous /d I zɑː strəs, -z� s-/

1 ADJ A disastrous event has extremely bad consequences and effects. □� �the recent, disastrous earthquake. ●� dis|as|trous|ly ADV [ADV adj/prep, ADV with v] □� The vegetable harvest is disastrously behind schedule.

2 ADJ If you describe something as disastrous , you mean that it was very unsuccessful. □� �their disastrous performance in the general election of 1906. ●� dis|as|trous|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �the company's disastrously timed venture into property development.

dis|avow /d I səvaʊ / (disavows , disavowing , disavowed ) VERB If you disavow something, you say that you are not connected with it or responsible for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Dr. Samuels immediately disavowed the newspaper story.

dis|avow|al /d I səvaʊ əl/ (disavowals ) N‑COUNT A disavowalof something is a statement that you are not connected with it or responsible for it, or that you no longer agree with or believe in it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a public disavowal of his beliefs.

dis|band /d I sb� nd/ (disbands , disbanding , disbanded ) VERB If someone disbands a group of people, or if the group disbands , it stops operating as a single unit. □�[be V -ed] All the armed groups will be disbanded. □�[V ] The rebels were to have fully disbanded by June the tenth. [Also V n]

dis|be|lief /d I sb I liː f/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Disbelief is not believing that something is true or real. □� She looked at him in disbelief.

dis|be|lieve /d I sb I liː v/ (disbelieves , disbelieving , disbelieved ) VERB If you disbelieve someone or disbelieve something that they say, you do not believe that what they say is true. □�[V n] There is no reason to disbelieve him. [Also V that]

dis|burse /d I sbɜː r s/ (disburses , disbursing , disbursed ) VERB To disburse an amount of money means to pay it out, usually from a fund which has been collected for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The aid will not be disbursed until next year. □�[V n] The bank has disbursed over $350m for the project.

dis|burse|ment /d I sbɜː r smənt/ (disbursements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Disbursement is the paying out of a sum of money, especially from a fund. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A disbursement is a sum of money that is paid out. [FORMAL ]

disc /d I sk/ (discs ) The spelling disk is also used in American English, mainly for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT A disc is a flat, circular shape or object. □� Most shredding machines are based on a revolving disc fitted with replaceable blades.

2 N‑COUNT A disc is one of the thin, circular pieces of cartilage which separates the bones in your back. □� I had slipped a disc and was frozen in a spasm of pain.

3 →�see also disk , compact disc , slipped disc

dis|card /d I skɑː r d/ (discards , discarding , discarded ) VERB If you discard something, you get rid of it because you no longer want it or need it. □�[V n] Read the manufacturer's guidelines before discarding the box. □�[V -ed] �discarded cigarette butts.

dis|cern /d I sɜː r n/ (discerns , discerning , discerned )

1 VERB If you can discern something, you are aware of it and know what it is. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] You need a long series of data to be able to discern such a trend. □�[V wh] It was hard to discern why this was happening. [Also V that]

2 VERB If you can discern something, you can just see it, but not clearly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Below the bridge we could just discern a narrow, weedy ditch.

dis|cern|ible /d I sɜː r nəb ə l/ ADJ If something is discernible , you can see it or recognize that it exists. [FORMAL ] □� Far away the outline of the island is just discernible.

dis|cern|ing /d I sɜː r n I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as discerning , you mean that they are able to judge which things of a particular kind are good and which are bad. [APPROVAL ] □� �tailor-made holidays to suit the more discerning traveller.

dis|cern|ment /d I sɜː r nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Discernment is the ability to judge which things of a particular kind are good and which are bad.

dis|charge (discharges , discharging , discharged ) The verb is pronounced /d I stʃɑː r dʒ/. The noun is pronounced /d I stʃɑː r dʒ/. 1 VERB When someone is dischargedfrom hospital, prison, or one of the armed services, they are officially allowed to leave, or told that they must leave. □�[be V -ed] He has a broken nose but may be discharged today. □�[V pron-refl] Five days later Henry discharged himself from hospital. [Also V n] ●�N‑VAR Discharge is also a noun. □� He was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay compensation.

2 VERB If someone discharges their duties or responsibilities, they do everything that needs to be done in order to complete them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �the quiet competence with which he discharged his many college duties.

3 VERB If someone discharges a debt, they pay it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The goods will be sold for a fraction of their value in order to discharge the debt.

4 VERB If something is discharged from inside a place, it comes out. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed prep] The resulting salty water will be discharged at sea. □�[V n prep] The bird had trouble breathing and was discharging blood from the nostrils.

5 N‑VAR When there is a discharge of a substance, the substance comes out from inside somewhere. [FORMAL ] □� They develop a fever and a watery discharge from their eyes.

dis|ci|ple /d I sa I p ə l/ (disciples ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] If you are someone's disciple , you are influenced by their teachings and try to follow their example. □� �a disciple of Freud.

dis|ci|pli|nar|ian /d I s I pl I neə riən/ (disciplinarians ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a disciplinarian , you mean that they believe in making people obey strict rules of behaviour and in punishing severely anyone who disobeys. □� He has a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian.

dis|ci|pli|nary /d I s I pl I nəri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Disciplinary bodies or actions are concerned with making sure that people obey rules or regulations and that they are punished if they do not. □� He will now face a disciplinary hearing for having an affair.

dis|ci|pline ◆◇◇ /d I s I pl I n/ (disciplines , disciplining , disciplined )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Discipline is the practice of making people obey rules or standards of behaviour, and punishing them when they do not. □� Order and discipline have been placed in the hands of headmasters and governing bodies.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Discipline is the quality of being able to behave and work in a controlled way which involves obeying particular rules or standards. □� It was that image of calm and discipline that appealed to voters.

3 N‑VAR If you refer to an activity or situation as a discipline , you mean that, in order to be successful in it, you need to behave in a strictly controlled way and obey particular rules or standards. □� The discipline of studying music can help children develop good work habits.

4 VERB If someone is disciplined for something that they have done wrong, they are punished for it. □�[be V -ed] The workman was disciplined by his company but not dismissed. □�[V n] Her husband had at last taken a share in disciplining the boy.

5 VERB If you disciplineyourself to do something, you train yourself to behave and work in a strictly controlled and regular way. □�[V pron-refl to-inf] Out on the course you must discipline yourself to let go of detailed theory. □�[V pron-refl] I'm very good at disciplining myself.

6 N‑COUNT A discipline is a particular area of study, especially a subject of study in a college or university. [FORMAL ] □� We're looking for people from a wide range of disciplines.

7 →�see also self-discipline COLLOCATIONS discipline NOUN

1

noun +�discipline : classroom, party

adjective +�discipline : fiscal, military; strict

verb +�discipline : enforce, impose, instil; lack; maintain, tighten

2

adjective +�discipline : physical

verb +�discipline : lack; require

6

adjective +�discipline : academic, scientific SYNONYMS discipline NOUN

1

punishment:I have no doubt that the man is guilty and that he deserves punishment.

penalty:The maximum penalty is up to 7 years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine.

correction:�jails and other parts of the correction system.

2

self-control:I began to wish I'd shown more self-control.

willpower:I know I've got the willpower to do it.

restraint:They behaved with more restraint than I'd expected.

dis|ci|plined /d I s I pl I nd/ ADJ Someone who is disciplined behaves or works in a controlled way. □� For me it meant being very disciplined about how I run my life.

di sc jock|ey (disc jockeys ) in AM, also use disk jockey N‑COUNT A disc jockey is someone who plays and introduces music on the radio or at a party or nightclub.

dis|claim /d I skle I m/ (disclaims , disclaiming , disclaimed ) VERB If you disclaim knowledge of something or disclaim responsibility for something, you say that you did not know about it or are not responsible for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She disclaims any knowledge of her husband's business.

dis|claim|er /d I skle I mə r / (disclaimers ) N‑COUNT A disclaimer is a statement in which a person says that they did not know about something or that they are not responsible for something. [FORMAL ] □� The disclaimer asserts that the company won't be held responsible for any inaccuracies.

dis|close /d I skloʊ z/ (discloses , disclosing , disclosed ) VERB If you disclose new or secret information, you tell people about it. □�[V n] Neither side would disclose details of the transaction. □�[V that] The company disclosed that he will retire in May. [Also V wh]

dis|clo|sure /d I skloʊ ʒə r / (disclosures ) N‑VAR Disclosure is the act of giving people new or secret information. □� �insufficient disclosure of negative information about the company.

dis|co /d I skoʊ/ (discos ) N‑COUNT A disco is a place or event at which people dance to pop music.

dis|cog|ra|phy /d I skɒ grəfi/ (discographies ) N‑COUNT A discography is a list of all the recordings made by a particular artist or group. [mainly JOURNALISM ]

dis|col|our /d I skʌ lə r / (discolours , discolouring , discoloured ) in AM, use discolor VERB If something discolours or if it is discoloured by something else, its original colour changes, so that it looks unattractive. □�[V ] A tooth which has been hit hard may discolour. □�[V n] Some oil had seeped out, discolouring the grass. ●� dis|col|oured ADJ □� Some of the prints were badly discoloured. ●� dis|col|ora|tion /d I skʌ ləre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the discoloration of the soil from acid spills.

dis|com|fit /d I skʌ mf I t/ (discomfits , discomfiting , discomfited ) VERB If you are discomfitedby something, it causes you to feel slightly embarrassed or confused. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed] He will be particularly discomfited by the minister's dismissal of his plan. □�[V n] The opposition leader has regularly discomfited him in parliament. ●� dis|com|fit|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� Will wanted to do likewise, but felt too discomfited.

dis|com|fi|ture /d I skʌ mf I tʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Discomfiture is a feeling of slight embarrassment or confusion. [WRITTEN ]

dis|com|fort /d I skʌ mfə r t/ (discomforts )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Discomfort is a painful feeling in part of your body when you have been hurt slightly or when you have been uncomfortable for a long time. □� Steve had some discomfort, but no real pain.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Discomfort is a feeling of worry caused by shame or embarrassment. □� She hears the discomfort in his voice.

3 N‑COUNT Discomforts are conditions which cause you to feel physically uncomfortable. □�[+�of ] �the discomforts of camping.

dis|con|cert /d I skənsɜː r t/ (disconcerts , disconcerting , disconcerted ) VERB If something disconcerts you, it makes you feel anxious, confused, or embarrassed. □�[V n] Antony's wry smile disconcerted Sutcliffe. ●� dis|con|cert|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] □� He was disconcerted to find his fellow diners already seated.

dis|con|cert|ing /d I skənsɜː r t I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that something is disconcerting , you mean that it makes you feel anxious, confused, or embarrassed. □� The reception desk is not at street level, which is a little disconcerting. ●� dis|con|cert|ing|ly ADV □� She looks disconcertingly like a familiar aunt or grandmother.

dis|con|nect /d I skəne kt/ (disconnects , disconnecting , disconnected )

1 VERB To disconnect a piece of equipment means to separate it from its source of power or to break a connection that it needs in order to work. □�[V n] The device automatically disconnects the ignition when the engine is switched off. □�[be V -ed] She ran back to the phone. The line had been disconnected.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are disconnected by a gas, electricity, water, or telephone company, they turn off the connection to your house, usually because you have not paid the bill. □�[be V -ed] You will be given three months to pay before you are disconnected.

3 VERB If you disconnect something from something else, you separate the two things. □�[V n +�from ] He disconnected the IV bottle from the overhead hook.

dis|con|nect|ed /d I skəne kt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Disconnected things are not linked in any way. □� �sequences of utterly disconnected events.

dis|con|nec|tion /d I skəne kʃ ə n/ (disconnections ) N‑VAR The disconnection of a gas, water, or electricity supply, or of a telephone, is the act of disconnecting it so that it cannot be used.

dis|con|so|late /d I skɒ nsələt/ ADJ Someone who is disconsolate is very unhappy and depressed. [WRITTEN ] □� He did not have much success, but tried not to get too disconsolate. ●� dis|con|so|late|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Disconsolately, he walked back down the course.

dis|con|tent /d I skənte nt/ N‑UNCOUNT Discontent is the feeling that you have when you are not satisfied with your situation. □� There are reports of widespread discontent in the capital.

dis|con|tent|ed /d I skənte nt I d/ ADJ If you are discontented , you are not satisfied with your situation. □�[+�with ] The government tried to appease discontented workers.

dis|con|tinue /d I skənt I njuː/ (discontinues , discontinuing , discontinued )

1 VERB If you discontinue something that you have been doing regularly, you stop doing it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Do not discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor. [Also V -ing]

2 VERB [usu passive] If a product is discontinued , the manufacturer stops making it. □�[be V -ed] This product was discontinued in 2016.

dis|con|ti|nu|ity /d I skɒ nt I njuː I ti, [AM ] -nuː -/ (discontinuities ) N‑VAR Discontinuity in a process is a lack of smooth or continuous development. [FORMAL ] □� There may appear to be discontinuities between broadcasts.

dis|con|tinu|ous /d I skənt I njuəs/ ADJ A process that is discontinuous happens in stages with intervals between them, rather than continuously.

dis|cord /d I skɔː r d/ N‑UNCOUNT Discord is disagreement and argument between people. [LITERARY ]

dis|cord|ant /d I skɔː r d ə nt/

1 ADJ Something that is discordant is strange or unpleasant because it does not fit in with other things. □� His agenda is discordant with ours.

2 ADJ A discordant sound or musical effect is unpleasant to hear.

dis|co|theque /d I skətek/ (discotheques ) N‑COUNT A discotheque is the same as a disco . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

dis|count ◆◇◇ (discounts , discounting , discounted ) Pronounced /d I skaʊnt/ for meanings 1 and 2 , and /d I skaʊ nt/ for meaning 3 . 1 N‑COUNT A discount is a reduction in the usual price of something. □� They are often available at a discount. □� Full-time staff get a 20 per cent discount.

2 VERB If a shop or company discounts an amount or percentage from something that they are selling, they take the amount or percentage off the usual price. □�[V n] This has forced airlines to discount fares heavily in order to spur demand.

3 VERB If you discount an idea, fact, or theory, you consider that it is not true, not important, or not relevant. □�[V n] However, traders tended to discount the rumor.

dis|count|er /d I skaʊntə r / (discounters ) N‑COUNT A discounter is a shop or organization which specializes in selling things very cheaply. Discounters usually sell things in large quantities, or offer only a very limited range of goods.

dis|cour|age /d I skʌ r I dʒ, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (discourages , discouraging , discouraged )

1 VERB If someone or something discourages you, they cause you to lose your enthusiasm about your actions. □�[V n] It may be difficult to do at first. Don't let this discourage you. ●� dis|cour|aged ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� She was determined not to be too discouraged. ●� dis|cour|ag|ing ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� Today's report is rather more discouraging for the economy.

2 VERB To discourage an action or to discourage someone from doing it means to make them not want to do it. □�[V n/v-ing] �typhoons that discouraged shopping and leisure activities. □�[V n +�from ] �a campaign to discourage children from smoking.

dis|cour|age|ment /d I skʌ r I dʒmənt, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (discouragements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Discouragement is the act of trying to make someone not want to do something. □� He persevered despite discouragement from those around him.

2 N‑COUNT A discouragement is something that makes you unwilling to do something because you are afraid of the consequences. □� Uncertainty is a discouragement to investment.

dis|course (discourses , discoursing , discoursed ) The noun is pronounced /d I skɔː r s/. The verb is pronounced /d I skɔː r s/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Discourse is spoken or written communication between people, especially serious discussion of a particular subject. □� �a tradition of political discourse.

2 N‑COUNT A discourse is a serious talk or piece of writing which is intended to teach or explain something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�on ] Gates responds with a lengthy discourse on deployment strategy.

3 VERB If someone discourseson something, they talk for a long time about it in a confident way. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep] He discoursed for several hours on French and English prose. [Also V ]

4 →�see also direct discourse , indirect discourse

dis|cour|teous /d I skɜː r tiəs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is discourteous , you mean that they are rude and have no consideration for the feelings of other people. [FORMAL ]

dis|cour|tesy /d I skɜː r t I si/ (discourtesies ) N‑VAR Discourtesy is rude and bad-mannered behaviour. [FORMAL ]

dis|cov|er ◆◆◇ /d I skʌ və r / (discovers , discovering , discovered )

1 VERB If you discover something that you did not know about before, you become aware of it or learn of it. □�[V that] She discovered that they'd escaped. □�[V wh] It was difficult for the inspectors to discover which documents were important. □�[V n] Haskell did not live to discover the deception. □�[be V -ed that] It was discovered that the files were missing. [Also be V -ed to-inf]

2 VERB If a person or thing is discovered , someone finds them, either by accident or because they have been looking for them. □�[be V -ed] A few days later his badly beaten body was discovered on a roadside outside the city. [Also V n]

3 VERB When someone discovers a new place, substance, scientific fact, or scientific technique, they are the first person to find it or become aware of it. □�[V n] �the first European to discover America. □�[V wh] They discovered how to form the image in a thin layer on the surface. [Also V that] ●� dis|cov|er|er (discoverers ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �the myth of Columbus as the heroic discoverer of the Americas 500 years ago.

4 VERB If you say that someone has discovered a particular activity or subject, you mean that they have tried doing it or studying it for the first time and that they enjoyed it. □�[V n] I wish I'd discovered photography when I was younger.

5 VERB [usu passive] When a actor, musician, or other performer who is not well-known is discovered , someone recognizes that they have talent and helps them in their career. □�[be V -ed] The Beatles were discovered in the early 1960's.

dis|cov|ery ◆◇◇ /d I skʌ vəri/ (discoveries )

1 N‑VAR [oft N that] If someone makes a discovery , they become aware of something that they did not know about before. □� I felt I'd made an incredible discovery. □� �the discovery that both his wife and son are HIV positive.

2 N‑VAR If someone makes a discovery , they are the first person to find or become aware of a place, substance, or scientific fact that no one knew about before. □� In that year, two momentous discoveries were made.

3 N‑VAR If someone makes a discovery , they recognize that an actor, musician, or other performer who is not well-known has talent. □� His job is the discovery and promotion of new artists.

4 N‑VAR When the discovery of people or objects happens, someone finds them, either by accident or as a result of looking for them. □�[+�of ] �the discovery and destruction by soldiers of millions of marijuana plants.

dis|cred|it /d I skre d I t/ (discredits , discrediting , discredited )

1 VERB To discredit someone or something means to cause them to lose people's respect or trust. □�[V n] �a secret unit within the company that had been set up to discredit its major rival. ●� dis|cred|it|ed ADJ □� The previous government is, by now, thoroughly discredited.

2 VERB To discredit an idea or evidence means to make it appear false or not certain. □�[V n] They realized there would be difficulties in discrediting the evidence.

dis|cred|it|able /d I skre d I təb ə l/ ADJ Discreditable behaviour is not acceptable because people consider it to be shameful and wrong. [FORMAL ] □� She had been suspended from her job for discreditable behaviour.

dis|creet /d I skriː t/

1 ADJ If you are discreet , you are polite and careful in what you do or say, because you want to avoid embarrassing or offending someone. □� They were gossipy and not always discreet. ●� dis|creet|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� I took the phone, and she went discreetly into the living room.

2 ADJ If you are discreetabout something you are doing, you do not tell other people about it, in order to avoid being embarrassed or to gain an advantage. □� She's making a few discreet inquiries with her mother's friends. ●� dis|creet|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Everyone tried discreetly to find out more about him.

3 ADJ If you describe something as discreet , you approve of it because it is small in size or degree, or not easily noticed. [APPROVAL ] □� She wore discreet jewellery. ●� dis|creet|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □� �stately houses, discreetly hidden behind great avenues of sturdy trees.

dis|crep|an|cy /d I skre pənsi/ (discrepancies ) N‑VAR If there is a discrepancybetween two things that ought to be the same, there is a noticeable difference between them. □�[+�between ] �the discrepancy between press and radio reports. [Also +�in ]

dis|crete /d I skriː t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Discrete ideas or things are separate and distinct from each other. [FORMAL ] □� �instruction manuals that break down jobs into scores of discrete steps.

dis|cre|tion /d I skre ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Discretion is the quality of behaving in a quiet and controlled way without drawing attention to yourself or giving away personal or private information. [FORMAL ] □� Larsson sometimes joined in the fun, but with more discretion.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone in a position of authority uses their discretion or has thediscretion to do something in a particular situation, they have the freedom and authority to decide what to do. [FORMAL ] □� This committee may want to exercise its discretion to look into those charges.

3 PHRASE If something happens at someone's discretion , it can happen only if they decide to do it or give their permission. [FORMAL ] □� We may vary the limit at our discretion and will notify you of any change.

dis|cre|tion|ary /d I skre ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Discretionary things are not fixed by rules but are decided on by people in authority, who consider each individual case. □� Magistrates were given wider discretionary powers.

dis|crimi|nate /d I skr I m I ne I t/ (discriminates , discriminating , discriminated )

1 VERB If you can discriminatebetween two things, you can recognize that they are different. □�[V +�between ] He is incapable of discriminating between a good idea and a terrible one.

2 VERB To discriminateagainst a group of people or in favour of a group of people means to unfairly treat them worse or better than other groups. □�[V +�against ] They believe the law discriminates against women. □�[V +�in favour of ] �legislation which would discriminate in favour of racial minorities.

dis|crimi|nat|ing /d I skr I m I ne I t I ŋ/ ADJ Someone who is discriminating has the ability to recognize things that are of good quality. [APPROVAL ] □� More discriminating visitors now tend to shun the area.

dis|crimi|na|tion /d I skr I m I ne I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Discrimination is the practice of treating one person or group of people less fairly or less well than other people or groups. □� She is exempt from sex discrimination laws. □�[+�against ] �discrimination against immigrants.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Discrimination is knowing what is good or of high quality. □� They cooked without skill and ate without discrimination.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Discrimination is the ability to recognize and understand the differences between two things. □� �colour discrimination.

dis|crimi|na|tory /d I skr I m I nətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ Discriminatory laws or practices are unfair because they treat one group of people worse than other groups.

dis|cur|sive /d I skɜː r s I v/ ADJ If a style of writing is discursive , it includes a lot of facts or opinions that are not necessarily relevant. [FORMAL ] □� �a livelier, more candid and more discursive treatment of the subject.

dis|cus /d I skəs/ (discuses )

1 N‑COUNT A discus is a heavy circular object which athletes try to throw as far as they can as a sport.

2 N‑SING The discus is the sport of throwing a discus. □� He won the discus at the Commonwealth Games.

dis|cuss ◆◆◇ /d I skʌ s/ (discusses , discussing , discussed )

1 VERB If people discuss something, they talk about it, often in order to reach a decision. □�[V n] I will be discussing the situation with colleagues tomorrow. □�[V wh-to-inf] The cabinet met today to discuss how to respond to the ultimatum. [Also V wh]

2 VERB If you discuss something, you write or talk about it in detail. □�[V n] I will discuss the role of diet in cancer prevention in Chapter 7. SYNONYMS discuss VERB 1

debate:He likes to debate issues with his friends.

thrash out:�a sincere effort by two people to thrash out differences.

argue:They were still arguing; I could hear them down the road.

dis|cus|sion ◆◆◇ /d I skʌ ʃ ə n/ (discussions )

1 N‑VAR If there is discussion about something, people talk about it, often in order to reach a decision. □�[+�of/about/on ] There was a lot of discussion about the wording of the report. ●�PHRASE If something is under discussion , it is still being talked about and a final decision has not yet been reached. □� 'The proposals are still under discussion,' she said.

2 N‑COUNT A discussionof a subject is a piece of writing or a lecture in which someone talks about it in detail. □�[+�of ] For a discussion of biology and sexual politics, see chapter 4.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A discussion document or paper is one that contains information and usually proposals for people to discuss. COLLOCATIONS discussion NOUN

1

noun +�discussion : classroom, group, panel

adjective +�discussion : earnest, frank, heated, lively; confidential, informal, lengthy; further, ongoing, preliminary

verb +�discussion : begin, continue, hold, initiate; dominate, join

2

adjective +�discussion : detailed, full

dis|cu s|sion group (discussion groups ) N‑COUNT A discussion group is a group of people who meet regularly to discuss a particular subject.

dis|dain /d I sde I n/ (disdains , disdaining , disdained )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you feel disdainfor someone or something, you dislike them because you think that they are inferior or unimportant. □� Janet looked at him with disdain. [Also +�for ]

2 VERB If you disdain someone or something, you regard them with disdain. □�[V n] Jackie disdained the servants that her millions could buy.

dis|dain|ful /d I sde I nfʊl/ ADJ To be disdainful means to dislike something or someone because you think they are unimportant or not worth your attention. □�[+�of ] He is highly disdainful of anything to do with the literary establishment. ●� dis|dain|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'We know all about you,' she said disdainfully.

dis|ease ◆◆◇ /d I ziː z/ (diseases ) N‑VAR A disease is an illness which affects people, animals, or plants, for example one which is caused by bacteria or infection. □� �the rapid spread of disease in the area. □� �illnesses such as heart disease. SYNONYMS disease NOUN 1

illness:If your child shows any signs of illness, take her to the doctor.

condition:Doctors suspect he may have a heart condition.

complaint:Eczema is a common skin complaint which often runs in families.

infection:Ear infections are common in pre-school children.

ailment:The pharmacist can assist you with the treatment of common ailments.

dis|eased /d I ziː zd/ ADJ Something that is diseased is affected by a disease. □� The arteries are diseased and a transplant is the only hope.

dis|em|bark /d I s I mbɑː r k/ (disembarks , disembarking , disembarked ) VERB When passengers disembarkfrom a ship, aeroplane, or bus, they leave it at the end of their journey. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] I looked towards the plane. Six passengers had already disembarked. [Also V +�from ] ●� dis|em|bar|ka|tion /d I se mbɑː r ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Disembarkation is at 7.30am.

dis|em|bod|ied /d I s I mbɒ did/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Disembodied means seeming not to be attached to or to come from anyone. □� A disembodied voice sounded from the back of the cabin.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Disembodied means separated from or existing without a body. □� �a disembodied head.

dis|em|bow|el /d I s I mbaʊ əl/ (disembowels , disembowelling , disembowelled ) in AM, use disemboweling , disemboweled VERB To disembowel a person or animal means to remove their internal organs, especially their stomach, intestines, and bowels. □�[V n] It shows a fox being disembowelled by a pack of hounds.

dis|em|pow|er /d I s I mpaʊ ə r / (disempowers , disempowering , disempowered ) VERB [oft passive] If someone or something disempowers you, they take away your power or influence. □�[be V -ed] She feels that women have been disempowered throughout history. [Also V n, V -ed]

dis|en|chant|ed /d I s I ntʃɑː nt I d, -tʃ� nt-/ ADJ If you are disenchantedwith something, you are disappointed with it and no longer believe that it is good or worthwhile. □�[+�with ] I'm disenchanted with the state of British theatre at the moment.

dis|en|chant|ment /d I s I ntʃɑː ntmənt, -tʃ� nt-/ N‑UNCOUNT Disenchantment is the feeling of being disappointed with something, and no longer believing that it is good or worthwhile. □�[+�with ] There's growing disenchantment with the Government.

dis|en|fran|chise /d I s I nfr� ntʃa I z/ (disenfranchises , disenfranchising , disenfranchised ) VERB To disenfranchise a group of people means to take away their right to vote, or their right to vote for what they really want. □�[V n] Opponents say that the laws are a Republican ruse to disenfranchise entire groups of voters. □�[V -ed] �the helplessness of disenfranchised minorities.

dis|en|gage /d I s I nge I dʒ/ (disengages , disengaging , disengaged ) VERB If you disengage something, or if it disengages , it becomes separate from something which it has been attached to. □�[V n] She disengaged the film advance mechanism on the camera. □�[V pron-refl +�from ] John gently disengaged himself from his sister's tearful embrace. □�[V ] His front brake cable disengaged. [Also V n from n]

dis|en|gaged /d I s I nge I dʒd/ ADJ If someone is disengagedfrom something, they are not as involved with it as you would expect.

dis|en|gage|ment /d I s I nge I dʒmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Disengagement is a process by which people gradually stop being involved in a conflict, activity, or organization. □�[+�from ] This policy of disengagement from the European war had its critics.

dis|en|tan|gle /d I s I nt� ŋg ə l/ (disentangles , disentangling , disentangled )

1 VERB If you disentangle a complicated or confused situation, you make it easier to understand or manage to understand it, by clearly recognizing each separate element. □�[V n] In this new book, Harrison brilliantly disentangles complex debates. □�[V n +�from ] It's impossible to disentangle the myth from reality.

2 VERB If you disentangle something or someone from an undesirable thing or situation, you separate it from that thing or remove it from that situation. □�[V n +�from ] They are looking at ways to disentangle him from this major policy decision.

3 VERB If you disentangle something, you separate it from things that are twisted around it, or things that it is twisted or knotted around. □�[V n] She clawed at the bushes to disentangle herself. [Also V n from n]

dis|equi|lib|rium /d I siː kw I l I briəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Disequilibrium is a state in which things are not stable or certain, but are likely to change suddenly. [FORMAL ] □� There may be a period of disequilibrium as family members adjust to the new baby.

dis|es|tab|lish /d I s I st� bl I ʃ/ (disestablishes , disestablishing , disestablished ) VERB To disestablish a church or religion means to take away its official status, so that it is no longer recognized as a national institution. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] It would be right to disestablish the church. ●� dis|es|tab|lish|ment /d I s I st� bl I ʃmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �Welsh Anglican disestablishment.

dis|fa|vour /d I sfe I və r / in AM, use disfavor N‑UNCOUNT [usu in/into N ] If someone or something is indisfavour , people dislike or disapprove of them. If someone or something falls intodisfavour , people start to dislike or disapprove of them. [FORMAL ] □� He was in disfavour with the ruling party.

dis|fig|ure /d I sf I gə r , [AM ] -gjər/ (disfigures , disfiguring , disfigured )

1 VERB [usu passive] If someone is disfigured , their appearance is spoiled. □�[be V -ed] Many of the wounded had been badly disfigured. ●� dis|fig|ured ADJ □� She tried not to look at the scarred, disfigured face.

2 VERB To disfigure an object or a place means to spoil its appearance. □�[V n] Wind turbines are large and noisy and they disfigure the landscape.

dis|fig|ure|ment /d I sf I gə r mənt, [AM ] -gjər-/ (disfigurements ) N‑VAR A disfigurement is something, for example a scar, that spoils a person's appearance. □� He had surgery to correct a facial disfigurement.

dis|gorge /d I sgɔː r dʒ/ (disgorges , disgorging , disgorged ) VERB If something disgorges its contents, it empties them out. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] The ground had opened to disgorge a boiling stream of molten lava.

dis|grace /d I sgre I s/ (disgraces , disgracing , disgraced )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If you say that someone is indisgrace , you are emphasizing that other people disapprove of them and do not respect them because of something that they have done. [EMPHASIS ] □� His vice president also had to resign in disgrace.

2 N‑SING If you say that something is a disgrace , you are emphasizing that it is very bad or wrong, and that you find it completely unacceptable. [EMPHASIS ] □� The way the sales were handled was a complete disgrace.

3 N‑SING You say that someone is a disgraceto someone else when you want to emphasize that their behaviour causes the other person to feel ashamed. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�to ] Republican leaders called him a disgrace to the party.

4 VERB If you say that someone disgraces someone else, you are emphasizing that their behaviour causes the other person to feel ashamed. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V n] I have disgraced my family's name. □�[V pron-refl] I've disgraced myself by the actions I've taken.

dis|graced /d I sgre I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use disgraced to describe someone whose bad behaviour has caused them to lose the approval and respect of the public or of people in authority. □� �the disgraced leader of the coup.

dis|grace|ful /d I sgre I sfʊl/ ADJ If you say that something such as behaviour or a situation is disgraceful , you disapprove of it strongly, and feel that the person or people responsible should be ashamed of it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It's disgraceful that they have detained him for so long. ●� dis|grace|ful|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □� He felt that his brother had behaved disgracefully.

dis|grun|tled /d I sgrʌ nt ə ld/ ADJ If you are disgruntled , you are cross and dissatisfied because things have not happened the way that you wanted them to happen. □� Disgruntled employees recently called for his resignation. [Also +�by/at/over ]

dis|guise /d I sga I z/ (disguises , disguising , disguised )

1 N‑VAR [oft in N ] If you are indisguise , you are not wearing your usual clothes or you have altered your appearance in other ways, so that people will not recognize you. □� You'll have to travel in disguise. □� He was wearing that ridiculous disguise.

2 VERB If you disguiseyourself , you put on clothes which make you look like someone else or alter your appearance in other ways, so that people will not recognize you. □�[V pron-refl +�as ] She disguised herself as a man so she could fight on the battlefield. [Also V pron-refl] ●� dis|guised ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □�[+�as ] The extremists entered the building disguised as medical workers.

3 VERB To disguise something means to hide it or make it appear different so that people will not know about it or will not recognize it. □�[V n] He made no attempt to disguise his agitation. ●� dis|guised ADJ □�[+�as ] This is lust thinly disguised as love.

4a blessing in disguise →�see blessing

dis|gust /d I sgʌ st/ (disgusts , disgusting , disgusted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Disgust is a feeling of very strong dislike or disapproval. □� He spoke of his disgust at the incident.

2 VERB To disgust someone means to make them feel a strong sense of dislike and disapproval. □�[V n] He disgusted many with his boorish behaviour.

dis|gust|ed /d I sgʌ st I d/ ADJ [oft ADJ that] If you are disgusted , you feel a strong sense of dislike and disapproval at something. □�[+�with/by/at ] I'm disgusted with the way that he was treated. ●� dis|gust|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'It's a little late for that,' Ritter said disgustedly.

dis|gust|ing /d I sgʌ st I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you say that something is disgusting , you are criticizing it because it is extremely unpleasant. □� It tasted disgusting. □� Smoking is a disgusting habit.

2 ADJ If you say that something is disgusting , you mean that you find it completely unacceptable. □� It's disgusting that the taxpayer is subsidising this project.

dish ◆◇◇ /d I ʃ/ (dishes , dishing , dished )

1 N‑COUNT A dish is a shallow container with a wide uncovered top. You eat and serve food from dishes and cook food in them. □� �plastic bowls and dishes.

2 N‑COUNT The contents of a dish can be referred to as a dish of something. □�[+�of ] Nicholas ate a dish of spaghetti.

3 N‑COUNT Food that is prepared in a particular style or combination can be referred to as a dish . □� There are plenty of vegetarian dishes to choose from.

4 N‑PLURAL All the objects that have been used to cook, serve, and eat a meal can be referred to as thedishes . □� He'd cooked dinner and washed the dishes.

5 N‑COUNT You can use dish to refer to anything that is round and hollow in shape with a wide uncovered top. □� �a dish used to receive satellite broadcasts.

6 →�see also satellite dish , side dish

7 PHRASE If you do the dishes , you wash the dishes. □� I hate doing the dishes.

8to dish the dirt →�see dirt

▸� dish out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you dish out something, you distribute it among a number of people. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Doctors, not pharmacists, are responsible for dishing out drugs. □�[V n P ] The council wants to dish the money out to specific projects.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone dishes out criticism or punishment, they give it to someone. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Linzi is well qualified to dish out advice. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you dish out food, you serve it to people at the beginning of each course of a meal. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Here in the dining hall the cooks dish out chicken � la king.

▸� dish up PHRASAL VERB If you dish up food, you serve it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] They dished up a superb meal. □�[V P ] I'll dish up and you can grate the Parmesan. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS dish NOUN 3

noun +�dish : fish, meat, pasta, vegetable

adjective +�dish : savoury, vegetarian

verb +�dish : cook, prepare

dis|har|mo|ny /d I shɑː r məni/ N‑UNCOUNT When there is disharmony , people disagree about important things and this causes an unpleasant atmosphere. [FORMAL ] □� �racial disharmony.

dish|cloth /d I ʃklɒθ, [AM ] -klɔːθ/ (dishcloths )

1 N‑COUNT A dishcloth is a cloth used to dry dishes after they have been washed.

2 N‑COUNT A dishcloth is a cloth used for washing dishes, pans, and cutlery.

dis|heart|ened /d I shɑː r t ə nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are disheartened , you feel disappointed about something and have less confidence or less hope about it than you did before. □�[+�by ] He was disheartened by their hostile reaction.

dis|heart|en|ing /d I shɑː r tən I ŋ/ ADJ If something is disheartening , it makes you feel disappointed and less confident or less hopeful.

di|shev|elled /d I ʃe v ə ld/ in AM, use disheveled ADJ If you describe someone's hair, clothes, or appearance as dishevelled , you mean that it is very untidy. □� She arrived flushed and dishevelled.

dis|hon|est /d I sɒ n I st/ ADJ If you say that a person or their behaviour is dishonest , you mean that they are not truthful or honest and that you cannot trust them. □� It would be dishonest not to present the data as fairly as possible. ●� dis|hon|est|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The key issue was whether the four defendants acted dishonestly.

dis|hon|es|ty /d I sɒ n I sti/ N‑UNCOUNT Dishonesty is dishonest behaviour. □� She accused the government of dishonesty and incompetence.

dis|hon|our /d I sɒ nə r / (dishonours , dishonouring , dishonoured ) in AM, use dishonor1 VERB If you dishonour someone, you behave in a way that damages their good reputation. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] It would dishonour my family if I didn't wear the veil.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Dishonour is a state in which people disapprove of you and lose their respect for you. [FORMAL ] □� �a choice between death and dishonour.

3 VERB If someone dishonours an agreement, they refuse to act according to its conditions. □�[V n] We found that the bank had dishonoured some of our cheques.

dis|hon|our|able /d I sɒ nərəb ə l/ in AM, use dishonorable ADJ Someone who is dishonourable is not honest and does things which you consider to be morally unacceptable. □� Mark had done nothing dishonourable. ●� dis|hon|our|ably /d I sɒ nərəbli/ ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� He could not bear to be seen to act dishonourably.

di sh tow|el (dish towels ) N‑COUNT A dish towel is a cloth used to dry dishes after they have been washed. [AM ] in BRIT, use tea towel

dish|washer /d I ʃwɒʃə r / (dishwashers ) N‑COUNT A dishwasher is an electrically operated machine that washes and dries plates, saucepans, and cutlery.

dish|water /d I ʃwɔːtə r / N‑UNCOUNT Dishwater is water that dishes, pans, and cutlery have been washed in.

dishy /d I ʃi/ (dishier , dishiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as dishy , you mean they are very good looking and attractive; used especially by women about men. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

dis|il|lu|sion /d I s I luː ʒ ə n/ (disillusions , disillusioning , disillusioned )

1 VERB If a person or thing disillusions you, they make you realize that something is not as good as you thought. □�[V n] I'd hate to be the one to disillusion him.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Disillusion is the same as disillusionment . □� There is disillusion with established political parties.

dis|il|lu|sioned /d I s I luː ʒ ə nd/ ADJ If you are disillusionedwith something, you are disappointed, because it is not as good as you had expected or thought. □�[+�with ] I've become very disillusioned with politics.

dis|il|lu|sion|ment /d I s I luː ʒ ə nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Disillusionment is the disappointment that you feel when you discover that something is not as good as you had expected or thought. □�[+�with ] �his growing disillusionment with his work.

dis|in|cen|tive /d I s I nse nt I v/ (disincentives ) N‑VAR A disincentive is something which discourages people from behaving or acting in a particular way. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] High marginal tax rates may act as a disincentive to working longer hours.

dis|in|cli|na|tion /d I s I nkl I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑SING [usu N to-inf] A disinclinationto do something is a feeling that you do not want to do it. [FORMAL ] □� They are showing a marked disinclination to pursue these opportunities.

dis|in|clined /d I s I nkla I nd/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If you are disinclinedto do something, you do not want to do it. [FORMAL ] □� He was disinclined to talk about himself, especially to his students.

dis|in|fect /d I s I nfe kt/ (disinfects , disinfecting , disinfected ) VERB If you disinfect something, you clean it using a substance that kills germs. □�[V n] Chlorine is used to disinfect water.

dis|in|fect|ant /d I s I nfe ktənt/ (disinfectants ) N‑VAR Disinfectant is a substance that kills germs. It is used, for example, for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms.

dis|in|fla|tion /d I s I nfle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Disinflation is a reduction in the rate of inflation, especially as a result of government policies.

dis|in|for|ma|tion /d I s I nfə r me I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of spreading disinformation , you are accusing them of spreading false information in order to deceive people. □� They spread disinformation in order to discredit politicians.

dis|in|genu|ous /d I s I ndʒe njuəs/ ADJ Someone who is disingenuous is slightly dishonest and insincere in what they say. [FORMAL ] □� It would be disingenuous to claim that this is great art. ●� dis|in|genu|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He disingenuously remarked that he knew nothing about strategy.

dis|in|her|it /d I s I nhe r I t/ (disinherits , disinheriting , disinherited ) VERB If you disinherit someone such as your son or daughter, you arrange that they will not become the owner of your money and property after your death, usually because they have done something that you do not approve of. □�[V n] He threatened to disinherit her if she refused to obey.

dis|in|te|grate /d I s I nt I gre I t/ (disintegrates , disintegrating , disintegrated )

1 VERB If something disintegrates , it becomes seriously weakened, and is divided or destroyed. □�[V ] During October 1918 the Austro-Hungarian Empire began to disintegrate. ●� dis|in|te|gra|tion /d I s I nt I gre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the violent disintegration of Yugoslavia.

2 VERB If an object or substance disintegrates , it breaks into many small pieces or parts and is destroyed. □�[V ] At 420mph the windscreen disintegrated. ●� dis|in|te|gra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the catastrophic disintegration of the aircraft after the explosion.

dis|in|ter /d I s I ntɜː r / (disinters , disinterring , disinterred )

1 VERB [usu passive] When a dead body is disinterred , it is dug up from out of the ground. □�[be V -ed] The bones were disinterred and moved to a burial site.

2 VERB If you disinter something, you start using it again after it has not been used for a long time. [HUMOROUS ] □�[V n] �the trend for disinterring sixties soul classics for TV commercials.

dis|in|ter|est /d I s I ntrəst/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is disinterestin something, people are not interested in it. □�[+�in ] �disinterest in politics.

dis|in|ter|est|ed /d I s I ntrəst I d/

1 ADJ Someone who is disinterested is not involved in a particular situation or not likely to benefit from it and is therefore able to act in a fair and unselfish way. □� Scientists, of course, can be expected to be impartial and disinterested.

2 ADJ If you are disinterestedin something, you are not interested in it. Some users of English believe that it is not correct to use disinterested with this meaning.

dis|joint|ed /d I sdʒɔ I nt I d/

1 ADJ Disjointed words, thoughts, or ideas are not presented in a smooth or logical way and are therefore difficult to understand. □� Sally was used to his disjointed, drunken ramblings.

2 ADJ Disjointed societies, systems, and activities are ones in which the different parts or elements are not as closely connected as they should be or as they used to be. □� �our increasingly fragmented and disjointed society.

disk /d I sk/ (disks ) also disc

1 N‑COUNT [oft on/to N ] In a computer, the disk is the part where information is stored. □� The program takes up 2.5 megabytes of disk space.

2 →�see also disk drive , floppy disk , hard disk

di sk drive (disk drives ) in BRIT, also use disc drive N‑COUNT The disk drive on a computer is the part that contains the disk or into which a disk can be inserted. The disk drive allows you to read information from the disk and store information on the disk.

disk|ette /d I ske t/ (diskettes ) N‑COUNT A diskette is the same as a floppy disk .

di sk jock|ey →�see disc jockey

dis|like /d I sla I k/ (dislikes , disliking , disliked )

1 VERB If you dislike someone or something, you consider them to be unpleasant and do not like them. □�[V n] We don't serve liver often because so many people dislike it. □�[V n] David began to dislike all his television heroes who smoked.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Dislike is the feeling that you do not like someone or something. □�[+�of ] He made no attempt to conceal his dislike of me. [Also +�for ]

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your dislikes are the things that you do not like. □� Consider what your likes and dislikes are about your job.

4 PHRASE If you take a disliketo someone or something, you decide that you do not like them.

dis|lo|cate /d I sləke I t/ (dislocates , dislocating , dislocated )

1 VERB If you dislocate a bone or joint in your body, or in someone else's body, it moves out of its proper position in relation to other bones, usually in an accident. □�[V n] Harrison dislocated a finger.

2 VERB To dislocate something such as a system, process, or way of life means to disturb it greatly or prevent it from continuing as normal. □�[V n] It would help to end illiteracy, but it would also dislocate a traditional way of life.

dis|lo|ca|tion /d I sləke I ʃ ə n/ (dislocations ) N‑VAR Dislocation is a situation in which something such as a system, process, or way of life is greatly disturbed or prevented from continuing as normal. □�[+�of ] Millions of refugees have suffered a total dislocation of their lives.

dis|lodge /d I slɒ dʒ/ (dislodges , dislodging , dislodged )

1 VERB To dislodge something means to remove it from where it was fixed or held. □�[V n +�from ] Rainfall had dislodged debris from the slopes of the volcano. [Also V n]

2 VERB To dislodge a person from a position or job means to remove them from it. □�[V n] He may challenge the Prime Minister even if he decides he cannot dislodge her this time.

dis|loy|al /d I slɔ I əl/ ADJ Someone who is disloyalto their friends, family, or country does not support them or does things that could harm them. □�[+�to ] She was so disloyal to her deputy she made his position untenable.

dis|loy|al|ty /d I slɔ I əlti/ N‑UNCOUNT Disloyalty is disloyal behaviour. □� Charges had already been made against certain officials suspected of disloyalty. [Also +�to ]

dis|mal /d I zm ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is dismal is bad in a sad or depressing way. □� It was a dismal failure. ●� dis|mal|ly ADV □� He failed dismally in his opening match.

2 ADJ Something that is dismal is sad and depressing, especially in appearance. □� The main part of the hospital is pretty dismal but the children's ward is really lively. WORD HISTORY dismal

In medieval times, dismal (from Latin dies mali , meaning 'evil days') was the name given to the 24 days of the year (two in each month) that were believed to be unlucky.

dis|man|tle /d I sm� nt ə l/ (dismantles , dismantling , dismantled )

1 VERB If you dismantle a machine or structure, you carefully separate it into its different parts. □�[V n] He asked for immediate help from the United States to dismantle the warheads.

2 VERB To dismantle an organization or system means to cause it to stop functioning by gradually reducing its power or purpose. □�[V n] Public services of all kinds are being dismantled.

dis|may /d I sme I / (dismays , dismaying , dismayed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dismay is a strong feeling of fear, worry, or sadness that is caused by something unpleasant and unexpected. [FORMAL ] □� Local councillors have reacted with dismay and indignation.

2 VERB If you are dismayed by something, it makes you feel afraid, worried, or sad. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The committee was dismayed by what it had been told. □�[V n] The thought that she was crying dismayed him. ●� dis|mayed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf/that] □�[+�at ] He was dismayed at the cynicism of the youngsters.

dis|mem|ber /d I sme mbə r / (dismembers , dismembering , dismembered )

1 VERB To dismember the body of a dead person or animal means to cut or pull it into pieces. □�[V n] He then dismembered her, hiding parts of her body in the cellar.

2 VERB To dismember a country or organization means to break it up into smaller parts. □�[V n] �Hitler's plans to occupy and dismember Czechoslovakia.

dis|mem|ber|ment /d I sme mbə r mənt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dismemberment is the cutting or pulling into pieces of a body.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Dismemberment is the breaking up into smaller parts of a country or organization. □� �the case for dismemberment or even abolition of the BBC.

dis|miss ◆◇◇ /d I sm I s/ (dismisses , dismissing , dismissed )

1 VERB If you dismiss something, you decide or say that it is not important enough for you to think about or consider. □�[V n +�as ] Mr Wakeham dismissed the reports as speculation. □�[V n] I would certainly dismiss any allegations of impropriety by the Labour Party.

2 VERB If you dismiss something from your mind, you stop thinking about it. □�[V n +�from ] I dismissed him from my mind. □�[V n] 'It's been a lovely day,' she said, dismissing the episode.

3 VERB When an employer dismisses an employee, the employer tells the employee that they are no longer needed to do the job that they have been doing. □�[V n] �the power to dismiss civil servants who refuse to work.

4 VERB If you are dismissed by someone in authority, they tell you that you can go away from them. □�[be V -ed] Two more witnesses were called, heard and dismissed. [Also V n]

5 VERB When a judge dismisses a case against someone, he or she formally states that there is no need for a trial, usually because there is not enough evidence for the case to continue. □�[V n] The High Court judge dismissed the claim. □�[have n V -ed] �their attempt to have the case against them dismissed.

dis|mis|sal /d I sm I s ə l/ (dismissals )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] When an employee is dismissed from their job, you can refer to their dismissal . □� �Mr Low's dismissal from his post at the head of the commission.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Dismissalof something means deciding or saying that it is not important. □�[+�of ] �their high-handed dismissal of public opinion.

dis|miss|ive /d I sm I s I v/ ADJ If you are dismissiveof someone or something, you say or show that you think they are not important or have no value. □�[+�of ] Mr Jones was dismissive of the report, saying it was riddled with inaccuracies. ●� dis|miss|ive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'Forget it,' he replied dismissively.

dis|mount /d I smaʊ nt/ (dismounts , dismounting , dismounted ) VERB If you dismount from a horse or a bicycle, you get down from it. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Emma dismounted and took her horse's bridle.

dis|obedi|ence /d I səbiː diəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Disobedience is deliberately not doing what someone tells you to do, or what a rule or law says that you should do.

dis|obedi|ent /d I səbiː diənt/ ADJ If you are disobedient , you deliberately do not do what someone in authority tells you to do, or what a rule or law says that you should do. □� Her tone was that of a parent to a disobedient child.

dis|obey /d I səbe I / (disobeys , disobeying , disobeyed ) VERB When someone disobeys a person or an order, they deliberately do not do what they have been told to do. □�[V n] �a naughty boy who often disobeyed his mother and father. □�[V ] They were threatened with punishment if they disobeyed.

dis|or|der /d I sɔː r də r / (disorders )

1 N‑VAR A disorder is a problem or illness which affects someone's mind or body. □� �a rare nerve disorder that can cause paralysis of the arms.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Disorder is a state of being untidy, badly prepared, or badly organized. □� The emergency room was in disorder.

3 N‑VAR Disorder is violence or rioting in public. □� He called on the authorities to stop public disorder.

dis|or|dered /d I sɔː r də r d/ ADJ If you describe something as disordered , you mean it is untidy and is not neatly arranged. □� �a disordered heap of mossy branches.

dis|or|der|ly /d I sɔː r də r li/

1 ADJ If you describe something as disorderly , you mean that it is untidy, irregular, or disorganized. [FORMAL ] □� �a large and disorderly room.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as disorderly , you mean that they are behaving in a noisy, rude, or violent way in public. You can also describe a place or event as disorderly if the people there behave in this way. [FORMAL ]

dis|or|gani|za|tion /d I sɔː r gəna I ze I ʃ ə n/ in BRIT, also use disorganisation N‑UNCOUNT If something is in a state of disorganization , it is disorganized.

dis|or|gan|ized /d I sɔː r gəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use disorganised1 ADJ Something that is disorganized is in a confused state or is badly planned or managed. □� A report by the state prosecutor described the police action as confused and disorganised.

2 ADJ Someone who is disorganized is very bad at organizing things in their life. □� My boss is completely disorganised.

dis|ori|ent /d I sɔː rient/ (disorients , disorienting , disoriented ) in BRIT, also use disorientate VERB If something disorients you, you lose your sense of direction, or you generally feel lost and uncertain, for example because you are in an unfamiliar environment. □�[V n] An overnight stay at a friend's house disorients me. ●� dis|ori|ent|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� I feel dizzy and disoriented. ●� dis|ori|ent|ing ADJ □� An abrupt change of location can be disorienting. ●� dis|ori|en|ta|tion /d I sɔː riənte I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Morris was so stunned by this that he experienced a moment of total disorientation.

dis|ori|en|tate /d I sɔː riənte I t/ (disorientates , disorientating , disorientated ) →�see disorient

dis|own /d I soʊ n/ (disowns , disowning , disowned ) VERB If you disown someone or something, you say or show that you no longer want to have any connection with them or any responsibility for them. □�[V n] The man who murdered the girl is no son of mine. I disown him.

dis|par|age /d I sp� r I dʒ/ (disparages , disparaging , disparaged ) VERB If you disparage someone or something, you speak about them in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �Larkin's tendency to disparage literature.

dis|par|age|ment /d I sp� r I dʒmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Disparagement is the act of speaking about someone or something in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Reviewers have been almost unanimous in their disparagement of this book.

dis|par|ag|ing /d I sp� r I dʒ I ŋ/ ADJ If you are disparaging about someone or something, or make disparaging comments about them, you say things which show that you do not have a good opinion of them. □� They would often make disparaging remarks about the other in public. ●� dis|par|ag|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Do not talk disparagingly about your company in public.

dis|par|ate /d I spərət/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Disparate things are clearly different from each other in quality or type. [FORMAL ] □� Scientists are trying to pull together disparate ideas in astronomy.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A disparate thing is made up of very different elements. [FORMAL ] □� �a very disparate nation, with enormous regional differences.

dis|par|ity /d I sp� r I ti/ (disparities ) N‑VAR If there is a disparitybetween two or more things, there is a noticeable difference between them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�between/in ] �disparities in pay between men and women.

dis|pas|sion|ate /d I sp� ʃənət/ ADJ Someone who is dispassionate is calm and reasonable, and not affected by emotions. □� We, as prosecutors, try to be dispassionate about the cases we bring. ●� dis|pas|sion|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He sets out the facts coolly and dispassionately.

dis|patch /d I sp� tʃ/ (dispatches , dispatching , dispatched ) in BRIT, also use despatch1 VERB If you dispatch someone to a place, you send them there for a particular reason. [FORMAL ] □�[V n adv/prep] He dispatched scouts ahead. □�[V n to-inf] The Italian government was preparing to dispatch 4,000 soldiers to search the island. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Dispatch is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The despatch of the task force is purely a contingency measure.

2 VERB If you dispatch a message, letter, or parcel, you send it to a particular person or destination. [FORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] The victory inspired him to dispatch a gleeful telegram to Roosevelt. □�[be V -ed] Free gifts are dispatched separately so please allow 28 days for delivery. [Also V n] ●�N‑UNCOUNT Dispatch is also a noun. □� We have 125 cases ready for dispatch.

3 N‑COUNT A dispatch is a special report that is sent to a newspaper or broadcasting organization by a journalist who is in a different town or country. □� �this despatch from our West Africa correspondent.

4 N‑COUNT A dispatch is a message or report that is sent, for example, by army officers or government officials to their headquarters. □� I was carrying dispatches from the ambassador.

5 VERB To dispatch a person or an animal means to kill them. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] The hunters caught the bear and dispatched him immediately.

dis|pel /d I spe l/ (dispels , dispelling , dispelled ) VERB To dispel an idea or feeling that people have means to stop them having it. □�[V n] This result should dispel the notion that developing countries are dependent on exports of agricultural products.

dis|pen|sable /d I spe nsəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is dispensable they are not really needed. □� All those people in the middle are dispensable.

dis|pen|sa|ry /d I spe nsəri/ (dispensaries ) N‑COUNT A dispensary is a place, for example in a hospital, where medicines are prepared and given out.

dis|pen|sa|tion /d I spense I ʃ ə n/ (dispensations )

1 N‑VAR A dispensation is special permission to do something that is normally not allowed. □�[+�from ] They were promised dispensation from military service.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Dispensation of something is the issuing of it, especially from a position of authority. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �our application of consistent standards in the dispensation of justice.

dis|pense /d I spe ns/ (dispenses , dispensing , dispensed )

1 VERB If someone dispenses something that they own or control, they give or provide it to a number of people. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The Union had already dispensed �40,000 in grants. □�[V n +�to ] I thought of myself as a patriarch, dispensing words of wisdom to all my children.

2 VERB If you obtain a product by getting it out of a machine, you can say that the machine dispenses the product. □�[V n] For two weeks, the cash machine was unable to dispense money.

3 VERB When a chemist dispenses medicine, he or she prepares it, and gives or sells it to the patient or customer. □�[V n] Some shops gave wrong or inadequate advice when dispensing homeopathic medicines. □�[V ] Doctors confine themselves to prescribing rather than dispensing. [Also V n +�to ]

▸� dispense with PHRASAL VERB If you dispense with something, you stop using it or get rid of it completely, especially because you no longer need it. □�[V P n] Now supermarkets are dispensing with checkouts, making you scan your own groceries.

dis|pens|er /d I spe nsə r / (dispensers ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A dispenser is a machine or container designed so that you can get an item or quantity of something from it in an easy and convenient way. □� �cash dispensers.

dis|per|sal /d I spɜː r s ə l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dispersal is the spreading of things over a wide area. □� Plants have different mechanisms of dispersal for their spores.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The dispersalof a crowd involves splitting it up and making the people leave in different directions. □�[+�of ] The police ordered the dispersal of the crowds gathered round the building.

dis|perse /d I spɜː r s/ (disperses , dispersing , dispersed )

1 VERB When something disperses or when you disperse it, it spreads over a wide area. □�[V ] The oil appeared to be dispersing. □�[V n] The intense currents disperse the sewage.

2 VERB When a group of people disperses or when someone disperses them, the group splits up and the people leave in different directions. □�[V n] Police fired shots and used teargas to disperse the demonstrators. □�[V ] The crowd dispersed peacefully after prayers.

dis|persed /d I spɜː r st/ ADJ Things that are dispersed are situated in many different places, a long way apart from each other. □� �his widely dispersed businesses.

dis|per|sion /d I spɜː r ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Dispersion is the spreading of people or things over a wide area. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The threat will force greater dispersion of their forces.

dis|pir|it|ed /d I sp I r I t I d/ ADJ If you are dispirited , you have lost your enthusiasm and excitement. □� I left eventually at six o'clock feeling utterly dispirited and depressed.

dis|pir|it|ing /d I sp I r I t I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is dispiriting causes you to lose your enthusiasm and excitement. □� It's very dispiriting for anyone to be out of a job.

dis|place /d I sple I s/ (displaces , displacing , displaced )

1 VERB If one thing displaces another, it forces the other thing out of its place, position, or role, and then occupies that place, position, or role itself. □�[V n] These factories have displaced tourism as the country's largest source of foreign exchange.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a person or group of people is displaced , they are forced to moved away from the area where they live. □�[be V -ed] In Europe alone thirty million people were displaced. □�[V -ed] �the task of resettling refugees and displaced persons.

di s|placed pe r|son (displaced persons ) N‑COUNT A displaced person is someone who has been forced to leave the place where they live, especially because of a war.

dis|place|ment /d I sple I smənt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Displacement is the removal of something from its usual place or position by something which then occupies that place or position. [FORMAL ] □� �the displacement of all my energy into caring for the baby.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Displacement is the forcing of people away from the area or country where they live.

dis|play ◆◆◇ /d I sple I / (displays , displaying , displayed )

1 VERB If you display something that you want people to see, you put it in a particular place, so that people can see it easily. □�[V n] Among the war veterans proudly displaying their medals was Aubrey Rose. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Display is also a noun. □� Most of the other artists whose work is on display were his pupils or colleagues.

2 VERB If you display something, you show it to people. □�[V n +�to ] She displayed her wound to the twelve gentlemen of the jury. □�[V n] The chart can then display the links connecting these groups.

3 VERB If you display a characteristic, quality, or emotion, you behave in a way which shows that you have it. □�[V n] He has displayed remarkable courage in his efforts to reform the party. ●�N‑VAR Display is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Normally, such an outward display of affection is reserved for his mother.

4 VERB When a computer displays information, it shows it on a screen. □�[V n] They started out by looking at the computer screens which display the images.

5 N‑COUNT A display is an arrangement of things that have been put in a particular place, so that people can see them easily. □�[+�of ] �a display of your work.

6 N‑COUNT A display is a public performance or other event which is intended to entertain people. □� �gymnastic displays.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The display on a computer screen is the information that is shown there. The screen itself can also be referred to as the display . □� A hard copy of the screen display can also be obtained from a printer.

8 →�see also liquid crystal display SYNONYMS display VERB 1

show:The cushions, shown left, measure 20 x 12 inches and cost $39.95.

present:We presented the information in a variety of chart forms.

exhibit:His work was exhibited in the best galleries in America, Europe and Asia. NOUN 5

demonstration:�demonstrations of new products.

exhibition:�an exhibition on the natural history of the area.

presentation:We gave a slide and video presentation.

dis|please /d I spliː z/ (displeases , displeasing , displeased ) VERB If something or someone displeases you, they make you annoyed or rather angry. □�[V n] Not wishing to displease her, he avoided answering the question.

dis|pleased /d I spliː zd/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are displeasedwith something, you are annoyed or rather angry about it. □�[+�with/at ] Businessmen are displeased with erratic economic policy-making.

dis|pleas|ure /d I sple ʒə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's displeasure is a feeling of annoyance that they have about something that has happened. □�[+�with/at ] The population has already begun to show its displeasure at the slow pace of change.

dis|port /d I spɔː r t/ (disports , disporting , disported ) VERB If you disportyourself somewhere, you amuse yourself there in a happy and energetic way. [HUMOROUS or OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] �the rich and famous disporting themselves in glamorous places.

dis|pos|able /d I spoʊ zəb ə l/ (disposables )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A disposable product is designed to be thrown away after it has been used. □� �disposable nappies suitable for babies up to 8lb. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Disposable products can be referred to as disposables . □� It's estimated that around 80 per cent of babies wear disposables.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Your disposable income is the amount of income you have left after you have paid income tax and social security charges. □� Gerald had little disposable income.

dis|pos|al /d I spoʊ z ə l/

1 PHRASE If you have something at your disposal , you are able to use it whenever you want, and for whatever purpose you want. If you say that you are at someone's disposal , you mean that you are willing to help them in any way you can. □� Do you have this information at your disposal? □� If I can be of service, I am at your disposal.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] Disposal is the act of getting rid of something that is no longer wanted or needed. □�[+�of ] �methods for the permanent disposal of radioactive waste.

dis|pose /d I spoʊ z/ (disposes , disposing , disposed )

▸� dispose of

1 PHRASAL VERB If you dispose of something that you no longer want or need, you throw it away. □�[V P n] �the safest means of disposing of nuclear waste.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you dispose of a problem, task, or question, you deal with it. □�[V P n] You did us a great favour by disposing of that problem.

dis|posed /d I spoʊ zd/

1 ADJ If you are disposedto do something, you are willing or eager to do it. [FORMAL ] □� I might have been disposed to like him in other circumstances.

2 ADJ [adv ADJ , usu v-link ADJ ] You can use disposed when you are talking about someone's general attitude or opinion. For example, if you are well or favourably disposedto someone or something, you like them or approve of them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to/towards ] I saw that the publishers were well disposed towards my book.

dis|po|si|tion /d I spəz I ʃ ə n/ (dispositions )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's disposition is the way that they tend to behave or feel. □� The rides are unsuitable for people of a nervous disposition.

2 N‑SING [usu N to-inf] A dispositionto do something is a willingness to do it. [FORMAL ] □� This has given him a disposition to consider our traditions critically.

3 N‑SING If you refer to the disposition of a number of objects, you mean the pattern in which they are arranged or their positions in relation to each other. [FORMAL ]

4 N‑COUNT The disposition of money or property is the act of giving or distributing it to a number of people. [LEGAL ] □�[+�of ] Judge Stacks was appointed to oversee the disposition of funds.

dis|pos|sess /d I spəze s/ (dispossesses , dispossessing , dispossessed ) VERB If you are dispossessedof something that you own, especially land or buildings, it is taken away from you. □�[be V -ed +�of ] �people who were dispossessed of their land under apartheid. □�[V n] They settled the land, dispossessing many of its original inhabitants. □�[V -ed] Droves of dispossessed people emigrated to Canada. [Also V n +�of/from ]

dis|pro|por|tion /d I sprəpɔː r ʃ ə n/ (disproportions ) N‑VAR A disproportion is a state in which two things are unequal. [FORMAL ] □� �a disproportion in the legal resources available to the two sides.

dis|pro|por|tion|ate /d I sprəpɔː r ʃənət/ ADJ Something that is disproportionate is surprising or unreasonable in amount or size, compared with something else. □�[+�to ] A disproportionate amount of time was devoted to one topic. ●� dis|pro|por|tion|ate|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �a disproportionately high suicide rate among young prisoners.

dis|prove /d I spruː v/ (disproves , disproving , disproved , disproven ) VERB To disprove an idea, belief, or theory means to show that it is not true. □�[V n] The statistics to prove or disprove his hypothesis will take years to collect.

dis|pu|ta|tion /d I spjʊte I ʃ ə n/ (disputations ) N‑VAR Disputation is discussion on a subject which people cannot agree about. [FORMAL ] □� After much legal disputation our right to resign was established.

dis|pute ◆◆◇ /d I spjuː t/ (disputes , disputing , disputed )

1 N‑VAR A dispute is an argument or disagreement between people or groups. □�[+�with/over ] They have won previous pay disputes with the government. [Also +�between ]

2 VERB If you dispute a fact, statement, or theory, you say that it is incorrect or untrue. □�[V n] He disputed the allegations. □�[V that] Nobody disputed that Davey was clever. □�[V wh] Some economists disputed whether consumer spending is as strong as the figures suggest.

3 VERB When people dispute something, they fight for control or ownership of it. You can also say that one group of people dispute something with another group. □�[V n] Russia and Ukraine have been disputing the ownership of the fleet. □�[V n +�with ] Fishermen from Bristol disputed fishing rights with the Danes. □�[V -ed] �a disputed border region. [Also V n (non-recip)]

4 PHRASE If two or more people or groups are in dispute , they are arguing or disagreeing about something. □� The two countries are in dispute over the boundaries of their coastal waters. [Also +�with ]

5 PHRASE If something is in dispute , people are questioning it or arguing about it. □� All those matters are in dispute and it is not for me to decide them. COLLOCATIONS dispute NOUN 1

noun +�dispute : border, contract, pay, trade

adjective +�dispute : contractual, industrial, legal, territorial; bitter, long-running, ongoing

verb +�dispute : end, resolve, settle SYNONYMS dispute NOUN 1

disagreement:My instructor and I had a brief disagreement.

conflict:The two companies came into conflict.

argument:Anny got into an argument with one of the marchers.

strife:Money is a major cause of strife in many marriages.

row:This provoked a further row about the bank's role in the affair. VERB 2

question:It never occurs to them to question the doctor's decisions.

challenge:I challenged him on the hypocrisy of his political attitudes.

deny:They all denied ever having seen her.

contest:Her former employer contested the case.

dis|quali|fy /d I skwɒ l I fa I / (disqualifies , disqualifying , disqualified ) VERB When someone is disqualified , they are officially stopped from taking part in a particular event, activity, or competition, usually because they have done something wrong. □�[be V -ed +�from ] He was convicted of corruption, and will be disqualified from office for seven years. □�[V n] The stewards conferred and eventually decided to disqualify us. [Also V n +�from ] ●� dis|quali|fi|ca|tion /d I skwɒ l I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (disqualifications ) N‑VAR [oft with poss] □�[+�from ] Livingston faces a four-year disqualification from athletics.

dis|qui|et /d I skwa I ət/ (disquiets , disquieting , disquieted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Disquiet is a feeling of worry or anxiety. [FORMAL ] □� There is growing public disquiet about the cost of such policing.

2 VERB If something disquiets you, it makes you feel anxious. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] This information disquieted him. ●� dis|qui|et|ing ADJ □� He found her letter disquieting.

dis|qui|si|tion /d I skw I z I ʃ ə n/ (disquisitions ) N‑VAR A disquisition is a detailed explanation of a particular subject. [FORMAL ] □� Amanda launched into an authoritative disquisition about contracts.

dis|re|gard /d I sr I gɑː r d/ (disregards , disregarding , disregarded ) VERB If you disregard something, you ignore it or do not take account of it. □�[V n] He disregarded the advice of his executives. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Disregard is also a noun. □�[+�for ] Whoever planted the bomb showed a total disregard for the safety of the public.

dis|re|pair /d I sr I peə r / PHRASE If something is in disrepair or is in a state of disrepair , it is broken or in bad condition. □� The house was unoccupied and in a bad state of disrepair.

dis|repu|table /d I sre pjʊtəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is disreputable , you are critical of them because they are not respectable or cannot be trusted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the noisiest and most disreputable bars.

dis|re|pute /d I sr I pjuː t/ PHRASE If something is broughtinto disrepute or fallsinto disrepute , it loses its good reputation, because it is connected with activities that people do not approve of. □� Such people bring our profession into disrepute.

dis|re|spect /d I sr I spe kt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone shows disrespect , they speak or behave in a way that shows lack of respect for a person, law, or custom. □�[+�for ] �young people with complete disrespect for authority.

2 PHRASE You can say ' no disrespectto someone or something' when you are just about to criticize them, in order to indicate that you are not hostile towards them or admire them for other things. □� No disrespect to John Beck, but the club has been happier since he left.

dis|re|spect|ful /d I sr I spe ktfʊl/ ADJ If you are disrespectful , you show no respect in the way that you speak or behave to someone. □�[+�to/of ] �accusations that he had been disrespectful to the Queen. ●� dis|re|spect|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They get angry if they think they are being treated disrespectfully.

dis|robe /d I sroʊ b/ (disrobes , disrobing , disrobed ) VERB When someone disrobes , they remove their clothes. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] She stood up and began to disrobe, folding each garment neatly.

dis|rupt /d I srʌ pt/ (disrupts , disrupting , disrupted ) VERB If someone or something disrupts an event, system, or process, they cause difficulties that prevent it from continuing or operating in a normal way. □�[V n] Anti-war protesters disrupted the debate.

dis|rup|tion /d I srʌ pʃ ə n/ (disruptions ) N‑VAR When there is disruption of an event, system, or process, it is prevented from continuing or operating in a normal way. □� The strike is expected to cause delays and disruption to flights from Britain.

dis|rup|tive /d I srʌ pt I v/ ADJ To be disruptive means to prevent something from continuing or operating in a normal way. □� There are many ways children's disruptive behaviour can be managed.

dis|ru p|tive tech|no l|ogy (disruptive technologies ) N‑COUNT A disruptive technology is a new technology, such as computers and the internet, which has a rapid and major effect on technologies that existed before. [BUSINESS ] □� �the disruptive technologies of the 20th century, such as electricity and the car.

diss /d I s/ (disses , dissing , dissed ) VERB If someone disses you, they criticize you unfairly or speak to you in a way that does not show respect. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He believes that his records speak for themselves and ignores those who diss him.

dis|sat|is|fac|tion /d I ss� t I sf� kʃ ə n/ (dissatisfactions ) N‑VAR If you feel dissatisfactionwith something, you are not contented or pleased with it. □�[+�with ] She has already expressed her dissatisfaction with this aspect of the policy.

dis|sat|is|fied /d I ss� t I sfa I d/ ADJ If you are dissatisfiedwith something, you are not contented or pleased with it. □�[+�with ] 82% of voters are dissatisfied with the way their country is being governed.

dis|sect /da I se kt, d I -/ (dissects , dissecting , dissected )

1 VERB If someone dissects the body of a dead person or animal, they carefully cut it up in order to examine it scientifically. □�[V n] We dissected a frog in biology class. ●� dis|sec|tion /da I se kʃ ə n, d I -/ (dissections ) N‑VAR □� Researchers need a growing supply of corpses for dissection.

2 VERB If someone dissects something such as a theory, a situation, or a piece of writing, they consider and talk about each detail of it. □�[V n] People want to dissect his work and question his motives. ●� dis|sec|tion (dissections ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �her calm, condescending dissection of my proposals.

dis|sem|ble /d I se mb ə l/ (dissembles , dissembling , dissembled ) VERB When people dissemble , they hide their real intentions or emotions. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] Henry was not slow to dissemble when it served his purposes. [Also V n]

dis|semi|nate /d I se m I ne I t/ (disseminates , disseminating , disseminated ) VERB To disseminate information or knowledge means to distribute it so that it reaches many people or organizations. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They disseminated anti-French propaganda. ●� dis|semi|na|tion /d I se m I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] He promoted the dissemination of scientific ideas.

dis|sen|sion /d I se nʃ ə n/ (dissensions ) N‑UNCOUNT Dissension is disagreement and argument. [FORMAL ] □� The tax cut issue has caused dissension among administration officials.

dis|sent /d I se nt/ (dissents , dissenting , dissented )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dissent is strong disagreement or dissatisfaction with a decision or opinion, especially one that is supported by most people or by people in authority. □� He is the toughest military ruler yet and has responded harshly to any dissent.

2 VERB If you dissent , you express disagreement with a decision or opinion, especially one that is supported by most people or by people in authority. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Just one of the 10 members dissented. □�[V +�from ] No one dissents from the decision to unify. □�[V -ing] There are likely to be many dissenting voices.

dis|sent|er /d I se ntə r / (dissenters ) N‑COUNT Dissenters are people who say that they do not agree with something that other people agree with or that is official policy. □� The Party does not tolerate dissenters in its ranks.

dis|ser|ta|tion /d I sə r te I ʃ ə n/ (dissertations ) N‑COUNT A dissertation is a long formal piece of writing on a particular subject, especially for a university degree. □�[+�on ] He is currently writing a dissertation on the Somali civil war.

dis|ser|vice /d I ssɜː r v I s/ N‑SING If you do someone or something adisservice , you harm them in some way. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] He said the protesters were doing a disservice to the nation.

dis|si|dent /d I s I dənt/ (dissidents )

1 N‑COUNT Dissidents are people who disagree with and criticize their government, especially because it is undemocratic. □� �political dissidents.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Dissident people disagree with or criticize their government or a powerful organization they belong to. □� �a dissident Russian novelist.

dis|simi|lar /d I s I m I lə r / ADJ If one thing is dissimilarto another, or if two things are dissimilar , they are very different from each other. □�[+�to ] His methods were not dissimilar to those used by Freud. ●� dis|simi|lar|ity /d I s I m I l� r I ti/ (dissimilarities ) N‑VAR □�[+�between ] One of his main themes is the dissimilarity between parents and children.

dis|simu|late /d I s I mjʊle I t/ (dissimulates , dissimulating , dissimulated ) VERB When people dissimulate , they hide their true feelings, intentions, or nature. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] This man was too injured to dissimulate well. □�[V n] They were decked out in tracksuits, seemingly to dissimulate their true function.

dis|si|pate /d I s I pe I t/ (dissipates , dissipating , dissipated )

1 VERB When something dissipates or when you dissipate it, it becomes less or becomes less strong until it disappears or goes away completely. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] The tension in the room had dissipated. □�[V n] He wound down the windows to dissipate the heat.

2 VERB When someone dissipates money, time, or effort, they waste it in a foolish way. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He is dissipating his time and energy on too many different things.

dis|si|pat|ed /d I s I pe I t I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as dissipated , you disapprove of them because they spend a lot of time drinking alcohol and enjoying other physical pleasures, and are probably unhealthy because of this. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Flynn was still handsome, though dissipated.

dis|si|pa|tion /d I s I pe I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone leads a dissipated life, you can also say that they lead a life of dissipation . [LITERARY ]

dis|so|ci|ate /d I soʊ ʃie I t/ (dissociates , dissociating , dissociated )

1 VERB If you dissociateyourself from something or someone, you say or show that you are not connected with them, usually in order to avoid trouble or blame. □�[V pron-refl +�from ] It is getting harder for the president to dissociate himself from the scandal.

2 VERB If you dissociate one thing from another, you consider the two things as separate from each other, or you separate them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�from ] Almost the first lesson they learn is how to dissociate emotion from reason. ●� dis|so|cia|tion /d I soʊ sie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�from ] The war between the sexes should not result in their complete dissociation from one another.

dis|so|lute /d I səluːt/ ADJ Someone who is dissolute does not care at all about morals and lives in a way that is considered to be wicked and immoral. [DISAPPROVAL ]

dis|so|lu|tion /d I səluː ʃ ə n/

1 N‑VAR [oft a N ] Dissolution is the act of breaking up officially an organization or institution, or of formally ending a parliament. [FORMAL ] □� Politicians say it could lead to a dissolution of parliament.

2 N‑VAR [oft a N ] Dissolution is the act of officially ending a formal agreement, for example a marriage or a business arrangement. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the statutory requirement for granting dissolution of a marriage.

dis|solve /d I zɒ lv/ (dissolves , dissolving , dissolved )

1 VERB If a substance dissolves in liquid or if you dissolve it, it becomes mixed with the liquid and disappears. □�[V ] Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. □�[V n] Dissolve the salt in a little boiled water.

2 VERB When an organization or institution is dissolved , it is officially ended or broken up. □�[be V -ed] The committee has been dissolved. □�[V n] The King agreed to dissolve the present commission.

3 VERB When a parliament is dissolved , it is formally ended, so that elections for a new parliament can be held. □�[be V -ed] The present assembly will be dissolved on April 30th. □�[V n] Kaifu threatened to dissolve the Parliament and call an election.

4 VERB [usu passive] When a marriage or business arrangement is dissolved , it is officially ended. □�[be V -ed] The marriage was dissolved in 1976.

5 VERB If something such as a problem or feeling dissolves or is dissolved , it becomes weaker and disappears. □�[V ] His new-found optimism dissolved. □�[V n] Lenny still could not dissolve the nagging lump of tension in his chest.

▸� dissolve into PHRASAL VERB If you dissolve into or dissolve in tears or laughter, you begin to cry or laugh, because you cannot control yourself. □�[V P n] She dissolved into tears at the mention of Munya's name.

dis|so|nance /d I sənəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Dissonance is a lack of agreement or harmony between things. [FORMAL ]

dis|suade /d I swe I d/ (dissuades , dissuading , dissuaded ) VERB If you dissuade someone from doing or believing something, you persuade them not to do or believe it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�from ] Doctors had tried to dissuade patients from smoking. □�[V n] He considered emigrating, but his family managed to dissuade him.

dis|tance ◆◆◇ /d I stəns/ (distances , distancing , distanced )

1 N‑VAR The distancebetween two points or places is the amount of space between them. □�[+�between ] �the distance between the island and the nearby shore. □� Everything is within walking distance.

2 N‑UNCOUNT When two things are very far apart, you talk about the distance between them. □� The distance wouldn't be a problem.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Distance learning or distance education involves studying at home and sending your work to a college or university, rather than attending the college or university in person. □� I'm doing a theology degree by distance learning.

4 N‑UNCOUNT When you want to emphasize that two people or things do not have a close relationship or are not the same, you can refer to the distancebetween them. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�between ] There was a vast distance between psychological clues and concrete proof.

5 N‑SING If you can see something in the distance , you can see it, far away from you. □� We suddenly saw her in the distance.

6 N‑UNCOUNT Distance is coolness or unfriendliness in the way that someone behaves towards you. [FORMAL ] □� There were periods of sulking, of pronounced distance, of coldness.

7 VERB If you distanceyourself from a person or thing, or if something distances you from them, you feel less friendly or positive towards them, or become less involved with them. □�[V pron-refl +�from ] The author distanced himself from some of the comments in his book. □�[V n +�from ] Television may actually be distancing the public from the war. ●� dis|tanced ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □�[+�from ] Clough felt he'd become too distanced from his fans.

8 PHRASE If you are at a distance from something, or if you see it or remember it from a distance , you are a long way away from it in space or time. □� The only way I can cope with my mother is at a distance. □� Now I can look back on the whole tragedy from a distance of forty years.

9 PHRASE If you keep your distance from someone or something or keep them at a distance , you do not become involved with them. □� Jay had always tended to keep his girlfriends at a distance.

10 PHRASE If you keep your distance from someone or something, you do not get physically close to them. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He walked towards the doorway, careful to keep his distance. SYNONYMS distance NOUN 1

length:It is about a metre in length.

extent:Their commitment was to maintain the extent of forests, not their biodiversity.

space:The space underneath could be used as a storage area.

span:It is a very pretty butterfly, with a 2 inch wing span.

dis|tant /d I stənt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Distant means very far away. □� The mountains rolled away to a distant horizon. □� �the war in that distant land.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use distant to describe a time or event that is very far away in the future or in the past. □� There is little doubt, however, that things will improve in the not too distant future.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A distant relative is one who you are not closely related to. □� He's a distant relative of the mayor. ●� dis|tant|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� His father's distantly related to the Royal family.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as distant , you mean that you find them cold and unfriendly. □� He found her cold, ice-like and distant.

5 ADJ If you describe someone as distant , you mean that they are not concentrating on what they are doing because they are thinking about other things. □� There was a distant look in her eyes from time to time, her thoughts elsewhere.

dis|tant|ly /d I stəntli/

1 ADV [also ADV -ed] Distantly means very far away. [LITERARY ] □� Distantly, to her right, she could make out the town of Chiffa.

2 ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] If you are distantly aware of something or if you distantly remember it, you are aware of it or remember it, but not very strongly. □� She became distantly aware that the light had grown brighter.

3 →�see also distant

dis|taste /d I ste I st/ N‑UNCOUNT If you feel distastefor someone or something, you dislike them and consider them to be unpleasant, disgusting, or immoral. □� He professed a distaste for everything related to money.

dis|taste|ful /d I ste I stfʊl/ ADJ If something is distastefulto you, you think it is unpleasant, disgusting, or immoral. □�[+�to ] He found it distasteful to be offered drinks before witnessing the execution.

dis|tem|per /d I ste mpə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT Distemper is a dangerous and infectious disease that can be caught by animals, especially dogs.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Distemper is a kind of paint sometimes used for painting walls.

dis|tend /d I ste nd/ (distends , distending , distended ) VERB If a part of your body is distended , or if it distends , it becomes swollen and unnaturally large. [MEDICAL , FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Through this incision, the abdominal cavity is distended with carbon dioxide gas. □�[V ] The colon, or large intestine, distends and fills with gas. [Also V n] ●� dis|tend|ed ADJ □� �an infant with a distended belly.

dis|ten|sion /d I ste nʃ ə n/ also distention N‑UNCOUNT Distension is abnormal swelling in a person's or animal's body. [MEDICAL ]

dis|til /d I st I l/ (distils , distilling , distilled ) in AM, use distill1 VERB If a liquid such as whisky or water is distilled , it is heated until it changes into steam or vapour and then cooled until it becomes liquid again. This is usually done in order to make it pure. □�[be V -ed] The whisky had been distilled in 1926 and sat quietly maturing until 1987. □�[V n] You can't actually drink the water from the marshland. But you can distil it. ●� dis|til|la|tion /d I st I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Any faults in the original cider stood out sharply after distillation.

2 VERB If an oil or liquid is distilledfrom a plant, it is produced by a process which extracts the most essential part of the plant. To distil a plant means to produce an oil or liquid from it by this process. □�[be V -ed +�from ] The oil is distilled from the berries of this small tree. □�[V n] �the art of distilling rose petals. [Also V n from n] ●� dis|til|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the distillation of rose petals to produce rosewater.

3 VERB If a thought or idea is distilledfrom previous thoughts, ideas, or experiences, it comes from them. If it is distilledinto something, it becomes part of that thing. □�[be V -ed +�from ] Reviews are distilled from articles previously published in the main column. □�[V n +�into ] Roy distills these messages into something powerful. ●� dis|til|la|tion N‑SING □�[+�of ] The material below is a distillation of his work.

dis|till|er /d I st I lə r / (distillers ) N‑COUNT A distiller is a person or a company that makes whisky or a similar strong alcoholic drink by a process of distilling.

dis|till|ery /d I st I ləri/ (distilleries ) N‑COUNT A distillery is a place where whisky or a similar strong alcoholic drink is made by a process of distilling.

dis|tinct /d I st I ŋkt/

1 ADJ If something is distinctfrom something else of the same type, it is different or separate from it. □�[+�from ] Engineering and technology are disciplines distinct from one another and from science. □� This book is divided into two distinct parts. ●� dis|tinct|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �a banking industry with two distinctly different sectors.

2 ADJ If something is distinct , you can hear, see, or taste it clearly. □� �to impart a distinct flavor with a minimum of cooking fat. ●� dis|tinct|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I distinctly heard the loudspeaker calling passengers for the Turin-Amsterdam flight.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If an idea, thought, or intention is distinct , it is clear and definite. □� Now that Tony was no longer present, there was a distinct change in her attitude. ●� dis|tinct|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I distinctly remember wishing I had not got involved.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use distinct to emphasize that something is great enough in amount or degree to be noticeable or important. [EMPHASIS ] □� Being 6ft 3in tall has some distinct disadvantages! ●� dis|tinct|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� His government is looking distinctly shaky.

5 PHRASE If you say that you are talking about one thing as distinct from another, you are indicating exactly which thing you mean. □� There's a lot of evidence that oily fish, as distinct from fatty meat, has a beneficial effect.

dis|tinc|tion /d I st I ŋkʃ ə n/ (distinctions )

1 N‑COUNT A distinctionbetween similar things is a difference. □�[+�between ] There are obvious distinctions between the two wine-making areas. ●�PHRASE If you draw a distinction or make a distinction , you say that two things are different. □� I did not yet make a distinction between the pleasures of reading and of writing fiction.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Distinction is the quality of being very good or better than other things of the same type. [FORMAL ] □� Lewis emerges as a composer of distinction and sensitivity.

3 N‑COUNT A distinction is a special award or honour that is given to someone because of their very high level of achievement. □� The order was created in 1902 as a special distinction for eminent men and women.

4 N‑SING If you say that someone or something has thedistinctionof being something, you are drawing attention to the fact that they have the special quality of being that thing. Distinction is normally used to refer to good qualities, but can sometimes also be used to refer to bad qualities. □�[+�of ] He has the distinction of being regarded as the country's greatest living writer.

dis|tinc|tive /d I st I ŋkt I v/ ADJ Something that is distinctive has a special quality or feature which makes it easily recognizable and different from other things of the same type. □� His voice was very distinctive. ●� dis|tinc|tive|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� �the distinctively fragrant taste of elderflowers. ●� dis|tinc|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □� His own distinctiveness was always evident at school.

dis|tin|guish /d I st I ŋgw I ʃ/ (distinguishes , distinguishing , distinguished )

1 VERB If you can distinguish one thing from another or distinguishbetween two things, you can see or understand how they are different. □�[V n +�from ] Could he distinguish right from wrong? □�[V +�between ] Research suggests that babies learn to see by distinguishing between areas of light and dark. □�[V n] It is necessary to distinguish the policies of two successive governments.

2 VERB A feature or quality that distinguishes one thing from another causes the two things to be regarded as different, because only the first thing has the feature or quality. □�[V n +�from ] There is something about music that distinguishes it from all other art forms. □�[V -ing] The bird has no distinguishing features.

3 VERB If you can distinguish something, you can see, hear, or taste it although it is very difficult to detect. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] There were cries, calls. He could distinguish voices.

4 VERB If you distinguishyourself , you do something that makes you famous or important. □�[V pron-refl +�as ] Over the next few years he distinguished himself as a leading constitutional scholar. □�[V pron-refl] They distinguished themselves at the Battle of Assaye.

dis|tin|guish|able /d I st I ŋgw I ʃəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is distinguishablefrom other things, it has a quality or feature which makes it possible for you to recognize it and see that it is different. □�[+�from ] �features that make their products distinguishable from those of their rivals.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is distinguishable , you can see or hear it in conditions when it is difficult to see or hear anything. □� It was getting light and shapes were more distinguishable.

dis|tin|guished /d I st I ŋgw I ʃt/

1 ADJ If you describe a person or their work as distinguished , you mean that they have been very successful in their career and have a good reputation. □� �a distinguished academic family.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as distinguished , you mean that they look very noble and respectable. □� He looked very distinguished.

dis|tort /d I stɔː r t/ (distorts , distorting , distorted )

1 VERB If you distort a statement, fact, or idea, you report or represent it in an untrue way. □�[V n] The media distorts reality; categorises people as all good or all bad. ●� dis|tort|ed ADJ □� These figures give a distorted view of the significance for the local economy.

2 VERB If something you can see or hear is distorted or distorts , its appearance or sound is changed so that it seems unclear. □�[V n] A painter may exaggerate or distort shapes and forms. □�[V ] This caused the sound to distort. ●� dis|tort|ed ADJ □� Sound was becoming more and more distorted through the use of hearing aids.

dis|tor|tion /d I stɔː r ʃ ə n/ (distortions )

1 N‑VAR Distortion is the changing of something into something that is not true or not acceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] It would be a distortion of reality to say that they were motivated by self-interest.

2 N‑VAR Distortion is the changing of the appearance or sound of something in a way that makes it seem strange or unclear. □� Audio signals can be transmitted along cables without distortion.

dis|tract /d I str� kt/ (distracts , distracting , distracted ) VERB If something distracts you or your attention from something, it takes your attention away from it. □�[V n +�from ] Tom admits that playing video games sometimes distracts him from his homework. □�[be V -ed] Don't let yourself be distracted by fashionable theories. □�[V n] A disturbance in the street distracted my attention.

dis|tract|ed /d I str� kt I d/ ADJ If you are distracted , you are not concentrating on something because you are worried or are thinking about something else. □� She had seemed curiously distracted. ●� dis|tract|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He looked up distractedly. 'Be with you in a second.'

dis|tract|ing /d I str� kt I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that something is distracting , you mean that it makes it difficult for you to concentrate properly on what you are doing. □� It's distracting to have someone watching me while I work.

dis|trac|tion /d I str� kʃ ə n/ (distractions )

1 N‑VAR A distraction is something that turns your attention away from something you want to concentrate on. □� Total concentration is required with no distractions.

2 N‑COUNT A distraction is an activity which is intended to entertain and amuse you. □� Their national distraction is going to the disco.

3 PHRASE If you say that something or someone drives you to distraction , you are emphasizing that they annoy you a great deal. [EMPHASIS ] □� A very clingy child can drive a parent to distraction.

dis|traught /d I strɔː t/ ADJ If someone is distraught , they are so upset and worried that they cannot think clearly. □� His distraught parents were being comforted by relatives.

dis|tress /d I stre s/ (distresses , distressing , distressed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Distress is a state of extreme sorrow, suffering, or pain. □� Jealousy causes distress and painful emotions.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Distress is the state of being in extreme danger and needing urgent help. □� He expressed concern that the ship might be in distress.

3 VERB If someone or something distresses you, they cause you to be upset or worried. □�[V n] The idea of Toni being in danger distresses him enormously.

dis|tressed /d I stre st/ ADJ If someone is distressed , they are upset or worried. □� I feel very alone and distressed about my problem.

dis|tress|ing /d I stre s I ŋ/ ADJ If something is distressing , it upsets you or worries you. □� It is very distressing to see your baby attached to tubes and monitors. ●� dis|tress|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� �a distressingly large bloodstain.

dis|trib|ute /d I str I bjuːt/ (distributes , distributing , distributed )

1 VERB If you distribute things, you hand them or deliver them to a number of people. □�[V n] Students shouted slogans and distributed leaflets. □�[be V -ed +�among ] In the move most of the furniture was left to the neighbours or distributed among friends.

2 VERB When a company distributes goods, it supplies them to the shops or businesses that sell them. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] We didn't understand how difficult it was to distribute a national paper.

3 VERB If you distribute things among the members of a group, you share them among those members. □�[V n +�among ] After his election he distributed major offices among his friends and supporters. [Also V n]

4 VERB To distribute a substance over something means to scatter it over it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�over ] Distribute the topping evenly over the fruit.

5 →�see also distributed

dis|trib|ut|ed /d I str I bjuːt I d/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If things are distributed throughout an area, object, or group, they exist throughout it. □� These cells are widely distributed throughout the body.

dis|tri|bu|tion ◆◇◇ /d I str I bjuː ʃ ə n/ (distributions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The distribution of things involves giving or delivering them to a number of people or places. □�[+�of ] �the council which controls the distribution of foreign aid. □� �emergency food distribution.

2 N‑VAR The distribution of something is how much of it there is in each place or at each time, or how much of it each person has. □�[+�of ] �a more equitable distribution of wealth. SYNONYMS distribution NOUN

1

delivery:�the delivery of goods and resources.

shipping:It is $39.95 plus $3 shipping.

transport:Local production virtually eliminates transport costs.

2

rationing:The municipal authorities here are preparing for food rationing.

division:The current division of labor between workers and management will alter.

allocation:His sons quarrelled bitterly over the allocation of family resources.

dis|tri|bu|tion|al /d I str I bjuː ʃənəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Distributional means relating to the distribution of goods. □� What they're doing is setting up distributional networks.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Distributional effects and policies relate to the share of a country's wealth that different groups of people have. [FORMAL ] □� �the distributional effects of free markets, which lead to inequalities in income.

dis|tribu|tive /d I str I bjuːt I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] Distributive means relating to the distribution of goods. □� Reorganization is necessary on the distributive side of this industry.

dis|tribu|tor /d I str I bjʊtə r / (distributors ) N‑COUNT A distributor is a company that supplies goods to shops or other businesses. [BUSINESS ] □� �Spain's largest distributor of petroleum products.

dis|tribu|tor|ship /d I str I bjʊtə r ʃ I p/ (distributorships ) N‑COUNT A distributorship is a company that supplies goods to shops or other businesses, or the right to supply goods to shops and businesses. [BUSINESS ] □� �the general manager of an automobile distributorship.

dis|trict ◆◆◇ /d I str I kt/ (districts )

1 N‑COUNT A district is a particular area of a town or country. □� I drove around the business district. □� �Nashville's shopping district.

2 N‑COUNT A district is an area of a town or country which has been given official boundaries for the purpose of administration. □� �the home of the governor of the district.

Di s|trict At|to r|ney (District Attorneys ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a District Attorney is a lawyer who works for a city, state, or federal government and puts on trial people who are accused of crimes. The abbreviation D.A. is also used.

di s|trict nu rse (district nurses ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a district nurse is a nurse who goes to people's houses to give them medical treatment and advice.

dis|trust /d I strʌ st/ (distrusts , distrusting , distrusted )

1 VERB If you distrust someone or something, you think they are not honest, reliable, or safe. □�[V n] I don't have any particular reason to distrust them.

2 N‑VAR [oft a N ] Distrust is the feeling of doubt that you have towards someone or something you distrust. □�[+�of ] What he saw there left him with a profound distrust of all political authority.

dis|trust|ful /d I strʌ stfʊl/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are distrustfulof someone or something, you think that they are not honest, reliable, or safe. □�[+�of ] Voters are deeply distrustful of all politicians.

dis|turb /d I stɜː r b/ (disturbs , disturbing , disturbed )

1 VERB If you disturb someone, you interrupt what they are doing and upset them. □�[V n] I hope I'm not disturbing you.

2 VERB If something disturbs you, it makes you feel upset or worried. □�[V n] I dream about him, dreams so vivid that they disturb me for days.

3 VERB If something is disturbed , its position or shape is changed. □�[be V -ed] He'd placed his notes in the brown envelope. They hadn't been disturbed. □�[V n] She patted Mona, taking care not to disturb her costume.

4 VERB If something disturbs a situation or atmosphere, it spoils it or causes trouble. □�[V n] What could possibly disturb such tranquility?

dis|turb|ance /d I stɜː r bəns/ (disturbances )

1 N‑COUNT A disturbance is an incident in which people behave violently in public. □� During the disturbance which followed, three Englishmen were hurt.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Disturbance means upsetting or disorganizing something which was previously in a calm and well-ordered state. □� The home would cause less disturbance to local residents than a school.

3 N‑VAR You can use disturbance to refer to a medical or psychological problem, when someone's body or mind is not working in the normal way. □� Poor educational performance is related to emotional disturbance.

dis|turbed /d I stɜː r bd/

1 ADJ A disturbed person is very upset emotionally, and often needs special care or treatment. □� �working with severely emotionally disturbed children.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that, ADJ to-inf] You can say that someone is disturbed when they are very worried or anxious. □� Doctors were disturbed that less than 30 percent of the patients were women.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation or period of time as disturbed , you mean that it is unhappy and full of problems. □� �women from disturbed backgrounds.

dis|turb|ing /d I stɜː r b I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is disturbing makes you feel worried or upset. □� There was something about him she found disturbing. ●� dis|turb|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �the disturbingly high frequency of racial attacks.

dis|unit|ed /d I sjʊna I t I d/ ADJ If a group of people are disunited , there is disagreement and division among them. □� �an increasingly disunited party.

dis|unity /d I sjuː n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Disunity is lack of agreement among people which prevents them from working together effectively. [FORMAL ] □� He had been accused of promoting disunity within the armed forces.

dis|use /d I sjuː s/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft into N ] If something falls intodisuse , people stop using it. If something becomes worse as a result of disuse , it becomes worse because no one uses it. □� �a church which has fallen into disuse.

dis|used /d I sjuː zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A disused place or building is empty and is no longer used. □� �a disused airfield near Maidenhead.

ditch /d I tʃ/ (ditches , ditching , ditched )

1 N‑COUNT A ditch is a long narrow channel cut into the ground at the side of a road or field.

2 VERB If you ditch something that you have or are responsible for, you abandon it or get rid of it, because you no longer want it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I decided to ditch the sofa bed.

3 VERB If someone ditches someone, they end a relationship with that person. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I can't bring myself to ditch him and start again.

4 VERB If a pilot ditches an aircraft or if it ditches , the pilot makes an emergency landing. □�[V n] One American pilot was forced to ditch his jet in the Gulf. □�[V ] A survivor was knocked unconscious when the helicopter ditched.

5 →�see also last-ditch

dith|er /d I �ə r / (dithers , dithering , dithered ) VERB When someone dithers , they hesitate because they are unable to make a quick decision about something. □�[V +�over ] We're still dithering over whether to marry. □�[V +�about ] If you have been dithering about buying shares, now could be the time to do it. [Also V ]

dit|to /d I toʊ/ In informal English, you can use ditto to represent a word or phrase that you have just used in order to avoid repeating it. In written lists, ditto can be represented by ditto marks � the symbol " � underneath the word that you want to repeat. □� Lister's dead. Ditto three Miami drug dealers and a lady.

dit|ty /d I ti/ (ditties ) N‑COUNT A ditty is a short or light-hearted song or poem. [HUMOROUS or WRITTEN ]

dit|zy /d I tsi/ (ditzier , ditziest ) also ditsy ADJ A ditzy person is silly and not very organized. [INFORMAL ] □� I sounded like a ditzy blonde!

di|uret|ic /da I əre t I k/ (diuretics ) N‑COUNT A diuretic is a substance which makes your body increase its production of waste fluids, with the result that you need to urinate more often than usual. [MEDICAL or TECHNICAL ] □� Alcohol acts as a diuretic, making you even more dehydrated. ●�ADJ Diuretic is also an adjective. □� Many remedies effective in joint disease are primarily diuretic.

di|ur|nal /da I ɜː r n ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Diurnal means happening or active during the daytime. [FORMAL ] □� Kangaroos are diurnal animals.

diva /diː və/ (divas ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a successful and famous female opera singer as a diva .

di|van /d I v� n, [AM ] da I v�n/ (divans )

1 N‑COUNT A divan or divan bed is a bed that has a thick base under the mattress. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A divan is a long soft seat that has no back or arms.

dive /da I v/ (dives , diving , dived ) American English sometimes uses the form dove , pronounced /doʊ v/, for the past tense. 1 VERB If you diveinto some water, you jump in head-first with your arms held straight above your head. □�[V +�into ] He tried to escape by diving into a river. □� She was standing by a pool, about to dive in. □�[V ] Joanne had just learnt to dive. ●�N‑COUNT Dive is also a noun. □� Pat had earlier made a dive of 80 feet from the Chasm Bridge.

2 VERB If you dive , you go under the surface of the sea or a lake, using special breathing equipment. □�[V ] Bezanik is diving to collect marine organisms. ●�N‑COUNT Dive is also a noun. □� This sighting occurred during my dive to a sunken wreck off Sardinia.

3 VERB When birds and animals dive , they go quickly downwards, head-first, through the air or through water. □�[V ] �a pelican which had just dived for a fish.

4 VERB If an aeroplane dives , it flies or drops down quickly and suddenly. □�[V prep/adv] He was killed when his monoplane stalled and dived into the ground. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Dive is also a noun. □� Witnesses said the plane failed to pull out of a dive and smashed down in a field.

5 VERB If you dive in a particular direction or into a particular place, you jump or move there quickly. □�[V prep/adv] They dived into a taxi. ●�N‑COUNT Dive is also a noun. □� He made a sudden dive for Uncle Jim's legs to try to trip him up.

6 VERB If you diveinto a bag or container, you put your hands into it quickly in order to get something out. □�[V +�into ] She dived into her bag and brought out a folded piece of paper.

7 VERB If shares, profits, or figures dive , their value falls suddenly and by a large amount. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] If we cut interest rates, the pound would dive. □�[V +�from/to/by ] Profits have dived from �7.7m to �7.1m. □�[V amount] The shares dived 22p to 338p. ●�N‑COUNT Dive is also a noun. □� Stock prices took a dive.

8 N‑COUNT If you describe a bar or club as a dive , you mean it is dirty and dark, and not very respectable. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

di ve-bomb (dive-bombs , dive-bombing , dive-bombed ) VERB If a plane dive-bombs an area, it suddenly flies down low over it to drop bombs onto it. □�[V n] The Russians had to dive-bomb the cities to regain control. [Also V ]

di ve bomb|er (dive bombers ) also dive-bomber N‑COUNT You can refer to a plane that flies down low over a place in order to drop bombs on it as a dive bomber . □� The port had been attacked by German dive bombers for the past five days.

div|er /da I və r / (divers ) N‑COUNT A diver is a person who swims under water using special breathing equipment.

di|verge /da I vɜː r dʒ, [AM ] d I -/ (diverges , diverging , diverged )

1 VERB If one thing divergesfrom another similar thing, the first thing becomes different from the second or develops differently from it. You can also say that two things diverge . □�[V +�from ] His interests increasingly diverged from those of his colleagues. □�[V ] When the aims of the partners begin to diverge, there's trouble.

2 VERB [no cont] If one opinion or idea divergesfrom another, they contradict each other or are different. You can also say that two opinions or ideas diverge . □�[V +�from ] The view of the Estonian government does not diverge that far from Lipmaa's thinking. □�[V ] Needless to say, theory and practice sometimes diverged.

3 VERB If one road, path, or route divergesfrom another, they lead in different directions after starting from the same place. You can also say that roads, paths, or routes diverge . □�[V +�from ] �a course that diverged from the Calvert Island coastline. □�[V ] Where three roads diverge take the middle branch.

di|ver|gence /da I vɜː r dʒ ə ns, [AM ] d I -/ (divergences ) N‑VAR A divergence is a difference between two or more things, attitudes, or opinions. [FORMAL ] □� There's a substantial divergence of opinion within the party.

di|ver|gent /da I vɜː r dʒ ə nt, [AM ] d I -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Divergent things are different from each other. [FORMAL ] □� �two people who have divergent views on this question.

di|verse /da I vɜː r s, [AM ] d I -/

1 ADJ If a group or range of things is diverse , it is made up of a wide variety of things. □� �shops selling a diverse range of gifts.

2 ADJ Diverse people or things are very different from each other. □� Jones has a much more diverse and perhaps younger audience.

di|ver|si|fy /da I vɜː r s I fa I , [AM ] d I -/ (diversifies , diversifying , diversified ) VERB When an organization or person diversifies into other things, or diversifies their range of something, they increase the variety of things that they do or make. □�[V +�into ] The company's troubles started only when it diversified into new products. □�[V ] Manufacturers have been encouraged to diversify. □�[V n] These firms have been given a tough lesson in the need to diversify their markets. ●� di|ver|si|fi|ca|tion /da I vɜː r s I f I ke I ʃ ə n, [AM ] d I -/ (diversifications ) N‑VAR □� The seminar was to discuss diversification of agriculture.

di|ver|sion /da I vɜː r ʃ ə n, [AM ] d I vɜː rʒ ə n/ (diversions )

1 N‑COUNT A diversion is an action or event that attracts your attention away from what you are doing or concentrating on. □� The robbers threw smoke bombs to create a diversion.

2 N‑COUNT A diversion is an activity that you do for pleasure. [FORMAL ] □� Finger painting is very messy but an excellent diversion.

3 N‑COUNT A diversion is a special route arranged for traffic to follow when the normal route cannot be used. [BRIT ] □� They turned back because of traffic diversions. in AM, use detour4 N‑UNCOUNT The diversion of something involves changing its course or destination. □�[+�of ] �the illegal diversion of profits from secret arms sales.

di|ver|sion|ary /da I vɜː r ʃənri, [AM ] d I vɜː rʒəneri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A diversionary activity is one intended to attract people's attention away from something which you do not want them to think about, know about, or deal with. □� Fires were started by the prisoners as a diversionary tactic.

di|ver|sity /da I vɜː r s I ti, [AM ] d I -/ (diversities )

1 N‑VAR The diversity of something is the fact that it contains many very different elements. □� �the cultural diversity of British society.

2 N‑SING A diversity of things is a range of things which are very different from each other. □�[+�of ] His object is to gather as great a diversity of material as possible.

di|vert /da I vɜː r t, [AM ] d I -/ (diverts , diverting , diverted )

1 VERB To divert vehicles or travellers means to make them follow a different route or go to a different destination than they originally intended. You can also say that someone or something divertsfrom a particular route or to a particular place. [BRIT ] □�[V n +�from/to ] �Rainham Marshes, east London, where a new bypass will divert traffic from the A13. □�[V n] We diverted a plane to rescue 100 passengers. □�[V +�from/to ] She insists on diverting to a village close to the airport. in AM, use detour2 VERB To divert money or resources means to cause them to be used for a different purpose. □�[V n prep/adv] The government is trying to divert more public funds from west to east. [Also V n]

3 VERB To divert a phone call means to send it to a different number or place from the one that was dialled by the person making the call. □�[V n prep/adv] He instructed switchboard staff to divert all Laura's calls to him. [Also V n]

4 VERB If you say that someone diverts your attention from something important or serious, you disapprove of them behaving or talking in a way that stops you thinking about it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] They want to divert the attention of the people from the real issues. [Also V n]

di|vert|ing /da I vɜː r t I ŋ, [AM ] d I -/ ADJ If you describe something as diverting , you mean that it is amusing or entertaining. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

di|vest /da I ve st, [AM ] d I -/ (divests , divesting , divested )

1 VERB If you divestyourself of something that you own or are responsible for, you get rid of it or stop being responsible for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl +�of ] The company divested itself of its oil interests.

2 VERB If something or someone is divestedof a particular quality, they lose that quality or it is taken away from them. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�of ] �in the 1960s, when sexual love had been divested of sin. □�[V n +�of ] They have divested rituals of their original meaning.

di|vide ◆◆◇ /d I va I d/ (divides , dividing , divided )

1 VERB When people or things are divided or divideinto smaller groups or parts, they become separated into smaller parts. □�[be V -ed +�into ] The physical benefits of exercise can be divided into three factors. □�[V n +�into ] It will be easiest if we divide them into groups. □�[V n +�in ] Divide the pastry in half and roll out each piece. □�[V +�into ] We divide into pairs and each pair takes a region. □�[V ] Bacteria reproduce by dividing and making copies of themselves. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you divide something among people or things, you separate it into several parts or quantities which you distribute to the people or things. □�[V n +�between/among ] Divide the sauce among 4 bowls. [Also V n]

3 VERB If you divide a larger number by a smaller number or divide a smaller number into a larger number, you calculate how many times the smaller number can fit exactly into the larger number. □�[V n +�by/into ] Measure the floor area of the greenhouse and divide it by six.

4 VERB If a border or line divides two areas or divides an area into two, it keeps the two areas separate from each other. □�[V n] the decision to divide the country into autonomous regions. □�[V n +�from ] �the long frontier dividing Mexico from the United States. [Also V n into pl-n]

5 VERB If people divide over something or if something divides them, it causes strong disagreement between them. □�[V n] She has done more to divide the Conservatives than anyone else. □�[V prep] The party is likely to divide along ideological lines. [Also V n prep]

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A divide is a significant distinction between two groups, often one that causes conflict. □� �a deliberate attempt to create a Hindu�Muslim divide in India.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A divide is a moment in time or a point in a process when there is a complete change from one situation to another. □� The time had come to cross the great divide between formality and truth.

8 PHRASE You use divide and rule to refer to a policy which is intended to keep someone in a position of power by causing disagreements between people who might otherwise unite against them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Ministers will offer inducements to some, in an attempt to divide and rule.

▸� divide up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you divide something up , you separate it into smaller or more useful groups. □�[V P n +�into ] The idea is to divide up the country into four sectors. □�[V n P +�into ] The Trust needs a new law to divide it up into smaller bodies. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you divide something up , you share it out among a number of people or groups in approximately equal parts. □�[V P n] The aim was to divide up the business, give everyone an equal stake in its future. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS divide VERB 6

noun +�divide : class, gender, north-south

adjective +�divide : generational, racial, sectarian

verb +�divide : bridge, straddle SYNONYMS divide VERB 1

split:We split the boards down the middle.

separate:Police moved in to separate the two groups.

cut up:Halve the tomatoes, then cut them up coarsely.

partition:Bedrooms have been created by partitioning a single larger room.

segregate:Police segregated the two rival camps of protesters.

di|vi d|ed hi gh|way (divided highways ) N‑COUNT A divided highway is a road which has two lanes of traffic travelling in each direction with a strip of grass or concrete down the middle to separate the two lots of traffic. [AM ] in BRIT, use dual carriageway

divi|dend ◆◇◇ /d I v I dend/ (dividends )

1 N‑COUNT A dividend is the part of a company's profits which is paid to people who have shares in the company. [BUSINESS ] □� The first quarter dividend has been increased by nearly 4 per cent.

2 PHRASE If something pays dividends , it brings advantages at a later date. □� Steps taken now to maximise your health will pay dividends later on.

3 →�see also peace dividend COLLOCATIONS dividend NOUN 1

noun +�dividend : cash, share

adjective +�dividend : annual, final, interim, quarterly; tax-free

dividend+�be +�adjective : payable

verb +�dividend : pay, reap, receive; increase, reinvest; declare

di|vid|er /d I va I də r / (dividers )

1 N‑COUNT A divider is something which forms a barrier between two areas or sets of things. □� A curtain acted as a divider between this class and another.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Dividers are an instrument used for measuring lines and for marking points along them. Dividers consist of two pointed arms joined with a hinge.

di|vi d|ing line (dividing lines )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A dividing line is a distinction or set of distinctions which marks the difference between two types of thing or two groups. □�[+�between ] There's a very thin dividing line between joviality and hysteria.

2 N‑SING Thedividing line between two areas is the boundary between them. □�[+�between ] �the street that was the dividing line between San Francisco and the fields of the Presidio.

divi|na|tion /d I v I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Divination is the art or practice of discovering what will happen in the future using supernatural means. [FORMAL ]

di|vine /d I va I n/ (divines , divining , divined )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use divine to describe something that is provided by or relates to a god or goddess. □� He suggested that the civil war had been a divine punishment. ●� di|vine|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� The law was divinely ordained.

2 VERB If you divine something, you discover or learn it by guessing. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] �the child's ability to divine the needs of its parents and respond to them. □�[V that] From this he divined that she did not like him much. [Also V wh]

di|vi ne ri ght (divine rights ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone thinks they have a divine rightto something, they think that it is their right to have it, without making any effort. □� A degree does not give you a divine right to wealth.

div|ing /da I v I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Diving is the activity of working or looking around underwater, using special breathing equipment. □� �equipment and accessories for diving.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Diving is the sport or activity in which you jump into water head first with your arms held straight above your head, usually from a diving board.

di v|ing bell (diving bells ) N‑COUNT A diving bell is a container shaped like a bell, in which people can breathe air while they work under water.

di v|ing board (diving boards ) N‑COUNT A diving board is a board high above a swimming pool from which people can dive into the water.

di|vin|ity /d I v I n I ti/ (divinities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Divinity is the study of religion.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Divinity is the quality of being divine. □� �a lasting faith in the divinity of Christ's word.

3 N‑COUNT A divinity is a god or goddess. □� The three statues above are probably Roman divinities.

di|vi|sible /d I v I z I b ə l/ ADJ If one number is divisibleby another number, the second number can be divided into the first exactly, with nothing left over. □�[+�by ] Twenty-eight is divisible by seven.

di|vi|sion ◆◆◇ /d I v I ʒ ə n/ (divisions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] The divisionof a large unit into two or more distinct parts is the act of separating it into these parts. □�[+�into ] �Czechoslovakia's division into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The divisionof something among people or things is its separation into parts which are distributed among the people or things. □� The current division of labor between workers and management will alter.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Division is the arithmetical process of dividing one number into another number. □� I taught my daughter how to do division at the age of six.

4 N‑VAR A division is a significant distinction or argument between two groups, which causes the two groups to be considered as very different and separate. □�[+�between/among ] The division between the prosperous west and the impoverished east remains.

5 N‑COUNT In a large organization, a division is a group of departments whose work is done in the same place or is connected with similar tasks. □� �the bank's Latin American division.

6 N‑COUNT A division is a group of military units which fight as a single unit. □� Several armoured divisions are being moved from Germany.

7 N‑COUNT In some sports, such as football, baseball, and basketball, a division is one of the groups of teams which make up a league. The teams in each division are considered to be approximately the same standard, and they all play against each other during the season. SYNONYMS division NOUN 4

rift:The serious rifts within the country could lead to civil war.

disagreement:There was a disagreement over who should be invited to the conference.

split:They were accused of trying to provoke a split in the party.

feud:�a long and bitter feud between the state government and the villagers.

schism:The church seems to be on the brink of schism.

di|vi|sion|al /d I v I ʒən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Divisional means relating to a division of a large organization or group. □� An alarm links the police station to the divisional headquarters.

di|vi |sion sign (division signs ) N‑COUNT A division sign is the symbol � used between two numbers to show that the first number has to be divided by the second.

di|vi|sive /d I va I s I v/ ADJ Something that is divisive causes unfriendliness and argument between people. □� Abortion has always been a divisive issue. ●� di|vi|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� We live in a world that seems ever more full of rancor and divisiveness.

di|vor|c� /d I vɔː r si/ (divorc�s ) N‑COUNT A divorc� is a man who is divorced. [mainly AM ]

di|vorce ◆◇◇ /d I vɔː r s/ (divorces , divorcing , divorced )

1 N‑VAR A divorce is the formal ending of a marriage by law. □� Numerous marriages now end in divorce.

2 VERB If a man and woman divorce or if one of them divorces the other, their marriage is legally ended. □�[V ] My parents divorced when I was very young. □�[n get V -ed] He and Lillian had got divorced. □�[V n] I am absolutely furious that he divorced me to marry her. □�[V ] Mr Gold is divorcing for the second time. □�[get V -ed] I got divorced when I was about 31.

3 N‑SING A divorceof one thing from another, or a divorce between two things is a separation between them which is permanent or is likely to be permanent. □�[+�from ] �this divorce of Christian culture from the roots of faith.

4 VERB If you say that one thing cannot be divorced from another, you mean that the two things cannot be considered as different and separate things. □�[be V -ed +�from ] Good management in the police cannot be divorced from accountability. □�[V n +�from ] We have been able to divorce sex from reproduction. COLLOCATIONS divorce NOUN 1

adjective +�divorce : acrimonious, bitter, messy, painful; amicable

verb +�divorce : finalize, obtain, seek, want; grant

di|vorced /d I vɔː r st/

1 ADJ Someone who isdivorced from their former husband or wife has separated from them and is no longer legally married to them. □� He is divorced, with a young son.

2 ADJ If you say that one thing is divorced from another, you mean that the two things are very different and separate from each other. □�[+�from ] �speculative theories divorced from political reality.

3 ADJ If you say that someone is divorced from a situation, you mean that they act as if they are not affected by it in any way. □�[+�from ] This just shows how divorced from reality she's become.

di|vor|cee /d I vɔː r siː / (divorcees ) N‑COUNT A divorcee is a person, especially a woman, who is divorced.

di|vor|c�e /d I vɔː r si/ (divorc�es ) N‑COUNT A divorc�e is a woman who is divorced. [mainly AM ]

div|ot /d I vət/ (divots ) N‑COUNT A divot is a small piece of grass and earth which is dug out accidentally, for example by a golf club.

di|vulge /da I vʌ ldʒ, [AM ] d I -/ (divulges , divulging , divulged ) VERB If you divulge a piece of secret or private information, you tell it to someone. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Officials refuse to divulge details of the negotiations. □�[V wh] I do not want to divulge where the village is. [Also V n +�to , V that]

div|vy /d I vi/ (divvies , divvying , divvied ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a divvy , you are saying in a humorous way that you think they are rather foolish. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

▸� divvy up PHRASAL VERB If you divvy up something such as money or food, you share it out. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Johnson was free to divvy up his share of the money as he chose. [Also V n P ]

Di|wa|li /d I wɑː li/ also Divali N‑UNCOUNT Diwali is a Hindu festival held in honour of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is celebrated in October or November with the lighting of lamps in homes and temples, and with prayers to Lakshmi.

DIY /diː a I wa I / N‑UNCOUNT DIY is the activity of making or repairing things yourself, especially in your home. DIY is an abbreviation for 'do-it-yourself'. [BRIT ] □� He's useless at DIY. He won't even put up a shelf.

diz|zy /d I zi/ (dizzier , dizziest , dizzies , dizzying , dizzied )

1 ADJ If you feel dizzy , you feel that you are losing your balance and are about to fall. □� Her head still hurt, and she felt slightly dizzy and disoriented. ●� diz|zi|ly /d I z I li/ ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Her head spins dizzily as soon as she sits up. ●� diz|zi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� His complaint causes dizziness and nausea.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use dizzy to describe a woman who is careless and forgets things, but is easy to like. □� She is famed for playing dizzy blondes.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone has reached thedizzy heightsof something, you are emphasizing that they have reached a very high level by achieving it. [HUMOROUS , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] I escalated to the dizzy heights of director's secretary.

DJ /diː dʒe I / (DJs ) also D.J. , dj

1 N‑COUNT A DJ is the same as a disc jockey .

2 N‑COUNT A DJ is the same as a dinner jacket . [BRIT ]

DNA ◆◇◇ /diː en e I / N‑UNCOUNT DNA is an acid in the chromosomes in the centre of the cells of living things. DNA determines the particular structure and functions of every cell and is responsible for characteristics being passed on from parents to their children. DNA is an abbreviation for 'deoxyribonucleic acid'.

D NA fi nger|print|ing N‑UNCOUNT DNA fingerprinting is the same as genetic fingerprinting .

D NA te st (DNA tests ) N‑COUNT A DNA test is a test in which someone's DNA is analysed, for example to see if they have committed a particular crime or are the parent of a particular child. ●� DNA test|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� They took samples from his hair for DNA testing.

do

➊�AUXILIARY VERB USES

➋�OTHER VERB USES

➌�NOUN USES

➊ do ◆◆◆ /də, STRONG duː/ (does , doing , did , done ) Do is used as an auxiliary with the simple present tense. Did is used as an auxiliary with the simple past tense. In spoken English, negative forms of do are often shortened, for example do not is shortened to don't and did not is shortened to didn't . 1 AUX Do is used to form the negative of main verbs, by putting 'not' after 'do' and before the main verb in its infinitive form, that is the form without 'to'. □� They don't want to work. □� I did not know Jamie had a knife. □� It doesn't matter if you win or lose.

2 AUX Do is used to form questions, by putting the subject after 'do' and before the main verb in its infinitive form, that is the form without 'to'. □� Do you like music? □� What did he say? □� Where does she live?

3 AUX Do is used in question tags. □� You know about Andy, don't you? □� I'm sure they had some of the same questions last year didn't they?

4 AUX You use do when you are confirming or contradicting a statement containing 'do', or giving a negative or positive answer to a question. □� 'Did he think there was anything suspicious going on?'�'Yes, he did.' □� 'Do you have a metal detector?'�'No, I don't.'

5 AUX Do is used with a negative to tell someone not to behave in a certain way. □� Don't be silly. □� Don't touch that!

6 AUX Do is used to give emphasis to the main verb when there is no other auxiliary. [EMPHASIS ] □� Veronica, I do understand. □� You did have your phone with you.

7 AUX Do is used as a polite way of inviting or trying to persuade someone to do something. [POLITENESS ] □� Do sit down. □� Do help yourself to another drink.

8 VERB Do can be used to refer back to another verb group when you are comparing or contrasting two things, or saying that they are the same. □�[V ] I make more money than he does. □� I had fantasies, as do all mothers, about how life would be when my girls were grown. □� Girls receive less health care and less education in the developing world than do boys.

9 VERB You use do after 'so' and 'nor' to say that the same statement is true for two people or groups. □�[V n] You know that's true, and so do I. □�[V n] We don't forget that. Nor does he.

➋ do ◆◆◆ /duː / (does , doing , did , done ) do is used in a large number of expressions which are explained under other words in the dictionary. For example, the expression 'easier said than done' is explained at 'easy'. 1 VERB When you do something, you take some action or perform an activity or task. Do is often used instead of a more specific verb, to talk about a common action involving a particular thing. For example you can say 'do your teeth' instead of 'brush your teeth'. □�[V n] I was trying to do some work. □�[V n] After lunch Elizabeth and I did the washing up. □�[V n] Dad does the garden.

2 VERB Do can be used to stand for any verb group, or to refer back to another verb group, including one that was in a previous sentence. □�[V n] What are you doing? □�[V n] Think twice before doing anything. □�[V n] A lot of people got arrested for looting so they will think before they do it again. □�[V n] I'm glad they gave me my money back, but I think they did this to shut me up. □�[V n] The first thing is to get some more food. When we've done that we ought to start again. □� Brian counted to twenty and lifted his binoculars. Elena did the same. □�[V so ] He turned towards the open front door but, as he did so, she pushed past him.

3 VERB You can use do in a clause at the beginning of a sentence after words like 'what' and 'all', to give special emphasis to the information that comes at the end of the sentence. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V n] All she does is complain. □�[V n] What I should do is go and see her.

4 VERB If you do a particular thing with something, you use it in that particular way. □�[V n +�with ] I was allowed to do whatever I wanted with my life. □�[V amount +�with ] The technology was good, but you couldn't do much with it.

5 VERB If you do something about a problem, you take action to try to solve it. □�[V n +�about ] They refuse to do anything about the real cause of crime: poverty. □�[V amount +�about ] If an engine packs in, the engineer can't do anything about it until the plane has landed.

6 VERB If an action or event does a particular thing, such as harm or good, it has that result or effect. □�[V n] A few bombs can do a lot of damage. □�[V n n] It'll do you good to take a rest.

7 VERB You can use do to talk about the degree to which a person, action, or event affects or improves a particular situation. □�[V amount +�for ] Such incidents do nothing for live music's reputation. □�[V n +�for ] I'd just tried to do what I could for Lou.

8 VERB You can talk about what someone or something doesto a person to mean that they have a very harmful effect on them. □�[V +�to ] I saw what the liquor was doing to her.

9 VERB If you ask someone what they do , you want to know what their job or profession is. □�[V n] What does your father do?

10 VERB If you are doing something, you are busy or active in some way, or have planned an activity for some time in the future. □�[V n] Are you doing anything tomorrow night? □�[V n] There is nothing to do around here.

11 VERB If you say that someone or something does well or badly, you are talking about how successful or unsuccessful they are. □�[V adv] Connie did well at school and graduated with honours. □�[V adv] How did I do?

12 VERB If a person or organization does a particular service or product, they provide that service or sell that product. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] They provide design services and do printing and packaging. □�[V n] They do a good range of herbal tea.

13 VERB You can use do when referring to the speed or rate that something or someone achieves or is able to achieve. □�[V amount] They were doing 70 miles an hour.

14 VERB If you do a subject, author, or book, you study them at school or college. [SPOKEN ] □�[V n] I'd like to do maths at university.

15 VERB If you do a particular person, accent, or role, you imitate that person or accent, or act that role. □�[V n] Gina does accents extremely well.

16 VERB If someone does drugs, they take illegal drugs. □�[V n] I don't do drugs.

17 VERB If you say that something willdo or willdo you, you mean that there is enough of it or that it is of good enough quality to meet your requirements or to satisfy you. □�[V ] Anything to create a scene and attract attention will do. □�[V n] 'What would you like to eat?'�'Anything'll do me, Eva.'

18 PHRASE If you say that you could do with something, you mean that you need it or would benefit from it. □� I could do with a cup of tea. □� The range could do with being extended.

19 PHRASE You can ask someone what they did with something as another way of asking them where they put it. □� What did you do with that notebook?

20 PHRASE If you ask what someone or something is doing in a particular place, you are asking why they are there. □� 'Dr Campbell,' he said, clearly surprised. 'What are you doing here?'

21 PHRASE If you say that one thing has something to do with or is something to do with another thing, you mean that the two things are connected or that the first thing is about the second thing. □� Mr Butterfield denies having anything to do with the episode. □� That's none of your business, it has nothing to do with you.

▸� do away with

1 PHRASAL VERB To do away with something means to remove it completely or put an end to it. □�[V P P n] The long-range goal must be to do away with nuclear weapons altogether.

2 PHRASAL VERB If one person does away with another, the first murders the second. If you do away withyourself , you kill yourself. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P P n] She thinks he may have done away with her sister.

▸� do for PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you say that you are done for , you mean that you are in a terrible and hopeless situation. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed P ] We need his help or we're done for, dead and gone, lost.

▸� do in PHRASAL VERB To do someone in means to kill them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] Whoever did him in removed a man who was brave as well as ruthless. [Also V P n]

▸� do out PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a room or building is done outin a particular way, it is decorated and furnished in that way. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed P ] �a room newly done out in country-house style.

▸� do out of PHRASAL VERB If you do someone out of something, you unfairly cause them not to have or get a particular thing that they were expecting to have. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P P n] He complains that the others have done him out of his share.

▸� do over PHRASAL VERB If you do a task over , you perform it again from the beginning. [AM ] □�[V n P ] If she had the chance to do it over, she would have hired a press secretary.

▸� do up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you do something up , you fasten it. □�[V P n] Mari did up the buttons. □�[V n P ] Keep your scarf on, do your coat up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you do up an old building, you decorate and repair it so that it is in a better condition. [BRIT ] □�[V n P ] Nicholas has bought a barn in Provence and is spending August doing it up. [Also V P n]

3 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you say that a person or room is done up in a particular way, you mean they are dressed or decorated in that way, often a way that is rather ridiculous or extreme. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] �Beatrice, usually done up like the fairy on the Christmas tree.

▸� do without

1 PHRASAL VERB If you do without something you need, want, or usually have, you are able to survive, continue, or succeed although you do not have it. □�[V P n] We can't do without the help of your organisation. □�[V P ] We've had a bit more money and that, and the baby doesn't do without.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that you could do without something, you mean that you would prefer not to have it or it is of no benefit to you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] He could do without her rhetorical questions at five o'clock in the morning.

➌ do /duː / (dos )

1 N‑COUNT A do is a party, dinner party, or other social event. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� A friend of his is having a do in Stoke.

2 PHRASE If someone tells you the dos and don'ts of a particular situation, they advise you what you should and should not do in that situation. □� Please advise me on the most suitable colour print film and some dos and don'ts.

do.do. is an old-fashioned written abbreviation for ditto .

do|able /duː əbəl/ also do-able ADJ If something is doable , it is possible to do it. □� Is this project something that you think is doable?

d.o.b.d.o.b. is an old-fashioned written abbreviation for date of birth , used especially on official forms.

do|ber|man /doʊ bə r mən/ (dobermans ) N‑COUNT A doberman is a type of large dog with short dark fur.

doc /dɒ k/ (docs ) N‑VOC Some people call a doctor doc . [INFORMAL ]

doc|ile /doʊ sa I l, [AM ] dɑː s ə l/ ADJ A person or animal that is docile is quiet, not aggressive, and easily controlled. □� �docile, obedient children. ●� do|cil|ity /dɒs I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Her docility had surprised him. ●� doc|ile|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She stood there, docilely awaiting my decision.

dock /dɒ k/ (docks , docking , docked )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in/into N ] A dock is an enclosed area in a harbour where ships go to be loaded, unloaded, and repaired. □� She headed for the docks, thinking that Ricardo might be hiding in one of the boats.

2 VERB When a ship docks or is docked , it is brought into a dock. □�[V ] The vessel docked at Liverpool in April 1811. □�[V n] Russian commanders docked a huge aircraft carrier in a Russian port.

3 VERB When one spacecraft docks or is dockedwith another, the two crafts join together in space. □�[V +�with ] The shuttle should be capable of docking with other spacecraft in orbit. □�[V n prep] They have docked a robot module alongside the orbiting space station.

4 N‑COUNT A dock is a platform for loading vehicles or trains. [AM ] □� The truck left the loading dock with hoses still attached.

5 N‑COUNT A dock is a small structure at the edge of water where boats can tie up, especially one that is privately owned. [AM ]

6 N‑SING In a law court, thedock is where the person accused of a crime stands or sits. □� What about the odd chance that you do put an innocent man in the dock?

7 VERB If you dock someone's wages or money, you take some of the money away. If you dock someone points in a contest, you take away some of the points that they have. □�[V n] He threatens to dock her fee. [Also V n n]

8 →�see also dry dock

dock|er /dɒ kə r / (dockers ) N‑COUNT A docker is a person who works in the docks, loading and unloading ships. [BRIT ] in AM, use longshoreman

dock|et /dɒ k I t/ (dockets )

1 N‑COUNT A docket is a certificate or ticket which shows the contents of something such as a parcel or cargo, and proves who the goods belong to. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A docket is a list of cases waiting for trial in a law court. [mainly AM ]

dock|land /dɒ kl�nd/ (docklands ) N‑VAR The dockland or docklands of a town or city is the area around the docks. [BRIT ]

dock|side /dɒ ksa I d/ N‑SING [oft N n] Thedockside is the part of a dock that is next to the water.

do ck work|er (dock workers ) N‑COUNT A dock worker is a person who works in the docks, loading and unloading ships.

dock|yard /dɒ kjɑː r d/ (dockyards ) N‑COUNT A dockyard is a place where ships are built, maintained, and repaired.

doc|tor ◆◆◇ /dɒ ktə r / (doctors , doctoring , doctored )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A doctor is someone who is qualified in medicine and treats people who are ill. □� Do not discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor. □� Doctor Paige will be here right after lunch to see her.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A dentist or veterinarian can also be called doctor . [AM ]

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thedoctor's is used to refer to the surgery or office where a doctor works. □� I have an appointment at the doctor's.

4 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A doctor is someone who has been awarded the highest academic or honorary degree by a university. □�[+�of ] He is a doctor of philosophy.

5 VERB If someone doctors something, they change it in order to deceive people. □�[V n] They doctored the prints to make her look as awful as possible.

doc|tor|al /dɒ ktərəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] A doctoral thesis or piece of research is written or done in order to obtain a doctor's degree.

doc|tor|ate /dɒ ktərət/ (doctorates ) N‑COUNT A doctorate is the highest degree awarded by a university. □� He obtained his doctorate in Social Psychology.

Do c|tor of Phi|lo so|phy (Doctors of Philosophy ) N‑COUNT A Doctor of Philosophy is someone who has a PhD .

doc|tri|naire /dɒ ktr I neə r / ADJ If you say that someone is doctrinaire or has a doctrinaire attitude, you disapprove of them because they have fixed principles which they try to force on other people. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is firm but not doctrinaire.

doc|tri|nal /dɒktra I n ə l, [AM ] dɑː ktr I n ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Doctrinal means relating to doctrines. [FORMAL ] □� Doctrinal differences were vigorously debated among religious leaders.

doc|trine /dɒ ktr I n/ (doctrines ) N‑VAR A doctrine is a set of principles or beliefs, especially religious ones. □�[+�of ] �the Marxist doctrine of perpetual revolution.

docu|dra|ma /dɒ kjʊdrɑːmə/ (docudramas ) also docu-drama N‑VAR A docudrama is a film based on events that really happened. Docudramas are usually shown on television rather than in cinemas.

docu|ment ◆◆◇ (documents , documenting , documented ) The noun is pronounced /dɒ kjəmənt/. The verb is pronounced /dɒ kjəment/. 1 N‑COUNT A document is one or more official pieces of paper with writing on them. □� �a policy document for the Labour Party conference. □� The police officer wanted to see all our documents.

2 N‑COUNT A document is a piece of text or graphics, for example a letter, that is stored as a file on a computer and that you can access in order to read it or change it. [COMPUTING ] □� When you are finished typing, remember to save your document.

3 VERB If you document something, you make a detailed record of it in writing or on film or tape. □�[V n] He wrote a book documenting his prison experiences. COLLOCATIONS document NOUN

1

noun +�document : court, identity, policy, travel

adjective +�document : historical, legal; classified, confidential, important; fake, false, genuine, original

verb +�document : file, obtain, release; forge, leak; prepare, sign

2

verb +�document : edit, open, save, send

docu|men|tary ◆◇◇ /dɒ kjəme ntri/ (documentaries )

1 N‑COUNT A documentary is a television or radio programme, or a film, which shows real events or provides information about a particular subject. □� �a TV documentary on homelessness.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Documentary evidence consists of things that are written down. □� We have documentary evidence that they were planning military action.

docu|men|ta|tion /dɒ kjəmente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Documentation consists of documents which provide proof or evidence of something, or are a record of something. □� Passengers must carry proper documentation.

docu|soap /dɒ kjəsoʊp/ (docusoaps ) N‑COUNT A docusoap is a television programme that shows the daily lives of people who work in a place such as a hospital or an airport, and is broadcast at a regular time each week or day.

dod|der|ing /dɒ dər I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to someone as a doddering old man or woman, you are saying in a disrespectful way that they are old and not strong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a doddering old man making his will before he's too senile.

dod|dery /dɒ dəri/ ADJ Someone who is doddery walks in an unsteady way, especially because of old age.

dod|dle /dɒ d ə l/ N‑SING If you say that something is a doddle , you mean that it is very easy to do. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

dodge /dɒ dʒ/ (dodges , dodging , dodged )

1 VERB If you dodge , you move suddenly, often to avoid being hit, caught, or seen. □�[V prep/adv] He dodged amongst the seething crowds of men.

2 VERB If you dodge something, you avoid it by quickly moving aside or out of reach so that it cannot hit or reach you. □�[V n] He desperately dodged a speeding car trying to run him down.

3 VERB If you dodge something, you deliberately avoid thinking about it or dealing with it, often by being deceitful. □�[V n] He boasts of dodging military service by feigning illness. ●�N‑COUNT Dodge is also a noun. □� This was not just a tax dodge.

dodg|em /dɒ dʒəm/ (dodgems ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A dodgem or dodgem car is a small electric car with a wide rubber strip all round. People drive dodgems around a special area at an amusement park and sometimes crash into each other for fun. [mainly BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, use bumper car

dodg|er /dɒ dʒə r / (dodgers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A dodger is someone who avoids doing a duty or paying a charge, for example paying taxes or for train travel. □� �tax dodgers who hide their interest earnings.

2 →�see also draft dodger

dodgy /dɒ dʒi/ (dodgier , dodgiest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as dodgy , you disapprove of them because they seem rather dishonest and unreliable. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was a bit of a dodgy character.

2 ADJ If you say that something is dodgy , you mean that it seems rather risky, dangerous, or unreliable. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Predicting voting trends from economic forecasts is a dodgy business.

3 ADJ If you say that someone has a dodgy heart or knee, for example, you mean that that part of their body is not very strong or healthy. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� My heart's a bit dodgy.

dodo /doʊ doʊ/ (dodos or dodoes )

1 N‑COUNT A dodo was a very large bird that was unable to fly. Dodos are now extinct.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a dodo , you think they are foolish or silly. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

doe /doʊ / (does ) N‑COUNT A doe is an adult female rabbit, hare, or deer.

doer /duː ə r / (doers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a doer , you mean that they do jobs promptly and efficiently, without spending a lot of time thinking about them. □� Robertson was a doer, not a thinker.

does /dəz, STRONG dʌz/ Does is the third person singular in the present tense of do .

doesn't ◆◆◆ /dʌ z ə nt/ Doesn't is the usual spoken form of 'does not'.

doff /dɒ f, [AM ] dɔː f/ (doffs , doffing , doffed ) VERB If you doff your hat or coat, you take it off. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] The peasants doff their hats.

dog ◆◆◇ /dɒ g, [AM ] dɔː g/ (dogs , dogging , dogged )

1 N‑COUNT A dog is a very common four-legged animal that is often kept by people as a pet or to guard or hunt. There are many different breeds of dog. □� The British are renowned as a nation of dog lovers.

2 N‑COUNT You use dog to refer to a male dog, or to the male of some related species such as wolves or foxes. □� Is this a dog or a bitch?

3 N‑COUNT If someone calls a man a dog , they strongly disapprove of him. [DISAPPROVAL ]

4 N‑COUNT People use dog to refer to something that they consider unsatisfactory or of poor quality. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

5 VERB If problems or injuries dog you, they are with you all the time. □�[V n] His career has been dogged by bad luck.

6 →�see also dogged , guide dog , prairie dog , sniffer dog

7 PHRASE You describe something as a dog's breakfast or dog's dinner in order to express your disapproval of it, for example because it is very untidy, badly organized, or badly done. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

8 PHRASE You use dog eat dog to express your disapproval of a situation where everyone wants to succeed and is willing to harm other people in order to do so. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is very much dog eat dog out there.

9 PHRASE If you say that something is going to the dogs , you mean that it is becoming weaker and worse in quality. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They sit in impotent opposition while the country goes to the dogs. COLLOCATIONS dog NOUN 6

noun +�dog : accusations, allegations, controversy, rumours, scandal; bad luck, ill health, injury, misfortune, problems; criticism, questions

do g-collar (dog-collars ) also dog collar

1 N‑COUNT A dog-collar is a stiff, round, white collar that fastens at the back and that is worn by Christian priests and ministers. [INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A dog-collar is a collar worn by a dog.

do g-eared ADJ A book or piece of paper that is dog-eared has been used so much that the corners of the pages are turned down or torn. □� �dog-eared copies of ancient history books.

dog|fight /dɒ gfa I t, [AM ] dɔː g-/ (dogfights ) also dog fight

1 N‑COUNT A dogfight is a fight between fighter planes, in which they fly close to one another and move very fast.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that organizations or people are involved in a dogfight , you mean they are struggling very hard against each other in order to succeed. □� The three leading contenders were locked in a dogfight.

dog|fish /dɒ gf I ʃ, [AM ] dɔː g-/ (dogfish ) N‑COUNT A dogfish is a small shark. There are several kinds of dogfish.

dog|ged /dɒ g I d, [AM ] dɔː -/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone's actions as dogged , you mean that they are determined to continue with something even if it becomes difficult or dangerous. □� They have gained respect through sheer dogged determination. ●� dog|ged|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She would fight doggedly for her rights as the children's mother. ●� dog|ged|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Most of my accomplishments came as the result of sheer doggedness.

dog|ger|el /dɒ gər ə l, [AM ] dɔː -/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to a poem as doggerel , you are emphasizing that you think it is very bad poetry. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �fragments of meaningless doggerel.

dog|gie /dɒ gi, [AM ] dɔː -/ (doggies ) N‑COUNT Doggie is a child's word for a dog.

do g|gie ba g (doggie bags ) N‑COUNT If you ask for a doggie bag in a restaurant, you ask for any food you have not eaten to be put into a bag for you to take home.

dog|gy /dɒ gi, [AM ] dɔː -/ (doggies ) →�see doggie

dog|house /dɒ ghaʊs, [AM ] dɔː g-/ (doghouses ) also dog-house

1 N‑COUNT A doghouse is a small building made especially for a dog to sleep in. [AM ] in BRIT, use kennel

2 PHRASE If you are in the doghouse , people are annoyed or angry with you. [INFORMAL ] □� He plays a salesman in the doghouse for repeatedly turning up late.

dog|leg /dɒ gleg, [AM ] dɔː g-/ (doglegs ) also dog-leg N‑COUNT A dogleg is a sharp bend in a road or a path.

dog|ma /dɒ gmə, [AM ] dɔː g-/ (dogmas ) N‑VAR If you refer to a belief or a system of beliefs as a dogma , you disapprove of it because people are expected to accept that it is true, without questioning it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Their political dogma has blinded them to the real needs of the country.

dog|mat|ic /dɒgm� t I k, [AM ] dɔːg-/ ADJ If you say that someone is dogmatic , you are critical of them because they are convinced that they are right, and refuse to consider that other opinions might also be justified. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Many writers at this time held rigidly dogmatic views. ●� dog|mati|cal|ly /dɒgm� t I kli, [AM ] dɔːg-/ ADV [ADV with v] □� He applies the Marxist world view dogmatically to all social phenomena.

dog|ma|tism /dɒ gmət I zəm, [AM ] dɔː g-/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to an opinion as dogmatism , you are criticizing it for being strongly stated without considering all the relevant facts or other people's opinions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We cannot allow dogmatism to stand in the way of progress. ●� dog|ma|tist (dogmatists ) N‑COUNT □� Intellectuals are becoming unhappy with dogmatists in the party leadership.

do -goo der (do-gooders ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a do-gooder , you mean that they do things which they think will help other people, although you think that they are interfering. [DISAPPROVAL ]

dogs|body /dɒ gzbɒdi, [AM ] dɔː gz-/ (dogsbodies ) N‑COUNT A dogsbody is a person who has to do all the boring jobs that nobody else wants to do. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

do g tag (dog tags ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Dog tags are metal identification discs that are worn on a chain around the neck by members of the United States armed forces.

do g-ti red ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are dog-tired , you are emphasizing that you are extremely tired. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� By dusk we were dog-tired and heading for home.

dog|wood /dɒ gwʊd, [AM ] dɔː g-/ (dogwoods ) N‑VAR A dogwood is a tree or bush that has groups of small white flowers surrounded by four large leaves.

doi|ly /dɔ I li/ (doilies ) N‑COUNT A doily is a small, round piece of paper or cloth that has a pattern of tiny holes in it. Doilies are put on plates under cakes and sandwiches.

do|ings /duː I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Someone's doings are their activities at a particular time. □� The film chronicles the everyday doings of a group of London schoolchildren.

do -it-yourse lf N‑UNCOUNT Do-it-yourself is the same as DIY .

Dol|by /dɒ lbi/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Dolby is a system which reduces the background noise on electronic cassette players. [TRADEMARK ] □� �a cassette deck equipped with Dolby noise reduction.

dol|drums /dɒ ldrəmz/ PHRASE If an activity or situation is in the doldrums , it is very quiet and nothing new or exciting is happening. □� The economy is in the doldrums.

dole /doʊ l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Thedole or dole is money that is given regularly by the government to people who are unemployed. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use welfare

2 PHRASE Someone who is on the dole is registered as unemployed and receives money from the government. [mainly BRIT ] □� It's not easy living on the dole. in AM, usually use on welfare

▸� dole out PHRASAL VERB If you dole something out , you give a certain amount of it to each member of a group. □�[V P n] I got out my wallet and began to dole out the money. [Also V n P ]

dole|ful /doʊ lfʊl/ ADJ A doleful expression, manner, or voice is depressing and miserable. □� He gave me a long, doleful look. ●� dole|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'I don't know why they left,' he said dolefully.

do le queue (dole queues ) N‑COUNT When people talk about thedole queue , they are talking about the state of being unemployed, especially when saying how many people are unemployed. [BRIT ] □� Another 29,100 people have joined the dole queue. in AM, usually use unemployment line

doll /dɒ l/ (dolls , dolling , dolled ) N‑COUNT A doll is a child's toy which looks like a small person or baby.

▸� doll up PHRASAL VERB If a woman dolls herself up , she puts on smart or fashionable clothes in order to try and look attractive for a particular occasion. [INFORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl P ] We used to doll ourselves up and go into town. ●� dolled up ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� She was dolled up for the occasion.

dol|lar ◆◆◆ /dɒ lə r / (dollars )

1 N‑COUNT The dollar is the unit of money used in the USA, Canada, Australia, and some other countries. It is represented by the symbol $. A dollar is divided into one hundred smaller units called cents. □� She gets paid seven dollars an hour. □� The government is spending billions of dollars on new urban rail projects. ●�N‑SING The dollar is also used to refer to the American currency system. □� In early trading in Tokyo, the dollar fell sharply against the yen.

2 PHRASE If you pay top dollar for something, you pay a lot of money for it. [INFORMAL ] □� People will pay top dollar for anything, as long as they think it's a rare treat.

dol|lop /dɒ ləp/ (dollops ) N‑COUNT A dollop of soft or sticky food is a large spoonful of it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a dollop of cream.

do ll's house (doll's houses ) in AM, use dollhouse N‑COUNT A doll's house is a toy in the form of a small house, which contains tiny dolls and furniture for children to play with.

dol|ly /dɒ li/ (dollies ) N‑COUNT A dolly is a child's word for a doll.

dol|phin /dɒ lf I n/ (dolphins ) N‑COUNT A dolphin is a mammal which lives in the sea and looks like a large fish with a pointed mouth.

dolt /doʊ lt/ (dolts ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a dolt , you think they are stupid, or have done something stupid. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

do|main /doʊme I n/ (domains )

1 N‑COUNT A domain is a particular field of thought, activity, or interest, especially one over which someone has control, influence, or rights. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the great experimenters in the domain of art.

2 N‑COUNT On the internet, a domain is a set of addresses that shows, for example, the category or geographical area that an internet address belongs to. [COMPUTING ]

do|mai n name (domain names ) N‑COUNT A domain name is the name of a person's or organization's website on the internet, for example 'collins.co.uk'. [COMPUTING ] □� Is the domain name already registered or still available?

dome /doʊ m/ (domes )

1 N‑COUNT A dome is a round roof. □� �the dome of St Paul's cathedral.

2 N‑COUNT A dome is any object that has a similar shape to a dome. □� �the dome of the hill.

domed /doʊ md/ ADJ Something that is domed is in the shape of a dome. □� �the great hall with its domed ceiling.

do|mes|tic ◆◆◇ /dəme st I k/ (domestics )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Domestic political activities, events, and situations happen or exist within one particular country. □� �over 100 domestic flights a day to 15 U.K. destinations. □� �sales in the domestic market. ●� do|mes|ti|cal|ly /dəme st I kli/ ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj] □� Opportunities will improve as the company expands domestically and internationally.

2 →�see also gross domestic product

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Domestic duties and activities are concerned with the running of a home and family. □� �a plan for sharing domestic chores.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Domestic items and services are intended to be used in people's homes rather than in factories or offices. □� �domestic appliances.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A domestic situation or atmosphere is one which involves a family and their home. □� It was a scene of such domestic bliss.

6 ADJ A domestic animal is one that is not wild and is kept either on a farm to produce food or in someone's home as a pet. □� �a domestic cat.

7 N‑COUNT A domestic , a domestic help , or a domestic worker is a person who is paid to come to help with the work that has to be done in a house such as the cleaning, washing, and ironing. SYNONYMS domestic ADJ

1

internal:The country stepped up internal security.

national:�major national and international issues.

home:Europe's software companies still have a growing home market.

3

household:�household chores.

home:�cheap but healthy home cooking.

do|mes|ti|cate /dəme st I ke I t/ (domesticates , domesticating , domesticated ) VERB When people domesticate wild animals or plants, they bring them under control and use them to produce food or as pets. □�[V n] We domesticated the dog to help us with hunting.

do|mes|ti|cat|ed /dəme st I ke I t I d/ ADJ Someone who is domesticated willingly does household tasks such as cleaning. □� Mum wasn't very domesticated.

do|mes|ti|city /doʊ mest I s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Domesticity is the state of being at home with your family. □� �a small rebellion against routine and cosy domesticity.

do|me s|tic sci |ence N‑UNCOUNT In British schools, domestic science was the name used to refer to the subject which involved cookery, sewing, and other household skills. The subject is now referred to as home economics , which is also the usual American term.

do|me s|tic vi o|lence N‑UNCOUNT Domestic violence is violence that takes place in the home, especially by one person against their partner. □� Women are still the main victims of domestic violence.

domi|cile /dɒ m I sa I l/ (domiciles ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Your domicile is the place where you live. [FORMAL ]

domi|ciled /dɒ m I sa I ld/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are domiciledin a particular place, you live there. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] Frank is currently domiciled in Berlin.

domi|nance /dɒ m I nəns/ N‑UNCOUNT The dominance of a particular person or thing is the fact that they are more powerful, successful, or important than other people or things. □�[+�of/over ] �an attempt by each group to establish dominance over the other.

domi|nant /dɒ m I nənt/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is dominant is more powerful, successful, influential, or noticeable than other people or things. □� �a change which would maintain his party's dominant position in Scotland.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dominant gene is one that produces a particular characteristic, whether a person has only one of these genes from one parent, or two genes, one from each parent. Compare recessive . [TECHNICAL ]

domi|nate ◆◆◇ /dɒ m I ne I t/ (dominates , dominating , dominated )

1 VERB To dominate a situation means to be the most powerful or important person or thing in it. □�[V n] The book is expected to dominate the best-seller lists. □�[V ] No single factor appears to dominate. ●� domi|na|tion /dɒ m I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the domination of the market by a small number of organizations.

2 VERB If one country or person dominates another, they have power over them. □�[V n] Women are no longer dominated by the men in their relationships. □�[V ] The countries of Eastern Europe immediately started to dominate. ●� domi|na|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� They had five centuries of domination by the Romans.

3 VERB If a building, mountain, or other object dominates an area, it is so large or impressive that you cannot avoid seeing it. □�[V n] It's one of the biggest buildings in this area, and it really dominates this whole place. SYNONYMS dominate VERB 2

rule:�the long line of feudal lords who had ruled over this land.

control:Most of the countries in the region were controlled by dictators.

govern:Their citizens are very thankful they are not governed by a dictator.

domi|nat|ing /dɒ m I ne I t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dominating person has a very strong personality and influences the people around them. □� She certainly was a dominating figure in politics.

domi|neer|ing /dɒ m I n I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that someone is domineering , you disapprove of them because you feel that they try to control other people without any consideration for their feelings or opinions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Mick was stubborn and domineering with a very bad temper.

do|min|ion /dəm I njən/ (dominions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dominion is control or authority. [FORMAL ] □�[+�over ] They truly believe they have dominion over us.

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A dominion is an area of land that is controlled by a ruler. □�[+�of ] The Republic is a dominion of the Brazilian people.

domi|no /dɒ m I noʊ/ (dominoes )

1 N‑COUNT Dominoes are small rectangular blocks marked with two groups of spots on one side. They are used for playing various games.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Dominoes is a game in which players put dominoes onto a table in turn.

do mi|no ef|fect N‑SING If one event causes another similar event, which in turn causes another event, and so on, you can refer to this as a domino effect . □� The domino effect if one train is cancelled is enormous.

don /dɒ n/ (dons , donning , donned )

1 VERB If you don clothing, you put it on. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] The crowd threw petrol bombs at the police, who responded by donning riot gear.

2 N‑COUNT A don is a lecturer at Oxford or Cambridge University in England. ●�N‑COUNT Lecturers from any university are sometimes referred to as dons . [BRIT ]

do|nate /doʊne I t/ (donates , donating , donated )

1 VERB If you donate something to a charity or other organization, you give it to them. □�[V n +�to ] He frequently donates large sums to charity. □�[V n] Others donated secondhand clothes. ●� do|na|tion /doʊne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the donation of his collection to the art gallery.

2 VERB If you donate your blood or a part of your body, you allow doctors to use it to help someone who is ill. □�[V n] �people who are willing to donate their organs for use after death. ●� do|na|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �measures aimed at encouraging organ donation.

do|na|tion /doʊne I ʃ ə n/ (donations )

1 N‑COUNT A donation is something which someone gives to a charity or other organization. □�[+�to/of/from ] Employees make regular donations to charity.

2 →�see also donate

done ◆◇◇ /dʌ n/

1Done is the past participle of do .

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] A task or activity that is done has been completed successfully. □� When her deal is done, the client emerges with her purchase.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] When something that you are cooking is done , it has been cooked long enough and is ready. □� As soon as the cake is done, remove it from the oven.

4 CONVENTION You say ' Done ' when you are accepting a deal, arrangement, or bet that someone has offered to make with you. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'You lead and we'll look for it.'�'Done.'

5 PHRASE If you say that something is over and done with , you mean that it is completely finished and you do not have to think about it any more. [SPOKEN ] □� Once this is all over and done with you can have a rest.

don|gle /dɒ ŋg ə l, [AM ] dɔː ŋg ə l/ (dongles ) N‑COUNT A dongle is a small electronic device that you can connect to another device, especially one that gives you access to the internet. [COMPUTING ] □� �the kit includes a speaker and wi-fi dongle.

Don Juan /dɒ n dʒuː ən/ (Don Juans ) N‑COUNT If you describe a man as a Don Juan , you mean he has had sex with many women.

don|key /dɒ ŋki/ (donkeys )

1 N‑COUNT A donkey is an animal which is like a horse but which is smaller and has longer ears.

2 PHRASE For donkey's years means for a very long time. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I've been a vegetarian for donkey's years.

do n|key jack|et (donkey jackets ) N‑COUNT A donkey jacket is a thick, warm jacket, usually dark blue with a strip across the shoulders at the back. [BRIT ]

do n|key work N‑SING If you do thedonkey work , you do the hard work or the less interesting part of the work that needs to be done. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

don|nish /dɒ n I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe a man as donnish , you think he is rather serious and intellectual. [mainly BRIT ]

do|nor /doʊ nə r / (donors )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A donor is someone who gives a part of their body or some of their blood to be used by doctors to help a person who is ill. □� Doctors removed the healthy kidney from the donor.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Donor organs or parts are organs or parts of the body which people allow doctors to use to help people who are ill.

3 N‑COUNT A donor is a person or organization who gives something, especially money, to a charity, organization, or country that needs it.

do |nor card (donor cards ) N‑COUNT A donor card is a card which people carry in order to make sure that, when they die, their organs are used by doctors to help people who are ill.

don't ◆◆◆ /doʊ nt/ Don't is the usual spoken form of 'do not'.

do|nut /doʊ nʌt/ (donuts ) →�see doughnut

doo|dad /duː d�d/ (doodads ) N‑COUNT A doodad is the same as a doodah . [AM , INFORMAL ]

doo|dah /duː dɑː/ (doodahs ) N‑COUNT You can refer to something, especially an electronic device, as a doodah when you do not know exactly what is called. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The car has all the latest electronic doodahs.

doo|dle /duː d ə l/ (doodles , doodling , doodled )

1 N‑COUNT A doodle is a pattern or picture that you draw when you are bored or thinking about something else.

2 VERB When someone doodles , they draw doodles. □�[V ] He looked across at Jackson, doodling on his notebook. [Also V n]

doom /duː m/ (dooms , dooming , doomed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Doom is a terrible future state or event which you cannot prevent. □� �his warnings of impending doom.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have a sense or feeling of doom , you feel that things are going very badly and are likely to get even worse. □� Why are people so full of gloom and doom?

3 VERB If a fact or event dooms someone or something to a particular fate, it makes certain that they are going to suffer in some way. □�[V n +�to ] That argument doomed their marriage to failure. [Also V n to-inf]

doomed /duː md/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If something is doomedto happen, or if you are doomedto a particular state, something unpleasant is certain to happen, and you can do nothing to prevent it. □�[+�to ] Their plans seemed doomed to failure.

2 ADJ Someone or something that is doomed is certain to fail or be destroyed. □� I used to pour time and energy into projects that were doomed from the start.

dooms|day /duː mzde I /

1 N‑UNCOUNT Doomsday is a day or time when you expect something terrible or unpleasant is going to happen. □� �the doomsday scenario of civil war between the two factions.

2 N‑PROPER In the Christian religion, Doomsday is the last day of the world, on which God will judge everyone.

doo ms|day cult (doomsday cults ) N‑COUNT A doomsday cult is a religious cult whose members believe that the world is about to end. [mainly JOURNALISM ]

door ◆◆◆ /dɔː r / (doors )

1 N‑COUNT A door is a piece of wood, glass, or metal, which is moved to open and close the entrance to a building, room, cupboard, or vehicle. □� I knocked at the front door, but there was no answer. □� The police officer opened the door and looked in.

2 N‑COUNT A door is the space in a wall when a door is open. □� She looked through the door of the kitchen. Her daughter was at the stove.

3 N‑PLURAL Doors is used in expressions such as a few doors down or three doors up to refer to a place that is a particular number of buildings away from where you are. [INFORMAL ] □� Mrs Cade's house was only a few doors down from her daughter's apartment.

4 →�see also next door

5 PHRASE When you answer the door , you go and open the door because a visitor has knocked on it or rung the bell. □� Carol answered the door as soon as I knocked.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone gets or does something by the back door or through the back door , you are criticizing them for doing it secretly and unofficially. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The government would not allow anyone to sneak in by the back door and seize power by force.

7 PHRASE If someone closes the door on something, they stop thinking about it or dealing with it. □� We never close the door on a successful series.

8 PHRASE If people have talks and discussions behind closed doors , they have them in private because they want them to be kept secret. □� �decisions taken in secret behind closed doors.

9 PHRASE If someone goes from door to door or goes door to door , they go along a street calling at each house in turn, for example selling something. □� They are going from door to door collecting money from civilians.

10 PHRASE If you talk about a distance or journey from door to door or door to door , you are talking about the distance from the place where the journey starts to the place where it finishes. □� �tickets covering the whole journey from door to door.

11 PHRASE If you say that something helps someone to get their foot in the door or their toe in the door , you mean that it gives them an opportunity to start doing something new, usually in an area that is difficult to succeed in. □� The bondholding may help the firm get its foot in the door to win the business.

12 PHRASE If someone shuts the door in your face or slams the door in your face , they refuse to talk to you or give you any information. □� Did you say anything to him or just shut the door in his face?

13 PHRASE If you lay something at someone's door , you blame them for an unpleasant event or situation. □� The blame is generally laid at the door of the government.

14 PHRASE If someone or something opens the doorto a good new idea or situation, they introduce it or make it possible. □� This book opens the door to some of the most exciting findings in solid-state physics.

15 PHRASE When you are out of doors , you are not inside a building, but in the open air. □� The weather was fine enough for working out of doors.

16 PHRASE If you see someone to the door , you go to the door with a visitor when they leave.

17 PHRASE If someone shows you the door , they ask you to leave because they are angry with you. □� Would they forgive and forget�or show him the door?

18at death's door →�see death

door|bell /dɔː r bel/ (doorbells ) N‑COUNT A doorbell is a bell on the outside of a house which you can ring so that the people inside know that you want to see them.

door|keeper /dɔː r kiːpə r / (doorkeepers ) N‑COUNT A doorkeeper is a person whose job is to stand at the door of a building such as a hotel and help people who are going in or out.

door|knob /dɔː r nɒb/ (doorknobs ) N‑COUNT A doorknob is a round handle on a door.

door|man /dɔː r mən/ (doormen )

1 N‑COUNT A doorman is a man who stands at the door of a club, prevents unwanted people from coming in, and makes people leave if they cause trouble.

2 N‑COUNT A doorman is a person whose job is to stay by the main entrance of a large building, and help people visiting the building.

door|mat /dɔː r m�t/ (doormats )

1 N‑COUNT A doormat is a mat by a door which people can wipe their shoes on when they enter a house or building.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a doormat , you are criticizing them because they let other people treat them badly, and do not complain or defend themselves when they are being treated unfairly. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� If you always give in to others you will end up feeling like a doormat.

door|step /dɔː r step/ (doorsteps )

1 N‑COUNT A doorstep is a step in front of a door on the outside of a building.

2 PHRASE If a place is on your doorstep , it is very near to where you live. If something happens on your doorstep , it happens very close to where you live. □� It is all too easy to lose sight of what is happening on our own doorstep.

door|stop /dɔː r stɒp/ (doorstops ) N‑COUNT A doorstop is a heavy object that you use to keep a door open.

doo r-to-doo r →�see door

door|way /dɔː r we I / (doorways )

1 N‑COUNT A doorway is a space in a wall where a door opens and closes. □� Hannah looked up to see David and another man standing in the doorway.

2 N‑COUNT A doorway is a covered space just outside the door of a building. □� �homeless people sleeping in shop doorways.

dope /doʊ p/ (dopes , doping , doped )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dope is a drug, usually an illegal drug such as marijuana or cocaine. [INFORMAL ]

2 VERB If someone dopes a person or animal or dopes their food, they put drugs into their food or force them to take drugs. □�[V n] Anyone could have got in and doped the wine. □�[be V -ed +�with ] I'd been doped with Somnolin. □�[V -ed] They've got him doped to the eyeballs. [Also V n with n]

3 N‑COUNT If someone calls a person a dope , they think that the person is stupid. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

do ped u p ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is doped up , they are in a state where they cannot think clearly because they are under the influence of drugs. [INFORMAL ] □� I feel a bit doped up, but I'm okay.

dopey /doʊ pi/

1 ADJ Someone who is dopey is sleepy, as though they have been drugged. □� The medicine always made him feel dopey and unable to concentrate.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as dopey , you mean that they are rather stupid. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

dork /dɔː r k/ (dorks ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a dork , you think they dress badly in old-fashioned clothes and behave very awkwardly in social situations. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �their unshakeable conviction that family holidays were strictly for dorks.

dorm /dɔː r m/ (dorms ) N‑COUNT A dorm is the same as a dormitory . [INFORMAL ]

dor|mant /dɔː r mənt/ ADJ Something that is dormant is not active, growing, or being used at the present time but is capable of becoming active later on. □� The virus remains dormant in nerve tissue until activated. ●� dor|man|cy /dɔː r mənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT □� During dormancy the plants must be kept very dry.

dor|mer /dɔː r mə r / (dormers ) N‑COUNT A dormer or dormer window is a window that is built upright in a sloping roof.

dor|mi|tory /dɔː r m I tri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (dormitories )

1 N‑COUNT A dormitory is a large bedroom where several people sleep, for example in a boarding school. □� �the boys' dormitory.

2 N‑COUNT A dormitory is a building in a college or university where students live. [AM ] □� She lived in a college dormitory. in BRIT, use hall of residence3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to a place as a dormitory suburb or town, you mean that most of the people who live there travel to work in another, larger town a short distance away. [BRIT ]

dor|mouse /dɔː r maʊs/ (dormice /dɔː r ma I s/) N‑COUNT A dormouse is a small animal that looks like a mouse. It is found in southern England and Wales.

dor|sal /dɔː r s ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Dorsal means relating to the back of a fish or animal. [TECHNICAL ] □� �a dolphin's dorsal fin.

DOS /dɒ s/ N‑UNCOUNT DOS is the part of a computer operating system that controls and manages files and programs stored on disk. DOS is an abbreviation for 'disk operating system'. [COMPUTING , TRADEMARK ] □� Where do I find the instructions to load DOS programs from Windows XP?

dos|age /doʊ s I dʒ/ (dosages ) N‑COUNT A dosage is the amount of a medicine or drug that someone takes or should take. □� He was put on a high dosage of vitamin C.

dose /doʊ s/ (doses , dosing , dosed )

1 N‑COUNT A doseof medicine or a drug is a measured amount of it which is intended to be taken at one time. □�[+�of ] One dose of penicillin can wipe out the infection.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of something as a doseof that thing, especially when you want to emphasize that there is a great deal of it. [EMPHASIS ] □� The West is getting a heavy dose of snow and rain today.

3 VERB If you dose a person or animal with medicine, you give them an amount of it. □�[V n +�with ] The doctor fixed the rib, dosed him heavily with drugs, and said he would probably get better. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] I dosed myself with quinine. ●�PHRASAL VERB Dose up means the same as dose . □�[V n P +�with ] I dosed him up with Valium.

dosh /dɒ ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Dosh is money. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a chap who'd made lots of dosh.

doss /dɒ s/ (dosses , dossing , dossed ) VERB If someone dosses somewhere, they sleep in a place which is uncomfortable, usually because they have nowhere else to live. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] �young people dossing in the streets of our cities. ●�PHRASAL VERB Doss down means the same as doss . □�[V P prep/adv] When we had eaten, we dossed down in the lounge.

dos|ser /dɒ sə r / (dossers ) N‑COUNT A dosser is a city person who does not have a permanent home and sleeps in the streets or in very cheap hotels. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

do ss-house (doss-houses ) also doss house , dosshouse N‑COUNT A doss-house is a kind of cheap hotel in a city for people who have no home and very little money. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] in AM, use flophouse

dos|si|er /dɒ sie I , -iə r / (dossiers ) N‑COUNT A dossier is a collection of papers containing information on a particular event, or on a person such as a criminal or a spy. □�[+�of/on ] The company is compiling a dossier of evidence to back its allegations.

dost /dʌ st/ Dost is an old-fashioned second person singular form of the verb 'do'.

dot /dɒ t/ (dots , dotting , dotted )

1 N‑COUNT A dot is a very small round mark, for example one that is used as the top part of the letter 'i', as a full stop, or as a decimal point.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to something that you can see in the distance and that looks like a small round mark as a dot . □� Soon they were only dots above the hard line of the horizon.

3 VERB When things dot a place or an area, they are scattered or spread all over it. □�[V n] Small coastal towns dot the landscape.

4 →�see also dotted , polka dots

5 PHRASE If you arrive somewhere or do something on the dot , you arrive there or do it at exactly the time that you were supposed to. □� They appeared on the dot of 9.50 pm as always.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone dots the i's and crosses the t's , you mean that they pay great attention to every small detail in a task; often used to express your annoyance because such detailed work seems unnecessary and takes a very long time.

dot|age /doʊ t I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] If someone is in their dotage , they are very old and becoming weak. □� Even in his dotage, the Professor still sits on the committee.

do t-co m (dot-coms ) N‑COUNT A dot-com is a company that does all or most of its business on the internet. □� �the first company to register as a dot-com.

dote /doʊ t/ (dotes , doting , doted ) VERB If you say that someone doteson a person or a thing, you mean that they love or care about them very much and ignore any faults they may have. □�[V +�on/upon ] He dotes on his nine-year-old son.

doth /dʌ θ/ Doth is an old-fashioned third person singular form of the verb 'do'.

dot|ing /doʊ t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone is, for example, a doting mother, husband, or friend, you mean that they show a lot of love for someone. □� His doting parents bought him his first racing bike at 13.

dot|ted /dɒ t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dotted line is a line which is made of a row of dots. □� Cut along the dotted line. ●�PHRASE If you sign on the dotted line , you formally agree to something by signing an official document. □� Once you sign on the dotted line you are committed to that property.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ +�with ] If a place or object is dotted with things, it has many of those things scattered over its surface. □� The maps were dotted with the names of small towns.

3 ADJ If things are dottedaround a place, they can be found in many different parts of that place. □� Many pieces of sculpture are dotted around the house.

4 →�see also dot

dot|ty /dɒ ti/ (dottier , dottiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is dotty , you mean that they are slightly mad or likely to do strange things. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� She was obviously going a bit dotty.

dou|ble ◆◆◇ /dʌ b ə l/ (doubles , doubling , doubled )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use double to indicate that something includes or is made of two things of the same kind. □� �a pair of double doors into the room from the new entrance hall. □� �a lone skier gliding along smooth double tracks.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use double before a singular noun to refer to two things of the same type that occur together, or that are connected in some way. □� �an extremely nasty double murder.

3 PREDET If something is doublethe amount or size of another thing, it is twice as large. □� The offer was to start a new research laboratory at double the salary he was then getting. ●�PRON Double is also a pronoun. □� If they think you're a tourist, they charge you double.

4 ADJ You use double to describe something which is twice the normal size or can hold twice the normal quantity of something. □� �a double helping of ice cream. □� �a large double garage.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A double room is a room intended for two people, usually a couple, to stay or live in. □� �bed and breakfast for �180 for two people in a double room. ●�N‑COUNT Double is also a noun. □� The Great Western Hotel costs around �60 a night for a double.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A double bed is a bed that is wide enough for two people to sleep in.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] You use double to describe a drink that is twice the normal measure. □� He was drinking his double whiskey too fast and scowling. ●�N‑COUNT Double is also a noun. □� Give me a whisky, a double.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Double is used when you are spelling a word or telling someone a number to show that a letter or digit is repeated. □� Ring four two double two double two if you'd like to speak to our financial adviser.

9 VERB When something doubles or when you double it, it becomes twice as great in number, amount, or size. □�[V ] The number of managers must double to 100 within 3 years. □�[V n] The program will double the amount of money available to help pay for child care.

10 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a person's double , you mean that they look exactly like them. □� Your mother sees you as her double.

11 VERB If a person or thing doublesas someone or something else, they have a second job or purpose as well as their main one. □�[V +�as ] Lots of homes in town double as businesses. ●�PHRASAL VERB Double up means the same as double . □�[V P +�as ] The lids of the casserole dishes are designed to double up as baking dishes.

12 N‑UNCOUNT In tennis or badminton, when people play doubles , two teams consisting of two players on each team play against each other on the same court.

13 PHRASE If you are bent double , the top half of your body is bent downwards so that your head is close to your knees. □� Pickers are bent double, plucking each flower with lightning speed.

14 PHRASE If you are seeing double , there is something wrong with your eyes, and you can see two images instead of one. □� I was dizzy, seeing double.

15in double figures →�see figure

▸� double back PHRASAL VERB If you double back you go back in the direction that you came from. □�[V P ] We drove past it and had to double back.

▸� double up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something doubles you up , or if you double up , you bend your body quickly or violently, for example because you are laughing a lot or because you are feeling a lot of pain. □�[V n P ] �a savage blow in the crutch which doubled him up. □�[V P +�with/in ] They laugh so hard they double up with laughter. ●�PHRASAL VERB Double over means the same as double up . □�[V -ed P ] Everyone was doubled over in laughter.

2 →�see also double11

dou |ble act (double acts ) also double-act N‑COUNT Two comedians or entertainers who perform together are referred to as a double act . Their performance can also be called a double act . □� �a famous comedy double act.

dou |ble a gent (double agents ) N‑COUNT A double agent is someone who works as a spy for a particular country or organization, but who also works for its enemies.

dou ble-barrelled in AM, use double-barreled1 ADJ [ADJ n] A double-barrelled gun has two barrels. □� �a double-barrelled shotgun.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A double-barrelled surname has two parts which are joined by a hyphen, for example 'Miss J. Heydon-Smith'. [BRIT ]

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Double-barrelled is used to describe something such as a plan which has two main parts. [JOURNALISM ]

dou|ble bass /dʌ b ə l be I s/ (double basses ) also double-bass N‑VAR A double bass is the largest instrument in the violin family. You play the double bass with a bow while standing up and holding it upright in front of you.

dou |ble bi ll (double bills ) also double-bill N‑COUNT A double bill is a theatre or cinema performance in which there are two shows on the programme.

dou |ble bi nd (double binds ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you are in adouble bind , you are in a very difficult situation, because whatever decision you make will have bad results. □� Newspapers are in a double bind: falling circulation and little income from new media. [Also +�of ]

dou ble-bli nd ADJ A double-blind study or experiment compares two groups of people, one of which is being tested while the other is not. Neither the people doing the testing nor the members of the two groups know which group is being tested. □� In a double-blind trial, there were definite improvements.

dou |ble blu ff (double bluffs ) N‑VAR A double bluff is an attempt to deceive someone by telling them exactly what you intend to do when you know that they will assume you are lying. [BRIT ] □� They suspected this was a double bluff on the part of Cairo Intelligence. □� �a continual round of bluff and double bluff.

dou ble-bo ok (double-books , double-booking , double-booked ) VERB If you double-book something, or if you double-book , you book two spaces or services when only one is available to use. □�[V n] Landlords occasionally double-book the apartment with no hint of apology.

dou ble-brea sted ADJ [usu ADJ n] A double-breasted jacket or suit has two very wide sections at the front of the jacket which fit over one another when you button them up.

dou ble-che ck (double-checks , double-checking , double-checked ) VERB If you double-check something, you examine or test it a second time to make sure that it is completely correct or safe. □�[V n] Check and double-check spelling and punctuation. □�[V that] Double-check that the ladder is secure. □�[V +�with ] Don't believe what you are told; double-check with an independent source. [Also V ]

dou |ble chi n (double chins ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone has a double chin , they have a fold of fat under their chin, making them look as if they have two chins.

dou ble-cli ck (double-clicks , double-clicking , double-clicked ) VERB [no passive] If you double-click on an area of a computer screen, you point the cursor at that area and press one of the buttons on the mouse twice quickly in order to make something happen. [COMPUTING ] □�[V +�on ] Go to Control Panel and double-click on Sounds for a list of sounds.

dou |ble crea m N‑UNCOUNT Double cream is very thick cream. [BRIT ] in AM, use heavy cream

dou ble-cro ss (double-crosses , double-crossing , double-crossed ) VERB If someone you trust double-crosses you, they do something which harms you instead of doing something they had promised to do. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Don't try and double-cross me, Taylor, because I'll kill you.

dou ble-dea ling N‑UNCOUNT Double-dealing is behaviour which is deliberately deceitful. □� Marriages were broken and lives ruined by the revelation of double-dealing.

dou ble-de cker (double-deckers )

1 N‑COUNT A double-decker or a double-decker bus is a bus that has two levels, so that passengers can sit upstairs or downstairs. [mainly BRIT ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Double-decker items or structures have two layers or levels instead of one. □� �a double-decker sandwich.

dou ble-di git ADJ [ADJ n] A double-digit number is between 10 and 99. □� Australia had 15 years of double-digit inflation.

dou ble-e dged

1 ADJ If you say that a comment is double-edged , you mean that it has two meanings, so that you are not sure whether the person who said it is being critical or is giving praise. □� Even his praise is double-edged.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is double-edged , you mean that its positive effects are balanced by its negative effects, or that its negative effects are greater. □� But tourism is double-edged, boosting the economy but damaging the environment.

3a double-edged sword →�see sword

dou|ble en|ten|dre /duː b ə l ɒntɒ ndrə/ (double entendres ) N‑VAR A double entendre is a word or phrase that has two meanings, one of which is rude and often sexual. □� He is a master of the pun and the double entendre.

dou |ble fau lt (double faults ) N‑COUNT In tennis, if a player serves a double fault , they make a mistake with both serves and lose the point.

dou ble-gla ze (double-glazes , double-glazing , double-glazed ) VERB If someone double-glazes a house or its windows, they fit windows that have two layers of glass which keeps the inside of the house warmer and quieter. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] The company is now offering to double-glaze the windows for �3,900. □�[have n V -ed] We recently had our house double-glazed. ●� double-glazed ADJ □� �double-glazed windows�

dou |ble gla z|ing also double-glazing N‑UNCOUNT If someone has double glazing in their house, their windows are fitted with two layers of glass. People put in double glazing in order to keep buildings warmer or to keep out noise. [mainly BRIT ]

dou ble-hea der (double-headers ) in AM, also use doubleheader N‑COUNT A double-header is a sporting contest between two teams that involves two separate games being played, often on the same day. [mainly AM ]

dou |ble li fe (double lives ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone is living adouble life , you mean that they lead two separate and very different lives, and they appear to be a different person in each. □� She threatened to publicly expose his double life if he left her.

dou ble-pa rk (double-parks , double-parking , double-parked ) VERB If someone double-parks their car or their car double-parks , they park in a road by the side of another parked car. □�[V n] Murray double-parked his car. □�[V ] The car pulled in and double-parked in front of the town hall.

dou ble-qui ck ADV [ADV after v] If you say that you will do something double-quick , you are emphasizing that you will do it very quickly. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Don't worry. We'll have you out of here double-quick. ●�PHRASE In double-quick time means the same as double-quick . □� I was over the fence in double-quick time.

double|speak /dʌ b ə lspiːk/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to what someone says as doublespeak , you are criticizing them for presenting things in a way that is intended to hide the truth or give people the wrong idea. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the doublespeak so fluently used by governments and their press offices.

dou |ble sta nd|ard (double standards ) N‑COUNT If you accuse a person or institution of applying double standards in their treatment of different groups of people, you mean that they unfairly allow more freedom of behaviour to one group than to another. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Mrs Starky accused the local police of operating double standards.

dou|blet /dʌ bl I t/ (doublets ) N‑COUNT A doublet was a short, tight jacket that was worn by men in the fifteenth, sixteenth, and early seventeenth centuries.

dou ble-ta ke (double-takes ) N‑COUNT If you do a double-take when you see or hear something strange or surprising, you hesitate for a moment before reacting to it because you wonder if you really saw or heard it. □� I did a double-take when I saw her dressed in biker's gear.

dou ble-talk also double talk N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to something someone says as double-talk , you mean that it can deceive people or is difficult to understand because it has two possible meanings.

dou |ble vi |sion N‑UNCOUNT If someone is suffering from double vision , they see a single object as two objects, for example because they are ill or have drunk too much alcohol.

dou|bly /dʌ bli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use doubly to indicate that there are two aspects or features that are having an influence on a particular situation. □� The new tax and the drop in house values make homeowners feel doubly penalised.

2 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use doubly to emphasize that something exists or happens to a greater degree than usual. [EMPHASIS ] □� In pregnancy a high fibre diet is doubly important.

doubt ◆◆◇ /daʊ t/ (doubts , doubting , doubted )

1 N‑VAR [N that] If you have doubt or doubts about something, you feel uncertain about it and do not know whether it is true or possible. If you say you have nodoubtabout it, you mean that you are certain it is true. □�[+�about/as to ] This raises doubts about the point of advertising. □� I had my doubts when she started, but she's getting really good. □� There can be little doubt that he will offend again.

2 VERB If you doubt whether something is true or possible, you believe that it is probably not true or possible. □�[V if] Others doubted whether that would happen. □�[V if] He doubted if he would learn anything new from Marie. □�[V that] She doubted that the accident could have been avoided.

3 VERB If you doubt something, you believe that it might not be true or genuine. □�[V n] No one doubted his ability.

4 VERB If you doubt someone or doubt their word, you think that they may not be telling the truth. □�[V n] No one directly involved with the case doubted him.

5 PHRASE You say that something is beyond doubt or beyond reasonable doubt when you are certain that it is true and it cannot be contradicted or disproved. [EMPHASIS ] □� A referendum showed beyond doubt that voters wanted independence.

6 PHRASE If you are in doubt about something, you feel unsure or uncertain about it. □�[+�about/as to ] He is in no doubt as to what is needed. □� When in doubt, call the doctor.

7 CONVENTION You say I doubt it as a response to a question or statement about something that you think is untrue or unlikely. □� 'Somebody would have seen her.'�'I doubt it, not on Monday.'

8 PHRASE If you say that something is in doubt or open to doubt , you consider it to be uncertain or unreliable. □� The outcome was still in doubt. □� That claim is increasingly open to doubt.

9 PHRASE You use no doubt to emphasize that something seems certain or very likely to you. [EMPHASIS ] □� The contract for this will no doubt be widely advertised.

10 PHRASE You use no doubt to indicate that you accept the truth of a particular point, but that you do not consider it is important or contradicts the rest of what you are saying. □� No doubt many will regard these as harsh words, but regrettably they are true.

11 PHRASE If you say that something is true without doubt or without a doubt , you are emphasizing that it is definitely true. [EMPHASIS ] □� Without doubt this was the most important relationship I developed at college.

12the benefit of the doubt →�see benefit

13a shadow of a doubt →�see shadow COLLOCATIONS doubt NOUN 1

adjective +�doubt : grave, serious; little, slightest; lingering, nagging

verb +�doubt : cast; express, raise

doubt|er /daʊ tə r / (doubters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you refer to people as doubters , you mean that they have doubts about something, especially their religious or political system. □� Some doubters fear this news may not be as good as it appears.

doubt|ful /daʊ tfʊl/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If it is doubtfulthat something will happen, it seems unlikely to happen or you are uncertain whether it will happen. □� For a time it seemed doubtful that he would move at all. □� It is doubtful whether Tweed, even with his fluent French, passed for one of the locals.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are doubtfulabout something, you feel unsure or uncertain about it. □�[+�about ] I was still very doubtful about the chances for success. □� Why did he sound so doubtful? ●� doubt|ful|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Keeton shook his head doubtfully.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something is ofdoubtful quality or value, you mean that it is of low quality or value. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �selling something that is overpriced or of doubtful quality.

4 ADJ If a sports player is doubtfulfor a match or event, he or she seems unlikely to play, usually because of injury. [JOURNALISM ]

doubt|ing Thomas /daʊ t I ŋ tɒ məs/ (doubting Thomases ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a doubting Thomas , you mean they refuse to believe something until they see definite proof or evidence of it.

doubt|less /daʊ tləs/ ADV If you say that something is doubtless the case, you mean that you think it is probably or almost certainly the case. □� He will doubtless try and persuade his colleagues to change their minds.

douche /duː ʃ/ (douches , douching , douched )

1 N‑COUNT A douche is a method of washing the vagina using a stream of water. You also refer to the object which you use to wash the vagina in this way as a douche .

2 VERB To douche means to wash the vagina using a stream of water. □�[V ] Never douche if you are pregnant.

dough /doʊ / (doughs ) In meaning 2 , dough is used in informal American English, and is considered old-fashioned in informal British English. 1 N‑VAR Dough is a fairly firm mixture of flour, water, and sometimes also fat and sugar. It can be cooked to make bread, pastry, and biscuits. □� Roll out the dough into one large circle.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to money as dough . □� He worked hard for his dough.

dough|nut /doʊ nʌt/ (doughnuts ) in AM, also use donut N‑COUNT A doughnut is a bread-like cake made from sweet dough that has been cooked in hot fat.

dough|ty /daʊ ti/ (doughtier , doughtiest ) ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as a doughty fighter, you mean they are brave, determined, and not easily defeated. [OLD-FASHIONED , APPROVAL ]

doughy /doʊ i/ ADJ If you describe something as doughy , you mean that it has a fairly soft texture like dough. □� Add water and mix with a knife to a doughy consistency.

dour /dʊə r , daʊə r / ADJ If you describe someone as dour , you mean that they are very serious and unfriendly. □� �a dour, taciturn man. ●� dour|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The old man stared dourly at them.

douse /daʊ s/ (douses , dousing , doused ) also dowse

1 VERB If you douse a fire, you stop it burning by pouring a lot of water over it. □�[V n] The pumps were started and the crew began to douse the fire.

2 VERB If you douse someone or something with a liquid, you throw a lot of that liquid over them. □�[V n +�with/in ] They hurled abuse at their victim as they doused him with petrol.

dove (doves ) Pronounced /dʌ v/ for meanings 1 to 3 , and /doʊ v/ for meaning 4 . 1 N‑COUNT A dove is a bird that looks like a pigeon but is smaller and lighter in colour. Doves are often used as a symbol of peace.

2 N‑COUNT In politics, you can refer to people who support the use of peaceful methods to solve difficult situations as doves . Compare hawk .

3 In American English, dove is sometimes used as the past tense of dive .

dove|cote /dʌ vkɒt, -koʊt/ (dovecotes ) also dovecot N‑COUNT A dovecote is a small building or a container for pigeons or doves to live in.

dove|tail /dʌ vte I l/ (dovetails , dovetailing , dovetailed ) VERB If two things dovetail or if one thing dovetailswith another, the two things fit together neatly or have some common characteristics. □�[V ] I'm following up a few things that might dovetail. □�[V +�with ] �an attempt to look for areas where U.S. interests can dovetail with Japanese concerns. □�[V n] It is important that we dovetail our respective interests.

dov|ish /dʌ v I ʃ/ also doveish ADJ Journalists use dovish to describe politicians or governments who are in favour of using peaceful and diplomatic methods to achieve something, rather than using force and violence.

dowa|ger /daʊ ədʒə r / (dowagers )

1 ADJ [ADJ n, n ADJ ] You use dowager to refer to the wife of a dead duke, emperor, or other man of high rank. □� The Dowager Queen fainted with shock. □� Nobody was allowed to eat in the Empress Dowager's presence. ●�N‑COUNT Dowager is also a noun.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a woman as a dowager , you mean that she is old and rich or looks important. [LITERARY ] □� �like stately dowagers on a cruise.

dow|dy /daʊ di/ (dowdier , dowdiest ) ADJ If you describe someone or their clothes as dowdy , you mean their clothes are dull and unfashionable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Her clothes were clean but dowdy.

dow|el /daʊ əl/ (dowels ) N‑COUNT A dowel is a short thin piece of wood or metal which is used for joining larger pieces of wood or metal together.

down

➊�PREPOSITION AND ADVERB USES

➋�ADJECTIVE USES

➌�VERB USES

➍�NOUN USES

➊ down ◆◆◆ /daʊ n/ Down is often used with verbs of movement, such as 'fall' and 'pull', and also in phrasal verbs such as 'bring down' and 'calm down'. →�Please look at categories 19 to 21 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 PREP To go down something such as a slope or a pipe means to go towards the ground or to a lower level. □� We're going down a mountain. □� A man came down the stairs to meet them. □� The tears began flooding down her cheeks. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Down is also an adverb. □� She went down to the kitchen again. □� She sat on the window seat until they climbed down from the roof.

2 PREP If you are a particular distance down something, you are that distance below the top or surface of it. □� He managed to cling on to a ledge 40ft down the rock face. ●�ADV Down is also an adverb. □� For the last 18 months miners have cut a face to develop a new shaft 400 metres down.

3 ADV [ADV after v] You use down to say that you are looking or facing in a direction that is towards the ground or towards a lower level. □� She was still looking down at her papers. □� She put her head down, her hands over her face.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If you put something down , you put it onto a surface. □� Danny put down his glass.

5 PREP If you go or look down something such as a road or river, you go or look along it. If you are down a road or river, you are somewhere along it. □� They set off at a jog up one street and down another. □� �sailing down the river on a barge.

6 ADV [ADV after v] If you are travelling to a particular place, you can say that you are going downto that place, especially if you are going towards the south or to a lower level of land. [SPOKEN ] □� I went down to L.A. all the way from Seattle.

7 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If an amount of something goes down , it decreases. If an amount of something is down , it has decreased and is at a lower level than it was. □� Interest rates came down today. □� Inflation will be down to three percent. □� The Dow Jones industrial average is down 5 points at 2,913.

8 PHRASE If you say that there are a number of things down and a number to go , you are saying how many of the things have already been dealt with and how many remain to be dealt with. □� Thirteen months down, twenty-four years to go.

9 PHRASE Down to a particular detail means including everything, even that detail. Down to a particular person means including everyone, even that person. □� �from the chairman right down to the tea ladies.

10 PHRASE If you are down to a certain amount of something, you have only that amount left. □� The poor man's down to his last �3.

11 PHRASE If a situation is down to a particular person or thing, it has been caused by that person or thing. [mainly BRIT ] □� Any mistakes are entirely down to us.

12 PHRASE If someone or something is down for a particular thing, it has been arranged that they will do that thing, or that thing will happen. □� Mark had told me that he was down for an interview.

13 PHRASE If you pay money down on something, you pay part of the money you owe for it. [mainly AM ] □� He paid 20 percent down.

14 →�see also put-down

15 PHRASE If people shout ' down with ' something or someone, they are saying that they dislike them and want to get rid of them. [SPOKEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Demonstrators chanted 'down with the rebels'.

16up and down →�see up ➊

17ups and downs →�see up ➊

➋ down /daʊ n/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are feeling down , you are feeling unhappy or depressed. [INFORMAL ] □� The old man sounded really down.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is downon paper, it has been written on the paper. □�[+�on ] That date wasn't down on our news sheet.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a piece of equipment, especially a computer system, is down , it is temporarily not working because of a fault. Compare up . □� The computer's down again.

➌ down /daʊ n/ (downs , downing , downed )

→�Please look at category 3 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you say that someone downs food or a drink, you mean that they eat or drink it. □�[V n] He has been up all night, downing coffee and typing blog posts.

2 VERB If something or someone is downed , they fall to the ground because they have been hurt or damaged in some way. [JOURNALISM ] □�[be V -ed] Two jet fighters were downed. ●� down|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the downing of an airliner, which killed 107 people.

3to down tools →�see tool

➍ down /daʊ n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Down consists of the small, soft feathers on young birds. Down is used to make bed-covers and pillows. □� �goose down.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Down is very fine hair. □� The whole plant is covered with fine down.

3 →�see also downs

do wn-and-ou t (down-and-outs ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as down-and-out , you mean that they have no job and nowhere to live, and they have no real hope of improving their situation. □� �a short story about a down-and-out advertising copywriter. ●�N‑COUNT Down-and-out is also a noun. [BRIT ] □� �some poor down-and-out in need of a meal.

do wn-at-hee l also down at heel ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is down-at-heel is in bad condition because it has been used too much or has not been looked after properly. If you say that someone is down-at-heel , you mean that they are wearing old, worn clothes because they have little money. □� �down-at-heel towns that are being regenerated. □� �a down-at-heel waitress in a greasy New York diner.

down|beat /daʊ nbiːt/ (downbeats )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If people or their opinions are downbeat , they are deliberately casual and not enthusiastic about a situation. □� �a downbeat assessment of the year's economic prospects.

2 ADJ If you are feeling downbeat , you are feeling depressed and without hope. □� They found him in a gloomy, downbeat mood.

down|cast /daʊ nkɑːst, -k�st/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are downcast , you are feeling sad and without hope. □� Barbara looked increasingly downcast as defeat loomed.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If your eyes are downcast , you are looking towards the ground, usually because you are feeling sad or embarrassed. □� She was silent, her eyes downcast.

down|er /daʊ nə r / (downers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a situation as adowner , you think that it is very depressing. [INFORMAL ] □� What happened last week was a bit of a downer. ●�PHRASE If you are on a downer , you are feeling depressed and without hope. [INFORMAL ] □� We've been on a bit of a downer since the Liverpool game.

down|fall /daʊ nfɔːl/ (downfalls )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The downfall of a successful or powerful person or institution is their loss of success or power. □� His lack of experience had led to his downfall.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The thing that was a person's downfall caused them to fail or lose power. □� His honesty had been his downfall.

down|grade /daʊ ngre I d/ (downgrades , downgrading , downgraded )

1 VERB [usu passive] If something is downgraded , it is given less importance than it used to have or than you think it should have. □�[be V -ed] The boy's condition has been downgraded from critical to serious.

2 VERB If someone is downgraded , their job or status is changed so that they become less important or receive less money. □�[be V -ed] There was no criticism of her work until after she was downgraded. □�[V n] His superiors suspended him, and then downgraded him.

down|hearted /daʊ nhɑː r t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are downhearted , you are feeling sad and discouraged. □� Max sighed, sounding even more downhearted.

down|hill /daʊ nh I l/

1 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If something or someone is moving downhill or is downhill , they are moving down a slope or are located towards the bottom of a hill. □� He headed downhill towards the river. [Also +�from ] ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Downhill is also an adjective. □� �downhill ski runs.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you say that something is goingdownhill , you mean that it is becoming worse or less successful. □� Since I started to work longer hours things have gone steadily downhill.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that a task or situation is downhill after a particular stage or time, you mean that it is easy to deal with after that stage or time. □� Well, I guess it's all downhill from here.

Down|ing Street /daʊ n I ŋ striːt/ N‑PROPER Downing Street is the street in London in which the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer live. You can also use Downing Street to refer to the Prime Minister and his or her officials. □� The Prime Minister arrived back at Downing Street from Paris this morning. □� Downing Street is taking the French opinion polls very seriously indeed.

down|load /daʊ nloʊd/ (downloads , downloading , downloaded ) VERB To download data or software means to transfer it to your computer or phone from another device or from the internet. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] Students and educators can download the software free of charge. ●�N‑VAR Download is also a noun. □� Downloads of the album have raised over $3 million for charity.

down|load|able /daʊnloʊ dəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a computer file or program is downloadable , it can be downloaded to another computer. [COMPUTING ] □� �downloadable games.

down|market /daʊ nmɑː r k I t/ also down-market ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a product or service as downmarket , you think that they are cheap and are not very good in quality. □� It is a downmarket eating house, seating about 60. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Downmarket is also an adverb. □� Why is the company going downmarket and developing smaller machines?

do wn pay|ment (down payments ) also downpayment N‑COUNT If you make a down paymenton something, you pay only a percentage of the total cost when you buy it. You then finish paying for it later, usually by paying a certain amount every month.

down|play /daʊ nple I / (downplays , downplaying , downplayed ) VERB If you downplay a fact or feature, you try to make people think that it is less important or serious than it really is. □�[V n] The government is trying to downplay the violence.

down|pour /daʊ npɔː r / (downpours ) N‑COUNT A downpour is a sudden and unexpected heavy fall of rain. □� �a sudden downpour of rain.

down|right /daʊ nra I t/ ADV [ADV adj] You use downright to emphasize unpleasant or bad qualities or behaviour. [EMPHASIS ] □� �ideas that would have been downright dangerous if put into practice. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Downright is also an adjective. □� �downright bad manners.

do wn-ri ver also downriver ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] Something that is moving down-river is moving towards the mouth of a river, from a point further up the river. Something that is down-river is towards the mouth of a river. □� By 09.30 we had cast off and were heading down-river. □� �a big tourist hotel a few hundred yards down-river. □�[+�from ] Cologne is not so very far down-river from Mainz. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Down-river is also an adjective. □� �downriver factories dispensing billows of smoke.

downs /daʊ nz/ N‑PLURAL [oft in names] Downs are areas of gentle hills with few trees. [BRIT ] □� �walking across the downs. □� �the Wiltshire downs.

down|scale /daʊ nske I l/ (downscales , downscaling , downscaled ) VERB If you downscale or downscale an activity, you do or spend less in order to save money. □� �controversial plans to downscale the city's Victoria Infirmary and reduce the number of its accident and emergency departments from five to two. □� We want to downscale and buy a smaller house.

down|shift /daʊ nʃ I ft/ (downshifts , downshifting , downshifted )

1 VERB If someone downshifts , they leave a job that is well-paid but stressful for a less demanding job and a more enjoyable way of life. [BRIT ] □�[V ] Lynda now sees many of her clients downshifting in search of a new way of living. ●� down|shift|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The latest lifestyle trend is downshifting. ●� down|shifter (downshifters ) N‑COUNT □� Downshifters are being tempted to leave the sophisticated city and go simple.

2 VERB If you downshift while driving, you change to a lower gear. [mainly AM ] □�[V ] He downshifted and turned the steering wheel. [Also V +�to ] in BRIT, use change down

down|side /daʊ nsa I d/ N‑SING The downsideof a situation is the aspect of it which is less positive, pleasant, or useful than its other aspects. □� The downside of this approach is a lack of clear leadership.

down|size /daʊ nsa I z/ (downsizes , downsizing , downsized ) VERB To downsize something such as a business or industry means to make it smaller. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] American manufacturing organizations have been downsizing their factories. □�[V -ed] �today's downsized economy. □�[V ] �a consultant who's helped dozens of companies downsize. ●� down|siz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �a trend toward downsizing in the personal computer market.

down|spout /daʊ nspaʊt/ (downspouts ) N‑COUNT A downspout is a pipe attached to the side of a building, through which water flows from the roof into a drain. [AM ] □� He installed rain gutters and downspouts. in BRIT, use drainpipe

Do wn's syn|drome also Do wn syn|drome N‑UNCOUNT Down's syndrome is a disorder that some people are born with. People who have Down's syndrome have physical differences, such as shorter stature, and learning difficulties.

down|stage /daʊ nste I dʒ/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] When an actor is downstage or moves downstage , he or she is or moves towards the front part of the stage. [TECHNICAL ] □� Krishna stands downstage in the open area. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Downstage is also an adjective. □� �downstage members of the cast.

down|stairs /daʊ nsteə r z/

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you go downstairs in a building, you go down a staircase towards the ground floor. □� Denise went downstairs and made some tea.

2 ADV [be ADV , n ADV ] If something or someone is downstairs in a building, they are on the ground floor or on a lower floor than you. □� The telephone was downstairs in the entrance hall.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Downstairs means situated on the ground floor of a building or on a lower floor than you are. □� She repainted the downstairs rooms and closed off the second floor.

4 N‑SING The downstairs of a building is its lower floor or floors. □� The downstairs of the two little houses had been entirely refashioned.

down|stream /daʊ nstriː m/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] Something that is moving downstream is moving towards the mouth of a river, from a point further up the river. Something that is downstream is further towards the mouth of a river than where you are. □� We had drifted downstream. [Also +�of/from ] ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Downstream is also an adjective. □� Breaking the dam could submerge downstream cities such as Wuhan.

down|swing /daʊ nsw I ŋ/ (downswings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A downswing is a sudden downward movement in something such as an economy, that had previously been improving. □� The manufacturing economy remains on a downswing.

down|time /daʊ nta I m/

1 N‑UNCOUNT In industry, downtime is the time during which machinery or equipment is not operating. □� On the production line, downtime has been reduced from 55% to 26%.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In computing, downtime is time when a computer is not working.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Downtime is time when people are not working. [mainly AM ] □� Downtime in Hollywood can cost a lot of money.

do wn-to-ea rth ADJ If you say that someone is down-to-earth , you approve of the fact that they concern themselves with practical things and actions, rather than with abstract theories. [APPROVAL ] □� �her sincerity and her down-to-earth common sense.

down|town /daʊ ntaʊn/ ADJ [ADJ n] Downtown places are in or towards the centre of a large town or city, where the shops and places of business are. [mainly AM ] □� �an office in downtown Chicago. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Downtown is also an adverb. □� By day he worked downtown for American Standard. [Also be ADV ] ●�N‑UNCOUNT Downtown is also a noun. □� �in a large vacant area of the downtown.

down|trend /daʊ ntrend/ N‑SING A downtrend is a general downward movement in something such as a company's profits or the economy. □� The increase slowed to 0.4 percent, possibly indicating the start of a downtrend.

down|trod|den /daʊ ntrɒ d ə n/ ADJ People who are downtrodden are treated very badly by people with power, and do not have the ability or the energy to do anything about it. □� The owner is making huge profits at the expense of downtrodden peasants.

down|turn /daʊ ntɜː r n/ (downturns ) N‑COUNT If there is a downturn in the economy or in a company or industry, it becomes worse or less successful than it had been. □� They predicted a severe economic downturn. [Also +�in ]

do wn u n|der PHRASE People sometimes refer to Australia and New Zealand as down under . [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� For summer skiing down under, there is no better place than New Zealand.

down|ward /daʊ nwə r d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A downward movement or look is directed towards a lower place or a lower level. □� �a firm downward movement of the hands.

2 →�see also downwards

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to a downward trend, you mean that something is decreasing or that a situation is getting worse. □� The downward trend in home ownership is likely to continue.

down|wards /daʊ nwə r dz/ also downward

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you move or look downwards , you move or look towards the ground or a lower level. □� Benedict pointed downwards again with his stick.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If an amount or rate moves downwards , it decreases. □� Inflation is moving firmly downwards.

3 ADV [from n ADV ] If you want to emphasize that a statement applies to everyone in an organization, you can say that it applies from its leader downwards . [EMPHASIS ] □� �from the Prime Minister downwards.

down|wind /daʊ nw I nd/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If something moves downwind , it moves in the same direction as the wind. If something is downwind , the wind is blowing towards it. □� He attempted to return downwind to the airfield. [Also +�of ]

downy /daʊ ni/ (downier , downiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is downy is filled or covered with small soft feathers. □� �the warm downy quilt.

2 ADJ Something that is downy is covered with very fine hairs. □� �leaves that are often downy underneath.

dow|ry /daʊə ri/ (dowries ) N‑COUNT A woman's dowry is the money and goods which, in some cultures, her family gives to the man that she marries.

dowse /daʊ s/ (dowses , dowsing , dowsed )

1 VERB If someone dowsesfor underground water, minerals, or some other substance, they search for it using a special rod. □� He said that dowsing for water is complete nonsense. □�[V n] We dowse oil and ore in South America for big companies. □�[V -ing] �a dowsing rod.

2 →�see also douse

doy|en /dɔ I ən, dɔ I e n/ (doyens ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a man as thedoyenof a group or profession, you mean that he is the oldest and most experienced and respected member of it. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �the doyen of political interviewers.

doy|enne /dɔ I e n/ (doyennes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a woman as thedoyenneof a group or profession, you mean that she is the oldest and most experienced and respected woman in it. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �the doyenne of British fashion.

doze /doʊ z/ (dozes , dozing , dozed ) VERB When you doze , you sleep lightly or for a short period, especially during the daytime. □�[V ] For a while she dozed fitfully.

▸� doze off PHRASAL VERB If you doze off , you fall into a light sleep, especially during the daytime. □�[V P ] I closed my eyes for a minute and must have dozed off.

doz|en ◆◆◇ /dʌ z ə n/ (dozens ) The plural form is dozen after a number, or after a word or expression referring to a number, such as 'several' or 'a few'. 1 NUM If you have adozen things, you have twelve of them. □� You will be able to take ten dozen bottles free of duty through customs. □� His chicken eggs sell for $22 a dozen.

2 NUM You can refer to a group of approximately twelve things or people as adozen . You can refer to a group of approximately six things or people as half a dozen . □� In half a dozen words, he had explained the bond that linked them. □� The riot left four people dead and several dozen injured.

3 QUANT If you refer to dozens of things or people, you are emphasizing that there are very many of them. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] �a storm which destroyed dozens of homes and buildings. ●�PRON You can also use dozens as a pronoun. □� Just as revealing are Mr Johnson's portraits, of which there are dozens.

dozy /doʊ zi/ (dozier , doziest )

1 ADJ If you are dozy , you are feeling sleepy and not very alert. □� Maybe I eat too much and that's what makes me dozy.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as dozy , you mean they are rather stupid and slow to understand things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

D Phil /diː f I l/ (D Phils ) in AM, use D. Phil.D Phil is an abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy .

Dr ◆◆◇ (Drs ) in AM, use Dr.1Dr is a written abbreviation for doctor . □� �Dr John Hardy of St Mary's Medical School in London.

2Dr is used as a written abbreviation for drive when it is part of a street name. □� �6 Queen's Dr.

drab /dr� b/ (drabber , drabbest )

1 ADJ If you describe something as drab , you think that it is dull and boring to look at or experience. □� �his drab little office. ●� drab|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the dusty drabness of nearby villages.

2 →�see also dribs and drabs

drach|ma /dr� kmə/ (drachmas ) N‑COUNT [num N ] The drachma was the unit of money that was used in Greece. In 2002 it was replaced by the euro. ●�N‑SING The drachma was also used to refer to the Greek currency system. □� In April 1992 the Greek drachma was the only Community currency not yet part of the EMS exchange-rate mechanism.

dra|co|nian /drəkoʊ niən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Draconian laws or measures are extremely harsh and severe. [FORMAL ] □� �draconian measures to lower U.S. healthcare costs.

draft ◆◇◇ /drɑː ft, dr� ft/ (drafts , drafting , drafted )

1 N‑COUNT A draft is an early version of a letter, book, or speech. □� I rewrote his rough draft, which was published under my name. □� I emailed a first draft of this article to him.

2 VERB When you draft a letter, book, or speech, you write the first version of it. □�[V n] He drafted a standard letter to the editors.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are drafted , you are ordered to serve in the armed forces, usually for a limited period of time. [mainly AM ] □�[be V -ed +�into ] During the Second World War, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

4 VERB If people are draftedinto a place, they are moved there to do a particular job. □�[be V -ed +�in/into ] Extra police have been drafted into the town after the violence. □�[V n +�in/into ] The manager will make a special plea to draft the player into his squad as a replacement. [Also be V -ed]

5 N‑SING The draft is the practice of ordering people to serve in the armed forces, usually for a limited period of time. [mainly AM ] □� �his effort to avoid the draft.

6 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A draft is a written order for payment of money by a bank, especially from one bank to another. □� Ten days later Carmen received a bank draft for a plane ticket.

7 →�see also draught SYNONYMS draft NOUN 1

outline:Following is an outline of the survey findings.

plan:�a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group.

sketch:I had a basic sketch of a plan.

dra ft dodg|er (draft dodgers ) N‑COUNT A draft dodger is someone who avoids joining the armed forces when normally they would have to join. [mainly AM , DISAPPROVAL ]

draftee /drɑː ftiː , dr� ft-/ (draftees ) N‑COUNT A draftee is the same as a conscript . [AM ]

drafts|man (draftsmen /drɑː ftsmən, dr� fts-/) →�see draughtsman

drafts|man|ship /drɑː ftsmənʃ I p, dr� fts-/ →�see draughtsmanship

drafty /drɑː fti, dr� fti/ →�see draughty

drag ◆◇◇ /dr� g/ (drags , dragging , dragged )

1 VERB If you drag something, you pull it along the ground, often with difficulty. □�[V n prep/adv] He got up and dragged his chair towards the table.

2 VERB To drag a computer image means to use the mouse to move the position of the image on the screen, or to change its size or shape. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] Use your mouse to drag the pictures to their new size.

3 VERB If someone drags you somewhere, they pull you there, or force you to go there by physically threatening you. □�[V n prep/adv] The vigilantes dragged the men out of the vehicles.

4 VERB If someone drags you somewhere you do not want to go, they make you go there. □�[V n adv/prep] When you can drag him away from his work, he can also be a devoted father.

5 VERB If you say that you dragyourself somewhere, you are emphasizing that you have to make a very great effort to go there. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V pron-refl adv/prep] I find it really hard to drag myself out and exercise regularly.

6 VERB If you drag your foot or your leg behind you, you walk with great difficulty because your foot or leg is injured in some way. □�[V n prep] He was barely able to drag his poisoned leg behind him.

7 VERB If the police drag a river or lake, they pull nets or hooks across the bottom of it in order to look for something. □�[V n] Yesterday police frogmen dragged a small pond on the Common.

8 VERB If a period of time or an event drags , it is very boring and seems to last a long time. □�[V adv] The minutes dragged past. □�[V ] The pacing was uneven, and the early second act dragged.

9 N‑SING If something is a drag on the development or progress of something, it slows it down or makes it more difficult. □� Spending cuts will put a drag on growth.

10 N‑SING [oft N to-inf] If you say that something is a drag , you mean that it is unpleasant or very dull. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

11 N‑COUNT If you take a dragon a cigarette or pipe that you are smoking, you take in air through it. [INFORMAL ]

12 N‑UNCOUNT Drag is the wearing of women's clothes by a male entertainer. ●�PHRASE If a man is in drag , he is wearing women's clothes. □� The band dressed up in drag.

13 PHRASE If you drag your feet or drag your heels , you delay doing something or do it very slowly because you do not want to do it. □� The government, he claimed, was dragging its feet.

▸� drag down

1 PHRASAL VERB To drag someone down means to reduce them to an inferior social status or to lower standards of behaviour. □�[V n P ] She dragged him down with her. □�[be V -ed P +�by ] There were fears he would be dragged down by the scandal.

2 PHRASAL VERB Something that drags you down makes you feel weak or depressed. □�[V n P ] I have had really bad bouts of flu that have really dragged me down.

▸� drag in PHRASAL VERB When you are talking, if you drag in a subject, you mention something that is not relevant and that other people do not want to discuss. □�[V P n] They disapproved of my dragging in his wealth. [Also V n P ]

▸� drag into PHRASAL VERB To drag something or someone into an event or situation means to involve them in it when it is not necessary or not desirable. □�[V n P n] Why should Carmela have dragged him into the argument?

▸� drag on PHRASAL VERB You say that an event or process drags on when you disapprove of the fact that it lasts for longer than necessary. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] The conflict with James has dragged on for two years.

▸� drag out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you drag something out , you make it last for longer than is necessary. □�[V P n] The company was willing to drag out the proceedings for years. □�[V n P ] Let's get it over with as soon as possible, rather than drag it out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you drag something outof a person, you persuade them to tell you something that they do not want to tell you. □�[V n P +�of ] A confession had to be dragged out of him.

▸� drag up PHRASAL VERB If someone drags up an unpleasant event or an old story from the past, they mention it when people do not want to be reminded of it. □�[V P n] I don't want to go back there and drag up that anger again. [Also V n P ]

drag|net /dr� gnet/ N‑SING [oft n N ] A dragnet is a method used by police to catch suspected criminals. A large number of police officers search a specific area, in the hope that they will eventually find the person they are looking for. □� �a massive police dragnet for two suspected terrorists.

drag|on /dr� gən/ (dragons ) N‑COUNT In stories and legends, a dragon is an animal like a big lizard. It has wings and claws, and breathes out fire.

dragon|fly /dr� gənfla I / (dragonflies ) N‑COUNT Dragonflies are brightly-coloured insects with long, thin bodies and two sets of wings. Dragonflies are often found near slow-moving water.

dra|goon /drəguː n/ (dragoons , dragooning , dragooned ) VERB If someone dragoons you into doing something that you do not want to do, they persuade you to do it even though you try hard not to agree. □�[V n +�into ] �the history professor who had dragooned me into taking the exam.

drain ◆◇◇ /dre I n/ (drains , draining , drained )

1 VERB If you drain a liquid from a place or object, you remove the liquid by causing it to flow somewhere else. If a liquid drains somewhere, it flows there. □�[V n adv/prep] Miners built the tunnel to drain water out of the mines. □�[V n] Now the focus is on draining the water. □�[V prep/adv] Springs and rivers that drain into lakes carry dissolved nitrates and phosphates.

2 VERB If you drain a place or object, you dry it by causing water to flow out of it. If a place or object drains , water flows out of it until it is dry. □�[V n] Vast numbers of people have been mobilised to drain flooded land. □�[V ] The soil drains freely and slugs aren't a problem.

3 VERB If you drain food or if food drains , you remove the liquid that it has been in, especially after it has been cooked or soaked in water. □�[V n] Drain the pasta well, arrange on four plates and pour over the sauce. □�[V ] Wash the leeks thoroughly and allow them to drain.

4 N‑COUNT A drain is a pipe that carries water or sewage away from a place, or an opening in a surface that leads to the pipe. □� Tony built his own house and laid his own drains.

5 VERB If the colour or the blood drains or is drainedfrom someone's face, they become very pale. You can also say that someone's face drains or is drainedof colour. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�from ] Harry felt the colour drain from his face. □�[V +�of ] Thacker's face drained of colour. □�[be V -ed +�of ] Jock's face had been suddenly drained of all colour. [Also V n from n]

6 VERB If something drains you, it leaves you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. □�[V n] My emotional turmoil had drained me. ●� drained ADJ □� United left the pitch looking stunned and drained. ●� drain|ing ADJ □� This work is physically exhausting and emotionally draining.

7 N‑SING [usu adj N ] If you say that something is adrainon an organization's finances or resources, you mean that it costs the organization a large amount of money, and you do not consider that it is worth it. □�[+�on ] �an ultra-modern printing plant, which has been a big drain on resources.

8 →�see also brain drain

9 VERB If you say that a country's or a company's resources or finances are drained , you mean that they are used or spent completely. □�[be V -ed] The state's finances have been drained by war. □�[V n] The company has steadily drained its cash reserves.

10 PHRASE If you say that something is goingdown the drain , you mean that it is being destroyed or wasted. [INFORMAL ] □� They were aware that their public image was rapidly going down the drain.

11 PHRASE If you say that a business is going down the drain , you mean that it is failing financially. [INFORMAL ] □� Small local stores are going down the drain.

drain|age /dre I n I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Drainage is the system or process by which water or other liquids are drained from a place. □� Line the pots with pebbles to ensure good drainage.

drain|board /dre I nbɔː r d/ (drainboards ) N‑COUNT A drainboard is the same as a draining board . [AM ]

drai n|ing board (draining boards ) N‑COUNT Thedraining board is the place on a sink unit where things such as cups, plates, and cutlery are put to drain after they have been washed. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use drainboard

drain|pipe /dre I npa I p/ (drainpipes ) N‑COUNT A drainpipe is a pipe attached to the side of a building, through which rainwater flows from the roof into a drain. □� He evaded police by climbing through a window and shinning down a drainpipe.

drake /dre I k/ (drakes ) N‑COUNT A drake is a male duck.

dram /dr� m/ (drams ) N‑COUNT A dram is a small measure of whisky. [mainly SCOTTISH ] □�[+�of ] �a dram of whisky. □� Would you care for a dram?

dra|ma ◆◇◇ /drɑː mə/ (dramas )

1 N‑COUNT A drama is a serious play for the theatre, television, or radio. □� He acted in radio dramas.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You use drama to refer to plays in general or to work that is connected with plays and the theatre, such as acting or producing. □� He knew nothing of Greek drama. □� She met him when she was at drama school.

3 N‑VAR You can refer to a real situation which is exciting or distressing as drama . □� There was none of the drama and relief of a hostage release. COLLOCATIONS drama NOUN 1

noun +�drama : comedy, costume, courtroom, period, sci-fi; cop, crime, detective; radio, TV

adjective +�drama : comic, fact-based, historical, romantic; gripping; one-off SYNONYMS drama NOUN 3

crisis:�someone to turn to in moments of crisis.

turmoil:Her marriage was in turmoil.

mayhem:�the economic mayhem that this country's going through now.

stir:Her film has caused a stir in America.

commotion:He heard a commotion outside.

dra |ma queen (drama queens ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a drama queen , you mean they react to situations in an unnecessarily dramatic or exaggerated way. [INFORMAL ] □� Don't worry, he's just being a drama queen.

dra|mat|ic ◆◆◇ /drəm� t I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dramatic change or event happens suddenly and is very noticeable and surprising. □� Changes in sea level could have a dramatic effect. ●� dra|mati|cal|ly /drəm� t I kli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� At speeds above 50mph, serious injuries dramatically increase.

2 ADJ A dramatic action, event, or situation is exciting and impressive. □� He witnessed many dramatic escapes as people jumped from as high as the fourth floor. ●� dra|mati|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He tipped his head to one side and sighed dramatically.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use dramatic to describe things connected with or relating to the theatre, drama, or plays. □� �a dramatic arts major in college. SYNONYMS dramatic ADJ

1

drastic:�a drastic reduction in the numbers of people dying.

severe:I suffered from severe bouts of depression.

radical:They want a radical reform of the way football is run in England.

extreme:The scheme has been condemned as extreme.

2

thrilling:Our wildlife trips offer a thrilling encounter with wildlife in its natural state.

sensational:The world champions suffered a sensational defeat.

breathtaking:Some of their football was breathtaking, a delight to watch.

hair-raising:Her truck is a very large pickup which she drives at hair-raising speeds.

dra|mat|ics /drəm� t I ks/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You use dramatics to refer to activities connected with the theatre and drama, such as acting in plays or producing them. □� Angela says she longs to join an amateur dramatics class. □� �the university dramatics society.

2 N‑PLURAL You talk about dramatics to express your disapproval of behaviour which seems to show too much emotion, and which you think is done deliberately in order to impress people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �another wearisome outbreak of Nancy's dramatics.

dra|ma|tis per|so|nae /dr� mət I s pə r soʊ na I / N‑PLURAL The characters in a play are sometimes referred to as the dramatis personae . [TECHNICAL ]

drama|tist /dr� mət I st/ (dramatists ) N‑COUNT A dramatist is someone who writes plays.

drama|tize /dr� məta I z/ (dramatizes , dramatizing , dramatized ) in BRIT, also use dramatise1 VERB [usu passive] If a book or story is dramatized , it is written or presented as a play, film, or television drama. □�[be V -ed] His life was dramatized in an award-winning movie. □�[V -ed] �a dramatised version of the novel. ●� drama|ti|za|tion /dr� məta I ze I ʃ ə n/ (dramatizations ) N‑COUNT □� �a dramatisation of D H Lawrence's novel, 'Lady Chatterley's Lover'.

2 VERB If you say that someone dramatizes a situation or event, you mean that they try to make it seem more serious, more important, or more exciting than it really is. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] They have a tendency to show off, to dramatize almost every situation. [Also V ]

3 VERB If something that happens or is done dramatizes a situation, it focuses people's attention on the situation in a dramatic way. □�[V n] The need for change has been dramatized by plummeting bank profits.

drank /dr� ŋk/ Drank is the past tense of drink .

drape /dre I p/ (drapes , draping , draped )

1 VERB If you drape a piece of cloth somewhere, you place it there so that it hangs down in a casual and graceful way. □�[V n prep] Natasha took the coat and draped it over her shoulders. □�[V -ed prep] She had a towel draped around her neck.

2 VERB If someone or something is drapedin a piece of cloth, they are loosely covered by it. □�[be V -ed +�in/with ] The coffin had been draped in a Union Jack. □�[V n +�in/with ] He draped himself in the Canadian flag and went round the track.

3 VERB If you drape a part of your body somewhere, you lay it there in a relaxed and graceful way. □�[V pron-refl prep] Nicola slowly draped herself across the couch. □�[V n prep] He draped his arm over Daniels' shoulder.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Drapes are pieces of heavy fabric that you hang from the top of a window and can close to keep the light out or stop people looking in. [AM ] in BRIT, use curtains

drap|er /dre I pə r / (drapers ) N‑COUNT A draper is a shopkeeper who sells cloth. [BRIT ]

dra|pery /dre I pəri/ (draperies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to cloth, curtains, or clothing hanging in folds as drapery or draperies . □� In the dining-room the draperies create an atmosphere of elegance.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Drapery is cloth that you buy in a shop. [BRIT ] □� My mother ran a couple of drapery shops. in AM, use dry goods

dras|tic /dr� st I k/

1 ADJ If you have to take drastic action in order to solve a problem, you have to do something extreme and basic to solve it. □� Drastic measures are needed to clean up the profession. □� He's not going to do anything drastic about economic policy.

2 ADJ A drastic change is a very great change. □� �a drastic reduction in the numbers of people dying. ●� dras|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� As a result, services have been drastically reduced.

draught /drɑː ft, dr� ft/ (draughts )

1 N‑COUNT A draught is a current of air that comes into a place in an undesirable way. [BRIT ] □� Block draughts around doors and windows. in AM, use draft2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Draught beer is beer which is kept in barrels rather than bottles. □� Draught beer is available too. ●�PHRASE Beer that is on draught is kept in and served from a barrel rather than a bottle. □� They drink bitter on draught in the local bar.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Draughts is a game for two people, played with 24 round pieces on a board. [BRIT ] □� He was in the study playing draughts by the fire with Albert. in AM, use checkers4 N‑COUNT A draught is one of the round pieces which are used in the game of draughts. [BRIT ] in AM, use checker

dra ughts board (draughts boards ) also draught board N‑COUNT A draughts board is a square board for playing draughts, with 64 equal-sized, black and white squares. [BRIT ] in AM, use checkerboard

draughts|man /drɑː ftsmən, dr� fts-/ (draughtsmen ) in AM, use draftsman N‑COUNT A draughtsman is someone whose job is to prepare very detailed drawings of machinery, equipment, or buildings.

draughts|man|ship /drɑː ftsmənʃ I p, dr� fts-/ in AM, use draftsmanship N‑UNCOUNT Draughtsmanship is the ability to draw well or the art of drawing.

draughty /drɑː fti, dr� fti/ (draughtier , draughtiest ) in AM, use drafty ADJ A draughty room or building has currents of cold air blowing through it, usually because the windows and doors do not fit very well.

draw ◆◆◆ /drɔː / (draws , drawing , drew , drawn )

1 VERB When you draw , or when you draw something, you use a pencil or pen to produce a picture, pattern, or diagram. □�[V ] She would sit there drawing with the pencil stub. □�[V n] Draw a rough design for a logo. ●� draw|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� I like dancing, singing and drawing.

2 VERB When a vehicle draws somewhere, it moves there smoothly and steadily. □�[V adv/prep] Claire had seen the taxi drawing away.

3 VERB If you draw somewhere, you move there slowly. [WRITTEN ] □�[V adv/prep] She drew away and did not smile. □�[V adj] When we drew level, he neither slowed down nor accelerated.

4 VERB If you draw something or someone in a particular direction, you move them in that direction, usually by pulling them gently. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n prep] He drew his chair nearer the fire. □�[V n adj] He put his arm around Caroline's shoulders and drew her close to him. □�[V n with adv] Wilson drew me aside after an interview.

5 VERB When you draw a curtain or blind, you pull it across a window, either to cover or to uncover it. □�[V n] After drawing the curtains, she lit a candle. □�[V -ed] Mother was lying on her bed, with the blinds drawn.

6 VERB If someone draws a gun, knife, or other weapon, they pull it out of its container and threaten you with it. □�[V n] He drew his dagger and turned to face his pursuers.

7 VERB If an animal or vehicle draws something such as a cart, carriage, or another vehicle, it pulls it along. □�[V n] �a slow-moving tractor, drawing a trailer.

8 VERB If you draw a deep breath, you breathe in deeply once. □�[V n] He paused, drawing a deep breath.

9 VERB If you drawon a cigarette, you breathe the smoke from it into your mouth or lungs. □�[V +�on ] He drew on an American cigarette. □�[V n +�into ] Her cheeks hollowed as she drew smoke into her lungs. [Also V n with in ]

10 VERB To draw something such as water or energy from a particular source means to take it from that source. □�[V n +�from ] Villagers still have to draw their water from wells.

11 VERB If something that hits you or presses part of your body draws blood, it cuts your skin so that it bleeds. □�[V n] Any practice that draws blood could increase the risk of getting the virus.

12 VERB If you draw money out of a bank, building society, or savings account, you get it from the account so that you can use it. □�[V n with out ] She was drawing out cash from a cash machine. □�[V n +�from ] Companies could not draw money from bank accounts as cash. [Also V n]

13 VERB If you draw a salary or a sum of money, you receive a sum of money regularly. □�[V n] For the first few years I didn't draw any salary at all.

14 VERB To draw something means to choose it or to be given it, as part of a competition, game, or lottery. □�[V n] We delved through a sackful of letters to draw the winning name. ●�N‑COUNT Draw is also a noun. □� �the draw for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.

15 N‑COUNT A draw is a competition where people pay money for numbered or named tickets, then some of those tickets are chosen, and the owners are given prizes.

16 VERB To draw something from a particular thing or place means to take or get it from that thing or place. □�[V n +�from ] I draw strength from the millions of women who have faced this challenge successfully.

17 VERB If you draw a particular conclusion, you decide that that conclusion is true. □�[V n +�from ] He draws two conclusions from this. □�[V n] He says he cannot yet draw any conclusions about the murders.

18 VERB If you draw a comparison, parallel, or distinction, you compare or contrast two different ideas, systems, or other things. □�[V n] �literary critics drawing comparisons between George Sand and George Eliot. [Also V n with n]

19 VERB If you draw someone's attention to something, you make them aware of it or make them think about it. □�[V n] He was waving his arms to draw their attention. □�[V n +�to ] He just wants to draw attention to the plight of the unemployed.

20 VERB If someone or something draws a particular reaction, people react to it in that way. □�[V n +�from ] Such a policy would inevitably draw fierce resistance from farmers. □�[V n] The club's summer signings have drawn criticism.

21 VERB If something such as a film or an event draws a lot of people, it is so interesting or entertaining that a lot of people go to it. □�[V n] The game is currently drawing huge crowds.

22 VERB If someone or something draws you, it attracts you very strongly. □�[V n] He drew and enthralled her. □�[V n +�to ] What drew him to the area was its proximity to central London.

23 VERB [usu passive] If someone will not be drawn or refuses to be drawn , they will not reply to questions in the way that you want them to, or will not reveal information or their opinion. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed +�on ] The ambassador would not be drawn on questions of a political nature. □�[be V -ed] 'Did he say why?'�'No, he refuses to be drawn.'

24 VERB In a game or competition, if one person or team drawswith another one, or if two people or teams draw , they have the same number of points or goals at the end of the game. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V ] Holland and the Republic of Ireland drew one�one. □�[V +�with/against ] We drew with Ireland in the first game. □�[V n] Egypt drew two of their matches in Italy. [Also pl-n V , V (non-recip)] ●�N‑COUNT Draw is also a noun. □� We were happy to come away with a draw against Sweden. [in AM, usually use tie ]

25 →�see also drawing

26 PHRASE When an event or period of time draws to a close or draws to an end , it finishes. □� Another celebration had drawn to its close.

27 PHRASE If an event or period of time is drawing closer or is drawing nearer , it is approaching. □� And all the time next spring's elections are drawing closer.

28to draw a blank →�see blank

29to draw the line →�see line

30to draw lots →�see lot

▸� draw in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that the nights, evenings, or days are drawing in , you mean that it is becoming dark at an earlier time in the evening, because autumn or winter is approaching. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] The days draw in and the mornings get darker.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you draw someone in or draw them into something you are involved with, you cause them to become involved with it. □�[V n P ] It won't be easy for you to draw him in. □�[V n P n] Don't let him draw you into his strategy. [Also V P n (not pron)]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you draw in your breath, you breathe in deeply. If you draw in air, you take it into your lungs as you breathe in. □�[V n P ] Rose drew her breath in sharply. □�[V P n] Roll the wine around in your mouth, drawing in air at the same time.

▸� draw into →�see draw in2

▸� draw off PHRASAL VERB If a quantity of liquid is drawn off from a larger quantity, it is taken from it, usually by means of a needle or pipe. □�[be V -ed P ] The fluid can be drawn off with a syringe. □�[V P n] Doctors drew off a pint of his blood. [Also V n P ]

▸� draw on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you draw on or draw upon something such as your skill or experience, you make use of it in order to do something. □�[V P n] He drew on his experience as a yachtsman to make a documentary programme.

2 PHRASAL VERB As a period of time draws on , it passes and the end of it gets closer. □�[V P ] As the afternoon drew on we were joined by more of the regulars.

▸� draw out PHRASAL VERB If you draw someone out , you make them feel less nervous and more willing to talk. □�[V n P ] Her mother tried every approach to draw her out.

▸� draw up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you draw up a document, list, or plan, you prepare it and write it out. □�[V P n] They agreed to draw up a formal agreement. □�[V n P ] He wants his ministers to concentrate on implementing policy, not on drawing it up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you draw up a chair, you move it nearer to a person or place, for example so that you can watch something or join in with something. □�[V P n] He drew up a chair and sat down. [Also V n P ]

▸� draw upon →�see draw on1

draw|back /drɔː b�k/ (drawbacks ) N‑COUNT A drawback is an aspect of something or someone that makes them less acceptable than they would otherwise be. □� He felt the apartment's only drawback was that it was too small.

draw|bridge /drɔː br I dʒ/ (drawbridges ) N‑COUNT A drawbridge is a bridge that can be pulled up, for example to prevent people from getting into a castle or to allow ships to pass underneath it.

drawer /drɔː ə r / (drawers )

1 N‑COUNT A drawer is part of a desk, chest, or other piece of furniture that is shaped like a box and is designed for putting things in. You pull it towards you to open it. □� He opened a drawer in his writing-table.

2 →�see also chest of drawers

draw|ing /drɔː I ŋ/ (drawings )

1 N‑COUNT A drawing is a picture made with a pencil or pen. □�[+�of ] She did a drawing of me.

2 →�see also draw

dra w|ing board (drawing boards ) in AM, use drawing-board1 N‑COUNT A drawing board is a large flat board, often fixed to a metal frame so that it looks like a desk, on which you place your paper when you are drawing or designing something.

2 PHRASE If you say that you will have to go back to the drawing board , you mean that something which you have done has not been successful and that you will have to start again or try another idea.

dra w|ing pin (drawing pins ) also drawing-pin N‑COUNT A drawing pin is a short pin with a broad, flat top which is used for fastening papers or pictures to a board, wall, or other surface. [BRIT ] in AM, use thumbtack

dra w|ing room (drawing rooms ) N‑COUNT A drawing room is a room, especially a large room in a large house, where people sit and relax, or entertain guests. [FORMAL ]

drawl /drɔː l/ (drawls , drawling , drawled ) VERB If someone drawls , they speak slowly and not very clearly, with long vowel sounds. □�[V with quote] 'I guess you guys don't mind if I smoke?' he drawled. □�[V ] He has a deep voice and he drawls slightly. ●�N‑COUNT Drawl is also a noun. □� �Jack's southern drawl.

drawn /drɔː n/

1Drawn is the past participle of draw .

2 ADJ If someone or their face looks drawn , their face is thin and they look very tired, ill, worried, or unhappy. □� She looked drawn and tired when she turned towards me.

dra wn-ou t ADJ You can describe something as drawn-out when it lasts or takes longer than you would like it to. □� The road to peace will be long and drawn-out.

draw|string /drɔː str I ŋ/ (drawstrings ) also draw-string N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] A drawstring is a cord that goes through an opening, for example at the top of a bag or a pair of trousers. When the cord is pulled tighter, the opening gets smaller. □� �a velvet bag with a drawstring.

dray /dre I / (drays ) N‑COUNT A dray is a large flat cart with four wheels which is pulled by horses.

dread /dre d/ (dreads , dreading , dreaded )

1 VERB If you dread something which may happen, you feel very anxious and unhappy about it because you think it will be unpleasant or upsetting. □�[V n/v-ing] I'm dreading Christmas this year. □�[V that] I'd been dreading that the birth would take a long time. [Also V to-inf]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Dread is a feeling of great anxiety and fear about something that may happen. □� She thought with dread of the cold winters to come.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dread means terrible and greatly feared. [LITERARY ] □� �a more effective national policy to combat this dread disease.

4 →�see also dreaded

5 PHRASE If you say that you dread to think what might happen, you mean that you are anxious about it because it is likely to be very unpleasant. □� I dread to think what will happen in the case of a major emergency.

dread|ed /dre d I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Dreaded means terrible and greatly feared. □� No one knew how to treat this dreaded disease.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use thedreaded to describe something that you, or a particular group of people, find annoying, inconvenient, or undesirable. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� She's a victim of the dreaded hay fever.

dread|ful /dre dfʊl/

1 ADJ If you say that something is dreadful , you mean that it is very bad or unpleasant, or very poor in quality. □� They told us the dreadful news. ●� dread|fully ADV [ADV with v] □� You behaved dreadfully.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Dreadful is used to emphasize the degree or extent of something bad. [EMPHASIS ] □� We've made a dreadful mistake. ●� dread|fully ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� He looks dreadfully ill.

3 ADJ If someone looks or feels dreadful , they look or feel very ill, tired, or upset. □� Are you all right? You look dreadful.

dread|locked /dre dlɒkt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dreadlocked person has their hair in dreadlocks. [WRITTEN ] □� �the dreadlocked Rastafarian, Bob Marley.

dread|locks /dre dlɒks/ N‑PLURAL If someone has dreadlocks , their hair is divided into a large number of tight strips, like pieces of rope. Dreadlocks are worn especially by men who are Rastafarians.

dream ◆◆◇ /driː m/ (dreams , dreaming , dreamed , dreamt ) American English uses the form dreamed as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either dreamed or dreamt . 1 N‑COUNT A dream is an imaginary series of events that you experience in your mind while you are asleep. □� He had a dream about Claire. □� I had a dream that I was in an old study, surrounded by leather books.

2 VERB When you dream , you experience imaginary events in your mind while you are asleep. □�[V that] Ivor dreamed that he was on a bus. □�[V +�about/of ] She dreamed about her baby. [Also V ]

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a situation or event as a dream if you often think about it because you would like it to happen. □� He had finally accomplished his dream of becoming a pilot. □� My dream is to have a house in the country.

4 VERB If you often think about something that you would very much like to happen or have, you can say that you dreamof it. □�[V +�of/about ] As a schoolgirl, she had dreamed of becoming an actress. □�[V +�of/about ] For most of us, a brand new designer kitchen is something we can only dream about. □�[V that] I dream that my son will attend college and find a good job.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use dream to describe something that you think is ideal or perfect, especially if it is something that you thought you would never be able to have or experience. □� �a dream holiday to Jamaica.

6 N‑SING If you describe something as a particular person's dream , you think that it would be ideal for that person and that he or she would like it very much. □� Greece is said to be a botanist's dream.

7 N‑SING If you say that something is a dream , you mean that it is wonderful. [INFORMAL ]

8 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a situation or event that does not seem real as a dream , especially if it is very strange or unpleasant. □� When the right woman comes along, this bad dream will be over.

9 VERB [with neg] If you say that you would notdream of doing something, you are emphasizing that you would never do it because you think it is wrong or is not possible or suitable for you. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�of ] I wouldn't dream of making fun of you.

10 VERB If you say that you neverdreamedthat something would happen, you are emphasizing that you did not think that it would happen because it seemed very unlikely. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V that] I never dreamed that I would be able to afford a home here. □�[V +�of ] Who could ever dream of a disaster like this?

11 →�see also pipe dream , wet dream

12 PHRASE If you tell someone to dream on , you mean that something they are hoping for is unlikely to happen. □� 'Perhaps one day I may go on a relaxing holiday.'�'Yeah, dream on.'

13 PHRASE If you say that you are in a dream , you mean that you do not concentrate properly on what you are doing because you are thinking about other things. □� All day long I moved in a dream.

14 PHRASE You say ` In your dreams! ' when you think that what someone wants is never going to happen or be true. □� He seems to think he is going to make it as a comedian. In your dreams, lad.

15 PHRASE If you say that someone does something like a dream , you think that they do it very well. If you say that something happens like a dream , you mean that it happens successfully without any problems. □� She cooked like a dream.

16 PHRASE If you describe someone or something as the person or thing of your dreams , you mean that you consider them to be ideal or perfect. □� This could be the man of my dreams.

17 PHRASE If you say that you could not imagine a particular thing in your wildest dreams , you are emphasizing that you think it is extremely strange or unlikely. [EMPHASIS ] □� Never in my wildest dreams did I think we could win.

18 PHRASE If you describe something as being beyond your wildest dreams , you are emphasizing that it is better than you could have imagined or hoped for. [EMPHASIS ] □� She had already achieved success beyond her wildest dreams.

▸� dream up PHRASAL VERB If you dream up a plan or idea, you work it out or create it in your mind. □�[V P n] I dreamed up a plan to solve both problems at once. □�[V n P ] His son hadn't dreamed it up. COLLOCATIONS dream NOUN 3

noun +�dream : boyhood, childhood

adjective +�dream : distant, impossible, wildest; lifelong

verb +�dream : fulfil; chase, pursue; achieve, live, realize; crush, dash, shatter

dream|er /driː mə r / (dreamers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a dreamer , you mean that they spend a lot of time thinking about and planning for things that they would like to happen but which are improbable or impractical.

dreami|ly /driː m I li/ ADV [usu ADV with v] If you say or do something dreamily , you say or do it in a way that shows your mind is occupied with pleasant, relaxing thoughts. □� 'They were divine,' she sighs, dreamily.

dream|land /driː ml�nd/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If you refer to a situation as dreamland , you mean that it represents what someone would like to happen, but that it is completely unrealistic. □� In dreamland we play them in the final.

dream|less /driː mləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dreamless sleep is very deep and peaceful, and without dreams. □� He fell into a deep dreamless sleep.

dream|like /driː mla I k/ ADJ If you describe something as dreamlike , you mean it seems strange and unreal. □� Her paintings have a naive, dreamlike quality.

dreamt /dre mt/ In British English, dreamt is a past tense and past participle of dream .

drea m tea m (dream teams ) N‑COUNT A dream team is the best possible group of people to be in a sports team or to do a particular job. □� �American basketball's dream team.

drea m ti ck|et N‑SING If journalists talk about a dream ticket , they are referring to two candidates for political positions, for example President and Vice-President, or Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, who they think will be extremely successful.

dreamy /driː mi/ (dreamier , dreamiest )

1 ADJ If you say that someone has a dreamy expression, you mean that they are not paying attention to things around them and look as if they are thinking about something pleasant. □� His face assumed a sort of dreamy expression.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as dreamy , you mean that you like it and that it seems gentle and soft, like something in a dream. [APPROVAL ] □� �dreamy shots of beautiful sunsets.

3 →�see also dreamily

dreary /dr I ə ri/ (drearier , dreariest ) ADJ If you describe something as dreary , you mean that it is dull and depressing. □� �a dreary little town in the Midwest. ●� dreari|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �a drearily familiar scenario.

dredge /dre dʒ/ (dredges , dredging , dredged ) VERB When people dredge a harbour, river, or other area of water, they remove mud and unwanted material from the bottom with a special machine in order to make it deeper or to look for something. □�[V n] Police have spent weeks dredging the lake but have not found his body.

▸� dredge up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone dredges up a piece of information they learned a long time ago, or if they dredge up a distant memory, they manage to remember it. □�[V P n] �an American trying to dredge up some French or German learned in high school. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone dredges up a damaging or upsetting fact about your past, they remind you of it or tell other people about it. □�[V P n] I wouldn't want to dredge up the past. □�[V n P ] It's the media who keep dredging it up.

dredg|er /dre dʒə r / (dredgers ) N‑COUNT A dredger is a boat which is fitted with a special machine that is used to increase the size of harbours, rivers, and canals.

dregs /dre gz/

1 N‑PLURAL The dregs of a liquid are the last drops left at the bottom of a container, together with any solid bits that have sunk to the bottom. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Colum drained the dregs from his cup.

2 N‑PLURAL If you talk about the dregsof society or of a community, you mean the people in it who you consider to be the most worthless and bad. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He sees dissidents as the dregs of society.

drench /dre ntʃ/ (drenches , drenching , drenched ) VERB To drench something or someone means to make them completely wet. □�[V n] They turned fire hoses on the people and drenched them. □�[get V -ed] They were getting drenched by icy water. □�[V -ed] We were completely drenched and cold. ●� -drenched COMB □� �the rain-drenched streets of the capital.

dress ◆◆◇ /dre s/ (dresses , dressing , dressed )

1 N‑COUNT A dress is a piece of clothing worn by a woman or girl. It covers her body and part of her legs. □� She was wearing a black dress.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to clothes worn by men or women as dress . □� He's usually smart in his dress. □� �hundreds of Cambodians in traditional dress.

3 →�see also evening dress , fancy dress , full dress , morning dress

4 VERB When you dress or dressyourself , you put on clothes. □�[V ] He told Sarah to wait while he dressed. □�[V pron-refl] Sue had dressed herself neatly for work.

5 VERB If you dress someone, for example a child, you put clothes on them. □�[V n] She bathed her and dressed her in clean clothes.

6 VERB If someone dresses in a particular way, they wear clothes of a particular style or colour. □�[V +�in ] He dresses in a way that lets everyone know he's got authority.

7 VERB If you dressfor something, you put on special clothes for it. □�[V +�for ] We don't dress for dinner here.

8 VERB When someone dresses a wound, they clean it and cover it. □�[V n] The poor child never cried or protested when I was dressing her wounds.

9 VERB If you dress a salad, you cover it with a mixture of oil, vinegar, and herbs or flavourings. □�[V n] Scatter the tomato over, then dress the salad. □�[V -ed] �a bowl of dressed salad.

10 →�see also dressed , dressing

▸� dress down PHRASAL VERB If you dress down , you wear clothes that are less smart than usual. □�[V P ] She dresses down in baggy clothes to avoid hordes of admirers.

▸� dress up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you dress up or dress yourself up , you put on different clothes, in order to make yourself look smarter than usual or to disguise yourself. □�[V P ] You do not need to dress up for dinner. □�[V P +�as ] Little girls dress up as angels for fiestas. [Also V n P ] [Also +�in ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you dress someone up , you give them special clothes to wear, in order to make them look smarter or to disguise them. □�[V n P ] Mother loved to dress me up. [Also V P n (not pron)]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you dress something up , you try to make it seem more attractive, acceptable, or interesting than it really is. □�[V P n] Politicians dress up their ruthless ambition as a pursuit of the public good. □�[V n P ] However you dress it up, a bank only exists to lend money.

4 →�see also dressed up , dressing-up

dres|sage /dre sɑːʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Dressage is a competition in which horse riders have to make their horse perform controlled movements.

dre ss ci r|cle N‑SING Thedress circle is the lowest of the curved rows of seats upstairs in a theatre.

dre ss co de (dress codes ) N‑COUNT The dress code of a place is the rules about what kind of clothes people are allowed to wear there. □� There is a strict dress code: no trainers or jeans.

dre ss-do wn Fri |day (dress-down Fridays ) N‑COUNT In some companies employees are allowed to wear clothes that are less smart than usual on a Friday. This day is known as a dress-down Friday . □� But is it really feasible to don sportswear to the office without the excuse of dress-down Friday?

dressed ◆◇◇ /dre st/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are dressed , you are wearing clothes rather than being naked or wearing your night clothes. If you getdressed , you put on your clothes. □� He was fully dressed, including shoes. □� He went into his bedroom to get dressed.

2 ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you are dressed in a particular way, you are wearing clothes of a particular colour or kind. □�[+�in ] �a tall thin woman dressed in black.

3 →�see also well-dressed

dre ssed u p

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is dressed up , they are wearing special clothes, in order to look smarter than usual or in order to disguise themselves. □� You're all dressed up. Are you going somewhere?

2 ADJ If you say that something is dressed upas something else, you mean that someone has tried to make it more acceptable or attractive by making it seem like that other thing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�as ] He tried to organise things so that the trip would be dressed up as a U.N. mission. [Also +�in ]

dress|er /dre sə r / (dressers )

1 N‑COUNT A dresser is a chest of drawers, usually with a mirror on the top. [AM ] in BRIT, use dressing table2 N‑COUNT A dresser is a piece of furniture which has cupboards or drawers in the lower part and shelves in the top part. It is usually used for storing china. [mainly BRIT ]

3 N‑COUNT [adj N ] You can use dresser to refer to the kind of clothes that a person wears. For example, if you say that someone is a smart dresser , you mean that they wear smart clothes.

dress|ing /dre s I ŋ/ (dressings )

1 N‑VAR A salad dressing is a mixture of oil, vinegar, and herbs or flavourings, which you pour over salad. □� Mix the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl.

2 N‑COUNT A dressing is a covering that is put on a wound to protect it while it heals.

dre ssing-do wn N‑SING If someone gives you adressing-down , they speak angrily to you because you have done something bad or foolish. [INFORMAL ]

dre ss|ing gown (dressing gowns ) also dressing-gown N‑COUNT A dressing gown is a long, loose garment which you wear over your night clothes when you are not in bed.

dre ss|ing room (dressing rooms ) also dressing-room

1 N‑COUNT A dressing room is a room in a theatre where performers can dress and get ready for their performance.

2 N‑COUNT A dressing room is a room at a sports stadium where players can change and get ready for their game. [BRIT ] in AM, use locker room

dre ss|ing ta|ble (dressing tables ) also dressing-table N‑COUNT A dressing table is a small table in a bedroom. It has drawers underneath and a mirror on top.

dre ssing-u p also dressing up N‑UNCOUNT When children play at dressing-up , they put on special or different clothes and pretend to be different people.

dress|maker /dre sme I kə r / (dressmakers ) N‑COUNT A dressmaker is a person who makes women's or children's clothes.

dress|making /dre sme I k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Dressmaking is the activity or job of making clothes for women or girls.

dre ss re|hea rs|al (dress rehearsals )

1 N‑COUNT The dress rehearsal of a play, opera, or show is the final rehearsal before it is performed, in which the performers wear their costumes and the lights and scenery are all used as they will be in the performance.

2 N‑COUNT You can describe an event as a dress rehearsal for a later, more important event when it indicates how the later event will be. □�[+�for ] These elections, you could almost say, are a dress rehearsal for the real elections.

dre ss se nse N‑UNCOUNT Someone's dress sense is their ability to choose clothes that make them look attractive. □� I've no dress sense at all.

dre ss shi rt (dress shirts ) N‑COUNT A dress shirt is a special shirt which men wear on formal occasions. It is worn with a dinner jacket and bow tie.

dressy /dre si/ (dressier , dressiest ) ADJ Dressy clothes are smart clothes which you wear when you want to look elegant or formal.

drew /druː / Drew is the past tense of draw .

drib|ble /dr I b ə l/ (dribbles , dribbling , dribbled )

1 VERB If a liquid dribbles somewhere, or if you dribble it, it drops down slowly or flows in a thin stream. □�[V prep/adv] Sweat dribbled down Hart's face. □�[V n prep/adv] Dribble the hot mixture slowly into the blender.

2 VERB When players dribble the ball in a game such as football or basketball, they keep kicking or tapping it quickly in order to keep it moving. □�[V n] He dribbled the ball towards Ferris. □�[V ] He dribbled past four defenders. □�[V -ing] Her dribbling skills look second to none.

3 VERB If a person dribbles , saliva drops slowly from their mouth. □�[V ] �to protect cot sheets when the baby dribbles.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Dribble is saliva that drops slowly from someone's mouth. □� His clothes are soaked in dribble.

dribs and drabs /dr I bz ən dr� bz/ PHRASE If people or things arrive in dribs and drabs , they arrive in small numbers over a period of time rather than arriving all together. [INFORMAL ] □� Clients came in dribs and drabs.

dried /dra I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Dried food or milk has had all the water removed from it so that it will last for a long time. □� �an infusion which may be prepared from the fresh plant or the dried herb.

2 →�see also dry

drie d frui t (dried fruits ) N‑VAR Dried fruit is fruit that has been preserved by being dried; used especially to refer to currants, raisins, or sultanas, which are kinds of dried grapes.

drie d-u p

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as dried-up , you are saying rudely that they are old and dull, and not worth paying attention to. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �her fears of becoming a dried-up old prune.

2 →�see also dry up

dri|er /dra I ə r / →�see dry , dryer

drift ◆◇◇ /dr I ft/ (drifts , drifting , drifted )

1 VERB When something drifts somewhere, it is carried there by the movement of wind or water. □�[V adv/prep] We proceeded to drift on up the river. □�[V ] The waves became rougher as they drifted.

2 VERB If someone or something driftsinto a situation, they get into that situation in a way that is not planned or controlled. □�[V prep/adv] We need to offer young people drifting into crime an alternative set of values. □�[V ] There is a general sense that the country and economy alike are drifting.

3 VERB If you say that someone drifts around, you mean that they travel from place to place without a plan or settled way of life. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V prep/adv] You've been drifting from job to job without any real commitment. [Also V ]

4 N‑COUNT A drift is a movement away from somewhere or something, or a movement towards somewhere or something different. □� �the drift towards the cities.

5 VERB To drift somewhere means to move there slowly or gradually. □�[V prep] As rural factories shed labour, people drift towards the cities.

6 VERB If sounds drift somewhere, they can be heard but they are not very loud. □�[V prep/adv] Cool summer dance sounds are drifting from the stereo indoors.

7 VERB If snow drifts , it builds up into piles as a result of the movement of the wind. □�[V ] The snow, except where it drifted, was only calf-deep.

8 N‑COUNT A drift is a mass of snow that has built up into a pile as a result of the movement of wind. □� �a nine-foot snow drift.

9 N‑SING Thedrift of an argument or speech is the general point that is being made in it. □� Grace was beginning to get his drift. [Also +�of ]

▸� drift off PHRASAL VERB If you drift off to sleep, you gradually fall asleep. □�[V P +�to ] It was only when he finally drifted off to sleep that the headaches eased. [Also V P ]

drift|er /dr I ftə r / (drifters ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a drifter , you mean that they do not stay in one place or in one job for very long. [DISAPPROVAL ]

drift|wood /dr I ftwʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Driftwood is wood which has been carried onto the shore by the motion of the sea or a river, or which is still floating on the water.

drill /dr I l/ (drills , drilling , drilled )

1 N‑COUNT A drill is a tool or machine that you use for making holes. □� �pneumatic drills. □� �a dentist's drill.

2 VERB When you drillinto something or drill a hole in something, you make a hole in it using a drill. □�[V prep] He drilled into the wall of Lili's bedroom. □�[V n] I drilled five holes at equal distance.

3 VERB When people drillfor oil or water, they search for it by drilling deep holes in the ground or in the bottom of the sea. □�[V +�for ] There have been proposals to drill for more oil. □�[V ] The team is still drilling. ●� drill|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Drilling is due to start early next year.

4 N‑COUNT A drill is a way that teachers teach their students something by making them repeat it many times. □� The teacher runs them through a drill�the days of the week, the weather and some counting.

5 VERB If you drill people, you teach them to do something by making them repeat it many times. □�[V n] He drills the choir to a high standard.

6 N‑VAR [oft N n] A drill is repeated training for a group of people, especially soldiers, so that they can do something quickly and efficiently. □� The Marines carried out a drill that included 18 ships and 90 aircraft.

7 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A drill is a routine exercise or activity, in which people practise what they should do in dangerous situations. □� �a fire drill. □� �air-raid drills.

dri|ly /dra I li/ →�see dry

drink ◆◆◇ /dr I ŋk/ (drinks , drinking , drank , drunk )

1 VERB When you drink a liquid, you take it into your mouth and swallow it. □�[V n] He drank his cup of tea. □�[V ] He drank thirstily from the pool under the rock.

2 VERB To drink means to drink alcohol. □�[V ] He was smoking and drinking too much. ●� drink|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� She had left him because of his drinking.

3 N‑COUNT A drink is an amount of a liquid which you drink. □�[+�of ] I'll get you a drink of water.

4 N‑COUNT A drink is an alcoholic drink. □� She felt like a drink after a hard day.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Drink is alcohol, such as beer, wine, or whisky. □� Too much drink is bad for your health.

6 →�see also drinking

7 CONVENTION People say ' I'll drink to that ' to show that they agree with and approve of something that someone has just said. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ]

▸� drink to PHRASAL VERB When people drink to someone or something, they wish them success, good luck, or good health before having an alcoholic drink. □�[V P n] Let's drink to his memory, eh?

▸� drink up PHRASAL VERB When you drink up an amount of liquid, you finish it completely. □�[V P n] Drink up your sherry and we'll go. □�[V P ] Drink up, there's time for another.

drink|able /dr I ŋkəb ə l/

1 ADJ Water that is drinkable is clean and safe for drinking.

2 ADJ If you say that a particular wine, beer, or other drink is drinkable , you mean that it tastes quite pleasant. □� The food was good and the wine drinkable. □� �a very drinkable plonk.

dri nk-dri ve also drink drive ADJ [ADJ n] Drink-drive means relating to drink-driving. □� He was nearly three times over the drink drive limit.

dri nk-dri ver (drink-drivers ) also drink driver N‑COUNT A drink-driver is someone who drives after drinking more than the amount of alcohol that is legally allowed. [BRIT ] in AM, use drunk driver ●� drink-driving N‑UNCOUNT □� �a drink-driving conviction.

drink|er /dr I ŋkə r / (drinkers )

1 N‑COUNT If someone is a tea drinker or a beer drinker , for example, they regularly drink tea or beer. □� Are you a coffee drinker?

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a drinker , you mean that they drink alcohol, especially in large quantities. □� I'm not a heavy drinker.

drink|ing /dr I ŋk I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone's drinking friends or companions are people they regularly drink alcohol with.

2 →�see also drink

dri nk|ing foun|tain (drinking fountains ) N‑COUNT A drinking fountain is a device which supplies water for people to drink in places such as streets, parks, or schools.

dri nk|ing wa|ter N‑UNCOUNT Drinking water is water which it is safe to drink.

drip /dr I p/ (drips , dripping , dripped )

1 VERB When liquid drips somewhere, or you drip it somewhere, it falls in individual small drops. □�[V prep/adv] Sit your child forward and let the blood drip into a tissue or on to the floor. □�[V ] Amid the trees the sea mist was dripping. □�[V n prep/adv] The children kept dripping Coke on the carpets.

2 VERB When something drips , drops of liquid fall from it. □�[V ] A tap in the kitchen was dripping. □�[V +�with ] Lou was dripping with perspiration. □�[V n] He was holding a cloth that dripped pink drops upon the floor.

3 N‑COUNT A drip is a small individual drop of a liquid. □� Drips of water rolled down the trousers of his uniform.

4 N‑COUNT A drip is a piece of medical equipment by which a liquid is slowly passed through a tube into a patient's blood. □� I had a bad attack of pneumonia and spent two days in hospital on a drip.

5 VERB [usu cont] If you say that something is dripping with a particular thing, you mean that it contains a lot of that thing. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�with ] They were dazed by window displays dripping with diamonds and furs.

6 →�see also drip-dry , dripping

dri p-dry ADJ Drip-dry clothes or sheets are made of a fabric that dries free of creases when it is hung up wet. □� �drip-dry shirts.

dri p-feed also drip feed (drip-feeds , drip-feeding , drip-fed ) VERB If you drip-feed money into something, you pay the money a little at a time rather than paying it all at once. □�[V n +�into ] �investors who adopt the sensible policy of drip feeding money into shares.

drip|ping /dr I p I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dripping is the fat which comes out of meat when it is fried or roasted, and which can be used for frying food.

2 PHRASE If you are dripping wet , you are so wet that water is dripping from you. □� We were dripping wet from the spray.

3 →�see also drip

drip|py /dr I pi/ (drippier , drippiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as drippy , you mean that they are rather stupid and weak. If you describe something such as a book or a type of music as drippy , you mean that you think it is rather stupid, dull, and sentimental. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� These men look a bit drippy. □� �drippy infantile ideas.

drive ◆◆◆ /dra I v/ (drives , driving , drove , driven )

1 VERB When you drive somewhere, you operate a car or other vehicle and control its movement and direction. □�[V prep/adv] I drove into town and went to a restaurant for dinner. □�[V ] She never learned to drive. □�[V n] Mrs Glick drove her own car and the girls went in Nancy's convertible. [Also V n prep/adv] ●� driv|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �a qualified driving instructor.

2 VERB If you drive someone somewhere, you take them there in a car or other vehicle. □�[V n prep/adv] His daughter Carly drove him to the train station. [Also V n]

3 N‑COUNT A drive is a journey in a car or other vehicle. □� I thought we might go for a drive on Sunday.

4 N‑COUNT A drive is a wide piece of hard ground, or sometimes a private road, that leads from the road to a person's house.

5 VERB If something drives a machine, it supplies the power that makes it work. □�[V n] The current flows into electric motors that drive the wheels.

6 N‑COUNT You use drive to refer to the mechanical part of a computer which reads the data on disks and tapes, or writes data onto them. □� The easiest way to back up your computer is with an external hard disk drive.

7 →�see also disk drive

8 VERB If you drive something such as a nail into something else, you push it in or hammer it in using a lot of effort. □�[V n prep] I used a sledgehammer to drive the pegs into the ground. □�[V n with adv] I held it still and drove in a nail.

9 VERB In games such as cricket, golf, or football, if a player drives a ball somewhere, they kick or hit it there with a lot of force. □�[V n prep/adv] Armstrong drove the ball into the roof of the net. [Also V n]

10 VERB If the wind, rain, or snow drives in a particular direction, it moves with great force in that direction. □�[V prep/adv] Rain drove against the window. ●� driv|ing ADJ [ADJ n] □� He crashed into a tree in driving rain.

11 VERB If you drive people or animals somewhere, you make them go to or from that place. □�[V n prep] The last offensive drove thousands of people into Thailand. □�[V n with adv] The smoke also drove mosquitoes away.

12 VERB To drive someone into a particular state or situation means to force them into that state or situation. □�[V n +�into/to ] The recession and hospital bills drove them into bankruptcy. □�[V n adj] He nearly drove Elsie mad with his fussing.

13 VERB The desire or feeling that drives a person to do something, especially something extreme, is the desire or feeling that causes them to do it. □�[V n to-inf] More than once, depression drove him to attempt suicide. □�[V n +�to ] Jealousy drives people to murder. □�[be V -ed] �people who are driven by guilt, resentment and anxiety. □�[V -ed] �a man driven by a pathological need to win. [Also V n]

14 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has drive , you mean they have energy and determination. □� John will be best remembered for his drive and enthusiasm.

15 N‑COUNT A drive is a very strong need or desire in human beings that makes them act in particular ways. □� �compelling, dynamic sex drives.

16 N‑SING A drive is a special effort made by a group of people for a particular purpose. □� They plan to launch a nationwide recruitment drive.

17 N‑COUNT Drive is used in the names of some streets. □� �23 Queen's Drive, Malvern, Worcestershire.

18 →�see also driving

19 PHRASE If you ask someone what they are driving at , you are asking what they are trying to say or what they are saying indirectly. □� It was clear Cohen didn't understand what Millard was driving at.

20to drive a hard bargain →�see bargain

▸� drive away PHRASAL VERB To drive people away means to make them want to go away or stay away. □�[V n P ] Patrick's boorish rudeness soon drove Monica's friends away. □�[V P n] Increased crime is driving away customers.

▸� drive off PHRASAL VERB If you drive someone or something off , you force them to go away and to stop attacking you or threatening you. □�[V n P ] The government drove the guerrillas off with infantry and air strikes. □�[V P n] Men drove off the dogs with stones.

▸� drive out PHRASAL VERB To drive out something means to make it disappear or stop operating. □�[V P n] He cut his rates to drive out rivals.

dri ve-by ADJ [ADJ n] A drive-by shooting or a drive-by murder involves shooting someone from a moving car.

dri ve-in (drive-ins ) N‑COUNT A drive-in is a restaurant, cinema, or other commercial place which is specially designed so that customers can use the services provided while staying in their cars. □� �fast food drive-ins. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Drive-in is also an adjective. □� �a drive-in movie theater.

driv|el /dr I v ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something that is written or said as drivel , you are critical of it because you think it is very silly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What absolute drivel!

driv|en /dr I v ə n/ Driven is the past participle of drive .

driv|er ◆◆◇ /dra I və r / (drivers )

1 N‑COUNT The driver of a vehicle is the person who is driving it. □� The driver got out of his van. □� �a taxi driver.

2 →�see also back-seat driver

3 N‑COUNT A driver is a computer program that controls a device such as a printer. [COMPUTING ] □� �printer driver software. COLLOCATIONS driver NOUN 1

noun +�driver : bus, car, taxi, train; delivery, racing; learner

adjective +�driver : drunk, uninsured, unlicensed; female, male, young; careful, experienced, safe

driver+�be +�adjective : unhurt, uninjured

dri v|er's li|cense (driver's licenses ) N‑COUNT A driver's license is a card showing that you are qualified to drive because you have passed a driving test. [AM ] in BRIT, use driving licence

dri v|er's seat

1 N‑SING In a vehicle such as a car or a bus, thedriver's seat is the seat where the person who is driving sits.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is in the driver's seat , you mean that they are in control in a situation. □� Now he knows he's in the driver's seat and can wait for a better deal.

dri ve shaft (drive shafts ) N‑COUNT A drive shaft is a shaft in a car or other vehicle that transfers power from the gear box to the wheels.

dri ve-through ADJ [ADJ n] A drive-through shop or restaurant is one where you can buy things without leaving your car. □� �a drive-through burger bar.

drive|way /dra I vwe I / (driveways ) N‑COUNT A driveway is a piece of hard ground that leads from the road to the front of a house or other building.

driv|ing /dra I v I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The driving force or idea behind something that happens or is done is the main thing that has a strong effect on it and makes it happen or be done in a particular way. □� Consumer spending was the driving force behind the economic growth in the summer.

2 →�see also drive

dri v|ing li|cence (driving licences ) N‑COUNT A driving licence is a card showing that you are qualified to drive because you have passed a driving test. [BRIT ] in AM, use driver's license

dri v|ing ra nge (driving ranges ) N‑COUNT A driving range is an outdoor place where you can practise playing golf.

dri v|ing school (driving schools ) N‑COUNT A driving school is a business that employs instructors who teach people how to drive a car.

dri v|ing seat

1 N‑SING In a vehicle such as a car or a bus, thedriving seat is the seat where the person who is driving the vehicle sits. □� He got into the driving seat and started the engine.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is in the driving seat , you mean that they are in control in a situation. □� At 69 he is as firmly in the driving seat of the company as ever.

driz|zle /dr I z ə l/ (drizzles , drizzling , drizzled )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Drizzle is light rain falling in fine drops. □� The drizzle had now stopped and the sun was breaking through.

2 VERB If it is drizzling , it is raining very lightly. □�[V ] Clouds had come down and it was starting to drizzle.

driz|zly /dr I zəli/ ADJ When the weather is drizzly , the sky is dull and grey and it rains steadily but not very hard. □� �a dull, drizzly afternoon. □� It was dull and slightly drizzly as we left.

droll /droʊ l/ ADJ Something or someone that is droll is amusing or witty, sometimes in an unexpected way. [WRITTEN ] □� The band have a droll sense of humour.

drone /droʊ n/ (drones , droning , droned )

1 VERB If something drones , it makes a low, continuous, dull noise. □�[V ] Above him an invisible plane droned through the night sky. □�[V -ing] �a virtually non-stop droning noise in the background. ●�N‑SING Drone is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the constant drone of the motorways. ●� dron|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] �the droning of a plane far overhead.

2 VERB If you say that someone drones , you mean that they keep talking about something in a boring way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] Chambers' voice droned, maddening as an insect around his head. ●�N‑SING Drone is also a noun. □� The minister's voice was a relentless drone. ●�PHRASAL VERB Drone on means the same as drone . □�[V P ] Aunt Maimie's voice droned on. □�[V P +�about ] Daniel just drones on about American policy.

3 N‑COUNT A drone is a type of aircraft that does not have a pilot and is controlled by someone on the ground. □� Drones frequently pass over this region.

▸� drone on →�see drone2

drool /druː l/ (drools , drooling , drooled )

1 VERB To droolover someone or something means to look at them with great pleasure, perhaps in an exaggerated or ridiculous way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�over ] Fashion editors drooled over every item. □�[V prep] Advertisers are already drooling at reports that this might bring 20 million dollars. [Also V ]

2 VERB If a person or animal drools , saliva drops slowly from their mouth. □�[V ] My dog Jacques is drooling on my shoulder.

droop /druː p/ (droops , drooping , drooped ) VERB If something droops , it hangs or leans downwards with no strength or firmness. □�[V ] Crook's eyelids drooped. ●�N‑SING Droop is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the droop of his shoulders.

droopy /druː pi/ (droopier , droopiest ) ADJ If you describe something as droopy , you mean that it hangs down with no strength or firmness. □� �a tall man with a droopy moustache.

drop ◆◆◇ /drɒ p/ (drops , dropping , dropped )

1 VERB If a level or amount drops or if someone or something drops it, it quickly becomes less. □�[V prep/adv] Temperatures can drop to freezing at night. □�[V ] His blood pressure had dropped severely. □�[V n] He had dropped the price of his London home by �1.25m. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Drop is also a noun. □�[+�in ] He was prepared to take a drop in wages.

2 VERB If you drop something, you accidentally let it fall. □�[V n] I dropped my glasses and broke them.

3 VERB If something dropsonto something else, it falls onto that thing. If something dropsfrom somewhere, it falls from that place. □�[V prep/adv] He felt hot tears dropping onto his fingers.

4 VERB If you drop something somewhere or if it drops there, you deliberately let it fall there. □�[V n prep/adv] Drop the noodles into the water. □�[V prep/adv] �shaped pots that simply drop into their own container. □�[V ] Bombs drop round us and the floor shudders. ●� drop|ping N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the dropping of the first atomic bomb.

5 VERB If a person or a part of their body drops to a lower position, or if they drop a part of their body to a lower position, they move to that position, often in a tired and lifeless way. □�[V prep/adv] Nancy dropped into a nearby chair. □�[V ] She let her head drop. □�[V n prep/adv] He dropped his hands on to his knees.

6 VERB [no cont] To drop is used in expressions such as to be about to drop and to dance until you drop to emphasize that you are exhausted and can no longer continue doing something. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V ] She looked about to drop.

7 VERB If a man drops his trousers, he pulls them down, usually as a joke or to be rude. □�[V n] A couple of boozy revellers dropped their trousers.

8 VERB If your voice drops or if you drop your voice, you speak more quietly. □�[V +�to ] Her voice will drop to a dismissive whisper. □�[V n] He dropped his voice and glanced round at the door. [Also V , V n to n]

9 VERB If you drop someone or something somewhere, you take them somewhere and leave them there, usually in a car or other vehicle. □�[V n prep/adv] He dropped me outside the hotel. ●�PHRASAL VERB Drop off means the same as drop . □�[V n P prep/adv] Just drop me off at the airport. □�[V P n] He was dropping off a late birthday present.

10 VERB If you drop an idea, course of action, or habit, you do not continue with it. □�[V n] The prosecution was forced to drop the case. ●� drop|ping N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] This was one of the factors that led to the President 's dropping of his previous objections.

11 VERB [usu passive] If someone is dropped by a sports team or organization, they are no longer included in that team or employed by that organization. □�[be V -ed] The country's captain was dropped from the tour party to England.

12 VERB If you drop a game or part of a game in a sports competition, you lose it. □�[V n] Oremans has yet to drop a set.

13 VERB If you drop to a lower position in a sports competition, you move to that position. □�[V prep/adv] Britain has dropped from second to third place in the league.

14 N‑COUNT A dropof a liquid is a very small amount of it shaped like a little ball. In informal English, you can also use drop when you are referring to a very small amount of something such as a drink. □�[+�of ] �a drop of blue ink. □� I'll have another drop of that Italian milk.

15 N‑PLURAL [oft n N ] Drops are a kind of medicine which you put drop by drop into your ears, eyes, or nose. □� �eye drops.

16 N‑COUNT [usu pl, n N ] Fruit or chocolate drops are small round sweets with a fruit or chocolate flavour.

17 N‑COUNT You use drop to talk about vertical distances. For example, a thirty-foot drop is a distance of thirty feet between the top of a cliff or wall and the bottom of it. □� There was a sheer drop just outside my window.

18 PHRASE If you drop a hint , you give a hint or say something in a casual way. □� If I drop a few hints he might give me a cutting.

19 PHRASE If you want someone to drop the subject , drop it , or let it drop , you want them to stop talking about something, often because you are annoyed that they keep talking about it. □� Mary Ann wished he would just drop it.

20 →�see also air drop

21drop (down) dead →�see dead

22at the drop of a hat →�see hat

23a drop in the ocean →�see ocean

▸� drop by PHRASAL VERB If you drop by , you visit someone informally. □�[V P ] She and Danny will drop by later. □�[V P n] He dropped by my office this morning.

▸� drop in PHRASAL VERB If you drop inon someone, you visit them informally, usually without having arranged it. □�[V P ] Why not drop in for a chat? □�[V P +�on ] She spent most of the day dropping in on friends in Edinburgh.

▸� drop off

1 →�see drop9

2 PHRASAL VERB If you drop off to sleep, you go to sleep. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�to sleep ] I must have dropped off to sleep. □�[V P ] Just as I was dropping off, a strange thought crossed my mind.

3 PHRASAL VERB If the level of something drops off , it becomes less. □�[V P ] Sales to the British forces are expected to drop off.

▸� drop out

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone drops outof college or a race, for example, they leave it without finishing what they started. □�[V P +�of ] He'd dropped out of high school at the age of 16. □�[V P ] She dropped out after 20 kilometres with stomach trouble.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone drops out , they reject the accepted ways of society and live outside the usual system. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] She encourages people to keep their jobs rather than dropping out to live in a commune.

3 →�see also drop-out COLLOCATIONS drop VERB 1

drop+�adverb : dramatically, sharply, steeply, suddenly; significantly NOUN 1

adjective +�drop : sharp, steep, sudden SYNONYMS drop VERB

1

decline:The number of staff has declined from 217,000 to 114,000.

decrease:Population growth is decreasing by 1.4% each year.

fall:Her weight fell to under seven stone.

plummet:In Tokyo share prices have plummeted for the sixth successive day.

dwindle:The factory's workforce has dwindled from over 4,000 to a few hundred.

3

plunge:At least 50 people died when a bus plunged into a river.

fall:Bombs fell in the town.

plummet:The jet burst into flames and plummeted to the ground.

dro p-dead ADV [ADV adj] If you describe someone as, for example, drop-dead gorgeous, you mean that they are so gorgeous that people cannot fail to notice them. [INFORMAL ] □� She said that Campbell-Black was drop-dead gorgeous. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Drop-dead is also an adjective. □� �the drop-dead glamour of the designer decade.

dro ^p-down also dropdown ADJ [ADJ n] A drop-down menu, list, or box is a list of options that appears on a computer screen when you select an item with a computer mouse. [COMPUTING ] □� Select 'Delete all' from the drop-down list.

dro p goa l (drop goals ) N‑COUNT In rugby, a drop goal is a goal that a player scores by dropping the ball and kicking it between the posts.

dro p-in ADJ [ADJ n] Drop-in centres or services provide information and help for people with particular problems, usually on a free and informal basis. □� �a drop-in centre for young mothers.

drop|let /drɒ plət/ (droplets ) N‑COUNT A droplet is a very small drop of liquid. □�[+�of ] Droplets of sweat were welling up on his forehead.

dro p-out (drop-outs ) also dropout

1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a drop-out , you disapprove of the fact that they have rejected the accepted ways of society, for example by not having a regular job. [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A drop-out is someone who has left school or college before they have finished their studies. □� �high-school drop-outs.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to the drop-out rate, you are referring to the number of people who leave a school or college early, or leave a course or other activity before they have finished it. □� The drop-out rate among students is currently one in three.

drop|per /drɒ pə r / (droppers ) N‑COUNT A dropper is a small glass tube with a hollow rubber part on one end which you use for drawing up and dropping small amounts of liquid.

drop|pings /drɒ p I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Droppings are the faeces of birds and small animals. □� �pigeon droppings.

dross /drɒ s, [AM ] drɔː s/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something as dross , you mean that it is of very poor quality or has no value. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I go through phases where everything I write is just dross.

drought /draʊ t/ (droughts ) N‑VAR A drought is a long period of time during which no rain falls. □� Drought and famines have killed up to two million people here.

drove /droʊ v/ Drove is the past tense of drive .

drov|er /droʊ və r / (drovers ) N‑COUNT A drover is someone whose job is to make sheep or cattle move from one place to another in groups.

droves /droʊ vz/ N‑PLURAL [usu in N ] If you say that people are going somewhere or doing something in droves , you are emphasizing that there is a very large number of them. [EMPHASIS ] □� Scientists are leaving the country in droves. [Also +�of ]

drown /draʊ n/ (drowns , drowning , drowned )

1 VERB When someone drowns or is drowned , they die because they have gone or been pushed under water and cannot breathe. □�[V ] A child can drown in only a few inches of water. □�[be V -ed] Last night a boy was drowned in the river. □�[V pron-refl] He walked into the sea and drowned himself. □�[V -ing] Dolphins have sometimes been known to save drowning swimmers. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you say that a person or thing is drowningin something, you are emphasizing that they have a very large amount of it, or are completely covered in it. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�in ] �people who gradually find themselves drowning in debt. □�[be V -ed] The potatoes were drowned in chilli.

3 VERB If something drowns a sound, it is so loud that you cannot hear that sound properly. □�[V n] Clapping drowned the speaker's words for a moment. ●�PHRASAL VERB Drown out means the same as drown . □�[V P n] Their cheers drowned out the protests of demonstrators. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASE If you say that someone is drowning their sorrows , you mean that they are drinking alcohol in order to forget something sad or upsetting that has happened to them.

drowse /draʊ z/ (drowses , drowsing , drowsed ) VERB If you drowse , you are almost asleep or just asleep. □�[V ] Nina drowsed for a while.

drowsy /draʊ zi/ (drowsier , drowsiest ) ADJ If you feel drowsy , you feel sleepy and cannot think clearly. □� He felt pleasantly drowsy and had to fight off the urge to sleep. ●� drowsi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Big meals during the day cause drowsiness. ●� drowsi|ly /draʊ z I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Mm,' she answered drowsily.

drub|bing /drʌ b I ŋ/ (drubbings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone gets adrubbing , they are defeated easily. [INFORMAL ]

drudge /drʌ dʒ/ (drudges ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a drudge , you mean they have to work hard at a job which is not very important or interesting.

drudg|ery /drʌ dʒəri/ N‑UNCOUNT You use drudgery to refer to jobs and tasks which are boring or unpleasant but which must be done. □� People want to get away from the drudgery of their everyday lives.

drug ◆◆◆ /drʌ g/ (drugs , drugging , drugged )

1 N‑COUNT A drug is a chemical which is given to people in order to treat or prevent an illness or disease. □� The drug will be useful to hundreds of thousands of infected people. □� �the drug companies.

2 N‑COUNT Drugs are substances that some people take because of their pleasant effects, but which are usually illegal. □� His mother was on drugs, on cocaine. □� She was sure Leo was taking drugs. □� �the problem of drug abuse.

3 VERB If you drug a person or animal, you give them a chemical substance in order to make them sleepy or unconscious. □�[V n] She was drugged and robbed.

4 VERB If food or drink is drugged , a chemical substance is added to it in order to make someone sleepy or unconscious when they eat or drink it. □�[be V -ed] I wonder now if that drink had been drugged. □�[V n] Anyone could have drugged that wine. COLLOCATIONS drug NOUN

1

noun +�drug : cancer, diabetes; prescription

adjective +�drug : anti-inflammatory, antiviral, experimental, generic; life-saving

verb +�drug : prescribe

2

adjective +�drug : banned, illegal, illicit, prohibited; performance-enhancing, recreational

verb +�drug : deal, smuggle, supply; take, use; possess SYNONYMS drug NOUN 1

medication:Are you on any medication?

medicine:People in hospitals are dying because of shortage of medicine.

remedy:�natural remedies to help overcome winter infections.

treatment:�an effective treatment for eczema.

dru g a d|dict (drug addicts ) N‑COUNT A drug addict is someone who is addicted to illegal drugs.

drug|gie /drʌ gi/ (druggies ) also druggy N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a druggie you mean they are involved with or addicted to illegal drugs. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

drug|gist /drʌ g I st/ (druggists )

1 N‑COUNT A druggist is someone who is qualified to sell medicines and drugs ordered by a doctor. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use chemist2 N‑COUNT A druggist or a druggist's is a store where medicines and drugs ordered by a doctor are sold. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use chemist

drug|store /drʌ gstɔː r / (drugstores ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a drugstore is a shop where drugs and medicines are sold or given out, and where you can buy cosmetics, some household goods, and also drinks and snacks.

Dru|id /druː I d/ (Druids ) also druid N‑COUNT A Druid is a priest of the Celtic religion.

drum ◆◇◇ /drʌ m/ (drums , drumming , drummed )

1 N‑COUNT A drum is a musical instrument consisting of a skin stretched tightly over a round frame. You play a drum by beating it with sticks or with your hands.

2 N‑COUNT A drum is a large cylindrical container which is used to store fuel or other substances. □� �an oil drum.

3 VERB If something drumson a surface, or if you drum something on a surface, it hits it regularly, making a continuous beating sound. □�[V n +�on/against ] He drummed his fingers on the leather top of his desk. □�[V +�on ] Rain drummed on the roof of the car.

4 →�see also drumming

5 PHRASE If someone beats the drum or bangs the drumfor something, they support it strongly.

▸� drum into PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you drum something into someone, you keep saying it to them until they understand it or remember it. □�[be V -ed P n] Standard examples were drummed into students' heads. □�[V n P n that] They drummed it into her that she was not to tell anyone. [Also V P n that]

▸� drum out PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone is drummed out of an organization such as the armed forces or a club, they are forced to leave it, usually because they have done something wrong. □�[be V -ed P P n] Sailors caught in a drugs scandal are to be drummed out of the service.

▸� drum up PHRASAL VERB If you drum up support or business, you try to get it. □�[V P n] It is to be hoped that he is merely drumming up business.

drum|beat /drʌ mbiːt/ (drumbeats )

1 N‑COUNT A drumbeat is the sound of a beat on a drum.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes describe a series of warnings or continuous pressure on someone to do something as a drumbeat . [mainly AM , JOURNALISM ]

dru m kit (drum kits ) N‑COUNT A drum kit is a set of drums and cymbals.

dru m ma |jor (drum majors )

1 N‑COUNT A drum major is an officer in the army who is in charge of the drummers in a military band, or who leads the band when they are marching. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A drum major is a man who leads a marching band by walking in front of them. [AM ]

dru m ma|jor|e tte (drum majorettes ) N‑COUNT A drum majorette is a girl or young woman who wears a uniform and carries a stick which at intervals she throws into the air and catches. Drum majorettes march, often in lines, in front of a band as part of a procession.

drum|mer /drʌ mə r / (drummers ) N‑COUNT A drummer is a person who plays a drum or drums in a band or group.

drum|ming /drʌ m I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Drumming is the action of playing the drums.

2 N‑VAR [oft a N ] Drumming is the sound or feeling of continuous beating. □�[+�of ] He pointed up to the roof, through which the steady drumming of rain could be heard. □� His mouth was dry and he felt a drumming in his temples.

dru m roll (drum rolls ) also drumroll N‑COUNT A drum roll is a series of drumbeats that follow each other so quickly that they make a continuous sound. A drum roll is often used to show that someone important is arriving, or to introduce someone. □� A long drum roll introduced the trapeze artists.

drum|stick /drʌ mst I k/ (drumsticks )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A drumstick is the lower part of the leg of a bird such as a chicken which is cooked and eaten.

2 N‑COUNT Drumsticks are sticks used for beating a drum.

drunk /drʌ ŋk/ (drunks )

1 ADJ Someone who is drunk has drunk so much alcohol that they cannot speak clearly or behave sensibly. □� I got drunk and had to be carried home.

2 N‑COUNT A drunk is someone who is drunk or frequently gets drunk. □� A drunk lay in the alley.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are drunkwith a strong emotion or an experience, you are in a state of great excitement because of it. □�[+�with ] They are currently drunk with success.

4Drunk is the past participle of drink .

drunk|ard /drʌ ŋkə r d/ (drunkards ) N‑COUNT A drunkard is someone who frequently gets drunk.

dru nk dri v|er (drunk drivers ) N‑COUNT A drunk driver is someone who drives after drinking more than the amount of alcohol that is legally allowed. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use drink-driver ●� drunk driv|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �efforts designed to help stop drunk driving.

drunk|en /drʌ ŋkən/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Drunken is used to describe events and situations that involve people who are drunk. □� The pain roused him from his drunken stupor.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A drunken person is drunk or is frequently drunk. □� Groups of drunken hooligans smashed shop windows and threw stones. ●� drunk|en|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� One night Bob stormed drunkenly into her house. ●� drunk|en|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He was arrested for drunkenness on his way to the football ground.

dry ◆◆◇ /dra I / (drier or dryer , driest or dryest , dries , drying , dried )

1 ADJ If something is dry , there is no water or moisture on it or in it. □� Clean the metal with a soft dry cloth. □� Pat it dry with a soft towel. □� Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of the red ochre emulsion paint. ●� dry|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the parched dryness of the air.

2 VERB When something dries or when you dry it, it becomes dry. □�[V ] Leave your hair to dry naturally whenever possible. □�[V n] Wash and dry the lettuce.

3 VERB When you dry the dishes after a meal, you wipe the water off the plates, cups, knives, pans, and other things when they have been washed, using a cloth. □�[V n] Mrs. Madrigal began drying dishes. [Also V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Dry up means the same as dry . [BRIT ] □�[V P n] He got up and stood beside Julie, drying up the dishes while she washed. [Also V P ]

4 ADJ If you say that your skin or hair is dry , you mean that it is less oily than, or not as soft as, normal. □� Nothing looks worse than dry, cracked lips. ●� dry|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Dryness of the skin can also be caused by living in centrally heated homes and offices.

5 ADJ If the weather or a period of time is dry , there is no rain or there is much less rain than average. □� Exceptionally dry weather over the past year had cut agricultural production.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dry place or climate is one that gets very little rainfall. □� �a hot, dry climate where the sun is shining all the time. ●� dry|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He was advised to spend time in the warmth and dryness of Italy.

7 N‑SING [usu in N ] In the dry means in a place or at a time that is not damp, wet, or rainy. [mainly BRIT ] □� Such cars, however, do grip the road well, even in the dry.

8 ADJ If a river, lake, or well is dry , it is empty of water, usually because of hot weather and lack of rain.

9 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If an oil well is dry , it is no longer producing any oil.

10 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If your mouth or throat is dry , it has little or no saliva in it, and so feels very unpleasant, perhaps because you are tense or ill. □� His mouth was dry, he needed a drink. ●� dry|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Symptoms included frequent dryness in the mouth.

11 ADJ If someone has dry eyes, there are no tears in their eyes; often used with negatives or in contexts where you are expressing surprise that they are not crying. □� There were few dry eyes in the house when I finished.

12 ADJ If a country, state, or city is dry , it has laws or rules which forbid anyone to drink, sell, or buy alcoholic drink. [INFORMAL ] □� Gujurat has been a totally dry state for the past thirty years.

13 ADJ If you say that someone is sucking something dry or milking it dry , you are criticizing them for taking all the good things from it until there is nothing left. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's just milking the company dry.

14 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dry humour is very amusing, but in a subtle and clever way. [APPROVAL ] □� Fulton has retained his dry humour. ●� dri|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'That is surprising.'�'Hardly,' I said drily. ●� dry|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Her writing has a wry dryness.

15 ADJ If you describe something such as a book, play, or activity as dry , you mean that it is dull and uninteresting. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �dry, academic phrases.

16 ADJ [ADJ n] Dry bread or toast is plain and not covered with butter or jam. □� For breakfast, they had dry bread and tea.

17 ADJ Dry sherry or wine does not have a sweet taste. □� �a glass of chilled, dry white wine.

18high and dry →�see high

19home and dry →�see home ➊

▸� dry off PHRASAL VERB If something dries off or if you dry it off , the moisture on its surface disappears or is removed. □�[V P ] They are then scrubbed with clean water and left to dry off for an hour or two in a warm room. □�[V n P ] When the bath water started to cool I got out, dried myself off, and dressed. [Also V P n]

▸� dry out

1 PHRASAL VERB If something dries out or is dried out , it loses all the moisture that was in it and becomes hard. □�[V P ] If the soil is allowed to dry out the tree could die. □�[V P n] The cold winds dry out your skin very quickly. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone dries out or is dried out , they are cured of addiction to alcohol. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] He checked into Cedars Sinai Hospital to dry out. [Also be V -ed P ]

▸� dry up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something dries up or if something dries it up , it loses all its moisture and becomes completely dry and shrivelled or hard. □�[V P ] As the day goes on, the pollen dries up and becomes hard. □�[V P n] Warm breezes from the South dried up the streets. [Also V n P ] ●� dried-up ADJ □� �a tuft or two of dried-up grass.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a river, lake, or well dries up , it becomes empty of water, usually because of hot weather and a lack of rain. □�[V P ] Reservoirs are drying up and farmers have begun to leave their land. ●� dried-up ADJ □� �a dried-up river bed.

3 PHRASAL VERB If a supply of something dries up , it stops. □�[V P ] Investment could dry up and that could cause the economy to falter.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you dry up when you are speaking, you stop in the middle of what you were saying, because you cannot think what to say next. □�[V P ] If you ask her what she's good at she will dry up after two minutes.

5 →�see dry3

6 →�see also dried-up , drying up

dry -clea n (dry-cleans , dry-cleaning , dry-cleaned ) VERB [usu passive] When things such as clothes are dry-cleaned , they are cleaned with a liquid chemical rather than with water. □�[be V -ed] Natural-filled duvets must be dry-cleaned by a professional.

dry clea n|er (dry cleaners ) N‑COUNT A dry cleaner or a dry cleaner's is a shop where things can be dry-cleaned.

dry -clea ning also dry cleaning

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dry-cleaning is the action or work of dry-cleaning things such as clothes. □� He owns a dry-cleaning business.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Dry-cleaning is things that have been dry-cleaned, or that are going to be dry-cleaned.

dry do ck (dry docks ) N‑COUNT A dry dock is a dock from which water can be removed so that ships or boats can be built or repaired.

dry|er /dra I ə r / (dryers ) also drier

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A dryer is a machine for drying things. There are different kinds of dryer, for examples ones designed for drying clothes, crops, or people's hair or hands. □� �hot air electric hand dryers.

2 →�see also dry , tumble dryer

dry -ey e d ADJ If you say that someone is dry-eyed , you mean that although they are in a very sad situation they are not actually crying. □� At the funeral she was dry-eyed and composed.

dry goods N‑PLURAL Dry goods are cloth, thread, and other things that are sold at a draper's shop. [AM ] in BRIT, use drapery , haberdashery

dry |ing u p N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] When you do thedrying up , you dry things such as plates, pans, knives, and cups after they have been washed. [BRIT ] in AM, use drying

dry la nd N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] If you talk about dry land , you are referring to land, in contrast to the sea or the air. □� We were glad to be on dry land again.

dry ro t N‑UNCOUNT Dry rot is a serious disease of wood. It is caused by a fungus and causes wood to decay. □� The house was riddled with dry rot.

dry ru n (dry runs ) N‑COUNT If you have a dry run , you practise something to make sure that you are ready to do it properly. □�[+�for ] The competition is planned as a dry run for the World Cup finals.

dry ski slo pe (dry ski slopes ) or dry slope N‑COUNT A dry ski slope is a slope made of an artificial substance on which you can practise skiing.

dry -stone wa ll (dry-stone walls ) in AM, use dry wall N‑COUNT A dry-stone wall is a wall that has been built by fitting stones together without using any cement.

DTP /diː tiː piː / DTP is an abbreviation for desktop publishing .

DT's /diː tiː z/ N‑PLURAL When alcoholics have the DT's , the alcohol causes their bodies to shake and makes them unable to think clearly.

dual /djuː əl, [AM ] duː -/ ADJ [ADJ n] Dual means having two parts, functions, or aspects. □� �his dual role as head of the party and head of state. □� Rob may be entitled to dual nationality.

du al ca rriage|way (dual carriageways ) also dual-carriageway N‑VAR A dual carriageway is a road which has two lanes of traffic travelling in each direction with a strip of grass or concrete down the middle to separate the two lots of traffic. [BRIT ] in AM, use divided highway

dual|ism /djuː əl I zəm, [AM ] duː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Dualism is the state of having two main parts or aspects, or the belief that something has two main parts or aspects. [FORMAL ] □� �the Gnostic dualism of good and evil struggling for supremacy.

dual|ity /djuː� l I ti, [AM ] duː-/ (dualities ) N‑VAR A duality is a situation in which two opposite ideas or feelings exist at the same time. [FORMAL ]

dub /dʌ b/ (dubs , dubbing , dubbed )

1 VERB If someone or something is dubbed a particular thing, they are given that description or name. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n +�as ] �the man whom the Labour opposition dubbed as the 'no change Prime Minister'. □�[V n n] At the height of her career, Orson Welles dubbed her 'the most exciting woman in the world'.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a film or soundtrack in a foreign language is dubbed , a new soundtrack is added with actors giving a translation. □�[be V -ed +�into ] It was dubbed into Spanish for Mexican audiences. [Also be V -ed]

du|bi|ous /djuː biəs, [AM ] duː -/

1 ADJ If you describe something as dubious , you mean that you do not consider it to be completely honest, safe, or reliable. □� This claim seems to us to be rather dubious. ●� du|bi|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □� Carter was dubiously convicted of shooting three white men in a bar.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are dubiousabout something, you are not completely sure about it and have not yet made up your mind about it. □�[+�about ] My parents were dubious about it at first but we soon convinced them. ●� du|bi|ous|ly ADV □� He eyed Coyne dubiously.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone has the dubious honour or the dubious pleasure of doing something, you are indicating that what they are doing is not an honour or pleasure at all, but is, in fact, unpleasant or bad. □� Nagy has the dubious honour of being the first athlete to be banned in this way.

dub|step /dʌ bste p/ N‑UNCOUNT Dubstep is a type of electronic dance music with a strong bass line.

du|cal /djuː k ə l, [AM ] duː -/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ducal places or things belong to or are connected with a duke. [FORMAL ]

duch|ess /dʌ tʃ I s/ (duchesses ) N‑COUNT A duchess is a woman who has the same rank as a duke, or who is a duke's wife or widow. □� �the Duchess of Kent.

duchy /dʌ tʃi/ (duchies ) N‑COUNT A duchy is an area of land that is owned or ruled by a duke. □� �the Duchy of Cornwall.

duck /dʌ k/ (ducks , ducking , ducked )

1 N‑VAR A duck is a very common water bird with short legs, a short neck, and a large flat beak. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Duck is the flesh of this bird when it is eaten as food. □� �honey roasted duck.

2 VERB If you duck , you move your head or the top half of your body quickly downwards to avoid something that might hit you, or to avoid being seen. □�[V ] He ducked in time to save his head from a blow from the poker. □�[V n] He ducked his head to hide his admiration. □�[V adv/prep] I wanted to duck down and slip past but they saw me.

3 VERB If you duck something such as a blow, you avoid it by moving your head or body quickly downwards. □�[V n] Hans deftly ducked their blows.

4 VERB You say that someone ducks a duty or responsibility when you disapprove of the fact that they avoid it. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] The Opposition reckons the Health Secretary has ducked all the difficult decisions.

5 →�see also dead duck , lame duck , sitting duck

6 PHRASE You say that criticism is like water off a duck's back or water off a duck's back to emphasize that it is not having any effect on the person being criticized. [EMPHASIS ]

7 PHRASE If you take to something like a duck to water , you discover that you are naturally good at it or that you find it very easy to do. □� She took to mothering like a duck to water.

▸� duck out PHRASAL VERB If you duck outof something that you are supposed to do, you avoid doing it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�of ] George ducked out of his forced marriage to a cousin. □�[V P ] You can't duck out once you've taken on a responsibility.

duck|ling /dʌ kl I ŋ/ (ducklings )

1 N‑COUNT A duckling is a young duck.

2 →�see also ugly duckling

duct /dʌ kt/ (ducts )

1 N‑COUNT A duct is a pipe, tube, or channel which carries a liquid or gas. □� �a big air duct in the ceiling.

2 N‑COUNT A duct is a tube in your body which carries a liquid such as tears or bile. □� �tear ducts.

du ct tape N‑UNCOUNT Duct tape is a strong sticky tape that you use to join things together or to cover cracks in something. □� �a broken lid held on with duct tape.

dud /dʌ d/ (duds ) ADJ [ADJ n] Dud means not working properly or not successful. [INFORMAL ] □� He replaced a dud valve. ●�N‑COUNT Dud is also a noun. □� The mine was a dud.

dude /djuː d, [AM ] duː d/ (dudes ) N‑COUNT A dude is a man. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� My doctor is a real cool dude.

du de ranch (dude ranches ) N‑COUNT A dude ranch is an American ranch where people can have holidays during which they can do activities such as riding or camping.

dudg|eon /dʌ dʒ ə n/ PHRASE If you say that someone is in high dudgeon , you are emphasizing that they are very angry or unhappy about something. [EMPHASIS ] □� Washington businesses are in high dudgeon over the plan.

due ◆◆◇ /djuː , [AM ] duː / (dues )

1 PHRASE If an event is due to something, it happens or exists as a direct result of that thing. □�[+�to ] The country's economic problems are largely due to the weakness of the recovery.

2 PHRASE You can say due to to introduce the reason for something happening. Some speakers of English believe that it is not correct to use due to in this way. □�[+�to ] Due to the large volume of letters he receives Dave regrets he is unable to answer queries personally.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] If something is due at a particular time, it is expected to happen, be done, or arrive at that time. □� The results are due at the end of the month. □� Mr Carter is due in London on Monday. □� �customers who paid later than twenty days after the due date.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Due attention or consideration is the proper, reasonable, or deserved amount of it under the circumstances. □� After due consideration it was decided to send him away to live with foster parents.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Something that is due , or that is dueto someone, is owed to them, either as a debt or because they have a right to it. □� I was sent a cheque for �1,525 and advised that no further pension was due. □�[+�to ] I've got some leave due to me and I was going to Tasmania for a fortnight. ●�PREP Due is also a preposition. □� He had not taken a summer holiday that year but had accumulated the leave due him.

6 ADJ If someone is due for something, that thing is planned to happen or be given to them now, or very soon, often after they have been waiting for it for a long time. □�[+�for ] He is not due for release until 2020. ●�PREP Due is also a preposition. □� I reckon I'm due one of my travels.

7 N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] Dues are sums of money that you give regularly to an organization that you belong to, for example a social club or trade union, in order to pay for being a member. □� Only 18 of the U.N.'s 180 members had paid their dues by the January deadline.

8 ADV Due is used before the words 'north', 'south', 'east', or 'west' to indicate that something is in exactly the direction mentioned. □� They headed due north.

9 PHRASE If you say that something will happen or take place in due course , you mean that you cannot make it happen any quicker and it will happen when the time is right for it. □� In due course the baby was born.

10 PHRASE You can say ' to give him his due ', or ' giving him his due ' when you are admitting that there are some good things about someone, even though there are things that you do not like about them. □� To give Linda her due, she had tried to encourage John in his school work.

11 PHRASE You can say ' with due respect ' when you are about to disagree politely with someone. [POLITENESS ] □� With all due respect, you're wrong.

duel /djuː əl, [AM ] duː -/ (duels , duelling , duelled ) in AM, use dueling , dueled1 N‑COUNT A duel is a formal fight between two people in which they use guns or swords in order to settle a quarrel. □� He had killed a man in a duel.

2 VERB To duel means to fight a duel or be involved in a conflict. □�[V ] We duelled for two years and Peterson made the most of it, playing us off against each other. □�[V -ing] �two silver French duelling pistols. [Also V +�with , V ]

duet /djuːe t, [AM ] duː-/ (duets ) N‑COUNT A duet is a piece of music sung or played by two people.

duff /dʌ f/ (duffer , duffest ) ADJ If you describe something as duff , you mean it is useless, broken, or of poor quality. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Sometimes you have to take a duff job when you need the money.

duf|fel /dʌ f ə l/ (duffels )

1 N‑COUNT A duffel is the same as a duffel coat .

2 N‑COUNT A duffel is the same as a duffel bag .

duf|fel bag /dʌ f ə l b�g/ (duffel bags ) also duffle bag N‑COUNT A duffel bag is a bag shaped like a cylinder and made of strong fabric such as canvas. A duffel bag has a string at one end that is used to close the bag and to carry it with.

duf|fel coat /dʌ f ə l koʊt/ (duffel coats ) also duffle coat N‑COUNT A duffel coat is a heavy coat with a hood and long buttons that fasten with loops.

duf|fer /dʌ fə r / (duffers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a duffer , you mean that they are very bad at doing something. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

duf|fle /dʌ f ə l/ →�see duffel bag , duffel coat

dug /dʌ g/ Dug is the past tense and past participle of dig .

dug|out /dʌ gaʊt/ (dugouts )

1 N‑COUNT A dugout is a small boat that is made by removing the inside of a log.

2 N‑COUNT A dugout is a shelter made by digging a hole in the ground and then covering it or tunnelling so that the shelter has a roof over it.

duke /djuː k, [AM ] duː k/ (dukes ) N‑COUNT A duke is a man with a very high social rank. □� �the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

duke|dom /djuː kdəm, [AM ] duː k-/ (dukedoms )

1 N‑COUNT A dukedom is the rank or title of a duke. □� �the present heir to the dukedom.

2 N‑COUNT A dukedom is the land owned by a duke.

dul|cet /dʌ ls I t/ PHRASE [with poss] People often use the expression dulcet tones to refer to someone's voice. [HUMOROUS ] □� You hear his dulcet tones on the Radio 1 trailers in the morning.

dull /dʌ l/ (duller , dullest , dulls , dulling , dulled )

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as dull , you mean they are not interesting or exciting. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I felt she found me boring and dull. ●� dull|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� They enjoy anything that breaks the dullness of their routine life.

2 ADJ Someone or something that is dull is not very lively or energetic. □� The body's natural rhythms mean we all feel dull and sleepy between 1 and 3pm. ●� dul|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� His eyes looked dully ahead. ●� dull|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Did you notice any unusual depression or dullness of mind?

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dull colour or light is not bright. □� The stamp was a dull blue colour. ●� dul|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The street lamps gleamed dully through the night's mist.

4 ADJ You say the weather is dull when it is very cloudy. □� It's always dull and raining.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dull sounds are not very clear or loud. □� The coffin closed with a dull thud. ●� dul|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He heard his heart thump dully but more quickly.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Dull feelings are weak and not intense. □� The pain, usually a dull ache, gets worse with exercise. ●� dul|ly ADV □� His arm throbbed dully.

7 ADJ If a knife or blade is dull , it is not sharp. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

8 VERB If something dulls or if it is dulled , it becomes less intense, bright, or lively. □�[V ] Her eyes dulled and she gazed blankly. □�[V n] Share prices and trading have been dulled by worries over the war.

dull|ard /dʌ lə r d/ (dullards ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a dullard , you mean that they are rather boring, unintelligent, and unimaginative. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

duly /djuː li, [AM ] duː -/

1 ADV [ADV before v] If you say that something duly happened or was done, you mean that it was expected to happen or was requested, and it did happen or it was done. □� Westcott appealed to Waite for an apology, which he duly received.

2 ADV [ADV before v] If something is duly done, it is done in the correct way. [FORMAL ] □� �the duly elected president of the country.

dumb /dʌ m/ (dumber , dumbest , dumbs , dumbing , dumbed )

1 ADJ Someone who is dumb is completely unable to speak. [OFFENSIVE ] □� �a young deaf and dumb man.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is dumb on a particular occasion, they cannot speak because they are angry, shocked, or surprised. [LITERARY ] □� We were all struck dumb for a minute. ●� dumb|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I shook my head dumbly, not believing him.

3 ADJ If you call a person dumb , you mean that they are stupid or foolish. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The questions were set up to make her look dumb.

4 ADJ If you say that something is dumb , you think that it is silly and annoying. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I came up with this dumb idea.

▸� dumb down PHRASAL VERB If you dumb down something, you make it easier for people to understand, especially when this spoils it. □�[V P n] No one favored dumbing down the magazine. [Also V n P , V ] ●� dumb|ing down N‑UNCOUNT □� He accused broadcasters of contributing to the dumbing down of America.

dumb-bell /dʌ mbel/ (dumb-bells ) also dumbbell N‑COUNT A dumb-bell is a short bar with weights on either side which people use for physical exercise to strengthen their arm and shoulder muscles.

dumb|found /dʌ mfaʊ nd/ (dumbfounds , dumbfounding , dumbfounded ) VERB If someone or something dumbfounds you, they surprise you very much. □�[V n] This suggestion dumbfounded Joe.

dumb|found|ed /dʌ mfaʊ nd I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are dumbfounded , you are extremely surprised by something. □� I stood there dumbfounded.

dumb|struck /dʌ mstrʌk/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are dumbstruck , you are so shocked or surprised that you cannot speak. [EMPHASIS ]

du mb wai t|er (dumb waiters ) also dumbwaiter N‑COUNT A dumb waiter is a lift used to carry food and dishes from one floor of a building to another.

dum-dum /dʌ m dʌm/ (dum-dums ) N‑COUNT A dum-dum or a dum-dum bullet is a bullet that is very soft or hollow at the front. Dum-dum bullets cause large and serious wounds because they break into small pieces and spread out when they hit someone.

dum|my /dʌ mi/ (dummies )

1 N‑COUNT A dummy is a model of a person, often used to display clothes. □� �the bottom half of a shop-window dummy.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] You can use dummy to refer to things that are not real, but have been made to look or behave as if they are real. □� Dummy patrol cars will be set up beside motorways to frighten speeding motorists.

3 N‑COUNT A baby's dummy is a rubber or plastic object that you give the baby to suck so that he or she feels comforted. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use pacifier

du m|my ru n (dummy runs ) N‑COUNT A dummy run is a trial or test procedure which is carried out in order to see if a plan or process works properly. [BRIT ] □� Before we started we did a dummy run.

dump ◆◇◇ /dʌ mp/ (dumps , dumping , dumped )

1 VERB If you dump something somewhere, you put it or unload it there quickly and carelessly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] We dumped our bags at the nearby Grand Hotel and hurried towards the market.

2 VERB If something is dumped somewhere, it is put or left there because it is no longer wanted or needed. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The getaway car was dumped near a motorway tunnel. □�[V n] The government declared that it did not dump radioactive waste at sea. ●� dump|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� German law forbids the dumping of hazardous waste on German soil.

3 N‑COUNT A dump is a place where rubbish is left, for example on open ground outside a town. □� �companies that bring their rubbish straight to the dump.

4 N‑COUNT If you say that a place is a dump , you think it is ugly and unpleasant to live in or visit. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

5 VERB To dump something such as an idea, policy, or practice means to stop supporting or using it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Ministers believed it was vital to dump the poll tax before the election.

6 VERB If a firm or company dumps goods, it sells large quantities of them at prices far below their real value, usually in another country, in order to gain a bigger market share or to keep prices high in the home market. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] It produces more than it needs, then dumps its surplus onto the world market.

7 VERB If you dump someone, you end your relationship with them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I thought he was going to dump me for another girl.

8 VERB To dump computer data or memory means to copy it from one storage system onto another, such as from disk to magnetic tape. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n +�into ] All the data is then dumped into the main computer.

9 N‑COUNT A dump is a list of the data that is stored in a computer's memory at a particular time. Dumps are often used by computer programmers to find out what is causing a problem with a program. [COMPUTING ] □� �a screen dump.

du mp|er truck (dumper trucks ) N‑COUNT A dumper truck is the same as a dump truck . [BRIT ]

du mp|ing ground (dumping grounds ) N‑COUNT If you say that a place is a dumping groundfor something, usually something unwanted, you mean that people leave or send large quantities of that thing there. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�for ] �a dumping-ground for radioactive residues.

dump|ling /dʌ mpl I ŋ/ (dumplings ) N‑VAR Dumplings are small lumps of dough that are cooked and eaten, either with meat and vegetables or as part of a sweet pudding.

Dump|ster /dʌ mpstə r / (Dumpsters ) N‑COUNT A Dumpster is a large metal container for holding rubbish. [AM , TRADEMARK ] in BRIT, usually use skip

du mp truck (dump trucks ) N‑COUNT A dump truck is a truck whose carrying part can be tipped backwards so that the load falls out.

dumpy /dʌ mpi/ (dumpier , dumpiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as dumpy , you mean they are short and fat, and are usually implying they are unattractive. [DISAPPROVAL ]

dun /dʌ n/ COLOUR Something that is dun is a dull grey-brown colour. □� �her dun mare.

dunce /dʌ ns/ (dunces ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a dunce , you think they are rather stupid because they find it difficult or impossible to learn what someone is trying to teach them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Michael may have been a dunce at mathematics, but he was gifted at languages.

dune /djuː n, [AM ] duː n/ (dunes ) N‑COUNT A dune is a hill of sand near the sea or in a desert.

dung /dʌ ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Dung is faeces from animals, especially from large animals such as cattle and horses.

dun|ga|rees /dʌ ŋgəriː z/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Dungarees are a one-piece garment consisting of trousers, a piece of cloth which covers your chest, and straps which go over your shoulders. In American English, dungarees can also refer to jeans.

dun|geon /dʌ ndʒ ə n/ (dungeons ) N‑COUNT A dungeon is a dark underground prison in a castle.

dunk /dʌ ŋk/ (dunks , dunking , dunked ) VERB If you dunk something in a liquid, you put it in the liquid, especially for a particular purpose and for a short time. □�[V n +�in ] Dunk new plants in a bucket of water for an hour or so before planting.

dun|no /dənoʊ / Dunno is sometimes used in written English to represent an informal way of saying 'don't know'. □� 'How on earth did she get it?'�'I dunno.'

duo /djuː oʊ, [AM ] duː -/ (duos )

1 N‑COUNT A duo is two musicians, singers, or other performers who perform together as a pair. □� �a famous dancing and singing duo.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to two people together as a duo , especially when they have something in common. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □� �Britain's former golden duo of Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell.

duo|de|nal /djuː oʊdiː n ə l, [AM ] duː -/ ADJ [ADJ n] Duodenal means relating to or contained in the duodenum. [MEDICAL ] □� �duodenal ulcers.

duo|denum /djuː oʊdiː nəm, [AM ] duː -/ (duodenums ) N‑COUNT Your duodenum is the part of your small intestine that is just below your stomach. [MEDICAL ]

duo|po|ly /djuːɒ pəli/ (duopolies )

1 N‑VAR If two companies or people have a duopolyon something such as an industry, they share complete control over it and it is impossible for others to become involved in it. [BUSINESS ] □� They are no longer part of a duopoly on overseas routes.

2 N‑COUNT A duopoly is a group of two companies which are the only ones which provide a particular product or service, and which therefore have complete control over an industry. [BUSINESS ] □� Their smaller rival is battling to end their duopoly.

dupe /djuː p, [AM ] duː p/ (dupes , duping , duped )

1 VERB If a person dupes you, they trick you into doing something or into believing something which is not true. □�[V n +�into ] �a plot to dupe stamp collectors into buying fake rarities. □�[V n] We know some sex offenders dupe the psychologists who assess them.

2 N‑COUNT A dupe is someone who is tricked by someone else. □� He becomes an innocent dupe in a political scandal.

du|plex /djuː pleks, [AM ] duː -/ (duplexes )

1 N‑COUNT A duplex is a house which has been divided into two separate units for two different families or groups of people. [AM ]

2 N‑COUNT A duplex or a duplex apartment is a flat or apartment which has rooms on two floors. [AM ]

du|pli|cate (duplicates , duplicating , duplicated ) The verb is pronounced /djuː pl I ke I t, [AM ] duː -/. The noun and adjective are pronounced /djuː pl I kət, [AM ] duː -/. 1 VERB If you duplicate something that has already been done, you repeat or copy it. □�[V n] His task will be to duplicate his success overseas here at home. ●�N‑COUNT Duplicate is also a noun. □� Charles scored again, with an exact duplicate of his first goal.

2 VERB To duplicate something which has been written, drawn, or recorded onto tape means to make exact copies of it. □�[V n] �a business which duplicates video and cinema tapes for the movie makers. ●�N‑COUNT [oft in N ] Duplicate is also a noun. □� I'm on my way to Switzerland, but I've lost my card. I've got to get a duplicate.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Duplicate is used to describe things that have been made as an exact copy of other things, usually in order to serve the same purpose. □� He let himself in with a duplicate key.

4 →�see also duplication

du|pli|ca|tion /djuː pl I ke I ʃ ə n, [AM ] duː -/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that there has been duplication of something, you mean that someone has done a task unnecessarily because it has already been done before. □� �unnecessary duplication of resources.

du|plic|it|ous /djuːpl I s I təs, [AM ] duː-/ ADJ Someone who is duplicitous is deceitful. □� He is a possessive, duplicitous and unreasonable man.

du|plic|ity /djuːpl I s I ti, [AM ] duː-/ N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of duplicity , you mean that they are deceitful. [FORMAL ] □� Malcolm believed he was guilty of duplicity in his private dealings.

du|rable /djʊə rəb ə l, [AM ] dʊ r-/ ADJ Something that is durable is strong and lasts a long time without breaking or becoming weaker. □� Bone china is strong and durable. ●� du|rabil|ity /djʊə rəb I l I ti, [AM ] dʊ r-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Airlines recommend hard-sided cases for durability.

du |rable goo ds or durables N‑PLURAL Durable goods or durables are goods such as televisions or cars which are expected to last a long time, and are bought infrequently. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use consumer durables

du|ra|tion /djʊre I ʃ ə n, [AM ] dʊr-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The durationof an event or state is the time during which it happens or exists. □� He was given the task of protecting her for the duration of the trial. □� Courses are of two years' duration.

2 PHRASE If you say that something will happen for the duration , you mean that it will happen for as long as a particular situation continues. □� His wounds knocked him out of combat for the duration.

du|ress /djʊəre s, [AM ] dʊr-/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu under N ] To do something under duress means to do it because someone forces you to do it or threatens you. [FORMAL ] □� He thought her confession had been made under duress.

Du|rex /djʊə reks, [AM ] dʊ reks/ (Durex ) N‑COUNT A Durex is a condom. [TRADEMARK ]

dur|ing ◆◆◆ /djʊə r I ŋ, [AM ] dʊ r I ŋ/

1 PREP If something happens during a period of time or an event, it happens continuously, or happens several times between the beginning and end of that period or event. □� Sandstorms are common during the Saudi Arabian winter.

2 PREP If something develops during a period of time, it develops gradually from the beginning to the end of that period. □� Wages have fallen by more than twenty percent during the past two months.

3 PREP An event that happens during a period of time happens at some point or moment in that period. □� During his visit, the Pope will also bless the new hospital. USAGE during

Don�t use during to say how long something lasts. Don�t say, for example, � I went to Wales during two weeks �. Say �I went to Wales for two weeks�. □� Mr Tyrie left Hong Kong in June.

dusk /dʌ sk/ N‑UNCOUNT Dusk is the time just before night when the daylight has almost gone but when it is not completely dark. □� We arrived home at dusk.

dusky /dʌ ski/ (duskier , duskiest )

1 ADJ Dusky means rather dark. [LITERARY ] □� He was walking down the road one dusky Friday evening.

2 ADJ A dusky colour is soft rather than bright. [LITERARY ] □� �dusky pink carpet.

dust ◆◇◇ /dʌ st/ (dusts , dusting , dusted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dust is very small dry particles of earth or sand. □� Tanks raise huge trails of dust when they move.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Dust is the very small pieces of dirt which you find inside buildings, for example on furniture, floors, or lights. □� I could see a thick layer of dust on the stairs.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] Dust is a fine powder which consists of very small particles of a substance such as gold, wood, or coal. □� The air is so black with diesel fumes and coal dust, I can barely see.

4 VERB When you dust something such as furniture, you remove dust from it, usually using a cloth. □�[V n] I vacuumed and dusted the living room. □�[V ] She dusted, she cleaned, and she did the washing-up. ●� dust|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� I'm very fortunate in that I don't have to do the washing-up or the dusting.

5 VERB If you dust something with a fine substance such as powder or if you dust a fine substance onto something, you cover it lightly with that substance. □�[V n prep/adv] Lightly dust the fish with flour. □�[V adv/prep] Dry your feet well and then dust between the toes with baby powder.

6 PHRASE If you say that something has bitten the dust , you are emphasizing that it no longer exists or that it has failed. [HUMOROUS , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� In the last 30 years many cherished values have bitten the dust.

7 PHRASE If you say that something will happen when the dust settles , you mean that a situation will be clearer after it has calmed down. If you let the dust settle before doing something, you let a situation calm down before you try to do anything else. [INFORMAL ] □� Once the dust had settled Beck defended his decision.

8 PHRASE If you say that something is gathering dust , you mean that it has been left somewhere and nobody is using it or doing anything with it. □� Many of the machines are gathering dust in basements.

▸� dust off in BRIT, also use dust down1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone dusts something off or dusts it down , you mean they are using an old idea or method, rather than trying something new. □�[V P n] Critics dusted down the superlatives they had applied to the first three films. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone has dustedhimself or herselfoff or dustedhimself or herselfdown , you mean that they have managed to recover from a severe problem which has affected their life. □�[V pron-refl P ] She dusted herself down and left to build her own career.

dust|bin /dʌ stb I n/ (dustbins ) N‑COUNT A dustbin is a large container with a lid which people put their rubbish in and which is usually kept outside their house. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use garbage can

dust|cart /dʌ stkɑː r t/ (dustcarts ) N‑COUNT A dustcart is a truck which collects the rubbish from the dustbins outside people's houses. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use garbage truck

dust|er /dʌ stə r / (dusters )

1 N‑COUNT A duster is a cloth which you use for removing dust from furniture, ornaments, or other objects.

2 →�see also feather duster

du st jack|et (dust jackets ) also dust-jacket N‑COUNT A dust jacket is a loose paper cover which is put on a book to protect it. It often contains information about the book and its author.

dust|man /dʌ stmən/ (dustmen ) N‑COUNT A dustman is a person whose job is to empty the rubbish from people's dustbins and take it away to be disposed of. [BRIT ] in AM, use garbage man

du st mite (dust mites ) N‑COUNT Dust mites are very small creatures that cause allergies. □� It�s not easy to remove the dust mites from soft toys.

dust|pan /dʌ stp�n/ (dustpans ) N‑COUNT A dustpan is a small flat container made of metal or plastic. You hold it flat on the floor and put dirt and dust into it using a brush.

du st sheet (dust sheets ) also dustsheet N‑COUNT A dust sheet is a large cloth which is used to cover objects such as furniture in order to protect them from dust.

du st storm (dust storms ) N‑COUNT A dust storm is a storm in which strong winds carry a lot of dust.

du st-up (dust-ups ) N‑COUNT A dust-up is a quarrel that often involves some fighting. [INFORMAL ] □� He's now facing suspension after a dust-up with the referee.

dusty /dʌ sti/ (dustier , dustiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If places, roads, or other things outside are dusty , they are covered with tiny bits of earth or sand, usually because it has not rained for a long time. □� They started strolling down the dusty road in the moonlight.

2 ADJ If a room, house, or object is dusty , it is covered with very small pieces of dirt. □� �a dusty attic.

Dutch /dʌ tʃ/

1 ADJ Dutch means relating to or belonging to the Netherlands, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑PLURAL The Dutch are the people of the Netherlands.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Dutch is the language spoken in the Netherlands.

Du tch cou r|age N‑UNCOUNT Dutch courage is the courage that you get by drinking alcoholic drinks. [INFORMAL ]

Dutch|man /dʌ tʃmən/ (Dutchmen ) N‑COUNT A Dutchman is a man who is a native of the Netherlands.

du|ti|ful /djuː t I fʊl, [AM ] duː -/ ADJ If you say that someone is dutiful , you mean that they do everything that they are expected to do. □� The days of the dutiful wife, who sacrifices her career for her husband, are over. ●� du|ti|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The inspector dutifully recorded the date in a large red book.

duty ◆◆◇ /djuː ti, [AM ] duː ti/ (duties )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Duty is work that you have to do for your job. □� Staff must report for duty at their normal place of work. □� My duty is to look after the animals.

2 N‑PLURAL Your duties are tasks which you have to do because they are part of your job. □� I carried out my duties conscientiously.

3 N‑SING [oft with poss] If you say that something is your duty , you believe that you ought to do it because it is your responsibility. □� I consider it my duty to write to you and thank you.

4 N‑VAR Duties are taxes which you pay to the government on goods that you buy. □� Import duties still average 30%. □� �customs duties.

5 PHRASE If someone such as a police officer or a nurse is off duty , they are not working. If someone is on duty , they are working. □� I'm off duty. □� Extra staff had been put on duty. COLLOCATIONS duty NOUN

2

adjective +�duty : heavy, light, onerous; day-to-day, normal

verb +�duty : carry out, discharge, perform

4

noun +�duty : customs, excise, import

verb +�duty : owe, pay

du ty-bou nd also duty bound ADJ If you say you are duty-bound to do something, you are emphasizing that you feel it is your duty to do it. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I felt duty bound to help.

du ty-free ADJ Duty-free goods are sold at airports or on planes or ships at a cheaper price than usual because you do not have to pay import tax on them. □� �duty-free perfume.

du ty-free shop (duty-free shops ) N‑COUNT A duty-free shop is a shop, for example at an airport, where you can buy goods at a cheaper price than usual, because no tax is paid on them.

du|vet /duː ve I , [AM ] duːve I / (duvets ) N‑COUNT A duvet is a large cover filled with feathers or similar material which you put over yourself in bed instead of a sheet and blankets. [BRIT ] in AM, use comforter

DVD /diː viː diː / (DVDs ) N‑COUNT A DVD is a disc on which a film or music is recorded. DVD discs are similar to compact discs but hold a lot more information. DVD is an abbreviation for 'digital video disc' or 'digital versatile disc'. □� �a DVD player.

D VD burn|er (DVD burners ) N‑COUNT A DVD burner is a piece of computer equipment that you use for copying data from a computer onto a DVD. [COMPUTING ]

DVD-R /diː viː diː ɑː r / (DVD-Rs ) N‑COUNT A DVD-R is a DVD which is capable of recording sound and images, for example from another DVD or from the internet. DVD-R is an abbreviation for 'digital video disc recordable' or 'digital versatile disc recordable'.

DVD-RW /diː viː diː ɑː r dʌ b ə ljuː/ (DVD-RWs ) N‑COUNT A DVD-RW is a DVD which is capable of recording sound and images, for example from another DVD or from the internet. DVD-RW is an abbreviation for 'digital video disc rewritable' or 'digital versatile disc rewritable'.

D VD writ|er (DVD writers ) N‑COUNT A DVD writer is the same as a DVD burner . [COMPUTING ]

DVT /diː viː tiː / (DVTs ) N‑VAR DVT is a serious medical condition caused by blood clots in the legs moving up to the lungs. DVT is an abbreviation for 'deep vein thrombosis'. [MEDICAL ]

dwarf /dwɔː r f/ (dwarfs or dwarves , dwarfs , dwarfing , dwarfed )

1 VERB If one person or thing is dwarfed by another, the second is so much bigger than the first that it makes them look very small. □�[be V -ed] His figure is dwarfed by the huge red McDonald's sign. □�[V n] The U.S. air travel market dwarfs that of Britain.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Dwarf is used to describe varieties or species of plants and animals which are much smaller than the usual size for their kind. □� �dwarf shrubs.

3 N‑COUNT In children's stories, a dwarf is an imaginary creature that is like a small man. Dwarfs often have magical powers.

4 N‑COUNT In former times, people who were much smaller than normal were called dwarfs . [OFFENSIVE , OLD-FASHIONED ]

dwa rf pla n|et (dwarf planets ) N‑COUNT A dwarf planet is an object in space that is like a small planet but does not completely fit the technical description of a planet. □� Pluto, Eris and the largest asteroid, Ceres, are all dwarf planets.

dweeb /dwiː b/ (dweebs ) N‑COUNT If you call someone, especially a man or a boy, a dweeb , you are saying in a rather unkind way that you think they are stupid and weak. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

dwell /dwe l/ (dwells , dwelling , dwelt or dwelled )

1 VERB If you dwellon something, especially something unpleasant, you think, speak, or write about it a lot or for quite a long time. □�[V +�on/upon ] I'd rather not dwell on the past.

2 VERB If you dwell somewhere, you live there. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] They are concerned for the fate of the forest and the Indians who dwell in it.

3 →�see also dwelling

dwell|er /dwe lə r / (dwellers ) N‑COUNT A city dweller or slum dweller , for example, is a person who lives in the kind of place or house indicated. □� The number of city dwellers is growing.

dwell|ing /dwe l I ŋ/ (dwellings ) N‑COUNT A dwelling or a dwelling place is a place where someone lives. [FORMAL ] □� Some 3,500 new dwellings are planned for the area.

dwelt /dwe lt/ Dwelt is the past tense and past participle of dwell .

dwin|dle /dw I nd ə l/ (dwindles , dwindling , dwindled ) VERB If something dwindles , it becomes smaller, weaker, or less in number. □�[V ] The factory's workforce has dwindled from over 4,000 to a few hundred. □�[V -ing] He is struggling to come to terms with his dwindling authority.

dye /da I / (dyes , dyeing , dyed )

1 VERB If you dye something such as hair or cloth, you change its colour by soaking it in a special liquid. □�[V n] The women prepared, spun and dyed the wool.

2 N‑VAR Dye is a substance made from plants or chemicals which is mixed into a liquid and used to change the colour of something such as cloth or hair. □� �bottles of hair dye.

dy ed-in-the-woo l ADJ [ADJ n] If you use dyed-in-the-wool to describe someone or their beliefs, you are saying that they have very strong opinions about something, which they refuse to change. □� �a dyed-in-the-wool conservative.

dy|ing /da I I ŋ/

1Dying is the present participle of die .

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A dying person or animal is very ill and likely to die soon. □� �a dying man. ●�N‑PLURAL The dying are people who are dying. □� The dead and the dying were everywhere.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use dying to describe something which happens at the time when someone dies, or is connected with that time. □� It'll stay in my mind till my dying day.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] The dying days or dying minutes of a state of affairs or an activity are its last days or minutes. □� The islands were seized by the Soviet army in the dying days of the second world war.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A dying tradition or industry is becoming less important and is likely to disappear completely. □� Shipbuilding is a dying business.

dyke /da I k/ (dykes ) The spelling dike is also used, especially for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT A dyke is a thick wall that is built to stop water flooding onto very low-lying land from a river or from the sea.

2 N‑COUNT A dyke is a lesbian. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE ]

dy|nam|ic /da I n� m I k/ (dynamics )

1 ADJ If you describe someone as dynamic , you approve of them because they are full of energy or full of new and exciting ideas. [APPROVAL ] □� He seemed a dynamic and energetic leader. ●� dy|nami|cal|ly /da I n� m I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� He's one of the most dynamically imaginative jazz pianists still functioning.

2 ADJ If you describe something as dynamic , you approve of it because it is very active and energetic. [APPROVAL ] □� South Asia continues to be the most dynamic economic region in the world.

3 ADJ A dynamic process is one that constantly changes and progresses. □� �a dynamic, evolving worldwide epidemic. ●� dy|nami|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� Germany has a dynamically growing market at home.

4 N‑COUNT The dynamic of a system or process is the force that causes it to change or progress. □� The dynamic of the market demands constant change and adjustment.

5 N‑PLURAL The dynamics of a situation or group of people are the opposing forces within it that cause it to change. □� �the dynamics of the social system.

6 N‑UNCOUNT Dynamics are forces which produce power or movement. [TECHNICAL ]

7 N‑UNCOUNT Dynamics is the scientific study of motion, energy, and forces.

dy|na|mism /da I nəm I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something has dynamism , you are expressing approval of the fact that they are full of energy or full of new and exciting ideas. [APPROVAL ] □� �a situation that calls for dynamism and new thinking.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the dynamism of a situation or system, you are referring to the fact that it is changing in an exciting and dramatic way. [APPROVAL ] □� Such changes are indicators of economic dynamism.

dy|na|mite /da I nəma I t/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Dynamite is a type of explosive that contains nitroglycerin. □� Fifty yards of track was blown up with dynamite.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe a piece of information as dynamite , you think that people will react strongly to it. [INFORMAL ] □� Her diaries are political dynamite.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone or something as dynamite , you think that they are exciting. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� The first kiss is dynamite.

dy|na|mo /da I nəmoʊ/ (dynamos ) N‑COUNT A dynamo is a device that uses the movement of a machine or vehicle to produce electricity.

dy|nas|tic /d I n� st I k, [AM ] dain-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dynastic means typical of or relating to a dynasty. □� �dynastic rule.

dyn|as|ty /d I nəsti, [AM ] da I n-/ (dynasties )

1 N‑COUNT A dynasty is a series of rulers of a country who all belong to the same family. □� The Seljuk dynasty of Syria was founded in 1094.

2 N‑COUNT A dynasty is a period of time during which a country is ruled by members of the same family. □� �carvings dating back to the Ming dynasty.

3 N‑COUNT A dynasty is a family which has members from two or more generations who are important in a particular field of activity, for example in business or politics. □� �the Kennedy dynasty.

d'you /djuː, dʒuː/ D'you is a shortened form of 'do you' or 'did you', used in spoken English. □� What d'you say?

dys|en|tery /d I s ə ntri, [AM ] -teri/ N‑UNCOUNT Dysentery is an infection in a person's intestines that causes them to pass a lot of waste, in which blood and mucus are mixed with the person's faeces.

dys|func|tion /d I sfʌ ŋkʃən/ (dysfunctions )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a dysfunction in something such as a relationship or someone's behaviour, you mean that it is different from what is considered to be normal. [FORMAL ] □� �his severe emotional dysfunction was very clearly apparent.

2 N‑VAR If someone has a physical dysfunction , part of their body is not working properly. [MEDICAL ] □� �kidney and liver dysfunction.

dys|func|tion|al /d I sfʌ ŋkʃənəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dysfunctional is used to describe relationships or behaviour which are different from what is considered to be normal. [FORMAL ] □� �the characteristics that typically occur in a dysfunctional family.

dys|lexia /d I sle ksiə/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone suffers from dyslexia , they have difficulty with reading because of a slight disorder of their brain. [TECHNICAL ]

dys|lex|ic /d I sle ks I k/ ADJ If someone is dyslexic , they have difficulty with reading because of a slight disorder of their brain. [TECHNICAL ]

dys|pep|sia /d I spe psiə, [AM ] -ʃə/ N‑UNCOUNT Dyspepsia is the same as indigestion . [MEDICAL ]

dys|tro|phy /d I strəfi/ →�see muscular dystrophy

Ee

E , e /iː / (E's, e's )

1 N‑VAR E is the fifth letter of the English alphabet.

2 N‑VAR E is the drug ecstasy, or a tablet of ecstasy. [INFORMAL ]

PREFIX e-

is used to form words that indicate that something happens on or uses the internet. e- is an abbreviation for 'electronic'. For example, an e-book is an electronic book that you can read on a mobile device such as a tablet.

each ◆◆◆ /iː tʃ/

1 DET If you refer to each thing or each person in a group, you are referring to every member of the group and considering them as individuals. □� Each book is beautifully illustrated. □� Each year, hundreds of animals are killed in this way. □� Blend in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. ●�PRON Each is also a pronoun. □� �two bedrooms, each with three beds. □� She began to consult doctors, and each had a different diagnosis. ●�PRON Each is also an emphasizing pronoun. □� We each have different needs and interests. ●�ADV Each is also an adverb. □� The children were given one each, handed to them or placed on their plates. □� They were selling tickets at six pounds each. ●�QUANT Each is also a quantifier. □� He handed each of them a page of photos. □� Each of these exercises takes one or two minutes to do. □� There are three main types of cloud, each of which has many variations.

2 QUANT If you refer to each oneof the members of a group, you are emphasizing that something applies to every one of them. [EMPHASIS ] □� He picked up forty of these publications and read each one of them.

3 PHRASE You can refer to each and every member of a group to emphasize that you mean all the members of that group. [EMPHASIS ] □� Each and every person responsible for his murder will be brought to justice. □� They can't destroy truth without destroying each and every one of us.

4 PRON You use each other when you are saying that each member of a group does something to the others or has a particular connection with the others. □� We looked at each other in silence. □� Both sides are willing to make allowances for each other's political sensitivities. □� Uncle Paul and I hardly know each other.

ea ch wa y

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you bet money each way on the result of a horse race or a dog race, you will win some money if the animal you bet on comes first, second, third, or sometimes fourth. [BRIT ] □� In the last race I put �20 each way on two outsiders. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Each way is also an adjective □� �a $10,000 each way bet on Minnehoma at 33-1.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that something is a good each way bet, you mean that you think it is a good thing to support or invest in because it is unlikely to fail. [BRIT ] □� Large overseas-based trusts are an excellent each way bet. □� �a good each way investment.

eager ◆◇◇ /iː gə r /

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are eagerto do or have something, you want to do or have it very much. □� Robert was eager to talk about life in the Army. □�[+�for ] When my own son was five years old, I became eager for another baby. □� The low prices still pull in crowds of eager buyers. ●� eager|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �an eagerness to learn.

2 ADJ If you look or sound eager , you look or sound as if you expect something interesting or enjoyable to happen. □� Arty sneered at the crowd of eager faces around him. □� Her voice was girlish and eager. ●� eager|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'So what do you think will happen?' he asked eagerly. ●� eager|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �a woman speaking with breathless eagerness. SYNONYMS eager ADJ 1

anxious:He is anxious that there should be no delay.

keen:She's still keen to keep in touch.

impatient:He was impatient to get home.

raring:Sarah's here and raring to meet you.

eagle /iː g ə l/ (eagles )

1 N‑COUNT An eagle is a large bird that lives by eating small animals.

2 PHRASE [usu with poss] If you talk about a person's eagle eye , you mean that they are watching someone or something carefully or are very good at noticing things. □� He did the work under the eagle eye of his teacher. □� The Captain's eagle eye swept the room.

ea gle-eyed ADJ If you describe someone as eagle-eyed , you mean that they watch things very carefully and seem to notice everything. □� She makes a brief appearance that only eagle-eyed viewers will spot.

ear ◆◇◇ / I ə r / (ears )

1 N‑COUNT Your ears are the two parts of your body, one on each side of your head, with which you hear sounds. □� He whispered something in her ear. □� I'm having my ears pierced.

2 N‑SING If you have anearfor music or language, you are able to hear its sounds accurately and to interpret them or reproduce them well. □�[+�for ] Moby certainly has a fine ear for a tune. □�[+�for ] An ear for foreign languages is advantageous.

3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] Ear is often used to refer to people's willingness to listen to what someone is saying. □� What would cause the masses to give him a far more sympathetic ear? □� They had shut their eyes and ears to everything.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The ears of a cereal plant such as wheat or barley are the parts at the top of the stem, which contain the seeds or grains.

5 PHRASE If someone says that they are all ears , they mean that they are ready and eager to listen. [INFORMAL ]

6 PHRASE If a request falls on deaf ears or if the person to whom the request is made turns a deaf earto it, they take no notice of it. □� I hope that our appeals will not fall on deaf ears. □� He has turned a resolutely deaf ear to American demands for action.

7 PHRASE If you keep or have your ear to the ground , you make sure that you find out about the things that people are doing or saying. □� Jobs in manufacturing are relatively scarce but I keep my ear to the ground.

8 PHRASE If you lend an ear to someone or their problems, you listen to them carefully and sympathetically. □� They are always willing to lend an ear and offer what advice they can.

9 PHRASE If you say that something goes in one ear and out the other , you mean that someone pays no attention to it, or forgets about it immediately. □� That rubbish goes in one ear and out the other.

10 PHRASE If someone says that you will be out on your ear , they mean that you will be forced to leave a job, an organization or a place suddenly. [INFORMAL ] □� We never objected. We'd have been out on our ears looking for another job if we had.

11 PHRASE If you play by ear or play a piece of music by ear , you play music by relying on your memory rather than by reading printed music. □� Neil played, by ear, the music he'd heard his older sister practising.

12 PHRASE If you play it by ear , you decide what to say or do in a situation by responding to events rather than by following a plan which you have decided on in advance.

13 PHRASE If you are up to your earsin something, it is taking up all of your time, attention, or resources. □� He was desperate. He was in debt up to his ears.

14music to your ears →�see music

15wet behind the ears →�see wet

ear|ache / I ə re I k/ (earaches ) N‑VAR Earache is a pain in the inside part of your ear.

ea r ca|nal (ear canals ) N‑COUNT Your ear canal is the tube that opens in your outer ear and leads inside your ear. □� Hearing can be affected by ear wax blocking the ear canal.

ear|drum / I ə r drʌm/ (eardrums ) also ear drum N‑COUNT Your eardrums are the thin pieces of tightly stretched skin inside each ear, which vibrate when sound waves reach them.

ear|ful / I ə r fʊl/ N‑SING If you say that you got an earful , you mean that someone spoke angrily to you for quite a long time. [INFORMAL ] □� I bet Sue gave you an earful when you got home.

earl /ɜː r l/ (earls ) N‑COUNT An earl is a British nobleman. □� �the first Earl of Birkenhead.

earl|dom /ɜː r ldəm/ (earldoms ) N‑COUNT An earldom is the rank or title of an earl.

ear|li|er ◆◆◇ /ɜː r liə r /

1Earlier is the comparative of early .

2 ADV [ADV with v] Earlier is used to refer to a point or period in time before the present or before the one you are talking about. □� As mentioned earlier, the University supplements this information with an interview. □� Earlier, it had been hoped to use the indoor track. □� �political reforms announced by the President earlier this year. □� Many years earlier, Grundy had given The Beatles their first television break. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Earlier is also an adjective. □� Earlier reports of gunshots have not been substantiated.

ear|li|est /ɜː r li I st/

1Earliest is the superlative of early .

2 PHRASE At the earliest means not before the date or time mentioned. □� The first official results are not expected until Tuesday at the earliest.

ear|lobe / I ə r loʊb/ (earlobes ) also ear lobe N‑COUNT Your earlobes are the soft parts at the bottom of your ears.

ear|ly ◆◆◆ /ɜː r li/ (earlier , earliest )

1 ADV [ADV after v] Early means before the usual time that a particular event or activity happens. □� I knew I had to get up early. □� Why do we have to go to bed so early? ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Early is also an adjective. □� I decided that I was going to take early retirement. □� I planned an early night.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Early means near the beginning of a day, week, year, or other period of time. □� �in the 1970s and the early 1980s. □� �a few weeks in early summer. □� She was in her early teens. □� �the early hours of Saturday morning. ●�ADV Early is also an adverb. □� We'll hope to see you some time early next week. □� �early in the season.

3 ADV [ADV after v] Early means before the time that was arranged or expected. □� She arrived early to secure a place at the front. □� The first snow came a month earlier than usual. ●�ADJ Early is also an adjective. □� I'm always early.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Early means near the beginning of a period in history, or in the history of something such as the world, a society, or an activity. □� �the early stages of pregnancy. □� �Fassbinder's early films. □� It's too early to declare his efforts a success.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Early means near the beginning of something such as a piece of work or a process. □� �the book's early chapters. ●�ADV Early is also an adverb. □� �an incident which occurred much earlier in the game.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Early refers to plants which flower or crop before or at the beginning of the main season. □� �these early cabbages and cauliflowers. ●�ADV [ADV with v] Early is also an adverb. □� �early flowering shrubs.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Early reports or indications of something are the first reports or indications about it. [FORMAL ] □� The early indications look encouraging.

8 PHRASE You can use as early as to emphasize that a particular time or period is surprisingly early. [EMPHASIS ] □� Inflation could fall back into single figures as early as this month.

9 PHRASE If you say about something that might be true that it is early days , you mean that it is too soon for you to be completely sure about it. [INFORMAL ]

ea r|ly bi rd (early birds )

1 N‑COUNT An early bird is someone who does something or goes somewhere very early, especially very early in the morning. □� We've always been early birds, getting up at 5.30 or 6am.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An early bird deal or offer is one that is available at a reduced price, but which you must buy earlier than you would normally do. □� Early bird discounts are usually available at the beginning of the season.

ea r|ly wa rn|ing also early-warning ADJ [ADJ n] An early warning system warns people that something bad is likely to happen, for example that a machine is about to stop working, or that a country is being attacked.

ear|mark / I ə r mɑː r k/ (earmarks , earmarking , earmarked )

1 VERB If resources such as money are earmarkedfor a particular purpose, they are reserved for that purpose. □�[be V -ed +�for ] �the extra money being earmarked for the new projects. □�[V n +�for ] The education department has earmarked �6m for the new school. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Billions of dollars were earmarked to develop the country's infrastructure.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something has been earmarkedfor closure or disposal, for example, people have decided that it will be closed or got rid of. □�[be V -ed +�for ] Their support meant that he was not forced to sell the business which was earmarked for disposal last year.

ear|muffs / I ə r mʌfs/ also ear muffs N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Earmuffs consist of two thick soft pieces of cloth joined by a band, which you wear over your ears to protect them from the cold or from loud noise.

earn ◆◆◇ /ɜː r n/ (earns , earning , earned )

1 VERB If you earn money, you receive money in return for work that you do. □�[V n] What a lovely way to earn a living.

2 VERB If something earns money, it produces money as profit or interest. □�[V n] �a current account which earns little or no interest.

3 VERB If you earn something such as praise, you get it because you deserve it. □�[V n] Companies must earn a reputation for honesty. □�[V n n] I think that's earned him very high admiration. COLLOCATIONS earn VERB

1

earn+�noun : income, living, salary, wage

3

earn+�noun : praise, reputation, respect, right; victory

earn+�adverb : deservedly, rightly SYNONYMS earn VERB 1

get:They get a salary of $21,000 a year.

make:How much did we make?

be paid:Students were paid substantial sums of money to lie in bed all day.

bring in:I have a part-time job, which brings in about �14,000 a year.

earn|er /ɜː r nə r / (earners ) N‑COUNT An earner is someone or something that earns money or produces profit. □� �a typical wage earner. □� Sugar is Fiji's second biggest export earner.

ear|nest /ɜː r n I st/

1 PHRASE If something is done or happens in earnest , it happens to a much greater extent and more seriously than before. □� Campaigning will begin in earnest tomorrow.

2 ADJ Earnest people are very serious and sincere in what they say or do, because they think that their actions and beliefs are important. □� Ella was a pious, earnest woman. ●� ear|nest|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He was admired by many for his earnestness.

3 PHRASE If you are in earnest , you are sincere in what you are doing and saying. □� No one could tell whether he was in earnest or in jest.

ear|nest|ly /ɜː r n I stli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you say something earnestly , you say it very seriously, often because you believe that it is important or you are trying to persuade someone else to believe it. □� 'Did you?' she asked earnestly.

2 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you do something earnestly , you do it in a thorough and serious way, intending to succeed. □� She always listened earnestly as if this might help her to understand.

3 ADV [ADV before v] If you earnestly hope or wish for something, you hope or wish strongly and sincerely for it. □� I earnestly hope what I learned will serve me well in my new job.

earn|ings ◆◇◇ /ɜː r n I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Your earnings are the sums of money that you earn by working. □� Average weekly earnings rose by 1.5% in July. SYNONYMS earnings NOUN

income:Over a third of their income comes from comedy shows.

pay:�their complaints about their pay and conditions.

wages:His wages have gone up.

salary:The lawyer was paid a huge salary.

takings:The pub said that their takings were fifteen to twenty thousand pounds a week.

ea rnings-rela ted ADJ [usu ADJ n] An earnings-related payment or benefit provides higher or lower payments according to the amount a person was earning while working. [BRIT ]

ear|phone / I ə r foʊn/ (earphones ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Earphones are a small piece of equipment which you wear over or inside your ears so that you can listen to music, the radio, or your phone without anyone else hearing.

ear|piece / I ə r piːs/ (earpieces ) N‑COUNT The earpiece of a telephone receiver, hearing aid, or other device is the part that you hold up to your ear or put into your ear.

ear|plug / I ə r plʌg/ (earplugs ) also ear plug N‑COUNT [usu pl] Earplugs are small pieces of a soft material which you put into your ears to keep out noise, water, or cold air.

ear|ring / I ə r I ŋ/ (earrings ) N‑COUNT Earrings are pieces of jewellery which you attach to your ears.

ear|shot / I ə r ʃɒt/ PHRASE If you are within earshotof someone or something, you are close enough to be able to hear them. If you are out of earshot , you are too far away to hear them. □�[+�of ] It is within earshot of a main road. □� Mark was out of earshot, walking ahead of them.

ea r-splitting ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ear-splitting noise is very loud. □� �ear-splitting screams.

earth ◆◆◇ /ɜː r θ/

1 N‑PROPER Earth or the Earth is the planet on which we live. People usually say Earth when they are referring to the planet as part of the universe, and the Earth when they are talking about the planet as the place where we live. □� The space shuttle returned safely to Earth. □� �a fault in the Earth's crust.

2 N‑SING The earth is the land surface on which we live and move about. □� The earth shook and the walls of neighbouring houses fell around them.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Earth is the substance on the land surface of the earth, for example clay or sand, in which plants grow. □� The road winds for miles through parched earth, scrub and cactus.

4 N‑SING The earth in an electric plug or piece of electrical equipment is the wire through which electricity can pass into the ground, which makes the equipment safe if something goes wrong with it. [BRIT ] □� The earth wire was not connected. in AM, use ground ●� earthed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� Light fittings with metal parts should always be earthed.

5 →�see also down-to-earth

6 PHRASE On earth is used for emphasis in questions that begin with words such as 'how', 'why', 'what', or 'where'. It is often used to suggest that there is no obvious or easy answer to the question being asked. [EMPHASIS ] □� How on earth did that happen? □� What on earth had Luke done?

7 PHRASE [with neg] On earth is used for emphasis after some negative noun groups, for example 'no reason'. [EMPHASIS ] □� There was no reason on earth why she couldn't have moved in with us. □� There is no feeling on earth like winning for the first time.

8 PHRASE On earth is used for emphasis after a noun group that contains a superlative adjective. [EMPHASIS ] □� He wanted to be the fastest man on earth.

9 PHRASE If you come down to earth or back to earth , you have to face the reality of everyday life after a period of great excitement. □� When he came down to earth after his win he admitted: 'It was an amazing feeling'.

10 PHRASE If you say that something cost the earth or that you paid the earth for it, you are emphasizing that it cost a very large amount of money. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� It must have cost the earth.

11hell on earth →�see hell SYNONYMS earth NOUN

1

globe:70% of our globe's surface is water.

world:It's a beautiful part of the world.

3

soil:We have the most fertile soil in Europe.

mud:Their lorry got stuck in the mud.

dirt:They all sit on the dirt in the dappled shade of a tree.

earth|bound /ɜː r θbaʊnd/ ADJ If something is earthbound , it is unable to fly, or is on the ground rather than in the air or in space. □� �earthbound telescopes.

earth|en /ɜː r � ə n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Earthen containers and objects are made of clay that is baked so that it becomes hard.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An earthen floor, bank, or mound is made of hard earth.

earthen|ware /ɜː r � ə nweə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Earthenware bowls, pots, or other objects are made of clay that is baked so that it becomes hard. □� �earthenware pots.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Earthenware objects are referred to as earthenware . □� �colourful Italian china and earthenware.

earth|ling /ɜː r θl I ŋ/ (earthlings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Earthling is used in science fiction to refer to human beings who live on the planet Earth.

earth|ly /ɜː r θli/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Earthly means happening in the material world of our life on Earth and not in any spiritual life or life after death. □� �the need to confront evil during the earthly life.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Earthly is used for emphasis in phrases such as no earthly reason . If you say that there is no earthly reasonwhy something should happen, you are emphasizing that there is no reason at all why it should happen. [EMPHASIS ] □� There is no earthly reason why they should ever change.

ea rth-moving also earthmoving ADJ [ADJ n] Earth-moving equipment is machinery that is used for digging and moving large amounts of soil. □� The earth-moving trucks and cement mixers lay idle.

earth|quake /ɜː r θkwe I k/ (earthquakes ) N‑COUNT An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by movement of the Earth's crust.

ea rth-shattering ADJ Something that is earth-shattering is very surprising or shocking. □� �earth-shattering news.

earth|work /ɜː r θwɜː r k/ (earthworks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Earthworks are large structures of earth that have been built for defence, especially ones which were built a very long time ago.

earth|worm /ɜː r θwɜː r m/ (earthworms ) N‑COUNT An earthworm is a kind of worm which lives in the ground.

earthy /ɜː r θi/ (earthier , earthiest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone as earthy , you mean that they are open and direct, and talk about subjects which other people avoid or feel ashamed about. [APPROVAL ] □� �his extremely earthy humour. ●� earthi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He loved Gerard's peasant earthiness.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as earthy , you mean it looks, smells, or feels like earth. □� I'm attracted to warm, earthy colours.

ear|wig / I ə r w I g/ (earwigs ) N‑COUNT An earwig is a small, thin, brown insect that has a pair of claws at the back end of its body. WORD HISTORY earwig

Earwig comes from Old English earwicga , meaning 'ear insect'. It was once believed that earwigs would creep into people's ears.

ease ◆◇◇ /iː z/ (eases , easing , eased )

1 PHRASE If you do something with ease , you do it easily, without difficulty or effort. □� �the ease with which young people could find work.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the ease of a particular activity, you are referring to the way that it has been made easier to do, or to the fact that it is already easy to do. □�[+�of ] For ease of reference, only the relevant extracts of the regulations are included.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Ease is the state of being very comfortable and able to live as you want, without any worries or problems. □� She lived a life of ease.

4 VERB If something unpleasant eases or if you ease it, it is reduced in degree, speed, or intensity. □�[V ] Tensions had eased. □�[V n] I gave him some brandy to ease the pain. □�[V -ing] �editorials calling for the easing of sanctions.

5 VERB If you ease your way somewhere or ease somewhere, you move there slowly, carefully, and gently. If you ease something somewhere, you move it there slowly, carefully, and gently. □�[V n prep/adv] I eased my way towards the door. □�[V prep/adv] She eased back into the chair and nodded. □�[V n prep/adv] He eased his foot off the accelerator. □�[V pron-refl adv/prep] Leaphorn eased himself silently upward. □�[V n with adj] I eased open the door.

6 PHRASE If you are at ease , you are feeling confident and relaxed, and are able to talk to people without feeling nervous or anxious. If you put someone at their ease , you make them feel at ease. □� It is essential to feel at ease with your therapist. □� Both men were unwelcoming, making little attempt to put Kathryn or her companions at their ease.

7 PHRASE If you are ill at ease , you feel rather uncomfortable, anxious, or worried. □�[+�with ] He appeared embarrassed and ill at ease with the sustained applause that greeted him.

▸� ease off PHRASAL VERB If something eases off , or a person or thing eases it off , it is reduced in degree, speed, or intensity. □�[V P ] These days, the pressure has eased off. □�[V P n] Kelly eased off his pace as they reached the elevator. [Also V n P ]

▸� ease up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something eases up , it is reduced in degree, speed, or intensity. □�[V P ] The rain had eased up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you ease up , you start to make less effort. □�[V P ] He told supporters not to ease up even though he's leading in the presidential race.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you ease upon someone or something, your behaviour or attitude towards them becomes less severe or strict. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�on ] Officials have eased up on the press restrictions. COLLOCATIONS ease NOUN 2

adjective +�ease : apparent, comparative, consummate, relative VERB

4

ease+�noun : burden, congestion, pain, pressure

noun +�ease : pain, tension; rain

ease+�adverb : gradually, slightly, somewhat

5

ease+�adverb : gently, slowly

easel /iː z ə l/ (easels ) N‑COUNT An easel is a wooden frame that supports a picture which an artist is painting or drawing.

easi|ly ◆◇◇ /iː z I li/

1 ADV [oft ADV n/adj] You use easily to emphasize that something is very likely to happen, or is very likely to be true. [EMPHASIS ] □� It could easily be another year before the economy starts to show some improvement.

2 ADV [ADV after v] You use easily to say that something happens more quickly or more often than is usual or normal. □� He had always cried very easily.

3 →�see also easy

east ◆◆◆ /iː st/ also East

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Theeast is the direction which you look towards in the morning in order to see the sun rise. □�[+�of ] �the vast swamps which lie to the east of the River Nile. □� The principal range runs east to west.

2 N‑SING Theeastof a place, country, or region is the part which is in the east. □�[+�of ] �a village in the east of the country.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go east , you travel towards the east. □� To drive, go east on Route 9.

4 ADV Something that is eastof a place is positioned to the east of it. □�[+�of ] �just east of the center of town.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The east edge, corner, or part of a place or country is the part which is towards the east. □� �a low line of hills running along the east coast.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] East is used in the names of some countries, states, and regions in the east of a larger area □� He had been on safari in East Africa with his son.

7 ADJ An east wind is a wind that blows from the east.

8 N‑SING The East is used to refer to the southern and eastern part of Asia, including India, China, and Japan. □� Every so often, a new martial art arrives from the East.

9 →�see also Far East , Middle East

east|bound /iː stbaʊnd/ ADJ [ADJ n] Eastbound roads or vehicles lead to or are travelling towards the east. [FORMAL ] □� He caught an eastbound train to Tottenham Court Road.

East|er /iː stə r / (Easters ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Easter is a Christian festival when Jesus Christ's return to life is celebrated. It is celebrated on a Sunday in March or April. □� 'Happy Easter,' he yelled. □� �the first Easter morning.

E a st|er egg (Easter eggs ) N‑COUNT An Easter egg is an egg made of chocolate that is given as a present at Easter. In some countries, Easter eggs are hidden and children then look for them.

east|er|ly /iː stə r li/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An easterly point, area, or direction is to the east or towards the east. □� He progressed slowly along the coast in an easterly direction.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An easterly wind is a wind that blows from the east. □� �the cold easterly winds from Scandinavia.

east|ern ◆◆◇ /iː stə r n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Eastern means in or from the east of a region, state, or country. □� �Eastern Europe. □� �France's eastern border with Germany.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Eastern means coming from or associated with the people or countries of the East, such as India, China, or Japan. □� In many Eastern countries massage was and is a part of everyday life.

3 →�see also Middle Eastern

east|ern|er /iː stə r nə r / (easterners ) N‑COUNT An easterner is a person who was born in or who lives in the eastern part of a place or country, especially an American from the East Coast of the USA. [mainly AM ]

east|ern|most /iː stə r nmoʊst/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] The easternmost part of an area or the easternmost place is the one that is farthest towards the east. [FORMAL ]

E a st|er Su n|day N‑UNCOUNT Easter Sunday is the Sunday in March or April when Easter is celebrated.

E a st Ge r|man (East Germans ) ADJ East German means relating to or belonging to the former German Democratic Republic, or to its people, language, or culture. ●�N‑COUNT East Germans were people from the German Democratic Republic.

east|ward /iː stwə r d/ also eastwards ADV [usu ADV after v, oft n ADV ] Eastward or eastwards means towards the east. □� A powerful snow storm is moving eastward. □� They were pressing on eastwards towards the city's small airfield. ●�ADJ Eastward is also an adjective. □� �the eastward expansion of London.

easy ◆◆◆ /iː zi/ (easier , easiest )

1 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] If a job or action is easy , you can do it without difficulty or effort, because it is not complicated and causes no problems. □� The shower is easy to install. □� This is not an easy task. ●� easi|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Dress your child in layers of clothes you can remove easily.

2 ADJ If you describe an action or activity as easy , you mean that it is done in a confident, relaxed way. If someone is easyabout something, they feel relaxed and confident about it. □� He was an easy person to talk to. □� �when you are both feeling a little easier about the break up of your relationship. ●� easi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They talked amiably and easily about a range of topics.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has an easy life, you mean that they live comfortably without any problems or worries. □� She has not had an easy life.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you say that something is easy or too easy , you are criticizing someone because they have done the most obvious or least difficult thing, and have not considered the situation carefully enough. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� That's easy for you to say. □� It was all too easy to believe it.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as easy prey or as an easy target , you mean that they can easily be attacked or criticized. □� Tourists have become easy prey. □� Leaders are easy targets for critics, because they have visibility.

6 PHRASE If you tell someone to go easy on something, you are telling them to use only a small amount of it. [INFORMAL ] □� Go easy on the alcohol.

7 PHRASE If you tell someone to go easy on , or be easy on , a particular person, you are telling them not to punish or treat that person very severely. [INFORMAL ] □� 'Go easy on him,' Sam repeated, opening the door.

8 PHRASE If someone tells you to take it easy or take things easy , they mean that you should relax and not do very much at all. [INFORMAL ] □� It is best to take things easy for a week or two.

9 →�see also easily SYNONYMS easy ADJ 1

simple:The job itself had been simple enough.

straightforward:Disposable nappies are fairly straightforward to put on.

effortless:�effortless and elegant Italian cooking.

ea sy chair (easy chairs ) N‑COUNT An easy chair is a large, comfortable padded chair.

ea sy-go ing ADJ If you describe someone as easy-going , you mean that they are not easily annoyed, worried, or upset, and you think this is a good quality. [APPROVAL ] □� He was easy-going and good-natured.

ea sy li s|ten|ing N‑UNCOUNT Easy listening is gentle, relaxing music. Some people do not like this kind of music because they do not think that it is very interesting or exciting. □� �an easy listening version of a rock anthem.

eat ◆◆◇ /iː t/ (eats , eating , ate , eaten )

1 VERB When you eat something, you put it into your mouth, chew it, and swallow it. □�[V n] She was eating a sandwich. □�[V ] We took our time and ate slowly.

2 VERB If you eat sensibly or healthily, you eat food that is good for you. □�[V adv] �a campaign to persuade people to eat more healthily.

3 VERB If you eat , you have a meal. □�[V ] Let's go out to eat. □�[V n] We ate lunch together a few times.

4 VERB [only cont] If something is eating you, it is annoying or worrying you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] 'What the hell's eating you?' he demanded.

5 PHRASE If you have someone eating out of your hand , they are completely under your control. □� She usually has the press eating out of her hand.

6to have your cake and eat it →�see cake

7dog eat dog →�see dog

8to eat humble pie →�see humble

▸� eat away PHRASAL VERB If one thing eats away another or eats awayat another, it gradually destroys or uses it up. □�[V P n] Rot is eating away the interior of the house. □�[V P +�at ] The recession is eating away at their revenues. [Also V n P ]

▸� eat into

1 PHRASAL VERB If something eats into your time or your resources, it uses them, when they should be used for other things. □�[V P n] Responsibilities at home and work eat into his time.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a substance such as acid or rust eats into something, it destroys or damages its surface. □�[V P n] Ulcers occur when the stomach's natural acids eat into the lining of the stomach.

▸� eat up

1 PHRASAL VERB When you eat up your food, you eat all of it. □�[V P n] Eat up your lunch. □�[V n P ] Some seed fell along the footpath, and the birds came and ate it up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something eats up money, time, or resources, it uses them or consumes them in great quantities. □�[V P n] Health insurance costs are eating up his income. SYNONYMS eat VERB 1

consume:�serving chocolate ice-creams for the children to consume in the kitchen.

swallow:You are asked to swallow a capsule containing vitamin B.

devour:She devoured half an apple pie.

polish off:No matter what he is offered to eat he polishes it off in an instant. COLLOCATIONS eat VERB 1

eat+�adverb : healthily, properly, sensibly, well

eat|en /iː t ə n/ Eaten is the past participle of eat .

ea t|en u p ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If someone is eaten up with jealousy, curiosity, or desire, they feel it very intensely. [INFORMAL ] □� Don't waste your time being eaten up with envy.

eat|er /iː tə r / (eaters ) N‑COUNT [adj N , n N ] You use eater to refer to someone who eats in a particular way or who eats particular kinds of food. □� I've never been a fussy eater. □� �vegetarians and meat eaters.

eat|ery /iː təri/ (eateries ) N‑COUNT An eatery is a place where you can buy and eat food. [JOURNALISM ] □� �one of the most elegant old eateries in town.

ea t|ing ap|ple (eating apples ) N‑COUNT An eating apple is an ordinary apple that is usually eaten raw.

eau de co|logne /oʊ də kəloʊ n/ also eau de Cologne N‑UNCOUNT Eau de cologne is a fairly weak, sweet-smelling perfume.

eaves /iː vz/ N‑PLURAL The eaves of a house are the lower edges of its roof. □� There were icicles hanging from the eaves.

eaves|drop /iː vzdrɒp/ (eavesdrops , eavesdropping , eavesdropped ) VERB If you eavesdropon someone, you listen secretly to what they are saying. □�[V +�on ] The government illegally eavesdropped on his phone conversations. □�[V ] The housemaid eavesdropped from behind the kitchen door. ●� eaves|drop|ping N‑UNCOUNT □� �foreign electronic eavesdropping on army communications. ●� eaves|drop|per (eavesdroppers ) N‑COUNT □� Modern technology enables eavesdroppers to pick up conversations through windows or walls.

e -bank|ing N‑UNCOUNT E-banking is the use of the internet to operate your bank account. □� How do I sign onto e-banking?

ebb /e b/ (ebbs , ebbing , ebbed )

1 VERB When the tide or the sea ebbs , its level gradually falls. □�[V ] When the tide ebbs it's a rock pool inhabited by crustaceans.

2 N‑COUNT Theebb or the ebb tide is one of the regular periods, usually two per day, when the sea gradually falls to a lower level as the tide moves away from the land. □� �the spring ebb tide.

3 VERB If someone's life, support, or feeling ebbs , it becomes weaker and gradually disappears. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Were there occasions when enthusiasm ebbed? ●�PHRASAL VERB Ebb away means the same as ebb . □�[V P ] Their popular support is ebbing away.

4 PHRASE If someone or something is at a low ebb or at their lowest ebb , they are not being very successful or profitable. □� �a time when everyone is tired and at a low ebb.

5 PHRASE You can use ebb and flow to describe the way that something repeatedly increases and decreases or rises and falls. □� �the ebb and flow of feeling and moods.

Ebola / I boʊ lə, əboʊ lə/ N‑UNCOUNT Ebola is a very serious disease caused by a virus, that causes fever, bleeding inside the body, and usually death. □� 6,000 cases of Ebola were reported in West Africa. □� �the Ebola virus.

eb|ony /e bəni/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Ebony is a very hard, heavy, dark-coloured wood. □� �a small ebony cabinet.

2 ADJ Something that is ebony is a very deep black colour. [LITERARY ] □� He had rich, soft ebony hair.

e -book (e-books ) N‑COUNT An e-book is a book which is produced for reading on a computer screen. E-book is an abbreviation for 'electronic book'. □� �reading an e-book by the pool on holiday.

ebul|lient / I bʌ liənt, -bʊ l-/ ADJ If you describe someone as ebullient , you mean that they are lively and full of enthusiasm or excitement about something. [FORMAL ] □� �the ebullient Russian President. ●� ebul|lience / I bʌ liəns, -bʊ l-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� His natural ebullience began to return.

e -bu siness (e-businesses )

1 N‑COUNT An e-business is a business which uses the internet to sell goods or services, especially one which does not also have shops or offices that people can visit or phone. [BUSINESS ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] E-business is the buying, selling, and ordering of goods and services using the internet. [BUSINESS ] □� �proven e-business solutions.

e -card (e-cards ) N‑COUNT An e-card is a digital card that you send over the internet on a special occasion. □� She sent me an e-card for my birthday.

ec|cen|tric / I kse ntr I k/ (eccentrics ) ADJ If you say that someone is eccentric , you mean that they behave in a strange way, and have habits or opinions that are different from those of most people. □� He is an eccentric character who likes wearing a beret and dark glasses. ●�N‑COUNT An eccentric is an eccentric person. □� On first impressions it would be easy to dismiss Jonathan as an eccentric. ●� ec|cen|tri|cal|ly / I kse ntr I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� The painters were eccentrically dressed.

ec|cen|tri|city /e ksentr I s I ti/ (eccentricities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Eccentricity is unusual behaviour that other people consider strange. □� She is unusual to the point of eccentricity. □� He was known as Mad Shelley partly because of his eccentricity and partly because of his violent temper.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft with poss] Eccentricities are ways of behaving that people think are strange, or habits or opinions that are different from those of most people. □� We all have our eccentricities.

ec|cle|si|as|tic / I kliː zi� st I k/ (ecclesiastics ) N‑COUNT An ecclesiastic is a priest or clergyman in the Christian Church. [FORMAL ]

ec|cle|si|as|ti|cal / I kliː zi� st I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ecclesiastical means belonging to or connected with the Christian Church. □� My ambition was to travel upwards in the ecclesiastical hierarchy.

ECG /iː siː dʒiː / (ECGs ) N‑VAR ECG is an abbreviation for electrocardiogram .

eche|lon /e ʃəlɒn/ (echelons ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] An echelon in an organization or society is a level or rank in it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the lower echelons of society.

echo ◆◇◇ /e koʊ/ (echoes , echoing , echoed )

1 N‑COUNT An echo is a sound which is caused by a noise being reflected off a surface such as a wall. □�[+�of ] He listened and heard nothing but the echoes of his own voice in the cave.

2 VERB If a sound echoes , it is reflected off a surface and can be heard again after the original sound has stopped. □�[V ] His feet echoed on the bare board floor. □�[V prep/adv] The bang came suddenly, echoing across the buildings, shattering glass.

3 VERB In a place that echoes , a sound is reflected off a surface, and is repeated after the original sound has stopped. □�[V ] The room echoed. □�[V +�with ] The corridor echoed with the barking of a dozen dogs. □�[V -ing] �the bare stone floors and the echoing hall. [Also +�in ]

4 VERB If you echo someone's words, you repeat them or express agreement with their attitude or opinion. □�[V n] Many phrases in the last two chapters echo earlier passages. □�[V n] Their views often echo each other. □�[V with quote] 'That was a truly delicious piece of lamb,' he said. 'Yes, wasn't it?' echoed Penelope.

5 N‑COUNT A detail or feature which reminds you of something else can be referred to as an echo . □�[+�of ] The accident has echoes of past disasters.

6 VERB If one thing echoes another, the first is a copy of a particular detail or feature of the other. □�[V n] Pinks and beiges were chosen to echo the colours of the ceiling.

7 VERB If something echoes , it continues to be discussed and remains important or influential in a particular situation or among a particular group of people. □�[V prep] The old fable continues to echo down the centuries.

echo|lo|ca|tion /e koʊloʊke I ʃ ə n/ also echo-location N‑UNCOUNT Echolocation is a system used by some animals to determine the position of an object by measuring how long it takes for an echo to return from the object. [TECHNICAL ] □� Most bats navigate by echolocation.

e -cigarette (e-cigarettes ) N‑COUNT An e-cigarette is a device shaped like a cigarette, containing a nicotine liquid which is breathed in as steam rather than smoke. E-cigarette is an abbreviation for 'electronic cigarette'.

�clair / I kleə r , [AM ] e I k-/ (�clairs ) also eclair N‑COUNT An �clair is a long thin cake made of very light pastry, which is filled with cream and usually has chocolate on top.

ec|lec|tic / I kle kt I k/ ADJ An eclectic collection of objects, ideas, or beliefs is wide-ranging and comes from many different sources. [FORMAL ] □� �an eclectic collection of paintings, drawings, and prints.

ec|lec|ti|cism / I kle kt I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Eclecticism is the principle or practice of choosing or involving objects, ideas, and beliefs from many different sources. [FORMAL ] □� �her cultural eclecticism.

eclipse / I kl I ps/ (eclipses , eclipsing , eclipsed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] An eclipseof the sun is an occasion when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, so that for a short time you cannot see part or all of the sun. An eclipseof the moon is an occasion when the Earth is between the sun and the moon, so that for a short time you cannot see part or all of the moon. □�[+�of ] �an eclipse of the sun. □� �the total lunar eclipse on 10 December.

2 VERB If one thing is eclipsedby a second thing that is bigger, newer, or more important than it, the first thing is no longer noticed because the second thing gets all the attention. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The gramophone had been eclipsed by new technology such as the compact disc.

PREFIX eco-

forms nouns and adjectives that refer to something related to the environment. For example, eco-friendly products do not harm the environment.

e co-frie ndly ADJ Eco-friendly products or services are less harmful to the environment than other similar products or services. □� �eco-friendly washing powder.

eco|logi|cal /iː kəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Ecological means involved with or concerning ecology. □� Large dams have harmed Siberia's delicate ecological balance. ●� eco|logi|cal|ly /iː kəlɒ dʒ I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� It is economical to run and ecologically sound.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Ecological groups, movements, and people are concerned with preserving the environment and natural resources, so that they can be used in a sensible way, rather than being wasted. □� Ecological groups say that nothing is being done to tackle the problem.

ecolo|gist / I kɒ lədʒ I st/ (ecologists )

1 N‑COUNT An ecologist is a person who studies ecology. □� Ecologists argue that the benefits of treating sewage with disinfectants are doubtful.

2 N‑COUNT An ecologist is a person who believes that the environment and natural resources should be preserved and used in a sensible way, rather than being wasted. □� In the opinion polls the ecologists reached 20 per cent.

ecol|ogy / I kɒ lədʒi/ (ecologies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Ecology is the study of the relationships between plants, animals, people, and their environment, and the balances between these relationships. □� �a senior lecturer in ecology.

2 N‑VAR When you talk about the ecology of a place, you are referring to the pattern and balance of relationships between plants, animals, people, and the environment in that place. □�[+�of ] �the ecology of the rocky Negev desert in Israel.

e -co mmerce N‑UNCOUNT E-commerce is the same as e-business . [BUSINESS ] □� �the anticipated explosion of e-commerce.

eco|nom|ic ◆◆◆ /iː kənɒ m I k, e k-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Economic means concerned with the organization of the money, industry, and trade of a country, region, or society. □� �Poland's radical economic reforms. □� The pace of economic growth is picking up. ●� eco|nomi|cal|ly /iː kənɒ m I kli, e k-/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� �an economically depressed area. □� Economically and politically, this affair couldn't come at a worse time.

2 ADJ If something is economic , it produces a profit. □� The new system may be more economic but will lead to a decline in programme quality. SYNONYMS economic ADJ 1

financial:The company is in financial difficulties.

fiscal:�in 1987, when the government tightened fiscal policy.

monetary:Some countries tighten monetary policy to avoid inflation.

budgetary:There are budgetary pressures on all governments to reduce their armed forces.

eco|nomi|cal /iː kənɒ m I k ə l, e k-/

1 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Something that is economical does not require a lot of money to operate. For example a car that only uses a small amount of petrol is economical . □� �plans to trade in their car for something smaller and more economical. □� It is more economical to wash a full load. ●� eco|nomi|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Services could be operated more efficiently and economically.

2 ADJ Someone who is economical spends money sensibly and does not want to waste it on things that are unnecessary. A way of life that is economical does not need a lot of money. □� �ideas for economical housekeeping.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Economical means using the minimum amount of time, effort, or language that is necessary. □� His gestures were economical, his words generally mild.

eco|nom|ics ◆◇◇ /iː kənɒ m I ks, e k-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Economics is the study of the way in which money, industry, and trade are organized in a society. □� He gained a first class Honours degree in economics.

2 →�see also home economics

3 N‑UNCOUNT The economics of a society or industry is the system of organizing money and trade in it. □�[+�of ] �the economics of the third world. SYNONYMS economics NOUN 1

finance:�a major player in the world of high finance.

commerce:They have made their fortunes from industry and commerce.

eco no|mies of sca le N‑PLURAL Economies of scale are the financial advantages that a company gains when it produces large quantities of products. [BUSINESS ] □� Car firms are desperate to achieve economies of scale.

econo|mist ◆◇◇ / I kɒ nəm I st/ (economists ) N‑COUNT An economist is a person who studies, teaches, or writes about economics.

econo|mize / I kɒ nəma I z/ (economizes , economizing , economized ) in BRIT, also use economise VERB If you economize , you save money by spending it very carefully. □�[V ] We're going to have to economize from now on. □�[V +�on ] Hollywood has been talking about economizing on movie budgets.

econo|my ◆◆◆ / I kɒ nəmi/ (economies )

1 N‑COUNT An economy is the system according to which the money, industry, and trade of a country or region are organized. □� Zimbabwe boasts Africa's most industrialised economy.

2 N‑COUNT A country's economy is the wealth that it gets from business and industry. □� The Japanese economy grew at an annual rate of more than 10 per cent.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Economy is the use of the minimum amount of money, time, or other resources needed to achieve something, so that nothing is wasted. □� �improvements in the fuel economy of cars.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you make economies , you try to save money by not spending money on unnecessary things. □� They will make economies by hiring fewer part-time workers.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Economy services such as travel are cheap and have no luxuries or extras.

6 →�see economy class

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Economy is used to describe large packs of goods which are cheaper than normal-sized packs. □� �an economy pack containing 150 assorted screws.

8 PHRASE If you describe an attempt to save money as a false economy , you mean that you have not saved any money as you will have to spend a lot more later. □� A cheap bed can be a false economy. COLLOCATIONS economy NOUN 1

noun +�economy : market, world

adjective +�economy : fragile, weak, dynamic, healthy, strong; advanced, capitalist, emerging; domestic, global, local, regional

verb +�economy : boost, revive, stimulate, strengthen

eco no|my class ADJ [ADJ n] On an aeroplane, an economy class ticket or seat is the cheapest available. □� The price includes two economy class airfares from Brisbane to Los Angeles.

eco nomy-class sy n|drome N‑UNCOUNT Economy-class syndrome is a serious medical condition caused by blood clots in the legs moving up to the lungs; used especially in connection with long-haul flights. □� Lemon juice can help to prevent economy-class syndrome by improving blood circulation.

eco|sys|tem /iː koʊs I stəm, [AM ] e kə-/ (ecosystems ) N‑COUNT An ecosystem is all the plants and animals that live in a particular area together with the complex relationship that exists between them and their environment. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the forest ecosystem.

eco|tar|ian /iː kəʊteə riən, [AM ] e kə-/ (ecotarians ) N‑COUNT An ecotarian is a person who eats only food that has been produced in a way that does not harm the environment. □� Strictly speaking, you don�t have to be a vegetarian or a vegan to be an ecotarian. ●�ADJ Ecotarian is also an adjective. □� We try to follow an ecotarian diet.

eco|tec|ture /iː kəʊtektʃə, [AM ] e kə-/ N‑UNCOUNT Ecotecture is a type of architecture with designs based on ecological principles such as sustainability and environmental impact.

e co-tou rism N‑UNCOUNT Eco-tourism is the business of providing holidays and related services which are not harmful to the environment of the area. [BUSINESS ] ●� eco-tourist (eco-tourists ) N‑COUNT □� �an environmentally sensitive project to cater for eco-tourists.

e co-wa rrior (eco-warriors ) N‑COUNT An eco-warrior is someone who spends a lot of time working actively for environmental causes. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ]

ecru /e I kruː/ COLOUR Something that is ecru is pale, creamy-white in colour.

ec|sta|sy /e kstəsi/ (ecstasies )

1 N‑VAR Ecstasy is a feeling of very great happiness. □� �a state of almost religious ecstasy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Ecstasy is an illegal drug which makes people feel happy and energetic.

3 PHRASE If you are in ecstasy about something, you are very excited about it. If you go into ecstasies , you become very excited. □� My father was in ecstasy when I won my scholarship. □� She went into ecstasies over actors.

ec|stat|ic /ekst� t I k/

1 ADJ If you are ecstatic , you feel very happy and full of excitement. □�[+�about ] His wife gave birth to their first child, and he was ecstatic about it. □� They were greeted by the cheers of an ecstatic crowd. ●� ec|stati|cal|ly /ekst� t I kli/ ADV □� We are both ecstatically happy.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use ecstatic to describe reactions that are very enthusiastic and excited. For example, if someone receives an ecstatic reception or an ecstatic welcome, they are greeted with great enthusiasm and excitement. □� They gave an ecstatic reception to the speech.

ec|top|ic /ektɒ p I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg becomes implanted outside a woman's womb, for example in one of her fallopian tubes.

ecu|meni|cal /iː kjʊme n I k ə l, e k-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ecumenical activities, ideas, and movements try to unite different Christian Churches. [FORMAL ] □� �ecumenical church services.

ecu|men|ism / I kjuː me n I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Ecumenism is the belief that the different Christian Churches should be as united as possible, and can also be used to refer to actions based on this belief. [FORMAL ]

ec|ze|ma /e ksmə, [AM ] I gziː mə/ N‑UNCOUNT Eczema is a skin disease which makes your skin itch and become sore, rough, and broken.

ed. (eds ) ed. is a written abbreviation for editor .

SUFFIX -ed

is added to verbs to make the past tense and past participle. Past participles formed are often used as adjectives that indicate that something has been affected in some way. For example, cooked food is food that has been cooked.

eddy /e di/ (eddies ) N‑COUNT An eddy is a movement in water or in the air which goes round and round instead of flowing in one continuous direction.

edge ◆◆◇ /e dʒ/ (edges , edging , edged )

1 N‑COUNT The edge of something is the place or line where it stops, or the part of it that is furthest from the middle. □�[+�of ] We were on a hill, right on the edge of town. □� She was standing at the water's edge.

2 N‑COUNT The edge of something sharp such as a knife or an axe is its sharp or narrow side. □�[+�of ] �the sharp edge of the sword.

3 VERB If someone or something edges somewhere, they move very slowly in that direction. □�[V prep/adv] He edged closer to the phone, ready to grab it.

4 N‑SING Theedgeof something, especially something bad, is the point at which it may start to happen. □�[+�of ] They have driven the rhino to the edge of extinction.

5 N‑SING If someone or something has an edge , they have an advantage that makes them stronger or more likely to be successful than another thing or person. □�[+�over ] The three days France have to prepare could give them the edge over England.

6 N‑SING If you say that someone or something has an edge , you mean that they have a powerful quality. □� Featuring new bands gives the show an edge. □�[+�of ] Greene's stories had an edge of realism.

7 N‑SING If someone's voice has an edgeto it, it has a sharp, bitter, or emotional quality. □�[+�of ] But underneath the humour is an edge of bitterness. [Also +�to ]

8 →�see also cutting edge , knife-edge , leading edge

9 PHRASE If you or your nerves are on edge , you are tense, nervous, and unable to relax. □� My nerves were constantly on edge.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone is on the edge of their seat or chair , you mean that they are very interested in what is happening or what is going to happen.

11 PHRASE If something takes the edge off a situation, usually an unpleasant one, it weakens its effect or intensity. □� A spell of poor health took the edge off her performance.

12to set your teeth on edge →�see tooth

▸� edge out PHRASAL VERB If someone edges out someone else, they just manage to beat them or get in front of them in a game, race, or contest. □�[V P n] France edged out the British team by less than a second. □�[V n P +�of ] McGregor's effort was enough to edge Johnson out of the top spot. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS edge NOUN 1

adjective +�edge : inner, inside, outer, outside; jagged, ragged, rough

edged /e dʒd/ ADJ If something is edgedwith a particular thing, that thing forms a border around it. □�[+�with ] �a large lawn edged with flowers and shrubs. [Also +�in ] ●�COMB Edged is also a combining form. □� �a lace-edged handkerchief.

-edged /-edʒd/

1 COMB -edged combines with words such as 'sharp', 'raw', and 'dark' to form adjectives which indicate that something such as a play or a piece of writing is very powerful or critical. [JOURNALISM ] □� �a sharp-edged satire that puts the Hollywood system under the microscope. □� �the raw-edged vitality and daring of these works.

2 →�see also edge , edged , hard-edged

edge|ways /e dʒwe I z/ The spelling edgewise /e dʒwa I z/ is also used, especially in American English. PHRASE If you say that you cannot get a word in edgeways , you are complaining that you do not have the opportunity to speak because someone else is talking so much. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He spent all the time talking and they could not get a word in edgeways.

edg|ing /e dʒ I ŋ/ (edgings ) N‑VAR Edging is something that is put along the borders or sides of something else, usually to make it look attractive. □� �the satin edging on Randall's blanket.

edgy /e dʒi/ (edgier , edgiest ) ADJ If someone is edgy , they are nervous and anxious, and seem likely to lose control of themselves. [INFORMAL ] □� She was nervous and edgy.

ed|ible /e d I b ə l/ ADJ If something is edible , it is safe to eat and not poisonous. □� �edible fungi.

edict /iː d I kt/ (edicts ) N‑COUNT [oft N that] An edict is a command or instruction given by someone in authority. [FORMAL ] □� He issued an edict that none of his writings be destroyed.

edi|fi|ca|tion /e d I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If something is done for your edification , it is done to benefit you in some way, for example by teaching you about something. [FORMAL ] □� He's even built a theatre from scratch for the edification of the locals.

edi|fice /e d I f I s/ (edifices ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] An edifice is a large and impressive building. [FORMAL ] □� The American consulate was a magnificent edifice in the centre of Bordeaux.

edi|fy|ing /e d I fa I I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you describe something as edifying , you mean that it benefits you in some way, for example by teaching you about something. [FORMAL ] □� In the 18th century art was seen, along with music and poetry, as something edifying.

2 ADJ You say that something is not very edifying when you want to express your disapproval or dislike of it, or to suggest that there is something unpleasant or unacceptable about it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It all brought back memories of a not very edifying past.

edit ◆◇◇ /e d I t/ (edits , editing , edited )

1 VERB If you edit a text such as an article or a book, you correct and adapt it so that it is suitable for publishing. □�[V n] The majority of contracts give the publisher the right to edit a book after it's done. □�[V -ed] �an edited version of the speech. ●� edit|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Throughout the editing of this book, we have had much support and encouragement.

2 VERB If you edit a book or a series of books, you collect several pieces of writing by different authors and prepare them for publishing. □�[be V -ed +�by ] This collection of essays is edited by Ellen Knight. □�[V n] She has edited the media studies quarterly, Screen. □�[V -ed] �the Real Sandwich Book, edited by Miriam Polunin. ●� edit|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He was certainly not cut out to combine the jobs of editing and writing as a journalist.

3 VERB If you edit a film or a television or radio programme, you choose some of what has been filmed or recorded and arrange it in a particular order. □�[V n] He taught me to edit and splice film. □�[V n with together ] He is editing together excerpts of some of his films. ●� edit|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He sat in on much of the filming and early editing.

4 VERB Someone who edits a newspaper, magazine, or journal is in charge of it. □�[V n] I used to edit the college paper in the old days.

5 N‑COUNT An edit is the process of examining and correcting a text so that it is suitable for publishing. □� The purpose of the edit is fairly simple � to chop out the boring bits from the original.

▸� edit out PHRASAL VERB If you edit something outof a book or film, you remove it, often because it might be offensive to some people. □�[be V -ed P ] His voice will be edited out of the final film. □�[V n P ] She edited that line out again. SYNONYMS edit VERB 1

revise:Three editors handled the work of revising the articles for publication.

rewrite:The script was rewritten constantly during filming.

redraft:The speech had already been redrafted 22 times.

edi|tion ◆◆◇ / I d I ʃ ə n/ (editions )

1 N‑COUNT An edition is a particular version of a book, magazine, or newspaper that is printed at one time. □� A paperback edition is now available at bookshops.

2 N‑COUNT An edition is the total number of copies of a particular book or newspaper that are printed at one time. □� The second edition was published only in America.

3 N‑COUNT An edition is a single television or radio programme that is one of a series about a particular subject. □� They appeared on an edition of BBC2's Arena.

edi|tor ◆◆◇ /e d I tə r / (editors )

1 N‑COUNT An editor is the person who is in charge of a newspaper or magazine and who decides what will be published in each edition of it.

2 N‑COUNT An editor is a journalist who is responsible for a particular section of a newspaper or magazine. □� Cookery Editor Moyra Fraser takes you behind the scenes.

3 N‑COUNT An editor is a person who checks and corrects texts before they are published. □� Your role as editor is important, for you can look at a piece of writing objectively.

4 N‑COUNT An editor is a radio or television journalist who reports on a particular type of news. □� �our economics editor, Dominic Harrod.

5 N‑COUNT An editor is a person who prepares a film, or a radio or television programme, by selecting some of what has been filmed or recorded and putting it in a particular order. □� She worked at 20th Century Fox as a film editor.

6 N‑COUNT An editor is a person who collects pieces of writing by different authors and prepares them for publication in a book or a series of books. □�[+�of ] Michael Rosen is the editor of the anthology.

7 N‑COUNT An editor is a computer program that enables you to change and correct stored data. [COMPUTING ] COLLOCATIONS editor NOUN

1

noun +�editor : magazine, newspaper, tabloid; assistant, deputy, executive

adjective +�editor : contributing, founding, managing

2

noun +�editor : fashion, features, news, picture; economics, politics, science, sport

edi|to|rial ◆◇◇ /e d I tɔː ri ə l/ (editorials )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Editorial means involved in preparing a newspaper, magazine, or book for publication. □� He is on the editorial staff of the magazine. □� I went to the editorial board meetings when I had the time. ●� edi|to|ri|al|ly ADV □� Rosie Boycott was not involved editorially with Virago.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Editorial means involving the attitudes, opinions, and contents of something such as a newspaper, magazine, or television programme. □� We are not about to change our editorial policy. ●� edi|to|ri|al|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� Editorially, they never really became a unique distinct product.

3 N‑COUNT An editorial is an article in a newspaper which gives the opinion of the editor or owner on a topic or item of news. □� An editorial in the London Evening Standard argued the police reaction was disproportionate to the threat.

edi|to|ri|al|ize /e d I tɔː riəla I z/ (editorializes , editorializing , editorialized ) in BRIT, also use editorialise VERB If someone editorializes , they express their opinion about something rather than just stating facts; mainly used in contexts where you are talking about journalists and newspapers. □�[V ] Other papers have editorialized, criticizing the Czech government for rushing to judgment on this individual.

edi|tor|ship /e d I tə r ʃ I p/ (editorships ) N‑VAR [oft poss N ] The editorshipof a newspaper or magazine is the position of its editor, or his or her work as its editor. □� Under his editorship, the Economist has introduced regular sports coverage. [Also +�of ]

edu|cate /e dʒʊke I t/ (educates , educating , educated )

1 VERB [usu passive] When someone, especially a child, is educated , he or she is taught at a school or college. □�[be V -ed] He was educated at Haslingden Grammar School.

2 VERB To educate people means to teach them better ways of doing something or a better way of living. □�[V n] The charity dedicates itself to educating people about the dangers of high-fat diets.

edu|cat|ed /e dʒʊke I t I d/ ADJ Someone who is educated has a high standard of learning. □� He is an educated, amiable and decent man.

-educated /-e dʒʊke I t I d/

1 COMB -educated combines with nouns and adjectives to form adjectives indicating where someone was educated. □� �the Oxford-educated son of a Liverpool merchant. □� �an American-educated lawyer.

2 COMB -educated combines with adverbs to form adjectives indicating how much education someone has had and how good it was. □� Many of the immigrants are well-educated. □� �impoverished, undernourished, and ill-educated workers.

e du|cat|ed gue ss (educated guesses ) N‑COUNT An educated guess is a guess which is based on a certain amount of knowledge and is therefore likely to be correct. □� Estimating the right cooking time will always be an educated guess.

edu|ca|tion ◆◆◇ /e dʒʊke I ʃ ə n/ (educations )

1 N‑VAR Education involves teaching people various subjects, usually at a school or college, or being taught. □� They're cutting funds for education.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Education of a particular kind involves teaching the public about a particular issue. □� �better health education.

3 →�see also adult education , further education , higher education COLLOCATIONS education NOUN

1

noun +�education : school, state, university; adult

adjective +�education : comprehensive, further, higher, secondary; compulsory, formal, general, private; vocational

verb +�education : promote, provide; complete, receive

2

noun +�education : health, sex, science

adjective +�education : physical, religious SYNONYMS education NOUN 1

teaching:The Government funds university teaching.

schooling:He had little formal schooling.

tuition:The courses will give the beginner personal tuition in all types of photography.

instruction:All schoolchildren must now receive some religious instruction.

edu|ca|tion|al ◆◇◇ /e dʒʊke I ʃən ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Educational matters or institutions are concerned with or relate to education. □� �the British educational system. □� �pupils with special educational needs. ●� edu|ca|tion|al|ly ADV □� �educationally sound ideas for managing classrooms.

2 ADJ An educational experience teaches you something. □� The staff should make sure the kids have an enjoyable and educational day. SYNONYMS educational ADJ

1

academic:Their academic standards are high.

pedagogical:�the pedagogical methods used in the classroom.

2

instructive:�an entertaining and instructive documentary.

illuminating:His autobiography provides an illuminating insight into his mind.

enlightening:�an enlightening talk on the work done at the animal park.

didactic:In totalitarian societies, art exists for didactic purposes.

instructional:�instructional material designed to help you with your lifestyle.

edu|ca|tion|al|ist /e dʒʊke I ʃənəl I st/ (educationalists ) N‑COUNT An educationalist is someone who is specialized in the theories and methods of education. [BRIT ] in AM, use educator

edu|ca |tion|al psy|cho l|ogy N‑UNCOUNT Educational psychology is the area of psychology that is concerned with the study and assessment of teaching methods, and with helping individual pupils who have educational problems. ●� edu|ca|tion|al psy|cholo|gist (educational psychologists ) N‑COUNT □� An assessment by an independent educational psychologist was essential.

edu|ca|tion|ist /e dʒʊke I ʃən I st/ (educationists ) N‑COUNT An educationist is the same as an educationalist . [BRIT ]

edu|ca|tive /e dʒʊkət I v, [AM ] -ke I t-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that has an educative role teaches you something. [FORMAL ] □� �the educative value of allowing broadcasters into their courts.

edu|ca|tor /e dʒʊke I tə r / (educators )

1 N‑COUNT An educator is a person who educates people. [AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT An educator is someone who is specialized in the theories and methods of education. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use educationalist

edu|tain|ment /e dʒʊte I nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT People use edutainment to refer to things such as computer games which are designed to be entertaining and educational at the same time. □� �the increased demand for edutainment software.

Ed|ward|ian /edwɔː r diən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Edwardian means belonging to, connected with, or typical of Britain in the first decade of the 20th century, when Edward VII was King. □� �the Edwardian era.

eel /iː l/ (eels ) N‑VAR An eel is a long, thin fish that looks like a snake. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Eel is the flesh of this fish which is eaten as food. □� �smoked eel.

eerie / I ə ri/ (eerier , eeriest ) ADJ If you describe something as eerie , you mean that it seems strange and frightening, and makes you feel nervous. □� I walked down the eerie dark path. □� �an eerie calm. ●� eeri|ly / I ə r I li/ ADV □� Monrovia after the fighting is eerily quiet.

ef|face / I fe I s/ (effaces , effacing , effaced )

1 VERB To efface something means to destroy or remove it so that it cannot be seen any more. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �an event that has helped efface the country's traditional image.

2 →�see also self-effacing

ef|fect ◆◆◆ / I fe kt/ (effects , effecting , effected )

1 N‑VAR [adj N ] The effectof one thing on another is the change that the first thing causes in the second thing. □�[+�of/on ] Parents worry about the effect of music on their adolescent's behavior. □� Even minor head injuries can cause long-lasting psychological effects.

2 N‑COUNT An effect is an impression that someone creates deliberately, for example in a place or in a piece of writing. □� The whole effect is cool, light and airy.

3 N‑PLURAL [with poss] A person's effects are the things that they have with them at a particular time, for example when they are arrested or admitted to hospital, or the things that they owned when they died. [FORMAL ] □� His daughters were collecting his effects.

4 N‑PLURAL The effects in a film are the specially created sounds and scenery.

5 VERB If you effect something that you are trying to achieve, you succeed in causing it to happen. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Prospects for effecting real political change have taken a step backwards.

6 →�see also greenhouse effect , placebo effect , ripple effect , side-effect , sound effect , special effect

7 PHRASE If you say that someone is doing something for effect , you mean that they are doing it in order to impress people and to draw attention to themselves. □� The Cockney accent was put on for effect.

8 PHRASE You add in effect to a statement or opinion that is not precisely accurate, but which you feel is a reasonable description or summary of a particular situation. [VAGUENESS ] □� That deal would create, in effect, the world's biggest airline.

9 PHRASE If you put , bring , or carry a plan or idea into effect , you cause it to happen in practice. □� These and other such measures ought to have been put into effect in 1985.

10 PHRASE If a law or policy takes effect or comes into effect at a particular time, it officially begins to apply or be valid from that time. If it remains in effect , it still applies or is still valid. □� �the ban on new logging permits which will take effect from July. □� The decision will remain in effect until further government instructions.

11 PHRASE You can say that something takes effect when it starts to produce the results that are intended. □� The second injection should only have been given once the first drug had taken effect.

12 PHRASE You use effect in expressions such as to good effect and to no effect in order to indicate how successful or impressive an action is. □� Mr Morris feels the museum is using advertising to good effect.

13 PHRASE You use to this effect , to that effect , or to the effect that to indicate that you have given or are giving a summary of something that was said or written, and not the actual words used. □� A circular to this effect will be issued in the next few weeks.

14 PHRASE If you say that something will happen with immediate effect or with effectfrom a particular time, you mean that it will begin to apply or be valid immediately or from the stated time. [BRIT , mainly FORMAL ] □� The price of the Saturday edition is going up with effect from 3 November.

15cause and effect →�see cause SYNONYMS effect NOUN 1

result:A real pizza oven gives better results than an ordinary home oven.

consequence:An economic crisis may have tremendous consequences for our global security.

outcome:It's too early to know the outcome of her illness.

end result:The end result of this will be unity.

aftermath:In the aftermath of the coup, the troops opened fire on the demonstrators.

influence:Many other medications have an influence on cholesterol levels.

impact:The major impact of this epidemic worldwide is yet to come.

ef|fec|tive ◆◆◇ / I fe kt I v/

1 ADJ Something that is effective works well and produces the results that were intended. □�[+�in ] Homoeopathic treatment can be effective in treating virtually any illness. □�[+�against ] Simple antibiotics are effective against this organism. □� �an effective public transport system. ●� ef|fec|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV -ed] □� �the team roles which you believe to be necessary for the team to function effectively. □� Services need to be more effectively organised than they are at present. ●� ef|fec|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the effectiveness of computers as an educational tool.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Effective means having a particular role or result in practice, though not officially or in theory. □� They have had effective control of the area since the security forces left.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] When something such as a law or an agreement becomes effective , it begins officially to apply or be valid. □� The new rules will become effective in the next few days. SYNONYMS effective ADJ 1

efficient:This was done in an efficient and competent manner.

successful:How successful will this new treatment be?

useful:The police gained a great deal of useful information about the organization.

productive:Training makes workers highly productive.

helpful:A predominantly liquid diet for a day or two may be helpful.

ef|fec|tive|ly / I fe kt I vli/ ADV [oft ADV adj/-ed] You use effectively with a statement or opinion to indicate that it is not accurate in every detail, but that you feel it is a reasonable description or summary of a particular situation. □� The region was effectively independent.

ef|fec|tual / I fe ktʃuəl/ ADJ If an action or plan is effectual , it succeeds in producing the results that were intended. [FORMAL ] □� This is the only effectual way to secure our present and future happiness.

ef|femi|nate / I fe m I nət/ ADJ If you describe a man or boy as effeminate , you think he behaves, looks, or sounds like a woman or girl. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a skinny, effeminate guy in lipstick and earrings.

ef|fer|ves|cent /e fə r ve s ə nt/

1 ADJ An effervescent liquid is one that contains or releases bubbles of gas. □� �an effervescent mineral water.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as effervescent , you mean that they are lively, entertaining, enthusiastic, and exciting. [APPROVAL ] □� �an effervescent blonde actress. ●� ef|fer|ves|cence N‑UNCOUNT □� He wrote about Gillespie's effervescence, magnetism and commitment.

ef|fete / I fiː t/ ADJ If you describe someone as effete , you are criticizing them for being weak and powerless. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the charming but effete Russian gentry of the 1840s and 1850s.

ef|fi|ca|cious /e f I ke I ʃəs/ ADJ Something that is efficacious is effective. [FORMAL ] □� The nasal spray was new on the market and highly efficacious.

ef|fi|ca|cy /e f I kəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you talk about the efficacy of something, you are talking about its effectiveness and its ability to do what it is supposed to. [FORMAL ] □� Recent medical studies confirm the efficacy of a healthier lifestyle.

ef|fi|cien|cy / I f I ʃ ə nsi/ (efficiencies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Efficiency is the quality of being able to do a task successfully, without wasting time or energy. □� There are many ways to increase agricultural efficiency in the poorer areas of the world. □� �energy efficiency.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In physics and engineering, efficiency is the ratio between the amount of energy a machine needs to make it work, and the amount it produces. [TECHNICAL ]

ef|fi|cient ◆◇◇ / I f I ʃ ə nt/ ADJ If something or someone is efficient , they are able to do tasks successfully, without wasting time or energy. □� With today's more efficient contraception women can plan their families and careers. ●� ef|fi|cient|ly ADV □� I work very efficiently and am decisive, and accurate in my judgement.

ef|fi|gy /e f I dʒi/ (effigies )

1 N‑COUNT An effigy is a quickly and roughly made figure, often ugly or amusing, that represents someone you hate or feel contempt for.

2 N‑COUNT An effigy is a statue or carving of a famous person. [FORMAL ]

eff|ing /e f I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Some people use effing to emphasize a word or phrase, especially when they are feeling angry or annoyed. [BRIT , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

ef|flu|ent /e fluənt/ (effluents ) N‑VAR Effluent is liquid waste material that comes out of factories or sewage works. [FORMAL ] □� The effluent from the factory was dumped into the river.

ef|fort ◆◆◆ /e fə r t/ (efforts )

1 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] If you make an effortto do something, you try very hard to do it. □� He made no effort to hide his disappointment. □� Finding a cure requires considerable time and effort. □� �his efforts to reform Italian research. □�[+�of ] Despite the efforts of the United Nations, the problem of drug traffic continues to grow. □� But a concerted effort has begun to improve the quality of the urban air.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N , oft a N ] If you say that someone did something witheffort or withan effort , you mean it was difficult for them to do. [WRITTEN ] □� She took a deep breath and sat up slowly and with great effort. □� With an effort she contained her irritation.

3 N‑COUNT An effort is a particular series of activities that is organized by a group of people in order to achieve something. □� �a famine relief effort in Angola.

4 N‑SING If you say that something is an effort , you mean that an unusual amount of physical or mental energy is needed to do it. □� He's very stooped and it's an effort to lift his head.

5 PHRASE If you make the effortto do something, you do it, even though you need extra energy to do it or you do not really want to. □� I don't get lonely now because I make the effort to see people. COLLOCATIONS effort NOUN

1

adjective +�effort : determined, last-ditch, worthwhile; solo, team

verb +�effort : make, renew, require; praise, recognize; block, hamper

3

noun +�effort : conservation, recovery, relief, rescue; peace, war

ef|fort|less /e fə r tləs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is effortless is done easily and well. □� In a single effortless motion, he scooped Frannie into his arms. ●� ef|fort|less|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Her son Peter adapted effortlessly to his new surroundings.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use effortless to describe a quality that someone has naturally and does not have to learn. □� She liked him above all for his effortless charm.

ef|fron|tery / I frʌ ntəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Effrontery is behaviour that is bold, rude, or disrespectful. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] One could only gasp at the sheer effrontery of the man.

ef|fu|sion / I fjuː ʒ ə n/ (effusions ) N‑VAR If someone expresses their emotions or ideas with effusion , they express them with more enthusiasm and for longer than is usual or expected. □� I did not embarrass her with my effusions.

ef|fu|sive / I fjuː s I v/ ADJ If you describe someone as effusive , you mean that they express pleasure, gratitude, or approval in a very enthusiastic way. □� He was effusive in his praise for the general. ●� ef|fu|sive|ly ADV □� She greeted them effusively.

e-fit /iː f I t/ (e-fits ) also E-fit N‑COUNT An e-fit is a computer-generated picture of someone who is suspected of a crime. Compare identikit , Photofit . □� Police have released an E-fit picture of the suspected gunman.

EFL /iː ef e l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] EFL is the teaching of English to people whose first language is not English. EFL is an abbreviation for 'English as a Foreign Language'. □� �an EFL teacher.

e.g. /iː dʒiː / e.g. is an abbreviation that means 'for example'. It is used before a noun, or to introduce another sentence. □� We need helpers of all types, engineers, scientists (e.g. geologists) and teachers.

egali|tar|ian / I g� l I teə riən/ ADJ Egalitarian means supporting or following the idea that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities. □� I still believe in the notion of an egalitarian society.

egali|tari|an|ism / I g� l I teə riən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Egalitarianism is used to refer to the belief that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities, and to actions that are based on this belief.

egg ◆◆◇ /e g/ (eggs , egging , egged )

1 N‑COUNT An egg is an oval object that is produced by a female bird and which contains a baby bird. Other animals such as reptiles and fish also lay eggs. □� �a baby bird hatching from its egg. □� �ant eggs.

2 N‑VAR In Western countries, eggs often means hen's eggs, eaten as food. □� Break the eggs into a shallow bowl and beat them lightly. □� �bacon and eggs.

3 N‑COUNT Egg is used to refer to an object in the shape of a hen's egg. □� �a chocolate egg.

4 N‑COUNT An egg is a cell that is produced in the bodies of female animals and humans. If it is fertilized by a sperm, a baby develops from it. □� It only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg.

5 →�see also Easter egg , nest egg , Scotch egg

6 PHRASE If someone puts all their eggs in one basket , they put all their effort or resources into doing one thing so that, if it fails, they have no alternatives left. □� The key word here is diversify; don't put all your eggs in one basket.

7 PHRASE If someone has egg on their face or has egg all over their face , they have been made to look foolish. □� If they take this game lightly they could end up with egg on their faces.

8a chicken and egg situation →�see chicken

▸� egg on PHRASAL VERB If you egg a person on , you encourage them to do something, especially something dangerous or foolish. □�[V n P ] He was throwing snowballs. She was laughing and egging him on. □�[V n P to-inf] They egged each other on to argue and to fight. [Also V P n (not pron)]

e gg cup (egg cups ) also eggcup N‑COUNT An egg cup is a small container in which you put a boiled egg while you eat it.

egg|head /e ghed/ (eggheads ) N‑COUNT If you think someone is more interested in ideas and theories than in practical actions you can say they are an egghead . [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Government was dominated by self-important eggheads.

egg|nog /e gnɒg/ also egg nog N‑UNCOUNT Eggnog is a drink made from egg, milk, sugar, spices, and alcohol such as rum or brandy.

egg|plant /e gplɑːnt, -pl�nt/ (eggplants ) N‑VAR An eggplant is a vegetable with a smooth, dark purple skin. [AM ] in BRIT, use aubergine

egg|shell /e gʃel/ (eggshells ) also egg shell N‑VAR An eggshell is the hard covering on the outside of an egg.

e gg tim|er (egg timers ) also egg-timer N‑COUNT An egg timer is a device that measures the time needed to boil an egg.

e gg whisk (egg whisks ) N‑COUNT An egg whisk is a piece of kitchen equipment used for mixing the different parts of an egg together.

ego /iː goʊ, e goʊ/ (egos )

1 N‑VAR Someone's ego is their sense of their own worth. For example, if someone has a large ego , they think they are very important and valuable. □� He had a massive ego; never would he admit he was wrong.

2 →�see also alter ego , super-ego

ego|cen|tric /iː goʊse ntr I k, e g-/ ADJ Someone who is egocentric thinks only of themselves and their own wants, and does not consider other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was egocentric, a man of impulse who expected those around him to serve him.

ego|ism /iː goʊ I zəm, e g-/ N‑UNCOUNT Egoism is the same as egotism . [DISAPPROVAL ]

ego|ist /iː goʊ I st, e g-/ (egoists ) N‑COUNT An egoist is the same as an egotist . [DISAPPROVAL ]

ego|is|tic /iː goʊ I st I k, e g-/ ADJ Egoistic means the same as egotistic . [DISAPPROVAL ]

ego|ma|ni|ac /iː goʊme I ni�k, e g-/ (egomaniacs ) N‑COUNT An egomaniac is someone who thinks only of themselves and does not care if they harm other people in order to get what they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Adam is clever enough, but he's also something of an egomaniac.

ego|tism /iː gət I zəm, e g-/ N‑UNCOUNT Egotism is the quality of being egotistic. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ego|tist /iː gət I st, e g-/ (egotists ) N‑COUNT An egotist is someone who is egotistic. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ego|tis|tic /iː gət I st I k, e g-/ The form egotistical is also used. ADJ Someone who is egotistic or egotistical behaves selfishly and thinks they are more important than other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Susan and Deborah share an intensely selfish, egotistic streak.

e go trip (ego trips ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is on an ego trip , you are criticizing them for doing something for their own satisfaction and enjoyment, often to show that they think they are more important than other people. [DISAPPROVAL ]

egre|gious / I griː dʒəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Egregious means very bad indeed. [FORMAL ] □� �the most egregious abuses of human rights.

Egyp|tian / I dʒ I pʃ ə n/ (Egyptians )

1 ADJ Egyptian means belonging or relating to Egypt or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT The Egyptians are the people who come from Egypt.

3 ADJ Egyptian means related to or connected with ancient Egypt. □� �the Egyptian pharaoh.

4 N‑COUNT The Egyptians were the people who lived in ancient Egypt.

eh /e I / CONVENTION Eh is used in writing to represent a noise that people make as a response in conversation, for example to express agreement or to ask for something to be explained or repeated. □� Let's talk all about it outside, eh? □� 'He's um ill in bed.'�'Eh?'�'He's ill in bed.'

eider|down /a I də r daʊn/ (eiderdowns ) N‑COUNT An eiderdown is a bed covering, placed on top of sheets and blankets, that is filled with small soft feathers or warm material. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use comforter

eight ◆◆◆ /e I t/ (eights ) NUM Eight is the number 8. □� So far eight workers have been killed.

eight|een ◆◆◆ /e I tiː n/ (eighteens ) NUM Eighteen is the number 18. □� He was employed by them for eighteen years.

eight|eenth ◆◆◇ /e I tiː nθ/

1 ORD The eighteenth item in a series is the one that you count as number eighteen. □� The siege is now in its eighteenth day.

2 FRACTION An eighteenth is one of eighteen equal parts of something.

eighth ◆◆◇ /e I tθ/ (eighths )

1 ORD The eighth item in a series is the one that you count as number eight. □� �the eighth prime minister of India.

2 FRACTION An eighth is one of eight equal parts of something. □� The Kuban produces an eighth of Russia's grain, meat and milk.

ei ghth note (eighth notes ) N‑COUNT An eighth note is a musical note that has a time value equal to half a quarter note. [AM ] in BRIT, use quaver

eighti|eth ◆◆◇ /e I tiəθ/ ORD The eightieth item in a series is the one that you count as number eighty. □� Mr Stevens recently celebrated his eightieth birthday.

eighty ◆◆◆ /e I ti/ (eighties )

1 NUM Eighty is the number 80. □� Eighty horses trotted up.

2 N‑PLURAL When you talk about the eighties , you are referring to numbers between 80 and 89. For example, if you are in your eighties , you are aged between 80 and 89. If the temperature is in the eighties , the temperature is between 80 and 89 degrees. □� He was in his late eighties and had become the country's most respected elder statesman.

3 N‑PLURAL The eighties is the decade between 1980 and 1989. □� He ran a property development business in the eighties.

eistedd|fod /a I ste dfɒd, [AM ] -vɑːd/ (eisteddfods ) N‑COUNT An eisteddfod is a Welsh festival at which competitions are held in music, poetry, drama, and art.

either ◆◆◆ /a I �ə r , iː �ə r /

1 CONJ You use either in front of the first of two or more alternatives, when you are stating the only possibilities or choices that there are. The other alternatives are introduced by 'or'. □� Sightseeing is best done either by tour bus or by bicycle. □� The former President was demanding that he should be either put on trial or set free. □� Either she goes or I go.

2 CONJ You use either in a negative statement in front of the first of two alternatives to indicate that the negative statement refers to both the alternatives. □� They found no sign of either him or his son.

3 PRON You can use either to refer to one of two things, people, or situations, when you want to say that they are both possible and it does not matter which one is chosen or considered. □� There were glasses of champagne and cigars, but not many of either were consumed. ●�QUANT Either is also a quantifier. □� Have either of you rented before? ●�DET Either is also a determiner. □� I don't particularly agree with either group.

4 PRON You use either in a negative statement to refer to each of two things, people, or situations to indicate that the negative statement includes both of them. □� She warned me that I'd never marry or have children. � I don't want either. ●�QUANT Either is also a quantifier. □� There are no simple answers to either of those questions. ●�DET Either is also a determiner. □� He sometimes couldn't remember either man's name.

5 ADV [ADV after v] You use either by itself in negative statements to indicate that there is a similarity or connection with a person or thing that you have just mentioned. □� He did not even say anything to her, and she did not speak to him either.

6 ADV [ADV after v] When one negative statement follows another, you can use either at the end of the second one to indicate that you are adding an extra piece of information, and to emphasize that both are equally important. □� Don't agree, but don't argue either.

7 DET You can use either to introduce a noun that refers to each of two things when you are talking about both of them. □� The basketball nets hung down from the ceiling at either end of the gymnasium. USAGE either

Don�t use either without of in front of a plural noun or pronoun. Don�t say, for example � He was better dressed than either us .� Say 'He was better dressed than either of us .' □� I don�t know either of them very well.

ejacu|late / I dʒ� kjʊle I t/ (ejaculates , ejaculating , ejaculated ) VERB When a man ejaculates , sperm comes out through his penis. □�[V ] � a tendency to ejaculate quickly. ●� ejacu|la|tion / I dʒ� kjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (ejaculations ) N‑VAR □� Each male ejaculation will contain up to 300 million sperm.

eject / I dʒe kt/ (ejects , ejecting , ejected )

1 VERB If you eject someone from a place, you force them to leave. □�[V n] Officials used guard dogs to eject the protesters. □�[be V -ed +�from ] He was ejected from a restaurant. ●� ejec|tion / I dʒe kʃ ə n/ (ejections ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the ejection of hecklers from the meeting.

2 VERB To eject something means to remove it or push it out forcefully. □�[V n] He aimed his rifle, fired a single shot, then ejected the spent cartridge.

3 VERB When a pilot ejectsfrom an aircraft, he or she leaves the aircraft quickly using an ejector seat, usually because the plane is about to crash. □�[V +�from ] The pilot ejected from the plane and escaped injury. [Also V ]

eje c|tor seat (ejector seats ) N‑COUNT An ejector seat is a special seat which can throw the pilot out of a fast military aircraft in an emergency.

eke /iː k/ (ekes , eking , eked ) PHRASE If you eke a living or eke out an existence , you manage to survive with very little money. □�[+�off ] That forced peasant farmers to try to eke a living off steep hillsides. □� He was eking out an existence on a few francs a day.

▸� eke out PHRASAL VERB If you eke out something, you make your supply of it last as long as possible. □�[V P n] Many workers can only eke out their redundancy money for about 10 weeks. [Also V n P ]

elabo|rate (elaborates , elaborating , elaborated ) The adjective is pronounced / I l� bərət/. The verb is pronounced / I l� bəre I t/. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use elaborate to describe something that is very complex because it has a lot of different parts. □� �an elaborate research project. □� �an elaborate ceremony that lasts for eight days.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Elaborate plans, systems, and procedures are complicated because they have been planned in very great detail, sometimes too much detail. □� �elaborate efforts at the highest level to conceal the problem. □� �an elaborate management training scheme for graduates. ●� elabo|rate|ly ADV □� It was clearly an elaborately planned operation.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Elaborate clothing or material is made with a lot of detailed artistic designs. □� He is known for his elaborate costumes. ●� elabo|rate|ly ADV □� �elaborately costumed dolls.

4 VERB If you elaborate a plan or theory, you develop it by making it more complicated and more effective. □�[V n] His task was to elaborate policies to make a market economy compatible with a clean environment. ●� elabo|ra|tion / I l� bəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the elaboration of specific policies and mechanisms.

5 VERB If you elaborateon something that has been said, you say more about it, or give more details. □�[V +�on ] A spokesman declined to elaborate on a statement released late yesterday. □�[V ] Would you care to elaborate?

�lan /e I lɑː n/ also elan N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone does something with �lan , you mean that they do it in an energetic and confident way. [LITERARY ]

elapse / I l� ps/ (elapses , elapsing , elapsed ) VERB When time elapses , it passes. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Forty-eight hours have elapsed since his arrest.

elas|tic / I l� st I k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Elastic is a rubber material that stretches when you pull it and returns to its original size and shape when you let it go. Elastic is often used in clothes to make them fit tightly, for example round the waist. □� �a piece of elastic.

2 ADJ Something that is elastic is able to stretch easily and then return to its original size and shape. □� Beat it until the dough is slightly elastic.

3 ADJ If ideas, plans, or policies are elastic , they are able to change to suit new circumstances or conditions as they occur. □� �an elastic interpretation of the rules of boxing. □� The period of conversion was elastic, in some cases lasting over twenty years

elas|ti|cat|ed / I l� st I ke I t I d/ ADJ If a piece of clothing or part of a piece of clothing is elasticated , elastic has been sewn or woven into it to make it fit better and to help it keep its shape. [BRIT ] □� �a pink silk jacket with an elasticated waist. in AM, use elasticized

ela s|tic ba nd (elastic bands ) N‑COUNT An elastic band is a thin circle of very stretchy rubber that you can put around things in order to hold them together. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use rubber band

elas|tici|ty /iː l�st I s I ti, I l� st-/ N‑UNCOUNT The elasticity of a material or substance is its ability to return to its original shape, size, and condition after it has been stretched. □� Daily facial exercises help her to retain the skin's elasticity.

Elas|to|plast / I l� stəplɑːst/ (Elastoplasts )

1 N‑VAR Elastoplast is a type of sticky tape that you use to cover small cuts on your body. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, use Band-Aid2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to an Elastoplast solution to a problem, you mean that you disapprove of it because you think that it will only be effective for a short period. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is only an Elastoplast solution to a far greater constitutional problem. in AM, use Band-Aid

elat|ed / I le I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are elated , you are extremely happy and excited because of something that has happened. □� I was elated that my second heart bypass had been successful.

ela|tion / I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Elation is a feeling of great happiness and excitement about something that has happened. □� His supporters have reacted to the news with elation.

el|bow /e lboʊ/ (elbows , elbowing , elbowed )

1 N‑COUNT Your elbow is the part of your arm where the upper and lower halves of the arm are joined. □� He slipped and fell, badly bruising an elbow.

2 VERB If you elbow people aside or elbow your way somewhere, you push people with your elbows in order to move somewhere. □�[V n with aside ] They also claim that the security team elbowed aside a steward. □�[V n prep] Mr Smith elbowed me in the face. □�[V n prep/adv] Brand elbowed his way to the centre of the group of bystanders. [Also V ]

3 VERB If someone or something elbows their way somewhere, or elbows other people or things out of the way , they achieve success by being aggressive and determined. □�[V n with aside/out ] Non-state firms gradually elbow aside the inefficient state-owned ones. □�[V n prep] Environmental concerns will elbow their way right to the top of the agenda. [Also V n prep, V n]

4to rub elbows with →�see rub

e l|bow grease N‑UNCOUNT People use elbow grease to refer to the strength and energy that you use when doing physical work like rubbing or polishing. [INFORMAL ] □� It took a considerable amount of polish and elbow grease before the brass shone like new.

e l|bow room

1 N‑UNCOUNT Elbow room is the freedom to do what you want to do or need to do in a particular situation. [INFORMAL ] □� His speech was designed to give himself more political elbow room.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If there is enough elbow room in a place or vehicle, it is not too small or too crowded. [INFORMAL ] □� There was not much elbow room in the cockpit of a Snipe.

el|der /e ldə r / (elders )

1 ADJ [ADJ n, the ADJ ] Theelderof two people is the one who was born first. □� �his elder brother. □�[+�of ] �the elder of her two daughters.

2 N‑COUNT A person's elder is someone who is older than them, especially someone quite a lot older. [FORMAL ] □� The young have no respect for their elders.

3 N‑COUNT In some societies, an elder is one of the respected older people who have influence and authority. □� �tribal elders.

4 N‑VAR An elder is a bush or small tree which has groups of small white flowers and black berries.

elder|berry /e ldə r beri/ (elderberries )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Elderberries are the edible black berries that grow on an elder bush or tree.

2 N‑VAR An elderberry is an elder bush or tree.

el|der|ly ◆◇◇ /e ldə r li/ ADJ You use elderly as a polite way of saying that someone is old. [POLITENESS ] □� �an elderly couple. □� Many of those most affected are elderly. ●�N‑PLURAL The elderly are people who are old. This use could cause offence. □� The elderly are a formidable force in any election. SYNONYMS elderly ADJ

old:He was considered too old for the job.

aged:She has an aged parent who's capable of being very difficult.

ageing:John lives with his ageing mother.

geriatric:The geriatric patients will be moved out.

e l|der sta tes|man (elder statesmen )

1 N‑COUNT An elder statesman is an old and respected politician or former politician who still has influence because of his or her experience.

2 N‑COUNT An experienced and respected member of an organization or profession is sometimes referred to as an elder statesman .

eld|est /e ld I st/ ADJ The eldest person in a group is the one who was born before all the others. □� The eldest child was a daughter called Fiona. □�[+of ] David was the eldest of three boys. □� The two eldest are already doing well at Kings Wood.

e -lea rning N‑UNCOUNT E-learning is learning that takes place by means of computers and the internet.

elect ◆◆◇ / I le kt/ (elects , electing , elected )

1 VERB When people elect someone, they choose that person to represent them, by voting for them. □�[V n] The people of the Philippines have voted to elect a new president. □�[V n n] Manchester College elected him Principal in 1956. □�[V n +�as ] The country is about to take a radical departure by electing a woman as its new president. ●� elect|ed ADJ [ADJ n] □� �the country's democratically elected president.

2 VERB If you electto do something, you choose to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] After six months he elected to take early retirement

3 ADJ [n ADJ ] Elect is added after words such as 'president' or 'governor' to indicate that a person has been elected to the post but has not officially started to carry out the duties involved. [FORMAL ] □� �the date when the president-elect takes office. SYNONYMS elect VERB 1

vote for:Many would vote for the government if there was a new leader.

choose:They will be able to choose their own leaders in democratic elections.

pick:She had picked ten people to interview for six sales jobs in London.

select:Voters are selecting candidates for both U.S. Senate seats and congressional seats.

elec|tion ◆◆◆ / I le kʃ ə n/ (elections )

1 N‑VAR An election is a process in which people vote to choose a person or group of people to hold an official position. □� �the first fully free elections for more than fifty years. □� The final election results will be announced on Friday. □� Many residents say they have little or no idea who's standing for election.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The election of a particular person or group of people is their success in winning an election. □�[+�of ] �the election of the Labour government in 1964. □�[+as ] �his election as president. □� The Democrat candidate is the favorite to win election. COLLOCATIONS election NOUN 1

adjective +�election : federal, mayoral, municipal, parliamentary, presidential; local, national, primary; forthcoming, upcoming; free and fair

verb +�election : call, hold; contest, fight; lose, win SYNONYMS election NOUN 1

vote:Why do you think we should have a vote on that?

the polls:The polls have closed in the Pakistan parliamentary elections.

ballot:The result of the ballot will not be known for two weeks.

referendum:Estonia said it too planned to hold a referendum on independence.

show of hands:Parliamentary leaders agreed to take all such decisions by a show of hands.

elec|tion|eer|ing / I le kʃən I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Electioneering is the activities that politicians and their supporters carry out in order to persuade people to vote for them or their political party in an election, for example making speeches and visiting voters.

elec|tive / I le kt I v/ (electives )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An elective post or committee is one to which people are appointed as a result of winning an election. [FORMAL ] □� Buchanan has never held elective office.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Elective surgery is surgery that you choose to have before it becomes essential. [FORMAL ]

3 N‑COUNT An elective is a subject which a student can choose to study as part of his or her course. [AM ] in BRIT, use option

elec|tor / I le ktə r / (electors )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] An elector is a person who has the right to vote in an election.

2 N‑COUNT An elector is a member of the electoral college. People vote for electors in each state to represent them in the presidential elections. [AM ]

elec|tor|al ◆◇◇ / I le ktərəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Electoral is used to describe things that are connected with elections. □� The Mongolian Democratic Party is campaigning for electoral reform. □� �Italy's electoral system of proportional representation. ●� elec|tor|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� He believed that the policies were both wrong and electorally disastrous.

ele c|tor|al co l|lege N‑SING Theelectoral college is the system that is used in the United States in presidential elections. The electors in the electoral college act as representatives for each state, and they elect the president and vice-president. [AM ]

ele c|tor|al re g|is|ter (electoral registers ) N‑COUNT An electoral register is an official list of all the people who have the right to vote in an election. [BRIT ] □� Many students are not on the electoral register.

ele c|tor|al ro ll (electoral rolls ) N‑COUNT An electoral roll is the same as an electoral register . [BRIT ]

elec|tor|ate / I le ktərət/ (electorates ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The electorate of a country or area is all the people in it who have the right to vote in an election. □� He has the backing of almost a quarter of the electorate.

elec|tric ◆◇◇ / I le ktr I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An electric device or machine works by means of electricity, rather than using some other source of power. □� �her electric guitar.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An electric current, voltage, or charge is one that is produced by electricity.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Electric plugs, sockets, or power lines are designed to carry electricity.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Electric is used to refer to the supply of electricity. [INFORMAL ] □� An average electric bill might go up $2 or $3 per month.

5 ADJ If you describe the atmosphere of a place or event as electric , you mean that people are in a state of great excitement. □� The mood in the hall was electric.

elec|tri|cal / I le ktr I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Electrical goods, equipment, or appliances work by means of electricity. □� �shipments of electrical equipment. □� �electrical appliances. ●� elec|tri|cal|ly / I le ktr I kli/ ADV [ADV -ed] □� �electrically-powered vehicles.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Electrical systems or parts supply or use electricity.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Electrical energy is energy in the form of electricity. ●� elec|tri|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, ADV with v] □� �electrically-charged particles. □� The researchers stimulated the muscle electrically.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Electrical industries, engineers, or workers are involved in the production and supply of electricity or electrical goods.

ele c|tri|cal en|gi|nee r (electrical engineers ) N‑COUNT An electrical engineer is a person who uses scientific knowledge to design, construct, and maintain electrical devices.

ele c|tri|cal en|gi|nee r|ing N‑UNCOUNT Electrical engineering is the designing, constructing, and maintenance of electrical devices.

ele c|tric bla n|ket (electric blankets ) N‑COUNT An electric blanket is a blanket with wires inside it which carry an electric current that keeps the blanket warm.

ele c|tric blue also electric-blue COLOUR Something that is electric blue is very bright blue in colour.

ele c|tric chai r (electric chairs ) N‑COUNT Theelectric chair is a method of killing criminals, used especially in the United States, in which a person is strapped to a special chair and killed by a powerful electric current.

elec|tri|cian / I lektr I ʃ ə n, iː lek-/ (electricians ) N‑COUNT An electrician is a person whose job is to install and repair electrical equipment.

elec|tric|ity ◆◇◇ / I lektr I s I ti, iː lek-/ N‑UNCOUNT Electricity is a form of energy that can be carried by wires and is used for heating and lighting, and to provide power for machines. □� The electricity had been cut off. WORD HISTORY electricity

Electricity comes from the Greek word ēlektron , meaning 'amber'. The ancient Greeks had found out that if you rub a piece of amber, it will attract small particles by the force that we now understand to be electricity.

elec|trics / I le ktr I ks/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to a system of electrical wiring as the electrics . [BRIT ] □� Plumbing and electrics are installed to a high standard.

ele c|tric sho ck (electric shocks ) N‑COUNT If you get an electric shock , you get a sudden painful feeling when you touch something which is connected to a supply of electricity.

elec|tri|fi|ca|tion / I le ktr I f I ke I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The electrification of a house, town, or area is the connecting of that place with a supply of electricity. □� �rural electrification.

2 →�see also electrify

elec|tri|fied / I le ktr I fa I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] An electrified fence or other barrier has been connected to a supply of electricity, so that a person or animal that touches it will get an electric shock. □� The house was set amid dense trees and surrounded by an electrified fence.

elec|tri|fy / I le ktr I fa I / (electrifies , electrifying , electrified )

1 VERB [usu passive] If people are electrifiedby an event or experience, it makes them feel very excited and surprised. □�[be V -ed +by ] The world was electrified by his courage and resistance. ●� elec|tri|fy|ing ADJ □� He gave an electrifying performance.

2 VERB [usu passive] When a railway system or railway line is electrified , electric cables are put over the tracks, or electric rails are put beside them, so that the trains can be powered by electricity. □�[be V -ed] The west-coast line was electrified as long ago as 1974. □�[V -ed] �the electrified section of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway.

PREFIX electro-

is used to form words that refer to electricity or processes involving electricity. For example, if someone is electrocuted , they are killed or injured by electricity.

elec|tro|car|dio|gram / I le ktroʊkɑː r dioʊgr�m/ (electrocardiograms ) N‑COUNT If someone has an electrocardiogram , doctors use special equipment to measure the electric currents produced by that person's heart in order to see whether it is working normally.

e|lec|tro|chem|i|cal / I le ktroʊke m I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] An electrochemical process or reaction is one in which electricity is produced by a chemical reaction. □� The technology uses an electrochemical process to produce electricity.

elec|tro|cute / I le ktrəkjuːt/ (electrocutes , electrocuting , electrocuted )

1 VERB If someone is electrocuted , they are accidentally killed or badly injured when they touch something connected to a source of electricity. □�[be V -ed] Three people were electrocuted by falling power-lines. □�[V pron-refl] He accidentally electrocuted himself.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a criminal is electrocuted , he or she is executed using electricity. □�[be V -ed] He was electrocuted for a murder committed when he was 17. ●� elec|tro|cu|tion / I le ktrəkjuː ʃ ə n/ (electrocutions ) N‑VAR □� The court sentenced him to death by electrocution.

elec|trode / I le ktroʊd/ (electrodes ) N‑COUNT An electrode is a small piece of metal or other substance that is used to take an electric current to or from a source of power, a piece of equipment, or a living body. □� The patient's brain activity is monitored via electrodes taped to the skull.

elec|troly|sis / I lektrɒ l I s I s, iː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Electrolysis is the process of passing an electric current through a substance in order to produce chemical changes in the substance. [TECHNICAL ]

elec|tro|lyte / I le ktrəla I t/ (electrolytes ) N‑COUNT An electrolyte is a substance, usually a liquid, which electricity can pass through. [TECHNICAL ]

elec|tro|mag|net / I le ktroʊm� gn I t/ (electromagnets ) N‑COUNT An electromagnet is a magnet that consists of a piece of iron or steel surrounded by a coil. The metal becomes magnetic when an electric current is passed through the coil.

elec|tro|mag|net|ic / I le ktroʊm�gne t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Electromagnetic is used to describe the electrical and magnetic forces or effects produced by an electric current. □� �electromagnetic fields.

elec|tron / I le ktrɒn/ (electrons ) N‑COUNT An electron is a tiny particle of matter that is smaller than an atom and has a negative electrical charge. [TECHNICAL ]

elec|tron|ic ◆◇◇ / I lektrɒ n I k, iː -/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An electronic device has transistors or silicon chips which control and change the electric current passing through the device. □� �expensive electronic equipment.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An electronic process or activity involves the use of electronic devices. □� �electronic surveillance. □� �electronic music. ●� elec|troni|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Data is transmitted electronically. □� �an electronically controlled dishwasher.

elec|tro n|ic boo k (electronic books ) N‑COUNT An electronic book is the same as an e-book . [COMPUTING ]

elec|tro n|ic mai l N‑SING Electronic mail is the same as email .

elec|tro n|ic pu b|lish|ing N‑UNCOUNT Electronic publishing is the publishing of documents in a form that can be read on a computer, for example as a CD-ROM.

elec|tron|ics / I lektrɒ n I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Electronics is the technology of using transistors and silicon chips, especially in devices such as radios, televisions, and computers. □� �Europe's three main electronics companies.

ele c|tron|ic ta g|ging N‑UNCOUNT Electronic tagging is a system in which a criminal or suspected criminal has an electronic device attached to them which enables the police to know if they leave a particular area. [BRIT ]

el|egant ◆◇◇ /e l I gənt/

1 ADJ If you describe a person or thing as elegant , you mean that they are pleasing and graceful in appearance or style. □� Patricia looked beautiful and elegant as always. □� �an elegant restaurant. ●� el|egance N‑UNCOUNT □� �the princess's understated elegance. ●� el|egant|ly ADV □� �a tall, elegantly dressed man with a mustache.

2 ADJ If you describe a piece of writing, an idea, or a plan as elegant , you mean that it is simple, clear, and clever. □� The document impressed me with its elegant simplicity. ●� el|egant|ly ADV □� �an elegantly simple idea. SYNONYMS elegant ADJ 1

stylish:�a very attractive and very stylish woman of 27.

sophisticated:Claude was a charming, sophisticated companion.

refined:�refined and well-dressed ladies.

chic:Her gown was very French and very chic.

graceful:�graceful ballerinas.

el|egi|ac /e l I dʒa I ək/ ADJ Something that is elegiac expresses or shows sadness. [LITERARY ] □� The music has a dreamy, elegiac quality.

el|egy /e l I dʒi/ (elegies ) N‑COUNT An elegy is a sad poem, often about someone who has died. □� �a touching elegy for a lost friend.

el|ement ◆◆◇ /e l I mənt/ (elements )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The different elements of something are the different parts it contains. □�[+�of ] The exchange of prisoners of war was one of the key elements of the U.N.'s peace plan.

2 N‑COUNT A particular element of a situation, activity, or process is an important quality or feature that it has or needs. □� Fitness has now become an important element in our lives.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] When you talk about elements within a society or organization, you are referring to groups of people who have similar aims, beliefs, or habits. □� �criminal elements within the security forces. □� �the hooligan element.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something has an elementof a particular quality or emotion, it has a certain amount of this quality or emotion. □�[+�of ] These reports clearly contain elements of propaganda.

5 N‑COUNT An element is a substance such as gold, oxygen, or carbon that consists of only one type of atom.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The element in an electric fire or water heater is the metal part which changes the electric current into heat.

7 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the weather, especially wind and rain, as the elements . □� The area where most refugees are waiting is exposed to the elements.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone is in their element , you mean that they are in a situation they enjoy. □� My stepmother was in her element, organizing everything. SYNONYMS element NOUN 1

component:The management plan has four main components.

part:Respect is a very important part of any relationship.

feature:Patriotic songs have long been a feature of Kuwaiti life.

factor:Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining fitness.

aspect:Climate and weather affect every aspect of our lives.

ingredient:I think that is one of the major ingredients in his success.

el|ement|al /e l I me nt ə l/ ADJ Elemental feelings and types of behaviour are simple, basic, and forceful. [LITERARY ] □� �the elemental life they would be living in this new colony.

el|emen|ta|ry /e l I me ntri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is elementary is very simple and basic. □� �elementary computer skills.

el|eme n|ta|ry school (elementary schools ) N‑VAR An elementary school is a school where children are taught for the first six or sometimes eight years of their education. [mainly AM ] □� �the move from elementary school to middle school or junior high.

el|ephant /e l I fənt/ (elephants )

1 N‑COUNT An elephant is a very large animal with a long, flexible nose called a trunk, which it uses to pick up things. Elephants live in India and Africa.

2 →�see also white elephant

el|ephan|tine /e l I f� nta I n/ ADJ If you describe something as elephantine , you mean that you think it is large and clumsy. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �elephantine clumsiness. □� His legs were elephantine.

el|evate /e l I ve I t/ (elevates , elevating , elevated )

1 VERB [usu passive] When someone or something achieves a more important rank or status, you can say that they are elevatedto it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�to ] He was elevated to the post of prime minister. ●� el|eva|tion /e l I ve I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □�[+�of/to ] The elevation of Pierre d'Aubusson to the rank of cardinal was applauded throughout Europe.

2 VERB If you elevate something to a higher status, you consider it to be better or more important than it really is. □�[V n +�to ] Don't elevate your superiors to superstar status.

3 VERB To elevate something means to increase it in amount or intensity. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Emotional stress can elevate blood pressure. □�[V -ed] �overweight individuals who have elevated cholesterol levels.

4 VERB If you elevate something, you raise it above a horizontal level. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Jack elevated the gun at the sky.

el|evat|ed /e l I ve I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A person, job, or role that is elevated is very important or of very high rank. □� His career has blossomed and that has given him a certain elevated status.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If thoughts or ideas are elevated , they are on a high moral or intellectual level. □� �the magazine's elevated British tone.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If land or buildings are elevated , they are raised up higher than the surrounding area. □� An elevated platform on the stage collapsed during rehearsals.

el|eva|tion /e l I ve I ʃ ə n/ (elevations )

1 N‑COUNT In architecture, an elevation is the front, back, or side of a building, or a drawing of one of these. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the addition of two-storey wings on the north and south elevations.

2 N‑COUNT The elevation of a place is its height above sea level. □�[+�of ] We're probably at an elevation of about 13,000 feet above sea level.

3 N‑COUNT An elevation is a piece of ground that is higher than the area around it.

4 →�see also elevate

el|eva|tor /e l I ve I tə r / (elevators ) N‑COUNT An elevator is a device that carries people up and down inside buildings. [AM ] in BRIT, use lift

elev|en ◆◆◆ / I le v ə n/ (elevens ) NUM Eleven is the number 11. □� �the Princess and her eleven friends.

ele ven-plu s also eleven plus N‑SING Theeleven-plus is an exam which was taken by children in Britain at about the age of eleven, in order to decide which secondary school they should go to. [BRIT ]

elev|en|ses / I le v ə nz I z/ N‑UNCOUNT Elevenses is a short break when you have a cup of tea or coffee, and sometimes biscuits, at around eleven o'clock in the morning. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

elev|enth ◆◆◇ / I le v ə nθ/ (elevenths )

1 ORD The eleventh item in a series is the one that you count as number eleven. □� We were working on the eleventh floor.

2 FRACTION An eleventh is one of eleven equal parts of something.

ele v|enth hou r N‑SING If someone does something atthe eleventh hour , they do it at the last possible moment. □� He postponed his trip at the eleventh hour. □� �last night's eleventh-hour agreement.

elf /e lf/ (elves ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] In fairy stories, elves are small magical beings who play tricks on people.

elf|in /e lf I n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as elfin , you think that they are attractive because they are small and have delicate features. [APPROVAL ] □� �a little boy with an elfin face.

elic|it / I l I s I t/ (elicits , eliciting , elicited )

1 VERB If you elicit a response or a reaction, you do or say something which makes other people respond or react. □�[V n] He spoke for a long time, trying to elicit some comment or response from Hanuman.

2 VERB If you elicit a piece of information, you get it by asking the right questions. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Phone calls elicited no further information.

elide / I la I d/ (elides , eliding , elided )

1 VERB If you elide something, especially a distinction, you leave it out or ignore it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] These habits of thinking elide the difference between what is common and what is normal.

2 VERB In linguistics, if you elide a word, you do not pronounce or write it fully. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] He complained about BBC announcers eliding their words.

eli|gible /e l I dʒ I b ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] Someone who is eligibleto do something is qualified or able to do it, for example because they are old enough. □� Almost half the population are eligible to vote in today's election. □�[+�for ] You could be eligible for a university scholarship. ●� eli|gibil|ity /e l I dʒ I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�for ] The rules covering eligibility for benefits changed in the 1980s.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An eligible man or woman is not yet married and is thought by many people to be a suitable partner. □� He's the most eligible bachelor in Japan.

elimi|nate ◆◇◇ / I l I m I ne I t/ (eliminates , eliminating , eliminated )

1 VERB To eliminate something, especially something you do not want or need, means to remove it completely. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The priority should be to eliminate child poverty. □�[V n +�from ] If you think you may be allergic to a food or drink, eliminate it from your diet. ●� elimi|na|tion / I l I m I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the prohibition and elimination of chemical weapons.

2 V-PASSIVE When a person or team is eliminatedfrom a competition, they are defeated and so take no further part in the competition. □�[be V -ed +�from ] I was eliminated from the 400 metres in the semi-finals. □�[be V -ed] If you are eliminated in the show-jumping then you are out of the complete competition.

3 VERB If someone says that they have eliminated an enemy, they mean that they have killed them. By using the word 'eliminate', they are trying to make the action sound more positive than if they used the word 'kill'. □�[V n] He declared war on the government and urged right-wingers to eliminate their opponents. SYNONYMS eliminate VERB 1

get rid of:There's corruption, and we're going to get rid of it.

remove:Most of her fears had been removed.

abolish:The whole system should be abolished.

eradicate:They are already battling to eradicate illnesses such as malaria.

banish:�diseases like malaria that have been banished for centuries.

do away with:The long-range goal must be to do away with nuclear weapons altogether.

elimi|na|tor / I l I m I ne I tə r / (eliminators ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] In sport, an eliminator is a game which decides which team or player is to go through to the next stage of a particular competition. [BRIT ] □� �a world title eliminator. in AM, use elimination game

elite / I liː t, e I -/ (elites )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to the most powerful, rich, or talented people within a particular group, place, or society as the elite . □� �a government comprised mainly of the elite. □� We have a political elite in this country.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Elite people or organizations are considered to be the best of their kind. □� �the elite troops of the President's bodyguard.

elit|ism / I liː t I zəm, e I -/ N‑UNCOUNT Elitism is the quality or practice of being elitist. □� It became difficult to promote excellence without being accused of elitism.

elit|ist / I liː t I st, e I -/ (elitists )

1 ADJ Elitist systems, practices, or ideas favour the most powerful, rich, or talented people within a group, place, or society. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The legal profession is starting to be less elitist and more representative.

2 N‑COUNT An elitist is someone who has elitist ideas or is part of an elite. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was an elitist who had no time for the masses.

elix|ir / I l I ksə r / (elixirs ) N‑COUNT An elixir is a liquid that is considered to have magical powers. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the elixir of life.

Eliza|bethan / I l I zəbiː θ ə n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Elizabethan means belonging to or connected with England in the second half of the sixteenth century, when Elizabeth the First was Queen. □� �Elizabethan England. □� �the Elizabethan theatre.

elk /e lk/ (elks or elk ) N‑VAR An elk is a type of large deer. Elks have big, flat horns called antlers and are found in Northern Europe, Asia, and North America. Some British speakers use elk to refer to the European and Asian varieties of this animal, and moose to refer to the North American variety.

el|lipse / I l I ps/ (ellipses ) N‑COUNT An ellipse is an oval shape similar to a circle but longer and flatter. □� The Earth orbits in an ellipse.

el|lip|sis / I l I ps I s/ N‑UNCOUNT In linguistics, ellipsis means leaving out words rather than repeating them unnecessarily; for example, saying 'I want to go but I can't' instead of 'I want to go but I can't go'. [TECHNICAL ]

el|lip|ti|cal / I l I pt I k ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is elliptical has the shape of an ellipse. [FORMAL ] □� �the moon's elliptical orbit.

2 ADJ Elliptical references to something are indirect rather than clear. [FORMAL ] □� �elliptical references to problems best not aired in public. ●� el|lip|ti|cal|ly / I l I pt I kli/ ADV [ADV after v] □� He spoke only briefly and elliptically about the mission.

elm /e lm/ (elms ) N‑VAR An elm is a tree that has broad leaves which it loses in winter. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Elm is the wood of this tree.

elo|cu|tion /e ləkjuː ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Elocution lessons are lessons in which someone is taught to speak clearly and in an accent that is considered to be standard and acceptable.

elon|gate /iː lɒŋge I t, [AM ] I lɔː ŋ-/ (elongates , elongating , elongated ) VERB If you elongate something or if it elongates , you stretch it so that it becomes longer. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] 'Mom,' she intoned, elongating the word. □�[V ] Corn is treated when the stalk starts to elongate.

elon|gat|ed /iː lɒŋge I t I d, [AM ] I lɔː ŋ-/ ADJ If something is elongated , it is very long and thin, often in an unnatural way. □� The light from my candle threw his elongated shadow on the walls.

elope / I loʊ p/ (elopes , eloping , eloped ) VERB When two people elope , they go away secretly together to get married. □�[V ] My girlfriend Lynn and I eloped. □�[V +�with ] In 1912 he eloped with Frieda von Richthofen.

elo|quent /e ləkwənt/

1 ADJ Speech or writing that is eloquent is well expressed and effective in persuading people. □� I heard him make a very eloquent speech at that dinner. ●� elo|quence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the eloquence of his prose. ●� elo|quent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Jan speaks eloquently about her art.

2 ADJ A person who is eloquent is good at speaking and able to persuade people. [APPROVAL ] □� He was eloquent about his love of books. □� �one particularly eloquent German critic. ●� elo|quence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] I wish I'd had the eloquence of Helmut Schmidt.

else ◆◆◆ /e ls/

1 ADJ You use else after words such as 'anywhere', 'someone', and 'what', to refer in a vague way to another person, place, or thing. □� If I can't make a living at painting, at least I can teach someone else to paint. □� We had nothing else to do on those long trips. □� There's not much else I can say. ●�ADV [adv ADV ] Else is also an adverb. □� I never wanted to live anywhere else.

2 ADJ You use else after words such as 'everyone', 'everything', and 'everywhere' to refer in a vague way to all the other people, things, or places except the one you are talking about. □� As I try to be truthful, I expect everyone else to be truthful. □� Batteries are in short supply, like everything else here. ●�ADV [adv ADV ] Else is also an adverb. □� London seems so much dirtier than everywhere else.

3 PHRASE You use or else after stating a logical conclusion, to indicate that what you are about to say is evidence for that conclusion. □� He must be a good plumber, or else he wouldn't be so busy. □� Clearly no lessons have been learnt or else the problem would have been solved.

4 PHRASE You use or else to introduce a statement that indicates the unpleasant results that will occur if someone does or does not do something. □� Make sure you are strapped in very well, or else you will fall out.

5 PHRASE You use or else to introduce the second of two possibilities when you do not know which one is true. □� You are either a total genius or else you must be absolutely raving mad.

6 PHRASE Above all else is used to emphasize that a particular thing is more important than other things. [EMPHASIS ] □� Above all else I hate the cold.

7 PHRASE You can say ' if nothing else ' to indicate that what you are mentioning is, in your opinion, the only good thing in a particular situation. □� If nothing else, you'll really enjoy meeting them.

8 PHRASE You say ' or else ' after a command to warn someone that if they do not obey, you will be angry and may harm or punish them. [SPOKEN ] □� He told us to put it right, or else.

else|where ◆◇◇ /e ls h weə r / ADV [ADV after v] [n ADV , be ADV , from ADV ] Elsewhere means in other places or to another place. □� Almost 80 percent of the state's residents were born elsewhere. □� But if you are not satisfied then go elsewhere.

ELT /iː el tiː / N‑UNCOUNT ELT is the teaching of English to people whose first language is not English. ELT is an abbreviation for 'English Language Teaching'. [mainly BRIT ]

elu|ci|date / I luː s I de I t/ (elucidates , elucidating , elucidated ) VERB If you elucidate something, you make it clear and easy to understand. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Haig went on to elucidate his personal principle of war. □�[V ] There was no need for him to elucidate. ●� elu|ci|da|tion / I luː s I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �Gerald's attempts at elucidation.

elude / I luː d/ (eludes , eluding , eluded )

1 VERB [no passive] If something that you want eludes you, you fail to obtain it. □�[V n] At 62, Brian found the celebrity and status that had eluded him for so long.

2 VERB If you elude someone or something, you avoid them or escape from them. □�[V n] He eluded the police for 13 years.

3 VERB [no passive] If a fact or idea eludes you, you do not succeed in understanding it, realizing it, or remembering it. □�[V n] The appropriate word eluded him.

elu|sive / I luː s I v/ ADJ Something or someone that is elusive is difficult to find, describe, remember, or achieve. □� In London late-night taxis are elusive and far from cheap. ●� elu|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the elusiveness of her character.

elves /e lvz/ Elves is the plural of elf .

PREFIX em-

is added to words to form verbs that describe the process of putting someone into a particular state, condition, or place, or to form adjectives and nouns that describe that process or those states and conditions. It is used before b- , m- , and p- . For example, if someone embarrasses you, they make you feel nervous or stupid in a social situation.

ema|ci|at|ed / I me I sie I t I d, -me I ʃ-/ ADJ A person or animal that is emaciated is extremely thin and weak because of illness or lack of food. □� �horrific television pictures of emaciated prisoners.

e mail ◆◇◇ (emails , emailing , emailed ) also e-mail , E-mail

1 N‑VAR Email is a system of sending written messages electronically from one computer to another. Email is an abbreviation of 'electronic mail'. □� You can contact us by email. □� Do you want to send an E-mail? □� First you need to get an email address.

2 VERB If you email someone, you send them an email. □�[V n +�to ] Email your views to sport@times.co.uk □�[V n] Jamie e-mailed me to say he couldn't come.

ema|nate /e məne I t/ (emanates , emanating , emanated )

1 VERB If a quality emanatesfrom you, or if you emanate a quality, you give people a strong sense that you have that quality. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�from ] Intelligence and cunning emanated from him. □�[V n] He emanates sympathy.

2 VERB If something emanatesfrom somewhere, it comes from there. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�from ] �reports emanating from America. [Also V ]

ema|na|tion /e məne I ʃ ə n/ (emanations ) N‑COUNT An emanation is a form of energy or a mass of tiny particles that comes from something. [FORMAL ]

eman|ci|pate / I m� ns I pe I t/ (emancipates , emancipating , emancipated ) VERB If people are emancipated , they are freed from unpleasant or unfair social, political, or legal restrictions. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Catholics were emancipated in 1792. □�[V n] That war preserved the Union and emancipated the slaves. □�[V -ed] �the newly emancipated state. ●� eman|ci|pa|tion / I m� ns I pe I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the emancipation of women.

eman|ci|pat|ed / I m� ns I pe I t I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as emancipated , you mean that they behave in a less restricted way than is traditional in their society. □� She is an emancipated woman.

emas|cu|late / I m� skjʊle I t/ (emasculates , emasculating , emasculated )

1 VERB If someone or something is emasculated , they have been made weak and ineffective. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] Left-wing dissidents have been emasculated and marginalised. □�[V n] The company tried to emasculate the unions. □�[V -ed] The local media are emasculated by censorship. ●� emas|cu|la|tion / I m�skjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the emasculation of fundamental freedoms.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a man is emasculated , he loses his male role, identity, or qualities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] Tosh was known to be a man who feared no-one, yet he was clearly emasculated by his girlfriend.

em|balm / I mbɑː m/ (embalms , embalming , embalmed ) VERB [usu passive] If a dead person is embalmed , their body is preserved using special substances. □�[be V -ed] His body was embalmed. □�[V -ed] �the embalmed body of Lenin.

em|bank|ment / I mb� ŋkmənt/ (embankments ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An embankment is a thick wall of earth that is built to carry a road or railway over an area of low ground, or to prevent water from a river or the sea from flooding the area. □� They climbed a steep embankment. □� �a railway embankment.

em|bar|go / I mbɑː r goʊ/ (embargoes , embargoing , embargoed )

1 N‑COUNT If one country or group of countries imposes an embargo against another, it forbids trade with that country. □�[+�against ] The United Nations imposed an arms embargo against the country. □�[+�on ] That country experienced comprehensive embargoes on trade and finance.

2 VERB If goods of a particular kind are embargoed , people are not allowed to import them from a particular country or export them to a particular country. □�[be V -ed] The fruit was embargoed. □�[V n] They embargoed oil shipments to the U.S. □�[V -ed] �embargoed goods.

em|bark / I mbɑː r k/ (embarks , embarking , embarked )

1 VERB If you embarkon something new, difficult, or exciting, you start doing it. □�[V +�on/upon ] He's embarking on a new career as a writer. □�[V +�on/upon ] The government embarked on a programme of radical economic reform.

2 VERB When someone embarkson a ship, they go on board before the start of a journey. □�[V +�on ] They travelled to Portsmouth, where they embarked on the battle cruiser HMS Renown. □�[V ] Bob ordered brigade HQ to embark. ●� em|bar|ka|tion /e mbɑː r ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Embarkation was scheduled for just after 4 pm.

em|bar|rass / I mb� rəs/ (embarrasses , embarrassing , embarrassed )

1 VERB If something or someone embarrasses you, they make you feel shy or ashamed. □�[V n] His clumsiness embarrassed him. □�[V n that] It embarrassed him that he had no idea of what was going on.

2 VERB If something embarrasses a public figure such as a politician or an organization such as a political party, it causes problems for them. □�[V n] �an attempt to find out who had leaked information that embarrassed the president.

em|bar|rassed / I mb� rəst/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A person who is embarrassed feels shy, ashamed, or guilty about something. □� He looked a bit embarrassed. □� �an embarrassed silence.

em|bar|rass|ing / I mb� rəs I ŋ/

1 ADJ Something that is embarrassing makes you feel shy or ashamed. □� That was an embarrassing situation for me. □� Men find it embarrassing to be honest. ●� em|bar|rass|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] □� Stephens had beaten him embarrassingly easily.

2 ADJ Something that is embarrassingto a public figure such as a politician or an organization such as a political party causes problems for them. □� He has put the government in an embarrassing position. □�[+�to ] The speech was deeply embarrassing to Cabinet ministers.

em|bar|rass|ment / I mb� rəsmənt/ (embarrassments )

1 N‑VAR Embarrassment is the feeling you have when you are embarrassed. □�[+�to ] It is a source of embarrassment to Londoners that the standard of pubs is so low. □� We apologise for any embarrassment this may have caused.

2 N‑COUNT An embarrassment is an action, event, or situation which causes problems for a politician, political party, government, or other public group. □�[+�to ] The poverty figures were undoubtedly an embarrassment to the president.

3 N‑SING If you refer to a person as an embarrassment , you mean that you disapprove of them but cannot avoid your connection with them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] You have been an embarrassment to us from the day Douglas married you.

em|bas|sy ◆◇◇ /e mbəsi/ (embassies ) N‑COUNT An embassy is a group of government officials, headed by an ambassador, who represent their government in a foreign country. The building in which they work is also called an embassy . □� The American Embassy has already complained. □� Mr Cohen held discussions at the embassy with one of the rebel leaders.

em|bat|tled / I mb� t ə ld/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person, group, or organization as embattled , you mean that they are having a lot of problems or difficulties. □� So is it sensible for investors to look for embattled companies?

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An embattled area is one that is involved in the fighting in a war, especially one that is surrounded by enemy forces. □� Both sides want to reach a political settlement in the embattled north of the island.

em|bed / I mbe d/ (embeds , embedding , embedded )

1 VERB If an object embedsitself in a substance or thing, it becomes fixed there firmly and deeply. □�[V n +�in ] The bullet blew off the tip of his forefinger before embedding itself in the wall beside Williams' head. [Also V n prep] ●� em|bed|ded ADJ □�[+�in ] There is glass embedded in the cut.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something such as an attitude or feeling is embeddedin a society or system, or in someone's personality, it becomes a permanent and noticeable feature of it. □�[be V -ed +�in ] This agreement will be embedded in a state treaty to be signed soon. ●� em|bed|ded ADJ □�[+�in ] I think that hatred of the other is deeply embedded in our society.

em|bel|lish / I mbe l I ʃ/ (embellishes , embellishing , embellished )

1 VERB If something is embellishedwith decorative features or patterns, it has those features or patterns on it and they make it look more attractive. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The stern was embellished with carvings in red and blue. □�[V n] Ivy leaves embellish the front of the dresser.

2 VERB If you embellish a story, you make it more interesting by adding details which may be untrue. □�[V n] I launched into the parable, embellishing the story with invented dialogue and extra details. □�[V -ed] Irving popularized the story in a dramatic and embellished account.

em|bel|lish|ment / I mbe l I ʃmənt/ (embellishments ) N‑VAR An embellishment is a decoration added to something to make it seem more attractive or interesting. □� �Renaissance embellishments. □� �public buildings with little bits of decoration and embellishment.

em|ber /e mbə r / (embers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The embers of a fire are small pieces of wood or coal that remain and glow with heat after the fire has finished burning.

em|bez|zle / I mbe z ə l/ (embezzles , embezzling , embezzled ) VERB If someone embezzles money that their organization or company has placed in their care, they take it and use it illegally for their own purposes. □�[V n] One former director embezzled $34 million in company funds. [Also V ]

em|bez|zle|ment / I mbe z ə lmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Embezzlement is the crime of embezzling money.

em|bit|tered / I mb I tə r d/ ADJ If someone is embittered , they feel angry and unhappy because of harsh, unpleasant, and unfair things that have happened to them. □� He had turned into an embittered, hardened adult.

em|bla|zoned / I mble I z ə nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is emblazonedwith a design, words, or letters, they are clearly drawn, printed, or sewn on it. □�[+�with ] The walls are emblazoned with a giant collage of photos. □�[+�on ] �a T-shirt with 'Mustique' emblazoned on it. [Also +�across ]

em|blem /e mbləm/ (emblems )

1 N‑COUNT An emblem is a design representing a country or organization. □�[+�of ] �the emblem of the Soviet Union. □� �the Red Cross emblem.

2 N‑COUNT An emblem is something that represents a quality or idea. □�[+�of ] The eagle was an emblem of strength and courage.

em|blem|at|ic /e mbləm� t I k/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something, such as an object in a picture, is emblematicof a particular quality or an idea, it symbolically represents the quality or idea. □�[+�of ] Dogs are emblematic of faithfulness.

2 ADJ If you say that something is emblematicof a state of affairs, you mean that it is characteristic of it and represents its most typical features. □�[+�of ] The killing in Pensacola is emblematic of a lot of the violence that is happening around the world.

em|bodi|ment / I mbɒ dimənt/ N‑SING If you say that someone or something is theembodimentof a quality or idea, you mean that that is their most noticeable characteristic or the basis of all they do. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] A baby is the embodiment of vulnerability.

em|body / I mbɒ di/ (embodies , embodying , embodied )

1 VERB To embody an idea or quality means to be a symbol or expression of that idea or quality. □�[V n] Jack Kennedy embodied all the hopes of the 1960s. □�[be V -ed +�in/by ] That stability was embodied in the Gandhi family.

2 VERB If something is embodiedin a particular thing, the second thing contains or consists of the first. □�[be V -ed +�in/by ] The proposal has been embodied in a draft resolution. □�[V n] U.K. employment law embodies arbitration mechanisms to settle industrial disputes.

em|bold|en / I mboʊ ld ə n/ (emboldens , emboldening , emboldened ) VERB If you are emboldenedby something, it makes you feel confident enough to behave in a particular way. □�[be V -ed] The party has been emboldened by recent local election successes. □�[V n] Four days of non-stop demonstrations have emboldened the anti-government protesters.

em|bo|lism /e mbəl I zəm/ (embolisms ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] An embolism is a serious medical condition that occurs when an artery becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot.

em|bossed / I mbɒ st, [AM ] -bɔː st/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a surface such as paper or wood is embossedwith a design, the design stands up slightly from the surface. □�[+�with ] The paper on the walls was pale gold, embossed with swirling leaf designs.

em|brace / I mbre I s/ (embraces , embracing , embraced )

1 VERB If you embrace someone, you put your arms around them and hold them tightly, usually in order to show your love or affection for them. You can also say that two people embrace . □�[V n] Penelope came forward and embraced her sister. □�[V n] At first people were sort of crying for joy and embracing each other. □�[V ] He threw his arms round her and they embraced passionately. ●�N‑COUNT Embrace is also a noun. □� �a young couple locked in an embrace.

2 VERB If you embrace a change, political system, or idea, you accept it and start supporting it or believing in it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He embraces the new information age. □�[be V -ed] The new rules have been embraced by government watchdog organizations. ●�N‑SING Embrace is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The marriage signalled James's embrace of the Catholic faith.

3 VERB If something embraces a group of people, things, or ideas, it includes them in a larger group or category. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �a theory that would embrace the whole field of human endeavour.

em|broi|der / I mbrɔ I də r / (embroiders , embroidering , embroidered )

1 VERB If something such as clothing or cloth is embroideredwith a design, the design is stitched into it. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The collar was embroidered with very small red strawberries. □�[V n] Matilda was embroidering an altar cloth covered with flowers and birds. □�[V -ed] I have a pillow with my name embroidered on it. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you embroider a story or account of something, or if you embroideron it, you try to make it more interesting by adding details which may be untrue. □�[V n] He told some lies and sometimes just embroidered the truth. □�[V +�on ] She embroidered on this theme for about ten minutes.

em|broi|dery / I mbrɔ I dəri/ (embroideries )

1 N‑VAR Embroidery consists of designs stitched into cloth. □� The shorts had blue embroidery over the pockets.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Embroidery is the activity of stitching designs onto cloth. □� She learned sewing, knitting and embroidery.

em|broil / I mbrɔ I l/ (embroils , embroiling , embroiled ) VERB If someone embroils you in a fight or an argument, they get you deeply involved in it. □�[V n +�in ] Any hostilities could result in retaliation and further embroil U.N. troops in fighting. [Also V n]

em|broiled / I mbrɔ I ld/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you become embroiledin a fight or argument, you become deeply involved in it. □�[+�in ] Peasant farmers became embroiled in a dispute with local landowners.

em|bryo /e mbrioʊ/ (embryos )

1 N‑COUNT An embryo is an unborn animal or human being in the very early stages of development. □� �the remarkable resilience of very young embryos.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An embryo idea, system, or organization is in the very early stages of development, but is expected to grow stronger. □� They are an embryo party of government. □� It was an embryo idea rather than a fully worked proposal.

em|bry|ol|ogy /e mbriɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Embryology is the scientific study of embryos and their development. ●� em|bry|olo|gist /e mbriɒ lədʒ I st/ (embryologists ) N‑COUNT □� �a genetic embryologist at the hospital.

em|bry|on|ic /e mbriɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An embryonic process, idea, organization, or organism is one at a very early stage in its development. [FORMAL ] □� �Romania's embryonic democracy. □� �embryonic plant cells.

em|cee /e msiː / (emcees , emceeing , emceed )

1 N‑COUNT An emcee is the same as a master of ceremonies . [AM ]

2 VERB To emcee an event or performance of something means to act as master of ceremonies for it. [AM ] □�[V n] I'm going to be emceeing a costume contest. □�[V ] That first night I emceed I was absolutely terrified.

em|er|ald /e mərəld/ (emeralds )

1 N‑COUNT An emerald is a precious stone which is clear and bright green.

2 COLOUR Something that is emerald is bright green in colour. □� �an emerald valley.

emerge ◆◆◇ / I mɜː r dʒ/ (emerges , emerging , emerged )

1 VERB To emerge means to come out from an enclosed or dark space such as a room or a vehicle, or from a position where you could not be seen. □�[V ] Richard was waiting outside the door as she emerged. □�[V +�from ] The postman emerged from his van soaked to the skin. □�[V -ing] �holes made by the emerging adult beetle.

2 VERB If you emerge from a difficult or bad experience, you come to the end of it. □�[V +�from ] There is growing evidence that the economy is at last emerging from recession.

3 VERB If a fact or result emerges from a period of thought, discussion, or investigation, it becomes known as a result of it. □�[V ] �the growing corruption that has emerged in the past few years. □�[V that] It soon emerged that neither the July nor August mortgage repayment had been collected. □�[V -ing] The emerging caution over numbers is perhaps only to be expected.

4 VERB If someone or something emergesas a particular thing, they become recognized as that thing. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�as ] Vietnam has emerged as the world's third-biggest rice exporter. □�[V ] New leaders have emerged.

5 VERB When something such as an organization or an industry emerges , it comes into existence. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] �the new republic that emerged in October 1917. □�[V -ing] New skills are demanded for emerging industries. SYNONYMS emerge VERB

1

appear:A woman appeared at the far end of the street.

come:Two police officers came into the hall.

arrive:Fresh groups of guests arrived.

materialize:Tamsin materialized at her side, notebook at the ready.

surface:He surfaced, gasping for air.

3

come out:The truth is beginning to come out about what happened.

transpire:It transpired that Paolo had left his driving licence at home.

reveal:After the fire, it was revealed that officials had never inspected the factory.

emer|gence / I mɜː r dʒ ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT The emergenceof something is the process or event of its coming into existence. □�[+�of ] �the emergence of new democracies.

emer|gen|cy ◆◆◇ / I mɜː r dʒ ə nsi/ (emergencies )

1 N‑COUNT An emergency is an unexpected and difficult or dangerous situation, especially an accident, which happens suddenly and which requires quick action to deal with it. □� He deals with emergencies promptly. □� The hospital will cater only for emergencies.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An emergency action is one that is done or arranged quickly and not in the normal way, because an emergency has occurred. □� The Prime Minister has called an emergency meeting of parliament. □� She made an emergency appointment.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Emergency equipment or supplies are those intended for use in an emergency. □� The plane is carrying emergency supplies for refugees. □� They escaped through an emergency exit and called the police.

eme r|gen|cy brake (emergency brakes ) N‑COUNT In a vehicle, the emergency brake is a brake which the driver operates with his or her hand, and uses, for example, in emergencies or when parking. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use handbrake

eme r|gen|cy room (emergency rooms ) N‑COUNT The emergency room is the room or department in a hospital where people who have severe injuries or sudden illnesses are taken for emergency treatment. The abbreviation ER is often used. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use casualty , A & E

eme r|gen|cy ser|vices N‑PLURAL Theemergency services are the public organizations whose job is to take quick action to deal with emergencies when they occur, especially the fire brigade, the police, and the ambulance service.

emer|gent / I mɜː r dʒ ə nt/ ADJ [ADJ n] An emergent country, political movement, or social group is one that is becoming powerful or coming into existence. [WRITTEN ] □� �an emergent state. □� �an emergent nationalist movement.

emeri|tus / I me r I təs/ ADJ [ADJ n, n ADJ ] Emeritus is used with a professional title to indicate that the person bearing it has retired but keeps the title as an honour. □� �emeritus professor of physics. □� He will continue as chairman emeritus.

emet|ic / I me t I k/ (emetics )

1 N‑COUNT An emetic is something that is given to someone to swallow, in order to make them vomit.

2 ADJ Something that is emetic makes you vomit.

emi|grant /e m I grənt/ (emigrants ) N‑COUNT An emigrant is a person who has left their own country to live in another country. Compare immigrant .

emi|grate /e m I gre I t/ (emigrates , emigrating , emigrated ) VERB If you emigrate , you leave your own country to live in another country. □�[V +�to ] He emigrated to Belgium. □�[V ] They planned to emigrate. ●� emi|gra|tion /e m I gre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the huge emigration of workers to the West.

�mi|gr� /e m I gre I / (�migr�s ) also emigre N‑COUNT An �migr� is someone who has left their own country and lives in a different country for political reasons. □� Several hundred refugees and emigres demonstrated outside the main entrance.

emi|nence /e m I nəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Eminence is the quality of being very well-known and highly respected. □� Many of the pilots were to achieve eminence in the aeronautical world. □� Beveridge was a man of great eminence.

emi|nent /e m I nənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An eminent person is well-known and respected, especially because they are good at their profession. □� �an eminent scientist.

emi|nent|ly /e m I nəntli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed] You use eminently in front of an adjective describing a positive quality in order to emphasize the quality expressed by that adjective. [EMPHASIS ] □� His books on diplomatic history were eminently readable.

emir /em I ə r / (emirs ) N‑COUNT An emir is a Muslim ruler. □� �the Emir of Kuwait.

emir|ate /e mərət, [AM ] I m I ə rət/ (emirates ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An emirate is a country that is ruled by an emir.

em|is|sary /e m I səri, [AM ] -seri/ (emissaries ) N‑COUNT An emissary is a representative sent by one government or leader to another. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] �the President's special emissary to Hanoi.

emis|sion / I m I ʃ ə n/ (emissions ) N‑VAR An emissionof something such as gas or radiation is the release of it into the atmosphere. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The emission of gases such as carbon dioxide should be stabilised at their present level. □� Sulfur emissions from steel mills become acid rain.

emit / I m I t/ (emits , emitting , emitted )

1 VERB If something emits heat, light, gas, or a smell, it produces it and sends it out by means of a physical or chemical process. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The new device emits a powerful circular column of light.

2 VERB To emit a sound or noise means to produce it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Polly blinked and emitted a long, low whistle.

emo|ji / I moʊ dʒiː/ (emojis ) N‑COUNT An emoji is a digital image that is used to express an emotion or idea in an electronic communication such as an email or text message. □� He added a 'wink' emoji to show that he was joking.

emol|lient / I mɒ liənt/ (emollients )

1 N‑VAR An emollient is a liquid or cream which you put on your skin to make it softer or to reduce pain. [FORMAL ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An emollient cream makes your skin softer or reduces pain. [FORMAL ]

emolu|ment / I mɒ ljʊmənt/ (emoluments ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Emoluments are money or other forms of payment which a person receives for doing work. [FORMAL ] □� He could earn up to �1m a year in salary and emoluments from many directorships.

emo|ti|con / I moʊ t I kɒn/ (emoticons ) N‑COUNT An emoticon is a symbol used in texts or emails to show how someone is feeling. :-) is an emoticon showing happiness.

emo|tion ◆◇◇ / I moʊ ʃ ə n/ (emotions )

1 N‑VAR An emotion is a feeling such as happiness, love, fear, anger, or hatred, which can be caused by the situation that you are in or the people you are with. □� Happiness was an emotion that Reynolds was having to relearn. □� Her voice trembled with emotion.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Emotion is the part of a person's character that consists of their feelings, as opposed to their thoughts. □� �the split between reason and emotion. SYNONYMS emotion NOUN 1

feeling:Strong feelings of pride welled up in me.

sentiment:I must agree with the sentiments expressed by John Prescott.

emo|tion|al ◆◇◇ / I moʊ ʃən ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Emotional means concerned with emotions and feelings. □� I needed this man's love, and the emotional support he was giving me. □� Victims are left with emotional problems that can last for life. ●� emo|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� Are you saying that you're becoming emotionally involved with me?

2 ADJ An emotional situation or issue is one that causes people to have strong feelings. □� It's a very emotional issue. How can you advocate selling the ivory from elephants? ●� emo|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� In an emotionally charged speech, he said he was resigning.

3 ADJ If someone is or becomes emotional , they show their feelings very openly, especially because they are upset. □� He is a very emotional man. □� I don't get as emotional as I once did. SYNONYMS emotional ADJ 3

passionate:�a passionate and combative speech.

sentimental:I'm trying not to be sentimental about the past.

temperamental:�a man given to temperamental outbursts and paranoia.

excitable:Mary sat beside Elaine, who today seemed excitable.

emo |tion|al ca pi|tal N‑UNCOUNT When people refer to the emotional capital of a company, they mean all the psychological assets and resources of the company, such as how the employees feel about the company. [BUSINESS ] □� U.K. organisations are not nourishing their intellectual and emotional capital.

emo |tion|al in|te l|li|gence N‑UNCOUNT Emotional intelligence is used to refer to people's interpersonal and communication skills. □� We boast of our emotional intelligence and claim to feel each other's pain.

emo|tion|less / I moʊ ʃ ə nləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as emotionless , you mean that they do not show any feelings or emotions.

emo|tive / I moʊ t I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An emotive situation or issue is likely to make people feel strong emotions. □� Embryo research is an emotive issue.

em|pa|thet|ic /e mpəθe t I k/ ADJ Someone who is empathetic has the ability to share another person's feelings or emotions as if they were their own. [FORMAL ] □� �an empathetic listener.

em|pa|thize /e mpəθa I z/ (empathizes , empathizing , empathized ) in BRIT, also use empathise VERB If you empathizewith someone, you understand their situation, problems, and feelings, because you have been in a similar situation. □�[V +�with ] I clearly empathize with the people who live in those neighborhoods. □�[V ] Parents must make use of their natural ability to empathize.

em|pa|thy /e mpəθi/ N‑UNCOUNT Empathy is the ability to share another person's feelings and emotions as if they were your own. □�[+�with/for ] Having begun my life in a children's home I have great empathy with the little ones.

em|per|or /e mpərə r / (emperors ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An emperor is a man who rules an empire or is the head of state in an empire.

em|pha|sis ◆◇◇ /e mfəs I s/ (emphases /e mfəsiːz/)

1 N‑VAR Emphasis is special or extra importance that is given to an activity or to a part or aspect of something. □�[+�on ] Too much emphasis is placed on research. □�[+�on ] Grant puts a special emphasis on weather in his paintings.

2 N‑VAR Emphasis is extra force that you put on a syllable, word, or phrase when you are speaking in order to make it seem more important. □� 'I might have known it!' Miss Burnett said with emphasis. □� The emphasis is on the first syllable of the last word. SYNONYMS emphasis NOUN 1

importance:We have always stressed the importance of economic reform.

weight:The scientists involved put different weight on the conclusions of different models.

significance:Ideas about the social significance of religion have changed over time.

stress:Japanese car makers are laying ever more stress on European sales.

attention:The conference may help to focus attention on the economy. PRAGMATICS emphasis

In this dictionary, the label EMPHASIS indicates that you use the word or expression to show that you think something is particularly important or true, or to draw attention to it. An example of a word with this label is absolutely.

em|pha|size ◆◇◇ /e mfəsa I z/ (emphasizes , emphasizing , emphasized ) in BRIT, also use emphasise VERB To emphasize something means to indicate that it is particularly important or true, or to draw special attention to it. □�[V that] It's been emphasized that no major policy changes can be expected. □�[V how ] Discuss pollution with your child, emphasizing how nice a clean street, lawn, or park looks. SYNONYMS emphasize VERB

stress:They also stress the need for better transport and health care.

highlight:Once again, the 'Free Press' prefers not to highlight these facts.

accentuate:His shaven head accentuates his large round face.

flag up:I think there are more important issues and I just wanted to flag that up.

em|phat|ic / I mf� t I k/

1 ADJ An emphatic response or statement is one made in a forceful way, because the speaker feels very strongly about what they are saying. □� His response was immediate and emphatic. □� I answered both questions with an emphatic 'Yes'.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If you are emphaticabout something, you use forceful language which shows that you feel very strongly about what you are saying. □� The rebels are emphatic that this is not a surrender. □�[+�about ] He is especially emphatic about the value of a precise routine.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An emphatic win or victory is one in which the winner has won by a large amount or distance. □� Yesterday's emphatic victory was their fifth in succession.

em|phati|cal|ly / I mf� t I kli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you say something emphatically , you say it in a forceful way which shows that you feel very strongly about what you are saying. □� 'No fast food,' she said emphatically. □� Mr Davies has emphatically denied the charges.

2 ADV You use emphatically to emphasize the statement you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □� Making people feel foolish is emphatically not my strategy.

em|phy|sema /emf I siː mə/ N‑UNCOUNT Emphysema is a serious medical condition that occurs when the lungs become larger and do not work properly, causing difficulty in breathing.

em|pire ◆◇◇ /e mpa I ə r / (empires )

1 N‑COUNT An empire is a number of individual nations that are all controlled by the government or ruler of one particular country. □� �the Roman Empire.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of companies controlled by one person as an empire . □� �the big Mondadori publishing empire.

em|piri|cal / I mp I r I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Empirical evidence or study relies on practical experience rather than theories. □� There is no empirical evidence to support his thesis. ●� em|piri|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� �empirically based research. □� They approached this part of their task empirically.

em|piri|cism / I mp I r I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Empiricism is the belief that people should rely on practical experience and experiments, rather than on theories, as a basis for knowledge. [FORMAL ] ●� em|piri|cist (empiricists ) N‑COUNT □� He was an unswerving empiricist with little time for theory.

em|place|ment / I mple I smənt/ (emplacements ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Emplacements are specially prepared positions from which a heavy gun can be fired. [TECHNICAL ] □� There are gun emplacements every five-hundred yards along the road.

em|ploy ◆◇◇ / I mplɔ I / (employs , employing , employed )

1 VERB If a person or company employs you, they pay you to work for them. □�[V n] The company employs 18 staff. □�[be V -ed +�in ] More than 3,000 local workers are employed in the tourism industry. □�[V -ed] Her first husband had been employed in a chemicals company. [Also +�as ] [Also V n to-inf]

2 VERB If you employ certain methods, materials, or expressions, you use them. □�[V n] The tactics the police are now to employ are definitely uncompromising. □�[V -ed] �the approaches and methods employed in the study. [Also V n +�as ]

3 VERB [usu passive] If your time is employedin doing something, you are using the time you have to do that thing. □�[be V -ed +�in ] Your time could be usefully employed in attending to professional matters.

4 PHRASE If you are in the employ of someone or something, you work for them. [FORMAL ] □� Others hinted that he was in the employ of the KGB.

em|ploy|able / I mplɔ I əb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is employable has skills or abilities that are likely to make someone want to give them a job. □� People need basic education if they are to become employable. □� �employable adults.

em|ployee ◆◆◇ / I mplɔ I iː/ (employees ) N‑COUNT An employee is a person who is paid to work for an organization or for another person. □�[+�of ] He is an employee of Fuji Bank. □� �a government employee. SYNONYMS employee NOUN

worker:Wages have been frozen and workers laid off.

staff:�members of staff.

hand:He now works as a farm hand.

em|ploy|er ◆◇◇ / I mplɔ I ə r / (employers ) N‑COUNT Your employer is the person or organization that you work for. □� He had been sent to Rome by his employer. □� The telephone company is the country's largest employer.

em|ploy|ment ◆◇◇ / I mplɔ I mənt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Employment is the fact of having a paid job. □� She was unable to find employment. □� He regularly drove from his home to his place of employment.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Employment is the fact of employing someone. □�[+�of ] �the employment of children under nine.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Employment is the work that is available in a country or area. □� �economic policies designed to secure full employment. SYNONYMS employment NOUN 1

work:Fewer and fewer people are in work.

job:�overseas job vacancies.

position:He left a career in teaching to take up a position with the Arts Council.

post:She had earlier resigned her post as President Menem's assistant.

em|plo y|ment agen|cy (employment agencies ) N‑COUNT An employment agency is a company whose business is to help people to find work and help employers to find the workers they need. [BUSINESS ]

em|po|rium /empɔː riəm/ (emporiums or emporia /empɔː riə/) N‑COUNT An emporium is a store or large shop. [FORMAL ]

em|power / I mpaʊ ə r / (empowers , empowering , empowered )

1 VERB If someone is empoweredto do something, they have the authority or power to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] The army is now empowered to operate on a shoot-to-kill basis. [Also V n]

2 VERB To empower someone means to give them the means to achieve something, for example to become stronger or more successful. □�[V n] What I'm trying to do is to empower people, to give them ways to help them get well.

em|pow|er|ment / I mpaʊ ə r mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT The empowermentof a person or group of people is the process of giving them power and status in a particular situation. □�[+�of ] This government believes very strongly in the empowerment of women.

em|press /e mpr I s/ (empresses ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An empress is a woman who rules an empire or who is the wife of an emperor.

emp|ti|ness /e mptinəs/

1 N‑UNCOUNT A feeling of emptiness is an unhappy or frightening feeling that nothing is worthwhile, especially when you are very tired or have just experienced something upsetting. □� The result later in life may be feelings of emptiness and depression.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The emptiness of a place is the fact that there is nothing in it. □�[+�of ] �the emptiness of the desert.

emp|ty ◆◇◇ /e mpti/ (emptier , emptiest , empties , emptying , emptied )

1 ADJ An empty place, vehicle, or container is one that has no people or things in it. □� The room was bare and empty. □� �empty cans of lager. □�[+�of ] The roads were nearly empty of traffic.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An empty gesture, threat, or relationship has no real value or meaning. □� His father threatened to throw him out, but he knew it was an empty threat. □� �to ensure the event is not perceived as an empty gesture.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe a person's life or a period of time as empty , you mean that nothing interesting or valuable happens in it. □� My life was very hectic but empty before I met him.

4 ADJ If you feelempty , you feel unhappy and have no energy, usually because you are very tired or have just experienced something upsetting. □� I feel so empty, my life just doesn't seem worth living any more.

5 VERB If you empty a container, or empty something out of it, you remove its contents, especially by tipping it up. □�[V n] I emptied the ashtray. □�[V n prep] Empty the noodles and liquid into a serving bowl. □�[V n with out ] He emptied the contents out into the palm of his hand.

6 VERB If someone empties a room or place, or if it empties , everyone that is in it goes away. □�[V ] The stadium emptied at the end of the first day of athletics. □�[V n] �a woman who could empty a pub full of drunks just by lifting one fist.

7 VERB A river or canal that empties into a lake, river, or sea flows into it. □�[V +�into ] The Washougal empties into the Columbia River near Portland.

8 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Empties are bottles or containers which no longer have anything in them.

e mpty-ha nded ADJ [ADJ after v] If you come away from somewhere empty-handed , you have failed to get what you wanted. □� Delegates from the warring sides held a new round of peace talks but went away empty-handed.

e mpty-hea ded ADJ If you describe someone as empty-headed , you mean that they are not very intelligent and often do silly things.

emu /iː mjuː/ (emus or emu ) N‑COUNT An emu is a large Australian bird which cannot fly.

emu|late /e mjʊle I t/ (emulates , emulating , emulated ) VERB If you emulate something or someone, you imitate them because you admire them a great deal. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Sons are traditionally expected to emulate their fathers. ●� emu|la|tion /e mjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a role model worthy of emulation.

emul|si|fi|er / I mʌ ls I fa I ə r / (emulsifiers ) N‑VAR An emulsifier is a substance used in food manufacturing which helps to combine liquids of different thicknesses.

emul|si|fy / I mʌ ls I fa I / (emulsifies , emulsifying , emulsified ) VERB When two liquids of different thicknesses emulsify or when they are emulsified , they combine. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V ] Coffee oils emulsify and give the coffee its rich, velvety texture. □�[V n] Whisk the cream into the mixture to emulsify it. □�[V -ing] Beeswax acts as an emulsifying agent. □�[V -ed] �emulsified oil.

emul|sion / I mʌ lʃ ə n/ (emulsions )

1 N‑VAR Emulsion or emulsion paint is a water-based paint, which is not shiny when it dries. It is used for painting walls and ceilings. □� �an undercoat of white emulsion paint. □� �a matt emulsion.

2 N‑VAR An emulsion is a liquid or cream which is a mixture of two or more liquids, such as oil and water, which do not naturally mix together.

PREFIX en-

is added to words to form verbs that describe the process of putting someone into a particular state, condition, or place, or to form adjectives and nouns that describe that process or those states and conditions. For example, if something enriches your life, it makes your life better or more enjoyable.

en|able ◆◇◇ / I ne I b ə l/ (enables , enabling , enabled )

1 VERB If someone or something enables you to do a particular thing, they give you the opportunity to do it. □�[V n to-inf] The new test should enable doctors to detect the disease early. ●� en|abling ADJ □� Researchers describe it as an enabling technology.

2 VERB To enable something to happen means to make it possible for it to happen. □�[V n to-inf] The hot sun enables the grapes to reach optimum ripeness. □�[V n] The working class is still too small to enable a successful socialist revolution.

3 VERB To enable someone to do something means to give them permission or the right to do it. □�[V n to-inf] The republic's legislation enables young people to do a form of alternative service. ●� en|abling ADJ [ADJ n] □� Some protection for victims must be written into the enabling legislation. SYNONYMS enable VERB 1

allow:She said this would allow more effective planning.

permit:This method of cooking also permits heat to penetrate from both sides.

facilitate:The new airport will facilitate the development of tourism.

let:I can't let myself be distracted by those things.

en|act / I n� kt/ (enacts , enacting , enacted )

1 VERB When a government or authority enacts a proposal, they make it into a law. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] The authorities have failed so far to enact a law allowing unrestricted emigration.

2 VERB If people enact a story or play, they perform it by acting. □�[V n] She often enacted the stories told to her by her father.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a particular event or situation is enacted , it happens; used especially to talk about something that has happened before. [JOURNALISM ] □�[be V -ed] It was a scene which was enacted month after month for eight years.

en|act|ment / I n� ktmənt/ (enactments )

1 N‑VAR The enactmentof a law is the process in a parliament or other law-making body by which the law is agreed upon and made official. [TECHNICAL ] □�[+�of ] We support the call for the enactment of a Bill of Rights.

2 N‑VAR The enactmentof a play or story is the performance of it by an actor or group of actors. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The main building was also used for the enactment of mystery plays.

enam|el / I n� m ə l/ (enamels )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Enamel is a substance like glass which can be heated and put onto metal, glass, or pottery in order to decorate or protect it. □� �a white enamel saucepan on the oil stove. □� �enamel baths.

2 N‑VAR [oft N n] Enamel is a hard, shiny paint that is used especially for painting metal and wood. □� �enamel polymer paints.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Enamel is the hard white substance that forms the outer part of a tooth.

enam|elled / I n� m ə ld/ in AM, use enameled ADJ [ADJ n] An enamelled object is decorated or covered with enamel. □� �enamelled plates.

enam|el|ling / I n� məl I ŋ/ in AM, use enameling N‑UNCOUNT Enamelling is the decoration of something such as jewellery with enamel.

en|am|oured / I n� mə r d/ in AM, use enamored ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are enamouredof something, you like or admire it a lot. If you are not enamouredof something, you dislike or disapprove of it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of/with ] I became totally enamored of the wildflowers there. □�[+�of/with ] My friend, like me, is not enamoured of the culture of wearing pink sashes emblazoned with 'hen party'.

en bloc /ɒ n blɒ k/ ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] If a group of people do something en bloc , they do it all together and at the same time. If a group of people or things are considered en bloc , they are considered as a group, rather than separately. □� The selectors should resign en bloc. □� Now the governors en bloc are demanding far more consultation.

en|camped / I nk� mpt/ ADJ If people, especially soldiers, are encamped somewhere, they have set up camp there. □� He made his way back to the farmyard where his regiment was encamped.

en|camp|ment / I nk� mpmənt/ (encampments ) N‑COUNT An encampment is a group of tents or other shelters in a particular place, especially when they are used by soldiers, refugees, or gypsies. □� �a large military encampment.

en|cap|su|late / I nk� psjʊle I t/ (encapsulates , encapsulating , encapsulated ) VERB To encapsulate particular facts or ideas means to represent all their most important aspects in a very small space or in a single object or event. □�[V n] A Wall Street Journal editorial encapsulated the views of many conservatives. □�[be V -ed +�in ] His ideas were encapsulated in a book called 'Democratic Ideals and Reality'. [Also V n +�in ] ●� en|cap|su|la|tion / I nk� psjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (encapsulations ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] □�[+�of ] �a witty encapsulation of modern America.

en|case / I nke I s/ (encases , encasing , encased ) VERB If a person or an object is encasedin something, they are completely covered or surrounded by it. □�[be V -ed +�in ] When nuclear fuel is manufactured it is encased in metal cans. □�[V n] These weapons also had a heavy brass guard which encased almost the whole hand. □�[V n +�in/with ] The plan was to encase a small amount of a radioactive substance in a protective steel container.

SUFFIX -ence

forms nouns that refer to a particular action, state, or quality. For example, dependence is the state of being dependent.

en|chant / I ntʃɑː nt, -tʃ� nt/ (enchants , enchanting , enchanted )

1 VERB If you are enchantedby someone or something, they cause you to have feelings of great delight or pleasure. □�[be V -ed] Dena was enchanted by the house. □�[V n] She enchanted you as she has so many others. ●� en|chant|ed ADJ □�[+�with ] Don't expect young children to be as enchanted with the scenery as you are.

2 VERB In fairy stories and legends, to enchant someone or something means to put a magic spell on them. □�[V n] King Arthur hid his treasures here and Merlin enchanted the cave so that nobody should ever find them. □�[V -ed] �Celtic stories of cauldrons and enchanted vessels.

en|chant|ing / I ntʃɑː nt I ŋ, -tʃ� nt-/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as enchanting , you mean that they are very attractive or charming. □� She's an absolutely enchanting child. □� The overall effect is enchanting.

en|chant|ment / I ntʃɑː ntmənt, -tʃ� nt-/ (enchantments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something has enchantment , you mean that it makes you feel great delight or pleasure. Your enchantmentwith something is the fact of your feeling great delight and pleasure because of it. □� The wilderness campsite had its own peculiar enchantment. □�[+�with ] Percy's enchantment with orchids dates back to 1951.

2 N‑COUNT In fairy stories and legends, an enchantment is a magic spell.

en|chant|ress / I ntʃɑː ntr I s, -tʃ� nt-/ (enchantresses ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories and legends, an enchantress is a woman who uses magic to put spells on people and things.

en|chi|la|da /entʃ I l� də/ (enchiladas ) N‑COUNT An enchilada consists of a flat piece of bread called a tortilla wrapped round a filling of meat or vegetables and served hot, usually with a sauce.

en|cir|cle / I nsɜː r k ə l/ (encircles , encircling , encircled ) VERB To encircle something or someone means to surround or enclose them, or to go round them. □�[V n] A forty-foot-high concrete wall encircles the jail.

en|clave /e ŋkle I v/ (enclaves ) N‑COUNT An enclave is an area within a country or a city where people live who have a different nationality or culture from the people living in the surrounding country or city. □� Nagorno-Karabakh is an Armenian enclave inside Azerbaijan.

en|close / I nkloʊ z/ (encloses , enclosing , enclosed )

1 VERB If a place or object is enclosed by something, the place or object is inside that thing or completely surrounded by it. □�[be V -ed +�in ] The rules state that samples must be enclosed in two watertight containers. □�[V n +�in ] Enclose the pot in a clear polythene bag. □�[V -ed] �the enclosed waters of the Baltic. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you enclose something with a letter, you put it in the same envelope as the letter. □�[V n] I have enclosed a cheque for �10. □�[V -ed] The enclosed leaflet shows how Service Care can ease all your worries.

en|closed / I nkloʊ zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An enclosed community of monks or nuns does not have any contact with the outside world. □� �monks and nuns from enclosed orders.

en|clo|sure / I nkloʊ ʒə r / (enclosures ) N‑COUNT An enclosure is an area of land that is surrounded by a wall or fence and that is used for a particular purpose. □� This enclosure was so vast that the outermost wall could hardly be seen.

en|code / I nkoʊ d/ (encodes , encoding , encoded ) VERB If you encode a message or some information, you put it into a code or express it in a different form or system of language. □�[V n] Each party encodes confidential data in a form not directly readable by the other.

en|com|pass / I nkʌ mpəs/ (encompasses , encompassing , encompassed )

1 VERB If something encompasses particular things, it includes them. □�[V n] His repertoire encompassed everything from Bach to Schoenberg.

2 VERB To encompass a place means to completely surround or cover it. □�[V n] The map shows the rest of the western region, encompassing nine states.

en|core /ɒ ŋkɔː r , -kɔː r / (encores ) N‑COUNT An encore is a short extra performance at the end of a longer one, which an entertainer gives because the audience asks for it. □� Lang's final encore last night was 'Barefoot'.

en|coun|ter ◆◇◇ / I nkaʊ ntə r / (encounters , encountering , encountered )

1 VERB If you encounter problems or difficulties, you experience them. □�[V n] Every day of our lives we encounter stresses of one kind or another.

2 VERB If you encounter someone, you meet them, usually unexpectedly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Did you encounter anyone in the building?

3 N‑COUNT An encounterwith someone is a meeting with them, particularly one that is unexpected or significant. □�[+�with ] �offering supporters the chance to win an encounter with the President in return for any size of donation.

4 N‑COUNT An encounter is a particular type of experience. □� �a sexual encounter. □�[+�with ] She was not the only person to feel daunted by her encounter with the court. SYNONYMS encounter VERB 1

experience:Widows seem to experience more distress than do widowers.

face:The immense difficulties facing European businessmen were only too evident.

suffer:They suffered another setback in their efforts to obtain support for reforms.

undergo:He underwent an agonising 48-hour wait for the results of tests.

en|cour|age ◆◆◇ / I nkʌ r I dʒ, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (encourages , encouraging , encouraged )

1 VERB If you encourage someone, you give them confidence, for example by letting them know that what they are doing is good and telling them that they should continue to do it. □�[V n] When things aren't going well, he encourages me, telling me not to give up.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is encouraged by something that happens, it gives them hope or confidence. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Investors were encouraged by the news. ●� en|cour|aged ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] □� We were very encouraged, after over 17,000 pictures were submitted. □� I am encouraged that we appear to be making progress.

3 VERB If you encourage someone to do something, you try to persuade them to do it, for example by telling them that it would be a pleasant thing to do, or by trying to make it easier for them to do it. You can also encourage an activity. □�[be V -ed to-inf] He was encouraged by his family to learn music at a young age. □�[be V -ed] Participation is encouraged at all levels.

4 VERB If something encourages a particular activity or state, it causes it to happen or increase. □�[V n] �a natural substance that encourages cell growth. □�[V n to-inf] Slow music encourages supermarket-shoppers to browse longer but spend more.

en|cour|age|ment / I nkʌ r I dʒmənt, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (encouragements ) N‑VAR Encouragement is the activity of encouraging someone, or something that is said or done in order to encourage them. □� I also had friends who gave me a great deal of encouragement.

en|cour|ag|ing / I nkʌ r I dʒ I ŋ, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ ADJ Something that is encouraging gives people hope or confidence. □� There are encouraging signs of an artistic revival. □� The results have been encouraging. □� It was encouraging that he recognised the dangers facing the company. ●� en|cour|ag|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� 'You're doing really well,' her midwife said encouragingly.

en|croach / I nkroʊ tʃ/ (encroaches , encroaching , encroached )

1 VERB If one thing encroacheson another, the first thing spreads or becomes stronger, and slowly begins to restrict the power, range, or effectiveness of the second thing. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�on/upon ] The new institutions do not encroach on political power. □�[V -ing] The movie industry had chosen to ignore the encroaching competition of television. [Also V ]

2 VERB If something encroacheson a place, it spreads and takes over more and more of that place. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�on ] The rhododendrons encroached ever more on the twisting drive. □�[V -ing] I turned into the dirt road and followed it through encroaching trees and bushes. [Also V prep/adv, V ]

en|croach|ment / I nkroʊ tʃmənt/ (encroachments ) N‑VAR You can describe the action or process of encroaching on something as encroachment . [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] It's a sign of the encroachment of commercialism in medicine.

en|crus|ta|tion /e nkrʌste I ʃ ə n/ (encrustations ) N‑VAR An encrustation is a hard and thick layer on the surface of something that has built up over a long period of time.

en|crust|ed / I nkrʌ st I d/ ADJ If an object is encrustedwith something, its surface is covered with a layer of that thing. □�[+�with ] �a blue uniform coat that was thickly encrusted with gold loops.

en|crypt / I nkr I pt/ (encrypts , encrypting , encrypted ) VERB If a document or piece of information is encrypted , it is written in a special code, so that only certain people can read it. □�[be V -ed] Account details are encrypted to protect privacy. □�[V n] �a program that will encrypt the information before sending. □�[V -ed] �encrypted signals. ●� en|cryp|tion / I nkr I pʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� It is currently illegal to export this encryption technology from the U.S.

en|cum|ber / I nkʌ mbə r / (encumbers , encumbering , encumbered ) VERB If you are encumbered by something, it prevents you from moving freely or doing what you want. □�[V n] Lead weights and air cylinders encumbered the divers as they walked to the shore. □�[be V -ed +�with ] It is still labouring under the debt burden that it was encumbered with in the 1980s. ●� en|cum|bered ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □�[+�with/by ] The rest of the world is less encumbered with legislation.

en|cum|brance / I nkʌ mbrəns/ (encumbrances ) N‑COUNT An encumbrance is something or someone that encumbers you. [FORMAL ] □� Magdalena considered the past an irrelevant encumbrance.

-ency →�see -ence

en|cyc|li|cal / I ns I kl I k ə l/ (encyclicals ) N‑COUNT An encyclical is an official letter written by the Pope and sent to all Roman Catholic bishops, usually in order to make a statement about the official teachings of the Church.

en|cy|clo|pedia / I nsa I kləpiː diə/ (encyclopedias ) also encyclopaedia N‑COUNT An encyclopedia is a book or set of books in which facts about many different subjects or about one particular subject are arranged for reference, usually in alphabetical order.

en|cy|clo|pedic / I nsa I kləpiː d I k/ also encyclopaedic ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as encyclopedic , you mean that it is very full, complete, and thorough in the amount of knowledge or information that it has. □� He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of drugs. □� �an almost overwhelmingly encyclopaedic volume.

end ◆◆◆ /e nd/ (ends , ending , ended )

1 N‑SING The endof something such as a period of time, an event, a book, or a film is the last part of it or the final point in it. □�[+�of ] The �5 banknote was first issued at the end of the 18th century. □�[+�of ] The report is expected by the end of the year. □� You will have the chance to ask questions at the end.

2 VERB When a situation, process, or activity ends , or when something or someone ends it, it reaches its final point and stops. □�[V ] The meeting quickly ended and Steve and I left the room. □�[V n] Talks have resumed to try to end the fighting. ●� end|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] �depression after the loss of a job or the ending of a relationship.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An endto something or the endof it is the act or result of stopping it so that it does not continue any longer. □�[+�to ] The French government today called for an end to the violence. □� I was worried she would walk out or bring the interview to an end. □�[+�of ] Francis fined him two weeks' wages and said: 'That's the end of the matter.'

4 VERB If you say that someone or something ends a period of time in a particular way, you are indicating what the final situation was like. You can also say that a period of time ends in a particular way. □�[V n prep/adv] The markets ended the week on a quiet note. □�[V prep] The evening ended with a dramatic display of fireworks. [Also V n +�by , V n v-ing]

5 VERB If a period of time ends , it reaches its final point. □�[V ] Its monthly reports usually come out about three weeks after each month ends. □�[V ] The first figure shows sales for week ending July 27.

6 VERB If something such as a book, speech, or performance endswith a particular thing or the writer or performer ends it with that thing, its final part consists of the thing mentioned. □�[V +�with/on ] His statement ended with the words: 'Pray for me.'. □�[V +�with/on ] The book ends on a lengthy description of Hawaii. □�[V n +�with ] Dawkins ends his discussion with a call for liberation. □�[V with quote] The memo ends: 'Please give this matter your most urgent attention.'

7 VERB If a situation or event ends in a particular way, it has that particular result. □�[V +�in ] The incident could have ended in tragedy. □�[V +�with ] Our conversations ended with him saying he would try to be more understanding. □�[V adv/adj] Shares ended 1.7 per cent firmer on the Frankfurt exchange.

8 N‑COUNT The two ends of something long and narrow are the two points or parts of it that are furthest away from each other. □�[+�of ] The company is planning to place surveillance equipment at both ends of the tunnel. □� A typical fluorescent lamp is a tube with metal electrodes at each end.

9 N‑COUNT The endof a long, narrow object such as a finger or a pencil is the tip or smallest edge of it, usually the part that is furthest away from you. □�[+�of ] He tapped the ends of his fingers together. □�[+�of ] She let the long cone of ash hang at the end of her cigarette.

10 VERB If an object ends with or in a particular thing, it has that thing on its tip or point, or as its last part. □�[V +�with/in ] It has three pairs of legs, each ending in a large claw.

11 VERB A journey, road, or river that ends at a particular place stops there and goes no further. □�[V prep/adv] The road ended at a T-junction. [Also V ]

12 N‑COUNT End is used to refer to either of the two extreme points of a scale, or of something that you are considering as a scale. □�[+�of ] At the other end of the social scale was the grocer, the village's only merchant. □�[+�of ] The agreement has been criticised by extremist groups on both ends of the political spectrum.

13 N‑COUNT The otherend is one of two places that are connected because people are communicating with each other by phone or writing, or are travelling from one place to the other. □� When he answered the phone, Ferguson was at the other end. □� Make sure to meet them at the other end.

14 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a particular end of a project or piece of work, you mean a part or aspect of it, for example a part of it that is done by a particular person or in a particular place. [SPOKEN ] □� You take care of your end, kid; I'll take care of mine.

15 N‑COUNT An end is the purpose for which something is done or towards which you are working. □� The police force is being manipulated for political ends. □� Now the government is trying another policy designed to achieve the same end.

16 VERB If you say that something ends at a particular point, you mean that it is applied or exists up to that point, and no further. □�[V adv/prep] Helen is also 25 and from Birmingham, but the similarity ends there.

17 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to someone's death as their end , especially when you are talking about the way that they died or might die. [LITERARY ] □� Soon after we had spoken to this man he had met a violent end.

18 VERB If you endby doing something or end in a particular state, you do that thing or get into that state even though you did not originally intend to. □�[V +�by ] They ended by making themselves miserable. □�[V adv/prep] They'll probably end back on the streets.

19 PHRASE If someone ends it all , they kill themselves. □� He grew suicidal, thinking up ways to end it all.

20 PHRASE If you describe something as, for example, the deal to end all deals or the film to end all films, you mean that it is very important or successful, and that compared to it all other deals or films seem second-rate. □� It was going to be a party to end all parties.

21 PHRASE If something is at an end , it has finished and will not continue. □� The recession is definitely at an end.

22 PHRASE If something comes to an end , it stops. □� The cold war came to an end.

23 PHRASE You say at the end of the day when you are talking about what happens after a long series of events or what appears to be the case after you have considered the relevant facts. [INFORMAL ] □� At the end of the day it's up to the Germans to decide.

24 PHRASE If you are thrown in at the deep end , you are put in a completely new situation without any help or preparation. If you jump in at the deep end , you go into a completely new situation without any help or preparation. [mainly BRIT ] □� It's a superb job. You get thrown in at the deep end and it's all down to you.

25 PHRASE You say in the end when you are saying what is the final result of a series of events, or what is your final conclusion after considering all the relevant facts. □� I toyed with the idea of calling the police, but in the end I didn't.

26 PHRASE If you consider something to be an end in itself , you do it because it seems desirable and not because it is likely to lead to something else. □� While he had originally traveled in order to study, traveling had become an end in itself.

27 PHRASE If you find it difficult to make ends meet , you can only just manage financially because you hardly have enough money for the things you need. □� With Betty's salary they barely made ends meet.

28 PHRASE No end means a lot. [INFORMAL ] □� Teachers inform me that Tracey's behaviour has improved no end.

29 PHRASE When something happens for hours, days, weeks, or years on end , it happens continuously and without stopping for the amount of time that is mentioned. □� He is a wonderful companion and we can talk for hours on end.

30 PHRASE Something that is on end is upright, instead of in its normal or natural position, for example lying down, flat, or on its longest side.

31 PHRASE To put an end to something means to cause it to stop. □� Only a political solution could put an end to the violence.

32 PHRASE If a process or person has reached the end of the road , they are unable to progress any further. □� I am sure this is the end of the road for him.

33 PHRASE If you say that something bad is not the end of the world , you are trying to stop yourself or someone else being so upset by it, by suggesting that it is not the worst thing that could happen. □� Obviously I'd be disappointed if we don't make it, but it wouldn't be the end of the world.

34the end of your tether →�see tether

35to burn the candle at both ends →�see candle

36to make your hair stand on end →�see hair

37a means to an end →�see means

38to be on the receiving end →�see receive

39to get the wrong end of the stick →�see stick ➊

40to be at your wits' end →�see wit

▸� end up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something ends up somewhere, they eventually arrive there, usually by accident. □�[V P prep/adv] She fled with her children, ending up in a shelter.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you end up doing something or end up in a particular state, you do that thing or get into that state even though you did not originally intend to. □�[V P v-ing] If you don't know what you want, you might end up getting something you don't want. □�[V P prep/adv] Every time they went dancing they ended up in a bad mood. □�[V P n] She could have ended up a millionairess. SYNONYMS end NOUN 1

close:As 1999 draws to a close, the story is changing.

finish:I intend to continue it and see the job through to the finish.

ending:The film has a Hollywood happy ending.

stop:His daughter should have stood up and put a stop to all these rumours. VERB 2

finish:The teaching day finishes at around 4pm.

stop:The music stopped and the lights were turned up.

halt:He criticised the government for failing to halt economic decline.

cease:At one o'clock the rain had ceased.

terminate:Her next remark abruptly terminated the conversation.

en|dan|ger / I nde I ndʒə r / (endangers , endangering , endangered ) VERB To endanger something or someone means to put them in a situation where they might be harmed or destroyed completely. □�[V n] The debate could endanger the proposed peace talks. □�[V -ed] �endangered species such as lynx and wolf.

en|dear / I nd I ə r / (endears , endearing , endeared ) VERB If something endears you to someone or if you endearyourselfto them, you become popular with them and well liked by them. □�[V n +�to ] Their taste for gambling has endeared them to Las Vegas casino owners. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] He has endeared himself to the American public.

en|dear|ing / I nd I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone's behaviour as endearing , you mean that it causes you to feel very fond of them. □� She has such an endearing personality. □� Henry's lisp is so endearing. ●� en|dear|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� He admits endearingly to doubts and hesitations. □� She is endearingly free of pretensions.

en|dear|ment / I nd I ə r mənt/ (endearments ) N‑VAR An endearment is a loving or affectionate word or phrase that you say to someone you love. □� No term of endearment crossed their lips. □� �flattering endearments.

en|deav|our / I nde və r / (endeavours , endeavouring , endeavoured ) in AM, use endeavor1 VERB If you endeavourto do something, you try very hard to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] I will endeavour to arrange it.

2 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] An endeavour is an attempt to do something, especially something new or original. [FORMAL ] □� His first endeavours in the field were wedding films.

en|dem|ic /ende m I k/

1 ADJ If a disease or illness is endemic in a place, it is frequently found among the people who live there. [TECHNICAL ] □� Polio was then endemic among children my age.

2 ADJ If you say that a condition or problem is endemic , you mean that it is very common and strong, and cannot be dealt with easily. [WRITTEN ] □� Street crime is virtually endemic in large cities. □� Ambition often stems from endemic dissatisfaction.

end|game /e ndge I m/ (endgames )

1 N‑VAR In chess, endgame refers to the final stage of a game, when only a few pieces are left on the board and one of the players must win soon.

2 N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes refer to the final stages of something such as a war, dispute, or contest, as an endgame . [JOURNALISM ] □� The political endgame is getting closer.

end|ing ◆◇◇ /e nd I ŋ/ (endings )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to the last part of a book, story, play, or film as the ending , especially when you are considering the way that the story ends. □� The film has a Hollywood happy ending.

2 N‑COUNT The ending of a word is the last part of it. □� �common word endings, like 'ing' in walking.

3 →�see also end , nerve ending

en|dive /e nd I v, [AM ] -da I v/ (endives )

1 N‑VAR Endive is a type of plant with crisp curly leaves that is eaten in salads.

2 N‑VAR Endive is a type of a plant with crisp bitter leaves that can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. [AM ] in BRIT, use chicory

end|less /e ndləs/ ADJ If you say that something is endless , you mean that it is very large or lasts for a very long time, and it seems as if it will never stop. □� They turned into an endless street. □� The war was endless. ●� end|less|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� They talk about it endlessly. □� �endlessly long arcades of shops.

endo|crine /e ndəkra I n/ ADJ [ADJ n] The endocrine system is the system of glands that produce hormones which go directly into the bloodstream, such as the pituitary or thyroid glands. [MEDICAL ]

en|dorse / I ndɔː r s/ (endorses , endorsing , endorsed )

1 VERB If you endorse someone or something, you say publicly that you support or approve of them. □�[V n] I can endorse their opinion wholeheartedly.

2 V-PASSIVE If someone's driving licence is endorsed , an official record is made on it that they have been found guilty of a driving offence. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] For failing to report the accident, his licence was endorsed. □�[have n V -ed +�with ] He also had his licence endorsed with eight penalty points.

3 VERB When you endorse a cheque, you write your name on the back of it so that it can be paid into someone's bank account. □�[V n] The payee of the cheque must endorse the cheque.

4 VERB If you endorse a product or company, you appear in advertisements for it. □�[V n] The twins endorsed a line of household cleaning products.

en|dorse|ment / I ndɔː r smənt/ (endorsements )

1 N‑COUNT An endorsement is a statement or action which shows that you support or approve of something or someone. □�[+�for ] This is a powerful endorsement for his softer style of government.

2 N‑COUNT An endorsement is a note on someone's driving licence saying that they have been found guilty of a driving offence. [BRIT ]

3 N‑COUNT An endorsementfor a product or company involves appearing in advertisements for it or showing support for it.

en|dow / I ndaʊ / (endows , endowing , endowed )

1 VERB [usu passive] You say that someone is endowedwith a particular desirable ability, characteristic, or possession when they have it by chance or by birth. □�[be V -ed +�with ] You are endowed with wealth, good health and a lively intellect.

2 VERB If you endow something with a particular feature or quality, you provide it with that feature or quality. □�[V n +�with ] Herbs have been used for centuries to endow a whole range of foods with subtle flavours.

3 VERB If someone endows an institution, scholarship, or project, they provide a large amount of money which will produce the income needed to pay for it. □�[V n] The ambassador has endowed a $1 million public-service fellowships program.

4 →�see also well-endowed

en|dow|ment / I ndaʊ mənt/ (endowments )

1 N‑COUNT An endowment is a gift of money that is made to an institution or community in order to provide it with an annual income. □� �the National Endowment for the Arts.

2 N‑COUNT If someone has an endowment of a particular quality or ability, they possess it naturally. [FORMAL ]

3 N‑COUNT [usu N n] In finance, an endowment policy or mortgage is an insurance policy or mortgage which you pay towards each month and which should then provide you with enough money to pay for your house at the end of a fixed period. [BRIT ]

e nd pro d|uct (end products ) N‑COUNT The end productof something is the thing that is produced or achieved by means of it. □�[+�of ] It is the end product of exhaustive research and development.

e nd re|su lt (end results ) N‑COUNT The end resultof an activity or a process is the final result that it produces. □�[+�of ] The end result of this will be unity.

en|dur|ance / I ndjʊə rəns, [AM ] -dʊ r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Endurance is the ability to continue with an unpleasant or difficult situation, experience, or activity over a long period of time. □� The exercise obviously will improve strength and endurance.

en|dure / I ndjʊə r , [AM ] -dʊ r/ (endures , enduring , endured )

1 VERB If you endure a painful or difficult situation, you experience it and do not avoid it or give up, usually because you cannot. □�[V n] The company endured heavy financial losses.

2 VERB If something endures , it continues to exist without any loss in quality or importance. □�[V ] Somehow the language endures and continues to survive. ●� en|dur|ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �the start of an enduring friendship.

e nd u ser (end users ) also end-user N‑COUNT The end user of a product or service is the person that it has been designed for, rather than the person who installs or maintains it. □� You have to be able to describe things in a form that the end user can understand.

e nd zone (end zones ) N‑COUNT In American football, an end zone is one of the areas at each end of the field that the ball must cross for a touchdown to be scored.

en|ema /e n I mə/ (enemas ) N‑COUNT If someone has an enema , a liquid is put into their bottom in order to make them empty their bowels, for example before they have an operation.

en|emy ◆◇◇ /e nəmi/ (enemies )

1 N‑COUNT If someone is your enemy , they hate you or want to harm you.

2 N‑COUNT If someone is your enemy , they are opposed to you and to what you think or do. □� The Government's political enemies were quick to pick up on this series of disasters.

3 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb, N n] Theenemy is an army or other force that is opposed to you in a war, or a country with which your country is at war. □� The enemy were pursued for two miles. □� He searched the skies for enemy bombers.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If one thing is the enemy of another thing, the second thing cannot happen or succeed because of the first thing. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Reform, as we know, is the enemy of revolution.

en|er|get|ic /e nə r dʒe t I k/

1 ADJ If you are energetic in what you do, you have a lot of enthusiasm and determination. □� Blackwell is 59, strong looking and enormously energetic. □� The next government will play an energetic role in seeking multilateral nuclear disarmament. ●� en|er|geti|cal|ly /e nə r dʒe t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� He had worked energetically all day on his new book.

2 ADJ An energetic person is very active and does not feel at all tired. An energetic activity involves a lot of physical movement and power. □� Ten year-olds are incredibly energetic. ●� en|er|geti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Gretchen chewed energetically on the gristled steak.

en|er|gize /e nə r dʒa I z/ (energizes , energizing , energized ) in BRIT, also use energise VERB To energize someone means to give them the enthusiasm and determination to do something. □�[V n] He helped energize and mobilize millions of people around the nation. □�[be V -ed] I am completely energized and feeling terrific. ●� en|er|giz|ing ADJ □� Acupuncture has a harmonizing and energizing effect on mind and body.

en|er|gy ◆◆◇ /e nə r dʒi/ (energies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Energy is the ability and strength to do active physical things and the feeling that you are full of physical power and life. □� He was saving his energy for next week's race in Belgium.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Energy is determination and enthusiasm about doing things. [APPROVAL ] □� You have drive and energy for those things you are interested in.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your energies are your efforts and attention, which you can direct towards a particular aim. □� She had started to devote her energies to teaching rather than performing.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Energy is the power from sources such as electricity and coal that makes machines work or provides heat. □� �those who favour nuclear energy. □� Oil shortages have brought on an energy crisis. COLLOCATIONS energy NOUN

1

verb +�energy : expend, waste; conserve, save

4

noun +�energy : wave, wind

adjective +�energy : alternative, clean, green, low-carbon, renewable; atomic, nuclear, solar

verb +�energy : generate, produce; conserve, save; waste

e nergy-effi cient also energy efficient ADJ A device or building that is energy-efficient uses relatively little energy to provide the power it needs. □� �energy-efficient light bulbs. □� �information on how to make your home more energy efficient.

en|er|vat|ed /e nə r ve I t I d/ ADJ If you feel enervated , you feel tired and weak. [FORMAL ]

en|er|vat|ing /e nə r ve I t I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is enervating makes you feel tired and weak. [FORMAL ]

en|fant ter|ri|ble /ɒ nfɒn teriː blə/ (enfants terribles ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe someone as an enfant terrible , you mean that they are clever but unconventional, and often cause problems or embarrassment for their friends or families. [LITERARY ] □� He became known as the enfant terrible of British theater.

en|fee|bled / I nfiː b ə ld/ ADJ If someone or something is enfeebled , they have become very weak. [FORMAL ] □� He finds himself politically enfeebled. □� �the already enfeebled newspaper.

en|fold / I nfoʊ ld/ (enfolds , enfolding , enfolded )

1 VERB If something enfolds an object or person, they cover, surround, or are wrapped around that object or person. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] Aurora felt the opium haze enfold her. □�[be V -ed +�in ] Wood was now comfortably enfolded in a woolly dressing-gown. [Also V n +�in ]

2 VERB If you enfold someone or something, you hold them close in a very gentle, loving way. [LITERARY ] □�[V n +�in ] Thack came up behind him, enfolding him in his arms. [Also V n]

en|force / I nfɔː r s/ (enforces , enforcing , enforced )

1 VERB If people in authority enforce a law or a rule, they make sure that it is obeyed, usually by punishing people who do not obey it. □�[V n] One of the beat officer's duties was to help the council to enforce the ban.

2 VERB To enforce something means to force or cause it to be done or to happen. □�[V n] They struggled to limit the cost by enforcing a low-tech specification. □�[V -ed] David is now living in Beirut again after an enforced absence.

en|force|able / I nfɔː r səb ə l/ ADJ If something such as a law or agreement is enforceable , it can be enforced. □� �the creation of legally enforceable contracts.

en|force|ment / I nfɔː r smənt/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone carries out the enforcementof an act or rule, they enforce it. □�[+�of ] � improved driver training, and stricter enforcement of road traffic law.

en|fran|chise / I nfr� ntʃa I z/ (enfranchises , enfranchising , enfranchised ) VERB To enfranchise someone means to give them the right to vote in elections. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The company voted to enfranchise its 120 women members.

en|fran|chise|ment / I nfr� ntʃa I zmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Enfranchisement is the condition of someone being enfranchised. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �greater enfranchisement of ordinary citizens.

en|gage ◆◇◇ / I nge I dʒ/ (engages , engaging , engaged )

1 VERB If you engage in an activity, you do it or are actively involved with it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�in ] It is important for children to have time to engage in family activities.

2 VERB If something engages you or your attention or interest, it keeps you interested in it and thinking about it. □�[V n] They never learned skills to engage the attention of the others.

3 VERB If you engage someone in conversation, you have a conversation with them. □�[V n +�in ] They tried to engage him in conversation.

4 VERB If you engage with something or with a group of people, you get involved with that thing or group and feel that you are connected with it or have real contact with it. □�[V +�with ] She found it hard to engage with office life. ●� en|gage|ment N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�with ] And she, too, suffers from a lack of critical engagement with the literary texts.

5 VERB If you engage someone to do a particular job, you appoint them to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We engaged the services of a recognised engineer.

6 VERB When a part of a machine or other mechanism engages or when you engage it, it moves into a position where it fits into something else. □�[V ] Press the lever until you hear the catch engage. □�[V n] �a lesson in how to engage the four-wheel drive.

7 VERB When a military force engages the enemy, it attacks them and starts a battle. □�[V n] It could engage the enemy beyond the range of hostile torpedoes.

8 →�see also engaged , engaging

en|gaged / I nge I dʒd/

1 ADJ Someone who is engaged in or engaged on a particular activity is doing that thing. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] They found the three engaged in target practice. □�[+�on ] �the various projects he was engaged on.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When two people are engaged , they have agreed to marry each other. □� We got engaged on my eighteenth birthday. [Also +�to ]

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a phone or a phone line is engaged , it is already being used by someone else so that you are unable to speak to the person you are phoning. [BRIT ] □� The line is engaged. in AM, use busy4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a public toilet is engaged , it is already being used by someone else. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use occupied

en|gage|ment / I nge I dʒmənt/ (engagements )

1 N‑COUNT An engagement is an arrangement that you have made to do something at a particular time. [FORMAL ] □� He had an engagement at a restaurant in Greek Street at eight.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu poss N ] An engagement is an agreement that two people have made with each other to get married. □�[+�to ] I've broken off my engagement to Arthur.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu poss N ] You can refer to the period of time during which two people are engaged as their engagement .

4 N‑VAR A military engagement is an armed conflict between two enemies. □� The constitution prohibits them from military engagement on foreign soil.

5 →�see also engage

en|ga ge|ment ring (engagement rings ) N‑COUNT An engagement ring is a ring worn by a woman when she is engaged to be married.

en|gag|ing / I nge I dʒ I ŋ/ ADJ An engaging person or thing is pleasant, interesting, and entertaining. □� �one of her most engaging and least known novels. □� He was engaging company.

en|gen|der / I ndʒe ndə r / (engenders , engendering , engendered ) VERB If someone or something engenders a particular feeling, atmosphere, or situation, they cause it to occur. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] It helps engender a sense of common humanity.

en|gine ◆◆◇ /e ndʒ I n/ (engines )

1 N‑COUNT The engine of a car or other vehicle is the part that produces the power which makes the vehicle move. □� He got into the driving seat and started the engine. □� �an engine failure that forced a jetliner to crash-land in a field.

2 N‑COUNT An engine is also the large vehicle that pulls a railway train. □� In 1941, the train would have been pulled by a steam engine.

-engined /-endʒ I nd/ COMB -engined combines with other words to show the number or type of engines that something has. □� �the world's biggest twin-engined airliner. □� �a petrol-engined Ford Transit.

en|gi|neer ◆◇◇ /e ndʒ I n I ə r / (engineers , engineering , engineered )

1 N‑COUNT An engineer is a person who uses scientific knowledge to design, construct, and maintain engines and machines or structures such as roads, railways, and bridges.

2 →�see also chemical engineer , civil engineer , electrical engineer , sound engineer

3 N‑COUNT An engineer is a person who repairs mechanical or electrical devices. □� They send a service engineer to fix the disk drive.

4 N‑COUNT An engineer is a person who is responsible for maintaining the engine of a ship while it is at sea.

5 VERB [usu passive] When a vehicle, bridge, or building is engineered , it is planned and constructed using scientific methods. □�[be V -ed] Many of Kuwait's spacious freeways were engineered by W S Atkins. □�[V -ed] �the car's better designed and better engineered rivals.

6 VERB If you engineer an event or situation, you arrange for it to happen, in a clever or indirect way. □�[be V -ed] LeBlanc's rise was not entirely a consequence of talent but was engineered by her maternal grandfather.

en|gi|neer|ing ◆◇◇ /e ndʒ I n I ə r I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Engineering is the work involved in designing and constructing engines and machinery, or structures such as roads and bridges. Engineering is also the subject studied by people who want to do this work. □� �graduates with degrees in engineering.

2 →�see also chemical engineering , civil engineering , electrical engineering , genetic engineering

e n|gine room (engine rooms )

1 N‑COUNT On a boat or a ship, the engine room is the place where the engines are.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as theengine roomof an organization or institution, you mean it is the most important or influential part of that organization or institution. □�[+�of ] These firms are regarded as the engine room of the British economy.

Eng|lish / I ŋgl I ʃ/

1 ADJ English means belonging or relating to England, or to its people, language, or culture. It is also often used to mean belonging or relating to Great Britain, although many people object to this.

2 N‑PLURAL The English are the people of England.

3 N‑UNCOUNT English is the language spoken in Great Britain and Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries.

E ng|lish brea k|fast (English breakfasts ) N‑COUNT An English breakfast is a breakfast consisting of cooked food such as bacon, eggs, sausages, and tomatoes. It also includes toast and tea or coffee. [BRIT ]

English|man / I ŋgl I ʃmən/ (Englishmen ) N‑COUNT An Englishman is a man who comes from England.

English|woman / I ŋgl I ʃwʊmən/ (Englishwomen ) N‑COUNT An Englishwoman is a woman who comes from England.

en|gorged / I ngɔː r dʒd/ ADJ Something that is engorged is swollen, usually because it has been filled with a particular fluid. □�[+�with ] �the tissues become engorged with blood.

en|grave / I ngre I v/ (engraves , engraving , engraved ) VERB If you engrave something with a design or words, or if you engrave a design or words on it, you cut the design or words into its surface. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Your wedding ring can be engraved with a personal inscription at no extra cost. □�[V n +�on/in ] Harrods will also engrave your child's name on the side. □�[have n V -ed +�with ] I'm having 'John Law' engraved on the cap. □�[V -ed] �a bottle engraved with her name. [Also V n, V n with quote]

en|graved / I ngre I vd/ ADJ If you say that something is engravedon your mind or memory or on your heart, you are emphasizing that you will never forget it, because it has made a very strong impression on you. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�in/on/upon ] Her image is engraved upon my heart.

en|grav|er / I ngre I və r / (engravers ) N‑COUNT An engraver is someone who cuts designs or words on metal, glass, or wood.

en|grav|ing / I ngre I v I ŋ/ (engravings )

1 N‑COUNT An engraving is a picture or design that has been cut into a surface.

2 N‑COUNT An engraving is a picture that has been printed from a plate on which designs have been cut. □� �a color engraving of oranges and lemons.

en|grossed / I ngroʊ st/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are engrossedin something, it holds your attention completely. □�[+�in ] Tony didn't notice because he was too engrossed in his work.

en|gross|ing / I ngroʊ s I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is engrossing is very interesting and holds your attention completely. [APPROVAL ] □� He is an engrossing subject for a book.

en|gulf / I ngʌ lf/ (engulfs , engulfing , engulfed )

1 VERB If one thing engulfs another, it completely covers or hides it, often in a sudden and unexpected way. □�[V n] A seven-year-old boy was found dead after a landslide engulfed a block of flats. □�[be V -ed] The flat is engulfed in flames.

2 VERB If a feeling or emotion engulfs you, you are strongly affected by it. □�[V n] �the pain that engulfed him.

en|hance ◆◇◇ / I nhɑː ns, -h� ns/ (enhances , enhancing , enhanced ) VERB To enhance something means to improve its value, quality, or attractiveness. □�[V n] They'll be keen to enhance their reputation abroad. SYNONYMS enhance VERB

improve:He said he was going to improve his football.

strengthen:The dollar strengthened against most other currencies.

embellish:Ivy leaves embellish the front of the dresser.

perfect:�girls who needed to perfect their English.

polish:They just need to polish their technique.

en|hance|ment / I nhɑː nsmənt, -h� ns-/ (enhancements ) N‑VAR The enhancementof something is the improvement of it in relation to its value, quality, or attractiveness. [FORMAL ] □� He was concerned with the enhancement of the human condition.

en|hanc|er / I nhɑː nsə r , -h� ns-/ (enhancers ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An enhancer is a substance or a device which makes a particular thing look, taste, or feel better. □� Cinnamon is an excellent flavour enhancer.

enig|ma / I n I gmə/ (enigmas ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe something or someone as an enigma , you mean they are mysterious or difficult to understand. □� Iran remains an enigma for the outside world.

en|ig|mat|ic /e n I gm� t I k/ ADJ Someone or something that is enigmatic is mysterious and difficult to understand. □� Haley studied her, an enigmatic smile on his face. □� She starred in one of Welles's most enigmatic films. ●� en|ig|mati|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj] □� 'Corbiere didn't deserve this,' she said enigmatically.

en|join / I ndʒɔ I n/ (enjoins , enjoining , enjoined )

1 VERB If you enjoin someone to do something, you order them to do it. If you enjoin an action or attitude, you order people to do it or have it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n to-inf] She enjoined me strictly not to tell anyone else. □�[V n] He enjoined a moral code of compassion and consideration. □�[V -ed] The positive neutrality enjoined on the force has now been overtaken by events.

2 VERB If a judge enjoins someone from doing something, they order them not to do it. If a judge enjoins an action, they order people not to do it. [AM , FORMAL ] □�[V n +�from ] The judge enjoined Varityper from using the ad in any way. □�[V n] �a preliminary injunction enjoining the practice.

en|joy ◆◆◇ / I ndʒɔ I / (enjoys , enjoying , enjoyed )

1 VERB If you enjoy something, you find pleasure and satisfaction in doing it or experiencing it. □�[V n] Ross had always enjoyed the company of women. □�[V v-ing] I enjoyed playing cricket.

2 VERB If you enjoyyourself , you do something that you like doing or you take pleasure in the situation that you are in. □�[V pron-refl] I must say I am really enjoying myself at the moment.

3 VERB If you enjoy something such as a right, benefit, or privilege, you have it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The average German will enjoy 40 days' paid holiday this year. SYNONYMS enjoy VERB 1

like:What music do you like best?

relish:He ate quietly, relishing his meal.

delight in:Generations of adults and children have delighted in the story.

revel in:Revelling in her freedom, she took a hotel room and stayed for several days.

en|joy|able / I ndʒɔ I əb ə l/ ADJ Something that is enjoyable gives you pleasure. □� It was much more enjoyable than I had expected. ●� en|joy|ably ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �an enjoyably nasty thriller. □� �the place in which he has enjoyably spent his working life.

en|joy|ment / I ndʒɔ I mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Enjoyment is the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that you have when you do or experience something that you like. □�[+�of ] I apologise if your enjoyment of the movie was spoiled.

en|large / I nlɑː r dʒ/ (enlarges , enlarging , enlarged )

1 VERB When you enlarge something or when it enlarges , it becomes bigger. □�[V n] �the plan to enlarge Ewood Park into a 30,000 all-seater stadium. □�[V ] The glands in the neck may enlarge. ●� en|larged ADJ □� The U.N. secretary-general yesterday recommended an enlarged peacekeeping force.

2 VERB If you enlargeon something that has been mentioned, you give more details about it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�on/upon ] He didn't enlarge on the form that the interim government and assembly would take. [Also V ]

en|large|ment / I nlɑː r dʒmənt/ (enlargements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The enlargementof something is the process or result of making it bigger. □�[+�of ] There is insufficient space for enlargement of the buildings.

2 N‑COUNT An enlargement is a photograph that has been made bigger.

en|larg|er / I nlɑ r dʒə r / (enlargers ) N‑COUNT An enlarger is a device which makes an image larger.

en|light|en / I nla I t ə n/ (enlightens , enlightening , enlightened ) VERB [no cont] To enlighten someone means to give them more knowledge and greater understanding about something. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] A few dedicated doctors have fought for years to enlighten the profession. □�[V n] If you know what is wrong with her, please enlighten me. ●� en|light|en|ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �an enlightening talk on the work done at the animal park.

en|light|ened / I nla I t ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or their attitudes as enlightened , you mean that they have sensible, modern attitudes and ways of dealing with things. [APPROVAL ] □� Enlightened companies include their human resources in their estimation of the firm's worth.

en|light|en|ment / I nla I t ə nmənt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Enlightenment means the act of enlightening or the state of being enlightened. □� Stella had a moment of enlightenment.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In Buddhism, enlightenment is a final spiritual state in which everything is understood and there is no more suffering or desire. □� �a sense of deep peace and spiritual enlightenment.

en|list / I nl I st/ (enlists , enlisting , enlisted )

1 VERB If someone enlists or is enlisted , they join the army, navy, marines, or air force. □�[V +�in ] Six days after war was declared, he enlisted in the 5th Battalion The Cameronians and was sent to France. □�[V +�as ] He enlisted as a private in the army. □�[be V -ed] Three thousand men were enlisted. □�[V ] He decided to enlist.

2 VERB If you enlist the help of someone, you persuade them to help or support you in doing something. □�[V n] I had to cut down a tree and enlist the help of seven neighbours to get it out of the garden! □�[V n to-inf] I've read that you've enlisted some 12-year-olds to help out in your campaign.

en|list|ed / I nl I st I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An enlisted man or woman is a member of the United States armed forces who is below the rank of officer.

en|list|ment / I nl I stmənt/ (enlistments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Enlistment is the act of joining the army, navy, marines, or air force. □� Canadians seek enlistment in the U.S. Marines because they don't see as much opportunity in the Canadian armed forces.

2 N‑VAR Enlistment is the period of time for which someone is a member of one of the armed forces. □� At the end of my term of enlistment I decided to return to civilian life.

en|liv|en / I nla I v ə n/ (enlivens , enlivening , enlivened ) VERB To enliven events, situations, or people means to make them more lively or cheerful. □�[be V -ed] Even the most boring meeting was enlivened by Dan's presence.

en masse /ɒ n m� s/ ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] If a group of people do something en masse , they do it all together and at the same time. □� The people marched en masse.

en|meshed / I nme ʃt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are enmeshedin or with something, usually something bad, you are involved in it and cannot easily escape from it. □�[+�in ] All too often they become enmeshed in deadening routines. □�[+�with ] �as her life gets enmeshed with Andrew's.

en|mity /e nm I ti/ (enmities ) N‑VAR Enmity is a feeling of hatred towards someone that lasts for a long time. □�[+�between ] I think there is an historic enmity between them.

en|no|ble / I nnoʊ b ə l/ (ennobles , ennobling , ennobled )

1 VERB To ennoble someone or something means to make them more dignified and morally better. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] �the enduring fundamental principles of life that ennoble mankind. ●� en|no|bling ADJ □� �the ennobling and civilizing power of education.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is ennobled , they are made a member of the nobility. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] �the son of a financier who had been ennobled. □�[V -ed] He was ennobled in the New Year's Honours List.

en|nui /ɒnwiː / N‑UNCOUNT Ennui is a feeling of being tired, bored, and dissatisfied. [LITERARY ]

enor|mity / I nɔː r m I ti/ (enormities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to theenormityof something that you consider to be a problem or difficulty, you are referring to its very great size, extent, or seriousness. □�[+�of ] I was numbed by the enormity of the responsibility.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to theenormityof an event, you are emphasizing that it is terrible and frightening. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] It makes no sense to belittle the enormity of the disaster which has occurred.

enor|mous ◆◇◇ / I nɔː r məs/

1 ADJ Something that is enormous is extremely large in size or amount. □� The main bedroom is enormous. □� There is, of course, an enormous amount to see.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use enormous to emphasize the great degree or extent of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was an enormous disappointment. ●� enor|mous|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� This book was enormously influential. SYNONYMS enormous ADJ 1

huge:�a tiny little woman with huge black glasses.

vast:�farmers who own vast stretches of land.

massive:�a massive steam boat.

great:The room had a great bay window.

immense:�an immense cloud of smoke.

gigantic:�gigantic rocks.

enough ◆◆◆ / I nʌ f/

1 DET Enough means as much as you need or as much as is necessary. □� They had enough cash for a one-way ticket. □� There aren't enough tents to shelter them all. ●�ADV [ADV after v, oft ADV to-inf] Enough is also an adverb. □� I was old enough to work and earn money. □� Do you believe that sentences for criminals are tough enough at present? □� She graduated with high enough marks to apply for university. ●�PRON Enough is also a pronoun. □� Although the U.K. says efforts are being made, they are not doing enough. ●�QUANT Enough is also a quantifier. □� All parents worry about whether their child is getting enough of the right foods. ●�ADJ [n ADJ ] Enough is also an adjective. □� By autumn it hopes to have 200 new lines � proof enough of the growing market.

2 PRON If you say that something is enough , you mean that you do not want it to continue any longer or get any worse. □� I met him only the once, and that was enough. □� I think I have said enough. □� You've got enough to think about for the moment. ●�QUANT Enough is also a quantifier. □� Ann had heard enough of this. ●�DET Enough is also a determiner. □� I've had enough problems with the police, I don't need this. □� Would you shut up, please! I'm having enough trouble with these children! ●�ADV [adj ADV ] Enough is also an adverb. □� I'm serious, things are difficult enough as they are.

3 ADV You can use enough to say that something is the case to a moderate or fairly large degree. □� Winter is a common enough German surname. □� The rest of the evening passed pleasantly enough.

4 ADV You use enough in expressions such as strangely enough and interestingly enough to indicate that you think a fact is strange or interesting. □� Strangely enough, the last thing he thought of was his beloved Tanya.

5 PHRASE If you say that you have had enough , you mean that you are unhappy with a situation and you want it to stop. □� I had had enough of other people for one night.

6fair enough →�see fair

7sure enough →�see sure

en|quire / I nkwa I ə r / →�see inquire

en|quir|er / I nkwa I ə rə r / →�see inquirer

en|quiry / I nkwa I ə ri/ →�see inquiry

en|rage / I nre I dʒ/ (enrages , enraging , enraged ) VERB If you are enraged by something, it makes you extremely angry. □�[be V -ed +�by ] He was enraged by news of plans to demolish the pub. □�[V n] He enraged the government by renouncing the agreement. ●� en|raged ADJ □�[+�at ] I began getting more and more enraged at my father.

en|rap|ture / I nr� ptʃə r / (enraptures , enrapturing , enraptured ) VERB If something or someone enraptures you, you think they are wonderful or fascinating. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] The place at once enraptured me. □�[V -ed] The 20,000-strong audience listened, enraptured. □�[V -ed] �an enraptured audience.

en|rich / I nr I tʃ/ (enriches , enriching , enriched )

1 VERB To enrich something means to improve its quality, usually by adding something to it. □�[V n] It is important to enrich the soil prior to planting. ●� -enriched COMB □� �nutrient-enriched water.

2 VERB To enrich someone means to increase the amount of money that they have. □�[V n] He will drain, rather than enrich, the country.

en|rich|ment / I nr I tʃmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Enrichment is the act of enriching someone or something or the state of being enriched. □�[+�of ] �the enrichment of society.

en|rol / I nroʊ l/ (enrols , enrolling , enrolled ) in AM, use enroll VERB If you enrol or are enrolled at an institution or on a course, you officially join it and pay a fee for it. □�[be V -ed prep] Cherny was enrolled at the University in 1945. □�[V prep] She enrolled on a local Women Into Management course. □�[V n prep] I thought I'd enrol you with an art group at the school. [Also V ]

en|rol|ment / I nroʊ lmənt/ in AM, use enrollment N‑UNCOUNT Enrolment is the act of enrolling at an institution or on a course. □� A fee is charged for each year of study and is payable at enrolment.

en route /ɒ n ruː t/ →�see route

en|sconced / I nskɒ nst/ ADJ If you are ensconced somewhere, you are settled there firmly or comfortably and have no intention of moving or leaving. □� Brian was ensconced behind the bar.

en|sem|ble /ɒnsɒ mb ə l/ (ensembles )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An ensemble is a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who regularly perform together. □�[+�of ] �an ensemble of young musicians.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An ensembleof things or people is a group of things or people considered as a whole rather than as separate individuals. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The state is an ensemble of political and social structures.

en|shrine / I nʃra I n/ (enshrines , enshrining , enshrined ) VERB If something such as an idea or a right is enshrinedin something such as a constitution or law, it is protected by it. □�[be V -ed +�in ] The essentials of the deal will be enshrined in a document. □�[V n prep] The apartheid system which enshrined racism in law still existed.

en|shroud / I nʃraʊ d/ (enshrouds , enshrouding , enshrouded ) VERB To enshroud something means to cover it completely so that it can no longer be seen. [LITERARY ] □�[V n +�in ] �dispiriting clouds that enshrouded us in twilight. □�[V n] �the culture of secrecy which enshrouds our politics.

en|sign /e nsa I n, e ns ə n/ (ensigns )

1 N‑COUNT An ensign is a flag flown on a ship to show what country the ship belongs to.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An ensign is a junior officer in the United States Navy. □� He had been a naval ensign stationed off Cuba. □� �Ensign Smith.

en|slave / I nsle I v/ (enslaves , enslaving , enslaved )

1 VERB To enslave someone means to make them into a slave. □�[be V -ed] They've been enslaved and had to do what they were told. □�[V n] I'd die myself before I'd let anyone enslave your folk ever again. □�[V -ed] George was born to an enslaved African mother.

2 VERB To enslave a person or society means to trap them in a situation from which they cannot escape. □�[V n] �the various cultures, cults and religions that have enslaved human beings for untold years. □�[be V -ed +�to ] It would be a tragedy if both sexes were enslaved to the god of work. [Also V n +�to ]

en|slave|ment / I nsle I vmənt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Enslavement is the act of making someone into a slave or the state of being a slave. □�[+�of ] �the enslavement of African people.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N , adj N ] Enslavement is the state of being trapped in a situation from which it is difficult to escape. □�[+�to ] �the analysis of women's enslavement to appearance.

en|snare / I nsneə r / (ensnares , ensnaring , ensnared )

1 VERB If you ensnare someone, you gain power over them, especially by using dishonest or deceitful methods. □�[V n] Feminism is simply another device to ensnare women. □�[V -ed +�in ] We find ourselves ensnared in employment acts which do not help resolve industrial disputes.

2 VERB If an animal is ensnared , it is caught in a trap. □�[be V -ed +�on/in ] The spider must wait for prey to be ensnared on its web.

en|sue / I nsjuː , [AM ] -suː / (ensues , ensuing , ensued ) VERB [no cont] If something ensues , it happens immediately after another event, usually as a result of it. □�[V ] If the Europeans did not reduce subsidies, a trade war would ensue. □�[V ] A brief but embarrassing silence ensued.

en|su|ing / I nsjuː I ŋ, [AM ] -suː -/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Ensuing events happen immediately after other events. □� The ensuing argument had been bitter. □� �any ensuing problems.

2 ADJ Ensuing months or years follow the time you are talking about. □� The two companies grew tenfold in the ensuing ten years.

en suite /ɒ n swiː t/ ADJ [ADJ n] An en suite bathroom is next to a bedroom and can only be reached by a door in the bedroom. An en suite bedroom has an en suite bathroom. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use private bathroom

en|sure ◆◆◇ / I nʃʊə r / (ensures , ensuring , ensured ) VERB To ensure something, or to ensurethat something happens, means to make certain that it happens. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] Negotiators ensured that the treaty was a significant change in direction. □�[V n] �the President's Council, which ensures the supremacy of the National Party. SYNONYMS ensure VERB

guarantee:Surplus resources alone do not guarantee growth.

secure:Graham's achievements helped secure him the job.

assure:Ways must be found to assure our children a decent start in life.

make certain:To make extra certain, a police helicopter kept watch from the skies.

en|tail / I nte I l/ (entails , entailing , entailed ) VERB If one thing entails another, it involves it or causes it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Such a decision would entail a huge political risk. □�[V n v-ing] I'll never accept parole because that entails me accepting guilt.

en|tan|gle / I nt� ŋg ə l/ (entangles , entangling , entangled )

1 VERB If one thing entanglesitself with another, the two things become caught together very tightly. □�[V n +�with/in ] The blade of the oar had entangled itself with something in the water. [Also V n]

2 VERB If something entangles you in problems or difficulties, it causes you to become involved in problems or difficulties from which it is hard to escape. □�[V n] Bureaucracy can entangle ventures for months. □�[V n +�in/with ] His tactics were to entangle the opposition in a web of parliamentary procedure.

en|tan|gled / I nt� ŋg ə ld/

1 ADJ If something is entangledin something such as a rope, wire, or net, it is caught in it very firmly. □�[+�in/with ] �a whale that became entangled in crab nets.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you become entangledin problems or difficulties, you become involved in problems or difficulties from which it is hard to escape. □�[+�in/with ] This case was bound to get entangled in international politics.

en|tan|gle|ment / I nt� ŋg ə lmənt/ (entanglements )

1 N‑COUNT An entanglement is a complicated or difficult relationship or situation. □� �romantic entanglements. □� �a military and political entanglement the Government probably doesn't want.

2 N‑VAR If things become entangled, you can refer to this as entanglement . □�[+�with ] Many dolphins are accidentally killed through entanglement with fishing equipment.

en|tente /ɒ ntɒ nt/ (ententes ) N‑VAR An entente or an entente cordiale is a friendly agreement between two or more countries. □�[+�with ] The French entente with Great Britain had already been significantly extended.

en|ter ◆◆◇ /e ntə r / (enters , entering , entered )

1 VERB When you enter a place such as a room or building, you go into it or come into it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He entered the room briskly and stood near the door. □�[V ] As soon as I entered, they stopped and turned my way.

2 VERB If you enter an organization or institution, you start to work there or become a member of it. □�[V n] He entered the BBC as a general trainee.

3 VERB If something new enters your mind, you suddenly think about it. □�[V n] Dreadful doubts began to enter my mind.

4 VERB If it does not enter your head to do, think or say something, you do not think of doing that thing although you should have done. □�[V n that] It never enters his mind that anyone is better than him. □�[V n to-inf] Though she enjoyed flirting with Matt, it had not entered her head to have an affair with him.

5 VERB If someone or something enters a particular situation or period of time, they start to be in it or part of it. □�[V n] The war has entered its second month. □�[V n] A million young people enter the labour market each year.

6 VERB If you enter a competition, race, or examination, you officially state that you will compete or take part in it. □�[V n] I run so well I'm planning to enter some races. □�[V +�for ] He entered for many competitions, winning several gold medals. □�[V ] To enter, simply complete the coupon on page 150.

7 VERB If you enter someone for a race or competition, you officially state that they will compete or take part in it. □�[V n +�for ] Marie secretly entered him for the Championship. □�[V -ed] �some of the 150 projects entered for the awards. [Also V n]

8 VERB If you enter something in a notebook, register, or financial account, you write it down. □�[V n with prep/adv] Each week she meticulously entered in her notebooks all sums received. □�[V n prep/adv] Prue entered the passage in her notebook, then read it aloud again. [Also V n]

9 VERB To enter information into a computer or database means to record it there, for example by typing it on a keyboard. □�[V n +�into ] When a baby is born, they enter that baby's name into the computer. □�[V n] A lot less time is now spent entering the data.

▸� enter into

1 PHRASAL VERB If you enter into something such as an agreement, discussion, or relationship, you become involved in it. You can also say that two people enter into something. [FORMAL ] □�[V P n +�with ] I have not entered into any financial agreements with them. □�[V P n] The United States and Canada may enter into an agreement that would allow easier access to jobs across the border. □�[be V -ed P ] No correspondence will be entered into.

2 PHRASAL VERB If one thing enters into another, it is a factor in it. [FORMAL ] □�[V P n] There were also other factors that entered into the orchestration. SYNONYMS enter VERB 2

join:He joined the Army five years ago.

enlist:He enlisted as a private in the Mexican War.

enrol:He enrolled in a degree course at London's Royal College of Art.

sign up:He signed up as a steward with P&O Lines.

en|ter|prise ◆◇◇ /e ntə r pra I z/ (enterprises )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] An enterprise is a company or business, often a small one. [BUSINESS ] □� There are plenty of small industrial enterprises.

2 N‑COUNT An enterprise is something new, difficult, or important that you do or try to do. □� Horse breeding is indeed a risky enterprise.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Enterprise is the activity of managing companies and businesses and starting new ones. [BUSINESS ] □� He is still involved in voluntary work promoting local enterprise. □� �a national program of subsidies to private enterprise.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Enterprise is the ability to think of new and effective things to do, together with an eagerness to do them. [APPROVAL ] □� �the spirit of enterprise worthy of a free and industrious people. SYNONYMS enterprise NOUN 1

company:Sheila found some work as a secretary in an insurance company.

firm:�a firm of heating engineers.

business:The company was a family business.

concern:If not a large concern, Queensbury Nursery was at least a successful one.

operation:Thorn's electronics operation employs around 5,000 people.

e n|ter|prise zo ne (enterprise zones ) N‑COUNT An enterprise zone is an area, usually a depressed or inner-city area, where the government offers incentives in order to attract new businesses. [BUSINESS ] □� Because it is in an enterprise zone, taxes on non-food items are 3.5% instead of the usual 7%.

en|ter|pris|ing /e ntə r pra I z I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An enterprising person is willing to try out new, unusual ways of doing or achieving something. □� Some enterprising members found ways of reducing their expenses or raising their incomes.

en|ter|tain ◆◇◇ /e ntə r te I n/ (entertains , entertaining , entertained )

1 VERB If a performer, performance, or activity entertains you, it amuses you, interests you, or gives you pleasure. □�[be V -ed] They were entertained by top singers, dancers and celebrities. □�[V ] Children's television not only entertains but also teaches. ●� en|ter|tain|ing ADJ □� To generate new money the sport needs to be more entertaining. □� This is a surprisingly entertaining film.

2 VERB If you entertain people, you provide food and drink for them, for example when you have invited them to your house. □�[V n] I don't like to entertain guests anymore. □�[V ] The Monroes continued to entertain extravagantly. ●� en|ter|tain|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �a cosy area for entertaining and relaxing.

3 VERB If you entertain an idea or suggestion, you allow yourself to consider it as possible or as worth thinking about seriously. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] I feel how foolish I am to entertain doubts. □�[V n] I wouldn't entertain the idea of such an unsociable job.

en|ter|tain|er /e ntə r te I nə r / (entertainers ) N‑COUNT An entertainer is a person whose job is to entertain audiences, for example by telling jokes, singing, or dancing. □� Some have called him the greatest entertainer of the twentieth century.

en|ter|tain|ment ◆◇◇ /e ntə r te I nmənt/ (entertainments ) N‑VAR Entertainment consists of performances of plays and films, and activities such as reading and watching television, that give people pleasure. □� �the world of entertainment and international stardom.

en|thral / I nθrɔː l/ (enthrals , enthralling , enthralled ) in AM, use enthrall , enthralls VERB If you are enthralledby something, you enjoy it and give it your complete attention and interest. □�[be V -ed] The passengers were enthralled by the scenery. □�[V -ed] The fans sat enthralled in the darkened cinema.

en|throne / I nθroʊ n/ (enthrones , enthroning , enthroned )

1 VERB [usu passive] When kings, queens, emperors, or bishops are enthroned , they officially take on their role during a special ceremony. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The new emperor has been enthroned. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He is expected to be enthroned early next year as the spiritual leader of the Church of England.

2 VERB If an idea is enthroned , it has an important place in people's life or thoughts. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] He was forcing the State to enthrone a particular brand of modernism. □�[V -ed] Calvinism was enthroned as the official faith of the new republic.

en|throne|ment / I nθroʊ nmənt/ (enthronements ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] The enthronement of a king, queen, emperor, or bishop is a ceremony in which they officially take on their role. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the enthronement of their new emperor.

en|thuse / I nθjuː z, [AM ] -θuː z/ (enthuses , enthusing , enthused )

1 VERB If you enthuseabout something, you talk about it in a way that shows how excited you are about it. □�[V +�about/over ] She enthuses about the taste, fragrance and character of Provencal cuisine. □�[V with quote] 'I've found the most wonderful house to buy!' she enthused. [Also V that]

2 VERB If you are enthused by something, it makes you feel excited and enthusiastic. □�[be V -ed] I was immediately enthused. □�[V n] Find a hobby or interest which enthuses you. [Also V ]

en|thu|si|asm ◆◇◇ / I nθjuː zi�zəm, [AM ] -θuː -/ (enthusiasms )

1 N‑VAR Enthusiasm is great eagerness to be involved in a particular activity which you like and enjoy or which you think is important. □� Their skill, enthusiasm and running has got them in the team.

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An enthusiasm is an activity or subject that interests you very much and that you spend a lot of time on. □� Draw him out about his current enthusiasms and future plans. COLLOCATIONS enthusiasm NOUN 1

adjective +�enthusiasm : contagious, infectious; boundless, unbridled, undimmed; boyish, youthful

verb +�enthusiasm : express, share, show; dampen, lose; generate, inject, muster

en|thu|si|ast / I nθjuː zi�st, [AM ] -θuː -/ (enthusiasts ) N‑COUNT An enthusiast is a person who is very interested in a particular activity or subject and who spends a lot of time on it. □� He is a great sports enthusiast. □� �keep-fit enthusiasts.

en|thu|si|as|tic / I nθjuː zi� st I k, [AM ] -θuː -/ ADJ If you are enthusiasticabout something, you show how much you like or enjoy it by the way that you behave and talk. □�[+�about ] Tom was very enthusiastic about the place. ●� en|thu|si|as|ti|cal|ly / I nθjuː zi� st I kli, [AM ] -θuː -/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The announcement was greeted enthusiastically.

en|tice / I nta I s/ (entices , enticing , enticed ) VERB To entice someone to go somewhere or to do something means to try to persuade them to go to that place or to do that thing. □�[V n prep] Retailers have tried almost everything to entice shoppers through their doors. □�[V n to-inf] They'll entice doctors to move from the cities by paying them better salaries. [Also V n]

en|tice|ment / I nta I smənt/ (enticements ) N‑VAR An enticement is something which makes people want to do a particular thing. □� We were seduced by the doorway enticement of hot cardamom buns.

en|tic|ing / I nta I s I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is enticing is extremely attractive and makes you want to get it or to become involved with it. □� A prospective premium of about 30 per cent on their initial investment is enticing. ●� en|tic|ing|ly ADV □� �laying out their stall enticingly.

en|tire ◆◆◇ / I nta I ə r / ADJ You use entire when you want to emphasize that you are referring to the whole of something, for example, the whole of a place, time, or population. [EMPHASIS ] □� He had spent his entire life in China as a doctor. □� There are only 60 swimming pools in the entire country. SYNONYMS entire ADJ

whole:We spent the whole summer in Italy that year.

complete:A complete tenement block was burnt to the ground.

en|tire|ly ◆◇◇ / I nta I ə r li/

1 ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] Entirely means completely and not just partly. □� �an entirely new approach. □� Fraud is an entirely different matter. □� Their price depended almost entirely on their scarcity.

2 ADV [ADV with v] Entirely is also used to emphasize what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� I agree entirely. □� Oh, the whole episode was entirely his fault. SYNONYMS entirely ADV 1

completely:�something completely different.

totally:Young people want something totally different from the old ways.

wholly:For urban areas this approach was wholly inadequate.

utterly:Everything about the country seemed utterly different from what I remembered.

en|tirety / I nta I ə r I ti/ PHRASE If something is used or affected in its entirety , the whole of it is used or affected. □� The peace plan has not been accepted in its entirety by all parties.

en|ti|tle ◆◇◇ / I nta I t ə l/ (entitles , entitling , entitled )

1 VERB If you are entitledto something, you have the right to have it or do it. □�[V n +�to ] If the warranty is limited, the terms may entitle you to a replacement or refund. □�[V n to-inf] There are 23 Clubs throughout the U.S., and your membership entitles you to enjoy all of them.

2 VERB [usu passive] If the title of something such as a book, film, or painting is, for example, 'Sunrise', you can say that it is entitled 'Sunrise'. □� Chomsky's review is entitled 'Psychology and Ideology'. □�[V -ed quote] �a performance entitled 'United States'.

en|ti|tle|ment / I nta I t ə lmənt/ (entitlements ) N‑VAR An entitlementto something is the right to have it or do it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] They lose their entitlement to benefit when they start work.

en|tity /e nt I ti/ (entities ) N‑COUNT An entity is something that exists separately from other things and has a clear identity of its own. [FORMAL ] □� �the earth as a living entity.

en|tomb / I ntuː m/ (entombs , entombing , entombed )

1 VERB If something is entombed , it is buried or permanently trapped by something. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�in ] The city was entombed in volcanic lava. □�[V n] The Tel, an artificial mountain, entombs Jericho's ancient past. [Also V n +�in ]

2 VERB [usu passive] When a person's dead body is entombed , it is buried in a grave or put into a tomb. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Neither of them had any idea how long the body had been entombed.

ento|mol|ogy /e ntəmɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Entomology is the study of insects. ●� ento|molo|gist /e ntəmɒ lədʒ I st/ (entomologists ) N‑COUNT □� �a research entomologist.

en|tou|rage /ɒ ntʊrɑː ʒ/ (entourages ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A famous or important person's entourage is the group of assistants, servants, or other people who travel with them.

en|trails /e ntre I lz/ N‑PLURAL The entrails of people or animals are their inside parts, especially their intestines.

entrance

➊�NOUN USES

➋�VERB USE

➊ en|trance ◆◇◇ /e ntrəns/ (entrances )

1 N‑COUNT The entranceto a place is the way into it, for example a door or gate. □�[+�to/into/of ] Beside the entrance to the church, turn right. □� He was driven out of a side entrance with his hand covering his face. □� A marble entrance hall leads to a sitting room.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] You can refer to someone's arrival in a place as their entrance , especially when you think that they are trying to be noticed and admired. □� If she had noticed her father's entrance, she gave no indication.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] When a performer makes his or her entranceon to the stage, he or she comes on to the stage.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you gain entranceto a particular place, you manage to get in there. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Hewitt had gained entrance to the Hall by pretending to be a heating engineer.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If you gain entranceto a particular profession, society, or institution, you are accepted as a member of it. □�[+�to/into ] Entrance to universities and senior secondary schools was restricted. □� �entrance exams for the French civil service.

6 N‑SING If you make an entranceinto a particular activity or system, you succeed in becoming involved in it. □�[+�into ] Charlie found his entrance into higher education completely miserable.

➋ en|trance / I ntrɑː ns, -tr� ns/ (entrances , entrancing , entranced ) VERB If something or someone entrances you, they cause you to feel delight and wonder, often so that all your attention is taken up and you cannot think about anything else. □�[V n] As soon as I met Dick, he entranced me because he has a lovely voice. ●� en|tranced ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] □� For the next three hours we sat entranced as the train made its way up the mountains. □�[+�by ] He is entranced by the kindness of her smile. ●� en|tranc|ing ADJ □� The light reflected off the stone, creating a golden glow he found entrancing. SYNONYMS entrance NOUN ➊2

entry:He made his triumphal entry into Mexico City.

arrival:He was dead on arrival at the nearby hospital.

appearance:�last Christmas, when there'd been the welcome appearance of Cousin Fred.

e n|trance fee (entrance fees ) N‑COUNT An entrance fee is a sum of money which you pay before you go into somewhere such as a cinema or museum, or which you have to pay in order to join an organization or institution.

e n|trance hall (entrance halls ) N‑COUNT The entrance hall of a large house, hotel, or other large building, is the area just inside the main door.

en|trant /e ntrənt/ (entrants )

1 N‑COUNT An entrant is a person who has recently become a member of an institution such as a university. □� �a young school entrant.

2 N‑COUNT An entrant is a person who is taking part in a competition. □� All items entered for the competition must be the entrant's own work.

en|trap / I ntr� p/ (entraps , entrapping , entrapped ) VERB If you entrap someone, you trick or deceive them and make them believe or do something wrong. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The police have been given extra powers to entrap drug traffickers. □�[V n +�into ] He saw education as a lie put about to entrap him into a lifetime of paying taxes.

en|trap|ment / I ntr� pmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Entrapment is the practice of arresting someone by using unfair or illegal methods. [LEGAL ] □� �allegations of police entrapment.

en|treat / I ntriː t/ (entreats , entreating , entreated ) VERB If you entreat someone to do something, you ask them very politely and seriously to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n to-inf] Trevor entreated them to delay their departure. □�[V with quote] 'Call me Earl!' he entreated. □�[V that] I earnestly entreat that we don't get caught out again. [Also V n, V n with quote]

en|treaty / I ntriː ti/ (entreaties ) N‑VAR An entreaty is a very polite, serious request. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] The FA has resisted all entreaties to pledge its support to the campaign.

en|tr�e /ɒ ntre I / (entr�es ) also entree

1 N‑COUNT If you have an entr�e to a social group, you are accepted and made to feel welcome by them. □�[+�into ] She had an entree into the city's cultivated society.

2 N‑COUNT At restaurants or formal dinners, the entr�e is the main course, or sometimes a dish before the main course. □� Dinner features a hot entr�e of chicken, veal, or lamb.

en|trench / I ntre ntʃ/ (entrenches , entrenching , entrenched ) VERB If something such as power, a custom, or an idea is entrenched , it is firmly established, so that it would be difficult to change it. □�[V n] �a series of measures designed to entrench democracy and the rule of law. □�[V pron-refl] These dictators have entrenched themselves politically and are difficult to move. ●� en|trenched ADJ □� The recession remains deeply entrenched.

en|trench|ment / I ntre ntʃmənt/ (entrenchments )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Entrenchments are a series of long deep holes called trenches which are dug for defence by soldiers in war.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Entrenchment means the firm establishment of a system or your own position in a situation. □�[+�of ] �the entrenchment of democratic norms.

en|tre|pre|neur /ɒ ntrəprənɜː r / (entrepreneurs ) N‑COUNT An entrepreneur is a person who sets up businesses and business deals. [BUSINESS ]

en|tre|pre|neur|ial /ɒ ntrəprənɜː riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Entrepreneurial means having the qualities that are needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. [BUSINESS ] □� �her prodigious entrepreneurial flair.

en|tre|pre|neur|ship /ɒ ntrəprənɜː r ʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Entrepreneurship is the state of being an entrepreneur, or the activities associated with being an entrepreneur.

en|tro|py /e ntrəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Entropy is a state of disorder, confusion, and disorganization. [TECHNICAL ]

en|trust / I ntrʌ st/ (entrusts , entrusting , entrusted ) VERB If you entrust something important to someone or entrust them with it, you make them responsible for looking after it or dealing with it. □�[V n +�to ] If parents wanted to entrust their child to the best surgeons, they traveled to Bologna's medical school. □�[V n +�with ] Her mother-in-law entrusted her with cooking tonight's feast for 30 friends and relatives. □�[be V -ed to-inf] They can be entrusted to solve major national problems. [Also V to n n]

en|try ◆◆◇ /e ntri/ (entries )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you gain entryto a particular place, you are able to go in. □�[+�to ] Bill was among the first to gain entry to Buckingham Palace when it opened to the public recently. □�[+�into ] Non-residents were refused entry into the region without authority from their own district. □�[+�to ] Entry to the museum is free. ●�PHRASE No Entry is used on signs to indicate that you are not allowed to go into a particular area or go through a particular door or gate.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] You can refer to someone's arrival in a place as their entry , especially when you think that they are trying to be noticed and admired. □�[+�into ] He made his triumphal entry into Mexico City.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's entryinto a particular society or group is their joining of it. □�[+�into ] �the minimum age for entry into a Brownie troop. □�[+�to ] �people who cannot gain entry to the owner-occupied housing sector.

4 N‑COUNT An entry in a diary, account book, computer file, or reference book is a short piece of writing in it. □� Violet's diary entry for 20 April 1917 records Brigit admitting to the affair.

5 N‑COUNT An entry for a competition is a piece of work, for example a story or drawing, or the answers to a set of questions, which you complete in order to take part in the competition. □� The closing date for entries is 31st December.

6 N‑SING Journalists sometimes use entry to refer to the total number of people taking part in an event or competition. For example, if a competition has an entry of twenty people, twenty people take part in it. □�[+�of ] Prize-money of nearly �90,000 has attracted a record entry of 14 horses from Britain and Ireland. □� Our competition has attracted a huge entry.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Entry in a competition is the act of taking part in it. □�[+�in/to ] Entry to this competition is by invitation only. □� �an entry form.

8 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The entryto a place is the way into it, for example a door or gate. COLLOCATIONS entry NOUN

1

noun +�entry : museum

adjective +�entry : direct, free; forced, unlawful

verb +�entry : gain, seek; grant, guarantee, permit; bar, deny, prevent, refuse

4

noun +�entry : diary, dictionary, journal

5

adjective +�entry : winning

verb +�entry : send, submit; judge

e ntry-level

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Entry-level is used to describe basic low-cost versions of products such as cars or computers that are suitable for people who have no previous experience or knowledge of them. [BUSINESS ] □� Several companies are offering new, entry-level models in hopes of attracting more buyers.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Entry-level jobs are suitable for people who do not have previous experience or qualifications in a particular area of work. [BUSINESS ] □� Many entry-level jobs were filled by school leavers.

entry|way /e ntriwe I / (entryways ) N‑COUNT An entryway is a passage that is used as an entrance to a building. [mainly AM ]

en|twine / I ntwa I n/ (entwines , entwining , entwined )

1 VERB If one thing is entwinedwith another thing, or if you entwine two things, the two things are twisted around each other. □�[V ] His dazed eyes stare at the eels, which still writhe and entwine. □�[V n] The giraffes entwined their necks in the most astonishing manner. □�[V n +�with ] He entwined his fingers with hers. □�[V -ed] �with silk ribbons and flowers entwined in their hair. [V n]

2 VERB If two things entwine or are entwined , they closely resemble or are linked to each other, and they are difficult to separate or identify. □�[V n] The book entwines the personal and the political to chart the history of the family. □�[V ] Once, years ago, he told me our lives should entwine. ●� en|twined ADJ □�[+�with ] �before media manipulation became entwined with management.

E num|ber /iː nʌmbə r / (E numbers ) N‑COUNT E numbers are artificial substances which are added to some foods and drinks to improve their flavour or colour or to make them last longer. They are called E numbers because they are represented in Europe by code names which begin with the letter 'E'. [BRIT ]

enu|mer|ate / I njuː məre I t, [AM ] -nuː -/ (enumerates , enumerating , enumerated ) VERB When you enumerate a list of things, you name each one in turn. □�[V n] I enumerate the work that will have to be done.

enun|ci|ate / I nʌ nsie I t/ (enunciates , enunciating , enunciated ) VERB When you enunciate a word or part of a word, you pronounce it clearly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] His voice was harsh as he enunciated each word carefully. □�[V ] She enunciates very slowly and carefully. ●� enun|cia|tion / I nʌnsie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� � his grammar always precise, his enunciation always perfect.

en|vel|op / I nve ləp/ (envelops , enveloping , enveloped ) VERB If one thing envelops another, it covers or surrounds it completely. □�[V n] That lovely, rich fragrant smell of the forest enveloped us. □�[V -ing] �an enveloping sense of well-being.

en|velope /e nvəloʊp, ɒ n-/ (envelopes )

1 N‑COUNT An envelope is the rectangular paper cover in which you send a letter to someone through the post.

2 PHRASE If someone pushes the envelope , they do something to a greater degree or in a more extreme way than it has ever been done before. □� There's a valuable place for fashion and design that pushes the envelope a bit.

en|vi|able /e nviəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You describe something such as a quality as enviable when someone else has it and you wish that you had it too. □� Japan is in the enviable position of having a budget surplus. □� They have enviable reputations as athletes.

en|vi|ous /e nviəs/ ADJ If you are enviousof someone, you want something that they have. □�[+�of ] I don't think I'm envious of your success. □� Do I sound envious? I pity them, actually. □� �envious thoughts. ●� en|vi|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'You haven't changed,' I am often enviously told.

en|vi|ron|ment ◆◆◇ / I nva I ə rənmənt/ (environments )

1 N‑VAR Someone's environment is all the circumstances, people, things, and events around them that influence their life. □� Pupils in our schools are taught in a safe, secure environment. □� The moral characters of men are formed not by heredity but by environment.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your environment consists of the particular natural surroundings in which you live or exist, considered in relation to their physical characteristics or weather conditions. □� �the maintenance of a safe environment for marine mammals.

3 N‑SING The environment is the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. □� �persuading people to respect the environment. COLLOCATIONS environment NOUN

1

adjective +�environment : safe, secure, stable, supportive; challenging, competitive, hostile, relaxed; economic, political, social

3

verb +�environment : help, protect, respect, save; damage, harm, pollute SYNONYMS environment NOUN

1

conditions:The conditions are ripe for the spread of disease.

circumstances:The strategy was too dangerous in the explosive circumstances of the times.

situation:She's in a hopeless situation.

background:The meeting takes place against a background of continuing political violence.

2

habitat:Few countries have as rich a diversity of habitat as South Africa.

territory:A cat's territory remains fixed for as long as the cat dominates it.

en|vi|ron|men|tal ◆◆◇ / I nva I ə rənme nt ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Environmental means concerned with the protection of the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. □� �the environmental claims being made for some products. □� Environmental groups plan to stage public protests during the conference. ●� en|vi|ron|men|tal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �the high price of environmentally friendly goods.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Environmental means relating to or caused by the surroundings in which someone lives or something exists. □� It protects against environmental hazards such as wind and sun.

en|vi|ron|men|tal|ism / I nva I ə rənme nt ə l I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Environmentalism is used to describe actions and policies which show a concern with protecting and preserving the natural environment, for example by preventing pollution.

en|vi|ron|men|tal|ist / I nva I ə rənme nt ə l I st/ (environmentalists ) N‑COUNT An environmentalist is a person who is concerned with protecting and preserving the natural environment, for example by preventing pollution.

en|vi|rons / I nva I ərənz/ N‑PLURAL [with poss] The environs of a place consist of the area immediately surrounding it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the environs of Paris. □� The town and its environs are inviting, with recreational attractions and art museums.

en|vis|age / I nv I z I dʒ/ (envisages , envisaging , envisaged ) VERB If you envisage something, you imagine that it is true, real, or likely to happen. □�[V n] He envisages the possibility of establishing direct diplomatic relations in the future. □�[V v-ing] He had never envisaged spending the whole of his working life in that particular job. □�[V n v-ing] Personally, I envisage them staying together. [Also V that]

en|vi|sion / I nv I ʒ ə n/ (envisions , envisioning , envisioned ) VERB If you envision something, you envisage it. [AM , also BRIT , LITERARY ] □�[V n] In the future we envision a federation of companies. □�[V that] Most people do stop at this point, not envisioning that there is anything beyond. [Also V wh]

en|voy /e nvɔ I / (envoys )

1 N‑COUNT An envoy is someone who is sent as a representative from one government or political group to another.

2 N‑COUNT An envoy is a diplomat in an embassy who is immediately below the ambassador in rank.

envy /e nvi/ (envies , envying , envied )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Envy is the feeling you have when you wish you could have the same thing or quality that someone else has. □�[+�towards ] Gradually he began to acknowledge his feelings of envy towards his mother. □� They gazed in a mixture of envy and admiration at the beauty of the statue.

2 VERB If you envy someone, you wish that you had the same things or qualities that they have. □�[V n] I don't envy the young ones who've become TV superstars and know no other world. □�[V n n] He envied Caroline her peace.

3 N‑SING If a thing or quality is the envy of someone, they wish very much that they could have or achieve it. □�[+�of ] �an economic expansion that was the envy of many other states.

4green with envy →�see green

en|zyme /e nza I m/ (enzymes ) N‑COUNT An enzyme is a chemical substance that is found in living creatures which produces changes in other substances without being changed itself. [TECHNICAL ]

eon /iː ɒn/ →�see aeon

EP /iː piː / (EPs ) N‑COUNT An EP is a record which lasts for about 8 minutes on each side. EP is an abbreviation for 'extended play'.

ep|aulette /e pəle t/ (epaulettes ) in AM, use epaulet N‑COUNT [usu pl] Epaulettes are decorations worn on the shoulders of certain uniforms, especially military ones.

�p�e /e I pe I / (�p�es ) also epee N‑COUNT An �p�e is a thin, light sword that is used in the sport of fencing.

ephem|era / I fe mərə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to things which last for only a short time as ephemera . [LITERARY ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Ephemera is things people collect such as old postcards, posters, and bus tickets, which were only intended to last a short time when they were produced. □� �tickets and other printed ephemera.

ephem|er|al / I fe mərəl/ ADJ If you describe something as ephemeral , you mean that it lasts only for a very short time. [FORMAL ] □� He talked about the country's ephemeral unity being shattered by the defeat.

epic /e p I k/ (epics )

1 N‑COUNT An epic is a long book, poem, or film, whose story extends over a long period of time or tells of great events. □� �the Middle High German epic, 'Nibelungenlied', written about 1200. □� At three hours and 21 minutes, it is an over-long, standard Hollywood epic. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Epic is also an adjective. □� �epic narrative poems. □� Like 'Gone With The Wind' it's an unashamed epic romance.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is epic is very large and impressive. □� �Columbus's epic voyage of discovery.

epi|cen|tre /e pisentə r / (epicentres ) in AM, use epicenter N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The epicentre of an earthquake is the place on the Earth's surface directly above the point where it starts, and is the place where it is felt most strongly. □� The earthquake had its epicentre two-hundred kilometres north-east of the capital.

epi|cure /e p I kjʊə r / (epicures ) N‑COUNT An epicure is someone who enjoys eating food that is of very good quality, especially unusual or rare food. [FORMAL ]

epi|cu|rean /e p I kjʊəriː ən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Epicurean food is of very good quality, especially unusual or rare food. [FORMAL ] □� �an epicurean dish.

epi|dem|ic /e p I de m I k/ (epidemics )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] If there is an epidemicof a particular disease somewhere, it affects a very large number of people there and spreads quickly to other areas. □� A flu epidemic is sweeping through Moscow. □�[+�of ] �a killer epidemic of yellow fever.

2 N‑COUNT If an activity that you disapprove of is increasing or spreading rapidly, you can refer to this as an epidemicof that activity. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �an epidemic of serial killings. □� Drug experts say it could spell the end of the crack epidemic.

epi|der|mis /e p I dɜː r m I s/ N‑SING Your epidermis is the thin, protective, outer layer of your skin. [TECHNICAL ]

epi|dur|al /e pidjʊə rəl, [AM ] -dʊ r-/ (epidurals ) N‑COUNT An epidural is a type of anaesthetic which is injected into a person's spine so that they cannot feel anything from the waist downwards. Epidurals are sometimes given to women when they are giving birth.

epi|gram /e p I gr�m/ (epigrams ) N‑COUNT An epigram is a short saying or poem which expresses an idea in a very clever and amusing way.

epi|lep|sy /e p I lepsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Epilepsy is a brain condition which causes a person to suddenly lose consciousness and sometimes to have fits.

epi|lep|tic /e p I le pt I k/ (epileptics )

1 ADJ Someone who is epileptic suffers from epilepsy. □� He was epileptic and refused to take medication for his condition. ●�N‑COUNT An epileptic is someone who is epileptic. □� His wife is an epileptic.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An epileptic fit is caused by epilepsy. □� He suffered an epileptic fit.

epi|logue /e p I lɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (epilogues ) in AM, also use epilog N‑COUNT An epilogue is a passage or speech which is added to the end of a book or play as a conclusion.

epipha|ny / I p I fəni/ (epiphanies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Epiphany is a Christian festival on the 6th of January which celebrates the arrival of the wise men who came to see Jesus Christ soon after he was born.

2 N‑COUNT An epiphany is a moment of sudden insight or understanding. □� �Isaac Newton's epiphany about gravity and a falling apple.

epis|co|pal / I p I skəp ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Episcopal means relating to a branch of the Anglican Church in Scotland and the USA. □� �the Scottish Episcopal Church. □� �the Episcopal bishop of New York. □� �the Protestant Episcopal church.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Episcopal means relating to bishops. [FORMAL ] □� �episcopal conferences.

Epis|co|pa|li|an / I p I skəpe I liən/ (Episcopalians )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Episcopalian means belonging to the Episcopal Church.

2 N‑COUNT An Episcopalian is a member of the Episcopal Church.

epi|sode ◆◇◇ /e p I soʊd/ (episodes )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to an event or a short period of time as an episode if you want to suggest that it is important or unusual, or has some particular quality. □� This episode is bound to be a deep embarrassment for Washington. □�[+�of ] Unfortunately it was a rather sordid episode of my life.

2 N‑COUNT An episode of something such as a series on radio or television or a story in a magazine is one of the separate parts in which it is broadcast or published. □� The final episode will be shown next Sunday. [Also +�of ]

3 N‑COUNT An episodeof an illness is short period in which a person who suffers from it is affected by it particularly badly. [MEDICAL ]

epi|sod|ic /e p I sɒ d I k/ ADJ Something that is episodic occurs at irregular and infrequent intervals. [FORMAL ] □� �episodic attacks of fever.

epis|tle / I p I s ə l/ (epistles )

1 N‑COUNT An epistle is a letter. [LITERARY ]

2 N‑COUNT In the Bible, the Epistles are a series of books in the New Testament which were originally written as letters to the early Christians.

epis|to|lary / I p I stələri, [AM ] -leri/ ADJ [ADJ n] An epistolary novel or story is one that is written as a series of letters. [FORMAL ]

epi|taph /e p I tɑːf, -t�f/ (epitaphs ) N‑COUNT An epitaph is a short piece of writing about someone who is dead, often carved on their grave.

epi|thet /e p I θet/ (epithets ) N‑COUNT An epithet is an adjective or short phrase which is used as a way of criticizing or praising someone. [FORMAL ] □� �the religious issue which led to the epithet 'bible-basher'.

epito|me / I p I təmi/ N‑SING If you say that a person or thing is theepitomeof something, you are emphasizing that they are the best possible example of a particular type of person or thing. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] Maureen was the epitome of sophistication.

epito|mize / I p I təma I z/ (epitomizes , epitomizing , epitomized ) in BRIT, also use epitomise VERB If you say that something or someone epitomizes a particular thing, you mean that they are a perfect example of it. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Lyonnais cooking is epitomized by the so-called 'bouchons'. □�[V n] �the sleek lift that epitomized the hotel's glossy decor.

EPO /iː piː oʊ / also epo N‑UNCOUNT EPO is a drug that can improve performance in sports and is used illegally by some sportspeople. EPO is short for 'erythropoietin'.

epoch /iː pɒk, [AM ] e pək/ (epochs ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a long period of time as an epoch , you mean that important events or great changes took place during it. □� The birth of Christ was the beginning of a major epoch of world history.

e poch-making ADJ [usu ADJ n] An epoch-making change or declaration is considered to be extremely important because it is likely to have a significant effect on a particular period of time. □� It was meant to sound like an epoch-making declaration. □� �an event of epoch-making significance in American political history.

epony|mous / I pɒ n I məs/ ADJ [ADJ n] An eponymous hero or heroine is the character in a play or book whose name is the title of that play or book. [FORMAL ]

epoxy / I pɒ ksi/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Epoxy resin or adhesive contains an artificial substance which sets hard when it is heated or when pressure is applied to it.

Ep|som salts /e psəm sɔː lts/ N‑UNCOUNT Epsom salts is a kind of white powder which you can mix with water and drink as a medicine to help you empty your bowels.

EQ /iː kjuː / (EQs ) N‑VAR A person's EQ is a measure of their interpersonal and communication skills. EQ is an abbreviation for 'emotional quotient'. Compare IQ . □� Guy was elected leader and then found to have the highest EQ on a nominal measure.

eq|uable /e kwəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as equable , you mean that they are calm, cheerful, and fair with other people, even in difficult circumstances. □� He was a man of the most equable temper. ●� eq|uably ADV [ADV after v] □� She wasn't prepared to respond equably to Richardson's mood, and she spoke curtly.

equal ◆◇◇ /iː kwəl/ (equals , equalling , equalled ) in AM, use equaling , equaled1 ADJ If two things are equal or if one thing is equalto another, they are the same in size, number, standard, or value. □�[+�to ] Investors can borrow an amount equal to the property's purchase price. □� �in a population having equal numbers of men and women. □� Research and teaching are of equal importance.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If different groups of people have equal rights or are given equal treatment, they have the same rights or are treated the same as each other, however different they are. □� We will be justly demanding equal rights at work. □� �the commitment to equal opportunities. □� �new legislation allowing companies to compete on equal terms.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that people are equal , you mean that they have or should have the same rights and opportunities as each other. □� We are equal in every way. □� At any gambling game, everyone is equal.

4 N‑COUNT Someone who is your equal has the same ability, status, or rights as you have. □� She was one of the boys, their equal. □� You should have married somebody more your equal.

5 ADJ If someone is equal to a particular job or situation, they have the necessary ability, strength, or courage to deal successfully with it. □�[+�to ] She was determined that she would be equal to any test the corporation put to them.

6 V‑LINK If something equals a particular number or amount, it is the same as that amount or the equivalent of that amount. □�[V amount] 9 percent interest less 7 percent inflation equals 2 percent.

7 VERB To equal something or someone means to be as good or as great as them. □�[V n] The victory equalled Southend's best in history.

8 PHRASE If you say ' other things being equal ' or ' all things being equal ' when talking about a possible situation, you mean if nothing unexpected happens or if there are no other factors which affect the situation. □� Other things being equal, most tenants would prefer single to shared rooms. SYNONYMS equal ADJ

1

identical:The two parties fought the last election on almost identical manifestos.

equivalent:Calls for equivalent wage increases are bound to be heard.

the same:Bihar had a population roughly the same as that of England.

uniform:The price rises will not be uniform across the country.

2

fair:I wanted them to get a fair deal.

even-handed:The administration wants to ensure the meetings appear even-handed.

equitable:We believe you can redistribute this money in a way that's equitable.

equali|ty / I kwɒ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Equality is the same status, rights, and responsibilities for all the members of a society, group, or family. □�[+�of ] �equality of the sexes.

equal|ize /iː kwəla I z/ (equalizes , equalizing , equalized ) in BRIT, also use equalise1 VERB To equalize a situation means to give everyone the same rights or opportunities, for example in education, wealth, or social status. □�[V n] Such measures are needed to equalize wage rates between countries. ●� equali|za|tion /iː kwəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the equalization of parenting responsibilities between men and women.

2 VERB In sports such as football, if a player equalizes , he or she scores a goal that makes the scores of the two teams equal. [BRIT ] □�[V ] Keegan equalized with only 16 minutes remaining. □�[V n] They showed little sign of equalising the Portsmouth striker's glorious 55th-minute shot.

equal|iz|er /iː kwəla I zə r / (equalizers ) also equaliser N‑COUNT [usu sing] In sports such as football, an equalizer is a goal or a point that makes the scores of the two teams equal. [BRIT ]

equal|ly ◆◇◇ /iː kwəli/

1 ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] Equally means in sections, amounts, or spaces that are the same size as each other. □� He asked that his property be divided equally between his sons. □� Try to eat at least three meals a day, at equally spaced intervals.

2 ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV before v] Equally means to the same degree or extent. □� All these techniques are equally effective. □� Success doesn't only depend on what you do. What you don't do is equally important.

3 ADV Equally is used to introduce another comment on the same topic, which balances or contrasts with the previous comment. □� They needed his help, but equally they did not trust him. USAGE equally

Don�t use �equally� in front of as when you are comparing things. Don�t say, for example, � He is equally as tall as his brother �. Say �He is as tall as his brother�. □� He was just as shocked as I was. □� He was an excellent pianist. Irene was equally brilliant . SYNONYMS equally ADV 1

evenly:The loss of jobs has been far more evenly spread across the regions.

uniformly:Microwaves heat water uniformly.

fairly:Water was precious and it had to be shared fairly between individuals.

e qual op|por|tu |nities N‑PLURAL Equal opportunities refers to the policy of giving everyone the same opportunities for employment, pay and promotion, without discriminating against particular groups. [BUSINESS ] □� The profession's leaders must take action now to promote equal opportunities for all.

e qual op|por|tu |nities em|plo y|er (equal opportunities employers ) N‑COUNT An equal opportunities employer is an employer who gives people the same opportunities for employment, pay, and promotion, without discrimination against anyone. [BUSINESS ] □� The police force is committed to being an equal opportunities employer.

e qual sign (equal signs ) in BRIT, also use equals sign N‑COUNT An equal sign is the sign =, which is used in arithmetic to indicate that two numbers or sets of numbers are equal.

equa|nim|ity /e kwən I m I ti, iː k-/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] Equanimity is a calm state of mind and attitude to life, so that you never lose your temper or become upset. [FORMAL ] □� His sense of humour allowed him to face adversaries with equanimity.

equate / I kwe I t/ (equates , equating , equated ) VERB If you equate one thing with another, or if you say that one thing equateswith another, you believe that they are strongly connected. □�[V n +�with ] I'm always wary of men wearing suits, as I equate this with power and authority. □�[V n] The author doesn't equate liberalism and conservatism. □�[V +�to/with ] The principle of hierarchy does not equate to totalitarian terror. ●� equa|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the equation of gangsterism with business in Coppola's film.

equa|tion / I kwe I ʒ ə n/ (equations )

1 N‑COUNT An equation is a mathematical statement saying that two amounts or values are the same, for example 6x4=12x2.

2 N‑COUNT An equation is a situation in which two or more parts have to be considered together so that the whole situation can be understood or explained. □� The equation is simple: research breeds new products. □� New plans have taken chance out of the equation.

3 →�see also equate

equa|tor / I kwe I tə r / N‑SING The equator is an imaginary line around the middle of the Earth at an equal distance from the North Pole and the South Pole.

equa|to|rial /e kwətɔː ri ə l, [AM ] iː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is equatorial is near or at the equator. □� �the equatorial island with a hundred and twenty thousand people living there.

eq|uer|ry / I kwe ri, [AM ] e kwəri/ (equerries ) N‑COUNT An equerry is an officer of a royal household or court who acts as a personal assistant to a member of the royal family.

eques|trian / I kwe striən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Equestrian means connected with the activity of riding horses. □� �his equestrian skills.

eques|tri|an|ism / I kwe striən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Equestrianism refers to sports in which people demonstrate their skill at riding and controlling a horse.

equi|dis|tant /iː kw I d I stənt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A place that is equidistantfrom two other places is the same distance away from each of these places. □�[+�from/between ] Horsey is equidistant from Great Yarmouth and Mundesley.

equi|lat|eral /iː kw I l� tərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A shape or figure that is equilateral has sides that are all the same length. [TECHNICAL ] □� �an equilateral triangle.

equi|lib|rium /iː kw I l I briəm/ (equilibria )

1 N‑VAR Equilibrium is a balance between several different influences or aspects of a situation. [FORMAL ] □� Stocks seesawed ever lower until prices found some new level of equilibrium. □� For the economy to be in equilibrium, income must equal expenditure.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's equilibrium is their normal calm state of mind. □� I paused in the hall to take three deep breaths to restore my equilibrium.

equine /e kwa I n, [AM ] iː k-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Equine means connected with or relating to horses. □� �an outbreak of equine influenza.

equi|nox /iː kw I nɒks, e k-/ (equinoxes ) N‑COUNT An equinox is one of the two days in the year when day and night are of equal length. □� In the Chinese calendar, the Spring Equinox always occurs in the second month.

equip / I kw I p/ (equips , equipping , equipped )

1 VERB If you equip a person or thing with something, you give them the tools or equipment that are needed. □�[V n +�with ] They equipped their vehicles with gadgets to deal with every possible contingency. □�[V n to-inf] Owners of restaurants would have to equip them to admit people with disabilities. □�[V n] The country did not possess the modern guns to equip the reserve army properly. ●� equipped ADJ □� �well-equipped research buildings. □�[+�with ] The greenhouses come equipped with a ventilating system and aluminium screen door.

2 VERB If something equips you for a particular task or experience, it gives you the skills and attitudes you need for it, especially by educating you in a particular way. □�[V n +�with ] Relative poverty, however, did not prevent Martin from equipping himself with an excellent education. □�[V n to-inf] A basic two-hour first aid course would equip you to deal with any of these incidents. [Also V n +�for ] ●� equipped ADJ □� Some students have emotional problems that teachers feel ill equipped to handle. □�[+�for ] When they leave school, they will be equipped for obtaining office jobs.

equip|ment ◆◆◇ / I kw I pmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Equipment consists of the things which are used for a particular purpose, for example a hobby or job. □� �computers, electronic equipment and machine tools. □� �outdoor playing equipment. USAGE equipment

Equipment is an uncountable noun. Don�t talk about � equipments � or � an equipment �. You can talk about a single item as a piece of equipment . □� This radio is an important piece of equipment . □� �kitchen equipment .

equi|table /e kw I təb ə l/ ADJ Something that is equitable is fair and reasonable in a way that gives equal treatment to everyone. □� We have an unsurpassed opportunity to transform the United States into a more prosperous, sustainable and equitable country. ●� equi|tably ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� �a real attempt to allocate scarce resources more equitably.

equi|ties /e kw I tiz/

1 N‑PLURAL Equities are shares in a company that are owned by people who have a right to vote at the company's meetings and to receive part of the company's profits after the holders of preference shares have been paid. [BUSINESS ] □� Investors have poured money into U.S. equities.

2 →�see also preference shares

equi|ty ◆◇◇ /e kw I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT In finance, your equity is the sum of your assets, for example the value of your house, once your debts have been subtracted from it. [BUSINESS ] □� To capture his equity, Murphy must either sell or refinance. □� �a Personal Equity Plan.

2 →�see also negative equity

3 N‑UNCOUNT Equity is the quality of being fair and reasonable in a way that gives equal treatment to everyone. □� We base this call on grounds of social justice and equity.

equiva|lence / I kw I vələns/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is equivalence between two things, they have the same use, function, size, or value. □�[+�of ] �the equivalence of science and rationality.

equiva|lent ◆◇◇ / I kw I vələnt/ (equivalents )

1 N‑SING If one amount or value is theequivalentof another, they are the same. □�[+�of ] The equivalent of two tablespoons of polyunsaturated oils is ample each day. □�[+�of ] Even the cheapest car costs the equivalent of 70 years' salary for a government worker. ●�ADJ Equivalent is also an adjective. □�[+�to ] A unit is equivalent to a glass of wine or a single measure of spirits. □� Calls for equivalent wage increases are bound to be heard.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The equivalent of someone or something is a person or thing that has the same function in a different place, time, or system. □� �the civil administrator of the West Bank and his equivalent in Gaza. □� �the Red Cross emblem, and its equivalent in Muslim countries, the Red Crescent. ●�ADJ Equivalent is also an adjective. □� �a decrease of 10% in property investment compared with the equivalent period last year.

3 N‑SING You can use equivalent to emphasize the great or severe effect of something. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] His party has just suffered the equivalent of a near-fatal heart attack.

equivo|cal / I kw I vək ə l/

1 ADJ If you are equivocal , you are deliberately vague in what you say, because you want to avoid speaking the truth or making a decision. [FORMAL ] □�[+�about ] Many were equivocal about the idea. □� His equivocal response has done nothing to dampen the speculation.

2 ADJ If something is equivocal , it is difficult to understand, interpret, or explain, often because it has aspects that seem to contradict each other. [FORMAL ] □� Research in this area is somewhat equivocal. □� He was tortured by an awareness of the equivocal nature of his position.

equivo|cate / I kw I vəke I t/ (equivocates , equivocating , equivocated ) VERB When someone equivocates , they deliberately use vague language in order to deceive people or to avoid speaking the truth. □�[V +�about/over ] He is equivocating a lot about what is going to happen if and when there are elections. □�[V ] He had asked her once again about her finances. And again she had equivocated. ●� equivo|ca|tion / I kw I vəke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu without N ] □� Why doesn't the President say so without equivocation?

er /ɜː r / Er is used in writing to represent the sound that people make when they hesitate, especially while they decide what to say next. □� I would challenge the, er, suggestion that we're in third place.

ER /iː ɑː r / (ERs ) N‑COUNT The ER is the part of a hospital where people who have severe injuries or sudden illnesses are taken for emergency treatment. ER is an abbreviation for 'emergency room'. [AM ] in BRIT, use casualty , A & E

SUFFIX -er

1 forms nouns that refer to a person who performs a particular action, often because it is their job. For example, a teacher is someone who teaches.

2 also forms nouns which refer to tools and machines that perform a particular action. For example, a scanner is a machine that scans things.

era ◆◇◇ / I ə rə/ (eras ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a period of history or a long period of time as an era when you want to draw attention to a particular feature or quality that it has. □� �the nuclear era. □�[+�of ] It was an era of austerity. SYNONYMS era NOUN

time(s):We are in one of the most severe recessions in modern times.

age:�the age of steam and steel.

period:�the most difficult periods of history.

epoch:This was the beginning of a major epoch of world history.

day(s):He began to talk about the Ukraine of his uncle's day.

eradi|cate / I r� d I ke I t/ (eradicates , eradicating , eradicated ) VERB To eradicate something means to get rid of it completely. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They are already battling to eradicate illnesses such as malaria and tetanus. □�[be V -ed] If tedious tasks could be eradicated, the world would be a much better place. ●� eradi|ca|tion / I r� d I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] He is seen as having made a significant contribution towards the eradication of corruption.

erase / I re I z, [AM ] I re I s/ (erases , erasing , erased )

1 VERB If you erase a thought or feeling, you destroy it completely so that you can no longer remember something or no longer feel a particular emotion. □�[V n] They are desperate to erase the memory of that last defeat in Cardiff. □�[V n +�from ] Love was a word he'd erased from his vocabulary since Susan's going.

2 VERB If you erase sound which has been recorded on a tape or information which has been stored in a computer, you completely remove or destroy it. □�[V n] He was in the studio tearfully erasing all the tapes he'd slaved over. □�[be V -ed +�from ] It appears the names were accidentally erased from computer disks. [Also V n +�from ]

3 VERB If you erase something such as writing or a mark, you remove it, usually by rubbing it with a cloth. □�[V n] It was unfortunate that she had erased the message.

eras|er / I re I zə r , [AM ] -re I s-/ (erasers ) N‑COUNT An eraser is an object, usually a piece of rubber or plastic, which is used for removing something that has been written using a pencil or a pen. [AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ] □� �a large, flat, pink India-rubber eraser.

eras|ure / I re I ʒə r , [AM ] -re I ʃ-/ N‑UNCOUNT The erasureof something is the removal, loss, or destruction of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a further erasure of the U.K.'s thin manufacturing base.

ere /eə r / CONJ Ere means the same as 'before'. [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Take the water ere the clock strikes twelve.

e -read|er (e-readers ) N‑COUNT An e-reader is a device that you can carry with you and use to download and read texts in electronic form. E-reader is an abbreviation for 'e-book reader'. □� The number of people who owned an e-reader nearly doubled over the recent holiday season.

erect / I re kt/ (erects , erecting , erected )

1 VERB If people erect something such as a building, bridge, or barrier, they build it or create it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Opposition demonstrators have erected barricades in roads leading to the parliament building. □�[be V -ed] The building was erected in 1900�1901. □�[V n] We all unconsciously erect barriers against intimacy.

2 VERB If you erect a system, a theory, or an institution, you create it. □�[V n] Japanese proprietors are erecting a complex infrastructure of political influence throughout America. □�[V n] He erected a new doctrine of precedent.

3 ADJ People or things that are erect are straight and upright. □� Stand reasonably erect, your arms hanging naturally.

erec|tion / I re kʃ ə n/ (erections )

1 N‑COUNT If a man has an erection , his penis is stiff, swollen, and sticking up because he is sexually aroused.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The erectionof something is the act of building it or placing it in an upright position. □�[+�of ] �the erection of temporary fencing to protect hedges under repair.

er|ga|tive /ɜː r gət I v/ ADJ An ergative verb is a verb that can be both transitive and intransitive, where the subject of the intransitive verb is the same as the object of the transitive verb. For example, 'open' is an ergative verb because you can say 'The door opened' or 'She opened the door'.

ergo /ɜː r goʊ/ ADV Ergo is sometimes used instead of 'therefore' to introduce a clause in which you mention something that is the consequence or logical result of what you have just said. [FORMAL or LITERARY ] □� Neither side would have an incentive to start a war. Ergo, peace would reign.

er|go|nom|ics /ɜː r gənɒ m I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Ergonomics is the study of how equipment and furniture can be arranged in order that people can do work or other activities more efficiently and comfortably.

er|mine /ɜː r m I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Ermine is expensive white fur that comes from small animals called stoats.

erode / I roʊ d/ (erodes , eroding , eroded )

1 VERB If rock or soil erodes or is eroded by the weather, sea, or wind, it cracks and breaks so that it is gradually destroyed. □�[V ] By 1980, Miami beach had all but totally eroded. □�[be V -ed] Once exposed, soil is quickly eroded by wind and rain. [Also V n] ●� erod|ed ADJ □� �the deeply eroded landscape.

2 VERB If someone's authority, right, or confidence erodes or is eroded , it is gradually destroyed or removed. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] His critics say his fumbling of the issue of reform has eroded his authority. □�[V ] Her status as the world's leading female singer eroded rapidly.

3 VERB If the value of something erodes or is eroded by something such as inflation or age, its value decreases. □�[V n] Competition in the financial marketplace has eroded profits. □�[V ] The value of the dollar began to erode rapidly just around this time.

erog|enous / I rɒ dʒ I nəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An erogenous part of your body is one where sexual pleasure can be felt or caused. [FORMAL ] □� A bare ankle is the new erogenous zone.

ero|sion / I roʊ ʒ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Erosion is the gradual destruction and removal of rock or soil in a particular area by rivers, the sea, or the weather. □� As their roots are strong and penetrating, they prevent erosion. □�[+�of ] �erosion of the river valleys. □� �soil erosion.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The erosionof a person's authority, rights, or confidence is the gradual destruction or removal of them. □�[+�of ] �the erosion of confidence in world financial markets. □�[+�of ] �an erosion of presidential power.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The erosionof support, values, or money is a gradual decrease in its level or standard. □�[+�of ] �the erosion of moral standards. □�[+�of ] �a dramatic erosion of support for the program.

erot|ic / I rɒ t I k/

1 ADJ If you describe something as erotic , you mean that it involves sexual feelings or arouses sexual desire. □� It might sound like some kind of wild fantasy, but it wasn't an erotic experience at all. □� �photographs of nude women in erotic poses. ●� eroti|cal|ly / I rɒ t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The film is shot seductively, erotically.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Erotic art shows naked people or sexual acts, and is intended to produce feelings of sexual pleasure. □� Erotic paintings also became a fine art.

eroti|ca / I rɒ t I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Erotica means works of art that show or describe sexual activity, and which are intended to arouse sexual feelings.

eroti|cism / I rɒ t I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Eroticism is sexual excitement, or the quality of being able to arouse sexual excitement. [FORMAL ] □� Almost all of Massenet's works are pervaded with an aura of eroticism.

err /ɜː r / (errs , erring , erred )

1 VERB If you err , you make a mistake. [FORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V +�in ] It criticises the main contractor for seriously erring in its original estimates. □�[V ] If you make a threat be sure to carry it out if he errs again.

2 PHRASE If you err on the side of caution, for example, you decide to act in a cautious way, rather than take risks. □� They may be wise to err on the side of caution. □� He probably erred on the conservative rather than the generous side.

er|rand /e rənd/ (errands )

1 N‑COUNT An errand is a short trip that you make in order to do a job for someone, for example when you go to a shop to buy something for them. □� She went off on some errand.

2 PHRASE If you run an errandfor someone, you do or get something for them, usually by making a short trip somewhere. □� She was forever running errands for her housebound grandmother.

er|rant /e rənt/ ADJ [ADJ n] Errant is used to describe someone whose actions are considered unacceptable or wrong by other people. For example, an errant husband is unfaithful to his partner. [FORMAL ] □� Usually his cases involved errant husbands and wandering wives.

er|rat|ic / I r� t I k/ ADJ Something that is erratic does not follow a regular pattern, but happens at unexpected times or moves along in an irregular way. □� Argentina's erratic inflation rate threatens to upset the plans. ●� er|rati|cal|ly / I r� t I kli/ ADV □� Police stopped him for driving erratically.

er|ro|neous / I roʊ niəs/ ADJ Beliefs, opinions, or methods that are erroneous are incorrect or only partly correct. □� They did nothing to dispel his erroneous belief about the children's paternity. □� They have arrived at some erroneous conclusions. ●� er|ro|neous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� It had been widely and erroneously reported that Armstrong had refused to give evidence.

er|ror ◆◇◇ /e rə r / (errors )

1 N‑VAR An error is something you have done which is considered to be incorrect or wrong, or which should not have been done. □�[+�in ] NASA discovered a mathematical error in its calculations. □�[+�of ] MPs attacked lax management and errors of judgment.

2 PHRASE If you do something in error or if it happens in error , you do it or it happens because you have made a mistake, especially in your judgment. □� The plane was shot down in error by a NATO missile.

3 PHRASE If someone sees the error of their ways , they realize or admit that they have made a mistake or behaved badly. □� I wanted to talk some sense into him and make him see the error of his ways. COLLOCATIONS error NOUN 1

noun +�error : driver, pilot; schoolboy

adjective +�error : unforced; uncharacteristic; administrative, clerical, factual, tactical; costly, glaring, grave; basic, fundamental

verb +�error : correct, rectify; make; admit SYNONYMS error NOUN 1

mistake:Jonathan says it was his mistake.

slip:We must be well prepared, there must be no slips.

blunder:He made a tactical blunder by announcing it so soon.

oversight:William was angered and embarrassed by his oversight.

er|satz /eə r z�ts/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as ersatz , you dislike it because it is not genuine and is a poor imitation of something better. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an ersatz Victorian shopping precinct.

erst|while /ɜː r st h wa I l/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use erstwhile to describe someone that used to be the type of person indicated, but no longer is. [FORMAL ] □� He fled to America with Phyllis Burton, an erstwhile friend of his wife's.

eru|dite /e rʊda I t, [AM ] e rjə-/ ADJ If you describe someone as erudite , you mean that they have or show great academic knowledge. You can also use erudite to describe something such as a book or a style of writing. [FORMAL ] □� He was never dull, always erudite and well informed. □� �an original and highly erudite style.

eru|di|tion /e rʊd I ʃ ə n, [AM ] e rjə-/ N‑UNCOUNT Erudition is great academic knowledge. [FORMAL ] □� His erudition was apparently endless.

erupt / I rʌ pt/ (erupts , erupting , erupted )

1 VERB When a volcano erupts , it throws out a lot of hot, melted rock called lava, as well as ash and steam. □�[V ] The volcano erupted, devastating a large area. ●� erup|tion / I rʌ pʃ ə n/ (eruptions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the volcanic eruption of Tambora in 1815.

2 VERB If violence or fighting erupts , it suddenly begins or gets worse in an unexpected, violent way. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] Heavy fighting erupted there today after a two-day cease-fire. ●� erup|tion N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �this sudden eruption of violence.

3 VERB When people in a place suddenly become angry or violent, you can say that they erupt or that the place erupts . [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�into/in ] In Los Angeles, the neighborhood known as Watts erupted into riots. [Also V ]

4 VERB You say that someone erupts when they suddenly have a change in mood, usually becoming quite noisy. □�[V +�into ] Then, without warning, she erupts into laughter. [Also V ] ●� erup|tion N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �an eruption of despair.

5 VERB If your skin erupts , sores or spots suddenly appear there. □�[V +�in/into ] At the end of the second week, my skin erupted in pimples. [Also V ] ●� erup|tion N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �eruptions of adolescent acne.

es|ca|late /e skəle I t/ (escalates , escalating , escalated ) VERB If a bad situation escalates or if someone or something escalates it, it becomes greater in size, seriousness, or intensity. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] Both unions and management fear the dispute could escalate. □�[V +�into ] The protests escalated into five days of rioting. □�[V n] Defeat could cause one side or other to escalate the conflict. ●� es|ca|la|tion /e skəle I ʃ ə n/ (escalations ) N‑VAR □� The threat of nuclear escalation remains. □�[+�of ] �a sudden escalation of violence.

es|ca|la|tor /e skəle I tə r / (escalators ) N‑COUNT An escalator is a moving staircase on which people can go from one level of a building to another.

es|ca|lope /e skəlɒp, [AM ] I skɑː ləp/ (escalopes ) N‑COUNT An escalope is a thin slice of meat without a bone. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use scallop , cutlet

es|ca|pade /e skəpe I d/ (escapades ) N‑COUNT An escapade is an exciting and rather dangerous adventure. □� �the scene of Robin Hood's escapades.

es|cape ◆◆◇ / I ske I p/ (escapes , escaping , escaped )

1 VERB [no passive] If you escapefrom a place, you succeed in getting away from it. □�[V +�from ] A prisoner has escaped from a jail in northern England. □�[V +�to ] They are reported to have escaped to the other side of the border. □�[V ] He was fatally wounded as he tried to escape. ●� es|caped ADJ □� Officers mistook Stephen for an escaped prisoner.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's escape is the act of escaping from a particular place or situation. □� The man made his escape.

3 VERB You can say that you escape when you survive something such as an accident. □�[V n] The two officers were extremely lucky to escape serious injury. □�[V adj] The man's girlfriend managed to escape unhurt. □�[V prep] He narrowly escaped with his life when he was attacked by a bear. ●�N‑COUNT Escape is also a noun. □� I hear you had a very narrow escape on the bridge.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is an escape , it is a way of avoiding difficulties or responsibilities. □� But for me television is an escape. □�[+�from ] �an escape from the depressing realities of wartime.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use escape to describe things which allow you to avoid difficulties or problems. For example, an escape route is an activity or opportunity that lets you improve your situation. An escape clause is part of an agreement that allows you to avoid having to do something that you do not want to do. □�[+�from ] We all need the occasional escape route from the boring, routine aspects of our lives. □�[+�for ] This is a wonderful escape clause for dishonest employers everywhere.

6 VERB If something escapes you or escapes your attention, you do not know about it, do not remember it, or do not notice it. □�[V n] It was an actor whose name escapes me for the moment.

7 VERB When gas, liquid, or heat escapes , it comes out from a pipe, container, or place. □�[V ] Leave a vent open to let some moist air escape.

8 →�see also fire escape

es|ca pe art|ist (escape artists ) N‑COUNT An escape artist is the same as an escapologist . [mainly AM ]

es|capee / I ske I piː / (escapees ) N‑COUNT An escapee is a person who has escaped from somewhere, especially from prison.

es|cap|ism / I ske I p I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe an activity or type of entertainment as escapism , you mean that it makes people think about pleasant things instead of the uninteresting or unpleasant aspects of their life. □�[+�from ] Horoscopes are merely harmless escapism from an ever-bleaker world.

es|cap|ist / I ske I p I st/ ADJ Escapist ideas, activities, or types of entertainment make people think about pleasant or unlikely things instead of the uninteresting or unpleasant aspects of their life. □� �a little escapist fantasy.

es|ca|polo|gist /e skəpɒ lədʒ I st/ (escapologists ) N‑COUNT An escapologist is someone who entertains audiences by being tied up and placed in a dangerous situation, then escaping from it. [BRIT ] in AM, use escape artist

es|carp|ment / I skɑː r pmənt/ (escarpments ) N‑COUNT An escarpment is a wide, steep slope on a hill or mountain.

es|chew / I stʃuː / (eschews , eschewing , eschewed ) VERB If you eschew something, you deliberately avoid doing it or becoming involved in it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Although he appeared to enjoy a jet-setting life, he eschewed publicity and avoided nightclubs.

es|cort (escorts , escorting , escorted ) The noun is pronounced /e skɔː r t/. The verb is pronounced / I skɔː r t/. 1 N‑COUNT An escort is a person who travels with someone in order to protect or guard them. □� He arrived with a police escort shortly before half past nine. ●�PHRASE If someone is taken somewhere under escort , they are accompanied by guards, either because they have been arrested or because they need to be protected. □� �a group being taken under police escort to the city outskirts.

2 N‑COUNT An escort is a person who accompanies another person of the opposite sex to a social event. Sometimes people are paid to be escorts. □� My sister needed an escort for a company dinner.

3 VERB If you escort someone somewhere, you accompany them there, usually in order to make sure that they leave a place or get to their destination. □�[V n prep/adv] I escorted him to the door.

es|crow /e skroʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Escrow is money or property which is given to someone, but which is kept by another person until the first person has done a particular thing or met particular requirements. [mainly AM , LEGAL ] □� They had $96,000 in their escrow account. □� His stake has been held in escrow since the start of the year.

Es|ki|mo /e sk I moʊ / (Eskimos ) N‑COUNT An Eskimo is a member of the group of peoples who live in Alaska, Northern Canada, eastern Siberia, and other parts of the Arctic. These peoples now usually call themselves Inuits or Yupiks, and the term Eskimo could cause offence.

ESL /iː es e l/ N‑UNCOUNT ESL is taught to people whose native language is not English but who live in a society in which English is the main language or one of the main languages. ESL is an abbreviation for 'English as a second language'.

esopha|gus / I sɒ fəgəs/ →�see oesophagus

eso|ter|ic /iː soʊte r I k, [AM ] e sə-/ ADJ If you describe something as esoteric , you mean it is known, understood, or appreciated by only a small number of people. [FORMAL ] □� �esoteric knowledge. □� �a spoiled aristocrat with pretentious airs and esoteric tastes.

ESP /iː es piː /

1 N‑UNCOUNT ESP is the teaching of English to students whose first language is not English but who need it for a particular job, activity, or purpose. ESP is an abbreviation for 'English for specific purposes' or 'English for special purposes'. [BRIT ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT ESP is an abbreviation for 'extra-sensory perception'.

esp.esp. is a written abbreviation for especially .

es|pe|cial / I spe ʃ ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Especial means unusual or special in some way. [FORMAL ] □� The authorities took especial interest in him because of his trade union work.

es|pe|cial|ly ◆◆◇ / I spe ʃ ə li/

1 ADV You use especially to emphasize that what you are saying applies more to one person, thing, or area than to any others. [EMPHASIS ] □� Millions of wild flowers colour the valleys, especially in April and May. □� Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you have been swimming.

2 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use especially to emphasize a characteristic or quality. [EMPHASIS ] □� Babies are especially vulnerable to the cold in their first month. SYNONYMS especially ADV

1

particularly:Keep your office space looking good, particularly your desk.

in particular:Why should he notice her car in particular?

specifically:Death frightens me, specifically my own death.

2

specially:What was specially enjoyable about that job?

particularly:Progress has been particularly disappointing.

exceptionally:The conditions under ground were exceptionally hot.

extremely:These headaches are extremely common.

Es|pe|ran|to /e spər� ntoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Esperanto is an invented language which consists of parts of several European languages, and which was designed to help people from different countries communicate with each other.

es|pio|nage /e spiənɑːʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Espionage is the activity of finding out the political, military, or industrial secrets of your enemies or rivals by using spies. [FORMAL ] □� The authorities have arrested several people suspected of espionage. □� �industrial espionage.

2 →�see also counter-espionage

es|pla|nade /e spləne I d, [AM ] -nɑː d/ (esplanades ) N‑COUNT The esplanade , usually in a town by the sea, is a wide, open road where people walk for pleasure.

es|pous|al / I spaʊ z ə l/ N‑SING A government's or person's espousalof a particular policy, cause, or belief is their strong support of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the leadership's espousal of the popular causes of reform and nationalism.

es|pouse / I spaʊ z/ (espouses , espousing , espoused ) VERB If you espouse a particular policy, cause, or belief, you become very interested in it and give your support to it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She ran away with him to Mexico and espoused the revolutionary cause.

es|pres|so /espre soʊ/ (espressos ) N‑UNCOUNT Espresso coffee is made by forcing steam or boiling water through ground coffee beans. □� �Italian espresso coffee. ●�N‑COUNT An espresso is a cup of espresso coffee.

es|prit de corps /espriː də kɔː r / N‑UNCOUNT Esprit de corps is a feeling of loyalty and pride that is shared by the members of a group who consider themselves to be different from other people in some special way. [FORMAL ]

espy / I spa I / (espies , espying , espied ) VERB If you espy something, you see or notice it. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] Here, from a window, did Guinevere espy a knight standing in a woodman's cart.

Esq.Esq. is used after men's names as a written abbreviation for esquire . □� �Harold T. Cranford Esq.

es|quire / I skwa I ə r , [AM ] e skwa I r/ N‑TITLE Esquire is a formal title that can be used after a man's name if he has no other title, especially on an envelope that is addressed to him. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

es|say /e se I / (essays )

1 N‑COUNT An essay is a short piece of writing on one particular subject written by a student. □�[+�about ] We asked Jason to write an essay about his hometown and about his place in it.

2 N‑COUNT An essay is a short piece of writing on one particular subject that is written by a writer for publication. □�[+�on ] �Thomas Malthus's essay on population.

es|say|ist /e se I I st/ (essayists ) N‑COUNT An essayist is a writer who writes essays for publication.

es|sence /e s ə ns/ (essences )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The essenceof something is its basic and most important characteristic which gives it its individual identity. □�[+�of ] The essence of consultation is to listen to, and take account of, the views of those consulted. □�[+�of ] �the essence of life. ●�PHRASE You use in essence to emphasize that you are talking about the most important or central aspect of an idea, situation, or event. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Though off-puttingly complicated in detail, local taxes are in essence simple. ●�PHRASE If you say that something is of the essence , you mean that it is absolutely necessary in order for a particular action to be successful. [FORMAL ] □� Speed was of the essence in a project of this type.

2 N‑VAR Essence is a very concentrated liquid that is used for flavouring food or for its smell. □� �a few drops of vanilla essence.

es|sen|tial ◆◆◇ / I se nʃ ə l/ (essentials )

1 ADJ Something that is essential is extremely important or absolutely necessary to a particular subject, situation, or activity. □� It was absolutely essential to separate crops from the areas that animals used as pasture. □� As they must also sprint over short distances, speed is essential. □� Jordan promised to trim the city budget without cutting essential services.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The essentials are the things that are absolutely necessary for the situation you are in or for the task you are doing. □�[+�for ] The flat contained the basic essentials for bachelor life.

3 ADJ The essential aspects of something are its most basic or important aspects. □� Most authorities agree that play is an essential part of a child's development. □� In this trial two essential elements must be proven: motive and opportunity.

4 N‑PLURAL The essentials are the most important principles, ideas, or facts of a particular subject. □�[+�of ] �the essentials of everyday life, such as eating and exercise. SYNONYMS essential ADJ 1

vital:The port is vital to supply relief to millions of drought victims.

necessary:We will do whatever is necessary to stop them.

critical:He says setting priorities is of critical importance.

crucial:�the most crucial election campaign for years.

indispensable:�the indispensable guide for any traveller in France.

key:Education is likely to be a key issue in the next election.

es|sen|tial|ly ◆◇◇ / I se nʃəli/

1 ADV You use essentially to emphasize a quality that someone or something has, and to say that it is their most important or basic quality. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Great writers, composers and scientists are essentially quite different from ordinary people. □� Essentially, vines and grapes need water, heat and light.

2 ADV [ADV with v] You use essentially to indicate that what you are saying is mainly true, although some parts of it are wrong or more complicated than has been stated. [FORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □� His analysis of urban use of agricultural land has been proved essentially correct. □� Essentially, the West has only two options.

SUFFIX -est

You add -est to many short adjectives to form superlatives. For example, the superlative of 'nice' is nicest and the superlative of 'happy' is happiest .

es|tab|lish ◆◆◇ / I st� bl I ʃ/ (establishes , establishing , established )

1 VERB If someone establishes something such as an organization, a type of activity, or a set of rules, they create it or introduce it in such a way that it is likely to last for a long time. □�[V n] The U.N. has established detailed criteria for who should be allowed to vote. □�[be V -ed] The School was established in 1989 by an Italian professor.

2 VERB If you establish contact with someone, you start to have contact with them. You can also say that two people, groups, or countries establish contact. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�with ] We had already established contact with the museum. □�[V n] The two countries have established diplomatic relations.

3 VERB If you establishthat something is true, you discover facts that show that it is definitely true. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] Medical tests established that she was not their own child. □�[V wh] It will be essential to establish how the money is being spent. □�[V n] An autopsy was being done to establish the cause of death. □�[be V -ed that ] It was established that the missile had landed on a test range in Australia. ●� es|tab|lished ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� That link is an established medical fact.

4 VERB If you establishyourself , your reputation, or a good quality that you have, you succeed in doing something, and achieve respect or a secure position as a result of this. □�[V pron-refl] This is going to be the show where up-and-coming comedians will establish themselves. □�[V pron-refl +�as ] He has established himself as a pivotal figure in U.S. politics. □�[V n] We shall fight to establish our innocence. [Also V n +�as ]

es|tab|lished / I st� bl I ʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use established to describe something such as an organization, you mean that it is officially recognized or generally approved of because it has existed for a long time. □� Their religious adherence is not to the established church. □� �the established names of Paris fashion.

es|tab|lish|ment ◆◇◇ / I st� bl I ʃmənt/ (establishments )

1 N‑SING The establishmentof an organization or system is the act of creating it or beginning it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] His ideas influenced the establishment of National Portrait Galleries in London and Edinburgh.

2 N‑COUNT An establishment is a shop, business, or organization occupying a particular building or place. [FORMAL ] □� �a scientific research establishment. □� �shops and other commercial establishments.

3 N‑SING You refer to the people who have power and influence in the running of a country, society, or organization as theestablishment . □� Shopkeepers would once have been pillars of the Tory establishment. SYNONYMS establishment NOUN 2

organization:Most of these specialized schools are provided by voluntary organizations.

institution:Class size varies from one type of institution to another.

concern:If not a large concern, Queensbury Nursery was at least a successful one.

body:�the Chairman of the police representative body, the Police Federation.

es|tate ◆◆◇ / I ste I t/ (estates )

1 N‑COUNT An estate is a large area of land in the country which is owned by a person, family, or organization. □� �a shooting party on Lord Wyville's estate in Yorkshire.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes use estate to refer to a housing estate or an industrial estate. [BRIT ] □� He used to live on the estate.

3 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's estate is all the money and property that they leave behind them when they die. [LEGAL ] □� His estate was valued at $150,000.

4 →�see also housing estate , industrial estate , real estate

es|ta te agen|cy (estate agencies ) N‑COUNT An estate agency is a company that sells houses and land for people. [BRIT ]

es|ta te agent (estate agents ) N‑COUNT An estate agent is someone who works for a company that sells houses and land for people. [BRIT ] in AM, use Realtor , real estate agent

es|ta te car (estate cars ) N‑COUNT An estate car is a car with a long body, a door at the rear, and space behind the back seats. [BRIT ] in AM, use station wagon

es|teem / I stiː m/ (esteems , esteeming , esteemed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Esteem is the admiration and respect that you feel towards another person. [FORMAL ] □� He is held in high esteem by colleagues in the construction industry.

2 VERB If you esteem someone or something, you respect or admire them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] I greatly esteem your message in the midst of our hard struggle.

3 →�see also self-esteem

es|teemed / I stiː md/ ADJ You use esteemed to describe someone who you greatly admire and respect. [FORMAL ] □� He was esteemed by his neighbours. □� It is indeed an honour to serve my country in such an esteemed position.

es|thete /iː sθiːt, [AM ] e s-/ →�see aesthete

es|thet|ic /iːsθe t I k, [AM ] esθ-/ →�see aesthetic

es|ti|mable /e st I məb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as estimable , you mean that they deserve admiration. [FORMAL ] □� �the estimable Miss Cartwright.

es|ti|mate ◆◆◇ (estimates , estimating , estimated ) The verb is pronounced /e st I me I t/. The noun is pronounced /e st I mət/. 1 VERB If you estimate a quantity or value, you make an approximate judgment or calculation of it. □�[V wh] Try to estimate how many steps it will take to get to a close object. □�[V that] I estimate that the total cost for treatment will be $12,500. □�[V n] He estimated the speed of the winds from the degree of damage. □�[V n +�at ] Some analysts estimate its current popularity at around ten per cent. [Also V with quote] ●� es|ti|mat|ed ADJ □� There are an estimated 90,000 gangsters in the country.

2 N‑COUNT An estimate is an approximate calculation of a quantity or value. □�[+�of/for ] �the official estimate of the election result. □� This figure is five times the original estimate.

3 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An estimate is a judgment about a person or situation which you make based on the available evidence. □�[+�of ] I hadn't been far wrong in my estimate of his grandson's capabilities.

4 N‑COUNT An estimate from someone who you employ to do a job for you, such as a builder or a plumber, is a written statement of how much the job is likely to cost. SYNONYMS estimate VERB 1

guess:Paula reached for her camera, guessing distance and exposure.

calculate:From this you can calculate the total mass in the Galaxy.

evaluate:The market situation is difficult to evaluate.

gauge:He gauged the wind at over thirty knots. NOUN 2

guess:He'd taken her pulse and made a guess at her blood pressure.

calculation:Leonard made a rapid calculation: he'd never make it in time.

reckoning:By my reckoning we were seven or eight kilometres from Borj Mechaab.

ballpark estimate/figure:Ballpark estimates indicate a price tag of $90 million a month.

es|ti|ma|tion /e st I me I ʃ ə n/ (estimations )

1 N‑SING [usu with poss] Your estimation of a person or situation is the opinion or impression that you have formed about them. [FORMAL ] □� He has gone down considerably in my estimation.

2 N‑COUNT An estimation is an approximate calculation of a quantity or value. □�[+of ] �estimations of pre-tax profits of �12.25 million.

es|tranged / I stre I ndʒd/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An estranged wife or husband is no longer living with their husband or wife. [FORMAL ] □� �his estranged wife.

2 ADJ If you are estrangedfrom your family or friends, you have quarrelled with them and are not communicating with them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] Joanna, 30, spent most of her twenties virtually estranged from her father.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as estrangedfrom something such as society or their profession, you mean that they no longer seem involved in it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] Allegations, made by a self-confessed cheat who had become estranged from his sport, were easy to dismiss.

es|trange|ment / I stre I ndʒmənt/ (estrangements ) N‑VAR Estrangement is the state of being estranged from someone or the length of time for which you are estranged. [FORMAL ] □�[+between ] The trip will bring to an end years of estrangement between the two countries.

es|tro|gen /iː strədʒ ə n, [AM ] e st-/ →�see oestrogen

es|tu|ary /e stʃʊri, [AM ] e stʃueri/ (estuaries ) N‑COUNT An estuary is the wide part of a river where it joins the sea. □� �naval manoeuvres in the Clyde estuary.

e|tailer /i ːte I lə r / (etailers ) also e-tailer N‑COUNT An etailer is a person or company that sells products on the internet. [COMPUTING ] □� This company is the biggest wine e-tailer in the U.K.

e|tailing /i ːte I l I ŋ/ also e-tailing N‑UNCOUNT Etailing is the business of selling products on the internet. [COMPUTING ] □� Electronic retailing has predictably become known as etailing.

et al. /e t � l/ et al. is used after a name or a list of names to indicate that other people are also involved. It is used especially when referring to books or articles which were written by more than two people. □� �Blough et al.

etc ◆◇◇ /et se trə/ also etc.etc is used at the end of a list to indicate that you have mentioned only some of the items involved and have not given a full list. etc is a written abbreviation for 'et cetera'. □� She knew all about my schoolwork, my hospital work etc. □� �a packed programme of events�shows, dances, coach tours, sports, etc.

et|cet|era /etse trə/ also et cetera →�see etc

etch /e tʃ/ (etches , etching , etched ) VERB If a line or pattern is etchedinto a surface, it is cut into the surface by means of acid or a sharp tool. You can also say that a surface is etchedwith a line or pattern. □�[be V -ed +�into/in/on ] Crosses were etched into the walls. □�[V n +�into/in/on ] The acid etched holes in the crystal surface. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Windows are etched with the vehicle identification number. □�[be V -ed] The stained-glass panels are etched and then handpainted using traditional methods.

etch|ing /e tʃ I ŋ/ (etchings ) N‑COUNT An etching is a picture printed from a metal plate that has had a design cut into it with acid.

eter|nal / I tɜː r n ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is eternal lasts for ever. □� Whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life. □� �the quest for eternal youth. ●� eter|nal|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� She is eternally grateful to her family for their support.

2 ADJ If you describe something as eternal , you mean that it seems to last for ever, often because you think it is boring or annoying. □� In the background was that eternal hum.

ete r|nal tri |an|gle (eternal triangles ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You use the eternal triangle to refer to a relationship involving love and jealousy between two men and a woman or two women and a man.

eter|nity / I tɜː r n I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Eternity is time without an end or a state of existence outside time, especially the state which some people believe they will pass into after they have died. □� I have always found the thought of eternity terrifying.

2 N‑SING If you say that a situation lasted for an eternity , you mean that it seemed to last an extremely long time, usually because it was boring or unpleasant. □� The war continued for an eternity.

etha|nol /e θənɒl/ N‑UNCOUNT Ethanol is another name for alcohol . [TECHNICAL ]

ether /iː θə r / N‑UNCOUNT Ether is a colourless liquid that burns easily. It is used in industry and in medicine as an anaesthetic. □� �a sweetish smell of ether and iodine.

ethe|real / I θ I ə riəl/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is ethereal has a delicate beauty. [FORMAL ] □� She's the prettiest, most ethereal romantic heroine in the movies. □� �gorgeous, hauntingly ethereal melodies.

2 ADJ Ethereal means unrelated to practical things and the real world. [FORMAL ] □� �the ethereal nature of romantic fiction.

eth|ic /e θ I k/ (ethics )

1 N‑PLURAL Ethics are moral beliefs and rules about right and wrong. □� Refugee workers said such action was a violation of medical ethics.

2 N‑PLURAL Someone's ethics are the moral principles about right and wrong behaviour which they believe in. □�[+of ] He told the police that he had thought honestly about the ethics of what he was doing.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Ethics is the study of questions about what is morally right and wrong. □� �the teaching of ethics and moral philosophy.

4 N‑SING An ethic of a particular kind is an idea or moral belief that influences the behaviour, attitudes, and philosophy of a group of people. □�[+�of ] �the ethic of public service. □� �an indomitable work ethic and determination to succeed.

ethi|cal /e θ I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ethical means relating to beliefs about right and wrong. □� �the medical, nursing and ethical issues surrounding terminally-ill people. ●� ethi|cal|ly /e θ I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� Attorneys are ethically and legally bound to absolute confidentiality.

2 ADJ If you describe something as ethical , you mean that it is morally right or morally acceptable. □� �ethical investment schemes. ●� ethi|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Mayors want local companies to behave ethically.

Ethio|pian /iː θioʊ piən/ (Ethiopians )

1 ADJ Ethiopian means belonging or relating to Ethiopia, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT An Ethiopian is an Ethiopian citizen, or a person of Ethiopian origin.

eth|nic ◆◇◇ /e θn I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ethnic means connected with or relating to different racial or cultural groups of people. □� �a survey of Britain's ethnic minorities. □� �ethnic tensions. ●� eth|ni|cal|ly /e θn I kli/ ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj] □� �a predominantly young, ethnically mixed audience.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use ethnic to describe people who belong to a particular racial or cultural group but who, usually, do not live in the country where most members of that group live. □� There are still several million ethnic Germans in Russia. ●� eth|ni|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �a large ethnically Albanian population.

3 ADJ Ethnic clothing, music, or food is characteristic of the traditions of a particular ethnic group, and different from what is usually found in modern Western culture. □� �a magnificent range of ethnic fabrics.

e th|nic clea ns|ing N‑UNCOUNT Ethnic cleansing is the process of using violent methods to force certain groups of people out of a particular area or country. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� In late May, government forces began the 'ethnic cleansing' of the area around the town.

eth|nic|ity /eθn I s I ti/ (ethnicities ) N‑VAR Ethnicity is the state or fact of belonging to a particular ethnic group. □� He said his ethnicity had not been important to him.

eth|no|cen|tric /e θnoʊse ntr I k/ ADJ If you describe something as ethnocentric , you disagree with it because it is based on the belief that one particular race or nationality of people is superior to all others. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Her work is open to the criticism that it is ethnocentric.

eth|no|graph|ic /e θnəgr� f I k/ ADJ Ethnographic refers to things that are connected with or relate to ethnography.

eth|nog|ra|phy /eθnɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Ethnography is the branch of anthropology in which different cultures are studied and described.

ethos /iː θɒs/ N‑SING An ethos is the set of ideas and attitudes that is associated with a particular group of people or a particular type of activity. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The whole ethos of the hotel is effortless service. □� �the traditional public service ethos.

ethyl al|co|hol /iː θa I l � lkəhɒl/ N‑UNCOUNT Ethyl alcohol is the same as ethanol . [TECHNICAL ]

eti|ol|ogy /iː tiɒ lədʒi/ (etiologies ) also aetiology N‑VAR Theetiologyof a disease or a problem is the study of its causes. □�[+�of ] �the etiology of psychiatric disorder.

eti|quette /e t I ket/ N‑UNCOUNT Etiquette is a set of customs and rules for polite behaviour, especially among a particular class of people or in a particular profession. □� This was such a great breach of etiquette, he hardly knew what to do.

ety|mo|logi|cal /e t I məlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Etymological means concerned with or relating to etymology. [FORMAL ] □� 'Gratification' and 'gratitude' have the same etymological root.

ety|mol|ogy /e t I mɒ lədʒi/ (etymologies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Etymology is the study of the origins and historical development of words.

2 N‑COUNT The etymology of a particular word is its history.

EU /iː juː / N‑PROPER TheEU is an organization of European countries which have joint policies on matters such as trade, agriculture, and finance. EU is an abbreviation for 'European Union'.

euca|lyp|tus /juː kəl I ptəs/ (eucalyptuses or eucalyptus ) N‑VAR [oft N n] A eucalyptus is an evergreen tree, originally from Australia, that is grown to provide wood, gum, and an oil that is used in medicines.

Eucha|rist /juː kər I st/ N‑SING TheEucharist is the Christian religious ceremony in which Christ's last meal with his disciples is celebrated by eating bread and drinking wine.

eugen|ics /juːdʒe n I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Eugenics is the study of methods to improve the human race by carefully selecting parents who will produce the strongest children. [TECHNICAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

eulo|gize /juː lədʒa I z/ (eulogizes , eulogizing , eulogized ) in AM, also use eulogise1 VERB If you eulogize someone or something, you praise them very highly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We eulogise athletes for the sacrifice they have endured in pursuit of a gold medal. □�[V prep] Taylor eulogised about Steven's versatility.

2 VERB If you eulogize someone who has died, you make a speech praising them, usually at their funeral. [AM ] □�[V n] Leaders from around the world eulogized the Egyptian president.

eulogy /juː lədʒi/ (eulogies )

1 N‑COUNT A eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something very much. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A eulogy is a speech, usually at a funeral, in which a person who has just died is praised. [AM ]

eunuch /juː nək/ (eunuchs ) N‑COUNT A eunuch is a man who has had his testicles removed.

euphemism /juː fəm I zəm/ (euphemisms ) N‑COUNT A euphemism is a polite word or expression that is used to refer to things which people may find upsetting or embarrassing to talk about, for example sex, the human body, or death. □�[+�for ] The term 'early retirement' is nearly always a euphemism for redundancy nowadays.

euphemis|tic /juː fəm I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Euphemistic language uses polite, pleasant, or neutral words and expressions to refer to things which people may find unpleasant, upsetting, or embarrassing to talk about, for example sex, the human body, or death. □� �a euphemistic way of saying that someone has been lying. ●� euphemis|ti|cal|ly /juː fəm I st I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� �political prisons, called euphemistically 're-education camps'.

eupho|ria /juːfɔː riə/ N‑UNCOUNT Euphoria is a feeling of intense happiness and excitement. □� There was euphoria after the elections. [Also +�of/over ]

euphor|ic /juːfɒ r I k, [AM ] -fɔː r-/ ADJ If you are euphoric , you feel intense happiness and excitement. □� It had received euphoric support from the public.

Eura|sian /jʊəre I ʒ ə n/ (Eurasians )

1 ADJ Eurasian means concerned with or relating to both Europe and Asia. □� �the whole of the Eurasian continent.

2 N‑COUNT A Eurasian is a person who has one European and one Asian parent or whose family comes from both Europe and Asia. ●�ADJ Eurasian is also an adjective. □� She married into a leading Eurasian family in Hong Kong.

eureka /jʊriː kə/ EXCLAM Someone might say ' eureka ' when they suddenly find or realize something, or when they solve a problem. [HUMOROUS , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� 'Eureka! I've got it!'

euro ◆◇◇ /jʊə roʊ/ (euros ) N‑COUNT The euro is a unit of money that is used by the member countries of the European Union which have accepted European monetary union. It is represented by the symbol <�>. A euro is divided into one hundred smaller units called cents. □� Governments and businesses will start keeping accounts in euros. ●�N‑SING [the N ] The euro is also used to refer to this currency system. □� Millions of words have been written about the introduction of the euro.

PREFIX Euro-

is used to form words that describe or refer to something that is connected with Europe or with the European Union. For example, a Eurocentric view focuses on European culture and society, often with the result that people in other parts of the world are not considered.

Euro|bond /jʊə roʊbɒnd/ (Eurobonds ) also eurobond N‑COUNT Eurobonds are bonds which are issued in a particular European currency and sold to people from a country with a different currency.

Euro|cen|tric /jʊə roʊse ntr I k/ ADJ If you describe something as Eurocentric , you disapprove of it because it focuses on Europe and the needs of European people, often with the result that people in other parts of the world suffer in some way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the insultingly Eurocentric bias in the education system.

Euro|crat /jʊə roʊkr�t/ (Eurocrats ) N‑COUNT Eurocrats are the civil servants and other people who work in the administration of the European Union. [JOURNALISM ]

euro|land /jʊə roʊl�nd/ also Euroland N‑UNCOUNT Euroland is another name for the eurozone . □� Forecasters are starting to think that this won't lift growth in Britain above that in euroland.

Euro|pean /jʊə rəpiː ən/ (Europeans )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] European means belonging or relating to, or coming from Europe. □� �in some other European countries.

2 N‑COUNT A European is a person who comes from Europe.

E u ro|pean U n|ion N‑PROPER TheEuropean Union is an organization of European countries which have joint policies on matters such as trade, agriculture, and finance.

Euro|scep|tic /jʊə roʊske pt I k/ also Euro-sceptic , eurosceptic (Eurosceptics ) N‑COUNT A Eurosceptic is someone, especially a politician, who is opposed to closer links between Britain and the European Union. [BRIT ] ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Eurosceptic is also an adjective. □� �Eurosceptic MPs.

euro|zone /jʊə roʊzoʊn/ also Eurozone N‑SING The eurozone is all those countries that have joined the European single currency, considered as a group. □� Homeowners in the eurozone enjoy cheaper mortgages than we do here in Britain.

eutha|na|sia /juː θəne I ziə, [AM ] -ʒə/ N‑UNCOUNT Euthanasia is the practice of killing someone who is very ill and will never get better in order to end their suffering, usually done at their request or with their consent.

evacu|ate / I v� kjue I t/ (evacuates , evacuating , evacuated )

1 VERB To evacuate someone means to send them to a place of safety, away from a dangerous building, town, or area. □�[V n] They were planning to evacuate the seventy American officials still in the country. □�[be V -ed +�from ] Since 1951, 18,000 people have been evacuated from the area. ●� evacu|ation / I v� kjue I ʃ ə n/ (evacuations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the evacuation of the sick and wounded. □�[+�of ] An evacuation of the city's four-million inhabitants is planned for later this week.

2 VERB If people evacuate a place, they move out of it for a period of time, especially because it is dangerous. □�[V n] The fire is threatening about sixty homes, and residents have evacuated the area. □�[V ] Officials ordered the residents to evacuate. ●� evacu|ation (evacuations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �mass evacuations of homes and offices. □�[+�from ] Burning sulfur from the wreck has forced evacuations from the area.

evac|uee / I v� kjuiː / (evacuees ) N‑COUNT An evacuee is someone who has been sent away from a dangerous place to somewhere safe, especially during a war.

evade / I ve I d/ (evades , evading , evaded )

1 VERB If you evade something, you find a way of not doing something that you really ought to do. □�[V n] By his own admission, he evaded taxes as a Florida real-estate speculator. □�[V n] Delegates accused them of evading responsibility for recent failures.

2 VERB If you evade a question or a topic, you avoid talking about it or dealing with it. □�[V n] Too many companies, she says, are evading the issue.

3 VERB If you evade someone or something, you move so that you can avoid meeting them or avoid being touched or hit. □�[V n] She turned and gazed at the river, evading his eyes. □�[V n] He managed to evade capture because of the breakdown of a police computer.

evalu|ate / I v� ljue I t/ (evaluates , evaluating , evaluated ) VERB If you evaluate something or someone, you consider them in order to make a judgment about them, for example about how good or bad they are. □�[V n] The market situation is difficult to evaluate. ●� evalu|ation / I v� ljue I ʃ ə n/ (evaluations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the opinions and evaluations of college supervisors. □� Evaluation is standard practice for all training arranged through the school.

evalu|ative / I v� ljuət I v/ ADJ Something that is evaluative is based on an assessment of the values, qualities, and significance of a particular person or thing. [FORMAL ] □� �ten years of evaluative research.

eva|nes|cent /e vəne s ə nt/ ADJ Something that is evanescent gradually disappears from sight or memory. [FORMAL or LITERARY ] □� �the evanescent scents of summer herbs.

evan|geli|cal /iː v�ndʒe l I k ə l/

1 ADJ Evangelical Christians emphasize the importance of the Bible and the need for personal belief in Christ. □� �an evangelical Christian.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour as evangelical , you mean that it is very enthusiastic. □� With almost evangelical fervour, Marks warns against deliberately seeking a tan.

evan|gelism / I v� ndʒəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Evangelism is the teaching of Christianity, especially to people who are not Christians.

evan|gelist / I v� ndʒəl I st/ (evangelists ) N‑COUNT An evangelist is a person who travels from place to place in order to try to convert people to Christianity. ●� evan|gelis|tic ADJ □� �an evangelistic meeting at All Saints Church Hall.

evan|gelize / I v� ndʒəla I z/ (evangelizes , evangelizing , evangelized ) in BRIT, also use evangelise VERB If someone evangelizes a group or area, they try to convert people to their religion, especially Christianity. □�[V n] In AD 586 St Kentigern evangelized Tweeddale. [Also V ]

evapo|rate / I v� pəre I t/ (evaporates , evaporating , evaporated )

1 VERB When a liquid evaporates , or is evaporated , it changes from a liquid state to a gas, because its temperature has increased. □�[V ] Moisture is drawn to the surface of the fabric so that it evaporates. □�[be V -ed] The water is evaporated by the sun. [Also V n] ●� evapo|ra|tion / I v� pəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+of ] The soothing, cooling effect is caused by the evaporation of the sweat on the skin.

2 VERB If a feeling, plan, or activity evaporates , it gradually becomes weaker and eventually disappears completely. □�[V ] My anger evaporated and I wanted to cry.

eva po|rat|ed mi lk N‑UNCOUNT Evaporated milk is thick sweet milk that is sold in cans.

eva|sion / I ve I ʒ ə n/ (evasions )

1 N‑VAR [oft n N ] Evasion means deliberately avoiding something that you are supposed to do or deal with. □�[+�of ] Many Koreans were angered at what they saw as an evasion of responsibility. □� He was arrested for tax evasion.

2 N‑VAR If you accuse someone of evasion when they have been asked a question, you mean that they are deliberately avoiding giving a clear direct answer. □� We want straight answers. No evasions.

eva|sive / I ve I s I v/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as evasive , you mean that they deliberately avoid giving clear direct answers to questions. □�[+about ] He was evasive about the circumstances of his first meeting with Stanley Dean. ●� eva|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'I can't possibly comment on that,' Paul said evasively. ●� eva|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] □� She looked at him closely to see if his evasiveness was intentional.

2 PHRASE If you take evasive action , you deliberately move away from someone or something in order to avoid meeting them or being hit by them. □� At least four high-flying warplanes had to take evasive action.

eve /iː v/ (eves )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Theeveof a particular event or occasion is the day before it, or the period of time just before it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+of ] �on the eve of his 27th birthday.

2 →�see also Christmas Eve , New Year's Eve

even

➊�DISCOURSE USES

➋�ADJECTIVE USES

➌�PHRASAL VERB USES

➊ even ◆◆◆ /iː v ə n/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use even to suggest that what comes just after or just before it in the sentence is rather surprising. □� He kept calling me for years, even after he got married. □� Even dark-skinned women should use sunscreens. □� I cannot come to a decision about it now or even give any indication of my own views. □� He didn't even hear what I said.

2 ADV You use even with comparative adjectives and adverbs to emphasize a quality that someone or something has. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was on television that he made an even stronger impact as an interviewer. □� Stan was speaking even more slowly than usual.

3 PHRASE You use even if or even though to indicate that a particular fact does not make the rest of your statement untrue. □� Cynthia is not ashamed of what she does, even if she ends up doing something wrong. □� Even though I work by myself, there are other people I can interact with.

4 PHRASE If one thing happens even as something else happens, they both happen at exactly the same time. [LITERARY ] □� Even as she said this, she knew it was not quite true.

5 PHRASE You use even so to introduce a surprising fact which relates to what you have just said. [SPOKEN ] □� The bus was only half full. Even so, a young man asked Nina if the seat next to her was taken.

6 PHRASE You use even then to say that something is the case in spite of what has just been stated or whatever the circumstances may be. □� Peace could come only gradually. Even then, it sounds almost impossible to achieve.

➋ even /iː v ə n/

→�Please look at category 12 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An even measurement or rate stays at about the same level. □� How important is it to have an even temperature when you're working? □� The brick-built property keeps the temperature at an even level throughout the year. ●� even|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� He looked at Ellen, breathing evenly in her sleep.

2 ADJ An even surface is smooth and flat. □� The tables are fitted with a glass top to provide an even surface.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is an even distribution or division of something, each person, group, or area involved has an equal amount. □� Divide the dough into 12 even pieces and shape each piece into a ball. ●� even|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� The meat is divided evenly and boiled in a stew. □� The blood vessels in the skin are not evenly distributed around the face and neck.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An even contest or competition is equally balanced between the two sides who are taking part. □� �an even match between eight nations. ●� even|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� They must choose between two evenly matched candidates for governor.

5 ADJ If your voice is even , you are speaking in a very controlled way which makes it difficult for people to tell what your feelings are. [LITERARY ]

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An even number can be divided exactly by the number two.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] If there is an even chance that something will happen, it is no more likely that it will happen than it will not happen. □� They have a more than even chance of winning the next election.

8 →�see also evens

9 PHRASE When a company or a person running a business breaks even , they make neither a profit nor a loss. [BUSINESS ] □� The airline hopes to break even next year and return to profit the following year.

10 PHRASE If you say that you are going to get evenwith someone, you mean that you are going to cause them the same amount of harm or annoyance as they have caused you. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] I'm going to get even with you for this. □� Don't get angry, get even.

11to be on an even keel →�see keel

➌ even /iː v ə n/ (evens , evening , evened )

▸� even out PHRASAL VERB If something evens out , or if you even it out , the differences between the different parts of it are reduced. □�[V P ] Relative rates of house price inflation have evened out across the country. □�[V P n] Foundation make-up evens out your skin tone and texture. [Also V n P ]

▸� even up PHRASAL VERB To even up a contest or game means to make it more equally balanced than it was. □�[V P n] The nation's electronics industry tried to even up its balance of trade. □�[V -ed P ] I would like to see the championship evened up a little bit more. [Also V n P ]

e ven-ha nded in AM, also use evenhanded ADJ If someone is even-handed , they are completely fair, especially when they are judging other people or dealing with two groups of people. □� �an even-handed account of the ethical arguments involved.

eve|ning ◆◆◇ /iː vn I ŋ/ (evenings ) N‑VAR The evening is the part of each day between the end of the afternoon and the time when you go to bed. □� All he did that evening was sit around the flat. □� Supper is from 5.00 to 6.00 in the evening. □� Towards evening the carnival entered its final stage.

e ve|ning class (evening classes ) N‑COUNT An evening class is a course for adults that is taught in the evening rather than during the day. □� Jackie has been learning flamenco dancing at an evening class for three years.

e ve|ning dre ss (evening dresses )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Evening dress consists of the formal clothes that people wear to formal occasions in the evening.

2 N‑COUNT An evening dress is a special dress, usually a long one, that a woman wears to a formal occasion in the evening.

e ve|ning pri m|rose (evening primroses ) N‑VAR Evening primrose is a tall plant with yellow flowers that open in the evening. Its seeds are used to make medicine.

evens /iː v ə nz/

1 N‑UNCOUNT In a race or contest, if you bet on a horse or competitor that is quoted at evens , you will win a sum of money equal to your bet if that horse or competitor wins. [BRIT ] □� He won his first race by six lengths at evens. □� The Martell Cup Chase was won by the evens favourite Toby Tobias.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If there is an evens chance that something will happen, it is equally likely that it will happen or will not happen. [BRIT ] □� You've then got an evens chance of doubling your money at a stroke.

even|song /iː v ə nsɒŋ, [AM ] -sɔːŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Evensong is the evening service in the Anglican Church.

event ◆◆◆ / I ve nt/ (events )

1 N‑COUNT An event is something that happens, especially when it is unusual or important. You can use events to describe all the things that are happening in a particular situation. □�[+�of ] �the events of Black Wednesday. □� A new book by J K Rowling is always an event.

2 N‑COUNT An event is a planned and organized occasion, for example a social gathering or a sports match. □� �major sporting events. □� �our programme of lectures and social events.

3 N‑COUNT An event is one of the races or competitions that are part of an organized occasion such as a sports meeting. □� A solo piper opens Aberdeen Highland Games at 10am and the main events start at 1pm.

4 PHRASE You use in the event of , in the event that , and in that event when you are talking about a possible future situation, especially when you are planning what to do if it occurs. □� The bank has agreed to give an immediate refund in the unlikely event of an error being made.

5 PHRASE You say in any event after you have been discussing a situation, in order to indicate that what you are saying is true or possible, in spite of anything that has happened or may happen. □� In any event, the bowling alley restaurant proved quite acceptable.

6 PHRASE You say in the event after you have been discussing what could have happened in a particular situation, in order to indicate that you are now describing what actually did happen. [BRIT ] □� 'Don't underestimate us', Norman Willis warned last year. There was, in the event, little danger of that. COLLOCATIONS event NOUN

1

adjective +�event : major, significant; historical, recent; tragic

2

noun +�event : charity, fundraising; music, sports, swimming

adjective +�event : major, special; social

verb +�event : hold, host, stage; organize, plan; attend

e ven-te mpered ADJ If someone is even-tempered , they are usually calm and do not easily get angry.

event|ful / I ve ntfʊl/ ADJ If you describe an event or a period of time as eventful , you mean that a lot of interesting, exciting, or important things have happened during it. □� Her eventful life included holding senior positions in the Colonial Service.

even|tual / I ve ntʃuəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use eventual to indicate that something happens or is the case at the end of a process or period of time. □� The eventual aim is reunification.

even|tu|al|ity / I ve ntʃu� l I ti/ (eventualities ) N‑COUNT An eventuality is a possible future event or result, especially one that is unpleasant or surprising. [FORMAL ] □� Every eventuality is covered, from running out of petrol to needing water.

even|tu|al|ly ◆◆◇ / I ve ntʃuəli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] Eventually means in the end, especially after a lot of delays, problems, or arguments. □� Eventually, the army caught up with him in Latvia. □� The flight eventually got away six hours late.

2 ADV [ADV before v] Eventually means at the end of a situation or process or as the final result of it. □� Eventually your child will leave home to lead her own life as a fully independent adult. □� She sees the bar as a starting point and eventually plans to run her own chain of country inns. SYNONYMS eventually ADV 1

finally:The food finally arrived at the end of last week and distribution began.

in the end:I toyed with the idea of calling the police, but in the end I didn't.

ultimately:�a tough but ultimately worthwhile struggle.

ever ◆◆◆ /e və r / Ever is an adverb which you use to add emphasis in negative sentences, commands, questions, and conditional structures. 1 ADV [ADV before v, ADV adv] Ever means at any time. It is used in questions and negative statements. □� I'm not sure I'll ever trust people again. □� Neither of us had ever skied. □� Have you ever experienced failure? □� I don't know if you ever read any of his books.

2 ADV [in questions, ADV before v] You use ever in expressions such as ' did you ever ' and ' have you ever ' to express surprise or shock at something you have just seen, heard, or experienced, especially when you expect people to agree with you. [EMPHASIS ] □� Have you ever seen anything like it? □� Did you ever hear anyone sound so peculiar?

3 ADV You use ever after comparatives and superlatives to emphasize the degree to which something is true or when you are comparing a present situation with the past or the future. [EMPHASIS ] □� She's got a great voice and is singing better than ever. □� Japan is wealthier and more powerful than ever before. □� He feels better than he has ever felt before. □� This is the most awful evening I can ever remember.

4 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use ever to say that something happens more all the time. □� They grew ever further apart.

5 ADV [ADV before v] You can use ever for emphasis after 'never'. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I can never, ever, forgive myself.

6 ADV You use ever in questions beginning with words such as 'why', 'when', and 'who' when you want to emphasize your surprise or shock. [EMPHASIS ] □� Why ever didn't you tell me? □� Who ever heard of a thing like that?

7 PHRASE If something has been the case ever since a particular time, it has been the case all the time from then until now. □� He's been there ever since you left! □� Ever since we moved last year, I worry a lot about whether I can handle this new job. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Ever is also an adverb. □� I simply gave in to him, and I've regretted it ever since.

8 ADV [ADV such/so ] You use ever in the expressions ever such and ever so to emphasize that someone or something has a particular quality, especially when you are expressing enthusiasm or gratitude. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� When I met Derek he was ever such a good dancer. □� I like him ever so much. □� I'm ever so grateful.

9 →�see also forever

10 PHRASE You use the expression all someone ever does when you want to emphasize that they do the same thing all the time, and this annoys you. [EMPHASIS ] □� All she ever does is whinge and complain.

11 PHRASE You say as ever in order to indicate that something or someone's behaviour is not unusual because it is like that all the time or very often. □� As ever, the meals are primarily fish-based.

12hardly ever →�see hardly

ever- /e və r -/ COMB You use ever in adjectives such as ever-increasing and ever-present , to show that something exists or continues all the time. □� �the ever-increasing traffic on our roads. □� �an ever-changing world of medical information.

ever|green /e və r griːn/ (evergreens ) N‑COUNT An evergreen is a tree or bush which has green leaves all the year round. □� Holly, like ivy and mistletoe, is an evergreen. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Evergreen is also an adjective. □� Plant evergreen shrubs around the end of the month.

ever|lasting /e və r lɑː st I ŋ, -l� st-/ ADJ Something that is everlasting never comes to an end. □� �a message of peace and everlasting life.

e ver mo re also evermore ADV [ADV with v, oft for ADV ] Ever more means for all the time in the future. □� They will bitterly regret what they have done for ever more. □� The editor's decision is final and shall evermore remain so.

every ◆◆◆ /e vri/

1 DET You use every to indicate that you are referring to all the members of a group or all the parts of something and not only some of them. □� Record every expenditure you make. □� �recipes for every occasion. ●�ADJ Every is also an adjective. □� His every utterance will be scrutinized.

2 DET You use every in order to say how often something happens or to indicate that something happens at regular intervals. □� We were made to attend meetings every day. □� A burglary occurs every three minutes in London. □� They meet here every Friday morning.

3 DET You use every in front of a number when you are saying what proportion of people or things something happens to or applies to. □� Human beings spend about eight out of every 24 hours sleeping. □� About one in every 20 people have clinical depression.

4 DET You can use every before some nouns, for example 'sign', 'effort', 'reason', and 'intention' in order to emphasize what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� Like most of those on the dance floor, they give every sign of delight. □� I think that there is every chance that you will succeed. □� Every care has been taken in compiling this list.

5 ADJ If you say that someone's every whim, wish, or desire will be satisfied, you are emphasizing that everything they want will happen or be provided. [EMPHASIS ] □� Dozens of servants had catered to his every whim.

6 PHRASE You use every in the expressions every now and then , every now and again , every once in a while , and every so often in order to indicate that something happens occasionally. □� Stir the batter every now and then to keep it from separating. □� Every so often the horse's heart and lungs are checked.

7 PHRASE If something happens every other day or every second day , for example, it happens one day, then does not happen the next day, then happens the day after that, and so on. You can also say that something happens every third week , every fourth year , and so on. □� I went home every other week.

8every bit as good as →�see bit

9every which way →�see way

every|body ◆◆◇ /e vribɒdi/ Everybody means the same as everyone .

every|day /e vride I / ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use everyday to describe something which happens or is used every day, or forms a regular and basic part of your life, so it is not especially interesting or unusual. □� In the course of my everyday life, I had very little contact with teenagers. □� �the everyday problems of living in the city.

every|man /e vrim�n/ N‑SING Everyman is used to refer to people in general. If you say, for example, that a character in a film or book is an everyman , you mean that the character has experiences and emotions that are like those of any ordinary person. □� Douglas plays a frustrated American everyman who suddenly loses control under the pressure of daily life.

every|one ◆◆◇ /e vriwʌn/ or everybody

1 PRON You use everyone or everybody to refer to all the people in a particular group. □� Everyone in the street was shocked when they heard the news. □� When everyone else goes home around 5 p.m. Lynn is still hard at work. □� Not everyone thinks that the government is being particularly generous.

2 PRON You use everyone or everybody to refer to all people. □� Everyone feels like a failure at times. □� You can't keep everybody happy.

every|thing ◆◆◆ /e vr I θ I ŋ/

1 PRON You use everything to refer to all the objects, actions, activities, or facts in a particular situation. □� He'd gone to Seattle long after everything else in his life had changed. □� Early in the morning, hikers pack everything that they will need for the day's hike.

2 PRON You use everything to refer to all possible or likely actions, activities, or situations. □� 'This should have been decided long before now.'�'We can't think of everything.'. □� Noel and I do everything together. □� Are you doing everything possible to reduce your budget?

3 PRON You use everything to refer to a whole situation or to life in general. □� She says everything is going smoothly. □� Is everything all right? □� Everything's going to be just fine.

4 PRON If you say that someone or something is everything , you mean you consider them to be the most important thing in your life, or the most important thing that there is. □�[+�to ] I love him. He is everything to me. □� Money isn't everything.

5 PRON If you say that someone or something has everything , you mean they have all the things or qualities that most people consider to be desirable. □� She has everything: beauty, talent, children.

every|where ◆◇◇ /e vri h weə r /

1 ADV [n ADV , ADV after v, be ADV , oft from ADV ] You use everywhere to refer to a whole area or to all the places in a particular area. □� Working people everywhere object to paying taxes. □� We went everywhere together. □� Dust is everywhere. □� People come here from everywhere to see these lights.

2 ADV [ADV after v] You use everywhere to refer to all the places that someone goes to. □� Bradley is still accustomed to travelling everywhere in style. □� Everywhere he went he was introduced as the current United States Open Champion.

3 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] You use everywhere to emphasize that you are talking about a large number of places, or all possible places. [EMPHASIS ] □� I saw her picture everywhere. □� I looked everywhere. I couldn't find him.

4 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If you say that someone or something is everywhere , you mean that they are present in a place in very large numbers. □� There were books everywhere.

evict / I v I kt/ (evicts , evicting , evicted ) VERB If someone is evictedfrom the place where they are living, they are forced to leave it, usually because they have broken a law or contract. □�[be V -ed +�from ] They were evicted from their apartment. □�[V n] In the first week, the city police evicted ten families. □�[be V -ed] If you don't keep up payments you could be evicted. [Also V n +�from ]

evic|tion / I v I kʃ ə n/ (evictions ) N‑VAR Eviction is the act or process of officially forcing someone to leave a house or piece of land. □� He was facing eviction, along with his wife and family. □� �an eviction order.

evi|dence ◆◆◇ /e v I dəns/ (evidences , evidencing , evidenced )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [N that, N to-inf] Evidence is anything that you see, experience, read, or are told that causes you to believe that something is true or has really happened. □�[+�of/for ] Ganley said he'd seen no evidence of widespread fraud. □� There is a lot of evidence that stress is partly responsible for disease.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Evidence is the information which is used in a court of law to try to prove something. Evidence is obtained from documents, objects, or witnesses. [LEGAL ] □�[+�against ] The evidence against him was purely circumstantial. □� �enough evidence for a successful prosecution.

3 PHRASE If you give evidence in a court of law or an official enquiry, you officially say what you know about people or events, or describe an occasion at which you were present. □� The forensic scientists who carried out the original tests will be called to give evidence.

4 VERB If a particular feeling, ability, or attitude is evidencedby something or someone, it is seen or felt. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�by ] He's wise in other ways too, as evidenced by his reason for switching from tennis to golf. □�[V n] She was not calculating and evidenced no specific interest in money.

5 PHRASE If someone or something is in evidence , they are present and can be clearly seen. □� Few soldiers were in evidence. SYNONYMS evidence NOUN 1

proof:This is not necessarily proof that he is wrong.

testimony:This book is testimony to a very individual kind of courage.

indication:He gave no indication that he was ready to compromise.

the mark of:The mark of a civilized society is that it looks after its weakest members.

evi|dent /e v I dənt/

1 ADJ If something is evident , you notice it easily and clearly. □� His footprints were clearly evident in the heavy dust. □� �the best-publicised cases of evident injustice.

2 ADJ You use evident to show that you are certain about a situation or fact and your interpretation of it. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was evident that she had once been a beauty.

3 →�see also self-evident

evi|dent|ly /e v I dəntli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use evidently to say that something is obviously true, for example because you have seen evidence of it yourself. □� The man wore a bathrobe and had evidently just come from the bathroom. □� The two Russians evidently knew each other.

2 ADV [ADV before v] You use evidently to show that you think something is true or have been told something is true, but that you are not sure, because you do not have enough information or proof. □� From childhood, he was evidently at once rebellious and precocious.

3 ADV You can use evidently to introduce a statement or opinion and to emphasize that you feel that it is true or correct. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Quite evidently, it has nothing to do with social background.

evil ◆◇◇ /iː v ə l/ (evils )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Evil is a powerful force that some people believe to exist, and which causes wicked and bad things to happen. □� There's always a conflict between good and evil in his plays.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Evil is used to refer to all the wicked and bad things that happen in the world. □� He could not, after all, stop all the evil in the world.

3 N‑COUNT If you refer to an evil , you mean a very unpleasant or harmful situation or activity. □� Higher taxes may be a necessary evil. □�[+�of ] �a lecture on the evils of alcohol.

4 ADJ If you describe someone as evil , you mean that they are very wicked by nature and take pleasure in doing things that harm other people. □� �the country's most evil terrorists. □� She's an evil woman.

5 ADJ If you describe something as evil , you mean that you think it causes a great deal of harm to people and is morally bad. □� After 1760 few Americans refrained from condemning slavery as evil.

6 ADJ If you describe something as evil , you mean that you think it is influenced by the devil. □� I think this is an evil spirit at work.

7 ADJ You can describe a very unpleasant smell as evil . □� Both men were smoking evil-smelling pipes.

8 PHRASE If someone is putting off the evil day or the evil hour , they have to do something unpleasant and are trying to avoid doing it for as long as possible. □� You should stop putting off the evil day and get on with it.

9 PHRASE If you have two choices, but think that they are both bad, you can describe the one which is less bad as the lesser of two evils , or thelesser evil . □� People voted for him as the lesser of two evils. SYNONYMS evil NOUN 3

wickedness:�moral arguments about the wickedness of nuclear weapons.

wrong:Johnson didn't seem to be able to tell the difference between right and wrong.

vice:�allegations of how she worked in a 'seedy vice den'.

sin:Was it the sin of pride to have believed too much in themselves? ADJ 5

wicked:She described the shooting as a wicked attack.

immoral:�those who think that birth control and abortion are immoral.

heinous:They are capable of the most heinous acts.

depraved:�a disturbing and depraved film.

evil|doer /iː v ə lduː ə r / (evildoers ) also evil-doer N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an evildoer , you mean that they are wicked, and that they deliberately cause harm or suffering to others. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ]

e vil e ye

1 N‑SING Some people believe that the evil eye is a magical power to cast a spell on someone or something by looking at them, so that bad things happen to them.

2 N‑SING [usu the ] If someone gives you theevil eye , they look at you in an unpleasant way, usually because they dislike you or are jealous of you.

evince / I v I ns/ (evinces , evincing , evinced ) VERB If someone or something evinces a particular feeling or quality, they show that feeling or quality, often indirectly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The entire production evinces authenticity and a real respect for the subject matter.

evis|cer|ate / I v I səre I t/ (eviscerates , eviscerating , eviscerated )

1 VERB To eviscerate a person or animal means to remove their internal organs, such as their heart, lungs, and stomach. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �strangling and eviscerating rabbits for the pot.

2 VERB If you say that something will eviscerate an organization or system, you are emphasizing that it will make the organization or system much weaker or much less powerful. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[V n] Democrats say the petition will eviscerate state government.

evo|ca|tion /iː vəke I ʃ ə n, e v-/ (evocations ) N‑VAR An evocationof something involves creating an image or impression of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a perfect evocation of the period.

evoca|tive / I vɒ kət I v/ ADJ If you describe something as evocative , you mean that it is good or interesting because it produces pleasant memories, ideas, emotions, and responses in people. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Her story is sharply evocative of Italian provincial life. ●� evoca|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �the collection of islands evocatively known as the South Seas.

evoke / I voʊ k/ (evokes , evoking , evoked ) VERB To evoke a particular memory, idea, emotion, or response means to cause it to occur. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �the scene evoking memories of those old movies.

evo|lu|tion /iː vəluː ʃ ə n, e v-/ (evolutions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Evolution is a process of gradual change that takes place over many generations, during which species of animals, plants, or insects slowly change some of their physical characteristics. □�[+�of ] �the evolution of plants and animals. □� �human evolution.

2 N‑VAR Evolution is a process of gradual development in a particular situation or thing over a period of time. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a crucial period in the evolution of modern physics.

evo|lu|tion|ary /iː vəluː ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Evolutionary means relating to a process of gradual change and development. □� �an evolutionary process. □� �a period of evolutionary change.

evo|lu|tion|ist /iː vəluː ʃ ə n I st, e v-/ (evolutionists ) N‑COUNT An evolutionist is someone who accepts the scientific theory that all living things evolved from a few simple life forms.

evolve / I vɒ lv/ (evolves , evolving , evolved )

1 VERB When animals or plants evolve , they gradually change and develop into different forms. □�[V ] The bright plumage of many male birds has evolved to attract females. □�[V +�from ] Maize evolved from a wild grass in Mexico. □�[V +�into ] �when amphibians evolved into reptiles.

2 VERB If something evolves or you evolve it, it gradually develops over a period of time into something different and usually more advanced. □�[V +�into ] �a tiny airline which eventually evolved into Pakistan International Airlines. □�[V +�from ] Popular music evolved from folk songs. □�[V ] As medical knowledge evolves, beliefs change. □�[V n] This was when he evolved the working method from which he has never departed.

ewe /juː / (ewes ) N‑COUNT A ewe is an adult female sheep.

ewer /juː ə r / (ewers ) N‑COUNT A ewer is a large jug with a wide opening. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

ex /e ks/ (exes ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's ex is the person they used to be married to or used to have a romantic or sexual relationship with. [INFORMAL ] □� He's different from my ex. □� �one of her exes.

PREFIX ex-

forms words that refer to people who are no longer a particular thing. For example, an ex-police officer is someone who is no longer a police officer.

ex|ac|er|bate / I gz� sə r be I t/ (exacerbates , exacerbating , exacerbated ) VERB If something exacerbates a problem or bad situation, it makes it worse. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Longstanding poverty has been exacerbated by racial divisions. ●� ex|ac|er|ba|tion / I gz� sə r be I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the exacerbation of global problems.

ex|act ◆◆◇ / I gz� kt/ (exacts , exacting , exacted )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Exact means correct in every detail. For example, an exact copy is the same in every detail as the thing it is copied from. □� I don't remember the exact words. □� The exact number of protest calls has not been revealed. □� It's an exact copy of the one which was found in Ann Alice's room. ●� ex|act|ly ADV [usu ADV with cl/group, oft ADV after v] □� Try to locate exactly where the smells are entering the room. □� Both drugs will be exactly the same. □� Barton couldn't remember exactly.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use exact before a noun to emphasize that you are referring to that particular thing and no other, especially something that has a particular significance. [EMPHASIS ] □� I hadn't really thought about it until this exact moment. □� It may be that you will feel the exact opposite of what you expected. ●� ex|act|ly ADV □� These are exactly the people who do not vote. □� He knew exactly what he was doing.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as exact , you mean that they are very careful and detailed in their work, thinking, or methods. □� Formal, exact and obstinate, he was also cold, suspicious, touchy and tactless.

4 VERB When someone exacts something, they demand and obtain it from another person, especially because they are in a superior or more powerful position. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�from/for ] Already he has exacted a written apology from the chairman of the commission.

5 VERB If someone exacts revenge on a person, they have their revenge on them. □�[V n] She uses the media to help her exact a terrible revenge. [Also V n on n]

6 VERB If something exacts a high price, it has a bad effect on a person or situation. □�[V n] The sheer physical effort had exacted a heavy price. □�[V n +�on ] The strain of a violent ground campaign will exact a toll on troops.

7 →�see also exactly

8 PHRASE You say to be exact to indicate that you are slightly correcting or giving more detailed information about what you have been saying. □� A small number�five, to be exact�have been bad. SYNONYMS exact ADJ 1

accurate:This provides an accurate way of monitoring levels of carbon dioxide.

detailed:Yesterday's letter contains a detailed account of the decisions.

precise:What he has to say is precise and to the point.

correct:The following information was correct at time of going to press.

specific:I asked him to be more specific.

ex|act|ing / I gz� kt I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use exacting to describe something or someone that demands hard work and a great deal of care. □� The Duke was not well enough to carry out such an exacting task.

ex|acti|tude / I gz� kt I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Exactitude is the quality of being very accurate and careful. [FORMAL ] □�[+of ] �the precision and exactitude of current genetic mapping.

ex|act|ly ◆◇◇ / I gz� ktli/

1 ADV You use exactly before an amount, number, or position to emphasize that it is no more, no less, or no different from what you are stating. [EMPHASIS ] □� Each corner had a guard tower, each of which was exactly ten meters in height. □� Agnew's car pulled into the driveway at exactly five o'clock.

2 ADV If you say ' Exactly ', you are agreeing with someone or emphasizing the truth of what they say. If you say ' Not exactly ', you are telling them politely that they are wrong in part of what they are saying. □� Eve nodded, almost approvingly. 'Exactly.'. □� 'And you refused?'�'Well, not exactly. I couldn't say yes.'

3 ADV [not ADV , usu ADV group] You use not exactly to indicate that a meaning or situation is slightly different from what people think or expect. [VAGUENESS ] □� He's not exactly homeless, he just hangs out in this park.

4 ADV [not ADV , usu ADV group] You can use not exactly to show that you mean the opposite of what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� This was not exactly what I wanted to hear. □� Sailing is not exactly cheap.

5 ADV You use exactly with a question to show that you disapprove of what the person you are talking to is doing or saying. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What exactly do you mean?

6 →�see also exact SYNONYMS exactly ADV 1

accurately:The test can accurately predict what a bigger explosion would do.

precisely:Nobody knows precisely how many people are still living in the camp.

correctly:You have to correctly answer each question.

ex|act|ness / I gz� ktnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Exactness is the quality of being very accurate and precise. □� He recalls his home town with cinematic exactness.

ex|a ct sci |ence N‑SING If you say that a particular activity is not anexact science , you mean that there are no set rules to follow or it does not produce very accurate results. □� Forecasting floods is not an exact science.

ex|ag|ger|ate / I gz� dʒəre I t/ (exaggerates , exaggerating , exaggerated )

1 VERB If you exaggerate , you indicate that something is, for example, worse or more important than it really is. □�[V ] He thinks I'm exaggerating. □�[V n] Sheila admitted that she did sometimes exaggerate the demands of her job. ●� ex|ag|gera|tion / I gz� dʒəre I ʃ ə n/ (exaggerations ) N‑VAR □� Like many stories about him, it smacks of exaggeration. □� It would be an exaggeration to call the danger urgent.

2 VERB If something exaggerates a situation, quality, or feature, it makes the situation, quality, or feature appear greater, more obvious, or more important than it really is. □�[V n] These figures exaggerate the loss of competitiveness.

ex|ag|ger|at|ed / I gz� dʒəre I t I d/ ADJ Something that is exaggerated is or seems larger, better, worse, or more important than it actually needs to be. □� They should be sceptical of exaggerated claims for what such courses can achieve. □� Western fears, he insists, are greatly exaggerated. ●� ex|ag|ger|at|ed|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� �an exaggeratedly feminine appearance. □� She laughed exaggeratedly at their jokes.

ex|alt / I gzɔː lt/ (exalts , exalting , exalted ) VERB To exalt someone or something means to praise them very highly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] His work exalts all those virtues that we, as Americans, are taught to hold dear.

ex|al|ta|tion /e gzɔːlte I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Exaltation is an intense feeling of great happiness. [FORMAL ] □� The city was swept up in the mood of exaltation.

2 →�see also exalt

ex|alt|ed / I gzɔː lt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone or something that is at an exalted level is at a very high level, especially with regard to rank or importance. [FORMAL ] □� You must decide how to make the best use of your exalted position.

exam / I gz� m/ (exams )

1 N‑COUNT An exam is a formal test that you take to show your knowledge or ability in a particular subject, or to obtain a qualification. □� I don't want to take any more exams. □� Kate's exam results were excellent.

2 N‑COUNT If you have a medical exam , a doctor looks at your body, feels it, or does simple tests in order to check how healthy you are. [mainly AM ] USAGE exam

Don�t use �make�. Don�t say, for example, � We made another test .� You say that people take , sit , or do an exam or a test. □� Many children want to take these exams. □� Students must sit an entrance exam.

ex|ami|na|tion ◆◇◇ / I gz� m I ne I ʃ ə n/ (examinations )

1 N‑COUNT An examination is a formal test that you take to show your knowledge or ability in a particular subject, or to obtain a qualification. [FORMAL ]

2 →�see also examine SYNONYMS examination NOUN

exam:I don't want to take any more exams.

test:Out of a total of 2,602 pupils only 922 passed the test.

paper:We sat each paper in the hall.

assessment:The assessments are supposed to help teachers predict students' exam grades.

ex|am|ine ◆◆◇ / I gz� m I n/ (examines , examining , examined )

1 VERB If you examine something, you look at it carefully. □�[V n] He examined her passport and stamped it. ●� ex|ami|na|tion / I gz� m I ne I ʃ ə n/ (examinations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The Navy is to carry out an examination of the wreck tomorrow.

2 VERB If a doctor examines you, he or she looks at your body, feels it, or does simple tests in order to check how healthy you are. □�[V n] Another doctor examined her and could still find nothing wrong. ●� ex|ami|na|tion N‑VAR □� He was later discharged after an examination at Westminster Hospital.

3 VERB If an idea, proposal, or plan is examined , it is considered very carefully. □�[be V -ed] The plans will be examined by E.U. environment ministers. ●� ex|ami|na|tion N‑VAR □� The proposal requires careful examination and consideration.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you are examined , you are given a formal test in order to show your knowledge of a subject. □�[being V -ed] �learning to cope with the pressures of being judged and examined by our teachers. SYNONYMS examine VERB 1

inspect:Elaine went outside to inspect the playing field.

study:Debbie studied her friend's face for a moment.

vet:She was secretly vetted before she ever undertook any work for me.

check:It's worth checking each item for obvious flaws.

survey:He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room.

scrutinize:The results were carefully scrutinized.

ex|ami|nee / I gz� m I niː / (examinees ) N‑COUNT An examinee is someone who is taking an exam. [FORMAL ]

ex|am|in|er / I gz� m I nə r / (examiners )

1 N‑COUNT An examiner is a person who sets or marks an examination.

2 →�see also medical examiner

3external examiner →�see external

ex|am|ple ◆◆◆ / I gzɑː mp ə l, -z� mp-/ (examples )

1 N‑COUNT An exampleof something is a particular situation, object, or person which shows that what is being claimed is true. □�[+�of ] The doctors gave numerous examples of patients being expelled from hospital. □�[+�of ] Listed below are just a few examples of some of the family benefits available.

2 N‑COUNT An exampleof a particular class of objects or styles is something that has many of the typical features of such a class or style, and that you consider clearly represents it. □�[+�of ] Symphonies 103 and 104 stand as perfect examples of early symphonic construction.

3 PHRASE You use for example to introduce and emphasize something which shows that something is true. □� Take, for example, the simple sentence: 'The man climbed up the hill'. □� A few simple precautions can be taken, for example ensuring that desks are the right height.

4 N‑COUNT If you refer to a person or their behaviour as an exampleto other people, you mean that he or she behaves in a good or correct way that other people should copy. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] He is a model professional and an example to the younger lads.

5 N‑COUNT In a dictionary entry, an example is a phrase or sentence which shows how a particular word is used. □� The examples are unique to this dictionary.

6 PHRASE If you follow someone's example , you behave in the same way as they did in the past, or in a similar way, especially because you admire them. □� Following the example set by her father, she has fulfilled her role and done her duty.

7 PHRASE To make an example of someone who has done something wrong means to punish them severely as a warning to other people not to do the same thing. □� Let us at least see our courts make an example of these despicable criminals.

8 PHRASE If you set an example , you encourage or inspire people by your behaviour to behave or act in a similar way. □� An officer's job was to set an example. USAGE example

When someone mentions an example, you say that they are giving an example. Don�t say � Could you say me an example ?� Say �Could you give me an example?�

ex|as|per|ate / I gzɑː spəre I t, -z� s-/ (exasperates , exasperating , exasperated ) VERB If someone or something exasperates you, they annoy you and make you feel frustrated or upset. □�[V n] The sheer futility of it all exasperates her. ●� ex|as|pera|tion / I gzɑː spəre I ʃ ə n, -z� s-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Mahoney clenched his fist in exasperation.

ex|as|per|at|ed / I gzɑː spəre I t I d, -z� s-/ ADJ If you describe a person as exasperated , you mean that they are frustrated or angry because of something that is happening or something that another person is doing. □�[+by ] The president was clearly exasperated by the whole saga.

ex|as|per|at|ing / I gzɑː spəre I t I ŋ, -z� s-/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone or something as exasperating , you mean that you feel angry or frustrated by them or by what they do. □�[+to ] Hardie could be exasperating to his colleagues.

ex|ca|vate /e kskəve I t/ (excavates , excavating , excavated )

1 VERB When archaeologists or other people excavate a piece of land, they remove earth carefully from it and look for things such as pots, bones, or buildings which are buried there, in order to discover information about the past. □�[V n] A new Danish expedition is again excavating the site in annual summer digs. ●� ex|ca|va|tion /e kskəve I ʃ ə n/ (excavations ) N‑VAR □�[+of ] �the excavation of a bronze-age boat.

2 VERB To excavate means to dig a hole in the ground, for example in order to build there. □�[V n] A contractor was hired to drain the reservoir and to excavate soil. ●� ex|ca|va|tion N‑VAR □�[+of ] �the excavation of the canals.

ex|ca|va|tor /e kskəve I tə r / (excavators ) N‑COUNT An excavator is a very large machine that is used for digging, for example when people are building something.

ex|ceed / I ksiː d/ (exceeds , exceeding , exceeded )

1 VERB If something exceeds a particular amount or number, it is greater or larger than that amount or number. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Its research budget exceeds $700 million a year. □�[V n] His performance exceeded all expectations.

2 VERB If you exceed a limit or rule, you go beyond it, even though you are not supposed to or it is against the law. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He accepts he was exceeding the speed limit.

ex|ceed|ing|ly / I ksiː d I ŋli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] Exceedingly means very or very much. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� We had an exceedingly good lunch.

ex|cel / I kse l/ (excels , excelling , excelled ) VERB If someone excelsin something or excelsat it, they are very good at doing it. □�[V +�in ] Caine has always been an actor who excels in irony. □�[V +�at ] Mary was a better rider than either of them and she excelled at outdoor sports. □�[V ] Academically he began to excel. □�[V pron-refl] I think Krishnan excelled himself in all departments of his game.

ex|cel|lence /e ksələns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone or something has the quality of excellence , they are extremely good in some way. □� �the top U.S. award for excellence in journalism and the arts.

2 →�see also par excellence

Ex|cel|len|cy /e ksələnsi/ (Excellencies ) N‑COUNT You use expressions such as Your Excellency or His Excellency when you are addressing or referring to officials of very high rank, for example ambassadors or governors. [POLITENESS ] □� I am reluctant to trust anyone totally, Your Excellency. □� His excellency the President will be waiting for you in the hall.

ex|cel|lent ◆◆◇ /e ksələnt/

1 ADJ Something that is excellent is very good indeed. □� The recording quality is excellent. □� Luckily, Sue is very efficient and does an excellent job as Fred's personal assistant. ●� ex|cel|lent|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □� They're both playing excellently.

2 EXCLAM Some people say ' Excellent! ' to show that they approve of something. [FEELINGS ]

ex|cept ◆◆◇ / I kse pt/

1 PREP You use except to introduce the only thing or person that a statement does not apply to, or a fact that prevents a statement from being completely true. □� I wouldn't have accepted anything except a job in Europe. □� I don't take any drugs whatsoever, except aspirin for colds. ●�CONJ Except is also a conjunction. □� Freddie would tell me nothing about what he was writing, except that it was to be a Christmas play.

2 PHRASE You use except for to introduce the only thing or person that prevents a statement from being completely true. □� He hadn't eaten a thing except for one forkful of salad. □� Everyone was late, except for Richard. SYNONYMS except PREP 1

apart from:The room was empty apart from one man seated beside the fire.

other than:She makes no reference to any feminist work other than her own.

excepting:This has been the source of meat for much of this region excepting Japan.

bar:Bar a plateau in 1989, inflation has gone up ever since.

excluding:The families questioned, excluding those on income support, earned less.

ex|cept|ed / I kse pt I d/ ADV [n ADV ] You use excepted after you have mentioned a person or thing to show that you do not include them in the statement you are making. [FORMAL ] □� Jeremy excepted, the men seemed personable.

ex|cept|ing / I kse pt I ŋ/ PREP You use excepting to introduce the only thing that prevents a statement from being completely true. [FORMAL ] □� The source of meat for much of this region (excepting Japan) has traditionally been the pig.

ex|cep|tion ◆◇◇ / I kse pʃ ə n/ (exceptions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with the N of n] An exception is a particular thing, person, or situation that is not included in a general statement, judgment, or rule. □� Few guitarists can sing as well as they can play; Eddie, however, is an exception. □�[+�of ] There were no floral offerings at the ceremony, with the exception of a single red rose. □� The law makes no exceptions. □� With few exceptions, guests are booked for week-long visits.

2 PHRASE If you make a general statement, and then say that something or someone is no exception , you are emphasizing that they are included in that statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� Marketing is applied to everything these days, and books are no exception. □� Most people have no idea how to change to healthy food, and Anna was no exception.

3 PHRASE If you are making a general statement and you say that something is the exception that proves the rule , you mean that although it seems to contradict your statement, in most other cases your statement will be true. □� Dury was the exception that proves the rule that you can't make serious points with funny lyrics.

4 PHRASE If you take exception to something, you feel offended or annoyed by it, usually with the result that you complain about it. □� He also took exception to having been spied on.

5 PHRASE You use with the exception of to introduce a thing or person that is not included in a general statement that you are making. □� Yesterday was a day off for everybody, with the exception of Lawrence.

6 PHRASE You use without exception to emphasize that the statement you are making is true in all cases. [EMPHASIS ] □� The vehicles are without exception old, rusty and dented.

ex|cep|tion|al / I kse pʃən ə l/

1 ADJ You use exceptional to describe someone or something that has a particular quality, usually a good quality, to an unusually high degree. [APPROVAL ] □� �children with exceptional ability. □� His translation is exceptional in its poetic quality. ●� ex|cep|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� He's an exceptionally talented dancer.

2 ADJ Exceptional situations and incidents are unusual and only likely to happen very infrequently. [FORMAL ] □� Magistrates would have the discretion to impose a community order. ●� ex|cep|tion|al|ly ADV □� Exceptionally, in times of emergency, we may send a team of experts.

ex|cerpt ◆◇◇ /e ksɜː r pt/ (excerpts ) N‑COUNT An excerpt is a short piece of writing or music which is taken from a larger piece. □�[+�from ] �an excerpt from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. SYNONYMS excerpt NOUN

extract:Read this extract from an information booklet.

passage:He reads a passage from Milton.

quotation:She illustrated her argument with quotations from Pasternak.

cutting:Here are the press cuttings and reviews.

quote:The article starts with a quote from an unnamed member of the Cabinet.

ex|cess ◆◇◇ (excesses ) The noun is pronounced / I kse s/. The adjective is pronounced /e kses/. 1 N‑VAR An excessof something is a larger amount than is needed, allowed, or usual. □�[+�of ] An excess of house plants in a small flat can be oppressive. □� Polyunsaturated oils are essential for health. Excess is harmful, however.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Excess is used to describe amounts that are greater than what is needed, allowed, or usual. □� After cooking the fish, pour off any excess fat.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Excess is behaviour that is unacceptable because it is considered too extreme or immoral. □� She said she was sick of her life of excess. □� �adolescent excess.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Excess is used to refer to additional amounts of money that need to be paid for services and activities that were not originally planned or taken into account. [FORMAL ] □� �a letter demanding an excess fare of �20.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The excess on an insurance policy is a sum of money which the insured person has to pay towards the cost of a claim. The insurance company pays the rest. [BRIT , BUSINESS , TECHNICAL ] □� The company wanted �1,800 for a policy with a �400 excess for under-21s.

6 PHRASE In excess of means more than a particular amount. [FORMAL ] □� Avoid deposits in excess of �20,000 in any one account.

7 PHRASE If you do something to excess , you do it too much. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I was reasonably fit, played a lot of tennis, and didn't smoke or drink to excess. SYNONYMS excess NOUN 1

surfeit:Rationing had put an end to a surfeit of biscuits long ago.

plethora:A plethora of new operators will be allowed to enter the market.

glut:There's a glut of agricultural products in Western Europe.

surplus:Germany suffers from a surplus of teachers.

e x|cess ba g|gage also excess luggage

1 N‑UNCOUNT On an aeroplane journey, excess baggage is luggage that is larger or weighs more than your ticket allows, so that you have to pay extra to take it on board.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use excess baggage to talk about problems or events from someone's past which you think still worry them, especially when you think these things make it difficult for the person to cope or develop. □� These younger players are not carrying any excess baggage from less successful times.

ex|ces|sive / I kse s I v/ ADJ If you describe the amount or level of something as excessive , you disapprove of it because it is more or higher than is necessary or reasonable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the alleged use of excessive force by police. □� The government says that local authority spending is excessive. ●� ex|ces|sive|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� Managers are also accused of paying themselves excessively high salaries. □� Mum had started taking pills and drinking excessively.

ex|change ◆◆◇ / I kstʃe I ndʒ/ (exchanges , exchanging , exchanged )

1 VERB If two or more people exchange things of a particular kind, they give them to each other at the same time. □�[V n] We exchanged addresses and Christmas cards. □�[V n +�with ] He exchanged a quick smile with her then entered the lift. ●�N‑COUNT Exchange is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He ruled out any exchange of prisoners with the militants. □�[+�of ] �a frank exchange of views.

2 VERB If you exchange something, you replace it with a different thing, especially something that is better or more satisfactory. □�[V n] �the chance to sell back or exchange goods. □�[V n +�for ] If the car you have leased is clearly unsatisfactory, you can always exchange it for another.

3 N‑COUNT An exchange is a brief conversation, usually an angry one. [FORMAL ] □�[+between ] There've been some bitter exchanges between the two groups.

4 N‑COUNT An exchangeof fire, for example, is an incident in which people use guns or missiles against each other. □�[+�of ] There was an exchange of fire during which the gunman was wounded.

5 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] An exchange is an arrangement in which people from two different countries visit each other's country, to strengthen links between them. □�[+with ] �a series of sporting and cultural exchanges with Seoul. □� I'm going to go on an exchange visit to Paris.

6 N‑COUNT Theexchange is the same as the telephone exchange .

7 →�see also corn exchange , foreign exchange , stock exchange

8 PHRASE If you do or give something in exchangefor something else, you do it or give it in order to get that thing. □� It is illegal for public officials to solicit gifts or money in exchange for favors. SYNONYMS exchange VERB 1

swap:Some hostages were swapped for convicted prisoners.

trade:They traded land for goods and money.

switch:In half an hour, they'd switched the tags on every cable.

barter:They have been bartering wheat for cotton and timber.

ex|cha nge rate ◆◇◇ (exchange rates ) N‑COUNT The exchange rate of a country's unit of currency is the amount of another country's currency that you get in exchange for it.

Ex|cheq|uer / I kstʃe kə r / N‑PROPER The Exchequer is the department in the British government which is responsible for receiving, issuing, and accounting for money belonging to the state.

ex|cise /e ksa I z/ (excises , excising , excised ) The noun is pronounced /e ksa I z/. The verb is pronounced / I ksa I z/. 1 N‑VAR [usu N n] Excise is a tax that the government of a country puts on particular goods, such as cigarettes and alcoholic drinks, which are produced for sale in its own country. □� �this year's rise in excise duties. □� New car buyers will be hit by increases in taxes and excise.

2 VERB If someone excises something, they remove it deliberately and completely. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �a personal crusade to excise racist and sexist references in newspapers. □�[V n +�from ] �the question of permanently excising madness from the world. ●� ex|ci|sion / I ks I ʒən/ (excisions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The authors demanded excision of foreign words.

ex|cit|able / I ksa I təb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as excitable , you mean that they behave in a rather nervous way and become excited very easily. □� Mary sat beside Elaine, who today seemed excitable. ●� ex|cit|abil|ity / I ksa I təb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� She has always been inclined to excitability.

ex|cite / I ksa I t/ (excites , exciting , excited )

1 VERB If something excites you, it makes you feel very happy, eager, or enthusiastic. □�[V n] I only take on work that excites me, even if it means turning down lots of money. □�[V ] Where the show really excites is in the display of avant-garde photography.

2 VERB If something excites a particular feeling, emotion, or reaction in someone, it causes them to experience it. □�[V n] Daniel's early exposure to motor racing did not excite his interest.

ex|cit|ed ◆◇◇ / I ksa I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are excited , you are so happy that you cannot relax, especially because you are thinking about something pleasant that is going to happen to you. □�[+�about ] I'm very excited about the possibility of playing for England's first team. □� I was so excited when I went to sign the paperwork I could hardly write. ●� ex|cit|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'You're coming?' he said excitedly. 'That's fantastic! That's incredible!'

2 ADJ If you are excited , you are very worried or angry about something, and so you are very alert and cannot relax. □�[+�about ] I don't think there's any reason to get excited about inflation. ●� ex|cit|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Larry rose excitedly to the edge of his seat, shook a fist at us and spat.

ex|cite|ment / I ksa I tmənt/ (excitements ) N‑VAR You use excitement to refer to the state of being excited, or to something that excites you. □� Everyone is in a state of great excitement.

ex|cit|ing ◆◇◇ / I ksa I t I ŋ/ ADJ If something is exciting , it makes you feel very happy or enthusiastic. □� The race itself is very exciting. SYNONYMS exciting ADJ

gripping:Craig Thomas's gripping tale of espionage

thrilling:Our wildlife trips offer a thrilling encounter with wildlife in its natural state.

exhilarating:It was exhilarating to be on the road again and his spirits rose.

electrifying:He gave an electrifying performance.

ex|claim / I kskle I m/ (exclaims , exclaiming , exclaimed ) VERB Writers sometimes use exclaim to show that someone is speaking suddenly, loudly, or emphatically, often because they are excited, shocked, or angry. □�[V with quote] 'He went back to the lab,' Iris exclaimed impatiently. □�[V that] He exclaims that it must be a typing error.

ex|cla|ma|tion /e kskləme I ʃ ə n/ (exclamations ) N‑COUNT An exclamation is a sound, word, or sentence that is spoken suddenly, loudly, or emphatically and that expresses excitement, admiration, shock, or anger. □� Sue gave an exclamation as we got a clear sight of the house.

ex|cla|ma |tion mark (exclamation marks ) N‑COUNT An exclamation mark is the sign ! which is used in writing to show that a word, phrase, or sentence is an exclamation. [BRIT ] in AM, use exclamation point

ex|clude / I kskluː d/ (excludes , excluding , excluded )

1 VERB If you exclude someone from a place or activity, you prevent them from entering it or taking part in it. □�[V n +�from ] The Academy excluded women from its classes. □�[V -ed] Many of the youngsters feel excluded. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you exclude something that has some connection with what you are doing, you deliberately do not use it or consider it. □�[V n +�from ] They eat only plant foods, and exclude animal products from other areas of their lives. □�[V n] �plans to redraft and downgrade the role to exclude any involvement with the England team.

3 VERB To exclude a possibility means to decide or prove that it is wrong and not worth considering. □�[V n] I cannot entirely exclude the possibility that some form of pressure was applied to the neck.

4 VERB To exclude something such as the sun's rays or harmful germs means to prevent them physically from reaching or entering a particular place. □�[V n] This was intended to exclude the direct rays of the sun.

ex|clud|ing / I kskluː d I ŋ/ PREP You use excluding before mentioning a person or thing to show that you are not including them in your statement. □� Excluding water, half of the body's weight is protein.

ex|clu|sion / I kskluː ʒ ə n/ (exclusions )

1 N‑VAR The exclusionof something is the act of deliberately not using, allowing, or considering it. □�[+�of ] This paves the way for the exclusion of all but emergency care.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Exclusion is the act of preventing someone from entering a place or taking part in an activity. □�[+�from ] �women's exclusion from political power.

3 PHRASE If you do one thing to the exclusion of something else, you only do the first thing and do not do the second thing at all. □� Diane had dedicated her life to caring for him to the exclusion of all else.

ex|clu|sion|ary / I kskluː ʒ ə nri/ ADJ Something that is exclusionary excludes a particular person or group of people. [FORMAL ] □� �exclusionary business practices.

ex|clu |sion zone (exclusion zones ) N‑COUNT An exclusion zone is an area where people are not allowed to go or where they are not allowed to do a particular thing, for example because it would be dangerous.

ex|clu|sive / I kskluː s I v/ (exclusives )

1 ADJ If you describe something as exclusive , you mean that it is limited to people who have a lot of money or who belong to a high social class, and is therefore not available to everyone. □� He is already a member of Britain's most exclusive club. □� The City was criticised for being too exclusive and uncompetitive. ●� ex|clu|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a rising middle class, which objected to the exclusiveness of the traditional elite. ●� ex|clu|sivi|ty /e kskluːs I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a company with a reputation for exclusivity.

2 ADJ Something that is exclusive is used or owned by only one person or group, and not shared with anyone else. □� Our group will have exclusive use of a 60-foot boat. □�[+�to ] Many of their cheeses are exclusive to our stores in Britain.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a newspaper, magazine, or broadcasting organization describes one of its reports as exclusive , they mean that it is a special report which does not appear in any other publication or on any other channel. □� He told the magazine in an exclusive interview: 'All my problems stem from drink'. ●�N‑COUNT An exclusive is an exclusive article or report. □� Some papers thought they had an exclusive.

4 ADJ If a company states that its prices, goods, or services are exclusiveof something, that thing is not included in the stated price, although it usually still has to be paid for. □�[+�of ] Skiing weekends cost �58 (exclusive of travel and accommodation).

5 PHRASE If two things are mutually exclusive , they are separate and very different from each other, so that it is impossible for them to exist or happen together. □� They both have learnt that ambition and successful fatherhood can be mutually exclusive.

ex|clu|sive|ly / I kskluː s I vli/ ADV [ADV with v] Exclusively is used to refer to situations or activities that involve only the thing or things mentioned, and nothing else. □� �an exclusively male domain. □� Instruction in these subjects in undergraduate classes is almost exclusively by lecture.

ex|com|muni|cate /e kskəmjuː n I ke I t/ (excommunicates , excommunicating , excommunicated ) VERB If a Roman Catholic or member of the Orthodox Church is excommunicated , it is publicly and officially stated that the person is no longer allowed to be a member of the Church. This is a punishment for some very great wrong that they have done. □�[be V -ed] Eventually, he was excommunicated along with his mentor. □�[V n] In 1766 he excommunicated the village for its 'depraved diversion'. ●� ex|com|mu|ni|ca|tion /e kskəmjuːn I ke I ʃ ə n/ (excommunications ) N‑VAR □� �the threat of excommunication.

ex|co|ri|ate / I kskɔː rie I t/ (excoriates , excoriating , excoriated ) VERB To excoriate a person or organization means to criticize them severely, usually in public. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He proceeded to excoriate me in front of the nurses.

ex|cre|ment /e kskr I mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Excrement is the solid waste that is passed out of a person or animal's body through their bowels. [FORMAL ] □� The cage smelled of excrement.

ex|cres|cence / I kskre s ə ns/ (excrescences ) N‑COUNT If you describe something such as a building, addition, or development as an excrescence , you strongly disapprove of it because you think it is unnecessary, bad, or ugly. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an architectural excrescence. □�[+�on ] The trade union block vote is an excrescence on democracy.

ex|cre|ta / I kskriː tə/ N‑UNCOUNT Excreta is the waste matter, such as urine or faeces, which is passed out of a person or animal's body. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ]

ex|crete / I kskriː t/ (excretes , excreting , excreted ) VERB When a person or animal excretes waste matter from their body, they get rid of it in faeces, urine, or sweat. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □�[V n] Your open pores excrete sweat and dirt. [Also V ] ●� ex|cre|tion / I kskriː ʃ ə n/ (excretions ) N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the excretion of this drug from the body.

ex|cru|ci|at|ing / I kskruː ʃie I t I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you describe something as excruciating , you are emphasizing that it is extremely painful, either physically or emotionally. [EMPHASIS ] □� I was in excruciating pain and one leg wouldn't move. ●� ex|cru|ci|at|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] □� He found the transition to boarding school excruciatingly painful.

2 ADJ If you describe something as excruciating , you mean that it is very unpleasant to experience, for example because it is very boring or embarrassing. □� Meanwhile, the boredom is excruciating. □� There was a moment of excruciating silence. ●� ex|cru|ci|at|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� The dialogue is excruciatingly embarrassing.

ex|cur|sion / I kskɜː r ʃ ə n, [AM ] -ʒ ə n/ (excursions )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a short journey as an excursion , especially if it is made for pleasure or enjoyment. □�[+�to ] In Bermuda, Sam's father took him on an excursion to a coral barrier.

2 N‑COUNT An excursion is a trip or visit to an interesting place, especially one that is arranged or recommended by a holiday company or tourist organization. □� Another pleasant excursion is Malaga, 18 miles away.

3 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] If you describe an activity as an excursioninto something, you mean that it is an attempt to develop or understand something new that you have not experienced before. □�[+�into ] �Radio 3's latest excursion into ethnic music, dance and literature.

ex|cus|able / I kskjuː zəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone's wrong words or actions are excusable , you mean that they can be understood and forgiven. □� I then realised that he had made a simple but excusable historical mistake.

ex|cuse ◆◇◇ (excuses , excusing , excused ) The noun is pronounced / I kskjuː s/. The verb is pronounced / I kskjuː z/. 1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] An excuse is a reason which you give in order to explain why something has been done or has not been done, or in order to avoid doing something. □�[+�for ] It is easy to find excuses for his indecisiveness. □� Once I had had a baby I had the perfect excuse to stay at home. □� If you stop making excuses and do it you'll wonder what took you so long. ●�PHRASE If you say that there is no excusefor something, you are emphasizing that it should not happen, or expressing disapproval that it has happened. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�for ] There's no excuse for behaviour like that. □�[+�for ] Solitude was no excuse for sloppiness.

2 VERB To excuse someone or excuse their behaviour means to provide reasons for their actions, especially when other people disapprove of these actions. □�[V n +�by ] He excused himself by saying he was 'forced to rob to maintain my wife and cat'. □�[V n] That doesn't excuse my mother's behaviour.

3 VERB If you excuse someone for something wrong that they have done, you forgive them for it. □�[V n +�for ] Many people might have excused them for shirking some of their responsibilities. [Also V n, V n n]

4 VERB [usu passive] If someone is excusedfrom a duty or responsibility, they are told that they do not have to carry it out. □�[be V -ed +�from ] She is usually excused from her duties during the school holidays. □�[be V -ed n] She was excused duties on Saturday.

5 VERB If you excuseyourself , you use a phrase such as 'Excuse me' as a polite way of saying that you are about to leave. □�[V pron-refl] He excused himself and went up to his room.

6 CONVENTION You say ' Excuse me ' when you want to politely get someone's attention, especially when you are about to ask them a question. [FORMULAE ] □� Excuse me, but are you Mr Honig?

7 CONVENTION You use excuse me to apologize to someone when you have disturbed or interrupted them. [FORMULAE ] □� Excuse me interrupting, but there's a thing I feel I've got to say.

8 CONVENTION You use excuse me or a phrase such as if you'll excuse me as a polite way of indicating that you are about to leave or that you are about to stop talking to someone. [POLITENESS ] □� 'Excuse me,' she said to Jarvis, and left the room. □� Now if you'll excuse me, I've got work to do.

9 CONVENTION You use excuse me, but to indicate that you are about to disagree with someone. [mainly BRIT ] □� Excuse me, but I want to know what all this has to do with us.

10 CONVENTION You say excuse me to apologize when you have bumped into someone, or when you need to move past someone in a crowd. [FORMULAE ]

11 CONVENTION You say excuse me to apologize when you have done something slightly embarrassing or impolite, such as burping, hiccupping, or sneezing. [FORMULAE ]

12 CONVENTION You say ' Excuse me? ' to show that you want someone to repeat what they have just said. [AM , FORMULAE ] in BRIT, usually use pardon , sorry USAGE excuse

You say that someone makes an excuse. Don�t say � I said an excuse .� □� I made an excuse and left the meeting early.

e x-dire ctory ADJ If a person or their phone number is ex-directory , the number is not listed in the telephone directory, and the phone company will not give it to people who ask for it. [BRIT ] in AM, use unlisted

exec / I gze k/ (execs ) N‑COUNT Exec is an abbreviation for executive .

ex|ecrable /e ks I krəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as execrable , you mean that it is very bad or unpleasant. [FORMAL ] □� Accusing us of being disloyal to cover his own sorry behavior is truly execrable. □� �an execrable meal.

ex|ecute ◆◇◇ /e ks I kjuːt/ (executes , executing , executed )

1 VERB To execute someone means to kill them as a punishment for a serious crime. □�[be V -ed] He was executed by lethal injection earlier today. □�[V n] One group claimed to have executed the American hostage. □�[be V -ed +�for ] This boy's father had been executed for conspiring against the throne. ●� ex|ecu|tion /e ks I kjuː ʃ ə n/ (executions ) N‑VAR □� Execution by lethal injection is scheduled for July 30th.

2 VERB If you execute a plan, you carry it out. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We are going to execute our campaign plan to the letter. ●� ex|ecu|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] U.S. forces are fully prepared for the execution of any action once the order is given by the president.

3 VERB If you execute a difficult action or movement, you successfully perform it. □�[be V -ed] The landing was skilfully executed.

4 VERB When someone executes a work of art, they make or produce it, using an idea as a basis. □�[V n] Morris executed a suite of twelve drawings in 1978. □�[V -ed] A well-executed shot of a tall ship is a joy to behold. ●� ex|ecu|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� The ideas in the show's presentation were good, but failed in execution.

ex|ecu|tion|er /e ks I kjuː ʃənə r / (executioners ) N‑COUNT An executioner is a person who has the job of executing criminals.

ex|ecu|tive ◆◆◇ / I gze kjʊt I v/ (executives )

1 N‑COUNT An executive is someone who is employed by a business at a senior level. Executives decide what the business should do, and ensure that it is done. □� �an advertising executive. □� She is a senior bank executive.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The executive sections and tasks of an organization are concerned with the making of decisions and with ensuring that decisions are carried out. □� A successful job search needs to be as well organised as any other executive task. □� I will not take an executive role, but rather become a consultant.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Executive goods are expensive goods designed or intended for executives and other people at a similar social or economic level. □� �an executive briefcase. □� �executive cars.

4 N‑SING [N n] The executive committee or board of an organization is a committee within that organization which has the authority to make decisions and ensures that these decisions are carried out. □� He sits on the executive committee that manages Lloyds. □�[+of ] �the executive of the National Union of Students.

5 N‑SING [oft N n] The executive is the part of the government of a country that is concerned with carrying out decisions or orders, as opposed to the part that makes laws or the part that deals with criminals. □� The government, the executive and the judiciary are supposed to be separate. □� The matter should be resolved by the executive branch of government. SYNONYMS executive NOUN 1

manager:�a retired bank manager.

director:She served on the board of directors of a local bank.

MD:He's going to be the MD of the Park Lane company.

chief executive office:On his father's death he became chief executive officer of the company.

CEO:Then I was approached for the merger and the CEO job.

chairperson:She's the chairperson of the safety committee.

ex|ecu|tor / I gze kjʊtə r / (executors ) N‑COUNT An executor is someone whose name you write in your will when you want them to be responsible for dealing with your affairs after your death. [LEGAL ]

ex|egesis /e ks I dʒiː s I s/ (exegeses /e ks I dʒiː siːz/) N‑VAR An exegesis is an explanation and interpretation of a piece of writing, especially a religious piece of writing, after very careful study. [FORMAL ] □� �the kind of academic exegesis at which Isaacs excels. □�[+�of ] �a substantial exegesis of his work.

ex|em|plar / I gze mplɑː r / (exemplars )

1 N‑COUNT An exemplar is someone or something that is considered to be so good that they should be copied or imitated. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] They viewed their new building as an exemplar of taste.

2 N‑COUNT An exemplar is a typical example of a group or class of things. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] One of the wittiest exemplars of the technique was M.C. Escher.

ex|em|pla|ry / I gze mpləri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as exemplary , you think they are extremely good. □� Underpinning this success has been an exemplary record of innovation.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An exemplary punishment is unusually harsh and is intended to stop other people from committing similar crimes. □� He demanded exemplary sentences for those behind the violence.

ex|em|pli|fy / I gze mpl I fa I / (exemplifies , exemplifying , exemplified ) VERB If a person or thing exemplifies something such as a situation, quality, or class of things, they are a typical example of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The room's style exemplifies Conran's ideal of 'beauty and practicality'.

ex|empt / I gze mpt/ (exempts , exempting , exempted )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is exemptfrom a particular rule, duty, or obligation, they do not have to follow it or do it. □�[+�from ] Men in college were exempt from military service.

2 VERB To exempt a person or thing from a particular rule, duty, or obligation means to state officially that they are not bound or affected by it. □�[V n +�from ] South Carolina claimed the power to exempt its citizens from the obligation to obey federal law. [Also V n] ●� ex|emp|tion / I gze mpʃ ə n/ (exemptions ) N‑VAR □�[+�from ] �the exemption of employer-provided health insurance from taxation.

ex|er|cise ◆◆◇ /e ksə r sa I z/ (exercises , exercising , exercised )

1 VERB If you exercise something such as your authority, your rights, or a good quality, you use it or put it into effect. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They are merely exercising their right to free speech. □�[V n] Britain has warned travellers to exercise prudence and care. ●�N‑SING Exercise is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the exercise of political and economic power. □�[+�of ] Leadership does not rest on the exercise of force alone.

2 VERB When you exercise , you move your body energetically in order to get fit and to remain healthy. □�[V ] She exercises two or three times a week. □�[V n] Exercising the body does a great deal to improve one's health. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Exercise is also a noun. □� Lack of exercise can lead to feelings of depression and exhaustion.

3 VERB If a movement or activity exercises a part of your body, it keeps it strong, healthy, or in good condition. □�[V n] They call rowing the perfect sport. It exercises every major muscle group.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Exercises are a series of movements or actions which you do in order to get fit, remain healthy, or practise for a particular physical activity. □� I do special neck and shoulder exercises.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft on N ] Exercises are military activities and operations which are not part of a real war, but which allow the armed forces to practise for a real war. □� General Powell predicted that in the future it might even be possible to stage joint military exercises.

6 N‑COUNT An exercise is a short activity or piece of work that you do, for example in school, which is designed to help you learn a particular skill. □� Try working through the opening exercises in this chapter.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe an activity as an exercisein a particular quality or result, you mean that it has that quality or result, especially when it was not intended to have it. □�[+�in ] As an exercise in stating the obvious, this could scarcely be faulted. □� Think what a waste of taxpayers' money the whole exercise was.

8 VERB If something exercises you or your mind, you think or talk about it a great deal, especially because you are worried or concerned about it. □�[V n] This has been a major problem exercising the minds of scientists around the world. COLLOCATIONS exercise VERB 1

exercise+�noun : authority, control, influence, jurisdiction, power; caution, discretion, restraint; right NOUN 2

noun +�exercise : breathing, relaxation

adjective +�exercise : aerobic, vigorous; regular

e x|er|cise bike (exercise bikes ) N‑COUNT An exercise bike is a special bicycle which does not move, so that you can exercise on it at home or at a gym.

e x|er|cise book (exercise books ) N‑COUNT An exercise book is a small book that students use for writing in. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use notebook

ex|ert / I gzɜː r t/ (exerts , exerting , exerted )

1 VERB If someone or something exerts influence, authority, or pressure, they use it in a strong or determined way, especially in order to produce a particular effect. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He exerted considerable influence on the thinking of the scientific community on these issues.

2 VERB If you exertyourself , you make a great physical or mental effort, or work hard to do something. □�[V pron-refl] Do not exert yourself unnecessarily. ●� ex|er|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� He clearly found the physical exertion exhilarating.

ex|fo|li|ate /eksfoʊ lie I t/ (exfoliates , exfoliating , exfoliated ) VERB To exfoliate your skin means to remove the dead cells from its surface using something such as a brush or a special cream. □�[V n] Exfoliate your back at least once a week. [Also V ] ●� ex|fo|li|at|ing ADJ □� �a gentle exfoliating cream. ●� ex|fo|lia|tion /eksfoʊ lie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� There is little doubt that skin does benefit from exfoliation.

ex gra|tia /e ks gre I ʃə/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ex gratia payment is one that is given as a favour or gift and not because it is legally necessary. [mainly BRIT , FORMAL ]

ex|hale /ekshe I l/ (exhales , exhaling , exhaled ) VERB When you exhale , you breathe out the air that is in your lungs. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Hold your breath for a moment and exhale. □�[V n] Wade exhaled a cloud of smoke and coughed. ●� ex|ha|la|tion /e ks h əle I ʃ ə n/ (exhalations ) N‑VAR □� Milton let out his breath in a long exhalation.

ex|haust ◆◇◇ / I gzɔː st/ (exhausts , exhausting , exhausted )

1 VERB If something exhausts you, it makes you so tired, either physically or mentally, that you have no energy left. □�[V n] Don't exhaust him. ●� ex|haust|ed ADJ □� She was too exhausted and distressed to talk about the tragedy. ●� ex|haust|ing ADJ □� It was an exhausting schedule she had set herself.

2 VERB If you exhaust something such as money or food, you use or finish it all. □�[V n] We have exhausted all our material resources. □�[V -ed] They said that food supplies were almost exhausted.

3 VERB If you have exhausted a subject or topic, you have talked about it so much that there is nothing more to say about it. □�[V n] She and Chantal must have exhausted the subject of babies and clothes.

4 N‑COUNT The exhaust or the exhaust pipe is the pipe which carries the gas out of the engine of a vehicle. [mainly BRIT ]

5 N‑UNCOUNT Exhaust is the gas or steam that is produced when the engine of a vehicle is running. □� �the exhaust from a car engine. □� The city's streets are filthy and choked with exhaust fumes.

ex|haus|tion / I gzɔː stʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Exhaustion is the state of being so tired that you have no energy left. □� Staff say he is suffering from exhaustion.

ex|haus|tive / I gzɔː st I v/ ADJ If you describe a study, search, or list as exhaustive , you mean that it is very thorough and complete. □� This is not an exhaustive list but it shows how many projects are taking place. ●� ex|haust|ive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Hawley said these costs were scrutinised exhaustively by independent accountants.

ex|hib|it / I gz I b I t/ (exhibits , exhibiting , exhibited )

1 VERB If someone or something shows a particular quality, feeling, or type of behaviour, you can say that they exhibit it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He has exhibited symptoms of anxiety and overwhelming worry.

2 VERB [usu passive] When a painting, sculpture, or object of interest is exhibited , it is put in a public place such as a museum or art gallery so that people can come to look at it. You can also say that animals are exhibited in a zoo. □�[be V -ed] His work was exhibited in the best galleries in America, Europe and Asia. ●� ex|hi|bi|tion N‑UNCOUNT [usu on N ] □� Five large pieces of the wall are currently on exhibition in London.

3 VERB When artists exhibit , they show their work in public. □�[V ] By 1936 she was exhibiting at the Royal Academy.

4 N‑COUNT An exhibit is a painting, sculpture, or object of interest that is displayed to the public in a museum or art gallery. □� Shona showed me round the exhibits.

5 N‑COUNT An exhibit is a public display of paintings, sculpture, or objects of interest, for example in a museum or art gallery. [AM ] □� �an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. in BRIT, use exhibition6 N‑COUNT An exhibit is an object that a lawyer shows in court as evidence in a legal case.

ex|hi|bi|tion ◆◇◇ /e ks I b I ʃ ə n/ (exhibitions )

1 N‑COUNT An exhibition is a public event at which pictures, sculptures, or other objects of interest are displayed, for example at a museum or art gallery. □�[+�of ] �an exhibition of expressionist art.

2 N‑SING An exhibition of a particular skilful activity is a display or example of it that people notice or admire. □�[+�of ] He responded in champion's style by treating the fans to an exhibition of power and speed.

3 →�see also exhibit

ex|hi|bi|tion|ism /e ks I b I ʃən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Exhibitionism is behaviour that tries to get people's attention all the time, and especially behaviour that most people think is silly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There is an element of exhibitionism in the parents' performance too.

ex|hi|bi|tion|ist /e ks I b I ʃən I st/ (exhibitionists ) N‑COUNT An exhibitionist is someone who tries to get people's attention all the time by behaving in a way that most people think is silly. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ex|hibi|tor / I gz I b I tə r / (exhibitors ) N‑COUNT An exhibitor is a person whose work is being shown in an exhibition. □� Schedules will be sent out to all exhibitors.

ex|hila|rat|ed / I gz I ləre I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are exhilaratedby something, it makes you feel very happy and excited. [FORMAL ] □� He felt strangely exhilarated by the brisk, blue morning.

ex|hil|arat|ing / I gz I ləre I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe an experience or feeling as exhilarating , you mean that it makes you feel very happy and excited. □� It was exhilarating to be on the road again and his spirits rose. □� Falling in love is a heady, exhilarating experience.

ex|hila|ra|tion / I gz I ləre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Exhilaration is a strong feeling of excitement and happiness.

ex|hort / I gzɔː r t/ (exhorts , exhorting , exhorted ) VERB If you exhort someone to do something, you try hard to persuade or encourage them to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n to-inf] Kennedy exhorted his listeners to turn away from violence. □�[V n with quote] He exhorted his companions, 'Try to accomplish your aim with diligence'. ●� ex|hor|ta|tion /e gzɔː r te I ʃ ə n/ (exhortations ) N‑VAR □� Foreign funds alone are clearly not enough, nor are exhortations to reform.

ex|hume /ekshjuː m, [AM ] I gzuː m/ (exhumes , exhuming , exhumed ) VERB [usu passive] If a dead person's body is exhumed , it is taken out of the ground where it is buried, especially so that it can be examined in order to find out how the person died. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] His remains have been exhumed from a cemetery in Queens, New York City. ●� ex|hu|ma|tion /e gzjuːme I ʃ ə n/ (exhumations ) N‑VAR □� Detectives ordered the exhumation when his wife said she believed he had been killed.

exi|gen|cy /e ks I dʒ ə nsi/ (exigencies ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The exigenciesof a situation or a job are the demands or difficulties that you have to deal with as part of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the exigencies of a wartime economy.

ex|ile ◆◇◇ /e ksa I l, e gz-/ (exiles , exiling , exiled )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is living inexile , they are living in a foreign country because they cannot live in their own country, usually for political reasons. □� He is now living in exile in Egypt. □� He returned from exile earlier this year. □� �after nearly six years of exile. □� During his exile, he also began writing books.

2 VERB If someone is exiled , they are living in a foreign country because they cannot live in their own country, usually for political reasons. □�[be V -ed +�from ] His second wife, Hilary, had been widowed, then exiled from South Africa. □�[V n] They threatened to exile her in southern Spain. □�[V -ed] �Haiti's exiled president. [Also V n from n]

3 N‑COUNT An exile is someone who has been exiled.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone has been exiledfrom a particular place or situation, you mean that they have been sent away from it or removed from it against their will. □�[be V -ed +�from ] He has been exiled from the first team and forced to play in third team matches. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Exile is also a noun. □�[+�from ] Rovers lost 4�1 and began their long exile from the First Division.

ex|ist ◆◆◇ / I gz I st/ (exists , existing , existed )

1 VERB [no cont] If something exists , it is present in the world as a real thing. □�[V ] He thought that if he couldn't see something, it didn't exist. □�[V ] Research opportunities exist in a wide range of pure and applied areas of entomology.

2 VERB To exist means to live, especially under difficult conditions or with very little food or money. □�[V ] I was barely existing. □�[V +�on ] �the problems of having to exist on unemployment benefit. SYNONYMS exist VERB 1

last:The repaired sail lasted less than 24 hours.

endure:Somehow the language endures and continues to survive.

remain:Many of the differences in everyday life remain.

stand:Although exceptions could be made, the rule still stands.

ex|ist|ence ◆◇◇ / I gz I stəns/ (existences )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The existence of something is the fact that it is present in the world as a real thing. □�[+of ] �the existence of other galaxies. □� Tuna are being fished out of existence. □�[+of ] Public worries about accidents are threatening the very existence of the nuclear power industry.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone's way of life as an existence , especially when they live under difficult conditions. □� You may be stuck with a miserable existence for the rest of your life. SYNONYMS existence NOUN 1

being:The Kingdom of Italy formally came into being on 17 March 1861.

actuality:It exists in dreams rather than actuality.

continuation:What we'll see in the future is, in fact, a continuation of that trend.

maintenance:�the importance of natural food to the maintenance of health.

ex|ist|ent / I gz I stənt/

1 ADJ You can describe something as existent when it exists. [FORMAL ] □� Their remedy lay within the range of existent technology.

2 →�see also non-existent

ex|is|ten|tial /e gz I ste nʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Existential means relating to human existence and experience. [FORMAL ] □� Existential questions requiring religious answers still persist.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use existential to describe fear, anxiety, and other feelings that are caused by thinking about human existence and death. [FORMAL ] □� 'What if there's nothing left at all?' he cries, lost in some intense existential angst.

ex|is|ten|tial|ism /e gz I ste nʃəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Existentialism is a philosophy which stresses the importance of human experience, and says that everyone is responsible for the results of their own actions. [TECHNICAL ]

ex|is|ten|tial|ist /e gz I ste nʃəl I st/ (existentialists )

1 N‑COUNT An existentialist is a person who agrees with the philosophy of existentialism.

2 ADJ If you describe a person or their philosophy as existentialist , you mean that their beliefs are based on existentialism. □� �existentialist theories.

ex|ist|ing ◆◇◇ / I gz I st I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Existing is used to describe something which is now present, available, or in operation, especially when you are contrasting it with something which is planned for the future. □� �the need to improve existing products and develop new lines. □� Existing timbers are replaced or renewed.

exit /e gz I t, e ks I t/ (exits , exiting , exited )

1 N‑COUNT The exit is the door through which you can leave a public building. □� He picked up the case and walked towards the exit. □� There's a fire exit by the downstairs ladies room.

2 N‑COUNT An exit on a motorway or highway is a place where traffic can leave it. □� Take the A422 exit at Old Stratford.

3 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you refer to someone's exit , you are referring to the way that they left a room or building, or the fact that they left it. [FORMAL ] □� I made a hasty exit and managed to open the gate.

4 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone's exit , you are referring to the way that they left a situation or activity, or the fact that they left it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] �after England's exit from the European Championship. □� They suggested that she make a dignified exit in the interest of the party.

5 VERB If you exit from a room or building, you leave it. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] She exits into the tropical storm. □�[V n] As I exited the final display, I entered a hexagonal room. □�[V +�from ] She walked into the front door of a store and exited from the rear.

6 VERB If you exit a computer program or system, you stop running it. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] I can open other applications without having to exit WordPerfect. ●�N‑SING Exit is also a noun. □� Press Exit to return to your document.

e xit stra t|egy (exit strategies ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In politics and business, an exit strategy is a way of ending your involvement in a situation such as a military operation or a business arrangement. □�[+from ] The fear is that we have no exit strategy from this conflict.

e xit visa (exit visas ) N‑COUNT An exit visa is an official stamp in someone's passport, or an official document, which allows them to leave the country that they are visiting or living in.

exo|dus /e ksədəs/ N‑SING If there is an exodusof people from a place, a lot of people leave that place at the same time. □�[+�of ] The medical system is facing collapse because of an exodus of doctors.

ex of|fi|cio /e ks ɒf I ʃioʊ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ex officio is used to describe something such as a rank or privilege that someone is entitled to because of the job or position they have. [FORMAL ] □� �ex officio members of the Advisory Council. □� �an ex-officio degree.

ex|on|er|ate / I gzɒ nəre I t/ (exonerates , exonerating , exonerated ) VERB If a court, report, or person in authority exonerates someone, they officially say or show that that person is not responsible for something wrong or unpleasant that has happened. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The official report basically exonerated everyone. □�[V n +�from ] An investigation exonerated the school from any blame. ●� ex|on|era|tion / I gzɒ nəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� They expected complete exoneration for their clients.

ex|or|bi|tant / I gzɔː r b I tənt/ ADJ If you describe something such as a price or fee as exorbitant , you are emphasizing that it is much greater than it should be. [EMPHASIS ] □� Exorbitant housing prices have created an acute shortage of affordable housing for the poor. ●� ex|or|bi|tant|ly ADV □� �exorbitantly high salaries.

ex|or|cism /e ksɔː r s I zəm/ (exorcisms ) N‑VAR Exorcism is the removing of evil spirits from a person or place by the use of prayer. □� The exorcism was broadcast on television.

ex|or|cist /e ksɔː r s I st/ (exorcists ) N‑COUNT An exorcist is someone who performs exorcisms.

ex|or|cize /e ksɔː r sa I z/ (exorcizes , exorcizing , exorcized ) in BRIT, also use exorcise1 VERB If you exorcize a painful or unhappy memory, you succeed in removing it from your mind. □�[V n] He confronted his childhood trauma and tried to exorcise the pain.

2 VERB To exorcize an evil spirit or to exorcize a place or person means to force the spirit to leave the place or person by means of prayers and religious ceremonies. □�[V n] They came to our house and exorcised me.

ex|ot|ic / I gzɒ t I k/ ADJ Something that is exotic is unusual and interesting, usually because it comes from or is related to a distant country. □� �brilliantly coloured, exotic flowers. □� She flits from one exotic location to another. ●� ex|oti|cal|ly ADV □� �exotically beautiful scenery.

ex|oti|ca / I gzɒ t I kə/ N‑PLURAL You use exotica to refer to objects which you think are unusual and interesting, usually because they come from or are related to a distant country.

ex|oti|cism / I gzɒ t I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Exoticism is the quality of seeming unusual or interesting, usually because of associations with a distant country.

ex|pand ◆◇◇ / I ksp� nd/ (expands , expanding , expanded )

1 VERB If something expands or is expanded , it becomes larger. □�[V ] Engineers noticed that the pipes were not expanding as expected. □�[V n] We have to expand the size of the image. □�[V -ing] �a rapidly expanding universe. □�[V -ed] �strips of expanded polystyrene.

2 VERB If something such as a business, organization, or service expands , or if you expand it, it becomes bigger and includes more people, goods, or activities. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] The popular ceramics industry expanded towards the middle of the 19th century. □�[V n] Health officials are proposing to expand their services by organising counselling.

▸� expand on or expand upon PHRASAL VERB If you expand on or expand upon something, you give more information or details about it when you write or talk about it. □�[V P n] The president used today's speech to expand on remarks he made last month. SYNONYMS expand VERB 1

increase:The population continues to increase.

grow:The economy continues to grow.

extend:This year they have introduced three new products to extend their range.

develop:Over the last few years tourism here has developed considerably.

enlarge:�the plan to enlarge Ewood Park into a 30,000 all-seater stadium.

ex|panse / I ksp� ns/ (expanses ) N‑COUNT An expanseof something, usually sea, sky, or land, is a very large amount of it. □�[+�of ] �a vast expanse of grassland.

ex|pan|sion ◆◇◇ / I ksp� nʃ ə n/ (expansions ) N‑VAR Expansion is the process of becoming greater in size, number, or amount. □�[+�of ] �the rapid expansion of private health insurance. □� �a new period of economic expansion. SYNONYMS expansion NOUN

increase:�a sharp increase in productivity.

development:Education is central to a country's economic development.

growth:The area has seen a rapid population growth.

spread:The greatest hope for reform is the gradual spread of information.

ex|pan|sion|ary / I ksp� nʃənri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Expansionary economic policies are intended to expand the economy of a country.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Expansionary policies or actions are intended to increase the amount of land that a particular country rules. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �concerns about the country's expansionary objectives.

ex|pan|sion|ism / I ksp� nʃən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to a country's expansionism , you disapprove of its policy of increasing its land or power. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Soviet expansionism was considered a real threat.

ex|pan|sion|ist / I ksp� nʃən I st/ ADJ If you describe a country or organization as expansionist , you disapprove of it because it has a policy of increasing its land or power. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the intended victim of his expansionist foreign policy.

ex|pan|sive / I ksp� ns I v/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If something is expansive , it covers or includes a large area or many things. [FORMAL ] □� �an expansive grassy play area. □� They have played an expansive style of rugby.

2 ADJ If you are expansive , you talk a lot, or are friendly or generous, because you are feeling happy and relaxed. □� He was becoming more expansive as he relaxed. ●� ex|pan|sive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'I'm here to make them feel good,' he says expansively.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a period of time or an economy as expansive , you mean that it is associated with growth or expansion. □� An active and expansive market economy is a necessary condition for progress.

ex|pat /e ksp�t/ (expats ) N‑COUNT An expat is the same as an expatriate . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

ex|pat|ri|ate /eksp� triət, -pe I t-/ (expatriates ) N‑COUNT An expatriate is someone who is living in a country which is not their own. □� �British expatriates in Spain. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Expatriate is also an adjective. □� The French military is preparing to evacuate women and children of expatriate families.

ex|pect ◆◆◆ / I kspe kt/ (expects , expecting , expected )

1 VERB If you expect something to happen, you believe that it will happen. □�[V to-inf] �a council workman who expects to lose his job in the next few weeks. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The talks are expected to continue until tomorrow. □�[V that] Few expected that he would declare his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the presidency. □�[be V -ed that] It is expected that the new owner will change the yacht's name. □�[V n] They expect a gradual improvement in sales of new cars.

2 VERB [usu cont] If you are expecting something or someone, you believe that they will be delivered to you or come to you soon, often because this has been arranged earlier. □�[V n] I wasn't expecting a visitor. □�[V n adv] We were expecting him home again any day now.

3 VERB If you expect something, or expect a person to do something, you believe that it is your right to have that thing, or the person's duty to do it for you. □�[V n] He wasn't expecting our hospitality. □�[V to-inf] I do expect to have some time to myself in the evenings. □�[V n to-inf] I wasn't expecting you to help. □�[V n +�of ] Is this a rational thing to expect of your partner, or not? □�[V amount +�of ] She realizes now she expected too much of Helen.

4 VERB If you tell someone not to expect something, you mean that the thing is unlikely to happen as they have planned or imagined, and they should not hope that it will. □�[V n] Don't expect an instant cure. □�[V to-inf] You cannot expect to like all the people you will work with. □�[V n to-inf] Don't expect me to come and visit you there.

5 VERB [only cont] If you say that a woman is expecting a baby, or that she is expecting , you mean that she is pregnant. □�[V n] She was expecting another baby. □�[V ] I hear Dawn's expecting again.

6 PHRASE You say ' I expect ' to suggest that a statement is probably correct, or a natural consequence of the present situation, although you have no definite knowledge. [SPOKEN ] □� I expect you can guess what follows. □� I expect you're tired. □� 'Will Joe be here at Christmas?'�'I expect so.'.

ex|pec|tan|cy / I kspe ktənsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Expectancy is the feeling or hope that something exciting, interesting, or good is about to happen. □� The supporters had a tremendous air of expectancy.

2 →�see also life expectancy

ex|pec|tant / I kspe ktənt/

1 ADJ If someone is expectant , they are excited because they think something interesting is about to happen. □� An expectant crowd gathered. □� She turned to me with an expectant look on her face. ●� ex|pect|ant|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The others waited, looking at him expectantly.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An expectant mother or father is someone whose baby is going to be born soon.

ex|pec|ta|tion ◆◇◇ /e kspekte I ʃ ə n/ (expectations )

1 N‑PLURAL Your expectations are your strong hopes or beliefs that something will happen or that you will get something that you want. □� Students' expectations were as varied as their expertise. □� The car has been General Motors' most visible success story, with sales far exceeding expectations.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A person's expectations are strong beliefs which they have about the proper way someone should behave or something should happen. □�[+of ] Stephen Chase had determined to live up to the expectations of the Company. COLLOCATIONS expectation NOUN 1

noun +�expectation : analyst, inflation, market

adjective +�expectation : high, low; realistic, reasonable, unrealistic

verb +�expectation : beat, defy, surpass; dampen, lower, raise; fulfil, meet

ex|pec|to|rant / I kspe ktərənt/ (expectorants ) N‑COUNT An expectorant is a cough medicine that helps you to cough up mucus from your lungs. [MEDICAL ]

ex|pedi|en|cy / I kspiː diənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Expediency means doing what is convenient rather than what is morally right. [FORMAL ] □� This was a matter less of morals than of expediency.

ex|pedi|ent / I kspiː diənt/ (expedients )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An expedient is an action that achieves a particular purpose, but may not be morally right. □�[+�of ] He pretended to be energised by the expedient of wearing his shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

2 ADJ If it is expedientto do something, it is useful or convenient to do it, even though it may not be morally right. □� When things go wrong it is expedient to say it was a management failure.

ex|pedite /e ksp I da I t/ (expedites , expediting , expedited ) VERB If you expedite something, you cause it to be done more quickly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We tried to help you expedite your plans.

ex|pedi|tion /e ksp I d I ʃ ə n/ (expeditions )

1 N‑COUNT An expedition is an organized journey that is made for a particular purpose such as exploration. □�[+�to ] �Byrd's 1928 expedition to Antarctica.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of people who are going on an expedition as an expedition . □� Forty-three members of the expedition were killed.

3 N‑COUNT An expedition is a short journey or trip that you make for pleasure. □� �a fishing expedition.

ex|pedi|tion|ary force /e ksp I d I ʃənri fɔː r s, [AM ] -neri/ (expeditionary forces ) N‑COUNT An expeditionary force is a group of soldiers who are sent to fight in a foreign country. [MILITARY ]

ex|pedi|tious /e ksp I d I ʃəs/ ADJ Expeditious means quick and efficient. [FORMAL ] □� The judge said that arbitration was a fair and expeditious decision-making process. ●� ex|pedi|tious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The matter has certainly been handled expeditiously by the authorities.

ex|pel / I kspe l/ (expels , expelling , expelled )

1 VERB [usu passive] If someone is expelledfrom a school or organization, they are officially told to leave because they have behaved badly. □�[be V -ed] More than five-thousand secondary school students have been expelled for cheating. □�[V -ed] �a boy expelled from school for making death threats to his teacher.

2 VERB If people are expelledfrom a place, they are made to leave it, often by force. □�[be V -ed +�from ] An American academic was expelled from the country yesterday. □�[V n] They were told at first that they should simply expel the refugees.

3 VERB To expel something means to force it out from a container or from your body. □�[be V -ed] As the lungs exhale this waste, gas is expelled into the atmosphere.

ex|pend / I kspe nd/ (expends , expending , expended ) VERB To expend something, especially energy, time, or money, means to use it or spend it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Children expend a lot of energy and may need more high-energy food than adults.

ex|pend|able / I kspe ndəb ə l/ ADJ If you regard someone or something as expendable , you think it is acceptable to get rid of them, abandon them, or allow them to be destroyed when they are no longer needed. [FORMAL ] □� Once our services cease to be useful to them, we're expendable. □� During the recession, training budgets were seen as an expendable luxury.

ex|pendi|ture / I kspe nd I tʃə r / (expenditures )

1 N‑VAR Expenditure is the spending of money on something, or the money that is spent on something. [FORMAL ] □� Policies of tax reduction must lead to reduced public expenditure. □� They should cut their expenditure on defence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Expenditure of something such as time or energy is the using of that thing for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The financial rewards justified the expenditure of effort.

ex|pense ◆◇◇ / I kspe ns/ (expenses )

1 N‑VAR Expense is the money that something costs you or that you need to spend in order to do something. □� Most of the marble had been imported at vast expense from Italy. □� It was not a fortune but would help to cover household expenses.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] Expenses are amounts of money that you spend while doing something in the course of your work, which will be paid back to you afterwards. [BUSINESS ] □� As a politician, her salary and expenses were paid by the taxpayer. □� Can you claim this back on expenses?

3 PHRASE If you do something at someone's expense , they provide the money for it. □� Should architects continue to be trained for five years at public expense?

4 PHRASE If someone laughs or makes a joke at your expense , they do it to make you seem foolish. □� I think he's having fun at our expense.

5 PHRASE If you achieve something at the expense of someone, you do it in a way which might cause them some harm or disadvantage. □� According to this study, women have made notable gains at the expense of men.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone does something at the expense of another thing, you are expressing concern at the fact that they are not doing the second thing, because the first thing uses all their resources. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The orchestra has more discipline now, but at the expense of spirit.

7 PHRASE If you go totheexpenseof doing something, you do something which costs a lot of money. If you go to great expenseto do something, you spend a lot of money in order to achieve it. □� Why go to the expense of buying an electric saw when you can hire one? COLLOCATIONS expense NOUN

1

noun +�expense : household, living, office; funeral

adjective +�expense : additional, considerable, vast; legal, medical, parliamentary; day-to-day, monthly

verb +�expense : incur; justify; fiddle

2

noun +�expense : hotel, travel

verb +�expense : claim, deduct; cover, pay, reimburse

ex|pe nse ac|count (expense accounts ) N‑COUNT An expense account is an arrangement between an employer and an employee which allows the employee to spend the company's money on things relating to their job, for example travelling or looking after clients. [BUSINESS ] □� He put Elizabeth's motel bill and airfare on his expense account. □� �expense account lunches.

ex|pen|sive ◆◆◇ / I kspe ns I v/ ADJ If something is expensive , it costs a lot of money. □� Fuel's so expensive in this country. □� I get very nervous because I'm using a lot of expensive equipment. ●� ex|pen|sive|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� She was expensively dressed, with fine furs and jewels. SYNONYMS expensive ADJ

costly:Having professionally-made curtains can be costly.

pricey:Medical insurance is very pricey.

overpriced:I had an overpriced cup of coffee in the hotel cafeteria.

exorbitant:Exorbitant housing prices have created an acute shortage of affordable housing for the poor.

ex|peri|ence ◆◆◆ / I ksp I ə riəns/ (experiences , experiencing , experienced )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Experience is knowledge or skill in a particular job or activity, which you have gained because you have done that job or activity for a long time. □� He has also had managerial experience on every level. □� His mother's had plenty of experience taking care of the twins for him.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Experience is used to refer to the past events, knowledge, and feelings that make up someone's life or character. □� I should not be in any danger here, but experience has taught me caution. □� She had learned from experience to take little rests in between her daily routine.

3 N‑COUNT An experience is something that you do or that happens to you, especially something important that affects you. □�[+�of ] His only experience of gardening so far proved immensely satisfying. □� Many of his clients are unbelievably nervous, usually because of a bad experience in the past.

4 VERB If you experience a particular situation, you are in that situation or it happens to you. □�[V n] We had never experienced this kind of holiday before and had no idea what to expect.

5 VERB If you experience a feeling, you feel it or are affected by it. □�[V n] Widows seem to experience more distress than do widowers. ●�N‑SING Experience is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the experience of pain. COLLOCATIONS experience NOUN

1

noun +�experience : life, work

adjective +�experience : first-hand, invaluable, personal, practical; managerial; extensive, previous

verb +�experience : gain

3

noun +�experience : dining, learning, shopping

adjective +�experience : bad, common, memorable, traumatic; near-death; positive, valuable

verb +�experience : enjoy, share VERB

4

experience+�noun : difficulty, hardship, loss, problem; change, symptom; life

5

experience+�noun : anxiety, distress, pain

ex|pe|ri|enced / I ksp I ə riənst/ ADJ If you describe someone as experienced , you mean that they have been doing a particular job or activity for a long time, and therefore know a lot about it or are very skilful at it. □�[+�in ] �lawyers who are experienced in these matters. □� It's a team packed with experienced and mature professionals.

ex|peri|en|tial / I ksp I ə rie nʃ ə l/ ADJ Experiential means relating to or resulting from experience. [FORMAL ] □� Learning has got to be active and experiential.

ex|peri|ment ◆◇◇ (experiments , experimenting , experimented ) The noun is pronounced / I kspe r I mənt/. The verb is pronounced / I kspe r I ment/. 1 N‑VAR An experiment is a scientific test which is done in order to discover what happens to something in particular conditions. □� He carried out a series of experiments on the properties of plants. □� This question can be answered only by experiment.

2 VERB If you experiment with something or experiment on it, you do a scientific test on it in order to discover what happens to it in particular conditions. □�[V +�with/on ] In 1857 Mendel started experimenting with peas in his monastery garden. □�[V ] The scientists have already experimented at each other's test sites. ●� ex|peri|men|ta|tion / I kspe r I mente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the ethical aspects of animal experimentation. ●� ex|peri|ment|er (experimenters ) N‑COUNT □� When the experimenters repeated the tests, they observed an opposite effect.

3 N‑VAR An experiment is the trying out of a new idea or method in order to see what it is like and what effects it has. □� As an experiment, we bought Ted a watch.

4 VERB To experiment means to try out a new idea or method to see what it is like and what effects it has. □�[V ] �if you like cooking and have the time to experiment. □�[V +�with ] He believes that students should be encouraged to experiment with bold ideas. ●� ex|peri|men|ta|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� Decentralization and experimentation must be encouraged. USAGE experiment

You usually say that someone conducts an experiment. Don�t say � We decided to make an experiment �. Say �We decided to conduct an experiment�.

ex|peri|men|tal / I kspe r I me nt ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is experimental is new or uses new ideas or methods, and might be modified later if it is unsuccessful. □� �an experimental air conditioning system. □� The technique is experimental, but the list of its practitioners is growing.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Experimental means using, used in, or resulting from scientific experiments. □� �the main techniques of experimental science. ●� ex|peri|men|tal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Communities of species were studied experimentally under controlled conditions.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An experimental action is done in order to see what it is like, or what effects it has. □� The British Sports Minister is reported to be ready to argue for an experimental lifting of the ban. ●� ex|peri|men|tal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� This system is being tried out experimentally at many universities.

ex|pert ◆◆◇ /e kspɜː r t/ (experts )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] An expert is a person who is very skilled at doing something or who knows a lot about a particular subject. □� �a yoga expert. □�[+�on ] �an expert on trade in that area.

2 ADJ Someone who is expertat doing something is very skilled at it. □�[+�at ] The Japanese are expert at lowering manufacturing costs. ●� ex|pert|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Shopkeepers expertly rolled spices up in bay leaves.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone has expert hands or an expert eye, you mean that they are very skilful or experienced in using their hands or eyes for a particular purpose. □� When the horse suffered a back injury Harvey cured it with his own expert hands.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Expert advice or help is given by someone who has studied a subject thoroughly or who is very skilled at a particular job. □� We'll need an expert opinion.

ex|per|tise /e kspɜː r tiː z/ N‑UNCOUNT Expertise is special skill or knowledge that is acquired by training, study, or practice. □� The problem is that most local authorities lack the expertise to deal sensibly in this market.

ex|pi|ate /e kspie I t/ (expiates , expiating , expiated ) VERB If you expiate guilty feelings or bad behaviour, you do something to indicate that you are sorry for what you have done. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] It seemed that Alice was expiating her father's sins with her charity work. [Also V n +�for ] ●� ex|pia|tion /e kspie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �an often painful process of evaluation and expiation.

ex|pi|ra|tion /e ksp I re I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Theexpirationof a fixed period of time is its ending. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a few hours before the expiration of the midnight deadline.

ex|pire / I kspa I ə r / (expires , expiring , expired ) VERB When something such as a contract, deadline, or visa expires , it comes to an end or is no longer valid. □�[V ] He had lived illegally in the United States for five years after his visitor's visa expired.

ex|pi|ry / I kspa I ə ri/ N‑UNCOUNT [N n] The expiryof something such as a contract, deadline, or visa is the time that it comes to an end or stops being valid. □�[+�of ] �the expiry of a fixed term contract. □� Make a note of credit card numbers and check expiry dates.

ex|plain ◆◆◇ / I ksple I n/ (explains , explaining , explained )

1 VERB If you explain something, you give details about it or describe it so that it can be understood. □�[V n] Not every judge, however, has the ability to explain the law in simple terms. □�[V n +�to ] Don't sign anything until your solicitor has explained the contract to you. □�[V wh] Professor Griffiths explained how the drug appears to work. □�[V with quote] 'He and Mrs Stein have a plan,' she explained. □�[V that] I explained that each person has different ideas of what freedom is. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you explain something that has happened, you give people reasons for it, especially in an attempt to justify it. □�[V ] 'Let me explain, sir.'�'Don't tell me about it. I don't want to know.'. □�[V n] Before she ran away, she left a note explaining her actions. □�[V pron-refl] Hospital discipline was broken. Amy would have to explain herself. □�[V wh] Explain why you didn't phone. □�[V that] The receptionist apologized for the delay, explaining that it had been a hectic day. [Also V n +�to , V with quote]

▸� explain away PHRASAL VERB If someone explains away a mistake or a bad situation they are responsible for, they try to indicate that it is unimportant or that it is not really their fault. □�[V P n] He evaded her questions about the war and tried to explain away the atrocities. □�[V n P ] I had noticed blood on my husband's clothing but he explained it away.

ex|pla|na|tion ◆◇◇ /e kspləne I ʃ ə n/ (explanations )

1 N‑COUNT [oft of/in N ] If you give an explanation of something that has happened, you give people reasons for it, especially in an attempt to justify it. □�[+of ] She told the court she would give a full explanation of the prosecution's decision on Monday. □� 'It's my ulcer,' he added by way of explanation.

2 N‑COUNT If you say there is an explanationfor something, you mean that there is a reason for it. □�[+�for ] The deputy airport manager said there was no apparent explanation for the crash. □� It's the only explanation for these results.

3 N‑COUNT If you give an explanationof something, you give details about it or describe it so that it can be understood. □�[+�of ] Haig was immediately impressed by Charteris's expertise and by his lucid explanation of the work. SYNONYMS explanation NOUN

1

interpretation:The opposition Conservative Party put a different interpretation on the figures.

clarification:The union has written to Zurich asking for clarification of the situation.

2

reason:There is a reason for every important thing that happens.

cause:The causes are a complex blend of local and national tensions.

excuse:It is easy to find excuses for his indecisiveness.

motive:Police have ruled out robbery as a motive for the killing.

ex|plana|tory / I kspl� nətəri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Explanatory statements or theories are intended to make people understand something by describing it or giving the reasons for it. [FORMAL ] □� These statements are accompanied by a series of explanatory notes.

ex|pletive / I kspliː t I v/ (expletives ) N‑COUNT An expletive is a rude word or expression such as 'Damn!' which you say when you are annoyed, excited, or in pain. [FORMAL ]

ex|pli|cable / I kspl I kəb ə l, [AM ] e kspl I k-/ ADJ If something is explicable , it can be explained and understood because it is logical or sensible. [FORMAL ] □� The older I grow, the stranger and less explicable the world appears to me.

ex|pli|cate /e kspl I ke I t/ (explicates , explicating , explicated ) VERB To explicate something means to explain it and make it clear. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We shall have to explicate its basic assumptions before we can assess its implications. ●� ex|pli|ca|tion /e kspl I ke I ʃ ə n/ (explications ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The jury listened to his impassioned explication of article 306. □�[+�of ] McKen criticises the lack of explication of what the term 'areas' means.

ex|plic|it / I kspl I s I t/

1 ADJ Something that is explicit is expressed or shown clearly and openly, without any attempt to hide anything. □� �sexually explicit scenes in films and books. □� �explicit references to age in recruitment advertising. ●� ex|plic|it|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The play was the first commercially successful work dealing explicitly with homosexuality. ●� ex|plic|it|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� When the book was published, the energy and explicitness caught the popular imagination.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are explicitabout something, you speak about it very openly and clearly. □�[+�about ] He was explicit about his intention to overhaul the party's internal voting system. ●� ex|plic|it|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She's writing explicitly about old age.

ex|plode ◆◇◇ / I ksploʊ d/ (explodes , exploding , exploded )

1 VERB If an object such as a bomb explodes or if someone or something explodes it, it bursts loudly and with great force, often causing damage or injury. □�[V ] They were clearing up when the second bomb exploded. □�[V n] A school bus was hit by gunfire which exploded the fuel tank.

2 VERB If someone explodes , they express strong feelings suddenly and violently. □�[V +�with ] Do you fear that you'll burst into tears or explode with anger in front of her? □�[V with quote] 'What happened!' I exploded. □�[V ] George caught the look and decided that Bess had better leave before she exploded.

3 VERB If something explodes , it increases suddenly and rapidly in number or intensity. □�[V +�to ] The population explodes to 40,000 during the tourist season. □�[V ] Investment by Japanese firms has exploded.

4 VERB If someone explodes a theory or myth, they prove that it is wrong or impossible. □�[V n] Electricity privatisation has exploded the myth of cheap nuclear power. USAGE explode or blow up?

If someone destroys a building with a bomb, you say that they blow it up . Don�t say � He wanted to explode the place .� Say �He wanted to blow the place up �.

ex|ploit ◆◇◇ (exploits , exploiting , exploited ) The verb is pronounced / I ksplɔ I t/. The noun is pronounced /e ksplɔ I t/. 1 VERB If you say that someone is exploiting you, you think that they are treating you unfairly by using your work or ideas and giving you very little in return. □�[V n] Critics claim he exploited black musicians for personal gain. □�[V -ed] �the plight of the exploited sugar cane workers. ●� ex|ploi|ta|tion /e ksplɔ I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Extra payments should be made to protect the interests of the staff and prevent exploitation.

2 VERB If you say that someone is exploiting a situation, you disapprove of them because they are using it to gain an advantage for themselves, rather than trying to help other people or do what is right. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] The government and its opponents compete to exploit the troubles to their advantage. ●� ex|ploi|ta|tion N‑SING □�[+�of ] �the exploitation of the famine by local politicians.

3 VERB If you exploit something, you use it well, and achieve something or gain an advantage from it. □�[V n] Cary is hoping to exploit new opportunities in Europe.

4 VERB To exploit resources or raw materials means to develop them and use them for industry or commercial activities. □�[V n] I think we're being very short sighted in not exploiting our own coal. ●� ex|ploi|ta|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the planned exploitation of its potential oil and natural gas reserves.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl, with poss] If you refer to someone's exploits , you mean the brave, interesting, or amusing things that they have done. □� His wartime exploits were later made into a film. SYNONYMS exploit VERB 1

abuse:He showed how the rich and powerful can abuse their position.

take advantage of:She took advantage of him even after they were divorced.

use:Why do I have the feeling I'm being used again?

ill-treat:They said they had not been ill-treated in captivity. NOUN 5

feat:This seems to me an impressive feat.

adventure:I set off for a new adventure on the first day of the year.

stunt:In a bold promotional stunt, he smashed his car into a passing truck.

deed:His heroic deeds were celebrated in every corner of India.

ex|ploit|able / I ksplɔ I təb ə l/

1 ADJ If something is exploitable , it can be used or developed to make a profit. □� Exploitable raw materials were in short supply. □� Of 27 new wells drilled, 16 have proved exploitable.

2 ADJ An exploitable situation can be used by someone to their own advantage. □� Your hope was I'd make some exploitable mistake.

ex|ploita|tive / I ksplɔ I tət I v/ ADJ If you describe something as exploitative , you disapprove of it because it treats people unfairly by using their work or ideas for its own advantage, and giving them very little in return. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The expansion of Western capitalism incorporated the Third World into an exploitative world system.

ex|ploit|er / I ksplɔ I tə r / (exploiters ) N‑COUNT If you refer to people as exploiters , you disapprove of them because they exploit other people in an unfair and cruel way. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ex|plora|tory / I ksplɒ rətri, [AM ] -plɔː rətɔːri/ ADJ Exploratory actions are done in order to discover something or to learn the truth about something. □� Exploratory surgery revealed her liver cancer.

ex|plore ◆◇◇ / I ksplɔː r / (explores , exploring , explored )

1 VERB If you explore a place, you travel around it to find out what it is like. □�[V n] After exploring the old part of town there is a guided tour of the cathedral. □�[V ] We've come to this country, let's explore! ●� ex|plo|ra|tion /e kspləre I ʃ ə n/ (explorations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] We devote several days to the exploration of the magnificent Maya sites of Copan.

2 VERB If you explore an idea or suggestion, you think about it or comment on it in detail, in order to assess it carefully. □�[V n] The film explores the relationship between artist and instrument. ●� ex|plo|ra|tion N‑VAR □�[+�of ] I looked forward to the exploration of their theories.

3 VERB If people explore an area for a substance such as oil or minerals, they study the area and do tests on the land to see whether they can find it. □�[V +�for ] Central to the operation is a mile-deep well, dug originally to explore for oil. [Also V n for n] ●� ex|plo|ra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� Oryx is a Dallas-based oil and gas exploration and production concern.

4 VERB If you explore something with your hands or fingers, you touch it to find out what it feels like. □�[V n] He explored the wound with his finger, trying to establish its extent. SYNONYMS explore VERB 2

investigate:Gas officials are investigating the cause of the explosion.

consider:The government is being asked to consider the plan.

research:She spent two years in South Florida researching and filming her documentary.

examine:The plans will be examined by E.U. ministers.

analyse:You need to analyse what is causing the stress in your life.

ex|plor|er / I ksplɔː rə r / (explorers ) N‑COUNT An explorer is someone who travels to places about which very little is known, in order to discover what is there.

ex|plo|sion ◆◇◇ / I ksploʊ ʒ ə n/ (explosions )

1 N‑COUNT An explosion is a sudden, violent burst of energy, for example one caused by a bomb. □� A second explosion came minutes later and we were enveloped in a dust cloud. □� Three people have been killed in a bomb explosion in northwest Spain.

2 N‑VAR Explosion is the act of deliberately causing a bomb or similar device to explode. □� Bomb disposal experts blew up the bag in a controlled explosion.

3 N‑COUNT An explosion is a large rapid increase in the number or amount of something. □�[+�in ] The study also forecast an explosion in the diet soft-drink market. □� The spread of the suburbs has triggered a population explosion among America's deer.

4 N‑COUNT An explosion is a sudden violent expression of someone's feelings, especially anger. □� Every time they met, Myra anticipated an explosion.

5 N‑COUNT An explosion is a sudden and serious political protest or violence. □�[+�of ] �the explosion of protest and violence sparked off by the killing of seven workers.

ex|plo|sive / I ksploʊ s I v/ (explosives )

1 N‑VAR An explosive is a substance or device that can cause an explosion. □� �one-hundred-and-fifty pounds of Semtex explosive.

2 ADJ Something that is explosive is capable of causing an explosion. □� The explosive device was timed to go off at the rush hour. ●� ex|plo|sive|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� Hydrogen is explosively flammable when mixed with oxygen.

3 ADJ An explosive growth is a sudden, rapid increase in the size or quantity of something. □� The explosive growth in casinos is one of the most conspicuous signs of Westernisation. ●� ex|plo|sive|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� These transactions grew explosively in the early 1980s.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An explosive situation is likely to have difficult, serious, or dangerous effects. □� He appeared to be treating the potentially explosive situation with some sensitivity. □� Nobody knows what explosive arguments the future of Europe will bring. ●� ex|plo|sive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� A referendum next year would coincide explosively with the election campaign.

5 ADJ If you describe someone as explosive , you mean that they tend to express sudden violent anger. □� He's inherited his father's explosive temper. ●� ex|plo|sive|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� 'Are you mad?' David asked explosively.

6 ADJ A sudden loud noise can be described as explosive . □� He made a loud, explosive noise of disgust. □� �an explosive drumbeat. ●� ex|plo|sive|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� The sound of her own chewing and swallowing were explosively loud.

expo /e skpoʊ/ (expos ) also Expo N‑COUNT [oft in names] An expo is a large event where goods, especially industrial goods, are displayed. □� �the Queensland Computer Expo.

ex|po|nent / I kspoʊ nənt/ (exponents )

1 N‑COUNT An exponentof an idea, theory, or plan is a person who supports and explains it, and who tries to persuade other people that it is a good idea. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a leading exponent of test-tube baby techniques.

2 N‑COUNT An exponentof a particular skill or activity is a person who is good at it. □�[+�of ] �a great exponent of expressionist dance.

ex|po|nen|tial /e kspəne nʃ ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Exponential means growing or increasing very rapidly. [FORMAL ] □� The policy tried to check the exponential growth of public expenditure. ●� ex|po|nen|tial|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The quantity of chemical pollutants has increased exponentially.

ex|port ◆◆◇ (exports , exporting , exported ) The verb is pronounced / I kspɔː r t/. The noun is pronounced /e kspɔː r t/. 1 VERB To export products or raw materials means to sell them to another country. □�[V n] The nation also exports rice. □�[be V -ed +�to ] They expect the antibiotic products to be exported to Southeast Asia and Africa. □�[V ] To earn foreign exchange we must export. [Also V n +�to ] ●�N‑UNCOUNT Export is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the production and export of cheap casual wear. □� �illegal arms exports.

2 N‑COUNT Exports are goods which are sold to another country and sent there. □� He did this to promote American exports. □� Ghana's main export is cocoa.

3 VERB To export something means to introduce it into another country or make it happen there. □�[V n] It has exported inflation at times. □�[V n +�to ] �hecklers who said the deal would export jobs to Mexico.

4 VERB In computing, if you export files or information from one type of software into another type, you change their format so that they can be used in the new software. □�[be V -ed] Its maps can be exported in the GPX file format. [Also V n]

ex|port|able / I kspɔː r təb ə l/ ADJ Exportable products are suitable for being exported. □� They are reliant on a very limited number of exportable products.

ex|port|er /e kspɔː r tə r , I kspɔː r tə r / (exporters ) N‑COUNT An exporter is a country, firm, or person that sells and sends goods to another country. □�[+�of ] France is the world's second-biggest exporter of agricultural products.

ex|po|s� /ekspoʊ ze I , [AM ] e kspoʊze I / (expos�s ) N‑COUNT An expos� is a film or piece of writing which reveals the truth about a situation or person, especially something involving shocking facts. □�[+�of ] The movie is an expos� of prison conditions in the South.

ex|pose ◆◇◇ / I kspoʊ z/ (exposes , exposing , exposed )

1 VERB To expose something that is usually hidden means to uncover it so that it can be seen. □�[V n] Lowered sea levels exposed the shallow continental shelf beneath the Bering Sea. □�[V -ed] �the exposed brickwork.

2 VERB To expose a person or situation means to reveal that they are bad or immoral in some way. □�[V n] The Budget does expose the lies ministers were telling a year ago. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He has simply been exposed as an adulterer and a fool. [Also V n +�as ]

3 VERB If someone is exposed to something dangerous or unpleasant, they are put in a situation in which it might affect them. □�[be V -ed +�to ] They had not been exposed to most diseases common to urban populations. □�[V n +�to ] A wise mother never exposes her children to the slightest possibility of danger. □�[V -ed] �people exposed to high levels of radiation.

4 VERB If someone is exposed to an idea or feeling, usually a new one, they are given experience of it, or introduced to it. □�[be V -ed +�to ] �local people who've not been exposed to glimpses of Western life before. □�[V n +�to ] These units exposed children to many viewpoints of a given issue.

5 VERB A man who exposeshimself shows people his genitals in a public place, usually because he is mentally or emotionally disturbed. □�[V pron-refl] Smith admitted indecently exposing himself on Wimbledon Common. SYNONYMS expose VERB

1

reveal:A grey carpet was removed to reveal the original pine floor.

uncover:Archaeologists have uncovered an 11,700-year-old hunting camp in Alaska.

show:He showed his teeth in a humourless grin.

bare:He bared his muscular, hairy chest for a women's magazine.

2

reveal:It was revealed that officials had never inspected the factory.

disclose:Neither side would disclose details of the transaction.

betray:She studied his face, but it betrayed nothing.

give away:They felt like they were giving away company secrets.

leak:He revealed who leaked a confidential police report.

ex|posed / I kspoʊ zd/ ADJ If a place is exposed , it has no natural protection against bad weather or enemies, for example because it has no trees or is on very high ground. □� �an exposed hillside in Connecticut.

ex|po|si|tion /e kspəz I ʃ ə n/ (expositions )

1 N‑COUNT An expositionof an idea or theory is a detailed explanation or account of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] A long exposition of the new republican ideas would be tiresome.

2 N‑COUNT An exposition is an exhibition in which something such as goods or works of art are shown to the public. □� �an art exposition.

ex|pos|tu|late / I kspɒ stʃʊle I t/ (expostulates , expostulating , expostulated ) VERB If you expostulate , you express strong disagreement with someone. [FORMAL ] □�[V with quote] 'For heaven's sake!' Dot expostulated. 'They're cheap and they're useful.'. □�[V ] For a moment I thought she was going to expostulate. □�[V +�with ] His family expostulated with him.

ex|po|sure ◆◇◇ / I kspoʊ ʒə r / (exposures )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Exposureto something dangerous means being in a situation where it might affect you. □�[+�to ] Exposure to lead is known to damage the brains of young children.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Exposure is the harmful effect on your body caused by very cold weather. □� He was suffering from exposure and shock but his condition was said to be stable.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The exposure of a well-known person is the revealing of the fact that they are bad or immoral in some way. □�[+�of ] �the exposure of stars in so-called morally compromising situations.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Exposure is publicity that a person, company, or product receives. □� The candidates are getting an enormous amount of exposure in the media.

5 N‑COUNT In photography, an exposure is a single photograph. [TECHNICAL ] □� Larger drawings tend to require two or three exposures to cover them.

6 N‑VAR In photography, the exposure is the amount of light that is allowed to enter a camera when taking a photograph. [TECHNICAL ] □� Against a deep blue sky or dark storm-clouds, you may need to reduce the exposure. SYNONYMS exposure NOUN

2

hypothermia:He was unconscious and suffering hypothermia.

frostbite:The survivors suffered from frostbite.

4

publicity:The case has generated enormous publicity in Brazil.

hype:My products aren't based on advertising hype, they sell by word of mouth.

promotion:During 1984, Remington spent a lot of money on advertising and promotion.

attention:Volume Two, sub-titled 'The Lawyers', will also attract considerable attention.

ex|pound / I kspaʊ nd/ (expounds , expounding , expounded ) VERB If you expound an idea or opinion, you give a clear and detailed explanation of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Schmidt continued to expound his views on economics and politics. ●�PHRASAL VERB Expound on means the same as expound . □�[V P n] Lawrence expounded on the military aspects of guerrilla warfare.

ex|press ◆◆◇ / I kspre s/ (expresses , expressing , expressed )

1 VERB When you express an idea or feeling, or expressyourself , you show what you think or feel. □�[V n] He expressed grave concern at American attitudes. □�[V pron-refl] He expresses himself easily in English.

2 VERB If an idea or feeling expressesitself in some way, it can be clearly seen in someone's actions or in its effects on a situation. □�[V pron-refl +�as ] She is obviously unhappy, and misery often expresses itself as anger.

3 VERB In mathematics, if you express a quantity or mathematical problem in a particular way, you write it using particular symbols, figures, or equations. [TECHNICAL ] □�[be V -ed as ] It is expressed as a percentage.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] An express command or order is one that is clearly and deliberately stated. [FORMAL ] □� The ship was sunk on express orders from the Prime Minister. ●� ex|press|ly ADV [ADV before v] □� He has expressly forbidden her to go out on her own.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to an express intention or purpose, you are emphasizing that it is a deliberate and specific one that you have before you do something. [EMPHASIS ] □� I had obtained my first camera for the express purpose of taking railway photographs. ●� ex|press|ly ADV [ADV before v] □� �projects expressly designed to support cattle farmers.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Express is used to describe special services which are provided by companies or organizations such as the Post Office, in which things are sent or done faster than usual for a higher price. □� I paid extra for the express service. □� It was sent to us by express mail. ●�ADV Express is also an adverb. □� Send it express.

7 N‑COUNT An express or an express train is a fast train which stops at very few stations. □�[+�to/for ] Punctually at 7.45, the express to Kuala Lumpur left Singapore station. COLLOCATIONS express VERB 1

express+�noun : concern, disappointment, dismay, frustration, outrage, regret; confidence, optimism; desire, hope, wish; opinion, view; support, sympathy; doubts, reservations

express+�adverb : freely, openly, privately, publicly; clearly, eloquently, forcefully; frequently, repeatedly SYNONYMS express VERB 1

communicate:They successfully communicate their knowledge to others.

convey:Please convey my congratulations to the bride and groom.

articulate:He was accused of failing to articulate an overall vision in foreign affairs.

state:'Our relationship is totally platonic,' she stated.

verbalize:�his inability to verbalize his feelings.

ex|pres|sion ◆◇◇ / I kspre ʃ ə n/ (expressions )

1 N‑VAR The expressionof ideas or feelings is the showing of them through words, actions, or artistic activities. □�[+�of ] Laughter is one of the most infectious expressions of emotion. □� �the rights of the individual to freedom of expression. □� Her concern has now found expression in the new environmental protection act.

2 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Your expression is the way that your face looks at a particular moment. It shows what you are thinking or feeling. □�[+�of ] Levin sat there, an expression of sadness on his face.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Expression is the showing of feeling when you are acting, singing, or playing a musical instrument. □� I put more expression into my lyrics than a lot of other singers do.

4 N‑COUNT An expression is a word or phrase. □� She spoke in a quiet voice but used remarkably coarse expressions. SYNONYMS expression NOUN

2

look:Sally spun round, a feigned look of surprise on her face.

face:He was walking around with a sad face.

air:Jennifer regarded him with an air of amusement.

4

phrase:He used a phrase I hate: 'You have to be cruel to be kind.'

saying:We also realize the truth of that old saying: Charity begins at home.

term:Myocardial infarction is the medical term for a heart attack.

idiom:Proverbs and idioms may become worn with over-use.

proverb:An old proverb says, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'.

ex|pres|sion|ism / I kspre ʃən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Expressionism is a style of art, literature, and music which uses symbols and exaggeration to represent emotions, rather than representing physical reality.

ex|pres|sion|ist / I kspre ʃən I st/ (expressionists )

1 N‑COUNT An expressionist is an artist, writer, or composer who uses the style of expressionism.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Expressionist artists, writers, composers, or works use the style of expressionism. □� �an extraordinary collection of expressionist paintings.

ex|pres|sion|less / I kspre ʃ ə nləs/ ADJ If you describe someone's face as expressionless , you mean that they are not showing their feelings.

ex|pres|sive / I kspre s I v/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as expressive , you mean that their behaviour clearly indicates their feelings or intentions. □� You can train people to be more expressive. □� �her small, usually expressive face. ●� ex|pres|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He moved his hands expressively. ●� ex|pres|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Crying is part of our natural expressiveness.

ex|press|way / I kspre swe I / (expressways ) N‑COUNT An expressway is a wide road that is specially designed so that a lot of traffic can move along it very quickly. It is usually divided, so that traffic travelling in one direction is separated from the traffic travelling in the opposite direction.

ex|pro|pri|ate /eksproʊ prie I t/ (expropriates , expropriating , expropriated ) VERB If a government or other authority expropriates someone's property, they take it away from them for public use. [LEGAL ] □�[V n] The Bolsheviks expropriated the property of the landowners. ●� ex|pro|pria|tion /eksproʊ prie I ʃ ə n/ (expropriations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the expropriation of property. □� Ownership is not clear because of expropriations in the Nazi era.

ex|pul|sion / I kspʌ lʃ ə n/ (expulsions )

1 N‑VAR Expulsion is when someone is forced to leave a school, university, or organization. □�[+�from ] Her hatred of authority led to her expulsion from high school. □� �the high number of school expulsions.

2 N‑VAR Expulsion is when someone is forced to leave a place. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the expulsion of Yemeni workers. □� �a new wave of mass expulsions.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Expulsion is when something is forced out from your body. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] �their expulsion from the digestive tract.

ex|punge / I kspʌ ndʒ/ (expunges , expunging , expunged ) VERB If you expunge something, you get rid of it completely, because it causes problems or bad feelings. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The revolutionaries expunged domestic opposition. □�[V n +�from ] The experience was something he had tried to expunge from his memory. □�[be V -ed +�from ] His name was expunged from the record books.

ex|pur|gate /e kspə r ge I t/ (expurgates , expurgating , expurgated ) VERB If someone expurgates a piece of writing, they remove parts of it before it is published because they think those parts will offend or shock people. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He heavily expurgated the work in its second edition. ●� ex|pur|gat|ed ADJ □� It was first published in 1914 in a highly expurgated version.

ex|quis|ite / I kskw I z I t, e kskw I z I t/ ADJ Something that is exquisite is extremely beautiful or pleasant, especially in a delicate way. □� The Indians brought in exquisite beadwork to sell. □� Mr Zhang's photography is exquisite. ●� ex|quis|ite|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� �exquisitely crafted dolls' houses.

e x-se rviceman (ex-servicemen ) N‑COUNT An ex-serviceman is a man who used to be in a country's army, navy, or air force. [BRIT ] in AM, use veteran

ext. N‑VAR Ext. is the written abbreviation for extension when it is used to refer to a particular phone number.

ex|tant /ekst� nt, e kstənt/ ADJ If something is extant , it is still in existence, in spite of being very old. [FORMAL ] □� Two fourteenth-century manuscripts of this text are still extant. □� The oldest extant document is dated 1492.

ex|tem|po|rize / I kste mpəra I z/ (extemporizes , extemporizing , extemporized ) in BRIT, also use extemporise VERB If you extemporize , you speak, act, or perform something immediately, without rehearsing or preparing it beforehand. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] He completely departed from the text and extemporized in a very energetic fashion.

ex|tend ◆◆◇ / I kste nd/ (extends , extending , extended )

1 VERB If you say that something, usually something large, extendsfor a particular distance or extendsfrom one place to another, you are indicating its size or position. □�[V +�for ] The caves extend for some 18 kilometres. □�[V +�to ] The main stem will extend to around 12ft, if left to develop naturally. □�[V amount] Our personal space extends about 12 to 18 inches around us. □�[V from n to n] Diyala extends from the suburbs of Baghdad to the Iranian border. □�[V +�over ] The new territory would extend over one-fifth of Canada's land mass. [Also V +�to ]

2 VERB If an object extends from a surface or place, it sticks out from it. □�[V +�from ] A shelf of land extended from the escarpment.

3 VERB If an event or activity extendsover a period of time, it continues for that time. □�[V from n to n] �a playing career in first-class cricket that extended from 1894 to 1920. □�[V +�over ] The courses are based on a weekly two-hour class, extending over a period of 25 weeks. [Also V +�to ]

4 VERB If something extendsto a group of people, things, or activities, it includes or affects them. □�[V +�to ] The service also extends to wrapping and delivering gifts. □�[V +�beyond ] His influence extends beyond the TV viewing audience.

5 VERB If you extend something, you make it longer or bigger. □�[V n] This year they have introduced three new products to extend their range. □�[be V -ed] The building was extended in 1500. □�[V -ed] �an extended exhaust pipe.

6 VERB If a piece of equipment or furniture extends , its length can be increased. □�[V ] � a table which extends to accommodate extra guests. □�[V +�to ] The table extends to 220cm.

7 VERB If you extend something, you make it last longer than before or end at a later date. □�[V n] They have extended the deadline by twenty-four hours. □�[V -ed] �an extended contract.

8 VERB If you extend something to other people or things, you make it include or affect more people or things. □�[V n +�to ] It might be possible to extend the technique to other crop plants.

9 VERB If someone extends their hand, they stretch out their arm and hand to shake hands with someone. □�[V n] The man extended his hand: 'I'm Chuck'. SYNONYMS extend VERB 5

widen:The search for my brother widened.

increase:The population continues to increase.

develop:She won a grant to develop her own business.

enlarge:�the plan to enlarge Ewood Park into a 30,000 all-seater stadium.

broaden:We must broaden our appeal.

ex|tend|able / I kste ndəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is extendable can be made longer. □� These were hung in place with extendable rods.

ex|tend|ed / I kste nd I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If something happens for an extended period of time, it happens for a long period of time. □� Any child who receives dedicated teaching over an extended period is likely to improve.

2 →�see also extend

ex|te nd|ed fa mi|ly (extended families ) N‑COUNT An extended family is a family group which includes relatives such as uncles, aunts, and grandparents, as well as parents, children, and brothers and sisters. □� Young mothers in such a community have the support of their extended family.

ex|ten|sion / I kste nʃ ə n/ (extensions )

1 N‑COUNT An extension is a new room or building which is added to an existing building or group of buildings.

2 N‑COUNT An extension is a new section of a road or rail line that is added to an existing road or line. □� �the Jubilee Line extension.

3 N‑COUNT An extension is an extra period of time for which something lasts or is valid, usually as a result of official permission. □�[+�of ] He first entered Britain on a six-month visa, and was given a further extension of six months.

4 N‑COUNT Something that is an extensionof something else is a development of it that includes or affects more people, things, or activities. □�[+�of ] He saw his civil rights activity as an extension of his ministry.

5 N‑COUNT An extension is a phone line that is connected to the switchboard of a company or institution, and that has its own number. The written abbreviation ext. is also used. □� She can get me on extension 308.

6 N‑COUNT An extension is a part which is connected to a piece of equipment in order to make it reach something further away. □� �a 30-foot extension cord.

ex|ten|sive ◆◇◇ / I kste ns I v/

1 ADJ Something that is extensive covers or includes a large physical area. □� �an extensive tour of Latin America. □� When built, the palace and its grounds were more extensive than the city itself. ●� ex|ten|sive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Mark, however, needs to travel extensively with his varied business interests.

2 ADJ Something that is extensive covers a wide range of details, ideas, or items. □� There was extensive coverage of World Book Day on the BBC. □� The facilities available are very extensive. ●� ex|ten|sive|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □� All these issues have been extensively researched in recent years.

3 ADJ If something is extensive , it is very great. □� The blast caused extensive damage, shattering the ground-floor windows. □� The security forces have extensive powers of search and arrest. ●� ex|ten|sive|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� Hydrogen is used extensively in industry for the production of ammonia.

ex|tent ◆◇◇ / I kste nt/

1 N‑SING If you are talking about how great, important, or serious a difficulty or situation is, you can refer to theextentof it. □�[+�of ] The government itself has little information on the extent of industrial pollution. □�[+�of ] The full extent of the losses was disclosed yesterday.

2 N‑SING Theextentof something is its length, area, or size. □�[+�of ] Their commitment was only to maintain the extent of forests, not their biodiversity.

3 PHRASE You use expressions such as to a large extent , to some extent , or to a certain extent in order to indicate that something is partly true, but not entirely true. [VAGUENESS ] □� It was and, to a large extent, still is a good show. □� To some extent this was the truth.

4 PHRASE You use expressions such as to what extent , to that extent , or to the extent that when you are discussing how true a statement is, or in what ways it is true. [VAGUENESS ] □� It's still not clear to what extent this criticism is originating from within the ruling party. □� To that extent they helped bring about their own destruction.

5 PHRASE You use expressions such as to the extent of , to the extent that , or to such an extent that in order to emphasize that a situation has reached a difficult, dangerous, or surprising stage. [EMPHASIS ] □� He said he didn't like the president, but not to the extent of wanting to kill him. SYNONYMS extent NOUN 1

scale:However, he underestimates the scale of the problem.

magnitude:No one realized the magnitude of the problem.

degree:These barriers will ensure a very high degree of protection.

level:The exercises are marked according to their level of difficulty.

amount:I still do a certain amount of work for them

ex|tenu|at|ing / I kste njue I t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that there are extenuating circumstances for a bad situation or wrong action, you mean that there are reasons or factors which partly excuse it. [FORMAL ] □� The defendants admitting their guilt, but insisted that there were extenuating circumstances.

ex|te|ri|or / I kst I ə riə r / (exteriors )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The exterior of something is its outside surface. □� In one ad the viewer scarcely sees the car's exterior. □�[+�of ] The exterior of the building was elegant and graceful.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] You can refer to someone's usual appearance or behaviour as their exterior , especially when it is very different from their real character. □� According to Mandy, Pat's tough exterior hides a shy and sensitive soul.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use exterior to refer to the outside parts of something or things that are outside something. □� The exterior walls were made of pre-formed concrete.

ex|ter|mi|nate / I kstɜː r m I ne I t/ (exterminates , exterminating , exterminated ) VERB To exterminate a group of people or animals means to kill all of them. □�[V n] A huge effort was made to exterminate the rats. ●� ex|ter|mi|na|tion / I kstɜː r m I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the extermination of hundreds of thousands of their countrymen.

ex|ter|mi|na|tor / I kstɜː r m I ne I tə r / (exterminators ) N‑COUNT An exterminator is a person whose job is to kill animals such as rats or mice, because they are annoying or dangerous.

ex|ter|nal / I kstɜː r n ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] External is used to indicate that something is on the outside of a surface or body, or that it exists, happens, or comes from outside. □� �a much reduced heat loss through external walls. □� �internal and external allergic reactions. ●� ex|ter|nal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Vitamins can be applied externally to the skin. □� �externally imposed conditions.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] External means involving or intended for foreign countries. □� �the commissioner for external affairs. □� �Jamaica's external debt. □� �the republic's external borders. ●� ex|ter|nal|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� �protecting the value of the mark both internally and externally.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] External means happening or existing in the world in general and affecting you in some way. □� �a reaction to external events. □� Such events occur only when the external conditions are favorable.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] External experts, for example external examiners , come into an organization from outside in order to do a particular job fairly and impartially, or to check that a particular job was done properly. [mainly BRIT ] ●� ex|ter|nal|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� There must be externally moderated tests.

5 PHRASE If medicine is for external use , it is intended to be used only on the outside of your body, and not to be eaten or drunk.

ex|ter|nal|ize / I kstɜː r nəla I z/ (externalizes , externalizing , externalized ) in BRIT, also use externalise VERB If you externalize your ideas or feelings, you express them openly, in words or actions. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] These are people who tend to externalize blame when anything goes wrong at work.

ex|ter|nals / I kstɜː r nəlz/ N‑PLURAL When you talk about externals , you are referring to the features of a situation that are obvious but not important or central. □�[+�of ] All that the tourists see are the externals of our faith.

ex|tinct / I kst I ŋkt/

1 ADJ A species of animal or plant that is extinct no longer has any living members, either in the world or in a particular place. □� It is 250 years since the wolf became extinct in Britain.

2 ADJ If a particular kind of worker, way of life, or type of activity is extinct , it no longer exists, because of changes in society. □� Herbalism had become an all but extinct skill in the Western world.

3 ADJ An extinct volcano is one that does not erupt or is not expected to erupt any more. □� Its tallest volcano, long extinct, is Olympus Mons.

ex|tinc|tion / I kst I ŋkʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The extinction of a species of animal or plant is the death of all its remaining living members. □� An operation is beginning to try to save a species of crocodile from extinction.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone refers to the extinction of a way of life or type of activity, they mean that the way of life or activity stops existing. □� The loggers say their jobs are faced with extinction because of declining timber sales.

ex|tin|guish / I kst I ŋgw I ʃ/ (extinguishes , extinguishing , extinguished )

1 VERB If you extinguish a fire or a light, you stop it burning or shining. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] It took about 50 minutes to extinguish the fire.

2 VERB If something extinguishes a feeling or idea, it destroys it. □�[V n] The message extinguished her hopes of Richard's return.

ex|tin|guish|er / I kst I ŋgw I ʃə r / (extinguishers ) N‑COUNT An extinguisher is the same as a fire extinguisher .

ex|tol / I kstoʊ l/ (extols , extolling , extolled ) VERB If you extol something or someone, you praise them enthusiastically. □�[V n] Now experts are extolling the virtues of the humble potato.

ex|tort / I kstɔː r t/ (extorts , extorting , extorted ) VERB If someone extorts money from you, they get it from you using force, threats, or other unfair or illegal means. □�[V n +�from ] Corrupt government officials were extorting money from him. □�[V n] Her kidnapper extorted a �175,000 ransom for her release.

ex|tor|tion / I kstɔː r ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Extortion is the crime of obtaining something from someone, especially money, by using force or threats. □� He has been charged with extortion and abusing his powers.

ex|tor|tion|ate / I kstɔː r ʃ ə nət/ ADJ If you describe something such as a price as extortionate , you are emphasizing that it is much greater than it should be. [EMPHASIS ]

ex|tor|tion|ist / I kstɔː r ʃ ə n I st/ (extortionists ) N‑COUNT An extortionist is a person who commits the crime of obtaining something from someone by using force or threats.

ex|tra ◆◆◇ /e kstrə/ (extras )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use extra to describe an amount, person, or thing that is added to others of the same kind, or that can be added to others of the same kind. □� Police warned motorists to allow extra time to get to work. □� Extra staff have been taken on to cover busy periods. □� There's an extra blanket in the bottom drawer of the cupboard.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is extra , you have to pay more money for it in addition to what you are already paying for something. □� The price of your meal is extra. ●�PRON Extra is also a pronoun. □� Many of the additional features now cost extra. ●�ADV Extra is also an adverb. □� You may be charged 10% extra for this service.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Extras are additional amounts of money that are added to the price that you have to pay for something. □� There are no hidden extras.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Extras are things which are not necessary in a situation, activity, or object, but which make it more comfortable, useful, or enjoyable. □� Optional extras include cooking tuition at a top restaurant.

5 N‑COUNT The extras in a film are the people who play unimportant parts, for example as members of a crowd.

6 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use extra in front of adjectives and adverbs to emphasize the quality that they are describing. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I'd have to be extra careful. □� What makes a magnificent garden extra special?

7to go the extra mile →�see mile

PREFIX extra-

1 forms adjectives that refer to something being outside or beyond something else. For example, something that is extraordinary is more than ordinary, that is, very special.

2 also forms adjectives that refer to something having a large amount of a particular quality. For example, if something is extra-strong , it is very strong.

ex|tract (extracts , extracting , extracted ) The verb is pronounced / I kstr� kt/. The noun is pronounced /e kstr�kt/. 1 VERB To extract a substance means to obtain it from something else, for example by using industrial or chemical processes. □�[V n] �the traditional method of pick and shovel to extract coal. □�[be V -ed +�from ] Citric acid can be extracted from the juice of oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruit. □�[V -ed] �looking at the differences in the extracted DNA. [Also V n +�from ] ●� ex|trac|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Petroleum engineers plan and manage the extraction of oil.

2 VERB If you extract something from a place, you take it out or pull it out. □�[V n +�from ] He extracted a small notebook from his hip pocket. □�[V n] Patterson went straight to the liquor cabinet and extracted a bottle of Scotch.

3 VERB When a dentist extracts a tooth, they remove it from the patient's mouth. □�[V n] A dentist may decide to extract the tooth to prevent recurrent trouble. □�[have n V -ed] She is to go and have a tooth extracted at 3 o'clock today. ●� ex|trac|tion (extractions ) N‑VAR □� In those days, dentistry was basic. Extractions were carried out without anaesthetic.

4 VERB If you say that someone extracts something, you disapprove of them because they take it for themselves to gain an advantage. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n +�from ] He sought to extract the maximum political advantage from the cut in interest rates.

5 VERB If you extract information or a response from someone, you get it from them with difficulty, because they are unwilling to say or do what you want. □�[V n +�from ] He made the mistake of trying to extract further information from our director.

6 VERB If you extract a particular piece of information, you obtain it from a larger amount or source of information. □�[V n] I've simply extracted a few figures. □�[be V -ed +�from ] Trade figures can be extracted from export-and-import documentation at ports. [Also V n +�from ]

7 V-PASSIVE If part of a book or text is extractedfrom a particular book, it is printed or published. [JOURNALISM ] □�[be V -ed +�from ] This material has been extracted from 'Collins Good Wood Handbook'. [Also be V -ed]

8 N‑COUNT An extractfrom a book or piece of writing is a small part of it that is printed or published separately. □�[+�from ] Read this extract from an information booklet about the work of an airline cabin crew.

9 N‑VAR [oft n N ] An extract is a substance that has been obtained from something else, for example by means of a chemical or industrial process. □� Blend in the lemon extract, lemon peel and walnuts.

10 →�see also yeast extract

ex|trac|tion / I kstr� kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say, for example, that someone is of French extraction , you mean that they or their family originally came from France. [FORMAL ] □� Her real father was of Italian extraction.

ex|trac|tor / I kstr� ktə r / (extractors )

1 N‑COUNT An extractor or extractor fan is a device that is fixed to a window or wall to draw smells, steam, or hot air out of a room. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use ventilator2 N‑COUNT An extractor is a device that squeezes liquid out of something. □� �a juice extractor.

extra|cur|ricu|lar /e kstrəkər I kjʊlə r / in BRIT, also use extra-curricular1 ADJ [ADJ n] Extracurricular activities are activities for students that are not part of their course. [FORMAL ] □� Each child had participated in extracurricular activities at school. □� �extra-curricular sport.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Extracurricular activities are activities that someone does that are not part of their normal work. [INFORMAL ] □� The money he made from these extra-curricular activities enabled him to pursue other ventures.

extra|dite /e kstrəda I t/ (extradites , extraditing , extradited ) VERB If someone is extradited , they are officially sent back to their own or another country to be tried for a crime that they have been accused of. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�to/from ] He was extradited to Britain from the Irish Republic to face explosives charges. □�[V n] The authorities refused to extradite him. ●� extra|di|tion /e kstrəd I ʃ ə n/ (extraditions ) N‑VAR □� A New York court turned down the British government's request for his extradition. □� There were no plans to reopen extradition proceedings against him.

e xtra-ma rital also extramarital ADJ [usu ADJ n] An extra-marital affair is a sexual relationship between a married person and another person who is not their husband or wife. □� Her husband has admitted having an extra-marital affair.

e xtra-mu ral also extramural ADJ [usu ADJ n] Extra-mural courses are courses at a college or university which are taken mainly by part-time students.

extra|neous / I kstre I niəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Extraneous things are not relevant or essential to the situation you are involved in or the subject you are talking about. [FORMAL ] □� We ought not to bring in extraneous matters in trying to find a basis for a settlement.

extraor|di|naire /ekstrɔː r d I neə r / ADJ [n ADJ ] If you describe someone as being, for example, a musician extraordinaire , you are saying in a slightly humorous way that you think they are an extremely good musician. □� �his rise to seafood chef extraordinaire.

extraor|di|nary ◆◇◇ / I kstrɔː r dənri, [AM ] -neri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something or someone as extraordinary , you mean that they have some extremely good or special quality. [APPROVAL ] □� We've made extraordinary progress as a society in that regard. □� The task requires extraordinary patience and endurance. □� Rozhdestvensky is an extraordinary musician. ●� extraor|di|nari|ly / I kstrɔː r dənr I li, [AM ] -ner I li/ ADV [ADV adj] □� She's extraordinarily disciplined.

2 ADJ If you describe something as extraordinary , you mean that it is very unusual or surprising. [EMPHASIS ] □� What an extraordinary thing to happen! □� His decision to hold talks is extraordinary because it could mean the real end of the war. ●� extraor|di|nari|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� Apart from the hair, he looked extraordinarily unchanged. □� Extraordinarily, the favourites for the title lie at the bottom of the table.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An extraordinary meeting is arranged specially to deal with a particular situation or problem, rather than happening regularly. [FORMAL ] □� �at an extraordinary meeting of the sport's ruling body.

ex|trapo|late / I kstr� p ə le I t/ (extrapolates , extrapolating , extrapolated ) VERB If you extrapolate from known facts, you use them as a basis for general statements about a situation or about what is likely to happen in the future. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�from ] Extrapolating from his American findings, he reckons about 80% of these deaths might be attributed to smoking. □�[V n +�from ] It is unhelpful to extrapolate general trends from one case. ●� ex|trapo|la|tion / I kstr� pəle I ʃ ə n/ (extrapolations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] His estimate of half a million HIV positive cases was based on an extrapolation of the known incidence of the virus.

e xtra-sensory perce ption also extrasensory perception N‑UNCOUNT Extra-sensory perception means knowing without using your ordinary senses such as sight and hearing. Some people believe this is possible. The abbreviation ESP is also used.

extra|ter|res|trial /e kstrət I re striəl/ (extraterrestrials ) also extra-terrestrial

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Extraterrestrial means happening, existing, or coming from somewhere beyond the planet Earth. [FORMAL ] □� NASA has started a 10-year search for extraterrestrial intelligence. □� �extraterrestrial rocks.

2 N‑COUNT Extraterrestrials are living creatures that some people think exist or may exist in another part of the universe.

e x|tra ti me N‑UNCOUNT If a game of football, hockey, or basketball goes into extra time , the game continues for a set period after it would usually have ended because both teams have the same score. [BRIT ] □� Cambridge won 2�0 after extra time. in AM, use overtime

ex|trava|gance / I kstr� vəgəns/ (extravagances )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Extravagance is the spending of more money than is reasonable or than you can afford. □� �gross mismanagement and financial extravagance. □� When the company went under, tales of his extravagance surged through the industry.

2 N‑COUNT An extravagance is something that you spend money on but cannot really afford. □� Her only extravagance was horses.

ex|trava|gant / I kstr� vəgənt/

1 ADJ Someone who is extravagant spends more money than they can afford or uses more of something than is reasonable. □� We are not extravagant; restaurant meals are a luxury and designer clothes are out. ●� ex|trava|gant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Jeff had shopped extravagantly for presents for the whole family.

2 ADJ Something that is extravagant costs more money than you can afford or uses more of something than is reasonable. □� Her Aunt Sallie gave her an uncharacteristically extravagant gift. □� �her extravagant lifestyle. ●� ex|trava|gant|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� For such a beautifully engineered machine, it is not extravagantly priced .

3 ADJ Extravagant behaviour is extreme behaviour that is often done for a particular effect. □� He was extravagant in his admiration of Hellas. □� They may make extravagant shows of generosity. ●� ex|trava|gant|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �extravagantly bizarre clothes.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Extravagant claims or ideas are unrealistic or impractical. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They have to compete by adorning their products with ever more extravagant claims. □� Don't be afraid to consider apparently extravagant ideas.

ex|trava|gan|za / I kstr� vəg� nzə/ (extravaganzas ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An extravaganza is a very elaborate and expensive show or performance. □� �a magnificent firework extravaganza. □� �an all-night musical extravaganza.

ex|treme ◆◇◇ / I kstriː m/ (extremes )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Extreme means very great in degree or intensity. □� The girls were afraid of snakes and picked their way along with extreme caution. □� �people living in extreme poverty. □� �the author's extreme reluctance to generalise.

2 ADJ You use extreme to describe situations and behaviour which are much more severe or unusual than you would expect, especially when you disapprove of them because of this. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The extreme case was Poland, where 29 parties won seats. □� It is hard to imagine Lineker capable of anything so extreme.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use extreme to describe opinions, beliefs, or political movements which you disapprove of because they are very different from those that most people would accept as reasonable or normal. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� This extreme view hasn't captured popular opinion. □� �the racist politics of the extreme right.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can use extremes to refer to situations or types of behaviour that have opposite qualities to each other, especially when each situation or type of behaviour has such a quality to the greatest degree possible. □�[+�of ] �a 'middle way' between the extremes of success and failure. □�[+�of ] They can withstand extremes of temperature and weather without fading or cracking.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The extreme end or edge of something is its furthest end or edge. □� �the room at the extreme end of the corridor. □� �winds from the extreme north.

6 PHRASE If a person goes to extremes or takes something to extremes , they do or say something in a way that people consider to be unacceptable, unreasonable, or foolish. □�[+�of ] He went to the extremes of installing the most advanced safety devices in his house. □� The doctor told me not to mention dieting to her in case she took it to the extreme.

7 PHRASE You use in the extreme after an adjective in order to emphasize what you are saying, especially when you want to indicate that it is something which is undesirable or very surprising. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� It is proving controversial in the extreme. SYNONYMS extreme ADJ 1

great:Benjamin Britten did not live to a great age.

high:High winds have knocked down trees and power lines.

considerable:Doing it properly makes considerable demands on our time.

severe:I suffered from severe bouts of depression.

intense:He was sweating from the intense heat.

acute:The report has caused acute embarrassment to the government.

ex|treme|ly ◆◆◇ / I kstriː mli/ ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use extremely in front of adjectives and adverbs to emphasize that the specified quality is present to a very great degree. [EMPHASIS ] □� These headaches are extremely common. □� Three of them are working extremely well. SYNONYMS extremely ADV

highly:Mr Singh was a highly successful salesman.

particularly:Progress has been particularly disappointing.

severely:�the severely depressed construction industry.

exceptionally:He's an exceptionally talented dancer.

intensely:The fast-food business is intensely competitive.

ex|tre me spo rt N‑COUNT Extreme sports are exciting, physically dangerous sports such as bungee jumping or snowboarding.

ex|tre|mis / I kstriː m I s/ →�see in extremis

ex|trem|ism / I kstriː m I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Extremism is the behaviour or beliefs of extremists. □� Greater demands were being placed on the police by growing right-wing extremism.

ex|trem|ist / I kstriː m I st/ (extremists )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an extremist , you disapprove of them because they try to bring about political change by using violent or extreme methods. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The country needs a strong intelligence service to counter espionage and foreign extremists. □� A previously unknown extremist group has said it carried out Friday's bomb attack. □� �a marked rise in extremist violence.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has extremist views, you disapprove of them because they believe in bringing about change by using violent or extreme methods. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ex|trem|ity / I kstre m I ti/ (extremities )

1 N‑COUNT The extremity of something is its furthest end or edge. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a small port on the north-western extremity of the Iberian peninsula. □�[+�of ] �the extremities of the aeroplane.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft with poss] Your extremities are the end parts of your body, especially your hands and feet. □� He found that his extremities grew cold.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The extremityof a situation or of someone's behaviour is the degree to which it is severe, unusual, or unacceptable. □�[+�of ] In spite of the extremity of her seclusion she was sane. □�[+�of ] The region is protected by the extremities of its climate.

ex|tri|cate /e kstr I ke I t/ (extricates , extricating , extricated )

1 VERB If you extricateyourself or another person from a difficult or serious situation, you free yourself or the other person from it. □�[V pron-refl +�from ] It represents a last ditch attempt by the country to extricate itself from its economic crisis. □�[V n +�from ] He wanted to extricate her from the immediate influence of Catherine de Medici.

2 VERB If you extricate someone or something from a place where they are trapped or caught, you succeed in freeing them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He endeavoured to extricate the car, digging with his hands in the blazing sunshine.

ex|trin|sic / I kstr I nz I k, [AM ] -s I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Extrinsic reasons, forces, or factors exist outside the person or situation they affect. [FORMAL ] □� Nowadays there are fewer extrinsic pressures to get married.

extro|vert /e kstrəvɜː r t/ (extroverts ) ADJ Someone who is extrovert is very active, lively, and friendly. [mainly BRIT ] □� �his extrovert personality. in AM, usually use extroverted ●�N‑COUNT An extrovert is someone who is extrovert. □� He was a showman, an extrovert who revelled in controversy.

extro|vert|ed /e kstrəvɜː r t I d/ ADJ Someone who is extroverted is very active, lively, and friendly. [mainly AM ] □� Some young people who were easy-going and extroverted as children become self-conscious in early adolescence. in BRIT, usually use extrovert

ex|trude / I kstruː d/ (extrudes , extruding , extruded ) VERB [usu passive] If a substance is extruded , it is forced or squeezed out through a small opening. [TECHNICAL ] □�[be V -ed] These crystals are then embedded in a plastic, and the plastic is extruded as a wire. □�[V -ed] I work in the extruded tube business.

ex|tru|sion / I kstruː ʒ ə n/ (extrusions ) N‑VAR Extrusion is the act or process of extruding something. [TECHNICAL ]

exu|ber|ance / I gzjuː bərəns, [AM ] -zuː b-/ N‑UNCOUNT Exuberance is behaviour which is energetic, excited, and cheerful. □� Her burst of exuberance and her brightness overwhelmed me.

exu|ber|ant / I gzjuː bərənt, [AM ] -zuː b-/ ADJ If you are exuberant , you are full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness. □� �an exuberant young girl who decided to become a screen actress. ●� exu|ber|ant|ly ADV □� They both laughed exuberantly.

ex|ude / I gzjuː d, [AM ] -zuː d/ (exudes , exuding , exuded )

1 VERB If someone exudes a quality or feeling, or if it exudes , they show that they have it to a great extent. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The guerrillas exude confidence. Every town, they say, is under their control. □�[V ] A dogged air of confidence exuded.

2 VERB If something exudes a liquid or smell or if a liquid or smell exudesfrom it, the liquid or smell comes out of it slowly and steadily. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Nearby was a factory which exuded a pungent smell. □�[V +�from ] �the fluid that exudes from the cane toad's back.

ex|ult / I gzʌ lt/ (exults , exulting , exulted ) VERB If you exultin a triumph or success that you have had, you feel and show great happiness and pleasure because of it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�in ] He was exulting in a win at the show earlier that day. □�[V +�at ] Some individual investors exulted at the record. □�[V ] I exulted and wept for joy. □�[V with quote] 'This is what I've longed for during my entire career,' Kendall exulted. ●� ex|ul|ta|tion /e gzʌlte I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� I felt a tremendous sense of relief and exultation.

ex|ult|ant / I gzʌ lt ə nt/ ADJ If you are exultant , you feel very happy and proud about something you have done. [FORMAL ] □� An exultant party leader said: 'He will be an excellent MP.' ●� ex|ult|ant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'We cannot lose the war!' he shouted exultantly.

eye ◆◆◆ /a I / (eyes , eyeing or eying , eyed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N in pl] Your eyes are the parts of your body with which you see. □� I opened my eyes and looked. □� Maria's eyes filled with tears. □� �a tall, thin white-haired lady with piercing dark brown eyes. □� He is now blind in one eye.

2 VERB If you eye someone or something in a particular way, you look at them carefully in that way. □�[V n prep/adv] Sally eyed Claire with interest. □�[V n] Martin eyed the bottle at Marianne's elbow.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You use eye when you are talking about a person's ability to judge things or about the way in which they are considering or dealing with things. □�[+for ] William was a man of discernment, with an eye for quality. □� Their chief negotiator turned his critical eye on the United States. □� He first learnt to fish under the watchful eye of his grandmother.

4 N‑COUNT An eye on a potato is one of the dark spots from which new stems grow.

5 N‑COUNT An eye is a small metal loop which a hook fits into, as a fastening on a piece of clothing.

6 N‑COUNT The eye of a needle is the small hole at one end which the thread passes through.

7 N‑SING The eye of a storm, tornado, or hurricane is the centre of it. □�[+�of ] The eye of the hurricane hit Florida just south of Miami.

8 →�see also black eye , private eye , shut-eye

9 PHRASE If you say that something happens before your eyes , in front of your eyes , or under your eyes , you are emphasizing that it happens where you can see it clearly and often implying that it is surprising or unpleasant. [EMPHASIS ] □� A lot of them died in front of our eyes.

10 PHRASE If you cast your eye or run your eye over something, you look at it or read it quickly. □� I would be grateful if he could cast an expert eye over it and tell me what he thought of it.

11 PHRASE If something catches your eye , you suddenly notice it. □� As she turned back, a movement across the lawn caught her eye.

12 →�see also eye-catching

13 PHRASE If you catch someone's eye , you do something to attract their attention, so that you can speak to them. □� I tried to catch Chrissie's eye to find out what she was playing at.

14 PHRASE To clap eyes on someone or something, or set or lay eyes on them, means to see them. [INFORMAL ] □� That's probably the bleakest island I've ever had the misfortune to clap eyes on. □� What was he doing when you last set eyes on him?

15 PHRASE If you make eye contactwith someone, you look at them at the same time as they look at you, so that you are both aware that you are looking at each other. If you avoid eye contactwith someone, you deliberately do not look straight at them because you feel awkward or embarrassed. □� She was looking at me across the room, and we made eye contact several times. □� I walked down the high street, avoiding eye contact with passers-by.

16 PHRASE If you close your eyes to something bad or if you shut your eyes to it, you ignore it. □� Most governments must simply be shutting their eyes to the problem.

17 PHRASE If you cry your eyes out , you cry very hard. [INFORMAL ]

18 PHRASE If there is something as far as the eye can see , there is a lot of it and you cannot see anything else beyond it. □� There are pine trees as far as the eye can see.

19 PHRASE If you say that someone has an eye for something, you mean that they are good at noticing it or making judgments about it. □� Susan has a keen eye for detail, so each dress is beautifully finished off.

20 PHRASE You use expressions such as in his eyes or to her eyes to indicate that you are reporting someone's opinion and that other people might think differently. □� The other serious problem in the eyes of the new government is communalism. □� Richard Dorrington was, in their eyes, a very sensible and reliable man.

21 PHRASE If you keep your eyes open or keep an eye outfor someone or something, you watch for them carefully. [INFORMAL ] □� I ask the mounted patrol to keep their eyes open. □� You and your friends keep an eye out�if there's any trouble we'll make a break for it. [Also +�for ]

22 PHRASE If you keep an eye on something or someone, you watch them carefully, for example to make sure that they are satisfactory or safe, or not causing trouble. □� I'm sure you will appreciate that we must keep a careful eye on all our running costs. □� I went for a run there, keeping an eye on the children the whole time.

23 PHRASE You say ' there's more to this than meets the eye ' when you think a situation is not as simple as it seems to be. □� This whole business is very puzzling. There is a lot more to it than meets the eye.

24 PHRASE If something, especially something surprising or impressive, meets your eyes , you see it. □� The first sight that met my eyes on reaching the front door was the church enveloped in flames.

25 PHRASE If you say that all eyes are on something or that the eyes of the world are on something, you mean that everyone is paying careful attention to it and what will happen. [JOURNALISM ] □� All eyes will be on tomorrow's vote. □� The eyes of the world were now on the police.

26 PHRASE If someone has their eye on you, they are watching you carefully to see what you do. □� As the boat plodded into British waters and up the English Channel, Customs had their eye on her.

27 PHRASE If you have your eye on something, you want to have it. [INFORMAL ] □� �if you're saving up for a new outfit you've had your eye on.

28 PHRASE If you say that you did something with your eyes open or with your eyes wide open , you mean that you knew about the problems and difficulties that you were likely to have. □� We want all our members to undertake this trip responsibly, with their eyes open.

29 PHRASE If something opens your eyes , it makes you aware that something is different from the way that you thought it was. □� Watching your child explore the world about her can open your eyes to delights long forgotten.

30 PHRASE If you see eye to eyewith someone, you agree with them and have the same opinions and views. □�[+�with ] Yuriko saw eye to eye with Yul on almost every aspect of the production.

31 PHRASE When you take your eyes off the thing you have been watching or looking at, you stop looking at it. □� She took her eyes off the road to glance at me.

32 PHRASE If someone sees or considers something through your eyes , they consider it in the way that you do, from your point of view. □� She tried to see things through his eyes.

33 PHRASE If you say that you are up to your eyesin something, you are emphasizing that you have a lot of it to deal with, and often that you are very busy. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I am up to my eyes in work.

34the apple of your eye →�see apple

35to turn a blind eye →�see blind

36to feast your eyes →�see feast

37in your mind's eye →�see mind ➊

38the naked eye →�see naked

39to pull the wool over someone's eyes →�see wool

▸� eye up PHRASAL VERB If someone eyes you up , they look at you in a way that shows they consider you attractive. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] �a slob who eyes up the women and makes lewd comments. □�[V n P ] The women sit in the corner and men eye them up.

eye|ball /a I bɔːl/ (eyeballs , eyeballing , eyeballed )

1 N‑COUNT Your eyeballs are your whole eyes, rather than just the part which can be seen between your eyelids.

2 VERB If you eyeball someone or something, you stare at them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] The guard eyeballed him pretty hard despite his pass.

3 PHRASE If you are eyeball to eyeballwith someone, you are in their presence and involved in a meeting, dispute, or contest with them. You can also talk about having an eyeball to eyeball meeting or confrontation. [INFORMAL ] □� �proposals that the two armies end their eyeball to eyeball confrontation and withdraw.

4 PHRASE You use up to the eyeballs to emphasize that someone is in an undesirable state to a very great degree. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He is out of a job and up to his eyeballs in debt.

eye|brow /a I braʊ/ (eyebrows )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] Your eyebrows are the lines of hair which grow above your eyes.

2 PHRASE If something causes you to raise an eyebrow or to raise your eyebrows , it causes you to feel surprised or disapproving. □� An intriguing item on the news pages caused me to raise an eyebrow over my morning coffee.

eye ca n|dy also eye-candy N‑UNCOUNT Eye candy is used to refer to people or things that are attractive to look at but are not interesting in other ways. [INFORMAL ] □� Forget the acting, just look at the eye candy. □� Animation has stopped being eye-candy for kids and become mainstream entertainment.

ey e -catching ADJ Something that is eye-catching is very noticeable. □� �a series of eye-catching ads.

-eyed /-a I d/ COMB -eyed combines with adjectives to form adjectives which indicate the colour, shape, or size of a person's eyes, or indicate the kind of expression that they have. □� �a blonde-haired, blue-eyed little girl. □� She watched open-eyed as the plane took off.

e ye drops N‑PLURAL Eye drops are a kind of medicine that you put in your eyes one drop at a time.

eye|ful /a I fʊl/ (eyefuls ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you get an eyefulof something, especially of something that you would not normally see, you are able to get a good look at it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Then she bent over and gave him an eyeful of her tattoos.

eye|glasses /a I glɑːs I z/ N‑PLURAL Eyeglasses are two lenses in a frame that some people wear in front of their eyes in order to help them see better. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use glasses

eye|lash /a I l�ʃ/ (eyelashes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your eyelashes are the hairs which grow on the edges of your eyelids.

eye|let /a I l I t/ (eyelets ) N‑COUNT An eyelet is a small hole with a metal or leather ring round it which is made in cloth, for example a sail. You can put cord, rope, or string through it.

eye|lid /a I l I d/ (eyelids )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your eyelids are the two pieces of skin which cover your eyes when they are closed.

2not bat an eyelid →�see bat

eye|liner /a I la I nə r / (eyeliners ) in AM, use eye-liner N‑VAR Eyeliner is a special kind of pencil which some women use on the edges of their eyelids next to their eyelashes in order to look more attractive.

ey e -opener (eye-openers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe something as an eye-opener , you mean that it surprises you and that you learn something new from it. [INFORMAL ] □� The experience has been an eye-opener for her and she is thrilled with her progress.

ey e patch (eye patches ) N‑COUNT An eye patch is a piece of material which you wear over your eye when you have damaged or injured it.

eye|piece /a I piːs/ (eyepieces ) N‑COUNT The eyepiece of a microscope or telescope is the piece of glass at one end, where you put your eye in order to look through the instrument.

ey e shad|ow (eye shadows ) also eye-shadow N‑VAR Eye shadow is a substance which you can paint on your eyelids in order to make them a different colour.

eye|sight /a I sa I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Your eyesight is your ability to see. □� He suffered from poor eyesight and could no longer read properly.

ey e sock|et (eye sockets ) N‑COUNT Your eye sockets are the two hollow parts on either side of your face, where your eyeballs are.

eye|sore /a I sɔː r / (eyesores ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You describe a building or place as an eyesore when it is extremely ugly and you dislike it or disapprove of it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Poverty leads to slums, which are an eyesore and a health hazard.

ey e strain N‑UNCOUNT If you suffer from eye strain , you feel pain around your eyes or at the back of your eyes, because you are very tired or should be wearing glasses.

ey e tee th PHRASE If you say that you would give your eye teethfor something, you mean that you want it very much and you would do anything to get it. [INFORMAL ] □� She has the job most of us would give our eye teeth for.

eye|wear /a I weə r / N‑UNCOUNT Eyewear is sometimes used to talk about glasses and sunglasses.

eye|witness /a I w I tnəs/ (eyewitnesses ) N‑COUNT An eyewitness is a person who was present at an event and can therefore describe it, for example in a law court. □� Eyewitnesses say the police then opened fire on the crowd. □� �dramatic eye-witness accounts of the fighting.

ey|rie / I ə ri, [AM ] e ri/ (eyries ) in AM, use aerie1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a place such as a house or a castle as an eyrie , you mean it is built high up and is difficult to reach. [LITERARY ] □� �marooned in my 48th floor eyrie in the sky.

2 N‑COUNT An eyrie is the nest of a bird of prey such as an eagle, and is usually built high up in the mountains.

e-zine /iː ziːn/ (e-zines ) N‑COUNT An e-zine is a website which contains the kind of articles, pictures, and advertisements that you would find in a magazine.

Ff

F , f /e f/ (F's, f's )

1 N‑VAR F is the sixth letter of the English alphabet.

2 N‑VAR In music, F is the fourth note in the scale of C major.

3f. is an abbreviation for 'following'. It is written after a page or line number to indicate that you are referring to both the page or line mentioned and the one after it. You use ff. when you are referring to the page or line mentioned and two or more pages or lines after it.

fab /f� b/ ADJ If you say that something is fab , you are emphasizing that you think it is very good. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The dancing is fab.

fa|ble /fe I b ə l/ (fables )

1 N‑VAR A fable is a story which teaches a moral lesson. Fables sometimes have animals as the main characters. □�[+�of ] �the fable of the tortoise and the hare. □� Each tale has the timeless quality of fable.

2 N‑VAR You can describe a statement or explanation that is untrue but that many people believe as fable . □� Is reincarnation fact or fable? □� �little-known horticultural facts and fables.

fa|bled /fe I b ə ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a person or thing as fabled , especially someone or something remarkable, you mean that they are well known because they are often talked about or a lot of stories are told about them. □� �the fabled city of Troy.

fab|ric ◆◇◇ /f� br I k/ (fabrics )

1 N‑VAR Fabric is cloth or other material produced by weaving together cotton, nylon, wool, silk, or other threads. Fabrics are used for making things such as clothes, curtains, and sheets. □� �small squares of red cotton fabric. □� Whatever your colour scheme, there's a fabric to match.

2 N‑SING The fabric of a society or system is its basic structure, with all the customs and beliefs that make it work successfully. □�[+�of ] The fabric of society has been deeply damaged by the previous regime.

3 N‑SING The fabric of a building is its walls, roof, and the materials with which it is built. □�[+�of ] Condensation will eventually cause the fabric of the building to rot away. SYNONYMS fabric NOUN 1

cloth:She began cleaning the wound with a piece of cloth.

material:�the thick material of her skirt.

textile:�decorative textiles for the home.

fab|ri|cate /f� br I ke I t/ (fabricates , fabricating , fabricated )

1 VERB If someone fabricates information, they invent it in order to deceive people. □�[V n] All four claim that officers fabricated evidence against them. □�[V -ed] Eleven key officials were hanged on fabricated charges. ●� fab|ri|ca|tion /f� br I ke I ʃ ə n/ (fabrications ) N‑VAR □� She described the article about her as a 'complete fabrication'. □� This story is total fabrication.

2 VERB If something is fabricatedfrom different materials or substances, it is made out of those materials or substances. □�[be V -ed +�from ] All the tools are fabricated from high quality steel. □�[V n] �a plant which fabricates airplane components. [Also V n +�from ]

fabu|lous /f� bjʊləs/ ADJ If you describe something as fabulous , you are emphasizing that you like it a lot or think that it is very good. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� This is a fabulous album. It's fresh, varied, fun. □� The scenery and weather were fabulous.

fa|cade /fəsɑː d/ (facades ) also fa�ade

1 N‑COUNT The facade of a building, especially a large one, is its front wall or the wall that faces the street.

2 N‑SING A facade is an outward appearance which is deliberately false and gives you a wrong impression about someone or something. □�[+�of ] They hid the troubles plaguing their marriage behind a facade of family togetherness.

face

➊�NOUN USES

➋�VERB AND PHRASAL VERB USES

➊ face ◆◆◆ /fe I s/ (faces )

→�Please look at categories 28 to 32 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your face is the front part of your head from your chin to the top of your forehead, where your mouth, eyes, nose, and other features are. □� A strong wind was blowing right in my face. □� He was going red in the face and breathing with difficulty. □� She had a beautiful face.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If your face is happy, sad, or serious, for example, the expression on your face shows that you are happy, sad, or serious. □� He was walking around with a sad face. □� The priest frowned into the light, his face puzzled.

3 N‑COUNT The face of a cliff, mountain, or building is a vertical surface or side of it. □�[+�of ] �the north face of the Eiger. □� He scrambled 200 feet up the cliff face.

4 N‑COUNT The face of a clock or watch is the surface with the numbers or hands on it, which shows the time.

5 N‑SING If you say that the face of an area, institution, or field of activity is changing, you mean its appearance or nature is changing. □�[+�of ] �the changing face of the British countryside.

6 N‑SING If you refer to something as the particular face of an activity, belief, or system, you mean that it is one particular aspect of it, in contrast to other aspects. □�[+�of ] Who ever thought people would see Arsenal as the acceptable face of football?

7 N‑UNCOUNT If you lose face , you do something which makes you appear weak and makes people respect or admire you less. If you do something in order to save face , you do it in order to avoid appearing weak and losing people's respect or admiration. □� To cancel the airport would mean a loss of face for the present governor. □� She claimed they'd been in love, but I sensed she was only saying this to save face.

8 →�see also about-face , face value , poker face

9 PHRASE If you say that someone can do something until they are blue in the face , you are emphasizing that however much they do it, it will not make any difference. [EMPHASIS ] □� You can criticise him until you're blue in the face, but you'll never change his personality.

10 PHRASE If someone or something is face down , their face or front points downwards. If they are face up , their face or front points upwards. □� All the time Stephen was lying face down and unconscious in the bath tub. □� Charles laid down his cards face up.

11 PHRASE You can use the expression ' on the face of the earth ' to mean 'in the whole world', when you are emphasizing a statement that you are making or making a very exaggerated statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� No human being on the face of the earth could do anything worse than what he did.

12 PHRASE If you come face to face with someone, you meet them and can talk to them or look at them directly. □�[+�with ] We were strolling into the town when we came face to face with Jacques Dubois. □� It was the first face-to-face meeting between the two men.

13 PHRASE If you come face to face with a difficulty or reality, you cannot avoid it and have to deal with it. □� Eventually, he came face to face with discrimination again.

14 PHRASE If an action or belief flies in the face of accepted ideas or rules, it seems to completely oppose or contradict them. □� �scientific principles that seem to fly in the face of common sense.

15 PHRASE If you take a particular action or attitude in the face of a problem or difficulty, you respond to that problem or difficulty in that way. □� The Prime Minister has called for national unity in the face of the violent anti-government protests.

16 PHRASE If you have a long face , you look very unhappy or serious. □� He came to me with a very long face.

17 PHRASE If you make a face , you show a feeling such as dislike or disgust by putting an exaggerated expression on your face, for example by sticking out your tongue. In British English, you can also say pull a face . □�[+�at ] Opening the door, she made a face at the musty smell. □�[+�at ] Kathryn pulled a face at Thomas behind his back.

18 PHRASE You say on the face of it when you are describing how something seems when it is first considered, in order to suggest that people's opinion may change when they know or think more about the subject. □� It is, on the face of it, a difficult point to grasp.

19 PHRASE If you put a brave face on a bad situation or put on a brave face , you try not to show how disappointed or upset you are about the situation. In American English you can also say put on a good face . □� Friends will see you are putting on a brave face and might assume you've got over your grief. □� Scientists are putting a good face on the troubles.

20 PHRASE You can say that someone has set their face against something to indicate that they are opposed to it, especially when you want to suggest that they are wrong. [mainly BRIT ] □� This Government has set its face against putting up income tax.

21 PHRASE If you show your face somewhere, you go there and see people, although you are not welcome, are rather unwilling to go, or have not been there for some time. □� I felt I ought to show my face at her father's funeral.

22 PHRASE If you manage to keep a straight face , you manage to look serious, although you want to laugh. □� What went through Tom's mind I can't imagine, but he did manage to keep a straight face. □� You have to wonder how anyone could say that seriously and with a straight face.

23 PHRASE If you say something to someone's face , you say it openly in their presence. □� Her opponent called her a liar to her face.

24 PHRASE If a feeling is written all over your face or is written across your face , it is very obvious to other people from your expression. □� Relief and gratitude were written all over his face. □� I could just see the pain written across her face.

25to shut the door in someone's face →�see door

26to have egg on your face →�see egg

27to cut off your nose to spite your face →�see nose

28a slap in the face →�see slap

➋ face ◆◆◆ /fe I s/ (faces , facing , faced )

→�Please look at category 8 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If someone or something faces a particular thing, person, or direction, they are positioned opposite them or are looking in that direction. □�[V n] They stood facing each other. □�[V adv/prep] The garden faces south.

2 VERB If you face someone or something, you turn so that you are looking at them. □�[V n] She stood up from the table and faced him. □�[V n] Stand up. Face the wall.

3 VERB If you have to face a person or group, you have to stand or sit in front of them and talk to them, although it may be difficult and unpleasant. □�[V n] Christie looked relaxed and calm as he faced the press.

4 VERB If you face or are faced with something difficult or unpleasant, or if it faces you, it is going to affect you and you have to deal with it. □�[V n] Williams faces life in prison if convicted of attempted murder. □�[be V -ed +�with ] We are faced with a serious problem.

5 VERB If you face the truth or face the facts, you accept that something is true. If you face someone with the truth or with the facts, you try to make them accept that something is true. □�[V n] Although your heart is breaking, you must face the truth that a relationship has ended. □�[V n] He accused the Government of refusing to face facts about the economy. □�[V n +�with ] He called a family conference and faced them with the problems. ●�PHRASAL VERB Face up to means the same as face5 . □�[V P P n] I have grown up now and I have to face up to my responsibilities.

6 VERB [with neg] If you cannotface something, you do not feel able to do it because it seems so difficult or unpleasant. □�[V n] My children want me with them for Christmas Day, but I can't face it. □�[V v-ing] I couldn't face seeing anyone.

7 PHRASE You use the expression ' let's face it ' when you are stating a fact or making a comment about something which you think the person you are talking to may find unpleasant or be unwilling to admit. □� She was always attracted to younger men. But, let's face it, who is not?

8face the music →�see music

▸� face down PHRASAL VERB If you face someone down , you oppose them or defeat them by being confident and looking at them boldly. [mainly AM ] □�[V n P ] He's confronted crowds before and faced them down. [Also V P n]

▸� face up to →�see face ➋ 5

face|cloth /fe I sklɒθ, [AM ] -klɔːθ/ (facecloths ) also face cloth N‑COUNT A facecloth is the same as a face flannel or washcloth . [mainly BRIT ]

fa ce cream (face creams ) N‑VAR Face cream is a thick substance that you rub into your face in order to keep it soft.

-faced /-fe I st/

1 COMB -faced combines with adjectives to form other adjectives that describe someone's face or expression. □� �a slim, thin-faced man. □� The committee walked out, grim-faced and shocked.

2 →�see also ashen-faced , bare-faced , po-faced , poker-faced , red-faced , shamefaced , straight-faced , two-faced

fa ce flan|nel (face flannels ) N‑COUNT A face flannel is a small cloth made of towelling which you use for washing yourself. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use washcloth

face|less /fe I sləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as faceless , you dislike them because they are uninteresting and have no character. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Ordinary people are at the mercy of faceless bureaucrats.

face|lift /fe I sl I ft/ (facelifts ) also face-lift

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you give a place or thing afacelift , you do something to make it look better or more attractive. □� Nothing gives a room a faster facelift than a coat of paint.

2 N‑COUNT A facelift is an operation in which a surgeon tightens the skin on someone's face in order to make them look younger.

fa ce mask (face masks )

1 N‑COUNT A face mask is a device that you wear over your face, for example to prevent yourself from breathing bad air or from spreading germs, or to protect your face when you are in a dangerous situation.

2 N‑COUNT A face mask is the same as a face pack . [mainly AM ]

fa ce pack (face packs ) N‑COUNT A face pack is a thick substance which you spread on your face, allow to dry for a short time, and then remove, in order to clean your skin thoroughly. [BRIT ] in AM, use face mask

fa ce pow|der (face powders ) N‑VAR Face powder is a very fine soft powder that you can put on your face in order to make it look smoother.

fa ce-saver (face-savers ) N‑COUNT A face-saver is an action or excuse which prevents damage to your reputation or the loss of people's respect for you. [JOURNALISM ]

fa ce-saving ADJ [ADJ n] A face-saving action is one which prevents damage to your reputation or the loss of people's respect for you. □� The decision is a face-saving compromise which will allow the government to remain in office.

fac|et /f� s I t, -set/ (facets )

1 N‑COUNT A facetof something is a single part or aspect of it. □�[+�of ] The caste system shapes nearly every facet of Indian life.

2 N‑COUNT The facets of a diamond or other precious stone are the flat surfaces that have been cut on its outside.

fa ce-time

1 N‑UNCOUNT Face-time is time that you spend talking directly to someone, rather than talking by phone or email. □� I need some face-time with the minister.

2 N‑UNCOUNT FaceTime is a system that allows you to make video calls on an iPhone or other Apple device. [TRADEMARK ] □� Nice to have FaceTime with the family when I'm away.

fa|cetious /fəsiː ʃəs/ ADJ If you say that someone is being facetious , you are criticizing them because they are making humorous remarks or saying things that they do not mean in a situation where they ought to be serious. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The woman eyed him coldly. 'Don't be facetious,' she said.

fa ce to fa ce →�see face ➊

fa ce va lue

1 N‑SING The face value of things such as coins, paper money, investment documents, or tickets is the amount of money that they are worth, and that is written on them. □� Tickets were selling at twice their face value.

2 PHRASE If you take something at face value , you accept it and believe it without thinking about it very much, even though it might be untrue. □� Statements from the groups involved should not necessarily be taken at face value.

fa|cial /fe I ʃ ə l/ (facials )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Facial means appearing on or being part of your face. □� Cross didn't answer; his facial expression didn't change. □� I ended up in hospital with facial injuries.

2 N‑COUNT A facial is a beauty treatment for the face.

fa|cie /fe I ʃi/ →�see prima facie

fac|ile /f� sa I l, [AM ] -s ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's arguments or suggestions as facile , you are criticizing them because their ideas are too simple and indicate a lack of careful, intelligent thinking. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The subject of racism is admittedly too complex for facile summarization.

fa|cili|tate /fəs I l I te I t/ (facilitates , facilitating , facilitated ) VERB To facilitate an action or process, especially one that you would like to happen, means to make it easier or more likely to happen. □�[V n] The new airport will facilitate the development of tourism. □�[be V -ed] He argued that the economic recovery had been facilitated by his tough stance.

fa|cili|ta|tor /fəs I l I te I tə r / (facilitators ) N‑COUNT A facilitator is a person or organization that helps another one to do or to achieve a particular thing. [FORMAL ]

fa|cil|ity ◆◆◇ /fəs I l I ti/ (facilities )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Facilities are buildings, pieces of equipment, or services that are provided for a particular purpose. □� What recreational facilities are now available? □� The problem lies in getting patients to a medical facility as soon as possible.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N , N to-inf] A facility is something such as an additional service provided by an organization or an extra feature on a machine which is useful but not essential. □� It is very useful to have an overdraft facility.

fac|ing /fe I s I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Facing is fabric which is stitched inside the edges of a piece of clothing in order to make them look neat and strengthen them.

fac|simi|le /f�ks I m I li/ (facsimiles ) N‑COUNT [N n] A facsimileof something is a copy or imitation of it. [FORMAL ] □� �a facsimile edition of Beethoven's musical manuscripts.

fact ◆◆◆ /f� kt/ (facts )

1 PHRASE You use the fact that after some verbs or prepositions, especially in expressions such as in view of the fact that , apart from the fact that , and despite the fact that , to link the verb or preposition with a clause. □� His chances do not seem good in view of the fact that the Chief Prosecutor has already voiced his public disapproval. □� We have to lie and hide the fact that I have an illness.

2 PHRASE You use the fact that instead of a simple that-clause either for emphasis or because the clause is the subject of your sentence. □� The fact that he had left proved to me that everything he'd said was true.

3 PHRASE You use in fact , in actual fact , or in point of fact to indicate that you are giving more detailed information about what you have just said. □� We've had a pretty bad time. In fact, we very nearly split up this time. □� When he realised what he had done, he apologised. In actual fact he wrote me a note.

4 PHRASE You use in fact , in actual fact , or in point of fact to introduce or draw attention to a comment that modifies, contradicts, or contrasts with a previous statement. □� That sounds rather simple, but in fact it's very difficult. □� Why had she ever trusted him? In point of fact she never had, she reminded herself.

5 N‑VAR When you refer to something as a fact or as fact , you mean that you think it is true or correct. □� �a statement of verifiable historical fact. □� How much was fact and how much fancy no one knew.

6 N‑COUNT Facts are pieces of information that can be discovered. □� There is so much information you can almost effortlessly find the facts for yourself. □� His opponent swamped him with facts and figures. □� The lorries always left at night when there were few witnesses around to record the fact.

7 PHRASE You use as a matter of fact to introduce a statement that gives more details about what has just been said, or an explanation of it, or something that contrasts with it. □� It's not that difficult. As a matter of fact, it's quite easy. □� 'I guess you haven't eaten yet.'�'As a matter of fact, I have,' said Hunter.

8 PHRASE If you say that you know something for a fact , you are emphasizing that you are completely certain that it is true. [EMPHASIS ] □� I know for a fact that Graham has kept in close touch with Alan.

9 PHRASE You use the fact is or the fact of the matter is to introduce and draw attention to a summary or statement of the most important point about what you have been saying. □� The fact is blindness hadn't stopped the children doing many of the things that sighted children enjoy. □� The fact of the matter is that student finances are stretched. SYNONYMS fact NOUN 5

truth:Is it possible to separate truth from fiction?

reality:Fiction and reality were increasingly blurred.

certainty:There are no certainties in modern Europe.

fa ct-finding ADJ [ADJ n] A fact-finding mission or visit is one whose purpose is to get information about a particular situation, especially for an official group. □� A U.N. fact-finding mission is on its way to the region.

fac|tion ◆◇◇ /f� kʃ ə n/ (factions )

1 N‑COUNT A faction is an organized group of people within a larger group, which opposes some of the ideas of the larger group and fights for its own ideas. □� A peace agreement will be signed by the leaders of the country's warring factions.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Faction is also used to describe argument and disagreement within a group of people. □� Faction and self-interest appear to be the norm. COLLOCATIONS faction NOUN 1

noun +�faction : rebel, rival; army, guerrilla

adjective +�faction : competing, feuding, opposing, warring; armed, militant; breakaway, dominant, hardline, powerful

verb +�faction : head, lead; unite

fac|tion|al /f� kʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Factional arguments or disputes involve two or more small groups from within a larger group. □� �factional disputes between the various groups that make up the leadership.

fac|tion|al|ism /f� kʃənəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Factionalism refers to arguments or disputes between two or more small groups from within a larger group. □� There has been a substantial amount of factionalism within the movement.

fa ct of li fe (facts of life )

1 N‑COUNT You say that something which is not pleasant is a fact of life when there is nothing you can do to change it so you must accept it. □� Stress is a fact of life from time to time for all of us.

2 N‑PLURAL If you tell a child about the facts of life , you tell him or her about sexual intercourse and how babies are born. □� There comes a time when children need to know more than the basic facts of life.

fac|tor ◆◆◇ /f� ktə r / (factors , factoring , factored )

1 N‑COUNT A factor is one of the things that affects an event, decision, or situation. □�[+�in ] Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining fitness.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If an amount increases by afactorof two, for example, or by afactorof eight, then it becomes two times bigger or eight times bigger. □�[+�of ] The cost of butter quadrupled and bread prices increased by a factor of five.

3 N‑SING You can use factor to refer to a particular level on a scale of measurement. □� �suncream with a protection factor of 8.

4 N‑COUNT A factor of a whole number is a smaller whole number which can be multiplied with another whole number to produce the first whole number. [TECHNICAL ]

▸� factor in or factor into PHRASAL VERB If you factor a particular cost or element into a calculation you are making, or if you factor it in , you include it. [mainly AM ] □�[V P n] Using a computer model they factored in the costs of transplants for those women who die. □�[V n P n] You'd better consider this and factor this into your decision making. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS factor NOUN 1

noun +�factor : fear, risk

adjective +�factor : critical, crucial, deciding, decisive, significant; contributing, contributory; important, key, major, motivating; economic, environmental, psychological, social; aggravating, mitigating

fac|to|ry ◆◆◇ /f� ktri/ (factories ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A factory is a large building where machines are used to make large quantities of goods. □� He owned furniture factories in New York State. SYNONYMS factory NOUN

plant:The plant provides forty per cent of the country's electricity.

works:The steel works could be seen for miles.

mill:�a textile mill.

workshop:�the railway workshops.

fa c|to|ry farm|ing N‑UNCOUNT Factory farming is a system of farming which involves keeping animals indoors, often with very little space, and giving them special foods so that they grow more quickly or produce more eggs or milk. [mainly BRIT ]

fa c|to|ry floo r N‑SING The factory floor refers to the workers in a factory, as opposed to the managers. It can also refer to the area where they work. □� He had worked on the factory floor for 16 years.

fa c|to|ry ou t|let (factory outlets ) or factory shop N‑COUNT [oft N n] A factory outlet is a shop where a factory sells damaged or out-of-date goods directly to customers at reduced prices.

fa c|to|ry ship (factory ships ) N‑COUNT A factory ship is a large fishing boat which has equipment for processing the fish that are caught, for example by cleaning or freezing them, before it returns to port.

fac|to|tum /f�ktoʊ təm/ (factotums ) N‑COUNT A factotum is a servant who is employed to do a wide variety of jobs for someone. [FORMAL ]

fa ct sheet (fact sheets ) N‑COUNT A fact sheet is a short, printed document with information about a particular subject, especially a summary of information that has been given on a radio or television programme.

fac|tual /f� ktʃuəl/ ADJ Something that is factual is concerned with facts or contains facts, rather than giving theories or personal interpretations. □� The editorial contained several factual errors. □� Any comparison that is not strictly factual runs the risk of being interpreted as subjective. ●� fac|tu|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� I learned that a number of statements in my talk were factually wrong.

fac|ul|ty /f� k ə lti/ (faculties )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] Your faculties are your physical and mental abilities. □� He was drunk and not in control of his faculties. □�[+�of ] It is also a myth that the faculty of hearing is greatly increased in blind people.

2 N‑VAR A faculty is a group of related departments in some universities, or the people who work in them. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences.

3 N‑VAR [oft N n] A faculty is all the teaching staff of a university or college, or of one department. [AM ] □� The faculty agreed on a change in the requirements. □� How can faculty improve their teaching so as to encourage creativity? □� �eminent Stanford faculty members.

fad /f� d/ (fads ) N‑COUNT You use fad to refer to an activity or topic of interest that is very popular for a short time, but which people become bored with very quickly. □� Hamnett does not believe environmental concern is a passing fad.

fad|dish /f� d I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe something as faddish , you mean that it has no real value and that it will not remain popular for very long. □� �faddish footwear.

fad|dy /f� di/ ADJ If you describe someone as faddy , you mean that they have very strong likes and dislikes, especially about what they eat, which you think are rather silly. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� My boys have always been faddy eaters.

fade ◆◇◇ /fe I d/ (fades , fading , faded )

1 VERB When a coloured object fades or when the light fades it, it gradually becomes paler. □�[V ] All colour fades�especially under the impact of direct sunlight. □�[V n] No matter how soft the light is, it still fades curtains in every room. □�[V -ing] �fading portraits of the Queen and Prince Philip. ●� fad|ed ADJ □� �a girl in a faded dress. □� �faded painted signs on the sides of some of the buildings.

2 VERB When light fades , it slowly becomes less bright. When a sound fades , it slowly becomes less loud. □�[V ] Seaton lay on his bed and gazed at the ceiling as the light faded. □�[V +�into ] The sound of the last bomber's engines faded into the distance.

3 VERB When something that you are looking at fades , it slowly becomes less bright or clear until it disappears. □�[V +�from ] They observed the comet for 70 days before it faded from sight. □�[V +�into ] They watched the familiar mountains fade into the darkness. ●�PHRASAL VERB Fade away means the same as fade . □�[V P +�into ] We watched the harbour and then the coastline fade away into the morning mist. [Also V P ]

4 VERB If memories, feelings, or possibilities fade , they slowly become less intense or less strong. □�[V ] Sympathy for the rebels, the government claims, is beginning to fade. □�[V -ing] �fading memories of better days.

▸� fade out

1 PHRASAL VERB When something fades out , it slowly becomes less noticeable or less important until it disappears completely. □�[V P ] He thought her campaign would probably fade out soon in any case. [Also V P +�of ]

2 PHRASAL VERB When light, an image, or a sound fades out , it disappears after gradually becoming weaker. □�[V P ] The new image faded in as the old image faded out. [Also V P +�of ]

fae|cal /fiː k ə l/ in AM, use fecal ADJ Faecal means referring or relating to faeces. [FORMAL ] □� One of the ways the parasite spreads is through fecal matter.

fae|ces /fiː siːz/ in AM, use feces N‑UNCOUNT Faeces is the solid waste substance that people and animals get rid of from their body by passing it through the anus. [FORMAL ]

faff /f� f/ (faffs , faffing , faffed )

▸� faff about or faff around PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is faffing about or faffing around , you mean that they are doing things in a disorganized way and not achieving very much. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] It was annoying to watch them faffing around when a more direct response was required.

fag /f� g/ (fags )

1 N‑COUNT A fag is a cigarette. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A fag is a homosexual. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE ]

fa g end (fag ends ) also fag-end

1 N‑COUNT A fag end is the last part of a cigarette, which people throw away when they have smoked the rest. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to the fag end of something, you mean the last part of it, especially when you consider this part boring or unimportant. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He never had much confidence in his judgement at the fag-end of the working day.

fag|got /f� gət/ (faggots ) N‑COUNT A faggot is a homosexual man. [AM , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE ]

Fahr|en|heit /f� rənha I t/ ADJ Fahrenheit is a scale for measuring temperature, in which water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. It is represented by the symbol �F. □� By mid-morning, the temperature was already above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Fahrenheit is also a noun. □� He was asked for the boiling point of water in Fahrenheit.

fail ◆◆◆ /fe I l/ (fails , failing , failed )

1 VERB If you fail to do something that you were trying to do, you are unable to do it or do not succeed in doing it. □�[V to-inf] The Workers' Party failed to win a single governorship. □�[V +�in ] He failed in his attempt to take control of the company. □�[V ] Many of us have tried to lose weight and failed miserably. □�[V -ed] The truth is, I'm a failed comedy writer really.

2 VERB If an activity, attempt, or plan fails , it is not successful. □�[V ] We tried to develop plans for them to get along, which all failed miserably. □�[V ] He was afraid the revolution they had started would fail. □�[V -ed] Scotch-Irish emigration began with the failed harvest of 1717.

3 VERB If someone or something fails to do a particular thing that they should have done, they do not do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] Some schools fail to set any homework. □�[V to-inf] The bomb failed to explode.

4 VERB If something fails , it stops working properly, or does not do what it is supposed to do. □�[V ] The lights mysteriously failed, and we stumbled around in complete darkness. □�[V ] In fact many food crops failed because of the drought.

5 VERB If a business, organization, or system fails , it becomes unable to continue in operation or in existence. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] So far this year, 104 banks have failed. □�[V -ed] �a failed hotel business. □�[V -ing] Who wants to buy a computer from a failing company?

6 VERB If something such as your health or a physical quality is failing , it is becoming gradually weaker or less effective. □�[V ] He was 58, and his health was failing rapidly. □�[V -ing] An apparently failing memory is damaging for a national leader.

7 VERB If someone fails you, they do not do what you had expected or trusted them to do. □�[V n] �communities who feel that the political system has failed them.

8 VERB If someone fails in their duty or fails in their responsibilities, they do not do everything that they have a duty or a responsibility to do. □�[V +�in ] If we did not report what was happening in the country, we would be failing in our duty.

9 VERB If a quality or ability that you have fails you, or if it fails , it is not good enough in a particular situation to enable you to do what you want to do. □�[V n] For once, the artist's fertile imagination failed him. □�[V ] Their courage failed a few steps short and they came running back.

10 VERB If someone fails a test, examination, or course, they perform badly in it and do not reach the standard that is required. □�[V n] I lived in fear of failing my end-of-term exams. ●�N‑COUNT Fail is also a noun. □� It's the difference between a pass and a fail.

11 VERB If someone fails you in a test, examination, or course, they judge that you have not reached a high enough standard in it. □�[V n] �the two men who had failed him during his first year of law school.

12 PHRASE You say if all else fails to suggest what could be done in a certain situation if all the other things you have tried are unsuccessful. □� If all else fails, I could always drive a truck.

13 PHRASE You use without fail to emphasize that something always happens. [EMPHASIS ] □� He attended every meeting without fail.

14 PHRASE You use without fail to emphasize an order or a promise. [EMPHASIS ] □� On the 30th you must without fail hand in some money for Alex.

fail|ing /fe I l I ŋ/ (failings )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft with poss] The failings of someone or something are their faults or unsatisfactory features. □� Like many in Russia, she blamed the country's failings on futile attempts to catch up with the West.

2 PHRASE You say failing that to introduce an alternative, in case what you have just said is not possible. □� Find someone who will let you talk things through, or failing that, write down your thoughts.

fai l-safe also failsafe ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is fail-safe is designed or made in such a way that nothing dangerous can happen if a part of it goes wrong. □� There was a fail-safe mechanism in place to override the controls in case of a malfunction.

fail|ure ◆◆◇ /fe I ljə r / (failures )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Failure is a lack of success in doing or achieving something, especially in relation to a particular activity. □� This policy is doomed to failure. □� Three attempts on the British 200-metre record also ended in failure. □� �feelings of failure.

2 N‑COUNT If something is afailure , it is not a success. □� The marriage was a failure and they both wanted to be free of it. □� His six-year transition programme has by no means been a complete failure.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is afailure , you mean that they have not succeeded in a particular activity, or that they are unsuccessful at everything they do. □� Elgar received many honors and much acclaim and yet he often considered himself a failure.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [N to-inf, oft poss N ] Your failureto do a particular thing is the fact that you do not do it, even though you were expected to do it. □� �their failure to get the product mix right.

5 N‑VAR [oft n N ] If there is a failure of something, for example a machine or part of the body, it goes wrong and stops working or developing properly. □� There were also several accidents mainly caused by engine failures on take-off. □� He was being treated for kidney failure.

6 N‑VAR If there is a failure of a business or bank, it is no longer able to continue operating. [BUSINESS ] □� Business failures rose 16% last month. COLLOCATIONS failure NOUN

2

adjective +�failure : abject, catastrophic, heroic, systemic; complete, total

3

adjective +�failure : complete, total

5

noun +�failure : heart, kidney, liver, organ; engine, system

adjective +�failure : renal, respiratory; mechanical

verb +�failure : cause; suffer

faint /fe I nt/ (fainter , faintest , faints , fainting , fainted )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A faint sound, colour, mark, feeling, or quality has very little strength or intensity. □� He became aware of the soft, faint sounds of water dripping. □� He could see faint lines in her face. □� There was still the faint hope deep within him that she might never need to know. ●� faint|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV adj] □� He was already asleep in the bed, which smelled faintly of mildew. □� She felt faintly ridiculous.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A faint attempt at something is one that is made without proper effort and with little enthusiasm. □� Caroline made a faint attempt at a laugh. □� A faint smile crossed the Monsignor's face and faded quickly. ●� faint|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� John smiled faintly and shook his head.

3 VERB If you faint , you lose consciousness for a short time, especially because you are hungry, or because of pain, heat, or shock. □�[V ] She suddenly fell forward on to the table and fainted. □�[V ] I thought he'd faint when I kissed him. ●�N‑COUNT [oft in a N ] Faint is also a noun. □� She slumped to the ground in a faint.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is faint feels weak and unsteady as if they are about to lose consciousness. □� Other signs of angina are nausea, sweating, feeling faint and shortness of breath.

faint|est /fe I nt I st/ ADJ [ADJ n, with neg] You can use faintest for emphasis in negative statements. For example, if you say that someone hasn't the faintest idea what to do, you are emphasizing that they do not know what to do. [EMPHASIS ] □� I haven't the faintest idea how to care for a snake.

fai nt-hea rted also fainthearted

1 ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as faint-hearted , you mean that they are not very confident and do not take strong action because they are afraid of failing. □� This is no time to be faint-hearted.

2 PHRASE If you say that something is not for the faint-hearted , you mean that it is an extreme or very unusual example of its kind, and is not suitable for people who like only safe and familiar things. □� It's a film about a serial killer and not for the faint-hearted.

fair ◆◆◇ /feə r / (fairer , fairest , fairs )

1 ADJ Something or someone that is fair is reasonable, right, and just. □� It didn't seem fair to leave out her father. □� Do you feel they're paying their fair share? □� Independent observers say the campaign's been very much fairer than expected. □� He claims that he would not get a fair trial. ●� fair|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV -ed] □� �demonstrating concern for employees and solving their problems quickly and fairly. □� In a society where water was precious, it had to be shared fairly between individuals.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A fair amount, degree, size, or distance is quite a large amount, degree, size, or distance. □� My neighbours across the street travel a fair amount. □� My mother's brother lives a fair distance away so we don't see him and his family very often.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A fair guess or idea about something is one that is likely to be correct. □� It's a fair guess to say that the damage will be extensive. □� I have a fair idea of how difficult things can be.

4 ADJ If you describe someone or something as fair , you mean that they are average in standard or quality, neither very good nor very bad. □� Reimar had a fair command of English.

5 ADJ Someone who is fair , or who has fair hair, has light-coloured hair. □� Both children were very like Robina, but were much fairer than she was. ●�COMB Fair is also a combining form. □� �a tall, fair-haired Englishman.

6 ADJ Fair skin is very pale and usually burns easily. □� It's important to protect my fair skin from the sun. ●�COMB Fair is also a combining form. □� Fair-skinned people shouldn't spend a great deal of time in the sun.

7 ADJ When the weather is fair , it is quite sunny and not raining. [FORMAL ] □� Weather conditions were fair.

8 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A county, state, or country fair is an event where there are, for example, displays of goods and animals, and amusements, games, and competitions.

9 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A fair is an event at which people display and sell goods, especially goods of a particular type. □� �an antiques fair.

10 →�see also craft fair , trade fair

11 PHRASE You use fair enough when you want to say that a statement, decision, or action seems reasonable to a certain extent, but that perhaps there is more to be said or done. [mainly SPOKEN ] □� If you don't like it, fair enough, but that's hardly a justification to attack the whole thing.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone plays fair , you mean that they behave or act in a reasonable and honest way. □� The government is not playing fair, one union official told me.

13 PHRASE If you say that someone won a competition fair and square , you mean that they won honestly and without cheating. □� There are no excuses. We were beaten fair and square.

fai r ga me N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone is fair game , you mean that it is acceptable to criticize or attack them, usually because of the way that they behave. □� Politicians were always considered fair game by cartoonists.

fair|ground /feə r graʊnd/ (fairgrounds ) N‑COUNT A fairground is an area of land where a fair is held.

fair|ly ◆◇◇ /feə r li/

1 ADV [ADV adj/adv] Fairly means to quite a large degree. For example, if you say that something is fairly old, you mean that it is old but not very old. □� Both ships are fairly new. □� We did fairly well but only fairly well.

2 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use fairly instead of 'very' to add emphasis to an adjective or adverb without making it sound too forceful. [VAGUENESS ] □� Were you always fairly bright at school? □� I'll have no income and no home and will need a job fairly badly.

3 →�see also fair SYNONYMS fairly ADV 1

moderately:�a moderately attractive woman.

rather:I grew up in rather unusual circumstances.

somewhat:He concluded that Oswald was somewhat abnormal.

reasonably:She was reasonably sure that he had tonsillitis.

fai r-mi nded ADJ A fair-minded person always tries to be fair and reasonable, and always listens to other people's opinions. □� She is one of the most fair-minded people I know.

fair|ness /feə r nəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Fairness is the quality of being reasonable, right, and just. □� �concern about the fairness of the election campaign.

fai r pla y N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's attitude or behaviour as fair play , you approve of it because it shows respect and sympathy towards everyone, even towards people who are thought to be wrong or to deserve punishment. [APPROVAL ] □� The legal system is unmatched for its justice and sense of fair play.

fai r se x also fairer sex N‑SING If a man talks about the fair sex , he is referring to women in general. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

fai r tra de N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Fair trade is the practice of buying goods directly from producers in developing countries at a fair price. □� �fair trade coffee.

fair|way /feə r we I / (fairways ) N‑COUNT Thefairway on a golf course is the long strip of short grass between each tee and green.

fai r-weather ADJ [ADJ n] You use fair-weather to refer to someone who offers help to someone, or who takes part in a particular activity, only when it is easy or pleasant for them to do so. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a fair-weather friend.

fairy /feə ri/ (fairies )

1 N‑COUNT A fairy is an imaginary creature with magical powers. Fairies are often represented as small people with wings.

2 N‑COUNT If someone describes a man as a fairy , they mean that he is a homosexual and they disapprove of this. [OFFENSIVE , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

fai ry go d|mother N‑SING If you call a woman your fairy godmother , you are saying in a slightly humorous way that she has been very helpful in your life, often at times when you thought you had problems that could not be solved.

fairy|land /feə ril�nd/ (fairylands )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fairyland is the imaginary place where fairies live.

2 N‑VAR If you describe a place as a fairyland , you mean that it has a delicate beauty. □� If you came with me to one of my toy shops, you'd think you were stepping into a fairyland.

fai ry lights N‑PLURAL Fairy lights are small, coloured electric lights that are hung up as decorations, for example on a Christmas tree. [BRIT ]

fai ry sto|ry (fairy stories ) N‑COUNT A fairy story is the same as a fairy tale .

fai ry tale (fairy tales ) also fairytale N‑COUNT A fairy tale is a story for children involving magical events and imaginary creatures. □� She was like a princess in a fairy tale.

fait ac|com|pli /fe I t əkɒ mpli, [AM ] - �kɔːmpliː / (faits accomplis ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is afait accompli , it has already been decided or done and cannot be changed. [FORMAL ] □� They became increasingly annoyed that they were being presented with a fait accompli.

faith ◆◇◇ /fe I θ/ (faiths )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have faithin someone or something, you feel confident about their ability or goodness. □�[+�in ] She had placed a great deal of faith in Mr Penleigh. □�[+�in ] People have lost faith in the British Parliament.

2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A faith is a particular religion, for example Christianity, Buddhism, or Islam. □� He established a reputation as a steadfast defender of the Catholic faith.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Faith is strong religious belief in a particular God. □� Umberto Eco's loss of his own religious faith is reflected in his novels.

4 PHRASE If you break faith with someone you made a promise to or something you believed in, you stop acting in a way that supports them. □� If we don't, we're breaking faith with our people!

5 PHRASE If you do something in good faith , you seriously believe that what you are doing is right, honest, or legal, even though this may not be the case. □� This report was published in good faith but we regret any confusion which may have been caused.

6 PHRASE If you keep faith with someone you have made a promise to or something you believe in, you continue to support them even when it is difficult to do so. □� He has made one of the most powerful American films of the year by keeping faith with his radical principles.

7 →�see also article of faith , leap of faith COLLOCATIONS faith NOUN

1

adjective +�faith : blind, complete

verb +�faith : keep, restore; lose; repay

3

adjective +�faith : religious; deep, unwavering

verb +�faith : shake, test

faith|ful /fe I θfʊl/

1 ADJ Someone who is faithfulto a person, organization, idea, or activity remains firm in their belief in them or support for them. □�[+�to ] She had been faithful to her promise to guard this secret. □� Older Americans are among this country's most faithful voters. ●�N‑PLURAL The faithful are people who are faithful to someone or something. □� He spends his time making speeches at factories or gatherings of the Party faithful. ●� faith|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He has since 1965 faithfully followed and supported every twist and turn of government policy.

2 ADJ Someone who is faithfulto their husband, wife, or lover does not have a sexual relationship with anyone else. □�[+�to ] She insisted that she had remained faithful to her husband.

3 ADJ A faithful account, translation, or copy of something represents or reproduces the original accurately. □�[+�to ] Colin Welland's screenplay is faithful to the novel. ●� faith|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� When I adapt something I translate from one meaning to another as faithfully as I can.

faith|ful|ly /fe I θfʊli/

1 CONVENTION When you start a formal or business letter with 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Madam', you write Yours faithfully before your signature at the end. [BRIT ] in AM, use Sincerely yours2 →�see also faithful

fai th heal|er (faith healers ) N‑COUNT A faith healer is someone who believes they can treat and heal sick people using prayer or supernatural powers.

fai th heal|ing also faith-healing N‑UNCOUNT Faith healing is the treatment of a sick person by someone who believes that they are able to heal people through prayer or a supernatural power.

faith|less /fe I θləs/ ADJ If you say that someone is faithless , you mean that they are disloyal or dishonest. □� �a revenge plot against a faithless lover.

fake /fe I k/ (fakes , faking , faked )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fake fur or a fake painting, for example, is a fur or painting that has been made to look valuable or genuine, often in order to deceive people. □� The bank manager is said to have issued fake certificates. ●�N‑COUNT A fake is something that is fake. □� It is filled with famous works of art, and every one of them is a fake.

2 VERB If someone fakes something, they try to make it look valuable or genuine, although in fact it is not. □�[V n] He faked his own death last year to collect on a $1 million insurance policy. □�[V -ed] �faked evidence.

3 N‑COUNT Someone who is a fake is not what they claim to be, for example because they do not have the qualifications that they claim to have.

4 VERB If you fake a feeling, emotion, or reaction, you pretend that you are experiencing it when you are not. □�[V n] Jon faked nonchalance. □�[V n] Maturity and emotional sophistication can't be faked.

fal|con /fɔː lkən, f� lk-/ (falcons ) N‑COUNT A falcon is a bird of prey that can be trained to hunt other birds and animals.

fal|con|er /fɔː lkənə r , f� lk-/ (falconers ) N‑COUNT A falconer is someone who trains and uses falcons for hunting.

fal|con|ry /fɔː lkənri, f� lk-/ N‑UNCOUNT Falconry is the skill of training falcons to hunt, and the sport of using them to hunt.

fall ◆◆◆ /fɔː l/ (falls , falling , fell , fallen )

1 VERB If someone or something falls , they move quickly downwards onto or towards the ground, by accident or because of a natural force. □�[V prep] Her father fell into the sea after a massive heart attack. □�[V ] Bombs fell in the town. □�[V out/off ] I ought to seal the boxes up. I don't want the books falling out. □�[V -ing] Twenty people were injured by falling masonry. ●�N‑COUNT Fall is also a noun. □�[+�from ] The helmets are designed to withstand impacts equivalent to a fall from a bicycle.

2 VERB If a person or structure that is standing somewhere falls , they move from their upright position, so that they are then lying on the ground. □�[V ] The woman gripped the shoulders of her man to stop herself from falling. □�[V prep/adv] We watched buildings fall on top of people and pets. □�[V prep/adv] He lost his balance and fell backwards. ●�N‑COUNT Fall is also a noun. □� Mrs Briscoe had a bad fall last week. ●�PHRASAL VERB Fall down means the same as fall . □�[V P ] I hit him so hard he fell down. □�[V P ] Children jumped from upper floors as the building fell down around them. ●� fall|en ADJ [ADJ n] □� A number of roads have been blocked by fallen trees.

3 VERB When rain or snow falls , it comes down from the sky. □�[V ] Winds reached up to 100mph in some places with an inch of rain falling within 15 minutes. ●�N‑COUNT Fall is also a noun. □�[+�of ] One night there was a heavy fall of snow.

4 →�see also rainfall , snowfall

5 VERB If you fall somewhere, you allow yourself to drop there in a hurried or disorganized way, often because you are very tired. □�[V prep] Totally exhausted, he tore his clothes off and fell into bed.

6 VERB If something falls , it decreases in amount, value, or strength. □�[V +�by ] Output will fall by 6%. □�[V +�to/from ] Her weight fell to under seven stones. □�[V amount] Between July and August, oil product prices fell 0.2 per cent. □�[V ] The number of prosecutions has stayed static and the rate of convictions has fallen. □�[V -ing] �a time of falling living standards and emerging mass unemployment. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Fall is also a noun. □� There was a sharp fall in the value of the pound.

7 VERB If a powerful or successful person falls , they suddenly lose their power or position. □�[V ] There's a danger of the government falling because it will lose its majority. □�[V +�from ] When Cromwell fell from power, the king took everything. ●�N‑SING [with poss] Fall is also a noun. □� Since the fall of the military dictator, the country has had a civilian government.

8 VERB If a place falls in a war or election, an enemy army or a different political party takes control of it. □�[V +�to ] Paris fell to the allies in August 1944. □�[V ] With the announcement 'Paphos has fallen!' a cheer went up from the assembled soldiers. ●�N‑SING Fall is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the fall of Rome.

9 VERB If someone falls in battle, they are killed. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] Another wave of troops followed the first, running past those who had fallen.

10 V‑LINK You can use fall to show that someone or something passes into another state. For example, if someone falls ill , they become ill, and if something falls into disrepair , it is then in a state of disrepair. □�[V +�in/into/out of ] It is almost impossible to visit Florida without falling in love with the state. □�[V adj] I took Moira to the cinema, where she fell asleep. □�[V n] Almost without exception these women fall victim to exploitation.

11 VERB If you say that something or someone falls into a particular group or category, you mean that they belong in that group or category. □�[V +�into ] The problems generally fall into two categories. □�[V +�into ] Both women fall into the highest-risk group.

12 VERB If the responsibility or blame for something falls on someone, they have to take the responsibility or the blame for it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�on ] That responsibility falls on the local office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

13 VERB If a celebration or other special event falls on a particular day or date, it happens to be on that day or date. □�[V +�on ] Easter falls on April 10 next year.

14 VERB When light or shadow falls on something, it covers it. □�[V +�across/over/on ] Nancy, out of the corner of her eye, saw the shadow that suddenly fell across the doorway.

15 VERB If someone's hair or a garment falls in a certain way, it hangs downwards in that way. □�[V prep/adv] �a slender boy with black hair falling across his forehead.

16 VERB If you say that someone's eyes fellon something, you mean they suddenly noticed it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�on/upon ] As he laid the flowers on the table, his eye fell upon a note in Grace's handwriting.

17 VERB When night or darkness falls , night begins and it becomes dark. □�[V ] As darkness fell outside, they sat down to eat at long tables.

18 N‑PLURAL ; N‑COUNT You can refer to a waterfall as thefalls . □� �panoramic views of the falls. □� �Niagara Falls.

19 N‑VAR Fall is the season between summer and winter when the weather becomes cooler and the leaves fall off the trees. [AM ] □� He was elected judge in the fall. □� The Supreme Court will not hear the case until next fall. □� The program was launched in the fall of 1990. □� The policy will take effect after the fall election. in BRIT, use autumn20 →�see also fallen

21 PHRASE To fall to pieces , or in British English to fall to bits , means the same as to fall apart . □� At that point the radio handset fell to pieces.

22to fall on your feet →�see foot

23to fall foul of →�see foul

24to fall flat →�see flat

25to fall from grace →�see grace

26to fall into place →�see place

27to fall short →�see short ➊

28to fall into the trap →�see trap

29to fall by the wayside →�see wayside

▸� fall apart

1 PHRASAL VERB If something falls apart , it breaks into pieces because it is old or badly made. □�[V P ] The work was never finished and bit by bit the building fell apart.

2 PHRASAL VERB If an organization or system falls apart , it becomes disorganized or unable to work effectively, or breaks up into its different parts. □�[V P ] Europe's monetary system is falling apart. □�[V P ] I've tried everything to stop our relationship falling apart.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is falling apart , you mean that they are becoming emotionally disturbed and are unable to think calmly or to deal with the difficult or unpleasant situation that they are in. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] I was falling apart. I wasn't getting any sleep.

▸� fall away

1 PHRASAL VERB If something falls away from the thing it is attached to, it breaks off. □�[V P +�from ] Officials say that one or two engines fell away from the plane shortly after takeoff. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that land falls away , you mean it slopes downwards from a particular point. □�[V P ] On either side of the tracks the ground fell away sharply.

3 PHRASAL VERB If the degree, amount, or size of something falls away , it decreases. □�[V P ] His coalition may hold a clear majority but this could quickly fall away.

▸� fall back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fall back , you move backwards a short distance away from someone or something. □�[V P ] He fell back in embarrassment when he saw that Ross had no hair at all. □�[V P +�from ] The congregation fell back from them slightly as they entered.

2 PHRASAL VERB If an army falls back during a battle or war, it withdraws. □�[V P ] The Prussian garrison at Charleroi was falling back.

▸� fall back on PHRASAL VERB If you fall back on something, you do it or use it after other things have failed. □�[V P P n] Unable to defeat him by logical discussion, she fell back on criticizing his speech. □�[V P P n] When necessary, instinct is the most reliable resource you can fall back on.

▸� fall behind

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fall behind , you do not make progress or move forward as fast as other people. □�[V P ] Evans had rheumatic fever, missed school and fell behind. □�[V P n] Boris is falling behind all the top players.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you fall behind with something or let it fall behind , you do not do it or produce it when you should, according to an agreement or schedule. □�[V P +�with ] He faces losing his home after falling behind with the payments. □�[V P ] Thousands of people could die because the relief effort has fallen so far behind. □�[V P n] Construction work fell behind schedule.

▸� fall down

1 →�see fall2

2 PHRASAL VERB If an argument, organization, or person falls downon a particular point, they are weak or unsatisfactory on that point. □�[V P +�on ] Service was outstandingly friendly and efficient, falling down on only one detail. □�[V P ] That is where his argument falls down.

▸� fall for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fall for someone, you are strongly attracted to them and start loving them. □�[V P n] He was fantastically handsome�I just fell for him right away.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you fall for a lie or trick, you believe it or are deceived by it. □�[V P n] It was just a line to get you out here, and you fell for it!

▸� fall in PHRASAL VERB If a roof or ceiling falls in , it collapses and falls to the ground. □�[V P ] Part of my bedroom ceiling has fallen in.

▸� fall into PHRASAL VERB If you fall into conversation or a discussion with someone, usually someone you have just met, you start having a conversation or discussion with them. □�[V P n] Over breakfast at my motel, I fell into conversation with the owner of a hardware shop.

▸� fall off

1 PHRASAL VERB If something falls off , it separates from the thing to which it was attached and moves towards the ground. □�[V P ] When your exhaust falls off, you have to replace it.

2 PHRASAL VERB If the degree, amount, or size of something falls off , it decreases. □�[V P ] Unemployment is rising again and retail buying has fallen off.

3 →�see also falling-off

▸� fall on PHRASAL VERB If you fall on something when it arrives or appears, you eagerly seize it or welcome it. □�[V P n] They fell on the sandwiches with alacrity.

▸� fall out

1 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a person's hair or a tooth falls out , it comes out. □�[V P ] Her hair started falling out as a result of radiation treatment.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you fall out with someone, you have an argument and stop being friendly with them. You can also say that two people fall out . □�[V P +�with ] She fell out with her sister. □�[V P ] Mum and I used to fall out a lot.

3 →�see also fallout

▸� fall over PHRASAL VERB If a person or object that is standing falls over , they accidentally move from their upright position so that they are then lying on the ground or on the surface supporting them. □�[V P ] I remember falling over in a playground when I was a child.

▸� fall through PHRASAL VERB If an arrangement, plan, or deal falls through , it fails to happen. □�[V P ] They wanted to turn the estate into a private golf course, but the deal fell through.

▸� fall to

1 PHRASAL VERB If a responsibility, duty, or opportunity falls to someone, it becomes their responsibility, duty, or opportunity. □�[V P n] He's been very unlucky that no chances have fallen to him. □�[V P n to-inf] It fell to me to get rid of them.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone falls to doing something, they start doing it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V P v-ing] When she had departed, they fell to fighting among themselves. USAGE fall

Fall is an intransitive verb. You can�t say that someone �falls� something. Don�t say, for example, � He yelled and fell the tray �. You say �He yelled and dropped the tray�. □� She bumped into a chair and dropped her plate. SYNONYMS fall VERB

1

drop:He felt hot tears dropping onto his fingers.

plunge:At least 50 people died when a bus plunged into a river.

plummet:The jet burst into flames and plummeted to the ground.

collapse:The roof collapsed in a roar of rock and rubble.

tumble:A small boy tumbled off a third floor fire escape.

6

decrease:Population growth is decreasing by 1.4% each year.

decline:The number of staff has declined from 217,000 to 114,000.

go down:Income from sales tax went down.

slump:Net profits slumped by 41%.

fal|la|cious /fəle I ʃəs/ ADJ If an idea, argument, or reason is fallacious , it is wrong because it is based on a fallacy. [FORMAL ] □� Their main argument is fallacious.

fal|la|cy /f� ləsi/ (fallacies ) N‑VAR [oft N that] A fallacy is an idea which many people believe to be true, but which is in fact false because it is based on incorrect information or reasoning. □� It's a fallacy that the affluent give relatively more to charity than the less prosperous. [Also +�of ]

fall|back /fɔː lb�k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Someone's fallback position is what they will do if their plans do not succeed, or if something unexpected happens. [JOURNALISM ] □� Yesterday's vote itself was a retreat from an earlier fallback position.

fall|en /fɔː lən/

1Fallen is the past participle of fall .

2 N‑PLURAL The fallen are soldiers who have died in battle. [LITERARY ] □� Work began on establishing the cemeteries as permanent memorials to the fallen.

3 →�see also fall

fa ll guy (fall guys ) N‑COUNT If someone is the fall guy , they are blamed for something which they did not do or which is not their fault. [INFORMAL ] □� He claims he was made the fall guy for the affair.

fal|lible /f� l I b ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is fallible , you mean that they are not perfect and are likely to make mistakes or to fail in what they are doing. [FORMAL ] □� They are only human and all too fallible. ●� fal|libil|ity /f� l I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Errors may have been made due to human fallibility.

fa lling-o ff N‑SING If there is a falling-off of an activity, there is a decrease in its amount or intensity. □�[+�of/in ] There has been a falling-off in box office income and other earnings.

fal|lo|pian tube /fəloʊ piən tjuː b, [AM ] - tuː b/ (fallopian tubes ) N‑COUNT A woman's fallopian tubes are the two tubes in her body along which eggs pass from her ovaries to her womb.

fall|out /fɔː laʊt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fallout is the radiation that affects a particular place or area after a nuclear explosion has taken place. □� They were exposed to radioactive fallout during nuclear weapons tests.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the falloutfrom something that has happened, you mean the unpleasant consequences that follow it. □�[+�from ] Grundy lost his job in the fallout from the incident.

fal|low /f� loʊ/

1 ADJ Fallow land has been dug or ploughed but nothing has been planted in it, especially so that its quality or strength has a chance to improve. □� The fields lay fallow.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fallow period is a time when very little is being achieved. □� There followed something of a fallow period professionally, until a job came up in the summer.

fa l|low deer (fallow deer ) N‑COUNT A fallow deer is a small deer that has a reddish coat which develops white spots in summer.

false ◆◇◇ /fɔː ls/

1 ADJ If something is false , it is incorrect, untrue, or mistaken. □� It was quite clear the President was being given false information by those around him. □� You do not know whether what you're told is true or false. □� His sister said he had deliberately given the hospital a false name and address. ●� false|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �a man who is falsely accused of a crime.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use false to describe objects which are artificial but which are intended to look like the real thing or to be used instead of the real thing. □� �a set of false teeth.

3 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as false , you are criticizing them for being insincere or for hiding their real feelings. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'Thank you,' she said with false enthusiasm. ●� false|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� He was falsely jovial, with his booming, mirthless laugh. □� 'This food is divine,' they murmur, falsely.

fa lse ala rm (false alarms ) N‑COUNT When you think something dangerous is about to happen, but then discover that you were mistaken, you can say that it was a false alarm . □� �a bomb threat that turned out to be a false alarm.

false|hood /fɔː lshʊd/ (falsehoods )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Falsehood is the quality or fact of being untrue or of being a lie. □� She called the verdict a victory of truth over falsehood.

2 N‑COUNT A falsehood is a lie. [FORMAL ] □� He accused them of knowingly spreading falsehoods about him.

fa lse mo ve PHRASE You use one false move to introduce the very bad or serious consequences which will result if someone makes a mistake, even a very small one. □� One false move and I knew Sarah would be dead.

fa lse po si|tive (false positives ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A false positive is a mistaken result of a scientific test. For example, if the result of a pregnancy test is a false positive, it indicates that a woman is pregnant when she is not. □� �a high rate of false positive results.

fa lse sta rt (false starts )

1 N‑COUNT A false start is an attempt to start something, such as a speech, project, or plan, which fails because you were not properly prepared or ready to begin. □� Any economic reform, he said, faced false starts and mistakes.

2 N‑COUNT If there is a false start at the beginning of a race, one of the competitors moves before the person who starts the race has given the signal.

fal|set|to /fɔːlse toʊ/ (falsettos ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in N , N n] If a man sings or speaks in afalsetto , his voice is high-pitched, and higher than a man's normal voice. □� He sang to himself in a soft falsetto. □� �a falsetto voice.

fal|si|fy /fɔː ls I fa I / (falsifies , falsifying , falsified ) VERB If someone falsifies something, they change it or add untrue details to it in order to deceive people. □�[V n] The charges against him include fraud, bribery, and falsifying business records. ●� fal|si|fi|ca|tion /fɔː ls I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (falsifications ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �recent concern about the falsification of evidence in court.

fal|ter /fɔː ltə r / (falters , faltering , faltered )

1 VERB If something falters , it loses power or strength in an uneven way, or no longer makes much progress. □�[V ] Normal life is at a standstill, and the economy is faltering.

2 VERB If you falter , you lose your confidence and stop doing something or start making mistakes. □�[V ] I have not faltered in my quest for a new future.

fal|ter|ing /fɔː ltər I ŋ/ ADJ A faltering attempt, effort, or movement is uncertain because the person doing it is nervous or weak, or does not really know what to do. □� Leaning on Jon, Michael took faltering steps to the bathroom.

fame /fe I m/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you achieve fame , you become very well-known. □� The film earned him international fame. □� �her rise to fame and fortune as a dramatist.

2claim to fame →�see claim

famed /fe I md/ ADJ If people, places, or things are famedfor a particular thing, they are very well known for it. □�[+�for ] The city is famed for its outdoor restaurants. □� �the famed Brazilian photographer Sebastiao Salgado.

fa|mil|ial /fəm I liəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Familial means relating to families in general, or typical of a family. [FORMAL ] □� Gerard also took on wider familial responsibilities.

fa|mili|ar ◆◇◇ /fəm I liə r /

1 ADJ If someone or something is familiar to you, you recognize them or know them well. □�[+�to ] He talked of other cultures as if they were more familiar to him than his own. □� They are already familiar faces on our TV screens. □� �the familiar names of long-established local firms. ●� fa|mili|ar|ity /fəm I li� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Tony was unnerved by the uncanny familiarity of her face.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you are familiar with something, you know or understand it well. □� Lesinko is quite familiar with Central Television. He worked there for 25 years. ●� fa|mili|ar|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�with ] The enemy would always have the advantage of familiarity with the rugged terrain.

3 ADJ If someone you do not know well behaves in a familiar way towards you, they treat you very informally in a way that you might find offensive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The driver of that taxi-cab seemed to me familiar to the point of impertinence. ●� fa|mili|ar|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� �the easy familiarity with which her host greeted the head waiter. ●� fa|mili|ar|ly ADV □� 'Gerald, isn't it?' I began familiarly.

fa|mili|ar|ity /fəm I li� r I ti/

1 PHRASE Familiarity is used especially in the expression familiarity breeds contempt to say that if you know a person or situation very well, you can easily lose respect for that person or become careless in that situation.

2 →�see also familiar

fa|mil|iar|ize /fəm I liəra I z/ (familiarizes , familiarizing , familiarized ) in BRIT, also use familiarise VERB If you familiarize yourself with something, or if someone familiarizes you with it, you learn about it and start to understand it. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] I was expected to familiarise myself with the keyboard. □�[V n +�with ] The goal of the experiment was to familiarize the people with the new laws.

fa|mili|ar|ly /fəm I ljə r li/ PHRASE If you say that something or someone is familiarly knownas a particular thing or familiarly called a particular thing, you are giving the name that people use informally to refer to it. □� �Ann Hamilton's father, familiarly known as 'Dink'.

fami|ly ◆◆◆ /f� m I li/ (families )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A family is a group of people who are related to each other, especially parents and their children. □�[+�of ] There's room in there for a family of five. □� His family are completely behind him, whatever he decides. □� To him the family is the core of society. □� Does he have any family?

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] When people talk about a family , they sometimes mean children. □� They decided to start a family. □� �couples with large families.

3 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] When people talk about their family , they sometimes mean their ancestors. □� Her family came to Los Angeles at the turn of the century. □� �the history of mental illness in the family.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use family to describe things that belong to a particular family. □� He returned to the family home. □� I was working in the family business.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use family to describe things that are designed to be used or enjoyed by both parents and children. □� It had been designed as a family house. □� A wedding is a family event.

6 N‑COUNT A family of animals or plants is a group of related species. □� �foods in the cabbage family, such as Brussels sprouts. COLLOCATIONS family NOUN 1

adjective +�family : extended, immediate; nuclear, one-parent, single-parent; dysfunctional, happy, ordinary

fa mi|ly do c|tor (family doctors ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A family doctor is a doctor who does not specialize in any particular area of medicine, but who has a medical practice in which he or she treats all types of illness. [BRIT ]

fa mi|ly man (family men )

1 N‑COUNT Afamily man is a man who is very fond of his partner and children and likes to spend a lot of time with them. □� I'm very much a family man and need to be close to those I love.

2 N‑COUNT Afamily man is a man who has a partner and children. □� I am a family man with a mortgage.

fa mi|ly name (family names ) N‑COUNT Your family name is your surname.

fa mi|ly pla n|ning N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Family planning is the practice of using contraception to control the number of children you have. □� �a family planning clinic.

fa mi|ly tree (family trees ) N‑COUNT A family tree is a chart that shows all the people in a family over many generations and their relationship to one another.

fam|ine /f� m I n/ (famines ) N‑VAR Famine is a situation in which large numbers of people have little or no food, and many of them die. □� Thousands of refugees are trapped by war, drought and famine. □� The civil war is obstructing distribution of famine relief by aid agencies.

fam|ished /f� m I ʃt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are famished , you are very hungry. [INFORMAL ] □� Isn't dinner ready? I'm famished.

fa|mous ◆◆◇ /fe I məs/ ADJ Someone or something that is famous is very well known. □�[+�for ] New Orleans is famous for its cuisine. □� �England's most famous landscape artist, John Constable.

fa|mous|ly /fe I məsli/

1 ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] You use famously to refer to a fact that is well known, usually because it is remarkable or extreme. □� Authors are famously ignorant about the realities of publishing.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you get on or get along famously with someone, you are very friendly with each other and enjoy meeting and being together. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� I got on famously with Leary from the first time we met.

fan ◆◆◇ /f� n/ (fans , fanning , fanned )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If you are a fan of someone or something, especially a famous person or a sport, you like them very much and are very interested in them. □� As a boy he was a Manchester United fan. □�[+�of ] I am a great fan of rave music.

2 N‑COUNT A fan is a flat object that you hold in your hand and wave in order to move the air and make yourself feel cooler.

3 VERB If you fan yourself or your face when you are hot, you wave a fan or other flat object in order to make yourself feel cooler. □�[V pron-refl] She would have to wait in the truck, fanning herself with a piece of cardboard. □�[V n] Mo kept bringing me out refreshments and fanning me as it was that hot.

4 N‑COUNT A fan is a piece of electrical or mechanical equipment with blades that go round and round. It keeps a room or machine cool or gets rid of unpleasant smells. □� He cools himself in front of an electric fan. □� �an extractor fan.

5 VERB If you fan a fire, you wave something flat next to it in order to make it burn more strongly. If a wind fans a fire, it blows on it and makes it burn more strongly. □�[V n] During the afternoon, hot winds fan the flames.

6 VERB If someone fans an emotion such as fear, hatred, or passion, they deliberately do things to make people feel the emotion more strongly. □�[V n] He said students were fanning social unrest with their violent protests.

7to fan the flames →�see flame

8the shit hit the fan →�see shit

▸� fan out PHRASAL VERB If a group of people or things fan out , they move forwards away from a particular point in different directions. □�[V P ] The main body of British, American, and French troops had fanned out to the west. COLLOCATIONS fan NOUN 1

noun +�fan : cricket, football, rugby, sports; music

adjective +�fan : big, great, huge; diehard, keen, loyal

fa|nat|ic /fən� t I k/ (fanatics )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a fanatic , you disapprove of them because you consider their behaviour or opinions to be very extreme, for example in the way they support particular religious or political ideas. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I am not a religious fanatic but I am a Christian.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If you say that someone is a fanatic , you mean that they are very enthusiastic about a particular activity, sport, or way of life. □� Both Rod and Phil are football fanatics.

3 ADJ Fanatic means the same as fanatical .

fa|nati|cal /fən� t I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as fanatical , you disapprove of them because you consider their behaviour or opinions to be very extreme. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� As a boy he was a fanatical patriot.

fa|nati|cism /fən� t I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Fanaticism is fanatical behaviour or the quality of being fanatical. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a protest against intolerance and religious fanaticism.

fa n base also fanbase (fan bases ) N‑COUNT The fan base of someone such as a pop star or a pop group is their fans, considered as a whole. □� His fan base is mostly middle-aged ladies.

fa n belt (fan belts ) N‑COUNT In a car engine, the fan belt is the belt that drives the fan which keeps the engine cool.

fan|boy /f� nbɔ I / (fanboys ) N‑COUNT A fanboy is a boy or a young man who is very enthusiastic about and interested in a particular thing such as a film, entertainer, or type of music. [INFORMAL ] □� Comic book fanboys will love this.

fan|ci|er /f� nsiə r / (fanciers )

1 N‑COUNT An animal or plant fancier is a person who breeds animals or plants of a particular type or who is very interested in them. □� �pigeon fanciers.

2 →�see also fancy ➋

fan|ci|ful /f� ns I fʊl/ ADJ If you describe an idea as fanciful , you disapprove of it because you think it comes from someone's imagination, and is therefore unrealistic or unlikely to be true. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �fanciful ideas about Martian life. □� Designing silicon chips to mimic human organs sounds fanciful.

fa n club (fan clubs ) N‑COUNT A fan club is an organized group of people who all admire the same person or thing, for example a pop singer or pop group. Members of the fan club receive information and can take part in activities such as trips to concerts.

fancy

➊�WANTING, LIKING, OR THINKING

➋�ELABORATE OR EXPENSIVE

➊ fan|cy ◆◇◇ /f� nsi/ (fancies , fancying , fancied )

1 VERB If you fancy something, you want to have it or to do it. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V v-ing] What do you fancy doing, anyway? □�[V n] I just fancied a drink.

2 N‑COUNT A fancy is a liking or desire for someone or something, especially one that does not last long. □� She did not suspect that his interest was just a passing fancy.

3 VERB If you fancy someone, you feel attracted to them, especially in a sexual way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I think he thinks I fancy him or something.

4 VERB If you fancyyourself as a particular kind of person or fancy yourself doing a particular thing, you like the idea of being that kind of person or doing that thing. □�[V pron-refl +�as ] So you fancy yourself as the boss someday? □�[V pron-refl v-ing] I didn't fancy myself wearing a kilt.

5 VERB If you say that someone fanciesthemselves as a particular kind of person, you mean that they think, often wrongly, that they have the good qualities which that kind of person has. □�[V pron-refl n] She fancies herself a bohemian. □�[V pron-refl] �a flighty young woman who really fancies herself.

6 VERB If you say that you fancy a particular competitor or team in a competition, you think they will win. [BRIT ] □�[V n] You have to fancy Bath because they are the most consistent team in England. □�[V n to-inf] I fancy England to win through.

7 EXCLAM You say ' fancy ' or ' fancy that ' when you want to express surprise or disapproval. [FEELINGS ] □� It was very tasteless. Fancy talking like that so soon after his death. □� 'Fancy that!' smiled Conti.

8 PHRASE If you take a fancy to someone or something, you start liking them, usually for no understandable reason. □� Sylvia took quite a fancy to him.

9 PHRASE If something takes your fancy or tickles your fancy , you like it a lot when you see it or think of it. □� She makes her own clothes, copying any fashion which takes her fancy.

➋ fan|cy /f� nsi/ (fancier , fanciest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as fancy , you mean that it is special, unusual, or elaborate, for example because it has a lot of decoration. □� It was packaged in a fancy plastic case with attractive graphics. □� �fancy jewellery.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as fancy , you mean that it is very expensive or of very high quality, and you often dislike it because of this. [INFORMAL ] □� �a fancy private school.

fa n|cy dre ss N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Fancy dress is clothing that you wear for a party at which everyone tries to look like a famous person or a person from a story, from history, or from a particular profession. □� Guests were told to come in fancy dress.

fa ncy-free footloose and fancy-free →�see footloose

fan|dan|go /f�nd� ŋgoʊ/ (fandangos ) N‑COUNT A fandango is a Spanish dance in which two people dance very close together.

fan|fare /f� nfeə r / (fanfares )

1 N‑COUNT A fanfare is a short, loud tune played on trumpets or other similar instruments to announce a special event. □� The ceremony opened with a fanfare of trumpets.

2 N‑VAR If something happens with a fanfare , it happens or is announced with a lot of publicity. If something happens without a fanfare , it happens without a lot of fuss or publicity. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] The company was privatised with a fanfare of publicity.

fang /f� ŋ/ (fangs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fangs are the two long, sharp, upper teeth that some animals have. □� The cobra sank its venomous fangs into his hand.

fan|girl /f� ngɜː r l/ (fangirls ) N‑COUNT A fangirl is a girl or young woman who is very enthusiastic about and interested in a particular thing such as a film, entertainer, or type of music. [INFORMAL ] □� This is a site for fangirls.

fan|light /f� nla I t/ (fanlights ) N‑COUNT A fanlight is a small window over a door or above another window.

fan|ny /f� ni/ (fannies )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's fanny is their bottom. [AM , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A woman's fanny is her genitals. [BRIT , INFORMAL , VERY RUDE ]

fan|ta|sia /f�nte I ziə, [AM ] -ʒə/ (fantasias ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A fantasia is a piece of music that is not written in a traditional or fixed form. [TECHNICAL ]

fan|ta|sist /f� ntəz I st/ (fantasists ) N‑COUNT A fantasist is someone who constantly tells lies about their life and achievements in order to make them sound more exciting than they really are. □� Singleton was a fantasist who claimed to have a karate blackbelt.

fan|ta|size /f� ntəsa I z/ (fantasizes , fantasizing , fantasized ) in BRIT, also use fantasise1 VERB If you fantasize about an event or situation that you would like to happen, you give yourself pleasure by imagining that it is happening, although it is untrue or unlikely to happen. □�[V +�about ] I fantasised about writing music. □�[V that] Her husband died in 1967, although she fantasised that he was still alive. [Also V -ing]

2 VERB If someone fantasizes , they try to excite themselves sexually by imagining a particular person or situation. □�[V ] Research has shown that men are likely to fantasize far more frequently than women. □�[V +�about/over ] I used to fantasize about her throughout my teens. [Also V n]

fan|tas|tic ◆◇◇ /f�nt� st I k/ The form fantastical is also used for meaning 3 . 1 ADJ If you say that something is fantastic , you are emphasizing that you think it is very good or that you like it a lot. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I have a fantastic social life. □� I thought she was fantastic.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A fantastic amount or quantity is an extremely large one. □� �fantastic amounts of money. ●� fan|tas|ti|cal|ly /f�nt� st I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� �a fantastically expensive restaurant.

3 ADJ You describe something as fantastic or fantastical when it seems strange and wonderful or unlikely. □� Unlikely and fantastic legends grew up around a great many figures, both real and fictitious. □� The book has many fantastical aspects.

fan|ta|sy ◆◇◇ /f� ntəzi/ (fantasies ) also phantasy

1 N‑COUNT A fantasy is a pleasant situation or event that you think about and that you want to happen, especially one that is unlikely to happen. □� �fantasies of romance and true love.

2 N‑VAR You can refer to a story or situation that someone creates from their imagination and that is not based on reality as fantasy . □� The film is more of an ironic fantasy than a horror story.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Fantasy is the activity of imagining things. □� �a world of imagination, passion, fantasy, reflection.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Fantasy football, baseball, or another sport is a game in which players choose an imaginary team and score points based on the actual performances of the members of their team in real games. □� Haskins said he has been playing fantasy baseball for the past five years.

fan|zine /f� nziːn/ (fanzines ) N‑COUNT A fanzine is a magazine for people who are fans of, for example, a particular pop group or football team. Fanzines are written by people who are fans themselves, rather than by professional journalists.

FAO You use FAO when addressing a letter or parcel to a particular person. FAO is a written abbreviation for 'for the attention of'. □� Send the coupon with your deposit to House Beautiful Weekend, FAO Heidi Ross.

FAQ /f� k/ (FAQs ) N‑PLURAL FAQ is used especially on websites to refer to questions about computers and the internet. FAQ is an abbreviation for 'frequently asked questions'.

far ◆◆◆ /fɑː r / Far has two comparatives, farther and further , and two superlatives, farthest and furthest . Farther and farthest are used mainly in sense 1 , and are dealt with here. Further and furthest are dealt with in separate entries. 1 ADV [ADV after v, v-link ADV ] If one place, thing, or person is far away from another, there is a great distance between them. □� I know a nice little Italian restaurant not far from here. □� They came from as far away as Florida. □� Both of my sisters moved even farther away from home. □� They lay in the cliff top grass with the sea stretching out far below. □� Is it far?

2 ADV If you ask howfar a place is, you are asking what distance it is from you or from another place. If you ask howfar someone went, you are asking what distance they travelled, or what place they reached. □� How far is Pawtucket from Providence? □� How far is it to Malcy? □� How far can you throw? □� You can only judge how high something is when you know how far away it is. □� She followed the tracks as far as the road.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] When there are two things of the same kind in a place, thefar one is the one that is a greater distance from you. □� He had wandered to the far end of the room.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use far to refer to the part of an area or object that is the greatest distance from the centre in a particular direction. For example, thefar north of a country is the part of it that is the greatest distance to the north. □� I wrote the date at the far left of the blackboard.

5 ADV [ADV after v, v-link ADV ] A time or event that is far away in the future or the past is a long time from the present or from a particular point in time. □� �hidden conflicts whose roots lie far back in time. □� I can't see any farther than the next six months. □� The first day of term, which seemed so far away at the start of the summer holidays, is looming.

6 ADV [ADV with v, usu how ADV ] You can use far to talk about the extent or degree to which something happens or is true. □� How far did the film tell the truth about the inventor?

7 ADV [ADV with v, oft how ADV ] You can talk about how far someone or something gets to describe the progress that they make. □� Discussions never progressed very far. □� Think of how far we have come in a little time. □� I don't think Mr Cavanagh would get far with that trick.

8 ADV [ADV with v] You can talk about how far a person or action goes to describe the degree to which someone's behaviour or actions are extreme. □� It's still not clear how far the government will go to implement its own plans. □� This time he's gone too far.

9 ADV You can use far to mean 'very much' when you are comparing two things and emphasizing the difference between them. For example, you can say that something is far better or far worse than something else to indicate that it is very much better or worse. You can also say that something is, for example, far too big to indicate that it is very much too big. [EMPHASIS ] □� Women who eat plenty of fresh vegetables are far less likely to suffer anxiety or depression. □� The police say the response has been far better than expected. □� These trials are simply taking far too long.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] You can describe people with extreme left-wing or right-wing political views as the far left or the far right. □� Anti-racist campaigners are urging the Government to ban all far-Right groups.

11 ADV You can use far in expressions like ' as far as I know ' and ' so far as I remember ' to indicate that you are not absolutely sure of the statement you are about to make or have just made, and you may be wrong. [VAGUENESS ] □� It only lasted a couple of years, as far as I know. □� So far as I am aware, no proper investigation has ever been carried out into the subject.

12 PHRASE You use the expression far and away when you are comparing something or someone with others of the same kind, in order to emphasize how great the difference is between them. For example, you can say that something is far and away the best to indicate that it is definitely the best. [EMPHASIS ] □� He's still far and away the best we have.

13 PHRASE You use the expression by far when you are comparing something or someone with others of the same kind, in order to emphasize how great the difference is between them. For example, you can say that something is by far the best or the best by far to indicate that it is definitely the best. [EMPHASIS ] □� By far the most important issue for them is unemployment. □� It was better by far to be clear-headed.

14 PHRASE If you say that something is far from a particular thing or far from being the case, you are emphasizing that it is not that particular thing or not at all the case, especially when people expect or assume that it is. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was obvious that much of what they recorded was far from the truth. □� Far from being relaxed, we both felt so uncomfortable we hardly spoke. □� It is still far from clear exactly what the Thais intend to do.

15 PHRASE You can use the expression ' far from it ' to emphasize a negative statement that you have just made. [EMPHASIS ] □� Being dyslexic does not mean that one is unintelligent. Far from it.

16 PHRASE You say far be it from me to disagree, or far be it from me to criticize, when you are disagreeing or criticizing and you want to appear less hostile. □� Far be it from me to criticise, but shouldn't their mother take a share of the blame?

17 PHRASE If you say that something is good as far as it goes or true so far as it goes , you mean that it is good or true only to a limited extent. □� Tax relief is fine as far as it goes but it will not get the economy moving again.

18 PHRASE If you say that someone will go far , you mean that they will be very successful in their career. □� I was very impressed with the talent of this singer. He will go far.

19 PHRASE Someone or something that is far gone is in such a bad state or condition that not much can be done to help or improve them. □� The pain had stopped, but by then he was too far gone to find any comfort in that. □� Many of the properties are in a desperate state but none is too far gone to save.

20 PHRASE Someone or something that is not far wrong , not far out , or not far off is almost correct or almost accurate. □� I hadn't been far wrong in my estimate. □� Robertson is not far off her target.

21 PHRASE You can use the expression ' as far as I can see ' when you are about to state your opinion of a situation, or have just stated it, to indicate that it is your personal opinion. □� As far as I can see there are only two reasons for such an action.

22 PHRASE If you say that something only goes so far or can only go so far , you mean that its extent, effect, or influence is limited. □� Their loyalty only went so far. □� The church can only go so far in secular matters.

23 PHRASE If you tell or ask someone what has happened so far , you are telling or asking them what has happened up until the present point in a situation or story, and often implying that something different might happen later. □� It's been quiet so far. □� So far, they have met with no success.

24 PHRASE You can say so far so good to express satisfaction with the way that a situation or activity is progressing, developing, or happening. [FEELINGS ]

25 PHRASE If people come from far and wide , they come from a large number of places, some of them far away. If things spread far and wide , they spread over a very large area or distance. [WRITTEN ] □� Volunteers came from far and wide. □� His fame spread far and wide.

26 PHRASE If you say that someone won't go far wrong or can't go far wrong with a particular thing or course of action, you mean that it is likely to be successful or satisfactory. □� If you remember these three golden rules you won't go far wrong.

27as far as I am concerned →�see concern

28a far cry from →�see cry

29insofar as

30near and far →�see near

far|away /fɑː rəwe I / also far-away ADJ [ADJ n] A faraway place is a long distance from you or from a particular place. □� They have just returned from faraway places with wonderful stories to tell.

farce /fɑː r s/ (farces )

1 N‑COUNT A farce is a humorous play in which the characters become involved in complicated and unlikely situations.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Farce is the style of acting and writing that is typical of farces. □� The plot often borders on farce.

3 N‑SING If you describe a situation or event as a farce , you mean that it is so disorganized or ridiculous that you cannot take it seriously. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The elections have been reduced to a farce.

far|ci|cal /fɑː r s I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe a situation or event as farcical , you mean that it is so silly or extreme that you are unable to take it seriously. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a farcical nine months' jail sentence imposed yesterday on a killer.

fare ◆◇◇ /feə r / (fares , faring , fared )

1 N‑COUNT A fare is the money that you pay for a journey that you make, for example, in a bus, train, or taxi. □� He could barely afford the railway fare. □� �taxi fares.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The fare at a restaurant or caf� is the type of food that is served there. [WRITTEN ] □� The fare has much improved since Hugh has taken charge of the kitchen. □� �traditional Portuguese fare in a traditional setting.

3 VERB If you say that someone or something fares well or badly, you are referring to the degree of success they achieve in a particular situation or activity. □�[V adv] It is unlikely that the marine industry will fare any better in September.

Fa r E a st N‑PROPER The Far East is used to refer to all the countries of Eastern Asia, including China, Japan, North and South Korea, and Indochina.

fare|well /feə r we l/ (farewells ) CONVENTION Farewell means the same as goodbye . [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ] ●�N‑COUNT Farewell is also a noun. □� They said their farewells there at the cafe.

fa r-fe tched ADJ If you describe a story or idea as far-fetched , you are criticizing it because you think it is unlikely to be true or practical. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The storyline was too far-fetched and none of the actors was particularly good.

fa r-flu ng (farther-flung , farthest-flung ) ADJ [ADJ n] Far-flung places are a very long distance away from where you are or from important places. □� Ferries are a lifeline to the far-flung corners of Scotland. □� �one of the farthest-flung outposts of the old Roman Empire.

farm ◆◆◇ /fɑː r m/ (farms , farming , farmed )

1 N‑COUNT A farm is an area of land, together with the buildings on it, that is used for growing crops or raising animals, usually in order to sell them. □� Farms in France are much smaller than those in the United States or even Britain.

2 VERB If you farm an area of land, you grow crops or keep animals on it. □�[V n] They farmed some of the best land in Scotland. □�[V ] He has lived and farmed in the area for 46 years.

3 N‑COUNT [n N ] A mink farm or a fish farm , for example, is a place where a particular kind of animal or fish is bred and kept in large quantities in order to be sold. □� �trout fresh from a local trout farm. COLLOCATIONS farm NOUN 2

noun +�farm : dairy, pig, sheep

adjective +�farm : organic VERB 2

farm+�adverb : intensively, organically, sustainably

farm|er ◆◆◇ /fɑː r mə r / (farmers ) N‑COUNT A farmer is a person who owns or manages a farm.

fa rm|ers' ma r|ket (farmers' markets ) also farmers market N‑COUNT A farmers' market is a market where food growers sell their produce directly to the public.

farm|hand /fɑː r mh�nd/ (farmhands ) also farm hand N‑COUNT A farmhand is a person who is employed to work on a farm.

farm|house /fɑː r mhaʊs/ (farmhouses ) also farm house N‑COUNT A farmhouse is the main house on a farm, usually where the farmer lives.

farm|ing /fɑː r m I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Farming is the activity of growing crops or keeping animals on a farm.

farm|land /fɑː r ml�nd/ (farmlands ) N‑UNCOUNT Farmland is land which is farmed, or which is suitable for farming.

farm|yard /fɑː r mjɑː r d/ (farmyards ) N‑COUNT On a farm, the farmyard is an area of land near the farmhouse which is enclosed by walls or buildings.

fa r o ff (further off , furthest off )

1 ADJ If you describe a moment in time as far off , you mean that it is a long time from the present, either in the past or the future. □� Back in those far off days, his argument was credible. □� Agreement is even further off.

2 ADJ If you describe something as far off , you mean that it is a long distance from you or from a particular place. □� �stars in far-off galaxies. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Far off is also an adverb. □� The band was playing far off in their blue and yellow uniforms.

fa r ou t also far-out ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something as far out , you mean that it is very strange or extreme. [INFORMAL ] □� Fantasies cannot harm you, no matter how bizarre or far out they are.

far|ra|go /fərɑː goʊ/ (farragoes or farragos ) N‑COUNT If you describe something as a farrago , you are critical of it because you think it is a confused mixture of different types of things. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] His own books and memoirs are a farrago of half-truth and outright invention.

fa r-rea ching ADJ If you describe actions, events, or changes as far-reaching , you mean that they have a very great influence and affect a great number of things. □� The economy is in danger of collapse unless far-reaching reforms are implemented.

far|ri|er /f� riə r / (farriers ) N‑COUNT A farrier is a person who fits horseshoes onto horses.

fa r-si ghted

1 ADJ If you describe someone as far-sighted , you admire them because they understand what is likely to happen in the future, and therefore make wise decisions and plans. [APPROVAL ] □� Far-sighted economists have told us that in the future we will work less, not more.

2 ADJ Far-sighted people cannot see things clearly that are close to them, and therefore need to wear glasses. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use long-sighted

fart /fɑː r t/ (farts , farting , farted ) VERB If someone farts , air is forced out of their body through their anus. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[V ] He'd been farting all night. ●�N‑COUNT Fart is also a noun. □� �a loud fart.

far|ther /fɑː r �ə r / Farther is a comparative form of far .

far|thest /fɑː r � I st/ Farthest is a superlative form of far .

far|thing /fɑː r � I ŋ/ (farthings ) N‑COUNT A farthing was a small British coin which was worth a quarter of an old penny.

fas|cia /fe I ʃə/ (fascias )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In a car, thefascia is the part surrounding the instruments and dials. [BRIT , FORMAL ] in AM, use instrument panel2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The fascia on a shop front is the flat surface above the shop window, on which the name of the shop is written. [BRIT ]

3 N‑COUNT The fascia of a mobile phone is its detachable cover.

fas|ci|nate /f� s I ne I t/ (fascinates , fascinating , fascinated ) VERB If something fascinates you, it interests and delights you so much that your thoughts tend to concentrate on it. □�[V n] Politics fascinated Franklin's father. □�[V n] She fascinated him, both on and off stage.

fas|ci|nat|ed /f� s I ne I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are fascinatedby something, you find it very interesting and attractive, and your thoughts tend to concentrate on it. □� I sat on the stairs and watched, fascinated. □�[+�by ] A new generation of scientists became fascinated by dinosaurs. [Also +�with ]

fas|ci|nat|ing /f� s I ne I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as fascinating , you find it very interesting and attractive, and your thoughts tend to concentrate on it. □� Madagascar is the most fascinating place I have ever been to. □� Her perceptions and intuitions about human nature were fascinating.

fas|ci|na|tion /f� s I ne I ʃ ə n/ (fascinations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fascination is the state of being greatly interested in or delighted by something. □�[+�with/of/for ] I've had a lifelong fascination with the sea and with small boats.

2 N‑COUNT A fascination is something that fascinates people. □� �a series focusing on the fascinations of the British Museum.

fas|ci|nat|or /f� s I ne I tə r / (fascinators ) N‑COUNT A fascinator is a type of lightweight hat worn by women on formal occasions.

fas|cism /f� ʃ I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Fascism is a set of right-wing political beliefs that includes strong control of society and the economy by the state, a powerful role for the armed forces, and the stopping of political opposition.

fas|cist /f� ʃ I st/ (fascists )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use fascist to describe organizations, ideas, or systems which follow the principles of fascism. □� �the threatening nature of fascist ideology. ●�N‑COUNT A fascist is someone who has fascist views.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a fascist , you are expressing disapproval of the fact that they have extreme views on something, and do not tolerate alternative views. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �health fascists who would meddle in their lives and regulate their calorie intake.

fash|ion ◆◆◇ /f� ʃ ə n/ (fashions , fashioning , fashioned )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fashion is the area of activity that involves styles of clothing and appearance. □� There are 20 full-colour pages of fashion for men. □� The fashion world does not mind what the real world thinks.

2 N‑COUNT A fashion is a style of clothing or a way of behaving that is popular at a particular time. □�[+�for ] Queen Mary started the fashion for blue and white china in England. □�[+�in ] He stayed at the top through all changes and fashions in pop music.

3 N‑SING If you do something in a particular fashion or after a particular fashion , you do it in that way. □� There is another drug called DHE that works in a similar fashion. □� It is happening in this fashion because of the obstinacy of one woman.

4 →�see also parrot-fashion

5 VERB If you fashion an object or a work of art, you make it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Stone Age settlers fashioned necklaces from sheep's teeth.

6 →�see also old-fashioned

7 PHRASE If you say that something was done after a fashion , you mean that it was done, but not very well. □� She was educated�after a fashion�at home. □� He knew the way, after a fashion.

8 PHRASE If something is in fashion , it is popular and approved of at a particular time. If it is out of fashion , it is not popular or approved of. □� That sort of house is back in fashion. □� Jeans go in and out of fashion, but I always love them.

fash|ion|able /f� ʃənəb ə l/ ADJ Something or someone that is fashionable is popular or approved of at a particular time. □� It became fashionable to eat certain kinds of fish. □� Chelsea Harbour is renowned for its fashionable restaurants. ●� fash|ion|ably ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� �women who are perfectly made up and fashionably dressed.

fa sh|ion vic|tim (fashion victims ) N‑COUNT A fashion victim is someone who thinks that being fashionable is more important than looking nice, and as a result often wears very fashionable clothes that do not suit them or that make them look silly. [DISAPPROVAL ]

fast ◆◆◇ /fɑː st, f� st/ (faster , fastest , fasts , fasting , fasted )

1 ADJ Fast means happening, moving, or doing something at great speed. You also use fast in questions or statements about speed. □� �fast cars with flashing lights and sirens. □� Brindley was known as a very, very fast driver. □� The party aims to attract votes from the business and professional communities, which want a faster pace of political reform. □� The only question is how fast the process will be. ●�ADV [ADV with v] Fast is also an adverb. □� They work terrifically fast. □� It would be nice to go faster and break the world record. □� Barnes also knows that he is fast running out of time. □� How fast were you driving? □� How fast would the disease develop?

2 ADV [ADV after v] You use fast to say that something happens without any delay. □� When you've got a crisis like this you need professional help�fast! □� We'd appreciate your leaving as fast as possible. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Fast is also an adjective. □� That would be an astonishingly fast action on the part of the Congress.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a watch or clock is fast , it is showing a time that is later than the real time. □� That clock's an hour fast.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If you hold something fast , you hold it tightly and firmly. If something is stuck fast , it is stuck very firmly and cannot move. □� She climbed the staircase cautiously, holding fast to the rail. □� The tanker is stuck fast on the rocks.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If you hold fast to a principle or idea, or if you stand fast , you do not change your mind about it, even though people are trying to persuade you to. □� We can only try to hold fast to the age-old values of honesty, decency and concern for others. □� He told supporters to stand fast over the next few vital days.

6 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If colours or dyes are fast , they do not come out of the fabrics they are used on when they get wet. □� The fabric was ironed to make the colours fast.

7 VERB If you fast , you eat no food for a period of time, usually for either religious or medical reasons, or as a protest. □�[V ] I fasted for a day and half and asked God to help me. ●�N‑COUNT Fast is also a noun. □� The fast is broken at sunset, traditionally with dates and water. ●� fast|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the Muslim holy month of fasting and prayer.

8 PHRASE Someone who is fast asleep is completely asleep. □� When he went upstairs five minutes later, she was fast asleep.

9to make a fast buck →�see buck

fa st-breeder re|a c|tor (fast-breeder reactors ) N‑COUNT A fast-breeder reactor or a fast-breeder is a kind of nuclear reactor that produces more plutonium than it uses.

fas|ten /fɑː s ə n, f� s-/ (fastens , fastening , fastened )

1 VERB When you fasten something, you close it by means of buttons or a strap, or some other device. If something fastens with buttons or straps, you can close it in this way. □�[V n] She got quickly into her Mini and fastened the seat-belt. □�[be V -ed prep] Her long fair hair was fastened at the nape of her neck by an elastic band. □�[V prep] �the dress, which fastens with a long back zip. [Also V n prep]

2 VERB If you fasten one thing to another, you attach the first thing to the second, for example with a piece of string or tape. □�[V n prep/adv] There were no instructions on how to fasten the carrying strap to the box.

3 →�see also fastening

fas|ten|er /fɑː sənə r , f� s-/ (fasteners ) N‑COUNT A fastener is a device such as a button, zip, or small hook that fastens something, especially clothing.

fas|ten|ing /fɑː sən I ŋ, f� s-/ (fastenings ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A fastening is something such as a clasp or zip that you use to fasten something and keep it shut. □� The sundress has a neat back zip fastening.

fa st foo d N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] Fast food is hot food, such as hamburgers and chips, that you obtain from particular types of restaurant, and which is served quickly after you order it. □� James works as assistant chef at a fast food restaurant.

fa st fo r|ward (fast forwards , fast forwarding , fast forwarded ) also fast-forward

1 VERB When you fast forward the tape in a video or tape recorder or when you fast forward , you make the tape go forwards. Compare rewind . □�[V n] Just fast forward the video. □�[V n prep/adv] He fast-forwarded the recording past the explosion. □�[V ] The urge to fast-forward is almost irresistible. [Also V prep/adv]

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] If you put a video or cassette tape onfast forward , you make the tape go forwards. Compare rewind . □� Before recording onto a new tape, wind it on fast forward, then rewind.

fas|tidi|ous /f�st I diəs/

1 ADJ If you say that someone is fastidious , you mean that they pay great attention to detail because they like everything to be very neat, accurate, and in good order. □� �her fastidious attention to historical detail. □�[+�about ] He was fastidious about his appearance.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is fastidious , you mean that they are concerned about keeping clean to an extent that many people consider to be excessive. □� Be particularly fastidious about washing your hands before touching food. ●� fas|tidi|ous|ly ADV □� Ernestine kept her daughters fastidiously clean.

fa st lane (fast lanes )

1 N‑COUNT On a motorway, thefast lane is the part of the road where the vehicles that are travelling fastest go. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑SING If someone is living in thefast lane , they have a very busy, exciting life, although they sometimes seem to take a lot of risks. □� �a tale of life in the fast lane.

fast|ness /fɑː stnəs, f� st-/ (fastnesses ) N‑COUNT A fastness is a place, such as a castle, which is considered safe because it is difficult to reach or easy to defend against attack. [LITERARY ] □� They could have withdrawn into the mountain fastness of Eryri.

fa st track (fast tracks , fast tracking , fast tracked ) also fast-track

1 N‑SING [N n] The fast trackto a particular goal, especially in politics or in your career, is the quickest route to achieving it. □�[+�to ] Many saw independence as the fast track to democracy.

2 VERB To fast track something means to make it happen or progress faster or earlier than normal. □�[be V -ed] A Federal Court case had been fast tracked to Wednesday. □�[V n] Woodward has fast-tracked a number of youngsters into the line-up since he became coach.

fat ◆◆◇ /f� t/ (fatter , fattest , fats )

1 ADJ If you say that a person or animal is fat , you mean that they have a lot of flesh on their body and that they weigh too much. You usually use the word fat when you think that this is a bad thing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I could eat what I liked without getting fat. □� After five minutes, the fat woman in the seat in front of me was asleep. ●� fat|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� No one knows whether a tendency towards fatness is inherited.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Fat is the extra flesh that animals and humans have under their skin, which is used to store energy and to help keep them warm. □� Because you're not burning calories, everything you eat turns to fat.

3 N‑VAR Fat is a solid or liquid substance obtained from animals or vegetables, which is used in cooking. □� When you use oil or fat for cooking, use as little as possible. □� �vegetable fats, such as coconut oil and palm oil.

4 N‑VAR Fat is a substance contained in foods such as meat, cheese, and butter which forms an energy store in your body. □� An easy way to cut the amount of fat in your diet is to avoid eating red meats. □� Most low-fat yogurts are about 40 calories per 100g.

5 ADJ A fat object, especially a book, is very thick or wide. □� �'Europe in Figures', a fat book published on September 22nd.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A fat profit or fee is a large one. [INFORMAL ] □� They are set to make a big fat profit.

7 PHRASE If you say that there is fat chanceof something happening, you mean that you do not believe that it will happen. [INFORMAL , mainly SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� 'Would your car be easy to steal?'�'Fat chance. I've got a device that shuts down the ignition.' [Also +�of ]

fa|tal /fe I t ə l/

1 ADJ A fatal action has very undesirable effects. □� It would clearly be fatal for Europe to quarrel seriously with America. □� He made the fatal mistake of compromising early. □� It would deal a fatal blow to his fading chances of success. ●� fa|tal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Failure now could fatally damage his chances in the future.

2 ADJ A fatal accident or illness causes someone's death. □� A hospital spokesman said she had suffered a fatal heart attack. ●� fa|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The dead soldier is reported to have been fatally wounded in the chest.

fa|tal|ism /fe I təl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Fatalism is a feeling that you cannot control events or prevent unpleasant things from happening, especially when this feeling stops you from making decisions or making an effort. □� There's a certain mood of fatalism now among the radicals.

fa|tal|is|tic /fe I təl I st I k/ ADJ If someone is fatalisticabout something, especially an unpleasant event or situation, they feel that they cannot change or control it, and therefore that there is no purpose in trying. □�[+�about ] People we spoke to today were really rather fatalistic about what's going to happen.

fa|tal|ity /fət� l I ti/ (fatalities ) N‑COUNT A fatality is a death caused by an accident or by violence. [FORMAL ] □� Drunk driving fatalities have declined more than 10 percent over the past 10 years.

fa t cat (fat cats ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a businessman or politician as a fat cat , you are indicating that you disapprove of the way they use their wealth and power. [INFORMAL , BUSINESS , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the fat cats who run the bank.

fate ◆◇◇ /fe I t/ (fates )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fate is a power that some people believe controls and decides everything that happens, in a way that cannot be prevented or changed. You can also refer to the fates . □� I see no use quarrelling with fate. □� �the fickleness of fate. □� It was just one of those times when you wonder whether the fates conspire against you.

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A person's or thing's fate is what happens to them. □� The Russian Parliament will hold a special session later this month to decide his fate. □�[+�of ] He seems for a moment to be again holding the fate of the country in his hands. □� The Casino, where she had often danced, had suffered a similar fate.

3 PHRASE If something seals a person's or thing's fate , it makes it certain that they will fail or that something unpleasant will happen to them. □� The call for a boycott could be enough to seal the fate of next week's general election.

4to tempt fate →�see tempt

fat|ed /fe I t I d/

1 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you say that a person is fatedto do something, or that something is fated , you mean that it seems to have been decided by fate before it happens, and nothing can be done to avoid or change it. □� He was fated not to score. □� �stories of desperation, fated love, treachery and murder.

2 →�see also ill-fated

fate|ful /fe I tfʊl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If an action or a time when something happened is described as fateful , it is considered to have an important, and often very bad, effect on future events. □� It was a fateful decision, one which was to break the Government.

fa|ther ◆◆◆ /fɑː �ə r / (fathers , fathering , fathered )

1 N‑COUNT Your father is your male parent. You can also call someone your father if he brings you up as if he was this man. You can call your father 'Father'. □� His father was a painter. □� He would be a good father to my children. □� �Mr Stoneman, a father of five.

2 VERB When a man fathers a child, he makes a woman pregnant and their child is born. □�[V n] She claims Mark fathered her child. □�[V n +�by ] He fathered four children by different women.

3 N‑COUNT The man who invented or started something is sometimes referred to as the father of that thing. □�[+�of ] �Max Dupain, regarded as the father of modern photography.

4 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In some Christian churches, priests are addressed or referred to as Father . COLLOCATIONS father NOUN 1

adjective +�father : absent, biological, estranged, married; beloved, devoted, loving, proud

verb +�father : become

Fa ther Chri st|mas N‑PROPER Father Christmas is the name given to an imaginary old man with a long white beard and a red coat. Traditionally, young children in many countries are told that he brings their Christmas presents. [BRIT ] in AM, use Santa Claus

fa |ther fig|ure (father figures ) also father-figure N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a father figure , you mean that you feel able to turn to that person for advice and support in the same way that you might turn to your father. □� She believed her daughter needed a father-figure. □� He became a father figure to the whole company.

father|hood /fɑː �ə r hʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Fatherhood is the state of being a father. □� �the joys of fatherhood.

fa ther-in-law (fathers-in-law ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's father-in-law is the father of their husband or wife.

father|land /fɑː �ə r l�nd/ (fatherlands ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone is very proud of the country where they or their ancestors were born, they sometimes refer to it as the fatherland . The word fatherland is particularly associated with Germany. □� They were willing to serve the fatherland in its hour of need.

fa|ther|less /fɑː �ə r ləs/ ADJ You describe children as fatherless when their father has died or does not live with them. □� �widows and fatherless children. □� They were left fatherless.

fa|ther|ly /fɑː �ə r li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fatherly feelings or actions are like those of a kind father. □� His voice filled with fatherly concern.

Fa |ther's Day N‑UNCOUNT Father's Day is the third Sunday in June, when children give cards and presents to their fathers to show that they love them.

fath|om /f� �əm/ (fathoms , fathoming , fathomed )

1 N‑COUNT A fathom is a measurement of 1.8 metres or 6 feet, used when referring to the depth of water. □� We sailed into the bay and dropped anchor in five fathoms of water.

2 VERB [no cont] If you cannot fathom something, you are unable to understand it, although you think carefully about it. □�[V wh] I really couldn't fathom what Steiner was talking about. □�[V n] Jeremy's passive attitude was hard to fathom. ●�PHRASAL VERB Fathom out means the same as fathom . □�[V P wh] We're trying to fathom out what's going on. □�[V P n] I'm having difficulty using my new camera and can't fathom out all its functions. [Also V n P ]

fath|om|less /f� �əmləs/ ADJ Something that is fathomless cannot be measured or understood because it gives the impression of being very deep, mysterious, or complicated. □� �the fathomless space of the universe. □� The silence was fathomless and overwhelming.

fa|tigue /fətiː g/ (fatigues )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fatigue is a feeling of extreme physical or mental tiredness. □� She continued to have severe stomach cramps, aches, fatigue, and depression. □� His team lasted another 15 days before fatigue began to take its toll.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] You can say that people are suffering from a particular kind of fatigue when they have been doing something for a long time and feel they can no longer continue to do it. □� �compassion fatigue caused by endless TV and celebrity appeals. □� �the result of four months of battle fatigue.

3 N‑PLURAL Fatigues are clothes that soldiers wear when they are fighting or when they are doing routine jobs. □� He never expected to return home wearing U.S. combat fatigues.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] Fatigue in metal or wood is a weakness in it that is caused by repeated stress. Fatigue can cause the metal or wood to break. □� The problem turned out to be metal fatigue in the fuselage.

fa|tigued /fətiː gd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are feeling fatigued , you are suffering from extreme physical or mental tiredness.

fa|tigu|ing /fətiː g I ŋ/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is fatiguing makes you feel extremely physically or mentally tired. □� Jet travel is undeniably fatiguing.

fat|ten /f� t ə n/ (fattens , fattening , fattened )

1 VERB If an animal is fattened , or if it fattens , it becomes fatter as a result of eating more. □�[be V -ed] The cattle are being fattened for slaughter. □�[V ] The creature continued to grow and fatten. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you say that someone is fattening something such as a business or its profits, you mean that they are increasing the value of the business or its profits, in a way that you disapprove of. [BUSINESS , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] They have kept the price of sugar artificially high and so fattened the company's profits. ●�PHRASAL VERB Fatten up means the same as fatten . □�[V P n] The Government is making the taxpayer pay to fatten up a public sector business for private sale. [Also V n P ]

▸� fatten up

1 PHRASAL VERB To fatten up an animal or person means to make them fatter, by forcing or encouraging them to eat more food. □�[V P n] They fattened up ducks and geese. □�[V n P ] You're too skinny�we'll have to fatten you up.

2 →�see also fatten2

fat|ten|ing /f� tən I ŋ/ ADJ Food that is fattening is considered to make people fat easily. □� Some foods are more fattening than others.

fat|ty /f� ti/ (fattier , fattiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fatty food contains a lot of fat. □� Don't eat fatty food or chocolates. □� Stephen swapped his fatty diet for cereal, pasta and vegetables.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Fatty acids or fatty tissues, for example, contain or consist of fat. □� �fatty acids. □� The woman lost about 1.8kg of fatty tissue during the week's fast.

fatu|ous /f� tʃuəs/ ADJ If you describe a person, action, or remark as fatuous , you think that they are extremely silly, showing a lack of intelligence or thought. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Chief was left speechless by this fatuous remark.

fat|wa /f� twɑː/ (fatwas ) also fatwah N‑COUNT A fatwa is a religious order issued by a Muslim leader.

fau|cet /fɔː s I t/ (faucets ) N‑COUNT A faucet is a device that controls the flow of a liquid or gas from a pipe or container. Sinks and baths have faucets attached to them. [AM ] □� She turned off the faucet and dried her hands. in BRIT, usually use tap

fault ◆◇◇ /fɔː lt/ (faults , faulting , faulted )

1 N‑SING [with poss] If a bad or undesirable situation is your fault , you caused it or are responsible for it. □� There was no escaping the fact: it was all his fault. □� A few borrowers will be in trouble with their repayments through no fault of their own.

2 N‑COUNT A fault is a mistake in what someone is doing or in what they have done. □� It is a big fault to think that you can learn how to manage people in business school.

3 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A fault in someone or something is a weakness in them or something that is not perfect. □� His manners had always made her blind to his faults. □� �a short delay due to a minor technical fault.

4 VERB If you cannotfault someone, you cannot find any reason for criticizing them or the things that they are doing. □�[V n +�for ] You can't fault them for lack of invention. □�[V n] It is hard to fault the way he runs his own operation.

5 N‑COUNT A fault is a large crack in the surface of the earth. □� �the San Andreas Fault.

6 N‑COUNT A fault in tennis is a service that is wrong according to the rules.

7 PHRASE If someone or something is at fault , they are to blame or are responsible for a particular situation that has gone wrong. □� He could never accept that he had been at fault.

8 PHRASE If you find faultwith something or someone, you look for mistakes and complain about them. □� I was disappointed whenever the cook found fault with my work.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone has a particular good quality to a fault , you are emphasizing that they have more of this quality than is usual or necessary. [EMPHASIS ] □� Jefferson was generous to a fault. □� Others will tell you that she is modest to a fault, funny, clever and warm.

fault|less /fɔː ltləs/ ADJ Something that is faultless is perfect and has no mistakes at all. □� �Mary Thomson's faultless and impressive performance on the show. □� Hans's English was faultless. ●� fault|less|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Howard was faultlessly dressed in a dark blue suit.

fau lt line (fault lines )

1 N‑COUNT A fault line is a long crack in the surface of the earth. Earthquakes usually occur along fault lines.

2 N‑COUNT A fault line in a system or process is an area of it that seems weak and likely to cause problems or failure. □� These issues have created a stark fault line within the Peace Process.

faulty /fɔː lti/

1 ADJ A faulty piece of equipment has something wrong with it and is not working properly. □� The money will be used to repair faulty equipment.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's argument or reasoning as faulty , you mean that it is wrong or contains mistakes, usually because they have not been thinking in a logical way. □� Their interpretation was faulty�they had misinterpreted things.

faun /fɔː n/ (fauns ) N‑COUNT A faun is an imaginary creature which is like a man with goat's legs and horns.

fau|na /fɔː nə/ (faunas ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] Animals, especially the animals in a particular area, can be referred to as fauna . [TECHNICAL ] □�[+�of ] �the flora and fauna of the African jungle. □� Brackish waters generally support only a small range of faunas.

faux pas /foʊ pɑː / (faux pas ) N‑COUNT A faux pas is a socially embarrassing action or mistake. [FORMAL ] □� It was not long before I realised the enormity of my faux pas.

fava bean /fɑ və biːn/ (fava beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fava beans are flat round beans that are light green in colour and are eaten as a vegetable. [AM ] in BRIT, use broad beans

fave /fe I v/ (faves )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Your fave thing or person of a particular type is the one you like the most. [JOURNALISM , BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Vote for your fave song by dialing 0906 474 8000.

2 N‑COUNT A fave is a thing or person of a particular type that you like the most. [JOURNALISM , BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �old faves like 'Summer Babe' and 'Debris Slide'.

fa|vour ◆◆◇ /fe I və r / (favours , favouring , favoured ) in AM, use favor1 N‑UNCOUNT If you regard something or someone with favour , you like or support them. □� Will the show still find favour with a modern audience? □� No one would look with favour on the continuing military rule. □� He has won favour with a wide range of interest groups.

2 N‑COUNT If you do someone afavour , you do something for them even though you do not have to. □� I've come to ask you to do me a favour.

3 VERB If you favour something, you prefer it to the other choices available. □�[V n] The French say they favour a transition to democracy. □�[V v-ing] He favours bringing the U.N. into touch with 'modern realities'.

4 VERB If you favour someone, you treat them better or in a kinder way than you treat other people. □�[V n] Unpaid internships are criticised for favouring children of the rich who can work for nothing.

5 PHRASE If you are in favourof something, you support it and think that it is a good thing. □� I wouldn't be in favour of income tax cuts. □� Yet this is a Government which proclaims that it is all in favour of openness. □� The vote passed with 111 in favour and 25 against.

6 PHRASE If someone makes a judgment in your favour , they say that you are right about something. □� If the commission rules in Mr Welch's favour the case will go to the European Court of Human Rights.

7 PHRASE If something is in your favour , it helps you or gives you an advantage. □� Firms are trying to shift the balance of power in the labour market back in their favour.

8 PHRASE If one thing is rejected in favour of another, the second thing is done or chosen instead of the first. □� The policy was rejected in favour of a more cautious approach.

9 PHRASE If someone or something is in favour , people like or support them. If they are out of favour , people no longer like or support them.

fa|vour|able /fe I vərəb ə l/ in AM, use favorable1 ADJ [ADJ n] If your opinion or your reaction is favourable to something, you agree with it and approve of it. □� The portraits attracted favourable comment when exhibited in the Royal Hibernian Academy. □�[+�to ] The commission is cautiously favourable to Austrian membership, foreseeing few economic problems.

2 ADJ If something makes a favourable impression on you or is favourable to you, you like it and approve of it. □� His ability to talk tough made a favourable impression on his supporters. □�[+�to ] These terms were favourable to India.

3 ADJ Favourable conditions make something more likely to succeed or seem more attractive. □�[+�to ] The conditions in which the elections were held were too favourable to the government. □� �favourable weather conditions.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you make a favourable comparison between two things, you say that the first is better than or as good as the second. □� The film bears favourable technical comparison with Hollywood productions costing 10 times as much.

fa|vour|ite ◆◆◇ /fe I vər I t/ (favourites ) in AM, use favorite1 ADJ [ADJ n] Your favourite thing or person of a particular type is the one you like most. □� �a bottle of his favourite champagne. □� Her favourite writer is Hans Christian Andersen. ●�N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Favourite is also a noun. □� The Liverpool Metropole is my favourite. ●�PHRASE If you refer to something as an old favourite , you mean that it has been in existence for a long time and everyone knows it or likes it. □� Top destinations for this year include old favourites such as Majorca, Tenerife and the Algarve.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] If you describe one person as the favourite of another, you mean that the second person likes the first person a lot and treats them with special kindness. □� �Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset, a favourite of King James I. □� The Prime Minister is no favourite of the tabloids.

3 N‑COUNT The favourite in a race or contest is the competitor that is expected to win. In a team game, the team that is expected to win is referred to as the favourites . □� The FA Cup has been won by the favourites. USAGE favourite

Your favourite thing or person is the one you like more than all the others. Don�t use �most� with favourite . Don�t say, for example, � What is is your most favourite film ?� Say �What is your favourite film?� COLLOCATIONS favourite NOUN 3

noun +�favourite : premiership, promotion, race, title

adjective +�favourite : clear, firm, hot, overwhelming; equal, joint, odds-on

fa|vour|it|ism /fe I vər I t I zəm/ in AM, use favoritism N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of favouritism , you disapprove of them because they unfairly help or favour one person or group much more than another. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Maria loved both the children. There was never a hint of favouritism.

fawn /fɔː n/ (fawns , fawning , fawned )

1 COLOUR Fawn is a pale yellowish-brown colour. □� �a light fawn coat.

2 N‑COUNT A fawn is a very young deer. □� The fawn ran to the top of the ridge.

3 VERB If you say that someone fawnsover a powerful or rich person, you disapprove of them because they flatter that person and like to be with him or her. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�over/on/around ] People fawn over you when you're famous. □�[V -ing] Nauseatingly fawning journalism that's all it is.

fax /f� ks/ (faxes , faxing , faxed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A fax or a fax machine is a piece of equipment that was used in the past to copy documents by sending information electronically along a telephone line, and to receive copies that were sent in this way. □� �a modern reception desk with telephone and fax. □� These days, cartoonists send in their work by fax.

2 VERB In the past, if you faxed a document to someone, you sent it from one fax machine to another. □�[V n +�to ] I faxed a copy of the agreement to each of the investors. □�[V n n] Did you fax him a reply? □�[V n] Pop it in the post, or get your secretary to fax it. □�[V n] I faxed 10 hotels in the area to check room size.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a copy of a document that was transmitted by a fax machine as a fax . □� I sent him a long fax, saying I didn't need any help.

faze /fe I z/ (fazes , fazed ) VERB [no cont] If something fazes you, it surprises, shocks, or frightens you, so that you do not know what to do. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Big concert halls do not faze Melanie.

FBI /e f biː a I / N‑PROPER The FBI is a government agency in the United States that investigates crimes in which a national law is broken or in which the country's security is threatened. FBI is an abbreviation for 'Federal Bureau of Investigation'.

fe|al|ty /fiː əlti/ N‑UNCOUNT In former times, if someone swore fealty to their ruler, they promised to be loyal to him or her.

fear ◆◆◆ /f I ə r / (fears , fearing , feared )

1 N‑VAR Fear is the unpleasant feeling you have when you think that you are in danger. □� I was sitting on the floor shivering with fear. □�[+�of ] �boyhood memories of sickness and fear of the dark.

2 VERB If you fear someone or something, you are frightened because you think that they will harm you. □�[V n] Many people fear change because they do not like the old ways to be disrupted.

3 N‑VAR [N that] A fear is a thought that something unpleasant might happen or might have happened. □�[+�of ] These youngsters are motivated not by a desire to achieve, but by fear of failure. □� Then one day his worst fears were confirmed.

4 VERB If you fear something unpleasant or undesirable, you are worried that it might happen or might have happened. □�[V that] She had feared she was going down with pneumonia or bronchitis. □�[V n] More than two million refugees have fled the area, fearing attack by loyalist forces.

5 N‑VAR [oft N that] If you say that there is a fearthat something unpleasant or undesirable will happen, you mean that you think it is possible or likely. □� There is a fear that the freeze on bank accounts could prove a lasting deterrent to investors.

6 VERB If you fear for someone or something, you are very worried because you think that they might be in danger. □�[V +�for ] Carla fears for her son. □�[V +�for ] He fled on Friday, saying he feared for his life.

7 N‑VAR If you have fears for someone or something, you are very worried because you think that they might be in danger. □�[+�for ] He also spoke of his fears for the future of his country's culture.

8 VERB You say that you fear that a situation is the case when the situation is unpleasant or undesirable, and when you want to express sympathy, sorrow, or regret about it. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] I fear that a land war now looks very probable. □�[V so/not ] 'Is anything left at all?'�'I fear not.'

9 PHRASE If you are in fear of doing or experiencing something unpleasant or undesirable, you are very worried that you might have to do it or experience it. □� The elderly live in fear of assault and murder.

10 PHRASE If you take a particular course of action for fear of something, you take the action in order to prevent that thing happening. □� She was afraid to say anything to them for fear of hurting their feelings.

11 CONVENTION You use ' no fear ' to emphasize that you do not want to do something. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� When I asked him if he wanted to change his mind, William said 'No fear.' COLLOCATIONS fear NOUN 3

noun +�fear : safety, security, terrorism; inflation, recession

adjective +�fear : irrational, unfounded; genuine, grave, intense, well-founded; deep, deep-seated

fear+�be +�adjective : groundless, unjustified

verb +�fear : prompt, raise, spark; fuel, stoke; allay, calm, dispel, ease; express, voice

fear|ful /f I ə r fʊl/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If you are fearfulof something, you are afraid of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Bankers were fearful of a world banking crisis. □� I had often been very fearful, very angry, and very isolated.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use fearful to emphasize how serious or bad a situation is. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� �the fearful consequences which might flow from unilateral military moves.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Fearful is used to emphasize that something is very bad. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , EMPHASIS ] □� You gave me a fearful shock!

fear|less /f I ə r ləs/ ADJ If you say that someone is fearless , you mean that they are not afraid at all, and you admire them for this. [APPROVAL ] □� �his fearless campaigning for racial justice.

fear|some /f I ə r səm/ ADJ Fearsome is used to describe things that are frightening, for example because of their large size or extreme nature. □� He had developed a fearsome reputation for intimidating people. □� �a fearsome array of weapons.

fea|sible /fiː zəb ə l/ ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If something is feasible , it can be done, made, or achieved. □� She questioned whether it was feasible to stimulate investment in these regions. ●� fea|sibil|ity /fiː zəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The committee will study the feasibility of setting up a national computer network.

feast /fiː st/ (feasts , feasting , feasted )

1 N‑COUNT A feast is a large and special meal. □�[+�of ] Lunch was a feast of meat and vegetables, cheese, yoghurt and fruit, with unlimited wine. □� The fruit was often served at wedding feasts.

2 VERB If you feaston a particular food, you eat a large amount of it with great enjoyment. □�[V +�on ] They feasted well into the afternoon on mutton and corn stew.

3 VERB If you feast , you take part in a feast. □�[V ] Only a few feet away, their captors feasted in the castle's banqueting hall. ●� feast|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The feasting, drinking, dancing and revelry continued for several days.

4 N‑COUNT A feast is a day or time of the year when a special religious celebration takes place. □�[+�of ] The Jewish feast of Passover began last night.

5 PHRASE If you feast your eyes on something, you look at it for a long time with great attention because you find it very attractive. □� She stood feasting her eyes on the view.

feat /fiː t/ (feats ) N‑COUNT If you refer to an action, or the result of an action, as a feat , you admire it because it is an impressive and difficult achievement. [APPROVAL ] □� A racing car is an extraordinary feat of engineering.

feath|er /fe �ə r / (feathers )

1 N‑COUNT A bird's feathers are the soft covering on its body. Each feather consists of a lot of smooth hairs on each side of a thin stiff centre. □� �a hat that she had made herself from black ostrich feathers. □� �a feather bed.

2 →�see also feathered

3to ruffle someone's feathers →�see ruffle

fea th|er bo a →�see boa

fea th|er du st|er (feather dusters ) N‑COUNT A feather duster is a stick with a bunch of real or artificial feathers attached to one end. It is used for dusting and cleaning things.

feath|ered /fe �ə r d/

1 ADJ If you describe something as feathered , you mean that it has feathers on it. □� �the ceremonial feathered hat worn by Hong Kong's governor.

2 PHRASE Birds are sometimes referred to as ourfeathered friends .

feather|weight /fe �ə r we I t/ (featherweights ) N‑COUNT A featherweight is a professional boxer who weighs between 53.5 and 57 kilograms, which is one of the lowest weight ranges.

feath|ery /fe �əri/

1 ADJ If something is feathery , it has an edge divided into a lot of thin parts so that it looks soft. □� The foliage was soft and feathery.

2 ADJ Feathery is used to describe things that are soft and light. □� �flurries of small, feathery flakes of snow.

fea|ture ◆◆◇ /fiː tʃə r / (features , featuring , featured )

1 N‑COUNT A featureof something is an interesting or important part or characteristic of it. □�[+�of ] Patriotic songs have long been a feature of Kuwaiti life. □�[+�of ] The spacious gardens are a special feature of this property.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your features are your eyes, nose, mouth, and other parts of your face. □� His features seemed to change. □� Her features were strongly defined.

3 VERB When something such as a film or exhibition features a particular person or thing, they are an important part of it. □�[V n] It's a great movie and it features a Spanish actor who is going to be a world star within a year. □�[V n] This spectacular event, now in its 5th year, features a stunning catwalk show.

4 VERB If someone or something featuresin something such as a show, exhibition, or magazine, they are an important part of it. □�[V +�in/on ] Jon featured in one of the show's most thrilling episodes.

5 N‑COUNT A feature is a special article in a newspaper or magazine, or a special programme on radio or television. □�[+�on ] �a special feature on the fund-raising project.

6 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A feature or a feature film or movie is a full-length film about a fictional situation, as opposed to a short film or a documentary. □� �the first feature-length cartoon, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

7 N‑COUNT A geographical feature is something noticeable in a particular area of country, for example a hill, river, or valley. COLLOCATIONS feature NOUN 1

noun +�feature : design, period; safety

adjective +�feature : extra, important, key, special; distinctive, distinguishing, original, striking

verb +�feature : add, offer; include, retain VERB 4

feature+�adverb : heavily, prominently, regularly, strongly SYNONYMS feature NOUN 1

aspect:He was interested in all aspects of the work here.

characteristic:�their physical characteristics.

point:The most interesting point about the village was its religion.

side:He is in charge of the civilian side of the U.N. mission.

fea|ture|less /fiː tʃə r ləs/ ADJ If you say that something is featureless , you mean that it has no interesting features or characteristics. □� Malone looked out at the grey-green featureless landscape.

Feb.Feb. is a written abbreviation for February .

fe|brile /fiː bra I l/ ADJ Febrile behaviour is intensely and nervously active. [LITERARY ] □� The news plunged the nation into a febrile, agitated state.

Feb|ru|ary /fe bjuəri, [AM ] -jueri/ (Februaries ) N‑VAR February is the second month of the year in the Western calendar. □� He joined the Army in February 1943. □� His exhibition opens on 5 February. □� Last February the tribunal agreed he had been the victim of racial discrimination.

fe|cal /fiː k ə l/ →�see faecal

fe|ces /fiː siːz/ →�see faeces

feck|less /fe kləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as feckless , you mean that they lack determination or strength, and are unable to do anything properly. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He regarded the young man as feckless and irresponsible.

fe|cund /fiː kənd, fe k-/

1 ADJ Land or soil that is fecund is able to support the growth of a large number of strong healthy plants. [FORMAL ] □� The pampas are still among the most fecund lands in the world.

2 ADJ If you describe something as fecund , you approve of it because it produces a lot of good or useful things. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� It has now become clear how extraordinarily fecund a decade was the 1890s.

fed /fe d/ (feds )

1Fed is the past tense and past participle of feed . See also fed up .

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The feds are federal agents, for example of the American security agency, the FBI, or of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. [AM , INFORMAL ]

fed|er|al ◆◆◇ /fe dərəl/ (federals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A federal country or system of government is one in which the different states or provinces of the country have important powers to make their own laws and decisions. □�[+�of ] The provinces are to become autonomous regions in the new federal system.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Some people use federal to describe a system of government which they disapprove of, in which the different states or provinces are controlled by a strong central government. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He does not believe in a federal Europe with centralising powers.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Federal also means belonging or relating to the national government of a federal country rather than to one of the states within it. □� The federal government controls just 6% of the education budget. □� �a federal judge. ●� fed|er|al|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� �residents of public housing and federally subsidized apartments.

4 N‑COUNT Federals are the same as feds .

fed|er|al|ism /fe dərəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Federalism is belief in or support for a federal system of government, or this system itself. □� They argue that the amendment undermines Canadian federalism.

fed|er|al|ist /fe dərəl I st/ (federalists ) ADJ Someone or something that is federalist believes in, supports, or follows a federal system of government. □� �the federalist idea of Europe. ●�N‑COUNT Federalist is also a noun. □� Many Quebeckers are federalists.

fed|er|at|ed /fe dəre I t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Federated states or societies are ones that have joined together for a common purpose. □� Staying in the federated state or becoming independent is for the people to decide.

fed|era|tion ◆◇◇ /fe dəre I ʃ ə n/ (federations )

1 N‑COUNT A federation is a federal country. □� �the Russian Federation.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A federation is a group of societies or other organizations which have joined together, usually because they share a common interest. □� �the British Athletic Federation. □� The organization emerged from a federation of six national agencies. SYNONYMS federation NOUN 2

union:�the question of which countries should join the currency union.

association:�the British Medical Association.

alliance:The two parties were still too much apart to form an alliance.

coalition:It's a coalition of about 50 civil rights, women's and Latino organizations.

fe|do|ra /f I dɔː rə/ (fedoras ) N‑COUNT A fedora is a type of hat which has a brim and is made from a soft material such as velvet.

fe d u p ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are fed up , you are unhappy, bored, or tired of something, especially something that you have been experiencing for a long time. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] He had become fed up with city life. □� I'm just fed up and I don't know what to do.

fee ◆◆◇ /fiː / (fees )

1 N‑COUNT A fee is a sum of money that you pay to be allowed to do something. □� He hadn't paid his television licence fee.

2 N‑COUNT A fee is the amount of money that a person or organization is paid for a particular job or service that they provide. □� Find out how much your surveyor's and solicitor's fees will be. COLLOCATIONS fee NOUN 1

noun +�fee : course, school, university; admission, booking, entry, exit, registration

adjective +�fee : annual, monthly; hefty, high; fixed, flat

verb +�fee : pay; charge SYNONYMS fee NOUN 1

charge:We can arrange this for a small charge.

cost:Badges are also available at a cost of �2.50.

bill:They couldn't afford to pay the bills.

toll:We pay enough in toll charges to use their roads.

fee|ble /fiː b ə l/ (feebler , feeblest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as feeble , you mean that they are weak. □� He told them he was old and feeble and was not able to walk so far. □� The feeble light of a tin lamp. ●� fee|bly ADV [ADV with v] □� His left hand moved feebly at his side.

2 ADJ If you describe something that someone says as feeble , you mean that it is not very good or convincing. □� This is a particularly feeble argument. ●� fee|bly ADV [ADV with v] □� I said 'Sorry', very feebly, feeling rather embarrassed.

feed ◆◆◇ /fiː d/ (feeds , feeding , fed )

1 VERB If you feed a person or animal, you give them food to eat and sometimes actually put it in their mouths. □�[V n] We brought along pieces of old bread and fed the birds. □�[V n +�on/with ] In that part of the world you can feed cattle on almost any green vegetable or fruit. □�[V n +�to ] He spooned the ice cream into a cup and fed it to her. [Also V pron-refl] ●�N‑COUNT Feed is also a noun. [mainly BRIT ] □� She's had a good feed. ●� feed|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The feeding of dairy cows has undergone a revolution.

2 VERB To feed a family or a community means to supply food for them. □�[V n] Feeding a hungry family can be expensive . □�[V n] We have the technology to feed the population of the planet.

3 VERB When an animal feeds , it eats or drinks something. □�[V ] After a few days the caterpillars stopped feeding. □�[V +�on/off ] Slugs feed on decaying plant and animal material.

4 VERB When a baby feeds , or when you feed it, it drinks breast milk or milk from a bottle. □�[V ] When a baby is thirsty, it feeds more often. □�[V n] I knew absolutely nothing about handling or feeding a baby.

5 N‑VAR [usu n N ] Animal feed is food given to animals, especially farm animals. □� The grain just rotted and all they could use it for was animal feed. □� �poultry feed.

6 VERB To feed something to a place, means to supply it to that place in a steady flow. □�[V n prep] �blood vessels that feed blood to the brain. □�[V n prep] �gas fed through pipelines.

7 VERB If you feed something into a container or piece of equipment, you put it into it. □�[V n prep] She was feeding documents into a paper shredder.

8 VERB If someone feeds you false or secret information, they deliberately tell it to you. □�[V n n] He was surrounded by people who fed him ghastly lies. □�[V n +�with ] At least one British officer was feeding him with classified information. [Also V n +�to ]

9 VERB If you feed a plant, you add substances to it to make it grow well. □�[V n] Feed plants to encourage steady growth.

10 VERB If one thing feedson another, it becomes stronger as a result of the other thing's existence. □�[V +�on ] The drinking and the guilt fed on each other.

11 VERB To feed information into a computer means to gradually put it into it. □�[V n +�into/to ] An automatic weather station feeds information on wind direction to the computer.

12 N‑COUNT A feed is a system that tells a user when an item is available to read, for example on Twitter. □� I saw the news on my Twitter feed.

13to bite the hand that feeds you →�see bite

14mouths to feed →�see mouth COLLOCATIONS feed VERB 1

feed+�adverb : properly, regularly; intravenously NOUN 13

noun +�feed : Instagram, news, satellite, Twitter

adjective +�feed : live

feed|back /fiː db�k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you get feedbackon your work or progress, someone tells you how well or badly you are doing, and how you could improve. If you get good feedback you have worked or performed well. □� Continue to ask for feedback on your work. □� I was getting great feedback from my boss.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Feedback is the unpleasant high-pitched sound produced by a piece of electrical equipment when part of the signal that comes out goes back into it.

feed|er /fiː də r / (feeders )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A feeder road, railway, or river is a smaller one that leads to a more important one.

2 N‑COUNT [usu N n] Feeder airline and railway services connect major routes and local destinations. □� �a feeder to British Airways's transatlantic destinations.

3 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A feeder school or team provides students or players for a larger or more important one.

4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A feeder is a container that you fill with food for birds or animals.

fee d|ing bot|tle (feeding bottles ) also feeding-bottle N‑COUNT A feeding bottle is a plastic bottle with a special rubber top through which a baby can suck milk or other liquids. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use nursing bottle

fee d|ing ground (feeding grounds ) N‑COUNT The feeding ground of a group of animals or birds is the place where they find food and eat. □� The mud is a feeding ground for large numbers of birds.

feel ◆◆◆ /fiː l/ (feels , feeling , felt )

1 V‑LINK If you feel a particular emotion or physical sensation, you experience it. □�[V adj] I am feeling very depressed. □�[V adj] I will always feel grateful to that little guy. □�[V adj] I remember feeling sick. □�[V n] Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder. □�[V n] You won't feel a thing. □�[V as if] I felt as if all my strength had gone. □�[V like] I felt like I was being kicked in the teeth every day.

2 V‑LINK [no cont] If you talk about how an experience or event feels , you talk about the emotions and sensations connected with it. □�[V adj] It feels good to have finished a piece of work. □�[V adj] The speed at which everything moved felt strange. □�[V as if] Within five minutes of arriving back from holiday, it feels as if I've never been away. □�[V like ] It felt like I'd had two babies instead of one.

3 V‑LINK [no cont] If you talk about how an object feels , you talk about the physical quality that you notice when you touch or hold it. For example, if something feels soft, you notice that it is soft when you touch it. □�[V adj] The metal felt smooth and cold. □�[V adj] The ten-foot oars felt heavy and awkward. □�[V like ] When the clay feels like putty, it is ready to use. ●�N‑SING Feel is also a noun. □� He remembered the feel of her skin. □� Linen raincoats have a crisp, papery feel.

4 V‑LINK [no cont] If you talk about how the weather feels , you describe the weather, especially the temperature or whether or not you think it is going to rain or snow. □�[V adj] It felt wintry cold that day.

5 VERB If you feel an object, you touch it deliberately with your hand, so that you learn what it is like, for example what shape it is or whether it is rough or smooth. □�[V n] The doctor felt his head. □�[V n] When dry, feel the surface and it will no longer be smooth. □�[V wh] Feel how soft the skin is in the small of the back. □�[V prep/adv] Her eyes squeezed shut, she felt inside the tin, expecting it to be bare.

6 VERB [no cont] If you can feel something, you are aware of it because it is touching you. □�[V n] Through several layers of clothes I could feel his muscles. □�[V n prep/adv] He felt her leg against his.

7 VERB If you feel something happening, you become aware of it because of the effect it has on your body. □�[V n v-ing] She felt something being pressed into her hands. □�[V n inf] He felt something move beside him. □�[V pron-refl -ed] She felt herself lifted from her feet. □�[be V -ed] Tremors were felt 250 miles away.

8 VERB If you feelyourself doing something or being in a particular state, you are aware that something is happening to you which you are unable to control. □�[V pron-refl inf] I felt myself blush. □�[V pron-refl v-ing] If at any point you feel yourself becoming tense, make a conscious effort to relax. □�[V n inf] I actually felt my heart quicken. [Also V n v-ing]

9 VERB [no cont] If you feel the presence of someone or something, you become aware of them, even though you cannot see or hear them. □�[V n] He felt her eyes on him. □�[V n] Suddenly, I felt a presence behind me. □�[V that] I could feel that a man was watching me very intensely. □�[V n v-ing] He almost felt her wincing at the other end of the telephone.

10 VERB [no cont] If you feel that something is the case, you have a strong idea in your mind that it is the case. □�[V that] I feel that not enough is being done to protect the local animal life. □�[V adj that] I feel certain that it will all turn out well. □�[V n to-inf] She felt herself to be part of a large business empire. □�[V pron-refl n] I never felt myself a real child of the sixties.

11 VERB [no cont] If you feel that you should do something, you think that you should do it. □�[V that] I feel I should resign. □�[V that] He felt that he had to do it. □�[V -ed to-inf] You need not feel obliged to contribute. □�[V +�under ] They felt under no obligation to maintain their employees.

12 VERB [no cont] If you talk about how you feelabout something, you talk about your opinion, attitude, or reaction to it. □�[V +�about ] We'd like to know what you feel about abortion. □�[V adj/adv +�about ] She feels guilty about spending less time lately with her two kids. □�[V n +�about ] He feels deep regret about his friend's death.

13 VERB If you feel like doing something or having something, you want to do it or have it because you are in the right mood for it and think you would enjoy it. □�[V like v-ing] Neither of them felt like going back to sleep. □�[V like n] Could we take a walk? I feel like a little exercise.

14 VERB If you feel the effect or result of something, you experience it. □�[V n] The charity is still feeling the effects of revelations about its one-time president. □�[be V -ed] The real impact will be felt in the developing world.

15 N‑SING The feel of something, for example a place, is the general impression that it gives you. □� The room has a warm, cosy feel. ●�PHRASE If you get the feel of something, for example a place or a new activity, you become familiar with it. □� He wanted to get the feel of the place.

16 →�see also feeling , felt

17feel free →�see free

▸� feel for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you feel for something, for example in the dark, you try to find it by moving your hand around until you touch it. □�[V P n] I felt for my wallet and papers in my inside pocket. □�[V adv/prep P n] I slumped down in my usual armchair and felt around for the newspaper.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you feel for someone, you have sympathy for them. □�[V P n] She cried on the phone and was very upset and I really felt for her.

feel|er /fiː lə r / (feelers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] An insect's feelers are the two thin stalks on its head with which it touches and senses things around it.

2 N‑PLURAL If you put outfeelers , you make careful, quiet contacts with people in order to get information from them, or to find out what their reaction will be to a suggestion. □� When vacancies occur, the office puts out feelers to the universities.

fee l-good also feelgood

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A feel-good film is a film which presents people and life in a way which makes the people who watch it feel happy and optimistic. □� �a bright and enjoyable feelgood romance.

2 PHRASE When journalists refer to the feel-good factor , they mean that people are feeling hopeful and optimistic about the future. □� There were signs of the feel-good factor after the election result.

feel|ing ◆◆◇ /fiː l I ŋ/ (feelings )

1 N‑COUNT A feeling is an emotion, such as anger or happiness. □�[+�of ] It gave me a feeling of satisfaction. □� I think our main feeling would be of an immense gratitude. □� He was unable to contain his own destructive feelings.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft with poss] Your feelings about something are the things that you think and feel about it, or your attitude towards it. □�[+�about ] She has strong feelings about the alleged growth in violence against female officers. □�[+�of ] I think that sums up the feelings of most discerning and intelligent Indians. □� He made no real secret of his feelings to his friends.

3 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] When you refer to someone's feelings , you are talking about the things that might embarrass, offend, or upset them. For example, if you hurt someone's feelings , you upset them by something that you say or do. □� He was afraid of hurting my feelings. □� He has no respect, no regard for anyone's feelings.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Feeling is a way of thinking and reacting to things which is emotional and not planned rather than logical and practical. □� He was prompted to a rare outburst of feeling. □� �a voice that trembles with feeling.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Feeling for someone is love, affection, sympathy, or concern for them. □�[+�for ] Thomas never lost his feeling for Harriet. □� It's incredible that Peter can behave with such stupid lack of feeling.

6 N‑COUNT If you have a feeling of hunger, tiredness, or other physical sensation, you experience it. □� I also had a strange feeling in my neck. □�[+�of ] He experienced feelings of claustrophobia from being in a small place.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Feeling in part of your body is the ability to experience the sense of touch in this part of the body. □� After the accident he had no feeling in his legs.

8 N‑COUNT [oft N that] If you have afeelingthat something is the case or that something is going to happen, you think that is probably the case or that it is probably going to happen. □� I have a feeling that everything will come right for us one day. □�[+�about ] You have a feeling about people, and I just felt she was going to be good.

9 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N that] Feeling is used to refer to a general opinion that a group of people has about something. □� There is still some feeling in the art world that the market for such works may be declining. □� It seemed that anti-Fascist feeling was not being encouraged.

10 N‑SING If you have a feeling of being in a particular situation, you feel that you are in that situation. □�[+�of ] I had the terrible feeling of being left behind to bring up the baby while he had fun.

11 N‑SING If you have a feeling for something, you have an understanding of it or a natural ability to do it. □� Try to get a feeling for the people who live here. □� You seem to have a feeling for drawing.

12 N‑SING If something such as a place or book creates a particular kind of feeling , it creates a particular kind of atmosphere. □�[+�of ] That's what we tried to portray in the book, this feeling of opulence and grandeur.

13 →�see also feel

14 PHRASE Bad feeling or ill feeling is bitterness or anger which exists between people, for example after they have had an argument. □�[+�between ] There's been some bad feeling between the two families.

15 PHRASE Hard feelings are feelings of anger or bitterness towards someone who you have had an argument with or who has upset you. If you say ' no hard feelings ', you are making an agreement with someone not to be angry or bitter about something. □�[+�between ] I don't want any hard feelings between our companies. □� He held out his large hand. 'No hard feelings, right?'

16 CONVENTION You say ' I know the feeling ' to show that you understand or feel sorry about a problem or difficult experience that someone is telling you about. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ]

17 PHRASE If you have mixed feelings about something or someone, you feel uncertain about them because you can see both good and bad points about them. SYNONYMS feeling NOUN 2

opinion:I wasn't asking for your opinion, Dick.

view:You should also make your views known to your local MP.

attitude:His attitude made me angry.

belief:It is our belief that improvements in health care will lead to a stronger economy. PRAGMATICS feelings

In this dictionary, the label FEELINGS indicates that you use the word or expression to show how you feel about a situation, a person, or a thing. An example of a word with this label is unfortunately.

feel|ing|ly /fiː l I ŋli/ ADV [ADV after v] If someone says something feelingly , they say it in a way which shows that they have very strong feelings about what they are saying. □� 'It's what I want,' she said feelingly.

fee -paying ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fee-paying is used to talk about institutions or services which people have to pay to use, especially ones which are often provided free. □� �fee-paying schools. □� �fee-paying postgraduate students.

feet /fiː t/ Feet is the plural of foot .

feign /fe I n/ (feigns , feigning , feigned ) VERB If someone feigns a particular feeling, attitude, or physical condition, they try to make other people think that they have it or are experiencing it, although this is not true. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] One morning, I didn't want to go to school, and decided to feign illness. □�[V -ed] 'Giles phoned this morning,' Mirella said with feigned indifference. [Also V to-inf]

feint /fe I nt/ (feints , feinting , feinted ) VERB In sport or military conflict, if someone feints , they make a brief movement in a different direction from the one they intend to follow, as a way of confusing or deceiving their opponent. □�[V prep/adv] I feinted to the left, then to the right. □�[V ] They feinted and concentrated forces against the most fortified line of the enemy side.

feisty /fa I sti/ ADJ If you describe someone as feisty , you mean that they are tough, independent, and spirited, often when you would not expect them to be, for example because they are old or ill. □� At 66, she was as feisty as ever.

fe|lici|tous /f I l I s I təs/ ADJ If you describe a remark or idea as felicitous , you approve of it because it seems particularly suitable in the circumstances. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� Her prose style is not always felicitous; she tends to repetition.

fe|lic|ity /f I l I s I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Felicity is great happiness and pleasure. [LITERARY ] □� �joy and felicity.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Felicity is the quality of being good, pleasant, or desirable. [LITERARY ] □� �his conversational manner and easy verbal felicity.

fe|line /fiː la I n/ (felines )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Feline means belonging or relating to the cat family.

2 N‑COUNT A feline is an animal that belongs to the cat family. □� The 14lb feline is so fat she can hardly walk.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use feline to describe someone's appearance or movements if they are elegant or graceful in a way that makes you think of a cat. [LITERARY ] □� She moves with feline grace.

fell /fe l/ (fells , felling , felled )

1Fell is the past tense of fall .

2 VERB [usu passive] If trees are felled , they are cut down. □�[be V -ed] Badly infected trees should be felled and burned.

3 VERB If you fell someone, you knock them down, for example in a fight. □�[V n] �a blow on the forehead which felled him to the ground.

4in one fell swoop →�see swoop

fel|la /fe lə/ (fellas ) also feller N‑COUNT You can refer to a man as a fella . [INFORMAL ] □� He's an intelligent man and a nice fella.

fel|la|tio /fəle I ʃioʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Fellatio is oral sex which involves someone using their mouth to stimulate their partner's penis.

fel|low ◆◆◇ /fe loʊ/ (fellows )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use fellow to describe people who are in the same situation as you, or people you feel you have something in common with. □� She discovered to her pleasure, a talent for making her fellow guests laugh. □� Even in jail, my fellow inmates treated me with kindness.

2 N‑COUNT A fellow is a man or boy. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� By all accounts, Rodger would appear to be a fine fellow.

3 N‑PLURAL Your fellows are the people who you work with, do things with, or who are like you in some way. [FORMAL ] □� People looked out for one another and were concerned about the welfare of their fellows.

4 N‑COUNT A fellowof an academic or professional association is someone who is a specially elected member of it, usually because of their work or achievements or as a mark of honour. □�[+�of ] �the fellows of the Zoological Society of London.

fe l|low fee l|ing also fellow-feeling N‑UNCOUNT Fellow feeling is sympathy and friendship that exists between people who have shared similar experiences or difficulties.

fel|low|ship /fe loʊʃ I p/ (fellowships )

1 N‑COUNT A fellowship is a group of people that join together for a common purpose or interest. □� �the National Schizophrenia Fellowship. □� At Merlin's instigation, Arthur founds the Fellowship of the Round Table.

2 N‑COUNT A fellowship at a university is a post which involves research work. □� He was offered a research fellowship at Clare College.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Fellowship is a feeling of friendship that people have when they are talking or doing something together and sharing their experiences. □� �a sense of community and fellowship.

fel|on /fe lən/ (felons ) N‑COUNT A felon is a person who is guilty of committing a felony. [LEGAL ] □� He's a convicted felon.

felo|ny /fe ləni/ (felonies ) N‑COUNT In countries where the legal system distinguishes between very serious crimes and less serious ones, a felony is a very serious crime such as armed robbery. [LEGAL ] □� He pleaded guilty to six felonies.

felt /fe lt/

1Felt is the past tense and past participle of feel .

2 N‑UNCOUNT Felt is a thick cloth made from wool or other fibres packed tightly together.

fe lt-ti p (felt-tips ) N‑COUNT A felt-tip or a felt-tip pen is a pen which has a piece of fibre at the end that the ink comes through.

fem.fem. is a written abbreviation for female or feminine .

fe|male ◆◆◇ /fiː me I l/ (females )

1 ADJ Someone who is female is a woman or a girl. □� �a sixteen-piece dance band with a female singer. □� Only 13 per cent of consultants are female.

2 N‑COUNT Women and girls are sometimes referred to as females when they are being considered as a type. □� Hay fever affects males more than females.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Female matters and things relate to, belong to, or affect women rather than men. □� �female infertility. □� �a purveyor of female undergarments.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to any creature that can lay eggs or produce babies from its body as a female . □� Each female will lay just one egg in April or May. ●�ADJ Female is also an adjective. □� �the scent given off by the female aphid to attract the male.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A female flower or plant contains the part that will become the fruit when it is fertilized. □� Figs have male and female flowers.

femi|nine /fe m I n I n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Feminine qualities and things relate to or are considered typical of women, in contrast to men. □� �male leaders worrying about their women abandoning traditional feminine roles. □� �a manufactured ideal of feminine beauty.

2 ADJ Someone or something that is feminine has qualities that are considered typical of women, especially being pretty or gentle. [APPROVAL ] □� I've always been attracted to very feminine, delicate women. □� The bedroom has a light, feminine look.

3 ADJ In some languages, a feminine noun, pronoun, or adjective has a different form from a masculine or neuter one, or behaves in a different way.

femi|nin|ity /fe m I n I n I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT A woman's femininity is the fact that she is a woman. □� �the drudgery behind the ideology of motherhood and femininity.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Femininity means the qualities that are considered to be typical of women. □� �this courageous German tennis star's unique blend of strength and femininity.

femi|nism /fe m I n I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Feminism is the belief and aim that women should have the same rights, power, and opportunities as men. □� �Barbara Johnson, that champion of radical feminism.

femi|nist /fe m I n I st/ (feminists )

1 N‑COUNT A feminist is a person who believes in and supports feminism. □� Only 16 per cent of young women in a 1990 survey considered themselves feminists.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Feminist groups, ideas, and activities are involved in feminism. □� �the concerns addressed by the feminist movement.

femi|nize /fe m I na I z/ (feminizes , feminizing , feminized ) in BRIT, also use feminise VERB To feminize something means to make it into something that involves mainly women or is thought suitable for or typical of women. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �their governments' policies of feminizing low-paid factory work. □�[V -ed] �a feminised pinstriped suit.

femme fa|tale /f� m fətɑː l/ (femmes fatales ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a woman has a reputation as a femme fatale , she is considered to be very attractive sexually, and likely to cause problems for any men who are attracted to her.

fe|mur /fiː mə r / (femurs ) N‑COUNT Your femur is the large bone in the upper part of your leg.

fen /fe n/ (fens ) N‑VAR Fen is used to refer to an area of low, flat, wet land, especially in the east of England. □� �the flat fen lands near Cambridge.

fence ◆◇◇ /fe ns/ (fences , fencing , fenced )

1 N‑COUNT A fence is a barrier between two areas of land, made of wood or wire supported by posts. □� Villagers say the fence would restrict public access to the hills.

2 VERB If you fence an area of land, you surround it with a fence. □�[V n] The first task was to fence the wood to exclude sheep. □�[V -ed] Thomas was playing in a little fenced area full of sand.

3 N‑COUNT A fence in show jumping or horse racing is an obstacle or barrier that horses have to jump over.

4 PHRASE If one country tries to mend fenceswith another, it tries to end a disagreement or quarrel with the other country. You can also say that two countries mend fences . □�[+�with ] Washington was last night doing its best to mend fences with the Europeans, saying it understood their concerns.

5 PHRASE If you sit on the fence , you avoid supporting a particular side in a discussion or argument. □� They are sitting on the fence and refusing to commit themselves.

▸� fence in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fence something in , you surround it completely with a fence. □�[V P n] He plans to fence in about 100 acres of his ranch five miles north of town.

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you are fenced in by someone or something, they are so close to you that you are unable to move or leave. □�[be V -ed P ] She was basically fenced in by what the military wanted to do. □�[V -ed P ] He put his hand on the post behind her so that he had her fenced in and could look down on her.

fenc|ing /fe ns I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fencing is a sport in which two competitors fight each other using very thin swords. The ends of the swords are covered and the competitors wear protective clothes, so that they do not hurt each other.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Materials such as wood or wire that are used to make fences are called fencing . □� �old wooden fencing.

fend /fe nd/ (fends , fending , fended ) VERB If you have to fend for yourself, you have to look after yourself without relying on help from anyone else. □�[V +�for ] The woman and her young baby had been thrown out and left to fend for themselves.

▸� fend off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fend off unwanted questions, problems, or people, you stop them from affecting you or defend yourself from them, but often only for a short time and without dealing with them completely. □�[V P n] He looked relaxed and determined as he fended off questions from the world's media. □�[V n P ] He had struggled to pay off creditors but couldn't fend them off any longer.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you fend off someone who is attacking you, you use your arms or something such as a stick to defend yourself from their blows. □�[V P n] He raised his hand to fend off the blow. [Also V n P ]

fend|er /fe ndə r / (fenders )

1 N‑COUNT A fender is a low metal wall built around a fireplace, which stops any coals that fall out of the fire from rolling onto the carpet. □� �a brass fender.

2 N‑COUNT A fender is the same as a fireguard .

3 N‑COUNT The fenders of a car are the parts of the body over the wheels. [AM ] in BRIT, use wing4 N‑COUNT The fender of a car is a bar at the front or back that protects the car if it bumps into something. [AM ] in BRIT, use bumper5 N‑COUNT The fenders of a boat are objects which hang against the outside and protect it from damage when it comes next to a harbour wall or another boat.

feng shui /fʌŋ ʃwe I / N‑UNCOUNT Feng shui is a Chinese art which is based on the belief that the way you arrange things within a building, and within the rooms of that building, can affect aspects of your life such as how happy and successful you are.

fen|nel /fe n ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Fennel is a plant with a crisp rounded base and feathery leaves. It can be eaten as a vegetable or the leaves can be used as a herb.

fe|ral /fe rəl, f I ə r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Feral animals are wild animals that are not owned or controlled by anyone, especially ones that belong to species which are normally owned and kept by people. [FORMAL ] □� �feral cats.

fer|ment (ferments , fermenting , fermented ) The noun is pronounced /fɜː r ment/. The verb is pronounced /fə r me nt/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Ferment is excitement and trouble caused by change or uncertainty. □� The whole country has been in a state of political ferment for some months.

2 VERB If a food, drink, or other natural substance ferments , or if it is fermented , a chemical change takes place in it so that alcohol is produced. This process forms part of the production of alcoholic drinks such as wine and beer. □�[V ] The dried grapes are allowed to ferment until there is no sugar left and the wine is dry. □�[V n] Manufacturers ferment the yeast to produce a more concentrated product. ●� fer|men|ta|tion /fɜː r mente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Yeast is essential for the fermentation that produces alcohol.

fern /fɜː r n/ (ferns ) N‑VAR A fern is a plant that has long stems with feathery leaves and no flowers. There are many types of fern.

fe|ro|cious /fəroʊ ʃəs/

1 ADJ A ferocious animal, person, or action is very fierce and violent. □� �a ferocious guard-dog. □� The police had had to deal with some of the most ferocious violence ever seen on the streets of London.

2 ADJ A ferocious war, argument, or other form of conflict involves a great deal of anger, bitterness, and determination. □� Fighting has been ferocious. □� A ferocious battle to select a new parliamentary candidate is in progress.

3 ADJ If you describe actions or feelings as ferocious , you mean that they are intense and determined. □� Lindbergh was startled at the ferocious depth of anti-British feeling.

fe|roc|ity /fərɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT The ferocity of something is its fierce or violent nature. □� The armed forces seem to have been taken by surprise by the ferocity of the attack.

fer|ret /fe r I t/ (ferrets , ferreting , ferreted )

1 N‑COUNT A ferret is a small, fierce animal which is used for hunting rabbits and rats.

2 VERB If you ferret about for something, you look for it in a lot of different places or in a place where it is hidden. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V about/around ] She nonetheless continued to ferret about for possible jobs. □�[V prep] She ferreted among some papers.

▸� ferret out PHRASAL VERB If you ferret out some information, you discover it by searching for it very thoroughly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] The team is trying to ferret out missing details. □�[V n P ] I leave it to the reader to ferret these out. WORD HISTORY ferret

Ferret comes from Old French furet meaning 'little thief', from Latin fūr , meaning 'thief'.

Fer|ris wheel /fe r I s wiːl/ (Ferris wheels ) also ferris wheel N‑COUNT A Ferris wheel is a very large upright wheel with carriages around the edge of it which people can ride in. Ferris wheels are often found at theme parks or funfairs. [AM ] in BRIT, use big wheel

fer|rous /fe rəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ferrous means containing or relating to iron. □� �ferrous metals. □� �ferrous chloride.

fer|rule /fe ruːl, [AM ] -r ə l/ (ferrules ) N‑COUNT A ferrule is a metal or rubber cap that is fixed onto the end of a stick or post in order to prevent it from splitting or wearing down. [FORMAL ]

fer|ry /fe ri/ (ferries , ferrying , ferried )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A ferry is a boat that transports passengers and sometimes also vehicles, usually across rivers or short stretches of sea. □� They had recrossed the River Gambia by ferry.

2 VERB If a vehicle ferries people or goods, it transports them, usually by means of regular journeys between the same two places. □�[V n prep/adv] Every day, a plane arrives to ferry guests to and from Bird Island Lodge. □�[V n amount] It was still dark when five coaches started to ferry the miners the 140 miles from the Silverhill colliery. □�[V n with adv] A helicopter ferried in more soldiers to help in the search. [Also V n]

fer|ry|boat /fe riboʊt/ (ferryboats ) N‑COUNT A ferryboat is a boat used as a ferry.

fer|tile /fɜː r ta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/

1 ADJ Land or soil that is fertile is able to support the growth of a large number of strong healthy plants. □� �fertile soil. □� �the rolling fertile countryside of East Cork. ●� fer|til|ity /fɜː r t I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He was able to bring large sterile acreages back to fertility.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fertile mind or imagination is able to produce a lot of good, original ideas. □� �a product of Flynn's fertile imagination.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A situation or environment that is fertile in relation to a particular activity or feeling encourages the activity or feeling. □� �a fertile breeding ground for this kind of violent racism.

4 ADJ A person or animal that is fertile is able to reproduce and have babies or young. □� The operation cannot be reversed to make her fertile again. ●� fer|til|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� Doctors will tell you that pregnancy is the only sure test for fertility.

fer|ti|lize /fɜː r t I la I z/ (fertilizes , fertilizing , fertilized ) in BRIT, also use fertilise1 VERB When an egg from the ovary of a woman or female animal is fertilized , a sperm from the male joins with the egg, causing a baby or young animal to begin forming. A female plant is fertilized when its reproductive parts come into contact with pollen from the male plant. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Certain varieties cannot be fertilised with their own pollen. □�[V n] �the normal sperm levels needed to fertilise the female egg. □�[V -ed] Pregnancy begins when the fertilized egg is implanted in the wall of the uterus. [Also V n with n] ●� fer|ti|li|za|tion /fɜː r t I la I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The average length of time from fertilization until birth is about 266 days.

2 VERB To fertilize land means to improve its quality in order to make plants grow well on it, by spreading solid animal waste or a chemical mixture on it. □�[V n] The faeces contain nitrogen and it is that which fertilises the desert soil. □�[V -ed] �chemically fertilized fields.

fer|ti|liz|er /fɜː r t I la I zə r / (fertilizers ) in BRIT, also use fertiliser N‑VAR Fertilizer is a substance such as solid animal waste or a chemical mixture that you spread on the ground in order to make plants grow more successfully. □� �farming without any purchased chemical, fertilizer or pesticide.

fer|vent /fɜː r v ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fervent person has or shows strong feelings about something, and is very sincere and enthusiastic about it. □� �a fervent admirer of Morisot's work. □� �the fervent hope that matters will be settled promptly. ●� fer|vent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Their claims will be fervently denied.

fer|vour /fɜː r və r / in AM, use fervor N‑UNCOUNT Fervour for something is a very strong feeling for or belief in it. [FORMAL ] □� They were concerned only with their own religious fervour.

fes|ter /fe stə r / (festers , festering , festered )

1 VERB If you say that a situation, problem, or feeling is festering , you disapprove of the fact that it is being allowed to grow more unpleasant or full of anger, because it is not being properly recognized or dealt with. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] Resentments are starting to fester. □�[V -ing] �the festering wounds of rejection.

2 VERB If a wound festers , it becomes infected, making it worse. □�[V ] The wound is festering, and gangrene has set in. □�[V -ing] Many of the children are afflicted by festering sores.

fes|ti|val ◆◆◇ /fe st I v ə l/ (festivals )

1 N‑COUNT A festival is an organized series of events such as musical concerts or drama productions. □� Numerous Umbrian towns hold their own summer festivals of music, theatre, and dance. □� I had just returned from the Cannes Film Festival.

2 N‑COUNT A festival is a day or time of the year when people have a holiday from work and celebrate some special event, often a religious event. □� �the Hindu festival of Diwali.

fes|tive /fe st I v/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is festive is special, colourful, or exciting, especially because of a holiday or celebration. □� The town has a festive holiday atmosphere.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Festive means relating to a holiday or celebration, especially Christmas. □� The factory was due to shut for the festive period.

fe s|tive sea|son N‑SING People sometimes refer to the Christmas period as thefestive season .

fes|tiv|ity /fest I v I ti/ (festivities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Festivity is the celebration of something in a happy way. □� There was a general air of festivity and abandon.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Festivities are events that are organized in order to celebrate something. □� The festivities included a huge display of fireworks.

fes|toon /festuː n/ (festoons , festooning , festooned ) VERB [usu passive] If something is festoonedwith , for example, lights, balloons, or flowers, large numbers of these things are hung from it or wrapped around it, especially in order to decorate it. □�[be V -ed +�with/in ] The temples are festooned with lights.

feta /fe tə/ N‑UNCOUNT Feta is a type of salty white cheese made from goats' or sheep's milk. It is traditionally made in Greece.

fe|tal /fiː t ə l/ →�see foetal

fetch /fe tʃ/ (fetches , fetching , fetched )

1 VERB If you fetch something or someone, you go and get them from the place where they are. □�[V n] Sylvia fetched a towel from the bathroom. □�[V n n] Fetch me a glass of water. □�[V n +�for ] The caddie ran over to fetch something for him.

2 VERB If something fetches a particular sum of money, it is sold for that amount. □�[V n] The painting is expected to fetch between two and three million pounds.

3 →�see also far-fetched , fetching

fetch|ing /fe tʃ I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as fetching , you think that they look very attractive. □� Sue was sitting up in bed, looking very fetching in a flowered bedjacket.

fete /fe I t/ (fetes , feting , feted ) also f�te

1 N‑COUNT A fete is an event that is usually held outdoors and includes competitions, entertainments, and the selling of used and home-made goods.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is feted , they are celebrated, welcomed, or admired by the public. □�[be V -ed] Anouska Hempel, the British dress designer, was feted in New York this week at a spectacular dinner.

fet|id /fe t I d, fiː -/ in BRIT, also use foetid ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fetid water or air has a very strong unpleasant smell. [FORMAL ] □� �the fetid river of waste. □� �the fetid stench of vomit.

fet|ish /fe t I ʃ/ (fetishes )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] If someone has a fetish , they have an unusually strong liking or need for a particular object or activity, as a way of getting sexual pleasure. □� �rubber and leather fetishes. □� �fetish wear for sexual arousal.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone has a fetish for doing something, you disapprove of the fact that they do it very often or enjoy it very much. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What began as a postwar fetish for sunbathing is rapidly developing into a world health crisis.

3 N‑COUNT In some cultures, a fetish is an object, especially a carved object, which is considered to have religious importance or magical powers.

fet|ish|ism /fe t I ʃ I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Fetishism involves a person having a strong liking or need for a particular object or activity which gives them sexual pleasure and excitement.

fet|ish|ist /fe t I ʃ I st/ (fetishists ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A fetishist is a person who has a strong liking or need for a particular object or activity in order to experience sexual pleasure and excitement. □� �a foot fetishist.

fet|lock /fe tlɒk/ (fetlocks ) N‑COUNT A horse's fetlock is the back part of its leg, just above the hoof.

fet|ter /fe tə r / (fetters , fettering , fettered )

1 VERB If you say that you are fettered by something, you dislike it because it prevents you from behaving or moving in a free and natural way. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] �a private trust which would not be fettered by bureaucracy. □�[V n] The black mud fettered her movements.

2 N‑PLURAL You can use fetters to refer to things such as rules, traditions, or responsibilities that you dislike because they prevent you from behaving in the way you want. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ]

fet|tle /fe t ə l/ PHRASE If you say that someone or something is in fine fettle , you mean that they are in very good health or condition. [INFORMAL ] □� You seem in fine fettle.

fe|tus /fiː təs/ →�see foetus

feud /fjuː d/ (feuds , feuding , feuded )

1 N‑COUNT A feud is a quarrel in which two people or groups remain angry with each other for a long time, although they are not always fighting or arguing. □� �a long and bitter feud between the state government and the villagers.

2 VERB If one person or group feudswith another, they have a quarrel that lasts a long time. You can also say that two people or groups feud . □�[V +�with ] He feuded with his ex-wife. □�[V ] Their families had feuded since their teenage daughters quarrelled two years ago.

feu|dal /fjuː d ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Feudal means relating to the system or the time of feudalism. □� �the emperor and his feudal barons.

feu|dal|ism /fjuː dəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Feudalism was a system in which people were given land and protection by people of higher rank, and worked and fought for them in return.

fe|ver /fiː və r / (fevers )

1 N‑VAR If you have a fever when you are ill, your body temperature is higher than usual and your heart beats faster. □� My Uncle Jim had a high fever. □� Symptoms of the disease include fever and weight loss.

2 →�see also hay fever , rheumatic fever , scarlet fever

3 N‑COUNT A fever is extreme excitement or nervousness about something. □� Angie waited in a fever of excitement.

fe |ver blis|ter (fever blisters ) N‑COUNT Fever blisters are small sore spots that sometimes appear on or near someone's lips and nose when they have a cold. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use cold sore

fe|vered /fiː və r d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fevered is used to describe feelings of great excitement, and the activities that result from them. [WRITTEN ] □� Meg was in a state of fevered anticipation. □� �fevered speculation over the leadership.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a person is fevered , or they have a fevered brow, they are suffering from a fever. [LITERARY ] □� �her fevered brow.

fe|ver|ish /fiː vər I ʃ/

1 ADJ Feverish activity is done extremely quickly, often in a state of nervousness or excitement because you want to finish it as soon as possible. □� Hours of feverish activity lay ahead. The tents had to be erected, the stalls set up.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Feverish emotion is characterized by extreme nervousness or excitement. □� �a state of feverish excitement.

3 ADJ If you are feverish , you are suffering from a fever. □� A feverish child refuses to eat and asks only for cold drinks. □� She looked feverish, her eyes glistened. ●� fe|ver|ish|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� He slept feverishly all afternoon and into the night.

fe |ver pi tch N‑UNCOUNT [oft at N ] If something is at fever pitch , it is in an extremely active or excited state. □� Campaigning is reaching fever pitch for elections on November 6.

few ◆◆◆ /fjuː / (fewer , fewest )

1 DET You use a few to indicate that you are talking about a small number of people or things. You can also say a very few . □� I gave a dinner party for a few close friends. □� Here are a few more ideas to consider. □� She was silent for a few seconds. ●�PRON Few is also a pronoun. □� Doctors work an average of 90 hours a week, while a few are on call for up to 120 hours. □� A strict diet is appropriate for only a few. ●�QUANT Few is also a quantifier. □� There are many ways eggs can be prepared; here are a few of them. □� �a little tea-party I'm giving for a few of the teachers.

2 ADJ You use few after adjectives and determiners to indicate that you are talking about a small number of things or people. □� The past few weeks of her life had been the most pleasant she could remember. □� �in the last few chapters. □� A train would pass through there every few minutes at that time of day.

3 DET You use few to indicate that you are talking about a small number of people or things. You can use 'so', 'too', and 'very' in front of few . □� She had few friends, and was generally not very happy. □� Few members planned to vote for him. □� Very few firms collect the tax, even when they're required to do so by law. ●�PRON Few is also a pronoun. □� The trouble is that few want to buy, despite the knockdown prices on offer. □� �a true singing and songwriting talent that few suspected. ●�QUANT Few is also a quantifier. □� Few of the volunteers had military experience. ●�ADJ Few is also an adjective. □� �spending her few waking hours in front of the TV. □� His memories of his father are few.

4 N‑SING The few means a small set of people considered as separate from the majority, especially because they share a particular opportunity or quality that the others do not have. □� This should not be an experience for the few. □� �a system built on academic excellence for the few.

5 PHRASE You use as few as before a number to suggest that it is surprisingly small. [EMPHASIS ] □� One study showed that even as few as ten cigarettes a day can damage fertility.

6 PHRASE Things that are few and far between are very rare or do not happen very often. [EMPHASIS ] □� In this economic climate new ideas were few and far between.

7 PHRASE You use no fewer than to emphasize that a number is surprisingly large. [EMPHASIS ] □� No fewer than thirteen foreign ministers attended the session.

fey /fe I / ADJ If you describe someone as fey , you mean that they behave in a shy, childish, or unpredictable way, and you are often suggesting that this is unnatural or insincere. [LITERARY ] □� Her fey charm and eccentric ways were legendary.

fez /fe z/ (fezzes ) N‑COUNT A fez is a round, red hat with no brim and a flat top.

ff.

1 In a book or magazine, when ff. is written it refers to the page or line mentioned and two or more pages or lines after it. □� �p. 173 ff.

2 In a piece of music, ff is a written abbreviation for fortissimo .

FGM /e f dʒiː e m / N‑UNCOUNT FGM is the practice of cutting off some or all of the outer sex organs of a girl or woman. FGM is an abbreviation for 'female genital mutilation'. □� �to encourage schools to teach pupils about FGM.

fi|an|c� /fiɒ nse I , [AM ] fiː ɑːnse I / (fianc�s ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A woman's fianc� is the man to whom she is engaged to be married.

fi|an|c�e /fiɒ nse I , [AM ] fiː ɑːnse I / (fianc�es ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A man's fianc�e is the woman to whom he is engaged to be married.

fi|as|co /fi� skoʊ/ (fiascos ) N‑COUNT If you describe an event or attempt to do something as a fiasco , you are emphasizing that it fails completely. [EMPHASIS ] □� The blame for the Charleston fiasco did not lie with him. □� It was a bit of a fiasco.

fiat /fiː �t, fai -/ (fiats ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] If something is done byfiat , it is done because of an official order given by someone in authority. [FORMAL ] □� He has tried to impose solutions to the country's problems by fiat.

fib /f I b/ (fibs , fibbing , fibbed )

1 N‑COUNT A fib is a small, unimportant lie. [INFORMAL ] □� She told innocent fibs like anyone else.

2 VERB If someone is fibbing , they are telling lies. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] He laughs loudly when I accuse him of fibbing.

fi|bre /fa I bə r / (fibres ) in AM, use fiber1 N‑COUNT A fibre is a thin thread of a natural or artificial substance, especially one that is used to make cloth or rope. □� If you look at the paper under a microscope you will see the fibres. □� �a variety of coloured fibres.

2 N‑VAR A particular fibre is a type of cloth or other material that is made from or consists of threads. □� The ball is made of rattan�a natural fibre.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Fibre consists of the parts of plants or seeds that your body cannot digest. Fibre is useful because it makes food pass quickly through your body. □� Most vegetables contain fibre.

4 N‑COUNT A fibre is a thin piece of flesh like a thread which connects nerve cells in your body or which muscles are made of. □� �the nerve fibres.

fibre|glass /fa I bə r glɑːs, -gl�s/ in AM, use fiberglass1 N‑UNCOUNT Fibreglass is plastic strengthened with short, thin threads of glass.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Fibreglass is a material made from short, thin threads of glass which can be used to stop heat escaping.

fi |bre op|tics The spelling fiber optics and fibre optic are also used in American English. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Fibre optics is the use of long thin threads of glass to carry information in the form of light.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Fibre optic means relating to or involved in fibre optics. □� �fibre optic cables.

fi|broid /fa I brɔ I d/ (fibroids ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fibroids are lumps of fibrous tissue that form in a woman's womb, often causing pain. [MEDICAL ]

fi|brous /fa I brəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fibrous object or substance contains a lot of fibres or fibre, or looks as if it does. □� �fibrous tissue.

fibu|la /f I bjʊlə/ (fibulae ) N‑COUNT Your fibula is the outer bone of the two bones in the lower part of your leg. [MEDICAL ]

fick|le /f I k ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as fickle , you disapprove of them because they keep changing their mind about what they like or want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The group has been notoriously fickle in the past. ●� fick|le|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the fickleness of businessmen and politicians.

2 ADJ If you say that something is fickle , you mean that it often changes and is unreliable. □� Orta's weather can be fickle.

fic|tion /f I kʃ ə n/ (fictions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fiction refers to books and stories about imaginary people and events, rather than books about real people or events. □� Immigrant tales have always been popular themes in fiction. □� Diana is a writer of historical fiction.

2 →�see also science fiction

3 N‑UNCOUNT A statement or account that is fiction is not true. □� The truth or fiction of this story has never been truly determined.

4 N‑COUNT If something is a fiction , it is not true, although people sometimes pretend that it is true. □� Is the idea of 'true love' a fiction in itself?

fic|tion|al /f I kʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fictional characters or events occur only in stories, plays, or films and never actually existed or happened. □� It is drama featuring fictional characters.

fic|tion|al|ize /f I kʃənəla I z/ (fictionalizes , fictionalizing , fictionalized ) in BRIT, also use fictionalise VERB To fictionalize an account of something that really happened means to tell it as a story, with some details changed or added. □�[V n] We had to fictionalize names. □�[V -ed] �a fictionalised account of a true and horrific story.

fic|ti|tious /f I kt I ʃəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fictitious is used to describe something that is false or does not exist, although some people claim that it is true or exists. □� We're interested in the source of these fictitious rumours.

2 ADJ A fictitious character, thing, or event occurs in a story, play, or film but never really existed or happened. □� The persons and events portrayed in this production are fictitious.

fid|dle /f I d ə l/ (fiddles , fiddling , fiddled )

1 VERB If you fiddle with an object, you keep moving it or touching it with your fingers. □�[V +�with ] Harriet fiddled with a pen on the desk.

2 VERB If you fiddle with something, you change it in minor ways. □�[V +�with ] She told Whistler that his portrait of her was finished and to stop fiddling with it.

3 VERB If you fiddle with a machine, you adjust it. □�[V +�with ] He turned on the radio and fiddled with the knob until he got a talk show.

4 VERB If someone fiddles financial documents, they alter them dishonestly so that they get money for themselves. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He's been fiddling the books.

5 N‑VAR Some people call violins fiddles , especially when they are used to play folk music. □� Hardy as a young man played the fiddle at local dances.

6 PHRASE Someone who is as fit as a fiddle is very healthy and full of energy. □� I'm as fit as a fiddle�with energy to spare.

7 PHRASE If you play second fiddle to someone, your position is less important than theirs in something that you are doing together. □� She hated the thought of playing second fiddle to Rose.

▸� fiddle around in BRIT, also use fiddle about1 PHRASAL VERB If you fiddle around or fiddle about with a machine, you do things to it to try and make it work. □�[V P +�with ] Two of them got out to fiddle around with the engine. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is fiddling around with or fiddling about with something, you mean that they are changing it in a way that you disapprove of. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P P n] They're fiddling around with the budget.

fid|dler /f I dlə r / (fiddlers ) N‑COUNT A fiddler is someone who plays the violin, especially one who plays folk music.

fid|dling /f I dəl I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fiddling is the practice of getting money dishonestly by altering financial documents. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Salomon's fiddling is likely to bring big trouble for the firm.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Violin playing, especially in folk music, is sometimes referred to as fiddling .

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe something as fiddling if it is small, unimportant, or difficult to do. □� �the daunting amount of fiddling technical detail.

fid|dly /f I dəli/ (fiddlier , fiddliest ) ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Something that is fiddly is difficult to do or use because it involves small or complicated objects. [BRIT ] □� It was a time-consuming and fiddly job. □� Fish can be fiddly to cook.

fi|del|ity /f I de l I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fidelity is loyalty to a person, organization, or set of beliefs. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] I had to promise fidelity to the Queen.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Fidelity is being loyal to your husband, wife, or partner by not having a sexual relationship with anyone else. □� Wanting fidelity implies you're thinking about a major relationship.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] The fidelity of something such as a report or translation is the degree to which it is accurate. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the fidelity of these early documents.

fidg|et /f I dʒ I t/ (fidgets , fidgeting , fidgeted )

1 VERB If you fidget , you keep moving your hands or feet slightly or changing your position slightly, for example because you are nervous, bored, or excited. □�[V ] Brenda fidgeted in her seat. ●�PHRASAL VERB Fidget around and fidget about mean the same as fidget . □�[V P ] There were two new arrivals, fidgeting around, waiting to ask questions.

2 VERB If you fidget with something, you keep moving it or touching it with your fingers with small movements, for example because you are nervous or bored. □�[V +�with ] He fidgeted with his tie.

fidg|ety /f I dʒ I ti/ ADJ Someone who is fidgety keeps fidgeting, for example because they are nervous or bored.

fi|du|ci|ary /f I duː ʃiəri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fiduciary is used to talk about things which relate to a trust, or to the people who are in charge of a trust. [LEGAL ] □� They have a case against their directors for breach of fiduciary duty.

fief /fiː f/ (fiefs ) N‑COUNT In former times, a fief was a piece of land given to someone by their lord, to whom they had a duty to provide particular services in return.

field ◆◆◇ /fiː ld/ (fields , fielding , fielded )

1 N‑COUNT A field is an area of grass, for example in a park or on a farm. A field is also an area of land on which a crop is grown. □�[+�of ] �a field of wheat. □� They went for walks together in the fields.

2 N‑COUNT A sports field is an area of grass where sports are played. □� �a football field. □� The player was helped from the field with ankle injuries.

3 N‑COUNT A field is an area of land or sea bed under which large amounts of a particular mineral have been found. □� �an extensive natural gas field in Alaska.

4 N‑COUNT A magnetic, gravitational, or electric field is the area in which that particular force is strong enough to have an effect. □� Electromagnetic fields from electric power lines might increase the risk of cancer.

5 N‑COUNT A particular field is a particular subject of study or type of activity. □�[+�of ] Exciting artistic breakthroughs have recently occurred in the fields of painting, sculpture and architecture. □� She is said to be one of the leading experts in her field.

6 N‑COUNT A field is an area of a computer's memory or a program where data can be entered, edited, or stored. [COMPUTING ] □� Put your postcode into the website search field to find local support services.

7 N‑COUNT You can refer to the area where fighting or other military action in a war takes place as thefield or thefieldof battle . □�[+�of ] We never defeated them on the field of battle. □� �the need for politicians to leave day-to-day decisions to commanders in the field.

8 N‑COUNT Your field of vision or your visual field is the area that you can see without turning your head. □� Our field of vision is surprisingly wide.

9 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu sing] Thefield is a way of referring to all the competitors taking part in a particular race or sports contest. □� Going into the fourth lap, the two most broadly experienced riders led the field.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] You use field to describe work or study that is done in a real, natural environment rather than in a theoretical way or in controlled conditions. □� I also conducted a field study among the boys about their attitude to relationships. □� Our teachers took us on field trips to observe plants and animals, firsthand.

11 VERB [usu cont] In a game of cricket, baseball, or rounders, the team that is fielding is trying to catch the ball, while the other team is trying to hit it. □�[V ] When we are fielding, the umpires keep looking at the ball. [Also V n]

12 VERB If you say that someone fields a question, you mean that they answer it or deal with it, usually successfully. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] He was later shown on television, fielding questions.

13 VERB If a sports team fields a particular number or type of players, the players are chosen to play for the team on a particular occasion. □�[V n] England intend fielding their strongest team in next month's World Youth Championship.

14 VERB If a candidate in an election is representing a political party, you can say that the party is fielding that candidate. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The new party aims to field candidates in elections scheduled for next year.

15 →�see also coalfield , minefield , playing field , snowfield

16 PHRASE If someone is having a field day , they are very busy doing something that they enjoy, even though it may be hurtful for other people. □� In our absence the office gossips are probably having a field day.

17 PHRASE Work or study that is done in the field is done in a real, natural environment rather than in a theoretical way or in controlled conditions. □� The zoo is doing major conservation work, both in captivity and in the field.

18 PHRASE If you say that someone leads the field in a particular activity, you mean that they are better, more active, or more successful than everyone else who is involved in it. □� When it comes to picking up awards they lead the field by miles.

19 PHRASE If someone plays the field , they have a number of different romantic or sexual relationships. [INFORMAL ] □� He gave up playing the field and married a year ago. SYNONYMS field NOUN 1

land:Good agricultural land is in short supply.

meadow:Its forests and meadows also make it great for country walks.

paddock:The family kept horses in the paddock in front of the house.

pasture:The cows are out now, grazing in the pasture.

field|er /fiː ldə r / (fielders ) N‑COUNT A fielder is a player in cricket, baseball, or rounders who is fielding or one who has a particular skill at fielding. □� The fielders crouch around the batsman's wicket.

fie ld event (field events ) N‑COUNT A field event is an athletics contest such as the high jump or throwing the discus or javelin, rather than a race.

fie ld-glasses also field glasses N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Field-glasses are the same as binoculars . [FORMAL ]

fie ld hand (field hands ) N‑COUNT A field hand is someone who is employed to work on a farm. [mainly AM ]

fie ld ho ck|ey N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Field hockey is an outdoor game played on a grass field between two teams of 11 players who use long curved sticks to hit a small ball and try to score goals. [AM ] in BRIT, use hockey

fie ld ma r|shal (field marshals ) also field-marshal N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A field marshal is an officer in the army who has the highest rank.

fie ld mouse (field mice ) also fieldmouse N‑COUNT A field mouse is a mouse with a long tail that lives in fields and woods.

fie ld sport (field sports ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Hunting, shooting birds, and fishing with a rod are referred to as field sports when they are done mainly for pleasure.

fie ld-test (field-tests , field-testing , field-tested ) also field test VERB If you field-test a new piece of equipment, you test it in a real, natural environment. □�[V n] We've field-tested them ourselves and are happy that they work.

field|work /fiː ldwɜː r k/ also field work N‑UNCOUNT Fieldwork is the gathering of information about something in a real, natural environment, rather than in a place of study such as a laboratory or classroom. □� �anthropological fieldwork.

fiend /fiː nd/ (fiends )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a fiend , you mean that they are extremely wicked or cruel. [WRITTEN ] □� A tearful husband repeated calls for help in catching the fiend who battered his wife.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] Fiend can be used after a noun to refer to a person who is very interested in the thing mentioned, and enjoys having a lot of it or doing it often. □� �if you're a heavy coffee drinker or strong-tea fiend.

fiend|ish /fiː nd I ʃ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fiendish plan, action, or device is very clever or imaginative. [INFORMAL ] □� �a fiendish plot. ●� fiend|ish|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� This figure is reached by a fiendishly clever equation.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A fiendish problem or task is very difficult and challenging. [INFORMAL ] □� �the fiendish difficulty of the questions. ●� fiend|ish|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� America's trade laws are fiendishly complex.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fiendish person enjoys being cruel. □� This was a fiendish act of wickedness.

fierce ◆◇◇ /f I ə r s/ (fiercer , fiercest )

1 ADJ A fierce animal or person is very aggressive or angry. □� They look like the teeth of some fierce animal. ●� fierce|ly ADV □� 'I don't know,' she said fiercely.

2 ADJ Fierce feelings or actions are very intense or enthusiastic, or involve great activity. □� Standards are high and competition is fierce. □� The town was captured after a fierce battle with rebels at the weekend. □� He inspires fierce loyalty in his friends. ●� fierce|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� He has always been ambitious and fiercely competitive.

3 ADJ Fierce conditions are very intense, great, or strong. □� The climbers were trapped by a fierce storm which went on for days.

fiery /fa I əri/ (fieriest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as fiery , you mean that it is burning strongly or contains fire. [LITERARY ] □� A helicopter crashed in a fiery explosion in Vallejo.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use fiery for emphasis when you are referring to bright colours such as red or orange. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □� The flowers provided a fiery bright red display.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe food or drink as fiery , you mean that it has a very strong hot or spicy taste. [WRITTEN ] □� �a fiery combination of chicken, chillies and rice.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as fiery , you mean that they express very strong emotions, especially anger, in their behaviour or speech. [WRITTEN ]

fi|es|ta /fie stə/ (fiestas ) N‑COUNT A fiesta is a time of public entertainment and parties, usually on a special religious holiday, especially in Spain or Latin America.

fife /fa I f/ (fifes ) N‑COUNT A fife is a musical instrument like a small flute.

fif|teen ◆◆◆ /f I ftiː n/ (fifteens ) NUM Fifteen is the number 15. □� In India, there are fifteen official languages.

fif|teenth ◆◆◇ /f I ftiː nθ/

1 ORD The fifteenth item in a series is the one that you count as number fifteen. □� �the invention of the printing press in the fifteenth century.

2 FRACTION A fifteenth is one of fifteen equal parts of something.

fifth ◆◆◇ /f I fθ/ (fifths )

1 ORD The fifth item in a series is the one that you count as number five. □� Joe has recently returned from his fifth trip to Australia.

2 FRACTION A fifth is one of five equal parts of something. □� India spends over a fifth of its budget on defence.

fi fth co l|umn|ist (fifth columnists ) N‑COUNT A fifth columnist is someone who secretly supports and helps the enemies of the country or organization they are in.

fif|ti|eth ◆◆◇ /f I ftiəθ/ ORD The fiftieth item in a series is the one that you count as number fifty. □� He retired in 1970, on his fiftieth birthday.

fif|ty ◆◆◆ /f I fti/ (fifties )

1 NUM Fifty is the number 50. □� Fifty years is a long time in journalism.

2 N‑PLURAL When you talk about the fifties , you are referring to numbers between 50 and 59. For example, if you are in your fifties , you are aged between 50 and 59. If the temperature is in the fifties , the temperature is between 50 and 59 degrees. □� I probably look as if I'm in my fifties rather than my seventies.

3 N‑PLURAL The fifties is the decade between 1950 and 1959. □� He began performing in the early fifties.

fi fty-fi fty

1 ADV [ADV after v] If something such as money or property is divided or shared fifty-fifty between two people, each person gets half of it. [INFORMAL ] □� The proceeds of the sale are split fifty-fifty. ●�ADJ Fifty-fifty is also an adjective. □� The new firm was owned on a fifty-fifty basis by the two parent companies.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is a fifty-fifty chance of something happening, it is equally likely to happen as it is not to happen. [INFORMAL ] □� You've got a fifty-fifty chance of being right.

fig /f I g/ (figs )

1 N‑COUNT A fig is a soft sweet fruit that grows in hot countries. It is full of tiny seeds and is often eaten dried.

2 N‑VAR A fig or a fig tree is a tree on which figs grow.

fig.

1 In books and magazines, fig. is used as an abbreviation for figure in order to tell the reader which picture or diagram is being referred to. □� Draw the basic outlines in black felt-tip pen (see fig. 4).

2 In some dictionaries and language books, fig. is used as an abbreviation for figurative .

fight ◆◆◆ /fa I t/ (fights , fighting , fought )

1 VERB If you fight something unpleasant, you try in a determined way to prevent it or stop it happening. □�[V n] More units to fight forest fires are planned. □�[V +�against ] I've spent a lifetime fighting against racism and prejudice. ●�N‑COUNT Fight is also a noun. □�[+�against ] �the fight against drug addiction.

2 VERB If you fight for something, you try in a determined way to get it or achieve it. □�[V +�for ] Our members are willing to fight for a decent pay rise. □�[V to-inf] I told him how we had fought to hold on to the company. □�[V n prep/adv] The team has fought its way to the cup final. ●�N‑COUNT Fight is also a noun. □�[+�for ] I too am committing myself to continue the fight for justice.

3 VERB If an army or group fights a battle with another army or group, they oppose each other with weapons. You can also say that two armies or groups fight a battle. □�[V n +�over/for ] The two men fought a battle over land and water rights. □�[V n +�with ] In the latest incident police fought a gun battle with a gang. □�[V n +�for/over ] Clans had fought each other for centuries over ownership of pastures. [Also V , V n]

4 VERB If a person or army fights in a battle or a war, they take part in it. □�[V ] He fought in the war and was taken prisoner by the enemy. □�[V +�for ] If I were a young man I would sooner go to prison than fight for this country. □�[V n] My father did leave his university to fight the Germans. □�[V n prep/adv] Last month rebels fought their way into the capital. ●� fight|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� More than nine hundred people have died in the fighting.

5 →�see also dogfight

6 VERB If one person fights with another, or fights them, the two people hit or kick each other because they want to hurt each other. You can also say that two people fight . □�[V +�with ] As a child she fought with her younger sister. □�[V n] I did fight him, I punched him but it was like hitting a wall. □�[V n +�for ] He wrenched the crutch from Jacob, who didn't fight him for it. □�[V ] I refuse to act that way when my kids fight. □�[V n] You get a lot of unruly drunks fighting each other. ●�N‑COUNT Fight is also a noun. □�[+�with ] He had had a fight with Smith and bloodied his nose.

7 VERB If one person fights with another, or fights them, they have an angry disagreement or quarrel. You can also say that two people fight . [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] She was always arguing with him and fighting with him. □�[V n] Gwendolen started fighting her teachers. □�[V +�about/over , V n prep] Mostly, they fight about paying bills. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Fight is also a noun. □� We think maybe he took off because he had a big fight with his dad the night before.

8 VERB If you fight your way to a place, you move towards it with great difficulty, for example because there are a lot of people or obstacles in your way. □�[V n prep/adv] I fought my way into a carriage just before the doors closed.

9 N‑COUNT A fight is a boxing match. □� The referee stopped the fight.

10 VERB To fight means to take part in a boxing match. □�[V ] In a few hours' time one of the world's most famous boxers will be fighting in Britain for the first time. □�[V n] I'd like to fight him because he's undefeated and I want to be the first man to beat him. □�[V n +�for ] I'd like to fight him for the title.

11 VERB If you fight an election, you are a candidate in the election and try to win it. □�[V n] The former party treasurer helped raise almost �40 million to fight the election campaign.

12 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use fight to refer to a contest such as an election or a sports match. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the fight for power between the two parties.

13 VERB If you fight a case or a court action, you make a legal case against someone in a very determined way, or you put forward a defence when a legal case is made against you. □�[V n] Watkins fought his case in various courts for 10 years. □�[V n] The newspaper is fighting a damages action brought by the actress.

14 N‑UNCOUNT Fight is the desire or ability to keep fighting. □� I thought that we had a lot of fight in us.

15 VERB If you fight an emotion or desire, you try very hard not to feel it, show it, or act on it, but do not always succeed. □�[V n] I desperately fought the urge to giggle. □�[V +�with ] He fought with the urge to smoke one of the cigars he'd given up a while ago. □�[V to-inf] He fought to be patient with her.

16 PHRASE If you describe someone as fighting fit , you are emphasizing that they are very fit or healthy. [BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □� After a good night's sleep I feel fighting fit again.

17 PHRASE Someone who is fighting for their life is making a great effort to stay alive, either when they are being physically attacked or when they are very ill. □� He is still fighting for his life in hospital.

18to fight a losing battle →�see battle

▸� fight back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fight back against someone or something that is attacking or harming you, you resist them actively or attack them. □�[V P ] The teenage attackers fled when the two men fought back. □�[V P +�against ] We should trust the judicial system to fight back against corruption.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you fight back an emotion or a desire, you try very hard not to feel it, show it, or act on it. □�[V P n] She fought back the tears. [Also V n P ]

▸� fight off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fight off something, for example an illness or an unpleasant feeling, you succeed in getting rid of it and in not letting it overcome you. □�[V P n] Unfortunately these drugs are quite toxic and hinder the body's ability to fight off infection. □�[V P n] All day she had fought off the impulse to phone Harry. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you fight off someone who has attacked you, you fight with them, and succeed in making them go away or stop attacking you. □�[V P n] The woman fought off the attacker. [Also V n P ]

▸� fight out PHRASAL VERB If two people or groups fight something out , they fight or argue until one of them wins. □�[V n P ] Instead of retaliating, he walks away leaving his team-mates to fight it out. □� Malcolm continued to fight it out with Julien from his self-imposed exile in Paris. [V P n +�with ] COLLOCATIONS fight VERB

1

fight+�noun : cancer, crime, terrorism

3

fight+�noun : battle, war

fight|back /fa I tb�k/ N‑SING A fightback is an effort made by a person or group of people to get back into a strong position when they seem likely to lose something such as an election or an important sports match. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� Rotherham staged a tremendous second-half fightback to secure victory. in AM, use comeback

fight|er ◆◇◇ /fa I tə r / (fighters )

1 N‑COUNT A fighter or a fighter plane is a fast military aircraft that is used for destroying other aircraft.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a fighter , you approve of them because they continue trying to achieve things in spite of great difficulties or opposition. [APPROVAL ] □� From the start it was clear this tiny girl was a real fighter.

3 N‑COUNT A fighter is a person who physically fights another person, especially a professional boxer. □� �a tough little street fighter.

4 →�see also firefighter , freedom fighter , prize fighter

fi g leaf (fig leaves )

1 N‑COUNT A fig leaf is a large leaf which comes from the fig tree. A fig leaf is sometimes used in painting and sculpture to cover the genitals of a naked body.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer disapprovingly to something which is intended to hide or prevent an embarrassing situation as a fig leaf . [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� This deal is little more than a fig leaf for the continued destruction of the landscape.

fig|ment /f I gmənt/ (figments ) PHRASE If you say that something is a figment of someone's imagination , you mean that it does not really exist and that they are just imagining it. □� The attack wasn't just a figment of my imagination.

fig|ura|tive /f I gərət I v, [AM ] -gjər-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use a word or expression in a figurative sense, you use it with a more abstract or imaginative meaning than its ordinary literal one. □� �an event that will change your route�in both the literal and figurative sense. ●� fig|ura|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Europe, with Germany literally and figuratively at its centre, is still at the start of a remarkable transformation.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Figurative art is a style of art in which people and things are shown in a realistic way. □� His career spanned some 50 years and encompassed both abstract and figurative painting.

fig|ure ◆◆◆ /f I gə r , [AM ] -gjər/ (figures , figuring , figured )

1 N‑COUNT A figure is a particular amount expressed as a number, especially a statistic. □� We need a true figure of how many people in this country haven't got a job. □� It will not be long before the inflation figure starts to fall. □� Government figures suggest that two thirds of adults are obese or overweight.

2 N‑COUNT A figure is any of the ten written symbols from 0 to 9 that are used to represent a number.

3 N‑PLURAL An amount or number that is in single figures is between zero and nine. An amount or number that is in double figures is between ten and ninety-nine. You can also say, for example, that an amount or number is in three figures when it is between one hundred and nine hundred and ninety-nine. □� Inflation, which has usually been in single figures, is running at more than 12%. □� Crawley, with 14, was the only other player to reach double figures.

4 N‑COUNT You refer to someone that you can see as a figure when you cannot see them clearly or when you are describing them. □� She waited, standing on the bridge, until his figure vanished against the grey backdrop of the Palace.

5 N‑COUNT In art, a figure is a person in a drawing or a painting, or a statue of a person. □� �a life-size bronze figure of a brooding, hooded woman.

6 N‑COUNT Your figure is the shape of your body. □� Take pride in your health and your figure. □� Janet was a natural blonde with a good figure.

7 N‑COUNT Someone who is referred to as a figure of a particular kind is a person who is well-known and important in some way. □� The movement is supported by key figures in the three main political parties.

8 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If you say that someone is, for example, a mother figure or a hero figure , you mean that other people regard them as the type of person stated or suggested. □� Sometimes young lads just need to turn to a mother figure for a bit of a chat and reassurance.

9 N‑COUNT In books and magazines, the diagrams which help to show or explain information are referred to as figures . □� If you look at a world map (see Figure 1) you can identify the major wine-producing regions.

10 N‑COUNT In geometry, a figure is a shape, especially a regular shape. [TECHNICAL ] □� Draw a pentagon, a regular five-sided figure.

11 VERB If you figure that something is the case, you think or guess that it is the case. [INFORMAL ] □�[V that] She figured that both she and Ned had learned a lot from the experience.

12 VERB If you say ' That figures ' or ' It figures ', you mean that the fact referred to is not surprising. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] When I finished, he said, 'Yeah. That figures'.

13 VERB [no passive] If a person or thing figuresin something, they appear in or are included in it. □�[V +�in ] Human rights violations figured prominently in the report. [Also V +�as ]

▸� figure on PHRASAL VERB If you figure on something, you plan that it will happen or assume that it will happen when making your plans. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n/v-ing] Jack worked hard to build his business, but he hadn't figured on so many obstacles.

▸� figure out PHRASAL VERB If you figure out a solution to a problem or the reason for something, you succeed in solving it or understanding it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P wh] It took them about one month to figure out how to start the equipment. □�[V P n] They're trying to figure out the politics of this whole situation. □�[V n P , V P that] I don't have to be a detective to figure that out. SYNONYMS figure NOUN

2

digit:Her phone number differs from mine by one digit.

number:We were only one number away from winning the jackpot.

numeral:�a flat, square wristwatch with classic Roman numerals.

4

outline:He could see only the hazy outline of the goalposts.

form:�the form of the body.

silhouette:�the distinctive silhouette of his ears.

-figure COMB [ADJ n] -figure combines with a number, usually 'five', 'six', or 'seven', to form adjectives which say how many figures are in a number. These adjectives usually describe a large amount of money. For example, a six-figure sum is between 100,000 and 999,999. □� Columbia Pictures paid him a six-figure sum for the film rights.

fi g|ure ei ght (figure eights ) N‑COUNT A figure eight is the same as a figure of eight . [AM ]

figure|head /f I gə r hed, [AM ] -gjə r -/ (figureheads )

1 N‑COUNT If someone is the figurehead of an organization or movement, they are recognized as being its leader, although they have little real power. □� The President will be little more than a figurehead.

2 N‑COUNT A figurehead is a large wooden model of a person that was put just under the pointed front of a sailing ship in former times.

fi gure-hugging ADJ Figure-hugging clothes fit very close to the body of the person who is wearing them. Figure-hugging is usually used to describe clothes worn by women.

fi g|ure of ei ght (figures of eight ) N‑COUNT A figure of eight is something that has the shape of the number 8, for example a knot or a movement done by a skater. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use figure eight

fi g|ure of spee ch (figures of speech ) N‑COUNT A figure of speech is an expression or word that is used with a metaphorical rather than a literal meaning. □� Of course I'm not. It was just a figure of speech.

fi g|ure skat|ing N‑UNCOUNT Figure skating is skating in an attractive pattern, usually with spins and jumps included.

figu|rine /f I gəriː n, [AM ] -gjər-/ (figurines ) N‑COUNT A figurine is a small ornamental model of a person.

fila|ment /f I ləmənt/ (filaments ) N‑COUNT A filament is a very thin piece or thread of something, for example the piece of wire inside a light bulb.

filch /f I ltʃ/ (filches , filching , filched ) VERB If you say that someone filches something, you mean they steal it, especially when you do not consider this to be a very serious crime. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I filched some notes from his wallet.

file ◆◆◇ /fa I l/ (files , filing , filed )

1 N‑COUNT A file is a box or a folded piece of heavy paper or plastic in which letters or documents are kept. □� He sat behind a table on which were half a dozen files. □�[+�of ] �a file of insurance papers.

2 N‑COUNT A file is a collection of information about a particular person or thing. □�[+�on ] We already have files on people's tax details, mortgages and poll tax. □�[+�of ] You must record and keep a file of all expenses.

3 VERB If you file a document, you put it in the correct file. □�[be V -ed] They are all filed alphabetically under author.

4 N‑COUNT In computing, a file is a set of related data that has its own name.

5 VERB If you file a formal or legal accusation, complaint, or request, you make it officially. □�[V n] A number of them have filed formal complaints against the police. □�[V +�for ] I filed for divorce on the grounds of adultery a few months later.

6 VERB When someone files a report or a news story, they send or give it to their employer. □�[V n] Catherine Bond filed that report for the BBC from Nairobi.

7 VERB When a group of people files somewhere, they walk one behind the other in a line. □�[V prep/adv] Slowly, people filed into the room and sat down.

8 N‑COUNT A file is a hand tool which is used for rubbing hard objects to make them smooth, shape them, or cut through them.

9 VERB If you file an object, you smooth it, shape it, or cut it with a file. □�[V n] Manicurists are skilled at shaping and filing nails.

10 →�see also nail file , rank and file

11 PHRASE Something that is on file or on someone's files is recorded or kept in a file or in a collection of information. □� His fingerprints were on file in Washington. □� We'll keep your details on file. □� It is one of the most desperate cases on her files.

12 PHRASE A group of people who are walking or standing in single file are in a line, one behind the other. □� We were walking in single file to the lake.

fi le-sharing also file sharing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] File-sharing is a method of distributing computer files, for example files containing music, among a large number of users. [COMPUTING ] □� �legal action to close down file-sharing sites offering music for free.

fil|ial /f I liəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can use filial to describe the duties, feelings, or relationships which exist between a son or daughter and his or her parents. [FORMAL ] □� His father would accuse him of neglecting his filial duties.

fili|bus|ter /f I l I bʌstə r / (filibusters , filibustering , filibustered )

1 N‑COUNT A filibuster is a long slow speech made to use up time so that a vote cannot be taken and a law cannot be passed. [mainly AM ] □� The senator has threatened a filibuster to block the bill.

2 VERB If a politician filibusters , he or she makes a long slow speech in order to use up time so that a vote cannot be taken and a law cannot be passed. [mainly AM ] □�[V ] They simply threatened to filibuster until the Senate adjourns. □�[V n] A group of senators plans to filibuster a measure that would permit drilling.

fili|gree /f I l I griː/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] The word filigree is used to refer to delicate ornamental designs made with gold or silver wire.

fi l|ing cabi|net (filing cabinets ) N‑COUNT A filing cabinet is a piece of office furniture, usually made of metal, which has drawers in which files are kept.

fil|ings /fa I l I ŋz/

1 N‑PLURAL [usu n N ] Filings are very small pieces of a substance, especially a metal, that are produced when it is filed or cut. □� �iron filings. □� �metal filings.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Court filings are cases filed in a court of law. [AM , AUSTRALIAN ] □� In court filings, they argued that the settlement was inadequate.

Fili|pi|no /f I l I piː noʊ/ (Filipinos )

1 ADJ Filipino means belonging or relating to the Philippines, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Filipino is a person who comes from the Philippines.

fill ◆◆◇ /f I l/ (fills , filling , filled )

1 VERB If you fill a container or area, or if it fills , an amount of something enters it that is enough to make it full. □�[V n +�with ] Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a slow boil. □�[V n] She made sandwiches, filled a flask and put sugar in. □�[V +�with ] The boy's eyes filled with tears. □�[V ] While the bath was filling, he padded about in his underpants. ●�PHRASAL VERB Fill up means the same as fill . □�[V n P ] Pass me your cup, Amy, and I'll fill it up for you. □�[V P +�with ] Warehouses at the frontier between the two countries fill up with sacks of rice and flour. [Also V P , V P n]

2 VERB If something fills a space, it is so big, or there are such large quantities of it, that there is very little room left. □�[V n] He cast his eyes at the rows of cabinets that filled the enormous work area. □�[V n] The text fills 231 pages. ●�PHRASAL VERB Fill up means the same as fill . □�[V P n] �the complicated machines that fill up today's laboratories. [Also V n P ] ●� filled ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] □� �four museum buildings filled with historical objects. ●� -filled COMB □� �the flower-filled courtyard of an old Spanish colonial house.

3 VERB If you fill a crack or hole, you put a substance into it in order to make the surface smooth again. □�[V n +�with ] Fill small holes with wood filler in a matching colour. □�[V n] The gravedigger filled the grave. ●�PHRASAL VERB Fill in means the same as fill . □�[V n P ] If any cracks have appeared in the tart case, fill these in with raw pastry. [Also V P n]

4 VERB If a sound, smell, or light fills a space, or the air, it is very strong or noticeable. □�[V n] In the parking lot of the school, the siren filled the air. □�[V n +�with ] All the light bars were turned on which filled the room with these rotating beams of light. ●� -filled COMB □� �those whose work forces them to be in dusty or smoke-filled environments.

5 VERB If something fills you with an emotion, or if an emotion fills you, you experience this emotion strongly. □�[V n +�with ] I admired my father, and his work filled me with awe and curiosity. □�[V n] He looked at me without speaking, and for the first time I could see the pride that filled him.

6 VERB If you fill a period of time with a particular activity, you spend the time in this way. □�[V n] If she wants a routine to fill her day, let her do community work. [Also V n +�with ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Fill up means the same as fill . □�[V P n] On Thursday night she went to her yoga class, glad to have something to fill up the evening. [Also V n P ]

7 VERB If something fills a need or a gap, it puts an end to this need or gap by existing or being active. □�[V n] She brought him a sense of fun, of gaiety that filled a gap in his life.

8 VERB If something fills a role, position, or function, they have that role or position, or perform that function, often successfully. □�[V n] The company develops internal candidates to fill management roles.

9 VERB If a company or organization fills a job vacancy, they choose someone to do the job. If someone fills a job vacancy, they accept a job that they have been offered. □�[V n] The unemployed may not have the skills to fill the vacancies on offer. □�[V n] A vacancy has arisen which I intend to fill.

10 VERB When a dentist fills someone's tooth, he or she puts a filling in it. □�[V n] �children having teeth filled due to decay.

11 VERB If you fill an order or a prescription, you provide the things that are asked for. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] A pharmacist can fill any prescription if, in his or her judgment, the prescription is valid.

12to fill the bill →�see bill

▸� fill in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fill in a form or other document requesting information, you write information in the spaces on it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P ] If you want your free copy of the magazine, fill this form in. □�[V P n] Fill in the coupon and send it first class to the address shown. in AM, usually use fill out2 PHRASAL VERB If you fill in a shape, you cover the area inside the lines with colour or shapes so that none of the background is showing. □�[V P n] When you have both filled in your patterns, you may want to share these with each other. □�[V n P ] With a lip pencil, outline lips and fill them in.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you fill someone in , you give them more details about something that you know about. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] I didn't give Reid all the details yet�I'll fill him in. □�[V n P +�on ] He filled her in on Wilbur Kantor's visit.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you fill in for someone, you do the work or task that they normally do because they are unable to do it. □�[V P +�for ] Small firms rely on agencies to fill in for absent permanent staff.

5 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you are filling in time, you are using time that is available by doing something that is not very important. □�[V P n] That's not a career. She's just filling in time until she gets married.

6 →�see also fill3

▸� fill out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fill out a form or other document requesting information, you write information in the spaces on it. [mainly AM ] □�[V P n] Fill out the application carefully, and keep copies of it. [Also V n P ] in BRIT, usually use fill in2 PHRASAL VERB If a fairly thin person fills out , they become fatter. □�[V P ] A girl may fill out before she reaches her full height.

▸� fill up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fill up or fill yourself up with food, you eat so much that you do not feel hungry. □�[V P +�on/with ] Fill up on potatoes, bread and pasta, which are high in carbohydrate and low in fat. □�[V pron-refl P +�with ] When you are happy about yourself you won't need to fill yourself up with food.

2 PHRASAL VERB A type of food that fills you up makes you feel that you have eaten a lot, even though you have only eaten a small amount. □�[V n P ] Potatoes fill us up without overloading us with calories.

3 →�see also fill1 , fill2 , fill6

fill|er /f I lə r / (fillers )

1 N‑VAR Filler is a substance used for filling cracks or holes, especially in walls, car bodies, or wood.

2 N‑COUNT You can describe something as a filler when it is being used or done because there is a need for something and nothing better is available. [INFORMAL ]

3 →�see also stocking filler

fil|let /f I l I t, [AM ] f I le I / (fillets , filleting , filleted )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Fillet is a strip of meat, especially beef, that has no bones in it. □� �fillet of beef with shallots. □� �chicken breast fillets. □� �fillet steak.

2 N‑COUNT A fillet of fish is the side of a fish with the bones removed. □� �anchovy fillets. □� I ordered a fine fillet of salmon.

3 VERB When you fillet fish or meat, you prepare it by taking the bones out. □�[V n] Don't be afraid to ask your fishmonger to fillet flat fish.

fill|ing /f I l I ŋ/ (fillings )

1 N‑COUNT A filling is a small amount of metal or plastic that a dentist puts in a hole in a tooth to prevent further decay. □� The longer your child can go without needing a filling, the better.

2 N‑VAR The filling in something such as a cake, pie, or sandwich is a substance or mixture that is put inside it. □� Spread some of the filling over each pancake.

3 N‑VAR The filling in a piece of soft furniture or in a cushion is the soft substance inside it. □� �second-hand sofas with old-style foam fillings.

4 ADJ Food that is filling makes you feel full when you have eaten it. □� Although it is tasty, crab is very filling.

fi ll|ing sta|tion (filling stations ) N‑COUNT A filling station is a place where you can buy petrol and oil for your car. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use gas station

fil|lip /f I l I p/ (fillips ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone or something gives a fillip to an activity or person, they suddenly encourage or improve them. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�to/for ] The news gave a fillip to the telecommunications sector.

fil|ly /f I li/ (fillies ) N‑COUNT A filly is a young female horse.

film ◆◆◆ /f I lm/ (films , filming , filmed )

1 N‑COUNT A film consists of moving pictures that have been recorded so that they can be shown at the cinema or on television. A film tells a story, or shows a real situation. [mainly BRIT ] □� Everything about the film was good. Good acting, good story, good fun. in AM, use movie2 VERB If you film something, you use a camera to take moving pictures which can be shown on a screen or on television. □�[V n] He had filmed her life story. □�[V ] Considering the restrictions under which she filmed, I think she did a commendable job.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Film of something is moving pictures of a real event that are shown on television or on a screen. □� They have seen news film of families queueing in Russia to buy a loaf of bread.

4 N‑VAR A film is the narrow roll of plastic that is used in some cameras to take photographs. □� The photographers had already shot a dozen rolls of film.

5 N‑UNCOUNT The making of cinema films, considered as a form of art or a business, can be referred to as film or films . [mainly BRIT ] □� Film is a business with limited opportunities for actresses. □� She wanted to set up her own company to invest in films.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A filmof powder, liquid, or oil is a very thin layer of it. □� The sea is coated with a film of raw sewage.

7 N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] Plastic film is a very thin sheet of plastic used to wrap and cover things. [BRIT ] □� Cover with plastic film and refrigerate for 24 hours. in AM, use plastic wrap , Saran wrap8 →�see also clingfilm COLLOCATIONS film NOUN 1

noun +�film : action, documentary, feature, horror, sci-fi, war

adjective +�film : animated, classic, short

verb +�film : direct, make, produce, shoot; watch

film|ic /f I lm I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Filmic means related to films. [FORMAL ] □� �a new filmic style.

film|ing /f I lm I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Filming is the activity of making a film including the acting, directing, and camera shots. □� Filming was due to start next month.

fi lm-maker (film-makers ) also filmmaker N‑COUNT A film-maker is someone involved in making films, in particular a director or producer. [mainly BRIT ]

film noir /f I lm nwɑː r / (films noir ) N‑VAR Film noir refers to a type of film or a style of film-making which shows the world as a dangerous or depressing place where many people suffer, especially because of the greed or cruelty of others. □� �a remake of the 1947 film noir classic, Kiss of Death.

fi lm star (film stars ) N‑COUNT A film star is a famous actor or actress who appears in films. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use movie star

filmy /f I lmi/ (filmier , filmiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A filmy fabric or substance is very thin and almost transparent. □� �filmy nightgowns.

filo /fiː loʊ/ or filo pastry N‑UNCOUNT Filo or filo pastry is a type of light pastry made of thin layers. It is traditionally used in Greek cooking.

Filo|fax /fa I ləf�ks/ (Filofaxes ) N‑COUNT A Filofax is a type of personal filing system in the form of a small book with pages that can easily be added or removed. [TRADEMARK ]

fil|ter /f I ltə r / (filters , filtering , filtered )

1 VERB To filter a substance means to pass it through a device which is designed to remove certain particles contained in it. □�[V n] The best prevention for cholera is to boil or filter water, and eat only well-cooked food.

2 N‑COUNT A filter is a device through which a substance is passed when it is being filtered. □� �a paper coffee filter.

3 N‑COUNT A filter is a device through which sound or light is passed and which blocks or reduces particular sound or light frequencies. □� You might use a yellow filter to improve the clarity of a hazy horizon.

4 VERB If light or sound filtersinto a place, it comes in weakly or slowly, either through a partly covered opening, or from a long distance away. □�[V +�into/through ] Light filtered into my kitchen through the soft, green shade of the cherry tree.

5 VERB When news or information filters through to people, it gradually reaches them. □�[V +�through to ] It took months before the findings began to filter through to the politicians. □�[V +�through ] News of the attack quickly filtered through the college. □�[V in ] �as indications filter in from polling stations. □�[V +�out of ] �the horror stories which were beginning to filter out of Germany.

6 N‑COUNT A traffic filter is a traffic signal or lane which controls the movement of traffic wanting to turn left or right. [BRIT ]

▸� filter out PHRASAL VERB To filter out something from a substance or from light means to remove it by passing the substance or light through something acting as a filter. □�[V P n] Children should have glasses which filter out UV rays. □�[V n P +�of/from ] Plants and trees filter carbon dioxide out of the air and produce oxygen. [Also V n P ]

fi l|ter ti p (filter tips ) N‑COUNT A filter tip is a small device at the end of a cigarette that reduces the amount of dangerous substances that pass into the smoker's body. Filter tips are cigarettes that are manufactured with these devices.

filth /f I lθ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Filth is a disgusting amount of dirt. □� Tons of filth and sewage pour into the river every day.

2 N‑UNCOUNT People refer to words or pictures, usually ones relating to sex, as filth when they think they are very disgusting and rude. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The dialogue was all filth and innuendo.

filthy /f I lθi/ (filthier , filthiest )

1 ADJ Something that is filthy is very dirty indeed. □� He never washed, and always wore a filthy old jacket.

2 ADJ If you describe something as filthy , you mean that you think it is morally very unpleasant and disgusting, sometimes in a sexual way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The play was full of filthy foul language.

3filthy rich →�see rich

fil|tra|tion /f I ltre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Filtration is the process of filtering a substance. □�[+�of ] This enzyme would make the filtration of beer easier. □� �water filtration systems.

fin /f I n/ (fins )

1 N‑COUNT A fish's fins are the flat objects which stick out of its body and help it to swim and keep its balance.

2 N‑COUNT A fin on something such as an aeroplane, rocket, or bomb is a flat part which sticks out and which is intended to help control its movement.

fi|nal ◆◆◆ /fa I n ə l/ (finals )

1 ADJ In a series of events, things, or people, the final one is the last one. □� They will hold a meeting in a final attempt to agree a common position. □� This is the fifth and probably final day of testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. □� On the last Saturday in September, I received a final letter from Clive.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Final means happening at the end of an event or series of events. □� The countdown to the Notting Hill Carnival is in its final hours.

3 ADJ If a decision or someone's authority is final , it cannot be changed or questioned. □� The judges' decision is final. □� The White House has the final say.

4 N‑COUNT The final is the last game or contest in a series and decides who is the winner. □� �the Scottish Cup Final.

5 →�see also quarter-final , semi-final

6 N‑PLURAL Thefinals of a sporting tournament consist of a smaller tournament that includes only players or teams that have won earlier games. The finals decide the winner of the whole tournament. □� They have a chance of qualifying for the World Cup Finals.

7 N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] When a student takes his or her finals , he or she takes the last and most important examinations in a university or college course. □� Anna sat her finals in the summer. COLLOCATIONS final NOUN 5

verb +�final : contest, play; make, qualify for, reach; lose, win

fi|na|le /f I nɑː li, -n� li/ (finales ) N‑COUNT Thefinale of a show, piece of music, or series of shows is the last part of it or the last one of them, especially when this is exciting or impressive. □� � the finale of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony. □� Tonight's light show is the grand finale of a month-long series of events.

fi|nal|ise /fa I nəla I z/ →�see finalize

fi|nal|ist /fa I nəl I st/ (finalists ) N‑COUNT A finalist is someone who reaches the last stages of a competition or tournament by doing well or winning in its earlier stages. □� The twelve finalists will be listed in the Sunday Times.

fi|nal|ity /fa I n� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Finality is the quality of being final and impossible to change. If you say something with finality , you say it in a way that shows that you have made up your mind about something and do not want to discuss it further. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Young children have difficulty grasping the finality of death.

fi|nal|ize /fa I nəla I z/ (finalizes , finalizing , finalized ) in BRIT, also use finalise VERB If you finalize something such as a plan or an agreement, you complete the arrangements for it, especially by discussing it with other people. □�[V n] Negotiators from the three countries finalized the agreement in August. □�[V n +�with ] They have not finalized the deal with the government.

fi|nal|ly ◆◆◇ /fa I nəli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use finally to suggest that something happens after a long period of time, usually later than you wanted or expected it to happen. □� The food finally arrived at the end of last week and distribution began. □� Finally, after ten hours of negotiations, the gunman gave himself up.

2 ADV You use finally to indicate that something is last in a series of actions or events. □� The action slips from comedy to melodrama and finally to tragedy.

3 ADV You use finally in speech or writing to introduce a final point, question, or topic. □� And finally, a word about the winner and runner-up.

fi|nance ◆◆◇ /fa I n�ns, f I n� ns/ (finances , financing , financed )

1 VERB When someone finances something such as a project or a purchase, they provide the money that is needed to pay for them. □�[V n] The fund has been used largely to finance the construction of federal prisons. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Government expenditure is financed by taxation and by borrowing. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Finance is also a noun. □� They are seeking finance for a major scientific project.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Finance is the commercial or government activity of managing money, debt, credit, and investment. □� �a major player in the world of high finance. □� The report recommends an overhaul of public finances. □� A former Finance Minister and five senior civil servants are accused of fraud.

3 N‑VAR [oft with poss] You can refer to the amount of money that you have and how well it is organized as your finances . □� Be prepared for unexpected news concerning your finances. □� Finance is usually the biggest problem for students. COLLOCATIONS finance NOUN

2

noun +�finance : government

adjective +�finance : corporate, public; shaky, strained; sound

3

noun +�finance : consumer, household, mortgage, vehicle

adjective +�finance : personal, private

verb +�finance : arrange, provide, raise; secure VERB 1

finance+�noun : acquisition, deal, project, purchase

finance+�adverb : privately, publicly

fi |nance com|pa|ny (finance companies ) N‑COUNT A finance company is a business which lends money to people and charges them interest while they pay it back. [BUSINESS ]

fi|nan|cial ◆◆◆ /fa I n� nʃ ə l, f I n-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Financial means relating to or involving money. □� The company is in financial difficulties. □� �the government's financial advisers. ●� fi|nan|cial|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� She would like to be more financially independent. SYNONYMS financial ADJ

economic:The pace of economic growth is picking up.

budgetary:There are huge budgetary pressures on governments to reduce their armed forces.

monetary:Some countries tighten monetary policy to avoid inflation.

fiscal:�in 1987, when the government tightened fiscal policy.

fi|na n|cial ad|vi s|er (financial advisers ) N‑COUNT A financial adviser is someone whose job it is to advise people about financial products and services. [BUSINESS ]

fi|na n|cial con|su lt|ant (financial consultants ) N‑COUNT A financial consultant is the same as a financial adviser . [BUSINESS ]

fi|na n|cial se r|vices The form financial service is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL A company or organization that provides financial services is able to help you do things such as make investments or buy a pension or mortgage. [BUSINESS ] □� �voluntary organisations that provide independent advice to consumers on financial services. □� �financial service companies.

fi|na n|cial yea r (financial years ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A financial year is a period of twelve months, used by government, business, and other organizations in order to calculate their budgets, profits, and losses. Financial year is often used in business to compare with the calendar year . [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� �33,000 possible job losses in the coming financial year. in AM, use fiscal year

fi|nan|ci|er /fa I n� nsiə r , f I n-/ (financiers ) N‑COUNT A financier is a person, company, or government that provides money for projects or businesses. [BUSINESS ]

finch /f I ntʃ/ (finches ) N‑COUNT A finch is a small bird with a short strong beak.

find ◆◆◆ /fa I nd/ (finds , finding , found )

1 VERB If you find someone or something, you see them or learn where they are. □�[V n] The police also found a pistol. □�[V n n] I wonder if you could find me a deck of cards? [Also V n +�for ]

2 VERB If you find something that you need or want, you succeed in achieving or obtaining it. □�[V n] So far they have not found a way to fight the virus. □�[V n n] He has to apply for a permit and we have to find him a job. □�[V n +�for ] Does this mean that they haven't found a place for him?

3 V-PASSIVE If something is found in a particular place or thing, it exists in that place. □�[be V -ed] Fibre is found in cereal foods, beans, fruit and vegetables.

4 VERB If you find someone or something in a particular situation, they are in that situation when you see them or come into contact with them. □�[V n v-ing] They found her walking alone and depressed on the beach. □�[V n -ed] She returned to her east London home to find her back door forced open. □�[V n prep/adv] Thrushes are a protected species so you will not find them on any menu.

5 VERB If you findyourself doing something, you are doing it without deciding or intending to do it. □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] It's not the first time that you've found yourself in this situation. □�[V pron-refl v-ing] I found myself having more fun than I had had in years. □�[V pron-refl adj] It all seemed so far away from here that he found himself quite unable to take it in.

6 VERB If you find that something is the case, you become aware of it or realize that it is the case. □�[V that] The two biologists found, to their surprise, that both groups of birds survived equally well. □�[V n adj] At my age I would find it hard to get another job. □�[V n to-inf] We find her evidence to be based on a degree of oversensitivity. □�[V n n] I've never found my diet a problem.

7 VERB When a court or jury decides that a person on trial is guilty or innocent, you say that the person has been found guilty or not guilty. □�[be V -ed adj] She was found guilty of manslaughter and put on probation for two years. □�[V n adj] When they found us guilty, I just went blank.

8 VERB You can use find to express your reaction to someone or something. □�[V n adj] We're sure you'll find it exciting! □�[V n adj] I find it ludicrous that nothing has been done to protect passengers from fire. □�[V n n] But you'd find him a good worker if you showed him what to do.

9 VERB If you find a feeling such as pleasure or comfort in a particular thing or activity, you experience the feeling mentioned as a result of this thing or activity. □�[V n +�in ] How could anyone find pleasure in hunting and killing this beautiful creature? □�[V n +�in ] I was too tired and frightened to find comfort in that familiar promise.

10 VERB If you find the time or money to do something, you succeed in making or obtaining enough time or money to do it. □�[V n] I was just finding more time to write music. □�[V n] My sister helped me find the money for a private operation.

11 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you describe someone or something that has been discovered as a find , you mean that they are valuable, interesting, good, or useful. □� Another of his lucky finds was a pair of candle-holders. □� His discovery was hailed as the botanical find of the century.

12 →�see also finding , found

13 PHRASE If you find your way somewhere, you successfully get there by choosing the right way to go. □� After a while I pulled myself to my feet and found my way to the street.

14 PHRASE If something finds its way somewhere, it comes to that place, especially by chance. □� It is one of the very few Michelangelos that have found their way out of Italy.

15to find fault with →�see fault

16to find one's feet →�see foot

▸� find out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you find something out , you learn something that you did not already know, especially by making a deliberate effort to do so. □�[V P wh] It makes you want to watch the next episode to find out what's going to happen. □�[V P that] I was relieved to find out that my problems were due to a genuine disorder. □�[V P n] Yesterday, the men's families held a news conference in their campaign to find out the truth. □�[V n P ] As soon as we found this out, we closed the ward. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you find someone out , you discover that they have been doing something dishonest. □�[V n P ] Her face was so grave, I wondered for a moment if she'd found me out.

find|er /fa I ndə r / (finders ) N‑COUNT You can refer to someone who finds something as the finder of that thing. □� The finder of a wallet who takes it home may be guilty of theft.

fin de si�|cle /f� n də sie klə/ also fin-de-si�cle ADJ [ADJ n] Fin de si�cle is used to describe something that is thought to be typical of the end of the nineteenth century, especially when it is considered stylish or exaggerated. [WRITTEN ] □� �fin de si�cle decadence.

find|ing /fa I nd I ŋ/ (findings )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Someone's findings are the information they get or the conclusions they come to as the result of an investigation or some research. □� Manufacturers should take note of the findings and improve their products accordingly.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu with poss] The findings of a court are the decisions that it reaches after a trial or an investigation. □� The government hopes the court will announce its findings before the end of the month.

fine

➊�ADJECTIVE USES

➋�PUNISHMENT

➊ fine ◆◆◇ /fa I n/ (finer , finest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use fine to describe something that you admire and think is very good. □� There is a fine view of the countryside. □� This is a fine book. □� �London's finest art deco cinema. ●� fine|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� They are finely engineered boats.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are fine , you mean that you are in good health or reasonably happy. □� Lina is fine and sends you her love and best wishes.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is fine , you mean that it is satisfactory or acceptable. □� The skiing is fine. □� Everything was going to be just fine. □� It's fine to ask questions as we go along, but it's better if you wait until we have finished. ●�ADV Fine is also an adverb. □� All the instruments are working fine.

4 CONVENTION You say ' fine ' or ' that's fine ' to show that you do not object to an arrangement, action, or situation that has been suggested. [FORMULAE ] □� If competition is the best way to achieve it, then, fine. □� If you don't want to give it to me, that's fine, I don't mind.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is fine is very delicate, narrow, or small. □� The heat scorched the fine hairs on her arms. ●� fine|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Chop the ingredients finely and mix them together.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fine objects or clothing are of good quality, delicate, and expensive. □� We waited in our fine clothes.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fine detail or distinction is very delicate, small, or exact. □� The market likes the broad outline but is reserving judgment on the fine detail. ●� fine|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed, oft ADV after v] □� They had to take the finely balanced decision to let the visit proceed. ●� fine|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a sense of quality and fineness of detail.

8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fine person is someone you consider good, moral, and worth admiring. [APPROVAL ] □� He was an excellent journalist and a very fine man.

9 ADJ When the weather is fine , the sun is shining and it is not raining. □� He might be doing a spot of gardening if the weather is fine.

➋ fine ◆◇◇ /fa I n/ (fines , fining , fined )

1 N‑COUNT A fine is a punishment in which a person is ordered to pay a sum of money because they have done something illegal or broken a rule.

2 VERB If someone is fined , they are punished by being ordered to pay a sum of money because they have done something illegal or broken a rule. □�[be V -ed] She was fined �300 and banned from driving for one month. □�[V n] This school has set a precedent by fining pupils who break the rules. COLLOCATIONS fine NOUN ➋1

noun +�fine : parking, speeding, traffic; library

adjective +�fine : heavy, hefty, maximum; unpaid

verb +�fine : impose, issue; face, pay, receive SYNONYMS fine ADJ

➊2

healthy:We need to lead more balanced lives to be healthy and happy.

well:I'm not very well today, I can't come in.

fit:An averagely fit person can master easy ski runs within a few days.

➊ 3

satisfactory:I never got a satisfactory answer.

all right:'How was school?'�'It was all right.'

okay:I guess for a fashionable restaurant like this the prices are okay.

fi ne a rt (fine arts )

1 N‑VAR Painting and sculpture, in which objects are produced that are beautiful rather than useful, can be referred to as fine art or as the fine arts . □� He deals in antiques and fine art. □� �the university of Cairo's faculty of fine arts.

2 PHRASE If you have got something down to a fine art , you are able to do it in a very skilful or efficient way because you have had a lot of experience of doing it.

fi ne pri nt N‑UNCOUNT In a contract or agreement, the fine print is the same as the small print .

fin|ery /fa I nəri/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is dressed in their finery , they are wearing the elegant and impressive clothes and jewellery that they wear on special occasions. [LITERARY ] □� �the guests in all their finery.

fi|nesse /f I ne s/ N‑UNCOUNT If you do something with finesse , you do it with great skill and style. □� �handling momentous diplomatic challenges with tact and finesse.

fi ne-too th comb also fine tooth comb PHRASE If you say that you will go over something with a fine-tooth comb or go through something with a fine-tooth comb , you are emphasizing that you will search it thoroughly or examine it very carefully. [EMPHASIS ]

fi ne-tu ne (fine-tunes , fine-tuning , fine-tuned ) VERB If you fine-tune something, you make very small and precise changes to it in order to make it as successful or effective as it possibly can be. □�[V n] We do not try to fine-tune the economy on the basis of short-term predictions. ●� fine-tuning N‑UNCOUNT □� There's a lot of fine-tuning to be done yet.

fin|ger ◆◆◇ /f I ŋgə r / (fingers , fingering , fingered )

1 N‑COUNT Your fingers are the four long thin parts at the end of each hand. □� She suddenly held up a small, bony finger and pointed across the room. □� She ran her fingers through her hair. □� There was a ring on each of his fingers.

2 →�see also light-fingered

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The fingers of a glove are the parts that a person's fingers fit into.

4 N‑COUNT [n N ] A finger of something such as smoke or land is an amount of it that is shaped rather like a finger. □�[+�of ] �a thin finger of land that separates Pakistan from the former Soviet Union. □� Cover the base with a single layer of sponge fingers.

5 →�see also fish finger

6 VERB If you finger something, you touch or feel it with your fingers. □�[V n] He fingered the few coins in his pocket. □�[V n] Self-consciously she fingered the emeralds at her throat.

7 PHRASE If you get your fingers burned or burn your fingers , you suffer because something you did or were involved in was a failure or a mistake. □� He has had his fingers burnt by deals that turned out badly. □� Mr Walesa burned his fingers by promising he would give every Pole 100m zlotys to start a business.

8 PHRASE If you cross your fingers , you put one finger on top of another and hope for good luck. If you say that someone is keeping their fingers crossed , you mean they are hoping for good luck. □� I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they turn up soon.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone did not lay a finger on a particular person or thing, you are emphasizing that they did not touch or harm them at all. [EMPHASIS ] □� I must make it clear I never laid a finger on her.

10 PHRASE If you say that a person does not lift a finger or raise a finger to do something, especially to help someone, you are critical of them because they do nothing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She never lifted a finger around the house. □� They will not lift a finger to help their country.

11 PHRASE If you point the finger at someone or point an accusing finger at someone, you blame them or accuse them of doing wrong. □� He said he wasn't pointing an accusing finger at anyone in the government or the army.

12 PHRASE If you tell someone to pull their finger out or to get their finger out , you are telling them rudely that you want them to start doing some work or making an effort. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Isn't it about time that you pulled your finger out?

13 PHRASE If you put your finger on something, for example a reason or problem, you see and identify exactly what it is. □� He could never quite put his finger on who or what was responsible for all this.

14 PHRASE If someone or something slips through your fingers , you just fail to catch them, get them, or keep them. □� Money has slipped through his fingers all his life. □� You mustn't allow this golden opportunity to slip through your fingers.

15to have green fingers →�see green

16finger on the pulse →�see pulse

fin|ger|ing /f I ŋgər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Fingering is the method of using the most suitable finger to play each note when you are playing a musical instrument, especially the piano.

finger|mark /f I ŋgə r mɑː r k/ (fingermarks ) N‑COUNT A fingermark is a mark which is made when someone puts a dirty or oily finger onto a clean surface.

finger|nail /f I ŋgə r ne I l/ (fingernails ) also finger-nail N‑COUNT Your fingernails are the thin hard areas at the end of each of your fingers.

finger|print /f I ŋgə r pr I nt/ (fingerprints , fingerprinting , fingerprinted )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fingerprints are marks made by a person's fingers which show the lines on the skin. Everyone's fingerprints are different, so they can be used to identify criminals. □� The detective discovered no fewer than 35 fingerprints. ●�PHRASE If the police take someone's fingerprints , they make that person press their fingers onto a pad covered with ink, and then onto paper, so that they know what that person's fingerprints look like. □� They were photographed and had their fingerprints taken.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is fingerprinted , the police take their fingerprints. □�[be V -ed] He took her to jail, where she was fingerprinted and booked.

finger|tip /f I ŋgə r t I p/ (fingertips ) also finger-tip

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your fingertips are the ends of your fingers. □� The fat and flour are rubbed together with the fingertips as for pastry.

2 PHRASE If you say that something is at your fingertips , you approve of the fact that you can reach it easily or that it is easily available to you. [APPROVAL ] □� I had the information at my fingertips and hadn't used it.

fi nger|tip sea rch (fingertip searches ) N‑COUNT When the police carry out a fingertip search of a place, they examine it for evidence in a very detailed way. □�[+�of ] Officers continued a fingertip search of the area yesterday.

fin|icky /f I n I ki/ ADJ If you say that someone is finicky , you mean that they are worried about small details and are difficult to please. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Even the most finicky eater will find something appetizing here.

fin|ish ◆◆◇ /f I n I ʃ/ (finishes , finishing , finished )

1 VERB When you finish doing or dealing with something, you do or deal with the last part of it, so that there is no more for you to do or deal with. □�[V v-ing] As soon as he'd finished eating, he excused himself. □�[V n] Mr Gould was given a standing ovation and loud cheers when he finished his speech. ●�PHRASAL VERB Finish up means the same as finish . [AM ] □�[V P n] We waited a few minutes outside his office while he finished up his meeting.

2 VERB When you finish something that you are making or producing, you reach the end of making or producing it, so that it is complete. □�[V n] The consultants had been working to finish a report this week. ●�PHRASAL VERB Finish off and, in American English, finish up mean the same as finish . □�[V P n] Now she is busy finishing off a biography of Queen Caroline. □�[V P n] �the amount of stuff required to finish up a movie.

3 VERB When something such as a course, film, or sale finishes , especially at a planned time, it ends. □�[V +�at/on/by ] The teaching day finishes at around 4pm. □�[V n] When a play finishes its run, the costumes are hired out to amateur dramatics companies. [Also V ]

4 VERB You say that someone or something finishes a period of time or an event in a particular way to indicate what the final situation was like. You can also say that a period of time or an event finishes in a particular way. □�[V +�by ] The two of them finished by kissing each other goodbye. □�[V +�with ] The evening finished with the welcoming of three new members. □�[V n adj/adv] He finished the day two holes up. □�[V n adj/adv] The last track finishes this compilation beautifully. [Also V n +�by , V n prep, V prep]

5 VERB If someone finishes second, for example, in a race or competition, they are in second place at the end of the race or competition. □�[V ord] He finished second in the championship four years in a row.

6 VERB To finish means to reach the end of saying something. □�[V ] Her eyes flashed, but he held up a hand. 'Let me finish.'

7 N‑SING [with poss] The finish of something is the end of it or the last part of it. □� I intend to continue it and see the job through to the finish. □� From start to finish he believed in me, often more than I did myself.

8 N‑COUNT The finish of a race is the end of it. □�[+�of ] Win a trip to see the finish of the Tour de France! □� It was a close finish but I won.

9 N‑COUNT If the surface of something that has been made has a particular kind of finish , it has the appearance or texture mentioned. □� The finish and workmanship of the woodwork was excellent.

10 →�see also finished

11 PHRASE If you add the finishing touches to something, you add or do the last things that are necessary to complete it. □� Workers put the finishing touches on the pavilions.

▸� finish off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you finish off something that you have been eating or drinking, you eat or drink the last part of it with the result that there is none left. □�[V P n] Kelly finished off his coffee. □�[V n P ] He took the bottle from her hands and finished it off in one long swallow.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone finishes off a person or thing that is already badly injured or damaged, they kill or destroy them. □�[V n P ] They meant to finish her off, swiftly and without mercy.

3 →�see finish2

▸� finish up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you finish up in a particular place or situation, you are in that place or situation after doing or experiencing several things. □�[V P v-ing] They had met by chance at university and finished up getting married. □�[V P prep] He's probably going to finish up in jail for business fraud.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you finish up something that you have been eating or drinking, you eat or drink the last part of it. □�[V P n] Finish up your drinks now, please. [Also V n P ]

3 →�see also finish1 , finish2

▸� finish with PHRASAL VERB If you finish with someone or something, you stop dealing with them, being involved with them, or being interested in them. □�[V P n] My boyfriend was threatening to finish with me.

fin|ished /f I n I ʃt/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] Someone who is finished with something is no longer doing it or dealing with it or is no longer interested in it. □� One suspects he will be finished with boxing.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Something that is finished no longer exists or is no longer happening. □� I go back on the dole when the shooting season's finished.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is finished is no longer important, powerful, or effective. □� Her power over me is finished. □� He confessed: 'I thought I was finished.'

fi n|ish|ing line (finishing lines ) or finish line N‑COUNT In a race, the finishing line is the place on the track or course where the race officially ends.

fi n|ish|ing school (finishing schools ) N‑VAR A finishing school is a private school where rich or upper-class young women are taught manners and other social skills that are considered to be suitable for them. □� �a Swiss finishing school. □� My parents wanted to send me to a finishing school.

fi|nite /fa I na I t/

1 ADJ Something that is finite has a definite fixed size or extent. [FORMAL ] □� Only a finite number of situations can arise. □� The fossil fuels (coal and oil) are finite resources.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A finite clause is a clause based on a verb group which indicates tense, such as 'went', 'is waiting', or 'will be found', rather than on an infinitive or a participle. Compare non-finite .

Finn /f I n/ (Finns ) N‑COUNT The Finns are the people of Finland.

Finn|ish /f I n I ʃ/

1 ADJ Finnish means belonging or relating to Finland or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Finnish is the language spoken in Finland.

fir /fɜː r / (firs ) N‑VAR A fir or a fir tree is a tall evergreen tree that has thin needle-like leaves.

fire

➊�BURNING, HEAT, OR ENTHUSIASM

➋�SHOOTING OR ATTACKING

➌�DISMISSAL

➊ fire ◆◆◇ /fa I ə r / (fires , firing , fired )

→�Please look at categories 18 to 20 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fire is the hot, bright flames produced by things that are burning. □� They saw a big flash and a huge ball of fire reaching hundreds of feet into the sky. □� Many students were trapped by smoke and fire on an upper floor.

2 N‑VAR Fire or a fire is an occurrence of uncontrolled burning which destroys buildings, forests, or other things. □� 87 people died in the fire. □� A forest fire is sweeping across portions of north Maine this evening. □� Much of historic Rennes was destroyed by fire in 1720.

3 N‑COUNT A fire is a burning pile of wood, coal, or other fuel that you make, for example to use for heat, light, or cooking. □� There was a fire in the grate. □� After the killing, he calmly lit a fire to destroy evidence.

4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A fire is a device that uses electricity or gas to give out heat and warm a room. [mainly BRIT ] □� The gas fire was still alight. in AM, usually use heater5 VERB When a pot or clay object is fired , it is heated at a high temperature in a special oven, as part of the process of making it. □�[be V -ed] After the pot is dipped in this mixture, it is fired.

6 VERB When the engine of a motor vehicle fires , an electrical spark is produced which causes the fuel to burn and the engine to work. □�[V ] The engine fired and we moved off.

7 VERB If you fire someone with enthusiasm, you make them feel very enthusiastic. If you fire someone's imagination, you make them feel interested and excited. □�[V n] �the potential to fire the imagination of an entire generation. □�[V n +�with ] It was Allen who fired this rivalry with real passion. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Both his grandfathers were fired with an enthusiasm for public speaking.

8 N‑UNCOUNT You can use fire to refer in an approving way to someone's energy and enthusiasm. [APPROVAL ] □� I went to hear him speak and was very impressed. He seemed so full of fire.

9 PHRASE If an object or substance catches fire , it starts burning. □� The aircraft caught fire soon after take-off.

10 PHRASE If something is on fire , it is burning and being damaged or destroyed by an uncontrolled fire. □� The captain radioed that the ship was on fire.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone is playing with fire , you mean that they are doing something dangerous that may result in great harm for them and cause many problems. □� Those who even venture to think about mass layoffs are playing with fire.

12 PHRASE If you set fire to something or if you set it on fire , you start it burning in order to damage or destroy it. □� They set fire to vehicles outside that building. □� Lightning set several buildings on fire.

13to have irons on the fire →�see iron

14like a house on fire →�see house

15there's no smoke without fire →�see smoke

▸� fire up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fire up a machine, you switch it on. □�[V P n] Put on a helmet, fire up your engine and head out on the open road. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you fire someone up , you make them feel very enthusiastic or motivated. □�[V P n] The president knows his task is to fire up the delegates. [Also V n P ]

➋ fire ◆◆◇ /fa I ə r / (fires , firing , fired )

→�Please look at category 16 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If someone fires a gun or a bullet, or if they fire , a bullet is sent from a gun that they are using. □�[V n] Seven people were wounded when soldiers fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds. □�[V n] The gun was fired and Beaton was wounded a second time. □�[V +�on ] Seventeen people were killed when security forces fired on demonstrators. □�[V ] They were firing. I screamed at them to stop. ●� fir|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The firing continued even while the protestors were fleeing.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use fire to refer to the shots fired from a gun or guns. □� His car was raked with fire from automatic weapons. □� The two were reportedly killed in an exchange of fire during a police raid.

3 VERB If you fire an arrow, you send it from a bow. □�[V n] He fired an arrow into a clearing in the forest.

4 VERB If you fire questions at someone, you ask them a lot of questions very quickly, one after another. □�[V n] They were bombarded by more than 100 representatives firing questions on pollution.

5 PHRASE If you draw fire for something that you have done, you cause people to criticize you or attack you because of it. □� The council recently drew fire for its intervention in the dispute.

6 PHRASE If someone holds their fire or holds fire , they stop shooting or they wait before they start shooting. □� Devereux ordered his men to hold their fire until the ships got closer.

7 PHRASE If you hold fire in a situation, you delay before taking action. □� Their plan was to hold fire until they could appoint someone on a permanent basis.

8 PHRASE If you are in the line of fire , you are in a position where someone is aiming their gun at you. If you move into their line of fire , you move into a position between them and the thing they were aiming at. □� He cheerfully blows away any bad guy stupid enough to get in his line of fire. □� The man and his son had been pushed into the line of fire by their captors.

9 PHRASE If you open fireon someone, you start shooting at them. □� Then without warning, the troops opened fire on the crowd.

10 PHRASE If you return fire or you return someone's fire , you shoot back at someone who has shot at you. □� The soldiers returned fire after being attacked.

11 PHRASE If you come under fire or are under fire , someone starts shooting at you. □� The Belgians fell back as the infantry came under fire.

12 PHRASE If you come under firefrom someone or are under fire , they criticize you strongly. □� The president's plan came under fire for including spending cuts.

13to fire from the hip →�see hip

▸� fire away PHRASAL VERB If someone wants to say or ask something, you can say 'fire away' as a way of showing that you are ready for them to speak. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] 'May I ask you something?'�'Sure. Fire away.'

▸� fire off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fire off a shot, you send a bullet or other missile from a gun. □�[V P n] A gunman fired off a volley of shots into the air. □�[V n P ] �an illustration of a guy firing a huge cannon off into the distance.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you fire off a letter, question, or remark, you send or say it very quickly, often as part of a series. □�[V P n] He immediately fired off an angry letter to his ministry colleagues.

➌ fire /fa I ə r / (fires , firing , fired ) VERB If an employer fires you, they dismiss you from your job. □�[V n] If he hadn't been so good at the rest of his job, I probably would have fired him. □�[be V -ed] She was sent a box of chocolates along with a letter saying she was fired. ●� fir|ing N‑COUNT □� There was yet another round of firings.

fi re alarm (fire alarms ) N‑COUNT A fire alarm is a device that makes a noise, for example with a bell, to warn people when there is a fire.

fire|arm /fa I ə rɑː r m/ (firearms ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Firearms are guns. [FORMAL ] □� He was also charged with illegal possession of firearms. □� He was jailed for firearms offences.

fire|ball /fa I ə r bɔːl/ (fireballs ) N‑COUNT A fireball is a ball of fire, for example one at the centre of a nuclear explosion.

fire|bomb /fa I ə r bɒm/ (firebombs , firebombing , firebombed )

1 N‑COUNT A firebomb is a type of bomb which is designed to cause fires.

2 VERB To firebomb a building, vehicle, or place means to set fire to it using a firebomb. □�[V n] Protestors firebombed the embassy building yesterday. ●� fire|bombing (firebombings ) N‑VAR □� The homes bore evidence of firebombing.

fire|brand /fa I ə r br�nd/ (firebrands ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a firebrand , especially someone who is very active in politics, you mean that they are always trying to make people take strong action. □� �his reputation as a young firebrand.

fire|break /fa I ə r bre I k/ (firebreaks ) also fire break N‑COUNT A firebreak is an area of open land in a wood or forest that has been created to stop a fire from spreading.

fi re bri|gade (fire brigades ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The fire brigade is an organization which has the job of putting out fires; used especially to refer to the people who actually fight the fires. □� Get everyone out and call the fire brigade.

fire|cracker /fa I ə r kr�kə r / (firecrackers ) N‑COUNT A firecracker is a firework that makes several loud bangs when it is lit.

-fired /-fa I e r d/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -fired combines with nouns which refer to fuels to form adjectives which describe power stations, machines, or devices that operate by means of that fuel. □� �coal-fired power stations. □� Most of the food is cooked on a large wood-fired oven.

fi re de|part|ment (fire departments ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] Thefire department is an organization which has the job of putting out fires. [AM ] in BRIT, use fire service

fi re drill (fire drills ) N‑VAR When there is a fire drill in a particular building, the people who work or live there practise what to do if there is a fire.

fi re-eater (fire-eaters ) N‑COUNT Fire-eaters are performers who put flaming rods into their mouths in order to entertain people.

fi re en|gine (fire engines ) N‑COUNT A fire engine is a large vehicle which carries firefighters and equipment for putting out fires. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use fire truck

fi re es|cape (fire escapes ) also fire-escape N‑COUNT A fire escape is a metal staircase on the outside of a building, which can be used to escape from the building if there is a fire.

fi re ex|tin|guish|er (fire extinguishers ) also fire-extinguisher N‑COUNT A fire extinguisher is a metal cylinder which contains water or chemicals at high pressure which can put out fires.

fire|fight /fa I ə r fa I t/ (firefights ) N‑COUNT A firefight is a battle in a war which involves the use of guns rather than bombs or any other sort of weapon. [JOURNALISM ] □� U.S. Marines had a firefight with local gunmen this morning.

fire|fighter /fa I ə r fa I tə r / (firefighters ) also fire fighter , fire-fighter N‑COUNT [usu pl] Firefighters are people whose job is to put out fires.

fire|fighting /fa I ə r fa I t I ŋ/ also fire fighting , fire-fighting N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Firefighting is the work of putting out fires. □� There was no fire-fighting equipment.

fire|fly /fa I ə r fla I / (fireflies ) also fire fly N‑COUNT A firefly is a type of beetle that produces light from its body.

fire|guard /fa I ə r gɑː r d/ (fireguards ) also fire-guard N‑COUNT A fireguard is a screen made of strong wire that you put round a fire so that people cannot accidentally burn themselves.

fi re hy|drant (fire hydrants ) also fire-hydrant N‑COUNT A fire hydrant is a pipe in the street from which fire fighters can obtain water for putting out a fire.

fire|light /fa I ə r la I t/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Firelight is the light that comes from a fire. □� In the firelight his head gleamed with sweat.

fire|man /fa I ə r mən/ (firemen ) N‑COUNT A fireman is a male firefighter whose job is to put out fires.

fire|place /fa I ə r ple I s/ (fireplaces ) N‑COUNT In a room, the fireplace is the place where a fire can be lit and the area on the wall and floor surrounding this place.

fire|power /fa I ə r paʊə r / N‑UNCOUNT The firepower of an army, ship, tank, or aircraft is the amount of ammunition it can fire. □� America has enough firepower in the area to mount sustained air strikes.

fire|proof /fa I ə r pruːf/ ADJ Something that is fireproof cannot be damaged by fire. □� �fireproof clothing.

fi re-retardant ADJ Fire-retardant substances make the thing that they are applied to burn more slowly. □� �fire-retardant foam.

fi re sale (fire sales )

1 N‑COUNT A fire sale is an event in which goods are sold cheaply because the shop or storeroom they were in has been damaged by fire.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you describe a sale of goods or other assets as a fire sale , you mean that everything is being sold very cheaply. □� They're likely to hold big fire sales to liquidate their inventory.

fi re ser|vice (fire services ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] Thefire service is an organization which has the job of putting out fires. [BRIT ] □� Crowds of youths prevented the fire service from dealing with the blaze. in AM, use fire department

fire|side /fa I ə r sa I d/ (firesides ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you sit by thefireside in a room, you sit near the fire. □� �winter evenings by the fireside. □� �cosy fireside chats.

fi re sta|tion (fire stations ) N‑COUNT A fire station is a building where fire engines are kept, and where firefighters wait until they are called to put out a fire.

fire|storm /fa I ə r stɔː r m/ (firestorms ) also fire storm

1 N‑COUNT A firestorm is a fire that is burning uncontrollably, usually in a place that has been bombed.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that there is a firestormof protest or criticism, you are emphasizing that there is a great deal of very fierce protest or criticism. [AM , EMPHASIS ] □� The speech has resulted in a firestorm of controversy.

fi re truck (fire trucks ) N‑COUNT A fire truck is a large vehicle which carries fire fighters and equipment for putting out fires. [AM , AUSTRALIAN ] in BRIT, usually use fire engine

fire|wall /fa I ə r wɔːl/ (firewalls ) N‑COUNT A firewall is a computer system or program that automatically prevents an unauthorized person from gaining access to a computer when it is connected to a network such as the internet. [COMPUTING ] □� New technology should provide a secure firewall against hackers.

Fire|Wire /fa I ə r wa I ə r / N‑UNCOUNT FireWire is a type of connection on a computer that allows you to attach another piece of equipment such as a printer. [COMPUTING , TRADEMARK ] □� I have an old external drive with a FireWire connection.

fire|wood /fa I ə r wʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Firewood is wood that has been cut into pieces so that it can be burned on a fire.

fire|work /fa I ə r wɜː r k/ (fireworks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fireworks are small objects that are lit to entertain people on special occasions. They contain chemicals and burn brightly or attractively, often with a loud noise, when you light them. □� �a firework display.

fi r|ing line (firing lines ) also firing-line

1 N‑COUNT If you are in thefiring line in a conflict, you are in a position where someone is aiming their gun at you. □� Any hostages in the firing line would have been sacrificed.

2 N‑SING [usu in/out of N ] If you say that someone is inthe firing line , you mean that they are being criticized, blamed, or attacked for something. □� Foreign banks are in the firing line too.

fi r|ing squad (firing squads ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A firing squad is a group of soldiers who are ordered to shoot and kill a person who has been found guilty of committing a crime. □� He was executed by firing squad.

firm ◆◆◆ /fɜː r m/ (firmsfirmer , firmest )

1 N‑COUNT A firm is an organization which sells or produces something or which provides a service which people pay for. □� The firm's employees were expecting large bonuses. □�[+�of ] �a firm of heating engineers.

2 ADJ If something is firm , it does not change much in shape when it is pressed but is not completely hard. □� Fruit should be firm and in excellent condition. □� Choose a soft, medium or firm mattress to suit their individual needs.

3 ADJ If something is firm , it does not shake or move when you put weight or pressure on it, because it is strongly made or securely fastened. □� If you have to climb up, use a firm platform or a sturdy ladder. ●� firm|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� The front door is locked and all the windows are firmly shut.

4 ADJ If someone's grip is firm or if they perform a physical action in a firm way, they do it with quite a lot of force or pressure but also in a controlled way. □� The quick handshake was firm and cool. □� He managed to grasp the metal, get a firm grip of it and heave his body upwards. ●� firm|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She held me firmly by the elbow and led me to my aisle seat.

5 ADJ If you describe someone as firm , you mean they behave in a way that shows that they are not going to change their mind, or that they are the person who is in control. □�[+�with ] She had to be firm with him. 'I don't want to see you again.' □� Perhaps they need the guiding hand of a firm father figure. ●� firm|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'A good night's sleep is what you want,' he said firmly.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A firm decision or opinion is definite and unlikely to change. □� He made a firm decision to leave Fort Multry by boat. □� It is my firm belief that partnership between police and the public is absolutely necessary. ●� firm|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� He is firmly convinced that it is vital to do this.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Firm evidence or information is based on facts and so is likely to be true. □� There's unlikely to be firm news about the convoy's progress for some time.

8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use firm to describe control or a basis or position when it is strong and unlikely to be ended or removed. □� A goalkeeping mistake put Dagenham in firm control of the first half. ●� firm|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� This tradition is also firmly rooted in the past.

9 ADJ If a price, value, or currency is firm , it is not decreasing in value or amount. □� Cotton prices remain firm and demand is strong. □� The shares held firm at 280p. ●� firm|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the firmness of the dollar against other currencies.

10 PHRASE If someone stands firm , they refuse to change their mind about something. □� The council is standing firm against the barrage of protest.

▸� firm up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you firm up something or if it firms up , it becomes firmer and more solid. □�[V P n] This treatment helps tone the body, firm up muscles and tighten the skin. □�[V n P ] I now go swimming five times a week, which helps firm me up. □�[V P ] The mixture will seem too wet at this stage, but it will firm up when chilled.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you firm something up or if it firms up , it becomes clearer, stronger, or more definite. □�[V P n] Looking to the future, the Government will firm up their plans for a cleaner, greener, safer Britain. □�[V P ] At least the bank situation had firmed up. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If a financial institution firms up the price or value of something, they take action to protect and maintain its price or value. □�[V P n] OPEC has agreed to freeze its global oil production slightly in order to firm up crude prices. COLLOCATIONS firm NOUN 1

noun +�firm : accountancy, consulting, investment, law, private equity; building, energy, engineering

adjective +�firm : architectural, financial, legal, pharmaceutical; large, medium-sized, small

verb +�firm : found, set up SYNONYMS firm NOUN 1

company:Sheila found some work as a secretary in an insurance company.

business:The company was a family business.

concern:If not a large concern, Queensbury Nursery was at least a successful one.

corporation:�multi-national corporations. ADJ 2

hard:He shuffled his feet on the hard wooden floor.

solid:The snow had melted, but the lake was still frozen solid.

stiff:His waterproof trousers were brand new and stiff.

rigid:�rigid plastic containers.

fir|ma|ment /fɜː r məmənt/

1 N‑SING The firmament is the sky or heaven. [LITERARY ] □� There are no stars in the firmament.

2 N‑SING If you talk about the firmament in a particular organization or field of activity, you mean the top of it. □� He was rich, and a rising star in the political firmament.

firm|ware /fɜː r mweə r / N‑UNCOUNT In computer systems, firmware is a set of commands which are stored on a chip rather than as part of a program, because the computer uses them very often. [COMPUTING ]

first ◆◆◆ /fɜː r st/ (firsts )

1 ORD The first thing, person, event, or period of time is the one that happens or comes before all the others of the same kind. □� She lost 16 pounds in the first month of her diet. □� �the first few flakes of snow. □� Two years ago Johnson came first in the one hundred metres. ●�PRON First is also a pronoun. □� The second paragraph startled me even more than the first. □� We did exercises to improve my car control. The first was to drive on ice.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something first , you do it before anyone else does, or before you do anything else. □� I do not remember who spoke first, but we all expressed the same opinion. □� First, tell me what you think of my products. □� Routine questions first, if you don't mind.

3 ORD When something happens or is done for the first time, it has never happened or been done before. □� This is the first time she has experienced disappointment. □� It was the first occasion when they had both found it possible to keep a rendezvous. ●�ADV [ADV with v] First is also an adverb. □� Anne and Steve got engaged two years after they had first started going out.

4 N‑SING An event that is described as a first has never happened before and is important or exciting. □�[+�for ] It is a first for New York. An outdoor exhibition of Fernando Botero's sculpture on Park Avenue.

5 PRON The first you hear of something or thefirst you know about it is the time when you first become aware of it. □� We heard it on the TV last night�that was the first we heard of it.

6 ADV [ADV before v] You use first when you are talking about what happens in the early part of an event or experience, in contrast to what happens later. □� When he first came home he wouldn't say anything about what he'd been doing. ●�ORD First is also an ordinal. □� She told him that her first reaction was disgust.

7 ADV [ADV after v] In order to emphasize your determination not to do a particular thing, you can say that rather than do it, you would do something else first . [EMPHASIS ] □� Marry that fat son of a fat cattle dealer? She would die first!

8 ADV You use first when you are about to give the first in a series of items. □� Certain guidelines can be given. First, have a heating engineer check the safety of the system.

9 ORD The first thing, person, or place in a line is the one that is nearest to you or nearest to the front. □� Before him, in the first row, sat the President. □� First in the queue were two Japanese students.

10 ORD You use first to refer to the best or most important thing or person of a particular kind. □� The first duty of any government must be to protect the interests of the taxpayers. □� Imagine winning the local lottery first prize of �5,000.

11 ORD First is used in the title of the job or position of someone who has a higher rank than anyone else with the same basic job title. □� �the First Lord of the Admiralty. □� �the first mate of a British tanker.

12 N‑COUNT In British universities, a first is an honours degree of the highest standard. □�[+�in ] �an Oxford Blue who took a First in Constitutional History.

13 PHRASE You use first of all to introduce the first of a number of things that you want to say. □� The cut in the interest rates has not had very much impact in California for two reasons. First of all, banks are still afraid to loan.

14 PHRASE You use at first when you are talking about what happens in the early stages of an event or experience, or just after something else has happened, in contrast to what happens later. □� At first, he seemed surprised by my questions. □� I had some difficulty at first recalling why we were there.

15 PHRASE If you say that someone or something comes first for a particular person, you mean they treat or consider that person or thing as more important than anything else. □� There's no time for boyfriends, my career comes first.

16 PHRASE If you learn or experience something at first hand , you experience it yourself or learn it directly rather than being told about it by other people. □� He saw at first hand the effects of the recent heavy fighting.

17 PHRASE If you say that you do not know the first thing about something, you are emphasizing that you know absolutely nothing about it. [EMPHASIS ] □� You don't know the first thing about farming.

18 PHRASE If you put someone or something first , you treat or consider them as more important than anything else. □� Somebody has to think for the child and put him first.

19 PHRASE You say ' first things first ' when you are talking about something that should be done or dealt with before anything else because it is the most important. □� Let's see if we can't find something to set the mood. First things first; some music.

20first and foremost →�see foremost

-first /-fɜː r st/ COMB [ADV after v] -first combines with nouns like 'head' and 'feet' to indicate that someone moves with the part that is mentioned pointing in the direction in which they are moving. □� He overbalanced and fell head first.

fi rst ai d N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] First aid is simple medical treatment given as soon as possible to a person who is injured or who suddenly becomes ill. □� There are many emergencies which need prompt first aid treatment. □� �a first aid kit.

fi rst born also first-born N‑SING [oft N n] Someone's first born is their first child. □� She was my first-born.

fi rst-cla ss also first class

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as first-class , you mean that they are extremely good and of the highest quality. □� The food was first-class. □� She has a first-class brain and is a damned good writer.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use first-class to describe something that is in the group that is considered to be of the highest standard. □� He officially announced his retirement from first-class cricket yesterday. □� Harriet graduated with a first class degree in literature.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] First-class accommodation on a train, aeroplane, or ship is the best and most expensive type of accommodation. □� He won himself two first-class tickets to fly to Dublin. □� �first-class passengers. ●�ADV [ADV after v] First-class is also an adverb. □� She had never flown first class before. ●�N‑UNCOUNT First-class is the first-class accommodation on a train, aeroplane, or ship. □� He paid for and was assigned a cabin in first class.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, first-class postage is the quicker and more expensive type of postage. In the United States, first-class postage is the type of postage that is used for sending letters and postcards. □� Two first class stamps, please. ●�ADV [ADV after v] First-class is also an adverb. □� It took six days to arrive despite being posted first class.

fi rst cou s|in (first cousins ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's first cousin is the same as their cousin . Compare second cousin .

fi rst de|gree (first degrees ) N‑COUNT People who have gained a higher qualification after completing a basic university degree such as a BA or a BSc refer to that basic degree as their first degree . □� He was born in Zimbabwe where he completed his first degree in economics.

fi rst-degree

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In the United States, first-degree is used to describe crimes that are considered to be the most serious of their kind. For example, first-degree murder is when a murder is planned before it is carried out. □� He pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree robbery.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A first-degree burn is one of the least severe kind, where only the surface layer of the skin has been burnt.

fi rst e ver also first-ever ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is the first ever one of its kind has never happened before. □� It's the first-ever meeting between leaders of the two countries.

fi rst floo r (first floors )

1 N‑COUNT Thefirst floor of a building is the floor immediately above the one at ground level. [BRIT ] in AM, use second floor2 N‑COUNT Thefirst floor of a building is the one at ground level. [AM ] in BRIT, use ground floor

fi rst frui ts N‑PLURAL Thefirst fruitsof a project or activity are the earliest results or profits. □�[+�of ] The deal is one of the first fruits of a liberalization of foreign investment law.

fi rst ha nd also first-hand , firsthand

1 ADJ [ADJ n] First hand information or experience is gained or learned directly, rather than from other people or from books. □� School trips give children firsthand experience not available in the classroom. ●�ADV [ADV after v] First-hand is also an adverb. □� We've been through Germany and seen first-hand what's happening there.

2at first hand →�see first

fi rst la dy (first ladies ) N‑COUNT TheFirst Lady in a country or state is the wife of the president or state governor, or a woman who performs the official duties normally performed by the wife.

fi rst la n|guage (first languages ) N‑COUNT Someone's first language is the language that they learned first and speak best; used especially when someone speaks more than one language.

first|ly /fɜː r stli/ ADV You use firstly in speech or writing when you want to give a reason, make a point, or mention an item that will be followed by others connected with it. □� The programme is behind schedule as a result, firstly, of increased costs, then of technical problems.

Fi rst Mi n|is|ter (First Ministers ) N‑COUNT In the Scottish Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly, the First Minister is the leader of the ruling party.

fi rst na me (first names ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your first name is the first of the names that were given to you when you were born. You can also refer to all of your names except your surname as your first names . □� Her first name was Mary. I don't know what her surname was. ●�PHRASE If two people are on first-name terms , they know each other well enough to call each other by their first names, rather than having to use a more formal title. □� The two were said to have been on first-name terms. [Also +�with ]

fi rst ni ght (first nights ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] The first night of a show, play, or performance is the first public performance of it.

fi rst of|fe nd|er (first offenders ) N‑COUNT A first offender is a person who has been found guilty of a crime for the first time.

fi rst-past-the-po st ADJ [ADJ n] A first-past-the-post system for choosing members of parliament or other representatives is one in which the candidate who gets most votes wins. [BRIT ]

fi rst pe r|son N‑SING A statement inthe first person is a statement about yourself, or about yourself and someone else. The subject of a statement like this is 'I' or 'we'. □� He tells the story in the first person.

fi rst-ra te also first rate ADJ If you say that something or someone is first-rate , you mean that they are extremely good and of the highest quality. [APPROVAL ] □� People who used his service knew they were dealing with a first-rate professional.

fi rst schoo l (first schools ) N‑COUNT A first school is a school for children aged between five and eight or nine. [BRIT ]

Fi rst Se c|re|tary (First Secretaries ) N‑COUNT TheFirst Secretary of the Welsh Assembly is the leader of the ruling party.

fi rst-ti mer (first-timers ) N‑COUNT A first-timer is someone who does something for the first time. □� She entered this year's charts faster than any first-timer before her.

Fi rst Wo rld

1 N‑PROPER [N n] The most prosperous and industrialized parts of the world are sometimes referred to as theFirst World . Compare Third World . [BUSINESS ] □� Although South Africa has many of the attributes of the First World, it is still not part of that world. □� �wealthy First World countries.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone has First World problems , you mean that their problems are not really very important. □� 'I couldn't find any garlic olives anywhere.' --'First World problems.'

Fi rst World Wa r N‑PROPER The First World War or the First War is the war that was fought between 1914 and 1918 in Europe.

fi r tree (fir trees ) N‑COUNT A fir tree is the same as a fir .

fis|cal ◆◇◇ /f I sk ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Fiscal is used to describe something that relates to government money or public money, especially taxes. □� �last year, when the government tightened fiscal policy. ●� fis|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] □� The scheme would be fiscally dangerous. □� Many members are determined to prove that they are fiscally responsible.

2 →�see also procurator fiscal SYNONYMS fiscal ADJ

financial:The company is in financial difficulties.

economic:�Poland's radical economic reforms.

monetary:Some countries tighten monetary policy to avoid inflation.

budgetary:There are huge budgetary pressures on all governments in Europe.

fi s|cal cli ff (fiscal cliffs ) N‑COUNT A fiscal cliff is a situation in which sudden changes in government spending and tax have a big and sudden effect on a country's economy. □� The country is fast approaching the fiscal cliff.

fi s|cal yea r (fiscal years ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The fiscal year is the same as the financial year . [BUSINESS ] □� �the budget for the coming fiscal year.

fish ◆◆◇ /f I ʃ/ (fish or fishes , fishes , fishing , fished ) The form fish is usually used for the plural, but fishes can also be used. 1 N‑COUNT A fish is a creature that lives in water and has a tail and fins. There are many different kinds of fish. □� I was chatting to an islander who had just caught a fish. □� The fish were counted and an average weight recorded.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Fish is the flesh of a fish eaten as food. □� Does dry white wine go best with fish?

3 VERB If you fish , you try to catch fish, either for food or as a form of sport or recreation. □�[V ] Brian remembers learning to fish in the River Cam.

4 VERB If you fish a particular area of water, you try to catch fish in it. □�[V n] On Saturday we fished the River Arno.

5 VERB If you say that someone is fishingfor information or praise, you disapprove of the fact that they are trying to get it from someone in an indirect way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�for ] He didn't want to create the impression that he was fishing for information. □�[V ] 'Lucinda, you don't have to talk to him!' Mike shouted. 'He's just fishing.'

6 →�see also fishing

7 PHRASE If you tell someone that there are plenty more fish in the sea , you are comforting them by saying that although their relationship with someone has failed, there are many other people they can have relationships with. [INFORMAL ]

▸� fish out PHRASAL VERB If you fish something out from somewhere, you take or pull it out, often after searching for it for some time. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] She fished out a pair of David's socks for her cold feet. [Also V n P ]

fi sh and chi p shop (fish and chip shops ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a fish and chip shop is a shop which sells hot food such as fish and chips, fried chicken, sausages, and meat pies. The food is cooked in the shop and people take it away to eat at home or in the street.

fi sh cake (fish cakes ) also fishcake N‑COUNT A fish cake is a mixture of fish and potato that is made into a flat round shape, covered in breadcrumbs, and fried.

fisher|man /f I ʃə r mən/ (fishermen ) N‑COUNT A fisherman is a person who catches fish as a job or for sport.

fish|ery /f I ʃəri/ (fisheries )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fisheries are areas of the sea where fish are caught in large quantities for commercial purposes. □� �the fisheries off Newfoundland.

2 N‑COUNT A fishery is a place where fish are bred and reared.

fi sh fi n|ger (fish fingers ) also fishfinger N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fish fingers are small long pieces of fish covered in breadcrumbs. They are usually sold in frozen form. [mainly BRIT ]

fish|ing ◆◇◇ /f I ʃ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Fishing is the sport, hobby, or business of catching fish. □� Despite the poor weather the fishing has been pretty good. □� �a fishing boat.

fi sh|ing rod (fishing rods ) also fishing-rod N‑COUNT A fishing rod is a long thin pole which has a line and hook attached to it and which is used for catching fish.

fi sh|ing tack|le also fishing-tackle N‑UNCOUNT Fishing tackle consists of all the equipment that is used in the sport of fishing, such as fishing rods, lines, hooks, and bait.

fi sh knife (fish knives ) N‑COUNT A fish knife is a knife that you use when you eat fish. It has a wide flat blade and does not have a sharp edge.

fish|monger /f I ʃmʌŋgə r / (fishmongers )

1 N‑COUNT A fishmonger is a shopkeeper who sells fish. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT Thefishmonger or thefishmonger's is a shop where fish is sold. [mainly BRIT ] □� Purchase your oysters from a reputable fishmonger.

fish|net /f I ʃnet/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Fishnet tights or stockings are made from a stretchy fabric which has wide holes between its threads, rather like the holes in a fishing net.

fi sh slice (fish slices ) also fish-slice N‑COUNT A fish slice is a kitchen tool which consists of a flat part with narrow holes in it attached to a handle. It is used for turning or serving fish or other food that is cooked in a frying pan. [BRIT ] in AM, use spatula

fish|wife /f I ʃwa I f/ (fishwives ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is behaving like a fishwife , you mean that they are shouting a great deal and behaving in a very unpleasant and bad-tempered way. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ]

fishy /f I ʃi/

1 ADJ A fishy taste or smell reminds you of fish.

2 ADJ If you describe a situation as fishy , you feel that someone is not telling the truth or behaving completely honestly. [INFORMAL ] □� There seems to be something fishy going on.

fis|sion /f I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Nuclear fission is the splitting of the nucleus of an atom to produce a large amount of energy or cause a large explosion.

fis|sure /f I ʃə r / (fissures ) N‑COUNT A fissure is a deep crack in something, especially in rock or in the ground.

fist /f I st/ (fists ) N‑COUNT Your hand is referred to as your fist when you have bent your fingers in towards the palm in order to hit someone, to make an angry gesture, or to hold something. □� Angry protestors with clenched fists shouted their defiance. □� Gary clutched a penny in his fist.

fist|ful /f I stfʊl/ (fistfuls ) N‑COUNT A fistfulof things is the number of them that you can hold in your fist. □�[+�of ] Mandy handed him a fistful of coins.

fisti|cuffs /f I stikʌfs/ N‑UNCOUNT Fisticuffs is fighting in which people try to hit each other with their fists. [HUMOROUS or OLD-FASHIONED ]

fit

➊�BEING RIGHT OR GOING IN THE RIGHT PLACE

➋�HEALTHY

➌�UNCONTROLLABLE MOVEMENTS OR EMOTIONS

➊ fit ◆◆◇ /f I t/ (fits , fitting , fitted ) In American English the form fit is used in the present tense and sometimes also as the past tense and past participle of the verb. →�Please look at categories 15 to 17 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If something fits , it is the right size and shape to go onto a person's body or onto a particular object. □�[V n] The sash, kimono, and other garments were made to fit a child. □�[V prep/adv] She has to go to the men's department to find trousers that fit at the waist. □�[V prep/adv] Line a tin with lightly-greased greaseproof paper, making sure the corners fit well.

2 N‑SING [adj N ] If something is a good fit , it fits well. □� Eventually he was happy that the sills and doors were a reasonably good fit.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are fitted for a particular piece of clothing, you try it on so that the person who is making it can see where it needs to be altered. □�[be V -ed +�for ] She was being fitted for her wedding dress.

4 VERB If something fits somewhere, it can be put there or is designed to be put there. □�[V prep/adv] �a computer which is small enough to fit into your pocket. □�[V prep/adv] He folded his long legs to fit under the table.

5 VERB If you fit something into a particular space or place, you put it there. □�[V n prep/adv] She fitted her key in the lock. □�[V n prep/adv] When the crown has been made you go back and the dentist will fit it into place.

6 VERB If you fit something somewhere, you attach it there, or put it there carefully and securely. □�[V n] Fit hinge bolts to give extra support to the door lock. □�[V n prep] Peter had built the overhead ladders, and the next day he fitted them to the wall.

7 VERB If something fits something else or fits into it, it goes together well with that thing or is able to be part of it. □�[V n] Her daughter doesn't fit the current feminine ideal. □�[V +�in/into ] Fostering is a full-time job and you should consider how it will fit into your career. □�[V ] There's something about the way he talks of her that doesn't fit.

8 VERB You can say that something fits a particular person or thing when it is appropriate or suitable for them or it. □�[V n] The punishment must always fit the crime.

9 ADJ [ADJ to-inf, ADJ n to-inf] If something is fit for a particular purpose, it is suitable for that purpose. □�[+�for ] Of the seven bicycles we had, only two were fit for the road. □� �safety measures intended to reassure consumers that the meat is fit to eat.

10 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ n to-inf] If someone is fit to do something, they have the appropriate qualities or skills that will allow them to do it. □� You're not fit to be a mother! □� He was not a fit companion for their skipper that particular morning. [Also +�for ] ●� fit|ness N‑UNCOUNT [N to-inf] □�[+�for ] There is a debate about his fitness for the highest office.

11 VERB If something fits someone for a particular task or role, it makes them good enough or suitable for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�for ] �a man whose past experience fits him for the top job in education. □�[V n to-inf] His personality may not have fitted him to be Prime Minister.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone sees fitto do something, you mean that they are entitled to do it, but that you disapprove of their decision to do it. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's not a friend, you say, yet you saw fit to lend him money.

13 →�see also fitted , fitting

14fit the bill →�see bill

15to fit like a glove →�see glove

16not in a fit state →�see state

▸� fit in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you manage to fit a person or task in , you manage to find time to deal with them. □�[V n P ] We work long hours and we rush around trying to fit everything in. □�[V P n] I find that I just can't fit in regular domestic work.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you fit in as part of a group, you seem to belong there because you are similar to the other people in it. □�[V P ] She was great with the children and fitted in beautifully.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone or something fits in , you understand how they form part of a particular situation or system. □�[V P ] He knew where I fitted in and what he had to do to get the best out of me. □�[V P +�with ] This fits in with what you've told me.

▸� fit into

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fit into a particular group, you seem to belong there because you are similar to the other people in it. □�[V P n] It's hard to see how he would fit into the team.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something fits into a particular situation or system, that seems to be the right place for it. □�[V P n] Most film locations broadly fit into two categories: private property and public place.

▸� fit out in BRIT, also use fit up PHRASAL VERB If you fit someone or something out , or you fit them up , you provide them with equipment and other things that they need. □�[V n P +�for ] We helped to fit him out for a trip to the Baltic. □�[V P n] They spent 18 million pounds of Government funds fitting out the London headquarters. [Also V n P ]

▸� fit up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone fits another person up , they try to make it seem that that person is responsible for a crime. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] Mr Stone said inmates who had given evidence were trying to fit him up. □�[V P n] We were called in to defend the police officer who had fitted up the young boy.

2 →�see also fit out

➋ fit ◆◇◇ /f I t/ (fitter , fittest )

→�Please look at categories 3 and 4 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADJ Someone who is fit is healthy and physically strong. □� An averagely fit person can master easy ski runs within a few days. ●� fit|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� Squash was once thought to offer all-round fitness.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as fit , you mean that they are good-looking. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� About an hour later a really fit guy came up to me on the dance floor.

3fit as a fiddle →�see fiddle

4fighting fit →�see fight

➌ fit /f I t/ (fits )

1 N‑COUNT If someone has a fit they suddenly lose consciousness and their body makes uncontrollable movements. □� About two in every five epileptic fits occur during sleep.

2 N‑COUNT If you have a fit of coughing or laughter, you suddenly start coughing or laughing in an uncontrollable way. □�[+�of ] He went into a protracted fit of coughing.

3 N‑COUNT If you do something in a fit of anger or panic, you are very angry or afraid when you do it. □�[+�of ] Pattie shot Tom in a fit of jealous rage.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone will have a fit when they hear about something, you mean that they will be very angry or shocked. [INFORMAL ] □� He'd have a fit if he knew what we were up to!

5 PHRASE Something that happens in fits and starts or by fits and starts keeps happening and then stopping again. □� My slimming attempts tend to go in fits and starts. □� Military technology advances by fits and starts. COLLOCATIONS fit VERB ➊1

fit+�adverb : comfortably, neatly, snugly; nicely, perfectly ADJ ➋1

adverb +�fit : extremely, incredibly, supremely; mentally, physically; fairly, pretty, reasonably

fit|ful /f I tfʊl/ ADJ Something that is fitful happens for irregular periods of time or occurs at irregular times, rather than being continuous. □� Colin drifted off into a fitful sleep.

fit|ted /f I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fitted piece of clothing is designed so that it is the same size and shape as your body rather than being loose. □� �baggy trousers with fitted jackets.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fitted piece of furniture, for example a cupboard, is designed to fill a particular space and is fixed in place. □� I've re-carpeted our bedroom and added fitted wardrobes.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A fitted carpet is cut to the same shape as a room so that it covers the floor completely. □� �fitted carpets, central heating and double glazing.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A fitted sheet has the corners sewn so that they fit over the corners of the mattress and do not have to be folded.

fit|ter /f I tə r / (fitters ) N‑COUNT A fitter is a person whose job is to put together, adjust, or install machinery or equipment. □� George was a fitter at the shipyard.

fit|ting /f I t I ŋ/ (fittings )

1 N‑COUNT A fitting is one of the smaller parts on the outside of a piece of equipment or furniture, for example a handle or a tap. □� �brass light fittings. □� �industrial fittings for kitchen and bathroom.

2 N‑PLURAL Fittings are things such as ovens or heaters, that are fitted inside a building, but can be removed if necessary.

3 ADJ Something that is fitting is right or suitable. □� A solitary man, it was perhaps fitting that he should have died alone. ●� fit|ting|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV before v] □� �the four-storeyed, and fittingly named, High House.

4 N‑COUNT If someone has a fitting , they try on a piece of clothing that is being made for them to see if it fits. □� She lunched and shopped and went for fittings for clothes she didn't need.

-fitting /-f I t I ŋ/ COMB -fitting combines with adjectives or adverbs such as 'close', 'loose', or 'tightly' to show that something is the size indicated in relation to the thing it is on, in, or next to. □� �loose-fitting night clothes. □� �glass bottles with tight-fitting caps.

five ◆◆◆ /fa I v/ (fives )

1 NUM Five is the number 5. □� Eric Edward Bullus was born in Peterborough, the second of five children.

2 →�see also high five

fiv|er /fa I və r / (fivers )

1 N‑COUNT A fiver is a five pound note. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A fiver is a five dollar bill. [AM , INFORMAL ]

fix ◆◇◇ /f I ks/ (fixes , fixing , fixed )

1 VERB If something is fixed somewhere, it is attached there firmly or securely. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] It is fixed on the wall. □�[V n prep/adv] He fixed a bayonet to the end of his rifle.

2 VERB If you fix something, for example a date, price, or policy, you decide and say exactly what it will be. □�[V n] He's going to fix a time when I can see him. □�[be V -ed] The prices of milk and cereals are fixed annually.

3 VERB If you fix something for someone, you arrange for it to happen or you organize it for them. □�[V n +�for ] I've fixed it for you to see Bonnie Lachlan. □�[be V -ed] It's fixed. He's going to meet us at the airport. □�[V n] They thought that their relatives would be able to fix the visas. □�[V n +�with ] He vanished after you fixed him with a job. □�[V +�for ] We fixed for the team to visit our headquarters. □�[V that] They'd fixed yesterday that Mike'd be in late today.

4 VERB If you fix something which is damaged or which does not work properly, you repair it. □�[V n] He cannot fix the electricity. □�[get/have n V -ed] If something is broken, we get it fixed.

5 VERB If you fix a problem or a bad situation, you deal with it and make it satisfactory. □�[V n] It's not too late to fix the problem, although time is clearly getting short. □�[V -ing] Fixing a 40-year-old wrong does not mean, however, that history can be undone.

6 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You can refer to a solution to a problem as a fix . [INFORMAL ] □� Many of those changes could just be a temporary fix.

7 →�see also quick fix

8 VERB If you fix your eyes on someone or something or if your eyes fix on them, you look at them with complete attention. □�[V n +�on ] She fixes her steel-blue eyes on an unsuspecting local official. □�[V +�on ] Her soft brown eyes fixed on Kelly. □�[V -ed] The child kept her eyes fixed on the wall behind him.

9 VERB If someone or something is fixed in your mind, you remember them well, for example because they are very important, interesting, or unusual. □�[be V -ed +�in ] Leonard was now fixed in his mind. □�[V n +�in ] Amy watched the child's intent face eagerly, trying to fix it in her mind.

10 VERB If someone fixes a gun, camera, or radar on something, they point it at that thing. □�[V n +�on ] The crew fixed its radar on the enemy ship.

11 N‑SING If you get a fix on someone or something, you have a clear idea or understanding of them. [INFORMAL ] □� It's been hard to get a steady fix on what's going on.

12 VERB If you fix some food or a drink for someone, you make it or prepare it for them. □�[V n +�for ] Sarah fixed some food for us. □�[V n n] Let me fix you a drink. □�[V n] Scotty stayed behind to fix lunch.

13 VERB [no passive] If you fix your hair, clothes, or make-up, you arrange or adjust them so you look neat and tidy, showing you have taken care with your appearance. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] 'I've got to fix my hair,' I said and retreated to my bedroom.

14 VERB If someone fixes a race, election, contest, or other event, they make unfair or illegal arrangements or use deception to affect the result. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] They offered opposing players bribes to fix a decisive league match. □�[V -ing] �this week's report of match-fixing. ●�N‑COUNT Fix is also a noun. □� It's all a fix, a deal they've made.

15 VERB If you accuse someone of fixing prices, you accuse them of making unfair arrangements to charge a particular price for something, rather than allowing market forces to decide it. [BUSINESS , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] �a suspected cartel that had fixed the price of steel for the construction market. □�[V -ing] The company is currently in dispute with the government over price fixing.

16 N‑COUNT An injection of an addictive drug such as heroin can be referred to as a fix . [INFORMAL ]

17 N‑COUNT [n N ] You can use fix to refer to an amount of something which a person gets or wants and which helps them physically or psychologically to survive. [INFORMAL ] □� The trouble with her is she needs her daily fix of publicity. □� �a quick energy fix.

18 VERB [only cont] If you say that you are fixingto do something, you mean that you are planning or intending to do it. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] I'm fixing to go to graduate school.

19 →�see also fixed , fixings

▸� fix on PHRASAL VERB If you fix on a particular thing, you decide that it is the one you want and will have. □�[V P n] The government has fixed on May 19th to celebrate his anniversary.

▸� fix up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fix something up , you arrange it. □�[V P n] I fixed up an appointment to see her. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you fix something up , you do work that is necessary in order to make it more suitable or attractive. □�[V P n] I've fixed up Matthew's old room. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you fix someone up with something they need, you provide it for them. □�[be V -ed P +�with ] He was fixed up with a job. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS fix NOUN

6

noun +�fix : bug, software

adjective +�fix : easy, instant, short-term, temporary

21

noun +�fix : caffeine, sugar

adjective +�fix : daily

verb +�fix : get, want

fix|at|ed /f I kse I t I d, f I kse I t I d/ ADJ If you accuse someone of being fixatedon a particular thing, you mean that they think about it to an extreme and excessive degree. □�[+�on/with/by ] But by then the administration wasn't paying attention, for top officials were fixated on Kuwait.

fixa|tion /f I kse I ʃ ə n/ (fixations ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you accuse a person of having afixationon something or someone, you mean they think about a particular subject or person to an extreme and excessive degree. □� The country's fixation on the war may delay a serious examination of domestic needs.

fixa|tive /f I ksət I v/ (fixatives ) N‑VAR Fixative is a liquid used to preserve the surface of things such as a drawings or photographs.

fixed ◆◇◇ /f I kst/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use fixed to describe something which stays the same and does not or cannot vary. □� They issue a fixed number of shares that trade publicly. □� Tickets will be printed with fixed entry times. □� Many restaurants offer fixed-price menus.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has fixed ideas or opinions, you mean that they do not often change their ideas and opinions, although perhaps they should. □� �people who have fixed ideas about things.

3 ADJ If someone has a fixed smile on their face, they are smiling even though they do not feel happy or pleased. □� I had to go through the rest of the evening with a fixed smile on my face.

4 PHRASE Someone who is of no fixed address , or in British English no fixed abode , does not have a permanent place to live. [FORMAL ] □� They are not able to get a job interview because they have no fixed address. □� He's of no fixed abode and we found him on the streets.

5 →�see also fix

fi xed a s|set (fixed assets ) N‑COUNT Fixed assets are assets which a company uses on a continuous basis, such as property and machinery. [BUSINESS ] □� For the purchase of fixed assets it will use capital or long-term finance.

fix|ed|ly /f I ks I dli/ ADV [ADV after v] If you stare fixedly at someone or something, you look at them steadily and continuously for a period of time. [LITERARY ] □� I stared fixedly at the statue.

fix|er /f I ksə r / (fixers ) N‑COUNT If someone is a fixer , he or she is the sort of person who solves problems and gets things done. [JOURNALISM ] □� He seems certain to become the fixer the Prime Minister will need at election time.

fix|ings /f I ks I ŋz/

1 N‑PLURAL Fixings are extra items that are used to decorate or complete something, especially a meal. [AM ] □� He bought a hot dog and had it covered with all the fixings.

2 N‑PLURAL Fixings are items such as nails and screws which are used to fix things such as furniture together. □� Have you got all the screws and fixings you need?

fix|ity /f I ks I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the fixityof something, you talk about the fact that it does not change or weaken. [WRITTEN ] □� She believed in the fixity of the class system.

fix|ture /f I kstʃə r / (fixtures )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fixtures are pieces of furniture or equipment, for example baths and sinks, which are fixed inside a house or other building and which stay there if you move. □� �a detailed list of what fixtures and fittings are included in the purchase price.

2 N‑COUNT A fixture is a sports event which takes place on a particular date. [BRIT ] □� City won this fixture 3-0 last season.

3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone or something as afixturein a particular place or occasion, you mean that they always seem to be there. □�[+�in ] She was a fixture in New York's nightclubs. □�[+�in ] The cordless kettle may now be a fixture in most kitchens.

fizz /f I z/ (fizzes , fizzing , fizzed )

1 VERB If a drink fizzes , it produces lots of little bubbles of gas and makes a sound like a long 's'. □�[V ] After a while their mother was back, holding a tray of glasses that fizzed. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Fizz is also a noun. □� I wonder if there's any fizz left in the lemonade.

2 VERB If something such as an engine fizzes , it makes a sound like a long 's'. □�[V ] When I started the engine it sparked, fizzed and went dead.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone puts fizz into something, you mean that they make it more interesting or exciting. □� A Brazilian public relations firm has brought some fizz into his campaign.

fiz|zle /f I z ə l/ (fizzles , fizzling , fizzled ) VERB If something fizzles , it ends in a weak or disappointing way after starting off strongly. □�[V +�into/to ] Our relationship fizzled into nothing. [Also V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Fizzle out means the same as fizzle . □�[V P ] The railway strike fizzled out on its second day as drivers returned to work.

fizzy /f I zi/ (fizzier , fizziest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fizzy drinks are drinks that contain small bubbles of carbon dioxide. They make a sound like a long 's' when you pour them. [BRIT ] □� �fizzy water. □� �a can of fizzy drink. in AM, use carbonated

fjord /fjɔː r d, fiː ɔː r d/ (fjords ) also fiord N‑COUNT [oft in names] A fjord is a strip of sea that comes into the land between high cliffs, especially in Norway.

flab /fl� b/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has flab , you mean they have loose flesh on their body because they are rather fat, especially when you are being critical of them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Don had a hefty roll of flab overhanging his waistband.

flab|ber|gast|ed /fl� bə r gɑːst I d, -g�st-/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you say that you are flabbergasted , you are emphasizing that you are extremely surprised. [EMPHASIS ] □� Everybody was flabbergasted when I announced I was going to emigrate to Australia.

flab|by /fl� bi/ (flabbier , flabbiest )

1 ADJ Flabby people are rather fat, with loose flesh over their bodies. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� This exercise is brilliant for getting rid of flabby tums.

2 ADJ If you describe something as flabby , you are criticizing it for being disorganized or wasteful. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You hear talk about American business being flabby.

flac|cid /fl� s I d, fl� ks I d/ ADJ You use flaccid to describe a part of someone's body when it is unpleasantly soft and not hard or firm. □� I picked up her wrist. It was limp and flaccid.

flag ◆◇◇ /fl� g/ (flags , flagging , flagged )

1 N‑COUNT A flag is a piece of cloth which can be attached to a pole and which is used as a sign, signal, or symbol of something, especially of a particular country. □� The Marines raised the American flag. □� They had raised the white flag in surrender.

2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] Journalists sometimes refer to the flag of a particular country or organization as a way of referring to the country or organization itself and its values or power. □� The two brothers are riding under the British flag. [Also +�of ]

3 VERB If you flag or if your spirits flag , you begin to lose enthusiasm or energy. □�[V ] His enthusiasm was in no way flagging. □�[V ] By 4,000m he was beginning to flag.

4 →�see also flagged

5 PHRASE If you fly the flag , you show that you are proud of your country, or that you support a particular cause, especially when you are in a foreign country or when few other people do.

▸� flag down PHRASAL VERB If you flag down a vehicle, especially a taxi, you wave at it as a signal for the driver to stop. □�[V P n] They flagged down a passing family who stopped to help them. □�[V n P ] Marlette was already out of the door, flagging down a taxi.

▸� flag up PHRASAL VERB If you flag up something such as a problem, you bring it to someone's attention. □�[V P n] Staff can use the noticeboard to flag up any concerns. □�[V n P ] I think there are more important issues and I just wanted to flag that up. COLLOCATIONS flag NOUN 1

adjective +�flag : chequered, red, white; national

verb +�flag : fly, unfurl, wave; hoist, raise

fla g day (flag days ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a flag day is a day on which people collect money for a charity from people in the street. People are given a small sticker to wear to show that they have given money.

Fla g Day N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, Flag Day is the 14th of June, the anniversary of the day in 1777 when the Stars and Stripes became the official U.S. flag.

flag|el|la|tion /fl� dʒəle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Flagellation is the act of beating yourself or someone else, usually as a religious punishment. [FORMAL ]

flagged /fl� gd/ ADJ A flagged path or area of ground is covered with large, flat, square pieces of stone.

flag|on /fl� gən/ (flagons )

1 N‑COUNT A flagon is a wide bottle in which liquids such as wine are sold.

2 N‑COUNT A flagon is a jug with a narrow neck in which wine or another drink is served.

flag|pole /fl� gpoʊl/ (flagpoles ) N‑COUNT A flagpole is a tall pole on which a flag can be displayed. □� The Namibian flag was hoisted up the flagpole.

fla|grant /fle I grənt/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can use flagrant to describe an action, situation, or someone's behaviour that you find extremely bad or shocking in a very obvious way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The judge called the decision 'a flagrant violation of international law'. ●� fla|grant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� It is a situation where basic human rights are being flagrantly abused.

flag|ship /fl� gʃ I p/ (flagships )

1 N‑COUNT A flagship is the most important ship in a fleet of ships, especially the one on which the commander of the fleet is sailing.

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The flagship of a group of things that are owned or produced by a particular organization is the most important one. □�[N n] The company plans to open a flagship store in New York this month.

flag|staff /fl� gstɑːf, -st�f/ (flagstaffs ) N‑COUNT A flagstaff is the same as a flagpole .

flag|stone /fl� gstoʊn/ (flagstones ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Flagstones are large, flat, square pieces of stone which are used for covering a path or area of ground.

fla g-waving N‑UNCOUNT You can use flag-waving to refer to the expression of feelings for a country in a loud or exaggerated way, especially when you disapprove of this. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The real costs of the war have been ignored in the flag-waving of recent months.

flail /fle I l/ (flails , flailing , flailed ) VERB If your arms or legs flail or if you flail them about, they wave about in an energetic but uncontrolled way. □�[V ] His arms were flailing in all directions. □�[V n] He gave a choked cry, flailed his arms wildly for a moment, and then went over the edge. ●�PHRASAL VERB Flail around means the same as flail . □�[V P ] He starting flailing around and hitting Vincent in the chest.

flair /fleə r /

1 N‑SING If you have aflair for a particular thing, you have a natural ability to do it well. □�[+�for ] �a friend who has a flair for languages.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have flair , you do things in an original, interesting, and stylish way. [APPROVAL ] □� Their work has all the usual punch, panache and flair you'd expect.

flak /fl� k/ N‑UNCOUNT If you get a lot of flak from someone, they criticize you severely. If you take the flak , you get the blame for something. [INFORMAL ] □� The President is getting a lot of flak for that.

flake /fle I k/ (flakes , flaking , flaked )

1 N‑COUNT [n N ] A flake is a small thin piece of something, especially one that has broken off a larger piece. □� Large flakes of snow began swiftly to fall. □� �oat flakes.

2 VERB If something such as paint flakes , small thin pieces of it come off. □�[V ] They can see how its colours have faded and where paint has flaked. ●�PHRASAL VERB Flake off means the same as flake . □�[V P ] The surface corrosion was worst where the paint had flaked off.

fla k jack|et (flak jackets ) N‑COUNT A flak jacket is a thick sleeveless jacket that soldiers and police officers sometimes wear to protect themselves against bullets.

flaky /fle I ki/

1 ADJ Something that is flaky breaks easily into small thin pieces or tends to come off in small thin pieces. □� �a small patch of red, flaky skin.

2 ADJ If you describe an idea, argument, or person as flaky , you mean that they are rather eccentric and unreliable. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He wondered if the idea wasn't just a little too flaky, a little too outlandish.

flam|boy|ant /fl�mbɔ I ənt/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is flamboyant , you mean that they are very noticeable, stylish, and exciting. □� Freddie Mercury was a flamboyant star of the British hard rock scene. ●� flam|boy|ance N‑UNCOUNT □� Campese was his usual mixture of flamboyance and flair.

flame /fle I m/ (flames , flaming , flamed )

1 N‑VAR A flame is a hot bright stream of burning gas that comes from something that is burning. □� The heat from the flames was so intense that roads melted. □� �a huge ball of flame.

2 N‑COUNT A flame is an email message which severely criticizes or attacks someone. [COMPUTING , INFORMAL ] □� The best way to respond to a flame is to ignore it. ●�VERB Flame is also a verb. □�[be V -ed] Ever been flamed?

3 →�see also flaming , old flame

4 PHRASE If something bursts into flames or bursts into flame , it suddenly starts burning strongly. □� She managed to scramble out of the vehicle as it burst into flames.

5 PHRASE If someone or something fans the flames of a situation or feeling, usually a bad one, they make it more intense or extreme in some way. □� He accused the Tories of 'fanning the flames of extremism'.

6 PHRASE If something goes up in flames , it starts to burn strongly and is destroyed. □� Fires broke out everywhere, the entire city went up in flames.

7 PHRASE Something that is in flames is on fire.

fla|men|co /fləme ŋkoʊ/ (flamencos ) N‑VAR Flamenco is a Spanish dance that is danced to a special type of guitar music.

flame|proof /fle I mpruːf/ also flame-proof ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flameproof cooking dishes can withstand direct heat, so they can be used, for example, on top of a cooker or stove, or under a grill.

fla me-retardant ADJ Flame-retardant is the same as fire-retardant .

fla me-thrower (flame-throwers ) also flame thrower N‑COUNT A flame-thrower is a gun that can send out a stream of burning liquid and that is used as a weapon or for clearing plants from an area of ground.

flam|ing /fle I m I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flaming is used to describe something that is burning and producing a lot of flames. □� The plane, which was full of fuel, scattered flaming fragments over a large area.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is flaming red or orange is bright red or orange in colour. □� He has flaming red hair.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A flaming row or a flaming temper, for example, is a very angry row or a very bad temper. [EMPHASIS ] □� She has had a flaming row with her lover.

fla|min|go /fləm I ŋgoʊ/ (flamingos or flamingoes ) N‑COUNT A flamingo is a bird with pink feathers, long thin legs, a long neck, and a curved beak. Flamingos live near water in warm countries.

flam|mable /fl� məb ə l/ ADJ Flammable chemicals, gases, cloth, or other things catch fire and burn easily. □� �flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin.

flan /fl� n/ (flans ) N‑VAR A flan is a food that has a base and sides of pastry or sponge cake. The base is filled with fruit or savoury food.

flange /fl� ndʒ/ (flanges ) N‑COUNT A flange is a projecting edge on an object. Its purpose is to strengthen the object or to connect it to another object.

flank /fl� ŋk/ (flanks , flanking , flanked )

1 N‑COUNT An animal's flank is its side, between the ribs and the hip. □� He put his hand on the dog's flank.

2 N‑COUNT A flank of an army or navy force is one side of it when it is organized for battle. □� The assault element, led by Captain Ramirez, opened up from their right flank.

3 N‑COUNT The side of anything large can be referred to as its flank . □�[+�of ] They continued along the flank of the mountain.

4 VERB If something is flankedby things, it has them on both sides of it, or sometimes on one side of it. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The altar was flanked by two Christmas trees. □�[V n] Bookcases flank the bed.

flan|nel /fl� n ə l/ (flannels )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Flannel is a soft cloth, usually made of cotton or wool, that is used for making clothes. □� He wore a faded red flannel shirt.

2 N‑COUNT A flannel is a small cloth that you use for washing yourself. [BRIT ] in AM, use washcloth

flap /fl� p/ (flaps , flapping , flapped )

1 VERB If something such as a piece of cloth or paper flaps or if you flap it, it moves quickly up and down or from side to side. □�[V ] Grey sheets flapped on the clothes line. □�[V n] They would flap bath towels from their balconies as they chatted.

2 VERB If a bird or insect flaps its wings or if its wings flap , the wings move quickly up and down. □�[V n] The bird flapped its wings furiously. □�[V ] A pigeon emerges, wings flapping noisily, from the tower.

3 VERB If you flap your arms, you move them quickly up and down as if they were the wings of a bird. □�[V n] �a kid running and flapping her arms.

4 N‑COUNT A flap of cloth or skin, for example, is a flat piece of it that can move freely up and down or from side to side because it is held or attached by only one edge. □� He drew back the tent flap and strode out into the blizzard. □� �a loose flap of skin.

5 N‑COUNT A flap on the wing of an aircraft is an area along the edge of the wing that can be raised or lowered to control the movement of the aircraft. □� �the sudden slowing as the flaps were lowered.

flap|jack /fl� pdʒ�k/ (flapjacks )

1 N‑VAR Flapjacks are thick biscuits made from oats, butter, and syrup. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT Flapjacks are thin, flat, circular pieces of cooked batter made of milk, flour, and eggs. Flapjacks are usually rolled up or folded and eaten hot with a sweet or savoury filling. [AM ]

flare /fleə r / (flares , flaring , flared )

1 N‑COUNT A flare is a small device that produces a bright flame. Flares are used as signals, for example on ships. □� �a ship which had fired a distress flare.

2 VERB If a fire flares , the flames suddenly become larger. □�[V ] Camp fires flared like beacons in the dark. ●�PHRASAL VERB Flare up means the same as flare . □�[V P ] Don't spill too much fat on the barbecue as it could flare up.

3 VERB If something such as trouble, violence, or conflict flares , it starts or becomes more violent. □�[V ] Even as the President appealed for calm, trouble flared in several American cities. ●�PHRASAL VERB Flare up means the same as flare . □�[V P ] Dozens of people were injured as fighting flared up.

4 VERB If people's tempers flare , they get angry. □�[V ] Tempers flared and harsh words were exchanged.

5 VERB If someone's nostrils flare or if they flare them, their nostrils become wider, often because the person is angry or upset. □�[V ] I turned to Jacky, my nostrils flaring in disgust. □�[V n] He stuck out his tongue and flared his nostrils.

6 VERB If something such as a dress flares , it spreads outwards at one end to form a wide shape. □�[V ] �a simple black dress, cut to flare from the hips.

7 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Flares are trousers that are very wide at the bottom.

8 →�see also flared

▸� flare up

1 PHRASAL VERB If a disease or injury flares up , it suddenly returns or becomes painful again. □�[V P ] Students often find that their acne flares up before and during exams.

2 →�see also flare2 , flare3 , flare-up

flared /fleə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flared skirts or trousers are wider at the bottom or at the end of the legs than at the top. □� In the 1970s they all had flared trousers.

fla re-up (flare-ups ) N‑COUNT If there is a flare-up of violence or of an illness, it suddenly starts or gets worse. □� There's been a flare-up of violence in South Africa.

flash ◆◇◇ /fl� ʃ/ (flashes , flashing , flashed )

1 N‑COUNT A flash is a sudden burst of light or of something shiny or bright. □� A sudden flash of lightning lit everything up for a second. □� The wire snapped at the wall plug with a blue flash and the light fused. □� A jay emerged from the juniper bush in a flash of blue feathers.

2 VERB If a light flashes or if you flash a light, it shines with a sudden bright light, especially as quick, regular flashes of light. □�[V ] Lightning flashed among the distant dark clouds. □�[V n] He lost his temper after a driver flashed her headlights as he overtook. □�[V -ing] He saw the flashing lights of the highway patrol car in his driving mirror.

3 N‑COUNT You talk about aflashof something when you are saying that it happens very suddenly and unexpectedly. □�[+�of ] 'What did Moira tell you?' Liz demanded with a flash of anger. □� The essays could do with a flash of wit or humor.

4 VERB If something flashes past or by, it moves past you so fast that you cannot see it properly. □�[V prep/adv] It was a busy road, cars flashed by every few minutes.

5 VERB If something flashes through or into your mind, you suddenly think about it. □�[V +�through/into ] A ludicrous thought flashed through Harry's mind.

6 VERB If you flash something such as an identity card, you show it to people quickly and then put it away again. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Halim flashed his official card, and managed to get hold of a soldier to guard the Land Rover.

7 VERB If a picture or message flashesup on a screen, or if you flash it onto a screen, it is displayed there briefly or suddenly, and often repeatedly. □�[V up ] The figures flash up on the scoreboard. □�[V prep] The words 'Good Luck' were flashing on the screen. □�[V n prep] Researchers flash two groups of different letters onto a computer screen. □�[V n] The screen flashes a message: Try again. □�[be V -ed up ] A list of items is repeatedly flashed up on the screen. [Also V n up ]

8 VERB If you flash news or information to a place, you send it there quickly by computer, satellite, or other system. □�[V n] They had told their offices to flash the news as soon as it broke. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] This is, of course, international news and soon it was being flashed around the world. [Also V n prep/adv]

9 VERB If you flash a look or a smile at someone, you suddenly look at them or smile at them. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n +�at ] I flashed a look at Sue. □�[V n n] Meg flashed Cissie a grateful smile.

10 VERB If someone's eyes flash , they suddenly show a strong emotion, especially anger. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] Her dark eyes flashed and she spoke rapidly.

11 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Flash is the use of special bulbs to give more light when taking a photograph. □� He was one of the first people to use high speed flash in bird photography.

12 N‑COUNT A flash is the same as a flashlight . [AM , INFORMAL ] □� Stopping to rest, Pete shut off the flash.

13 ADJ If you describe something as flash , you mean that it looks expensive, fashionable, and new. [INFORMAL ] □� �a flash uptown restaurant. □� You can go for a 'rostrum' system, which sounds flash, but can be assembled quite cheaply.

14 PHRASE If you describe an achievement or success as a flash in the pan , you mean that it is unlikely to be repeated and is not an indication of future achievements or success. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� People are waiting to see if our success has just been a flash in the pan.

15 PHRASE If you say that something happens in a flash , you mean that it happens suddenly and lasts only a very short time. □� The answer had come to him in a flash. □� It was done in a flash.

16 PHRASE If you say that someone reacts to something quick as a flash , you mean that they react to it extremely quickly. □� Quick as a flash, the man said, 'I have to, don't I?'

▸� flash back

1 PHRASAL VERB If your mind flashes back to something in the past, you remember it or think of it briefly or suddenly. □�[V P +�to ] His mind kept flashing back to the previous night. [Also V P ]

2 →�see also flashback COLLOCATIONS flash NOUN

1

noun +�flash : lightning

adjective +�flash : blinding, bright, vivid; blue, white; sudden

3

adjective +�flash : brief, momentary, occasional, odd

verb +�flash : produce, show

flash|back /fl� ʃb�k/ (flashbacks )

1 N‑COUNT In a film, novel, or play, a flashback is a scene that returns to events in the past. □�[+�to ] There is even a flashback to the murder itself.

2 N‑COUNT If you have a flashback to a past experience, you have a sudden and very clear memory of it. □�[+�to ] He has recurring flashbacks to the night his friends died.

flash|bulb /fl� ʃbʌlb/ (flashbulbs ) also flash bulb N‑COUNT A flashbulb is a small bulb that can be fixed to a camera. It makes a bright flash of light so that you can take photographs indoors.

fla sh card (flash cards ) also flashcard N‑COUNT Flash cards are cards which are sometimes used in the teaching of reading or a foreign language. Each card has words or a picture on it.

flash|er /fl� ʃə r / (flashers ) N‑COUNT A flasher is a man who deliberately exposes his genitals to people in public places, especially in front of women. [INFORMAL ]

fla sh floo d (flash floods ) N‑COUNT A flash flood is a sudden rush of water over dry land, usually caused by a lot of rain.

flash|gun /fl� ʃgʌn/ (flashguns ) N‑COUNT A flashgun is a device that you can attach to, or that is part of, a camera. It makes bright flashes of light so that you can take photographs indoors.

flash|light /fl� ʃla I t/ (flashlights ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A flashlight is a small electric light which gets its power from batteries and which you can carry in your hand. [mainly AM ] □� Len studied it a moment in the beam of his flashlight. in BRIT, use torch

fla sh mob (flash mobs ) N‑COUNT A flash mob is a group of people who arrange by phone or online to meet suddenly in a public place to do something for a short time. □� A flash mob of hundreds of fans danced to his music outside the station.

flash|point /fl� ʃpɔ I nt/ (flashpoints )

1 N‑VAR A flashpoint is the moment at which a conflict, especially a political conflict, suddenly gets worse and becomes violent. □� The immediate flashpoint was Wednesday's big rally in the city centre.

2 N‑COUNT A flashpoint is a place which people think is dangerous because political trouble may start there and then spread to other towns or countries. □� The more serious flashpoints are outside the capital.

flashy /fl� ʃi/ (flashier , flashiest ) ADJ If you describe a person or thing as flashy , you mean they are smart and noticeable, but in a rather vulgar way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was much less flashy than his brother.

flask /flɑː sk, fl� sk/ (flasks )

1 N‑COUNT A flask is a bottle which you use for carrying drinks around with you. □� He took out a metal flask from a canvas bag. ●�N‑COUNT A flask of liquid is the flask and the liquid which it contains. □�[+�of ] There's some sandwiches here and a flask of coffee.

2 N‑COUNT A flask is a bottle or other container which is used in science laboratories and industry for holding liquids. □� �flasks for the transport of spent fuel.

3 →�see also hip flask , vacuum flask

flat ◆◆◇ /fl� t/ (flats , flatter , flattest )

1 N‑COUNT A flat is a set of rooms for living in, usually on one floor and part of a larger building. A flat usually includes a kitchen and bathroom. [mainly BRIT ] □� Sara lives with her partner and children in a flat in central London. □� �a block of flats □� Later on, Victor from flat 10 called. in AM, usually use apartment2 ADJ Something that is flat is level, smooth, or even, rather than sloping, curved, or uneven. □� Tiles can be fixed to any surface as long as it's flat, firm and dry. □� After a moment his right hand moved across the cloth, smoothing it flat. □� The sea was calm, perfectly flat.

3 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] Flat means horizontal and not upright. □� Two men near him threw themselves flat. □� As heartburn is usually worse when you're lying down, you should avoid lying flat.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A flat object is not very tall or deep in relation to its length and width. □� Ellen is walking down the drive with a square flat box balanced on one hand.

5 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] Flat land is level, with no high hills or other raised parts. □� To the north lie the flat and fertile farmlands of the Solway plain. □� The landscape became wider, flatter and very scenic.

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu n N ] A low flat area of uncultivated land, especially an area where the ground is soft and wet, can be referred to as flats or a flat . □� The salt marshes and mud flats attract large numbers of waterfowl.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to one of the broad flat surfaces of an object as the flat of that object. □� He slammed the counter with the flat of his hand. □� �eight cloves of garlic crushed with the flat of a knife.

8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flat shoes have no heels or very low heels. □� People wear slacks, sweaters, flat shoes, and all manner of casual attire for travel. ●�N‑PLURAL Flats are flat shoes. [AM ] □� His mother looked ten years younger in jeans and flats.

9 ADJ A flat tyre, ball, or balloon does not have enough air in it.

10 N‑COUNT A flat is a tyre that does not have enough air in it. □� Then, after I finally got back on the highway, I developed a flat.

11 ADJ A drink that is flat is no longer fizzy. □� Could this really stop the champagne from going flat?

12 ADJ A flat battery has lost some or all of its electrical charge. [mainly BRIT ] □� His car alarm had been going off for two days and, as a result, the battery was flat. in AM, use dead13 ADJ If you have flat feet, the arches of your feet are too low. □� The condition of flat feet runs in families.

14 ADJ [ADJ n] A flat denial or refusal is definite and firm, and is unlikely to be changed. □� The Foreign Ministry has issued a flat denial of any involvement. ●� flat|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He flatly refused to discuss it.

15 ADJ If you say that something happened, for example, in ten seconds flat or ten minutes flat , you are emphasizing that it happened surprisingly quickly and only took ten seconds or ten minutes. [EMPHASIS ] □� You're sitting behind an engine that'll move you from 0 to 60mph in six seconds flat.

16 ADJ [ADJ n] A flat rate, price, or percentage is one that is fixed and which applies in every situation. □� Fees are charged at a flat rate, rather than on a percentage basis. □� Sometimes there's a flat fee for carrying out a particular task.

17 ADJ If trade or business is flat , it is slow and inactive, rather than busy and improving or increasing. □� Sales of big pickups were up 14% while car sales stayed flat.

18 ADJ If you describe something as flat , you mean that it is dull and not exciting or interesting. □� The past few days have seemed comparatively flat and empty.

19 ADJ You use flat to describe someone's voice when they are saying something without expressing any emotion. □� 'Whatever you say,' he said in a deadly flat voice. 'I'll sit here and wait.' □� Her voice was flat, with no question or hope in it. ●� flat|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'I know you,' he said flatly, matter-of-fact, neutral in tone.

20 ADJ [n ADJ ] Flat is used after a letter representing a musical note to show that the note should be played or sung half a tone lower than the note which otherwise matches that letter. Flat is often represented by the symbol ♭ after the letter. □� �Schubert's B flat Piano Trio (Opus 99).

21 ADV [ADV after v] If someone sings flat or if a musical instrument is flat , their singing or the instrument is slightly lower in pitch than it should be. □� Her vocal range was limited, and she had a tendency to sing flat. ●�ADJ Flat is also an adjective. □� He had been fired because his singing was flat.

22 PHRASE If you say that something is as flat as a pancake , you are emphasizing that it is completely flat. [EMPHASIS ] □� My home state of Illinois is flat as a pancake.

23 PHRASE If you fall flat on your face, you fall over. □� A man walked in off the street and fell flat on his face, unconscious.

24 PHRASE If an event or attempt falls flat or falls flat on its face , it is unsuccessful. □� Liz meant it as a joke but it fell flat. □� If it wasn't for the main actress, Ellen Barkin, the plot would have fallen flat on its face.

25 PHRASE If you say that you are flat broke , you mean that you have no money at all. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Two years later he is flat broke and on the dole.

26 PHRASE If you do something flat out , you do it as fast or as hard as you can. □� Everyone is working flat out to try to trap those responsible. □� They hurtled across the line in a flat-out sprint.

27 PHRASE You use flat out to emphasize that something is completely the case. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� That allegation is a flat-out lie.

28 PHRASE On the flat means on level ground. □� He had angina and was unable to walk for more than 200 yards on the flat. COLLOCATIONS flat NOUN 1

noun +�flat : basement, studio

adjective +�flat : high-rise, self-contained, two-bedroomed; empty, furnished

verb +�flat : buy, let, rent, sublet

flat|bed /fl� tbed/ (flatbeds ) The form flatbed truck is also used, especially in American English. N‑COUNT [oft N n] A flatbed is a truck that has a long flat platform with no sides.

fla t ca p (flat caps ) N‑COUNT A flat cap is the same as a cloth cap . [mainly BRIT ]

flat|fish /fl� tf I ʃ/ (flatfish ) N‑VAR Flatfish are sea fish with flat wide bodies, for example plaice or sole.

fla t-foo ted

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] If you are flat-footed , the arches of your feet are too low. □� He told me I was flat-footed.

2 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If you describe a person or action as flat-footed , you think they are clumsy, awkward, or foolish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �flat-footed writing. □� The government could be caught flat-footed.

flat|mate /fl� tme I t/ (flatmates ) also flat-mate N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's flatmate is a person who shares a flat with them. [BRIT ] in AM, use roommate

fla t pack (flat packs ) also flat-pack N‑COUNT [usu N n] Flat pack furniture is furniture such as shelves and cupboards which you buy as a number of separate pieces and assemble yourself. [BRIT ]

fla t rac|ing N‑UNCOUNT Flat racing is horse racing which does not involve jumping over fences.

flat|screen /fl� tskriːn/ (flatscreens ) ADJ A flatscreen television or computer monitor has a flat screen. □� They finally replaced their 40-year-old television with a flatscreen TV. ●�N‑COUNT Flatscreen is also a noun. □� �a 42� digital flatscreen.

flat|ten /fl� t ə n/ (flattens , flattening , flattened )

1 VERB If you flatten something or if it flattens , it becomes flat or flatter. □�[V n] He carefully flattened the wrappers and put them between the leaves of his book. □�[V ] The dog's ears flattened slightly as Cook spoke his name. □�[V -ed] �the pitiful shacks built of cardboard boxes, corrugated iron sheets and flattened oil drums. ●�PHRASAL VERB Flatten out means the same as flatten . □�[V P ] The hills flattened out just south of the mountain. □�[V n P ] Peel off the blackened skin, flatten the pepper out and trim it into edible pieces. [Also V P n]

2 VERB To flatten something such as a building, town, or plant means to destroy it by knocking it down or crushing it. □�[V n] �explosives capable of flattening a five-storey building. □�[V -ed] �areas of flattened corn.

3 VERB If you flattenyourself against something, you press yourself flat against it, for example to avoid getting in the way or being seen. □�[V pron-refl +�against/on ] He flattened himself against a brick wall as I passed. [Also V pron-refl]

4 VERB If you flatten someone, you make them fall over by hitting them violently. □�[V n] She flattened him with a single punch; she knocked him out cold.

flat|ter /fl� tə r / (flatters , flattering , flattered )

1 VERB If someone flatters you, they praise you in an exaggerated way that is not sincere, because they want to please you or to persuade you to do something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] I knew she was just flattering me. □�[V n +�into ] �a story of how the president flattered and feted him into taking his side.

2 VERB If you flatteryourself that something good is the case, you believe that it is true, although others may disagree. If someone says to you ' you're flattering yourself ' or ' don't flatter yourself ', they mean that they disagree with your good opinion of yourself. □�[V pron-refl that] I flatter myself that this campaign will put an end to the war. □�[V pron-refl] You flatter yourself. Why would we go to such ludicrous lengths?

3 VERB If something flatters you, it makes you appear more attractive. □�[V n] Orange and khaki flatter those with golden skin tones. □�[V ] My philosophy of fashion is that I like to make clothes that flatter.

4 →�see also flat , flattered , flattering

flat|tered /fl� tə r d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that/to-inf] If you are flattered by something that has happened, you are pleased about it because it makes you feel important or special. □�[+�by ] She was flattered by Roberto's long letter. □� I am flattered that they should be so supportive.

flat|ter|ing /fl� tər I ŋ/

1 ADJ If something is flattering , it makes you appear more attractive. □� Some styles are so flattering that they instantly become classics. □� It wasn't a very flattering photograph.

2 ADJ If someone's remarks are flattering , they praise you and say nice things about you. □� There were pleasant and flattering obituaries about him.

flat|tery /fl� təri/ N‑UNCOUNT Flattery consists of flattering words or behaviour. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is ambitious and susceptible to flattery.

flatu|lence /fl� tʃʊləns/ N‑UNCOUNT Flatulence is too much gas in a person's intestines, which causes an uncomfortable feeling.

flat|ware /fl� tweə r / N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the knives, forks, and spoons that you eat your food with as flatware . [AM ] in BRIT, use cutlery

^flat ^white (flat whites ) N‑COUNT A flat white is a cup of strong coffee with hot milk poured on top, similar to a latte but smaller and less milky.

flaunt /flɔː nt/ (flaunts , flaunting , flaunted )

1 VERB If you say that someone flaunts their possessions, abilities, or qualities, you mean that they display them in a very obvious way, especially in order to try to obtain other people's admiration. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] They drove around in Rolls-Royces, openly flaunting their wealth.

2 VERB If you say that someone is flauntingthemselves , you disapprove of them because they are behaving in a very confident way, or in a way that is intended to attract sexual attention. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V pron-refl] �tourists flaunting themselves in front of the castle guards in bra and shorts.

flau|tist /flɔː t I st/ (flautists ) N‑COUNT A flautist is someone who plays the flute. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use flutist

fla|vour ◆◇◇ /fle I və r / (flavours , flavouring , flavoured ) in AM, use flavor1 N‑VAR The flavour of a food or drink is its taste. □� This cheese has a crumbly texture with a strong flavour. □� I always add some paprika for extra flavour.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] If something is orange flavour or beef flavour , it is made to taste of orange or beef. □� �salt and vinegar flavour crisps. □� �now available in three new flavours.

3 VERB If you flavour food or drink, you add something to it to give it a particular taste. □�[V n +�with ] Flavour your favourite dishes with exotic herbs and spices. □�[V n] Lime preserved in salt is a north African speciality which is used to flavour chicken dishes.

4 N‑SING [oft a N of n] If something gives you a flavourof a subject, situation, or event, it gives you a general idea of what it is like. □� The book gives you a flavour of what alternative therapy is about.

fla|voured /fle I və r d/ in AM, use flavored ADJ If a food is flavoured , various ingredients have been added to it so that it has a distinctive flavour. □�[+�with ] �meat flavoured with herbs. □� Many of these recipes are highly flavoured.

-flavoured /-fle I və r d/ in AM, use -flavored COMB [usu ADJ n] -flavoured is used after nouns such as strawberry and chocolate to indicate that a food or drink is flavoured with strawberry or chocolate. □� �strawberry-flavoured sweets. □� �fruit-flavored sparkling water.

fla|vour|ing /fle I vər I ŋ/ (flavourings ) in AM, use flavoring N‑VAR Flavourings are substances that are added to food or drink to give it a particular taste. □� Our range of herbal teas contain no preservatives, colourings or artificial flavourings. □� �lemon flavoring.

fla|vour|less /fle I və r ləs/ in AM, use flavorless ADJ Flavourless food is uninteresting because it does not taste strongly of anything.

fla|vour|some /fle I və r səm/ in AM, use flavorsome ADJ Flavoursome food has a strong, pleasant taste and is good to eat. [APPROVAL ]

flaw /flɔː / (flaws )

1 N‑COUNT A flawin something such as a theory or argument is a mistake in it, which causes it to be less effective or valid. □� Almost all of these studies have serious flaws.

2 N‑COUNT A flawin someone's character is an undesirable quality that they have. □�[+�in ] The only flaw in his character seems to be a short temper.

3 N‑COUNT A flawin something such as a pattern or material is a fault in it that should not be there.

flawed /flɔː d/ ADJ Something that is flawed has a mark, fault, or mistake in it. □� These tests were so seriously flawed as to render the results meaningless.

flaw|less /flɔː ləs/ ADJ If you say that something or someone is flawless , you mean that they are extremely good and that there are no faults or problems with them. □� She attributed her flawless complexion to the moisturiser she used. □� The acting is flawless. ●� flaw|less|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Each stage of the battle was carried off flawlessly.

flax /fl� ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Flax is a plant with blue flowers. Its stem is used for making thread, rope, and cloth, and its seeds are used for making linseed oil.

flax|en /fl� ks ə n/ ADJ [ADJ n] Flaxen hair is pale yellow in colour. [LITERARY ]

flay /fle I / (flays , flaying , flayed ) VERB When someone flays an animal or person, they remove their skin, usually when they are dead. □�[V n] They had to flay the great, white, fleecy animals and cut them up for food.

flea /fliː / (fleas ) N‑COUNT A flea is a very small jumping insect that has no wings and feeds on the blood of humans or animals.

flea mar|ket (flea markets ) N‑COUNT A flea market is an outdoor market which sells cheap used goods and sometimes also very old furniture.

flea|pit /fliː p I t/ (fleapits ) also flea-pit N‑COUNT If you refer to a cinema or theatre as a fleapit , you mean that it is old and does not look very clean or tidy. [BRIT , HUMOROUS , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

fleck /fle k/ (flecks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Flecks are small marks on a surface, or objects that look like small marks. □� His hair is dark grey with flecks of ginger.

flecked /fle kt/ ADJ Something that is flecked with something is marked or covered with small bits of it. □�[+�with ] His hair was increasingly flecked with grey. ●�COMB Flecked is also a combining form. □� He was attired in a plain, mud-flecked uniform.

fled /fle d/ Fled is the past tense and past participle of flee .

fledg|ling /fle dʒl I ŋ/ (fledglings )

1 N‑COUNT A fledgling is a young bird that has its feathers and is learning to fly.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use fledgling to describe a person, organization, or system that is new or without experience. □� �the sound practical advice he gave to fledgling writers. □� �Russia's fledgling democracy.

flee ◆◇◇ /fliː / (flees , fleeing , fled ) VERB [no passive] If you fleefrom something or someone, or flee a person or thing, you escape from them. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] He slammed the bedroom door behind him and fled. □�[V prep/adv] He fled to Costa Rica to avoid military service. □�[V n] �refugees fleeing persecution or torture. □�[V n] Thousands have been compelled to flee the country in makeshift boats. SYNONYMS flee VERB

run away:After his beating Colin ran away and hasn't been heard of since.

bolt:The pig rose squealing and bolted.

escape:He was fatally wounded as he tried to escape.

abscond:He was ordered to appear the following day, but absconded.

fleece /fliː s/ (fleeces , fleecing , fleeced )

1 N‑COUNT A sheep's fleece is the coat of wool that covers it.

2 N‑COUNT A fleece is the wool that is cut off one sheep in a single piece.

3 VERB If you fleece someone, you get a lot of money from them by tricking them or charging them too much. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�out of ] She claims he fleeced her out of thousands of pounds. [Also V n]

4 N‑VAR Fleece is a soft warm artificial fabric. A fleece is also a jacket or other garment made from this fabric.

fleecy /fliː si/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fleecy clothes, blankets, or other objects are made of a soft light material. □� �fleecy walking jackets.

2 ADJ Something that is fleecy is light and soft in appearance. □� It was a lovely afternoon with a blue sky and a few fleecy white clouds.

fleet ◆◇◇ /fliː t/ (fleets )

1 N‑COUNT A fleet is a group of ships organized to do something together, for example to fight battles or to catch fish. □� �restaurants supplied by local fishing fleets.

2 N‑COUNT A fleet of vehicles is a group of them, especially when they all belong to a particular organization or business, or when they are all going somewhere together. □�[+�of ] With its own fleet of trucks, the company delivers most orders overnight.

fleet|ing /fliː t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fleeting is used to describe something which lasts only for a very short time. □� The girls caught only a fleeting glimpse of the driver. □� She wondered for a fleeting moment if he would put his arm around her. ●� fleet|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� A smile passed fleetingly across his face.

Flee t Street N‑PROPER Fleet Street is used to refer to British national newspapers and to the journalists who work for them. □� He was the highest-paid sub-editor in Fleet Street. □� �Fleet Street journalists.

Flem|ish /fle m I ʃ/

1 ADJ Flemish means belonging or relating to the region of Flanders in northern Europe, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Flemish is a language spoken in Belgium.

flesh /fle ʃ/ (fleshes , fleshing , fleshed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Flesh is the soft part of a person's or animal's body between the bones and the skin. □� �maggots which eat away dead flesh. □� �the pale pink flesh of trout and salmon.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use flesh to refer to human skin and the human body, especially when you are considering it in a sexual way. □� �the sins of the flesh.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The flesh of a fruit or vegetable is the soft inside part of it. □� Cut the flesh from the olives and discard the stones.

4 PHRASE You use flesh and blood to emphasize that someone has human feelings or weaknesses, often when contrasting them with machines. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm only flesh and blood, like anyone else.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is your own flesh and blood , you are emphasizing that they are a member of your family. [EMPHASIS ] □� The kid, after all, was his own flesh and blood. He deserved a second chance.

6 PHRASE If something makes your flesh creep or makes your flesh crawl , it makes you feel disgusted, shocked or frightened. □� It makes my flesh creep to think of it. □� I was heading on a secret mission that made my flesh crawl.

7 PHRASE If you meet or see someone in the flesh , you actually meet or see them, rather than, for example, seeing them in a film or on television. □� The first thing viewers usually say when they see me in the flesh is 'You're smaller than you look on TV.'

▸� flesh out PHRASAL VERB If you flesh out something such as a story or plan, you add details and more information to it. □�[V P n] He talked an hour, fleshing out his original five-minute account. [Also V n P ]

fle sh-coloured in AM, use flesh-colored ADJ Something that is flesh-coloured is yellowish pink in colour.

fle sh wound (flesh wounds ) N‑COUNT A flesh wound is a wound that breaks the skin but does not damage the bones or any of the body's important internal organs.

fleshy /fle ʃi/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as fleshy , you mean that they are slightly too fat. □� He was well-built, but too fleshy to be impressive.

2 ADJ Fleshy parts of the body or fleshy plants are thick and soft. □� �fleshy fruits like apples, plums, pears, peaches.

flew /fluː / Flew is the past tense of fly .

flex /fle ks/ (flexes , flexing , flexed )

1 N‑VAR A flex is an electric cable containing two or more wires that is connected to an electrical appliance. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use cord2 VERB If you flex your muscles or parts of your body, you bend, move, or stretch them for a short time in order to exercise them. □�[V n] He slowly flexed his muscles and tried to stand.

3to flex your muscles →�see muscle

flex|ible ◆◇◇ /fle ks I b ə l/

1 ADJ A flexible object or material can be bent easily without breaking. □� �brushes with long, flexible bristles. ●� flexi|bil|ity /fle ks I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The flexibility of the lens decreases with age.

2 ADJ Something or someone that is flexible is able to change easily and adapt to different conditions and circumstances as they occur. [APPROVAL ] □� Look for software that's flexible enough for a range of abilities. □� �flexible working hours. ●� flexi|bil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� The flexibility of distance learning would be particularly suited to busy managers. SYNONYMS flexible ADJ 1

pliable:As your baby grows bigger, his bones become less pliable.

elastic:Beat it until the dough is slightly elastic.

supple:The leather is supple and sturdy enough to last for years.

bendy:�a bendy toy whose limbs bend in every direction.

flexi|time /fle ksita I m/ in AM, use flextime N‑UNCOUNT Flexitime is a system that allows employees to vary the time that they start or finish work, provided that an agreed total number of hours are spent at work. [BUSINESS ]

flick /fl I k/ (flicks , flicking , flicked )

1 VERB If something flicks in a particular direction, or if someone flicks it, it moves with a short, sudden movement. □�[V prep/adv] His tongue flicked across his lips. □�[V n prep/adv] He flicked his cigarette out of the window. [Also V , V n] ●�N‑COUNT [oft a N of n] Flick is also a noun. □� �a flick of a paintbrush.

2 VERB If you flick something away, or off something else, you remove it with a quick movement of your hand or finger. □�[V n +�from/off ] Shirley flicked a speck of fluff from the sleeve of her black suit. □�[V n +�away ] Alan stretched out his hand and flicked the letter away.

3 VERB If you flick something such as a whip or a towel, or flick something with it, you hold one end of it and move your hand quickly up and then forward, so that the other end moves. □�[V n] He helped her up before flicking the reins. □�[V n prep] She sighed and flicked a dishcloth at the counter. ●�N‑COUNT Flick is also a noun. □� �a flick of the whip.

4 VERB If you flick a switch, or flick an electrical appliance on or off, you press the switch sharply so that it moves into a different position and works the equipment. □�[V n] He flicked a light-switch on the wall beside the door. □�[V n with on/off ] Sam was flicking a flashlight on and off.

5 VERB If you flick through a book or magazine, you turn its pages quickly, for example to get a general idea of its contents or to look for a particular item. If you flick through television channels, you continually change channels very quickly, for example using a remote control. □�[V +�through ] She was flicking through some magazines on a table. ●�N‑SING Flick is also a noun. □�[+�through ] I thought I'd have a quick flick through some recent issues.

flick|er /fl I kə r / (flickers , flickering , flickered )

1 VERB If a light or flame flickers , it shines unsteadily. □�[V ] A television flickered in the corner. ●�N‑COUNT Flicker is also a noun. □� Looking through the cabin window I saw the flicker of flames.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you experience aflickerof emotion, you feel that emotion only for a very short time, and not very strongly. □�[+�of ] He felt a flicker of regret. □�[+�of ] He looked at me, a flicker of amusement in his cold eyes.

3 VERB If something flickers , it makes very slight, quick movements. □�[V ] In a moment her eyelids flickered, then opened. □�[V adj] A few moments later Mrs Tenney's eyelids flickered open.

fli ck-knife (flick-knives ) also flick knife N‑COUNT A flick-knife is a knife with a blade in the handle that springs out when a button is pressed. [BRIT ] in AM, use switchblade

fli|er /fla I ə r / →�see flyer

flight ◆◆◇ /fla I t/ (flights )

1 N‑COUNT A flight is a journey made by flying, usually in an aeroplane. □� The flight will take four hours.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an aeroplane carrying passengers on a particular journey as a particular flight . □� I'll try to get on the flight down to Karachi tonight. □� BA flight 286 was two hours late.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Flight is the action of flying, or the ability to fly. □� These hawks are magnificent in flight, soaring and circling for long periods. □� Supersonic flight could become a routine form of travel in the 21st century.

4 N‑COUNT A flight of birds is a group of them flying together. □�[+�of ] A flight of green parrots shot out of the cedar forest.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Flight is the act of running away from a dangerous or unpleasant situation or place. □� The family was often in flight, hiding out in friends' houses. □� �her hurried flight from the palace in a cart.

6 N‑COUNT A flightof steps or stairs is a set of steps or stairs that lead from one level to another without changing direction. □�[+�of ] We walked in silence up a flight of stairs and down a long corridor.

7 PHRASE If someone takes flight , they run away from an unpleasant situation or place. □� He was told of the raid and decided to take flight immediately. COLLOCATIONS flight NOUN

1

adjective +�flight : cheap, direct, scheduled; domestic, internal, long-haul, short-haul, transatlantic; connecting, direct, non-stop

verb +�flight : book; catch, take; cancel, delay

2

verb +�flight : board

fli ght at|tend|ant (flight attendants ) N‑COUNT On an aeroplane, the flight attendants are the people whose job is to look after the passengers and serve their meals.

fli ght deck (flight decks ) also flight-deck

1 N‑COUNT On an aircraft carrier, theflight deck is the flat open surface on the deck where aircraft take off and land.

2 N‑COUNT On a large aeroplane, theflight deck is the area at the front where the pilot works and where all the controls are.

flight|less /fla I tləs/ ADJ [ADJ n] A flightless bird or insect is unable to fly because it does not have the necessary type of wings.

fli ght lieu|te n|ant (flight lieutenants ) also flight-lieutenant N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A flight lieutenant is an officer of middle rank in the British air force.

fli ght of ca pi|tal N‑SING When people lose confidence in a particular economy or market and withdraw their investment from it, you can refer to a flight of capital from that economy or market. [BUSINESS ] □� TI has seen its shares suffer because of a flight of capital to telecom and Internet-related businesses.

fli ght re|cord|er (flight recorders ) N‑COUNT On an aeroplane, the flight recorder is the same as the black box .

flighty /fla I ti/ (flightier , flightiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is flighty , you disapprove of them because they are not very serious or reliable and keep changing from one activity, idea, or partner to another. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Isabelle was a frivolous little fool, vain and flighty.

flim|sy /fl I mzi/ (flimsier , flimsiest )

1 ADJ A flimsy object is weak because it is made of a weak material, or is badly made. □� �a flimsy wooden door. □� �a pair of flimsy shoes. ●� flim|si|ly /fl I mz I li/ ADV □� �flimsily constructed houses.

2 ADJ Flimsy cloth or clothing is thin and does not give much protection. □� �a very flimsy pink chiffon nightgown.

3 ADJ If you describe something such as evidence or an excuse as flimsy , you mean that it is not very good or convincing. □� The charges were based on very flimsy evidence.

flinch /fl I ntʃ/ (flinches , flinching , flinched )

1 VERB [usu neg] If you flinch , you make a small sudden movement, especially when something surprises you or hurts you. □�[V ] Murat had looked into the eyes of the firing squad without flinching. □�[V ] The sharp surface of the rock caught at her skin, making her flinch.

2 VERB If you flinchfrom something unpleasant, you are unwilling to do it or think about it, or you avoid doing it. □�[V ] The world community should not flinch in the face of this challenge. □�[V +�from ] He has never flinched from harsh financial decisions.

fling /fl I ŋ/ (flings , flinging , flung )

1 VERB If you fling something somewhere, you throw it there using a lot of force. □�[V n prep/adv] The woman flung the cup at him. □�[V n prep/adv] He once seized my knitting, flinging it across the room.

2 VERB If you flingyourself somewhere, you move or jump there suddenly and with a lot of force. □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] He flung himself to the floor.

3 VERB If you fling a part of your body in a particular direction, especially your arms or head, you move it there suddenly. □�[V n prep/adv] She flung her arms around my neck and kissed me.

4 VERB If you fling someone to the ground, you push them very roughly so that they fall over. □�[V n prep/adv] The youth got him by the front of his shirt and flung him to the ground.

5 VERB If you fling something into a particular place or position, you put it there in a quick or angry way. □�[V n prep/adv] Peter flung his shoes into the corner.

6 VERB If you flingyourself into a particular activity, you do it with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. □�[V pron-refl +�into ] She flung herself into her career.

7 VERB Fling can be used instead of 'throw' in many expressions that usually contain 'throw'.

8 N‑COUNT If two people have afling , they have a brief sexual relationship. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] She claims she had a brief fling with him 30 years ago.

flint /fl I nt/ (flints )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Flint is a very hard greyish-black stone that was used in former times for making tools. □� �a flint arrowhead. □� �eyes the colour of flint.

2 N‑COUNT A flint is a small piece of flint which can be struck with a piece of steel to produce sparks.

flint|lock /fl I ntlɒk/ (flintlocks ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A flintlock gun is a type of gun that was used in former times. It is fired by pressing a trigger which causes a spark struck from a flint to light gunpowder.

flinty /fl I nti/ ADJ If you describe a person or someone's character or expression as flinty , you mean they are harsh and show no emotion. □� �her flinty stare. □� �a man of flinty determination.

flip /fl I p/ (flips , flipping , flipped )

1 VERB If you flip a device on or off, or if you flip a switch, you turn it on or off by pressing the switch quickly. □�[V n with on/off ] Then he walked out, flipping the lights off. □�[V n] He flipped the timer switch.

2 VERB If you flip through the pages of a book, for example, you quickly turn over the pages in order to find a particular one or to get an idea of the contents. □�[V +�through ] He was flipping through a magazine in the living room. □�[V n] He flipped the pages of the diary and began reading the last entry.

3 VERB If something flips over, or if you flip it over or into a different position, it moves or is moved into a different position. □�[V adv/prep] The plane then flipped over and burst into flames. □�[V n prep/adv] He flipped it neatly on to the plate.

4 VERB If you flip something, especially a coin, you use your thumb to make it turn over and over, as it goes through the air. □�[V n] I pulled a coin from my pocket and flipped it.

5 ADJ If you say that someone is being flip , you disapprove of them because you think that what they are saying shows they are not being serious enough about something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a flip answer. □� The tone of the book is sometimes too flip.

fli p chart (flip charts ) also flipchart N‑COUNT A flip chart is a stand with large sheets of paper which is used when presenting information at a meeting.

fli p-flop (flip-flops , flip-flopping , flip-flopped )

1 N‑PLURAL Flip-flops are open shoes which are held on your feet by a strap that goes between your toes.

2 VERB If you say that someone, especially a politician, flip-flops on a decision, you are critical of them because they change their decision, so that they do or think the opposite. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�on ] He has been criticized for flip-flopping on several key issues. □�[V ] He seemed so sure of his decision, how could he flip-flop so dramatically now? ●�N‑COUNT Flip-flop is also a noun. □� The President's flip-flops on taxes made him appear indecisive.

flip|pant /fl I pənt/ ADJ If you describe a person or what they say as flippant , you are criticizing them because you think they are not taking something as seriously as they should. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Don't be flippant, damn it! This is serious! □� He now dismisses that as a flippant comment.

flip|per /fl I pə r / (flippers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Flippers are flat pieces of rubber that you can wear on your feet to help you swim more quickly, especially underwater.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The flippers of an animal that lives in water, for example a seal or a penguin, are the two or four flat limbs which it uses for swimming.

flip|ping /fl I p I ŋ/ ADV [ADV adj] Some people use flipping to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are annoyed. [BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� This is such a flipping horrible picture. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Flipping is also an adjective. □� I even washed the flipping bed sheets yesterday.

fli p side also flipside

1 N‑SING The flip side of a record is the side that does not have the main song on it. □� 'What's on the flip side?'

2 N‑SING Theflip side of a situation consists of the less obvious or less pleasant aspects of it. □� The trade deficit is the flip side of a rapidly expanding economy.

flirt /flɜː r t/ (flirts , flirting , flirted )

1 VERB If you flirtwith someone, you behave as if you are sexually attracted to them, in a playful or not very serious way. □�[V +�with ] Dad's flirting with all the ladies, or they're all flirting with him, as usual. □�[V ] He flirts outrageously. ●� flir|ta|tion /flɜː r te I ʃ ə n/ (flirtations ) N‑VAR □�[+�with ] �a professor who has a flirtation with a student. □� She was aware of his attempts at flirtation.

2 N‑COUNT Someone who is a flirt likes to flirt a lot.

3 VERB If you flirtwith the idea of something, you consider it but do not do anything about it. □�[V +�with ] He has been flirting with the idea of a political career. ●� flir|ta|tion N‑VAR □� �the party's brief flirtation with economic liberalism.

flir|ta|tious /flɜː r te I ʃəs/ ADJ Someone who is flirtatious behaves towards someone else as if they are sexually attracted to them, usually not in a very serious way. □� He was dashing, self-confident and flirtatious.

flir|ty /flɜː r ti/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as flirty , you mean that they behave towards people in a way which suggests they are sexually attracted to them, usually in a playful or not very serious way. □� She is amazingly flirty and sensual. □� She had an appealing flirty smile.

2 ADJ Flirty clothes are feminine and sexy.

flit /fl I t/ (flits , flitting , flitted )

1 VERB If you flit around or flit between one place and another, you go to lots of places without staying for very long in any of them. □�[V prep/adv] Laura flits about New York hailing taxis at every opportunity. □�[V prep/adv] He spends his time flitting between Florence, Rome and Bologna.

2 VERB If someone flitsfrom one thing or situation to another, they move or turn their attention from one to the other very quickly. □�[V from n to n] She flits from one dance partner to another. □�[V prep] He's prone to flit between subjects with amazing ease.

3 VERB If something such as a bird or a bat flits about, it flies quickly from one place to another. □�[V prep/adv] �the parrot that flits from tree to tree.

4 VERB If an expression flitsacross your face or an idea flitsthrough your mind, it is there for a short time and then goes again. □�[V +�across ] He was unable to prevent a look of interest from flitting across his features. □�[V +�through ] Images and memories of the evening flitted through her mind.

float ◆◇◇ /floʊ t/ (floats , floating , floated )

1 VERB If something or someone is floating in a liquid, they are in the liquid, on or just below the surface, and are being supported by it. You can also float something on a liquid. □�[V +�in ] They noticed fifty and twenty dollar bills floating in the water. □�[V prep/adv] �barges floating quietly by the grassy river banks. □�[V n] They'll spend some time floating boats in the creek. [Also V n prep/adv]

2 VERB Something that floats lies on or just below the surface of a liquid when it is put in it and does not sink. □�[V ] Empty things float.

3 N‑COUNT A float is a light object that is used to help someone or something float.

4 N‑COUNT A float is a small object attached to a fishing line which floats on the water and moves when a fish has been caught.

5 VERB Something that floats in or through the air hangs in it or moves slowly and gently through it. □�[V prep/adv] The white cloud of smoke floated away.

6 VERB If you float a project, plan, or idea, you suggest it for others to think about. □�[V n] The French had floated the idea of placing the diplomatic work in the hands of the U.N.

7 VERB If a company director floats their company, they start to sell shares in it to the public. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n +�on ] He floated his firm on the stock market. □�[V n] The advisers decided to float 60 per cent of the shares.

8 VERB If a government floats its country's currency or allows it to float , it allows the currency's value to change freely in relation to other currencies. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] �the decision to float their currency. □�[V ] 59 per cent of people believed the pound should be allowed to float freely.

9 N‑COUNT A float is a truck on which displays and people in special costumes are carried in a festival procession.

10 →�see also milk float

11 N‑SING A float is a small amount of coins and notes of low value that someone has before they start selling things so that they are able to give customers change if necessary. [BRIT ]

▸� float around PHRASAL VERB A rumour or idea that is floating around is often heard or talked about. □�[V P ] There are still some unfounded fears floating around out there about cancer being contagious.

floa t|ing vo t|er (floating voters ) N‑COUNT A floating voter is a person who is not a firm supporter of any political party, and whose vote in an election is difficult to predict. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use swing voter

flock /flɒ k/ (flocks , flocking , flocked )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A flockof birds, sheep, or goats is a group of them. □�[+�of ] They kept a small flock of sheep. □� They are gregarious birds and feed in flocks.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to a group of people or things as a flock of them to emphasize that there are a lot of them. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] These cases all attracted flocks of famous writers. □�[+�of ] �his flock of advisers.

3 VERB If people flockto a particular place or event, a very large number of them go there, usually because it is pleasant or interesting. □�[V +�to ] The public have flocked to the show. □�[V to-inf] The criticisms will not stop people flocking to see the film. □�[V prep/adv] His greatest wish must be that huge crowds flock into the beautiful park.

floe /floʊ / →�see ice floe

flog /flɒ g/ (flogs , flogging , flogged )

1 VERB If someone tries to flog something, they try to sell it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] They are trying to flog their house.

2 VERB If someone is flogged , they are hit very hard with a whip or stick as a punishment. □�[be V -ed] In these places people starved, were flogged, were clubbed to death. □�[V n] Flog them soundly. ●� flog|ging (floggings ) N‑VAR □� He was sentenced to a flogging and life imprisonment.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone is flogging a dead horse , you mean that they are trying to achieve something impossible. [INFORMAL ]

flood ◆◇◇ /flʌ d/ (floods , flooding , flooded )

1 N‑VAR If there is a flood , a large amount of water covers an area which is usually dry, for example when a river flows over its banks or a pipe bursts. □� More than 70 people were killed in the floods, caused when a dam burst. □� This is the type of flood dreaded by cavers. □� Over 25 people drowned when a schoolbus tried to cross a river and flood waters swept through.

2 VERB If something such as a river or a burst pipe floods an area that is usually dry or if the area floods , it becomes covered with water. □�[V n] The Chicago River flooded the city's underground tunnel system. □�[V ] The kitchen flooded. ●� flood|ed ADJ □� People were mobilised to drain flooded land as heavy rains continued to fall.

3 VERB If a river floods , it overflows, especially after very heavy rain. □�[V ] �the relentless rain that caused twenty rivers to flood. □�[V n] Many streams have flooded their banks, making some roads impassable.

4 N‑COUNT If you say that a floodof people or things arrive somewhere, you are emphasizing that a very large number of them arrive there. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] �a flood of new university graduates. □�[+�of ] He received a flood of letters from irate constituents.

5 VERB If you say that people or things flood into a place, you are emphasizing that they arrive there in large numbers. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V prep/adv] Enquiries flooded in from all over the world. □�[V prep/adv] They flooded out of the ground in their thousands long before the final whistle.

6 VERB If you flood a place with a particular type of thing, or if a particular type of thing floods a place, the place becomes full of so many of them that it cannot hold or deal with any more. □�[V n +�with ] �a policy aimed at flooding Europe with exports. □�[V n] German cameras at knock-down prices flooded the British market. ●� flood|ed ADJ □� �the danger of Europe becoming flooded with low-cost agricultural imports.

7 VERB If an emotion, feeling, or thought floods you, you suddenly feel it very intensely. If feelings or memories flood back , you suddenly remember them very clearly. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] A wave of happiness flooded me. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Mary Ann was flooded with relief. □�[V adv] It was probably the shock which had brought all the memories flooding back.

8 VERB If light floods a place or floods into it, it suddenly fills it. □�[V n] The afternoon light flooded the little rooms. □�[V prep/adv] Morning sunshine flooded in through the open curtains.

9 →�see also flash flood

10 PHRASE If you say that someone was in floods of tears or in a flood of tears , you are emphasizing that they were crying with great intensity because they were very upset. [EMPHASIS ] □� They said goodbye in a flood of tears.

▸� flood out PHRASAL VERB If people, places, or things are flooded out , the water from a flood makes it impossible for people to stay in that place or to use that thing. □�[be V -ed P ] Train lines were flooded out. □�[V n P ] The river flooded them out every few years.

flood|gates /flʌ dge I ts/ PHRASE If events open the floodgates to something, they make it possible for that thing to happen much more often or much more seriously than before. □�[+�to/for ] A decision against the cigarette companies could open the floodgates to many more lawsuits.

flood|ing /flʌ d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If flooding occurs, an area of land that is usually dry is covered with water after heavy rain or after a river or lake flows over its banks. □� The flooding, caused by three days of torrential rain, is the worst in sixty-five years.

flood|light /flʌ dla I t/ (floodlights , floodlighting , floodlit )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Floodlights are very powerful lamps that are used outside to light public buildings, sports grounds, and other places at night.

2 VERB If a building or place is floodlit , it is lit by floodlights. □�[be V -ed] In the evening the facade is floodlit. □�[V n] A police helicopter hovered above, floodlighting the area.

floo d plain (flood plains ) also floodplain N‑COUNT A flood plain is a flat area on the edge of a river, where the ground consists of soil, sand, and rock left by the river when it floods.

floor ◆◆◇ /flɔː r / (floors , flooring , floored )

1 N‑COUNT Thefloor of a room is the part of it that you walk on. □� Jack's sitting on the floor watching TV. □� We painted the wooden floor with a white stain.

2 N‑COUNT A floor of a building is all the rooms that are on a particular level. □�[+�of ] It is on the fifth floor of the hospital. □�[+�of ] They occupied the first two floors of the tower.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft n N ] The ocean floor is the ground at the bottom of an ocean. The valley floor is the ground at the bottom of a valley.

4 N‑COUNT The place where official debates and discussions are held, especially between members of parliament, is referred to as thefloor . □�[+�of ] The issues were debated on the floor of the House.

5 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] In a debate or discussion, the floor is the people who are listening to the arguments being put forward but who are not among the main speakers. □� The president is taking questions from the floor.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thefloor of a stock exchange is the large open area where trading is done. □� �the dealing floor at Standard Chartered Bank.

7 N‑COUNT Thefloor in a place such as a club or disco is the area where people dance.

8 VERB [usu passive] If you are flooredby something, you are unable to respond to it because you are so surprised by it. □�[be V -ed] He was floored by the announcement. □�[V -ed] He seemed floored by a string of scandals.

9 →�see also dance floor , first floor , floored , flooring , ground floor , shop floor

10 PHRASE If you take the floor , you start speaking in a debate or discussion. If you are given the floor , you are allowed to do this. □� Ministers took the floor to denounce the decision to suspend constitutional rule. □� Only members would be given the floor.

11 PHRASE If you take to the floor , you start dancing at a dance or disco. □� The happy couple and their respective parents took to the floor.

12 PHRASE If you say that prices or sales have fallen through the floor , you mean that they have suddenly decreased. □� Property prices have dropped through the floor.

13 PHRASE If you wipe the floor with someone, you defeat them completely in a competition or discussion. [INFORMAL ] □� He could wipe the floor with the Prime Minister.

14 →�see also factory floor

floor|board /flɔː r bɔː r d/ (floorboards ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Floorboards are the long pieces of wood that a wooden floor is made up of.

floored /flɔː r d/ ADJ A room or part of a room that is flooredwith a particular material has a floor made of that material. □� The aisle was floored with ancient bricks. ●�COMB Floored is also a combining form. □� They had to cross the large marble-floored hall.

floor|ing /flɔː r I ŋ/ (floorings ) N‑VAR Flooring is a material that is used to make the floor of a room. □� Quarry tiles are a popular kitchen flooring.

floo r lamp (floor lamps ) N‑COUNT A floor lamp is a tall electric light which stands on the floor in a living room. [AM ] in BRIT, use standard lamp

floo r show (floor shows ) also floorshow N‑COUNT A floor show is a series of performances by dancers, singers, or comedians at a night club.

floo|zy /fluː zi/ (floozies ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a woman as a floozy , you disapprove of her sexual behaviour and the fact that she wears vulgar clothes. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

flop /flɒ p/ (flops , flopping , flopped )

1 VERB If you flop into a chair, for example, you sit down suddenly and heavily because you are so tired. □�[V prep/adv] Bunbury flopped down upon the bed and rested his tired feet. □�[V prep/adv] She flopped, exhausted, on to a sofa.

2 VERB If something flops onto something else, it falls there heavily or untidily. □�[V prep/adv] The briefcase flopped onto the desk. □�[V prep/adv] His hair flopped over his left eye.

3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If something is a flop , it is completely unsuccessful. [INFORMAL ] □� It is the public who decide whether a film is a hit or a flop.

4 VERB If something flops , it is completely unsuccessful. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] The film flopped badly at the box office.

flop|house /flɒ phaʊs/ (flophouses ) N‑COUNT A flophouse is a kind of cheap hotel in a city for people who have no home and very little money. [AM , INFORMAL ] in BRIT, use doss-house

flop|py /flɒ pi/ ADJ Something that is floppy is loose rather than stiff, and tends to hang downwards. □� �the girl with the floppy hat and glasses.

flo p|py di sk (floppy disks ) in BRIT, also use floppy disc N‑COUNT A floppy disk is a small magnetic disk that was used in the past for storing computer data and programs. Floppy disks were used especially with personal computers.

flo|ra /flɔː rə/ N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to plants as flora , especially the plants growing in a particular area. [FORMAL ] □� �the variety of food crops and flora which now exists in Dominica.

flo|ral /flɔː rəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A floral fabric or design has flowers on it. □� �a bright yellow floral fabric.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use floral to describe something that contains flowers or is made of flowers. □� �eye-catching floral arrangements.

flo|ret /flɒ r I t/ (florets )

1 N‑COUNT On a flowering plant, a floret is a small flower that is part of a larger flower.

2 N‑COUNT On vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, a floret is one of the small, flower-shaped pieces which make up the part of the vegetable that you eat.

flor|id /flɒ r I d, [AM ] flɔː r-/

1 ADJ If you describe something as florid , you disapprove of the fact that it is complicated and extravagant rather than plain and simple. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �florid language.

2 ADJ Someone who is florid always has a red face. □� Jacobs was a stout, florid man.

flor|in /flɒ r I n, [AM ] flɔː r-/ (florins ) N‑COUNT A florin was a British coin that was worth two shillings.

flo|rist /flɒ r I st, [AM ] flɔː r-/ (florists )

1 N‑COUNT A florist is a shopkeeper who arranges and sells flowers and sells house plants.

2 N‑COUNT A florist or a florist's is a shop where flowers and house plants are sold.

floss /flɒ s, [AM ] flɔː s/ (flosses , flossing , flossed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use floss to refer to fine soft threads of some kind. □� Craft Resources also sells yarn and embroidery floss.

2 →�see also candyfloss , dental floss

3 VERB When you floss , you use a special kind of strong string to clean between your teeth and gums. □�[V ] Brush your teeth after each meal and floss daily. □�[V n] She was flossing her teeth at the time.

flo|ta|tion /floʊte I ʃ ə n/ (flotations )

1 N‑VAR The flotation of a company is the selling of shares in it to the public. [BUSINESS ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A flotation compartment helps something to float because it is filled with air or gas.

flo|til|la /flət I lə/ (flotillas ) N‑COUNT A flotilla is a group of small ships, usually military ships.

flot|sam /flɒ tsəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Flotsam is rubbish, for example bits of wood and plastic, that is floating on the sea or has been left by the sea on the shore. □� The water was full of flotsam and refuse.

2 PHRASE You can use flotsam and jetsam to refer to small or unimportant items that are found together, especially ones that have no connection with each other. □�[+�of ] �cornflake packets, bottles, and all the flotsam and jetsam of the kitchen.

flounce /flaʊ ns/ (flounces , flouncing , flounced )

1 VERB If you flounce somewhere, you walk there quickly with exaggerated movements, in a way that shows you are annoyed or upset. □�[V adv/prep] She flounced out of my room in a huff. □�[V ] She will flounce and argue when asked to leave the room.

2 N‑COUNT A flounce is a piece of cloth that has been sewn into folds and put around the edge of something, for example a skirt, dress, tablecloth, or curtain. □� �a gown with a flounce round the hem.

floun|der /flaʊ ndə r / (flounders , floundering , floundered )

1 VERB If something is floundering , it has many problems and may soon fail completely. □�[V ] What a pity that his career was left to flounder. □�[V ] The economy was floundering.

2 VERB If you say that someone is floundering , you are criticizing them for not making decisions or for not knowing what to say or do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] The president is floundering, trying to get his campaign jump-started. □�[V around ] I know that you're floundering around, trying to grasp at any straw.

3 VERB If you flounder in water or mud, you move in an uncontrolled way, trying not to sink. □�[V adv/prep] Three men were floundering about in the water. [Also V ]

flour /flaʊə r / (flours , flouring , floured )

1 N‑VAR Flour is a white or brown powder that is made by grinding grain. It is used to make bread, cakes, and pastry.

2 VERB If you flour cooking equipment or food, you cover it with flour. □�[V n] Lightly flour a rolling pin. □�[V -ed] Remove the dough from the bowl and put it on a floured surface.

flour|ish /flʌ r I ʃ, [AM ] flɜː r-/ (flourishes , flourishing , flourished )

1 VERB If something flourishes , it is successful, active, or common, and developing quickly and strongly. □�[V ] Business flourished and within six months they were earning 18,000 roubles a day. ●� flour|ish|ing ADJ □� London quickly became a flourishing port.

2 VERB If a plant or animal flourishes , it grows well or is healthy because the conditions are right for it. □�[V ] The plant flourishes particularly well in slightly harsher climes. ●� flour|ish|ing ADJ □� Britain has the largest and most flourishing fox population in Europe.

3 VERB If you flourish an object, you wave it about in a way that makes people notice it. □�[V n] He flourished the glass to emphasize the point. ●�N‑COUNT Flourish is also a noun. □� He took his peaked cap from under his arm with a flourish and pulled it low over his eyes.

4 N‑COUNT If you do something with aflourish , you do in a showy way so that people notice it.

floury /flaʊə ri/

1 ADJ Something that is floury is covered with flour or tastes of flour. □� She wiped her floury hands on her apron. □� �floury scones.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Floury potatoes go soft round the edges and break up when they are cooked.

flout /flaʊ t/ (flouts , flouting , flouted ) VERB If you flout something such as a law, an order, or an accepted way of behaving, you deliberately do not obey it or follow it. □�[V n] �illegal campers who persist in flouting the law.

flow ◆◆◇ /floʊ / (flows , flowing , flowed )

1 VERB If a liquid, gas, or electrical current flows somewhere, it moves there steadily and continuously. □�[V adv/prep] A stream flowed gently down into the valley. □�[V adv/prep] The current flows into electric motors that drive the wheels. □�[V ] �compressor stations that keep the gas flowing. ●�N‑VAR Flow is also a noun. □� It works only in the veins, where the blood flow is slower.

2 VERB If a number of people or things flow from one place to another, they move there steadily in large groups, usually without stopping. □�[V prep/adv] Large numbers of refugees continue to flow from the troubled region into the no-man's land. ●�N‑VAR Flow is also a noun. □�[+�of ] She watched the frantic flow of cars and buses along the street.

3 VERB If information or money flows somewhere, it moves freely between people or organizations. □�[V prep/adv] A lot of this information flowed through other police departments. □�[V ] An interest rate reduction is needed to get more money flowing and create jobs. ●�N‑VAR Flow is also a noun. □� �the opportunity to control the flow of information.

4 →�see also cash flow

5 PHRASE Someone who is in full flow is talking easily and continuously and seems likely to go on talking for some time. □� He had been replying for some 40 minutes already and was still in full flow.

6 PHRASE If you say that an activity, or the person who is performing the activity, is in full flow , you mean that the activity has started and is being carried out with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm. □� Lunch at Harry's Bar was in full flow when Irene made a splendid entrance.

7 PHRASE If you go with the flow , you let things happen or let other people tell you what to do, rather than trying to control what happens yourself. □� There's nothing I can do about the problem, so I might as well go with the flow. SYNONYMS flow VERB 1

course:The tears coursed down his cheeks.

stream:Tears streamed down their faces.

gush:Piping-hot water gushed out.

run:Wash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.

flo w chart (flow charts ) N‑COUNT A flow chart or a flow diagram is a diagram which represents the sequence of actions in a particular process or activity.

flow|er ◆◆◇ /flaʊə r / (flowers , flowering , flowered )

1 N‑COUNT A flower is the part of a plant which is often brightly coloured, grows at the end of a stem, and only survives for a short time. □� Each individual flower is tiny. □� �large, purplish-blue flowers.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A flower is a stem of a plant that has one or more flowers on it and has been picked, usually with others, for example to give as a present or to put in a vase. □� �a bunch of flowers sent by a new admirer.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Flowers are small plants that are grown for their flowers as opposed to trees, shrubs, and vegetables. □� �a lawned area surrounded by plants and flowers. □� The flower garden will be ablaze with colour every day.

4 VERB When a plant or tree flowers , its flowers appear and open. □�[V ] Several of these rhododendrons will flower this year for the first time.

5 VERB When something flowers , for example a political movement or a relationship, it gets stronger and more successful. □�[V ] Their relationship flowered.

6 PHRASE When a plant is in flower or when it has come into flower , its flowers have appeared and opened.

7 →�see also flowered

flo w|er ar|rang|ing N‑UNCOUNT Flower arranging is the art or hobby of arranging cut flowers in a way which makes them look attractive.

flower|bed /flaʊə r bed/ (flowerbeds ) also flower bed N‑COUNT A flowerbed is an area of ground in a garden or park which has been specially prepared so that flowers can be grown in it.

flow|ered /flaʊ ə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Flowered paper or cloth has a pattern of flowers on it. □� She was wearing a pretty flowered cotton dress.

flow|er|ing /flaʊ ər I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Thefloweringof something such as an idea or artistic style is the development of its popularity and success. □� �the flowering of creative genius.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Flowering shrubs, trees, or plants are those which produce noticeable flowers.

flower|pot /flaʊə r pɒt/ (flowerpots ) also flower pot N‑COUNT A flowerpot is a container that is used for growing plants.

flo w|er pow|er N‑UNCOUNT Flower power is an old-fashioned way of referring to hippies and the culture associated with hippies in the late 1960s and early 1970s. □� �the era of flower power.

flow|ery /flaʊ əri/

1 ADJ A flowery smell is strong and sweet, like flowers. □� Amy thought she caught the faintest drift of Isabel's flowery perfume.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flowery cloth, paper, or china has a lot of flowers printed or painted on it. □� The baby, dressed in a flowery jumpsuit, waved her rattle.

3 ADJ Flowery speech or writing contains long or literary words and expressions. □� They were using uncommonly flowery language.

flown /floʊ n/ Flown is the past participle of fly .

fl. oz.fl. oz. is a written abbreviation for fluid ounce .

flu /fluː / N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Flu is an illness which is similar to a bad cold but more serious. It often makes you feel very weak and makes your muscles hurt. □� I got flu. □� He had come down with the flu.

fluc|tu|ate /flʌ ktʃue I t/ (fluctuates , fluctuating , fluctuated ) VERB If something fluctuates , it changes a lot in an irregular way. □�[V ] Body temperature can fluctuate if you are ill. □�[V -ing] �the fluctuating price of oil. ●� fluc|tua|tion /flʌ ktʃue I ʃ ə n/ (fluctuations ) N‑VAR □�[+�in ] Don't worry about tiny fluctuations in your weight. □�[+�in/of ] The calculations do not take into account any fluctuation in the share price.

flue /fluː / (flues ) N‑COUNT A flue is a pipe or long tube that acts as a chimney, taking smoke away from a device such as a heater, fire, or cooker.

flu|ent /fluː ənt/

1 ADJ Someone who is fluentin a particular language can speak the language easily and correctly. You can also say that someone speaks fluent French, Chinese, or some other language. □�[+�in ] She studied eight foreign languages but is fluent in only six of them. □� He speaks fluent Russian. ●� flu|en|cy N‑UNCOUNT □� To work as a translator, you need fluency in at least one foreign language. ●� flu|ent|ly ADV □� He spoke three languages fluently.

2 ADJ If your speech, reading, or writing is fluent , you speak, read, or write easily, smoothly, and clearly with no mistakes. □� He had emerged from being a hesitant and unsure candidate into a fluent debater. ●� flu|en|cy N‑UNCOUNT □� His son was praised for speeches of remarkable fluency. ●� flu|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Alex didn't read fluently till he was nearly seven.

fluff /flʌ f/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft n of N ] Fluff consists of soft threads or fibres in the form of small, light balls or lumps. For example, you can refer to the fur of a small animal as fluff . □� She noticed some bits of fluff on the sleeve of her sweater.

fluffy /flʌ fi/ (fluffier , fluffiest )

1 ADJ If you describe something such as a towel or a toy animal as fluffy , you mean that it is very soft. □� �fluffy white towels. □� It's a very fluffy kind of wool.

2 ADJ A cake or other food that is fluffy is very light because it has a lot of air in it. □� Cream together the margarine and sugar with a wooden spoon until light and fluffy.

flu|id /fluː I d/ (fluids )

1 N‑VAR A fluid is a liquid. [FORMAL ] □� The blood vessels may leak fluid, which distorts vision. □� Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids. □� �fluid retention.

2 ADJ Fluid movements or lines or designs are smooth and graceful. □� The forehand stroke should be fluid and well balanced.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A situation that is fluid is unstable and is likely to change often.

flu |id ou nce (fluid ounces ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A fluid ounce is a measurement of liquid. There are twenty fluid ounces in a British pint, and sixteen in an American pint.

fluke /fluː k/ (flukes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft by N ] If you say that something good is a fluke , you mean that it happened accidentally rather than by being planned or arranged. [INFORMAL ] □� The discovery was something of a fluke. □� By sheer fluke, one of the shipowner's employees was in the city. [Also +�of ]

flum|mox /flʌ məks/ (flummoxes , flummoxing , flummoxed ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is flummoxed by something, they are confused by it and do not know what to do or say. □�[be V -ed] The two leaders were flummoxed by the suggestion. ●� flum|moxed ADJ □� No wonder Josef was feeling a bit flummoxed.

flung /flʌ ŋ/ Flung is the past tense and past participle of fling .

flunk /flʌ ŋk/ (flunks , flunking , flunked ) VERB If you flunk an exam or a course, you fail to reach the required standard. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Your son is upset because he flunked a history exam.

flunk|ey /flʌ ŋki/ (flunkeys ) also flunky

1 N‑COUNT Someone who refers to a servant as a flunkey is expressing their dislike for a job that involves doing things for an employer that ordinary people do for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a flunkey , you disapprove of the fact that they associate themselves with someone who is powerful and carry out small, unimportant jobs for them in the hope of being rewarded. [DISAPPROVAL ]

fluo|res|cent /flʊəre s ə nt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fluorescent surface, substance, or colour has a very bright appearance when light is directed onto it, as if it is actually shining itself. □� �a piece of fluorescent tape. ●� fluo|res|cence N‑UNCOUNT □� �the green fluorescence it gives off under ultraviolet radiation.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fluorescent light shines with a very hard, bright light and is usually in the form of a long strip. □� �fluorescent light tubes.

fluori|da|tion /flʊə r I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Fluoridation is the action or process of adding fluoride to a water supply. □� �fluoridation of the water supply.

fluo|ride /flʊə ra I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Fluoride is a mixture of chemicals that is sometimes added to drinking water and toothpaste because it is considered to be good for people's teeth.

fluo|rine /flʊə riːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Fluorine is a pale yellow, poisonous gas. It is used in the production of uranium and other chemicals.

flur|ry /flʌ ri, [AM ] flɜː ri/ (flurries )

1 N‑COUNT A flurry of something such as activity or excitement is a short intense period of it. □�[+�of ] �a flurry of diplomatic activity aimed at ending the war.

2 N‑COUNT A flurry of something such as snow is a small amount of it that suddenly appears for a short time and moves in a quick, swirling way.

flush /flʌ ʃ/ (flushes , flushing , flushed )

1 VERB If you flush , your face goes red because you are hot or ill, or because you are feeling a strong emotion such as embarrassment or anger. □�[V ] Do you sweat a lot or flush a lot? □�[V colour] He turned away embarrassed, his face flushing red. ●�N‑COUNT Flush is also a noun. □� There was a slight flush on his cheeks. [Also +�of ] ●� flushed ADJ □�[+�with ] Her face was flushed with anger.

2 VERB When someone flushes a toilet after using it, they fill the toilet bowl with water in order to clean it, usually by pressing a handle or pulling a chain. You can also say that a toilet flushes . □�[V n] She flushed the toilet and went back in the bedroom. □�[V ] �the sound of the toilet flushing. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Flush is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He heard the flush of a toilet.

3 VERB If you flush something down the toilet, you get rid of it by putting it into the toilet bowl and flushing the toilet. □�[V n +�down ] He was found trying to flush banknotes down the toilet.

4 VERB If you flush a part of your body, you clean it or make it healthier by using a large amount of liquid to get rid of dirt or harmful substances. □�[V n] Flush the eye with clean cold water for at least 15 minutes. ●�PHRASAL VERB Flush out means the same as flush . □�[V P n] �an 'alternative' therapy that gently flushes out the colon to remove toxins. [Also V n P ]

5 VERB If you flush dirt or a harmful substance out of a place, you get rid of it by using a large amount of liquid. □�[V n with out ] That won't flush all the sewage out, but it should unclog some stinking drains.

6 VERB If you flush people or animals out of a place where they are hiding, you find or capture them by forcing them to come out of that place. □�[V n +�out of ] They flushed them out of their hiding places. □�[V n with out ] The Guyana Defence Force is engaged in flushing out illegal Brazilian miners operating in the country.

7 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If one object or surface is flushwith another, they are at the same height or distance from something else, so that they form a single smooth surface. □�[+�with ] Make sure the tile is flush with the surrounding tiles.

8 N‑SING Theflush of something is an intense feeling of excitement or pleasure that you have when you are experiencing it and for a short time afterwards. □�[+�of ] �the first flush of young love. □�[+�of ] �in the flush of victory.

▸� flush out →�see flush4

flushed /flʌ ʃt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you say that someone is flushed with success or pride you mean that they are very excited by their success or pride. □� Grace was flushed with the success of the venture.

flus|ter /flʌ stə r / (flusters , flustering , flustered ) VERB If you fluster someone, you make them feel nervous and confused by rushing them and preventing them from concentrating on what they are doing. □�[be V -ed] The General refused to be flustered. □�[V n] She was a very calm person. Nothing could fluster her. ●� flus|tered ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� She was so flustered that she forgot her reply.

flute /fluː t/ (flutes ) N‑VAR A flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. You play it by blowing over a hole near one end while holding it sideways to your mouth.

flut|ed /fluː t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is fluted has shallow curves cut into it. □� �the fluted wooden post of the porch.

flut|ing /fluː t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone's voice as fluting , you mean that it goes up and down a lot, and usually that it is high pitched. □� Her voice, small and fluting, stopped abruptly. □� �a fluting and melodic Scottish accent.

flut|ist /fluː t I st/ (flutists ) N‑COUNT A flutist is someone who plays the flute. [AM ] in BRIT, use flautist

flut|ter /flʌ tə r / (flutters , fluttering , fluttered )

1 VERB If something thin or light flutters , or if you flutter it, it moves up and down or from side to side with a lot of quick, light movements. □�[V ] Her chiffon skirt was fluttering in the night breeze. □�[V n] �a butterfly fluttering its wings. □�[V -ing] �the fluttering white lace handkerchief. ●�N‑COUNT Flutter is also a noun. □� �a flutter of white cloth.

2 VERB If something light such as a small bird or a piece of paper flutters somewhere, it moves through the air with small quick movements. □�[V adv/prep] The paper fluttered to the floor. □�[V ] The birds were active, whirring and fluttering among the trees.

3 N‑COUNT If you have aflutter , you have a small bet on something such as a horse race. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] I had a flutter on five horses.

flux /flʌ ks/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If something is in a state offlux , it is constantly changing. □� Education remains in a state of flux which will take some time to settle down.

fly ◆◆◆ /fla I / (flies , flying , flew , flown )

1 N‑COUNT A fly is a small insect with two wings. There are many kinds of flies, and the most common are black in colour.

2 VERB When something such as a bird, insect, or aircraft flies , it moves through the air. □�[V prep/adv] The planes flew through the clouds. □�[V prep/adv] The bird flew away. [Also V ]

3 VERB If you fly somewhere, you travel there in an aircraft. □�[V prep/adv] He flew back to London. □�[V prep/adv] Mr Baker flew in from Moscow.

4 VERB When someone flies an aircraft, they control its movement in the air. □�[V n] Parker had successfully flown both aircraft. □�[V n prep/adv] He flew a small plane to Cuba. □�[V ] His inspiration to fly came even before he joined the Army. ●� fly|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �a flying instructor.

5 VERB To fly someone or something somewhere means to take or send them there in an aircraft. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] The relief supplies are being flown from a warehouse in Pisa.

6 VERB If something such as your hair is flying about, it is moving about freely and loosely in the air. □�[V adv/prep] His long, uncovered hair flew back in the wind. □�[V ] She was running down the stairs, her hair flying.

7 VERB If you fly a flag or if it is flying , you display it at the top of a pole. □�[V n] They flew the flag of the African National Congress. □�[V ] A flag was flying on the new military HQ.

8 VERB If you say that someone or something flies in a particular direction, you are emphasizing that they move there with a lot of speed or force. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V prep/adv] I flew downstairs.

9 N‑COUNT The front opening on a pair of trousers is referred to as the fly , or in British English the flies . It usually consists of a zip or row of buttons behind a band of cloth.

10 →�see also flying , tsetse fly

11 PHRASE If you say that someone wouldn't hurt a fly or wouldn't harm a fly , you are emphasizing that they are very kind and gentle. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a lovely girl, who would not have harmed a fly.

12 PHRASE If you let fly , you attack someone, either physically by hitting them, or with words by insulting them. □� A simmering row ended with her letting fly with a stream of obscenities.

13 PHRASE If you send someone or something flying or if they go flying , they move through the air and fall down with a lot of force. □� The blow sent the young man flying.

14 PHRASE If you say that you would like to be a fly on the wall in a situation that does not involve you, you mean that you would like to see or hear what happens in that situation. □� What I'd give to be a fly on the wall when Davis finds out what's happened to his precious cargo.

15 →�see also fly-on-the-wall

16as the crow flies →�see crow

17to fly in the face of →�see face ➊

18to fly the flag →�see flag

19to fly off the handle →�see handle

20a fly in the ointment →�see ointment

21pigs might fly →�see pig

22sparks fly →�see spark

23time flies →�see time

▸� fly at PHRASAL VERB If you fly at someone, you attack them, either physically by hitting them, or with words by insulting them. □�[V P n] She flew at him for making a very anti-British remark.

▸� fly into PHRASAL VERB If you fly into a bad temper or a panic, you suddenly become very angry or anxious and show this in your behaviour. □�[V P n] Losing a game would cause him to fly into a rage.

fly|away /fla I əwe I / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flyaway hair is very soft and fine. [WRITTEN ]

fly|by /fla I ba I / (flybys ) also fly-by N‑COUNT A flyby is a flight made by an aircraft or a spacecraft over a particular place in order to record details about it.

fly -by-night ADJ [ADJ n] A fly-by-night businessman is someone who wants to make money very quickly, without caring about the quality or honesty of the service they offer. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �fly-by-night operators who fail to complete jobs.

fly -drive ADJ [ADJ n] On a fly-drive holiday, you travel part of the way to your destination by aeroplane, and collect a hired car at the airport so that you can drive the rest of the way. □� �a fly-drive break in New Zealand.

fly|er /fla I ə r / (flyers ) also flier

1 N‑COUNT A flyer is a pilot of an aircraft.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone who travels by aeroplane as a flyer . □� �regular business flyers. □� �nervous fliers.

3 N‑COUNT A flyer is a small printed notice which is used to advertise a particular company, service, or event.

4 →�see also high-flyer

fly -fishing also fly fishing N‑UNCOUNT Fly-fishing is a method of fishing in which a silk or nylon model of a small winged insect is used as bait.

fly|ing /fla I I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A flying animal has wings and is able to fly. □� �species of flying insects.

2 PHRASE If someone or something gets off to a flying start , or makes a flying start , they start very well, for example in a race or a new job. □� Advertising revenue in the new financial year has got off to a flying start.

fly |ing do c|tor (flying doctors ) N‑COUNT A flying doctor is a doctor, especially in Australia, who travels by aircraft to visit patients who live in distant or isolated areas.

fly |ing fish (flying fish or flying fishes ) N‑VAR Flying fish are a type of fish that live in warm seas. They have large fins that enable them to move forward in the air when they jump out of the water.

fly |ing sau |cer (flying saucers ) N‑COUNT A flying saucer is a round, flat object which some people say they have seen in the sky and which they believe to be a spacecraft from another planet. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

Fly |ing Squad N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Flying Squad is a group of police officers who are always ready to travel quickly to the scene of a serious crime. [BRIT ]

fly |ing vi s|it (flying visits ) N‑COUNT A flying visit is a visit that only lasts a very short time.

fly|leaf /fla I liːf/ (flyleaves ) N‑COUNT The flyleaf of a book is a page at the front that has nothing printed on it, or just the title and the author's name.

fly -on-the-wa ll

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A fly-on-the-wall documentary is made by filming people as they do the things they normally do, rather than by interviewing them or asking them to talk directly to the camera. □� �a fly-on-the-wall documentary about the Queen's life.

2a fly on the wall →�see fly

fly|over /fla I oʊvə r / (flyovers )

1 N‑COUNT A flyover is a structure which carries one road over the top of another road. [BRIT ] in AM, use overpass2 N‑COUNT A flyover is the same as a flypast . [AM ]

fly|past /fla I pɑːst, -p�st/ (flypasts ) also fly-past N‑COUNT A flypast is a flight by a group of aircraft in a special formation which takes place on a ceremonial occasion or as a display. [BRIT ] in AM, use flyover

fly|weight /fla I we I t/ (flyweights ) N‑COUNT A flyweight is a boxer who weighs 112 pounds or less.

fly|wheel /fla I h wiːl/ (flywheels ) N‑COUNT A flywheel is a heavy wheel that is part of some engines. It regulates the engine's rotation, making it operate at a steady speed.

FM /e f e m/ FM is a method of transmitting radio waves that can be used to broadcast high quality sound. FM is an abbreviation for 'frequency modulation'.

FMCG /e f em siː dʒiː / (FMCGs ) N‑COUNT FMCGs are inexpensive products that people usually buy on a regular basis, such as supermarket foods or toiletries. FMCG is an abbreviation for 'fast-moving consumer goods'. [BUSINESS ]

foal /foʊ l/ (foals , foaling , foaled )

1 N‑COUNT A foal is a very young horse.

2 VERB When a female horse foals , it gives birth. □�[V ] The mare is due to foal today.

foam /foʊ m/ (foams , foaming , foamed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Foam consists of a mass of small bubbles that are formed when air and a liquid are mixed together. □� The water curved round the rocks in great bursts of foam.

2 N‑VAR Foam is used to refer to various kinds of manufactured products which have a soft, light texture like a thick liquid. □� �shaving foam.

3 N‑VAR Foam or foam rubber is soft rubber full of small holes which is used, for example, to make mattresses and cushions. □� �modern three-piece suites filled with foam rubber. □� We had given him a large foam mattress to sleep on.

4 VERB If a liquid foams , it is full of small bubbles and keeps moving slightly. □�[V ] I let the water run into it and we watched as it foamed and bubbled. □�[V -ing] �ravines with foaming rivers rushing through them.

foamy /foʊ mi/ ADJ A foamy liquid has a mass of small bubbles on its surface or consists of a mass of bubbles. □� �foamy waves. □� Whisk the egg whites until they are foamy but not stiff.

fob /fɒ b/ (fobs , fobbing , fobbed ) N‑COUNT In former times, a fob was a short chain or piece of cloth which fastened a man's watch to his clothing.

▸� fob off PHRASAL VERB If someone fobs you off , they tell you something just to stop you asking questions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n P ] I've asked her about it but she fobs me off. □�[be V -ed P +�with ] Don't be fobbed off with excuses.

fo|cal /foʊ k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Focal is used to describe something that relates to the point where a number of rays or lines meet. □� �the focal plane of the telescope.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Focal is used to describe something that is very important. □� �one of the focal centres of the Far East.

fo |cal point (focal points ) N‑COUNT The focal point of something is the thing that people concentrate on or pay most attention to. □� �the focal point for the town's many visitors�the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

fo'c'sle /foʊ ksl/ →�see forecastle

fo|cus ◆◆◇ /foʊ kəs/ (foci /foʊ sa I /, focuses , focusing , focused ) The spellings focusses , focussing , focussed are also used. The plural of the noun can be either foci or focuses . 1 VERB If you focuson a particular topic or if your attention is focusedon it, you concentrate on it and think about it, discuss it, or deal with it, rather than dealing with other topics. □�[V +�on ] He is currently focusing on assessment and development. □�[V n +�on ] Many of the papers focus their attention on the controversy surrounding the Foreign Secretary.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thefocus of something is the main topic or main thing that it is concerned with. □�[+�of ] The new system is the focus of controversy. □�[+�of ] Her children are the main focus of her life.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your focus on something is the special attention that you pay it. □� IBM has also shifted its focus from mainframes to personal computers.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something has a focus , you mean that you can see a purpose in it. □� Somehow, though, their latest album has a focus that the others have lacked.

5 VERB If you focus your eyes or if your eyes focus , your eyes adjust so that you can clearly see the thing that you want to look at. If you focus a camera, telescope, or other instrument, you adjust it so that you can see clearly through it. □�[V n] Kelly couldn't focus his eyes well enough to tell if the figure was male or female. □�[V +�on ] His eyes slowly began to focus on what looked like a small dark ball. □�[V n +�on ] He found the binoculars and focused them on the boat. □�[V -ed] Had she kept the camera focused on the river bank she might have captured a vital scene. [Also V ]

6 N‑UNCOUNT You use focus to refer to the fact of adjusting your eyes or a camera, telescope, or other instrument, and to the degree to which you can see clearly. □� His focus switched to the little white ball.

7 VERB If you focus rays of light on a particular point, you pass them through a lens or reflect them from a mirror so that they meet at that point. □�[V n prep] Magnetic coils focus the electron beams into fine spots.

8 N‑COUNT The focus of a number of rays or lines is the point at which they meet. [TECHNICAL ]

9 PHRASE If an image or a camera, telescope, or other instrument is in focus , the edges of what you see are clear and sharp. □� Pictures should be in focus, with realistic colours and well composed groups.

10 PHRASE If something is in focus , it is being discussed or its purpose and nature are clear. □� This aggression is the real issue. We want to keep that in focus.

11 PHRASE If an image or a camera, telescope, or other instrument is out of focus , the edges of what you see are unclear. □� In some of the pictures the subjects are out of focus while the background is sharp. COLLOCATIONS focus VERB 1

focus+�noun : attention, mind; effort, energy, resources; debate, discussion

noun +�focus : attention, discussion, investigation, research, study

focus+�adverb : entirely, exclusively, solely, totally; heavily, mainly, primarily NOUN 3

adjective +�focus : clear, intense, narrow, relentless, sharp; main, primary, sole; increased, renewed

verb +�focus : shift, switch; increase, narrow, sharpen; keep, maintain SYNONYMS focus VERB 1

concentrate:Water companies should concentrate on reducing waste.

direct:The learner's attention needs to be directed to the significant features.

home in:The critics immediately homed in on the group's newly-elected members.

fo|cused /foʊ kəst/ also focussed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone or something as focused , you approve of the fact that they have a clear and definite purpose. [APPROVAL ] □� I spent the next year just wandering. I wasn't focused.

fo |cus group (focus groups ) N‑COUNT A focus group is a specially selected group of people who are intended to represent the general public. Focus groups have discussions in which their opinions are recorded as a form of market research.

fod|der /fɒ də r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fodder is food that is given to cows, horses, and other animals. □� The alfalfa plant is widely used as animal fodder.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is fodder for a particular purpose, you mean that it is useful for that purpose and perhaps nothing else. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The press conference simply provided more fodder for another attack on his character.

foe /foʊ / (foes ) N‑COUNT Someone's foe is their enemy. [WRITTEN ]

foe|tal /fiː t ə l/ also fetal ADJ [ADJ n] Foetal is used to describe something that relates to or is like a foetus. □� �an early stage of foetal development.

foet|id /fiː t I d/ →�see fetid

foe|tus /fiː təs/ (foetuses ) also fetus N‑COUNT A foetus is an animal or human being in its later stages of development before it is born.

fog /fɒ g/ (fogs )

1 N‑VAR When there is fog , there are tiny drops of water in the air which form a thick cloud and make it difficult to see things. □� The crash happened in thick fog. □� These ocean fogs can last for days.

2 N‑SING A fog is an unpleasant cloud of something such as smoke inside a building or room. □�[+�of ] �a fog of stale cigarette smoke.

3 N‑SING [oft in N ] You can use fog to refer to a situation which stops people from being able to notice things, understand things, or think clearly. □�[+�of ] The most basic facts about him are lost in a fog of mythology. □�[+�of ] Synchronizing these attacks may be difficult in the fog of war. □� His mind was in a fog when he finally got up.

fo g bank (fog banks ) N‑COUNT A fog bank is an area of thick fog, especially at sea.

fog|bound /fɒ gbaʊnd/ also fog-bound ADJ If you are fogbound in a place or if the place is fogbound , thick fog makes it dangerous or impossible to go anywhere. □� He was fog-bound at London airport. □� �a fogbound motorway.

fo|gey /foʊ gi/ (fogies or fogeys ) also fogy N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a fogey or an old fogey , you mean that they are boring and old-fashioned. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I don't want to sound like I'm some old fogy.

fog|gy /fɒ gi/ (foggier , foggiest )

1 ADJ When it is foggy , there is fog. □� Conditions were damp and foggy after morning sleet.

2 PHRASE If you say that you haven't the foggiest or you haven't the foggiest idea , you are emphasizing that you do not know something. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I did not have the foggiest idea what he meant.

fog|horn /fɒ ghɔː r n/ (foghorns ) also fog horn N‑COUNT A foghorn is a piece of equipment that makes a loud noise and is used to warn ships about the position of land and other ships in fog.

foi|ble /fɔ I b ə l/ (foibles ) N‑COUNT A foible is a habit or characteristic that someone has which is considered rather strange, foolish, or bad but which is also considered unimportant. □� �human foibles and weaknesses.

foie gras /fwɑː grɑː / N‑UNCOUNT Foie gras is a food made from the livers of geese that were specially fed so that their livers became very large.

foil /fɔ I l/ (foils , foiling , foiled )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Foil consists of sheets of metal as thin as paper. It is used to wrap food in. □� Pour cider around the meat and cover with foil. □� �aluminium foil.

2 VERB If you foil someone's plan or attempt to do something, for example to commit a crime, you succeed in stopping them from doing what they want. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] A brave police chief foiled an armed robbery on a jewellers' by grabbing the raiders' shotgun.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to one thing or person as afoilfor another, you approve of the fact that they contrast with each other and go well together, often in a way that makes the second thing or person seem better or less harmful. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�for ] He thought of her serenity as a foil for his intemperance. □�[+�for ] A cold beer is the perfect foil for a curry.

foist /fɔ I st/ (foists , foisting , foisted )

▸� foist on PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone foists something on you, or foists it upon you, you dislike the way that they force you to listen to it or experience it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n P n] I don't see my role as foisting my beliefs on them. □�[V P n n] The government foisted on other countries the expense of training young workers.

fold ◆◇◇ /foʊ ld/ (folds , folding , folded )

1 VERB If you fold something such as a piece of paper or cloth, you bend it so that one part covers another part, often pressing the edge so that it stays in place. □�[V n] He folded the paper carefully. □�[V n prep/adv] Fold the omelette in half. □�[V -ed] �a folded towel.

2 N‑COUNT A fold in a piece of paper or cloth is a bend that you make in it when you put one part of it over another part and press the edge. □� Make another fold and turn the ends together.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The folds in a piece of cloth are the curved shapes which are formed when it is not hanging or lying flat. □�[+�of ] The priest fumbled in the folds of his gown.

4 VERB If a piece of furniture or equipment folds or if you can fold it, you can make it smaller by bending or closing parts of it. □�[V adv/prep] The back of the bench folds forward to make a table. □�[V adj] This portable seat folds flat for easy storage. □�[V n] Check if you can fold the buggy without having to remove the raincover. □�[V -ing] �a folding beach chair. [Also V n adj] ●�PHRASAL VERB Fold up means the same as fold . □�[V P ] When not in use it folds up out of the way. □�[V n P ] Fold the ironing board up so that it is flat.

5 VERB If you fold your arms or hands, you bring them together and cross or link them, for example over your chest. □�[V n] Meer folded his arms over his chest and turned his head away. □�[V n] Mrs Ringrose sat down and folded her hands in her lap.

6 VERB If a business or organization folds , it is unsuccessful and has to close. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □�[V ] 2,500 small businesses were folding each week.

7 N‑SING When someone joins an organization or group, you can say that they have come into thefold . When they leave the organization or group, you can say that they leave thefold . □� The E.U. wanted to bring the U.S. back into the fold. □� He might find it difficult to return to the family fold when he realizes his mistake.

▸� fold in or fold into PHRASAL VERB In cooking, if you fold in an ingredient or fold it into the other ingredients, you mix it very gently into the other ingredients. □�[V P n] Fold in the flour. □�[V n P n] Fold the cream into the egg yolk mixture.

▸� fold up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fold something up , you make it into a smaller, neater shape by folding it, usually several times. □�[V n P ] She folded it up, and tucked it into her purse. □�[V P n] He folded up his paper and put it away.

2 →�see also fold4 , fold-up

SUFFIX -fold

combines with numbers to form adverbs which say how much an amount has increased by. For example, if an amount increases fourfold , it is four times greater than it was originally.

fold|er /foʊ ldə r / (folders )

1 N‑COUNT A folder is a thin piece of cardboard in which you can keep loose papers.

2 N‑COUNT A folder is a group of files that are stored together on a computer.

fo ld-up ADJ [ADJ n] A fold-up piece of furniture or equipment is one that is specially designed so that it can be folded into a smaller shape in order to be stored.

fo|li|age /foʊ li I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT The leaves of a plant are referred to as its foliage . □� �shrubs with grey or silver foliage.

fo|lic acid /foʊl I k� s I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Folic acid is one of the B group of vitamins. It is found in green vegetables and fruit.

fo|lio /foʊ lioʊ/ (folios ) N‑COUNT A folio is a book made with paper of a large size, used especially in the early centuries of European printing. □� Richard told me of three 16th-century folio volumes on alchemy.

folk ◆◇◇ /foʊ k/ (folks ) folk can also be used as the plural form for meaning 1 . 1 N‑PLURAL You can refer to people as folk or folks . □� Country folk can tell you that there are certain places which animals avoid. □� �old folks.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] You can refer to your close family, especially your mother and father, as your folks . [INFORMAL ] □� I've been avoiding my folks lately.

3 N‑PLURAL You can use folks as a term of address when you are talking to several people. [INFORMAL ] □� This is it, folks: the best record guide in the business.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Folk art and customs are traditional or typical of a particular community or nation. □� �traditional Chinese folk medicine.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Folk music is music which is traditional or typical of a particular community or nation. □� �Irish folk music. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Folk is also a noun. □� �a variety of music including classical, jazz, and folk.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Folk can be used to describe something that relates to the beliefs and opinions of ordinary people. □� Jack was a folk hero in the Greenwich Village bars.

folk|lore /foʊ klɔː r / N‑UNCOUNT Folklore is the traditional stories, customs, and habits of a particular community or nation. □� In Chinese folklore the bat is an emblem of good fortune.

fo lk song (folk songs ) also folksong N‑COUNT A folk song is a traditional song that is typical of a particular community or nation.

folk|sy /foʊ ksi/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as folksy , you mean that it is simple and has a style characteristic of folk craft and tradition. You sometimes use folksy to show disapproval of something because it seems unsophisticated. □� �folksy country furniture.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as folksy , you mean that they are friendly and informal in their behaviour. [AM , APPROVAL ] □� �an elderly, folksy postman.

fol|li|cle /fɒ l I k ə l/ (follicles ) N‑COUNT A follicle is one of the small hollows in the skin which hairs grow from.

fol|low ◆◆◆ /fɒ loʊ/ (follows , following , followed )

1 VERB If you follow someone who is going somewhere, you move along behind them because you want to go to the same place. □�[V n prep/adv] We followed him up the steps into a large hall. □�[V n] Please follow me, madam. □�[V ] They took him into a small room and I followed. [Also V +�after ]

2 VERB If you follow someone who is going somewhere, you move along behind them without their knowledge, in order to catch them or find out where they are going. □�[V n] She realized that the Mercedes was following her. □�[be V -ed] I think we're being followed.

3 VERB If you follow someone to a place where they have recently gone and where they are now, you go to join them there. □�[V n +�to ] He followed Janice to New York, where she was preparing an exhibition.

4 VERB An event, activity, or period of time that follows a particular thing happens or comes after that thing, at a later time. □�[V n] �the rioting and looting that followed the verdict. □�[V ] Other problems may follow. □�[V -ed] Eye witnesses spoke of a noise followed by a huge red light.

5 VERB If you follow one thing with another, you do or say the second thing after you have done or said the first thing. □�[V n +�with ] She broadcast on radio, and followed this with a series of credits in films and on TV. ●�PHRASAL VERB Follow up means the same as follow . □�[V n P +�with ] Most comics who score a hit at Edinburgh follow it up with a big tour.

6 VERB If it follows that a particular thing is the case, that thing is a logical result of something else being true or being the case. □�[V that] Just because a bird does not breed one year, it does not follow that it will fail the next. □�[V ] If the explanation is right, two things follow. □�[V +�from ] It is easy to see the conclusions described in the text follow from this equation.

7 VERB If you refer to the words that follow or followed , you are referring to the words that come next or came next in a piece of writing or speech. □�[V ] What follows is an eye-witness account. □�[there V n] There followed a list of places where Hans intended to visit. □�[be V -ed +�by ] General analysis is followed by five case studies.

8 VERB If you follow a path, route, or set of signs, you go somewhere using the path, route, or signs to direct you. □�[V n] If they followed the road, they would be certain to reach a village. □�[V n prep/adv] I followed the signs to Metrocity.

9 VERB If something such as a path or river follows a particular route or line, it goes along that route or line. □�[V n] Our route follows the Pacific coast through densely populated neighbourhoods.

10 VERB If you follow something with your eyes, or if your eyes follow it, you watch it as it moves or you look along its route or course. □�[V n] Ann's eyes followed a police car as it drove slowly past.

11 VERB Something that follows a particular course of development happens or develops in that way. □�[V n] His release turned out to follow the pattern set by that of the other six hostages.

12 VERB If you follow advice, an instruction, or a recipe, you act or do something in the way that it indicates. □�[V n] Take care to follow the instructions carefully.

13 VERB If you follow what someone else has done, you do it too because you think it is a good thing or because you want to copy them. □�[V n] If I do my bit, others will follow my example and join in to improve things. □�[V ] Where rich celebrities lead, the great British public will surely follow.

14 VERB If you follow someone in what you do, you do the same thing or job as they did previously. □�[V n] He followed his father and became a surgeon. □�[V n +�into ] Anni-Frid's son has followed her into the music business.

15 VERB If you are able to follow something such as an explanation or the story of a film, you understand it as it continues and develops. □�[V n] Can you follow the plot so far? □�[V ] I'm afraid I don't follow.

16 VERB If you follow something, you take an interest in it and keep informed about what happens. □�[V n] �the millions of people who follow football because they genuinely love it. □�[V n] She was following Laura's progress closely.

17 VERB If you follow someone on a social media website, you choose to see messages and pictures that they post there. □�[V n on ] Camille has a blog, and you can follow her on Twitter. □�[V n] You can also browse Instagram's galleries and follow favourite photographers.

18 VERB If you follow a particular religion or political belief, you have that religion or belief. □�[V n] 'Do you follow any particular religion?'�'Yes, we're all Hindus.'

19 →�see also following

20 PHRASE You use as follows in writing or speech to introduce something such as a list, description, or explanation. □� The winners are as follows: E. Walker; R. Foster; R. Gates; A. Mackintosh. □� This can be done if you proceed as follows.

21 PHRASE You use followed by to say what comes after something else in a list or ordered set of things. □� Potatoes are still the most popular food, followed by white bread.

22 PHRASE After mentioning one course of a meal, you can mention the next course by saying what you will have to follow or what there will be to follow . □� He decided on roast chicken and vegetables, with apple pie to follow.

23to follow in someone's footsteps →�see footstep

24to follow your nose →�see nose

25to follow suit →�see suit

▸� follow through PHRASAL VERB If you follow through an action, plan, or idea or follow throughwith it, you continue doing or thinking about it until you have done everything possible. □�[V P n] The leadership has been unwilling to follow through the implications of these ideas. □�[V n P ] I was trained to be an actress but I didn't follow it through. □�[V P +�with ] He decided to follow through with his original plan. [Also V P , V P +�on ]

▸� follow up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you follow up something that has been said, suggested, or discovered, you try to find out more about it or take action about it. □�[V P n] State security police are following up several leads. □�[V n P ] An officer took a statement from me, but no one's bothered to follow it up.

2 →�see also follow5 , follow-up SYNONYMS follow VERB 2

pursue:She pursued the man who had stolen a woman's bag.

track:He thought he had better track this wolf and kill it.

chase:She chased the thief for 100 yards.

trail:Two detectives were trailing him. COLLOCATIONS follow VERB 12

follow+�noun : guidelines, instructions, procedures, rules

fol|low|er /fɒ loʊə r / (followers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A follower of a particular person, group, or belief is someone who supports or admires this person, group, or belief. □� �the Democratic Party's most loyal followers.

2 →�see also camp follower

fol|low|ing ◆◆◇ /fɒ loʊ I ŋ/ (followings )

1 PREP Following a particular event means after that event. □� In the centuries following Christ's death, Christians genuinely believed the world was about to end. □� Following a day of medical research, the conference focused on educational practices.

2 ADJ The following day, week, or year is the day, week, or year after the one you have just mentioned. □� We went to dinner the following Monday evening. □� The following year she joined the Royal Opera House.

3 ADJ You use following to refer to something that you are about to mention. □� Write down the following information: name of product, type, date purchased and price. □� The method of helping such patients is explained in the following chapters. ●�PRON The following refers to the thing or things that you are about to mention. □� Check with your doctor if you have any of the following: chest pains, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

4 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A person or organization that has a following has a group of people who support or admire their beliefs or actions. □� Australian rugby league enjoys a huge following in New Zealand.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If a boat or vehicle has a following wind, the wind is moving in the same direction as the boat or vehicle. SYNONYMS following ADJ 2

next:I got up early the next morning.

subsequent:Those concerns were overshadowed by subsequent events.

successive:Jackson was the winner for a second successive year.

consecutive:They won the Cup for the third consecutive year.

ensuing:The ensuing argument had been bitter.

fo llow-on N‑SING A follow-on is something that is done to continue or add to something done previously. □�[+�to ] This course for bridge players with some experience is intended as a follow-on to the Beginners' course.

fo llow-through (follow-throughs )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] A follow-through is something that completes an action or a planned series of actions. □� The reality is that people's intentions are rarely matched by their follow-through.

2 N‑VAR A follow-through is a movement that completes an action such as hitting a ball. □� Focus on making a short, firm follow-through.

fo llow-up (follow-ups ) N‑VAR [oft N n] A follow-up is something that is done to continue or add to something done previously. □� They are recording a follow-up to their successful first album. □� One man was arrested during the raid and another during a follow-up operation.

fol|ly /fɒ li/ (follies )

1 N‑VAR If you say that a particular action or way of behaving is folly or a folly , you mean that it is foolish. □� It's sheer folly to build nuclear power stations in a country that has dozens of earthquakes every year.

2 N‑COUNT A folly is a small tower or other unusual building that is built as a decoration in a large garden or park, especially in Britain in former times.

fo|ment /foʊme nt/ (foments , fomenting , fomented ) VERB If someone or something foments trouble or violent opposition, they cause it to develop. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They accused strike leaders of fomenting violence.

fond /fɒ nd/ (fonder , fondest )

1 ADJ If you are fond of someone, you feel affection for them. □�[+�of ] I am very fond of Michael. □�[+�of ] She was especially fond of a little girl named Betsy. ●� fond|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�for ] �a great fondness for children.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use fond to describe people or their behaviour when they show affection. □� �a fond father. □� He gave him a fond smile. ●� fond|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Liz saw their eyes meet fondly across the table.

3 ADJ If you are fond of something, you like it or you like doing it very much. □�[+�of ] He was fond of marmalade. □�[+�of ] She is fond of collecting rare carpets. ●� fond|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�for ] I've always had a fondness for jewels.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have fond memories of someone or something, you remember them with pleasure. □� I have very fond memories of living in our village. ●� fond|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� My dad took us there when I was about four and I remembered it fondly.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You use fond to describe hopes, wishes, or beliefs which you think are foolish because they seem unlikely to be fulfilled. □� My fond hope is that we will be ready by Christmastime. ●� fond|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I fondly imagined that surgery meant a few stitches and an overnight stay in hospital.

fon|dant /fɒ ndənt/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Fondant is a sweet paste made from sugar and water. □� �fondant cakes.

fon|dle /fɒ nd ə l/ (fondles , fondling , fondled ) VERB If you fondle someone or something, you touch them gently with a stroking movement, usually in a sexual way. □�[V n] He tried to kiss her and fondle her.

fon|due /fɒ ndjuː, [AM ] -duː/ (fondues ) N‑VAR A fondue is a sauce made from melted cheese into which you dip bread, or a pot of hot oil into which you dip pieces of meat or vegetables.

font /fɒ nt/ (fonts )

1 N‑COUNT In printing, a font is a set of characters of the same style and size.

2 N‑COUNT In a church, a font is a bowl which holds the water used for baptisms.

food ◆◆◆ /fuː d/ (foods )

1 N‑VAR Food is what people and animals eat. □� Enjoy your food. □� �supplies of food and water. □� �emergency food aid. □� �frozen foods.

2 →�see also convenience food , fast food , health food , junk food , wholefood

3 PHRASE If you are off your food , you do not want to eat, usually because you are ill. □� It's not like you to be off your food.

4 PHRASE If you give someone food for thought , you make them think carefully about something. □� Lord Fraser's speech offers much food for thought.

foo d bank (food banks ) N‑COUNT A food bank is a place where food and groceries are given free to people who need them. □� Too many people are living in poverty and relying on food banks.

foo d chain (food chains ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thefood chain is a series of living things which are linked to each other because each thing feeds on the one next to it in the series. □� The whole food chain is affected by the over-use of chemicals in agriculture.

foodie /fuː di/ (foodies ) also foody N‑COUNT Foodies are people who enjoy cooking and eating different kinds of food. [INFORMAL ] □� Other neighbourhoods in the city offer foodies a choice of Chinese, Portuguese or Greek food.

foo d mix|er (food mixers ) also food-mixer N‑COUNT A food mixer is a piece of electrical equipment that is used to mix food such as cake mixture.

foo d poi|son|ing N‑UNCOUNT If you get food poisoning , you become ill because you have eaten food that has gone bad.

foo d pro|ces|sor (food processors ) N‑COUNT A food processor is a piece of electrical equipment that is used to mix, chop, or beat food, or to make it into a liquid.

foo d stamp (food stamps ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] In the United States, food stamps are official vouchers that are given to people with low incomes to be exchanged for food.

food|stuff /fuː dstʌf/ (foodstuffs ) N‑VAR [usu pl] Foodstuffs are substances which people eat. □� �basic foodstuffs such as sugar, cooking oil and cheese.

foo d value (food values ) N‑VAR The food value of a particular food is a measure of how good it is for you, based on its level of vitamins, minerals, or calories.

foody /fuː di/ →�see foodie

fool ◆◇◇ /fuː l/ (fools , fooling , fooled )

1 N‑COUNT If you call someone a fool , you are indicating that you think they are not at all sensible and show a lack of good judgment. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'You fool!' she shouted. □� He'd been a fool to get involved with her!

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Fool is used to describe an action or person that is not at all sensible and shows a lack of good judgment. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� What a damn fool thing to do!

3 VERB If someone fools you, they deceive or trick you. □�[V n] Art dealers fool a lot of people. □�[be V -ed] Don't be fooled by his appearance. □�[V n +�into ] They tried to fool you into coming after us.

4 VERB If you say that a person is fooling with something or someone, you mean that the way they are behaving is likely to cause problems. □�[V +�with ] What are you doing fooling with such a staggering sum of money?

5 PHRASE If you make a fool of someone, you make them seem silly by telling people about something stupid that they have done, or by tricking them. □� Your brother is making a fool of you. □� He'd been made a fool of.

6 PHRASE If you make a fool of yourself, you behave in a way that makes other people think that you are silly or lacking in good judgment. □� He was drinking and making a fool of himself.

7 PHRASE If you say to someone ' More fool you' when they tell you what they have done or what they plan to do, you are indicating that you think that it is silly and shows a lack of judgment. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Most managers couldn't care less about information technology. More fool them.

8 PHRASE If you play the fool or act the fool , you behave in a playful, childish, and foolish way, usually in order to make other people laugh. □� They used to play the fool together, calling each other silly names and giggling.

▸� fool about →�see fool around3

▸� fool around

1 PHRASAL VERB If you fool around , you behave in a silly, dangerous, or irresponsible way. □�[V P ] They were fooling around on an Army firing range. □�[V P +�with ] Have you been fooling around with something you shouldn't?

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone fools around with another person, especially when one of them is married, they have a casual sexual relationship. □�[V P +�with ] Never fool around with the clients' wives. □�[V P ] Her husband was fooling around.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you fool around , you behave in a playful, childish, and silly way, often in order to make people laugh. [in BRIT, also use fool about ] □�[V P ] Stop fooling about, man. □�[V P ] They fooled around for the camera. SYNONYMS fool NOUN 1

simpleton:But Ian's such a simpleton', she laughed.

idiot:You're an idiot!

dunce:Michael may have been a dunce at mathematics, but he was gifted at languages.

dolt:He's a first-class dolt who insists on doing things his way. VERB 3

deceive:He has deceived and disillusioned us all.

trick:Stephen is going to be pretty upset when he finds out how you tricked him.

mislead:Jack was furious with his London doctors for having misled him.

dupe:�a plot to dupe stamp collectors into buying fake rarities.

fool|hardy /fuː lhɑː r di/ ADJ If you describe behaviour as foolhardy , you disapprove of it because it is extremely risky. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� When he tested an early vaccine on himself, some described the act as foolhardy.

fool|ish /fuː l I ʃ/

1 ADJ If someone's behaviour or action is foolish , it is not sensible and shows a lack of good judgment. □� It would be foolish to raise hopes unnecessarily. □� It is foolish to risk skin cancer. ●� fool|ish|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He admitted that he had acted foolishly. ●� fool|ish|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� They don't accept any foolishness when it comes to spending money.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you look or feel foolish , you look or feel so silly or ridiculous that people are likely to laugh at you. □� I didn't want him to look foolish and be laughed at. ●� fool|ish|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He saw me standing there, grinning foolishly at him.

fool|proof /fuː lpruːf/ ADJ Something such as a plan or a machine that is foolproof is so well designed, easy to understand, or easy to use that it cannot go wrong or be used wrongly. □� The system is not 100 per cent foolproof. □� I spent the day working out a foolproof plan to save him.

fools|cap /fuː lzk�p/ N‑UNCOUNT Foolscap is paper which is about 34 centimetres by 43 centimetres in size. [mainly BRIT ]

foo l's go ld

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fool's gold is a substance that is found in rock and that looks very like gold.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that a plan for getting money is fool's gold , you mean that it is foolish to carry it out because you are sure that it will fail or cause problems. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The British establishment seems to be off on another quest for fool's gold.

foo l's pa ra|dise N‑SING If you say that someone is living in a fool's paradise , you are criticizing them because they are not aware that their present happy situation is likely to change and get worse. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �living in a fool's paradise of false prosperity.

foot ◆◆◆ /fʊ t/ (feet )

1 N‑COUNT Your feet are the parts of your body that are at the ends of your legs, and that you stand on. □� She stamped her foot again. □� �a foot injury. □� �his aching arms and sore feet. ●� -footed COMB □� She was bare-footed. □� �pink-footed geese.

2 N‑SING Thefootof something is the part that is farthest from its top. □�[+�of ] David called to the children from the foot of the stairs. □�[+�of ] A single word at the foot of a page caught her eye.

3 N‑SING Thefootof a bed is the end nearest to the feet of the person lying in it. □�[+�of ] Friends stood at the foot of the bed, looking at her with serious faces.

4 N‑COUNT A foot is a unit for measuring length, height, or depth, and is equal to 12 inches or 30.48 centimetres. When you are giving measurements, the form 'foot' is often used as the plural instead of the plural form 'feet'. □� This beautiful and curiously shaped lake lies at around fifteen thousand feet. □� He occupies a cell 10 foot long, 6 foot wide and 10 foot high. □� I have to give my height in feet and inches.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A foot brake or foot pump is operated by your foot rather than by your hand. □� I tried to reach the foot brakes but I couldn't.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A foot patrol or foot soldiers walk rather than travelling in vehicles or on horseback. □� Paratroopers and foot-soldiers entered the building on the government's behalf.

7 →�see also footing

8 PHRASE If you get cold feetabout something, you become nervous or frightened about it because you think it will fail. □�[+�about ] The Government is getting cold feet about the reforms.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is finding their feet in a new situation, you mean that they are starting to feel confident and to deal with things successfully. □� I don't know anyone in England but I am sure I will manage when I find my feet.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone has their feet on the ground , you approve of the fact that they have a sensible and practical attitude towards life, and do not have unrealistic ideas. [APPROVAL ] □� In that respect he needs to keep his feet on the ground and not get carried away. □� Kevin was always level-headed with both feet on the ground.

11 PHRASE If you go somewhere on foot , you walk, rather than using any form of transport. □� We rowed ashore, then explored the island on foot for the rest of the day.

12 PHRASE If you are on your feet , you are standing up. □� Everyone was on their feet applauding wildly.

13 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is on their feet again after an illness or difficult period, you mean that they have recovered and are back to normal. □� He said they all needed to work together to put the country on its feet again.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone always falls or lands on their feet , you mean that they are always successful or lucky, although they do not seem to achieve this by their own efforts. □� He has good looks and charm, and always falls on his feet.

15 PHRASE If you say that someone has one foot in the grave , you mean that they are very old or very ill and will probably die soon. [INFORMAL ]

16 PHRASE If you say, in British English, the boot is on the other foot or, mainly in American English, the shoe is on the other foot , you mean that a situation has been reversed completely, so that the person who was in the better position before is now in the worse one. □� You're not in a position to remove me. The boot is now on the other foot.

17 PHRASE If someone puts their foot down , they use their authority in order to stop something happening. □� He should have put his foot down and said it was all far too early.

18 PHRASE If someone puts their foot down when they are driving, they drive as fast as they can. □� I asked the driver to put his foot down for Nagchukha.

19 PHRASE If someone puts their foot in it or puts their foot in their mouth , they accidentally do or say something which embarrasses or offends people. [INFORMAL ] □� Our chairman has really put his foot in it, poor man, though he doesn't know it.

20 PHRASE If you put your feet up , you relax or have a rest, especially by sitting or lying with your feet supported off the ground. □� After supper he'd put his feet up and read. It was a pleasant prospect.

21 PHRASE If you never put a foot wrong , you never make any mistakes. □� When he's around, we never put a foot wrong.

22 PHRASE If you say that someone sets foot in a place, you mean that they enter it or reach it, and you are emphasizing the significance of their action. If you say that someone neversets foot in a place, you are emphasizing that they never go there. [EMPHASIS ] □� �the day the first man set foot on the moon. □� A little later I left that place and never set foot in Texas again.

23 PHRASE If someone has to stand on their own two feet , they have to be independent and manage their lives without help from other people. □� My father didn't mind whom I married, so long as I could stand on my own two feet and wasn't dependent on my husband.

24 PHRASE If you get or rise to your feet , you stand up. □� Malone got to his feet and followed his superior out of the suite. □� He sprang to his feet and ran outside.

25 PHRASE If someone gets off on the wrong foot in a new situation, they make a bad start by doing something in completely the wrong way. □� Even though they had been preparing for the election for some time, they got off on the wrong foot.

26to foot the bill →�see bill

27foot in the door →�see door

28drag your feet →�see drag

29to vote with your feet →�see vote

foot|age /fʊ t I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Footage of a particular event is a film of it or the part of a film which shows this event. □� They are planning to show exclusive footage from this summer's festivals.

foo t-and-mou th dis|ease N‑UNCOUNT Foot-and-mouth disease or foot-and-mouth is a serious and highly infectious disease that affects cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats.

foot|ball ◆◆◇ /fʊ tbɔːl/ (footballs )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Football is a game played by two teams of eleven players using a round ball. Players kick the ball to each other and try to score goals by kicking the ball into a large net. [BRIT ] □� Several boys were still playing football on the waste ground. □� �Arsenal Football Club. □� �Italian football fans. in AM, use soccer2 N‑UNCOUNT Football is a game played by two teams of eleven players using an oval ball. Players carry the ball in their hands or throw it to each other as they try to score goals that are called touchdowns. [AM ] □� Two blocks beyond our school was a field where boys played football. □� �this year's national college football championship. in BRIT, use American football3 N‑COUNT A football is a ball that is used for playing football.

foot|ball|er /fʊ tbɔːlə r / (footballers ) N‑COUNT A footballer is a person who plays football, especially as a profession. [BRIT ] in AM, use soccer player

foot|balling /fʊ tbɔːl I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Footballing means relating to the playing of football. [BRIT ] □� My two years at Farnham were the best of my footballing life.

foo t|ball pools N‑PLURAL If you do the football pools , you take part in a gambling competition in which people try to win money by guessing the results of football matches. [BRIT ]

foot|bridge /fʊ tbr I dʒ/ (footbridges ) N‑COUNT A footbridge is a narrow bridge for people travelling on foot.

foo t-dragging N‑UNCOUNT Foot-dragging is the action of deliberately slowing down a plan or process. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� After years of foot-dragging, the government is listening.

-footed /-fʊ tid/

1 COMB -footed combines with words such as 'heavy' or 'light' to form adjectives which indicate how someone moves or walks. □� �a slim, light-footed little man. □� He was a nimble-footed boy of ten.

2 →�see also flat-footed , foot , sure-footed

foot|er /fʊ tə r / (footers ) N‑COUNT A footer is text such as a name or page number that can be automatically displayed at the bottom of each page of a printed document. Compare header . [COMPUTING ]

foot|fall /fʊ tfɔːl/ (footfalls ) N‑COUNT A footfall is the sound that is made by someone walking each time they take a step. [LITERARY ] □� She heard Tom's familiar, flat footfall on the staircase.

foot|hills /fʊ th I lz/ N‑PLURAL The foothills of a mountain or a range of mountains are the lower hills or mountains around its base. □�[+�of ] Pasadena lies in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains.

foot|hold /fʊ thoʊld/ (footholds )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A foothold is a strong or favourable position from which further advances or progress may be made. □�[+�in ] If British business is to have a successful future, companies must establish a firm foothold in Europe.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A foothold is a place such as a small hole or area of rock where you can safely put your foot when climbing. □�[+�on ] He lowered his legs until he felt he had a solid foothold on the rockface beneath him.

footie /fu ti/ also footy N‑UNCOUNT Footie is the same as football . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �footie fans. □� �a game of footie.

foot|ing /fʊ t I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu on N ] If something is put on a particular footing , it is defined, established, or changed in a particular way, often so that it is able to develop or exist successfully. □� The new law will put official corruption on the same legal footing as treason.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu on N ] If you are on a particular kind of footing with someone, you have that kind of relationship with them. □� They decided to put their relationship on a more formal footing. □� They are now trying to compete on an equal footing.

3 PHRASE If a country or armed force is on a war footing , it is ready to fight a war. □� The president placed the republic on a war footing.

4 N‑UNCOUNT You refer to your footing when you are referring to your position and how securely your feet are placed on the ground. For example, if you lose your footing , your feet slip and you fall. □� He was cautious of his footing, wary of the edge. □� He lost his footing and slid into the water.

foot|lights /fʊ tla I ts/ N‑PLURAL In a theatre, thefootlights are the row of lights along the front of the stage.

foot|locker /fʊ tlɒkə r / (footlockers ) also foot locker N‑COUNT A footlocker is a large box for keeping personal possessions in, especially one that is placed at the end of a bed. [AM ]

foot|loose /fʊ tluːs/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as footloose , you mean that they have no responsibilities or commitments, and are therefore free to do what they want and go where they want. □� People that are single tend to be more footloose.

2 PHRASE If you describe someone as footloose and fancy-free , you mean that they are not married or in a similar relationship, and you therefore consider them to have very few responsibilities or commitments.

foot|man /fʊ tmən/ (footmen ) N‑COUNT A footman is a male servant who typically does jobs such as opening doors or serving food, and who often wears a special uniform.

foot|note /fʊ tnoʊt/ (footnotes )

1 N‑COUNT A footnote is a note at the bottom of a page in a book which provides more detailed information about something that is mentioned on that page.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to what you are saying as a footnote , you mean that you are adding some information that is related to what has just been mentioned. □� As a footnote, I should add that there was one point on which his bravado was justified.

3 N‑COUNT If you describe an event as a footnote , you mean that it is fairly unimportant although it will probably be remembered. □� I'm afraid that his name will now become a footnote in history.

foot|path /fʊ tpɑːθ, -p�θ/ (footpaths ) N‑COUNT A footpath is a path for people to walk on, especially in the countryside.

foot|plate /fʊ tple I t/ (footplates ) N‑COUNT On a steam train, thefootplate is the place where the driver stands. [mainly BRIT ]

foot|print /fʊ tpr I nt/ (footprints ) N‑COUNT A footprint is a mark in the shape of a foot that a person or animal makes in or on a surface.

foot|sie /fʊ tsi/ PHRASE If someone plays footsiewith you, they touch your feet with their own feet, for example under a table, often as a playful way of expressing their romantic or sexual feelings towards you. [INFORMAL ]

foo t sol|dier (foot soldiers ) N‑COUNT The foot soldiers of a particular organization are people who seem unimportant and who do not have a high position but who do a large amount of very important and often very boring work.

foot|sore /fʊ tsɔː r / ADJ If you are footsore , you have sore or tired feet after walking a long way.

foot|step /fʊ tstep/ (footsteps )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A footstep is the sound or mark that is made by someone walking each time their foot touches the ground. □� I heard footsteps outside.

2 PHRASE If you follow in someone's footsteps , you do the same things as they did earlier. □� My father is extremely proud that I followed in his footsteps and became a doctor.

foot|stool /fʊ tstuːl/ (footstools ) N‑COUNT A footstool is a small low stool that you can rest your feet on when you are sitting in a chair.

foot|wear /fʊ tweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Footwear refers to things that people wear on their feet, for example shoes and boots. □� Some footballers get paid millions for endorsing footwear.

foot|work /fʊ twɜː r k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Footwork is the way in which you move your feet, especially in sports such as boxing, football, or tennis, or in dancing. □� This exercise improves your coordination, balance, timing and footwork.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's footwork in a difficult situation, you mean the clever way they deal with it. □� In the end, his brilliant legal footwork paid off.

fop|pish /fɒ p I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe a man as foppish , you disapprove of the fact that he dresses in beautiful, expensive clothes and is very proud of his appearance. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

for ◆◆◆ /fə r , STRONG fɔː r / In addition to the uses shown below, for is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information, and in phrasal verbs such as 'account for' and 'make up for'. It is also used with some verbs that have two objects in order to introduce the second object. 1 PREP If something is for someone, they are intended to have it or benefit from it. □� Isn't that enough for you? □� I have some free advice for you. □� �a table for two. □� Your mother is only trying to make things easier for you. □� What have you got for me this morning, Patrick? □� He wanted all the running of the business for himself.

2 PREP If you work or do a job for someone, you are employed by them. □� I knew he worked for a security firm. □� Have you had any experience writing for radio? □� �a buyer for one of the largest chain stores in the south.

3 PREP If you speak or act for a particular group or organization, you represent them. □� She appears nightly on the television news, speaking for the State Department. □� �the spokesman for the Democrats.

4 PREP If someone does something for you, they do it so that you do not have to do it. □� If your pharmacy doesn't stock the product you want, have them order it for you. □� He picked the bracelet up for me.

5 PREP If you feel a particular emotion for someone, you feel it on their behalf. □� This is the best thing you've ever done�I am so happy for you! □� He felt a great sadness for this little girl.

6 PREP If you feel a particular emotion for someone or something, they are the object of that emotion, and you feel it when you think about them. □� John, I'm sorry for Steve, but I think you've made the right decisions. □� Mack felt a pitiless contempt for her.

7 PREP You use for after words such as 'time', 'space', 'money', or 'energy' when you say how much there is or whether there is enough of it in order to be able to do or use a particular thing. □� Many new trains have space for wheelchair users. □� It would take three to six hours for a round trip. □� Chris couldn't even raise the energy for a smile.

8 PREP If something is for sale, hire, or use, it is available to be sold, hired, or used. □� �fishmongers displaying freshwater fish for sale. □� �a room for rent. □� �a comfortable chair, suitable for use in the living room.

9 PREP You use for when you state or explain the purpose of an object, action, or activity. □� Use olive oil for salad dressings. □� The knife for cutting sausage was sitting in the sink. □� �economic aid for the future reconstruction of the country.

10 PREP You use for after nouns expressing reason or cause. □� He's soon to make a speech in parliament explaining his reasons for going. □� The county hospital could find no physical cause for Sumner's problems. □� He has now been formally given the grounds for his arrest.

11 PREP For is used in conditional sentences, in expressions such as ' if not for ' and ' were it not for ', to introduce the only thing which prevents the main part of the sentence from being true. □� If not for John, Brian wouldn't have learned the truth. □� The earth would be a frozen ball if it were not for the radiant heat of the sun. □� She might have forgotten her completely had it not been for recurrent nightmares.

12 PREP You use for to say how long something lasts or continues. □� The toaster remained on for more than an hour. □� For a few minutes she sat on her bed watching the clock. □� They talked for a bit.

13 PREP You use for to say how far something extends. □� We drove on for a few miles. □� Great clouds of black smoke were rising for several hundred feet or so.

14 PREP If something is bought, sold, or done for a particular amount of money, that amount of money is its price. □� We got the bus back to Tange for 30 cents. □� The Martins sold their house for about 1.4 million pounds. □� The doctor was prepared to do the operation for a large sum.

15 PREP If something is planned for a particular time, it is planned to happen then. □� His next trip to Lanzarote is planned for April. □� Marks & Spencer will be unveiling its latest fashions for autumn and winter.

16 PREP If you do something for a particular occasion, you do it on that occasion or to celebrate that occasion. □� He asked his daughter what she would like for her birthday. □� I'll be home for Christmas.

17 PREP If you leave for a particular place or if you take a bus, train, plane, or boat for a place, you are going there. □� They would be leaving for Rio early the next morning.

18 PREP You use for when you make a statement about something in order to say how it affects or relates to someone, or what their attitude to it is. □� What matters for most scientists is money and facilities. □� For her, books were as necessary to life as bread. □� It would be excellent experience for him to travel a little.

19 PREP After some adjective, noun, and verb phrases, you use for to introduce the subject of the action indicated by the following infinitive verb. □� It might be possible for a single woman to be accepted as a foster parent. □� I had made arrangements for my affairs to be dealt with by one of my children. □� He held out his glass for an old waiter to refill.

20 PREP You use for when you say that an aspect of something or someone is surprising in relation to other aspects of them. □� He was tall for an eight-year-old. □� He had too much money for a young man.

21 PREP If you say that you are for a particular activity, you mean that this is what you want or intend to do. □� Right, who's for a toasted sandwich then? □� 'What'll it be?' Paul said.�'I'm for halibut.'

22 PREP [with neg] If you say that something is notfor you, you mean that you do not enjoy it or that it is not suitable for you. [INFORMAL ] □� Wendy decided the sport was not for her.

23 PREP If it is for you to do something, it is your responsibility or right to do it. □� I wish you would come back to Washington with us, but that's for you to decide. □� It is not for me to arrange such matters.

24 PREP If you are for something, you agree with it or support it. □� Are you for or against public transport? □� I'm for a government that the people respect and that respects the people.

25 PREP You use for after words such as 'argue', 'case', 'evidence', or 'vote' in order to introduce the thing that is being supported or proved. □� Another union has voted for industrial action in support of a pay claim. □� The case for nuclear power is impressive. □� We have no real, objective, scientific evidence for our belief. ●�ADV [ADV after v] For is also an adverb. □� 833 delegates voted for, and only 432 against.

26 PREP For is the preposition that is used after some nouns, adjectives, or verbs in order to introduce more information or to indicate what a quality, thing, or action relates to. □� Reduced-calorie cheese is a great substitute for cream cheese. □� Car park owners should be legally responsible for protecting vehicles. □� Be prepared for both warm and cool weather. □� Make sure you have ample time to prepare for the new day ahead.

27 PREP To be named for someone means to be given the same name as them. [AM ] □� The Brady Bill is named for former White House Press Secretary James Brady. in BRIT, use after28 PREP You use for with 'every' when you are stating a ratio, to introduce one of the things in the ratio. □� For every farm job that is lost, two or three other jobs in the area are put at risk. □� There can be up to 20 dogs for every one instructor.

29 PREP You can use for in expressions such as pound for pound or mile for mile when you are making comparisons between the values or qualities of different things. □� �the Antarctic, mile for mile one of the planet's most lifeless areas. □� He insists any tax cut be matched dollar-for-dollar with cuts in spending.

30 PREP If a word or expression has the same meaning as another word or expression, you can say that the first one is another word or expression for the second one. □� The technical term for sunburn is erythema.

31 PREP You use for in a piece of writing when you mention information which will be found somewhere else. □� For further information on dealing with allergies see pages 30-2.

32 PHRASE If you say that you are all for doing something, you agree or strongly believe that it should be done, but you are also often suggesting that other people disagree with you or that there are practical difficulties. □� He is all for players earning what they can while they are in the game. □� I was all for it, but Wolfe said no.

33 PHRASE If you are in for it or, in British English, if you are for it , you are likely to get into trouble because of something you have done. [INFORMAL ]

34 PHRASE You use expressions such as for the first time and for the last time when you are talking about how often something has happened before. □� He was married for the second time, this time to a Belgian. □� For the first time in my career, I was failing.

35as for →�see as ➋

36but for →�see but

37for all →�see all USAGE for

Don�t use �for� with an -ing form when saying why someone does something. Don�t say, for example, � He went to the city for finding work �. You say �He went to the city to find work� or �He went to the city in order to find work�. □� People would stroll down the path to admire the garden.

for|age /fɒ r I dʒ, [AM ] fɔː r-/ (forages , foraging , foraged )

1 VERB If someone forages for something, they search for it in a busy way. □�[V +�for ] They were forced to forage for clothing and fuel.

2 VERB When animals forage , they search for food. □�[V ] We disturbed a wild boar that had been foraging by the roadside. □�[V +�for ] The cat forages for food.

for|ay /fɒ re I , [AM ] fɔː re I / (forays )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] If you make a forayinto a new or unfamiliar type of activity, you start to become involved in it. □�[+�into ] The fashion house has made a discreet foray into furnishings. □�[+�into ] �her first forays into politics.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a short journey that you make as a foray if it seems to involve excitement or risk, for example because it is to an unfamiliar place or because you are looking for a particular thing. □�[+�into/to ] Most guests make at least one foray into the town.

3 N‑COUNT If a group of soldiers make a forayinto enemy territory, they make a quick attack there, and then return to their own territory. □�[+�into ] �a British military foray into Abyssinia.

for|bade /fə r b� d, -be I d/ Forbade is the past tense of forbid .

for|bear /fɔː r beə r / (forbears , forbearing , forbore , forborne ) VERB If you forbearto do something, you do not do it although you have the opportunity or the right to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] I forbore to comment on this. □�[V +�from ] Protesters largely forbore from stone-throwing and vandalism.

for|bear|ance /fɔː r beə rəns/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has shown forbearance , you admire them for behaving in a calm and sensible way about something that they have a right to be very upset or angry about. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� All the Greenpeace people behaved with impressive forbearance and dignity.

for|bear|ing /fɔː r beə r I ŋ/ ADJ Someone who is forbearing behaves in a calm and sensible way at a time when they would have a right to be very upset or angry. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ]

for|bid /fə r b I d/ (forbids , forbidding , forbade , forbidden )

1 VERB If you forbid someone to do something, or if you forbid an activity, you order that it must not be done. □�[V n to-inf] They'll forbid you to marry. □�[V n] Brazil's constitution forbids the military use of nuclear energy.

2 VERB If something forbids a particular course of action or state of affairs, it makes it impossible for the course of action or state of affairs to happen. □�[V n to-inf] His own pride forbids him to ask Arthur's help. □�[V n] Custom forbids any modernisation.

3God forbid →�see god

4heaven forbid →�see heaven

for|bid|den /fə r b I d ə n/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is forbidden , you are not allowed to do it or have it. □� Smoking was forbidden everywhere. □� It is forbidden to drive faster than 20mph.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A forbidden place is one that you are not allowed to visit or enter. □� This was a forbidden area for foreigners.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Forbidden is used to describe things that people strongly disapprove of or feel guilty about, and that are not often mentioned or talked about. □� The war was a forbidden subject. □� Divorce? It was such a forbidden word.

for|bi d|den frui t (forbidden fruits ) N‑VAR Forbidden fruit is a source of pleasure that involves breaking a rule or doing something that you are not supposed to do. □� �the forbidden fruit of an illicit romance.

for|bid|ding /fə r b I d I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe a person, place, or thing as forbidding , you mean they have a severe, unfriendly, or threatening appearance. □� There was something a little severe and forbidding about her face. □� �a huge, forbidding building.

force ◆◆◆ /fɔː r s/ (forces , forcing , forced )

1 VERB If someone forces you to do something, they make you do it even though you do not want to, for example by threatening you. □�[V n to-inf] The royal family were forced to flee with their infant son. □�[V n] I cannot force you in this. You must decide. □�[V n prep/adv] They were grabbed by three men who appeared to force them into a car.

2 VERB If a situation or event forces you to do something, it makes it necessary for you to do something that you would not otherwise have done. □�[V n to-inf] A back injury forced her to withdraw from the tournament. □�[V n +�into/to/out of ] He turned right, down a dirt road that forced him into four-wheel drive. □�[be V -ed +�into/to/out of ] She finally was forced to the conclusion that she wouldn't get another paid job in her field.

3 VERB If someone forces something on or upon you, they make you accept or use it when you would prefer not to. □�[V n +�on/upon ] To force this agreement on the nation is wrong.

4 VERB If you force something into a particular position, you use a lot of strength to make it move there. □�[V n prep/adv] They were forcing her head under the icy waters, drowning her.

5 VERB If someone forces a lock, a door, or a window, they break the lock or fastening in order to get into a building without using a key. □�[V n] That evening police forced the door of the flat and arrested Mr Roberts. □�[V n adj] He tried to force the window open but it was jammed shut.

6 N‑UNCOUNT If someone uses force to do something, or if it is done by force , strong and violent physical action is taken in order to achieve it. □� The government decided against using force to break up the demonstrations. □� �the guerrillas' efforts to seize power by force.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Force is the power or strength which something has. □� The force of the explosion shattered the windows of several buildings.

8 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone or something as a force in a particular type of activity, you mean that they have a strong influence on it. □�[+�in ] For years the army was the most powerful political force in the country. □�[+�behind ] One of the driving forces behind this recent expansion is the growth of services.

9 N‑UNCOUNT The forceof something is the powerful effect or quality that it has. □�[+�of ] He changed our world through the force of his ideas.

10 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can use forces to refer to processes and events that do not appear to be caused by human beings, and are therefore difficult to understand or control. □�[+�of ] �the forces of nature: epidemics, predators, floods, hurricanes. □� The principle of market forces was applied to some of the country's most revered institutions.

11 N‑VAR In physics, a force is the pulling or pushing effect that something has on something else. □� �the earth's gravitational force. □� �protons and electrons trapped by magnetic forces in the Van Allen belts.

12 N‑UNCOUNT Force is used before a number to indicate a wind of a particular speed or strength, especially a very strong wind. □� Northerly winds will increase to force six by midday.

13 VERB If you force a smile or a laugh, you manage to smile or laugh, but with an effort because you are unhappy. □�[V n] Joe forced a smile, but underneath he was a little disturbed. □�[V -ed] 'Why don't you offer me a drink?' he asked, with a forced smile.

14 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Forces are groups of soldiers or military vehicles that are organized for a particular purpose. □� �the deployment of American forces in the region.

15 N‑PLURAL Theforces means the army, the navy, or the air force, or all three. □� The more senior you become in the forces, the more likely you are to end up in a desk job.

16 N‑SING Theforce is sometimes used to mean the police force. □� It was hard for a police officer to make friends outside the force.

17 →�see also air force , armed forces , labour force , peacekeeping , task force , tour de force , workforce

18 PHRASE If you do something fromforce of habit , you do it because you have always done it in the past, rather than because you have thought carefully about it. □� Unconsciously, by force of habit, she plugged the coffee pot in.

19 PHRASE A law, rule, or system that is in force exists or is being used. □� Although the new tax is already in force, you have until November to lodge an appeal.

20 PHRASE When people do something in force , they do it in large numbers. □� Voters turned out in force for their first taste of multi-party elections.

21 PHRASE If you join forceswith someone, you work together in order to achieve a common aim or purpose. □�[+�with ] She joins forces with a maverick detective to expose the killer.

22 PHRASE If you force your waythrough or into somewhere, you have to push or break things that are in your way in order to get there. □�[+�through ] The miners were armed with clubs as they forced their way through a police cordon. □�[+�into ] He forced his way into a house shouting for help.

23to force someone's hand →�see hand ➊

▸� force back PHRASAL VERB If you force back an emotion or desire, you manage, with an effort, not to experience it. □�[V P n] Nancy forced back tears. She wasn't going to cry in front of all those people. [Also V n P ]

forced /fɔː r st/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A forced action is something that you do because someone else makes you do it. □� A system of forced labour was used on the cocoa plantations.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A forced action is something that you do because circumstances make it necessary. □� He made a forced landing on a highway.

3 ADJ If you describe something as forced , you mean it does not happen naturally and easily. □� �a forced smile. □� She called him darling. It sounded so forced.

fo rce-fee d (force-feeds , force-feeding , force-fed ) VERB If you force-feed a person or animal, you make them eat or drink by pushing food or drink down their throat. □�[V n] Production of foie gras by force-feeding of birds is banned in Britain but imports are allowed.

force|ful /fɔː r sfʊl/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as forceful , you approve of them because they express their opinions and wishes in a strong, emphatic, and confident way. [APPROVAL ] □� He was a man of forceful character, with considerable insight and diplomatic skills. ●� force|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Mrs. Dambar was talking very rapidly and somewhat forcefully. ●� force|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� She had inherited her father's forcefulness.

2 ADJ Something that is forceful has a very powerful effect and causes you to think or feel something very strongly. □� It made a very forceful impression on me. □� For most people a heart attack is a forceful reminder that they are mortal. ●� force|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Daytime television tended to remind her too forcefully of her own situation.

3 ADJ A forceful point or argument in a discussion is one that is good, valid, and convincing.

for|ceps /fɔː r seps/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Forceps are an instrument consisting of two long narrow arms. Forceps are used by a doctor to hold things.

for|cible /fɔː r s I b ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Forcible action involves physical force or violence. □� �the forcible resettlement of villagers from the countryside into towns.

ford /fɔː r d/ (fords , fording , forded )

1 N‑COUNT A ford is a shallow place in a river or stream where it is possible to cross safely without using a boat.

2 VERB If you ford a river or stream, you cross it without using a boat, usually at a shallow point. □�[V n] They were guarding the bridge, so we forded the river.

fore /fɔː r /

1 PHRASE If someone or something comes to the fore in a particular situation or group, they become important or popular. □� A number of low-budget independent films brought new directors and actors to the fore.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Fore is used to refer to parts at the front of an animal, ship, or aircraft. □� There had been no direct damage in the fore part of the ship.

fore|arm /fɔː rɑː r m/ (forearms ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your forearm is the part of your arm between your elbow and your wrist.

fore|armed /fɔː r ɑː r md/ PHRASE If you say ' Forewarned is forearmed ', you are saying that if you know about a problem or situation in advance, you will be able to deal with it when you need to.

fore|bear /fɔː r beə r / (forebears ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Your forebears are your ancestors. [LITERARY ] □� I'll come back to the land of my forebears.

fore|bod|ing /fɔː r boʊ d I ŋ/ (forebodings ) N‑VAR Foreboding is a strong feeling that something terrible is going to happen. □� His triumph was overshadowed by an uneasy sense of foreboding.

fore|cast ◆◇◇ /fɔː r kɑːst, -k�st/ (forecasts , forecasting , forecasted ) The forms forecast and forecasted can both be used for the past tense and past participle. 1 N‑COUNT A forecast is a statement of what is expected to happen in the future, especially in relation to a particular event or situation. □�[+�of ] �a forecast of a 2.25 per cent growth in the economy. □� He delivered his election forecast. □� The weather forecast is better for today.

2 VERB If you forecast future events, you say what you think is going to happen in the future. □�[V n] They forecast a humiliating defeat for the Prime Minister. □�[V that] He forecasts that average salary increases will remain around 4 per cent.

3 →�see also weather forecast SYNONYMS forecast NOUN 1

prediction:Weather prediction has never been a perfect science.

projection:�the company's projection of 11 million visitors for the first year.

prognosis:�a gloomy prognosis of the Scots' championship prospects.

prophecy:The youth, too, fulfilled the prophecy.

fore|cast|er /fɔː r kɑːstə r , -k�st-/ (forecasters )

1 N‑COUNT A forecaster is someone who uses detailed knowledge about a particular activity in order to work out what they think will happen in that activity in the future. □� Some of the nation's top economic forecasters say the economic recovery is picking up speed.

2 →�see also weather forecaster

fore|cas|tle /foʊ ksl/ (forecastles ) or fo'c'sle N‑COUNT Theforecastle is the part at the front of a ship where the sailors live.

fore|close /fɔː r kloʊ z/ (forecloses , foreclosing , foreclosed ) VERB If the person or organization that lent someone money forecloses , they take possession of a property that was bought with the borrowed money, for example because regular repayments have not been made. [BUSINESS ] □�[V +�on ] The bank foreclosed on the mortgage for his previous home. [Also V ]

fore|clo|sure /fɔː r kloʊ ʒə r / (foreclosures ) N‑VAR Foreclosure is when someone who has lent money to a person or organization so that they can buy property takes possession of the property because the money has not been repaid. [BUSINESS ] □� If homeowners can't keep up the payments, they face foreclosure. □� If interest rates go up, won't foreclosures rise?

fore|court /fɔː r kɔː r t/ (forecourts ) N‑COUNT [n N ] The forecourt of a large building or petrol station is the open area at the front of it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] I locked the bike in the forecourt of the Kirey Hotel.

fore|deck /fɔː r dek/ (foredecks ) N‑COUNT Theforedeck is the part of the deck at the front of a ship.

fore|father /fɔː r fɑː�ə r / (forefathers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu poss N ] Your forefathers are your ancestors, especially your male ancestors. [LITERARY ] □� They were determined to go back to the land of their forefathers.

fore|finger /fɔː r f I ŋgə r / (forefingers ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your forefinger is the finger that is next to your thumb. □� He took the pen between his thumb and forefinger.

fore|foot /fɔː r fʊt/ (forefeet ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A four-legged animal's forefeet are its two front feet.

fore|front /fɔː r frʌnt/

1 N‑SING [usu at/in/to N ] If you are at the forefront of a campaign or other activity, you have a leading and influential position in it. □�[+�of/in ] They have been at the forefront of the campaign for political change.

2 N‑SING [usu at/in/to N of n] If something is atthe forefrontof people's minds or attention, they think about it a lot because it is particularly important to them. □� The pension issue was not at the forefront of his mind in the spring of 1985.

fore|go /fɔː r goʊ / (foregoes , foregoing , forewent , foregone ) also forgo VERB If you forego something, you decide to do without it, although you would like it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Keen skiers are happy to forego a summer holiday to go skiing.

fore|going /fɔː r goʊ I ŋ, fɔː r goʊ -/ PRON You can refer to what has just been stated or mentioned as the foregoing . [FORMAL ] □� You might think from the foregoing that the French want to phase accents out. Not at all. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Foregoing is also an adjective. □� The foregoing paragraphs were written in 1985.

fore|gone /fɔː r gɒn/

1Foregone is the past participle of forego .

2 PHRASE If you say that a particular result is a foregone conclusion , you mean you are certain that it will happen. □� Most voters believe the result is a foregone conclusion.

fore|ground /fɔː r graʊnd/ (foregrounds )

1 N‑VAR [oft in the N ] Theforeground of a picture or scene you are looking at is the part or area of it that appears nearest to you. □� He is the bowler-hatted figure in the foreground of Orpen's famous painting.

2 N‑SING [oft in/to N ] If something or someone is in theforeground , or comes to theforeground , they receive a lot of attention. □� This is another worry that has come to the foreground in recent years.

fore|hand /fɔː r h�nd/ (forehands ) N‑COUNT A forehand is a shot in tennis or squash in which the palm of your hand faces the direction in which you are hitting the ball. □� Agassi saw his chance and, with another lightning forehand, reached match point.

fore|head /fɒ r I d, fɔː r hed/ (foreheads ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your forehead is the area at the front of your head between your eyebrows and your hair.

for|eign ◆◆◆ /fɒ r I n, [AM ] fɔː r-/

1 ADJ Something or someone that is foreign comes from or relates to a country that is not your own. □� �a huge attraction for foreign visitors. □� She was on her first foreign holiday without her parents. □� �a foreign language. □� It is the largest ever private foreign investment in the Bolivian mining sector.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In politics and journalism, foreign is used to describe people, jobs, and activities relating to countries that are not the country of the person or government concerned. □� �the German foreign minister. □� I am the foreign correspondent in Washington of La Tribuna newspaper of Honduras. □� �the effects of U.S. foreign policy in the 'free world'.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A foreign object is something that has got into something else, usually by accident, and should not be there. [FORMAL ] □� The patient's immune system would reject the transplanted organ as a foreign object.

4 ADJ Something that is foreignto a particular person or thing is not typical of them or is unknown to them. □�[+�to ] The very notion of price competition is foreign to many schools.

fo r|eign bo dy (foreign bodies ) N‑COUNT A foreign body is an object that has come into something else, usually by accident, and should not be in it. [FORMAL ] □� �a foreign body in the eye.

for|eign|er ◆◇◇ /fɒ r I nə r , [AM ] fɔː r-/ (foreigners ) N‑COUNT A foreigner is someone who belongs to a country that is not your own. □� They are discouraged from becoming close friends with foreigners.

fo r|eign ex|cha nge (foreign exchanges )

1 N‑PLURAL Foreign exchanges are the institutions or systems involved with changing one currency into another. □� On the foreign exchanges, the U.S. dollar is up point forty-five.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Foreign exchange is used to refer to foreign currency that is obtained through the foreign exchange system. □� �an important source of foreign exchange. □� �foreign-exchange traders.

Fo r|eign Of|fice (Foreign Offices ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] TheForeign Office is the government department, especially in Britain, which has responsibility for the government's dealings and relations with foreign governments. □� �a Foreign Office spokesman.

fo r|eign ser|vice N‑SING The foreign service is the government department that employs diplomats to work in foreign countries. [AM ] in BRIT, use diplomatic service

fore|knowl|edge /fɔː r nɒ l I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you have foreknowledgeof an event or situation, you have some knowledge of it before it actually happens. □�[+�of ] She has maintained that the General had foreknowledge of the plot.

fore|leg /fɔː r leg/ (forelegs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A four-legged animal's forelegs are its two front legs.

fore|lock /fɔː r lɒk/ (forelocks )

1 N‑COUNT A forelock is a piece of hair that falls over your forehead. People often used to pull their forelocks to show respect for other people of a higher class than they were.

2 PHRASE If you say that a person tugs their forelock to another person, you are criticizing them for showing too much respect to the second person or being unnecessarily worried about their opinions. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ]

fore|man /fɔː r mən/ (foremen )

1 N‑COUNT A foreman is a person, especially a man, in charge of a group of workers. □� He visited the dairy daily, but left the business details to his foreman.

2 N‑COUNT The foreman of a jury is the person who is chosen as their leader. □� There was applause from the public gallery as the foreman of the jury announced the verdict.

fore|most /fɔː r moʊst/

1 ADJ The foremost thing or person in a group is the most important or best. □� He was one of the world's foremost scholars of ancient Indian culture.

2 PHRASE You use first and foremost to emphasize the most important quality of something or someone. [EMPHASIS ] □� It is first and foremost a trade agreement.

fore|name /fɔː r ne I m/ (forenames ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your forename is your first name. Your forenames are your names other than your surname. [FORMAL ]

fore|noon /fɔː r nuːn/ N‑SING The forenoon is the morning. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

fo|ren|sic /fəre ns I k/ (forensics )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Forensic is used to describe the work of scientists who examine evidence in order to help the police solve crimes. □� They were convicted on forensic evidence alone. □� Forensic experts searched the area for clues.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Forensics is the use of scientific techniques to solve crimes. □� �the newest advances in forensics. □� �federal forensics legislation.

fore|play /fɔː r ple I / N‑UNCOUNT Foreplay is activity such as kissing and stroking when it takes place before sexual intercourse.

fore|run|ner /fɔː r rʌnə r / (forerunners ) N‑COUNT If you describe a person or thing as the forerunnerof someone or something similar, you mean they existed before them and either influenced their development or were a sign of what was going to happen. □�[+�of ] �a machine which, in some respects, was the forerunner of the modern helicopter.

fore|see /fɔː r siː / (foresees , foreseeing , foresaw , foreseen ) VERB If you foresee something, you expect and believe that it will happen. □�[V n] He did not foresee any problems. □�[V that] He could never have foreseen that one day his books would sell in millions. [Also V wh]

fore|see|able /fɔː r siː əb ə l/

1 ADJ If a future event is foreseeable , you know that it will happen or that it can happen, because it is a natural or obvious consequence of something else that you know. □� It seems to me that this crime was foreseeable and this death preventable.

2 PHRASE If you say that something will happen for the foreseeable future , you think that it will continue to happen for a long time. □� Profit and dividend growth looks like being above average for the foreseeable future.

3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen in the foreseeable future you mean that you think it will happen fairly soon. □� So, might they finally have free elections in the foreseeable future?

fore|shad|ow /fɔː r ʃ� doʊ/ (foreshadows , foreshadowing , foreshadowed ) VERB If something foreshadows an event or situation, it suggests that it will happen. □�[V n] The disappointing sales figures foreshadow more redundancies.

fore|shore /fɔː r ʃɔː r / (foreshores ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Beside the sea, a lake, or a wide river, theforeshore is the part of the shore which is between the highest and lowest points reached by the water.

fore|short|en /fɔː r ʃɔː r t ə n/ (foreshortens , foreshortening , foreshortened ) VERB To foreshorten someone or something means to draw them, photograph them, or see them from an unusual angle so that the parts of them that are furthest away seem smaller than they really are. □�[V n] She could see herself in the reflecting lenses, which had grotesquely foreshortened her.

fore|sight /fɔː r sa I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Someone's foresight is their ability to see what is likely to happen in the future and to take appropriate action. [APPROVAL ] □� He was later criticised for his lack of foresight. □� They had the foresight to invest in new technology.

fore|skin /fɔː r sk I n/ (foreskins ) N‑VAR A man's foreskin is the skin that covers the end of his penis.

for|est ◆◇◇ /fɒ r I st, [AM ] fɔː r-/ (forests )

1 N‑VAR A forest is a large area where trees grow close together. □� Parts of the forest are still dense and inaccessible. □� �25 million hectares of forest.

2 N‑COUNT A forest of tall or narrow objects is a group of them standing or sticking upright. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] They descended from the plane into a forest of microphones and cameras.

fore|stall /fɔː r stɔː l/ (forestalls , forestalling , forestalled ) VERB If you forestall someone, you realize what they are likely to do and prevent them from doing it. □�[V n] Large numbers of police were in the square to forestall any demonstrations.

for|est|ed /fɒ r I st I d, [AM ] fɔː r-/ ADJ A forested area is an area covered in trees growing closely together. □� �a thickly forested valley. □� Only 8 per cent of the country is forested.

for|est|er /fɒ r I stə r , [AM ] fɔː r-/ (foresters ) N‑COUNT A forester is a person whose job is to look after the trees in a forest and to plant new ones.

for|est|ry /fɒ r I stri, [AM ] fɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Forestry is the science or skill of growing and taking care of trees in forests, especially in order to obtain wood.

fore|taste /fɔː r te I st/ (foretastes ) N‑COUNT [usu a N of n] If you describe an event as aforetasteof a future situation, you mean that it suggests to you what that future situation will be like. □�[+�of ] It was a foretaste of things to come.

fore|tell /fɔː r te l/ (foretells , foretelling , foretold ) VERB If you foretell a future event, you predict that it will happen. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] �prophets who have foretold the end of the world. [Also V that/wh]

fore|thought /fɔː r θɔːt/ N‑UNCOUNT If you act with forethought , you think carefully before you act about what will be needed, or about what the consequences will be. □� With a little forethought many accidents could be avoided.

fore|told /fɔː r toʊ ld/ Foretold is the past tense and past participle of foretell .

for|ever /fəre və r / also for ever

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you say that something will happen or continue forever , you mean that it will always happen or continue. □� I think that we will live together forever. □� I will forever be grateful for his considerable input.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If something has gone or changed forever , it has gone or changed completely and permanently. □� The old social order was gone forever. □� Their lives changed forever.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you say that something takes forever or lasts forever , you are emphasizing that it takes or lasts a very long time, or that it seems to. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The drive seemed to take forever.

fore|warn /fɔː r wɔː r n/ (forewarns , forewarning , forewarned )

1 VERB If you forewarn someone about something, you warn them in advance that it is going to happen. □�[V n +�of/about ] The Macmillan Guide had forewarned me of what to expect. [Also V n that, V n]

2forewarned is forearmed →�see forearmed

fore|went /fɔː r we nt/ Forewent is the past tense of forego .

fore|word /fɔː r wɜː r d/ (forewords ) N‑COUNT The foreword to a book is an introduction by the author or by someone else.

forex /fɒ reks/ N‑UNCOUNT Forex is an abbreviation for foreign exchange . □� �the forex market.

for|feit /fɔː r f I t/ (forfeits , forfeiting , forfeited )

1 VERB If you forfeit something, you lose it or are forced to give it up because you have broken a rule or done something wrong. □�[V n] He was ordered to forfeit more than �1.5m in profits. □�[V n] He argues that murderers forfeit their own right to life.

2 VERB If you forfeit something, you give it up willingly, especially so that you can achieve something else. □�[V n] He has forfeited a lucrative fee but feels his well-being is more important.

3 N‑COUNT A forfeit is something that you have to give up because you have done something wrong. □� That is the forfeit he must pay.

for|fei|ture /fɔː r f I tʃə r / (forfeitures ) N‑VAR Forfeiture is the action of forfeiting something. [LEGAL ] □�[+�of ] �the forfeiture of illegally obtained profits. □�[+�of ] Both face maximum forfeitures of about $1.2 million.

for|gave /fə r ge I v/ Forgave is the past tense of forgive .

forge /fɔː r dʒ/ (forges , forging , forged )

1 VERB If one person or institution forges an agreement or relationship with another, they create it with a lot of hard work, hoping that it will be strong or lasting. □�[V n +�with ] The Prime Minister is determined to forge a good relationship with America's new leader. □�[V n] They agreed to forge closer economic ties. □�[V n between ] The programme aims to forge links between higher education and small businesses. □�[V n] The pair forged a formidable alliance.

2 VERB If someone forges something such as a banknote, a document, or a painting, they copy it or make it so that it looks genuine, in order to deceive people. □�[V n] She alleged that Taylor had forged her signature on the form. □�[V -ed] They used forged documents to leave the country. ●� forg|er (forgers ) N‑COUNT □� �the most prolific art forger in the country.

3 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A forge is a place where someone makes metal goods and equipment by heating pieces of metal and then shaping them. □� �the blacksmith's forge. □� �Woodbury Blacksmith & Forge Co.

4 VERB If someone forges an object out of metal, they heat the metal and then hammer and bend it into the required shape. □�[V n] To forge a blade takes great skill.

▸� forge ahead PHRASAL VERB If you forge ahead with something, you continue with it and make a lot of progress with it. □�[V P +�with ] He again pledged to forge ahead with his plans for reform. □�[V P ] The two companies forged ahead, innovating and expanding.

for|gery /fɔː r dʒəri/ (forgeries )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Forgery is the crime of forging money, documents, or paintings. □� He was found guilty of forgery.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a forged document, banknote, or painting as a forgery . □� The letter was a forgery.

for|get ◆◆◇ /fə r ge t/ (forgets , forgetting , forgot , forgotten )

1 VERB If you forget something or forget how to do something, you cannot think of it or think how to do it, although you knew it or knew how to do it in the past. □�[V n] Sometimes I improvise and change the words because I forget them. □�[V wh] She forgot where she left the car and it took us two days to find it.

2 VERB If you forget something or forget to do it, you fail to think about it or fail to remember to do it, for example because you are thinking about other things. □�[V n] She never forgets her daddy's birthday. □�[V to-inf] She forgot to lock her door one day and two men got in. □�[V that] Don't forget that all dogs need a supply of fresh water to drink. □�[V +�about ] She forgot about everything but the sun and the wind and the salt spray.

3 VERB If you forget something that you had intended to bring with you, you do not bring it because you did not think about it at the right time. □�[V n] Once when we were going to Paris, I forgot my passport. [Also V +�about ]

4 VERB If you forget something or someone, you deliberately put them out of your mind and do not think about them any more. □�[V n] I hope you will forget the bad experience you had today. □�[V +�about ] I found it very easy to forget about Sumner. □�[V that] She tried to forget that sometimes she heard them quarrelling.

5 CONVENTION You say ' Forget it ' in reply to someone as a way of telling them not to worry or bother about something, or as an emphatic way of saying no to a suggestion. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'Sorry, Liz. I think I was a bit rude to you.'�'Forget it, but don't do it again!' □� 'You want more?' roared Claire. 'Forget it, honey.'

6 PHRASE You say not forgetting a particular thing or person when you want to include them in something that you have already talked about. □� The first thing is to support as many shows as one can, not forgetting the small local ones.

for|get|ful /fə r ge tfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is forgetful often forgets things. □� My mother has become very forgetful and confused recently.

forge t-me-not (forget-me-nots ) N‑COUNT A forget-me-not is a small plant with tiny blue flowers.

for|get|table /fə r ge təb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as forgettable , you mean that they do not have any qualities that make them special, unusual, or interesting. □� He has acted in three forgettable action films.

for|giv|able /fə r g I vəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something bad is forgivable , you mean that you can understand it and can forgive it in the circumstances. □� Is infidelity ever forgivable?

for|give /fə r g I v/ (forgives , forgiving , forgave , forgiven )

1 VERB If you forgive someone who has done something bad or wrong, you stop being angry with them and no longer want to punish them. □�[V n] Hopefully she'll understand and forgive you, if she really loves you. □�[V n +�for ] She'd find a way to forgive him for the theft of the money. □�[V n n] Still, for those flashes of genius, you can forgive him anything. [Also V ]

2 V-PASSIVE If you say that someone could be forgiven for doing something, you mean that they were wrong or mistaken, but not seriously, because many people would have done the same thing in those circumstances. □�[be V -ed +�for ] Looking at the figures, you could be forgiven for thinking the recession is already over.

3 VERB Forgive is used in polite expressions and apologies like ' forgive me ' and ' forgive my ignorance ' when you are saying or doing something that might seem rude, silly, or complicated. [POLITENESS ] □�[V n] Forgive me, I don't mean to insult you. □�[V n] I do hope you'll forgive me but I've got to leave. □�[V n] 'Forgive my manners,' she said calmly. 'I neglected to introduce myself.'

4 VERB If an organization such as a bank forgives someone's debt, they agree not to ask for that money to be repaid. □�[V n] This man has just been forgiven a debt of $10 million.

for|give|ness /fə r g I vnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT If you ask for forgiveness , you ask to be forgiven for something wrong that you have done. □� I offered up a short prayer for forgiveness. □� �a spirit of forgiveness and national reconciliation.

for|giv|ing /fə r g I v I ŋ/ ADJ Someone who is forgiving is willing to forgive. □� Voters can be remarkably forgiving of presidents who fail to keep their campaign promises.

for|go /fɔː r goʊ / →�see forego

for|got /fə r gɒ t/ Forgot is the past tense of forget .

for|got|ten /fə r gɒ t ə n/ Forgotten is the past participle of forget .

fork /fɔː r k/ (forks , forking , forked )

1 N‑COUNT A fork is a tool used for eating food which has a row of three or four long metal points at the end. □� �knives and forks.

2 VERB If you fork food into your mouth or onto a plate, you put it there using a fork. □�[V n +�into/onto ] Ann forked some fish into her mouth. □�[V n +�into/onto ] He forked an egg onto a piece of bread and folded it into a sandwich.

3 N‑COUNT A garden fork is a tool used for breaking up soil which has a row of three or four long metal points at the end.

4 N‑COUNT A fork in a road, path, or river is a point at which it divides into two parts and forms a 'Y' shape. □�[+�in ] We arrived at a fork in the road. □� The road divides; you should take the right fork.

5 VERB [no cont] If a road, path, or river forks , it forms a fork. □�[V ] Beyond the village the road forked. □�[V prep/adv] The path dipped down to a sort of cove, and then it forked in two directions.

6 →�see also tuning fork

▸� fork out PHRASAL VERB If you fork outfor something, you spend a lot of money on it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�for/on ] He will have to fork out for private school fees for Nina. □�[V P ] You don't ask people to fork out every time they drive up the motorways. □�[V P n +�for/on ] Britons fork out more than a billion pounds a year on toys.

forked /fɔː r kt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that divides into two parts and forms a 'Y' shape can be described as forked . □� Jaegers are swift black birds with long forked tails.

fo rked li ght|ning N‑UNCOUNT Forked lightning is lightning that divides into two or more parts near the ground.

fork|ful /fɔː r kfʊl/ (forkfuls ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food on a fork as a forkfulof food. □�[+�of ] I put a forkful of fillet steak in my mouth.

fork|lift truck /fɔː r kl I ftrʌ k/ (forklift trucks ) in BRIT, also use fork-lift truck N‑COUNT A forklift truck or a forklift is a small vehicle with two movable parts on the front that are used to lift heavy loads.

for|lorn /fɔː r lɔː r n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If someone is forlorn , they feel alone and unhappy. [LITERARY ] □� One of the demonstrators, a young woman, sat forlorn on the pavement.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A forlorn hope or attempt is one that you think has no chance of success. □� Peasants have left the land in the forlorn hope of finding a better life in cities.

form ◆◆◆ /fɔː r m/ (forms , forming , formed )

1 N‑COUNT A formof something is a type or kind of it. □�[+�of ] He contracted a rare form of cancer. □�[+�of ] Doctors are willing to take some form of industrial action. □� I am against hunting in any form.

2 N‑COUNT When something can exist or happen in several possible ways, you can use form to refer to one particular way in which it exists or happens. □�[+�of ] Valleys often take the form of deep canyons. □�[+�of ] They received a benefit in the form of a tax reduction.

3 VERB When a particular shape forms or is formed , people or things move or are arranged so that this shape is made. □�[V ] A queue forms outside Peter's study. □�[V n] They formed a circle and sang 'Auld Lang Syne'. □�[V +�into ] The General gave orders for the cadets to form into lines. [Also V n +�into ]

4 N‑COUNT The form of something is its shape. □� �the form of the body.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to something that you can see as a form if you cannot see it clearly, or if its outline is the clearest or most striking aspect of it. □� She thought she'd never been so glad to see his bulky form.

6 VERB If something is arranged or changed so that it becomes similar to a thing with a particular structure or function, you can say that it forms that thing. □�[V n] These panels folded up to form a screen some five feet tall.

7 VERB If something consists of particular things, people, or features, you can say that they form that thing. □�[V n] Cereals form the staple diet of an enormous number of people around the world.

8 VERB If you form an organization, group, or company, you start it. □�[V n] They tried to form a study group on human rights. □�[V pron-refl +�into ] They formed themselves into teams.

9 VERB When something natural forms or is formed , it begins to exist and develop. □�[V ] The stars must have formed 10 to 15 billion years ago. □�[be V -ed] Huge ice sheets were formed.

10 VERB If you form a relationship, a habit, or an idea, or if it forms , it begins to exist and develop. □�[V n] This should help him form lasting relationships. □�[V ] An idea formed in his mind.

11 VERB If you say that something forms a person's character or personality, you mean that it has a strong influence on them and causes them to develop in a particular way. □�[V n] Anger at injustice formed his character.

12 N‑UNCOUNT In sport, form refers to the ability or success of a person or animal over a period of time. □� His form this season has been brilliant.

13 N‑COUNT A form is a paper with questions on it and spaces marked where you should write the answers. Forms usually ask you to give details about yourself, for example when you are applying for a job or joining an organization. □� You will be asked to fill in a form with details of your birth and occupation. □� �application forms.

14 →�see also sixth form

15 PHRASE If you say that it is bad form to behave in a particular way, you mean that it is rude and impolite. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� It was thought bad form to discuss business on social occasions.

16 PHRASE If you say that someone is in good form , you mean that they seem healthy and cheerful. [BRIT ]

17 PHRASE If you say that someone is off form , you think they are not performing as well as they usually do. [BRIT ]

18 PHRASE If you say that someone is on form , you think that they are performing their usual activity very well. [BRIT ] □� The Booker prizewinner is back on form in this likable tale.

19 PHRASE When something takes form , it develops or begins to be visible. □� As plans took form in her mind, she realized the need for an accomplice. □� The face of Mrs Lisbon took form in the dimness.

20 PHRASE If someone or something behaves true to form , they do what is expected and is typical of them. □� My luck was running true to form. □� True to form, she kept her guests waiting for more than 90 minutes. SYNONYMS form NOUN 1

type:�several types of lettuce.

kind:The party needs a different kind of leadership.

sort:What sort of school did you go to?

variety:She has 12 varieties of old-fashioned roses.

for|mal ◆◆◇ /fɔː r m ə l/ (formals )

1 ADJ Formal speech or behaviour is very correct and serious rather than relaxed and friendly, and is used especially in official situations. □� He wrote a very formal letter of apology to Douglas. □� Business relationships are necessarily a bit more formal. ●� for|mal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He took her back to Vincent Square in a taxi, saying goodnight formally on the doorstep. ●� for|mal|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� Lillith's formality and seriousness amused him.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A formal action, statement, or request is an official one. □� U.N. officials said a formal request was passed to American authorities. □� No formal announcement had been made. ●� for|mal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Diplomats haven't formally agreed to Anderson's plan.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Formal occasions are special occasions at which people wear smart clothes and behave according to a set of accepted rules. □� One evening the film company arranged a formal dinner after the play. ●�N‑COUNT Formal is also a noun. □� �a wide array of events, including school formals and speech nights, weddings, and balls.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Formal clothes are very smart clothes that are suitable for formal occasions. □� They wore ordinary ties instead of the more formal high collar and cravat. ●� for|mal|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� It was really too warm for her to dress so formally.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Formal education or training is given officially, usually in a school, college, or university. □� Leroy didn't have any formal dance training. ●� for|mal|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� Mr Dawe was the ancient, formally trained head gardener.

6 →�see also formality SYNONYMS formal ADJ 2

official:An official announcement is expected in the next few days.

proper:The Supreme Court will ensure that the proper procedures have been followed.

correct:We were rather surprised by their sporting and correct behaviour.

for|mal|de|hyde /fɔː r m� ldiha I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling gas, used especially to preserve parts of animals or plants for biological study.

for|mal|ise /fɔː r məla I z/ →�see formalize

for|mal|ism /fɔː r məl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Formalism is a style, especially in art, in which great attention is paid to the outward form or appearance rather than to the inner reality or significance of things. ●� for|mal|ist ADJ [ADJ n] □� �art based on formalist principles.

for|mal|ity /fɔː r m� l I ti/ (formalities )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that an action or procedure is just a formality , you mean that it is done only because it is normally done, and that it will not have any real effect on the situation. □� He would not go as far as confirming his appointment, but that appears to be a mere formality.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Formalities are formal actions or procedures that are carried out as part of a particular activity or event. □� They are whisked through the immigration and customs formalities in a matter of minutes.

3 →�see also formal

for|mal|ize /fɔː r məla I z/ (formalizes , formalizing , formalized ) in BRIT, also use formalise VERB If you formalize a plan, idea, arrangement, or system, you make it formal and official. □�[V n] A recent treaty signed by Russia, Canada and Japan formalized an agreement to work together to stop the pirates.

for|mat /fɔː r m�t/ (formats , formatting , formatted )

1 N‑COUNT The format of something is the way or order in which it is arranged and presented. □�[+�of ] I had met with him to explain the format of the programme and what we had in mind. □� �a large-format book.

2 N‑COUNT The format of a piece of computer software or a musical recording is the type of equipment on which it is designed to be used or played. For example, possible formats for a musical recording are CD and cassette. □� His latest album is available on all formats.

3 VERB To format a computer disk means to run a program so that the disk can be written on. [COMPUTING ]

4 VERB To format a piece of computer text or graphics means to arrange the way in which it appears when it is printed or is displayed on a screen. [COMPUTING ] □�[be V -ed] The saved text was often badly formatted with many short lines.

for|ma|tion /fɔː r me I ʃ ə n/ (formations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Theformationof something is the starting or creation of it. □�[+�of ] �the formation of a new government.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Theformationof an idea, habit, relationship, or character is the process of developing and establishing it. □�[+�of ] My profession had an important influence in the formation of my character and temperament.

3 N‑COUNT [usu in N ] If people or things are information , they are arranged in a particular pattern as they move. □� He was flying in formation with seven other jets.

4 N‑COUNT [n N ] A rock or cloud formation is rock or cloud of a particular shape or structure. □� �a vast rock formation shaped like a pillar. □� Enormous cloud formations formed a purple mass.

forma|tive /fɔː r mət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A formative period of time or experience is one that has an important and lasting influence on a person's character and attitudes. □� She was born in Barbados but spent her formative years in east London.

for|mer ◆◆◆ /fɔː r mə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Former is used to describe someone who used to have a particular job, position, or role, but no longer has it. □� �former President Richard Nixon. □� He pleaded not guilty to murdering his former wife.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Former is used to refer to countries which no longer exist or whose boundaries have changed. □� �the former Soviet Union. □� �the former Yugoslavia.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Former is used to describe something which used to belong to someone or which used to be a particular thing. □� �the former home of Sir Christopher Wren. □� �a former monastery.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Former is used to describe a situation or period of time which came before the present one. [FORMAL ] □� He would want you to remember him as he was in former years.

5 PRON When two people, things, or groups have just been mentioned, you can refer to the first of them as the former . □� If there is a choice between using fresh vegetables and canned foods, always choose the former. COLLOCATIONS former ADJ 1

former+�noun : boss, captain, chairman, director, head; leader, manager, president SYNONYMS former ADJ 1

previous:She has a teenage daughter from a previous marriage.

one-time:She's 87 years old, and a one-time member of the Ziegfeld Follies.

ex-:�an ex-soldier.

earlier:Earlier reports of gunshots have not been substantiated.

erstwhile:Erstwhile workers may have become managers.

for|mer|ly /fɔː r mə r li/ ADV [ADV before v] If something happened or was true formerly , it happened or was true in the past. □� He had formerly been in the Navy. □� �the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire.

For|mi|ca /fɔː r ma I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Formica is a hard plastic that is used for covering surfaces such as kitchen tables or counters. [TRADEMARK ]

for|mi|dable /fɔː r m I dəb ə l, fə r m I d-/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as formidable , you mean that you feel slightly frightened by them because they are very great or impressive. □� We have a formidable task ahead of us. □� Marsalis has a formidable reputation in both jazz and classical music.

form|less /fɔː r mləs/ ADJ Something that is formless does not have a clear or definite structure or shape. □� A series of largely formless images rushed across the screen.

for|mu|la ◆◇◇ /fɔː r mjʊlə/ (formulae /fɔː r mjʊliː/ or formulas )

1 N‑COUNT A formula is a plan that is invented in order to deal with a particular problem. □� It is difficult to imagine how the North and South could ever agree on a formula to unify the divided peninsula. □� �a peace formula.

2 N‑SING A formula for a particular situation, usually a good one, is a course of action or a combination of actions that is certain or likely to result in that situation. □�[+�for ] Clever exploitation of the latest technology would be a sure formula for success.

3 N‑COUNT A formula is a group of letters, numbers, or other symbols which represents a scientific or mathematical rule. □� He developed a mathematical formula describing the distances of the planets from the Sun.

4 N‑COUNT In science, the formula for a substance is a list of the amounts of various substances which make up that substance, or an indication of the atoms that it is composed of.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Formula is a powder which you mix with water to make artificial milk for babies. □� �bottles of formula. PRAGMATICS formulae

In this dictionary, the label FORMULAE indicates that the word or expression doesn't change, and that it is used in particular situations such as greeting, thanking, or congratulating. Examples of formulae are Hi, Thanks, and Congratulations!

for|mu|laic /fɔː r mjʊle I I k/ ADJ If you describe a way of saying or doing something as formulaic , you are criticizing it because it is not original and has been used many times before in similar situations. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His paintings are contrived and formulaic.

for|mu|late /fɔː r mjʊle I t/ (formulates , formulating , formulated )

1 VERB If you formulate something such as a plan or proposal, you invent it, thinking about the details carefully. □�[V n] Little by little, he formulated his plan for escape.

2 VERB If you formulate a thought, opinion, or idea, you express it or describe it using particular words. □�[V n] I was impressed by the way he could formulate his ideas.

for|mu|la|tion /fɔː r mjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (formulations )

1 N‑VAR The formulation of something such as a medicine or a beauty product is the way in which different ingredients are combined to make it. You can also say that the finished product is a formulation . □�[+�of ] There have been problems with the formulation of the vaccine. □� You can buy a formulation containing royal jelly, pollen and vitamin C.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The formulation of something such as a policy or plan is the process of creating or inventing it. □� �the process of policy formulation and implementation.

3 N‑VAR A formulation is the way in which you express your thoughts and ideas. □� This is a far weaker formulation than is in the draft resolution which is being proposed.

for|ni|cate /fɔː r n I ke I t/ (fornicates , fornicating , fornicated ) VERB To fornicate means to have sex with someone you are not married to. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] ●� for|ni|ca|tion /fɔː r n I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Swearing, fornication and drunkenness were severely punished.

for|sake /fə r se I k/ (forsakes , forsaking , forsook /fə r sʊ k/, forsaken )

1 VERB If you forsake someone, you leave them when you should have stayed, or you stop helping them or looking after them. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] I still love him and I would never forsake him.

2 VERB If you forsake something, you stop doing it, using it, or having it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] He doubted their claim to have forsaken military solutions to the civil war.

for|sak|en /fə r se I k ə n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A forsaken place is not lived in, used, or looked after. [LITERARY ] □� The delta region of the Rio Grande river was a forsaken land of thickets and swamps.

2 →�see also godforsaken

for|swear /fɔː r sweə r / (forswears , forswearing , forswore , forsworn ) VERB If you forswear something, you promise that you will stop doing it, having it, or using it. [FORMAL or LITERARY ] □�[V n] The party was offered a share of government if it forswore violence.

for|sythia /fɔː r sa I θiə, [AM ] -s I θ-/ (forsythias ) N‑VAR Forsythia is a bush whose yellow flowers appear in the spring before the leaves have grown.

fort /fɔː r t/ (forts )

1 N‑COUNT A fort is a strong building or a place with a wall or fence around it where soldiers can stay and be safe from the enemy.

2 PHRASE If you hold the fort for someone, or, in American English, if you hold down the fort , you look after things for them while they are somewhere else or are busy doing something else. □� His business partner is holding the fort while he is away. [Also +�for ]

forte /fɔː r te I , [AM ] fɔ rt, fɔː r te I / (fortes ) Pronounced /fɔ rt/ for meaning 1 in American English. 1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can say that a particular activity is your forte if you are very good at it. □� Originality was never his forte.

2 ADV [ADV after v] A piece of music that is played forte is played loudly. [TECHNICAL ]

forth ◆◇◇ /fɔː r θ/ In addition to the uses shown below, forth is also used in the phrasal verbs 'put forth' and 'set forth'. 1 ADV [ADV after v] When someone goes forth from a place, they leave it. [LITERARY ] □� Go forth into the desert.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If one thing brings forth another, the first thing produces the second. [LITERARY ] □� My reflections brought forth no conclusion.

3 ADV [ADV after v] When someone or something is brought forth , they are brought to a place or moved into a position where people can see them. [LITERARY ] □� Pilate ordered Jesus to be brought forth.

4back and forth →�see back ➊

5to hold forth →�see hold ➍

forth|com|ing /fɔː r θkʌ m I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A forthcoming event is planned to happen soon. □� �his opponents in the forthcoming elections.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something that you want, need, or expect is forthcoming , it is given to you or it happens. [FORMAL ] □� They promised that the money would be forthcoming. □� We must first see some real evidence. So far it has not been forthcoming.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is forthcoming , you mean that they willingly give information when you ask them.

forth|right /fɔː r θra I t/ ADJ If you describe someone as forthright , you admire them because they show clearly and strongly what they think and feel. [APPROVAL ]

forth|with /fɔː r θw I θ/ ADV [ADV with v] Forthwith means immediately. [FORMAL ] □� I could have you arrested forthwith!

for|ti|eth ◆◆◇ /fɔː r tiəθ/ ORD The fortieth item in a series is the one that you count as number forty. □� It was the fortieth anniversary of the death of the composer.

for|ti|fi|ca|tion /fɔː r t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (fortifications )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fortifications are buildings, walls, or ditches that are built to protect a place and make it more difficult to attack. □� The government has started building fortifications along its eastern border.

2 →�see also fortify

fo r|ti|fied wi ne (fortified wines ) N‑VAR Fortified wine is an alcoholic drink such as sherry or port that is made by mixing wine with a small amount of brandy or strong alcohol.

for|ti|fy /fɔː r t I fa I / (fortifies , fortifying , fortified )

1 VERB To fortify a place means to make it stronger and more difficult to attack, often by building a wall or ditch round it. □�[V n] The knights had fortified the main town on the island.

2 VERB [usu passive] If food or drink is fortified , another substance is added to it to make it healthier or stronger. □�[be V -ed +�with ] It has also been fortified with vitamin C. □�[V -ed] �fortified cereal products.

for|tis|si|mo /fɔː r t I s I moʊ/ ADV [ADV after v] A piece of music that is played fortissimo is played very loudly. [TECHNICAL ]

for|ti|tude /fɔː r t I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has shown fortitude , you admire them for being brave, calm, and uncomplaining when they have experienced something unpleasant or painful. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� He suffered a long series of illnesses with tremendous dignity and fortitude.

fort|night /fɔː r tna I t/ (fortnights ) N‑COUNT A fortnight is a period of two weeks. [mainly BRIT ] □� I hope to be back in a fortnight.

fort|night|ly /fɔː r tna I tli/ ADJ [ADJ n] A fortnightly event or publication happens or appears once every two weeks. [BRIT ] □� �an exciting new fortnightly magazine. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Fortnightly is also an adverb. □� They recently put my rent up and I pay it fortnightly. [in AM, use biweekly ]

for|tress /fɔː r tr I s/ (fortresses ) N‑COUNT A fortress is a castle or other large strong building, or a well-protected place, which is intended to be difficult for enemies to enter. □� �a 13th-century fortress.

for|tui|tous /fɔː r tjuː I təs, [AM ] -tuː -/ ADJ You can describe something as fortuitous if it happens, by chance, to be very successful or pleasant. □� Their success is the result of a fortuitous combination of circumstances.

for|tu|nate /fɔː r tʃʊn I t/ ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you say that someone or something is fortunate , you mean that they are lucky. □� He was extremely fortunate to survive. □� It was fortunate that the water was shallow. □� She is in the fortunate position of having plenty of choice.

for|tu|nate|ly /fɔː r tʃʊn I tli/ ADV Fortunately is used to introduce or indicate a statement about an event or situation that is good. □� Fortunately, the weather that winter was reasonably mild. [Also +�for ]

for|tune ◆◇◇ /fɔː r tʃuːn/ (fortunes )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a large sum of money as afortune or a small fortune to emphasize how large it is. [EMPHASIS ] □� We had to eat out all the time. It ended up costing a fortune. □� He made a small fortune in the London property boom.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone who has a fortune has a very large amount of money. □� He made his fortune in car sales. □� He inherited a multi-million-dollar fortune from his inventor mother.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Fortune or good fortune is good luck. Ill fortune is bad luck. □� Government ministers are starting to wonder how long their good fortune can last.

4 N‑PLURAL [with poss] If you talk about someone's fortunes or the fortunes of something, you are talking about the extent to which they are doing well or being successful. □�[+�of ] The electoral fortunes of the party may decline. □� The company had to do something to reverse its sliding fortunes.

5 PHRASE When someone tells your fortune , they tell you what they think will happen to you in the future, which they say is shown, for example, by the lines on your hand.

fo r|tune cookie (fortune cookies ) N‑COUNT A fortune cookie is a sweet, crisp cake which contains a piece of paper which is supposed to say what will happen to you in the future. Fortune cookies are often served in Chinese restaurants.

fo rtune-teller (fortune-tellers ) N‑COUNT A fortune-teller is a person who tells you what they think will happen to you in the future, after looking at something such as the lines on your hand.

for|ty ◆◆◆ /fɔː r ti/ (forties )

1 NUM Forty is the number 40. □� She will be forty next birthday.

2 N‑PLURAL When you talk about the forties , you are referring to numbers between 40 and 49. For example, if you are in your forties , you are aged between 40 and 49. If the temperature is in the forties , the temperature is between 40 and 49 degrees. □� He was a big man in his forties, smartly dressed in a suit and tie.

3 N‑PLURAL The forties is the decade between 1940 and 1949. □� Steel cans were introduced sometime during the forties.

fo|rum /fɔː rəm/ (forums ) N‑COUNT A forum is a place, situation, or group in which people exchange ideas and discuss issues, especially important public issues. □�[+�for ] Members of the council agreed that it still had an important role as a forum for discussion.

for|ward ◆◆◇ /fɔː r wə r d/ (forwards , forwarding , forwarded ) In addition to the uses shown below, forward is also used in phrasal verbs such as 'bring forward' and 'look forward to'. In British English, forwards is often used as an adverb instead of forward in senses 1 , 4 , and 7 . 1 ADV [ADV after v] If you move or look forward , you move or look in a direction that is in front of you. In British English, you can also move or look forwards . □� He came forward with his hand out. 'Mr and Mrs Selby?' he enquired. □� She fell forwards on to her face.

2 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] Forward means in a position near the front of something such as a building or a vehicle. □� The best seats are in the aisle and as far forward as possible. □� The other car had a 3-inch lower driving seat and had its engine mounted further forward. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Forward is also an adjective. □� Reinforcements were needed to allow more troops to move to forward positions.

3 ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV adj] If you say that someone looks forward , you approve of them because they think about what will happen in the future and plan for it. In British English, you can also say that someone looks forwards . [APPROVAL ] □� Now the leadership wants to look forward, and to outline a strategy for the rest of the decade. □� People should forget and look forwards. □� Manchester United has always been a forward-looking club. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Forward is also an adjective. □� The university system requires more forward planning.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If you put a clock or watch forward , you change the time shown on it so that it shows a later time, for example when the time changes to summer time or daylight saving time. □� When we put the clocks forward in March we go into British Summer Time.

5 ADV [from n ADV ] When you are referring to a particular time, if you say that something was true from that time forward , you mean that it became true at that time, and continued to be true afterwards. □� Velazquez's work from that time forward was confined largely to portraits of the royal family.

6 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] You use forward to indicate that something progresses or improves. In British English, you can also use forwards . □� And by boosting economic prosperity in Mexico, Canada and the United States, it will help us move forward on issues that concern all of us. □� They just couldn't see any way forward. □� Space scientists and astronomers have taken another step forwards.

7 ADV [ADV after v] If something or someone is put forward , or comes forward , they are suggested or offered as suitable for a particular purpose. □� Over the years several similar theories have been put forward. □� Next month the Commission is to bring forward its first proposals for action. □� He was putting himself forward as a Democrat. □� Investigations have ground to a standstill because no witnesses have come forward.

8 VERB If a letter or message is forwardedto someone, it is sent to the place where they are, after having been sent to a different place earlier. □�[be V -ed +�from/to ] When he's out on the road, office calls are forwarded to the cellular phone in his truck. □�[V n +�from/to ] We will forward your letters to him. [Also V n]

9 N‑COUNT In football, basketball, or hockey, a forward is a player whose usual position is in the opponents' half of the field, and whose usual job is to attack or score goals.

10 →�see also centre-forward

11backwards and forwards →�see backwards

fo r|ward|ing ad|dre ss (forwarding addresses ) N‑COUNT A forwarding address is an address that you give to someone when you go and live somewhere else so that they can send your mail on to you. □� The former owner had not left any forwarding address.

fo rward-loo king ADJ If you describe a person or organization as forward-looking , you approve of the fact that they think about the future or have modern ideas. [APPROVAL ]

for|wards /fɔː r wə r dz/ →�see forward

fo r|ward slash (forward slashes ) N‑COUNT A forward slash is the sloping line '/' that separates letters, words, or numbers.

for|went /fɔː r we nt/ Forwent is the past tense of forgo .

fos|sil /fɒ s ə l/ (fossils ) N‑COUNT A fossil is the hard remains of a prehistoric animal or plant that are found inside a rock.

fo s|sil fu el (fossil fuels ) also fossil-fuel N‑VAR Fossil fuel is fuel such as coal or oil that is formed from the decayed remains of plants or animals.

fos|sil|ize /fɒ s I la I z/ (fossilizes , fossilizing , fossilized ) in BRIT, also use fossilise1 VERB If the remains of an animal or plant fossilize or are fossilized , they become hard and form fossils, instead of decaying completely. □�[V ] The most important parts, the flowers, rarely fossilise. □�[be V -ed] The survival of the proteins depends on the way in which bones are fossilised. □�[V -ed] �fossilized dinosaur bones.

2 VERB If you say that ideas, attitudes, or ways of behaving have fossilized or have been fossilized , you are criticizing the fact that they are fixed and unlikely to change, in spite of changing situations or circumstances. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] They seem to want to fossilize the environment in which people live and work. □�[V ] Needs change while policies fossilize. ●� fos|sil|ized ADJ □� �these fossilized organisations.

fos|ter /fɒ stə r , [AM ] fɔː st-/ (fosters , fostering , fostered )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Foster parents are people who officially take a child into their family for a period of time, without becoming the child's legal parents. The child is referred to as their foster child. □� Little Jack was placed with foster parents.

2 VERB If you foster a child, you take it into your family for a period of time, without becoming its legal parent. □�[V n] She has since gone on to find happiness by fostering more than 100 children.

3 VERB To foster something such as an activity or idea means to help it to develop. □�[V n] Developed countries should foster global economic growth to help new democracies.

fought /fɔː t/ Fought is the past tense and past participle of fight .

foul /faʊ l/ (fouler , foulest , fouls , fouling , fouled )

1 ADJ If you describe something as foul , you mean it is dirty and smells or tastes unpleasant. □� �foul polluted water. □� The smell was quite foul.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Foul language is offensive and contains swear words or rude words. □� He was sent off for using foul language in a match last Sunday. □� He had a foul mouth.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a foul temper or is in a foul mood, they become angry or violent very suddenly and easily. □� Collins was in a foul mood even before the interviews began.

4 ADJ Foul weather is unpleasant, windy, and stormy.

5 VERB If an animal fouls a place, it drops faeces onto the ground. □�[V n] It is an offence to let your dog foul a footpath.

6 VERB In a game or sport, if a player fouls another player, they touch them or block them in a way which is not allowed according to the rules. □�[V n] He was sent off for fouling the striker.

7 N‑COUNT A foul is an act in a game or sport that is not allowed according to the rules. □�[+�on ] He has committed more fouls than any other player this season. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Foul is also an adjective. □� �a foul tackle.

8 PHRASE If you fall foul of someone or run foul of them, you do something which gets you into trouble with them. [mainly BRIT ] □� He had fallen foul of the FBI.

fou l-mou thed ADJ If you describe someone as foul-mouthed , you disapprove of them because they use offensive words or say very rude things. [DISAPPROVAL ]

fou l pla y

1 N‑UNCOUNT Foul play is criminal violence or activity that results in a person's death. □� The report says it suspects foul play was involved in the deaths of two journalists.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Foul play is unfair or dishonest behaviour, especially during a sports game. □� Players were warned twice for foul play.

fou l-up (foul-ups ) N‑COUNT A foul-up is something that has gone badly wrong as a result of someone's mistakes or carelessness. [INFORMAL ] □� A series of technical foul-ups delayed the launch of the new product.

found ◆◇◇ /faʊ nd/ (founds , founding , founded )

1Found is the past tense and past participle of find .

2 VERB When an institution, company, or organization is founded by someone or by a group of people, they get it started, often by providing the necessary money. □�[be V -ed] The Independent Labour Party was founded in Bradford on January 13, 1893. □�[V n] He founded the Centre for Journalism Studies at University College Cardiff. □�[V -ed] The business, founded by Dawn and Nigel, suffered financial setbacks. ●� foun|da|tion /faʊnde I ʃ ə n/ N‑SING [with poss] □�[+�of ] �the foundation of the Royal Opera as a permanent international company. ●� found|ing N‑SING [with poss] □� I have been a member of the club since its founding.

3 VERB [usu passive] When a town, important building, or other place is founded by someone or by a group of people, they cause it to be built. □�[be V -ed] The town was founded in 1610.

4 →�see also founded , founding SYNONYMS found VERB 2

establish:The School was established in 1989 by an Italian professor.

set up:The two sides agreed to set up a commission to investigate claims.

institute:We will institute a number of measures to better safeguard the public.

inaugurate:Pan Am inaugurated the first scheduled international flight.

foun|da|tion ◆◇◇ /faʊnde I ʃ ə n/ (foundations )

1 N‑COUNT Thefoundationof something such as a belief or way of life is the things on which it is based. □�[+�of ] The issue strikes at the very foundation of our community. □�[+�for ] This laid the foundations for later modern economic growth. ●�PHRASE If an event shakes the foundations of a society or a system of beliefs, it causes great uncertainty and makes people question their most deeply held beliefs. □�[+�of ] The destruction of war and the death of millions of young people shook the foundations of Western idealism.

2 N‑PLURAL The foundations of a building or other structure are the layer of bricks or concrete below the ground that it is built on.

3 N‑COUNT A foundation is an organization which provides money for a special purpose such as research or charity. □� �the National Foundation for Educational Research.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If a story, idea, or argument has nofoundation , there are no facts to prove that it is true. □� The allegations were without foundation. □� Each complaint is analysed very closely, and if it has no foundation it is rejected.

5 N‑VAR Foundation is a skin-coloured cream that you put on your face before putting on the rest of your make-up.

6 →�see also found SYNONYMS foundation NOUN 1

basis:Both have agreed that the U.N. plan is a possible basis for negotiation.

mainstay:Fish and rice were the mainstays of the country's diet.

pillar:The pillar of her economic policy was keeping tight control over money supply.

foun|da |tion course (foundation courses ) N‑COUNT A foundation course is a course that you do at some colleges and universities in order to prepare yourself for a longer or more advanced course. [BRIT ] in AM, use basic course

foun|da |tion stone (foundation stones )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A foundation stone is a large block of stone built into a large public building near the bottom. It is often involved in a ceremony for the opening of the building, and has writing on it recording this. [mainly BRIT ] □� The princess laid the foundation stone for the extension to the cathedral. in AM, use cornerstone2 N‑COUNT The foundation stoneof something is the basic, important thing which its existence or success depends on. □�[+�of ] �these foundation stones of the future: education, training, research, development.

found|ed /faʊ nd I d/

1 ADJ If something is founded on a particular thing, it is based on it. □�[+�on ] The criticisms are founded on facts as well as on convictions.

2 →�see also found

found|er ◆◇◇ /faʊ ndə r / (founders , foundering , foundered )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The founder of an institution, organization, or building is the person who got it started or caused it to be built, often by providing the necessary money. □� He was one of the founders of the university's medical faculty.

2 VERB If something such as a plan or project founders , it fails because of a particular point, difficulty, or problem. □�[V ] Talks had foundered over the guarantees offered by the government against possible losses. SYNONYMS founder NOUN 1

initiator:�one of the major initiators of the tumultuous changes in Eastern Europe.

architect:�Russia's chief architect of economic reform.

creator:I have always believed that a garden dies with its creator.

originator:�the originator of the theory of relativity.

fou nd|er me m|ber (founder members ) N‑COUNT A founder member of a club, group, or organization is one of the first members, often one who was involved in setting it up. [BRIT ] in AM, use charter member

found|ing /faʊ nd I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Founding means relating to the starting of a particular institution or organization. □� The committee held its founding congress in the capital, Riga. □� He is founding director of The Conservation Foundation.

2 →�see also found

fou nd|ing fa |ther (founding fathers )

1 N‑COUNT The founding father of an institution, organization, or idea is the person who sets it up or who first develops it. [LITERARY ]

2 N‑PROPER‑PLURAL The Founding Fathers of the United States were the members of the American Constitutional Convention of 1787.

found|ling /faʊ ndl I ŋ/ (foundlings ) N‑COUNT A foundling is a baby that has been abandoned by its parents, often in a public place, and that has then been found by someone. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

found|ry /faʊ ndri/ (foundries ) N‑COUNT A foundry is a place where metal or glass is melted and formed into particular shapes.

fount /faʊ nt/ (founts ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a person or thing as thefount of something, you are saying that they are an important source or supply of it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] To the young boy his father was the fount of all knowledge.

foun|tain /faʊ nt I n/ (fountains )

1 N‑COUNT A fountain is an ornamental feature in a pool or lake which consists of a long narrow stream of water that is forced up into the air by a pump.

2 N‑COUNT A fountainof a liquid is an amount of it which is sent up into the air and falls back. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] The volcano spewed a fountain of molten rock 650 feet in the air.

fou n|tain pen (fountain pens ) N‑COUNT A fountain pen is a pen which uses ink that you have drawn up inside it from a bottle.

four ◆◆◆ /fɔː r / (fours )

1 NUM Four is the number 4. □� Judith is married with four children.

2 PHRASE If you are on all fours , your knees, feet, and hands are on the ground. □� She crawled on all fours over to the window.

fou r-letter wo rd (four-letter words ) N‑COUNT A four-letter word is a short word that people consider to be rude or offensive, usually because it refers to sex or other bodily functions.

fou r-poster be d (four-poster beds ) N‑COUNT A four-poster bed or a four-poster is a large old-fashioned bed that has a tall post at each corner and curtains that can be drawn around it.

four|some /fɔː r səm/ (foursomes ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A foursome is a group of four people or things. □� The London-based foursome are set to release their fourth single this month.

fou r-squa re also foursquare ADJ To stand four-square behind someone or something means to be firm in your support of that person or thing. □� They stood four-square behind their chief, and they would not accept pressure on him to resign.

four|teen ◆◆◆ /fɔː r tiː n/ (fourteens ) NUM Fourteen is the number 14. □� I'm fourteen years old.

four|teenth ◆◆◇ /fɔː r tiː nθ/

1 ORD The fourteenth item in a series is the one that you count as number fourteen. □� The Festival, now in its fourteenth year, has become a major international jazz event.

2 FRACTION A fourteenth is one of fourteen equal parts of something.

fourth ◆◆◇ /fɔː r θ/ (fourths )

1 ORD The fourth item in a series is the one that you count as number four. □� He ended up just outside the medals in fourth place.

2 FRACTION A fourth is one of four equal parts of something. [AM ] □� Three-fourths of the public say they favor a national referendum on the issue. in BRIT, use quarter

fou rth di|me n|sion N‑SING In physics, the fourth dimension is time. The other three dimensions, which exist in space, are length, width, and height. [TECHNICAL ]

fourth|ly /fɔː r θli/ ADV You say fourthly when you want to make a fourth point or give a fourth reason for something. □� Fourthly, the natural enthusiasm of the student teachers should be maintained.

fou rth of|fi |cial (fourth officials ) N‑COUNT In football, the fourth official is an official who assists the referee and assistant referees from the side of the pitch.

Fou rth of July N‑SING In the United States, theFourth of July is a public holiday when people celebrate the Declaration of Independence in 1776. □� �a Fourth of July picnic.

four-wheel dri ve (four-wheel drives ) N‑COUNT A four-wheel drive is a vehicle in which all four wheels receive power from the engine to help with steering. This makes the vehicle easier to drive on rough roads or surfaces such as sand or snow.

fowl /faʊ l/ (fowls or fowl ) N‑COUNT A fowl is a bird, especially one that can be eaten as food, such as a duck or a chicken. □� Carve the fowl into 8 pieces.

fox /fɒ ks/ (foxes , foxing , foxed )

1 N‑COUNT A fox is a wild animal which looks like a dog and has reddish-brown fur, a pointed face and ears, and a thick tail. Foxes eat smaller animals.

2 VERB If you are foxed by something, you cannot understand it or solve it. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] I admit I was foxed for some time. □�[V n] Only once did we hit on a question which foxed one of the experts.

fox|glove /fɒ ksglʌv/ (foxgloves ) N‑VAR A foxglove is a tall plant that has pink or white flowers shaped like bells growing up its stem.

fox|hole /fɒ kshoʊl/ (foxholes ) N‑COUNT A foxhole is a small hole which soldiers dig as a shelter from the enemy and from which they can shoot.

fox|hound /fɒ kshaʊnd/ (foxhounds ) N‑COUNT A foxhound is a type of dog that is trained to hunt foxes.

fo x-hunting also foxhunting N‑UNCOUNT Fox-hunting is a sport in which people riding horses chase a fox across the countryside. Dogs called hounds are used to find the fox.

fox|trot /fɒ kstrɒt/ (foxtrots ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The foxtrot is a type of dance which involves a combination of long slow steps and short fast steps.

foxy /fɒ ksi/ (foxier , foxiest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone as foxy , you mean that they are deceitful in a clever, secretive way. □� He had wary, foxy eyes.

2 ADJ If a man calls a woman foxy , he means that she is physically attractive. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

foy|er /fɔ I ə r , fwa I e I / (foyers ) N‑COUNT Thefoyer is the large area where people meet or wait just inside the main doors of a building such as a theatre, cinema, or hotel.

Fr The spelling Fr. is used in American English for meaning 2 . 1Fr is a written abbreviation for French or franc .

2Fr is a written abbreviation for father when it is used in titles before the name of a Catholic priest.

fra|cas /fr� kɑː, [AM ] fre I kəs/ N‑SING A fracas is a rough, noisy quarrel or fight.

frack /fr� k/ (fracks , fracking , fracked ) VERB To frack is to get oil or gas from rock by forcing liquid or sand into the rock. □�[V ] The company could apply for a licence to frack. □�[V n] They used the technique of pumping water at long range to frack the rock.

frack|ing /fr� k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Fracking is a method of getting oil or gas from rock by forcing liquid and sand into the rock. □� Local people are opposed to fracking in the area.

frac|tal /fr� kt ə l/ (fractals ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] In geometry, a fractal is a shape made up of parts that are the same shape as itself and are of smaller and smaller sizes.

frac|tion /fr� kʃ ə n/ (fractions )

1 N‑COUNT A fractionof something is a tiny amount or proportion of it. □�[+�of ] She hesitated for a fraction of a second before responding. □� I opened my eyes just a fraction.

2 N‑COUNT A fraction is a number that can be expressed as a proportion of two whole numbers. For example, � and � are both fractions. □� The students had a grasp of decimals, percentages and fractions.

frac|tion|al /fr� kʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is fractional , it is very small in size or degree. □� �a fractional hesitation. ●� frac|tion|al|ly /fr� kʃənli/ ADV □� Murphy, Sinclair's young team-mate, was fractionally behind him.

frac|tious /fr� kʃəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as fractious , you disapprove of them because they become upset or angry very quickly about small unimportant things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Nancy was in a fractious mood. □� The children were predictably fractious.

frac|ture /fr� ktʃə r / (fractures , fracturing , fractured )

1 N‑COUNT A fracture is a slight crack or break in something, especially a bone. □� At least one-third of all women over ninety have sustained a hip fracture.

2 VERB If something such as a bone is fractured or fractures , it gets a slight crack or break in it. □�[V n] You've fractured a rib, maybe more than one. □�[V ] One strut had fractured and been crudely repaired in several places. □�[V -ed] He suffered a fractured skull.

3 VERB If something such as an organization or society is fractured or fractures , it splits into several parts or stops existing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] His policy risks fracturing the coalition. □�[V ] It might be a society that could fracture along class lines.

frag|ile /fr� dʒa I l, [AM ] -dʒ ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe a situation as fragile , you mean that it is weak or uncertain, and unlikely to be able to resist strong pressure or attack. [JOURNALISM ] □� �moves that will place added strain on an already fragile economy. □� His overall condition remained fragile. ●� fra|gil|ity /frədʒ I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] By mid-1988 there were clear indications of the extreme fragility of the right-wing coalition.

2 ADJ Something that is fragile is easily broken or damaged. □� He leaned back in his fragile chair. ●� fra|gil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Older drivers are more likely to be seriously injured because of the fragility of their bones.

frag|ment (fragments , fragmenting , fragmented ) The noun is pronounced /fr� gmənt/. The verb is pronounced /fr�gme nt/. 1 N‑COUNT A fragmentof something is a small piece or part of it. □�[+�of ] �fragments of metal in my shoulder. □�[+�of ] She read everything, digesting every fragment of news. □� �glass fragments.

2 VERB If something fragments or is fragmented , it breaks or separates into small pieces or parts. □�[V ] The clouds fragmented and out came the sun. □�[V n] Fierce rivalries have traditionally fragmented the region. ●� frag|men|ta|tion /fr� gmente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the extraordinary fragmentation of styles on the music scene.

frag|men|tary /fr� gməntəri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ Something that is fragmentary is made up of small or unconnected pieces. □� Any action on the basis of such fragmentary evidence would be foolish.

fra|grance /fre I grəns/ (fragrances )

1 N‑VAR A fragrance is a pleasant or sweet smell. □� �a shrubby plant with a strong characteristic fragrance. □�[+�of ] �the fragrance of his cologne.

2 N‑VAR Fragrance is a pleasant-smelling liquid which people put on their bodies to make themselves smell nice. □� The advertisement is for a male fragrance.

fra|grant /fre I grənt/ ADJ Something that is fragrant has a pleasant, sweet smell. □� �fragrant oils and perfumes. □�[+�with ] The air was fragrant with the smell of orange blossoms.

frail /fre I l/ (frailer , frailest )

1 ADJ Someone who is frail is not very strong or healthy. □� She lay in bed looking particularly frail.

2 ADJ Something that is frail is easily broken or damaged. □� The frail craft rocked as he clambered in.

frail|ty /fre I lti/ (frailties )

1 N‑VAR If you refer to the frailties or frailty of people, you are referring to their weaknesses. □�[+�of ] �the frailties of human nature. □� �a triumph of will over human frailty.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Frailty is the condition of having poor health. □� She died after a long period of increasing frailty.

frame ◆◇◇ /fre I m/ (frames , framing , framed )

1 N‑COUNT The frame of a picture or mirror is the wood, metal, or plastic that is fitted around it, especially when it is displayed or hung on a wall. □� Estelle kept a photograph of her mother in a silver frame on the kitchen mantelpiece. □� �a pair of picture frames.

2 N‑COUNT The frame of an object such as a building, chair, or window is the arrangement of wooden, metal, or plastic bars between which other material is fitted, and which give the object its strength and shape. □� He supplied housebuilders with modern timber frames. □� We painted our table to match the window frame in the bedroom.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The frames of a pair of glasses are all the metal or plastic parts of it, but not the lenses. □� He was wearing new spectacles with gold wire frames.

4 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] You can refer to someone's body as their frame , especially when you are describing the general shape of their body. □� Their belts are pulled tight against their bony frames.

5 N‑COUNT A frame of cinema film is one of the many separate photographs that it consists of. □� Standard 8mm projects at 16 frames per second.

6 VERB [usu passive] When a picture or photograph is framed , it is put in a frame. □�[be V -ed] The picture is now ready to be mounted and framed. □�[V -ed] On the wall is a large framed photograph.

7 VERB [usu passive] If an object is framed by a particular thing, it is surrounded by that thing in a way that makes the object more striking or attractive to look at. □�[be V -ed prep] The swimming pool is framed by tropical gardens.

8 VERB If someone frames an innocent person, they make other people think that that person is guilty of a crime, by lying or inventing evidence. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I need to find out who tried to frame me.

9 PHRASE If someone is in the framefor something such as a job or position, they are being considered for it. □� We need a win to keep us in the frame for the title.

10 →�see also cold frame COLLOCATIONS frame NOUN

1

noun +�frame : picture, photo

adjective +�frame : carved, gilt, silver, wooden

2

noun +�frame : bed, door, window; metal, steel, timber

adjective +�frame : lightweight, rigid

4

adjective +�frame : lanky, slender, slight, wiry; bulky, muscular, stocky

fra me of mi nd (frames of mind ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your frame of mind is the mood that you are in, which causes you to have a particular attitude to something. □� Lewis was not in the right frame of mind to continue.

fra me of re f|er|ence (frames of reference ) N‑COUNT A frame of reference is a particular set of beliefs or ideas on which you base your judgment of things. □� We know we're dealing with someone with a different frame of reference.

fra me-up (frame-ups ) N‑COUNT A frame-up is a situation where someone pretends that an innocent person has committed a crime by deliberately lying or inventing evidence. [INFORMAL ] □� He was innocent and the victim of a frame-up.

frame|work /fre I mwɜː r k/ (frameworks )

1 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A framework is a particular set of rules, ideas, or beliefs which you use in order to deal with problems or to decide what to do. □�[+�of ] � within the framework of federal regulations.

2 N‑COUNT A framework is a structure that forms a support or frame for something. □� �wooden shelves on a steel framework.

franc /fr� ŋk/ (francs ) N‑COUNT [num N ] The franc was the unit of money that was used in France and Belgium, before it was replaced by the euro. It is also the unit of currency in some other countries where French is spoken. □� The price of grapes had shot up to 32 francs a kilo. ●�N‑SING The franc was used to refer to the currency systems of France and Belgium, before it was replaced by the euro. It is also used to refer to the currency systems of some other countries where French is spoken. □� �the sole manufacturer of the banknote paper for the Swiss franc.

fran|chise /fr� ntʃa I z/ (franchises , franchising , franchised )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N , N n] A franchise is an authority that is given by an organization to someone, allowing them to sell its goods or services or to take part in an activity which the organization controls. [BUSINESS ] □� �fast-food franchises. □� Talk to other franchise holders and ask them what they think of the parent company.

2 VERB If a company franchises its business, it sells franchises to other companies, allowing them to sell its goods or services. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] She has recently franchised her business. □�[V -ed] It takes hundreds of thousands of dollars to get into the franchised pizza business. ●� fran|chis|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� An important aspect of franchising is the reduced risk of business failure it offers to franchisees.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Franchise is the right to vote in an election, especially one in which people elect a parliament. □� �the introduction of universal franchise. □� The 1867 Reform Act extended the franchise to much of the male working class.

fran|chi|see /fr� ntʃa I ziː / (franchisees ) N‑COUNT A franchisee is a person or group of people who buy a particular franchise. [BUSINESS ]

fran|chi|ser /fr� ntʃa I zə r / (franchisers ) N‑COUNT A franchiser is an organization which sells franchises. [BUSINESS ]

PREFIX Franco-

occurs in words connected with France and the French language. For example, a Francophile is someone who likes France and French culture. For example, the Franco-German border is the border between France and Germany.

Fran|co|phone /fr� ŋkoʊfoʊn/ (Francophones ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A Francophone is someone who speaks French, especially someone who speaks it as their first language. [FORMAL ]

frank /fr� ŋk/ (franker , frankest , franks , franking , franked )

1 ADJ If someone is frank , they state or express things in an open and honest way. □�[+�about/with ] 'It is clear that my client has been less than frank with me,' said his lawyer. □� They had a frank discussion about the issue. ●� frank|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He now frankly admits that much of his former playboy lifestyle was superficial. ●� frank|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □� The reaction to his frankness was hostile.

2 VERB [usu passive] When a letter or parcel is franked , it is marked with a symbol that shows that the proper charge has been paid or that no stamp is needed. □�[be V -ed] The letter was franked in London on August 6. □�[V -ed] �a self-addressed, franked envelope.

frank|fur|ter /fr� ŋkfɜː r tə r / (frankfurters ) N‑COUNT A frankfurter is a type of smoked sausage.

frank|in|cense /fr� ŋk I nsens/ N‑UNCOUNT Frankincense is a substance which is obtained from a tree and which smells pleasant when it is burned. It is used especially in religious ceremonies.

frank|ly /fr� ŋkli/

1 ADV [ADV adj/-ed] You use frankly when you are expressing an opinion or feeling to emphasize that you mean what you are saying, especially when the person you are speaking to may not like it. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'You don't give a damn about my feelings, do you.'�'Quite frankly, I don't.'. □� Frankly, Thomas, this question of your loan is beginning to worry me.

2 →�see also frank

fran|tic /fr� nt I k/

1 ADJ If you are frantic , you are behaving in a wild and uncontrolled way because you are frightened or worried. □� A bird had been locked in and was by now quite frantic. ●� fran|ti|cal|ly /fr� nt I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� She clutched frantically at Emily's arm.

2 ADJ If an activity is frantic , things are done quickly and in an energetic but disorganized way, because there is very little time. □� A busy night in the restaurant can be frantic in the kitchen. ●� fran|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� We have been frantically trying to save her life.

frape /fre I p/ (frapes , fraping , fraped ) VERB If someone frapes you, they add comments or pictures on your page of a social networking website without your permission. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Her status update was fraped.

fra|ter|nal /frətɜː r n ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fraternal actions show strong links of friendship between two people or groups of people. [FORMAL ] □� �the fraternal assistance of our colleagues and comrades.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fraternal twins are twins born from two eggs, so they are not exactly the same. They look different from each other and may be different sexes.

fra|ter|nity /frətɜː r n I ti/ (fraternities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fraternity refers to friendship and support between people who feel they are closely linked to each other. [FORMAL ] □� Bob needs the fraternity of others who share his mission.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to people who have the same profession or the same interests as a particular fraternity . □� �the spread of stolen guns among the criminal fraternity. □� �the sailing fraternity.

3 N‑COUNT In the United States, a fraternity is a society of male university or college students.

frat|er|nize /fr� tə r na I z/ (fraternizes , fraternizing , fraternized ) in BRIT, also use fraternise VERB If you fraternizewith someone, you associate with them in a friendly way. □�[V +�with ] At these conventions, executives fraternized with the key personnel of other banks. □�[V ] Mrs Zuckerman does not fraternize widely. □�[V ] In the recession, disparate groups have fraternised in an atmosphere of mutual support.

frat|ri|cid|al /fr� tr I sa I d ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] A fratricidal war or conflict is one in which people kill members of their own society or social group. [FORMAL ]

frat|ri|cide /fr� tr I sa I d/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone commits fratricide , they kill their brother. [FORMAL ]

fraud ◆◇◇ /frɔː d/ (frauds )

1 N‑VAR Fraud is the crime of gaining money or financial benefits by a trick or by lying. □� He was jailed for two years for fraud and deception. □� Tax frauds are dealt with by HMRC.

2 N‑COUNT A fraud is something or someone that deceives people in a way that is illegal or dishonest. □� He believes many 'psychics' are frauds who rely on perception and subtle deception.

3 N‑COUNT If you call someone or something a fraud , you are criticizing them because you think that they are not genuine, or are less good than they claim or appear to be. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I suspect her of being a fashion fraud, pretending to care about it more than she really does. SYNONYMS fraud NOUN 1

deception:He admitted conspiring to obtain property by deception.

deceit:They have been involved in a campaign of deceit.

treachery:He was deeply wounded by the treachery of close aides and old friends.

trickery:They are notorious for resorting to trickery in order to impress their clients.

frau d squa d (fraud squads ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] Thefraud squad is a part of a police force whose job is to investigate crimes involving fraud.

fraud|ster /frɔː dstə r / (fraudsters ) N‑COUNT A fraudster is someone who commits the crime of fraud. [mainly BRIT ]

fraudu|lent /frɔː dʒʊlənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fraudulent activity is deliberately deceitful, dishonest, or untrue. □� �fraudulent claims about being a nurse. ●� fraudu|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The report concludes that I acted neither fraudulently nor improperly.

fraught /frɔː t/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If a situation or action is fraught with problems or risks, it is filled with them. □� The earliest operations employing this technique were fraught with dangers.

2 ADJ If you say that a situation or action is fraught , you mean that it is worrying or difficult. □� It has been a somewhat fraught day.

fray /fre I / (frays , fraying , frayed )

1 VERB If something such as cloth or rope frays , or if something frays it, its threads or fibres start to come apart from each other and spoil its appearance. □�[V ] The fabric is very fine or frays easily. □�[V +�at ] The stitching had begun to fray at the edges. □�[V n] Her washing machine tends to fray edges on intricate designs. □�[V -ing] �fraying edges in the stair carpet. □�[V -ed] He wore frayed jeans and cowboy shirts.

2 VERB If your nerves or your temper fray , or if something frays them, you become nervous or easily annoyed because of mental strain and anxiety. □�[V ] Tempers began to fray as the two teams failed to score. □�[V n] This kind of living was beginning to fray her nerves.

3 N‑SING The fray is an exciting or challenging activity, situation, or argument that you are involved in. □� There will have to be a second round of voting when new candidates can enter the fray. □� He would be inspiring young people to get into the political fray.

freak /friː k/ (freaks , freaking , freaked )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A freak event or action is one that is a very unusual or extreme example of its type. □� Weir broke his leg in a freak accident playing golf.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] If you describe someone as a particular kind of freak , you are emphasizing that they are very enthusiastic about a thing or activity, and often seem to think about nothing else. [INFORMAL ] □� Oat bran became the darling of health freaks last year. □� �computer freaks.

3 →�see also control freak

4 N‑COUNT People are sometimes referred to as freaks when their behaviour or attitude is very different from that of the majority of people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Not so long ago, transsexuals were regarded as freaks.

5 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a freak , you mean that they are physically abnormal in some way. This use could cause offence. [DISAPPROVAL ]

▸� freak out PHRASAL VERB If someone freaks out , or if something freaks them out , they suddenly feel extremely surprised, upset, angry, or confused. □�[V P ] I remember the first time I went onstage. I freaked out completely. □�[V n P ] I think our music freaks people out sometimes. □�[be V -ed P ] It sort of frightens me. I guess I am kind of freaked out by it. [Also V P n]

freak|ish /friː k I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is freakish is remarkable because it is not normal or natural. □� �his freakish voice varying from bass to soprano.

freaky /friː ki/ (freakier , freakiest ) ADJ If someone or something is freaky , they are very unusual in some way. [INFORMAL ] □� This guy bore a really freaky resemblance to Jones.

freck|le /fre k ə l/ (freckles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Freckles are small light brown spots on someone's skin, especially on their face. □� He had short ginger-coloured hair and freckles.

freck|led /fre k ə ld/ ADJ If a part of your body is freckled , it has freckles on it. □� �a slight man with auburn hair and a freckled face.

free ◆◆◆ /friː / (freer , freest , frees , freeing , freed )

1 ADJ If something is free , you can have it or use it without paying for it. □� The seminars are free, with lunch provided. □� �a free brochure with details of gift vouchers.

2free of charge →�see charge

3 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Someone or something that is free is not restricted, controlled, or limited, for example by rules, customs, or other people. □� The government will be free to pursue its economic policies. □� The elections were free and fair. □� Economists argued that freer markets would quickly revive the region's economy. □� He wrote that a free press is essential to a democratic society. □� Dogs were allowed to roam free and 48 sheep were killed. ●� free|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They cast their votes freely and without coercion on election day. □� Merchandise can now circulate freely among the E.U. countries.

4 VERB If you free someone of something that is unpleasant or restricting, you remove it from them. □�[V n +�of/from ] The 30-year-old star is trying to free himself from his recording contract.

5 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] Someone who is free is no longer a prisoner or a slave. □� More than ninety prisoners have been set free so far under a government amnesty.

6 VERB To free a prisoner or a slave means to let them go or release them from prison. □�[V n] The new government said it had freed all political prisoners. □�[V -ed] The act had a specific intent, to protect freed slaves from white mobs.

7 ADJ If someone or something is free of or free from an unpleasant thing, they do not have it or they are not affected by it. □�[+�of/from ] �a future far more free of fear. □� The filtration system provides the crew with clean air free from fumes.

8 ADJ A sum of money or type of goods that is free of tax or duty is one that you do not have to pay tax on.

9 →�see also duty-free , interest-free , tax-free

10 VERB To free someone or something means to make them available for a task or function that they were previously not available for. □�[V n] Toolbelts free both hands and lessen the risk of dropping hammers. □�[V n to-inf] His deal with Disney will run out shortly, freeing him to pursue his own project. □�[V n +�from/of/for ] There were more civilians working for the police, freeing officers from desk jobs. ●�PHRASAL VERB Free up means the same as free . □�[V P n] It can handle even the most complex graphic jobs, freeing up your computer for other tasks. [Also V n P ]

11 ADJ If you have a free period of time or are free at a particular time, you are not working or occupied then. □� She spent her free time shopping. □� I am always free at lunchtime.

12 ADJ If something such as a table or seat is free , it is not being used or occupied by anyone, or is not reserved for anyone to use. □� There was only one seat free on the train.

13 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you get something free or if it gets free , it is no longer trapped by anything or attached to anything. □� He pulled his arm free, and strode for the door. □� The shark was writhing around wildly, trying to get free.

14 VERB If you free someone or something, you remove them from the place in which they have been trapped or become fixed. □�[V n] It took firemen two hours to cut through the drive belt to free him.

15 ADJ [ADJ n] When someone is using one hand or arm to hold or move something, their other hand or arm is referred to as their free one. □� He snatched up the receiver and his free hand groped for the switch on the bedside lamp.

16 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you say that someone is free with something such as advice or money, you mean that they give a lot of it, sometimes when it is not wanted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They weren't always so free with their advice. □� They would often be free with criticism, some of it unjustified.

17 PHRASE You say ' feel free ' when you want to give someone permission to do something, in a very willing way. [INFORMAL , FORMULAE ] □� If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask me.

18 PHRASE If you do something or get something for free , you do it without being paid or get it without having to pay for it. [INFORMAL ] □� I wasn't expecting you to do it for free.

19to give someone a free hand →�see hand ➊

▸� free up

1 →�see free10

2 PHRASAL VERB To free up a market, economy, or system means to make it operate with fewer restrictions and controls. □�[V P n] �policies for freeing up markets and extending competition. [Also V n P ]

-free /-friː / COMB -free combines with nouns to form adjectives that indicate that something does not have the thing mentioned, or has only a little of it. For example, sugar-free drinks do not contain any sugar, and lead-free petrol is made using only a small amount of lead. □� �a salt-free diet.

free a gent (free agents )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a free agent , you are emphasizing that they can do whatever they want to do, because they are not responsible to anyone or for anyone. □� We are not free agents; we abide by the decisions of our president.

2 N‑COUNT If a sports player is a free agent , he or she is free to sign a contract with any team. [AM ]

free and ea sy also free-and-easy ADJ Someone or something that is free and easy is casual and informal. □� �the free and easy atmosphere of these caf�s.

free|bie /friː bi/ (freebies ) N‑COUNT A freebie is something that you are given, usually by a company, without having to pay for it. [INFORMAL ]

free|dom ◆◆◇ /friː dəm/ (freedoms )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Freedom is the state of being allowed to do what you want to do. Freedoms are instances of this. □� �freedom of speech. □� They want greater political freedom. □� Today we have the freedom to decide our own futures. □� The United Nations Secretary-General has spoken of the need for individual freedoms and human rights.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] When prisoners or slaves are set free or escape, they gain their freedom . □� �an agreement under which all hostages and detainees would gain their freedom.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Freedom from something you do not want means not being affected by it. □�[+�from ] �all the freedom from pain that medicine could provide. □�[+�from ] �freedom from government control.

4 N‑SING The freedom of a particular city is a special honour which is given to a famous person who is connected with that city, or to someone who has performed some special service for the city.

free |dom fight|er (freedom fighters ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a freedom fighter , you mean that they belong to a group that is trying to change the government of their country using violent methods, and you agree with or approve of this. [APPROVAL ]

free e n|ter|prise N‑UNCOUNT Free enterprise is an economic system in which businesses compete for profit without much government control. [BUSINESS ]

free fa ll (free falls ) also free-fall

1 N‑VAR [oft into/in N ] If the value or price of something goes intofree fall , it starts to fall uncontrollably. [JOURNALISM ] □� Sterling went into free fall. □� The price did a free fall.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In parachuting, free fall is the part of the jump before the parachute opens.

free -floa ting ADJ [ADJ n] Free-floating things or people are able to move freely and are not controlled or directed by anything. □� �a system of free-floating exchange rates.

Free|fone /friː foʊn/ also freefone , freephone N‑UNCOUNT [N n] A Freefone telephone number is one which you can dial without having to pay for the call. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] □� �the Freefone emergency housing helpline. in AM, use toll-free

free -for-a ll (free-for-alls )

1 N‑SING A free-for-all is a situation in which several people or groups are trying to get something for themselves and there are no controls on how they do it.

2 N‑COUNT A free-for-all is a disorganized fight or argument which lots of people join in.

free form also free-form ADJ [ADJ n] A free form work of art or piece of music has not been created according to a standard style or convention. □� �free-form jazz.

free|hand /friː h�nd/ ADJ [ADJ n] A freehand drawing is drawn without using instruments such as a ruler or a pair of compasses. □� �freehand sketches. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Freehand is also an adverb. □� Use a template or stencil or simply do it freehand.

free|hold /friː hoʊld/ (freeholds )

1 N‑VAR If you have the freehold of a building or piece of land, it is yours for life and there are no conditions regarding your ownership. □� People owning leasehold homes will be given a new right to buy the freehold of their property.

2 ADJ If a building or piece of land is freehold , you can own it for life. □� The property register will also say whether the property is freehold or leasehold.

free|holder /friː hoʊldə r / (freeholders ) N‑COUNT A freeholder is someone who owns the freehold to a particular piece of land.

free house (free houses ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a free house is a pub which is not owned by a particular company and so can sell whatever beers it chooses.

free ki ck (free kicks ) N‑COUNT In a game of football, when there is a free kick , the ball is given to a member of one side to kick because a member of the other side has broken a rule.

free|lance /friː lɑːns, -l�ns/ (freelances , freelancing , freelanced )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who does freelance work or who is, for example, a freelance journalist or photographer is not employed by one organization, but is paid for each piece of work they do by the organization they do it for. [BUSINESS ] □� Michael Cross is a freelance journalist. □� She had a baby and decided to go freelance. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Freelance is also an adverb. □� He is now working freelance from his home in Hampshire.

2 N‑COUNT A freelance is the same as a freelancer .

3 VERB If you freelance , you do freelance work. □�[V +�as ] She has freelanced as a writer and researcher. [Also V ]

free|lancer /friː lɑːnsə r , -l�ns-/ (freelancers ) N‑COUNT A freelancer is someone who does freelance work.

free|loader /friː loʊdə r / (freeloaders ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a freeloader , you disapprove of them because they take advantage of other people's kindness, for example by accepting food or accommodation from them, without giving anything in return. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

free lo ve N‑UNCOUNT A belief in free love is the belief that it is acceptable and good to have sexual relationships without marrying, often several relationships at the same time. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

free|ly /friː li/

1 ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] Freely means many times or in large quantities. □� We have referred freely to his ideas. □� �the United States, where consumer goods are freely available.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you can talk freely , you can talk without needing to be careful about what you say. □� She wondered whether he had someone to whom he could talk freely.

3 ADV [ADV with v] If someone gives or does something freely , they give or do it willingly, without being ordered or forced to do it. □� Danny shared his knowledge freely with anyone interested. □� Williams freely admits he lives for racing.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If something or someone moves freely , they move easily and smoothly, without any obstacles or resistance. □� You must allow the clubhead to swing freely.

5 →�see also free

free|man /friː mən/ (freemen ) N‑COUNT Someone who is a freemanof a particular city has been given a special honour by that city, known as the freedom of the city. □�[+�of ] Peter was made a Freeman of the City of London.

free ma r|ket (free markets ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A free market is an economic system in which business organizations decide things such as prices and wages, and are not controlled by the government. [BUSINESS ] □� �the creation of a free market. □� �free market economies.

free -marketee r (free-marketeers ) N‑COUNT A free-marketeer is someone, especially a politician, who thinks market forces should control the economy. [BUSINESS ]

Free|mason /friː me I s ə n/ (Freemasons ) N‑COUNT A Freemason is a man who is a member of a large secret society. Freemasons promise to help each other, and use a system of secret signs in order to recognize each other.

free|masonry /friː me I s ə nri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Freemasonry is the organization of the Freemasons and their beliefs and practices. □� He was very active in Freemasonry.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Freemasonry is the friendly feeling that exists between people who are of the same kind or who have the same interests. □� �the freemasonry of sailors.

free pa ss (free passes ) N‑COUNT A free pass is an official document that allows a person to travel or to enter a particular building without having to pay.

free|phone /friː foʊn/ →�see Freefone

free port (free ports ) N‑COUNT A free port is a port or airport where goods can be brought in from foreign countries without payment of duty if they are going to be exported again. [BUSINESS ]

Free|post /friː poʊst/ N‑UNCOUNT Freepost is a system in Britain which allows you to send mail to certain organizations without paying for the postage. 'Freepost' is written on the envelope as part of the address. [TRADEMARK ]

freer /friː ə r / Freer is the comparative of free .

free ra di|cal (free radicals ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Free radicals are atoms that contain one or more unpaired electrons. Free radicals are believed to be a cause of ageing, heart disease, and some cancers. [TECHNICAL ]

free -ra nge ADJ [usu ADJ n] Free-range means relating to a system of keeping animals in which they can move and feed freely on an area of open ground. □� �free-range eggs.

free ru n|ning N‑UNCOUNT Free running is the activity of running through areas in a town, using skilful movements to jump over walls and other objects. □� He is part of a free running group in London.

free|sia /friː ʒə/ (freesias ) N‑VAR Freesias are small plants with yellow, pink, white, or purple flowers that are shaped like tubes.

free spi r|it (free spirits ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a free spirit , you admire them because they are independent and live as they want to live rather than in a conventional way. [APPROVAL ]

fre|est /friː I st/ Freest is the superlative of free .

free -sta nding ADJ A free-standing piece of furniture or other object is not fixed to anything, or stands on its own away from other things. □� �a free-standing cooker.

free|style /friː sta I l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Freestyle is used to describe sports competitions, especially in swimming, wrestling, and skiing, in which competitors can use any style or method that they like when they take part. □� �the 100m freestyle swimming event. □� �the reigning European Freestyle Champion. □� �freestyle skiing. ●�N‑SING Freestyle is also a noun. □� She won the 800 metres freestyle.

free -thi nker (free-thinkers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a free-thinker , you admire them because they work out their own ideas rather than accepting generally accepted views. [APPROVAL ]

free -to-ai r ADJ [usu ADJ n] Free-to-air television programmes and channels do not require a subscription or payment. ●�ADV Free to air is also an adverb. □� The fight will be televised free to air on the Fox Network.

Free|view /friː vjuː/ N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, Freeview is a free service providing digital terrestrial television. [TRADEMARK ] □� Freeview uses a standard aerial to receive the signal, so the service has the potential to reach virtually every home in the UK.

free|ware /fri ːweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Freeware is computer software that you can use without payment. [COMPUTING ] □� Is there a freeware program that I can use to produce my own graphics?

free|way /friː we I / (freeways ) N‑COUNT A freeway is a major road with several lanes that has been specially built for fast travel over long distances. [AM ] □� The speed limit on the freeway is 55mph. □� �Boston's freeway system. in BRIT, usually use motorway

free|wheel /friː h wiː l/ (freewheels , freewheeling , freewheeled ) also free-wheel VERB If you freewheel , you travel, usually downhill, on a bicycle without using the pedals, or in a vehicle without using the engine. □�[V adv/prep] He freewheeled back down the course. [Also V ]

free|wheeling /friː h wiː l I ŋ/ also free-wheeling ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to someone's freewheeling lifestyle or attitudes, you mean that they behave in a casual, relaxed way without feeling restricted by rules or accepted ways of doing things. □� He has given up his freewheeling lifestyle to settle down with his baby daughter.

free wi ll

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you believe in free will , you believe that people have a choice in what they do and that their actions have not been decided in advance by God or by any other power. □� �the free will of the individual.

2 PHRASE If you do something of your own free will , you do it by choice and not because you are forced to do it. □� Would Bethany return of her own free will, as she had promised?

freeze ◆◇◇ /friː z/ (freezes , freezing , froze , frozen )

1 VERB If a liquid or a substance containing a liquid freezes , or if something freezes it, it becomes solid because of low temperatures. □�[V ] If the temperature drops below 0�C, water freezes. □�[V adj] The ground froze solid. □�[V n] �the discovery of how to freeze water at higher temperatures. □�[V -ed] �frozen puddles. [Also V n adj]

2 VERB If you freeze something such as food, you preserve it by storing it at a temperature below freezing point. You can also talk about how well food freezes . □�[V n] You can freeze the soup at this stage. □�[V adv] Most fresh herbs will freeze successfully.

3 VERB When it freezes outside, the temperature falls below freezing point. □�[V ] What if it rained and then froze all through those months? ●�N‑COUNT Freeze is also a noun. □� The trees were damaged by a freeze in December.

4 VERB If you freeze , you feel extremely cold. □�[V ] The windows didn't fit at the bottom so for a while we froze even in the middle of summer.

5 VERB If someone who is moving freezes , they suddenly stop and become completely still and quiet. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] She froze when the beam of the flashlight struck her.

6 VERB If the government or a company freeze things such as prices or wages, they state officially that they will not allow them to increase for a fixed period of time. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] They want the government to freeze prices. ●�N‑COUNT Freeze is also a noun. □� A wage freeze was imposed on all staff earlier this month.

7 VERB If a government freezes a plan or process, they state officially that they will not allow it to continue for a period of time. □�[V n] Britain has already frozen its aid programme. □�[be V -ed] Diplomatic relations were frozen until August this year. ●�N‑COUNT Freeze is also a noun. □� �a freeze in nuclear weapons programs.

8 VERB If someone in authority freezes something such as a bank account, fund, or property, they obtain a legal order which states that it cannot be used or sold for a particular period of time. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The governor's action freezes 300,000 accounts. □�[be V -ed] Under these laws, he said, Mr. Rice's assets could have been frozen. ●�N‑COUNT Freeze is also a noun. □� �a freeze on private savings.

9 →�see also freezing , frozen

▸� freeze out PHRASAL VERB If you freeze someone outof an activity or situation, you prevent them from being involved in it by creating difficulties or by being unfriendly. □�[V n P +�of ] Other traders did everything they could to freeze us out of the business. [Also V n P ]

▸� freeze over PHRASAL VERB If something freezes over , it becomes covered with a layer of ice or other frozen substance. □�[V P ] The air temperature was well below freezing, and lakes and rivers froze over. □�[V -ed P ] The lakes are still frozen over.

▸� freeze up PHRASAL VERB If something freezes up or if something freezes it up , it becomes completely covered or blocked with ice. □�[V P ] �lavatories that often freeze up in winter. □�[V P n] Ice could freeze up their torpedo release mechanisms. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS freeze NOUN 7

noun +�freeze : pay, price, wage

verb +�freeze : announce, impose, put VERB

2

freeze+�noun : food; eggs, embryo

7

freeze+�noun : pay, price, wage

free ze-dried ADJ Freeze-dried food has been preserved by a process of rapid freezing and drying. □� �freeze-dried instant mashed potato. □� �freeze-dried coffee granules.

free ze-frame (freeze-frames ) N‑COUNT A freeze-frame from a film is an individual picture from it, produced by stopping the film or video tape at that point.

freez|er /friː zə r / (freezers ) N‑COUNT A freezer is a large container like a fridge in which the temperature is kept below freezing point so that you can store food inside it for long periods.

freez|ing /friː z I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you say that something is freezing or freezing cold , you are emphasizing that it is very cold. [EMPHASIS ] □� The cinema was freezing. □� �a freezing January afternoon.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are freezing or freezing cold , you are emphasizing that you feel very cold. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'You must be freezing,' she said.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Freezing means the same as freezing point . □� It's 15 degrees below freezing.

4 →�see also freeze

free z|ing point (freezing points ) also freezing-point

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu above/below/to N ] Freezing point is 0� Celsius, the temperature at which water freezes. Freezing point is often used when talking about the weather. □� The temperature remained below freezing point throughout the day.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The freezing point of a particular substance is the temperature at which it freezes.

freight /fre I t/ (freights , freighting , freighted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Freight is the movement of goods by lorries, trains, ships, or aeroplanes. □� France derives 16% of revenue from air freight.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Freight is goods that are transported by lorries, trains, ships, or aeroplanes. □� 90% of managers wanted to see more freight carried by rail.

3 VERB [usu passive] When goods are freighted , they are transported in large quantities over a long distance. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] From these ports the grain is freighted down to Addis Ababa.

frei ght car (freight cars ) N‑COUNT On a train, a freight car is a large container in which goods are transported. [mainly AM ]

freight|er /fre I tə r / (freighters ) N‑COUNT A freighter is a large ship or aeroplane that is designed for carrying freight.

frei ght train (freight trains ) N‑COUNT A freight train is a train on which goods are transported.

French /fre ntʃ/

1 ADJ French means belonging or relating to France, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑PLURAL TheFrench are the people of France.

3 N‑UNCOUNT French is the language spoken in France and in parts of some other countries, including Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland. □� The villagers spoke French.

Fre nch bea n (French beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] French beans are narrow green beans that are eaten as a vegetable. They grow on a tall climbing plant and are the cases that contain the seeds of the plant. [BRIT ] in AM, use string beans

Fre nch brea d N‑UNCOUNT French bread is white bread which is baked in long, thin loaves.

Fre nch Ca|na |dian (French Canadians ) also French-Canadian

1 ADJ French Canadian means belonging or relating to people who come from the part of Canada where French is spoken.

2 N‑COUNT French Canadians are Canadians whose native language is French.

Fre nch doo r (French doors ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] French doors are the same as French windows .

Fre nch dre ss|ing N‑UNCOUNT French dressing is a thin sauce made of oil, vinegar, salt, and spices which you put on salad.

Fre nch fries N‑PLURAL French fries are long, thin pieces of potato fried in oil or fat.

Fre nch ho rn (French horns ) N‑VAR A French horn is a musical instrument of the brass family. It is shaped like a long metal tube with one wide end, wound round in a circle. You play the French horn by blowing into it and moving valves in order to obtain different notes.

French|man /fre ntʃmən/ (Frenchmen ) N‑COUNT A Frenchman is a man who comes from France.

Fre nch po l|ish N‑UNCOUNT French polish is a type of varnish which is painted onto wood so that the wood has a hard shiny surface.

Fre nch wi n|dow (French windows ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] French windows are a pair of glass doors which you go through into a garden or onto a balcony.

French|woman /fre ntʃwʌmən/ (Frenchwomen ) N‑COUNT A Frenchwoman is a woman who comes from France.

fre|net|ic /fr I ne t I k/ ADJ If you describe an activity as frenetic , you mean that it is fast and energetic, but rather uncontrolled. □� �the frenetic pace of life in New York.

fren|zied /fre nzid/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Frenzied activities or actions are wild, excited, and uncontrolled. □� �the frenzied activity of the general election. □� The man was stabbed to death in a frenzied attack.

frenzy /fre nzi/ (frenzies ) N‑VAR Frenzy or a frenzy is great excitement or wild behaviour that often results from losing control of your feelings. □� The country was gripped by a frenzy of nationalism.

fre|quen|cy /friː kwənsi/ (frequencies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The frequency of an event is the number of times it happens during a particular period. □�[+�of ] The frequency of Kara's phone calls increased rapidly. □� The tanks broke down with increasing frequency.

2 N‑VAR In physics, the frequency of a sound wave or a radio wave is the number of times it vibrates within a specified period of time. □� You can't hear waves of such a high frequency. □�[+�of ] �a frequency of 24 kilohertz. □� �low frequency waves.

fre|quent ◆◆◇ (frequents , frequenting , frequented ) The adjective is pronounced /friː kwənt/. The verb is pronounced /fr I kwe nt/. 1 ADJ If something is frequent , it happens often. □� Bordeaux is on the main Paris-Madrid line so there are frequent trains. □� He is a frequent visitor to the house. ●� fre|quent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Iron and folic acid supplements are frequently given to pregnant women.

2 VERB If someone frequents a particular place, they regularly go there. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] I hear he frequents the Cajun restaurant in Hampstead. SYNONYMS frequent ADJ 1

common:Earthquakes are not common in this part of the world.

usual:She's smiling her usual friendly smile.

repeated:He did not return the money, despite repeated reminders.

everyday:�the everyday problems of living in the city.

regular:This condition usually clears up with regular shampooing.

recurrent:�buildings in which staff suffer recurrent illness.

persistent:His cough grew more persistent until it never stopped.

fres|co /fre skoʊ/ (frescoes or frescos )

1 N‑COUNT A fresco is a picture that is painted on a plastered wall when the plaster is still wet.

2 →�see also alfresco

fresh ◆◆◇ /fre ʃ/ (fresher , freshest )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A fresh thing or amount replaces or is added to a previous thing or amount. □� He asked Strathclyde police, which carried out the original investigation, to make fresh inquiries. □� I need a new challenge and a fresh start somewhere else.

2 ADJ Something that is fresh has been done, made, or experienced recently. □� There were no fresh car tracks or footprints in the snow. □� With the memory of the bombing fresh in her mind, Eleanor became increasingly agitated.

3 ADJ Fresh food has been picked or produced recently, and has not been preserved, for example by being frozen or put in a tin. □� �locally caught fresh fish. □� �fresh fruit.

4 ADJ If you describe something as fresh , you like it because it is new and exciting. □� These designers are full of fresh ideas. □� �a fresh image.

5 ADJ If you describe something as fresh , you mean that it is pleasant, bright, and clean in appearance. □� Gingham fabrics always look fresh and pretty.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something smells, tastes, or feels fresh , it is clean or cool. □� The air was fresh and for a moment she felt revived.

7 ADJ Fresh water is water that is not salty, for example the water from rivers or lakes.

8 ADJ If you say that the weather is fresh , you mean that it is fairly cold and windy. □� It was a fine, fresh summer morning. □� Outside the breeze was fresh and from the north.

9 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel fresh , you feel full of energy and enthusiasm. □� It's vital we are as fresh as possible for those matches.

10 ADJ Fresh paint is not yet dry. [AM ] in BRIT, use wet11 ADJ If you are fresh from a particular place or experience, you have just come from that place or you have just had that experience. You can also say that someone is fresh out of a place. □�[+�from ] I returned to the office, fresh from Heathrow. □�[+�out of ] From what I've heard he started wheeling and dealing fresh out of college.

fresh- /fre ʃ-/ COMB [ADJ n] Fresh- is added to past participles in order to form adjectives which describe something as having been recently made or done. □� �a vase of fresh-cut flowers. □� �a meadow of fresh-mown hay.

fre sh ai r N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] You can describe the air outside as fresh air , especially when you mean that it is good for you because it does not contain dirt or dangerous substances. □� 'Let's take the baby outside,' I suggested. 'We all need some fresh air.'

fresh|en /fre ʃ ə n/ (freshens , freshening , freshened ) VERB If the wind freshens , it becomes stronger and colder. □�[V ] The wind had freshened.

▸� freshen up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you freshen something up , you make it clean and pleasant in appearance or smell. □�[V P n] A thorough brushing helps to freshen up your mouth. □�[V n P ] My room needed a lick of paint to freshen it up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you freshen up , you wash your hands and face and make yourself look neat and tidy. □�[V P ] After Martine had freshened up, they went for a long walk.

fresh|er /fre ʃə r / (freshers )

1Fresher is the comparative form of fresh .

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Freshers are students who have just started their first year at university or college. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] in AM, use freshmen

fresh|ly /fre ʃli/ ADV [ADV -ed] If something is freshly made or done, it has been recently made or done. □� �freshly baked bread. □� �freshly cut grass.

fresh|man /fre ʃmən/ (freshmen ) N‑COUNT In America, a freshman is a student who is in his or her first year at university or college.

fresh|water /fre ʃwɔːtə r / ADJ [ADJ n] A freshwater lake contains water that is not salty, usually in contrast to the sea. Freshwater creatures live in water that is not salty. □� �Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in Europe. □� The perch is a freshwater fish.

fret /fre t/ (frets , fretting , fretted )

1 VERB If you fret about something, you worry about it. □�[V +�about/over ] I was working all hours and constantly fretting about everyone else's problems. □�[V that] But congressional staffers fret that the project will eventually cost billions more. □�[V ] Don't fret, Mary. This is all some crazy mistake.

2 N‑COUNT The frets on a musical instrument such as a guitar are the raised lines across its neck.

fret|ful /fre tfʊl/ ADJ If someone is fretful , they behave in a way that shows that they worried or unhappy about something. □� Don't assume your baby automatically needs feeding if she's fretful.

fret|work /fre twɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Fretwork is wood or metal that has been decorated by cutting bits of it out to make a pattern.

Freud|ian /frɔ I diən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Freudian means relating to the ideas and methods of the psychiatrist Freud, especially to his ideas about people's subconscious sexual feelings. □� �the Freudian theory about daughters falling in love with their father.

Freu d|ian sli p (Freudian slips ) N‑COUNT If someone accidentally says something that reveals their subconscious feelings, especially their sexual feelings, this is referred to as a Freudian slip .

Fri.Fri. is a written abbreviation for Friday .

fri|ar /fra I ə r / (friars ) N‑COUNT A friar is a member of one of several Catholic religious orders.

fric|tion /fr I kʃ ə n/ (frictions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If there is friction between people, there is disagreement and argument between them. □� Sara sensed that there had been friction between her children.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Friction is the force that makes it difficult for things to move freely when they are touching each other. □� The pistons are graphite-coated to reduce friction.

Fri|day /fra I de I , -di/ (Fridays ) N‑VAR Friday is the day after Thursday and before Saturday. □� Mr Cook is intending to go to Brighton on Friday. □� The weekly series starts next Friday. □� I get home at half seven on Fridays. □� He left Heathrow airport on Friday morning.

fridge /fr I dʒ/ (fridges ) N‑COUNT A fridge is a large metal container which is kept cool, usually by electricity, so that food that is put in it stays fresh. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use refrigerator

friend ◆◆◆ /fre nd/ (friends , friending , friended )

1 N‑COUNT A friend is someone who you know well and like, but who is not related to you. □� I had a long talk about this with my best friend. □�[+�of ] She never was a close friend of mine. □� �Sara's old friend, Ogden.

2 N‑PLURAL If you are friendswith someone, you are their friend and they are yours. □�[+�with ] I still wanted to be friends with Alison. □� We remained good friends. □� Sally and I became friends.

3 N‑PLURAL ; N‑COUNT The friendsof a country, cause, organization, or a famous politician are the people and organizations who help and support them. □�[+�of ] �The Friends of Birmingham Royal Ballet.

4 N‑COUNT If one country refers to another as a friend , they mean that the other country is not an enemy of theirs. □� Do Italy's friends and partners have to accept the situation?

5 PHRASE If you make friendswith someone, you begin a friendship with them. You can also say that two people make friends . □� He has made friends with the kids on the street. □� He had made a friend of both girls.

6 VERB If you friend someone, you ask them to be your friend on a social media website, so that you can see each other's posts. □�[V n on ] People you have friended on Facebook could be complete strangers in real life. □�[V n] He friended dozens of other graduates of his college. COLLOCATIONS friend NOUN

1

noun +�friend : childhood, college, family, school, university

adjective +�friend : best, close, dear, good, great; lifelong, longtime, old; loyal, true; female, male; mutual

2

verb +�friend : become, remain, stay

friend|less /fre ndləs/ ADJ Someone who is friendless has no friends. □� The boy was unhappy because he thought he was friendless.

friend|ly ◆◇◇ /fre ndli/ (friendlier , friendliest , friendlies )

1 ADJ If someone is friendly , they behave in a pleasant, kind way, and like to be with other people. □�[+�to ] Godfrey had been friendly to me. □� �a man with a pleasant, friendly face. □� Robert has a friendly relationship with his customers. □� �a friendly atmosphere. □� Your cat isn't very friendly. ●� friend|li|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� She also loves the friendliness of the people.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are friendlywith someone, you like each other and enjoy spending time together. □�[+�with ] I'm friendly with his mother.

3 ADJ You can describe another country or their government as friendly when they have good relations with your own country rather than being an enemy. □� �a worsening in relations between the two previously friendly countries.

4 N‑COUNT In sport, a friendly is a match which is not part of a competition, and is played for entertainment or practice, often without any serious effort to win. [BRIT ] □� Athletic Bilbao agreed to play a friendly at Real Sociedad. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Friendly is also an adjective. □� �an ill-deserved 2-1 win over Japan in a friendly match. [in AM, use exhibition game ] USAGE friendly

Friendly is never an adverb. Don�t say, for example, � He behaved friendly �. Say �He behaved in a friendly way �. □� She smiled at him in a friendly way .

-friendly /-fre ndli/

1 COMB -friendly combines with nouns to form adjectives which describe things that are not harmful to the specified part of the natural world. □� Palm oil is environment-friendly. □� �ozone-friendly fridges.

2 COMB -friendly combines with nouns to form adjectives which describe things which are intended for or suitable for the specified person, especially things that are easy for them to understand, appreciate, or use. □� �customer-friendly banking facilities.

3 →�see also user-friendly

frie nd|ly so|ci|ety (friendly societies ) N‑COUNT A friendly society is an organization to which people regularly pay small amounts of money and which then gives them money when they retire or when they are ill. [BRIT ]

friend|ship ◆◇◇ /fre ndʃ I p/ (friendships )

1 N‑VAR A friendship is a relationship between two or more friends. □�[+�with ] She struck up a close friendship with Desiree during the week of rehearsals. □� After seven years of friendship, she still couldn't tell when he was kidding.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You use friendship to refer in a general way to the state of being friends, or the feelings that friends have for each other. □� �a hobby which led to a whole new world of friendship and adventure.

3 N‑VAR Friendship is a relationship between two countries in which they help and support each other. □�[+�with/between ] �as president of a foundation that promotes friendship between Italy and America.

frieze /friː z/ (friezes ) N‑COUNT A frieze is a decoration high up on the walls of a room or just under the roof of a building. It consists of a long panel of carving or a long strip of paper with a picture or pattern on it.

frig|ate /fr I gət/ (frigates ) N‑COUNT A frigate is a fairly small ship owned by the navy that can move at fast speeds. Frigates are often used to protect other ships.

frig|ging /fr I g I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Frigging is used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are angry or annoyed about something. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

fright /fra I t/ (frights )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fright is a sudden feeling of fear, especially the fear that you feel when something unpleasant surprises you. □� The steam pipes rattled suddenly, and Franklin uttered a shriek and jumped with fright. □� The birds smashed into the top of their cages in fright. □� To hide my fright I asked a question.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Afright is an experience which makes you suddenly afraid. □� The snake picked up its head and stuck out its tongue which gave everyone a fright. □� The last time you had a real fright, you nearly crashed the car.

3 PHRASE If a person or animal takes fright at something, they are suddenly frightened by it, and want to run away or to stop doing what they are doing. □� An untrained horse had taken fright at the sound of gunfire. □� When costs soared, the studio took fright and recalled the company from Rome.

fright|en /fra I t ə n/ (frightens , frightening , frightened )

1 VERB If something or someone frightens you, they cause you to suddenly feel afraid, anxious, or nervous. □�[V n] He knew that Soli was trying to frighten him, so he smiled to hide his fear. □�[be V -ed] Most children are frightened by the sight of blood.

2 PHRASE If something frightens the life out of you, frightens the wits out of you, or frightens you out of your wits , it causes you to feel suddenly afraid or gives you a very unpleasant shock. [EMPHASIS ] □� Fairground rides are intended to frighten the life out of you.

▸� frighten away or frighten off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you frighten away a person or animal or frighten them off , you make them afraid so that they run away or stay some distance away from you. □�[V P n] The fishermen said the company's seismic survey was frightening away fish. □�[V n P ] He fired into the air, hoping that the noise would frighten them off.

2 PHRASAL VERB To frighten someone away or frighten them off means to make them nervous so that they decide not to become involved with a particular person or activity. □�[V n P ] Building society repossessions have frightened buyers off. □�[V P n] The government is convinced that the bombers want to frighten away foreign investors.

▸� frighten off →�see frighten away

fright|ened /fra I t ə nd/ ADJ [ADJ to-inf] If you are frightened , you are anxious or afraid, often because of something that has just happened or that you think may happen. □�[+�of ] She was frightened of flying. □� Miriam was too frightened to tell her family what had happened.

fright|en|ing /fra I tən I ŋ/ ADJ If something is frightening , it makes you feel afraid, anxious, or nervous. □� It was a very frightening experience and they were very courageous. □� The number of youngsters involved in crime is frightening. ●� fright|en|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� The country is frighteningly close to possessing nuclear weapons.

fright|ful /fra I tfʊl/

1 ADJ Frightful means very bad or unpleasant. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� My father was unable to talk about the war, it was so frightful.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Frightful is used to emphasize the extent or degree of something, usually something bad. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , EMPHASIS ] □� He got himself into a frightful muddle.

frig|id /fr I dʒ I d/

1 ADJ Frigid means extremely cold. [FORMAL ] □� A snowstorm hit the West today, bringing with it frigid temperatures.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a woman is frigid , she finds it difficult to become sexually aroused. You can often use frigid to show disapproval. □� My husband says I am frigid. ●� fri|gid|ity /fr I dʒ I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �an inability to experience orgasm (often called frigidity).

frill /fr I l/ (frills )

1 N‑COUNT A frill is a long narrow strip of cloth or paper with many folds in it, which is attached to something as a decoration. □� �net curtains with frills.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you describe something as having nofrills , you mean that it has no extra features, but is acceptable or good if you want something simple. [APPROVAL ] □� This booklet restricts itself to facts without frills.

frilled /fr I ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] A frilled item of clothing is decorated with a frill or frills.

frilly /fr I li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Frilly items of clothing or fabric have a lot of frills on them. □� �maids in frilly aprons.

fringe /fr I ndʒ/ (fringes )

1 N‑COUNT A fringe is hair which is cut so that it hangs over your forehead. [BRIT ] in AM, use bangs2 N‑COUNT A fringe is a decoration attached to clothes, or other objects such as curtains, consisting of a row of hanging strips or threads. □� The jacket had leather fringes.

3 N‑COUNT [usu on the N of n] To be on thefringe or thefringesof a place means to be on the outside edge of it, or to be in one of the parts that are farthest from its centre. □�[+�of ] �black townships located on the fringes of the city. □� They lived together in a mixed household on the fringe of a campus.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Thefringe or thefringesof an activity or organization are its less important, least typical, or most extreme parts, rather than its main and central part. □�[+�of ] The party remained on the fringe of the political scene until last year.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Fringe groups or events are less important or popular than other related groups or events. □� The monarchists are a small fringe group who quarrel fiercely among themselves.

fri nge be n|efit (fringe benefits )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fringe benefits are extra things that some people get from their job in addition to their salary, for example a car. [BUSINESS ]

2 N‑COUNT The fringe benefits of doing something are the extra advantages which you get from it, although you may not have expected them and they were not the main reason for doing it. □�[+�of ] His support was one of the nicest fringe benefits of pursuing this research.

fringed /fr I ndʒd/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Fringed clothes, curtains, or lampshades are decorated with fringes. □� Emma wore a fringed scarf round her neck.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If a place or object is fringed with something, that thing forms a border around it or is situated along its edges. □� Her eyes were large and brown and fringed with incredibly long lashes.

frip|pery /fr I pəri/ (fripperies ) N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to something as frippery , you mean that it is silly or unnecessary, and only done or worn for pleasure [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �all the fripperies with which the Edwardian woman indulged herself. □� �a sombre display, with no frills or frippery.

Fris|bee /fr I zbi/ (Frisbees ) N‑COUNT A frisbee is a light plastic disc that one person throws to another as a game. [TRADEMARK ]

frisk /fr I sk/ (frisks , frisking , frisked ) VERB If someone frisks you, they search you, usually with their hands in order to see if you are hiding a weapon or something else such as drugs in your clothes. □�[V n] Drago pushed him up against the wall and frisked him.

frisky /fr I ski/ (friskier , friskiest ) ADJ A frisky animal or person is energetic and playful, and may be difficult to control. □� His horse was feeling frisky, and he had to hold the reins tightly.

fris|son /friː sɒn, [AM ] friːsoʊ n/ (frissons ) N‑COUNT A frisson is a short, sudden feeling of excitement or fear. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] A frisson of apprehension rippled round the theatre.

frit|ter /fr I tə r / (fritters , frittering , frittered ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] Fritters are round pieces of fruit, vegetables, or meat that are dipped in batter and fried. □� �apple fritters.

▸� fritter away PHRASAL VERB If someone fritters away time or money, they waste it on unimportant or unnecessary things. □�[V P n] The firm soon started frittering away the cash it was generating. □�[V n P ] I seem to fritter my time away at coffee mornings.

fri|vol|ity /fr I vɒ l I ti/ (frivolities ) N‑VAR If you refer to an activity as a frivolity , you think that it is amusing and rather silly, rather than serious and sensible. □� There is a serious message at the core of all this frivolity. □� He was one of my most able pupils, but far too easily distracted by frivolities.

frivo|lous /fr I vələs/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as frivolous , you mean they behave in a silly or light-hearted way, rather than being serious and sensible. □� I just decided I was a bit too frivolous to be a doctor.

2 ADJ If you describe an activity as frivolous , you disapprove of it because it is not useful and wastes time or money. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The group wants politicians to stop wasting public money on what it believes are frivolous projects.

frizz /fr I z/ N‑UNCOUNT Frizz is frizzy hair. □� Manic brushing will only cause frizz.

friz|zy /fr I zi/ (frizzier , frizziest ) ADJ Frizzy hair is very tightly curled. □� Carol's hair had a slightly frizzy perm.

fro /froʊ / to and fro →�see to ➊

frock /frɒ k/ (frocks ) N‑COUNT A frock is a woman's or girl's dress. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

fro ck coat (frock coats ) also frock-coat N‑COUNT A frock coat was a long coat that was worn by men in the 19th century.

frog /frɒ g, [AM ] frɔː g/ (frogs )

1 N‑COUNT A frog is a small creature with smooth skin, big eyes, and long back legs which it uses for jumping. Frogs usually live near water.

2 N‑COUNT Frogs is sometimes used to refer to French people. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE ]

frog|man /frɒ gmən, [AM ] frɔː g-/ (frogmen ) N‑COUNT A frogman is someone whose job involves diving and working underwater, especially in order to mend or search for something. Frogmen wear special rubber suits and shoes, and carry equipment to help them to breathe underwater.

fro g-march (frog-marches , frog-marching , frog-marched ) also frogmarch VERB If you are frog-marched somewhere, someone takes you there by force, holding you by the arms or another part of your body so that you have to walk along with them. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] He was frog-marched through the kitchen and out into the yard. □�[V n prep/adv] They arrested the men and frog-marched them to the local police station.

frog|spawn /frɒ gspɔːn, [AM ] frɔː g-/ also frog spawn N‑UNCOUNT Frogspawn is a soft substance like jelly which contains the eggs of a frog.

fro -ing →�see to-ing and fro-ing

frol|ic /frɒ l I k/ (frolics , frolicking , frolicked ) VERB When people or animals frolic , they play or move in a lively, happy way. □�[V ] �lambs frolicking in the fields.

from ◆◆◆ /frəm, STRONG frɒm, [AM ] frʌm/ In addition to the uses shown below, from is used in phrasal verbs such as 'date from' and 'grow away from'. 1 PREP If something comes from a particular person or thing, or if you get something from them, they give it to you or they are the source of it. □� He appealed for information from anyone who saw the attackers. □� �an anniversary present from his wife. □� The results were taken from six surveys. □� The dirt from the fields drifted like snow.

2 PREP Someone who comes from a particular place lives in that place or originally lived there. Something that comes from a particular place was made in that place. □� Katy Jones is nineteen and comes from Birmingham. □� �wines from Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence.

3 PREP A person from a particular organization works for that organization. □� �a representative from the Israeli embassy.

4 PREP If someone or something moves or is moved from a place, they leave it or are removed, so that they are no longer there. □� The guests watched as she fled from the room.

5 PREP If you take one thing or person from another, you move that thing or person so that they are no longer with the other or attached to the other. □� In many bone transplants, bone can be taken from other parts of the patient's body. □� Remove the bowl from the ice and stir in the cream.

6 PREP If you take something from an amount, you reduce the amount by that much. □� The �103 is deducted from Mrs Adams' salary every month. □� Three from six leaves three.

7 PREP From is used in expressions such as away from or absent from to say that someone or something is not present in a place where they are usually found. □� Her husband worked away from home a lot. □� Jo was absent from the house all the next day.

8 PREP If you return from a place or an activity, you return after being in that place or doing that activity. □� �a group of men travelling home from a darts match.

9 PREP If you are back from a place or activity, you have left it and have returned to your former place. □� Our economics correspondent, James Morgan, is just back from Germany. □� One afternoon when I was home from school, he asked me to come to see a movie with him.

10 PREP If you see or hear something from a particular place, you are in that place when you see it or hear it. □� Visitors see the painting from behind a plate glass window.

11 PREP If something hangs or sticks out from an object, it is attached to it or held by it. □� Hanging from his right wrist is a heavy gold bracelet. □� �large fans hanging from ceilings. □� He saw the corner of a magazine sticking out from under the blanket.

12 PREP You can use from when giving distances. For example, if a place is fifty miles from another place, the distance between the two places is fifty miles. □� The centre of the town is 4 kilometres from the station. □� How far is it from here?

13 PREP If a road or railway line goes from one place to another, you can travel along it between the two places. □� �the road from St Petersburg to Tallinn.

14 PREP From is used, especially in the expression made from , to say what substance has been used to make something. □� �bread made from white flour. □� �a luxurious resort built from the island's native coral stone.

15 PREP You can use from when you are talking about the beginning of a period of time. □� Breakfast is available to fishermen from 6 a.m. □� From 1922 till 1925 she lived in Prague.

16 PREP You say from one thing to another when you are stating the range of things that are possible, or when saying that the range of things includes everything in a certain category. □� Over 150 companies will be there, covering everything from finance to fixtures and fittings.

17 PREP If something changes from one thing to another, it stops being the first thing and becomes the second thing. □� The expression on his face changed from sympathy to surprise. □� Unemployment has fallen from 7.5 to 7.2%.

18 PREP You use from after some verbs and nouns when mentioning the cause of something. □� The problem simply resulted from a difference of opinion. □� He is suffering from eye ulcers, brought on by the intense light in Australia. □� They really do get pleasure from spending money on other people. □� Most of the wreckage from the 1985 quake has been cleared.

19 PREP You use from when you are giving the reason for an opinion. □� She knew from experience that Dave was about to tell her the truth. □� He sensed from the expression on her face that she had something to say.

20 PREP From is used after verbs with meanings such as 'protect', 'free', 'keep', and 'prevent' to introduce the action that does not happen, or that someone does not want to happen. □� Such laws could protect the consumer from harmful or dangerous remedies. □� 300 tons of Peruvian mangoes were kept from entering France. USAGE from

1 Don�t use �from� to say that something started to happen at a particular time in the past and is still happening now. Don�t say, for example, � I have lived here from 1984 �. Say �I have lived here since 1984�. □� He has been a teacher since 1998.

2 Don�t use �from� to say who wrote a book, play, or piece of music. Don�t say, for example, � Have you seen any plays from Ibsen ?� You say �Have you seen any plays by Ibsen?� □� We listened to some pieces by Mozart.

fro|mage frais /frɒmɑːʒ fre I / (fromage frais ) N‑VAR Fromage frais is a thick, creamy dessert that is made from milk and often flavoured with fruit. A fromage frais is a small pot of fromage frais.

frond /frɒ nd/ (fronds ) N‑COUNT A frond is a long leaf which has an edge divided into lots of thin parts. □� �palm fronds.

front ◆◆◆ /frʌ nt/ (fronts , fronting , fronted )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thefrontof something is the part of it that faces you, or that faces forward, or that you normally see or use. □�[+�of ] One man sat in an armchair, and the other sat on the front of the desk. □� Stand at the front of the line. □� Her cotton dress had ripped down the front.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thefrontof a building is the side or part of it that faces the street. □�[+�of ] Attached to the front of the house, there was a large veranda.

3 N‑SING A person's or animal's front is the part of their body between their head and their legs that is on the opposite side to their back. □� If you lie your baby on his front, he'll lift his head and chest up.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Front is used to refer to the side or part of something that is towards the front or nearest to the front. □� I went out there on the front porch. □� She was only six and still missing her front teeth. □� Children may be tempted to climb into the front seat while the car is in motion.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The front page of a newspaper is the outside of the first page, where the main news stories are printed. □� The Guardian's front page carries a photograph of the two foreign ministers. □� The story made the front page of most of the newspapers.

6 →�see also front-page

7 N‑SING The front is a road next to the sea in a seaside town. [BRIT ] □� Amy went out for a last walk along the sea front.

8 N‑COUNT In a war, the front is a line where two opposing armies are facing each other. □� Sonja's husband is fighting at the front.

9 →�see also front line

10 N‑COUNT If you say that something is happening on a particular front , you mean that it is happening with regard to a particular situation or field of activity. □� We're moving forward on a variety of fronts.

11 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If someone puts on a particular kind of front , they pretend to have a particular quality. □� Michael kept up a brave front both to the world and in his home.

12 N‑COUNT An organization or activity that is afrontfor one that is illegal or secret is used to hide it. □�[+�for ] �a firm later identified by the police as a front for crime syndicates.

13 N‑COUNT In relation to the weather, a front is a line where a mass of cold air meets a mass of warm air. □� A very active cold front brought dramatic weather changes to Kansas on Wednesday.

14 VERB A building or an area of land that fronts a particular place or frontsonto it is next to it and faces it. □�[V n] �real estate, which includes undeveloped land fronting the city convention center. □�[V +�onto ] There are some delightful Victorian houses fronting onto the pavement. □�[V -ed] �quaint cottages fronted by lawns and flowerbeds.

15 VERB The person who fronts an organization is the most senior person in it. [BRIT ] □�[V n] He fronted a formidable band of fighters. □�[V -ed] The public relations operation has been fronted by Mr Hayward. in AM, use head

16 PHRASE If a person or thing is in front , they are ahead of others in a moving group, or further forward than someone or something else. □� Officers will crack down on lunatic motorists who speed or drive too close to the car in front. □� 'What's with this guy?' demanded an American voice in the row in front.

17 PHRASE Someone who is in front in a competition or contest at a particular point is winning at that point. □� That Campbell was in front at halfway was astounding, given his battle with injury. □� Some preliminary polls show him out in front.

18 PHRASE If someone or something is in front of a particular thing, they are facing it, ahead of it, or close to the front part of it. □� She sat down in front of her dressing-table mirror to look at herself. □� Something darted out in front of my car, and my car hit it. □� A police car was parked in front of the house.

19 PHRASE If you do or say something in front of someone else, you do or say it when they are present. □� They never argued in front of their children. □� He has been brought up not to swear in front of women.

20 PHRASE On the home front or on the domestic front means with regard to your own country rather than foreign countries. [JOURNALISM ] □� Its present economic ills on the home front are largely the result of overspending. □� On the domestic front, the president got his way with his budget proposals.

front|age /frʌ nt I dʒ/ (frontages ) N‑COUNT A frontage of a building is a wall which faces a public place such as a street or a river. □� The restaurant has a river frontage.

front|al /frʌ nt ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Frontal means relating to or involving the front of something, for example the front of an army, a vehicle, or the brain. [FORMAL ] □� Military leaders are not expecting a frontal assault by the rebels. □� He pioneered the surgical technique called frontal lobotomy.

2 →�see also full-frontal

fro nt be nch (front benches ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] In Britain, thefront bench or people who sit on thefront bench are members of Parliament who are ministers in the Government or who hold official positions in an opposition party. □� Some of the Government front bench still believe our relationship with the U.S. is paramount.

front|bencher /frʌ ntbe ntʃə r / (frontbenchers ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a frontbencher is a member of Parliament who is a minister in the Government or who holds an official position in an opposition party.

fro nt burn|er N‑SING [usu on the N ] If an issue is on thefront burner , it receives a lot of attention because it is considered to be more urgent or important than other issues. □� It helps to put an important issue back on the front burner.

fro nt doo r (front doors ) N‑COUNT The front door of a house or other building is the main door, which is usually in the wall that faces a street.

fron|tier /frʌ nt I ə r , -t I ə r / (frontiers )

1 N‑COUNT A frontier is a border between two countries. [BRIT ] □� It wasn't difficult then to cross the frontier. in AM, usually use border2 N‑COUNT When you are talking about the western part of America before the twentieth century, you use frontier to refer to the area beyond the part settled by Europeans. □� �a far-flung outpost on the frontier.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl, adj N ] Thefrontiers of something, especially knowledge, are the limits to which it extends. □�[+�of ] �pushing back the frontiers of science. □� �technological frontiers.

fron|tis|piece /frʌ nt I spiːs/ (frontispieces ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The frontispiece of a book is a picture at the beginning, opposite the page with the title on.

fro nt li ne (front lines ) also front-line

1 N‑COUNT Thefront line is the place where two opposing armies are facing each other and where fighting is going on. □� �a massive concentration of soldiers on the front line.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A front line state shares a border with a country that it is at war with or is in conflict with. □� �the front-line states bordering South Africa.

3 PHRASE Someone who is in the front line has to play a very important part in defending or achieving something. □� Information officers are in the front line of putting across government policies.

fro nt man (front men ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a front man for a group or organization, you mean that their role is to represent and give a good impression of it to the public, especially when it is not very respectable or popular. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is the company's front man in Washington. [Also +�for ]

fro nt-pa ge ADJ [ADJ n] A front-page article or picture appears on the front page of a newspaper because it is very important or interesting. □� �a front-page article in last week's paper.

fro nt-ru nner (front-runners ) N‑COUNT In a competition or contest, the front-runner is the person who seems most likely to win it. □� Neither of the front-runners in the presidential election is a mainstream politician.

frost /frɒ st, [AM ] frɔː st/ (frosts ) N‑VAR When there is frost or a frost , the temperature outside falls below freezing point and the ground becomes covered in ice crystals. □� There is frost on the ground and snow is forecast. □� The wind had veered to north, bringing clear skies and a keen frost.

frost|bite /frɒ stba I t, [AM ] frɔː st-/ N‑UNCOUNT Frostbite is a condition in which parts of your body, such as your fingers or toes, become seriously damaged as a result of being very cold. □� The survivors suffered from frostbite.

frost|bitten /frɒ stb I t ə n, [AM ] frɔː st-/ ADJ If a person or a part of their body is frostbitten , they are suffering from frostbite.

frost|ed /frɒ st I d, [AM ] frɔː st-/

1 ADJ Frosted glass is glass that you cannot see through clearly. □� The top half of the door to his office was of frosted glass.

2 ADJ Frosted means covered with frost. □� �the frosted trees.

3 ADJ Frosted means covered with something that looks like frost. □� �frosted blue eye shadow.

4 ADJ Frosted means covered with icing. [AM ] □� �a plate of frosted cupcakes. in BRIT, usually use iced

frost|ing /frɒ st I ŋ, [AM ] frɔː st-/ N‑UNCOUNT Frosting is a sweet substance made from powdered sugar that is used to cover and decorate cakes. [AM ] □� �a huge pastry with green frosting on it. in BRIT, usually use icing

frosty /frɒ sti, [AM ] frɔː sti/ (frostier , frostiest )

1 ADJ If the weather is frosty , the temperature is below freezing. □� �sharp, frosty nights.

2 ADJ You describe the ground or an object as frosty when it is covered with frost. □� The street was deserted except for a cat lifting its paws off the frosty stones.

froth /frɒ θ, [AM ] frɔː θ/ (froths , frothing , frothed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Froth is a mass of small bubbles on the surface of a liquid. □� �the froth of bubbles on the top of a glass of beer. □� The froth is blown away.

2 VERB If a liquid froths , small bubbles appear on its surface. □�[V prep] The sea froths over my feet. □�[V ] Add a little of the warmed milk and allow to froth a little.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to an activity or object as froth , you disapprove of it because it appears exciting or attractive, but has very little real value or importance. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� No substance at all, just froth.

frothy /frɒ θi, [AM ] frɔː θi/ (frothier , frothiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A frothy liquid has lots of bubbles on its surface. □� �frothy milk shakes.

frown /fraʊ n/ (frowns , frowning , frowned ) VERB When someone frowns , their eyebrows become drawn together, because they are annoyed, worried, or puzzled, or because they are concentrating. □�[V ] Nancy shook her head, frowning. □�[V +�at ] He frowned at her anxiously. □�[V -ing] �a frowning man. ●�N‑COUNT Frown is also a noun. □� There was a deep frown on the boy's face.

▸� frown upon or frown on PHRASAL VERB If something is frowned upon or is frowned on people disapprove of it. □�[be V -ed P ] This practice is frowned upon as being wasteful. □�[V P n] Many teachers frown on such practices.

froze /froʊ z/ Froze is the past tense of freeze .

fro|zen /froʊ z ə n/

1Frozen is the past participle of freeze .

2 ADJ If the ground is frozen it has become very hard because the weather is very cold. □� It was bitterly cold now and the ground was frozen hard. □� �the frozen bleakness of the Far North.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Frozen food has been preserved by being kept at a very low temperature. □� �frozen desserts like ice cream.

4 ADJ If you say that you are frozen , or a part of your body is frozen , you are emphasizing that you feel very cold. [EMPHASIS ] □� He put one hand up to his frozen face. ●�PHRASE Frozen stiff means the same as frozen . □� It was cold and d& he pulled up his collar and was aware of being frozen stiff.

fruc|tose /frʊ ktoʊz/ N‑UNCOUNT Fructose is a sweet substance which occurs naturally in fruit and vegetables. It is sometimes used to make food sweeter.

fru|gal /fruː g ə l/

1 ADJ People who are frugal or who live frugal lives do not eat much or spend much money on themselves. □� She lives a frugal life. ●� fru|gal|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� We must practise the strictest frugality and economy. ●� fru|gal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� We lived fairly frugally. □� He frugally saved various bits of the machine in carefully marked boxes.

2 ADJ A frugal meal is small and not expensive. □� The diet was frugal: cheese and water, rice and beans.

fruit ◆◆◇ /fruː t/ (fruit or fruits , fruits , fruiting , fruited )

1 N‑VAR Fruit or a fruit is something which grows on a tree or bush and which contains seeds or a stone covered by a substance that you can eat. □� Fresh fruit and vegetables provide fibre and vitamins. □� �bananas and other tropical fruits. □� Try to eat at least one piece of fruit a day.

2 VERB If a plant fruits , it produces fruit. □�[V ] The scientists will study the variety of trees and observe which are fruiting.

3 N‑COUNT Thefruits or thefruitof someone's work or activity are the good things that result from it. □�[+�of ] The team have really worked hard and are enjoying the fruits of that labour. □� The findings are the fruit of more than three years' research.

4 →�see also dried fruit , forbidden fruit , kiwi fruit , passion fruit

5 PHRASE If the effort that you put into something or a particular way of doing something bears fruit , it is successful and produces good results. □� He was naturally disappointed when the talks failed to bear fruit.

6 PHRASE The first fruits or the first fruit of a project or activity are its earliest results or profits. □�[+�of ] This project is one of the first fruits of commercial co-operation between the two countries. USAGE fruit

Don�t use �fruits� to talk about several oranges, bananas, etc. Use some fruit . For example, don�t say � I�m going to the market to buy some fruits � Say �I�m going to the market to buy some fruit �. □� �a table with some fruit on it.

frui t bowl (fruit bowls ) N‑COUNT A fruit bowl is a large bowl in which fruit is kept and displayed.

fruit|cake /fruː tke I k/ (fruitcakes ) also fruit cake

1 N‑VAR A fruitcake is a cake that contains raisins, currants, and other dried fruit.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a fruitcake , you mean that they are mad or that their behaviour is very strange. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

frui t co ck|tail (fruit cocktails ) N‑VAR Fruit cocktail is a mixture of pieces of different kinds of fruit eaten as part of a meal.

frui t fly (fruit flies ) N‑COUNT Fruit flies are very small flies which eat fruit and rotting plants.

fruit|ful /fruː tfʊl/

1 ADJ Something that is fruitful produces good and useful results. □� We had a long, happy, fruitful relationship. □� The talks had been fruitful, but much remained to be done. ●� fruit|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �taking their skills where they can be applied most fruitfully.

2 ADJ Fruitful land or trees produce a lot of crops. □� �a landscape that was fruitful and lush.

frui|tion /fru I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu to N ] If something comes tofruition , it starts to succeed and produce the results that were intended or hoped for. [FORMAL ] □� These plans take time to come to fruition.

fruit|less /fruː tləs/ ADJ Fruitless actions, events, or efforts do not achieve anything at all. □� It was a fruitless search. □� Talks have so far have been fruitless.

frui t ma|chine (fruit machines ) N‑COUNT A fruit machine is a machine used for gambling. You put money into it and if a particular combination of symbols, especially fruit, appears, you win money. [BRIT ] in AM, use slot machine

frui t sa l|ad (fruit salads ) N‑VAR Fruit salad is a mixture of pieces of different kinds of fruit. It is usually eaten as a dessert.

fruity /fruː ti/ (fruitier , fruitiest )

1 ADJ Something that is fruity smells or tastes of fruit. □� This shampoo smells fruity and leaves the hair beautifully silky. □� �a lovely rich fruity wine.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fruity voice or laugh is pleasantly rich and deep. □� Jerrold laughed again, a solid, fruity laugh.

frumpy /frʌ mpi/ ADJ If you describe a woman or her clothes as frumpy , you mean that her clothes are dull and not fashionable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I looked so frumpy next to these women.

frus|trate ◆◇◇ /frʌstre I t, [AM ] frʌ stre I t/ (frustrates , frustrating , frustrated )

1 VERB If something frustrates you, it upsets or angers you because you are unable to do anything about the problems it creates. □�[V n] These questions frustrated me. □�[V n] Doesn't it frustrate you that audiences in the theatre are so restricted? ●� frus|trat|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� Roberta felt frustrated and angry. □�[+�with ] �voters who are frustrated with the council. ●� frus|tra|tion /frʌstre I ʃ ə n/ (frustrations ) N‑VAR □� The results show the level of frustration among hospital doctors. □�[+�of ] �a man fed up with the frustrations of everyday life.

2 VERB If someone or something frustrates a plan or attempt to do something, they prevent it from succeeding. □�[V n] The government has frustrated his efforts to gain work permits for his foreign staff. □�[V -ed] �her frustrated attempt to become governor.

frus|trat|ing /frʌstre I t I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is frustrating annoys you or makes you angry because you cannot do anything about the problems it causes. □�[+�for ] The current situation is very frustrating for us. □� �It is a frustrating and difficult time for Pat. ●� frus|trat|ing|ly ADV □� Poverty and unemployment are frustratingly hard to tackle.

fry ◆◇◇ /fra I / (fries , frying , fried )

1 VERB When you fry food, you cook it in a pan that contains hot fat or oil. □�[V n] Fry the breadcrumbs until golden brown. □�[V -ed] �fried rice.

2 N‑PLURAL Fry are very small, young fish.

3 N‑PLURAL Fries are the same as French fries .

4 →�see also small fry

fry|er /fra I ə r / (fryers ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A fryer is a type of deep pan which you can use to fry food in hot oil.

fry |ing pan (frying pans ) N‑COUNT A frying pan is a flat metal pan with a long handle, in which you fry food.

fry -up (fry-ups ) N‑COUNT A fry-up is a meal consisting of a mixture of foods such as sausages, bacon, and eggs that have been fried. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

ftft is a written abbreviation for feet or foot . □� Flying at 1,000 ft, he heard a peculiar noise from the rotors. □� �an area of 2,750 sq ft.

fuch|sia /fjuː ʃə/ (fuchsias ) N‑VAR A fuchsia is a plant or a small bush which has pink, purple, or white flowers. The flowers hang downwards, with their outer petals curved backwards.

fuck /fʌ k/ (fucks , fucking , fucked ) Fuck is a rude and offensive word which you should avoid using. 1 EXCLAM Fuck is used to express anger or annoyance. [VERY RUDE , FEELINGS ]

2 VERB To fuck someone means to have sex with them. [VERY RUDE ] ●�N‑COUNT Fuck is also a noun.

3 PHRASE Fuck all is used to mean 'nothing at all'. [VERY RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

▸� fuck off PHRASAL VERB [usu imper] Telling someone to fuck off is an insulting way of telling them to go away. [VERY RUDE ]

▸� fuck up PHRASAL VERB If you fuck something up , you make a mistake or do something badly. [VERY RUDE ]

fuck|er /fʌ kə r / (fuckers ) N‑COUNT If someone calls a person a fucker , they are insulting them. [VERY OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

fuck|ing /fʌ k I ŋ/ ADJ Fucking is used by some people to emphasize a word or phrase, especially when they are feeling angry or annoyed. [VERY RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

fud|dled /fʌ d ə ld/ ADJ Someone who is fuddled cannot think clearly, for example because they are very tired or slightly drunk. □�[+�by ] Fuddled by brandy, her brain fumbled over the events of the night.

fuddy-duddy /fʌ di dʌdi/ (fuddy-duddies ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a fuddy-duddy , you are criticizing or making fun of them because they are old-fashioned in their appearance or attitudes. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He didn't want all those old fuddy-duddies around.

fudge /fʌ dʒ/ (fudges , fudging , fudged )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fudge is a soft brown sweet that is made from butter, cream, and sugar.

2 VERB If you fudge something, you avoid making a clear and definite decision, distinction, or statement about it. □�[V n] Both have fudged their calculations and avoided specifics.

fuel ◆◆◇ /fjuː əl/ (fuels , fuelling , fuelled ) in AM, use fueling , fueled1 N‑VAR Fuel is a substance such as coal, oil, or petrol that is burned to provide heat or power. □� They ran out of fuel. □� �industrial research into cleaner fuels.

2 VERB To fuel a situation means to make it become worse or more intense. □�[V n] The result will inevitably fuel speculation about the Prime Minister's future. □�[be V -ed] The economic boom was fueled by easy credit.

3 PHRASE If something adds fuel to a conflict or debate, or adds fuel to the fire , it makes the conflict or debate more intense. □� His comments are bound to add fuel to the debate. □� The decision to raise tariffs on imports will only add fuel to the fire.

fuel in|je c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Fuel injection is a system in the engines of some vehicles which forces fuel directly into the part of the engine where it is burned.

fuelled /fjuː əld/ in AM, use fueled ADJ A machine or vehicle that is fuelled by a particular substance works by burning that substance. □�[+�by ] It is less polluting than power stations fuelled by oil, coal and gas.

fu el rod (fuel rods ) N‑COUNT Fuel rods are metal tubes containing nuclear fuel. They are used in some nuclear reactors.

fug /fʌ g/ N‑SING People refer to the atmosphere somewhere as afug when it is smoky and smelly and there is no fresh air. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �the fug of cigarette smoke.

fu|gi|tive /fjuː dʒ I t I v/ (fugitives ) N‑COUNT A fugitive is someone who is running away or hiding, usually in order to avoid being caught by the police. □� �the fugitive train robber.

fugue /fjuː g/ (fugues ) N‑COUNT A fugue is a piece of music that begins with a simple tune which is then repeated by other voices or instrumental parts with small variations. [TECHNICAL ]

SUFFIX -ful

forms nouns that refer to the amount of a substance that something contains or can contain. For example, a handful of sand is the amount of sand that you can hold in your hand.

ful|crum /fʊ lkrəm/ N‑SING If you say that someone or something is thefulcrum of an activity or situation, you mean that they have a very important effect on what happens. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The decision is the strategic fulcrum of the Budget.

ful|fil ◆◇◇ /fʊlf I l/ (fulfils or fulfills , fulfilling , fulfilled ) also fulfill

1 VERB If you fulfil something such as a promise, dream, or hope, you do what you said or hoped you would do. □�[V n] The president fulfilled his promise of announcing a date for the referendum.

2 VERB To fulfil a task, role, or requirement means to do or be what is required, necessary, or expected. □�[V n] Without them you will not be able to fulfil the tasks you have before you. □�[be V -ed] All the necessary conditions were fulfilled.

3 VERB If something fulfils you, or if you fulfilyourself , you feel happy and satisfied with what you are doing or with what you have achieved. □�[V n] The war was the biggest thing in her life and nothing after that quite fulfilled her. □�[V pron-refl] They don't like the idea that women can fulfil themselves without the assistance of a man. ●� ful|filled ADJ □� I feel more fulfilled doing this than I've ever done. ●� ful|fil|ling ADJ □� �a fulfilling career. □� I found it all very fulfilling. SYNONYMS fulfil VERB

1

carry out:Commitments have been made with very little intention of carrying them out.

perform:We're looking for people who have performed outstanding acts of bravery.

execute:We are going to execute our campaign plan to the letter.

2

comply with:The commander said that the army would comply with the ceasefire.

meet:Only a third of the candidates met the entry requirements.

satisfy:The procedures should satisfy certain basic requirements.

ful|fil|ment /fʊlf I lmənt/ also fulfillment

1 N‑UNCOUNT Fulfilment is a feeling of satisfaction that you get from doing or achieving something, especially something useful. □� �professional fulfilment.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thefulfilmentof a promise, threat, request, hope, or duty is the event or act of it happening or being made to happen. □�[+�of ] Visiting Angkor was the fulfilment of a childhood dream.

full ◆◆◆ /fʊ l/ (fuller , fullest )

1 ADJ If something is full , it contains as much of a substance or as many objects as it can. □� Once the container is full, it stays shut until you turn it clockwise. □� �a full tank of petrol.

2 ADJ If a place or thing is full of things or people, it contains a large number of them. □�[+�of ] The case was full of clothes. □�[+�of ] The streets are still full of debris from two nights of rioting. □�[+�of ] �a useful recipe leaflet full of ideas for using the new cream.

3 ADJ If someone or something is full of a particular feeling or quality, they have a lot of it. □�[+�of ] I feel full of confidence and so open to possibilities. □�[+�of ] Mom's face was full of pain. □�[+�of ] �an exquisite mousse, incredibly rich and full of flavour.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] You say that a place or vehicle is full when there is no space left in it for any more people or things. □� The main car park was full when I left about 10.45. □� They stay here a few hours before being sent to refugee camps, which are now almost full. □� The bus was completely full, and lots of people were standing.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If your hands or arms are full , you are carrying or holding as much as you can carry. □�[+�of ] Sylvia entered, her arms full of packages. □� People would go into the store and come out with their arms full.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you feel full , you have eaten or drunk so much that you do not want anything else. □� It's healthy to eat when I'm hungry and to stop when I'm full. ●� full|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� High fibre diets give the feeling of fullness.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] You use full before a noun to indicate that you are referring to all the details, things, or people that it can possibly include. □� Full details will be sent to you once your application has been accepted. □� May I have your full name?

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Full is used to describe a sound, light, or physical force which is being produced with the greatest possible power or intensity. □� From his study came the sound of Mahler, playing at full volume. □� Then abruptly he revved the engine to full power. ●�ADV [ADV adv] Full is also an adverb. □� �a two-seater Lotus, parked with its headlamps full on.

9 ADJ [ADJ n] You use full to emphasize the completeness, intensity, or extent of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� We should conserve oil and gas by making full use of other energy sources. □� Television cameras are carrying the full horror of this war into homes around the world. □� The lane leading to the farm was in full view of the house windows.

10 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A full statement or report contains a lot of information and detail. □� He gave a full account of his meeting with the President. □� �the enormous detail in this very full document.

11 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has or leads a full life, you approve of the fact that they are always busy and do a lot of different things. [APPROVAL ] □� You will be successful in whatever you do and you will have a very full and interesting life.

12 ADV You use full to emphasize the force or directness with which someone or something is hit or looked at. [EMPHASIS ] □� She kissed him full on the mouth.

13 ADJ [ADJ n] You use full to refer to something which gives you all the rights, status, or importance for a particular position or activity, rather than just some of them. □� How did the meeting go, did you get your full membership?

14 ADJ [ADJ n] A full flavour is strong and rich. □� Italian plum tomatoes have a full flavour, and are best for cooking.

15 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a part of someone's body as full , you mean that it is rounded and rather large. □� The Juno Collection specialises in large sizes for ladies with a fuller figure. □� �his strong chin, his full lips, his appealing mustache.

16 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A full skirt or sleeve is wide and has been made from a lot of fabric. □� My wedding dress has a very full skirt. ●� full|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The coat has raglan sleeves, and is cut to give fullness at the back.

17 ADJ [usu ADJ n] When there is a full moon, the moon appears as a bright, complete circle.

18 PHRASE You say that something has been done or described in full when everything that was necessary has been done or described. □� The medical experts have yet to report in full.

19 PHRASE If you say that a person knows full well that something is true, especially something unpleasant, you are emphasizing that they are definitely aware of it, although they may behave as if they are not. [EMPHASIS ] □� He knew full well he'd be ashamed of himself later.

20 PHRASE Something that is done or experienced to the full is done to as great an extent as is possible. □� She probably has a good mind, which should be used to the full.

21to be full of beans →�see bean

22full blast →�see blast

23to come full circle →�see circle

24to have your hands full →�see hand ➊

25in full swing →�see swing

fu ll-back (full-backs ) also fullback N‑COUNT In rugby or football, a full-back is a defending player whose position is towards the goal which their team is defending.

fu ll-bloo ded ADJ [ADJ n] Full-blooded behaviour and actions are carried out with great commitment and enthusiasm. □� Experts are agreed that full-blooded market reform is the only way to save the economy.

fu ll-blo wn ADJ [ADJ n] Full-blown means having all the characteristics of a particular type of thing or person. □� Before becoming a full-blown director, he worked as the film editor on Citizen Kane.

fu ll boa rd also full-board N‑UNCOUNT If the price at a hotel includes full board , it includes all your meals. [mainly BRIT ]

fu ll dre ss N‑UNCOUNT Someone who is infull dress is wearing all the clothes needed for a ceremony or formal occasion.

fu ll-fla voured in AM, use full-flavored ADJ Full-flavoured food or wine has a pleasant fairly strong taste.

fu ll-fle dged ADJ Full-fledged means the same as fully fledged .

fu ll-fro ntal also full frontal

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is full-frontal nudity in a photograph or film, you can see the whole of the front part of someone's naked body, including the genitals. □� Why is full-frontal male nudity still so scarce in films?

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use full-frontal to describe someone's criticism or way of dealing with something, you are emphasizing that it is very strong and direct. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a full-frontal attack on the opposition leader.

fu ll-gro wn ADJ An animal or plant that is full-grown has reached its full adult size and stopped growing. □� �a full-grown male orang-utan.

fu ll hou se (full houses ) N‑COUNT If a theatre has afull house for a particular performance, it has as large an audience as it can hold. □� �playing to a full house.

fu ll-le ngth

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A full-length book, record, or film is the normal length, rather than being shorter than normal. □� �his first full-length recording in well over a decade.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A full-length coat or skirt is long enough to reach the lower part of a person's leg, almost to the ankles. A full-length sleeve reaches a person's wrist.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Full-length curtains or other furnishings reach to the floor.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A full-length mirror or painting shows the whole of a person.

5 ADV [ADV after v] Someone who is lying full-length , is lying down flat and stretched out. □� She stretched herself out full-length.

fu ll marks N‑PLURAL If you get full marks in a test or exam, you get everything right and gain the maximum number of marks. [BRIT ] □� Most people in fact got full marks in one question and zero in the other. in AM, use a perfect score

full monty /fʊ l mɒ nti/ N‑SING You use thefull monty to describe something that impresses you because it includes everything that you could possibly expect it to include. [BRIT , INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� There was everything from simple piano to a full orchestral finish. The full monty.

full|ness /fʊ lnəs/

1 →�see full

2 PHRASE If you say that something will happen in the fullness of time , you mean that it will eventually happen after a long time or after a long series of events. [WRITTEN ] □� �a mystery that will be revealed in the fullness of time.

fu ll-o n ADJ Full-on is used to describe things or activities that have all the characteristics of their type, or are done in the strongest or most extreme way possible. [INFORMAL ] □� What they were really good at was full-on rock'n'roll.

fu ll-pa ge ADJ [ADJ n] A full-page advertisement, picture, or article in a newspaper or magazine uses a whole page.

fu ll-sca le

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Full-scale means as complete, intense, or great in extent as possible. □� �the possibility of a full-scale nuclear war.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A full-scale drawing or model is the same size as the thing that it represents. □� �working, full-scale prototypes.

fu ll-si ze or full-sized ADJ [ADJ n] A full-size or full-sized model or picture is the same size as the thing or person that it represents. □� I made a full-size cardboard model.

fu ll sto p (full stops ) N‑COUNT A full stop is the punctuation mark . which you use at the end of a sentence when it is not a question or exclamation. [BRIT ] in AM, use period

full-stre ngth →�see strength

fu ll-throa ted ADJ [ADJ n] A full-throated sound coming from someone's mouth, such as a shout or a laugh, is very loud. □� �full-throated singing.

fu ll-ti me also full time

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Full-time work or study involves working or studying for the whole of each normal working week rather than for part of it. □� �a full-time job. □� �full-time staff. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Full-time is also an adverb. □� Deirdre works full-time.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In games such as football, full-time is the end of a match. [BRIT ] □� The score at full-time was 1-1.

fu ll-ti mer (full-timers ) N‑COUNT A full-timer is someone who works full-time. □� The company employs six full-timers and one part-time worker.

fu ll u p also full-up

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Something that is full up has no space left for any more people or things. □� The prisons are all full up.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are full up you have eaten or drunk so much that you do not want to eat or drink anything else. [INFORMAL ]

ful|ly ◆◆◇ /fʊ li/

1 ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] Fully means to the greatest degree or extent possible. □� She was fully aware of my thoughts. □� I don't fully agree with that.

2 ADV [ADV with v] You use fully to say that a process is completely finished. □� He had still not fully recovered.

3 ADV [ADV with v] If you describe, answer, or deal with something fully , you leave out nothing that should be mentioned or dealt with. □� Major elements of these debates are discussed more fully later in this book.

4 ADV Fully is used to emphasize how great an amount is. [WRITTEN , EMPHASIS ] □� Fully 30% of the poor could not even afford access to illegal shanties. SYNONYMS fully ADV 1

completely:Make sure that you defrost it completely.

entirely:Their price depended almost entirely on their scarcity.

wholly:The accusation is wholly without foundation.

utterly:Such an allegation is utterly without foundation.

totally:The fire totally destroyed the top floor.

fu l|ly fle dged also fully-fledged ADJ [ADJ n] Fully fledged means complete or fully developed. □� The students will become fully-fledged chartered accountants after five years.

ful|mi|nate /fʊ lm I ne I t, fʌ l-/ (fulminates , fulminating , fulminated ) VERB If you fulminateagainst someone or something, you criticize them angrily. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�against/about ] They all fulminated against the new curriculum.

ful|some /fʊ lsəm/ ADJ If you describe expressions of praise, apology, or gratitude as fulsome , you disapprove of them because they are exaggerated and elaborate, so that they sound insincere. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Newspapers have been fulsome in their praise of the former president.

fum|ble /fʌ mb ə l/ (fumbles , fumbling , fumbled )

1 VERB If you fumblefor something or fumblewith something, you try and reach for it or hold it in a clumsy way. □�[V +�for/with ] She crept from the bed and fumbled for her dressing gown. [Also V +�in ]

2 VERB When you are trying to say something, if you fumble for the right words, you speak in a clumsy and unclear way. □�[V +�for ] I fumbled for something to say. □�[V n] He fumbled his lines, not knowing what he was going to say. [Also V ]

fume /fjuː m/ (fumes , fuming , fumed )

1 N‑PLURAL Fumes are the unpleasant and often unhealthy smoke and gases that are produced by fires or by things such as chemicals, fuel, or cooking. □� �car exhaust fumes.

2 VERB If you fume over something, you express annoyance and anger about it. □�[V +�over/at/about ] He was still fuming over the remark. □�[V with quote] 'It's monstrous!' Jackie fumed.

fu|mi|gate /fjuː m I ge I t/ (fumigates , fumigating , fumigated ) VERB If you fumigate something, you get rid of germs or insects from it using special chemicals. □�[be V -ed] �fruit which has been treated with insecticide and fumigated. ●� fu|mi|ga|tion /fjuː m I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Methods of control involved poisoning and fumigation.

fun ◆◆◇ /fʌ n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You refer to an activity or situation as fun if you think it is pleasant and enjoyable and it causes you to feel happy. □� It was such a success and we had so much fun doing it. □� It could be fun to watch them. □� You still have time to join in the fun.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone is fun , you mean that you enjoy being with them because they say and do interesting or amusing things. [APPROVAL ] □� Liz was wonderful fun to be with.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as a fun thing, you mean that you think it is enjoyable. If you describe someone as a fun person, you mean that you enjoy being with them. [INFORMAL ] □� It was a fun evening. □� What a fun person he is!

4 PHRASE Someone who is a figure of fun is considered ridiculous, so that people laugh at them or make jokes about them.

5 PHRASE If you do something for fun or for the fun of it , you do it in order to enjoy yourself rather than because it is important or necessary. □� I took my M. A. just for fun really. □� He had just come for the fun of it.

6 PHRASE If you do something in fun , you do it as a joke or for amusement, without intending to cause any harm. □� Don't say such things, even in fun.

7 PHRASE If you make fun of someone or something or poke fun at them, you laugh at them, tease them, or make jokes about them in a way that causes them to seem ridiculous. □� Don't make fun of me. □� She poked fun at people's shortcomings. SYNONYMS fun NOUN 1

amusement:Steamers tooted at us as sailors on deck waved in amusement.

pleasure:He gets huge pleasure from ballet and contemporary dance.

enjoyment:�her enjoyment of the beauty of the countryside.

func|tion ◆◆◇ /fʌ ŋkʃ ə n/ (functions , functioning , functioned )

1 N‑COUNT The function of something or someone is the useful thing that they do or are intended to do. □�[+�of ] The main function of the merchant banks is to raise capital for industry.

2 VERB If a machine or system is functioning , it is working or operating. □�[V ] The authorities say the prison is now functioning normally.

3 VERB If someone or something functionsas a particular thing, they do the work or fulfil the purpose of that thing. □�[V +�as ] On weekdays, one third of the room functions as workspace.

4 N‑COUNT A function is a series of operations that a computer performs, for example when a single key or a combination of keys is pressed.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that one thing is afunctionof another, you mean that its amount or nature depends on the other thing. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Investment is a function of the interest rate.

6 N‑COUNT A function is a large formal dinner or party. COLLOCATIONS function NOUN

1

noun +�function : brain, kidney, liver, lung; memory

adjective +�function : bodily, cognitive; basic, important, primary; administrative

verb +�function : exercise, fulfil, perform, serve; affect, impair

6

noun +�function : charity, gala

adjective +�function : official, social

verb +�function : attend; host, organize VERB 2

function+�adverb : efficiently, normally, properly, smoothly SYNONYMS function NOUN 1

purpose:The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for medical supplies.

job:Their main job is to preserve health rather than treat illness.

role:�the drug's role in preventing more serious effects of infection. VERB 2

work:The pump doesn't work and we have no running water.

run:We told him to wait out front with the engine running.

operate:The number of these machines operating around the world has increased hugely.

func|tion|al /fʌ ŋkʃən ə l/

1 ADJ Functional things are useful rather than decorative. □� �modern, functional furniture. □� The decor is functional.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Functional means relating to the way in which something works or operates, or relating to how useful it is. □� �rules defining the territorial boundaries and functional limits of the local state.

3 ADJ Functional equipment works or operates in the way that it is supposed to. □� We have fully functional smoke alarms on all staircases.

func|tion|al|ism /fʌ ŋkʃənəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Functionalism is the idea that the most important aspect of something, especially the design of a building or piece of furniture, is how it is going to be used or its usefulness. [TECHNICAL ]

func|tion|al|ity /fʌ ŋkʃ ə n� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT The functionality of a computer or other machine is how useful it is or how many functions it can perform. □� It is significantly more compact than any comparable laptop, with no loss in functionality.

func|tion|ary /fʌ ŋkʃənəri, [AM ] -neri/ (functionaries ) N‑COUNT A functionary is a person whose job is to do administrative work, especially for a government or a political party. [FORMAL ]

fu nc|tion key (function keys ) N‑COUNT Function keys are the keys along the top of a computer keyboard, usually numbered from F1 to F12. Each key is designed to make a particular thing happen when you press it. [COMPUTING ] □� It's always worth consulting the manual to find out what the function keys do.

fund ◆◆◆ /fʌ nd/ (funds , funding , funded )

1 N‑PLURAL Funds are amounts of money that are available to be spent, especially money that is given to an organization or person for a particular purpose. □� The charity raises funds for research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. □� �government funds.

2 →�see also fund-raising

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A fund is an amount of money that is collected or saved for a particular purpose. □�[+�for ] �a scholarship fund for undergraduate engineering students.

4 →�see also trust fund

5 VERB When a person or organization funds something, they provide money for it. □�[be V -ed] The airport is being privately funded by a construction group. □�[V -ed] �a new privately funded scheme. ●� -funded COMB □� �government-funded institutions.

6 N‑COUNT If you have a fund of something, you have a lot of it. □�[+�of ] He is possessed of an extraordinary fund of energy.

fun|da|men|tal ◆◇◇ /fʌ ndəme nt ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use fundamental to describe things, activities, and principles that are very important or essential. They affect the basic nature of other things or are the most important element upon which other things depend. □� Our constitution embodies all the fundamental principles of democracy. □� A fundamental human right is being withheld from these people.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use fundamental to describe something which exists at a deep and basic level, and is therefore likely to continue. □� But on this question, the two leaders have very fundamental differences.

3 ADJ If one thing is fundamental to another, it is absolutely necessary to it, and the second thing cannot exist, succeed, or be imagined without it. □� The method they pioneered remains fundamental to research into the behaviour of nerve cells.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use fundamental to show that you are referring to what you consider to be the most important aspect of a situation, and that you are not concerned with less important details. □� The fundamental problem lies in their inability to distinguish between reality and invention. SYNONYMS fundamental ADJ 1

central:�a central part of their culture.

key:Education is likely to be a key issue in the next election.

basic:Access to justice is a basic right.

essential:Jordan promised to trim the city budget without cutting essential services.

fun|da|men|tal|ism /fʌ ndəme ntəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Fundamentalism is the belief in the original form of a religion or theory, without accepting any later ideas. □� Religious fundamentalism was spreading in the region. ●� fun|da|men|tal|ist (fundamentalists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] □� He will try to satisfy both wings of the party, the fundamentalists and the realists. □� �fundamentalist Christians.

fun|da|men|tal|ly /fʌ ndəme ntəli/

1 ADV You use fundamentally for emphasis when you are stating an opinion, or when you are making an important or general statement about something. [EMPHASIS ] □� Fundamentally, women like him for his sensitivity and charming vulnerability. □� He can be very charming, but he is fundamentally a bully.

2 ADV [ADV with v] You use fundamentally to indicate that something affects or relates to the deep, basic nature of something. □� He disagreed fundamentally with the President's judgment. □� Environmentalists say the treaty is fundamentally flawed.

fun|da|men|tals /fʌndəme ntəlz/ N‑PLURAL Thefundamentals of something are its simplest, most important elements, ideas, or principles, in contrast to more complicated or detailed ones. □�[+�of ] �teaching small children the fundamentals of road safety. □� They agree on fundamentals, like the need for further political reform.

fund|ing ◆◇◇ /fʌ nd I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Funding is money which a government or organization provides for a particular purpose. □� They hope for government funding for the scheme. □� Many colleges have seen their funding cut.

fund|rais|er /fʌ ndre I zə r / (fundraisers ) also fund-raiser

1 N‑COUNT A fundraiser is an event which is intended to raise money for a particular purpose, for example, for a charity. □�[+�for ] Organize a fundraiser for your church.

2 N‑COUNT A fundraiser is someone who works to raise money for a particular purpose, for example, for a charity. □�[+�for ] He was a keen fundraiser for the Party.

fu nd-raising also fundraising N‑UNCOUNT Fund-raising is the activity of collecting money to support a charity or political campaign or organization. □� Encourage her to get involved in fund-raising for charity.

fu|ner|al /fjuː nərəl/ (funerals ) N‑COUNT A funeral is the ceremony that is held when the body of someone who has died is buried or cremated. □� His funeral will be on Thursday at Blackburn Cathedral. □� He was given a state funeral.

fu |ner|al di|rec|tor (funeral directors ) N‑COUNT A funeral director is a person whose job is to arrange funerals.

fu |ner|al home (funeral homes ) N‑COUNT A funeral home is a place where a funeral director works and where dead people are prepared for burial or cremation.

fu |ner|al par|lour (funeral parlours ) N‑COUNT A funeral parlour is a place where a funeral director works and where dead people are prepared for burial or cremation. [BRIT ] in AM, use funeral home

fu|ner|ary /fjuː nərəri, [AM ] -reri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Funerary means relating to funerals, burials, or cremations. [FORMAL ] □� �funerary monuments.

fu|nereal /fjuːn I ə riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A funereal tone, atmosphere, or colour is very sad and serious and would be suitable for a funeral. □� He addressed the group in funereal tones.

fun|fair /fʌ nfeə r / (funfairs ) N‑COUNT A funfair is an event held in a park or field at which people pay to ride on various machines for amusement or try to win prizes in games. The people who organize and operate it usually take it from one place to another. [BRIT ] in AM, use carnival

fun|gal /fʌ ŋg ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fungal means caused by, consisting of, or relating to fungus. □� Athlete's foot is a fungal infection.

fun|gi /fʌ ŋgiː, fʌ ndʒa I / Fungi is the plural of fungus .

fun|gi|cide /fʌ ŋg I sa I d, fʌ ndʒ-/ (fungicides ) N‑VAR A fungicide is a chemical that can be used to kill fungus or to prevent it from growing.

fun|gus /fʌ ŋgəs/ (fungi ) N‑VAR A fungus is a plant that has no flowers, leaves, or green colouring, such as a mushroom or a toadstool. Other types of fungus such as mould are extremely small and look like a fine powder.

fu|nicu|lar /fjuːn I kjʊlə r / N‑SING A funicular or a funicular railway is a type of railway which goes up a very steep hill or mountain. A machine at the top of the slope pulls the carriage up the rails by a steel rope.

funk /fʌ ŋk/ N‑UNCOUNT Funk is a style of dance music based on jazz and blues, with a strong, repeated bass part. □� �a mixture of experimental jazz, soul and funk.

funky /fʌ ŋki/ (funkier , funkiest )

1 ADJ Funky jazz, blues, or pop music has a very strong, repeated bass part. □� It's a funky sort of rhythm.

2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as funky , you like them because they are unconventional or unusual. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� It had a certain funky charm, I guess, but it wasn't much of a place to raise a kid.

fun|nel /fʌ n ə l/ (funnels , funnelling , funnelled ) in AM, use funneling , funneled1 N‑COUNT A funnel is an object with a wide, circular top and a narrow short tube at the bottom. Funnels are used to pour liquids into containers which have a small opening, for example bottles.

2 N‑COUNT A funnel is a metal chimney on a ship or railway engine powered by steam. □� �a merchantman with three masts and two funnels.

3 N‑COUNT You can describe as a funnel something that is narrow, or narrow at one end, through which a substance flows and is directed. □� These fires create convection funnels, and throw a lot of particles into the upper atmosphere.

4 VERB If something funnels somewhere or is funnelled there, it is directed through a narrow space. □�[V adv/prep] The winds came from the north, across the plains, funnelling down the valley. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] High tides in the North Sea were funnelled down into the English Channel by a storm.

5 VERB If you funnel money, goods, or information from one place or group to another, you cause it to be sent there as it becomes available. □�[V n prep/adv] The country announced new laws that it said would punish charities that funnelled money to extremists.

fun|ni|ly /fʌ n I li/ PHRASE You use funnily enough to indicate that, although something is surprising, it is true or really happened. □� Funnily enough I can remember what I had for lunch last Monday, but not what I had for breakfast today.

fun|ny ◆◇◇ /fʌ ni/ (funnier , funniest , funnies )

1 ADJ Someone or something that is funny is amusing and likely to make you smile or laugh. □� Wade was smart and not bad-looking, and he could be funny when he wanted to. □� I'll tell you a funny story.

2 ADJ If you describe something as funny , you think it is strange, surprising, or puzzling. □� Children get some very funny ideas sometimes! □� There's something funny about him. □� It's funny how love can come and go.

3 ADJ If you feel funny , you feel slightly ill. [INFORMAL ] □� My head had begun to ache and my stomach felt funny.

4 N‑PLURAL The funnies are humorous drawings or a series of humorous drawings in a newspaper or magazine. [AM , INFORMAL ]

fu n|ny bone (funny bones ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your funny bone is the soft part of your elbow which gives you an uncomfortable feeling on your skin if it is hit. [INFORMAL ]

funny|man /fʌ nim�n/ (funnymen ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A funnyman is a male comedian . [JOURNALISM ] □� The TV funnyman takes to the road with his biggest tour ever.

fu n run (fun runs ) N‑COUNT A fun run is a long distance race which anyone can take part in. Fun runs are often held to raise money for charity. [BRIT , AUSTRALIAN ]

fur /fɜː r / (furs )

1 N‑VAR Fur is the thick and usually soft hair that grows on the bodies of many mammals. □� This creature's fur is short, dense and silky.

2 N‑VAR [oft N n] Fur is the fur-covered skin of an animal that is used to make clothing or small carpets. □� She had on a black coat with a fur collar. □� �the trading of furs from Canada.

3 N‑COUNT A fur is a coat made from real or artificial fur, or a piece of fur worn round your neck. □� There were women in furs and men in comfortable overcoats.

4 N‑VAR Fur is an artificial fabric that looks like fur and is used, for example, to make clothing, soft toys, and seat covers.

fu|ri|ous /fjʊə riəs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] Someone who is furious is extremely angry. □�[+�at/with ] He is furious at the way his wife has been treated. □� I am furious that it has taken so long to uncover what really happened. ●� fu|ri|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door furiously behind him.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Furious is also used to describe something that is done with great energy, effort, speed, or violence. □� A furious gunbattle ensued. ●� fu|ri|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Officials worked furiously to repair the centre court.

furl /fɜː r l/ (furls , furling , furled ) VERB When you furl something made of fabric such as an umbrella, sail, or flag, you roll or fold it up because it is not going to be used. □�[V n] An attempt was made to furl the headsail. □�[V -ed] �a furled umbrella.

fur|long /fɜː r lɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ (furlongs ) N‑COUNT A furlong is a unit of length that is equal to 220 yards or 201.2 metres.

fur|lough /fɜː r loʊ/ (furloughs , furloughing , furloughed )

1 N‑VAR If workers are given furlough , they are told to stay away from work for a certain period because there is not enough for them to do. [AM ] □� This could mean a massive furlough of government workers.

2 VERB If people who work for a particular organization are furloughed , they are given a furlough. [AM ] □�[be V -ed] We regret to inform you that you are being furloughed indefinitely. □�[V n] The factories have begun furloughing hundreds of workers.

3 N‑VAR When soldiers are given furlough , they are given official permission to leave the area where they are based or are fighting, for a certain period. [AM ] □� I was at home on furlough. in BRIT, use leave

fur|nace /fɜː r n I s/ (furnaces ) N‑COUNT A furnace is a container or enclosed space in which a very hot fire is made, for example to melt metal, burn rubbish, or produce steam.

fur|nish /fɜː r n I ʃ/ (furnishes , furnishing , furnished )

1 VERB If you furnish a room or building, you put furniture and furnishings into it. □�[V n +�with ] Many proprietors try to furnish their hotels with antiques. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you furnish someone with something, you provide or supply it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�with ] They'll be able to furnish you with the rest of the details.

fur|nished /fɜː r n I ʃt/

1 ADJ A furnished room or house is available to be rented together with the furniture in it.

2 ADJ [adv ADJ ] When you say that a room or house is furnished in a particular way, you are describing the kind or amount of furniture that it has in it. □� We took tea by lamplight in his sparsely furnished house.

fur|nish|ings /fɜː r n I ʃ I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL The furnishings of a room or house are the furniture, curtains, carpets, and decorations such as pictures.

fur|ni|ture ◆◇◇ /fɜː r n I tʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Furniture consists of large objects such as tables, chairs, or beds that are used in a room for sitting or lying on or for putting things on or in. □� Each piece of furniture in their home suited the style of the house.

fu|ro|re /fjʊrɔː ri, fjʊə rɔː r / in AM, use furor N‑SING [oft adj N ] A furore is a very angry or excited reaction by people to something. □� The disclosure has already caused a furore among MPs. [Also +�over ]

fur|ri|er /fʌ riə r , [AM ] fɜː r-/ (furriers ) N‑COUNT A furrier is a person who makes or sells clothes made from fur.

fur|row /fʌ roʊ, [AM ] fɜː r-/ (furrows , furrowing , furrowed )

1 N‑COUNT A furrow is a long, thin line in the earth which a farmer makes in order to plant seeds or to allow water to flow along.

2 N‑COUNT A furrow is a deep, fairly wide line in the surface of something. □� Dirt bike trails crisscrossed the grassy furrows.

3 N‑COUNT A furrow is a deep fold or line in the skin of someone's face. □� �the deep furrows that marked the corners of his mouth.

4 VERB If someone furrows their brow or forehead or if it furrows , deep folds appear in it because the person is annoyed, unhappy, or confused. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] My bank manager furrowed his brow, fingered his calculator and finally pronounced 'Aha!'. □�[V ] Midge's forehead furrowed as she saw that several were drinking. □�[V -ed] Fatigue and stress quickly result in a dull complexion and a furrowed brow.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone ploughs a particular furrow or ploughs their own furrow , you mean that their activities or interests are different or isolated from those of other people. [BRIT ] □� The government is more than adept at ploughing its own diplomatic furrow.

fur|ry /fɜː ri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A furry animal is covered with thick, soft hair. □� �the coyote's furry tail.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as furry , you mean that it has a soft rough texture like fur. □� �his herringbone tweed coat with its furry lining.

fur|ther ◆◆◆ /fɜː r �ə r / (furthers , furthering , furthered ) Further is a comparative form of far . It is also a verb. 1 ADV [ADV with v] Further means to a greater extent or degree. □� Inflation is below 5% and set to fall further. □� The rebellion is expected to further damage the country's image. □� The government's economic policies have further depressed living standards.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If you go or get furtherwith something, or take something further , you make some progress. □� They lacked the scientific personnel to develop the technical apparatus much further.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If someone goes further in a discussion, they make a more extreme statement or deal with a point more thoroughly. □� On February 7th the Post went further, claiming that Mr Wood had grabbed and kissed another 13 women. □� To have a better comparison, we need to go further and address such issues as insurance.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A further thing, number of things, or amount of something is an additional thing, number of things, or amount. □� His speech provides further evidence of his increasingly authoritarian approach. □� There was nothing further to be done for this man.

5 ADV [ADV adv/prep] Further means a greater distance than before or than something else. □� Now we live further away from the city centre. □� He came to a halt at a crossroads fifty yards further on. □� Further to the south are some of the island's loveliest unspoilt coves.

6 ADV [ADV adv/prep] Further is used in expressions such as ' further back ' and ' further ahead ' to refer to a point in time that is earlier or later than the time you are talking about. □� Looking further ahead, by the end of the century world population is expected to be about ten billion.

7 VERB If you further something, you help it to progress, to be successful, or to be achieved. □�[V n] Education needn't only be about furthering your career.

8 ADV You use further to introduce a statement that relates to the same general topic and that gives additional information or makes an additional point. [FORMAL ] □� Many people believe there is no sense to human past and, further, no predictability to human future.

9 PHRASE Further to is used in letters in expressions such as ' further to your letter ' or ' further to our conversation ', in order to indicate what you are referring to in the letter. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □� Further to your letter, I agree that there are some problems, politically speaking.

fur|ther|ance /fɜː r �ərəns/ N‑UNCOUNT The furtherance of something is the activity of helping it to be successful or be achieved. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The thing that matters is the furtherance of research in this country.

fu r|ther edu|ca |tion N‑UNCOUNT Further education is the education of people who have left school but who are not at a university or a college of education. [mainly BRIT ] □� Most further-education colleges offer A-level courses. in AM, use continuing education

further|more /fɜː r �ə r mɔː r / ADV Furthermore is used to introduce a piece of information or opinion that adds to or supports the previous one. [FORMAL ] □� Furthermore, they claim that any such interference is completely ineffective.

further|most /fɜː r �ə r moʊst/ ADJ [ADJ n] The furthermost one of a number of similar things is the one that is the greatest distance away from a place. □� We walked to the furthermost point and then sat on the sand dunes.

fur|thest /fɜː r � I st/ Furthest is a superlative form of far . 1 ADV [ADV with v] Furthest means to a greater extent or degree than ever before or than anything or anyone else. □� Wages slipped furthest in the retail, customer service and sales sectors. □� The smallest of the home nations went furthest in the competition.

2 ADV [n ADV , ADV after v, be ADV ] Furthest means at a greater distance from a particular point than anyone or anything else, or for a greater distance than anyone or anything else. □� The risk of thunder is greatest in those areas furthest from the coast. □� Amongst those who have travelled furthest to take part in the Festival are a group from Northern Ireland. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Furthest is also an adjective. □� �the furthest point from earth that any controlled spacecraft has ever been.

fur|tive /fɜː r t I v/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as furtive , you disapprove of them behaving as if they want to keep something secret or hidden. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� With a furtive glance over her shoulder, she unlocked the door and entered the house.

fury /fjʊə ri/ N‑UNCOUNT Fury is violent or very strong anger. □� She screamed, her face distorted with fury and pain.

fuse /fjuː z/ (fuses , fusing , fused )

1 N‑COUNT A fuse is a safety device in an electric plug or circuit. It contains a piece of wire which melts when there is a fault so that the flow of electricity stops. □� The fuse blew as he pressed the button to start the motor. □� Remove the circuit fuse before beginning electrical work.

2 VERB When an electric device fuses or when you fuse it, it stops working because of a fault. [BRIT ] □�[V ] The wire snapped at the wall plug and the light fused. □�[V n] Rainwater had fused the bulbs.

3 N‑COUNT A fuse is a device on a bomb or firework which delays the explosion so that people can move a safe distance away. □� A bomb was deactivated at the last moment, after the fuse had been lit.

4 VERB When things fuse or are fused , they join together physically or chemically, usually to become one thing. You can also say that one thing fuses with another. □�[V ] The skull bones fuse between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five. □�[V +�with ] Conception occurs when a single sperm fuses with an egg. □�[V n] Manufactured glass is made by fusing various types of sand. □�[V n +�with ] Their solution was to isolate specific clones of B cells and fuse them with cancer cells. □�[V together ] The flakes seem to fuse together and produce ice crystals.

5 VERB If something fuses two different qualities, ideas, or things, or if they fuse , they join together, especially in order to form a pleasing or satisfactory combination. □�[V n +�with ] His music fused the rhythms of jazz with classical forms. □�[V n] They have fused two different types of entertainment, the circus and the rock concert. □�[V ] Past and present fuse. [Also V +�with ]

6 PHRASE If you blow a fuse , you suddenly become very angry and are unable to stay calm. [INFORMAL ] □� For all my experience, I blew a fuse in the quarter-final and could have been sent off.

7 PHRASE If someone or something lights the fuse of a particular situation or activity, they suddenly get it started. □� Hopes for an early cut in interest rates lit the market's fuse early on.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone has a short fuse or is on a short fuse you mean that they are quick to react angrily when something goes wrong. □� I have a very short fuse and a violent temper.

fu se box (fuse boxes ) N‑COUNT Thefuse box is the box that contains the fuses for all the electric circuits in a building. It is usually fixed to a wall.

fused /fjuː zd/ ADJ If an electric plug or circuit is fused , it has a fuse in it.

fu|selage /fjuː z I lɑːʒ/ (fuselages ) N‑COUNT The fuselage is the main body of an aeroplane, missile, or rocket. It is usually cylindrical in shape.

fu|sil|lade /fjuː z I le I d, [AM ] -lɑː d/ N‑SING A fusilladeof shots or objects is a large number of them fired or thrown at the same time. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Both were killed in a fusillade of bullets fired at close range.

fu|sion /fjuː ʒ ə n/ (fusions )

1 N‑COUNT A fusionof different qualities, ideas, or things is something new that is created by joining them together. □�[+�of ] His previous fusions of jazz, pop and African melodies have proved highly successful.

2 N‑VAR The fusion of two or more things involves joining them together to form one thing. □�[+�of ] His final reform was the fusion of regular and reserve forces.

3 N‑UNCOUNT In physics, fusion is the process in which atomic particles combine and produce a large amount of nuclear energy. □� �research into nuclear fusion.

fuss /fʌ s/ (fusses , fussing , fussed )

1 N‑SING Fuss is anxious or excited behaviour which serves no useful purpose. □� I don't know what all the fuss is about. □� He just gets down to work without any fuss.

2 VERB If you fuss , you worry or behave in a nervous, anxious way about unimportant matters or rush around doing unnecessary things. □�[V about ] Carol fussed about getting me a drink. □�[V +�over ] Jack was fussing over the food and clothing we were going to take. □�[V prep] A team of waiters began fussing around the table. □�[V ] 'Stop fussing,' he snapped. [Also V n]

3 VERB If you fuss over someone, you pay them a lot of attention and do things to make them happy or comfortable. □�[V +�over ] Auntie Hilda and Uncle Jack couldn't fuss over them enough.

4 PHRASE If you make a fuss or kick up a fuss about something, you become angry or excited about it and complain. [INFORMAL ] □� If enough parents kick up a fuss, you can change things.

5 PHRASE If you make a fuss of someone, you pay them a lot of attention and do things to make them happy or comfortable. [BRIT ] □� When I arrived my nephews made a big fuss of me.

fussed /fʌ st/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say you are not fussed about something, you mean you do not mind about it or do not mind what happens. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I'm not fussed as long as we get where we want to go.

fussy /fʌ si/ (fussier , fussiest )

1 ADJ Someone who is fussy is very concerned with unimportant details and is difficult to please. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] She is not fussy about her food. □� Her aunt was small, with a rather fussy manner.

2 ADJ If you describe things such as clothes and furniture as fussy , you are criticizing them because they are too elaborate or detailed. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We are not very keen on floral patterns and fussy designs.

fus|ty /fʌ sti/ (fustier , fustiest )

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as fusty , you disapprove of them because they are old-fashioned in attitudes or ideas. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The fusty old establishment refused to recognise the demand for popular music.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fusty place or thing has a smell that is not fresh or pleasant. □� �fusty old carpets.

fu|tile /fjuː ta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is futile , you mean there is no point in doing it, usually because it has no chance of succeeding. □� He brought his arm up in a futile attempt to ward off the blow. □� It would be futile to sustain his life when there is no chance of any improvement.

fu|til|ity /fjuːt I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Futility is a total lack of purpose or usefulness. □�[+�of ] �the injustice and futility of terrorism.

fu|ton /fuː tɒn/ (futons ) N‑COUNT A futon is a piece of furniture which consists of a thin mattress on a low wooden frame which can be used as a bed or folded up to make a chair.

fu|ture ◆◆◆ /fjuː tʃə r / (futures )

1 N‑SING The future is the period of time that will come after the present, or the things that will happen then. □� The spokesman said no decision on the proposal was likely in the immediate future. □� He was making plans for the future. □� I had little time to think about what the future held for me.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Future things will happen or exist after the present time. □� By taking action now we can ensure that future generations will not be put at risk. □� �a report on the future role of local government. □� �the future King and Queen.

3for future reference →�see reference

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Someone's future , or thefutureof something, is what will happen to them or what they will do after the present time. □� His future as prime minister depends on the outcome of the elections. □� �a proposed national conference on the country's political future.

5 N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something has afuture , you mean that they are likely to be successful or to survive. □� These abandoned children have now got a future. □� There's no future in this relationship.

6 N‑PLURAL When people trade in futures , they buy stocks and shares, commodities such as coffee or oil, or foreign currency at a price that is agreed at the time of purchase for items which are delivered some time in the future. [BUSINESS ] □� This report could spur some buying in corn futures when the market opens today.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, the future tense of a verb is the one used to talk about things that are going to happen. In English, this applies to verb groups consisting of 'will' or 'shall' and the base form of a verb. The future perfect tense of a verb is used to talk about things that will have happened at some time in the future.

8 PHRASE You use in future when saying what will happen from now on, which will be different from what has previously happened. The form in the future is sometimes used instead, especially in American English. □� I asked her to be more careful in future. □� In the future, Mr. Fernandes says, he won't rely on others to handle this. COLLOCATIONS future NOUN 1

adjective +�future : bright, rosy, secure; uncertain, unclear; distant, forseeable, immediate, long-term, near; bleak, dystopian

verb +�future : predict; secure; shape

fu ture-proof (future-proofs , future-proofing , future-proofed ) also futureproof

1 VERB If you future-proof something, you design or change it so that it will continue to be useful or successful in the future if the situation changes. □�[V n] I am refurbishing my home. What cabling should I install to future-proof it?

2 ADJ If something is future-proof , it will continue to be useful or successful in future if the situation changes. □� In these times of economic uncertainty, these are the future-proof skills you need.

fu|tur|ism /fjuː tʃər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Futurism was a modern artistic and literary movement in the early twentieth century.

fu|tur|ist /fjuː tʃər I st/ (futurists )

1 N‑COUNT Futurists were artists and writers who were followers of futurism.

2 N‑COUNT A futurist is someone who makes predictions about what is going to happen, on the basis of facts about what is happening now. [mainly AM ]

fu|tur|is|tic /fjuː tʃər I st I k/

1 ADJ Something that is futuristic looks or seems very modern and unusual, like something from the future. □� The theatre is a futuristic steel and glass structure. □� �futuristic cars.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A futuristic film or book tells a story that is set in the future, when things are different. □� �the futuristic hit film, 'Terminator 2'.

fu|tur|ol|ogy /fjuː tʃərɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Futurology is the activity of trying to predict what is going to happen, on the basis of facts about what is happening now. □� The way a good investor does really well is by engaging in successful futurology. ●� fu|tur|olo|gist /fjuː tʃərɒ lədʒ I st/ (futurologists ) N‑COUNT □� Predicting the future should not be left to futurologists, who can be detached from reality.

fuzz /fʌ z/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Fuzz is a mass of short, curly hairs.

2 N‑PLURAL Thefuzz are the police. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

fuzzy /fʌ zi/ (fuzzier , fuzziest )

1 ADJ Fuzzy hair sticks up in a soft, curly mass. □� He had fuzzy black hair and bright black eyes.

2 ADJ If something is fuzzy , it has a covering that feels soft and like fur. □� �fuzzy material.

3 ADJ A fuzzy picture, image, or sound is unclear and hard to see or hear. □� A couple of fuzzy pictures have been published. □� �fuzzy bass lines.

4 ADJ If you or your thoughts are fuzzy , you are confused and cannot think clearly. □� He had little patience for fuzzy ideas.

5 ADJ You describe something as fuzzy when it is vague and not clearly defined. □� The border between science fact and science fiction gets a bit fuzzy.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Fuzzy logic is a type of computer logic that is supposed to imitate the way that humans think, for example by adapting to changing circumstances rather than always following the same procedure.

Gg

G , g /dʒiː / (G's, g's ) N‑VAR G is the seventh letter of the English alphabet.

gab /g� b/ PHRASE If someone has the gift of the gab , they are able to speak easily and confidently, and to persuade people. You can also say the gift of gab , especially in American English. [APPROVAL ] □� They are naturally good salesmen with the gift of the gab.

gab|ar|dine /g� bə r diː n, [AM ] -diːn/ (gabardines ) in BRIT, also use gaberdine1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Gabardine is a fairly thick cloth which is used for making coats, suits, and other clothes.

2 N‑COUNT A gabardine is a coat made from gabardine.

gab|ble /g� b ə l/ (gabbles , gabbling , gabbled ) VERB If you gabble , you say things so quickly that it is difficult for people to understand you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] Marcello sat on his knee and gabbled excitedly. □�[V adv] Jacub gabbled on about computer games. □�[V n] One of the soldiers gabbled something and pointed at the front door. [Also V with quote]

ga|ble /ge I b ə l/ (gables ) N‑COUNT A gable is the triangular part at the top of the end wall of a building, between the two sloping sides of the roof.

ga|bled /ge I b ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A gabled building or roof has a gable.

gad /g� d/ (gads , gadding , gadded ) VERB If you gadabout , you go to a lot of different places looking for amusement or entertainment. [INFORMAL ] □�[V about ] Don't think you'll keep me here while you gad about.

gad|fly /g� dfla I / (gadflies ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a gadfly , you believe that they deliberately annoy or challenge other people, especially people in authority.

gadg|et /g� dʒ I t/ (gadgets ) N‑COUNT A gadget is a small machine or device which does something useful. You sometimes refer to something as a gadget when you are suggesting that it is complicated and unnecessary. □� �kitchen gadgets including toasters, kettles and percolators. □� You don't need the latest gadgets to get in shape.

gadg|et|ry /g� dʒ I tri/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Gadgetry is small machines or devices which do something useful. □� �a passion for the latest electronic gadgetry.

Gael|ic /ge I l I k, g� l I k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Gaelic is a language spoken by people in parts of Scotland and Ireland. □� We weren't allowed to speak Gaelic at school. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Gaelic is also an adjective. □� �the Gaelic language.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Gaelic means coming from or relating to Scotland and Ireland, especially the parts where Gaelic is spoken. □� �an evening of Gaelic music and drama.

gaff /g� f/ (gaffs )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] On a boat, a gaff is a pole which is attached to a mast in order to support a particular kind of sail.

2 N‑COUNT A gaff is a pole with a point or hook at one end, which is used for catching large fish.

3 →�see also gaffe

gaffe /g� f/ (gaffes ) also gaff

1 N‑COUNT A gaffe is a stupid or careless mistake, for example when you say or do something that offends or upsets people. □� He made an embarrassing gaffe at the convention last weekend. □� �social gaffes committed by high-ranking individuals.

2 PHRASE If you blow the gaffe or blow the gaff , you tell someone something that other people wanted you to keep secret. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

gaf|fer /g� fə r / (gaffers ) N‑COUNT People use gaffer to refer to the person in charge of the workers at a place of work such as a factory. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The gaffer said he'd been fined for not doing the contract on time.

gag /g� g/ (gags , gagging , gagged )

1 N‑COUNT A gag is something such as a piece of cloth that is tied around or put inside someone's mouth in order to stop them from speaking. □� His captors had put a gag of thick leather in his mouth.

2 VERB If someone gags you, they tie a piece of cloth around your mouth in order to stop you from speaking or shouting. □�[V n] I gagged him with a towel.

3 VERB If a person is gagged by someone in authority, they are prevented from expressing their opinion or from publishing certain information. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] Judges must not be gagged. [Also V n]

4 VERB If you gag , you cannot swallow and nearly vomit. □�[V ] I knelt by the toilet and gagged.

5 N‑COUNT A gag is a joke. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] �a gag about policemen giving evidence in court.

6 VERB [only cont] If you say that someone is gagging for something or is gaggingto do something, you are emphasizing that they want to have it or do it very much. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�for ] Girls everywhere are gagging for a car like this. □�[V to-inf] There are thousands of students absolutely gagging to come to this university.

gaga /gɑː gɑː/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is gaga , you mean that they cannot think clearly any more, especially because they are old. [INFORMAL ] □� If you don't keep your brain working you go gaga.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone goes gaga over a person or thing, they like them very much. [INFORMAL ] □� My daughter is just gaga over men with hairy chests.

gag|gle /g� g ə l/ (gaggles ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] You can use gaggle to refer to a group of people, especially if they are noisy or disorganized. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] A gaggle of journalists sit in a hotel foyer waiting impatiently.

gai|ety /ge I I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Gaiety is a feeling, attitude, or atmosphere of liveliness and fun. □� Music rang out adding to the gaiety and life of the market.

gai|ly /ge I li/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something gaily , you do it in a lively, happy way. □� Magda laughed gaily.

2 ADV [ADV -ed] Something that is gaily coloured or gaily decorated is coloured or decorated in a bright, pretty way. □� He put on a gaily coloured shirt. □� �gaily painted front doors.

gain ◆◆◇ /ge I n/ (gains , gaining , gained )

1 VERB If a person or place gains something such as an ability or quality, they gradually get more of it. □�[V n] Students can gain valuable experience by working on the campus radio or magazine. □�[V +�in ] While it has lost its tranquility, the area has gained in liveliness.

2 VERB If you gainfrom something such as an event or situation, you get some advantage or benefit from it. □�[V n +�from ] The company didn't disclose how much it expects to gain from the two deals. □�[be V -ed +�by ] There is absolutely nothing to be gained by feeling bitter. □�[V +�from ] It is sad that a major company should try to gain from other people's suffering.

3 VERB To gain something such as weight or speed means to have an increase in that particular thing. □�[V n] Some people do gain weight after they stop smoking. □�[V amount] She gained some 25lb in weight during her pregnancy. [Also V ] ●�N‑VAR Gain is also a noun. □� Excessive weight gain doesn't do you any good.

4 VERB If you gain something, you obtain it, especially after a lot of hard work or effort. □�[V n] They realise that passing exams is no longer enough to gain a place at university.

5 PHRASE If you do something for gain , you do it in order to get some advantage or profit for yourself, and for no other reason. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �buying art solely for financial gain.

6 PHRASE If something such as an idea or an ideal gains ground , it gradually becomes more widely known or more popular. □� The Christian right has been steadily gaining ground in state politics.

7 PHRASE If you do something in order to gain time , you do it in order to give yourself enough time to think of an excuse or a way out of a difficult situation. □� I hoped to gain time by keeping him talking.

▸� gain on PHRASAL VERB If you gain on someone or something that is moving in front of you, you gradually get closer to them. □�[V P n] The Mercedes began to gain on the van. SYNONYMS gain VERB

1

acquire:I recently acquired some wood from a holly tree.

receive:They will receive their awards at a ceremony in Stockholm.

obtain:Evans was trying to obtain a false passport and other documents.

2

benefit:Both sides have benefited from the talks.

profit:Jennifer felt she might profit from a more relaxed lifestyle.

gain|er /ge I nə r / (gainers ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A gainer is a person or organization who gains something from a particular situation. □� Overall, there were more losers than gainers.

gain|ful /ge I nfʊl/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you are in gainful employment, you have a job for which you are paid. [FORMAL ] □� �opportunities for gainful employment. ●� gain|ful|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� Both parents were gainfully employed.

gain|say /ge I nse I / (gainsays , gainsaying , gainsaid ) VERB If there is no gainsaying something, it is true or obvious and everyone would agree with it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] There is no gainsaying the fact that they have been responsible for a truly great building.

gait /ge I t/ (gaits ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A particular kind of gait is a particular way of walking. [WRITTEN ] □� His movements were clumsy, and his gait peculiarly awkward.

gal /g� l/ (gals ) N‑COUNT Gal is used in written English to represent the word 'girl' as it is pronounced in a particular accent. □� �a Southern gal who wants to make it in the movies.

gal also gal.gal is a written abbreviation for gallon or gallons . □� Diesel cost over �1/gal in some places.

gala /gɑː lə, [AM ] ge I lə/ (galas ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A gala is a special public celebration, entertainment, performance, or festival. □� �a gala evening at the Royal Opera House.

ga|lac|tic /gəl� kt I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Galactic means relating to galaxies.

gal|axy /g� ləksi/ (galaxies ) also Galaxy

1 N‑COUNT A galaxy is an extremely large group of stars and planets that extends over many billions of light years. □� Astronomers have discovered a distant galaxy.

2 N‑PROPER The Galaxy is the extremely large group of stars and planets to which the Earth and the Solar System belong. □� The Galaxy consists of 100 billion stars.

3 N‑SING If you talk about a galaxy of people from a particular profession, you mean a group of them who are all famous or important. □�[+�of ] He is one of a small galaxy of Dutch stars on German television.

gale /ge I l/ (gales )

1 N‑COUNT A gale is a very strong wind. □� �forecasts of fierce gales over the next few days.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to the loud noise made by a lot of people all laughing at the same time as a gale of laughter or gales of laughter. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] This was greeted with gales of laughter from the audience.

ga le-fo rce ADJ [ADJ n] A gale-force wind is a very strong wind.

gall /gɔː l/ (galls , galling , galled )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has thegallto do something, you are criticizing them for behaving in a rude or disrespectful way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She had the gall to suggest that I might supply her with information about what Steve was doing.

2 VERB If someone's action galls you, it makes you feel very angry or annoyed, often because it is unfair to you and you cannot do anything about it. □�[V n that] It must have galled him that Bardo thwarted each of these measures. □�[V n] It was their serenity which galled her most. ●� gall|ing ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� It was especially galling to be criticised by this scoundrel.

3 N‑COUNT A gall is a growth on the surface of a plant that is caused by an insect, disease, fungus, or injury.

gal|lant /g� lənt/ Also pronounced /gəl� nt/ for meaning 3 . 1 ADJ If someone is gallant , they behave bravely and honourably in a dangerous or difficult situation. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� The gallant soldiers lost their lives so that peace might reign again. ●� gal|lant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The town responded gallantly to the War.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A gallant effort or fight is one in which someone tried very hard to do something difficult, although in the end they failed. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □� He died at the age of 82, after a gallant fight against illness.

3 ADJ If a man is gallant , he is kind, polite, and considerate towards women. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Douglas was a complex man, thoughtful, gallant, and generous. ●� gal|lant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He gallantly kissed Marie's hand as we prepared to leave.

gal|lant|ry /g� ləntri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Gallantry is bravery shown by someone who is in danger, for example when they are fighting in a war. [FORMAL ] □� For his gallantry he was awarded a Victoria Cross.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Gallantry is kind, polite, and considerate behaviour towards other people, especially women. [FORMAL ] □� It's that time of year again, when thoughts turn to romance and gallantry.

ga ll blad|der (gall bladders ) N‑COUNT Your gall bladder is the organ in your body which contains bile and is next to your liver.

gal|leon /g� liən/ (galleons ) N‑COUNT A galleon is a sailing ship with three masts. Galleons were used mainly in the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries.

gal|lery ◆◇◇ /g� ləri/ (galleries )

1 N‑COUNT A gallery is a place that has permanent exhibitions of works of art in it. □� �an art gallery. □� �the National Gallery.

2 N‑COUNT A gallery is a privately owned building or room where people can look at and buy works of art. □� The painting is in the gallery upstairs.

3 N‑COUNT A gallery is an area high above the ground at the back or at the sides of a large room or hall. □� A crowd already filled the gallery.

4 N‑COUNT The gallery in a theatre or concert hall is an area high above the ground that usually contains the cheapest seats. □� They had been forced to find cheap tickets in the gallery. ●�PHRASE If you play to the gallery , you do something in public in a way which you hope will impress people. □� �but I must tell you that in my opinion you're both now playing to the gallery.

gal|ley /g� li/ (galleys )

1 N‑COUNT On a ship or aircraft, the galley is the kitchen.

2 N‑COUNT In former times, a galley was a ship with sails and a lot of oars, which was often rowed by slaves or prisoners.

Gal|lic /g� l I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Gallic means the same as French . You sometimes use Gallic to describe ideas, feelings, or actions that you think are very typical of France and French people. □� The proposal has provoked howls of Gallic indignation.

gal|li|vant /g� l I v�nt/ (gallivants , gallivanting , gallivanted ) VERB Someone who is gallivantingaround goes to a lot of different places looking for amusement and entertainment. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V prep/adv] A girl's place is in the home, not gallivanting around and filling her head with nonsense. [Also V ]

gal|lon /g� lən/ (gallons ) N‑COUNT A gallon is a unit of measurement for liquids that is equal to eight pints. In Britain, it is equal to 4.564 litres. In America, it is equal to 3.785 litres. □�[+�of ] �80 million gallons of water a day. □� �a gasoline tax of 4.3 cents a gallon.

gal|lop /g� ləp/ (gallops , galloping , galloped )

1 VERB When a horse gallops , it runs very fast so that all four legs are off the ground at the same time. If you gallop a horse, you make it gallop. □�[V adv/prep] The horses galloped away. □�[V n prep/adv] Staff officers galloped fine horses down the road.

2 VERB If you gallop , you ride a horse that is galloping. □�[V prep/adv] Major Winston galloped into the distance.

3 N‑SING A gallop is a ride on a horse that is galloping. □� I was forced to attempt a gallop.

4 VERB If something such as a process gallops , it develops very quickly and is often difficult to control. □�[V adv] In spite of the recession, profits have galloped ahead. □�[V -ing] �galloping inflation.

5 VERB If you gallop , you run somewhere very quickly. □�[V prep] They are galloping around the garden playing football. [Also V n]

6 PHRASE If you do something at a gallop , you do it very quickly. □� I read the book at a gallop.

gal|lows /g� loʊz/ (gallows ) N‑COUNT A gallows is a wooden frame used to execute criminals by hanging.

gall|stone /gɔː lstoʊn/ (gallstones ) N‑COUNT A gallstone is a small, painful lump which can develop in your gall bladder.

ga|lore /gəlɔː r / ADJ [n ADJ ] You use galore to emphasize that something you like exists in very large quantities. [INFORMAL , WRITTEN , EMPHASIS ] □� You'll be able to win prizes galore. □� �a popular resort with beaches galore.

ga|loshes /gəlɒ ʃ I z/ N‑PLURAL Galoshes are waterproof shoes, usually made of rubber, which you wear over your ordinary shoes to prevent them getting wet.

gal|va|nize /g� lvəna I z/ (galvanizes , galvanizing , galvanized ) in BRIT, also use galvanise VERB To galvanize someone means to cause them to take action, for example by making them feel very excited, afraid, or angry. □�[V n] The aid appeal has galvanised the German business community. □�[be V -ed +�into ] They have been galvanised into collective action�militarily, politically and economically. [Also V n +�into ]

gal|va|nized /g� lvəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use galvanised ADJ [usu ADJ n] Galvanized metal, especially iron and steel, has been covered with zinc in order to protect it from rust and other damage. □� �corrosion-resistant galvanized steel. □� �75mm galvanised nails.

gam|bit /g� mb I t/ (gambits )

1 N‑COUNT A gambit is an action or set of actions, which you carry out in order to try to gain an advantage in a situation or game. □� He sees the proposal as more of a diplomatic gambit than a serious defense proposal. □� Campaign strategists are calling the plan a clever political gambit.

2 N‑COUNT A gambit is a remark which you make to someone in order to start or continue a conversation with them. □� His favourite opening gambit is: 'You are so beautiful, will you be my next wife?'. □� Bernard made no response to Tom's conversational gambits.

gam|ble /g� mb ə l/ (gambles , gambling , gambled )

1 N‑COUNT A gamble is a risky action or decision that you take in the hope of gaining money, success, or an advantage over other people. □� �the president's risky gamble in calling a referendum.

2 VERB If you gambleon something, you take a risky action or decision in the hope of gaining money, success, or an advantage over other people. □�[V +�on ] Few firms will be willing to gamble on new products. □�[V n +�on ] They are not prepared to gamble their careers on this matter. □�[V +�with ] Who wants to gamble with the life of a friend? [Also V , V n, V that]

3 VERB If you gamble an amount of money, you bet it in a game such as cards or on the result of a race or competition. People who gamble usually do it frequently. □�[V n] Most people visit Las Vegas to gamble their hard-earned money. □�[V +�on ] John gambled heavily on the horses. □�[V ] He was gambling heavily, to the alarm of his family. □�[V n with away ] He gambled away his family estate on a single throw of the dice.

gam|bler /g� mblə r / (gamblers )

1 N‑COUNT A gambler is someone who gambles regularly, for example in card games or horse racing.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a gambler , you mean that they are ready to take risks in order to gain advantages or success. □� English cricketers have never been gamblers by nature.

gam|bling /g� mbl I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Gambling is the act or activity of betting money, for example in card games or on horse racing. □� Gambling is a form of entertainment. □� �gambling casinos.

gam|bol /g� mb ə l/ (gambols , gambolling , gambolled ) in AM, use gamboling , gamboled VERB If animals or people gambol , they run or jump about in a playful way. □�[V prep/adv] �the sight of newborn lambs gambolling in the fields.

game ◆◆◆ /ge I m/ (games )

1 N‑COUNT A game is an activity or sport usually involving skill, knowledge, or chance, in which you follow fixed rules and try to win against an opponent or to solve a puzzle. □� �the wonderful game of football. □� �a playful game of hide-and-seek. □� �a video game.

2 N‑COUNT A game is one particular occasion on which a game is played. □� It was the first game of the season. □� He regularly watched our games from the stands. □� We won three games against Australia.

3 N‑COUNT A game is a part of a match, for example in tennis or bridge, consisting of a fixed number of points. □� She won six games to love in the second set. □� �the last three points of the second game.

4 N‑PLURAL Games are an organized event in which competitions in several sports take place. □� �the Commonwealth Games.

5 N‑PLURAL Games are organized sports activities that children do at school. [BRIT ] □� At his grammar school he is remembered for being bad at games but good in debates.

6 N‑SING [usu poss N ] Someone's game is the degree of skill or the style that they use when playing a particular game. □� Once I was through the first set my game picked up.

7 N‑COUNT You can describe a situation that you do not treat seriously as a game . □� Many people regard life as a game: you win some, you lose some.

8 N‑COUNT You can use game to describe a way of behaving in which a person uses a particular plan, usually in order to gain an advantage for himself or herself. □� Until now, the Americans have been playing a very delicate political game.

9 N‑UNCOUNT Wild animals or birds that are hunted for sport and sometimes cooked and eaten are referred to as game . □� �men who shot game for food.

10 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] If you are game for something, you are willing to do something new, unusual, or risky. □� After all this time he still had new ideas and was game to try them. □�[+�for ] He said he's game for a similar challenge next year.

11 →�see also gamely

12 PHRASE If you say game on , you mean that you are ready for something challenging to begin. □� You think you can beat me? Game on! □� It's game on for toy makers as Christmas approaches.

13 PHRASE If someone or something gives the game away , they reveal a secret or reveal their feelings, and this puts them at a disadvantage. □� The faces of the two conspirators gave the game away.

14 PHRASE If you are new to a particular game , you have not done a particular activity or been in a particular situation before. □� Don't forget that she's new to this game and will take a while to complete the task.

15 PHRASE If you beat someone at their own game , you use the same methods that they have used, but more successfully, so that you gain an advantage over them. □� He must anticipate the maneuvers of the other lawyers and beat them at their own game. □� The police knew that to trap the killer they had to play him at his own game.

16 PHRASE If you say that someone is playing games or playing silly games , you mean that they are not treating a situation seriously and you are annoyed with them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'Don't play games with me' he thundered. □� From what I know of him he doesn't play silly games.

17 PHRASE If you say that someone has raised their game , you mean that they have begun to perform better, usually because they were under pressure to do so. □� He admitted he would have to raise his game against the Spaniard. □� The competition it offers should force the other airlines to raise their game.

18 PHRASE If you say the game is up , you mean that someone's secret plans or activities have been revealed and therefore must stop because they cannot succeed. □� Some thought they would hold out until Sunday. The realists knew that the game was already up.

ga me bird (game birds ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Game birds are birds which are shot for food or for sport.

game|keeper /ge I mkiːpə r / (gamekeepers ) N‑COUNT A gamekeeper is a person who takes care of the wild animals or birds that are kept on someone's land for hunting.

game|ly /ge I mli/ ADV [ADV with v] If you do something gamely , you do it bravely or with a lot of effort. □� He gamely defended his organisation's decision.

ga me park (game parks ) N‑COUNT A game park is a large area of land, especially in Africa, where wild animals can live safely.

ga me plan (game plans ) also game-plan

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] In sport, a team's game plan is their plan for winning a match. □� Leeds kept quiet, stuck to their game plan and quietly racked up the points.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's game plan is the actions they intend to take and the policies they intend to adopt in order to achieve a particular thing. □� If he has a game plan for winning the deal, only he understands it. □� He is unlikely to alter his game plan.

game|play /ge I mple I / N‑UNCOUNT The gameplay of a computer game is the way that it is designed and the skills that you need in order to play it. □� The game has it all�imaginative storyline, challenging gameplay, superb graphics.

gamer /ge I mə r / (gamers ) N‑COUNT A gamer is someone who plays computer games.

ga me re|serve (game reserves ) N‑COUNT A game reserve is a large area of land, especially in Africa, where wild animals can live safely.

ga mes con|sole N‑COUNT A games console is an electronic device used for playing computer games on a television screen. □� This Christmas sees the launch of a new games console.

ga me show (game shows ) N‑COUNT Game shows are television programmes on which people play games in order to win prizes. □� Being a good game-show host means getting to know your contestants.

games|man|ship /ge I mzmənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Gamesmanship is the art or practice of winning a game by clever methods which are not against the rules but are very close to cheating. □� �a remarkably successful piece of diplomatic gamesmanship.

gam|ete /g� miːt/ (gametes ) N‑COUNT Gamete is the name for the two types of male and female cell that join together to make a new creature. [TECHNICAL ]

gam|ine /g�miː n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a girl or a woman as gamine , you mean that she is attractive in a boyish way. □� She had a gamine charm which men found irresistibly attractive. ●�N‑SING Gamine is also a noun. □� �a snub-nosed gamine.

gam|ing /ge I m I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Gaming means the same as gambling . □� �offences connected with vice, gaming and drugs. □� �the most fashionable gaming club in London.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Gaming is the activity of playing computer games. □� Online gaming allows players from around the world to challenge each other.

gam|ma /g� mə/ (gammas ) N‑VAR Gamma is the third letter of the Greek alphabet.

ga m|ma rays N‑PLURAL Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than X-rays.

gam|mon /g� mən/ N‑UNCOUNT Gammon is smoked or salted meat, similar to bacon, from the back leg or the side of a pig. [BRIT ]

gam|ut /g� mət/

1 N‑SING The gamut of something is the complete range of things of that kind, or a wide variety of things of that kind. □� There's sadness, hurt and anger. You run the gamut of emotions.

2 PHRASE To run the gamutof something means to include, express, or experience all the different things of that kind, or a wide variety of them. □� The show runs the gamut of 20th century design.

gan|der /g� ndə r / (ganders ) N‑COUNT A gander is a male goose.

gang ◆◇◇ /g� ŋ/ (gangs , ganging , ganged )

1 N‑COUNT A gang is a group of people, especially young people, who go around together and often deliberately cause trouble. □� During the fight with a rival gang he lashed out with his flick knife. □� Gang members were behind a lot of the violence. □�[+�of ] He was attacked by a gang of youths.

2 N‑COUNT A gang is a group of criminals who work together to commit crimes. □� Police were hunting for a gang who had allegedly stolen fifty-five cars. □� �an underworld gang. □�[+�of ] �a gang of masked robbers.

3 N‑SING Thegang is a group of friends who frequently meet. [INFORMAL ] □� Come on over, we've got lots of the old gang here.

4 N‑COUNT A gang is a group of workers who do physical work together. □�[+�of ] �a gang of labourers.

▸� gang up PHRASAL VERB If people gang upon someone, they unite against them for a particular reason, for example in a fight or argument. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�on ] Harrison complained that his colleagues ganged up on him. □�[V P to-inf] All the other parties ganged up to keep them out of power. □�[V P +�against ] All the girls in my class seemed to gang up against me.

gang|buster /g� ŋbʌstə r / (gangbusters ) PHRASE If something is going gangbusters , it is going strongly and doing very well. If someone comes on like gangbusters , they behave very energetically and sometimes aggressively. [AM ] □� The economy was still going gangbusters. □� The team, who struggled early, came on like gangbusters at precisely the right time.

gang|land /g� ŋl�nd/ ADJ [ADJ n] Gangland is used to describe activities or people that are involved in organized crime. □� It's been suggested they were gangland killings. □� �one of Italy's top gangland bosses.

gan|gling /g� ŋgl I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Gangling is used to describe a young person, especially a man, who is tall, thin, and clumsy in their movements. □� His gangling, awkward gait has earned him the name Spiderman. □� �his gangling, bony frame.

gan|gly /g� ŋgli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as gangly , you mean that they are tall and thin and have a slightly awkward or clumsy manner.

gang|plank /g� ŋpl�ŋk/ (gangplanks ) N‑COUNT Thegangplank is a short bridge or platform that can be placed between the side of a ship or boat and the shore, so that people can get on or off.

ga ng ra pe (gang rapes , gang raping , gang raped ) also gang-rape VERB [usu passive] If a woman is gang raped , several men force her to have sex with them. □�[be V -ed] For five hours, the women were gang-raped. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT Gang rape is also a noun.

gan|grene /g� ŋgriːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Gangrene is the decay that can occur in a part of a person's body if the blood stops flowing to it, for example as a result of illness or injury. □� Once gangrene has developed the tissue is dead.

gan|gre|nous /g� ŋgr I nəs/ ADJ Gangrenous is used to describe a part of a person's body that has been affected by gangrene. □� �patients with gangrenous limbs.

gang|sta /g� ŋstə/ or gangsta rap N‑UNCOUNT Gangsta or gangsta rap is a form of rap music in which the words often refer to crime and violence.

gang|ster /g� ŋstə r / (gangsters ) N‑COUNT A gangster is a member of an organized group of violent criminals.

gang|way /g� ŋwe I / (gangways ) N‑COUNT Thegangway is the passage between rows of seats, for example in a theatre or aircraft, for people to walk along. [BRIT ] □� A man in the gangway suddenly stood up to reach for something in the overhead locker.

gan|net /g� n I t/ (gannets ) N‑COUNT Gannets are large white sea birds that live on cliffs.

gan|try /g� ntri/ (gantries ) N‑COUNT A gantry is a high metal structure that supports a set of road signs, railway signals, or other equipment. □� On top of the gantry the American flag flew. □� �the lighting gantries.

gaol /dʒe I l/ (gaols , gaoling , gaoled ) →�see jail

gaol|er /dʒe I lə r / (gaolers ) →�see jailer

gap ◆◇◇ /g� p/ (gaps )

1 N‑COUNT A gap is a space between two things or a hole in the middle of something solid. □� He pulled the thick curtains together, leaving just a narrow gap. □� �the wind tearing through gaps in the window frames.

2 N‑COUNT A gap is a period of time when you are not busy or when you stop doing something that you normally do. □�[+�of ] There followed a gap of four years, during which William joined the Army.

3 N‑COUNT If there is something missing from a situation that prevents it being complete or satisfactory, you can say that there is a gap . □� Hunt has filled the gap left by the departure of Nick Batram. □� Like a good businessman, Stewart identified a gap in the market.

4 N‑COUNT A gapbetween two groups of people, things, or sets of ideas is a big difference between them. □�[+�between ] �the gap between rich and poor. □� America's trade gap widened. □�[+�between ] Britain needs to bridge the technology gap between academia and industry. COLLOCATIONS gap NOUN

3

verb +�gap : fill, plug; create, identify, leave

4

noun +�gap : age, gender, pay, wealth

adjective +�gap : widening, yawning

verb +�gap : bridge, close, narrow, reduce; widen

gape /ge I p/ (gapes , gaping , gaped )

1 VERB If you gape , you look at someone or something in surprise, usually with an open mouth. □�[V +�at ] His secretary stopped taking notes to gape at me. □�[V -ing] �a grotesque face with its gaping mouth. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you say that something such as a hole or a wound gapes , you are emphasizing that it is big or wide. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V ] The front door was missing. A hole gaped in the roof. ●� gap|ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� The aircraft took off with a gaping hole in its fuselage. □� �a gaping wound in her back.

ga p-fill (gap-fills ) N‑COUNT [usu N n] In language teaching, a gap-fill test is an exercise in which words are removed from a text and replaced with spaces. The learner has to fill each space with the missing word or a suitable word.

ga p-too thed ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or their smile as gap-toothed , you mean that some of that person's teeth are missing. □� �a broad, gap-toothed grin.

ga p year N‑SING A gap year is a period of time during which a student takes a break from studying after they have finished school and before they start college or university. [BRIT ] □� I went around the world in my gap year.

gar|age ◆◇◇ /g� rɑːʒ, -r I dʒ, [AM ] gərɑː ʒ/ (garages )

1 N‑COUNT A garage is a building in which you keep a car. A garage is often built next to or as part of a house.

2 N‑COUNT A garage is a place where you can get your car repaired. In Britain, you can also buy fuel for your car, or buy cars. □� Nancy took her car to a local garage for a check-up.

ga r|age sale (garage sales ) N‑COUNT If you have a garage sale , you sell things such as clothes, toys, and household items that you do not want, usually in your garage. [mainly AM ]

garb /gɑː r b/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in adj N , oft with poss] Someone's garb is the clothes they are wearing, especially when these are unusual. [WRITTEN ] □� �a familiar figure in civilian garb. □� He wore the garb of a scout, not a general.

gar|bage /gɑː r b I dʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Garbage is rubbish, especially waste from a kitchen. [mainly AM ] □� �a garbage bag. □� �rotting piles of garbage.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone says that an idea or opinion is garbage , they are emphasizing that they believe it is untrue or unimportant. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I personally think this is complete garbage. □� Furious government officials branded her story 'garbage'.

ga r|bage can (garbage cans ) N‑COUNT A garbage can is a container that you put rubbish into. [AM ] □� A bomb planted in a garbage can exploded early today. in BRIT, use dustbin

ga r|bage col|le c|tor (garbage collectors ) N‑COUNT A garbage collector is a person whose job is to take people's garbage away. [AM ] in BRIT, use dustman

ga r|bage dis|po s|al (garbage disposals ) N‑COUNT A garbage disposal or a garbage disposal unit is a small machine in the kitchen sink that breaks down waste matter so that it does not block the sink. [AM ] in BRIT, use waste disposal

ga r|bage man (garbage men ) N‑COUNT A garbage man is the same as a garbage collector . [AM ]

ga r|bage truck (garbage trucks ) N‑COUNT A garbage truck is a large truck which collects the garbage from outside people's houses. [AM ] in BRIT, use dustcart

garbed /gɑː r bd/ ADJ If someone is garbedin particular clothes, they are wearing those clothes. [LITERARY ] □�[+�in ] He was garbed in sweater, tweed jacket, and flying boots. ●�COMB [usu ADJ n] Garbed is also a combining form. □� �the small blue-garbed woman with a brown wrinkled face.

gar|bled /gɑː r b ə ld/ ADJ A garbled message or report contains confused or wrong details, often because it is spoken by someone who is nervous or in a hurry. □� The Coastguard needs to decipher garbled messages in a few minutes. □� �his own garbled version of the El Greco story.

gar|den ◆◆◇ /gɑː r d ə n/ (gardens , gardening , gardened )

1 N‑COUNT In British English, a garden is a piece of land next to a house, with flowers, vegetables, other plants, and often grass. In American English, the usual word is yard , and a garden refers only to land which is used for growing flowers and vegetables. □� �the most beautiful garden on Earth.

2 VERB If you garden , you do work in your garden such as weeding or planting. □�[V ] Jim gardened at the homes of friends on weekends. ●� gar|den|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� I have taken up gardening again.

3 N‑PLURAL Gardens are places like a park that have areas of plants, trees, and grass, and that people can visit and walk around. □� The Gardens are open from 10.30am until 5pm. □� �Kensington Gardens.

4 N‑COUNT Gardens is sometimes used as part of the name of a street. □� He lives at 9, Acacia Gardens.

ga r|den cen|tre (garden centres ) N‑COUNT A garden centre is a large shop, usually with an outdoor area, where you can buy things for your garden such as plants and gardening tools. [BRIT ]

gar|den|er /gɑː r dənə r / (gardeners )

1 N‑COUNT A gardener is a person who is paid to work in someone else's garden.

2 N‑COUNT A gardener is someone who enjoys working in their own garden growing flowers or vegetables. □� �enthusiastic amateur gardeners.

gar|denia /gɑː r diː niə/ (gardenias ) N‑COUNT A gardenia is a type of large, white, or yellow flower with a very pleasant smell. A gardenia is also the bush on which these flowers grow.

ga r|den|ing leave N‑UNCOUNT If someone who leaves their job is given gardening leave , they continue to receive their salary and in return they agree not to work for anyone else for a period of time. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� He is on gardening leave from Goldman Sachs before taking up his new part-time post.

ga r|den par|ty (garden parties ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A garden party is a formal party that is held out of doors, especially in a large private garden, during the afternoon.

ga rden-vari ety ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use garden-variety to describe something you think is ordinary and not special in any way. [mainly AM ] □� The experiment itself is garden-variety science. in BRIT, usually use common-or-garden

gar|gan|tuan /gɑː r g� ntʃuən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something is gargantuan , you are emphasizing that it is very large. [WRITTEN , EMPHASIS ] □� �a marketing event of gargantuan proportions. □� �a gargantuan corruption scandal.

gar|gle /gɑː r g ə l/ (gargles , gargling , gargled ) VERB If you gargle , you wash your mouth and throat by filling your mouth with a liquid, tipping your head back and using your throat to blow bubbles through the liquid, and finally spitting it out. □�[V ] Try gargling with salt water as soon as a cough begins. □�[V n] At the sink, Neil noisily gargled something medicinal.

gar|goyle /gɑː r gɔ I l/ (gargoyles ) N‑COUNT A gargoyle is a decorative stone carving on old buildings. It is usually shaped like the head of a strange and ugly creature, and water drains through it from the roof of the building.

gar|ish /geə r I ʃ/ ADJ You describe something as garish when you dislike it because it is very bright in an unattractive, showy way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They climbed the garish purple-carpeted stairs. □� �the restaurant's garish, illuminated signs. ●� gar|ish|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� �a garishly patterned three-piece suite.

gar|land /gɑː r lənd/ (garlands ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A garland is a circular decoration made from flowers and leaves. People sometimes wear garlands of flowers on their heads or around their necks. □�[+�of ] They wore garlands of summer flowers in their hair.

gar|lic /gɑː r l I k/ N‑UNCOUNT Garlic is the small, white, round bulb of a plant that is related to the onion plant. Garlic has a very strong smell and taste and is used in cooking. □� �a clove of garlic.

gar|licky /gɑː r l I ki/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is garlicky tastes or smells of garlic. □� �a garlicky salad. □� �garlicky breath.

gar|ment /gɑː r mənt/ (garments ) N‑COUNT A garment is a piece of clothing; used especially in contexts where you are talking about the manufacture or sale of clothes. □� Many of the garments have the customers' name tags sewn into the linings.

gar|ner /gɑː r nə r / (garners , garnering , garnered ) VERB If someone has garnered something useful or valuable, they have gained it or collected it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Mr Abbott could not garner enough votes to snatch power. □�[V n] He has garnered extensive support for his proposals.

gar|net /gɑː r n I t/ (garnets ) N‑COUNT A garnet is a hard, shiny stone that is used in making jewellery. Garnets can be red, yellow, or green in colour.

gar|nish /gɑː r n I ʃ/ (garnishes , garnishing , garnished )

1 N‑VAR A garnish is a small amount of salad, herbs, or other food that is used to decorate cooked or prepared food. □� �a garnish of chopped raw onion, tomato and fresh coriander. □� Reserve some watercress for garnish.

2 VERB If you garnish cooked or prepared food, you decorate it with a garnish. □�[V n] She had finished the vegetables and was garnishing the roast.

gar|ret /g� r I t/ (garrets ) N‑COUNT A garret is a small room at the top of a house.

gar|ri|son /g� r I s ə n/ (garrisons , garrisoning , garrisoned )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A garrison is a group of soldiers whose task is to guard the town or building where they live. □� �a five-hundred-man French army garrison.

2 N‑COUNT A garrison is the buildings which the soldiers live in. □� The approaches to the garrison have been heavily mined.

3 VERB To garrison a place means to put soldiers there in order to protect it. You can also say that soldiers are garrisoned in a place. □�[V n] British troops still garrisoned the country. □�[be V -ed] No other soldiers were garrisoned there. □�[V -ed] �the large, heavily garrisoned towns.

gar|rotte /gərɒ t/ (garrottes , garrotting , garrotted )

1 VERB If someone is garrotted , they are killed by having something such as a piece of wire or cord pulled tightly round their neck. □�[be V -ed] The two guards had been garrotted. [Also V n]

2 N‑COUNT A garrotte is a piece of wire or cord used to garrotte someone.

gar|ru|lous /g� rələs/ ADJ If you describe someone as garrulous , you mean that they talk a great deal, especially about unimportant things. □� �a garrulous old woman.

gar|ter /gɑː r tə r / (garters ) N‑COUNT A garter is a piece of elastic worn round the top of a stocking or sock in order to prevent it from slipping down.

ga r|ter belt (garter belts ) N‑COUNT A garter belt is a piece of underwear for women that is used for holding up stockings. [AM ] in BRIT, use suspender belt

gas ◆◆◇ /g� s/ (gases , gasses , gassing , gassed ) The form gases is the plural of the noun. The form gasses is the third person singular of the verb. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Gas is a substance like air that is neither liquid nor solid and burns easily. It is used as a fuel for cooking and heating. □� Coal is actually cheaper than gas. □� �a contract to develop oil and gas reserves.

2 N‑VAR A gas is any substance that is neither liquid nor solid, for example oxygen or hydrogen. □� Helium is a very light gas. □� �a huge cloud of gas and dust from the volcanic eruption.

3 N‑VAR Gas is a poisonous gas that can be used as a weapon. □� �mustard gas. □� The problem was that the exhaust gases contain many toxins.

4 N‑VAR Gas is a gas used for medical purposes, for example to make patients feel less pain or go to sleep during an operation. [INFORMAL ] □� �an anaesthetic gas used by many dentists.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Gas is the fuel which is used to drive motor vehicles. [AM ] □� �a tank of gas. □� �gas stations. in BRIT, use petrol6 VERB To gas a person or animal means to kill them by making them breathe poisonous gas. □�[V n] Her husband ran a pipe from her car exhaust to the bedroom in an attempt to gas her.

7 →�see also gas chamber , gas mask , greenhouse gas , laughing gas , natural gas , tear gas

8 PHRASE If you step on the gas when you are driving a vehicle, you go faster. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] in BRIT, use step on it

ga s cham|ber (gas chambers ) N‑COUNT A gas chamber is a room that has been specially built so that it can be filled with poisonous gas in order to kill people or animals.

gas|eous /g� siəs, ge I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use gaseous to describe something which is in the form of a gas, rather than a solid or liquid. □� Freon exists both in liquid and gaseous states.

ga s fire (gas fires ) N‑COUNT A gas fire is a fire that produces heat by burning gas.

ga s guz|zler (gas guzzlers ) also gas-guzzler N‑COUNT If you say that a car is a gas guzzler you mean that it uses a lot of fuel and is not cheap to run. [AM , INFORMAL ]

gash /g� ʃ/ (gashes , gashing , gashed )

1 N‑COUNT A gash is a long, deep cut in your skin or in the surface of something. □� There was an inch-long gash just above his right eye.

2 VERB If you gash something, you accidentally make a long and deep cut in it. □�[V n] He gashed his leg while felling trees.

gas|ket /g� sk I t/ (gaskets ) N‑COUNT A gasket is a flat piece of soft material that you put between two joined surfaces in a pipe or engine in order to make sure that gas and oil cannot escape.

gas|light /g� sla I t/ (gaslights ) also gas light N‑COUNT A gaslight is a lamp that produces light by burning gas. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Gaslight is also the light that the lamp produces. □� He would show his collection by gaslight.

gas|man /g� sm�n/ (gasmen ) N‑COUNT Thegasman is a man who works for a gas company, repairing gas appliances in people's houses, or checking how much gas they have used. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

ga s mask (gas masks ) N‑COUNT A gas mask is a device that you wear over your face in order to protect yourself from poisonous gases.

gaso|line /g� səliːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Gasoline is the same as petrol . [AM ]

gasp /gɑː sp, g� sp/ (gasps , gasping , gasped )

1 N‑COUNT A gasp is a short quick breath of air that you take in through your mouth, especially when you are surprised, shocked, or in pain. □� An audible gasp went round the court as the jury announced the verdict. □�[+�of ] She gave a small gasp of pain.

2 VERB When you gasp , you take a short quick breath through your mouth, especially when you are surprised, shocked, or in pain. □�[V +�for ] She gasped for air and drew in a lungful of water. □�[V ] I heard myself gasp and cry out. [Also V with quote]

3 PHRASE You describe something as the last gasp to emphasize that it is the final part of something or happens at the last possible moment. [EMPHASIS ] □� �the last gasp of a dying system of censorship.

ga s pe|dal (gas pedals ) N‑COUNT Thegas pedal is another name for the accelerator . [mainly AM ]

ga s ring (gas rings ) N‑COUNT A gas ring is a metal device on top of a cooker or stove, where you can burn gas in order to cook food on it. [BRIT ] in AM, use burner

ga s sta|tion (gas stations ) N‑COUNT A gas station is a place where you can buy fuel for your car. [AM ] in BRIT, use petrol station

gas|sy /g� si/ (gassier , gassiest ) ADJ Something that is gassy contains a lot of bubbles or gas. □� The champagne was sweet and too gassy.

gas|tric /g� str I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use gastric to describe processes, pain, or illnesses that occur in someone's stomach. [MEDICAL ] □� He suffered from diabetes and gastric ulcers.

ga s|tric ba nd (gastric bands ) N‑COUNT A gastric band is a device that is fitted inside someone's stomach to make it smaller in order to help them lose weight. [MEDICAL ] □� The surgeon fits an adjustable gastric band to restrict the amount that someone can eat.

gas|tro|en|teri|tis /g� stroʊentəra I t I s/ also gastro-enteritis N‑UNCOUNT Gastroenteritis is an illness in which the lining of your stomach and intestines becomes swollen and painful. [MEDICAL ]

gas|tro|in|tes|ti|nal /g� stroʊ I nte st I n ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Gastrointestinal means relating to the stomach and intestines. [MEDICAL ]

gas|tro|nome /g� strənoʊm/ (gastronomes ) N‑COUNT A gastronome is someone who enjoys preparing and eating good food, especially unusual or expensive food. [FORMAL ]

gas|tro|nom|ic /g� strənɒ m I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Gastronomic is used to describe things that are concerned with good food. [FORMAL ] □� Paris is the gastronomic capital of the world. □� She is sampling gastronomic delights along the Riviera.

gas|trono|my /g�strɒ nəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Gastronomy is the activity and knowledge involved in preparing and appreciating good food. [FORMAL ] □� Burgundy has always been considered a major centre of gastronomy.

gas|tro-pub /g� stroʊpʌb/ (gastro-pubs ) also gastropub N‑COUNT A gastro-pub is a pub that serves very good food. [BRIT ]

gas|works /g� swɜː r ks/ (gasworks ) also gas works N‑COUNT A gasworks is a factory where gas is made, usually from coal, so that it can be used as a fuel.

gate ◆◇◇ /ge I t/ (gates )

1 N‑COUNT A gate is a structure like a door which is used at the entrance to a field, a garden, or the grounds of a building. □� He opened the gate and started walking up to the house.

2 N‑COUNT In an airport, a gate is a place where passengers leave the airport and get on their aeroplane. □� Passengers with hand luggage can go straight to the departure gate to check in there.

3 N‑COUNT Gate is used in the names of streets in Britain that are in a place where there once was a gate into a city. □� �9 Palace Gate.

4 N‑COUNT The gate at a sporting event such as a football match or baseball game is the total number of people who attend it. □� Their average gate is less than 23,000.

ga|teau /g� toʊ/ (gateaux ) N‑VAR A gateau is a very rich, elaborate cake, especially one with cream in it. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a slice of gateau. □� �a selection of gateaux, cakes and pastries.

gate|crash /ge I tkr�ʃ/ (gatecrashes , gatecrashing , gatecrashed ) VERB If someone gatecrashes a party or other social event, they go to it, even though they have not been invited. □�[V n] Scores of people tried desperately to gatecrash the party. □�[V ] He had gatecrashed but he was with other people we knew and there was no problem. ●� gate|crash|er (gatecrashers ) N‑COUNT □� Panic set in as gatecrashers tried to force their way through the narrow doors and corridors.

ga t|ed com|mu |nity (gated communities ) N‑COUNT A gated community is an area of houses and sometimes shops that is surrounded by a wall or fence and has an entrance that is guarded. [mainly AM ]

gate|house /ge I thaʊs/ (gatehouses ) N‑COUNT A gatehouse is a small house next to a gate on the edge of a park or country estate.

gate|keeper /ge I tkiːpə r / (gatekeepers ) N‑COUNT A gatekeeper is a person who is in charge of a gate and who allows people through it.

ga te mon|ey N‑UNCOUNT Gate money is the total amount of money that is paid by the people who go to a sports match or other event. [mainly BRIT ]

gate|post /ge I tpoʊst/ (gateposts ) N‑COUNT A gatepost is a post in the ground which a gate is hung from, or which it is fastened to when it is closed.

gate|way /ge I twe I / (gateways )

1 N‑COUNT A gateway is an entrance where there is a gate. □� He walked across the park and through a gateway.

2 N‑COUNT A gateway to somewhere is a place which you go through because it leads you to a much larger place. □�[+�to ] Lyon is the gateway to the Alps for motorists driving out from Britain.

3 N‑COUNT If something is a gateway to a job, career, or other activity, it gives you the opportunity to make progress or get further success in that activity. □�[+�to ] The prestigious title offered a gateway to success in the competitive world of modelling.

4 N‑COUNT In computing, a gateway connects different computer networks so that information can be passed between them. [COMPUTING ]

ga te|way drug (gateway drugs ) N‑COUNT A gateway drug is a drug such as cannabis that is believed by some people to lead to the use of more harmful drugs such as heroin or cocaine.

gath|er ◆◆◇ /g� �ə r / (gathers , gathering , gathered )

1 VERB If people gather somewhere or if someone gathers people somewhere, they come together in a group. □�[V prep/adv] In the evenings, we gathered around the fireplace and talked. □�[V n with together ] The man signalled for me to gather the children together. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you gather things, you collect them together so that you can use them. □�[V n] I suggest we gather enough firewood to last the night. □�[V n with together ] She stood up and started gathering her things together. ●�PHRASAL VERB Gather up means the same as gather . □�[V P n] When Sutcliffe had gathered up his papers, he went out. □�[V n P ] He gathered the leaves up off the ground.

3 VERB If you gather information or evidence, you collect it, especially over a period of time and after a lot of hard work. □�[V n] �a private detective using a hidden recording device to gather information.

4 VERB If something gathers speed, momentum, or force, it gradually becomes faster or more powerful. □�[V n] Demands for his dismissal have gathered momentum in recent weeks. □�[V n] The raft gathered speed as the current dragged it toward the falls.

5 VERB When you gather something such as your strength, courage, or thoughts, you make an effort to prepare yourself to do something. □�[V n] You must gather your strength for the journey. ●�PHRASAL VERB Gather up means the same as gather . □�[V P n] She was gathering up her courage to approach him when he called to her. [Also V n P ]

6 VERB You use gather in expressions such as ' I gather ' and ' as far as I can gather ' to introduce information that you have found out, especially when you have found it out in an indirect way. □�[V that] I gather his report is highly critical of the trial judge. □�[V n] 'He speaks English,' she said to Graham. 'I gathered that.' □�[V n] From what I could gather, he was trying to raise money by organising festivals.

7to gather dust →�see dust

▸� gather up →�see gather2 , gather5

gath|er|er /g� �ərə r / (gatherers ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A gatherer is someone who collects or gathers a particular thing. □� �professional intelligence gatherers.

gath|er|ing /g� �ər I ŋ/ (gatherings )

1 N‑COUNT A gathering is a group of people meeting together for a particular purpose. □� His sardonic manner and good looks helped to make him sought-after at literary gatherings.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If there is gathering darkness, the light is gradually decreasing, usually because it is nearly night. □� The lighthouse beam was quite distinct in the gathering dusk.

3 →�see also gather

gator /ge I tə r / (gators ) also 'gator N‑COUNT A gator is the same as an alligator . [AM , INFORMAL ]

gauche /goʊ ʃ/ ADJ If you describe someone as gauche , you mean that they are awkward and uncomfortable in the company of other people. □� We're all a bit gauche when we're young. □� She was a rather gauche, provincial creature.

gau|cho /gaʊ tʃoʊ/ (gauchos ) N‑COUNT A gaucho is a South American cowboy.

gaudy /gɔː di/ (gaudier , gaudiest ) ADJ If something is gaudy , it is very brightly-coloured and showy. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �her gaudy orange-and-purple floral hat.

gauge /ge I dʒ/ (gauges , gauging , gauged )

1 VERB If you gauge the speed or strength of something, or if you gauge an amount, you measure or calculate it, often by using a device of some kind. □�[V n] He gauged the wind at over thirty knots. □�[V n] Distance is gauged by journey time rather than miles.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A gauge is a device that measures the amount or quantity of something and shows the amount measured. □� �temperature gauges. □� �pressure gauges.

3 VERB If you gauge people's actions, feelings, or intentions in a particular situation, you carefully consider and judge them. □�[V n] �as he gauged possible enemy moves and his own responses.

4 N‑SING A gaugeof someone's feelings or a situation is a fact or event that can be used to judge them. □�[+�of ] The index is the government's chief gauge of future economic activity.

5 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A gauge is the distance between the two rails on a railway line. □� �a narrow gauge railway.

6 N‑COUNT A gauge is the thickness of something, especially metal or wire.

gaunt /gɔː nt/

1 ADJ If someone looks gaunt , they look very thin, usually because they have been very ill or worried. □� Looking gaunt and tired, he denied there was anything to worry about.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a building as gaunt , you mean it is very plain and unattractive. [LITERARY ] □� Above on the hillside was a large, gaunt, grey house.

gaunt|let /gɔː ntl I t/ (gauntlets )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Gauntlets are long, thick, protective gloves. □� �a pair of black leather driving gauntlets.

2 PHRASE If you pick up the gauntlet or take up the gauntlet , you accept the challenge that someone has made. □� She picked up the gauntlet in her incisive Keynote Address to the Conference. □� Whoever decides to take up the gauntlet and challenge the Prime Minister will have a tough battle.

3 PHRASE If you run the gauntlet , you go through an unpleasant experience in which a lot of people criticize or attack you. □�[+�of ] The trucks tried to drive to the British base, running the gauntlet of marauding bands of gunmen.

4 PHRASE If you throw down the gauntletto someone, you say or do something that challenges them to argue or compete with you. □� Luxury car firm Jaguar has thrown down the gauntlet to competitors by giving the best guarantee on the market.

gauze /gɔː z/ N‑UNCOUNT Gauze is a type of light, soft cloth with tiny holes in it. □� Strain the juice through a piece of gauze or a sieve.

gauzy /gɔː zi/ ADJ [ADJ n] Gauzy material is light, soft, and thin, so that you can see through it. □� �thin, gauzy curtains.

gave /ge I v/ Gave is the past tense of give .

gav|el /g� v ə l/ (gavels ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] A gavel is a small wooden hammer that the person in charge of a law court, an auction, or a meeting bangs on a table to get people's attention.

gawd /gɔː d/ EXCLAM Gawd is used to represent the word 'God' pronounced in a particular accent or tone of voice, especially to show that someone is bored, irritated, or shocked. [INFORMAL , WRITTEN ] □� I thought, oh my gawd!

gawk /gɔː k/ (gawks , gawking , gawked ) VERB To gawkat someone or something means to stare at them in a rude, stupid, or unthinking way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�at ] The youth continued to gawk at her and did not answer. □�[V ] Tens of thousands came to gawk.

gawky /gɔː ki/ ADJ If you describe someone, especially a young person, as gawky , you mean they are awkward and clumsy. □� �a gawky lad with spots.

gawp /gɔː p/ (gawps , gawping , gawped ) VERB To gawp means the same as to gawk . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V +�at ] At weekends the roads are jammed with holiday-makers coming to gawp at the parade. □�[V ] Thorpe could only stand and gawp.

gay ◆◆◇ /ge I / (gays , gayer , gayest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A gay person is homosexual. □� The quality of life for gay men has improved over the last two decades. □� �the gay community. ●�N‑PLURAL Gays are homosexual people, especially homosexual men. □� More importantly, gays have proved themselves to be style leaders. ●� gay|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �Mike's admission of his gayness.

2 ADJ A gay person is fun to be with because they are lively and cheerful. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� I am happy and free, in good health, gay and cheerful.

3 ADJ A gay object is brightly coloured and pretty to look at. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� I like gay, relaxing paintings. SYNONYMS gay ADJ 2

cheerful:They are both very cheerful in spite of their colds.

happy:Her face relaxed into a happy smile.

jolly:She was a jolly, kindhearted woman.

merry:He was much loved for his merry nature.

joyful:We're a very joyful people; we're very musical people and we love music.

gaze /ge I z/ (gazes , gazing , gazed )

1 VERB If you gazeat someone or something, you look steadily at them for a long time, for example because you find them attractive or interesting, or because you are thinking about something else. □�[V +�at ] She stood gazing at herself in the mirror. □�[V +�at ] Sitting in his wicker chair, he gazed reflectively at the fire.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] You can talk about someone's gaze as a way of describing how they are looking at something, especially when they are looking steadily at it. [WRITTEN ] □� She felt increasingly uncomfortable under the woman's steady gaze. □� The interior was shielded from the curious gaze of passersby.

3 PHRASE If someone or something is in the public gaze , they are receiving a lot of attention from the general public. □� You won't find a couple more in the public gaze than Michael and Lizzie.

ga|zebo /gəziː boʊ, [AM ] -ze I -/ (gazebos ) N‑COUNT A gazebo is a small building with open sides. Gazebos are often put up in gardens so that people can sit in them to enjoy the view.

ga|zelle /gəze l/ (gazelles ) N‑COUNT A gazelle is a type of small African or Asian deer. Gazelles move very quickly and gracefully.

ga|zette /gəze t/ (gazettes )

1 N‑COUNT [n N ] Gazette is often used in the names of newspapers. □� �the Arkansas Gazette.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] In Britain, a gazette is an official publication in which information such as honours, public appointments, and important decisions are announced.

gaz|et|teer /g� z I t I ə r / (gazetteers ) N‑COUNT A gazetteer is a book or a part of a book which lists and describes places.

ga|zump /gəzʌ mp/ (gazumps , gazumping , gazumped ) VERB [usu passive] If you are gazumped by someone, they agree to sell their house to you, but then sell it to someone else who offers to pay a higher price. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] While we carry out searches, we may be gazumped by someone offering a higher price. ●� ga|zump|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� During the 1980s property boom, gazumping was common.

GB /dʒiː biː / N‑PROPER GB is an abbreviation for Great Britain .

GBH /dʒiː biː e I tʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT GBH is an abbreviation for grievous bodily harm . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

GCSE /dʒiː siː es iː / (GCSEs ) N‑VAR GCSEs are British educational qualifications which schoolchildren take when they are fifteen or sixteen years old. GCSE is an abbreviation for 'General Certificate of Secondary Education'. □� She quit school as soon as she had taken her GCSEs. □� �GCSE candidates.

gdn (gdns ) gdn is a written abbreviation for garden , for example in addresses, or in advertisements for houses that are for sale. □� The Piazza, Covent Gdn, WC2. □� �flat, private gdn, close to station.

GDP ◆◇◇ /dʒiː diː piː / (GDPs ) N‑VAR In economics, a country's GDP is the total value of goods and services produced within a country in a year, not including its income from investments in other countries. GDP is an abbreviation for 'gross domestic product'. Compare GNP .

gear ◆◇◇ /g I ə r / (gears , gearing , geared )

1 N‑COUNT The gears on a machine or vehicle are a device for changing the rate at which energy is changed into motion. □� On hills, he must use low gears. □� The car was in fourth gear. □� He put the truck in gear and drove on.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The gear involved in a particular activity is the equipment or special clothing that you use. □� About 100 officers in riot gear were needed to break up the fight. □� �fishing gear. □� They helped us put our gear back into the van.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Gear means clothing. [INFORMAL ] □� I used to wear trendy gear but it just looked ridiculous.

4 V-PASSIVE If someone or something is geared to or towards a particular purpose, they are organized or designed in order to achieve that purpose. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Colleges are not always geared to the needs of mature students. □�[be V -ed +�towards ] My training was geared towards winning gold in Munich.

▸� gear up PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone is gearing up for a particular activity, they are preparing to do it. If they are geared up to do a particular activity, they are prepared to do it. □�[V P +�for/to ] �another indication that the Government is gearing up for an election. □�[be V -ed P to-inf] The factory was geared up to make 1,100 cars a day. COLLOCATIONS gear NOUN 2

noun +�gear : camping, diving, fishing, riding; combat, lifting, riot

adjective +�gear : high-tech, outdoor, protective

gear|box /g I ə r bɒks/ (gearboxes ) N‑COUNT A gearbox is the system of gears in an engine or vehicle.

gea r lev|er (gear levers ) or gear stick N‑COUNT A gear lever or a gear stick is the lever that you use to change gear in a car or other vehicle. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use gearshift

gear|shift /g I ə r ʃ I ft/ (gearshifts ) also gear shift N‑COUNT In a vehicle, the gearshift is the same as the gear lever . [mainly AM ]

gea r stick →�see gear lever

gee /dʒiː / EXCLAM People sometimes say gee to emphasize a reaction or remark. [AM , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Gee, it's hot. □� Gee thanks, Stan.

geek /giː k/ (geeks ) N‑COUNT If you call someone, usually a man or boy, a geek , you are saying in an unkind way that they are stupid, awkward, or weak. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

geeky /giː ki/ ADJ If you describe someone as geeky , you think they look or behave like a geek.

geese /giː s/ Geese is the plural of goose .

gee whiz /dʒiː h w I z/ also gee whizz

1 EXCLAM People sometimes say gee whiz in order to express a strong reaction to something or to introduce a remark or response. [AM , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Gee whiz, they carried on and on, they loved the evening.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use gee whiz to describe something that is new, exciting, and impressive, but that is perhaps more complicated or showy than it needs to be. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� The trend now is towards 'lifestyle' electronics�black, shiny gee-whiz things.

gee|zer /giː zə r / (geezers ) N‑COUNT Some people use geezer to refer to a man. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �an old bald geezer in a posh raincoat.

Geiger coun|ter /ga I gə r kaʊntə r / (Geiger counters ) N‑COUNT A Geiger counter is a device which finds and measures radioactivity.

gei|sha /ge I ʃə/ (geishas ) N‑COUNT A geisha is a Japanese woman who is specially trained in music, dancing, and the art of conversation. Her job is to entertain men.

gel /dʒe l/ (gels , gelling , gelled ) The spelling jell is usually used in American English and is sometimes used in British English for meanings 1 and 2 . 1 VERB If people gelwith each other, or if two groups of people gel , they work well together because their skills and personalities fit together well. □�[V +�with ] They have gelled very well with the rest of the side. □�[V ] There were signs on Saturday that the team is starting to gel at last. □�[V ] Their partnership gelled and scriptwriting for television followed.

2 VERB If a vague shape, thought, or creation gels , it becomes clearer or more definite. □�[V +�into ] Her interpretation has not yet gelled into a satisfying whole. □�[V ] It was not until 1974 that his ability to write gelled again.

3 N‑VAR Gel is a thick jelly-like substance, especially one used to keep your hair in a particular style.

gela|tine /dʒe l I tiːn, [AM ] -t ə n/ (gelatines ) also gelatin N‑VAR Gelatine is a clear tasteless powder that is used to make liquids become firm, for example when you are making desserts such as jelly.

ge|lati|nous /dʒ I l� t I nəs/ ADJ Gelatinous substances or mixtures are wet and sticky. □� Pour a cup of the gelatinous mixture into the blender.

geld|ing /ge ld I ŋ/ (geldings ) N‑COUNT A gelding is a male horse that has been castrated.

gel|ig|nite /dʒe l I gna I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Gelignite is a type of explosive.

gem /dʒe m/ (gems )

1 N‑COUNT A gem is a jewel or stone that is used in jewellery. □� �a gold mask inset with emeralds and other gems.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe something or someone as a gem , you mean that they are especially pleasing, good, or helpful. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a gem of a hotel, Castel Clara. □� Miss Famous, as she was called, was a gem.

Gemi|ni /dʒe m I na I , [AM ] -niː/ (Geminis )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Gemini is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a pair of twins. People who are born approximately between 21st May and 20th June come under this sign.

2 N‑COUNT A Gemini is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Gemini.

gem|stone /dʒe mstoʊn/ (gemstones ) N‑COUNT A gemstone is a jewel or stone used in jewellery.

Gen.Gen. is a written abbreviation for general . □� Gen. de Gaulle sensed that nuclear weapons would fundamentally change the nature of international relations.

gen|darme /ʒɒ ndɑː r m/ (gendarmes ) N‑COUNT A gendarme is a member of the French police force.

gen|der /dʒe ndə r / (genders )

1 N‑VAR A person's gender is the fact that they are male or female. □� Women are sometimes denied opportunities solely because of their gender. □� �groups that are traditionally discriminated against on grounds of gender or age.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to all male people or all female people as a particular gender . □� Don't generalize about an entire gender because of the behaviour of one individual. □� �the different abilities and skills of the two genders.

3 N‑VAR In grammar, the gender of a noun, pronoun, or adjective is whether it is masculine, feminine, or neuter. A word's gender can affect its form and behaviour. In English, only personal pronouns such as 'she', reflexive pronouns such as 'itself', and possessive determiners such as 'his' have gender. □� In both Welsh and Irish the word for 'moon' is of feminine gender.

ge nder-bender (gender-benders ) N‑COUNT People sometimes use gender-bender to refer to a man who dresses or behaves like a woman, or a woman who dresses or behaves like a man. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] ●� gender-bending ADJ [ADJ n] □� Hilary Swank lived for a month as a man to prepare for her Oscar-winning, gender-bending breakthrough role.

gen|der re|as|sign|ment / dʒe ndə riːəsa I nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Gender reassignment is the process of changing a person's sex from male to female or from female to male with an operation and other medical procedures.

gene ◆◇◇ /dʒiː n/ (genes ) N‑COUNT A gene is the part of a cell in a living thing which controls its physical characteristics, growth, and development.

ge|neal|ogy /dʒiː ni� lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Genealogy is the study of the history of families, especially through studying historical documents to discover the relationships between particular people and their families. ●� ge|nea|logi|cal /dʒiː niəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� �genealogical research on his family.

gen|era /dʒe nərə/ Genera is the plural of genus .

gen|er|al ◆◆◆ /dʒe nrəl/ (generals )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A general is a senior officer in the armed forces, usually in the army. □� He rose through the ranks to become a general.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you talk about the general situation somewhere or talk about something in general terms, you are describing the situation as a whole rather than considering its details or exceptions. □� The figures represent a general decline in employment. □� �the general deterioration of English society. ●�PHRASE If you describe something in general terms , you describe it without giving details. □� She recounted in very general terms some of the events of recent months.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use general to describe several items or activities when there are too many of them or when they are not important enough to mention separately. □� �2,500 for software is soon swallowed up in general costs. □� His firm took over the planting and general maintenance of the park last March.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use general to describe something that involves or affects most people, or most people in a particular group. □� The project should raise general awareness about bullying.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as general , you mean that it is not restricted to any one thing or area. □� �a general ache radiating from the back of the neck. □� �a general sense of well-being. □� �raising the level of general physical fitness.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] General is used to describe a person's job, usually as part of their title, to indicate that they have complete responsibility for the administration of an organization or business. [BUSINESS ] □� He joined Sanders Roe, moving on later to become General Manager.

7 →�see also generally

8 PHRASE You use in general to indicate that you are talking about something as a whole, rather than about part of it. □� I think we need to improve our educational system in general. □� She had a confused idea of life in general.

9 PHRASE You say in general to indicate that you are referring to most people or things in a particular group. □� People in general will support us. □� She enjoys a sterling reputation in law enforcement circles and among the community in general.

10 PHRASE You say in general to indicate that a statement is true in most cases. □� In general, a child's joints are usually more supple and prone to dislocation than an adult's.

ge n|er|al ele c|tion ◆◇◇ (general elections )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a general election is an election where everyone votes for people to represent them in Parliament.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a general election is a local, state, or national election where the candidates have been selected by a primary election. Compare primary .

gen|er|al|ise /dʒe nrəla I z/ →�see generalize

gen|er|al|ity /dʒe nər� l I ti/ (generalities )

1 N‑COUNT A generality is a general statement that covers a range of things, rather than being concerned with specific instances. [FORMAL ] □� I'll start with some generalities and then examine a few specific examples. □� He avoided this tricky question and talked in generalities.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The generality of a statement or description is the fact that it is a general one, rather than a specific, detailed one. □� Operating at a very high level of generality it would have little importance.

gen|er|ali|za|tion /dʒe nrəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (generalizations ) in BRIT, also use generalisation N‑VAR A generalization is a statement that seems to be true in most situations or for most people, but that may not be completely true in all cases. □� He is making sweeping generalisations to get his point across. □� The evaluation of conduct involves some amount of generalization.

gen|er|al|ize /dʒe nrəla I z/ (generalizes , generalizing , generalized ) in BRIT, also use generalise1 VERB If you generalize , you say something that seems to be true in most situations or for most people, but that may not be completely true in all cases. □�[V ] 'In my day, children were a lot better behaved'.�'It's not true, you're generalizing'. □�[V prep] It's hard to generalize about Cole Porter because he wrote so many great songs that were so varied.

2 VERB If you generalize something such as an idea, you apply it more widely than its original context, as if it was true in many other situations. □�[V n +�to ] A child first labels the household pet cat as a 'cat' and then generalises this label to other animals that look like it. [Also V n]

gen|er|al|ized /dʒe nrəla I zd/ in BRIT, also use generalised1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Generalized means involving many different things, rather than one or two specific things. □� �a generalised discussion about admirable singers. □� �generalised feelings of inadequacy.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use generalized to describe medical conditions or problems which affect the whole of someone's body, or the whole of a part of their body. [MEDICAL ] □� She experienced an increase in generalized aches and pains. □� �generalised muscle disorders.

ge n|er|al kno wl|edge N‑UNCOUNT General knowledge is knowledge about many different things, as opposed to detailed knowledge about one particular subject.

gen|er|al|ly ◆◆◇ /dʒe nrəli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use generally to give a summary of a situation, activity, or idea without referring to the particular details of it. □� University teachers generally have admitted a lack of enthusiasm about their subjects. □� Speaking generally, the space enterprise has served astronomy well.

2 ADV [ADV with v] You use generally to say that something happens or is used on most occasions but not on every occasion. □� As women we generally say and feel too much about these things. □� It is generally true that the darker the fruit the higher its iron content. □� Generally speaking, his judgment is sound. SYNONYMS generally ADV 1

usually:Usually, the work is boring.

typically:It typically takes a day or two, depending on size.

normally:Normally, the transportation system in Paris carries 950,000 passengers a day.

on the whole:On the whole, people miss the opportunity to enjoy leisure.

mostly:�men and women, mostly in their 30s.

ge n|er|al pra c|tice (general practices )

1 N‑UNCOUNT When a doctor is in general practice , he or she treats sick people at a surgery or office, or visits them at home, and does not specialize in a particular type of medicine. □� In recent years, doctors have been trained specifically for general practice. ●�N‑COUNT General practice is also a noun. □� The sample was selected from the medical records of two general practices.

2 N‑UNCOUNT When lawyers deal with all kinds of legal matters, rather than specializing in one kind of law, you can say they have a general practice or are in general practice . [mainly AM ]

ge n|er|al prac|ti |tion|er (general practitioners ) N‑COUNT A general practitioner is the same as a GP . [BRIT , FORMAL ]

ge n|er|al pu b|lic N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to the people in a society as the general public , especially when you are contrasting people in general with a small group. □� These charities depend on the compassionate feelings and generosity of the general public. □� Unemployment is 10 percent among the general public and about 40 percent among North African immigrants.

ge n|er|al stri ke (general strikes ) N‑COUNT A general strike is a situation where most or all of the workers in a country are on strike and are refusing to work.

gen|er|ate ◆◇◇ /dʒe nəre I t/ (generates , generating , generated )

1 VERB To generate something means to cause it to begin and develop. □�[V n] The Employment Minister said the reforms would generate new jobs. □�[V -ed] �the passion and emotion generated by football.

2 VERB To generate a form of energy or power means to produce it. □�[V n] The estate uses solar panels and wind turbines to generate power. SYNONYMS generate VERB 1

create:We set business free to create more jobs in Britain.

produce:The drug is known to produce side-effects in women.

cause:Any attempts are likely to cause problems.

bring about:So how do we bring about political change?

give rise to:This can give rise to high blood-pressure.

gen|era|tion ◆◆◇ /dʒe nəre I ʃ ə n/ (generations )

1 N‑COUNT A generation is all the people in a group or country who are of a similar age, especially when they are considered as having the same experiences or attitudes. □�[+�of ] �the younger generation of Party members. □� He has long been considered the leading American playwright of his generation.

2 N‑COUNT A generation is the period of time, usually considered to be about thirty years, that it takes for children to grow up and become adults and have children of their own. □� Within a generation flight has become the method used by many travellers.

3 N‑COUNT You can use generation to refer to a stage of development in the design and manufacture of machines or equipment. □�[+�of ] �a new generation of IBM/Apple computers.

4 ADJ Generation is used to indicate how long members of your family have had a particular nationality. For example, second generation means that you were born in the country you live in, but your parents were not. □� �a second-generation 'immigrant' of Italian and Irish descent.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Generation is the production of a form of energy or power from fuel or another source of power such as water. □� Japan has announced plans for a sharp rise in its nuclear power generation. COLLOCATIONS generation NOUN 1

adjective +�generation : current, future, next, previous; older, younger, unborn; whole

verb +�generation : educate, influence, inspire SYNONYMS generation NOUN 1

age group:�a style that would appeal to all age groups.

peer group:�peer group pressure.

gen|era|tion|al /dʒe nəre I ʃənəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Generational means relating to a particular generation, or to the relationship between particular generations. □� People's lifestyles are usually fixed by generational habits and fashions.

ge n|era |tion gap (generation gaps ) N‑COUNT If you refer to the generation gap , you are referring to a difference in attitude and behaviour between older people and younger people, which may cause them to argue or may prevent them from understanding each other fully.

gen|era|tive /dʒe nərət I v/

1 ADJ If something is generative , it is capable of producing something or causing it to develop. [FORMAL ] □� �the generative power of the sun.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In linguistics, generative is used to describe linguistic theories or models which are based on the idea that a single set of rules can explain how all the possible sentences of a language are formed. [TECHNICAL ]

gen|era|tor /dʒe nəre I tə r / (generators )

1 N‑COUNT A generator is a machine which produces electricity.

2 N‑COUNT A generatorof something is a person, organization, product, or situation which produces it or causes it to happen. □�[+�of ] The U.S. economy is still an impressive generator of new jobs. □� The company has been a very good cash generator.

ge|ner|ic /dʒ I ne r I k/ (generics )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use generic to describe something that refers or relates to a whole class of similar things. □� Parmesan is a generic term used to describe a family of hard Italian cheeses. ●� ge|neri|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj] □� I will refer to child abuse generically (which includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect). □� �something generically called 'rock 'n' roll'.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A generic drug or other product is one that does not have a trademark and that is known by a general name, rather than the manufacturer's name. □� They encourage doctors to prescribe cheaper generic drugs. ●�N‑COUNT Generic is also a noun. □� Brand names only are given, as generics are not usually prescribed.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] People sometimes use generic to refer to something that is exactly typical of the kind of thing mentioned, and that has no special or unusual characteristics. □� �generic California apartments, the kind that have white walls and white drapes and were built five years ago.

gen|er|os|ity /dʒe nərɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's generosity , you mean that they are generous, especially in doing or giving more than is usual or expected. □� There are stories about his generosity, the massive amounts of money he gave to charities. □� �a man of great generosity of spirit.

gen|er|ous ◆◇◇ /dʒe nərəs/

1 ADJ A generous person gives more of something, especially money, than is usual or expected. □�[+�in ] German banks are more generous in their lending. □� The gift is generous by any standards. ●� gen|er|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� We would like to thank all the judges who gave so generously of their time.

2 ADJ A generous person is friendly, helpful, and willing to see the good qualities in someone or something. □�[+�in ] He was always generous in sharing his enormous knowledge. □� He was generous enough to congratulate his successor on his decision. ●� gen|er|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The students generously gave them instruction in social responsibility.

3 ADJ A generous amount of something is much larger than is usual or necessary. □� �a generous six weeks of annual holiday. □� He should be able to keep his room tidy with the generous amount of storage space. ●� gen|er|ous|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� �a generously sized sitting room. □� Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper.

gen|esis /dʒe n I s I s/ N‑SING [usu with poss] The genesis of something is its beginning, birth, or creation. [FORMAL ] □� The project had its genesis two years earlier.

ge ne the ra|py N‑UNCOUNT Gene therapy is the use of genetic material to treat disease.

ge|net|ic /dʒ I ne t I k/ ADJ You use genetic to describe something that is concerned with genetics or with genes. □� Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease in the United States. ●� ge|neti|cal|ly /dʒ I ne t I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Some people are genetically predisposed to diabetes.

ge|ne ti|cal|ly mo di|fied ADJ [usu ADJ n] Genetically modified plants and animals have had one or more genes changed, for example so that they resist pests and diseases better. Genetically modified food contains ingredients made from genetically modified plants or animals. The abbreviation GM is often used. □� Top supermarkets are to ban many genetically modified foods.

ge|ne t|ic en|gi|nee r|ing N‑UNCOUNT Genetic engineering is the science or activity of changing the genetic structure of an animal, plant, or other organism in order to make it stronger or more suitable for a particular purpose. □� Scientists have used genetic engineering to protect tomatoes against the effects of freezing.

ge|ne t|ic fi nger|print|ing N‑SING Genetic fingerprinting is a method of identifying people using the genetic material in their bodies.

ge|neti|cist /dʒ I ne t I s I st/ (geneticists ) N‑COUNT A geneticist is a person who studies or specializes in genetics.

ge|net|ics /dʒ I ne t I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Genetics is the study of heredity and how qualities and characteristics are passed on from one generation to another by means of genes.

gen|ial /dʒiː niəl/ ADJ Someone who is genial is kind and friendly. [APPROVAL ] □� Bob was always genial and welcoming. □� He was a warm-hearted friend and genial host. ●� gen|ial|ly ADV □� 'If you don't mind,' Mrs. Dambar said genially. ●� ge|ni|al|ity /dʒiːni� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He soon recovered his habitual geniality.

ge|nie /dʒiː ni/ (genies )

1 N‑COUNT In stories from Arabia and Persia, a genie is a spirit which appears and disappears by magic and obeys the person who controls it.

2 PHRASE If you say that the genie is out of the bottle or that someone has let the genie out of the bottle , you mean that something has happened which has made a great and permanent change in people's lives, especially a bad change.

geni|tal /dʒe n I t ə l/ (genitals )

1 N‑PLURAL Someone's genitals are their external sexual organs.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Genital means relating to a person's external sexual organs. □� Keep the genital area clean.

geni|ta|lia /dʒe n I te I liə/ N‑PLURAL A person's or animal's genitalia are their external sexual organs. [FORMAL ]

geni|tive /dʒe n I t I v/ N‑SING In the grammar of some languages, the genitive , or the genitive case , is a noun case which is used mainly to show possession. In English grammar, a noun or name with 's added to it, for example 'dog's' or 'Anne's', is sometimes called the genitive form .

ge|ni|us /dʒiː niəs/ (geniuses )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Genius is very great ability or skill in a particular subject or activity. □� This is the mark of her real genius as a designer. □� The man had genius and had made his mark in the aviation world. □� Its very title is a stroke of genius.

2 N‑COUNT A genius is a highly talented, creative, or intelligent person. □� Chaplin was not just a genius, he was among the most influential figures in film history.

geno|cid|al /dʒe nəsa I d ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Genocidal means relating to genocide or carrying out genocide. □� They have been accused of genocidal crimes.

geno|cide /dʒe nəsa I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Genocide is the deliberate murder of a whole community or race. □� They have alleged that acts of genocide and torture were carried out.

ge|nome /dʒiː noʊm/ (genomes ) N‑COUNT In biology and genetics, a genome is the particular number and combination of certain chromosomes necessary to form the single nucleus of a living cell. [TECHNICAL ]

ge|nom|ic /dʒ I nɒ m I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Genomic means relating to genomes. [TECHNICAL ] □� �genomic research.

ge|nom|ics /dʒ I nɒ m I ks/ N‑SING Genomics is the study of genomes. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the genomics revolution.

gen|re /ʒɒ nrə/ (genres ) N‑COUNT A genre is a particular type of literature, painting, music, film, or other art form which people consider as a class because it has special characteristics. [FORMAL ] □� �his love of films and novels in the horror genre.

gent /dʒe nt/ (gents )

1 N‑COUNT Gent is an informal and old-fashioned word for gentleman . □� Mr Blake was a gent. He knew how to behave.

2 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] People sometimes refer to a public toilet for men as the gents . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

3 N‑COUNT Gents is used when addressing men in an informal, humorous way, especially in the expression 'ladies and gents'. [HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □� Don't be left standing, ladies and gents, while a bargain slips past your eyes.

gen|teel /dʒentiː l/

1 ADJ A genteel person is respectable and well-mannered, and comes or seems to come from a high social class. □� It was a place to which genteel families came in search of health and quiet. □� �two maiden ladies with genteel manners and voices.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A genteel place or area is quiet and traditional, but may also be old-fashioned and dull. □� �the genteel towns of Winchester and Chichester.

gen|tian /dʒe nʃ ə n/ (gentians ) N‑COUNT A gentian is a small plant with a blue or purple flower shaped like a bell which grows in mountain regions.

Gen|tile /dʒe nta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/ (Gentiles ) also gentile N‑COUNT A Gentile is a person who is not Jewish. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Gentile is also an adjective. □� He's far too handsome and too gentile to play Ginsberg.

gen|til|ity /dʒent I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Gentility is the fact or appearance of belonging to a high social class. □� The hotel has an air of faded gentility.

gen|tle ◆◇◇ /dʒe nt ə l/ (gentler , gentlest )

1 ADJ Someone who is gentle is kind, mild, and calm. □� My son was a quiet and gentle man. □� Michael's voice was gentle and consoling. ●� gen|tly ADV [ADV with v] □� She smiled gently at him. □� 'I'm sorry to disturb you,' Webb said gently. ●� gen|tle|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the gentleness with which she treated her pregnant mother.

2 ADJ Gentle actions or movements are performed in a calm and controlled manner, with little force. □� �a gentle game of tennis. □� His movements were gentle and deliberate. ●� gen|tly ADV □� Patrick took her gently by the arm and led her to a chair.

3 ADJ If you describe the weather, especially the wind, as gentle , you mean it is pleasant and calm and not harsh or violent. □� The blustery winds of spring had dropped to a gentle breeze. ●� gen|tly ADV [ADV with v] □� Light airs blew gently out of the south-east.

4 ADJ A gentle slope or curve is not steep or severe. □� �gentle, rolling meadows. ●� gen|tly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� �gently rolling hills.

5 ADJ A gentle heat is a fairly low heat. □� Cook for 30 minutes over a gentle heat. ●� gen|tly ADV [ADV with v] □� Add the onion and cook gently.

gentle|man ◆◇◇ /dʒe nt ə lmən/ (gentlemen )

1 N‑COUNT A gentleman is a man who comes from a family of high social standing. □� �this wonderful portrait of English gentleman Joseph Greenway.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that a man is a gentleman , you mean he is polite and educated, and can be trusted. □� He was always such a gentleman.

3 N‑COUNT You can address men as gentlemen , or refer politely to them as gentlemen . [POLITENESS ] □� This way, please, ladies and gentlemen. □� It seems this gentleman was waiting for the doctor.

gentle|man|ly /dʒe nt ə lmənli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a man's behaviour as gentlemanly , you approve of him because he has good manners. [APPROVAL ] □� He was respected by all who knew him for his kind and gentlemanly consideration.

gentle|woman /dʒe nt ə lwʊmən/ (gentlewomen ) N‑COUNT A gentlewoman is a woman of high social standing, or a woman who is cultured, educated, and well-mannered. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

gen|tri|fy /dʒe ntr I fa I / (gentrifies , gentrifying , gentrified ) VERB [usu passive] When a street or area is gentrified , it becomes a more expensive place to live because wealthy people move into the area and buy the houses where people with less money used to live. □�[be V -ed] The local neighbourhood, like so many areas of Manhattan, is gradually being gentrified. ●� gen|tri|fi|ca|tion /dʒe ntr I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the gentrification of the area.

gen|try /dʒe ntri/ N‑PLURAL The gentry are people of high social status or high birth. [mainly BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Most of the country estates were built by the landed gentry during the late 19th century.

genu|flect /dʒe njʊflekt/ (genuflects , genuflecting , genuflected )

1 VERB If you genuflect , you bend one or both knees and bow, especially in church, as a sign of respect. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] He genuflected in front of the altar.

2 VERB You can say that someone is genuflectingto something when they are giving it a great deal of attention and respect, especially if you think it does not deserve this. [mainly JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�to ] They refrained from genuflecting to the laws of political economy. [Also V prep]

genu|ine ◆◇◇ /dʒe nju I n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Genuine is used to describe people and things that are exactly what they appear to be, and are not false or an imitation. □� He is an inspiration and a genuine hero. □� �genuine leather. □� They're convinced the picture is genuine.

2 ADJ Genuine refers to things such as emotions that are real and not pretended. □� There was genuine joy in this room. □� If this offer is genuine I will gladly accept it. ●� genu|ine|ly ADV □� He was genuinely surprised. ●� genu|ine|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] He needed at least three days to assess the genuineness of their intentions.

3 ADJ If you describe a person as genuine , you approve of them because they are honest, truthful, and sincere in the way they live and in their relationships with other people. [APPROVAL ] □� She is very caring and very genuine. ●� genu|ine|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I have no doubt about their genuineness. SYNONYMS genuine ADJ

1

authentic:�authentic Italian food.

real:�the smell of real leather.

actual:The segments are filmed using either local actors or the actual people involved.

legitimate:The New York Times has a legitimate claim to be a national newspaper.

2

heartfelt:My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the relatives.

sincere:He accepted her apologies as sincere.

honest:What do you think of the school, in your honest opinion? WORD HISTORY genuine

The word genuine comes from the Latin word genu , meaning 'knee'. This can be explained by a Roman custom in which a father used to put a newborn baby on his knee as a way of formally recognizing that the child was his.

ge|nus /dʒe nəs, [AM ] dʒiː -/ (genera /dʒe nərə/) N‑COUNT A genus is a class of similar things, especially a group of animals or plants that includes several closely related species. [TECHNICAL ]

PREFIX geo-

is used at the beginning of words that refer to the whole of the world or to the Earth's surface. For example, geology is the study of the Earth's structure, surface and origins.

geo|en|gi|neer|ing /dʒiː oʊendʒ I n I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Geoengineering is the use of scientific processes to improve the environment, especially to stop the Earth becoming any hotter. □� The company is involved in several geoengineering projects.

ge|og|ra|pher /dʒiɒ grəfə r / (geographers ) N‑COUNT A geographer is a person who studies geography or is an expert in it.

geo|graphi|cal /dʒiː əgr� f I k ə l/ The form geographic /dʒiː əgr� f I k/ is also used. ADJ [usu ADJ n] Geographical or geographic means concerned with or relating to geography. □� �a vast geographical area. ●� geo|graphi|cal|ly /dʒiː əgr� f I kli/ ADV □� It is geographically more diverse than any other continent.

ge|og|ra|phy /dʒiɒ grəfi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Geography is the study of the countries of the world and of such things as the land, seas, climate, towns, and population.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The geography of a place is the way that features such as rivers, mountains, towns, or streets are arranged within it. □� �police officers who knew the local geography.

geo|logi|cal /dʒiː əlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Geological means relating to geology. □� �a lengthy geological survey. ●� geo|logi|cal|ly /dʒiː əlɒ dʒ I kli/ ADV □� At least 10,000 of these hectares are geologically unsuitable for housing.

ge|ol|ogy /dʒiɒ lədʒi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Geology is the study of the Earth's structure, surface, and origins. □� He was visiting professor of geology at the University of Jordan. ●� ge|olo|gist (geologists ) N‑COUNT □� Geologists have studied the way that heat flows from the earth.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The geology of an area is the structure of its land, together with the types of rocks and minerals that exist within it. □�[+�of ] �an expert on the geology of southeast Asia.

geo|met|ric /dʒiː əme tr I k/ The form geometrical /dʒiː əme tr I k ə l/ is also used. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Geometric or geometrical patterns or shapes consist of regular shapes or lines. □� Geometric designs were popular wall decorations in the 14th century. ●� geo|met|ri|cal|ly /dʒiː əme tr I kli/ ADV □� �a few geometrically planted trees.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Geometric or geometrical means relating to or involving the principles of geometry. □� Euclid was trying to convey his idea of a geometrical point.

ge|om|etry /dʒiɒ m I tri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Geometry is the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties and relationships of lines, angles, curves, and shapes. □� �the very ordered way in which mathematics and geometry describe nature.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The geometry of an object is its shape or the relationship of its parts to each other. □� They have tinkered with the geometry of the car's nose.

geo|physi|cal /dʒiː oʊf I z I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Geophysical means relating to geophysics.

geo|physi|cist /dʒiː oʊf I z I s I st/ (geophysicists ) N‑COUNT A geophysicist is someone who studies or specializes in geophysics.

geo|phys|ics /dʒiː oʊf I z I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Geophysics is the branch of geology that uses physics to examine the earth's structure, climate, and oceans.

geo|po|liti|cal /dʒiː oʊpəl I t I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Geopolitical means relating to or concerned with geopolitics. □� Hungary and Poland have suffered before because of their unfortunate geopolitical position on the European map.

geo|poli|tics /dʒiː oʊpɒ l I t I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Geopolitics is concerned with politics and the way that geography affects politics or relations between countries.

Geor|gian /dʒɔː r dʒ ə n/ ADJ Georgian means belonging to or connected with Britain in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, during the reigns of King George I to King George IV. □� �the restoration of his Georgian house.

ge|ra|nium /dʒ I re I niəm/ (geraniums ) N‑COUNT A geranium is a plant with red, pink, or white flowers.

ger|bil /dʒɜː r b I l/ (gerbils ) N‑COUNT A gerbil is a small, furry animal that is often kept as a pet.

geri|at|ric /dʒe ri� tr I k/ (geriatrics )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Geriatric is used to describe things relating to the illnesses and medical care of old people. [MEDICAL ] □� There is a question mark over the future of geriatric care. □� The geriatric patients will be moved out.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Geriatrics is the study of the illnesses that affect old people and the medical care of old people.

3 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you describe someone as a geriatric , you are implying that they are old and that their mental or physical condition is poor. This use could cause offence. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He will complain about having to spend time with such a boring bunch of geriatrics. □� �how can it be acceptable to have a load of geriatric judges deciding what should happen?

germ /dʒɜː r m/ (germs )

1 N‑COUNT A germ is a very small organism that causes disease. □� Chlorine is widely used to kill germs. □� �a germ that destroyed hundreds of millions of lives.

2 N‑SING The germ of something such as an idea is something which developed or might develop into that thing. □�[+�of ] The germ of an idea took root in Rosemary's mind.

3 →�see also wheatgerm

Ger|man /dʒɜː r mən/ (Germans )

1 ADJ German means belonging or relating to Germany, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A German is a person who comes from Germany.

3 N‑UNCOUNT German is the language spoken in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. □� I heard a very angry man talking in German.

ger|mane /dʒɜː r me I n/ ADJ Something that is germaneto a situation or idea is connected with it in an important way. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] �the suppression of a number of documents which were very germane to the case. □� Fenton was a good listener, and his questions were germane.

Ger|man|ic /dʒɜː r m� n I k/

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as Germanic , you think that their appearance or behaviour is typical of German people or things. □� He asked in his Germanic English if I was enjoying France.

2 ADJ Germanic is used to describe the ancient culture and language of the peoples of northern Europe. □� �the Germanic tribes of pre-Christian Europe.

Ge r|man mea |sles N‑UNCOUNT German measles is a disease which causes you to have a cough, a sore throat, and red spots on your skin.

ger|mi|nate /dʒɜː r m I ne I t/ (germinates , germinating , germinated )

1 VERB If a seed germinates or if it is germinated , it starts to grow. □�[V ] Some seed varieties germinate fast, so check every day or so. □�[V n] First, the researchers germinated the seeds. ●� ger|mi|na|tion /dʒɜː r m I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The poor germination of your seed could be because the soil was too cold.

2 VERB If an idea, plan, or feeling germinates , it comes into existence and begins to develop. □�[V ] He wrote to Eliot about a 'big book' that was germinating in his mind. [Also V +�into ]

ge rm wa r|fare N‑UNCOUNT Germ warfare is the use of germs in a war in order to cause disease in enemy troops, or to destroy crops that they might use as food. □� �an international treaty banning germ warfare.

ger|on|tol|ogy /dʒe rəntɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Gerontology is the study of the process by which we get old, how our bodies change, and the problems that old people have.

ger|ry|man|der|ing /dʒe rim� ndər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Gerrymandering is the act of altering political boundaries in order to give an unfair advantage to one political party or group of people. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ger|und /dʒe rʌnd/ (gerunds ) N‑COUNT A gerund is a noun formed from a verb which refers to an action, process, or state. In English, gerunds end in '-ing', for example 'running' and 'thinking'.

ge|stalt /gəʃt� lt/ N‑SING In psychology, a gestalt is something that has particular qualities when you consider it as a whole which are not obvious when you consider only the separate parts of it. [TECHNICAL ]

ges|ta|tion /dʒeste I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Gestation is the process in which babies grow inside their mother's body before they are born. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the seventeenth week of gestation. □� The gestation period can be anything between 95 and 150 days.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Gestation is the process in which an idea or plan develops. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the prolonged period of gestation of this design.

ges|ticu|late /dʒest I kjʊle I t/ (gesticulates , gesticulating , gesticulated ) VERB If you gesticulate , you make movements with your arms or hands, often while you are describing something that is difficult to express in words. [mainly WRITTEN ] □�[V ] A man with a paper hat upon his head was gesticulating wildly. □�[V prep] The architect was gesticulating at a hole in the ground. ●� ges|ticu|la|tion /dʒest I kjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (gesticulations ) N‑UNCOUNT □� We communicated mainly by signs, gesticulation and mime.

ges|ture ◆◇◇ /dʒe stʃə r / (gestures , gesturing , gestured )

1 N‑COUNT A gesture is a movement that you make with a part of your body, especially your hands, to express emotion or information. □� Sarah made a menacing gesture with her fist. □� He throws his hands open in a gesture which clearly indicates his relief.

2 N‑COUNT A gesture is something that you say or do in order to express your attitude or intentions, often something that you know will not have much effect. □�[+�of ] I wasn't expecting a fortune, just a gesture of goodwill.

3 VERB If you gesture , you use movements of your hands or head in order to tell someone something or draw their attention to something. □�[V prep] I gestured towards the boathouse, and he looked inside. □�[V ] He gestures, gesticulates, and moves with the grace of a dancer. COLLOCATIONS gesture NOUN

1

noun +�gesture : hand

adjective +�gesture : obscene, offensive, rude, threatening

verb +�gesture : make

2

noun +�gesture : goodwill

adjective +�gesture : dramatic, generous, grand; romantic, spontaneous, symbolic, token; empty

verb +�gesture : appreciate, welcome; reciprocate, return VERB 3

gesture+�adverb : angrily, rudely, vaguely, wildly SYNONYMS gesture NOUN

1

sign:They gave Lavalle the thumbs-up sign.

signal:As soon as it was dark, Mrs Evans gave the signal.

motion:He made a neat chopping motion with his hand.

2

token:As a token of goodwill, I'm going to write another letter.

demonstration:�physical demonstrations of affection.

expression:Laughter is one of the most infectious expressions of emotion.

display:Normally, such an outward display of affection is reserved for his mother.

get

➊�CHANGING, CAUSING, MOVING, OR REACHING

➋�OBTAINING, RECEIVING, OR CATCHING

➌�PHRASES AND PHRASAL VERBS

➊ get ◆◆◆ /ge t/ (gets , getting , got or gotten ) In most of its uses get is a fairly informal word. Gotten is an American form of the past participle. 1 V‑LINK You use get with adjectives to mean 'become'. For example, if someone gets cold , they become cold, and if they get angry , they become angry. □�[V adj] The boys were getting bored. □�[V adj] There's no point in getting upset. □�[V adj] From here on, it can only get better.

2 V‑LINK Get is used with expressions referring to states or situations. For example, to get into trouble means to start being in trouble. □�[V adj] Half the pleasure of an evening out is getting ready. □�[V prep/adv] Perhaps I shouldn't say that�I might get into trouble. □�[V prep/adv] How did we get into this recession, and what can we do to get out of it?

3 VERB To get someone or something into a particular state or situation means to cause them to be in it. □�[V n adj] I don't know if I can get it clean. □�[V n adj] What got me interested was looking at an old New York Times. □�[V n prep] Brian will get them out of trouble.

4 VERB If you get someone to do something, you cause them to do it by asking, persuading, or telling them to do it. □�[V n to-inf] Get your partner to massage your abdomen. □�[V n to-inf] How did you get him to pose for this picture?

5 VERB If you get something done, you cause it to be done. □�[V n -ed] I might benefit from getting my teeth fixed. □�[V n -ed] It was best to get things done quickly.

6 VERB To get somewhere means to move there. □�[V prep/adv] I got off the bed and opened the door. □�[V prep/adv] I heard David yelling and telling them to get back.

7 VERB When you get to a place, you arrive there. □�[V +�to ] Generally I get to work at 9.30am. □�[V adv] It was dark by the time she got home.

8 VERB To get something or someone into a place or position means to cause them to move there. □�[V n with adv] Mack got his wallet out. □�[V n prep] The U.N. was supposed to be getting aid to where it was most needed.

9 AUX Get is often used in place of 'be' as an auxiliary verb to form passives. □�[AUX -ed] Does she ever get asked for her autograph? □�[AUX -ed] A pane of glass got broken.

10 VERB If you getto do something, you eventually or gradually reach a stage at which you do it. □�[V to-inf] No one could figure out how he got to be so wealthy.

11 VERB If you getto do something, you manage to do it or have the opportunity to do it. □�[V to-inf] Do you get to see him often? □�[V to-inf] They get to stay in nice hotels.

12 VERB You can use get in expressions like get moving , get going , and get working when you want to tell people to begin moving, going, or working quickly. □�[V v-ing] I aim to be off the lake before dawn, so let's get moving.

13 VERB If you getto a particular stage in your life or in something you are doing, you reach that stage. □�[V +�to ] We haven't got to the stage of a full-scale military conflict. □�[V adv] If she gets that far, Jane may get legal aid to take her case to court. □�[V +�to ] It got to the point where I was so ill I was waiting to die.

14 VERB You can use get to talk about the progress that you are making. For example, if you say that you aregetting somewhere , you mean that you are making progress, and if you say that something won't get you anywhere , you mean it will not help you to progress at all. □�[V adv] Radical factions say the talks are getting nowhere and they want to withdraw. □�[V n adv] My perseverance was getting me somewhere.

15 V‑LINK When itgetsto a particular time, it is that time. If itis gettingtowards a particular time, it is approaching that time. □�[V +�to ] It got to after 1am and I was exhausted. □�[V +�towards ] It was getting towards evening when we got back. □�[V adj] It's getting late.

16 VERB If something that has continued for some time gets to you, it starts causing you to suffer. □�[V +�to ] That's the first time I lost my cool in 20 years in this job. This whole thing's getting to me.

17 VERB [no passive] If something gets you, it annoys you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] What gets me is the attitude of so many of the people.

➋ get ◆◆◆ /ge t/ (gets , getting , got or gotten )

1 VERB If you get something that you want or need, you obtain it. □�[V n] I got a job at the sawmill. □�[V n] He had been having trouble getting a hotel room. □�[V n n] I asked him to get me some information. [Also V n +�for ]

2 VERB If you get something, you receive it or are given it. □�[V n] I'm getting a bike for my birthday. □�[V n] He gets a lot of letters from women.

3 VERB If you get someone or something, you go and bring them to a particular place. □�[V n] I came down this morning to get the newspaper. □�[V n n] Go and get me a large brandy. □�[V n +�for ] Go and get your daddy for me.

4 VERB If you get a meal, you prepare it. □�[V n] She was getting breakfast as usual.

5 VERB If you get a particular result, you obtain it from some action that you take, or from a calculation or experiment. □�[V n] You could run that race again and get a different result each time. □�[V n] What do you get if you multiply six by nine?

6 VERB If you get a particular price for something that you sell, you obtain that amount of money by selling it. □�[V n +�for ] He can't get a good price for his crops.

7 VERB If you get the time or opportunity to do something, you have the time or opportunity to do it. □�[V n] You get time to think in prison. □�[V n] Whenever I get the chance I go to Maxim's for dinner.

8 VERB If you get an idea, impression, or feeling, you begin to have that idea, impression, or feeling as you learn or understand more about something. □�[V n] I get the feeling that you're an honest man. □�[V n] The study is an attempt to get a better idea of why people live where they do.

9 VERB If you get a feeling or benefit from an activity or experience, the activity or experience gives you that feeling or benefit. □�[V n] Charles got a shock when he saw him. □�[V n +�out of/from ] She gets enormous pleasure out of working freelance.

10 VERB If you get a look, view, or glimpse of something, you manage to see it. □�[V n] Young men climbed on buses and fences to get a better view. □�[V n] Crowds shouted and pushed to get a glimpse of their hero.

11 VERB If a place gets a particular type of weather, it has that type of weather. □�[V n] Riyadh got 25 mm of rain in just 12 hours. □�[V n] Northern Kentucky is likely to get snow mixed with sleet.

12 VERB If you get a joke or get the point of something that is said, you understand it. □�[V n] Did you get that joke, Ann? I'll explain later. □�[V n] You don't seem to get the point.

13 VERB If you get an illness or disease, you become ill with it. □�[V n] When I was five I got measles.

14 VERB When you get a train, bus, plane, or boat, you leave a place on a particular train, bus, plane, or boat. □�[V n] What time are you getting your train?

15 VERB If you get a person or animal, you succeed in catching, killing, or hitting them. □�[V n] Take it easy. We've got him. He's not going to kill anyone else.

16 →�see also getting , got

➌ get ◆◆◆ /ge t/ (gets , getting , got or gotten )

1 PHRASE You can say that something is, for example, as good as you can get to mean that it is as good as it is possible for that thing to be. □� Consort has a population of 714 and is about as rural and isolated as you can get.

2 PHRASE If you say you can't get away from something or there is no getting away from something, you are emphasizing that it is true, even though people might prefer it not to be true. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� There is no getting away from the fact that he is on the left of the party.

3 PHRASE If you get away from it all , you have a holiday in a place that is very different from where you normally live and work. □� �the ravishing island of Ischia, where rich Italians get away from it all.

4 CONVENTION Get is used in rude expressions like get stuffed and get lost to express contempt, disagreement, or refusal to do something. [RUDE , FEELINGS ]

5 PHRASE You can say get you to show that you think someone is acting as if they are more important, rich, or successful than they really are. [INFORMAL ] □� Get you in your fancy clothes!

6 PHRASE You can say, for example, ' How lucky can you get? ' or ' How stupid can you get? ' to show your surprise that anyone could be as lucky or stupid as the person that you are talking about. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� I mean, how crazy can you get?

7 PHRASE You can use you get instead of 'there is' or 'there are' to say that something exists, happens, or can be experienced. [SPOKEN ] □� You get a lot of things like that now, don't you? □� That's where you get some differences of opinion.

▸� get about

1 PHRASAL VERB If you get about , you go to different places and visit different people. □�[V P ] So you're getting about a bit again? Not shutting yourself away?

2 PHRASAL VERB The way that someone gets about is the way that they walk or go from one place to another. □�[V P ] She was finding it increasingly difficult to get about.

3 PHRASAL VERB If news gets about , it becomes well known as a result of being told to lots of people. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P ] The story had soon got about that he had been suspended.

▸� get across PHRASAL VERB When an idea gets across or when you get it across , you succeed in making other people understand it. □�[V P +�to ] Officers felt their point of view was not getting across to ministers. □�[V n P ] I had created a way to get my message across while using as few words as possible. [Also V P ]

▸� get ahead PHRASAL VERB If you want to get ahead , you want to be successful in your career. □�[V P ] He wanted safety, security, a home, and a chance to get ahead.

▸� get along

1 PHRASAL VERB If you get along with someone, you have a friendly relationship with them. You can also say that two people get along . □�[V P +�with ] It's impossible to get along with him. □�[V P ] They seemed to be getting along fine.

2 PHRASAL VERB Get along means the same as get by . □�[V P prep] You can't get along without water.

▸� get around in BRIT, also use get round1 PHRASAL VERB To get around a problem or difficulty means to overcome it. □�[V P n] None of these countries has found a way yet to get around the problem.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get around a rule or law, you find a way of doing something that the rule or law is intended to prevent, without actually breaking it. □�[V P n] Although tobacco ads are prohibited, companies get around the ban by sponsoring music shows.

3 PHRASAL VERB If news gets around , it becomes well known as a result of being told to lots of people. □�[V P that] Word is getting around that this is a great place to work. □�[V P that] I'll see that it gets round that you've arrived.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you get around someone, you persuade them to allow you to do or have something by pleasing them or flattering them. □�[V P n] Max could always get round her.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you get around , you visit a lot of different places as part of your way of life. □�[V P ] He claimed to be a journalist, and he got around.

▸� get around to in BRIT, also use get round to PHRASAL VERB When you get around to doing something that you have delayed doing or have been too busy to do, you finally do it. □�[V P P n/v-ing] I said I would write to you, but as usual I never got around to it.

▸� get at

1 PHRASAL VERB To get at something means to succeed in reaching it. □�[V P n] A goat was standing up against a tree on its hind legs, trying to get at the leaves.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get at the truth about something, you succeed in discovering it. □�[V P n] We want to get at the truth. Who killed him? And why?

3 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If you ask someone what they are getting at , you are asking them to explain what they mean, usually because you think that they are being unpleasant or are suggesting something that is untrue. □�[V P ] 'What are you getting at now?' demanded Rick.

▸� get away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you get away , you succeed in leaving a place or a person's company. □�[V P +�from ] She'd gladly have gone anywhere to get away from the cottage. □�[V P ] We hang out together after training - nobody's in a rush to get away.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get away , you go away for a period of time in order to have a holiday. □�[V P ] He is too busy to get away.

3 PHRASAL VERB When someone or something gets away , or when you get them away , they escape. □�[V P ] Dr Dunn was apparently trying to get away when he was shot. □�[V n P ] I wanted to get her away to somewhere safe.

▸� get away with PHRASAL VERB If you get away with doing something wrong or risky, you do not suffer any punishment or other bad consequences because of it. □�[V P P n/v-ing] The criminals know how to play the system and get away with it.

▸� get back

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something gets backto a state they were in before, they are then in that state again. □�[V P +�to ] Then life started to get back to normal. □�[V P +�to ] I couldn't get back to sleep. [Also V P +�into ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get backto a subject that you were talking about before, you start talking about it again. □�[V P +�to/onto ] It wasn't until we had sat down to eat that we got back to the subject of Tom Halliday.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you get something back after you have lost it or after it has been taken from you, you then have it again. □�[V n P ] You have 14 days in which you can cancel the contract and get your money back. [Also V P n (not pron)]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you get back at someone or get them back , you do something unpleasant to them in order to have revenge for something unpleasant that they did to you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�at ] Part of me wanted to get back at him for what he 'd done. □�[V n P ] I'm going to get you back so badly you'll never to be able to show your face again.

▸� get back to PHRASAL VERB If you get back to an activity, you start doing it again after you have stopped doing it. □�[V P P n] I think I ought to get back to work.

▸� get by PHRASAL VERB If you can get by with what you have, you can manage to live or do things in a satisfactory way. □�[V P ] I'm a survivor. I'll get by. □�[V P +�on ] Melville managed to get by on a small amount of money.

▸� get down

1 PHRASAL VERB If something gets you down , it makes you unhappy. □�[V n P ] At times when my work gets me down, I like to fantasize about being a farmer.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get down , you lower your body until you are sitting, kneeling, or lying on the ground. □�[V P +�on ] She got down on her hands and knees on the floor. □�[V P ] 'Get down!' she yelled. 'Somebody's shooting!'

3 PHRASAL VERB If you get something down , especially something that someone has just said, you write it down. □�[V n P ] The idea has been in my head for quite a while and now I am getting it down on paper. [Also V P n]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you get food or medicine down , you swallow it, especially with difficulty. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] I bit into a hefty slab of bread and cheese. When I had got it down I started talking. [Also V P n]

▸� get down to PHRASAL VERB If you get down to something, especially something that requires a lot of attention, you begin doing it. □�[V P P n] With the election out of the way, the government can get down to business.

▸� get in

1 PHRASAL VERB If a political party or a politician gets in , they are elected. □�[V P ] I think he's genuinely Left wing - and will act as such if he gets in.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get something in , you manage to do it at a time when you are very busy doing other things. □�[V n P ] I plan to get a few lessons in.

3 PHRASAL VERB To get crops or the harvest in means to gather them from the land and take them to a particular place. □�[V n P ] We didn't get the harvest in until Christmas, there was so much snow.

4 PHRASAL VERB When a train, bus, or plane gets in , it arrives. □�[V P ] We would have come straight here, except our flight got in too late.

▸� get into

1 PHRASAL VERB If you get into a particular kind of work or activity, you manage to become involved in it. □�[V P n] He was eager to get into politics.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get into a school, college, or university, you are accepted there as a student. □�[V P n] I was working hard to get into Cambridge.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you ask what has got into someone, you mean that they are behaving very differently from the way they usually behave. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] What has got into you today? Why are you behaving like this?

▸� get off

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone who has broken a law or rule gets off , they are not punished, or are given only a very small punishment. □�[V P +�with ] He is likely to get off with a small fine.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get off , you leave a place because it is time to leave. □�[V P ] At eight I said 'I'm getting off now.'

3 PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone to get off a piece of land or a property, you are telling them to leave, because they have no right to be there and you do not want them there. □�[V P n] I told you. Get off the farm.

4 PHRASAL VERB You can tell someone to get off when they are touching something and you do not want them to. □�[V P ] I kept telling him to get off. □�[V P n] 'Get off me!' I screamed.

▸� get on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you get onwith someone, you like them and have a friendly relationship with them. □� The host fears the guests won't get on. □�[V P +�with ] What are your neighbours like? Do you get on with them?

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get onwith something, you continue doing it or start doing it. □�[V P +�with ] Jane got on with her work. □�[V P ] Let's get on.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you say how someone is getting on , you are saying how much success they are having with what they are trying to do. □�[V P adv] Livy's getting on very well in Russian. She learns very quickly. □�[V P adv] When he came back to see me I asked how he had got on.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you try to get on , you try to be successful in your career. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P ] Politics is seen as a man's world. It is very difficult for women to get on.

5 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If someone is getting on , they are getting old. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] I'm nearly 31 and that's getting on a bit for a footballer.

▸� get on to

1 PHRASAL VERB If you get on to a topic when you are speaking, you start talking about it. □�[V P P n] We got on to the subject of relationships.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get on to someone, you contact them in order to ask them to do something or to give them some information. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P P n] I got on to him and explained some of the things I had been thinking of.

▸� get out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you get out , you leave a place because you want to escape from it, or because you are made to leave it. □�[V P +�of ] They probably wanted to get out of the country. □�[V P ] I told him to leave and get out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get out , you go to places and meet people, usually in order to have a more enjoyable life. □�[V P ] Get out and enjoy yourself, make new friends.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you get outof an organization or a commitment, you withdraw from it. □�[V P +�of ] I wanted to get out of the group, but they wouldn't let me. □�[V P +�of ] Getting out of the contract would be no problem. [Also V P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If news or information gets out , it becomes known. □�[V P ] If word got out now, a scandal could be disastrous. □�[V P that] Once the news gets out that Armenia is in a very critical situation, I think the world will respond.

▸� get out of PHRASAL VERB If you get out of doing something that you do not want to do, you succeed in avoiding doing it. □�[V P P v-ing/n] It's amazing what people will do to get out of paying taxes.

▸� get over

1 PHRASAL VERB If you get over an unpleasant or unhappy experience or an illness, you recover from it. □�[V P n] It took me a very long time to get over the shock of her death.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get over a problem or difficulty, you overcome it. □�[V P n] How would they get over that problem, he wondered?

3 PHRASAL VERB If you get your message overto people, they hear and understand it. □�[V n P +�to ] We have got to get the message over to the young that smoking isn't cool.

▸� get over with PHRASAL VERB If you want to get something unpleasant over with , you want to do it or finish experiencing it quickly, since you cannot avoid it. □�[V n P P ] The sooner we start, the sooner we'll get it over with.

▸� get round →�see get around

▸� get round to →�see get around to

▸� get through

1 PHRASAL VERB If you get through a task or an amount of work, especially when it is difficult, you complete it. □�[V P n] I think you can get through the first two chapters.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you get through a difficult or unpleasant period of time, you manage to live through it. □�[V P n] It is hard to see how people will get through the winter.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you get through a large amount of something, you use it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] You'll get through at least ten nappies a day.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you get throughto someone, you succeed in making them understand something that you are trying to tell them. □�[V P +�to ] An old friend might well be able to get through to her and help her. □�[V P +�to ] The message was finally getting through to him. [Also V P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you get throughto someone, you succeed in contacting them on the phone. □�[V P +�to ] Look, I can't get through to this number. □�[V P ] I've been trying to ring up all day and I couldn't get through.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you get through an examination or get through , you pass it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] Did you have to get through an entrance examination? [Also V P ]

7 PHRASAL VERB If a law or proposal gets through , it is officially approved by something such as a parliament or committee. □�[V P ] �if his referendum law failed to get through. □�[V P n] Such a radical proposal would never get through parliament.

▸� get together

1 PHRASAL VERB When people get together , they meet in order to discuss something or to spend time together. □�[V P ] This is the only forum where East and West can get together.

2 →�see also get-together

3 PHRASAL VERB If you get something together , you organize it. □�[V n P ] Paul and I were getting a band together, and we needed a new record deal.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you get an amount of money together , you succeed in getting all the money that you need in order to pay for something. □�[V n P ] Now you've finally got enough money together to put down a deposit on your dream home. [Also V P n (not pron)]

▸� get up

1 PHRASAL VERB When someone who is sitting or lying down gets up , they rise to a standing position. □�[V P ] I got up and walked over to where he was.

2 PHRASAL VERB When you get up , you get out of bed. □�[V P ] They have to get up early in the morning.

3 →�see also get-up

▸� get up to PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone gets up to something, you mean that they do it and you do not approve of it. [BRIT , mainly SPOKEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P P n] They get up to all sorts behind your back.

get|away /ge təwe I / (getaways ) also get-away

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] If someone makes a getaway , they leave a place quickly, especially after committing a crime or when trying to avoid someone. □� They made their getaway along a pavement on a stolen motorcycle. □� �the burglar's getaway car.

2 N‑COUNT A getaway is a short holiday somewhere. [INFORMAL ] □� Weekend tours are ideal for families who want a short getaway.

get|ting /ge t I ŋ/

1Getting is the present participle of get .

2 PHRASE Getting on for means the same as nearly . [BRIT , mainly SPOKEN ] □� I've been trying to give up smoking for getting on for two years now. □� It was getting on for two o'clock.

ge t-together (get-togethers ) N‑COUNT A get-together is an informal meeting or party, usually arranged for a particular purpose. □� �a get-together I had at my home.

ge t-up (get-ups ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a set of clothes as a get-up , you think that they are unusual or ridiculous. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Naturally he couldn't work in this get-up.

gey|ser /giː zə r , [AM ] ga I zə r / (geysers ) N‑COUNT A geyser is a hole in the Earth's surface from which hot water and steam are forced out, usually at irregular intervals of time.

Gha|na|ian /gɑːne I ən/ (Ghanaians )

1 ADJ Ghanaian means belonging or relating to Ghana, or to its people, language or culture.

2 N‑COUNT Ghanaians are people who are Ghanaian.

ghast|ly /gɑː stli, g� stli/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as ghastly , you mean that you find them very unpleasant. [INFORMAL ] □� �a mother accompanied by her ghastly unruly child. □� It was the worst week of my life. It was ghastly.

GHB /dʒiː e I tʃ biː / N‑UNCOUNT GHB is a drug with some medical uses, which some people take illegally to make them feel happy and energetic. GHB is an abbreviation for 'gamma hydroxybutyrate'.

ghee /giː / N‑UNCOUNT Ghee is a hard fat that is obtained by heating butter made from the milk of a cow or a buffalo. Ghee is used in Indian cooking.

gher|kin /gɜː r k I n/ (gherkins ) N‑COUNT Gherkins are small green cucumbers that have been preserved in vinegar.

ghet|to /ge toʊ/ (ghettos or ghettoes ) N‑COUNT A ghetto is a part of a city in which many poor people or many people of a particular race, religion, or nationality live separately from everyone else. □� �the black ghettos of New York and Los Angeles.

ghe t|to blast|er (ghetto blasters ) also ghetto-blaster N‑COUNT A ghetto blaster is a large portable radio and cassette player with built-in speakers, especially one that is played loudly in public by young people. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] in AM, use boom box

ghost /goʊ st/ (ghosts , ghosting , ghosted )

1 N‑COUNT A ghost is the spirit of a dead person that someone believes they can see or feel. □�[+�of ] �the ghost of Marie Antoinette. □�[+�of ] The village is haunted by the ghosts of the dead children.

2 N‑COUNT The ghost of something, especially of something bad that has happened, is the memory of it. □�[+�of ] �the ghost of anti-Americanism.

3 N‑SING If there is a ghost of something, that thing is so faint or weak that it hardly exists. □�[+�of ] He gave the ghost of a smile. □�[+�of ] The sun was warm and there was just a ghost of a breeze from the north-west.

4 VERB If a book or other piece of writing is ghosted , it is written by a writer for another person, for example a politician or sportsman, who then publishes it as his or her own work. □�[be V -ed] I published his autobiography, which was very competently ghosted by a woman journalist from the Daily Mail. □�[V n] I ghosted his weekly rugby column for the Telegraph.

5 PHRASE [with neg] If someone does not stand or does not have a ghost of a chance of doing something, they have very little chance of succeeding in it. [INFORMAL ] □� He doesn't stand a ghost of a chance of selling the house.

ghost|ly /goʊ stli/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is ghostly seems unreal or unnatural and may be frightening because of this. □� The moon shone, shedding a ghostly light on the fields. □� �Sonia's ghostly laughter.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A ghostly presence is the ghost or spirit of a dead person. □� �the ghostly presences which haunt these islands.

gho st sto|ry (ghost stories ) N‑COUNT A ghost story is a story about ghosts.

gho st town (ghost towns ) N‑COUNT A ghost town is a town which used to be busy and wealthy but is now poor and deserted. □� Mogadishu is said to be a virtual ghost town, deserted by two-thirds of its residents.

gho st-write (ghost-writes , ghost-writing , ghost-wrote , ghost-written ) also ghostwrite VERB [usu passive] If a book or other piece of writing is ghost-written , it is written by a writer for another person, for example a politician or sportsman, who then publishes it as his or her own work. □�[be V -ed] Articles were ghost-written by company employees.

gho st writ|er (ghost writers ) also ghostwriter N‑COUNT A ghost writer is someone who writes a book or other published work instead of the person who is named as the author.

ghoul /guː l/ (ghouls ) N‑COUNT A ghoul is an imaginary evil spirit. Ghouls are said to steal bodies from graves and eat them.

ghoul|ish /guː l I ʃ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ghoulish people and things show an unnatural interest in things such as human suffering, death, or dead bodies. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They are there only to satisfy their ghoulish curiosity.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is ghoulish looks or behaves like a ghoul. □� �the ghoulish apparitions at the window.

GHQ /dʒiː e I tʃ kjuː / N‑UNCOUNT GHQ is used to refer to the place where the people who organize military forces or a military operation work. GHQ is an abbreviation for 'General Headquarters'. [MILITARY ] □� �the dispatches he was carrying from GHQ to the Eighth Army.

GI /dʒiː a I / (GIs ) N‑COUNT A GI is a soldier in the United States army.

gi|ant ◆◇◇ /dʒa I ənt/ (giants )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is described as giant is much larger or more important than most others of its kind. □� �Italy's giant car maker, Fiat. □� �a giant oak table. □� �a giant step towards unification with the introduction of monetary union.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] Giant is often used to refer to any large, successful business organization or country. [JOURNALISM ] □� �Japanese electronics giant Sony. □� �one of Germany's industrial giants, Daimler-Benz.

3 N‑COUNT A giant is an imaginary person who is very big and strong, especially one mentioned in old stories. □� �a Nordic saga of giants.

4 N‑COUNT [usu a N of n] You can refer to someone, especially a man, as a giant , if they seem important or powerful or if they are big and strong. □� The biggest man in the patrol, a giant of a man, lifted Mattie on to his shoulders.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone such as a famous musician or writer as a giant , if they are regarded as one of the most important or successful people in their field. □� He was without question one of the giants of Japanese literature. SYNONYMS giant ADJ 1

huge:�a tiny little woman with huge black glasses.

vast:�Afrikaner farmers who own vast stretches of land.

enormous:The main bedroom is enormous.

immense:�an immense cloud of smoke.

gigantic:�gigantic rocks.

gi ant-killer (giant-killers ) also giant killer N‑COUNT A giant-killer is a sportsman, sportswoman, or team that unexpectedly beats a much stronger opponent. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� Giant-killers Yeovil became the most successful non-league club in history with their 5-2 win at Torquay.

gi ant-killing (giant-killings ) N‑COUNT [usu N n] In sport, when a weaker team or competitor beats a much stronger, well-known team or competitor, their success is sometimes called a giant-killing . [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� Scarborough are aiming to pull off a repeat of their giant-killing act against Chelsea three years ago.

gi ant-sized ADJ [usu ADJ n] An object that is giant-sized is much bigger than objects of its kind usually are. □� �a giant-sized TV.

gib|ber /dʒ I bə r / (gibbers , gibbering , gibbered ) VERB If you say that someone is gibbering , you mean that they are talking very fast and in a confused manner. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] Everyone is gibbering insanely, nerves frayed as showtime approaches. □�[V -ing] I was a gibbering wreck by this stage.

gib|ber|ish /dʒ I bər I ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone's words or ideas as gibberish , you mean that they do not make any sense. □� When he was talking to a girl he could hardly speak, and when he did speak he talked gibberish.

gib|bet /dʒ I b I t/ (gibbets ) N‑COUNT A gibbet is a gallows . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

gib|bon /g I bən/ (gibbons ) N‑COUNT A gibbon is an ape with very long arms and no tail that lives in southern Asia.

gibe /dʒa I b/ →�see jibe

gib|lets /dʒ I bl I ts/ N‑PLURAL Giblets are the parts such as the heart and liver that you remove from inside a chicken or other bird before you cook and eat it. Some people cook the giblets separately to make soup or a sauce.

gid|dy /g I di/ (giddier , giddiest )

1 ADJ If you feel giddy , you feel unsteady and think that you are about to fall over, usually because you are not well. □� He felt giddy and light-headed. ●� gid|di|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� A wave of giddiness swept over her.

2 ADJ If you feel giddywith delight or excitement, you feel so happy or excited that you find it hard to think or act normally. □� Anthony was giddy with self-satisfaction. □� Being there gave me a giddy pleasure. ●� gid|di|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� There's almost a giddiness surrounding the talks in Houston.

GIF /g I f/ (GIFs ) N‑COUNT A GIF is a computer file that is used on the internet for sending images, especially moving images. GIF is an abbreviation for 'Graphic Interchange Format'. □� Please send the data as a GIF.

gift ◆◇◇ /g I ft/ (gifts )

1 N‑COUNT A gift is something that you give someone as a present. □� �a gift of $50.00. □� They believed the unborn child was a gift from God. □� �gift shops.

2 N‑COUNT If someone has a giftfor doing something, they have a natural ability for doing it. □�[+�for ] As a youth he discovered a gift for teaching. □�[+�of ] She had the gift of making people happy.

gift|ed /g I ft I d/

1 ADJ Someone who is gifted has a natural ability to do something well. □� �one of the most gifted players in the world. □� He was witty, amusing and gifted with a sharp business brain.

2 ADJ A gifted child is much more intelligent or talented than average. □� �a state program for gifted children.

gi ft-wrapped ADJ [usu ADJ n] A gift-wrapped present is wrapped in pretty paper.

gig /g I g/ (gigs , gigging , gigged )

1 N‑COUNT A gig is a live performance by someone such as a musician or a comedian. [INFORMAL ] □� The two bands join forces for a gig at the Sheffield Arena on November 28. □� He supplemented his income with occasional comedy gigs.

2 VERB When musicians or other performers gig , they perform live in public. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] By the time he was 15, Scott had gigged with a handful of well-known small bands.

gi|ga|byte /g I gəba I t/ (gigabytes ) N‑COUNT In computing, a gigabyte is one thousand and twenty-four megabytes.

gi|gan|tic /dʒa I g� nt I k/ ADJ If you describe something as gigantic , you are emphasizing that it is extremely large in size, amount, or degree. [EMPHASIS ] □� �gigantic rocks. □� A gigantic task of national reconstruction awaits us.

gig|gle /g I g ə l/ (giggles , giggling , giggled )

1 VERB If someone giggles , they laugh in a childlike way, because they are amused, nervous, or embarrassed. □�[V ] Both girls began to giggle. □�[V with quote] 'I beg your pardon?' she giggled. □�[V -ing] �a giggling little girl. ●�N‑COUNT Giggle is also a noun. □� She gave a little giggle.

2 N‑PLURAL If you say that someone has the giggles , you mean they cannot stop giggling. □� I was so nervous I got the giggles. □� She had a fit of the giggles.

3 N‑SING If you say that something is a giggle , you mean it is fun or is amusing. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I might buy one for a friend's birthday as a giggle.

gig|gly /g I gəli/ ADJ Someone who is giggly keeps laughing in a childlike way, because they are amused, nervous, or drunk. □� Ray was very giggly and joking all the time. □� �giggly girls.

gigo|lo /dʒ I gəloʊ/ (gigolos ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A gigolo is a man who is paid to be the lover of a rich and usually older woman. [DISAPPROVAL ]

gild /g I ld/ (gilds , gilding , gilded ) VERB If you gild a surface, you cover it in a thin layer of gold or gold paint. □�[V n] Carve the names and gild them. □�[V -ed] �gilded statues.

gild|ing /g I ld I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Gilding is a layer of gold or gold paint that is put on something.

gill /g I l/ (gills ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Gills are the organs on the sides of fish and other water creatures through which they breathe.

gilt /g I lt/ (gilts )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A gilt object is covered with a thin layer of gold or gold paint. □� �marble columns and gilt spires.

2 N‑COUNT Gilts are gilt-edged stocks or securities. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

gi lt-e dged ADJ [ADJ n] Gilt-edged stocks or securities are issued by the government for people to invest in for a fixed period of time at a fixed rate of interest. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

gim|let /g I ml I t/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone has gimlet eyes, you mean that they look at people or things very carefully, and seem to notice every detail. [WRITTEN ] □� 'Have you read the whole book?' she asks, gimlet-eyed.

gim|me /g I mi/ Gimme is sometimes used in written English to represent the words 'give me' when they are pronounced informally. □� 'Gimme a break, kid! You know how much those things cost?'

gim|mick /g I m I k/ (gimmicks ) N‑COUNT A gimmick is an unusual and unnecessary feature or action whose purpose is to attract attention or publicity. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is just a public relations gimmick. □� The exhibition is informative, up to date, and mercifully free of gimmicks.

gim|mick|ry /g I m I kri/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe features or actions as gimmickry , you mean they are not necessary or useful, and their only purpose is to attract attention or publicity. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Privatisation and gimmickry are not the answer to improving Britain's rail service.

gim|micky /g I m I ki/ ADJ If you describe something as gimmicky , you think it has features which are not necessary or useful, and whose only purpose is to attract attention or publicity. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The campaign was gimmicky, but it had a serious side to it.

gin /dʒ I n/ (gins ) N‑VAR Gin is a strong colourless alcoholic drink made from grain and juniper berries. ●�N‑COUNT A gin is a glass of gin. □� �another gin and tonic.

gin|ger /dʒ I ndʒə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT Ginger is the root of a plant that is used to flavour food. It has a sweet spicy flavour and is often sold in powdered form.

2 COLOUR Ginger is used to describe things that are orangey-brown in colour. □� She was a mature lady with dyed ginger hair.

gi n|ger a le (ginger ales ) N‑VAR Ginger ale is a fizzy non-alcoholic drink flavoured with ginger, which is often mixed with an alcoholic drink. □� I live mostly on coffee and ginger ale. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of ginger ale can be referred to as a ginger ale .

gi n|ger bee r (ginger beers ) N‑VAR Ginger beer is a fizzy drink that is made from syrup and ginger and is sometimes slightly alcoholic. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of ginger beer can be referred to as a ginger beer .

ginger|bread /dʒ I ndʒə r bred/ N‑UNCOUNT Gingerbread is a sweet biscuit or cookie that is flavoured with ginger. It is often made in the shape of a man or an animal.

gi n|ger group (ginger groups ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A ginger group is a group of people who have similar ideas and who work together, especially within a larger organization, to try to persuade others to accept their ideas. [BRIT ] □� I set up a ginger group on the environment.

gin|ger|ly /dʒ I ndʒə r li/ ADV [ADV with v] If you do something gingerly , you do it in a careful manner, usually because you expect it to be dangerous, unpleasant, or painful. [WRITTEN ] □� I drove gingerly past the security check points.

gin|gery /dʒ I ndʒəri/ ADJ Something, especially hair, that is gingery is slightly ginger in colour.

ging|ham /g I ŋəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Gingham is cotton cloth which has a woven pattern of small squares, usually in white and one other colour. □� �a gingham apron. □� �gingham check shorts.

gin|seng /dʒ I nseŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Ginseng is the root of a plant found in China, Korea, and America which some people believe is good for your health.

gip|sy /dʒ I psi/ →�see gypsy

gi|raffe /dʒ I rɑː f, -r� f/ (giraffes ) N‑COUNT A giraffe is a large African animal with a very long neck, long legs, and dark patches on its body.

gird /gɜː r d/ (girds , girding , girded ) VERB If you girdyourselffor a battle or contest, you prepare yourself for it. [LITERARY ] □�[V pron-refl +�for ] With audiences in the U.S. falling for the first time in a generation, Hollywood is girding itself for recession.

gird|er /gɜː r də r / (girders ) N‑COUNT A girder is a long, thick piece of steel or iron that is used in the framework of buildings and bridges.

gir|dle /gɜː r d ə l/ (girdles , girdling , girdled ) N‑COUNT A girdle is a piece of women's underwear that fits tightly around the stomach and hips.

girl ◆◆◆ /gɜː r l/ (girls )

1 N‑COUNT A girl is a female child. □� �an eleven year old girl. □� I must have been a horrid little girl.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone's daughter as a girl . □� We had a little girl.

3 N‑COUNT Young women are often referred to as girls . This use could cause offence. □� �a pretty twenty-year-old girl.

4 N‑COUNT Some people refer to a man's girlfriend as his girl . [INFORMAL ] □� I've been with my girl for nine years.

gi rl band (girl bands ) N‑COUNT A girl band is a band consisting of young women who sing pop music and dance.

girl|friend ◆◇◇ /gɜː r lfrend/ (girlfriends )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's girlfriend is a girl or woman with whom they are having a romantic or sexual relationship. □� He had been going out with his girlfriend for seven months. □� Has he got a girlfriend?

2 N‑COUNT A girlfriend is a female friend. □� I met a girlfriend for lunch.

Gi rl Gui de (Girl Guides ) also girl guide

1 N‑PROPER In Britain, the Guides used to be called the Girl Guides .

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, a Girl Guide was a girl who was a member of the Girl Guides.

girl|hood /gɜː r lhʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Girlhood is the period of a female person's life during which she is a girl. □� She had shared responsibility for her brother since girlhood. □� Her girlhood dream had been to study painting.

girlie /gɜː r li/ (girlies ) also girly

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Girlie magazines or calendars show photographs of naked or almost naked women which are intended to please men. [INFORMAL ]

2 ADJ Girlie things are suitable for girls or women rather than men or boys. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� She swapped her plain suit for an absurdly girlie dress. □� I'm a very girlie person while Polly is one of the lads.

3 N‑COUNT Some people refer to women as girlies , especially when they think they are not as intelligent or able as men. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They think we're just a bunch of girlies who don't know what we're doing.

girl|ish /gɜː r l I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a woman as girlish , you mean she behaves, looks, or sounds like a young girl, for example because she is shy, excited, or lively. □� She gave a little girlish giggle.

Gi rl Scout (Girl Scouts )

1 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] In the United States, the Girl Scouts is an organization similar to Guides .

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a Girl Scout is a girl who is a member of the Girl Scouts.

girth /gɜː r θ/ (girths )

1 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] The girth of an object, for example a person's or an animal's body, is its width or thickness, considered as the measurement around its circumference. [FORMAL ] □� A girl he knew had upset him by commenting on his increasing girth.

2 N‑COUNT A girth is a leather strap which is fastened firmly around the middle of a horse to keep the saddle or load in the right place.

gist /dʒ I st/ N‑SING The gist of a speech, conversation, or piece of writing is its general meaning. □� He related the gist of his conversation to Naseby.

git /g I t/ (gits ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you refer to another person as a git , you mean you dislike them and find them annoying. [BRIT , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

give

➊�USED WITH NOUNS DESCRIBING ACTIONS

➋�TRANSFERRING

➌�OTHER USES, PHRASES, AND PHRASAL VERBS

➊ give ◆◆◆ /g I v/ (gives , giving , gave , given )

1 VERB [no cont] You can use give with nouns that refer to physical actions. The whole expression refers to the performing of the action. For example, She gave a smile means almost the same as 'She smiled'. □�[V n] She stretched her arms out and gave a great yawn. □�[V n n] He reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

2 VERB You use give to say that a person does something for another person. For example, if you give someone a lift, you take them somewhere in your car. □�[be V -ed n] I gave her a lift back out to her house. □�[V n n] He was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. □�[V n] Sophie asked her if she would like to come and give art lessons.

3 VERB You use give with nouns that refer to information, opinions, or greetings to indicate that something is communicated. For example, if you give someone some news, you tell it to them. □�[V n] He gave no details. □�[V n n] Would you like to give me your name? □�[V n +�to ] He asked me to give his regards to all of you. □�[V n +�as ] He gave the cause of death as multiple injuries.

4 VERB You use give to say how long you think something will last or how much you think something will be. □�[V n n] A poll last week gave the opposition a narrow six-point lead.

5 VERB [no cont, no passive] People use give in expressions such as I don't give a damn to show that they do not care about something. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □�[V n] They don't give a damn about the country.

6 VERB If someone or something gives you a particular idea or impression, it causes you to have that idea or impression. □�[V n n] They gave me the impression that they were doing exactly what they wanted in life. □�[V n] The examiner's final report does not give an accurate picture.

7 VERB If someone or something gives you a particular physical or emotional feeling, it makes you experience it. □�[V n n] He gave me a shock. □�[V n +�to ] It will give great pleasure to the many thousands of children who visit the hospital each year. [Also V n]

8 VERB If you give a performance or speech, you perform or speak in public. □�[V n] Kotto gives a stupendous performance. □�[V n n] I am sure you remember Mrs Butler who gave us such an interesting talk last year.

9 VERB If you give something thought or attention, you think about it, concentrate on it, or deal with it. □�[V n n] I've been giving it some thought. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Priority will be given to those who apply early.

10 VERB If you give a party or other social event, you organize it. □�[V n] That evening, I gave a dinner party for a few close friends.

➋ give ◆◆◆ /g I v/ (gives , giving , gave , given )

1 VERB If you give someone something that you own or have bought, you provide them with it, so that they have it or can use it. □�[V n n] They gave us T-shirts and stickers. □�[V n +�to ] They gave money to 708 families for school uniforms. □�[V +�to ] Americans are still giving to charity despite hard economic times.

2 VERB If you give someone something that you are holding or that is near you, you pass it to them, so that they are then holding it. □�[V n n] Give me that pencil. □�[V n +�to ] He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to him.

3 VERB To give someone or something a particular power or right means to allow them to have it. □�[V n +�to ] �a citizen's charter giving rights to gays. □�[V n n] The draft would give the president the power to appoint the central bank's chairman.

➌ give ◆◆◆ /g I v/ (gives , giving , gave , given )

→�Please look at categories 11 to 16 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If something gives , it collapses or breaks under pressure. □�[V ] My knees gave under me.

2 V-PASSIVE You say that you are givento understand or believe that something is the case when you do not want to say how you found out about it, or who told you. [FORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] We were given to understand that he was ill.

3 →�see also given

4 PHRASE You use give me to say that you would rather have one thing than another, especially when you have just mentioned the thing that you do not want. □� I've never had anything barbecued and I don't want it. Give me a good roast dinner any day.

5 PHRASE If you say that something requires give and take , you mean that people must compromise or co-operate for it to be successful. □� �a happy relationship where there's a lot of give and take.

6 PHRASE Give or take is used to indicate that an amount is approximate. For example, if you say that something is fifty years old, give or take a few years, you mean that it is approximately fifty years old. □� They grow to a height of 12 ins�give or take a couple of inches.

7 PHRASE If an audience is asked to give it up for a performer, they are being asked to applaud. [INFORMAL ] □� Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for Tom Hanks.

8to give the game away →�see game

9to give notice →�see notice

10to give rise to →�see rise

11to give way →�see way

▸� give away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you give away something that you own, you give it to someone, rather than selling it, often because you no longer want it. □�[V n P ] He was giving his collection away for nothing. □�[V P n] We have six copies of the book to give away.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone gives away an advantage, they accidentally cause their opponent or enemy to have that advantage. □�[V P n] We gave away a silly goal. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you give away information that should be kept secret, you reveal it to other people. □�[V n P ] She would give nothing away. □�[V P n] They felt like they were giving away company secrets.

4 PHRASAL VERB To give someone or something away means to show their true nature or identity, which is not obvious. □�[V n P ] Although they are pretending hard to be young, grey hair and cellulite give them away. [Also V P n (not pron)]

5 PHRASAL VERB In a Christian wedding ceremony, if someone gives the bride away , they officially present her to her husband. This is traditionally done by the bride's father.

▸� give back PHRASAL VERB If you give something back , you return it to the person who gave it to you. □�[V n P +�to ] I gave the textbook back to him. □�[V n P n] You gave me back the projector. □�[V n P ] I gave it back politely.

▸� give in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you give in , you admit that you are defeated or that you cannot do something. □�[V P ] All right. I give in. What did you do with the ship?

2 PHRASAL VERB If you give in , you agree to do something that you do not want to do. □�[V P ] I pressed my parents until they finally gave in and registered me for skating classes. □�[V P +�to ] Officials say they won't give in to the workers' demands.

▸� give off or give out PHRASAL VERB If something gives off or gives out a gas, heat, or a smell, it produces it and sends it out into the air. □�[V P n] �natural gas, which gives off less carbon dioxide than coal. [Also V n P ]

▸� give out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you give out a number of things, you distribute them among a group of people. □�[V P n] There were people at the entrance giving out leaflets. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you give out information, you make it known to people. □�[V P n] He wouldn't give out any information. □�[V n P ] How often do you give your phone number out?

3 PHRASAL VERB If a piece of equipment or part of the body gives out , it stops working. □�[V P ] All machines give out eventually. □�[V P ] One of his lungs gave out entirely.

4 →�see give off

▸� give over to or give up to PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If something is given over or given up to a particular use, it is used entirely for that purpose. □�[be V -ed P P n] Much of the garden was given over to vegetables.

▸� give up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you give up something, you stop doing it or having it. □�[V P n/v-ing] Coastguards had given up all hope of finding the two divers alive. □�[V P ] �smokers who give up before 30. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you give up , you decide that you cannot do something and stop trying to do it. □�[V P ] After a fruitless morning sitting at his desk he had given up.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you give up your job, you resign from it. □�[V P n/v-ing] She gave up her job as an events manager to become a self-employed baker. □�[V P n/v-ing] He is thinking of giving up teaching. [Also V n P , V P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you give up something that you have or that you are entitled to, you allow someone else to have it. □�[V P n] Georgia refuses to give up any territory. □�[V P n] One of the men with him gave up his place on the bench. [Also V n P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you giveyourselfup , you let the police or other people know where you are, after you have been hiding from them. □�[V pron-refl P ] A 28-year-old man later gave himself up and will appear in court today. [Also V n P ]

▸� give up on PHRASAL VERB If you give up on something or someone, you decide that you will never succeed in doing what you want to with them, and you stop trying to. □�[V P P n] He urged them not to give up on peace efforts. □�[V P P n] My teachers gave up on me.

▸� give up to →�see give over to

gi ve-and-ta ke →�see give ➊

give|away /g I vəwe I / (giveaways ) also give-away

1 N‑SING A giveaway is something that makes you realize the truth about a particular person or situation. □� The only giveaway was the look of amusement in her eyes.

2 N‑COUNT A giveaway is something that a company or organization gives to someone, usually in order to encourage people to buy a particular product. □� Next week TODAY is celebrating with a great giveaway of FREE garden seeds.

giv|en ◆◇◇ /g I v ə n/

1Given is the past participle of give .

2 ADJ If you talk about, for example, any given position or a given time, you mean the particular position or time that you are discussing. □� In chess there are typically about 36 legal moves from any given board position. □� Over a given period, the value of shares will rise and fall.

3 PREP Given is used when indicating a possible situation in which someone has the opportunity or ability to do something. For example, given the chance means 'if I had the chance'. □� Write down the sort of thing you would like to do, given the opportunity. □� Given patience, successful breeding of this species can be achieved.

4 PHRASE If you say given that something is the case, you mean taking that fact into account. □� Usually, I am sensible with money, as I have to be, given that I don't earn that much.

5 PREP If you say given something, you mean taking that thing into account. □� Given the uncertainty over Leigh's future I was left with little other choice.

6 ADJ If you are given to doing something, you often do it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] I am not very given to emotional displays.

gi v|en name (given names ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A given name is a person's first name, which they are given at birth in addition to their surname. [FORMAL ]

giv|er /g I və r / (givers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a person or organization that gives or supplies a particular thing as a giver of that thing. □� It was William who was the giver of the piano. ●�COMB Giver is also a combining form. □� �if the money-givers do not have specific projects in view.

giz|mo /g I zmoʊ/ (gizmos ) N‑COUNT A gizmo is a device or small machine which performs a particular task, usually in a new and efficient way. People often use gizmo to refer to a device or machine when they do not know what it is really called. [INFORMAL ] □� �a plastic gizmo for holding a coffee cup on the dashboard.

gla|c� /gl� se I , [AM ] -se I / ADJ [ADJ n] Glac� fruits are fruits that have been preserved in a thick sugary syrup and then dried. □� �pieces of glac� cherry.

gla|cial /gle I ʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Glacial means relating to or produced by glaciers or ice. [TECHNICAL ] □� �a true glacial landscape with U-shaped valleys.

2 ADJ If you say that a person, action, or atmosphere is glacial , you mean that they are very unfriendly or hostile. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Inside the jeep the atmosphere was glacial.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something moves or changes at a glacial pace, you are emphasizing that it moves or changes very slowly. [EMPHASIS ]

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone, usually a woman, as glacial , you mean they are very beautiful and elegant, but do not show their feelings. □� Her glacial beauty is magnetic.

gla|cia|tion /gle I sie I ʃ ə n/ (glaciations ) N‑VAR In geology, glaciation is the process by which the land is covered by glaciers. Glaciations are periods when this happens. [TECHNICAL ]

glaci|er /gl� siə r , [AM ] gle I ʃə r / (glaciers ) N‑COUNT A glacier is an extremely large mass of ice which moves very slowly, often down a mountain valley.

glad ◆◇◇ /gl� d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that, ADJ to-inf] If you are glad about something, you are happy and pleased about it. □� I'm glad I relented in the end. □� The people seem genuinely glad to see you. □�[+�about ] I ought to be glad about what happened. □� I'd be glad if the boys slept a little longer so I could do some ironing. [Also +�of ] ●� glad|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Mallarm� gladly accepted the invitation. ●� glad|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �a night of joy and gladness.

2 ADJ If you say that you will be gladto do something, usually for someone else, you mean that you are willing and eager to do it. [FEELINGS ] □� I'll be glad to show you everything. □� We should be glad to answer any questions. ●� glad|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The counselors will gladly baby-sit during their free time.

glad|den /gl� d ə n/ (gladdens , gladdening , gladdened )

1 PHRASE If you say that something gladdens someone's heart , you mean that it makes them feel pleased and hopeful. [WRITTEN ] □� �a conclusion that should gladden the hearts of all animal-rights activists.

2 VERB If something gladdens you, it makes you feel happy and pleased. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] Charles's visit surprised him and gladdened him.

glade /gle I d/ (glades ) N‑COUNT A glade is a grassy space without trees in a wood or forest. [LITERARY ]

gladia|tor /gl� die I tə r / (gladiators )

1 N‑COUNT In the time of the Roman Empire, a gladiator was a man who had to fight against other men or wild animals in order to entertain an audience.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a sports player or a performer as a gladiator in order to emphasize how brave or dangerous their actions are. [JOURNALISM , EMPHASIS ] □� As the gladiators rolled away from the starting gates, a gasp went up when the Scottish cyclist's left foot clicked out of the pedal.

gladio|lus /gl� dioʊ ləs/ (gladioli ) N‑COUNT A gladiolus is a type of plant with long thin leaves and several large brightly coloured flowers.

gla d rags N‑PLURAL You can refer to clothes that you wear to parties and other special occasions as your glad rags . [INFORMAL ]

glam /gl� m/ ADJ Glam is short for glamorous. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� She was always glam. She looked like a star.

glam|or /gl� mə r / →�see glamour

glam|or|ize /gl� məra I z/ (glamorizes , glamorizing , glamorized ) in BRIT, also use glamorise VERB If someone glamorizes something, they make it look or seem more attractive than it really is, especially in a film, book, or programme. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Filmmakers have often been accused of glamorizing organized crime. □�[V -ed] �a glamorised view of the past.

glam|or|ous /gl� mərəs/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as glamorous , you mean that they are more attractive, exciting, or interesting than ordinary people or things. □� �some of the world's most beautiful and glamorous women. □� The south coast is less glamorous but full of clean and attractive hotels.

glam|our /gl� mə r / in AM, also use glamor N‑UNCOUNT Glamour is the quality of being more attractive, exciting, or interesting than ordinary people or things. □�[+�of ] �the glamour of show biz.

glance ◆◇◇ /glɑː ns, gl� ns/ (glances , glancing , glanced )

1 VERB If you glanceat something or someone, you look at them very quickly and then look away again immediately. □�[V prep/adv] He glanced at his watch. □�[V prep/adv] I glanced back.

2 VERB If you glance through or at a newspaper, report, or book, you spend a short time looking at it without reading it very carefully. □�[V +�through ] I picked up the phone book and glanced through it. □�[V +�at ] I never even glanced at the political page of a daily paper.

3 N‑COUNT A glance is a quick look at someone or something. □� Trevor and I exchanged a glance.

4 PHRASE If you see something at a glance , you see or recognize it immediately, and without having to think or look carefully. □� One could tell at a glance that she was a compassionate person.

5 PHRASE If you say that something is true or seems to be true at first glance , you mean that it seems to be true when you first see it or think about it, but that your first impression may be wrong. □� At first glance, organic farming looks much more expensive for the farmer.

6 PHRASE If you steal a glanceat someone or something, you look at them quickly so that nobody sees you looking. □�[+�at ] He stole a glance at the clock behind her.

▸� glance off PHRASAL VERB If an object glances off something, it hits it at an angle and bounces away in another direction. □�[V P n] My fist glanced off his jaw. SYNONYMS glance VERB 1

peep:Now and then she peeped to see if he was noticing her.

peek:On two occasions she had peeked at him through a crack in the wall.

glimpse:She glimpsed a group of people standing on the bank of a river. NOUN 3

peep:'Fourteen minutes,' Chris said, taking a peep at his watch.

peek:American firms have been paying outrageous fees for a peek at the technical data.

glimpse:Some of the fans had waited 24 hours to catch a glimpse of their heroine.

glanc|ing /glɑː ns I ŋ, gl� ns-/ ADJ [ADJ n] A glancing blow is one that hits something at an angle rather than from directly in front. □� The car struck him a glancing blow on the forehead.

gland /gl� nd/ (glands ) N‑COUNT A gland is an organ in the body which produces chemical substances for the body to use or get rid of. □� �the hormones secreted by our endocrine glands. □� �sweat glands.

glan|du|lar /gl� ndʒʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Glandular means relating to or affecting your glands. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the amount of fat and glandular tissue in the breasts.

gla n|du|lar fe |ver N‑UNCOUNT Glandular fever is a disease which causes swollen glands, fever, and a sore throat. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use mononucleosis

glare /gleə r / (glares , glaring , glared )

1 VERB If you glareat someone, you look at them with an angry expression on your face. □�[V +�at ] The old woman glared at him. □�[V ] Jacob glared and muttered something. □�[V -ing] �glaring eyes.

2 N‑COUNT A glare is an angry, hard, and unfriendly look. □� His glasses magnified his irritable glare.

3 VERB If the sun or a light glares , it shines with a very bright light which is difficult to look at. □�[V ] The sunlight glared. □�[V -ing] �glaring searchlight beams.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Glare is very bright light that is difficult to look at. □� �the glare of a car's headlights. □� Special-purpose glasses reduce glare.

5 N‑SING If someone is in the glare of publicity or public attention, they are constantly being watched and talked about by a lot of people. □� Norma is said to dislike the glare of publicity. □� She attacked police in the full glare of TV cameras.

glar|ing /gleə r I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something bad as glaring , you are emphasizing that it is very obvious and easily seen or noticed. [EMPHASIS ] □� I never saw such a glaring example of misrepresentation. ●� glar|ing|ly ADV □� It was glaringly obvious. □� He told a glaringly different story.

2 →�see also glare

glas|nost /gl� znɒst/ N‑UNCOUNT Glasnost is a policy of making a government more open and democratic. The word glasnost was originally used to describe the policies of President Gorbachev in the former Soviet Union in the 1980s.

glass ◆◆◇ /glɑː s, gl� s/ (glasses )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Glass is a hard transparent substance that is used to make things such as windows and bottles. □� �a pane of glass. □� �a sliding glass door.

2 N‑COUNT A glass is a container made from glass, which you can drink from and which does not have a handle. □� Grossman raised the glass to his lips. ●�N‑COUNT The contents of a glass can be referred to as a glassof something. □�[+�of ] �a glass of milk.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Glass is used to mean objects made of glass, for example drinking containers and bowls. □� There's a glittering array of glass to choose from at markets.

4 N‑PLURAL Glasses are two lenses in a frame that some people wear in front of their eyes in order to help them see better. □� He took off his glasses.

5 →�see also dark glasses , magnifying glass COLLOCATIONS glass NOUN

1

adjective +�glass : bulletproof

verb +�glass : break, shatter, smash

2

verb +�glass : drain, empty; raise

gla ss cei l|ing (glass ceilings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] When people refer to a glass ceiling , they are talking about the attitudes and traditions in a society that prevent women from rising to the top jobs. [JOURNALISM ] □� She broke through the glass ceiling as the first woman CEO.

gla ssed-i n ADJ [usu ADJ n] A glassed-in room or building has large windows instead of walls.

gla ss fi |bre in AM, use glass fiber N‑UNCOUNT Glass fibre is another name for fibreglass .

glass|house /glɑː shaʊs, gl� s-/ (glasshouses ) N‑COUNT A glasshouse is a greenhouse , especially a large one which is used for the commercial production of fruit, flowers, or vegetables. [mainly BRIT ]

glass|ware /glɑː sweə r , gl� s-/ N‑UNCOUNT Glassware consists of objects made of glass, such as bowls, drinking containers, and ornaments.

glassy /glɑː si, gl� si/ ADJ If you describe something as glassy , you mean that it is very smooth and shiny, like glass. [WRITTEN ] □� The water was glassy. □� �glassy green pebbles.

glau|co|ma /glɔːkoʊ mə, [AM ] glaʊ-/ N‑UNCOUNT Glaucoma is an eye disease which can cause people to go gradually blind.

glaze /gle I z/ (glazes , glazing , glazed )

1 N‑COUNT A glaze is a thin layer of liquid which is put on a piece of pottery and becomes hard and shiny when the pottery is heated in a very hot oven. □� �hand-painted French tiles with decorative glazes.

2 N‑COUNT A glaze is a thin layer of beaten egg, milk, or other liquid that you spread onto food in order to make the surface shine and look attractive. □� Brush the glaze over the top and sides of the hot cake.

3 VERB When you glaze food such as bread or pastry, you spread a layer of beaten egg, milk, or other liquid onto it before you cook it in order to make its surface shine and look attractive. □�[V n] Glaze the pie with beaten egg.

▸� glaze over PHRASAL VERB If your eyes glaze over , they become dull and lose all expression, usually because you are bored or are thinking about something else. □�[V P ] �movie actors whose eyes glaze over as soon as the subject wavers from themselves.

glazed /gle I zd/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's eyes as glazed , you mean that their expression is dull or dreamy, usually because they are tired or are having difficulty concentrating on something. □� Doctors with glazed eyes sat in front of a television set. □� There was a glazed look in her eyes.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Glazed pottery is covered with a thin layer of a hard shiny substance.

3 ADJ A glazed window or door has glass in it.

gla|zi|er /gle I ziə r , [AM ] -ʒər/ (glaziers ) N‑COUNT A glazier is someone whose job is fitting glass into windows and doors.

gleam /gliː m/ (gleams , gleaming , gleamed )

1 VERB If an object or a surface gleams , it reflects light because it is shiny and clean. □�[V ] His black hair gleamed in the sun. □�[V -ing] �a gleaming red sports car.

2 N‑SING You can refer to the light reflected from something as a gleam . [LITERARY ] □� �the gleam of the dark river. □� In the light from the hall, her hair had a golden gleam.

3 VERB If your eyes gleam , they look bright and show that you are excited or happy. [WRITTEN ]

4 N‑COUNT A gleam of something is a faint sign of it. □�[+�of ] There was a gleam of hope for a peaceful settlement.

glean /gliː n/ (gleans , gleaning , gleaned ) VERB If you glean something such as information or knowledge, you learn or collect it slowly and patiently, and perhaps indirectly. □�[V n +�from ] At present we're gleaning information from all sources. □�[be V -ed +�from ] 10,000 pages of evidence were gleaned from hundreds and hundreds of interviews.

glee /gliː / N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] Glee is a feeling of happiness and excitement, often caused by someone else's misfortune. □� There was much glee among journalists over the leaked letter.

glee|ful /gliː fʊl/ ADJ Someone who is gleeful is happy and excited, often because of someone else's bad luck. [WRITTEN ] □� He took an almost gleeful delight in showing how wrong they can be. ●� glee|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I spent the rest of their visit gleefully boring them with tedious details.

glen /gle n/ (glens ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A glen is a deep, narrow valley, especially in the mountains of Scotland or Ireland.

glib /gl I b/ ADJ If you describe what someone says as glib , you disapprove of it because it implies that something is simple or easy, or that there are no problems involved, when this is not the case. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the glib talk of 'past misery'. □� Mr. Lewis takes an insufferably glib attitude toward it all. ●� glib|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� We talk glibly of equality of opportunity.

glide /gla I d/ (glides , gliding , glided )

1 VERB If you glide somewhere, you move silently and in a smooth and effortless way. □�[V prep/adv] Waiters glide between tightly packed tables bearing trays of pasta.

2 VERB When birds or aeroplanes glide , they float on air currents. □�[V prep/adv] � the albatross, which glides effortlessly and gracefully behind the yacht. [Also V ]

glid|er /gla I də r / (gliders ) N‑COUNT A glider is an aircraft without an engine, which flies by floating on air currents.

glid|ing /gla I d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Gliding is the sport or activity of flying in a glider.

glim|mer /gl I mə r / (glimmers , glimmering , glimmered )

1 VERB If something glimmers , it produces or reflects a faint, gentle, often unsteady light. □�[V ] The moon glimmered faintly through the mists. □�[V -ing] �the glimmering ocean.

2 N‑COUNT A glimmer is a faint, gentle, often unsteady light. □�[+�of ] In the east there is the slightest glimmer of light.

3 N‑COUNT A glimmer of something is a faint sign of it. □�[+�of ] Despite an occasional glimmer of hope, this campaign has not produced any results. □�[+�of ] He is celebrating his first glimmer of success.

glim|mer|ing /gl I mər I ŋ/ (glimmerings ) N‑COUNT A glimmering of something is a faint sign of it. □�[+�of ] �a glimmering of understanding. □�[+�of ] �the first glimmerings of civilization.

glimpse /gl I mps/ (glimpses , glimpsing , glimpsed )

1 N‑COUNT If you get a glimpseof someone or something, you see them very briefly and not very well. □�[+�of ] Some of the fans had waited 24 hours outside the hotel to catch a glimpse of the singer.

2 VERB If you glimpse someone or something, you see them very briefly and not very well. □�[V n] She glimpsed a group of people standing on the bank of a river.

3 N‑COUNT A glimpseof something is a brief experience of it or an idea about it that helps you understand or appreciate it better. □�[+�of ] The programme offers a glimpse of their working methods. □� �a glimpse into the future.

glint /gl I nt/ (glints , glinting , glinted )

1 VERB If something glints , it produces or reflects a quick flash of light. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] The sea glinted in the sun. □�[V +�on ] Sunlight glinted on his spectacles. [Also V +�off ]

2 N‑COUNT A glint is a quick flash of light. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] �a glint of silver. □�[+�of ] �glints of sunlight.

glis|ten /gl I s ə n/ (glistens , glistening , glistened ) VERB If something glistens , it shines, usually because it is wet or oily. □�[V ] The calm sea glistened in the sunlight. □�[V +�with ] Darcy's face was white and glistening with sweat.

glitch /gl I tʃ/ (glitches ) N‑COUNT A glitch is a problem which stops something from working properly or being successful. [INFORMAL ] □� Manufacturing glitches have limited the factory's output.

glit|ter /gl I tə r / (glitters , glittering , glittered )

1 VERB If something glitters , light comes from or is reflected off different parts of it. □�[V ] The bay glittered in the sunshine. □�[V prep] The Palace glittered with lights.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Glitter consists of tiny shining pieces of metal. It is glued to things for decoration. □� Decorate the tunic with sequins or glitter.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You can use glitter to refer to superficial attractiveness or to the excitement connected with something. □� She was blinded by the glitter and the glamour of her own life.

glit|te|ra|ti /gl I tərɑː ti/ N‑PLURAL The glitterati are rich and famous people such as actors and rock stars. [JOURNALISM ] □� The glitterati of Hollywood are flocking to Janet Vaughan's nail salon.

glit|ter|ing /gl I tər I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use glittering to indicate that something is very impressive or successful. □� �a brilliant school pupil destined for a glittering academic career. □� �a glittering array of celebrities.

glit|tery /gl I təri/ ADJ Something that is glittery shines with a lot of very small points of light. □� �a gold suit and a glittery bow tie.

glitz /gl I ts/ N‑UNCOUNT You use glitz to refer to something that is exciting and attractive in a showy way. □� �the glitz of Beverly Hills.

glitzy /gl I tsi/ (glitzier , glitziest ) ADJ Something that is glitzy is exciting and attractive in a showy way. □� �Aspen, Colorado, one of the glitziest ski resorts in the world.

gloat /gloʊ t/ (gloats , gloating , gloated ) VERB If someone is gloating , they are showing pleasure at their own success or at other people's failure in an arrogant and unpleasant way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�over ] Anti-abortionists are gloating over the court's decision. □�[V +�about ] This is nothing to gloat about. [Also V ]

glob /glɒ b/ (globs ) N‑COUNT A globof something soft or liquid is a small round amount of it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �oily globs of soup.

glob|al ◆◇◇ /gloʊ b ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use global to describe something that happens in all parts of the world or affects all parts of the world. □� �a global ban on nuclear testing. □� �one of the most successful organizations fighting child poverty on a global scale. ●� glob|al|ly ADV □� �a globally familiar trade name.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A global view or vision of a situation is one in which all the different aspects of it are considered. □� They are confident their leader is taking a global view on important issues. □� �a global vision of contemporary societies. SYNONYMS global ADJ 1

worldwide:Today, doctors are fearing a worldwide epidemic.

international:�emergency aid from the international community.

world:�his personal contribution to world history.

glob|al|ize /gloʊ bəla I z/ (globalizes , globalizing , globalized ) in BRIT, also use globalise VERB When industry globalizes or is globalized , companies from one country link with companies from another country in order to do business with them. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] As the world becomes more complex, some things do, of course, standardize and globalize. □�[V n] �industries that have globalized their production processes. ●� glob|ali|za|tion /gloʊ bəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Trends toward the globalization of industry have dramatically affected food production in California.

glo b|al po|si |tion|ing sy s|tem (global positioning systems ) N‑COUNT A global positioning system is a system that uses signals from satellites to find out the position of an object. The abbreviation GPS is also used.

glo b|al rea ch N‑SING When people talk about the global reach of a company or industry, they mean its ability to have customers in many different parts of the world. [BUSINESS ] □� The company does not yet have the global reach of its bigger competitors. □� It would have to grow by acquisitions or joint ventures to achieve global reach.

glo b|al vi l|lage N‑SING People sometimes refer to the world as a global village when they want to emphasize that all the different parts of the world form one community linked together by electronic communications, especially the internet. □� Now that we are all part of the global village, everyone becomes a neighbour.

glo b|al wa rm|ing N‑UNCOUNT Global warming is the gradual rise in the earth's temperature caused by high levels of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere. □� Winters in Britain are predicted to become wetter, not drier, with global warming.

globe /gloʊ b/ (globes )

1 N‑SING You can refer to the world as theglobe when you are emphasizing how big it is or that something happens in many different parts of it. □� �bottles of beer from every corner of the globe. □� 70% of our globe's surface is water.

2 N‑COUNT A globe is a ball-shaped object with a map of the world on it. It is usually fixed on a stand. □� �a globe of the world. □� Three large globes stand on the floor.

3 N‑COUNT Any ball-shaped object can be referred to as a globe . □� The overhead light was covered now with a white globe.

glo be a r|ti|choke (globe artichokes ) →�see artichoke

glo be-trot (globe-trots , globe-trotting , globe-trotted ) also globetrot VERB [usu cont] If someone spends their time globe-trotting , they spend a lot of time travelling to different parts of the world. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] The son of a diplomat, he has spent much of his life globe-trotting. ●� globe-trotting ADJ □� �globe-trotting academic superstars. ●� globe-trotter (globe-trotters ) N‑COUNT □� A compulsive globetrotter, he frequently visits exotic locales.

globu|lar /glɒ bjʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] A globular object is shaped like a ball. [FORMAL ] □� The globular seed capsule contains numerous small seeds.

glob|ule /glɒ bjuːl/ (globules ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Globulesof a liquid or of a soft substance are tiny round particles of it. □�[+�of ] �globules of saliva. □� Our bone marrow contains fat in the form of small globules.

glock|en|spiel /glɒ kənʃpiːl/ (glockenspiels ) N‑COUNT A glockenspiel is a musical instrument which consists of metal bars of different lengths arranged like the keyboard of a piano. You play the glockenspiel by hitting the bars with wooden hammers.

gloom /gluː m/

1 N‑SING [oft in/into N ] The gloom is a state of near darkness. □� �the gloom of a foggy November morning. □� I was peering about me in the gloom.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Gloom is a feeling of sadness and lack of hope. □� �the deepening gloom over the economy.

gloomy /gluː mi/ (gloomier , gloomiest )

1 ADJ If a place is gloomy , it is almost dark so that you cannot see very well. □� Inside it's gloomy after all that sunshine. □� �this huge gloomy church.

2 ADJ If people are gloomy , they are unhappy and have no hope. □� Graduates are feeling gloomy about the jobs market. ●� gloomi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He tells me gloomily that he has been called up for army service.

3 ADJ If a situation is gloomy , it does not give you much hope of success or happiness. □� �a gloomy picture of an economy sliding into recession. □� Officials say the outlook for next year is gloomy.

glo|ri|fied /glɔː r I fa I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use glorified to indicate that something is less important or impressive than its name suggests. □� Sometimes they tell me I'm just a glorified waitress.

glo|ri|fy /glɔː r I fa I / (glorifies , glorifying , glorified ) VERB To glorify something means to praise it or make it seem good or special, usually when it is not. □�[V n] This magazine in no way glorifies gangs. □�[V n] �the banning of songs glorifying war and racism. ●� glo|ri|fi|ca|tion /glɔː r I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the glorification of violence.

glo|ri|ous /glɔː riəs/

1 ADJ Something that is glorious is very beautiful and impressive. □� She had missed the glorious blooms of the Mediterranean spring. □� �a glorious Edwardian opera house. ●� glo|ri|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� �gloriously embroidered costumes.

2 ADJ If you describe something as glorious , you are emphasizing that it is wonderful and it makes you feel very happy. [EMPHASIS ] □� The win revived glorious memories of his championship-winning days. □� We opened the windows and let in the glorious evening air. ●� glo|ri|ous|ly ADV □� �her gloriously happy love life.

3 ADJ A glorious career, victory, or occasion involves great fame or success. □� Harrison had a glorious career spanning more than six decades. ●� glo|ri|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� But the mission was successful, gloriously successful.

4 ADJ Glorious weather is hot and sunny. □� I got dressed and emerged into glorious sunshine. □� The sun was out again, and it was a glorious day. ●� glo|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� For a change, it was a gloriously sunny day.

glo|ry /glɔː ri/ (glories , glorying , gloried )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Glory is the fame and admiration that you gain by doing something impressive. □� Walsham had his moment of glory when he won a 20km race. □� �we were still basking in the glory of our Championship win.

2 N‑PLURAL A person's glories are the occasions when they have done something people greatly admire which makes them famous. □� The album sees them re-living past glories but not really breaking any new ground.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] Thegloryof something is its great beauty or impressive nature. □�[+�of ] The glory of the idea blossomed in his mind.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Thegloriesof a culture or place are the things that people admire most about it. □�[+�of ] �a tour of Florence, to enjoy the artistic glories of the Italian Renaissance.

5 VERB If you glory in a situation or activity, you enjoy it very much. □�[V +�in ] The workers were glorying in their new-found freedom.

6 PHRASE If you go out ina blaze of glory , you do something very dramatic at the end of your career or your life which makes you famous. □� I am going to make national news headlines and go out in a blaze of glory.

gloss /glɒ s, [AM ] glɔː s/ (glosses , glossing , glossed )

1 N‑SING A gloss is a bright shine on the surface of something. □� Rain produced a black gloss on the asphalt.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Gloss is an appearance of attractiveness or good quality which sometimes hides less attractive features or poor quality. □� Television commercials seem more professional but beware of mistaking the gloss for the content.

3 N‑SING If you put a glosson a bad situation, you try to make it seem more attractive or acceptable by giving people a false explanation or interpretation of it. □�[+�on ] He used his diary to put a fine gloss on the horrors the regime perpetrated.

4 N‑VAR Gloss is the same as gloss paint .

5 N‑VAR Gloss is a type of shiny make-up. □� She brushed gloss on to her eyelids. □� �lip glosses.

6 VERB If you gloss a difficult word or idea, you provide an explanation of it. □�[V n +�as ] Older editors glossed 'drynke' as 'love-potion'. [Also V n]

▸� gloss over PHRASAL VERB If you gloss over a problem, a mistake, or an embarrassing moment, you try and make it seem unimportant by ignoring it or by dealing with it very quickly. □�[V P n] Some foreign governments appear happy to gloss over continued human rights abuses.

glos|sa|ry /glɒ səri, [AM ] glɔː s-/ (glossaries ) N‑COUNT A glossary of special, unusual, or technical words or expressions is an alphabetical list of them giving their meanings, for example at the end of a book on a particular subject.

glossies /glɒ siz, [AM ] glɔː s-/ N‑PLURAL The glossies are expensive magazines which are printed on thick, shiny paper. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

glo ss paint N‑UNCOUNT Gloss paint is paint that forms a shiny surface when it dries.

glossy /glɒ si, [AM ] glɔː si/ (glossier , glossiest )

1 ADJ Glossy means smooth and shiny. □� �glossy black hair. □� The leaves were dark and glossy.

2 ADJ You can describe something as glossy if you think that it has been designed to look attractive but has little practical value or may have hidden faults. □� �a glossy new office. □� Their TV commercials are glossy and sophisticated.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Glossy magazines, leaflets, books, and photographs are produced on expensive, shiny paper. □� �a photoshoot in a glossy magazine.

glove /glʌ v/ (gloves )

1 N‑COUNT Gloves are pieces of clothing which cover your hands and wrists and have individual sections for each finger. You wear gloves to keep your hands warm or dry or to protect them. □� �a pair of white cotton gloves.

2 PHRASE If you say that something fits like a glove , you are emphasizing that it fits exactly. [EMPHASIS ]

3 →�see also kid gloves

4hand in glove →�see hand ➊

glo ve com|part|ment (glove compartments ) or glove box N‑COUNT The glove compartment in a car is a small cupboard or shelf below the front windscreen.

gloved /glʌ vd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A gloved hand has a glove on it. [mainly WRITTEN ]

glow /gloʊ / (glows , glowing , glowed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A glow is a dull, steady light, for example the light produced by a fire when there are no flames. □� �the cigarette's red glow. □� The rising sun casts a golden glow over the fields.

2 N‑SING A glow is a pink colour on a person's face, usually because they are healthy or have been exercising. □� The moisturiser gave my face a healthy glow that lasted all day.

3 N‑SING If you feel a glowof satisfaction or achievement, you have a strong feeling of pleasure because of something that you have done or that has happened. □�[+�of ] Exercise will give you a glow of satisfaction at having achieved something. □�[+�of ] He felt a glow of pride in what she had accomplished.

4 VERB If something glows , it produces a dull, steady light. □�[V ] The night lantern glowed softly in the darkness. □�[V adj] Even the mantel above the fire glowed white.

5 VERB If a place glowswith a colour or a quality, it is bright, attractive, and colourful. □�[V +�with ] Used together these colours will make your interiors glow with warmth and vitality. □�[V -ing] �carved wood bathed in glowing colors and gold leaf. [Also V ]

6 VERB If something glows , it looks bright because it is reflecting light. □�[V ] The instruments glowed in the bright orange light. □�[V adj] The fall foliage glowed red and yellow in the morning sunlight.

7 VERB If someone's skin glows , it looks pink because they are healthy or excited, or have been doing physical exercise. □�[V +�with ] Her freckled skin glowed with health again. □�[V -ing] �a glowing complexion. [Also V ]

8 VERB If someone glowswith an emotion such as pride or pleasure, the expression on their face shows how they feel. □�[V +�with ] The expectant mothers that Amy had encountered positively glowed with pride. [Also V ]

9 →�see also glowing

glow|er /glaʊ ə r / (glowers , glowering , glowered ) VERB If you glowerat someone or something, you look at them angrily. □�[V +�at ] He glowered at me but said nothing. □�[V ] He glowered and glared, but she steadfastly refused to look his way. [Also V adv/prep]

glow|er|ing /glaʊ ər I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person as glowering , you mean they look angry and bad tempered. [WRITTEN ] □� �his glowering good looks.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a place as glowering , you mean that it looks dark and threatening. [WRITTEN ] □� �glowering castle walls.

glow|ing /gloʊ I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A glowing description or opinion about someone or something praises them highly or supports them strongly. □� The media has been speaking in glowing terms of the relationship between the two countries. ●� glow|ing|ly ADV □� He speaks glowingly of the support and love of his family throughout his career.

2 →�see also glow

glo w-worm (glow-worms ) N‑COUNT A glow-worm is a type of beetle which produces light from its body.

glu|cose /gluː koʊz, -oʊs/ N‑UNCOUNT Glucose is a type of sugar that gives you energy.

glue /gluː / (glues , glueing or gluing , glued )

1 N‑VAR Glue is a sticky substance used for joining things together, often for repairing broken things. □� �a tube of glue. □� �high quality glues.

2 VERB If you glue one object to another, you stick them together using glue. □�[V n prep/adv] Glue the fabric around the window. □�[be V -ed together ] They are glued together.

3 V-PASSIVE If you say that someone is glued to something, you mean that they are giving it all their attention. □�[be V -ed +�to ] They are all glued to the final episode.

glue sniff|ing N‑UNCOUNT Glue sniffing is the practice of breathing the vapour from glue in order to become intoxicated.

glum /glʌ m/ (glummer , glummest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is glum is sad and quiet because they are disappointed or unhappy about something. □� She was very glum and was obviously missing her children. ●� glum|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� When Eleanor returned, I was still sitting glumly on the settee.

glut /glʌ t/ (gluts , glutting , glutted )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a glutof something, there is so much of it that it cannot all be sold or used. □� There's a glut of agricultural products in Western Europe. □� �a world oil glut.

2 VERB If a market is gluttedwith something, there is a glut of that thing. [BUSINESS ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] The region is glutted with hospitals. □�[V n] Soldiers returning from the war had glutted the job market.

glu|ta|mate /gluː təme I t/ →�see monosodium glutamate

glu|ten /gluː t ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Gluten is a substance found in cereal grains such as wheat.

glu|ti|nous /gluː t I nəs/ ADJ Something that is glutinous is very sticky. □� The sauce was glutinous and tasted artificial. □� �soft and glutinous mud.

glut|ton /glʌ t ə n/ (gluttons )

1 N‑COUNT If you think that someone eats too much and is greedy, you can say they are a glutton . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I can't control my eating. It's hard when people don't understand and call you a glutton.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a glutton for something, you mean that they enjoy or need it very much. □�[+�for ] He was a glutton for hard work. □�[+�for ] Ivy must be a glutton for punishment.

glut|ton|ous /glʌ tənəs/ ADJ If you think that someone eats too much and is greedy, you can say they are gluttonous . □� �a selfish, gluttonous and lazy person.

glut|tony /glʌ təni/ N‑UNCOUNT Gluttony is the act or habit of eating too much and being greedy.

glyc|er|ine /gl I sər I n/ in AM, usually use glycerin N‑UNCOUNT Glycerine is a thick, sweet, colourless liquid that is used especially in making medicine, explosives, and antifreeze for cars.

gm (gm or gms ) gm is a written abbreviation for gram . □� �450 gm (1 lb) mixed soft summer fruits.

GM /dʒiː e m/

1 ADJ GM crops have had one or more genes changed, for example in order to make them resist pests better. GM food contains ingredients made from GM crops. GM is an abbreviation for 'genetically modified'. [mainly BRIT ] □� The GM cotton is modified to produce a natural bacterial insecticide called Bacillus thuringiensis.

2 ADJ In Britain, GM schools receive money directly from the government rather than from a local authority. GM is an abbreviation for 'grant-maintained'. □� GM schools seemed to do well academically.

G M -free ADJ GM-free products or crops are products or crops that do not contain any genetically modified material. □� �GM-free soya. □� �food that is meant to be GM-free.

GMO /dʒiː em oʊ / (GMOs ) N‑COUNT A GMO is an animal, plant, or other organism whose genetic structure has been changed by genetic engineering. GMO is an abbreviation for 'genetically modified organism'.

GMT /dʒiː em tiː / GMT is the standard time in Great Britain which is used to calculate the time in the rest of the world. GMT is an abbreviation for 'Greenwich Mean Time'. □� New Mexico is seven hours behind GMT.

gnarled /nɑː r ld/

1 ADJ A gnarled tree is twisted and strangely shaped because it is old. □� �a large and beautiful garden full of ancient gnarled trees.

2 ADJ A person who is gnarled looks very old because their skin has lines on it or their body is bent. If someone has gnarled hands, their hands are twisted as a result of old age or illness. □� �gnarled old men. □� His hands were gnarled with arthritis.

gnash /n� ʃ/ (gnashes , gnashing , gnashed ) PHRASE If you say that someone is gnashing their teeth , you mean they are angry or frustrated about something. □� If you are currently gnashing your teeth at having missed out, don't despair.

gnat /n� t/ (gnats ) N‑COUNT A gnat is a very small flying insect that bites people and usually lives near water.

gnaw /nɔː / (gnaws , gnawing , gnawed )

1 VERB If people or animals gnaw something or gnawat it, they bite it repeatedly. □�[V +�at/on ] Woodlice attack living plants and gnaw at the stems. □�[V n] Melanie gnawed a long, painted fingernail.

2 VERB If a feeling or thought gnaws at you, it causes you to keep worrying. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�at ] Doubts were already gnawing away at the back of his mind. □�[V -ing] Mary Ann's exhilaration gave way to gnawing fear.

gnoc|chi /nɒ ki/ N‑PLURAL Gnocchi are a type of pasta consisting of small round balls made from flour and sometimes potato.

gnome /noʊ m/ (gnomes ) N‑COUNT In children's stories, a gnome is an imaginary creature that is like a tiny old man with a beard and pointed hat. In Britain people sometimes have small statues of gnomes in their gardens.

gno|mic /noʊ m I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A gnomic remark is brief and seems wise but is difficult to understand. [WRITTEN ] □� �the somewhat gnomic utterances of John Maynard Keynes in his General Theory.

GNP ◆◇◇ /dʒiː en piː / (GNPs ) N‑VAR In economics, a country's GNP is the total value of all the goods produced and services provided by that country in one year. GNP is an abbreviation for 'gross national product'. Compare GDP . □� We managed to increase the GNP of the country by 5 per cent.

gnu /nuː / (gnus ) N‑COUNT A gnu is a large African deer.

GNVQ /dʒiː en viː kju ː/ (GNVQs ) N‑COUNT In Britain, GNVQs are qualifications in practical subjects such as business, design, and information technology. GNVQ is an abbreviation for 'general national vocational qualification'. □� �a GNVQ in information and communication technology.

go

➊�MOVING OR LEAVING

➋�LINK VERB USES

➌�OTHER VERB USES, NOUN USES, AND PHRASES

➍�PHRASAL VERBS

➊ go ◆◆◆ /goʊ / (goes , going , went , gone ) In most cases the past participle of go is gone , but occasionally you use 'been': see been . 1 VERB When you go somewhere, you move or travel there. □�[V prep/adv] We went to Rome. □�[V prep/adv] Gladys had just gone into the kitchen. □�[V prep/adv] I went home at the weekend. □�[V amount] It took us an hour to go three miles.

2 VERB When you go , you leave the place where you are. □�[V ] Let's go. □�[V ] She's going tomorrow.

3 VERB You use go to say that someone leaves the place where they are and does an activity, often a leisure activity. □�[V v-ing] We went swimming very early. □�[V v-ing] Maybe they've just gone shopping. □�[V +�for ] He went for a walk.

4 VERB When you goto do something, you move to a place in order to do it and you do it. You can also go and do something, and in American English, you can go do something. However, you always say that someone went and did something. □�[V to-inf] His second son, Paddy, had gone to live in Canada. □� I must go and see this film. □�[V inf] Go ask whoever you want.

5 VERB If you go to school, work, or church, you attend it regularly as part of your normal life. □�[V +�to ] She will have to go to school. □�[V +�to ] His son went to a top university in America.

6 VERB When you say where a road or path goes , you are saying where it begins or ends, or what places it is in. □�[V prep/adv] There's a mountain road that goes from Blairstown to Millbrook Village.

7 VERB You can use go in expressions such as ' don't go telling everybody ', in order to express disapproval of the kind of behaviour you mention, or to tell someone not to behave in that way. □�[V v-ing] You don't have to go running upstairs every time she rings. □�[V v-ing] Don't you go thinking it was your fault.

8 VERB You can use go with words like 'further' and 'beyond' to show the degree or extent of something. □�[V adv/prep] He went even further in his speech to the conference. □�[V adv/prep] Some physicists have gone so far as to suggest that the entire Universe is a sort of gigantic computer.

9 VERB If you say that a period of time goes quickly or slowly, you mean that it seems to pass quickly or slowly. □�[V adv] The weeks go so quickly!

10 VERB If you say where money goes , you are saying what it is spent on. □�[V prep/adv] Most of my money goes on bills. □�[V prep/adv] The money goes to projects chosen by the wider community.

11 VERB If you say that something goes to someone, you mean that it is given to them. □�[V +�to ] A lot of credit must go to the chairman and his father. □�[V +�to ] All the most important ministerial jobs went to men.

12 VERB If someone goes on television or radio, they take part in a television or radio programme. □�[V +�on ] The president has gone on television to defend stringent new security measures. □�[V +�on ] We went on the air, live, at 7.30.

13 VERB If something goes , someone gets rid of it. □�[V ] There are fears that 100,000 jobs will go. □�[V ] If people stand firm against the tax, it is only a matter of time before it has to go.

14 VERB If someone goes , they leave their job, usually because they are forced to. □�[V ] He had made a humiliating tactical error and he had to go.

15 VERB If something goes into something else, it is put in it as one of the parts or elements that form it. □�[V +�into/in ] �the really interesting ingredients that go into the dishes that we all love to eat.

16 VERB If something goes in a particular place, it fits in that place or should be put there because it is the right size or shape. □�[V ] He was trying to push it through the hole and it wouldn't go. □�[V prep/adv] �This knob goes here.

17 VERB If something goes in a particular place, it belongs there or should be put there, because that is where you normally keep it. □�[V prep/adv] The shoes go on the shoe shelf. □�[V prep/adv] 'Where does everything go?'

18 VERB If you say that one number goes into another number a particular number of times, you are dividing the second number by the first. □�[V +�into ] Six goes into thirty five times. [Also V num]

19 VERB If one of a person's senses, such as their sight or hearing, is going , it is getting weak and they may soon lose it completely. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] His eyes are going; he says he has glaucoma. □�[V ] Lately he'd been making mistakes; his nerve was beginning to go.

20 VERB If something such as a light bulb or a part of an engine is going , it is no longer working properly and will soon need to be replaced. □�[V ] I thought it looked as though the battery was going.

➋ go ◆◆◆ /goʊ / (goes , going , went , gone )

1 V‑LINK You can use go to say that a person or thing changes to another state or condition. For example, if someone goes crazy , they become crazy, and if something goes green , it changes colour and becomes green. □�[V adj] I'm going bald. □�[V adj] You'd better serve it to them before it goes cold. □�[V prep] 50,000 companies have gone out of business.

2 V‑LINK You can use go when indicating whether or not someone wears or has something. For example, if someone goes barefoot , they do not wear any shoes. □�[V adj] The baby went naked on the beach. □�[V adj] But if you arm the police won't more criminals go armed?

3 V‑LINK You can use go before adjectives beginning with 'un-' to say that something does not happen. For example, if something goes unheard , nobody hears it. □�[V -ed] As President, he affirmed that no tyranny went unnoticed.

➌ go ◆◆◆ /goʊ / (goes , going , went , gone )

1 VERB You use go to talk about the way something happens. For example, if an event or situation goes well , it is successful. □�[V adv] She says everything is going smoothly. □�[V adv] How did it go at the hairdresser's?

2 VERB If a machine or device is going , it is working. □�[V ] What about my copier? Can you get it going again? □�[V ] I said, 'My car won't go in fog'.

3 VERB If a bell goes , it makes a noise, usually as a signal for you to do something. □�[V ] The bell went for the break.

4 VERB If something goes with something else, or if two things go together , they look or taste nice together. □�[V +�with ] I was searching for a pair of grey gloves to go with my new gown. □� I can see that some colours go together and some don't. □�[V ] Wear something else. This won't go. [Also V ]

5 VERB You use go to introduce something you are quoting. For example, you say the story goes or the argument goes just before you quote all or part of it. □�[V that] The story goes that she went home with him that night. □�[V prep] The story goes like this. □�[V with quote] As the saying goes, 'There's no smoke without fire.'

6 VERB You use go when indicating that something makes or produces a sound. For example, if you say that something goes 'bang ', you mean it produces the sound 'bang'. □�[V with sound] She stopped in front of a painting of a dog and she started going 'woof woof'. □�[V with sound] The button on his jeans went POP.

7 VERB You can use go instead of 'say' when you are quoting what someone has said or what you think they will say. [INFORMAL ] □�[V with quote] They say 'Tom, shut up' and I go 'No, you shut up'. □�[V +�to ] He goes to me: 'Oh, what do you want?'

8 N‑COUNT A go is an attempt at doing something. □�[+�at ] I always wanted to have a go at football. □� She won on her first go. □� Her hair was bright orange. It took us two goes to get the colour right.

9 N‑COUNT If it is your go in a game, it is your turn to do something, for example to play a card or move a piece. □� I'm two behind you but it's your go. □� Now whose go is it?

10 →�see also going , gone

11 PHRASE If you go all outto do something or go all outfor something, you make the greatest possible effort to do it or get it. [INFORMAL ] □� They will go all out to get exactly what they want. □�[+�for ] They're ready to go all out for the Premier League title next season.

12 PHRASE You use expressions like as things go or as children go when you are describing one person or thing and comparing them with others of the same kind. [INFORMAL ] □� This is a straightforward case, as these things go. □� He's good company, as small boys go.

13 PHRASE If you do something as you go along , you do it while you are doing another thing, without preparing it beforehand. □� Learning how to become a parent takes time. It's a skill you learn as you go along.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone has gone and done something, you are expressing your annoyance at the foolish thing they have done. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Well, he's gone and done it again, hasn't he? □� Somebody goes and does something mindless like that and just destroys everything for you.

15 CONVENTION You say ' Go for it ' to encourage someone to increase their efforts to achieve or win something. [INFORMAL ]

16 PHRASE If someone has a go at you, they criticize you, often in a way that you feel is unfair. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Some people had a go at us for it, which made us more angry.

17 CONVENTION If someone says ' Where do we go from here? ' they are asking what should be done next, usually because a problem has not been solved in a satisfactory way.

18 PHRASE If you say that someone ismaking a go of something such as a business or relationship, you mean that they are having some success with it. □� I knew we could make a go of it and be happy.

19 PHRASE If you say that someone is always on the go , you mean that they are always busy and active. [INFORMAL ] □� I got a new job this year where I am on the go all the time.

20 PHRASE If you have something on the go , you have started it and are busy doing it. □� Do you like to have many projects on the go at any one time?

21 PHRASE If you say that there are a particular number of things to go , you mean that they still remain to be dealt with. □� I still had another five operations to go.

22 PHRASE If you say that there is a certain amount of time to go , you mean that there is that amount of time left before something happens or ends. □� There is a week to go until the elections.

23 PHRASE If you are in a caf� or restaurant and ask for an item of food to go , you mean that you want to take it away with you and not eat it there. [mainly AM ] □� Large fries to go. in BRIT, use to take out , to take away

➍ go ◆◆◆ /goʊ / (goes , going , went , gone )

▸� go about

1 PHRASAL VERB The way you go about a task or problem is the way you approach it and deal with it. □�[V P n/v-ing] I want him back, but I just don't know how to go about it.

2 PHRASAL VERB When you are going about your normal activities, you are doing them. □�[V P n] We were simply going about our business when we were pounced upon by these police officers.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you go about in a particular way, you behave or dress in that way, often as part of your normal life. □�[V P prep] He used to go about in a black cape. □�[V P v-ing] He went about looking ill and unhappy.

▸� go after PHRASAL VERB If you go after something, you try to get it, catch it, or hit it. □�[V P n] We're not going after civilian targets.

▸� go against

1 PHRASAL VERB If a person or their behaviour goes against your wishes, beliefs, or expectations, their behaviour is the opposite of what you want, believe in, or expect. □�[V P n] Changes are being made here which go against my principles and I cannot agree with them.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a decision, vote, or result goes against you, you do not get the decision, vote, or result that you wanted. □�[V P n] The prime minister will resign if the vote goes against him.

▸� go ahead

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone goes aheadwith something, they begin to do it or make it, especially after planning, promising, or asking permission to do it. □�[V P +�with ] The district board will vote today on whether to go ahead with the plan. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If a process or an organized event goes ahead , it takes place or is carried out. □�[V P ] The event will go ahead as planned in Sheffield next summer.

▸� go along

1 PHRASAL VERB If you go alongto a meeting, event, or place, you attend or visit it. □�[V P +�to ] I went along to the meeting. □�[V P ] You should go along and have a look.

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If you describe how something is going along , you describe how it is progressing. □�[V P adv] Things were going along fairly well.

▸� go along with

1 PHRASAL VERB If you go along with a rule, decision, or policy, you accept it and obey it. □�[V P P n] Whatever the majority decided I was prepared to go along with.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go along with a person or an idea, you agree with them. □�[V P P n] 'I don't think a government has properly done it for years.'�'I'd go along with that.'

▸� go around in BRIT, also use go round1 PHRASAL VERB If you go aroundto someone's house, you go to visit them at their house. □�[V P +�to ] I asked them to go around to the house to see if they were there. □�[V P to-inf] Mike went round to see them.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go around in a particular way, you behave or dress in that way, often as part of your normal life. □�[V P prep] I had got in the habit of going around with bare feet. □�[V P v-ing] If they went around complaining publicly, they might not find it so easy to get another job. [Also V P adj]

3 PHRASAL VERB If a piece of news or a joke is going around , it is being told by many people in the same period of time. □�[V P ] There's a nasty sort of rumour going around about it.

4 PHRASAL VERB If there is enough of something togo around , there is enough of it to be shared among a group of people, or to do all the things for which it is needed. □�[V P ] Eventually we will not have enough water to go around.

▸� go away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you go away , you leave a place or a person's company. □�[V P ] I think we need to go away and think about this.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go away , you leave a place and spend a period of time somewhere else, especially as a holiday. □�[V P ] Why don't you and I go away this weekend?

▸� go back

1 PHRASAL VERB If something goes backto a particular time in the past, it was made or started at that time. □�[V P +�to ] The feud with the Catholics goes back to the 11th century. □�[V P n] Our association with him goes back four years.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone goes backto a time in the past, they begin to discuss or consider events that happened at that time. □�[V P +�to ] If you go back to 1960, you'll find that very few jobs were being created. [Also V P n]

▸� go back on PHRASAL VERB If you go back on a promise or agreement, you do not do what you promised or agreed to do. □�[V P P n] The budget crisis has forced the President to go back on his word.

▸� go back to

1 PHRASAL VERB If you go back to a task or activity, you start doing it again after you have stopped doing it for a period of time. □�[V P P n/v-ing] I now look forward to going back to work as soon as possible. □�[V P P n/v-ing] Amy went back to studying.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go back to a particular point in a lecture, discussion, or book, you start to discuss it. □�[V P P n] Let me just go back to the point I was making.

▸� go before

1 PHRASAL VERB Something that hasgone before has happened or been discussed at an earlier time. □�[V P ] This is a rejection of most of what has gone before.

2 PHRASAL VERB To go before a judge, tribunal, or court of law means to be present there as part of an official or legal process. □�[V P n] The case went before the city's judge for the first time yesterday.

▸� go by

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that time goes by , you mean that it passes. □�[V P ] My grandmother was becoming more and more sad and frail as the years went by.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go by something, you use it as a basis for a judgment or action. □�[V P n] If they prove that I was wrong, then I'll go by what they say.

▸� go down

1 PHRASAL VERB If a price, level, or amount goes down , it becomes lower or less than it was. □�[V P ] Income from sales tax went down. □�[V P amount] Crime has gone down 70 percent. □�[V P +�from/to/by ] Average life expectancy went down from about 70 to 67.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go downon your knees or on all fours, you lower your body until it is supported by your knees, or by your hands and knees. □�[V P +�on ] I went down on my knees and prayed for guidance.

3 PHRASAL VERB In sport, if a person or team goes down , they are defeated in a match or contest. □�[V P num] They went down 2-1 to Australia. [Also V P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you say that a remark, idea, or type of behaviour goes down in a particular way, you mean that it gets a particular kind of reaction from a person or group of people. □�[V P adv] Solicitors advised their clients that a tidy look went down well with the magistrates.

5 PHRASAL VERB When the sun goes down , it goes below the horizon. □�[V P ] �the glow left in the sky after the sun has gone down.

6 PHRASAL VERB If a ship goes down , it sinks. If a plane goes down , it crashes out of the sky. □�[V P ] Their aircraft went down during a training exercise.

7 PHRASAL VERB If a computer goes down , it stops functioning temporarily. □�[V P ] The main computers went down for 30 minutes.

8 PHRASAL VERB To go down means to happen. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] 'What's going down? Any ideas?'

▸� go down as PHRASAL VERB If you say that an event or action will go down as a particular thing, you mean that it will be regarded, remembered, or recorded as that thing. □�[V P P n] It will go down as one of the highlights of my career.

▸� go down with PHRASAL VERB If you go down with an illness or a disease, you catch it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P P n] Three members of the band went down with flu.

▸� go for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you go for a particular thing or way of doing something, you choose it. □�[V P n] People tried to persuade him to go for a more gradual reform programme.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go for someone or something, you like them very much. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] I tend to go for large dark men.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you go for someone, you attack them. □�[V P n] Pantieri went for him, gripping him by the throat.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you say that a statement you have made about one person or thing also goes for another person or thing, you mean that the statement is also true of this other person or thing. □�[V P n] It is illegal to dishonour bookings; that goes for restaurants as well as customers.

5 PHRASAL VERB If something goes for a particular price, it is sold for that amount. □� Some old machines go for as much as 35,000 pounds.

▸� go in PHRASAL VERB If the sun goes in , a cloud comes in front of it and it can no longer be seen. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] The sun went in, and the breeze became cold.

▸� go in for PHRASAL VERB If you go in for a particular activity, you decide to do it as a hobby or interest. □�[V P P n] They go in for tennis and bowls.

▸� go into

1 PHRASAL VERB If you go into something, you describe or examine it fully or in detail. □�[V P n] It was a private conversation and I don't want to go into details about what was said.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go into something, you decide to do it as your job or career. □�[V P n] Mr Pok has now gone into the tourism business.

3 PHRASAL VERB If an amount of time, effort, or money goes into something, it is spent or used to do it, get it, or make it. □�[V P n] Is there a lot of effort and money going into this sort of research?

▸� go off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you go off someone or something, you stop liking them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] 'Why have they gone off him now?'�'It could be something he said.' □�[V P n] I started to go off the idea.

2 PHRASAL VERB If an explosive device or a gun goes off , it explodes or fires. □�[V P ] A few minutes later the bomb went off, destroying the vehicle.

3 PHRASAL VERB If an alarm bell goes off , it makes a sudden loud noise. □�[V P ] Then the fire alarm went off. I just grabbed my clothes and ran out.

4 PHRASAL VERB If an electrical device goes off , it stops operating. □�[V P ] As the water came in the windows, all the lights went off.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you say how an organized event went off , you are saying whether everything happened in the way that was planned or hoped. □�[V P adv/prep] The meeting went off all right.

6 PHRASAL VERB Food or drink that hasgone off has gone bad. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] Don't eat that! It's mouldy. It's gone off!

▸� go off with

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone goes off with another person, they leave their husband, wife, or lover and have a relationship with that person. □�[V P P n] I suppose Carolyn went off with some man she'd fallen in love with.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone goes off with something that belongs to another person, they leave and take it with them. □�[V P P n] He's gone off with my passport.

▸� go on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you go on doing something, or go on with an activity, you continue to do it. □�[V P v-ing] Unemployment is likely to go on rising this year. □�[V P +�with ] I'm all right here. Go on with your work. □�[V P ] I don't want to leave, but I can't go on.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something is going on , it is happening. □�[V P ] I don't know what's going on.

3 PHRASAL VERB If a process or institution goes on , it continues to happen or exist. □�[V P ] The population failed to understand the necessity for the war to go on.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you say that a period of time goes on , you mean that it passes. □�[V P ] Renewable energy will become progressively more important as time goes on.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you go onto do something, you do it after you have done something else. □�[V P to-inf] Alliss retired from golf in 1969 and went on to become a successful broadcaster.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you go onto a place, you go to it from the place that you have reached. □�[V P prep/adv] He goes on to Holland tomorrow.

7 PHRASAL VERB If you go on , you continue saying something or talking about something. □�[V P ] Meer cleared his throat several times before he went on. □�[V P with quote] 'Go on,' Chee said. 'I'm interested.'

8 PHRASAL VERB If you go on about something, or in British English go on at someone, you continue talking about the same thing, often in an annoying way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�about ] Expectations have been raised with the Government going on about choice and market forces. □�[V P +�at ] She's always going on at me to have a baby.

9 PHRASAL VERB You say 'Go on' to someone to persuade or encourage them to do something. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Go on, it's fun.

10 PHRASAL VERB If you talk about the information you have togo on , you mean the information you have available to base an opinion or judgment on. □�[V P n] But you have to go on the facts. □�[V P n] There's not much to go on.

11 PHRASAL VERB If an electrical device goes on , it begins operating. □�[V P ] A light went on at seven every evening.

▸� go out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you go out , you leave your home in order to do something enjoyable, for example to go to a party, a bar, or the cinema. □�[V P ] I'm going out tonight.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go outwith someone, the two of you spend time together socially, and have a romantic or sexual relationship. □�[V P +�with ] I once went out with a French man. □� They've only been going out for six weeks.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you go outto do something, you make a deliberate effort to do it. □�[V P to-inf] You do not go out to injure opponents. □�[V P ] It will be a marvellous occasion and they should go out and enjoy it.

4 PHRASAL VERB If a light goes out , it stops shining. □�[V P ] The bedroom light went out after a moment.

5 PHRASAL VERB If something that is burning goes out , it stops burning. □�[V P ] The fire seemed to be going out.

6 PHRASAL VERB If a message goes out , it is announced, published, or sent out to people. □�[V P ] Word went out that a column of tanks was on its way.

7 PHRASAL VERB When a television or radio programme goes out , it is broadcast. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] The series goes out at 10.30pm, Fridays, on Channel 4.

8 PHRASAL VERB When the tide goes out , the water in the sea gradually moves back to a lower level. □�[V P ] The tide was going out.

9 PHRASE You can say ' My heart goes out to him ' or ' My sympathy goes out to her ' to express the strong sympathy you have for someone in a difficult or unpleasant situation. [FEELINGS ] □� My heart goes out to Mrs Adams and her fatherless children.

▸� go out for PHRASAL VERB To go out for something means to try to do it or be chosen for it. [AM ] □�[V P P n] You should go out for Supreme Court justice.

▸� go out of PHRASAL VERB If a quality or feeling goes out of someone or something, they no longer have it. □�[V P P n] The fun had gone out of it.

▸� go over PHRASAL VERB If you go over a document, incident, or problem, you examine, discuss, or think about it very carefully. □�[V P n] I won't know how successful it is until an accountant has gone over the books.

▸� go over to

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something goes over to a different way of doing things, they change to it. □�[V P P n] The Armed Forces could do away with conscription and go over to a volunteer system.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go over to a group or political party, you join them after previously belonging to an opposing group or party. □�[V P P n] Only a small number of tanks and paratroops have gone over to his side.

▸� go round →�see go around

▸� go through

1 PHRASAL VERB If you go through an experience or a period of time, especially an unpleasant or difficult one, you experience it. □�[V P n] He was going through a very difficult time. □�[V P n] South Africa was going through a period of irreversible change.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you go through a lot of things such as papers or clothes, you look at them, usually in order to sort them into groups or to search for a particular item. □�[V P n] It was evident that someone had gone through my possessions.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you go through a list, story, or plan, you read or check it from beginning to end. □�[V P n] Going through his list of customers is a massive job.

4 PHRASAL VERB When someone goes through a routine, procedure, or series of actions, they perform it in the way they usually do. □�[V P n] Every night, they go through the same routine: he opens the bedroom window, she closes it.

5 PHRASAL VERB If a law, agreement, or official decision goes through , it is approved by a parliament or committee. □�[V P ] The bill might have gone through if the economy was growing.

▸� go through with PHRASAL VERB If you go through with an action you have decided on, you do it, even though it may be very unpleasant or difficult for you. □�[V P P n] She tells Tony she can't go through with the wedding.

▸� go towards PHRASAL VERB If an amount of money goes towards something, it is used to pay part of the cost of that thing. □�[V P n/v-ing] One per cent of total public spending should eventually go towards the arts. □�[V P n/v-ing] Under the new approach more money will go towards improving the standard of training.

▸� go under

1 PHRASAL VERB If a business or project goes under , it becomes unable to continue in operation or in existence. [BUSINESS ] □�[V P ] If one firm goes under it could provoke a cascade of bankruptcies.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a boat, ship, or person in a sea or river goes under , they sink below the surface of the water. □�[V P ] The ship went under, taking with her all her crew.

▸� go up

1 PHRASAL VERB If a price, amount, or level goes up , it becomes higher or greater than it was. □�[V P ] Interest rates went up. □�[V P +�to/from/by ] The cost has gone up to $1.95 a minute. □�[V P amount] Prices have gone up 61 percent since deregulation.

2 PHRASAL VERB When a building, wall, or other structure goes up , it is built or fixed in place. □�[V P ] He noticed a new building going up near Whitaker Park.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something goes up , it explodes or starts to burn, usually suddenly and with great intensity. □�[V P ] I was going to get out of the building in case it went up. □�[V P +�in ] The hotel went up in flames.

4 PHRASAL VERB If a shout or cheer goes up , it is made by a lot of people together. □�[V P ] A cheer went up from the other passengers.

▸� go with

1 PHRASAL VERB If one thing goes with another thing, the two things officially belong together, so that if you get one, you also get the other. □�[V P n] �the lucrative $250,000 salary that goes with the job.

2 PHRASAL VERB If one thing goes with another thing, it is usually found or experienced together with the other thing. □�[V P n/v-ing] I know he'll enjoy all the responsibility and work that goes with being captain.

▸� go without PHRASAL VERB If you go without something that you need or usually have or do, you do not get it or do it. □�[V P n/v-ing] I have known what it is like to go without food for days. □�[V P ] The embargo won't hurt us because we're used to going without.

goad /goʊ d/ (goads , goading , goaded ) VERB If you goad someone, you deliberately make them feel angry or irritated, often causing them to react by doing something. □�[V n +�into ] He wondered if the psychiatrist was trying to goad him into some unguarded response. □�[V n] Charles was always goading me. ●�N‑COUNT Goad is also a noun. □� His opposition acted as a goad to her determination to succeed.

go -ahead

1 N‑SING If you give someone or something the go-ahead , you give them permission to start doing something. □� The Greek government today gave the go-ahead for five major road schemes. □� Don't do any major repair work until you get the go-ahead from your insurers.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A go-ahead person or organization tries hard to succeed, often by using new methods. □� Fairview Estate is one of the oldest and the most go-ahead wine producers in South Africa.

goal ◆◆◇ /goʊ l/ (goals )

1 N‑COUNT In games such as football, netball or hockey, the goal is the space into which the players try to get the ball in order to score a point for their team. □� The keeper was back in goal after breaking a knuckle.

2 N‑COUNT In games such as football or hockey, a goal is when a player gets the ball into the goal, or the point that is scored by doing this. □� They scored five goals in the first half of the match. □� The scorer of the winning goal.

3 N‑COUNT Something that is your goal is something that you hope to achieve, especially when much time and effort will be needed. □� It's a matter of setting your own goals and following them. □� The goal is to raise as much money as possible. SYNONYMS goal NOUN 3

aim:The aim of the festival is to increase awareness of such traditions.

target:�school leavers who failed to reach their target grades.

objective:Our main objective was the recovery of the child safe and well.

end:The police force is being manipulated for political ends.

purpose:The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for medical supplies.

goalie /goʊ li/ (goalies ) N‑COUNT A goalie is the same as a goalkeeper . [INFORMAL ]

goal|keeper /goʊ lkiːpə r / (goalkeepers ) N‑COUNT A goalkeeper is the player in a sports team whose job is to guard the goal.

goal|keeping /goʊ lkiːp I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT In games such as football and hockey, goalkeeping refers to the activity of guarding the goal. □� They were thankful for the keeper's excellent goalkeeping.

goa l ki ck (goal kicks ) N‑COUNT In football, when there is a goal kick , the goalkeeper is given the ball to kick out of the goal area because the other team has kicked it over the line by the side of goal.

goal|less /goʊ lləs/ ADJ In football, a goalless draw is a game which ends without any goals having been scored. □� The fixture ended in a goalless draw. □� The semi-final finished goalless after extra time.

goa l line (goal lines ) also goal-line N‑COUNT In games such as football and rugby, a goal line is one of the lines at each end of the field.

goal|mouth /goʊ lmaʊθ/ (goalmouths ) N‑COUNT In football, the goalmouth is the area just in front of the goal.

goal|post /goʊ lpoʊst/ (goalposts ) also goal post

1 N‑COUNT A goalpost is one of the two upright wooden posts that are connected by a crossbar and form the goal in games such as football and rugby.

2 PHRASE If you accuse someone of moving the goalposts , you mean that they have changed the rules in a situation or an activity, in order to gain an advantage for themselves and to make things difficult for other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They seem to move the goal posts every time I meet the conditions which are required.

goat /goʊ t/ (goats ) N‑COUNT A goat is a farm animal or a wild animal that is about the size of a sheep. Goats have horns, and hairs on their chin which resemble a beard.

goa t cheese (goat cheeses ) also goat's cheese N‑VAR Goat cheese is cheese made from goat's milk.

goatee /goʊ tiː / (goatees ) N‑COUNT A goatee is a very short pointed beard that covers a man's chin but not his cheeks.

gob /gɒ b/ (gobs , gobbing , gobbed )

1 N‑COUNT A person's gob is their mouth. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □� Shut your gob.

2 N‑COUNT A gobof a thick, unpleasant liquid is a small amount of it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a gob of spit.

3 VERB If someone gobs , they spit . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V prep] At a concert some punks gobbed at them and threw beer cans. [Also V ]

gob|bet /gɒ b I t/ (gobbets )

1 N‑COUNT A gobbetof something soft, especially food, is a small lump or piece of it. □�[+�of ] �gobbets of meat.

2 N‑COUNT A gobbetof information is a small piece of it.

gob|ble /gɒ b ə l/ (gobbles , gobbling , gobbled ) VERB If you gobble food, you eat it quickly and greedily. □�[V n] Pete gobbled all the stew. ●�PHRASAL VERB Gobble down and gobble up mean the same as gobble . □�[V n P ] There were dangerous beasts in the river that might gobble you up. [Also V P n]

▸� gobble down →�see gobble

▸� gobble up

1 PHRASAL VERB If an organization gobbles up a smaller organization, it takes control of it or destroys it. □�[V P n] �a company intent on gobbling up weaker rivals. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB To gobble up something such as money means to use or waste a lot of it. □�[V P n] The firm's expenses gobbled up 44% of revenues. [Also V n P ]

3 →�see also gobble

gob|ble|dy|gook /gɒ b ə ldiguːk/ also gobbledegook N‑UNCOUNT If you describe a speech or piece of writing as gobbledygook , you are criticizing it for seeming like nonsense and being very technical or complicated. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� When he asked questions, the answers came back in Wall Street gobbledygook.

go -between (go-betweens ) N‑COUNT A go-between is a person who takes messages between people who are unable or unwilling to meet each other. □� He will act as a go-between to try and work out an agenda.

gob|let /gɒ bl I t/ (goblets ) N‑COUNT A goblet is a type of cup without handles and usually with a long stem.

gob|lin /gɒ bl I n/ (goblins ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories, a goblin is a small, ugly creature which usually enjoys causing trouble.

gob|smacked /gɒ bsm�kt/ ADJ If you say that you were gobsmacked by something, you are emphasizing how surprised you were by it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� People from other countries are gobsmacked by the food that British children eat.

god ◆◆◇ /gɒ d/ (gods )

1 N‑PROPER The name God is given to the spirit or being who is worshipped as the creator and ruler of the world, especially by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. □� He believes in God. □� God bless you.

2 CONVENTION People sometimes use God in exclamations to emphasize something that they are saying, or to express surprise, fear, or excitement. This use could cause offence. [EMPHASIS ] □� God, how I hated him! □� Oh my God he's shot somebody.

3 N‑COUNT In many religions, a god is one of the spirits or beings that are believed to have power over a particular part of the world or nature. □�[+�of ] �Pan, the God of nature. □� �Zeus, king of the gods.

4 N‑COUNT Someone who is admired very much by a person or group of people, and who influences them a lot, can be referred to as a god . □� To his followers he was a god.

5 →�see also act of God

6 PHRASE If you say God forbid , you are expressing your hope that something will not happen. [FEELINGS ] □� If, God forbid, something goes wrong, I don't know what I would do.

7 PHRASE You can say God knows , God only knows , or God alone knows to emphasize that you do not know something. [EMPHASIS ] □� Gunga spoke God knows how many languages. □� God alone knows what she thinks.

8 PHRASE If someone says God knows in reply to a question, they mean that they do not know the answer. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Where is he now?' 'God knows.'

9 PHRASE The term a man of God is sometimes used to refer to Christian priests or ministers.

10 PHRASE If someone uses such expressions as what in God's name , why in God's name , or how in God's name , they are emphasizing how angry, annoyed, or surprised they are. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� What in God's name do you expect me to do? □� Why in God's name did you have to tell her?

11 PHRASE If someone plays God , they act as if they have unlimited power and can do anything they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You have no right to play God in my life!

12 PHRASE You can use God in expressions such as I hope to God , or I wish to God , or I swear to God , in order to emphasize what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� I hope to God they are paying you well. □� I wish to God I hadn't met you.

13 PHRASE If you say God willing , you are saying that something will happen if all goes well. □� God willing, there will be a breakthrough.

14honest to God →�see honest

15in the lap of the gods →�see lap

16for God's sake →�see sake

17thank God →�see thank

go d-a wful also godawful ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone says that something is god-awful , they think it is very unpleasant. This word could cause offence. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

god|child /gɒ dtʃa I ld/ (godchildren ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] In the Christian religion, your godchild is a person that you promise to help bring up in the Christian faith.

god|dammit /gɒdd� m I t/ also goddamnit , goddamn it EXCLAM Some people say goddammit when they are angry or irritated. This use could cause offence. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ]

god|damn /gɒ d�m/ also goddam , goddamned ADJ [ADJ n] Some people use goddamn when they are angry, surprised, or excited. This use could cause offence. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] ●�ADV [ADV adj] Goddamn is also an adverb.

god|damned /gɒ d�md/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Goddamned means the same as goddamn . This use could cause offence. [INFORMAL ]

god|daughter /gɒ ddɔːtə r / (goddaughters ) also god-daughter N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A goddaughter is a female godchild.

god|dess /gɒ des/ (goddesses ) N‑COUNT In many religions, a goddess is a female spirit or being that is believed to have power over a particular part of the world or nature. □� �Diana, the goddess of war.

god|father /gɒ dfɑː�ə r / (godfathers )

1 N‑COUNT A godfather is a male godparent.

2 N‑COUNT A powerful man who is at the head of a criminal organization is sometimes referred to as a godfather . □� �the feared godfather of the Mafia.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a man who started or developed something such as a style of music as the godfather of that thing. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] �the godfather of soul, James Brown.

Go d-fearing ADJ [usu ADJ n] A God-fearing person is religious and behaves according to the moral rules of their religion. □� They brought up their children to be God-fearing Christians.

god|forsaken /gɒ dfə r se I k ə n/ also God-forsaken ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that somewhere is a godforsaken place, you dislike it a lot because you find it very boring and depressing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I don't want to stay here, in this job and in this God-forsaken country.

God|head /gɒ dhed/ N‑SING TheGodhead is the essential nature of God.

god|less /gɒ dləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that a person or group of people is godless , you disapprove of them because they do not believe in God. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a godless and alienated society. ●� god|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �his assaults on the godlessness of America.

god|like /gɒ dla I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A godlike person or a person with godlike qualities is admired or respected very much as if he or she were perfect. □� His energy and talent elevate him to godlike status. □� They were godlike in their wisdom and compassion.

god|li|ness /gɒ dlinəs/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Godliness is the quality of being godly.

2 PHRASE If someone says that cleanliness is next to godliness , they are referring to the idea that people have a moral duty to keep themselves and their homes clean.

god|ly /gɒ dli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A godly person is someone who is deeply religious and shows obedience to the rules of their religion. □� �a learned and godly preacher.

god|mother /gɒ dmʌ�ə r / (godmothers ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A godmother is a female godparent.

god|parent /gɒ dpeərənt/ (godparents ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] In the Christian religion, if you are the godparent of a younger person, you promise to help bring them up in the Christian faith.

god|send /gɒ dsend/ N‑SING If you describe something as a godsend , you are emphasizing that it helps you very much. [EMPHASIS ] □� Pharmacists are a godsend when you don't feel sick enough to call the doctor.

god|son /gɒ dsʌn/ (godsons ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A godson is a male godchild.

God|speed /gɒ dspiː d/ also godspeed CONVENTION The term Godspeed is sometimes used in order to wish someone success and safety, especially if they are about to go on a long and dangerous journey. [FORMAL ] □� I know you will join me in wishing them Godspeed.

-goer /-goʊə r / (-goers ) COMB -goer is added to words such as 'theatre', 'church', and 'film' to form nouns which describe people who regularly go to that type of place or event. □� They are regular church-goers. □� �excited party-goers.

go|fer /goʊ fə r / (gofers ) N‑COUNT A gofer is a person whose job is to do simple and rather boring tasks for someone. [INFORMAL ]

go -ge tter (go-getters ) N‑COUNT If someone is a go-getter , they are very energetic and eager to succeed. [APPROVAL ]

gog|gle /gɒ g ə l/ (goggles , goggling , goggled )

1 VERB If you goggleat something, you stare at it with your eyes wide open, usually because you are surprised by it. □�[V +�at ] She goggled at me. □�[V ] He goggled in bewilderment.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Goggles are large glasses that fit closely to your face around your eyes to protect them from such things as water, wind, or dust.

go ggle-e yed

1 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is goggle-eyed , you mean that they are very surprised or interested by something. □� Johnson stared goggle-eyed at Kravis' sumptuous quarters.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is goggle-eyed , you mean they watch television a lot. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

go -go

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A go-go dancer is a young woman whose job involves dancing to pop music in nightclubs wearing very few clothes.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A go-go period of time is a time when people make a lot of money and businesses are growing. A go-go company is very energetic and is growing fast. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] □� �the economic go-go years of the mid-2000s. □� �a go-go business with pre-tax profits forecast to climb to �200m.

going ◆◆◆ /goʊ I ŋ/

1 PHRASE If you say that something is going to happen, you mean that it will happen in the future, usually quite soon. □� I think it's going to be successful. □� You're going to enjoy this. □� I'm going to have to tell him the truth. □� Are they going to be alright?

2 PHRASE You say that you are going to do something to express your intention or determination to do it. □� I'm going to go to bed. □� He announced that he's going to resign. □� I was not going to compromise.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [adj N ] You use the going to talk about how easy or difficult it is to do something. You can also say that something is, for example, hard going or tough going . □� He has her support to fall back on when the going gets tough. □� Though the talks had been hard going at the start, they had become more friendly.

4 N‑UNCOUNT In horse racing and horse riding, when you talk about the going , you are talking about the condition of the surface the horses are running on. □� The going was soft; some horses found it hard work.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The going rate or the going salary is the usual amount of money that you expect to pay or receive for something. □� She says that's the going rate for a house this big. □� That's about half the going price on world oil markets.

6 →�see also go ➊

7 PHRASE If someone or something has a lot going for them, they have a lot of advantages. □� This area has a lot going for it. □� I wish I could show you the things you've got going for you.

8 PHRASE When you get going , you start doing something or start a journey, especially after a delay. □� Now what about that shopping list? I've got to get going.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone should do something while the going is good , you are advising them to do it while things are going well and they still have the opportunity, because you think it will become much more difficult to do. □� People are leaving in their thousands while the going is good.

10 PHRASE If you keep going , you continue doing things or doing a particular thing. □� I like to keep going. I hate to sit still.

11 PHRASE If you can keep going with the money you have, you can manage to live on it. □� Things were difficult, and we needed her wages to keep going.

12 PHRASE If you say that something is enough to be going on with , you mean that it is enough for your needs at the moment, although you will need something better at some time in the future. [mainly BRIT ] □� It was a good enough description for Mattie to be going on with.

13 PHRASE You can use going on before a number to say that something has almost reached that number. For example, you can say that someone is going on 40 to indicate that they are nearly 40.

14 →�see also comings and goings

15going concern →�see concern

-going /-goʊ I ŋ/

1 COMB [oft N n] -going is added to nouns such as 'theatre', 'church', and 'film' to form nouns which describe the activity of going to that type of place or event. □� �his party-going days as a student.

2 COMB -going is added to nouns such as 'ocean', 'sea', and 'road' to form adjectives which describe vehicles that are designed for that type of place. □� �one of the largest ocean-going liners in the world.

3 COMB -going is added to nouns that refer to directions to form adjectives which describe things that are moving in that direction. □� The material can absorb outward-going radiation from the Earth.

4 →�see also easy-going , ongoing , outgoing , thoroughgoing

go ing-o ver

1 N‑SING If you give someone or something a going-over , you examine them thoroughly. [INFORMAL ] □� Michael was given a complete going-over and then treated for glandular fever.

2 N‑SING A going-over is a violent attack on or criticism of someone. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He gets a terrible going-over in these pages.

go ings-o n N‑PLURAL If you describe events or activities as goings-on , you mean that they are strange, interesting, amusing, or dishonest. □� The girl had found out about the goings-on in the factory.

goi|tre /gɔ I tə r / (goitres ) in AM, also use goiter N‑VAR Goitre is a disease of the thyroid gland that makes a person's neck very swollen.

go -kart (go-karts ) also go-cart N‑COUNT A go-kart is a very small motor vehicle with four wheels, used for racing.

go -karting N‑UNCOUNT Go-karting is the sport of racing or riding on go-karts.

gold ◆◆◇ /goʊ ld/ (golds )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Gold is a valuable, yellow-coloured metal that is used for making jewellery and ornaments, and as an international currency. □� �a sapphire set in gold. □� The price of gold was going up. □� �gold coins.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Gold is jewellery and other things that are made of gold. □� We handed over all our gold and money.

3 COLOUR Something that is gold is a bright yellow colour, and is often shiny. □� I'd been wearing Michel's black and gold shirt.

4 N‑VAR A gold is the same as a gold medal . [INFORMAL ] □� His ambition was to win gold. □� This Saturday the British star is going for gold and a new world record.

5 PHRASE If you say that a child is being as good as gold , you are emphasizing that they are behaving very well and are not causing you any problems. [EMPHASIS ] □� The boys were as good as gold on our walk.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone has a heart of gold , you are emphasizing that they are very good and kind to other people. [EMPHASIS ] □� They are all good boys with hearts of gold. They would never steal.

7 →�see also fool's gold

8to strike gold →�see strike

9worth your weight in gold →�see weight

go ld card (gold cards ) N‑COUNT A gold card is a special type of credit card that gives you extra benefits such as a higher spending limit.

go ld-digger (gold-diggers ) also gold digger N‑COUNT A gold-digger is a person who has a relationship with someone who is rich in order to get money or expensive things from them. [DISAPPROVAL ]

go ld dust

1 N‑UNCOUNT Gold dust is gold in the form of a fine powder.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that a type of thing is like gold dust or is gold dust , you mean that it is very difficult to obtain, usually because everyone wants it. [BRIT ] □� Tickets were like gold dust.

gold|en ◆◇◇ /goʊ ld ə n/

1 ADJ Something that is golden is bright yellow in colour. □� She combed and arranged her golden hair. □� �an endless golden beach.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Golden things are made of gold. □� �a golden chain with a golden locket.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as golden , you mean it is wonderful because it is likely to be successful and rewarding, or because it is the best of its kind. □� He says there's a golden opportunity for peace which must be seized.

4 PHRASE If you refer to a man as a golden boy or a woman as a golden girl , you mean that they are especially popular and successful. □� The critics hailed the movie's director as the new golden boy.

go ld|en a ge (golden ages ) N‑COUNT A golden age is a period of time during which a very high level of achievement is reached in a particular field of activity, especially in art or literature. □�[+�of ] You grew up in the golden age of American children's books.

go ld|en goa l (golden goals ) N‑COUNT In some football matches, a golden goal is the first goal scored in extra time, which wins the match for the team that scores it. [BRIT ]

go ld|en good|by e (golden goodbyes ) N‑COUNT A golden goodbye is the same as a golden handshake . [BUSINESS ]

go ld|en ha nd|shake (golden handshakes ) N‑COUNT A golden handshake is a large sum of money that a company gives to an employee when he or she leaves, as a reward for long service or good work. [BUSINESS ]

go ld|en hel|lo (golden hellos ) N‑COUNT A golden hello is a sum of money that a company offers to a person in order to persuade them to join the company. [BUSINESS ] □� Most people recognise the need to pay a golden hello to attract the best.

go ld|en ju |bi|lee (golden jubilees ) N‑COUNT A golden jubilee is the 50th anniversary of an important or special event. □� The company is celebrating its golden jubilee.

go ld|en o ldie (golden oldies ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to something that is still successful or popular even though it is quite old as a golden oldie . [INFORMAL ]

go ld|en pa ra|chute (golden parachutes ) N‑COUNT A golden parachute is an agreement to pay a large amount of money to a senior executive of a company if they are forced to leave. [BUSINESS ] □� Golden parachutes entitle them to a full year's salary if they get booted out of the company.

go ld|en ru le (golden rules ) N‑COUNT A golden rule is a principle you should remember because it will help you to be successful. □� Hanson's golden rule is to add value to whatever business he buys.

go ld|en sy r|up N‑UNCOUNT Golden syrup is a sweet food in the form of a thick, sticky, yellow liquid. [BRIT ]

go ld|en we d|ding (golden weddings ) N‑COUNT A golden wedding or a golden wedding anniversary is the 50th anniversary of a wedding.

gold|field /goʊ ldfiːld/ (goldfields ) N‑COUNT A goldfield is an area of land where gold is found.

gold|fish /goʊ ldf I ʃ/ (goldfish ) N‑COUNT Goldfish are small gold or orange fish which are often kept as pets.

gold lea f N‑UNCOUNT Gold leaf is gold that has been beaten flat into very thin sheets and is used for decoration, for example to form the letters on the cover of a book.

go ld me d|al (gold medals ) N‑COUNT A gold medal is a medal made of gold which is awarded as first prize in a contest or competition.

go ld mine also goldmine N‑SING If you describe something such as a business or idea as a gold mine , you mean that it produces large profits. □� The programme was a gold mine for small production companies.

go ld-pla ted ADJ Something that is gold-plated is covered with a very thin layer of gold. □� �marble bathrooms with gold-plated taps.

go ld-ri mmed ADJ [usu ADJ n] Gold-rimmed glasses have gold-coloured frames.

go ld rush (gold rushes ) N‑COUNT A gold rush is a situation when a lot of people suddenly go to a place where gold has been discovered.

gold|smith /goʊ ldsm I θ/ (goldsmiths ) N‑COUNT A goldsmith is a person whose job is making jewellery and other objects using gold.

golf ◆◇◇ /gɒ lf/ N‑UNCOUNT Golf is a game in which you use long sticks called clubs to hit a small, hard ball into holes that are spread out over a large area of grassy land.

go lf ball (golf balls ) N‑COUNT A golf ball is a small, hard white ball which people use when they are playing golf.

go lf club (golf clubs )

1 N‑COUNT A golf club is a long, thin, metal stick with a piece of wood or metal at one end that you use to hit the ball in golf.

2 N‑COUNT A golf club is a social organization which provides a golf course and a building to meet in for its members.

go lf course (golf courses ) also golf-course N‑COUNT A golf course is a large area of grass which is specially designed for people to play golf on.

golf|er /gɒ lfə r / (golfers ) N‑COUNT A golfer is a person who plays golf for pleasure or as a profession.

golf|ing /gɒ lf I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Golfing is used to describe things that involve the playing of golf or that are used while playing golf. □� He was wearing a cream silk shirt and a tartan golfing cap. □� �a golfing holiday in Spain.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Golfing is the activity of playing golf. □� You can play tennis or go golfing.

gol|ly /gɒ li/

1 EXCLAM Some people say golly to indicate that they are very surprised by something. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , FEELINGS ] □� 'Golly,' he says, 'Isn't it exciting!'

2 EXCLAM Some people say by golly to emphasize that something did happen or should happen. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , EMPHASIS ] □� By golly we can do something about it this time.

gon|do|la /gɒ ndələ/ (gondolas ) N‑COUNT A gondola is a long narrow boat that is used especially in Venice. It has a flat bottom and curves upwards at both ends. A person stands at one end of the boat and uses a long pole to move and steer it.

gone ◆◆◇ /gɒ n, [AM ] gɔː n/

1Gone is the past participle of go .

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] When someone is gone , they have left the place where you are and are no longer there. When something is gone , it is no longer present or no longer exists. □� He's already been gone four hours! □� By morning the smoke will be all gone.

3 PREP If you say it is gone a particular time, you mean it is later than that time. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� It was just gone 7 o'clock this evening when I finished.

gon|er /gɒ nə r , [AM ] gɔː n-/ (goners ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a goner , you mean that they are about to die, or are in such danger that nobody can save them. [INFORMAL ] □� She fell so heavily I thought she was a goner.

gong /gɒ ŋ, [AM ] gɔː ŋ/ (gongs ) N‑COUNT A gong is a large, flat, circular piece of metal that you hit with a hammer to make a sound like a loud bell. Gongs are sometimes used as musical instruments, or to give a signal that it is time to do something. □� On the stroke of seven, a gong summons guests into the dining-room.

gon|na /gɒ nə, [AM ] gɔː nə/ Gonna is used in written English to represent the words 'going to' when they are pronounced informally. □� Then what am I gonna do?

gon|or|rhoea /gɒ nəriː ə/ in AM, use gonorrhea N‑UNCOUNT Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease.

goo /guː / N‑UNCOUNT You can use goo to refer to any thick, sticky substance, for example mud or paste. [INFORMAL ] □� �a sticky goo of pineapple and coconut.

good ◆◆◆ /gʊ d/ (better , best )

1 ADJ Good means pleasant or enjoyable. □� We had a really good time together. □� I know they would have a better life here. □� There's nothing better than a good cup of hot coffee. □� It's so good to hear your voice after all this time.

2 ADJ Good means of a high quality, standard, or level. □� Exercise is just as important to health as good food. □� His parents wanted Raymond to have the best possible education. □� �good quality furniture.

3 ADJ If you are good at something, you are skilful and successful at doing it. □�[+�at ] He was very good at his work. □�[+�at ] I'm not very good at singing. □� He is one of the best players in the world. □� I always played football with my older brother because I was good for my age.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a piece of news, an action, or an effect as good , you mean that it is likely to result in benefit or success. □� On balance biotechnology should be good news for developing countries. □� I had the good fortune to be selected. □� This is not a good example to set other children. □� I think the response was good.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A good idea, reason, method, or decision is a sensible or valid one. □� They thought it was a good idea to make some offenders do community service. □� There is good reason to doubt this. □� Could you give me some advice on the best way to do this?

6 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that it is goodthat something should happen or goodto do something, you mean it is desirable, acceptable, or right. □� I think it's good that some people are going. □� It is always best to choose organically grown foods if possible.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A good estimate or indication of something is an accurate one. □� We have a fairly good idea of what's going on. □� This is a much better indication of what a school is really like. □� Laboratory tests are not always a good guide to what happens in the world.

8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you get a good deal or a good price when you buy or sell something, you receive a lot in exchange for what you give. □� Whether such properties are a good deal will depend on individual situations. □� The merchandise is reasonably priced and offers exceptionally good value.

9 ADJ If something is good for a person or organization, it benefits them. □�[+�for ] Rain water was once considered to be good for the complexion. □�[+�for ] Nancy chose the product because it is better for the environment.

10 N‑SING [with poss] If something is done for thegood of a person or organization, it is done in order to benefit them. □� Furlaud urged him to resign for the good of the country. □� I'm only telling you this for your own good!

11 N‑UNCOUNT If someone or something is no good or is not any good , they are not satisfactory or are of a low standard. □� If the weather's no good then I won't take any pictures. □� I was never any good at maths.

12 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that doing something is no good or does not do any good , you mean that doing it is not of any use or will not bring any success. □� It's no good worrying about it now. □� We gave them water and kept them warm, but it didn't do any good. □� There is no way to measure these effects; the chances are it did some good.

13 N‑UNCOUNT Good is what is considered to be right according to moral standards or religious beliefs. □� Good and evil may co-exist within one family.

14 ADJ Someone who is good is morally correct in their attitudes and behaviour. □� The president is a good man. □� For me to think I'm any better than a homeless person on the street is ridiculous.

15 ADJ Someone, especially a child, who is good obeys rules and instructions and behaves in a socially correct way. □� The children were very good. □� I'm going to be a good boy now. □� Both boys had good manners, politely shaking hands.

16 ADJ Someone who is good is kind and thoughtful. □� You are good to me. □� Her good intentions were thwarted almost immediately.

17 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is in a good mood is cheerful and pleasant to be with. □� People were in a pretty good mood. □� He exudes natural charm and good humour. □� A relaxation session may put you in a better frame of mind.

18 ADJ [ADJ n] If people are good friends, they get on well together and are very close. □� She and Gavin are good friends. □� She's my best friend, and I really love her.

19 ADJ [ADJ n] A person's good eye, arm, or leg is the one that is healthy and strong, if the other one is injured or weak.

20 ADJ You use good to emphasize the great extent or degree of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� We waited a good fifteen minutes. □� This whole thing's got a good bit more dangerous.

21 CONVENTION You say ' Good ' or ' Very good ' to express pleasure, satisfaction, or agreement with something that has been said or done, especially when you are in a position of authority. □� 'Are you all right?'�'I'm fine.'�'Good. So am I.' □� Oh good, Tom's just come in.

22 →�see also best , better , goods

23 PHRASE ' As good as ' can be used to mean 'almost.' □� His career is as good as over. □� The vote as good as kills the chance of real reform.

24 PHRASE If you say that something will do someone good , you mean that it will benefit them or improve them. □� The outing will do me good. □� It's probably done you good to get away for a few hours. □� You don't do anybody any good by getting yourself arrested.

25 PHRASE If something changes or disappears for good , it never changes back or comes back as it was before. □� The days of big-time racing at the local velodrome had gone for good. □� A few shots of this drug cleared up the disease for good.

26 CONVENTION People say ' Good for you ' to express approval of your actions. [FEELINGS ] □� 'He has a girl now, who he lives with.'�'Good for him.'

27 PHRASE If you say it's a good thing , or in British English it's a good job , that something is the case, you mean that it is fortunate. □� It's a good thing you aren't married. □� It's a good job it happened here rather than on the open road.

28 PHRASE If you make good some damage, a loss, or a debt, you try to repair the damage, replace what has been lost, or repay the debt. □� It may cost several billion roubles to make good the damage.

29 PHRASE If someone makes good a threat or promise or makes good on it, they do what they have threatened or promised to do. [mainly AM ] □� Certain that he was going to make good his threat to kill her, she lunged for the gun. □�[+�on ] He was confident the allies would make good on their pledges.

30 PHRASE If you say that something or someone is as good as new , you mean that they are in a very good condition or state, especially after they have been damaged or ill. □� I only ever use that on special occasions so it's as good as new. □� In a day or so he will be as good as new.

31 PHRASE You use good old before the name of a person, place, or thing when you are referring to them in an affectionate way. [FEELINGS ] □� Good old Harry. Reliable to the end.

32deal ➊

33in good faith →�see faith

34so far so good →�see far

35good as gold →�see gold

36good gracious →�see gracious

37good grief →�see grief

38good heavens →�see heaven

39good job →�see job

40good lord →�see lord

41for good measure →�see measure

42the good old days →�see old

43in good shape →�see shape

44to stand someone in good stead →�see stead

45in good time →�see time

46too good to be true →�see true SYNONYMS good ADJ

2

excellent:The recording quality is excellent.

first-class:The food was first-class.

splendid:The book includes a wealth of splendid photographs.

superb:There is a superb 18-hole golf course 6 miles away.

3

proficient:A great number of Egyptians are proficient in foreign languages.

skilled:�a network of highly skilled observers of wildlife.

able:They are bright, intelligent, able and confident.

capable:She's a very capable speaker.

adept:He is an adept guitar player.

4

positive:The parting from his sister had a positive effect on John.

beneficial:Using computers has a beneficial effect on children's learning.

favourable:His ability to talk tough while eating fast made a favourable impression on his dining companions.

goo d after|noo n CONVENTION You say ' Good afternoon ' when you are greeting someone in the afternoon. [FORMAL , FORMULAE ]

good|bye /gʊ dba I / (goodbyes ) also good-bye

1 CONVENTION You say ' Goodbye ' to someone when you or they are leaving, or at the end of a phone conversation. [FORMULAE ]

2 N‑COUNT When you say your goodbyes , you say something such as 'Goodbye' when you leave. □� He said his goodbyes knowing that a long time would pass before he would see his child again. □� I said a hurried goodbye and walked home in the cold.

3 PHRASE When you say goodbyeto someone, you say something such as 'Goodbye', 'Bye', or 'See you', when you or they are leaving. You can also wave goodbyeto someone. □� He left without saying goodbye. □� He wanted to say goodbye to you. □� They came to the front door to wave goodbye.

4 PHRASE If you say goodbye or wave goodbyeto something that you want or usually have, you accept that you are not going to have it. □� He has probably said goodbye to his last chance of a gold medal. □� We can wave goodbye to the sort of protection that people at work need and deserve.

5to kiss something goodbye →�see kiss

goo d da y CONVENTION People sometimes say ' Good day ' instead of 'Hello' or 'Goodbye'. [OLD-FASHIONED , FORMULAE ] □� Well, I'd better be off. Good day to you.

goo d e ve|ning CONVENTION You say ' Good evening ' when you are greeting someone in the evening. [FORMAL , FORMULAE ]

goo d-for-no thing (good-for-nothings ) ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as good-for-nothing , you think that they are lazy or irresponsible. □� �a good-for-nothing fourteen-year-old son who barely knows how to read and count. ●�N‑COUNT Good-for-nothing is also a noun. □� �lazy good-for-nothings.

Goo d Fri |day N‑UNCOUNT Good Friday is the day on which Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is the Friday before Easter Sunday.

goo d gu y (good guys ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to the good characters in a film or story as the good guys . You can also refer to the good guys in a situation in real life. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� There was a fine line between the good guys and the bad guys. in BRIT, use goodies

goo d-hu moured in AM, use good-humored ADJ A good-humoured person or atmosphere is pleasant and cheerful. □� Charles was brave and remarkably good-humoured. □� It was a good humoured conference.

goodie /gʊ di/ →�see goody

goo d-loo king (better-looking , best-looking ) ADJ Someone who is good-looking has an attractive face. □� Cassandra noticed him because he was good-looking. □� �a good-looking woman.

good|ly /gʊ dli/ ADJ [ADJ n] A goodly amount or part of something is a fairly large amount or part of it, often more than was expected. [FORMAL ] □� Laski spent a goodly part of his lecturing life in American universities.

goo d mo rn|ing CONVENTION You say ' Good morning ' when you are greeting someone in the morning. [FORMAL , FORMULAE ]

goo d-na tured ADJ A good-natured person or animal is naturally friendly and does not get angry easily. □� He was good natured about it, he didn't fuss.

good|ness /gʊ dnəs/

1 EXCLAM People sometimes say ' goodness ' or ' my goodness ' to express surprise. [FEELINGS ] □� Goodness, I wonder if he knows. □� My goodness, he's earned millions in his career.

2for goodness sake →�see sake

3thank goodness →�see thank

4 N‑UNCOUNT Goodness is the quality of being kind, helpful, and honest. □� He retains a faith in human goodness.

good|night /gʊ dna I t/ also good night

1 CONVENTION You say ' Goodnight ' to someone late in the evening before one of you goes home or goes to sleep. [FORMULAE ]

2 PHRASE If you say goodnightto someone or kiss them goodnight , you say something such as 'Goodnight' to them or kiss them before one of you goes home or goes to sleep. □� Eleanor went upstairs to say goodnight to the children. □� Both men rose to their feet and kissed her goodnight. □� �a goodnight kiss.

goods ◆◆◇ /gʊ dz/

1 N‑PLURAL Goods are things that are made to be sold. □� Money can be exchanged for goods or services. □� �a wide range of consumer goods.

2 N‑PLURAL Your goods are the things that you own and that can be moved. □� All his worldly goods were packed into a neat checked carrier bag. □� You can give your unwanted goods to charity. COLLOCATIONS goods NOUN

1

noun +�goods : consumer, household

adjective +�goods : counterfeit, damaged, faulty, stolen; durable, electrical, electronic, manufactured

verb +�goods : export, import; return

2

adjective +�goods : worldly SYNONYMS goods NOUN 1

merchandise:No one will buy merchandise bearing this logo.

stock:We took the decision to withdraw a quantity of stock from sale.

product:Try to get the best product at the lowest price.

wares:Vendors displayed their wares in baskets or on the ground.

goo ds train (goods trains ) N‑COUNT A goods train is a train that transports goods and not people. [BRIT ] in AM, use freight train

goo d-te mpered ADJ A good-tempered person or animal is naturally friendly and pleasant and does not easily get angry or upset. □� He was a happy, good-tempered child. □� �a horse which is quiet and good tempered.

good|will /gʊ dw I l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Goodwill is a friendly or helpful attitude towards other people, countries, or organizations. □� I invited them to dinner, a gesture of goodwill. □� They depend on the goodwill of visitors to pick up rubbish.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The goodwill of a business is something such as its good reputation, which increases the value of the business. [BUSINESS ] □� We do not want to lose the goodwill built up over 175 years.

goody /gʊ di/ (goodies ) also goodie

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to pleasant, exciting, or attractive things as goodies . [INFORMAL ] □� �a little bag of goodies.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to the heroes or the morally good characters in a film or story as the goodies . You can also refer to the goodies in a situation in real life. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �the thriller, a genre which depends on goodies and baddies. in AM, usually use good guys

goo dy bag (goody bags ) N‑COUNT A goody bag is a bag of little gifts, often given away by manufacturers in order to encourage people to try their products. [INFORMAL ]

goo dy-goody (goody-goodies ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a goody-goody , you mean they behave extremely well in order to please people in authority. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

goo|ey /guː i/ (gooier , gooiest ) ADJ If you describe a food or other substance as gooey , you mean that it is very soft and sticky. [INFORMAL ] □� �a lovely, gooey, sticky mess.

goof /guː f/ (goofs , goofing , goofed )

1 VERB If you goof or goof up , you make a silly mistake. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] We goofed last week at the end of our interview with the singer. [Also V adv] ●�N‑COUNT Goof is also a noun. □� But was it, in fact, a hideous goof?

2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a goof , you think they are silly. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I could write for TV as well as any of those goofs.

goofy /guː fi/ (goofier , goofiest ) ADJ If you describe someone or something as goofy , you think they are rather silly or ridiculous. [INFORMAL ] □� �a goofy smile.

goog|ly /guː gli/ (googlies ) N‑COUNT When a cricketer bowls a googly , he or she spins the ball and makes it bounce in a different direction from the direction that the batsman is expecting.

goon /guː n/ (goons )

1 N‑COUNT A goon is a person who is paid to hurt or threaten people. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� He and the other goon began to beat me up.

2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a goon , you think they behave in a silly way. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

goose /guː s/ (geese )

1 N‑COUNT A goose is a large bird that has a long neck and webbed feet. Geese are often farmed for their meat.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Goose is the meat from a goose that has been cooked. □� �roast goose.

3 →�see also wild goose chase

goose|berry /gʊ zbəri, [AM ] guː sberi/ (gooseberries ) N‑COUNT A gooseberry is a small green fruit that has a sharp taste and is covered with tiny hairs.

goo se bumps N‑PLURAL If you get goose bumps , the hairs on your skin stand up so that it is covered with tiny bumps. You get goose bumps when you are cold, frightened, or excited.

goo se pim|ples N‑PLURAL Goose pimples are the same as goose bumps .

goo se-step (goose-steps , goose-stepping , goose-stepped ) VERB When soldiers goose-step , they lift their legs high and do not bend their knees as they march. □�[V ] �photos of soldiers goose-stepping beside fearsome missiles.

go|pher /goʊ fə r / (gophers )

1 N‑COUNT A gopher is a small animal which looks a bit like a rat and lives in holes in the ground. Gophers are found in Canada and the USA.

2 N‑PROPER ; N‑COUNT In computing, Gopher is a program that collects information for you from many databases across the internet.

gore /gɔː r / (gores , goring , gored )

1 VERB [usu passive] If someone is gored by an animal, they are badly wounded by its horns or tusks. □�[be V -ed] Carruthers had been gored by a rhinoceros. □�[be V -ed +�to ] He was gored to death in front of his family.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Gore is blood from a wound that has become thick. □� There were pools of blood and gore on the pavement.

gorge /gɔː r dʒ/ (gorges , gorging , gorged )

1 N‑COUNT A gorge is a deep, narrow valley with very steep sides, usually where a river passes through mountains or an area of hard rock.

2 VERB If you gorge on something or gorgeyourself on it, you eat lots of it in a very greedy way. □�[V +�on ] I could spend each day gorging on chocolate. □�[V pron-refl +�on ] �teenagers gorging themselves on ice-cream sundaes. [Also V ]

gor|geous /gɔː r dʒəs/

1 ADJ If you say that something is gorgeous , you mean that it gives you a lot of pleasure or is very attractive. [INFORMAL ] □� �gorgeous mountain scenery. □� It's a gorgeous day. □� Some of the Renaissance buildings are gorgeous. ●� gor|geous|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� She has a gorgeously warm speaking voice.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as gorgeous , you mean that you find them very sexually attractive. [INFORMAL ] □� The cosmetics industry uses gorgeous women to sell its skincare products. □� All the girls in my house are mad about Ryan, they think he's gorgeous.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe things such as clothes and colours as gorgeous , you mean they are bright, rich, and impressive. □� �a red-haired man in the gorgeous uniform of a Marshal of the Empire. ●� gor|geous|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� �gorgeously embroidered clothing.

go|ril|la /gər I lə/ (gorillas ) N‑COUNT A gorilla is a very large ape. It has long arms, black fur, and a black face.

gorm|less /gɔː r mləs/ ADJ If you say that someone is gormless , you think that they are stupid because they do not understand things very well. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

gorse /gɔː r s/ N‑UNCOUNT Gorse is a dark green bush that grows in Europe. It has small yellow flowers and sharp prickles.

gory /gɔː ri/ (gorier , goriest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Gory situations involve people being injured or dying in a horrible way. □� �the gory details of Mayan human sacrifices. □� �the gory death scenes.

gosh /gɒ ʃ/ EXCLAM Some people say ' Gosh ' when they are surprised. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Gosh, there's a lot of noise.

gos|ling /gɒ zl I ŋ/ (goslings ) N‑COUNT A gosling is a baby goose.

go -slow (go-slows ) N‑COUNT A go-slow is a protest by workers in which they deliberately work slowly in order to cause problems for their employers. [BRIT ] in AM, use slowdown

gos|pel /gɒ sp ə l/ (gospels )

1 N‑COUNT In the New Testament of the Bible, the Gospels are the four books which describe the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. □� �the parable in St Matthew's Gospel. □� �an illustrated and illuminated manuscript of the four gospels.

2 N‑SING In the Christian religion, the gospel refers to the message and teachings of Jesus Christ, as explained in the New Testament. □� I didn't shirk my duties. I visited the sick and I preached the gospel.

3 N‑COUNT You can use gospel to refer to a particular way of thinking that a person or group believes in very strongly and that they try to persuade others to accept. □� �the gospel according to my mom.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Gospel or gospel music is a style of religious music that uses strong rhythms and vocal harmony. It is especially popular among black Christians in the southern United States of America. □� I had to go to church, so I grew up singing gospel. □� The group perform variations on soul and gospel music.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [usu as N ] If you take something asgospel , or asgospel truth , you believe that it is completely true. □� The results were not to be taken as gospel. □� He wouldn't say this if it weren't the gospel truth.

gos|sa|mer /gɒ səmə r / ADJ [ADJ n] You use gossamer to indicate that something is very light, thin, or delicate. [LITERARY ] □� �the daring gossamer dresses of sheer black lace.

gos|sip /gɒ s I p/ (gossips , gossiping , gossiped )

1 N‑VAR Gossip is informal conversation, often about other people's private affairs. □� There has been much gossip about the possible reasons for his absence. □� Don't you like a good gossip?

2 VERB If you gossip with someone, you talk informally, especially about other people or local events. You can also say that two people gossip . □�[V ] We spoke, debated, gossiped into the night. □�[V +�with ] Eva gossiped with Sarah. □�[V ] Mrs Lilywhite never gossiped.

3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a gossip , you mean that they enjoy talking informally to people about the private affairs of others. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was a vicious gossip.

go s|sip col|umn (gossip columns ) N‑COUNT A gossip column is a part of a newspaper or magazine where the activities and private lives of famous people are discussed. □� The jet-setting couple made frequent appearances in the gossip columns. ●� gos|sip col|umn|ist (gossip columnists ) N‑COUNT □� �a Hollywood gossip columnist.

gos|sipy /gɒ s I pi/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a book or account as gossipy , you mean it is informal and full of interesting but often unimportant news or information about people. □� �a chatty, gossipy account of Forster's life.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as gossipy , you are critical of them because they talk about other people's private lives a great deal. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �gossipy old women.

got ◆◆◆ /gɒ t/

1Got is the past tense and past participle of get .

2 PHRASE You use have got to say that someone has a particular thing, or to mention a quality or characteristic that someone or something has. In informal American English, people sometimes just use 'got'. [SPOKEN ] □� I've got a coat just like this. □� She hasn't got a work permit. □� Have you got any ideas? □� Every city's got its good and bad points. □� After a pause he asked, 'You got any identification?'

3 PHRASE You use have got to when you are saying that something is necessary or must happen in the way stated. In informal American English, the 'have' is sometimes omitted. [SPOKEN ] □� I'm not happy with the situation, but I've just got to accept it. □� There has got to be a degree of flexibility. □� See, you got to work very hard.

4 PHRASE People sometimes use have got to in order to emphasize that they are certain that something is true, because of the facts or circumstances involved. In informal American English, the 'have' is sometimes omitted. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� We'll do what we got to do.

gotcha /gɒ tʃə/ EXCLAM Gotcha is used in written English to represent the words 'got you' when they are pronounced informally. □� 'Gotcha, didn't I?'

Goth|ic /gɒ θ I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Gothic architecture and religious art was produced in the Middle Ages. Its features include tall pillars, high curved ceilings, and pointed arches. □� �a vast, lofty Gothic cathedral. □� �Gothic stained glass windows.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In Gothic stories, strange, mysterious adventures happen in dark and lonely places such as graveyards and old castles. □� This novel is not science fiction, nor is it Gothic horror.

got|ta /gɒ tə/ Gotta is used in written English to represent the words 'got to' when they are pronounced informally, with the meaning 'have to' or 'must'. □� Prices are high and our kids gotta eat.

got|ten /gɒ t ə n/ Gotten is the past participle of get in American English.→�see also ill-gotten gains

gouge /gaʊ dʒ/ (gouges , gouging , gouged ) VERB If you gouge something, you make a hole or a long cut in it, usually with a pointed object. □�[V n prep] He gouged her cheek with a screwdriver.

▸� gouge out PHRASAL VERB To gouge out a piece or part of something means to cut, dig, or force it from the surrounding surface. You can also gouge out a hole in the ground. □�[V n P ] He has accused her of threatening to gouge his eyes out. □�[V P n] �stripping off the soil and gouging out gold or iron ore.

gourd /gʊə r d, gɔː r d/ (gourds )

1 N‑COUNT A gourd is a large round fruit with a hard skin. You can also use gourd to refer to the plant on which this fruit grows.

2 N‑COUNT A gourd is a container made from the hard dry skin of a gourd fruit. Gourds are often used to carry water or for decoration.

gour|mand /gʊə r mɒnd/ (gourmands ) N‑COUNT A gourmand is a person who enjoys eating and drinking in large amounts. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The food here satisfies gourmands rather than gourmets.

gour|met /gʊə r me I / (gourmets )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Gourmet food is nicer or more unusual or sophisticated than ordinary food, and is often more expensive. □� Flavored coffee is sold at gourmet food stores and coffee shops. □� The couple share a love of gourmet cooking. □� �a gourmet dinner.

2 N‑COUNT A gourmet is someone who enjoys good food, and who knows a lot about food and wine.

gout /gaʊ t/ N‑UNCOUNT Gout is a disease which causes people's joints to swell painfully, especially in their toes.

Gov. (Govs ) N‑TITLE Gov. is a written abbreviation for governor . □� �Gov. Thomas Kean of New Jersey.

gov|ern ◆◇◇ /gʌ və r n/ (governs , governing , governed )

1 VERB To govern a place such as a country, or its people, means to be officially in charge of the place, and to have responsibility for making laws, managing the economy, and controlling public services. □�[V n] They go to the polls on Friday to choose the people they want to govern their country. □�[be V -ed] Their citizens are very thankful they are not governed by a dictator.

2 VERB If a situation or activity is governedby a particular factor, rule, or force, it is controlled by that factor, rule, or force. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Marine insurance is governed by a strict series of rules and regulations. □�[V n] The government has altered the rules governing eligibility for unemployment benefit.

gov|ern|ance /gʌ və r nəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The governance of a country is the way in which it is governed. [FORMAL ] □� They believe that a fundamental change in the governance of Britain is the key to all other necessary changes.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The governance of a company or organization is the way in which it is managed. [FORMAL ] □� �a dramatic move away from the traditional view of governance in American education.

gov|er|ness /gʌ və r nes/ (governesses ) N‑COUNT A governess is a woman who is employed by a family to live with them and educate their children.

gov|ern|ing /gʌ və r n I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A governing body or organization is one which controls a particular activity. □� The league became the governing body for amateur fencing in the U.S.

gov|ern|ment ◆◆◆ /gʌ və r nmənt/ (governments )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The government of a country is the group of people who are responsible for governing it. □� The Government has insisted that confidence is needed before the economy can improve. □� �democratic governments in countries like Britain and the U.S� □� �fighting between government forces and left-wing rebels.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Government consists of the activities, methods, and principles involved in governing a country or other political unit. □� The first four years of government were completely disastrous. □� �our system of government.

gov|ern|men|tal /gʌ və r nme nt ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Governmental means relating to a particular government, or to the practice of governing a country. □� �a governmental agency for providing financial aid to developing countries.

gov|er|nor ◆◆◇ /gʌ və r nə r / (governors )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In some systems of government, a governor is a person who is in charge of the political administration of a region or state. □�[+�of ] He was governor of the province in the late 1970s. □� The governor addressed the New Jersey Assembly.

2 N‑COUNT A governor is a member of a committee which controls an organization such as a school or a hospital. □� Governors are using the increased powers given to them to act against incompetent headteachers. □� �the chairman of the BBC board of governors.

3 N‑COUNT In some British institutions, the governor is the most senior official, who is in charge of the institution. □� The incident was reported to the prison governor.

Go vernor-Ge neral (Governors-General ) N‑COUNT A Governor-General is a person who is sent to a former British colony as the chief representative of Britain. [BRIT ] □� �the former Governor-General of New Zealand.

gov|er|nor|ship /gʌ vnə r ʃ I p/ (governorships ) N‑COUNT The governorship of a particular country or state is the position of being its governor. Governorship is also used to refer to the period of time a particular person spends being the governor of a country or state. □� The governorship went to a Democrat.

govtgovt is a written abbreviation for government .

gown /gaʊ n/ (gowns )

1 N‑COUNT A gown is a dress, usually a long dress, which women wear on formal occasions. □� The new ball gown was a great success. □� �wedding gowns.

2 N‑COUNT A gown is a loose black garment worn on formal occasions by people such as lawyers and academics. □� �an old headmaster in a flowing black gown.

GP ◆◇◇ /dʒiː piː / (GPs ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A GP is a doctor who does not specialize in any particular area of medicine, but who has a medical practice in which he or she treats all types of illness. GP is an abbreviation for 'general practitioner'. □� Her husband called their local GP.

GPS /dʒiː piː e s/ (GPSs ) N‑COUNT GPS is an abbreviation for global positioning system . □� GPS operates best near the equator. □� �a GPS receiver.

grab ◆◇◇ /gr� b/ (grabs , grabbing , grabbed )

1 VERB If you grab something, you take it or pick it up suddenly and roughly. □�[V n] I managed to grab her hand. □�[V n +�by/round ] I grabbed him by the neck.

2 VERB If you grab at something, you try to grab it. □�[V +�at ] He was clumsily trying to grab at Alfred's arms. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Grab is also a noun. □�[+�for ] I made a grab for the knife. □�[+�at ] Mr Penrose made a grab at his collar.

3 VERB If you grab someone who is walking past, you succeed in getting their attention. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Grab that waiter, Mary Ann.

4 VERB If you grab someone's attention, you do something in order to make them notice you. □�[V n] I jumped on the wall to grab the attention of the crowd.

5 VERB If you grab something such as food, drink, or sleep, you manage to get some quickly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] At night the kids grabbed a pizza from Frankie's.

6 VERB If you grab something such as a chance or opportunity, or grab at it, you take advantage of it eagerly. □�[V n] She grabbed the chance of a job interview. □�[V +�at ] He grabbed at the opportunity to buy his castle.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A grab for something such as power or fame is an attempt to gain it. □�[+�for ] �a grab for personal power.

8 →�see also smash-and-grab

9to grab hold of →�see hold ➊

10 PHRASE If something is up for grabs , it is available to anyone who is interested. [INFORMAL ] □� The famous hotel is up for grabs for �100m.

gra b bag (grab bags )

1 N‑COUNT A grab bag is a game in which you take a prize out of a container full of hidden prizes. [AM ] in BRIT, use lucky dip2 N‑COUNT A grab bagof things, ideas, or people is a varied group of them. □�[+�of ] �a fascinating grab bag of documents about the life of Liszt.

grace /gre I s/ (graces , gracing , graced )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone moves with grace , they move in a smooth, controlled, and attractive way. □� He moved with the grace of a trained boxer.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone behaves with grace , they behave in a pleasant, polite, and dignified way, even when they are upset or being treated unfairly. □� The new King seemed to be carrying out his duties with grace and due decorum.

3 N‑PLURAL [oft adj N ] The graces are the ways of behaving and doing things which are considered polite and well-mannered. □� She didn't fit in and she had few social graces.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Grace is used in expressions such as a day's grace and a month's grace to say that you are allowed that amount of extra time before you have to finish something. □� She wanted a couple of days' grace to get the maisonette cleaned before she moved in. □� We have only a few hours' grace before the soldiers come.

5 VERB If you say that something graces a place or a person, you mean that it makes them more attractive. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He went to the beautiful old Welsh dresser that graced this homely room. □�[be V -ed +�with/by ] Her shoulders were graced with mink and her fingers sparkled with diamonds.

6 N‑UNCOUNT In Christianity and some other religions, grace is the kindness that God shows to people because he loves them. □�[+�of ] It was only by the grace of God that no one died.

7 N‑VAR When someone says grace before or after a meal, they say a prayer in which they thank God for the food and ask Him to bless it. □� Leo, will you say grace?

8 N‑COUNT ; N‑PROPER You use expressions such as Your Grace and His Grace when you are addressing or referring to a duke, duchess, or archbishop. □� Your Grace, I have a great favour to ask of you.

9 →�see also coup de grace , saving grace

10 PHRASE If someone falls from grace , they suddenly stop being successful or popular. [mainly WRITTEN ] □� All went well at first, and I was in high favour; but presently I fell from grace.

11 PHRASE If someone has the good graceto do something, they are polite enough or honest enough to do it. [APPROVAL ] □� He did not even have the grace to apologise. □� Many of us do stupid things in our youth, but we should have the good grace to admit them.

12 PHRASE If you do something unpleasant with good grace or with a good grace , you do it cheerfully and without complaining. If you do something with bad grace or with a bad grace , you do it unwillingly and without enthusiasm. □� He accepted the decision with good grace, and wished me the very best of luck. □� With appallingly bad grace I packed up and we drove north.

grace|ful /gre I sfʊl/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is graceful moves in a smooth and controlled way which is attractive to watch. □� His movements were so graceful they seemed effortless. □� �graceful ballerinas. ●� grace|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She stepped gracefully onto the stage.

2 ADJ Something that is graceful is attractive because it has a pleasing shape or style. □� His handwriting, from earliest young manhood, was flowing and graceful. ●� grace|ful|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� She loved the gracefully high ceiling, with its white-painted cornice.

3 ADJ If a person's behaviour is graceful , it is polite, kind, and pleasant, especially in a difficult situation. □� Aubrey could think of no graceful way to escape Corbet's company. □� He was charming, cheerful, and graceful under pressure. ●� grace|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� We managed to decline gracefully.

grace|less /gre I sləs/

1 ADJ Something that is graceless is unattractive and not at all interesting or charming. □� It was a massive, graceless house.

2 ADJ A graceless movement is clumsy and uncontrolled. □� �a graceless pirouette. ●� grace|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He dropped gracelessly into a chair opposite her.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as graceless , you mean that their behaviour is impolite. □� She couldn't stand his blunt, graceless manner. ●� grace|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The task fell to Mr Harris to deliver this bad news. It was gracelessly done.

gra|cious /gre I ʃəs/

1 ADJ If you describe someone, especially someone you think is superior to you, as gracious , you mean that they are very well-mannered and pleasant. [FORMAL ] □� She is a lovely and gracious woman.

2 ADJ If you describe the behaviour of someone in a position of authority as gracious , you mean that they behave in a polite and considerate way. [FORMAL ] □� She closed with a gracious speech of thanks. ●� gra|cious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Hospitality at the Presidential guest house was graciously declined.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use gracious to describe the comfortable way of life of wealthy people. □� He drove through the gracious suburbs with the swimming pools and tennis courts.

4 EXCLAM Some people say good gracious or goodness gracious in order to express surprise or annoyance. [FEELINGS ] □� Good gracious, look at that specimen will you?

grad /gr� d/ (grads ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A grad is a graduate . [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

gra|da|tion /grəde I ʃ ə n, [AM ] gre I d-/ (gradations ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Gradations are small differences or changes in things. [FORMAL ] □� But TV images require subtle gradations of light and shade.

grade ◆◇◇ /gre I d/ (grades , grading , graded )

1 VERB If something is graded , its quality is judged, and it is often given a number or a name that indicates how good or bad it is. □�[be V -ed] Dust masks are graded according to the protection they offer. □�[V n] South Point College does not grade the students' work. □�[V -ing] �a three-tier grading system.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] The grade of a product is its quality, especially when this has been officially judged. □� �a good grade of plywood. □� �a grade II listed building. ●�COMB Grade is also a combining form. □� �weapons-grade plutonium. □� �aviation fuel and high-grade oil.

3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] Your grade in an examination or piece of written work is the mark you get, usually in the form of a letter or number, that indicates your level of achievement. □� What grade are you hoping to get? □� There was a lot of pressure on you to obtain good grades.

4 N‑COUNT Your grade in a company or organization is your level of importance or your rank. □� Staff turnover is particularly high among junior grades.

5 N‑COUNT In the United States, a grade is a group of classes in which all the children are of a similar age. When you are six years old you go into the first grade and you leave school after the twelfth grade. □� Mr White teaches first grade in south Georgia.

6 N‑COUNT A grade is a slope. [AM ] □� She drove up a steep grade and then began the long descent into the desert. in BRIT, use gradient7 N‑COUNT Someone's grade is their military rank. [AM ] □� I was a naval officer, lieutenant junior grade.

8 PHRASE If someone makes the grade , they succeed, especially by reaching a particular standard. □� She had a strong desire to be a dancer but failed to make the grade. COLLOCATIONS grade NOUN

1

adjective +�grade : fine, high, premium, top; low, standard

3

noun +�grade : exam

adjective +�grade : good, high; low, poor

verb +�grade : achieve, obtain SYNONYMS grade VERB 1

classify:Rocks can be classified according to their mode of origin.

rate:He is generally rated Italy's No. 3 industrialist.

group:The fact sheets are grouped into seven sections.

rank:Mr Short does not even rank in the world's top ten.

gra de cross|ing (grade crossings ) N‑COUNT A grade crossing is a place where a railway track crosses a road at the same level. [AM ] in BRIT, use level crossing

gra d|ed rea d|er (graded readers ) N‑COUNT A graded reader is a story which has been adapted for people learning to read or learning a foreign language. Graded readers avoid using difficult grammar and vocabulary.

-grader /-gre I də r / (-graders ) COMB -grader combines with words such as 'first' and 'second' to form nouns which refer to a child or young person who is in a particular grade in the American education system. □� �a sixth-grader at the Latta School.

gra de school (grade schools ) N‑VAR [oft in N ] In the United States, a grade school is the same as an elementary school . □� I was just in grade school at the time, but I remember it perfectly.

gra|di|ent /gre I diənt/ (gradients ) N‑COUNT A gradient is a slope, or the degree to which the ground slopes. [BRIT ] □� �a gradient of 1 in 3. □� The courses are long and punishing, with steep gradients. in AM, usually use grade

grad|ual /gr� dʒuəl/ ADJ A gradual change or process occurs in small stages over a long period of time, rather than suddenly. □� Losing weight is a slow, gradual process. □� You can expect her progress at school to be gradual rather than brilliant.

gradu|al|ly ◆◇◇ /gr� dʒuəli/ ADV [ADV with v] If something changes or is done gradually , it changes or is done in small stages over a long period of time, rather than suddenly. □� Electricity lines to 30,000 homes were gradually being restored yesterday. □� Gradually we learned to cope. SYNONYMS gradually ADV

steadily:The company has steadily been losing market share.

slowly:My resentment of her slowly began to fade.

bit by bit:Bit by bit I began to understand what they were trying to do.

little by little:I would have to learn, little by little, to exist alone.

step by step:I am not rushing things and I'm taking it step by step.

gradu|ate ◆◇◇ (graduates , graduating , graduated ) The noun is pronounced /gr� dʒuət/. The verb is pronounced /gr� dʒue I t/. 1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a graduate is a person who has successfully completed a degree at a university or college and has received a certificate that shows this. □� They are looking for graduates with humanities or business degrees. □�[+�in ] �graduates in engineering. [Also +�from/of ]

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a graduate is a student who has successfully completed a course at a high school, college, or university. □� The top one-third of all high school graduates are entitled to an education at the California State University.

3 VERB In Britain, when a student graduates from university, they have successfully completed a degree course. □�[V prep] She graduated in English and Drama from Manchester University. [Also V ]

4 VERB In the United States, when a student graduates , they complete their studies successfully and leave their school or university. You can also say that a school or university graduates a student or students. □�[V prep] When the boys graduated from high school, Ann moved to a small town in Vermont. □�[V n] In 1986, American universities graduated a record number of students with degrees in computer science. [Also V ]

5 VERB If you graduatefrom one thing to another, you go from a less important job or position to a more important one. □�[V +�to/from ] From commercials she quickly graduated to television shows. COLLOCATIONS graduate NOUN 1

noun +�graduate : college, university; arts, economics, law, science

adjective +�graduate : unemployed; new, recent; bright, skilled

verb +�graduate : employ, recruit; attract, produce

gradu|at|ed /gr� dʒue I t I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Graduated means increasing by regular amounts or grades. □� The U.S. military wants to avoid the graduated escalation that marked the Vietnam War.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Graduated jars are marked with lines and numbers which show particular measurements. □� �a graduated tube marked in millimetres.

gra du|ate school (graduate schools ) N‑VAR In the United States, a graduate school is a department in a university or college where postgraduate students are taught. □� She was in graduate school, studying for a master's degree in social work.

gra du|ate stu |dent (graduate students ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a graduate student is a student with a first degree from a university who is studying or doing research at a more advanced level. [AM ] in BRIT, use postgraduate

gradua|tion /gr� dʒue I ʃ ə n/ (graduations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Graduation is the successful completion of a course of study at a university, college, or school, for which you receive a degree or diploma. □� They asked what his plans were after graduation.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] A graduation is a special ceremony at university, college, or school, at which degrees and diplomas are given to students who have successfully completed their studies. □� �the graduation ceremony at Yale. □� At my brother's high school graduation the students recited a poem.

3 N‑COUNT A graduation is a line or number on a container or measuring instrument which marks a particular measurement. □� �medicine bottles with graduations on them.

graf|fi|ti /grəfiː ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Graffiti is words or pictures that are written or drawn in public places, for example on walls or posters. □� There's no vandalism, no graffiti, no rubbish left lying about.

graft /grɑː ft, gr� ft/ (grafts , grafting , grafted )

1 N‑COUNT A graft is a piece of healthy skin or bone, or a healthy organ, which is attached to a damaged part of your body by a medical operation in order to replace it. □� I am having a skin graft on my arm soon.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a piece of healthy skin or bone or a healthy organ is graftedonto a damaged part of your body, it is attached to that part of your body by a medical operation. □�[be V -ed +�onto/on ] The top layer of skin has to be grafted onto the burns.

3 VERB If a part of one plant or tree is grafted onto another plant or tree, they are joined together so that they will become one plant or tree, often in order to produce a new variety. □�[be V -ed +�on/onto ] Pear trees are grafted on quince rootstocks.

4 VERB If you graft one idea or system on to another, you try to join one to the other. □�[V n +�onto ] The Japanese tried to graft their own methods onto this different structure.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Graft means hard work. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� His career has been one of hard graft.

6 N‑UNCOUNT In politics, graft is used to refer to the activity of using power or authority to obtain money dishonestly. [mainly AM ] □� �another politician accused of graft.

Grail /gre I l/

1 N‑PROPER TheGrail or theHoly Grail is the cup that was used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. In medieval times, many people tried to find the Grail without success.

2 N‑SING If you describe something as a grail or a holy grail , you mean that someone is trying very hard to obtain or achieve it. □� The discovery is being hailed as The Holy Grail of astronomy.

grain ◆◇◇ /gre I n/ (grains )

1 N‑COUNT A grainof wheat, rice, or other cereal crop is a seed from it. □�[+�of ] �a grain of wheat. □� �rice grains.

2 N‑VAR Grain is a cereal crop, especially wheat or corn, that has been harvested and is used for food or in trade. □� �a bag of grain. □� �the best grains.

3 N‑COUNT A grain of something such as sand or salt is a tiny hard piece of it. □�[+�of ] �a grain of sand. ●� -grained COMB □� �coarse-grained salt.

4 N‑SING A grain of a quality is a very small amount of it. □�[+�of ] There's more than a grain of truth in that.

5 N‑SING The grain of a piece of wood is the direction of its fibres. You can also refer to the pattern of lines on the surface of the wood as the grain . □� Brush the paint generously over the wood in the direction of the grain. ●� -grained COMB □� �a hard, heavy, straight-grained wood.

6 PHRASE If you say that an idea or action goes against the grain , you mean that it is very difficult for you to accept it or do it, because it conflicts with your previous ideas, beliefs, or principles. □� Takes some nerve, obviously, and it goes against the grain of British reserve.

grai n el|eva|tor (grain elevators ) N‑COUNT A grain elevator is a building in which grain such as corn is stored and which contains machinery for moving the grain. [AM ]

grainy /gre I ni/

1 ADJ A grainy photograph looks as if it is made up of lots of spots, which make the lines or shapes in it difficult to see. □� �grainy black and white photos.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Grainy means having a rough surface or texture, or containing small bits of something. □� �the grainy tree trunk. □� Do not use a grainy mustard.

gram /gr� m/ (grams ) in BRIT, also use gramme N‑COUNT A gram is a unit of weight. One thousand grams are equal to one kilogram. □� A football weighs about 400 grams.

-gram /-gr�m/ (-grams ) COMB -gram combines with nouns to form other nouns which refer to someone who dresses up in order to a bring a message to someone else, as a practical joke. □� Now he has only six or seven kissogram girls on his books.

gram|mar /gr� mə r / (grammars )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Grammar is the ways that words can be put together in order to make sentences. □� He doesn't have mastery of the basic rules of grammar. □� �the difference between Sanskrit and English grammar.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's grammar is the way in which they obey or do not obey the rules of grammar when they write or speak. □� His vocabulary was sound and his grammar excellent. □� �a deterioration in spelling and grammar among teenagers.

3 N‑COUNT A grammar is a book that describes the rules of a language. □� �an advanced English grammar.

4 N‑VAR A particular grammar is a particular theory that is intended to explain the rules of a language. □� Transformational grammars are more restrictive.

gram|mar|ian /grəmeə riən/ (grammarians ) N‑COUNT A grammarian is someone who studies the grammar of a language and writes books about it or teaches it.

gra m|mar school (grammar schools ) N‑VAR A grammar school is a school in Britain for children aged between eleven and eighteen who have a high academic ability. □� He is in the third year at Leeds Grammar School.

gram|mati|cal /grəm� t I k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Grammatical is used to indicate that something relates to grammar. □� Should the teacher present grammatical rules to students? □� �grammatical errors. ●� gram|mati|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� �grammatically correct language.

2 ADJ If someone's language is grammatical , it is considered correct because it obeys the rules of grammar. □� �a new test to determine whether students can write grammatical English. ●� gram|mati|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� One in five undergraduates cannot write grammatically.

gramme /gr� m/ →�see gram

gramo|phone /gr� məfoʊn/ (gramophones ) N‑COUNT A gramophone is an old-fashioned type of record player. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a wind-up gramophone with a big horn. □� �gramophone records. in AM, usually use phonograph

gran /gr� n/ (grans ) N‑COUNT Some people refer to or address their grandmother as gran . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� My gran's given us some apple jam.

grana|ry /gr� nəri/ (granaries )

1 N‑COUNT A granary is a building which is used for storing grain.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, Granary bread contains whole grains of wheat. [TRADEMARK ]

grand ◆◆◇ /gr� nd/ (grander , grandest , grands ) The form grand is used as the plural for meaning 8 . 1 ADJ If you describe a building or a piece of scenery as grand , you mean that its size or appearance is very impressive. □� �this grand building in the center of town. □� The scenery of South Island is on a grand scale.

2 ADJ Grand plans or actions are intended to achieve important results. □� �a passionate anti-slavery crusader with grand ideas for education.

3 ADJ People who are grand think they are important or socially superior. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is grander and even richer than the Prince of Wales.

4 ADJ If you describe an activity or experience as grand , you mean that it is very pleasant and enjoyable. □� The dinner was a grand success. □� He was having a grand time meeting new sorts of people.

5 ADJ You can describe someone or something as grand when you admire or approve of them very much. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , APPROVAL ] □� He was a grand bloke.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A grand total is one that is the final amount or the final result of a calculation. □� It came to a grand total of �220,329.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Grand is often used in the names of buildings such as hotels, especially when they are very large. □� They stayed at The Grand Hotel, Budapest.

8 N‑COUNT A grand is a thousand dollars or a thousand pounds. [INFORMAL ] □� They're paying you ten grand now for those adaptations of old plays.

9 →�see also grandly

gran|dad /gr� nd�d/ (grandads ) also granddad N‑COUNT Your grandad is your grandfather. You can call your grandad 'Grandad'. [INFORMAL ] □� My grandad is 85.

gran|dad|dy /gr� nd�di/ (grandaddies ) also granddaddy N‑COUNT Some people refer to or address their grandfather as grandaddy . [AM , INFORMAL ]

grand|child /gr� ntʃa I ld/ (grandchildren ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's grandchild is the child of their son or daughter. □� Mary loves her grandchildren.

grand|dad /gr� nd�d/ →�see grandad

grand|daughter /gr� ndɔːtə r / (granddaughters ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's granddaughter is the daughter of their son or daughter. □� �a drawing of my granddaughter Amelia.

gran|dee /gr�ndiː / (grandees )

1 N‑COUNT In the past, a grandee was a Spanish prince of the highest rank.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone, especially a politician, who is upper class and has a lot of influence as a grandee . [mainly BRIT ] □� He is a former defence secretary of the United States and a grandee of the Democratic Party.

gran|deur /gr� ndʒə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT If something such as a building or a piece of scenery has grandeur , it is impressive because of its size, its beauty, or its power. □� �the grandeur and natural beauty of South America.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's grandeur is the great importance and social status that they have, or think they have. □� He is wholly concerned with his own grandeur.

3delusions of grandeur →�see delusion

grand|father /gr� ndfɑː�ə r / (grandfathers ) N‑COUNT Your grandfather is the father of your father or mother. You can call your grandfather 'Grandfather'. □� His grandfather was a professor.

gra nd|father clock (grandfather clocks ) N‑COUNT A grandfather clock is an old-fashioned type of clock in a tall wooden case which stands upright on the floor.

gran|dilo|quent /gr�nd I ləkwənt/ ADJ Grandiloquent language or behaviour is very formal, literary, or exaggerated, and is used by people when they want to seem important. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

gran|di|ose /gr� ndioʊs/ ADJ If you describe something as grandiose , you mean it is bigger or more elaborate than necessary. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Not one of Kim's grandiose plans has even begun.

gra nd ju ry (grand juries ) N‑COUNT A grand jury is a jury, usually in the United States, which considers a criminal case in order to decide if someone should be tried in a court of law. □� They have already given evidence before a grand jury in Washington.

grand|ly /gr� ndli/

1 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] You say that someone speaks or behaves grandly when they are trying to impress other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He grandly declared that 'international politics is a struggle for power'.

2 ADV [ADV adj, ADV before v] You use grandly in expressions such as 'grandly named' or 'grandly called' to say that the name of a place or thing makes it sound much more impressive than it really is. [mainly BRIT ] □� Lucille's home was very grandly called a chateau, though in truth it was nothing more than a farm.

grand|ma /gr� nmɑː/ (grandmas ) N‑COUNT Your grandma is your grandmother. You can call your grandma 'Grandma'. [INFORMAL ] □� Grandma was from Scotland.

Grand|master /gr� ndmɑː stə r , -m� st-/ (Grandmasters ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In chess, a Grandmaster is a player who has achieved a very high standard in tournaments.

grand|mother /gr� nmʌ�ə r / (grandmothers ) N‑COUNT Your grandmother is the mother of your father or mother. You can call your grandmother 'Grandmother'. □� My grandmothers are both widows.

grand|pa /gr� npɑː/ (grandpas ) N‑COUNT Your grandpa is your grandfather. You can call your grandpa 'Grandpa'. [INFORMAL ] □� Grandpa was not yet back from the war.

grand|parent /gr� npeərənt/ (grandparents ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] Your grandparents are the parents of your father or mother. □� Tammy was raised by her grandparents.

gra nd pia |no (grand pianos ) N‑COUNT A grand piano is a large piano whose strings are set horizontally to the ground. Grand pianos are used especially for giving concerts and making recordings.

Grand Prix /grɒ n priː , [AM ] gr� nd -/ (Grands Prix or Grand Prix ) N‑COUNT A Grand Prix is one of a series of races for very powerful racing cars; also used sometimes in the names of competitions in other sports. □� He never won the British Grand Prix.

Gra nd Sla m (Grand Slams )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In sport, a Grand Slam tournament is a major one. □� �her 39 Grand Slam titles. ●�N‑COUNT Grand Slam is also a noun. □� It's my first Grand Slam and I was hoping to make a good impression.

2 N‑COUNT If someone wins a Grand Slam , they win all the major tournaments in a season in a particular sport, for example in rugby or tennis. □� They won the Grand Slam in 1990.

grand|son /gr� nsʌn/ (grandsons ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's grandson is the son of their son or daughter. □� My grandson's birthday was on Tuesday.

grand|stand /gr� ndst�nd/ (grandstands ) N‑COUNT A grandstand is a covered stand with rows of seats for people to sit on at sporting events.

grand|stand|ing /gr� ndst�nd I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Grandstanding means behaving in a way that makes people pay attention to you instead of thinking about more important matters. [mainly AM ] □� The political temptation to engage in grandstanding should be resisted.

Gra nd Tou r (Grand Tours ) also grand tour N‑COUNT TheGrand Tour was a journey round the main cities of Europe that young men from rich families used to make as part of their education.

gran|ite /gr� n I t/ (granites ) N‑VAR Granite is a very hard rock used in building.

gran|ny /gr� ni/ (grannies ) also grannie N‑COUNT Some people refer to or address their grandmother as granny . [INFORMAL ] □� �my old granny.

grant ◆◆◇ /grɑː nt, gr� nt/ (grants , granting , granted )

1 N‑COUNT A grant is an amount of money that a government or other institution gives to an individual or to an organization for a particular purpose such as education or home improvements. □� They'd got a special grant to encourage research. □� Unfortunately, my application for a grant was rejected.

2 VERB If someone in authority grants you something, or if something is grantedto you, you are allowed to have it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n n] France has agreed to grant him political asylum. □�[V n +�to ] It was a Labour government which granted independence to India and Pakistan. □�[be V -ed] Permission was granted a few weeks ago.

3 VERB If you grantthat something is true, you accept that it is true, even though your opinion about it does not change. □�[V that] The magistrates granted that the charity was justified in bringing the action. ●�PHRASE You use ' I grant you ' or ' I'll grant you ' to say that you accept something is true, even though your opinion about it does not change. □� He took a risk, I'll grant you. But when you think about it, the risk was pretty small.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone takes you for granted , you are complaining that they benefit from your help, efforts, or presence without showing that they are grateful. □� The officials felt taken for granted and grumbled loudly.

5 PHRASE If you take something for granted , you believe that it is true or accept it as normal without thinking about it. □� I was amazed that virtually all the things I took for granted up north just didn't happen in London.

6 PHRASE If you take it for grantedthat something is the case, you believe that it is true or you accept it as normal without thinking about it. □� He seemed to take it for granted that he should speak as a representative. COLLOCATIONS grant NOUN 1

verb +�grant : award, give, make; obtain, receive; apply for VERB 2

grant+�noun : access, approval, exemption, leave, permission, wish; asylum, citizenship, immunity; bail, injunction, pardon, parole; request SYNONYMS grant NOUN 1

allowance:She gets an allowance for looking after Lillian.

award:�workmen's compensation awards.

donation:Employees make regular donations to charity.

handout:Soldiers oversee the food handouts.

grant|ed /grɑː nt I d, gr� nt I d/ CONJ You use granted or granted that at the beginning of a clause to say that something is true, before you make a comment on it. □� Granted that the firm has not broken the law, is the law what it should be? ●�ADV Granted is also an adverb. □� Granted, he doesn't look too bad for his age, but I don't fancy him.

gra nt-maintai ned ADJ [usu ADJ n] In Britain, a grant-maintained school is one which receives money directly from the national government rather than from a local authority. The abbreviation GM is also used.

granu|lar /gr� njʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Granular substances are composed of a lot of granules. □� �a granular fertiliser.

granu|lat|ed sug|ar /gr� njʊle I t I d ʃʊ gə r / N‑UNCOUNT Granulated sugar is sugar that is in the form of grains, and is usually white.

gran|ule /gr� njuːl/ (granules ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Granules are small round pieces of something. □� She was spooning coffee granules into cups.

grape /gre I p/ (grapes )

1 N‑COUNT Grapes are small green or dark purple fruit which grow in bunches. Grapes can be eaten raw, used for making wine, or dried.

2 PHRASE If you describe someone's attitude as sour grapes , you mean that they say something is worthless or undesirable because they want it themselves but cannot have it. □� These accusations have been going on for some time now, but it is just sour grapes.

grape|fruit /gre I pfruːt/ (grapefruit or grapefruits ) N‑VAR A grapefruit is a large, round, yellow fruit, similar to an orange, that has a sharp, slightly bitter taste.

grape|vine /gre I pva I n/ N‑SING If you hear or learn something onthe grapevine , you hear it or learn it in casual conversation with other people. □� He'd doubtless heard rumours on the grapevine. □� I had heard on the grapevine that he was quite critical of what we were doing.

graph /grɑː f, gr� f/ (graphs ) N‑COUNT A graph is a mathematical diagram which shows the relationship between two or more sets of numbers or measurements.

gra|phene /gr� fiːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Graphene is a very thin, strong material which consists of a single layer of carbon atoms, arranged in a pattern of six-sided shapes. □� Graphene is used for energy generation.

graph|ic /gr� f I k/ (graphics )

1 ADJ If you say that a description or account of something unpleasant is graphic , you are emphasizing that it is clear and detailed. [EMPHASIS ] □� The descriptions of sexual abuse are graphic. □� �graphic scenes of violence. ●� graphi|cal|ly /gr� f I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Here, graphically displayed, was confirmation of the entire story.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Graphic means concerned with drawing or pictures, especially in publishing, industry, or computing. □� �fine and graphic arts.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Graphics is the activity of drawing or making pictures, especially in publishing, industry, or computing. □� �a computer manufacturer which specialises in graphics.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Graphics are drawings and pictures that are composed using simple lines and sometimes strong colours. □� �articles with strong headlines and graphics. □� The Agriculture Department today released a new graphic to replace the old symbol.

graphi|cal /gr� f I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] A graphical representation of something uses graphs or similar images to represent statistics or figures. □� A graphical representation of results is shown in figure 1.

gra ph|ic de|si gn N‑UNCOUNT Graphic design is the art of designing advertisements, magazines, and books by combining pictures and words. □� �the graphic design department.

gra ph|ic de|si gn|er (graphic designers ) N‑COUNT A graphic designer is a person who designs advertisements, magazines, and books by combining pictures and words.

graph|ite /gr� fa I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Graphite is a soft black substance that is a form of carbon. It is used in pencils and electrical equipment.

graph|ol|ogy /gr�fɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Graphology is the study of people's handwriting in order to discover what sort of personality they have.

gra ph pa|per N‑UNCOUNT Graph paper is paper that has small squares printed on it so that you can use it for drawing graphs.

grap|ple /gr� p ə l/ (grapples , grappling , grappled )

1 VERB If you grapplewith a problem or difficulty, you try hard to solve it. □�[V +�with ] The economy is just one of several critical problems the country is grappling with. [Also V to-inf]

2 VERB If you grapplewith someone, you take hold of them and struggle with them, as part of a fight. You can also say that two people grapple . □�[V +�with ] He was grappling with an alligator in a lagoon. □�[V ] They grappled desperately for control of the weapon.

grasp /grɑː sp, gr� sp/ (grasps , grasping , grasped )

1 VERB If you grasp something, you take it in your hand and hold it very firmly. □�[V n] He grasped both my hands. □�[V +�at ] She was trying to grasp at something.

2 →�see also grasping

3 N‑SING A grasp is a very firm hold or grip. □� His hand was taken in a warm, firm grasp.

4 N‑SING [with poss, oft in/from N ] If you say that something is in someone's grasp , you disapprove of the fact that they possess or control it. If something slips from your grasp , you lose it or lose control of it. □� The people in your grasp are not guests, they are hostages. □� She allowed victory to slip from her grasp. □� �the task of liberating a number of states from the grasp of tyrants.

5 VERB If you grasp something that is complicated or difficult to understand, you understand it. □�[V n] The Government has not yet grasped the seriousness of the crisis. □�[V that] He instantly grasped that Stephen was talking about his wife.

6 N‑SING A graspof something is an understanding of it. □�[+�of ] They have a good grasp of foreign languages.

7 PHRASE If you say that something is within someone's grasp , you mean that it is very likely that they will achieve it. □� Peace is now within our grasp.

grasp|ing /grɑː sp I ŋ, gr� sp-/ ADJ If you describe someone as grasping , you are criticizing them for wanting to get and keep as much money as possible, and for being unwilling to spend it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a greedy grasping individual.

grass ◆◇◇ /grɑː s, gr� s/ (grasses , grassing , grassed )

1 N‑VAR Grass is a very common plant consisting of large numbers of thin, spiky, green leaves that cover the surface of the ground. □� Small things stirred in the grass around the tent. □� The lawn contained a mixture of grasses.

2 N‑SING If you talk about the grass , you are referring to an area of ground that is covered with grass, for example in your garden. □� I'm going to cut the grass.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Grass is the same as marijuana . [INFORMAL ]

4 VERB If you say that one person grasses on another, the first person tells the police or other authorities about something criminal or wrong which the second person has done. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�on ] His sister wants him to grass on the members of his own gang. □�[V ] He was repeatedly attacked by other inmates, who accused him of grassing. ●�PHRASAL VERB Grass up means the same as grass . □�[V P n] How many of them are going to grass up their own kids to the police? [Also V n P ]

5 N‑COUNT A grass is someone who tells the police or other authorities about criminal activities that they know about. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

6 PHRASE If you say the grass is greener somewhere else, you mean that other people's situations always seem better or more attractive than your own, but may not really be so. □� He was very happy with us but wanted to see if the grass was greener elsewhere.

▸� grass over PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If an area of ground is grassed over , grass is planted all over it. □�[be V -ed P ] The asphalt playgrounds have been grassed over or sown with flowers.

▸� grass up →�see grass4

grass|hopper /grɑː shɒpə r , gr� s-/ (grasshoppers ) N‑COUNT A grasshopper is an insect with long back legs that jumps high into the air and makes a high, vibrating sound.

grass|land /grɑː sl�nd, gr� s-/ (grasslands ) N‑UNCOUNT Grassland is land covered with wild grass. □� �areas of open grassland.

gra ss roo ts also grass-roots , grassroots N‑PLURAL [oft N n] The grass roots of an organization or movement are the ordinary people who form the main part of it, rather than its leaders. □� You have to join the party at grass-roots level.

grassy /grɑː si, gr� s-/ (grassier , grassiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A grassy area of land is covered in grass. □� Its buildings are half-hidden behind grassy banks.

gra|ta /grɑː tə/ →�see persona non grata

grate /gre I t/ (grates , grating , grated )

1 N‑COUNT A grate is a framework of metal bars in a fireplace, which holds the coal or wood. □� A wood fire burned in the grate.

2 VERB If you grate food such as cheese or carrots, you rub it over a metal tool called a grater so that the food is cut into very small pieces. □�[V n] Grate the cheese into a mixing bowl. □�[V -ed] �grated carrot.

3 VERB When something grates , it rubs against something else making a harsh, unpleasant sound. □�[V ] His chair grated as he got to his feet. □�[V +�against/on ] The gun barrel grated against the floor.

4 VERB If something such as someone's behaviour grates on you or grates , it makes you feel annoyed. □�[V +�on ] His manner always grated on me. □�[V ] What truly grates is the painful banter.

5 →�see also grating

grate|ful /gre I tfʊl/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are gratefulfor something that someone has given you or done for you, you have warm, friendly feelings towards them and wish to thank them. □�[+�to ] She was grateful to him for being so good to her. □� I should like to extend my grateful thanks to all the volunteers. [Also +�for ] ●� grate|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'That's kind of you, Sally,' Claire said gratefully.

grat|er /gre I tə r / (graters ) N‑COUNT A grater is a kitchen tool which has a rough surface that you use for cutting food into very small pieces.

grati|fy /gr� t I fa I / (gratifies , gratifying , gratified )

1 VERB If you are gratified by something, it gives you pleasure or satisfaction. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Mr. Dambar was gratified by his response. [Also V n] ●� grati|fied ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ that] □� He was gratified to hear that his idea had been confirmed. □� They were gratified that America kept its promise. ●� grati|fy|ing ADJ □� We took a chance and we've won. It's very gratifying. ●� grati|fi|ca|tion /gr� t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He is waiting for them to recognise him and eventually they do, much to his gratification.

2 VERB If you gratify your own or another person's desire, you do what is necessary to please yourself or them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We gratified our friend's curiosity. ●� grati|fi|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �sexual gratification.

grat|in /gr� təŋ/ (gratins ) N‑VAR A gratin is a dish containing vegetables or sometimes meat or fish. It is covered with cheese or cheese sauce and baked in the oven. □� �fresh salmon with potato and cheese gratin.

grat|ing /gre I t I ŋ/ (gratings )

1 N‑COUNT A grating is a flat metal frame with rows of bars across it, which is fastened over a window or over a hole in a wall or the ground. □� �an open grating in the sidewalk.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A grating sound is harsh and unpleasant. □� She recognized the grating voice of Dr. Sarnoff.

gra|tis /gr� t I s, grɑː t-/ ADV [ADV after v] If something is done or provided gratis , it does not have to be paid for. □� David gives the first consultation gratis. ●�ADJ Gratis is also an adjective. □� What I did for you was free, gratis, you understand?

grati|tude /gr� t I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Gratitude is the state of feeling grateful. □� I wish to express my gratitude to Kathy Davis for her immense practical help.

gra|tui|tous /grətjuː I təs, [AM ] -tuː -/ ADJ If you describe something as gratuitous , you mean that it is unnecessary, and often harmful or upsetting. □� There's too much crime and gratuitous violence on TV. □� �his insistence on offering gratuitous advice. ●� gra|tui|tous|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� They wanted me to change the title to something less gratuitously offensive.

gra|tu|ity /grətjuː I ti, [AM ] -tuː -/ (gratuities )

1 N‑COUNT A gratuity is a gift of money to someone who has done something for you. [FORMAL ] □� The porter expects a gratuity.

2 N‑COUNT A gratuity is a large gift of money that is given to someone when they leave their job, especially when they leave the armed forces. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □� He is taking a gratuity from the Navy.

grave ◆◇◇ (graves , graver , gravest ) Pronounced /gre I v/, except for meaning 5 , when it is pronounced /grɑː v/. 1 N‑COUNT A grave is a place where a dead person is buried. □� They used to visit her grave twice a year.

2 N‑COUNT [oft to N ] You can refer to someone's death as their grave or to death as thegrave . □� �drinking yourself to an early grave. □� Most men would rather go to the grave than own up to feelings of dependency.

3 ADJ A grave event or situation is very serious, important, and worrying. □� He said that the situation in his country is very grave. □� I have grave doubts that the documents tell the whole story. ●� grave|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� They had gravely impaired the credibility of the government.

4 ADJ A grave person is quiet and serious in their appearance or behaviour. □� William was up on the roof for some time and when he came down he looked grave. ●� grave|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� 'I think I've covered that business more than adequately,' he said gravely.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] In some languages such as French, a grave accent is a symbol that is placed over a vowel in a word to show how the vowel is pronounced. For example, the word 'm�re' has a grave accent over the first 'e'.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone who is dead would turn in their graveat something that is happening now, you mean that they would be very shocked or upset by it, if they were alive. □� Darwin must be turning in his grave at the thought of what is being perpetrated in his name.

7from the cradle to the grave →�see cradle SYNONYMS grave NOUN 1

tomb:The tomb was overgrown with ivy.

vault:He ordered that Matilda's body should be buried in the family vault.

sepulchre:His body is in the sepulchre. ADJ 3

serious:The government still faces very serious difficulties.

critical:Its day-to-day finances are in a critical state.

severe:I suffered from severe bouts of depression.

grave|digger /gre I vd I gə r / (gravediggers ) N‑COUNT A gravedigger is a person whose job is to dig the graves in which dead people can be buried.

grav|el /gr� v ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Gravel consists of very small stones. It is often used to make paths. □� �a gravel path leading to the front door.

grav|elled /gr� v ə ld/ in AM, use graveled ADJ [ADJ n] A gravelled path, road, or area has a surface made of gravel.

grav|el|ly /gr� vəli/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A gravelly voice is low and rather rough and harsh. □� There's a triumphant note in his gravelly voice.

2 ADJ A gravelly area of land is covered in or full of small stones. □� Water runs through the gravelly soil very quickly.

grave|side /gre I vsa I d/ (gravesides ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft at N ] You can refer to the area around a grave as the graveside , usually when you are talking about the time when someone is buried. □� Both women wept at his graveside.

grave|stone /gre I vstoʊn/ (gravestones ) N‑COUNT A gravestone is a large stone with words carved into it, which is placed on a grave.

grave|yard /gre I vjɑː r d/ (graveyards )

1 N‑COUNT A graveyard is an area of land, sometimes near a church, where dead people are buried. □� They made their way to a graveyard to pay their traditional respects to the dead.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you call a place a graveyardof particular things, you mean that there are many broken or unwanted things of that kind there. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] This had once been the greatest port in the world, now it was a graveyard of rusting cranes.

gra ve|yard shi ft (graveyard shifts ) N‑COUNT If someone works thegraveyard shift , they work during the night. [mainly AM ]

gravi|tas /gr� v I t�s/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has gravitas , you mean that you respect them because they seem serious and intelligent. [FORMAL ] □� He is pale, dark, and authoritative, with the gravitas you might expect of a Booker prize winner.

gravi|tate /gr� v I te I t/ (gravitates , gravitating , gravitated ) VERB If you gravitatetowards a particular place, thing, or activity, you are attracted by it and go to it or get involved in it. □�[V +�towards/to ] Traditionally young Asians in Britain have gravitated towards medicine, law and engineering. [Also V prep/adv]

gravi|ta|tion /gr� v I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT In physics, gravitation is the force which causes objects to be attracted towards each other because they have mass. [TECHNICAL ]

gravi|ta|tion|al /gr� v I te I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Gravitational means relating to or resulting from the force of gravity. [TECHNICAL ] □� If a spacecraft travels faster than 11 km a second, it escapes the earth's gravitational pull.

grav|ity /gr� v I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Gravity is the force which causes things to drop to the ground. □� Arrows would continue to fly forward forever were it not for gravity, which brings them down to earth.

2 →�see also centre of gravity

3 N‑UNCOUNT The gravityof a situation or event is its extreme importance or seriousness. □�[+�of ] They deserve punishment which matches the gravity of their crime.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The gravity of someone's behaviour or speech is the extremely serious way in which they behave or speak. □� There was an appealing gravity to everything she said.

gra|vy /gre I vi/ (gravies ) N‑VAR Gravy is a sauce made from the juices that come from meat when it cooks.

gra |vy boat (gravy boats ) N‑COUNT A gravy boat is a long narrow jug that is used to serve gravy.

gra |vy train (gravy trains ) N‑COUNT [oft on the N ] If an organization or person earns a lot of money without doing much work, you can say that they are on thegravy train . [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� We are overworked and underpaid while they are always on the gravy train.

gray /gre I / →�see grey

gray|ing /gre I I ŋ/ →�see greying

graze /gre I z/ (grazes , grazing , grazed )

1 VERB When animals graze or are grazed , they eat the grass or other plants that are growing in a particular place. You can also say that a field is grazed by animals. □�[V ] Five cows graze serenely around a massive oak. □�[be V -ed] The hills have been grazed by sheep because they were too steep to be ploughed. □�[V n] Several horses grazed the meadowland. □�[V -ing] �a large herd of grazing animals.

2 VERB If you graze a part of your body, you injure your skin by scraping against something. □�[V n] I had grazed my knees a little. ●� grazed ADJ □� �grazed arms and legs.

3 N‑COUNT A graze is a small wound caused by scraping against something.

4 VERB If something grazes another thing, it touches that thing lightly as it passes by. □�[V n] A bullet had grazed his arm.

graz|ing /gre I z I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Grazing or grazing land is land on which animals graze. □� He had nearly a thousand acres of grazing and arable land.

GRE /dʒiː ɑːr iː / N‑PROPER The GRE is the examination which you have to pass to be able to join most graduate degree courses in the United States. GRE is an abbreviation for 'Graduate Record Examination'.

grease /griː s/ (greases , greasing , greased )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Grease is a thick, oily substance which is put on the moving parts of cars and other machines in order to make them work smoothly. □� �grease-stained hands.

2 VERB If you grease a part of a car, machine, or device, you put grease on it in order to make it work smoothly. □�[V n] I greased front and rear hubs and adjusted the brakes.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Grease is an oily substance that is produced by your skin. □� His hair is thick with grease.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Grease is animal fat that is produced by cooking meat. You can use grease for cooking. □� He could smell the bacon grease.

5 VERB If you grease a dish, you put a small amount of fat or oil around the inside of it in order to prevent food sticking to it during cooking. □�[V n] Grease two sturdy baking sheets and heat the oven to 400 degrees. □�[V -ed] Place the frozen rolls on a greased baking tray.

6 →�see also elbow grease

grease|paint /griː spe I nt/ N‑UNCOUNT Greasepaint is an oily substance used by actors as make-up.

grease|proof pa|per /griː spruːf pe I pə r / N‑UNCOUNT Greaseproof paper is a special kind of paper which does not allow fat or oil to pass through it. It is mainly used in cooking or to wrap food. [BRIT ] in AM, use wax paper

greasy /griː si, -zi/ (greasier , greasiest ) ADJ Something that is greasy has grease on it or in it. □� �the problem of greasy hair. □� He propped his elbows upon a greasy counter.

grea sy spoon (greasy spoons ) N‑COUNT A greasy spoon is a small, cheap, unattractive caf� that serves mostly fried food. [INFORMAL ]

great ◆◆◆ /gre I t/ (greater , greatest , greats )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use great to describe something that is very large. Great is more formal than big . □� The room had a great bay window. □� �a great hall as long and high as a church.

2 ADJ Great means large in amount or degree. □� I'll take great care of it. □� Benjamin Britten did not live to a great age.

3 ADJ You use great to describe something that is important, famous, or exciting. □� �the great cultural achievements of the past. □� America can be great again. ●� great|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� A nation must take certain risks to achieve greatness.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone who is successful and famous for their actions, knowledge, or skill as great . □� Wes Hall was once one of the West Indies' great cricketers. □� �the great George Padmore. ●� great|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Abraham Lincoln achieved greatness.

5 N‑PLURAL The greats in a particular subject or field of activity are the people who have been most successful or famous in it. [JOURNALISM ] □� �all the greats of Hollywood. □� �cycling's all-time greats.

6 N‑PLURAL The greats of popular modern music are records that have been successful and that continue to be popular. [JOURNALISM ] □� �a medley of rock'n'roll greats.

7 ADJ If you describe someone or something as great , you approve of them or admire them. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� Arturo has this great place in Cazadero. □� They're a great bunch of guys. □� I think she's great.

8 ADJ If you feel great , you feel very healthy, energetic, and enthusiastic. □� I feel just great.

9 ADJ You use great in order to emphasize the size or degree of a characteristic or quality. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a great big Italian wedding. □� �her sense of colour and great eye for detail.

10 EXCLAM You say great in order to emphasize that you are pleased or enthusiastic about something. [FEELINGS ] □� Oh great! That'll be good for Fergus.

11 EXCLAM You say great in order to emphasize that you are angry or annoyed about something. [FEELINGS ] □� 'Oh great,' I thought. 'Just what I need.'

12 N‑COUNT Great is used as part of the name of a species of plant or animal when there is another species of the same plant or animal which is smaller and has different characteristics. □� �the great white shark.

13 →�see also greater

PREFIX great-

is used before some nouns that refer to relatives. Nouns formed in this way refer to a relative who is a further generation away from you. For example, your great-aunt is the aunt of one of your parents.

Great Brit|ain /gre I t br I t ə n/ N‑PROPER Great Britain is the island consisting of England, Scotland, and Wales, which together with Northern Ireland makes up the United Kingdom.

great|coat /gre I tkoʊt/ (greatcoats ) also great coat N‑COUNT A greatcoat is a long thick coat that is worn especially as part of a uniform. □� �an army greatcoat.

great|er /gre I tə r /

1Greater is the comparative of great .

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Greater is used with the name of a large city to refer to the city together with the surrounding urban and suburban area. □� �Greater London.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Greater is used with the name of a country to refer to a larger area which includes that country and other land which used to belong to it, or which some people believe should belong to it. □� �greater Syria.

great|ly /gre I tli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] You use greatly to emphasize the degree or extent of something. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� People would benefit greatly from a pollution-free vehicle. □� We were greatly honoured that Sheik Hasina took the trouble to visit us.

grebe /griː b/ (grebes ) N‑COUNT A grebe is a type of water bird.

Gre|cian /griː ʃ ə n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Grecian is used to describe something which is in the style of things from ancient Greece. □� �elegant Grecian columns.

greed /griː d/ N‑UNCOUNT Greed is the desire to have more of something, such as food or money, than is necessary or fair. □�[+�for ] �an insatiable greed for personal power. □� I get fed up with other people's greed.

greedy /griː di/ (greedier , greediest ) ADJ If you describe someone as greedy , you mean that they want to have more of something such as food or money than is necessary or fair. □� He attacked greedy bosses for awarding themselves big rises. □� She is greedy and selfish. ●� greedi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Livy ate the pasties greedily and with huge enjoyment.

Greek /griː k/ (Greeks )

1 ADJ Greek means belonging or relating to Greece, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Greek is a person who comes from Greece.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Greek is the language spoken in Greece. □� I had to learn Greek.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Greek or Ancient Greek was the language used in Greece in ancient times.

green ◆◆◆ /griː n/ (greens , greener , greenest )

1 COLOUR Green is the colour of grass or leaves. □� �shiny red and green apples. □� Yellow and green together make a pale green.

2 ADJ A place that is green is covered with grass, plants, and trees and not with houses or factories. □� Cairo has only thirteen square centimetres of green space for each inhabitant. ●� green|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the lush greenness of the river valleys.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Green issues and political movements relate to or are concerned with the protection of the environment. □� The power of the Green movement in Germany has made that country a leader in the drive to recycle more waste materials.

4 ADJ If you say that someone or something is green , you mean they harm the environment as little as possible. □� �trying to persuade governments to adopt greener policies. ●� green|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� A Swiss company offers to help environmental investors by sending teams round factories to ascertain their greenness.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Greens are members of green political movements. □� The Greens won a seat.

6 N‑COUNT A green is a smooth, flat area of grass around a hole on a golf course. □� �the 18th green.

7 N‑COUNT A green is an area of land covered with grass, especially in a town or in the middle of a village. □� �the village green.

8 N‑COUNT [n N ] Green is used in the names of places that contain or used to contain an area of grass. □� �Bethnal Green.

9 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the cooked leaves of vegetables such as spinach or cabbage as greens .

10 ADJ If you say that someone is green , you mean that they have had very little experience of life or a particular job. □� He was a young lad, very green, very immature.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone is green with envy , you mean that they are very envious indeed.

12 PHRASE If someone has green fingers , they are very good at gardening and their plants grow well. [BRIT ] □� You don't need green fingers to fill your home with lush leaves. in AM, use a green thumb13to give someone the green light →�see light ➊

green|back /griː nb�k/ (greenbacks ) N‑COUNT A greenback is a banknote such as a dollar bill. [AM , INFORMAL ]

gree n bea n (green beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Green beans are long narrow beans that are eaten as a vegetable.

gree n belt (green belts ) N‑COUNT A green belt is an area of land with fields or parks around a town or city, where people are not allowed to build houses or factories by law.

Gree n Be |ret (Green Berets ) N‑COUNT A Green Beret is a British or American commando . [INFORMAL ]

gree n card (green cards ) N‑COUNT A green card is a document showing that someone who is not a citizen of the United States has permission to live and work there. □� Nicollette married Harry so she could get a green card.

gree n e n|er|gy N‑UNCOUNT Green energy is power that comes from sources that do not harm the environment and are always available, such as wind and sunlight.

green|ery /griː nəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Plants that make a place look attractive are referred to as greenery . □� They have ordered a bit of greenery to brighten up the new wing at Guy's Hospital.

green|field /griː nfiːld/ ADJ [ADJ n] Greenfield is used to refer to land that has not been built on before. □� The Government has ruled out the building of a new airport on a greenfield site.

green|fly /griː nfla I / (greenfly or greenflies ) N‑COUNT Greenfly are small green winged insects that damage plants.

green|gage /griː nge I dʒ/ (greengages ) N‑COUNT A greengage is a greenish-yellow plum with a sweet taste.

green|grocer /griː ngroʊsə r / (greengrocers )

1 N‑COUNT A greengrocer is a shopkeeper who sells fruit and vegetables. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A greengrocer or a greengrocer's is a shop where fruit and vegetables are sold. [mainly BRIT ]

green|house /griː nhaʊs/ (greenhouses )

1 N‑COUNT A greenhouse is a glass building in which you grow plants that need to be protected from bad weather.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Greenhouse means relating to or causing the greenhouse effect.

gree n|house ef|fect N‑SING Thegreenhouse effect is the problem caused by increased quantities of gases such as carbon dioxide in the air. These gases trap the heat from the sun, and cause a gradual rise in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere.

gree n|house gas (greenhouse gases ) N‑VAR Greenhouse gases are the gases which are responsible for causing the greenhouse effect. The main greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide.

green|ing /griː n I ŋ/ N‑SING The greeningof a person or organization means that the person or organization is becoming more aware of environmental issues. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] The greening of the world shoehorns us into smaller cars and dimly lit rooms.

green|ish /griː n I ʃ/ ADJ Greenish means slightly green in colour. □� �his cold greenish eyes. ●�ADJ Greenish is also a combining form. □� �greenish-yellow flowers.

green|mail /gri ːnme I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Greenmail is when a company buys enough shares in another company to threaten a takeover and makes a profit if the other company buys back its shares at a higher price. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] □� Family control would prevent any hostile takeover or greenmail attempt.

gree n o n|ion (green onions ) N‑COUNT Green onions are small onions with long green leaves. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use spring onions

Gree n Pa |per (Green Papers ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a Green Paper is a document containing ideas about a particular subject that is published by the Government so that people can discuss them before any decisions are made.

Gree n Par|ty N‑PROPER TheGreen Party is a political party that is particularly concerned about protecting the environment.

gree n pe p|per (green peppers ) N‑COUNT A green pepper is an unripe pepper that is used in cooking or eaten raw in salads.

gree n revo|lu |tion also Green Revolution N‑SING Thegreen revolution is the increase in agricultural production that has been made possible by the use of new types of crops and new farming methods, especially in developing countries.

green|room /griː nruːm/ (greenrooms ) also green room N‑COUNT A greenroom is a room in a theatre or television studio where performers can rest.

gree n sa l|ad (green salads ) N‑VAR A green salad is a salad made mainly with lettuce and other green vegetables.

gree n ta x (green taxes ) N‑COUNT A green tax is a tax that encourages people not to harm the environment, or helps pay for things that are good for the environment. □� Proposals to levy a green tax on carbon emissions will add to airline costs.

gree n tea (green teas ) N‑VAR Green tea is a pale type of tea grown mainly in Japan and China, and usually drunk without milk. □� The medical value of tea, especially green tea, has received glowing reports. □� I'd like a green tea, please.

Green|wich Mean Time /gre n I tʃ miː n ta I m/ →�see GMT

greeny /griː ni/ ADJ Greeny means slightly green in colour. □� �greeny sea water. ●�ADJ Greeny is also a combining form. □� �a lightweight, greeny-grey wool suit.

greet /griː t/ (greets , greeting , greeted )

1 VERB When you greet someone, you say 'Hello' or shake hands with them. □�[V n] She liked to be home to greet Steve when he came in from school.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is greeted in a particular way, people react to it in that way. □�[be V -ed +�with/by ] The court's decision has been greeted with dismay by fishermen. □�[be V -ed adv] It is unlikely that this suggestion will be greeted enthusiastically in the Baltic States.

3 VERB If you are greetedby something, it is the first thing you notice in a particular place. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed +�by ] I was greeted by a shocking sight. □�[V n] The savoury smell greeted them as they went through the door.

greet|ing /griː t I ŋ/ (greetings ) N‑VAR A greeting is something friendly that you say or do when you meet someone. □� They exchanged greetings. □� He raised a hand in greeting.

gree t|ings card (greetings cards ) in AM, use greeting card N‑COUNT A greetings card is a folded card with a picture on the front and greetings inside that you give or send to someone, for example on their birthday.

gre|gari|ous /gr I geə riəs/

1 ADJ Someone who is gregarious enjoys being with other people. □� She is such a gregarious and outgoing person.

2 ADJ Gregarious animals or birds normally live in large groups. □� Snow geese are very gregarious birds.

grem|lin /gre ml I n/ (gremlins ) N‑COUNT A gremlin is a tiny imaginary evil spirit that people say is the cause of a problem, especially in a machine, which they cannot explain properly or locate. □� The microphones went dead as if the technical gremlins had struck again.

gre|nade /gr I ne I d/ (grenades ) N‑COUNT A grenade or a hand grenade is a small bomb that can be thrown by hand. □� A hand grenade was thrown at an army patrol.

grew /gruː / Grew is the past tense of grow .

grey ◆◆◇ /gre I / (greyer , greyest ) in AM, use gray1 COLOUR Grey is the colour of ashes or of clouds on a rainy day. □� �a grey suit.

2 ADJ You use grey to describe the colour of people's hair when it changes from its original colour, usually as they get old. □� �my grey hair. □� Eddie was going grey.

3 ADJ If the weather is grey , there are many clouds in the sky and the light is dull. □� It was a grey, wet April Sunday. ●� grey|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �winter's greyness.

4 ADJ If you describe a situation as grey , you mean that it is dull, unpleasant, or difficult. □� Brazilians look gloomily forward to a New Year that even the president admits will be grey and cheerless. ●� grey|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� In this new world of greyness there is an attempt to remove all risks.

5 ADJ If you describe someone or something as grey , you think that they are boring and unattractive, and very similar to other things or other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �little grey men in suits. ●� grey|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Journalists are frustrated by his apparent greyness.

6 ADJ Journalists sometimes use grey to describe things concerning old people. □� There was further evidence of grey consumer power last week, when Ford revealed a car designed with elderly people in mind.

grey area (grey areas ) in AM, use gray area N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a grey area , you mean that it is unclear, for example because nobody is sure how to deal with it or who is responsible for it, or it falls between two separate categories of things. □� At the moment, the law on compensation is very much a grey area. □� �that gray area between blue-collar laborers and white-collar professionals.

grey|hound /gre I haʊnd/ (greyhounds ) N‑COUNT A greyhound is a dog with a thin body and long thin legs, which can run very fast. Greyhounds sometimes run in races and people bet on them.

grey|ing /gre I I ŋ/ in AM, use graying ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has greying hair, there is a lot of grey hair mixed with the person's natural colour. □� He was a smallish, greying man, with a wrinkly face.

grey|ish /gre I I ʃ/ in AM, use grayish ADJ Greyish means slightly grey in colour. □� The building was of greyish plaster and looked old. ●�ADJ Greyish is also a combining form. □� �greyish-green leaves.

grey ma r|ket (grey markets ) in AM, use gray market1 N‑SING [oft N n] Grey market goods are bought unofficially and then sold to customers at lower prices than usual. [BUSINESS ] □� Grey-market perfumes and toiletries are now commonly sold by mail.

2 N‑SING [oft N n] Grey market shares are sold to investors before they have been officially issued. [BUSINESS ] □� At one point last week shares in the grey market touched 230p.

gre y mat|ter in AM, use gray matter N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to your intelligence or your brains as grey matter . [INFORMAL ] □� �an unsolved mathematical equation which has caused his grey matter to work overtime.

grid /gr I d/ (grids )

1 N‑COUNT A grid is something which is in a pattern of straight lines that cross over each other, forming squares. On maps the grid is used to help you find a particular thing or place. □�[+�of ] �a grid of ironwork. □�[+�of ] �a grid of narrow streets. □� Many canals were built along map grid lines.

2 →�see also cattle grid

3 N‑COUNT A grid is a network of wires and cables by which sources of power, such as electricity, are distributed throughout a country or area. □� �breakdowns in communications and electric power grids.

4 N‑COUNT Thegrid or thestarting grid is the starting line on a car-racing track. □� At last the drivers were on the grid.

grid|dle /gr I d ə l/ (griddles ) N‑COUNT A griddle is a round, flat, heavy piece of metal which is placed on a cooker or fire and used for cooking.

grid|iron /gr I da I ə r n/ N‑UNCOUNT American football is sometimes referred to as gridiron . [AM ] □� �the greatest quarterback in gridiron history.

grid|lock /gr I dlɒk/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Gridlock is the situation that exists when all the roads in a particular place are so full of vehicles that none of them can move. □� The streets are wedged solid with near-constant traffic gridlock.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use gridlock to refer to a situation in an argument or dispute when neither side is prepared to give in, so no agreement can be reached. □� He agreed that these policies will lead to gridlock in the future.

grief /griː f/ (griefs )

1 N‑VAR Grief is a feeling of extreme sadness. □�[+�for ] �a huge outpouring of national grief for the victims of the shootings. □� Their grief soon gave way to anger.

2 PHRASE If something comes to grief , it fails. If someone comes to grief , they fail in something they are doing, and may be hurt. □� So many marriages have come to grief over lack of money. □� He was driving a Mercedes racer at 100 mph and almost came to grief.

3 EXCLAM Some people say ' Good grief ' when they are surprised or shocked. [FEELINGS ] □� 'He's been arrested for theft and burglary.'�'Good grief!'

gri ef-stricken ADJ If someone is grief-stricken, they are extremely sad about something that has happened. [FORMAL ] □� �the grief-stricken family. □� The Queen was grief-stricken over his death.

griev|ance /griː v ə ns/ (grievances ) N‑VAR If you have a grievance about something that has happened or been done, you believe that it was unfair. □� They had a legitimate grievance. □� The main grievance of the drivers is the imposition of higher fees for driving licences. □� �a deep sense of grievance.

grieve /griː v/ (grieves , grieving , grieved )

1 VERB If you grieveover something, especially someone's death, you feel very sad about it. □�[V prep] He's grieving over his dead wife and son. □�[V ] I didn't have any time to grieve. □�[V -ing] Margery's grieving family battled to come to terms with their loss.

2 VERB If you are grievedby something, it makes you unhappy or upset. □�[be V -ed +�by/at ] He was deeply grieved by the sufferings of the common people. □�[be V -ed to-inf] I was grieved to hear of the suicide of James. □�[V n to-inf] It grieved me to see the poor man in such distress. [Also V n]

griev|ous /griː vəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a loss as grievous , you mean that it is extremely serious or worrying in its effects. □� Their loss would be a grievous blow to our engineering industries. □� Mr Morris said the victims had suffered from a very grievous mistake. ●� griev|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Birds, sea-life and the coastline all suffered grievously.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A grievous injury to your body is one that causes you great pain and suffering. □� He survived in spite of suffering grievous injuries. ●� griev|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The world champion driver was grievously injured.

grie v|ous bodi|ly ha rm N‑UNCOUNT If someone is accused of grievous bodily harm , they are accused of causing very serious physical injury to someone. The abbreviation GBH is often used. [LEGAL ] □� They were both found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm.

grif|fin /gr I f I n/ (griffins ) also griffon N‑COUNT In mythology, a griffin is a winged creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle.

grill /gr I l/ (grills , grilling , grilled )

1 N‑COUNT A grill is a part of a stove which produces strong heat to cook food that has been placed underneath it. [BRIT ] □� Place the omelette under a gentle grill until the top is set. in AM, use broiler2 N‑COUNT A grill is a flat frame of metal bars on which food can be cooked over a fire.

3 VERB When you grill food, or when it grills , you cook it using very strong heat directly above or below it. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Grill the meat for 20 minutes each side. □�[V adv] Apart from peppers and aubergines, many other vegetables grill well. □�[V -ed] �grilled chicken. in AM, use broil ●� grill|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The breast can be cut into portions for grilling.

4 VERB If you grill someone about something, you ask them a lot of questions for a long period of time. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�about/on ] Grill your travel agent about the facilities for families with children. □�[V n] The police grilled him for hours. ●� grill|ing (grillings ) N‑COUNT □� The pop princess will receive a grilling about her life and career.

5 N‑COUNT A grill is a restaurant that serves grilled food.

grille /gr I l/ (grilles ) also grill N‑COUNT A grille is a framework of metal bars or wire which is placed in front of a window or a piece of machinery, in order to protect it or to protect people.

grim /gr I m/ (grimmer , grimmest )

1 ADJ A situation or piece of information that is grim is unpleasant, depressing, and difficult to accept. □� They painted a grim picture of growing crime. □� There was further grim economic news yesterday. □� The mood could not have been grimmer. ●� grim|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �an unrelenting grimness of tone.

2 ADJ A place that is grim is unattractive and depressing in appearance. □� �the tower blocks on the city's grim edges.

3 ADJ If a person or their behaviour is grim , they are very serious, usually because they are worried about something. [WRITTEN ] □� She was a grim woman with a turned-down mouth. □� Her expression was grim and unpleasant.

4 ADJ If you say that something is grim , you think that it is very bad, ugly, or depressing. [INFORMAL ] □� Things were pretty grim for a time.

gri|mace /gr I me I s, gr I məs/ (grimaces , grimacing , grimaced ) VERB If you grimace , you twist your face in an ugly way because you are annoyed, disgusted, or in pain. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] She started to sit up, grimaced, and sank back weakly against the pillow. □�[V +�at ] She grimaced at Cerezzi, then turned to Brenda. ●�N‑COUNT Grimace is also a noun. □� He took another drink of his coffee. 'Awful,' he said with a grimace.

grime /gra I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Grime is dirt which has collected on the surface of something. □� Kelly got the grime off his hands before rejoining her in the kitchen.

Gri m Rea p|er N‑SING The Grim Reaper is an imaginary character who represents death. He looks like a skeleton, wears a long, black cloak with a hood, and carries a scythe.

grimy /gra I mi/ (grimier , grimiest ) ADJ Something that is grimy is very dirty. □� �a grimy industrial city.

grin /gr I n/ (grins , grinning , grinned )

1 VERB When you grin , you smile broadly. □�[V ] He grins, delighted at the memory. □�[V +�at ] Sarah tried several times to catch Philip's eye, but he just grinned at her. □�[V -ing] �a statue of a grinning old man cutting the throat of a deer.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A grin is a broad smile. □� She came out of his office with a big grin on her face. □� Bobby looked at her with a sheepish grin.

3 PHRASE If you grin and bear it , you accept a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining because you know there is nothing you can do to make things better. □� They cannot stand the sight of each other, but they will just have to grin and bear it.

grind /gra I nd/ (grinds , grinding , ground )

1 VERB If you grind a substance such as corn, you crush it between two hard surfaces or with a machine until it becomes a fine powder. □�[V n] Store the peppercorns in an airtight container and grind the pepper as you need it. □�[V -ed] �the odor of fresh ground coffee. ●�PHRASAL VERB Grind up means the same as grind . □�[V P n] He makes his own paint, grinding up the pigment with a little oil. [Also V n P ]

2 VERB If you grind something into a surface, you press and rub it hard into the surface using small circular or sideways movements. □�[V n prep] 'Well,' I said, grinding my cigarette nervously into the granite step. ●�PHRASE If you grind your teeth , you rub your upper and lower teeth together as though you are chewing something. □�[V n] If you know you're grinding your teeth, particularly at night, see your dentist.

3 VERB If you grind something, you make it smooth or sharp by rubbing it against a hard surface. □�[V n] �a shop where they grind knives. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The tip can be ground to a much sharper edge to cut smoother and faster. [Also V n to n]

4 VERB If a vehicle grinds somewhere, it moves there very slowly and noisily. □�[V adv/prep] Tanks had crossed the border at five fifteen and were grinding south.

5 N‑SING The grindof a machine is the harsh, scraping noise that it makes, usually because it is old or is working too hard. □�[+�of ] The grind of heavy machines could get on their nerves.

6 N‑SING [oft adj N ] If you refer to routine tasks or activities as thegrind , you mean they are boring and take up a lot of time and effort. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The daily grind of government is done by Her Majesty's Civil Service.

7 →�see also grinding

8 PHRASE If a country's economy or something such as a process grinds to a halt , it gradually becomes slower or less active until it stops. □� The peace process has ground to a halt.

9 PHRASE If a vehicle grinds to a halt , it stops slowly and noisily. □� The tanks ground to a halt after a hundred yards because the fuel had been siphoned out.

10to have an axe to grind →�see axe

11to come to a grinding halt →�see grinding

▸� grind down PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone grinds you down , you mean that they treat you very harshly and cruelly, reducing your confidence or your will to resist them. □�[V n P ] There are people who want to humiliate you and grind you down.

▸� grind on PHRASAL VERB If you say that something grinds on , you disapprove of the fact that it continues to happen in the same way for a long time. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] The war has been grinding on for years.

▸� grind up →�see grind1

grind|er /gra I ndə r / (grinders )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] In a kitchen, a grinder is a device for crushing food such as coffee or meat into small pieces or into a powder. □� �an electric coffee grinder.

2 N‑COUNT A grinder is a machine or tool for sharpening, smoothing, or polishing the surface of something.

grind|ing /gra I nd I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a bad situation as grinding , you mean it never gets better, changes, or ends. □� Their grandfather had left his village in order to escape the grinding poverty. ●� grind|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� Nursing was ill-paid and grindingly hard work.

2 PHRASE If you say that something comes to a grinding halt , you are emphasizing that it stops very suddenly, especially before it was meant to. [EMPHASIS ] □� A car will come to a grinding halt if you put water in the petrol tank.

3 →�see also grind

grind|stone /gra I ndstoʊn/ (grindstones ) N‑COUNT A grindstone is a large round stone that turns like a wheel and is used for sharpening knives and tools.

grin|go /gr I ŋgoʊ/ (gringos ) N‑COUNT Gringo is sometimes used by people from Latin America to refer to people from other countries, especially the United States and Britain. [OFFENSIVE ]

grip ◆◇◇ /gr I p/ (grips , gripping , gripped )

1 VERB If you grip something, you take hold of it with your hand and continue to hold it firmly. □�[V n] She gripped the rope.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A grip is a firm, strong hold on something. □� His strong hand eased the bag from her grip.

3 N‑SING Someone's gripon something is the power and control they have over it. □�[+�on ] The president maintains an iron grip on his country. □�[+�on ] The Labour leader last night tightened his grip on Labour MPs with new powers to root out trouble-makers.

4 VERB If something grips you, it affects you very strongly. □�[V n] The entire community has been gripped by fear.

5 VERB [usu passive] If you are grippedby something such as a story or a series of events, your attention is concentrated on it and held by it. □�[be V -ed] The nation is gripped by the dramatic story. ●� grip|ping ADJ □� The film turned out to be a gripping thriller.

6 N‑UNCOUNT If things such as shoes or car tyres have grip , they do not slip. □� �a new way of reinforcing rubber which gives car tyres better grip.

7 N‑COUNT A grip is a bag that is smaller than a suitcase, and that you use when you are travelling.

8 PHRASE If you get to grips with a problem or if you come to grips with it, you consider it seriously, and start taking action to deal with it. □� The government's first task is to get to grips with the economy.

9 PHRASE If you get a grip on yourself, you make an effort to control or improve your behaviour or work.

10 PHRASE If a person, group, or place is in the grip of something, they are being severely affected by it. □� Britain is still in the grip of recession. □� �a region in the grip of severe drought.

11 PHRASE If you lose your grip , you become less efficient and less confident, and less able to deal with things.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone has a grip on reality , you mean they recognize the true situation and do not have mistaken ideas about it. □� Shakur loses his fragile grip on reality and starts blasting away at friends and foe alike. COLLOCATIONS grip NOUN

2

adjective +�grip : firm, strong, tight; loose; overhand

3

adjective +�grip : firm, iron, tight, vice-like; tenuous

verb +�grip : keep, maintain; lose VERB

1

grip+�adverb : firmly, tightly

4

noun +�grip : fear, fever, mania, panic; crisis

gripe /gra I p/ (gripes , griping , griped )

1 VERB If you say that someone is griping , you mean they are annoying you because they keep on complaining about something. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] Why are football players griping when the average salary is half a million dollars? □�[V +�about ] They were always griping about high prices. ●� grip|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Still, the griping went on.

2 N‑COUNT A gripe is a complaint about something. [INFORMAL ] □� My only gripe is that one main course and one dessert were unavailable.

grip|ing /gra I p I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A griping pain is a sudden, sharp pain in your stomach or bowels.

gris|ly /gr I zli/ (grislier , grisliest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is grisly is extremely unpleasant, and usually involves death and violence. □� �two horrifically grisly murders.

grist /gr I st/ PHRASE If you say that something is grist to the mill , you mean that it is useful for a particular purpose or helps support someone's point of view.

gris|tle /gr I s ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Gristle is a tough, rubbery substance found in meat, especially in meat of poor quality, which is unpleasant to eat.

grit /gr I t/ (grits , gritting , gritted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Grit is very small pieces of stone. It is often put on roads in winter to make them less slippery. □�[+�of ] He felt tiny bits of grit and sand peppering his knees.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has grit , they have the determination and courage to continue doing something even though it is very difficult. □� You've got to admire her grit.

3 VERB If you grit your teeth , you press your upper and lower teeth tightly together, usually because you are angry about something. □�[V n] Gritting my teeth, I did my best to stifle one or two remarks. □�[V -ed] 'It is clear that my client has been less than frank with me,' he said, through gritted teeth.

4 PHRASE If you grit your teeth , you make up your mind to carry on even if the situation is very difficult. □� There is going to be hardship, but we have to grit our teeth and get on with it.

grit|ty /gr I ti/ (grittier , grittiest )

1 ADJ Something that is gritty contains grit, is covered with grit, or has a texture like that of grit. □� The sheets fell on the gritty floor, and she just let them lie.

2 ADJ Someone who is gritty is brave and determined. □� We have to prove how gritty we are. □� �a gritty determination to avoid humiliation.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A gritty description of a tough or unpleasant situation shows it in a very realistic way. □� �gritty social comment.

griz|zled /gr I z ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A grizzled person or a person with grizzled hair has hair that is grey or partly grey.

griz|zly /gr I zli/ (grizzlies )

1 N‑COUNT A grizzly or a grizzly bear is a large, fierce, greyish-brown bear. □� �two grizzly bear cubs.

2 →�see also grisly

groan /groʊ n/ (groans , groaning , groaned )

1 VERB If you groan , you make a long, low sound because you are in pain, or because you are upset or unhappy about something. □�[V +�with ] Slowly, he opened his eyes. As he did so, he began to groan with pain. □�[V ] They glanced at the man on the floor, who began to groan. □�[V -ing] She was making small groaning noises. ●�N‑COUNT Groan is also a noun. □� She heard him let out a pitiful, muffled groan. □� As his ball flew wide, there was a collective groan from the stands.

2 VERB If you groan something, you say it in a low, unhappy voice. □�[V with quote] 'My leg�I think it's broken,' Eric groaned.

3 VERB If you groanabout something, you complain about it. □�[V +�about ] His parents were beginning to groan about the price of college tuition. [Also V , V that] ●�N‑COUNT Groan is also a noun. □� Listen sympathetically to your child's moans and groans about what she can't do.

4 VERB If wood or something made of wood groans , it makes a loud sound when it moves. □�[V ] The timbers groan and creak and the floorboards shift.

5 VERB If you say that something such as a table groansunder the weight of food, you are emphasizing that there is a lot of food on it. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�under/with ] The bar counter groans under the weight of huge plates of the freshest fish. □�[V -ing] �a table groaning with food.

6 VERB [usu cont] If you say that someone or something is groaning under the weight of something, you think there is too much of that thing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�under ] Consumers were groaning under the weight of high interest rates.

gro|cer /groʊ sə r / (grocers )

1 N‑COUNT A grocer is a shopkeeper who sells foods such as flour, sugar, and tinned foods.

2 N‑COUNT A grocer or a grocer's is a shop where foods such as flour, sugar, and tinned foods are sold. [mainly BRIT ]

gro|cery /groʊ səri/ (groceries )

1 N‑COUNT A grocery or a grocery store is a grocer's shop. [mainly AM ]

2 N‑PLURAL Groceries are foods you buy at a grocer's or at a supermarket such as flour, sugar, and tinned foods.

grog /grɒ g/ N‑VAR Grog is a drink made by mixing a strong spirit, such as rum or whisky, with water.

grog|gy /grɒ gi/ (groggier , groggiest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel groggy , you feel weak and rather ill. [INFORMAL ] □� She was feeling a bit groggy when I saw her.

groin /grɔ I n/ (groins ) N‑COUNT Your groin is the front part of your body between your legs.

groom /gruː m/ (grooms , grooming , groomed )

1 N‑COUNT A groom is the same as a bridegroom . □� �the bride and groom.

2 N‑COUNT A groom is someone whose job is to look after the horses in a stable and to keep them clean.

3 VERB If you groom an animal, you clean its fur, usually by brushing it. □�[V n] The horses were exercised and groomed with special care.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you are groomedfor a special job, someone prepares you for it by teaching you the skills you will need. □�[be V -ed +�for ] George was already being groomed for the top job. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Marshall was groomed to run the family companies.

groomed /gruː md/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] You use groomed in expressions such as well groomed and badly groomed to say how neat, clean, and smart a person is. □� �a very well groomed man. □� She always appeared perfectly groomed.

groom|ing /gruː m I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Grooming refers to the things that people do to keep themselves clean and make their face, hair, and skin look nice. □� �a growing concern for personal grooming.

groove /gruː v/ (grooves ) N‑COUNT A groove is a deep line cut into a surface. □� Their wheels left grooves in the ground.

grooved /gruː vd/ ADJ Something that is grooved has grooves on its surface. □� The inscriptions are fresh and deep-grooved.

groovy /gruː vi/ (groovier , grooviest ) ADJ If you describe something as groovy , you mean that it is attractive, fashionable, or exciting. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �the grooviest club in London.

grope /groʊ p/ (gropes , groping , groped )

1 VERB If you gropefor something that you cannot see, you try to find it by moving your hands around in order to feel it. □�[V +�for ] With his left hand he groped for the knob, turned it, and pulled the door open. □�[V adv/prep] Bunbury groped in his breast pocket for his wallet.

2 VERB If you grope your way to a place, you move there, holding your hands in front of you and feeling the way because you cannot see anything. □�[V n prep/adv] I didn't turn on the light, but groped my way across the room.

3 VERB If you gropefor something, for example the solution to a problem, you try to think of it, when you have no real idea what it could be. □�[V +�for ] She groped for a simple word to express a simple idea. [Also V +�towards ] ●� grop|ing (gropings ) N‑VAR □� They continue their groping towards a constitutional settlement.

4 VERB If one person gropes another, they touch or take hold of them in a rough, sexual way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] He would try to grope her breasts and put his hand up her skirt. ●�N‑COUNT Grope is also a noun. □� She even boasted of having a grope in a cupboard with a 13-year-old.

gross ◆◇◇ /groʊ s/ (grosser , grossest , grosses , grossing , grossed ) The plural of the number is gross . 1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use gross to describe something unacceptable or unpleasant to a very great amount, degree, or intensity. □� The company were guilty of gross negligence. □� �an act of gross injustice. ●� gross|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □� Funding of education had been grossly inadequate for years. □� She was grossly overweight.

2 ADJ If you say that someone's speech or behaviour is gross , you think it is very rude or unacceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He abused the Admiral in the grossest terms. □� I feel disgusted and wonder how I could ever have been so gross.

3 ADJ If you describe something as gross , you think it is very unpleasant. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I spat them out because they tasted so gross. □� He wears really gross holiday outfits.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as gross , you mean that they are extremely fat and unattractive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I only resist things like chocolate if I feel really gross.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Gross means the total amount of something, especially money, before any has been taken away. □� �a fixed rate account guaranteeing 10.4% gross interest or 7.8% net until October. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Gross is also an adverb. □� Interest is paid gross, rather than having tax deducted. □� �a father earning �20,000 gross a year.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Gross means the total amount of something, after all the relevant amounts have been added together. □� National Savings gross sales in June totalled �709 million.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Gross means the total weight of something, including its container or wrapping.

8 VERB If a person or a business grosses a particular amount of money, they earn that amount of money before tax has been taken away. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] So far the films have grossed more than �590 million.

9 NUM A gross is a group of 144 things. □�[+�of ] He ordered twelve gross of the disks. SYNONYMS gross ADJ 1

flagrant:The judge called the decision 'a flagrant violation of international law'.

glaring:I never saw such a glaring example of misrepresentation.

blatant:�a blatant attempt to spread the blame for the fiasco.

barefaced:�crooked politicians who tell bare-faced lies.

obvious:�the need to rectify what is an obvious injustice.

gro ss do|mes|tic pro d|uct (gross domestic products ) N‑VAR A country's gross domestic product is the total value of all the goods it has produced and the services it has provided in a particular year, not including its income from investments in other countries. [BUSINESS ]

gro ss na|tion|al pro d|uct (gross national products ) N‑VAR A country's gross national product is the total value of all the goods it has produced and the services it has provided in a particular year, including its income from investments in other countries. [BUSINESS ]

gro|tesque /groʊte sk/ (grotesques )

1 ADJ You say that something is grotesque when it is so unnatural, unpleasant, and exaggerated that it upsets or shocks you. □� �the grotesque disparities between the wealthy few and nearly everyone else. □� �a country where grotesque abuses are taking place. ●� gro|tesque|ly ADV □� He called it the most grotesquely tragic experience that he's ever had.

2 ADJ If someone or something is grotesque , they are very ugly. □� They tried to avoid looking at his grotesque face and his crippled body. ●� gro|tesque|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� �grotesquely deformed beggars.

3 N‑COUNT A grotesque is a person who is very ugly in a strange or unnatural way, especially one in a novel or painting. □� Grass's novels are peopled with outlandish characters: grotesques, clowns, scarecrows, dwarfs.

grot|to /grɒ toʊ/ (grottoes or grottos ) N‑COUNT A grotto is a small cave with interesting or attractively shaped rocks. □� Water trickles through an underground grotto.

grot|ty /grɒ ti/ (grottier , grottiest ) ADJ If you describe something as grotty , you mean that it is unpleasant or of poor quality and you dislike it strongly. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a grotty little flat in Camden.

grouch /graʊ tʃ/ (grouches )

1 N‑COUNT A grouch is someone who is always complaining in a bad-tempered way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's an old grouch but she puts up with him.

2 N‑COUNT A grouch is a bad-tempered complaint. [INFORMAL ] □� One of the biggest grouches is the new system of payment.

grouchy /graʊ tʃi/ ADJ If someone is grouchy , they are very bad-tempered and complain a lot. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Your grandmother has nothing to stop her from being bored, grouchy and lonely.

ground ◆◆◆ /graʊ nd/ (grounds , grounding , grounded )

1 N‑SING The ground is the surface of the earth. □� Forty or fifty women were sitting cross-legged on the ground. □� We slid down the roof and dropped to the ground. ●�PHRASE Something that is below ground is under the earth's surface or under a building. Something that is above ground is on top of the earth's surface. □� People were making for the air-raid shelters below ground.

2 N‑SING [oft N n] If you say that something takes place on theground , you mean it takes place on the surface of the earth and not in the air. □� Coordinating airline traffic on the ground is as complicated as managing the traffic in the air.

3 N‑SING Theground is the soil and rock on the earth's surface. □� The ground had eroded. □�[+�of ] �the marshy ground of the river delta.

4 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to land as ground , especially when it has very few buildings or when it is considered to be special in some way. □� �a stretch of waste ground. □� This memorial stands on sacred ground.

5 N‑COUNT You can use ground to refer to an area of land, sea, or air which is used for a particular activity. □� �Indian hunting grounds. □� The best fishing grounds are around the islands.

6 N‑COUNT A ground is an area of land which is specially designed and made for playing sport or for some other activity. In American English grounds is also used. □� �the city's football ground. □� �a parade ground.

7 N‑PLURAL [n N ] The grounds of a large or important building are the garden or area of land which surrounds it. □� �the palace grounds. □�[+�of ] �the grounds of the University.

8 N‑VAR You can use ground to refer to a place or situation in which particular methods or ideas can develop and be successful. □�[+�for ] The company has maintained its reputation as the developing ground for new techniques. □�[+�for ] Colonialism is especially fertile ground for nationalist ideas.

9 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on adj N ] You can use ground in expressions such as on shaky ground and the same ground to refer to a particular subject, area of experience, or basis for an argument. □� Sensing she was on shaky ground, Marie changed the subject. □� The French are on solid ground when they argue that competitiveness is no reason for devaluation. □� It's often necessary to go over the same ground more than once.

10 N‑UNCOUNT Ground is used in expressions such as gain ground , lose ground , and give ground in order to indicate that someone gets or loses an advantage. [JOURNALISM ] □� There are signs that the party is gaining ground in the latest polls. □� The U.S. dollar lost more ground.

11 N‑VAR If something is grounds for a feeling or action, it is a reason for it. If you do something on the grounds of a particular thing, that thing is the reason for your action. □�[+�for ] In the interview he gave some grounds for optimism. □� The court overturned that decision on the grounds that the Prosecution had withheld crucial evidence. □�[+�of ] Owen was against it, on the grounds of expense.

12 VERB If an argument, belief, or opinion is grounded in something, that thing is used to justify it. □�[be V -ed +�in ] Her argument was grounded in fact. □�[V n +�on ] They believe the soul is immortal, grounding this belief on the Divine nature of the human spirit.

13 VERB If an aircraft or its passengers are grounded , they are made to stay on the ground and are not allowed to take off. □�[be V -ed] The civil aviation minister ordered all the planes to be grounded. □�[V n] He did not give the order to ground the shuttle, but he concurred with it.

14 VERB When parents ground a child, they forbid them to go out and enjoy themselves for a period of time, as a punishment. □�[V n] Thompson grounded him for a month, and banned television.

15 VERB If a ship or boat is grounded or if it grounds , it touches the bottom of the sea, lake, or river it is on, and is unable to move off. □�[be V -ed] Residents have been told to stay away from the region where the ship was grounded. □�[V ] The boat finally grounded on a soft, underwater bank. □�[V -ed] �a grounded oil tanker.

16 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The ground in an electric plug or piece of electrical equipment is the wire through which electricity passes into the ground and which makes the equipment safe. [AM ] in BRIT, use earth17 ADJ Ground meat has been cut into very small pieces in a machine. [mainly AM ] □� �ground beef. □� �The sausages are made of coarsely ground pork. in BRIT, usually use minced18Ground is the past tense and past participle of grind .

19 →�see also grounding , home ground

20 PHRASE If you break new ground , you do something completely different or you do something in a completely different way. [APPROVAL ] □� Gellhorn may have broken new ground when she filed her first report on the Spanish Civil War.

21 PHRASE If you say that a town or building is burnt to the ground or is razed to the ground , you are emphasizing that it has been completely destroyed by fire. [EMPHASIS ] □� The town was razed to the ground after the French Revolution.

22 PHRASE If two people or groups find common ground , they agree about something, especially when they do not agree about other things.

23 PHRASE If you go to ground , you hide somewhere where you cannot easily be found. [BRIT ] □� Citizens of East Beirut went to ground in basements and shelters.

24 PHRASE If you hit the ground running , you start working quickly or effectively from the time when something first begins. □� It is beneficial to an employer to hire someone who knows the ropes and can hit the ground running.

25 PHRASE The middle ground between two groups, ideas, or plans involves things which do not belong to either of these groups, ideas, or plans but have elements of each, often in a less extreme form. □� What you did was either great or nothing, there was no middle ground.

26 PHRASE If something such as a project gets off the ground , it begins or starts functioning. □� We help small companies to get off the ground.

27 PHRASE If you prepare the groundfor a future event, course of action, or development, you make it easier for it to happen. □� �a political initiative which would prepare the ground for war.

28 PHRASE If you shift your ground or change your ground , you change the basis on which you are arguing.

29 PHRASE If you stand your ground or hold your ground , you continue to support a particular argument or to have a particular opinion when other people are opposing you or trying to make you change your mind. □� The spectacle of Sakharov standing his ground and speaking his mind gave me hope.

30 PHRASE If you stand your ground or hold your ground , you do not run away from a situation, but face it bravely. □� She had to force herself to stand her ground when she heard someone approaching.

31 PHRASE If you say that something such as a job or piece of clothing suits someone down to the ground , you mean that it is completely suitable or right for them. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

32 PHRASE If people or things of a particular kind are thin on the ground , there are very few of them. [mainly BRIT ] □� Good managers are often thin on the ground.

33to have one's ear to the ground →�see ear

ground|bait /graʊ ndbe I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Groundbait is food that you throw on to a river or lake when you are fishing in order to attract the fish.

ground|break|ing /graʊ ndbre I k I ŋ/ also ground-breaking ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use groundbreaking to describe things which you think are significant because they provide new and positive ideas, and influence the way people think about things. □� �his groundbreaking novel on homosexuality. □� �groundbreaking research.

ground|cloth /graʊ ndklɒθ/ (groundcloths ) N‑COUNT A groundcloth is a piece of waterproof material which you put on the ground to sleep on when you are camping. [AM ] in BRIT, use groundsheet

grou nd crew (ground crews ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] At an airport, the people who look after the planes when they are on the ground are called the ground crew . □� The airport ground crew tried to dissuade the pilot from taking off.

ground|ed /graʊ nd I d/ ADJ If you say that someone is grounded , you mean that they are sensible and reasonable, and that they understand the importance of ordinary things in life. □� Family and old friends help me stay grounded.

grou nd floo r (ground floors ) N‑COUNT Theground floor of a building is the floor that is level or almost level with the ground outside. [BRIT ] □� She showed him around the ground floor of the empty house. □� Jenny now lives in a terraced ground floor flat. in AM, use first floor

ground|hog /graʊ ndhɒg, [AM ] -hɔːg/ (groundhogs ) N‑COUNT A groundhog is a type of small animal with reddish-brown fur that is found in North America.

ground|ing /graʊ nd I ŋ/ N‑SING If you have a groundingin a subject, you know the basic facts or principles of that subject, especially as a result of a particular course of training or instruction. □�[+�in ] The degree provides a thorough grounding in both mathematics and statistics.

ground|less /graʊ ndləs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that a fear, accusation, or story is groundless , you mean that it is not based on evidence and is unlikely to be true or valid. □� Fears that the world was about to run out of fuel proved groundless. □� A ministry official described the report as groundless.

grou nd lev|el N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] If something is atground level , it is at the same level as the ground, as opposed to being higher up or below the surface. □� The hotel is set on three floors. There's a bar and cafe at ground level. □� The remaining block of woodland is cut down to ground level.

ground|nut /graʊ ndnʌt/ (groundnuts ) N‑COUNT A groundnut is a peanut . [mainly BRIT ]

grou nd plan (ground plans )

1 N‑COUNT In British English, a ground plan is a plan of the ground floor of a building. In American English, a ground plan is a plan of any floor of a building.

2 N‑COUNT A ground plan is a basic plan for future action.

grou nd rent (ground rents ) N‑VAR Ground rent is rent that is paid by the owner of a flat or house to the owner of the land on which it is built. [mainly BRIT ]

grou nd rule (ground rules ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The ground rulesfor something are the basic principles on which future action will be based. □�[+�for/of ] The panel says the ground rules for the current talks should be maintained.

ground|sheet /graʊ ndʃiːt/ (groundsheets ) N‑COUNT A groundsheet is a piece of waterproof material which you put on the ground to sleep on when you are camping. [BRIT ] in AM, use groundcloth

grounds|keeper /graʊ ndzkiːpə r / (groundskeepers ) N‑COUNT A groundskeeper is the same as a groundsman . [AM ]

grounds|man /graʊ ndzmən/ (groundsmen ) N‑COUNT A groundsman is a person whose job is to look after a park or sports ground. [BRIT ] in AM, use groundskeeper

grou nd staff

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The people who are paid to maintain a sports ground are called the ground staff . □� The ground staff do all they can to prepare the pitch.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] At an airport, the ground staff are the employees of aeroplane companies who do not fly with the planes, but who work in the airport helping passengers and providing information. □� There had been a strike amongst British Airways ground staff.

ground|swell /graʊ ndswel/ N‑SING A sudden growth of public feeling or support for something is often called a groundswell . [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] There is undoubtedly a groundswell of support for the idea of a strong central authority. □�[+�of ] The groundswell of opinion is in favour of a referendum.

ground|water /graʊ ndwɔːtə r / N‑UNCOUNT Groundwater is water that is found under the ground. Groundwater has usually passed down through the soil and become trapped by rocks.

ground|work /graʊ ndwɜː r k/ N‑SING Thegroundworkfor something is the early work on it which forms the basis for further work. □� Yesterday's meeting was to lay the groundwork for the task ahead.

group ◆◆◆ /gruː p/ (groups , grouping , grouped )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A groupof people or things is a number of people or things which are together in one place at one time. □�[+�of ] The trouble involved a small group of football supporters. □� The students work in groups on complex problems.

2 N‑COUNT A group is a set of people who have the same interests or aims, and who organize themselves to work or act together. □� �the Minority Rights Group. □� Members of an environmental group are staging a protest inside a chemical plant.

3 N‑COUNT A group is a set of people, organizations, or things which are considered together because they have something in common. □� She is among the most promising players in her age group. □� As a group, today's old people are still relatively deprived.

4 N‑COUNT A group is a number of separate commercial or industrial firms which all have the same owner. [BUSINESS ] □� The group made a pre-tax profit of �1.05 million. □� �a French-based insurance group.

5 N‑COUNT A group is a number of musicians who perform together, especially ones who play popular music. □� At school he played bass in a pop group called The Urge. □� �Robbie Williams' backing group.

6 VERB If a number of things or people are grouped together or group together , they are together in one place or within one organization or system. □�[be V -ed prep] The fact sheets are grouped into seven sections. □�[V prep n ] The G-7 organization groups together the world's seven leading industrialized nations. □�[V prep ] We want to encourage them to group together to act as a big purchaser. [Also V n prep]

7 →�see also grouping , blood group , ginger group , pressure group COLLOCATIONS group NOUN

1

adjective +�group : ethnic, religious, social; large, small; advisory

2

noun +�group : campaign, lobby, pressure

verb +�group : form, join, lead

groupie /gruː pi/ (groupies ) N‑COUNT A groupie is someone, especially a young woman, who is a fan of a particular pop group, singer, or other famous person, and follows them around.

group|ing /gruː p I ŋ/ (groupings ) N‑COUNT A grouping is a set of people or things that have something in common. □� There were two main political groupings pressing for independence.

grou p the ra|py N‑UNCOUNT Group therapy is a form of psychiatric treatment in which a group of people discuss their problems with each other.

grouse /graʊ s/ (grouses , grousing , groused ) The form grouse is used as the plural for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A grouse is a wild bird with a round body. Grouse are often shot for sport and can be eaten. □� The party had been to the grouse moors that morning. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Grouse is the flesh of this bird eaten as food. □� The menu included roast grouse.

2 VERB If you grouse , you complain. □�[V with quote] 'How come we never know what's going on?' he groused. □�[V +�about ] When they groused about the parking regulations, they did it with good humor. [Also V that, V ]

3 N‑COUNT A grouse is a complaint. □� There have been grouses about the economy, interest rates and house prices.

grout /graʊ t/ (grouts , grouting , grouted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Grout is a thin mixture of sand, water, and cement or lime, which is used to fill in the spaces between tiles that are fixed to a wall.

2 VERB If you grout the tiles on a wall, you use grout to fill in the spaces between the tiles. □�[be V -ed] Make sure that your tiles are thoroughly grouted and sealed. [Also V n]

grove /groʊ v/ (groves )

1 N‑COUNT A grove is a group of trees that are close together. □� �an olive grove.

2 N‑COUNT Grove is often used as part of the name of a street. [mainly BRIT ] □� �47 Canada Grove, Bognor Regis.

grov|el /grɒ v ə l/ (grovels , grovelling , grovelled ) in AM, use groveling , groveled1 VERB If you say that someone grovels , you think they are behaving too respectfully towards another person, for example because they are frightened or because they want something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�to/before ] I don't grovel to anybody. □�[V ] Speakers have been shouted down, classes disrupted, teachers made to grovel. □�[V -ing] �a letter of grovelling apology.

2 VERB If you grovel , you crawl on the ground, for example in order to find something. □�[V prep/adv] We grovelled around the club on our knees. [Also V ]

grow ◆◆◆ /groʊ / (grows , growing , grew , grown )

1 VERB When people, animals, and plants grow , they increase in size and change physically over a period of time. □�[V ] We stop growing at maturity.

2 VERB If a plant or tree grows in a particular place, it is alive there. □�[V ] The station had roses growing at each end of the platform.

3 VERB If you grow a particular type of plant, you put seeds or young plants in the ground and look after them as they develop. □�[V n] I always grow a few red onions.

4 VERB When someone's hair grows , it gradually becomes longer. Your nails also grow . □�[V ] Then the hair began to grow again and I felt terrific.

5 VERB If someone grows their hair, or grows a beard or moustache, they stop cutting their hair or shaving so that their hair becomes longer. You can also grow your nails. □�[V n] I'd better start growing my hair.

6 VERB If someone grows mentally, they change and develop in character or attitude. □�[V ] They began to grow as persons.

7 V‑LINK You use grow to say that someone or something gradually changes until they have a new quality, feeling, or attitude. □�[V adj] I grew a little afraid of the guy next door. □�[V to-inf] He grew to love his work.

8 VERB If an amount, feeling, or problem grows , it becomes greater or more intense. □�[V ] Opposition grew and the government agreed to negotiate. □�[V -ing] �a growing number of immigrants.

9 VERB If one thing grows into another, it develops or changes until it becomes that thing. □�[V +�into ] The boys grew into men. □�[V +�into ] This political row threatens to grow into a full blown crisis.

10 VERB If something such as an idea or a plan grows out of something else, it develops from it. □�[V +�out of ] The idea for this book grew out of conversations with Philippa Brewster.

11 VERB If the economy or a business grows , it increases in wealth, size, or importance. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] The economy continues to grow. □�[V -ing] �a fast growing business.

12 VERB If someone grows a business, they take actions that will cause it to increase in wealth, size, or importance. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] To grow the business, he needs to develop management expertise and innovation across his team.

13 VERB If a crystal grows , or if a scientist grows it, it forms from a solution. □�[V ] �crystals that grow in cavities in the rock. □�[V n] We tried to grow some copper sulphate crystals with our children.

14 →�see also grown

▸� grow apart PHRASAL VERB If people who have a close relationship grow apart , they gradually start to have different interests and opinions from each other, and their relationship starts to fail. □�[V P ] He and his wife grew apart. □�[V P +�from ] It sounds as if you have grown apart from Tom.

▸� grow into PHRASAL VERB When a child grows into an item of clothing, they become taller or bigger so that it fits them properly. □�[V P n] It's a bit big, but she'll soon grow into it.

▸� grow on PHRASAL VERB If someone or something grows on you, you start to like them more and more. □�[V P n] Slowly and strangely, the place began to grow on me.

▸� grow out of

1 PHRASAL VERB If you grow out of a type of behaviour or an interest, you stop behaving in that way or having that interest, as you develop or change. □�[V P P n] Most children who stammer grow out of it.

2 PHRASAL VERB When a child grows out of an item of clothing, they become so tall or big that it no longer fits them properly. □�[V P P n] You've grown out of your shoes again.

▸� grow up

1 PHRASAL VERB When someone grows up , they gradually change from being a child into being an adult. □�[V P ] She grew up in Tokyo.

2 →�see also grown-up

3 PHRASAL VERB [usu imper] If you tell someone to grow up , you are telling them to stop behaving in a silly or childish way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] It's time you grew up.

4 PHRASAL VERB If something grows up , it starts to exist and then becomes larger or more important. □�[V P ] A variety of heavy industries grew up alongside the port. COLLOCATIONS grow VERB 8

noun +�grow : concern, fear, suspicion; business, demand, economy, industry, market; profit, revenue, sales

grow+�adverb : fast, quickly, rapidly; significantly, steadily, strongly; slowly

grow|er /groʊ ə r / (growers ) N‑COUNT A grower is a person who grows large quantities of a particular plant or crop in order to sell them. □� �England's apple growers.

gro w|ing pains

1 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] If a person or organization suffers from growing pains , they experience temporary difficulties and problems at the beginning of a particular stage of development. □� There's some sympathy for this new country's growing pains.

2 N‑PLURAL If children suffer from growing pains , they have pain in their muscles or joints that is caused by unusually fast growth.

gro w|ing sea|son (growing seasons ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The growing season in a particular country or area is the period in each year when the weather and temperature is right for plants and crops to grow.

growl /graʊ l/ (growls , growling , growled )

1 VERB When a dog or other animal growls , it makes a low noise in its throat, usually because it is angry. □�[V ] The dog was biting, growling and wagging its tail. ●�N‑COUNT Growl is also a noun. □� The bear exposed its teeth in a muffled growl.

2 VERB If someone growls something, they say something in a low, rough, and angry voice. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] His fury was so great he could hardly speak. He growled some unintelligible words at Pete. □�[V with quote] 'I should have killed him,' Sharpe growled. ●�N‑COUNT Growl is also a noun. □� �with an angry growl of contempt for her own weakness.

grown /groʊ n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A grown man or woman is one who is fully developed and mature, both physically and mentally. □� Few women can understand a grown man's love of sport. □� Dad, I'm a grown woman. I know what I'm doing.

2 →�see also full-grown

gro wn-u p (grown-ups ) The spelling grownup is also used. The syllable up is not stressed when it is a noun. 1 N‑COUNT A grown-up is an adult; used by or to children. □� Tell children to tell a grown-up if they're being bullied.

2 ADJ Someone who is grown-up is physically and mentally mature and no longer depends on their parents or another adult. □� I have grown-up children who're doing well.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is grown-up , you mean that they behave in an adult way, often when they are in fact still a child. □� She's very grown-up.

4 ADJ Grown-up things seem suitable for or typical of adults. [INFORMAL ] □� Her songs tackle grown-up subjects. □� She talked in a grown-up manner.

growth ◆◆◇ /groʊ θ/ (growths )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The growthof something such as an industry, organization, or idea is its development in size, wealth, or importance. □�[+�of ] �the growth of nationalism. □� �Japan's enormous economic growth. □� �high growth rates.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] A growth in something is an increase in it. □�[+�in ] A steady growth in the popularity of two smaller parties may upset the polls. □� The area has seen a rapid population growth. □�[+�of ] The market has shown annual growth of 20 per cent for several years.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A growth industry, area, or market is one which is increasing in size or activity. [BUSINESS ] □� Computers and electronics are growth industries and need skilled technicians. □� Real estate lending has become the biggest growth area for American banks.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's growth is the development and progress of their character. □� �the child's emotional and intellectual growth.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Growth in a person, animal, or plant is the process of increasing in physical size and development. □� �hormones which control fertility and body growth. □� Cells divide and renew as part of the human growth process.

6 N‑VAR You can use growth to refer to plants which have recently developed or which developed at the same time. □� This helps to ripen new growth and makes it flower profusely.

7 N‑COUNT A growth is a lump that grows inside or on a person, animal, or plant, and that is caused by a disease. □� This type of surgery could even be used to extract cancerous growths.

grub /grʌ b/ (grubs , grubbing , grubbed )

1 N‑COUNT A grub is a young insect which has just come out of an egg and looks like a short fat worm.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Grub is food. [INFORMAL ] □� Get yourself some grub and come and sit down.

3 VERB If you grub around, you search for something. □�[V adv/prep] I simply cannot face grubbing through all this paper.

grub|by /grʌ bi/ (grubbier , grubbiest )

1 ADJ A grubby person or object is rather dirty. □� His white coat was grubby and stained. □� �kids with grubby faces.

2 ADJ If you call an activity or someone's behaviour grubby , you mean that it is not completely honest or respectable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the grubby business of politics.

grudge /grʌ dʒ/ (grudges ) N‑COUNT If you have or bear a grudgeagainst someone, you have unfriendly feelings towards them because of something they did in the past. □�[+�against ] He appears to have a grudge against certain players. □� There is no doubt it was an accident and I bear no grudges.

gru dge match (grudge matches ) N‑COUNT You can call a contest between two people or groups a grudge match when they dislike each other. □� This is something of a grudge match against a long-term enemy.

grudg|ing /grʌ dʒ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A grudging feeling or action is felt or done very unwillingly. □� He even earned his opponents' grudging respect. □� There seems to be a grudging acceptance of the situation. ●� grudg|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The film studio grudgingly agreed to allow him to continue working.

gru|el /gruː əl/ N‑UNCOUNT Gruel is a food made by boiling oats with water or milk.

gru|el|ling /gruː əl I ŋ/ in AM, use grueling ADJ A gruelling activity is extremely difficult and tiring to do. □� He had complained of exhaustion after his gruelling schedule over the past week. □� This flight was more gruelling than I had expected.

grue|some /gruː səm/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is gruesome is extremely unpleasant and shocking. □� There has been a series of gruesome murders in the capital. ●� grue|some|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� He has spent periods in prison, where he was gruesomely tortured. □� �a gruesomely compelling series of interviews.

gruff /grʌ f/

1 ADJ A gruff voice sounds low and rough. □� He picked up the phone expecting to hear the chairman's gruff voice. ●� gruff|ly ADV □� 'Well, never mind now,' he said gruffly.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as gruff , you mean that they seem rather unfriendly or bad-tempered. □� His gruff exterior concealed one of the kindest hearts.

grum|ble /grʌ mb ə l/ (grumbles , grumbling , grumbled )

1 VERB If someone grumbles , they complain about something in a bad-tempered way. □�[V +�about ] I shouldn't grumble about Mum�she's lovely really. □�[V that] Taft grumbled that the law so favored the criminal that trials seemed like a game of chance. □�[V with quote] 'This is inconvenient,' he grumbled. □�[V ] It's simply not in her nature to grumble. [Also V +�at ] ●�N‑COUNT Grumble is also a noun. □� My grumble is with the structure and organisation of the material. ●� grum|bling (grumblings ) N‑VAR □� There have been grumblings about the party leader.

2 VERB If something grumbles , it makes a low continuous sound. [LITERARY ] □�[V adv/prep] It was quiet now, the thunder had grumbled away to the west. □�[V -ing] The dogs made a noise, a rough, grumbling sound. [Also V ] ●�N‑SING Grumble is also a noun. □�[+�of ] One could often hear, far to the east, the grumble of guns.

grumpy /grʌ mpi/ (grumpier , grumpiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is grumpy , you mean that they are bad-tempered and miserable. □� Some folk think I'm a grumpy old man. ●� grumpi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'I know, I know,' said Ken, grumpily, without looking up.

grunge /grʌ ndʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Grunge is the name of a fashion and of a type of music. Grunge fashion involves wearing clothes which look old and untidy. Grunge music is played on guitars and is very loud.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Grunge is dirt. [AM , INFORMAL ] ●� grungy ADJ □� �grungy motel rooms.

grunt /grʌ nt/ (grunts , grunting , grunted )

1 VERB If you grunt , you make a low sound, especially because you are annoyed or not interested in something. □�[V ] The driver grunted, convinced that Michael was crazy. □�[V with quote] 'Rubbish,' I grunted. □�[V n] He grunted his thanks. ●�N‑COUNT Grunt is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Their replies were no more than grunts of acknowledgement.

2 VERB When an animal grunts , it makes a low rough noise. □�[V ] �the sound of a pig grunting.

GSM /dʒi ː es e m/ N‑UNCOUNT GSM is a digital mobile telephone system, used across Europe and in other parts of the world. GSM is an abbreviation for 'global system for mobile communication'. □� There has been consistent growth in GSM mobile subscribers.

G-string /dʒiː str I ŋ/ (G-strings ) N‑COUNT A G-string is a narrow band of cloth that is worn between a person's legs to cover his or her sexual organs, and that is held up by a narrow string round the waist.

gua|ca|mo|le /gwɑːkəmoʊ li/ N‑UNCOUNT Guacamole is a cold food from Mexico made of crushed avocados and other ingredients such as tomatoes and chillis.

gua|no /gwɑː noʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Guano is the faeces of sea birds and bats. It is used as a fertilizer.

guar|an|tee ◆◆◇ /g� rəntiː / (guarantees , guaranteeing , guaranteed )

1 VERB If one thing guarantees another, the first is certain to cause the second thing to happen. □�[V n] Surplus resources alone do not guarantee growth. □�[V that] �a man whose fame guarantees that his calls will nearly always be returned. [Also V n n]

2 N‑COUNT [N that] Something that is a guaranteeof something else makes it certain that it will happen or that it is true. □�[+�of ] A famous old name on a firm is not necessarily a guarantee of quality. □� There is still no guarantee that a formula could be found.

3 VERB If you guarantee something, you promise that it will definitely happen, or that you will do or provide it for someone. □�[V n] Most states guarantee the right to free and adequate education. □�[be V -ed n] All students are guaranteed campus accommodation for their first year. □�[V that] We guarantee that you will find a community with which to socialise. □�[V to-inf] We guarantee to refund your money if you are not delighted with your purchase. □�[V -ed] �a guaranteed income of �3.6 million. [Also V n n, V n that] ●�N‑COUNT [oft N that] Guarantee is also a noun. □� The Editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations. □�[+�of ] California's state Constitution includes a guarantee of privacy.

4 N‑COUNT [oft under N ] A guarantee is a written promise by a company to replace or repair a product free of charge if it has any faults within a particular time. □� Whatever a guarantee says, if something is faulty, you can still claim your rights from the shop. □� It was still under guarantee.

5 VERB If a company guarantees its product or work, they provide a guarantee for it. □�[V n] Some builders guarantee their work. □�[V n] All Dreamland's electric blankets are guaranteed for three years.

6 N‑COUNT A guarantee is money or something valuable which you give to someone to show that you will do what you have promised. □�[+�of ] They had to leave a deposit as a guarantee of returning to do their military service.

guar|an|teed /g� rəntiː d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If you say that something is guaranteedto happen, you mean that you are certain that it will happen. □� Reports of this kind are guaranteed to cause anxiety. □� It's guaranteed that my colleagues think I'm deranged. □� Success is not guaranteed.

2 →�see also guarantee

guar|an|tor /g� rəntɔː r / (guarantors ) N‑COUNT A guarantor is a person who gives a guarantee or who is bound by one. [LEGAL ]

guard ◆◆◇ /gɑː r d/ (guards , guarding , guarded )

1 VERB If you guard a place, person, or object, you stand near them in order to watch and protect them. □�[V n] Gunmen guarded homes near the cemetery with shotguns. □�[V -ed] �the heavily guarded courtroom.

2 VERB If you guard someone, you watch them and keep them in a particular place to stop them from escaping. □�[V n] Marines with rifles guarded them. □�[be V -ed +�by ] He is being guarded by a platoon of police.

3 N‑COUNT A guard is someone such as a soldier, police officer, or prison officer who is guarding a particular place or person. □� The prisoners overpowered their guards and locked them in a cell.

4 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] A guard is a specially organized group of people, such as soldiers or police officers, who protect or watch someone or something. □� We have a security guard around the whole area. □� A heavily armed guard of police have sealed off the city centre.

5 N‑COUNT On a train, a guard is a person whose job is to travel on the train in order to help passengers, check tickets, and make sure that the train travels safely and on time. [BRIT ] in AM, use conductor6 VERB If you guard some information or advantage that you have, you try to protect it or keep it for yourself. □�[V n] He closely guarded her identity. □�[V -ed] �a threat to the country's jealously guarded unity.

7 N‑COUNT A guard is a protective device which covers a part of someone's body or a dangerous part of a piece of equipment. □� �the chin guard of my helmet. □� A blade guard is fitted to protect the operator.

8 N‑COUNT Some regiments in the British Army, or the soldiers in them, are referred to as Guards . □� �the Grenadier Guards.

9 →�see also guarded , bodyguard , coastguard , lifeguard , old guard

10 PHRASE If someone catches you off guard , they surprise you by doing something you do not expect. If something catches you off guard , it surprises you by happening when you are not expecting it. □� Charm the audience and catch them off guard. □� The invitation had caught me off guard.

11 PHRASE If you lower your guard , let your guarddown or drop your guard , you relax when you should be careful and alert, often with unpleasant consequences. □� The ANC could not afford to lower its guard until everything had been carried out. □� You can't let your guard down.

12 PHRASE If you mount guard or if you mount a guard , you organize people to watch or protect a person or place. □� They've even mounted guard outside the main hotel in the capital.

13 PHRASE If you are on your guard or on guard , you are being very careful because you think a situation might become difficult or dangerous. □� The police have questioned him thoroughly, and he'll be on his guard. □� He is constantly on guard against any threat of humiliation.

14 PHRASE If someone is on guard , they are on duty and responsible for guarding a particular place or person. □� Police were on guard at Barnet town hall.

15 PHRASE If you stand guard , you stand near a particular person or place because you are responsible for watching or protecting them. □� One young policeman stood guard outside the locked embassy gates.

16 PHRASE If someone is under guard , they are being guarded. □� Three men were arrested and one was under guard in hospital.

▸� guard against PHRASAL VERB If you guard against something, you are careful to prevent it from happening, or to avoid being affected by it. □�[V P n] The armed forces were on high alert to guard against any retaliation. COLLOCATIONS guard NOUN

3

noun +�guard : border, palace, prison; security

verb +�guard : overpower; hire, post, station

adjective +�guard : armed, uniformed

4

adjective +�guard : armed; presidential VERB

1

guard+�noun : building, compound, embassy, entrance; border

noun +�guard : officers, soldiers, troops

guard+�adverb : carefully, heavily

2

guard+�noun : prisoner

6

guard+�noun : privacy, secret

guard+�adverb : closely, heavily, jealously

gua rd dog (guard dogs ) N‑COUNT A guard dog is a fierce dog that has been specially trained to protect a particular place.

guard|ed /gɑː r d I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as guarded , you mean that they are careful not to show their feelings or give away information. □� The boy gave him a guarded look. □� In the office, Dr. Lahey seemed less guarded, more relaxed. ●� guard|ed|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □� 'I am happy, so far,' he says guardedly. □� They are guardedly optimistic that the market is on the road to recovery.

guard|ian /gɑː r diən/ (guardians )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A guardian is someone who has been legally appointed to look after the affairs of another person, for example a child or someone who is mentally ill.

2 N‑COUNT The guardianof something is someone who defends and protects it. □�[+�of ] The National Party is lifting its profile as socially conservative guardian of traditional values.

gua rd|ian a n|gel (guardian angels ) N‑COUNT A guardian angel is a spirit who is believed to protect and guide a particular person.

guardi|an|ship /gɑː r diənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Guardianship is the position of being a guardian. □� �depriving mothers of the guardianship of their children.

gua rd of ho n|our (guards of honour ) N‑COUNT A guard of honour is an official parade of troops, usually to celebrate or honour a special occasion, such as the visit of a head of state. [BRIT ] in AM, use honor guard

guard|rail /gɑː r dre I l/ (guardrails ) also guard rail N‑COUNT A guardrail is a railing that is placed along the edge of something such as a staircase, path, or boat, so that people can hold onto it or so that they do not fall over the edge.

guards|man /gɑː r dzmən/ (guardsmen ) also Guardsman

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a guardsman is a soldier who is a member of one of the regiments of Guards.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a guardsman is a soldier who is a member of the National Guard.

gua rd's van (guard's vans ) N‑COUNT The guard's van of a train is a small carriage or part of a carriage in which the guard travels. [BRIT ]

gua|va /gwɑː və/ (guavas ) N‑VAR A guava is a round yellow tropical fruit with pink or white flesh and hard seeds.

gu|ber|na|to|rial /guː bə r nətɔː riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Gubernatorial means relating to or connected with the post of governor. □� �a well-known Dallas lawyer and former Texas gubernatorial candidate.

guer|ril|la ◆◇◇ /gər I lə/ (guerrillas ) also guerilla N‑COUNT [oft N n] A guerrilla is someone who fights as part of an unofficial army, usually against an official army or police force. □� The guerrillas threatened to kill their hostages. □� �a guerrilla war.

guess ◆◆◇ /ge s/ (guesses , guessing , guessed )

1 VERB If you guess something, you give an answer or provide an opinion which may not be true because you do not have definite knowledge about the matter concerned. □�[V that] The suit was faultless: Wood guessed that he was a very successful publisher or a banker. □�[V +�at ] You can only guess at what mental suffering they endure. □�[V n] Paula reached for her camera, guessed distance and exposure, and shot two frames. □�[V wh] Guess what I did for the whole of the first week. □�[V adv] If she guessed wrong, it meant twice as many meetings the following week. [Also V with quote]

2 VERB If you guessthat something is the case, you correctly form the opinion that it is the case, although you do not have definite knowledge about it. □�[V that] By now you will have guessed that I'm back in Ireland. □�[V wh] He should have guessed what would happen. □�[V n] Someone might have guessed our secret and passed it on.

3 N‑COUNT [oft N that, N as to n/wh] A guess is an attempt to give an answer or provide an opinion which may not be true because you do not have definite knowledge about the matter concerned. □� My guess is that the chance that these vaccines will work is zero. □�[+�at ] He'd taken her pulse and made a guess at her blood pressure. □�[+�at ] Well, we can hazard a guess at the answer.

4 PHRASE If you say that something is anyone's guess or anybody's guess , you mean that no-one can be certain about what is really true. [INFORMAL ] □� Just when this will happen is anyone's guess.

5 PHRASE You say at a guess to indicate that what you are saying is only an estimate or what you believe to be true, rather than being a definite fact. [VAGUENESS ] □� At a guess he's been dead for two days.

6 PHRASE You say I guess to show that you are slightly uncertain or reluctant about what you are saying. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □� I guess she thought that was pretty smart. □� I guess he's right. □� 'I think you're being paranoid.'�'Yeah. I guess so.'

7 PHRASE If someone keeps you guessing , they do not tell you what you want to know. □� The author's intention is to keep everyone guessing until the bitter end.

8 CONVENTION You say guess what to draw attention to something exciting, surprising, or interesting that you are about to say. [INFORMAL ] □� Guess what, I just got my first part in a movie.

guess|ti|mate /ge st I mət/ (guesstimates ) N‑COUNT A guesstimate is an approximate calculation which is based mainly or entirely on guessing. [INFORMAL ]

guess|work /ge swɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Guesswork is the process of trying to guess or estimate something without knowing all the facts or information. □� The question of who planted the bomb remains a matter of guesswork.

guest ◆◆◇ /ge st/ (guests )

1 N‑COUNT A guest is someone who is visiting you or is at an event because you have invited them. □� She was a guest at the wedding. □� Their guests sipped drinks on the veranda.

2 N‑COUNT A guest is someone who visits a place or organization or appears on a radio or television show because they have been invited to do so. □� �a frequent chat show guest. □� Dr Gerald Jeffers is the guest speaker. □� They met when she made a guest appearance in his TV show.

3 N‑COUNT A guest is someone who is staying in a hotel. □� I was the only hotel guest. □� Hotels operate a collection service for their guests from the airports.

4 CONVENTION If you say be my guest to someone, you are giving them permission to do something. □� If anybody wants to work on this, be my guest. COLLOCATIONS guest NOUN

1

noun +�guest : dinner, house, party, wedding

adjective +�guest : honoured, overnight, royal; unexpected, uninvited

verb +�guest : entertain, greet, invite, offer

2

noun +�guest : celebrity, star, surprise

adjective +�guest : regular, special

verb +�guest : welcome

gue st book (guest books ) N‑COUNT A guest book is a book in which guests write their names and addresses when they have been staying in someone's house or in a hotel.

gue st house (guest houses ) also guesthouse

1 N‑COUNT A guest house is a small hotel. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A guest house is a small house in the grounds of a large house, where visitors can stay. [AM ]

gue st of ho n|our (guests of honour ) in AM, use guest of honor N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone is the guest of honour at a dinner or other social occasion, you mean that they are the most important guest.

gue st room (guest rooms ) N‑COUNT A guest room is a bedroom in a house or hotel for visitors or guests to sleep in.

gue st work|er (guest workers ) N‑COUNT A guest worker is a person, especially one from a poor country, who lives and works in a different country for a period.

guff /gʌ f/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that what someone has said or written is guff , you think that it is nonsense. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

guf|faw /gʌfɔː / (guffaws , guffawing , guffawed )

1 N‑COUNT A guffaw is a very loud laugh. □� He bursts into a loud guffaw.

2 VERB To guffaw means to laugh loudly. □�[V ] As they guffawed loudly, the ticket collector arrived. □�[V with quote] 'Ha, ha,' everyone guffawed. 'It's one of Viv's shock tactics.' [Also V +�at ]

guid|ance /ga I d ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Guidance is help and advice. □�[+�of ] �an opportunity for young people to improve their performance under the guidance of professional coaches. □� The nation looks to them for guidance.

gui d|ance cou n|se|lor (guidance counselors ) in BRIT, use guidance counsellor N‑COUNT A guidance counselor is a person who works in a school giving students advice about careers and personal problems. [mainly AM ]

gui d|ance sys|tem (guidance systems ) N‑COUNT The guidance system of a missile or rocket is the device which controls its course. □� The guidance systems didn't work and the missile couldn't hit its target.

guide ◆◆◇ /ga I d/ (guides , guiding , guided )

1 N‑COUNT A guide is a book that gives you information or instructions to help you do or understand something. □� Our 10-page guide will help you to change your life for the better. □�[+�to ] �the Pocket Guide to Butterflies of Britain and Europe.

2 N‑COUNT A guide is a book that gives tourists information about a town, area, or country. □�[+�to ] Follow your guide to Angkor Wat.

3 N‑COUNT A guide is someone who shows tourists around places such as museums or cities. □� We've arranged a walking tour of the city with your guide.

4 VERB If you guide someone around a city, museum, or building, you show it to them and explain points of interest. □�[V n adv/prep] �a young Egyptologist who guided us through tombs and temples with enthusiasm. □�[V -ed] There will be guided walks around the site.

5 →�see also guided tour

6 N‑COUNT A guide is someone who shows people the way to a place in a difficult or dangerous region. □� The mountain people say that, with guides, the journey can be done in fourteen days.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A guide is something that can be used to help you plan your actions or to form an opinion about something. □� As a rough guide, a horse needs 2.5 per cent of his body weight in food every day. □� When selecting fresh fish, let your taste buds be your guide.

8 VERB If you guide someone somewhere, you go there with them in order to show them the way. □�[V n adv/prep] He took the bewildered Elliott by the arm and guided him out.

9 VERB If you guide a vehicle somewhere, you control it carefully to make sure that it goes in the right direction. □�[V n adv/prep] Captain Shelton guided his plane down the runway and took off.

10 VERB If something guides you somewhere, it gives you the information you need in order to go in the right direction. □�[V n] They sailed across the Baltic and North Seas with only a compass to guide them.

11 VERB If something or someone guides you, they influence your actions or decisions. □�[V n] He should have let his instinct guide him. □�[V -ing] My mother, whose guiding principle in life was doing right, had a far greater influence on me.

12 VERB If you guide someone through something that is difficult to understand or to achieve, you help them to understand it or to achieve success in it. □�[V n adv/prep] �a free helpline to guide businessmen through the maze of E.U. grants. COLLOCATIONS guide NOUN 1

adjective +�guide : handy, helpful, interactive, step-by-step; authoritative, informative, reliable

Guide (Guides )

1 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] In Britain, the Guides is an organization for girls which teaches them to become practical and independent. The Guides used to be called the Girl Guides. In the United States, there is a similar organization called the Girl Scouts .

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, a Guide is a girl who is a member of the Guides.

guide|book /ga I dbʊk/ (guidebooks ) also guide book

1 N‑COUNT A guidebook is a book that gives tourists information about a town, area, or country.

2 N‑COUNT A guidebook is a book that gives you information or instructions to help you do or understand something. □� �a guidebook to Italian art.

gui d|ed mi s|sile (guided missiles ) N‑COUNT A guided missile is a missile whose direction can be controlled while it is in the air.

gui de dog (guide dogs ) N‑COUNT A guide dog is a dog that has been trained to lead a blind person. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use seeing-eye dog

gui d|ed tou r (guided tours ) N‑COUNT If someone takes you on a guided tourof a place, they show you the place and tell you about it.

gui d|ed wri t|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In language teaching, when students do guided writing activities, they are given an outline in words or pictures to help them write. □� �some guided writing tasks.

guide|line /ga I dla I n/ (guidelines )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If an organization issues guidelineson something, it issues official advice about how to do it. □�[+�on ] The government should issue clear guidelines on the content of religious education. □�[+�for ] The Internet Advertising Bureau has guidelines for advertising companies to follow.

2 N‑COUNT A guideline is something that can be used to help you plan your actions or to form an opinion about something. □� The effects of the sun can be significantly reduced if we follow certain guidelines.

guild /g I ld/ (guilds ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A guild is an organization of people who do the same job. □�[+�of ] �the Writers' Guild of America.

guil|der /g I ldə r / (guilders ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A guilder was a unit of money that was used in the Netherlands. In 2002 it was replaced by the euro. ●�N‑SING The guilder was also used to refer to the Dutch currency system. □� During the turmoil in the foreign-exchange markets the guilder remained strong.

guild|hall /g I ldhɔːl/ (guildhalls ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a guildhall is a building near the centre of a town where members of a guild used to meet in former times.

guile /ga I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Guile is the quality of being good at deceiving people in a clever way. □� I love children's innocence and lack of guile.

guile|less /ga I lləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as guileless , you mean that they behave openly and truthfully and do not try to deceive people. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □� Daphne was so guileless that Claire had no option but to believe her.

guil|lo|tine /g I lətiːn/ (guillotines , guillotining , guillotined )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A guillotine is a device used to execute people, especially in France in the past. A sharp blade was raised up on a frame and dropped onto the person's neck. □� One after the other Danton, Robespierre and the rest went to the guillotine.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is guillotined , they are killed with a guillotine. □�[be V -ed] After Marie Antoinette was guillotined, her lips moved in an attempt to speak.

3 N‑COUNT A guillotine is a device used for cutting paper.

guilt /g I lt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Guilt is an unhappy feeling that you have because you have done something wrong or think that you have done something wrong. □� Her emotions had ranged from anger to guilt in the space of a few seconds. □� Some cancer patients experience strong feelings of guilt.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Guilt is the fact that you have done something wrong or illegal. □� The trial is concerned only with the determination of guilt according to criminal law. □� You weren't convinced of Mr Matthews' guilt.

gui lt com|plex (guilt complexes ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone has a guilt complex about something, you mean that they feel very guilty about it, in a way that you consider is exaggerated, unreasonable, or unnecessary. [DISAPPROVAL ]

gui lt-ridden ADJ If a person is guilt-ridden , they feel very guilty about something. □� In the first week of January, thousands of guilt-ridden people signed up for fitness courses.

guilty ◆◇◇ /g I lti/ (guiltier , guiltiest )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel guilty , you feel unhappy because you think that you have done something wrong or have failed to do something which you should have done. □� I feel so guilty, leaving all this to you. □� When she saw me she looked guilty. [Also +�about ] ●� guilti|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He glanced guiltily over his shoulder.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Guilty is used of an action or fact that you feel guilty about. □� Many may be keeping it a guilty secret. □� I leave with a guilty sense of relief.

3guilty conscience →�see conscience

4 ADJ If someone is guiltyof a crime or offence, they have committed that crime or offence. □�[+�of ] They were found guilty of murder. □� He pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.

5 ADJ If someone is guiltyof doing something wrong, they have done that thing. □�[+�of ] He claimed Mr Brooke had been guilty of a 'gross error of judgment'. □�[+�of ] They will consider whether or not he has been guilty of serious professional misconduct. SYNONYMS guilty ADJ

1

ashamed:I felt incredibly ashamed of myself for getting so angry.

sorry:She was very sorry about all the trouble she'd caused.

rueful:He shook his head and gave me a rueful smile.

contrite:She was instantly contrite. 'Oh, I am sorry! You must forgive me.'

remorseful:He was genuinely remorseful.

5

culpable:Their decision to do nothing makes them culpable.

responsible:He still felt responsible for her death.

to blame:If their forces were not involved, then who is to blame?

guinea /g I ni/ (guineas ) N‑COUNT A guinea is an old British unit of money that was worth �1.05. Guineas are still sometimes used, for example in auctions.

gui nea fowl (guinea fowl ) N‑COUNT A guinea fowl is a large grey African bird that is often eaten as food.

gui nea pig (guinea pigs ) also guinea-pig

1 N‑COUNT If someone is used as a guinea pig in an experiment, something is tested on them that has not been tested on people before. □� �a human guinea pig. □� Nearly 500,000 pupils are to be guinea pigs in a trial run of the new 14-plus exams.

2 N‑COUNT A guinea pig is a small furry animal without a tail. Guinea pigs are often kept as pets.

guise /ga I z/ (guises ) N‑COUNT You use guise to refer to the outward appearance or form of someone or something, which is often temporary or different from their real nature. □�[+�of ] He turned up at a fancy dress Easter dance in the guise of a white rabbit.

gui|tar ◆◇◇ /g I tɑː r / (guitars ) N‑VAR A guitar is a musical instrument with six strings and a long neck. You play the guitar by plucking or strumming the strings.

gui|tar|ist /g I tɑː r I st/ (guitarists ) N‑COUNT A guitarist is someone who plays the guitar.

gu|lag /guː l�g/ (gulags ) N‑COUNT A gulag is a prison camp where conditions are extremely bad and the prisoners are forced to work very hard. The name gulag comes from the prison camps in the former Soviet Union.

gulch /gʌ ltʃ/ (gulches ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A gulch is a long narrow valley with steep sides which has been made by a stream flowing through it. [mainly AM ] □� �California Gulch.

gulf /gʌ lf/ (gulfs )

1 N‑COUNT A gulf is an important or significant difference between two people, things, or groups. □�[+�between ] Within society, there is a growing gulf between rich and poor. □�[+�between ] �the gulf between rural and urban life.

2 N‑COUNT A gulf is a large area of sea which extends a long way into the surrounding land. □� �damage caused by hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.

Gulf N‑PROPER [oft N n] The Gulf is used to refer to the Arabian Gulf, the Persian Gulf and the surrounding countries. □� �the Gulf crisis. □� �the Gulf War. □� �the oil wells of the Gulf.

gull /gʌ l/ (gulls ) N‑COUNT A gull is a common sea bird.

gul|let /gʌ l I t/ (gullets ) N‑COUNT Your gullet is the tube which goes from your mouth to your stomach.

gul|ley /gʌ li/ →�see gully

gul|lible /gʌ l I b ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as gullible , you mean they are easily tricked because they are too trusting. □� I'm so gullible I would have believed him. ●� gul|li|bil|ity /gʌ ləb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □� Was she taking part of the blame for her own gullibility?

gul|ly /gʌ li/ (gullies ) also gulley N‑COUNT A gully is a long narrow valley with steep sides. □� The bodies of the three climbers were located at the bottom of a steep gully.

gulp /gʌ lp/ (gulps , gulping , gulped )

1 VERB If you gulp something, you eat or drink it very quickly by swallowing large quantities of it at once. □�[V n] She quickly gulped her tea.

2 VERB If you gulp , you swallow air, often making a noise in your throat as you do so, because you are nervous or excited. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] I gulped, and then proceeded to tell her the whole story. □�[V with quote] 'I'm sorry,' he gulped.

3 VERB If you gulp air, you breathe in a large amount of air quickly through your mouth. □�[V n +�into ] She gulped air into her lungs. □�[V +�for ] He slumped back, gulping for air.

4 N‑COUNT A gulpof air, food, or drink, is a large amount of it that you swallow at once. □�[+�of ] I took in a large gulp of air. □� He finished his tea in two huge gulps.

▸� gulp down PHRASAL VERB If you gulp down food or drink, you quickly eat or drink it all by swallowing large quantities of it at once. □�[V P n] She gulped down a mouthful of coffee. □�[V n P ] He'd gulped it down in one bite.

gum /gʌ m/ (gums , gumming , gummed )

1 N‑VAR Gum is a substance, usually tasting of mint, which you chew for a long time but do not swallow.

2 →�see also bubble gum , chewing gum

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your gums are the areas of firm, pink flesh inside your mouth, which your teeth grow out of. □� The toothbrush gently removes plaque without damaging the gums. □� �gum disease.

4 N‑VAR Gum is a type of glue that is used to stick two pieces of paper together. [mainly BRIT ] □� He was holding up a pound note that had been torn in half and stuck together with gum. ●� gummed ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �gummed labels.

5 ADJ If two things are gummedtogether , they are stuck together. [BRIT ] □� It is a mild infection in which a baby's eyelashes can become gummed together.

gum|ball /gʌ mbɔːl/ (gumballs ) N‑COUNT Gumballs are round, brightly coloured balls of chewing gum. [mainly AM ]

gum|bo /gʌ mboʊ/ (gumbos )

1 N‑VAR Gumbo is a type of soup or stew from the southern United States. It can be made with meat or fish, and usually contains okra.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In parts of the United States, gumbo is another name for okra .

gum|boot /gʌ mbuːt/ (gumboots ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Gumboots are long rubber boots which you wear to keep your feet dry. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

gum|drop /gʌ mdrɒp/ (gumdrops ) N‑COUNT A gumdrop is a chewy sweet which feels like firm rubber and usually tastes of fruit.

gum|my /gʌ mi/ ADJ Something that is gummy is sticky. □� My eyes are gummy.

gump|tion /gʌ mpʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has gumption , they are able to think what it would be sensible to do in a particular situation, and they do it. [INFORMAL ] □� Surely anyone with marketing gumption should be able to sell good books at any time of year.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has thegumptionto do something, they are brave enough to do it. □� He suspected that deep down, she admired him for having the gumption to disagree with her.

gu m tree (gum trees ) N‑COUNT A gum tree is a tree such as a eucalyptus that produces gum.

gun ◆◆◇ /gʌ n/ (guns , gunning , gunned )

1 N‑COUNT A gun is a weapon from which bullets or other things are fired. □� He produced a gun and he came into the house. □� The inner-city has guns and crime and drugs and deprivation. □� �gun control laws.

2 N‑COUNT A gun or a starting gun is an object like a gun that is used to make a noise to signal the start of a race. □� The starting gun blasted and they were off.

3 VERB To gun an engine or a vehicle means to make it start or go faster by pressing on the accelerator pedal. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] He gunned his engine and drove off.

4 →�see also airgun , machine gun , shotgun , sub-machine gun

5 PHRASE If you come out with guns blazing or with all guns blazing , you put all your effort and energy into trying to achieve something. □� The company came out with guns blazing.

6 PHRASE If you jump the gun , you do something before everyone else or before the proper or right time. [INFORMAL ] □� Some booksellers have jumped the gun and decided to sell it early.

7 PHRASE If you stick to your guns , you continue to have your own opinion about something even though other people are trying to tell you that you are wrong. [INFORMAL ] □� He should have stuck to his guns and refused to meet her.

▸� gun down PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone is gunned down , they are shot and severely injured or killed. [JOURNALISM ] □�[be V -ed P ] He had been gunned down and killed at point-blank range.

▸� gun for PHRASAL VERB [only cont] If someone is gunning for you, they are trying to find a way to harm you or cause you trouble. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] He knew that they were gunning for him. COLLOCATIONS gun NOUN 1

noun +�gun : anti-aircraft, hand, laser; imitation, replica, toy

adjective +�gun : heavy; loaded

verb +�gun : brandish, carry, draw, hold; fire, load, point

gun|boat /gʌ nboʊt/ (gunboats ) N‑COUNT A gunboat is a small ship which has several large guns fixed on it.

gu n con|tro l N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Gun control refers to the laws that restrict the possession and use of guns. □� France has tight gun-control laws for handguns, but not for hunting rifles.

gu n dog (gun dogs ) also gundog N‑COUNT A gun dog is a dog that has been trained to work with a hunter or gamekeeper, especially to find and carry back birds or animals that have been shot.

gun|fight /gʌ nfa I t/ (gunfights ) N‑COUNT A gunfight is a fight between people using guns. ●� gun|fighter (gunfighters ) N‑COUNT □� �a gunfighter who hunts down the former partner who double-crossed him.

gun|fire /gʌ nfa I ə r / N‑UNCOUNT Gunfire is the repeated shooting of guns. □� The sound of gunfire and explosions grew closer.

gunge /gʌ ndʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT You use gunge to refer to a soft, sticky substance, especially if it is unpleasant. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He had painted the floors with some kind of black gunge.

gung ho /gʌ ŋ hoʊ / also gung-ho ADJ If you say that someone is gung ho , you mean that they are very enthusiastic or eager to do something, for example to fight in a battle. [INFORMAL ] □� He has warned some of his more gung ho generals about the consequences of an invasion. □� Senate Republicans are less gung-ho about tax cuts.

gunk /gʌ ŋk/ N‑UNCOUNT You use gunk to refer to any soft sticky substance, especially if it is unpleasant. [INFORMAL ]

gun|man /gʌ nmən/ (gunmen ) N‑COUNT A gunman is a man who uses a gun to commit a crime such as murder or robbery. [JOURNALISM ] □� Two policemen were killed when gunmen opened fire on their patrol vehicle.

gun|ner /gʌ nə r / (gunners ) N‑COUNT A gunner is an ordinary soldier in an artillery regiment.

gun|nery /gʌ nəri/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Gunnery is the activity of firing large guns. [MILITARY , TECHNICAL ] □� During the Second World War the area was used for gunnery practice.

gun|point /gʌ npɔ I nt/ PHRASE If you are held at gunpoint , someone is threatening to shoot and kill you if you do not obey them. □� She and her two daughters were held at gunpoint by a gang who burst into their home.

gun|powder /gʌ npaʊdə r / N‑UNCOUNT Gunpowder is an explosive substance which is used to make fireworks or cause explosions.

gu n-runner (gun-runners ) in AM, use gunrunner N‑COUNT A gun-runner is someone who takes or sends guns into a country secretly and illegally.

gu n-running N‑UNCOUNT Gun-running is the activity of taking or sending guns into a country secretly and illegally.

gun|ship /gʌ nʃ I p/ (gunships ) →�see helicopter gunship

gun|shot /gʌ nʃɒt/ (gunshots )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Gunshot is used to refer to bullets that are fired from a gun. □� They had died of gunshot wounds. □� �avoiding the volleys of gunshot.

2 N‑COUNT A gunshot is the firing of a gun or the sound of a gun being fired. □� A balloon popped, sounding like a gunshot.

gu n-shy ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is gun-shy , they are nervous or afraid. □� The electric-power industry is gun-shy about building more large plants.

gun|slinger /gʌ nsl I ŋə r / (gunslingers ) N‑COUNT A gunslinger is someone, especially a criminal, who uses guns in fighting.

gun|smith /gʌ nsm I θ/ (gunsmiths ) N‑COUNT A gunsmith is someone who makes and repairs guns.

gup|py /gʌ pi/ (guppies ) N‑COUNT A guppy is a small, brightly-coloured tropical fish.

gur|gle /gɜː r g ə l/ (gurgles , gurgling , gurgled )

1 VERB If water is gurgling , it is making the sound that it makes when it flows quickly and unevenly through a narrow space. □�[V adv/prep] �a narrow stone-edged channel along which water gurgles unseen. ●�N‑COUNT Gurgle is also a noun. □� We could hear the swish and gurgle of water against the hull.

2 VERB If someone, especially a baby, is gurgling , they are making a sound in their throat similar to the gurgling of water. □�[V ] Henry gurgles happily in his baby chair. ●�N‑COUNT Gurgle is also a noun. □� There was a gurgle of laughter on the other end of the line.

gur|ney /gɜː ni/ (gurneys ) N‑COUNT A gurney is a bed on wheels that is used in hospitals for moving sick or injured people. [AM ] in BRIT, use trolley

guru /guː ruː/ (gurus )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A guru is a person who some people regard as an expert or leader. □� Fashion gurus dictate crazy ideas such as squeezing oversized bodies into tight trousers.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A guru is a religious and spiritual leader and teacher, especially in Hinduism.

gush /gʌ ʃ/ (gushes , gushing , gushed )

1 VERB When liquid gushes out of something, or when something gushes a liquid, the liquid flows out very quickly and in large quantities. □�[V adv/prep] Piping-hot water gushed out. □�[V n] A supertanker continues to gush oil off the coast of Spain.

2 N‑SING A gushof liquid is a sudden, rapid flow of liquid, or a quantity of it that suddenly flows out. □�[+�of ] I heard a gush of water.

3 VERB If someone gushes , they express their admiration or pleasure in an exaggerated way. □�[V with quote] 'Oh, it was brilliant,' he gushes. □�[V prep] He gushed about his love for his wife. ●� gush|ing ADJ □� He delivered a gushing speech.

gussy /gʌ si/ (gussies , gussying , gussied )

▸� gussy up PHRASAL VERB If someone is gussied up , they are dressed very smartly. If something is gussied up , it is made more interesting or attractive. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V -ed P ] They all got gussied up. □�[V P n] �plans to gussy up the venues, offering better food and games arcades. [Also V pron P ]

gust /gʌ st/ (gusts , gusting , gusted )

1 N‑COUNT A gust is a short, strong, sudden rush of wind. □�[+�of ] A gust of wind drove down the valley. □� A hurricane-force gust blew off part of a church tower.

2 VERB When the wind gusts , it blows with short, strong, sudden rushes. □�[V ] The wind gusted again. □�[V prep/adv] The wind gusted up to 164 miles an hour.

3 N‑COUNT If you feel a gust of emotion, you feel the emotion suddenly and intensely. □�[+�of ] �a small gust of pleasure.

gus|to /gʌ stoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] If you do something withgusto , you do it with energetic and enthusiastic enjoyment. [APPROVAL ] □� Hers was a minor part, but she played it with gusto.

gusty /gʌ sti/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Gusty winds are very strong and irregular. □� Weather forecasts predict more hot weather, gusty winds and lightning strikes.

gut /gʌ t/ (guts , gutting , gutted )

1 N‑PLURAL A person's or animal's guts are all the organs inside them. □� By the time they finish, the crewmen are standing ankle-deep in fish guts.

2 VERB When someone guts a dead animal or fish, they prepare it for cooking by removing all the organs from inside it. □�[V n] It is not always necessary to gut the fish prior to freezing.

3 N‑SING The gut is the tube inside the body of a person or animal through which food passes while it is being digested.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Guts is the will and courage to do something which is difficult or unpleasant, or which might have unpleasant results. [INFORMAL ] □� The new Chancellor has the guts to push through unpopular tax increases.

5 N‑SING [usu N n] A gut feeling is based on instinct or emotion rather than reason. □� Let's have your gut reaction to the facts as we know them.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to someone's stomach as their gut , especially when it is very large and sticks out. [INFORMAL ] □� His gut sagged out over his belt.

7 →�see also beer gut

8 VERB To gut a building means to destroy the inside of it so that only its outside walls remain. □�[V n] Over the weekend, a firebomb gutted a building where 60 people lived. □�[V -ed] A factory stands gutted and deserted.

9 N‑UNCOUNT Gut is string made from part of the stomach of an animal. Traditionally, it is used to make the strings of sports rackets or musical instruments such as violins.

10 →�see also gutted

11 PHRASE If you hate someone's guts , you dislike them very much indeed. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� We hate each other's guts.

12 PHRASE If you say that you are working your guts out or slogging your guts out , you are emphasizing that you are working as hard as you can. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Most have worked their guts out and made sacrifices.

gut|less /gʌ tləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as gutless , you think they have a weak character and lack courage or determination. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� By attacking me, by attacking my wife, he has proved himself to be a gutless coward.

gutsy /gʌ tsi/ (gutsier , gutsiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as gutsy , you mean they show courage or determination. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� I've always been drawn to tough, gutsy women. □� They admired his gutsy and emotional speech.

gut|ted /gʌ t I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are gutted , you feel extremely disappointed or depressed about something that has happened. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Birmingham City supporters will be absolutely gutted if he leaves the club.

gut|ter /gʌ tə r / (gutters )

1 N‑COUNT Thegutter is the edge of a road next to the pavement, where rain water collects and flows away. □� It is supposed to be washed down the gutter and into the city's vast sewerage system.

2 N‑COUNT A gutter is a plastic or metal channel fixed to the lower edge of the roof of a building, which rain water drains into. □� Did you fix the gutter?

3 N‑SING If someone is inthe gutter , they are very poor and live in a very bad way. □� Instead of ending up in jail or in the gutter he was remarkably successful.

4 →�see also gutter press

gut|ter|ing /gʌ tər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Guttering consists of the plastic or metal channels fixed to the lower edge of the roof of a building, which rain water drains into.

gu t|ter pre ss N‑SING You can refer to newspapers and magazines which print mainly stories about sex and crime as the gutter press . [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The gutter press has held the royals up to ridicule. in AM, use scandal sheets

gut|tur|al /gʌ tər ə l/ ADJ Guttural sounds are harsh sounds that are produced at the back of a person's throat. □� Joe had a low, guttural voice with a mid-Western accent.

gu t-wrenching ADJ Gut-wrenching events or experiences make you feel extremely shocked or upset. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □� Going to court can be an expensive and gut wrenching experience that is best avoided.

guv /gʌ v/ N‑COUNT Guv is sometimes used to address a man, especially a customer or someone you are doing a service for. [BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� Hey, thanks, guv.

guv|nor /gʌ vnə r / (guvnors ) also guv'nor N‑COUNT Guvnor is sometimes used to refer to or address a man who is in a position of authority over you, for example your employer or father. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

guy ◆◆◇ /ga I / (guys )

1 N‑COUNT A guy is a man. [INFORMAL ] □� I was working with a guy from Manchester.

2 →�see also wise guy

3 N‑COUNT ; N‑PLURAL Americans sometimes address a group of people, whether they are male or female, as guys or you guys . [INFORMAL ] □� Hi, guys. How are you doing? □� Mom wants to know if you guys still have that two-person tent.

Guy Fawkes Night /ga I fɔːks na I t/ N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, Guy Fawkes Night is the evening of 5th November, when many people have parties with bonfires and fireworks. It began as a way of remembering the attempt by Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Guy Fawkes Night is often referred to as 'Bonfire Night'.

gu y rope (guy ropes ) N‑COUNT A guy rope is a rope or wire that has one end fastened to a tent or pole and the other end fixed to the ground, so that it keeps the tent or pole in position.

guz|zle /gʌ z ə l/ (guzzles , guzzling , guzzled )

1 VERB If you guzzle something, you drink it or eat it quickly and greedily. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Melissa had guzzled gin and tonics like they were lemonade. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you say that a vehicle guzzles fuel, you mean that it uses a lot of it in a way that is wasteful and unnecessary. □�[V n] The plane was deafeningly noisy, guzzled fuel, and left a trail of smoke. ●� -guzzling COMB [ADJ n] □� The boom of the 1980s led to a taste for petrol-guzzling cars. □� �big energy-guzzling houses.

3 →�see also gas guzzler

gym /dʒ I m/ (gyms )

1 N‑COUNT A gym is a club, building, or large room, usually containing special equipment, where people go to do physical exercise and get fit. □� While the lads are golfing, I work out in the gym. □� �the school gym.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Gym is the activity of doing physical exercises in a gym, especially at school. [INFORMAL ] □� �gym classes.

gym|kha|na /dʒ I mkɑː nə/ (gymkhanas ) N‑COUNT A gymkhana is an event in which people ride horses in competition.

gym|na|sium /dʒ I mne I ziəm/ (gymnasiums or gymnasia /dʒ I mne I ziə/) N‑COUNT A gymnasium is the same as a gym . [FORMAL ]

gym|nast /dʒ I mn�st/ (gymnasts ) N‑COUNT A gymnast is someone who is trained in gymnastics.

gym|nas|tics /dʒ I mn� st I ks/ The form gymnastic is used as a modifier. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Gymnastics consists of physical exercises that develop your strength, co-ordination, and ease of movement. □� �the British Amateur Gymnastics Association.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Gymnastic is used to describe things relating to gymnastics. □� �gymnastic exercises.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [adj N ] You can use gymnastics to refer to activities which require skills such as speed and adaptability. □� Hers is the kind of voice that excels at vocal gymnastics.

gy|nae|col|ogy /ga I n I kɒ lədʒi/ in AM, use gynecology N‑UNCOUNT Gynaecology is the branch of medical science which deals with women's diseases and medical conditions. ●� gy|nae|colo|gist (gynaecologists ) N‑COUNT □� Gynaecologists at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital have successfully used the drug on 60 women. ●� gy|nae|co|logi|cal /ga I n I kəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� Breast examination is a part of a routine gynaecological examination.

gyp|sum /dʒ I psəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Gypsum is a soft white substance which looks like chalk and which is used to make plaster of Paris.

gyp|sy /dʒ I psi/ (gypsies ) also gipsy N‑COUNT A gypsy is a member of a race of people who travel from place to place, usually in caravans, rather than living in one place. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Gypsy is also an adjective. □� �the largest gypsy community of any country.

gy|rate /dʒa I re I t, [AM ] dʒa I re I t/ (gyrates , gyrating , gyrated )

1 VERB If you gyrate , you dance or move your body quickly with circular movements. □�[V ] The woman began to gyrate to the music. □�[V -ing] �a room stuffed full of gasping, gyrating bodies. ●� gy|ra|tion /dʒa I re I ʃ ə n/ (gyrations ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] □� Prince continued his enthusiastic gyrations on stage.

2 VERB To gyrate means to turn round and round in a circle, usually very fast. □�[V prep] The aeroplane was gyrating about the sky in a most unpleasant fashion. [Also V ]

3 VERB If things such as prices or currencies gyrate , they move up and down in a rapid and uncontrolled way. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V adv/prep] Interest rates began to gyrate up towards 20 per cent in 1980 and then down and up again. [Also V ] ●� gy|ra|tion N‑COUNT [usu pl] □� �the gyrations of the currency markets.

gy|ro|scope /dʒa I rəskoʊp/ (gyroscopes ) N‑COUNT A gyroscope is a device that contains a disc turning on an axis that can turn freely in any direction, so that the disc maintains the same position whatever the position or movement of the surrounding structure.

Hh

H , h /e I tʃ/ (H's, h's ) N‑VAR H is the eighth letter of the English alphabet.

ha /hɑː / also hah

1 EXCLAM Ha is used in writing to represent a noise that people make to show they are surprised, annoyed, or pleased about something. □� Ha! said Wren. Think I'd trust you?

2 →�see also ha ha

ha.ha. is a written abbreviation for hectare .

ha|beas cor|pus /he I biəs kɔː r pəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Habeas corpus is a law that states that a person cannot be kept in prison unless they have first been brought before a court of law, which decides whether it is legal for them to be kept in prison.

hab|er|dash|er /h� bə r d�ʃə r / (haberdashers )

1 N‑COUNT A haberdasher or a haberdasher's is a shop where small articles for sewing are sold. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A haberdasher is a shopkeeper who makes and sells men's clothes. [AM ] in BRIT, use tailor3 N‑COUNT A haberdasher or a haberdasher's is a shop where men's clothes are sold. [AM ] in BRIT, use tailor , tailor's

hab|er|dash|ery /h� bə r d�ʃəri/ (haberdasheries )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Haberdashery is small articles for sewing, such as buttons, zips, and thread, which are sold in a haberdasher's shop. [BRIT ] in AM, use notions2 N‑UNCOUNT Haberdashery is men's clothing sold in a shop. [AM ]

3 N‑COUNT A haberdashery is a shop selling haberdashery.

hab|it ◆◇◇ /h� b I t/ (habits )

1 N‑VAR A habit is something that you do often or regularly. □�[+�of ] He has an endearing habit of licking his lips when he's nervous. □� Many people add salt to their food out of habit, without even tasting it first. □� �a survey on eating habits in the U.K.

2 N‑COUNT A habit is an action which is considered bad that someone does repeatedly and finds it difficult to stop doing. □�[+�of ] Break the habit of eating too quickly by putting your knife and fork down after each mouthful. □� After twenty years as a chain smoker Mr Nathe has given up the habit.

3 N‑COUNT A drug habit is an addiction to a drug such as heroin or cocaine. □� She became a prostitute in order to pay for her cocaine habit.

4 N‑COUNT A habit is a piece of clothing shaped like a long loose dress, which a nun or monk wears.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is a creature of habit , you mean that they usually do the same thing at the same time each day, rather than doing new and different things.

6 PHRASE If you are in the habit of doing something, you do it regularly or often. If you getinto the habit of doing something, you begin to do it regularly or often. □� They were in the habit of giving two or three dinner parties a month. □� I got into the habit of calling in on Gloria on my way home from work.

7 PHRASE If you make a habit of doing something, you do it regularly or often. □� You can phone me at work as long as you don't make a habit of it. SYNONYMS habit NOUN 1

mannerism:His mannerisms are more those of a preoccupied math professor.

way:He denounces people who urge him to alter his ways.

quirk:Brown was fascinated by people's quirks and foibles.

foible:�human foibles and weaknesses.

idiosyncrasy:Everyone has a few little idiosyncrasies.

hab|it|able /h� b I təb ə l/ ADJ If a place is habitable , it is good enough for people to live in. □� Making the house habitable was a major undertaking.

habi|tat /h� b I t�t/ (habitats ) N‑VAR The habitat of an animal or plant is the natural environment in which it normally lives or grows. □� In its natural habitat, the hibiscus will grow up to 25ft.

habi|ta|tion /h� b I te I ʃ ə n/ (habitations ) N‑UNCOUNT Habitation is the activity of living somewhere. [FORMAL ] □� 20 per cent of private-rented dwellings are unfit for human habitation.

ha|bitu|al /həb I tʃuəl/

1 ADJ A habitual action, state, or way of behaving is one that someone usually does or has, especially one that is considered to be typical or characteristic of them. □� If bad posture becomes habitual, you risk long-term effects. ●� ha|bitu|al|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� His mother had a patient who habitually flew into rages.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use habitual to describe someone who usually or often does a particular thing. □� �the home secretary's plans for minimum sentences for habitual criminals.

ha|bitu|at|ed /həb I tʃue I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are habituatedto something, you have become used to it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] We are all surrounded by and habituated to entertainment.

ha|bitu� /həb I tʃue I / (habitu�s ) N‑COUNT Someone who is a habitu�of a particular place often visits that place. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a habitu� of the same Soho drinking dens as Freud.

hack /h� k/ (hacks , hacking , hacked )

1 VERB If you hack something or hack at it, you cut it with strong, rough strokes using a sharp tool such as an axe or knife. □�[V n] An armed gang barged onto the train and began hacking and shooting anyone in sight. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Some were hacked to death with machetes. □�[V prep] Matthew desperately hacked through the leather.

2 VERB If you hack your way through an area such as a jungle or hack a path through it, you move forward, cutting back the trees or plants that are in your way. □�[V n prep/adv] We undertook the task of hacking our way through the jungle.

3 VERB If you hackat or hack something which is too large, too long, or too expensive, you reduce its size, length, or cost by cutting out or getting rid of large parts of it. □�[V adv/prep] He hacked away at the story, eliminating one character entirely. [Also V n]

4 N‑COUNT If you refer to a professional writer, such as a journalist, as a hack , you disapprove of them because they write for money without worrying very much about the quality of their writing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �tabloid hacks, always eager to find victims in order to sell newspapers.

5 N‑COUNT If you refer to a politician as a hack , you disapprove of them because they are too loyal to their party and perhaps do not deserve the position they have. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Far too many party hacks from the old days still hold influential jobs.

6 VERB If someone hacks into a computer system, they break into the system, especially in order to get secret information. □�[V +�into ] The saboteurs had demanded money in return for revealing how they hacked into the systems. ●� hack|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the common and often illegal art of computer hacking.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone can't hack it or couldn't hack it , you mean that they do not or did not have the qualities needed to do a task or cope with a situation. [INFORMAL ] □� You have to be confident and never give the impression that you can't hack it.

8 →�see also hacking

hack|er /h� kə r / (hackers ) N‑COUNT A computer hacker is someone who tries to break into computer systems, especially in order to get secret information.

hack|ing /h� k I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A hacking cough is a dry, painful cough with a harsh, unpleasant sound.

2 →�see also hack

ha ck|ing jack|et (hacking jackets ) N‑COUNT A hacking jacket is a jacket made of a woollen cloth called tweed. Hacking jackets are often worn by people who go horse riding. [mainly BRIT ]

hack|les /h� k ə lz/ PHRASE If something raises your hackles or makes your hackles rise , it makes you feel angry and hostile.

hack|neyed /h� knid/ ADJ If you describe something such as a saying or an image as hackneyed , you think it is no longer likely to interest, amuse or affect people because it has been used, seen, or heard many times before. □� Power corrupts and absolute power absolutely corrupts. That's the old hackneyed phrase, but it's true.

hack|saw /h� ksɔː/ (hacksaws ) N‑COUNT A hacksaw is a small saw used for cutting metal.

had The auxiliary verb is pronounced /həd, STRONG h�d/. For the main verb, and for the meanings 2 to 5 , the pronunciation is /h� d/. 1Had is the past tense and past participle of have .

2 AUX Had is sometimes used instead of 'if' to begin a clause which refers to a situation that might have happened but did not. For example, the clause 'had he been elected' means the same as 'if he had been elected'. □�[AUX n -ed] Had he succeeded, he would have acquired a monopoly. □�[AUX n -ed] Had I known what the problem was, we could have addressed it.

3 PHRASE If you have been had , someone has tricked you, for example by selling you something at too high a price. [INFORMAL ] □� If your customer thinks he's been had, you have to make him happy.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone has had it , you mean they are in very serious trouble or have no hope of succeeding. [INFORMAL ] □� Unless she loses some weight, she's had it.

5 PHRASE If you say that you have had it , you mean that you are very tired of something or very annoyed about it, and do not want to continue doing it or it to continue happening. [INFORMAL ] □� I've had it. Let's call it a day.

had|dock /h� dək/ (haddock ) N‑VAR Haddock are a type of edible sea fish that are found in the North Atlantic.

Ha|des /he I diːz/ N‑PROPER In Greek mythology, Hades was a place under the earth where people went after they died.

hadn't /h� d ə nt/ Hadn't is the usual spoken form of 'had not'.

haemo|glo|bin /hiː məgloʊ b I n/ in AM, use hemoglobin N‑UNCOUNT Haemoglobin is the red substance in blood, which combines with oxygen and carries it around the body.

haemo|philia /hiː məf I liə/ in AM, use hemophilia N‑UNCOUNT Haemophilia is a medical condition in which a person's blood does not thicken or clot properly when they are injured, so they continue bleeding.

haemo|phili|ac /hiː məf I li�k/ (haemophiliacs ) in AM, use hemophiliac N‑COUNT A haemophiliac is a person who suffers from haemophilia.

haem|or|rhage /he mər I dʒ/ (haemorrhages , haemorrhaging , haemorrhaged ) in AM, use hemorrhage1 N‑VAR A haemorrhage is serious bleeding inside a person's body. □� Shortly after his admission into hospital he had a massive brain haemorrhage and died. □� These drugs will not be used if hemorrhage is the cause of the stroke.

2 VERB If someone is haemorrhaging , there is serious bleeding inside their body. □�[V ] I haemorrhaged badly after the birth of all three of my sons. □�[V ] If this is left untreated, one can actually haemorrhage to death. ●� haem|or|rhag|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� A post mortem showed he died from shock and haemorrhaging.

3 N‑SING A haemorrhage of people or resources is a rapid loss of them from a group or place, seriously weakening its position. □�[+�of ] The haemorrhage of our brightest and most devoted doctors and nurses increases.

4 VERB To haemorrhage people or resources means to lose them rapidly and become weak. You can also say that people or resources haemorrhage from a place or organization. □�[V n] Venice is haemorrhaging the very resource which could save it: its own people. □�[V +�from ] The figures showed that cash was haemorrhaging from the conglomerate.

haem|or|rhoid /he mərɔ I dz/ (haemorrhoids ) in AM, use hemorrhoid N‑COUNT [usu pl] Haemorrhoids are painful swellings that can appear in the veins inside the anus. [MEDICAL ]

hag /h� g/ (hags ) N‑COUNT If someone refers to a woman as a hag , they mean that she is ugly, old, and unpleasant. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

hag|gard /h� gə r d/ ADJ Someone who looks haggard has a tired expression and shadows under their eyes, especially because they are ill or have not had enough sleep. □� He was pale and a bit haggard.

hag|gis /h� g I s/ (haggises ) N‑VAR A haggis is a large sausage, usually shaped like a ball, which is made from minced sheep's meat contained inside the skin from a sheep's stomach. Haggis is traditionally made and eaten in Scotland.

hag|gle /h� g ə l/ (haggles , haggling , haggled ) VERB If you haggle , you argue about something before reaching an agreement, especially about the cost of something that you are buying. □�[V +�with ] Ella taught her how to haggle with used furniture dealers. □�[V ] Meanwhile, as the politicians haggle, the violence worsens. □�[V ] Of course he'll still haggle over the price. ●� hag|gling N‑UNCOUNT □� After months of haggling, they recovered only three-quarters of what they had lent.

hah /hɑː / →�see ha

ha ha or ha ha ha

1 EXCLAM Ha ha is used in writing to represent the sound that people make when they laugh. □� 'I'll come and see how you're getting on!' �'Ha ha ha! Thanks, Peter.'

2 EXCLAM People sometimes say ' ha ha ' to show that they are not amused by what you have said, or do not believe it. [SPOKEN ] □� He said 'vegetarians unite', and I looked at him and said 'yeah, ha ha.'

hail /he I l/ (hails , hailing , hailed )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a person, event, or achievement is hailedas important or successful, they are praised publicly. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He has been hailed as the best centreback in the land. □�[V n +�as ] U.S. magazines hailed her as the greatest rock'n'roll singer in the world. [Also be V -ed n]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Hail consists of small balls of ice that fall like rain from the sky. □� �a sharp short-lived storm with heavy hail.

3 VERB When it hails , hail falls like rain from the sky. □�[V ] It started to hail, huge great stones.

4 N‑SING A hail of things, usually small objects, is a large number of them that hit you at the same time and with great force. □�[+�of ] The victim was hit by a hail of bullets.

5 VERB Someone who hails from a particular place was born there or lives there. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�from ] I hail from Brighton.

6 VERB If you hail a taxi, you wave at it in order to stop it because you want the driver to take you somewhere. □�[V n] I hurried away to hail a taxi.

Hai l Ma ry (Hail Marys ) N‑COUNT A Hail Mary is a prayer to the Virgin Mary that is said by Roman Catholics.

hail|stone /he I lstoʊn/ (hailstones ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Hailstones are small balls of ice that fall like rain from the sky.

hail|storm /he I lstɔː r m/ (hailstorms ) also hail storm N‑COUNT A hailstorm is a storm during which it hails.

hair ◆◆◇ /heə r / (hairs )

1 N‑VAR Your hair is the fine threads that grow in a mass on your head. □� I wash my hair every night. □� �a girl with long blonde hair. □� I get some grey hairs but I pull them out.

2 N‑VAR Hair is the short, fine threads that grow on different parts of your body. □� The majority of men have hair on their chest. □� It tickled the hairs on the back of my neck.

3 N‑VAR Hair is the threads that cover the body of an animal such as a dog, or make up a horse's mane and tail. □� I am allergic to cat hair. □� �dog hairs on the carpet.

4 PHRASE If you let your hair down , you relax completely and enjoy yourself. □� �the world-famous Oktoberfest, a time when everyone in Munich really lets their hair down.

5 PHRASE Something that makes your hair stand on end shocks or frightens you very much. □� This was the kind of smile that made your hair stand on end.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone has not a hair out of place , you are emphasizing that they are extremely smart and neatly dressed. [EMPHASIS ] □� She had a lot of make-up on and not a hair out of place.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone faced with a shock or a problem does not turn a hair , you mean that they do not show any surprise or fear, and remain completely calm. □� I explained my situation and he didn't turn a hair.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone is splitting hairs , you mean that they are making unnecessary distinctions between things when the differences between them are so small they are not important. □� Don't split hairs. You know what I'm getting at.

hair|brush /heə r brʌʃ/ (hairbrushes ) N‑COUNT A hairbrush is a brush that you use to brush your hair.

hai r care also haircare N‑UNCOUNT Hair care is all the things people do to keep their hair clean, healthy-looking, and attractive. □� �an American maker of haircare products.

hair|cut /heə r kʌt/ (haircuts )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a haircut , someone cuts your hair for you. □� Your hair is all right; it's just that you need a haircut.

2 N‑COUNT A haircut is the style in which your hair has been cut. □� Who's that guy with the funny haircut?

hair|do /heə r duː/ (hairdos ) N‑COUNT A hairdo is the style in which your hair has been cut and arranged. [INFORMAL ]

hair|dresser /heə r dresə r / (hairdressers )

1 N‑COUNT A hairdresser is a person who cuts, colours, and arranges people's hair.

2 N‑COUNT A hairdresser or a hairdresser's is a shop where a hairdresser works.

hair|dressing /heə r dres I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Hairdressing is the job or activity of cutting, colouring, and arranging people's hair.

hair|dry|er /heə r dra I ə r / (hairdryers ) also hairdrier N‑COUNT A hairdryer is a machine that you use to dry your hair.

-haired /-heə r d/ COMB -haired combines with adjectives to describe the length, colour, or type of hair that someone has. □� He was a small, dark-haired man.

hair|grip /heə rgr I p/ (hairgrips ) also hair-grip N‑COUNT A hairgrip is a small piece of metal or plastic bent back on itself, which you use to hold your hair in position. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use bobby pin

hair|less /heə r ləs/ ADJ A part of your body that is hairless has no hair on it.

hair|line /heə r la I n/ (hairlines )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] Your hairline is the edge of the area where your hair grows on your head. □� Joanne had a small dark birthmark near her hairline.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A hairline crack or gap is very narrow or fine. □� He suffered a hairline fracture of the right index finger.

hair|net /heə r net/ (hairnets ) N‑COUNT A hairnet is a small net that some women wear over their hair in order to keep it tidy.

hair|piece /heə r piːs/ (hairpieces ) N‑COUNT A hairpiece is a piece of false hair that some people wear on their head if they are bald or if they want to make their own hair seem longer or thicker.

hair|pin /heə r p I n/ (hairpins )

1 N‑COUNT A hairpin is a small piece of metal or plastic bent back on itself which someone uses to hold their hair in position.

2 N‑COUNT A hairpin is the same as a hairpin bend .

hai r|pin be nd (hairpin bends ) N‑COUNT A hairpin bend or a hairpin is a very sharp bend in a road, where the road turns back in the opposite direction.

hai r-raising ADJ A hair-raising experience, event, or story is very frightening but can also be exciting. □� �hair-raising rides at funfairs.

hai r's breadth N‑SING Ahair's breadth is a very small degree or amount. □� The dollar fell to within a hair's breadth of its all-time low.

hai r shi rt (hair shirts )

1 N‑COUNT A hair shirt is a shirt made of rough uncomfortable cloth which some religious people used to wear to punish themselves.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is wearing a hair shirt , you mean that they are trying to punish themselves to show they are sorry for something they have done. □� No one is asking you to put on a hair shirt and give up all your luxuries.

hair|spray /heə r spre I / (hairsprays ) N‑VAR Hairspray is a sticky substance that you spray out of a can onto your hair in order to hold it in place.

hair|style /heə r sta I l/ (hairstyles ) N‑COUNT Your hairstyle is the style in which your hair has been cut or arranged. □� I think her new short hairstyle looks simply great.

hair|stylist /heə r sta I l I st/ (hairstylists ) also hair stylist N‑COUNT A hairstylist is someone who cuts and arranges people's hair, especially in order to get them ready for a photograph or film.

hai r-trigger ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as hair-trigger , you mean that it is likely to change very violently and suddenly. □� His boozing, arrogance, and hair-trigger temper have often led him into ugly nightclub brawls. □� A hair-trigger situation has been created which could lead to an outbreak of war at any time.

hairy /heə ri/ (hairier , hairiest )

1 ADJ Someone or something that is hairy is covered with hairs. □� He was wearing shorts which showed his long, muscular, hairy legs.

2 ADJ If you describe a situation as hairy , you mean that it is exciting, worrying, and rather frightening. [INFORMAL ] □� His driving was a bit hairy.

hake /he I k/ (hake ) N‑VAR A hake is a type of large edible sea fish. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Hake is this fish eaten as food.

halal /həlɑː l/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Halal meat is meat from animals that have been killed according to Muslim law. □� �a halal butcher's shop

hal|cy|on /h� lsiən/ ADJ [ADJ n] A halcyon time is a time in the past that was peaceful or happy. [LITERARY ] □� It was all a far cry from those halcyon days in 1990, when he won three tournaments on the European tour.

hale /he I l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe people, especially people who are old, as hale , you mean that they are healthy. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� She is remarkable and I'd like to see her remain hale and hearty for years yet.

half ◆◆◆ /hɑː f, [AM ] h� f/ (halves /hɑː vz, [AM ] h� vz/)

1 FRACTION Halfof an amount or object is one of two equal parts that together make up the whole number, amount, or object. □� They need an extra two and a half thousand pounds to complete the project. □�[+�of ] More than half of all households report incomes above �35,000. □� Cut the tomatoes in half vertically. ●�PREDET Half is also a predeterminer. □� We just sat and talked for half an hour or so. □� They had only received half the money promised. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Half is also an adjective. □� �a half measure of fresh lemon juice. □� Steve barely said a handful of words during the first half hour.

2 ADV [ADV adj, ADV before v] You use half to say that something is only partly the case or happens to only a limited extent. □� His eyes were half closed. □� His refrigerator frequently looked half empty. □� She'd half expected him to withdraw from the course.

3 N‑COUNT In games such as football, rugby, and basketball, matches are divided into two equal periods of time which are called halves . □� The only goal was scored early in the second half.

4 N‑COUNT A half is a half-price bus or train ticket for a child. [BRIT ]

5 ADV [ADV adj] You use half to say that someone has parents of different nationalities. For example, if you are half German, one of your parents is German but the other is not. □� She was half Italian and half English.

6 PHRASE You use half past to refer to a time that is thirty minutes after a particular hour. □� 'What time were you planning lunch?'�'Half past twelve, if that's convenient.'.

7 PREP Half means the same as half past . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� They are supposed to be here at about half four.

8 ADV [ADV adj] You can use half before an adjective describing an extreme quality, as a way of emphasizing and exaggerating something. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He felt half dead with tiredness. ●�PREDET Half can also be used in this way with a noun referring to a long period of time or a large quantity. □� I thought about you half the night. □� He wouldn't know what he was saying half the time.

9 ADV [with neg] [ADV adj/adv, ADV n] Half is sometimes used in negative statements, with a positive meaning, to emphasize a particular fact or quality. For example, if you say ' he isn't half lucky ', you mean that he is very lucky. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� You don't half sound confident. □� 'Presumably this made some impact then.'�'Oh not half.'

10 ADV [with neg, ADV n, ADV as/so adj] You use not half or not half as to show that you do not think something is as good or impressive as it is meant to be. [EMPHASIS ] □� You're not half the man you think you are.

11 PHRASE When you use an expression such as a problem and a half or a meal and a half , you are emphasizing that your reaction to it is either very favourable or very unfavourable. [EMPHASIS ] □� Teaching Jason to kick the ball, that was a job and a half.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone never does things by halves , you mean that they always do things very thoroughly. □� In Italy they rarely do things by halves. Designers work thoroughly, producing the world's most wearable clothes in the most beautiful fabrics.

13 PHRASE If two people go halves , they divide the cost of something equally between them. □� At the end of the meal, she offered to go halves.

14half the battle →�see battle COLLOCATIONS half NOUN

1

adjective +�half : first, latter, second; bottom, left, right, upper; eastern, northern, southern, western

2

adjective +�half : first, opening, second

verb +�half : dominate; start

ha lf-ba ked ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an idea or plan as half-baked , you mean that it has not been properly thought out, and so is stupid or impractical. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� This is another half-baked scheme that isn't going to work.

ha lf boa rd N‑UNCOUNT If you stay at a hotel and have half board , your breakfast and evening meal are included in the price of your stay at the hotel, but not your lunch. [mainly BRIT ]

ha lf-brother (half-brothers ) N‑COUNT Someone's half-brother is a boy or man who has either the same mother or the same father as they have.

ha lf-caste (half-castes ) ADJ Someone who is half-caste has parents who come from different races. [mainly BRIT , OFFENSIVE ]

ha lf-da y (half-days ) also half day N‑COUNT A half-day is a day when you work only in the morning or in the afternoon, but not all day.

ha lf-hea rted ADJ If someone does something in a half-hearted way, they do it without any real effort, interest, or enthusiasm. □� The previous owner had made a half-hearted attempt at renovating the place. ●� half-heartedly ADV [ADV with v] □� I can't do anything half-heartedly. I have to do everything 100 per cent.

ha lf-life (half-lives ) also half life N‑COUNT The half-life of a radioactive substance is the amount of time that it takes to lose half its radioactivity.

ha lf-ma st PHRASE If a flag is flying at half-mast , it is flying from the middle of the pole, not the top, to show respect and sorrow for someone who has just died.

ha lf mea s|ure (half measures ) also half-measure N‑COUNT [usu pl] If someone refers to policies or actions as half measures , they are critical of them because they think that they are not forceful enough and are therefore of little value. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They have already declared their intention to fight on rather than settle for half-measures.

ha lf note (half notes ) N‑COUNT A half note is a musical note that has a time value equal to two quarter notes. [AM ] in BRIT, use minim

half|penny /he I pni/ (halfpennies or halfpence /he I pəns/) N‑COUNT A halfpenny was a small British coin which was worth half a penny.

ha lf-pri ce

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] If something is half-price , it costs only half what it usually costs. □� Main courses are half price from 12.30pm to 2pm. □� Mind you, a half-price suit still cost $400. □� We can get in half-price.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu at/for N ] If something is sold at or forhalf-price , it is sold for only half of what it usually costs. □� By yesterday she was selling off stock at half price. □� They normally charge three hundred pounds but we got it for half price.

ha lf-sister (half-sisters ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's half-sister is a girl or woman who has either the same mother or the same father as they have.

ha lf-te rm (half-terms ) also half term N‑VAR [oft at N ] Half-term is a short holiday in the middle of a school term. [BRIT ] □� There was no play school at half term, so I took them both to the cinema. □� �the half-term holidays.

ha lf-ti mbered ADJ Half-timbered is used to describe old buildings that have wooden beams showing in the brick and plaster walls, both on the inside and the outside of the building.

ha lf-ti me N‑UNCOUNT Half-time is the short period of time between the two parts of a sporting event such as a football, rugby, or basketball game, when the players have a short rest.

ha lf-truth (half-truths ) also half truth N‑COUNT If you describe statements as half-truths , you mean that they are only partly based on fact and are intended or likely to deceive people. □� The article had been full of errors and half truths.

half|way /hɑː fwe I , [AM ] h� f-/ also half-way

1 ADV [oft ADV after v] Halfway means in the middle of a place or between two points, at an equal distance from each of them. □� Half-way across the car-park, he noticed she was walking with her eyes closed. □� He was halfway up the ladder.

2 ADV Halfway means in the middle of a period of time or of an event. □� By then, it was October and we were more than halfway through our tour. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Halfway is also an adjective. □� The Welsh cyclist was third fastest at the halfway point.

3 PHRASE If you meet someone halfway , you accept some of the points they are making so that you can come to an agreement with them. □� The Democrats are willing to meet the president halfway.

4 ADV [ADV adj] Halfway means reasonably. [INFORMAL ] □� You need hard currency to get anything halfway decent.

ha lf|way hou se (halfway houses )

1 N‑SING A halfway house is an arrangement or thing that has some of the qualities of two different things. □� The results sound like a halfway house between a piano and an electric guitar.

2 N‑COUNT A halfway house is a home for people such as former prisoners, mental patients, or drug addicts who can stay there for a limited period of time to get used to life outside prison or hospital.

half|wit /hɑː fw I t, [AM ] h� f-/ (halfwits ) also half-wit

1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a halfwit , you think they have behaved in a stupid, silly, or irresponsible way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A halfwit is a person who has little intelligence. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

ha lf-wi tted ADJ If you describe someone as half-witted , you think they are very stupid, silly, or irresponsible. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ha lf-yea rly in AM, use semiannual1 ADJ [ADJ n] Half-yearly means happening in the middle of a calendar year or a financial year. [BRIT ] □� �the Central Bank's half-yearly report on the state of the economy.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A company's half-yearly profits are the profits that it makes in six months. [BRIT ] □� The company announced a half-yearly profit of just �2 million.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Half-yearly means happening twice a year, with six months between each event. [BRIT ] □� �half-yearly payments.

hali|but /h� l I bət/ (halibut ) N‑VAR A halibut is a large flat fish. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Halibut is this fish eaten as food.

hali|to|sis /h� l I toʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone has halitosis , their breath smells unpleasant. [FORMAL ]

hall ◆◇◇ /hɔː l/ (halls )

1 N‑COUNT The hall in a house or flat is the area just inside the front door, into which some of the other rooms open. [BRIT ] in AM, use entrance hall2 N‑COUNT A hall in a building is a long passage with doors into rooms on both sides of it. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use hallway3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A hall is a large room or building which is used for public events such as concerts, exhibitions, and meetings. □� We picked up our conference materials and filed into the lecture hall.

4 →�see also city hall , town hall

5 N‑COUNT If students live inhall in British English, or in ahall in American English, they live in a university or college building called a hall of residence .

6 N‑COUNT Hall is sometimes used as part of the name of a large house in the country. □� He died at Holly Hall, his wife's family home.

7 →�see also entrance hall , music hall

hal|le|lu|jah /h� l I luː jə/ also alleluia

1 EXCLAM Hallelujah is used in religious songs and worship as an exclamation of praise and thanks to God.

2 EXCLAM People sometimes say ' Hallelujah! ' when they are pleased that something they have been waiting a long time for has finally happened. □� Hallelujah! College days are over!

hall|mark /hɔː lmɑː r k/ (hallmarks )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The hallmark of something or someone is their most typical quality or feature. □�[+�of ] It's a technique that has become the hallmark of Amber Films.

2 N‑COUNT A hallmark is an official mark put on things made of gold, silver, or platinum that indicates the quality of the metal, where the object was made, and who made it.

hal|lo /h�loʊ / →�see hello

ha ll of fa me (halls of fame )

1 N‑SING If you say that someone is a member of a particular hall of fame , you mean that they are one of the most famous people in that area of activity. □� The British designer has scaled the heights of fashion's hall of fame.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a hall of fame is a type of museum where people can see things relating to famous people who are connected with a particular area of activity.

ha ll of re si|dence (halls of residence ) N‑COUNT Halls of residence are buildings with rooms or flats, usually built by universities or colleges, in which students live during the term. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use dormitory , residence hall

hal|lowed /h� loʊd/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Hallowed is used to describe something that is respected and admired, usually because it is old, important, or has a good reputation. □� �one of opera's most hallowed halls, the Teatro alla Scala, in Milan.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Hallowed is used to describe something that is considered to be holy. □� �hallowed ground.

Hal|low|een /h� loʊiː n/ also Hallowe'en N‑UNCOUNT Halloween is the night of the 31st of October and is traditionally said to be the time when ghosts and witches can be seen. On Halloween, children often dress up as ghosts and witches.

hal|lu|ci|nate /həluː s I ne I t/ (hallucinates , hallucinating , hallucinated ) VERB If you hallucinate , you see things that are not really there, either because you are ill or because you have taken a drug. □�[V ] Hunger made him hallucinate. [Also V that]

hal|lu|ci|na|tion /həluː s I ne I ʃ ə n/ (hallucinations ) N‑VAR A hallucination is the experience of seeing something that is not really there because you are ill or have taken a drug. □� The drug induces hallucinations at high doses.

hal|lu|ci|na|tory /həluː s I nətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hallucinatory is used to describe something that is like a hallucination or is the cause of a hallucination. □� It was an unsettling show. There was a hallucinatory feel from the start.

hal|lu|cino|gen /həluː s I nədʒen/ (hallucinogens ) N‑COUNT A hallucinogen is a substance such as a drug which makes you hallucinate.

hal|lu|ci|no|gen|ic /həluː s I nədʒe n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hallucinogenic drug is one that makes you hallucinate.

hall|way /hɔː lwe I / (hallways )

1 N‑COUNT A hallway in a building is a long passage with doors into rooms on both sides of it.

2 N‑COUNT A hallway in a house or flat is the area just inside the front door, into which some of the other rooms open. [BRIT ] in AM, use entrance hall

halo /he I loʊ/ (haloes or halos )

1 N‑COUNT A halo is a circle of light that is shown in pictures round the head of a holy figure such as a saint or angel.

2 N‑COUNT A halo is a circle of light round a person or thing, or something that looks like a circle of light. □� The sun had a faint halo round it. [Also +�of ]

halt ◆◇◇ /hɔː lt/ (halts , halting , halted )

1 VERB When a person or a vehicle halts or when something halts them, they stop moving in the direction they were going and stand still. □�[V ] They halted at a short distance from the house. □�[V n] She held her hand out flat, to halt him.

2 VERB When something such as growth, development, or activity halts or when you halt it, it stops completely. □�[V n] Striking workers halted production at the auto plant yesterday. □�[V ] The flow of assistance to Vietnam's fragile economy from its ideological allies has virtually halted.

3 VERB ' Halt! ' is a military order to stop walking or marching and stand still. □�[V ] The colonel ordered 'Halt!'

4 PHRASE If someone calls a haltto something such as an activity, they decide not to continue with it or to end it immediately. □� The Russian government had called a halt to the construction of a new project in the Rostov region.

5 PHRASE If someone or something comes to a halt , they stop moving. □� The elevator creaked to a halt at the ground floor.

6 PHRASE If something such as growth, development, or activity comes or grindsto a halt or is broughtto a halt , it stops completely. □� Her political career came to a halt in December 1988. COLLOCATIONS halt VERB 2

halt+�noun : construction, production, growth; decline, slide, spread

halt+�adverb : abruptly, briefly, suddenly, temporarily

hal|ter /hɔː ltə r / (halters ) N‑COUNT A halter is a piece of leather or rope that is fastened round the head of a horse so that it can be led easily.

hal|ter|neck /hɔː ltə r nek/ (halternecks ) N‑COUNT A piece of clothing with a halterneck has a strap that goes around the back of the neck, rather than a strap over each shoulder. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Halterneck is also an adjective. □� �a halterneck evening dress.

halt|ing /hɔː lt I ŋ/ ADJ If you speak or do something in a halting way, you speak or do it slowly and with a lot of hesitation, usually because you are uncertain about what to say or do next. □� In a halting voice she said that she wished to make a statement. ●� halt|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She spoke haltingly of her deep upset and hurt.

halve /hɑː v, [AM ] h� v/ (halves , halving , halved )

1 VERB When you halve something or when it halves , it is reduced to half its previous size or amount. □�[V n] Dr Lee believes that men who exercise can halve their risk of cancer of the colon. □�[V ] Since then oil prices have halved in value.

2 VERB If you halve something, you divide it into two equal parts. □�[V n] Halve the pineapple and scoop out the inside.

3Halves is the plural of half .

ham /h� m/ (hams , hamming , hammed )

1 N‑VAR Ham is meat from the top of the back leg of a pig, specially treated so that it can be kept for a long period of time. □� �ham sandwiches.

2 PHRASE If actors or actresses ham it up , they exaggerate every emotion and gesture when they are acting, often deliberately because they think that the audience will be more amused. □� Thrusting themselves into the spirit of the farce, they ham it up like mad.

ham|burg|er /h� mbɜː r gə r / (hamburgers ) N‑COUNT A hamburger is minced meat which has been shaped into a flat circle. Hamburgers are fried or grilled and then eaten, often in a bread roll. WORD HISTORY hamburger

Hamburgers are named after their city of origin, Hamburg in Germany. The word 'hamburger' has nothing to do with ham, but the 'burger' part has now been taken as a noun in its own right, on the basis of which we now have beefburgers, cheeseburgers, and so on.

ha m-fi sted ADJ If you describe someone as ham-fisted , you mean that they are clumsy, especially in the way that they use their hands. □� They can all be made in minutes by even the most ham-fisted of cooks.

ham|let /h� ml I t/ (hamlets ) N‑COUNT A hamlet is a very small village.

ham|mer /h� mə r / (hammers , hammering , hammered )

1 N‑COUNT A hammer is a tool that consists of a heavy piece of metal at the end of a handle. It is used, for example, to hit nails into a piece of wood or a wall, or to break things into pieces. □� He used a hammer and chisel to chip away at the wall.

2 VERB If you hammer an object such as a nail, you hit it with a hammer. □�[V n prep/adv] To avoid damaging the tree, hammer a wooden peg into the hole. □�[V ] Builders were still hammering outside the window. [Also V n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Hammer in means the same as hammer . □�[V n P ] The workers kneel on the ground and hammer the small stones in. [Also V P n] ●� ham|mer|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The noise of hammering was dulled by the secondary glazing.

3 VERB If you hammeron a surface, you hit it several times in order to make a noise, or to emphasize something you are saying when you are angry. □�[V ] We had to hammer and shout before they would open up. □�[V +�on ] A crowd of reporters was hammering on the door. □�[V n +�on ] He hammered his two clenched fists on the table. ●� ham|mer|ing N‑SING □� As he said it, there was a hammering outside.

4 VERB If you hammer something such as an idea into people or you hammerat it, you keep repeating it forcefully so that it will have an effect on people. □�[V n +�into ] He hammered it into me that I had not suddenly become a rotten goalkeeper. □�[V +�at ] Recent advertising campaigns from the industry have hammered at these themes.

5 VERB If you say that someone hammers another person, you mean that they attack, criticize, or punish the other person severely. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] The report hammers the private motorist. ●� ham|mer|ing N‑SING □� Parents have taken a terrible hammering.

6 V-PASSIVE If you say that businesses are being hammered , you mean that they are being unfairly harmed, for example by a change in taxes or by bad economic conditions. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] The company has been hammered by the downturn in the construction and motor industries.

7 VERB In sports, if you say that one player or team hammered another, you mean that the first player or team defeated the second completely and easily. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] He hammered the young Austrian player in four straight sets. ●� ham|mer|ing N‑SING □� England's bowlers took a hammering.

8 N‑COUNT In athletics, a hammer is a heavy weight on a piece of wire, which the athlete throws as far as possible. ●�N‑SING The hammer also refers to the sport of throwing the hammer.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone was going at something hammer and tongs , you mean that they were doing it with great enthusiasm or energy. □� He loved gardening. He went at it hammer and tongs as soon as he got back from work.

10 PHRASE If you say that something goes, comes, or is under the hammer , you mean that it is going to be sold at an auction. □� Ian Fleming's original unpublished notes are to go under the hammer at London auctioneers Sotheby's.

▸� hammer away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hammer awayat a task or activity, you work at it constantly and with great energy. □�[V P +�at ] Palmer kept hammering away at his report.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hammer awayat an idea or subject, you keep talking about it, especially because you disapprove of it. □�[V P +�at ] They also hammered away at Labor's plans to raise taxes.

▸� hammer in →�see hammer2

▸� hammer out PHRASAL VERB If people hammer out an agreement or treaty, they succeed in producing it after a long or difficult discussion. □�[V P n] I think we can hammer out a solution. [Also V n P ]

ham|mock /h� mək/ (hammocks ) N‑COUNT A hammock is a piece of strong cloth or netting which is hung between two supports and used as a bed.

ham|per /h� mpə r / (hampers , hampering , hampered )

1 VERB If someone or something hampers you, they make it difficult for you to do what you are trying to do. □�[V n] The bad weather hampered rescue operations.

2 N‑COUNT A hamper is a basket containing food of various kinds that is given to people as a present.

3 N‑COUNT A hamper is a large basket with a lid, used especially for carrying food in.

ham|ster /h� mstə r / (hamsters ) N‑COUNT A hamster is a small furry animal which is similar to a mouse, and which is often kept as a pet.

ham|string /h� mstr I ŋ/ (hamstrings , hamstringing , hamstrung )

1 N‑COUNT A hamstring is a length of tissue or tendon behind your knee which joins the muscles of your thigh to the bones of your lower leg. □� Webster has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in the opening game.

2 VERB If you hamstring someone, you make it very difficult for them to take any action. □�[V n] If he becomes the major opposition leader, he could hamstring a conservative-led coalition.

hand

➊�NOUN USES AND PHRASES

➋�VERB USES

➊ hand ◆◆◆ /h� nd/ (hands )

→�Please look at categories 55 to 59 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑COUNT Your hands are the parts of your body at the end of your arms. Each hand has four fingers and a thumb. □� I put my hand into my pocket and pulled out the letter. □� Sylvia, camera in hand, asked, 'Where do we go first?'

2 N‑SING [with poss] The hand of someone or something is their influence in an event or situation. □� The hand of the military authorities can be seen in the entire electoral process.

3 N‑PLURAL [usu in N ] If you say that something is in a particular person's hands , you mean that they are looking after it, own it, or are responsible for it. □�[+�of ] He is leaving his north London business in the hands of a colleague. □� We're in safe hands.

4 N‑SING If you ask someone for a hand with something, you are asking them to help you in what you are doing. □� Come and give me a hand in the garden.

5 N‑COUNT A hand is someone, usually a man, who does hard physical work, for example in a factory or on a farm, as part of a group of people who all do similar work. □� He now works as a farm hand.

6 N‑SING If someone asks an audience to give someone a hand , they are asking the audience to clap loudly, usually before or after that person performs. □� Let's give 'em a big hand.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a man asks for a woman's handin marriage , he asks her or her parents for permission to marry her. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[+�in ] He came to ask Usha's father for her hand in marriage.

8 N‑COUNT In a game of cards, your hand is the set of cards that you are holding in your hand at a particular time or the cards that are dealt to you at the beginning of the game. □� He carefully inspected his hand.

9 N‑COUNT A hand is a measurement of four inches, which is used for measuring the height of a horse from its front feet to its shoulders. □� I had a very good 14.2 hands pony, called Brandy.

10 N‑COUNT The hands of a clock or watch are the thin pieces of metal or plastic that indicate what time it is.

11 PHRASE If something is at hand , near at hand , or close at hand , it is very near in place or time. □� Having the right equipment at hand will be enormously helpful.

12 PHRASE If someone experiences a particular kind of treatment, especially unpleasant treatment, at the hands of a person or organization, they receive it from them. □� The civilian population were suffering greatly at the hands of the security forces.

13 PHRASE If you do something by hand , you do it using your hands rather than a machine. □� Each pleat was stitched in place by hand.

14 PHRASE When something changes hands , its ownership changes, usually because it is sold to someone else. □� The firm has changed hands many times over the years.

15 PHRASE If you have someone eating out of your hand , they are completely under your control. □� Parker could have customers eating out of his hand.

16 PHRASE If you force someone's hand , you force them to act sooner than they want to, or to act in public when they would prefer to keep their actions secret. □� He blamed the press for forcing his hand.

17 PHRASE If you have your hands fullwith something, you are very busy because of it. □� She had her hands full with new arrivals.

18 PHRASE If someone gives you a free hand , they give you the freedom to use your own judgment and to do exactly as you wish. □� He gave Stephanie a free hand in the decoration.

19 PHRASE If you get your hands on something or lay your hands on something, you manage to find it or obtain it, usually after some difficulty. [INFORMAL ] □� Patty began reading everything she could get her hands on.

20 PHRASE If you work hand in glovewith someone, you work very closely with them. □� The U.N. inspectors work hand in glove with the Western intelligence agencies.

21 PHRASE If two people are hand in hand , they are holding each other's nearest hand, usually while they are walking or sitting together. People often do this to show their affection for each other. □� I saw them making their way, hand in hand, down the path.

22 PHRASE If two things gohand in hand , they are closely connected and cannot be considered separately from each other. □�[+�with ] For us, research and teaching go hand in hand.

23 PHRASE If you have a hand in something such as an event or activity, you are involved in it. □� He thanked all who had a hand in his release.

24 PHRASE If you say that someone such as the ruler of a country treats people with a heavy hand , you are criticizing them because they are very strict and severe with them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Henry and Richard both ruled with a heavy hand.

25 PHRASE If two people are holding hands , they are holding each other's nearest hand, usually while they are walking or sitting together. People often do this to show their affection for each other. □� She approached a young couple holding hands on a bench. [Also +�with ]

26 PHRASE If you ask someone to hold your hand at an event that you are worried about, you ask them to support you by being there with you. [INFORMAL ] □� I don't need anyone to hold my hand.

27 PHRASE In a competition, if someone has games or matches in hand , they have more games or matches left to play than their opponent and therefore have the possibility of scoring more points. [BRIT ] □� They have a game in hand on two of the clubs above them.

28 PHRASE If you have time or money in hand , you have more time or money than you need. [BRIT ] □� Hughes finished with 15 seconds in hand.

29 PHRASE The job or problem in hand is the job or problem that you are dealing with at the moment. □� The business in hand was approaching some kind of climax.

30 PHRASE If a situation is in hand , it is under control. □� The event organisers say that matters are well in hand.

31 PHRASE If you lend someone a hand , you help them. □� I'd be glad to lend a hand.

32 PHRASE If you tell someone to keep their hands off something or to take their hands off it, you are telling them in a rather aggressive way not to touch it or interfere with it. □� Keep your hands off my milk.

33 PHRASE If you do not know something off hand , you do not know it without having to ask someone else or look it up in a book. [SPOKEN ] □� I can't think of any off hand.

34 PHRASE If you have a problem or responsibility on your hands , you have to deal with it. If it is off your hands , you no longer have to deal with it. □� She knew she had a real fight on her hands if she was to remain leader. □� She would like the worry of dealing with her affairs taken off her hands.

35 PHRASE If someone or something is on hand , they are near and able to be used if they are needed. □� The Bridal Department will have experts on hand to give you all the help and advice you need.

36 PHRASE You use on the one hand to introduce the first of two contrasting points, facts, or ways of looking at something. It is always followed later by on the other hand or 'on the other'. □� On the one hand, if the body doesn't have enough cholesterol, we would not be able to survive. On the other hand, if the body has too much cholesterol, the excess begins to line the arteries.

37 PHRASE You use on the other hand to introduce the second of two contrasting points, facts, or ways of looking at something. □� Well, all right, hospitals lose money. But, on the other hand, if people are healthy, think of it as saving lives.

38 PHRASE If a person or a situation gets out of hand , you are no longer able to control them. □� His drinking had got out of hand.

39 PHRASE If you dismiss or reject something out of hand , you do so immediately and do not consider believing or accepting it. □� I initially dismissed the idea out of hand.

40 PHRASE If you play into someone's hands , you do something which they want you to do and which places you in their power. [JOURNALISM ] □� He is playing into the hands of racists.

41 PHRASE If you show your hand , you show how much power you have and the way you intend to act. □� He has grown more serious about running for president, although he refuses to show his hand.

42 PHRASE If you take something or someone in hand , you take control or responsibility over them, especially in order to improve them. □� I hope that Parliament will soon take the NHS in hand.

43 PHRASE If you say that your hands are tied , you mean that something is preventing you from acting in the way that you want to. □� Politicians are always saying that they want to help us but their hands are tied.

44 PHRASE If you have something to hand or near to hand , you have it with you or near you, ready to use when needed. □� You may want to keep this brochure safe, so you have it to hand whenever you may need it.

45 PHRASE If you try your handat an activity, you attempt to do it, usually for the first time. □�[+�at ] After he left school, he tried his hand at a variety of jobs.

46 PHRASE If you turn your hand to something such as a practical activity, you learn about it and do it for the first time. □� �a person who can turn his hand to anything.

47 PHRASE If you wash your hands of someone or something, you refuse to be involved with them any more or to take responsibility for them. □� He seems to have washed his hands of the job.

48 PHRASE If you win hands down , you win very easily.

49 →�see also hand-to-mouth

50with one's bare hands →�see bare

51to overplay one's hand →�see overplay

52to shake someone's hand →�see shake

53to shake hands →�see shake

➋ hand ◆◆◇ /h� nd/ (hands , handing , handed )

1 VERB If you hand something to someone, you pass it to them. □�[V n n] He handed me a little rectangle of white paper. □�[V n +�to ] He took a thick envelope from an inside pocket and handed it to me.

2 PHRASE You say things such as ' You have to hand it to her ' or ' You've got to hand it to them ' when you admire someone for their skills or achievements and you think they deserve a lot of praise. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� You've got to hand it to Melissa, she certainly gets around.

▸� hand around in BRIT, also use hand round PHRASAL VERB If you hand around or hand round something such as food, you pass it from one person to another in a group. □�[V P n] John handed round the plate of sandwiches. □�[V n P ] Dean produced another bottle and handed it round.

▸� hand back PHRASAL VERB If you hand back something that you have borrowed or taken from someone, you return it to them. □�[V P n] The management handed back his few possessions. □�[V n P ] He took a saxophone from the Salvation Army but was caught and had to hand it back. □�[V n P +�to ] He handed the book back to her. □�[V n P n] He unlocked her door and handed her back the key. [Also V P n +�to ]

▸� hand down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hand down something such as knowledge, a possession, or a skill, you give or leave it to people who belong to a younger generation. □�[V P n] The idea of handing down his knowledge from generation to generation is important to McLean. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB When a particular decision is handed down by someone in authority, it is given by them. [JOURNALISM ] □�[be V -ed P ] Tougher sentences are being handed down these days. □�[V P n] She is expected soon to hand down a ruling. [Also V n P ]

▸� hand in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hand in something such as homework or something that you have found, you give it to a teacher, police officer, or other person in authority. □�[V P n] I'm supposed to have handed in a first draft of my dissertation. □�[V n P ] My advice to anyone who finds anything on a bus is to hand it in to the police.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hand in your notice or resignation, you tell your employer, in speech or in writing, that you no longer wish to work for them. □�[V n P ] I handed my notice in on Saturday. □�[V P n] All eighty opposition members of parliament have handed in their resignation.

▸� hand on PHRASAL VERB If you hand something on , you give it or transfer it to another person, often someone who replaces you. □�[V P n] The government is criticised for not immediately handing on information about missing funds. □�[be V -ed P +�to ] His chauffeur-driven car and company mobile phone will be handed on to his successor. [Also V P n to n]

▸� hand out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hand things out to people, you give one or more to each person in a group. □�[V P n] One of my jobs was to hand out the prizes. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB When people in authority hand out something such as advice or permission to do something, they give it. □�[V P n] I listened to a lot of people handing out a lot of advice. [Also V n P ]

3 →�see also handout

▸� hand over

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hand something over to someone, you pass it to them. □�[V P n] He also handed over a letter of apology from the Prime Minister. □�[V n P ] 'I've got his card,' Judith said, handing it over.

2 PHRASAL VERB When you hand over someone such as a prisoner to someone else, you give the control of and responsibility for them to that other person. □�[V n P +�to ] They would just catch the robbers and hand them over to the police. [Also V n P , V P n (not pron)]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you hand overto someone or hand something overto them, you give them the responsibility for dealing with a particular situation or problem. □�[V P +�to ] The present leaders have to decide whether to stand down and hand over to a younger generation. □�[V n P +�to ] I wouldn't dare hand this project over to anyone else. [Also V n P ]

▸� hand round →�see hand around

hand- /h� nd-/ COMB [COMB -ed] Hand- combines with past participles to indicate that something has been made by someone using their hands or using tools rather than by machines. □� �handcrafted jewelry. □� �handbuilt cars.

hand|bag /h� ndb�g/ (handbags ) N‑COUNT A handbag is a small bag which a woman uses to carry things such as her money and keys in when she goes out.

hand|ball /h� ndbɔːl/ also hand-ball

1 N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, handball is a team sport in which the players try to score goals by throwing or hitting a large ball with their hand.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In the United States and some other countries, handball is a sport in which players try to score points by hitting a small ball against a wall with their hand.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Handball is the act of touching the ball with your hand during a football game, which is not allowed. [BRIT ] □� He got sent off for deliberate handball in the 32nd minute.

hand|bill /h� ndb I l/ (handbills ) N‑COUNT A handbill is a small printed notice which is used to advertise a particular company, service, or event.

hand|book /h� ndbʊk/ (handbooks ) N‑COUNT A handbook is a book that gives you advice and instructions about a particular subject, tool, or machine.

hand|brake /h� ndbre I k/ (handbrakes ) also hand brake N‑COUNT In a vehicle, the handbrake is a brake which the driver operates with his or her hand, for example when parking. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use emergency brake

hand|cart /h� ndkɑː r t/ (handcarts ) also hand-cart N‑COUNT A handcart is a small cart with two wheels which is pushed or pulled along and is used for transporting goods.

hand|clap /h� ndkl�p/ (handclaps ) N‑COUNT If a group of people give a handclap , they clap their hands. □� �the crowd's slow handclap.

hand|cuff /h� ndkʌf/ (handcuffs , handcuffing , handcuffed )

1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Handcuffs are two metal rings which are joined together and can be locked round someone's wrists, usually by the police during an arrest. □� He was led away to jail in handcuffs.

2 VERB If you handcuff someone, you put handcuffs around their wrists. □�[V n] They tried to handcuff him but, despite his injuries, he fought his way free.

-hander /-h� ndə r / (-handers )

1 COMB [oft N n] -hander combines with words like 'two' or 'three' to form nouns which indicate how many people are involved in a particular activity, especially a play or a film. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a two-hander play. □� Williams's play is a tense contemporary three-hander about two murderers and a bank-robber.

2 →�see also left-hander , right-hander

hand|ful /h� ndfʊl/ (handfuls )

1 N‑SING A handfulof people or things is a small number of them. □�[+�of ] He surveyed the handful of customers at the bar.

2 N‑COUNT A handfulof something is the amount of it that you can hold in your hand. □�[+�of ] She scooped up a handful of sand and let it trickle through her fingers.

3 N‑SING If you say that someone, especially a child, is a handful , you mean that they are difficult to control. [INFORMAL ] □� Zara can be a handful sometimes.

ha nd gre|nade (hand grenades ) N‑COUNT A hand grenade is the same as a grenade .

hand|gun /h� ndgʌn/ (handguns ) also hand gun N‑COUNT A handgun is a gun that you can hold, carry, and fire with one hand.

ha nd-held (hand-helds ) also handheld ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hand-held device such as a camera or a computer is small and light enough to be used while you are holding it. □� Saivonsac shot the entire film with a hand-held camera. ●�N‑COUNT Hand-held is also a noun. □� Users will be able to use their hand-helds to check their bank accounts.

hand|hold /h� ndhoʊld/ (handholds ) N‑COUNT A handhold is a small hole or hollow in something such as rock or a wall that you can put your hand in if you are trying to climb it. □� I found handholds and hoisted myself along.

handi|cap /h� ndik�p/ (handicaps , handicapping , handicapped )

1 N‑COUNT A handicap is a physical or mental disability. □� He lost his leg when he was ten, but learnt to overcome his handicap.

2 N‑COUNT A handicap is an event or situation that places you at a disadvantage and makes it harder for you to do something. □� Being a foreigner was not a handicap.

3 VERB If an event or a situation handicaps someone or something, it places them at a disadvantage. □�[V n] Greater levels of stress may seriously handicap some students.

4 N‑COUNT In golf, a handicap is an advantage given to someone who is not a good player, in order to make the players more equal. As you improve, your handicap gets lower. □� I see your handicap is down from 16 to 12.

5 N‑COUNT In horse racing, a handicap is a race in which some competitors are given a disadvantage of extra weight in an attempt to give everyone an equal chance of winning.

handi|capped /h� ndik�pt/ ADJ Someone who is handicapped has a physical or mental disability that prevents them living a totally normal life. Many people who have a disability find this word offensive. [OFFENSIVE ] □� I'm going to work two days a week teaching handicapped kids to fish. □� Alex was mentally handicapped. ●�N‑PLURAL Some people refer to people who are handicapped as the handicapped . □� �measures to prevent discrimination against the handicapped.

handi|craft /h� ndikrɑːft, -kr�ft/ (handicrafts )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Handicrafts are activities such as embroidery and pottery which involve making things with your hands in a skilful way.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Handicrafts are the objects that are produced by people doing handicrafts. □� She sells handicrafts to the tourists.

handi|work /h� ndiwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] You can refer to something that you have done or made yourself as your handiwork . □� The architect stepped back to admire his handiwork.

hand|ker|chief /h� ŋkə r tʃ I f/ (handkerchiefs ) N‑COUNT A handkerchief is a small square piece of fabric which you use for blowing your nose.

han|dle ◆◆◇ /h� nd ə l/ (handles , handling , handled )

1 N‑COUNT A handle is a small round object or a lever that is attached to a door and is used for opening and closing it. □� I turned the handle and found the door was open.

2 N‑COUNT A handle is the part of an object such as a tool, bag, or cup that you hold in order to be able to pick up and use the object. □�[+�of ] The handle of a cricket bat protruded from under his arm. □� �a broom handle.

3 VERB If you say that someone can handle a problem or situation, you mean that they have the ability to deal with it successfully. □�[V n] To tell the truth, I don't know if I can handle the job.

4 VERB If you talk about the way that someone handles a problem or situation, you mention whether or not they are successful in achieving the result they want. □�[V n adv] I think I would handle a meeting with Mr. Siegel very badly. ●� han|dling N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The family has criticized the military's handling of Robert's death.

5 VERB If you handle a particular area of work, you have responsibility for it. □�[V n] She handled travel arrangements for the press corps during the presidential campaign.

6 VERB When you handle something such as a weapon, vehicle, or animal, you use it or control it, especially by using your hands. □�[V n] I had never handled an automatic.

7 VERB If something such as a vehicle handles well, it is easy to use or control. □�[V adv/prep] His ship had handled like a dream!

8 VERB When you handle something, you hold it or move it with your hands. □�[V n] Wear rubber gloves when handling cat litter.

9 N‑SING If you have ahandleon a subject or problem, you have a way of approaching it that helps you to understand it or deal with it. [INFORMAL ] □� When you have got a handle on your anxiety you can begin to control it.

10 PHRASE If you fly off the handle , you suddenly and completely lose your temper. [INFORMAL ] □� He flew off the handle at the slightest thing. SYNONYMS handle VERB 3

manage:How did your mother manage when your father left?

deal with:The agreement would allow other vital problems to be dealt with.

cope:The problems were an annoyance, but we managed to cope.

tackle:The first reason to tackle these problems is to save children's lives.

handle|bar /h� nd ə lbɑː r / (handlebars ) N‑COUNT The handlebar or handlebars of a bicycle consist of a curved metal bar with handles at each end which are used for steering.

ha ndle|bar mous|ta che (handlebar moustaches ) also handlebar mustache N‑COUNT A handlebar moustache is a long thick moustache with curled ends.

han|dler /h� ndlə r / (handlers )

1 N‑COUNT A handler is someone whose job is to be in charge of and control an animal. □� Fifty officers, including frogmen and dog handlers, are searching for her.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A handler is someone whose job is to deal with a particular type of object. □� �baggage handlers at Gatwick airport.

ha nd lug|gage N‑UNCOUNT When you travel by air, your hand luggage is the luggage you have with you in the plane, rather than the luggage that is carried in the hold.

hand|made /h� ndme I d/ also hand-made

1 ADJ Handmade objects have been made by someone using their hands or using tools rather than by machines. □� As they're handmade, each one varies slightly. □� �handmade chocolates.

2 V-PASSIVE If something is handmade , it is made by someone using their hands or using tools rather than by machines. □�[be V -ed] The beads they use are handmade in the Jura mountains in central France.

hand|maiden /h� ndme I d ə n/ (handmaidens )

1 N‑COUNT A handmaiden is a female servant. [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT If one thing is the handmaidenof another, the first thing helps the second or makes it possible. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of/to ] The fear is that science could become the handmaiden of industry.

ha nd-me-down (hand-me-downs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Hand-me-downs are things, especially clothes, which have been used by someone else before you and which have been given to you for your use. □� Edward wore Andrew's hand-me-downs.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Hand-me-down is used to describe things, especially clothes, which have been used by someone else before you and which have been given to you for your use. □� Most of the boys wore hand-me-down military shirts from their fathers.

hand|out /h� ndaʊt/ (handouts )

1 N‑COUNT A handout is a gift of money, clothing, or food, which is given free to poor people. □� Each family is being given a cash handout of six thousand rupees.

2 N‑COUNT If you call money that is given to someone a handout , you disapprove of it because you believe that the person who receives it has done nothing to earn or deserve it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the tendency of politicians to use money on vote-buying handouts.

3 N‑COUNT A handout is a document which contains news or information about something and which is given, for example, to journalists or members of the public. □� Official handouts describe the Emperor as 'particularly noted as a scholar'.

4 N‑COUNT A handout is a paper containing a summary of information or topics which will be dealt with in a lecture or talk.

hand|over /h� ndoʊvə r / (handovers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The handoverof something is when possession or control of it is given by one person or group of people to another. □� The handover is expected to be completed in the next ten years.

ha nd-pi ck (hand-picks , hand-picking , hand-picked ) also handpick VERB If someone is hand-picked , they are very carefully chosen by someone in authority for a particular purpose or a particular job. □�[be V -ed] He was hand-picked for this job by the Admiral. □�[V n] Sokagakkai was able to hand-pick his successor.

hand|rail /h� ndre I l/ (handrails ) N‑COUNT A handrail is a long piece of metal or wood which is fixed near stairs or places where people could slip and fall, and which people can hold on to for support.

hand|set /h� ndset/ (handsets )

1 N‑COUNT The handset of a telephone is the part that you hold next to your face in order to speak and listen.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a device such as the remote control of a television or stereo as a handset .

ha nds-free ADJ [ADJ n] A hands-free phone or other device can be used without being held in your hand.

hand|shake /h� ndʃe I k/ (handshakes )

1 N‑COUNT If you give someone a handshake , you take their right hand with your own right hand and hold it firmly or move it up and down, as a sign of greeting or to show that you have agreed about something such as a business deal.

2 →�see also golden handshake

hand|some /h� nsəm/

1 ADJ A handsome man has an attractive face with regular features. □� �a tall, dark, handsome sheep farmer.

2 ADJ A handsome woman has an attractive appearance with features that are large and regular rather than small and delicate. □� �an extremely handsome woman with a beautiful voice.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A handsome sum of money is a large or generous amount. [FORMAL ] □� They will make a handsome profit on the property. ●� hand|some|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He was rewarded handsomely for his efforts.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has a handsome win or a handsome victory, they get many more points or votes than their opponent. □� The opposition won a handsome victory in the election. ●� hand|some|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The car ran perfectly to the finish, and we won handsomely.

ha nds-o n ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hands-on experience or work involves actually doing a particular thing, rather than just talking about it or getting someone else to do it. □� Ninety-nine per cent of primary pupils now have hands-on experience of computers.

hand|stand /h� ndst�nd/ (handstands ) N‑COUNT If you do a handstand , you balance yourself upside down on your hands with your body and legs straight up in the air.

ha nd-to-ha nd also hand to hand ADJ [ADJ n] Hand-to-hand fighting is fighting where the people are very close together, using either their hands or weapons such as knives. □� There was, reportedly, hand-to-hand combat in the streets.

ha nd-to-mou th ADJ A hand-to-mouth existence is a way of life in which you have hardly enough food or money to live on. □� The worst-paid live a hand-to-mouth existence without medical or other benefits. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Hand-to-mouth is also an adverb. □� �penniless students living hand-to-mouth.

ha nd tool (hand tools ) N‑COUNT Hand tools are fairly simple tools which you use with your hands, and which are usually not powered.

hand|wash /h� ndwɒʃ/ (handwashes , handwashing , handwashed ) VERB If you handwash something, you wash it by hand rather than in a washing machine.

hand|writing /h� ndra I t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Your handwriting is your style of writing with a pen or pencil. □� The address was in Anna's handwriting.

hand|written /h� ndr I t ə n/ ADJ A piece of writing that is handwritten is one that someone has written using a pen or pencil rather than by typing it.

handy /h� ndi/ (handier , handiest )

1 ADJ Something that is handy is useful. □� Credit cards can be handy�they mean you do not have to carry large sums of cash.

2 PHRASE If something comes in handy , it is useful in a particular situation. □� The $20 check came in very handy.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A thing or place that is handy is nearby and therefore easy to get or reach. □� It would be good to have a pencil and paper handy.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] Someone who is handy with a particular tool is skilful at using it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] If you're handy with a needle you could brighten up your sweater with giant daisies.

handy|man /h� ndim�n/ (handymen ) N‑COUNT A handyman is a man who earns money by doing small jobs for people such as making and repairing things in their houses. You can also describe a man who is good at making or repairing things in his home as a handyman .

hang ◆◆◇ /h� ŋ/ (hangs , hanging , hung , hanged ) The form hung is used as the past tense and past participle. The form hanged is used as the past tense and past participle for meaning 5 . 1 VERB If something hangs in a high place or position, or if you hang it there, it is attached there so it does not touch the ground. □�[V prep/adv] Notices painted on sheets hang at every entrance. □�[V -ing] �small hanging lanterns. □�[V n prep/adv] They saw a young woman come out of the house to hang clothes on a line. [Also V n, V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Hang up means the same as hang . □�[V P ] I found his jacket, which was hanging up in the hallway. □�[V P n] Some prisoners climbed onto the roof and hung up a banner. [Also V n P ]

2 VERB If a piece of clothing or fabric hangs in a particular way or position, that is how it is worn or arranged. □�[V adv/prep] �a ragged fur coat that hung down to her calves.

3 VERB If something hangs loose or hangs open, it is partly fixed in position, but is not firmly held, supported, or controlled, often in such a way that it moves freely. □�[V adj] �her long golden hair which hung loose about her shoulders.

4 VERB [usu passive] If something such as a wall is hung with pictures or other objects, they are attached to it. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The walls were hung with huge modern paintings.

5 VERB If someone is hanged or if they hang , they are killed, usually as a punishment, by having a rope tied around their neck and the support taken away from under their feet. □�[be V -ed] The five were expected to be hanged at 7 am on Tuesday. □�[V ] It is right that their murderers should hang. □�[V pron-refl] He hanged himself two hours after arriving at a mental hospital. [Also V n] ●� hang|ing (hangings ) N‑VAR □� Four steamboat loads of spectators came to view a hanging in New Orleans.

6 VERB If something such as someone's breath or smoke hangs in the air, it remains there without appearing to move or change position. □�[V prep/adv] His breath was hanging in the air before him.

7 VERB If a possibility hangs over you, it worries you and makes your life unpleasant or difficult because you think it might happen. □�[V +�over ] A constant threat of unemployment hangs over thousands of university researchers.

8 →�see also hanging , hung

9 PHRASE If you get the hang of something such as a skill or activity, you begin to understand or realize how to do it. [INFORMAL ] □� It's a bit tricky at first till you get the hang of it.

10 PHRASE If you tell someone to hang in there or to hang on in there , you are encouraging them to keep trying to do something and not to give up even though it might be difficult. [INFORMAL ] □� Hang in there and you never know what you might achieve.

11to hang by a thread →�see thread

▸� hang around in BRIT, also use hang about , hang round1 PHRASAL VERB If you hang around , hang about , or hang round , you stay in the same place doing nothing, usually because you are waiting for something or someone. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P v-ing] He got sick of hanging around waiting for me. □�[V P ] On Saturdays we hang about in the park. □�[V P n] �those people hanging round the streets at 6 am with nowhere to go.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hang around , hang about , or hang round with someone or in a particular place, you spend a lot of time with that person or in that place. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P together ] They usually hung around together most of the time. □�[V P +�with ] Helen used to hang round with the boys. □�[V P n] �the usual young crowd who hung around the cafe day in and day out.

▸� hang back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hang back , you move or stay slightly behind a person or group, usually because you are nervous about something. □�[V P ] I saw him step forward momentarily but then hang back, nervously massaging his hands.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a person or organization hangs back , they do not do something immediately. □�[V P +�on ] They will then hang back on closing the deal. □�[V P ] Even his closest advisers believe he should hang back no longer.

▸� hang on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you ask someone to hang on , you ask them to wait or stop what they are doing or saying for a moment. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Can you hang on for a minute? □�[V P n] Hang on a sec. I'll come with you.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hang on , you manage to survive, achieve success, or avoid failure in spite of great difficulties or opposition. □�[V P ] United hung on to claim their fifth win in seven games.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you hang onto or hang onto something that gives you an advantage, you succeed in keeping it for yourself, and prevent it from being taken away or given to someone else. □�[V P +�to ] The British driver was unable to hang on to his lead. □�[V P n] The company has been struggling to hang onto its sales force.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you hang onto or hang onto something, you hold it very tightly, for example to stop it falling or to support yourself. □�[V P +�to ] She was conscious of a second man hanging on to the rail. □�[V P n] �a flight stewardess who helped save the life of a pilot by hanging onto his legs. □�[V P ] He hangs on tightly, his arms around my neck.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you hang onto or hang onto something, you keep it for a longer time than you would normally expect. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] You could hang onto it in the hope that it will be worth millions in 10 years time. □�[V P +�to ] In the present climate, owners are hanging on to old ships.

6 PHRASAL VERB If one thing hangs on another, it depends on it in order to be successful. □�[V P n] Much hangs on the success of the collaboration between the Group of Seven governments and Brazil.

▸� hang out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hang out clothes that you have washed, you hang them on a clothes line to dry. □�[V n P ] I was worried I wouldn't be able to hang my washing out. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hang out in a particular place or area, you go and stay there for no particular reason, or spend a lot of time there. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V P adv/prep] I often used to hang out in supermarkets. □�[V P ] We can just hang out and have a good time.

3 →�see also hangout

▸� hang round →�see hang around

▸� hang up

1 →�see hang1

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hang up or you hang up the phone, you end a phone call. If you hang upon someone you are speaking to on the phone, you end the phone call suddenly and unexpectedly. □�[V P n] Mum hung up the phone. □�[V P ] Don't hang up! □�[V P +�on ] He said he'd call again, and hung up on me.

3 PHRASAL VERB You can use hang up to indicate that someone stops doing a particular sport or activity that they have regularly done over a long period. For example, when a footballer hangs up his boots, he stops playing football. □�[V P n] Keegan announced he was hanging up his boots for good. [Also V n P ]

4 →�see also hang-up , hung up

hang|ar /h� ŋə r / (hangars ) N‑COUNT A hangar is a large building in which aircraft are kept.

hang|dog /h� ŋdɒg, [AM ] -dɔːg/ also hang-dog ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has a hangdog expression on their face, you mean that they look sad, and often guilty or ashamed.

hang|er /h� ŋə r / (hangers ) N‑COUNT A hanger is the same as a coat hanger .

ha nger-o n (hangers-on ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a hanger-on , you are critical of them because they are trying to be friendly with a richer or more important person, especially in order to gain an advantage for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� This is where the young stars and their hangers-on come to party.

ha ng-glider (hang-gliders ) also hang glider N‑COUNT A hang-glider is a type of glider, made from large piece of cloth fixed to a frame. It is used to fly from high places, with the pilot hanging underneath.

ha ng-gliding N‑UNCOUNT Hang-gliding is the activity of flying in a hang-glider.

hang|ing /h� ŋ I ŋ/ (hangings ) N‑COUNT A hanging is a large piece of cloth that you put as a decoration on a wall.

ha ng|ing ba s|ket (hanging baskets ) N‑COUNT A hanging basket is a basket with small ropes or chains attached so that it can be hung from a hook. Hanging baskets are usually used for displaying plants or storing fruit and vegetables.

hang|man /h� ŋm�n/ (hangmen ) N‑COUNT A hangman is a man whose job is to execute people by hanging them.

hang|out /h� ŋaʊt/ (hangouts ) N‑COUNT If a place is a hangout for a particular group of people, they spend a lot of time there because they can relax and meet other people there. [INFORMAL ] □� By the time he was sixteen, Malcolm already knew most of London's teenage hangouts.

hang|over /h� ŋoʊvə r / (hangovers )

1 N‑COUNT If someone wakes up with a hangover , they feel sick and have a headache because they have drunk a lot of alcohol the night before.

2 N‑COUNT Something that is a hangoverfrom the past is an idea or way of behaving which people used to have in the past but which people no longer generally have. □�[+�from ] As a hangover from rationing, they mixed butter and margarine.

ha ng-up (hang-ups ) N‑COUNT If you have a hang-up about something, you have a feeling of fear, anxiety, or embarrassment about it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] I don't have any hang-ups about my body.

hank /h� ŋk/ (hanks ) N‑COUNT A hankof wool, rope, or string is a length of it which has been loosely wound.

hank|er /h� ŋkə r / (hankers , hankering , hankered ) VERB If you hankerafter something, you want it very much. □�[V +�after/for ] I hankered after a floor-length brown suede coat. [Also V to-inf]

hank|er|ing /h� ŋkər I ŋ/ (hankerings ) N‑COUNT [N to-inf] A hankeringfor something is a desire or longing for it. □�[+�for/after ] From time to time we all get a hankering for something a little different.

hanky /h� ŋki/ (hankies ) also hankie N‑COUNT A hanky is the same as a handkerchief. [INFORMAL ]

hanky-panky /h� ŋki p� ŋki/ N‑UNCOUNT Hanky-panky is used to refer to sexual activity between two people, especially when this is regarded as improper or not serious. [HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □� Does this mean no hanky-panky after lights out?

han|som /h� nsəm/ (hansoms ) N‑COUNT In former times, a hansom or a hansom cab was a horse-drawn carriage with two wheels and a fixed hood.

Ha|nuk|kah /hɑː nʊkə/ also Hanukah N‑UNCOUNT Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. It begins in November or December and lasts for eight days.

hap|haz|ard /h�ph� zə r d/ ADJ If you describe something as haphazard , you are critical of it because it is not at all organized or is not arranged according to a plan. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The investigation does seem haphazard. ●� hap|haz|ard|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She looked at the books jammed haphazardly in the shelves.

hap|less /h� pləs/ ADJ [ADJ n] A hapless person is unlucky. [FORMAL ] □� �his hapless victim.

hap|pen ◆◆◆ /h� pən/ (happens , happening , happened )

1 VERB Something that happens occurs or is done without being planned. □�[V ] We cannot say for sure what will happen.

2 VERB If something happens , it occurs as a result of a situation or course of action. □�[V ] She wondered what would happen if her parents found her. □�[V ] He trotted to the truck and switched on the ignition. Nothing happened.

3 VERB When something, especially something unpleasant, happens to you, it takes place and affects you. □�[V +�to ] If we had been spotted at that point, I don't know what would have happened to us.

4 VERB If you happento do something, you do it by chance. If ithappensthat something is the case, it occurs by chance. □�[V to-inf] We happened to discover we had a friend in common. □�[V that] If it happens that I'm wanted somewhere, my mother will take the call and let me know.

5 PHRASE You use as it happens in order to introduce a statement, especially one that is rather surprising. □� She called Amy to see if she had any idea of her son's whereabouts. As it happened, Amy did.

hap|pen|ing /h� pən I ŋ/ (happenings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Happenings are things that happen, often in a way that is unexpected or hard to explain. □� The Budapest office plans to hire freelance reporters to cover the latest happenings.

hap|pen|stance /h� pənst� ns/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N , oft by N ] If you say that something happened byhappenstance , you mean that it happened because of certain circumstances, although it was not planned by anyone. [WRITTEN ] □� I came to live at the farm by happenstance.

hap|pi|ly /h� p I li/

1 ADV You can add happily to a statement to indicate that you are glad that something happened or is true. □� Happily, his neck injuries were not serious.

2 →�see also happy

hap|py ◆◆◇ /h� pi/ (happier , happiest )

1 ADJ Someone who is happy has feelings of pleasure, usually because something nice has happened or because they feel satisfied with their life. □� Marina was a confident, happy child. □� I'm just happy to be back running. ●� hap|pi|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He had chatted happily with guests in the sunshine. ●� hap|pi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I think mostly she was looking for happiness.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A happy time, place, or relationship is full of happy feelings and pleasant experiences, or has an atmosphere in which people feel happy. □� It had always been a happy place. □� We have a very happy marriage.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that, ADJ to-inf] If you are happyabout a situation or arrangement, you are satisfied with it, for example because you think that something is being done in the right way. □�[+�about/with ] If you are not happy about a repair, go back and complain. □� He's happy that I deal with it myself.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If you say you are happyto do something, you mean that you are very willing to do it. □� I'll be happy to answer any questions if there are any. ●� hap|pi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� If I've caused any offence over something I have written, I will happily apologise.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Happy is used in greetings and other conventional expressions to say that you hope someone will enjoy a special occasion. □� Happy Birthday! □� Happy Easter!

6many happy returns →�see return

7 ADJ [ADJ n] A happy coincidence is one that results in something pleasant or helpful happening. □� By happy coincidence, Robert met Richard and Julia and discovered they were experiencing similar problems.

ha ppy-go-lu cky ADJ Someone who is happy-go-lucky enjoys life and does not worry about the future.

ha p|py hour (happy hours ) N‑VAR In a pub, happy hour is a period when drinks are sold more cheaply than usual to encourage people to come to the pub.

hara-kiri /h� rə k I ri/ N‑UNCOUNT In former times, if a Japanese man committed hara-kiri , he killed himself by cutting his own stomach open, in order to avoid dishonour.

ha|rangue /hər� ŋ/ (harangues , haranguing , harangued ) VERB If someone harangues you, they try to persuade you to accept their opinions or ideas in a forceful way. □�[V n] An argument ensued, with various band members joining in and haranguing Simpson and his girlfriend for over two hours. [Also V ]

har|ass /h� rəs, hər� s/ (harasses , harassing , harassed ) VERB If someone harasses you, they trouble or annoy you, for example by attacking you repeatedly or by causing you as many problems as they can. □�[V n] A woman reporter complained one of them sexually harassed her in the locker room.

har|assed /h� rəst, hər� st/ ADJ If you are harassed , you are anxious and tense because you have too much to do or too many problems to cope with. □� This morning, looking harassed and drawn, Lewis tendered his resignation.

har|ass|ment /h� rəsmənt, hər� s-/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Harassment is behaviour which is intended to trouble or annoy someone, for example repeated attacks on them or attempts to cause them problems. □� The party has accused the police of harassment.

har|bin|ger /hɑː r b I ndʒə r / (harbingers ) N‑COUNT Something that is a harbingerof something else, especially something bad, is a sign that it is going to happen. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] The November air stung my cheeks, a harbinger of winter.

har|bour ◆◇◇ /hɑː r bə r / (harbours , harbouring , harboured ) in AM, use harbor1 N‑COUNT A harbour is an area of the sea at the coast which is partly enclosed by land or strong walls, so that boats can be left there safely. □� She led us to a room with a balcony overlooking the harbour.

2 VERB If you harbour an emotion, thought, or secret, you have it in your mind over a long period of time. □�[V n] He might have been murdered by a former client or someone harbouring a grudge.

3 VERB If a person or country harbours someone who is wanted by the police, they let them stay in their house or country and offer them protection. □�[V n] Accusations of harbouring suspects were raised against the former leadership.

har|bour|master /hɑː r bə r mɑːstə r , -m�s-/ (harbourmasters ) also harbour master in AM, use harbormaster or harbor master N‑COUNT A harbourmaster is the official in charge of a harbour.

hard ◆◆◆ /hɑː r d/ (harder , hardest )

1 ADJ Something that is hard is very firm and stiff to touch and is not easily bent, cut, or broken. □� He shuffled his feet on the hard wooden floor. □� Something cold and hard pressed into the back of his neck. ●� hard|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □�[+�of ] He felt the hardness of the iron railing press against his spine.

2 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] Something that is hard is very difficult to do or deal with. □� It's hard to tell what effect this latest move will have. □� Our traveller's behaviour on the journey is hard to explain. □� That's a very hard question.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you work hard doing something, you are very active or work intensely, with a lot of effort. □� I'll work hard. I don't want to let him down. □� Am I trying too hard? ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Hard is also an adjective. □� I admired him as a true scientist and hard worker.

4 ADJ Hard work involves a lot of activity and effort. □� Coping with three babies is very hard work. □� Their work is hard and unglamorous, and most people would find it boring.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If you look, listen, or think hard , you do it carefully and with a great deal of attention. □� You had to listen hard to hear the old man breathe. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hard is also an adjective. □� It might be worth taking a long hard look at your frustrations and resentments.

6 ADV [ADV after v] If you strike or take hold of something hard , you strike or take hold of it with a lot of force. □� I kicked a dustbin very hard and broke my toe. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Hard is also an adjective. □� He gave her a hard push which toppled her backwards into an armchair.

7 ADV [ADV after v] You can use hard to indicate that something happens intensely and for a long time. □� I've never seen Terry laugh so hard. □� It was snowing hard by then.

8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a person or their expression is hard , they show no kindness or sympathy. □� His father was a hard man.

9 ADJ If you are hard on someone, you treat them severely or unkindly. □�[+�on ] Don't be so hard on him. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Hard is also an adverb. □� He said the security forces would continue to crack down hard on the protestors.

10 ADJ If you say that something is hard on a person or thing, you mean it affects them in a way that is likely to cause them damage or suffering. □�[+�on ] The grey light was hard on the eyes. □�[+�on ] These last four years have been hard on them.

11 ADJ If you have a hard life or a hard period of time, your life or that period is difficult and unpleasant for you. □� It had been a hard life for her. □� Those were hard times. ●� hard|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] In America, people don't normally admit to the hardness of life.

12 ADJ [ADJ n] Hard evidence or facts are definitely true and do not need to be questioned. □� There are probably fewer hard facts about the life of Henry Purcell than that of any other great composer since the Renaissance.

13 ADJ Hard water contains a lot of calcium compounds that stop soap making bubbles and sometimes appear as a deposit in kettles and baths.

14 ADJ [ADJ n] Hard drugs are very strong illegal drugs such as heroin or cocaine.

15 PHRASE If you feel hard done by , you feel that you have not been treated fairly. [BRIT ] □� The hall porter was feeling hard done by at having to extend his shift.

16 PHRASE If you say that something is hard going , you mean it is difficult and requires a lot of effort. □� The talks had been hard going at the start.

17 PHRASE To be hard hitby something means to be affected very severely by it. □� California's been particularly hard hit by the recession.

18 PHRASE If someone plays hard to get , they pretend not to be interested in another person or in what someone is trying to persuade them to do. □� I wanted her and she was playing hard to get.

19 PHRASE If someone is hard putto do something or, in British English if they are hard pushedto do something, they have great difficulty doing it. □� Mr Morton is undoubtedly cleverer than Mr Kirkby, but he will be hard put to match his popularity.

20 PHRASE If you take something hard , you are very upset or depressed by it. □� Maybe I just took it too hard.

ha rd and fa st ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that there are no hard and fast rules, or that there is no hard and fast information about something, you are indicating that there are no fixed or definite rules or facts. □� There are no hard and fast rules, but rather traditional guidelines as to who pays for what.

hard|back /hɑː r db�k/ (hardbacks ) N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A hardback is a book which has a stiff hard cover. Compare paperback . □� His autobiography has sold more than 36,000 copies in hardback. [in AM, use hardback ]

hard|ball /hɑː r dbɔːl/ PHRASE If someone plays hardball , they will do anything that is necessary to achieve or get what they want, even if this involves being harsh or unfair. [mainly AM ] □� She is playing hardball in a world dominated by men 20 years her senior.

ha rd-bi tten ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as hard-bitten , you are critical of them because they do not show much emotion or have much sympathy for other people, usually because they have experienced many unpleasant things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a cynical hard-bitten journalist.

hard|board /hɑː r dbɔː r d/ N‑UNCOUNT Hardboard is a material which is made by pressing very small pieces of wood very closely together to form a thin, slightly flexible sheet.

ha rd-boi led also hard boiled

1 ADJ A hard-boiled egg has been boiled in its shell until the whole of the inside is solid.

2 ADJ You use hard-boiled to describe someone who is tough and does not show much emotion. □� She's hard-boiled, tough and funny.

ha rd ca sh N‑UNCOUNT Hard cash is money in the form of notes and coins as opposed to a cheque or a credit card.

ha rd ci |der N‑UNCOUNT Hard cider is an alcoholic drink that is made from apples. [AM ] in BRIT, use cider

ha rd co py (hard copies ) N‑VAR A hard copy of a document is a printed version of it, rather than a version that is stored on a computer. □� �eight pages of hard copy.

ha rd core N‑UNCOUNT Hard core consists of pieces of broken stone that are used as a base on which to build roads. [mainly BRIT ]

ha rd-core also hardcore , hard core

1 N‑SING [N n] You can refer to the members of a group who are the most committed to its activities or who are the most involved in them as a hard coreof members or as the hard-core members. □�[+�of ] We've got a hard core of customers that have stood by us. □�[+�of ] A hard-core group of right-wing senators had hoped to sway their colleagues.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Hard-core pornography shows sex in a very detailed way, or shows very violent or unpleasant sex. Compare soft-core .

hard|cover /hɑː r dkʌvə r / (hardcovers ) N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A hardcover is a book which has a stiff hard cover. Compare softcover . [AM ] in BRIT, use hardback

ha rd cu r|ren|cy (hard currencies ) N‑VAR A hard currency is one which is unlikely to lose its value and so is considered to be a good one to have or to invest in. □� The government is running short of hard currency to pay for imports.

ha rd di sk (hard disks ) N‑COUNT A computer's hard disk is a stiff magnetic disk on which data and programs can be stored.

ha rd-dri nking ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as a hard-drinking person, you mean that they frequently drink large quantities of alcohol.

ha rd drive (hard drives ) also hard-drive N‑COUNT A computer's hard drive is its hard disk, or the part that contains the hard disk. □� Downloads are video files you save on a computer's hard drive.

ha rd-e dged ADJ If you describe something such as a style, play, or article as hard-edged , you mean you admire it because it is powerful, critical, or unsentimental. [APPROVAL ] □� �hard-edged drama.

hard|en /hɑː r d ə n/ (hardens , hardening , hardened )

1 VERB When something hardens or when you harden it, it becomes stiff or firm. □�[V ] Mould the mixture into shape while hot, before it hardens. □�[V n] Give the cardboard two or three coats of varnish to harden it.

2 VERB When an attitude or opinion hardens or is hardened , it becomes harsher, stronger, or fixed. □�[V n] Their action can only serve to harden the attitude of landowners. □�[V ] The bitter split which has developed within Solidarity is likely to harden further into separation. ●� hard|en|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] �a hardening of the government's attitude towards rebellious parts of the army.

3 VERB When prices and economies harden , they become much more stable than they were. □�[V ] Property prices are just beginning to harden again.

4 VERB When events harden people or when people harden , they become less easily affected emotionally and less sympathetic and gentle than they were before. □�[V n] Her years of drunken bickering hardened my heart. □�[V +�against ] All of a sudden my heart hardened against her.

5 VERB If you say that someone's face or eyes harden , you mean that they suddenly look serious or angry. □�[V ] His smile died and the look in his face hardened.

hard|ened /hɑː r d ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as hardened , you mean that they have had so much experience of something bad or unpleasant that they are no longer affected by it in the way that other people would be. □� �hardened criminals. □� �hardened politicians.

ha rd hat (hard hats ) N‑COUNT A hard hat is a hat made from a hard material, which people wear to protect their heads on building sites or in factories, or when riding a horse.

ha rd-hea ded ADJ You use hard-headed to describe someone who is practical and determined to get what they want or need, and who does not allow emotions to affect their actions. □� �a hard-headed and shrewd businesswoman.

ha rd-hea rted ADJ If you describe someone as hard-hearted , you disapprove of the fact that they have no sympathy for other people and do not care if people are hurt or made unhappy. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You would have to be pretty hard-hearted not to feel something for him.

ha rd-hi tting ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a report or speech as hard-hitting , you like the way it talks about difficult or serious matters in a bold and direct way. [JOURNALISM , APPROVAL ] □� In a hard-hitting speech to the IMF, he urged third world countries to undertake sweeping reforms.

ha rd la |bour in AM, use hard labor N‑UNCOUNT Hard labour is hard physical work which people have to do as punishment for a crime. □� The sentence of the court was twelve years' hard labour, to be served in a British prison.

ha rd le ft also hard-left N‑SING [oft N n] You use hard left to describe those members of a left wing political group or party who have the most extreme political beliefs. [mainly BRIT ] □� �the hard-left view that foreign forces should not have been sent. in AM, usually use far left

hard|line /hɑː r dla I n/ also hard-line ADJ If you describe someone's policy or attitude as hardline , you mean that it is strict or extreme, and they refuse to change it. □� The United States has taken a lot of criticism for its hard-line stance.

hard|liner ◆◇◇ /hɑː r dla I nə r / (hardliners ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The hardliners in a group such as a political party are the people who support a strict, fixed set of ideas that are often extreme, and who refuse to accept any change in them. □� Unionist hardliners warned the U.S. President he would not be welcome.

ha rd lu ck

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone had some hard luck , or that a situation was hard luckon them, you mean that something bad happened to them and you are implying that it was not their fault. [INFORMAL ] □� We had a bit of hard luck this season.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone says that a bad situation affecting you is just your hard luck , they do not care about it or think you should be helped, often because they think it is your fault. [INFORMAL ] □� The shop assistants didn't really want to discuss the matter, saying it was just my hard luck.

3 CONVENTION You can say ' hard luck ' to someone to show that you are sorry they have not got or done something that they had wanted to get or do. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Hard luck, chaps, but don't despair too much.

hard|ly ◆◆◇ /hɑː r dli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use hardly to modify a statement when you want to emphasize that it is only a small amount or detail which makes it true, and that therefore it is best to consider the opposite statement as being true. [EMPHASIS ] □� I hardly know you. □� Their two faces were hardly more than eighteen inches apart.

2 ADV You use hardly in expressions such as hardly ever , hardly any , and hardly anyone to mean almost never, almost none, or almost no-one. □�[+�ever ] We ate chips every night, but hardly ever had fish. □�[+�any ] Most of the others were so young they had hardly any experience.

3 ADV [ADV n] You use hardly before a negative statement in order to emphasize that something is usually true or usually happens. [EMPHASIS ] □� Hardly a day goes by without a visit from someone.

4 ADV When you say you can hardly do something, you are emphasizing that it is very difficult for you to do it. [EMPHASIS ] □� My garden was covered with so many butterflies that I could hardly see the flowers.

5 ADV [ADV before v] If you say hardly had one thing happened when something else happened, you mean that the first event was followed immediately by the second. □� He had hardly collected the papers on his desk when the door burst open.

6 ADV [ADV before v] You use hardly to mean 'not' when you want to suggest that you are expecting your listener or reader to agree with your comment. □� We have not seen the letter, so we can hardly comment on it.

7 CONVENTION You use ' hardly ' to mean 'no', especially when you want to express surprise or annoyance at a statement that you disagree with. [SPOKEN ] □� 'They all thought you were marvellous!'�'Well, hardly.' SYNONYMS hardly ADV 1

barely:Anastasia could barely remember the ride to the hospital.

scarcely:He could scarcely breathe.

only just:You're only just back from leave.

ha rd-no sed ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use hard-nosed to describe someone who is tough and realistic, and who takes decisions on practical grounds rather than emotional ones. [INFORMAL ] □� If nothing else, Doug is a hard-nosed businessman.

ha rd of hea r|ing ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is hard of hearing is not able to hear properly.

ha rd po rn N‑UNCOUNT Hard porn is pornography that shows sex in a very detailed way, or shows very violent or unpleasant sex.

ha rd-pre ssed also hard pressed

1 ADJ If someone is hard-pressed , they are under a great deal of strain and worry, usually because they have not got enough money. [JOURNALISM ] □� The region's hard-pressed consumers are spending less on luxuries.

2 ADJ If you will be hard-pressedto do something, you will have great difficulty doing it. □� This year the airline will be hard-pressed to make a profit.

ha rd ri ght also hard-right N‑SING [oft N n] You use hard right to describe those members of a right wing political group or party who have the most extreme political beliefs. [mainly BRIT ] □� �the appearance of hard-right political groupings. in AM, usually use far right

ha rd se ll N‑SING [oft N n] A hard sell is a method of selling in which the salesperson puts a lot of pressure on someone to make them buy something. □� �a double-glazing firm whose hard-sell techniques were exposed by a consumer programme.

hard|ship /hɑː r dʃ I p/ (hardships ) N‑VAR Hardship is a situation in which your life is difficult or unpleasant, often because you do not have enough money. □� Many people are suffering economic hardship. □� One of the worst hardships is having so little time to spend with one's family.

ha rd shou l|der (hard shoulders ) N‑COUNT Thehard shoulder is the area at the side of a motorway or other road where you are allowed to stop if your car breaks down. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use shoulder

ha rd u p also hard-up ADJ If you are hard up , you have very little money. [INFORMAL ] □� Her parents were very hard up.

hard|ware /hɑː r dweə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT In computer systems, hardware refers to the machines themselves as opposed to the programs which tell the machines what to do. Compare software .

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] Military hardware is the machinery and equipment that is used by the armed forces, such as tanks, aircraft, and missiles.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Hardware refers to tools and equipment that are used in the home and garden, for example saucepans, screwdrivers, and lawnmowers.

ha rd|ware store (hardware stores ) N‑COUNT A hardware store is a shop where articles for the house and garden such as tools, nails, and pans are sold.

ha rd-wea ring also hard wearing ADJ Something that is hard-wearing is strong and well-made so that it lasts for a long time and stays in good condition even though it is used a lot. [mainly BRIT ] □� �hard-wearing cotton shirts. in AM, use long-wearing

ha rd-wi red also hardwired

1 ADJ A hard-wired part of a computer forms part of its hardware.

2 ADJ If an ability, approach, or type of activity is hard-wiredinto the brain, it is a basic one and cannot be changed. □� Others think that the rules for what is 'musical' are hard-wired in our brains to some degree.

ha rd-wo n ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something that someone has gained or achieved as hard-won , you mean that they worked hard to gain or achieve it. □� The dispute could destroy Australia's hard-won reputation for industrial stability.

hard|wood /hɑː r dwʊd/ (hardwoods ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Hardwood is wood such as oak, teak, and mahogany, which is very strong and hard. □� �hardwood floors.

ha rd-wo rking also hardworking ADJ If you describe someone as hard-working , you mean that they work very hard. □� He was hardworking and energetic.

har|dy /hɑː r di/ (hardier , hardiest )

1 ADJ Plants that are hardy are able to survive cold weather. □� The silver-leaved varieties of cyclamen are not quite as hardy. ●� har|di|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the hardiness of other species that have blue flowers.

2 ADJ People and animals that are hardy are strong and able to cope with difficult conditions. □� It should not surprise us that such an environment has produced a hardy and independent people. ●� har|di|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the hardiness, endurance, and courage of my companions.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a group of people as hardy , you mean that they have been very patient or loyal, or have been trying hard to do something in difficult conditions. □� �the ten hardy supporters who had made the trek to Dublin from Riga.

hare /heə r / (hares , haring , hared )

1 N‑VAR A hare is an animal like a rabbit but larger with long ears, long legs, and a small tail.

2 VERB If you hareoff somewhere, you go there very quickly. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] �an over-protective mother who keeps haring off to ring the babysitter.

ha re-brained also harebrained ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use hare-brained to describe a scheme or theory which you consider to be very foolish and which you think is unlikely to be successful or true. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� This isn't the first hare-brained scheme he's had.

har|em /hɑː riː m, [AM ] he rəm/ (harems ) N‑COUNT If a man, especially a Muslim, has several wives or sexual partners living in his house, they can be referred to as his harem .

hari|cot bean /h� r I koʊ biːn/ (haricot beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Haricot beans are small white beans that are eaten as a vegetable. They are often sold dried rather than fresh. [BRIT ]

hark /hɑː r k/ (harks , harking , harked )

▸� hark back to

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that one thing harks back to another thing in the past, you mean it is similar to it or takes it as a model. □�[V P P n] �pitched roofs, which hark back to the Victorian era.

2 PHRASAL VERB When people hark back to something in the past, they remember it or remind someone of it. □�[V P P n] The result devastated me at the time. Even now I hark back to it.

har|lequin /hɑː r l I kw I n/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use harlequin to describe something that has a lot of different colours, often in a diamond pattern. [WRITTEN ] □� �the striking harlequin floor.

har|lot /hɑː r lət/ (harlots ) N‑COUNT If someone describes a woman as a harlot , they disapprove of her because she is a prostitute, or because she looks or behaves like a prostitute. [OFFENSIVE , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

harm ◆◇◇ /hɑː r m/ (harms , harming , harmed )

1 VERB To harm a person or animal means to cause them physical injury, usually on purpose. □�[V n] The hijackers seemed anxious not to harm anyone.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Harm is physical injury to a person or an animal which is usually caused on purpose. □�[+�to ] All dogs are capable of doing harm to human beings.

3 VERB To harm a thing, or sometimes a person, means to damage them or make them less effective or successful than they were. □�[V n] �a warning that the product may harm the environment.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Harm is the damage to something which is caused by a particular course of action. □� To cut taxes would probably do the economy more harm than good.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone or something will come to no harm or that no harm will cometo them, you mean that they will not be hurt or damaged in any way. □� There is always a lifeguard to ensure that no one comes to any harm.

6 PHRASE If you say it does no harmto do something or there is no harmin doing something, you mean that it might be worth doing, and you will not be blamed for doing it. □� They are not always willing to take on untrained workers, but there's no harm in asking.

7 PHRASE If you say that there is no harm done , you are telling someone not to worry about something that has happened because it has not caused any serious injury or damage. □� There, now, you're all right. No harm done.

8 PHRASE If someone is put in harm's way , they are caused to be in a dangerous situation. □� These men were never told how they'd been put in harm's way.

9 PHRASE If someone or something is out of harm's way , they are in a safe place away from danger or from the possibility of being damaged. □� It is an easy way of keeping children entertained, or simply out of harm's way.

harm|ful /hɑː r mfʊl/ ADJ Something that is harmful has a bad effect on something else, especially on a person's health. □� �the harmful effects of smoking. □�[+�to ] It believed the affair was potentially harmful to British aviation.

harm|less /hɑː r mləs/

1 ADJ Something that is harmless does not have any bad effects, especially on people's health. □� Industry has been working at developing harmless substitutes for these gases. □� This experiment was harmless to the animals. ●� harm|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Another missile exploded harmlessly outside the town.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as harmless , you mean that they are not important and therefore unlikely to annoy other people or cause trouble. □� He seemed harmless enough. □� I would not want to deny them a harmless pleasure. ●� harm|less|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� It started harmlessly enough, with a statement from the Secretary of State for Social Security.

har|mon|ic /hɑː r mɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Harmonic means composed, played, or sung using two or more notes which sound right and pleasing together.

har|moni|ca /hɑː r mɒ n I kə/ (harmonicas ) N‑COUNT A harmonica is a small musical instrument. You play the harmonica by moving it across your lips and blowing and sucking air through it.

har|mo|ni|ous /hɑː r moʊ niəs/

1 ADJ A harmonious relationship, agreement, or discussion is friendly and peaceful. □� Their harmonious relationship resulted in part from their similar goals. ●� har|mo|ni|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� To live together harmoniously as men and women is an achievement.

2 ADJ Something that is harmonious has parts which go well together and which are in proportion to each other. □� �a harmonious balance of mind, body, and spirit. ●� har|mo|ni|ous|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� �a pure, harmoniously proportioned face. □� �stone paths that blend harmoniously with the scenery.

3 ADJ Musical notes that are harmonious produce a pleasant sound when played together. □� �the mysterious skill involved in producing harmonious sounds.

har|mo|nize /hɑː r məna I z/ (harmonizes , harmonizing , harmonized ) in BRIT, also use harmonise1 VERB If two or more things harmonizewith each other, they fit in well with each other. □�[V +�with ] �slabs of pink and beige stone that harmonize with the carpet. □�[V ] Barbara White and her mother like to listen to music together, though their tastes don't harmonize.

2 VERB When governments or organizations harmonize laws, systems, or regulations, they agree in a friendly way to make them the same or similar. □�[V n] How far will members have progressed towards harmonising their economies? ●� har|mo|ni|za|tion /hɑː r məna I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Air France pilots called a strike over the European harmonisation of their working hours.

3 VERB When people harmonize , they sing or play notes which are different from the main tune but which sound nice with it. □�[V ] With his brothers he harmonised on several hits.

har|mo|ny /hɑː r məni/ (harmonies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If people are living inharmonywith each other, they are living together peacefully rather than fighting or arguing. □� We must try to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and those around us.

2 N‑VAR Harmony is the pleasant combination of different notes of music played at the same time. □� �complex vocal harmonies. □� �singing in harmony.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The harmony of something is the way in which its parts are combined into a pleasant arrangement. □� �the ordered harmony of the universe.

har|ness /hɑː r n I s/ (harnesses , harnessing , harnessed )

1 VERB If you harness something such as an emotion or natural source of energy, you bring it under your control and use it. □�[V n] Turkey plans to harness the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers for big hydro-electric power projects.

2 N‑COUNT A harness is a set of straps which fit under a person's arms and fasten round their body in order to keep a piece of equipment in place or to prevent the person moving from a place.

3 N‑COUNT A harness is a set of leather straps and metal links fastened round a horse's head or body so that the horse can have a carriage, cart, or plough fastened to it.

4 VERB [usu passive] If a horse or other animal is harnessed , a harness is put on it, especially so that it can pull a carriage, cart, or plough. □�[be V -ed +�to ] On Sunday the horses were harnessed to a heavy wagon for a day-long ride over the Border. [Also be V -ed]

harp /hɑː r p/ (harps , harping , harped ) N‑VAR A harp is a large musical instrument consisting of a row of strings stretched from the top to the bottom of a frame. You play the harp by plucking the strings with your fingers.

▸� harp on PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone harps on a subject, or harps onabout it, you mean that they keep on talking about it in a way that other people find annoying. □�[V P n] Jones harps on this theme more than on any other. □�[V P +�about ] She concentrated on the good parts of her trip instead of harping on about the bad. [Also V P ]

harp|ist /hɑː r p I st/ (harpists ) N‑COUNT A harpist is someone who plays the harp.

har|poon /hɑː r puː n/ (harpoons , harpooning , harpooned )

1 N‑COUNT A harpoon is a long pointed weapon with a long rope attached to it, which is fired or thrown by people hunting whales or large sea fish.

2 VERB To harpoon a whale or large fish means to hit it with a harpoon. □�[V n] Norwegian whalers said yesterday they had harpooned a female minke whale.

harp|si|chord /hɑː r ps I kɔː r d/ (harpsichords ) N‑VAR A harpsichord is an old-fashioned musical instrument rather like a small piano. When you press the keys, the strings are pulled, rather than being hit by hammers as in a piano.

har|py /hɑː r pi/ (harpies )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In classical mythology, theharpies were creatures with the bodies of birds and the faces of women. They flew quickly and were cruel and greedy.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a woman as a harpy , you mean that she is very cruel or violent. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a snobby, scheming harpy who sells off the family silverware.

har|ri|dan /h� r I dən/ (harridans ) N‑COUNT If you call a woman a harridan , you mean that she is unpleasant and speaks too forcefully. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� She was a mean old harridan.

har|row /h� roʊ/ (harrows ) N‑COUNT A harrow is a piece of farm equipment consisting of a row of blades fixed to a heavy frame. When it is pulled over ploughed land, the blades break up large lumps of soil.

har|row|ing /h� roʊ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A harrowing experience is extremely upsetting or disturbing. □� You've had a harrowing time this past month.

har|ry /h� ri/ (harries , harrying , harried ) VERB If someone harries you, they keep bothering you or trying to get something from you. □�[V n] He is increasingly active in harrying the government in late-night debates. ●� har|ried ADJ □� �harried businessmen scurrying from one crowded office to another.

harsh /hɑː r ʃ/ (harsher , harshest )

1 ADJ Harsh climates or conditions are very difficult for people, animals, and plants to live in. □� The weather grew harsh, chilly and unpredictable. ●� harsh|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the harshness of their living conditions.

2 ADJ Harsh actions or speech are unkind and show no understanding or sympathy. □� He said many harsh and unkind things about his opponents. ●� harsh|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She's been told that her husband is being harshly treated in prison. ●� harsh|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �treating him with great harshness.

3 ADJ Something that is harsh is so hard, bright, or rough that it seems unpleasant or harmful. □� Tropical colours may look rather harsh in our dull northern light. ●� harsh|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �as the wine ages, losing its bitter harshness.

4 ADJ Harsh voices and sounds are ones that are rough and unpleasant to listen to. □� It's a pity she has such a loud harsh voice. ●� harsh|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Chris laughed harshly. ●� harsh|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Then in a tone of abrupt harshness, he added, 'Open these trunks!'.

5 ADJ If you talk about harsh realities or facts, or the harsh truth, you are emphasizing that they are true or real, although they are unpleasant and people try to avoid thinking about them. [EMPHASIS ] □� The harsh truth is that luck plays a big part in who will live or die.

har|vest /hɑː r v I st/ (harvests , harvesting , harvested )

1 N‑SING The harvest is the gathering of a crop. □� There were about 300 million tons of grain in the fields at the start of the harvest.

2 N‑COUNT A harvest is the crop that is gathered in. □� Millions of people are threatened with starvation as a result of drought and poor harvests.

3 VERB When you harvest a crop, you gather it in. □�[V n] Many farmers are refusing to harvest the cane. □�[V -ed] �freshly harvested beetroot. ●� har|vest|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �war is hampering harvesting and the distribution of food aid.

har|vest|er /hɑː r v I stə r / (harvesters )

1 N‑COUNT A harvester is a machine which cuts and often collects crops such as wheat, maize, or vegetables.

2 →�see also combine harvester

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a person who cuts, picks, or gathers crops as a harvester .

ha r|vest fe s|ti|val (harvest festivals ) N‑VAR A harvest festival is a Christian church service held every autumn to thank God for the harvest. [mainly BRIT ]

has The auxiliary verb is pronounced /həz, STRONG h�z/. The main verb is usually pronounced /h� z/. Has is the third person singular of the present tense of have .

ha s-been (has-beens ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a has-been , you are indicating in an unkind way that they were important or respected in the past, but they are not now. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the so-called experts and various has-beens who foist opinions on us.

hash /h� ʃ/

1 PHRASE If you make a hash of a job or task, you do it very badly. [INFORMAL ] □� The Government made a total hash of things.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A hash is the sign '#', found on phone keypads and computer keyboards. [mainly BRIT , SPOKEN ]

3 N‑UNCOUNT Hash is hashish . [INFORMAL ]

hash bro wns also hashed browns N‑PLURAL Hash browns or hashed browns are potatoes that have been chopped into small pieces, formed into small cakes, and cooked on a grill or in a frying pan.

hash|ish /h� ʃiːʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Hashish is an illegal drug made from the hemp plant which some people smoke like a cigarette to make them feel relaxed. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

hash|tag /h� ʃt�g/ (hashtags ) N‑COUNT A hashtag is a word or phrase that has the hash symbol (#) in front of it, to show that it is the topic of a message on social media. [COMPUTING ] □� Over the course of the day, dozens of memories were collected under the hashtag #Remembering_Challenger.

hasn't /h� z ə nt/ Hasn't is the usual spoken form of 'has not'.

hasp /hɑː sp h� sp/ (hasps ) N‑COUNT A hasp is a flat piece of metal with a long hole in it, fastened to the edge of a door or lid. To close the door or lid, you push the hasp over a metal loop fastened to the other part and put a lock through the loop.

has|sle /h� s ə l/ (hassles , hassling , hassled )

1 N‑VAR A hassle is a situation that is difficult and involves problems, effort, or arguments with people. [INFORMAL ] □� I don't think it's worth the money or the hassle. □� �a day spent travelling, with all the usual hassles at airport check-in.

2 VERB If someone hassles you, they cause problems for you, often by repeatedly telling you or asking you to do something, in an annoying way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Then my husband started hassling me.

has|sock /h� sək/ (hassocks ) N‑COUNT A hassock is a cushion for kneeling on in a church. [mainly BRIT ]

hast /h� st/ Hast is an old-fashioned second person singular form of the verb 'have'. It is used with 'thou' which is an old-fashioned form of 'you'.

haste /he I st/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Haste is the quality of doing something quickly, sometimes too quickly so that you are careless and make mistakes. □� In their haste to escape the rising water, they dropped some expensive equipment.

2 PHRASE If you do something in haste , you do it quickly and hurriedly, and sometimes carelessly. □� Don't act in haste or be hot-headed.

has|ten /he I s ə n/ (hastens , hastening , hastened )

1 VERB If you hasten an event or process, often an unpleasant one, you make it happen faster or sooner. □�[V n] But if he does this, he may hasten the collapse of his own country.

2 VERB If you hastento do something, you are quick to do it. □�[V to-inf] She more than anyone had hastened to sign the contract.

3 VERB If you hastento say something, you quickly add something to what you have just said in order to prevent it being misunderstood. □�[V to-inf] He hastened to assure me that there was nothing traumatic to report.

has|ty /he I sti/ (hastier , hastiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hasty movement, action, or statement is sudden, and often done in reaction to something that has just happened. □� He started screaming insults so I made a hasty escape. ●� hasti|ly /he I st I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'It may be satisfying, but it's not fun.'�'No, I'm sure it's not,' said Virginia hastily. 'I didn't mean that.'

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hasty event or action is one that is completed more quickly than normal. □� After the hasty meal, the men had moved forward to take up their positions. ●� hasti|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He said good night hastily, promising that he would phone Hans in the morning.

3 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as hasty , you mean that they are acting too quickly, without thinking carefully, for example because they are angry. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� A number of the United States' allies had urged him not to take a hasty decision. ●� hasti|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I decided that nothing should be done hastily, that things had to be sorted out carefully.

hat ◆◇◇ /h� t/ (hats )

1 N‑COUNT A hat is a head covering, often with a brim round it, which is usually worn out of doors to give protection from the weather.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is wearing a particular hat , you mean that they are performing a particular role at that time. If you say that they wear several hats , you mean that they have several roles or jobs. □� �putting on my nationalistic hat. □� �various problems, including too many people wearing too many hats.

3 PHRASE If you say that you are ready to do something at the drop of a hat , you mean that you are willing to do it immediately, without hesitating. □� India is one part of the world I would go to at the drop of a hat.

4 PHRASE If you tell someone to keep a piece of information under their hat , you are asking them not to tell anyone else about it. □� Look, if I tell you something, will you promise to keep it under your hat?

5 PHRASE If you say that something or someone is old hat , you mean that they have existed or been known for a long time, and they have become uninteresting and boring. □� The younger generation tell me that religion is 'old hat' and science has proved this.

6 PHRASE In British English, if you pass the hat around , you collect money from a group of people, for example in order to give someone a present. In American English, you just say pass the hat . □� Professors are passing the hat to help staff in their department.

7 PHRASE If you say that you take your hat off to someone, you mean that you admire them for something that they have done. [APPROVAL ] □� I take my hat off to Mr Clarke for taking this action.

8 PHRASE To pull something out ofthehat means to do something unexpected which helps you to succeed, often when you are failing. □� The team had somehow managed to pull another Cup victory out of the hat.

9 PHRASE In competitions, if you say that the winners will be drawn or picked out of the hat , you mean that they will be chosen randomly, so everyone has an equal chance of winning. □� The first 10 correct entries drawn out of the hat will win a pair of tickets, worth �20 each.

10to knock something into a cocked hat →�see cocked hat

hat|box /h� tbɒks/ (hatboxes ) N‑COUNT A hatbox is a cylindrical box in which a hat can be carried and stored.

hatch /h� tʃ/ (hatches , hatching , hatched )

1 VERB When a baby bird, insect, or other animal hatches , or when it is hatched , it comes out of its egg by breaking the shell. □�[V ] As soon as the two chicks hatch, they leave the nest burrow. □�[be V -ed] The young disappeared soon after they were hatched. [Also V n]

2 VERB When an egg hatches or when a bird, insect, or other animal hatches an egg, the egg breaks open and a baby comes out. □�[V ] The eggs hatch after a week or ten days. □�[V n] During these periods the birds will lie on the cage floor as if trying to lay or hatch eggs.

3 VERB If you hatch a plot or a scheme, you think of it and work it out. □�[V n] They hatched a plot to set fire to the house.

4 N‑COUNT A hatch is an opening in the deck of a ship, through which people or cargo can go. You can also refer to the door of this opening as a hatch . □� He stuck his head up through the hatch.

5 N‑COUNT A hatch is an opening in a ceiling or a wall, especially between a kitchen and a dining room, which you can pass something such as food through. [mainly BRIT ]

6 PHRASE If someone battens down the hatches , they prepare themselves so that they will be able to survive a coming difficulty or crisis. □� Many firms are battening down the hatches and preparing to ride out the storm.

hatch|back /h� tʃb�k/ (hatchbacks ) N‑COUNT A hatchback is a car with an extra door at the back which opens upwards.

hatch|ery /h� tʃəri/ (hatcheries ) N‑COUNT A hatchery is a place where people control the hatching of eggs, especially fish eggs.

hatch|et /h� tʃ I t/ (hatchets )

1 N‑COUNT A hatchet is a small axe that you can hold in one hand.

2 PHRASE If two people bury the hatchet , they become friendly again after a quarrel or disagreement.

ha tch|et job (hatchet jobs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] To do a hatchet jobon someone or something means to say or write something mentioning many bad things about them, which harms their reputation. [INFORMAL ] □� Despite its title, his book is no hatchet job. [Also +�on ]

ha tch|et man (hatchet men ) N‑COUNT You can refer to someone who makes changes in an organization by getting rid of lots of people as a hatchet man , especially if you think they do so in an unnecessarily harsh way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

hatch|way /h� tʃwe I / (hatchways ) N‑COUNT A hatchway is the same as a hatch.

hate ◆◇◇ /he I t/ (hates , hating , hated )

1 VERB If you hate someone or something, you have an extremely strong feeling of dislike for them. □�[V n] Most people hate him, but they don't dare to say so, because he still rules the country. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Hate is also a noun. □� I was 17 and filled with a lot of hate. ●� hat|ed ADJ [ADJ n] □� He's probably the most hated man in this county.

2 VERB [no cont] If you say that you hate something such as a particular activity, you mean that you find it very unpleasant. □�[V n] Ted hated parties, even gatherings of people he liked individually. □�[V to-inf] He hates to be interrupted during training. □�[V v-ing] He hated coming home to the empty house. □�[V n wh] I hate it when people accuse us of that. □�[V n to-inf] I would hate him to think I'm trying to trap him. □�[V n v-ing] She hates me having any fun and is quite jealous and spoiled.

3 VERB [no cont] You can use hate in expressions such as ' I hate to trouble you ' or ' I hate to bother you ' when you are apologizing to someone for interrupting them or asking them to do something. [POLITENESS ] □�[V to-inf] I hate to rush you but I have another appointment later on.

4 VERB [no cont] You can use hate in expressions such as ' I hate to say it ' or ' I hate to tell you ' when you want to express regret about what you are about to say, because you think it is unpleasant or should not be the case. [FEELINGS ] □�[V to-inf] I hate to admit it, but you were right.

5to hate someone's guts →�see gut

6 VERB [no cont] You can use hate in expressions such as ' I hate to see ' or ' I hate to think ' when you are emphasizing that you find a situation or an idea unpleasant. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V to-inf] I just hate to see you doing this to yourself.

7 VERB [no cont] You can use hate in expressions such as ' I'd hate to think ' when you hope that something is not true or that something will not happen. □�[V to-inf] I'd hate to think my job would not be secure if I left it temporarily.

ha te cam|paign (hate campaigns ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A hate campaign is a series of actions which are intended to harm or upset someone, or to make other people have a low opinion of them. □� The media has waged a virulent hate campaign against her.

ha te crime (hate crimes ) N‑COUNT A hate crime is a crime, especially against people such as homosexuals and members of ethnic minorities, that is motivated by feelings of hatred.

hate|ful /he I tfʊl/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is hateful is extremely bad or unpleasant. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� I'm sorry. That was a hateful thing to say.

2 ADJ Someone who is hateful hates someone else. □� These are not necessarily hateful, malicious people.

ha te mail also hate-mail N‑UNCOUNT If someone receives hate mail , they receive unpleasant or threatening letters.

hat|er /he I tə r / (haters ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a hater of something, you mean that they strongly dislike that thing. □�[+�of ] Braccio was a hater of idleness. ●�COMB Hater is also a combining form. □� He was reputed to be a woman-hater.

hath /h� θ/ Hath is an old-fashioned third person singular form of the verb 'have'.

hat|pin /h� tp I n/ (hatpins ) N‑COUNT A hatpin is a metal pin which can be pushed through a woman's hat and through her hair to keep the hat in position.

ha|tred /he I tr I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Hatred is an extremely strong feeling of dislike for someone or something. □�[+�of/for ] Her hatred of them would never lead her to murder.

ha t-trick (hat-tricks ) N‑COUNT A hat-trick is a series of three achievements, especially in a sports event, for example three goals scored by the same person in a football game.

haugh|ty /hɔː ti/ (haughtier , haughtiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use haughty to describe someone's behaviour or appearance when you disapprove of the fact that they seem to be very proud and to think that they are better than other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He spoke in a haughty tone. ●� haugh|ti|ly /hɔː t I li/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Toni looked at him rather haughtily.

haul /hɔː l/ (hauls , hauling , hauled )

1 VERB If you haul something which is heavy or difficult to move, you move it using a lot of effort. □�[V n prep/adv] A crane had to be used to haul the car out of the stream. □�[V adv n] She hauled up her bedroom window and leaned out. [Also V n]

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is hauledbefore a court or someone in authority, they are made to appear before them because they are accused of having done something wrong. □�[be V -ed +�before ] He was hauled before the managing director and fired. ●�PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] Haul up means the same as haul . □�[be V -ed P +�before ] He was hauled up before the Board of Trustees.

3 N‑COUNT A haul is a quantity of things that are stolen, or a quantity of stolen or illegal goods found by police or customs. □� The size of the drugs haul shows that the international trade in heroin is still flourishing.

4 PHRASE If you say that a task or a journey is a long haul , you mean that it takes a long time and a lot of effort. □� Revitalising the economy will be a long haul.

5 →�see also long-haul

haul|age /hɔː l I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Haulage is the business of transporting goods by road. [mainly BRIT ] □� The haulage company was a carrier of machine parts to Turkey.

haul|er /hɔː lə r / (haulers ) N‑COUNT A hauler is the same as a haulier . [AM ]

haul|ier /hɔː liə r / (hauliers ) N‑COUNT A haulier is a company or a person that transports goods by road. [BRIT ] in AM, use hauler

haunch /hɔː ntʃ/ (haunches )

1 PHRASE If you get down on your haunches , you lower yourself towards the ground so that your legs are bent under you and you are balancing on your feet. □� Edgar squatted on his haunches.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The haunches of an animal or person are the area of the body which includes the bottom, the hips, and the tops of the legs.

haunt /hɔː nt/ (haunts , haunting , haunted )

1 VERB If something unpleasant haunts you, you keep thinking or worrying about it over a long period of time. □�[V n] The decision to leave her children now haunts her.

2 VERB Something that haunts a person or organization regularly causes them problems over a long period of time. □�[V n] The stigma of being a bankrupt is likely to haunt him for the rest of his life.

3 N‑COUNT A place that is the haunt of a particular person is one which they often visit because they enjoy going there. □� The Channel Islands are a favourite summer haunt for U.K. and French yachtsmen alike.

4 VERB A ghost or spirit that haunts a place or a person regularly appears in the place, or is seen by the person and frightens them. □�[V n] His ghost is said to haunt some of the rooms, banging a toy drum.

haunt|ed /hɔː nt I d/

1 ADJ A haunted building or other place is one where a ghost regularly appears. □� Tracy said the cabin was haunted. □� �a haunted house.

2 ADJ Someone who has a haunted expression looks very worried or troubled. □� She looked so haunted, I almost didn't recognize her.

haunt|ing /hɔː nt I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Haunting sounds, images, or words remain in your thoughts because they are very beautiful or sad. □� �the haunting calls of wild birds in the mahogany trees. ●� haunt|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Each one of these ancient towns is hauntingly beautiful.

haute cou|ture /oʊt kuːtjʊə r / N‑UNCOUNT Haute couture refers to the designing and making of high-quality fashion clothes, or to the clothes themselves. [FORMAL ]

hau|teur /oʊtɜː r , [AM ] hoʊtʊ r/ N‑UNCOUNT You can use hauteur to describe behaviour which you think is proud and arrogant. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Once, she had been put off by his hauteur.

have

➊�AUXILIARY VERB USES

➋�USED WITH NOUNS DESCRIBING ACTIONS

➌�OTHER VERB USES AND PHRASES

➍�MODAL PHRASES

➊ have ◆◆◆ /həv, STRONG h�v/ (has , having , had ) In spoken English, forms of have are often shortened, for example I have is shortened to I've and has not is shortened to hasn't . 1 AUX You use the forms have and has with a past participle to form the present perfect tense of verbs. □�[AUX -ed] Alex has already gone. □�[AUX -ed] My term hasn't finished yet. □�[AUX -ed] What have you found so far? □� Frankie hasn't been feeling well for a long time.

2 AUX You use the form had with a past participle to form the past perfect tense of verbs. □�[AUX -ed] When I met her, she had just returned from a job interview.

3 AUX Have is used in question tags. □�[AUX n] You haven't sent her away, have you?

4 AUX You use have when you are confirming or contradicting a statement containing 'have', 'has', or 'had', or answering a question. □� 'Have you been to York before?'�'Yes we have.'

5 AUX The form having with a past participle can be used to introduce a clause in which you mention an action which had already happened before another action began. □�[AUX -ed] He arrived in San Francisco, having left New Jersey on January 19th.

➋ have ◆◆◆ /h� v/ (has , having , had ) Have is used in combination with a wide range of nouns, where the meaning of the combination is mostly given by the noun. 1 VERB [no passive] You can use have followed by a noun to talk about an action or event, when it would be possible to use the same word as a verb. For example, you can say ' I had a look at the photos ' instead of 'I looked at the photos.' □�[V n] I went out and had a walk around. □�[V n] She rested for a while, then had a wash and changed her clothes. □�[V n] I'll have a think about that.

2 VERB [no passive] In normal spoken or written English, people use have with a wide range of nouns to talk about actions and events, often instead of a more specific verb. For example people are more likely to say ' we had ice cream ' or ' he's had a shock ' than 'we ate ice cream', or 'he's suffered a shock'. □�[V n] Come and have a meal with us tonight. □�[V n] She had an operation on her knee at the clinic. □�[V n] His visit had a great effect on them.

➌ have ◆◆◆ /h� v/ (has , having , had ) For meanings 1 to 4 , people often use have got in spoken British English or have gotten in spoken American English, instead of have . In this case, have is pronounced as an auxiliary verb. For more information and examples of the use of 'have got' and 'have gotten', see got . →�Please look at categories 19 and 20 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB [no passive] You use have to say that someone or something owns a particular thing, or when you are mentioning one of their qualities or characteristics. □�[V n] Oscar had a new bicycle. □�[V n] I want to have my own business. □�[V n] You have beautiful eyes. □�[V n] Do you have any brothers and sisters? □�[V n] I have no doubt at all in my own mind about this. □�[V n adv/prep] Have you any valuables anywhere else in the house?

2 VERB [no passive] If you have something to do, you are responsible for doing it or must do it. □�[V n to-inf] He had plenty of work to do. □�[V n to-inf] I have some important calls to make.

3 VERB [no passive] You can use have instead of 'there is' to say that something exists or happens. For example, you can say ' you have no alternative ' instead of 'there is no alternative', or ' he had a good view from his window ' instead of 'there was a good view from his window'. □�[V n] He had two tenants living with him. □�[V n] We haven't any shops on the island.

4 VERB [no passive] If you have something such as a part of your body in a particular position or state, it is in that position or state. □�[V n adj/adv/prep] Mary had her eyes closed. □�[V n adj/adv/prep] As I was working, I had the radio on. □�[V n adj/adv/prep] He had his hand on Maria's shoulder.

5 VERB [no passive] If you have something done, someone does it for you or you arrange for it to be done. □�[V n -ed] I had your rooms cleaned and aired. □�[V n -ed] You've had your hair cut, it looks great.

6 VERB [no passive] If someone has something unpleasant happen to them, it happens to them. □�[V n -ed] We had our money stolen. □�[V n -ed] The dance hall once even had its roof blown off in World War II.

7 VERB [no passive] If you have someone do something, you persuade, cause, or order them to do it. □�[V n inf] The bridge is not as impressive as some guides would have you believe. □�[V n v-ing] Mr Gower had had us all working so hard.

8 VERB [no passive] If someone has you by a part of your body, they are holding you there and they are trying to hurt you or force you to go somewhere. □�[V n +�by ] When the police came, Larry had him by the ear and was beating his head against the pavement.

9 VERB [no passive] If you have something from someone, they give it to you. □�[V n] You can have my ticket. □�[V n] I had comments from people in all age groups.

10 VERB [no passive] If you have an illness or disability, you suffer from it. □�[V n] I had a headache. □�[V n] He might be having a heart attack.

11 VERB [no passive] If a woman has a baby, she gives birth to it. If she is having a baby, she is pregnant. □�[V n] My wife has just had a baby boy.

12 VERB [with neg] You can use have in expressions such as ' I won't have it ' or ' I'm not having that ', to mean that you will not allow or put up with something. □�[V n] I'm not having any of that nonsense. □�[V n v-ing] I will not have the likes of you dragging down my reputation.

13 PHRASE You can use has it in expressions such as ' rumour has it that ' or ' as legend has it ' when you are quoting something that you have heard, but you do not necessarily think it is true. [VAGUENESS ] □� Rumour has it that tickets were being sold for �300.

14 PHRASE If someone has it in for you, they do not like you and they want to make life difficult for you. [INFORMAL ] □� He's always had it in for the Dawkins family.

15 PHRASE If you have it in you, you have abilities and skills which you do not usually use and which only show themselves in a difficult situation. □� 'You were brilliant!' he said. 'I didn't know you had it in you.'

16 PHRASE To have it offwith someone or have it awaywith someone means to have sex with them. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

17 PHRASE If you are having someone on , you are pretending that something is true when it is not true, for example as a joke or in order to tease them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Malone's eyes widened. 'You're having me on, Liam.'

18 PHRASE If you have it out or have things outwith someone, you discuss a problem or disagreement very openly with them, even if it means having an argument, because you think this is the best way to solve the problem. □�[+�with ] Why not have it out with your critic, discuss the whole thing face to face?

19to be had →�see had

20to have had it →�see had

➍ have ◆◆◆ /h� v, h� f/ (has , having , had )

1 PHRASE You use have to when you are saying that something is necessary or required, or must happen. If you do not have to do something, it is not necessary or required. □� He had to go to Germany. □� They didn't have to pay tax.

2 PHRASE You can use have to in order to say that you feel certain that something is true or will happen. □� There has to be some kind of way out. USAGE have

You use a progressive form to say that an activity is taking place. For example, don�t say � He has a bath at the moment �. Say 'He is having a bath at the moment�. □� The children are having a party.

ha|ven /he I v ə n/ (havens )

1 N‑COUNT A haven is a place where people or animals feel safe, secure, and happy. □� �Lake Baringo, a freshwater haven for a mixed variety of birds.

2 →�see also safe haven

ha ve-nots PHRASE If you refer to two groups of people as haves and have-nots , you mean that the first group are very wealthy and the second group are very poor. You can also refer generally to poor people as have-nots .

haven't /h� v ə nt/ Haven't is the usual spoken form of 'have not'.

hav|er|sack /h� və r s�k/ (haversacks ) N‑COUNT A haversack is a canvas bag that is usually worn over one shoulder. [mainly BRIT ]

haves /h� vz/ haves and have-nots →�see have-nots

hav|oc /h� vək/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Havoc is great disorder, and confusion. □� Rioters caused havoc in the centre of the town.

2 PHRASE If one thing plays havoc with another or wreaks havoc on it, it prevents it from continuing or functioning as normal, or damages it. □� The weather played havoc with airline schedules.

haw /hɔː / (haws , hawing , hawed )

1 N‑COUNT Haws are the red berries produced by hawthorn trees in autumn.

2 EXCLAM Writers sometimes use ' haw haw ' to show that one of their characters is laughing, especially in a rather unpleasant or superior way. □� Look at the plebs! Getting all muddy! Haw haw haw!

3 PHRASE If you hem and haw , or in British English hum and haw , you take a long time to say something because you cannot think of the right words, or because you are not sure what to say. □� Tim hemmed and hawed, but finally told his boss the truth.

hawk /hɔː k/ (hawks , hawking , hawked )

1 N‑COUNT A hawk is a large bird with a short, hooked beak, sharp claws, and very good eyesight. Hawks catch and eat small birds and animals.

2 N‑COUNT In politics, if you refer to someone as a hawk , you mean that they believe in using force and violence to achieve something, rather than using more peaceful or diplomatic methods. Compare dove . □� Both hawks and doves have expanded their conditions for ending the war.

3 VERB If someone hawks goods, they sell them by walking through the streets or knocking at people's houses, and asking people to buy them. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] �vendors hawking trinkets.

4 VERB You can say that someone is hawking something if you do not like the forceful way in which they are asking people to buy it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Developers will be hawking cut-price flats and houses.

5 PHRASE If you watch someone like a hawk , you observe them very carefully, usually to make sure that they do not make a mistake or do something you do not want them to do.

hawk|er /hɔː kə r / (hawkers ) N‑COUNT You can use hawker to refer to a person who tries to sell things by calling at people's homes or standing in the street, especially when you do not approve of this activity. [DISAPPROVAL ]

hawk|ish /hɔː k I ʃ/ ADJ Journalists use hawkish to describe politicians or governments who are in favour of using force to achieve something, rather than using peaceful and diplomatic methods. □� He is one of the most hawkish members of the new cabinet.

haws|er /hɔː zə r / (hawsers ) N‑COUNT A hawser is a large heavy rope, especially one used on a ship.

haw|thorn /hɔː θɔː r n/ (hawthorns ) N‑VAR A hawthorn is a small tree which has sharp thorns and produces white or pink flowers.

hay /he I /

1 N‑UNCOUNT Hay is grass which has been cut and dried so that it can be used to feed animals. □� �bales of hay.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is making hay or is making hay while the sun shines , you mean that they are taking advantage of a situation that is favourable to them while they have the chance to. □� We knew that war was coming, and were determined to make hay while we could.

ha y fe|ver N‑UNCOUNT If someone is suffering from hay fever , they sneeze and their eyes itch, because they are allergic to grass or flowers.

hay|stack /he I st�k/ (haystacks )

1 N‑COUNT A haystack is a large, solid pile of hay, often covered with a straw roof to protect it, which is left in the field until it is needed.

2 PHRASE If you are trying to find something and say that it is like looking for a needle in a haystack , you mean that you are very unlikely indeed to find it.

hay|wire /he I wa I ə r / ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something goes haywire , it goes out of control or starts doing the wrong thing. [INFORMAL ] □� Many Americans think their legal system has gone haywire.

haz|ard /h� zə r d/ (hazards , hazarding , hazarded )

1 N‑COUNT A hazard is something which could be dangerous to you, your health or safety, or your plans or reputation. □� A new report suggests that chewing-gum may be a health hazard. [Also +�to/for/of ]

2 VERB If you hazard someone or something, you put them into a situation which might be dangerous for them. [mainly WRITTEN ] □�[V n] He could not believe that, had the Englishman known how much he was at risk, he would have hazarded his grandson.

3 VERB If you hazard or if you hazard a guess , you make a suggestion about something which is only a guess and which you know might be wrong. □�[V n] I would hazard a guess that they'll do fairly well in the next election. [Also V that] WORD HISTORY hazard

This word comes from the Arabic al zahr , meaning 'the dice'. Traditionally, games using dice have involved risk, and this has led to the word hazard being used to refer to risk and danger.

haz|ard|ous /h� zə r dəs/ ADJ Something that is hazardous is dangerous, especially to people's health or safety. □� They have no way to dispose of the hazardous waste they produce.

haze /he I z/ (hazes )

1 N‑VAR Haze is light mist, caused by particles of water or dust in the air, which prevents you from seeing distant objects clearly. Haze often forms in hot weather. □� They vanished into the haze near the horizon.

2 N‑SING If there is a hazeof something such as smoke or steam, you cannot see clearly through it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] Dan smiled at him through a haze of smoke and steaming coffee.

ha|zel /he I z ə l/ (hazels )

1 N‑VAR A hazel is a small tree which produces nuts that you can eat.

2 COLOUR Hazel eyes are greenish-brown in colour.

hazel|nut /he I z ə lnʌt/ (hazelnuts ) N‑COUNT Hazelnuts are nuts from a hazel tree, which can be eaten.

hazy /he I zi/ (hazier , haziest )

1 ADJ Hazy weather conditions are those in which things are difficult to see, because of light mist, hot air, or dust. □� The air was thin and crisp, filled with hazy sunshine and frost.

2 ADJ If you are hazyabout ideas or details, or if they are hazy , you are uncertain or confused about them. □� I'm a bit hazy about that. □� I have only a hazy memory of what he was really like.

3 ADJ If things seem hazy , you cannot see things clearly, for example because you are feeling ill. □� My vision has grown so hazy.

H -bomb (H-bombs ) N‑COUNT An H-bomb is a bomb in which energy is released from hydrogen atoms.

HD-DVD /e I tʃ diː diː viː diː / N‑COUNT An HD-DVD is a now obsolete DVD that could store at least twice as much information as a standard DVD. HD-DVD is an abbreviation for 'high definition DVD'.

HDTV /e I tʃ diː tiː viː / N‑UNCOUNT HDTV is a digital television system that gives a much clearer picture than traditional television systems. HDTV is an abbreviation for 'high definition television'. □� HDTV is especially useful if there are a lot of special effects.

he ◆◆◆ /hi, STRONG hiː/ He is a third person singular pronoun. He is used as the subject of a verb. 1 PRON You use he to refer to a man, boy, or male animal. □� He could never quite remember all our names. □� Our dog Rex did all sorts of tricks. I cried when he died.

2 PRON In written English, he is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use 'he or she' or 'they'. □� The teacher should encourage the child to proceed as far as he can.

H.E. N‑TITLE H.E. is a written abbreviation for Excellency or Excellency and is used in the title of an important official such as an ambassador. □� �H.E. the Italian Ambassador.

head ◆◆◆ /he d/ (heads , heading , headed ) Head is used in a large number of expressions which are explained under other words in the dictionary. For example, the expression 'off the top of your head' is explained at 'top'. 1 N‑COUNT Your head is the top part of your body, which has your eyes, mouth, and brain in it. □� She turned her head away from him.

2 N‑COUNT You can use head to refer to your mind and your mental abilities. □� �an exceptional analyst who could do complex maths in his head.

3 N‑SING The headof a line of people or vehicles is the front of it, or the first person or vehicle in the line. □�[+�of ] �the head of the queue.

4 VERB If someone or something heads a line or procession, they are at the front of it. □�[V n] The parson, heading the procession, had just turned right towards the churchyard.

5 VERB If something heads a list or group, it is at the top of it. □�[V n] Running a business heads the list of ambitions among the 1,000 people interviewed by Good Housekeeping magazine.

6 N‑SING The head of something is the highest or top part of it. □�[+�of ] �the head of the stairs. □�[+�of ] Every day a different name was placed at the head of the chart.

7 N‑COUNT The head of something long and thin is the end which is wider than or a different shape from the rest, and which is often considered to be the most important part. □� Keep the head of the club the same height throughout the swing.

8 N‑COUNT The head of a school is the teacher who is in charge. [mainly BRIT ]

9 N‑COUNT The head of a company or organization is the person in charge of it and in charge of the people in it. □�[+�of ] �heads of government from more than 100 countries. □� �the head waiter.

10 VERB If you head a department, company, or organization, you are the person in charge of it. □�[V n] He had just been appointed to head the corporate-finance department. □�[V -ed] My department is headed by two 30-year-olds.

11 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The head on a glass of beer is the layer of small bubbles that form on the top of the beer.

12 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have a bad head , you have a headache. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I had a terrible head and was extraordinarily drunk.

13 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If you toss a coin and it comes down heads , you can see the side of the coin which has a picture of a head on it. □� 'We might toss up for it,' suggested Ted. 'If it's heads, then we'll talk.'. □� Heads or tails?

14 VERB If you are heading for a particular place, you are going towards that place. In American English, you can also say that you are headed for a particular place. □�[V +�for ] He headed for the bus stop. □�[V adv/prep] It is not clear how many of them will be heading back to Saudi Arabia tomorrow. □�[V -ed] She and her child boarded a plane headed to where her family lived.

15 VERB If something or someone is heading for a particular result, the situation they are in is developing in a way that makes that result very likely. In American English, you can also say that something or someone is headedfor a particular result. □�[V +�for ] The latest talks aimed at ending the civil war appear to be heading for deadlock. □�[V -ed +�for ] The centuries-old ritual seems headed for extinction. [Also V +�towards ]

16 VERB [usu passive] If a piece of writing is headed a particular title, it has that title written at the beginning of it. □� One chapter is headed, 'Beating the Test'.

17 VERB If you head a ball in football, you hit it with your head in order to make it go in a particular direction. □�[V n prep/adv] He headed the ball across the face of the goal. [Also V n]

18 →�see also heading

19 PHRASE You use a head or per head after stating a cost or amount in order to indicate that that cost or amount is for each person in a particular group. □� This simple chicken dish costs less than �1 a head.

20 PHRASE From head to foot means all over your body. [EMPHASIS ] □� Colin had been put into a bath and been scrubbed from head to foot.

21 PHRASE If you a have ahead for something, you can deal with it easily. For example, if you have ahead for figures , you can do arithmetic easily, and if you have ahead for heights , you can climb to a great height without feeling afraid. □� I don't have a head for business.

22 PHRASE If you get a fact or idea into your head , you suddenly realize or think that it is true and you usually do not change your opinion about it. □� Once they get an idea into their heads, they never give up.

23 PHRASE If you say that someone has got something into their head , you mean that they have finally understood or accepted it, and you are usually criticizing them because it has taken them a long time to do this. □� She can't get it into her head that Chris will never change.

24 PHRASE If alcoholic drink goes to your head , it makes you feel drunk. □� That wine was strong, it went to your head.

25 PHRASE If you say that something such as praise or success goes to someone's head , you are criticizing them because you think that it makes them too proud or confident. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Ford is definitely not a man to let a little success go to his head.

26 PHRASE If you are head over heels or head over heels in love , you are very much in love.

27 PHRASE If you keep your head , you remain calm in a difficult situation. If you lose your head , you panic or do not remain calm in a difficult situation. □� She was able to keep her head and not panic. □� She lost her head and started screaming at me.

28 PHRASE If you knock something on the head , you stop it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� When we stop enjoying ourselves we'll knock it on the head.

29 PHRASE Phrases such as laugh your head off and scream your head off can be used to emphasize that someone is laughing or screaming a lot or very loudly. [EMPHASIS ] □� He carried on telling a joke, laughing his head off.

30 PHRASE If you say that someone is off their head , you think that their ideas or behaviour are very strange, foolish, or dangerous. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's gone completely off his head.

31 PHRASE If you stand an idea or argument on its head or turn it on its head , you think about it or treat it in a completely new and different way. □� Their relationship turned the standard notion of marriage on its head.

32 PHRASE If something such as an idea, joke, or comment goes over someone's head , it is too difficult for them to understand. □� I admit that a lot of the ideas went way over my head.

33 PHRASE If someone does something over another person's head , they do it without asking them or discussing it with them, especially when they should do so because the other person is in a position of authority. □� He was reprimanded for trying to go over the heads of senior officers.

34 PHRASE If you say that something unpleasant or embarrassing rears its ugly head or raises its ugly head , you mean that it occurs, often after not occurring for some time. □� There was a problem which reared its ugly head about a week after she moved back in.

35 PHRASE If you stand on your head , you balance upside down with the top of your head and your hands on the ground.

36 PHRASE If you say that you cannot make head nor tail of something or you cannot make head or tail of it, you are emphasizing that you cannot understand it at all. [INFORMAL ] □� I couldn't make head nor tail of the damn film.

37 PHRASE If somebody takes it into their headto do something, especially something strange or foolish, they suddenly decide to do it. □� He suddenly took it into his head to go out to Australia to stay with his son.

38 PHRASE If a problem or disagreement comes to a head or is brought to a head , it becomes so bad that something must be done about it. □� These problems came to a head in September when five of the station's journalists were sacked.

39 PHRASE If two or more people put their heads together , they talk about a problem they have and try to solve it. □� So everyone put their heads together and eventually an amicable arrangement was reached.

40 PHRASE If you keep your head above water , you just avoid getting into difficulties; used especially to talk about business. □� We are keeping our head above water, but our cash flow position is not too good.

41 PHRASE If you say that heads will roll as a result of something bad that has happened, you mean that people will be punished for it, especially by losing their jobs. □� The group's problems have led to speculation that heads will roll.

▸� head off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you head off a person, animal, or vehicle, you move to a place in front of them in order to capture them or make them change the direction they are moving in. □�[V n P ] He changed direction swiftly, turned into the hallway and headed her off. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you head something off , especially something unpleasant, you take action before it is expected to happen in order to prevent it from happening. □�[V P n] He would ask Congress to intervene and head off a strike. □�[V n P ] You have to be good at spotting trouble on the way and heading it off.

▸� head up PHRASAL VERB The person who heads up a group, organization, or activity is the leader of it. □�[V P n] Judge Frederick Lacey headed up the investigation. □�[V n P ] Managing director Carol Richards heads it up now.

head|ache /he de I k/ (headaches )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a headache , you have a pain in your head. □� I have had a terrible headache for the last two days.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that something is a headache , you mean that it causes you difficulty or worry. □� The airline's biggest headache is the increase in the price of aviation fuel.

head|band /he db�nd/ (headbands ) also head band N‑COUNT A headband is a narrow strip of material which you can wear around your head across your forehead, for example to keep hair or sweat out of your eyes.

head|board /he dbɔː r d/ (headboards ) N‑COUNT A headboard is an upright board at the end of a bed where you lay your head.

hea d bo y (head boys ) N‑COUNT The head boy of a school is the boy who is the leader of the prefects and who often represents the school on public occasions. [BRIT ]

hea d-butt (head-butts , head-butting , head-butted ) also headbutt VERB If someone head-butts you, they hit you with the top of their head. □�[V n] He was said to have head-butted one police officer and stamped on another's hand. ●�N‑COUNT Head-butt is also a noun. □� The cuts on Colin's head could only have been made by head-butts.

hea d count (head counts ) N‑COUNT If you do a head count , you count the number of people present. You can also use head count to talk about the number of people that are present at an event, or that an organization employs.

head|dress /he ddres/ (headdresses ) also head-dress N‑COUNT A headdress is something that is worn on a person's head for decoration.

head|er /he də r / (headers )

1 N‑COUNT In football, a header is the act of hitting the ball in a particular direction with your head.

2 N‑COUNT A header is text such as a name or a page number that can be automatically displayed at the top of each page of a printed document. Compare footer . [COMPUTING ]

hea d-fi rst also headfirst ADV [ADV after v] If you move head-first in a particular direction, your head is the part of your body that is furthest forward as you are moving. □� He had apparently fallen head-first down the stairwell.

head|gear /he dg I ə r / also head gear N‑UNCOUNT You use headgear to refer to hats or other things worn on the head.

hea d gi rl (head girls ) N‑COUNT The head girl of a school is the girl who is the leader of the prefects and who often represents the school on public occasions. [BRIT ]

head|hunt /he dhʌnt/ (headhunts , headhunting , headhunted ) VERB If someone who works for a particular company is headhunted , they leave that company because another company has approached them and offered them another job with better pay and higher status. □�[be V -ed] He was headhunted by Barkers last October to build an advertising team. □�[V n] They may headhunt her for the vacant position of Executive Producer.

head|hunter /he dhʌntə r / (headhunters ) also head-hunter N‑COUNT A headhunter is a person who tries to persuade someone to leave their job and take another job which has better pay and more status.

head|ing ◆◇◇ /he d I ŋ/ (headings )

1 N‑COUNT A heading is the title of a piece of writing, which is written or printed at the top of the page. □� �helpful chapter headings.

2 →�see also head

head|lamp /he dl�mp/ (headlamps ) N‑COUNT A headlamp is the same as a headlight. [BRIT ]

head|land /he dlənd/ (headlands ) N‑COUNT A headland is a narrow piece of land which sticks out from the coast into the sea.

head|less /he dləs/ ADJ If the body of a person or animal is headless , the head has been cut off.

head|light /he dla I t/ (headlights ) N‑COUNT A vehicle's headlights are the large powerful lights at the front.

head|line ◆◇◇ /he dla I n/ (headlines , headlining , headlined )

1 N‑COUNT A headline is the title of a newspaper story, printed in large letters at the top of the story, especially on the front page. □� The Daily Mail has the headline 'The Voice of Conscience'.

2 N‑PLURAL Theheadlines are the main points of the news which are read on radio or television. □� I'm Claudia Polley with the news headlines.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a newspaper or magazine article is headlined a particular thing, that is the headline that introduces it. □�[be V -ed quote] The article was headlined 'Tell us the truth'. [Also V n quote]

4 VERB If someone headlines a show, they are the main performer in it.

5 PHRASE Someone or something that hits the headlines or grabs the headlines gets a lot of publicity from the media. □� Diver Tom hit the headlines when he qualified for the quarter finals at 13. COLLOCATIONS headline NOUN 1

noun +�headline : banner, newspaper, tabloid

adjective +�headline : back-page, front-page; national; lurid, negative, sensational

verb +�headline : dominate, grab, hit, hog; run

hea dline-grabbing ADJ [usu ADJ n] A headline-grabbing statement or activity is one that is intended to attract a lot of attention, especially from the media. □� �a series of headline-grabbing announcements.

head|lin|er /he dla I nə r / (headliners ) N‑COUNT A headliner is the main performer or group of performers in a show. □� We have introduced singers like Madeline Bell as headliners and I think the club is beginning to take off.

head|long /he dlɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you move headlong in a particular direction, you move there very quickly. □� He ran headlong for the open door.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you fall or move headlong , you fall or move with your head furthest forward. □� She missed her footing and fell headlong down the stairs.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you rush headlonginto something, you do it quickly without thinking carefully about it. □� Do not leap headlong into decisions. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Headlong is also an adjective. □� �the headlong rush to independence.

head|man /he dmən/ (headmen ) N‑COUNT A headman is the chief or leader of a tribe in a village.

head|master /he dmɑː stə r , -m� st-/ (headmasters ) N‑COUNT A headmaster is a man who is the head teacher of a school. [mainly BRIT ]

head|mistress /he dm I str I s/ (headmistresses ) N‑COUNT A headmistress is a woman who is the head teacher of a school. [mainly BRIT ]

hea d of sta te (heads of state ) N‑COUNT A head of state is the leader of a country, for example a president, king, or queen.

hea d-o n

1 ADV [ADV after v] If two vehicles hit each other head-on , they hit each other with their fronts pointing towards each other. □� Pulling out to overtake, the car collided head-on with a van. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Head-on is also an adjective. □� Their car was in a head-on smash with an articulated lorry.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A head-on conflict or approach is direct, without any attempt to compromise or avoid the issue. □� The head-on clash would leave the government reeling. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Head-on is also an adverb. □� Once again, I chose to confront the issue head-on.

head|phones /he dfoʊnz/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Headphones are a pair of padded speakers which you wear over your ears in order to listen to a radio, CD player, or tape recorder without other people hearing it.

head|quartered /he dkwɔː r tə r d/ V-PASSIVE If an organization is headquartered in a particular place, that is where its main offices are. □�[be V -ed +�in/at ] The company is headquartered in Chicago.

head|quarters ◆◇◇ /he dkwɔː r tə r z/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The headquarters of an organization are its main offices. □� �fraud squad officers from London's police headquarters.

head|rest /he drest/ (headrests ) N‑COUNT A headrest is the part of the back of a seat on which you can lean your head, especially one on the front seat of a car.

head|room /he druːm/ N‑UNCOUNT Headroom is the amount of space below a roof or bridge. □� The forecabin, with 6ft headroom, also has plenty of room to stand and get dressed.

head|scarf /he dskɑː r f/ (headscarves ) also head scarf

1 N‑COUNT A headscarf is a head covering which Muslim women wear.

2 N‑COUNT A headscarf is a small square scarf which some women wear round their heads, for example to keep their hair tidy. [BRIT ]

head|set /he dset/ (headsets )

1 N‑COUNT A headset is a small pair of headphones that you can use for listening to a radio or recorded music, or for using a phone.

2 N‑COUNT A headset is a piece of equipment that you wear on your head so you can see computer images or images from a camera in front of your eyes.

head|ship /he dʃ I p/ (headships ) N‑COUNT A headship is the position of being the head of a school, college, or department. □� I feel sure you'll be offered the headship.

hea d sta rt (head starts ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have a head starton other people, you have an advantage over them in something such as a competition or race. □� A good education gives your child a head start in life.

head|stone /he dstoʊn/ (headstones ) N‑COUNT A headstone is a large stone which stands at one end of a grave, usually with the name of the dead person carved on it.

head|strong /he dstrɒŋ, [AM ] -strɔːŋ/ ADJ If you refer to someone as headstrong , you are slightly critical of the fact that they are determined to do what they want. □� He's young, very headstrong, but he's a good man underneath.

hea d tea ch|er (head teachers ) also headteacher N‑COUNT A head teacher is a teacher who is in charge of a school. [BRIT ]

hea d-to-hea d (head-to-heads )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A head-to-head contest or competition is one in which two people or groups compete directly against each other. □� He beat some of the world's greatest poker players in head-to-head competition. ●�ADV Head-to-head is also an adverb. □� Canadian business cannot compete head-to-head with American business.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A head-to-head is a head-to-head contest or competition. □� �a head-to-head between the champion and the aspiring champion.

head|way /he dwe I / PHRASE If you make headway , you progress towards achieving something. □� There was concern in the city that police were making little headway in the investigation.

head|wind /he dw I nd/ (headwinds ) also head-wind N‑COUNT A headwind is a wind which blows in the opposite direction to the one in which you are moving.

head|word /he dwɜː r d/ (headwords ) N‑COUNT In a dictionary, a headword is a word which is followed by an explanation of its meaning.

heady /he di/ (headier , headiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A heady drink, atmosphere, or experience strongly affects your senses, for example by making you feel drunk or excited. □� �in the heady days just after their marriage.

heal ◆◇◇ /hiː l/ (heals , healing , healed )

1 VERB When a broken bone or other injury heals or when something heals it, it becomes healthy and normal again. □�[V ] Within six weeks the bruising had gone, but it was six months before it all healed. □�[be V -ed] Therapies like acupuncture do work and many people have been healed by them.

2 VERB If you heal something such as a rift or a wound, or if it heals , the situation is put right so that people are friendly or happy again. □�[V n] Today Sophie and her sister have healed the family rift and visit their family every weekend. □�[V ] The psychological effects on the United States were immense and in Washington the wounds have still not fully healed.

heal|er /hiː lə r / (healers ) N‑COUNT A healer is a person who heals people, especially a person who heals through prayer and religious faith.

health ◆◆◆ /he lθ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] A person's health is the condition of their body and the extent to which it is free from illness or is able to resist illness. □� Caffeine is bad for your health.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Health is a state in which a person is not suffering from any illness and is feeling well. □� In hospital they nursed me back to health.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The health of something such as an organization or a system is its success and the fact that it is working well. □� There's no way to predict the future health of the banking industry.

hea lth care wo rk|er (health care workers ) N‑COUNT A health care worker is someone who works in a hospital or health centre.

hea lth cen|tre (health centres ) in AM, use health center N‑COUNT A health centre is a building in which a group of doctors have offices or surgeries where their patients can visit them.

hea lth club (health clubs ) N‑COUNT A health club is a private club that people go to in order to do exercise and have beauty treatments.

hea lth farm (health farms ) N‑COUNT A health farm is a hotel where people go to get fitter or lose weight by exercising and eating special food. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use spa

hea lth food (health foods ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Health foods are natural foods without artificial ingredients which people buy because they consider them to be good for them.

health|ful /he lθfʊl/ ADJ Something that is healthful is good for your health. □� Does the college cafeteria provide a healthful diet?

hea lth visi|tor (health visitors ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a health visitor is a nurse whose job is to visit people in their homes and offer advice on matters such as how to look after very young babies or people with physical disabilities.

healthy ◆◇◇ /he lθi/ (healthier , healthiest )

1 ADJ Someone who is healthy is well and is not suffering from any illness. □� Most of us need to lead more balanced lives to be healthy and happy. ●� healthi|ly /he lθ I li/ ADV [usu ADV after v] □� What I really want is to live healthily for as long as possible.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a feature or quality that you have is healthy , it makes you look well or shows that you are well. □� �the glow of healthy skin.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is healthy is good for your health. □� �a healthy diet.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A healthy organization or system is successful. □� �an economically healthy socialist state.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A healthy amount of something is a large amount that shows success. □� He predicts a continuation of healthy profits in the current financial year.

6 ADJ If you have a healthy attitude about something, you show good sense. □� She has a refreshingly healthy attitude to work.

heap /hiː p/ (heaps , heaping , heaped )

1 N‑COUNT A heapof things is a pile of them, especially a pile arranged in a rather untidy way. □�[+�of ] �a heap of bricks. □� He has dug up the tiles that cover the floor and left them in a heap.

2 VERB If you heap things somewhere, you arrange them in a large pile. □�[V n prep/adv] Mrs. Madrigal heaped more carrots onto Michael's plate. ●�PHRASAL VERB Heap up means the same as heap . □�[V P n] Off to one side, the militia was heaping up wood for a bonfire. [Also V n P ]

3 VERB If you heap praise or criticism on someone or something, you give them a lot of praise or criticism. □�[V n +�on/upon ] The head of the navy heaped scorn on both the methods and motives of the conspirators.

4 QUANT Heaps of something or a heap of something is a large quantity of it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] You have heaps of time. □�[+�of ] I got in a heap of trouble.

5 PHRASE Someone who is at the bottom of the heap or at the top of the heap is low down or high up in society or an organization. □� Ordinary workers, once favoured, suddenly found themselves at the bottom of the heap.

6 PHRASE If someone collapses in a heap , they fall heavily and untidily and do not move. □� The young footballer collapsed in a heap after a heavy tackle.

heaped /hiː pt/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A heaped spoonful has the contents of the spoon piled up above the edge. □� Add one heaped tablespoon of salt.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] A container or a surface that is heaped with things has a lot of them in it or on it in a pile, often so many that it cannot hold any more. □� The large desk was heaped with papers.

hear ◆◆◆ /h I ə r / (hears , hearing , heard /hɜː r d/)

1 VERB When you hear a sound, you become aware of it through your ears. □�[V n] She heard no further sounds. □�[V n inf] They heard the protesters shout: 'No more fascism!'. □�[V n v-ing] And then we heard the bells ringing out. □�[V ] I'm not hearing properly.

2 VERB If you hear something such as a lecture or a piece of music, you listen to it. □�[V n] You can hear commentary on the match in about half an hour's time. □�[V n v-ing] I don't think you've ever heard Doris talking about her emotional life before. □�[V n -ed] I'd love to hear it played by a professional orchestra. [Also V n inf]

3 VERB [no cont] If you say that you can hear someone saying something, you mean that you are able to imagine hearing it. □�[V n] Can't you just hear the clich�s roll? □�[V n inf] 'I was hot,' I could still hear Charlotte say with her delicious French accent.

4 VERB When a judge or a court of law hears a case, or evidence in a case, they listen to it officially in order to make a decision about it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The jury have heard evidence from defence witnesses.

5 VERB If you hearfrom someone, you receive a letter, email, or phone call from them. □�[V +�from ] Drop us a line, it's always great to hear from you.

6 VERB In a debate or discussion, if you hear from someone, you listen to them giving their opinion or information. □�[V +�from ] What are you hearing from people there?

7 VERB If you hear some news or information about something, you find out about it by someone telling you, or from the radio or television. □�[V +�of/about ] My mother heard of this school through Leslie. □�[V that] He had heard that the trophy had been sold. □�[V n] I had waited to hear the result.

8 VERB [no cont] If you have heardof something or someone, you know about them, but not in great detail. □�[V +�of ] Many people haven't heard of reflexology. □�[V n] �people who, maybe, had hardly heard the word till a year or two ago.

9 PHRASE If you say that you have heard something before , you mean that you are not interested in it, or do not believe it, or are not surprised about it, because you already know about it or have experienced it. □� Furness shrugs wearily. He has heard it all before.

10 CONVENTION During political debates and public meetings, people sometimes say ' Hear hear! ' to express their agreement with what the speaker is saying. [BRIT , FORMAL , FORMULAE ]

11 PHRASE If you say that you can't hearyourselfthink , you are complaining and emphasizing that there is a lot of noise, and that it is disturbing you or preventing you from doing something. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� For God's sake shut up. I can't hear myself think!

12 PHRASE If you say that you won't hear of someone doing something, you mean that you refuse to let them do it. □� I've always wanted to be an actor but Dad wouldn't hear of it.

▸� hear out PHRASAL VERB If you hear someone out , you listen to them without interrupting them until they have finished saying everything that they want to say. □�[V n P ] Perhaps, when you've heard me out, you'll appreciate the reason for secrecy. □�[V P n] He shows keen interest in his friends, hearing out their problems and offering counsel.

hear|er /h I ə rə r / (hearers ) N‑COUNT Your hearers are the people who are listening to you speak. [FORMAL ]

hear|ing ◆◇◇ /h I ə r I ŋ/ (hearings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] A person's or animal's hearing is the sense which makes it possible for them to be aware of sounds. □� His mind still seemed clear and his hearing was excellent.

2 N‑COUNT A hearing is an official meeting which is held in order to collect facts about an incident or problem. □� The judge adjourned the hearing until next Tuesday.

3 →�see also hard of hearing

4 PHRASE If someone gives you a fair hearing or a hearing , they listen to you when you give your opinion about something. □� Weber gave a fair hearing to anyone who held a different opinion.

5 PHRASE If someone says something in your hearing or within your hearing , you can hear what they say because they are with you or near you. □� No one spoke disparagingly of her father in her hearing. COLLOCATIONS hearing NOUN 2

noun +�hearing : court, tribunal; appeal, bail, committal, extradition, parole

adjective +�hearing : disciplinary; preliminary; fair

verb +�hearing : adjourn; attend; schedule

hea r|ing aid (hearing aids ) N‑COUNT A hearing aid is a device which people with hearing difficulties wear in their ear to enable them to hear better.

hea r|ing dog (hearing dogs ) N‑COUNT Hearing dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to help deaf people.

hea r|ing-im|paired ADJ A hearing-impaired person cannot hear as well as most people. □� Some hearing-impaired children may work harder to overcome their handicap. ●�N‑PLURAL The hearing-impaired are people who are hearing-impaired. This use could cause offence. □� The hearing-impaired say digital phones interfere with hearing aids.

hear|say /h I ə r se I / N‑UNCOUNT Hearsay is information which you have been told but do not know to be true. □� Much of what was reported to them was hearsay.

hearse /hɜː r s/ (hearses ) N‑COUNT A hearse is a large car that carries the coffin at a funeral.

heart ◆◆◇ /hɑː r t/ (hearts )

1 N‑COUNT Your heart is the organ in your chest that pumps the blood around your body. People also use heart to refer to the area of their chest that is closest to their heart. □� The bullet had passed less than an inch from Andrea's heart.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] You can refer to someone's heart when you are talking about their deep feelings and beliefs. [LITERARY ] □� Alik's words filled her heart with pride.

3 N‑VAR You use heart when you are talking about someone's character and attitude towards other people, especially when they are kind and generous. [APPROVAL ] □� She loved his brilliance and his generous heart.

4 N‑SING Theheart of something is the most central and important part of it. □�[+�of ] The heart of the problem is supply and demand.

5 N‑SING Theheartof a place is its centre. □�[+�of ] �a busy dentists' practice in the heart of London's West End.

6 N‑COUNT A heart is a shape that is used as a symbol of love: ♥. □� �heart-shaped chocolates.

7 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Hearts is one of the four suits in a pack of playing cards. Each card in the suit is marked with one or more red symbols in the shape of a heart. ●�N‑COUNT A heart is a playing card of this suit.

8 PHRASE If you feel or believe something with all your heart , you feel or believe it very strongly. [EMPHASIS ] □� My own family I loved with all my heart.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is a particular kind of person at heart , you mean that that is what they are really like, even though they may seem very different. □� He was a very gentle boy at heart.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone has your interests or your welfare at heart , you mean that they are concerned about you and that is why they are doing something.

11 PHRASE If someone breaks your heart , they make you very sad and unhappy, usually because they end a love affair or close relationship with you. [LITERARY ]

12 PHRASE If something breaks your heart , it makes you feel very sad and depressed, especially because people are suffering but you can do nothing to help them. □� It really breaks my heart to see them this way.

13 PHRASE If you say that someone has a broken heart , you mean that they are very sad, for example because a love affair has ended unhappily. [LITERARY ] □� She never recovered from her broken heart.

14 PHRASE If you know something such as a poem by heart , you have learned it so well that you can remember it without having to read it. □� Mack knew this passage by heart.

15 PHRASE If someone has a change of heart , their attitude towards something changes. □� Several brokers have had a change of heart about prospects for the company.

16 PHRASE If something such as a subject or project is close to your heart or near to your heart , it is very important to you and you are very interested in it and concerned about it. □� Animal welfare is a subject very close to my heart.

17 PHRASE If you can do something to your heart's content , you can do it as much as you want. □� I was delighted to be able to eat my favorite dishes to my heart's content.

18 CONVENTION You can say ' cross my heart ' when you want someone to believe that you are telling the truth. You can also ask ' cross your heart? ', when you are asking someone if they are really telling the truth. [SPOKEN ] □� I won't tell the girls anything you tell me about it. I promise, cross my heart.

19 PHRASE If you say something from the heart or from the bottom of your heart , you sincerely mean what you say. □� He spoke with confidence, from the heart.

20 PHRASE If something gives you heart , it makes you feel more confident or happy about something. □� It gave me heart to see one thug get what he deserves.

21 PHRASE If you want to do something but do not have the heartto do it, you do not do it because you know it will make someone unhappy or disappointed. □� We knew all along but didn't have the heart to tell her.

22 PHRASE If you believe or know something in your heart of hearts , that is what you really believe or think, even though it may sometimes seem that you do not. □� I know in my heart of hearts that I am the right man for that mission.

23 PHRASE If your heart isn't in the thing you are doing, you have very little enthusiasm for it, usually because you are depressed or are thinking about something else. □� I tried to learn some lines but my heart wasn't really in it.

24 PHRASE If you lose heart , you become sad and depressed and are no longer interested in something, especially because it is not progressing as you would like. □� He appealed to his countrymen not to lose heart.

25 PHRASE If your heart is in your mouth , you feel very excited, worried, or frightened. □� My heart was in my mouth when I walked into her office.

26 PHRASE If you open your heart or pour out your heart to someone, you tell them your most private thoughts and feelings. □� She opened her heart to millions yesterday and told how she came close to suicide.

27 PHRASE If you say that someone's heart is in the right place , you mean that they are kind, considerate, and generous, although you may disapprove of other aspects of their character. □� He is a bit of a tearaway but his heart is in the right place.

28 PHRASE If you have set your heart on something, you want it very much or want to do it very much. □� He had always set his heart on a career in the fine arts.

29 PHRASE If you wear your heart on your sleeve , you openly show your feelings or emotions rather than keeping them hidden.

30 PHRASE If you put your heart and soulinto something, you do it with a great deal of enthusiasm and energy. [EMPHASIS ]

31 PHRASE If you take heartfrom something, you are encouraged and made to feel optimistic by it.

32 PHRASE If you take something to heart , for example someone's behaviour, you are deeply affected and upset by it. □� If someone says something critical I take it to heart. COLLOCATIONS heart NOUN

2

verb +�heart : touch, warm; capture, win

3

adjective +�heart : generous, good, kind, warm; heavy

7

noun +�heart : artichoke, celery, lettuce

heart|ache /hɑː r te I k/ (heartaches ) also heart-ache N‑VAR Heartache is very great sadness and emotional suffering. □� �after suffering the heartache of her divorce from her first husband.

hea rt at|tack (heart attacks ) N‑COUNT If someone has a heart attack , their heart begins to beat very irregularly or stops completely. □� He died of a heart attack brought on by overwork.

heart|beat /hɑː r tbiːt/ N‑SING [oft poss N ] Your heartbeat is the regular movement of your heart as it pumps blood around your body.

heart|break /hɑː r tbre I k/ (heartbreaks ) N‑VAR Heartbreak is very great sadness and emotional suffering, especially after the end of a love affair or close relationship.

heart|breaking /hɑː r tbre I k I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is heartbreaking makes you feel extremely sad and upset. □� This year we won't even be able to buy presents for our grandchildren. It's heartbreaking.

heart|broken /hɑː r tbroʊkən/ ADJ Someone who is heartbroken is very sad and emotionally upset. □� Was your daddy heartbroken when they got a divorce?

heart|burn /hɑː r tbɜː r n/ N‑UNCOUNT Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in your chest, caused by indigestion.

-hearted /-hɑː r t I d/ COMB -hearted combines with adjectives such as 'kind' or 'cold' to form adjectives which indicate that someone has a particular character or personality or is in a particular mood. □� They are now realising just how much they owe to kind-hearted strangers.

heart|en /hɑː r t ə n/ (heartens , heartening , heartened ) VERB If someone is heartenedby something, it encourages them and makes them cheerful. □�[be V -ed] He will have been heartened by the opinion poll published yesterday. □�[V n] The news heartened everybody. ●� heart|ened ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] □�[+�by ] I feel heartened by her progress. ●� heart|en|ing ADJ □� This is heartening news.

hea rt fail|ure N‑UNCOUNT Heart failure is a serious medical condition in which someone's heart does not work as well as it should, sometimes stopping completely so that they die.

heart|felt /hɑː r tfelt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Heartfelt is used to describe a deep or sincere feeling or wish. □� My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the relatives.

hearth /hɑː r θ/ (hearths ) N‑COUNT The hearth is the floor of a fireplace, which sometimes extends into the room.

hea rth rug (hearth rugs ) also hearthrug N‑COUNT A hearth rug is a rug which is put in front of a fireplace.

heart|land /hɑː r tl�nd/ (heartlands )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] Journalists use heartland or heartlands to refer to the area or region where a particular set of activities or beliefs is most significant. □�[+�of ] �his six-day bus tour around the industrial heartland of America.

2 N‑COUNT The most central area of a country or continent can be referred to as its heartland or heartlands . [WRITTEN ] □� For many, the essence of French living is to be found in the rural heartlands.

heart|less /hɑː r tləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as heartless , you mean that they are cruel and unkind, and have no sympathy for anyone or anything. □� I couldn't believe they were so heartless.

hea rt-rending also heartrending ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use heart-rending to describe something that causes you to feel great sadness and pity. □� �heart-rending pictures of refugees.

heart|strings /hɑː r tstr I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL [oft with poss] If you say that someone or something tugs at your heartstrings , you mean that they cause you to feel strong emotions, usually sadness or pity. □� She knows exactly how to tug at readers' heartstrings.

hea rt-throb (heart-throbs ) N‑COUNT If you describe a man as a heart-throb , you mean that he is physically very attractive, so that a lot of women fall in love with him.

hea rt-to-hea rt (heart-to-hearts ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A heart-to-heart is a conversation between two people, especially close friends, in which they talk freely about their feelings or personal problems. □� I've had a heart-to-heart with him.

hea rt-warming ADJ Something that is heart-warming causes you to feel happy, usually because something nice has happened to people. □� �the heart-warming story of enemies who discover a shared humanity.

hearty /hɑː r ti/ (heartier , heartiest )

1 ADJ Hearty people or actions are loud, cheerful, and energetic. □� Wade was a hearty, bluff, athletic sort of guy. □� He gave a hearty laugh. ●� hearti|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He laughed heartily.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hearty feelings or opinions are strongly felt or strongly held. □� With the last sentiment, Arnold was in hearty agreement. ●� hearti|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Most Afghans are heartily sick of war.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hearty meal is large and very satisfying. □� The men ate a hearty breakfast. ●� hearti|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� I ate heartily and always cleared my plate.

heat ◆◆◇ /hiː t/ (heats , heating , heated )

1 VERB When you heat something, you raise its temperature, for example by using a flame or a special piece of equipment. □�[V n] Meanwhile, heat the tomatoes and oil in a pan. □�[V -ed] �heated swimming pools.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Heat is warmth or the quality of being hot. □� The seas store heat and release it gradually during cold periods.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Theheat is very hot weather. □� As an asthmatic, he cannot cope with the heat and humidity.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The heat of something is the temperature of something that is warm or that is being heated. □�[+�of ] Adjust the heat of the barbecue by opening and closing the air vents.

5 N‑SING You use heat to refer to a source of heat, for example a cooking ring or the heating system of a house. □� Immediately remove the pan from the heat.

6 N‑UNCOUNT You use heat to refer to a state of strong emotion, especially of anger or excitement. □�[+�of ] It was all done in the heat of the moment and I have certainly learned by my mistake.

7 N‑SING The heat of a particular activity is the point when there is the greatest activity or excitement. □�[+�of ] Last week, in the heat of the election campaign, the Prime Minister left for America.

8 N‑COUNT A heat is one of a series of races or competitions. The winners of a heat take part in another race or competition, against the winners of other heats. □� �the heats of the men's 100m breaststroke.

9 →�see also dead heat

10 PHRASE When a female animal is on heat in British English, or in heat in American English, she is in a state where she is ready to mate with a male animal, as this will probably result in her becoming pregnant.

▸� heat up

1 PHRASAL VERB When you heat something up , especially food which has already been cooked and allowed to go cold, you make it hot. □�[V P n] Freda heated up a pie for me. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB When a situation heats up , things start to happen much more quickly and with increased interest and excitement among the people involved. □�[V P ] Then in the last couple of years, the movement for democracy began to heat up.

3 PHRASAL VERB When something heats up , it gradually becomes hotter. □�[V P ] In the summer her mobile home heats up like an oven. SYNONYMS heat VERB 1

warm (up):All that she would have to do was warm up the pudding.

cook:I have to go and cook the dinner.

boil:Boil the water in the saucepan and add the sage.

fry:Fry the breadcrumbs until golden brown.

roast:I personally would rather roast a chicken whole.

heat|ed /hiː t I d/

1 ADJ A heated discussion or quarrel is one where the people involved are angry and excited. □� It was a very heated argument and they were shouting at each other.

2 ADJ If someone gets heated about something, they get angry and excited about it. □�[+�about/over ] You will understand that people get a bit heated about issues such as these. ●� heat|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The crowd continued to argue heatedly about the best way to tackle the problem.

heat|er /hiː tə r / (heaters ) N‑COUNT A heater is a piece of equipment or a machine which is used to raise the temperature of something, especially of the air inside a room or a car.

heath /hiː θ/ (heaths ) N‑COUNT A heath is an area of open land covered with rough grass or heather and with very few trees or bushes. [BRIT ]

hea|then /hiː �ən/ (heathens )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Heathen means having no religion, or belonging to a religion that is not Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. [OLD-FASHIONED ] ●�N‑PLURAL The heathen are heathen people. □� They first set out to convert the heathen.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to other people who have no religion as heathens , especially if they do not like the way they behave as a result of this. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

heath|er /he �ə r / N‑UNCOUNT Heather is a low, spreading plant with small purple, pink, or white flowers. Heather grows wild in Europe on high land with poor soil.

heat|ing /hiː t I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Heating is the process of heating a building or room, considered especially from the point of view of how much this costs. □� You can still find cottages for �350 a week, including heating. □� �heating bills.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Heating is the system and equipment that is used to heat a building. □� I wish I knew how to turn on the heating.

3 →�see also central heating

hea t stroke also heatstroke N‑UNCOUNT Heat stroke is the same as sunstroke .

heat|wave /hiː twe I v/ (heatwaves ) also heat wave N‑COUNT A heatwave is a period of time during which the weather is much hotter than usual.

heave /hiː v/ (heaves , heaving , heaved )

1 VERB If you heave something heavy or difficult to move somewhere, you push, pull, or lift it using a lot of effort. □�[V n prep/adv] It took five strong men to heave the statue up a ramp and lower it into place. ●�N‑COUNT Heave is also a noun. □� It took only one heave to hurl him into the river.

2 VERB If something heaves , it moves up and down with large regular movements. □�[V ] His chest heaved, and he took a deep breath.

3 VERB If you heave , or if your stomach heaves , you vomit or feel sick. □�[V ] My stomach heaved and I felt sick.

4 VERB If you heave a sigh , you give a big sigh. □�[V n] Mr Collier heaved a sigh and got to his feet.

5 VERB [usu cont] If a place is heaving or if it is heaving with people, it is full of people. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V ] The Happy Bunny club was heaving. □�[V +�with ] Father Auberon's Academy Club positively heaved with dashing young men.

6to heave a sigh of relief →�see sigh

heav|en ◆◇◇ /he vən/ (heavens )

1 N‑PROPER In some religions, heaven is said to be the place where God lives, where good people go when they die, and where everyone is always happy. It is usually imagined as being high up in the sky.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use heaven to refer to a place or situation that you like very much. [INFORMAL ] □� We went touring in Wales and Ireland. It was heaven.

3 N‑PLURAL The heavens are the sky. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He walked out into the middle of the road, looking up at the heavens.

4 →�see also seventh heaven

5 PHRASE You say ' Heaven forbid! ' to emphasize that you very much hope that something will not happen. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� Heaven forbid that he should leave because of me!

6 EXCLAM You say ' Good heavens! ' or ' Heavens! ' to express surprise or to emphasize that you agree or disagree with someone. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� Good Heavens! That explains a lot!

7 PHRASE You say ' Heaven help someone' when you are worried that something bad is going to happen to them, often because you disapprove of what they are doing or the way they are behaving. [SPOKEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� If this makes sense to our leaders, then heaven help us all.

8 PHRASE You can say ' Heaven knows ' to emphasize that you do not know something, or that you find something very surprising. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� Heaven knows what they put in it.

9 PHRASE You can say ' Heaven knows ' to emphasize something that you feel or believe very strongly. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� Heaven knows they have enough money.

10 PHRASE If the heavens open , it suddenly starts raining very heavily. □� The match had just begun when the heavens opened and play was suspended.

11for heaven's sake →�see sake

12thank heavens →�see thank

heav|en|ly /he vənli/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Heavenly things are things that are connected with the religious idea of heaven. □� �heavenly beings whose function it is to serve God.

2 ADJ Something that is heavenly is very pleasant and enjoyable. [INFORMAL ] □� The idea of spending two weeks with him may seem heavenly.

hea v|en|ly bo dy (heavenly bodies ) N‑COUNT A heavenly body is a planet, star, moon, or other natural object in space.

hea ven-se nt also heaven sent ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use heaven-sent to describe something such as an opportunity which is unexpected, but which is very welcome because it occurs at just the right time. □� It will be a heaven-sent opportunity to prove himself.

heav|en|ward /he v ə nwə r d/ also heavenwards ADV [ADV after v] Heavenward means towards the sky or to heaven. [WRITTEN ] □� He rolled his eyes heavenward in disgust.

heavi|ly /he v I li/

1 ADV [ADV after v] If someone says something heavily , they say it in a slow way which shows a feeling such as sadness, tiredness, or annoyance. □� 'I didn't even think about her,' he said heavily.

2 →�see also heavy

heavy ◆◆◇ /he vi/ (heavier , heaviest , heavies )

1 ADJ Something that is heavy weighs a lot. □� These scissors are awfully heavy. □� The mud stuck to her boots, making her feet heavy and her legs tired. ●� heavi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �a sensation of warmth and heaviness in the muscles.

2 ADJ [as ADJ as ] You use heavy to ask or talk about how much someone or something weighs. □� How heavy are you? □� Protons are nearly 2000 times as heavy as electrons.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Heavy means great in amount, degree, or intensity. □� Heavy fighting has been going on. □� He worried about her heavy drinking. □� The traffic along Fitzjohn's Avenue was heavy. ●� heavi|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj] □� It has been raining heavily all day. ●� heavi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the heaviness of the blood loss.

4 ADJ Someone or something that is heavy is solid in appearance or structure, or is made of a thick material. □� He was short and heavy. ●� heavi|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� He was a big man of about forty, wide-shouldered and heavily built.

5 ADJ A heavy meal is large in amount and often difficult to digest. □� He had been feeling drowsy, the effect of an unusually heavy meal.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] Something that is heavy with things is full of them or loaded with them. [LITERARY ] □� The air is heavy with moisture.

7 ADJ If a person's breathing is heavy , it is very loud and deep. □� Her breathing became slow and heavy. ●� heavi|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She sank back on the pillow and closed her eyes, breathing heavily as if asleep.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] A heavy movement or action is done with a lot of force or pressure. □� �a heavy blow on the back of the skull. ●� heavi|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� I sat down heavily on the ground beside the road.

9 ADJ [ADJ n] A heavy machine or piece of military equipment is very large and very powerful. □� �government militia backed by tanks and heavy artillery.

10 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a period of time or a schedule as heavy , you mean it involves a lot of work. □� It's been a heavy day and I'm tired.

11 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Heavy work requires a lot of strength or energy. □� The business is thriving and Philippa employs two full-timers for the heavy work.

12 ADJ If you say that something is heavy on another thing, you mean that it uses a lot of that thing or too much of that thing. □�[+�on ] Tanks are heavy on fuel and destructive to roads.

13 ADJ Air or weather that is heavy is unpleasantly still, hot, and damp. □� The outside air was heavy and moist and sultry.

14 ADJ If your heart is heavy , you are sad about something. [LITERARY ] □� Mr Maddison handed over his resignation letter with a heavy heart.

15 ADJ A situation that is heavy is serious and difficult to cope with. [INFORMAL ] □� I don't want any more of that heavy stuff.

16 N‑COUNT A heavy is a large strong man who is employed to protect a person or place, often by using violence. [INFORMAL ] □� They had employed heavies to evict shop squatters from neighbouring sites.

17to make heavy weather of something →�see weather

18a heavy hand →�see hand ➊

hea vy crea m N‑UNCOUNT Heavy cream is very thick cream. [AM ] in BRIT, use double cream

hea vy-du ty ADJ [usu ADJ n] A heavy-duty piece of equipment is very strong and can be used a lot. □� �a heavy duty polythene bag.

hea vy-ha nded ADJ If you say that someone's behaviour is heavy-handed , you mean that they are too forceful or too rough. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �heavy-handed police tactics.

hea vy i n|dus|try (heavy industries ) N‑VAR Heavy industry is industry in which large machines are used to produce raw materials or to make large objects.

hea vy me t|al (heavy metals )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Heavy metal is a type of very loud rock music with a fast beat. □� �the drummer for a heavy metal band.

2 N‑COUNT A heavy metal is a metallic element with a high density. Many heavy metals are poisonous. [TECHNICAL ]

hea vy-se t ADJ Someone who is heavy-set has a large solid body.

heavy|weight /he viwe I t/ (heavyweights )

1 N‑COUNT A heavyweight is a boxer weighing more than 175 pounds and therefore in the heaviest class.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a person or organization as a heavyweight , you mean that they have a lot of influence, experience, and importance in a particular field, subject, or activity. □� He was a political heavyweight.

He|brew /hiː bruː/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Hebrew is a language that was spoken by Jews in former times. A modern form of Hebrew is spoken now in Israel. □� He is a fluent speaker of Hebrew.

2 ADJ Hebrew means belonging to or relating to the Hebrew language or people. □� �the respected Hebrew newspaper Haaretz.

heck /he k/

1 EXCLAM People sometimes say ' heck! ' when they are slightly irritated or surprised. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Heck, if you don't like it, don't vote for him.

2 PHRASE People use a heck of to emphasize how big something is or how much of it there is. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� They're spending a heck of a lot of money. □� The truth is, I'm in one heck of a mess.

3 PHRASE You use the heck in expressions such as ' what the heck ' and ' how the heck ' in order to emphasize a question, especially when you are puzzled or annoyed. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� What the heck's that? □� The question was, where the heck was he?

4 PHRASE You say ' what the heck ' to indicate that you do not care about a bad aspect of an action or situation. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� What the heck, I thought, I'll give it a whirl.

heck|le /he k ə l/ (heckles , heckling , heckled ) VERB If people in an audience heckle public speakers or performers, they interrupt them, for example by making rude remarks. □�[V n] They heckled him and interrupted his address with angry questions. □�[V ] A small group of youths stayed behind to heckle and shout abuse. ●�N‑COUNT Heckle is also a noun. □� The offending comment was in fact a heckle from an audience member. ●� heck|ling N‑UNCOUNT □� The ceremony was disrupted by unprecedented heckling and slogan-chanting. ●� heck|ler /he klə r / (hecklers ) N‑COUNT □� As he began his speech, a heckler called out asking for his opinion on gun control.

hec|tare /he kteə r / (hectares ) N‑COUNT A hectare is a measurement of an area of land which is equal to 10,000 square metres, or 2.471 acres.

hec|tic /he kt I k/ ADJ A hectic situation is one that is very busy and involves a lot of rushed activity. □� Despite his hectic work schedule, Benny has rarely suffered poor health.

hec|tor /he ktə r / (hectors , hectoring , hectored ) VERB If you say that someone is hectoring you, you do not like the way they are trying to make you do something by bothering you and talking to you aggressively. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] I suppose you'll hector me until I phone him. ●� hec|tor|ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� In a loud, hectoring tone, Alan told us that he wasn't going to waste time discussing nonsense.

he'd /h I d, hiːd/

1He'd is the usual spoken form of 'he had', especially when 'had' is an auxiliary verb. □� He'd never learnt to read.

2He'd is a spoken form of 'he would'. □� He'd come into the clubhouse every day.

hedge /he dʒ/ (hedges , hedging , hedged )

1 N‑COUNT A hedge is a row of bushes or small trees, usually along the edge of a garden, field, or road.

2 VERB If you hedgeagainst something unpleasant or unwanted that might affect you, especially losing money, you do something which will protect you from it. □�[V +�against ] You can hedge against redundancy or illness with insurance. □�[V n] Today's clever financial instruments make it possible for firms to hedge their risks.

3 N‑COUNT Something that is a hedge against something unpleasant will protect you from its effects. □�[+�against ] Gold is traditionally a hedge against inflation.

4 VERB If you hedge , you avoid answering a question or committing yourself to a particular action or decision. □�[V ] They hedged in answering various questions about the operation. □�[V with quote] 'I can't give you an answer now,' he hedged.

5 PHRASE If you hedge your bets , you reduce the risk of losing a lot by supporting more than one person or thing in a situation where they are opposed to each other. □� The company tried to hedge its bets by diversifying into other fields.

▸� hedge about or hedge around PHRASAL VERB If you say that something such as an offer is hedged about or is hedged around with rules or conditions, you mean that there are a lot of rules or conditions. □�[be V -ed P +�with ] The offer was hedged around with conditions. □�[be V -ed P +�with ] Many reduced fares are hedged around with restrictions.

he dge fund (hedge funds ) N‑COUNT A hedge fund is an investment fund that invests large amounts of money using methods that involve a lot of risk. [BUSINESS ]

hedge|hog /he dʒhɒg, [AM ] -hɔːg/ (hedgehogs ) N‑COUNT A hedgehog is a small brown animal with sharp spikes covering its back.

hedge|row /he dʒroʊ/ (hedgerows ) N‑VAR A hedgerow is a row of bushes, trees, and plants, usually growing along a bank bordering a country lane or between fields.

he|don|ism /hiː dən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Hedonism is the belief that gaining pleasure is the most important thing in life. [FORMAL ]

he|don|ist /hiː dən I st/ (hedonists ) N‑COUNT A hedonist is someone who believes that having pleasure is the most important thing in life. [FORMAL ]

he|don|is|tic /hiː dən I st I k/ ADJ Hedonistic means relating to hedonism. [FORMAL ] □� �the hedonistic pleasures of the South.

heed /hiː d/ (heeds , heeding , heeded )

1 VERB If you heed someone's advice or warning, you pay attention to it and do what they suggest. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] But few at the conference in London last week heeded his warning.

2 PHRASE If you take heed of what someone says or if you pay heed to them, you pay attention to them and consider carefully what they say. [FORMAL ] □� But what if the government takes no heed?

heed|less /hiː dləs/ ADJ If you are heedlessof someone or something, you do not take any notice of them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Heedless of time or any other consideration, they began to search the underwater cave. □� She was rummaging through the letters, scattering them about the table in her heedless haste.

heel /hiː l/ (heels )

1 N‑COUNT Your heel is the back part of your foot, just below your ankle.

2 N‑COUNT The heel of a shoe is the raised part on the bottom at the back. □� �the shoes with the high heels.

3 N‑PLURAL Heels are women's shoes that are raised very high at the back. □� �two well-dressed ladies in high heels. □� �the old adage that you shouldn't wear heels with trousers.

4 N‑COUNT The heel of a sock or stocking is the part that covers your heel.

5 N‑COUNT The heel of your hand is the rounded pad at the bottom of your palm.

6 →�see also Achilles heel

7 PHRASE If you bring someone to heel , you force them to obey you. □� It's still not clear how the president will use his power to bring the republics to heel.

8 PHRASE If you dig your heels in or dig in your heels , you refuse to do something such as change your opinions or plans, especially when someone is trying very hard to make you do so. □� It was really the British who, by digging their heels in, prevented any last-minute deal.

9 PHRASE If you say that one event follows hard on the heels of another or hot on the heels of another, you mean that one happens very quickly or immediately after another. □� Unfortunately, bad news has come hard on the heels of good.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone is hot on your heels , you are emphasizing that they are chasing you and are not very far behind you. [EMPHASIS ] □� They sped through the American southwest with the law hot on their heels.

11 PHRASE If you are kicking your heels , you are having to wait around with nothing to do, so that you get bored or impatient. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The authorities wouldn't grant us permission to fly all the way down to San Francisco, so I had to kick my heels at Tunis Airport.

12 PHRASE If you turn on your heel or spin on your heel , you suddenly turn round, especially because you are angry or surprised. □� He simply turned on his heel and walked away.

13head over heels →�see head

14to drag your heels →�see drag

hefty /he fti/ (heftier , heftiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hefty means large in size, weight, or amount. [INFORMAL ] □� She was quite a hefty woman. □� If he is found guilty he faces a hefty fine.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hefty movement is done with a lot of force. [INFORMAL ] □� Lambert gave Luckwell a hefty shove to send him on his way.

he|gemo|ny /h I ge məni, [AM ] -dʒe m-/ N‑UNCOUNT Hegemony is a situation in which one country, organization, or group has more power, control, or importance than others. [FORMAL ]

heh /he / EXCLAM You can use heh , especially in electronic communication, to show that you are amused by something. □� Great comments on this site so far, especially about Bob (heh heh)!

heif|er /he fə r / (heifers ) N‑COUNT A heifer is a young cow that has not yet had a calf.

height ◆◇◇ /ha I t/ (heights )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] The height of a person or thing is their size or length from the bottom to the top. □� I am 5'6'' in height. □� The wave here has a length of 250 feet and a height of 10 feet. □� He was a man of medium height.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Height is the quality of being tall. □� She admits that her height is intimidating for some men.

3 N‑VAR A particular height is the distance that something is above the ground or above something else mentioned. □� �a test in which a 6.3 kilogram weight was dropped on it from a height of 1 metre.

4 N‑COUNT A height is a high position or place above the ground. □� I'm not afraid of heights.

5 N‑SING When an activity, situation, or organization is at its height , it is at its most successful, powerful, or intense. □� During the early sixth century emigration from Britain to Brittany was at its height.

6 N‑SING If you say that something is the height of a particular quality, you are emphasizing that it has that quality to the greatest degree possible. [EMPHASIS ] □� The hip-hugging black and white polka-dot dress was the height of fashion.

7 N‑PLURAL [oft adj N ] If something reaches great heights , it becomes very extreme or intense. □� �the mid-1980s, when house prices rose to absurd heights. [Also +�of ] COLLOCATIONS height NOUN

1

adjective +�height : full, maximum, minimum; average, medium, varying

height+�be +�adjective : adjustable

verb +�height : adjust, lower, measure

7

adjective +�height : dizzy, giddy, heady, lofty; great, new, unprecedented

verb +�height : achieve, hit, reach, scale

height|en /ha I t ə n/ (heightens , heightening , heightened ) VERB If something heightens a feeling or if the feeling heightens , the feeling increases in degree or intensity. □�[V n] The move has heightened tension in the state. □�[V ] Cross's interest heightened. □�[V -ed] �a heightened awareness of the dangers that they now face.

hei|nous /he I nəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a crime as heinous , you mean that it is extremely evil or horrible. [FORMAL ] □� They are capable of the most heinous acts.

heir /eə r / (heirs ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An heir is someone who has the right to inherit a person's money, property, or title when that person dies. □� �the heir to the throne.

hei r ap|pa r|ent (heirs apparent ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Theheir apparentto a particular job or position is the person who is expected to have it after the person who has it now. [JOURNALISM ]

heir|ess /eə r I s/ (heiresses ) N‑COUNT An heiress is a woman or girl who has the right to inherit property or a title, or who has inherited it, especially when this involves great wealth. □�[+�to ] �the heiress to a jewellery empire.

heir|loom /eə r luːm/ (heirlooms ) N‑COUNT An heirloom is an ornament or other object that has belonged to a family for a very long time and that has been handed down from one generation to another.

heist /ha I st/ (heists ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A heist is a robbery, especially one in which money, jewellery, or art is stolen. [JOURNALISM ]

held /he ld/ Held is the past tense and past participle of hold .

heli|cop|ter ◆◇◇ /he likɒptə r / (helicopters ) N‑COUNT A helicopter is an aircraft with long blades on top that go round very fast. It is able to stay still in the air and to move straight upwards or downwards.

he li|cop|ter gu n|ship (helicopter gunships ) N‑COUNT A helicopter gunship is a helicopter with large guns attached to it.

he li|cop|ter pa r|ent (helicopter parents ) N‑COUNT If you say someone is a helicopter parent , you mean that they are too closely involved with their child's life and try to control every part of it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You don't want a helicopter parent hovering over your every move.

heli|pad /he lip�d/ (helipads ) N‑COUNT A helipad is a place where helicopters can land and take off.

heli|port /he lipɔː r t/ (heliports ) N‑COUNT A heliport is an airport for helicopters.

he|lium /hiː liəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Helium is a very light gas that is colourless and has no smell.

he|lix /hiː l I ks/ (helixes ) N‑COUNT A helix is a spiral shape or form. [TECHNICAL ]

hell ◆◇◇ /he l/ (hells )

1 N‑PROPER ; N‑COUNT In some religions, hell is the place where the Devil lives, and where wicked people are sent to be punished when they die. Hell is usually imagined as being under the ground and full of flames.

2 N‑VAR If you say that a particular situation or place is hell , you are emphasizing that it is extremely unpleasant. [EMPHASIS ] □� �the hell of the Siberian labor camps.

3 EXCLAM Hell is used by some people when they are angry or excited, or when they want to emphasize what they are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Hell, no!' the doctor snapped.

4 PHRASE You can use as hell after adjectives or some adverbs to emphasize the adjective or adverb. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The men might be armed, but they sure as hell weren't trained.

5 PHRASE If you say that a place or a situation is hell on earth or a hell on earth , you are emphasizing that it is extremely unpleasant or that it causes great suffering. [EMPHASIS ] □� She believed she would die in the snake-infested sand dunes. She said: 'It was hell on earth'.

6 PHRASE If someone does something for the hell of it , or just for the hell of it , they do it for fun or for no particular reason. [INFORMAL ] □� Managers seem to be spending millions just for the hell of it.

7 PHRASE You can use from hell after a noun when you are emphasizing that something or someone is extremely unpleasant or evil. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He's a child from hell.

8 PHRASE If you tell someone to go to hell , you are angrily telling them to go away and leave you alone. [INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ] □� 'Well, you can go to hell!' He swept out of the room.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone can go to hell , you are emphasizing angrily that you do not care about them and that they will not stop you doing what you want. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □� Peter can go to hell. It's my money and I'll leave it to who I want.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone is goinghell for leather , you are emphasizing that they are doing something or are moving very quickly and perhaps carelessly. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The first horse often goes hell for leather, hits a few fences but gets away with it.

11 PHRASE Some people say like hell to emphasize that they strongly disagree with you or are strongly opposed to what you say. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� 'I'll go myself.'�'Like hell you will!'

12 PHRASE Some people use like hell to emphasize how strong an action or quality is. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� It hurts like hell.

13 PHRASE If you describe a place or situation as a living hell , you are emphasizing that it is extremely unpleasant. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� School is a living hell for some children.

14 PHRASE If you say that all hell breaks loose , you are emphasizing that a lot of arguing or fighting suddenly starts. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He had an affair, I found out and then all hell broke loose.

15 PHRASE If you talk about a hell of a lot of something, or one hell of a lot of something, you mean that there is a large amount of it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] The manager took a hell of a lot of money out of the club.

16 PHRASE Some people use a hell of or one hell of to emphasize that something is very good, very bad, or very big. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Whatever the outcome, it's going to be one hell of a fight.

17 PHRASE Some people use the hell out of for emphasis after verbs such as 'scare', 'irritate', and 'beat'. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I patted the top of her head in the condescending way I knew irritated the hell out of her.

18 PHRASE If you say there'll be hell to pay , you are emphasizing that there will be serious trouble. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� There would be hell to pay when Ferguson and Tony found out about it.

19 PHRASE To play hellwith something means to have a bad effect on it or cause great confusion. In British English, you can also say that one person or thing plays merry hellwith another. [INFORMAL ] □� Lord Beaverbrook, to put it bluntly, played hell with the war policy of the R.A.F.

20 PHRASE If you say that someone raises hell , you are emphasizing that they protest strongly and angrily about a situation in order to persuade other people to correct it or improve it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The only way to preserve democracy is to raise hell about its shortcomings.

21 PHRASE People sometimes use the hell for emphasis in questions, after words such as 'what', 'where', and 'why', often in order to express anger. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □� Where the hell have you been?

22 PHRASE If you go through hell , or if someone puts you through hell , you have a very difficult or unpleasant time. [INFORMAL ] □� All of you seem to have gone through hell making this record.

23 PHRASE If you say you hope to hell or wish to hellthat something is true, you are emphasizing that you strongly hope or wish it is true. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I hope to hell you're right.

24 PHRASE If you say that you will do something come hell or high water , you are emphasizing that you are determined to do it, in spite of the difficulties involved. [EMPHASIS ] □� I've always managed to get into work come hell or high water.

25 PHRASE You can say ' what the hell ' when you decide to do something in spite of the doubts that you have about it. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� What the hell, I thought, at least it will give the lazy old man some exercise.

26 PHRASE If you say ' to hell with ' something, you are emphasizing that you do not care about something and that it will not stop you from doing what you want to do. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� To hell with this, I'm getting out of here.

he'll /h I l, hiːl/ He'll is the usual spoken form of 'he will'. □� By the time he's twenty he'll know everyone worth knowing in Washington.

he ll-be nt also hellbent ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is hell-benton doing something, you are emphasizing that they are determined to do it, even if this causes problems or difficulties for other people. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�on ] �a man who seems hell-bent on provoking controversy in his articles.

Hel|len|ic /hele n I k, -liː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hellenic is used to describe the people, language, and culture of Ancient Greece.

hell|hole /he lhoʊl/ (hellholes ) N‑COUNT If you call a place a hellhole , you mean that it is extremely unpleasant, usually because it is dirty and uncomfortable. □� �stuck in this hellhole of a jail.

hell|ish /he l I ʃ/ ADJ You describe something as hellish to emphasize that it is extremely unpleasant. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The atmosphere in Washington is hellish.

hel|lo ◆◇◇ /heloʊ / (hellos ) also hallo , hullo

1 CONVENTION You say ' Hello ' to someone when you meet them. [FORMULAE ] □� Hello, Trish. □� Do you want to pop your head in and say hallo to my girlfriend? ●�N‑COUNT Hello is also a noun. □� The salesperson greeted me with a warm hello.

2 CONVENTION You say ' Hello ' to someone at the beginning of a phone conversation, either when you answer the phone or before you give your name or say why you are phoning. [FORMULAE ] □� A moment later, Cohen picked up the phone. 'Hello?'

3 CONVENTION You can call ' hello ' to attract someone's attention. □� Very softly, she called out: 'Hallo? Who's there?'

he ll-raiser (hell-raisers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a hell-raiser , you mean that they often behave in a wild and unacceptable way, especially because they have drunk too much alcohol. [INFORMAL ]

hell|uva /he ləvə/ ADJ Some people say a helluva or one helluva to emphasize that something is very good, very bad, or very big. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� It taught me a helluva lot about myself. □� The man did one helluva job getting it all together.

helm /he lm/ (helms )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The helm of a boat or ship is the part that is used to steer it.

2 N‑SING You can say that someone is at the helm when they are leading or running a country or organization. □� He has been at the helm of Lonrho for 31 years.

hel|met /he lm I t/ (helmets )

1 N‑COUNT A helmet is a hat made of a strong material which you wear to protect your head.

2 →�see also crash helmet

helms|man /he lmzmən/ (helmsmen ) N‑COUNT The helmsman of a boat is the person who is steering it.

help ◆◆◆ /he lp/ (helps , helping , helped )

1 VERB If you help someone, you make it easier for them to do something, for example by doing part of the work for them or by giving them advice or money. □�[V to-inf/inf] He has helped to raise a lot of money. □�[V ] You can of course help by giving them a donation directly. □�[V n] If you're not willing to help me, I'll find somebody who will. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Help is also a noun. □� Thanks very much for your help. □� Always ask the pharmacist for help.

2 VERB If you say that something helps , you mean that it makes something easier to do or get, or that it improves a situation to some extent. □�[V to-inf/inf] The right style of swimsuit can help to hide, minimise or emphasise what you want it to. □�[V n] Building more motorways will help the environment by reducing pollution in cities. □�[V n to-inf/inf] Understanding these rare molecules will help chemists to find out what is achievable. □�[V ] I could cook your supper, though, if that would help.

3 VERB If you help someone go somewhere or move in some way, you give them support so that they can move more easily. □�[V n prep/adv] Martin helped Tanya over the rail. □�[V n inf/to-inf] She helped her sit up in bed so she could hold her baby.

4 N‑SING If you say that someone or something has been a help or has been some help , you mean that they have helped you to solve a problem. □� The books were not much help.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Help is action taken to rescue a person who is in danger. You shout ' help! ' when you are in danger in order to attract someone's attention so that they can come and rescue you. □� He was screaming for help. □� 'Help!' I screamed, turning to run.

6 N‑UNCOUNT In computing, help , or the help menu, is a file that gives you information and advice, for example about how to use a particular program. [COMPUTING ] □� If you get stuck, click on Help.

7 VERB If you helpyourselfto something, you serve yourself or you take it for yourself. If someone tells you to helpyourself , they are telling you politely to serve yourself anything you want or to take anything you want. □�[V pron-refl] There's bread on the table. Help yourself. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] Just help yourself to leaflets.

8 VERB If someone helpsthemselvesto something, they steal it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl +�to ] Has somebody helped himself to some film star's diamonds?

9 →�see also helping

10 PHRASE If you can't help the way you feel or behave, you cannot control it or stop it happening. You can also say that you can't helpyourself . □� I can't help feeling sorry for the poor man.

11 PHRASE If you say you can't help thinking something, you are expressing your opinion in an indirect way, often because you think it seems rude. [VAGUENESS ] □� I can't help feeling that this may just be another of her schemes.

12 PHRASE If someone or something is of help , they make a situation easier or better. □� Can I be of help to you?

▸� help out PHRASAL VERB If you help someone out , you help them by doing some work for them or by lending them some money. □�[V P +�with ] I help out with the secretarial work. □�[V n P ] All these presents came to more money than I had, and my mother had to help me out. □�[V P n] He thought you'd been brought in from Toronto to help out the local police. [Also V P ] SYNONYMS help VERB 1

aid:�a software system to aid managers in advanced decision-making.

assist:Julia was assisting him to prepare his speech.

bet:We shall strike hard, without flinching, at terrorists and those who abet them. COLLOCATIONS help NOUN

1

adjective +�help : big, enormous, great, tremendous; considerable; financial, medical, psychiatric, psychological, technical; expert, professional

verb +�help : ask for, enlist, seek; need; offer, provide; get, receive

6

verb +�help : summon; call for, scream for, shout for VERB 2

help+�adverb : enormously, immeasurably

help|er /he lpə r / (helpers ) N‑COUNT A helper is a person who helps another person or group with a job they are doing.

help|ful /he lpfʊl/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as helpful , you mean that they help you in some way, such as doing part of your job for you or by giving you advice or information. □� The staff in the London office are helpful but only have limited information. ●� help|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They had helpfully provided us with instructions on how to find the house. ●� help|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The level of expertise and helpfulness is far higher in smaller shops.

2 ADJ If you describe information or advice as helpful , you mean that it is useful for you. □� The following information may be helpful to readers.

3 ADJ Something that is helpful makes a situation more pleasant or more easy to tolerate. □� It is often helpful to have your spouse in the room when major news is expected.

help|ing /he lp I ŋ/ (helpings )

1 N‑COUNT [adj N ] A helpingof food is the amount of it that you get in a single serving. □�[+�of ] She gave them extra helpings of ice-cream.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of something, especially a quality, as a helping of that thing. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] It took a generous helping of entrepreneurial confidence to persevere during this incident.

help|less /he lpləs/ ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you are helpless , you do not have the strength or power to do anything useful or to control or protect yourself. □� Parents often feel helpless, knowing that all the cuddles in the world won't stop the tears. ●� help|less|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Their son watched helplessly as they vanished beneath the waves. ●� help|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I remember my feelings of helplessness.

help|line /he lpla I n/ (helplines ) N‑COUNT A helpline is a special phone service that people can call to get advice about a particular subject.

help|mate /he lpme I t/ (helpmates ) N‑COUNT If you say that one person is another person's helpmate , you mean that they help the other person in their life or work, especially by doing boring but necessary jobs for them such as cooking and cleaning. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

helter-skelter /he ltə r ske ltə r / ADJ [ADJ n] You use helter-skelter to describe something that is hurried and disorganized, especially when things happen very quickly, one after the other. □� He now faces another crisis in his helter-skelter existence. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Helter-skelter is also an adverb. □� �a panic-stricken crowd running helter-skelter to get away from the tear gas.

hem /he m/ (hems , hemming , hemmed )

1 N‑COUNT A hem on something such as a piece of clothing is an edge that is folded over and stitched down to prevent threads coming loose. The hem of a skirt or dress is the bottom edge.

2 VERB If you hem something, you form a hem along its edge. □�[V n] Turn under and hem the outer edges.

3hem and haw →�see haw

▸� hem in

1 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a place is hemmed inby mountains or by other places, it is surrounded by them. □�[be V -ed P +�by ] Manchester is hemmed in by greenbelt countryside and by housing and industrial areas.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone is hemmed in or if someone hems them in , they are prevented from moving or changing, for example because they are surrounded by people or obstacles. □�[be V -ed P +�by ] The company's competitors complain that they are hemmed in by rigid legal contracts. [Also V n P ]

he -man (he-men ) N‑COUNT A he-man is a strong and very masculine man. [INFORMAL ]

hemi|sphere /he m I sf I ə r / (hemispheres )

1 N‑COUNT A hemisphere is one half of the earth. □� �the northern hemisphere.

2 N‑COUNT A hemisphere is one half of the brain.

hem|line /he mla I n/ (hemlines ) N‑COUNT The hemline of a dress or skirt is its lower edge. People sometimes use hemline to talk about how long a dress or skirt is. □� Mickey favoured tight skirts with a hemline at the knee.

hem|lock /he mlɒk/ N‑UNCOUNT Hemlock is a poisonous plant.

hemo|glo|bin /hiː məgloʊ b I n/ →�see haemoglobin

hemo|philia /hiː məf I liə/ →�see haemophilia

hemo|phili|ac /hiː məf I li�k/ →�see haemophiliac

hem|or|rhage /he mər I dʒ/ →�see haemorrhage

hem|or|rhoid /he mərɔ I d/ →�see haemorrhoid

hemp /he mp/ N‑UNCOUNT Hemp is a plant used for making rope or the drug marijuana.

hen /he n/ (hens )

1 N‑COUNT A hen is a female chicken. People often keep hens in order to eat them or sell their eggs.

2 N‑COUNT The female of any bird can be referred to as a hen .

hence /he ns/

1 ADV You use hence to indicate that the statement you are about to make is a consequence of what you have just said. [FORMAL ] □� The trade imbalance is likely to rise again in 1990. Hence a new set of policy actions will be required soon.

2 ADV You use hence in expressions such as ' several years hence ' or ' six months hence ' to refer to a time in the future, especially a long time in the future. [FORMAL ] □� The gases that may be warming the planet will have their main effect many years hence.

hence|forth /he nsfɔː r θ/ ADV Henceforth means from this time onwards. [FORMAL ] □� Henceforth, parties which fail to get 5% of the vote will not be represented in parliament.

hence|forward /he nsfɔː r wə r d/ ADV Henceforward means from this time on. [FORMAL ] □� Henceforward France and Britain had a common interest.

hench|man /he ntʃmən/ (henchmen ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If you refer to someone as another person's henchman , you mean that they work for or support the other person, especially by doing unpleasant, violent, or dishonest things on their behalf. [DISAPPROVAL ]

hen|house /he nhaʊs/ (henhouses ) N‑COUNT A henhouse is a special building where hens are kept.

hen|na /he nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Henna is a reddish-brown dye that is made from the leaves of a shrub. It is used especially for colouring hair or skin.

he n night (hen nights ) N‑COUNT A hen night is a party for a woman who is getting married very soon, to which only women are invited. [BRIT ]

he n par|ty (hen parties ) N‑COUNT A hen party is a party to which only women are invited. [BRIT ]

he n-pecked also henpecked ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use hen-pecked to describe a man when you disapprove of the fact that someone, often his partner, is always telling him what to do or telling him that he has done something wrong. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

hepa|ti|tis /he pəta I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Hepatitis is a serious disease which affects the liver.

hep|tath|lon /hept� θlɒn/ (heptathlons ) N‑COUNT The heptathlon is an athletics competition for women in which each athlete competes in seven different events.

her ◆◆◆ /hə r , STRONG hɜː r / Her is a third person singular pronoun. Her is used as the object of a verb or a preposition. Her is also a possessive determiner. 1 PRON You use her to refer to a woman, girl, or female animal. □� I went in the room and told her I had something to say to her. □� I really thought I'd lost her. Everybody kept asking me, 'Have you found your cat?' ●�DET Her is also a possessive determiner. □� Liz travelled round the world for a year with her boyfriend James.

2 PRON In written English, her is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use 'him or her' or 'them'. □� Talk to your baby, play games, and show her how much you enjoy her company. ●�DET Her is also a possessive determiner. □� The non-drinking, non smoking model should do nothing to risk her reputation.

3 PRON Her is sometimes used to refer to a country or nation. [FORMAL or WRITTEN ] ●�DET Her is also a possessive determiner. □� Our reporter looks at reactions to Britain's apparently deep-rooted distrust of her E.U. partner.

her|ald /he rəld/ (heralds , heralding , heralded )

1 VERB Something that heralds a future event or situation is a sign that it is going to happen or appear. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �the sultry evening that heralded the end of the baking hot summer.

2 N‑COUNT Something that is a heraldof a future event or situation is a sign that it is going to happen or appear. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] I welcome the report as a herald of more freedom, not less.

3 VERB [usu passive] If an important event or action is heraldedby people, announcements are made about it so that it is publicly known and expected. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�by ] Her new album has been heralded by a massive media campaign. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Tonight's big game is being heralded as the match of the season.

4 N‑COUNT In former times, a herald was a person who delivered and announced important messages.

he|ral|dic /hər� ld I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Heraldic means relating to heraldry. □� �religious and heraldic symbols.

her|ald|ry /he rəldri/ N‑UNCOUNT Heraldry is the study of coats of arms and of the history of the families who are entitled to have them.

herb /hɜː r b, [AM ] ɜː r b/ (herbs ) N‑COUNT A herb is a plant whose leaves are used in cooking to add flavour to food, or as a medicine.

her|ba|ceous /hɜː r be I ʃəs, [AM ] ɜː r b-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Herbaceous plants have green stems, not hard, woody stems.

her|ba |ceous bo r|der (herbaceous borders ) N‑COUNT A herbaceous border is a flower bed containing a mixture of plants that flower every year. [BRIT ]

herb|al /hɜː r b ə l, [AM ] ɜː r b-/ (herbals ) ADJ [ADJ n] Herbal means made from or using herbs. □� �herbal remedies for colds.

herb|al|ism /hɜː r bəl I zəm, [AM ] ɜː r b-/ N‑UNCOUNT Herbalism is the practice of using herbs to treat illnesses.

herb|al|ist /hɜː r bəl I st, [AM ] ɜː r b-/ (herbalists ) N‑COUNT A herbalist is a person who grows or sells herbs that are used in medicine.

herbi|cide /hɜː r b I sa I d, [AM ] ɜː r b-/ (herbicides ) N‑VAR A herbicide is a chemical that is used to destroy plants, especially weeds.

her|bi|vore /hɜː r b I vɔː r , [AM ] ɜː r b-/ (herbivores ) N‑COUNT A herbivore is an animal that only eats plants.

her|bi|vo|rous /hɜː r b I vərəs/ ADJ Herbivorous animals eat only plants. □� Mammoths were herbivorous mammals.

her|cu|lean /hɜː r kjʊliː ən/ also Herculean ADJ [usu ADJ n] A herculean task or ability is one that requires extremely great strength or effort. [LITERARY ] □� �his herculean efforts to bring peace to our troubled island.

herd /hɜː r d/ (herds , herding , herded )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A herd is a large group of animals of one kind that live together. □�[+�of ] �large herds of elephant and buffalo.

2 N‑SING If you say that someone has joined the herd or follows the herd , you are criticizing them because you think that they behave just like everyone else and do not think for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They are individuals; they will not follow the herd.

3 VERB If you herd people somewhere, you make them move there in a group. □�[V n prep/adv] He began to herd the prisoners out.

4 VERB If you herd animals, you make them move along as a group. □�[V n] Stefano used a motor cycle to herd the sheep. □�[V n prep/adv] A boy herded half a dozen camels down towards the water trough.

herds|man /hɜː r dzmən/ (herdsmen ) N‑COUNT A herdsman is a man who looks after a herd of animals such as cattle or goats.

here ◆◆◆ /h I ə r /

1 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] You use here when you are referring to the place where you are. □� I'm here all by myself and I know I'm going to get lost. □� Well, I can't stand here chatting all day. □� �the growing number of skiers that come here.

2 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] You use here when you are pointing towards a place that is near you, in order to draw someone else's attention to it. □� �if you will just sign here. □� Come and sit here, Lauren.

3 ADV [n ADV , ADV after v] You use here in order to indicate that the person or thing that you are talking about is near you or is being held by you. □� My friend here writes for radio.

4 ADV If you say that you are hereto do something, that is your role or function. □� I'm not here to listen to your complaints.

5 ADV [ADV with be , ADV before v] You use here in order to draw attention to something or someone who has just arrived in the place where you are, or to draw attention to the place you have just arrived at. □� 'Mr Cummings is here,' she said, holding the door open.

6 ADV [ADV with v] You use here to refer to a particular point or stage of a situation or subject that you have come to or that you are dealing with. □� The book goes into recent work in greater detail than I have attempted here.

7 ADV [ADV before v, ADV with be ] You use here to refer to a period of time, a situation, or an event that is present or happening now. □� Here is your opportunity to acquire a luxurious one bedroom home.

8 ADV You use here at the beginning of a sentence in order to draw attention to something or to introduce something. □� Now here's what I want you to do.

9 ADV You use here when you are offering or giving something to someone. □� Here's some letters I want you to sign. □� Here's your cash.

10 PHRASE You say ' here we are ' or ' here you are ' when the statement that you are making about someone's character or situation is unexpected. □� Here you are, saying these terrible things.

11 CONVENTION You say ' here we are ' when you have just found something that you have been looking for. □� I rummaged through the drawers and came up with Amanda's folder. 'Here we are.'

12 CONVENTION You say ' here goes ' when you are about to do or say something difficult or unpleasant. □� Dr Culver nervously muttered 'Here goes,' and gave the little girl an injection.

13 PHRASE You use expressions such as ' here we go ' and ' here we go again ' in order to indicate that something is happening again in the way that you expected, especially something unpleasant. [INFORMAL ] □� At first, he was told he was too young and I thought, 'Oh, boy, here we go again.'

14 PHRASE You use here and now to emphasize that something is happening at the present time, rather than in the future or past, or that you would like it to happen at the present time. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm a practicing physician trying to help people here and now.

15 PHRASE If something happens here and there , it happens in several different places. □� I do a bit of teaching here and there.

16 CONVENTION You use expressions such as ' here's to us ' and ' here's to your new job ' before drinking a toast in order to wish someone success or happiness. [FORMULAE ] □� Tony smiled and lifted his glass. 'Here's to you, Amy.' USAGE here

Don�t use �to� in front of here . Don�t say, for example, � We can come to here at any time �. Say �We can come here at any time�.

here|abouts /h I ə rəbaʊ ts/ ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] You use hereabouts to indicate that you are talking about something near you or in the same area as you. □� It's a bit chilly and empty hereabouts.

here|after /h I ə rɑː ftə r , -� ft-/

1 ADV Hereafter means from this time onwards. [FORMAL , WRITTEN ] □� I realised how hard life was going to be for me hereafter.

2 ADV In legal documents and in written English, hereafter is used to introduce information about an abbreviation that will be used in the rest of the text to refer to the person or thing just mentioned. □� Michel Foucault (1972), The Archaeology of Knowledge; hereafter this text will be abbreviated as AK.

3 N‑SING Thehereafter is sometimes used to refer to the time after you have died, or to the life which some people believe you have after you have died. □� �belief in the hereafter. ●�ADJ [n ADJ ] Hereafter is also an adjective. □� �the life hereafter.

here|by /h I ə r ba I / ADV [ADV before v] You use hereby when officially or formally saying what you are doing. [FORMAL ] □� I hereby sentence you for life after all the charges against you have been proven true.

he|redi|tary /h I re d I tri/

1 ADJ A hereditary characteristic or illness is passed on to a child from its parents before it is born. □� In men, hair loss is hereditary.

2 ADJ A title or position in society that is hereditary is one that is passed on as a right from parent to child. □� �the position of the head of state is hereditary.

he|red|ity /h I re d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Heredity is the process by which features and characteristics are passed on from parents to their children before the children are born. □� Heredity is not a factor in causing the cancer.

here|in /h I ə r I n/

1 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] Herein means in this document, text, or book. [FORMAL , WRITTEN ] □� The statements and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the Wilson Centre.

2 ADV You can use herein to refer back to the situation or fact you have just mentioned, when saying it is something such as a problem or reason for something. [FORMAL , WRITTEN ] □� I felt overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness. And herein lies the problem.

her|esy /he r I si/ (heresies )

1 N‑VAR Heresy is a belief or action that most people think is wrong, because it disagrees with beliefs that are generally accepted. □� It might be considered heresy to suggest such a notion.

2 N‑VAR Heresy is a belief or action which seriously disagrees with the principles of a particular religion. □� He said it was a heresy to suggest that women should not conduct services.

her|etic /he r I t I k/ (heretics )

1 N‑COUNT A heretic is someone whose beliefs or actions are considered wrong by most people, because they disagree with beliefs that are generally accepted. □� He was considered a heretic and was ridiculed and ostracized for his ideas.

2 N‑COUNT A heretic is a person who belongs to a particular religion, but whose beliefs or actions seriously disagree with the principles of that religion.

he|reti|cal /h I re t I k ə l/

1 ADJ A belief or action that is heretical is one that most people think is wrong because it disagrees with beliefs that are generally accepted. □� I made the then heretical suggestion that it might be cheaper to design new machines.

2 ADJ A belief or action that is heretical is one that seriously disagrees with the principles of a particular religion. □� The Church regards spirit mediums and people claiming to speak to the dead as heretical.

here|to|fore /h I ə r tuːfɔː r / ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] Heretofore means 'before this time' or 'up to now'. [mainly AM , FORMAL ] □� He had honorably fulfilled every promise he had heretofore made.

here|with /h I ə r w I �/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft n ADV , ADV n] Herewith means with this document, text, or book. You can use herewith in a letter to say that you are enclosing something with it. [FORMAL , WRITTEN ] □� �the 236 revolutionary prisoners whose names are listed herewith. □� I return herewith your papers.

her|it|age /he r I t I dʒ/ (heritages ) N‑VAR [oft poss N ] A country's heritage is all the qualities, traditions, or features of life there that have continued over many years and have been passed on from one generation to another. □� The historic building is as much part of our heritage as the paintings.

her|maph|ro|dite /hɜː r m� frəda I t/ (hermaphrodites ) N‑COUNT A hermaphrodite is a person, animal, or flower that has both male and female reproductive organs.

her|met|ic /hɜː r me t I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If a container has a hermetic seal, the seal is very tight so that no air can get in or out. [TECHNICAL ] ●� her|meti|cal|ly /hɜː r me t I kli/ ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� The batteries are designed to be leak-proof and hermetically sealed.

2 ADJ You use hermetic to describe something which you disapprove of because it seems to be totally separate from other people and things in society. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Its film industry operates in its own curiously hermetic way. □� Their work is more cosily hermetic than ever.

her|mit /hɜː r m I t/ (hermits ) N‑COUNT A hermit is a person who lives alone, away from people and society.

her|nia /hɜː r niə/ (hernias ) N‑VAR A hernia is a medical condition which is often caused by strain or injury. It results in one of your internal organs sticking through a weak point in the surrounding tissue.

hero ◆◇◇ /h I ə roʊ/ (heroes )

1 N‑COUNT The hero of a book, play, film, or story is the main male character, who usually has good qualities. □�[+�of ] The hero of Doctor Zhivago dies in 1929.

2 N‑COUNT A hero is someone, especially a man, who has done something brave, new, or good, and who is therefore greatly admired by a lot of people. □� He called Mr Mandela a hero who had inspired millions.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, with poss] If you describe someone as your hero , you mean that you admire them a great deal, usually because of a particular quality or skill that they have. □� He was the boyhood hero for every kid of my generation who knew anything about tennis.

he|ro|ic /h I roʊ I k/ (heroics )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or their actions as heroic , you admire them because they show extreme bravery. □� His heroic deeds were celebrated in every corner of India. ●� he|roi|cal|ly /h I roʊ I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� He had acted heroically during the liner's evacuation.

2 ADJ If you describe an action or event as heroic , you admire it because it involves great effort or determination to succeed. [APPROVAL ] □� The company has made heroic efforts at cost reduction. ●� he|roi|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Single parents cope heroically in doing the job of two people.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Heroic means being or relating to the hero of a story. □� �the book's central, heroic figure.

4 N‑PLURAL Heroics are actions involving bravery, courage, or determination. □� �the man whose aerial heroics helped save the helicopter pilot.

5 N‑PLURAL If you describe someone's actions or plans as heroics , you think that they are foolish or dangerous because they are too difficult or brave for the situation in which they occur. [SPOKEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He said his advice was: 'No heroics, stay within the law'.

hero|in /he roʊ I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Heroin is a powerful drug which some people take for pleasure, but which they can become addicted to.

hero|ine /he roʊ I n/ (heroines )

1 N‑COUNT The heroine of a book, play, film, or story is the main female character, who usually has good qualities. □� The heroine is a senior TV executive.

2 N‑COUNT A heroine is a woman who has done something brave, new, or good, and who is therefore greatly admired by a lot of people. □�[+�of ] �a heroine of both the French resistance and British secret service.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, with poss] If you describe a woman as your heroine , you mean that you admire her greatly, usually because of a particular quality or skill that she has. □� My heroine was Elizabeth Taylor.

hero|ism /he roʊ I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Heroism is great courage and bravery. □� �individual acts of heroism.

her|on /he rən/ (herons ) N‑COUNT A heron is a large bird which has long legs and a long beak, and which eats fish.

he ro-worship (hero-worships , hero-worshipping , hero-worshipped ) The noun is also spelled hero worship . 1 N‑UNCOUNT Hero-worship is a very great admiration of someone and a belief that they are special or perfect. □� The lead singer inspires old-fashioned hero-worship.

2 VERB If you hero-worship someone, you admire them a great deal and think they are special or perfect. □�[V n] He was amused by the way younger actors started to hero-worship and copy him.

her|pes /hɜː r piːz/ N‑UNCOUNT Herpes is a disease which causes painful red spots to appear on the skin.

her|ring /he r I ŋ/ (herring or herrings )

1 N‑VAR A herring is a long silver-coloured fish. Herring live in large groups in the sea. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Herring is a piece of this fish eaten as food.

2 →�see also red herring

herring|bone /he r I ŋboʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Herringbone is a pattern used in fabrics or brickwork which looks like parallel rows of zigzag lines.

hers /hɜː r z/ Hers is a third person possessive pronoun. 1 PRON You use hers to indicate that something belongs or relates to a woman, girl, or female animal. □� His hand as it shook hers was warm and firm. □� He'd never seen eyes as green as hers. □� Professor Camm was a great friend of hers.

2 PRON In written English, hers is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use 'his or hers' or 'theirs'. □� The author can report other people's results which more or less agree with hers.

3 PRON Hers is sometimes used to refer to a country or nation. [FORMAL or WRITTEN ]

her|self ◆◆◆ /hə r se lf/ Herself is a third person singular reflexive pronoun. Herself is used when the object of a verb or preposition refers to the same person as the subject of the verb, except in meaning 5 . 1 PRON You use herself to refer to a woman, girl, or female animal. □� She let herself out of the room. □� Jennifer believes she will move out on her own when she is financially able to support herself. □� Robin didn't feel good about herself.

2 PRON In written English, herself is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use 'himself or herself' or 'themselves'. □� How can anyone blame her for actions for which she feels herself to be in no way responsible?

3 PRON Herself is sometimes used to refer to a country or nation. [FORMAL or WRITTEN ] □� Britain's dream of herself began to fade.

4 PRON You use herself to emphasize the person or thing that you are referring to. Herself is sometimes used instead of 'her' as the object of a verb or preposition. [EMPHASIS ] □� She's so beautiful herself. □� She herself was not a keen gardener.

he's /h I z, hiːz/ He's is the usual spoken form of 'he is' or 'he has', especially when 'has' is an auxiliary verb. □� He's working maybe twenty-five hours a week.

hesi|tant /he z I t ə nt/ ADJ [ADJ to-inf] If you are hesitantabout doing something, you do not do it quickly or immediately, usually because you are uncertain, embarrassed, or worried. □�[+�about ] She was hesitant about coming forward with her story. ●� hesi|tan|cy /he z I tənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT □� A trace of hesitancy showed in Dr. Stockton's eyes. ●� hesi|tant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Would you do me a favour?' she asked hesitantly.

hesi|tate /he z I te I t/ (hesitates , hesitating , hesitated )

1 VERB If you hesitate , you do not speak or act for a short time, usually because you are uncertain, embarrassed, or worried about what you are going to say or do. □�[V ] The phone rang. Catherine hesitated, debating whether to answer it. ●� hesi|ta|tion /he z I te I ʃ ə n/ (hesitations ) N‑VAR □� Asked if he would go back, Mr Searle said after some hesitation, 'I'll have to think about that.'

2 VERB If you hesitateto do something, you delay doing it or are unwilling to do it, usually because you are not certain it would be right. If you do not hesitateto do something, you do it immediately. □�[V to-inf] Some parents hesitate to do this because they suspect their child is exaggerating.

3 VERB [with neg] You can use hesitate in expressions such as ' don't hesitate to call me ' or ' don't hesitate to contact us ' when you are telling someone that they should do something as soon as it needs to be done and should not worry about disturbing other people. □�[V to-inf] In the event of difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department.

hesi|ta|tion /he z I te I ʃ ə n/ (hesitations )

1 N‑VAR Hesitation is an unwillingness to do something, or a delay in doing it, because you are uncertain, worried, or embarrassed about it. □�[+�in ] He promised there would be no more hesitations in pursuing reforms. □� �the prime minister's hesitation to accept a ceasefire.

2 →�see also hesitate

3 PHRASE If you say that you have no hesitationin doing something, you are emphasizing that you will do it immediately or willingly because you are certain that it is the right thing to do. [EMPHASIS ] □� The board said it had no hesitation in unanimously rejecting the offer.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone does something without hesitation , you are emphasizing that they do it immediately and willingly. [EMPHASIS ] □� The great majority of players would, of course, sign the contract without hesitation.

hes|sian /he siən, [AM ] he ʃən/ N‑UNCOUNT Hessian is a thick, rough fabric that is used for making sacks. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use burlap

hetero|dox /he tərədɒks/ ADJ Heterodox beliefs, opinions, or ideas are different from the accepted or official ones. [FORMAL ]

hetero|geneous /he tərədʒiː niəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A heterogeneous group consists of many different types of things or people. [FORMAL ] □� �a rather heterogeneous collection of studies from diverse origins.

hetero|sex|ual /he təroʊse kʃuəl/ (heterosexuals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A heterosexual relationship is a sexual relationship between a man and a woman.

2 ADJ Someone who is heterosexual is sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex. ●�N‑COUNT Heterosexual is also a noun. □� Even red-blooded heterosexuals had to admit he was handsome. ●� hetero|sexu|al|ity /he təroʊsekʃu� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a challenge to the assumption that heterosexuality was 'normal'.

het up /he t ʌ p/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you get het upabout something, you get very excited, angry, or anxious about it. [INFORMAL ]

heu|ris|tic /hjʊər I st I k/

1 ADJ A heuristic method of learning involves discovery and problem-solving, using reasoning and past experience. [TECHNICAL ]

2 ADJ A heuristic computer program uses rules based on previous experience in order to solve a problem, rather than using a mathematical procedure. [COMPUTING ]

3 →�see also algorithm

hew /hjuː / (hews , hewing , hewed , hewed or hewn )

1 VERB If you hew stone or wood, you cut it, for example with an axe. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] He felled, peeled and hewed his own timber.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is hewnfrom stone or wood, it is cut from stone or wood. [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[be V -ed +�from/out of ] �the rock from which the lower chambers and subterranean passageways have been hewn. □�[V -ed] �medieval monasteries hewn out of the rockface.

3 →�see also rough-hewn

hexa|gon /he ksəgən, [AM ] -gɔːn/ (hexagons ) N‑COUNT A hexagon is a shape that has six straight sides.

hex|ago|nal /heks� gən ə l/ ADJ A hexagonal object or shape has six straight sides.

hey /he I / CONVENTION In informal situations, you say or shout ' hey ' to attract someone's attention, or to show surprise, interest, or annoyance. [FEELINGS ] □� 'Hey! Look out!' shouted Patty.

hey|day /he I de I / N‑SING [with poss] Someone's heyday is the time when they are most powerful, successful, or popular. □� In its heyday, the studio's boast was that it had more stars than there are in heaven.

HGH /e I tʃ dʒiː e I tʃ/ HGH is an abbreviation for human growth hormone .

hi ◆◇◇ /ha I / CONVENTION In informal situations, you say ' hi ' to greet someone. [FORMULAE ] □� 'Hi, Liz,' she said shyly.

hia|tus /ha I e I təs/ N‑SING A hiatus is a pause in which nothing happens, or a gap where something is missing. [FORMAL ] □� Diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement resume today after a two-week hiatus. [Also +�in/of ]

hi|ber|nate /ha I bə r ne I t/ (hibernates , hibernating , hibernated ) VERB Animals that hibernate spend the winter in a state like a deep sleep. □�[V ] Dormice hibernate from October to May.

hi|bis|cus /h I b I skəs, [AM ] ha I -/ (hibiscus ) N‑VAR A hibiscus is a tropical bush that has large, brightly-coloured bell-shaped flowers.

hic|cup /h I kʌp/ (hiccups , hiccuping or hiccupping , hiccuped or hiccupped ) also hiccough

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] You can refer to a small problem or difficulty as a hiccup , especially if it does not last very long or is easily put right. □� A recent sales hiccup is nothing to panic about. [Also +�in ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] When you have hiccups , you make repeated sharp sounds in your throat, often because you have been eating or drinking too quickly. □� A young baby may frequently get a bout of hiccups during or soon after a feed.

3 N‑COUNT A hiccup is a sound of the kind that you make when you have hiccups.

4 VERB When you hiccup , you make repeated sharp sounds in your throat. □�[V ] She was still hiccuping from the egg she had swallowed whole.

hick /h I k/ (hicks ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you refer to someone as a hick , you are saying in a rude way that you think they are uneducated and stupid because they come from the countryside. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

hid /h I d/ Hid is the past tense of hide .

hid|den /h I d ə n/

1Hidden is the past participle of hide .

2 ADJ Hidden facts, feelings, activities, or problems are not easy to notice or discover. □� Under all the innocent fun, there are hidden dangers, especially for children.

3 ADJ A hidden place is difficult to find. □� As you descend, suddenly you see at last the hidden waterfall.

hi d|den age n|da (hidden agendas ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone has a hidden agenda , you are criticizing them because you think they are secretly trying to achieve or cause a particular thing, while they appear to be doing something else. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He accused foreign nations of having a hidden agenda to harm French influence.

hide ◆◇◇ /ha I d/ (hides , hiding , hid , hidden )

1 VERB If you hide something or someone, you put them in a place where they cannot easily be seen or found. □�[V n] He hid the bicycle in the hawthorn hedge. □�[V n] They could see that I was terrified, and hid me until the coast was clear.

2 VERB If you hide or if you hideyourself , you go somewhere where you cannot easily be seen or found. □�[V ] At their approach the little boy scurried away and hid. □�[V pron-refl] They hid themselves behind a tree.

3 VERB If you hide your face, you press your face against something or cover your face with something, so that people cannot see it. □�[V n] She hid her face under the collar of his jacket and she started to cry.

4 VERB If you hide what you feel or know, you keep it a secret, so that no one knows about it. □�[V n] Lee tried to hide his excitement.

5 VERB If something hides an object, it covers it and prevents it from being seen. □�[V n] The man's heavy moustache hid his upper lip completely.

6 N‑COUNT A hide is a place which is built to look like its surroundings. Hides are used by people who want to watch or photograph animals and birds without being seen by them. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use blind7 N‑VAR A hide is the skin of a large animal such as a cow, horse, or elephant, which can be used for making leather. □� �the process of tanning animal hides.

8 →�see also hidden , hiding

hi de-and-see k N‑UNCOUNT Hide-and-seek is a children's game in which one player covers his or her eyes until the other players have hidden themselves, and then he or she tries to find them.

hide|away /ha I dəwe I / (hideaways ) N‑COUNT A hideaway is a place where you go to hide or to get away from other people. □� The bandits fled to a remote mountain hideaway.

hide|bound /ha I dbaʊnd/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as hidebound , you are criticizing them for having old-fashioned ideas or ways of doing things and being unwilling or unlikely to change. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The men are hidebound and reactionary. □�[+�by ] The economy was hidebound by public spending and private monopolies.

hid|eous /h I diəs/

1 ADJ If you say that someone or something is hideous , you mean that they are very ugly or unattractive. □� She saw a hideous face at the window and screamed.

2 ADJ You can describe an event, experience, or action as hideous when you mean that it is very unpleasant, painful, or difficult to bear. □� His family was subjected to a hideous attack by the gang.

hid|eous|ly /h I diəsli/

1 ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, oft ADV after v] You use hideously to emphasize that something is very ugly or unattractive. [EMPHASIS ] □� Everything is hideously ugly.

2 ADV [ADV adj/-ed] You can use hideously to emphasize that something is very unpleasant or unacceptable. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a hideously complex program.

hide|out /ha I daʊt/ (hideouts ) N‑COUNT A hideout is a place where someone goes secretly because they do not want anyone to find them, for example if they are running away from the police.

hid|ing /ha I d I ŋ/ (hidings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is inhiding , they have secretly gone somewhere where they cannot be seen or found. □� Gray is thought to be in hiding near the France/Italy border. □� The duchess is expected to come out of hiding to attend the ceremony.

2 N‑COUNT If you give someone a hiding , you punish them by hitting them many times. [INFORMAL ]

3 PHRASE If you say that someone who is trying to achieve something is on a hiding to nothing , you are emphasizing that they have absolutely no chance of being successful. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� If you are selling something that people don't want, you are on a hiding to nothing.

hi d|ing place (hiding places ) N‑COUNT A hiding place is a place where someone or something can be hidden, or where they are hiding.

hi|er|ar|chi|cal /ha I ərɑː r k I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hierarchical system or organization is one in which people have different ranks or positions, depending on how important they are. □� �the traditional hierarchical system of military organization.

hi|er|ar|chy /ha I ərɑː r ki/ (hierarchies )

1 N‑VAR A hierarchy is a system of organizing people into different ranks or levels of importance, for example in society or in a company. □� Like most other American companies with a rigid hierarchy, workers and managers had strictly defined duties.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The hierarchy of an organization such as the Church is the group of people who manage and control it.

3 N‑COUNT A hierarchyof ideas and beliefs involves organizing them into a system or structure. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The notion of 'cultural imperialism' implies a hierarchy of cultures, some of which are stronger than others.

hi|ero|glyph /ha I ə rəgl I f/ (hieroglyphs ) N‑COUNT Hieroglyphs are symbols in the form of pictures, which are used in some writing systems, especially those of ancient Egypt.

hi|ero|glyph|ics /ha I ə rəgl I f I ks/ N‑PLURAL Hieroglyphics are symbols in the form of pictures which are used in some writing systems, for example those of ancient Egypt.

hi-fi /ha I fa I / (hi-fis ) N‑VAR A hi-fi is a set of equipment on which you play CDs and tapes, and which produces stereo sound of very good quality. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

higgledy-piggledy /h I g ə ldi p I g ə ldi/ ADJ If you say that things are higgledy-piggledy , you mean that they are very disorganized and untidy. [INFORMAL ] □� Books are often stacked in higgledy-piggledy piles on the floor. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Higgledy-piggledy is also an adverb. □� A whole valley of boulders tossed higgledy-piggledy as though by some giant.

high ◆◆◆ /ha I / (higher , highest , highs )

1 ADJ Something that is high extends a long way from the bottom to the top when it is upright. You do not use high to describe people, animals, or plants. □� �a house, with a high wall all around it. □� Mount Marcy is the highest mountain in the Adirondacks. □� �high-heeled shoes. □� The gate was too high for a man of his age to climb. ●�ADV [ADV after v] High is also an adverb. □� �wagons packed high with bureaus, bedding, and cooking pots.

2 ADJ [n ADJ ] [as ADJ as ] You use high to talk or ask about how much something upright measures from the bottom to the top. □� �an elegant bronze horse only nine inches high. □� Measure your garage: how high is the door?

3 ADJ If something is high , it is a long way above the ground, above sea level, or above a person or thing. □� I looked down from the high window. □� In Castel Molo, high above Taormina, you can sample the famous almond wine made there. ●�ADV [ADV after v] High is also an adverb. □� �being able to run faster or jump higher than other people. ●�PHRASE If something is high up , it is a long way above the ground, above sea level, or above a person or thing. □� We saw three birds circling very high up.

4 ADJ You can use high to indicate that something is great in amount, degree, or intensity. □� The European country with the highest birth rate is Ireland. □� Official reports said casualties were high. □� Commercialisation has given many sports a higher profile. ●�ADV [ADV after v] High is also an adverb. □� He expects the unemployment figures to rise even higher in coming months. ●�PHRASE You can use phrases such as ' in the high 80s ' to indicate that a number or level is, for example, more than 85 but not as much as 90.

5 ADJ If a food or other substance is high in a particular ingredient, it contains a large amount of that ingredient. □�[+�in ] Don't indulge in rich sauces, fried food and thick pastry as these are high in fat.

6 N‑COUNT If something reaches a highof a particular amount or degree, that is the greatest it has ever been. □�[+�of ] Traffic from Jordan to Iraq is down to a dozen loaded lorries a day, compared with a high of 200 a day. □� The price of oil reached an all-time high.

7 ADJ If you say that something is a high priority or is highon your list, you mean that you consider it to be one of the most important things you have to do or deal with. □� The Labour Party has not made the issue a high priority. □�[+�on ] Economic reform is high on the agenda.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone who is highin a particular profession or society, or has a high position, has a very important position and has great authority and influence. □�[+�in ] Was there anyone high in the administration who was an advocate of a different policy? □� �corruption in high places. ●�PHRASE Someone who is high upin a profession or society has a very important position. □� His cousin is somebody quite high up in the navy.

9 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use high to describe something that is advanced or complex. □� Neither Anna nor I are interested in high finance.

10 ADV [ADV after v] If you aim high , you try to obtain or to achieve the best that you can. □� You should not be afraid to aim high in the quest for an improvement in your income.

11 ADJ If someone has a high reputation, or people have a high opinion of them, people think they are very good in some way, for example at their work. □� She has always had a high reputation for her excellent short stories. □� People have such high expectations of you.

12 ADJ If the quality or standard of something is high , it is very good indeed. □� His team were of the highest calibre.

13 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has high principles, they are morally good. □� He was a man of the highest principles.

14 ADJ A high sound or voice is close to the top of a particular range of notes. □� Her high voice really irritated Maria.

15 ADJ When a river is high , it contains much more water than usual. □� The waters of the Yangtze River are dangerously high for the time of year.

16 ADJ If your spirits are high , you feel happy and excited. □� Her spirits were high with the hope of seeing Nick in minutes rather than hours.

17 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is highon drink or drugs, they are affected by the alcoholic drink or drugs they have taken. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] He was too high on drugs and alcohol to remember them.

18 N‑COUNT A high is a feeling or mood of great excitement or happiness. [INFORMAL ]

19 PHRASE If you say that something came from on high , you mean that it came from a person or place of great authority. □� Orders had come from on high that extra care was to be taken during this week.

20 PHRASE If you say that you were left high and dry , you are emphasizing that you were left in a difficult situation and were unable to do anything about it. [EMPHASIS ] □� Users also complain about how they have been left high and dry when web-based services fail.

21 PHRASE If you refer to the highs and lowsof someone's life or career, you are referring to both the successful or happy times, and the unsuccessful or bad times.

22 PHRASE If you say that you looked high and low for something, you are emphasizing that you looked for it in every place that you could think of. [EMPHASIS ]

23in high dudgeon →�see dudgeon

24come hell or high water →�see hell

25to be high time →�see time COLLOCATIONS high NOUN

6

noun +�high : career, season

adjective +�high : all-time, new, record

verb +�high : hit, reach, set

18

adjective +�high : emotional, exhilarating, tremendous

verb +�high : experience, get

-high /-ha I / COMB -high combines with words such as 'knee' or 'shoulder' to indicate that someone or something reaches as high as the point that is mentioned. □� The grass was knee-high.

hi gh and mi ghty ADJ If you describe someone as high and mighty , you disapprove of them because they consider themselves to be very important and are confident that they are always right. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I think you're a bit too high and mighty yourself.

high|born /ha I bɔː r n/ also high-born ADJ If someone is highborn , their parents are members of the nobility. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

high|brow /ha I braʊ/ (highbrows )

1 ADJ If you say that a book or discussion is highbrow , you mean that it is intellectual, academic, and is often difficult to understand. □� He presents his own highbrow literary programme.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as highbrow , you mean that they are interested in serious subjects of a very intellectual nature, especially when these are difficult to understand. □� Highbrow critics sniff that the programme was 'too sophisticated' to appeal to most viewers.

hi gh chair (high chairs ) also highchair N‑COUNT A high chair is a chair with long legs for a small child to sit in while they are eating.

hi gh-cla ss ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as high-class , you mean that it is of very good quality or of superior social status. □� �a high-class jeweller's.

hi gh com|ma nd (high commands ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The high command is the group that consists of the most senior officers in a nation's armed forces.

Hi gh Com|mi s|sion (High Commissions ) N‑COUNT A High Commission is the office where a High Commissioner and his or her staff work, or the group of officials who work there.

Hi gh Com|mi s|sion|er (High Commissioners )

1 N‑COUNT A High Commissioner is a senior representative who is sent by one Commonwealth country to live in another in order to work as an ambassador.

2 N‑COUNT A High Commissioner is the head of an international commission. □�[+�for ] �the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Hi gh Cou rt (High Courts ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In England and Wales, the High Court is a court of law which deals with very serious or important cases.

hi ^gh-defi|ni ^tion also high definition ADJ [usu ADJ n] High-definition television or technology is a digital system that gives a much clearer picture than traditional television systems. □� �jokes about wrinkles and high-definition TV. ●�N‑UNCOUNT High definition is also a noun. □� These games are more popular now that they are available in high definition.

hi gh-end ADJ High-end products, especially electronic products, are the most expensive of their kind. □� �high-end personal computers and computer workstations.

high|er /ha I ə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A higher degree or diploma is a qualification of an advanced standard or level. □� �a higher diploma in hotel management.

2 →�see also high

hi gh|er edu|ca |tion ◆◇◇ N‑UNCOUNT Higher education is education at universities and colleges.

hi gher-u p (higher-ups ) N‑COUNT A higher-up is an important person who has a lot of authority and influence. [AM , INFORMAL ] in BRIT, use high-up

hi gh ex|plo |sive (high explosives ) N‑VAR High explosive is an extremely powerful explosive substance.

high|fa|lu|tin /ha I fəluː t I n/ ADJ People sometimes use highfalutin to describe something that they think is being made to sound complicated or important in order to impress people. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� This isn't highfalutin art-about-art. It's marvellous and adventurous stuff.

hi gh fi ve (high fives ) also high-five N‑COUNT If you give someone a high five , you put your hand up and hit their open hand with yours, especially after a victory or as a greeting.

hi gh-fli er →�see high-flyer

hi gh-flo wn ADJ [usu ADJ n] High-flown language is very grand, formal, or literary. [DISAPPROVAL ]

hi gh-fly er (high-flyers ) also high flyer , high-flier N‑COUNT A high-flyer is someone who has a lot of ability and is likely to be very successful in their career.

hi gh-fly ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] A high-flying person is successful or is likely to be successful in their career. □� �a high-flying management consultant.

hi gh grou nd

1 N‑SING If a person or organization has the high ground in an argument or dispute, that person or organization has an advantage. [JOURNALISM ] □� The President must seek to regain the high ground in the political debate.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone has taken themoral high ground , you mean that they consider that their policies and actions are morally superior to the policies and actions of their rivals. □� The Republicans took the moral high ground with the message that they were best equipped to manage the authority.

hi gh-ha nded ADJ If you say that someone is high-handed , you disapprove of them because they use their authority in an unnecessarily forceful way without considering other people's feelings. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He wants to be seen as less bossy and high-handed. ●� high-handedness N‑UNCOUNT □� They have been accused of secrecy and high-handedness in their dealings.

hi gh-hee led ADJ [ADJ n] High-heeled shoes are women's shoes that have high heels.

hi gh hee ls N‑PLURAL You can refer to high-heeled shoes as high heels .

hi gh-i mpact

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] High-impact exercise puts a lot of stress on your body. □� �high-impact aerobics.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] High-impact materials are very strong. □� The durable high-impact plastic case is water resistant to 100 feet.

hi gh jinks N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] High jinks is lively, excited behaviour in which people do things for fun. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

hi gh jump N‑SING Thehigh jump is an athletics event which involves jumping over a raised bar.

high|lands /ha I ləndz/ N‑PLURAL Highlands are mountainous areas of land.

hi gh life N‑SING You use thehigh life to refer to an exciting and luxurious way of living that involves a great deal of entertainment, going to parties, and eating good food. □� �the Hollywood high life.

high|light ◆◇◇ /ha I la I t/ (highlights , highlighting , highlighted )

1 VERB If someone or something highlights a point or problem, they emphasize it or make you think about it. □�[V n] Two events have highlighted the tensions in recent days.

2 VERB To highlight a piece of text means to mark it in a different colour, either with a special type of pen or on a computer screen. □�[V n] �the relevant maps with the route highlighted in yellow.

3 N‑COUNT The highlightsof an event, activity, or period of time are the most interesting or exciting parts of it. □�[+�of ] �a match that is likely to prove one of the highlights of the tournament.

4 N‑PLURAL Highlights in a person's hair are narrow lighter areas made by dyeing or sunlight. SYNONYMS highlight VERB 1

emphasize:We discussed pollution, emphasizing how nice a clean street or park looks.

stress:They also stress the need for improved employment opportunities.

accentuate:His shaven head accentuates his large round face.

flag up:I think there are more important issues and I just wanted to flag that up. NOUN 3

high point:The high point of this trip was a day at the races.

climax:Reaching the final was the climax of her career.

peak:His career was at its peak at the time of his death.

high|light|er /ha I la I tə r / (highlighters )

1 N‑VAR Highlighter is a pale-coloured cosmetic that someone puts above their eyes or on their cheeks to emphasize the shape of their face.

2 N‑COUNT A highlighter is a pen with brightly-coloured ink that is used to mark parts of a document.

high|ly ◆◆◇ /ha I li/

1 ADV [ADV adj] Highly is used before some adjectives to mean 'very'. □� Mr Singh was a highly successful salesman. □� �the highly controversial nuclear energy programme.

2 ADV [ADV -ed] You use highly to indicate that someone has an important position in an organization or set of people. □� �a highly placed government advisor.

3 ADV [ADV -ed] If someone is highly paid, they receive a large salary. □� He was the most highly paid member of staff.

4 ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] If you think highly of something or someone, you think they are very good indeed. □� �one of the most highly regarded chefs in the French capital. SYNONYMS highly ADV 1

extremely:My mobile phone is extremely useful.

immensely:Wind surfing can be strenuous but immensely exciting.

deeply:Our meetings and conversations left me deeply depressed.

tremendously:The business is tremendously profitable.

remarkably:The labour market has been remarkably successful in absorbing the extra graduates.

hi gh|ly stru ng also highly-strung in AM, use high-strung ADJ If someone is highly strung , they are very nervous and easily upset.

hi gh-mai ntenance also high maintenance ADJ If you describe something or someone as high-maintenance , you mean that they require a lot of attention, time, money, or effort. □� Small gardens can be high maintenance. □� She was a high-maintenance girl who needed lots of attention.

hi gh ma ss also High Mass N‑UNCOUNT High mass is a church service held in a Catholic church in which there is more ceremony than in an ordinary mass.

hi gh-mi nded ADJ If you say that someone is high-minded , you think they have strong moral principles. □� The President's hopes for the country were high-minded, but too vague.

High|ness /ha I n I s/ (Highnesses ) N‑COUNT Expressions such as 'YourHighness ' or 'HisHighness ' are used to address or refer to a member of the royal family other than a king or queen. [POLITENESS ] □� That would be best, Your Highness.

hi gh noo n

1 N‑UNCOUNT High noon means the same as noon. [LITERARY ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Journalists sometimes use high noon to refer to a crisis or event which is likely to decide finally what is going to happen in a conflict or situation. □�[+�for ] He insisted that a defeat yesterday would not have been high noon for his leadership.

hi gh-o ctane ADJ [ADJ n] You can use high-octane to emphasize that something is very exciting or intense. [JOURNALISM ] □� �a high-octane performance.

hi gh-perfo rmance ADJ [ADJ n] A high-performance car or other product goes very fast or does a lot. □� �the thrill of taking an expensive high-performance car to its limits.

hi gh-pi tched ADJ A high-pitched sound is shrill and high in pitch. □� A woman squealed in a high-pitched voice.

hi gh point (high points ) N‑COUNT Thehigh point of an event or period of time is the most exciting or enjoyable part of it. □�[+�of/in ] The high point of this trip was a day at the races in Balgriffin.

hi gh-po wered

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A high-powered machine or piece of equipment is very powerful and efficient. □� �high powered lasers.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is high-powered or has a high-powered job has a very important and responsible job which requires a lot of ability. □� I had a very high-powered senior job in publishing.

hi gh prie st (high priests ) N‑COUNT If you call a man the high priestof a particular thing, you are saying in a slightly mocking way that he is considered by people to be expert in that thing. □�[+�of ] �the high priest of cheap periodical fiction.

hi gh prie st|ess (high priestesses ) N‑COUNT If you call a woman the high priestessof a particular thing, you are saying in a slightly mocking way that she is considered by people to be expert in that thing. □�[+�of ] �the American high priestess of wit.

hi gh-pro file ADJ [usu ADJ n] A high-profile person or a high-profile event attracts a lot of attention or publicity. □� �the high-profile reception being given to the president.

hi gh-ra nking ADJ [ADJ n] A high-ranking person has an important position in a particular organization. □� �a high-ranking officer in the medical corps.

hi gh-rise (high-rises ) ADJ [ADJ n] High-rise buildings are modern buildings which are very tall and have many levels or floors. □� �high-rise office buildings. ●�N‑COUNT A high-rise is a high-rise building. □� That big high-rise above us is where Brian lives.

hi gh road

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A high road is a main road. [BRIT ] in AM, use highway2 N‑SING If you say that someone is taking thehigh road in a situation, you mean that they are taking the most positive and careful course of action. [mainly AM ] □� U.S. diplomats say the president is likely to take the high road in his statements about trade.

hi gh-ro ller (high-rollers ) also high roller N‑COUNT High rollers are people who are very rich and who spend money in an extravagant or risky way, especially by gambling. [JOURNALISM ]

hi gh school (high schools )

1 N‑VAR ; N‑COUNT In Britain, a high school is a school for children aged between eleven and eighteen. □� �Sunderland High School.

2 N‑VAR ; N‑COUNT In the United States, a high school is a school for children usually aged between fourteen and eighteen. □� �an 18-year-old inner-city kid who dropped out of high school.

hi gh sea s N‑PLURAL The high seas is used to refer to the sea. [LITERARY ] □� �battles on the high seas.

hi gh sea|son N‑SING The high season is the time of year when a place has most tourists or visitors. [BRIT ] □� A typical high-season week in a chalet costs about �470.

hi gh so|ci |ety N‑UNCOUNT You can use high society to refer to people who come from rich and important families.

hi gh-sou nding ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use high-sounding to describe language and ideas which seem very grand and important, especially when you think they are not really important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �high-sounding decrees designed to impress foreigners and attract foreign capital.

hi gh-spee ^d

1 ADJ [ADJ n] High-speed is used to describe something that travels, moves, or works very quickly. □� Air travel should serve places that cannot easily be reached by high-speed rail. □� �the demand for high-speed broadband.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A high-speed crash involves vehicles or people that are moving very fast. □� Thousands of skiers are injured in high-speed collisions.

hi gh-spi rited ADJ Someone who is high-spirited is very lively and easily excited.

hi gh spot (high spots ) N‑COUNT The high spotof an event or activity is the most exciting or enjoyable part of it. □�[+�of ] This show was the high spot of my week.

hi gh street (high streets )

1 N‑COUNT The high street of a town is the main street where most of the shops and banks are. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use Main Street2 ADJ [ADJ n] High street banks and businesses are companies which have branches in the main shopping areas of most towns. [mainly BRIT ] □� The scanners are available from high street stores.

hi gh su m|mer N‑UNCOUNT High summer is the middle of summer.

hi gh tea (high teas ) N‑VAR In Britain, some people have a meal called high tea in the late afternoon instead of having dinner or supper later in the evening. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

hi gh-te ch also high tech , hi tech ADJ [usu ADJ n] High-tech activities or equipment involve or result from the use of high technology. □� �the latest high-tech medical gadgetry.

hi gh tech|no l|ogy N‑UNCOUNT High technology is the practical use of advanced scientific research and knowledge, especially in relation to electronics and computers, and the development of new advanced machines and equipment.

hi gh-te nsion ADJ [ADJ n] A high-tension electricity cable is one which is able to carry a very powerful current.

hi gh ti de N‑UNCOUNT At the coast, high tide is the time when the sea is at its highest level because the tide is in.

hi gh trea |son N‑UNCOUNT High treason is a very serious crime which involves putting your country or its head of state in danger.

hi gh-u p (high-ups )

1 N‑COUNT A high-up is an important person who has a lot of authority and influence. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] in AM, use higher-up2high up →�see high

hi gh wa |ter

1 N‑UNCOUNT High water is the time at which the water in a river or sea is at its highest level as a result of the tide. □� Fishing is possible for a couple of hours either side of high water.

2come hell or high water →�see hell

hi gh-wa ter mark also high water mark

1 N‑SING The high-water mark is the level reached in a particular place by the sea at high tide or by a river in flood.

2 N‑SING The high-water markof a process is its highest or most successful stage of achievement. □�[+�of/for ] This was almost certainly the high-water mark of her career.

high|way /ha I we I / (highways ) N‑COUNT A highway is a main road, especially one that connects towns or cities. [mainly AM ] □� I crossed the highway, dodging the traffic.

Hi gh|way Co de N‑SING In Britain, the Highway Code is an official book published by the Department of Transport, which contains the rules which tell people how to use public roads safely.

highway|man /ha I we I mən/ (highwaymen ) N‑COUNT In former times, highwaymen were people who stopped travellers and robbed them.

hi gh wi re (high wires ) also high-wire

1 N‑COUNT A high wire is a length of rope or wire stretched tight high above the ground and used for balancing acts.

2 N‑SING [oft N n] Journalists talk about a person being on a high wire or performing a high-wire act when he or she is dealing with a situation in which it would be easy to do the wrong thing. □� This year's Budget looks set to be a precarious high-wire act for the Chancellor.

hijab /h I dʒɑː b, h I dʒ�b/ (hijabs )

1 N‑COUNT A hijab is a scarf that some Muslim women wear, which covers their hair and neck.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Hijab is traditional Muslim dress for women, and the rules concerning this. □� We can choose to wear hijab, we can practise our faith freely.

hi|jack /ha I dʒ�k/ (hijacks , hijacking , hijacked )

1 VERB If someone hijacks a plane or other vehicle, they illegally take control of it by force while it is travelling from one place to another. □�[V n] �a plot to hijack an airliner. □�[V -ed] The hijacked plane exploded in a ball of fire. ●�N‑COUNT Hijack is also a noun. □� Every minute during the hijack seemed like a week. ●� hi|jack|ing (hijackings ) N‑COUNT □� Car hijackings are running at a rate of nearly 50 a day.

2 VERB If you say that someone has hijacked something, you disapprove of the way in which they have taken control of it when they had no right to do so. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] A peaceful demonstration had been hijacked by anarchists intent on causing trouble.

hi|jack|er /ha I dʒ�kə r / (hijackers ) N‑COUNT A hijacker is a person who hijacks a plane or other vehicle.

hike /ha I k/ (hikes , hiking , hiked )

1 N‑COUNT A hike is a long walk in the country, especially one that you go on for pleasure.

2 VERB If you hike , you go for a long walk in the country. □�[V prep/adv] You could hike through the Fish River Canyon. □�[V n] We plan to hike the Samaria Gorge. [Also V ] ●� hik|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� �heavy hiking boots.

3 N‑COUNT A hike is a sudden or large increase in prices, rates, taxes, or quantities. [INFORMAL ] □� �a sudden 1.75 per cent hike in interest rates.

4 VERB To hike prices, rates, taxes, or quantities means to increase them suddenly or by a large amount. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] It has now been forced to hike its rates by 5.25 per cent. ●�PHRASAL VERB Hike up means the same as hike . □�[V P n] The insurers have started hiking up premiums by huge amounts. □�[V n P ] Big banks were hiking their rates up.

hik|er /ha I kə r / (hikers ) N‑COUNT A hiker is a person who is going for a long walk in the countryside for pleasure.

hi|lari|ous /h I leə riəs/ ADJ If something is hilarious , it is extremely funny and makes you laugh a lot. □� We thought it was hilarious when we first heard about it. ●� hi|lari|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, ADV with v] □� She found it hilariously funny.

hi|lar|ity /h I l� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Hilarity is great amusement and laughter.

hill ◆◇◇ /h I l/ (hills )

1 N‑COUNT A hill is an area of land that is higher than the land that surrounds it. □� We trudged up the hill to the stadium. □� �Maple Hill.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is over the hill , you are saying rudely that they are old and no longer fit, attractive, or capable of doing useful work. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He doesn't take kindly to suggestions that he is over the hill.

hill|bil|ly /h I lb I li/ (hillbillies ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a hillbilly , you are saying in a fairly rude way that you think they are uneducated and stupid because they come from the countryside. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

hill|ock /h I lək/ (hillocks ) N‑COUNT A hillock is a small hill.

hill|side /h I lsa I d/ (hillsides ) N‑COUNT A hillside is the sloping side of a hill.

hill|top /h I ltɒp/ (hilltops ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A hilltop is the top of a hill.

hilly /h I li/ (hillier , hilliest ) ADJ A hilly area has many hills. □� The areas where the fighting is taking place are hilly and densely wooded.

hilt /h I lt/ (hilts )

1 N‑COUNT The hilt of a sword, dagger, or knife is its handle.

2 PHRASE To the hilt and up to the hilt mean to the maximum extent possible or as fully as possible. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The men who wield the power are certainly backing him to the hilt.

him ◆◆◆ /h I m/ Him is a third person singular pronoun. Him is used as the object of a verb or a preposition. 1 PRON You use him to refer to a man, boy, or male animal. □� John's aunt died suddenly and left him a surprisingly large sum. □� Is Sam there? Let me talk to him. □� My brother had a lovely dog. I looked after him for about a week.

2 PRON In written English, him is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use 'him or her' or 'them'. □� If the child sees the word 'hear', we should show him that this is the base word in 'hearing'.

him|self ◆◆◆ /h I mse lf/ Himself is a third person singular reflexive pronoun. Himself is used when the object of a verb or preposition refers to the same person as the subject of the verb, except in meaning 4 . 1 PRON You use himself to refer to a man, boy, or male animal. □� He smiles, pouring himself a cup of coffee. □� A driver blew up his car and himself after being stopped at a police checkpoint. □� William went away muttering to himself.

2 PRON In written English, himself is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use 'himself or herself' or 'themselves'. □� The child's natural way of expressing himself is play.

3 PRON You use himself to emphasize the person or thing that you are referring to. Himself is sometimes used instead of 'him' as the object of a verb or preposition. [EMPHASIS ] □� I heard this with my own ears from the President himself.

hind /ha I nd/ ADJ [ADJ n] An animal's hind legs are at the back of its body. □� Suddenly the cow kicked up its hind legs.

hin|der /h I ndə r / (hinders , hindering , hindered )

1 VERB If something hinders you, it makes it more difficult for you to do something or make progress. □�[V n] Further investigation was hindered by the loss of all documentation on the case.

2 VERB If something hinders your movement, it makes it difficult for you to move forward or move around. □�[V n] A thigh injury increasingly hindered her mobility.

Hin|di /h I ndi/ N‑UNCOUNT Hindi is a language that is spoken by people in northern India. It is also one of the official languages of India.

hind|quarters /ha I ndkwɔː r təz/ also hind quarters N‑PLURAL [oft with poss] The hindquarters of a four-legged animal are its back part, including its two back legs.

hin|drance /h I ndrəns/ (hindrances )

1 N‑COUNT A hindrance is a person or thing that makes it more difficult for you to do something. □�[+�to ] The higher rates have been a hindrance to economic recovery.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Hindrance is the act of hindering someone or something. □� They boarded their flight to Paris without hindrance.

hind|sight /ha I ndsa I t/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with/in N ] Hindsight is the ability to understand and realize something about an event after it has happened, although you did not understand or realize it at the time. □� With hindsight, we'd all do things differently.

Hin|du /h I nduː, h I nduː / (Hindus )

1 N‑COUNT A Hindu is a person who believes in Hinduism and follows its teachings.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hindu is used to describe things that belong or relate to Hinduism. □� �a Hindu temple.

Hin|du|ism /h I nduː I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Hinduism is an Indian religion. It has many gods and teaches that people have another life on earth after they die.

hinge /h I ndʒ/ (hinges , hinging , hinged ) N‑COUNT A hinge is a piece of metal, wood, or plastic that is used to join a door to its frame or to join two things together so that one of them can swing freely. □� The top swung open on well-oiled hinges.

▸� hinge on PHRASAL VERB Something that hinges on one thing or event depends entirely on it. □�[V P n/v-ing/wh] The plan hinges on a deal being struck with a new company.

hinged /h I ndʒd/ ADJ Something that is hinged is joined to another thing, or joined together, by means of a hinge. □� The mirror was hinged to a surrounding frame.

hint ◆◇◇ /h I nt/ (hints , hinting , hinted )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A hint is a suggestion about something that is made in an indirect way. □� The Minister gave a strong hint that the government were thinking of introducing tax concessions for mothers. □� I'd dropped a hint about having an exhibition of his work up here. ●�PHRASE If you take a hint , you understand something that is suggested to you indirectly. □� 'I think I hear the phone ringing.'�'Okay, I can take a hint.'

2 VERB If you hintat something, you suggest it in an indirect way. □�[V +�at ] She suggested a trip to the shops and hinted at the possibility of a treat of some sort. □�[V that] The President hinted he might make some changes in the government.

3 N‑COUNT A hint is a helpful piece of advice, usually about how to do something. □� Here are some helpful hints to make your journey easier.

4 N‑SING A hintof something is a very small amount of it. □�[+�of ] She added only a hint of vermouth to the gin.

hinter|land /h I ntə r l�nd/ (hinterlands ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The hinterland of a stretch of coast or a large river is the area of land behind it or around it.

hip ◆◇◇ /h I p/ (hips , hipper , hippest )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your hips are the two areas at the sides of your body between the tops of your legs and your waist. □� Tracey put her hands on her hips and sighed. ●� -hipped COMB □� He is broad-chested and narrow-hipped.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] You refer to the bones between the tops of your legs and your waist as your hips .

3 ADJ If you say that someone is hip , you mean that they are very modern and follow all the latest fashions, for example in clothes and ideas. [INFORMAL ] □� �a hip young character with tight-cropped blond hair and stylish glasses.

4 EXCLAM If a large group of people want to show their appreciation or approval of someone, one of them says ' Hip hip ' and they all shout ' hooray '.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone shoots from the hip or fires from the hip , you mean that they react to situations or give their opinion very quickly, without stopping to think. □� Judges don't have to shoot from the hip. They have the leisure to think, to decide.

hi p flask (hip flasks ) N‑COUNT A hip flask is a small metal container in which brandy, whisky, or other spirits can be carried.

hi p-hop N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Hip-hop is a form of popular culture which started among young black people in the United States in the 1980s. It includes rap music and graffiti art.

hip|pie /h I pi/ (hippies ) also hippy N‑COUNT Hippies were young people in the 1960s and 1970s who rejected conventional ways of living, dressing, and behaving, and tried to live a life based on peace and love. Hippies often had long hair and many took drugs.

hip|po /h I poʊ/ (hippos ) N‑COUNT A hippo is a hippopotamus. [INFORMAL ]

Hip|po|crat|ic oath /h I pəkr�t I k oʊ θ/ N‑SING The Hippocratic oath is a formal promise made by recently-qualified doctors that they will follow the standards set by their profession and try to preserve life.

hippo|pota|mus /h I pəpɒ təməs/ (hippopotamuses ) N‑COUNT A hippopotamus is a very large African animal with short legs and thick, hairless skin. Hippopotamuses live in and near rivers. WORD HISTORY hippopotamus

A hippopotamus is literally a 'water horse'. The word comes from Greek hippos , meaning 'horse', and potamos , meaning 'river'.

hip|py /h I pi/ →�see hippie

hip|ster /h I pstə r / (hipsters )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a hipster , you mean that they are very fashionable, often in a way that you think is rather silly. [HUMOROUS ]

2 N‑PLURAL [oft N n] Hipsters are trousers which are designed so that the highest part of them is around your hips, rather than around your waist. [mainly BRIT ]

hire ◆◇◇ /ha I ə r / (hires , hiring , hired )

1 VERB If you hire someone, you employ them or pay them to do a particular job for you. □�[V n] Sixteen of the contestants have hired lawyers and are suing the organisers. □�[V ] The rest of the staff have been hired on short-term contracts. □�[V -ing] He will be in charge of all hiring and firing at PHA. □�[V -ed] �the mystery assassin (who turned out to be a hired killer).

2 VERB If you hire something, you pay money to the owner so that you can use it for a period of time. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] To hire a car you must produce a passport and a current driving licence. □�[V -ed] Her hired car was found abandoned at Beachy Head. in AM, usually use rent3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N , N n] You use hire to refer to the activity or business of hiring something. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] They booked our hotel, and organised car hire. in AM, usually use rental

4 PHRASE If something is for hire , it is available for you to hire. [mainly BRIT ] □� Fishing tackle is available for hire. in AM, usually use for rent

▸� hire out PHRASAL VERB If you hire out something such as a car or a person's services, you allow them to be used in return for payment. □�[V P n] Companies hiring out narrow boats report full order books. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS hire VERB

1

employ:The company employs 18 staff.

take on:They decided to take Jack on as an office assistant.

engage:He had been able to engage some staff.

appoint:It made sense to appoint a banker to this job.

2

rent:He left his hotel in a rented car.

charter:She chartered a jet to fly her home from California to Switzerland. COLLOCATIONS hire VERB 1

hire+�noun : consultant, staff, worker; detective, investigator, lawyer

hire|ling /ha I ə r l I ŋ/ (hirelings ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a hireling , you disapprove of them because they do not care who they work for and they are willing to do illegal or immoral things as long as they are paid. [DISAPPROVAL ]

hi re pu r|chase N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Hire purchase is a way of buying goods gradually. You make regular payments until you have paid the full price and the goods belong to you. The abbreviation HP is often used. [BRIT ] □� �buying a car on hire purchase. in AM, usually use installment plan

hir|sute /hɜː r sjuːt, [AM ] -suːt/ ADJ If a man is hirsute , he is hairy. [FORMAL ]

his ◆◆◆ The determiner is pronounced /h I z/. The pronoun is pronounced /h I z/. His is a third person singular possessive determiner. His is also a possessive pronoun. 1 DET You use his to indicate that something belongs or relates to a man, boy, or male animal. □� Brian splashed water on his face, then brushed his teeth. □� He spent a large part of his career in Hollywood. □� The dog let his head thump on the floor again. ●�PRON His is also a possessive pronoun. □� Anna reached out her hand to him and clasped his.

2 DET In written English, his is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use 'his or her' or 'their'. □� Formerly, the relations between a teacher and his pupils were dominated by fear on the part of the pupils. ●�PRON His is also a possessive pronoun. □� The student going to art or drama school will be very enthusiastic about further education. His is not a narrow mind, but one eager to grasp every facet of anything he studies.

His|pan|ic /h I sp� n I k/ (Hispanics ) ADJ A Hispanic person is a citizen of the United States of America who originally came from Latin America, or whose family originally came from Latin America. □� �a group of Hispanic doctors in Washington. ●�N‑COUNT A Hispanic is someone who is Hispanic.

hiss /h I s/ (hisses , hissing , hissed )

1 VERB To hiss means to make a sound like a long 's'. □�[V prep] The tires of Lenny's bike hissed over the wet pavement as he slowed down. □�[V ] My cat hissed when I stepped on its tail. □�[V -ing] Caporelli made a small hissing sound of irritation. ●�N‑COUNT Hiss is also a noun. □� �the hiss of water running into the burnt pan. ●� hiss|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �a silence broken only by a steady hissing from above my head.

2 VERB If you hiss something, you say it forcefully in a whisper. □�[V with quote] 'Now, quiet,' my mother hissed. □�[V +�at/to ] 'Stay here,' I hissed at her.

3 VERB If people hissat someone such as a performer or a person making a speech, they express their disapproval or dislike of that person by making long loud 's' sounds. □�[V ] One had to listen hard to catch the words of the President's speech as the delegates booed and hissed. □�[V +�at ] Some local residents whistled and hissed at them as they entered. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Hiss is also a noun. □� After a moment the barracking began. First came hisses, then shouts.

his|to|rian /h I stɔː riən/ (historians ) N‑COUNT A historian is a person who specializes in the study of history, and who writes books and articles about it.

his|tor|ic ◆◇◇ /h I stɒ r I k, [AM ] -tɔː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is historic is important in history, or likely to be considered important at some time in the future. □� King gave this historic speech the night before he was assassinated.

his|tori|cal ◆◇◇ /h I stɒ r I k ə l, [AM ] -tɔː r-/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Historical people, situations, or things existed in the past and are considered to be a part of history. □� �an important historical figure. □� �the historical impact of Western capitalism on the world. ●� his|tori|cal|ly ADV □� Historically, royal marriages have been cold, calculating affairs.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Historical books, films, or pictures describe or represent people, situations, or things that existed in the past. □� He is writing a historical novel about nineteenth-century France.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Historical information, research, and discussion is related to the study of history. □� �historical records. □� �modern historical research.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If you look at an event within a historical context, you look at what was happening at that time and what had happened previously, in order to judge the event and its importance. □� It was this kind of historical context that Morris brought to his work. SYNONYMS historical ADJ 1

past:�a return to the turbulence of past centuries.

former:�a former monastery.

bygone:The book recalls other memories of a bygone age.

his|to|ry ◆◆◆ /h I stəri/ (histories )

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the events of the past as history . You can also refer to the past events which concern a particular topic or place as its history. □� History is full of seemingly minor events leading to international showdowns. □� �the most evil mass killer in history. □�[+�of ] �the history of Birmingham. ●�PHRASE Someone who makes history does something that is considered to be important and significant in the development of the world or of a particular society. □� A transgender lady made history by becoming a leading judge at the High Court. ●�PHRASE If someone or something goes down in history , people in the future remember them because of particular actions that they have done or because of particular events that have happened. □� Bradley will go down in history as Los Angeles' longest serving mayor.

2 N‑UNCOUNT History is a subject studied in schools, colleges, and universities that deals with events that have happened in the past.

3 N‑COUNT A history is an account of events that have happened in the past. □�[+�of ] �his magnificent history of broadcasting in Canada.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a person or a place has ahistoryof something, it has been very common or has happened frequently in their past. □� He had a history of drink problems.

5 N‑COUNT [with poss] Someone's history is the set of facts that are known about their past. □� He couldn't get a new job because of his medical history.

6 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that an event, thing, or person is history , you mean that they are no longer important. □� The Charlottetown agreement is history.

7 PHRASE If you are telling someone about an event and say the rest is history , you mean that you do not need to tell them what happened next because everyone knows about it already. □� We met at college, the rest is history.

8 →�see also natural history COLLOCATIONS history NOUN

4

adjective +�history : chequered, fascinating, long

5

noun +�history : family

adjective +�history : medical, personal

verb +�history : trace

his|tri|on|ic /h I striɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to someone's behaviour as histrionic , you are critical of it because it is very dramatic, exaggerated, and insincere. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Dorothea let out a histrionic groan.

his|tri|on|ics /h I striɒ n I ks/ N‑PLURAL If you disapprove of someone's dramatic and exaggerated behaviour, you can describe it as histrionics . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� When I explained everything to my mum and dad, there were no histrionics.

hit ◆◆◆ /h I t/ (hits , hitting ) The form hit is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you hit someone or something, you deliberately touch them with a lot of force, with your hand or an object held in your hand. □�[V n] Find the exact grip that allows you to hit the ball hard. □�[V n] Police at the scene said the victim had been hit several times in the head.

2 VERB When one thing hits another, it touches it with a lot of force. □�[V n] The car had apparently hit a traffic sign before skidding out of control.

3 VERB If a bomb or missile hits its target, it reaches it. □�[V n] The hospital had been hit with heavy artillery fire. ●�N‑COUNT Hit is also a noun. □� First a house took a direct hit and then the rocket exploded.

4 VERB If something hits a person, place, or thing, it affects them very badly. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The plan to charge motorists �75 a year to use the motorway is going to hit me hard. □�[V n] Spain has been hit by storms since the beginning of the week.

5 VERB When a feeling or an idea hits you, it suddenly affects you or comes into your mind. □�[V n that] It hit me that I had a choice. □�[V n] Then the answer hit me. It had been staring me in the face.

6 VERB If you hit a particular high or low point on a scale of something such as success or health, you reach it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] Oil prices hit record levels yesterday.

7 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If a CD, film, or play is a hit , it is very popular and successful. □� The song became a massive hit in 1945.

8 N‑COUNT A hit is a single visit to a website. [COMPUTING ] □� Our small company has had 78,000 hits on its internet pages.

9 N‑COUNT If someone who is searching for information on the internet gets a hit , they find a website where there is that information.

10 PHRASE If two people hit it off , they like each other and become friendly as soon as they meet. [INFORMAL ] □� They hit it off straight away, Daddy and Walter. [Also +�with ]

11to hit the headlines →�see headline

12to hit home →�see home ➊

13to hit the nail on the head →�see nail

14to hit the road →�see road

15to hit the roof →�see roof

▸� hit back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hit back when someone hits you, or hit them back , you hit them in return. □�[V P ] Some violent men beat up their sons, until the boys are strong enough to hit back. □�[V n P ] If somebody hit me, I'd hit him back.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hit backat someone who has criticized or harmed you, you criticize or harm them in return. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V P +�at ] The President has hit back at those who have criticised his economic reforms. □�[V P ] The senator hit back with a negative advertisement mocking his 72-year-old rival for being out of touch with computer technology.

▸� hit on or hit upon

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hit on an idea or a solution to a problem, or hit upon it, you think of it. □�[V P n] After running through the numbers in every possible combination, we finally hit on a solution.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone hits on you, they speak or behave in a way that shows they want to have a sexual relationship with you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] She was hitting on me and I was surprised and flattered.

▸� hit out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hit outat someone, you try to hit them, although you may miss them. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P +�at ] I used to hit out at my husband and throw things at him. □�[V P ] I had never punched anybody in my life but I hit out and gave him a black eye.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hit out at someone or something, you criticize them strongly because you do not agree with them. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V P +�at/against ] The President took the opportunity to hit out at what he sees as foreign interference. □�[V P ] Brazilian soccer boss Carlos Parreira hit out angrily last night after his side were barred from training at Wembley.

▸� hit upon →�see hit on SYNONYMS hit VERB

1

strike:She took two quick steps forward and struck him across the mouth.

punch:He punched the wall angrily, then spun round to face her.

slap:He would push or slap her once in a while.

thump:He thumped my shoulder affectionately, nearly knocking me over.

whack:You really have to whack the ball.

2

collide:Racing up the stairs, he almost collided with Daisy.

bump:He bumped his head on the low beams of the house.

knock:Isabel rose so abruptly that she knocked down her chair.

crash:The door swung inwards to crash against a chest of drawers behind it.

hi t and mi ss also hit-and-miss ADJ If something is hit and miss or hit or miss , it is sometimes successful and sometimes not. □� Farming can be very much a hit-and-miss affair.

hi t-and-ru n

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A hit-and-run accident is an accident in which the driver of a vehicle hits someone and then drives away without stopping. □� �a hit-and-run driver in a stolen car.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A hit-and-run attack on an enemy position relies on surprise and speed for its success. □� The rebels appear to be making hit-and-run guerrilla style attacks on military targets.

hitch /h I tʃ/ (hitches , hitching , hitched )

1 N‑COUNT A hitch is a slight problem or difficulty which causes a short delay. □� After some technical hitches the show finally got under way. □� The five-hour operation went without a hitch.

2 VERB If you hitch , hitch a lift, or hitch a ride, you hitchhike. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] There was no garage in sight, so I hitched a lift into town. □�[V ] Jean-Phillippe had hitched all over Europe in the 1960s.

3 VERB If you hitch something to something else, you hook it or fasten it there. □�[V n +�onto/to ] Last night we hitched the horse to the cart and moved here.

4 PHRASE If you get hitched , you get married. [INFORMAL ] □� The report shows that fewer couples are getting hitched.

hitch|hike /h I tʃha I k/ (hitchhikes , hitchhiking , hitchhiked ) VERB If you hitchhike , you travel by getting lifts from passing vehicles without paying. □�[V prep/adv] Neff hitchhiked to New York during his Christmas vacation. □�[V ] They had an eighty-mile journey and decided to hitch-hike. ●� hitch|hiker (hitchhikers ) N‑COUNT □� On my way to Vancouver one Friday night I picked up a hitchhiker.

hi te ch →�see high-tech

hith|er /h I �ə r /

1 ADV [ADV after v] Hither means to the place where you are. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He has sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people.

2 PHRASE Hither and thither means in many different directions or places, and in a disorganized way. In American English, the expression hither and yon is sometimes used. □� Refugees run hither and thither in search of safety. □� �the awful amount of time I spend moving things hither and yon every year!

hither|to /h I �ə r tuː / ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] You use hitherto to indicate that something was true up until the time you are talking about, although it may no longer be the case. [FORMAL ] □� As a result, workers who had hitherto been reliable now neglected their work.

hi t list (hit lists )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] If someone has a hit listof people or things, they are intending to take action concerning those people or things. □�[+�of ] Some banks also have a hit list of people whom they threaten to sue for damages.

2 N‑COUNT A hit list is a list that someone makes of people they intend to have killed.

hit|man /h I tm�n/ (hitmen ) also hit man N‑COUNT A hitman is a man who is hired by someone in order to kill another person.

hi t or mi ss →�see hit and miss

hi t pa|rade N‑SING Thehit parade is the list of CDs which have sold most copies over the previous week or month. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

hit|ter /h I tə r / (hitters )

1 N‑COUNT [adj N ] In sports, you can use hitter to say how good someone is at hitting the ball. □� The Georgian, aged 19, is not one of the game's big hitters.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you refer to someone such as a politician or a businessman as a heavy hitter or a big hitter , you mean that they are powerful and influential. □� �friendships with heavy hitters like European industrialist Carlo De Benedetti.

HIV ◆◇◇ /e I tʃ a I viː /

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] HIV is a virus which reduces people's resistance to illness and can cause AIDS. HIV is an abbreviation for 'human immunodeficiency virus'.

2 PHRASE If someone is HIV positive , they are infected with the HIV virus, and may develop AIDS. If someone is HIV negative , they are not infected with the virus.

hive /ha I v/ (hives , hiving , hived )

1 N‑COUNT A hive is a structure in which bees are kept, which is designed so that the beekeeper can collect the honey that they produce.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a place as a hiveof activity, you approve of the fact that there is a lot of activity there or that people are busy working there. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] In the morning the house was a hive of activity.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Hives is a condition in which patches of your skin become red and very uncomfortable and itchy.

▸� hive off PHRASAL VERB If someone hives off part of a business, they transfer it to new ownership, usually by selling it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] Klockner plans to hive off its loss-making steel businesses. [Also V n P , V n P into/to n]

hiya /ha I jə/ CONVENTION You can say ' hiya ' when you are greeting someone. [INFORMAL , FORMULAE ] □� Hiya. How are you?

HM /e I tʃe m/ HM is the written abbreviation for Her or His Majesty or Her or His Majesty's . It is used as part of the name of some British government organizations, or as part of a person's title. □� �HM the Queen. □� �his enlistment in HM Armed Forces. □� �HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services.

h'm also hmH'm is used in writing to represent a noise that people make when they are hesitating, for example because they are thinking about something.

HMS /e I tʃ em e s/ N‑COUNT [N n] HMS is used before the names of ships in the British Royal Navy. HMS is an abbreviation for 'Her Majesty's Ship' or 'His Majesty's Ship'. □� �launching HMS Warrior.

HNC /e I tʃ en siː / (HNCs ) N‑VAR An HNC is a group of examinations in technical subjects which you can take at a British college. HNC is an abbreviation for 'Higher National Certificate'. □� �passing his HNC in computer studies.

hoard /hɔː r d/ (hoards , hoarding , hoarded )

1 VERB If you hoard things such as food or money, you save or store them, often in secret, because they are valuable or important to you. □�[V n] They've begun to hoard food and gasoline and save their money. □�[V ] Consumers did not spend and create jobs; they hoarded. ●� hoard|er (hoarders ) N‑COUNT □� Most hoarders have favorite hiding places.

2 N‑COUNT A hoard is a store of things that you have saved and that are valuable or important to you or you do not want other people to have. □�[+�of ] The case involves a hoard of silver and jewels valued at up to $40m.

hoard|ing /hɔː r d I ŋ/ (hoardings ) N‑COUNT A hoarding is a very large board at the side of a road or on the side of a building, which is used for displaying advertisements and posters. [BRIT ] □� An advertising hoarding on the platform caught her attention. in AM, usually use billboard

hoarse /hɔː r s/ (hoarser , hoarsest ) ADJ If your voice is hoarse or if you are hoarse , your voice sounds rough and unclear, for example because your throat is sore. □� 'So what do you think?' she said in a hoarse whisper. ●� hoarse|ly ADV □� 'Thank you,' Maria said hoarsely. ●� hoarse|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Hoarseness is very common in the winter season.

hoary /hɔː ri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a problem or subject as hoary , you mean that it is old and familiar. □� �the hoary old myth that women are unpredictable.

hoax /hoʊ ks/ (hoaxes ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A hoax is a trick in which someone tells people a lie, for example that there is a bomb somewhere when there is not, or that a picture is genuine when it is not. □� He denied making the hoax call but was convicted after a short trial.

hoax|er /hoʊ ksə r / (hoaxers ) N‑COUNT A hoaxer is someone who carries out a hoax. [mainly BRIT ]

hob /hɒ b/ (hobs ) N‑COUNT A hob is a surface on top of a cooker or set into a work surface, which can be heated in order to cook things on it. [BRIT ] in AM, use burner

hob|ble /hɒ b ə l/ (hobbles , hobbling , hobbled )

1 VERB If you hobble , you walk in an awkward way with small steps, for example because your foot is injured. □�[V adv/prep] He got up slowly and hobbled over to the coffee table. □�[V ] The swelling had begun to go down, and he was able, with pain, to hobble.

2 VERB To hobble something or someone means to make it more difficult for them to be successful or to achieve what they want. □�[V n] Poverty not only demeans our society but its cost also hobbles our economy.

hob|by /hɒ bi/ (hobbies ) N‑COUNT A hobby is an activity that you enjoy doing in your spare time. □� My hobbies are letter writing, football, music, photography, and tennis.

ho bby-horse (hobby-horses ) also hobbyhorse N‑COUNT You describe a subject or idea as your hobby-horse if you have strong feelings on it and like talking about it whenever you have the opportunity. □� Honesty is a favourite hobby-horse for Courau.

hob|by|ist /hɒ bi I st/ (hobbyists ) N‑COUNT You can refer to person who is very interested in a particular hobby and spends a lot of time on it as a hobbyist .

hob|nob /hɒ bnɒb/ (hobnobs , hobnobbing , hobnobbed ) VERB If you disapprove of the way in which someone is spending a lot of time with a group of people, especially rich and powerful people, you can say that he or she is hobnobbingwith them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�with ] This gave Bill an opportunity to hobnob with the company's president, board chairman, and leading executives. [Also V ]

hobo /hoʊ boʊ/ (hobos or hoboes )

1 N‑COUNT A hobo is a person who has no home, especially one who travels from place to place and gets money by begging. [AM ] in BRIT, use tramp2 N‑COUNT A hobo is a worker, especially a farm worker, who goes from place to place in order to find work. [AM ]

hock /hɒ k/ (hocks )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A hock is a piece of meat from above the foot of an animal, especially a pig.

2 PHRASE If someone is in hock , they are in debt. □� Even company directors on �100,000 a year can be deeply in hock to the banks.

3 PHRASE If you are in hock to someone, you feel you have to do things for them because they have given you money or support. □� He is in hock to the bank just like his British counterpart.

hock|ey /hɒ ki/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Hockey is an outdoor game played between two teams of 11 players who use long curved sticks to hit a small ball and try to score goals. [BRIT ] □� She played hockey for the national side. □� �the British hockey team. in AM, usually use field hockey2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Hockey is a game played on ice between two teams of 11 players who use long curved sticks to hit a small rubber disk, called a puck, and try to score goals. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use ice hockey

hocus-pocus /hoʊ kəs poʊ kəs/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something as hocus-pocus , you disapprove of it because you think it is false and intended to trick or deceive people. [DISAPPROVAL ]

hod /hɒ d/ (hods ) N‑COUNT A hod is a container that is used by a building worker for carrying bricks.

hodge|podge /hɒ dʒpɒdʒ/ also hodge-podge N‑SING A hodgepodge is an untidy mixture of different types of things. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a hodgepodge of maps, small tools, and notebooks. in BRIT, usually use hotch-potch

hoe /hoʊ / (hoes , hoeing , hoed )

1 N‑COUNT A hoe is a gardening tool with a long handle and a small square blade, which you use to remove small weeds and break up the surface of the soil.

2 VERB If you hoe a field or crop, you use a hoe on the weeds or soil there. □�[V n] I have to feed the chickens and hoe the potatoes. □�[V ] Today he was hoeing in the vineyard.

hog /hɒ g, [AM ] hɔː g/ (hogs , hogging , hogged )

1 N‑COUNT A hog is a pig. In British English, hog usually refers to a large male pig that has been castrated, but in American English it can refer to any kind of pig.

2 VERB If you hog something, you take all of it in a greedy or impolite way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Have you done hogging the bathroom?

3 →�see also roadhog

4 PHRASE If you go the whole hog , you do something bold or extravagant in the most complete way possible. [INFORMAL ] □� Or you can go the whole hog and upgrade for all-inclusive drinks for your entire stay.

Hog|ma|nay /hɒ gməne I / N‑UNCOUNT Hogmanay is New Year's Eve in Scotland and the celebrations that take place there at that time.

hog|wash /hɒ gwɒʃ, [AM ] hɔː g-/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe what someone says as hogwash , you think it is nonsense. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Sugar said it was a 'load of hogwash' that he was not interested in football.

ho ho /hoʊ hoʊ / or ho ho ho EXCLAM Ho ho is used in writing to represent the sound that people make when they laugh. □� 'Ha ha, ho ho,' he chortled.

ho hum /hoʊ hʌ m/ also ho-hum

1 PHRASE You can use ho hum when you want to show that you think something is not interesting, remarkable, or surprising in any way. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� My general reaction to this news might be summed up as 'ho-hum'.

2 EXCLAM You can say ho hum to show that you accept an unpleasant situation because it is not very serious. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Ho hum, another nice job down the drain.

hoi pol|loi /hɔ I pəlɔ I / N‑PLURAL If someone refers to thehoi polloi , they are referring in a humorous or rather rude way to ordinary people, in contrast to rich, well-educated, or upper-class people. □� Monstrously inflated costs are designed to keep the hoi polloi at bay.

hoist /hɔ I st/ (hoists , hoisting , hoisted )

1 VERB If you hoist something heavy somewhere, you lift it or pull it up there. □�[V n prep/adv] Hoisting my suitcase on to my shoulder, I turned and headed toward my hotel. □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] Grabbing the side of the bunk, he hoisted himself to a sitting position. [Also V n]

2 VERB If something heavy is hoisted somewhere, it is lifted there using a machine such as a crane. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] A twenty-foot steel pyramid is to be hoisted into position on top of the tower. □�[V n prep/adv] Then a crane hoisted him on to the platform.

3 N‑COUNT A hoist is a machine for lifting heavy things.

4 VERB If you hoist a flag or a sail, you pull it up to its correct position by using ropes. □�[V n] A group of youths hoisted their flag on top of the disputed monument.

5hoist with your own petard →�see petard

ho|kum /hoʊ kəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something as hokum , you think it is nonsense. [INFORMAL ] □� The book is enjoyable hokum.

hold

➊�PHYSICALLY TOUCHING, SUPPORTING, OR CONTAINING

➋�HAVING OR DOING

➌�CONTROLLING OR REMAINING

➍�PHRASES

➎�PHRASAL VERBS

➊ hold ◆◆◆ /hoʊ ld/ (holds , holding , held )

1 VERB When you hold something, you carry or support it, using your hands or your arms. □�[V n prep/adv] Hold the knife at an angle. □�[V n] He held the pistol in his right hand. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Hold is also a noun. □� He released his hold on the camera.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Hold is used in expressions such as grab hold of , catch hold of , and get hold of , to indicate that you close your hand tightly around something, for example to stop something moving or falling. □�[+�of ] I was woken up by someone grabbing hold of my sleeping bag. □�[+�of ] A doctor and a nurse caught hold of his arms.

3 VERB When you hold someone, you put your arms round them, usually because you want to show them how much you like them or because you want to comfort them. □�[V n adv] If only he would hold her close to him. [Also V n]

4 VERB If you hold someone in a particular position, you use force to keep them in that position and stop them from moving. □�[V n prep] He then held the man in an armlock until police arrived. □�[V n with adv] I'd got two nurses holding me down. [Also V n]

5 N‑COUNT A hold is a particular way of keeping someone in a position using your own hands, arms, or legs. □� �use of an unauthorized hold on a handcuffed suspect.

6 VERB When you hold a part of your body, you put your hand on or against it, often because it hurts. □�[V n] Soon she was crying bitterly about the pain and was holding her throat.

7 VERB When you hold a part of your body in a particular position, you put it into that position and keep it there. □�[V n prep/adv] Hold your hands in front of your face. □�[V -ed] He walked at a rapid pace with his back straight and his head held erect. [Also V n adj]

8 VERB If one thing holds another in a particular position, it keeps it in that position. □�[V n with adv] �the wooden wedge which held the heavy door open. □�[V n prep] They used steel pins to hold everything in place.

9 VERB If one thing is used to hold another, it is used to store it. □�[V n] Two knife racks hold her favourite knives.

10 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] In a ship or aeroplane, a hold is a place where cargo or luggage is stored. □� A fire had been reported in the cargo hold.

11 VERB If a place holds something, it keeps it available for reference or for future use. □�[V n] The Small Firms Service holds an enormous amount of information on any business problem.

12 VERB [no cont] If something holds a particular amount of something, it can contain that amount. □�[V n] �a stadium that holds over 30,000 people.

13 VERB If a vehicle holds the road well, it remains in close contact with the road and can be controlled safely and easily. □�[V n adv] I thought the car held the road really well. [Also V n]

14 →�see also holding

➋ hold ◆◆◆ /hoʊ ld/ (holds , holding , held ) Hold is often used to indicate that someone or something has the particular thing, characteristic, or attitude that is mentioned. Therefore it takes most of its meaning from the word that follows it. 1 VERB [no cont] Hold is used with words and expressions indicating an opinion or belief, to show that someone has a particular opinion or believes that something is true. □�[V n] He holds certain expectations about the teacher's role. □�[V that] Current thinking holds that obesity is more a medical than a psychological problem. □�[V n +�in ] The public, meanwhile, hold architects in low esteem. □�[V -ed] �a widely held opinion.

2 VERB [no passive] Hold is used with words such as 'fear' or 'mystery' to indicate someone's feelings towards something, as if those feelings were a characteristic of the thing itself. □�[V n +�for ] Death doesn't hold any fear for me. □�[V n] It held more mystery than even the darkest jungle.

3 VERB Hold is used with nouns such as 'office', 'power', and 'responsibility' to indicate that someone has a particular position of power or authority. □�[V n] She has never held ministerial office.

4 VERB Hold is used with nouns such as 'permit', 'degree', or 'ticket' to indicate that someone has a particular document that allows them to do something. □�[V n] He did not hold a firearm certificate. □�[V n] Passengers holding tickets will receive refunds.

5 VERB Hold is used with nouns such as 'party', 'meeting', 'talks', 'election', and 'trial' to indicate that people are organizing a particular activity. □�[V n] The German sports federation said it would hold an investigation. ●� hold|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] They also called for the holding of multi-party general elections.

6 VERB Hold is used with nouns such as 'conversation', 'interview', and 'talks' to indicate that two or more people meet and discuss something. □�[V n +�with ] The Prime Minister, is holding consultations with his colleagues to finalise the deal. □�[V ] The engineer and his son held frequent consultations concerning technical problems. □�[V n] They can't believe you can even hold a conversation.

7 VERB Hold is used with nouns such as 'shares' and 'stock' to indicate that someone owns a particular proportion of a business. □�[V n] The group said it continues to hold 1,774,687 Vons shares.

8 →�see also holding

9 VERB Hold is used with words such as 'lead' or 'advantage' to indicate that someone is winning or doing well in a contest. □�[V n] He continued to hold a lead in Angola's presidential race.

10 VERB Hold is used with nouns such as 'attention' or 'interest' to indicate that what you do or say keeps someone interested or listening to you. □�[V n] If you want to hold someone's attention, look them directly in the eye but don't stare.

11 VERB If you hold someone responsible, liable, or accountable for something, you will blame them if anything goes wrong. □�[V n adj] It's impossible to hold any individual responsible.

➌ hold ◆◆◆ /hoʊ ld/ (holds , holding , held )

1 VERB If someone holds you in a place, they keep you there as a prisoner and do not allow you to leave. □�[V n] The inside of a van was as good a place as any to hold a kidnap victim. □�[V n n] Somebody is holding your wife hostage. □�[V -ed] Japan had originally demanded the return of two seamen held on spying charges.

2 VERB If people such as an army or a violent crowd hold a place, they control it by using force. □�[V n] Demonstrators have been holding the square since Sunday.

3 N‑SING If you have a holdover someone, you have power or control over them, for example because you know something about them you can use to threaten them or because you are in a position of authority. □� He had ordered his officers to keep an exceptionally firm hold over their men.

4 VERB [no passive] If you ask someone to hold , or to holdthe line , when you are answering a phone call, you are asking them to wait for a short time, for example so that you can find the person they want to speak to. □�[V n] Could you hold the line and I'll just get my pen. □�[V ] A telephone operator asked him to hold.

5 VERB If you hold phone calls for someone, you do not allow people who phone to speak to that person, but take messages instead. □�[V n] He tells his secretary to hold his calls.

6 VERB If something holds at a particular value or level, or is held there, it is kept at that value or level. □�[V prep/adv/adj] OPEC production is holding at around 21.5 million barrels a day. □�[V n with adv] The supermarket has vowed to hold down prices. □�[V n prep/adj] The final dividend will be held at 20.7p, after an 8 per cent increase. □�[V n] �provided the pound holds its value against the euro. [Also V ]

7 VERB If you hold a sound or musical note, you continue making it. □�[V n] �a voice which hit and held every note with perfect ease and clarity.

8 VERB If you hold something such as a train, a lift, or an elevator, you delay it. □�[V n] A London Underground spokesman defended the decision to hold the train until police arrived.

9 VERB If an offer or invitation still holds , it is still available for you to accept. □�[V ] Does your offer still hold?

10 VERB If a good situation holds , it continues and does not get worse or fail. □�[V ] Our luck couldn't hold for ever. □�[V ] Would the weather hold?

11 VERB If an argument or theory holds , it is true or valid, even after close examination. □�[V ] Today, most people think that argument no longer holds. ●�PHRASAL VERB Hold up means the same as hold . □�[V P ] Democrats say arguments against the bill won't hold up.

12 VERB If part of a structure holds , it does not fall or break although there is a lot of force or pressure on it. □�[V ] How long would the roof hold?

13 VERB If laws or rules hold , they exist and remain in force. □�[V ] These laws also hold for universities.

14 VERB If you hold to a promise or to high standards of behaviour, you keep that promise or continue to behave according to those standards. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] Will the President be able to hold to this commitment?

15 VERB If someone or something holds you to a promise or to high standards of behaviour, they make you keep that promise or those standards. □�[V n +�to ] Don't hold me to that.

➍ hold ◆◆◆ /hoʊ ld/ (holds , holding , held )

→�Please look at categories 13 to 25 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 PHRASE If you hold forthon a subject, you speak confidently and for a long time about it, especially to a group of people. □� Barry was holding forth on politics.

2 PHRASE If you get hold of an object or information, you obtain it, usually after some difficulty. □� It is hard to get hold of guns in this country.

3 PHRASE If you get hold of a fact or a subject, you learn about it and understand it well. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He first had to get hold of some basic facts.

4 PHRASE If you get hold of someone, you manage to contact them. □� The only electrician we could get hold of was miles away.

5 CONVENTION If you say ' Hold it ', you are telling someone to stop what they are doing and to wait. □� Hold it! Don't move!

6 PHRASE If you put something on hold , you decide not to do it, deal with it, or change it now, but to leave it until later. □� He put his retirement on hold until he had found a solution.

7 PHRASE If you hold your own , you are able to resist someone who is attacking or opposing you. □� The Frenchman held his own against the challenger.

8 PHRASE If you can do something well enough to hold your own , you do not appear foolish when you are compared with someone who is generally thought to be very good at it. □� She can hold her own against almost any player.

9 PHRASE If you hold still , you do not move. □� Can't you hold still for a second?

10 PHRASE If something takes hold , it gains complete control or influence over a person or thing. □�[+�of ] She felt a strange excitement taking hold of her.

11 PHRASE If you hold tight , you put your hand round or against something in order to prevent yourself from falling over. A bus driver might say ' Hold tight! ' to you if you are standing on a bus when it is about to move. □� He held tight to the rope.

12 PHRASE If you hold tight , you do not immediately start a course of action that you have been planning or thinking about. □� The unions have urged members to hold tight until a national deal is struck.

13to hold something at bay →�see bay

14to hold your breath →�see breath

15to hold something in check →�see check

16to hold court →�see court ➊

17to hold fast →�see fast

18to hold the fort →�see fort

19to hold your ground →�see ground

20to hold your peace →�see peace

21to hold someone to ransom →�see ransom

22to hold sway →�see sway

23to hold your tongue →�see tongue

➎ hold ◆◆◆ /hoʊ ld/ (holds , holding , held )

▸� hold against PHRASAL VERB If you hold something against someone, you let their actions in the past influence your present attitude towards them and cause you to deal severely or unfairly with them. □�[V n P n] Bernstein lost the case, but never held it against Grundy.

▸� hold back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hold back or if something holds you back , you hesitate before you do something because you are not sure whether it is the right thing to do. □�[V P ] The administration had several reasons for holding back. □�[V n P ] Melancholy and mistrust of men hold her back. [Also V P n (not pron)]

2 PHRASAL VERB To hold someone or something back means to prevent someone from doing something, or to prevent something from happening. □�[V P n] Stagnation in home sales is holding back economic recovery. □�[V n P ] Jake wanted to wake up, but sleep held him back.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you hold something back , you keep it in reserve to use later. □�[V P n] Farmers apparently hold back produce in the hope that prices will rise. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you hold something back , you do not include it in the information you are giving about something. □�[V n P ] You seem to be holding something back. [Also V P n (not pron)]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you hold back something such as tears or laughter, or if you hold back , you make an effort to stop yourself from showing how you feel. □�[V P n] She kept trying to hold back her tears. □�[V P ] I was close to tears with frustration, but I held back. [Also V n P ]

▸� hold down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hold down a job or a place in a team, you manage to keep it. □�[V P n] He never could hold down a job. □�[V P n] Constant injury problems had made it tough for him to hold down a regular first team place. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hold someone down , you keep them under control and do not allow them to have much freedom or power or many rights. □�[V P n] Everyone thinks there is some vast conspiracy wanting to hold down the younger generation. [Also V n P ]

▸� hold in PHRASAL VERB If you hold in an emotion or feeling, you do not allow yourself to express it, often making it more difficult to deal with. □�[V P n] Depression can be traced to holding in anger. □�[V n P ] Go ahead and cry. Don't hold it in.

▸� hold off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hold off doing something, you delay doing it or delay making a decision about it. □�[V P v-ing] The hospital staff held off taking Rosenbaum in for an X-ray. □�[V P ] They have threatened military action but held off until now.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hold off a challenge in a race or competition, you do not allow someone to pass you. □�[V P n] He cut through the middle, held off a challenge and scored. [Also V n P ]

▸� hold on or hold onto

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hold on , or hold onto something, you keep your hand on it or around it, for example to prevent the thing from falling or to support yourself. □�[V P +�to ] His right arm was extended up beside his head, still holding on to a coffee cup. □�[V P n] He was struggling to hold onto a rock on the face of the cliff. □�[V P ] Despite her aching shoulders, Nancy held on.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hold on , you manage to achieve success or avoid failure in spite of great difficulties or opposition. □�[V P ] This Government deserved to lose power a year ago. It held on.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you ask someone to hold on , you are asking them to wait for a short time. [SPOKEN ] □�[V P ] The manager asked him to hold on while he investigated.

▸� hold on to or hold onto

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hold on to something that gives you an advantage, you succeed in keeping it for yourself, and prevent it from being taken away or given to someone else. □�[V P P n] Firms are now keen to hold on to the people they recruit. □�[V P n] �a politician who knew how to hold onto power.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hold on to something, you keep it for a longer time than would normally be expected. □�[V P P n] Do you think you could hold on to that report for the next day or two? □�[V P n] People hold onto letters for years and years.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you hold on to your beliefs, ideas, or principles, you continue to believe in them and do not change or abandon them if others try to influence you or if circumstances cause you to doubt them. □�[V P P n] He was imprisoned for 19 years yet held on to his belief in his people.

▸� hold out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hold out your hand or something you have in your hand, you move your hand away from your body, for example to shake hands with someone. □�[V P n] 'I'm Nancy Drew,' she said, holding out her hand. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hold outfor something, you refuse to accept something which you do not think is good enough or large enough, and you continue to demand more. □�[V P +�for ] I should have held out for a better deal. □�[V P ] He can only hold out a few more weeks.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is holding outon you, you think that they are refusing to give you information that you want. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�on ] He had always believed that kids could sense it when you held out on them. [Also V P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you hold out , you manage to resist an enemy or opponent in difficult circumstances and refuse to give in. □�[V P ] One prisoner was still holding out on the roof of the jail.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you hold out hope of something happening, you hope that in the future something will happen as you want it to. □�[V P n] He still holds out hope that they could be a family again.

▸� hold over

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hold something over someone, you use it in order to threaten them or make them do what you want. □�[V n P n] Did Laurie know something, and hold it over Felicity?

2 PHRASAL VERB If something isheld over , it does not happen or it is not dealt with until a future date. □�[be V -ed P ] Further voting might be held over until tomorrow. □�[V n P ] We would have held the story over until the next day. [Also V P n]

▸� hold together PHRASAL VERB If you hold a group of people together , you help them to live or work together without arguing, although they may have different aims, attitudes, or interests. □�[V n P ] Her 13-year-old daughter is holding the family together. □�[V P n] �the political balance which holds together the government. □�[V P ] The coalition will never hold together for six months.

▸� hold up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hold up your hand or something you have in your hand, you move it upwards into a particular position and keep it there. □�[V P n] She held up her hand stiffly. □�[V n P ] Hold it up so that we can see it.

2 PHRASAL VERB If one thing holds up another, it is placed under the other thing in order to support it and prevent it from falling. □�[V P n] Mills have iron pillars all over the place holding up the roof. □�[V n P ] Her legs wouldn't hold her up.

3 PHRASAL VERB To hold up a person or process means to make them late or delay them. □�[V n P ] Why were you holding everyone up? □�[V P n] Continuing violence could hold up progress towards reform.

4 PHRASAL VERB If someone holds up a place such as a bank or a shop, they point a weapon at someone there to make them give them money or valuable goods. □�[V P n] A thief ran off with hundreds of pounds yesterday after holding up a petrol station. [Also V n P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you hold up something such as someone's behaviour, you make it known to other people, so that they can criticize or praise it. □�[be V -ed P +�as ] He had always been held up as an example to the younger ones. [Also V n P +�as ]

6 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a type of business holds up in difficult conditions, it stays in a reasonably good state. □�[V P ] Children's wear is one area that is holding up well in the recession.

7 PHRASAL VERB If an argument or theory holds up , it is true or valid, even after close examination. □�[V P ] I'm not sure if the argument holds up, but it's stimulating.

8 →�see also hold-up

▸� hold with PHRASAL VERB If you do not hold with an activity or action, you do not approve of it. □�[V P n] I don't hold with the way they do things nowadays. SYNONYMS hold VERB ➊1

carry:He was carrying a briefcase.

grip:She gripped the rope.

grasp:He grasped both my hands.

clutch:She was clutching a photograph.

clasp:She clasped the children to her.

hold|all /hoʊ ldɔːl/ (holdalls ) also hold-all N‑COUNT A holdall is a strong bag which you use to carry your clothes and other things, for example when you are travelling. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use carryall

hold|er ◆◇◇ /hoʊ ldə r / (holders )

1 N‑COUNT [n N ] A holder is someone who owns or has something. □� This season the club has had 73,500 season-ticket holders. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A holder is a container in which you put an object, usually in order to protect it or to keep it in place. □� �a toothbrush holder.

hold|ing /hoʊ ld I ŋ/ (holdings )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a holding in a company, you own shares in it. [BUSINESS ] □� That would increase Olympia & York's holding to 35%.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A holding operation or action is a temporary one that is intended to keep a situation under control and to prevent it from becoming worse. □� A garden is, at best, a holding operation against nature.

ho ld|ing com|pa|ny (holding companies ) N‑COUNT A holding company is a company that has enough shares in one or more other companies to be able to control the other companies. [BUSINESS ]

hold|out /hoʊ ldaʊt/ (holdouts ) N‑COUNT A holdout is someone who refuses to agree or act with other people in a particular situation and by doing so stops the situation from progressing or being resolved. [AM ] □� France has been the holdout in trying to negotiate an end to the dispute.

ho ld-up (hold-ups )

1 N‑COUNT A hold-up is a situation in which someone is threatened with a weapon in order to make them hand over money or valuables.

2 N‑COUNT A hold-up is something which causes a delay.

3 N‑COUNT A hold-up is the stopping or very slow movement of traffic, sometimes caused by an accident which happened earlier. □� They arrived late due to a motorway hold-up.

hole ◆◆◇ /hoʊ l/ (holes , holing , holed )

1 N‑COUNT A hole is a hollow space in something solid, with an opening on one side. □� He took a shovel, dug a hole, and buried his once-prized possessions. □� �a 60ft hole.

2 N‑COUNT A hole is an opening in something that goes right through it. □�[+�in ] These tiresome creatures eat holes in the leaves. □�[+�in ] �kids with holes in the knees of their jeans.

3 N‑COUNT A hole is the home or hiding place of a mouse, rabbit, or other small animal. □� �a rabbit hole.

4 N‑COUNT A holein a law, theory, or argument is a fault or weakness that it has. □�[+�in ] There were some holes in that theory, some unanswered questions.

5 N‑COUNT A hole is also one of the nine or eighteen sections of a golf course. □� I played nine holes with Gary today.

6 N‑COUNT A hole is one of the places on a golf course that the ball must drop into, usually marked by a flag.

7 PHRASE If you say that you need something or someone like a hole in the head , you are emphasizing that you do not want them and that they would only add to the problems that you already have. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� We need more folk heroes like we need a hole in the head.

8 PHRASE If you say that you are in a hole , you mean that you are in a difficult or embarrassing situation. [INFORMAL ] □� He admitted that the government was in 'a dreadful hole'.

9 PHRASE If you get a hole in one in golf, you get the golf ball into the hole with a single stroke.

10 PHRASE If you pick holes in an argument or theory, you find weak points in it so that it is no longer valid. [INFORMAL ] □� He then goes on to pick holes in the article before reaching his conclusion.

▸� hole up PHRASAL VERB If you hole up somewhere, you hide or shut yourself there, usually so that people cannot find you or disturb you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] His creative process involves holing up in his Paris flat with the phone off the hook. COLLOCATIONS hole NOUN

1

adjective +�hole : deep, gaping, huge, massive

verb +�hole : dig, drill; fill

2

adjective +�hole : tiny

noun +�hole : bullet

verb +�hole : burn, cut, punch; plug

ho led u p ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are holed up somewhere, you are hiding or staying there, usually so that other people cannot find or disturb you. [INFORMAL ] □� If he had another well-stocked hideaway like this, he could stay holed up for months.

ho le-in-the-wa ll N‑SING [usu N n] A hole-in-the-wall machine is a machine built into the wall of a bank or other building, which allows people to take out money from their bank account by using a special card. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] in AM, use ATM

holi|day ◆◆◇ /hɒ l I dei/ (holidays , holidaying , holidayed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft on/from N ] A holiday is a period of time during which you relax and enjoy yourself away from home. People sometimes refer to their holiday as their holidays . [BRIT ] □� We rang Duncan to ask where he was going on holiday. □� Ischia is a popular seaside holiday resort. □� We're going to Scotland for our holidays. in AM, use vacation2 N‑COUNT A holiday is a day when people do not go to work or school because of a religious or national festival. □� New Year's Day is a public holiday throughout Britain.

3 →�see also bank holiday

4 N‑PLURAL [oft n N ] Theholidays are the time when children do not have to go to school. [BRIT ] □� �the first day of the school holidays. in AM, use vacation5 N‑UNCOUNT If you have a particular number of days' or weeks' holiday , you do not have to go to work for that number of days or weeks. [BRIT ] □� Every worker will be entitled to four weeks' paid holiday a year. in AM, use vacation6 VERB [oft cont] If you are holidaying in a place away from home, you are on holiday there. [BRIT ] □�[V prep/adv] Sampling the local cuisine is one of the delights of holidaying abroad. in AM, use vacation COLLOCATIONS holiday NOUN 1

noun +�holiday : family, school, summer; beach, skiing

adjective +�holiday : all-inclusive, self-catering, luxury

verb +�holiday : go on, take; spend

ho li|day camp (holiday camps ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a holiday camp is a place which provides holiday accommodation and entertainment for large numbers of people.

holi|day|maker /hɒ l I de I me I kə r / (holidaymakers ) N‑COUNT A holidaymaker is a person who is away from their home on holiday. [BRIT ] in AM, use vacationer

ho li|day rep (holiday reps ) N‑COUNT A holiday rep is someone employed by a holiday company to help look after people when they are on holiday. [BRIT ]

ho lier-than-thou ADJ If you describe someone as holier-than-thou , you disapprove of them because they seem to believe that they are more religious or have better moral qualities than anyone else. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has always sounded holier-than-thou.

ho|li|ness /hoʊ linəs/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Holiness is the state or quality of being holy. □� We were immediately struck by this city's holiness.

2 N‑COUNT You say Your Holiness or His Holiness when you address or refer respectfully to the Pope or to leaders of some other religions. [POLITENESS ] □� The President received His Holiness at the White House.

ho|lism /hoʊ l I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Holism is the belief that everything in nature is connected in some way. [FORMAL ]

ho|lis|tic /hoʊl I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Holistic means based on the principles of holism. [FORMAL ] □� �practitioners of holistic medicine.

hol|ler /hɒ lə r / (hollers , hollering , hollered ) VERB If you holler , you shout loudly. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V ] The audience whooped and hollered. □�[V with quote] 'Watch out!' he hollered. □�[V +�for ] Cal hollered for help. [Also V +�at ] ●�N‑COUNT Holler is also a noun. □� On the ship's deck, after the whoops and hollers, the butchering begins. ●�PHRASAL VERB Holler out means the same as holler . □�[V P n] I hollered out the names. □�[V P with quote] I heard him holler out, 'Somebody bombed the Church.' [Also V P ]

hol|low /hɒ loʊ/ (hollows , hollowing , hollowed )

1 ADJ Something that is hollow has a space inside it, as opposed to being solid all the way through. □� �a hollow tree. □� �a hollow cylinder.

2 ADJ A surface that is hollow curves inwards. □� He looked young, dark and sharp-featured, with hollow cheeks.

3 N‑COUNT A hollow is a hole inside a tree. □� I made my home there, in the hollow of a dying elm.

4 N‑COUNT A hollow is an area that is lower than the surrounding surface. □�[+�of/in/between ] Below him the town lay warm in the hollow of the hill.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a statement, situation, or person as hollow , you mean they have no real value, worth, or effectiveness. □� Any threat to bring in the police is a hollow one. ●� hol|low|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] One month before the deadline we see the hollowness of these promises.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone gives a hollow laugh, they laugh in a way that shows that they do not really find something amusing. □� Murray Pick's hollow laugh had no mirth in it.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] A hollow sound is dull and echoing. □� �the hollow sound of a gunshot.

8 VERB [usu passive] If something is hollowed , its surface is made to curve inwards or downwards. □�[be V -ed] The mule's back was hollowed by the weight of its burden. □�[V -ed] �her high, elegantly hollowed cheekbones.

hol|ly /hɒ li/ (hollies ) N‑VAR Holly is an evergreen tree or shrub which has hard, shiny leaves with sharp points, and red berries in winter.

Hol|ly|wood /hɒ liwʊd/ N‑PROPER [oft N n] You use Hollywood to refer to the American film industry that is based in Hollywood, California. □� �a major Hollywood studio.

holo|caust /hɒ ləkɔːst/ (holocausts )

1 N‑VAR A holocaust is an event in which there is a lot of destruction and many people are killed, especially one caused by war. □� A nuclear holocaust seemed a very real possibility in the '50s.

2 N‑SING The Holocaust is used to refer to the killing by the Nazis of millions of Jews during the Second World War.

holo|gram /hɒ ləgr�m/ (holograms ) N‑COUNT A hologram is a three-dimensional photographic image created by laser beams.

hols /hɒ lz/ N‑PLURAL Some people refer to their holidays as their hols . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Where did you go for your hols?

hol|ster /hoʊ lstə r / (holsters ) N‑COUNT A holster is a holder for a small gun, which is worn on a belt around someone's waist or on a strap around their shoulder.

holy ◆◇◇ /hoʊ li/ (holier , holiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as holy , you mean that it is considered to be special because it is connected with God or a particular religion. □� To them, as to all Christians, this is a holy place.

2 ADJ A holy person is a religious leader or someone who leads a religious life.

3 →�see also holier-than-thou

Ho ly Com|mu n|ion N‑UNCOUNT Holy Communion is the most important religious service in the Christian church, in which people share bread and wine as a symbol of the Last Supper and the death of Christ.

Ho ly Fa ther N‑PROPER In the Catholic Church, the Holy Father is the Pope.

Ho ly Gho st N‑PROPER The Holy Ghost is the same as the Holy Spirit .

holy of holies /hoʊ li əv hoʊ liz/ N‑SING A holy of holies is a place that is so sacred that only particular people are allowed to enter; often used in informal English to refer humorously to a place where only a few special people can go. □� �the holy of holies in the Temple. □� �the Aldeburgh Festival, the holy of holies in the contemporary British music scene.

ho ly o r|ders also Holy Orders N‑PLURAL Someone who is in holy orders is a member of the Christian clergy. □� He took holy orders in 1935.

Ho ly Spi r|it N‑PROPER In the Christian religion, the Holy Spirit is one of the three aspects of God, together with God the Father and God the Son.

Ho ly Week N‑UNCOUNT In the Christian religion, Holy Week is the week before Easter, when Christians remember the events leading up to the death of Christ.

hom|age /hɒ m I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Homage is respect shown towards someone or something you admire, or to a person in authority. □�[+�to ] Palace has released two marvellous films that pay homage to our literary heritage.

home

➊�NOUN, ADJECTIVE, AND ADVERB USES

➋�PHRASAL VERB USES

➊ home ◆◆◆ /hoʊ m/ (homes )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N , oft at N ] Someone's home is the house or flat where they live. □� Last night they stayed at home and watched TV. □� �his home in Hampstead. □� �the allocation of land for new homes.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use home to refer in a general way to the house, town, or country where someone lives now or where they were born, often to emphasize that they feel they belong in that place. □� She gives frequent performances of her work, both at home and abroad. □� His father worked away from home for much of Jim's first five years. □�[+�to ] Warwick is home to some 550 international students.

3 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] Home means to or at the place where you live. □� Hannah wasn't feeling too well and she wanted to go home. □� Hi, Mom, I'm home!

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Home means made or done in the place where you live. □� �cheap but healthy home cooking. □� �internet home shopping and grocery delivery.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Home means relating to your own country as opposed to foreign countries. □� Europe's software companies still have a growing home market.

6 N‑COUNT A home is a large house or institution where a number of people live and are looked after, instead of living in their own houses or flats. They usually live there because they are too old or ill to look after themselves or for their families to care for them. □� �an old people's home.

7 N‑COUNT You can refer to a family unit as a home . □� She had, at any rate, provided a peaceful and loving home for Harriet.

8 N‑SING If you refer to the homeof something, you mean the place where it began or where it is most typically found. □�[+�of ] This south-west region of France is the home of claret.

9 N‑COUNT If you find a homefor something, you find a place where it can be kept. □�[+�for ] The equipment itself is getting smaller, neater and easier to find a home for.

10 ADV [ADV after v] If you press, drive, or hammer something home , you explain it to people as forcefully as possible. □� It is now up to all of us to debate this issue and press home the argument.

11 N‑UNCOUNT [usu at N ] When a sports team plays athome , they play a game on their own ground, rather than on the opposing team's ground. □� I scored in both games against Barcelona; we drew at home and beat them away. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Home is also an adjective. □� All three are Chelsea fans, and attend all home games together.

12 PHRASE If you feel at home , you feel comfortable in the place or situation that you are in. □� He spoke very good English and appeared pleased to see us, and we soon felt quite at home.

13 PHRASE To bring something hometo someone means to make them understand how important or serious it is. □� Their sobering conversation brought home to everyone present the serious and worthwhile work the Red Cross does.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone is, in British English home and dry , or in American English home free , you mean that they have been successful or that they are certain to be successful. □� The prime minister and the moderates are not yet home and dry.

15 PHRASE If a situation or what someone says hits home or strikes home , people accept that it is real or true, even though it may be painful for them to realize. □� Did the reality of war finally hit home?

16 PHRASE You can say a home from home in British English or a home away from home in American English to refer to a place in which you are as comfortable as in your own home. [APPROVAL ] □� Many cottages are a home from home, offering microwaves, dishwashers and TVs.

17 CONVENTION If you say to a guest ' Make yourself at home ', you are making them feel welcome and inviting them to behave in an informal, relaxed way. [POLITENESS ]

18 PHRASE If you say that something is nothing to write home about , you mean that it is not very interesting or exciting. [INFORMAL ] □� So a dreary Monday afternoon in Walthamstow is nothing to write home about, right?

19 PHRASE If something that is thrown or fired strikes home , it reaches its target. [WRITTEN ] □� Only two torpedoes struck home.

➋ home /hoʊ m/ (homes , homing , homed )

▸� home in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you home inon one particular aspect of something, you give all your attention to it. □�[V P +�on ] The critics immediately homed in on the group's newly-elected members. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a missile homes inon something else, it is aimed at that thing and moves towards it. □�[V P +�on ] Two rockets homed in on it from behind without a sound. [Also V P ]

3 →�see also homing USAGE house or home?

You don't usually say � I am going to my house � or � She was in her house �. You say �I am going home � or �She was at home �. □� I�ll finish the report at home .

ho me birth (home births ) N‑VAR If a woman has a home birth , she gives birth to her baby at home rather than in a hospital.

home|boy /hoʊ mbɔ I / (homeboys ) N‑COUNT A homeboy is a boy or man from the same area as you, especially one from the same social group as you. [AM , INFORMAL ]

ho me-brew N‑UNCOUNT Home-brew is beer or wine that is made in someone's home, rather than in a brewery.

home|coming /hoʊ mkʌm I ŋ/ (homecomings )

1 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Your homecoming is your return to your home or your country after being away for a long time. □� Her homecoming was tinged with sadness.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Homecoming is a day or weekend each year when former students of a particular school, college, or university go back to it to meet each other again and go to dances and sports matches. [AM ]

Home Cou n|ties also home counties N‑PROPER‑PLURAL The Home Counties are the counties which surround London.

ho me eco|no m|ics N‑UNCOUNT Home economics is a school subject dealing with how to run a house well and efficiently.

ho me fie ld (home fields ) N‑COUNT A sports team's home field is their own playing field, as opposed to that of other teams. [AM ] in BRIT, use home ground

home|girl /hoʊ mgɜː r l/ (homegirls ) N‑COUNT A homegirl is a girl or woman from the same area as you, especially one from the same social group as you. [AM , INFORMAL ]

ho me grou nd (home grounds )

1 N‑VAR A sports team's home ground is their own playing field, as opposed to that of other teams. [BRIT ] in AM, use home field

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is on their home ground , you mean that they are in or near where they work or live, and feel confident and secure because of this. □� Although he was on home ground, his campaign had been rocked by adultery allegations.

ho me-gro wn ADJ [usu ADJ n] Home-grown fruit and vegetables have been grown in your garden, rather than on a farm, or in your country rather than abroad.

ho me help (home helps ) N‑COUNT A home help is a person who is employed to visit sick or old people at home and help with their cleaning or cooking. [mainly BRIT ]

home|land /hoʊ ml�nd/ (homelands )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your homeland is your native country. [mainly WRITTEN ] □� Many are planning to return to their homeland.

2 N‑COUNT The homelands were regions within South Africa in which black South Africans had a limited form of self-government.

home|less ◆◇◇ /hoʊ mləs/ ADJ Homeless people have nowhere to live. □� �the growing number of homeless families. □� Hundreds were made homeless. ●�N‑PLURAL The homeless are people who are homeless. □� �shelters for the homeless. ●� home|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The only way to solve homelessness is to provide more homes.

home|ly /hoʊ mli/

1 ADJ If you describe a room or house as homely , you like it because you feel comfortable and relaxed there. [mainly BRIT , APPROVAL ] □� We try and provide a very homely atmosphere. in AM, usually use homey2 ADJ If you describe a woman as homely , you mean that she has a warm, comforting manner and looks like someone who would enjoy being at home and having a family. [BRIT ] □� Mrs Jones was a pleasant, homely person with a ready smile.

3 ADJ If you say that someone is homely , you mean that they are not very attractive to look at. [AM ] □� The man was homely and overweight.

ho me-ma de ADJ Something that is home-made has been made in someone's home, rather than in a shop or factory. □� The bread, pastry and mayonnaise are home-made. □� A home-made bomb exploded during the disturbances.

home|maker /hoʊ mme I kə r / (homemakers ) N‑COUNT A homemaker is a woman who spends a lot of time looking after her home and family. If you describe a woman as a homemaker , you usually mean that she does not have another job.

Ho me Of|fice N‑PROPER TheHome Office is the department of the British Government which is responsible for things such as the police, broadcasting, and making decisions about people who want to come to live in Britain.

homeo|path /hoʊ mioʊp�θ/ (homeopaths ) in BRIT, also use homoeopath N‑COUNT A homeopath is someone who treats illness by homeopathy.

homeo|path|ic /hoʊ mioʊp� θ I k/ in BRIT, also use homoeopathic ADJ [usu ADJ n] Homeopathic means relating to or used in homeopathy. □� �homeopathic remedies.

homeopa|thy /hoʊ miɒ pəθi/ in BRIT, also use homoeopathy N‑UNCOUNT Homeopathy is a way of treating an illness in which the patient is given very small amounts of a drug that produces signs of the illness in healthy people.

ho me own|er (home owners ) also homeowner N‑COUNT A home owner is a person who owns the house or flat that they live in.

ho me page (home pages ) also homepage N‑COUNT On the internet, a person's or organization's home page is the main page of information about them, which often contains links to other pages about them.

ho me ru le N‑UNCOUNT If a country or region has home rule , it has its own independent government and laws.

Ho me Se c|re|tary (Home Secretaries ) N‑COUNT The Home Secretary is the member of the British government who is in charge of the Home Office.

ho me sho p|ping N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Home shopping is shopping that people do by ordering goods from their homes, using catalogues, television channels, or computers. □� �America's most successful home-shopping channel.

home|sick /hoʊ ms I k/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are homesick , you feel unhappy because you are away from home and are missing your family, friends, and home very much. □� She's feeling a little homesick. ●� home|sick|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� There were inevitable bouts of homesickness.

home|spun /hoʊ mspʌn/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use homespun to describe opinions or ideas that are simple and not based on special knowledge. □� The book is simple homespun philosophy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Homespun clothes are made from cloth that has been made at home, rather than in a factory.

home|stead /hoʊ msted/ (homesteads )

1 N‑COUNT A homestead is a farmhouse, together with the land around it.

2 N‑COUNT In United States history, a homestead was a piece of government land in the west, which was given to someone so they could settle there and develop a farm. [AM ]

ho me stretch in BRIT, also use home straight1 N‑SING The home stretch or the home straight is the last part of a race. □� He was passed by six athletes down the home straight.

2 N‑SING You can refer to the last part of any activity that lasts for a long time as thehome stretch or thehome straight , especially if the activity is difficult or boring. □� �as his two hours of banter, quips and anecdotes goes into the home straight.

home|town /hoʊ mtaʊ n/ (hometowns ) also home town N‑COUNT [with poss] Someone's hometown is the town where they live or the town that they come from.

ho me tru th (home truths ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Home truths are unpleasant facts that you learn about yourself, usually from someone else. [BRIT ] □� We held a team meeting and a few home truths were spelled out.

home|ward /hoʊ mwə r d/ also homewards

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are on a homeward journey, you are on a journey towards your home. □� She is ready for her homeward journey.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you are travelling homeward or homewards , you are travelling towards your home. □� John drove homeward through the lanes.

ho me|ward bou nd ADJ People or things that are homeward bound are on their way home. □� I'd be homeward bound even before Grant arrived.

home|work /hoʊ mwɜː r k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Homework is school work that teachers give to pupils to do at home in the evening or at the weekend. □� Have you done your homework, Gemma?

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you do your homework , you find out what you need to know in preparation for something. □� Before you go near a stockbroker, do your homework.

homey /hoʊ mi/ ADJ If you describe a room or house as homey , you like it because you feel comfortable and relaxed there. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �a large, homey dining room. in BRIT, usually use homely

homi|ci|dal /hɒ m I sa I d ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Homicidal is used to describe someone who is dangerous because they are likely to kill someone. □� That man is a homicidal maniac.

homi|cide /hɒ m I sa I d/ (homicides ) N‑VAR Homicide is the illegal killing of a person. [mainly AM ] □� The police arrived at the scene of the homicide. in BRIT, usually use murder

homi|ly /hɒ m I li/ (homilies ) N‑COUNT A homily is a speech or piece of writing in which someone complains about the state of something or tells people how they ought to behave. [FORMAL ] □� �a receptive audience for his homily on moral values.

hom|ing /hoʊ m I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A weapon or piece of equipment that has a homing system is able to guide itself to a target or to give out a signal that guides people to it. □� All the royal cars are fitted with electronic homing devices.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An animal that has a homing instinct has the ability to remember and return to a place where it has been in the past. □� Then the pigeons flew into thick fog, and the famous homing instinct failed.

ho m|ing pi|geon (homing pigeons ) N‑COUNT A homing pigeon is a pigeon that is trained to return to a particular place, especially in races with other pigeons.

homoeo|path /hoʊ mioʊp�θ/ →�see homeopath

homoeo|path|ic /hoʊ mioʊp� θ I k/ →�see homeopathic

homoeopa|thy /hoʊ miɒ pəθi/ →�see homeopathy

homo|erot|ic /hɒ moʊ I rɒ t I k/ ADJ Homoerotic is used to describe things such as films, literature, and images intended to be sexually appealing to homosexual men.

homo|genei|ty /hɒ mədʒəniː I ti, hoʊ -/ N‑UNCOUNT Homogeneity is the quality of being homogeneous. [FORMAL ]

homo|geneous /hɒ mədʒiː niəs, hoʊ -/ also homogenous ADJ Homogeneous is used to describe a group or thing which has members or parts that are all the same. [FORMAL ] □� The unemployed are not a homogeneous group.

ho|mog|enize /həmɒ dʒəna I z/ (homogenizes , homogenizing , homogenized ) in BRIT, also use homogenise VERB If something is homogenized , it is changed so that all its parts are similar or the same, especially in a way that is undesirable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Rather than trying to homogenize our culture, we can actually thrive by celebrating our diversity.

ho|mog|enized /həmɒ dʒəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use homogenised ADJ Homogenized milk is milk where the fat has been broken up so that it is evenly distributed.

ho|mog|enous /həmɒ dʒənəs/ ADJ Homogenous means the same as homogeneous .

homo|pho|bia /hɒ məfoʊ biə/ N‑UNCOUNT Homophobia is a strong and unreasonable dislike of homosexual people, especially homosexual men.

ho|mo|pho|bic /hɒ məfoʊ b I k/ ADJ Homophobic means involving or related to a strong and unreasonable dislike of homosexual people, especially homosexual men.

homo|phone /hɒ məfoʊn/ (homophones ) N‑COUNT In linguistics, homophones are words with different meanings which are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently. For example, 'write' and 'right' are homophones.

homo sa|pi|ens /hoʊ moʊ s� pienz/ N‑UNCOUNT Homo sapiens is used to refer to modern human beings as a species, in contrast to other species of ape or animal, or earlier forms of human. [TECHNICAL ] □� What distinguishes homo sapiens from every other living creature is the mind.

homo|sex|ual ◆◇◇ /hɒ moʊse kʃuəl, [AM ] hoʊ -/ (homosexuals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A homosexual relationship is a sexual relationship between people of the same sex.

2 ADJ Someone who is homosexual is sexually attracted to people of the same sex. □� A fraud trial involving two homosexual lawyers was abandoned. ●�N‑COUNT Homosexual is also a noun. □� The judge said that discrimination against homosexuals is deplorable. ●� homo|sex|ual|ity /hɒ moʊsekʃu� l I ti, [AM ] hoʊ m-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a place where people could openly discuss homosexuality.

Hon. /ɒ n/ N‑TITLE Hon. is an abbreviation for honourable and honorary when they are used as part of a person's title.

hone /hoʊ n/ (hones , honing , honed )

1 VERB If you hone something, for example a skill, technique, idea, or product, you carefully develop it over a long period of time so that it is exactly right for your purpose. □�[V n] Leading companies spend time and money on honing the skills of senior managers.

2 VERB If you hone a blade, weapon, or tool, you sharpen it on a stone or with a special device. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] �four grinding wheels for honing fine edged tools and implements. □�[V -ed] �a thin, honed blade.

hon|est ◆◇◇ /ɒ n I st/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as honest , you mean that they always tell the truth, and do not try to deceive people or break the law. □� I know she's honest and reliable. ●� hon|est|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She fought honestly for a just cause and for freedom.

2 ADJ If you are honest in a particular situation, you tell the complete truth or give your sincere opinion, even if this is not very pleasant. □�[+�about ] I was honest about what I was doing. □�[+�with ] He had been honest with her and she had tricked him! ●� hon|est|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� It came as a shock to hear an old friend speak so honestly about Ted.

3 ADV You say ' honest ' before or after a statement to emphasize that you are telling the truth and that you want people to believe you. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I'm not sure, honest.

4 PHRASE Some people say ' honest to God ' to emphasize their feelings or to emphasize that something is really true. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I wish we weren't doing this, Lillian, honest to God, I really do.

5 PHRASE You can say ' to be honest ' before or after a statement to indicate that you are telling the truth about your own opinions or feelings, especially if you think these will disappoint the person you are talking to. [FEELINGS ] □� To be honest the house is not quite our style.

ho n|est bro |ker (honest brokers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a person or country acts as an honest broker , they try to help people resolve a dispute or arrange a deal by talking to all sides and finding out what they want, without favouring any one side. □� Canada's prime minister will be hoping to play honest broker in the row between the United States and Japan.

hon|est|ly /ɒ n I stli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use honestly to emphasize that you are referring to your, or someone else's, true beliefs or feelings. [EMPHASIS ] □� But did you honestly think we wouldn't notice?

2 ADV You use honestly to emphasize that you are telling the truth and that you want people to believe you. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� Honestly, I don't know anything about it.

3 ADV You use honestly to indicate that you are annoyed or impatient. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� Honestly, Nev! Must you be quite so crude!

4 →�see also honest

hon|es|ty /ɒ n I sti/ N‑UNCOUNT Honesty is the quality of being honest. □� They said the greatest virtues in a politician were integrity, correctness and honesty. ●�PHRASE You say in all honesty when you are saying something that might be disappointing or upsetting, and you want to soften its effect by emphasizing your sincerity. [EMPHASIS ] □� In all honesty, the real problem was me.

hon|ey /hʌ ni/ (honeys )

1 N‑VAR Honey is a sweet, sticky, yellowish substance that is made by bees.

2 N‑COUNT You call someone honey as a sign of affection. [mainly AM ] □� Honey, I don't really think that's a good idea.

honey|bee /hʌ nibiː/ (honeybees ) N‑COUNT A honeybee is a bee that makes honey.

honey|comb /hʌ nikoʊm/ (honeycombs ) N‑VAR A honeycomb is a wax structure consisting of rows of six-sided spaces where bees store their honey.

hon|eyed /hʌ nid/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone's voice or words as honeyed when they are very pleasant to listen to, especially if you want to suggest that they are insincere. □� His gentle manner and honeyed tones reassured Andrew.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe something as honeyed when it tastes or smells of honey, or is the pale yellowish colour of honey. [LITERARY ] □� I could smell the honeyed ripeness of melons and peaches. □� �a warm, honeyed light.

honey|moon /hʌ nimuːn/ (honeymoons , honeymooning , honeymooned )

1 N‑COUNT A honeymoon is a holiday taken by a man and a woman who have just got married.

2 VERB When a recently-married couple honeymoon somewhere, they go there on their honeymoon. □�[V ] They honeymooned in Venice.

3 N‑COUNT You can use honeymoon to refer to a period of time after the start of a new job or new government when everyone is pleased with the person or people concerned and is nice to them. □� Brett is enjoying a honeymoon period with both press and public.

honey|pot /hʌ nipɒt/ (honeypots )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe something as a honeypot , you mean that it is very desirable or very popular. □� �traditional tourist honeypots such as London, Bath, Edinburgh, and York.

2 PHRASE If something attracts people like bees to a honeypot or like bees round a honeypot , it attracts people in large numbers. □� This is the show that attracts computer industry people like bees to a honeypot.

honey|suckle /hʌ nisʌk ə l/ (honeysuckles ) N‑VAR Honeysuckle is a climbing plant with sweet-smelling yellow, pink, or white flowers.

honey|trap /hʌ nitr�p/ (honeytraps ) N‑COUNT A honeytrap is a situation in which someone is tricked into immoral or illegal sexual behaviour so that their behaviour can be publicly exposed.

honk /hɒ ŋk/ (honks , honking , honked ) VERB If you honk the horn of a vehicle or if the horn honks , you make the horn produce a short loud sound. □�[V n] Drivers honked their horns in solidarity with the peace marchers. □�[V ] Horns honk. An angry motorist shouts. ●�N‑COUNT Honk is also a noun. □� She pulled to the right with a honk.

honky-tonk /hɒ ŋki tɒŋk/ (honky-tonks )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A honky-tonk is a cheap bar or nightclub. [AM ] □� �little honky-tonk bars in Texas.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Honky-tonk is the kind of piano music that was formerly played in honky-tonks. □� �the beat of honky-tonk pianos.

hon|or /ɒ nə r / →�see honour

hon|or|able /ɒ nrəb ə l/ →�see honourable

hono|rar|ium /ɒ nəreə riəm/ (honoraria /ɒ nəreə riə/ or honorariums ) N‑COUNT An honorarium is a fee that someone receives for doing something which is not a normal part of their job, for example giving a talk.

hon|or|ary /ɒ nərəri, [AM ] -reri/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An honorary title or membership of a group is given to someone without their needing to have the necessary qualifications, usually because of their public achievements. □� �an honorary member of the Golf Club.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Honorary is used to describe an official job that is done without payment. □� �the honorary secretary of the Cheshire Beekeepers' Association.

ho n|or guard N‑SING An honor guard is a group of troops who formally greet or accompany someone special such as a visiting head of state. [AM ] in BRIT, use guard of honour

hon|or|if|ic /ɒ nər I f I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] An honorific title or way of talking is used to show respect or honour to someone. [FORMAL ] □� He was given the honorific title of national chairman.

hon|our ◆◇◇ /ɒ nə r / (honours , honouring , honoured ) in AM, use honor1 N‑UNCOUNT Honour means doing what you believe to be right and being confident that you have done what is right. □� I do not believe I can any longer serve with honour as a member of your government.

2 N‑COUNT An honour is a special award that is given to someone, usually because they have done something good or because they are greatly respected. □� He was showered with honours�among them an Oscar.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is honoured , they are given public praise or an award for something they have done. □�[be V -ed] The director was honoured with a Bafta Fellowship.

4 N‑SING If you describe doing or experiencing something as an honour , you mean you think it is something special and desirable. □�[+�of ] Five other cities had been competing for the honour of staging the Games.

5 V-PASSIVE If you say that you wouldbe honouredto do something, you are saying very politely and formally that you would be pleased to do it. If you say that you are honouredby something, you are saying that you are grateful for it and pleased about it. [POLITENESS ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] I would be honoured to play for a club like Everton. □�[be V -ed] It's a very flattering offer, and I'm honoured by your confidence in me.

6 VERB To honour someone means to treat them or regard them with special attention and respect. □�[V n +�with ] Her Majesty later honoured the Headmaster with her presence at lunch. □�[V n] Those right-wing people who most honour their monarch see no reason for any apology. ●� hon|oured ADJ [ADJ n] □� Mrs Patrick Campbell was an honoured guest.

7 VERB If you honour an arrangement or promise, you do what you said you would do. □�[V n] The two sides agreed to honour a new ceasefire.

8 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Honours is a type of university degree which is of a higher standard than a pass or ordinary degree. □� �an honours degree in business studies.

9 N‑COUNT Judges, and mayors in the United States, are sometimes called your honour or referred to as his honour or her honour . □� I have no further questions, your honour.

10 →�see also guest of honour , lap of honour , maid of honour

11 PHRASE If someone does the honours at a social occasion or public event, they act as host or perform some official function. [INFORMAL ] □� A well-known television personality did the honours at the official opening of the show.

12 PHRASE If something is arranged in honour of a particular event, it is arranged in order to celebrate that event. □� The Foundation is holding a dinner at the Museum of American Art in honour of the opening of their new show.

13 PHRASE If something is arranged or happens in someone's honour , it is done specially to show appreciation of them. □� He will attend an outdoor concert in his honour in the centre of Paris. SYNONYMS honour NOUN 1

integrity:I have always regarded him as a man of integrity.

morality:�standards of morality and justice in society.

decency:His sense of decency forced him to resign. VERB 6

respect:I want him to respect me as a career woman.

esteem:I greatly esteem your message in the midst of our hard struggle.

admire:He admired the way she had coped with life.

revere:Today he's still revered as the father of the nation.

hon|our|able /ɒ nrəb ə l/ in AM, use honorable1 ADJ If you describe people or actions as honourable , you mean that they are good and deserve to be respected and admired. □� I believe he was an honourable man, dedicated to the people and his union. □� However, their intentions are honourable. ●� hon|our|ably /ɒ nrəbli/ ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He also felt she had not behaved honorably in the leadership election.

2 ADJ Honourable is used as a title before the names of some members of the nobility, judges, and some other officials. □� �the Honourable Mr Justice Swinton Thomas.

hon|our|able me n|tion (honourable mentions ) in AM, use honorable mention N‑COUNT If something that you do in a competition is given an honourable mention , it receives special praise from the judges although it does not actually win a prize.

ho n|ours list (honours lists ) N‑COUNT In Britain, thehonours list is the list of people who have been selected to receive titles or awards from the Queen because of their achievements. □� He has been made an MBE in the New Year Honours list.

Hons /ɒ nz/ In Britain, Hons is an abbreviation for honours , used after the names of some university degrees, mainly first degrees. □� �Kevin P Kearns, BA (Hons), University of Liverpool.

hooch /huː tʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Hooch is strong alcoholic drink. [INFORMAL ]

hood /hʊ d/ (hoods )

1 N‑COUNT A hood is a part of a coat which you can pull up to cover your head. It is in the shape of a triangular bag attached to the neck of the coat at the back.

2 N‑COUNT The hood of a car is the metal cover over the engine at the front. [AM ] in BRIT, use bonnet3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A cooker hood is an electrical device fitted over a cooker above head height, and containing an extractor fan and usually a light.

hood|ed /hʊ d I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hooded piece of clothing or furniture has a hood. □� �a blue, hooded anorak.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has hooded eyes, their eyelids always look as though they are partly closed.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A hooded person is wearing a hood or a piece of clothing pulled down over their face, so they are difficult to recognize. □� The class was held hostage by a hooded gunman.

hood|ie /hʊ d I /

1 N‑COUNT A hoodie is a type of casual jacket with a hood. [INFORMAL ] □� She wore jeans and a hoodie.

2 A hoodie is a young person wearing a hoodie, thought by some people to be badly behaved or possibly criminal. [INFORMAL ] □� He said he had felt threatened by a group of hoodies outside a shop.

hood|lum /huː dləm/ (hoodlums ) N‑COUNT A hoodlum is a violent criminal, especially one who is a member of a group. [INFORMAL ]

hood|wink /hʊ dw I ŋk/ (hoodwinks , hoodwinking , hoodwinked ) VERB If someone hoodwinks you, they trick or deceive you. □�[V n] People expect others to be honest, which is why conmen find it so easy to hoodwink people.

hoof /huː f/ (hoofs or hooves ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The hooves of an animal such as a horse are the hard lower parts of its feet. □� The horses' hooves often could not get a proper grip.

hoof|er /huː fə r / (hoofers ) N‑COUNT A hoofer is a dancer, especially one who dances in musicals. [INFORMAL ]

hoo-ha /huː hɑː/ N‑SING If there is a hoo-ha , there is a lot of fuss about something. [INFORMAL ] □� Schulman is a little tired of the hoo-ha about the all-women team.

hook ◆◇◇ /hʊ k/ (hooks , hooking , hooked )

1 N‑COUNT A hook is a bent piece of metal or plastic that is used for catching or holding things, or for hanging things up. □� One of his jackets hung from a hook. □� �curtain hooks.

2 VERB If you hook one thing to another, you attach it there using a hook. If something hooks somewhere, it can be hooked there. □�[V n +�to/onto ] Paul hooked his tractor to the car and pulled it to safety. □�[V +�onto ] �one of those can openers that hooked onto the wall. [Also V n prep, V prep]

3 VERB If you hook your arm, leg, or foot round an object, you place it like a hook round the object in order to move it or hold it. □�[V n prep] She latched on to his arm, hooking her other arm around a tree.

4 VERB If you hook a fish, you catch it with a hook on the end of a line. □�[V n] At the first cast I hooked a huge fish.

5 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A hook is a short sharp blow with your fist that you make with your elbow bent, usually in a boxing match. □� He was knocked down by a left hook in the first round.

6 VERB If you are hooked into something, or hook into something, you get involved with it. [mainly AM ] □�[be/get V -ed +�into ] I'm guessing again now because I'm not hooked into the political circles. □�[V +�into ] Eager to hook into a career but can't find one right for you?

7 VERB If you hookinto the internet, you make a connection with the internet on a particular occasion so that you can use it. □�[V +�into ] �an interactive media tent where people will be able to hook into the internet. ●�PHRASAL VERB Hook up means the same as hook . □�[V P +�to ] It has no mobile connectivity, which means that users must rely on wi-fi to hook up to the internet.

8 PHRASE If someone gets off the hook or is let off the hook , they manage to get out of the awkward or unpleasant situation that they are in. [INFORMAL ] □� Sometimes they do let the culprits off the hook.

9 PHRASE If you take a phone off the hook , you take the receiver off the part that it normally rests on, so that the phone will not ring.

10 PHRASE If your phone is ringing off the hook , so many people are trying to phone you that it is ringing constantly. [AM ] □� Since war broke out, the phones at donation centers have been ringing off the hook.

11by hook or by crook →�see crook

12hook, line, and sinker →�see sinker

▸� hook up

1 →�see hook7

2 PHRASAL VERB When someone hooks up a computer or other electronic machine, they connect it to other similar machines or to a central power supply. □�[V P n] �technicians who hook up computer systems and networks. □�[V n P ] He brought it down, hooked it up, and we got the generator going. □�[be V -ed P +�to ] �if the machine is hooked up to an apartment's central wiring system. [Also V n P to n]

hooked /hʊ kt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as hooked , you mean that it is shaped like a hook. □� He was thin and tall, with a hooked nose.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are hookedon something, you enjoy it so much that it takes up a lot of your interest and attention. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] Many of the leaders have become hooked on power and money.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are hookedon a drug, you are addicted to it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] He spent a number of years hooked on cocaine, heroin and alcohol.

hook|er /hʊ kə r / (hookers ) N‑COUNT A hooker is a prostitute. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

hoo k-u p (hook-ups ) also hookup

1 N‑COUNT A hook-up is a connection between two places, systems, or pieces of equipment. □� Water and electric hook-ups are available and facilities are good.

2 N‑COUNT A hook-up is an occasion when people meet, communicate, or work together. [INFORMAL ] □� Her next project was a hook-up with producer Mark Ronson.

3 N‑COUNT A hook-up is a short and casual sexual relationship. [INFORMAL ] □� This relationship was more than just a drunken hook-up.

hooky /hʊ ki/ also hookey PHRASE If a child plays hooky , they stay away from school without permission. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] in BRIT, use play truant

hoo|li|gan /huː l I gən/ (hooligans ) N‑COUNT If you describe people, especially young people, as hooligans , you are critical of them because they behave in a noisy and violent way in a public place. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �riots involving football hooligans.

hoo|li|gan|ism /huː l I gən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Hooliganism is the behaviour and actions of hooligans. □� �police investigating football hooliganism.

hoop /huː p/ (hoops )

1 N‑COUNT A hoop is a large ring made of wood, metal, or plastic.

2 PHRASE If someone makes you jump through hoops , they make you do lots of difficult or boring things in order to please them or achieve something. □� He had the duty receptionist almost jumping through hoops for him. But to no avail.

hooped /huː pt/ ADJ [ADJ n] If something is hooped , it is decorated with hoops or horizontal stripes, or it contains hoops as part of its structure. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a hooped arbour of iron rods. □� �red hooped sleeves.

hoo|ray /hʊre I /

1 EXCLAM People sometimes shout ' Hooray! ' when they are very happy and excited about something.

2hip hip hooray →�see hip

hoot /huː t/ (hoots , hooting , hooted )

1 VERB If you hoot the horn on a vehicle or if it hoots , it makes a loud noise on one note. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] I never hoot my horn when I pick a girl up for a date. □�[V ] Somewhere in the distance a siren hooted. □�[V +�at ] I can be very rude to motorists who hoot at me. ●�N‑COUNT Hoot is also a noun. □� Mortlake strode on, ignoring the car, in spite of a further warning hoot. [in AM, usually use honk , toot ]

2 VERB If you hoot , you make a loud high-pitched noise when you are laughing or showing disapproval. □�[V ] The protesters chanted, blew whistles and hooted at the name of Governor Pete Wilson. ●�N‑COUNT Hoot is also a noun. □� His confession was greeted with derisive hoots.

3 VERB When an owl hoots , it makes a sound like a long 'oo'. □�[V ] Out in the garden an owl hooted suddenly.

4 PHRASE If you say that you don't give a hoot or don't care two hootsabout something, you are emphasizing that you do not care at all about it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�about/for ] Alan doesn't care two hoots about Irish politics.

hoot|er /huː tə r / (hooters ) N‑COUNT A hooter is a device such as a horn that makes a hooting noise. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

hoo|ver /huː və r / (hoovers , hoovering , hoovered )

1 N‑COUNT A Hoover is a vacuum cleaner. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ]

2 VERB If you hoover a room or a carpet, you clean it using a vacuum cleaner. [BRIT ] □�[V n] She hoovered the study and the sitting-room. [Also V ] ●� hoo|ver|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] □� I finished off the hoovering upstairs.

hooves /huː vz/ Hooves is a plural of hoof .

hop /hɒ p/ (hops , hopping , hopped )

1 VERB If you hop , you move along by jumping on one foot. □�[V prep/adv] I hopped down three steps. □�[V ] Malcolm hopped rather than walked. ●�N‑COUNT Hop is also a noun. □� 'This really is a catchy rhythm, huh?' he added, with a few little hops.

2 VERB When birds and some small animals hop , they move along by jumping on both feet. □�[V prep/adv] A small brown fawn hopped across the trail in front of them. ●�N‑COUNT Hop is also a noun. □� The rabbit got up, took four hops and turned round.

3 VERB If you hop somewhere, you move there quickly or suddenly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] We were the first to arrive and hopped on board.

4 N‑COUNT A hop is a short, quick journey, usually by plane. [INFORMAL ] □� It is a three-hour drive from Geneva but can be reached by a 20-minute hop in a private helicopter.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Hops are flowers that are dried and used for making beer.

6 PHRASE If you are caught on the hop , you are surprised by someone doing something when you were not expecting them to and so you are not prepared for it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� His plans almost caught security chiefs and hotel staff on the hop.

hope ◆◆◆ /hoʊ p/ (hopes , hoping , hoped )

1 VERB If you hope that something is true, or if you hope for something, you want it to be true or to happen, and you usually believe that it is possible or likely. □�[V ] She had decided she must go on as usual, follow her normal routine, and hope and pray. □�[V +�for ] He hesitates before leaving, almost as though he had been hoping for conversation. □�[V to-inf] I hope to get a job within the next two weeks. □�[V that] The researchers hope that such a vaccine could be available in about ten years' time. □�[V so/not ] 'We'll speak again.'�'I hope so.'

2 VERB If you say that you cannot hopefor something, or if you talk about the only thing that you can hopeto get, you mean that you are in a bad situation, and there is very little chance of improving it. □�[V +�for ] Things aren't ideal, but that's the best you can hope for. □�[V to-inf] �these mountains, which no one can hope to penetrate. ●�N‑VAR Hope is also a noun. □� The only hope for underdeveloped countries is to become, as far as possible, self-reliant.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Hope is a feeling of desire and expectation that things will go well in the future. □�[+�of ] But Kevin hasn't given up hope of being fit. □� Consumer groups still hold out hope that the president will change his mind.

4 N‑COUNT [N that] If someone wants something to happen, and considers it likely or possible, you can refer to their hopesof that thing, or to their hopethat it will happen. □�[+�of ] They have hopes of increasing trade between the two regions. □�[+�of ] The delay in the programme has dashed Japan's hopes of commercial success in space.

5 N‑COUNT If you think that the help or success of a particular person or thing will cause you to be successful or to get what you want, you can refer to them as your hope . □� He was one of our best hopes for a gold at the Commonwealth Games.

6 PHRASE If you are in a difficult situation and do something and hope for the best , you hope that everything will happen in the way you want, although you know that it may not. □� Some companies are cutting costs and hoping for the best.

7 PHRASE If you tell someone not to get their hopes up , or not to build their hopes up , you are warning them that they should not become too confident of progress or success. □� There is no reason for people to get their hopes up over this mission.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone has not got a hope in hellof doing something, you are emphasizing that they will not be able to do it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Everybody knows they haven't got a hope in hell of forming a government anyway.

9 PHRASE If you have high hopes or great hopesthat something will happen, you are confident that it will happen. □� We've high hopes that we've passed our course. [Also +�of/for ]

10 PHRASE If you hope against hopethat something will happen, you hope that it will happen, although it seems impossible. □� She glanced about the hall, hoping against hope that Richard would be waiting for her.

11 PHRASE You use ' I hope ' in expressions such as ' I hope you don't mind ' and ' I hope I'm not disturbing you ', when you are being polite and want to make sure that you have not offended someone or disturbed them. [POLITENESS ] □� I hope you don't mind me coming to see you. □� I hope I haven't said anything to upset you.

12 PHRASE You say ' I hope ' when you want to warn someone not to do something foolish or dangerous. □� I hope you won't be too harsh with the girl.

13 PHRASE If you do one thing in the hopeof another thing happening, you do it because you think it might cause or help the other thing to happen, which is what you want. □� He was studying in the hope of being admitted to an engineering college.

14 PHRASE If you live in hope that something will happen, you continue to hope that it will happen, although it seems unlikely, and you realize that you are being foolish. □� My mother bought lots of tickets and lived in hope of winning the prize.

15 CONVENTION If you say ' Some hope ', or ' Not a hope ', you think there is no possibility that something will happen, although you may want it to happen. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� The industry reckons it will see orders swell by 10% this financial year. Some hope. USAGE hope

If someone asks you whether something is true, or whether something will happen, you can answer �yes� by saying �I hope so �, or �no� by saying �I hope not �. Don�t say � I hope it � or � I don�t hope so �. □� �Have you lost the ticket?���I hope not .� COLLOCATIONS hope NOUN

4

adjective +�hope : faint, fase, forlorn, slim, vain; high; realistic

verb +�hope : dash; raise; harbour; express; give up, lose

hope+�be +�adjective : alive

5

noun +�hope : medal, play-off, promotion, title

ho ped-for ADJ [ADJ n] Hoped-for is used to describe something that people would like to happen, and which they usually think is likely or possible. [JOURNALISM ] □� The hoped-for economic recovery did not arrive.

hope|ful /hoʊ pfʊl/ (hopefuls )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If you are hopeful , you are fairly confident that something that you want to happen will happen. □� I am hopeful this misunderstanding will be rectified very quickly. [Also +�of ] ●� hope|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Am I welcome?' He smiled hopefully, leaning on the door.

2 ADJ If something such as a sign or event is hopeful , it makes you feel that what you want to happen will happen. □� The result of the election in is yet another hopeful sign that peace could come to the Middle East.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A hopeful action is one that you do in the hope that you will get what you want to get. □� We've chartered the plane in the hopeful anticipation that the government will allow them to leave.

4 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a hopeful , you mean that they are hoping and trying to achieve success in a particular career, election, or competition. □� On the show, young hopefuls are given the opportunity to work in different aspects of the fashion world.

hope|ful|ly /hoʊ pfʊli/

1 ADV You say hopefully when mentioning something that you hope will happen. Some careful speakers of English think that this use of hopefully is not correct, but it is very frequently used. □� Hopefully, you won't have any problems after reading this.

2 →�see also hopeful

hope|less /hoʊ pləs/

1 ADJ If you feel hopeless , you feel very unhappy because there seems to be no possibility of a better situation or success. □� He had not heard her cry before in this uncontrolled, hopeless way. □� He began to feel hopeless and his level of confidence plummeted. ●� hope|less|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� I looked around hopelessly. ●� hope|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�about ] She had a feeling of hopelessness about the future.

2 ADJ Someone or something thing that is hopeless is certain to fail or be unsuccessful. □� I don't believe your situation is as hopeless as you think.

3 ADJ If someone is hopelessat something, they are very bad at it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�at ] I'd be hopeless at working for somebody else.

4 ADJ You use hopeless to emphasize how bad or inadequate something or someone is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Argentina's economic policies were a hopeless mess. ●� hope|less|ly ADV [oft ADV after v] □� Harry was hopelessly lost.

hop|per /hɒ pə r / (hoppers ) N‑COUNT A hopper is a large cone-shaped device into which substances such as grain, coal, or animal food can be put and from which they can be released when required.

hop|scotch /hɒ pskɒtʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Hopscotch is a children's game which involves jumping between squares which are drawn on the ground.

horde /hɔː r d/ (hordes ) N‑COUNT If you describe a crowd of people as a horde , you mean that the crowd is very large and excited and, often, rather frightening or unpleasant. □�[+�of ] This attracts hordes of tourists to Las Vegas.

ho|ri|zon /həra I z ə n/ (horizons )

1 N‑SING Thehorizon is the line in the far distance where the sky seems to meet the land or the sea. □� A grey smudge appeared on the horizon. That must be Calais, thought Fay. □� The sun had already sunk below the horizon.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your horizons are the limits of what you want to do or of what you are interested or involved in. □� As your horizons expand, these new ideas can give a whole new meaning to life.

3 PHRASE If something is on the horizon , it is almost certainly going to happen or be done quite soon. □� With this type of cancer there is no obvious breakthrough on the horizon.

hori|zon|tal /hɒ r I zɒ nt ə l, [AM ] hɔː r-/ (horizontals )

1 ADJ Something that is horizontal is flat and level with the ground, rather than at an angle to it. □� The board consists of vertical and horizontal lines. ●�N‑SING Horizontal is also a noun. □� Do not raise your left arm above the horizontal. ●� hori|zon|tal|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV -ed] □� The wind was cold and drove the snow at him almost horizontally.

2 N‑COUNT A horizontal is a line or structure that is horizontal. □� Horizontals play a large part in all garden design.

hor|mo|nal /hɔː r moʊ n ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hormonal means relating to or involving hormones. □� �our individual hormonal balance.

hor|mone /hɔː r moʊn/ (hormones ) N‑COUNT A hormone is a chemical, usually occurring naturally in your body, that makes an organ of your body do something.

ho r|mone re|pla ce|ment the ra|py N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] If a woman has hormone replacement therapy , she takes the hormone oestrogen, usually in order to control the symptoms of the menopause. The abbreviation HRT is often used.

horn /hɔː r n/ (horns )

1 N‑COUNT On a vehicle such as a car, the horn is the device that makes a loud noise as a signal or warning. □� He sounded the car horn.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The horns of an animal such as a cow or deer are the hard pointed things that grow from its head.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Horn is the hard substance that the horns of animals are made of. Horn is sometimes used to make objects such as spoons, buttons, or ornaments.

4 →�see also horn-rimmed

5 N‑COUNT A horn is a musical instrument of the brass family. It is a long circular metal tube, wide at one end, which you play by blowing.

6 N‑COUNT A horn is a simple musical instrument consisting of a metal tube that is wide at one end and narrow at the other. You play it by blowing into it. □� �a hunting horn.

7 →�see also shoehorn

8 PHRASE If you blow your own horn , you boast about yourself. [mainly AM ]

9 PHRASE If two people lock horns , they argue about something. □�[+�with ] During his six years in office, he often locked horns with lawmakers.

10 PHRASE If you are on the horns of a dilemma , you have to choose between two things, both of which are unpleasant or difficult. □� The head of the New York office was on the horns of a dilemma and wondering what to do.

11 PHRASE If someone pulls in their horns or draws in their horns , they start behaving more cautiously than they did before, especially by spending less money. □� Customers are drawing in their horns at a time of high interest rates.

12to take the bull by the horns →�see bull

horned /hɔː r nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Horned animals have horns, or parts of their bodies that look like horns. □� �horned cattle. □� �the call of a horned lark.

hor|net /hɔː r n I t/ (hornets )

1 N‑COUNT A hornet is a large wasp. Hornets live in nests and have a powerful sting.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone has stirred up a hornet's nest , you mean that they have done something which has caused a lot of argument or trouble.

horn|pipe /hɔː r npa I p/ (hornpipes ) N‑COUNT A hornpipe is a lively dance which was traditionally danced by sailors.

ho rn-ri mmed ADJ [ADJ n] Horn-rimmed glasses have plastic frames that look as though they are made of horn.

horny /hɔː r ni/ (hornier , horniest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone as horny , you mean that they are sexually aroused or that they easily become sexually aroused. [INFORMAL ] □� �horny adolescent boys.

2 ADJ Something that is horny is hard, strong, and made of horn or of a hard substance like horn. □� His fingernails had grown long, and horny.

horo|scope /hɒ rəskoʊp, [AM ] hɔː r-/ (horoscopes ) N‑COUNT Your horoscope is a prediction of events which some people believe will happen to you in the future. Horoscopes are based on the position of the stars when you were born.

hor|ren|dous /həre ndəs, [AM ] hɔːr-/

1 ADJ Something that is horrendous is very unpleasant or shocking. □� He described it as the most horrendous experience of his life.

2 ADJ Some people use horrendous to describe something that is so big or great that they find it extremely unpleasant. [INFORMAL ] □� �the usually horrendous traffic jams. ●� hor|ren|dous|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, oft ADV after v] □� Many outings can now be horrendously expensive for parents with a young family.

hor|ri|ble /hɒ r I b ə l, [AM ] hɔː r-/

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as horrible , you do not like them at all. [INFORMAL ] □� The record sounds horrible. □� �a horrible small boy. ●� hor|ri|bly /hɒ r I bli, [AM ] hɔː r-/ ADV [ADV with v] □� When trouble comes they behave selfishly and horribly.

2 ADJ You can call something horrible when it causes you to feel great shock, fear, and disgust. □� Still the horrible shrieking came out of his mouth. ●� hor|ri|bly ADV [ADV with v] □� A two-year-old boy was horribly murdered.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Horrible is used to emphasize how bad something is. [EMPHASIS ] □� That seems like a horrible mess that will drag on for years. ●� hor|ri|bly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Our plans have gone horribly wrong.

hor|rid /hɒ r I d, [AM ] hɔː r-/

1 ADJ If you describe something as horrid , you mean that it is very unpleasant indeed. [INFORMAL ] □� What a horrid smell!

2 ADJ If you describe someone as horrid , you mean that they behave in a very unpleasant way towards other people. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�to ] I must have been a horrid little girl.

hor|rif|ic /hər I f I k, [AM ] hɔːr-/

1 ADJ If you describe a physical attack, accident, or injury as horrific , you mean that it is very bad, so that people are shocked when they see it or think about it. □� I have never seen such horrific injuries. ●� hor|rifi|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He had been horrifically assaulted before he died.

2 ADJ If you describe something as horrific , you mean that it is so big that it is extremely unpleasant. □� �piling up horrific extra amounts of money on top of your original debt. ●� hor|rifi|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� Opera productions are horrifically expensive.

hor|ri|fy /hɒ r I fa I , [AM ] hɔː r-/ (horrifies , horrifying , horrified ) VERB If someone is horrified , they feel shocked or disgusted, usually because of something that they have seen or heard. □�[be V -ed] His family were horrified by the change. □�[V n] �a crime trend that will horrify all parents. ●� hor|ri|fied ADV □� When I saw these figures I was horrified.

hor|ri|fy|ing /hɒ r I fa I I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as horrifying , you mean that it is shocking or disgusting. □� These were horrifying experiences. □� The scale of the problem is horrifying. ●� hor|ri|fy|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �horrifyingly high levels of infant mortality.

hor|ror ◆◇◇ /hɒ rə r , [AM ] hɔː r-/ (horrors )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Horror is a feeling of great shock, fear, and worry caused by something extremely unpleasant. □� As I watched in horror the boat began to power away from me.

2 N‑SING If you have a horror of something, you are afraid of it or dislike it very much. □�[+�of ] �his horror of death.

3 N‑SING The horrorof something, especially something that hurts people, is its very great unpleasantness. □�[+�of ] �the horror of this most bloody of civil wars.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to extremely unpleasant or frightening experiences as horrors . □� Can you possibly imagine all the horrors we have undergone since I last wrote you?

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A horror film or story is intended to be very frightening. □� �a psychological horror film.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You can refer to an account of a very unpleasant experience or event as a horror story. □� �a horror story about lost luggage while flying. SYNONYMS horror NOUN 1

hatred:Her hatred of them would never lead her to murder.

disgust:He spoke of his disgust at the incident.

loathing:She looked at him with loathing.

aversion:Many people have a natural and emotional aversion to insects.

revulsion:�their revulsion at the act of desecration.

horror-stricken /hɒ rə r str I kən/ ADJ Horror-stricken means the same as horror-struck .

ho rror-struck ADJ If you describe someone as horror-struck or horror-stricken , you mean that they feel very great horror at something that has happened. □� 'What is the matter with Signora Anna?' he whispered, horror-struck at her vacant face.

hors d'oeu|vre /ɔː r dɜː r v/ (hors d'oeuvres ) N‑VAR Hors d'oeuvres are small amounts of food that are served before the main part of a meal.

horse ◆◆◇ /hɔː r s/ (horses )

1 N‑COUNT A horse is a large animal which people can ride. Some horses are used for pulling ploughs and carts. □� A small man on a grey horse had appeared.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu on the N ] When you talk about the horses , you mean horse races in which people bet money on the horse which they think will win. [INFORMAL ] □� He still likes to bet on the horses.

3 N‑COUNT A vaulting horse is a tall piece of gymnastics equipment for jumping over.

4 PHRASE If you hear something from the horse's mouth , you hear it from someone who knows that it is definitely true. □� He has got to hear it from the horse's mouth.

5 →�see also clothes horse , dark horse , rocking horse , seahorse

horse|back /hɔː r sb�k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu on/by N ] If you do something onhorseback , you do it while riding a horse. □� In remote mountain areas, voters arrived on horseback.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A horseback ride is a ride on a horse. □� �a horseback ride into the mountains. ●�ADV Horseback is also an adverb. □� Many people in this area ride horseback.

ho rse|back ri d|ing N‑UNCOUNT Horseback riding is the activity of riding a horse, especially for enjoyment or as a form of exercise. [AM ] in BRIT, use horse riding

horse|box /hɔː r sbɒks/ (horseboxes ) also horse box N‑COUNT A horsebox is a vehicle which is used to take horses from one place to another. [mainly BRIT ]

ho rse che st|nut (horse chestnuts ) also horse-chestnut

1 N‑VAR A horse chestnut is a large tree which has leaves with several pointed parts and shiny reddish-brown nuts called conkers that grow in cases with points on them.

2 N‑COUNT Horse chestnuts are the nuts of a horse chestnut tree. They are more commonly called conkers .

ho rse-drawn also horsedrawn ADJ [ADJ n] A horse-drawn carriage, cart, or other vehicle is one that is pulled by one or more horses. □� �a horse-drawn open-topped carriage.

horse|hair /hɔː r sheə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Horsehair is hair from the tails or manes of horses and was used in the past to fill mattresses and furniture such as armchairs.

horse|man /hɔː r smən/ (horsemen ) N‑COUNT A horseman is a man who is riding a horse, or who rides horses well. □� Gerald was a fine horseman.

horse|man|ship /hɔː r smənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Horsemanship is the ability to ride horses well.

horse|play /hɔː r sple I / N‑UNCOUNT Horseplay is rough play in which people push and hit each other, or behave in a silly way. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

horse|power /hɔː r spaʊə r / N‑UNCOUNT Horsepower is a unit of power used for measuring how powerful an engine is. □� �a 300-horsepower engine.

ho rse rac|ing also horse-racing , horseracing N‑UNCOUNT Horse racing is a sport in which horses ridden by people called jockeys run in races, sometimes jumping over fences.

horse|radish /hɔː r sr�d I ʃ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Horseradish is a small white vegetable that is the root of a crop. It has a very strong sharp taste and is often made into a sauce.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Horseradish or horseradish sauce is a sauce made from horseradish. It is often eaten with roast beef.

ho rse rid|ing also horse-riding N‑UNCOUNT Horse riding is the activity of riding a horse, especially for enjoyment or as a form of exercise. [BRIT ] in AM, use horseback riding

horse|shoe /hɔː r sʃuː/ (horseshoes )

1 N‑COUNT A horseshoe is a piece of metal shaped like a U, which is fixed with nails to the bottom of a horse's foot in order to protect it.

2 N‑COUNT A horseshoe is an object in the shape of a horseshoe which is used as a symbol of good luck, especially at a wedding.

ho rse show (horse shows ) N‑COUNT A horse show is a sporting event in which people riding horses compete in order to demonstrate their skill and control.

ho rse-trading also horsetrading

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe discussions or negotiations as horse-trading , you disapprove of them because they are unofficial and involve compromises. [BRIT , mainly JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Politics are notorious for murky deals and there could be weeks of intense horse-trading ahead.

2 N‑UNCOUNT When negotiation or bargaining is forceful and shows clever and careful judgment, you can describe it as horse-trading . [AM ]

horse|whip /hɔː r s h w I p/ (horsewhips , horsewhipping , horsewhipped ) also horse-whip

1 N‑COUNT A horsewhip is a long, thin piece of leather on the end of a short, stiff handle. It is used to train and control horses.

2 VERB If someone horsewhips an animal or a person, they hit them several times with a horsewhip in order to hurt or punish them. □�[V n] These young louts deserve to be horse-whipped.

horse|woman /hɔː r swʊmən/ (horsewomen ) N‑COUNT A horsewoman is a woman who is riding a horse, or who rides horses well. □� She developed into an excellent horsewoman.

horsey /hɔː r si/ also horsy

1 ADJ Someone who is horsey likes horses a lot and spends a lot of time with them. [INFORMAL ] □� �a very horsey family.

2 ADJ If you describe a woman as horsey , you are saying in a rather rude way that her face reminds you of a horse, for example because it is long and thin. [DISAPPROVAL ]

hor|ti|cul|tur|al /hɔː r t I kʌ ltʃər ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Horticultural means concerned with horticulture. □� �Monkton horticultural show.

hor|ti|cul|tur|al|ist /hɔː r t I kʌ ltʃərəl I st/ (horticulturalists ) N‑COUNT A horticulturalist is a person who grows flowers, fruit, and vegetables, especially as their job.

hor|ti|cul|ture /hɔː r t I kʌltʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Horticulture is the study and practice of growing plants.

hose /hoʊ z/ (hoses , hosing , hosed )

1 N‑COUNT A hose is a long, flexible pipe made of rubber or plastic. Water is directed through a hose in order to do things such as put out fires, clean cars, or water gardens. □� You've left the garden hose on.

2 N‑COUNT A hose is a pipe made of rubber or plastic, along which a liquid or gas flows, for example from one part of an engine to another. □� Water in the engine compartment is sucked away by a hose.

3 VERB If you hose something, you wash or water it using a hose. □�[V n] We wash our cars and hose our gardens without even thinking of the water that uses. [Also V ]

▸� hose down PHRASAL VERB When you hose something or someone down , you clean them using a hose. □�[V P n] In one driveway a chauffeur wearing rubber boots was hosing down a limousine. □�[V n P ] When the children come in covered in sand you can just hose them down.

hose|pipe /hoʊ zpa I p/ (hosepipes ) N‑COUNT A hosepipe is a hose that people use to water their gardens or wash their cars. [mainly BRIT ]

ho|siery /hoʊ ziəri, [AM ] -ʒəri/ N‑UNCOUNT You use hosiery to refer to tights, stockings, and socks, especially when they are on sale in shops. [FORMAL ]

hos|pice /hɒ sp I s/ (hospices ) N‑COUNT A hospice is a special hospital for people who are dying, where their practical and emotional needs are dealt with as well as their medical needs.

hos|pi|table /hɒsp I təb ə l, hɒ sp I t-/

1 ADJ A hospitable person is friendly, generous, and welcoming to guests or people they have just met. □� The locals are hospitable and welcoming.

2 ADJ A hospitable climate or environment is one that encourages the existence or development of particular people or things. □� Even in summer this place did not look exactly hospitable.

hos|pi|tal ◆◆◆ /hɒ sp I t ə l/ (hospitals ) N‑VAR A hospital is a place where people who are ill are looked after by nurses and doctors. □� �a children's hospital with 120 beds. □� A couple of weeks later my mother went into hospital.

hos|pi|tal|ity /hɒ sp I t� l I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Hospitality is friendly, welcoming behaviour towards guests or people you have just met. □�[+�of ] Every visitor to Georgia is overwhelmed by the kindness, charm and hospitality of the people.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Hospitality is the food, drink, and other privileges which some companies provide for their visitors or clients at major sporting or other public events. □� �corporate hospitality tents.

hos|pi|tal|ize /hɒ sp I təla I z/ (hospitalizes , hospitalizing , hospitalized ) in BRIT, also use hospitalise VERB [usu passive] If someone is hospitalized , they are sent or admitted to hospital. □�[be V -ed] Most people do not have to be hospitalized for asthma or pneumonia. ●� hos|pi|tali|za|tion /hɒ sp I təla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Occasionally hospitalization is required to combat dehydration.

host ◆◆◆ /hoʊ st/ (hosts , hosting , hosted )

1 N‑COUNT The host at a party is the person who has invited the guests and provides the food, drink, or entertainment. □� Apart from my host, I didn't know a single person there.

2 VERB If someone hosts a party, dinner, or other function, they have invited the guests and provide the food, drink, or entertainment. □�[V n] Tonight she hosts a ball for 300 guests.

3 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A country, city, or organization that is the host of an event provides the facilities for that event to take place. □�[+�of ] �the host of the World Cup.

4 VERB If a country, city, or organization hosts an event, they provide the facilities for the event to take place. □�[V n] Cannes hosts the annual film festival.

5 PHRASE If a person or country plays host to an event or an important visitor, they host the event or the visit. □� The Prime Minister played host to the US President.

6 N‑COUNT The host of a radio or television show is the person who introduces it and talks to the people who appear in it. □�[+�of ] I am host of a live radio programme.

7 VERB The person who hosts a radio or television show introduces it and talks to the people who appear in it. □�[V n] She also hosts a show on St Petersburg Radio.

8 QUANT A hostof things is a lot of them. □�[+�of ] �a host of problems.

9 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A host or a host computer is the main computer in a network of computers, which controls the most important files and programs.

10 N‑COUNT [oft N n] The host of a parasite is the plant or animal which it lives on or inside and from which it gets its food. [TECHNICAL ] □� When the eggs hatch the larvae eat the living flesh of the host animal.

11 N‑COUNT [usu sing] TheHost is the bread which is used to represent the body of Christ in Christian church services such as Holy Communion. [TECHNICAL ]

hos|tage ◆◆◇ /hɒ st I dʒ/ (hostages )

1 N‑COUNT A hostage is someone who has been captured by a person or organization and who may be killed or injured if people do not do what that person or organization demands.

2 PHRASE If someone is taken hostage or is held hostage , they are captured and kept as a hostage. □� He was taken hostage while on his first foreign assignment as a television journalist.

3 N‑VAR If you say you are hostage to something, you mean that your freedom to take action is restricted by things that you cannot control. □�[+�to ] The bank is shrewdly ensuring that in future it will not be a hostage to strict targets.

hos|tel /hɒ st ə l/ (hostels )

1 N‑COUNT A hostel is a large house where people can stay cheaply for a short period of time. Hostels are usually owned by local government authorities or charities. [mainly BRIT ]

2 →�see also youth hostel

hos|tel|ry /hɒ st ə lri/ (hostelries ) N‑COUNT A hostelry is a pub or a hotel. [BRIT , FORMAL ]

host|ess /hoʊ st I s/ (hostesses )

1 N‑COUNT The hostess at a party is the woman who has invited the guests and provides the food, drink, or entertainment. □� The hostess introduced them.

2 N‑COUNT A hostess at a night club or dance hall is a woman who is paid by a man to be with him for the evening.

hos|tile /hɒ sta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/

1 ADJ If you are hostileto another person or an idea, you disagree with them or disapprove of them, often showing this in your behaviour. □�[+�to ] Many people felt he would be hostile to the idea of foreign intervention. □�[+�to/towards ] The West has gradually relaxed its hostile attitude to this influential state.

2 ADJ Someone who is hostile is unfriendly and aggressive. □� They usually relate in a cold and hostile way to the world.

3 ADJ Hostile situations and conditions make it difficult for you to achieve something. □� The world's trading environment is likely to become increasingly hostile.

4 ADJ A hostile takeover bid is one that is opposed by the company that is being bid for. [BUSINESS ] □� The Malaysian tycoon launched a hostile bid.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] In a war, you use hostile to describe your enemy's forces, organizations, weapons, land, and activities. □� The city is encircled by a hostile army.

hos|til|ities /hɒst I l I tiz/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to fighting between two countries or groups who are at war as hostilities . [FORMAL ] □� The authorities have urged people to stock up on fuel in case hostilities break out.

hos|til|ity /hɒst I l I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Hostility is unfriendly or aggressive behaviour towards people or ideas. □�[+�to/towards ] The last decade has witnessed a serious rise in the levels of racism and hostility to Black and ethnic groups.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Your hostilityto something you do not approve of is your opposition to it. □�[+�to/towards ] There is hostility among traditionalists to this method of teaching history.

hot ◆◆◇ /hɒ t/ (hotter , hottest , hots , hotting , hotted )

1 ADJ Something that is hot has a high temperature. □� When the oil is hot, add the sliced onion. □� What he needed was a hot bath and a good sleep.

2 ADJ Hot is used to describe the weather or the air in a room or building when the temperature is high. □� It was too hot even for a gentle stroll. □� It was a hot, humid summer day.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are hot , you feel as if your body is at an unpleasantly high temperature. □� I was too hot and tired to eat more than a few mouthfuls.

4 ADJ You can say that food is hot when it has a strong, burning taste caused by chillies, pepper, or ginger. □� �hot curries. □� �a dish that's spicy but not too hot.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hot issue or topic is one that is very important at the present time and is receiving a lot of publicity. [JOURNALISM ] □� The role of women in war is a hot topic of debate.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hot news is new, recent, and fresh. [INFORMAL ] □� �eight pages of the latest movies and the hot news from Tinseltown.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use hot to describe something that is very exciting and that many people want to see, use, obtain, or become involved with. [INFORMAL ] □� The hottest show in town was the Monet Exhibition at the Art Institute.

8 ADJ You can describe someone as hot if you think they are sexually attractive. [INFORMAL ] □� This girl is incredibly hot.

9 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] You can use hot to describe something that no one wants to deal with, often because it has been illegally obtained and is very valuable or famous. [INFORMAL ] □� If too much publicity is given to the theft, the works will become too hot to handle and be destroyed.

10 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] You can describe a situation that is created by a person's behaviour or attitude as hot when it is unpleasant and difficult to deal with. [INFORMAL ] □� When the streets get too hot for them, they head south in one stolen car after another.

11 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hot contest is one that is intense and involves a great deal of activity and determination. [INFORMAL ] □� It took hot competition from abroad, however, to show us just how good Scottish cashmere really is.

12 ADJ [ADJ n] If a person or team is the hot favourite, people think that they are the one most likely to win a race or competition. □� Atlantic City is the hot favourite to stage the fight.

13 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has a hot temper gets angry very quickly and easily. □� His hot temper was making it increasingly difficult for others to work with him.

14 →�see also hot-tempered

15 PHRASE If someone blows hot and cold , they keep changing their attitude towards something, sometimes being very enthusiastic and at other times expressing no interest at all. □�[+�on/over/about ] The media, meanwhile, has blown hot and cold on the affair.

16 PHRASE If you are hot and bothered , you are so worried and anxious that you cannot think clearly or behave sensibly. □�[+�about ] Ray was getting very hot and bothered about the idea.

17 PHRASE If you say that one person has the hots for another, you mean that they feel a strong sexual attraction to that person. [INFORMAL ] □� I've had the hots for him ever since he came to college.

▸� hot up PHRASAL VERB When something hots up , it becomes more active or exciting. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] The bars rarely hot up before 1am.

ho t ai r N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone's claims or promises are just hot air , you are criticizing them because they are made mainly to impress people and have no real value or meaning. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� His justification for the merger was just hot air.

ho t-ai r balloon (hot-air balloons ) N‑COUNT A hot-air balloon is a large balloon with a basket underneath in which people can travel. The balloon is filled with hot air in order to make it float in the air.

hot|bed /hɒ tbed/ (hotbeds ) N‑COUNT If you say that somewhere is a hotbedof an undesirable activity, you are emphasizing that a lot of the activity is going on there or being started there. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] �a state now known worldwide as a hotbed of racial intolerance.

ho t-bloo ded ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as hot-blooded , you mean that they are very quick to express their emotions, especially anger and love. □� As a hot-headed, hot-blooded youth, he still had much to learn.

ho t bu t|ton (hot buttons ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A hot button is a subject or problem that people have very strong feelings about. [mainly AM , JOURNALISM ] □� Abortion is still one of the hot button issues of U.S. life.

hotch-potch /hɒ tʃ pɒtʃ/ also hotchpotch N‑SING A hotch-potch is an untidy mixture of different types of things. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] The palace is a complete hotch-potch of architectural styles. in AM, use hodgepodge

ho t-de sk (hot-desks , hot-desking , hot-desked ) VERB If employees hot-desk , they are not assigned particular desks and work at any desk that is available. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] Some ministers will have to hot-desk until more accommodation can be found. ●� hot-desking N‑UNCOUNT □� I think that very few employees prefer hot-desking to having a fixed desk.

ho t dog (hot dogs ) N‑COUNT A hot dog is a long bread roll with a hot sausage inside it.

ho|tel ◆◆◇ /hoʊte l/ (hotels ) N‑COUNT A hotel is a building where people stay, for example on holiday, paying for their rooms and meals. COLLOCATIONS hotel NOUN 1

noun +�hotel : boutique, budget, country house, luxury; airport, resort

adjective +�hotel : exclusive, expensive, luxurious, posh; five-star, four-star, three-star

verb +�hotel : book; run

ho|tel|ier /hoʊte liə r , [AM ] oʊtelje I / (hoteliers ) N‑COUNT A hotelier is a person who owns or manages a hotel.

ho t fla sh (hot flashes ) N‑COUNT A hot flash is the same as a hot flush . [AM ]

ho t flu sh (hot flushes ) N‑COUNT A hot flush is a sudden hot feeling in the skin which women often experience at the time of their menopause. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use hot flash

ho t-foo t (hot-foots , hot-footing , hot-footed ) also hotfoot VERB If you hot-footit somewhere, you go there in a hurry. [INFORMAL ] □� �a group of actors hot-footing it for the bar.

hot|head /hɒ thed/ (hotheads ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a hothead , you are criticizing them for acting too quickly, without thinking of the consequences. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ho t-hea ded ADJ If you describe someone as hot-headed , you are criticizing them for acting too quickly, without thinking of the consequences. [DISAPPROVAL ]

hot|house /hɒ thaʊs/ (hothouses )

1 N‑COUNT A hothouse is a heated building, usually made of glass, in which plants and flowers can be grown.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] You can refer to a situation or place as a hothouse when there is intense activity, especially intellectual or emotional activity. □� �the reputation of the College as a hothouse of novel ideas.

ho t key (hot keys ) N‑COUNT A hot key is a key, or a combination of keys, on a computer keyboard that you can press in order to make something happen, without having to type the full instructions. [COMPUTING ]

hot|line /hɒ tla I n/ (hotlines ) also hot line

1 N‑COUNT A hotline is a phone line that the public can use to contact an organization about a particular subject. Hotlines allow people to obtain information from an organization or to give the organization information. □�[+�for ] �a telephone hotline for gardeners seeking advice.

2 N‑COUNT A hotline is a special, direct phone line between the heads of government in different countries. □�[+�between ] They have discussed setting up a military hotline between the two countries.

ho t link (hot links ) N‑COUNT A hot link is a word or phrase in a hypertext document that can be selected in order to access additional information. [COMPUTING ]

hot|ly /hɒ tli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If people discuss, argue, or say something hotly , they speak in a lively or angry way, because they feel strongly. □� The bank hotly denies any wrongdoing.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If you are being hotly pursued, someone is trying hard to catch you and is close behind you. □� He'd snuck out of America hotly pursued by the CIA.

hot|plate /hɒ tple I t/ (hotplates )

1 N‑COUNT A hotplate is a flat surface, usually on top of a cooker or stove, that you heat in order to cook food on it. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A hotplate is a portable device that you use for cooking food or keeping it warm.

hot|pot /hɒ tpɒt/ (hotpots ) also hot-pot N‑VAR A hotpot is a mixture of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid in the oven. [mainly BRIT ] □� �lamb hotpot.

ho t po|ta |to (hot potatoes ) N‑COUNT If you describe a problem or issue as a hot potato , you mean that it is very difficult and nobody wants to deal with it. [INFORMAL ]

ho t rod (hot rods ) N‑COUNT A hot rod is a fast car used for racing, especially an old car fitted with a new engine. [INFORMAL ]

ho t seat PHRASE If you are inthe hot seat , you are responsible for making important and difficult decisions. [INFORMAL ] □� He is to remain in the hot seat as chief executive.

hot|shot /hɒ tʃɒt/ (hotshots ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you refer to someone as a hotshot , you mean they are very good at a particular job and are going to be very successful. □� �a bunch of corporate hotshots.

ho t spot (hot spots ) also hotspot

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to an exciting place where there is a lot of activity or entertainment as a hot spot . [INFORMAL ] □� �a popular and lively package tour hotspot.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an area where there is fighting or serious political trouble as a hot spot . [JOURNALISM ] □� There were many hot spots in the region, where fighting had been going on.

ho t stu ff N‑UNCOUNT If you think that someone or something is hot stuff , you find them exciting or sexually attractive. [INFORMAL ] □� His love letters were hot stuff, apparently.

ho t-te mpered ADJ If you describe someone as hot-tempered , you think they get angry very quickly and easily.

ho t tub (hot tubs ) N‑COUNT A hot tub is a very large, round bath which several people can sit in together.

ho t-wa ter bot|tle (hot-water bottles ) also hot water bottle N‑COUNT A hot-water bottle is a rubber container that you fill with hot water and put in a bed to make it warm.

ho t-wi re (hot-wires , hot-wiring , hot-wired ) VERB If someone, especially a thief, hot-wires a car, they start its engine using a piece of wire rather than the key. □�[V n] A youth was inside the car, attempting to hot-wire it.

hou|mous /huː məs/ also humous , hummus N‑UNCOUNT Houmous is a smooth food made from chick peas which people usually eat with bread or vegetables.

hound /haʊ nd/ (hounds , hounding , hounded )

1 N‑COUNT A hound is a type of dog that is often used for hunting or racing.

2 VERB If someone hounds you, they constantly disturb or speak to you in an annoying or upsetting way. □�[V n] Newcomers are constantly hounding them for advice.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is houndedout of a job or place, they are forced to leave it, often because other people are constantly criticizing them. □�[be V -ed +�out of/from ] There is a general view around that he has been hounded out of office by the press.

hour ◆◆◆ /aʊə r / (hours )

1 N‑COUNT An hour is a period of sixty minutes. □� They waited for about two hours. □� I only slept about half an hour that night. □� �a twenty-four hour strike.

2 N‑PLURAL People say that something takes or lasts hours to emphasize that it takes or lasts a very long time, or what seems like a very long time. [EMPHASIS ] □� Getting there would take hours.

3 N‑SING A clock that strikes the hour strikes when it is exactly one o'clock, two o'clock, and so on.

4 N‑SING You can refer to a particular time or moment as a particular hour . [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the hour of his execution.

5 N‑COUNT If you refer, for example, to someone's hourof need or hourof happiness, you are referring to the time in their life when they are or were experiencing that condition or feeling. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the darkest hour of my professional life.

6 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the period of time during which something happens or operates each day as the hours during which it happens or operates. □�[+�of ] �the hours of darkness. □� Phone us on this number during office hours.

7 N‑PLURAL If you refer to the hours involved in a job, you are talking about how long you spend each week doing it and when you do it. □� I worked quite irregular hours.

8 →�see eleventh hour , lunch hour , rush hour

9 PHRASE If you do something after hours , you do it outside normal business hours or the time when you are usually at work. □� �a local restaurant where steel workers unwind after hours.

10 →�see also after-hours

11 PHRASE If you say that something happens at all hoursof the day or night, you disapprove of it happening at the time that it does or as often as it does. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She didn't want her fourteen-year-old daughter coming home at all hours of the morning.

12 PHRASE If something happens in the early hours or in the small hours , it happens in the early morning after midnight. □� Gibbs was arrested in the early hours of yesterday morning.

13 PHRASE If something happens on the hour , it happens every hour at, for example, nine o'clock, ten o'clock, and so on, and not at any number of minutes past an hour.

14 PHRASE Something that happens out of hours happens at a time that is not during the usual hours of business or work. [mainly BRIT ] □� Teachers refused to run out of hours sports matches because they weren't being paid.

hour|glass /aʊə r glɑːs/ (hourglasses ) also hour glass N‑COUNT An hourglass is a device that was used to measure the passing of an hour. It has two round glass sections linked by a narrow channel, and contains sand which takes an hour to flow from the top section into the lower one.

hour|ly /aʊə r li/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An hourly event happens once every hour. □� He flipped on the radio to get the hourly news broadcast. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Hourly is also an adverb. □� The hospital issued press releases hourly.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Your hourly earnings are the money that you earn in one hour. □� They have little prospect of finding new jobs with the same hourly pay.

house ◆◆◆ (houses , housing , housed ) Pronounced /haʊ s/ for the noun and adjective, and /haʊ z/ for the verb. The form houses is pronounced /haʊ z I z/. 1 N‑COUNT A house is a building in which people live, usually the people belonging to one family. □� She has moved to a smaller house. □� �her parents' house in Warwickshire.

2 N‑SING You can refer to all the people who live together in a house as thehouse . □� If he set his alarm clock for midnight, it would wake the whole house.

3 N‑COUNT [n N ] House is used in the names of types of places where people go to eat and drink. □� �a steak house. □� �an old Salzburg coffee house.

4 N‑COUNT [n N ] House is used in the names of types of companies, especially ones which publish books, lend money, or design clothes. □� Many of the clothes come from the world's top fashion houses. □� Eventually she was fired from her job at a publishing house.

5 N‑COUNT [n N ] House is sometimes used in the names of office buildings and large private homes or expensive houses. [mainly BRIT ] □� I was to go to the very top floor of Bush House in Aldwych. □� �Harewood House near Leeds.

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to the two main bodies of Britain's parliament and the United States of America's legislature as theHouse or a House . □� Some members of the House and Senate worked all day yesterday.

7 N‑COUNT A house is a family which has been or will be important for many generations, especially the family of a king or queen. □�[+�of ] �the House of Windsor.

8 N‑COUNT The house is the part of a theatre, cinema, or other place of entertainment where the audience sits. You can also refer to the audience at a particular performance as the house . □� They played in front of a packed house.

9 ADJ [ADJ n] A restaurant's house wine is the cheapest wine it sells, which is not listed by name on the wine list. □� Tweed ordered a carafe of the house wine.

10 VERB To house someone means to provide a house or flat for them to live in. □�[V n] Part III of the Housing Act 1985 imposes duties on local authorities to house homeless people. □�[V n adv/prep] Regrettably we have to house families in these inadequate flats.

11 VERB [no cont] A building or container that houses something is the place where it is located or from where it operates. □�[V n] The ch�teau itself is open to the public and houses a museum of motorcycles and cars.

12 VERB [no cont] If you say that a building houses a number of people, you mean that is the place where they live or where they are staying. □�[V n] The building will house twelve boys and eight girls.

13 →�see also boarding house , chapter house , clearing house , council house , doll's house , full house , open house , opera house , public house , Wendy house , White House

14 PHRASE If a person or their performance or speech brings the house down , the audience claps, laughs, or shouts loudly because the performance or speech is very impressive or amusing. [INFORMAL ] □� It's really an amazing dance. It just always brings the house down.

15 PHRASE If two people get on like a house on fire , they quickly become close friends, for example because they have many interests in common. [INFORMAL ]

16 PHRASE If you are given something in a restaurant or bar on the house , you do not have to pay for it. □� The owner knew about the engagement and brought them glasses of champagne on the house.

17 PHRASE If someone gets their house in order , puts their house in order , or sets their house in order , they arrange their affairs and solve their problems. □� He decided to get his financial house in order. SYNONYMS house NOUN 1

home:�his home in Hampstead.

residence:�hotels and private residences.

dwelling:Some 3,500 new dwellings are planned for the area.

abode:I went round the streets and found his new abode. USAGE house or home?

You don't usually say � I am going to my house � or � She was in her house �. You say �I am going home � or �She was at home �. □� I�ll finish the report at home .

hou se ar|re st N‑UNCOUNT [usu under N ] If someone is underhouse arrest , they are officially ordered not to leave their home, because they are suspected of being involved in an illegal activity.

house|boat /haʊ sboʊt/ (houseboats ) N‑COUNT A houseboat is a small boat on a river or canal which people live in.

house|bound /haʊ sbaʊnd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is housebound is unable to go out of their house, usually because they are ill or cannot walk far. □� If you are housebound, you can arrange for a home visit from a specialist adviser.

house|boy /haʊ sbɔ I / (houseboys ) N‑COUNT A houseboy is a man or boy who cleans and does other jobs in someone else's house. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

house|break|er /haʊ sbre I kə r / (housebreakers ) N‑COUNT A housebreaker is someone who enters another person's house by force, for example by breaking the locks or windows, in order to steal their possessions.

house|break|ing /haʊ sbre I k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Housebreaking is the crime of entering another person's house by force, for example by breaking the locks or windows, in order to steal their possessions.

house|coat /haʊ skoʊt/ (housecoats ) N‑COUNT A housecoat is a long loose piece of clothing that some women wear over their underwear or nightclothes when they are at home during the day.

hou se guest (house guests ) N‑COUNT A house guest is a person who is staying at someone's house for a period of time.

house|hold ◆◇◇ /haʊ shoʊld/ (households )

1 N‑COUNT A household is all the people in a family or group who live together in a house. □� �growing up in a male-only household.

2 N‑SING [oft N n] The household is your home and everything that is connected with looking after it. □� �household chores.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone or something that is a household name or word is very well known. □� Today, fashion designers are household names.

house|holder /haʊ shoʊldə r / (householders ) N‑COUNT The householder is the person who owns or rents a particular house. □� Millions of householders are eligible to claim the new council tax benefit.

house|husband /haʊ shʌzbənd/ (househusbands ) also house husband N‑COUNT A househusband is a married man who does not have a paid job, but instead looks after his home and children.

house|keeper /haʊ skiːpə r / (housekeepers ) N‑COUNT A housekeeper is a person whose job is to cook, clean, and look after a house for its owner.

house|keeping /haʊ skiːp I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Housekeeping is the work and organization involved in running a home, including the shopping and cleaning. □� I thought that cooking and housekeeping were unimportant, easy tasks.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Housekeeping is the money that you use to buy food, cleaning materials, and other things that you need in your home. [BRIT ] □� His father often gambled away his family's housekeeping money.

hou se lights N‑PLURAL In a theatre or cinema, when the house lights dim or go down, the lights where the audience sits are switched off. When thehouse lights come up, the lights are switched on.

house|maid /haʊ sme I d/ (housemaids ) N‑COUNT A housemaid is a female servant who does cleaning and other work in someone's house.

house|man /haʊ smən/ (housemen )

1 N‑COUNT A houseman is a doctor who has a junior post in a hospital and usually sleeps there. [BRIT ] in AM, use intern2 N‑COUNT A houseman is a man who is a servant in a house. [AM ] in BRIT, use manservant

house|master /haʊ smɑːstə r , -m�s-/ (housemasters ) N‑COUNT A housemaster is a male teacher who is in charge of one of the houses in a school. [mainly BRIT ]

house|mate /haʊ sme I t/ (housemates ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your housemate is someone who shares a house with you. You do not use 'housemate' to refer to members of your family or your boyfriend or girlfriend.

Hou se of Co m|mons N‑PROPER The House of Commons is the part of parliament in Britain or Canada whose members are elected. The building where they meet is also called the House of Commons . □� The House of Commons has overwhelmingly rejected demands to bring back the death penalty for murder.

hou se of Go d (houses of God ) N‑COUNT A Christian church is sometimes referred to as a house of God .

Hou se of Lo rds N‑PROPER The House of Lords is the part of the parliament in Britain whose members have not been elected. The building where they meet is also called theHouse of Lords . □� The legislation has twice been rejected by the House of Lords.

Hou se of Rep|re|se nta|tives N‑PROPER The House of Representatives is the less powerful of the two parts of Congress in the United States, or the equivalent part of the system of government in some other countries. □� The House of Representatives approved a new budget plan.

hou se own|er (house owners ) also house-owner N‑COUNT A house owner is a person who owns a house.

hou se par|ty (house parties ) N‑COUNT A house party is a party held at a big house in the country, usually at a weekend, where the guests stay for a few days.

hou se plant (house plants ) also houseplant N‑COUNT A house plant is a plant which is grown in a pot indoors.

house|proud /haʊ spraʊd/ also house-proud ADJ Someone who is houseproud spends a lot of time cleaning and decorating their house, because they want other people to admire it. [mainly BRIT ]

house|room /haʊ sruːm/ also house room PHRASE If you say that you wouldn't give something houseroom , you are emphasizing that you do not want it or do not like it at all. [mainly BRIT , EMPHASIS ]

Hou ses of Pa r|lia|ment N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] In Britain, the Houses of Parliament are the British parliament, which consists of two parts, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The buildings where the British parliament does its work are also called the Houses of Parliament . □� �issues aired in the Houses of Parliament.

hou se-to-hou se also house to house ADJ [ADJ n] A house-to-house activity involves going to all the houses in an area one after another. □� Security officers have carried out a number of house-to-house searches. ●�ADV [ADV after v] House-to-house is also an adverb. □� They're going house to house, rounding up the residents.

house|wares /haʊ sweə r z/ N‑PLURAL Some shops and manufacturers refer to objects on sale for use in your house as housewares , especially objects related to cooking and cleaning.

house|warm|ing /haʊ swɔː r m I ŋ/ (housewarmings ) also house-warming N‑COUNT [oft N n] A housewarming is a party that you give for friends when you have just moved to a new house. □� I'm so sorry I missed the housewarming. □� �a housewarming party.

house|wife /haʊ swa I f/ (housewives ) N‑COUNT A housewife is a married woman who does not have a paid job, but instead looks after her home and children.

house|work /haʊ swɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Housework is the work such as cleaning, washing, and ironing that you do in your home.

hous|ing ◆◆◇ /haʊ z I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT You refer to the buildings in which people live as housing when you are talking about their standard, price, or availability. □� �a shortage of affordable housing. SYNONYMS housing NOUN

accommodation:The government will provide temporary accommodation for up to three thousand people.

homes:�the allocation of land for new homes.

dwellings:Some 3,500 new dwellings are planned for the area.

hou s|ing as|so|cia|tion (housing associations ) N‑COUNT A housing association is an organization which owns houses and helps its members to rent or buy them more cheaply than on the open market. [BRIT ]

hou s|ing ben|efit (housing benefits ) N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, housing benefit is money that the government gives to people with no income or very low incomes to pay for part or all of their rent.

hou s|ing de|vel|op|ment (housing developments ) N‑COUNT A housing development is the same as a housing estate .

hou s|ing es|tate (housing estates ) N‑COUNT A housing estate is a large number of houses or flats built close together at the same time. [BRIT ]

hou s|ing proj|ect (housing projects ) N‑COUNT A housing project is a group of homes for poorer families which is funded and controlled by the local government. [AM ]

hove /hoʊ v/ Hove is the past tense and past participle of heave in one of its meanings.

hov|el /hɒ v ə l, [AM ] hʌ v-/ (hovels )

1 N‑COUNT A hovel is a small hut, especially one which is dirty or needs a lot of repair. □� They lived in a squalid hovel for the next five years.

2 N‑COUNT You describe a house, room, or flat as a hovel to express your disapproval or dislike of it because it is dirty, untidy, and in poor condition. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I went for a living-in job, but the room I was given was a hovel.

hov|er /hɒ və r , [AM ] hʌ v-/ (hovers , hovering , hovered )

1 VERB To hover means to stay in the same position in the air without moving forwards or backwards. Many birds and insects can hover by moving their wings very quickly. □�[V ] Beautiful butterflies hovered above the wild flowers.

2 VERB If you hover , you stay in one place and move slightly in a nervous way, for example because you cannot decide what to do. □�[V ] Judith was hovering in the doorway. □�[V prep/adv] With no idea of what to do for my next move, my hand hovered over the board.

3 VERB If you hover , you are in an uncertain situation or state of mind. □�[V prep/adv] She hovered on the brink of death for three months as doctors battled to save her. [Also V ]

4 VERB If a something such as a price, value, or score hovers around a particular level, it stays at more or less that level and does not change much. □�[V prep/adv] Temperatures hovered around freezing.

hover|craft /hɒ və r krɑːft, [AM ] hʌ və r kr�ft/ (hovercraft ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A hovercraft is a vehicle that can travel across land and water. It floats above the land or water on a cushion of air.

how ◆◆◆ /haʊ / The conjunction is pronounced /haʊ/. 1 ADV You use how to ask about the way in which something happens or is done. □� How do I make payments into my account? □� How do you manage to keep the place so tidy? □� How are you going to plan for the future? ●�CONJ How is also a conjunction. □� I don't want to know how he died. □� I didn't know how to tell you.

2 CONJ You use how after certain adjectives and verbs to introduce a statement or fact, often something that you remember or expect other people to know about. □� It's amazing how people collect so much stuff over the years. □� It's important to become acutely aware of how your eating ties in with your stress level.

3 ADV You use how to ask questions about the quantity or degree of something. □� How much money are we talking about? □� How many full-time staff have we got? □� How long will you be staying? □� How old is your son now? □� How fast were you driving? □� He was asked how serious the situation had become.

4 ADV You use how when you are asking someone whether something was successful or enjoyable. □� How was your trip down to Orlando? □� I wonder how Sam got on with him.

5 ADV You use how to ask about someone's health or to find out someone's news. □� Hi! How are you doing? □� How's Rosie? □� How's the job?

6 CONVENTION ' How do you do ' is a polite way of greeting someone when you meet them for the first time. [FORMULAE ]

7 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use how to emphasize the degree to which something is true. [EMPHASIS ] □� I didn't realize how heavy that shopping was going to be. □� Franklin told them all how happy he was to be in Britain again.

8 ADV You use how in exclamations to emphasize an adjective, adverb, or statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� How strange that something so simple as a walk on the beach could suddenly mean so much.

9 ADV You use how in expressions such as ' How can you� ' and ' How could you� ' to indicate that you disapprove of what someone has done or that you find it hard to believe. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� How can you tell him such awful lies? □� How could he be so indiscreet?

10 ADV You use how in expressions such as ' how about� ' or ' how would you like� ' when you are making an offer or a suggestion. □� How about a cup of coffee? □� You want Jeannie to make the appointment for you? How about the end of next week?

11 CONVENTION If you ask someone ' How about you? ' you are asking them what they think or want. □� Well, I enjoyed that. How about you two?

12 PHRASE You use how about to introduce a new subject which you think is relevant to the conversation you have been having. □� Are your products and services competitive? How about marketing?

13 PHRASE You ask ' How come? ' or ' How so? ' when you are surprised by something and are asking why it happened or was said. [INFORMAL ] □� 'They don't say a single word to each other.'�'How come?' USAGE how

Don�t use �how� to ask what kind of person someone is. For example, if you are asking someone for a description of their boss, don�t say � How is your boss ?� Say �What is your boss like ?� □� What �s his mother like ?

how|dy /haʊ di/ CONVENTION ' Howdy ' is an informal way of saying 'Hello'. [AM , DIALECT , FORMULAE ]

how|ever ◆◆◆ /haʊe və r /

1 ADV You use however when you are adding a comment which is surprising or which contrasts with what has just been said. □� This was not an easy decision. It is, however, a decision that we feel is dictated by our duty. □� Some of the food crops failed. However, the cotton did quite well.

2 ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV many/much ] You use however before an adjective or adverb to emphasize that the degree or extent of something cannot change a situation. [EMPHASIS ] □� You should always strive to achieve more, however well you have done before. □� However hard she tried, nothing seemed to work.

3 CONJ You use however when you want to say that it makes no difference how something is done. □� However we adopt healthcare reform, it isn't going to save major amounts of money. □� Wear your hair however you want.

4 ADV [ADV many/much , ADV adv] You use however in expressions such as or however long it takes and or however many there were to indicate that the figure you have just mentioned may not be accurate. [VAGUENESS ] □� Wait 30 to 60 minutes or however long it takes.

5 ADV You can use however to ask in an emphatic way how something has happened which you are very surprised about. Some speakers of English think that this form is incorrect and prefer to use 'how ever'. [EMPHASIS ] □� However did you find this place in such weather? SYNONYMS however ADV 1

nevertheless:One in three marriages fail. Nevertheless, people continue to get married.

still:I'm average for my height. But I still feel fat.

yet:It is completely waterproof, yet light and comfortable.

how|itz|er /haʊ I tsə r / (howitzers ) N‑COUNT A howitzer is a large gun with a short barrel, which fires shells high up into the air so that they will drop down onto the target.

howl /haʊ l/ (howls , howling , howled )

1 VERB If an animal such as a wolf or a dog howls , it makes a long, loud, crying sound. □�[V ] Somewhere in the streets beyond a dog suddenly howled, baying at the moon. ●�N‑COUNT Howl is also a noun. □� The dog let out a savage howl and, wheeling round, flew at him.

2 VERB If a person howls , they make a long, loud cry expressing pain, anger, or unhappiness. □�[V ] He howled like a wounded animal as blood spurted from the gash. ●�N‑COUNT Howl is also a noun. □� With a howl of rage, he grabbed the neck of a broken bottle and advanced.

3 VERB When the wind howls , it blows hard and makes a loud noise. □�[V ] The wind howled all night, but I slept a little. □�[V -ing] It sank in a howling gale.

4 VERB If you howl something, you say it in a very loud voice. [INFORMAL ] □�[V with quote] 'Get away, get away, get away' he howled. □�[V n] The crowd howled its approval.

5 VERB If you howlwith laughter, you laugh very loudly. □�[V +�with ] Joe, Pink, and Booker howled with delight. □�[V ] The crowd howled, delirious. ●�N‑COUNT Howl is also a noun. □� His stories caused howls of laughter.

howl|er /haʊ lə r / (howlers ) N‑COUNT A howler is a stupid mistake. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I felt as if I had made an outrageous howler.

hphp is an abbreviation for horsepower .

HP /e I tʃ piː / N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] HP is an abbreviation for hire purchase . [BRIT ] □� I have never bought anything on HP.

HQ /e I tʃ kjuː / (HQs ) N‑VAR HQ is an abbreviation for headquarters . □� �the European Commission's luxurious HQ.

hr (hrs ) hr is a written abbreviation for hour . □� Let this cook on low for another 1 hr 15 mins.

HR /e I tʃ ɑ ːr/ In a company or other organization, the HR department is the department with responsibility for the recruiting, training, and welfare of the staff. HR is an abbreviation for 'human resources'. [BUSINESS ]

HRH /e I tʃ ɑːr e I tʃ/ N‑TITLE HRH is an abbreviation for 'His Royal Highness' or 'Her Royal Highness' when it is used as part of the title of a prince or princess.

HRT /e I tʃ ɑː r tiː / N‑UNCOUNT HRT is given to women and involves taking the hormone oestrogen, usually in order to control the symptoms of the menopause. HRT is an abbreviation for 'hormone replacement therapy'.

HTML /e I tʃ tiː em e l/ N‑UNCOUNT HTML is a system of codes for producing documents for the internet. HTML is an abbreviation for 'hypertext markup language'. [COMPUTING ]

HTTP /e I tʃ tiː tiː p iː/ N‑UNCOUNT HTTP is a way of formatting and transmitting messages on the internet. HTTP is an abbreviation for 'hypertext transfer protocol'. [COMPUTING ]

hub /hʌ b/ (hubs )

1 N‑COUNT You can describe a place as a hubof an activity when it is a very important centre for that activity. □� The island's social hub is the Cafe Sport. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑COUNT The hub of a wheel is the part at the centre.

3 N‑COUNT A hub or a hub airport is a large airport from which you can travel to many other airports. □� �a campaign to secure Heathrow's place as Europe's main international hub.

4 N‑COUNT A hub is a device for connecting computers in a network. [COMPUTING ]

hub|bub /hʌ bʌb/ (hubbubs )

1 N‑VAR A hubbub is a noise made by a lot of people all talking or shouting at the same time. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] There was a hubbub of excited conversation from over a thousand people.

2 N‑SING You can describe a situation where there is great confusion or excitement as a hubbub . □� In all the hubbub over the election, one might be excused for missing yesterday's announcement.

hub|by /hʌ bi/ (hubbies ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can refer to a someone's husband as their hubby . [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

hub|cap /hʌ bk�p/ (hubcaps ) also hub cap N‑COUNT A hubcap is a metal or plastic disc that covers and protects the centre of a wheel on a car, truck, or other vehicle.

hu|bris /hjuː br I s/ N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of hubris , you are accusing them of arrogant pride. [FORMAL ] □� It was an act of hubris that was to cost him dear.

huck|ster /hʌ kstə r / (hucksters ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a huckster , you are criticizing them for trying to sell useless or worthless things in a dishonest or aggressive way. [AM , DISAPPROVAL ]

hud|dle /hʌ d ə l/ (huddles , huddling , huddled )

1 VERB If you huddle somewhere, you sit, stand, or lie there holding your arms and legs close to your body, usually because you are cold or frightened. □�[V prep/adv] She huddled inside the porch as she rang the bell. □�[V -ed] Myrtle sat huddled on the side of the bed, weeping.

2 VERB If people huddletogether or huddleround something, they stand, sit, or lie close to each other, usually because they all feel cold or frightened. □�[V adv/prep] Tired and lost, we huddled together. □�[V -ed] The survivors spent the night huddled around bonfires.

3 VERB If people huddle in a group, they gather together to discuss something quietly or secretly. □�[V ] The only people in the store were three young employees, huddled in the corner chatting. □�[V +�with ] The president has been huddling with his most senior aides. □�[V -ed] Mrs Clinton was huddled with advisers at her headquarters.

4 N‑COUNT A huddle is a small group of people or things that are standing very close together or lying on top of each other, usually in a disorganized way. □�[+�of ] We lay there: a huddle of bodies, gasping for air.

hue /hjuː /

1 N‑COUNT A hue is a colour. [LITERARY ] □� The same hue will look different in different light.

2 PHRASE If people raise a hue and cry about something, they protest angrily about it. [WRITTEN ] □� Just as the show ended, he heard a huge hue and cry outside.

huff /hʌ f/ (huffs , huffing , huffed )

1 VERB If you huff , you indicate that you are annoyed or offended about something, usually by the way that you say something. □�[V with quote] 'This', he huffed, 'was discrimination.'

2 PHRASE If someone is in a huff , they are behaving in a bad-tempered way because they are annoyed and offended. [INFORMAL ] □� After the row in a pub he drove off in a huff.

huffy /hʌ fi/ (huffier , huffiest ) ADJ Someone who is huffy is obviously annoyed or offended about something. [INFORMAL ] □� I, in my turn, became embarrassed and huffy and told her to take the money back. ●� huffi|ly /hʌ f I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'I appreciate your concern for my feelings,' Bess said huffily, 'but I'm a big girl now'.

hug /hʌ g/ (hugs , hugging , hugged )

1 VERB When you hug someone, you put your arms around them and hold them tightly, for example because you like them or are pleased to see them. You can also say that two people hug each other or that they hug . □�[V n] She had hugged him exuberantly and invited him to dinner the next day. □�[V ] We hugged and kissed. ●�N‑COUNT Hug is also a noun. □� Syvil leapt out of the back seat, and gave him a hug.

2 VERB If you hug something, you hold it close to your body with your arms tightly round it. □�[V n] Shaerl trudged toward them, hugging a large box. □�[V n adv/prep] She hugged her legs tight to her chest.

3 VERB Something that hugs the ground or a stretch of land or water stays very close to it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] The road hugs the coast for hundreds of miles.

4 →�see also bear hug

huge ◆◆◇ /hjuː dʒ/ (huger , hugest )

1 ADJ Something or someone that is huge is extremely large in size. □� �a tiny little woman with huge black glasses.

2 ADJ Something that is huge is extremely large in amount or degree. □� I have a huge number of ties because I never throw them away. ●� huge|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� In summer this hotel is a hugely popular venue for wedding receptions.

3 ADJ Something that is huge exists or happens on a very large scale, and involves a lot of different people or things. □� Another team is looking at the huge problem of debts between companies.

-hugging /-hʌg I ŋ/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -hugging combines with nouns to form adjectives which describe an item of clothing that fits very tightly and clearly reveals the shape of your body. □� �a figure-hugging dress.

huh /hʌ , hɜː / Huh is used in writing to represent a noise that people make at the end of a question if they want someone to agree with them or if they want someone to repeat what they have just said. Huh is also used to show that someone is surprised or not impressed. □� Can we just get on with it, huh?

hulk /hʌ lk/ (hulks )

1 N‑COUNT The hulkof something is the large, ruined remains of it. □�[+�of ] �the ruined hulk of the old church tower.

2 N‑COUNT You use hulk to describe anything which is large and seems threatening to you. □� I followed his big hulk into the house.

hulk|ing /hʌ lk I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use hulking to describe a person or object that is extremely large, heavy, or slow-moving, especially when they seem threatening in some way. □� When I woke up there was a hulking figure staring down at me.

hull /hʌ l/ (hulls ) N‑COUNT The hull of a boat or tank is the main body of it. □� The hull had suffered extensive damage to the starboard side.

hul|la|ba|loo /hʌ ləbəluː / N‑SING A hullabaloo is a lot of noise or fuss made by people who are angry or excited about something. [INFORMAL ] □� I was scared by the hullabaloo over my arrival.

hul|lo /hʌloʊ / →�see hello

hum /hʌ m/ (hums , humming , hummed )

1 VERB If something hums , it makes a low continuous noise. □�[V ] The birds sang, the bees hummed. □�[V -ing] There was a low humming sound in the sky. ●�N‑SING Hum is also a noun. □� �the hum of traffic.

2 VERB When you hum a tune, you sing it with your lips closed. □�[V n] She was humming a merry little tune. □�[V ] He hummed to himself as he opened the trunk.

3 VERB If you say that a place hums , you mean that it is full of activity. □�[V ] The place is really beginning to hum. □�[V +�with ] On Saturday morning, the town hums with activity and life.

4 CONVENTION Hum is sometimes used to represent the sound people make when they are not sure what to say. □� Hum, I am sorry but I thought you were French.

5 →�see also ho hum

6hum and haw →�see haw

hu|man ◆◆◆ /hjuː mən/ (humans )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Human means relating to or concerning people. □� �the human body. □� �human history.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to people as humans , especially when you are comparing them with animals or machines. □� Its rate of growth was fast�much more like that of an ape than that of a human.

3 ADJ Human feelings, weaknesses, or errors are ones that are typical of humans rather than machines. □� �an ever-growing risk of human error. SYNONYMS human ADJ 3

fallible:They are only human and all too fallible.

imperfect:Human beings are imperfect.

hu |man be |ing (human beings ) N‑COUNT A human being is a man, woman, or child.

hu|mane /hjuː me I n/

1 ADJ Humane people act in a kind, sympathetic way towards other people and animals, and try to do them as little harm as possible. □� In the mid-nineteenth century, Dorothea Dix began to campaign for humane treatment of the mentally ill. ●� hu|mane|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Our horse had to be humanely destroyed after breaking his right foreleg.

2 ADJ Humane values and societies encourage people to act in a kind and sympathetic way towards others, even towards people they do not agree with or like. □� �the humane values of socialism.

hu|man gro wth hor|mone (human growth hormones ) N‑VAR Human growth hormone is a hormone that is used to help short people, especially short children, to grow taller. The abbreviation HGH is also used.

hu |man i n|ter|est N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] If something such as a news story has human interest , people are likely to find it interesting because it gives interesting details about the person or people involved. □� �a human interest story.

hu|man|ise /hjuː məna I z/ →�see humanize

hu|man|ism /hjuː mən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Humanism is the belief that people can achieve happiness and live well without religion. ●� hu|man|ist (humanists ) N‑COUNT □� He is a practical humanist, who believes in the dignity of mankind.

hu|man|ist|ic /hjuː mən I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A humanistic idea, condition, or practice relates to humanism. □� Religious values can often differ greatly from humanistic morals.

hu|mani|tar|ian /hjuːm� n I teə riən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a person or society has humanitarian ideas or behaviour, they try to avoid making people suffer or they help people who are suffering. □� The men were released on humanitarian grounds.

hu|mani|tari|an|ism /hjuːm� n I teə riən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Humanitarianism is humanitarian ideas or actions.

hu|man|ity /hjuːm� n I ti/ (humanities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT All the people in the world can be referred to as humanity . □� They face charges of committing crimes against humanity.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] A person's humanity is their state of being a human being, rather than an animal or an object. [FORMAL ] □� �a man who's almost lost his humanity in his bitter hatred of his rivals.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Humanity is the quality of being kind, thoughtful, and sympathetic towards others. □� Her speech showed great maturity and humanity.

4 N‑PLURAL Thehumanities are the subjects such as history, philosophy, and literature which are concerned with human ideas and behaviour. □� �students majoring in the humanities.

hu|man|ize /hjuː məna I z/ (humanizes , humanizing , humanized ) in BRIT, also use humanise VERB If you humanize a situation or condition, you improve it by changing it in a way which makes it more suitable and pleasant for people. □�[V n] Jo Robinson began by humanizing the waiting time at the health centre with tea-making and toys for children.

human|kind /hjuː mənka I nd/ N‑UNCOUNT Humankind is the same as mankind .

hu|man|ly /hjuː mənli/ PHRASE If something is humanly possible , it is possible for people to do it. □� She has gained a reputation for creating books as perfect as is humanly possible.

hu |man na |ture N‑UNCOUNT Human nature is the natural qualities and ways of behaviour that most people have. □� It seems to be human nature to worry.

hu |man ra ce N‑SING The human race is the same as mankind . □� Can the human race carry on expanding and growing the same way that it is now?

hu |man re|sou rces N‑UNCOUNT In a company or other organization, the department of human resources is the department with responsibility for the recruiting, training, and welfare of the staff. The abbreviation HR is often used. [BUSINESS ]

hu |man ri ghts ◆◇◇ N‑PLURAL Human rights are basic rights which many societies believe that all people should have.

hu |man shie ld N‑SING If a group of people are used as a human shield in a battle or war, they are put in a particular place so that the enemy will be unwilling to attack that place and harm them.

hum|ble /hʌ mb ə l/ (humbler , humblest , humbles , humbling , humbled )

1 ADJ A humble person is not proud and does not believe that they are better than other people. □� He gave a great performance, but he was very humble. ●� hum|bly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'I'm a lucky man, undeservedly lucky,' he said humbly.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] People with low social status are sometimes described as humble . □� Spyros Latsis started his career as a humble fisherman in the Aegean.

3 ADJ A humble place or thing is ordinary and not special in any way. □� There are restaurants, both humble and expensive, that specialize in them.

4 ADJ People use humble in a phrase such as in my humble opinion as a polite way of emphasizing what they think, even though they do not feel humble about it. [POLITENESS ] □� It is, in my humble opinion, perhaps the best steak restaurant in Great Britain. ●� hum|bly ADV [ADV before v] □� So may I humbly suggest we all do something next time.

5 PHRASE If you eat humble pie , you speak or behave in a way which tells people that you admit you were wrong about something. □� Anson was forced to eat humble pie and publicly apologise to her.

6 VERB If you humble someone who is more important or powerful than you, you defeat them easily. □�[V n] �the little car company that humbled the industry giants.

7 VERB If something or someone humbles you, they make you realize that you are not as important or good as you thought you were. □�[V n] Ted's words humbled me. ●� hum|bled ADJ □� I came away very humbled and recognizing that I, for one, am not well-informed. ●� hum|bling ADJ □� Giving up an addiction is a humbling experience.

hum|bug /hʌ mbʌg/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone's language or behaviour as humbug , you mean that it is dishonest or insincere. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There was all the usual humbug and obligatory compliments from ministers.

hum|ding|er /hʌ md I ŋə r / (humdingers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft a N of n] If you describe someone or something as a humdinger , you mean that they are very impressive, exciting, or enjoyable. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] It should be a humdinger of a match. □� His latest novel is a humdinger.

hum|drum /hʌ mdrʌm/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as humdrum , you mean that they are ordinary, dull, or boring. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a lawyer, trapped in a humdrum but well-paid job.

hu|mid /hjuː m I d/ ADJ You use humid to describe an atmosphere or climate that is very damp, and usually very hot. □� Visitors can expect hot and humid conditions.

hu|midi|fi|er /hjuːm I d I fa I ə r / (humidifiers ) N‑COUNT A humidifier is a machine for increasing the amount of moisture in the air.

hu|mid|ity /hjuːm I d I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You say there is humidity when the air feels very heavy and damp. □� The heat and humidity were insufferable.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Humidity is the amount of water in the air. □� The humidity is relatively low.

hu|mili|ate /hjuːm I lie I t/ (humiliates , humiliating , humiliated ) VERB To humiliate someone means to say or do something which makes them feel ashamed or stupid. □�[be V -ed] She had been beaten and humiliated by her husband. □�[V n] His teacher continually humiliates him in maths lessons. ●� hu|mili|at|ed ADJ □� I have never felt so humiliated in my life.

hu|mili|at|ing /hjuːm I lie I t I ŋ/ ADJ If something is humiliating , it embarrasses you and makes you feel ashamed and stupid. □� The Party leader suffered a humiliating defeat. ●� hu|mili|at|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □� Thousands of men struggled humiliatingly for jobs. □� He was caught cheating and humiliatingly stripped of his title.

hu|milia|tion /hjuːm I lie I ʃ ə n/ (humiliations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Humiliation is the embarrassment and shame you feel when someone makes you appear stupid, or when you make a mistake in public. □� She faced the humiliation of discussing her husband's affair.

2 N‑COUNT A humiliation is an occasion or a situation in which you feel embarrassed and ashamed. □� The result is a humiliation for the prime minister.

hu|mil|ity /hjuːm I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Someone who has humility is not proud and does not believe they are better than other people. □� �a deep sense of humility.

humming|bird /hʌ m I ŋbɜː r d/ (hummingbirds ) N‑COUNT A hummingbird is a small brightly coloured bird found in America, especially Central and South America. It has a long thin beak and powerful narrow wings that can move very fast.

hum|mock /hʌ mək/ (hummocks ) N‑COUNT A hummock is a small raised area of ground, like a very small hill.

hum|mus /huː məs/ →�see houmous

hu|mong|ous /hjuːmʌ ŋgəs/ also humungous ADJ If you describe something or someone as humongous , you are emphasizing that they are very large or important. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� We had a humongous row just because she left. □� Barbra Streisand is such a humungous star.

hu|mor /hjuː mə r / →�see humour

hu|mor|ist /hjuː mər I st/ (humorists ) N‑COUNT A humorist is a writer who specializes in writing amusing things. □� �a political humorist.

hu|mor|ous /hjuː mərəs/ ADJ If someone or something is humorous , they are amusing, especially in a clever or witty way. □� He was quite humorous, and I liked that about him. ●� hu|mor|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� He looked at me humorously as he wrestled with the door.

hu|mour ◆◇◇ /hjuː mə r / (humours , humouring , humoured ) in AM, use humor1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the amusing things that people say as their humour . □� Her humour and determination were a source of inspiration to others.

2 →�see also sense of humour

3 N‑UNCOUNT Humour is a quality in something that makes you laugh, for example in a situation, in someone's words or actions, or in a book or film. □�[+�of ] She felt sorry for the man but couldn't ignore the humour of the situation.

4 N‑VAR If you are in a good humour , you feel cheerful and happy, and are pleasant to people. If you are in a bad humour , you feel bad-tempered and unhappy, and are unpleasant to people. □� Christina was still not clear why he had been in such ill humour.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [adj N ] If you do something with good humour , you do it cheerfully and pleasantly. □� Hugo bore his illness with great courage and good humour.

6 VERB If you humour someone who is behaving strangely, you try to please them or pretend to agree with them, so that they will not become upset. □�[V n] She will actually sit and watch them with me, to humour me. COLLOCATIONS humour NOUN

1

noun +�humour : gallows, schoolboy, slapstick, toilet

adjective +�humour : black, dark, dry, wry; gentle, self-deprecating

4

adjective +�humour : bad, good, ill

hu|mour|less /hjuː mə r ləs/ in AM, use humorless ADJ If you accuse someone of being humourless , you mean that they are very serious about everything and do not find things amusing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was a straight-faced, humourless character.

hump /hʌ mp/ (humps , humping , humped )

1 N‑COUNT A hump is a small hill or raised area. □� The path goes over a large hump by a tree before running near a road.

2 N‑COUNT A camel's hump is the large lump on its back.

3 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A hump is a large lump on a person's back, usually caused by illness or old age.

4 VERB If you hump something heavy, you carry it from one place to another with great difficulty. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] Charlie humped his rucksack up the stairs to his flat. [Also V n]

5 PHRASE If someone gets the hump , they get very annoyed about something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Fans just get the hump when they lose.

hump|back /hʌ mpb�k/ (humpbacks ) N‑COUNT A humpback or a humpback whale is a large whale with a curved back.

hu mp|backed bri dge (humpbacked bridges ) N‑COUNT A humpbacked bridge or humpback bridge is a short and very curved bridge with a shape similar to a semi-circle. [mainly BRIT ]

humped /hʌ mpt/ ADJ If someone is humped , their back is bent so that their shoulders are further forward than usual and their head hangs down. □� I was humped like an old lady.

hu|mung|ous /hjuːmʌ ŋgəs/ →�see humongous

hu|mus /huː məs/ N‑UNCOUNT Humus is the part of soil which consists of dead plants that have begun to decay.

hunch /hʌ ntʃ/ (hunches , hunching , hunched )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a hunch about something, you are sure that it is correct or true, even though you do not have any proof. [INFORMAL ] □� I had a hunch that Susan and I would work well together.

2 VERB If you hunch forward, you raise your shoulders, put your head down, and lean forwards, often because you are cold, ill, or unhappy. □�[V adv/prep] He got out his map of Yorkshire and hunched over it to read the small print.

3 VERB If you hunch your shoulders, you raise them and lean forwards slightly. □�[V n] Wes hunched his shoulders and leaned forward on the edge of the counter.

hunch|back /hʌ ntʃb�k/ (hunchbacks ) N‑COUNT A hunchback is someone who has a large lump on their back because their spine is curved. [OFFENSIVE , OLD-FASHIONED ]

hunched /hʌ ntʃt/ ADJ If you are hunched , or hunched up , you are leaning forwards with your shoulders raised and your head down, often because you are cold, ill, or unhappy. □� A solitary hunched figure emerged from Number Ten.

hun|dred ◆◆◆ /hʌ ndrəd/ (hundreds ) The plural form is hundred after a number, or after a word or expression referring to a number, such as 'several' or 'a few'. 1 NUM Ahundred or onehundred is the number 100. □� According to one official more than a hundred people have been arrested.

2 QUANT If you refer to hundreds of things or people, you are emphasizing that there are very many of them. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] Hundreds of tree species face extinction. ●�PRON You can also use hundreds as a pronoun. □� Hundreds have been killed in the fighting and thousands made homeless.

3 PHRASE You can use a hundred per cent or one hundred per cent to emphasize that you agree completely with something or that it is completely right or wrong. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Are you a hundred per cent sure it's your neighbour?

hun|dredth ◆◆◇ /hʌ ndrədθ/ (hundredths )

1 ORD The hundredth item in a series is the one that you count as number one hundred. □� The bank celebrates its hundredth anniversary in December.

2 FRACTION A hundredthof something is one of a hundred equal parts of it. □� He won the final, trimming one hundredth of a second from his earlier time.

hundred|weight /hʌ ndrədwe I t/ (hundredweights ) The plural form is hundredweight after a number. N‑COUNT A hundredweight is a unit of weight that is equal to 112 pounds in Britain and to 100 pounds in the United States. □�[+�of ] �a hundredweight of coal.

hung /hʌ ŋ/

1Hung is the past tense and past participle of most of the senses of hang .

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hung jury is the situation that occurs when a jury is unable to reach a decision because there is not a clear majority of its members in favour of any one decision. In British English you can also talk about a hung parliament or a hung council. □� In the event of a hung Parliament he would still fight for everything in the manifesto.

Hun|gar|ian /hʌŋgeə riən/ (Hungarians )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hungarian means belonging or relating to Hungary, or to its people, language, or culture. □� �the Hungarian government.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A Hungarian is a person who comes from Hungary.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Hungarian is the language spoken in Hungary.

hun|ger /hʌ ŋgə r / (hungers , hungering , hungered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Hunger is the feeling of weakness or discomfort that you get when you need something to eat. □� Hunger is the body's signal that levels of blood sugar are too low. □� Protein helps to fill you up and curb hunger pangs.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Hunger is a severe lack of food which causes suffering or death. □� Three hundred people in this town are dying of hunger every day.

3 N‑SING If you have a hungerfor something, you want or need it very much. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�for ] Geffen has a hunger for success that seems bottomless.

4 VERB If you say that someone hungersfor something or hungersafter it, you are emphasizing that they want it very much. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�for/after ] But Jules was not eager for classroom learning, he hungered for adventure. [Also V to-inf]

hu n|ger strike (hunger strikes ) N‑VAR If someone goes onhunger strike or goes on a hunger strike , they refuse to eat as a way of protesting about something. □� The protesters have been on hunger strike for 17 days. ●� hun|ger strik|er (hunger strikers ) N‑COUNT □� The five hunger strikers called off their strike and celebrated the good news.

hung|over /hʌ ŋoʊ və r / also hung-over , hung over ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is hungover is unwell because they drank too much alcohol on the previous day. □� He was still hungover on the 25-minute bus drive to work the following morning.

hun|gry /hʌ ŋgri/ (hungrier , hungriest )

1 ADJ When you are hungry , you want some food because you have not eaten for some time and have an uncomfortable or painful feeling in your stomach. □� My friend was hungry, so we drove to a shopping mall to get some food. ●� hun|gri|ly /hʌ ŋgr I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� James ate hungrily.

2 PHRASE If people go hungry , they do not have enough food to eat. □� Leonidas' family had been poor, he went hungry for years.

3 ADJ If you say that someone is hungry for something, you are emphasizing that they want it very much. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □� I left Oxford in 1961 hungry to be a critic. ●�COMB Hungry is also a combining form. □� �power-hungry politicians. ●� hun|gri|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He looked at her hungrily. What eyes! What skin!

hu ng u p ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is hung upabout a particular person or thing, you are criticizing them for thinking or worrying too much about that person or thing. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about/on ] It was a time when people weren't so hung-up about health.

hunk /hʌ ŋk/ (hunks )

1 N‑COUNT A hunkof something is a large piece of it. □�[+�of ] �a thick hunk of bread.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a man as a hunk , you mean that he is big, strong, and sexually attractive. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �a blond, blue-eyed hunk.

hunk|er /hʌ ŋkə r / (hunkers , hunkering , hunkered )

▸� hunker down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you hunker down , you bend your knees so that you are in a low position, balancing on your feet. [AM ] □�[V P +�on ] Betty hunkered down on the floor. □�[V P +�beside ] He ended up hunkering down beside her.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone hunkers down , you mean that they are trying to avoid doing things that will make people notice them or put them in danger. [AM ] □�[V P ] Their strategy for the moment is to hunker down and let the fuss die down.

hunt ◆◇◇ /hʌ nt/ (hunts , hunting , hunted )

1 VERB If you huntfor something or someone, you try to find them by searching carefully or thoroughly. □�[V +�for ] A forensic team was hunting for clues. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Hunt is also a noun. □�[+�for ] The couple had helped in the hunt for the toddlers.

2 VERB If you hunt a criminal or an enemy, you search for them in order to catch or harm them. □�[V n] Detectives have been hunting him for seven months. [Also V +�for ] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Hunt is also a noun. □�[+�for ] Despite a nationwide hunt for the kidnap gang, not a trace of them was found.

3 VERB When people or animals hunt , they chase and kill wild animals for food or as a sport. □�[V ] As a child I learned to hunt and fish. □�[V n] He got up at four and set out on foot to hunt black grouse. [Also V +�for ] ●�N‑COUNT [oft n N ] Hunt is also a noun. □� He set off for a nineteen-day moose hunt in Nova Scotia.

4 VERB In Britain, when people hunt , they ride horses over fields with dogs called hounds and try to catch and kill foxes, as a sport. □�[V ] She liked to hunt as often as she could. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT Hunt is also a noun. □� The hunt was held on land owned by the Duke of Marlborough.

5 N‑COUNT In Britain, a hunt is a group of people who meet regularly to hunt foxes.

6 PHRASE If a team or competitor is in the huntfor something, they still have a chance of winning it. □� We're still in the hunt for the League title and we want to go all the way in the Cup.

7 →�see also hunting , witch-hunt

▸� hunt down PHRASAL VERB If you hunt down a criminal or an enemy, you find them after searching for them. □�[V P n] Last December they hunted down and killed one of the gangsters. □�[V n P ] It took her four months to hunt him down.

▸� hunt out PHRASAL VERB If you hunt out something that is hidden or difficult to find, you search for it and eventually find it. □�[V P n] I'll try and hunt out the information you need. □�[V P n] American consumers are accustomed to hunting out bargains. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS hunt NOUN 2

noun +�hunt : murder

adjective +�hunt : nationwide, worldwide

hunt+�be +�adjective : underway

verb +�hunt : launch, spark; join, lead

hunt|er ◆◇◇ /hʌ ntə r / (hunters )

1 N‑COUNT A hunter is a person who hunts wild animals for food or as a sport. □� The hunters stalked their prey.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] People who are searching for things of a particular kind are often referred to as hunters . □� �job-hunters. □� �treasure hunters.

3 →�see also bargain hunter , headhunter

hu nter-ga therer (hunter-gatherers ) N‑COUNT Hunter-gatherers were people who lived by hunting and collecting food rather than by farming. There are still groups of hunter-gatherers living in some parts of the world.

hunt|ing /hʌ nt I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Hunting is the chasing and killing of wild animals by people or other animals, for food or as a sport. □� Deer hunting was banned in Scotland in 1959.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] Hunting is the activity of searching for a particular thing. □� Jobclub can help you with job hunting. ●�COMB Hunting is also a combining form. □� Lee has divided his time between flat-hunting and travelling.

hu nt|ing ground (hunting grounds )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that a place is a good hunting groundfor something, you mean that people who have a particular interest are likely to find something that they want there. □�[+�for ] Other people's weddings are the perfect hunting ground for ideas.

2 N‑COUNT A hunting ground is an area where people or animals chase and kill wild animals for food or as a sport.

hu nt sa bo|teur (hunt saboteurs ) N‑COUNT A hunt saboteur is someone who tries to stop a hunt from taking place or being successful because they believe it is cruel to the animal being hunted.

hunts|man /hʌ ntsmən/ (huntsmen ) N‑COUNT A huntsman is a person who hunts wild animals, especially one who hunts foxes on horseback using dogs.

hur|dle /hɜː r d ə l/ (hurdles , hurdling , hurdled )

1 N‑COUNT A hurdle is a problem, difficulty, or part of a process that may prevent you from achieving something. □� Two-thirds of candidates fall at this first hurdle and are packed off home.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] Hurdles is a race in which people have to jump over a number of obstacles that are also called hurdles. You can use hurdles to refer to one or more races. □� He won the 400m. hurdles.

3 VERB If you hurdle , you jump over something while you are running. □�[V n] He crossed the lawn and hurdled the short fence. □�[V ] She learnt to hurdle by leaping over bales of hay on her family's farm. [Also V prep]

hur|dler /hɜː r dlə r / (hurdlers ) N‑COUNT A hurdler is an athlete who takes part in hurdles races.

hurl /hɜː r l/ (hurls , hurling , hurled )

1 VERB If you hurl something, you throw it violently and with a lot of force. □�[V n prep] Groups of angry youths hurled stones at police. □�[V n with adv] Simon caught the grenade and hurled it back. □�[V n] Gangs rioted last night, breaking storefront windows and hurling rocks and bottles.

2 VERB If you hurl abuse or insults at someone, you shout insults at them aggressively. □�[V n +�at ] How would you handle being locked in the back of a cab while the driver hurled abuse at you? [Also V n]

hurly-burly /hɜː r li bɜː r li/ N‑SING If you talk about thehurly-burlyof a situation, you are emphasizing how noisy or busy it is. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] No one expects him to get involved in the hurly-burly of campaigning.

hur|ray /hʊre I / also hurrah →�see hooray

hur|ri|cane /hʌ r I kən, [AM ] hɜː r I ke I n/ (hurricanes ) N‑COUNT A hurricane is an extremely violent wind or storm.

hur|ried /hʌ rid, [AM ] hɜː r-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hurried action is done quickly, because you do not have much time to do it in. □� �a hurried breakfast. ●� hur|ried|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �students hurriedly taking notes.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hurried action is done suddenly, in reaction to something that has just happened. □� Downing Street denied there had been a hurried overnight redrafting of the text. ●� hur|ried|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The moment she saw it, she blushed and hurriedly left the room.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is hurried does things more quickly than they should because they do not have much time to do them. □� Parisians on the street often looked worried, hurried and unfriendly.

hur|ry /hʌ ri, [AM ] hɜː ri/ (hurries , hurrying , hurried )

1 VERB If you hurry somewhere, you go there as quickly as you can. □�[V prep/adv] Claire hurried along the road. □�[V ] Bob hurried to join him, and they rode home together.

2 VERB If you hurryto do something, you start doing it as soon as you can, or try to do it quickly. □�[V to-inf] Mrs Hardie hurried to make up for her tactlessness by asking her guest about his holiday. □�[V ] There was no longer any reason to hurry.

3 N‑SING [usu in a N , oft N to-inf] If you are in ahurryto do something, you need or want to do something quickly. If you do something in ahurry , you do it quickly or suddenly. □� Kate was in a hurry to grow up, eager for knowledge and experience.

4 VERB To hurry something means the same as to hurry up something. □�[V n] �The President's attempt to hurry the process of independence.

5 VERB If you hurry someone to a place or into a situation, you try to make them go to that place or get into that situation quickly. □�[V n prep/adv] They say they are not going to be hurried into any decision. □�[V n] I don't want to hurry you.

6 PHRASE If you say to someone ' There's no hurry ' or ' I'm in no hurry ' you are telling them that there is no need for them to do something immediately. □� I'll need to talk with you, but there's no hurry.

7 PHRASE If you are in no hurryto do something, you are very unwilling to do it. □� I love it at St Mirren so I'm in no hurry to go anywhere. [Also +�for ]

▸� hurry along →�see hurry up2

▸� hurry up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone to hurry up , you are telling them do something more quickly than they were doing. □�[V P ] Franklin told Howe to hurry up and take his bath; otherwise, they'd miss their train. □�[V P +�with ] Hurry up with that coffee, will you. [Also V it P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you hurry something up or hurry it along , you make it happen faster or sooner than it would otherwise have done. □�[V P n] �if you want to hurry up the application process. □�[V n P ] Petter saw no reason to hurry the divorce along.

hurt ◆◆◇ /hɜː r t/ (hurts , hurting , hurt )

1 VERB If you hurtyourself or hurt a part of your body, you feel pain because you have injured yourself. □�[V pron-refl] Yasin had seriously hurt himself while trying to escape from the police. □�[V n] He had hurt his back in an accident.

2 VERB If a part of your body hurts , you feel pain there. □�[V ] His collar bone only hurt when he lifted his arm.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are hurt , you have been injured. □� His comrades asked him if he was hurt. □� They were dazed but did not seem to be badly hurt.

4 VERB If you hurt someone, you cause them to feel pain. □�[V n] I didn't mean to hurt her, only to keep her still. □�[V ] Ouch. That hurt.

5 VERB If someone hurts you, they say or do something that makes you unhappy. □�[V n] He is afraid of hurting Bessy's feelings. □�[V ] What hurts most is the betrayal, the waste.

6 ADJ If you are hurt , you are upset because of something that someone has said or done. □� Yes, I was hurt, jealous.

7 VERB [only cont] If you say that you are hurting , you mean that you are experiencing emotional pain. □�[V ] I am lonely and I am hurting.

8 VERB To hurt someone or something means to have a bad effect on them or prevent them from succeeding. □�[V n] The combination of hot weather and decreased water supplies is hurting many industries.

9 N‑VAR A feeling of hurt is a feeling that you have when you think that you have been treated badly or judged unfairly. □� I was full of jealousy and hurt.

10 PHRASE If you say ' It won't hurtto do something' or ' It never hurtsto do something', you are recommending an action which you think is helpful or useful. [INFORMAL ] □� It wouldn't hurt you to be a bit more serious. SYNONYMS hurt VERB 1

injure:Several police officers were injured in the clashes.

damage:The sun can damage your skin.

wound:The driver of an evacuation bus was wounded by shrapnel.

hurt|ful /hɜː r tfʊl/ ADJ If you say that someone's comments or actions are hurtful , you mean that they are unkind and upsetting. □� Her comments can only be hurtful to Mrs Green's family.

hurt|le /hɜː r t ə l/ (hurtles , hurtling , hurtled ) VERB If someone or something hurtles somewhere, they move there very quickly, often in a rough or violent way. □�[V prep] A pretty young girl came hurtling down the stairs.

hus|band ◆◆◆ /hʌ zbənd/ (husbands ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's husband is the man they are married to. □� Eva married her husband Jack in 1957.

hus|band|ry /hʌ zbəndri/ N‑UNCOUNT Husbandry is farming animals, especially when it is done carefully and well.

hush /hʌ ʃ/ (hushes , hushing , hushed )

1 CONVENTION You say ' Hush! ' to someone when you are asking or telling them to be quiet. □� Hush, my love, it's all right.

2 VERB If you hush someone or if they hush , they stop speaking or making a noise. □�[V n] She tried to hush her noisy father. □�[V ] I had to box Max's ears to get him to hush.

3 N‑SING You say there is a hush in a place when everything is quiet and peaceful, or suddenly becomes quiet. □� A hush fell over the crowd and I knew something terrible had happened.

▸� hush up PHRASAL VERB If someone hushes something up , they prevent other people from knowing about it. □�[V n P ] The star shot him with an air rifle, then offered him money to hush it up. □�[V P n] The Ministry desperately tried to hush up the whole affair.

hushed /hʌ ʃt/

1 ADJ A hushed place is peaceful and much quieter and calmer than usual. □� The house seemed muted, hushed as if it had been deserted.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A hushed voice or hushed conversation is very quiet. □� We discussed the situation in hushed whispers.

hu sh-hu sh ADJ Something that is hush-hush is secret and not to be discussed with other people. [INFORMAL ] □� Apparently there's a very hush-hush project under way up north.

hu sh mon|ey N‑UNCOUNT If a person is paid hush money , someone gives them money not to reveal information they have which could be damaging or embarrassing. [INFORMAL ]

husk /hʌ sk/ (husks ) N‑COUNT A husk is the outer covering of a grain or a seed.

husky /hʌ ski/ (huskier , huskiest , huskies )

1 ADJ If someone's voice is husky , it is low and rather rough, often in an attractive way. □� His voice was husky with grief. □� �Dietrich's deep, husky voice. ●� huski|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'Ready?' I asked huskily.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a man as husky , you think that he is tall, strong, and attractive. [INFORMAL ] □� �a very husky young man, built like a football player.

3 N‑COUNT A husky is a strong, furry dog, which is used to pull sledges across snow.

hus|sy /hʌ si, [AM ] hʌ zi/ (hussies ) N‑COUNT If someone refers to a girl or woman as a hussy , they are criticizing her for behaving in a shocking or immoral way. [HUMOROUS , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

hus|tings /hʌ st I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL The political campaigns and speeches before an election are sometimes referred to as thehustings . [mainly BRIT ] □� With only days to go before elections in Pakistan, candidates are battling it out at the hustings.

hus|tle /hʌ s ə l/ (hustles , hustling , hustled )

1 VERB If you hustle someone, you try to make them go somewhere or do something quickly, for example by pulling or pushing them along. □�[V n prep/adv] The guards hustled Harry out of the car.

2 VERB If you hustle , you go somewhere or do something as quickly as you can. □�[V ] You'll have to hustle if you're to get home for supper. □�[V to-inf] They had finished the exam and the teacher was hustling to get the papers gathered up.

3 VERB If someone hustles , they try to earn money or gain an advantage from a situation, often by using dishonest or illegal means. [mainly AM ] □�[V ] We're expected to hustle and fight for what we want. □�[V n +�from ] I hustled some tickets from a magazine and off we went.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Hustle is busy, noisy activity. □� Shell Cottage provides the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of London.

hus|tler /hʌ slə r / (hustlers )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a hustler , you mean that they try to earn money or gain an advantage from situations they are in by using dishonest or illegal methods. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an insurance hustler.

2 N‑COUNT A hustler is a prostitute, especially a male prostitute. [INFORMAL ]

hut /hʌ t/ (huts )

1 N‑COUNT A hut is a small house with only one or two rooms, especially one which is made of wood, mud, grass, or stones.

2 N‑COUNT A hut is a small wooden building in someone's garden, or a temporary building used by builders or repair workers.

hutch /hʌ tʃ/ (hutches ) N‑COUNT A hutch is a wooden structure that rabbits or other small pet animals are kept in.

hya|cinth /ha I əs I nθ/ (hyacinths ) N‑COUNT A hyacinth is a plant with a lot of small, sweet-smelling flowers growing closely around a single stem. It grows from a bulb and the flowers are usually blue, pink, or white.

hy|brid /ha I br I d/ (hybrids )

1 N‑COUNT A hybrid is an animal or plant that has been bred from two different species of animal or plant. [TECHNICAL ] □� All these brightly coloured hybrids are so lovely in the garden. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Hybrid is also an adjective. □� �the hybrid maize seed.

2 N‑COUNT You can use hybrid to refer to anything that is a mixture of other things, especially two other things. □�[+�of ] �a hybrid of solid and liquid fuel. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Hybrid is also an adjective. □� �a hybrid system.

3 N‑COUNT A hybrid or a hybrid car is a car that has both an electric motor and an ordinary car engine. It uses the ordinary engine when it needs extra power. □� Hybrids, unlike pure electric cars, never need to be plugged in. □� Hybrid cars can go almost 600 miles between refueling.

hy|brid|ize /ha I br I da I z/ (hybridizes , hybridizing , hybridized ) in BRIT, also use hybridise VERB If one species of plant or animal hybridizeswith another, the species reproduce together to make a hybrid. You can also say that you hybridize one species of plant or animal with another. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V ] All sorts of colours will result as these flowers hybridise freely. □�[V +�with ] Wild boar readily hybridises with the domestic pig. □�[V n] Hybridising the two species will reduce the red to orange. □�[V n +�with ] Some people will take the seeds and hybridize the resulting plants with others of their own.

hy|drant /ha I drənt/ (hydrants ) →�see fire hydrant

hy|drate /ha I dre I t/ (hydrates , hydrating , hydrated )

1 N‑VAR A hydrate is a chemical compound that contains water. □� �aluminium hydrate.

2 VERB If a substance hydrates your skin, it makes it softer and less dry. □�[V n] After-sun products will cool and hydrate your skin.

hy|drau|lic /ha I drɒ l I k, [AM ] -drɔː l-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Hydraulic equipment or machinery involves or is operated by a fluid that is under pressure, such as water or oil. □� The boat has no fewer than five hydraulic pumps. ●� hy|drau|li|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �hydraulically operated pistons for raising and lowering the blade.

hy|drau|lics /ha I drɒ l I ks, [AM ] -drɔː l-/ N‑UNCOUNT Hydraulics is the study and use of systems that work using hydraulic pressure.

hydro|car|bon /ha I droʊkɑː r b ə n/ (hydrocarbons ) N‑COUNT A hydrocarbon is a chemical compound that is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon.

hydro|chlo|ric acid /ha I drəklɒr I k � s I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Hydrochloric acid is a colourless, strong acid containing hydrogen and chlorine.

hydro|elec|tric /ha I droʊ I le ktr I k/ also hydro-electric ADJ [ADJ n] Hydroelectric means relating to or involving electricity made from the energy of running water.

hydro|elec|tric|ity /ha I droʊ I lektr I s I ti/ also hydro-electricity N‑UNCOUNT Hydroelectricity is electricity made from the energy of running water.

hydro|foil /ha I drəfɔ I l/ (hydrofoils ) N‑COUNT A hydrofoil is a boat which can travel partly out of the water on a pair of flat parts like wings. You can also refer to the flat parts as hydrofoils .

hydro|gen /ha I drədʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Hydrogen is a colourless gas that is the lightest and commonest element in the universe.

hy dro|gen bomb (hydrogen bombs ) N‑COUNT A hydrogen bomb is a nuclear bomb in which energy is released from hydrogen atoms.

hy dro|gen per|o x|ide N‑UNCOUNT Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that is often used to make hair lighter or to kill germs.

hydro|plane /ha I drəple I n/ (hydroplanes ) N‑COUNT A hydroplane is a speedboat which rises out of the water when it is travelling fast.

hydro|thera|py /ha I droʊθe rəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Hydrotherapy is a method of treating people with some diseases or injuries by making them swim or do exercises in water.

hy|ena /ha I iː nə/ (hyenas ) N‑COUNT A hyena is an animal that looks rather like a dog and makes a sound which is similar to a human laugh. Hyenas live in Africa and Asia.

hy|giene /ha I dʒiːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Hygiene is the practice of keeping yourself and your surroundings clean, especially in order to prevent illness or the spread of diseases. □� Be extra careful about personal hygiene.

hy|gien|ic /ha I dʒiː n I k, [AM ] ha I dʒie n I k/ ADJ Something that is hygienic is clean and unlikely to cause illness. □� �a white, clinical-looking kitchen that was easy to keep clean and hygienic.

hy|gien|ist /ha I dʒiː n I st/ (hygienists ) N‑COUNT A hygienist or a dental hygienist is a person who is trained to clean people's teeth and to give them advice on how to look after their teeth and gums.

hy|men /ha I men/ (hymens ) N‑COUNT A hymen is a piece of skin that often covers part of a girl's or woman's vagina and breaks, usually when she has sex for the first time. [MEDICAL ]

hymn /h I m/ (hymns )

1 N‑COUNT A hymn is a religious song that Christians sing in church. □� I like singing hymns. □� �a hymn book.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a film, book, or speech as a hymn to something, you mean that it praises or celebrates that thing. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □�[+�to ] �a hymn to freedom and rebellion.

hym|nal /h I mn ə l/ (hymnals ) N‑COUNT A hymnal is a book of hymns. [FORMAL ]

hype /ha I p/ (hypes , hyping , hyped )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Hype is the use of a lot of publicity and advertising to make people interested in something such as a product. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We are certainly seeing a lot of hype by some companies.

2 VERB To hype a product means to advertise or praise it a lot. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] We had to hype the film to attract the financiers. ●�PHRASAL VERB Hype up means the same as hype . □�[V P n] The media seems obsessed with hyping up individuals or groups. [Also V n P ]

▸� hype up

1 PHRASAL VERB To hype someone up means to deliberately make them very excited about something. □�[V n P ] Everyone at school used to hype each other up about men all the time. [Also V P n]

2 →�see also hype2

hy ped u p also hyped-up ADJ If someone is hyped up about something, they are very excited or anxious about it. [INFORMAL ] □� We were both so hyped up about buying the house, we could not wait to get in there.

hy|per /ha I pə r / ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is hyper , they are very excited and energetic. [INFORMAL ] □� I was incredibly hyper. I couldn't sleep.

PREFIX hyper-

forms adjectives that refer to people or things that have a large amount of, or too much, of a particular quality. For example, someone who is hypersensitive becomes annoyed or offended very easily.

hyper|ac|tive /ha I pər� kt I v/ ADJ Someone who is hyperactive is unable to relax and is always moving about or doing things. □� His research was used in planning treatments for hyperactive children. ●� hyper|ac|tiv|ity /ha I pər�kt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �an extreme case of hyperactivity.

hyper|bo|le /ha I pɜː r bəli/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone uses hyperbole , they say or write things that make something sound much more impressive than it really is. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □� �the hyperbole that portrays him as one of the greatest visionaries in the world.

hyper|bol|ic /ha I pə r bɒ l I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hyperbolic language makes something sound much more impressive than it really is. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ]

hyper|con|nec|tiv|ity /ha I pə r kɒnekt I vəti/ N‑UNCOUNT Hyperconnectivity is the use of many systems and devices so that you are always connected to social networks and other sources of information. □� The team is studying the effects of hyperconnectivity on the brain.

hyper|in|fla|tion /ha I pər I nfle I ʃ ə n/ also hyper-inflation N‑UNCOUNT Hyperinflation is very severe inflation.

hyper|link /ha I pə r l I ŋk/ (hyperlinks , hyperlinking , hyperlinked )

1 N‑COUNT In an HTML document, a hyperlink is a link to another part of the document or to another document. Hyperlinks are shown as words with a line under them. [COMPUTING ]

2 VERB [usu passive] If a document or file is hyperlinked , it contains hyperlinks. [COMPUTING ] □�[be V -ed] The database is fully hyperlinked.

hyper|mar|ket /ha I pə r mɑː r k I t/ (hypermarkets ) N‑COUNT A hypermarket is a very large supermarket. [mainly BRIT ]

hyper|sen|si|tive /ha I pə r se ns I t I v/

1 ADJ If you say that someone is hypersensitive , you mean that they get annoyed or offended very easily. □�[+�to/about ] Student teachers were hypersensitive to any criticism of their performance.

2 ADJ Someone who is hypersensitive is extremely sensitive to certain drugs or chemicals. [MEDICAL ]

hyper|ten|sion /ha I pə r te nʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Hypertension is a medical condition in which a person has very high blood pressure. □� He has always suffered from hypertension.

hyper|text /ha I pə r tekst/ N‑UNCOUNT In computing, hypertext is a way of connecting pieces of text so that you can go quickly and directly from one to another. [COMPUTING ]

hy|per|ven|ti|late /ha I pə r vent I le I t/ (hyperventilates , hyperventilating , hyperventilated ) VERB If someone hyperventilates , they begin to breathe very fast in an uncontrollable way, usually because they are very frightened, tired, or excited. □�[V ] I hyperventilate when they come near me with the needle. ●� hyper|ven|ti|la|tion /ha I pə r ve nt I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the effects of hyperventilation.

hy|phen /ha I f ə n/ (hyphens ) N‑COUNT A hyphen is the punctuation sign used to join words together to make a compound, as in 'left-handed'. People also use a hyphen to show that the rest of a word is on the next line.

hy|phen|at|ed /ha I fəne I t I d/ ADJ A word that is hyphenated is written with a hyphen between two or more of its parts. □� �hyphenated names such as Wong-Shong or Li-Wong.

hyp|no|sis /h I pnoʊ s I s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Hypnosis is a state in which a person seems to be asleep but can still see, hear, or respond to things said to them. □� Bevin is now an adult and has re-lived her birth experience under hypnosis.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Hypnosis is the art or practice of hypnotizing people.

hyp|no|thera|pist /h I pnoʊθe rəp I st/ (hypnotherapists ) N‑COUNT A hypnotherapist is a person who treats people by using hypnotherapy.

hyp|no|thera|py /h I pnoʊθe rəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Hypnotherapy is the practice of hypnotizing people in order to help them with a mental or physical problem, for example to help them give up smoking.

hyp|not|ic /h I pnɒ t I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone is in a hypnotic state, they have been hypnotized. □� The hypnotic state actually lies somewhere between being awake and being asleep.

2 ADJ Something that is hypnotic holds your attention or makes you feel sleepy, often because it involves repeated sounds, pictures, or movements. □� His songs are often both hypnotic and reassuringly pleasant.

hyp|no|tise /h I pnəta I z/ →�see hypnotize

hyp|no|tism /h I pnət I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Hypnotism is the practice of hypnotizing people. ●� hyp|no|tist (hypnotists ) N‑COUNT □� He was put into a trance by a police hypnotist.

hyp|no|tize /h I pnəta I z/ (hypnotizes , hypnotizing , hypnotized ) in BRIT, also use hypnotise1 VERB If someone hypnotizes you, they put you into a state in which you seem to be asleep but can still see, hear, or respond to things said to you. □�[V n] A hypnotherapist will hypnotize you and will stop you from smoking.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are hypnotizedby someone or something, you are so fascinated by them that you cannot think of anything else. □�[be V -ed] He's hypnotized by that black hair and that white face. □�[V -ed] Davey sat as if hypnotized by the sound of Nick's voice.

hypo|chon|dria /ha I pəkɒ ndriə/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone suffers from hypochondria , they continually worry about their health and falsely imagine that they are ill.

hypo|chon|dri|ac /ha I pəkɒ ndri�k/ (hypochondriacs ) N‑COUNT A hypochondriac is a person who continually worries about their health, although there is really nothing wrong with them.

hy|poc|ri|sy /h I pɒ kr I si/ (hypocrisies ) N‑VAR If you accuse someone of hypocrisy , you mean that they pretend to have qualities, beliefs, or feelings that they do not really have. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He accused newspapers of hypocrisy in their treatment of the story.

hypo|crite /h I pəkr I t/ (hypocrites ) N‑COUNT If you accuse someone of being a hypocrite , you mean that they pretend to have qualities, beliefs, or feelings that they do not really have. [DISAPPROVAL ]

hypo|criti|cal /h I pəkr I t I k ə l/ ADJ If you accuse someone of being hypocritical , you mean that they pretend to have qualities, beliefs, or feelings that they do not really have. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It would be hypocritical to say I travel at 70mph simply because that is the law.

hypo|der|mic /ha I pədɜː r m I k/ (hypodermics ) ADJ [ADJ n] A hypodermic needle or syringe is a medical instrument with a hollow needle, which is used to give injections. ●�N‑COUNT Hypodermic is also a noun. □� He held up a hypodermic to check the dosage.

hy|pot|enuse /ha I pɒ tənjuːz, [AM ] -nuːs/ (hypotenuses ) N‑COUNT Thehypotenuse of a right-angled triangle is the side opposite its right angle. [TECHNICAL ]

hypo|thala|mus /ha I pəθ� ləməs/ (hypothalami /ha I pəθ� ləma I /) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that links the nervous system to the glands in the body that produce hormones. It is involved in controlling emotions, hunger, thirst, and sleep. [TECHNICAL ]

hypo|ther|mia /ha I poʊθɜː r miə/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone has hypothermia , their body temperature has become dangerously low as a result of being in severe cold for a long time. [MEDICAL ]

hy|poth|esis /ha I pɒ θ I s I s/ (hypotheses ) N‑VAR A hypothesis is an idea which is suggested as a possible explanation for a particular situation or condition, but which has not yet been proved to be correct. [FORMAL ] □� Work will now begin to test the hypothesis in rats.

hy|poth|esize /ha I pɒ θ I sa I z/ (hypothesizes , hypothesizing , hypothesized ) in BRIT, also use hypothesise VERB If you hypothesizethat something will happen, you say that you think that thing will happen because of various facts you have considered. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] To explain this, they hypothesise that galaxies must contain a great deal of missing matter which cannot be detected. □�[V n] I have long hypothesized a connection between these factors. [Also V ]

hypo|theti|cal /ha I pəθe t I k ə l/ ADJ If something is hypothetical , it is based on possible ideas or situations rather than actual ones. □� Ed poses a series of hypothetical situations to see what Mitch would be willing to do if he knew no one would find out. □� �a purely hypothetical question. ●� hypo|theti|cal|ly /ha I pəθe t I kli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He was invariably willing to discuss the possibilities hypothetically.

hys|ter|ec|to|my /h I stəre ktəmi/ (hysterectomies ) N‑COUNT A hysterectomy is a surgical operation to remove a woman's womb.

hys|te|ria /h I st I ə riə, [AM ] -ste r-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Hysteria among a group of people is a state of uncontrolled excitement, anger, or panic. □� No one could help getting carried away by the hysteria.

2 N‑UNCOUNT A person who is suffering from hysteria is in a state of violent and disturbed emotion as a result of shock. [MEDICAL ] □� By now, she was screaming, completely overcome with hysteria.

hys|teri|cal /h I ste r I k ə l/

1 ADJ Someone who is hysterical is in a state of uncontrolled excitement, anger, or panic. □� The singer had to leave by a side exit to flee 200 hysterical fans. ●� hys|teri|cal|ly /h I ste r I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� I don't think we can go round screaming hysterically: 'Ban these dogs. Muzzle all dogs.'

2 ADJ Someone who is hysterical is in a state of violent and disturbed emotion that is usually a result of shock. □� I suffered bouts of really hysterical depression. ●� hys|teri|cal|ly ADV □� I was curled up on the floor in a corner sobbing hysterically.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Hysterical laughter is loud and uncontrolled. [INFORMAL ] □� I had to rush to the loo to avoid an attack of hysterical giggles. ●� hys|teri|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She says she hasn't laughed as hysterically since she was 13.

4 ADJ If you describe something or someone as hysterical , you think that they are very funny and they make you laugh a lot. [INFORMAL ] □� Paul Mazursky was Master of Ceremonies, and he was pretty hysterical. ●� hys|teri|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� It wasn't supposed to be a comedy but I found it hysterically funny.

hys|ter|ics /h I ste r I ks/

1 N‑PLURAL [oft in N ] If someone is inhysterics or is having hysterics , they are in a state of uncontrolled excitement, anger, or panic. [INFORMAL ] □� I'm sick of your having hysterics, okay?

2 N‑PLURAL [oft in N ] If someone is inhysterics or is having hysterics , they are in a state of violent and disturbed emotion that is usually a result of shock. □� It was such a shock I had hysterics.

3 N‑PLURAL [oft in N ] You can say that someone is inhysterics or is having hysterics when they are laughing loudly in an uncontrolled way. [INFORMAL ] □� He'd often have us all in absolute hysterics.

Ii

I , i /a I / (I's, i's ) N‑VAR I is the ninth letter of the English alphabet.

I ◆◆◆ /a I / PRON A speaker or writer uses I to refer to himself or herself. I is a first person singular pronoun. I is used as the subject of a verb. □� Jim and I are getting married. □� She liked me, I think.

ibid CONVENTION Ibid is used in books and journals to indicate that a piece of text taken from somewhere else is from the same source as the previous piece of text.

SUFFIX -ibility

1 replaces -ible at the end of adjectives to form nouns referring to the state or quality described by the adjective. For example, their commitment to increase the accessibility of the arts.

2 replaces -ible at the end of adjectives to form nouns that refer to a particular state or quality. For example, responsibility is the state of being responsible.

SUFFIX -ible

forms adjectives that indicate what someone or something can have done to them. For example, if a number is divisible , it is possible to divide it.

SUFFIX -ic

forms adjectives that indicate that something or someone is connected with a particular thing. For example, photographic equipment is equipment connected with photography.

SUFFIX -ication

forms nouns that refer to a state or process, or to an instance of that process. For example, multiplication is the process of multiplying numbers.

ice ◆◆◇ /a I s/ (ices , icing , iced )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Ice is frozen water. □� Glaciers are moving rivers of ice. □� �a bitter lemon with ice.

2 VERB If you ice a cake, you cover it with icing. □�[V n] I've iced and decorated the cake.

3 →�see also iced , icing

4 PHRASE If you break the ice at a party or meeting, or in a new situation, you say or do something to make people feel relaxed and comfortable.

5 →�see also ice-breaker

6 PHRASE If you say that something cuts no icewith you, you mean that you are not impressed or influenced by it. □�[+�with ] That sort of romantic attitude cuts no ice with money-men.

7 PHRASE If someone puts a plan or project on ice , they delay doing it. □� The deal was put on ice for three months.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone is on thin ice or is skating on thin ice , you mean that they are doing something risky which may have serious or unpleasant consequences. □� I had skated on thin ice and, so far, got away with it.

I ce Age N‑PROPER The Ice Age was a period of time lasting many thousands of years, during which a lot of the Earth's surface was covered with ice.

ice|berg /a I sbɜː r g/ (icebergs )

1 N‑COUNT An iceberg is a large tall mass of ice floating in the sea.

2the tip of the iceberg →�see tip WORD HISTORY iceberg

The word iceberg comes from the Dutch word ijsberg , ijs meaning 'ice', and berg meaning 'mountain'.

ice-blue COLOUR Ice-blue is a very pale blue colour. [LITERARY ]

ice|box /a I sbɒks/ (iceboxes ) also ice-box N‑COUNT An icebox is the same as a refrigerator . [AM , OLD-FASHIONED ]

i ce-breaker (ice-breakers ) also icebreaker

1 N‑COUNT An ice-breaker is a large ship which sails through frozen waters, breaking the ice as it goes, in order to create a passage for other ships.

2 N‑COUNT An ice-breaker is something that someone says or does in order to make it easier for people who have never met before to talk to each other. □� This exercise can be quite a useful ice-breaker for new groups.

i ce buck|et (ice buckets ) N‑COUNT An ice bucket is a container which holds ice cubes or cold water and ice. You can use it to provide ice cubes to put in drinks, or to put bottles of wine in and keep the wine cool.

i ce cap (ice caps ) also ice-cap N‑COUNT The ice caps are the thick layers of ice and snow that cover the North and South Poles.

i ce-co ld

1 ADJ If you describe something as ice-cold , you are emphasizing that it is very cold. □� �jugs of ice-cold water.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as ice-cold , you are emphasizing that they do not allow their emotions to affect them or that they lack feeling and friendliness. □� �the gunman's ice-cold stare.

i ce-coo l ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as ice-cool , you admire them because they are calm and do not show emotion in difficult situations. [JOURNALISM , APPROVAL ] □� He's determined, fearless, ice-cool and has a unique style that can't be copied.

i ce crea m (ice creams ) also ice-cream

1 N‑VAR Ice cream is a very cold sweet food which is made from frozen cream or a substance like cream and has a flavour such as vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. □� I'll get you some ice cream.

2 N‑COUNT An ice cream is an amount of ice cream sold in a small container or a cone made of thin biscuit. □� Do you want an ice cream?

i ce cube (ice cubes ) N‑COUNT An ice cube is a small square block of ice that you put into a drink in order to make it cold.

iced /a I st/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An iced drink has been made very cold, often by putting ice in it. □� �iced tea.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An iced cake is covered with a layer of icing. □� We were all given little iced cakes.

i ce floe (ice floes ) N‑COUNT An ice floe is a large area of ice floating in the sea.

i ce hock|ey also ice-hockey N‑UNCOUNT Ice hockey is a game played on ice between two teams of 11 players who use long curved sticks to hit a small rubber disk, called a puck, and try to score goals. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use hockey

Ice|land|er /a I sl�ndə r / (Icelanders ) N‑COUNT An Icelander is a person who comes from Iceland.

Ice|land|ic /a I sl� nd I k/

1 ADJ Icelandic means belonging or relating to Iceland, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Icelandic is the official language of Iceland.

i ce lo l|ly (ice lollies ) also ice-lolly N‑COUNT An ice lolly is a piece of flavoured ice or ice cream on a stick. [BRIT ] in AM, use Popsicle

i ce pack (ice packs ) N‑COUNT An ice pack is a bag full of ice which is used to cool parts of the body when they are injured or painful.

i ce pick (ice picks ) also icepick N‑COUNT An ice pick is a small pointed tool that you use for breaking ice.

i ce rink (ice rinks ) N‑COUNT An ice rink is a level area of ice, usually inside a building, that has been made artificially and kept frozen so that people can skate on it.

i ce sheet (ice sheets ) N‑COUNT An ice sheet is a large thick area of ice, especially one that exists for a long time.

i ce-skate (ice-skates ) N‑COUNT Ice-skates are boots with a thin metal bar underneath that people wear to move quickly on ice.

i ce skat|er (ice skaters ) N‑COUNT An ice skater is someone who skates on ice.

i ce-skating also ice skating VERB [only cont] If you go ice-skating , you move about on ice wearing ice-skates. This activity is also a sport. □�[V ] They took me ice-skating on a frozen lake. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Ice-skating is also a noun. □� I love watching ice-skating on television.

i ce tea (ice teas ) or iced tea N‑VAR Ice tea or iced tea is a drink made from tea without milk but with sugar and sometimes fruit flavourings, drunk cold.

i ce wa|ter N‑UNCOUNT Ice water is very cold water served as a drink. [AM ]

ici|cle /a I s I k ə l/ (icicles ) N‑COUNT An icicle is a long pointed piece of ice hanging down from a surface. It forms when water comes slowly off the surface, and freezes as it falls.

ic|ing /a I s I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Icing is a sweet substance made from powdered sugar that is used to cover and decorate cakes. □� �a birthday cake with yellow icing.

2 PHRASE If you describe something as the icing on the cake , you mean that it makes a good thing even better, but it is not essential. □� The third goal was the icing on the cake.

i c|ing sug|ar N‑UNCOUNT Icing sugar is very fine white sugar that is used for making icing and sweets. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use confectioners' sugar

SUFFIX -icity

replaces -ic at the end of adjectives to form nouns referring to the state, quality, or behaviour described by the adjective. For example, if someone disputes the authenticity of the document, they are saying that they do not think it is authentic.

icky / I ki/ (ickier , ickiest )

1 ADJ If you describe something as icky , you mean that it is too emotional or sentimental. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They've even got one of those icky photos of themselves on the bedside table.

2 ADJ If you describe a substance as icky , you mean that it is disgustingly sticky. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� She could feel something icky on her fingers.

icon /a I kɒn/ (icons )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe something or someone as an icon , you mean that they are important as a symbol of a particular thing. □� Only Marilyn has proved as enduring a fashion icon.

2 N‑COUNT An icon is a picture of Christ, his mother, or a saint painted on a wooden panel.

3 N‑COUNT An icon is a picture on a computer screen representing a particular computer function. If you want to use it, you move the cursor onto the icon using a mouse. [COMPUTING ]

icon|ic /a I kɒ n I k/ ADJ An iconic image or thing is important or impressive because it seems to be a symbol of something. [FORMAL ] □� The ads helped Nike to achieve iconic status.

icono|clast /a I kɒ nəkl�st/ (iconoclasts ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an iconoclast , you mean that they often criticize beliefs and things that are generally accepted by society. [FORMAL ]

icono|clas|tic /a I kɒ nəkl� st I k/ ADJ If you describe someone or their words or ideas as iconoclastic , you mean that they contradict established beliefs. [FORMAL ] □� Is it utopian to hope that such iconoclastic ideas will gain ground?

ico|no|gra|phy /a I kənɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT The iconography of a group of people consists of the symbols, pictures, and objects which represent their ideas and way of life. □�[+�of ] �the iconography of revolutionary posters. □� �religious iconography.

ICT /a I siː tiː / N‑UNCOUNT ICT refers to activities or studies involving computers and other electronic technology. ICT is an abbreviation for 'Information and Communications Technology'. □� English, Maths, ICT and science are compulsory subjects.

icy /a I si/ (icier , iciest )

1 ADJ If you describe something as icy or icy cold , you mean that it is extremely cold. □� An icy wind blew hard across the open spaces.

2 ADJ An icy road has ice on it.

3 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as icy , you mean that they are not affectionate or friendly, and they show their dislike or anger in a quiet, controlled way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His response was icy. ●� ici|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� 'Have you finished?' he asked icily.

ID /a I diː / (IDs ) N‑VAR If you have ID or an ID , you are carrying a document such as an identity card or driving licence which proves that you are a particular person. □� I had no ID on me so I couldn't prove I was the owner of the car.

I'd /a I d/

1I'd is the usual spoken form of 'I had', especially when 'had' is an auxiliary verb. □� I felt absolutely certain that I'd seen her before.

2I'd is the usual spoken form of 'I would'. □� There are some questions I'd like to ask.

idea ◆◆◆ /a I diː ə/ (ideas )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N , N to-inf] An idea is a plan, suggestion, or possible course of action. □� It's a good idea to plan ahead. □�[+�of ] I really like the idea of helping people. □� She told me she'd had a brilliant idea.

2 N‑COUNT [N that] An idea is an opinion or belief about what something is like or should be like. □�[+�about ] Some of his ideas about democracy are entirely his own. □� �the idea that reading too many books ruins your eyes. [Also +�on/of ]

3 N‑SING If someone gives you an idea of something, they give you information about it without being very exact or giving a lot of detail. □�[+�of ] This table will give you some idea of how levels of ability can be measured. □�[+�of ] If you cannot remember the exact date give a rough idea of when it was.

4 N‑SING If you have an idea of something, you know about it to some extent. □� No one has any real idea how much the company will make next year.

5 N‑SING [N that] If you have an ideathat something is the case, you think that it may be the case, although you are not certain. [VAGUENESS ] □� I had an idea that he joined the army later, but I may be wrong.

6 N‑SING The idea of an action or activity is its aim or purpose. □� The idea is to encourage people to get to know their neighbours.

7 N‑COUNT If you have the idea of doing something, you intend to do it. □�[+�of ] He sent for a number of books he admired with the idea of re-reading them.

8 N‑SING You can use idea in expressions such as I've no idea or I haven't the faintest idea to emphasize that you do not know something. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Is she coming by coach?'�'Well I've no idea.'

9 PHRASE If someone gets the idea , they understand how to do something or they understand what you are telling them. [INFORMAL ] □� It isn't too difficult once you get the idea. COLLOCATIONS idea NOUN

1

adjective +�idea : bright, brilliant, good; creative, novel, original, radical

verb +�idea : like, support; abandon, dismiss, reject; develop

3

adjective +�idea : general, rough

ideal ◆◇◇ /a I diː əl/ (ideals )

1 N‑COUNT An ideal is a principle, idea, or standard that seems very good and worth trying to achieve. □� The party has drifted too far from its socialist ideals. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑SING [oft poss N ] Your idealof something is the person or thing that seems to you to be the best possible example of it. □�[+�of ] �the Japanese ideal of beauty.

3 ADJ The ideal person or thing for a particular task or purpose is the best possible person or thing for it. □� She decided that I was the ideal person to take over the job.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] An ideal society or world is the best possible one that you can imagine. □� We do not live in an ideal world. SYNONYMS ideal NOUN 1

principle:�moral principles.

morals:They have no morals.

scruple:�a man with no moral scruples.

standard:My father has always had high moral standards. ADJ 3

perfect:Hiring a nanny has turned out to be the perfect solution.

ultimate:He is the ultimate English gentleman.

model:As a girl she had been a model pupil.

ideal|ise /a I diː əla I z/ →�see idealize

ideal|ism /a I diː əl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Idealism is the beliefs and behaviour of someone who has ideals and who tries to base their behaviour on these ideals. □�[+�of ] She never lost her respect for the idealism of the 1960s. ●� ideal|ist (idealists ) N‑COUNT □� He is not such an idealist that he cannot see the problems.

ideal|is|tic /a I diəl I st I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as idealistic , you mean that they have ideals, and base their behaviour on these ideals, even though this may be impractical. □� Idealistic young people died for the cause.

ideal|ize /a I diː əla I z/ (idealizes , idealizing , idealized ) in BRIT, also use idealise VERB If you idealize something or someone, you think of them, or represent them to other people, as being perfect or much better than they really are. □�[V n] People idealize the past. ●� ideal|ized ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �an idealised image of how a parent should be. ●� ideali|za|tion /a I diː əla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (idealizations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �Marie's idealisation of her dead husband.

ideal|ly /a I diː əli/

1 ADV If you say that ideally a particular thing should happen or be done, you mean that this is what you would like to happen or be done, but you know that this may not be possible or practical. □� People should, ideally, eat much less fat.

2 ADV [usu ADV -ed, oft ADV after v] If you say that someone or something is ideally suited, ideally located, or ideally qualified, you mean that they are as well suited, located, or qualified as they could possibly be. □� They were an extremely happy couple, ideally suited.

iden|ti|cal /a I de nt I k ə l/ ADJ Things that are identical are exactly the same. □� The two parties fought the last election on almost identical manifestos. ●� iden|ti|cal|ly /a I de nt I kli/ ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj, oft ADV after v] □� �nine identically dressed female dancers.

ide n|ti|cal twi n (identical twins ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Identical twins are twins of the same sex who look exactly the same.

iden|ti|fi|able /a I de nt I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ Something or someone that is identifiable can be recognized. □�[+�as ] In the corridor were four dirty, ragged bundles, just identifiable as human beings. [Also +�by/from ]

iden|ti|fi|ca|tion /a I de nt I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (identifications )

1 N‑VAR The identification of something is the recognition that it exists, is important, or is true. □�[+�of ] Early identification of a disease can prevent death and illness.

2 N‑VAR Your identification of a particular person or thing is your ability to name them because you know them or recognize them. □�[+�of ] He's made a formal identification of the body.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If someone asks you for some identification , they want to see something such as a driving licence, which proves who you are. □� The woman who was on passport control asked me if I had any further identification.

4 N‑VAR The identificationof one person or thing with another is the close association of one with the other. □�[+�of/with ] �the identification of Spain with Catholicism.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Identification with someone or something is the feeling of sympathy and support for them. □�[+�with ] Marilyn had an intense identification with animals.

iden|ti|fy ◆◆◇ /a I de nt I fa I / (identifies , identifying , identified )

1 VERB If you can identify someone or something, you are able to recognize them or distinguish them from others. □�[V n] There are a number of distinguishing characteristics by which you can identify a Hollywood epic.

2 VERB If you identify someone or something, you name them or say who or what they are. □�[V n] Police have already identified around 10 murder suspects. □�[V n +�as ] The reporters identified one of the six Americans as an Army Specialist.

3 VERB If you identify something, you discover or notice its existence. □�[V n] Scientists claim to have identified natural substances with cancer-combating properties.

4 VERB If a particular thing identifies someone or something, it makes them easy to recognize, by making them different in some way. □�[V n] She wore a little nurse's hat on her head to identify her. □�[V n +�as ] His boots and purple beret identify him as commanding the Scottish Paratroops.

5 VERB If you identify with someone or something, you feel that you understand them or their feelings and ideas. □�[V +�with ] She would only play a role if she could identify with the character.

6 VERB If you identify one person or thing with another, you think that they are closely associated or involved in some way. □�[V n +�with ] She hates playing the sweet, passive women that audiences identify her with. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] The candidates all want to identify themselves with reform. SYNONYMS identify VERB 1

recognize:He did not think she could recognize his car in the snow.

place:It was a voice he recognized, though he could not immediately place it.

name:One of the victims has been named as twenty-year-old John Barr.

remember:I can remember where and when I bought each one.

put your finger on:Amy couldn't quite put her finger on the reason.

pinpoint:It was almost impossible to pinpoint the cause of death.

iden|ti|kit /a I de nt I k I t/ (identikits ) also Identikit N‑COUNT An identikit or an identikit picture is a drawing of the face of someone the police want to question. It is made from descriptions given to them by witnesses to a crime. Compare e-fit , Photofit . [mainly BRIT , TRADEMARK ]

iden|tity ◆◇◇ /a I de nt I ti/ (identities )

1 N‑COUNT [with poss] Your identity is who you are. □� Abu is not his real name, but it's one he uses to disguise his identity.

2 N‑VAR [oft with poss, adj N ] The identity of a person or place is the characteristics they have that distinguish them from others. □� I wanted a sense of my own identity.

ide n|tity card (identity cards ) N‑COUNT An identity card is a card with a person's name, photograph, date of birth, and other information on it. In some countries, people are required to carry identity cards in order to prove who they are.

ide n|tity pa|rade (identity parades ) N‑COUNT At an identity parade , a witness to a crime tries to identify the criminal from among a line of people. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use line-up

ide n|tity theft N‑UNCOUNT Identity theft is the crime of getting personal information about another person without their knowledge, for example in order to gain access to their bank account. □� Because of the danger of identity theft, we are told not to give personal information over the phone.

ideo|gram / I dioʊgr�m/ (ideograms )

1 N‑COUNT An ideogram is a sign or symbol that represents a particular idea or thing rather than a word. The writing systems of Japan and China, for example, use ideograms.

2 N‑COUNT In languages such as English which are written using letters and words, an ideogram is a sign or symbol that can be used to represent a particular word. %, @, and & are examples of ideograms.

ideo|logi|cal /a I diəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ideological means relating to principles or beliefs. □� Others left the party for ideological reasons. ●� ideo|logi|cal|ly /a I diəlɒ dʒ I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� �an ideologically sound organisation.

ideolo|gist /a I diɒ lədʒ I st/ (ideologists ) N‑COUNT An ideologist is someone who develops or supports a particular ideology.

ideo|logue /a I diəlɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (ideologues ) N‑COUNT An ideologue is the same as an ideologist . [FORMAL ]

ideol|ogy /a I diɒ lədʒi/ (ideologies ) N‑VAR An ideology is a set of beliefs, especially the political beliefs on which people, parties, or countries base their actions. □� �capitalist ideology.

id|io|cy / I diəsi/ (idiocies ) N‑VAR If you refer to something as idiocy , you mean that you think it is very stupid. □�[+�of ] �the idiocy of continuing government subsidies for environmentally damaging activities.

idi|om / I diəm/ (idioms )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A particular idiom is a particular style of something such as music, dance, or architecture. [FORMAL ] □� McCartney was also keen to write in a classical idiom, rather than a pop one.

2 N‑COUNT An idiom is a group of words which have a different meaning when used together from the one they would have if you took the meaning of each word separately. [TECHNICAL ] □� Proverbs and idioms may become worn with over-use.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Idiom of a particular kind is the language that people use at a particular time or in a particular place. [FORMAL ] □� �her command of the Chinese idiom.

idio|mat|ic / I dioʊm� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Idiomatic language uses words in a way that sounds natural to native speakers of the language. □� �her remarkable command of idiomatic English.

idio|syn|cra|sy / I dioʊs I ŋkrəsi/ (idiosyncrasies ) N‑VAR [usu with poss] If you talk about the idiosyncrasies of someone or something, you are referring to their rather unusual habits or characteristics. □� Everyone has a few little idiosyncrasies.

idio|syn|crat|ic / I dioʊs I ŋkr� t I k/ ADJ If you describe someone's actions or characteristics as idiosyncratic , you mean that they are rather unusual. □� �a highly idiosyncratic personality.

id|iot / I diət/ (idiots ) N‑COUNT If you call someone an idiot , you are showing that you think they are very stupid or have done something very stupid. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I knew I'd been an idiot to stay there.

i d|iot box N‑SING Theidiot box is the television. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] in AM, use boob tube

idi|ot|ic / I diɒ t I k/ ADJ If you call someone or something idiotic , you mean that they are very stupid or silly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What an idiotic thing to say! ●� idi|oti|cal|ly / I diɒ t I kli/ ADV □� �his idiotically romantic views.

idle /a I d ə l/ (idles , idling , idled )

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If people who were working are idle , they have no jobs or work. □� Employees have been idle almost a month because of shortages.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If machines or factories are idle , they are not working or being used. □� Now the machine is lying idle.

3 ADJ If you say that someone is idle , you disapprove of them because they are not doing anything and you think they should be. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �idle bureaucrats who spent the day reading newspapers. ●� idle|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Idleness is a very bad thing for human nature. ●� idly ADV [ADV with v] □� We were not idly sitting around.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Idle is used to describe something that you do for no particular reason, often because you have nothing better to do. □� Brian kept up the idle chatter for another five minutes. ●� idly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� We talked idly about magazines and baseball.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You refer to an idle threat or boast when you do not think the person making it will or can do what they say. □� It was more of an idle threat than anything.

6 VERB To idle a factory or other place of work means to close it down because there is no work to do or because the workers are on strike. [AM , BUSINESS ] □�[V -ed] �idled assembly plants. [Also V n] in BRIT, usually use shut down7 VERB To idle workers means to stop them working. [AM , BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The strike has idled about 55,000 machinists. in BRIT, use lay off8 VERB If an engine or vehicle is idling , the engine is running slowly and quietly because it is not in gear, and the vehicle is not moving. □�[V ] Beyond a stand of trees a small plane idled.

idler /a I dlə r / (idlers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an idler , you are criticizing them because you think they are lazy and should be working. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Duke resents being seen as a moneyed idler.

idol /a I d ə l/ (idols )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone such as a film, pop, or sports star as an idol , you mean that they are greatly admired or loved by their fans. □� A great cheer went up from the crowd as they caught sight of their idol.

2 N‑COUNT An idol is a statue or other object that is worshipped by people who believe that it is a god.

3 PHRASE If you refer to someone as a fallen idol , you mean that they have lost people's respect and admiration because of something bad that they have done.

idola|try /a I dɒ lətri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Someone who practises idolatry worships idols. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's admiration for a particular person as idolatry , you think it is too great and uncritical. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Their affection for her soon increased almost to idolatry.

idol|ize /a I dəla I z/ (idolizes , idolizing , idolized ) in BRIT, also use idolise VERB If you idolize someone, you admire them very much. □�[V n] Naomi idolised her father as she was growing up.

id|yll / I d I l, [AM ] a I d ə l/ (idylls ) in AM, also use idyl N‑COUNT If you describe a situation as an idyll , you mean that it is idyllic. □� She finds that the sleepy town she moves to isn't the rural idyll she imagined.

idyl|lic / I d I l I k, [AM ] a I d-/ ADJ If you describe something as idyllic , you mean that it is extremely pleasant, simple, and peaceful without any difficulties or dangers. □� �an idyllic setting for a summer romance.

i.e. /a I iː / i.e. is used to introduce a word or sentence which makes what you have just said clearer or gives details. □� �strategic points�i.e. airports or military bases.

IED / a I iː diː / (IEDs ) N‑COUNT An IED is a simple bomb that is made and used by someone who is not in the army, often using materials that are not usually used for making bombs. IED is an abbreviation for 'improvised explosive device'. □� The soldiers were killed by a roadside IED.

-ied →�see -ed

-ier →�see -er

-iest →�see -est

if ◆◆◆ / I f/ Often pronounced / I f/ at the beginning of the sentence. 1 CONJ You use if in conditional sentences to introduce the circumstances in which an event or situation might happen, might be happening, or might have happened. □� She gets very upset if I exclude her. □� You can go if you want. □� If you went into town, you'd notice all the pubs have loud jukeboxes. □� Do you have a knack for coming up with ideas? If so, we would love to hear from you.

2 CONJ You use if in indirect questions where the answer is either 'yes' or 'no'. □� He asked if I had left with you, and I said no. □� I wonder if I might have a word with Mr Abbot?

3 CONJ [with neg] You use if to suggest that something might be slightly different from what you are stating in the main part of the sentence, for example that there might be slightly more or less of a particular quality. □� Sometimes, that standard is quite difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. □� I will be ready in a couple of weeks, if not sooner.

4 CONJ You use if , usually with 'can', 'could', 'may', or 'might', at a point in a conversation when you are politely trying to make a point, change the subject, or interrupt another speaker. □� If I could just make another small point.

5 CONJ You use if at or near the beginning of a clause when politely asking someone to do something. [POLITENESS ] □� I wonder if you'd be kind enough to give us some information, please?

6 CONJ You use if to introduce a subordinate clause in which you admit a fact which you regard as less important than the statement in the main clause. □� If there was any disappointment it was probably temporary.

7 PHRASE You use if not in front of a word or phrase to indicate that your statement does not apply to that word or phrase, but to something closely related to it that you also mention. □� She understood his meaning, if not his words.

8 PHRASE You use if ever with past tenses when you are introducing a description of a person or thing, to emphasize how appropriate it is. [EMPHASIS ] □� I became a distraught, worried mother, a useless role if ever there was one.

9 PHRASE You use if only with past tenses to introduce what you think is a fairly good reason for doing something, although you realize it may not be a very good one. □� She writes me often, if only to scold me because I haven't written to her.

10 PHRASE You use if only to express a wish or desire, especially one that cannot be fulfilled. [FEELINGS ] □� If only you had told me that some time ago.

11 PHRASE You use as if when you are making a judgment about something that you see or notice. Your belief or impression might be correct, or it might be wrong. □� The whole room looks as if it has been lovingly put together over the years.

12 PHRASE You use as if to describe something or someone by comparing them with another thing or person. □� He points two fingers at his head, as if he were holding a gun.

13 PHRASE You use as if to emphasize that something is not true. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� Getting my work done! My God! As if it mattered.

14 PHRASE You use ' if anything ' to introduce something which strengthens or changes the meaning of the statement you have just made, but only in a small or unimportant way. □� Living together didn't harm our friendship. If anything it strengthened it.

15 PHRASE You use ' It's not as if ' to introduce a statement which, if it were true, might explain something puzzling, although in fact it is not true. □� I am surprised by the fuss she's making. It's not as if my personality has changed.

16 PHRASE You say ' if I were you ' to someone when you are giving them advice. □� If I were you, Mrs Gretchen, I just wouldn't worry about it.

if|fy / I fi/

1 ADJ If you say that something is iffy , you mean that it is not very good in some way. [INFORMAL ] □� If your next record's a bit iffy, you're forgotten.

2 ADJ If something is iffy , it is uncertain. [INFORMAL ] □� His political future has looked iffy for most of this year.

SUFFIX -ify

is used at the end of verbs that refer to making something or someone different in some way. For example, 'More needs to be done to simplify the process of registering to vote'.

ig|loo / I gluː/ (igloos ) N‑COUNT Igloos are dome-shaped houses built from blocks of snow by the Inuit people.

ig|ne|ous / I gniəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] In geology, igneous rocks are rocks that were once so hot that they were liquid. [TECHNICAL ]

ig|nite / I gna I t/ (ignites , igniting , ignited )

1 VERB When you ignite something or when it ignites , it starts burning or explodes. □�[V n] The bombs ignited a fire which destroyed some 60 houses. □�[V ] The blasts were caused by pockets of methane gas that ignited.

2 VERB If something or someone ignites your feelings, they cause you to have very strong feelings about something. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] There was one teacher who really ignited my interest in words.

ig|ni|tion / I gn I ʃ ə n/ (ignitions )

1 N‑VAR In a car engine, the ignition is the part where the fuel is ignited. □� The device automatically disconnects the ignition.

2 N‑SING Inside a car, the ignition is the part where you turn the key so that the engine starts.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Ignition is the process of something starting to burn. □�[+�of ] The ignition of methane gas killed eight men.

ig|no|ble / I gnoʊ b ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as ignoble , you mean that it is bad and something to be ashamed of. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �ignoble thoughts.

ig|no|mini|ous / I gnəm I niəs/ ADJ If you describe an experience or action as ignominious , you mean it is embarrassing because it shows a great lack of success. [FORMAL ] □� �their ignominious defeat. ●� ig|no|mini|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Their soldiers had to retreat ignominiously after losing hundreds of lives.

ig|no|miny / I gnəm I ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Ignominy is shame or public disgrace. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the ignominy of being made redundant.

ig|no|ra|mus / I gnəre I məs/ (ignoramuses ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an ignoramus , you are being critical of them because they do not have the knowledge you think they ought to have. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ig|no|rance / I gnərəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Ignoranceof something is lack of knowledge about it. □�[+�of/about ] I am embarrassed by my complete ignorance of history.

ig|no|rant / I gnərənt/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as ignorant , you mean that they do not know things they should know. If someone is ignorantof a fact, they do not know it. □� People don't like to ask questions for fear of appearing ignorant. [Also +�of/about ]

2 ADJ People are sometimes described as ignorant when they do something that is not polite or kind. Some people think that it is not correct to use ignorant with this meaning.

ig|nore ◆◆◇ / I gnɔː r / (ignores , ignoring , ignored )

1 VERB If you ignore someone or something, you pay no attention to them. □�[V n] Why are you ignoring me?

2 VERB If you say that an argument or theory ignores an important aspect of a situation, you are criticizing it because it fails to consider that aspect or to take it into account. □�[V n] Such arguments ignore the question of where ultimate responsibility lay. SYNONYMS ignore VERB 1

neglect:The woman denied that she had neglected her child.

disregard:He disregarded the advice of his executives.

discount:However, traders tended to discount the rumor.

take no notice of:They took no notice of him.

overlook:�a fact that we all tend to overlook.

igua|na / I gjuɑː nə, [AM ] I gwɑː nə/ (iguanas ) N‑COUNT An iguana is a type of large lizard found in America.

ikon /a I kɒn/ →�see icon

PREFIX il-

can be added to some words to form words that have the opposite meaning. For example, if an activity is illegal , it is not legal.

ilk / I lk/ N‑SING If you talk about people or things of the same ilk , you mean people or things of the same type as a person or thing that has been mentioned. □� He currently terrorises politicians and their ilk on 'Newsnight'. □� It's secure and private � for a celebrity, sports star or someone of that ilk.

ill ◆◆◇ / I l/ (ills )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is ill is suffering from a disease or a health problem. □�[+�with ] In November 1941 Payne was seriously ill with pneumonia. ●�N‑PLURAL People who are ill in some way can be referred to as, for example, the mentally ill . □� I used to work with the mentally ill.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Difficulties and problems are sometimes referred to as ills . [FORMAL ] □� His critics maintain that he's responsible for many of Algeria's ills.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Ill is evil or harm. [LITERARY ] □� They say they mean you no ill.

4 ADV [ADV with v] Ill means the same as 'badly'. [FORMAL ] □� The company's conservative instincts sit ill with competition.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use ill in front of some nouns to indicate that you are referring to something harmful or unpleasant. [FORMAL ] □� She had brought ill luck into her family.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone can ill affordto do something, or can ill afford something, you mean that they must prevent it from happening because it would be harmful or embarrassing to them. [FORMAL ] □� It's possible he won't play but I can ill afford to lose him.

7 PHRASE If you fall ill or are taken ill , you suddenly become ill. □� Shortly before Christmas, he was mysteriously taken ill.

8to speak ill of someone →�see speak USAGE ill

Don�t use �ill� or �sick� to say that someone has received an injury. Say that they are injured or hurt . □� Two people were injured and taken to hospital after the car crash.

ill- / I l-/ COMB Ill- is added to words, especially adjectives and past participles, to add the meaning 'badly' or 'inadequately'. For example, 'ill-written' means badly written. □� �ill-disciplined children.

I'll /a I l/ I'll is the usual spoken form of 'I will' or 'I shall'. □� I'll be leaving town in a few weeks.

i ll-advi sed ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you describe something that someone does as ill-advised , you mean that it is not sensible or wise. □� They would be ill-advised to do this.

i ll at ea se also ill-at-ease →�see ease

i ll-bre d ADJ If you say that someone is ill-bred , you mean that they have bad manners. [DISAPPROVAL ]

i ll-concei ved ADJ If you describe a plan or action as ill-conceived , you mean that it is likely to fail or have bad consequences because it has not been thought about carefully enough. □� �an ill-conceived plan to close the coal mine.

i ll-consi dered ADJ If you describe something that someone says or does as ill-considered , you mean that it is not sensible or not appropriate. □� He made some ill-considered remarks about the cost.

i ll-defi ned ADJ If you describe something as ill-defined , you mean that its exact nature or extent is not as clear as it should be or could be. □� �staff with ill-defined responsibilities.

i ll ef|fe cts also ill-effects N‑PLURAL If something has ill effects , it causes problems or damage. □� Some people are still suffering ill effects from the contamination of their water.

il|legal ◆◇◇ / I liː g ə l/ (illegals )

1 ADJ If something is illegal , the law says that it is not allowed. □� It is illegal to intercept radio messages. □� �illegal drugs. ●� il|legal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They were yesterday convicted of illegally using a handgun. ●� il|legal|ity / I l I g� l I ti/ (illegalities ) N‑VAR □� There is no evidence of illegality.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Illegal immigrants or workers have travelled into a country or are working without official permission. ●�N‑COUNT Illegal immigrants or workers are sometimes referred to as illegals . □� �a clothing factory where many illegals worked.

il|leg|ible / I le dʒ I b ə l/ ADJ Writing that is illegible is so unclear that you cannot read it.

il|legiti|ma|cy / I l I dʒ I t I məsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Illegitimacy is the state of being born of parents who were not married to each other. □� Illegitimacy rates are soaring.

il|legiti|mate / I l I dʒ I t I mət/

1 ADJ A person who is illegitimate was born of parents who were not married to each other.

2 ADJ Illegitimate is used to describe activities and institutions that are not in accordance with the law or with accepted standards of what is right. □� The election was dismissed as illegitimate by the opposition.

i ll-equi pped ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Someone who is ill-equippedto do something does not have the ability, the qualities, or the equipment necessary to do it. □� Universities were ill-equipped to meet the massive intake of students. [Also +�for ]

i ll-fa ted ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as ill-fated , you mean that it ended or will end in an unsuccessful or unfortunate way. □� �Captain Scott's ill-fated Antarctic expedition.

i ll-fi tting ADJ [ADJ n] An ill-fitting piece of clothing does not fit the person who is wearing it properly. □� He wore an ill-fitting green corduroy suit.

i ll-fou nded ADJ Something that is ill-founded is not based on any proper proof or evidence. □� Suspicion and jealousy, however ill-founded, can poison a marriage.

i ll-gotten gai ns N‑PLURAL Ill-gotten gains are things that someone has obtained in a dishonest or illegal way. □� But many leaders have invested their ill-gotten gains in several different countries.

i ll hea lth N‑UNCOUNT Someone who suffers from ill health has an illness or keeps being ill. □� He was forced to retire because of ill health.

il|lib|er|al / I l I bər ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as illiberal , you are critical of them because they do not allow or approve of much freedom or choice of action. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �illiberal legislation.

il|lic|it / I l I s I t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An illicit activity or substance is not allowed by law or the social customs of a country. □� Dante clearly condemns illicit love.

il|lit|era|cy / I l I tərəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Illiteracy is the state of not knowing how to read or write.

il|lit|er|ate / I l I tərət/ (illiterates )

1 ADJ Someone who is illiterate does not know how to read or write. □� A large percentage of the population is illiterate. ●�N‑COUNT An illiterate is someone who is illiterate. □� �an educational centre for illiterates.

2 ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If you describe someone as musically, technologically, or economically illiterate , you mean that they do not know much about music, technology, or economics.

i ll-ma nnered ADJ If you describe someone as ill-mannered , you are critical of them because they are impolite or rude. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Chantal would have considered it ill-mannered to show surprise.

ill|ness ◆◇◇ / I lnəs/ (illnesses )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Illness is the fact or experience of being ill. □� If your child shows any signs of illness, take her to the doctor. □� Mental illness is still a taboo subject.

2 N‑COUNT An illness is a particular disease such as measles or pneumonia. □� She returned to her family home to recover from an illness. COLLOCATIONS illness NOUN

1

adjective +�illness : mental, physical; serious, severe

verb +�illness : cause; battle, feign

2

noun +�illness : childhood, mystery, stomach

adjective +�illness : chronic, debilitating, life-threatening, terminal; long, short; depressive, psychiatric, stress-related

verb +�illness : contract, suffer; cure, diagnose, treat; prevent

il|logi|cal / I lɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe an action, feeling, or belief as illogical , you are critical of it because you think that it does not result from a logical and ordered way of thinking. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is illogical to oppose the repatriation of economic migrants. ●� il|logi|cal|ly / I lɒ dʒ I kli/ ADV □� Illogically, I felt guilty.

i ll-prepa red ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are ill-preparedfor something, you have not made the correct preparations for it, for example because you are not expecting it to happen. □�[+�for ] The government was ill-prepared for the problems it now faces.

i ll-sta rred ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something or someone as ill-starred , you mean that they were unlucky or unsuccessful. [LITERARY ] □� �an ill-starred attempt to create jobs in Northern Ireland.

i ll-te mpered ADJ If you describe someone as ill-tempered , you mean they are angry or hostile, and you may be implying that this is unreasonable. [FORMAL ] □� It was a day of tense and often ill-tempered debate.

i ll-ti med ADJ If you describe something as ill-timed , you mean that it happens or is done at the wrong time, so that it is damaging or rude. □� He argued that the tax cut was ill-timed.

i ll-trea t (ill-treats , ill-treating , ill-treated ) VERB If someone ill-treats you, they treat you badly or cruelly. □�[V n] They thought Mr Smith had been ill-treating his wife.

i ll-trea tment N‑UNCOUNT Ill-treatment is harsh or cruel treatment. □�[+�of ] Ill-treatment of animals remains commonplace.

il|lu|mi|nate / I luː m I ne I t/ (illuminates , illuminating , illuminated )

1 VERB To illuminate something means to shine light on it and to make it brighter and more visible. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] No streetlights illuminated the street.

2 VERB If you illuminate something that is unclear or difficult to understand, you make it clearer by explaining it carefully or giving information about it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They use games and drawings to illuminate their subject. ●� il|lu|mi|nat|ing ADJ □� His autobiography provides an illuminating insight into his mind.

il|lu|mi|nat|ed / I luː m I ne I t I d/ ADJ Something that is illuminated is lit up, usually by electric lighting. □� �an illuminated sign.

il|lu|mi|na|tion / I luː m I ne I ʃ ə n/ (illuminations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Illumination is the lighting that a place has. [FORMAL ] □� The only illumination came from a small window high in the opposite wall.

2 N‑PLURAL Illuminations are coloured lights which are put up in towns, especially at Christmas, in order to make them look attractive, especially at night. [mainly BRIT ] □� �the famous Blackpool illuminations.

il|lu|mine / I luː m I n/ (illumines , illumining , illumined ) VERB To illumine something means the same as to illuminate it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] The interchange of ideas illumines the debate. □�[be V -ed] By night, the perimeter wire was illumined by lights.

il|lu|sion / I luː ʒ ə n/ (illusions )

1 N‑VAR [oft N that] An illusion is a false idea or belief. □�[+�about ] No one really has any illusions about winning the war.

2 N‑COUNT An illusion is something that appears to exist or be a particular thing but does not actually exist or is in reality something else. □�[+�of ] Floor-to-ceiling windows can give the illusion of extra height.

il|lu|sion|ist / I luː ʒən I st/ (illusionists ) N‑COUNT An illusionist is a performer who makes it seem that strange or impossible things are happening, for example that a person has disappeared or been cut in half.

il|lu|so|ry / I luː zəri, -səri/ ADJ If you describe something as illusory , you mean that although it seems true or possible, it is in fact false or impossible. □� His freedom is illusory.

il|lus|trate ◆◇◇ / I ləstre I t/ (illustrates , illustrating , illustrated )

1 VERB If you say that something illustrates a situation that you are drawing attention to, you mean that it shows that the situation exists. □�[V n] The example of the United States illustrates this point. □�[V wh] The incident graphically illustrates how parlous their position is. □�[V that] The case also illustrates that some women are now trying to fight back.

2 VERB If you use an example, story, or diagram to illustrate a point, you use it show that what you are saying is true or to make your meaning clearer. □�[V n] Let me give another example to illustrate this difficult point. □�[V n +�with ] Throughout, she illustrates her analysis with excerpts from discussions. ●� il|lus|tra|tion / I ləstre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Here, by way of illustration, are some extracts from our new catalogue.

3 VERB If you illustrate a book, you put pictures, photographs or diagrams into it. □�[V n] She went on to art school and is now illustrating a book. □�[V n +�with ] He has illustrated the book with black-and-white photographs. ●� il|lus|trat|ed ADJ □� The book is beautifully illustrated throughout. ●� il|lus|tra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �the world of children's book illustration. SYNONYMS illustrate VERB 1

demonstrate:The study also demonstrated a direct link between obesity and mortality.

show:Research shows that a high-fibre diet may protect you from bowel cancer.

exemplify:The room's style exemplifies Conran's ideal of 'beauty and practicality'.

il|lus|tra|tion ◆◇◇ / I ləstre I ʃ ə n/ (illustrations )

1 N‑COUNT An illustration is an example or a story which is used to make a point clear. □�[+�of ] �a perfect illustration of the way Britain absorbs and adapts external influences.

2 N‑COUNT An illustration in a book is a picture, design, or diagram. □� She looked like a princess in a nineteenth-century illustration.

3 →�see also illustrate SYNONYMS illustration NOUN 2

picture:�drawing a small picture with coloured chalks.

drawing:She did a drawing of me.

image:�photographic images of young children.

painting:�a large oil-painting of Queen Victoria.

representation:�a lifelike representation of the leader.

il|lus|tra|tive / I ləstrət I v/ ADJ If you use something as an illustrative example, or for illustrative purposes, you use it to show that what you are saying is true or to make your meaning clearer. [FORMAL ] □� A second illustrative example was taken from The Observer newspaper. [Also +�of ]

il|lus|tra|tor / I ləstre I tə r / (illustrators ) N‑COUNT An illustrator is an artist who draws pictures and diagrams for books and magazines.

il|lus|tri|ous / I lʌ striəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as an illustrious person, you mean that they are extremely well known because they have a high position in society or they have done something impressive. □� �his long and illustrious career.

i ll wi ll also ill-will N‑UNCOUNT Ill will is unfriendly or hostile feelings that you have towards someone. □� He didn't bear anyone any ill will.

i ll wi nd N‑SING You can describe an unfortunate event as an ill wind if someone benefits from it. The expression occurs in the proverb 'It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good'. □� But it's an ill wind; I recovered and married one of my nurses from that hospital.

PREFIX im-

can be added to some words to form words that have the opposite meaning. For example, if someone is impatient , they are not patient.

I'm /a I m/ I'm is the usual spoken form of 'I am'. □� I'm sorry. □� I'm already late for my next appointment.

im|age ◆◆◇ / I m I dʒ/ (images )

1 N‑COUNT If you have an image of something or someone, you have a picture or idea of them in your mind. □�[+�of ] The image of art theft as a gentleman's crime is outdated.

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The image of a person, group, or organization is the way that they appear to other people. □� The tobacco industry has been trying to improve its image.

3 N‑COUNT An image is a picture of someone or something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �photographic images of young children.

4 N‑COUNT An image is a poetic description of something. [FORMAL ] □� The natural images in the poem are meant to be suggestive of realities beyond themselves.

5 PHRASE If you are the image of someone else, you look very much like them. □� Marianne's son was the image of his father.

6 →�see also mirror image

7spitting image →�see spit SYNONYMS image NOUN

1

impression:What were your first impressions of college?

perception:So how do our perceptions of death affect the way we live?

idea:My idea of physical perfection is to be very slender.

vision:Turning that vision into a practical reality is not easy.

2

mask:His mask of detachment cracked, and she saw, fleetingly, an angry man.

persona:�the contradictions between her private life and the public persona.

fa�ade:They hid the troubles plaguing their marriage behind a facade of family togetherness.

im|age|ry / I m I dʒri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the descriptions in something such as a poem or song, and the pictures they create in your mind, as its imagery . [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the nature imagery of the ballad.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to pictures and representations of things as imagery , especially when they act as symbols. [FORMAL ] □� This is an ambitious and intriguing movie, full of striking imagery.

im|agi|nable / I m� dʒ I nəb ə l/

1 ADJ You use imaginable after a superlative such as 'best' or 'worst' to emphasize that something is extreme in some way. [EMPHASIS ] □� �their imprisonment under some of the most horrible circumstances imaginable.

2 ADJ [ADJ n, n ADJ ] You use imaginable after a word like 'every' or 'all' to emphasize that you are talking about all the possible examples of something. You use imaginable after 'no' to emphasize that something does not have the quality mentioned. [EMPHASIS ] □� Parents encourage every activity imaginable.

im|agi|nary / I m� dʒ I nəri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An imaginary person, place, or thing exists only in your mind or in a story, and not in real life. □� Lots of children have imaginary friends.

im|agi|na|tion ◆◇◇ / I m� dʒ I ne I ʃ ə n/ (imaginations )

1 N‑VAR Your imagination is the ability that you have to form pictures or ideas in your mind of things that are new and exciting, or things that you have not experienced. □� Antonia is a woman with a vivid imagination. □� The Government approach displays a lack of imagination.

2 N‑COUNT Your imagination is the part of your mind which allows you to form pictures or ideas of things that do not necessarily exist in real life. □� Long before I ever went there, Africa was alive in my imagination.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone or something captured your imagination , you mean that you thought they were interesting or exciting when you saw them or heard them for the first time. □�[+�of ] Italian football captured the imagination of the nation last season.

4 PHRASE If you say that something stretches your imagination , you mean that it is good because it makes you think about things that you had not thought about before. [APPROVAL ] □� Their films are exciting and really stretch the imagination.

5not by any stretch of the imagination →�see stretch SYNONYMS imagination NOUN 1

creativity:American art reached a peak of creativity in the '50s and 60s.

inventiveness:He has surprised us before with his inventiveness.

inspiration:My inspiration comes from poets like Baudelaire and Jacques Pr�vert.

originality:He was capable of writing things of startling originality.

im|agi|na|tive / I m� dʒ I nət I v/ ADJ If you describe someone or their ideas as imaginative , you are praising them because they are easily able to think of or create new or exciting things. [APPROVAL ] □� �an imaginative writer. ●� im|agi|na|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The hotel is decorated imaginatively and attractively.

im|ag|ine ◆◆◇ / I m� dʒ I n/ (imagines , imagining , imagined )

1 VERB If you imagine something, you think about it and your mind forms a picture or idea of it. □�[V n/v-ing] He could not imagine a more peaceful scene. □�[V wh] Can you imagine how she must have felt when Mary Brent turned up with me in tow? □�[V that] Imagine you're lying on a beach, listening to the steady rhythm of waves lapping the shore. □�[V n v-ing] I can't imagine you being unfair to anyone, Leigh.

2 VERB If you imagine that something is the case, you think that it is the case. □�[V that] I imagine you're referring to Jean-Paul Sartre. □�[V so ] 'Was he meeting someone?'�'I imagine so.'

3 VERB If you imagine something, you think that you have seen, heard, or experienced that thing, although actually you have not. □�[V that] I realised that I must have imagined the whole thing. [Also V n]

im|ag|ing / I m I dʒ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Imaging is the process of forming images that represent things such as sound waves, temperature, chemicals, or electrical activity. [TECHNICAL ] □� �thermal imaging cameras.

im|ag|in|ings / I m� dʒ I n I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Imaginings are things that you think you have seen or heard, although actually you have not. [LITERARY ]

imam / I mɑː m/ (imams ) N‑COUNT In Islam, an imam is a religious leader, especially the leader of a Muslim community or the person who leads the prayers in a mosque.

IMAX /a I m�ks/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] IMAX is a system for showing films on very large screens with very clear sound and pictures. [TRADEMARK ] □� �a new IMAX cinema.

im|bal|ance / I mb� ləns/ (imbalances ) N‑VAR If there is an imbalance in a situation, the things involved are not the same size, or are not the right size in proportion to each other. □�[+�between ] �the imbalance between the two sides in this war. [Also +�in ]

im|bal|anced / I mb� lənst/ ADJ If you describe a situation as imbalanced , you mean that the elements within it are not evenly or fairly arranged. □� �the present imbalanced structure of world trade.

im|becile / I mb I siːl, [AM ] -s ə l/ (imbeciles )

1 N‑COUNT If you call someone an imbecile , you are showing that you think they are stupid or have done something stupid. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I don't want to deal with these imbeciles any longer.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Imbecile means stupid. □� It was an imbecile thing to do.

im|bibe / I mba I b/ (imbibes , imbibing , imbibed )

1 VERB To imbibe alcohol means to drink it. [FORMAL , often HUMOROUS ] □�[V n] They were used to imbibing enormous quantities of alcohol. □�[V ] No one believes that current nondrinkers should be encouraged to start imbibing.

2 VERB If you imbibe ideas or arguments, you listen to them, accept them, and believe that they are right or true. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] As a clergyman's son he'd imbibed a set of mystical beliefs from the cradle.

im|bro|glio / I mbroʊ lioʊ/ (imbroglios ) N‑COUNT An imbroglio is a very confusing or complicated situation. [LITERARY ]

im|bue / I mbjuː / (imbues , imbuing , imbued ) VERB If someone or something is imbued with an idea, feeling, or quality, they become filled with it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] As you listen, you notice how every single word is imbued with a breathless sense of wonder. □�[V n +�with ] �men who can imbue their hearers with enthusiasm. ●� im|bued ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] □�[+�with ] �a Guards officer imbued with a military sense of duty and loyalty.

IMF ◆◇◇ /a I em e f/ N‑PROPER The IMF is an international agency which tries to promote trade and improve economic conditions in poorer countries, sometimes by lending them money. IMF is an abbreviation for 'International Monetary Fund'.

IMHOIMHO is the written abbreviation for 'in my humble opinion', mainly used in text messages and emails. [COMPUTING ]

imi|tate / I m I te I t/ (imitates , imitating , imitated )

1 VERB If you imitate someone, you copy what they do or produce. □�[V n] �a genuine German musical which does not try to imitate the American model.

2 VERB If you imitate a person or animal, you copy the way they speak or behave, usually because you are trying to be funny. □�[V n] Clarence screws up his face and imitates the Colonel again.

imi|ta|tion / I m I te I ʃ ə n/ (imitations )

1 N‑COUNT An imitation of something is a copy of it. □�[+�of ] �the most accurate imitation of Chinese architecture in Europe.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Imitation means copying someone else's actions. □�[+�of ] They discussed important issues in imitation of their elders.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Imitation things are not genuine but are made to look as if they are. □� �a complete set of Dickens bound in imitation leather.

4 N‑COUNT If someone does an imitationof another person, they copy the way they speak or behave, sometimes in order to be funny. □�[+�of ] He gave his imitation of Queen Elizabeth's royal wave.

imi|ta|tive / I m I tət I v, [AM ] -te I t-/ ADJ People and animals who are imitative copy others' behaviour. □� Babies of eight to twelve months are generally highly imitative.

imi|ta|tor / I m I te I tə r / (imitators ) N‑COUNT An imitator is someone who copies what someone else does, or copies the way they speak or behave. □� He doesn't take chances; that's why he's survived and most of his imitators haven't. □� �a group of Elvis imitators.

im|macu|late / I m� kjʊlət/

1 ADJ If you describe something as immaculate , you mean that it is extremely clean, tidy, or neat. □� Her front room was kept immaculate. ●� im|macu|late|ly ADV □� As always he was immaculately dressed.

2 ADJ If you say that something is immaculate , you are emphasizing that it is perfect, without any mistakes or bad parts at all. [EMPHASIS ] □� The goalkeeper's performance was immaculate. ●� im|macu|late|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The orchestra plays immaculately.

im|ma|nent / I mənənt/ ADJ If you say that a quality is immanent in a particular thing, you mean that the thing has that quality, and cannot exist or be imagined without it. [FORMAL ]

im|ma|teri|al / I mət I ə riəl/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is immaterial , you mean that it is not important or not relevant. □� Whether we like him or not is immaterial.

im|ma|ture / I mətjʊə r , [AM ] -tʊ r/

1 ADJ Something or someone that is immature is not yet completely grown or fully developed. □� She is emotionally immature. ●� im|ma|tu|rity / I mətjʊə r I ti, [AM ] -tʊ r-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� In spite of some immaturity in the figure drawing and painting, it showed real imagination.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as immature , you are being critical of them because they do not behave in a sensible or responsible way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She's just being childish and immature. ●� im|ma|tu|rity N‑UNCOUNT □� �his immaturity and lack of social skills.

im|meas|ur|able / I me ʒərəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as immeasurable , you are emphasizing how great it is. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� His contribution is immeasurable.

im|meas|ur|ably / I me ʒərəbli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] You use immeasurably to emphasize the degree or extent of a process or quality. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� They have improved immeasurably since their arrival.

im|medi|acy / I miː diəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT The immediacy of an event or situation is the quality that it has which makes it seem important or exciting because it is happening at the present time. □�[+�of ] Do they understand the immediacy of the crisis?

im|medi|ate ◆◇◇ / I miː diət/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An immediate result, action, or reaction happens or is done without any delay. □� These tragic incidents have had an immediate effect. □� My immediate reaction was just disgust.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Immediate needs and concerns exist at the present time and must be dealt with quickly. □� Relief agencies say the immediate problem is not a lack of food, but transportation.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The immediate person or thing comes just before or just after another person or thing in a sequence. □� His immediate superior, General Geichenko, had singled him out for special mention.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use immediate to describe an area or position that is next to or very near a particular place or person. □� Only a handful had returned to work in the immediate vicinity.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Your immediate family are the members of your family who are most closely related to you, for example your parents, children, brothers, and sisters.

im|medi|ate|ly ◆◆◇ / I miː diətli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If something happens immediately , it happens without any delay. □� He immediately flung himself to the floor. □� Ingrid answered Peter's letter immediately.

2 ADV [ADV adj] If something is immediately obvious, it can be seen or understood without any delay. □� The cause of the accident was not immediately apparent.

3 ADV [ADV adj/-ed] Immediately is used to indicate that someone or something is closely and directly involved in a situation. □� The man immediately responsible for this misery is the province's governor.

4 ADV Immediately is used to emphasize that something comes next, or is next to something else. □� She always sits immediately behind the driver.

5 CONJ If one thing happens immediately something else happens, it happens after that event, without any delay. [mainly BRIT ] □� Immediately I've done it I feel completely disgusted with myself. SYNONYMS immediately ADV 1

at once:I have to go, I really must, at once.

instantly:The man was killed instantly.

straight away:I should go and see a doctor straight away.

promptly:Sister Francesca entered the chapel, took her seat, and promptly fell asleep.

im|memo|ri|al / I m I mɔː riəl/ PHRASE If you say that something has been happening since time immemorial or from time immemorial , you are emphasizing that it has been happening for many centuries. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □� It has remained virtually unchanged since time immemorial.

im|mense / I me ns/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as immense , you mean that it is extremely large or great. □� �an immense cloud of smoke. □� With immense relief I stopped running. ●� im|men|si|ty / I me ns I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The immensity of the universe is difficult to grasp.

im|mense|ly / I me nsli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] You use immensely to emphasize the degree or extent of a quality, feeling, or process. [EMPHASIS ] □� I enjoyed this movie immensely.

im|merse / I mɜː r s/ (immerses , immersing , immersed )

1 VERB If you immerse yourself in something that you are doing, you become completely involved in it. □�[V pron-refl +�in ] Since then I've lived alone and immersed myself in my career. ●� im|mersed ADJ □�[+�in ] He's really becoming immersed in his work.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is immersed in a liquid, someone puts it into the liquid so that it is completely covered. □�[be V -ed +�in ] The electrodes are immersed in liquid.

im|mer|sion / I mɜː r ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's immersion in a subject is their complete involvement in it. □�[+�in ] �long-term assignments that allowed them total immersion in their subjects.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Immersion of something in a liquid means putting it into the liquid so that it is completely covered. □�[+�in ] The wood had become swollen from prolonged immersion in water.

im|mi|grant ◆◇◇ / I m I grənt/ (immigrants ) N‑COUNT An immigrant is a person who has come to live in a country from some other country. Compare emigrant . □� �illegal immigrants. □� �immigrant visas.

im|mi|grate / I m I gre I t/ (immigrates , immigrating , immigrated ) VERB [no passive] If someone immigrates to a particular country, they come to live or work in that country, after leaving the country where they were born. □�[V +�to ] �a Russian-born professor who had immigrated to the United States. □�[V +�from ] He immigrated from Ulster in 1848. □�[V ] 10,000 people are expected to immigrate in the next two years.

im|mi|gra|tion ◆◇◇ / I m I gre I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Immigration is the coming of people into a country in order to live and work there. □� The government has decided to tighten its immigration policy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Immigration or immigration control is the place at a port, airport, or international border where officials check the passports of people who wish to come into the country.

im|mi|nent / I m I nənt/ ADJ If you say that something is imminent , especially something unpleasant, you mean it is almost certain to happen very soon. □� There appeared no imminent danger. ●� im|mi|nence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The imminence of war was on everyone's mind.

im|mo|bile / I moʊ ba I l, [AM ] -b ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is immobile is completely still. □� Joe remained as immobile as if he had been carved out of rock. ●� im|mo|bil|ity / I moʊb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Hyde maintained the rigid immobility of his shoulders.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is immobile is unable to move or unable to be moved. □� A riding accident left him immobile. ●� im|mo|bil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� Again, the pain locked me into immobility.

im|mo|bi|lize / I moʊ b I la I z/ (immobilizes , immobilizing , immobilized ) in BRIT, also use immobilise VERB To immobilize something or someone means to stop them from moving or operating. □�[V n] �a car alarm system that immobilises the engine.

im|mo|bi|liz|er / I moʊ b I la I zə r / (immobilizers ) in BRIT, also use immobiliser N‑COUNT An immobilizer is a device on a car which prevents it from starting unless a special key is used, so that no one can steal the car.

im|mod|er|ate / I mɒ dərət/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as immoderate , you disapprove of it because it is too extreme. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He launched an immoderate tirade on Turner.

im|mod|est / I mɒ d I st/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour as immodest , you mean that it shocks or embarrasses you because you think that it is rude.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is immodest , you disapprove of the way in which they often say how good, important, or clever they are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] He could become ungraciously immodest about his own capacities.

im|mor|al / I mɒ r ə l, [AM ] -mɔː r-/ ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as immoral , you believe that their behaviour is morally wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �those who think that birth control and abortion are immoral. ●� im|mo|ral|ity / I mər� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a reflection of our society's immorality.

im|mor|tal / I mɔː r t ə l/ (immortals )

1 ADJ Someone or something that is immortal is famous and likely to be remembered for a long time. □� �Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte's immortal love story. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] An immortal is someone who is immortal. □�[+�of ] He called Moore 'one of the immortals of soccer'. ●� im|mor|tal|ity / I mɔː r t� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Some people want to achieve immortality through their works.

2 ADJ Someone or something that is immortal will live or last for ever and never die or be destroyed. □� The pharaohs were considered gods and therefore immortal. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] An immortal is an immortal being. □� �porcelain figurines of the Chinese immortals. ●� im|mor|tal|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The Greeks accepted belief in the immortality of the soul.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to someone's immortal words, you mean that what they said is well-known, and you are usually about to quote it. □� �Roosevelt's immortal words, 'Speak softly and carry a big stick.'

im|mor|tal|ize / I mɔː r təla I z/ (immortalizes , immortalizing , immortalized ) in BRIT, also use immortalise VERB If someone or something is immortalized in a story, film, or work of art, they appear in it, and will be remembered for it. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed] The town of Whitby was immortalised in Bram Stoker's famous Dracula story. □�[V n] D H Lawrence immortalised her in his novel 'Women in Love'.

im|mov|able / I muː vəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An immovable object is fixed and cannot be moved.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is immovable in their attitude to something, they will not change their mind. □� On one issue, however, she was immovable.

im|mune ◆◇◇ / I mjuː n/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are immuneto a particular disease, you cannot be affected by it. □�[+�to ] Most adults are immune to rubella. ●� im|mun|ity / I mjuː n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] Birds in outside cages develop immunity to airborne bacteria.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are immuneto something that happens or is done, you are not affected by it. □�[+�to ] Football is not immune to economic recession.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is immunefrom a particular process or situation is able to escape it. □�[+�from ] Members of the Bundestag are immune from prosecution for corruption. ●� im|mun|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� The police are offering immunity to witnesses.

4 →�see also diplomatic immunity SYNONYMS immune ADJ 3

exempt:Men in college were exempt from military service.

be excused from:She is usually excused from her duties during the school holidays.

im|mu ne sys|tem (immune systems ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your immune system consists of all the organs and processes in your body which protect you from illness and infection.

im|mun|ize / I mjʊna I z/ (immunizes , immunizing , immunized ) in BRIT, also use immunise VERB [usu passive] If people or animals are immunized , they are made immune to a particular disease, often by being given an injection. □�[be V -ed +�against ] We should require that every student is immunized against hepatitis B. □�[be V -ed] The monkeys had been immunized with a vaccine made from infected cells. □�[have n V -ed] All parents should have their children immunized. ●� im|mun|iza|tion / I mjʊna I ze I ʃ ə n/ (immunizations ) N‑VAR □�[+�against ] �universal immunization against childhood diseases.

im|mu|table / I mjuː təb ə l/ ADJ Something that is immutable will never change or cannot be changed. [FORMAL ] □� �the eternal and immutable principles of right and wrong.

imp / I mp/ (imps )

1 N‑COUNT In fairy stories, an imp is a small, magical creature that often causes trouble in a playful way.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a naughty child as an imp . [INFORMAL ]

im|pact ◆◆◇ (impacts , impacting , impacted ) The noun is pronounced / I mp�kt/. The verb is pronounced / I mp� kt/. 1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The impact that something has on a situation, process, or person is a sudden and powerful effect that it has on them. □�[+�on ] They say they expect the meeting to have a marked impact on the future of the country. □� When an executive comes into a new job, he wants to quickly make an impact.

2 N‑VAR An impact is the action of one object hitting another, or the force with which one object hits another. □� The plane is destroyed, a complete wreck: the pilot must have died on impact.

3 VERB To impacton a situation, process, or person means to affect them. □�[V +�on/upon ] Such schemes mean little unless they impact on people. □�[V n] �the potential for women to impact the political process.

4 VERB If one object impactson another, it hits it with great force. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�on/upon/with ] �the sharp tinkle of metal impacting on stone. □�[V n] When a large object impacts the Earth, it makes a crater. COLLOCATIONS impact NOUN

1

adjective +�impact : dramatic, immediate, major, potential; economic, environmental, psychological; adverse, negative, positive

verb +�impact : achieve, create, have, make; assess, consider, examine

2

adjective +�impact : full, initial

verb +�impact : absorb, cushion, lessen, soften; feel VERB 3

impact+�noun : community, economy, market

impact+�adverb : adversely, negatively, severely, significantly SYNONYMS impact NOUN 1

effect:Parents worry about the effect of music on their adolescent's behavior.

influence:Van Gogh had a major influence on the development of modern painting.

consequence:An economic crisis may have tremendous consequences for our global security.

repercussions:It was an effort which was to have painful repercussions.

im|pair / I mpeə r / (impairs , impairing , impaired ) VERB If something impairs something such as an ability or the way something works, it damages it or makes it worse. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Consumption of alcohol impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. ●� im|paired ADJ □� The blast left him with permanently impaired hearing.

-impaired /- I mpeə r d/ COMB You use -impaired in adjectives where you are describing someone with a particular disability. For example, someone who is hearing-impaired has a disability affecting their hearing, and someone who is visually-impaired has a disability affecting their sight. □� More than 1 in 20 of the population is hearing-impaired to some extent. ●�N‑PLURAL The hearing-impaired or the visually-impaired are people with disabilities affecting their hearing or sight. This use could cause offence. □� �giving a voice to the speech-impaired.

im|pair|ment / I mpeə r mənt/ (impairments ) N‑VAR If someone has an impairment , they have a condition which prevents their eyes, ears, or brain from working properly. □� He has a visual impairment in the right eye.

im|pale / I mpe I l/ (impales , impaling , impaled ) VERB To impale something on a pointed object means to cause the point to go into it or through it. □�[V n +�on ] Researchers observed one bird impale a rodent on a cactus. [Also V n]

im|part / I mpɑː r t/ (imparts , imparting , imparted )

1 VERB If you impart information to people, you tell it to them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The ability to impart knowledge is the essential qualification for teachers. □�[V n +�to ] I am about to impart knowledge to you that you will never forget.

2 VERB To impart a particular quality to something means to give it that quality. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] She managed to impart great elegance to the unpretentious dress she was wearing.

im|par|tial / I mpɑː r ʃ ə l/ ADJ Someone who is impartial is not directly involved in a particular situation, and is therefore able to give a fair opinion or decision about it. □� Careers officers offer impartial advice to all pupils. ●� im|par|tial|ity / I mpɑː r ʃi� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a justice system lacking impartiality by democratic standards. ●� im|par|tial|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He has vowed to oversee the elections impartially.

im|pass|able / I mpɑː səb ə l, -p� s-/ ADJ If a road, path, or route is impassable , it is impossible to travel over because it is blocked or in bad condition.

im|passe /� mp�s, I m-/ N‑SING If people are in a difficult position in which it is impossible to make any progress, you can refer to the situation as an impasse . □� The company says it has reached an impasse in negotiations with the union.

im|pas|sioned / I mp� ʃ ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An impassioned speech or piece of writing is one in which someone expresses their strong feelings about an issue in a forceful way. [JOURNALISM , WRITTEN ] □� He made an impassioned appeal for peace.

im|pas|sive / I mp� s I v/ ADJ If someone is impassive or their face is impassive , they are not showing any emotion. [WRITTEN ] □� He searched Hill's impassive face for some indication that he understood. ●� im|pas|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The lawyer looked impassively at him and said nothing.

im|pa|tient / I mpe I ʃ ə nt/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are impatient , you are annoyed because you have to wait too long for something. □�[+�at ] The big clubs are becoming increasingly impatient at the rate of progress. ●� im|pa|tient|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� People have been waiting impatiently for a chance to improve the situation. ●� im|pa|tience / I mpe I ʃ ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�with ] There is considerable impatience with the slow pace of political change.

2 ADJ If you are impatient , you are easily irritated by things. □�[+�with ] Beware of being too impatient with others. ●� im|pa|tient|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Come on, David,' Harry said impatiently. ●� im|pa|tience N‑UNCOUNT □� There was a hint of impatience in his tone.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are impatientto do something or impatient for something to happen, you are eager to do it or for it to happen and do not want to wait. □� He was impatient to get home. [Also +�for ] ●� im|pa|tience N‑UNCOUNT [N to-inf] □� She showed impatience to continue the climb. [Also +�for ]

im|peach / I mpiː tʃ/ (impeaches , impeaching , impeached ) VERB If a court or a group in authority impeaches a president or other senior official, it charges them with committing a crime which makes them unfit for office. □�[V n] �an opposition move to impeach the President.

im|peach|ment / I mpiː tʃmənt/ (impeachments ) N‑VAR The impeachment of a senior official is the process of charging them with a crime which makes them unfit for office. □� There are grounds for impeachment.

im|pec|cable / I mpe kəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something such as someone's behaviour or appearance as impeccable , you are emphasizing that it is perfect and has no faults. [EMPHASIS ] □� She had impeccable taste in clothes. ●� im|pec|cably / I mpe kəbli/ ADV □� He was impeccably polite.

im|pecu|ni|ous / I mp I kjuː niəs/ ADJ Someone who is impecunious has very little money. [FORMAL ]

im|pede / I mpiː d/ (impedes , impeding , impeded ) VERB If you impede someone or something, you make their movement, development, or progress difficult. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Fallen rock is impeding the progress of rescue workers.

im|pedi|ment / I mpe d I mənt/ (impediments )

1 N‑COUNT [oft without N ] Something that is an impedimentto a person or thing makes their movement, development, or progress difficult. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] He was satisfied there was no legal impediment to the marriage.

2 N‑COUNT Someone who has a speech impediment has a disability which makes speaking difficult.

im|pel / I mpe l/ (impels , impelling , impelled ) VERB When something such as an emotion impels you to do something, it affects you so strongly that you feel forced to do it. □�[V n to-inf] �the courage and competitiveness which impels him to take risks.

im|pend|ing / I mpe nd I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] An impending event is one that is going to happen very soon. [FORMAL ] □� On the morning of the expedition I awoke with a feeling of impending disaster.

im|pen|etrable / I mpe n I trəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a barrier or a forest as impenetrable , you mean that it is impossible or very difficult to get through. □� �the Caucasus range, an almost impenetrable barrier between Europe and Asia.

2 ADJ If you describe something such as a book or a theory as impenetrable , you are emphasizing that it is impossible or very difficult to understand. [EMPHASIS ] □� His books are notoriously impenetrable. ●� im|pen|etrably ADV [ADV adj] □� �impenetrably detailed reports on product sales.

im|pera|tive / I mpe rət I v/ (imperatives )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If it is imperative that something is done, that thing is extremely important and must be done. [FORMAL ] □� It was imperative that he act as naturally as possible.

2 N‑COUNT An imperative is something that is extremely important and must be done. [FORMAL ] □� The most important political imperative is to limit the number of U.S. casualties.

3 N‑SING In grammar, a clause that is in the imperative , or in the imperative mood, contains the base form of a verb and usually has no subject. Examples are 'Go away' and 'Please be careful'. Clauses of this kind are typically used to tell someone to do something.

4 N‑COUNT An imperative is a verb in the base form that is used, usually without a subject, in an imperative clause.

im|per|cep|tible / I mpə r se pt I b ə l/ ADJ Something that is imperceptible is so small that it is not noticed or cannot be seen. □� Brian's hesitation was almost imperceptible. ●� im|per|cep|tibly / I mpə r se pt I bli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The disease develops gradually and imperceptibly.

im|per|fect / I mpɜː r f I kt/

1 ADJ Something that is imperfect has faults and is not exactly as you would like it to be. [FORMAL ] □� We live in an imperfect world. ●� im|per|fect|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj] □� This effect was imperfectly understood by designers at that time.

2 N‑SING In grammar, the imperfect or the imperfect tense of a verb is used to describe continuous situations or repeated actions in the past. Examples are 'I was reading' and 'they were eating'.

im|per|fec|tion / I mpə r fe kʃ ə n/ (imperfections )

1 N‑VAR An imperfectionin someone or something is a fault, weakness, or undesirable feature that they have. □�[+�in ] He concedes that there are imperfections in the socialist system.

2 N‑COUNT An imperfectionin something is a small mark or damaged area which may spoil its appearance. □�[+�in ] �imperfections in the cloth.

im|perial / I mp I ə riəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Imperial is used to refer to things or people that are or were connected with an empire. □� �the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The imperial system of measurement uses inches, feet, and yards to measure length, ounces and pounds to measure weight, and pints and gallons to measure volume.

im|peri|al|ism / I mp I ə riəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Imperialism is a system in which a rich and powerful country controls other countries, or a desire for control over other countries.

im|peri|al|ist / I mp I ə riəl I st/ (imperialists ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Imperialist means relating to or based on imperialism. □� The developed nations have all benefited from their imperialist exploitation. ●�N‑COUNT An imperialist is someone who has imperialist views.

im|peri|al|is|tic / I mp I ə riəl I st I k/ ADJ If you describe a country as imperialistic , you disapprove of it because it wants control over other countries. [DISAPPROVAL ]

im|per|il / I mpe r I l/ (imperils , imperilling , imperilled ) in AM, use imperiling , imperiled VERB Something that imperils you puts you in danger. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] You imperilled the lives of other road users by your driving.

im|peri|ous / I mp I ə riəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as imperious , you mean that they have a proud manner and expect to be obeyed. [WRITTEN ] □� Her attitude is imperious at times. ●� im|peri|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Imperiously she beckoned me out of the room.

im|per|ish|able / I mpe r I ʃəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is imperishable cannot disappear or be destroyed. [LITERARY ] □� My memories are within me, imperishable.

im|per|ma|nent / I mpɜː r mənənt/ ADJ Something that is impermanent does not last for ever. [FORMAL ] □� We are reminded just how small and how impermanent we are. ●� im|per|ma|nence / I mpɜː r mənəns/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] He was convinced of the impermanence of his work.

im|per|meable / I mpɜː r miəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is impermeable will not allow fluid to pass through it. [FORMAL ] □� The canoe is made from an impermeable wood.

im|per|son|al / I mpɜː r sən ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe a place, organization, or activity as impersonal , you mean that it is not very friendly and makes you feel unimportant because it involves or is used by a large number of people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Before then many children were cared for in large impersonal orphanages.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as impersonal , you mean that they do not show any emotion about the person they are dealing with. □� We must be as impersonal as a surgeon with his knife. ●� im|per|son|al|ly ADV □� The doctor treated Ted gently but impersonally.

3 ADJ An impersonal room or statistic does not give any information about the character of the person to whom it belongs or relates. □� The rest of the room was neat and impersonal.

im|per|son|ate / I mpɜː r səne I t/ (impersonates , impersonating , impersonated ) VERB If someone impersonates a person, they pretend to be that person, either to deceive people or to make people laugh. □�[V n] He was returned to prison in 1977 for impersonating a police officer. ●� im|per|sona|tion / I mpɜː r səne I ʃ ə n/ (impersonations ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] She did impersonations of his teachers.

im|per|sona|tor / I mpɜː r səne I tə r / (impersonators ) N‑COUNT An impersonator is a stage performer who impersonates famous people.

im|per|ti|nence / I mpɜː r t I nəns/ (impertinences ) N‑VAR If someone talks or behaves in a rather impolite and disrespectful way, you can call this behaviour impertinence or animpertinence . □� He was punished for his impertinence.

im|per|ti|nent / I mpɜː r t I nənt/ ADJ If someone talks or behaves in a rather impolite and disrespectful way, you can say that they are being impertinent . □� Would it be impertinent to ask where exactly you were?

im|per|turb|able / I mpə r tɜː r bəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as imperturbable , you mean that they remain calm, even in disturbing or dangerous situations. [WRITTEN ] □� Thomas, of course, was cool and aloof and imperturbable.

im|per|vi|ous / I mpɜː r viəs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are imperviousto someone's actions, you are not affected or influenced by them. □�[+�to ] She seems almost impervious to the criticism from all sides.

2 ADJ Something that is imperviousto water, heat, or a particular object is able to resist it or stop it passing through it. □�[+�to ] The floorcovering you select will need to be impervious to water.

im|petu|os|ity / I mpe tʃuɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Impetuosity is the quality of being impetuous. □� With characteristic impetuosity, he announced he was leaving school.

im|petu|ous / I mpe tʃuəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as impetuous , you mean that they are likely to act quickly and suddenly without thinking or being careful. □� He was young and impetuous.

im|petus / I mp I təs/ N‑VAR Something that gives a process impetus or an impetus makes it happen or progress more quickly. □� This decision will give renewed impetus to the economic regeneration of east London.

im|pinge / I mp I ndʒ/ (impinges , impinging , impinged ) VERB Something that impingeson you affects you to some extent. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�on/upon ] �the cuts in defence spending that have impinged on two of the region's largest employers.

im|pi|ous / I mpiəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as impious , you mean that they show a lack of respect for religious things. [FORMAL ]

imp|ish / I mp I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as impish , you mean that they are rather disrespectful or naughty in a playful way. □� Gillespie is well known for his impish sense of humour. ●� imp|ish|ly ADV □� He smiled at me impishly.

im|plac|able / I mpl� kəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone is implacable , you mean that they have very strong feelings of hostility or disapproval which nobody can change. □� �the threat of invasion by a ruthless and implacable enemy. ●� im|plac|ably ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj, oft ADV after v] □� His union was implacably opposed to the privatization of the company.

im|plant (implants , implanting , implanted ) The verb is pronounced / I mplɑː nt, -pl� nt/. The noun is pronounced / I mplɑːnt, -pl�nt/. 1 VERB To implant something into a person's body means to put it there, usually by means of a medical operation. □�[V n adv/prep] Two days later, they implanted the fertilized eggs back inside me. □�[V -ed] �a surgically implanted birth-control device. ●� im|plan|ta|tion / I mplɑːnte I ʃ ə n, -pl�n-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The embryos were tested to determine their sex prior to implantation.

2 N‑COUNT An implant is something that is implanted into a person's body. □� A woman can choose to have breast implants.

3 VERB When an egg or embryo implantsin the womb, it becomes established there and can then develop. □�[V +�in ] Non-identical twins are the result of two fertilised eggs implanting in the uterus at the same time. [Also V ] ●� im|plan|ta|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the 11 days required to allow for normal implantation of a fertilized egg.

4 VERB If you implant an idea or attitude in people, you make it become accepted or believed. □�[V n +�in/into ] The speech implanted a dangerous prejudice in their minds. □�[V n +�in ] He is devoting much of his energy to implanting an element of distrust in the community.

im|plau|sible / I mplɔː z I b ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as implausible , you believe that it is unlikely to be true. □� I had to admit it sounded like an implausible excuse. ●� im|plau|sibly ADV □� They are, rather implausibly, close friends.

im|ple|ment ◆◇◇ (implements , implementing , implemented ) The verb is pronounced / I mpl I ment/. The noun is pronounced / I mpl I mənt/. 1 VERB If you implement something such as a plan, you ensure that what has been planned is done. □�[V n] The government promised to implement a new system to control financial loan institutions. ●� im|ple|men|ta|tion / I mpl I mənte I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Very little has been achieved in the implementation of the peace agreement signed last January.

2 N‑COUNT An implement is a tool or other piece of equipment. [FORMAL ] □� �writing implements. SYNONYMS implement NOUN 2

tool:I find the best tool for the purpose is a pair of shears.

device:�an electronic device that protects your vehicle 24 hours a day.

instrument:�a thin tube-like optical instrument.

gadget:�kitchen gadgets including toasters, kettles and percolators.

utensil:�utensils such as bowls, steamers and frying pans. COLLOCATIONS implement VERB 1

implement+�noun : changes, measures, proposals, recommendations, reforms; plan, policy, scheme, strategy; program, programme; change

implement+�adverb : correctly, effectively, fully, properly, successfully; immediately, speedily, urgently

im|pli|cate / I mpl I ke I t/ (implicates , implicating , implicated )

1 VERB To implicate someone means to show or claim that they were involved in something wrong or criminal. □�[be V -ed] He was to resign when one of his own aides was implicated in a financial scandal. □�[V n] He didn't find anything in the notebooks to implicate Stuart. ●� im|pli|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�in ] �his implication in a murder. [Also +�of ]

2 →�see also implicated

im|pli|cat|ed / I mpl I ke I t I d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is implicatedin a crime or a bad situation, they are involved in it or responsible for it. □�[+�in ] The President was implicated in the cover-up and forced to resign.

2 →�see also implicate

im|pli|ca|tion ◆◇◇ / I mpl I ke I ʃ ə n/ (implications )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Theimplicationsof something are the things that are likely to happen as a result. □�[+�of ] The Attorney General was aware of the political implications of his decision to prosecute. □�[+�for ] The low level of current investment has serious implications for future economic growth.

2 N‑COUNT Theimplication of a statement, event, or situation is what it implies or suggests is the case. □� The implication was obvious: vote for us or it will be very embarrassing for you. ●�PHRASE If you say that something is the case by implication , you mean that a statement, event, or situation implies that it is the case. □� His authority and, by implication, that of his management team is under threat.

3 →�see also implicate SYNONYMS implication NOUN 2

suggestion:There are suggestions that he might be supported by the Socialists.

hint:The statement gave no hint as to what the measures would be.

overtone:It's a quite profound story, with powerful religious overtones.

intimation:I did not have any intimation that he was going to resign.

im|plic|it / I mpl I s I t/

1 ADJ Something that is implicit is expressed in an indirect way. □� This is seen as an implicit warning not to continue with military action. ●� im|plic|it|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The jury implicitly criticised the government by their verdict.

2 ADJ If a quality or element is implicit in something, it is involved in it or is shown by it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] �the delays implicit in formal council meetings.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has an implicit belief or faith in something, you mean that they have complete faith in it and no doubts at all. □� He had implicit faith in the noble intentions of the Emperor. ●� im|plic|it|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� I trust him implicitly.

im|plode / I mploʊ d/ (implodes , imploding , imploded )

1 VERB If something implodes , it collapses into itself in a sudden and violent way. □�[V ] The engine imploded.

2 VERB If something such as an organization or a system implodes , it suddenly ends completely because it cannot deal with the problems it is experiencing. □�[V ] �the possibility that the party may implode in opposition.

im|plore / I mplɔː r / (implores , imploring , implored ) VERB If you implore someone to do something, you ask them to do it in a forceful, emotional way. □�[V n to-inf] Opposition leaders this week implored the president to break the deadlock. □�[V n with quote] 'Tell me what to do!' she implored him. [Also V with quote, V n]

im|plor|ing / I mplɔː r I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] An imploring look, cry, or letter shows that you very much want someone to do something and are afraid they may not do it. □� Frank looked at Jim with imploring eyes. ●� im|plor|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Michael looked at him imploringly, eyes brimming with tears.

im|ply ◆◇◇ / I mpla I / (implies , implying , implied )

1 VERB If you implythat something is the case, you say something which indicates that it is the case in an indirect way. □�[V that] 'Are you implying that I have something to do with those attacks?' she asked coldly. □�[V -ed] She felt undermined by the implied criticism. [Also V n]

2 VERB If an event or situation implies that something is the case, it makes you think it likely that it is the case. □�[V that] Exports in June rose 1.5%, implying that the economy was stronger than many investors thought. □�[V n] A high fat intake nearly always implies a low fibre intake. SYNONYMS imply VERB 1

suggest:It is wrong to suggest that there are easy alternatives.

insinuate:Are you insinuating that I smell?

hint:The President hinted he might make some changes in the government.

indicate:Mr Rivers has indicated that he may resign.

intimate:She intimated that she was contemplating a shake-up of the company.

im|po|lite / I mpəla I t/ ADJ If you say that someone is impolite , you mean that they are rather rude and do not have good manners. □� It is impolite to ask too many questions.

im|pon|der|able / I mpɒ ndərəb ə l/ (imponderables ) N‑COUNT An imponderable is something unknown which it is difficult or impossible to estimate or make correct guesses about. □� They are speculating on the imponderables of the future.

im|port ◆◆◇ (imports , importing , imported ) The verb is pronounced / I mpɔː r t/. The noun is pronounced / I mpɔː r t/. 1 VERB To import products or raw materials means to buy them from another country for use in your own country. □�[V n] Britain last year spent nearly �5000 million more on importing food than selling abroad. □�[V +�from ] �oil, soy and other products it plans to import from Brazil. □�[V -ed] �imported goods from Mexico and India. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Import is also a noun. □�[+�of ] There were new restrictions on the import of sweet chestnut trees. ●� im|por|ta|tion / I mpɔː r te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �restrictions concerning the importation of birds.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Imports are products or raw materials bought from another country for use in your own country. □� �farmers protesting about cheap imports.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The import of something is its importance. [FORMAL ] □� Such arguments are of little import.

4 VERB If you import files or information into one type of software from another type, you open them in a format that can be used in the new software. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] This device will enable you to import these files onto your computer.

5 N‑SING [with poss] The import of something is its meaning, especially when the meaning is not clearly expressed. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] I have already spoken about the import of his speech.

im|por|tance ◆◇◇ / I mpɔː r t ə ns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The importance of something is its quality of being significant, valued, or necessary in a particular situation. □�[+�of ] We have always stressed the importance of economic reform. □� Safety is of paramount importance.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Importance means having influence, power, or status. SYNONYMS importance NOUN 1

significance:Ideas about the social significance of religion have changed over time.

worth:He had never had a woman of her worth as a friend.

consequence:Where he is from is of no consequence to me.

substance:It's questionable whether anything of substance has been achieved.

im|por|tant ◆◆◆ / I mpɔː r t ə nt/

1 ADJ Something that is important is very significant, is highly valued, or is necessary. □� The planned general strike represents an important economic challenge to the government. □� It's important to answer her questions as honestly as you can. □� It was important that he rest. ●� im|por|tant|ly ADV □� I was hungry, and, more importantly, my children were hungry.

2 ADJ Someone who is important has influence or power within a society or a particular group. □� �an important figure in the media world. USAGE important

Don�t use �important� to say that an amount or quantity is very large. Don�t talk, for example, about � an important sum of money �. Use a word such as considerable or significant . □� A considerable amount of rain had fallen.

im|port|er / I mpɔː r tə r / (importers ) N‑COUNT An importer is a country, firm, or person that buys goods from another country for use in their own country. □�[+�of ] �an importer of exotic food.

im|por|tu|nate / I mpɔː r tjʊnət/ ADJ If you describe someone as importunate , you think they are annoying because they keep trying to get something from you. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� His secretary shielded him from importunate visitors.

im|por|tune / I mpɔː r tjuː n, [AM ] -tuː n/ (importunes , importuning , importuned ) VERB If someone importunes another person, they ask them for something or ask them to do something, in an annoying way. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] One can no longer walk the streets without seeing beggars importuning passers-by. [Also V n to-inf, V n +�for ]

im|pose ◆◆◇ / I mpoʊ z/ (imposes , imposing , imposed )

1 VERB If you impose something on people, you use your authority to force them to accept it. □�[V n +�on ] Britain imposed fines on airlines which bring in passengers without proper papers. □�[V n] Many companies have imposed a pay freeze. □�[V -ed] The conditions imposed on volunteers were stringent. ●� im|po|si|tion / I mpəz I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the imposition of a ban on cycling in the city centre.

2 VERB If you impose your opinions or beliefs on other people, you try and make people accept them as a rule or as a model to copy. □�[V n +�on ] Parents of either sex should beware of imposing their own tastes on their children.

3 VERB If something imposes strain, pressure, or suffering on someone, it causes them to experience it. □�[V n +�on ] The filming imposed an additional strain on her.

4 VERB If someone imposeson you, they unreasonably expect you to do something for them which you do not want to do. □�[V +�on/upon ] I was afraid you'd simply feel we were imposing on you. ●� im|po|si|tion (impositions ) N‑COUNT □� I know this is an imposition. But please hear me out.

5 VERB If someone imposesthemselves on you, they force you to accept their company although you may not want to. □�[V pron-refl +�on ] I didn't want to impose myself on my married friends. SYNONYMS impose VERB 1

inflict:Rebels say they have inflicted heavy casualties on government forces.

enforce:They struggled to limit the cost by enforcing a low-tech specification.

force:To force this agreement on the nation is wrong.

foist:I don't see my role as foisting my beliefs on them.

im|pos|ing / I mpoʊ z I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as imposing , you mean that they have an impressive appearance or manner. □� �the imposing wrought-iron gates at the entrance to the estate.

im|pos|sible ◆◆◇ / I mpɒ s I b ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] Something that is impossible cannot be done or cannot happen. □� It was impossible for anyone to get in because no one knew the password. □� He thinks the tax is impossible to administer. □� Keller is good at describing music�an almost impossible task to do well. ●�N‑SING The impossible is something which is impossible. □� They were expected to do the impossible. ●� im|pos|sibly ADV [ADV adj] □� Mathematical physics is an almost impossibly difficult subject. ●� im|pos|sibil|ity / I mpɒ s I b I l I ti/ (impossibilities ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the impossibility of knowing absolute truth.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An impossible situation or an impossible position is one that is very difficult to deal with. □� The Government was now in an almost impossible position.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as impossible , you are annoyed that their bad behaviour or strong views make them difficult to deal with. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The woman is impossible, thought Frannie.

im|pos|tor / I mpɒ stə r / (impostors ) also imposter N‑COUNT Someone who is an impostor is dishonestly pretending to be someone else in order to gain an advantage. □� He was an imposter, who masqueraded as a doctor.

im|po|tence / I mpətəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Impotence is a lack of power to influence people or events. □� �a sense of impotence in the face of deplorable events.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Impotence is a man's sexual problem in which his penis fails to get hard or stay hard. □� Impotence affects 10 million men in the U.S. alone.

im|po|tent / I mpətənt/

1 ADJ If someone feels impotent , they feel that they have no power to influence people or events. □� The aggression of a bully leaves people feeling hurt, angry and impotent.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a man is impotent , he is unable to have sex normally, because his penis fails to get hard or stay hard.

im|pound / I mpaʊ nd/ (impounds , impounding , impounded ) VERB If something is impounded by the police, customs officers or other officials, they officially take possession of it because a law or rule has been broken. □�[be V -ed] The ship was impounded under the terms of the U.N. trade embargo. □�[V n] The police moved in, arrested him and impounded the cocaine.

im|pov|er|ish / I mpɒ vər I ʃ/ (impoverishes , impoverishing , impoverished )

1 VERB Something that impoverishes a person or a country makes them poor. □�[V n] We need to reduce the burden of taxes that impoverish the economy. □�[V -ed] �a society impoverished by wartime inflation. ●� im|pov|er|ished ADJ □� �an attempt to lure businesses into impoverished areas.

2 VERB A person or thing that impoverishes something makes it worse in quality. □�[V n] �plants that impoverish the soil quickly.

im|pov|er|ish|ment / I mpɒ vər I ʃmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Impoverishment is the state or process of being impoverished. □� National isolation can only cause economic and cultural impoverishment.

im|prac|ti|cable / I mpr� kt I kəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something such as a course of action is impracticable , it is impossible to do. □� Such measures would be highly impracticable and almost impossible to apply.

im|prac|ti|cal / I mpr� kt I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe an object, idea, or course of action as impractical , you mean that it is not sensible or realistic, and does not work well in practice. □� It became impractical to make a business trip by ocean liner.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as impractical , you mean that they do not have the abilities or skills to do practical work such as making, repairing, or organizing things. □� Geniuses are supposed to be eccentric and hopelessly impractical.

im|pre|ca|tion / I mpr I ke I ʃ ə n/ (imprecations ) N‑VAR An imprecation is something rude, angry, or hostile that is said to or about someone. [FORMAL ]

im|pre|cise / I mpr I sa I s/ ADJ Something that is imprecise is not clear, accurate, or precise. □� The charges were vague and imprecise.

im|pre|ci|sion / I mpr I s I ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Imprecision is the quality of being imprecise. □� This served to hide the confusion and imprecision in their thinking.

im|preg|nable / I mpre gnəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe a building or other place as impregnable , you mean that it cannot be broken into or captured. □� The old Dutch fort with its thick high walls looks virtually impregnable.

2 ADJ If you say that a person or group is impregnable , or their position is impregnable , you think they cannot be defeated by anyone. □� The bank's seemingly impregnable position has begun to weaken.

im|preg|nate / I mpregne I t, [AM ] I mpre g-/ (impregnates , impregnating , impregnated )

1 VERB If someone or something impregnates a thing with a substance, they make the substance spread through it and stay in it. □�[V n +�with ] Impregnating clothes with insect repellent is effective. [Also V n] ●� -impregnated COMB □� �nicotine-impregnated chewing gum.

2 VERB When a man or a male animal impregnates a female, he makes her pregnant. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Norman's efforts to impregnate her failed.

im|pre|sa|rio / I mpr I sɑː rioʊ/ (impresarios ) N‑COUNT An impresario is a person who arranges for plays, concerts, and other entertainments to be performed.

im|press ◆◇◇ / I mpre s/ (impresses , impressing , impressed )

1 VERB If something impresses you, you feel great admiration for it. □�[V n] What impressed him most was their speed. □�[V ] Cannon's film impresses on many levels. ●� im|pressed ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □�[+�by/with ] I was very impressed by one young man at my lectures.

2 VERB If you impress something on someone, you make them understand its importance or degree. □�[V +�on/upon ] I had always impressed upon the children that if they worked hard they would succeed in life. □�[V +�on/upon ] I've impressed upon them the need for more professionalism. □�[V +�on/upon ] I impressed on him what a huge honour he was being offered.

3 VERB If something impressesitself on your mind, you notice and remember it. □�[V pron-refl +�on ] But this change has not yet impressed itself on the minds of the British public.

4 VERB If someone or something impresses you as a particular thing, usually a good one, they gives you the impression of being that thing. □�[V n +�as ] Billy Sullivan had impressed me as a fine man.

im|pres|sion ◆◇◇ / I mpre ʃ ə n/ (impressions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N , N that] Your impression of a person or thing is what you think they are like, usually after having seen or heard them. Your impression of a situation is what you think is going on. □�[+�of ] What were your first impressions of college? □� My impression is that they are totally out of control.

2 N‑SING [oft N that] If someone gives you a particular impression , they cause you to believe that something is the case, often when it is not. □� I don't want to give the impression that I'm running away from the charges. [Also +�of ]

3 N‑COUNT An impression is an amusing imitation of someone's behaviour or way of talking, usually someone well-known. □�[+�of ] At college in Glasgow he did impressions of teachers, but was otherwise well behaved.

4 N‑COUNT An impression of an object is a mark or outline that it has left after being pressed hard onto a surface. □�[+�of ] �the world's oldest fossil impressions of plant life.

5 PHRASE If someone or something makes an impression , they have a strong effect on people or a situation. □�[+�on ] The aid coming in has made no impression on the horrific death rates.

6 PHRASE If you are under the impressionthat something is the case, you believe that it is the case, usually when it is not actually the case. □� He had apparently been under the impression that a military coup was in progress.

im|pres|sion|able / I mpre ʃənəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is impressionable , usually a young person, is not very critical and is therefore easy to influence. □� The law is intended to protect young and impressionable viewers.

Im|pres|sion|ism / I mpre ʃən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Impressionism is a style of painting developed in France between 1870 and 1900 which concentrated on showing the effects of light on things rather than on clear and exact detail.

im|pres|sion|ist / I mpre ʃən I st/ (impressionists ) N‑COUNT An impressionist is an entertainer who does amusing imitations of well-known people.

Im|pres|sion|ist (Impressionists )

1 N‑COUNT An Impressionist is an artist who painted in the style of Impressionism. □� �the French Impressionists.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An Impressionist painting is by an Impressionist or is in the style of Impressionism.

im|pres|sion|is|tic / I mpre ʃən I st I k/ ADJ An impressionistic work of art or piece of writing shows the artist's or writer's impressions of something rather than giving clear details. □� His paintings had become more impressionistic as his eyesight dimmed.

im|pres|sive ◆◇◇ / I mpre s I v/ ADJ Something that is impressive impresses you, for example because it is great in size or degree, or is done with a great deal of skill. □� It is an impressive achievement. ●� im|pres|sive|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �an impressively bright and energetic American woman called Cathie Gould. SYNONYMS impressive ADJ

striking:�her striking good looks.

grand:�this grand building in the center of town.

powerful:�a powerful new style of dance-theatre.

dramatic:Their arrival was dramatic and exciting.

awe-inspiring:�a museum with an awe-inspiring display of jewellery.

im|pri|ma|tur / I mpr I mɑː tə r / (imprimaturs ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If something such as a product has someone's imprimatur , that person has given it their official approval, for example by allowing their name to be shown on it. □� The University of Glasgow gave its imprimatur to the school.

im|print (imprints , imprinting , imprinted ) The noun is pronounced / I mpr I nt/. The verb is pronounced / I mpr I nt/. 1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something leaves an imprint on a place or on your mind, it has a strong and lasting effect on it. □�[+�of ] The city bears the imprint of Japanese investment. [Also +�on ]

2 VERB When something is imprintedon your memory, it is firmly fixed in your memory so that you will not forget it. □�[be V -ed +�on/in ] The skyline of domes and minarets was imprinted on my memory. □�[V n +�on/in ] He repeated the names, as if to imprint them in his mind.

3 N‑COUNT An imprint is a mark or outline made by the pressure of one object on another. □�[+�of ] The ground still bore the imprints of their feet.

4 VERB [usu passive] If a surface is imprintedwith a mark or design, that mark or design is printed on the surface or pressed into it. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Stationery can be imprinted with your message or logo. [Also V n +�on ]

im|pris|on / I mpr I z ə n/ (imprisons , imprisoning , imprisoned ) VERB If someone is imprisoned , they are locked up or kept somewhere, usually in prison as a punishment for a crime or for political opposition. □�[be V -ed] The local priest was imprisoned for 18 months on charges of anti-state agitation. □�[V n] Dutch colonial authorities imprisoned him for his part in the independence movement.

im|pris|on|ment / I mpr I z ə nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Imprisonment is the state of being imprisoned. □� She was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment.

im|prob|able / I mprɒ bəb ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is improbable is unlikely to be true or to happen. □� �a highly improbable coincidence. ●� im|prob|abil|ity / I mprɒ bəb I l I ti/ (improbabilities ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the improbability of such an outcome.

2 ADJ If you describe something as improbable , you mean it is strange, unusual, or ridiculous. □� On the face of it, their marriage seems an improbable alliance. ●� im|prob|ably ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The sea is an improbably pale turquoise.

im|promp|tu / I mprɒ mptjuː, [AM ] -tuː/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An impromptu action is one that you do without planning or organizing it in advance. □� This afternoon the Palestinians held an impromptu press conference.

im|prop|er / I mprɒ pə r /

1 ADJ Improper activities are illegal or dishonest. [FORMAL ] □� 25 officers were investigated following allegations of improper conduct. ●� im|prop|er|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I acted neither fraudulently nor improperly.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Improper conditions or methods of treatment are not suitable or good enough for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □� The improper use of medicine could lead to severe adverse reactions. ●� im|prop|er|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The study confirmed many reports that doctors were improperly trained.

3 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as improper , you mean that it is rude or shocking. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He would never be improper, he is always the perfect gentleman.

im|pro|pri|ety / I mprəpra I I ti/ (improprieties ) N‑VAR Impropriety is improper behaviour. [FORMAL ] □� He resigned amid allegations of financial impropriety.

im|prov / I mprɒv/ N‑UNCOUNT Improv is acting or singing in which someone invents the words or music as they speak. Improv is an abbreviation for 'improvisation'. [INFORMAL ]

im|prove ◆◆◇ / I mpruː v/ (improves , improving , improved )

1 VERB If something improves or if you improve it, it gets better. □�[V ] Both the texture and condition of your hair should improve. □�[V n] Time won't improve the situation.

2 VERB If a skill you have improves or you improve a skill, you get better at it. □�[V ] Their French has improved enormously. □�[V n] He said he was going to improve his football.

3 VERB If you improve after an illness or an injury, your health gets better or you get stronger. □�[V ] He had improved so much the doctor had cut his dosage.

4 VERB If you improveon a previous achievement of your own or of someone else, you achieve a better standard or result. □�[V +�on ] We need to improve on our performance against France. COLLOCATIONS improve VERB 1

improve+�noun : efficiency, performance, quality, safety; condition, health; relations; service, standards

improve+�adverb : considerably, greatly, markedly, significantly, substantially; dramatically, enormously, massively

im|prove|ment ◆◇◇ / I mpruː vmənt/ (improvements )

1 N‑VAR If there is an improvementin something, it becomes better. If you make improvementsto something, you make it better. □�[+�in ] �the dramatic improvements in organ transplantation in recent years.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that something is animprovementon a previous thing or situation, you mean that it is better than that thing. □�[+�on ] The new Prime Minister is an improvement on his predecessor.

im|pro|vise / I mprəva I z/ (improvises , improvising , improvised )

1 VERB If you improvise , you make or do something using whatever you have or without having planned it in advance. □�[V ] You need a wok with a steaming rack for this; if you don't have one, improvise. □�[V n] The vet had improvised a harness. □�[V -ed] �an improvised stone shelter. ●� im|provi|sa|tion / I mprəva I ze I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -v I z-/ (improvisations ) N‑VAR □� Funds were not abundant and clever improvisation was necessary.

2 VERB When performers improvise , they invent music or words as they play, sing, or speak. □�[V ] I asked her what the piece was and she said, 'Oh, I'm just improvising.' □�[V n] Uncle Richard intoned a chapter from the Bible and improvised a prayer. □�[V +�on ] I think that the art of a storyteller is to take the story and improvise on it. ●� im|provi|sa|tion (improvisations ) N‑VAR □�[+�on ] �an improvisation on 'Jingle Bells'.

im|pru|dent / I mpruː d ə nt/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as imprudent , you think it is not sensible or carefully thought out. [FORMAL ] □� �an imprudent investment.

im|pu|dent / I mpjʊdənt/ ADJ If you describe someone as impudent , you mean they are rude or disrespectful, or do something they have no right to do. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Some of them were impudent and insulting. ●� im|pu|dence N‑UNCOUNT □� One sister had the impudence to wear the other's clothes.

im|pugn / I mpjuː n/ (impugns , impugning , impugned ) VERB If you impugn something such as someone's motives or integrity, you imply that they are not entirely honest or honourable. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The Secretary's letter questions my veracity and impugns my motives.

im|pulse / I mpʌls/ (impulses )

1 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] An impulse is a sudden desire to do something. □� Unable to resist the impulse, he glanced at the sea again.

2 N‑COUNT An impulse is a short electrical signal that is sent along a wire or nerve or through the air, usually as one of a series.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An impulse buy or impulse purchase is something that you decide to buy when you see it, although you had not planned to buy it. □� The curtains were an impulse buy.

4 PHRASE If you do something on impulse , you suddenly decide to do it, without planning it. □� Sean's a fast thinker, and he acts on impulse.

im|pul|sive / I mpʌ ls I v/ ADJ If you describe someone as impulsive , you mean that they do things suddenly without thinking about them carefully first. □� He is too impulsive to be a responsible prime minister. ●� im|pul|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He studied her face for a moment, then said impulsively: 'Let's get married.' ●� im|pul|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The president's impulsiveness often worries his advisers.

im|pu|nity / I mpjuː n I ti/ PHRASE If you say that someone does something with impunity , you disapprove of the fact that they are not punished for doing something bad. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� These gangs operate with apparent impunity.

im|pure / I mpjʊə r / ADJ A substance that is impure is not of good quality because it has other substances mixed with it.

im|pu|rity / I mpjʊə r I ti/ (impurities )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Impurities are substances that are present in small quantities in another substance and make it dirty or of an unacceptable quality. □� The air in the factory is filtered to remove impurities.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Impurity is the state of being no longer pure, especially sexually pure.

im|pute / I mpjuː t/ (imputes , imputing , imputed ) VERB If you impute something such as blame or a crime to someone, you say that they are responsible for it or are the cause of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] It is grossly unfair to impute blame to the United Nations.

in

➊�POSITION OR MOVEMENT

➋�INCLUSION OR INVOLVEMENT

➌�TIME AND NUMBERS

➍�STATES AND QUALITIES

➎�OTHER USES AND PHRASES

➊ in ◆◆◆ The preposition is pronounced / I n/. The adverb is pronounced / I n/. In addition to the uses shown below, in is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. In is also used with verbs of movement such as 'walk' and 'push', and in phrasal verbs such as 'give in' and 'dig in'. 1 PREP Someone or something that is in something else is enclosed by it or surrounded by it. If you put something in a container, you move it so that it is enclosed by the container. □� He was in his car. □� �clothes hanging in the wardrobe.

2 PREP If something happens in a place, it happens there. □� We spent a few days in a hotel. □� He had intended to take a holiday in America.

3 ADV [be ADV ] If you are in , you are present at your home or place of work. □� My flatmate was in at the time.

4 ADV [ADV after v] When someone comes in , they enter a room or building. □� She looked up anxiously as he came in. □� They shook hands and went in.

5 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If a train, boat, or plane has come in or is in , it has arrived at a station, port, or airport. □� We'd be watching every plane coming in from Melbourne. □� Look. The train's in. We'll have to run for it now.

6 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] When the sea or tide comes in , the sea moves towards the shore rather than away from it. □� She thought of the tide rushing in, covering the wet sand.

7 PREP Something that is in a window, especially a shop window, is just behind the window so that you can see it from outside. □� There was a camera for sale in the window.

8 PREP When you see something in a mirror, the mirror shows an image of it. □� I couldn't bear to see my reflection in the mirror.

9 PREP If you are dressed in a piece of clothing, you are wearing it. □� He was a big man, smartly dressed in a suit and tie.

10 PREP Something that is covered or wrapped in something else has that thing over or round its surface. □� His legs were covered in mud.

11 PREP If there is something such as a crack or hole in something, there is a crack or hole on its surface. □� There was a deep crack in the ceiling above him.

➋ in ◆◆◆ / I n/

1 PREP If something is in a book, film, play, or picture, you can read it or see it there. □� Don't stick too precisely to what it says in the book.

2 PREP If you are in something such as a play or a race, you are one of the people taking part. □� Alf offered her a part in the play he was directing. □� More than fifteen thousand people took part in the memorial service.

3 PREP Something that is in a group or collection is a member of it or part of it. □� The New England team are the worst in the league.

4 PREP You use in to specify a general subject or field of activity. □� �those working in the defence industry. □� �future developments in medicine.

➌ in ◆◆◆ / I n/

1 PREP If something happens in a particular year, month, or other period of time, it happens during that time. □� �that early spring day in April 1949. □� Export orders improved in the last month. □� In the evening, the people assemble in the mosques.

2 PREP If something happens in a particular situation, it happens while that situation is going on. □� His father had been badly wounded in the last war. □� �issues you struggle with in your daily life.

3 PREP If you do something in a particular period of time, that is how long it takes you to do it. □� He walked two hundred and sixty miles in eight days.

4 PREP If something will happen in a particular length of time, it will happen after that length of time. □� I'll have some breakfast ready in a few minutes. □� They'll be back in six months.

5 PREP You use in to indicate roughly how old someone is. For example, if someone is in their fifties, they are between 50 and 59 years old. □� �young people in their twenties.

6 PREP You use in to indicate roughly how many people or things do something. □� �men who came there in droves.

7 PREP You use in to express a ratio, proportion, or probability. □� Last year, one in five boys left school without a qualification.

➍ in ◆◆◆ / I n/

1 PREP If something or someone is in a particular state or situation, that is their present state or situation. □� The economy was in trouble. □� Dave was in a hurry to get back to work. □� Their equipment was in poor condition.

2 PREP You use in to indicate the feeling or desire which someone has when they do something, or which causes them to do it. □� Simpson looked at them in surprise. □� Chris was weeping in anger and grief.

3 PREP If a particular quality or ability is in you, you naturally have it. □� Violence is not in his nature.

4 PREP You use in when saying that someone or something has a particular quality. □� He had all the qualities I was looking for in a partner. □� 'I don't agree,' she said, surprised at the strength in her own voice.

5 PREP You use in to indicate how someone is expressing something. □� Information is given to the patient verbally and in writing. □� �lessons in languages other than Spanish.

6 PREP You use in in expressions such as in a row or in a ball to describe the arrangement or shape of something. □� The cards need to be laid out in two rows. □� Her ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line.

7 PREP If something is in a particular colour, it has that colour. □� �white flowers edged in pink.

8 PREP You use in to specify which feature or aspect of something you are talking about. □� The movie is nearly two hours in length. □� There is a big difference in the amounts that banks charge. □� �a real increase in the standard of living.

➎ in ◆◆◆ (ins ) Pronounced / I n/ for meanings 1 and 3 to 8 , and / I n/ for meaning 2 . 1 ADJ If you say that something is in , or is the in thing, you mean it is fashionable or popular. [INFORMAL ] □� A few years ago jogging was the in thing.

2 PREP [PREP v-ing] You use in with a present participle to indicate that when you do something, something else happens as a result. □� In working with others, you find out more about yourself.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone is in for a shock or a surprise, you mean that they are going to experience it. □� You might be in for a shock at the sheer hard work involved.

4 PHRASE If someone has it in for you, they dislike you and try to cause problems for you. [INFORMAL ] □� The other kids had it in for me.

5 PHRASE If you are in on something, you are involved in it or know about it. □� I don't know. I wasn't in on that particular argument.

6 PHRASE If you are in with a person or group, they like you and accept you, and are likely to help you. [INFORMAL ]

7 PHRASE You use in that to introduce an explanation of a statement you have just made. □� I'm lucky in that I've got four sisters.

8 PHRASE The ins and outs of a situation are all the detailed points and facts about it. □�[+�of ] �the ins and outs of high finance.

in.in. is a written abbreviation for inch . The plural can be 'in.' or 'ins'. □� �30.4 x 25.4 cm (12 x 10 in). □� It is 24 ins wide and 16 ins high.

PREFIX in-

can be added to some words to form words that have the opposite meaning. For example, someone who is independent is not dependent on anyone.

in|abil|ity / I nəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N to-inf, usu with poss] If you refer to someone's inabilityto do something, you are referring to the fact that they are unable to do it. □� Her inability to concentrate could cause an accident.

in|ac|ces|sible / I nəkse s I b ə l/

1 ADJ An inaccessible place is very difficult or impossible to reach. □� �the remote, inaccessible areas of the Andes rainforests. ●� in|ac|ces|sibil|ity / I nəkses I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Its inaccessibility makes food distribution difficult.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is inaccessible , you are unable to see, use, or buy it. □�[+�to ] Ninety-five per cent of its magnificent collection will remain inaccessible to the public. ●� in|ac|ces|sibil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the problem of inaccessibility of essential goods.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is inaccessible is difficult or impossible to understand or appreciate. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] �using language that is inaccessible to working people. ●� in|ac|ces|sibil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the inaccessibility of his literature.

in|ac|cu|ra|cy / I n� kjʊrəsi/ (inaccuracies ) N‑VAR The inaccuracy of a statement or measurement is the fact that it is not accurate or correct. □�[+�of ] He was disturbed by the inaccuracy of the answers.

in|ac|cu|rate / I n� kjʊrət/ ADJ If a statement or measurement is inaccurate , it is not accurate or correct. □� The book is both inaccurate and exaggerated. ●� in|ac|cu|rate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He claimed his remarks had been reported inaccurately.

in|ac|tion / I n� kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If you refer to someone's inaction , you disapprove of the fact that they are doing nothing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] He is bitter about the inaction of the other political parties.

in|ac|tive / I n� kt I v/ ADJ Someone or something that is inactive is not doing anything or is not working. □� He certainly was not politically inactive. ●� in|ac|tiv|ity / I n�kt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The players have comparatively long periods of inactivity.

in|ad|equa|cy / I n� d I kwəsi/ (inadequacies )

1 N‑VAR The inadequacy of something is the fact that there is not enough of it, or that it is not good enough. □�[+�of ] �the inadequacy of the water supply.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has feelings of inadequacy , they feel that they do not have the qualities and abilities necessary to do something or to cope with life in general. □� �his deep-seated sense of inadequacy.

in|ad|equate / I n� d I kwət/

1 ADJ If something is inadequate , there is not enough of it or it is not good enough. □� Supplies of food and medicines are inadequate. ●� in|ad|equate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The projects were inadequately funded.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone feels inadequate , they feel that they do not have the qualities and abilities necessary to do something or to cope with life in general. □� I still feel inadequate, useless and mixed up.

in|ad|mis|si|ble / I nədm I s I b ə l/

1 ADJ Inadmissible evidence cannot be used in a court of law. □� The judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something that someone says or does is inadmissible , you think that it is totally unacceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He said the use of force would be inadmissible.

in|ad|vert|ent / I nədvɜː r tənt/ ADJ An inadvertent action is one that you do without realizing what you are doing. □� The government has said it was an inadvertent error. ●� in|ad|vert|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I inadvertently pressed the wrong button.

in|ad|vis|able / I nədva I zəb ə l/ ADJ A course of action that is inadvisable should not be carried out because it is not wise or sensible. □� For three days, it was inadvisable to leave the harbour.

in|al|ien|able / I ne I ljənəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has an inalienable right to something, you are emphasizing that they have a right to it which cannot be changed or taken away. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He said the republic now had an inalienable right to self-determination.

in|ane / I ne I n/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or actions as inane , you think they are very silly or stupid. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He always had this inane grin. ●� in|ane|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He lurched through the bar, grinning inanely. ●� in|an|ity / I n� n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the inanity of the conversation.

in|ani|mate / I n� n I mət/ ADJ An inanimate object is one that has no life. □� He thought of the baby almost as an inanimate object.

in|ap|pli|cable / I nəpl I kəb ə l, [AM ] I n� pl I k-/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is inapplicable to what you are talking about is not relevant or appropriate to it. □�[+�to ] His theory was inapplicable to many underdeveloped economies.

in|ap|pro|pri|ate / I nəproʊ priət/

1 ADJ Something that is inappropriate is not useful or suitable for a particular situation or purpose. □� There is no suggestion that clients have been sold inappropriate policies. ●� in|ap|pro|pri|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □�[+�for ] He was dressed inappropriately for the heat in a dark suit.

2 ADJ If you say that someone's speech or behaviour in a particular situation is inappropriate , you are criticizing it because you think it is not suitable for that situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�for ] I feel the remark was inappropriate for such a serious issue. ●� in|ap|pro|pri|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� You have the law on your side if the bank is acting inappropriately.

in|ar|ticu|late / I nɑː r t I kjʊlət/ ADJ If someone is inarticulate , they are unable to express themselves easily or well in speech. □� Inarticulate and rather shy, he had always dreaded speaking in public.

in|as|much as / I nəzmʌ tʃ əz/ PHRASE You use inasmuch as to introduce a statement which explains something you have just said, and adds to it. [FORMAL ] □� This was a good decision inasmuch as it worked for you.

in|at|ten|tion / I nəte nʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT A person's inattention is their lack of attention. □� Vital evidence had been lost through a moment's inattention.

in|at|ten|tive / I nəte nt I v/ ADJ Someone who is inattentive is not paying complete attention to a person or thing, which often causes an accident or problems.

in|audible / I nɔː d I b ə l/ ADJ If a sound is inaudible , you are unable to hear it. □� His voice was almost inaudible.

in|augu|ral / I nɔː gjʊrəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] An inaugural meeting or speech is the first meeting of a new organization or the first speech by the new leader of an organization or a country. □� In his inaugural address, the President appealed for unity.

in|augu|rate / I nɔː gjʊre I t/ (inaugurates , inaugurating , inaugurated )

1 VERB [usu passive] When a new leader is inaugurated , they are formally given their new position at an official ceremony. □�[be V -ed] The new President will be inaugurated on January 20. ●� in|augu|ra|tion / I nɔː gjʊre I ʃ ə n/ (inaugurations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the inauguration of the new Governor.

2 VERB [usu passive] When a new building or institution is inaugurated , it is declared open in a formal ceremony. □�[be V -ed] A new Tibetan Centre was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama. ●� in|augu|ra|tion N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] They later attended the inauguration of the University.

3 VERB If you inaugurate a new system or service, you start it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Pan Am inaugurated the first scheduled international flight.

in|aus|pi|cious / I nɔːsp I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An inauspicious event is one that gives signs that success is unlikely. [FORMAL ] □� The meeting got off to an inauspicious start when he was late.

in|authen|tic / I nɔːθe nt I k/ ADJ Something that is inauthentic is false or copied, often in a way that does not follow tradition. □� �an inauthentic but tasty paella recipe.

in|board / I nbɔː r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] An inboard motor or engine is inside a boat rather than attached to the outside.

in|born / I nbɔː r n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Inborn qualities are natural ones which you are born with. □� He had an inborn talent for languages.

in|bound / I nbaʊnd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An inbound flight is one that is arriving from another place. □� �a special inbound flight from Honduras.

in|box / I nbɒks/ (inboxes )

1 N‑COUNT An inbox is a folder on a computer or phone where emails are received. [COMPUTING ] □� The phone hasn't stopped ringing, and I have 352 emails in my inbox.

2 N‑COUNT An inbox is a shallow container used in offices to put letters and documents in before they are dealt with. [AM ]

in|bred / I nbre d/

1 ADJ Inbred means the same as inborn . □� �behaviour patterns that are inbred.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] People who are inbred have ancestors who are all closely related to each other. □� The whole population is so inbred that no genetic differences remain.

in|breed|ing / I nbriːd I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Inbreeding is the repeated breeding of closely related animals or people. □� In the 19th century, inbreeding nearly led to the extinction of the royal family.

in|built / I nb I lt/ also in-built ADJ [usu ADJ n] An inbuilt quality is one that someone has from the time they were born or that something has from the time it was produced. [mainly BRIT ] □� The children had this inbuilt awareness that not everyone was as lucky as they were. in AM, usually use built-in

inc. In written advertisements, inc. is an abbreviation for including . □� �a two-night break for �210 per person, inc. breakfast and dinner.

Inc.Inc. is an abbreviation for Incorporated when it is used after a company's name. [AM , BUSINESS ] □� �BP America Inc.

in|cal|cu|lable / I nk� lkjʊləb ə l/ ADJ Something that is incalculable cannot be calculated or estimated because it is so great. □� He warned that the effects of any war would be incalculable.

in|can|des|cent / I nk�nde s ə nt/

1 ADJ Incandescent substances or devices give out a lot of light when heated. [TECHNICAL ] □� �incandescent gases.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as incandescent , you mean that they are very lively and impressive. [LITERARY ] □� Gill had an extraordinary, incandescent personality. ●� in|can|des|cence N‑UNCOUNT □� She burned with an incandescence that had nothing to do with her looks.

3 ADJ If you say that someone is incandescentwith rage, you mean that they are extremely angry. [LITERARY ] □�[+�with ] It makes me incandescent with fury.

in|can|ta|tion / I nk�nte I ʃ ə n/ (incantations ) N‑COUNT An incantation is a series of words that a person says or sings as a magic spell. [FORMAL ] □� �strange prayers and incantations.

in|ca|pable / I nke I pəb ə l/

1 ADJ Someone who is incapable of doing something is unable to do it. □�[+�of ] She seemed incapable of taking decisions.

2 ADJ An incapable person is weak or stupid. □� He lost his job for allegedly being incapable.

in|ca|paci|tate / I nkəp� s I te I t/ (incapacitates , incapacitating , incapacitated ) VERB If something incapacitates you, it weakens you in some way, so that you cannot do certain things. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] A serious fall incapacitated the 68-year-old congressman. ●� in|ca|paci|tat|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� He is incapacitated and can't work.

in|ca|pac|ity / I nkəp� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss, oft N to-inf] The incapacityof a person, society, or system to do something is their inability to do it. [FORMAL ] □� �Europe's incapacity to take collective action.

i n-car ADJ [ADJ n] In-car devices are ones that are designed to be used in a car. □� �a range of in-car entertainment systems.

in|car|cer|ate / I nkɑː r səre I t/ (incarcerates , incarcerating , incarcerated ) VERB If people are incarcerated , they are kept in a prison or other place. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] They were incarcerated for the duration of the war. □�[V n] It can cost $40,000 to $50,000 to incarcerate a prisoner for a year. ●� in|car|cera|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �her mother's incarceration in a psychiatric hospital.

in|car|nate (incarnates , incarnating , incarnated ) The adjective is pronounced / I nkɑː r nət/. The verb is pronounced / I nkɑː r ne I t/. 1 ADJ [n ADJ ] If you say that someone is a quality incarnate , you mean that they represent that quality or are typical of it in an extreme form. □� She is evil incarnate.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , n ADJ , ADJ n] You use incarnate to say that something, especially a god or spirit, is represented in human form. □� Why should God become incarnate as a male?

3 VERB If you say that a quality is incarnated in a person, you mean that they represent that quality or are typical of it in an extreme form. □�[be V -ed +�in ] The iniquities of the regime are incarnated in one man. □�[V n] �a writer who incarnates the changing consciousness of the Americas.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone or something is incarnated in a particular form, you mean that they appear on Earth in that form. □�[be V -ed prep] The god Vishnu was incarnated on Earth as a king.

in|car|na|tion / I nkɑː r ne I ʃ ə n/ (incarnations )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is the incarnation of a particular quality, you mean that they represent that quality or are typical of it in an extreme form. □�[+�of ] The regime was the very incarnation of evil.

2 N‑COUNT An incarnation is an instance of being alive on Earth in a particular form. Some religions believe that people have several incarnations in different forms. □� She began recalling a series of previous incarnations.

in|cau|tious / I nkɔː ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone is incautious , you are criticizing them because they do or say something without thinking or planning. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] ●� in|cau|tious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Incautiously, Crook had asked where she was.

in|cen|di|ary / I nse ndiəri, [AM ] -eri/ (incendiaries )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Incendiary weapons or attacks are ones that cause large fires. □� Five incendiary devices were found in her house.

2 N‑COUNT An incendiary is an incendiary bomb. □� A shower of incendiaries struck the Opera House.

in|cense (incenses , incensing , incensed ) The noun is pronounced / I nsens/. The verb is pronounced / I nse ns/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Incense is a substance that is burned for its sweet smell, often as part of a religious ceremony.

2 VERB If you say that something incenses you, you mean that it makes you extremely angry. □�[V n] This proposal will incense conservation campaigners. ●� in|censed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] □�[+�at/by ] Mum was incensed at his lack of compassion.

in|cen|tive / I nse nt I v/ (incentives ) N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] If something is an incentiveto do something, it encourages you to do it. □� There is little or no incentive to adopt such measures.

in|cep|tion / I nse pʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] The inception of an institution or activity is the start of it. [FORMAL ] □� Since its inception the company has produced 53 different aircraft designs.

in|ces|sant / I nse s ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An incessant process or activity is one that continues without stopping. □� �incessant rain. ●� in|ces|sant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Dee talked incessantly.

in|cest / I nsest/ N‑UNCOUNT Incest is the crime of two members of the same family having sexual intercourse, for example a father and daughter, or a brother and sister.

in|ces|tu|ous / I nse stʃuəs/

1 ADJ An incestuous relationship is one involving sexual intercourse between two members of the same family, for example a father and daughter, or a brother and sister. □� They accused her of an incestuous relationship with her father.

2 ADJ If you describe a group of people as incestuous , you disapprove of the fact that they are not interested in ideas or people from outside the group. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Its inhabitants are a close and incestuous lot.

inch ◆◇◇ / I ntʃ/ (inches , inching , inched )

1 N‑COUNT [num N ] An inch is an imperial unit of length, approximately equal to 2.54 centimetres. There are twelve inches in a foot. □� �18 inches below the surface.

2 VERB To inch somewhere or to inch something somewhere means to move there very slowly and carefully, or to make something do this. □�[V prep/adv] �a climber inching up a vertical wall of rock. □�[V n prep/adv] He inched the van forward. □�[V n prep/adv] An ambulance inched its way through the crowd.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone looks every inch a certain type of person, you are emphasizing that they look exactly like that kind of person. [EMPHASIS ] □� He looks every inch the City businessman.

4 PHRASE If someone or something moves inch by inch , they move very slowly and carefully. [EMPHASIS ] □� The car moved forward inch by inch.

in|cho|ate / I nkoʊ ət/ ADJ If something is inchoate , it is recent or new, and vague or not yet properly developed. [FORMAL ] □� His dreams were senseless and inchoate.

in|ci|dence / I ns I dəns/ (incidences ) N‑VAR Theincidenceof something bad, such as a disease, is the frequency with which it occurs, or the occasions when it occurs. □�[+�of ] The incidence of breast cancer increases with age.

in|ci|dent ◆◆◇ / I ns I dənt/ (incidents ) N‑COUNT [oft without N ] An incident is something that happens, often something that is unpleasant. [FORMAL ] □� These incidents were the latest in a series of disputes between the two nations.

in|ci|den|tal / I ns I de nt ə l/ ADJ If one thing is incidental to another, it is less important than the other thing or is not a major part of it. □�[+�to ] The playing of music proved to be incidental to the main business of the evening.

in|ci|den|tal|ly / I ns I de ntli/

1 ADV You use incidentally to introduce a point which is not directly relevant to what you are saying, often a question or extra information that you have just thought of. □� 'I didn't ask you to come. Incidentally, why have you come?'

2 ADV [ADV with v] If something occurs only incidentally , it is less important than another thing or is not a major part of it. □� The letter mentioned my great-aunt and uncle only incidentally.

i n|ci|den|tal mu |sic N‑UNCOUNT In a film, play, or television programme, incidental music is music that is played to create a particular atmosphere.

i n|ci|dent room (incident rooms ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An incident room is a room used by the police while they are dealing with a major crime or accident. [BRIT ] □� Police have set up an incident room as they begin to investigate this morning's fire.

in|cin|er|ate / I ns I nəre I t/ (incinerates , incinerating , incinerated ) VERB When authorities incinerate rubbish or waste material, they burn it completely in a special container. □�[V n] The government is trying to stop hospitals incinerating their own waste. ●� in|cin|era|tion / I ns I nəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �banning the incineration of lead batteries.

in|cin|era|tor / I ns I nəre I tə r / (incinerators ) N‑COUNT An incinerator is a special large container for burning rubbish at a very high temperature.

in|cipi|ent / I ns I piənt/ ADJ [ADJ n] An incipient situation or quality is one that is starting to happen or develop. [FORMAL ] □� �an incipient economic recovery.

in|cise / I nsa I z/ (incises , incising , incised ) VERB [usu passive] If an object is incised with a design, the design is carefully cut into the surface of the object with a sharp instrument. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] After the surface is polished, a design is incised or painted. □�[V -ed] �a set of chairs incised with Grecian scrolls.

in|ci|sion / I ns I ʒ ə n/ (incisions ) N‑COUNT An incision is a sharp cut made in something, for example by a surgeon who is operating on a patient. □�[+�in ] The technique involves making a tiny incision in the skin.

in|ci|sive / I nsa I s I v/ ADJ You use incisive to describe a person, their thoughts, or their speech when you approve of their ability to think and express their ideas clearly, briefly, and forcefully. [APPROVAL ] □� �a shrewd operator with an incisive mind.

in|ci|sor / I nsa I zə r / (incisors ) N‑COUNT Your incisors are the teeth at the front of your mouth which you use for biting into food.

in|cite / I nsa I t/ (incites , inciting , incited ) VERB If someone incites people to behave in a violent or illegal way, they encourage people to behave in that way, usually by making them excited or angry. □�[V n to-inf] He incited his fellow citizens to take their revenge. □�[V n +�to ] The party agreed not to incite its supporters to violence. □�[V n] They pleaded guilty to possessing material likely to incite racial hatred.

in|cite|ment / I nsa I tmənt/ (incitements ) N‑VAR If someone is accused of incitementto violent or illegal behaviour, they are accused of encouraging people to behave in that way. □�[+�to ] British law forbids incitement to murder.

incl.

1 In written advertisements, incl. is an abbreviation for including . □� �only �19.95 (incl. VAT and delivery).

2 In written advertisements, incl. is an abbreviation for inclusive . □� Open 19th July�6th September, Sun to Thurs incl.

in|clem|ent / I nkle mənt/ ADJ Inclement weather is unpleasantly cold or stormy. [FORMAL ]

in|cli|na|tion / I nkl I ne I ʃ ə n/ (inclinations ) N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] An inclination is a feeling that makes you want to act in a particular way. □� He had neither the time nor the inclination to think of other things.

in|cline (inclines , inclining , inclined ) The verb is pronounced / I nkla I n/. The noun is pronounced / I nkla I n/. 1 VERB If you inclineto think or act in a particular way, or if something inclines you to it, you are likely to think or act in that way. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to/towards ] I incline to the view that he is right. □�[V n +�to/towards ] �the factors which incline us towards particular beliefs. □�[V n to-inf] Many end up as team leaders, which inclines them to co-operate with the bosses. □�[V to-inf] Those who fail incline to blame the world for their failure.

2 VERB If you incline your head, you bend your neck so that your head is leaning forward. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] Jack inclined his head very slightly.

3 N‑COUNT An incline is land that slopes at an angle. [FORMAL ] □� He came to a halt at the edge of a steep incline.

in|clined / I nkla I nd/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf, so ADJ ] If you are inclinedto behave in a particular way, you often behave in that way, or you want to do so. □� Nobody felt inclined to argue with Smith. □� If you are so inclined, you can watch TV.

2 ADJ If you say that you are inclinedto have a particular opinion, you mean that you hold this opinion but you are not expressing it strongly. [VAGUENESS ] □� I am inclined to agree with Alan.

3 ADJ [adv ADJ ] Someone who is mathematically inclined or artistically inclined , for example, has a natural talent for mathematics or art. □� �the needs of academically inclined pupils.

4 →�see also incline

in|clude ◆◆◆ / I nkluː d/ (includes , including , included )

1 VERB If one thing includes another thing, it has the other thing as one of its parts. □�[V n] The trip has been extended to include a few other events.

2 VERB If someone or something is includedin a large group, system, or area, they become a part of it or are considered a part of it. □�[be V -ed +�in ] I had worked hard to be included in a project like this. □�[V n +�in ] The President is expected to include this idea in his education plan.

in|clud|ed ◆◆◇ / I nkluː d I d/ ADJ [n ADJ , v-link ADJ ] You use included to emphasize that a person or thing is part of the group of people or things that you are talking about. [EMPHASIS ] □� All of us, myself included, had been totally committed to the Party. □� Food is included in the price.

in|clud|ing ◆◆◆ / I nkluː d I ŋ/ PREP You use including to introduce examples of people or things that are part of the group of people or things that you are talking about. □� Stars including Joan Collins are expected to attend.

in|clu|sion / I nkluː ʒ ə n/ (inclusions ) N‑VAR [usu with poss] Inclusion is the act of making a person or thing part of a group or collection. □�[+�in ] �a confident performance which justified his inclusion in the team.

in|clu|sive / I nkluː s I v/

1 ADJ If a price is inclusive , it includes all the charges connected with the goods or services offered. If a price is inclusiveof postage and packing, it includes the charge for this. □�[+�of ] �all prices are inclusive of delivery. □� �an inclusive price of �32.90. ●�ADV Inclusive is also an adverb. □� �a special introductory offer of �5,995 fully inclusive.

2 →�see also all-inclusive

3 ADJ [n ADJ ] After stating the first and last item in a set of things, you can add inclusive to make it clear that the items stated are included in the set. □� Training will commence on 5 October, running from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive.

4 ADJ If you describe a group or organization as inclusive , you mean that it allows all kinds of people to belong to it, rather than just one kind of person. □� The academy is far more inclusive now than it used to be.

in|cog|ni|to / I nkɒgniː toʊ/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] Someone who is incognito is using a false name or wearing a disguise, in order not to be recognized or identified. □� Hotel inspectors have to travel incognito.

in|co|her|ent / I nkoʊh I ə rənt/

1 ADJ If someone is incoherent , they are talking in a confused and unclear way. □�[+�with ] The man was almost incoherent with fear. ●� in|co|her|ence N‑UNCOUNT □� Beth's incoherence told Amy that something was terribly wrong. ●� in|co|her|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He collapsed on the floor, mumbling incoherently.

2 ADJ If you say that something such as a policy is incoherent , you are criticizing it because the different parts of it do not fit together properly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an incoherent set of objectives. ●� in|co|her|ence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the general incoherence of government policy.

in|come ◆◆◇ / I nkʌm/ (incomes ) N‑VAR A person's or organization's income is the money that they earn or receive, as opposed to the money that they have to spend or pay out. □� Many families on low incomes will be unable to afford to buy their own home. SYNONYMS income NOUN

earnings:Average weekly earnings rose by 1.5% in July.

revenue:The cinema has seen record advertising revenue and ticket sales.

proceeds:The proceeds from the concert will go towards famine relief.

receipts:He was tallying the day's receipts.

takings:Their takings were fifteen to twenty thousand pounds a week.

in|comer / I nkʌmə r / (incomers ) N‑COUNT An incomer is someone who has recently come to live in a particular place or area. [mainly BRIT ]

i n|come sup|po rt N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, income support is money that the government gives regularly to people with no income or very low incomes.

i n|come tax (income taxes ) N‑VAR Income tax is a certain percentage of your income that you have to pay regularly to the government.

in|com|ing / I nkʌm I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An incoming message or phone call is one that you receive. □� We keep a record of incoming calls.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An incoming plane or passenger is one that is arriving at a place. □� The airport was closed for incoming flights.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An incoming official or government is one that has just been appointed or elected. □� �the problems confronting the incoming government.

in|com|mu|ni|ca|do / I nkəmjuːn I kɑː doʊ/

1 ADJ If someone is being kept incommunicado , they are not allowed to talk to anyone outside the place where they are. □� He was held incommunicado in prison for ten days before being released without charge.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is incommunicado , they do not want to be disturbed, or are in a place where they cannot be contacted. □� Yesterday she was incommunicado, putting the finishing touches to her autobiography.

in|com|pa|rable / I nkɒ mprəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as incomparable , you mean that they are extremely good or impressive. □� �paintings by the incomparable Salvador Dali.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use incomparable to emphasize that someone or something has a good quality to a great degree. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� �an area of incomparable beauty.

in|com|pa|rably / I nkɒ mprəbli/ ADV You can use incomparably to mean 'very much' when you are comparing two things and emphasizing the difference between them. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� �his incomparably brilliant love songs.

in|com|pat|ible / I nkəmp� t I b ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing or person is incompatiblewith another, they are very different in important ways, and do not suit each other or agree with each other. □�[+�with ] They feel strongly that their religion is incompatible with the political system. ●� in|com|pat|ibil|ity / I nkəmp�t I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�between ] Incompatibility between the mother's and the baby's blood groups may cause jaundice. [Also +�of/with ]

2 ADJ If one type of computer or computer system is incompatiblewith another, they cannot use the same programs or be linked up together. □�[+�with ] This made its mini-computers incompatible with its mainframes.

in|com|pe|tence / I nkɒ mp I təns/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's incompetence , you are criticizing them because they are unable to do their job or a task properly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] The incompetence of government officials is appalling.

in|com|pe|tent / I nkɒ mp I tənt/ (incompetents ) ADJ If you describe someone as incompetent , you are criticizing them because they are unable to do their job or a task properly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He wants the power to sack incompetent teachers. ●�N‑COUNT An incompetent is someone who is incompetent. □� I'm surrounded by incompetents!

in|com|plete / I nkəmpliː t/ ADJ Something that is incomplete is not yet finished, or does not have all the parts or details that it needs. □� The clearing of rubbish and drains is still incomplete.

in|com|pre|hen|sible / I nkɒmpr I he ns I b ə l/ ADJ Something that is incomprehensible is impossible to understand. □� �incomprehensible mathematics puzzles.

in|com|pre|hen|sion / I nkɒmpr I he nʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Incomprehension is the state of being unable to understand something or someone. □� Rosie had a look of incomprehension on her face.

in|con|ceiv|able / I nkənsiː vəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something as inconceivable , you think it is very unlikely to happen or be true. □� It was inconceivable to me that Toby could have been my attacker.

in|con|clu|sive / I nkənkluː s I v/

1 ADJ If research or evidence is inconclusive , it has not proved anything. □� Research has so far proved inconclusive.

2 ADJ If a contest or conflict is inconclusive , it is not clear who has won or who is winning. □� The past two elections were inconclusive.

in|con|gru|ity / I nkɒŋgruː I ti/ (incongruities ) N‑VAR The incongruity of something is its strangeness when considered together with other aspects of a situation. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] She smiled at the incongruity of the question.

in|con|gru|ous / I nkɒ ŋgruəs/ ADJ Someone or something that is incongruous seems strange when considered together with other aspects of a situation. [FORMAL ] □� She was small and fragile and looked incongruous in an army uniform. ●� in|con|gru|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □� �buildings perched incongruously in a high green valley.

in|con|sequen|tial / I nkɒns I kwe nʃ ə l/ ADJ Something that is inconsequential is not important. □� �a constant reminder of just how insignificant and inconsequential their lives were.

in|con|sid|er|able / I nkəns I dərəb ə l/ ADJ [with neg, usu ADJ n] If you describe an amount or quality as not inconsiderable , you are emphasizing that it is, in fact, large or present to a large degree. [EMPHASIS ] □� The production costs are a not inconsiderable �8 million.

in|con|sid|er|ate / I nkəns I dərət/ ADJ If you accuse someone of being inconsiderate , you mean that they do not take enough care over how their words or actions will affect other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] Motorists were criticised for being inconsiderate to pedestrians.

in|con|sist|en|cy / I nkəns I stənsi/ (inconsistencies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's inconsistency , you are criticizing them for not behaving in the same way every time a similar situation occurs. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His worst fault was his inconsistency.

2 N‑VAR If there are inconsistencies in two statements, one cannot be true if the other is true. □�[+�in ] We were asked to investigate the alleged inconsistencies in his evidence.

in|con|sist|ent / I nkəns I stənt/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as inconsistent , you are criticizing them for not behaving in the same way every time a similar situation occurs. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You are inconsistent and unpredictable.

2 ADJ Someone or something that is inconsistent does not stay the same, being sometimes good and sometimes bad. □� We had a terrific start to the season, but recently we've been inconsistent.

3 ADJ If two statements are inconsistent , one cannot possibly be true if the other is true. □�[+�with ] The evidence given in court was inconsistent with what he had previously told them.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If something is inconsistent with a set of ideas or values, it does not fit in well with them or match them. □�[+�with ] This legislation is inconsistent with what they call Free Trade.

in|con|sol|able / I nkənsoʊ ləb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone is inconsolable , you mean that they are very sad and cannot be comforted. □� When my mother died I was inconsolable.

in|con|spicu|ous / I nkənsp I kjuəs/

1 ADJ Someone who is inconspicuous does not attract attention to themselves. □� I'll try to be as inconspicuous as possible. ●� in|con|spicu|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� I sat inconspicuously in a corner.

2 ADJ Something that is inconspicuous is not easily seen or does not attract attention because it is small, ordinary, or hidden away. □� �an inconspicuous grey building.

in|con|ti|nence / I nkɒ nt I nəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Incontinence is the inability to prevent urine or faeces coming out of your body. □� Incontinence is not just a condition of old age.

in|con|ti|nent / I nkɒ nt I nənt/ ADJ Someone who is incontinent is unable to prevent urine or faeces coming out of their body. □� His diseased bladder left him incontinent.

in|con|tro|vert|ible / I nkɒntrəvɜː r t I b ə l/ ADJ Incontrovertible evidence or facts are absolutely certain and cannot be shown to be wrong. □� We have incontrovertible evidence of what took place. ●� in|con|tro|vert|ibly ADV □� No solution is incontrovertibly right.

in|con|ven|ience / I nkənviː niəns/ (inconveniences , inconveniencing , inconvenienced )

1 N‑VAR If someone or something causes inconvenience , they cause problems or difficulties. □� We apologize for any inconvenience caused during the repairs.

2 VERB If someone inconveniences you, they cause problems or difficulties for you. □�[V n] He promised to be quick so as not to inconvenience them any further.

in|con|ven|ient / I nkənviː niənt/ ADJ Something that is inconvenient causes problems or difficulties for someone. □�[+�for ] Can you come at 10.30? I know it's inconvenient for you, but I must see you. ●� in|con|ven|ient|ly ADV □� The Oriental is a comfortable hotel, but rather inconveniently situated.

in|cor|po|rate / I nkɔː r pəre I t/ (incorporates , incorporating , incorporated )

1 VERB If one thing incorporates another thing, it includes the other thing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The new cars will incorporate a number of major improvements.

2 VERB If someone or something is incorporatedinto a large group, system, or area, they become a part of it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�into ] The agreement would allow the rebels to be incorporated into a new national police force. □�[V n +�into ] The party vowed to incorporate environmental considerations into all its policies. ●� in|cor|po|ra|tion / I nkɔː r pəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the incorporation of Piedmont Airlines and PSA into U.S. Air.

In|cor|po|rated / I nkɔː r pəre I t I d/ ADJ [n ADJ ] Incorporated is used after a company's name to show that it is a legally established company in the United States. [AM , BUSINESS ] □� �MCA Incorporated.

in|cor|rect / I nkəre kt/

1 ADJ Something that is incorrect is wrong and untrue. □� He denied that his evidence about the phone call was incorrect. ●� in|cor|rect|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The magazine suggested incorrectly that he was planning to retire.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is incorrect is not the thing that is required or is most suitable in a particular situation. □� �injuries caused by incorrect posture. ●� in|cor|rect|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He was told that the doors had been fitted incorrectly.

in|cor|ri|gible / I nkɒ r I dʒəb ə l, [AM ] -kɔː r-/ ADJ If you tell someone they are incorrigible , you are saying, often in a humorous way, that they have faults which will never change. □� 'Sue, you are incorrigible!' he said. □� Gamblers are incorrigible optimists.

in|cor|rupt|ible / I nkərʌ pt I b ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as incorruptible , you approve of the fact that they cannot be persuaded or paid to do things that they should not do. [APPROVAL ] □� He was a sound businessman, totally reliable and incorruptible.

in|crease ◆◆◆ (increases , increasing , increased ) The verb is pronounced / I nkriː s/. The noun is pronounced / I nkriːs/. 1 VERB If something increases or you increase it, it becomes greater in number, level, or amount. □�[V ] The population continues to increase. □�[V +�by/from/to ] Japan's industrial output increased by 2%. □�[V n] The company has increased the price of its cars.

2 N‑COUNT If there is an increasein the number, level, or amount of something, it becomes greater. □�[+�in ] �a sharp increase in productivity.

3 PHRASE If something is on the increase , it is happening more often or becoming greater in number or intensity. □� Crime is on the increase. SYNONYMS increase VERB 1

expand:We have to expand the size of the image.

rise:The number of business failures has risen.

raise:The Republic of Ireland is expected to raise interest rates.

boost:The move is designed to boost sales during the peak booking months.

extend:This year they have introduced three new products to extend their range.

grow:Opposition grew and the government agreed to negotiate. NOUN 2

growth:The area has seen a rapid population growth.

rise:�the prospect of another rise in interest rates.

boost:It would get the economy going and give us the boost that we need.

expansion:�the rapid expansion of private health insurance.

development:�an ideal system for studying the development of the embryo.

in|creas|ing|ly ◆◆◇ / I nkriː s I ŋli/ ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] You can use increasingly to indicate that a situation or quality is becoming greater in intensity or more common. □� He was finding it increasingly difficult to make decisions. □� Increasingly, their goals have become more radical. SYNONYMS increasingly ADV

progressively:Her symptoms became progressively worse.

more and more:Bob became more and more furious.

in|cred|ible ◆◇◇ / I nkre d I b ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as incredible , you like them very much or are impressed by them, because they are extremely or unusually good. [APPROVAL ] □� The wildflowers will be incredible after this rain. ●� in|cred|ibly / I nkre d I bli/ ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� Their father was incredibly good-looking.

2 ADJ If you say that something is incredible , you mean that it is very unusual or surprising, and you cannot believe it is really true, although it may be. □� It seemed incredible that people would still want to play football during a war. ●� in|cred|ibly ADV □� Incredibly, some people don't like the name.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] You use incredible to emphasize the degree, amount, or intensity of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� It's incredible how much Francesca wants her father's approval. ●� in|cred|ibly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� It was incredibly hard work.

in|cre|du|lity / I nkr I djuː l I ti, [AM ] -duː l-/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone reacts with incredulity to something, they are unable to believe it because it is very surprising or shocking. □� The announcement has been met with incredulity.

in|credu|lous / I nkre djʊləs/ ADJ If someone is incredulous , they are unable to believe something because it is very surprising or shocking. □� 'He made you do it?' Her voice was incredulous. ●� in|credu|lous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'You told Pete?' Rachel said incredulously. 'I can't believe it!'

in|cre|ment / I nkr I mənt/ (increments )

1 N‑COUNT An incrementin something or in the value of something is an amount by which it increases. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in/of ] The average yearly increment in labour productivity in industry was 4.5 per cent.

2 N‑COUNT An increment is an amount by which your salary automatically increases after a fixed period of time. [FORMAL ] □� Many teachers qualify for an annual increment.

in|cre|men|tal / I nkr I me nt ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Incremental is used to describe something that increases in value or worth, often by a regular amount. [FORMAL ] □� �our ability to add production capacity at relatively low incremental cost.

in|crimi|nate / I nkr I m I ne I t/ (incriminates , incriminating , incriminated ) VERB If something incriminates you, it suggests that you are responsible for something bad, especially a crime. □�[V n] He claimed that the drugs had been planted to incriminate him. □�[V pron-refl] They are afraid of incriminating themselves and say no more than is necessary. ●� in|crimi|nat|ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� Police had reportedly searched his flat and found incriminating evidence.

in|cu|bate / I nkjʊbe I t/ (incubates , incubating , incubated )

1 VERB When birds incubate their eggs, they keep the eggs warm until the baby birds come out. □�[V n] The birds returned to their nests and continued to incubate the eggs. [Also V ] ●� in|cu|ba|tion / I nkjʊbe I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Male albatrosses share in the incubation of eggs.

2 VERB When a germ in your body incubates or is incubated , it develops for a period of time before it starts making you feel ill. □�[V ] The virus can incubate for up to ten days after the initial infection. [Also V n] ●� in|cu|ba|tion N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] □� The illness has an incubation period of up to 11 days.

in|cu|ba|tor / I nkjʊbe I tə r / (incubators )

1 N‑COUNT An incubator is a piece of hospital equipment which helps weak or small babies to survive. It consists of a transparent container in which the oxygen and temperature levels can be controlled.

2 N‑COUNT An incubator is a piece of equipment used to keep eggs or bacteria at the correct temperature for them to develop.

in|cul|cate / I nkʌlke I t, [AM ] I nkʌ l-/ (inculcates , inculcating , inculcated ) VERB If you inculcate an idea or opinion in someone's mind, you teach it to them by repeating it until it is fixed in their mind. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�in ] We have tried to inculcate a feeling of citizenship in youngsters. □�[V n +�with ] The aim is to inculcate business people with an appreciation of different cultures. □�[V n] Great care was taken to inculcate the values of nationhood and family.

in|cum|bent / I nkʌ mbənt/ (incumbents )

1 N‑COUNT An incumbent is someone who holds an official post at a particular time. [FORMAL ] □� In general, incumbents have a 94 per cent chance of being re-elected. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Incumbent is also an adjective. □� �the only candidate who defeated an incumbent senator.

2 ADJ If it is incumbentupon you to do something, it is your duty or responsibility to do it. [FORMAL ] □� It is incumbent upon all of us to make an extra effort.

in|cur / I nkɜː r / (incurs , incurring , incurred ) VERB If you incur something unpleasant, it happens to you because of something you have done. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] The government had also incurred huge debts. □�[V -ed] �the terrible damage incurred during the past decade.

in|cur|able / I nkjʊə rəb ə l/

1 ADJ If someone has an incurable disease, they cannot be cured of it. □� He is suffering from an incurable skin disease. ●� in|cur|ably / I nkjʊə rəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� �youngsters who are incurably ill.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use incurable to indicate that someone has a particular quality or attitude and will not change. □� Poor old William is an incurable romantic. ●� in|cur|ably ADV [ADV adj] □� I know you think I'm incurably nosey.

in|cur|sion / I nkɜː r ʃ ə n, -ʒ ə n/ (incursions )

1 N‑COUNT If there is an incursioninto a country, enemy soldiers suddenly enter it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�into ] �armed incursions into border areas by rebel forces.

2 N‑COUNT If someone or something enters an area where you would not expect them to be, or where they have not been found before, you can call this an incursion , especially when you disapprove of their presence. [FORMAL ] □�[+�into ] �her disastrous incursion into the property market.

in|debt|ed / I nde t I d/

1 ADJ If you say that you are indebted to someone for something, you mean that you are very grateful to them for something. □�[+�to ] I am deeply indebted to him for his help. ●� in|debt|ed|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] Mortimer recounted his indebtedness to her in his autobiography.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Indebted countries, organizations, or people are ones that owe money to other countries, organizations, or people. □� America's treasury secretary identified the most heavily indebted countries. ●� in|debt|ed|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The company has reduced its indebtedness to just $15 million.

in|de|cen|cy / I ndiː s ə nsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the indecency of something or someone, you are indicating that you find them morally or sexually offensive. □�[+�of ] �the indecency of their language.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In law, an act of indecency is an illegal sexual act. □� They were found guilty of acts of gross indecency.

in|de|cent / I ndiː s ə nt/

1 ADJ If you describe something as indecent , you mean that it is shocking and offensive, usually because it relates to sex or nakedness. □� He accused Mrs Moore of making an indecent suggestion. ●� in|de|cent|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �an indecently short skirt.

2 ADJ If you describe the speed or amount of something as indecent , you are indicating, often in a humorous way, that it is much quicker or larger than is usual or desirable. □� The opposition says the legislation was drafted with indecent haste. ●� in|de|cent|ly ADV □� �an indecently large office.

in|de |cent as|sau lt N‑UNCOUNT Indecent assault is the crime of attacking someone in a way which involves touching or threatening them sexually, but not forcing them to have sexual intercourse.

in|de |cent ex|po |sure N‑UNCOUNT Indecent exposure is a criminal offence that is committed when someone exposes their genitals in public.

in|de|ci|pher|able / I nd I sa I fərəb ə l/ ADJ If writing or speech is indecipherable , you cannot understand what the words are. □� Maggie's writing was virtually indecipherable. □� He uttered little indecipherable sounds.

in|de|ci|sion / I nd I s I ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone suffers from indecision , you mean that they find it very difficult to make decisions. □� After months of indecision, the government gave the plan the go-ahead on Monday.

in|de|ci|sive / I nd I sa I s I v/

1 ADJ If you say that someone is indecisive , you mean that they find it very difficult to make decisions. □� He was criticised as a weak and indecisive leader. ●� in|de|ci|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □� The mayor was criticized by radical reformers for his indecisiveness.

2 ADJ An indecisive result in a contest or election is one which is not clear or definite. □� The outcome of the battle was indecisive.

in|deed ◆◆◇ / I ndiː d/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use indeed to confirm or agree with something that has just been said. [EMPHASIS ] □� Later, he admitted that the payments had indeed been made. □� 'Did you know him?'�'I did indeed.'. □� 'That's a topic which has come to the fore very much recently.'�'Indeed.'

2 ADV You use indeed to introduce a further comment or statement which strengthens the point you have already made. [EMPHASIS ] □� We have nothing against diversity; indeed, we want more of it.

3 ADV [adj ADV ] You use indeed at the end of a clause to give extra force to the word 'very', or to emphasize a particular word. [EMPHASIS ] □� The engine began to sound very loud indeed.

in|de|fati|gable / I nd I f� t I gəb ə l/ ADJ You use indefatigable to describe someone who never gets tired of doing something. [FORMAL ] □� His indefatigable spirit helped him to cope with his illness. ●� in|de|fati|gab|ly / I nd I f� t I gəbli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� She worked indefatigably and enthusiastically to interest the young in music.

in|de|fen|sible / I nd I fe ns I b ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that a statement, action, or idea is indefensible , you mean that it cannot be justified or supported because it is completely wrong or unacceptable. □� She described the new policy as 'morally indefensible'.

2 ADJ Places or buildings that are indefensible cannot be defended if they are attacked. □� The checkpoint was abandoned as militarily indefensible.

in|de|fin|able / I nd I fa I nəb ə l/ ADJ An indefinable quality or feeling cannot easily be described. [WRITTEN ] □� There was something indefinable in her eyes.

in|defi|nite / I nde f I n I t/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation or period as indefinite , you mean that people have not decided when it will end. □� The trial was adjourned for an indefinite period.

2 ADJ Something that is indefinite is not exact or clear. □� �at some indefinite time in the future.

in|de fi|nite a r|ti|cle (indefinite articles ) N‑COUNT The words 'a' and 'an' are sometimes called theindefinite article .

in|defi|nite|ly / I nde f I n I tli/ ADV [ADV with v] If a situation will continue indefinitely , it will continue for ever or until someone decides to change it or end it. □� The visit has now been postponed indefinitely.

in|de fi|nite pro |noun (indefinite pronouns ) N‑COUNT An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun such as 'someone', 'anything', or 'nobody', which you use to refer in a general way to a person or thing.

in|del|ible / I nde l I b ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something leaves an indelible impression, you mean that it is very unlikely to be forgotten. □� My visit to India in 1986 left an indelible impression on me. ●� in|del|ibly ADV [ADV with v] □� The horrors he experienced are imprinted, perhaps indelibly, in his brain.

in|deli|cate / I nde l I kət/ ADJ If something or someone is indelicate , they are rude or embarrassing. [FORMAL ] □� She really could not touch upon such an indelicate subject.

in|dem|ni|fy / I nde mn I fa I / (indemnifies , indemnifying , indemnified ) VERB To indemnify someone against something bad happening means to promise to protect them, especially financially, if it happens. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�against ] They agreed to indemnify the taxpayers against any loss. □�[V n] It doesn't have the money to indemnify everybody.

in|dem|nity / I nde mn I ti/ (indemnities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If something provides indemnity , it provides insurance or protection against damage or loss. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] Political exiles had not been given indemnity from prosecution.

2 N‑VAR An indemnity is an amount of money paid to someone because of some damage or loss they have suffered. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] The government paid the family an indemnity for the missing pictures.

in|dent / I nde nt/ (indents , indenting , indented ) VERB When you indent a line of writing, you start it further away from the edge of the paper than all the other lines. □�[V n] Indent the second line.

in|den|ta|tion / I ndente I ʃ ə n/ (indentations )

1 N‑COUNT An indentation is the space at the beginning of a line of writing when it starts further away from the edge of the paper than all the other lines.

2 N‑COUNT An indentation is a shallow hole or cut in the surface or edge of something. □� Using a knife, make slight indentations around the edges of the pastry.

in|dent|ed / I nde nt I d/ ADJ If something is indented , its edge or surface is uneven because parts of it have been worn away or cut away.

in|den|tured / I nde ntʃə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In the past, an indentured worker was one who was forced to work for someone for a period of time, because of an agreement made by people in authority.

in|de|pend|ence ◆◆◇ / I nd I pe ndəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If a country has or gains independence , it has its own government and is not ruled by any other country. □�[+�from ] In 1816, Argentina declared its independence from Spain.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's independence is the fact that they do not rely on other people. □� He was afraid of losing his independence. SYNONYMS independence NOUN 1

freedom:Today we have the freedom to decide our own futures.

liberty:Such a system would be a fundamental blow to our rights and liberties.

autonomy:Activists stepped up their demands for local autonomy last month.

sovereignty:Britain's concern to protect national sovereignty is far from new.

I n|de|pe nd|ence Day N‑UNCOUNT A country's Independence Day is the day on which its people celebrate their independence from another country that ruled them in the past. In the United States, Independence Day is celebrated each year on 4th July. □� He died on Independence Day, 1831.

in|de|pend|ent ◆◆◆ / I nd I pe ndənt/ (independents )

1 ADJ If one thing or person is independentof another, they are separate and not connected, so the first one is not affected or influenced by the second. □�[+�of ] Your questions should be independent of each other. □� Two independent studies have been carried out. [Also +�from ] ●� in|de|pen|dent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� �several people working independently in different areas of the world. □�[+�of ] The commission will operate independently of ministers. [Also +�from ]

2 ADJ If someone is independent , they do not need help or money from anyone else. □�[+�of ] Phil was now much more independent of his parents. □� She would like to be financially independent. [Also +�from ] ●� in|de|pen|dent|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □� We aim to help students with disabilities to live and study independently.

3 ADJ Independent countries and states are not ruled by other countries but have their own government. □�[+�from ] Papua New Guinea became independent from Australia in 1975. [Also +�of ]

4 ADJ [ADJ n] An independent organization or other body is one that controls its own finances and operations, rather than being controlled by someone else. □� �an independent television station.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An independent school does not receive money from the government or local council, but from the fees paid by its students' parents or from charities. [BRIT ] □� He taught chemistry at a leading independent school.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] An independent inquiry or opinion is one that involves people who are not connected with a particular situation, and should therefore be fair. □� The government ordered an independent inquiry into the affair.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An independent politician is one who does not represent any political party. □� There's been a late surge of support for an independent candidate. ●�N‑COUNT An independent is an independent politician.

in|de|scrib|able / I nd I skra I bəb ə l/ ADJ You use indescribable to emphasize that a quality or condition is very intense or extreme, and therefore cannot be properly described. [EMPHASIS ] □� �her indescribable joy when it was confirmed her son was alive. ●� in|de|scrib|ably / I nd I skra I bəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� �indescribably filthy conditions.

in|de|struct|ible / I nd I strʌ kt I b ə l/ ADJ If something is indestructible , it is very strong and cannot be destroyed. □� This type of plastic is almost indestructible.

in|de|ter|mi|na|cy / I nd I tɜː r m I nəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT The indeterminacy of something is its quality of being uncertain or vague. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the indeterminacy of language.

in|de|ter|mi|nate / I nd I tɜː r m I nət/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is indeterminate , you cannot say exactly what it is. □� I hope to carry on for an indeterminate period.

in|dex ◆◇◇ / I ndeks/ (indices , indexes , indexing , indexed ) The usual plural is indexes , but the form indices can be used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT An index is a system by which changes in the value of something and the rate at which it changes can be recorded, measured, or interpreted. □� �the U.K. retail price index. □� �economic indices.

2 N‑COUNT An index is an alphabetical list that is printed at the back of a book and tells you on which pages important topics are referred to. □� There's even a special subject index.

3 VERB If you index a book or a collection of information, you make an alphabetical list of the items in it. □�[be V -ed] This vast archive has been indexed and made accessible to researchers. □�[V n] She's indexed the book by author, by age, and by illustrator.

4 VERB [usu passive] If a quantity or value is indexedto another, a system is arranged so that it increases or decreases whenever the other one increases or decreases. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Minimum pensions and wages are to be indexed to inflation.

5 →�see also card index

i n|dex card (index cards ) N‑COUNT An index card is a small card on which you can write information. Index cards are kept in a box, arranged in order.

i n|dex fin|ger (index fingers ) N‑COUNT Your index finger is the finger that is next to your thumb.

i ndex-li nked ADJ Index-linked pensions or payments change as inflation or the cost of living changes. [mainly BRIT ]

In|dian / I ndiən/ (Indians )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Indian means belonging or relating to India, or to its people or culture. □� �the Indian government.

2 N‑COUNT An Indian is an Indian citizen, or a person of Indian origin.

3 N‑COUNT Indians are the people who lived in North, South, or Central America before Europeans arrived, or people related to them. The usual name for them now is Native Americans . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

4 →�see also Anglo-Indian

I n|dian su m|mer (Indian summers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a period of unusually warm and sunny weather during the autumn as an Indian summer .

in|di|cate ◆◆◇ / I nd I ke I t/ (indicates , indicating , indicated )

1 VERB If one thing indicates another, the first thing shows that the second is true or exists. □�[V that] A survey of retired people has indicated that most are independent and enjoying life. □�[V n] Our vote today indicates a change in United States policy. □�[V wh] This indicates whether remedies are suitable for children.

2 VERB If you indicate an opinion, an intention, or a fact, you mention it in an indirect way. □�[V that] Mr Rivers has indicated that he may resign. □�[V n] U.S. authorities have not yet indicated their monetary policy plans.

3 VERB If you indicate something to someone, you show them where it is, especially by pointing to it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He indicated a chair. 'Sit down.'

4 VERB If one thing indicates something else, it is a sign of that thing. □�[V n] Dreams can help indicate your true feelings.

5 VERB If a technical instrument indicates something, it shows a measurement or reading. □�[V n] The needles that indicate your height are at the top right-hand corner. □�[V that] The temperature gauge indicated that it was boiling.

6 VERB When drivers indicate , they make lights flash on one side of their vehicle to show that they are going to turn in that direction. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V ] He told us when to indicate and when to change gear. [Also V n] in AM, use signal

in|di|ca|tion ◆◇◇ / I nd I ke I ʃ ə n/ (indications ) N‑VAR An indication is a sign which suggests, for example, what people are thinking or feeling. □� All the indications are that we are going to receive reasonable support from abroad. □� He gave no indication that he was ready to compromise. SYNONYMS indication NOUN

sign:His face and movements rarely betrayed a sign of nerves.

evidence:Ganley said he'd seen no evidence of widespread fraud.

signal:Leaders saw the visit as an important signal of support.

suggestion:There is absolutely no suggestion of any mainstream political party involvement.

in|dica|tive / I nd I kət I v/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing is indicativeof another, it suggests what the other thing is likely to be. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The result was indicative of a strong retail market.

2 N‑SING In grammar, a clause that is in the indicative , or in the indicative mood , has a subject followed by a verb group. Examples are 'I'm hungry' and 'She was followed'. Clauses of this kind are typically used to make statements.

in|di|ca|tor / I nd I ke I tə r / (indicators )

1 N‑COUNT An indicator is a measurement or value which gives you an idea of what something is like. □� �vital economic indicators, such as inflation, growth and the trade gap.

2 N‑COUNT A car's indicators are the flashing lights that tell you when it is going to turn left or right. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use turn signals

in|di|ces / I nd I siːz/ Indices is a plural form of index .

in|dict / I nda I t/ (indicts , indicting , indicted ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is indictedfor a crime, they are officially charged with it. [mainly AM , LEGAL ] □�[be V -ed +�on ] He was later indicted on corruption charges. □�[be V -ed +�for ] She has been indicted for possessing cocaine.

in|dict|ment / I nda I tmənt/ (indictments )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that one thing is anindictmentof another thing, you mean that it shows how bad the other thing is. □�[+�of ] It's a sad indictment of society that police officers are regarded as easy targets by thugs.

2 N‑VAR An indictment is a formal accusation that someone has committed a crime. [mainly AM , LEGAL ] □�[+�on ] Prosecutors may soon seek an indictment on racketeering and fraud charges. [Also +�against ]

in|die / I ndi/ (indies )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Indie music refers to rock or pop music produced by new bands working with small, independent record companies. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a multi-racial indie band. ●�N‑COUNT An indie is an indie band or record company.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Indie films are produced by small independent companies rather than by major studios. [mainly BRIT ] □� �the indie movie Happiness. ●�N‑COUNT An indie is an indie film or film company.

in|dif|fer|ence / I nd I fərəns/ N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of indifferenceto something, you mean that they have a complete lack of interest in it. □�[+�to ] �his callous indifference to the plight of his son.

in|dif|fer|ent / I nd I fərənt/

1 ADJ If you accuse someone of being indifferentto something, you mean that they have a complete lack of interest in it. □�[+�to ] People have become indifferent to the suffering of others. ●� in|dif|fer|ent|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'Not that it matters,' said Tench indifferently.

2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as indifferent , you mean that their standard or quality is not very good, and often quite bad. □� She had starred in several very indifferent movies. ●� in|dif|fer|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �an eight-year-old girl who reads tolerably and writes indifferently.

in|dig|enous / I nd I dʒ I nəs/ ADJ Indigenous people or things belong to the country in which they are found, rather than coming there or being brought there from another country. [FORMAL ] □� �the country's indigenous population.

in|di|gent / I nd I dʒənt/ ADJ Someone who is indigent is very poor. [FORMAL ]

in|di|gest|ible / I nd I dʒe st I b ə l/

1 ADJ Food that is indigestible cannot be digested easily. □� Fried food is very indigestible.

2 ADJ If you describe facts or ideas as indigestible , you mean that they are difficult to understand, complicated, and dull. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a dense, indigestible and wordy book.

in|di|ges|tion / I nd I dʒe stʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you have indigestion , you have pains in your stomach and chest that are caused by difficulties in digesting food.

in|dig|nant / I nd I gnənt/ ADJ [ADJ that] If you are indignant , you are shocked and angry, because you think that something is unjust or unfair. □�[+�at/about ] He is indignant at suggestions that they were secret agents. ●� in|dig|nant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'That is not true,' Erica said indignantly.

in|dig|na|tion / I nd I gne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Indignation is the feeling of shock and anger which you have when you think that something is unjust or unfair. □�[+�at ] She was filled with indignation at the conditions under which miners were forced to work.

in|dig|nity / I nd I gn I ti/ (indignities ) N‑VAR If you talk about theindignityof doing something, you mean that it makes you feel embarrassed or unimportant. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Later, he suffered the indignity of having to flee angry protesters.

in|di|go / I nd I goʊ/ COLOUR Something that is indigo is dark purplish-blue in colour.

in|di|rect / I nda I re kt, -d I r-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An indirect result or effect is not caused immediately and obviously by a thing or person, but happens because of something else that they have done. □� Businesses are feeling the indirect effects from the recession that's going on elsewhere. ●� in|di|rect|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, ADV with v] □� Drugs are indirectly responsible for the violence.

2 ADJ An indirect route or journey does not use the shortest or easiest way between two places. □� The goods went by a rather indirect route.

3 ADJ Indirect remarks and information suggest something or refer to it, without actually mentioning it or stating it clearly. □� His remarks amounted to an indirect appeal for economic aid. ●� in|di|rect|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He referred indirectly to the territorial dispute.

i n|di|rect di s|course N‑UNCOUNT Indirect discourse is the same as indirect speech . [AM ]

i n|di|rect o b|ject (indirect objects ) N‑COUNT An indirect object is an object which is used with a transitive verb to indicate who benefits from an action or gets something as a result. For example, in 'She gave him her address', 'him' is the indirect object. Compare direct object .

i n|di|rect que s|tion (indirect questions ) N‑COUNT An indirect question is the same as a reported question . [mainly BRIT ]

i n|di|rect spee ch N‑UNCOUNT Indirect speech is speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person's actual words: for example, 'They said you didn't like it', 'I asked him what his plans were', and 'Citizens complained about the smoke'. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use indirect discourse

i n|di|rect ta x (indirect taxes ) N‑COUNT An indirect tax is a tax on goods and services which is added to their price. Compare direct tax .

i n|di|rect taxa |tion N‑UNCOUNT Indirect taxation is a system in which a government raises money by means of indirect taxes.

in|dis|ci|pline / I nd I s I pl I n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to indiscipline in a group or team, you disapprove of the fact that they do not behave in a controlled way as they should. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�among ] There is growing evidence of indiscipline among the troops.

in|dis|creet / I nd I skriː t/ ADJ If you describe someone as indiscreet , you mean that they do or say things in public which they should only do or say secretly or in private. □�[+�about ] He is notoriously indiscreet about his private life.

in|dis|cre|tion / I nd I skre ʃ ə n/ (indiscretions ) N‑VAR If you talk about someone's indiscretion , you mean that they have done or said something that is risky, careless, or likely to upset people. □� Occasionally they paid for their indiscretion with their lives.

in|dis|crimi|nate / I nd I skr I m I nət/ ADJ If you describe an action as indiscriminate , you are critical of it because it does not involve any careful thought or choice. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The indiscriminate use of fertilisers is damaging to the environment. ●� in|dis|crimi|nate|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The men opened fire indiscriminately.

in|dis|pen|sable / I nd I spe nsəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is indispensable , you mean that they are absolutely essential and other people or things cannot function without them. □�[+�to ] She was becoming indispensable to him.

in|dis|posed / I nd I spoʊ zd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is indisposed , you mean that they are not available because they are ill, or for a reason that you do not want to reveal. [FORMAL ] □� The speaker was regrettably indisposed.

in|dis|put|able / I nd I spjuː təb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is indisputable , you are emphasizing that it is true and cannot be shown to be untrue. [EMPHASIS ] □� It is indisputable that birds in the U.K. are harbouring this illness.

in|dis|tinct / I nd I st I ŋkt/ ADJ Something that is indistinct is unclear and difficult to see, hear, or recognize. □� The lettering is fuzzy and indistinct. ●� in|dis|tinct|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He speaks so indistinctly that many listeners haven't a clue what he is saying.

in|dis|tin|guish|able / I nd I st I ŋgw I ʃəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing is indistinguishablefrom another, the two things are so similar that it is difficult to know which is which. □�[+�from ] Replica weapons are indistinguishable from the real thing.

in|di|vid|ual ◆◆◇ / I nd I v I dʒu ə l/ (individuals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Individual means relating to one person or thing, rather than to a large group. □� They wait for the group to decide rather than making individual decisions. □� Aid to individual countries would be linked to progress towards democracy. ●� in|di|vid|ual|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �cheeses which come in individually wrapped segments.

2 N‑COUNT An individual is a person. □� �anonymous individuals who are doing good things within our community.

3 ADJ If you describe someone or something as individual , you mean that you admire them because they are very unusual and do not try to imitate other people or things. [APPROVAL ] □� It was really all part of her very individual personality. SYNONYMS individual ADJ 3

special:So you didn't notice anything special about him?

unique:Each person's signature is unique.

original:It is one of the most original works of imagination in the language.

distinctive:His voice was very distinctive.

in|di|vidu|al|ism / I nd I v I dʒʊl I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You use individualism to refer to the behaviour of someone who likes to think and do things in their own way, rather than imitating other people. □� He is struck by what he calls the individualism of American officers.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Individualism is the belief that economics and politics should not be controlled by the state. □� �the strong individualism in their political culture.

in|di|vidu|al|ist / I nd I v I dʒʊl I st/ (individualists )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an individualist , you mean that they like to think and do things in their own way, rather than imitating other people. □� Individualists say that you should be able to wear what you want.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Individualist means relating to the belief that economics and politics should not be controlled by the state. □� �a party committed to individualist values. ●�N‑COUNT An individualist is a person with individualist views. □� They share with earlier individualists a fear of collectivism.

in|di|vidu|al|is|tic / I nd I v I dʒʊl I st I k/ ADJ If you say that someone is individualistic , you mean that they like to think and do things in their own way, rather than imitating other people. You can also say that a society is individualistic if it encourages people to behave in this way. □� Most artists are very individualistic.

in|di|vidu|al|ity / I nd I v I dʒu� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT The individuality of a person or thing consists of the qualities that make them different from other people or things. □� People should be free to express their individuality.

in|di|vidu|al|ize / I nd I v I dʒʊla I z/ (individualizes , individualizing , individualized ) in BRIT, also use individualise VERB To individualize a thing or person means to make them different from other things or people and to give them a recognizable identity. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] You can individualize a document by adding comments in the margins.

in|di|vis|ible / I nd I v I z I b ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is indivisible , you mean that it cannot be divided into different parts. □� Far from being separate, the mind and body form an indivisible whole.

PREFIX Indo-

combines with nationality adjectives to form adjectives which describe something as connected with both India and another country. For example, Indo-Pakistani talks take place between representatives from both India and Pakistan.

in|doc|tri|nate / I ndɒ ktr I ne I t/ (indoctrinates , indoctrinating , indoctrinated ) VERB If people are indoctrinated , they are taught a particular belief with the aim that they will reject other beliefs. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] They have been completely indoctrinated. □�[V n] I wouldn't say that she was trying to indoctrinate us. ●� in|doc|tri|na|tion / I ndɒ ktr I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �political indoctrination classes.

in|do|lence / I ndələns/ N‑UNCOUNT Indolence means laziness. [FORMAL ]

in|do|lent / I ndələnt/ ADJ Someone who is indolent is lazy. [FORMAL ]

in|domi|table / I ndɒ m I təb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone has an indomitable spirit, you admire them because they never give up or admit that they have been defeated. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �a woman of indomitable will.

In|do|nesian / I ndəniː ʒən/ (Indonesians )

1 ADJ Indonesian means belonging or relating to Indonesia, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT An Indonesian is an Indonesian citizen, or a person of Indonesian origin.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Indonesian is the national language of Indonesia.

in|door / I ndɔː r / ADJ [ADJ n] Indoor activities or things are ones that happen or are used inside a building and not outside. □� �an indoor market.

in|doors / I ndɔː r z/ ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If something happens indoors , it happens inside a building. □� I think perhaps we should go indoors.

in|du|bi|table / I ndjuː b I təb ə l, [AM ] -duː b-/ ADJ You use indubitable to describe something when you want to emphasize that it is definite and cannot be doubted. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� His brilliance renders this film an indubitable classic. ●� in|du|bi|tably ADV □� His behaviour was indubitably ill-judged.

in|duce / I ndjuː s, [AM ] -duː s-/ (induces , inducing , induced )

1 VERB To induce a state or condition means to cause it. □�[V n] Doctors said surgery could induce a heart attack. □�[V -ed] �an economic crisis induced by high oil prices.

2 VERB If you induce someone to do something, you persuade or influence them to do it. □�[be V -ed to-inf] More than 4,000 teachers were induced to take early retirement.

3 VERB If a doctor or nurse induces labour or birth, they cause a pregnant woman to start giving birth by using drugs or other medical means. [MEDICAL ] □�[V n] He might decide that it is best to induce labour.

-induced /- I ndjuːst, [AM ] -duːst/ COMB -induced combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that a state, condition, or illness is caused by a particular thing. □� �stress-induced disorders. □� �a drug-induced hallucination.

in|duce|ment / I ndjuː smənt, [AM ] -duː s-/ (inducements ) N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] If someone is offered an inducementto do something, they are given or promised gifts or benefits in order to persuade them to do it. □� They offer every inducement to foreign businesses to invest in their states.

in|duct / I ndʌ kt/ (inducts , inducting , inducted ) VERB If someone is inductedinto a particular job, rank, or position, they are given the job, rank, or position in a formal ceremony. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�into ] Six new members have been inducted into the Provincial Cabinet. □�[V n +�into ] She inducts Nina into the cult. [Also V n]

in|duc|tion / I ndʌ kʃ ə n/ (inductions )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] Induction is a procedure or ceremony for introducing someone to a new job, organization, or way of life. □� �an induction course for new members.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Induction is a method of reasoning in which you use individual ideas or facts to give you a general rule or conclusion. [FORMAL ]

3 →�see also induce

in|duc|tive / I ndʌ kt I v/ ADJ Inductive reasoning is based on the process of induction.

in|dulge / I ndʌ ldʒ/ (indulges , indulging , indulged )

1 VERB If you indulgein something or if you indulgeyourself , you allow yourself to have or do something that you know you will enjoy. □�[V +�in ] We had enough time to indulge in a bit of window shopping. □�[V n] He returned to Britain so that he could indulge his passion for football. □�[V pron-refl] You can indulge yourself without spending a fortune. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you indulge someone, you let them have or do what they want, even if this is not good for them. □�[V n] He did not agree with indulging children.

in|dul|gence / I ndʌ ldʒ ə ns/ (indulgences ) N‑VAR Indulgence means treating someone with special kindness, often when it is not a good thing. □�[+�towards ] The king's indulgence towards his sons angered the business community.

in|dul|gent / I ndʌ ldʒ ə nt/ ADJ If you are indulgent , you treat a person with special kindness, often in a way that is not good for them. □� His indulgent mother was willing to let him do anything he wanted. ●� in|dul|gent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Ned smiled at him indulgently.

in|dus|trial ◆◆◇ / I ndʌ striəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use industrial to describe things which relate to or are used in industry. □� �industrial machinery and equipment. □� �a link between industrial chemicals and cancer.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An industrial city or country is one in which industry is important or highly developed. □� �ministers from leading western industrial countries.

in|du s|trial a c|tion N‑UNCOUNT If workers take industrial action , they join together and do something to show that they are unhappy with their pay or working conditions, for example refusing to work. [mainly BRIT ] □� Prison officers have decided to take industrial action.

in|du s|trial es|tate (industrial estates ) N‑COUNT An industrial estate is an area which has been specially planned for a lot of factories. [BRIT ] in AM, use industrial park

in|dus|tri|al|ise / I ndʌ striəla I z/ →�see industrialize

in|dus|tri|al|ism / I ndʌ striəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Industrialism is the state of having an economy based on industry.

in|dus|tri|al|ist / I ndʌ striəl I st/ (industrialists ) N‑COUNT An industrialist is a powerful businessman who owns or controls large industrial companies or factories. □� �prominent Japanese industrialists.

in|dus|tri|al|ize / I ndʌ striəla I z/ (industrializes , industrializing , industrialized ) in BRIT, also use industrialise VERB When a country industrializes or is industrialized , it develops a lot of industries. □�[V ] Energy consumption rises as countries industrialise. □�[V n] Stalin's methods had industrialized the Russian economy. ●� in|dus|tri|ali|za|tion / I ndʌ striəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Industrialization began early in Spain.

in|dus|tri|al|ized ◆◇◇ / I ndʌ striəla I zd/ in BRIT, also use industrialised ADJ [ADJ n] An industrialized area or place is one which has a lot of industries. □� Industrialized countries must reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

in|du s|trial park (industrial parks ) N‑COUNT An industrial park is the same as an industrial estate . [AM ]

in|du s|trial re|la |tions N‑PLURAL Industrial relations refers to the relationship between employers and employees in industry, and the political decisions and laws that affect it. [BUSINESS ] □� The offer is seen as an attempt to improve industrial relations.

in|dus|tri|ous / I ndʌ striəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as industrious , you mean they work very hard. □� She was an industrious and willing worker. ●� in|dus|tri|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Maggie paints industriously all through the summer.

in|dus|try ◆◆◆ / I ndəstri/ (industries )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Industry is the work and processes involved in collecting raw materials, and making them into products in factories. □� British industry suffers through insufficient investment in research.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A particular industry consists of all the people and activities involved in making a particular product or providing a particular service. □� �the motor vehicle and textile industries.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a social or political activity as an industry , you are criticizing it because you think it involves a lot of people in unnecessary or useless work. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Some Afro-Caribbeans are rejecting the whole race relations industry.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Industry is the fact of working very hard. [FORMAL ] □� No one doubted his ability, his industry or his integrity.

5 →�see also captain of industry , cottage industry , service industry SYNONYMS industry NOUN 1

business:�young people seeking a career in business.

manufacturing:�management headquarters for manufacturing.

trade:�negotiations on a new international trade agreement.

commerce:They have made their fortunes from industry and commerce.

production:That model won't go into production before late 2019.

ine|bri|at|ed / I niː brie I t I d/ ADJ Someone who is inebriated has drunk too much alcohol. [FORMAL ] □� Scott was obviously inebriated by the time the dessert was served.

in|ed|ible / I ne d I b ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is inedible , you mean you cannot eat it, for example because it tastes bad or is poisonous. □� Detainees complained of being given food which is inedible.

in|ef|fable / I ne fəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use ineffable to say that something is so great or extreme that it cannot be described in words. [FORMAL ] □� �the ineffable sadness of many of the portraits. ●� in|ef|fably / I ne fəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj] □� �his ineffably powerful brain.

in|ef|fec|tive / I n I fe kt I v/ ADJ If you say that something is ineffective , you mean that it has no effect on a process or situation. □� Economic reform will continue to be painful and ineffective. ●� in|ef|fec|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the ineffectiveness of some of the police's anti-crime strategies.

in|ef|fec|tual / I n I fe ktʃuəl/ ADJ If someone or something is ineffectual , they fail to do what they are expected to do or are trying to do. □� The mayor had become ineffectual in the struggle to clamp down on drugs. ●� in|ef|fec|tu|al|ly ADV □� Her voice trailed off ineffectually.

in|ef|fi|cient / I n I f I ʃ ə nt/ ADJ Inefficient people, organizations, systems, or machines do not use time, energy, or other resources in the best way. □� Their communication systems are inefficient in the extreme. ●� in|ef|fi|cien|cy (inefficiencies ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the inefficiency of the distribution system. ●� in|ef|fi|cient|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Energy prices have been kept low, so energy is used inefficiently.

in|el|egant / I ne l I gənt/ ADJ If you say that something is inelegant , you mean that it is not attractive or graceful. □� The grand piano has been replaced with a small, inelegant electric model.

in|eli|gible / I ne l I dʒəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are ineligiblefor something, you are not qualified for it or entitled to it. [FORMAL ] □� They were ineligible to remain in the U.S.A.

in|eluc|table / I n I lʌ ktəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use ineluctable to describe something that cannot be stopped, escaped, or ignored. [FORMAL ] □� �Malthus's theories about the ineluctable tendency of populations to exceed resources.

in|ept / I ne pt/ ADJ If you say that someone is inept , you are criticizing them because they do something with a complete lack of skill. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was inept and lacked the intelligence to govern.

in|epti|tude / I ne pt I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's ineptitude , you are criticizing them because they do something with a complete lack of skill. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �the tactical ineptitude of the allied commander.

in|equal|ity / I n I kwɒ l I ti/ (inequalities ) N‑VAR Inequality is the difference in social status, wealth, or opportunity between people or groups. □� People are concerned about social inequality.

in|equi|table / I ne kw I təb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is inequitable , you are criticizing it because it is unfair or unjust. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The welfare system is grossly inequitable and inefficient.

in|equi|ty / I ne kw I ti/ (inequities ) N‑VAR If you refer to the inequity of something, you are criticizing it because it is unfair or unjust. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] Social imbalance worries him more than inequity of income.

in|eradi|cable / I n I r� d I kəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use ineradicable to emphasize that a quality, fact, or situation is permanent and cannot be changed. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Divorce is a permanent, ineradicable fact of modern life.

in|ert / I nɜː r t/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is inert does not move at all. □� He covered the inert body with a blanket.

2 ADJ If you describe something as inert , you are criticizing it because it is not very lively or interesting. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The novel itself remains oddly inert.

3 ADJ An inert substance is one which does not react with other substances. [TECHNICAL ] □� �inert gases like neon and argon.

in|er|tia / I nɜː r ʃə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have a feeling of inertia , you feel very lazy and unwilling to move or be active. □� �her inertia, her lack of energy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Inertia is the tendency of a physical object to remain still or to continue moving, unless a force is applied to it. [TECHNICAL ]

in|es|cap|able / I n I ske I pəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe a fact, situation, or activity as inescapable , you mean that it is difficult not to notice it or be affected by it. □� The economic logic of reform is inescapable. ●� in|es|cap|ably / I n I ske I pəbli/ ADV □� It is inescapably clear that they won't turn round.

in|es|sen|tial / I n I se nʃ ə l/ ADJ If something is inessential , you do not need it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] We have omitted footnotes which we judged inessential to the text.

in|es|ti|mable / I ne st I məb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe the value, benefit, or importance of something as inestimable , you mean that it is extremely great and cannot be calculated. [FORMAL ] □� Human life is of inestimable value.

in|evi|tabil|ity / I ne v I təb I l I ti/ (inevitabilities ) N‑VAR The inevitability of something is the fact that it is certain to happen and cannot be prevented or avoided. □�[+�of ] We are all bound by the inevitability of death.

in|evi|table ◆◇◇ / I ne v I təb ə l/ ADJ If something is inevitable , it is certain to happen and cannot be prevented or avoided. □� If the case succeeds, it is inevitable that other trials will follow. □� The defeat had inevitable consequences for British policy. ●�N‑SING The inevitable is something which is inevitable. □� 'It's just delaying the inevitable,' he said. SYNONYMS inevitable ADJ

unavoidable:Managers said the job losses were unavoidable.

inescapable:The economic logic of reform is inescapable.

certain:Victory looked certain.

inexorable:�the seemingly inexorable rise in unemployment.

in|evi|tably / I ne v I təbli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] If something will inevitably happen, it is certain to happen and cannot be prevented or avoided. □� Technological changes will inevitably lead to unemployment.

in|ex|act / I n I gz� kt/ ADJ Something that is inexact is not precise or accurate. □� Forecasting was an inexact science.

in|ex|cus|able / I n I kskjuː zəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is inexcusable , you are emphasizing that it cannot be justified or tolerated because it is extremely bad. [EMPHASIS ] □� He said the killing of innocent people was inexcusable. ●� in|ex|cus|ably / I n I kskjuː zəbli/ ADV □� She had been inexcusably careless.

in|ex|haust|ible / I n I gzɔː stəb ə l/ ADJ If there is an inexhaustible supply of something, there is so much of it that it cannot all be used up. □� She has an inexhaustible supply of enthusiasm.

in|exo|rable / I ne ksərəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use inexorable to describe a process which cannot be prevented from continuing or progressing. [FORMAL ] □� �the seemingly inexorable rise in unemployment. ●� in|exo|rably / I ne ksərəbli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Spending on health is growing inexorably.

in|ex|pen|sive / I n I kspe ns I v/ ADJ Something that is inexpensive does not cost very much. □� �a variety of good inexpensive restaurants.

in|ex|pe|ri|ence / I n I ksp I ə riəns/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's inexperience , you mean that they have little knowledge or experience of a particular situation or activity. □�[+�of ] Critics attacked the youth and inexperience of his staff.

in|ex|pe|ri|enced / I n I ksp I ə riənst/ ADJ If you are inexperienced , you have little knowledge or experience of a particular situation or activity. □� Routine tasks are often delegated to inexperienced young doctors.

in|ex|pert / I ne kspɜː r t/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as inexpert , you mean that they show a lack of skill. □� He was too inexperienced and too inexpert to succeed. □� �inexpert needlework.

in|ex|pli|cable / I n I kspl I kəb ə l/ ADJ If something is inexplicable , you cannot explain why it happens or why it is true. □� For some inexplicable reason, the investors decided to pull out. ●� in|ex|pli|cably / I n I kspl I kəbli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� She suddenly and inexplicably announced her retirement.

in|ex|press|ible / I n I kspre s I b ə l/ ADJ An inexpressible feeling cannot be expressed in words because it is so strong. [FORMAL ] □� He felt a sudden inexpressible loneliness.

in ex|tre|mis / I n I kstriː m I s/ PHRASE If someone or something is in extremis , they are in a very difficult situation and have to use extreme methods. [FORMAL ] □� The use of antibiotics is permitted only in extremis.

in|ex|tri|cable / I n I kstr I kəb ə l, I ne kstr I k-/ ADJ If there is an inextricable link between things, they cannot be considered separately. [FORMAL ] □� Meetings are an inextricable part of business.

in|ex|tri|cably / I nekstr I kəbli/ ADV [ADV with v] If two or more things are inextricably linked, they cannot be considered separately. [FORMAL ] □� Religion was for her inextricably linked with life itself.

in|fal|lible / I nf� l I b ə l/ ADJ If a person or thing is infallible , they are never wrong. □� Although he was experienced, he was not infallible. ●� in|fal|libil|ity / I nf� l I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �exaggerated views of the infallibility of science.

in|fa|mous / I nfəməs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n, v-link ADJ , Also v-link ADJ for n] Infamous people or things are well-known because of something bad. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] He was infamous for his anti-feminist attitudes.

in|fa|my / I nfəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Infamy is the state of being infamous. [FORMAL ] □� �one of the greatest acts of infamy in history.

in|fan|cy / I nfənsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Infancy is the period of your life when you are a very young child. □� �the development of the mind from infancy onwards.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If something is in itsinfancy , it is new and has not developed very much. □� Computing science was still in its infancy.

in|fant / I nfənt/ (infants )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An infant is a baby or very young child. [FORMAL ] □� �young mums with infants in prams. □� �the infant mortality rate in Britain.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Infants are children between the ages of five and seven, who go to an infant school. [BRIT ] ●�N‑UNCOUNT You use the infants to refer to a school or class for such children. □� You've been my best friend ever since we started in the infants.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Infant means designed especially for very young children. □� �an infant carrier in the back of a car.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] An infant organization or system is new and has not developed very much. □� The infant company was based in Germany. WORD HISTORY infant

An infant is literally a child who is too young to have learnt to talk. The word comes from Latin infans , meaning 'unable to speak', from in- , meaning 'not', and fārī , meaning 'speak'.

in|fan|ti|cide / I nf� nt I sa I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Infanticide is the crime of killing a young child.

in|fan|tile / I nfənta I l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Infantile behaviour or illnesses are typical of very young children. [FORMAL ] □� �infantile aggression.

2 ADJ If you accuse someone or something of being infantile , you think that they are foolish and childish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� This kind of humour is infantile and boring.

in|fan|try / I nfəntri/ N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Infantry are soldiers who fight on foot rather than in tanks or on horses. □� �an infantry division.

in|fantry|man / I nfəntrimən/ (infantrymen ) N‑COUNT An infantryman is a soldier who fights on foot.

i n|fant school (infant schools ) N‑VAR In Britain, an infant school is a school for children between the ages of five and seven.

in|fatu|at|ed / I nf� tʃue I t I d/ ADJ If you are infatuatedwith a person or thing, you have strong feelings of love or passion for them which make you unable to think clearly or sensibly about them. □�[+�with ] He was utterly infatuated with her.

in|fat|ua|tion / I nf� tʃue I ʃ ə n/ (infatuations ) N‑VAR If you have an infatuation for a person or thing, you have strong feelings of love or passion for them which make you unable to think clearly or sensibly about them. □�[+�with ] �his infatuation with bullfighting.

in|fect ◆◇◇ / I nfe kt/ (infects , infecting , infected )

1 VERB To infect people, animals, or plants means to cause them to have a disease or illness. □�[V n] A single mosquito can infect a large number of people. □�[V -ed] �people infected with HIV. [Also V n +�with ] ●� in|fec|tion / I nfe kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �plants that are resistant to infection.

2 VERB To infect a substance or area means to cause it to contain harmful germs or bacteria. □�[V n] The birds infect the milk. □�[V -ed] �a virus which is spread mainly by infected blood.

3 VERB When people, places, or things are infected by a feeling or influence, it spreads to them. □�[be V -ed +�by ] For an instant I was infected by her fear. □�[V n +�with ] He thought they might infect others with their bourgeois ideas. □�[V n] His urge for revenge would never infect her.

4 VERB If a virus infects a computer, it affects the computer by damaging or destroying programs. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] This virus infected thousands of computers within days.

in|fect|ed / I nfe kt I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] An infected place is one where germs or bacteria are causing a disease to spread among people or animals. □� In heavily infected areas, half the population become blind.

in|fec|tion ◆◇◇ / I nfe kʃ ə n/ (infections )

1 N‑COUNT An infection is a disease caused by germs or bacteria. □� Ear infections are common in pre-school children.

2 →�see also infect COLLOCATIONS infection NOUN

noun +�infection : chest, ear, kidney, lung, throat

adjective +�infection : bacterial, fungal, respiratory, viral; acute, life-threatening, recurrent, serious, severe

verb +�infection : acquire, contract SYNONYMS infection NOUN

disease:�the rapid spread of disease in the area.

illness:She returned to her family home to recover from an illness.

ailment:The pharmacist can assist you with the treatment of common ailments.

complaint:Eczema is a skin complaint which often runs in families.

virus:There are many different strains of flu virus.

in|fec|tious / I nfe kʃəs/

1 ADJ A disease that is infectious can be caught by being near a person who has it. Compare contagious . □� �infectious diseases such as measles.

2 ADJ If a feeling is infectious , it spreads to other people. □� She radiates an infectious enthusiasm for everything she does.

in|fec|tive / I nfe kt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Infective means related to infection or likely to cause infection. [FORMAL ] □� �a mild and very common infective disease of children.

in|fer / I nfɜː r / (infers , inferring , inferred )

1 VERB If you infer that something is the case, you decide that it is true on the basis of information that you already have. □�[V that] I inferred from what she said that you have not been well. □�[V n] By measuring the motion of the galaxies in a cluster, astronomers can infer the cluster's mass.

2 VERB Some people use infer to mean 'imply', but many people consider this use to be incorrect. □�[V that] The police inferred that they found her behaviour rather suspicious.

in|fer|ence / I nfərəns/ (inferences )

1 N‑COUNT An inference is a conclusion that you draw about something by using information that you already have about it. □� There were two inferences to be drawn from her letter.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Inference is the act of drawing conclusions about something on the basis of information that you already have. □� It had an extremely tiny head and, by inference, a tiny brain.

in|fe|ri|or / I nf I ə riə r / (inferiors )

1 ADJ Something that is inferior is not as good as something else. □� Much of the imported coffee is of inferior quality. □�[+�to ] If children were made to feel inferior to other children their confidence declined.

2 ADJ If one person is regarded as inferiorto another, they are regarded as less important because they have less status or ability. □�[+�to ] He preferred the company of those who were intellectually inferior to himself. ●�N‑COUNT Inferior is also a noun. □� A gentleman should always be civil, even to his inferiors. ●� in|fe|ri|or|ity / I nf I əriɒ r I ti, [AM ] -ɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� I found it difficult to shake off a sense of social inferiority.

i n|fe|ri|o r|ity com|plex (inferiority complexes ) N‑COUNT Someone who has an inferiority complex feels that they are of less worth or importance than other people.

in|fer|nal / I nfɜː r n ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Infernal is used to emphasize that something is very annoying or unpleasant. [OLD-FASHIONED , EMPHASIS ] □� The post office is shut, which is an infernal bore.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Infernal is used to describe things that relate to hell. [LITERARY ] □� �the goddess of the infernal regions.

in|fer|no / I nfɜː r noʊ/ (infernos ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a fire as an inferno , you mean that it is burning fiercely and causing great destruction. [JOURNALISM ] □� Rescue workers fought to get to victims inside the inferno.

in|fer|tile / I nfɜː r ta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/

1 ADJ A person or animal that is infertile is unable to produce babies. □� According to one survey, one woman in eight is infertile. ●� in|fer|til|ity / I nfɜː r t I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Male infertility is becoming commonplace.

2 ADJ Infertile soil is of poor quality so that plants cannot grow in it. □� The polluted waste is often dumped, making the surrounding land infertile.

in|fest / I nfe st/ (infests , infesting , infested )

1 VERB When creatures such as insects or rats infest plants or a place, they are present in large numbers and cause damage. □�[V n] �pests like aphids which infest cereal crops. ●� in|fest|ed ADJ □�[+�with ] The prison is infested with rats. ●� -infested COMB □� �the rat-infested slums where the plague flourished. ●� in|fes|ta|tion / I nfeste I ʃ ə n/ (infestations ) N‑VAR [oft n N ] □� The premises were treated for cockroach infestation. [Also +�of ]

2 VERB If you say that people or things you disapprove of or regard as dangerous are infesting a place, you mean that there are large numbers of them in that place. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Crime and drugs are infesting the inner cities. ●� in|fest|ed ADJ □�[+�with ] The road further south was infested with bandits. ●� -infested COMB □� �the shark-infested waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

in|fi|del / I nf I d ə l/ (infidels ) N‑COUNT If one person refers to another as an infidel , the first person is hostile towards the second person because that person has a different religion or has no religion. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a holy war, to drive the infidels and the non-believers out of this holy land. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Infidel is also an adjective. □� He promised to continue the fight against infidel forces.

in|fi|del|ity / I nf I de l I ti/ (infidelities ) N‑VAR Infidelity occurs when a person who is married or in a steady relationship has sex with another person. □� George ignored his partner's infidelities.

in|fighting / I nfa I t I ŋ/ also in-fighting N‑UNCOUNT Infighting is quarrelling and competition between members of the same group or organization. □�[+�between ] �in-fighting between right-wingers and moderates in the party.

in|fill / I nf I l/ (infills , infilling , infilled ) VERB To infill a hollow place or gap means to fill it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] The entrance to the cave was infilled by the landowner. □�[V ] It is wise to start infilling with a layer of gravel for drainage. [Also V n] in AM, use fill in

in|fil|trate / I nf I ltre I t/ (infiltrates , infiltrating , infiltrated )

1 VERB If people infiltrate a place or organization, or infiltrateinto it, they enter it secretly in order to spy on it or influence it. □�[V n] Activists had infiltrated the student movement. □�[V +�into ] A reporter tried to infiltrate into the prison. ●� in|fil|tra|tion / I nf I ltre I ʃ ə n/ (infiltrations ) N‑VAR □�[+�by ] �an inquiry into alleged infiltration by the far left group.

2 VERB To infiltrate people into a place or organization means to get them into it secretly in order to spy on it or influence it. □�[V n +�into ] Some countries have infiltrated their agents into the Republic.

in|fil|tra|tor / I nf I ltre I tə r / (infiltrators ) N‑COUNT An infiltrator is a person who has infiltrated a place or organization.

infin.infin. is an abbreviation for infinitive .

in|fi|nite / I nf I n I t/

1 ADJ If you describe something as infinite , you are emphasizing that it is extremely great in amount or degree. [EMPHASIS ] □� �an infinite variety of landscapes. □� The choice is infinite. ●� in|fi|nite|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� His design was infinitely better than anything I could have done.

2 ADJ Something that is infinite has no limit, end, or edge. □� Obviously, no company has infinite resources. ●� in|fi|nite|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� A centimeter can be infinitely divided into smaller units.

in|fini|tesi|mal / I nf I n I te s I m ə l/ ADJ Something that is infinitesimal is extremely small. [FORMAL ] □� �mineral substances present in infinitesimal amounts in the soil.

in|fini|tive / I nf I n I t I v/ (infinitives ) N‑COUNT The infinitive of a verb is the basic form, for example 'do', 'be', 'take', and 'eat'. The infinitive is often used with 'to' in front of it.

in|fi|ni|tum / I nf I na I təm/ →�see ad infinitum

in|fin|ity / I nf I n I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Infinity is a number that is larger than any other number and can never be given an exact value. □� These permutations multiply towards infinity.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Infinity is a point that is further away than any other point and can never be reached. □� �the darkness of a starless night stretching to infinity.

in|firm / I nfɜː r m/ ADJ A person who is infirm is weak or ill, and usually old. [FORMAL ] □� �her aging, infirm husband. ●�N‑PLURAL The infirm are people who are infirm. □� We are here to protect and assist the weak and infirm. ●� in|fir|mity / I nfɜː r m I ti/ (infirmities ) N‑VAR □� In spite of his age and infirmity, he still writes plays and novels.

in|fir|ma|ry / I nfɜː r məri/ (infirmaries ) N‑COUNT Some hospitals are called infirmaries . □� Mrs Hardie had been taken to the infirmary in an ambulance.

in|flame / I nfle I m/ (inflames , inflaming , inflamed ) VERB If something inflames a situation or inflames people's feelings, it makes people feel even more strongly about something. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The General holds the rebels responsible for inflaming the situation.

in|flamed / I nfle I md/ ADJ If part of your body is inflamed , it is red or swollen, usually as a result of an infection, injury, or illness. [FORMAL ] □� Symptoms include red, itchy and inflamed skin.

in|flam|mable / I nfl� məb ə l/ ADJ An inflammable material or chemical catches fire and burns easily. □� �a highly inflammable liquid.

in|flam|ma|tion / I nfləme I ʃ ə n/ (inflammations ) N‑VAR An inflammation is a painful redness or swelling of a part of your body that results from an infection, injury, or illness. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The drug can cause inflammation of the liver.

in|flam|ma|tory / I nfl� mətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/

1 ADJ If you accuse someone of saying or doing inflammatory things, you mean that what they say or do is likely to make people react very angrily. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �nationalist policies that are too drastic and inflammatory.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An inflammatory condition or disease is one in which the patient suffers from inflammation. [FORMAL ] □� �the inflammatory reactions that occur in asthma.

in|flat|able / I nfle I təb ə l/ (inflatables )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An inflatable object is one that you fill with air when you want to use it. □� The children were playing on the inflatable castle.

2 N‑COUNT An inflatable is an inflatable object, especially a small boat.

in|flate / I nfle I t/ (inflates , inflating , inflated )

1 VERB If you inflate something such as a balloon or tyre, or if it inflates , it becomes bigger as it is filled with air or a gas. □�[V n] Stuart jumped into the sea and inflated the liferaft. □�[V ] Don's lifejacket had failed to inflate.

2 VERB If you say that someone inflates the price of something, or that the price inflates , you mean that the price increases. □�[V n] The promotion of a big release can inflate a film's final cost. □�[V ] Clothing prices have not inflated as much as automobiles. ●� in|flat|ed ADJ □� They had to buy everything at inflated prices at the ranch store.

3 VERB If someone inflates the amount or effect of something, they say it is bigger, better, or more important than it really is, usually so that they can profit from it. □�[V n] They inflated clients' medical treatment to defraud insurance companies.

in|fla|tion ◆◆◇ / I nfle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Inflation is a general increase in the prices of goods and services in a country. [BUSINESS ] □� �rising unemployment and high inflation. □� �an inflation rate of only 2.2%. COLLOCATIONS inflation NOUN

noun +�inflation : consumer price, food, house price, wage

adjective +�inflation : rampant, rising; high, low

verb +�inflation : stoke; control, curb, reduce; outstrip

in|fla|tion|ary / I nfle I ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Inflationary means connected with inflation or causing inflation. [BUSINESS ] □� The bank is worried about mounting inflationary pressures.

in|flect / I nfle kt/ (inflects , inflecting , inflected ) VERB If a word inflects , its ending or form changes in order to show its grammatical function. If a language inflects , it has words in it that inflect. ●� in|flect|ed ADJ □� �Sanskrit, a highly inflected language.

-inflected /- I nflekt I d/

1 COMB -inflected is used to form adjectives describing someone's voice or accent. [LITERARY ] □� 'I should like a word with you,' said the newcomer, in a pleasantly-inflected baritone.

2 COMB -inflected is used to form adjectives describing the style of a piece of music or a performance. [JOURNALISM ] □� �his attacking, gospel-inflected vocal style.

in|flec|tion / I nfle kʃ ə n/ (inflections )

1 N‑VAR An inflection in someone's voice is a change in its tone or pitch as they are speaking. [WRITTEN ] □� The man's voice was devoid of inflection.

2 N‑VAR In grammar, an inflection is a change in the form of a word that shows its grammatical function, for example a change that makes a noun plural or makes a verb into the past tense.

in|flex|ible / I nfle ks I b ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is inflexible cannot be altered in any way, even if the situation changes. □� Workers insisted the new system was too inflexible. ●� in|flex|ibil|ity / I nfle ks I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The snag about an endowment mortgage is its inflexibility.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is inflexible , you are criticizing them because they refuse to change their mind or alter their way of doing things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His opponents viewed him as stubborn, dogmatic, and inflexible. ●� in|flex|ibil|ity N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □�[+�of ] Joyce was irritated by the inflexibility of her colleagues.

in|flex|ion / I nfle kʃ ə n/ →�see inflection

in|flict / I nfl I kt/ (inflicts , inflicting , inflicted ) VERB To inflict harm or damage on someone or something means to make them suffer it. □�[V n +�on ] Rebels say they have inflicted heavy casualties on government forces. □�[V n] The dog then attacked her, inflicting serious injuries. ●� in|flic|tion / I nfl I kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �without the unnecessary or cruel infliction of pain.

i n-flight also inflight ADJ [ADJ n] In-flight services are ones that are provided on board an aeroplane. □� �an inflight magazine.

in|flow / I nfloʊ/ (inflows ) N‑COUNT If there is an inflowof money or people into a place, a large amount of money or people move into a place. □�[+�of ] The Swiss wanted to discourage an inflow of foreign money.

in|flu|ence ◆◆◇ / I nfluəns/ (influences , influencing , influenced )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Influence is the power to make other people agree with your opinions or do what you want. □�[+�over ] He denies exerting any political influence over them. □� The government should continue to use its influence for the release of all hostages.

2 VERB If you influence someone, you use your power to make them agree with you or do what you want. □�[V n] He is trying to improperly influence a witness. □�[V n to-inf] My dad influenced me to do electronics.

3 N‑COUNT To have an influenceon people or situations means to affect what they do or what happens. □�[+�on ] Van Gogh had a major influence on the development of modern painting.

4 VERB If someone or something influences a person or situation, they have an effect on that person's behaviour or that situation. □�[V n] We became the best of friends and he influenced me deeply. □�[V wh] They still influence what's played on the radio.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu adj N ] Someone or something that is a good or bad influenceon people has a good or bad effect on them. □�[+�on ] I thought Sue would be a good influence on you.

6 PHRASE If you are under the influence of someone or something, you are being affected or controlled by them. □� He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

in|flu|en|tial / I nflue nʃ ə l/ ADJ Someone or something that is influential has a lot of influence over people or events. □�[+�in ] He had been influential in shaping economic policy. □� �one of the most influential books ever written.

in|flu|en|za / I nflue nzə/ N‑UNCOUNT Influenza is the same as flu . [FORMAL ]

in|flux / I nflʌks/ (influxes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An influxof people or things into a place is their arrival there in large numbers. □�[+�of ] �problems caused by the influx of refugees.

info / I nfoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Info is information. [INFORMAL ] □� For more info phone 414-3935.

info|bahn / I nfoʊbɑːn/ N‑SING The infobahn means the same as the information superhighway .

in|fo|mer|cial / I nfoʊmɜː r ʃ ə l/ (infomercials ) N‑COUNT An infomercial is a television programme in which a famous person gives information about a company's products or services, or a politician gives his or her opinions. The word is formed from 'information' and 'commercial'.

in|form ◆◇◇ / I nfɔː r m/ (informs , informing , informed )

1 VERB If you inform someone of something, you tell them about it. □�[V n +�of ] They would inform him of any progress they had made. □�[V n that] My daughter informed me that she was pregnant. □�[V n with quote] 'I just added a little soy sauce,' he informs us. [Also V n]

2 VERB If someone informs on a person, they give information about the person to the police or another authority, which causes the person to be suspected or proved guilty of doing something bad. □�[V +�on ] Thousands of American citizens have informed on these organized crime syndicates.

3 VERB If a situation or activity is informed by an idea or a quality, that idea or quality is very noticeable in it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�by ] All great songs are informed by a certain sadness and tension. □�[V n] The concept of the Rose continued to inform the poet's work.

in|for|mal / I nfɔː r m ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Informal speech or behaviour is relaxed and friendly rather than serious, very correct, or official. □� She is refreshingly informal. ●� in|for|mal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She was always there at half past eight, chatting informally to the children. ●� in|for|mal|ity / I nfɔː r m� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He was overwhelmed by their friendly informality.

2 ADJ An informal situation is one which is relaxed and friendly and not very serious or official. □� The house has an informal atmosphere.

3 ADJ Informal clothes are casual and suitable for wearing when you are relaxing, but not on formal occasions. □� For lunch, dress is informal. ●� in|for|mal|ly ADV □� Everyone dressed informally in shorts or jeans.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use informal to describe something that is done unofficially or casually without planning. □� The two leaders will retire to the country for informal discussions. ●� in|for|mal|ly ADV □� He began informally to handle Ted's tax affairs for him.

in|form|ant / I nfɔː r mənt/ (informants )

1 N‑COUNT An informant is someone who gives another person a piece of information. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT An informant is the same as an informer .

in|for|ma|tion ◆◆◆ / I nfə r me I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Information about someone or something consists of facts about them. □�[+�about ] Pat refused to give her any information about Sarah. □�[+�on ] Each centre would provide information on technology and training. □� �an important piece of information.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Information consists of the facts and figures that are stored and used by a computer program. [COMPUTING ] □� Pictures are scanned into a form of digital information that computers can recognize.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Information is a service which you can call to find out someone's phone number. [AM ] in BRIT, use directory enquiries USAGE information

1 �Information� is an uncountable noun. Don�t talk about � an information ' or � informations �. You can talk about a piece of information . □� I wondered how to use this piece of information .

2 Don�t use �tell�. Don�t say, for example, � Pat did not tell her any information about Sarah .� You say that you give people information, for example, say �Pat did not give her any information about Sarah�.

in|for|ma|tion|al / I nfə r me I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Informational means relating to information. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the informational needs of school-age children.

in|for|ma |tion tech|no l|ogy N‑UNCOUNT Information technology is the theory and practice of using computers to store and analyse information. The abbreviation IT is often used. □� �the information technology industry.

in|forma|tive / I nfɔː r mət I v/ ADJ Something that is informative gives you useful information. □� The adverts are not very informative.

in|formed / I nfɔː r md/

1 ADJ Someone who is informed knows about a subject or what is happening in the world. □� Informed people know the company is shaky. □� �the importance of keeping the public properly informed.

2 →�see also well-informed

3 ADJ [ADJ n] When journalists talk about informed sources, they mean people who are likely to give correct information because of their private or special knowledge. □� According to informed sources, those taken into custody include at least one major-general.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] An informed guess or decision is one that likely to be good, because it is based on definite knowledge or information. □� We are able to make more informed choices about how we use drugs.

5 →�see also inform

in|form|er / I nfɔː r mə r / (informers ) N‑COUNT An informer is a person who tells the police that someone has done something illegal. □� �two men suspected of being police informers.

info|tain|ment / I nfoʊte I nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Infotainment is used to refer to radio or television programmes that are intended both to entertain people and to give information. The word is formed from 'information' and 'entertainment'.

infra|red / I nfrəre d/ also infra-red

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Infrared radiation is similar to light but has a longer wavelength, so we cannot see it without special equipment.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Infrared equipment detects infrared radiation. □� �searching with infra-red scanners for weapons and artillery.

infra|struc|ture ◆◇◇ / I nfrəstrʌktʃə r / (infrastructures ) N‑VAR The infrastructure of a country, society, or organization consists of the basic facilities such as transport, communications, power supplies, and buildings, which enable it to function. □� �investment in infrastructure.

in|fre|quent / I nfriː kwənt/ ADJ If something is infrequent , it does not happen often. □� �John's infrequent visits to London. ●� in|fre|quent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The bridge is used infrequently.

in|fringe / I nfr I ndʒ/ (infringes , infringing , infringed )

1 VERB If someone infringes a law or a rule, they break it or do something which disobeys it. □�[V n] The film exploited his image and infringed his copyright.

2 VERB If something infringes people's rights, it interferes with these rights and does not allow people the freedom they are entitled to. □�[V n] They rob us, they infringe our rights, they kill us. □�[V +�on ] It's starting to infringe on our personal liberties.

in|fringe|ment / I nfr I ndʒmənt/ (infringements )

1 N‑VAR An infringement is an action or situation that interferes with your rights and the freedom you are entitled to. □�[+�of ] �infringement of privacy. □�[+�on ] They see it as an infringement on their own freedom of action.

2 N‑VAR An infringementof a law or rule is the act of breaking it or disobeying it. □�[+�of ] There might have been an infringement of the rules.

in|furi|ate / I nfjʊə rie I t/ (infuriates , infuriating , infuriated ) VERB If something or someone infuriates you, they make you extremely angry. □�[V n] Jimmy's presence had infuriated Hugh. □�[V n to-inf] It infuriates us to have to deal with this particular mayor. [Also V n that] ●� in|furi|at|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □�[+�with ] I was absolutely infuriated with him.

in|furi|at|ing / I nfjʊə rie I t I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is infuriating annoys you very much. □� I was in the middle of typing when Robert rang. It was infuriating! ●� in|furi|at|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� This book is infuriatingly repetitious.

in|fuse / I nfjuː z/ (infuses , infusing , infused ) VERB To infuse a quality into someone or something, or to infuse them with a quality, means to fill them with it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] Many of the girls seemed to be infused with excitement on seeing the snow. □�[V n +�into ] A union would infuse unnecessary conflict into the company's employee relations. [Also V n +�with ]

in|fu|sion / I nfjuː ʒ ə n/ (infusions ) N‑VAR If there is an infusion of one thing into another, the first thing is added to the other thing and makes it stronger or better. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He brought a tremendous infusion of hope to the people.

SUFFIX -ing

is added to verbs to make the -ing form, or present participle. Present participle forms are often used as adjectives describing a person or thing who is doing something. For example, a sleeping baby is a baby that is sleeping and an amusing joke is a joke that amuses people. Present participle forms are also used as nouns that refer to activities. For example, if you say you like dancing , you mean that you like to dance.

in|gen|ious / I ndʒiː niəs/ ADJ Something that is ingenious is very clever and involves new ideas, methods, or equipment. □� �a truly ingenious invention. ●� in|gen|ious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The roof has been ingeniously designed to provide solar heating.

in|ge|nue /� nʒe I njuː / (ingenues ) also ing�nue N‑COUNT [usu sing] An ingenue is a young, innocent girl in a play or film, or an actress who plays the part of young, innocent girls. [FORMAL ] □� I don't want any more ingenue roles.

in|genu|ity / I ndʒənjuː I ti, [AM ] -nuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Ingenuity is skill at working out how to achieve things or skill at inventing new things. □� Inspecting the nest may require some ingenuity.

in|genu|ous / I ndʒe njuəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as ingenuous , you mean that they are innocent, trusting, and honest. [FORMAL ] □� He seemed too ingenuous for a reporter. ●� in|genu|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Somewhat ingenuously, he explains how the crime may be accomplished.

in|gest / I ndʒe st/ (ingests , ingesting , ingested ) VERB When animals or plants ingest a substance, they take it into themselves, for example by eating or absorbing it. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] �side effects occurring in fish that ingest this substance. ●� in|ges|tion / I ndʒe stʃən/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Every ingestion of food can affect our mood or thinking processes.

in|glo|ri|ous / I nglɔː riəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as inglorious , you mean that it is something to be ashamed of. □� He wouldn't have accepted such an inglorious outcome. ●� in|glo|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� If fighting worsens, the troops might be reinforced, or ingloriously withdrawn.

in|got / I ŋgət/ (ingots ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] An ingot is a lump of metal, usually shaped like a brick. □� �gold ingots.

in|grained / I ngre I nd/ ADJ Ingrained habits and beliefs are difficult to change or remove. □� Morals tend to be deeply ingrained.

in|gra|ti|ate / I ngre I ʃie I t/ (ingratiates , ingratiating , ingratiated ) VERB If someone tries to ingratiatethemselves with you, they do things to try and make you like them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V pron-refl +�with ] Many politicians are trying to ingratiate themselves with her. [Also V pron-refl]

in|gra|ti|at|ing / I ngre I ʃie I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as ingratiating , you mean that they try to make people like them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He said this with an ingratiating smile.

in|grati|tude / I ngr� t I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Ingratitude is lack of gratitude for something that has been done for you. □�[+�from ] The Government could expect only ingratitude from the electorate.

in|gre|di|ent ◆◇◇ / I ngriː diənt/ (ingredients )

1 N‑COUNT Ingredients are the things that are used to make something, especially all the different foods you use when you are cooking a particular dish. □� Mix in the remaining ingredients.

2 N‑COUNT An ingredient of a situation is one of the essential parts of it. □�[+�of ] The meeting had all the ingredients of high political drama. SYNONYMS ingredient NOUN 2

component:The management plan has four main components.

element:This was one of the key elements of the U.N.'s peace plan.

feature:Patriotic songs have long been a feature of Kuwaiti life.

aspect:He was interested in all aspects of the work here.

part:Respect is a very important part of any relationship.

in|grown / I ngroʊ n/ or ingrowing / I ngroʊ I ŋ/ ADJ An ingrown toenail, or in British English an ingrowing toenail, is one which is growing into your toe, often causing you pain.

in|hab|it / I nh� b I t/ (inhabits , inhabiting , inhabited ) VERB If a place or region is inhabited by a group of people or a species of animal, those people or animals live there. □�[be V -ed] The valley is inhabited by the Dani tribe. □�[V n] �the people who inhabit these islands. □�[V -ed] �a land primarily inhabited by nomads.

in|hab|it|ant / I nh� b I tənt/ (inhabitants ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The inhabitants of a place are the people who live there. □�[+�of ] �the inhabitants of Glasgow.

in|ha|la|tion / I nhəle I ʃ ə n/ (inhalations )

1 N‑VAR Inhalation is the process or act of breathing in, taking air and sometimes other substances into your lungs. [FORMAL ] □� �a complete cycle of inhalation and exhalation. □� They were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. □� Take several deep inhalations.

2 N‑COUNT An inhalation is a treatment for colds and other illnesses in which you dissolve substances in hot water and breathe in the vapour. □� Inhalations can soothe and control the cough.

in|hale / I nhe I l/ (inhales , inhaling , inhaled ) VERB When you inhale , you breathe in. When you inhale something such as smoke, you take it into your lungs when you breathe in. □�[V ] He took a long slow breath, inhaling deeply. □�[V n] He was treated for the effects of inhaling smoke.

in|hal|er / I nhe I lə r / (inhalers ) N‑COUNT An inhaler is a small device that helps you to breathe more easily if you have asthma or a bad cold. You put it in your mouth and breathe in deeply, and it sends a small amount of a drug into your lungs.

in|her|ent / I nhe rənt, -h I ə r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] The inherent qualities of something are the necessary and natural parts of it. □� Stress is an inherent part of dieting. □�[+�in ] �the dangers inherent in an outbreak of war. ●� in|her|ent|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Aeroplanes are not inherently dangerous.

in|her|it / I nhe r I t/ (inherits , inheriting , inherited )

1 VERB If you inherit money or property, you receive it from someone who has died. □�[V n] He has no son to inherit his land. □�[V n +�from ] �paintings that he inherited from his father. □�[V -ed] �people with inherited wealth.

2 VERB If you inherit something such as a task, problem, or attitude, you get it from the people who used to have it, for example because you have taken over their job or been influenced by them. □�[V n +�from ] The government inherited an impossible situation from its predecessors.

3 VERB If you inherit a characteristic or quality, you are born with it, because your parents or ancestors also had it. □�[V n +�from ] We inherit many of our physical characteristics from our parents. □�[V n] Her children have inherited her love of sport. □�[V -ed] Stammering is probably an inherited defect.

in|her|it|ance / I nhe r I t ə ns/ (inheritances )

1 N‑VAR An inheritance is money or property which you receive from someone who has died. □� She feared losing her inheritance to her stepmother.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft with poss] If you get something such as job, problem, or attitude from someone who used to have it, you can refer to this as an inheritance . □� �the situation that was Truman's inheritance as President.

3 N‑SING Your inheritance is the particular characteristics or qualities which your family or ancestors had and which you are born with. □� Eye colour shows your genetic inheritance.

in|he r|it|ance tax (inheritance taxes ) N‑COUNT An inheritance tax is a tax which has to be paid on the money and property of someone who has died.

in|heri|tor / I nhe r I tə r / (inheritors ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The inheritors of something such as a tradition are the people who live or arrive after it has been established and are able to benefit from it. □�[+�of ] �the proud inheritors of the Prussian military tradition.

in|hib|it / I nh I b I t/ (inhibits , inhibiting , inhibited )

1 VERB If something inhibits an event or process, it prevents it or slows it down. □�[V n] The high cost of borrowing is inhibiting investment by industry in new equipment.

2 VERB To inhibit someone from doing something means to prevent them from doing it, although they want to do it or should be able to do it. □�[V n +�from ] It could inhibit the poor from getting the medical care they need.

in|hib|it|ed / I nh I b I t I d/ ADJ If you say that someone is inhibited , you mean they find it difficult to behave naturally and show their feelings, and that you think this is a bad thing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] We are rather inhibited about touching each other.

in|hi|bi|tion / I n I b I ʃ ə n/ (inhibitions ) N‑VAR Inhibitions are feelings of fear or embarrassment that make it difficult for you to behave naturally. □� The whole point about dancing is to stop thinking and lose all your inhibitions.

in|hos|pi|table / I nhɒsp I təb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An inhospitable place is unpleasant to live in. □� �the Earth's most inhospitable regions.

2 ADJ If someone is inhospitable , they do not make people welcome when they visit.

i n-hou se ADJ In-house work or activities are done by employees of an organization or company, rather than by workers outside the organization or company. □� A lot of companies do in-house training. ●�ADV In-house is also an adverb. □� The magazine is still produced in-house.

in|hu|man / I nhjuː mən/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe treatment or an action as inhuman , you mean that it is extremely cruel. □� The detainees are often held in cruel and inhuman conditions.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as inhuman , you mean that they are strange or bad because they do not seem human in some way. □� �inhuman shrieks that chilled my heart.

in|hu|mane / I nhjʊme I n/ ADJ If you describe something as inhumane , you mean that it is extremely cruel. □� He was kept under inhumane conditions.

in|hu|man|ity / I nhjʊm� n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT You can describe extremely cruel actions as inhumanity . □�[+�of ] �the inhumanity of war.

in|imi|cal / I n I m I k ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Conditions that are inimicalto something make it difficult for that thing to exist or do well. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] �goals inimical to Western interests.

in|imi|table / I n I m I təb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use inimitable to describe someone, especially a performer, when you like or admire them because of their special qualities. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� He makes his own point in his own inimitable way.

in|iqui|tous / I n I kw I təs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as iniquitous , you mean that it is very unfair or morally bad. [FORMAL ] □� �an iniquitous fine.

in|iquity / I n I kw I ti/ (iniquities ) N‑VAR You can refer to wicked actions or very unfair situations as iniquity . [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He rails against the iniquities of capitalism.

ini|tial ◆◇◇ / I n I ʃ ə l/ (initials , initialling , initialled ) in AM, use initialing , initialed1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use initial to describe something that happens at the beginning of a process. □� The initial reaction has been excellent.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] Initials are the capital letters which begin each word of a name. For example, if your full name is Michael Dennis Stocks, your initials will be M.D.S. □� �a silver Porsche car with her initials JB on the side.

3 VERB If someone initials an official document, they write their initials on it, for example to show that they have seen it or that they accept or agree with it. □�[V n] Would you mind initialing this voucher? SYNONYMS initial ADJ 1

opening:�the opening day of the fifth General Synod.

first:She lost 16 pounds in the first month of her diet.

early:�the early hours of Saturday morning.

introductory:�just out on the shelves at an introductory price of �2.99.

ini|tial|ly ◆◇◇ / I n I ʃəli/ ADV [ADV with v] Initially means soon after the beginning of a process or situation, rather than in the middle or at the end of it. □� Forecasters say the gales may not be as bad as they initially predicted. SYNONYMS initially ADV

at first:At first, he seemed surprised by my questions.

first:I met him first at his house where we had a chat.

originally:France originally refused to sign the treaty.

to begin with:It was great to begin with but now it's difficult.

ini|ti|ate / I n I ʃie I t/ (initiates , initiating , initiated )

1 VERB If you initiate something, you start it or cause it to happen. □�[V n] They wanted to initiate a discussion on economics.

2 VERB If you initiate someone into something, you introduce them to a particular skill or type of knowledge and teach them about it. □�[V n +�into ] He initiated her into the study of other cultures. [Also V n]

3 VERB If someone is initiatedinto something such as a religion, secret society, or social group, they become a member of it by taking part in ceremonies at which they learn its special knowledge or customs. □�[be V -ed +�into ] In many societies, young people are formally initiated into their adult roles. □�[V n +�into ] �the ceremony that initiated members into the Order. [Also V n]

ini|tia|tion / I n I ʃie I ʃ ə n/ (initiations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The initiation of something is the starting of it. □�[+�of ] They announced the initiation of a rural development programme.

2 N‑VAR [N n] Someone's initiationinto a particular group is the act or process by which they officially become a member, often involving special ceremonies. □�[+�into ] This was my initiation into the peace movement.

ini|tia|tive ◆◇◇ / I n I ʃət I v/ (initiatives )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] An initiative is an important act or statement that is intended to solve a problem. □� Government initiatives to help young people have been inadequate. □� There's talk of a new peace initiative.

2 N‑SING In a fight or contest, if you have the initiative , you are in a better position than your opponents to decide what to do next. □� We have the initiative; we intend to keep it.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you have initiative , you have the ability to decide what to do next and to do it, without needing other people to tell you what to do. □� She was disappointed by his lack of initiative.

4 PHRASE If you take the initiative in a situation, you are the first person to act, and are therefore able to control the situation. □� We must take the initiative in the struggle to end the war.

ini|tia|tor / I n I ʃie I tə r / (initiators ) N‑COUNT The initiator of a plan or process is the person who was responsible for thinking of it or starting it. □�[+�of ] �one of the major initiators of the tumultuous changes in Eastern Europe.

in|ject / I ndʒe kt/ (injects , injecting , injected )

1 VERB To inject someone with a substance such as a medicine means to put it into their body using a device with a needle called a syringe. □�[be V -ed +�with ] His son was injected with strong drugs. □�[V n +�into ] The technique consists of injecting healthy cells into the weakened muscles. □�[V pron-refl] He needs to inject himself once a month. [Also V n, V n +�with ]

2 VERB If you inject a new, exciting, or interesting quality into a situation, you add it. □�[V n +�into ] She kept trying to inject a little fun into their relationship.

3 VERB If you inject money or resources into a business or organization, you provide more money or resources for it. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n +�into ] He has injected �5.6 billion into the health service.

in|jec|tion / I ndʒe kʃ ə n/ (injections )

1 N‑COUNT If you have an injection , a doctor or nurse puts a medicine into your body using a device with a needle called a syringe. □� They gave me an injection to help me sleep.

2 N‑COUNT An injectionof money or resources into an organization is the act of providing it with more money or resources, to help it become more efficient or profitable. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] An injection of cash is needed to fund some of these projects.

in|ju|di|cious / I ndʒʊd I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe a person or something that they have done as injudicious , you are critical of them because they have shown very poor judgment. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He blamed injudicious comments by bankers for last week's devaluation.

in|junc|tion / I ndʒʌ ŋkʃ ə n/ (injunctions )

1 N‑COUNT An injunction is a court order, usually one telling someone not to do something. [LEGAL ] □�[+�against ] He took out a court injunction against the newspaper demanding the return of the document.

2 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] An injunctionto do something is an order or strong request to do it. [FORMAL ] □� We hear endless injunctions to build a sense of community among staff.

in|jure / I ndʒə r / (injures , injuring , injured ) VERB If you injure a person or animal, you damage some part of their body. □�[V n] A number of bombs have exploded, seriously injuring at least five people. □�[V ] �stiff penalties for motorists who kill, maim, and injure.

in|jured ◆◇◇ / I ndʒə r d/

1 ADJ An injured person or animal has physical damage to part of their body, usually as a result of an accident or fighting. □� The other injured man had a superficial stomach wound. □� Many of them will have died because they were so badly injured. ●�N‑PLURAL The injured are people who are injured. □� Army helicopters tried to evacuate the injured.

2 ADJ If you have injured feelings, you feel upset because you believe someone has been unfair or unkind to you. □� �a look of injured pride. SYNONYMS injured ADJ 1

hurt:His comrades asked him if he was hurt.

wounded:The two wounded men were taken to a nearby hospital.

i n|jured pa r|ty (injured parties ) N‑COUNT Theinjured party in a court case or dispute about unfair treatment is the person who says they were unfairly treated. [LEGAL ] □� The injured party got some compensation.

in|ju|ri|ous / I ndʒʊə riəs/ ADJ Something that is injuriousto someone or to their health or reputation is harmful or damaging to them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] �substances that are injurious to health.

in|ju|ry ◆◆◇ / I ndʒəri/ (injuries )

1 N‑VAR An injury is damage done to a person's or an animal's body. □� Four police officers sustained serious injuries in the explosion. □� The two other passengers escaped serious injury.

2 N‑VAR If someone suffers injuryto their feelings, they are badly upset by something. If they suffer injuryto their reputation, their reputation is seriously harmed. [LEGAL ] □�[+�to ] She was awarded �3,500 for injury to her feelings.

3to add insult to injury →�see insult SYNONYMS injury NOUN 1

wound:The wound is healing nicely.

bruise:How did you get that bruise on your cheek?

cut:�cuts and bruises.

gash:There was an inch-long gash just above his right eye.

i n|ju|ry time N‑UNCOUNT Injury time is the period of time added to the end of a football game because play was stopped during the match when players were injured. [mainly BRIT ]

in|jus|tice / I ndʒʌ st I s/ (injustices )

1 N‑VAR Injustice is a lack of fairness in a situation. □� They'll continue to fight injustice.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone has done you an injustice , you mean that they have been unfair in the way that they have judged you or treated you. □� The article does them both an injustice.

ink / I ŋk/ (inks ) N‑VAR Ink is the coloured liquid used for writing or printing. □� The letter was handwritten in black ink.

ink|ling / I ŋkl I ŋ/ (inklings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, N that/wh] If you have aninklingof something, you have a vague idea about it. □�[+�of ] I had no inkling of his real purpose until much later.

ink|well / I ŋkwel/ (inkwells ) N‑COUNT An inkwell is a container for ink on a desk.

inky / I ŋki/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Inky means black or very dark blue. [LITERARY ] □� The moon was rising in the inky sky. ●�ADJ Inky is also a combining form. □� �looking out over an inky-blue ocean.

2 ADJ If something is inky , it is covered in ink. □� �inky fingers.

in|laid / I nle I d/ ADJ An object that is inlaid has a design on it which is made by putting materials such as wood, gold, or silver into the surface of the object. □�[+�with ] �a box delicately inlaid with little triangles.

in|land The adverb is pronounced / I nl� nd/. The adjective is pronounced / I nl�nd/. 1 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If something is situated inland , it is away from the coast, towards or near the middle of a country. If you go inland , you go away from the coast, towards the middle of a country. □� The vast majority live further inland. □� The car turned away from the coast and headed inland.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Inland areas, lakes, and places are not on the coast, but in or near the middle of a country. □� �a rather quiet inland town.

I n|land Re v|enue N‑PROPER In Britain, theInland Revenue was the government authority which collected income tax and some other taxes.

I n|land Re v|enue Ser|vice N‑PROPER In the United States, the Inland Revenue Service is the government authority which collects taxes. The abbreviation IRS is often used.

i n-laws N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your in-laws are the parents and close relatives of your husband or wife.

in|lay / I nle I / (inlays ) N‑VAR An inlay is a design or pattern on an object which is made by putting materials such as wood, gold, or silver into the surface of the object. □�[+�of ] �an inlay of medieval glass.

in|let / I nlet/ (inlets ) N‑COUNT An inlet is a narrow strip of water which goes from a sea or lake into the land. □� �a sheltered inlet.

in|mate / I nme I t/ (inmates ) N‑COUNT The inmates of a prison or mental hospital are the prisoners or patients who are living there.

in|most / I nmoʊst/ ADJ [ADJ n] Inmost means the same as innermost . □� He knew in his inmost heart that he was behaving badly.

inn / I n/ (inns ) N‑COUNT An inn is a small hotel or pub, usually an old one. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �the Waterside Inn.

in|nards / I nə r dz/ N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] The innards of a person or animal are the organs inside their body. [INFORMAL ]

in|nate / I ne I t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An innate quality or ability is one which a person is born with. □� Americans have an innate sense of fairness. ●� in|nate|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� I believe everyone is innately psychic.

in|ner ◆◇◇ / I nə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The inner parts of something are the parts which are contained or are enclosed inside the other parts, and which are closest to the centre. □� Wade stepped inside and closed the inner door behind him.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Your inner feelings are feelings which you have but do not show to other people. □� Loving relationships will give a child an inner sense of security.

i n|ner chi ld N‑SING [oft poss N ] Some psychologists refer to a person's childish feelings as his or her inner child . □� For me, recovery has been all about finding my inner child and accepting her.

i n|ner ci r|cle (inner circles ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An inner circle is a small group of people within a larger group who have a lot of power, influence, or special information. □�[+�of ] �the Prime Minister's inner circle of advisers.

i n|ner ci ty (inner cities ) N‑COUNT You use inner city to refer to the areas in or near the centre of a large city where people live and where there are often social and economic problems. □� �helping kids deal with the fear of living in the inner city.

inner|most / I nə r moʊst/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Your innermost thoughts and feelings are your most personal and secret ones. □� �revealing a company's innermost secrets.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The innermost thing is the one that is nearest to the centre. □� �the innermost part of the eye.

i n|ner tube (inner tubes ) N‑COUNT An inner tube is a rubber tube containing air which is inside a car tyre or a bicycle tyre.

in|ning ◆◇◇ / I n I ŋ/ (innings ) N‑COUNT An inning is one of the nine periods that a standard baseball game is divided into. Each team is at bat once in each inning.

in|nings / I n I ŋz/ (innings ) N‑COUNT An innings is a period in a game of cricket during which a particular team or player is batting. □� The home side were all out for 50 in their second innings.

innit / I n I t/ Innit can be used at the end of a statement to make it into a question. It is a way of saying 'isn't it'. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� The record's great, innit?

inn|keeper / I nkiːpə r / (innkeepers ) N‑COUNT An innkeeper is someone who owns or manages a small hotel or pub. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

in|no|cence / I nəsəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Innocence is the quality of having no experience or knowledge of the more complex or unpleasant aspects of life. □�[+�of ] �the sweet innocence of youth.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] If someone proves their innocence , they prove that they are not guilty of a crime. □� He claims he has evidence which could prove his innocence.

in|no|cent ◆◇◇ / I nəsənt/ (innocents )

1 ADJ If someone is innocent , they did not commit a crime which they have been accused of. □�[+�of ] He was sure that the man was innocent of any crime. □� The police knew from day one that I was innocent.

2 ADJ If someone is innocent , they have no experience or knowledge of the more complex or unpleasant aspects of life. □� They seemed so young and innocent. ●�N‑COUNT An innocent is someone who is innocent. □� Ian was a hopeless innocent where women were concerned. ●� in|no|cent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The baby gurgled innocently on the bed.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Innocent people are those who are not involved in a crime or conflict, but are injured or killed as a result of it. □� All those wounded were innocent victims.

4 ADJ An innocent question, remark, or comment is not intended to offend or upset people, even if it does so. □� It was a perfectly innocent question. SYNONYMS innocent ADJ 2

na�ve:It's na�ve to think that teachers are always tolerant.

trusting:Perhaps I was too trusting.

gullible:I'm so gullible I would have believed him.

unworldly:She was so young, so unworldly.

in|no|cent|ly / I nəsəntli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you say that someone does or says something innocently , you mean that they are pretending not to know something about a situation. □� I caught Chrissie's eye, but she only smiled back at me innocently.

2 →�see also innocent

in|nocu|ous / I nɒ kjuəs/ ADJ Something that is innocuous is not at all harmful or offensive. [FORMAL ] □� Both mushrooms look innocuous but are in fact deadly.

in|no|vate / I nəve I t/ (innovates , innovating , innovated ) VERB To innovate means to introduce changes and new ideas in the way something is done or made. □�[V ] �his constant desire to innovate and experiment.

in|no|va|tion / I nəve I ʃ ə n/ (innovations )

1 N‑COUNT An innovation is a new thing or a new method of doing something. □� The vegetarian burger was an innovation which was rapidly exported to Britain.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Innovation is the introduction of new ideas, methods, or things. □� We must promote originality and encourage innovation.

in|no|va|tive / I nəve I t I v/

1 ADJ Something that is innovative is new and original. □� �products which are more innovative than those of their competitors.

2 ADJ An innovative person introduces changes and new ideas. □� He was one of the most creative and innovative engineers of his generation.

in|no|va|tor / I nəve I tə r / (innovators ) N‑COUNT An innovator is someone who introduces changes and new ideas. □� He is an innovator in this field.

in|no|va|tory / I nəve I təri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ Innovatory means the same as innovative . [mainly BRIT ] □� Only the opening sequence could claim to be genuinely innovatory.

in|nu|en|do / I njue ndoʊ/ (innuendoes or innuendos ) N‑VAR Innuendo is indirect reference to something rude or unpleasant. □� The report was based on rumours, speculation, and innuendo.

in|nu|mer|able / I njuː mərəb ə l, [AM ] -nuː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Innumerable means very many, or too many to be counted. [FORMAL ] □� He has invented innumerable excuses, told endless lies.

in|ocu|late / I nɒ kjʊle I t/ (inoculates , inoculating , inoculated ) VERB To inoculate a person or animal means to inject a weak form of a disease into their body as a way of protecting them against the disease. □�[V n] �a program to inoculate every child in the state. □�[be V -ed +�against ] His dogs were inoculated against rabies. ●� in|ocu|la|tion / I nɒ kjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (inoculations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] This may eventually lead to routine inoculation of children. [Also +�against ]

in|of|fen|sive / I nəfe ns I v/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as inoffensive , you mean that they are not unpleasant or unacceptable in any way, but are perhaps rather dull. □� He's a mild inoffensive man.

in|op|er|able / I nɒ pərəb ə l/ ADJ An inoperable medical condition is one that cannot be cured by a surgical operation. [FORMAL ] □� He was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer.

in|op|era|tive / I nɒ pərət I v/ ADJ An inoperative rule, principle, or tax is one that does not work any more or that cannot be made to work. [FORMAL ]

in|op|por|tune / I nɒ pə r tjuːn, [AM ] -tuː n/ ADJ If you describe something as inopportune or if you say that it happens at an inopportune time, you mean that it happens at an unfortunate or unsuitable time, and causes trouble or embarrassment because of this. □� The dismissals came at an inopportune time.

in|or|di|nate / I nɔː r d I n I t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as inordinate , you are emphasizing that it is unusually or excessively great in amount or degree. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� They spend an inordinate amount of time talking. ●� in|or|di|nate|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� He is inordinately proud of his wife's achievements.

in|or|gan|ic / I nɔː r g� n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Inorganic substances are substances such as stone and metal that do not come from living things. □� �roofing made from organic and inorganic fibres.

i n-patient (in-patients ) also inpatient N‑COUNT An in-patient is someone who stays in hospital while they receive their treatment. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] In-patient is also an adjective. □� �inpatient hospital care.

in|put / I npʊt/ (inputs , inputting ) The form input is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 N‑VAR Input consists of information or resources that a group or project receives. □� We listen to our employees and value their input.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Input is information that is put into a computer. [COMPUTING ]

3 VERB If you input information into a computer, you feed it in, for example by typing it on a keyboard. [COMPUTING ] □�[be V -ed +�onto ] All this information had to be input onto the computer.

i n|put de|vice (input devices ) N‑COUNT An input device is a piece of computer equipment such as a keyboard which enables you to put information into a computer. [COMPUTING ]

i nput/ou tput

1 N‑UNCOUNT Input/output refers to the information that is passed into or out of a computer. [COMPUTING ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Input/output refers to the hardware or software that controls the passing of information into or out of a computer. [COMPUTING ] □� � an input/output system.

in|quest / I nkwest/ (inquests )

1 N‑COUNT When an inquest is held, a public official hears evidence about someone's death in order to find out the cause. □�[+�into ] The inquest into their deaths opened yesterday in Enniskillen.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to an investigation by the people involved into the causes of a defeat or failure as an inquest . □�[+�into ] His plea came last night as party chiefs held an inquest into the election disaster.

in|quire / I nkwa I ə r / (inquires , inquiring , inquired ) also enquire

1 VERB If you inquire about something, you ask for information about it. [FORMAL ] □�[V with quote] 'Is something wrong?' he enquired. □�[V +�of ] 'Who are you?' he enquired of the first man. □�[V +�about ] I rang up to inquire about train times. □�[V wh] He inquired whether there had been any messages for him. □�[V n, V ] He was so impressed that he inquired the young shepherd's name. [Also V +�for ]

2 VERB If you inquire into something, you investigate it carefully. □�[V +�into ] Inspectors were appointed to inquire into the affairs of the company.

▸� inquire after PHRASAL VERB If you inquire after someone, you ask how they are or what they are doing. [FORMAL ] □�[V P n] Elsie called to inquire after my health.

in|quir|er / I nkwa I ə rə r / (inquirers ) also enquirer

1 N‑COUNT An inquirer is a person who asks for information about something or someone. [FORMAL ] □� I send each inquirer a packet of information.

2 N‑COUNT Inquirer is used in the names of some newspapers and magazines. □� �the National Enquirer.

in|quir|ing / I nkwa I ə r I ŋ/ also enquiring

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have an inquiring mind, you have a great interest in learning new things. □� All this helps children to develop an inquiring attitude to learning.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has an inquiring expression on their face, they are showing that they want to know something. [WRITTEN ] □� �an enquiring glance. ●� in|quir|ing|ly ADV □� She looked at me inquiringly. 'Well?'

in|quiry ◆◇◇ / I nkwa I ə ri/ (inquiries ) The spelling enquiry is also used. Inquiry is sometimes pronounced / I ŋkw I ri/ in American English. 1 N‑COUNT An inquiry is a question which you ask in order to get some information. □� He made some inquiries and discovered she had gone to the Continent.

2 N‑COUNT An inquiry is an official investigation. □�[+�into ] The Democratic Party has called for an independent inquiry into the incident.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Inquiry is the process of asking about or investigating something in order to find out more about it. □� The investigation has suddenly switched to a new line of inquiry.

4 →�see also court of inquiry COLLOCATIONS inquiry NOUN 2

noun +�inquiry : competition, corruption; police; murder

adjective +�inquiry : independent, internal, official, public; judicial, parliamentary

inquiry+�be +�adjective : underway

verb +�inquiry : launch, order, set up; carry out, chair, conduct, hold SYNONYMS inquiry NOUN 1

question:The President refused to answer further questions on the subject.

query:If you have any queries, please contact Travel Insurance Services Limited.

investigation:He ordered an investigation into the affair.

in|qui|si|tion / I nkw I z I ʃ ə n/ (inquisitions ) N‑COUNT An inquisition is an official investigation, especially one which is very thorough and uses harsh methods of questioning.

in|quisi|tive / I nkw I z I t I v/ ADJ An inquisitive person likes finding out about things, especially secret things. □� Barrow had an inquisitive nature. ●� in|quisi|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Molly looked at Ann inquisitively. 'Where do you want to go?' ●� in|quisi|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I liked children, loved their innocence and their inquisitiveness.

in|quisi|tor / I nkw I z I tə r / (inquisitors ) N‑COUNT An inquisitor is someone who is asking someone else a series of questions, especially in a rather hostile way or as part of an inquisition.

in|quisi|to|rial / I nkw I z I tɔː ri ə l/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as inquisitorial , you mean they resemble things or people in an inquisition. □� An inquest is an inquisitorial and not an adversarial process.

in|roads / I nroʊdz/ PHRASE If one thing makes inroadsinto another, the first thing starts affecting or destroying the second. □�[+�into ] In Italy, as elsewhere, television has made deep inroads into cinema.

in|sane / I nse I n/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is insane has a mind that does not work in a normal way, with the result that their behaviour is very strange. □� Some people simply can't take it and they just go insane.

2 ADJ If you describe a decision or action as insane , you think it is very foolish or excessive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I said, 'Listen, this is completely insane.' ●� in|sane|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� I would be insanely jealous if Bill left me for another woman.

in|sani|tary / I ns� n I tri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ If something such as a place is insanitary , it is so dirty that it is likely to have a bad effect on people's health. [FORMAL ] □� �the insanitary conditions of slums. □� British prisons remain disgracefully crowded and insanitary.

in|san|ity / I ns� n I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Insanity is the state of being insane. □� The defence pleaded insanity, but the defendant was found guilty and sentenced.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe a decision or an action as insanity , you think it is very foolish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the final financial insanity of the 1980s.

in|sa|tiable / I nse I ʃəb ə l/ ADJ If someone has an insatiable desire for something, they want as much of it as they can possibly get. □� The public has an insatiable appetite for stories about the famous.

in|scribe / I nskra I b/ (inscribes , inscribing , inscribed )

1 VERB If you inscribe words on an object, you write or carve the words on the object. □�[V n +�on ] Some galleries commemorate donors by inscribing their names on the walls. □�[V -ed +�with ] �stone slabs inscribed with Buddhist texts.

2 VERB If you inscribe something in the front of a book or on a photograph, you write it there, often before giving it to someone. □�[V n] On the back I had inscribed the words: 'Here's to Great Ideas! John'. □�[V -ed quote] The book is inscribed: To John Arlott from Laurie Lee.

in|scrip|tion / I nskr I pʃ ə n/ (inscriptions )

1 N‑COUNT An inscription is writing carved into something made of stone or metal, for example a gravestone or medal. □� The medal bears the inscription 'For distinguished service'.

2 N‑COUNT An inscription is something written by hand in the front of a book or on a photograph. □� The inscription reads: 'To Emma, with love from Harry'.

in|scru|table / I nskruː təb ə l/ ADJ If a person or their expression is inscrutable , it is very hard to know what they are really thinking or what they mean. □� In public he remained inscrutable.

in|sect / I nsekt/ (insects ) N‑COUNT An insect is a small animal that has six legs. Most insects have wings. Ants, flies, butterflies, and beetles are all insects.

in|sec|ti|cide / I nse kt I sa I d/ (insecticides ) N‑VAR Insecticide is a chemical substance that is used to kill insects. □� Spray the plants with insecticide.

in|secure / I ns I kjʊə r /

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are insecure , you lack confidence because you think that you are not good enough or are not loved. □�[+�about ] Most mothers are insecure about their performance as mothers. ●� in|secu|rity / I ns I kjʊə r I ti/ (insecurities ) N‑VAR □� She is always assailed by self-doubt and emotional insecurity.

2 ADJ Something that is insecure is not safe or protected. □� �low-paid, insecure jobs. ●� in|secu|rity N‑UNCOUNT □� Crime creates feelings of insecurity in the population.

in|semi|nate / I nse m I ne I t/ (inseminates , inseminating , inseminated )

1 VERB To inseminate a woman or female animal means to put a male's sperm into her in order to make her pregnant. □�[V n] The gadget is used to artificially inseminate cows. ●� in|semi|na|tion / I nse m I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The sperm sample is checked under the microscope before insemination is carried out.

2 →�see also artificial insemination

in|sen|si|tive / I nse ns I t I v/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as insensitive , you are criticizing them for being unaware of or unsympathetic to other people's feelings. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] I felt he was being insensitive about the enormity of what we had done. ●� in|sen|si|tiv|ity / I nse ns I t I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�towards ] I was ashamed at my insensitivity towards her.

2 ADJ Someone who is insensitiveto a situation or to a need does not think or care about it. □�[+�to ] �women's and Latino organizations that say he is insensitive to civil rights. ●� in|sen|si|tiv|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] �insensitivity to the environmental consequences.

3 ADJ Someone who is insensitiveto a physical sensation is unable to feel it. □�[+�to ] He had become insensitive to cold.

in|sepa|rable / I nse prəb ə l/

1 ADJ If one thing is inseparablefrom another, the things are so closely connected that they cannot be considered separately. □�[+�from ] He firmly believes liberty is inseparable from social justice. ●� in|sepa|rably ADV [usu ADV -ed, oft ADV after v] □� In his mind, religion and politics were inseparably intertwined.

2 ADJ If you say that two people are inseparable , you are emphasizing that they are very good friends and spend a great deal of time together. [EMPHASIS ] □� She and Kristin were inseparable.

in|sert (inserts , inserting , inserted ) The verb is pronounced / I nsɜː r t/. The noun is pronounced / I nsɜː r t/. 1 VERB If you insert an object into something, you put the object inside it. □�[V n +�into ] He took a small key from his pocket and slowly inserted it into the lock. □�[V n] Wait for a couple of minutes with your mouth closed before inserting the thermometer. ●� in|ser|tion / I nsɜː r ʃ ə n/ (insertions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the first experiment involving the insertion of a new gene into a human being.

2 VERB If you insert a comment into a piece of writing or a speech, you include it. □�[V n] They joined with the monarchists to insert a clause calling for a popular vote on the issue. [Also V n into/in n] ●� in|ser|tion N‑VAR □�[+�in ] He recorded an item for insertion in the programme.

3 N‑COUNT An insert is something that is inserted somewhere, especially an advertisement on a piece of paper that is placed between the pages of a book or magazine.

i n-se rvice ADJ [ADJ n] If people working in a particular profession are given in-service training, they attend special courses to improve their skills or to learn about new developments in their field. □� �in-service courses for teachers.

in|set / I nset/ (insets )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is insetwith a decoration or piece of material has the decoration or material set inside it. □�[+�with ] �a gold pendant, inset with a diamond.

2 N‑COUNT An inset is a small picture, diagram, or map that is inside a larger one. □� I frequently paint between 10 and 20 insets for my murals.

in|shore The adverb is pronounced / I nʃɔː r /. The adjective is pronounced / I nʃɔː r /. ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If something is inshore , it is in the sea but quite close to the land. If something moves inshore , it moves from the sea towards the land. □� A barge was close inshore about a hundred yards away. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Inshore is also an adjective. □� �inshore reefs and islands.

in|side ◆◆◇ / I nsa I d/ (insides ) The preposition is usually pronounced / I nsa I d/. The form inside of can also be used as a preposition. This form is more usual in American English. 1 PREP Something or someone that is inside a place, container, or object is in it or is surrounded by it. □� Inside the passport was a folded slip of paper. □� There is a phone inside the entrance hall. ●�ADV [ADV after v, be ADV , from ADV , n ADV ] Inside is also an adverb. □� The couple chatted briefly on the doorstep before going inside. □� Inside, a few workers went about their work. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Inside is also an adjective. □� �four-berth inside cabins with en-suite bathroom and shower.

2 N‑COUNT The inside of something is the part or area that its sides surround or contain. □� The doors were locked from the inside. □�[+�of ] I painted the inside of the house. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Inside is also an adjective. □� The popular papers all have photo features on their inside pages. ●�ADV [adj ADV ] Inside is also an adverb. □� The potato cakes should be crisp outside and meltingly soft inside.

3 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] You can say that someone is inside when they are in prison. [INFORMAL ] □� He's been inside three times.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] On a wide road, the inside lane is the one which is closest to the edge of the road. Compare outside . [BRIT ] □� I was driving up at seventy miles an hour on the inside lane on the motorway. ●�N‑SING [oft on the N ] Inside is also a noun. □� I overtook Charlie on the inside. [in AM, use slow lane ]

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Inside information is obtained from someone who is involved in a situation and therefore knows a lot about it. □� Sloane used inside diplomatic information to make himself rich.

6 PREP If you are inside an organization, you belong to it. □� 75 percent of chief executives come from inside the company. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Inside is also an adjective. □� �a recent book about the inside world of pro football. ●�N‑SING Inside is also a noun. □� McAvoy was convinced he could control things from the inside but he lost control.

7 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your insides are your internal organs, especially your stomach. [INFORMAL ]

8 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] If you say that someone has a feeling inside , you mean that they have it but have not expressed it. □� There is nothing left inside�no words, no anger, no tears. ●�PREP Inside is also a preposition. □� He felt a great weight of sorrow inside him. ●�N‑SING Inside is also a noun. □� What is needed is a change from the inside, a real change in outlook and attitude.

9 PREP If you do something inside a particular time, you do it before the end of that time. □� They should have everything working inside an hour.

10 PHRASE If something such as a piece of clothing is inside out , the part that is normally inside now faces outwards. □� Her umbrella blew inside out.

11 PHRASE If you say that you know something or someone inside out , you are emphasizing that you know them extremely well. [EMPHASIS ] □� He knew the game inside out.

in|sid|er / I nsa I də r / (insiders ) N‑COUNT An insider is someone who is involved in a situation and who knows more about it than other people. □� An insider said, 'Katharine has told friends it is time to end her career.'

in|sid|er tra d|ing also insider dealing N‑UNCOUNT Insider trading or insider dealing is the illegal buying or selling of a company's shares by someone who has secret or private information about the company. [BUSINESS ]

in|sidi|ous / I ns I diəs/ ADJ Something that is insidious is unpleasant or dangerous and develops gradually without being noticed. □� The changes are insidious, and will not produce a noticeable effect for 15 to 20 years. ●� in|sidi|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Delusions are sometimes insidiously destructive.

in|sight / I nsa I t/ (insights )

1 N‑VAR If you gain insight or an insightinto a complex situation or problem, you gain an accurate and deep understanding of it. □�[+�into ] The project would give scientists new insights into what is happening to the Earth's atmosphere.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has insight , they are able to understand complex situations. □� He was a man with considerable insight.

in|sight|ful / I nsa I tfʊl/ ADJ If you describe a person or their remarks as insightful , you mean that they show a very good understanding of people and situations. [APPROVAL ] □� She offered some really interesting, insightful observations.

in|sig|nia / I ns I gniə/ (insignia ) N‑COUNT An insignia is a design or symbol which shows that a person or object belongs to a particular organization, often a military one. □�[+�of ] The red star was the national insignia of the USSR.

in|sig|nifi|cance / I ns I gn I f I kəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Insignificance is the quality of being insignificant. □� The cost pales into insignificance when compared with the damage done to his reputation.

in|sig|nifi|cant / I ns I gn I f I kənt/ ADJ Something that is insignificant is unimportant, especially because it is very small. □� In 1949 Bonn was a small, insignificant city.

in|sin|cere / I ns I ns I ə r / ADJ If you say that someone is insincere , you are being critical of them because they say things they do not really mean, usually pleasant, admiring, or encouraging things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Some people are so terribly insincere you can never tell if they are telling the truth. ●� in|sin|cer|ity / I ns I nse r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Too many superlatives lend a note of insincerity.

in|sinu|ate / I ns I njue I t/ (insinuates , insinuating , insinuated )

1 VERB If you say that someone insinuates that something bad is the case, you mean that they say it in an indirect way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V that] The libel claim followed an article which insinuated that the President was lying. [Also V n] ●� in|sin|ua|tion / I ns I njue I ʃ ə n/ (insinuations ) N‑VAR □� He speaks with rage of insinuations that there's a 'gay mafia' in Hollywood.

2 VERB If you say that someone insinuatesthemselves into a particular situation, you mean that they manage very cleverly, and perhaps dishonestly, to get into that situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V pron-refl +�into ] He gradually insinuated himself into her life. [Also V n prep]

in|sinu|at|ing / I ns I njue I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone's words or voice as insinuating , you mean that they are saying in an indirect way that something bad is the case. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Marcus kept making insinuating remarks.

in|sip|id / I ns I p I d/

1 ADJ If you describe food or drink as insipid , you dislike it because it has very little taste. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It tasted indescribably bland and insipid, like warmed cardboard.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as insipid , you mean they are dull and boring. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� On the surface she seemed meek, rather insipid.

in|sist ◆◆◇ / I ns I st/ (insists , insisting , insisted )

1 VERB If you insistthat something should be done, you say so very firmly and refuse to give in about it. If you insiston something, you say firmly that it must be done or provided. □�[V that] My family insisted that I should not give in, but stay and fight. □�[V +�on ] She insisted on being present at all the interviews. □�[V ] I didn't want to join in, but Kenneth insisted.

2 VERB If you insist that something is the case, you say so very firmly and refuse to say otherwise, even though other people do not believe you. □�[V that] The president insisted that he was acting out of compassion, not opportunism. □�[V with quote] 'It's not that difficult,' she insists. □�[V +�on ] Crippen insisted on his innocence.

in|sist|ence / I ns I stəns/ N‑UNCOUNT [N that] Someone's insistence on something is the fact that they insist that it should be done or insist that it is the case. □� �Raeder's insistence that naval uniform be worn. [Also +�on ]

in|sist|ent / I ns I stənt/

1 ADJ [oft ADJ that] Someone who is insistent keeps insisting that a particular thing should be done or is the case. □� Stalin was insistent that the war would be won and lost in the machine shops. [Also +�on ] ●� in|sist|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'What is it?' his wife asked again, gently but insistently.

2 ADJ An insistent noise or rhythm keeps going on for a long time and holds your attention. □� �the insistent rhythms of the Caribbean and Latin America.

in situ / I n s I tjuː, [AM ] - s I tuː/ ADV [ADV after v] If something remains in situ , especially while something is done to it, it remains where it is. [FORMAL ] □� Major works of painting, sculpture, mosaic and architecture were examined in situ in Venice. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] In situ is also an adjective. □� �technical data derived from laboratory and in-situ experimentation.

in|so|far as / I nsəfɑː r əz/ PHRASE You use insofar as to introduce a statement which explains and adds to something you have just said. [FORMAL ] □� Looking back helps insofar as it helps you learn from your mistakes.

in|sole / I nsoʊl/ (insoles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The insoles of a pair of shoes are the soft layer of material inside each one, which the soles of your feet rest on.

in|so|lent / I nsələnt/ ADJ If you say that someone is being insolent , you mean they are being rude to someone they ought to be respectful to. □� �her insolent stare. ●� in|so|lence N‑UNCOUNT □� Pupils could be excluded from school for insolence.

in|sol|uble / I nsɒ ljʊb ə l/

1 ADJ An insoluble problem is so difficult that it is impossible to solve. □� I pushed the problem aside; at present it was insoluble.

2 ADJ If a substance is insoluble , it does not dissolve in a liquid. □� Carotenes are insoluble in water and soluble in oils and fats.

in|sol|ven|cy / I nsɒ lv ə nsi/ (insolvencies ) N‑VAR Insolvency is the state of not having enough money to pay your debts. [BUSINESS , FORMAL ] □� �companies on the brink of insolvency.

in|sol|vent / I nsɒ lv ə nt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A person or organization that is insolvent does not have enough money to pay their debts. [BUSINESS , FORMAL ] □� The bank was declared insolvent.

in|som|nia / I nsɒ mniə/ N‑UNCOUNT Someone who suffers from insomnia finds it difficult to sleep.

in|som|ni|ac / I nsɒ mni�k/ (insomniacs ) N‑COUNT An insomniac is a person who finds it difficult to sleep.

in|sou|ci|ance / I nsuː siəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Insouciance is lack of concern shown by someone about something which they might be expected to take more seriously. [FORMAL ] □� He replied with characteristic insouciance: 'So what?'

in|sou|ci|ant / I nsuː siənt/ ADJ An insouciant action or quality shows someone's lack of concern about something which they might be expected to take more seriously. [FORMAL ] □�[+�about ] Programme-makers seem irresponsibly insouciant about churning out violence.

Insp. N‑TITLE Insp. is the written abbreviation for inspector when it is used as a title. □� �Insp. John Downs.

in|spect ◆◇◇ / I nspe kt/ (inspects , inspecting , inspected )

1 VERB If you inspect something, you look at every part of it carefully in order to find out about it or check that it is all right. □�[V n] Elaine went outside to inspect the playing field. ●� in|spec|tion / I nspe kʃ ə n/ (inspections ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] He had completed his inspection of the doors.

2 VERB When an official inspects a place or a group of people, they visit it and check it carefully, for example in order to find out whether regulations are being obeyed. □�[V n] The Public Utilities Commission inspects us once a year. ●� in|spec|tion N‑VAR □�[+�of ] Officers making a routine inspection of the vessel found fifty kilograms of the drug. SYNONYMS inspect VERB 1

examine:He examined her passport and stamped it.

check:It's worth checking each item for obvious flaws.

survey:He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room.

scrutinize:Their results were carefully scrutinised.

scan:She scanned the advertisement pages of the newspapers.

in|spec|tor ◆◇◇ / I nspe ktə r / (inspectors )

1 N‑COUNT An inspector is a person, usually employed by a government agency, whose job is to find out whether people are obeying official regulations. □� The mill was finally shut down by state safety inspectors.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Britain, an inspector is an officer in the police who is higher in rank than a sergeant and lower in rank than a superintendent. □� I got on the phone to Inspector Joplin at Scotland Yard.

3 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the United States, an inspector is an officer in the police who is next in rank to a superintendent or police chief. □� �San Francisco police inspector Tony Camileri.

in|spec|tor|ate / I nspe ktərət/ (inspectorates ) N‑COUNT An inspectorate is a group of inspectors who work on the same issue or area. □� �the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.

in|spi|ra|tion / I nsp I re I ʃ ə n/ (inspirations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something, which gives you new and creative ideas. □� My inspiration comes from poets like Baudelaire and Jacques Pr�vert.

2 N‑SING [an N ] If you describe someone or something good as aninspiration , you mean that they make you or other people want to do or achieve something. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] Powell's unusual journey to high office is an inspiration to millions.

3 N‑SING If something or someone is the inspiration for a particular book, work of art, or action, they are the source of the ideas in it or act as a model for it. □�[+�for ] India's myths and songs are the inspiration for her books. [also +�behind ]

4 N‑COUNT If you suddenly have an inspiration , you suddenly think of an idea of what to do or say. □� Alison had an inspiration.

in|spi|ra|tion|al / I nsp I re I ʃən ə l/ ADJ Something that is inspirational provides you with inspiration. [APPROVAL ] □� Gandhi was an inspirational figure.

in|spire ◆◇◇ / I nspa I ə r / (inspires , inspiring , inspired )

1 VERB If someone or something inspires you to do something new or unusual, they make you want to do it. □�[V n to-inf] Our challenge is to motivate those voters and inspire them to join our cause.

2 VERB If someone or something inspires you, they give you new ideas and a strong feeling of enthusiasm. □�[V n] Jimi Hendrix inspired a generation of guitarists.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a book, work of art, or action is inspiredby something, that thing is the source of the idea for it. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The book was inspired by a real person, namely Tamara de Treaux. □�[V -ed] �a political murder inspired by the same nationalist conflicts now wrecking the country. ●� -inspired COMB □� �Mediterranean-inspired ceramics in bright yellow and blue.

4 VERB Someone or something that inspires a particular emotion or reaction in people makes them feel this emotion or reaction. □�[V n] The car's performance quickly inspires confidence.

in|spir|ing / I nspa I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ Something or someone that is inspiring is exciting and makes you feel strongly interested and enthusiastic� □� She was one of the most inspiring people I've ever met.

Inst. N‑COUNT Inst. is a written abbreviation for institute or institution . □� �the Liverpool Inst. of Higher Ed.

in|stabil|ity / I nstəb I l I ti/ (instabilities ) N‑UNCOUNT Instability is the quality of being unstable. □� �unpopular policies, which resulted in social discontent and political instability.

in|stall ◆◇◇ / I nstɔː l/ (installs , installing , installed ) also instal

1 VERB If you install a piece of equipment, you fit it or put it somewhere so that it is ready to be used. □�[V n] They had installed a new phone line in the apartment. ●� in|stal|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Hundreds of lives could be saved if the installation of alarms was more widespread.

2 VERB If someone is installed in a new job or important position, they are officially given the job or position, often in a special ceremony. □�[be V -ed] Almost a century of upheaval ended when William III of Orange was installed on the throne. □�[be V -ed +�as ] The opposition candidate of the previous May was installed as president. □�[V n] The army has promised to install a new government within a week. [Also V n as n] ●� in|stal|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □�[+�as ] He sent a letter inviting Naomi to attend his installation as chief of his tribe.

3 VERB If you installyourself in a particular place, you settle there and make yourself comfortable. [FORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] She had installed herself and her daughter, Cathy, in a villa.

in|stal|la|tion / I nstəle I ʃ ə n/ (installations )

1 N‑COUNT An installation is a place that contains equipment and machinery which are being used for a particular purpose. □� �a nuclear installation.

2 →�see also install

in|sta ll|ment plan (installment plans ) N‑COUNT An installment plan is a way of buying goods gradually. You make regular payments to the seller until, after some time, you have paid the full price and the goods belong to you. [AM ] in BRIT, use hire purchase

in|stal|ment / I nstɔː lmənt/ (instalments ) in AM, use installment1 N‑COUNT If you pay for something in instalments , you pay small sums of money at regular intervals over a period of time, rather than paying the whole amount at once. □�[+�of ] The first instalment of �1 per share is payable on application.

2 N‑COUNT An instalment of a story or plan is one of its parts that are published or carried out separately one after the other. □�[+�of ] �the disappointing third instalment of the Highlander series.

in|stance ◆◆◇ / I nstəns/ (instances )

1 PHRASE You use for instance to introduce a particular event, situation, or person that is an example of what you are talking about. □� There are a number of improvements; for instance, both mouse buttons can now be used.

2 N‑COUNT An instance is a particular example or occurrence of something. □�[+�of ] �an investigation into a serious instance of corruption.

3 PHRASE You say in the first instance to mention something that is the first step in a series of actions. □� In the first instance your child will be seen by an ear, nose and throat specialist. SYNONYMS instance NOUN 2

example:The doctors gave numerous examples of patients being expelled from hospital.

case:In extreme cases, insurance companies can prosecute for fraud.

occurrence:Complaints seemed to be an everyday occurrence.

occasion:Mr Davis has been asked on a number of occasions.

in|stant ◆◇◇ / I nstənt/ (instants )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An instant is an extremely short period of time. □� For an instant, Catherine was tempted to flee. □� The pain disappeared in an instant.

2 N‑SING [usu at/in N ] If you say that something happens at a particular instant , you mean that it happens at exactly the time you have been referring to, and you are usually suggesting that it happens quickly or immediately. □� At that instant the museum was plunged into total darkness.

3 PHRASE To do something the instant something else happens means to do it immediately. [EMPHASIS ] □� I had bolted the door the instant I had seen the bat.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use instant to describe something that happens immediately. □� He had taken an instant dislike to Mortlake. ●� in|stant|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The man was killed instantly.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Instant food is food that you can prepare very quickly, for example by just adding water. □� �instant coffee. SYNONYMS instant NOUN 1

moment:In a moment he was gone.

second:Within seconds the other soldiers began firing too.

flash:It was done in a flash.

split second:Her gaze met Michael's for a split second. ADJ 4

immediate:These tragic incidents have had an immediate effect.

prompt:It is not too late, but prompt action is needed.

instantaneous:The bitter wind brought instantaneous tears to his eyes.

in|stan|ta|neous / I nstənte I niəs/ ADJ Something that is instantaneous happens immediately and very quickly. □� Death was instantaneous because both bullets hit the heart. ●� in|stan|ta|neous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Airbags inflate instantaneously on impact.

i n|stant me s|sag|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Instant messaging is a form of written communication that allows you to send messages from one computer to another. The message appears immediately on the screen of the computer you send it to, provided the computer is using the service. The abbreviation IM is also used. □� They keep in contact through instant messaging.

i n|stant re |play (instant replays ) N‑COUNT An instant replay is a repeated showing, usually in slow motion, of an event that has just been on television. [AM ] in BRIT, use action replay

in|stead ◆◆◇ / I nste d/

1 PHRASE If you do one thing instead of another, you do the first thing and not the second thing, as the result of a choice or a change of behaviour. □� They raised prices and cut production, instead of cutting costs. □� Instead of going to work thinking that it will be totally boring, try to be positive.

2 ADV If you do not do something, but do something else instead , you do the second thing and not the first thing, as the result of a choice or a change of behaviour. □� I decided to forget about dieting all the time and eat normally instead.

in|step / I nstep/ (insteps ) N‑COUNT Your instep is the middle part of your foot, where it arches upwards.

in|sti|gate / I nst I ge I t/ (instigates , instigating , instigated ) VERB Someone who instigates an event causes it to happen. □�[V n] Jenkinson instigated a refurbishment of the old gallery. ●� in|sti|ga|tion / I nst I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The talks are taking place at the instigation of Germany.

in|sti|ga|tor / I nst I ge I tə r / (instigators ) N‑COUNT The instigator of an event is the person who causes it to happen. □�[+�of ] He was accused of being the main instigator of the coup.

in|stil / I nst I l/ (instils , instilling , instilled ) in AM, use instill VERB If you instil an idea or feeling in someone, especially over a period of time, you make them think it or feel it. □�[V n +�in/into ] They hope that their work will instil a sense of responsibility in children. □�[V n] The motive of the executions would be to instil fear.

in|stinct / I nst I ŋkt/ (instincts )

1 N‑VAR Instinct is the natural tendency that a person or animal has to behave or react in a particular way. □� I didn't have as strong a maternal instinct as some other mothers. □� He always knew what time it was, as if by instinct.

2 N‑COUNT [also N to-inf] If you have an instinctfor something, you are naturally good at it or able to do it. □�[+�for ] Farmers are increasingly losing touch with their instinct for managing the land.

3 N‑VAR [usu with poss, oft N to-inf] If it is your instinctto do something, you feel that it is right to do it. □� I should've gone with my first instinct, which was not to do the interview.

4 N‑VAR [oft N that] Instinct is a feeling that you have that something is the case, rather than an opinion or idea based on facts. □� He seems so honest and genuine and my every instinct says he's not.

in|stinc|tive / I nst I ŋkt I v/ ADJ An instinctive feeling, idea, or action is one that you have or do without thinking or reasoning. □� It's an absolutely instinctive reaction�if a child falls you pick it up. ●� in|stinc|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Jane instinctively knew all was not well with her 10-month-old son.

in|stinc|tual / I nst I ŋktʃuəl/ ADJ An instinctual feeling, action, or idea is one based on instinct. [WRITTEN ] □� The relationship between a parent and a child is instinctual and stems from basic human nature.

in|sti|tute ◆◆◇ / I nst I tjuːt, [AM ] -tuːt/ (institutes , instituting , instituted )

1 N‑COUNT An institute is an organization set up to do a particular type of work, especially research or teaching. You can also use institute to refer to the building the organization occupies. □� �an elite research institute devoted to computer software.

2 VERB If you institute a system, rule, or course of action, you start it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We will institute a number of measures to better safeguard the public. SYNONYMS institute NOUN 1

establishment:�a scientific research establishment.

body:�the Chairman of the police representative body, the Police Federation.

organization:Most of these specialized schools are provided by voluntary organizations.

institution:�the Institution of Civil Engineers.

association:Research associations are often linked to a particular industry.

in|sti|tu|tion ◆◆◇ / I nst I tjuː ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ (institutions )

1 N‑COUNT An institution is a large important organization such as a university, church, or bank. □� The Hong Kong Bank is Hong Kong's largest financial institution.

2 N‑COUNT An institution is a building where certain people are looked after, for example people who are mentally ill or children who have no parents. □� Larry has been in an institution since he was four.

3 N‑COUNT An institution is a custom or system that is considered an important or typical feature of a particular society or group, usually because it has existed for a long time. □�[+�of ] I believe in the institution of marriage.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The institution of a new system is the act of starting it or bringing it in. □�[+�of ] There was never an official institution of censorship in Albania. SYNONYMS institution NOUN 1

establishment:�a scientific research establishment.

body:�the main trade union body, COSATU, Congress of South African Trade Unions.

organization:�a report by the International Labour Organisation.

in|sti|tu|tion|al / I nst I tjuː ʃən ə l, [AM ] -tuː -/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Institutional means relating to a large organization, for example a university, bank, or church. □� The share price will be determined by bidding from institutional investors.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Institutional means relating to a building where people are looked after or held. □� Outside the protected environment of institutional care he could not survive.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An institutional value or quality is considered an important and typical feature of a particular society or group, usually because it has existed for a long time. □� �social and institutional values.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone accuses an organization of institutional racism or sexism, they mean that the organization is deeply racist or sexist and has been so for a long time. □� �the Macpherson report, which accused the Metropolitan Police of institutional racism. ●� in|sti|tu|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �the Government's policy still appeared to be institutionally racist.

in|sti|tu|tion|al|ize / I nst I tjuː ʃənəla I z, [AM ] -tuː -/ (institutionalizes , institutionalizing , institutionalized ) in BRIT, also use institutionalise1 VERB [usu passive] If someone such as a sick, mentally ill, or old person is institutionalized , they are sent to stay in a special hospital or home, usually for a long period. □�[be V -ed] She became seriously ill and had to be institutionalized for a lengthy period. □�[V -ed] �institutionalized kids with medical problems. ●� in|sti|tu|tion|ali|za|tion / I nst I tjuː ʃənəla I ze I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Institutionalization was necessary when his wife became both blind and violent.

2 VERB To institutionalize something means to establish it as part of a culture, social system, or organization. □�[V n] The goal is to institutionalize family planning into community life. □�[V -ed] In the first century there was no such thing as institutionalized religion. ●� in|sti|tu|tion|ali|za|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the institutionalization of social change.

i n-sto re also instore ADJ [usu ADJ n] In-store facilities are facilities that are available within a department store, supermarket or other large shop. □� �in-store banking. □� �an instore bakery. ●�ADV [ADV after v] In-store is also an adverb. □� Ask in-store for details.

in|struct / I nstrʌ kt/ (instructs , instructing , instructed )

1 VERB If you instruct someone to do something, you formally tell them to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n to-inf] The family has instructed solicitors to sue Thomson for compensation. □�[V with quote] 'Go and have a word with her, Ken,' Webb instructed. □�[V n that] I want you to instruct them that they've got three months to get the details sorted out. [Also V n with quote]

2 VERB Someone who instructs people in a subject or skill teaches it to them. □�[V n +�in/on ] He instructed family members in nursing techniques. [Also V ]

in|struc|tion ◆◇◇ / I nstrʌ kʃ ə n/ (instructions )

1 N‑COUNT An instruction is something that someone tells you to do. □� Two lawyers were told not to leave the building but no reason for this instruction was given.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone gives you instruction in a subject or skill, they teach it to you. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] Each candidate is given instruction in safety.

3 N‑PLURAL Instructions are clear and detailed information on how to do something. □� Always read the instructions before you start taking the medicine. SYNONYMS instruction NOUN 1

order:As darkness fell, Clinton gave orders for his men to rest.

command:The tanker failed to respond to a command to stop.

rule:Strictly speaking, this was against the rules.

ruling:Goodwin tried to have the court ruling overturned.

demand:He grew ever more fierce in his demands.

direction:Do not throw away the directions until we've finished cooking.

in|struc|tion|al / I nstrʌ kʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Instructional books or films are meant to teach people something or to offer them help with a particular problem. □� �instructional material designed to help you with your lifestyle.

in|struc|tive / I nstrʌ kt I v/ ADJ Something that is instructive gives useful information. □� �an entertaining and instructive documentary.

in|struc|tor / I nstrʌ ktə r / (instructors ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] An instructor is someone who teaches a skill such as driving or skiing. In American English, instructor can also be used to refer to a schoolteacher or to a university teacher of low rank. □� �tuition from an approved driving instructor.

in|stru|ment ◆◇◇ / I nstrəmənt/ (instruments )

1 N‑COUNT An instrument is a tool or device that is used to do a particular task, especially a scientific task. □� �instruments for cleaning and polishing teeth. □� The environment itself will at the same time be measured by about 60 scientific instruments.

2 N‑COUNT A musical instrument is an object such as a piano, guitar, or flute, which you play in order to produce music. □� Learning a musical instrument introduces a child to an understanding of music.

3 N‑COUNT An instrument is a device that is used for making measurements of something such as speed, height, or sound, for example on a ship or plane or in a car. □� �crucial instruments on the control panel.

4 N‑COUNT Something that is an instrument for achieving a particular aim is used by people to achieve that aim. □�[+�of ] The veto has been a traditional instrument of diplomacy for centuries.

5 →�see also stringed instrument , wind instrument SYNONYMS instrument NOUN 1

tool:I find the best tool for the purpose is a pair of shears.

device:�an electronic device that protects your vehicle 24 hours a day.

implement:�knives and other useful implements.

gadget:�kitchen gadgets including toasters, kettles and percolators.

utensil:The best carving utensil is a long, sharp, flexible knife.

in|stru|men|tal / I nstrəme nt ə l/ (instrumentals )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is instrumentalin a process or event helps to make it happen. □�[+�in ] In his first years as chairman he was instrumental in raising the company's wider profile.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Instrumental music is performed by instruments and not by voices. □� �a recording of vocal and instrumental music. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Instrumentals are pieces of instrumental music. □� The last track on the abum is an instrumental.

in|stru|men|tal|ist / I nstrəme ntəl I st/ (instrumentalists ) N‑COUNT An instrumentalist is someone who plays a musical instrument.

in|stru|men|ta|tion / I nstrəmente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Instrumentation is a group or collection of instruments, usually ones that are part of the same machine. □� Basic flight instrumentation was similar on both planes.

i n|stru|ment pan|el (instrument panels ) N‑COUNT The instrument panel of a plane, car, or machine is the panel where the dials and switches are located.

in|sub|or|di|nate / I nsəbɔː r d I nət/ ADJ If you say that someone is insubordinate , you mean that they do not obey someone of higher rank. [FORMAL ] □� In industry, a worker who is grossly insubordinate is threatened with discharge.

in|sub|or|di|na|tion / I nsəbɔː r d I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Insubordination is a refusal to obey someone of higher rank. [FORMAL ] □� Hansen and his partner were fired for insubordination.

in|sub|stan|tial / I nsəbst� nʃ ə l/ ADJ Something that is insubstantial is not large, solid, or strong. □� Mars has an insubstantial atmosphere, consisting almost entirely of carbon dioxide.

in|suf|fer|able / I nsʌ frəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is insufferable , you are emphasizing that they are very unpleasant or annoying. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He was an insufferable bore. ●� in|suf|fer|ably / I nsʌ frəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� His letters are insufferably dull.

in|suf|fi|cient / I nsəf I ʃ ə nt/ ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Something that is insufficient is not large enough in amount or degree for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □� He decided there was insufficient evidence to justify criminal proceedings. [Also +�for ] ●� in|suf|fi|cien|cy / I nsəf I ʃ ə nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Late miscarriages are usually not due to hormonal insufficiency. ●� in|suf|fi|cient|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� Food that is insufficiently cooked can lead to food poisoning.

in|su|lar / I nsjʊlə r , [AM ] -sə-/ ADJ If you say that someone is insular , you are being critical of them because they are unwilling to meet new people or to consider new ideas. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the old image of the insular, xenophobic Brit. ●� in|su|lar|ity / I nsjʊl� r I ti, [AM ] -sə-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� But at least they have started to break out of their old insularity.

in|su|late / I nsjʊle I t, [AM ] -sə-/ (insulates , insulating , insulated )

1 VERB If a person or group is insulatedfrom the rest of society or from outside influences, they are protected from them. □�[be V -ed +�from/against ] They wonder if their community is no longer insulated from big city problems. □�[V n +�from/against ] Their wealth had insulated them from reality. ●� in|su|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�from ] They lived in happy insulation from brutal facts.

2 VERB To insulate something such as a building means to protect it from cold or noise by covering it or surrounding it in a thick layer. □�[V n] �a scheme to insulate the homes of pensioners and other low-income households. □�[V n +�from/against ] Is there any way we can insulate our home from the noise? □�[V -ed] Are your hot and cold water pipes well insulated?

3 VERB If a piece of equipment is insulated , it is covered with rubber or plastic to prevent electricity passing through it and giving the person using it an electric shock. □�[be V -ed] In order to make it safe, the element is electrically insulated.

in|su|la|tion / I nsjʊle I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -sə-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Insulation is a thick layer of a substance that keeps something warm, especially a building. □� High electricity bills point to a poor heating system or bad insulation.

2 →�see also insulate

in|su|la|tor / I nsjʊle I tə r , [AM ] -sə-/ (insulators ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An insulator is a material that insulates something. □�[+�against ] Fat is an excellent insulator against the cold.

in|su|lin / I nsjʊl I n, [AM ] -sə-/ N‑UNCOUNT Insulin is a substance that most people produce naturally in their body and which controls the level of sugar in their blood. □� In diabetes the body produces insufficient insulin.

in|sult (insults , insulting , insulted ) The verb is pronounced / I nsʌ lt/. The noun is pronounced / I nsʌlt/. 1 VERB If someone insults you, they say or do something that is rude or offensive. □�[V n] I did not mean to insult you. ●� in|sult|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� I would be a bit insulted if he said anything like that.

2 N‑COUNT An insult is a rude remark, or something a person says or does which insults you. □�[+�to ] Their behaviour was an insult to the people they represent.

3 PHRASE You say to add insult to injury when mentioning an action or fact that makes an unfair or unacceptable situation even worse.

in|sult|ing / I nsʌ lt I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is insulting is rude or offensive. □�[+�to ] The article was insulting to the families of British citizens. ●� in|sult|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Anthony laughed loudly and insultingly.

in|su|per|able / I nsuː pərəb ə l/ ADJ A problem that is insuperable cannot be dealt with successfully. [FORMAL ] □� �an insuperable obstacle to negotiations.

in|sup|port|able / I nsəpɔː r təb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is insupportable , you mean that it cannot be coped with or accepted. [FORMAL ] □� He believes that large families place an insupportable burden on the planet's resources. □� Life without Anna had no savour, was tedious, insupportable.

in|sur|ance ◆◆◇ / I nʃʊə rəns/ (insurances )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Insurance is an arrangement in which you pay money to a company, and they pay money to you if something unpleasant happens to you, for example if your property is stolen or damaged, or if you get a serious illness. □� The insurance company paid out for the stolen jewellery and silver. □�[+�on ] We recommend that you take out travel insurance on all holidays.

2 N‑VAR If you do something as insuranceagainst something unpleasant happening, you do it to protect yourself in case the unpleasant thing happens. □�[+�against ] The country needs a defence capability as insurance against the unexpected. COLLOCATIONS insurance NOUN 1

noun +�insurance : car, health, home, life, travel

verb +�insurance : buy, take out SYNONYMS insurance NOUN 1

assurance:�endowment assurance.

cover:Make sure that the firm's insurance cover is adequate.

protection:This is believed to be the first scheme to offer protection against illness.

indemnity:They were charged with failing to have professional indemnity cover.

in|su r|ance ad|just|er (insurance adjusters ) N‑COUNT An insurance adjuster is the same as a claims adjuster . [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use loss adjuster

in|sure / I nʃʊə r / (insures , insuring , insured )

1 VERB If you insure yourself or your property, you pay money to an insurance company so that, if you become ill or if your property is damaged or stolen, the company will pay you a sum of money. □�[V n] For protection against unforeseen emergencies, you insure your house and your car. □�[V +�against/for ] Think carefully before you insure against accident, sickness and redundancy. □�[V n +�against ] We automatically insure your belongings against fire and theft. [Also V n +�for ]

2 VERB If you insureyourself against something unpleasant that might happen in the future, you do something to protect yourself in case it happens, or to prevent it happening. □�[V pron-refl +�against ] He insured himself against failure by treating only people he was sure he could cure. □�[V +�against ] All the electronics in the world cannot insure against accidents, though.

3 →�see also ensure

in|sured / I nʃʊə r d/ (insured ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The insured is the person who is insured by a particular policy. [LEGAL ] □� Once the insured has sold his policy, he naturally loses all rights to it.

in|sur|er / I nʃʊə rə r / (insurers ) N‑COUNT An insurer is a company that sells insurance. [BUSINESS ]

in|sur|gen|cy / I nsɜː r dʒ ə nsi/ (insurgencies ) N‑VAR An insurgency is a violent attempt to oppose a country's government carried out by citizens of that country. [FORMAL ] □� He has led a violent armed insurgency for 15 years.

in|sur|gent / I nsɜː r dʒ ə nt/ (insurgents ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Insurgents are people who are fighting against the government or army of their own country. [FORMAL ] □� By early yesterday, the insurgents had taken control of the country's main military air base.

in|sur|mount|able / I nsə r maʊ ntəb ə l/ ADJ A problem that is insurmountable is so great that it cannot be dealt with successfully. □� The crisis doesn't seem like an insurmountable problem.

in|sur|rec|tion / I nsəre kʃ ə n/ (insurrections ) N‑VAR An insurrection is violent action that is taken by a large group of people against the rulers of their country, usually in order to remove them from office. [FORMAL ] □� They were plotting to stage an armed insurrection.

int.int. is an abbreviation for internal or for international .

in|tact / I nt� kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is intact is complete and has not been damaged or changed. □� Most of the cargo was left intact after the explosion.

in|take / I nte I k/ (intakes )

1 N‑SING Your intake of a particular kind of food, drink, or air is the amount that you eat, drink, or breathe in. □�[+�of ] Your intake of alcohol should not exceed two units per day.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The people who are accepted into an organization or place at a particular time are referred to as a particular intake . □�[+�of ] �one of this year's intake of students.

in|tan|gible / I nt� ndʒ I b ə l/ (intangibles ) ADJ Something that is intangible is abstract or is hard to define or measure. □� There are intangible benefits beyond a rise in the share price. ●�N‑PLURAL You can refer to intangible things as intangibles . □� Women workers place more importance on intangibles such as a sense of achievement.

in|te|ger / I nt I dʒə r / (integers ) N‑COUNT In mathematics, an integer is an exact whole number such as 1, 7, or 24 as opposed to a number with fractions or decimals. [TECHNICAL ]

in|te|gral / I nt I grəl/ ADJ Something that is an integral part of something is an essential part of that thing. □� Rituals and festivals form an integral part of every human society. [Also +�to ]

in|te|grate ◆◇◇ / I nt I gre I t/ (integrates , integrating , integrated )

1 VERB If someone integrates into a social group, or is integrated into it, they behave in such a way that they become part of the group or are accepted into it. □�[V +�into/with ] He didn't integrate successfully into the Italian way of life. □�[V n +�into/with ] Integrating the kids with the community, finding them a role, is essential. □�[V n] The way Swedes integrate immigrants is, she feels, 100% more advanced. □�[V ] If they want to integrate, that's fine with me. ●� in|te|grat|ed ADJ □� He thinks we are living in a fully integrated, supportive society. ●� in|te|gra|tion / I nt I gre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the integration of people with disabilities into mainstream society.

2 VERB When races integrate or when schools and organizations are integrated , people who are black or belong to ethnic minorities can join white people in their schools and organizations. [AM ] □�[V ] Schools came to us because they wanted to integrate. □�[V n] Encouraging teacher transfer would not, by itself, integrate the teaching corps. ●� in|te|grat|ed ADJ [ADJ n] □� �a black honor student in Chicago's integrated Lincoln Park High School. ●� in|te|gra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� Lots of people in Chicago don't see that racial border. They see progress towards integration.

3 VERB If you integrate one thing with another, or one thing integrateswith another, the two things become closely linked or form part of a whole idea or system. You can also say that two things integrate . □�[V n +�with ] �the problem of integrating the spoken passages with the musical numbers. □�[V +�with ] Ann wanted the conservatory to integrate with the kitchen. □�[V n +�into ] Little attempt was made to integrate the parts into a coherent whole. □�[V n] Talks will now begin about integrating the activities of both companies. [Also V ] ●� in|te|grat|ed ADJ □� There is, he said, a lack of an integrated national transport policy. ●� in|te|gra|tion N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] □� �the closer integration of global capital markets. SYNONYMS integrate VERB 3

combine:Different states or groups can combine to enlarge their markets.

unite:The two parties have been trying to unite since the New Year.

blend:�a band that blended jazz, folk and classical music.

incorporate:The party vowed to incorporate environmental considerations into all its policies.

merge:He sees sense in merging the two agencies while both are new.

in|te|grat|ed / I nt I gre I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An integrated institution is intended for use by all races or religious groups. □� We believe that pupils of integrated schools will have more tolerant attitudes.

2 →�see also integrate

i n|te|grat|ed ci r|cuit (integrated circuits ) N‑COUNT An integrated circuit is a very small electronic circuit printed on a single silicon chip. [TECHNICAL ]

in|teg|rity / I nte gr I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have integrity , you are honest and firm in your moral principles. □� I have always regarded him as a man of integrity.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] The integrity of something such as a group of people or a text is its state of being a united whole. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Separatist movements are a threat to the integrity of the nation.

in|tel / I ntel/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Intel is military information collected about an enemy�s secret plans. [INFORMAL ] □� What makes this intel credible?

2 N‑UNCOUNT Intel is information. [INFORMAL ]

in|tel|lect / I nt I lekt/ (intellects )

1 N‑VAR Intellect is the ability to understand or deal with ideas and information. □� Do the emotions develop in parallel with the intellect?

2 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Intellect is the quality of being very intelligent or clever. □� Her intellect is famed far and wide.

in|tel|lec|tual ◆◇◇ / I nt I le ktʃuəl/ (intellectuals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Intellectual means involving a person's ability to think and to understand ideas and information. □� High levels of lead could damage the intellectual development of children. ●� in|tel|lec|tual|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� �intellectually satisfying work.

2 N‑COUNT An intellectual is someone who spends a lot of time studying and thinking about complicated ideas. □� �teachers, artists and other intellectuals. ●�ADJ Intellectual is also an adjective. □� They were very intellectual and witty. SYNONYMS intellectual ADJ 1

cerebral:Hannah preferred more cerebral activities such as reading and discussing philosophy.

scholarly:He was an intellectual, scholarly man.

learned:He is a serious scholar, a genuinely learned man.

academic:The system is failing most disastrously among less academic children.

erudite:He was never dull, always erudite and well informed.

in|tel|lec|tu|al|ize / I nt I le ktʃuəla I z/ (intellectualizes , intellectualizing , intellectualized ) in BRIT, also use intellectualise VERB If someone intellectualizes a subject or issue, they consider it in an intellectual way, often when this is not appropriate. □�[V n] I tended to mistrust my emotions and intellectualize everything.

in|tel|li|gence ◆◇◇ / I nte l I dʒ ə ns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Intelligence is the quality of being intelligent or clever. □� She's a woman of exceptional intelligence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Intelligence is the ability to think, reason, and understand instead of doing things automatically or by instinct. □� Nerve cells, after all, do not have intelligence of their own.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Intelligence is information that is gathered by the government or the army about their country's enemies and their activities. □� Why was military intelligence so lacking?

in|tel|li|gent ◆◇◇ / I nte l I dʒ ə nt/

1 ADJ A person or animal that is intelligent has the ability to think, understand, and learn things quickly and well. □� Susan's a very bright and intelligent woman who knows her own mind. ●� in|tel|li|gent|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� They are incapable of thinking intelligently about politics.

2 ADJ Something that is intelligent has the ability to think and understand instead of doing things automatically or by instinct. □� An intelligent computer will be an indispensable diagnostic tool for doctors. SYNONYMS intelligent ADJ 1

clever:My sister was always a lot cleverer than I was.

smart:He thinks he's smarter than Sarah is.

bright:I was convinced that he was brighter than average.

brainy:I don't class myself as being very intelligent or brainy.

in|tel|li|gent|sia / I nte l I dʒe ntsiə/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The intelligentsia in a country or community are the most educated people there, especially those interested in the arts, philosophy, and politics.

in|tel|li|gi|ble / I nte l I dʒ I b ə l/ ADJ Something that is intelligible can be understood. □�[+�to ] The language of Darwin was intelligible to experts and non-experts alike.

in|tem|per|ate / I nte mpərət/ ADJ If you describe someone's words as intemperate , you are critical of them because they are too forceful and uncontrolled. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The tone of the article is intemperate.

in|tend ◆◆◇ / I nte nd/ (intends , intending , intended )

1 VERB If you intend to do something, you have decided or planned to do it. □�[V to-inf] She intends to do A levels and go to university. □�[V v-ing] I didn't intend coming to Germany to work. □�[V that] We had always intended that the new series would be live.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is intended for a particular purpose, it has been planned to fulfil that purpose. If something is intended for a particular person, it has been planned to be used by that person or to affect them in some way. □�[be V -ed +�for ] This money is intended for the development of the tourist industry. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Columns are usually intended in architecture to add grandeur and status. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Originally, Hatfield had been intended as a leisure complex.

3 VERB If you intend a particular idea or feeling in something that you say or do, you want to express it or want it to be understood. □�[V n] He didn't intend any sarcasm. □�[V n n] His response seemed a little patronizing, though he undoubtedly hadn't intended it that way. □�[V n to-inf] This sounds like a barrage of accusation�I don't intend it to be. □�[V n prep] I think he intended it as a put-down comment. SYNONYMS intend VERB 1

plan:He planned to leave Baghdad on Monday.

aim:�an appeal which aims to raise funds for children with special needs.

mean:I didn't mean to hurt you.

propose:And where do you propose building such a huge thing?

seek:He also denied that he would seek to annex the country.

in|tend|ed / I nte nd I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use intended to describe the thing you are trying to achieve or person you are trying to affect. □� The intended target had been a military building.

in|tense ◆◇◇ / I nte ns/

1 ADJ Intense is used to describe something that is very great or extreme in strength or degree. □� He was sweating from the intense heat. □� His threats become more intense, agitated, and frequent. ●� in|tense|ly ADV □� The fast-food business is intensely competitive. ●� in|ten|sity / I nte ns I ti/ (intensities ) N‑VAR [usu with poss] □� The attack was anticipated but its intensity came as a shock.

2 ADJ If you describe an activity as intense , you mean that it is very serious and concentrated, and often involves doing a great deal in a short time. □� The battle for third place was intense.

3 ADJ If you describe the way someone looks at you as intense , you mean that they look at you very directly and seem to know what you are thinking or feeling. □� I felt so self-conscious under Luke's mother's intense gaze. ●� in|tense|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He sipped his drink, staring intensely at me.

4 ADJ If you describe a person as intense , you mean that they appear to concentrate very hard on everything that they do, and they feel and show their emotions in a very extreme way. □� I know he's an intense player, but he does enjoy what he's doing. ●� in|ten|sity N‑UNCOUNT □� His intensity and the ferocity of his feelings alarmed me. SYNONYMS intense ADJ 1

extreme:�people living in extreme poverty.

great:I'll take great care of it.

severe:I suffered from severe bouts of depression.

deep:I had a deep admiration for Sartre.

powerful:�tiny creamy flowers with a powerful scent.

profound:Anna's patriotism was profound.

in|ten|si|fi|er / I nte ns I fa I ə r / (intensifiers ) N‑COUNT In grammar, an intensifier is a word such as 'very' or 'extremely' which you can put in front of an adjective or adverb in order to make its meaning stronger. [TECHNICAL ]

in|ten|si|fy / I nte ns I fa I / (intensifies , intensifying , intensified ) VERB If you intensify something or if it intensifies , it becomes greater in strength, amount, or degree. □�[V n] Britain is intensifying its efforts to secure the release of the hostages. □�[V ] The conflict is almost bound to intensify. ●� in|ten|si|fi|ca|tion / I nte ns I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The intensification of the debt crisis was hurting the entire region.

in|ten|sive / I nte ns I v/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Intensive activity involves concentrating a lot of effort or people on one particular task in order to try to achieve a great deal in a short time. □� �several days and nights of intensive negotiations. ●� in|ten|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Ruth's parents opted to educate her intensively at home.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Intensive farming involves producing as many crops or animals as possible from your land, usually with the aid of chemicals. □� �intensive methods of rearing poultry. ●� in|ten|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Will they farm the rest of their land less intensively?

-intensive /- I ntens I v/ COMB -intensive combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that an industry or activity involves the use of a lot of a particular thing. □� �the development of capital-intensive farming.

in|te n|sive ca re N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] If someone is inintensive care , they are being given extremely thorough care in a hospital because they are very ill or very badly injured. □� She spent the night in intensive care after the operation.

in|tent / I nte nt/ (intents )

1 ADJ If you are intenton doing something, you are eager and determined to do it. □�[+�on/upon ] The rebels are obviously intent on keeping up the pressure.

2 ADJ If someone does something in an intent way, they pay great attention to what they are doing. [WRITTEN ] □� She looked from one intent face to another. ●� in|tent|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He listened intently, then slammed down the phone.

3 N‑VAR A person's intent is their intention to do something. [FORMAL ] □� �a strong statement of intent on arms control.

4 PHRASE You say to all intents and purposes to suggest that a situation is not exactly as you describe it but the effect is the same as if it were. □� To all intents and purposes he was my father.

in|ten|tion ◆◇◇ / I nte nʃ ə n/ (intentions )

1 N‑VAR [N to-inf] An intention is an idea or plan of what you are going to do. □�[+�of ] Beveridge announced his intention of standing for parliament. □� Unfortunately, his good intentions never seemed to last long.

2 PHRASE If you say that you have no intention of doing something, you are emphasizing that you are not going to do it. If you say that you have every intention of doing something, you are emphasizing that you intend to do it. [EMPHASIS ] □� We have no intention of buying American jets. SYNONYMS intention NOUN 1

aim:�a research programme that has largely failed to achieve its principal aims.

plan:The project is part of a United Nations plan for refugees.

idea:The idea is to encourage people to get to know their neighbours.

goal:The goal is to raise as much money as possible.

wish:She was sincere in her wish to make amends for the past.

objective:His objective was to play golf and win.

in|ten|tion|al / I nte nʃən ə l/ ADJ Something that is intentional is deliberate. □� How can I blame him? It wasn't intentional. ●� in|ten|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� I've never intentionally hurt anyone.

in|ter / I ntɜː r / (inters , interring , interred ) VERB When a dead person is interred , they are buried. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] �the spot where his bones were originally interred. [Also V n]

PREFIX inter-

forms adjectives that refer to things that move, exist, or happen between two or more people or things. For example, inter-city trains travel between cities.

inter|act / I ntər� kt/ (interacts , interacting , interacted )

1 VERB When people interactwith each other or interact , they communicate as they work or spend time together. □�[V ] While the other children interacted and played together, Ted ignored them. □�[V +�with ] �rhymes and songs to help parents interact with their babies. ●� inter|ac|tion / I ntər� kʃ ə n/ (interactions ) N‑VAR □�[+�among ] �our experience of informal social interaction among adults.

2 VERB When people interactwith computers, or when computers interactwith other machines, information or instructions are exchanged. □�[V +�with ] Millions of people want new, simplified ways of interacting with a computer. □�[V ] There will be a true global village in which phones, computers and televisions interact. ●� inter|ac|tion (interactions ) N‑VAR □� �experts on human-computer interaction.

3 VERB When one thing interactswith another or two things interact , the two things affect each other's behaviour or condition. □�[V ] You have to understand how cells interact. □�[V +�with ] Atoms within the fluid interact with the minerals that form the grains. ●� inter|ac|tion N‑VAR □�[+�between ] �the interaction between physical and emotional illness.

inter|ac|tive / I ntər� kt I v/

1 ADJ An interactive computer program or television system is one which allows direct communication between the user and the machine. □� This will make videogames more interactive than ever. ●� inter|ac|tiv|ity / I ntər�kt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �cable broadcast companies that offer interactivity.

2 ADJ If you describe a group of people or their activities as interactive , you mean that the people communicate with each other. □� �flexible, interactive teaching in the classroom.

in|ter alia / I ntər e I liə/ PHRASE You use inter alia , meaning 'among other things', when you want to say that there are other things involved apart from the one you are mentioning. [FORMAL ] □� �a collector who had, inter alia, 900 engraved gems and over 2,500 coins and medals.

inter|cede / I ntə r siː d/ (intercedes , interceding , interceded ) VERB If you intercede with someone, you try to persuade them to forgive someone or end their disagreement with them. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] They asked my father to intercede with the king on their behalf. □�[V ] It has also asked Britain and the United States to intercede.

inter|cept / I ntə r se pt/ (intercepts , intercepting , intercepted ) VERB If you intercept someone or something that is travelling from one place to another, you stop them before they get to their destination. □�[V n] Gunmen intercepted him on his way to the airport. ●� inter|cep|tion / I ntə r se pʃ ə n/ (interceptions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the interception of a ship off the west coast of Scotland.

inter|cep|tor / I ntə r se ptə r / (interceptors ) N‑COUNT An interceptor is an aircraft or ground-based missile system designed to intercept and attack enemy planes.

inter|ces|sion / I ntə r se ʃ ə n/ (intercessions ) N‑VAR Intercession is the act of interceding with someone. [FORMAL ] □� His intercession could be of help to the tribe.

inter|change (interchanges , interchanging , interchanged ) The noun is pronounced / I ntə r tʃe I ndʒ/. The verb is pronounced / I ntə r tʃe I ndʒ/. 1 N‑VAR If there is an interchange of ideas or information among a group of people, each person talks about his or her ideas or gives information to the others. □�[+�of ] What made the meeting exciting was the interchange of ideas from different disciplines.

2 VERB If you interchange one thing with another, or you interchange two things, each thing takes the place of the other or is exchanged for the other. You can also say that two things interchange . □�[V n +�with ] She likes to interchange her furnishings at home with the stock in her shop. □�[V n] Your task is to interchange words so that the sentence makes sense. □�[V ] �the point where the illusions of the stage and reality begin to interchange. [Also +�with ] ●�N‑VAR Interchange is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the interchange of matter and energy at atomic or sub-atomic levels.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An interchange on a motorway, freeway, or road is a place where it joins a main road or another motorway or freeway.

inter|change|able / I ntə r tʃe I ndʒəb ə l/ ADJ Things that are interchangeable can be exchanged with each other without it making any difference. □�[+�with ] Every part on the new models is interchangeable with those on the original. ●� inter|change|ably ADV [ADV after v] □� These expressions are often used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings.

inter|col|legi|ate / I ntə r kəliː dʒət/ ADJ [ADJ n] Intercollegiate means involving or related to more than one college or university. [AM ] □� �the first intercollegiate gymnastics team championship.

inter|com / I ntə r kɒm/ (intercoms ) N‑COUNT An intercom is a small box with a microphone which is connected to a loudspeaker in another room. You use it to talk to the people in the other room.

inter|con|nect / I ntə r kəne kt/ (interconnects , interconnecting , interconnected ) VERB Things that interconnect or are interconnected are connected to or with each other. You can also say that one thing interconnectswith another. □�[V ] The causes are many and may interconnect. □�[V +�with ] Their lives interconnect with those of celebrated figures of the late eighteenth-century. □�[V n] �a dense network of nerve fibres that interconnects neurons in the brain. [Also V n +�with ]

inter|con|nec|tion / I ntə r kəne kʃ ə n/ (interconnections ) N‑VAR If you say that there is an interconnection between two or more things, you mean that they are very closely connected. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �our knowledge of the interconnection of natural processes.

inter|con|ti|nen|tal / I ntə r kɒnt I ne nt ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Intercontinental is used to describe something that exists or happens between continents. □� �intercontinental flights.

inter|course / I ntə r kɔː r s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Intercourse is the act of having sex. [FORMAL ] □� �sexual intercourse. □� We didn't have intercourse.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] Social intercourse is communication between people as they spend time together. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[+�between ] There was social intercourse between the old and the young.

inter|cut / I ntə r kʌ t/ (intercuts , intercutting ) The form intercut is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. VERB If a film is intercut with particular images, those images appear regularly throughout the film. [TECHNICAL ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] The film is set in a night club and intercut with images of gangland London. □�[V n +�with ] He intercuts scenes of Rex getting more and more desperate with scenes of the abductor with his family.

inter|de|pend|ence / I ntə r d I pe nd ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Interdependence is the condition of a group of people or things that all depend on each other. □�[+�of ] �the interdependence of nations.

inter|de|pend|ent / I ntə r d I pe nd ə nt/ ADJ People or things that are interdependent all depend on each other. □� We live in an increasingly interdependent world.

inter|dict (interdicts , interdicting , interdicted ) The verb is pronounced / I ntə r d I kt/. The noun is pronounced / I ntə r d I kt/. 1 VERB If an armed force interdicts something or someone, they stop them and prevent them from moving. If they interdict a route, they block it or cut it off. [AM , FORMAL ] □�[V n] Troops could be ferried in to interdict drug shipments. ●� inter|dic|tion (interdictions ) N‑VAR □� There should be interdiction of shipping suspected of carrying illegal goods.

2 N‑COUNT An interdict is an official order that something must not be done or used. [FORMAL ] □�[+�on ] The National Trust has placed an interdict on jet-skis in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

inter|dis|ci|pli|nary / I ntə r d I s I pl I nəri, [AM ] -pl I neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Interdisciplinary means involving more than one academic subject. □� �interdisciplinary courses combining psychology, philosophy and linguistics.

in|ter|est ◆◆◆ / I ntrəst, -tərest/ (interests , interesting , interested )

1 N‑VAR If you have an interestin something, you want to learn or hear more about it. □�[+�in ] There has been a lively interest in the elections in the last two weeks. □�[+�in ] His parents tried to discourage his interest in music, but he persisted. □�[+�to ] Food was of no interest to her at all.

2 N‑COUNT Your interests are the things that you enjoy doing. □� Encourage your child in her interests and hobbies.

3 VERB If something interests you, it attracts your attention so that you want to learn or hear more about it or continue doing it. □�[V n] Animation had always interested me. □�[V n to-inf] It may interest you to know that Miss Woods, the housekeeper, witnessed the attack.

4 VERB If you are trying to persuade someone to buy or do something, you can say that you are trying to interest them in it. □�[V n +�in ] In the meantime I can't interest you in a new car, I suppose?

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If something is in the interests of a particular person or group, it will benefit them in some way. □�[+�of ] Did those directors act in the best interests of their club?

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can use interests to refer to groups of people who you think use their power or money to benefit themselves. □� The government accused unnamed 'foreign interests' of inciting the trouble.

7 N‑COUNT A person or organization that has interests in a company or in a particular type of business owns shares in this company or this type of business. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�in ] Disney will retain a 51 percent controlling interest in the venture.

8 N‑COUNT If a person, country, or organization has an interestin a possible event or situation, they want that event or situation to happen because they are likely to benefit from it. □�[+�in ] The West has an interest in promoting democratic forces in Eastern Europe.

9 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Interest is extra money that you receive if you have invested a sum of money. Interest is also the extra money that you pay if you have borrowed money or are buying something on credit. □� Does your current account pay interest?

10 →�see also compound interest , interested , interesting , self-interest , vested interest

11 PHRASE If you do something in the interests of a particular result or situation, you do it in order to achieve that result or maintain that situation. □� �a call for all businessmen to work together in the interests of national stability.

12to have someone's interests at heart →�see heart COLLOCATIONS interest NOUN

1

adjective +�interest : keen

verb +�interest : express, show, take; arouse, attract; lose

5

verb +�interest : defend, protect, safeguard

in|ter|est|ed ◆◆◇ / I ntrest I d, -tərest I d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are interestedin something, you think it is important and want to learn more about it or spend time doing it. □�[+�in ] I thought she might be interested in Paula's proposal. □� I'd be interested to meet her.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An interested party or group of people is affected by or involved in a particular event or situation. □� All the interested parties eventually agreed to the idea.

3 →�see also self-interested SYNONYMS interested ADJ 1

curious:Children are naturally curious.

fascinated:A new generation of scientists became fascinated by dinosaurs.

keen:I wasn't too keen on physics and chemistry.

gripped:The nation is gripped by the dramatic story.

intent:Rodney had been intent on every word.

i nterest-free ADJ [usu ADJ n] An interest-free loan has no interest charged on it. □� He was offered a �10,000 interest-free loan. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Interest-free is also an adverb. □� Customers allowed the banks to use their money interest-free.

in|ter|est|ing ◆◇◇ / I ntrest I ŋ, -tərest I ŋ/ ADJ If you find something interesting , it attracts your attention, for example because you think it is exciting or unusual. □� It was interesting to be in a different environment. □� His third album is by far his most interesting. SYNONYMS interesting ADJ

absorbing:Children will find other exhibits equally absorbing.

fascinating:Madagascar is the most fascinating place I have ever been to.

compelling:�a frighteningly violent yet compelling film.

gripping:The film turned out to be a gripping thriller.

curious:There is a curious thing about her writings in this period.

intriguing:This intriguing book is both thoughtful and informative.

in|ter|est|ing|ly / I ntrest I ŋli, -tərest I ŋli/ ADV You use interestingly to introduce a piece of information that you think is interesting or unexpected. □� Interestingly enough, a few weeks later, Benjamin remarried.

i n|ter|est rate (interest rates ) N‑COUNT The interest rate is the amount of interest that must be paid. It is expressed as a percentage of the amount that is borrowed or gained as profit. □� The Finance Minister has renewed his call for lower interest rates.

inter|face / I ntə r fe I s/ (interfaces , interfacing , interfaced )

1 N‑COUNT The interface between two subjects or systems is the area in which they affect each other or have links with each other. □�[+�between ] �a witty exploration of that interface between bureaucracy and the working world.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If you refer to the user interface of a particular piece of computing software, you are talking about its presentation on screen and how easy it is to operate. [COMPUTING ] □� �the development of better user interfaces.

3 N‑COUNT In computing and electronics, an interface is an electrical circuit which links one machine, especially a computer, with another. [TECHNICAL ]

4 VERB If one thing interfaceswith another, or if two things interface , they have connections with each other. If you interface one thing with another, you connect the two things. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] �the way we interface with the environment. □�[V ] The different components all have to interface smoothly. □�[V n +�with ] He had interfaced all this machinery with a master computer. [Also V n]

inter|fere / I ntə r f I ə r / (interferes , interfering , interfered )

1 VERB If you say that someone interferesin a situation, you mean they get involved in it although it does not concern them and their involvement is not wanted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] I wish everyone would stop interfering and just leave me alone. □�[V +�in/with ] The U.N. cannot interfere in the internal affairs of any country.

2 VERB Something that interferes with a situation, activity, or process has a damaging effect on it. □�[V +�with ] Smoking and drinking interfere with your body's ability to process oxygen.

inter|fer|ence / I ntə r f I ə rəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Interference by a person or group is their unwanted or unnecessary involvement in something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�from ] Airlines will be able to set cheap fares without interference from the government.

2 N‑UNCOUNT When there is interference , a radio signal is affected by other radio waves or electrical activity so that it cannot be received properly. □� �electrical interference.

inter|fer|ing / I ntə r f I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as interfering , you are criticizing them because they try to get involved in other people's affairs or to give them advice, especially when the advice is not wanted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �interfering neighbours.

in|ter|im ◆◇◇ / I ntər I m/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Interim is used to describe something that is intended to be used until something permanent is done or established. □� She was sworn in as head of an interim government in March. □� �an interim report.

2 PHRASE In the interim means until a particular thing happens or until a particular thing happened. [FORMAL ] □� But, in the interim, we obviously have a duty to maintain law and order. SYNONYMS interim ADJ 1

temporary:His job here is only temporary.

provisional:�the possibility of setting up a provisional coalition government.

makeshift:�the cardboard boxes and makeshift shelters of the homeless.

acting:�the new acting President.

stopgap:This would be no more than a stopgap measure.

in|te|ri|or ◆◇◇ / I nt I ə riə r / (interiors )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The interior of something is the inside part of it. □� The boat's interior badly needed painting.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use interior to describe something that is inside a building or vehicle. □� The interior walls were painted green.

3 N‑SING [oft with poss] The interior of a country or continent is the central area of it. □� The Yangzi river would give access to much of China's interior.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A country's interior minister, ministry, or department deals with affairs within that country, such as law and order. □� The French Interior Minister has intervened in a scandal over the role of a secret police force.

5 N‑SING A country's minister or ministry of the interior deals with affairs within that country, such as law and order. □� An official from the Ministry of the Interior said six people had died. SYNONYMS interior NOUN 1

inside:I painted the inside of the house.

centre:A large wooden table dominates the centre of the room.

heart:�a busy dentists' practice in the heart of London's West End.

middle:Howard stood in the middle of the room sipping a cup of coffee.

core:�the earth's core.

in|te |ri|or deco|ra |tion N‑UNCOUNT Interior decoration is the decoration of the inside of a house.

in|te |ri|or de co|ra|tor (interior decorators ) N‑COUNT An interior decorator is a person who is employed to design and decorate the inside of people's houses.

in|te |ri|or de|si gn N‑UNCOUNT Interior design is the art or profession of designing the decoration for the inside of a house.

in|te |ri|or de|si gn|er (interior designers ) N‑COUNT An interior designer is a person who is employed to design the decoration for the inside of people's houses.

inter|ject / I ntə r dʒe kt/ (interjects , interjecting , interjected ) VERB If you interject something, you say it and interrupt someone else who is speaking. [FORMAL ] □�[V with quote] 'Surely there's something we can do?' interjected Palin. □�[V n] He listened thoughtfully, interjecting only the odd word. [Also V ]

inter|jec|tion / I ntə r dʒe kʃ ə n/ (interjections )

1 N‑COUNT An interjection is something you say which interrupts someone else who is speaking. □�[+�of ] �the moronic and insensitive interjections of the disc jockey.

2 N‑COUNT In grammar, an interjection is a word or expression which you use to express a strong feeling such as surprise, pain, or horror.

inter|laced / I ntə r le I st/ ADJ If things are interlaced , parts of one thing go over, under, or between parts of another. [WRITTEN ] □� During my whole report, he sat with his eyes closed and his fingers interlaced. □�[+�with ] �languid women, their flowing locks interlaced with flowers and vines.

inter|link / I ntə r l I ŋk/ (interlinks , interlinking , interlinked ) VERB Things that are interlinked or interlink are linked with each other in some way. □�[be V -ed] Those two processes are very closely interlinked. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The question to be addressed is interlinked with the question of human rights. □�[V ] �a more integrated transport network, with bus, rail, and ferry services all interlinking.

inter|lock / I ntə r lɒ k/ (interlocks , interlocking , interlocked )

1 VERB Things that interlock or are interlocked go between or through each other so that they are linked. □�[V ] The parts interlock. □�[V n] Interlock your fingers behind your back. [Also V with n]

2 VERB If systems, situations, or plans are interlocked or interlock , they are very closely connected. □�[be V -ed] The problems of the two countries were tightly interlocked. □�[V ] The tragedies begin to interlock. □�[V +�with ] Your girlfriend's fear seems to interlock with your fear. [Also V n]

inter|locu|tor / I ntə r lɒ kjʊtə r / (interlocutors )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your interlocutor is the person with whom you are having a conversation. [FORMAL ] □� Owen had the habit of staring motionlessly at his interlocutor.

2 N‑COUNT If a person or organization has a role as an interlocutor in talks or negotiations, they take part or act as a representative in them. [FORMAL ] □� He was a key interlocutor between his corporate clients and the market.

inter|lop|er / I ntə r loʊpə r / (interlopers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an interloper , you mean that they have come into a situation or a place where they are not wanted or do not belong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She had no wish to share her father with any outsider and regarded us as interlopers.

inter|lude / I ntə r luːd/ (interludes ) N‑COUNT An interlude is a short period of time when an activity or situation stops and something else happens. □� Superb musical interludes were provided by Sinclair.

inter|mar|riage / I ntə r m� r I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Intermarriage is marriage between people from different social, racial, or religious groups. □�[+�between ] �intermarriage between members of the old and new ruling classes.

inter|mar|ry / I ntə r m� ri/ (intermarries , intermarrying , intermarried ) VERB When people from different social, racial, or religious groups intermarry , they marry each other. You can also say that one group intermarrieswith another group. □�[V ] They were allowed to intermarry. □�[V +�with ] Some of the traders settled and intermarried with local women.

inter|medi|ary / I ntə r miː diəri/ (intermediaries ) N‑COUNT An intermediary is a person who passes messages or proposals between two people or groups. □� She wanted him to act as an intermediary in the dispute with Moscow.

inter|medi|ate / I ntə r miː diət/ (intermediates )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An intermediate stage, level, or position is one that occurs between two other stages, levels, or positions. □� You should consider breaking the journey with intermediate stopovers at airport hotels.

2 ADJ Intermediate learners of something have some knowledge or skill but are not yet advanced. □� The Badminton Club holds coaching sessions for beginners and intermediate players on Friday evenings. ●�N‑COUNT An intermediate is an intermediate learner. □� The ski school coaches beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers.

in|ter|ment / I ntɜː r mənt/ (interments ) N‑VAR The interment of a dead person is their burial. [FORMAL ]

in|ter|mi|nable / I ntɜː r m I nəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as interminable , you are emphasizing that it continues for a very long time and indicating that you wish it was shorter or would stop. [EMPHASIS ] □� �an interminable meeting. ●� in|ter|mi|nably ADV [usu ADV after v] □� He talked to me interminably about his first wife.

inter|min|gle / I ntə r m I ŋg ə l/ (intermingles , intermingling , intermingled ) VERB When people or things intermingle , they mix with each other. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] This allows the two cultures to intermingle without losing their separate identities. □�[V +�with ] �an opportunity for them to intermingle with the citizens of other countries. ●� inter|min|gled ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� The ethnic populations are so intermingled that there's bound to be conflict.

inter|mis|sion / I ntə r m I ʃ ə n/ (intermissions ) N‑COUNT An intermission is a short break between two parts of a film, concert, or show. □�[+�of ] �during the intermission of the musical 'Steppin' Out'. ●�N‑VAR In American English, you can also use intermission to refer to a short break between two parts of a game, or say that something happens at, after, or during intermission . □� Fraser did not perform until after intermission.

inter|mit|tent / I ntə r m I t ə nt/ ADJ Something that is intermittent happens occasionally rather than continuously. □� After three hours of intermittent rain, the game was abandoned. ●� inter|mit|tent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The talks went on intermittently for three years.

in|tern (interns , interning , interned ) The verb is pronounced / I ntɜː r n/. The noun is pronounced / I ntɜː r n/. 1 VERB [usu passive] If someone is interned , they are put in prison or in a prison camp for political reasons. □�[be V -ed] He was interned as an enemy alien at the outbreak of the Second World War.

2 N‑COUNT An intern is an advanced student or a recent graduate, especially in medicine, who is being given practical training under supervision. [AM ]

in|ter|nal ◆◇◇ / I ntɜː r n ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Internal is used to describe things that exist or happen inside a country or organization. □� The country stepped up internal security. □� We now have a Europe without internal borders. ●� in|ter|nal|ly ADV □� The state is not a unified and internally coherent entity.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Internal is used to describe things that exist or happen inside a particular person, object, or place. □� �massive internal bleeding. □� Some of the internal walls of my house are made of plasterboard. ●� in|ter|nal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Evening primrose oil is used on the skin as well as taken internally. SYNONYMS internal ADJ 2

inner:She got up and went into an inner office.

inside:�four-berth inside cabins with en-suite bathroom and shower.

interior:The interior walls were painted green.

in|te r|nal com|bu s|tion en|gine (internal combustion engines ) N‑COUNT An internal combustion engine is an engine that creates its energy by burning fuel inside itself. Most cars have internal combustion engines.

in|ter|nal|ize / I ntɜː r nəla I z/ (internalizes , internalizing , internalized ) in BRIT, also use internalise VERB If you internalize something such as a belief or a set of values, you make it become part of your attitude or way of thinking. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Over time she internalized her parents' attitudes. ●� in|ter|nali|za|tion / I ntɜː r nəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □�[+�of ] �my internalisation of hatred, disgust and fear.

inter|na|tion|al ◆◆◆ / I ntə r n� ʃən ə l/ (internationals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] International means between or involving different countries. □� �an international agreement against exporting arms to that country. □� �emergency aid from the international community. ●� inter|na|tion|al|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� There are only two internationally recognised certificates in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

2 N‑COUNT In sport, an international is a game that is played between teams representing two different countries. [BRIT ] □� �the midweek international against England.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An international is a member of a country's sports team. [BRIT ] □� �a former England international.

inter|na|tion|al|ism / I ntə r n� ʃənəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Internationalism is the belief that countries should work with, help, and be friendly with one another.

inter|na|tion|al|ist / I ntə r n� ʃənəl I st/ ADJ If someone has internationalist beliefs or opinions, they believe that countries should work with, help, and be friendly with one another. □� �a more genuinely internationalist view of U.S. participation in peace-keeping.

inter|na|tion|al|ize / I ntə r n� ʃənəla I z/ (internationalizes , internationalizing , internationalized ) in BRIT, also use internationalise VERB If an issue or a crisis is internationalized , it becomes the concern of many nations throughout the world. [JOURNALISM ] □�[be V -ed] A very real danger exists of the conflict becoming internationalised. □�[V n] This will internationalize the financial crisis already afflicting many countries. ●� inter|na|tion|ali|za|tion / I ntə r n�ʃənəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the increasing internationalization of business.

i nter|na|tion|al re|la |tions N‑PLURAL The political relationships between different countries are referred to as international relations . □� �peaceful and friendly international relations.

inter|necine / I ntə r niː sa I n, [AM ] -siːn/ ADJ [ADJ n] An internecine conflict, war, or quarrel is one which takes place between opposing groups within a country or organization. [FORMAL ]

in|ternee / I ntɜː r niː / (internees ) N‑COUNT An internee is a person who has been put in prison for political reasons.

in|ter|net ◆◇◇ / I ntə r net/ also Internet N‑PROPER The internet is the computer network which allows computer users to connect with computers all over the world, and which carries email.

i n|ter|net ca f� (internet caf�s ) N‑COUNT An internet caf� is a caf� with computers where people can pay to use the internet.

in|tern|ment / I ntɜː r nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Internment is the practice of putting people in prison for political reasons. □� They called for the return of internment without trial for terrorists.

in|tern|ship / I ntɜː r nʃ I p/ (internships ) N‑COUNT An internship is the position held by an intern, or the period of time when someone is an intern. [AM ]

inter|per|son|al / I ntə r pɜː r sən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Interpersonal means relating to relationships between people. □� Training in interpersonal skills is essential.

inter|play / I ntə r ple I / N‑UNCOUNT The interplaybetween two or more things or people is the way that they have an effect on each another or react to each other. □�[+�of ] �the interplay of political, economic, social and cultural factors.

in|ter|po|late / I ntɜː r pəle I t/ (interpolates , interpolating , interpolated ) VERB If you interpolate a comment into a conversation or some words into a piece of writing, you put it in as an addition. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Williams interpolated much spurious matter. □�[be V -ed +�into ] These odd assertions were interpolated into the manuscript some time after 1400.

in|ter|po|la|tion / I ntɜː r pəle I ʃ ə n/ (interpolations ) N‑COUNT An interpolation is an addition to a piece of writing. [FORMAL ] □� The interpolation appears to have been inserted very soon after the original text was finished.

inter|pose / I ntə r poʊ z/ (interposes , interposing , interposed ) VERB If you interpose something between two people or things, you place it between them. [FORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl +�between ] Police had to interpose themselves between the two rival groups. □�[V n +�between ] The work interposes a glass plate between two large circular mirrors.

in|ter|pret / I ntɜː r pr I t/ (interprets , interpreting , interpreted )

1 VERB If you interpret something in a particular way, you decide that this is its meaning or significance. □�[be V -ed +�as ] The whole speech might well be interpreted as a coded message to the Americans. □�[V n] The judge quite rightly says that he has to interpret the law as it's been passed. □�[be V -ed] Both approaches agree on what is depicted in the poem, but not on how it should be interpreted.

2 VERB If you interpret what someone is saying, you translate it immediately into another language. □�[V ] The chambermaid spoke little English, so her husband came with her to interpret. □�[V n] Interpreters found they could not interpret half of what he said.

in|ter|pre|ta|tion / I ntɜː r pr I te I ʃ ə n/ (interpretations )

1 N‑VAR An interpretation of something is an opinion about what it means. □� The government put a different interpretation on the figures.

2 N‑COUNT A performer's interpretation of something such as a piece of music or a role in a play is the particular way in which they choose to perform it. □�[+�of ] �her full-bodied interpretation of the role of Micaela.

in|ter|pre|ta|tive / I ntɜː r pr I tət I v/ →�see interpretive

in|ter|pret|er / I ntɜː r pr I tə r / (interpreters ) N‑COUNT An interpreter is a person whose job is to translate what someone is saying into another language. □� Aristide spoke to the press through an interpreter.

in|ter|pre|tive / I ntɜː r pr I t I v/ also interpretative ADJ [ADJ n] You use interpretive to describe something that provides an interpretation. [FORMAL ] □� History is an interpretive process.

inter|reg|num / I ntə r re gnəm/ N‑SING An interregnum is a period between the end of one person's time as ruler or leader and the coming to power of the next ruler or leader. [FORMAL ]

inter|re|late / I ntə r r I le I t/ (interrelates , interrelating , interrelated ) VERB If two or more things interrelate , there is a connection between them and they have an effect on each other. □�[V ] The body and the mind interrelate. □�[V +�with ] Each of these cells have their specific jobs to do, but they also interrelate with each other. □�[V +�with ] �the way in which we communicate and interrelate with others. □�[be V -ed] All things are interrelated.

inter|re|la|tion|ship / I ntə r r I le I ʃ ə nʃ I p/ (interrelationships ) N‑COUNT An interrelationship is a close relationship between two or more things or people. □�[+�between/of ] �the interrelationships between unemployment, crime, and imprisonment.

in|ter|ro|gate / I nte rəge I t/ (interrogates , interrogating , interrogated ) VERB If someone, especially a police officer, interrogates someone, they question them thoroughly for a long time in order to get some information from them. □�[V n] I interrogated everyone even slightly involved. ●� in|ter|ro|ga|tor (interrogators ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] □� I was well aware of what my interrogators wanted to hear.

in|ter|ro|ga|tion / I nte rəge I ʃ ə n/ (interrogations ) N‑VAR An interrogation is the act of interrogating someone. □� �the right to silence in police interrogations.

in|ter|roga|tive / I ntərɒ gət I v/ (interrogatives )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An interrogative gesture or tone of voice shows that you want to know the answer to a question. [WRITTEN ] □� Donovan cocked an interrogative eye at his companion, who nodded in reply.

2 N‑SING In grammar, a clause that is in the interrogative , or in the interrogative mood, has its subject following 'do', 'be', 'have', or a modal verb. Examples are 'When did he get back?' and 'Are you all right?'. Clauses of this kind are typically used to ask questions.

3 N‑COUNT In grammar, an interrogative is a word such as 'who', 'how', or 'why', which can be used to ask a question.

in|ter|rupt / I ntərʌ pt/ (interrupts , interrupting , interrupted )

1 VERB If you interrupt someone who is speaking, you say or do something that causes them to stop. □�[V ] Turkin tapped him on the shoulder. 'Sorry to interrupt, Colonel.'. □�[V n] He tried to speak, but she interrupted him. ●� in|ter|rup|tion / I ntərʌ pʃ ə n/ (interruptions ) N‑VAR □� The sudden interruption stopped Beryl in mid-flow.

2 VERB If someone or something interrupts a process or activity, they stop it for a period of time. □�[V n] He has rightly interrupted his holiday in Spain to return to London. ●� in|ter|rup|tion N‑VAR □�[+�in/to ] �interruptions in the supply of food and fuel.

3 VERB If something interrupts a line, surface, or view, it stops it from being continuous or makes it look irregular. □�[V n] Taller plants interrupt the views from the house.

inter|sect / I ntə r se kt/ (intersects , intersecting , intersected )

1 VERB If two or more lines or roads intersect , they meet or cross each other. You can also say that one line or road intersects another. □�[V n] The orbit of this comet intersects the orbit of the Earth. □�[V ] The circles will intersect in two places.

2 VERB If one thing intersectswith another or if two things intersect , the two things have a connection at a particular point. □�[V +�with ] �the ways in which historical events intersect with individual lives. □�[V ] Their histories intersect.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a place, area, or surface is intersectedby things such as roads or lines, they cross it. □�[be V -ed] The city is intersected by three main waterways.

inter|sec|tion / I ntə r se kʃ ə n/ (intersections ) N‑COUNT An intersection is a place where roads or other lines meet or cross. □�[+�of ] �at the intersection of two main canals. □� �a busy highway intersection. [Also +�with ]

inter|sex / I ntə r seks/ ADJ An intersex person has genitals or other sexual characteristics that do not clearly fit the usual definition for a male or female body. □� �the controversy surrounding intersex athletes.

inter|sperse / I ntə r spɜː r s/ (intersperses , interspersing , interspersed ) VERB If you intersperse one group of things with another or among another, you put or include the second things between or among the first things. □�[V n +�with ] Originally the intention was to intersperse the historical scenes with modern ones.

inter|spersed / I ntə r spɜː r st/ ADJ If one group of things are interspersed with another or interspersed among another, the second things occur between or among the first things. □�[+�with ] �bursts of gunfire, interspersed with single shots.

inter|state / I ntə r ste I t/ (interstates )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Interstate means between states, especially the states of the United States. □� �interstate highways.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, an interstate is a major road linking states. □� �the southbound lane of Interstate 75.

inter|stel|lar / I ntə r ste lə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Interstellar means between the stars. [FORMAL ] □� �interstellar space.

inter|twine / I ntə r twa I n/ (intertwines , intertwining , intertwined )

1 VERB If two or more things are intertwined or intertwine , they are closely connected with each other in many ways. □�[be V -ed] Their destinies are intertwined. □�[V ] Three major narratives intertwine within Foucault's text, 'Madness and Civilisation'. □�[V n +�with ] He intertwines personal reminiscences with the story of British television. □�[V +�with ] Her fate intertwined with his. [Also V n]

2 VERB If two things intertwine , they are twisted together or go over and under each other. □�[V ] Trees, undergrowth and creepers intertwined, blocking our way. □�[V -ed] The towels were embroidered with their intertwined initials. [Also V +�with ]

in|ter|val / I ntə r v ə l/ (intervals )

1 N‑COUNT An interval between two events or dates is the period of time between them. □�[+�of ] The ferry service has restarted after an interval of 12 years.

2 N‑COUNT An interval during a film, concert, show, or game is a short break between two of the parts. [mainly BRIT ] □� During the interval, wine was served. in AM, usually use intermission

3 PHRASE If something happens at intervals , it happens several times with gaps or pauses in between. □� She woke him for his medicines at intervals throughout the night.

4 PHRASE If things are placed at particular intervals , there are spaces of a particular size between them. □� Several red and white barriers marked the road at intervals of about a mile.

inter|vene / I ntə r viː n/ (intervenes , intervening , intervened )

1 VERB If you intervenein a situation, you become involved in it and try to change it. □�[V ] The situation calmed down when police intervened. □�[V +�in ] The Government is doing nothing to intervene in the crisis.

2 VERB If you intervene , you interrupt a conversation in order to add something to it. □�[V ] Hattie intervened and told me to stop it. □�[V with quote] 'I've told you he's not here,' Irena intervened.

3 VERB If an event intervenes , it happens suddenly in a way that stops, delays, or prevents something from happening. □�[V ] The South African mailboat arrived on Friday mornings unless bad weather intervened.

inter|ven|ing / I ntə r viː n I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An intervening period of time is one that separates two events or points in time. □� During those intervening years Bridget had married her husband Robert.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An intervening object or area comes between two other objects or areas. □� They had scoured the intervening miles of moorland.

inter|ven|tion ◆◇◇ / I ntə r ve nʃ ə n/ (interventions ) N‑VAR Intervention is the act of intervening in a situation. □�[+�in ] �the role of the United States and its intervention in the internal affairs of many countries. □� �military interventions.

inter|ven|tion|ist / I ntə r ve nʃən I st/ (interventionists ) ADJ Interventionist policies are policies which show an organization's desire to become involved in a problem or a crisis which does not concern it directly. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the interventionist industrial policy of the government. ●�N‑COUNT An interventionist is someone who supports interventionist policies. [JOURNALISM ]

inter|view ◆◆◇ / I ntə r vjuː/ (interviews , interviewing , interviewed )

1 N‑VAR An interview is a formal meeting at which someone is asked questions in order to find out if they are suitable for a job or a course of study. □� The interview went well. □� Not everyone who writes in can be invited for interview.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are interviewed for a particular job or course of study, someone asks you questions about yourself to find out if you are suitable for it. □�[be V -ed] When Wardell was interviewed, he was impressive, and on that basis, he was hired.

3 N‑COUNT An interview is a conversation in which a journalist puts questions to someone such as a famous person or politician. □� Allan gave an interview to the Chicago Tribune newspaper last month.

4 VERB When a journalist interviews someone such as a famous person, they ask them a series of questions. □�[V n] I seized the chance to interview Chris Hani about this issue.

5 VERB When the police interview someone, they ask them questions about a crime that has been committed. □�[V n] The police interviewed the driver, but had no evidence to go on.

inter|viewee / I ntə r vjuiː / (interviewees ) N‑COUNT An interviewee is a person who is being interviewed.

inter|view|er / I ntə r vjuə r / (interviewers ) N‑COUNT An interviewer is a person who is asking someone questions at an interview.

inter|weave / I ntə r wiː v/ (interweaves , interweaving , interwove , interwoven ) VERB If two or more things are interwoven or interweave , they are very closely connected or are combined with each other. □�[be V -ed +�with ] For these people, land is inextricably interwoven with life itself. □�[V +�with ] Complex family relationships interweave with a murder plot in this ambitious new novel. □�[V n] The programme successfully interweaves words and pictures. □�[V ] Social structures are not discrete objects; they overlap and interweave. [Also V n +�with ]

inter|web / I ntə r web/ N‑PROPER The interweb is a humorous name for the internet. [HUMOROUS ] □� Do you know much about this interweb thingy?

in|tes|ti|nal / I nte st I n ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Intestinal means relating to the intestines. [FORMAL ]

in|tes|tine / I nte st I n/ (intestines ) N‑COUNT Your intestines are the tubes in your body through which food passes when it has left your stomach. □� This area is always tender to the touch if the intestines are not functioning properly.

in|ti|ma|cy / I nt I məsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Intimacy between two people is a very close personal relationship between them. □�[+�with ] �a means of achieving intimacy with another person. [Also +�between ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT You sometimes use intimacy to refer to sex or a sexual relationship. □�[+�with ] The truth was he did not feel like intimacy with any woman.

in|ti|mate (intimates , intimating , intimated ) The adjective is pronounced / I nt I mət/. The verb is pronounced / I nt I me I t/. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have an intimate friendship with someone, you know them very well and like them a lot. ●� in|ti|mate|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� He did not feel he had got to know them intimately.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If two people are in an intimate relationship, they are involved with each other in a loving or sexual way. □� �their intimate moments with their boyfriends. ●� in|ti|mate|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� You have to be willing to get to know yourself and your partner intimately.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An intimate conversation or detail, for example, is very personal and private. □� He wrote about the intimate details of his family life. ●� in|ti|mate|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� It was the first time they had attempted to talk intimately.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use intimate to describe an occasion or the atmosphere of a place, you like it because it is quiet and pleasant, and seems suitable for close conversations between friends. [APPROVAL ] □� �an intimate candlelit dinner for two.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An intimate connection between ideas or organizations, for example, is a very strong link between them. □� �an intimate connection between madness and wisdom. ●� in|ti|mate|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Property and equities are intimately connected in Hong Kong.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An intimate knowledge of something is a deep and detailed knowledge of it. □� He surprised me with his intimate knowledge of Kierkegaard and Schopenhauer. ●� in|ti|mate|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� �a golden age of musicians whose work she knew intimately.

7 VERB If you intimate something, you say it in an indirect way. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] He went on to intimate that he was indeed contemplating a shake-up of the company. □�[V +�to ] He had intimated to the French and Russians his readiness to come to a settlement. [Also V n]

in|ti|ma|tion / I nt I me I ʃ ə n/ (intimations ) N‑COUNT [N that] An intimation is an indirect suggestion or sign that something is likely to happen or be true. [FORMAL ] □� I did not have any intimation that he was going to resign.

in|timi|date / I nt I m I de I t/ (intimidates , intimidating , intimidated ) VERB If you intimidate someone, you deliberately make them frightened enough to do what you want them to do. □�[V n] Jones had set out to intimidate and dominate Paul. □�[V n +�into ] Attempts to intimidate people into voting for the governing party did not work. ●� in|timi|da|tion / I nt I m I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �an inquiry into allegations of intimidation during last week's vote.

in|timi|dat|ed / I nt I m I de I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who feels intimidated feels frightened and lacks confidence because of the people they are with or the situation they are in. □� Women can come in here and not feel intimidated.

in|timi|dat|ing / I nt I m I de I t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as intimidating , you mean that they are frightening and make people lose confidence. □� He was a huge, intimidating figure.

into ◆◆◆ / I ntuː/ Pronounced / I ntuː/ or / I ntuː/, particularly before pronouns and for meaning 14 . In addition to the uses shown below, into is used after some verbs and nouns in order to introduce extra information. Into is also used with verbs of movement, such as 'walk' and 'push', and in phrasal verbs such as 'enter into' and 'talk into'. 1 PREP If you put one thing into another, you put the first thing inside the second. □� Combine the remaining ingredients and put them into a dish. □� Until the 1980s almost all olives were packed into jars by hand.

2 PREP If you go into a place or vehicle, you move from being outside it to being inside it. □� I have no idea how he got into Iraq. □� He got into bed and started to read.

3 PREP If one thing goes into another, the first thing moves from the outside to the inside of the second thing, by breaking or damaging the surface of it. □� The rider came off and the handlebar went into his neck.

4 PREP If one thing gets into another, the first thing enters the second and becomes part of it. □� Poisonous smoke had got into the water supply.

5 PREP If you are walking or driving a vehicle and you bump into something or crash into something, you hit it accidentally. □� A train plowed into the barrier at the end of the platform.

6 PREP When you get into a piece of clothing, you put it on. □� She could change into a different outfit in two minutes.

7 PREP If someone or something gets into a particular state, they start being in that state. □� I slid into a depression.

8 PREP If you talk someone into doing something, you persuade them to do it. □� Gerome tried to talk her into taking an apartment in Paris.

9 PREP If something changes into something else, it then has a new form, shape, or nature. □� �his attempt to turn a nasty episode into a joke.

10 PREP If something is cut or split into a number of pieces or sections, it is divided so that it becomes several smaller pieces or sections. □� Sixteen teams are taking part, divided into four groups.

11 PREP An investigation into a subject or event is concerned with that subject or event. □� The concert will raise funds for research into lung cancer.

12 PREP If you move or go into a particular career or business, you start working in it. □� In the early 1990s, it was easy to get into the rental business.

13 PREP If something continues into a period of time, it continues until after that period of time has begun. □� He had three children, and lived on into his sixties.

14 PREP If you are very interested in something and like it very much, you can say that you are into it. [INFORMAL ] □� I'm into electronics myself.

in|tol|er|able / I ntɒ lərəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as intolerable , you mean that it is so bad or extreme that no one can bear it or tolerate it. □� They felt this would put intolerable pressure on them. ●� in|tol|er|ably / I ntɒ lərəbli/ ADV □� �intolerably cramped conditions.

in|tol|er|ance / I ntɒ lərəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Intolerance is unwillingness to let other people act in a different way or hold different opinions from you. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �his intolerance of any opinion other than his own.

in|tol|er|ant / I ntɒ lərənt/ ADJ If you describe someone as intolerant , you mean that they do not accept behaviour and opinions that are different from their own. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �intolerant attitudes toward non-Catholics.

in|to|na|tion / I ntəne I ʃ ə n/ (intonations ) N‑VAR Your intonation is the way that your voice rises and falls as you speak. □� His voice had a very slight German intonation.

in|tone / I ntoʊ n/ (intones , intoning , intoned ) VERB If you intone something, you say it in a slow and serious way, with most of the words at one pitch. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] He quietly intoned several prayers. □�[V with quote] 'But Jesus is here!' the priest intoned.

in|toxi|cat|ed / I ntɒ ks I ke I t I d/

1 ADJ Someone who is intoxicated is drunk. [FORMAL ] □� He appeared intoxicated, police said.

2 ADJ If you are intoxicated by or with something such as a feeling or an event, you are so excited by it that you find it hard to think clearly and sensibly. [LITERARY ] □�[+�by/with ] They seem to have become intoxicated by their success.

in|toxi|cat|ing / I ntɒ ks I ke I t I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Intoxicating drink contains alcohol and can make you drunk. [FORMAL ] □� �intoxicating liquor.

2 ADJ If you describe something as intoxicating , you mean that it makes you feel a strong sense of excitement or happiness. [LITERARY ] □� �the intoxicating fragrance of lilies.

in|toxi|ca|tion / I ntɒ ks I ke I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Intoxication is the state of being drunk. [FORMAL ] □� Intoxication interferes with memory and thinking, speech and coordination.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You use intoxication to refer to a quality that something has that makes you feel very excited. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the intoxication of greed and success.

in|trac|table / I ntr� ktəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Intractable people are very difficult to control or influence. [FORMAL ] □� What may be done to reduce the influence of intractable opponents?

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Intractable problems or situations are very difficult to deal with. [FORMAL ] □� The economy still faces intractable problems.

intra|mu|ral / I ntrəmjʊə rəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Intramural activities happen within one college or university, rather than between different colleges or universities. [AM ] □� �a comprehensive, well-supported program of intramural sports.

in|tra|net / I ntrənet/ (intranets ) N‑COUNT An intranet is a network of computers, similar to the internet, within a particular company or organization.

in|tran|si|gence / I ntr� ns I dʒ ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you talk about someone's intransigence , you mean that they refuse to behave differently or to change their attitude to something. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] He often appeared angry and frustrated by the intransigence of both sides.

in|tran|si|gent / I ntr� ns I dʒ ə nt/ ADJ If you describe someone as intransigent , you mean that they refuse to behave differently or to change their attitude to something. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They put pressure on the Government to change its intransigent stance.

in|tran|si|tive / I ntr� ns I t I v/ ADJ An intransitive verb does not have an object.

intra|venous / I ntrəviː nəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] Intravenous foods or drugs are given to sick people through their veins, rather than their mouths. [MEDICAL ] □� �an intravenous drip. ●� intra|venous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Premature babies have to be fed intravenously.

i n tray (in trays ) also in-tray N‑COUNT An in tray is a shallow container used in offices to put letters and documents in before they are dealt with. Compare out tray .

in|trep|id / I ntre p I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An intrepid person acts in a brave way. □� �an intrepid space traveller.

in|tri|ca|cy / I ntr I kəsi/ (intricacies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Intricacy is the state of being made up of many small parts or details. □�[+�of ] The price depends on the intricacy of the work.

2 N‑PLURAL The intricacies of something are its complicated details. □�[+�of ] Rose explained the intricacies of the job.

in|tri|cate / I ntr I kət/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use intricate to describe something that has many small parts or details. □� �intricate patterns and motifs. ●� in|tri|cate|ly ADV □� �intricately-carved sculptures.

in|trigue (intrigues , intriguing , intrigued ) The noun is pronounced / I ntriːg/. The verb is pronounced / I ntriː g/. 1 N‑VAR Intrigue is the making of secret plans to harm or deceive people. □� �political intrigue. □� �a powerful story of intrigue, passion and betrayal.

2 VERB If something, especially something strange, intrigues you, it interests you and you want to know more about it. □�[V n] The novelty of the situation intrigued him.

in|trigued / I ntriː gd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are intriguedby something, especially something strange, it interests you and you want to know more about it. □� I would be intrigued to hear others' views.

in|tri|guing / I ntriː g I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as intriguing , you mean that it is interesting or strange. □� This intriguing book is both thoughtful and informative. ●� in|tri|guing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �the intriguingly-named newspaper Le Canard Enchain� (The Chained Duck).

in|trin|sic / I ntr I ns I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] If something has intrinsic value or intrinsic interest, it is valuable or interesting because of its basic nature or character, and not because of its connection with other things. [FORMAL ] □� The paintings have no intrinsic value except as curiosities. ●� in|trin|si|cal|ly / I ntr I ns I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� Sometimes I wonder if people are intrinsically evil.

in|tro / I ntroʊ/ (intros ) N‑COUNT The intro to a song, programme, or book is the first part, which comes before the main part. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Her album contains the best intro to a song ever.

intro|duce ◆◆◇ / I ntrədjuː s, [AM ] -duː s/ (introduces , introducing , introduced )

1 VERB To introduce something means to cause it to enter a place or exist in a system for the first time. □�[V n] The Government has introduced a number of other money-saving moves. □�[be V -ed +�into/to ] The word 'Pagoda' was introduced to Europe by the 17th-century Portuguese. ●� intro|duc|tion (introductions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] He is best remembered for the introduction of the moving assembly-line.

2 VERB If you introduce someone to something, you cause them to learn about it or experience it for the first time. □�[V n +�to ] He introduced us to the delights of natural food. ●� intro|duc|tion N‑SING □�[+�to ] His introduction to League football would have been gentler if he had started at a smaller club.

3 VERB If you introduce one person to another, or you introduce two people, you tell them each other's names, so that they can get to know each other. If you introduceyourself to someone, you tell them your name. □�[V n +�to ] Tim, may I introduce you to my uncle's secretary, Mary Waller? □�[V n] Someone introduced us and I sat next to him. □�[V pron-refl] Let me introduce myself. ●� intro|duc|tion (introductions ) N‑VAR □� With considerable shyness, Elaine performed the introductions.

4 VERB The person who introduces a television or radio programme speaks at the beginning of it, and often between the different items in it, in order to explain what the programme or the items are about. □�[be V -ed +�by ] 'Health Matters' is introduced by Dick Oliver on BBC World Service. [Also V n] SYNONYMS introduce VERB 1

bring in:The government brought in a controversial law.

establish:The U.N. has established detailed criteria for who should be allowed to vote.

set up:The two sides agreed to set up a commission to investigate claims.

pioneer:�the folk-tale writing style pioneered by Marquez.

initiate:They wanted to initiate a discussion on economics.

launch:The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

intro|duc|tion / I ntrədʌ kʃ ə n/ (introductions )

1 N‑COUNT The introductionto a book or talk is the part that comes at the beginning and tells you what the rest of the book or talk is about. □�[+�to ] Ellen Malos, in her introduction to 'The Politics of Housework', provides a summary of the debates.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] If you refer to a book as an introductionto a particular subject, you mean that it explains the basic facts about that subject. □�[+�to ] On balance, the book is a friendly, down-to-earth introduction to physics.

3 →�see also introduce

intro|duc|tory / I ntrədʌ ktəri/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An introductory remark, talk, or part of a book gives a small amount of general information about a particular subject, often before a more detailed explanation. □� �an introductory course in religion and theology.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An introductory offer or price on a new product is something such as a free gift or a low price that is meant to attract new customers. [BUSINESS ] □� �just out on the shelves at an introductory price of �2.99.

intro|spec|tion / I ntrəspe kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Introspection is the examining of your own thoughts, ideas, and feelings. □� He had always had his moments of quiet introspection.

intro|spec|tive / I ntrəspe kt I v/ ADJ Introspective people spend a lot of time examining their own thoughts, ideas, and feelings.

intro|vert / I ntrəvɜː r t/ (introverts )

1 N‑COUNT An introvert is a quiet, shy person who finds it difficult to talk to people.

2 ADJ Introvert means the same as introverted . □� The music students here are a very introvert lot.

intro|vert|ed / I ntrəvɜː r t I d/ ADJ Introverted people are quiet and shy and find it difficult to talk to other people. □� Machen was a lonely, introverted child.

in|trude / I ntruː d/ (intrudes , intruding , intruded )

1 VERB If you say that someone is intrudinginto a particular place or situation, you mean that they are not wanted or welcome there. □�[V +�into/on/upon ] The press has been blamed for intruding into people's personal lives in an unacceptable way. □�[V ] I hope I'm not intruding.

2 VERB If something intrudeson your mood or your life, it disturbs it or has an unwanted effect on it. □�[V +�on/into/upon ] Do you feel anxious when unforeseen incidents intrude on your day? □�[V ] There are times when personal feelings cannot be allowed to intrude.

3 VERB If someone intrudesinto a place, they go there even though they are not allowed to be there. □�[V +�into/onto ] The officer on the scene said no one had intruded into the area.

in|trud|er / I ntruː də r / (intruders ) N‑COUNT An intruder is a person who goes into a place where they are not supposed to be.

in|tru|sion / I ntruː ʒ ə n/ (intrusions )

1 N‑VAR If someone disturbs you when you are in a private place or having a private conversation, you can call this event an intrusion . □� I hope you don't mind this intrusion, Jon.

2 N‑VAR An intrusion is something that disturbs your mood or your life in a way you do not like. □�[+�into ] I felt it was a grotesque intrusion into our lives.

in|tru|sive / I ntruː s I v/ ADJ Something that is intrusive disturbs your mood or your life in a way you do not like. □� The cameras were not an intrusive presence.

in|tu|it / I ntjuː I t, [AM ] -tuː -/ (intuits , intuiting , intuited ) VERB If you intuit something, you guess what it is on the basis of your intuition or feelings, rather than on the basis of knowledge. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They would confidently intuit your very thoughts. □�[V that] He was probably right to intuit that it was universal.

in|tui|tion / I ntju I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tu-/ (intuitions ) N‑VAR Your intuition or your intuitions are unexplained feelings you have that something is true even when you have no evidence or proof of it. □� Her intuition was telling her that something was wrong.

in|tui|tive / I ntjuː I t I v, [AM ] -tuː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have an intuitive idea or feeling about something, you feel that it is true although you have no evidence or proof of it. □� A positive pregnancy test soon confirmed her intuitive feelings. ●� in|tui|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� He seemed to know intuitively that I must be missing my mother.

Inu|it / I nju I t/ (Inuits or Inuit ) N‑COUNT The Inuit are a race of people descended from the original people of Eastern Canada and Greenland.

in|un|date / I nʌnde I t/ (inundates , inundating , inundated )

1 VERB If you say that you are inundatedwith things such as letters, demands, or requests, you are emphasizing that you receive so many of them that you cannot deal with them all. [EMPHASIS ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] Her office was inundated with requests for tickets. □�[V n +�with ] They have inundated me with fan letters. [Also V n]

2 VERB [usu passive] If an area of land is inundated , it becomes covered with water. □�[be V -ed] Their neighborhood is being inundated by the rising waters of the Colorado River.

in|ured / I njʊə r d/ ADJ If you are inuredto something unpleasant, you have become used to it so that it no longer affects you. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Doctors become inured to death.

in|vade / I nve I d/ (invades , invading , invaded )

1 VERB To invade a country means to enter it by force with an army. □�[V n] In autumn 1944 the allies invaded the Italian mainland at Anzio and Salerno. □�[V -ing] The Romans and the Normans came to Britain as invading armies. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you say that people or animals invade a place, you mean that they enter it in large numbers, often in a way that is unpleasant or difficult to deal with. □�[V n] People invaded the streets in victory processions almost throughout the day.

3to invade someone's privacy →�see privacy

in|vad|er / I nve I də r / (invaders )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Invaders are soldiers who are invading a country. □� The invaders were only finally crushed when troops overcame them at Glenshiel in June 1719.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a country or army that has invaded or is about to invade another country as an invader . □� �action against a foreign invader.

in|va|lid (invalids ) The noun is pronounced / I nvəl I d/. The adjective is pronounced / I nv� l I d/ and is hyphenated in|val|id. 1 N‑COUNT An invalid is someone who needs to be cared for because they have an illness or disability. □� I hate being treated as an invalid.

2 ADJ If an action, procedure, or document is invalid , it cannot be accepted, because it breaks the law or some official rule. □� The trial was stopped and the results declared invalid.

3 ADJ An invalid argument or conclusion is wrong because it is based on a mistake. □� We think that those arguments are rendered invalid by the hard facts on the ground.

in|vali|date / I nv� l I de I t/ (invalidates , invalidating , invalidated )

1 VERB To invalidate something such as an argument, conclusion, or result means to prove that it is wrong or cause it to be wrong. □�[V n] Any form of physical activity will invalidate the results.

2 VERB If something invalidates something such as a law, contract, or election, it causes it to be considered illegal. □�[V n] An official decree invalidated the vote in the capital.

in|va|lid|ity / I nvəl I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Invalidity is the state of being an invalid. □� I live on an invalidity pension.

in|valu|able / I nv� ljəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as invaluable , you mean that it is extremely useful. □� I was able to gain invaluable experience over that year. □�[+�in ] The research should prove invaluable in the study of linguistics. [Also +�to ]

in|vari|able / I nveə riəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use invariable to describe something that never changes. □� Dressed crab followed by sticky toffee pudding were her almost invariable choices from the menu.

in|vari|ably / I nveə riəbli/ ADV [ADV with v] If something invariably happens or is invariably true, it always happens or is always true. □� They almost invariably get it wrong.

in|va|sion ◆◇◇ / I nve I ʒ ə n/ (invasions )

1 N‑VAR [oft adj N ] If there is an invasion of a country, a foreign army enters it by force. □�[+�of ] �seven years after the Roman invasion of Britain.

2 N‑VAR If you refer to the arrival of a large number of people or things as an invasion , you are emphasizing that they are unpleasant or difficult to deal with. □�[+�of ] �this year's annual invasion of flies, wasps and ants.

3 N‑VAR If you describe an action as an invasion , you disapprove of it because it affects someone or something in a way that is not wanted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] Is reading a child's diary always a gross invasion of privacy?

in|va|sive / I nve I s I v/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use invasive to describe something undesirable which spreads very quickly and which is very difficult to stop from spreading. □� They found invasive cancer during a routine examination.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An invasive medical procedure involves operating on a patient or examining the inside of their body.

in|vec|tive / I nve kt I v/ N‑UNCOUNT Invective is rude and unpleasant things that people shout at people they hate or are angry with. [FORMAL ] □� A woman had hurled racist invective at the family.

in|veigh / I nve I / (inveighs , inveighing , inveighed ) VERB If you inveigh against something, you criticize it strongly. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�against ] A lot of his writings inveigh against luxury and riches.

in|vei|gle / I nve I g ə l/ (inveigles , inveigling , inveigled ) VERB If you inveigle someone into doing something, you cleverly persuade them to do it when they do not really want to. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�into ] She inveigles Paco into a plot to swindle Tania out of her savings.

in|vent / I nve nt/ (invents , inventing , invented )

1 VERB If you invent something such as a machine or process, you are the first person to think of it or make it. □�[V n] He invented the first electric clock.

2 VERB If you invent a story or excuse, you try to make other people believe that it is true when in fact it is not. □�[V n] I stood still, trying to invent a plausible excuse.

in|ven|tion / I nve nʃ ə n/ (inventions )

1 N‑COUNT An invention is a machine, device, or system that has been invented by someone. □� The spinning wheel was a Chinese invention.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Invention is the act of inventing something that has never been made or used before. □�[+�of ] �the invention of the telephone.

3 N‑VAR If you refer to someone's account of something as an invention , you think that it is untrue and that they have made it up. □� The story was certainly a favourite one, but it was undoubtedly pure invention.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Invention is the ability to invent things or to have clever and original ideas. □� �his great powers of invention.

in|ven|tive / I nve nt I v/ ADJ An inventive person is good at inventing things or has clever and original ideas. □� It inspired me to be more inventive with my own cooking. ●� in|ven|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He has surprised us before with his inventiveness.

in|ven|tor / I nve ntə r / (inventors ) N‑COUNT An inventor is a person who has invented something, or whose job is to invent things. □�[+�of ] �Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone.

in|ven|tory / I nv ə ntri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (inventories )

1 N‑COUNT An inventory is a written list of all the objects in a particular place. □�[+�of ] Before starting, he made an inventory of everything that was to stay.

2 N‑VAR An inventory is a supply or stock of something. [AM ] □�[+�of ] �one inventory of twelve sails for each yacht.

in|verse / I nvɜː r s/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is an inverse relationship between two things, one of them becomes larger as the other becomes smaller. □� The tension grew in inverse proportion to the distance from their final destination. ●� in|verse|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� The size of the nebula at this stage is inversely proportional to its mass.

2 N‑SING The inverse of something is its exact opposite. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] There is no sign that you bothered to consider the inverse of your logic. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Inverse is also an adjective. □� The hologram can be flipped to show the inverse image.

in|ver|sion / I nvɜː r ʃ ə n, -ʒ ə n/ (inversions ) N‑VAR When there is an inversion of something, it is changed into its opposite. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a scandalous inversion of the truth.

in|vert / I nvɜː r t/ (inverts , inverting , inverted )

1 VERB If you invert something, you turn it the other way up or back to front. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Invert the cake onto a cooling rack. □�[V -ed] �a black inverted triangle.

2 VERB If you invert something, you change it to its opposite. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They may be hoping to invert the presumption that a defendant is innocent until proved guilty. □�[V -ed] �a telling illustration of inverted moral values.

in|ver|tebrate / I nvɜː r t I brət/ (invertebrates ) N‑COUNT An invertebrate is a creature that does not have a spine, for example an insect, a worm, or an octopus. [TECHNICAL ] ●�ADJ Invertebrate is also an adjective. □� �invertebrate creatures.

in|ve rt|ed co m|mas

1 N‑PLURAL Inverted commas are punctuation marks that are used in writing to show where speech or a quotation begins and ends. They are usually written or printed as � � or � �. Inverted commas are also sometimes used around the titles of books, plays, or songs, or around a word or phrase that is being discussed. [BRIT ] in AM, use quotation marks

2 PHRASE If you say in inverted commas after a word or phrase, you are indicating that it is inaccurate or unacceptable in some way, or that you are quoting someone else. [BRIT ] □� They're asked to make objective, in inverted commas, evaluations of these statements.

in|vest ◆◇◇ / I nve st/ (invests , investing , invested )

1 VERB If you investin something, or if you invest a sum of money, you use your money in a way that you hope will increase its value, for example by paying it into a bank, or buying shares or property. □�[V +�in ] They intend to invest directly in shares. □�[V n +�in ] He invested all our profits in gold shares. □�[V n] When people buy houses they're investing a lot of money.

2 VERB When a government or organization investsin something, it gives or lends money for a purpose that it considers useful or profitable. □�[V +�in ] �the British government's failure to invest in an integrated transport system. □�[V n +�in ] �the European Investment Bank, which invested �100 million in Canary Wharf. □�[V n] Why does Japan invest, on average, twice as much capital per worker per year than the United States? [Also V ]

3 VERB If you invest in something useful, you buy it, because it will help you to do something more efficiently or more cheaply. □�[V n +�in ] The company invested thousands in an electronic order-control system. □�[V +�in ] The easiest way to make ice cream yourself is to invest in an ice cream machine.

4 VERB If you invest time or energy in something, you spend a lot of time or energy on something that you consider to be useful or likely to be successful. □�[V n +�in ] I would rather invest time in Rebecca than in the kitchen.

5 VERB To invest someone with rights or responsibilities means to give them those rights or responsibilities legally or officially. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�with ] The constitution had invested him with certain powers. COLLOCATIONS invest VERB

1

invest+�noun : cash, fund, money, sum; capital, profit; billions, millions

invest+�adverb : directly, heavily; wisely; abroad, overseas, offshore

2

noun +�invest : company, firm, government, organization

4

invest+�noun : effort, time

in|ves|ti|gate ◆◆◇ / I nve st I ge I t/ (investigates , investigating , investigated ) VERB If someone, especially an official, investigates an event, situation, or claim, they try to find out what happened or what is the truth. □�[V n] Gas officials are investigating the cause of an explosion which badly damaged a house in Hampshire. □�[V wh] Police are still investigating how the accident happened. [Also V ] ●� in|ves|ti|ga|tion / I nve st I ge I ʃ ə n/ (investigations ) N‑VAR □�[+�into ] He ordered an investigation into the affair. COLLOCATIONS investigate VERB

investigate+�noun : allegation, claim, complaint; case, crime, death, incident

noun +�investigate : authority, detective, officer, police

investigate+�adverb : fully, properly, thoroughly

in|ves|ti|gative / I nve st I gət I v, [AM ] -ge I t-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Investigative work, especially journalism, involves investigating things. □� �an investigative reporter.

in|ves|ti|ga|tor / I nve st I ge I tə r / (investigators ) N‑COUNT An investigator is someone who carries out investigations, especially as part of their job.

in|ves|ti|ga|tory / I nve st I gətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Investigatory means the same as investigative . □� At no time did I make an attempt to impede any investigatory effort.

in|ves|ti|ture / I nve st I tʃə r / (investitures ) N‑COUNT An investiture is a ceremony in which someone is given an official title. □� �Edward VIII's investiture as Prince of Wales in 1911.

in|vest|ment ◆◆◇ / I nve stmənt/ (investments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Investment is the activity of investing money. □� He said the government must introduce tax incentives to encourage investment. [Also +�in ]

2 N‑VAR An investment is an amount of money that you invest, or the thing that you invest it in. □� You'll be able to earn an average rate of return of 8% on your investments.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu adj N ] If you describe something you buy as an investment , you mean that it will be useful, especially because it will help you to do a task more cheaply or efficiently. □� When selecting boots, fine, quality leather will be a wise investment.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Investment of time or effort is the spending of time or effort on something in order to make it a success. □�[+�of ] I worry about this big investment of time and effort. COLLOCATIONS investment NOUN

1

noun +�investment : business, capital, property

adjective +�investment : foreign, overseas; heavy

verb +�investment : attract, boost, encourage, promote; need, require

2

adjective +�investment : fixed, long-term, minimum; sound

verb +�investment : consider, make

3

adjective +�investment : wise, worthwhile

in|ves|tor ◆◆◇ / I nve stə r / (investors ) N‑COUNT An investor is a person or organization that buys stocks or shares, or pays money into a bank in order to receive a profit. □�[+�in ] The main investor in the project is the French bank Credit National. COLLOCATIONS investor NOUN

noun +�investor : bond, equity, property

adjective +�investor : cautious, nervous, unhappy, wary; foreign, overseas; wealthy; institutional, private

verb +�investor : attract; reassure; spook

in|vet|er|ate / I nve tərət/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as, for example, an inveterate liar or smoker, you mean that they have lied or smoked for a long time and are not likely to stop doing it. □� �an inveterate gambler.

in|vidi|ous / I nv I diəs/

1 ADJ If you describe a task or job as invidious , you mean that it is unpleasant because it is likely to make you unpopular. □� The local authority could find itself in the invidious position of having to refuse.

2 ADJ An invidious comparison or choice between two things is an unfair one because the two things are very different or are equally good or bad. □� Police officers fear invidious comparisons.

in|vigi|late / I nv I dʒ I le I t/ (invigilates , invigilating , invigilated ) VERB Someone who invigilates an examination supervises the people who are taking it in order to ensure that it starts and finishes at the correct time, and that there is no cheating. [BRIT ] □�[V n] I've taught sixth formers and invigilated exams. [Also V ] ●� in|vigi|la|tor (invigilators ) N‑COUNT □� �an exam invigilator.

in|vig|or|ate / I nv I gəre I t/ (invigorates , invigorating , invigorated )

1 VERB If something invigorates you, it makes you feel more energetic. □�[V n] Take a deep breath in to invigorate you. ●� in|vig|or|at|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� She seemed invigorated, full of life and energy.

2 VERB To invigorate a situation or a process means to make it more efficient or more effective. □�[V n] �the promise that they would invigorate the economy.

in|vig|or|at|ing / I nv I gəre I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as invigorating , you mean that it makes you feel more energetic. □� �the bright Finnish sun and invigorating northern air.

in|vin|cible / I nv I ns I b ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe an army or sports team as invincible , you believe that they cannot be defeated. □� When he is on form he is virtually invincible. ●� in|vin|cibil|ity / I nv I ns I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �symbols of the invincibility of the Roman army.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has an invincible belief or attitude, it cannot be changed. □� He also had an invincible faith in the medicinal virtues of garlic.

in|vio|lable / I nva I ələb ə l/

1 ADJ If a law or principle is inviolable , you must not break it. [FORMAL ] □� The game had a single inviolable rule: obstacles were to be overcome, not circumvented.

2 ADJ If a country says its borders are inviolable , it means they must not be changed or crossed without permission. [FORMAL ] □� Yesterday's resolution says the present Polish border is 'inviolable'. ●� in|vio|labil|ity / I nva I ələb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Parliament has recognised the inviolability of the current border.

in|vio|late / I nva I ələt/ ADJ If something is inviolate , it has not been or cannot be harmed or affected by anything. [FORMAL ] □� We believed our love was inviolate.

in|vis|ible / I nv I z I b ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something as invisible , you mean that it cannot be seen, for example because it is transparent, hidden, or very small. □� The lines were so finely etched as to be invisible from a distance. ●� in|vis|ibly / I nv I z I bli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� A thin coil of smoke rose almost invisibly into the sharp, bright sky.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use invisible when you are talking about something that cannot be seen but has a definite effect. In this sense, invisible is often used before a noun which refers to something that can usually be seen. □� Parents fear they might overstep these invisible boundaries. ●� in|vis|ibly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the tradition that invisibly shapes things in the present.

3 ADJ If you say that you feel invisible , you are complaining that you are being ignored by other people. If you say that a particular problem or situation is invisible , you are complaining that it is not being considered or dealt with. □� The problems of the poor are largely invisible. ●� in|vis|ibil|ity / I nv I z I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the invisibility of women's concerns in society.

4 ADJ In stories, invisible people or things have a magic quality which makes people unable to see them. □� �The Invisible Man.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] In economics, invisible earnings are the money that a country makes as a result of services such as banking and tourism, rather than by producing goods. [BUSINESS ] □� Tourism is Britain's single biggest invisible export.

in|vi|ta|tion ◆◇◇ / I nv I te I ʃ ə n/ (invitations )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] An invitation is a written or spoken request to come to an event such as a party, a meal, or a meeting. □�[+�to ] �an invitation to lunch. □�[+�of ] He's understood to be there at the personal invitation of the President.

2 N‑COUNT An invitation is the card or paper on which an invitation is written or printed. □� Hundreds of invitations are being sent out this week.

3 N‑SING If you believe that someone's action is likely to have a particular result, especially a bad one, you can refer to the action as an invitation to that result. □�[+�to ] Don't leave your shopping on the back seat of your car�it's an open invitation to a thief.

in|vite ◆◆◇ (invites , inviting , invited ) The verb is pronounced / I nva I t/. The noun is pronounced / I nva I t/. 1 VERB If you invite someone to something such as a party or a meal, you ask them to come to it. □�[V n prep/adv] She invited him to her 26th birthday party in New Jersey. □�[V n to-inf] Barron invited her to accompany him to the races. □�[be V -ed] I haven't been invited. □�[V -ed] �an invited audience of children from inner-city schools.

2 VERB If you are invitedto do something, you are formally asked or given permission to do it. □�[be V -ed to-inf] At a future date, managers will be invited to apply for a management buy-out. □�[V n to-inf] If a new leader emerged, it would then be for the Queen to invite him to form a government. □�[V n] The Department is inviting applications from groups within the Borough.

3 VERB If something you say or do invites trouble or criticism, it makes trouble or criticism more likely. □�[V n] Their refusal to compromise will inevitably invite more criticism from the U.N.

4 N‑COUNT An invite is an invitation to something such as a party or a meal. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�to ] They haven't got an invite to the wedding.

in|vit|ing / I nva I t I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you say that something is inviting , you mean that it has good qualities that attract you or make you want to experience it. □� The February air was soft, cool, and inviting. ●� in|vit|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The waters of the tropics are invitingly clear.

2 →�see also invite

in vi|tro / I n viː troʊ/ ADJ [ADJ n] In vitro fertilization is a method of helping a woman to have a baby in which an egg is removed from one of her ovaries, fertilized outside her body, and then replaced in her womb.

in|vo|ca|tion / I nvəke I ʃ ə n/ (invocations )

1 N‑VAR An invocation is a request for help or forgiveness made to a god. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] �an invocation for divine guidance.

2 N‑COUNT An invocation is a prayer at a public meeting, usually at the beginning. [AM ]

in|voice / I nvɔ I s/ (invoices , invoicing , invoiced )

1 N‑COUNT An invoice is a document that lists goods that have been supplied or services that have been done, and says how much money you owe for them. □�[+�for ] We will then send you an invoice for the total course fees.

2 VERB If you invoice someone, you send them a bill for goods or services you have provided them with. □�[V n] The agency invoices the client.

in|voke / I nvoʊ k/ (invokes , invoking , invoked )

1 VERB If you invoke a law, you state that you are taking a particular action because that law allows or tells you to. □�[V n] The judge invoked an international law that protects refugees.

2 VERB If you invoke something such as a principle, a saying, or a famous person, you refer to them in order to support your argument. □�[V n] He invoked memories of Britain's near-disastrous disarmament in the 1930s.

3 VERB If something such as a piece of music invokes a feeling or an image, it causes someone to have the feeling or to see the image. Many people consider this use to be incorrect. □�[V n] The music invoked the wide open spaces of the prairies.

in|vol|un|tary / I nvɒ ləntri, [AM ] -teri/

1 ADJ If you make an involuntary movement or exclamation, you make it suddenly and without intending to because you are unable to control yourself. □� Another surge of pain in my ankle caused me to give an involuntary shudder. ●� in|vol|un|tari|ly / I nvɒləntrəli, [AM ] -teə r I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� His left eyelid twitched involuntarily.

2 ADJ You use involuntary to describe an action or situation which is forced on someone. □� �insurance policies that cover involuntary unemployment.

in|volve ◆◆◇ / I nvɒ lv/ (involves , involving , involved )

1 VERB If a situation or activity involves something, that thing is a necessary part or consequence of it. □�[V n] Running a kitchen involves a great deal of discipline and speed. □�[V v-ing] Nicky's job involves spending quite a lot of time with other people.

2 VERB If a situation or activity involves someone, they are taking part in it. □�[V n] If there was a cover-up, it involved people at the very highest levels of government.

3 VERB If you say that someone involves themselves in something, you mean that they take part in it, often in a way that is unnecessary or unwanted. □�[V pron-refl +�in ] I seem to have involved myself in something I don't understand.

4 VERB If you involve someone else in something, you get them to take part in it. □�[V n +�in ] Noel and I do everything together, he involves me in everything.

5 VERB If one thing involves you in another thing, especially something unpleasant or inconvenient, the first thing causes you to do or deal with the second. □�[V n +�in ] A late booking may involve you in extra cost. SYNONYMS involve VERB 1

entail:The job entails teaching dancers the technique and performance of dance movements.

mean:Managing well means communicating well.

demand:The task would demand much patience, hard work and sacrifice.

require:This isn't the kind of crisis that requires us to drop everything else.

in|volved ◆◆◇ / I nvɒ lvd/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are involvedin a situation or activity, you are taking part in it or have a strong connection with it. □�[+�in/with ] If she were involved in business, she would make a strong chief executive.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are involvedin something, you give a lot of time, effort, or attention to it. □�[+�in ] The family were deeply involved in Jewish culture.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] The things involvedin something such as a job or system are the necessary parts or consequences of it. □�[+�in ] We believe the time and hard work involved in completing such an assignment are worthwhile.

4 ADJ If a situation or activity is involved , it has a lot of different parts or aspects, often making it difficult to understand, explain, or do. □� The operations can be quite involved, requiring many procedures.

5 ADJ If one person is involvedwith another, especially someone they are not married to, they are having a sexual or romantic relationship. □�[+�with ] He became romantically involved with a married woman.

in|volve|ment ◆◇◇ / I nvɒ lvmənt/ (involvements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Your involvementin something is the fact that you are taking part in it. □�[+�with ] She disliked his involvement with the group and disliked his friends.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Involvement is the enthusiasm that you feel when you care deeply about something. □�[+�with ] Ben has always felt a deep involvement with animals.

3 N‑VAR An involvement is a close relationship between two people, especially if they are not married to each other. □� They were very good friends but there was no romantic involvement.

in|vul|ner|able / I nvʌ lnərəb ə l/ ADJ If someone or something is invulnerable , they cannot be harmed or damaged. □� Many daughters assume that their mothers are invulnerable. [Also +�to ] ●� in|vul|ner|abil|ity / I nvʌ lnərəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] They have a sense of invulnerability to disease.

in|ward / I nwə r d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Your inward thoughts or feelings are the ones that you do not express or show to other people. □� I sighed with inward relief. ●� in|ward|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Sara, while remaining outwardly amiable toward all concerned, was inwardly furious.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An inward movement is one towards the inside or centre of something. □� �a sharp, inward breath like a gasp.

3 →�see also inwards

i n|ward in|ve st|ment N‑UNCOUNT Inward investment is the investment of money in a country by companies from outside that country. [BUSINESS ]

i nward-looking ADJ If you describe a people or society as inward-looking , you mean that they are more interested in themselves than in other people or societies. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an insular and inward-looking community.

in|wards / I nwə r dz/ also inward ADV [ADV after v] If something moves or faces inwards , it moves or faces towards the inside or centre of something. □� She pressed back against the door until it swung inwards.

i n-your-fa ce also in-yer-face ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has an in-your-face attitude seems determined to behave in a way that is unusual or shocking, and does not care what people think of them. [INFORMAL ] □� It's in-your-face feminism, and it's meant to shock.

iodine /a I ə diːn, [AM ] -da I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Iodine is a dark-coloured substance used in medicine and photography.

ion /a I ən/ (ions ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Ions are electrically charged atoms. [TECHNICAL ]

-ion →�see -ation

ion|iz|er /a I əna I zə r / (ionizers ) in BRIT, also use ioniser N‑COUNT An ionizer is a device which is meant to make the air in a room more healthy by removing positive ions.

iota /a I oʊ tə/

1 QUANT If you say that there is not an iota or not one iota of something, you are emphasizing that there is not even a very small amount of it. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] He's never shown an iota of interest in any kind of work.

2 PHRASE You can use an iota or one iota to emphasize a negative statement. Not an iota or not one iota means not even to a small extent or degree. [EMPHASIS ] □� Our credit standards haven't changed one iota.

IOU /a I oʊ juː / (IOUs ) N‑COUNT An IOU is a written promise that you will pay back some money that you have borrowed. IOU is an abbreviation for 'I owe you'.

IP ad|dress /a I piː ədres, [AM ] �dres/ (IP addresses ) N‑COUNT An IP address is a series of numbers that identifies which particular computer or network is connected to the internet. IP is an abbreviation for 'Internet Protocol'. [COMPUTING ] □� Every connection that you make to the network is stamped with your IP address.

iPod /a I pɒd/ (iPods ) N‑COUNT An iPod is a portable MP3 player that can play music downloaded from the internet. [COMPUTING , TRADEMARK ]

ipso fac|to / I psoʊ f� ktoʊ/ ADV If something is ipso facto true, it must be true, because of a fact that has been mentioned. □� If a crime occurs then there is, ipso facto, a guilty party.

IQ /a I kjuː / (IQs ) N‑VAR Your IQ is your level of intelligence, as indicated by a special test that you do. IQ is an abbreviation for 'intelligence quotient'. Compare EQ . □� His IQ is above average.

PREFIX ir-

can be added to some words to form words that have the opposite meaning. For example, if something is irreplaceable it cannot be replaced.

Ira|nian / I re I niən/ (Iranians )

1 ADJ Iranian means belonging or relating to Iran, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT An Iranian is an Iranian citizen, or a person of Iranian origin.

Ira|qi / I rɑː kiː, I r� ki/ (Iraqis )

1 ADJ Iraqi means belonging or relating to Iraq, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT An Iraqi is an Iraqi citizen, or a person of Iraqi origin.

iras|cible / I r� s I b ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as irascible , you mean that they become angry very easily. [WRITTEN ] □� He had an irascible temper.

irate /a I re I t/ ADJ If someone is irate , they are very angry about something. □� The owner was so irate he almost threw me out of the place.

IRC /a I ɑː r siː / N‑UNCOUNT IRC is a way of having conversations with people who are using the Internet, especially people you do not know. IRC is an abbreviation for 'Internet Relay Chat'.

ire /a I ə r / N‑UNCOUNT Ire is anger. [FORMAL ] □� Their ire was directed mainly at the government.

iri|des|cent / I r I de s ə nt/ ADJ Something that is iridescent has many bright colours that seem to keep changing. [LITERARY ] □� �iridescent bubbles.

iris /a I ə r I s/ (irises )

1 N‑COUNT The iris is the round coloured part of a person's eye.

2 N‑COUNT An iris is a tall plant with long leaves and large purple, yellow, or white flowers.

Irish /a I ə r I ʃ/ (Irish )

1 ADJ Irish means belonging or relating to Ireland, or to its people, language, or culture. Irish sometimes refers to the whole of Ireland, and sometimes only to the Republic of Ireland.

2 N‑PLURAL TheIrish are the people of Ireland, or of the Republic of Ireland.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Irish is a Celtic language spoken in Ireland, especially in the Republic of Ireland.

Irish|man /a I ə r I ʃmən/ (Irishmen ) N‑COUNT An Irishman is a man who is an Irish citizen or is of Irish origin.

Irish|woman /a I ə r I ʃwʊmən/ (Irishwomen ) N‑COUNT An Irishwoman is a woman who is an Irish citizen or is of Irish origin.

irk /ɜː r k/ (irks , irking , irked ) VERB If something irks you, it irritates or annoys you. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The rehearsal process also irked him increasingly. □�[V n to-inf] I must admit it irks me to see this guy get all this free publicity. □�[V n that] It irks them that some people have more of a chance than others for their voices to be heard. ●� irked ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� Claire had seemed a little irked when he left.

irk|some /ɜː r ksəm/ ADJ If something is irksome , it irritates or annoys you. [FORMAL ] □� �the irksome regulations.

iron ◆◇◇ /a I ə r n/ (irons , ironing , ironed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Iron is an element which usually takes the form of a hard, dark-grey metal. It is used to make steel, and also forms part of many tools, buildings, and vehicles. Very small amounts of iron occur in your blood and in food. □� The huge, iron gate was locked. □� �the highest-grade iron ore deposits in the world.

2 →�see also cast iron

3 N‑COUNT An iron is an electrical device with a flat metal base. You heat it until the base is hot, then rub it over clothes to remove creases.

4 VERB If you iron clothes, you remove the creases from them using an iron. □�[V n] She used to iron his shirts. □�[V -ed] �a freshly ironed shirt. ●� iron|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� I managed to get all the ironing done this morning.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use iron to describe the character or behaviour of someone who is very firm in their decisions and actions, or who can control their feelings well. □� �a man of icy nerve and iron will.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Iron is used in expressions such as an iron hand and iron discipline to describe strong, harsh, or unfair methods of control which do not allow people much freedom. □� He died in 1985 after ruling Albania with an iron fist for 40 years.

7 PHRASE If someone has a lot of irons in the fire , they are involved in several different activities or have several different plans.

▸� iron out PHRASAL VERB If you iron out difficulties, you resolve them and bring them to an end. □�[V P n] It was in the beginning, when we were still ironing out problems. [Also V n P ]

I ron Age N‑PROPER The Iron Age was a period of time which began when people started making things from iron about three thousand years ago. □� �the remains of an Iron Age fort.

iron|clad /a I ə r nkl�d/ also iron-clad ADJ If you describe a guarantee or plan as ironclad , you are emphasizing that it has been carefully put together, and that you think it is absolutely certain to work or be successful. [EMPHASIS ] □� �ironclad guarantees of safe passage.

I ron Cu r|tain N‑PROPER People referred to the border that separated the Soviet Union and the communist countries of Eastern Europe from the Western European countries as the Iron Curtain .

iron|ic /a I rɒ n I k/ or ironical /a I rɒ n I k ə l/

1 ADJ When you make an ironic remark, you say something that you do not mean, as a joke. □� People used to call me Mr Popularity at high school, but they were being ironic.

2 ADJ If you say that it is ironic that something should happen, you mean that it is odd or amusing because it involves a contrast. □� I find it ironic that after all the motorbike accidents he has had, he should, in the end, die in his bed.

ironi|cal|ly /a I rɒ n I kli/

1 ADV You use ironically to draw attention to a situation which is odd or amusing because it involves a contrast. □� Ironically, for a man who hated war, he would have made a superb war cameraman.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If you say something ironically , you do not mean it and are saying it as a joke. □� Classmates at West Point had ironically dubbed him Beauty.

i ron|ing board (ironing boards ) N‑COUNT An ironing board is a long narrow board covered with cloth on which you iron clothes.

iron|monger /a I ə r nmʌŋgə r / (ironmongers )

1 N‑COUNT An ironmonger is a shopkeeper who sells articles for the house and garden such as tools, nails, and pans. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use hardware dealer2 N‑COUNT An ironmonger or an ironmonger's is a shop where articles for the house and garden such as tools, nails, and pans are sold. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use hardware store

iron|mongery /a I ə r nmʌŋgəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Ironmongery is articles for the house and garden such as tools, nails, and pans which are sold in an ironmonger's shop. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use hardware

iron|work /a I ə r nwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Iron objects or structures are referred to as ironwork . □� �the ironwork on the doors.

iro|ny /a I rəni/ (ironies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Irony is a subtle form of humour which involves saying things that you do not mean. □� Sinclair examined the closed, clever face for any hint of irony, but found none.

2 N‑VAR If you talk about the irony of a situation, you mean that it is odd or amusing because it involves a contrast. □� The irony is that many officials in Washington agree in private that their policy is inconsistent. [Also +�of/in ]

ir|ra|di|ate / I re I die I t/ (irradiates , irradiating , irradiated ) VERB If someone or something is irradiated , they are exposed to a large amount of radioactivity. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] When tumours are treated, a significant amount of healthy tissue is inevitably irradiated. ●� ir|ra|dia|tion / I re I die I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the harmful effects of irradiation and pollution.

ir|ra|tion|al / I r� ʃən ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's feelings and behaviour as irrational , you mean they are not based on logical reasons or clear thinking. □� �an irrational fear of science. ●� ir|ra|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Some days I feel irrationally anxious. ●� ir|ra|tion|al|ity / I r� ʃ ə n� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the irrationality of his behaviour.

ir|rec|on|cil|able / I re kənsa I ləb ə l/

1 ADJ If two things such as opinions or proposals are irreconcilable , they are so different from each other that it is not possible to believe or have both of them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] These old concepts are irreconcilable with modern life.

2 ADJ An irreconcilable disagreement or conflict is so serious that it cannot be settled. [FORMAL ] □� �an irreconcilable clash of personalities.

ir|re|deem|able / I r I diː məb ə l/ ADJ If someone or something has an irredeemable fault, it cannot be corrected. [FORMAL ] □� He is still, in the eyes of some, an irredeemable misogynist. ●� ir|re|deem|ably / I r I diː məbli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� The applicant was irredeemably incompetent.

ir|re|duc|ible / I r I djuː s I b ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Irreducible things cannot be made simpler or smaller. [FORMAL ] □� �the irreducible complexity of human life.

ir|refu|table / I r I fjuː təb ə l/ ADJ Irrefutable evidence, statements, or arguments cannot be shown to be incorrect or unsatisfactory. [FORMAL ] □� The pictures provide irrefutable evidence of the incident.

ir|regu|lar / I re gjʊlə r /

1 ADJ If events or actions occur at irregular intervals, the periods of time between them are of different lengths. □� Cars passed at irregular intervals. □� He worked irregular hours. ●� ir|regu|lar|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He was eating irregularly, steadily losing weight. ●� ir|regu|lar|ity / I re gjʊl� r I ti/ (irregularities ) N‑VAR □�[+�in ] �a dangerous irregularity in her heartbeat.

2 ADJ Something that is irregular is not smooth or straight, or does not form a regular pattern. □� He had bad teeth, irregular and discolored. ●� ir|regu|lar|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� Located off-center in the irregularly shaped lake was a fountain. ●� ir|regu|lar|ity N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �treatment of abnormalities or irregularities of the teeth.

3 ADJ Irregular behaviour is dishonest or not in accordance with the normal rules. □� �the minister accused of irregular business practices. ●� ir|regu|lar|ity N‑VAR □� �charges arising from alleged financial irregularities.

4 ADJ An irregular verb, noun, or adjective has different forms from most other verbs, nouns, or adjectives in the language. For example, 'break' is an irregular verb because its past form is 'broke', not 'breaked'.

ir|rel|evance / I re l I v ə ns/ (irrelevances )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about theirrelevanceof something, you mean that it is irrelevant. □�[+�of ] �the utter irrelevance of the debate.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe something as an irrelevance , you have a low opinion of it because it is not important in a situation. □� The Patriotic Front has been a political irrelevance.

ir|rel|evan|cy / I re l I v ə nsi/ (irrelevancies ) N‑COUNT If you describe something as an irrelevancy , you have a low opinion of it because it is not important in a situation. □� Why was he wasting her time with these irrelevancies?

ir|rel|evant / I re l I v ə nt/

1 ADJ If you describe something such as a fact or remark as irrelevant , you mean that it is not connected with what you are discussing or dealing with. □�[+�to ] The government decided that their testimony would be irrelevant to the case. ●� ir|rel|evant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She would have hated the suit, I thought irrelevantly.

2 ADJ If you say that something is irrelevant , you mean that it is not important in a situation. □� The choice of subject matter is irrelevant.

ir|re|li|gious / I r I l I dʒəs/ ADJ An irreligious person does not accept the beliefs of any religion or opposes all religions.

ir|re|medi|able / I r I miː diəb ə l/ ADJ If a bad situation or change is irremediable , the situation cannot be improved. [FORMAL ] □� His memory suffered irremediable damage.

ir|repa|rable / I re prəb ə l/ ADJ Irreparable damage or harm is so bad that it cannot be repaired or put right. [FORMAL ] □� The move would cause irreparable harm to the organization. ●� ir|repa|rably / I re prəbli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV -ed] □� Her heart was irreparably damaged by a virus.

ir|re|place|able / I r I ple I səb ə l/ ADJ Irreplaceable things are so special that they cannot be replaced if they are lost or destroyed. □� �a rare and irreplaceable jewel.

ir|re|press|ible / I r I pre s I b ə l/ ADJ An irrepressible person is lively and energetic and never seems to be depressed. □� Jon's exuberance was irrepressible. ●� ir|re|press|ibly / I r I pre s I bli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� Gavin was irrepressibly rebellious.

ir|re|proach|able / I r I proʊ tʃəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone's character or behaviour is irreproachable , you mean that they behave so well that they cannot be criticized.

ir|re|sist|ible / I r I z I st I b ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe something such as a desire or force as irresistible , you mean that it is so powerful that it makes you act in a certain way, and there is nothing you can do to prevent this. □� It proved an irresistible temptation to Hall to go back. ●� ir|re|sist|ibly / I r I z I st I bli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� I found myself irresistibly drawn to Steve's world.

2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as irresistible , you mean that they are so good or attractive that you cannot stop yourself from liking them or wanting them. [INFORMAL ] □� The music is irresistible. ●� ir|re|sist|ibly ADV [ADV adj] □� She had a gamine charm which men found irresistibly attractive.

ir|reso|lute / I re zəluːt/ ADJ Someone who is irresolute cannot decide what to do. [FORMAL ] □� The worst reason to launch an attack would be a fear of seeming irresolute.

ir|re|spec|tive / I r I spe kt I v/ PHRASE If you say that something happens or should happen irrespective of a particular thing, you mean that it is not affected or should not be affected by that thing. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] We believe in investing in our people, irrespective of age.

ir|re|spon|sible / I r I spɒ ns I b ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as irresponsible , you are criticizing them because they do things without properly considering their possible consequences. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It was clearly irresponsible to fly a drone close to an airport. [Also +�of ] ●� ir|re|spon|sibly / I r I spɒ ns I bli/ ADV [usu ADV with v] □� They have behaved irresponsibly. ●� ir|re|spon|sibil|ity / I r I spɒns I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the irresponsibility of people who advocate such destruction to our environment.

ir|re|triev|able / I r I triː vəb ə l/ ADJ If you talk about irretrievable damage or an irretrievable situation, you mean that the damage or situation is so bad that there is no possibility of putting it right. [FORMAL ] □� �a country in irretrievable decline. ●� ir|re|triev|ably / I r I triː vəbli/ ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Eventually her marriage broke down irretrievably.

ir|rev|er|ent / I re vərənt/ ADJ If you describe someone as irreverent , you mean that they do not show respect for people or things that are generally respected. [APPROVAL ] □� Taylor combined great knowledge with an irreverent attitude to history. ●� ir|rev|er|ence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�for ] His irreverence for authority marks him out as a troublemaker. ●� ir|rev|er|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� 'Jobs for the boys,' said Crosby irreverently.

ir|re|vers|ible / I r I vɜː r s I b ə l/ ADJ If a change is irreversible , things cannot be changed back to the way they were before. □� She could suffer irreversible brain damage if she is not treated within seven days. ●� ir|re|vers|ibly ADV [ADV with v] □� Television has irreversibly changed our perception of the Royal Family.

ir|revo|cable / I re vəkəb ə l/ ADJ If a decision, action, or change is irrevocable , it cannot be changed or reversed. [FORMAL ] □� He said the decision was irrevocable. ●� ir|revo|cably / I re vəkəbli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� My relationships with friends have been irrevocably altered by my illness.

ir|ri|gate / I r I ge I t/ (irrigates , irrigating , irrigated ) VERB To irrigate land means to supply it with water in order to help crops grow. □�[V n] None of the water from Lake Powell is used to irrigate the area. ●� ir|ri|ga|tion / I r I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� The agricultural land is hilly and the irrigation poor.

ir|ri|table / I r I təb ə l/ ADJ If you are irritable , you are easily annoyed. □� He had been waiting for over an hour and was beginning to feel irritable. ●� ir|ri|tably / I r I təbli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Why are you whispering?' he asked irritably. ●� ir|ri|tabil|ity / I r I təb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Patients usually suffer from increased irritability.

ir|ri|tant / I r I tənt/ (irritants )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe something as an irritant , you mean that it keeps annoying you. [FORMAL ] □� He said the issue was not a major irritant.

2 N‑COUNT An irritant is a substance which causes a part of your body to itch or become sore. [FORMAL ] □� Many pesticides are irritants.

ir|ri|tate / I r I te I t/ (irritates , irritating , irritated )

1 VERB If something irritates you, it keeps annoying you. □�[V n] Their attitude irritates me. □�[be V -ed] Perhaps they were irritated by the sound of crying. ●� ir|ri|tat|ed ADJ □�[+�with ] Not surprisingly, her teacher is getting irritated with her.

2 VERB If something irritates a part of your body, it causes it to itch or become sore. □�[V n] Wear rubber gloves while chopping chillies as they can irritate the skin.

ir|ri|tat|ing / I r I te I t I ŋ/

1 ADJ Something that is irritating keeps annoying you. □� They also have the irritating habit of interrupting. ●� ir|ri|tat|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� They can be irritatingly indecisive at times.

2 ADJ An irritating substance can cause your body to itch or become sore. □�[+�to ] In heavy concentrations, ozone is irritating to the eyes, nose and throat.

ir|ri|ta|tion / I r I te I ʃ ə n/ (irritations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Irritation is a feeling of annoyance, especially when something is happening that you cannot easily stop or control. □� He tried not to let his irritation show as he blinked in the glare of the television lights.

2 N‑COUNT An irritation is something that keeps annoying you. □� Don't allow a minor irritation in the workplace to mar your ambitions.

3 N‑VAR Irritation in a part of your body is a feeling of slight pain and discomfort there. □�[+�to ] These oils may cause irritation to sensitive skins.

IRS /a I ɑːr e s/ N‑PROPER In the United States, theIRS is the government authority which collects taxes. IRS is an abbreviation for 'Inland Revenue Service'.

is / I z/ Is is the third person singular of the present tense of be . Is is often added to other words and shortened to -'s .

ISDN /a I es diː e n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] ISDN is a phone network that can send voice and computer messages. ISDN is an abbreviation for 'Integrated Service Digital Network'. □� �an ISDN phone line.

-ise →�see -ize

SUFFIX -ish

1 forms words that indicate that a particular time or age mentioned is approximate. For example, if someone is fortyish , they are about forty years old.

2 also forms adjectives that indicate that someone or something has a quality to a small extent. For example, something that is yellowish is slightly yellow in colour.

Is|lam / I zlɑːm, [AM ] I slɑː m/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Islam is the religion of the Muslims, which was started by Mohammed.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Some people use Islam to refer to all the countries where Islam is the main religion. □� �relations between Islam and the West.

Is|lam|ic / I zl� m I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Islamic means belonging or relating to Islam. □� �Islamic law. □� �Islamic fundamentalists.

Is|lam|ist / I zləm I st/ (Islamists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An Islamist is someone who believes strongly in Islamic ideas and laws. □� It was clear that there was significant support for the Islamists.

is|land ◆◆◇ /a I lənd/ (islands ) N‑COUNT An island is a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water. □� �the Canary Islands. COLLOCATIONS island NOUN

noun +�island : holiday, paradise, resort; coral

adjective +�island : remote, uninhabited; tropical, volcanic

is|land|er /a I ləndə r / (islanders ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Islanders are people who live on an island. □� The islanders endured centuries of exploitation.

isle /a I l/ (isles ) N‑COUNT An isle is an island; often used as part of an island's name, or in literary English. □� �the Isle of Man.

is|let /a I lət/ (islets ) N‑COUNT An islet is a small island. [LITERARY ]

SUFFIX -ism

forms nouns that refer to particular beliefs, or to behaviour based on these beliefs. For example, professionalism is behaviour that is professional and racism is the beliefs and behaviour of a racist.

isn't / I z ə nt/ Isn't is the usual spoken form of 'is not'.

iso|late /a I səle I t/ (isolates , isolating , isolated )

1 VERB To isolate a person or organization means to cause them to lose their friends or supporters. □�[V n +�from ] This policy could isolate the country from the other permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. □�[V n] Political influence is being used to shape public opinion and isolate critics. ●� iso|lat|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� They are finding themselves increasingly isolated within the teaching profession. ●� iso|la|tion /a I səle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Diplomatic isolation could lead to economic disaster.

2 VERB If you isolateyourself , or if something isolates you, you become physically or socially separated from other people. □�[V pron-refl] When he was thinking out a problem Tweed's habit was never to isolate himself in his room. □�[V n] His radicalism and refusal to compromise isolated him. □�[V n +�from ] Police officers had a siege mentality that isolated them from the people they served. □�[V -ed] But of course no one lives totally alone, isolated from the society around them.

3 VERB If you isolate something such as an idea or a problem, you separate it from others that it is connected with, so that you can concentrate on it or consider it on its own. □�[V n] Our anxieties can also be controlled by isolating thoughts, feelings and memories. □�[V n +�from ] Gandhi said that those who isolate religion from politics don't understand the nature of either.

4 VERB To isolate a substance means to obtain it by separating it from other substances using scientific processes. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] We can use genetic engineering techniques to isolate the gene that is responsible. □�[V n +�from ] Researchers have isolated a new protein from the seeds of poppies.

5 VERB To isolate a sick person or animal means to keep them apart from other people or animals, so that their illness does not spread. □�[V n +�from ] You don't have to isolate them from the community. [Also V n]

iso|lat|ed /a I səle I t I d/

1 ADJ An isolated place is a long way away from large towns and is difficult to reach. □� Many of the refugee villages are in isolated areas.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel isolated , you feel lonely and without friends or help. □� Some patients may become very isolated and depressed.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An isolated example is an example of something that is not very common. □� They said the allegations related to an isolated case of cheating.

iso|la|tion /a I səle I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Isolation is the state of feeling alone and without friends or help. □� Many deaf people have feelings of isolation and loneliness.

2 →�see also isolate

3 PHRASE If something is considered in isolationfrom other things that it is connected with, it is considered separately, and those other things are not considered. □�[+�from ] Punishment cannot be discussed in isolation from social theory.

4 PHRASE If someone does something in isolation , they do it without other people being present or without their help. □� Malcolm works in isolation but I have no doubts about his abilities.

iso|la|tion|ism /a I səle I ʃən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to isolationism , you are referring to a country's policy of avoiding close relationships with other countries and of not taking sides in disputes between other countries. □� �the perils of isolationism. ●� iso|la|tion|ist (isolationists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] □� The government had to overcome isolationist opposition to the plan.

iso|met|rics /a I səme tr I ks/ The form isometric is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Isometrics or isometric exercises are exercises in which you make your muscles work against each other or against something else, for example by pressing your hands together.

iso|tope /a I sətoʊp/ (isotopes ) N‑COUNT Isotopes are atoms that have the same number of protons and electrons but different numbers of neutrons and therefore have different physical properties. [TECHNICAL ] □� �tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen.

ISP /a I es piː / (ISPs ) N‑COUNT An ISP is a company that provides internet and email services. ISP is an abbreviation for 'Internet Service Provider'.

Is|rae|li / I zre I li/ (Israelis )

1 ADJ Israeli means belonging or relating to Israel, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT An Israeli is a person who comes from Israel.

is|sue ◆◆◆ / I sjuː, I ʃuː/ (issues , issuing , issued )

1 N‑COUNT An issue is an important subject that people are arguing about or discussing. □�[+�of ] Agents will raise the issue of prize-money for next year's world championships. □� Is it right for the Church to express a view on political issues?

2 →�see also side issue

3 N‑SING If something is the issue , it is the thing you consider to be the most important part of a situation or discussion. □� I was earning a lot of money, but that was not the issue. □� The real issue was never addressed.

4 N‑COUNT An issue of something such as a magazine or newspaper is the version of it that is published, for example, in a particular month or on a particular day. □�[+�of ] The growing problem is underlined in the latest issue of the Lancet.

5 VERB If you issue a statement or a warning, you make it known formally or publicly. □�[V n] Last night he issued a statement denying the allegations. □�[V n] Yesterday his kidnappers issued a second threat to kill him.

6 VERB [usu passive] If you are issued with something, it is officially given to you. □�[be V -ed +�with ] On your appointment you will be issued with a written statement of particulars of employment. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Issue is also a noun. □� �a standard army issue rifle.

7 VERB When something such as a liquid, sound, or smell issues from something, it comes out of that thing. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�from ] A tinny voice issued from a speaker.

8 PHRASE The question or point at issue is the question or point that is being argued about or discussed. □� The problems of immigration were not the question at issue.

9 PHRASE If you make an issue of something, you try to make other people think about it or discuss it, because you are concerned or annoyed about it. □� It seemed the Colonel had no desire to make an issue of the affair.

10 PHRASE If you take issue with someone or something they said, you disagree with them, and start arguing about it. □� I will not take issue with the fact that we have a recession.

i s|sue price (issue prices ) N‑COUNT The issue price of shares is the price at which they are offered for sale when they first become available to the public. [BUSINESS ] □� Shares in the company slipped below their issue price on their first day of trading.

SUFFIX -ist

1 forms nouns that refer to people who play a particular musical instrument, often as their job. For example, a guitarist is someone who plays the guitar.

2 also forms nouns that refer to people who do a particular kind of work. For example, a scientist is someone whose work is connected with science.

isth|mus / I sməs/ (isthmuses ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An isthmus is a narrow piece of land connecting two very large areas of land. □� �the Isthmus of Panama.

it ◆◆◆ / I t/ It is a third person singular pronoun. It is used as the subject or object of a verb, or as the object of a preposition. 1 PRON You use it to refer to an object, animal, or other thing that has already been mentioned. □� It's a wonderful city, really. I'll show it to you if you want. □� My wife has become crippled by arthritis. She is embarrassed to ask the doctor about it.

2 PRON You use it to refer to a child or baby whose sex you do not know or whose sex is not relevant to what you are saying. □� He promised to support the child after it was born.

3 PRON You use it to refer in a general way to a situation that you have just described. □� He was through with sports, not because he had to be but because he wanted it that way.

4 PRON You use it before certain nouns, adjectives, and verbs to introduce your feelings or point of view about a situation. □� It was nice to see Steve again. □� It seems that you are letting things get you down.

5 PRON You use it in passive clauses which report a situation or event. □� It has been said that stress causes cancer.

6 PRON You use it with some verbs that need a subject or object, although there is no noun that it refers to. □� Of course, as it turned out, three-fourths of the people in the group were psychiatrists.

7 PRON You use it as the subject of 'be', to say what the time, day, or date is. □� It's three o'clock in the morning. □� It was a Monday, so she was at home.

8 PRON You use it as the subject of a link verb to describe the weather, the light, or the temperature. □� It was very wet and windy the day I drove over the hill to Milland. □� It's getting dark. Let's go inside.

9 PRON You use it when you are telling someone who you are, or asking them who they are, especially at the beginning of a phone call. You also use it in statements and questions about the identity of other people. □� 'Who is it?' he called.�'It's your neighbor.' □� Hello Freddy, it's only me, Maxine.

10 PRON When you are emphasizing or drawing attention to something, you can put that thing immediately after it and a form of the verb 'be'. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was the country's rulers who devised this system.

11 PHRASE You use it in expressions such as it's not that or it's not simply that when you are giving a reason for something and are suggesting that there are several other reasons. □� It's not that I didn't want to be with my family.

12if it wasn't for →�see be ➋ USAGE it

Don�t use �it� with a linking verb and a noun phrase to say that something exists or is present. Don�t say, for example, � It�s a lot of traffic on this road tonight �. Say �There�s a lot of traffic on this road tonight�. □� There�s a teacher at my school called Miss Large.

IT /a I ti ː/ IT is an abbreviation for information technology .

Ital|ian / I t� liən/ (Italians )

1 ADJ Italian means belonging or relating to Italy, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT An Italian is a person who comes from Italy.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Italian is the language spoken in Italy, and in parts of Switzerland.

ital|ic / I t� l I k/ (italics )

1 N‑PLURAL Italics are letters which slope to the right. Italics are often used to emphasize a particular word or sentence. The examples in this dictionary are printed in italics.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Italic letters slope to the right. □� She addressed them by hand in her beautiful italic script.

itch / I tʃ/ (itches , itching , itched )

1 VERB When a part of your body itches , you have an unpleasant feeling on your skin that makes you want to scratch. □�[V ] When someone has hayfever, the eyes and nose will stream and itch. □�[V -ing] �dry, itching skin. ●�N‑COUNT Itch is also a noun. □� Scratch my back�I've got an itch. ●� itch|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� It may be that the itching is caused by contact with irritant material.

2 VERB [usu cont] If you are itching to do something, you are very eager or impatient to do it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] I was itching to get involved and to bring my own theories into practice. □�[V +�for ] The general was itching for a fight. ●�N‑SING [usu N to-inf] Itch is also a noun. □� �viewers with an insatiable itch to switch channels.

itchy / I tʃi/ (itchier , itchiest )

1 ADJ If a part of your body or something you are wearing is itchy , you have an unpleasant feeling on your skin that makes you want to scratch. [INFORMAL ] □� �itchy, sore eyes.

2 PHRASE If you have itchy feet , you have a strong desire to leave a place and to travel. [INFORMAL ] □� The trip gave me itchy feet and I wanted to travel more.

it'd / I təd/

1It'd is a spoken form of 'it would'. □� It'd be better for a place like this to remain closed.

2It'd is a spoken form of 'it had', especially when 'had' is an auxiliary verb. □� Marcie was watching the news. It'd just started.

item ◆◆◇ /a I təm/ (items )

1 N‑COUNT An item is one of a collection or list of objects. □� The most valuable item on show will be a Picasso drawing.

2 →�see also collector's item

3 N‑COUNT An item is one of a list of things for someone to do, deal with, or talk about. □� The other item on the agenda is the tour.

4 N‑COUNT An item is a report or article in a newspaper or magazine, or on television or radio. □� There was an item in the paper about him.

5 N‑SING If you say that two people are an item , you mean that they are having a romantic or sexual relationship. [INFORMAL ] □� She and Gino were an item. COLLOCATIONS item NOUN

1

noun +�item : fashion, food, grocery, household; auction, novelty

adjective +�item : essential, luxury, valuable; electrical; personal

verb +�item : buy

4

noun +�item : news, newspaper

item|ize /a I təma I z/ (itemizes , itemizing , itemized ) in BRIT, also use itemise VERB If you itemize a number of things, you make a list of them. □�[V n] Itemise your gear and mark major items with your name and post code. □�[V -ed] �a fully itemised bill.

I t-girl (It-girls ) also It girl N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes use It-girl to describe a young woman who is well-known because she goes to the most fashionable places and events and knows famous people. [INFORMAL , JOURNALISM ] □� She is being heralded as fashion's new it-girl .

itin|er|ant /a I t I nərənt/ (itinerants )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An itinerant worker travels around a region, working for short periods in different places. [FORMAL ] □� �the author's experiences as an itinerant musician.

2 N‑COUNT An itinerant is someone whose way of life involves travelling around, usually someone who is poor and homeless. [FORMAL ]

itin|er|ary /a I t I nərəri, [AM ] -eri/ (itineraries ) N‑COUNT An itinerary is a plan of a journey, including the route and the places that you will visit. □� The next place on our itinerary was Silistra.

it'll / I t ə l/ It'll is a spoken form of 'it will'. □� It's ages since I've seen her so it'll be nice to meet her in town on Thursday.

its ◆◆◆ / I ts/ Its is a third person singular possessive determiner. DET You use its to indicate that something belongs or relates to a thing, place, or animal that has just been mentioned or whose identity is known. You can use its to indicate that something belongs or relates to a child or baby. □� The British Labor Party concludes its annual conference today in Brighton. □� �Japan, with its extreme housing shortage.

it's / I ts/

1It's is the usual spoken form of 'it is'. □� It's the best news I've heard in a long time.

2It's is the usual spoken form of 'it has', especially when 'has' is an auxiliary verb. □� It's been such a long time since I played.

it|self ◆◆◆ / I tse lf/

1 PRON Itself is used as the object of a verb or preposition when it refers to something that is the same thing as the subject of the verb. □� �remarkable new evidence showing how the body rebuilds itself while we sleep. □� Unemployment does not correct itself.

2 PRON You use itself to emphasize the thing you are referring to. [EMPHASIS ] □� I think life itself is a learning process. □� The involvement of the foreign ministers was itself a sign of progress.

3 PRON If you say that someone is, for example, politeness itself or kindness itself , you are emphasizing they are extremely polite or extremely kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� I was never really happy there, although the people were kindness itself.

4an end in itself →�see end

ITV /a I tiː viː /

1 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] ITV refers to the group of British commercial television companies that broadcasts programmes on one channel. ITV is an abbreviation for 'Independent Television'. [BRIT ] □� ITV has set its sights on winning a younger and more upmarket audience.

2 N‑PROPER ITV is the television channel that is run by ITV. □� The first episode will be shown tomorrow at 10.40pm on ITV.

SUFFIX -ity

forms nouns that refer to a particular state or quality. For example, simplicity is the quality of being simple.

IUD /a I juː diː / (IUDs ) N‑COUNT An IUD is a piece of plastic or metal which is put inside a woman's womb in order to prevent her from becoming pregnant. IUD is an abbreviation for 'intra-uterine device'.

I've /a I v/ I've is the usual spoken form of 'I have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb. □� I've been invited to meet with the American Ambassador. □� I've no other appointments.

IVF /a I viː e f/ N‑UNCOUNT IVF is a method of helping a woman to have a baby in which an egg is removed from one of her ovaries, fertilized outside her body, and then replaced in her womb. IVF is an abbreviation for 'in vitro fertilization'.

ivo|ry /a I vəri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Ivory is a hard cream-coloured substance which forms the tusks of elephants. It is valuable and can be used for making carved ornaments. □� �the international ban on the sale of ivory.

2 COLOUR Ivory is a creamy-white colour.

i vo|ry to w|er (ivory towers ) N‑COUNT [N n] If you describe someone as living in an ivory tower , you mean that they have no knowledge or experience of the practical problems of everyday life. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Jenkins should get down from his ivory tower and sample the real world.

ivy /a I vi/ (ivies ) N‑VAR Ivy is an evergreen plant that grows up walls or along the ground.

I vy League N‑PROPER The Ivy League is a group of eight universities in the north-eastern part of the United States, which have high academic and social status. □� �an Ivy League college.

SUFFIX -ize

Verbs that can end in either -ize or -ise are dealt with in this dictionary at the -ize spelling. Many verbs ending in -ize describe processes by which things or people are brought into a new state. For example, 'The dispute could jeopardize the negotiations.'

Jj

J , j /dʒe I / (J's, j's ) N‑VAR J is the tenth letter of the English alphabet.

jab /dʒ� b/ (jabs , jabbing , jabbed )

1 VERB If you jab one thing into another, you push it there with a quick, sudden movement and with a lot of force. □�[V n prep] He saw her jab her thumb on a red button�a panic button. □�[be V -ed +�into ] A needle was jabbed into the baby's arm. □�[V +�at ] Stern jabbed at me with his glasses. [Also V n at n]

2 N‑COUNT A jab is a sudden, sharp punch. □� He was simply too powerful for his opponent, rocking him with a steady supply of left jabs.

3 N‑COUNT A jab is an injection of something into your blood to prevent illness. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �painful anti malaria jabs.

jab|ber /dʒ� bə r / (jabbers , jabbering , jabbered ) VERB If you say that someone is jabbering , you mean that they are talking very quickly and excitedly, and you cannot understand them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] The girl jabbered incomprehensibly. □�[V P ] After a minute or two I left them there jabbering away.

jack /dʒ� k/ (jacks , jacking , jacked )

1 N‑COUNT A jack is a device for lifting a heavy object off the ground, for example a car.

2 N‑COUNT A jack is a playing card whose value is between a ten and a queen. A jack is usually represented by a picture of a young man.

3 →�see also jack-of-all-trades , Union Jack

▸� jack up PHRASAL VERB If you jack up a heavy object such as a car, you raise it off the ground using a jack. □�[V P n] They jacked up the car. □�[V n P ] All I had to do was jack the car up and put on the spare.

jack|al /dʒ� kɔːl/ (jackals ) N‑COUNT A jackal is a wild animal that looks like a dog, has long legs and pointed ears, and lives in Africa and Southern Asia.

jack|boot /dʒ� kbuːt/ (jackboots )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Jackboots are heavy boots that come up to the knee, such as the ones worn by some soldiers.

2 PHRASE If a country or group of people is under the jackboot , they are suffering because the government is cruel and undemocratic. [DISAPPROVAL ]

jack|daw /dʒ� kdɔː/ (jackdaws ) N‑COUNT A jackdaw is a large black and grey bird that is similar to a crow, and lives in Europe and Asia.

jack|et ◆◇◇ /dʒ� k I t/ (jackets )

1 N‑COUNT A jacket is a short coat with long sleeves. □� �a black leather jacket.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Potatoes baked in their jackets are baked with their skin on.

3 N‑COUNT The jacket of a book is the paper cover that protects the book. [mainly AM ]

4 N‑COUNT A record jacket is the cover in which a record is kept. [AM ] in BRIT, use sleeve5 →�see also bomber jacket , dinner jacket , flak jacket , hacking jacket , life jacket , sports jacket , straitjacket

ja ck|et po|ta |to (jacket potatoes ) N‑COUNT A jacket potato is a large potato that has been baked with its skin on. [BRIT ] in AM, use baked potato

ja ck-in-the-box (jack-in-the-boxes ) N‑COUNT A jack-in-the-box is a child's toy that consists of a box with a doll inside it that jumps out when the lid is opened.

ja ck-knife (jack-knifes , jack-knifing , jack-knifed ) also jackknife VERB If a truck that is in two parts jack-knifes , the back part swings around at a sharp angle to the front part in an uncontrolled way as the truck is moving. □�[V ] His vehicle jack-knifed, and crashed across all three lanes of the opposite carriageway.

ja ck-of-a ll-trades (jacks-of-all-trades ) also jack of all trades N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a jack-of-all-trades , you mean that they are able to do a variety of different jobs. You are also often suggesting that they are not very good at any of these jobs.

jack|pot /dʒ� kpɒt/ (jackpots )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A jackpot is the most valuable prize in a game or lottery, especially when the game involves increasing the value of the prize until someone wins it. □� A nurse won the �5 million jackpot.

2 PHRASE If you hit the jackpot , you have a great success, for example by winning a lot of money or having a piece of good luck. [INFORMAL ]

Jaco|bean /dʒ� kəbiː ən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A Jacobean building, piece of furniture, or work of art was built or produced in Britain in the style of the period between 1603 and 1625.

Ja|cuz|zi /dʒəkuː zi/ (Jacuzzis ) N‑COUNT A Jacuzzi is a large circular bath which is fitted with a device that makes the water move around. [TRADEMARK ]

jade /dʒe I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Jade is a hard stone, usually green in colour, that is used for making jewellery and ornaments.

jad|ed /dʒe I d I d/ ADJ If you are jaded , you feel bored, tired, and not enthusiastic, for example because you have had too much of the same thing. □� We had both become jaded, disinterested, and disillusioned.

jag|ged /dʒ� g I d/ ADJ Something that is jagged has a rough, uneven shape or edge with lots of sharp points. □� �jagged black cliffs. □� A jagged scar runs through his lower lip.

jagu|ar /dʒ� gjuə r , [AM ] -gwɑːr/ (jaguars ) N‑COUNT A jaguar is a large animal of the cat family with dark spots on its back.

jail ◆◇◇ /dʒe I l/ (jails , jailing , jailed ) in BRIT, also use gaol1 N‑VAR A jail is a place where criminals are kept in order to punish them, or where people waiting to be tried are kept. □� Three prisoners escaped from a jail.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is jailed , they are put into jail. □�[be V -ed] He was jailed for twenty years.

jail|bird /dʒe I lbɜː r d/ (jailbirds ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a jailbird , you mean that they are in prison, or have been in prison. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

jail|break /dʒe I lbre I k/ (jailbreaks ) N‑COUNT A jailbreak is an escape from jail.

jail|er /dʒe I lə r / (jailers ) in BRIT, also use gaoler N‑COUNT A jailer is a person who is in charge of a jail and the prisoners in it. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

jail|house /dʒe I lhaʊs/ (jailhouses ) N‑COUNT A jailhouse is a small prison. [AM ]

jala|pe�o /h�ləpe I njoʊ/ (jalape�os ) N‑COUNT Jalape�os are small hot peppers which can be green or red when they are ripe. They are often used in Mexican cooking.

jam /dʒ� m/ (jams , jamming , jammed )

1 N‑VAR Jam is a thick sweet food that is made by cooking fruit with a large amount of sugar, and that is usually spread on bread. [mainly BRIT ] □� �home-made jam. in AM, usually use jelly2 VERB If you jam something somewhere, you push or put it there roughly. □�[V n prep] He picked his cap up off the ground and jammed it on his head. □�[V n prep] Pete jammed his hands into his pockets.

3 VERB If something such as a part of a machine jams , or if something jams it, the part becomes fixed in position and is unable to move freely or work properly. □�[V ] The second time he fired his gun jammed. □�[V n] A rope jammed the boat's propeller. □�[V adj] Cracks appeared in the wall and a door jammed shut. □�[be V -ed] The intake valve was jammed open. □�[V -ed] Every few minutes the motor cut out as the machinery became jammed. [Also V n adj]

4 VERB If vehicles jam a road, there are so many of them that they cannot move. □�[V n] Hundreds of departing motorists jammed the roads. ●�N‑COUNT Jam is also a noun. □�[+�for ] Trucks sat in a jam for ten hours waiting to cross the bridge. ●� jammed ADJ □�[+�with ] Nearby roads and the dirt track to the beach were jammed with cars.

5 VERB If a lot of people jam a place, or jaminto a place, they are pressed tightly together so that they can hardly move. □�[V n] Hundreds of people jammed the boardwalk to watch. □�[V +�into ] They jammed into buses provided by the Red Cross and headed for safety. ●� jammed ADJ □� The stadium was jammed and they had to turn away hundreds of disappointed fans.

6 VERB To jam a radio or electronic signal means to interfere with it and prevent it from being received or heard clearly. □�[V n] They will try to jam the transmissions electronically. ●� jam|ming N‑UNCOUNT □� The plane is used for electronic jamming and radar detection.

7 VERB If callers are jamming phone lines, there are so many callers that the people answering the phones find it difficult to deal with them all. □�[V n] Hundreds of callers jammed the BBC switchboard for more than an hour.

8 VERB When jazz or rock musicians are jamming , they are informally playing music that has not been written down or planned in advance. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] He was jamming with his saxophone. ●�N‑COUNT Jam is also a noun. □� �a jam session.

9 →�see also traffic jam

Ja|mai|can /dʒəme I kən/ (Jamaicans )

1 ADJ Jamaican means belonging or relating to Jamaica or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Jamaican is a person who comes from Jamaica.

jamb /dʒ� m/ (jambs ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A jamb is a post that forms the side part or upright of a door frame or window frame.

jam|bo|ree /dʒ� mbəriː / (jamborees ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A jamboree is a party, celebration, or other gathering where there is a large number of people and a lot of excitement, fun, and enjoyment.

jam|my /dʒ� mi/ (jammier , jammiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as jammy , you mean that they are very lucky because something good has happened to them, without their making much effort or deserving such luck. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

ja m-pa cked ADJ If somewhere is jam-packed , it is so full of people or things that there is no room for any more. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] His room was jam-packed with fruit, flowers, gifts etc.

Jan.Jan. is a written abbreviation for January .

jan|gle /dʒ� ŋg ə l/ (jangles , jangling , jangled )

1 VERB When objects strike against each other and make an unpleasant ringing noise, you can say that they jangle or are jangled . □�[V ] Her bead necklaces and bracelets jangled as she walked. □�[V n] Jane took out her keys and jangled them.

2 VERB If your nerves are jangling or if something jangles them, you are very anxious. □�[V ] Behind that quietness his nerves are jangling, he's in a terrible state. □�[V n] The caffeine in coffee can jangle the nerves.

jani|tor /dʒ� n I tə r / (janitors ) N‑COUNT A janitor is a person whose job is to look after a building. [mainly AM ]

Janu|ary /dʒ� njəri, [AM ] -jueri/ (Januaries ) N‑VAR January is the first month of the year in the Western calendar. □� We always have snow in January. □� She was born on January 6, 1946.

Japa|nese /dʒ� pəniː z/ (Japanese )

1 ADJ Japanese means belonging or relating to Japan, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑PLURAL The Japanese are the people of Japan.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Japanese is the language spoken in Japan.

jape /dʒe I p/ (japes ) N‑COUNT A jape is a silly trick that you play on someone which is quite funny and which does not really involve upsetting them. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

jar /dʒɑː r / (jars , jarring , jarred )

1 N‑COUNT A jar is a glass container with a lid that is used for storing food. □� �yellow cucumbers in great glass jars.

2 N‑COUNT You can use jar to refer to a jar and its contents, or to the contents only. □�[+�of ] She opened up a glass jar of plums. □�[+�of ] �two jars of filter coffee.

3 VERB If something jarson you, you find it unpleasant, disturbing, or shocking. □�[V +�on ] Sometimes a light remark jarred on her father. □�[V n] �televised congressional hearings that jarred the nation's faith in the presidency. □�[V ] You shouldn't have too many colours in a small space as the effect can jar. ●� jar|ring ADJ □� In the context of this chapter, Dore's comments strike a jarring note.

4 VERB If an object jars , or if something jars it, the object moves with a fairly hard shaking movement. □�[V ] The ship jarred a little. □�[V n] The impact jarred his arm.

jar|gon /dʒɑː r gən/ N‑UNCOUNT You use jargon to refer to words and expressions that are used in special or technical ways by particular groups of people, often making the language difficult to understand. □� The manual is full of the jargon and slang of self-improvement courses.

jas|mine /dʒ� zm I n/ (jasmines ) N‑VAR Jasmine is a climbing plant which has small white or yellow flowers with a pleasant smell.

jaun|dice /dʒɔː nd I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Jaundice is an illness that makes your skin and eyes become yellow.

jaun|diced /dʒɔː nd I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a jaundiced view of something, they can see only the bad aspects of it. □� The financial markets are taking a jaundiced view of the Government's motives.

jaunt /dʒɔː nt/ (jaunts ) N‑COUNT A jaunt is a short journey which you go on for pleasure or excitement.

jaun|ty /dʒɔː nti/ (jauntier , jauntiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as jaunty , you mean that they are full of confidence and energy. □� �a jaunty little man. ●� jaun|ti|ly /dʒɔː nt I li/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� He walked jauntily into the cafe. □� The Arsenal striker remains jauntily confident.

Java /dʒɑː və/ N‑UNCOUNT Java is a computer programming language. It is used especially in creating websites. [TRADEMARK ]

jave|lin /dʒ� vl I n/ (javelins )

1 N‑COUNT A javelin is a long spear that is used in sports competitions. Competitors try to throw the javelin as far as possible.

2 N‑SING You can refer to the competition in which the javelin is thrown as the javelin . □� He won the javelin gold medal last night.

jaw /dʒɔː / (jaws )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your jaw is the lower part of your face below your mouth. The movement of your jaw is sometimes considered to express a particular emotion. For example, if your jaw drops , you are very surprised. □� He thought for a moment, stroking his well-defined jaw.

2 N‑COUNT A person's or animal's jaws are the two bones in their head which their teeth are attached to. □� �a forest rodent with powerful jaws.

3 N‑PLURAL If you talk about the jaws of something unpleasant such as death or hell, you are referring to a dangerous or unpleasant situation. □�[+�of ] A family dog rescued a newborn boy from the jaws of death.

jaw|bone /dʒɔː boʊn/ (jawbones ) also jaw bone N‑COUNT A jawbone is the bone in the lower jaw of a person or animal.

ja w-dropping ADJ Something that is jaw-dropping is extremely surprising, impressive, or shocking. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , JOURNALISM ] □� One insider who has seen the report said it was pretty jaw-dropping stuff.

jaw|line /dʒɔː la I n/ (jawlines ) also jaw line N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your jawline is the part of your lower jaw which forms the outline of the bottom of your face. □� �high cheekbones and strong jawline.

jay /dʒe I / (jays )

1 N‑COUNT In Europe and Asia, a jay is a brownish-pink bird with blue and black wings.

2 N‑COUNT In North America, a jay is a bird with bright blue feathers.

jay|walk|ing /dʒe I wɔːk I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Jaywalking is the act of walking across a street in a careless and dangerous way, or not at the proper place.

jazz ◆◇◇ /dʒ� z/ (jazzes , jazzing , jazzed ) N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Jazz is a style of music that was invented by African American musicians in the early part of the twentieth century. Jazz music has very strong rhythms and often involves improvisation. □� The pub has live jazz on Sundays.

▸� jazz up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you jazz something up , you make it look more interesting, colourful, or exciting. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Mary Ann had made an effort at jazzing up the chilly modern interiors. □�[V n P ] I don't think they're just jazzing it up for the media.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone jazzes up a piece of music, they change it in order to make it sound more like popular music or jazz. □�[V n P ] Instead of playing it in the traditional style, she jazzed it up. □�[V P n] Stephen and I are going to jazz up the love songs.

jazzy /dʒ� zi/ (jazzier , jazziest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as jazzy , you mean that it is colourful and modern. □� �a jazzy tie.

jeal|ous /dʒe ləs/

1 ADJ If someone is jealous , they feel angry or bitter because they think that another person is trying to take a lover or friend, or a possession, away from them. □� She got insanely jealous and there was a terrible fight. ●� jeal|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The formula is jealously guarded.

2 ADJ If you are jealousof another person's possessions or qualities, you feel angry or bitter because you do not have them. □�[+�of ] She was jealous of his wealth. □� You're jealous because the record company rejected your idea. ●� jeal|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Gloria eyed them jealously.

jeal|ousy /dʒe ləsi/ (jealousies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Jealousy is the feeling of anger or bitterness which someone has when they think that another person is trying to take a lover or friend, or a possession, away from them. □� At first his jealousy only showed in small ways�he didn't mind me talking to other guys.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Jealousy is the feeling of anger or bitterness which someone has when they wish that they could have the qualities or possessions that another person has. □� Her beauty causes envy and jealousy.

jeans /dʒiː nz/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Jeans are casual trousers that are usually made of strong blue cotton cloth called denim.

Jeep /dʒiː p/ (Jeeps ) N‑COUNT A Jeep is a type of car that can travel over rough ground. [TRADEMARK ] □� �a U.S. Army Jeep.

jeer /dʒ I ə r / (jeers , jeering , jeered )

1 VERB To jeerat someone means to say or shout rude and insulting things to them to show that you do not like or respect them. □�[V +�at ] Marchers jeered at white passers-by, but there was no violence, nor any arrests. □�[V n] Demonstrators have jeered the mayor as he arrived for a week long visit. □�[V ] I didn't come here today to jeer: I want to give advice. □�[V -ing] �mobs of jeering bystanders. [Also V with quote] ●� jeer|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�from ] There was constant jeering and interruption from the floor.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Jeers are rude and insulting things that people shout to show they do not like or respect someone. □�[+�of ] �the heckling and jeers of his audience.

Jeez /dʒi ːz/ also Jees EXCLAM Some people say Jeez when they are shocked or surprised about something, or to introduce a remark or response. Jeez is short for 'Jesus'. This use could cause offence. [INFORMAL ] □� Jeez, I wish they'd tell us what the hell is going on.

jeg|gings /dʒe g I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Jeggings are women�s leggings that are designed to look like tight jeans. □� Flats work fabulously with this season's jeggings and a longline vest.

Je|ho|vah /dʒ I hoʊ və/ N‑PROPER Jehovah is the name given to God in the Old Testament.

Je|ho |vah's Wi t|ness (Jehovah's Witnesses ) N‑COUNT A Jehovah's Witness is a member of a religious organization which accepts some Christian ideas and believes that the world is going to end very soon.

je|june /dʒ I dʒuː n/

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as jejune , you are criticizing them for being very simple and unsophisticated. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They were of great service in correcting my jejune generalizations.

2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as jejune , you mean they are dull and boring. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� We knew we were in for a pretty long, jejune evening.

jell /dʒe l/ →�see gel

jel|lied /dʒe lid/ ADJ [ADJ n] Jellied food is prepared and eaten in a jelly. □� �jellied eels.

Je ll-O N‑UNCOUNT Jell-O is a transparent, usually coloured food that is eaten as a dessert. It is made from gelatine, fruit juice, and sugar. [AM , TRADEMARK ] in BRIT, use jelly

jel|ly /dʒe li/ (jellies )

1 N‑VAR Jelly is a transparent, usually coloured food that is eaten as a dessert. It is made from gelatine, fruit juice, and sugar. [BRIT ] □� �a large bowl of jelly. in AM, use Jell-O2 N‑VAR Jelly is a thick sweet food that is made by cooking fruit with a large amount of sugar, and that is usually spread on bread. [AM ] □� I had two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. in BRIT, use jam3 N‑VAR A jelly is a transparent substance that is not completely solid. □� �meat in jelly.

4 →�see also royal jelly

je l|ly bean (jelly beans ) also jellybean N‑COUNT [usu pl] Jelly beans are small coloured sweets that are hard on the outside and soft inside.

jelly|fish /dʒe lif I ʃ/ (jellyfish ) N‑COUNT A jellyfish is a sea creature that has a clear soft body and can sting you.

je l|ly roll (jelly rolls ) N‑VAR Jelly roll is a cylindrical cake made from a thin, flat cake which is covered with jam or cream on one side, then rolled up. [AM ] in BRIT, use swiss roll

jeop|ard|ize /dʒe pə r da I z/ (jeopardizes , jeopardizing , jeopardized ) in BRIT, also use jeopardise VERB To jeopardize a situation or activity means to do something that may destroy it or cause it to fail. □�[V n] He has jeopardised the future of his government.

jeop|ardy /dʒe pə r di/ PHRASE If someone or something is in jeopardy , they are in a dangerous situation where they might fail, be lost, or be destroyed. □� A series of setbacks have put the whole project in jeopardy.

jerk /dʒɜː r k/ (jerks , jerking , jerked )

1 VERB If you jerk something or someone in a particular direction, or they jerk in a particular direction, they move a short distance very suddenly and quickly. □�[V adv/prep] Mr Griffin jerked forward in his chair. □�[V n adv/prep] 'This is Brady Coyne,' said Sam, jerking his head in my direction. □�[V n adj] Eleanor jerked her wrist free. ●�N‑COUNT Jerk is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He indicated the bedroom with a jerk of his head.

2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a jerk , you are insulting them because you think they are stupid or you do not like them. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

3 →�see also knee-jerk

jer|kin /dʒɜː r k I n/ (jerkins ) N‑COUNT A jerkin is a sleeveless jacket worn by men or women. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

jerky /dʒɜː r ki/ (jerkier , jerkiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Jerky movements are very sudden and quick, and do not flow smoothly. □� Mr Griffin made a jerky gesture. ●� jerki|ly /dʒɜː r k I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Using his stick heavily, he moved jerkily towards the car.

jerry-built /dʒe rib I lt/ ADJ If you describe houses or blocks of flats as jerry-built , you are critical of the fact that they have been built very quickly and cheaply, without much care for safety or quality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �jerry-built equipment. □� The place is a bit jerry-built.

jer|sey ◆◇◇ /dʒɜː r zi/ (jerseys )

1 N‑COUNT A jersey is a knitted piece of clothing that covers the upper part of your body and your arms and does not open at the front. Jerseys are usually worn over a shirt or blouse. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� His grey jersey and trousers were sodden with the rain.

2 N‑VAR [oft N n] Jersey is a knitted, slightly stretchy fabric used especially to make women's clothing. □� Sheila had come to dinner in a black jersey top.

Jer|sey (Jerseys ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A Jersey cow or a Jersey is a light brown cow that produces very creamy milk.

Je|ru|sa|lem ar|ti|choke /dʒəruː sələm ɑː r t I tʃoʊk/ (Jerusalem artichokes ) N‑VAR Jerusalem artichokes are small, yellowish-white vegetables that grow underground and look like potatoes.

jest /dʒe st/ (jests , jesting , jested )

1 N‑COUNT A jest is something that you say that is intended to be amusing. [FORMAL ] □� It was a jest rather than a reproach. ●�PHRASE If you say something in jest , you do not mean it seriously, but want to be amusing. □� Don't say that, even in jest.

2 VERB If you jest , you tell jokes or say amusing things. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with] He enjoyed drinking and jesting with his cronies.

jest|er /dʒe stə r / (jesters ) N‑COUNT In the courts of kings and queens in medieval Europe, the jester was the person whose job was to do silly things in order to make people laugh.

Jesu|it /dʒe zju I t, [AM ] dʒe ʒu I t/ (Jesuits ) N‑COUNT A Jesuit is a Catholic priest who belongs to the Society of Jesus.

Jesus ◆◇◇ /dʒiː zəs/

1 N‑PROPER Jesus or Jesus Christ is the name of the man who Christians believe was the son of God, and whose teachings are the basis of Christianity.

2 EXCLAM Jesus is used by some people to express surprise, shock, or annoyance. This use could cause offence. [FEELINGS ]

jet ◆◇◇ /dʒe t/ (jets , jetting , jetted )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A jet is an aircraft that is powered by jet engines. □� Her private jet landed in the republic on the way to Japan. □� He had arrived from Jersey by jet.

2 →�see also jump jet

3 VERB If you jet somewhere, you travel there in a fast plane. □�[V adv/prep] They will be jetting off on a two-week holiday in America.

4 N‑COUNT A jet of liquid or gas is a strong, fast, thin stream of it. □�[+�of ] A jet of water poured through the windows.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Jet is a hard black stone that is used in jewellery.

je t ai r|craft (jet aircraft ) N‑COUNT A jet aircraft is an aircraft that is powered by one or more jet engines.

je t bla ck also jet-black ADJ Something that is jet black is a very intense black. □� �jet-black hair.

je t e n|gine (jet engines ) N‑COUNT A jet engine is an engine in which hot air and gases are forced out at the back. Jet engines are used for most modern aircraft.

je t lag in BRIT, also use jetlag N‑UNCOUNT If you are suffering from jet lag , you feel tired and slightly confused after a long journey by aeroplane, especially after travelling between places that have a time difference of several hours.

je t-lagged ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is jet-lagged is suffering from jet lag. □� I'm still a little jet-lagged.

jet|liner /dʒe tla I nə r / (jetliners ) N‑COUNT A jetliner is a large aircraft, especially one which carries passengers. [AM ]

jet|sam /dʒe tsəm/ →�see flotsam

je t set also jet-set N‑SING You can refer to rich and successful people who live in a luxurious way as thejet set . □� The winter sports bring the jet set from England.

je t-setting ADJ [ADJ n] You use jet-setting to describe people who are rich and successful and who have a luxurious lifestyle. □� �the international jet-setting elite.

je t ski (jet skis ) N‑COUNT A jet ski is a small machine like a motorcycle that is powered by a jet engine and can travel on the surface of water. [TRADEMARK ]

je t stream (jet streams ) N‑COUNT A jet stream is a very strong wind that blows high in the earth's atmosphere and has an important influence on the weather.

jet|ti|son /dʒe t I sən/ (jettisons , jettisoning , jettisoned )

1 VERB If you jettison something, for example an idea or a plan, you deliberately reject it or decide not to use it. □�[V n] The Government seems to have jettisoned the plan.

2 VERB To jettison something that is not needed or wanted means to throw it away or get rid of it. □�[V n] The crew jettisoned excess fuel and made an emergency landing.

jet|ty /dʒe ti/ (jetties ) N‑COUNT A jetty is a wide stone wall or wooden platform where boats stop to let people get on or off, or to load or unload goods.

Jew ◆◇◇ /dʒuː / (Jews ) N‑COUNT A Jew is a person who believes in and practises the religion of Judaism.

jew|el /dʒuː əl/ (jewels )

1 N‑COUNT A jewel is a precious stone used to decorate valuable things that you wear, such as rings or necklaces. □� �a golden box containing precious jewels.

2 →�see also crown jewel

3 N‑COUNT If you describe something or someone as a jewel , you mean that they are better, more beautiful, or more special than other similar things or than other people. □�[+�of ] Walk down Castle Street and admire our little jewel of a cathedral.

4 PHRASE If you refer to an achievement or thing as the jewel in someone's crown , you mean that it is considered to be their greatest achievement or the thing they can be most proud of. □�[+�in ] His achievement is astonishing and this book is the jewel in his crown.

je w|el case (jewel cases )

1 N‑COUNT A jewel case is a box for keeping jewels in.

2 N‑COUNT A jewel case is the plastic box in which a compact disc is kept.

jew|elled /dʒuː əld/ in AM, use jeweled ADJ Jewelled items and ornaments are decorated with precious stones.

jew|el|ler /dʒuː ələ r / (jewellers ) in AM, use jeweler1 N‑COUNT A jeweller is a person who makes, sells, and repairs jewellery and watches.

2 N‑COUNT A jeweller or a jeweller's is a shop where jewellery and watches are made, sold, and repaired.

jew|el|lery /dʒuː əlri/ in AM, use jewelry N‑UNCOUNT Jewellery is ornaments that people wear, for example rings, bracelets, and necklaces. It is often made of a valuable metal such as gold, and sometimes decorated with precious stones.

Jew|ish ◆◇◇ /dʒuː I ʃ/ ADJ Jewish means belonging or relating to the religion of Judaism or to Jews. □� �the Jewish festival of the Passover.

Jew|ish|ness /dʒuː I ʃnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Someone's Jewishness is the fact that they are a Jew.

Jew|ry /dʒʊə ri, [AM ] dʒuː ri/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] Jewry is all the people, or all the people in a particular place, who believe in and practise the religion of Judaism. [FORMAL ] □� There could be no better way to strengthen the unity of world Jewry.

jib /dʒ I b/ (jibs , jibbing , jibbed )

1 N‑COUNT Thejib is the small triangular sail that is sometimes used at the front of a sailing boat.

2 VERB If you jibat something, you are unwilling to do it or to accept it. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V +�at ] �those who jib at the idea of selling their land. [Also V ]

jibe /dʒa I b/ (jibes , jibing , jibed ) The spelling gibe is also used for meanings 1 and 2 . 1 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A jibe is a rude or insulting remark about someone that is intended to make them look foolish. □� �a cheap jibe about his loss of hair.

2 VERB To jibe means to say something rude or insulting which is intended to make another person look foolish. [WRITTEN ] □�[V with quote] 'No doubt he'll give me the chance to fight him again,' he jibed, tongue in cheek.

3 VERB If numbers, statements, or events jibe , they are exactly the same as each other or they are consistent with each other. [mainly AM ] □�[V ] The numbers don't jibe. □�[V +�with ] How did your expectations jibe with the reality?

jif|fy /dʒ I fi/ PHRASE If you say that you will do something in a jiffy , you mean that you will do it very quickly or very soon. [INFORMAL ]

jig /dʒ I g/ (jigs , jigging , jigged )

1 N‑COUNT A jig is a lively dance. □� She danced an Irish jig.

2 VERB To jig means to dance or move energetically, especially bouncing up and down. □�[V adv/prep] You didn't just jig about by yourself, I mean you danced properly. [Also V ]

jig|ger /dʒ I gə r / (jiggers ) N‑COUNT A jiggerof a drink such as whisky or gin is the amount of it you are given when you order it in a bar. [mainly AM ] □�[+�of ] �a jigger of brandy.

jiggery-pokery /dʒ I gəripoʊ kəri/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe behaviour as jiggery-pokery , you mean that it involves tricking people or being dishonest. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� It seems astonishing that Bond got away with so much jiggery-pokery for as long as he did.

jig|gle /dʒ I g ə l/ (jiggles , jiggling , jiggled )

1 VERB If you jiggle something, you move it quickly up and down or from side to side. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He jiggled the doorknob noisily.

2 VERB To jiggle around means to move quickly up and down or from side to side. [INFORMAL ] □�[V adv] He tapped his feet, hummed tunes and jiggled about.

jig|saw /dʒ I gsɔː/ (jigsaws )

1 N‑COUNT A jigsaw or jigsaw puzzle is a picture on cardboard or wood that has been cut up into odd shapes. You have to make the picture again by putting the pieces together correctly.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can describe a complicated situation as a jigsaw . □� �the jigsaw of high-level diplomacy.

ji|had /dʒih� d, [AM ] -hɑː d/ N‑SING A jihad is a holy war which Islam allows Muslims to fight against those who reject its teachings.

jilt /dʒ I lt/ (jilts , jilting , jilted ) VERB If someone is jilted , the person they are having a romantic relationship with suddenly ends the relationship in a surprising and upsetting way. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] She was jilted by her first fianc�. □�[V n] Driven to distraction, he murdered the woman who jilted him. [Also V n]

jin|gle /dʒ I ŋg ə l/ (jingles , jingling , jingled )

1 VERB When something jingles or when you jingle it, it makes a gentle ringing noise, like small bells. □�[V n] Brian put his hands in his pockets and jingled some change. □�[V ] Her bracelets jingled like bells. ●�N‑SING Jingle is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the jingle of money in a man's pocket.

2 N‑COUNT A jingle is a short, simple tune, often with words, which is used to advertise a product or programme on radio or television. □� �advertising jingles.

jin|go|ism /dʒ I ŋgoʊ I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Jingoism is a strong and unreasonable belief in the superiority of your own country. [DISAPPROVAL ]

jin|go|is|tic /dʒ I ŋgoʊ I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Jingoistic behaviour shows a strong and unreasonable belief in the superiority of your own country. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The press continued its jingoistic display.

jink /dʒ I ŋk/ (jinks , jinking , jinked )

1 VERB To jink somewhere means to move there quickly in an irregular way, rather than by moving in a straight line. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] As they reached the start-finish line Prost jinked right and drew abreast. [Also V ]

2 →�see also high jinks

jinx /dʒ I ŋks/ (jinxes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can call something or someone that is considered to be unlucky or to bring bad luck a jinx . □� He was beginning to think he was a jinx.

jinxed /dʒ I ŋkst/ ADJ If something is jinxed , it is considered to be unlucky or to bring bad luck.

jit|ters /dʒ I tə r z/ N‑PLURAL If you have the jitters , you feel extremely nervous, for example because you have to do something important or because you are expecting important news. [INFORMAL ] □� Officials feared that any public announcements would only increase market jitters.

jit|tery /dʒ I təri/ ADJ If someone is jittery , they feel nervous or are behaving nervously. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] International investors have become jittery about the country's economy.

jive /dʒa I v/ (jives , jiving , jived )

1 VERB If you jive , you dance energetically, especially to rock and roll or swing music. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] I learnt to jive there when they got the jukebox.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Jive is rock and roll or swing music that you jive to.

Jnr in AM, use Jr.Jnr is a written abbreviation for junior . It is used after a man's name to distinguish him from an older member of his family with the same name. [BRIT ]

job ◆◆◆ /dʒɒ b/ (jobs )

1 N‑COUNT A job is the work that someone does to earn money. □� Once I'm in America I can get a job. □� Thousands have lost their jobs. □� I felt the pressure of being the first woman in the job. □� �overseas job vacancies.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A job is a particular task. □�[+�of ] He said he hoped that the job of putting together a coalition wouldn't take too much time.

3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The job of a particular person or thing is their duty or function. □� Their main job is to preserve health rather than treat illness. □� Drinking a lot helps the kidneys do their job.

4 N‑SING [usu adj N ] If you say that someone is doing a good job , you mean that they are doing something well. In British English, you can also say that they are making a good job of something. □�[+�of ] We could do a far better job of managing it than they have.

5 N‑SING [usu N -ing, N to-inf] If you say that you have ajob doing something, you are emphasizing how difficult it is. [EMPHASIS ] □� He may have a hard job selling that argument to investors.

6 →�see also day job , hatchet job , jobbing , on-the-job

7 PHRASE If you refer to work as jobs for the boys , you mean that the work is unfairly given to someone's friends, supporters, or relations, even though they may not be the best qualified people to do it. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ]

8 PHRASE If you say that something is just the job , you mean that it is exactly what you wanted or needed. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�for ] Not only is it just the job for travelling, but it's handy for groceries too.

9 PHRASE If someone is on the job , they are actually doing a particular job or task. □� The top pay scale after five years on the job would reach $5.00 an hour.

10it's a good job →�see good

11the job in hand →�see hand ➊

job|bing /dʒɒ b I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A jobbing worker does not work for someone on a regular basis, but does particular jobs when they are asked to. [BRIT ] □� �a jobbing builder.

jo b cen|tre (job centres ) also Jobcentre N‑COUNT In Britain, a job centre is a place where people who are looking for work can go to get advice on finding a job, and to look at advertisements placed by people who are looking for new employees.

jo b de|scrip|tion (job descriptions ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A job description is a written account of all the duties and responsibilities involved in a particular job or position.

job|less /dʒɒ bləs/ ADJ Someone who is jobless does not have a job, although they would like one. ●�N‑PLURAL The jobless are people who are jobless. □� They joined the ranks of the jobless. ●� job|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Concern over the rising level of joblessness was a feature of yesterday's debate.

jo b lo t (job lots ) N‑COUNT A job lot is a number of cheap things of low quality which are sold together, for example in auctions or second-hand shops.

jo b sa t|is|fa c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Job satisfaction is the pleasure that you get from doing your job. □� I doubt I'll ever get rich, but I get job satisfaction.

jo b seek|er (job seekers ) N‑COUNT A job seeker is an unemployed person who is trying to get a job.

jo b share (job shares , job sharing , job shared ) VERB If two people job share , they share the same job by working part-time, for example one person working in the mornings and the other in the afternoons. □�[V ] They both want to job share. ●�N‑COUNT Job share is also a noun. □� She works in a bank job share. ●� job shar|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Part-time work and job sharing will become commonplace.

jobs|worth /dʒɒ bzwɜː r θ/ (jobsworths ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a jobsworth , you are criticizing them for using the rules connected to their job as an excuse not to be helpful. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� A surly jobsworth alerted security.

jock /dʒɒ k/ (jocks ) N‑COUNT A jock is a young man who is enthusiastic about a particular sport and spends a lot of time playing it. [INFORMAL ] □� �an all-American football jock.

jock|ey /dʒɒ ki/ (jockeys , jockeying , jockeyed )

1 N‑COUNT A jockey is someone who rides a horse in a race.

2 VERB If you say that someone is jockeyingfor something, you mean that they are using whatever methods they can in order to get it or do it before their competitors can get it or do it. □�[V +�for ] The rival political parties are already jockeying for power. □�[V to-inf] Already, both sides are jockeying to belittle the other side. ●�PHRASE If someone is jockeying for position , they are using whatever methods they can in order to get into a better position than their rivals.

jo ck|ey shorts N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Jockey shorts are a type of men's underpants. [TRADEMARK ]

jock|strap /dʒɒ kstr�p/ (jockstraps ) N‑COUNT A jockstrap is a piece of underwear worn by sportsmen to support their genitals.

jocu|lar /dʒɒ kjʊlə r / ADJ If you say that someone has a jocular manner, you mean that they are cheerful and often make jokes or try to make people laugh. [FORMAL ] □� He was in a less jocular mood than usual.

jodh|purs /dʒɒ dpə r z/ The form jodhpur is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Jodhpurs are trousers that people wear when they ride a horse. Jodhpurs are usually loose above the knee and tight below the knee.

jog /dʒɒ g/ (jogs , jogging , jogged )

1 VERB If you jog , you run slowly, often as a form of exercise. □�[V ] I got up early the next morning to jog. ●�N‑COUNT Jog is also a noun. □� He went for another early morning jog. ●� jog|ging N‑UNCOUNT □� It isn't the walking and jogging that got his weight down.

2 VERB If you jog something, you push or bump it slightly so that it moves. □�[V n] Avoid jogging the camera.

3 PHRASE If something or someone jogs your memory , they cause you to suddenly remember something that you had forgotten. □� Police have planned a reconstruction of the crime in the hope this will jog the memory of passers-by.

jog|ger /dʒɒ gə r / (joggers ) N‑COUNT A jogger is a person who jogs as a form of exercise.

joie de vi|vre /ʒwɑː də viː vrə/ N‑UNCOUNT Joie de vivre is a feeling of happiness and enjoyment of life. [LITERARY ] □� He has plenty of joie de vivre.

join ◆◆◆ /dʒɔ I n/ (joins , joining , joined )

1 VERB If one person or vehicle joins another, they move or go to the same place, for example so that both of them can do something together. □�[V n] His wife and children moved to join him in their new home.

2 VERB If you join an organization, you become a member of it or start work as an employee of it. □�[V n] He joined the Army five years ago.

3 VERB If you join an activity that other people are doing, you take part in it or become involved with it. □�[V n] Telephone operators joined the strike. □�[V n +�in ] The pastor requested the women present to join him in prayer. □�[V +�in ] Private contractors joined in condemning the Government's stance.

4 VERB If you join a queue, you stand at the end of it so that you are part of it. □�[V n] Make sure you join the queue inside the bank.

5 VERB To join two things means to fix or fasten them together. □�[V n] The opened link is used to join the two ends of the chain. □�[V n prep/adv] �the conjunctiva, the skin which joins the eye to the lid.

6 VERB If something such as a line or path joins two things, it connects them. □�[V n] It has a dormer roof joining both gable ends. □�[V -ing] �a global highway of cables joining all the continents together.

7 VERB If two roads or rivers join , they meet or come together at a particular point. □�[V n] Do you know the highway to Tulsa? The airport road joins it. □�[V ] �Allahabad, where the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers join.

8 N‑COUNT A join is a place where two things are fastened or fixed together.

9to join forces →�see force

10to join the ranks →�see rank

▸� join in PHRASAL VERB If you join in an activity, you take part in it or become involved in it. □�[V P n] I hope that everyone will be able to join in the fun. □�[V P ] He started to sing and I joined in.

▸� join up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone joins up , they become a member of the army, the navy, or the air force. □�[V P ] When hostilities broke out he returned to England and joined up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If one person or organization joins upwith another, they start doing something together. □�[V P +�with ] Councils are joining up with their European counterparts. □�[V P +�in ] They began to join up in communities. COLLOCATIONS join VERB 2

join+�noun : club, group, party, union; squad, team; board, company, firm

joi ned-u p

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In joined-up writing, you join all the letters in each word together, without taking your pen off the paper. This sort of writing is used by older children and adults.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Journalists sometimes use joined-up to describe plans, ideas, or organizations which seem sensible, sophisticated, and mature, especially when they think that they have been unsophisticated or immature in the past. [APPROVAL ] □� �another step towards joined-up government.

join|er /dʒɔ I nə r / (joiners ) N‑COUNT A joiner is a person who makes wooden window frames, door frames, doors, and cupboards. [mainly BRIT ]

join|ery /dʒɔ I nəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Joinery is the skill and work of a joiner. [mainly BRIT ]

joint ◆◆◇ /dʒɔ I nt/ (joints )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Joint means shared by or belonging to two or more people. □� She and Frank had never gotten around to opening a joint account. ●� joint|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The Port Authority is an agency jointly run by New York and New Jersey.

2 N‑COUNT A joint is a part of your body such as your elbow or knee where two bones meet and are able to move together. □� Her joints ache if she exercises.

3 N‑COUNT A joint is the place where two things are fastened or fixed together.

4 N‑COUNT A joint is a fairly large piece of meat which is suitable for roasting. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] He carved the joint of lamb. in AM, use roast5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a cheap place where people go for some form of entertainment as a joint . [INFORMAL ] □� �a hamburger joint.

6 N‑COUNT A joint is a cigarette which contains cannabis or marijuana. [INFORMAL ]

7 PHRASE If something puts someone's nose out of joint , it upsets or offends them because it makes them feel less important or less valued. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�by ] Barry had his nose put out of joint by Lucy's aloof sophistication. COLLOCATIONS joint NOUN 6

noun +�joint : burger, hamburger, fast food, pizza SYNONYMS joint ADJ 1

shared:Most hostel tenants would prefer single to shared rooms.

mutual:The East and the West can work together for their mutual benefit and progress.

common:Moldavians and Romanians share a common language.

combined:This was due to the combined efforts of these two organisations.

concerted:It's time for concerted action by world leaders.

joint|ed /dʒɔ I nt I d/

1 ADJ Something that is jointed has joints that move. □� The glass cover for this is cleverly jointed in the middle.

2 ADJ A jointed chicken or other bird has been cut into pieces so that it is ready to cook. [BRIT ]

joi nt-sto ck company (joint-stock companies ) N‑COUNT A joint-stock company is a company that is owned by the people who have bought shares in that company. [BUSINESS ]

joi nt ve n|ture (joint ventures ) N‑COUNT A joint venture is a business or project in which two or more companies or individuals have invested, with the intention of working together. [BUSINESS ] □� It will be sold to a joint venture created by Dow Jones and Westinghouse Broadcasting.

joist /dʒɔ I st/ (joists ) N‑COUNT Joists are long thick pieces of metal, wood, or concrete that form part of the structure of a building, usually to support a floor or ceiling.

jo|jo|ba /hoʊ hoʊ bə/ N‑UNCOUNT Jojoba or jojoba oil is made from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It is used in many cosmetics such as shampoos.

joke ◆◇◇ /dʒoʊ k/ (jokes , joking , joked )

1 N‑COUNT A joke is something that is said or done to make you laugh, for example a funny story. □�[+�about ] He debated whether to make a joke about shooting rabbits, but decided against it. □� No one told worse jokes than Claus.

2 VERB If you joke , you tell funny stories or say amusing things. □�[V +�about ] She would joke about her appearance. □�[V +�with ] Lorna was laughing and joking with Trevor. □�[V that] The project was taking so long that Stephen joked that it would never be finished. □�[V with quote] 'Well, a beautiful spring Thursday would probably be a nice day to be buried on,' Nancy joked.

3 N‑COUNT A joke is something untrue that you tell another person in order to amuse yourself. □� It was probably just a joke to them, but it wasn't funny to me.

4 VERB If you joke , you tell someone something that is not true in order to amuse yourself. □�[V ] Don't get defensive, Charlie. I was only joking. □�[V with quote] 'I wish you made as much fuss of me,' Vera joked.

5 N‑SING If you say that something or someone is a joke , you think they are ridiculous and do not deserve respect. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� It's ridiculous, it's pathetic, it's a joke.

6 PHRASE If you say that an annoying or worrying situation is beyond a joke , you are emphasizing that it is worse than you think is fair or reasonable. [BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □� I'm not afraid of a fair fight but this is beginning to get beyond a joke.

7 PHRASE If you make a joke of something, you laugh at it even though it is in fact rather serious or sad. □� I wish I had your courage, Michael, to make a joke of it like that.

8 PHRASE If you describe a situation as no joke , you are emphasizing that it is very difficult or unpleasant. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Two hours on a bus is no joke, is it?

9 PHRASE If you say that the joke is on a particular person, you mean that they have been made to look very foolish by something. □� 'For once,' he said, 'the joke's on me. And it's not very funny.'

10 PHRASE If you say that someone cannot take a joke , you are criticizing them for getting upset or angry at something you think is funny. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'What's the matter with you, Simon?' Curly said. 'Can't you take a joke?'

11 CONVENTION You say you're joking or you must be joking to someone when they have just told you something that is so surprising or unreasonable that you find it difficult to believe. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� One hundred and forty quid for a pair of headphones, you've got to be joking!

jok|er /dʒoʊ kə r / (jokers )

1 N‑COUNT Someone who is a joker likes making jokes or doing amusing things. □� He is, by nature, a joker, a witty man with a sense of fun.

2 N‑COUNT The joker in a pack of playing cards is the card which does not belong to any of the four suits.

3 N‑COUNT You can call someone a joker if you think they are behaving in a stupid or dangerous way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Keep your eye on these jokers, you never know what they will come up with.

4 PHRASE If you describe someone or something as the joker in the pack , you mean that they are different from the other people or things in their group, and can be unpredictable.

jok|ey /dʒoʊ ki/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone behaves in a jokey way, they do things in a way that is intended to be amusing, rather than serious. [INFORMAL ] □� Bruno has not got his younger brother's jokey manner.

jok|ing|ly /dʒoʊ k I ŋli/ ADV [ADV with v] If you say or do something jokingly , you say or do it with the intention of amusing someone, rather than with any serious meaning or intention. □� Sarah jokingly called her 'my monster'.

jol|lity /dʒɒ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Jollity is cheerful behaviour. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[+�of ] �the singing and jollity of the celebration.

jol|ly /dʒɒ li/ (jollier , jolliest )

1 ADJ Someone who is jolly is happy and cheerful in their appearance or behaviour. □� She was a jolly, kindhearted woman.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A jolly event is lively and enjoyable. □� She had a very jolly time in Korea.

3 ADV [ADV adj/adv] Jolly is sometimes used to emphasize an adjective or adverb. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , EMPHASIS ] □� It was jolly hard work, but I loved it.

jolt /dʒoʊ lt/ (jolts , jolting , jolted )

1 VERB If something jolts or if something jolts it, it moves suddenly and quite violently. □�[V ] The wagon jolted again. □�[V prep] The train jolted into motion. □�[V n] They were working frantically in the fear that an aftershock would jolt the house again. ●�N‑COUNT Jolt is also a noun. □� We were worried that one tiny jolt could worsen her injuries.

2 VERB If something jolts someone, it gives them an unpleasant surprise or shock. □�[V n] A stinging slap across the face jolted her. [Also V n prep, V n adj] ●�N‑COUNT Jolt is also a noun. □� The campaign came at a time when America needed such a jolt.

Joneses /dʒoʊ nz I z/ also Jones PHRASE If you say that someone is keeping up with the Joneses , you mean that they are doing something in order to show that they have as much money as other people, rather than because they really want to do it. □� Many people were holding down three jobs just to keep up with the Joneses.

Jor|da|nian /dʒɔː r de I niən/ (Jordanians )

1 ADJ Jordanian means belonging or relating to the country of Jordan, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Jordanian is a Jordanian citizen, or a person of Jordanian origin.

joss stick /dʒɒ s st I k/ (joss sticks ) N‑COUNT A joss stick is a thin stick covered with a substance that burns very slowly and smells pleasant.

jos|tle /dʒɒ s ə l/ (jostles , jostling , jostled )

1 VERB If people jostle you, they bump against you or push you in a way that annoys you, usually because you are in a crowd and they are trying to get past you. □�[V n] You get 2,000 people jostling each other and bumping into furniture. □�[V prep/adv] We spent an hour jostling with the crowds as we did our shopping. □�[V to-inf] She was cheered and clapped by tourists who jostled to see her. [Also V n prep/adv]

2 VERB If people or things are jostling for something such as attention or a reward, they are competing with other people or things in order to get it. □�[V +�for ] �the contenders who have been jostling for the top job.

jot /dʒɒ t/ (jots , jotting , jotted )

1 VERB If you jot something short such as an address somewhere, you write it down so that you will remember it. □�[V n prep/adv] Could you just jot his name on there. ●�PHRASAL VERB Jot down means the same as jot . □�[V P n] Keep a pad handy to jot down queries as they occur. □�[V n P ] Listen carefully to the instructions and jot them down.

2 QUANT If you say that there is not a jot or not one jot of something, you are emphasizing that there is not even a very small amount of it. [OLD-FASHIONED , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] There is not a jot of evidence to say it does them any good. □�[+�of ] It makes not one jot of difference.

jot|ting /dʒɒ t I ŋ/ (jottings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Jottings are brief, informal notes that you write down.

joule /dʒuː l/ (joules ) N‑COUNT In physics, a joule is a unit of energy or work. [TECHNICAL ]

jour|nal ◆◆◇ /dʒɜː r n ə l/ (journals )

1 N‑COUNT A journal is a magazine, especially one that deals with a specialized subject. □� All our results are published in scientific journals.

2 N‑COUNT A journal is a daily or weekly newspaper. The word journal is often used in the name of the paper. □� He was a newspaperman for The New York Times and some other journals.

3 N‑COUNT A journal is an account which you write of your daily activities. □� Sara confided to her journal.

jour|nal|ism /dʒɜː r nəl I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Journalism is the job of collecting news and writing about it for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio. □� He began a career in journalism, working for the North London Press Group.

2 →�see also chequebook journalism

jour|nal|ist ◆◆◇ /dʒɜː r nəl I st/ (journalists ) N‑COUNT A journalist is a person whose job is to collect news and write about it for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio. SYNONYMS journalist NOUN

reporter:�a trainee sports reporter

correspondent:�our Diplomatic Correspondent, Mark Brayne.

columnist:Clarence Page is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

hack:�tabloid hacks, always eager to find victims in order to sell newspapers.

jour|nal|is|tic /dʒɜː r nəl I st I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Journalistic means relating to journalism, or produced by or typical of a journalist. □� He began his journalistic career in the early eighties in Australia.

jour|ney ◆◇◇ /dʒɜː r ni/ (journeys , journeying , journeyed )

1 N‑COUNT When you make a journey , you travel from one place to another. □�[+�to ] There is an express service from Paris which completes the journey to Bordeaux in under 4 hours.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a person's experience of changing or developing from one state of mind to another as a journey . □�[+�of ] My films try to describe a journey of discovery, both for myself and the watcher.

3 VERB If you journey somewhere, you travel there. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] In February 1935, Naomi journeyed to the United States for the first time. □�[V prep/adv] She has journeyed on horseback through Africa and Turkey. SYNONYMS journey NOUN 1

trip:On the Thursday we went out on a day trip.

tour:It was week five of my tour of the major cities of Europe.

excursion:In Bermuda, Sam's father took him on an excursion to a coral barrier.

expedition:�Byrd's 1928 expedition to Antarctica.

travels:He also collects things for the house on his travels abroad.

journey|man /dʒɜː r nimən/ (journeymen ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you refer to someone as a journeyman , you mean that they have the basic skill which their job requires, but are not very talented or original. [JOURNALISM ] □� Douglas was a 29-year-old journeyman fighter, erratic in his previous fights.

joust /dʒaʊ st/ (jousts , jousting , jousted )

1 VERB When two or more people or organizations joust , they compete to see who is better. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] �lawyers joust in the courtroom. □�[V +�with ] The oil company jousts with Esso for lead position in U.K. sales.

2 VERB In medieval times, when two knights on horseback jousted , they fought against each other using long spears called lances. □�[V ] Knights joust and frolic. [Also +�V with ] ●� joust|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �medieval jousting tournaments.

jo|vial /dʒoʊ viəl/ ADJ If you describe a person as jovial , you mean that they are happy and behave in a cheerful way. [WRITTEN ] □� Father Whittaker appeared to be in a jovial mood. ●� jo|vi|al|ity /dʒoʊ vi� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �his old expansive joviality. ●� jo|vi|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'No problem,' he said jovially.

jowl /dʒaʊ l/ (jowls )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to someone's lower cheeks as their jowls , especially when they hang down towards their jaw. [LITERARY ]

2 PHRASE If you say that people or things are cheek by jowl with each other, you are indicating that they are very close to each other. □�[+�with ] She and her family have to live cheek by jowl with these people.

jowly /dʒaʊ li/ ADJ Someone who is jowly has fat cheeks which hang down towards their jaw.

joy ◆◇◇ /dʒɔ I / (joys )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Joy is a feeling of great happiness. □� Salter shouted with joy. □� �tears of joy.

2 N‑COUNT A joy is something or someone that makes you feel happy or gives you great pleasure. □�[+�of ] One of the joys of being alone is the freedom to do exactly as you choose.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you get no joy , you do not have success or luck in achieving what you are trying to do. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�from ] They expect no joy from the vote itself.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone is jumping for joy , you mean that they are very pleased or happy about something. □� He jumped for joy on being told the news.

5one's pride and joy →�see pride SYNONYMS joy NOUN 1

delight:To my great delight, it worked perfectly.

happiness:I think mostly she was looking for happiness.

ecstasy:�the agony and ecstasy of holiday romance.

bliss:It was a scene of such domestic bliss.

euphoria:There was euphoria after the elections.

joy|ful /dʒɔ I fʊl/

1 ADJ Something that is joyful causes happiness and pleasure. [FORMAL ] □� A wedding is a joyful celebration of love.

2 ADJ Someone who is joyful is extremely happy. [FORMAL ] □� We're a very joyful people; we're very musical people and we love music. ●� joy|ful|ly ADV □� They greeted him joyfully.

joy|less /dʒɔ I ləs/ ADJ Something that is joyless produces no happiness or pleasure. [FORMAL ] □� Life seemed joyless. □� Eating in East Berlin used to be a hazardous and joyless experience.

joy|ous /dʒɔ I əs/ ADJ Joyous means extremely happy. [LITERARY ] □� She had made their childhood so joyous and carefree. ●� joy|ous|ly ADV □� Sarah accepted joyously.

joy|ride /dʒɔ I ra I d/ (joyrides ) also joy ride N‑COUNT If someone goes on a joyride , they steal a car and drive around in it at high speed.

joy|rider /dʒɔ I ra I də r / (joyriders ) also joy rider N‑COUNT A joyrider is someone who steals cars in order to drive around in them at high speed.

joy|rid|ing /dʒɔ I ra I d I ŋ/ also joy riding N‑UNCOUNT Joyriding is the crime of stealing a car and driving around in it at high speed.

joy|stick /dʒɔ I st I k/ (joysticks )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In some computer games, the joystick is the lever which the player uses in order to control the direction of the things on the screen.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In an aircraft, thejoystick is the lever which the pilot uses to control the direction and height of the aeroplane.

JP /dʒe I piː / (JPs ) N‑COUNT A JP is a Justice of the Peace .

JPEG /dʒe I peg/ (JPEGs ) also Jpeg N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] JPEG is a standard file format for compressing pictures so they can be stored or sent by email more easily. JPEG is an abbreviation for 'Joint Photographic Experts Group'. [COMPUTING ] □� �JPEG images. ●�N‑COUNT A JPEG is a JPEG file or picture. □� �downloaded JPEGs.

Jr in AM, use Jr.Jr is a written abbreviation for junior . It is used after a man's name to distinguish him from an older member of his family with the same name. □� �Harry Connick Jr.

ju|bi|lant /dʒuː b I lənt/ ADJ If you are jubilant , you feel extremely happy because of a success. □� Ferdinand was jubilant after making an impressive comeback from a month on the injured list.

ju|bi|la|tion /dʒuː b I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Jubilation is a feeling of great happiness and pleasure, because of a success. [FORMAL ] □� His resignation was greeted by jubilation on the streets of Sofia.

ju|bi|lee /dʒuː b I liː/ (jubilees )

1 N‑COUNT A jubilee is a special anniversary of an event, especially the 25th or 50th anniversary. □� �Queen Victoria's jubilee.

2 →�see also golden jubilee , silver jubilee

Ju|da|ic /dʒuːde I I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Judaic means belonging or relating to Judaism. [FORMAL ]

Ju|da|ism /dʒuː de I I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. It is based on the Old Testament of the Bible and the Talmud.

Judas /dʒuː dəs/ (Judases ) N‑COUNT If you accuse someone of being a Judas , you are accusing them of being deceitful and betraying their friends or country. [DISAPPROVAL ]

jud|der /dʒʌ də r / (judders , juddering , juddered ) VERB If something judders , it shakes or vibrates violently. [BRIT ] □�[V ] The lift started off, juddered, and went out of action.

judge ◆◆◇ /dʒʌ dʒ/ (judges , judging , judged )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A judge is the person in a court of law who decides how the law should be applied, for example how criminals should be punished. □� The judge adjourned the hearing until next Tuesday. □� Judge Mr Justice Schiemann jailed him for life.

2 N‑COUNT A judge is a person who decides who will be the winner of a competition. □� A panel of judges is now selecting the finalists.

3 VERB If you judge something such as a competition, you decide who or what is the winner. □�[V n] Colin Mitchell will judge the entries each week. □�[V ] A grade B judge could only be allowed to judge alongside a qualified grade A judge. ●� judg|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The judging was difficult as always.

4 VERB If you judge something or someone, you form an opinion about them after you have examined the evidence or thought carefully about them. □�[V n] It will take a few more years to judge the impact of these ideas. □�[V n +�on ] I am ready to judge any book on its merits. □�[V wh] It's for other people to judge how much I have improved. □�[V n adj] The U.N. withdrew its relief personnel because it judged the situation too dangerous. □�[V n to-inf] I judged it to be one of the worst programmes ever screened. □�[V that] The doctor judged that the man's health had, up to the time of the wound, been good.

5 VERB If you judge something, you guess its amount, size, or value or you guess what it is. □�[V n] It is important to judge the weight of your washing load correctly. □�[V n to-inf] I judged him to be about forty. □�[V wh] Though the shoreline could be dimly seen, it was impossible to judge how far away it was.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone is a good judgeof something, they understand it and can make sensible decisions about it. If someone is a bad judgeof something, they cannot do this. □�[+�of ] I'm a pretty good judge of character.

7 PHRASE You use judging by , judging from , or to judge from to introduce the reasons why you believe or think something. □�[+�by ] Judging by the opinion polls, he seems to be succeeding. □�[+�from ] Judging from the way he laughed as he told it, it was meant to be humorous.

8 PHRASE If you say that something is true as far as you can judge or so far as you can judge , you are assuming that it is true, although you do not know all the facts about it. □� The book, so far as I can judge, is remarkably accurate.

judg|ment ◆◇◇ /dʒʌ dʒmənt/ (judgments ) in BRIT, also use judgement1 N‑VAR A judgment is an opinion that you have or express after thinking carefully about something. □� In your judgment, what has changed over the past few years? □�[+�on ] I don't really want to make any judgments on the decisions they made.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Judgment is the ability to make sensible guesses about a situation or sensible decisions about what to do. □� I respect his judgement and I'll follow any advice he gives me.

3 N‑VAR A judgment is a decision made by a judge or by a court of law. □� The industry was awaiting a judgment from the European Court.

4 PHRASE If something is against your better judgment , you believe that it would be more sensible or better not to do it. □� Against my better judgement I agreed.

5 PHRASE If you pass judgment on someone or something, you give your opinion about it, especially if you are making a criticism. □� It's not for me to pass judgement, it's a personal matter between the two of you.

6 PHRASE If you reserve judgmenton something, you refuse to give an opinion about it until you know more about it. □�[+�on ] Doctors are reserving judgement on his ability to travel until later in the week.

7 PHRASE To sit in judgment means to decide whether or not someone is guilty of doing something wrong. □� He argues very strongly that none of us has the right to sit in judgement. SYNONYMS judgment NOUN

1

opinion:Most who expressed an opinion spoke favorably of Thomas.

view:I take the view that she should be stopped as soon as possible.

belief:It is our belief that improvements in health care will lead to a stronger economy.

conviction:It is our firm conviction that a step forward has been taken.

3

verdict:The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

finding:The government hopes the court will announce its findings before the end of the month.

ruling:Goodwin tried to have the court ruling overturned.

decision:A decision was taken to discipline Marshall.

judg|men|tal /dʒʌdʒme nt ə l/ in BRIT, also use judgemental ADJ If you say that someone is judgmental , you are critical of them because they form opinions of people and situations very quickly, when it would be better for them to wait until they know more about the person or situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm trying to be less judgmental.

ju dg|ment call (judgment calls ) in BRIT, also use judgement call N‑COUNT If you refer to a decision as a judgment call , you mean that there are no firm rules or principles that can help you make it, so you simply have to rely on your own judgement and instinct. □� Well, physicians make judgment calls every day.

ju|di|cial /dʒuːd I ʃ ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Judicial means relating to the legal system and to judgments made in a court of law. □� �an independent judicial inquiry. □� �judicial decisions. ●� ju|di|cial|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Even if the amendment is passed it can be defeated judicially.

ju|di|ci|ary /dʒuːd I ʃəri, [AM ] -ʃieri/ N‑SING The judiciary is the branch of authority in a country which is concerned with law and the legal system. [FORMAL ] □� The judiciary must think very hard before jailing non-violent offenders.

ju|di|cious /dʒuːd I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe an action or decision as judicious , you approve of it because you think that it shows good judgment and sense. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� The President authorizes the judicious use of military force to protect our citizens. ●� ju|di|cious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Modern fertilisers should be used judiciously.

judo /dʒuː doʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Judo is a sport in which two people fight and try to throw each other to the ground.

jug /dʒʌ g/ (jugs ) N‑COUNT A jug is a cylindrical container with a handle and is used for holding and pouring liquids. ●�N‑COUNT A jug of liquid is the amount that the jug contains. □�[+�of ] �a jug of water.

jug|ger|naut /dʒʌ gə r nɔːt/ (juggernauts )

1 N‑COUNT A juggernaut is a very large truck. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT If you describe an organization or group as a juggernaut , you are critical of them because they are large and extremely powerful, and you think they are not being controlled properly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The group became a sales juggernaut in the commodity options business.

jug|gle /dʒʌ g ə l/ (juggles , juggling , juggled )

1 VERB If you juggle lots of different things, for example your work and your family, you try to give enough time or attention to all of them. □�[V n] The management team meets several times a week to juggle budgets and resources. □�[V n +�with ] Mike juggled the demands of a family of 11 with a career as a TV reporter. [Also V +�with ]

2 VERB If you juggle , you entertain people by throwing things into the air, catching each one and throwing it up again so that there are several of them in the air at the same time. □�[V n] Soon she was juggling five eggs. □�[V ] I can't juggle. ●� jug|gl|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He can perform an astonishing variety of acts, including mime and juggling.

jug|gler /dʒʌ glə r / (jugglers ) N‑COUNT A juggler is someone who juggles in order to entertain people.

ju g|gl|ing act (juggling acts ) N‑COUNT If you say that a situation is a juggling act , you mean that someone is trying to do two or more things at once, and that they are finding it difficult to do those things properly. □� Your life is a constant juggling act between work and family.

jugu|lar /dʒʌ gjʊlə r / (jugulars )

1 N‑COUNT A jugular or jugular vein is one of the three important veins in your neck that carry blood from your head back to your heart.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone went for the jugular , you mean that they strongly attacked another person's weakest points in order to harm them. [INFORMAL ] □� Mr Black went for the jugular, asking intimate sexual questions.

juice ◆◇◇ /dʒuː s/ (juices )

1 N‑VAR Juice is the liquid that can be obtained from a fruit. □� �fresh orange juice.

2 N‑PLURAL The juices of a piece of meat are the liquid that comes out of it when you cook it. □� When cooked, drain off the juices and put the meat in a processor or mincer.

juicy /dʒuː si/ (juicier , juiciest )

1 ADJ If food is juicy , it has a lot of juice in it and is very enjoyable to eat. □� �a thick, juicy steak.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Juicy gossip or stories contain details about people's lives, especially details which are normally kept private. [INFORMAL ] □� It provided some juicy gossip for a few days.

juke|box /dʒuː kbɒks/ (jukeboxes ) also juke-box N‑COUNT A jukebox is a machine that plays CDs in a place such as a pub or bar. You put money in and choose the song you want to hear. □� My favorite song is on the jukebox.

Jul.Jul. is a written abbreviation for July .

July /dʒʊla I / (Julys ) N‑VAR July is the seventh month of the year in the Western calendar. □� In late July 1914, he and Violet spent a few days with friends near Berwick-upon-Tweed. □� I expect you to report for work on 28 July. □� She met him for the first time last July.

jum|ble /dʒʌ mb ə l/ (jumbles , jumbling , jumbled )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Ajumble of things is a lot of different things that are all mixed together in a disorganized or confused way. □�[+�of ] The shoreline was made up of a jumble of huge boulders.

2 VERB If you jumble things or if things jumble , they become mixed together so that they are untidy or are not in the correct order. □�[V n with together ] He's making a new film by jumbling together bits of his other movies. □�[V ] His thoughts jumbled and raced like children fighting. [Also V n, V n prep] ●�PHRASAL VERB To jumble up means the same as to jumble . □�[V n P prep/adv] They had jumbled it all up into a heap. □�[V n P ] The bank scrambles all that money together, jumbles it all up and lends it out. □�[V P ] The watch parts fell apart and jumbled up. □�[V -ed P ] There were six wires jumbled up, tied together, all painted black. [Also V P n]

3 N‑UNCOUNT Jumble is old or unwanted things that people give away to charity. [BRIT ] □�[+�for ] She expects me to drive round collecting jumble for the church. in AM, use rummage

jum|bled /dʒʌ mb ə ld/ ADJ If you describe things or ideas as jumbled , you mean that they are mixed up and not in order. □� These jumbled priorities should be no cause for surprise.

ju m|ble sale (jumble sales ) N‑COUNT A jumble sale is a sale of cheap second-hand goods, usually held to raise money for charity. [BRIT ] in AM, use rummage sale

jum|bo /dʒʌ mboʊ/ (jumbos )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Jumbo means very large; used mainly in advertising and in the names of products. □� �a jumbo box of tissues.

2 N‑COUNT A jumbo or a jumbo jet is a very large jet aircraft that can carry several hundred passengers. □� �a British Airways jumbo. WORD HISTORY jumbo

Jumbo was the name of a famous and very large 19th-century African elephant that was used to give rides to children at London Zoo, before being sold in 1882 to Barnum and Bailey's circus.

jump ◆◆◇ /dʒʌ mp/ (jumps , jumping , jumped )

1 VERB If you jump , you bend your knees, push against the ground with your feet, and move quickly upwards into the air. □�[V prep/adv] I jumped over the fence. □�[V n] I'd jumped seventeen feet six in the long jump, which was a school record. □�[V ] Whoever heard of a basketball player who doesn't need to jump? ●�N‑COUNT Jump is also a noun. □�[+�in ] She was taking tiny jumps in her excitement.

2 VERB If you jump from something above the ground, you deliberately push yourself into the air so that you drop towards the ground. □�[V prep/adv] He jumped out of a third-floor window. □�[V n] I jumped the last six feet down to the deck. [Also V ]

3 VERB If you jump something such as a fence, you move quickly up and through the air over or across it. □�[V n] He jumped the first fence beautifully.

4 VERB If you jump somewhere, you move there quickly and suddenly. □�[V prep/adv] Adam jumped from his seat at the girl's cry.

5 VERB If something makes you jump , it makes you make a sudden movement because you are frightened or surprised. □�[V ] The phone shrilled, making her jump.

6 VERB If an amount or level jumps , it suddenly increases or rises by a large amount in a short time. □�[V +�from ] Sales jumped from $94 million to over $101 million. □�[V +�by ] The number of crimes jumped by ten per cent last year. □�[V amount] Shares in Euro Disney jumped 17p. ●�N‑COUNT Jump is also a noun. □�[+�in ] �a big jump in energy conservation. [Also V +�to ]

7 VERB If someone jumps a queue, they move to the front of it and are served or dealt with before it is their turn. [BRIT ] □�[V n] The prince refused to jump the queue for treatment at the local hospital.

8 VERB [no cont] If you jump at an offer or opportunity, you accept it quickly and eagerly. □�[V +�at ] Members of the public would jump at the chance to become part owners of the corporation.

9 VERB If someone jumps on you, they quickly criticize you if you do something that they do not approve of. □�[V +�on ] A lot of people jumped on me about that, you know.

10 VERB If someone jumps you, they attack you suddenly or unexpectedly. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Half a dozen sailors jumped him.

11 →�see also bungee jumping , high jump , long jump , queue-jumping , show jumping , triple jump

12 PHRASE If you get a jump on something or someone or get the jump on them, you gain an advantage over them. [AM ] □� Helicopters helped fire crews get a jump on the blaze.

13to jump on the bandwagon →�see bandwagon

14to jump bail →�see bail

15to jump to a conclusion →�see conclusion

16to jump the gun →�see gun

17to jump for joy →�see joy

▸� jump in PHRASAL VERB If you jump in , you act quickly, often without thinking much about what you are doing. □�[V P ] The Government had to jump in and purchase millions of dollars worth of supplies.

▸� jump out PHRASAL VERB If you say that something jumps outat you, you mean that it is easy to notice it because it is different from other things of its type. □�[V P +�at ] A phrase jumped out at me in a piece about copyright. [Also V P ] COLLOCATIONS jump VERB 6

noun +�jump : earnings, prices, profits, rate, sales, shares

jump+�adverb : dramatically, sharply

ju mped-u p ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as jumped-up , you disapprove of them because they consider themselves to be more important than they really are. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's nothing better than a jumped-up bank clerk!

jump|er /dʒʌ mpə r / (jumpers )

1 N‑COUNT A jumper is a warm knitted piece of clothing which covers the upper part of your body and your arms. [BRIT ] □� Isabel had on a simple jumper and skirt. in AM, use sweater2 N‑COUNT A jumper is a sleeveless dress that is worn over a blouse or sweater. [AM ] □� She wore a checkered jumper and had ribbons in her hair. in BRIT, use pinafore3 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you refer to a person or a horse as a particular kind of jumper , you are describing how good they are at jumping or the way that they jump. □� He is a terrific athlete and a brilliant jumper.

ju mp|er ca |bles N‑PLURAL Jumper cables are the same as jump leads . [AM ]

ju mping-o ff point N‑SING A jumping-off point or a jumping-off place is a place, situation, or occasion which you use as the starting point for something. □�[+�for ] Lectoure is a bustling market town and the best jumping-off point for a first visit to Le Gers.

ju mp jet (jump jets ) N‑COUNT A jump jet is a jet aircraft that can take off and land vertically.

ju mp jock|ey (jump jockeys ) N‑COUNT A jump jockey is someone who rides horses in races such as steeplechases, where the horses have to jump over obstacles.

jump leads /dʒʌ mp liːdz/ N‑PLURAL Jump leads are two thick wires that can be used to start a car when its battery does not have enough power. The jump leads are used to connect the battery to the battery of another car that is working properly. [BRIT ] in AM, use jumper cables

ju mp rope (jump ropes ) N‑COUNT A jump rope is a piece of rope, usually with handles at each end. You exercise with it by turning it round and round and jumping over it. [AM ] in BRIT, use skipping rope

ju mp-start (jump-starts , jump-starting , jump-started ) also jump start

1 VERB To jump-start a vehicle which has a flat battery means to make the engine start by getting power from the battery of another vehicle, using special cables called jump leads. □�[V n] He was huddled with John trying to jump-start his car. ●�N‑COUNT Jump-start is also a noun. □� I drove out to give him a jump start because his battery was dead.

2 VERB To jump-start a system or process that has stopped working or progressing means to do something that will make it start working quickly or effectively. □�[V n] The E.U. is trying to jump start the peace process. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Jump-start is also a noun. □� �attempts to give the industry a jump-start.

jump|suit /dʒʌ mpsuːt/ (jumpsuits ) N‑COUNT A jumpsuit is a piece of clothing in the form of a top and trousers in one continuous piece.

jumpy /dʒʌ mpi/ (jumpier , jumpiest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are jumpy , you are nervous or worried about something. [INFORMAL ] □� I told myself not to be so jumpy. □� When he spoke his voice was jumpy.

Jun.Jun. is a written abbreviation for June .

junc|tion /dʒʌ ŋkʃ ə n/ (junctions ) N‑COUNT A junction is a place where roads or railway lines join. [BRIT ] □� Follow the road to a junction and turn left. in AM, usually use intersection

junc|ture /dʒʌ ŋktʃə r / (junctures ) N‑COUNT [usu at N ] At a particular juncture means at a particular point in time, especially when it is a very important time in a process or series of events. □� What's important at this juncture is the ability of the three republics to work together.

June /dʒuː n/ (Junes ) N‑VAR June is the sixth month of the year in the Western calendar. □� He spent two and a half weeks with us in June 1986. □� I am moving out on 5 June.

jun|gle /dʒʌ ŋg ə l/ (jungles )

1 N‑VAR A jungle is a forest in a tropical country where large numbers of tall trees and plants grow very close together. □�[+�of ] �the mountains and jungles of Papua New Guinea. □� The mountain area is covered entirely in dense jungle.

2 N‑SING If you describe a place as ajungle , you are emphasizing that it is full of lots of things and very untidy. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] �a jungle of stuffed birds, knick-knacks, potted plants.

3 N‑SING If you describe a situation as ajungle , you dislike it because it is complicated and difficult to get what you want from it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] Social security law and procedure remain a jungle of complex rules.

4 PHRASE If you refer to the law of the jungle , you are referring to a situation in which there are no laws or rules to govern the way that people behave and people use force to get what they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� If you make aggression pay, this becomes the law of the jungle.

jun|ior ◆◇◇ /dʒuː niə r / (juniors )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A junior official or employee holds a low-ranking position in an organization or profession. □� Junior and middle-ranking civil servants have pledged to join the indefinite strike. □� �a junior minister attached to the prime minister's office. ●�N‑COUNT Junior is also a noun. □� The Lord Chancellor has said legal aid work is for juniors when they start out in the law.

2 N‑SING If you are someone's junior , you are younger than they are. □� She now lives with actor Denis Lawson, 10 years her junior.

3 N‑COUNT Junior is sometimes used after the name of the younger of two men in a family who have the same name, sometimes in order to prevent confusion. The abbreviation Jr is also used. [AM ] □� His son, Arthur Ochs Junior, is expected to succeed him as publisher.

4 N‑COUNT In the United States, a student in the third year of a high school or university course is called a junior .

ju n|ior hi gh (junior highs ) N‑COUNT In the United States, junior high is the school that young people attend between the ages of 11 or 12 and 14 or 15. □� �Benjamin Franklin Junior High.

ju n|ior school (junior schools ) N‑VAR ; N‑COUNT [oft in names] In England and Wales, a junior school is a school for children between the ages of about seven and eleven. □� �Middleton Road Junior School.

ju|ni|per /dʒuː n I pə r / (junipers ) N‑VAR A juniper is an evergreen bush with purple berries which can be used in cooking and medicine.

junk /dʒʌ ŋk/ (junks , junking , junked )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Junk is old and used goods that have little value and that you do not want any more. □� What are you going to do with all that junk, Larry?

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In computing, junk refers to unwanted emails that have been sent to a large number of people or organizations, usually as advertising. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] �an increased threat from junk email.

3 VERB If you junk something, you get rid of it or stop using it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] We junk 10 million pieces of furniture every year in the UK.

ju nk bond (junk bonds ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If a company issues junk bonds , it borrows money from investors, usually at a high rate of interest, in order to finance a particular deal, for example the setting up or the taking over of another company. [BUSINESS ]

jun|ket /dʒʌ ŋk I t/ (junkets ) N‑COUNT If you describe a trip or visit by an official or businessman as a junket , you disapprove of it because it is expensive, unnecessary, and often has been paid for with public money. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ju nk food (junk foods ) N‑VAR If you refer to food as junk food , you mean that it is quick and easy to prepare but is not good for your health.

junkie /dʒʌ ŋki/ (junkies )

1 N‑COUNT A junkie is a drug addict. [INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] You can use junkie to refer to someone who is very interested in a particular activity, especially when they spend a lot of time on it. [INFORMAL ] □� �a computer junkie.

ju nk mail N‑UNCOUNT Junk mail is advertisements and publicity materials that you receive through the post or by email which you have not asked for and which you do not want.

junk|yard /dʒʌ ŋkjɑː r d/ (junkyards ) N‑COUNT A junkyard is the same as a scrapyard .

jun|ta /dʒʌ ntə, hʊ ntə/ (juntas ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A junta is a military government that has taken power by force, and not through elections.

ju|ris|dic|tion /dʒʊə r I sd I kʃ ə n/ (jurisdictions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Jurisdiction is the power that a court of law or an official has to carry out legal judgments or to enforce laws. [FORMAL ] □�[+�over ] The British police have no jurisdiction over foreign bank accounts.

2 N‑COUNT A jurisdiction is a state or other area in which a particular court and system of laws has authority. [LEGAL ]

ju|ris|pru|dence /dʒʊə r I spruː d ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Jurisprudence is the study of law and the principles on which laws are based. [FORMAL ]

ju|rist /dʒʊə r I st/ (jurists ) N‑COUNT A jurist is a person who is an expert on law. [FORMAL ]

ju|ror /dʒʊə rə r / (jurors ) N‑COUNT A juror is a member of a jury.

jury ◆◇◇ /dʒʊə ri/ (juries )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, oft by N ] In a court of law, the jury is the group of people who have been chosen from the general public to listen to the facts about a crime and to decide whether the person accused is guilty or not. □� The jury convicted Mr Hampson of all offences. □� �the tradition of trial by jury.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A jury is a group of people who choose the winner of a competition. □� I am not surprised that the Booker Prize jury included it on their shortlist.

3 PHRASE If you say that the jury is out or that the jury is still out on a particular subject, you mean that people in general have still not made a decision or formed an opinion about that subject. □�[+�on ] The jury is out on whether or not this is true.

just

➊�ADVERB USES

➋�ADJECTIVE USE

➊ just ◆◆◆ /dʒʌ st/

→�Please look at categories 25 to 29 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use just to say that something happened a very short time ago, or is starting to happen at the present time. For example, if you say that someone has just arrived , you mean that they arrived a very short time ago. □� I've just bought a new house. □� The two had only just met. □� I just had the most awful dream. □� I'm only just beginning to take it in that he's still missing.

2 ADV [ADV before v, ADV about/going to-inf] If you say that you are just doing something, you mean that you are doing it now and will finish it very soon. If you say that you are just about to do something, or just going to do it, you mean that you will do it very soon. □� I'm just making the sauce for the cauliflower. □� I'm just going to walk down the lane now and post some letters. □� The Vietnam War was just about to end.

3 ADV [ADV adv/prep] You can use just to emphasize that something is happening at exactly the moment of speaking or at exactly the moment that you are talking about. [EMPHASIS ] □� Randall would just now be getting the Sunday paper. □� Just then the phone rang. □� Just as she prepared to set off to the next village, two friends arrived in a taxi.

4 ADV You use just to indicate that something is no more important, interesting, or difficult, for example, than you say it is, especially when you want to correct a wrong idea that someone may get or has already got. [EMPHASIS ] □� It's just a suggestion. □� It's not just a financial matter. □� You can tell just by looking at me that I am all right.

5 ADV [ADV n] You use just to emphasize that you are talking about a small part, not the whole of an amount. [EMPHASIS ] □� That's just one example of the kind of experiments you can do.

6 ADV You use just to emphasize how small an amount is or how short a length of time is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Stephanie and David redecorated a room in just three days.

7 ADV [ADV before v] You can use just in front of a verb to indicate that the result of something is unfortunate or undesirable and is likely to make the situation worse rather than better. □� Leaving like I did just made it worse.

8 ADV You use just to indicate that what you are saying is the case, but only by a very small degree or amount. □� Her hand was just visible by the light from the sitting room. □� I arrived just in time for my flight to London.

9 ADV You use just with 'might,' 'may,' and 'could', when you mean that there is a small chance of something happening, even though it is not very likely. □� It's an old trick but it just might work.

10 ADV [ADV before v] You use just to emphasize the following word or phrase, in order to express feelings such as annoyance, admiration, or certainty. [EMPHASIS ] □� She just won't relax. □� I knew you'd be here. I just knew.

11 ADV [ADV n] You use just in expressions such as just a minute and just a moment to ask someone to wait for a short time. [SPOKEN ] □� 'Let me in, Di.'�'Okay. Just a minute.'

12 ADV [ADV n] You can use just in expressions such as just a minute and just a moment to interrupt someone, for example in order to disagree with them, explain something, or calm them down. [SPOKEN ] □� Well, now just a second, I don't altogether agree with the premise.

13 ADV [with neg] You can use just with negative question tags, for example ' isn't he just? ' and ' don't they just! ', to say that you agree completely with what has been said. [BRIT , SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� 'That's crazy,' I said.�'Isn't it just?' he said. □� 'The manager's going to have some tough decisions to make.'�'Won't he just.'

14 ADV [ADV before v] If you say that you can just see or hear something, you mean that it is easy for you to imagine seeing or hearing it. □� I can just hear her telling her friends, 'Well, I blame his mother!'

15 ADV You use just to mean exactly, when you are specifying something precisely or asking for precise information. □� There are no statistics about just how many people won't vote. □� My arm hurts too, just here.

16 ADV [ADV n] You use just to emphasize that a particular thing is exactly what is needed or fits a particular description exactly. [EMPHASIS ] □� Kiwi fruit are just the thing for a healthy snack. □� 'Let's get a coffee somewhere.'�'I know just the place.'

17 ADV [ADV like n, ADV as adj/adv, ADV n] You use just in expressions such as just like , just as�as , and just the same when you are emphasizing the similarity between two things or two people. [EMPHASIS ] □� Behind the facade they are just like the rest of us. □� He worked just as hard as anyone.

18 PHRASE You use just about to indicate that what you are talking about is so close to being the case that it can be regarded as being the case. □� What does she read? Just about everything.

19 PHRASE You use just about to indicate that what you are talking about is in fact the case, but only by a very small degree or amount. □� We've got just about enough time to get there.

20not just →�see not

21just now →�see now

22only just →�see only

23it just goes to show →�see show

➋ just /dʒʌ st/

1 ADJ If you describe a situation, action, or idea as just , you mean that it is right or acceptable according to particular moral principles, such as respect for all human beings. [FORMAL ] □� In a just society there must be a system whereby people can seek redress through the courts. ●� just|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� No government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people.

2to get your just deserts →�see desert

jus|tice ◆◆◇ /dʒʌ st I s/ (justices )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Justice is fairness in the way that people are treated. □� He has a good overall sense of justice and fairness. □� There is no justice in this world!

2 N‑UNCOUNT The justiceof a cause, claim, or argument is its quality of being reasonable, fair, or right. □�[+�of ] We are a minority and must win people round to the justice of our cause.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Justice is the legal system that a country uses in order to deal with people who break the law. □� Many in Toronto's black community feel that the justice system does not treat them fairly.

4 N‑COUNT A justice is a judge. [AM ] □�[+�on ] Thomas will be sworn in today as a justice on the Supreme Court.

5 N‑TITLE Justice is used before the names of judges. □� A preliminary hearing was due to start today before Mr Justice Hutchison, but was adjourned.

6 →�see also miscarriage of justice

7 PHRASE If a criminal is brought to justice , he or she is punished for a crime by being arrested and tried in a court of law. □� They demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.

8 PHRASE To do justice to a person or thing means to reproduce them accurately and show how good they are. □� The photograph I had seen didn't do her justice.

9 PHRASE If you do justiceto someone or something, you deal with them properly and completely. □�[+�to ] No one article can ever do justice to the topic of fraud.

10 PHRASE If you doyourselfjustice , you do something as well as you are capable of doing it. □� I don't think he could do himself justice playing for England.

11 PHRASE If you describe someone's treatment or punishment as rough justice , you mean that it is not given according to the law. [BRIT ] □� Trial by television makes for very rough justice indeed. SYNONYMS justice NOUN 1

fairness:�concern about the fairness of the election campaign.

equity:We base this call on grounds of social justice and equity.

impartiality:�a justice system lacking impartiality by democratic standards.

Ju s|tice of the Pea ce (Justices of the Peace )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a Justice of the Peace is a person who is not a lawyer but who can act as a judge in a local criminal law court. The abbreviation JP is also used.

2 N‑COUNT In some states in the United States, a Justice of the Peace is an official who can carry out some legal tasks, such as settling minor cases in court or performing marriages. The abbreviation JP is also used.

jus|ti|fi|able /dʒʌ st I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ An action, situation, emotion, or idea that is justifiable is acceptable or correct because there is a good reason for it. □�[+�on ] The violence of the revolutionary years was justifiable on the grounds of political necessity. ●� jus|ti|fi|ably /dʒʌ st I fa I əbli/ ADV □� He was justifiably proud of his achievements.

jus|ti|fi|ca|tion /dʒʌ st I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (justifications ) N‑VAR A justificationfor something is an acceptable reason or explanation for it. □�[+�for ] To me the only justification for a zoo is educational.

jus|ti|fied /dʒʌ st I fa I d/

1 ADJ If you describe a decision, action, or idea as justified , you think it is reasonable and acceptable. □� In my opinion, the decision was wholly justified.

2 ADJ If you think that someone is justified in doing something, you think that their reasons for doing it are good and valid. □�[+�in ] He's absolutely justified in resigning. He was treated shamefully.

jus|ti|fy ◆◇◇ /dʒʌ st I fa I / (justifies , justifying , justified )

1 VERB To justify a decision, action, or idea means to show or prove that it is reasonable or necessary. □�[V n] No argument can justify a war. □�[V n] Ministers agreed that this decision was fully justified by economic conditions.

2 VERB To justify printed text means to adjust the spaces between the words so that each line of type is exactly the same length. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] Click on this icon to align or justify text.

3 →�see also left-justify , right-justify SYNONYMS justify VERB 1

warrant:The allegations are serious enough to warrant an investigation.

excuse:That doesn't excuse my mother's behaviour.

vindicate:Ministers and officials are confident their decision will be vindicated.

just|ly /dʒʌ stli/

1 ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] You use justly to show that you approve of someone's attitude towards something, because it seems to be based on truth or reality. [APPROVAL ] □� Australians are justly proud of their native wildlife.

2 →�see also just ➋

jut /dʒʌ t/ (juts , jutting , jutted )

1 VERB If something jutsout , it sticks out above or beyond a surface. □�[V adv/prep] The northern end of the island juts out like a long, thin finger into the sea.

2 VERB If you jut a part of your body, especially your chin, or if it juts , you push it forward in an aggressive or determined way. □�[V adv/prep] His jaw jutted stubbornly forward; he would not be denied. □�[V n adv/prep] Gwen jutted her chin forward and did not answer the teacher. □�[V ] Ken's jaw jutted with determination. [Also V n]

jute /dʒuː t/ N‑UNCOUNT Jute is a substance that is used to make cloth and rope. It comes from a plant which grows mainly in South-East Asia.

ju|venile /dʒuː vəna I l/ (juveniles )

1 N‑COUNT A juvenile is a child or young person who is not yet old enough to be regarded as an adult. [FORMAL ] □� The number of juveniles in the general population has fallen by a fifth in the past 10 years.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Juvenile activity or behaviour involves young people who are not yet adults. □� Juvenile crime is increasing at a terrifying rate.

3 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as juvenile , you are critical of it because you think that it is silly or childish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's a typical male, as he gets older he becomes more juvenile.

ju |venile court (juvenile courts ) N‑VAR A juvenile court is a court which deals with crimes committed by young people who are not yet old enough to be considered as adults.

ju |venile de|li n|quen|cy N‑UNCOUNT Juvenile delinquency is destruction of property and other criminal behaviour that is committed by young people who are not old enough to be legally considered as adults.

ju |venile de|li n|quent (juvenile delinquents ) N‑COUNT A juvenile delinquent is a young person who is guilty of committing crimes, especially destruction of property or violence.

jux|ta|pose /dʒʌ kstəpoʊ z/ (juxtaposes , juxtaposing , juxtaposed ) VERB If you juxtapose two contrasting objects, images, or ideas, you place them together or describe them together, so that the differences between them are emphasized. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The technique Mr Wilson uses most often is to juxtapose things for dramatic effect. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Contemporary photographs are juxtaposed with a sixteenth century, copper Portuguese mirror. □�[V -ed] �art's oldest theme: the celebration of life juxtaposed with the terror of mortality. [Also V n +�with ]

jux|ta|po|si|tion /dʒʌ kstəpəz I ʃ ə n/ (juxtapositions ) N‑VAR The juxtapositionof two contrasting objects, images, or ideas is the fact that they are placed together or described together, so that the differences between them are emphasized. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] This juxtaposition of brutal reality and lyrical beauty runs through Park's stories.

Kk

K , k /ke I / (K's, k's )

1 N‑VAR K is the eleventh letter of the English alphabet.

2K or k is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with k, such as 'kilometre', 'kilobyte', or 'king'.

3 NUM K or k is sometimes used to represent the number 1000, especially when referring to sums of money. [INFORMAL ] □� I used to make over 40k.

ka|bob /kəbɒ b/ (kabobs ) →�see kebab

kaf|tan /k� ft�n/ (kaftans ) →�see caftan

Kal|ash|ni|kov /kəl� ʃn I kɒf/ (Kalashnikovs ) N‑COUNT A Kalashnikov is a type of rifle that is made in Russia.

kale /ke I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Kale is a vegetable that is similar to a cabbage.

ka|lei|do|scope /kəla I dəskoʊp/ (kaleidoscopes )

1 N‑COUNT A kaleidoscope is a toy in the shape of a tube with a small hole at one end. If you look through the hole and turn the other end of the tube, you can see a pattern of colours which changes as you turn the tube round.

2 N‑SING You can describe something that is made up of a lot of different and frequently changing colours or elements as a kaleidoscope . □�[+�of ] �the vivid kaleidoscope of colours displayed in the plumage of the peacock.

ka|lei|do|scop|ic /kəla I dəskɒ p I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as kaleidoscopic , you mean that it consists of a lot of very different parts, such as different colours, patterns, or shapes. □� �a kaleidoscopic study of the shifting ideas and symbols of French nationhood.

ka|mi|ka|ze /k� m I kɑː zi/ ADJ [ADJ n] If someone such as a soldier or terrorist performs a kamikaze act, they attack the enemy knowing that they will be killed doing it. □� �kamikaze pilots ready to bomb nuclear installations.

kan|ga|roo /k� ŋgəruː / (kangaroos ) N‑COUNT A kangaroo is a large Australian animal which moves by jumping on its back legs. Female kangaroos carry their babies in a pouch on their stomach.

kan|ga|roo court (kangaroo courts ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a court or a meeting as a kangaroo court , you disapprove of it because it is unofficial or unfair, and is intended to find someone guilty. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ka|put /kəpʊ t/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is kaput , you mean that it is completely broken, useless, or finished. [INFORMAL ] □� 'What's happened to your car?'�'It's kaput.' □� He finally admitted that his film career was kaput.

kara|oke /k� rioʊ ki/ N‑UNCOUNT Karaoke is a form of entertainment in which a machine plays the tunes of songs, and people take it in turns to sing the words.

ka|ra|te /kərɑː ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Karate is a Japanese sport or way of fighting in which people fight using their hands, elbows, feet, and legs.

kar|ma /kɑː r mə/ N‑UNCOUNT In religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, karma is the belief that your actions in this life affect all your future lives.

kart /kɑː r t/ (karts ) N‑COUNT A kart is the same as a go-kart .

kay|ak /ka I �k/ (kayaks ) N‑COUNT A kayak is a narrow boat like a canoe, used by the Inuit people and in the sport of canoeing.

ka|zoo /kəzuː / (kazoos ) N‑COUNT A kazoo is a small musical instrument that consists of a pipe with a hole in the top. You play the kazoo by blowing into it while making sounds.

KBKB is a written abbreviation for kilobyte or kilobytes .

Kbps also kbpsKbps is a unit for measuring the speed of a modem. Kbps is a written abbreviation for 'kilobits per second'. [COMPUTING ] □� �a 28.8 Kbps modem.

ke|bab /kəb� b, [AM ] -bɑː b/ (kebabs ) in AM, also use kabob N‑VAR A kebab is pieces of meat or vegetables grilled on a long thin stick, or slices of grilled meat served in pitta bread.

ked|geree /ke dʒəriː/ N‑UNCOUNT Kedgeree is a cooked dish consisting of rice, fish, and eggs.

keel /kiː l/ (keels , keeling , keeled )

1 N‑COUNT The keel of a boat is the long, specially shaped piece of wood or steel along the bottom of it.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is on an even keel , you mean that they are working or progressing smoothly and steadily, without any sudden changes. □� Jason had helped him out with a series of loans, until he could get back on an even keel.

▸� keel over PHRASAL VERB If someone keels over , they collapse because they are tired or ill. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] He then keeled over and fell flat on his back.

keen ◆◇◇ /kiː n/ (keener , keenest )

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that, ADJ to-inf] If you are keenon doing something, you very much want to do it. If you are keenthat something should happen, you very much want it to happen. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�on ] You're not keen on going, are you? □� I'm very keen that the European Union should be as open as possible to trade from Russia. □� She's still keen to keep in touch. □�[+�for ] I am not keen for her to have a bicycle. ●� keen|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to-inf] □� �Doyle's keenness to please. □�[+�for ] �a keenness for the idea of a co-ordinated approach to development.

2 ADJ If you are keen on something, you like it a lot and are very enthusiastic about it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�on ] I got quite keen on the idea. ●� keen|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�for ] �his keenness for the arts.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use keen to indicate that someone has a lot of enthusiasm for a particular activity and spends a lot of time doing it. □� She was a keen amateur photographer. [Also +�on ]

4 ADJ If you describe someone as keen , you mean that they have an enthusiastic nature and are interested in everything that they do. □� He's a very keen student and works very hard. ●� keen|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the keenness of the students.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A keen interest or emotion is one that is very intense. □� He had retained a keen interest in the progress of the work. ●� keen|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� She remained keenly interested in international affairs. □� This is a keenly awaited project.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are a keen supporter of a cause, movement, or idea, you support it enthusiastically. □� He's been a keen supporter of the Labour Party all his life.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone has a keen mind, you mean that they are very clever and aware of what is happening around them. □� They described him as a man of keen intellect. ●� keen|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� They're keenly aware that whatever they decide will set a precedent.

8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a keen eye or ear, you are able to notice things that are difficult to detect. □� �an amateur artist with a keen eye for detail. ●� keen|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Charles listened keenly.

9 ADJ A keen fight or competition is one in which the competitors are all trying very hard to win, and it is not easy to predict who will win. □� There is expected to be a keen fight in the local elections. ●� keen|ly ADV □� The contest should be very keenly fought.

10 ADJ Keen prices are low and competitive. [mainly BRIT ] □� The company negotiates very keen prices with their suppliers. ●� keen|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� The shops also offer a keenly priced curtain-making service.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone is mad keenon something, you are emphasizing that they are very enthusiastic about it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� So you're not mad keen on science then?

keep ◆◆◆ /kiː p/ (keeps , keeping , kept )

1 V‑LINK If someone keeps or is kept in a particular state, they remain in it. □�[V n adj/prep] The noise kept him awake. □�[V adj/prep] To keep warm they burnt wood in a rusty oil barrel. □�[V adj/prep] For several years I kept in touch with her.

2 VERB If you keep or you are kept in a particular position or place, you remain in it. □�[V adv/prep] Keep away from the doors while the train is moving. □�[V n with adv] He kept his head down, hiding his features. □�[V n prep] Doctors will keep her in hospital for at least another week.

3 VERB If you keepoff something or keepaway from it, you avoid it. If you keepout of something, you avoid getting involved in it. You can also say that you keep someone off , away from or out of something. □�[V prep/adv] I managed to stick to the diet and keep off sweet foods. □�[V n prep/adv] The best way to keep babies off sugar is to go back to the natural diet.

4 VERB If someone or something keeps you from a particular action, they prevent you from doing it. □�[V n +�from ] Embarrassment has kept me from doing all sorts of things.

5 VERB If you try to keepfrom doing something, you try to stop yourself from doing it. □�[V +�from ] She bit her lip to keep from crying.

6 VERB If you keep something from someone, you do not tell them about it. □�[V n +�from ] She knew that Gabriel was keeping something from her.

7 VERB If you keep doing something, you do it repeatedly or continue to do it. □�[V v-ing] I keep forgetting it's December. □�[V v-ing] I turned back after a while, but he kept walking. ●�PHRASAL VERB Keep on means the same as keep . □�[V P v-ing] Did he give up or keep on trying?

8 VERB Keep is used with some nouns to indicate that someone does something for a period of time or continues to do it. For example, if you keep a gripon something, you continue to hold or control it. □�[V n] Until last year, the regime kept a tight grip on the country. □�[V n] One of them would keep a look-out on the road behind to warn us of approaching vehicles.

9 VERB If you keep something, you continue to have it in your possession and do not throw it away, give it away, or sell it. □�[V n] Lathan had to choose between marrying her and keeping his job.

10 VERB If you keep something in a particular place, you always have it or store it in that place so that you can use it whenever you need it. □�[V n prep/adv] She kept her money under the mattress. □�[V n adj] To make it easier to contact us, keep this card handy.

11 VERB When you keep something such as a promise or an appointment, you do what you said you would do. □�[V n] I'm hoping you'll keep your promise to come for a long visit.

12 VERB If you keep a record of a series of events, you write down details of it so that they can be referred to later. □�[V n] Eleanor began to keep a diary.

13 VERB If you keep yourself or keep someone else, you support yourself or the other person by earning enough money to provide food, clothing, money, and other necessary things. □�[V n] She could just about afford to keep her five kids. □�[V pron-refl] I just cannot afford to keep myself. □�[V n +�in ] That should earn her enough to keep her in cookies for a while.

14 N‑SING Someone's keep is the cost of food and other things that they need in their daily life. □� Ray will earn his keep on local farms while studying.

15 VERB If you keep animals, you own them and take care of them. □�[V n] I've brought you some eggs. We keep chickens.

16 VERB If someone or something keeps you, they delay you and make you late. □�[V n] 'What kept you?'�'I went in the wrong direction.'

17 VERB If food keeps for a certain length of time, it stays fresh and suitable to eat for that time. □�[V ] Whatever is left over may be put into the refrigerator, where it will keep for 2-3 weeks.

18 VERB [only cont] You can say or ask how someone is keeping as a way of saying or asking whether they are well. □�[V adv] She hasn't been keeping too well lately.

19 N‑COUNT A keep is the main tower of a medieval castle, in which people lived.

20 PHRASE If you keep at it , you continue doing something that you have started, even if you are tired and would prefer to stop. □� It may take a number of attempts, but it is worth keeping at it.

21 PHRASE If you keep going , you continue moving along or doing something that you have started, even if you are tired and would prefer to stop. □� She forced herself to keep going.

22 PHRASE If one thing is in keepingwith another, it is suitable in relation to that thing. If one thing is out of keepingwith another, it is not suitable in relation to that thing. □�[+�with ] His office was in keeping with his station and experience.

23 PHRASE If you keep it up , you continue working or trying as hard as you have been in the past. □� You're doing a great job! Keep it up!

24 PHRASE If you keep something toyourself , you do not tell anyone else about it. □� I have to tell someone. I can't keep it to myself.

25 PHRASE If you keepyourselftoyourself or keep toyourself , you stay on your own most of the time and do not mix socially with other people. □� He was a quiet man who kept himself to himself.

26to keep someone company →�see company

27to keep a straight face →�see face ➊

28to keep your head →�see head

29to keep pace →�see pace

30to keep the peace →�see peace

31to keep a secret →�see secret

32to keep time →�see time

33to keep track →�see track

▸� keep back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you keep back part of something, you do not use or give away all of it, so that you still have some to use at a later time. □�[V P n] Roughly chop the vegetables, and keep back a little to chop finely and serve as a garnish. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you keep some information back , you do not tell all that you know about something. □�[V n P ] Neither of them is telling the whole truth. Invariably, they keep something back. [Also V P n]

▸� keep down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you keep the number, size, or amount of something down , you do not let it get bigger or go higher. □�[V n P ] The prime aim is to keep inflation down. □�[V P n] Administration costs were kept down to just �460.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone keeps a group of people down , they prevent them from getting power and status and being completely free. □�[V n P ] There is no holding her back or keeping her down. [Also V P n]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you keep food or drink down , you manage to swallow it properly and not vomit, even though you feel sick. □�[V n P ] I tried to give her something to drink but she couldn't keep it down.

▸� keep on

1 →�see keep7

2 PHRASAL VERB If you keep someone on , you continue to employ them, for example after they are old enough to retire or after other employees have lost their jobs. □�[V n P ] Sometimes they keep you on a bit longer if there's no one quite ready to step into your shoes. [Also V P n (not pron)]

▸� keep on about PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone keeps on about something, you mean that they keep talking about it in a boring way. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P P n] He kept on about me being 'defensive'.

▸� keep on at PHRASAL VERB If you keep on at someone, you repeatedly ask or tell them something in a way that annoys them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P P n] You've constantly got to keep on at people about that. □�[V P P n to-inf] She kept on at him to get some qualifications.

▸� keep to

1 PHRASAL VERB If you keep to a rule, plan, or agreement, you do exactly what you are expected or supposed to do. □�[V P n] You've got to keep to the speed limit.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you keep to something such as a path or river, you do not move away from it as you go somewhere. □�[V P n] Please keep to the paths.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you keep to a particular subject, you talk only about that subject, and do not talk about anything else. □�[V P n] Let's keep to the subject, or you'll get me too confused.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you keep something to a particular number or quantity, you limit it to that number or quantity. □�[V n P n] Keep costs to a minimum.

▸� keep up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you keep upwith someone or something that is moving near you, you move at the same speed. □�[V P +�with ] She shook her head and started to walk on. He kept up with her. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB To keep upwith something that is changing means to be able to cope with the change, usually by changing at the same rate. □�[V P +�with ] �wage increases which keep up with inflation. □�[V P ] Things are changing so fast, it's hard to keep up.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you keep upwith your work or with other people, you manage to do or understand all your work, or to do or understand it as well as other people. □�[V P +�with ] Penny tended to work through her lunch hour in an effort to keep up with her work. □�[V P ] Life is tough for kids who aren't keeping up in school.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you keep upwith what is happening, you make sure that you know about it. □�[V P +�with ] She did not bother to keep up with the news. [Also V P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you keep something up , you continue to do it or provide it. □�[V n P ] I was so hungry all the time that I could not keep the diet up for longer than a month. □�[V P n] They risk losing their homes because they can no longer keep up the repayments.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you keep something up , you prevent it from growing less in amount, level, or degree. □�[V n P ] There will be a major incentive among TV channels to keep standards up. □�[V P n] Opposition forces are keeping up the pressure against the government.

7

keep|er /kiː pə r / (keepers )

1 N‑COUNT In football, the keeper is the same as the goalkeeper . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT In American football, a keeper is a play in which the quarterback keeps the ball. [AM ]

3 N‑COUNT A keeper at a zoo is a person who takes care of the animals.

4 PHRASE If you say that you are not someone 's keeper , you mean that you are not responsible for what they do or for what happens to them.

kee p-fi t also keep fit N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Keep-fit is the activity of keeping your body in good condition by doing special exercises. [mainly BRIT ]

keep|sake /kiː pse I k/ (keepsakes ) N‑COUNT A keepsake is a small present that someone gives you so that you will not forget them.

keg /ke g/ (kegs ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A keg is a small barrel used for storing something such as beer or other alcoholic drinks.

kelp /ke lp/ N‑UNCOUNT Kelp is a type of flat brown seaweed.

ken /ke n/ PHRASE If something is beyond your ken , you do not have enough knowledge to be able to understand it. □� The subject matter was so technical as to be beyond the ken of the average layman.

ken|nel /ke n ə l/ (kennels )

1 N‑COUNT A kennel is a small building made especially for a dog to sleep in. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use doghouse2 N‑COUNT Kennels or a kennels or a kennel is a place where dogs are bred and trained, or looked after when their owners are away. □� The guard dog was now in kennels as it was not aggressive.

Ken|yan /ke njən/ (Kenyans )

1 ADJ Kenyan means belonging or relating to Kenya, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Kenyan is a Kenyan citizen, or a person of Kenyan origin.

kept /ke pt/ Kept is the past tense and past participle of keep .

kerb /kɜː r b/ (kerbs ) N‑COUNT Thekerb is the raised edge of a pavement which separates it from the road. [BRIT ] □� Stewart stepped off the kerb. in AM, use curb

ke rb-crawling N‑UNCOUNT Kerb-crawling is the activity of driving slowly along the side of a road in order to find and hire a prostitute. [BRIT ]

ker|chief /kɜː r tʃ I f/ (kerchiefs ) N‑COUNT A kerchief is a piece of cloth that you can wear on your head or round your neck. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

ker|fuf|fle /kə r fʌ f ə l/ N‑SING A kerfuffle is a lot of argument, noisy activity, or fuss. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� There was a bit of a kerfuffle during the race when a dog impeded the leading runners.

ker|nel /kɜː r n ə l/ (kernels )

1 N‑COUNT The kernel of a nut is the part that is inside the shell.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The kernelof something is the central and most important part of it. □�[+�of ] The kernel of the film is James Franco's relationship with his ill father.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A kernelof something is a small element of it. □�[+�of ] For all I know, there may be a kernel of truth in what he says.

kero|sene /ke rəsiːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Kerosene is a clear, strong-smelling liquid which is used as a fuel, for example in heaters and lamps. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use paraffin

kes|trel /ke strəl/ (kestrels ) N‑COUNT A kestrel is a small bird of prey.

ketch /ke tʃ/ (ketches ) N‑COUNT A ketch is a type of sailing ship that has two masts.

ketch|up /ke tʃʌp/ in AM, also use catsup N‑UNCOUNT Ketchup is a thick, cold sauce, usually made from tomatoes, that is sold in bottles.

ket|tle /ke t ə l/ (kettles )

1 N‑COUNT A kettle is a covered container that you use for boiling water. It has a handle, and a spout for the water to come out of. [mainly BRIT ] □� I'll put the kettle on and make us some tea. ●�N‑COUNT A kettleof water is the amount of water contained in a kettle. □�[+�of ] Pour a kettle of boiling water over the onions. [in AM, use teakettle ]

2 N‑COUNT A kettle is a metal pot for boiling or cooking things in. [mainly AM ] □� Put the meat into a small kettle. in BRIT, use pan

3 PHRASE If you say that something is a different kettle of fish , you mean that it is very different from another related thing that you are talking about. [INFORMAL ] □� Playing for the reserve team is a totally different kettle of fish.

kettle|drum /ke t ə ldrʌm/ (kettledrums ) N‑COUNT A kettledrum is a large bowl-shaped drum which can be tuned to play a particular note.

key ◆◆◇ /kiː / (keys , keying , keyed )

1 N‑COUNT A key is a specially shaped piece of metal that you place in a lock and turn in order to open or lock a door, or to start or stop the engine of a vehicle. □�[+�in ] They put the key in the door and entered.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The keys on a computer keyboard or typewriter are the buttons that you press in order to operate it.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The keys of a piano or organ are the long narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you press in order to play it.

4 N‑VAR In music, a key is a scale of musical notes that starts on one specific note. □�[+�of ] �the key of A minor.

5 N‑COUNT The key on a map or diagram or in a technical book is a list of the symbols or abbreviations used and their meanings. □� You will find a key at the front of the book.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] The key person or thing in a group is the most important one. □� He is expected to be the key witness at the trial.

7 N‑COUNT The keyto a desirable situation or result is the way in which it can be achieved. □�[+�to ] The key to success is to be ready from the start.

8 →�see also master key

▸� key in PHRASAL VERB If you key something in , you put information into a computer or you give the computer a particular instruction by typing the information or instruction on the keyboard. □�[V P n] Brian keyed in his personal code. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS key NOUN 7

answer:Legislation is only part of the answer.

secret:The secret of success is honesty and fair dealing.

solution:�the ability to sort out simple, effective solutions to practical problems.

formula:He offered this simple formula for a long and happy life.

key|board /kiː bɔː r d/ (keyboards )

1 N‑COUNT The keyboard a computer, tablet, or on some phones is the set of keys that you press in order to operate it.

2 N‑COUNT The keyboard of a piano or organ is the set of black and white keys that you press in order to play it. □� Tanya's hands rippled over the keyboard.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] People sometimes refer to musical instruments that have a keyboard as keyboards . □� �Sean O'Hagan on keyboards.

key|board|er /kiː bɔː r də r / (keyboarders ) N‑COUNT A keyboarder is a person whose job is typing information into a computer or word processor.

key|board|ing /kiː bɔː r d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Keyboarding is the activity of typing information into a computer or word processor.

key|board|ist /kiː bɔː r d I st/ (keyboardists ) N‑COUNT A keyboardist is someone who plays keyboard instruments, especially in popular music.

ke y card (key cards ) N‑COUNT A key card is a small plastic card which you can use instead of a key to open a door or barrier, for example in some hotels and car parks.

ke yed u p ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are keyed up , you are very excited or nervous before an important or dangerous event. □� I wasn't able to sleep that night, I was so keyed up.

key|hole /kiː hoʊl/ (keyholes ) N‑COUNT A keyhole is the hole in a lock that you put a key in. □� I looked through the keyhole.

ke y|hole sur|gery N‑UNCOUNT Keyhole surgery is a surgical technique in which the surgeon inserts the instruments through small cuts in the patient's body, guided by an image from equipment that has been inserted into the patient's body. [MEDICAL ]

key|note /kiː noʊt/ (keynotes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] The keynoteof a policy, speech, or idea is the main theme of it or the part of it that is emphasized the most. □� He would be setting out his plans for the party in a keynote speech. [Also +�of ]

key|pad /kiː p�d/ (keypads ) N‑COUNT The keypad on a phone or machine is a set of buttons that you press in order to operate it.

ke y pla y|er (key players ) N‑COUNT The key players in a particular organization, event, or situation are the most important people or things involved in it. □�[+�in ] The former chairman was a key player in the deals that pushed the bank to the top.

ke y ring (key rings ) also keyring N‑COUNT A key ring is a metal ring which you use to keep your keys together. You pass the ring through the holes in your keys.

key|stone /kiː stoʊn/ (keystones ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A keystoneof a policy, system, or process is an important part of it, which is the basis for later developments. □�[+�of/in ] Keeping inflation low is the keystone of their economic policy.

key|stroke /kiː stroʊk/ (keystrokes ) N‑COUNT A keystroke is one touch of one of the keys on a computer or typewriter keyboard.

key|worker /kiː wɜː r kə r / (keyworkers ) N‑COUNT The keyworker for a particular group of clients or patients is the person who works with them most closely and has most responsibility for them.

kgkg is an abbreviation for kilogram or kilograms .

kha|ki /kɑː ki, [AM ] k� ki/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Khaki is a strong material of a greenish brown colour, used especially to make uniforms for soldiers. □� On each side of me was a figure in khaki.

2 COLOUR Something that is khaki is greenish brown in colour. □� He was dressed in khaki trousers.

kHzkHz is a written abbreviation for kilohertz . It is often written on radios beside a range of numbers to help you find a particular radio station.

kib|butz /k I bʊ ts/ (kibbutzim /k I bʊtsiː m/) N‑COUNT A kibbutz is a place of work in Israel, for example a farm or factory, where the workers live together and share all the duties and income.

kick ◆◆◇ /k I k/ (kicks , kicking , kicked )

1 VERB If you kick someone or something, you hit them forcefully with your foot. □�[V n] He kicked the door hard. □�[V ] He threw me to the ground and started to kick. □�[V n with adj] He escaped by kicking open the window. □�[V n +�in ] The fiery actress kicked him in the shins. □�[V n +�to ] An ostrich can kick a man to death. ●�N‑COUNT Kick is also a noun. □�[+�to ] He suffered a kick to the knee.

2 VERB When you kick a ball or other object, you hit it with your foot so that it moves through the air. □�[V n] I went to kick the ball and I completely missed it. □�[V n with adv] He kicked the ball away. □�[V n prep] A furious player kicked his racket into the grandstand. ●�N‑COUNT Kick is also a noun. □�[+�from ] After just one kick from England, the referee blew his whistle.

3 VERB If you kick or if you kick your legs, you move your legs with very quick, small, and forceful movements, once or repeatedly. □�[V ] They were dragged away struggling and kicking. □�[V n] First he kicked the left leg, then he kicked the right. □�[V n adv/prep] He kicked his feet away from the window. [Also V prep] ●�PHRASAL VERB Kick out means the same as kick . □�[V P ] As its rider tried to free it, the horse kicked out.

4 VERB If you kick your legs, you lift your legs up very high one after the other, for example when you are dancing. □�[V n] He was kicking his legs like a Can Can dancer. □�[V n adj] She begins dancing, kicking her legs high in the air.

5 VERB If you kick a habit, you stop doing something that is bad for you and that you find difficult to stop doing. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] She's kicked her drug habit and learned that her life has value.

6 N‑SING If something gives you a kick , it makes you feel very excited or very happy for a short period of time. [INFORMAL ] □� I got a kick out of seeing my name in print.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone kicks you when you are down , you think they are behaving unfairly because they are attacking you when you are in a weak position. □� In the end I just couldn't kick Jimmy when he was down.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone does something for kicks , you mean that they do it because they think it will be exciting. [INFORMAL ] □� They made a few small bets for kicks.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is dragged kicking and screaminginto a particular course of action, you are emphasizing that they are very unwilling to do what they are being made to do. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�into ] He had to be dragged kicking and screaming into action.

10 PHRASE If you describe an event as a kick in the teeth , you are emphasizing that it is very disappointing and upsetting. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� This is another kick in the teeth for small businesses in the UK.

11 PHRASE You use kickyourself in expressions such as I could have kicked myself and you're going to kick yourself to indicate that you were annoyed or are going to be annoyed that you got something wrong. [FEELINGS ] □� I was still kicking myself for not paying attention.

12alive and kicking →�see alive

13to kick up a fuss →�see fuss

▸� kick around PHRASAL VERB If you kick around ideas or suggestions, you discuss them informally. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] We kicked a few ideas around. □�[V P n] They started to kick around the idea of an electric scraper.

▸� kick back PHRASAL VERB If you kick back , you relax. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] As soon as they've finished up, they kick back and wait for the next show.

▸� kick down or kick in PHRASAL VERB If someone kicks something down or if they kick it in , they hit it violently with their foot so that it breaks or falls over. □�[V P n] She was forced to kick down the front door. [Also V n P ]

▸� kick in

1 PHRASAL VERB If something kicks in , it begins to take effect. □�[V P ] As discounts kicked in, bookings for immediate travel rose by 15%.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone kicks in a particular amount of money, they provide that amount of money to help pay for something. [AM ] □�[V P n] Kansas City area churches kicked in $35,000 to support the event.

3 →�see also kick down

▸� kick off

1 PHRASAL VERB In football, when the players kick off , they start a game by kicking the ball from the centre of the pitch. □�[V P ] Liverpool kicked off an hour ago.

2 PHRASAL VERB If an event, game, series, or discussion kicks off , or is kicked off , it begins. □�[V P ] The shows kick off on October 24th. □�[V P n] The Mayor kicked off the party. □�[V P +�with ] We kicked off with a slap-up dinner. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you kick off your shoes, you shake your feet so that your shoes come off. □�[V P n] She stretched out on the sofa and kicked off her shoes. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB To kick someone off an area of land means to force them to leave it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P n] We can't kick them off the island. [Also V n P ]

▸� kick out

1 PHRASAL VERB To kick someone outof a place means to force them to leave it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P +�of ] The country's leaders kicked five foreign journalists out of the country. □�[V n P ] Her family kicked her out. [Also V P n]

2 →�see also kick3

▸� kick up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you kick up a fuss about something, you make it very obvious that you are annoyed or dissatisfied. □�[V P n] Those customers who have kicked up a fuss have received refunds.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you kick up dust or dirt, you create a cloud of dust or dirt as you move along a dusty road. □�[V P n] She shuffled along, kicking up clouds of dust.

kick|back /k I kb�k/ (kickbacks ) N‑COUNT A kickback is a sum of money that is paid to someone illegally, for example money which a company pays someone to arrange for the company to be chosen to do an important job. □� �alleged kickbacks and illegal party financing.

ki ck box|ing also kickboxing N‑UNCOUNT Kick boxing is a type of boxing in which the opponents are allowed to kick as well as punch each other.

ki ck-off (kick-offs ) in AM, use kickoff1 N‑VAR In football, the kick-off is the time at which a particular game starts. [BRIT ] □� The kick-off is at 1.30.

2 N‑COUNT In American football, a kickoff is the kick that begins a play, for example at the beginning of a half or after a touchdown or field goal. [AM ]

3 N‑SING The kick-off of an event or activity is its beginning. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] People stood waiting for the kick-off of the parade.

ki ck-sta rt (kick-starts , kick-starting , kick-started ) also kickstart

1 VERB To kick-start a process that has stopped working or progressing is to take a course of action that will quickly start it going again. □�[V n] The President has chosen to kick-start the economy by slashing interest rates. ●�N‑COUNT Kick-start is also a noun. □� The housing market needs a kick-start.

2 VERB If you kick-start a motorcycle, you press the lever that starts it with your foot. □�[V n] He lifted the bike off its stand and kick-started it.

kid ◆◆◇ /k I d/ (kids , kidding , kidded )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a child as a kid . [INFORMAL ] □� They've got three kids. □� All the kids in my class could read.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can refer to your younger brother as your kid brother and your younger sister as your kid sister. [INFORMAL ]

3 N‑COUNT A kid is a young goat.

4 VERB [usu cont] If you are kidding , you are saying something that is not really true, as a joke. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] I'm not kidding, Frank. There's a cow out there, just standing around. □�[V n] Are you sure you're not kidding me?

5 VERB If you kid someone, you tease them. □�[V n] He liked to kid Ingrid a lot. □�[V n +�about ] He used to kid me about being chubby.

6 VERB If people kidthemselves , they allow themselves to believe something that is not true because they wish that it was true. □�[V pron-refl] We're kidding ourselves, Bill. We're not winning, we're not even doing well. □�[V pron-refl that] I could kid myself that you did this for me, but it would be a lie.

7 CONVENTION You can say ' No kidding? ' to show that you are interested or surprised when someone tells you something. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� 'We won.'�'No kidding?'

8 PHRASE You can say ' you've got to be kidding ' or ' you must be kidding ' to someone if they have said something that you think is ridiculous or completely untrue. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� You've got to be kidding! I can't live here!

9 PHRASE You can say ' who is she kidding? ' or ' who is he trying to kid? ' if you think it is obvious that someone is not being sincere and does not mean what they say. [INFORMAL ] □� She played the role of a meek, innocent, shy girl. I don't know who she was trying to kid.

kid|die /k I di/ (kiddies ) also kiddy N‑COUNT A kiddie is a very young child. [INFORMAL ]

kiddo /k I doʊ/ (kiddos ) N‑COUNT You can call someone kiddo , especially someone who is younger than you, as a sign of affection. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� I'll miss you kiddo.

ki d glo ves N‑PLURAL [oft with N ] If you treat someone or something withkid gloves , or if you give them the kid glove treatment, you are very careful in the way you deal with them. □� In presidential campaigns, foreign policy is treated with kid gloves.

kid|nap /k I dn�p/ (kidnaps , kidnapping , kidnapped ) in AM, also use kidnaped , kidnaping1 VERB To kidnap someone is to take them away illegally and by force, and usually to hold them prisoner in order to demand something from their family, employer, or government. □�[V n] Police in Brazil uncovered a plot to kidnap him. □�[V ] They were intelligent and educated, yet they chose to kidnap and kill. □�[V -ed] The kidnapped man was said to have been seized by five people. ●� kid|nap|per (kidnappers ) N‑COUNT □� The kidnappers repeated demands for $1.5 billion and the release of two local leaders. ●� kid|nap|ping (kidnappings ) N‑VAR □� Two youngsters have been arrested and charged with kidnapping.

2 N‑VAR Kidnap or a kidnap is the crime of taking someone away by force. □� He was charged with the kidnap of a 25 year-old woman.

kid|ney /k I dni/ (kidneys )

1 N‑COUNT Your kidneys are the organs in your body that take waste matter from your blood and send it out of your body as urine.

2 N‑VAR Kidneys are the kidneys of an animal, for example a lamb, calf, or pig, that are eaten as meat. □� �steak and kidney pie.

ki d|ney bean (kidney beans )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Kidney beans are small, reddish-brown beans that are eaten as a vegetable. They are the seeds of a bean plant.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Kidney beans are long, very narrow beans that are green in colour and are eaten as a vegetable. They grow on a tall climbing plant and are the cases that contain the seeds of the plant. [AM ] in BRIT, use French beans

kill ◆◆◆ /k I l/ (kills , killing , killed )

1 VERB If a person, animal, or other living thing is killed , something or someone causes them to die. □�[be V -ed] More than 1,000 people have been killed by the armed forces. □�[V pron-refl] He had attempted to kill himself on several occasions. □�[V n] The earthquake killed 62 people. □�[V ] Heroin can kill. ●� kill|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] There is tension in the region following the killing of seven civilians.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The act of killing an animal after hunting it is referred to as thekill . □� After the kill the men and old women collect in an open space and eat a meal of whale meat.

3 VERB If someone or something kills a project, activity, or idea, they completely destroy or end it. □�[V n] His objective was to kill the space station project altogether. ●�PHRASAL VERB Kill off means the same as kill . □�[V P n] He would soon launch a second offensive, killing off the peace process. □�[V n P ] The Government's financial squeeze had killed the scheme off.

4 VERB If something kills pain, it weakens it so that it is no longer as strong as it was. □�[V n] He was forced to take opium to kill the pain.

5 VERB [only cont] If you say that something is killing you, you mean that it is causing you physical or emotional pain. [INFORMAL ] □�[V pron] My feet are killing me.

6 VERB If you say that you killyourself to do something, you are emphasizing that you make a great effort to do it, even though it causes you a lot of trouble or suffering. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[V pron-refl] You shouldn't always have to kill yourself to do well.

7 VERB If you say that you will kill someone for something they have done, you are emphasizing that you are extremely angry with them. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V n] Tell Richard I'm going to kill him when I get hold of him.

8 VERB If you say that something will not kill you, you mean that it is not really as difficult or unpleasant as it might seem. [INFORMAL ] □�[V pron] Three or four more weeks won't kill me!

9 VERB If you are killing time, you are doing something because you have some time available, not because you really want to do it. □�[V n] I'm just killing time until I can talk to the other witnesses. □�[V n] To kill the hours while she waited, Ann worked in the garden. [Also V n v-ing]

10 PHRASE If you say that you will do something if it kills you, you are emphasizing that you are determined to do it even though it is extremely difficult or painful. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'll make this marriage work if it kills me.

11 PHRASE If you say that you killedyourselflaughing , you are emphasizing that you laughed a lot because you thought something was extremely funny. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

12 PHRASE If you move in for the kill or if you close in for the kill , you take advantage of a changed situation in order to do something that you have been preparing to do. □� Seeing his chance, Dennis moved in for the kill.

13to kill two birds with one stone →�see bird

14to be killed outright →�see outright

▸� kill off

1 →�see kill3

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that a group or an amount of something has been killed off , you mean that all of them or all of it have been killed or destroyed. □�[be V -ed P ] Their natural predators have been killed off. □�[V n P ] It is an effective treatment for the bacteria and does kill it off. □�[V P n] All blood products are now heat treated to kill off any infection.

kill|er ◆◇◇ /k I lə r / (killers )

1 N‑COUNT A killer is a person who has killed someone, or who intends to kill someone. □� The police are searching for his killers.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to something that causes death or is likely to cause death as a killer . □�[+�of ] Heart disease is the biggest killer of men in most developed countries.

ki ll|er bee (killer bees ) N‑COUNT A killer bee is a type of bee which is very aggressive and likely to attack and sting people.

ki ll|er i n|stinct (killer instincts ) N‑VAR If you say that a sports player or politician has thekiller instinct , you admire them for their toughness and determination to succeed. [APPROVAL ] □� He quit the sport when he realised he didn't have the killer instinct.

ki ll|er wha le (killer whales ) N‑COUNT A killer whale is a type of black and white whale.

kill|ing ◆◇◇ /k I l I ŋ/ (killings )

1 N‑COUNT A killing is an act of deliberately killing a person. □� This is a brutal killing.

2 PHRASE If you make a killing , you make a large profit very quickly and easily. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] They have made a killing on the deal. SYNONYMS killing NOUN 1

murder:�brutal murders.

massacre:Maria lost her 62-year-old mother in the massacre.

slaughter:�the slaughter of seal pups on the east coast of Canada.

execution:Execution by lethal injection is scheduled for July 30th. COLLOCATIONS killing NOUN 1

noun +�killing : gangland, honour, revenge

adjective +�killing : brutal, cold-blooded, gruesome, senseless; extrajudicial, sectarian, targeted; indiscriminate, mass, random

kill|joy /k I ldʒɔ I / (killjoys ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a killjoy , you are critical of them because they stop other people from enjoying themselves, often by reminding them of something unpleasant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Don't be such a killjoy!

kiln /k I ln/ (kilns ) N‑COUNT A kiln is an oven that is used to bake pottery and bricks in order to make them hard.

kilo /kiː loʊ/ (kilos ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A kilo is the same as a kilogram . □�[+�in ] He'd lost ten kilos in weight. □�[+�of ] �a kilo of rice.

PREFIX kilo-

forms words that refer to things that have a thousand parts. For example, a kilometre is a thousand metres.

kilo|byte /k I ləba I t/ (kilobytes ) N‑COUNT In computing, a kilobyte is one thousand bytes of data. [COMPUTING ]

kilo|gram /k I ləgr�m/ (kilograms ) also kilogramme N‑COUNT [num N ] A kilogram is a metric unit of weight. One kilogram is a thousand grams, or a thousandth of a metric ton, and is equal to 2.2 pounds. □� �a parcel weighing around 4.5 kilograms. [Also +�of ]

kilo|hertz /k I ləhɜː r ts/ (kilohertz ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A kilohertz is a unit of measurement of radio waves. One kilohertz is a thousand hertz.

kilo|metre ◆◇◇ /k I ləmiːtə r , k I lɒ m I tə r / (kilometres ) in AM, use kilometer N‑COUNT [num N ] A kilometre is a metric unit of distance or length. One kilometre is a thousand metres and is equal to 0.62 miles. □�[+�from ] �about twenty kilometres from the border. □�[+�of ] The fire destroyed some 40,000 square kilometres of forest.

kilo|watt /k I ləwɒt/ (kilowatts ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A kilowatt is a unit of power. One kilowatt is a thousand watts.

ki lowatt-hour (kilowatt-hours ) N‑COUNT A kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy that is equal to the energy provided by a thousand watts in one hour.

kilt /k I lt/ (kilts ) N‑COUNT A kilt is a skirt with a lot of vertical folds, traditionally worn by Scottish men. Kilts can also be worn by women and girls.

kil|ter /k I ltə r /

1 PHRASE If one thing is out of kilterwith another, the first thing does not agree with or fit in with the second. □� Her lifestyle was out of kilter with her politics.

2 PHRASE If something or someone is out of kilter or off kilter , they are not completely right. □� Ignoring feelings of tiredness knocks our body clocks out of kilter.

ki|mo|no /k I moʊ noʊ, [AM ] -nə/ (kimonos ) N‑COUNT A kimono is an item of Japanese clothing. It is long, shaped like a coat, and has wide sleeves.

kin /k I n/

1 N‑PLURAL Your kin are your relatives. [DIALECT or OLD-FASHIONED ] □� She has gone to live with her husband's kin.

2 →�see also kith and kin , next of kin

kind

➊�NOUN USES AND PHRASES

➋�ADJECTIVE USES

➊ kind ◆◆◆ /ka I nd/ (kinds )

1 N‑COUNT If you talk about a particular kindof thing, you are talking about one of the types or sorts of that thing. □�[+�of ] The party needs a different kind of leadership. □�[+�of ] Had Jamie ever been in any kind of trouble? □� This book prize is the biggest of its kind in the world.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone's kind , you are referring to all the other people that are like them or that belong to the same class or set. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I can take care of your kind.

3 PHRASE You can use all kinds of to emphasize that there are a great number and variety of particular things or people. [EMPHASIS ] □� Adoption can fail for all kinds of reasons.

4 PHRASE You use kind of when you want to say that something or someone can be roughly described in a particular way. [SPOKEN , VAGUENESS ] □� It was kind of sad, really.

5 PHRASE You can use of a kind to indicate that something is not as good as it might be expected to be, but that it seems to be the best that is possible or available. □� This, in itself, is bravery of a kind.

6 PHRASE If you refer to someone or something as one of a kind , you mean that there is nobody or nothing else like them. [APPROVAL ] □� She's a very unusual woman, one of a kind.

7 PHRASE If you refer, for example, to two, three, or four of a kind , you mean two, three, or four similar people or things that seem to go well or belong together. □� They were two of a kind, from the same sort of background.

8 PHRASE If you respond in kind , you react to something that someone has done to you by doing the same thing to them. □� They hurled defiant taunts at the riot police, who responded in kind.

9 PHRASE If you pay a debt in kind , you pay it in the form of goods or services and not money. □� �benefits in kind.

➋ kind /ka I nd/ (kinder , kindest )

1 ADJ Someone who is kind behaves in a gentle, caring, and helpful way towards other people. □�[+�to ] I must thank you for being so kind to me. □�[+�of ] It was very kind of you to come. ●� kind|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'You seem tired this morning, Jenny,' she said kindly.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] You can use kind in expressions such as please be so kind as to and would you be kind enough to in order to ask someone to do something in a firm but polite way. [POLITENESS ] □� I wonder if you'd be kind enough to call him.

3 →�see also kindly , kindness

kinda /ka I ndə/ Kinda is used in written English to represent the words 'kind of' when they are pronounced informally. □� I'd kinda like to have a sheep farm in New Mexico.

kin|der|gar|ten /k I ndə r gɑː r t ə n/ (kindergartens ) N‑COUNT [oft in/to/at N ] A kindergarten is an informal kind of school for very young children, where they learn things by playing. □� She's in kindergarten now.

ki nd-hea rted ADJ If you describe someone as kind-hearted , you mean that they are kind, caring, and generous. □� He was a warm, generous and kind-hearted man.

kin|dle /k I nd ə l/ (kindles , kindling , kindled )

1 VERB If something kindles a particular emotion in someone, it makes them start to feel it. □�[V n] The second world war kindled his enthusiasm for politics.

2 VERB If you kindle a fire, you light paper or wood in order to start it. □�[V n] I came in and kindled a fire in the stove.

kin|dling /k I ndl I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Kindling is small pieces of dry wood and other materials that you use to start a fire.

kind|ly /ka I ndli/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A kindly person is kind, caring, and sympathetic. □� He was a stern critic but an extremely kindly man.

2 ADV [ADV before v] If someone kindly does something for you, they act in a thoughtful and helpful way. □� He kindly carried our picnic in a rucksack.

3 ADV [ADV before v] If someone asks you to kindly do something, they are asking you in a way which shows that they have authority over you, or that they are angry with you. [FORMAL ] □� Will you kindly obey the instructions I am about to give?

4 →�see also kind ➊

5 PHRASE If you look kindly on or look kindly upon someone or something, you support them or approve of what they are doing. □� Recent historical work looks kindly on the regime.

6 PHRASE If someone does not take kindly to something, they do not like it. □� She did not take kindly to being offered advice.

kind|ness /ka I ndnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Kindness is the quality of being gentle, caring, and helpful. □� We have been treated with such kindness by everybody.

kin|dred /k I ndr I d/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] Your kindred are your family, and all the people who are related to you. [DIALECT or OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Kindred things are similar to each other. [FORMAL ] □� I recall many discussions with her on these and kindred topics.

ki n|dred spir|it (kindred spirits ) N‑COUNT A kindred spirit is a person who has the same view of life or the same interests as you.

ki|net|ic /k I ne t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In physics, kinetic is used to describe something that is concerned with movement. [TECHNICAL ]

ki |net|ic e n|er|gy N‑UNCOUNT In physics, kinetic energy is the energy that is produced when something moves. [TECHNICAL ]

king ◆◆◇ /k I ŋ/ (kings )

1 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT A king is a man who is the most important member of the royal family of his country, and who is considered to be the Head of State of that country. □�[+�of ] �the king and queen of Spain. □�[+�of ] In 1154, Henry II became King of England.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a man as the king of something, you mean that he is the most important person doing that thing or he is the best at doing it. □�[+�of ] He's the king of unlicensed boxing.

3 N‑COUNT A king is a playing card with a picture of a king on it. □�[+�of ] �the king of diamonds.

4 N‑COUNT In chess, the king is the most important piece. When you are in a position to capture your opponent's king, you win the game.

king|dom /k I ŋdəm/ (kingdoms )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in names] A kingdom is a country or region that is ruled by a king or queen. □� The kingdom's power declined. □� �the United Kingdom.

2 N‑SING [usu n N ] All the animals, birds, and insects in the world can be referred to together as the animal kingdom . All the plants can be referred to as the plant kingdom .

king|fisher /k I ŋf I ʃə r / (kingfishers ) N‑COUNT A kingfisher is a brightly-coloured bird which lives near rivers and lakes and catches fish.

king|ly /k I ŋli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Kingly means like a king, or related to the duties of a king. [LITERARY ] □� �a noble man, kingly in stature. □� They thought that he should resume his kingly duties.

king|pin /k I ŋp I n/ (kingpins ) N‑COUNT [n N ] If you describe someone as the kingpinof an organization, you mean that they are the most important person involved in it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] �one of the kingpins of a large drugs ring.

king|ship /k I ŋʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Kingship is the fact or position of being a king. □� �the duties of kingship.

ki ng-size also king-sized ADJ [usu ADJ n] A king-size or king-sized version of something is a larger size than the standard version, and may be the largest size available. □� �a king-size bed. □� �king-size bars of chocolate.

kink /k I ŋk/ (kinks , kinking , kinked )

1 N‑COUNT A kink is a curve or twist in something which is otherwise or normally straight. □�[+�in ] �a tiny black kitten with tufted ears and a kink in her tail.

2 VERB If something kinks or is kinked , it has, or it develops a curve or twist in it. □�[V ] �her wet hair kinking in the breeze. □�[V n] Increased pillow height kinks the neck and airway.

kinky /k I ŋki/ (kinkier , kinkiest ) ADJ If you describe something, usually a sexual practice or preference, as kinky , you mean that it is unusual and would be considered strange by most people. [INFORMAL ] □� He had been engaging in some kind of kinky sexual activity.

kins|folk /k I nzfoʊk/ The spellings kinfolk , and sometimes in American English kinfolks are also used. N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] Your kinsfolk or kinfolk are the people who are related to you. [LITERARY ] □� Poor Emily. Her kinsfolk should come to her. □� I sent my other son to the country to stay with kinfolk.

kin|ship /k I nʃ I p/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Kinship is the relationship between members of the same family. □� The ties of kinship may have helped the young man find his way in life.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you feel kinshipwith someone, you feel close to them, because you have a similar background or similar feelings or ideas. □�[+�with ] She evidently felt a sense of kinship with the woman.

kins|man /k I nzmən/ (kinsmen ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's kinsman is their male relative. [LITERARY or WRITTEN ]

kins|woman /k I nzwʊmən/ (kinswomen ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's kinswoman is their female relative. [LITERARY or WRITTEN ]

ki|osk /kiː ɒsk/ (kiosks )

1 N‑COUNT A kiosk is a small building or structure from which people can buy things such as sandwiches or newspapers through an open window. □� I tried to buy an ice-cream from a kiosk.

2 N‑COUNT A kiosk or a telephone kiosk used to be a public telephone box. [BRIT ] □� He phoned me from a kiosk.

kip /k I p/ (kips , kipping , kipped )

1 N‑SING Kip is sleep. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Mason went home for a couple of hours' kip.

2 VERB If you kip somewhere, usually somewhere that is not your own home or bed, you sleep there. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] He moved from one friend's flat to another, first kipping on the floor of Theodore's studio. [Also V ]

kip|per /k I pə r / (kippers ) N‑COUNT A kipper is a fish, usually a herring, which has been preserved by being hung in smoke.

kirk /kɜː r k/ (kirks )

1 N‑COUNT A kirk is a church. [SCOTTISH ]

2 N‑PROPER The Kirk is the Church of Scotland, the main Protestant church in Scotland. [SCOTTISH ] □� �ministers of the Kirk.

kirsch /k I ə r ʃ/ also Kirsch N‑UNCOUNT Kirsch is a strong, colourless, alcoholic drink made from cherries which is usually drunk after a meal.

kiss ◆◇◇ /k I s/ (kisses , kissing , kissed )

1 VERB If you kiss someone, you touch them with your lips to show affection or sexual desire, or to greet them or say goodbye. □�[V n +�on ] She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. □�[V n n] Her parents kissed her goodbye as she set off from their home. □�[V ] They kissed for almost half a minute. □�[V n] We kissed goodbye. ●�N‑COUNT Kiss is also a noun. □� I put my arms around her and gave her a kiss.

2 VERB If you say that something kisses another thing, you mean that it touches that thing very gently. □�[V n] The wheels of the aircraft kissed the runway.

3 PHRASE If you blow someone a kiss or blow a kiss , you touch the palm of your hand lightly with your lips, and then blow across your hand towards the person, in order to show them your affection. □� Maria blew him a kiss.

4 PHRASE If you say that you kiss something goodbye or kiss goodbye to something, you accept the fact that you are going to lose it, although you do not want to. [INFORMAL ] □� I felt sure I'd have to kiss my dancing career goodbye.

ki ss-and-te ll ADJ [ADJ n] If someone who has had a love affair with a famous person tells the story of that affair in public, for example in a newspaper or book, you can refer to this as a kiss-and-tell story. □� �intimate photographs and kiss-and-tell revelations.

ki ss of dea th N‑SING If you say that a particular event is thekiss of deathfor something, you mean that it is certain to make them fail or be a disaster. □�[+�for ] Trying to please an audience is the kiss of death for an artist. [Also +�to]

ki ss of li fe N‑SING If you give someone who has stopped breathing the kiss of life , you put your mouth onto their mouth and breathe into their lungs to make them start breathing again. [BRIT ] □� Julia was given the kiss of life but she could not be revived. in AM, use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

kit /k I t/ (kits , kitting , kitted )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A kit is a group of items that are kept together, often in the same container, because they are all used for similar purposes. □� �a well-stocked first aid kit.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Kit is special clothing and equipment that you use when you take part in a particular activity, especially a sport. [mainly BRIT ] □� I forgot my gym kit.

3 N‑COUNT A kit is a set of parts that can be put together in order to make something. □� Her popular pot holder is also available in do-it-yourself kits.

4 PHRASE If someone gets their kit off or takes their kit off , they take off all their clothes. If they keep their kit on , they do not take off all their clothes, even though people may be expecting them to. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I don't like taking my kit off on screen.

▸� kit out PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone or something is kitted out , they have everything they need at a particular time, such as clothing, equipment, or furniture. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed P +�with ] She was kitted out with winter coat, skirts, jumpers. □�[be V -ed P +�in ] The place is kitted out in upmarket Italian cafe style.

kit|bag /k I tb�g/ (kitbags ) N‑COUNT A kitbag is a long narrow bag, usually made of canvas, in which soldiers or sailors keep their clothing and personal possessions. [mainly BRIT ]

kitch|en ◆◆◇ /k I tʃ I n/ (kitchens )

1 N‑COUNT A kitchen is a room that is used for cooking and for household jobs such as washing dishes.

2 →�see also soup kitchen

ki tch|en ca bi|net (kitchen cabinets ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Journalists sometimes refer to the unofficial advisers of a prime minister or president as that person's kitchen cabinet , especially if they disapprove of the influence that the advisers seem to have. [DISAPPROVAL ]

kitch|en|ette /k I tʃ I ne t/ (kitchenettes ) N‑COUNT A kitchenette is a small kitchen, or a part of a larger room that is used for cooking.

ki tch|en ga r|den (kitchen gardens ) N‑COUNT A kitchen garden is a garden, or part of a garden, in which vegetables, herbs, and fruit are grown.

kite /ka I t/ (kites )

1 N‑COUNT A kite is an object, usually used as a toy, which is flown in the air. It consists of a light frame covered with paper or cloth and has a long string attached which you hold while the kite is flying.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is as high as a kite , you mean that they are very excited or that they are greatly affected by alcohol or drugs.

Kite|mark /ka I tmɑː r k/ N‑SING In Britain, the Kitemark is a symbol which is put on products that have met certain standards of safety and quality. [BRIT ]

kith and kin /k I θ ən k I n/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to your friends and family as your kith and kin .

kitsch /k I tʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to a work of art or an object as kitsch if it is showy and thought by some people to be in bad taste. □� �a hideous ballgown verging on the kitsch. ●�ADJ Kitsch is also an adjective. □� Blue and green eyeshadow has long been considered kitsch.

kit|ten /k I t ə n/ (kittens ) N‑COUNT A kitten is a very young cat.

kit|ty /k I ti/ (kitties )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A kitty is an amount of money gathered from several people, which is meant to be spent on things that these people will share or use together. □� You haven't put any money in the kitty for three weeks.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A kitty is the total amount of money which is bet in a gambling game, and which is taken by the winner or winners. □� Each month the total prize kitty is �13.5 million.

kiwi /kiː wiː/ (kiwis )

1 N‑COUNT A kiwi is the same as a kiwi fruit .

2 N‑COUNT A kiwi is a type of bird that lives in New Zealand. Kiwis cannot fly.

3 N‑COUNT People who come from New Zealand are sometimes referred to as Kiwis . This use could cause offence. [BRIT , AUSTRALIAN ]

ki wi fruit (kiwi fruit or kiwi fruits ) N‑VAR A kiwi fruit is a fruit with a brown hairy skin and green flesh.

KKK /ke I ke I ke I / N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] KKK is an abbreviation for Ku Klux Klan.

Klans|man /kl� nzmən/ (Klansmen ) N‑COUNT A Klansman is a man who is a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

Kleen|ex /kliː neks/ (Kleenex ) N‑COUNT A Kleenex is a piece of soft tissue paper that is used as a handkerchief. [TRADEMARK ] □� �a box of Kleenex.

klep|to|ma|ni|ac /kle ptəme I ni�k/ (kleptomaniacs ) N‑COUNT A kleptomaniac is a person who cannot control their desire to steal things, usually because of a medical condition.

kludge /klʌ dʒ/ (kludges ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an unsophisticated but fairly effective solution to a problem as a kludge . Kludge is used especially to talk about solutions to computing problems.

klutz /klʌ ts/ (klutzes ) N‑COUNT You can refer to someone who is very clumsy or who seems stupid as a klutz . [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

km (kms or km ) also km.km is a written abbreviation for kilometre .

knack /n� k/ (knacks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A knack is a particularly clever or skilful way of doing something successfully, especially something which most people find difficult. □�[+�of/for ] He's got the knack of getting people to listen.

knack|er /n� kə r / (knackers ) N‑COUNT A knacker is someone who buys up old horses and then kills them for their meat, bones, or leather. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The vet suggested that the knacker would collect JoJo, and even pay her for him.

knack|ered /n� kə r d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are knackered , you are emphasizing that you are extremely tired. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I was absolutely knackered at the end of the match.

2 ADJ If you say that something is knackered , you mean that it is completely broken or worn out. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a knackered old T- shirt .

knap|sack /n� ps�k/ (knapsacks ) N‑COUNT A knapsack is a canvas or leather bag that you carry on your back or over your shoulder, for example when you are walking in the countryside.

knave /ne I v/ (knaves )

1 N‑COUNT If someone calls a man a knave , they mean that he is dishonest and should not be trusted. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT In card games, knave is another word for jack . [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use jack

knead /niː d/ (kneads , kneading , kneaded )

1 VERB When you knead dough or other food, you press and squeeze it with your hands so that it becomes smooth and ready to cook. □�[V n] Lightly knead the mixture on a floured surface.

2 VERB If you knead a part of someone's body, you press or squeeze it with your fingers. □�[V n] She felt him knead the aching muscles.

knee ◆◇◇ /niː / (knees , kneeing , kneed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your knee is the place where your leg bends. □� He will receive physiotherapy on his damaged left knee. □� �a knee injury.

2 N‑COUNT [oft on N ] If something or someone is on your knee or on your knees , they are resting or sitting on the upper part of your legs when you are sitting down. □� He sat with the package on his knees.

3 N‑PLURAL [usu on/to N ] If you are on your knees , your legs are bent and your knees are on the ground. □� She fell to the ground on her knees and prayed.

4 VERB If you knee someone, you hit them using your knee. □�[V n] Ian kneed him in the groin.

5 PHRASE If a country or organization is brought to its knees , it is almost completely destroyed by someone or something. □� The country was being brought to its knees by the loss of 2.4 million manufacturing jobs.

knee|cap /niː k�p/ (kneecaps ) also knee-cap N‑COUNT Your kneecaps are the bones at the front of your knees.

knee -capping (knee-cappings ) also kneecapping N‑VAR Knee-capping is the act of shooting someone in the knee and is carried out by some terrorist organizations as a form of punishment.

knee -dee p

1 ADJ Something that is knee-deep is as high as your knees. □� The water was only knee-deep.

2 ADJ [ADJ after v] If a person or a place is knee-deepin something such as water, the level of the water comes up to a person's knees. □�[+�in ] They spent much of their time knee-deep in mud.

knee -hi gh ADJ Something that is knee-high is as tall or high as an adult's knees.

knee -jerk ADJ [ADJ n] If you call someone's response to a question or situation a knee-jerk reaction, you mean that they react in a very predictable way, without thinking. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The knee-jerk reaction to this is to call for proper security in all hospitals.

kneel /niː l/ (kneels , kneeling , kneeled or knelt ) The forms kneeled and knelt can both be used for the past tense and past participle. VERB When you kneel , you bend your legs so that your knees are touching the ground. □�[V prep/adv] She knelt by the bed and prayed. □�[V ] Other people were kneeling, but she just sat. □�[V -ing] �a kneeling position. ●�PHRASAL VERB Kneel down means the same as kneel . □�[V P ] She kneeled down beside him.

knee s-up (knees-ups ) N‑COUNT A knees-up is a party or celebration. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

knelt /ne lt/ Knelt is a past tense and past participle of kneel .

knew /njuː , [AM ] nuː / Knew is the past tense of know .

knick|ers /n I kə r z/ The form knicker is used as a modifier. 1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Knickers are a piece of underwear worn by women and girls which have holes for the legs and elastic around the waist to hold them up. [BRIT ] □� She bought Ann two bras and six pairs of knickers. in AM, use panties

2 PHRASE If someone is getting their knickers in a twist about something, they are getting annoyed or upset about it without good reason. [BRIT , HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ]

knick-knacks /n I k n�ks/ in AM, usually use knickknacks N‑PLURAL Knick-knacks are small objects which people keep as ornaments or toys, rather than for a particular use.

knife ◆◇◇ /na I f/ (knives , knifes , knifing , knifed ) knives is the plural form of the noun and knifes is the third person singular of the present tense of the verb. 1 N‑COUNT A knife is a tool for cutting or a weapon and consists of a flat piece of metal with a sharp edge on the end of a handle. □� �a knife and fork. □� Two robbers broke into her home, held a knife to her throat and stole her savings.

2 VERB To knife someone means to attack and injure them with a knife. □�[V n prep] Dawson takes revenge on the man by knifing him to death. [Also V n]

3 N‑COUNT A surgeon's knife is a piece of equipment used to cut flesh and organs during operations. It is made of metal and has a very thin sharp edge. ●�PHRASE If you go under the knife , you have an operation in a hospital. □� Kelly was about to go under the knife when her surgeon stopped everything.

4 →�see also carving knife , fish knife , flick-knife , palette knife , paper knife , pocket knife , Stanley knife

5 PHRASE If someone does something like a knife through butter or like a hot knife through butter , they do it very easily. □� Japanese companies will be cutting through the competition like a hot knife through butter.

6 PHRASE If you have been in a place where there was a very tense atmosphere, you can say that you could have cut the atmosphere with a knife . [mainly BRIT ]

7 PHRASE If a lot of people want something unpleasant to happen to someone, for example if they want them to lose their job, you can say that the knives are outfor that person. [mainly BRIT ] □� The Party knives are out for the leader.

8 PHRASE If you twist the knife or if you turn the knife in someone's wound , you do or say something to make an unpleasant situation they are in even more unpleasant. □� Travis twisted the knife by laughing at her.

kni fe-edge also knife edge

1 PHRASE To be on a knife-edge means to be in a situation in which nobody knows what is going to happen next, or in which one thing is just as likely to happen as another. [mainly BRIT ] □� The game is poised on a knife-edge. One mistake or one piece of good luck could decide it.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use knife-edge to refer to something that is very exciting or tense because you do not know what is going to happen next. [mainly BRIT ] □� Tonight's knife-edge vote could be uncomfortably close.

knife|man /na I fmən/ (knifemen ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A knifeman is someone who has attacked or killed someone with a knife. [BRIT , mainly JOURNALISM ] □� A crazed knifeman attacked three policewomen.

knife|point /na I fpɔ I nt/ also knife-point PHRASE If you are attacked or robbed at knifepoint , someone threatens you with a knife while they attack or steal from you. [JOURNALISM ] □� A 15-year-old girl was attacked at knifepoint in a subway.

knif|ing /na I f I ŋ/ (knifings )

1 N‑COUNT A knifing is an incident in which someone is attacked and injured with a knife.

2 →�see also knife

knight /na I t/ (knights , knighting , knighted )

1 N‑COUNT In medieval times, a knight was a man of noble birth, who served his king or lord in battle.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is knighted , they are given a knighthood. □�[be V -ed] He was knighted in the Queen's birthday honours list in June 1988.

3 N‑COUNT A knight is a man who has been knighted.

4 N‑COUNT In chess, a knight is a piece which is shaped like a horse's head.

5 PHRASE If you refer to someone as a knight in shining armour , you mean that they are kind and brave, and likely to rescue you from a difficult situation. □� Love songs trick us into believing in knights in shining armor.

knight|hood /na I thʊd/ (knighthoods ) N‑COUNT A knighthood is a title that is given to a man by a British king or queen for his achievements or his service to his country. A man who has been given a knighthood can put 'Sir' in front of his name instead of 'Mr'.

knit /n I t/ (knits , knitting , knitted )

1 VERB If you knit something, especially an article of clothing, you make it from wool or a similar thread by using two knitting needles or a machine. □�[V ] I had endless hours to knit and sew. □�[V n] I have already started knitting baby clothes. □�[V n n] She knitted him 10 pairs of socks to take with him. □�[V n +�for ] During the war, Joan helped her mother knit scarves for soldiers. □�[V -ed] She pushed up the sleeves of her grey knitted cardigan and got to work. [Also V n +�into ] ●�COMB [ADJ n] Knit is also a combining form. □� Ferris wore a heavy knit sweater.

2 VERB If someone or something knits things or people together , they make them fit or work together closely and successfully. □�[V n with together ] The best thing about sport is that it knits the whole family close together. □�[V n +�to/into ] People have reservations about their president's drive to knit them so closely to their neighbors. [Also V n]

3 COMB [usu ADJ n] Knit is also a combining form. □� �a tightly knit society.

4 VERB When broken bones knit , the broken pieces grow together again. □�[V +�together ] The bone hasn't knitted together properly. □�[V ] �broken bones that have failed to knit.

5 PHRASE If you knit your brows or knit your eyebrows , you frown because you are angry or worried. [LITERARY ] □� They knitted their brows and started to grumble. □� Billy's eyebrows knitted together in a little frown.

knit|ting /n I t I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Knitting is something, such as an article of clothing, that is being knitted. □� She had been sitting with her knitting at her fourth-floor window.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Knitting is the action or process of knitting. □� Take up a relaxing hobby, such as knitting.

kni t|ting nee|dle (knitting needles ) N‑COUNT Knitting needles are thin plastic or metal rods which you use when you are knitting.

knit|wear /n I tweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Knitwear is clothing that has been knitted. □� �expensive Italian knitwear.

knives /na I vz/ Knives is the plural of knife .

knob /nɒ b/ (knobs )

1 N‑COUNT A knob is a round handle on a door or drawer which you use in order to open or close it. □� He turned the knob and pushed against the door.

2 N‑COUNT A knob is a round switch on a piece of machinery or equipment. □� �the volume knob.

3 N‑COUNT A knob of butter is a small amount of it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] Top the steaming hot potatoes with a knob of butter.

knob|bly /nɒ bli/ or knobby /nɒ bi/ ADJ Something that is knobbly or knobby has lumps on it which stick out and make the surface uneven. □� �knobbly knees.

knock ◆◇◇ /nɒ k/ (knocks , knocking , knocked )

1 VERB If you knockon something such as a door or window, you hit it, usually several times, to attract someone's attention. □�[V +�on/at ] She went directly to Simon's apartment and knocked on the door. □�[V ] He knocked before going in. ●�N‑COUNT Knock is also a noun. □�[+�at ] They heard a knock at the front door. ●� knock|ing N‑SING □�[+�at ] They were wakened by a loud knocking at the door.

2 VERB If you knock something, you touch or hit it roughly, especially so that it falls or moves. □�[V n prep] She accidentally knocked the tea tin off the shelf. □�[V n with adv] Isabel rose so abruptly that she knocked down her chair. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT Knock is also a noun. □� The bags have tough exterior materials to protect against knocks, rain and dust.

3 VERB If someone knocks two rooms or buildings into one, or knocks them together , they make them form one room or building by removing a wall. □�[V n +�into ] They decided to knock the two rooms into one. □�[V n with together ] The spacious kitchen was achieved by knocking together three small rooms.

4 VERB To knock someone into a particular position or condition means to hit them very hard so that they fall over or become unconscious. □�[V n prep/adv] The third wave was so strong it knocked me backwards. □�[V n adj] Someone had knocked him unconscious.

5 VERB [no cont] To knock a particular quality or characteristic that someone has, or to knock it out of them means to make them lose it. □�[V n] Those people hurt me and knocked my confidence. □�[V n +�out of ] The stories of his links with the actress had knocked the fun out of him.

6 VERB If you knock something or someone, you criticize them and say unpleasant things about them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I'm not knocking them: if they want to do it, it's up to them.

7 N‑COUNT If someone receives a knock , they have an unpleasant experience which prevents them from achieving something or which causes them to change their attitudes or plans. □� What they said was a real knock to my self-confidence.

8to knock something on the head →�see head

9to knock someone or something into shape →�see shape

▸� knock about →�see knock around

▸� knock around in BRIT, also use knock about1 PHRASAL VERB If someone knocks you around or knocks you about , they hit or kick you several times. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] He lied to me constantly and started knocking me around.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone knocks around or knocks about somewhere, they spend time there, experiencing different situations or just passing time. □�[V P prep/adv] �reporters who knock around in troubled parts of the world. □�[V P n] I know nothing about him except that he knocked about South Africa for a while.

3 PHRASAL VERB [only cont] If someone or something is knocking around or knocking about , they are present in a particular place. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P ] There were a couple of decent kits knocking around, but this wasn't one of them!

4 PHRASAL VERB If you knock around or knock aboutwith someone, you spend your spare time with them, either because you are one of their friends or because you are their boyfriend or girlfriend. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P +�with ] I used to knock about with all the lads from round where Mum lives. □�[V P together ] They were knocking around together for about a year.

▸� knock back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you knock back a drink, especially an alcoholic one, you drink it quickly, and often in large amounts. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] He was knocking back his 10th gin and tonic of the day. □�[V n P ] She poured some vodka into a glass and knocked it back in two swallows.

2 PHRASAL VERB If an event, situation, or person knocks you back , they prevent you from progressing or achieving something. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P ] It seemed as though every time we got rolling something came along to knock us back. □�[V P n] That really knocked back any hope for further peace negotiations.

▸� knock down

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone is knocked down or is knocked over by a vehicle or its driver, they are hit by a car and fall to the ground, and are often injured or killed. □�[be V -ed P ] He died in hospital after being knocked down by a car. □�[V P n] A drunk driver knocked down and killed two girls. □�[V n P ] A car knocked him over.

2 PHRASAL VERB To knock down a building or part of a building means to demolish it. □�[V n P ] Why doesn't he just knock the wall down? □�[V P n] They have since knocked down the shack.

3 PHRASAL VERB To knock down a price or amount means to decrease it. [mainly AM ] □�[V P n] The market might abandon the stock, and knock down its price. □�[V n P ] It manages to knock rents down to $1 per square foot. in BRIT, usually use bring down

▸� knock off

1 PHRASAL VERB To knock off an amount from a price, time, or level means to reduce it by that amount. □�[V n P n] Udinese have knocked 10% off admission prices. □�[V P amount] When pressed they knock off 10 per cent.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you knock something off a list or document, you remove it. □�[V n P n] Tighter rules for benefit entitlement have knocked many people off the unemployment register. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB When you knock off , you finish work at the end of the day or before a break. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] If I get this report finished I'll knock off early.

▸� knock out

1 PHRASAL VERB To knock someone out means to cause them to become unconscious or to go to sleep. □�[V n P ] The three drinks knocked him out. □�[be V -ed P ] He had never been knocked out in a professional fight. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If a person or team is knocked out of a competition, they are defeated in a game, so that they take no more part in the competition. □�[be V -ed P ] The Frenchman has been knocked out in the quarter-finals of the tournament. □�[V n P +�of ] They knocked them out of the League Cup. [Also V P n]

3 →�see also knockout

4 PHRASAL VERB If something is knocked out by enemy action or bad weather, it is destroyed or stops functioning because of it. □�[V P n] Our bombers have knocked out the mobile launchers.

▸� knock over →�see knock down1

knock|about /nɒ kəbaʊt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Knockabout comedy is lively and often involves people doing funny things, rather than saying them. [mainly BRIT ] □� He gave one of his best knockabout performances in a long time.

knock|back /nɒ kb�k/ (knockbacks ) also knock-back N‑COUNT A knockback is a problem or a rejection which delays your progress or which reverses some of the progress you have made. □� The schedule has suffered a knockback.

knock|down /nɒ kdaʊn/ also knock-down ADJ [ADJ n] A knockdown price is much lower than it would be normally. [INFORMAL ] □� �the chance to buy it now at a knockdown price.

knock|er /nɒ kə r / (knockers ) N‑COUNT A knocker is a piece of metal on the front door of a building, which you use to hit the door in order to attract the attention of the people inside.

kno ck-knee d ADJ Someone who is knock-kneed has legs which turn inwards at the knees.

knock|off /nɒ kɒf/ (knockoffs ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A knockoff is a cheap copy of a well-known product. [INFORMAL ] □� Frilly dresses are out; Chanel knockoffs are in. □� You can buy a nice knockoff watch from them.

kno ck-on ADJ [ADJ n] If there is a knock-on effect, one action or event causes several other events to happen one after the other. [BRIT ] □� The cut in new car prices has had a knock-on effect on the price of used cars.

knock|out /nɒ kaʊt/ (knockouts ) also knock-out

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] In boxing, a knockout is a situation in which a boxer wins the fight by making his opponent fall to the ground and be unable to stand up before the referee has counted to ten.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A knockout blow is an action or event that completely defeats an opponent. □� He delivered a knockout blow to all of his rivals.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A knockout competition is one in which the players or teams that win continue playing until there is only one winner left. [mainly BRIT ] □� �the European Cup, a knockout competition between the top teams in Europe. in AM, use elimination4 N‑SING If you describe someone or something as a knockout , you think that they are extremely attractive or impressive. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □�[+�in ] She was a knockout in navy and scarlet.

knoll /noʊ l/ (knolls ) N‑COUNT A knoll is a low hill with gentle slopes and a rounded top. [LITERARY ] □� �a grassy knoll. □� �on Nibley Knoll.

knot /nɒ t/ (knots , knotting , knotted )

1 N‑COUNT If you tie a knot in a piece of string, rope, cloth, or other material, you pass one end or part of it through a loop and pull it tight. □� One lace had broken and been tied in a knot.

2 VERB If you knot a piece of string, rope, cloth, or other material, you pass one end or part of it through a loop and pull it tight. □�[V n with together ] He knotted the laces securely together. □�[V n] He knotted the bandanna around his neck. □�[V -ed] �a knotted rope.

3 N‑COUNT If you feel a knot in your stomach, you get an uncomfortable tight feeling in your stomach, usually because you are afraid or excited. □�[+�of ] There was a knot of tension in his stomach.

4 VERB If your stomach knots or if something knots it, it feels tight because you are afraid or excited. □�[V ] I felt my stomach knot with apprehension. □�[V n] The old dread knotted her stomach.

5 VERB If part of your face or your muscles knot , they become tense, usually because you are worried or angry. □�[V ] His forehead knotted in a frown. □�[V -ed] �his knotted muscles.

6 N‑COUNT A knot in a piece of wood is a small hard area where a branch grew.

7 N‑COUNT A knot is a unit of speed. The speed of ships, aircraft, and winds is measured in knots. □� They travel at speeds of up to 30 knots.

8 PHRASE If you tieyourselfin knots , you get very confused and anxious. [INFORMAL ] □� The press agent tied himself in knots trying to apologise.

9 PHRASE If you say that two people tie the knot , you mean that they get married. [INFORMAL ] □� Len tied the knot with Kate five years ago.

knot|ty /nɒ ti/ (knottier , knottiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A knotty problem is complicated and difficult to solve. □� The new management team faces some knotty problems.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Knotty wood has a lot of small hard areas on it where branches once grew.

know ◆◆◆ /noʊ / (knows , knowing , knew , known )

1 VERB [no cont] If you know a fact, a piece of information, or an answer, you have it correctly in your mind. □�[V n] I don't know the name of the place. □�[V that] 'People like doing things for nothing.'�'I know they do.' □�[V wh] I don't know what happened to her husband. □�[V ] 'How did he meet your mother?'�'I don't know.' □�[V +�about ] We all know about his early experiments in flying. □�[V n to-inf] They looked younger than I knew them to be. □�[be V -ed wh] It is not known whether the bomb was originally intended for the capital itself. □�[be V -ed that] It's always been known that key figures in the government do very well for themselves.

2 VERB [no cont] If you know someone, you are familiar with them because you have met them and talked to them before. □�[V n] Gifford was a friend. I'd known him for nine years. □�[V n] Do you two know each other?

3 VERB [no cont] If you say that you know of something, you mean that you have heard about it but you do not necessarily have a lot of information about it. □�[V +�of ] We know of the incident but have no further details. □�[V +�of ] I know of no one who would want to murder Albert.

4 VERB [no cont] If you knowabout a subject, you have studied it or taken an interest in it, and understand part or all of it. □�[V +�about ] Hire someone with experience, someone who knows about real estate. □�[V amount +�about ] She didn't know anything about music but she liked to sing.

5 VERB [no cont] If you know a language, you have learned it and can understand it. □�[V n] It helps to know French and Creole if you want to understand some of the lyrics.

6 VERB [no cont] If you know something such as a place, a work of art, or an idea, you have visited it, seen it, read it, or heard about it, and so you are familiar with it. □�[V n] No matter how well you know Paris, it is easy to get lost.

7 VERB [no cont] If you knowhow to do something, you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do it. □�[V wh-to-inf] The health authorities now know how to deal with the disease. □�[V wh-to-inf] We know what to do to make it work.

8 VERB [no cont] You can say that someone knowsthat something is happening when they become aware of it. □�[V that] Then I saw a gun under the hall table so I knew that something was wrong. □�[V +�about ] The first I knew about it was when I woke up in the ambulance.

9 VERB [no cont] If you know something or someone, you recognize them when you see them or hear them. □�[V n] Would she know you if she saw you on the street?

10 VERB [no cont] If someone or something is knownas a particular name, they are called by that name. □�[be V -ed +�as ] The disease is more commonly known as Mad Cow Disease. □�[V n +�as ] He was born as John Birks Gillespie, but everyone knew him as Dizzy. □�[be V -ed +�by ] He was the only boy in the school who was known by his Christian name and not his surname. □�[V -ed] �British Nuclear Fuels, otherwise known as BNFL.

11 VERB If you know someone or something as a person or thing that has particular qualities, you consider that they have those qualities. □�[V n +�as ] Lots of people know her as a very kind woman.

12 →�see also knowing , known

13 PHRASE If you talk about a thing or system as we know it , you are referring to the form in which it exists now and which is familiar to most people. □� He planned to end the welfare system as we know it.

14 PHRASE If you get to know someone, you find out what they are like by spending time with them. □� The new neighbours were getting to know each other.

15 PHRASE People use expressions such as goodness knows , Heaven knows , and God knows when they do not know something and want to suggest that nobody could possibly know it. [INFORMAL ] □� 'Who's he?'�'God knows.'

16 CONVENTION You say ' I know ' to show that you agree with what has just been said. □� 'This country is so awful.'�'I know, I know.'

17 CONVENTION You say ' I know ' to show that you accept that something is true, but think that it is not very important or relevant. □� 'There are trains straight from Cambridge.'�'I know, but it's no quicker.'

18 PHRASE You use ' I know ' to express sympathy and understanding towards someone. □� I know what you're going through.

19 PHRASE You can use I don't know to indicate that you do not completely agree with something or do not really think that it is true. □� 'He should quite simply resign.'�'I don't know about that.'

20 PHRASE You can say ' I don't know about you ' to indicate that you are going to give your own opinion about something and you want to find out if someone else feels the same. □� I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm hungry.

21 PHRASE You use I don't know in expressions which indicate criticism of someone's behaviour. For example, if you say that you do not know how someone can do something, you mean that you cannot understand or accept them doing it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I don't know how he could do this to his own daughter.

22 PHRASE People sometimes use expressions such as I'm blessed if I know or damned if I know to emphasize the fact that they do not know something. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� 'What was that all about?'�'Darned if I know.'

23 PHRASE If you are in the know about something, especially something that is not known about or understood by many people, you have information about it. □� It was gratifying to be in the know about important people.

24 CONVENTION You can use expressions such as you know what I mean and if you know what I mean to suggest that the person listening to you understands what you are trying to say, and so you do not have to explain any more. [SPOKEN ] □� None of us stayed long. I mean, the atmosphere wasn't�well, you know what I mean.

25 CONVENTION You say ' You never know ' or ' One never knows ' to indicate that it is not definite or certain what will happen in the future, and to suggest that there is some hope that things will turn out well. [VAGUENESS ] □� You never know, I might get lucky.

26 CONVENTION You say ' Not that I know of ' when someone has asked you whether or not something is true and you think the answer is 'no' but you cannot be sure because you do not know all the facts. [VAGUENESS ] □� 'Is he married?'�'Not that I know of.'

27 PHRASE You can use expressions such as What does she know? and What do they know? when you think that someone has no right to comment on a situation because they do not understand it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] Don't listen to him, what does he know?

28 CONVENTION You use you know to emphasize or to draw attention to what you are saying. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� The conditions in there are awful, you know. □� You know, it does worry me.

29 CONVENTION You use you know when you are trying to explain more clearly what you mean, by referring to something that the person you are talking to knows about. [SPOKEN ] □� Wear the white dress, you know, the one with all the black embroidery.

30 PHRASE You can say ' You don't know ' in order to emphasize how strongly you feel about the remark you are going to make. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� You don't know how good it is to speak to somebody from home.

31to know best →�see best

32to know better →�see better

33to know no bounds →�see bound ➋

34to know something for a fact →�see fact

35as far as I know →�see far

36not to know the first thing about something →�see first

37to know full well →�see full

38to let someone know →�see let

39not to know the meaning of the word →�see meaning

40to know your own mind →�see mind ➊

41to know the ropes →�see rope

kno w-all (know-alls ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a know-all , you are critical of them because they think that they know a lot more than other people. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] in AM, use know-it-all

kno w-how ◆◇◇ in AM, use knowhow N‑UNCOUNT Know-how is knowledge of the methods or techniques of doing something, especially something technical or practical. [INFORMAL ] □� He hasn't got the know-how to run a farm.

know|ing /noʊ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A knowing gesture or remark is one that shows that you understand something, for example the way that someone is feeling or what they really mean, even though it has not been mentioned directly. □� Ron gave her a knowing smile. □� Dan exchanged a knowing look with Harry. ●� know|ing|ly ADV □� He smiled knowingly.

know|ing|ly /noʊ I ŋli/ ADV [ADV before v] If you knowingly do something wrong, you do it even though you know it is wrong. □� He repeated that he had never knowingly taken illegal drugs.

kno w-it-all (know-it-alls ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a know-it-all , you are critical of them because they think that they know a lot more than other people. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] in BRIT, use know-all

knowl|edge ◆◆◇ /nɒ l I dʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Knowledge is information and understanding about a subject which a person has, or which all people have. □�[+�of ] She told Parliament she had no knowledge of the affair. □� �the quest for scientific knowledge.

2 PHRASE If you say that something is true to your knowledge or to the best of your knowledge , you mean that you believe it to be true but it is possible that you do not know all the facts. □� Alec never carried a gun to my knowledge.

3 PHRASE If you do something safe in the knowledgethat something else is the case, you do the first thing confidently because you are sure of the second thing. [WRITTEN ] □� You can let your kids play here, safe in the knowledge that they won't get sunburn. SYNONYMS knowledge NOUN 1

understanding:They have a basic understanding of computers.

awareness:The 1980s brought an awareness of green issues.

grasp:They have a good grasp of foreign languages.

appreciation:They have a stronger appreciation of the importance of economic incentives.

knowl|edge|able /nɒ l I dʒəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is knowledgeable has or shows a clear understanding of many different facts about the world or about a particular subject. □� We employ friendly and knowledgeable staff. ●� knowl|edge|ably ADV [ADV after v] □� Kaspar had spoken knowledgeably about the state of agriculture in Europe.

known /noʊ n/

1Known is the past participle of know .

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use known to describe someone or something that is clearly recognized by or familiar to all people or to a particular group of people. □� �He was a known drug dealer. □� He became one of the best known actors of his day.

3 ADJ If someone or something is known for a particular achievement or feature, they are familiar to many people because of that achievement or feature. □�[+�for ] He is better known for his film and TV work.

4 PHRASE If you let it be knownthat something is the case, or you let something be known , you make sure that people know it or can find out about it. □� The Prime Minister has let it be known that he is against it.

knuck|le /nʌ k ə l/ (knuckles , knuckling , knuckled )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] Your knuckles are the rounded pieces of bone that form lumps on your hands where your fingers join your hands, and where your fingers bend. □� Brenda's knuckles were white as she gripped the arms of the chair.

2a rap on the knuckles →�see rap

▸� knuckle down PHRASAL VERB If someone knuckles down , they begin to work or study very hard, especially after a period when they have done very little work. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] The only thing to do was knuckle down and get on with some serious hard work. □�[V P +�to ] He managed to knuckle down to his lessons long enough to pass his examination.

▸� knuckle under PHRASAL VERB If you knuckle under , you do what someone else tells you to do or what a situation forces you to do, because you realize that you have no choice. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] It is arguable whether the rebels will knuckle under. □�[V P +�to ] The United States, he said, did not knuckle under to demands.

knu ckle-duster (knuckle-dusters ) also knuckleduster N‑COUNT A knuckle-duster is a piece of metal that is designed to be worn on the back of a person's hand as a weapon, so that if they hit someone they will hurt them badly. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use brass knuckles

KO /ke I oʊ / (KO's ) N‑COUNT KO is an abbreviation for knockout . □� 34 of his wins were KO's.

koa|la /koʊɑː lə/ (koalas ) N‑COUNT A koala or a koala bear is an Australian animal which looks like a small bear with grey fur and lives in trees.

kohl /koʊ l/ N‑UNCOUNT Kohl is a cosmetic used to make a dark line along the edges of someone's eyelids.

kohl|ra|bi /koʊlrɑː bi/ (kohlrabi ) N‑VAR Kohlrabi is a green vegetable that has a round ball of leaves like a cabbage. It has a thick stem that you boil in water before eating.

kook /kuː k/ (kooks ) N‑COUNT You can refer to someone who you think is slightly strange or eccentric as a kook . [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

kooky /kuː ki/ ADJ Someone who is kooky is slightly strange or eccentric, but often in a way which makes you like them. [INFORMAL ] □� It's slightly kooky, but I love it. □� She's been mocked for her kooky ways.

Ko|ran /kɔːrɑː n/ N‑PROPER The Koran is the sacred book on which the religion of Islam is based.

Ko|ran|ic /kɔːr� n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Koranic is used to describe something which belongs or relates to the Koran. □� �Koranic schools.

Ko|rean /kɔːriː ən/ (Koreans )

1 ADJ Korean means belonging or relating to North or South Korea, or to their people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Korean is a North or South Korean citizen, or a person of North or South Korean origin.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Korean is the language spoken by people who live in North and South Korea.

ko|sher /koʊ ʃə r /

1 ADJ Something, especially food, that is kosher is approved of or allowed by the laws of Judaism. □� �a kosher butcher.

2 ADJ Something that is kosher is generally approved of or considered to be correct. [INFORMAL ] □� Acting was not a kosher trade for an upper-class girl.

kow|tow /kaʊ taʊ / (kowtows , kowtowing , kowtowed ) also kow-tow VERB If you say that someone kowtowsto someone else, you are criticizing them because they are too eager to obey or be polite to someone in authority. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�to ] See how stupidly they kow-tow to persons higher in the hierarchy. [Also V ]

kph /ke I piː e I tʃ/ kph is written after a number to indicate the speed of something such as a vehicle. kph is an abbreviation for 'kilometres per hour'.

Krem|lin /kre ml I n/ N‑PROPER The Kremlin is the building in Moscow where Russian government business takes place. □� �a two hour meeting in the Kremlin. ●�N‑PROPER The Kremlin is also used to refer to the central government of Russia and of the former Soviet Union. □� The Kremlin is still insisting on a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

kryp|ton /kr I ptɒn/ N‑UNCOUNT Krypton is an element that is found in the air in the form of a gas. It is used in fluorescent lights and lasers.

ku|dos /kjuː dɒs, [AM ] kuː doʊz/ N‑UNCOUNT Kudos is admiration or recognition that someone or something gets as a result of a particular action or achievement. □�[+�for ] �a new hotel chain that has won kudos for the way it treats guests.

Ku Klux Klan /kuː klʌ ks kl� n/ N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] TheKu Klux Klan is a secret organization of white Protestant men in the United States which promotes violence against black people, Jews, and other minorities.

kung fu /kʌ ŋ fuː / N‑UNCOUNT Kung fu is a Chinese way of fighting in which people use only their bare hands and feet.

Ku|wai|ti /kʊwe I ti/ (Kuwaitis )

1 ADJ Kuwaiti means belonging or relating to Kuwait, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Kuwaiti is a Kuwaiti citizen, or a person of Kuwaiti origin.

KW also kWKW is a written abbreviation for kilowatt .

Ll

L , l /e l/ (L's, l's )

1 N‑VAR L is the twelfth letter of the English alphabet.

2 N‑VAR L is the symbol for 'learner driver' in Britain. A large red 'L' on a white background is attached to cars in which people are learning to drive.

L8RL8R is the written abbreviation for 'later', sometimes used in text messages and emails. [COMPUTING ]

La.La. is a written abbreviation for lane , and is used especially in addresses and on maps or signs. [BRIT ] □� Andy's Records, 14�16 Lower Goat La., Norwich.

lab /l� b/ (labs )

1 N‑COUNT A lab is the same as a laboratory .

2 In Britain, Lab is the written abbreviation for labour . □� �Diane Abbott (Lab, Hackney North and Stoke Newington).

la|bel ◆◇◇ /le I b ə l/ (labels , labelling , labelled ) in AM, use labeling , labeled1 N‑COUNT A label is a piece of paper or plastic that is attached to an object in order to give information about it. □�[+�on ] He peered at the label on the bottle.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is labelled , a label is attached to it giving information about it. □�[be V -ed] The stuff has never been properly logged and labelled. □�[V -ed quote] Meat labelled 'Scotch Beef' sells for a premium in supermarkets. □�[be V -ed +�with ] All the products are labelled with comprehensive instructions.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone or something is labelledas a particular thing, you mean that people generally describe them that way and you think that this is unfair. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed +�as ] Too often the press are labelled as bad boys. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Certain estates are labelled as undesirable. □�[be V -ed n] They are afraid to contact the social services in case they are labelled a problem family. □�[be V -ed] If you venture from 'feminine' standards, you are labelled aggressive and hostile.

4 N‑COUNT If you say that someone gets a particular label , you mean that people show disapproval of them by describing them with a critical word or phrase. □�[+�of ] They remain on course for the label of worst Super League side.

la|bor /le I bə r / →�see labour

la|bora|tory ◆◇◇ /ləbɒ rətri, [AM ] l� brətɔːri/ (laboratories )

1 N‑COUNT A laboratory is a building or a room where scientific experiments, analyses, and research are carried out.

2 N‑COUNT A laboratory in a school, college, or university is a room containing scientific equipment where students are taught science subjects such as chemistry.

3 →�see also language laboratory

La |bor Day N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, Labor Day is a public holiday in honour of working people. It is the first Monday in September.

la|bor|er /le I bərə r / →�see labourer

la|bo|ri|ous /ləbɔː riəs/ ADJ If you describe a task or job as laborious , you mean that it takes a lot of time and effort. □� Keeping the garden tidy all year round can be a laborious task. ●� la|bo|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the embroidery she'd worked on so laboriously during the long winter nights.

la |bor un|ion (labor unions ) N‑COUNT A labor union is an organization that represents the rights and interests of workers to their employers, for example in order to improve working conditions or wages. [AM ] in BRIT, use trade union

la|bour ◆◆◆ /le I bə r / (labours , labouring , laboured ) in AM, use labor1 N‑UNCOUNT Labour is very hard work, usually physical work. □�[+�of ] �the labour of seeding, planting and harvesting. □� The chef at the barbecue looked up from his labours; he was sweating.

2 →�see also hard labour

3 VERB Someone who labours works hard using their hands. □�[V ] �peasants labouring in the fields. □�[V ] Her husband laboured at the plant for 17 years.

4 VERB If you labourto do something, you do it with difficulty. □�[V to-inf] For twenty-five years now he has laboured to build a religious community. □�[V +�under ] �a young man who's labouring under all kinds of other difficulties.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Labour is used to refer to the workers of a country or industry, considered as a group. □� Latin America lacked skilled labour. □� They were cheap labour.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] The work done by a group of workers or by a particular worker is referred to as their labour . □� The unemployed cannot withdraw their labour�they have no power.

7 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] In Britain, people use Labour to refer to the Labour Party . □� They all vote Labour.

8 ADJ A Labour politician or voter is a member of a Labour Party or votes for a Labour Party. □� �a Labour MP. □� Millions of Labour voters went unrepresented.

9 VERB If you labour under a delusion or misapprehension, you continue to believe something which is not true. □�[V +�under ] She laboured under the illusion that I knew what I was doing. □�[V +�under ] You seem to be labouring under considerable misapprehensions.

10 VERB If you labour a point or an argument, you keep making the same point or saying the same thing, although it is unnecessary. □�[V n] I don't want to labour the point but there it is.

11 N‑UNCOUNT Labour is the last stage of pregnancy, in which the baby is gradually pushed out of the womb by the mother. □� I thought the pains meant I was going into labour. COLLOCATIONS labour NOUN

1

adjective +�labour : hard, manual; forced, unpaid

5

noun +�labour : child, immigrant, migrant, slave

adjective +�labour : semi-skilled, skilled, unskilled; organized; cheap

la |bour camp (labour camps ) in AM, use labor camp N‑COUNT A labour camp is a kind of prison, where the prisoners are forced to do hard, physical work, usually outdoors.

la|boured /le I bə r d/

1 ADJ If someone's breathing is laboured , it is slow and seems to take a lot of effort. □� From his slow walk and laboured breathing, Ginny realized he was far from well.

2 ADJ If something such as someone's writing or speech is laboured , they have put too much effort into it so it seems awkward and unnatural. □� Daniel's few encounters with Gold had been characterized by a laboured politeness.

la|bour|er /le I bərə r / (labourers ) in AM, use laborer N‑COUNT A labourer is a person who does a job which involves a lot of hard physical work. □� Her father had been a farm labourer.

la |bour force (labour forces ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thelabour force consists of all the people who are able to work in a country or area, or all the people who work for a particular company. [BUSINESS ]

la bour-inte nsive ADJ Labour-intensive industries or methods of making things involve a lot of workers. Compare capital-intensive . [BUSINESS ] □� Construction remains a relatively labour-intensive industry.

la |bour mar|ket (labour markets ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] When you talk about thelabour market , you are referring to all the people who are able to work and want jobs in a country or area, in relation to the number of jobs there are available in that country or area. [BUSINESS ] □� The longer people have been unemployed, the harder it is for them to compete in the labour market.

La |bour Par|ty N‑PROPER In Britain, the Labour Party is the main left-of-centre party. It believes that wealth and power should be shared fairly and public services should be free for everyone. □� The Labour Party and the teaching unions condemned the idea.

la |bour re|la |tions in AM use labor relations N‑PLURAL Labour relations refers to the relationship between employers and employees in industry, and the political decisions and laws that affect it. □� We have to balance good labor relations against the need to cut costs.

la bour-saving ADJ [usu ADJ n] A labour-saving device or idea makes it possible for you to do something with less effort than usual. □� �labour-saving devices such as washing machines.

lab|ra|dor /l� brədɔː r / (labradors ) or labrador retriever , Labrador retriever N‑COUNT A labrador or labrador retriever is a type of large dog with short, thick black or gold hair.

la|bur|num /ləbɜː r nəm/ (laburnums ) N‑VAR A laburnum or a laburnum tree is a small tree which has long stems of yellow flowers.

laby|rinth /l� b I r I nθ/ (labyrinths )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe a place as a labyrinth , you mean that it is made up of a complicated series of paths or passages, through which it is difficult to find your way. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the labyrinth of corridors.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a situation, process, or area of knowledge as a labyrinth , you mean that it is very complicated. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a labyrinth of conflicting political and sociological interpretations.

laby|rin|thine /l� b I r I nθa I n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a place as labyrinthine , you mean that it is like a labyrinth. [FORMAL ] □� The streets of the Old City are narrow and labyrinthine.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation, process, or field of knowledge as labyrinthine , you mean that it is very complicated and difficult to understand. [FORMAL ] □� �his failure to understand the labyrinthine complexities of the situation.

lace /le I s/ (laces , lacing , laced )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Lace is a very delicate cloth which is made with a lot of holes in it. It is made by twisting together very fine threads of cotton to form patterns. □� �a plain white lace bedspread.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Laces are thin pieces of material that are put through special holes in some types of clothing, especially shoes. The laces are tied together in order to tighten the clothing. □�[+�of ] Barry was sitting on the bed, tying the laces of an old pair of running shoes.

3 VERB If you lace something such as a pair of shoes, you tighten the shoes by pulling the laces through the holes, and usually tying them together. □�[V n] I have a good pair of skates, but no matter how tightly I lace them, my ankles wobble. ●�PHRASAL VERB Lace up means the same as lace . □�[V P n] He sat on the steps, and laced up his boots. □�[V n P ] Nancy was lacing her shoe up when the doorbell rang.

4 VERB To lace food or drink with a substance such as alcohol or a drug means to put a small amount of the substance into the food or drink. □�[V n +�with ] She laced his food with sleeping pills.

▸� lace up →�see lace3

lac|er|ate /l� səre I t/ (lacerates , lacerating , lacerated ) VERB If something lacerates your skin, it cuts it badly and deeply. □�[V n] Its claws lacerated his thighs. [Also V ] ●� lac|er|ated ADJ □� She was suffering from a badly lacerated hand.

lac|era|tion /l� səre I ʃ ə n/ (lacerations ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Lacerations are deep cuts on your skin. □�[+�on ] He had lacerations on his back and thighs.

la ce-ups The form lace-up is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Lace-ups are shoes which are fastened with laces. [BRIT ] □� Slip-on shoes are easier to put on than lace-ups. □� He was wearing black lace-up shoes.

lach|ry|mose /l� kr I moʊs, -moʊz/ ADJ Someone who is lachrymose cries very easily and very often. [LITERARY ] □� �the tears of lachrymose mourners.

lack ◆◆◇ /l� k/ (lacks , lacking , lacked )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If there is a lackof something, there is not enough of it or it does not exist at all. □�[+�of ] Despite his lack of experience, he got the job. □�[+�of ] The charges were dropped for lack of evidence. □�[+�of ] There is a lack of people wanting to start up new businesses.

2 VERB If you say that someone or something lacks a particular quality or that a particular quality is lacking in them, you mean that they do not have any or enough of it. □�[V n] He lacked the judgment and political acumen for the post of chairman. □�[V ] Certain vital information is lacking in the report.

3 →�see also lacking

4 PHRASE If you say there is no lack of something, you are emphasizing that there is a great deal of it. [EMPHASIS ] □� He said there was no lack of things for them to talk about. COLLOCATIONS lack NOUN 1

adjective +�lack : apparent, distinct, general, relative; appalling, chronic, severe, woeful; complete, profound, total

verb +�lack : bemoan, blame, criticize, lament; cite, expose, indicate, show VERB 2

lack+�noun : confidence, experience, skill, power; credibility, discipline, imagination; support, resources

lacka|dai|si|cal /l� kəde I z I k ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone is lackadaisical , you mean that they are rather lazy and do not show much interest or enthusiasm in what they do. □� Dr. Jonsen seemed a little lackadaisical at times. □� �the lackadaisical attitude of a number of the principal players.

lack|ey /l� ki/ (lackeys ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a lackey , you are critical of them because they follow someone's orders completely, without ever questioning them. [DISAPPROVAL ]

lack|ing /la k I ŋ/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something or someone is lacking in a particular quality, they do not have any of it or enough of it. □�[+�in ] She felt nervous, increasingly lacking in confidence about herself. □� Why was military intelligence so lacking?

2 →�see also lack

lack|lustre /l� klʌstə r / in AM, use lackluster ADJ If you describe something or someone as lacklustre , you mean that they are not exciting or energetic. □� He has already been blamed for his party's lackluster performance during the election campaign.

la|con|ic /ləkɒ n I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as laconic , you mean that they use very few words to say something, so that they seem casual or unfriendly. □� Usually so laconic in the office, Dr. Lahey seemed less guarded, more relaxed.

lac|quer /l� kə r / (lacquers ) N‑VAR Lacquer is a special liquid which is painted on wood or metal in order to protect it and to make it shiny. □� We put on the second coating of lacquer. □� Only the finest lacquers are used for finishes.

lac|quered /l� kə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Lacquered is used to describe things that have been coated or sprayed with lacquer. □� �17th-century lacquered cabinets. □� �perfectly lacquered hair and face powder.

la|crosse /ləkrɒ s, [AM ] -krɔː s/ N‑UNCOUNT Lacrosse is an outdoor game in which players use long sticks with nets at the end to catch and throw a small ball, in order to try and score goals.

lac|ta|tion /l�kte I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Lactation is the production of milk by women and female mammals during the period after they give birth. [FORMAL ]

lac|tic acid /l� kt I k � s I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Lactic acid is a type of acid which is found in sour milk and is also produced by your muscles when you have been exercising a lot.

lac|tose /l� ktoʊs/ N‑UNCOUNT Lactose is a type of sugar which is found in milk and which is sometimes added to food.

la|cu|na /ləkjuː nə/ (lacunae ) N‑COUNT If you say that there is a lacuna in something such as a document or a person's argument, you mean that it does not deal with an important issue and is therefore not effective or convincing. [FORMAL ]

lacy /le I si/ (lacier , laciest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Lacy things are made from lace or have pieces of lace attached to them. □� �lacy nightgowns.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Lacy is used to describe something that looks like lace, especially because it is very delicate. □� �lacy ferns.

lad ◆◇◇ /l� d/ (lads )

1 N‑COUNT A lad is a young man or boy. [INFORMAL ] □� When I was a lad his age I would laugh at the strangest things. □� Come along, lad. Time for you to get home.

2 N‑PLURAL Some men refer to their male friends or colleagues as the lads . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a drink with the lads.

lad|der /l� də r / (ladders )

1 N‑COUNT A ladder is a piece of equipment used for climbing up something or down from something. It consists of two long pieces of wood, metal, or rope with steps fixed between them.

2 N‑SING You can use theladder to refer to something such as a society, organization, or system which has different levels that people can progress up or drop down. □�[+�of ] If they want to climb the ladder of success they should be given that opportunity.

3 N‑COUNT A ladder is a hole or torn part in a woman's stocking or tights, where some of the vertical threads have broken, leaving only the horizontal threads. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use run

lad|die /l� di/ (laddies ) N‑COUNT A laddie is a young man or boy. [mainly SCOTTISH , INFORMAL ] □� �this little laddie, aged about four. □� Now then, laddie, what's the trouble?

lad|dish /l� d I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe someone as laddish , you mean that they behave in a way that people think is typical of young men, for example by being rough and noisy, drinking a lot of alcohol, and having a bad attitude towards women. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Their manager is unconcerned at the laddish image and the drinking that goes with it.

lad|en /le I d ə n/

1 ADJ If someone or something is ladenwith a lot of heavy things, they are holding or carrying them. [LITERARY ] □�[+�with ] I came home laden with cardboard boxes. □� �heavily-laden mules.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you describe a person or thing as laden with something, particularly something bad, you mean that they have a lot of it. □� Many of their heavy industries are laden with debt.

-laden /-le I d ə n/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -laden combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that something has a lot of a particular thing or quality. □� �a fat-laden meal. □� �smoke-laden air. □� �a technology-laden military.

la-di-da /lɑː di dɑː / also lah-di-dah ADJ If you describe someone as la-di-da , you mean that they have an upper-class way of behaving, which you think seems unnatural and is only done to impress people. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I wouldn't trust them in spite of all their la-di-da manners.

la dies' man N‑SING If you say that a man is a ladies' man , you mean that he enjoys spending time socially with women and that women find him attractive. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

la dies' room N‑SING Some people refer to a public toilet for women as the ladies' room .

la|dle /le I d ə l/ (ladles , ladling , ladled )

1 N‑COUNT A ladle is a large, round, deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup, stew, or sauce.

2 VERB If you ladle food such as soup or stew, you serve it, especially with a ladle. □�[V n prep] Barry held the bowls while Liz ladled soup into them. □�[V n with adv] Mrs King went to the big black stove and ladled out steaming soup. [Also V n]

lady ◆◆◇ /le I di/ (ladies )

1 N‑COUNT You can use lady when you are referring to a woman, especially when you are showing politeness or respect. □� She's a very sweet old lady. □� �a lady doctor. □� �a cream-coloured lady's shoe.

2 →�see also old lady

3 N‑COUNT You can say ' ladies ' when you are addressing a group of women in a formal and respectful way. [POLITENESS ] □� Your table is ready, ladies, if you'd care to come through. □� Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

4 N‑COUNT A lady is a woman from the upper classes, especially in former times. □� Our governess was told to make sure we knew how to talk like English ladies.

5 N‑TITLE In Britain, Lady is a title used in front of the names of some female members of the nobility, or the wives of knights. □� My dear Lady Mary, how very good to see you.

6 N‑COUNT If you say that a woman is a lady , you mean that she behaves in a polite, dignified, and graceful way. □� His wife was great as well, beautiful-looking and a real lady.

7 N‑SING People sometimes refer to a public toilet for women as the ladies . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� At Temple station, Charlotte rushed into the Ladies.

8 N‑COUNT ' Lady ' is sometimes used by men as a form of address when they are talking to a woman that they do not know, especially in shops and in the street. [AM , INFORMAL , POLITENESS ] □� What seems to be the trouble, lady?

9 →�see also first lady , Our Lady

lady|bird /le I dibɜː r d/ (ladybirds ) N‑COUNT A ladybird is a small round beetle that is red with black spots. [BRIT ] in AM, use ladybug

lady|bug /le I dibʌg/ (ladybugs ) →�see ladybird

la dy friend (lady friends ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A man's lady friend is the woman with whom he is having a romantic or sexual relationship. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

la dy-in-wai ting (ladies-in-waiting ) N‑COUNT A lady-in-waiting is a woman whose job is to help a queen or princess.

la dy-killer (lady-killers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a man as a lady-killer , you mean that you think he is very successful at attracting women but quickly leaves them. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

lady|like /le I dila I k/ ADJ If you say that a woman or girl is ladylike , you mean that she behaves in a polite, dignified, and graceful way. □� I hate to be blunt, Frankie, but she just didn't strike me as being very ladylike. □� She crossed the room with quick, ladylike steps.

Lady|ship /le I diʃ I p/ (Ladyships ) N‑COUNT ; N‑PROPER In Britain, you use the expressions Your Ladyship , Her Ladyship , or Their Ladyships when you are addressing or referring to female members of the nobility or the wives of knights. [POLITENESS ] □� Her Ladyship's expecting you, sir.

lag /l� g/ (lags , lagging , lagged )

1 VERB If one thing or person lagsbehind another thing or person, their progress is slower than that of the other. □�[V +�behind ] Britain still lags behind most of Europe in its provisions for women who want time off to have babies. □�[V +�behind ] The restructuring of the pattern of consumption in Britain also lagged behind. □�[V amount +�behind ] He now lags 10 points behind the champion. □�[V amount] They are lagging a point behind their rivals. □�[V ] Hague was lagging badly in the polls.

2 N‑COUNT A time lag or a lag of a particular length of time is a period of time between one event and another related event. □�[+�between ] There's a time lag between infection with HIV and developing AIDS. □�[+�of ] Price rises have matched rises in the money supply with a lag of two or three months.

3 VERB If you lag the inside of a roof, a pipe, or a water tank, you cover it with a special material in order to prevent heat escaping from it or to prevent it from freezing. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] If you have to take the floorboards up, take the opportunity to lag any pipes at the same time. □�[be V -ed] Water tanks should be well lagged and the roof well insulated.

4 →�see also lagging

la|ger /lɑː gə r / (lagers ) N‑VAR Lager is a type of light beer. [BRIT ] □� �a pint of lager. □� He claims to sell the widest range of beers and lagers in the world. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of lager can be referred to as a lager . □� Hewitt ordered a lager.

lag|gard /l� gə r d/ (laggards ) N‑COUNT If you describe a country, company, or product as a laggard , you mean that it is not performing as well as its competitors. □�[+�in ] The company has developed a reputation as a technological laggard.

lag|ging /l� g I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Lagging is special material which is used to cover pipes, water tanks, or the inside of a roof so that heat does not escape from them or so they do not freeze. [mainly BRIT ]

la|goon /ləguː n/ (lagoons ) N‑COUNT A lagoon is an area of calm sea water that is separated from the ocean by a line of rock or sand.

lah-di-dah /lɑː di dɑː / →�see la-di-da

laid /le I d/ Laid is the past tense and past participle of lay .

lai d-ba ck ADJ If you describe someone as laid-back , you mean that they behave in a calm relaxed way as if nothing will ever worry them. [INFORMAL ] □� Nothing worried him, he was really laid back.

lain /le I n/ Lain is the past participle of lie .

lair /leə r / (lairs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A lair is a place where a wild animal lives, usually a place which is underground or well-hidden. □� �a fox's lair.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's lair is the particular room or hiding place that they go to, especially when they want to get away from other people. [INFORMAL ] □� The village was once a pirates' lair.

laird /leə r d/ (lairds ) N‑COUNT A laird is someone who owns a large area of land in Scotland.

laissez-faire /le I se I feə r , le s-/ N‑UNCOUNT Laissez-faire is the policy which is based on the idea that governments and the law should not interfere with business, finance, or the conditions of people's working lives. [BUSINESS ] □� �a policy of laissez faire.

la|ity /le I I ti/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] Thelaity are all the people involved in the work of a church who are not clergymen, monks, or nuns. □� The Church and the laity were increasingly active in charity work. □� Clergy and laity alike are divided in their views.

lake ◆◇◇ /le I k/ (lakes ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A lake is a large area of fresh water, surrounded by land. □� They can go fishing in the lake. □� The Nile flows from Lake Victoria in East Africa north to the Mediterranean Sea.

lake|side /le I ksa I d/ N‑SING Thelakeside is the area of land around the edge of a lake. □� They were out by the lakeside a lot. □� �the picturesque Italian lakeside town of Lugano.

La-La land /lɑːlɑː l�nd/ also La La land , la-la land

1 N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes refer to Los Angeles, in particular the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, as La-La land . [HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □� �her position as La-La land's premiere hairdresser.

2 N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes use La-La land to mean an imaginary place. [INFORMAL ] □� For much of the time he was in hospital, he was under sedation. 'I was in La La Land,' he said.

lam /l� m/ PHRASE If someone is on the lam or if they go on the lam , they are trying to escape or hide from someone such as the police or an enemy. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[+�for ] He was on the lam for seven years.

lama ◆◇◇ /lɑː mə/ (lamas ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A lama is a Buddhist priest or monk.

lamb /l� m/ (lambs )

1 N‑COUNT A lamb is a young sheep. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Lamb is the flesh of a lamb eaten as food. □� Laura was basting the leg of lamb.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes use lamb when they are addressing or referring to someone who they are fond of and who is young, gentle, or unfortunate. [FEELINGS ] □� She came and put her arms around me. 'You poor lamb. What's wrong?'

3mutton dressed as lamb →�see mutton

lam|bast /l�mb� st/ (lambasts , lambasting , lambasted ) in AM, usually use lambaste /l�mbe I st/ VERB If you lambast someone, you criticize them severely, usually in public. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Grey took every opportunity to lambast Thompson and his organization.

lamb|ing /l� m I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Lambing is the time in the spring when female sheep give birth to lambs. □� �the lambing season.

lame /le I m/ (lamer , lamest )

1 ADJ If someone is lame , they are unable to walk properly because of damage to one or both of their legs. □�[+�in ] He was aware that she was lame in one leg. □� David had to pull out of the Championships when his horse went lame. ●�N‑PLURAL The lame are people who are lame. This use could cause offence. □� � the wounded and the lame of the last war.

2 ADJ If you describe something, for example an excuse, argument, or remark, as lame , you mean that it is poor or weak. □� He mumbled some lame excuse about having gone to sleep. □� All our theories sound pretty lame. ●� lame|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Lovely house,' I said lamely.

lam� /lɑː me I , [AM ] l�me I / N‑UNCOUNT Lam� is cloth that has threads of gold or silver woven into it, which make it reflect light. □� �a silver lam� dress.

la me du ck (lame ducks )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you describe someone or something as a lame duck , you are critical of them because they are not successful and need to be helped a lot. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �lame-duck industries.

2 N‑COUNT [usu N n] If you refer to a politician or a government as a lame duck , you mean that they have little real power, for example because their period of office is coming to an end. □� �a lame duck government.

la|ment /ləme nt/ (laments , lamenting , lamented )

1 VERB If you lament something, you express your sadness, regret, or disappointment about it. [mainly FORMAL or WRITTEN ] □�[V n] Ken began to lament the death of his only son. □�[V that] He laments that people in Villa El Salvador are suspicious of the police. □�[V with quote] 'Prices are down 40 per cent since Christmas,' he lamented. [Also V ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's lament is an expression of their sadness, regret, or disappointment about something. [mainly FORMAL or WRITTEN ] □�[+�that ] The lament that pop culture has swamped British intellectual life is heard constantly.

3 N‑COUNT A lament is a poem, song, or piece of music which expresses sorrow that someone has died.

lam|en|table /l� məntəb ə l, ləme nt-/ ADJ If you describe something as lamentable , you mean that it is very unfortunate or disappointing. [LITERARY , FEELINGS ] □� This lamentable state of affairs lasted until 1947. □� His command of English was lamentable. ●� lam|en|tably /l� məntəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� There are still lamentably few women surgeons. □� They have failed lamentably.

la|men|ta|tion /l� mente I ʃ ə n/ (lamentations ) N‑VAR A lamentation is an expression of great sorrow. [FORMAL ] □� It was a time for mourning and lamentation. □� �special prayers and lamentations.

lami|nate /l� m I nət/ (laminates ) N‑VAR A laminate is a tough material that is made by sticking together two or more layers of a particular substance.

lami|nat|ed /l� m I ne I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Material such as wood or plastic that is laminated consists of several thin sheets or layers that are stuck together. □� Modern windscreens are made from laminated glass.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A product that is laminated is covered with a thin sheet of something, especially clear or coloured plastic, in order to protect it. □� The photographs were mounted on laminated cards. □� �laminated work surfaces.

lamp /l� mp/ (lamps )

1 N‑COUNT A lamp is a light that works by using electricity or by burning oil or gas. □� She switched on the bedside lamp. □� In the evenings we eat by the light of an oil lamp.

2 N‑COUNT A lamp is an electrical device which produces a special type of light or heat, used especially in medical or beauty treatment. □� �a sun lamp. □� �the use of infra-red lamps.

lamp|light /l� mpla I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Lamplight is the light produced by a lamp. □� Her cheeks glowed red in the lamplight.

lam|poon /l�mpuː n/ (lampoons , lampooning , lampooned )

1 VERB If you lampoon someone or something, you criticize them very strongly, using humorous means. □�[be V -ed] He was lampooned for his short stature and political views.

2 N‑VAR A lampoon is a piece of writing or speech which criticizes someone or something very strongly, using humorous means. □�[+�of ] �his scathing lampoons of consumer culture. □� The style Shelley is using here is that of popular lampoon.

la mp-post (lamp-posts ) also lamppost N‑COUNT A lamp-post is a tall metal or concrete pole that is fixed beside a road and has a light at the top. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use street lamp , street light

lamp|shade /l� mpʃe I d/ (lampshades ) N‑COUNT A lampshade is a covering that is fitted round or over an electric light bulb in order to protect it or decorate it, or to make the light less harsh.

LAN /l� n/ (LANs ) N‑COUNT A LAN is a group of personal computers and associated equipment that are linked by cable, for example in an office building, and that share a communications line. LAN is an abbreviation for 'local area network'. [COMPUTING ] □� You can take part in multiplayer games either on a LAN network or via the internet.

lance /lɑː ns, l� ns/ (lances , lancing , lanced )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a boil on someone's body is lanced , a small cut is made in it so that the liquid inside comes out. [MEDICAL ] □�[have n V -ed] It is a painful experience having the boil lanced. [Also be V -ed]

2 N‑COUNT A lance is a long spear used in former times by soldiers on horseback. □� �the clang of lances striking armour.

land ◆◆◆ /l� nd/ (lands , landing , landed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Land is an area of ground, especially one that is used for a particular purpose such as farming or building. □� Good agricultural land is in short supply. □� �160 acres of land. □� �a small piece of grazing land.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an area of land which someone owns as their land or their lands . □� Their home is on his father's land. □� His lands were poorly farmed.

3 N‑SING If you talk about the land , you mean farming and the way of life in farming areas, in contrast to life in the cities. □� Living off the land was hard enough at the best of times.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Land is the part of the world that consists of ground, rather than sea or air. □� It isn't clear whether the plane went down over land or sea. □� �a stretch of sandy beach that was almost inaccessible from the land.

5 N‑COUNT You can use land to refer to a country in a poetic or emotional way. [LITERARY ] □� �America, land of opportunity.

6 VERB When someone or something lands , they come down to the ground after moving through the air or falling. □�[V ] Three mortar shells had landed close to a crowd of people.

7 VERB When someone lands a plane, ship, or spacecraft, or when it lands , it arrives somewhere after a journey. □�[V ] The jet landed after a flight of just under three hours. □�[V n] The crew finally landed the plane on its belly on the soft part of the runway.

8 VERB To land goods somewhere means to unload them there at the end of a journey, especially by ship. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] The vessels will have to land their catch at designated ports.

9 VERB If you landin an unpleasant situation or place or if something lands you in it, something causes you to be in it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�in ] He landed in a psychiatric ward. □�[V n +�in ] This is not the first time his exploits have landed him in trouble.

10 VERB If someone or something lands you with a difficult situation, they cause you to have to deal with the difficulties involved. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�with ] The other options simply complicate the situation and could land him with more expense.

11 VERB If something lands somewhere, it arrives there unexpectedly, often causing problems. [INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] Two days later the book had already landed on his desk.

12 VERB If you land something that is difficult to get and that many people want, you are successful in getting it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He landed a place on the graduate training scheme. □�[V n n] His flair with hair soon landed him a part-time job at his local barbers.

13to land on your feet →�see foot

▸� land up PHRASAL VERB If you say that you land up in a place or situation, you mean that you arrive there after a long journey or at the end of a long series of events. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P prep/adv] Half of those who went east seem to have landed up in southern India. □�[V P prep/adv] We landed up at the Las Vegas at about 6.30.

land|ed /l� nd I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Landed means owning or including a large amount of land, especially land that has belonged to the same family for several generations. □� Most of them were the nobility and the landed gentry.

land|fall /l� ndfɔːl/ (landfalls ) N‑VAR Landfall is the act of arriving somewhere after a journey at sea, or the land that you arrive at. □� By the time we had made landfall the boat looked ten years older!

land|fill /l� ndf I l/ (landfills )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Landfill is a method of getting rid of very large amounts of rubbish by burying it in a large deep hole. □� �the environmental costs of landfill.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A landfill is a large deep hole in which very large amounts of rubbish are buried. □� The rubbish in modern landfills does not rot. □� �the cost of disposing of refuse in landfill sites.

land|form /l� ndfɔrm/ (landforms ) also land form N‑COUNT A landform is any natural feature of the Earth's surface, such as a hill, a lake, or a beach. □� This small country has an amazing variety of landforms. □� �glacial land forms.

land|ing /l� nd I ŋ/ (landings )

1 N‑COUNT In a house or other building, the landing is the area at the top of the staircase which has rooms leading off it. □� I ran out onto the landing.

2 N‑VAR A landing is an act of bringing an aircraft or spacecraft down to the ground. □�[+�into ] I had to make a controlled landing into the sea. □�[+�at ] The plane had been cleared for landing at Brunswick's Glynco Airport.

3 N‑COUNT When a landing takes place, troops are unloaded from boats or aircraft at the beginning of a military invasion or other operation. □� American forces have begun a big landing.

4 N‑COUNT A landing is the same as a landing stage .

la nd|ing craft (landing craft ) N‑COUNT A landing craft is a small boat designed for the landing of troops and equipment on the shore.

la nd|ing gear N‑UNCOUNT The landing gear of an aircraft is its wheels and the structures that support the wheels.

la nd|ing stage (landing stages ) also landing-stage N‑COUNT A landing stage is a platform built over water where boats stop to let people get off, or to load or unload goods. [mainly BRIT ]

la nd|ing strip (landing strips ) N‑COUNT A landing strip is a long flat piece of land from which aircraft can take off and land, especially one used only by private or military aircraft.

land|lady /l� ndle I di/ (landladies )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's landlady is the woman who allows them to live or work in a building which she owns, in return for rent. □� We had been made homeless by our landlady.

2 N‑COUNT The landlady of a pub is the woman who owns or runs it, or the wife of the person who owns or runs it. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] She became the landlady of a rural pub.

land|less /l� ndləs/ ADJ Someone who is landless is prevented from owning the land that they farm. □� �landless peasants. ●�N‑PLURAL The landless are people who are landless. □� We are giving an equal area of land to the landless.

land|line /l� ndla I n/ (landlines ) N‑COUNT A landline is the phone connection that comes into a particular building using cables, rather than a mobile phone connection. □� One in five Britons no longer uses a landline.

land|locked /l� ndlɒkt/ also land-locked ADJ [usu ADJ n] A landlocked country is surrounded by other countries and does not have its own ports. □� �the landlocked West African nation of Mali.

land|lord /l� ndlɔː r d/ (landlords )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's landlord is the man who allows them to live or work in a building which he owns, in return for rent. □� His landlord doubled the rent.

2 N‑COUNT The landlord of a pub is the man who owns or runs it, or the husband of the person who owns or runs it. [mainly BRIT ] □� The landlord refused to serve him because he considered him too drunk.

land|lubber /l� ndlʌbə r / (landlubbers ) N‑COUNT A landlubber is someone who is not used to or does not like travelling by boat, and has little knowledge of boats and the sea. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

land|mark /l� ndmɑː r k/ (landmarks )

1 N‑COUNT A landmark is a building or feature which is easily noticed and can be used to judge your position or the position of other buildings or features. □� The Ambassador Hotel is a Los Angeles landmark.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] You can refer to an important stage in the development of something as a landmark . □� �a landmark arms control treaty. □�[+�in ] The baby was one of the big landmarks in our relationship.

la nd mass (land masses ) also landmass N‑COUNT A land mass is a very large area of land such as a continent. □� �the Antarctic landmass. □�[+�of ] �the country's large land mass of 768 million hectares.

land|mine /l� ndma I n/ (landmines ) also land mine N‑COUNT A landmine is an explosive device which is placed on or under the ground and explodes when a person or vehicle touches it.

land|owner /l� ndoʊnə r / (landowners ) N‑COUNT A landowner is a person who owns land, especially a large amount of land. □� �rural communities involved in conflicts with large landowners.

land|owning /l� ndoʊn I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Landowning is used to describe people who own a lot of land, especially when they are considered as a group within society. □� �the Anglo-Irish landowning class.

la nd re|form (land reforms ) N‑VAR Land reform is a change in the system of land ownership, especially when it involves giving land to the people who actually farm it and taking it away from people who own large areas for profit. □� �the new land reform policy under which thousands of peasant families are to be resettled.

la nd reg|is|try (land registries ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a land registry is a government office where records are kept about each area of land in a country or region, including information about who owns it.

land|scape ◆◇◇ /l� ndske I p/ (landscapes , landscaping , landscaped )

1 N‑VAR The landscape is everything you can see when you look across an area of land, including hills, rivers, buildings, trees, and plants. □� �Arizona's desert landscape. □�[+�of ] We moved to Northamptonshire and a new landscape of hedges and fields.

2 N‑COUNT A landscape is all the features that are important in a particular situation. □� June's events completely altered the political landscape.

3 N‑COUNT A landscape is a painting which shows a scene in the countryside.

4 VERB If an area of land is landscaped , it is changed to make it more attractive, for example by adding streams or ponds and planting trees and bushes. □�[be V -ed] The gravel pits have been landscaped and planted to make them attractive to wildfowl. □�[V n +�with ] They had landscaped their property with trees, shrubs, and lawns. □�[V -ed] �a smart suburb of landscaped gardens and wide streets. [Also V n] ●� land|scap|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The landowner insisted on a high standard of landscaping. COLLOCATIONS landscape NOUN

1

noun +�landscape : desert

adjective +�landscape : barren, bleak, flat, lunar; lush, natural, rugged, rural; urban

verb +�landscape : dominate

2

adjective +�landscape : cultural, musical, political; ever-changing, familiar, traditional

verb +�landscape : alter, change, transform; dominate SYNONYMS landscape NOUN 1

scenery:Sometimes they just drive slowly down the lane enjoying the scenery.

countryside:We are surrounded by lots of beautiful countryside.

terrain:The terrain changed quickly from arable land to desert.

country:�some of the best walking country in the Sierras.

la nd|scape ga r|den|er (landscape gardeners ) or landscape architect , landscaper /l� ndske I pə r / N‑COUNT A landscape gardener is a person who designs gardens or parks so that they look attractive.

land|slide /l� ndsla I d/ (landslides )

1 N‑COUNT A landslide is a victory in an election in which a person or political party gets far more votes or seats than their opponents. □� He won last month's presidential election by a landslide. □� They won a landslide victory in the elections five months ago.

2 N‑COUNT A landslide is a large amount of earth and rocks falling down a cliff or the side of a mountain. □� The storm caused landslides and flooding in Savona.

land|slip /l� ndsl I p/ (landslips ) N‑COUNT A landslip is a small movement of soil and rocks down a slope. [mainly BRIT ] □� Roads were flooded or blocked by landslips. in AM, use slide , mudslide

land|ward /l� ndwə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] The landward side of something is the side nearest to the land or facing the land, rather than the sea. □� Rebels surrounded the city's landward sides.

lane ◆◇◇ /le I n/ (lanes )

1 N‑COUNT A lane is a narrow road, especially in the country. □� �a quiet country lane. □�[+�to ] Follow the lane to the river.

2 N‑COUNT Lane is also used in the names of roads, either in cities or in the country. □� �The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane.

3 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A lane is a part of a main road which is marked by the edge of the road and a painted line, or by two painted lines. □� The lorry was travelling at 20mph in the slow lane. □� I pulled out into the eastbound lane of Route 2.

4 N‑COUNT At a swimming pool or athletics track, a lane is a long narrow section which is marked by lines or ropes.

5 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A lane is a route that is frequently used by aircraft or ships. □� The collision took place in the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

lan|guage ◆◆◇ /l� ŋgw I dʒ/ (languages )

1 N‑COUNT A language is a system of communication which consists of a set of sounds and written symbols which are used by the people of a particular country or region for talking or writing. □� �the English language. □� Students are expected to master a second language.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Language is the use of a system of communication which consists of a set of sounds or written symbols. □� Students examined how children acquire language.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the words used in connection with a particular subject as thelanguageof that subject. □�[+�of ] �the language of business.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [adj N ] You can refer to someone's use of rude words or swearing as bad language when you find it offensive. □� Television companies tend to censor bad language in feature films. □� There's a girl gonna be in the club, so you guys watch your language.

5 N‑UNCOUNT The language of a piece of writing or speech is the style in which it is written or spoken. □� �a booklet summarising it in plain language. □� The tone of his language was diplomatic and polite.

6 N‑VAR You can use language to refer to various means of communication involving recognizable symbols, non-verbal sounds, or actions. □� Some sign languages are very sophisticated means of communication. □�[+�of ] �the digital language of computers.

la n|guage la|bora|tory (language laboratories ) N‑COUNT A language laboratory is a classroom equipped with tape recorders or computers where people can practise listening to and talking foreign languages.

la n|guage school (language schools ) N‑COUNT A language school is a private school where a foreign language is taught.

lan|guid /l� ŋgw I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as languid , you mean that they show little energy or interest and are very slow and casual in their movements. [LITERARY ] □� To his delight a familiar, tall, languid figure lowered itself down the steps of a club. ●� lan|guid|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� We sat about languidly after dinner.

lan|guish /l� ŋgw I ʃ/ (languishes , languishing , languished )

1 VERB If someone languishes somewhere, they are forced to remain and suffer in an unpleasant situation. □�[V prep/adv] Pollard continues to languish in prison.

2 VERB If something languishes , it is not successful, often because of a lack of effort or because of a lot of difficulties. □�[V ] Without the founder's drive and direction, the company gradually languished.

lan|guor /l� ŋgə r / N‑UNCOUNT Languor is a pleasant feeling of being relaxed and not having any energy or interest in anything. [LITERARY ] □� She, in her languor, had not troubled to eat much.

lan|guor|ous /l� ŋgərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an activity as languorous , you mean that it is lazy, relaxed, and not energetic, usually in a pleasant way. [LITERARY ] □� �languorous morning coffees on the terrace.

lank /l� ŋk/ ADJ If someone's hair is lank , it is long and perhaps greasy and hangs in a dull and unattractive way.

lanky /l� ŋki/ (lankier , lankiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as lanky , you mean that they are tall and thin and move rather awkwardly. □� He was six feet four, all lanky and leggy.

lan|tern /l� ntə r n/ (lanterns ) N‑COUNT A lantern is a lamp in a metal frame with glass sides and with a handle on top so you can carry it.

Lao|tian /le I oʊ ʃ ə n/ (Laotians )

1 ADJ Laotian means belonging or relating to Laos, or its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Laotian is a Laotian citizen, or a person of Laotian origin.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Laotian is the language spoken in Laos.

lap ◆◇◇ /l� p/ (laps , lapping , lapped )

1 N‑COUNT If you have something on your lap when you are sitting down, it is on top of your legs and near to your body. □� She waited quietly with her hands in her lap. □� Hugh glanced at the child on her mother's lap.

2 N‑COUNT In a race, a competitor completes a lap when they have gone round a course once. □� �that last lap of the race. □� On lap two, Baker edged forward.

3 VERB In a race, if you lap another competitor, you go past them while they are still on the previous lap. □�[V n] He was caught out while lapping a slower rider.

4 N‑COUNT A lap of a long journey is one part of it, between two points where you stop. □�[+�of ] I had thought we might travel as far as Oak Valley, but we only managed the first lap of the journey.

5 VERB When water laps against something such as the shore or the side of a boat, it touches it gently and makes a soft sound. [WRITTEN ] □�[V prep/adv] �the water that lapped against the pillars of the boathouse. □�[V n] The building was right on the river and the water lapped the walls. ●� lap|ping N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The only sound was the lapping of the waves.

6 VERB When an animal laps a drink, it uses short quick movements of its tongue to take liquid up into its mouth. □�[V n] The cat lapped milk from a dish. ●�PHRASAL VERB Lap up means the same as lap . □�[V n P ] She poured some water into a plastic bowl. Faust, her Great Dane, lapped it up with relish.

7 PHRASE If you say that a situation is in the lap of the gods , you mean that its success or failure depends entirely on luck or on things that are outside your control. □� They had to stop the operation, so at that stage my life was in the lap of the gods.

▸� lap up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone laps up something such as information or attention, you mean that they accept it eagerly, usually when you think they are being foolish for believing that it is sincere. □�[V P n] Their audience will lap up whatever they throw at them. □�[V n P ] They just haven't been to school before. They're so eager to learn, they lap it up.

2 →�see lap6

la p danc|ing N‑UNCOUNT Lap dancing is a type of entertainment in a bar or club in which a woman who is wearing very few clothes dances in a sexy way close to customers or sitting on their laps. ●� lap danc|er (lap dancers ) N‑COUNT □� �a club full of lap dancers.

la|pel /ləpe l/ (lapels ) N‑COUNT The lapels of a jacket or coat are the two top parts at the front that are folded back on each side and join on to the collar.

la|pis lazu|li /l� p I s l� zjʊla I , [AM ] -liː/ N‑UNCOUNT Lapis lazuli is a bright blue stone, used especially in making jewellery.

la p of hon|our (laps of honour ) N‑COUNT If the winner of a race or game does a lap of honour , they run or drive slowly around a race track or sports field in order to receive the applause of the crowd. [BRIT ]

lapse /l� ps/ (lapses , lapsing , lapsed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A lapse is a moment or instance of bad behaviour by someone who usually behaves well. □� On Friday he showed neither decency nor dignity. It was an uncommon lapse. [Also +�in ]

2 N‑COUNT A lapseof something such as concentration or judgment is a temporary lack of that thing, which can often cause you to make a mistake. □�[+�of ] I had a little lapse of concentration in the middle of the race. □� The incident was being seen as a serious security lapse.

3 VERB If you lapseinto a quiet or inactive state, you stop talking or being active. □�[V +�into ] She muttered something unintelligible and lapsed into silence.

4 VERB If someone lapsesinto a particular way of speaking, or behaving, they start speaking or behaving in that way, usually for a short period. □�[V +�into ] Teenagers occasionally find it all too much to cope with and lapse into bad behaviour. ●�N‑COUNT Lapse is also a noun. □�[+�into ] Her lapse into German didn't seem peculiar. After all, it was her native tongue.

5 N‑SING A lapseof time is a period that is long enough for a situation to change or for people to have a different opinion about it. □�[+�of ] �the restoration of diplomatic relations after a lapse of 24 years. □�[+�between ] There is usually a time lapse between receipt of new information and its publication.

6 VERB If a period of time lapses , it passes. □�[V ] Too much time has lapsed for police to now bring charges.

7 VERB If a situation or legal contract lapses , it is allowed to end rather than being continued, renewed, or extended. □�[V ] Her membership of the Labour Party has lapsed. □�[V ] Ford allowed the name and trademark to lapse during the Eighties.

8 VERB If a member of a particular religion lapses , they stop believing in it or stop following its rules and practices. □�[V -ed] She calls herself a lapsed Catholic.

lap|top /l� ptɒp/ (laptops ) N‑COUNT A laptop or a laptop computer is a small portable computer. □� She used to work at her laptop until four in the morning.

lap|wing /l� pw I ŋ/ (lapwings ) N‑COUNT A lapwing is a small dark green bird which has a white breast and feathers sticking up on its head.

lar|ceny /lɑː r səni/ N‑UNCOUNT Larceny is the crime of stealing. [LEGAL ] □� Haggerman now faces two to 20 years in prison on grand larceny charges.

larch /lɑː r tʃ/ (larches ) N‑VAR A larch is a tree with needle-shaped leaves.

lard /lɑː r d/ N‑UNCOUNT Lard is soft white fat obtained from pigs. It is used in cooking.

lar|der /lɑː r də r / (larders ) N‑COUNT A larder is a room or large cupboard in a house, usually near the kitchen, in which food is kept. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use pantry

large ◆◆◆ /lɑː r dʒ/ (larger , largest )

1 ADJ A large thing or person is greater in size than usual or average. □� The Pike lives mainly in large rivers and lakes. □� In the largest room about a dozen children and seven adults are sitting on the carpet. □� He was a large man with thick dark hair.

2 ADJ A large amount or number of people or things is more than the average amount or number. □� The gang finally fled with a large amount of cash and jewellery. □� There are a large number of centres where you can take full-time courses. □� The figures involved are truly very large.

3 ADJ A large organization or business does a lot of work or commercial activity and employs a lot of people. □� �a large company in Chicago. □� Many large organizations run courses for their employees.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Large is used to indicate that a problem or issue which is being discussed is very important or serious. □� �the already large problem of under-age drinking. □� There's a very large question about the viability of the newspaper.

5 PHRASE You use at large to indicate that you are talking in a general way about most of the people mentioned. □� The chances of getting reforms accepted by the community at large remain remote.

6 PHRASE If you say that a dangerous person, thing, or animal is at large , you mean that they have not been captured or made safe. □� The man who tried to have her killed is still at large.

7 PHRASE You use by and large to indicate that a statement is mostly but not completely true. □� By and large, it went well.

8to a large extent →�see extent

9larger than life →�see life

10in large measure →�see measure SYNONYMS large ADJ 1

big:Australia's a big country.

substantial:That is a very substantial improvement in the present situation.

great:The room had a great bay window.

considerable:Vets' fees can be considerable, even for routine visits.

bulky:�bulky items like lawn mowers.

large|ly ◆◆◇ /lɑː r dʒli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use largely to say that a statement is not completely true but is mostly true. □� The fund is largely financed through government borrowing. □� I largely work with people who already are motivated. □� Their weapons have been largely stones.

2 ADV Largely is used to introduce the main reason for a particular event or situation. □� Retail sales dipped two percent last month, largely because Americans were buying fewer cars. SYNONYMS largely ADV 1

mainly:The birds live mainly on nectar.

mostly:Cars are mostly metal.

generally:This is generally true.

primarily:�a book aimed primarily at high-energy physicists.

chiefly:His response to attacks on his work was chiefly bewilderment.

la rge-sca le also large scale

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A large-scale action or event happens over a very wide area or involves a lot of people or things. □� �a large scale military operation.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A large-scale map or diagram represents a small area of land or a building or machine on a scale that is large enough for small details to be shown. □� �a large-scale map of the county.

lar|gesse /lɑː r ʒe s/ in AM, use largess N‑UNCOUNT Largesse is a generous gift of money or a generous act of kindness. [FORMAL ] □� �grateful recipients of their largesse. □� �his most recent act of largesse.

larg|ish /lɑː r dʒ I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Largish means fairly large. □� �a largish modern city.

lar|go /lɑː r goʊ/ (largos )

1 ADV [ADV after v] Largo written above a piece of music means that it should be played slowly.

2 N‑COUNT A largo is a piece of music, especially part of a longer piece, that is played slowly.

lark /lɑː r k/ (larks )

1 N‑COUNT A lark is a small brown bird which makes a pleasant sound.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that doing something is a lark , you mean that it is fun, although perhaps naughty or dangerous. □� The children thought it was a great lark.

lar|va /lɑː r və/ (larvae /lɑː r viː/) N‑COUNT A larva is an insect at the stage of its life after it has developed from an egg and before it changes into its adult form. □� The eggs quickly hatch into larvae.

lar|val /lɑː r v ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Larval means concerning insect larvae or in the state of being an insect larva.

lar|yn|gi|tis /l� r I ndʒa I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Laryngitis is an infection of the throat in which your larynx becomes swollen and painful, making it difficult to speak.

lar|ynx /l� r I ŋks/ (larynxes ) N‑COUNT Your larynx is the top part of the passage that leads from your throat to your lungs and contains your vocal cords. [MEDICAL ]

la|sa|gne /ləs� njə/ (lasagnes ) also lasagna N‑VAR Lasagne is a food dish that consists of layers of pasta, sauce, and a filling such as meat or cheese, baked in an oven.

las|civi|ous /ləs I viəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as lascivious , you disapprove of them because they show a very strong interest in sex. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The man was lascivious, sexually perverted and insatiable. □� �their lewd and lascivious talk.

la|ser /le I zə r / (lasers , lasering , lasered )

1 N‑COUNT A laser is a narrow beam of concentrated light produced by a special machine. It is used for cutting very hard materials, and in many technical fields such as surgery and telecommunications. □� �new laser technology.

2 N‑COUNT A laser is a machine that produces a laser beam. □� �the first-ever laser, built in 1960.

3 VERB If you have part of your body lasered , you have it treated using a laser. □�[have n V -ed] I had my eyes lasered. I was shortsighted and now I'm not. □�[V n] British men are shaving, waxing and lasering their body hair like never before.

la |ser print|er (laser printers ) N‑COUNT A laser printer is a computer printer that produces clear words and pictures by using laser beams.

lash /l� ʃ/ (lashes , lashing , lashed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your lashes are the hairs that grow on the edge of your upper and lower eyelids. □� �sombre grey eyes, with unusually long lashes. □� Joanna studied him through her lashes.

2 VERB If you lash two or more things together, you tie one of them firmly to the other. □�[V n +�to ] Secure the anchor by lashing it to the rail. □�[V n with together ] The shelter is built by lashing poles together to form a small dome. □�[V n with adv] We were worried about the lifeboat which was not lashed down. [Also V n]

3 VERB If wind, rain, or water lashes someone or something, it hits them violently. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] The worst winter storms of the century lashed the east coast of North America. □�[V prep/adv] Suddenly rain lashed against the windows.

4 VERB If someone lashes you or lashesinto you, they speak very angrily to you, criticizing you or saying you have done something wrong. □�[V n] She went quiet for a moment while she summoned up the words to lash him. □�[V +�into ] The report lashes into police commanders for failing to act on intelligence information.

5 N‑COUNT A lash is a thin strip of leather at the end of a whip.

6 N‑COUNT A lash is a blow with a whip, especially a blow on someone's back as a punishment. □�[+�for ] The villagers sentenced one man to five lashes for stealing a ham from his neighbor.

▸� lash out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you lash out , you attempt to hit someone quickly and violently with a weapon or with your hands or feet. □�[V P ] Riot police fired in the air and lashed out with clubs to disperse hundreds of demonstrators. □�[V P +�at ] Her husband has a terrible temper and lashes out at her when he's angry.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you lash outat someone or something, you speak to them or about them very angrily or critically. □�[V P +�at/against ] As a politician Jefferson frequently lashed out at the press. [Also V P ]

lash|ing /l� ʃ I ŋ/ (lashings )

1 QUANT Lashings of something means a large quantity or amount of it. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Serve by cutting the scones in half and spreading with jam and lashings of clotted cream.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Lashings are ropes or cables that are used to tie one thing to another. □� We made a tour of the yacht, checking lashings and emergency gear.

3 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone's comments as a lashing , you mean that they are very critical and angry. □� He never grew used to the lashings he got from the critics.

4 N‑COUNT A lashing is a punishment in which a person is hit with a whip.

lass /l� s/ (lasses ) N‑COUNT A lass is a young woman or girl. [mainly SCOTTISH or NORTHERN ENGLISH ] □� Anne is a Lancashire lass from Longton, near Preston. □� 'What is it, lass?' Finlay cried.

las|sie /l� si/ (lassies ) N‑COUNT A lassie is a young woman or girl. [mainly SCOTTISH , INFORMAL ]

las|si|tude /l� s I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Lassitude is a state of tiredness, laziness, or lack of interest. [FORMAL ] □� Symptoms of anaemia include general fatigue and lassitude.

las|so /l�suː , [AM ] l� soʊ/ (lassoes , lassoing , lassoed )

1 N‑COUNT A lasso is a long rope with a loop at one end, used especially by cowboys for catching cattle.

2 VERB If you lasso an animal, you catch it by throwing a lasso round its neck and pulling it tight. □�[V n] Cowboys drove covered wagons and rode horses, lassoing cattle.

last ◆◆◆ /lɑː st, l� st/ (lasts , lasting , lasted )

1 DET You use last in expressions such as last Friday,last night , and last year to refer, for example, to the most recent Friday, night, or year. □� I got married last July. □� He never made it home at all last night. □� It is not surprising they did so badly in last year's elections.

2 ADJ The last event, person, thing, or period of time is the most recent one. □� Much has changed since my last visit. □� At the last count inflation was 10.9 per cent. □� I split up with my last boyfriend three years ago. □� The last few weeks have been hectic. ●�PRON Last is also a pronoun. □� The next tide, it was announced, would be even higher than the last.

3 ADV [ADV with v] If something last happened on a particular occasion, that is the most recent occasion on which it happened. □� When were you there last? □� The house is a little more dilapidated than when I last saw it. □� Hunting on the trust's 625,000 acres was last debated two years ago.

4 ORD The last thing, person, event, or period of time is the one that happens or comes after all the others of the same kind. □� This is his last chance as prime minister. □� �the last three pages of the chapter. □� She said it was the very last house on the road. □� They didn't come last in their league. ●�PRON Last is also a pronoun. □� I'm not the first employee she has done this to and I probably won't be the last. □� The trickiest bits are the last on the list.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something last , you do it after everyone else does, or after you do everything else. □� I testified last. □� I was always picked last for the football team at school. □� The foreground, nearest the viewer, is painted last.

6 PRON If you are thelastto do or know something, everyone else does or knows it before you. □�[+�to-inf] She was the last to go to bed. □�[+�to-inf] Riccardo and I are always the last to know what's going on.

7 ADJ Last is used to refer to the only thing, person, or part of something that remains. □� Jed nodded, finishing off the last piece of pizza. □� �the freeing of the last hostage. ●�N‑SING Last is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He finished off the last of the coffee. □�[+�of ] The last of the ten inmates gave themselves up after twenty eight hours.

8 ADJ You use last before numbers to refer to a position that someone has reached in a competition after other competitors have been knocked out. □� He reached the last four at Wimbledon. □� �the only woman among the authors making it through to the last six.

9 ADJ You can use last to indicate that something is extremely undesirable or unlikely. [EMPHASIS ] □� The last thing I wanted to do was teach. □� He would be the last person who would do such a thing. ●�PRON Last is also a pronoun. □� I would be the last to say that science has explained everything.

10 PRON The last you see of someone or the last you hear of them is the final time that you see them or talk to them. □� She disappeared shouting, 'To the river, to the river!' And that was the last we saw of her. □� I had a feeling it would be the last I heard of him.

11 VERB If an event, situation, or problem lasts for a particular length of time, it continues to exist or happen for that length of time. □�[V +�for ] The marriage had lasted for less than two years. □�[V n] The games lasted only half the normal time. □�[V ] Enjoy it because it won't last. [Also V adv]

12 VERB If something lasts for a particular length of time, it continues to be able to be used for that time, for example because there is some of it left or because it is in good enough condition. □�[V +�for ] You only need a very small blob of glue, so one tube lasts for ages. □�[V n] The repaired sail lasted less than 24 hours. □�[V adv] The implication is that this battery lasts twice as long as other batteries. [Also V ]

13 →�see also lasting

14 PHRASE If you say that something has happened at last or at long last you mean it has happened after you have been hoping for it for a long time. □� I'm so glad that we've found you at last! □� Here, at long last, was the moment he had waited for. □� At last the train arrived in the station.

15 PHRASE You use expressions such as the night before last , the election before last and the leader before last to refer to the period of time, event, or person that came immediately before the most recent one in a series. □� It was the dog he'd heard the night before last. □� In the budget before last a tax penalty on the mobile phone was introduced.

16 PHRASE You can use phrases such as the last but one , the last but two , or the last but three , to refer to the thing or person that is, for example, one, two, or three before the final person or thing in a group or series. □� It's the last but one day in the athletics programme. □� The British team finished last but one.

17 PHRASE You can use expressions such as the last I heard and the last she heard to introduce a piece of information that is the most recent that you have on a particular subject. □� The last I heard, Joe and Irene were still happily married.

18 PHRASE If you leave something or someone until last , you delay using, choosing, or dealing with them until you have used, chosen, or dealt with all the others. □� I have left my best wine until last. □� I picked first all the people who usually were left till last.

19to have the last laugh →�see laugh

20last-minute

21the last straw →�see straw

22last thing →�see thing USAGE last

Don�t use �the� before �last� with this meaning. Don�t say, for example, � I saw him the last week �. Say �I saw him last week �. COLLOCATIONS last VERB 11

last+�noun : hour, minute, month, year

noun +�last : marriage, match, meeting, trial; effect

last+�adverb : forever

la st-di tch ADJ [ADJ n] A last-ditch action is done only because there are no other ways left to achieve something or to prevent something happening. It is often done without much hope that it will succeed. □� �a last-ditch attempt to prevent civil war.

la st hur|ra h N‑COUNT [usu sing] Someone's last hurrah is the last occasion on which they do something, especially at the end of their career. □� I haven't even begun to think about quitting or having a last hurrah.

last|ing /lɑː st I ŋ, l� st-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use lasting to describe a situation, result, or agreement that continues to exist or have an effect for a very long time. □� We are well on our way to a lasting peace. □� She left a lasting impression on him.

2 →�see also last

La st Ju dge|ment also Last Judgment N‑PROPER In the Christian religion, the Last Judgement is the last day of the world when God will judge everyone who has died and decide whether they will go to Heaven or Hell.

last|ly /lɑː stli, l� st-/

1 ADV You use lastly when you want to make a final point, ask a final question, or mention a final item that is connected with the other ones you have already asked or mentioned. □� Lastly, I would like to ask about your future plans.

2 ADV You use lastly when you are saying what happens after everything else in a series of actions or events. □� They wash their hands, arms and faces, and lastly, they wash their feet.

la st-mi nute →�see minute ➊

la st ri tes N‑PLURAL The last rites are a religious ceremony performed by a Christian priest for a dying person. □�[+�to ] Father Stephen Lea administered the last rites to the dead men.

latch /l� tʃ/ (latches , latching , latched )

1 N‑COUNT A latch is a fastening on a door or gate. It consists of a metal bar which you lift in order to open the door. □� You left the latch off the gate and the dog escaped.

2 N‑COUNT A latch is a lock on a door which locks automatically when you shut the door, so that you need a key in order to open it from the outside. □�[+�of ] �a key clicked in the latch of the front door.

3 VERB If you latch a door or gate, you fasten it by means of a latch. □�[V n] He latched the door, tested it, and turned around to speak to Frank.

▸� latch onto or latch on

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone latches onto a person or an idea or latches on , they become very interested in the person or idea, often finding them so useful that they do not want to leave them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Rob had latched onto me. He followed me around and sat beside me at lunch. □�[V P ] Other trades have been quick to latch on.

2 PHRASAL VERB If one thing latches onto another, or if it latches on , it attaches itself to it and becomes part of it. □�[V P n] These are substances which specifically latch onto the protein on the cell membrane. [Also V P ]

latch|key /l� tʃkiː/ also latch-key ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to a child as a latchkey kid, you disapprove of the fact that they have to let themselves into their home when returning from school because their parents are out at work. [DISAPPROVAL ]

late ◆◆◆ /le I t/ (later , latest )

1 ADV Late means near the end of a day, week, year, or other period of time. □�[+�in ] It was late in the afternoon. □�[+�at ] She had to work late at night. □�[+�in ] His autobiography was written late in life. □� The case is expected to end late next week. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Late is also an adjective. □� The talks eventually broke down in late spring. □� He was in his late 20s. □� �the late 1960s.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If it is late , it is near the end of the day or it is past the time that you feel something should have been done. □� It was very late and the streets were deserted. □� We've got to go now. It's getting late. ●� late|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] A large crowd had gathered despite the lateness of the hour.

3 ADV [ADV after v] Late means after the time that was arranged or expected. □� Steve arrived late. □� The talks began some fifteen minutes late. □� We got up late. ●�ADJ Late is also an adjective. □� His campaign got off to a late start. □� We were a little late. □� The train was 40 minutes late. □� He's a half hour late. ●� late|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He apologised for his lateness.

4 ADV [ADV after v] Late means after the usual time that a particular event or activity happens. □� We went to bed very late. □� He married late. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Late is also an adjective. □� They had a late lunch in a cafe. □� He was a very late developer.

5 ADJ You use late when you are talking about someone who is dead, especially someone who has died recently. □� �my late husband. □� �the late Mr Parkin.

6 ADJ Someone who is late of a particular place or institution lived or worked there until recently. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �Cousin Zachary, late of Bellevue Avenue. □�[+�of ] The restaurant is managed by Angelo, late of the Savoy Grill.

7 →�see also later , latest

8 CONVENTION If you say better late than never when someone has done something, you think they should have done it earlier. □� It's been a long time coming but better late than never.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is doing something late in the day , you mean that their action or behaviour may not be fully effective because they have waited too long before doing it. □� I'd left it all too late in the day to get anywhere with these strategies.

10 PHRASE If an action or event is too late , it is useless or ineffective because it occurs after the best time for it. □� It was too late to turn back. □� We realized too late that we were caught like rats in a trap.

11a late night →�see night SYNONYMS late ADJ 3

overdue:I'll go home and pay an overdue visit to my mother.

tardy:I was as tardy as ever for the afternoon appointments.

belated:�a belated birthday present.

late|comer /le I tkʌmə r / (latecomers ) N‑COUNT A latecomer is someone who arrives after the time that they should have done, or later than others. □� The latecomers stood just outside at door and window.

late|ly /le I tli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use lately to describe events in the recent past, or situations that started a short time ago. □� Dad's health hasn't been too good lately. □� Lord Tomas had lately been appointed Chairman of the Centre for Policy Studies. □� 'Have you talked to her lately?'

2 ADV You can use lately to refer to the job a person has been doing until recently. [FORMAL ] □� �Timothy Jean Geoffrey Pratt, lately deputy treasury solicitor.

la te-night

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Late-night is used to describe events, especially entertainments, that happen late in the evening or late at night. □� �his late-night show on BBC Radio One. □� �late-night drinking parties.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Late-night is used to describe services that are available late at night and do not shut when most commercial activities finish. □� Saturday night was a late-night shopping night. □� �late-night trains.

la|tent /le I t ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Latent is used to describe something which is hidden and not obvious at the moment, but which may develop further in the future. □� Advertisements attempt to project a latent meaning behind an overt message.

lat|er ◆◆◆ /le I tə r /

1Later is the comparative of late .

2 ADV You use later to refer to a time or situation that is after the one that you have been talking about or after the present one. □� He resigned ten years later. □� I'll join you later. □� Burke later admitted he had lied. ●�PHRASE You use later on to refer to a time or situation that is after the one that you have been talking about or after the present one. □� Later on I'll be speaking to the film's director. □� This is only going to cause me more problems later on.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use later to refer to an event, period of time, or other thing which comes after the one that you have been talking about or after the present one. □� At a later news conference, he said differences should not be dramatized. □� The competition should have been re-scheduled for a later date.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use later to refer to the last part of someone's life or career or the last part of a period of history. □� He found happiness in later life. □� In his later years he wrote very little. □� �the later part of the 20th century.

5 →�see also late

6sooner or later →�see sooner

lat|er|al /l� tərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Lateral means relating to the sides of something, or moving in a sideways direction. □� McKinnon estimated the lateral movement of the bridge to be between four and six inches. ●� lat|er|al|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� Shafts were sunk, with tunnels dug laterally.

la t|er|al thi nk|ing N‑UNCOUNT Lateral thinking is a method of solving problems by using your imagination to help you think of solutions that are not obvious at first. [mainly BRIT ]

lat|est ◆◆◇ /le I t I st/

1Latest is the superlative of late .

2 ADJ You use latest to describe something that is the most recent thing of its kind. □� �her latest book. □� Latest reports say another five people have been killed.

3 ADJ You can use latest to describe something that is very new and modern and is better than older things of a similar kind. □� Crooks are using the latest laser photocopiers to produce millions of fake banknotes. □� I got to drive the latest model. □�[+�in ] Computers have always represented the latest in technology. [Also +�of ]

4 →�see also late

5 PHRASE You use at the latest in order to indicate that something must happen at or before a particular time and not after that time. [EMPHASIS ] □� She should be back by ten o'clock at the latest.

la|tex /le I teks/ N‑UNCOUNT Latex is a substance obtained from some kinds of trees, which is used to make products like rubber and glue.

lathe /le I �/ (lathes ) N‑COUNT A lathe is a machine which is used for shaping wood or metal.

lath|er /lɑː �ə r , l� �ə r / (lathers , lathering , lathered )

1 N‑SING A lather is a white mass of bubbles which is produced by mixing a substance such as soap or washing powder with water. □�[+�with ] �the sort of water that easily makes a lather with soap. □� He wiped off the remains of the lather with a towel.

2 VERB When a substance such as soap or washing powder lathers , it produces a white mass of bubbles because it has been mixed with water. □�[V ] The shampoo lathers and foams so much it's very hard to rinse it all out.

3 VERB If you lather something, you rub a substance such as soap or washing powder on it until a lather is produced, in order to clean it. □�[V n] Lather your hair as normal. □�[V n with adv] For super-soft skin, lather on a light body lotion before you bathe. [Also V n prep]

Lat|in ◆◇◇ /l� t I n/ (Latins )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Latin is the language which the ancient Romans used to speak.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Latin countries are countries where Spanish, or perhaps Portuguese, Italian, or French, is spoken. You can also use Latin to refer to things and people that come from these countries. □� Cuba was one of the least Catholic of the Latin countries. □� The enthusiasm for Latin music is worldwide.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Latins are people who come from countries where Spanish, or perhaps Portuguese, Italian, or French, are spoken or whose families come from one of these countries. □� They are role models for thousands of young Latins.

La t|in Ame ri|can (Latin Americans )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Latin American means belonging or relating to the countries of South America, Central America, and Mexico. Latin American also means belonging or relating to the people of culture of these countries.

2 N‑COUNT A Latin American is a person who comes from South America, Central America, or Mexico.

La|ti|no /l�tiː noʊ/ (Latinos ) also latino

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A Latino is a citizen of the United States who originally came from Latin America, or whose family originally came from Latin America. [mainly AM ] □� He was a champion for Latinos and blacks within the educational system. □� �the city's office of Latino Affairs.

2 ADJ Latino means belonging or relating to Latino people or their culture.

lati|tude /l� t I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (latitudes )

1 N‑VAR The latitude of a place is its distance from the equator. Compare longitude . □� In the middle to high latitudes rainfall has risen steadily over the last 20�30 years. ●�ADJ Latitude is also an adjective. □� The army must cease military operations above 36 degrees latitude north.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Latitude is freedom to choose the way in which you do something. [FORMAL ] □� He would be given every latitude in forming a new government.

la|trine /lətriː n/ (latrines ) N‑COUNT A latrine is a structure, usually consisting of a hole in the ground, that is used as a toilet, for example in a military camp.

lat|te /l� te I , [AM ] lɑː te I / (lattes ) N‑UNCOUNT Latte is strong coffee mixed with hot milk. ●�N‑COUNT A latte is a cup of latte.

lat|ter ◆◇◇ /l� tə r /

1 PRON When two people, things, or groups have just been mentioned, you can refer to the second of them as the latter . □� He tracked down his cousin and uncle. The latter was sick. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Latter is also an adjective. □� There are the people who speak after they think and the people who think while they're speaking. Mike definitely belongs in the latter category.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use latter to describe the later part of a period of time or event. □� The latter part of the debate concentrated on abortion.

la tter-day ADJ [ADJ n] Latter-day is used to describe someone or something that is a modern equivalent of a person or thing in the past. □� He holds the belief that he is a latter-day prophet.

lat|ter|ly /l� tə r li/ ADV You can use latterly to indicate that a situation or event is the most recent one. [WRITTEN ] □� He sat on the board for more than a decade, latterly as chairman.

lat|tice /l� t I s/ (lattices ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A lattice is a pattern or structure made of strips of wood or another material which cross over each other diagonally leaving holes in between. □�[+�of ] We were crawling along the narrow steel lattice of the bridge.

lat|ticed /l� t I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n, oft v-link ADJ with n] Something that is latticed is decorated with or is in the form of a lattice. □� �latticed doors. □� The surface of the brain is pinky-grey and latticed with tiny blood vessels.

lat|tice|work /l� t I swɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Latticework is any structure that is made in the form of a lattice. □� �latticework chairs.

laud /lɔː d/ (lauds , lauding , lauded ) VERB If people laud someone, they praise and admire them. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] He lauded the work of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. □�[V n +�as ] They lauded the former president as a hero. □�[V n +�for ] Dickens was lauded for his social and moral sensitivity. ●� laud|ed ADJ □� �the most lauded actress in New York.

laud|able /lɔː dəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is laudable deserves to be praised or admired. [FORMAL ] □� One of Emma's less laudable characteristics was her jealousy.

lauda|tory /lɔː dətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A laudatory piece of writing or speech expresses praise or admiration for someone. [FORMAL ] □� The New York Times has this very laudatory article about your retirement. □� Beth spoke of Dr. Hammer in laudatory terms.

laugh ◆◆◆ /lɑː f, l� f/ (laughs , laughing , laughed )

1 VERB When you laugh , you make a sound with your throat while smiling and show that you are happy or amused. People also sometimes laugh when they feel nervous or are being unfriendly. □�[V ] He was about to offer an explanation, but she was beginning to laugh. □�[V +�with ] He laughed with pleasure when people said he looked like his dad. □�[V +�at ] The British don't laugh at the same jokes as the French. □�[V with quote] 'I'll be astonished if I win on Sunday,' laughed Lyle. ●�N‑COUNT Laugh is also a noun. □�[+�at ] Lysenko gave a deep rumbling laugh at his own joke.

2 VERB If people laugh at someone or something, they mock them or make jokes about them. □�[V +�at ] I thought they were laughing at me because I was ugly.

3 PHRASE If you do something for a laugh or for laughs , you do it as a joke or for fun. □� They were persuaded onstage for a laugh by their mates. □� It's a project she's doing for laughs.

4 PHRASE If a person or their comment gets a laugh or raises a laugh , they make the people listening to them laugh. [mainly BRIT ] □� The joke got a big laugh, which encouraged me to continue.

5 PHRASE If you describe a situation as a laugh , a good laugh , or a bit of a laugh , you think that it is fun and do not take it too seriously. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Working there's great. It's quite a good laugh actually.

6 PHRASE If you describe someone as a laugh or a good laugh , you like them because they are amusing and fun to be with. [mainly BRIT ] □� Mickey was a good laugh and great to have in the dressing room.

7 PHRASE If you say that you have the last laugh , you mean that you become successful at something so that people who criticize or oppose you look foolish. □� Perhaps these people take more care of themselves and so ultimately have the last laugh.

8to laugh your head off →�see head

9no laughing matter →�see matter

▸� laugh off PHRASAL VERB If you laugh off a difficult or serious situation, you try to suggest that it is amusing and unimportant, for example by making a joke about it. □�[V P n] The couple laughed off rumours that their marriage was in trouble. □�[V n P ] Whilst I used to laugh it off, I'm now getting irritated by it. COLLOCATIONS laugh VERB 1

laugh+�adverb : heartily, hysterically, loudly, uproariously; nervously, softly

laugh|able /lɑː fəb ə l, l� f-/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something such as an idea or suggestion is laughable , you mean that it is so stupid as to be funny and not worth serious consideration. □� The idea that she didn't know anything is laughable. ●� laugh|ably ADV [usu ADV adj] □� To an outsider, the issues that we fight about would seem almost laughably petty.

lau gh|ing gas N‑UNCOUNT Laughing gas is a type of anaesthetic gas which sometimes has the effect of making people laugh uncontrollably.

laugh|ing|ly /lɑː f I ŋli, l� f-/ ADV [ADV with v] If you laughingly refer to something with a particular name or description, the description is not appropriate and you think that this is either amusing or annoying. □� I spent much of what I laughingly call 'the holidays' working through 621 pages of typescript.

lau gh|ing stock (laughing stocks ) also laughing-stock N‑COUNT If you say that a person or an organization has become alaughing stock , you mean that they are supposed to be important or serious but have been made to seem ridiculous. □� The truth must never get out. If it did she would be a laughing-stock. □�[+�of ] �his policies became the laughing stock of the financial community.

laugh|ter ◆◇◇ /lɑː ftə r , l� f-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Laughter is the sound of people laughing, for example because they are amused or happy. □� Their laughter filled the corridor. □� He delivered the line perfectly, and everybody roared with laughter. □� �hysterical laughter.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Laughter is the fact of laughing, or the feeling of fun and amusement that you have when you are laughing. □� Pantomime is about bringing laughter to thousands. COLLOCATIONS laughter NOUN 1

adjective +�laughter : helpless, hysterical, raucous, uncontrollable; derisive, hollow, nervous; canned

laughter+�be +�adjective : contagious, infectious

verb +�laughter : draw, prompt, provoke

launch ◆◆◇ /lɔː ntʃ/ (launches , launching , launched )

1 VERB To launch a rocket, missile, or satellite means to send it into the air or into space. □�[V n] NASA plans to launch a satellite to study cosmic rays. □�[be V -ed] The rocket was launched early this morning. ●�N‑VAR Launch is also a noun. □�[+�of ] This morning's launch of the space shuttle has been delayed.

2 VERB To launch a ship or a boat means to put it into water, often for the first time after it has been built. □�[V n] There was no time to launch the lifeboats because the ferry capsized with such alarming speed. ●�N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Launch is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The launch of a ship was a big occasion.

3 VERB To launch a large and important activity, for example a military attack, means to start it. □�[V n] Heavy fighting has been going on after the guerrillas had launched their offensive. □�[V n] The police have launched an investigation into the incident. ●�N‑COUNT Launch is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the launch of a campaign to restore law and order.

4 VERB If a company launches a new product, it makes it available to the public. □�[V n] Crabtree & Evelyn has just launched a new jam, Worcesterberry Preserve. □�[V n] The company recently hired her as a model to launch its new range. ●�N‑COUNT Launch is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The company's spending has also risen following the launch of a new Sunday magazine.

5 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A launch is a large motorboat that is used for carrying people on rivers and lakes and in harbours. □� The captain was on the deck of the launch, steadying the boat for the pilot.

▸� launch into PHRASAL VERB If you launch into something such as a speech, task, or fight, you enthusiastically start it. □�[V P n] Horrigan launched into a speech about the importance of new projects. □�[V pron-refl P n] Geoff has launched himself into fatherhood with great enthusiasm. COLLOCATIONS launch VERB

1

launch+�noun : missile, rocket

3

launch+�noun : assault, attack, offensive, raid; inquiry, investigation, probe; appeal, bid, campaign

4

launch+�noun : product, range, service NOUN 4

noun +�launch : album, book, manifesto, product SYNONYMS launch VERB

1

propel:The rocket, attached to the spacecraft, propels it toward Mars.

fire:Soldiers fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds.

discharge:Lewis was tried for unlawfully and dangerously discharging a weapon.

3

open:They are now ready to open negotiations.

initiate:They wanted to initiate a discussion on economics.

instigate:Jenkinson instigated a refurbishment of the old gallery.

lau nch|ing pad (launching pads ) N‑COUNT A launching pad is the same as a launch pad .

lau nch pad (launch pads )

1 N‑COUNT A launch pad or launching pad is a platform from which rockets, missiles, or satellites are launched.

2 N‑COUNT A launch pad or launching pad is a situation, for example a job, which you can use in order to go forward to something better or more important. □�[+�for ] Wimbledon has been a launch pad for so many players.

laun|der /lɔː ndə r / (launders , laundering , laundered )

1 VERB When you launder clothes, sheets, and towels, you wash and iron them. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] How many guests who expect clean towels every day in an hotel launder their own every day at home?

2 VERB To launder money that has been obtained illegally means to process it through a legitimate business or to send it abroad to a foreign bank, so that when it comes back nobody knows that it was illegally obtained. □�[V n] The House voted today to crack down on banks that launder drug money. ●� laun|der|er (launderers ) N‑COUNT □� �a businessman and self-described money launderer.

Laun|der|ette /lɔː ndre t/ (Launderettes ) in BRIT, also use laundrette N‑COUNT A Launderette is a place where people can pay to use machines to wash and dry their clothes. [mainly BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, usually use Laundromat

Laun|dro|mat /lɔː ndrəm�t/ (Laundromats ) N‑COUNT A Laundromat is the same as a Launderette . [AM , TRADEMARK ]

laun|dry /lɔː ndri/ (laundries )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Laundry is used to refer to clothes, sheets, and towels that are about to be washed, are being washed, or have just been washed. □� I'll do your laundry. □�[+�in ] He'd put his dirty laundry in the clothes basket.

2 N‑COUNT A laundry is a firm that washes and irons clothes, sheets, and towels for people. □� We had to have the washing done at the laundry.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A laundry or a laundry room is a room in a house, hotel, or institution where clothes, sheets, and towels are washed. □�[+�at ] He worked in the laundry at Oxford prison.

4to wash your dirty laundry in public →�see dirty

lau n|dry list (laundry lists ) N‑COUNT If you describe something as a laundry listof things, you mean that it is a long list of them. □�[+�of ] �a laundry list of reasons why shareholders should reject the bid.

lau|rel /lɒ r ə l, [AM ] lɔː r-/ (laurels )

1 N‑VAR A laurel or a laurel tree is a small evergreen tree with shiny leaves. The leaves are sometimes used to make decorations such as wreaths.

2 PHRASE If someone is resting on their laurels , they appear to be satisfied with the things they have achieved and have stopped putting effort into what they are doing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The government can't rest on its laurels and must press ahead with major policy changes.

lava /lɑː və/ (lavas ) N‑VAR Lava is the very hot liquid rock that comes out of a volcano.

lava|to|rial /l�vətɔː riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Lavatorial jokes or stories involve childish references to urine or faeces. [mainly BRIT ]

lava|tory /l� vətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (lavatories ) N‑COUNT A lavatory is the same as a toilet . [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�at ] �the ladies' lavatory at the University of London. □� �a public lavatory.

la va|tory pa|per N‑UNCOUNT Lavatory paper is paper that you use to clean yourself after you have got rid of urine or faeces from your body. [BRIT , FORMAL ] in AM, use toilet paper

lav|en|der /l� v I ndə r / (lavenders )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Lavender is a garden plant with sweet-smelling, bluish-purple flowers.

2 COLOUR Lavender is used to describe things that are pale bluish-purple in colour.

lav|ish /l� v I ʃ/ (lavishes , lavishing , lavished )

1 ADJ If you describe something as lavish , you mean that it is very elaborate and impressive and a lot of money has been spent on it. □� �a lavish party to celebrate Bryan's fiftieth birthday. □� He staged the most lavish productions of Mozart. ●� lav|ish|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the train's lavishly furnished carriages.

2 ADJ If you say that spending, praise, or the use of something is lavish , you mean that someone spends a lot or that something is praised or used a lot. □� Critics attack his lavish spending and flamboyant style. □� The book drew lavish praise from literary critics.

3 ADJ If you say that someone is lavish in the way they behave, you mean that they give, spend, or use a lot of something. □�[+�in ] American reviewers are lavish in their praise of this book. □� He was always a lavish spender. [Also +�with ] ●� lav|ish|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Entertaining in style needn't mean spending lavishly.

4 VERB If you lavish money, affection, or praise on someone or something, you spend a lot of money on them or give them a lot of affection or praise. □�[V n +�on/upon ] Prince Sadruddin lavished praise on Britain's contributions to world diplomacy. □�[V n +�with ] The emperor promoted the general and lavished him with gifts.

law ◆◆◆ /lɔː / (laws )

1 N‑SING The law is a system of rules that a society or government develops in order to deal with crime, business agreements, and social relationships. You can also use the law to refer to the people who work in this system. □� Obscene and threatening phone calls are against the law. □�[+�on ] He had broken the law on election funding and illegally received money from abroad. □� There must be changes in the law to stop this sort of thing happening. □� The book analyses why women kill and how the law treats them.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] Law is used to refer to a particular branch of the law, such as criminal law or company law . □� He was a professor of criminal law at Harvard University law school. □� Important questions of constitutional law were involved.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A law is one of the rules in a system of law which deals with a particular type of agreement, relationship, or crime. □� �the country's liberal political asylum law. □� The law was passed on a second vote.

4 N‑PLURAL Thelawsof an organization or activity are its rules, which are used to organize and control it. □�[+�of ] �the laws of the Church of England. □�[+�of ] Match officials should not tolerate such behaviour but instead enforce the laws of the game.

5 N‑COUNT A law is a rule or set of rules for good behaviour which is considered right and important by the majority of people for moral, religious, or emotional reasons. □� �inflexible moral laws.

6 N‑COUNT A law is a natural process in which a particular event or thing always leads to a particular result. □� The laws of nature are absolute.

7 N‑COUNT A law is a scientific rule that someone has invented to explain a particular natural process. □�[+�of ] �the law of gravity.

8 N‑UNCOUNT Law or the law is all the professions which deal with advising people about the law, representing people in court, or giving decisions and punishments. □� A career in law is becoming increasingly attractive to young people. □� Nearly 100 law firms are being referred to the Solicitors' Disciplinary Tribunal.

9 N‑UNCOUNT Law is the study of systems of law and how laws work. □� He came to Oxford and studied law. □� He holds a law degree from Bristol University.

10 →�see also court of law , rule of law

11 PHRASE If you accuse someone of thinking they are above the law , you criticize them for thinking that they are so clever or important that they do not need to obey the law. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� One opposition member of parliament accuses the government of wanting to be above the law.

12 PHRASE The law of averages is the idea that something is sure to happen at some time, because of the number of times it generally happens or is expected to happen. □� On the law of averages we just can't go on losing.

13 PHRASE If you have to do something by law or if you are not allowed to do something by law , the law states that you have to do it or that you are not allowed to do it. □� By law all restaurants must display their prices outside.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone lays down the law , you are critical of them because they give other people orders and they think that they are always right. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �traditional parents, who believed in laying down the law for their offspring.

15 PHRASE If someone takes the law into their own hands , they punish someone or do something to put a situation right, instead of waiting for the police or the legal system to take action. □� If sentences are too lenient, victims and their families may be inclined to take the law into their own hands.

16 PHRASE If you say that someone is a law unto himself or herself, you mean that they behave in an independent way, ignoring laws, rules, or conventional ways of doing things. □� Some of the landowners were a law unto themselves.

17Sod's Law →�see sod SYNONYMS law NOUN 3

constitution:�the American Constitution.

legislation:�a letter calling for legislation to protect women's rights.

code:�Article 159 of the Turkish penal code.

charter:�Article 50 of the United Nations Charter.

act:�an Act of Parliament.

la w-abiding ADJ [usu ADJ n] A law-abiding person always obeys the law and is considered to be good and honest because of this. □� The Prime Minister said: 'I am anxious that the law should protect decent law-abiding citizens and their property.'

la w and o r|der N‑UNCOUNT When there is law and order in a country, the laws are generally accepted and obeyed, so that society there functions normally. □� If there were a breakdown of law and order, the army might be tempted to intervene.

la w-breaker (law-breakers ) also lawbreaker N‑COUNT A law-breaker is someone who breaks the law.

la w-breaking also law breaking N‑UNCOUNT Law-breaking is any kind of illegal activity. □� Civil disobedience, violent or non-violent, is intentional law breaking.

la w court (law courts ) N‑COUNT A law court is a place where legal matters are decided by a judge and jury or by a magistrate. □� She would never resort to the law courts to resolve her marital problems.

la w-enforcement N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Law-enforcement agencies or officials are responsible for catching people who break the law. [mainly AM ] □� We need to restore respect for the law-enforcement agencies.

law|ful /lɔː fʊl/ ADJ If an activity, organization, or product is lawful , it is allowed by law. [FORMAL ] □� It remains lawful to own these swords but not to carry them in public. □� Hunting is a lawful activity. ●� law|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Amnesty International is trying to establish whether the police acted lawfully in shooting him.

law|less /lɔː ləs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Lawless actions break the law, especially in a wild and violent way. □� �lawless behaviour. ●� law|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Lawlessness is a major problem.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A lawless place or time is one where people do not respect the law. □� �lawless inner-city streets plagued by muggings, thefts, assaults and even murder.

law|maker /lɔː me I kə r / (lawmakers ) N‑COUNT A lawmaker is someone such as a politician who is responsible for proposing and passing new laws. [AM ]

law|man /lɔː m�n/ (lawmen )

1 N‑COUNT Lawmen are men such as police officers or lawyers, whose work involves the law. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the 61-year-old lawman who headed the enquiry.

2 N‑COUNT In former times in western North America, a lawman was a sheriff or deputy sheriff. [AM ]

lawn /lɔː n/ (lawns ) N‑VAR A lawn is an area of grass that is kept cut short and is usually part of someone's garden or backyard, or part of a park.

lawn|mow|er /lɔː nmoʊə r / (lawnmowers ) also lawn mower N‑COUNT A lawnmower is a machine for cutting grass on lawns.

la wn ten|nis N‑UNCOUNT Lawn tennis is the same as tennis .

law|suit /lɔː suːt/ (lawsuits ) N‑COUNT A lawsuit is a case in a court of law which concerns a dispute between two people or organizations. [FORMAL ] □�[+�against ] The dispute culminated last week in a lawsuit against the government.

law|yer ◆◆◇ /lɔ I ə r / (lawyers ) N‑COUNT A lawyer is a person who is qualified to advise people about the law and represent them in court. □� Prosecution and defense lawyers are expected to deliver closing arguments next week. SYNONYMS lawyer NOUN

attorney:�a prosecuting attorney.

solicitor:You will need advice from a solicitor.

barrister:But their barristers pleaded for some leniency.

counsel:Singleton's counsel said after the trial that he would appeal.

advocate:The court will appoint a public advocate to represent your son.

lax /l� ks/ (laxer , laxest ) ADJ If you say that a person's behaviour or a system is lax , you mean they are not careful or strict about maintaining high standards. □� One of the problem areas is lax security for airport personnel. □� There have been allegations from survivors that safety standards had been lax. ●� lax|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The laxity of export control authorities has made a significant contribution to the problem.

laxa|tive /l� ksət I v/ (laxatives )

1 N‑VAR A laxative is food or medicine that you take to make you go to the toilet. □� Foods that ferment quickly in the stomach are excellent natural laxatives.

2 ADJ A laxative food or medicine is one that you take to make you go to the toilet. □� The artificial sweetener sorbitol has a laxative effect. □� Molasses are mildly laxative and something of a general tonic.

lay

➊�VERB AND NOUN USES

➋�ADJECTIVE USES

➊ lay ◆◆◇ /le I / (lays , laying , laid ) In standard English, the form lay is also the past tense of the verb lie in some meanings. In informal English, people sometimes use the word lay instead of lie in those meanings. →�Please look at categories 13 to 23 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you lay something somewhere, you put it there in a careful, gentle, or neat way. □�[V n prep/adv] Lay a sheet of newspaper on the floor. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] My father's working bench was covered with a cloth and his coffin was laid there. □�[V n prep/adv] Mothers routinely lay babies on their backs to sleep.

2 VERB If you lay the table or lay the places at a table, you arrange the knives, forks, and other things that people need on the table before a meal. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] The butler always laid the table. in AM, use set3 VERB If you lay something such as carpets, cables, or foundations, you put them into their permanent position. □�[V n] A man came to lay the saloon carpet. □�[V n] Public utilities dig up roads to lay pipes.

4 VERB To lay a trap means to prepare it in order to catch someone or something. □�[V n] They were laying a trap for the kidnapper.

5 VERB When a female bird lays an egg, it produces an egg by pushing it out of its body. □�[V n] My canary has laid an egg. □�[V ] Freezing weather in spring hampered the hens' ability to lay.

6 VERB Lay is used with some nouns to talk about making official preparations for something. For example, if you lay the basis for something or lay plans for it, you prepare it carefully. □�[V n] Diplomats meeting in Chile have laid the groundwork for far-reaching environmental regulations. □�[V n] The organisers meet in March to lay plans.

7 VERB Lay is used with some nouns in expressions about accusing or blaming someone. For example, if you lay the blame for a mistake on someone, you say it is their fault, or if the police lay charges against someone, they officially accuse that person of a crime. □�[V n prep] She refused to lay the blame on any one party. □�[V n] Police have decided not to lay charges over allegations of a phone tapping operation.

8 PHRASE If you lay yourself open to criticism or attack, or if something lays you open to it, something you do makes it possible or likely that other people will criticize or attack you. □� The party thereby lays itself open to charges of conflict of interest. □� Such a statement could lay her open to ridicule.

9to lay something bare →�see bare

10to lay claim to something →�see claim

11to lay something at someone's door →�see door

12to lay eyes on something →�see eye

13to lay a finger on someone →�see finger

14to lay your hands on something →�see hand ➊

15to lay down the law →�see law

16to lay down your life →�see life

17to lay something to rest →�see rest ➋

18to lay siege to something →�see siege

▸� lay aside

1 PHRASAL VERB If you lay something aside , you put it down, usually because you have finished using it or want to save it to use later. □�[V n P ] He finished the tea and laid the cup aside. □�[V P n] This allowed Ms. Kelley to lay aside money to start her business.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you lay aside a feeling or belief, you reject it or give it up in order to progress with something. □�[V P n] We must be willing to lay aside prejudice, and actively learn to love one another. [Also V n P ]

▸� lay down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you lay something down , you put it down, usually because you have finished using it. □�[V n P ] Daniel finished the article and laid the newspaper down on his desk. □�[V P n] She laid down her knife and fork and pushed her plate away.

2 PHRASAL VERB If rules or people in authority lay down what people should do or must do, they officially state what they should or must do. □�[V P n] Taxis must conform to the rigorous standards laid down by the police.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone lays down their weapons, they stop fighting a battle or war and make peace. □�[V P n] The drug-traffickers have offered to lay down their arms.

▸� lay in PHRASAL VERB If you lay in an amount of something, you buy it and store it to be used later. □�[V P n] They began to lay in extensive stores of food supplies.

▸� lay off

1 PHRASAL VERB If workers are laid off , they are told by their employers to leave their job, usually because there is no more work for them to do. [BUSINESS ] □�[be V -ed P ] 100,000 federal workers will be laid off to reduce the deficit. □�[V P n] They did not sell a single car for a month and had to lay off workers. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see also layoff

▸� lay on PHRASAL VERB If you lay on something such as food, entertainment, or a service, you provide or supply it, especially in a generous or grand way. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] They laid on a superb evening. [Also V n P ]

▸� lay out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you lay out a group of things, you spread them out and arrange them neatly, for example so that they can all be seen clearly. □�[V P n] Grace laid out the knives and forks at the lunch-table. □�[V n P ] She took a deck of cards and began to lay them out.

2 PHRASAL VERB To lay out ideas, principles, or plans means to explain or present them clearly, for example in a document or a meeting. □�[V P n] Maxwell listened closely as Johnson laid out his plan. □�[V n P ] Cuomo laid it out in simple language.

3 PHRASAL VERB To lay out an area of land or a building means to plan and design how its different parts should be arranged. □�[V P n] When we laid out the car parks, we reckoned on one car per four families. □�[V n P ] Only people that use a kitchen all the time understand the best way to lay it out.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you lay out money on something, you spend a large amount of money on it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] You won't have to lay out a fortune for this dining table.

5 →�see also layout

▸� lay up PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone is laid upwith an illness, the illness makes it necessary for them to stay in bed. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed P +�with ] I was laid up in bed with acute rheumatism. □�[be V -ed P ] Powell ruptured a disc in his back and was laid up for a year.

➋ lay /le I /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use lay to describe people who are involved with a Christian church but are not members of the clergy or are not monks or nuns. □� Edwards is a Methodist lay preacher and social worker.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use lay to describe people who are not experts or professionals in a particular subject or activity. □� It is difficult for a lay person to gain access to medical libraries.

lay|about /le I əbaʊt/ (layabouts ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a layabout , you disapprove of them because they do not work and you think they are lazy. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ]

la y-by (lay-bys ) N‑COUNT A lay-by is a short strip of road by the side of a main road, where cars can stop for a while. [BRIT ] □� I left my car in a lay-by and set off on foot. in AM, use pull-off , turn-out

lay|er ◆◇◇ /le I ə r / (layers , layering , layered )

1 N‑COUNT A layer of a material or substance is a quantity or piece of it that covers a surface or that is between two other things. □�[+�of ] A fresh layer of snow covered the street. □� Arrange all the vegetables except the potatoes in layers.

2 N‑COUNT If something such as a system or an idea has many layers , it has many different levels or parts. □�[+�of ] �an astounding ten layers of staff between the factory worker and the chief executive. □�[+�of ] Critics and the public puzzle out the layers of meaning in his photos.

3 VERB If you layer something, you arrange it in layers. □�[V n] Layer the potatoes, asparagus and salmon in the tin.

lay|ered /le I ə r d/ ADJ Something that is layered is made or exists in layers. □� Maria wore a layered white dress that rustled when she moved.

lay|man /le I mən/ (laymen )

1 N‑COUNT A layman is a person who is not trained, qualified, or experienced in a particular subject or activity. □� To the layman, the words 'heart failure' suggest imminent death.

2 N‑COUNT A layman is a man who is involved with the Christian church but is not a member of the clergy or a monk. □� In 1932, one Boston layman wrote to Archbishop William O'Connell in support of Father Coughlin.

lay|off /le I ɒf, [AM ] -ɔːf/ (layoffs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] When there are layoffs in a company, workers are told by their employers to leave their job, usually because there is no more work for them in the company. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] Store closures will result in layoffs of an estimated 2,000 employees.

2 N‑COUNT A layoff is a period of time in which people do not work or take part in their normal activities, often because they are resting or are injured. □� They both made full recoveries after lengthy injury layoffs.

lay|out /le I aʊt/ (layouts ) N‑COUNT The layout of a garden, building, or piece of writing is the way in which the parts of it are arranged. □�[+�of ] He tried to recall the layout of the farmhouse. □� This boat has a good deck layout making everything easy to operate.

la y per|son (lay persons or lay people ) also layperson N‑COUNT A lay person is a person who is not trained, qualified, or experienced in a particular subject or activity.

laze /le I z/ (lazes , lazing , lazed ) VERB If you laze somewhere for a period of time, you relax and enjoy yourself, not doing any work or anything else that requires effort. □�[V ] Fred lazed in an easy chair. □�[V prep] They used the swimming-pool, rode, lazed in the deep shade of the oaks in the heat of the day. ●�PHRASAL VERB Laze around or laze about means the same as laze . □�[V P ] He went to Spain for nine months, to laze around and visit relations. □�[V P ] I was happy enough to laze about on the beach.

lazy /le I zi/ (lazier , laziest )

1 ADJ If someone is lazy , they do not want to work or make any effort to do anything. □� Lazy and incompetent police officers are letting the public down. □�[+�to-inf] I was too lazy to learn how to read music. ●� la|zi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Current employment laws will be changed to reward effort and punish laziness.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use lazy to describe an activity or event in which you are very relaxed and which you do or take part in without making much effort. □� Her latest novel is perfect for a lazy summer's afternoon reading. □� We would have a lazy lunch and then lie on the beach in the sun. ●� la|zi|ly /le I z I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Liz went back into the kitchen, stretching lazily.

lblb is a written abbreviation for pound , when it refers to weight. □� The baby was born three months early weighing only 3 lb 5 oz.

LCD /e l siː diː / (LCDs ) N‑COUNT An LCD is a display of information on a screen, which uses liquid crystals that become visible when electricity is passed through them. LCD is an abbreviation for 'liquid crystal display'.

lead

➊�BEING AHEAD OR TAKING SOMEONE SOMEWHERE

➋�SUBSTANCES

➊ lead ◆◆◆ /liː d/ (leads , leading , led )

→�Please look at categories 22 to 24 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you lead a group of people, you walk or ride in front of them. □�[V n] John Major and the Duke of Edinburgh led the mourners. □�[V n prep/adv] He walks with a stick but still leads his soldiers into battle. □�[V ] Tom was leading, a rifle slung over his back.

2 VERB If you lead someone to a particular place or thing, you take them there. □�[V n prep/adv] He took Dickon by the hand to lead him into the house. □�[V n] Leading the horse, Evandar walked to the door.

3 VERB If a road, gate, or door leads somewhere, you can get there by following the road or going through the gate or door. □�[V prep/adv] �the doors that led to the yard. □�[V prep/adv] �a short roadway leading to the car park.

4 VERB If you are leading at a particular point in a race or competition, you are winning at that point. □�[V ] He's leading in the presidential race. □�[V +�by ] So far he leads by five wins to two. □�[V n] Aston Villa last led the League in March 1990.

5 N‑SING [oft in/into the N ] If you have thelead or are in thelead in a race or competition, you are winning. □� England took the lead after 31 minutes. □� Labour are still in the lead in the opinion polls.

6 N‑SING Someone's leadover a competitor at a particular point in a race or competition is the distance, amount of time, or number of points by which they are ahead of them. □�[+�for ] �a commanding lead for the opposition is clearly emerging throughout the country. □� His goal gave Forest a two-goal lead against Southampton. □� Sainz now has a lead of 28 points. [Also +�over ]

7 VERB If one company or country leads others in a particular activity such as scientific research or business, it is more successful or advanced than they are in that activity. □�[V n] When it comes to pop music we not only lead Europe, we lead the world. □�[V n +�in ] �foodstores such as Marks & Spencer, which led the market in microwaveable meals.

8 VERB If you lead a group of people, an organization, or an activity, you are in control or in charge of the people or the activity. □�[V n] Mr Mendes was leading a campaign to save Brazil's rainforest from exploitation.

9 N‑COUNT If you give a lead , you do something new or develop new ideas or methods that other people consider to be a good example or model to follow. □�[+�in ] The American and Japanese navies took the lead in the development of naval aviation. □� Over the next 150 years, many others followed his lead.

10 VERB You can use lead when you are saying what kind of life someone has. For example, if you lead a busy life, your life is busy. □�[V n] She led a normal, happy life with her sister and brother.

11 VERB If something leadsto a situation or event, usually an unpleasant one, it begins a process which causes that situation or event to happen. □�[V +�to ] Ethnic tensions among the republics could lead to civil war. □�[V +�to ] He warned yesterday that a pay rise for teachers would lead to job cuts.

12 VERB If something leads you to do something, it influences or affects you in such a way that you do it. □�[V n to-inf] His abhorrence of racism led him to write The Algiers Motel Incident. □�[V n to-inf] What was it ultimately that led you to leave Sarajevo for Zagreb?

13 VERB If you say that someone or something led you to think something, you mean that they caused you to think it, although it was not true or did not happen. □�[V n to-inf] Mother had led me to believe the new baby was a kind of present for me. □�[be V -ed to-inf] It was not as straightforward as we were led to believe.

14 VERB If you lead a conversation or discussion, you control the way that it develops so that you can introduce a particular subject. □�[V n adv/prep] After a while I led the conversation around to her job. □�[V n] He planned to lead the conversation and keep Matt from changing the subject.

15 VERB You can say that one point or topic in a discussion or piece of writing leads you to another in order to introduce a new point or topic that is linked with the previous one. □�[V n +�to ] Well, I think that leads me to the real point.

16 N‑COUNT A lead is a piece of information or an idea which may help people to discover the facts in a situation where many facts are not known, for example in the investigation of a crime or in a scientific experiment. □� The inquiry team is also following up possible leads after receiving 400 calls from the public.

17 N‑COUNT Thelead in a play, film, or show is the most important part in it. The person who plays this part can also be called the lead . □� Performers from the Bolshoi Ballet dance the leads. □� Both the leads in the play are impressive.

18 N‑COUNT A dog's lead is a long, thin chain or piece of leather which you attach to the dog's collar so that you can control the dog. [mainly BRIT ] □� An older man came out with a little dog on a lead. in AM, use leash19 N‑COUNT A lead in a piece of equipment is a piece of wire covered in plastic which supplies electricity to the equipment or carries it from one part of the equipment to another.

20 N‑SING [oft N n] The lead story or lead in a newspaper or on the television or radio news is the most important story. □�[+�in ] The economic situation makes the lead in tomorrow's Guardian. □� Cossiga's reaction is the lead story in the Italian press.

21 →�see also leading , -led

22to lead someone astray →�see astray

23one thing led to another →�see thing

24to lead the way →�see way

▸� lead off

1 PHRASAL VERB If a door, room, or path leads off a place or leads offfrom a place, you can go directly from that place through that door, into that room, or along that path. □�[V P n] There were two doors leading off the central room. □�[V P +�from ] The treatment rooms lead off from the swimming pool. □�[V P prep] A corridor led off to the left.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone leads off in an activity, meeting, or conversation, they start it. □�[V P ] Whenever there was a dance he and I led off. □�[V P n] Boren surprisingly led off the most intensive line of questioning today.

▸� lead on PHRASAL VERB If someone leads you on , they encourage you to do something, especially by pretending that something is true. □�[V n P ] I bet she led him on�but how could he be so weak?

▸� lead up to

1 PHRASAL VERB The events that led up to a particular event happened one after the other until that event occurred. □�[V P P n] Alan Tomlinson has reconstructed the events that led up to the deaths. □�[V P P n] They had a series of arguments, leading up to a decision to separate.

2 →�see also lead-up

3 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] The period of time leading up to an event is the period of time immediately before it happens. □�[V P P n] �the weeks leading up to Christmas.

4 PHRASAL VERB If someone leads up to a particular subject, they gradually guide a conversation to a point where they can introduce it. □�[V P P n] I'm leading up to something quite important.

➋ lead /le d/ (leads )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Lead is a soft, grey, heavy metal. □� �drinking water supplied by old-fashioned lead pipes.

2 N‑COUNT The lead in a pencil is the centre part of it which makes a mark on paper.

lead|ed /le d I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Leaded petrol has had lead added to it. □� Japanese refiners stopped producing leaded petrol in December 1987.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Leaded windows are made of small pieces of glass held together by strips of lead.

lead|en /le d ə n/

1 ADJ A leaden sky or sea is dark grey and has no movement of clouds or waves. [LITERARY ] □� The weather was at its worst; bitterly cold, with leaden skies that gave minimum visibility.

2 ADJ A leaden conversation or piece of writing is not very interesting. □� �a leaden English translation from the Latin.

3 ADJ If your movements are leaden , you move slowly and heavily, usually because you are tired. [LITERARY ] □� He heard the father's leaden footsteps move down the stairs.

lead|er ◆◆◆ /liː də r / (leaders )

1 N‑COUNT [n N ] The leader of a group of people or an organization is the person who is in control of it or in charge of it. □�[+�of ] We now need a new leader of the party and a new style of leadership. □� We are going to hold a rally next month to elect a new leader.

2 N‑COUNT The leader at a particular point in a race or competition is the person who is winning at that point. □� The world drivers' championship leader crossed the line ahead of the Swede.

3 N‑COUNT The leader among a range of products or companies is the one that is most successful. □�[+�in ] Procter & Gamble is the leader in the mass market cosmetics industry.

4 N‑COUNT A leader in a newspaper is a piece of writing which gives the editor's opinion on an important news item. [BRIT ] in AM, use editorial5 N‑COUNT A leader in a newspaper is the most important story in it. [AM ] in BRIT, use lead , lead story COLLOCATIONS leader NOUN 1

noun +�leader : church, community, council, team, union; opposition, party, world; business, industry; division, group, league

adjective +�leader : military, political, religious, spiritual, tribal; deputy

verb +�leader : appoint, choose, elect SYNONYMS leader NOUN 1

boss:Occasionally I have to go and ask the boss for a rise.

chief:�a commission appointed by the police chief.

head:�the head waiter.

captain:�Mickey Thomas, the captain of Wrexham football club.

commander:The commander and some of the men had been released.

director:�the director of the intensive care unit at Guy's Hospital.

lead|er|board /li ːdə r bɔ r d/ N‑SING Theleaderboard is a board that shows the names and positions of the leading competitors in a competition, especially a golf tournament.

lead|er|ship ◆◆◇ /liː də r ʃ I p/ (leaderships )

1 N‑COUNT You refer to people who are in control of a group or organization as the leadership . □� He is expected to hold talks with both the Croatian and Slovenian leaderships. □�[+�of ] �the Labour leadership of Haringey council in north London.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Someone's leadership is their position or state of being in control of a group of people. □� He praised her leadership during the crisis.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Leadership refers to the qualities that make someone a good leader, or the methods a leader uses to do his or her job. □� What most people want to see is determined, decisive action and firm leadership.

lead-free /le d friː / ADJ Something such as petrol or paint which is lead-free , is made without lead, or has no lead added to it.

lead-in /liː d I n/ (lead-ins ) N‑COUNT A lead-in is something that is said or done as an introduction before the main subject or event, especially before a radio or television programme.

lead|ing ◆◆◇ /liː d I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The leading person or thing in a particular area is the one which is most important or successful. □� �a leading member of Bristol's Sikh community.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The leading role in a play or film is the main role. A leading lady or man is an actor who plays this role.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The leading group, vehicle, or person in a race or procession is the one that is at the front. SYNONYMS leading ADJ 1

top:The President met this afternoon with his top military advisers.

main:�one of the main tourist areas of Amsterdam.

chief:The job went to one of her chief rivals.

major:Exercise has a major part to play in preventing and combating disease.

foremost:He was one of the world's foremost scholars of ancient Indian culture.

lea d|ing a r|ti|cle (leading articles )

1 N‑COUNT A leading article in a newspaper is a piece of writing which gives the editor's opinion on an important news item. [BRIT ] in AM, use editorial2 N‑COUNT A leading article in a newspaper is the most important story in it. [AM ] in BRIT, use lead

lea d|ing e dge N‑SING Theleading edgeof a particular area of research or development is the area of it that seems most advanced or sophisticated. □�[+�of ] I think Israel tends to be at the leading edge of technological development. ●� leading-edge ADJ □� �leading-edge technology.

lea d|ing li ght (leading lights ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a leading light in an organization, campaign, or community, you mean that they are one of the most important, active, enthusiastic, and successful people in it.

lea d|ing que s|tion (leading questions ) N‑COUNT A leading question is expressed in such a way that it suggests what the answer should be.

lead sing|er /liː d s I ŋə r / (lead singers ) N‑COUNT The lead singer of a pop group is the person who sings most of the songs.

lea d time (lead times )

1 N‑COUNT Lead time is the time between the original design or idea for a particular product and its actual production. [BUSINESS ] □� They aim to cut production lead times to under 18 months.

2 N‑COUNT Lead time is the period of time that it takes for goods to be delivered after someone has ordered them. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�on ] Lead times on new equipment orders can run as long as three years.

lead-up /liː d ʌp/ N‑SING The lead-upto an event is the things connected to that event that happen before it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�to ] The lead-up to the wedding was extremely interesting. in AM, usually use run-up

leaf ◆◇◇ /liː f/ (leaves , leafs , leafing , leafed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft in/into N ] The leaves of a tree or plant are the parts that are flat, thin, and usually green. Many trees and plants lose their leaves in the winter and grow new leaves in the spring. □�[+�of ] In the garden, the leaves of the horse chestnut had already fallen. □� The Japanese maple that stands across the drive had just come into leaf.

2 →�see also -leaved

3 N‑COUNT A leaf is one of the pieces of paper of which a book is made. □�[+�of ] He flattened the wrappers and put them between the leaves of his book.

4 PHRASE If you take a leaf from someone's book you behave in the same way as them because you want to be like that person or as successful as they are. □� Maybe we should take a leaf out of Branson's book. It's easy to see how he became a billionaire.

5 PHRASE If you say that you are going to turn over a new leaf , you mean that you are going to start to behave in a better or more acceptable way. □� He realized he was in the wrong and promised to turn over a new leaf.

▸� leaf through PHRASAL VERB If you leaf through something such as a book or magazine, you turn the pages without reading or looking at them very carefully. □�[V P n] Most patients derive enjoyment from leafing through old picture albums.

leaf|less /liː fləs/ ADJ If a tree or plant is leafless , it has no leaves.

leaf|let /liː flət/ (leaflets , leafleting , leafleted )

1 N‑COUNT A leaflet is a little book or a piece of paper containing information about a particular subject. □�[+�on ] Campaigners handed out leaflets on passive smoking.

2 VERB If you leaflet a place, you distribute leaflets there, for example by handing them to people, or by putting them through letter boxes. □�[V n] We've leafleted the university today to try to drum up some support. □�[V ] The only reason we leafleted on the Jewish New Year was because more people than usual go to the synagogue on that day.

lea f mould in AM, use leaf mold N‑UNCOUNT Leaf mould is a substance consisting of decayed leaves that is used to improve the soil.

leafy /liː fi/ (leafier , leafiest )

1 ADJ Leafy trees and plants have lots of leaves on them. □� His two-story brick home was graced with a patio and surrounded by tall, leafy trees.

2 ADJ You say that a place is leafy when there are lots of trees and plants there. □� �semi-detached homes with gardens in leafy suburban areas.

league ◆◆◇ /liː g/ (leagues )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A league is a group of people, clubs, or countries that have joined together for a particular purpose, or because they share a common interest. □�[+�of ] �the League of Nations. □� �the World Muslim League.

2 N‑COUNT A league is a group of teams that play the same sport or activity against each other. □� �the American League series between the Boston Red Sox and World Champion Oakland Athletics. □� The club are on the brink of promotion to the Premier League.

3 N‑COUNT You use the word league to make comparisons between different people or things, especially in terms of their quality. □� Her success has taken her out of my league. □� Their record sales would put them in the same league as The Rolling Stones.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone is in leaguewith another person to do something bad, you mean that they are working together to do that thing. □�[+�with ] There is no evidence that the broker was in league with the fraudulent vendor.

lea gue ta|ble (league tables ) N‑COUNT A league table is a list that shows how successful an organization such as a sports team or a business is when it is compared to other similar organizations. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �a league table of British schools ranked by exam results.

leak ◆◇◇ /liː k/ (leaks , leaking , leaked )

1 VERB If a container leaks , there is a hole or crack in it which lets a substance such as liquid or gas escape. You can also say that a container leaks a substance such as liquid or gas. □�[V ] The roof leaked. □�[V prep/adv] The pool's fiberglass sides had cracked and the water had leaked out. □�[V n +�into ] A large diesel tank mysteriously leaked its contents into the river. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT Leak is also a noun. □� It's thought a gas leak may have caused the blast.

2 N‑COUNT A leak is a crack, hole, or other gap that a substance such as a liquid or gas can pass through. □�[+�in ] �a leak in the radiator. □�[+�in ] In May engineers found a leak in a hydrogen fuel line.

3 VERB If a secret document or piece of information leaks or is leaked , someone lets the public know about it. □�[V n +�to ] Last year, a civil servant was imprisoned for leaking a document to the press. □�[V n] He revealed who leaked a confidential police report. □�[V ] We don't know how the transcript leaked. □�[V -ed] �a leaked report. ●�N‑COUNT Leak is also a noun. □� Leaks involving national security will be investigated by the police. ●�PHRASAL VERB Leak out means the same as leak . □�[V P ] More details are now beginning to leak out. □�[V P +�to ] He said it would leak out to the newspapers and cause a scandal. COLLOCATIONS leak NOUN

1

noun +�leak : gas, oil, radiation, water; apparent, minor

adjective +�leak : radioactive, toxic

verb +�leak : investigate; cause, spring; isolate, prevent, stop

3

adjective +�leak : damaging, embarrassing, serious; alleged, apparent VERB

1

leak+�noun : gas, oil, water

noun +�leak : pipe, roof, tap, valve

3

leak+�noun : details, information, security; document, email, memo

leak+�adverb : accidentally, allegedly, deliberately

leak|age /liː k I dʒ/ (leakages ) N‑VAR A leakage is an amount of liquid or gas that is escaping from a pipe or container by means of a crack, hole, or other fault. □� A leakage of kerosene has polluted water supplies. □�[+�from ] It should be possible to reduce leakage from pipes.

leak|er /liː kə r / (leakers ) N‑COUNT A leaker is someone who lets people know secret information. [JOURNALISM ] □� He found no direct evidence to identify a leaker.

leaky /liː ki/ (leakiest ) ADJ Something that is leaky has holes, cracks, or other faults which allow liquids and gases to pass through. □� �the cost of repairing the leaky roof.

lean ◆◇◇ /liː n/ (leans , leaning , leaned or leant , leaner , leanest ) American English uses the form leaned as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either leaned or leant . 1 VERB When you lean in a particular direction, you bend your body in that direction. □�[V adv/prep] Eileen leaned across and opened the passenger door. □�[V adv/prep] They stopped to lean over a gate.

2 VERB If you leanon or against someone or something, you rest against them so that they partly support your weight. If you lean an object on or against something, you place the object so that it is partly supported by that thing. □�[V adv] She was feeling tired and was glad to lean against him. □�[V n adv/prep] Lean the plants against a wall and cover the roots with peat.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as lean , you mean that they are thin but look strong and healthy. [APPROVAL ] □� Like most athletes, she was lean and muscular. □� She watched the tall, lean figure step into the car.

4 ADJ If meat is lean , it does not have very much fat. □� It is a beautiful meat, very lean and tender.

5 ADJ If you describe an organization as lean , you mean that it has become more efficient and less wasteful by getting rid of staff, or by dropping projects which were unprofitable. □� The value of the pound will force British companies to be leaner and fitter.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe periods of time as lean , you mean that people have less of something such as money or are less successful than they used to be. □� �the lean years of the 1930s. □� With fewer tourists in town, the taxi trade is going through its leanest patch for 30 years.

▸� lean on or lean upon PHRASAL VERB If you lean on someone or lean upon them, you depend on them for support and encouragement. □�[V P n] She leaned on him to help her to solve her problems.

▸� lean towards PHRASAL VERB If you lean towards or lean toward a particular idea, belief, or type of behaviour, you have a tendency to think or act in a particular way. □�[V P n] Most scientists would probably lean toward this viewpoint. SYNONYMS lean VERB 1

bend:I bent over and kissed her cheek.

tip:He leaned away from her, and she had to tip her head back to see him.

incline:Jack inclined his head very slightly.

lean|ing /liː n I ŋ/ (leanings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your particular leanings are the beliefs, ideas, or aims you hold or a tendency you have towards them. □� Many companies are wary of their socialist leanings. □�[+�towards ] I always had a leaning towards sport.

lea n ma nu|fa c|tur|ing N‑UNCOUNT Lean manufacturing is a manufacturing method which aims to reduce wastage, for example by keeping stocks low and by working more flexibly. [BUSINESS ] □� �efficiency-raising techniques such as lean manufacturing.

lea n pro|du c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Lean production is the same as lean manufacturing . [BUSINESS ] □� �Japanese-style lean production techniques.

leant /le nt/ Leant is one of the forms of the past tense and past participle of lean . [BRIT ]

lea n-to (lean-tos ) N‑COUNT A lean-to is a building such as a shed or garage which is attached to one wall of a larger building, and which usually has a sloping roof.

leap ◆◇◇ /liː p/ (leaps , leaping , leaped or leapt ) British English usually uses the form leapt as the past tense and past participle. American English usually uses leaped . 1 VERB If you leap , you jump high in the air or jump a long distance. □�[V prep/adv] He had leapt from a window in the building and escaped. □�[V ] The man threw his arms out as he leapt. ●�N‑COUNT Leap is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He won the championship with a leap of 2.37 metres.

2 VERB If you leap somewhere, you move there suddenly and quickly. □�[V prep/adv] The two men leaped into the jeep and roared off. □�[V prep/adv] With a terrible howl, he leapt forward and threw himself into the water.

3 VERB If a vehicle leaps somewhere, it moves there in a short sudden movement. □�[V adv/prep] The car leapt forward.

4 N‑COUNT A leap is a large and important change, increase, or advance. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�in ] The result has been a giant leap in productivity. □�[+�from ] �the leap in the unemployed from 35,000 to 75,000. □� Contemporary art has taken a huge leap forward in the last five or six years.

5 VERB If you leapto a particular place or position, you make a large and important change, increase, or advance. □�[V prep] The team leapt to 12th in the table.

6 VERB If you leapat a chance or opportunity, you accept it quickly and eagerly. □�[V +�at ] The post of principal of the theatre school became vacant and he leapt at the chance.

7 PHRASE You can use in leaps and bounds or by leaps and bounds to emphasize that someone or something is improving or increasing quickly and greatly. [EMPHASIS ] □� He's improved in leaps and bounds this season. □� The total number of species on the planet appears to be growing by leaps and bounds.

leap|frog /liː pfrɒg, [AM ] -frɔːg/ (leapfrogs , leapfrogging , leapfrogged )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Leapfrog is a game which children play, in which a child bends over, while others jump over their back.

2 VERB If one group of people leapfrogs into a particular position or leapfrogs someone else, they use the achievements of another person or group in order to make advances of their own. □�[V prep] It is already obvious that all four American systems have leapfrogged over the European versions. □�[V n] American researchers have now leapfrogged the Japanese and are going to produce a digital system within a year or two.

lea p of fai th (leaps of faith ) N‑COUNT If you take aleap of faith , you do something even though you are not sure it is right or will succeed. □� Take a leap of faith and trust them.

leapt /le pt/ Leapt is a past tense and past participle of leap .

lea p year (leap years ) N‑COUNT A leap year is a year which has 366 days. The extra day is the 29th February. There is a leap year every four years.

learn ◆◆◆ /lɜː r n/ (learns , learning , learned or learnt ) American English uses the form learned as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either learned or learnt . 1 VERB If you learn something, you obtain knowledge or a skill through studying or training. □�[V n] Their children were going to learn English. □�[V to-inf] He is learning to play the piano. □�[V wh] �learning how to use new computer systems. □�[V ] Experienced teachers help you learn quickly. [Also V +�about ] ●� learn|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a bilingual approach to the learning of English.

2 VERB If you learn of something, you find out about it. □�[V +�of ] It was only after his death that she learned of his affair with Betty. □�[V that] Later I learnt that the house was to be sold. □�[V wh] �the Admiral, who, on learning who I was, wanted to meet me.

3 VERB If people learnto behave or react in a particular way, they gradually start to behave in that way as a result of a change in attitudes. □�[V to-inf] You have to learn to face your problem. □�[V wh-to-inf] We are learning how to confront death instead of avoiding its reality.

4 VERB If you learnfrom an unpleasant experience, you change the way you behave so that it does not happen again or so that, if it happens again, you can deal with it better. □�[V +�from ] I am convinced that he has learned from his mistakes. □�[V n +�from ] The company failed to learn any lessons from this experience.

5 VERB If you learn something such as a poem or a role in a play, you study or repeat the words so that you can remember them. □�[V n] He learned this song as an inmate at a Texas prison.

6 →�see also learned , learning

7to learn the ropes →�see rope

learn|ed /lɜː r n I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A learned person has gained a lot of knowledge by studying. □� He is a serious scholar, a genuinely learned man.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Learned books or papers have been written by someone who has gained a lot of knowledge by studying. □� This learned book should start a real debate on Western policy towards the Baltics.

3 →�see also learn

learn|er /lɜː r nə r / (learners ) N‑COUNT A learner is someone who is learning about a particular subject or how to do something. □� �a new aid for younger children or slow learners.

learn|ing /lɜː r n I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Learning is the process of gaining knowledge through studying. □� The brochure described the library as the focal point of learning on the campus.

2 →�see also learn , seat of learning

lea rn|ing curve (learning curves ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A learning curve is a process where people develop a skill by learning from their mistakes. A steep learning curve involves learning very quickly. □� Both he and the crew are on a steep learning curve.

lea rn|ing dif|fi|cul|ty (learning difficulties ) N‑COUNT If someone has a learning difficulty , they have a condition that makes it difficult for them to learn as quickly or in the same way as most other people. □� The method helps people with coordination problems and learning difficulties, such as dyslexia.

learnt /lɜː r nt/ Learnt is a past tense and past participle of learn . [BRIT ]

lease ◆◇◇ /liː s/ (leases , leasing , leased )

1 N‑COUNT A lease is a legal agreement by which the owner of a building, a piece of land, or something such as a car allows someone else to use it for a period of time in return for money. □�[+�on ] He took up a 10 year lease on the house at Rossie Priory.

2 VERB If you lease property or something such as a car from someone or if they lease it to you, they allow you to use it in return for regular payments of money. □�[V n] He went to Toronto, where he leased an apartment. □�[V n +�to ] She hopes to lease the building to students. □�[V n n] He will need more grazing land and perhaps La Prade could lease him a few acres.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone or something has been given a new lease of life , you are emphasizing that they are much more lively or successful than they have been in the past. □� The operation has given me a new lease of life.

lease|hold /liː shoʊld/

1 ADJ If a building or land is described as leasehold , it is allowed to be used in return for payment according to the terms of a lease. [mainly BRIT ] □� I went into a leasehold property at four hundred and fifty pounds rent per year.

2 N‑COUNT If you have the leasehold of a building or piece of land, you have the legal right to use it for a period of time as arranged according to a lease. [mainly BRIT ]

lease|holder /liː shoʊldə r / (leaseholders ) N‑COUNT A leaseholder is a person who is allowed to use a property according to the terms of a lease. [mainly BRIT ]

leash /liː ʃ/ (leashes ) N‑COUNT A dog's leash is a long thin piece of leather or a chain, which you attach to the dog's collar so that you can keep the dog under control. □� All dogs in public places should be on a leash.

least ◆◆◆ /liː st/ Least is often considered to be the superlative form of little .

1 PHRASE You use at least to say that a number or amount is the smallest that is possible or likely and that the actual number or amount may be greater. The forms at the least and at the very least are also used. □� Aim to have at least half a pint of milk each day. □� You should use this mouthwash several times a day � twice at the very least.

2 PHRASE You use at least to say that something is the minimum that is true or possible. The forms at the least and at the very least are also used. □� She could take a nice holiday at least. □� At the least, I needed some sleep. □� His possession of classified documents in his home was, at the very least, a violation of Navy security regulations.

3 PHRASE You use at least to indicate an advantage that exists in spite of the disadvantage or bad situation that has just been mentioned. □� We've no idea what his state of health is but at least we know he is still alive. □� If something awful happens to you at least you can write about it.

4 PHRASE You use at least to indicate that you are correcting or changing something that you have just said. □� It's not difficult to get money for research or at least it's not always difficult.

5 ADJ You use the least to mean a smaller amount than anyone or anything else, or the smallest amount possible. □� I try to offend the least amount of people possible. □� If you like cheese, go for the ones with the least fat. ●�PRON Least is also a pronoun. □� On education funding, Japan performs best but spends the least per student. ●�ADV Least is also an adverb. □� Damming the river may end up benefitting those who need it the least.

6 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use least to indicate that someone or something has less of a particular quality than most other things of its kind. □� He is the youngest and least experienced player in the team.

7 ADJ You use the least to emphasize the smallness of something, especially when it hardly exists at all. [EMPHASIS ] □� I don't have the least idea of what you're talking about. □� They neglect their duty at the least hint of fun elsewhere.

8 ADV [ADV with v] You use least to indicate that something is true or happens to a smaller degree or extent than anything else or at any other time. □� He had a way of throwing her off guard with his charm when she least expected it.

9 ADJ You use least in structures where you are emphasizing that a particular situation or event is much less important or serious than other possible or actual ones. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] Having to get up at three o'clock every morning was the least of her worries. □�[+�of ] At that moment, they were among the least of the concerns of the government.

10 PRON You use the least in structures where you are stating the minimum that should be done in a situation, and suggesting that more should really be done. □� Well, the least you can do, if you won't help me yourself, is to tell me where to go instead. □� The least his hotel could do is provide a little privacy.

11 PHRASE You can use in the least and the least bit to emphasize a negative. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm not like that at all. Not in the least. □� I'm not in the least bit touched by the Marilyn Monroe kind of beauty. □� Alice wasn't the least bit frightened.

12 PHRASE You use last but not least to say that the last person or thing to be mentioned is as important as all the others. □� �her four sons, Christopher, twins Daniel and Nicholas, and last but not least 2-year-old Jack.

13 PHRASE You can use least of all after a negative statement to emphasize that it applies especially to the person or thing mentioned. [EMPHASIS ] □� No one ever reads these articles, least of all me. □� Such a speech should never have been made, least of all by a so called responsible politician.

14 PHRASE You can use not least to emphasize a particularly important example or reason. [EMPHASIS ] □� Dieting can be bad for you, not least because it is a cause of stress. □� Everyone is more reluctant to travel these days, not least the Americans.

15 PHRASE You can use to say the least to suggest that a situation is actually much more extreme or serious than you say it is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Accommodation was basic to say the least. □� Some members of the public can be a bit abusive to say the least.

leath|er ◆◇◇ /le �ə r / (leathers ) N‑VAR Leather is treated animal skin which is used for making shoes, clothes, bags, and furniture. □� He wore a leather jacket and dark trousers. □� �an impressive range of upholstered furniture, in a choice of fabrics and leathers.

leath|ery /le �əri/ ADJ If the texture of something, for example someone's skin, is leathery , it is tough and hard, like leather.

leave ◆◆◆ /liː v/ (leaves , leaving , left )

1 VERB If you leave a place or person, you go away from that place or person. □�[V n] He would not be allowed to leave the country. □�[V n] I simply couldn't bear to leave my little girl. □�[V +�in ] My flight leaves in less than an hour. □�[V +�for ] The last of the older children had left for school.

2 VERB If you leave an institution, group, or job, you permanently stop attending that institution, being a member of that group, or doing that job. □�[V n] He left school with no qualifications. □�[V ] I am leaving to concentrate on writing fiction. □�[V -ing] �a leaving present.

3 VERB If you leave your husband, wife, or some other person with whom you have had a close relationship, you stop living with them or you finish the relationship. □�[V n] He'll never leave you. You need have no worry. □�[V n +�for ] I would be insanely jealous if Bill left me for another woman. [Also V ]

4 VERB If you leave something or someone in a particular place, you let them remain there when you go away. If you leave something or someone with a person, you let them remain with that person so they are safe while you are away. □�[V n prep/adv] From the moment that Philippe had left her in the bedroom at the hotel, she had heard nothing of him. □�[V n +�with ] Leave your key with a neighbour in case you lock yourself out one day.

5 VERB If you leave a message or an answer, you write it, record it, or give it to someone so that it can be found or passed on. □�[V n prep/adv] You can leave a message on our answering machine. □�[V n] Decide whether the ball is in square A, B, C, or D, then call and leave your answer. □�[V n +�with ] I left my phone number with several people.

6 VERB If you leave someone doing something, they are doing that thing when you go away from them. □�[V n v-ing] Salter drove off, leaving Callendar surveying the scene.

7 VERB If you leave someone to do something, you go away from them so that they do it on their own. If you leave someone to himself or herself, you go away from them and allow them to be alone. □�[V n to-inf] I'd better leave you to get on with it, then. □�[V n to it ] Diana took the hint and left them to it. □�[be V -ed +�to ] One of the advantages of a department store is that you are left to yourself to try things on. [Also V n to pron-refl]

8 VERB To leave an amount of something means to keep it available after the rest has been used or taken away. □�[V n +�for ] He always left a little food for the next day. □�[V n n] Double rooms at any of the following hotels should leave you some change from �150.

9 VERB If you take one number away from another, you can say that it leaves the number that remains. For example, five take away two leaves three.

10 VERB To leave someone with something, especially when that thing is unpleasant or difficult to deal with, means to make them have it or make them responsible for it. □�[V n +�with ] �a crash which left him with a broken collar-bone.

11 VERB If an event leaves people or things in a particular state, they are in that state when the event has finished. □�[V n adj] �violent disturbances which have left at least ten people dead. □�[V n prep/adv] The documentary left me in a state of shock.

12 VERB If you leave food or drink, you do not eat or drink it, often because you do not like it. □�[V n] If you don't like the cocktail you ordered, just leave it and try a different one.

13 VERB If something leaves a mark, effect, or sign, it causes that mark, effect, or sign to remain as a result. □�[V n] A muscle tear will leave a scar after healing.

14 VERB If you leave something in a particular state, position, or condition, you let it remain in that state, position, or condition. □�[V n adj] He left the album open on the table. □�[V n adv/prep] I've left the car lights on. □�[V n v-ing] I left the engine running.

15 VERB If you leave a space or gap in something, you deliberately make that space or gap. □�[V n] Leave a gap at the top and bottom so air can circulate.

16 VERB If you leave a job, decision, or choice to someone, you give them the responsibility for dealing with it or making it. □�[V n +�to ] Affix the blue airmail label and leave the rest to us. □�[V n +�to ] The judge should not have left it to the jury to decide. □�[V n to-inf] For the moment, I leave you to take all decisions.

17 VERB If you say that something such as an arrangement or an agreement leaves a lot to another thing or person, you are critical of it because it is not adequate and its success depends on the other thing or person. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V amount +�to ] The ceasefire leaves a lot to the goodwill of the forces involved.

18 VERB To leave someone with a particular course of action or the opportunity to do something means to let it be available to them, while restricting them in other ways. □�[V n n] This left me only one possible course of action. □�[be V -ed +�with ] He was left with no option but to resign.

19 VERB If you leave something until a particular time, you delay doing it or dealing with it until then. □�[V n +�until/to ] Don't leave it all until the last minute. ●�PHRASE If you leave something too late , you delay doing it so that when you eventually do it, it is useless or ineffective. □� I hope I haven't left it too late.

20 VERB If you leave a particular subject, you stop talking about it and start discussing something else. □�[V n] I think we'd better leave the subject of Nationalism. □�[V n prep/adv] He suggested we get together for a drink sometime. I said I'd like that, and we left it there.

21 VERB If you leave property or money to someone, you arrange for it to be given to them after you have died. □�[V n +�to ] He died two and a half years later, leaving everything to his wife.

22 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Leave is a period of time when you are not working at your job, because you are on holiday or vacation, or for some other reason. If you are on leave , you are not working at your job. □� Why don't you take a few days' leave? □� �maternity leave. □� He is home on leave from the Navy.

23 →�see also left ➊

24 PHRASE If you leave someone or something alone , or if you leave them be , you do not pay them any attention or bother them. □� Some people need to confront a traumatic past; others find it better to leave it alone. □� Why can't you leave him be?

25 PHRASE If something continues fromwhere it left off , it starts happening again at the point where it had previously stopped. □� As soon as the police disappear the violence will take up from where it left off.

26to leave a lot to be desired →�see desire

27to leave someone to their own devices →�see device

28to take leave of your senses →�see sense

29take it or leave it →�see take ➋

▸� leave behind

1 PHRASAL VERB If you leave someone or something behind , you go away permanently from them. □�[V n P ] He decided he must take his family with him as it was too dangerous to leave them behind. □�[V P n] I hated it at first because it meant leaving behind all my friends.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you leave behind an object or a situation, it remains after you have left a place. □�[V n P ] I don't want to leave anything behind. □�[V P n] A misty rain in the morning had left behind a coolness that would stay for hours.

3 PHRASAL VERB If a person, country, or organization is left behind , they remain at a lower level than others because they are not as quick at understanding things or developing. □�[be V -ed P ] We're going to be left behind by the rest of the world. □�[get V -ed P ] I got left behind at school with the maths. □�[V n P ] Inflation has left them way behind.

▸� leave off

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something is left off a list, they are not included on that list. □�[be V -ed P n] She has been deliberately left off the guest list. □�[V n P n] The judge left Walsh's name off the list of those he wanted arrested. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone leaves off doing something, they stop doing it. □�[V P v-ing] We all left off eating and stood about with bowed heads. □�[V P n] Some of the patients left off treatment.

▸� leave out PHRASAL VERB If you leave someone or something out of an activity, collection, discussion, or group, you do not include them in it. □�[V n P +�of ] Some would question the wisdom of leaving her out of the team. □�[V P n] If you prefer mild flavours reduce or leave out the chilli. □�[V n P ] Now have we left any country out? ●�PHRASE If someone feels left out , they feel sad because they are not included in a group or activity.

-leaved /-liːvd/ also -leafed COMB -leaved or -leafed combines with adjectives to form other adjectives which describe the type of leaves a tree or plant has. □� �broad-leaved trees. □� �very dense and small-leafed maples.

leav|en /le v ə n/ (leavens , leavening , leavened ) VERB If a situation or activity is leavenedby or with something, it is made more interesting or cheerful. □�[be V -ed +�by/with ] His mood of deep pessimism cannot have been leavened by his mode of transport�a black cab. □�[V n +�by/with ] He found congenial officers who knew how to leaven war's rigours with riotous enjoyment. [Also V n]

lea ve of a b|sence (leaves of absence ) N‑VAR If you have leave of absence you have permission to be away from work for a certain period.

leaves /liː vz/ Leaves is the plural form of leaf , and the third person singular form of the present tense of leave .

Leba|nese /le bəniː z/ (Lebanese )

1 ADJ Lebanese means belonging or relating to Lebanon, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Lebanese is a Lebanese citizen, or a person of Lebanese origin.

lech|er /le tʃə r / (lechers ) N‑COUNT If you describe a man as a lecher , you disapprove of him because you think he behaves towards women in a way which shows he is only interested in them sexually. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

lech|er|ous /le tʃərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a man as lecherous , you disapprove of him because he behaves towards women in a way which shows he is only interested in them sexually. [DISAPPROVAL ]

lech|ery /le tʃəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Lechery is the behaviour of men who are only interested in women sexually. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His lechery made him the enemy of every self-respecting husband and father in the county.

lec|tern /le ktə r n/ (lecterns ) N‑COUNT A lectern is a high sloping desk on which someone puts their notes when they are standing up and giving a lecture.

lec|ture ◆◇◇ /le ktʃə r / (lectures , lecturing , lectured )

1 N‑COUNT A lecture is a talk someone gives in order to teach people about a particular subject, usually at a university or college. □�[+�by ] �a series of lectures by Professor Eric Robinson.

2 VERB If you lectureon a particular subject, you give a lecture or a series of lectures about it. □�[V +�on/in ] She then invited him to Atlanta to lecture on the history of art. □�[V ] She has danced, choreographed, lectured and taught all over the world.

3 VERB If someone lectures you about something, they criticize you or tell you how they think you should behave. □�[V n +�about/on ] He used to lecture me about getting too much sun. □�[V n] Chuck would lecture me, telling me to get a haircut. □�[V ] She was no longer interrogating but lecturing. [Also V n to-inf] ●�N‑COUNT Lecture is also a noun. □�[+�on ] Our captain gave us a stern lecture on safety. SYNONYMS lecture NOUN 1

talk:I attended a talk on ancient Rome.

speech:She is due to make a speech on the economy next week.

seminar:We attended a series of half-day seminars on information technology.

lec|tur|er /le ktʃərə r / (lecturers ) N‑COUNT A lecturer is a teacher at a university or college. □�[+�in ] �a lecturer in law at Southampton University.

lec|ture|ship /le ktʃə r ʃ I p/ (lectureships ) N‑COUNT A lectureship is the position of lecturer at a university or college.

led /le d/ Led is the past tense and past participle of lead .

-led /-led/

1 COMB [usu ADJ n] -led combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that something is organized, directed, or controlled by a particular person or group. □� �the student-led democracy movement. □� �a German-led European consortium.

2 COMB -led combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that something is mainly caused or influenced by a particular factor. □� Their prosperity depends on export-led growth. □� �a market-led economy.

ledge /le dʒ/ (ledges )

1 N‑COUNT A ledge is a piece of rock on the side of a cliff or mountain, which is in the shape of a narrow shelf.

2 N‑COUNT A ledge is a narrow shelf along the bottom edge of a window. □� She had climbed onto the ledge outside his window.

ledg|er /le dʒə r / (ledgers ) N‑COUNT A ledger is a book in which a company or organization writes down the amounts of money it spends and receives. [BUSINESS ]

lee /liː / (lees )

1 N‑SING [with poss] Thelee of a place is the shelter that it gives from the wind or bad weather. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the cathedral, which nestles in the lee of a hill beneath the town.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In sailing, the lee side of a ship is the one that is away from the wind. [TECHNICAL ]

leech /liː tʃ/ (leeches )

1 N‑COUNT A leech is a small animal which looks like a worm and lives in water. Leeches feed by attaching themselves to other animals and sucking their blood.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a leech , you disapprove of them because they deliberately depend on other people, often making money out of them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They're just a bunch of leeches cadging off others!

leek /liː k/ (leeks ) N‑VAR Leeks are long thin vegetables which smell similar to onions. They are white at one end, have long light green leaves, and are eaten cooked.

leer /l I ə r / (leers , leering , leered ) VERB If someone leers at you, they smile in an unpleasant way, usually because they are sexually interested in you. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V prep/adv] Men were standing around, swilling beer and occasionally leering at passing females. □�[V ] He looked back at Kenworthy and leered. ●�N‑COUNT Leer is also a noun. □� When I asked the clerk for my room key, he gave it to me with a leer.

leery /l I ə ri/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are leeryof something, you are cautious and suspicious about it and try to avoid it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Executives say they are leery of the proposed system. □�[+�about ] They were leery about investing in a company controlled by a single individual.

2 ADJ If someone looks or smiles at you in a leery way, they look or smile at you in an unpleasant way, usually because they are sexually interested in you. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a leery grin.

lee|way /liː we I / N‑UNCOUNT Leeway is the freedom that someone has to take the action they want to or to change their plans. □�[+�to-inf] Rarely do schoolteachers have leeway to teach classes the way they want.

left

➊�REMAINING

➋�DIRECTION AND POLITICAL GROUPINGS

➊ left ◆◇◇ /le ft/

1Left is the past tense and past participle of leave .

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If there is a certain amount of something left , or if you have a certain amount of it left , it remains when the rest has gone or been used. □� Is there any gin left? □� He's got plenty of money left. □� They still have six games left to play. ●�PHRASE If there is a certain amount of something left over , or if you have it left over , it remains when the rest has gone or been used. □� So much income is devoted to monthly mortgage payments that nothing is left over. □� �a large bucket of cut flowers left over from the wedding.

➋ left ◆◆◆ /le ft/ The spelling Left is also used for meanings 3 and 4 . 1 N‑SING The left is one of two opposite directions, sides, or positions. If you are facing north and you turn to the left, you will be facing west. In the word 'to', the 't' is to the left of the 'o'. □� In Britain cars drive on the left. □�[+�of ] �the brick wall to the left of the conservatory. □� Beaufort Castle is on your left. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Left is also an adverb. □�[+�at ] Turn left at the crossroads into Clay Lane.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Your left arm, leg, or ear, for example, is the one which is on the left side of your body. Your left shoe or glove is the one which is intended to be worn on your left foot or hand.

3 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to people who support the political ideals of socialism as the left . They are often contrasted with the right , who support the political ideals of capitalism and conservatism. □� �the traditional parties of the Left.

4 N‑SING [usu to the N ] If you say that a person or political party has moved to theleft , you mean that their political beliefs have become more left-wing. □� After Mrs Thatcher's first election victory in 1979, Labour moved sharply to the left.

le ft-cli ck (left-clicks , left-clicking , left-clicked ) VERB To left-click or to left-clickon something means to press the left-hand button on a computer mouse. [COMPUTING ] □�[V +�on ] When the menu has popped up you should left-click on one of the choices to make it operate.

le ft fie ld

1 N‑SING If you say that someone or something has come out ofleft field or is out inleft field , you mean that they are untypical, unusual, or strange in some way. □� The question came out of left field, but Mary Ann wasn't really surprised. □� He is, like most theorists, out there in left field, ignoring the experimental evidence.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Left-field means slightly odd or unusual. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a left-field cabaret act. □� Her parents were creative and left-field and wanted Polly to become a singer or a truck driver.

le ft-hand ADJ [ADJ n] If something is on the left-hand side of something, it is positioned on the left of it. □� The keys are in the back left-hand corner of the drawer.

le ft-hand dri ve ADJ [usu ADJ n] A left-hand drive vehicle has the steering wheel on the left side, and is designed to be used in countries where people drive on the right-hand side of the road.

le ft-ha nded ADJ Someone who is left-handed uses their left hand rather than their right hand for activities such as writing and sports and for picking things up. □� There is a place in London that supplies practically everything for left-handed people. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Left-handed is also an adverb. □� My father thought that I'd be at a disadvantage if I wrote left-handed.

le ft-ha nder (left-handers ) N‑COUNT You can describe someone as a left-hander if they use their left hand rather than their right hand for activities such as writing and sports and for picking things up.

left|ism /le ft I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Leftism refers to the beliefs and behaviour of people who support socialist ideals. □� Franco's intention was to eliminate all traces of leftism and liberalism.

left|ist /le ft I st/ (leftists )

1 N‑COUNT Socialists and Communists are sometimes referred to as leftists . □� Two of the men were leftists and two were centrists. □� �Chilean leftists.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone, their ideals, or their activities as leftist , you mean that they support the ideas of socialism or communism. □� �an alliance of seven leftist parties. □� �extreme leftist ideas.

le ft-ju stify (left-justifies , left-justifying , left-justified ) VERB If printed text is left-justified , each line begins at the same distance from the left-hand edge of the page or column. □�[be V -ed] The data in the cells should be left-justified. [Also V , V n]

le ft lu g|gage N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Left luggage is used to refer to luggage that people leave at a special place in a railway station or an airport, and which they collect later. [BRIT ] □� �a left luggage locker at Victoria Station.

le ft-of-ce ntre in AM, use left of center ADJ [usu ADJ n] Left-of-centre people or political parties support political ideas which are closer to socialism than to capitalism.

left|over /le ftoʊvə r / (leftovers ) also left-over

1 N‑PLURAL You can refer to food that has not been eaten after a meal as leftovers . □� Refrigerate any leftovers.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use leftover to describe an amount of something that remains after the rest of it has been used or eaten. □� Leftover chicken makes a wonderful salad.

left|ward /le ftwə r d/ also leftwards ADJ [ADJ n] Leftward or leftwards means on or towards a political position that is closer to socialism than to capitalism. □� Their success does not necessarily reflect a leftward shift in politics. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Leftward is also an adverb. □� He seemed to move leftward as he grew older.

le ft-wi ng ◆◇◇ The spelling left wing is used for meaning 2 . 1 ADJ Left-wing people have political ideas that are based on socialism. □� They said they would not be voting for him because he was too left-wing.

2 N‑SING Theleft wing of a group of people, especially a political party, consists of the members of it whose beliefs are closer to socialism than are those of its other members. □� The left-wing of the party is confident that the motion will be carried.

le ft-wi nger (left-wingers ) N‑COUNT A left-winger is a person whose political beliefs are close to socialism, or closer to them than most of the other people in the same group or party. □� We were accused of being militant left-wingers.

lefty /le fti/ (lefties ) also leftie

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you refer to someone as a lefty , you mean that they have socialist beliefs. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a large group of students and trendy lefties.

2 N‑COUNT A lefty is someone, especially a sports player, who is left-handed. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

leg ◆◆◇ /le g/ (legs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A person or animal's legs are the long parts of their body that they use to stand on. □� He was tapping his walking stick against his leg. ●� -legged /-leg I d/ COMB □� Her name was Sheila, a long-legged blonde. □� �a large four-legged animal.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The legs of a pair of trousers are the parts that cover your legs. □� He moved on through wet grass that soaked his trouser legs.

3 N‑COUNT [n N ] A leg of lamb, pork, chicken, or other meat is a piece of meat that consists of the animal's or bird's leg, especially the thigh. □� �a chicken leg. □�[+�of ] �a leg of mutton.

4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] The legs of a table, chair, or other piece of furniture are the parts that rest on the floor and support the furniture's weight. □�[+�of ] His ankles were tied to the legs of the chair. ●� -legged COMB □� �a three-legged stool.

5 N‑COUNT A leg of a long journey is one part of it, usually between two points where you stop. □�[+�of ] The first leg of the journey was by boat to Lake Naivasha in Kenya.

6 N‑COUNT A leg of a sports competition is one of a series of games that are played to find an overall winner. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] The Arsenal centre back scored in both legs of the Champions League qualifier .

7 PHRASE If you say that something or someone is on their last legs , you mean that the period of time when they were successful or strong is ending. [INFORMAL ] □� This relationship is on its last legs.

8 PHRASE If you are pulling someone's leg , you are teasing them by telling them something shocking or worrying as a joke. [INFORMAL ] □� Of course I won't tell them; I was only pulling your leg.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone does not have a leg to stand on , or hasn't got a leg to stand on , you mean that a statement or claim they have made cannot be justified or proved. [INFORMAL ] □� It's only my word against his, I know. So I don't have a leg to stand on.

10an arm and a leg →�see arm ➊

11with your tail between your legs →�see tail

lega|cy /le gəsi/ (legacies )

1 N‑COUNT A legacy is money or property which someone leaves to you when they die. □� You could make a real difference to someone's life by leaving them a generous legacy.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A legacyof an event or period of history is something which is a direct result of it and which continues to exist after it is over. □�[+�of ] �the legacy of inequality and injustice created by Apartheid.

le|gal ◆◆◇ /liː g ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Legal is used to describe things that relate to the law. □� He vowed to take legal action. □� �the British legal system. □� I sought legal advice on this. ●� le|gal|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� There are reasons to doubt that a second trial is morally, legally or politically justified. □� It could be a bit problematic, legally speaking.

2 ADJ An action or situation that is legal is allowed or required by law. □� What I did was perfectly legal. □� �drivers who have more than the legal limit of alcohol. SYNONYMS legal ADJ 2

lawful:It was lawful for the doctors to treat her in the way they considered best.

allowed:Gifts like chocolates or flowers are allowed.

authorized:Entry into this area is for authorized personnel only.

le |gal ai d N‑UNCOUNT Legal aid is money given by the government or another organization to people who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer.

le |gal hi gh (legal highs ) N‑COUNT A legal high is a drug that is taken because of its pleasant effects, but which is not illegal. □� The girl suffered a dangerous reaction after taking a legal high.

le|gal|ise /liː gəla I z/ →�see legalize

le|gal|is|tic /liː gəl I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone's language or ideas are legalistic , you are criticizing them for paying too much attention to legal details. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �complicated legalistic language. □� �his fussily legalistic mind.

le|gal|ity /lig� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about thelegalityof an action or situation, you are talking about whether it is legal or not. □�[+�of ] The auditor has questioned the legality of the contracts.

le|gal|ize /liː gəla I z/ (legalizes , legalizing , legalized ) in BRIT, also use legalise VERB If something is legalized , a law is passed that makes it legal. □�[be V -ed] Divorce was legalized in 1981. □�[V n] �the decision of the Georgian government to legalise multi-party elections. ●� le|gali|za|tion /liː gəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the legalization of same-sex marriage.

le |gal te n|der N‑UNCOUNT Legal tender is money, especially a particular coin or banknote, which is officially part of a country's currency at a particular time.

leg|ate /le g I t/ (legates ) N‑COUNT A legate is a person who is the official representative of another person, especially the Pope's official representative in a country. [FORMAL ]

le|ga|tion /l I ge I ʃ ə n/ (legations )

1 N‑COUNT A legation is a group of government officials and diplomats who work in a foreign country and represent their government in that country. □� �a member of the U.S. legation.

2 N‑COUNT A legation is the building in which a legation works.

leg|end ◆◇◇ /le dʒ ə nd/ (legends )

1 N‑VAR A legend is a very old and popular story that may be true. □�[+�of ] �the legends of ancient Greece. □� The play was based on Irish legend.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a legend , you mean that they are very famous and admired by a lot of people. [APPROVAL ] □� �blues legends John Lee Hooker and B.B. King.

3 N‑VAR A legend is a story that people talk about, concerning people, places, or events that exist or are famous at the present time. □� The incident has since become a family legend. □� His frequent brushes with death are the stuff of legend among the press.

leg|end|ary /le dʒ ə ndri, [AM ] -deri/

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as legendary , you mean that they are very famous and that many stories are told about them. □� �the legendary Jazz singer Adelaide Hall. □� His political skill is legendary.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A legendary person, place, or event is mentioned or described in an old legend. □� The hill is supposed to be the resting place of the legendary King Lud.

-legged /-leg I d/ →�see leg

leg|gings /le g I ŋz/

1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Leggings are close-fitting trousers, usually made out of a stretchy fabric, that are worn by women and girls.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Leggings are an outer covering of leather or other strong material, often in the form of trousers, that you wear over your normal trousers in order to protect them. □� �a pair of leggings to slip on over your other clothes.

leg|gy /le gi/ ADJ If you describe someone, usually a woman, as leggy , you mean that they have very long legs and usually that you find this attractive. □� The leggy beauty was none other than our own Naomi Campbell.

leg|ible /le dʒ I b ə l/ ADJ Legible writing is clear enough to read. □� My handwriting isn't very legible. □� �a barely legible sign.

le|gion /liː dʒ ə n/ (legions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A legion is a large group of soldiers who form one section of an army. □� He joined the French Foreign Legion.

2 N‑COUNT A legionof people or things is a great number of them. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] His delightful sense of humour won him a legion of friends.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that things of a particular kind are legion , you mean that there are a great number of them. [FORMAL ] □� Ellie's problems are legion.

leg|is|late /le dʒ I sle I t/ (legislates , legislating , legislated ) VERB When a government or state legislates , it passes a new law. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�against ] Most member countries have already legislated against excessive overtime. □�[V to-inf] You cannot legislate to change attitudes. □�[V n] �attempts to legislate a national energy strategy. [Also V ] [Also V +�for/on ]

leg|is|la|tion ◆◇◇ /le dʒ I sle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Legislation consists of a law or laws passed by a government. [FORMAL ] □� �a letter calling for legislation to protect women's rights.

leg|is|la|tive /le dʒ I slət I v, [AM ] -le I -/ ADJ [ADJ n] Legislative means involving or relating to the process of making and passing laws. [FORMAL ] □� Today's hearing was just the first step in the legislative process. □� �the country's highest legislative body.

leg|is|la|tor /le dʒ I sle I tə r / (legislators ) N‑COUNT A legislator is a person who is involved in making or passing laws. [FORMAL ] □� �an attempt to get U.S. legislators to change the system.

leg|is|la|ture /le dʒ I slətʃə r , [AM ] -le I -/ (legislatures ) N‑COUNT The legislature of a particular state or country is the group of people in it who have the power to make and pass laws. [FORMAL ] □� The Florida state legislature passed new gambling laws.

le|git /lədʒ I t/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe a person or thing as legit , you mean that they are in accordance with the law or with a particular set of rules and regulations. [INFORMAL ] □� I checked him out, he's legit. □� What is the point of going legit and getting married?

le|giti|mate /l I dʒ I t I mət/

1 ADJ Something that is legitimate is acceptable according to the law. □� The government will not seek to disrupt the legitimate business activities of the defendant. ●� le|giti|ma|cy /l I dʒ I t I məsi/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The opposition parties do not recognise the political legitimacy of his government. ●� le|giti|mate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The government has been legitimately elected by the people.

2 ADJ If you say that something such as a feeling or claim is legitimate , you think that it is reasonable and justified. □� That's a perfectly legitimate fear. □� The New York Times has a legitimate claim to be a national newspaper. ●� le|giti|ma|cy N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] As if to prove the legitimacy of these fears, the Cabinet of Franz von Papen collapsed on December 2. ●� le|giti|mate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □�[+�with ] They could quarrel quite legitimately with some of my choices.

3 ADJ A legitimate child is one whose parents were married before he or she was born. □� We only married in order that the child should be legitimate.

le|giti|mize /l I dʒ I t I ma I z/ (legitimizes , legitimizing , legitimized ) The spellings legitimise in British English, and legitimatize in American English are also used. VERB To legitimize something, especially something bad, means to officially allow it, approve it, or make it seem acceptable. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They will accept no agreement that legitimizes the ethnic division of the country.

leg|less /le gləs/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A legless person or animal has no legs.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is legless , you mean that they are extremely drunk. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� They found the locals getting legless on tequila.

le g room N‑UNCOUNT Leg room is the amount of space, especially in a car or other vehicle, that is available in front of your legs. □� Tall drivers won't have enough leg room.

leg|ume /le gjuːm/ (legumes ) N‑COUNT People sometimes use legumes to refer to peas, beans, and other related vegetables. [TECHNICAL ]

lei|sure /le ʒə r , [AM ] liː ʒ-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Leisure is the time when you are not working and you can relax and do things that you enjoy. □� �a relaxing way to fill my leisure time. □� �one of Britain's most popular leisure activities.

2 PHRASE If someone does something at leisure or at their leisure , they enjoy themselves by doing it when they want to, without hurrying. □� You will be able to stroll at leisure through the gardens. □� He could read all the national papers at his leisure.

lei |sure cen|tre (leisure centres ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A leisure centre is a large public building containing different facilities for leisure activities, such as a sports hall, a swimming pool, and rooms for meetings. [BRIT ]

lei|sured /le ʒə r d, [AM ] liː ʒ-/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Leisured people are people who do not work, usually because they are rich. □� �the leisured classes.

2 ADJ Leisured activities are done in a relaxed way or do not involve work. □� �this leisured life of reading and writing.

lei|sure|ly /le ʒə r li, [AM ] liː ʒ-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A leisurely action is done in a relaxed and unhurried way. □� Lunch was a leisurely affair. □� Tweed walked at a leisurely pace. ●�ADV [ADV with v] Leisurely is also an adverb. □� We walked leisurely into the hotel.

leisure|wear /le ʒə r weə r , [AM ] liː ʒ-/ N‑UNCOUNT Leisurewear is informal clothing which you wear when you are not working, for example at weekends or on holiday. [BRIT , WRITTEN ] □� Their range of leisurewear is aimed at fashion-conscious 13 to 25 year-olds.

leit|mo|tif /la I tmoʊtiːf/ (leitmotifs ) also leitmotiv N‑COUNT A leitmotif in something such as a book or film or in a person's life is an idea or an object which occurs again and again. [FORMAL ] □� The title of one of Dietrich's best-known songs could serve as the leitmotif for her life.

lem|ming /le m I ŋ/ (lemmings )

1 N‑COUNT A lemming is an animal that looks like a large rat with thick fur. Lemmings live in cold northern regions and sometimes travel in very large numbers.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you say that a large group of people are acting like lemmings , you are critical of them because they all follow each other into an action without thinking about it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The French crowds pour like lemmings down the motorway to Paris.

lem|on /le mən/ (lemons )

1 N‑VAR A lemon is a bright yellow fruit with very sour juice. Lemons grow on trees in warm countries. □� �a slice of lemon. □� �oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits. □� �lemon juice.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Lemon is a drink that tastes of lemons.

lem|on|ade /le məne I d/ (lemonades ) N‑VAR Lemonade is a colourless sweet fizzy drink. A drink that is made from lemons, sugar, and water and is not fizzy can also be referred to as lemonade . □� He was pouring ice and lemonade into tall glasses. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of lemonade can be referred to as a lemonade . □� I'm going to get you a lemonade.

le m|on cu rd N‑UNCOUNT Lemon curd is a thick yellow food made from lemons. You spread it on bread or use it to fill cakes or pastries. [mainly BRIT ]

lem|on|grass /le məngrɑːs, -gr�s/ also lemon grass N‑UNCOUNT Lemongrass is a type of grass that grows in warm countries. It is used as a flavouring in food.

le m|on squeez|er (lemon squeezers ) N‑COUNT A lemon squeezer is an object used for squeezing juice out of lemons and oranges.

lem|ony /le məni/ ADJ Something that smells or tastes of lemons can be described as lemony .

le m|on ye l|low also lemon-yellow COLOUR Lemon yellow or lemon is used to describe things that are pale yellow in colour.

le|mur /liː mə r / (lemurs ) N‑COUNT A lemur is an animal that looks like a small monkey and has a long tail and a face similar to that of a fox.

lend ◆◇◇ /le nd/ (lends , lending , lent )

1 VERB When people or organizations such as banks lend you money, they give it to you and you agree to pay it back at a future date, often with an extra amount as interest. □�[V n] The bank is reassessing its criteria for lending money. □�[V n n] I had to lend him ten pounds to take his children to the pictures. □�[V ] �financial de-regulation that led to institutions being more willing to lend. [Also V n +�to , V +�to ] ●� lend|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a financial institution that specializes in the lending of money. □� �a slump in bank lending.

2 VERB If you lend something that you own, you allow someone to have it or use it for a period of time. □�[V n n] Will you lend me your jacket for a little while? □�[V n +�to ] He had lent the bungalow to the Conrads for a couple of weeks.

3 VERB If you lend your support to someone or something, you help them with what they are doing or with a problem that they have. □�[V n +�to ] He was approached by the organisers to lend support to a benefit concert. □�[V n] Stipe attended yesterday's news conference to lend his support. [Also V n n]

4 VERB If something lendsitself to a particular activity or result, it is easy for it to be used for that activity or to achieve that result. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] The room lends itself well to summer eating with its light, airy atmosphere.

5 VERB If something lends a particular quality to something else, it adds that quality to it. □�[V n +�to ] Enthusiastic applause lent a sense of occasion to the proceedings. □�[V n n] A more relaxed regime and regular work lends the inmates a dignity not seen in other prisons. [Also V n]

6 →�see also lent

7to lend an ear →�see ear

8to lend a hand →�see hand ➊ SYNONYMS lend VERB 1

loan:He had kindly offered to loan us all the plants required for the exhibit.

advance:The bank advanced $1.2 billion to help the country with debt repayments.

lend|er /le ndə r / (lenders ) N‑COUNT A lender is a person or an institution that lends money to people. [BUSINESS ] □� �the six leading mortgage lenders.

le nd|ing li|brary (lending libraries ) N‑COUNT A lending library is a library from which the public are allowed to borrow books.

le nd|ing rate (lending rates ) N‑COUNT The lending rate is the rate of interest that you have to pay when you are repaying a loan. [BUSINESS ] □� The bank left its lending rates unchanged.

length ◆◆◇ /le ŋθ/ (lengths )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] The length of something is the amount that it measures from one end to the other along the longest side. □� It is about a metre in length. □�[+�of ] �the length of the fish. □�[+�of ] The plane had a wing span of 34ft and a length of 22ft.

2 N‑VAR [oft with poss] The length of something such as a piece of writing is the amount of writing that is contained in it. □� �a book of at least 100 pages in length. □� The length of a paragraph depends on the information it conveys.

3 N‑VAR [oft with poss] The length of an event, activity, or situation is the period of time from beginning to end for which something lasts or during which something happens. □�[+�of ] The exact length of each period may vary. □� His film, over two hours in length, is a subtle study of family life.

4 N‑COUNT A lengthof rope, cloth, wood, or other material is a piece of it that is intended to be used for a particular purpose or that exists in a particular situation. □�[+�of ] �a 30ft length of rope. □�[+�of ] You can hang lengths of fabric behind the glass.

5 N‑UNCOUNT The lengthof something is its quality of being long. □�[+�of ] Many have been surprised at the length of time it has taken him to make up his mind. □�[+�of ] I noticed, too, the length of her fingers.

6 N‑COUNT If you swim a length in a swimming pool, you swim the distance from one end to the other. □� I swim 40 lengths a day.

7 N‑COUNT In boat racing or horse racing, a length is the distance from the front to the back of the boat or horse. You can talk about one boat or horse being one or more lengths in front of or behind another. □� Harvard won by four lengths.

8 N‑SING If something happens or exists along the length of something, it happens or exists for the whole way along it. □�[+�of ] I looked along the length of the building. □�[+�of ] The inspiration stemming from his travels lasted the length of his career.

9 →�see also full-length

10 PHRASE If someone does something at length , they do it after a long period of time. [LITERARY ] □� At length my father went into the house.

11 PHRASE If someone does something at length , they do it for a long time or in great detail. □� They spoke at length, reviewing the entire incident.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone goes to great lengths to achieve something, you mean that they try very hard and perhaps do extreme things in order to achieve it. □� Greta Garbo went to great lengths to hide from reporters and photographers.

13at arm's length →�see arm ➊

14the length and breadth of →�see breadth

-length /-leŋθ/

1 COMB -length combines with nouns to form adjectives that describe something that is of a certain length, or long enough to reach the point indicated by the noun. □� �shoulder-length hair. □� �knee-length boots. □� �a feature-length film.

2 →�see also full-length

length|en /le ŋθən/ (lengthens , lengthening , lengthened )

1 VERB When something lengthens or when you lengthen it, it increases in length. □�[V ] The evening shadows were lengthening. □�[V n] She began to walk faster, but he lengthened his stride to keep up with her.

2 VERB When something lengthens or when you lengthen it, it lasts for a longer time than it did previously. □�[V ] Vacations have lengthened and the work week has shortened. □�[V n] The council does not support lengthening the school day to fit in other activities.

length|ways /le ŋθwe I z/ or lengthwise /le ŋθwa I z/ ADV [ADV after v] Lengthways or lengthwise means in a direction or position along the length of something. □� Cut the aubergines in half lengthways.

length|wise /le ŋθwa I z/ ADV [ADV after v] Lengthwise means the same as lengthways . □� Peel the onion and cut it in half lengthwise.

lengthy /le ŋθi/ (lengthier , lengthiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use lengthy to describe an event or process which lasts for a long time. □� �a lengthy meeting. □� �the lengthy process of filling out passport application forms.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A lengthy report, article, book, or document contains a lot of speech, writing, or other material. □� �a lengthy report from the Council of Ministers.

le|ni|en|cy /liː niənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Leniency is a lenient attitude or lenient behaviour. □� The judge rejected pleas for leniency and sentenced him to six months in prison. [Also +�to/towards ]

le|ni|ent /liː niənt/ ADJ When someone in authority is lenient , they are not as strict or severe as expected. □�[+�with ] He believes the government already is lenient with drug traffickers. □� Professor Oswald takes a sightly more lenient view. ●� le|ni|ent|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Many people believe reckless drivers are treated too leniently.

lens ◆◇◇ /le nz/ (lenses )

1 N‑COUNT A lens is a thin curved piece of glass or plastic used in things such as cameras, telescopes, and pairs of glasses. You look through a lens in order to make things look larger, smaller, or clearer. □� �a camera lens. □� I packed your sunglasses with the green lenses.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In your eye, the lens is the part behind the pupil that focuses light and helps you to see clearly.

3 →�see also contact lens , telephoto lens , wide-angle lens , zoom lens

lent /le nt/ Lent is the past tense and past participle of lend .

Lent N‑UNCOUNT Lent is the period of forty days before Easter, during which some Christians give up something that they enjoy.

len|til /le nt I l/ (lentils ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Lentils are the seeds of a lentil plant. They are usually dried and are used to make soups and stews.

Leo /liː oʊ/ (Leos )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Leo is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a lion. People who are born approximately between the 23rd of July and the 22nd of August come under this sign.

2 N‑COUNT A Leo is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Leo.

leo|nine /liː əna I n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Leonine means like a lion, and is used especially to describe men with a lot of hair on their head, or with big beards. [LITERARY ] □� �a tall leonine grey-haired man.

leop|ard /le pə r d/ (leopards ) N‑COUNT A leopard is a type of large, wild cat. Leopards have yellow fur and black spots, and live in Africa and Asia.

leo|tard /liː ətɑː r d/ (leotards ) N‑COUNT A leotard is a tight-fitting piece of clothing, covering the body but not the legs, that some people wear when they practise dancing or do exercise.

lep|er /le pə r / (lepers )

1 N‑COUNT A leper is a person who has leprosy. This word could cause offence.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a leper , you mean that people in their community avoid them because they have done something that has shocked or offended people. □� The newspaper article had branded her a social leper not fit to be seen in company.

lep|ro|sy /le prəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Leprosy is an infectious disease that damages people's flesh.

les|bian ◆◇◇ /le zbiən/ (lesbians )

1 ADJ Lesbian is used to describe homosexual women. □� Many of her best friends were lesbian. ●�N‑COUNT A lesbian is a woman who is lesbian. □� �a youth group for lesbians, gays and bisexuals.

2 ADJ Lesbian is used to describe the relationships and activities of homosexual women, and the organizations or publications intended for them or created by them. □� �a long-term lesbian relationship.

les|bi|an|ism /le zbiən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Lesbianism refers to homosexual relationships between women or the preference that a woman shows for sexual relationships with women. □� �today's increased public awareness of lesbianism.

le|sion /liː ʒ ə n/ (lesions ) N‑COUNT A lesion is an injury or wound to someone's body. [MEDICAL ] □� �skin lesions. □� �a lesion of the spinal cord.

less ◆◆◆ /le s/ Less is often considered to be the comparative form of little . 1 DET You use less to indicate that there is a smaller amount of something than before or than average. You can use 'a little', 'a lot', 'a bit', 'far', and 'much' in front of less . □� People should eat less fat to reduce the risk of heart disease. □� �a dishwasher that uses less water and electricity than older machines. ●�PRON Less is also a pronoun. □� Borrowers are striving to ease their financial position by spending less and saving more. ●�QUANT Less is also a quantifier. □� Last year less of the money went into high-technology companies.

2 PHRASE You use less than before a number or amount to say that the actual number or amount is smaller than this. □� Motorways actually cover less than 0.1 percent of the countryside. □� Less than a half hour later he returned upstairs.

3 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use less to indicate that something or someone has a smaller amount of a quality than they used to or than is average or usual. □� Other amenities, less commonly available, include a library and exercise room. □�[+�of ] Poverty is less of a problem now than it used to be.

4 ADV If you say that something is less one thing than another, you mean that it is like the second thing rather than the first. □� At first sight it looked less like a capital city than a mining camp.

5 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something less than before or less than someone else, you do it to a smaller extent or not as often. □� We are eating more and exercising less. □�[+�of ] I see less of any of my friends than I used to.

6 PHRASE You use the expressions still less , much less , and even less after a negative statement in order to introduce and emphasize a further statement, and to make it negative too. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I never talked about it, still less about her. □� The boy didn't have a girlfriend, much less a wife.

7 PREP When you are referring to amounts, you use less in front of a number or quantity to indicate that it is to be subtracted from another number or quantity already mentioned. □� �Boyton Financial Services Fees: �750, less �400. □� Company car drivers will pay between ten and twenty five percent, less tax.

8 PHRASE You use less than to say that something does not have a particular quality. For example, if you describe something as less than perfect, you mean that it is not perfect at all. [EMPHASIS ] □� Her greeting was less than enthusiastic. □� Her advice has frequently been less than wholly helpful.

9 PHRASE You use no less than before an amount to indicate that the amount is surprisingly large. [EMPHASIS ] □� The Amazon is no less than 200 miles wide at its mouth. □� He is lined up for no less than four U.S. television interviews.

10couldn't care less →�see care

11more or less →�see more

SUFFIX -less

forms adjectives that indicate that someone or something does not have a particular thing. For example, someone who is jobless does not have a job.

les|see /le siː / (lessees ) N‑COUNT A lessee is a person who has taken out a lease on something such as a house or piece of land. [LEGAL ]

less|en /le s ə n/ (lessens , lessening , lessened ) VERB If something lessens or you lessen it, it becomes smaller in size, amount, degree, or importance. □�[V ] As time went on, her anxiety lessened. □�[V n] Make sure that your immunisations are up to date to lessen the risk of serious illness. ●� less|en|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of/in ] �increased trade and a lessening of tension on the border.

less|er /le sə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use lesser in order to indicate that something is smaller in extent, degree, or amount than another thing that has been mentioned. □� Any medication is affected to a greater or lesser extent by many factors. □� The more obvious potential allies are Ireland, Denmark and, to a lesser degree, the Netherlands. ●�ADV [ADV -ed] Lesser is also an adverb. □� �lesser known works by famous artists.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use lesser to refer to something or someone that is less important than other things or people of the same type. □� They pleaded guilty to lesser charges of criminal damage. □� He was feared by other, lesser, men.

3the lesser of two evils →�see evil

les|son ◆◇◇ /le s ə n/ (lessons )

1 N‑COUNT A lesson is a fixed period of time when people are taught about a particular subject or taught how to do something. □� It would be his last French lesson for months. □� Johanna took piano lessons.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You use lesson to refer to an experience which acts as a warning to you or an example from which you should learn. □� I had learned a very important lesson: adults must take responsibility for their own fate. ●�PHRASE If you say that you are going to teach someone a lesson , you mean that you are going to punish them for something that they have done so that they do not do it again. COLLOCATIONS lesson NOUN

1

noun +�lesson : driving, English, piano, swimming

adjective +�lesson : compulsory, free, private; one-hour

verb +�lesson : give, offer

2

noun +�lesson : life

adjective +�lesson : hard, harsh; important, salutary, valuable

verb +�lesson : learn; teach

les|sor /lesɔː r / (lessors ) N‑COUNT A lessor is a person who owns something such as a house or piece of land and leases it to someone else. [LEGAL ]

lest /le st/ CONJ If you do something lest something unpleasant should happen, you do it to try to prevent the unpleasant thing from happening. [FORMAL ] □� I was afraid to open the door lest he should follow me. □� And, lest we forget, Einstein wrote his most influential papers while working as a clerk.

let ◆◆◆ /le t/ (lets , letting ) The form let is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you let something happen, you allow it to happen without doing anything to stop or prevent it. □�[V n inf] Thorne let him talk. □�[V n inf] She let the door slam. □�[V pron-refl inf] I can't let myself be distracted by those things.

2 VERB If you let someone do something, you give them your permission to do it. □�[V n inf] I love sweets but Mum doesn't let me have them very often. □�[V n prep/adv] Visa or no visa, they won't let you into the country.

3 VERB If you let someone into, out of, or through a place, you allow them to enter, leave, or go through it, for example by opening a door or making room for them. □�[V n prep/adv] I had to let them into the building because they had lost their keys. □�[V n prep/adv] I'd better go and let the dog out.

4 VERB You use let me when you are introducing something you want to say. □�[V me inf] Let me tell you what I saw last night. □�[V me inf] Let me explain why.

5 VERB You use let me when you are offering politely to do something. [POLITENESS ] □�[V me inf] Let me take your coat. □�[V me inf] Let me get you something to drink.

6 VERB You say let's or, in more formal English, let us , to direct the attention of the people you are talking to towards the subject that you want to consider next. □�[V us inf] Let's consider ways of making it easier. □�[V us inf] Let us look at these views in more detail.

7 VERB You say let's or, in formal English, let us , when you are making a suggestion that involves both you and the person you are talking to, or when you are agreeing to a suggestion of this kind. □�[V us inf] I'm bored. Let's go home. □�[V 's ] 'Shall we go in and have some supper?'�'Yes, let's.'

8 VERB Someone in authority, such as a teacher, can use let's or, in more formal English, let us , in order to give a polite instruction to another person or group of people. [POLITENESS ] □�[V us inf] Let's have some hush, please. □�[V us inf] 'Let us pray,' said the Methodist chaplain.

9 VERB People often use let in expressions such as let me see or let me think when they are hesitating or thinking of what to say next. [VAGUENESS ] □�[V pron inf] Now, let's see. Where did I leave my bag? □�[V pron inf] 'How long you been living together then?'�'Erm, let me think. It's about four years now.'

10 VERB You can use let to say that you do not care if someone does something, although you think it is unpleasant or wrong. □�[V n inf] If he wants to do that, let him do it. □�[V n inf] Let them talk about me; I'll be dead, anyway.

11 VERB You can use let when you are saying what you think someone should do, usually when they are behaving in a way that you think is unreasonable or wrong. □�[V n inf] Let him get his own cup of tea.

12 VERB You can use let when you are praying or hoping very much that something will happen. □�[V n inf] Please God, let him phone me.

13 VERB You can use let to introduce an assumption on which you are going to base a theory, calculation, or story. □�[V n inf] Let x equal 5 and y equal 3.

14 VERB If you let your house or land to someone, you allow them to use it in exchange for money that they pay you regularly. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n +�to ] She is thinking of letting her house to an American serviceman. □�[V n] The reasons for letting a house, or part of one, are varied. ●�PHRASAL VERB Let out means the same as let . □�[V n P ] I couldn't sell the London flat, so I let it out to pay the mortgage. □�[V P n] Home owners who have extra space available may want to let out a room. [in AM, use rent ]

15 PHRASE Let alone is used after a statement, usually a negative one, to indicate that the statement is even more true of the person, thing, or situation that you are going to mention next. [EMPHASIS ] □� It is incredible that the 12-year-old managed to even reach the pedals, let alone drive the car.

16 PHRASE If you let goof someone or something, you stop holding them. □�[+�of ] She let go of Mona's hand and took a sip of her drink.

17 PHRASE If you let someone or something go , you allow them to leave or escape. □� They held him for three hours and they let him go.

18 PHRASE When someone leaves a job, either because they are told to or because they want to, the employer sometimes says that they are letting that person go . [BUSINESS ] □� I've assured him I have no plans to let him go. □� Peterson was let go after less than two years.

19 PHRASE If you say that you did not know what you were lettingyourselfin for when you decided to do something, you mean you did not realize how difficult, unpleasant, or expensive it was going to be. □� He got the impression that Miss Hawes had no idea of what she was letting herself in for.

20 PHRASE If you let someone know something, you tell them about it or make sure that they know about it. □� They want to let them know that they are safe. □� If you do want to go, please let me know. [Also +�about ]

21to let fly →�see fly

22to let your hair down →�see hair

23to let someone off the hook →�see hook

24to let it be known →�see known

25to let the side down →�see side

26to let off steam →�see steam

▸� let down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you let someone down , you disappoint them, by not doing something that you have said you will do or that they expected you to do. □�[V n P ] Don't worry, Xiao, I won't let you down. □�[V P n] When such advisers fail in their duty, they let down the whole system. ●� let down ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� The company now has a large number of workers who feel badly let down.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something lets you down , it is the reason you are not as successful as you could have been. □�[V n P ] Many believe it was his shyness and insecurity which let him down. □�[be V -ed P ] Sadly, the film is let down by an excessively simple plot. [Also V P n]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you let down something such as a tyre, you allow air to escape from it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P ] I let the tyres down on his car. □�[V P n] Remove wheelnuts, let down tyre, put on spare.

▸� let in PHRASAL VERB If an object lets in something such as air, light, or water, it allows air, light, or water to get into it, for example because the object has a hole in it. □�[V P n] �balconies shaded with lattice-work which lets in air but not light. [Also V n P ]

▸� let in on PHRASAL VERB If you let someone in on something that is a secret from most people, you allow them to know about it. □�[V n P P n] I'm going to let you in on a little secret.

▸� let into PHRASAL VERB If you let someone into a secret, you allow them to know it. □�[V n P n] I'll let you into a little showbiz secret.

▸� let off

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone in authority lets you off a task or duty, they give you permission not to do it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P n/v-ing] In those days they didn't let you off work to go home very often.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you let someone off , you give them a lighter punishment than they expect or no punishment at all. □�[V n P ] Because he was a Christian, the judge let him off. □�[V n P prep/adv] When police realised who he was, they asked for an autograph and let him off with a warning.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you let off an explosive or a gun, you explode or fire it. □�[V P n] A resident of his neighbourhood had let off fireworks to celebrate the Revolution. [Also V n P ]

▸� let on PHRASAL VERB If you do not let on that something is true, you do not tell anyone that it is true, and you keep it a secret. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P that/wh] She never let on that anything was wrong. □�[V P +�to ] I didn't let on to the staff what my conversation was. □�[V P ] He knows the culprit but is not letting on.

▸� let out

1 PHRASAL VERB If something or someone lets water, air, or breath out , they allow it to flow out or escape. □�[V n P ] It lets sunlight in but doesn't let heat out. □�[V P n] Meer let out his breath in a long sigh.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you let out a particular sound, you make that sound. [WRITTEN ] □�[V P n] When she saw him, she let out a cry of horror. [Also V n P ]

3 →�see also let14

▸� let up

1 PHRASAL VERB If an unpleasant, continuous process lets up , it stops or becomes less intense. □�[V P ] The rain had let up.

2 →�see also let-up SYNONYMS let VERB 2

allow:Smoking will not be allowed.

grant:Permission was granted a few weeks ago.

permit:He can let the court's decision stand and permit the execution.

authorize:We are willing to authorize the president to use force if necessary.

le t-down (let-downs ) also letdown N‑VAR A let-down is a disappointment that you suffer, usually because something has not happened in the way in which you expected it to happen. □� The flat was nice, but compared with what we'd been used to, it was a terrible let-down. □� At the end of the book, there's a sense of let-down for the reader.

le|thal /liː θ ə l/

1 ADJ A substance that is lethal can kill people or animals. □� �a lethal dose of sleeping pills.

2 ADJ If you describe something as lethal , you mean that it is capable of causing a lot of damage. □� Frost and wet are the lethal combination for plants.

le|thar|gic /l I θɑː r dʒ I k/ ADJ If you are lethargic , you do not have much energy or enthusiasm. □� He felt too miserable and lethargic to get dressed.

leth|ar|gy /le θə r dʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Lethargy is the condition or state of being lethargic. □� Symptoms include tiredness, paleness, and lethargy.

let's ◆◆◇ /le ts/ Let's is the usual spoken form of 'let us'.

let|ter ◆◆◆ /le tə r / (letters , lettering , lettered )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] If you write a letter to someone, you write a message on paper and send it to them, usually by post. □�[+�from ] I had received a letter from a very close friend. □�[+�of ] �a letter of resignation. □� Our long courtship had been conducted mostly by letter.

2 N‑COUNT Letters are written symbols which represent one of the sounds in a language. □�[+�of ] �the letters of the alphabet. □� �the letter E.

3 N‑COUNT If a student earns a letter in sports or athletics by being part of the university or college team, they are entitled to wear on their jacket the initial letter of the name of their university or college. [AM ] □�[+�in ] Valerie earned letters in three sports: volleyball, basketball, and field hockey.

4 VERB If a student letters in sports or athletics by being part of the university or college team, they are entitled to wear on their jacket the initial letter of the name of their university or college. [AM ] □�[V prep] Burkoth lettered in soccer.

5 →�see also capital letter , covering letter , dead letter , love letter , newsletter , poison-pen letter

6 PHRASE If you say that someone carries out instructions to the letter , you mean that they do exactly what they are told to do, paying great attention to every detail. □� She obeyed his instructions to the letter. COLLOCATIONS letter NOUN 1

noun +�letter : reference, rejection, resignation, warning; love, thank-you

adjective +�letter : anonymous, handwritten, open

le t|ter bomb (letter bombs ) N‑COUNT A letter bomb is a small bomb which is disguised as a letter or parcel and sent to someone through the post. It is designed to explode when it is opened.

let|ter|box /le tə r bɒks/ (letterboxes ) also letter box

1 N‑COUNT A letterbox is a rectangular hole in a door or a small box at the entrance to a building into which letters and small parcels are delivered. Compare postbox . [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use mailbox2 ADJ If something is displayed on a television or computer screen in letterbox format, it is displayed across the middle of the screen with dark bands at the top and bottom of the screen.

let|tered /le tə r d/ ADJ Something that is lettered is covered or decorated with letters or words. □� �a crudely lettered cardboard sign.

letter|head /le tə r hed/ (letterheads ) N‑COUNT A letterhead is the name and address of a person, company, or organization which is printed at the top of their writing paper. □�[+�with ] Colleagues at work enjoy having a letterhead with their name at the top.

let|ter|ing /le tər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Lettering is writing, especially when you are describing the type of letters used. □� �a small blue sign with white lettering.

le t|ter of cre d|it (letters of credit )

1 N‑COUNT A letter of credit is a letter written by a bank authorizing another bank to pay someone a sum of money. Letters of credit are often used by importers and exporters. [BUSINESS ]

2 N‑COUNT A letter of credit is a written promise from a bank stating that they will repay bonds to lenders if the borrowers are unable to pay them. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�from ] The project is being backed by a letter of credit from Lasalle Bank.

let|tuce /le t I s/ (lettuces ) N‑VAR A lettuce is a plant with large green leaves that is the basic ingredient of many salads.

le t-up N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If there is nolet-upin something, usually something unpleasant, there is no reduction in the intensity of it. □�[+�in ] There was no let-up in the battle on the money markets yesterday.

leu|kae|mia /lukiː miə/ in AM, use leukemia N‑UNCOUNT Leukaemia is a disease of the blood in which the body produces too many white blood cells.

lev|el ◆◆◆ /le v ə l/ (levels , levelling , levelled ) in AM, use leveling , leveled1 N‑COUNT A level is a point on a scale, for example a scale of amount, quality, or difficulty. □� If you don't know your cholesterol level, it's a good idea to have it checked. □�[+�of ] We do have the lowest level of inflation for some years. □�[+�of ] The exercises are marked according to their level of difficulty.

2 N‑SING The level of a river, lake, or ocean or the level of liquid in a container is the height of its surface. □�[+�of ] The water level of the Mississippi River is already 6.5 feet below normal. □� The gauge relies upon a sensor in the tank to relay the fuel level.

3 →�see also sea level

4 ADJ [ADJ n] In cookery, a level spoonful of a substance such as flour or sugar is an amount that fills the spoon exactly, without going above the top edge. □� Stir in 1 level teaspoon of yeast.

5 N‑SING If something is at a particular level , it is at that height. □� Liz sank down until the water came up to her chin and the bubbles were at eye level.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If one thing is levelwith another thing, it is at the same height as it. □�[+�with ] He leaned over the counter so his face was almost level with the boy's. □� Amy knelt down so that their eyes were level.

7 ADJ When something is level , it is completely flat with no part higher than any other. □� The floor was level, but the ceiling sloped toward his head. □� �a plateau of fairly level ground.

8 ADV [ADV after v] If you draw level with someone or something, you get closer to them until you are by their side. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�with ] I drew level with the platform and was about to walk past. ●�ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Level is also an adjective. □�[+�with ] He waited until they were level with the door before he turned around sharply and punched Graham.

9 VERB If someone or something such as a violent storm levels a building or area of land, they destroy it completely or make it completely flat. □�[V n] The storm was the most powerful to hit Hawaii this century. It leveled sugar plantations and destroyed homes.

10 VERB If an accusation or criticism islevelledat someone, they are accused of doing wrong or they are criticized for something they have done. □�[be V -ed +�at/against ] Allegations of corruption were levelled at him and his family. □�[V n +�at/against ] He leveled bitter criticism against the U.S. [Also V n]

11 VERB If you level an object at someone or something, you lift it and point it in their direction. □�[V n +�at ] He said thousands of Koreans still levelled guns at one another along the demilitarised zone between them. [Also V n]

12 VERB If you levelwith someone, you tell them the truth and do not keep anything secret. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] I'll level with you. I'm no great detective. I've no training or anything.

13 →�see also A level

14 PHRASE If you say that you will do your level best to do something, you are emphasizing that you will try as hard as you can to do it, even if the situation makes it very difficult. [EMPHASIS ] □� The President told American troops that he would do his level best to bring them home soon.

15a level playing field →�see playing field

▸� level off or level out

1 PHRASAL VERB If a changing number or amount levels off or levels out , it stops increasing or decreasing at such a fast speed. □�[V P ] The figures show evidence that murders in the nation's capital are beginning to level off. □�[V P prep] Inflation is finally levelling out at around 11% a month.

2 PHRASAL VERB If an aircraft levels off or levels out , it travels horizontally after having been travelling in an upwards or downwards direction. □�[V P ] The aircraft levelled out at about 30,000 feet.

▸� level out →�see level off

le v|el cro ss|ing (level crossings ) N‑COUNT A level crossing is a place where a railway line crosses a road. [BRIT ] in AM, use grade crossing , railroad crossing

le vel-hea ded ADJ If you describe a person as level-headed , you mean that they are calm and sensible even in difficult situations. □� Simon is level-headed and practical. □� His level-headed approach suggests he will do what is necessary.

lev|el|ler /le vələ r / (levellers ) in AM, use leveler N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft adj N ] If you describe something as a leveller , you mean that it makes all people seem the same, in spite of their differences in, for example, age or social status. □� The computer is a leveller, making information available to everyone.

le v|el pe g|ging also level-pegging ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If two opponents in a competition or contest are level pegging , they are equal with each other. [BRIT ] □�[+�with ] An opinion poll published in May showed Mrs Yardley was level-pegging with Mr Simpson.

lev|er /liː və r , [AM ALSO ] le v-/ (levers , levering , levered )

1 N‑COUNT A lever is a handle or bar that is attached to a piece of machinery and which you push or pull in order to operate the machinery. □�[+�on ] Push the tiny lever on the lock. □� The taps have a lever to control the mix of hot and cold water.

2 →�see also gear lever

3 N‑COUNT A lever is a long bar, one end of which is placed under a heavy object so that when you press down on the other end you can move the object.

4 VERB If you lever something in a particular direction, you move it there, especially by using a lot of effort. □�[V n with adj] Neighbours eventually levered open the door with a crowbar. □�[V n adv/prep] Insert the fork about 6in. from the root and simultaneously lever it backwards. [Also V , V n]

5 N‑COUNT A lever is an idea or action that you can use to make people do what you want them to do, rather than what they want to do. □� He may use money as a lever to control and manipulate her.

lev|er|age /liː vər I dʒ, [AM ] le v-/ (leverages , leveraging , leveraged )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Leverage is the ability to influence situations or people so that you can control what happens. □� His function as a Mayor affords him the leverage to get things done through attending committee meetings.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Leverage is the force that is applied to an object when something such as a lever is used. □� The spade and fork have longer shafts, providing better leverage.

3 VERB To leverage a company or investment means to use borrowed money in order to buy it or pay for it. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] Leveraging the company at a time of tremendous growth opportunities would be a mistake. ●� lev|er|aged ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� The committee voted to limit tax refunds for corporations involved in leveraged buyouts.

le|via|than /l I va I əθən/ (leviathans ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A leviathan is something which is extremely large and difficult to control, and which you find rather frightening. [LITERARY ] □� Democracy survived the Civil War and the developing industrial leviathan and struggled on into the twentieth century.

Levi's /liː va I z/ also Levis N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Levi's are jeans. [TRADEMARK ]

levi|tate /le v I te I t/ (levitates , levitating , levitated ) VERB If someone or something levitates , they appear to rise and float in the air without any support from other people or objects. □�[V ] He has claimed he can levitate. □�[V n] Nina can, apparently, levitate a small ball between her hands. ●� levi|ta|tion /le v I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �such magical powers as levitation, prophecy, and healing.

lev|ity /le v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Levity is behaviour that shows a tendency to treat serious matters in a non-serious way. [LITERARY ] □� At the time, Arnold had disapproved of such levity.

levy /le vi/ (levies , levying , levied )

1 N‑COUNT A levy is a sum of money that you have to pay, for example as a tax to the government. □�[+�on ] �an annual motorway levy on all drivers.

2 VERB If a government or organization levies a tax or other sum of money, it demands it from people or organizations. □�[V n +�on ] They levied religious taxes on Christian commercial transactions. □�[V n] Taxes should not be levied without the authority of Parliament.

lewd /ljuː d, [AM ] luː d/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as lewd , you are critical of it because it is sexual in a rude and unpleasant way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Drew spends all day eyeing up the women and making lewd comments. ●� lewd|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The critics condemned the play for lewdness.

lexi|cal /le ks I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Lexical means relating to the words of a language. □� We chose a few of the commonest lexical items in the languages.

lexi|cog|ra|phy /le ks I kɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Lexicography is the activity or profession of writing dictionaries. ●� lexi|cog|ra|pher (lexicographers ) N‑COUNT □� A lexicographer's job is to describe the language.

lexi|con /le ks I kən/ (lexicons )

1 N‑SING The lexicon of a particular subject is all the terms associated with it. The lexicon of a person or group is all the words they commonly use. □�[+�of ] �the lexicon of management. □� Chocolate equals sin in most people's lexicon.

2 N‑COUNT A lexicon is an alphabetical list of the words in a language or the words associated with a particular subject.

lex|is /le ks I s/ N‑UNCOUNT In linguistics, the words of a language can be referred to as the lexis of that language. [TECHNICAL ]

LGBT /el dʒiːbiːtiː / LGBT is an abbreviation for 'lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender'.

LGBTI /el dʒiːbiːtiːa I / LGBTI is an abbreviation for 'lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex'.

lia|bil|ity /la I əb I l I ti/ (liabilities )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone or something is aliability , you mean that they cause a lot of problems or embarrassment. □� Team-mates and coach began to see him as a liability. □� What was once a vote-catching policy is now a political liability.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A company's or organization's liabilities are the sums of money which it owes. [BUSINESS or LEGAL ] □� The company had assets of $138 million and liabilities of $120.5 million.

3 →�see also liable

lia|ble /la I əb ə l/

1 PHRASE When something is liable to happen, it is very likely to happen. □� Only a small minority of the mentally ill are liable to harm themselves or others.

2 ADJ If people or things are liable to something unpleasant, they are likely to experience it or do it. □�[+�to n] She will grow into a woman particularly liable to depression. □�[+�to v] This volcanic rock is less liable to shatter than limestone.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are liablefor something such as a debt, you are legally responsible for it. □�[+�for ] The airline's insurer is liable for damages to the victims' families. □� As the killings took place outside British jurisdiction, the Ministry of Defence could not be held liable. ●� lia|bil|ity /la I əb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He is claiming damages from London Underground, which has admitted liability but disputes the amount of his claim.

li|aise /lie I z/ (liaises , liaising , liaised ) VERB When organizations or people liaise , or when one organization liaiseswith another, they work together and keep each other informed about what is happening. □�[V +�with ] Detectives are liaising with Derbyshire police following the bomb explosion early today. □�[V with pron-recip] The three groups will all liaise with each other to help the child. □�[V ] Social services and health workers liaise closely. [Also V +�between ]

liai|son /lie I zɒn, [AM ] liː e I z-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Liaison is co-operation and the exchange of information between different organizations or between different sections of an organization. □�[+�between ] Liaison between police forces and the art world is vital to combat art crime. □�[+�with ] The courses are designed by universities in liaison with employers.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If someone acts as liaison with a particular group, or between two or more groups, their job is to encourage co-operation and the exchange of information. □�[+�with ] I have a professor on my staff here as liaison with our higher education institutions. □�[+�between ] She acts as a liaison between patients and staff.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a sexual or romantic relationship between two people as a liaison . □�[+�with ] She embarked on a series of sexual liaisons with society figures.

liar /la I ə r / (liars ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a liar , you mean that they tell lies. □� He was a liar and a cheat. □� 'She seems at times an accomplished liar,' he said.

lib /l I b/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Lib is used in the names of some movements that are concerned with achieving social and legal freedom for particular groups in society. Lib is an abbreviation for 'liberation'. □� �Women's Lib.

2 →�see also ad-lib

li|ba|tion /la I be I ʃ ə n/ (libations ) N‑COUNT In ancient Greece and Rome, a libation was an alcoholic drink that was offered to the gods. [LITERARY ]

Lib Dem /l I b de m/ (Lib Dems ) N‑PROPER [N n] In Britain, you can refer to the Liberal Democrat Party or its members as the Lib Dems . □� They came just behind the Lib Dems in the seat in May last year. □� �Lib-Dem councillors.

li|bel /la I b ə l/ (libels , libelling , libelled ) in AM, use libeling , libeled1 N‑VAR Libel is a written statement which wrongly accuses someone of something, and which is therefore against the law. Compare slander . [LEGAL ] □� Warren sued him for libel over the remarks. □� �a libel action against the paper.

2 VERB To libel someone means to write or print something in a book, newspaper, or magazine which wrongly damages that person's reputation and is therefore against the law. [LEGAL ] □�[V n] The newspaper which libelled him had already offered compensation.

li|bel|lous /la I bələs/ in AM, use libelous ADJ If a statement in a book, newspaper, or magazine is libellous , it wrongly accuses someone of something, and is therefore against the law. □� He claimed the articles were libellous and damaging to the interests of the team.

lib|er|al ◆◆◇ /l I bərəl/ (liberals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has liberal views believes people should have a lot of freedom in deciding how to behave and think. □� She is known to have liberal views on divorce and contraception. ●�N‑COUNT Liberal is also a noun. □� �a nation of free-thinking liberals.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A liberal system allows people or organizations a lot of political or economic freedom. □� �a liberal democracy with a multiparty political system. □� They favour liberal free-market policies. ●�N‑COUNT Liberal is also a noun. □� Price controls go against all the financial principles of free market liberals.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A Liberal politician or voter is a member of a Liberal Party or votes for a Liberal Party. □� The Liberal leader has announced his party's withdrawal from the election. ●�N‑COUNT Liberal is also a noun. □� The Liberals hold twenty-three seats on the local council.

4 ADJ Liberal means giving, using, or taking a lot of something, or existing in large quantities. □�[+�with ] As always he is liberal with his jokes. □� She made liberal use of her elder sister's make-up and clothes. ●� lib|er|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Chemical products were used liberally over agricultural land.

li b|er|al a rts N‑PLURAL At a university or college, liberal arts refers to subjects such as history or literature rather than science, law, medicine, or business.

Li b|er|al De mo|crat (Liberal Democrats ) N‑PROPER In Britain, a Liberal Democrat is a member of the Liberal Democrat Party.

Li b|er|al De mo|crat Par|ty N‑PROPER [N n] The Liberal Democrat Party is the third largest political party in Britain and the main centre party. It believes in improving the constitution and the voting system and in providing good welfare services.

lib|er|al|ism /l I bərəl I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Liberalism is a belief in gradual social progress by changing laws, rather than by revolution. □� �a democrat who has decided that economic liberalism is the best way to secure change. □� �the tradition of nineteenth-century liberalism.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Liberalism is the belief that people should have a lot of political and individual freedom. □� He was concerned over growing liberalism in the Church.

lib|er|al|ize /l I brəla I z/ (liberalizes , liberalizing , liberalized ) in BRIT, also use liberalise VERB When a country or government liberalizes , or liberalizes its laws or its attitudes, it becomes less strict and allows people more freedom in their actions. □�[V ] �authoritarian states that have only now begun to liberalise. □�[V n] �the decision to liberalize travel restrictions. ●� lib|er|ali|za|tion /l I brəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the liberalization of divorce laws in the late 1960s.

Li b|er|al Par|ty N‑PROPER [N n] In Britain, the Liberal Party was a political party which believed in limited controls on industry, the providing of welfare services, and more local government and individual freedom. Liberal Party is also used to refer to similar parties in some other countries.

lib|er|ate ◆◇◇ /l I bəre I t/ (liberates , liberating , liberated )

1 VERB To liberate a place or the people in it means to free them from the political or military control of another country, area, or group of people. □�[V n] They planned to march on and liberate the city. ●� lib|era|tion /l I bəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a mass liberation movement.

2 VERB To liberate someone from something means to help them escape from it or overcome it, and lead a better way of life. □�[V n +�from ] He asked how committed the leadership was to liberating its people from poverty. [Also V n] ●� lib|er|at|ing ADJ □� Telling your problems to a therapist can be a very liberating experience. ●� lib|era|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �the women's liberation movement.

3 VERB To liberate a prisoner means to set them free. □�[V n] The government is devising a plan to liberate prisoners held in detention camps. SYNONYMS liberate VERB 2

free:They are set to free more prisoners.

set free:Most of the prisoners were set free.

rescue:He had rescued her from a horrible life.

let out:I'd better go and let the dog out.

release:He was released from custody the next day.

lib|er|at|ed /l I bəre I t I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as liberated , you mean that they do not accept their society's traditional values or restrictions on behaviour. [APPROVAL ] □� She was determined that she would become a liberated businesswoman.

li b|era|tion the|o l|ogy N‑UNCOUNT Liberation theology is the belief that the Christian Church should be actively involved in politics in order to bring about social change.

lib|era|tor /l I bəre I tə r / (liberators ) N‑COUNT A liberator is someone who sets people free from a system, situation, or set of ideas that restricts them in some way. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] We were the people's liberators from the Bolsheviks.

Li|berian /la I b I ə riən/ (Liberians )

1 ADJ Liberian means belonging or relating to Liberia, its people, or its culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Liberian is a person who comes from Liberia, or a person of Liberian origin.

lib|er|tar|ian /l I bə r teə riən/ (libertarians ) ADJ If someone is libertarian or has libertarian attitudes, they believe in or support the idea that people should be free to think and behave in the way that they want. [FORMAL ] □� �the libertarian argument that people should be allowed to choose. ●�N‑COUNT A libertarian is someone who with libertarian views. □� Libertarians argue that nothing should be censored.

lib|er|tine /l I bə r tiːn/ (libertines ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a libertine , you mean that they are sexually immoral and do not care about the effect their behaviour has on other people. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ]

lib|er|ty ◆◇◇ /l I bə r ti/ (liberties )

1 N‑VAR Liberty is the freedom to live your life in the way that you want, without interference from other people or the authorities. □� Wit Wolzek claimed the legislation could impinge on privacy, self determination and respect for religious liberty. □� Such a system would be a fundamental blow to the rights and liberties of the English people.

2 →�see also civil liberties

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft at N ] Liberty is the freedom to go wherever you want, which you lose when you are a prisoner. □� Drug addicts need help, not loss of liberty.

4 PHRASE If someone is at libertyto do something, they have been given permission to do it. □� The island's in the Pacific Ocean; I'm not at liberty to say exactly where, because we're still negotiating for its purchase.

5 PHRASE If you say that you have taken the liberty of doing something, you are saying that you have done it without asking permission. People say this when they do not think that anyone will mind what they have done. [POLITENESS ] □� I took the liberty of going into Assunta's wardrobe, as it was open; I was looking for a towel.

6 PHRASE If you take liberties or take a liberty with someone or something, you act in a way that is too free and does not show enough respect. □�[+�with ] Try to make your writing exciting, without taking liberties with the truth. □� She knew she was taking a big liberty in developing Mick's photos without his knowledge. SYNONYMS liberty NOUN 1

freedom:They want greater political freedom.

emancipation:They fought for the emancipation of women.

independence:In 1816, Argentina declared its independence from Spain.

li|bidi|nous /l I b I d I nəs/ ADJ People who are libidinous have strong sexual feelings and express them in their behaviour. [LITERARY ] □� Powell let his libidinous imagination run away with him.

li|bi|do /l I biː doʊ/ (libidos ) N‑VAR A person's libido is the part of their personality that is considered to cause their emotional, especially sexual, desires. □� Lack of sleep is a major factor in loss of libido.

Li|bra /liː brə/ (Libras )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Libra is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a pair of scales. People who are born approximately between the 23rd of September and the 22nd of October come under this sign.

2 N‑COUNT A Libra is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Libra.

li|brar|ian /la I breə riən/ (librarians ) N‑COUNT A librarian is a person who is in charge of a library or who has been specially trained to work in a library.

li|brary ◆◇◇ /la I brəri, [AM ] -breri/ (libraries )

1 N‑COUNT A public library is a building where things such as books, newspapers, videos, and music are kept for people to read, use, or borrow. □� �the local library. □� She issued them library cards.

2 N‑COUNT A private library is a collection of things such as books or music, that is normally only used with the permission of the owner. □� My thanks go to the British School of Osteopathy, for the use of their library.

li|bret|tist /l I bre t I st/ (librettists ) N‑COUNT A librettist is a person who writes the words that are used in an opera or musical play.

li|bret|to /l I bre toʊ/ (librettos or libretti /libre ti/) N‑COUNT The libretto of an opera is the words that are sung in it. □� �the author of one or two opera librettos.

Liby|an /l I biən/ (Libyans )

1 ADJ Libyan means belonging or relating to Libya, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Libyan is a Libyan citizen, or a person of Libyan origin.

lice /la I s/ Lice is the plural of louse .

li|cence ◆◇◇ /la I s ə ns/ (licences ) in AM, use license1 N‑COUNT A licence is an official document which gives you permission to do, use, or own something. □� Payne lost his driving licence a year ago for drink-driving. □� The painting was returned to Spain on a temporary import licence. □�[+�to-inf] It gained a licence to operate as a bank from the Bank of England in 1981.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N , N to-inf] If you say that something gives someone licence or alicenceto act in a particular way, you mean that it gives them an excuse to behave in an irresponsible or excessive way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'Dropping the charges has given racists a licence to kill,' said Jim's aunt.

3 →�see also poetic licence

4 PHRASE If someone does something under licence , they do it by special permission from a government or other authority. □� �a company which made the Mig-21 jet fighter under licence from Russia. COLLOCATIONS licence NOUN 1

noun +�licence : banking, driving, fishing; marriage, TV; exploration, export, firearms

adjective +�licence : provisional; invalid, valid

verb +�licence : award, grant, issue, renew; revoke, suspend; obtain, require SYNONYMS licence NOUN 1

permit:The majority of foreign nationals working here have work permits.

certificate:You will need to bring your birth certificate.

document:The police officer wanted to see all our documents.

li|cense /la I s ə ns/ (licenses , licensing , licensed ) VERB To license a person or activity means to give official permission for the person to do something or for the activity to take place. □�[V n] �a proposal that would require the state to license guns. □�[V n to-inf] Under the agreement, the council can license a U.S. company to produce the drug. [Also V n +�to ]

li|censed /la I s ə nst/

1 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you are licensedto do something, you have official permission from the government or from the authorities to do it. □� There were about 250 people on board, about 100 more than the ferry was licensed to carry. □� �a licensed doctor.

2 ADJ If something that you own or use is licensed , you have official permission to own it or use it. □� While searching the house they discovered an unlicensed shotgun and a licensed rifle.

3 ADJ If a place such as a restaurant or hotel is licensed , it has been given a licence to sell alcoholic drinks. [BRIT ] □� �licensed premises.

li|cen|see /la I s ə nsiː / (licensees )

1 N‑COUNT A licensee is a person or organization that has been given a licence. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A licensee is someone who has been given a licence to sell alcoholic drinks, for example in a pub. [BRIT ]

li |cense num|ber (license numbers ) N‑COUNT The license number of a car or other road vehicle is the series of letters and numbers that are shown at the front and back of it. [AM ] in BRIT, use registration number

li |cense plate (license plates ) N‑COUNT A license plate is a sign on the front and back of a vehicle that shows its license number. [AM ] in BRIT, use number plate

li |cens|ing laws N‑PLURAL In Britain, the licensing laws are the laws which control the selling of alcoholic drinks.

li|cen|tious /la I se ntʃəs/ ADJ If you describe a person as licentious , you mean that they are very immoral, especially in their sexual behaviour. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �alarming stories of licentious behaviour. ●� li|cen|tious|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �moral licentiousness.

li|chen /la I kən/ (lichens ) N‑VAR Lichen is a group of tiny plants that looks like moss and grows on the surface of things such as rocks, trees, and walls.

lick /l I k/ (licks , licking , licked )

1 VERB When people or animals lick something, they move their tongue across its surface. □�[V n] The dog rose awkwardly to his feet and licked the man's hand excitedly. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Lick is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Kevin wanted a lick of Sarah's lollipop.

2to lick your lips →�see lip

3to lick into shape →�see shape

lick|ing /l I k I ŋ/ (lickings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A licking is a severe defeat by someone in a fight, battle, or competition. □� They gave us a hell of a licking.

lico|rice /l I kər I ʃ, - I s/ in BRIT, also use liquorice N‑UNCOUNT Licorice is a firm black substance with a strong taste. It is used for making sweets.

lid /l I d/ (lids )

1 N‑COUNT A lid is the top of a box or other container which can be removed or raised when you want to open the container.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your lids are the pieces of skin which cover your eyes when you close them. □� A dull pain began to throb behind his lids.

3 N‑SING If you say that someone is keeping thelidon an activity or a piece of information, you mean that they are restricting the activity or are keeping the information secret. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] The soldiers' presence seemed to keep a lid on the violence. □�[+�on ] Their finance ministry is still trying to put a lid on the long-simmering securities scandal.

lid|ded /l I d I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Lidded is used to describe a container that has a lid. □� �a lidded saucepan.

2 ADJ When someone has lidded eyes, their eyelids are partly or fully closed. [LITERARY ] □� Julie squinted at her through lidded eyes.

lido /liː doʊ/ (lidos ) N‑COUNT A lido is an outdoor swimming pool or a part of a beach which is used by the public for swimming or water sports. [mainly BRIT ]

lie

➊�POSITION OR SITUATION

➋�THINGS THAT ARE NOT TRUE

➊ lie ◆◆◇ /la I / (lies , lying , lay , lain )

→�Please look at categories 11 to 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you are lying somewhere, you are in a horizontal position and are not standing or sitting. □�[V prep/adv] There was a child lying on the ground. □�[V adj] He lay awake watching her for a long time.

2 VERB If an object lies in a particular place, it is in a flat position in that place. □�[V prep/adv] �a newspaper lying on a nearby couch. □�[V adj] Broken glass lay scattered on the carpet.

3 VERB If you say that a place lies in a particular position or direction, you mean that it is situated there. □�[V prep/adv] The islands lie at the southern end of the Kurile chain.

4 V‑LINK You can use lie to say that something is or remains in a particular state or condition. For example, if something lies forgotten , it has been and remains forgotten. □�[V adj] The picture lay hidden in the archives for over 40 years. □�[V prep] His country's economy lies in ruins.

5 VERB You can use lie to say what position a competitor or team is in during a competition. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V ord] I was going well and was lying fourth. □�[V +�in ] She is lying in second place.

6 VERB You can talk about where something such as a problem, solution, or fault lies to say what you think it consists of, involves, or is caused by. □�[V prep/adv] The problem lay in the large amounts spent on defence.

7 VERB You use lie in expressions such as lie ahead , lie in store , and lie in wait when you are talking about what someone is going to experience in the future, especially when it is something unpleasant or difficult. □�[V prep/adv] She'd need all her strength and bravery to cope with what lay in store. □�[V prep/adv] The President's most serious challenges lie ahead.

8to lie in state →�see state

9to take something lying down →�see take ➋

▸� lie around in BRIT, also use lie about PHRASAL VERB If things are left lying around or lying about , they are not tidied away but left casually somewhere where they can be seen. □�[V P ] People should be careful about their possessions and not leave them lying around.

▸� lie behind PHRASAL VERB If you refer to what lies behind a situation or event, you are referring to the reason the situation exists or the event happened. □�[V P n] It seems that what lay behind the clashes was disagreement over the list of candidates.

▸� lie down PHRASAL VERB When you lie down , you move into a horizontal position, usually in order to rest or sleep. □�[V P ] Why don't you go upstairs and lie down for a bit?

➋ lie ◆◇◇ /la I / (lies , lying , lied )

1 N‑COUNT A lie is something that someone says or writes which they know is untrue. □� 'Who else do you work for?'�'No one.'�'That's a lie.' □� I've had enough of your lies. □� All the boys told lies about their adventures.

2 →�see also white lie

3 VERB If someone is lying , they are saying something which they know is not true. □�[V ] I know he's lying. □�[V +�about ] If asked, he lies about his age. □�[V +�to ] We are surprisingly poor at judging when people are lying to us. □�[V -ing] He reportedly called her 'a lying little twit'. ●� ly|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Lying is something that I will not tolerate.

4 VERB If you say that something lies , you mean that it does not express or represent something accurately. □�[V ] The camera can sometimes lie.

5 →�see also lying SYNONYMS lie NOUN ➋1

falsehood:He accused them of knowingly spreading falsehoods about him.

fabrication:This story is total fabrication.

deception:You've been the victim of a rather cruel deception.

untruth:The Advertising Standards Authority accused estate agents of using blatant untruths. COLLOCATIONS lie VERB ➊6

noun +�lie : blame, fault, problem, responsibility; answer, solution; interest, strength

lie+�adverb : elsewhere NOUN ➋1

adjective +�lie : blatant, downright, outright

verb +�lie : peddle, spread, tell; expose

lie de|tec|tor (lie detectors ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A lie detector is an electronic machine used mainly by the police to find out whether a suspect is telling the truth. □� �the results of a lie detector test.

lie -down N‑SING If you have alie-down , you have a short rest, usually in bed. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� She had departed upstairs for a lie-down.

lie -in (lie-ins ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have a lie-in , you rest by staying in bed later than usual in the morning. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I have a lie-in on Sundays.

lieu /ljuː , [AM ] luː /

1 PHRASE If you do, get, or give one thing in lieu of another, you do, get, or give it instead of the other thing, because the two things are considered to have the same value or importance. [FORMAL ] □� He left what little furniture he owned to his landlord in lieu of rent.

2 PHRASE If you do, get, or give something in lieu , you do, get, or give it instead of something else, because the two things are considered to have the same value or importance. [mainly BRIT , FORMAL ] □� �an increased salary or time off in lieu.

Lieut.Lieut. is a written abbreviation for lieutenant when it is a person's title. □� �Lieut. J. J. Doughty.

lieu|ten|ant /lefte nənt, [AM ] luː-/ (lieutenants )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A lieutenant is an officer of low rank in the army, navy, marines, or air force, or in the American police force. □� Lieutenant Campbell ordered the man at the wheel to steer for the gunboat. ●�N‑TITLE Lieutenant is also a combining form. □� �Lieutenant Colonel Gale Carter.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If you refer to someone as a person's lieutenant , you mean they are that person's assistant, especially their main assistant, in an organization or activity. □� He was my right-hand man, my lieutenant on the field, a cool, calculated footballer.

lieu|te n|ant go v|er|nor (lieutenant governors )

1 N‑COUNT A lieutenant governor is an elected official who acts as the deputy of a state governor in the United States. [AM ]

2 N‑COUNT A lieutenant governor is an official elected by the Canadian government to act as a representative of the British king or queen in a province of Canada.

life ◆◆◆ /la I f/ (lives /la I vz/)

1 N‑UNCOUNT Life is the quality which people, animals, and plants have when they are not dead, and which objects and substances do not have. □� �a baby's first minutes of life. □� Amnesty International opposes the death penalty as a violation of the right to life. □� �the earth's supply of life-giving oxygen.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use life to refer to things or groups of things which are alive. □� Is there life on Mars? □� The book includes some useful facts about animal and plant life.

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If you refer to someone's life , you mean their state of being alive, especially when there is a risk or danger of them dying. □� Your life is in danger. □� A nurse began to try to save his life. □� The intense fighting is reported to have claimed many lives.

4 N‑COUNT Someone's life is the period of time during which they are alive. □�[+�in ] He spent the last fourteen years of his life in retirement. □� For the first time in his life he regretted that he had no faith.

5 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can use life to refer to a period of someone's life when they are in a particular situation or job. □� Interior designers spend their working lives keeping up to date with the latest trends. □�[+�in ] That was the beginning of my life in the television business.

6 N‑COUNT You can use life to refer to particular activities which people regularly do during their lives. □� My personal life has had to take second place to my career. □� Most diabetics have a normal sex life.

7 N‑UNCOUNT You can use life to refer to the events and experiences that happen to people while they are alive. □� Life won't be dull! □� It's the people with insecurities who make life difficult.

8 N‑UNCOUNT If you know a lot about life , you have gained many varied experiences, for example by travelling a lot and meeting different kinds of people. □� I was 19 and too young to know much about life. □� I needed some time off from education to experience life.

9 N‑UNCOUNT You can use life to refer to the things that people do and experience that are characteristic of a particular place, group, or activity. □� How did you adjust to college life? □�[+�of ] �the culture and life of north Africa.

10 N‑UNCOUNT A person, place, book, or film that is full of life gives an impression of excitement, energy, or cheerfulness. [APPROVAL ] □� The town itself was full of life and character.

11 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is sentenced to life , they are sentenced to stay in prison for the rest of their life or for a very long time. [INFORMAL ] □� He could get life in prison, if convicted.

12 N‑COUNT [with poss] The life of something such as a machine, organization, or project is the period of time that it lasts for. □�[+�of ] The repairs did not increase the value or the life of the equipment.

13 PHRASE If you bring something to life or if it comes to life , it becomes interesting or exciting. □� The cold, hard cruelty of two young men is vividly brought to life in this true story. □� Poems which had seemed dull and boring suddenly came to life.

14 PHRASE If something or someone comes to life , they become active. □� The volcano came to life a week ago.

15 PHRASE If you say that someone is fighting for their life , you mean that they are in a very serious condition and may die as a result of an accident or illness. [JOURNALISM ] □� He was in a critical condition, fighting for his life in hospital.

16 PHRASE For life means for the rest of a person's life. □� He was jailed for life in 1966 for the murder of three policemen. □� She may have been scarred for life.

17 PHRASE If you say that someone does something for dear life or for their life , you mean that they do it using all their strength and effort because they are in a dangerous or urgent situation. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I made for the life raft and hung on for dear life.

18 PHRASE If you tell someone to get a life , you are expressing frustration with them because their life seems boring or they seem to care too much about unimportant things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

19 PHRASE You can use in all my life or in my life to emphasize that you have never previously experienced something to such a degree. [EMPHASIS ] □� I have never been so scared in all my life.

20 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is larger than life , you mean that they appear or behave in a way that seems more exaggerated or important than usual. □� �not that we should expect all good publishers to be larger than life. □� Throughout his career he's always been a larger than life character.

21 PHRASE If someone lays down their life for another person, they die so that the other person can live. [LITERARY ] □� Man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.

22 PHRASE If someone risks life and limb , they do something very dangerous that may cause them to die or be seriously injured. □� Viewers will remember the dashing hero, Dirk, risking life and limb to rescue Daphne from the dragons.

23 PHRASE If you refer to someone as the life and soul of the party , you mean that they are very lively and entertaining on social occasions, and are good at mixing with people. In American English, you usually say that they are the life of the party . [APPROVAL ]

24 PHRASE If something starts life or begins life as a particular thing, it is that thing when it first starts to exist. □�[+�as ] Herr's book started life as a dramatic screenplay.

25 PHRASE If someone takes another person's life , they kill them. If someone takes their own life , they kill themselves. [FORMAL ] □� Before execution, he admitted to taking the lives of at least 35 more women. □� He helped his first wife take her life when she was dying of cancer.

26 PHRASE You can use expressions such as to come to life , to spring to life , and to roar into life to indicate that a machine or vehicle suddenly starts working or moving. [LITERARY ] □� To his great relief the engine came to life. □� In the garden of the Savoy Hotel the sprinklers suddenly burst into life.

27 →�see also fact of life , kiss of life

28a matter of life and death →�see death

29a new lease of life →�see lease

30to have the time of your life →�see time

31true to life →�see true

li fe-affirming ADJ [usu ADJ n] A life-affirming activity or attitude emphasizes the positive aspects of life. [APPROVAL ] □� The exhibition is an enjoyable and, ultimately, life-affirming experience.

li fe-and-dea th →�see death

li fe as|sur|ance N‑UNCOUNT Life assurance is the same as life insurance . [BRIT ] □� �a life assurance policy.

life|belt /la I fbelt/ (lifebelts ) N‑COUNT A lifebelt is a large ring, usually made of a light substance such as cork, which someone who has fallen into deep water can use to float.

life|blood /la I fblʌd/ also life-blood N‑SING [usu with poss] The lifeblood of an organization, area, or person is the most important thing that they need in order to exist, develop, or be successful. □�[+�of ] Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy. □� Coal and steel were the region's lifeblood.

life|boat /la I fboʊt/ (lifeboats )

1 N‑COUNT A lifeboat is a medium-sized boat that is sent out from a port or harbour in order to rescue people who are in danger at sea.

2 N‑COUNT A lifeboat is a small boat that is carried on a ship, which people on the ship use to escape when the ship is in danger of sinking.

li fe coach (life coaches ) N‑COUNT A life coach is someone whose job involves helping people to improve their lives by doing challenging or worthwhile things. ●� life coach|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �life-coaching workshops.

li fe cy|cle (life cycles )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The life cycle of an animal or plant is the series of changes and developments that it passes through from the beginning of its life until its death. □�[+�of ] The dormant period is another stage in the life cycle of the plant.

2 N‑COUNT The life cycle of something such as an idea, product, or organization is the series of developments that take place in it from its beginning until the end of its usefulness. □� Each new product would have a relatively long life cycle.

li fe-enhancing ADJ If you describe something as life-enhancing , you mean that it makes you feel happier and more content. □� �a life-enhancing and exciting trip. □� His letters, like his poetry, are life-enhancing and a delight.

li fe ex|pe c|tan|cy (life expectancies ) N‑UNCOUNT The life expectancy of a person, animal, or plant is the length of time that they are normally likely to live. □� The average life expectancy was 40. □� They had longer life expectancies than their parents.

li fe force also life-force N‑UNCOUNT Life force is energy that some people believe exists in all living things and keeps them alive.

li fe form (life forms ) N‑COUNT A life form is any living thing such as an animal or plant.

life|guard /la I fgɑː r d/ (lifeguards ) N‑COUNT A lifeguard is a person who works at a beach or swimming pool and rescues people when they are in danger of drowning.

li fe hi s|to|ry (life histories ) N‑COUNT The life history of a person is all the things that happen to them during their life. □� Some people give you their life history without much prompting.

li fe im|pri s|on|ment N‑UNCOUNT If someone is sentenced to life imprisonment , they are sentenced to stay in prison for the rest of their life, or for a very long period of time.

li fe in|sur|ance N‑UNCOUNT Life insurance is a form of insurance in which a person makes regular payments to an insurance company, in return for a sum of money to be paid to them after a period of time, or to their family if they die. □�[+�on ] I have also taken out a life insurance policy on him just in case.

li fe jack|et (life jackets ) also lifejacket N‑COUNT A life jacket is a sleeveless jacket which helps you to float when you have fallen into deep water.

life|less /la I fləs/

1 ADJ If a person or animal is lifeless , they are dead, or are so still that they appear to be dead. □� Their cold-blooded killers had then dragged their lifeless bodies upstairs to the bathroom.

2 ADJ If you describe an object or a machine as lifeless , you mean that they are not living things, even though they may resemble living things. □� It was made of plaster, hard and white and lifeless, bearing no resemblance to human flesh.

3 ADJ A lifeless place or area does not have anything living or growing there at all. □� Dry stone walls may appear lifeless, but they provide a valuable habitat for plants and animals.

4 ADJ If you describe a person, or something such as an artistic performance or a town as lifeless , you mean they lack any lively or exciting qualities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a lifeless portrait of an elderly woman.

life|like /la I fla I k/ ADJ Something that is lifelike has the appearance of being alive. □� �a lifelike doll.

life|line /la I fla I n/ (lifelines ) N‑COUNT A lifeline is something that enables an organization or group to survive or to continue with an activity. □�[+�for/to ] Information about the job market can be a lifeline for those who are out of work.

life|long /la I flɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Lifelong means existing or happening for the whole of a person's life. □� �her lifelong friendship with Naomi.

li fe me m|ber (life members ) N‑COUNT If you are a life member of a club or organization, you have paid or been chosen to be a member for the rest of your life.

li fe pee r (life peers ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a life peer is a person who is given a title such as 'Lord' or 'Lady' which they can use for the rest of their life but which they cannot pass on when they die. □� He was made a life peer in 1991. [Also +�of ]

li fe pre|serv|er (life preservers ) N‑COUNT A life preserver is something such as a life jacket, which helps you to float when you have fallen into deep water. [AM ]

lif|er /la I fə r / (lifers ) N‑COUNT A lifer is a criminal who has been given a life sentence. [INFORMAL ]

li fe raft (life rafts ) also life-raft N‑COUNT A life raft is a small rubber boat carried on an aircraft or large boat which can be filled with air and used in an emergency.

life|sav|er /la I fse I və r / (lifesavers ) N‑COUNT If you say that something is a lifesaver , you mean that it helps people in a very important way, often in a way that is important to their health. □� The cervical smear test is a lifesaver.

li fe-saving

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A life-saving drug, operation, or action is one that saves someone's life or is likely to save their life. □� �life-saving drugs such as antibiotics. □� She decided her child should go to America for life-saving treatment.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You use life-saving to refer to the skills and activities connected with rescuing people, especially people who are drowning.

li fe sci |ence (life sciences ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The life sciences are sciences such as zoology, botany, and anthropology which are concerned with human beings, animals, and plants.

li fe se n|tence (life sentences ) N‑COUNT If someone receives a life sentence , they are sentenced to stay in prison for the rest of their life, or for a very long period of time. □�[+�for ] Some were serving life sentences for murder.

li fe-si ze ADJ A life-size representation of someone or something, for example a painting or sculpture, is the same size as the person or thing that they represent. □� �a life-size statue of an Indian boy.

li fe-si zed ADJ Life-sized means the same as life-size .

life|span /la I fsp�n/ (lifespans ) also life span

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] The lifespan of a person, animal, or plant is the period of time for which they live or are normally expected to live. □� A 15-year lifespan is not uncommon for a dog.

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The lifespan of a product, organization, or idea is the period of time for which it is expected to work properly or to last. □�[+�of ] Most boilers have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

life|style ◆◇◇ /la I fsta I l/ (lifestyles ) also life style , life-style

1 N‑VAR The lifestyle of a particular person or group of people is the living conditions, behaviour, and habits that are typical of them or are chosen by them. □� They enjoyed an income and lifestyle that many people would envy.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Lifestyle magazines, television programmes, and products are aimed at people who wish to be associated with glamorous and successful lifestyles. □� Her dream is to present a lifestyle show on television.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Lifestyle drugs are drugs that are intended to improve people's quality of life rather than to treat particular medical disorders. □� 'I see anti-depressants as a lifestyle drug,' says Dr Charlton.

li fe-suppo rt ma|chine (life-support machines ) N‑COUNT A life-support machine is the equipment that is used to keep a person alive when they are very ill and cannot breathe without help. [mainly BRIT ] □� He is in a coma and on a life-support machine. in AM, use respirator

li fe-suppo rt sys|tem (life-support systems ) N‑COUNT A life-support system is the same as a life-support machine .

li fe's wo rk N‑SING [usu poss N ] Someone's life's work or life work is the main activity that they have been involved in during their life, or their most important achievement. □� An exhibition of his life's work is being shown in the garden of his home. □� My father's life work was devoted to the conservation of the Longleat estate.

li fe-threatening ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] If someone has a life-threatening illness or is in a life-threatening situation, there is a strong possibility that the illness or the situation will kill them. □� Caitlin was born with a life-threatening heart abnormality.

life|time /la I fta I m/ (lifetimes )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] A lifetime is the length of time that someone is alive. □� During my lifetime I haven't got around to much travelling. □�[+�of ] �an extraordinary lifetime of achievement.

2 N‑SING [with poss] The lifetime of a particular thing is the period of time that it lasts. □�[+�of ] �the lifetime of a parliament. □� �a satellite's lifetime.

3 PHRASE If you describe something as the chance or experience of a lifetime , you are emphasizing that it is the best or most important chance or experience that you are ever likely to have. [EMPHASIS ] □� This could be not just the trip of a lifetime but the experience of a lifetime.

lift ◆◆◇ /l I ft/ (lifts , lifting , lifted )

1 VERB If you lift something, you move it to another position, especially upwards. □�[V n] The Colonel lifted the phone and dialed his superior. □�[V n prep/adv] She lifted the last of her drink to her lips. ●�PHRASAL VERB Lift up means the same as lift . □�[V n P ] She put her arms around him and lifted him up. □�[V P n] Curious shoppers lifted up their children to take a closer look at the parade.

2 VERB If you lift a part of your body, you move it to a higher position. □�[V n] Amy lifted her arm to wave. 'Goodbye,' she called. □�[V n] She lifted her foot and squashed the wasp into the ground. ●�PHRASAL VERB Lift up means the same as lift . □�[V n P ] Tom took his seat again and lifted his feet up on to the railing. □�[V P n] The boys lifted up their legs, indicating they wanted to climb in.

3 VERB If you lift your eyes or your head, you look up, for example when you have been reading and someone comes into the room. □�[V n] When he finished he lifted his eyes and looked out the window.

4 VERB If people in authority lift a law or rule that prevents people from doing something, they end it. □�[V n] The European Commission has urged France to lift its ban on imports of British beef.

5 VERB If something lifts your spirits or your mood, or if they lift , you start feeling more cheerful. □�[V n] He used his incredible sense of humour to lift my spirits. □�[V ] As soon as she heard the phone ring her spirits lifted.

6 N‑SING If something gives you a lift , it gives you a feeling of greater confidence, energy, or enthusiasm. [INFORMAL ] □� My selection for the team has given me a tremendous lift.

7 N‑COUNT A lift is a device that carries people or goods up and down inside tall buildings. [BRIT ] □� They took the lift to the fourth floor. in AM, use elevator8 N‑COUNT If you give someone a lift somewhere, you take them there in your car as a favour to them. □� He had a car and often gave me a lift home.

9 VERB If a government or organization lifts people or goods in or out of an area, it transports them there by aircraft, especially when there is a war. □�[V n prep/adv] The army lifted people off rooftops where they had climbed to escape the flooding.

10 VERB To lift something means to increase its amount or to increase the level or the rate at which it happens. □�[V n +�to/from/by ] The bank lifted its basic home loans rate to 10.99% from 10.75%. □�[V n] A barrage would halt the flow upstream and lift the water level.

11 VERB If fog, cloud, or mist lifts , it reduces, for example by moving upwards or by becoming less thick. □�[V ] The fog had lifted and revealed a warm, sunny day.

12to lift a finger →�see finger

▸� lift off PHRASAL VERB When an aircraft or rocket lifts off , it leaves the ground and rises into the air. □�[V P ] The plane lifted off and climbed steeply into the sky.

▸� lift up →�see lift1 , lift2 COLLOCATIONS lift NOUN 8

verb +�lift : cadge, hitch, thumb VERB

4

lift+�noun : ban, embargo, restrictions, sanctions

5

lift+�noun : mood, spirits

li ft-off (lift-offs ) N‑VAR Lift-off is the beginning of a rocket's flight into space, when it leaves the ground. □� The lift-off was delayed about seven minutes. □� The rocket tumbled out of control shortly after lift-off.

liga|ment /l I gəmənt/ (ligaments ) N‑COUNT A ligament is a band of strong tissue in a person's body which connects bones. □�[+�in ] He suffered torn ligaments in his knee.

light

➊�BRIGHTNESS OR ILLUMINATION

➋�NOT GREAT IN WEIGHT, AMOUNT, OR INTENSITY

➌�UNIMPORTANT OR NOT SERIOUS

➊ light ◆◆◇ /la I t/ (lights , lighting , lit or lighted , lighter , lightest ) The form lit is the usual past tense and past participle, but the form lighted is also used. →�Please look at category 26 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Light is the brightness that lets you see things. Light comes from sources such as the sun, moon, lamps, and fire. □� Cracks of light filtered through the shutters. □� It was difficult to see in the dim light. □� �ultraviolet light.

2 N‑COUNT A light is something such as an electric lamp which produces light. □� The janitor comes round to turn the lights out. □� �street lights.

3 N‑PLURAL You can use lights to refer to a set of traffic lights. □� �the heavy city traffic with its endless delays at lights and crossings.

4 VERB If a place or object is lit by something, it has light shining on it. □�[V n] It was dark and a giant moon lit the road so brightly you could see the landscape clearly. □�[be V -ed] The room was lit by only the one light. □�[V n +�with ] The low sun lit the fortress walls with yellow light.

5 ADJ If it is light , the sun is providing light at the beginning or end of the day. □� It was still light when we arrived at Lalong Creek. □� �light summer evenings.

6 ADJ If a room or building is light , it has a lot of natural light in it, for example because it has large windows. □� It is a light room with tall windows. ●� light|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The dark green spare bedroom is in total contrast to the lightness of the large main bedroom.

7 VERB If you light something such as a cigarette or fire, or if it lights , it starts burning. □�[V n] Stephen hunched down to light a cigarette. □�[V ] If the charcoal does fail to light, use a special liquid spray and light it with a long taper. □�[V -ed] �a lighted candle.

8 N‑SING If someone asks you for a light , they want a match or cigarette lighter so they can start smoking. [INFORMAL ] □� Have you got a light anybody?

9 N‑COUNT If something is presented in a particular light , it is presented so that you think about it in a particular way or so that it appears to be of a particular nature. □� He has worked hard in recent months to portray New York in a better light.

10 →�see also bright lights , lighter , lighting , night light , pilot light , red light

11 PHRASE If something comes to light or is brought to light , it becomes obvious or is made known to a lot of people. □� The truth is unlikely to be brought to light by the promised enquiry.

12 PHRASE If light dawnson you, you begin to understand something after a period of not being able to understand it. □� At last the light dawned. He was going to marry Phylis!

13 PHRASE If someone in authority gives you a green light , they give you permission to do something. □� The food industry was given a green light to extend the use of these chemicals.

14 PHRASE If something is possible in the light of particular information, it is only possible because you have this information. □� In the light of this information it is now possible to identify a number of key issues.

15 PHRASE If someone sees the light , they finally realize something or change their attitude or way of behaving to a better one. □� I saw the light and ditched him.

16 PHRASE If you set light to something, you make it start burning. [mainly BRIT ] □� They had poured fuel through the door of the flat and had then set light to it. in AM, use set fire to

17 PHRASE To shed light on , throw light on , or cast light on something means to make it easier to understand, because more information is known about it. □� A new approach offers an answer, and may shed light on an even bigger question.

18 PHRASE When you talk about the light at the end of the tunnel , you are referring to the end of the difficult or unpleasant situation that you are in at the moment. □� All I can do is tell her to hold on, that there's light at the end of the tunnel.

19all sweetness and light →�see sweetness

▸� light up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you light something up or if it lights up , it becomes bright, usually when you shine light on it. □�[V P ] �a keypad that lights up when you pick up the handset. □�[V P n] On September 5, at the end of the festival, a massive display of fireworks will light up the sky around Broadlands. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If your face or your eyes light up you suddenly look very surprised or happy. □�[V P +�with ] Sue's face lit up with surprise. □�[V P ] You should see his eyes light up when he talks about home.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you light up , you make a cigarette, cigar, or pipe start burning and you start smoking it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] He held a match while she lit up. □�[V P n] He took his time lighting up a cigarette. [Also V n P ]

➋ light ◆◇◇ /la I t/ (lighter , lightest )

1 ADJ Something that is light does not weigh very much, or weighs less than you would expect it to. □� Modern tennis rackets are now apparently 20 per cent lighter. □� �weight training with light weights. □� Try to wear light, loose clothes. ●� light|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The toughness, lightness, strength, and elasticity of whalebone gave it a wide variety of uses.

2 ADJ Something that is light is not very great in amount, degree, or intensity. □� It's a Sunday like any other with the usual light traffic in the city. □� �a light breeze. ●� light|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed, oft ADV after v] □� Put the onions in the pan and cook until lightly browned.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Light equipment and machines are small and easily moved, especially because they are not heavy. □� �a convoy of light armoured vehicles. □� They used light machine guns and AK forty-sevens.

4 ADJ Something that is light is very pale in colour. □�[+�in ] The walls are light in colour and covered in paper. □� He is light haired with gray eyes. ●�ADJ Light is also a combining form. □� We know he has a light green van. □� �a light blue box.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A light sleep is one that is easily disturbed and in which you are often aware of the things around you. If you are a light sleeper, you are easily woken when you are asleep. □� She had drifted into a light sleep. □� She was usually a light sleeper. ●� light|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He was dozing lightly in his chair.

6 ADJ A light sound, for example someone's voice, is pleasantly quiet. □� The voice was sweet and light.

7 ADJ A light meal consists of a small amount of food, or of food that is easy to digest. □� �a light, healthy lunch. ●� light|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She found it impossible to eat lightly.

8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Light work does not involve much physical effort. □� He was on the training field for some light work yesterday.

9 ADJ If you describe the result of an action or a punishment as light , you mean that it is less serious or severe than you expected. □� She confessed her astonishment at her light sentence when her father visited her at the jail. ●� light|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� One of the accused got off lightly in exchange for pleading guilty to withholding information from Congress.

10 ADJ Movements and actions that are light are graceful or gentle and are done with very little force or effort. □� Use a light touch when applying cream or make-up. □� There was a light knock at the door. ●� light|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He kissed her lightly on the mouth. □� Knead the dough very lightly. ●� light|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� She danced with a grace and lightness that were breathtaking.

11 →�see also lighter

➌ light ◆◇◇ /la I t/ (lighter , lightest )

→�Please look at category 6 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe things such as books, music, and films as light , you mean that they entertain you without making you think very deeply. □� �light classical music. □� �a light entertainment programme.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say something in a light way, you sound as if you think that something is not important or serious. □� Talk to him in a friendly, light way about the relationship. □� Let's finish on a lighter note. ●� light|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'Once a detective, always a detective,' he said lightly. ●� light|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� 'I'm not an authority on them,' Jessica said with forced lightness.

3 ADJ If you say that something is not a light matter, you mean that it should be treated or considered as being important and serious. □� It can be no light matter for the Home Office that so many young prisoners should have wanted to kill or injure themselves. ●� light|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� His allegations cannot be lightly dismissed.

4 PHRASE If you make light of something, you treat it as though it is not serious or important, when in fact it is. □� Roberts attempted to make light of his discomfort.

5 →�see also lighter

6to make light work of →�see work

li ght ai r|craft (light aircraft ) N‑COUNT A light aircraft is a small aeroplane that is designed to carry a small number of passengers or a small amount of goods.

li ght bulb (light bulbs ) N‑COUNT A light bulb or bulb is the round glass part of an electric light or lamp which light shines from.

li ght crea m N‑UNCOUNT Light cream is thin cream that does not have a lot of fat in it. [AM ] in BRIT, use single cream

light|en /la I t ə n/ (lightens , lightening , lightened )

1 VERB When something lightens or when you lighten it, it becomes less dark in colour. □�[V ] The sky began to lighten. □�[V n] Leslie lightens her hair and has now had it cut into a short, feathered style.

2 VERB If someone lightens a situation, they make it less serious or less boring. □�[V n] Anthony felt the need to lighten the atmosphere.

3 VERB If your attitude or mood lightens , or if someone or something lightens it, they make you feel more cheerful, happy, and relaxed. □�[V ] As they approached the outskirts of the city, Ella's mood visibly lightened. □�[V n] The sun was streaming in through the window, yet it did nothing to lighten his mood.

4 VERB If you lighten something, you make it less heavy. □�[V n] It is a good idea to blend it in a food processor as this lightens the mixture. □�[V -ed] He pulled the lightened sled with all his strength.

light|er /la I tə r / (lighters ) N‑COUNT A lighter is a small device that produces a flame which you can use to light cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.

li ght-fi ngered ADJ If you say that someone is light-fingered , you mean that they steal things. [INFORMAL ]

li ght-hea ded ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel light-headed , you feel rather unsteady and strange, for example because you are ill or because you have drunk too much alcohol.

li ght-hea rted

1 ADJ Someone who is light-hearted is cheerful and happy. □� They were light-hearted and prepared to enjoy life.

2 ADJ Something that is light-hearted is intended to be entertaining or amusing, and not at all serious. □� There have been many attempts, both light-hearted and serious, to locate the Loch Ness Monster.

li ght hea vy|weight (light heavyweights ) N‑COUNT A light heavyweight is a professional boxer who weighs between 160 and 175 pounds, or an amateur boxer who weighs between 165 and 179 pounds.

light|house /la I thaʊs/ (lighthouses ) N‑COUNT A lighthouse is a tower containing a powerful flashing lamp that is built on the coast or on a small island. Lighthouses are used to guide ships or to warn them of danger.

li ght i^n|dus|try (light industries ) N‑VAR Light industry is industry in which only small items are made, for example household goods and clothes.

light|ing /la I t I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The lighting in a place is the way that it is lit, for example by electric lights, by candles, or by windows, or the quality of the light in it. □�[+�of ] �the bright fluorescent lighting of the laboratory. □� The whole room is bathed in soft lighting. □� �street lighting.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The lighting in a film or play is the use of different electric lights to give a particular effect. □� Peter Mumford's lighting and David Freeman's direction make a crucial contribution to the success of the staging.

light|ning /la I tn I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Lightning is the very bright flashes of light in the sky that happen during thunderstorms. □� One man died when he was struck by lightning. □� Another flash of lightning lit up the cave. □� �thunder and lightning.

2 →�see also forked lightning

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Lightning describes things that happen very quickly or last for only a short time. □� Driving today demands lightning reflexes.

li ght|ning bug (lightning bugs ) N‑COUNT A lightning bug is a type of beetle that produces light from its body. [AM ]

li ght|ning con|duc|tor (lightning conductors ) N‑COUNT A lightning conductor is a long thin piece of metal on top of a building that attracts lightning and allows it to reach the ground safely. [BRIT ] in AM, use lightning rod

li ght|ning rod (lightning rods )

1 N‑COUNT A lightning rod is the same as a lightning conductor . [AM ]

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is a lightning rod for something, you mean that they attract that thing to themselves. [AM ] □� He is a lightning rod for controversy.

li ght|ning strike (lightning strikes ) N‑COUNT A lightning strike is a strike in which workers stop work suddenly and without any warning, in order to protest about something. [BRIT ] □� Bank staff are to stage a series of lightning strikes in a dispute over staffing.

light|ship /la I tʃ I p/ (lightships ) N‑COUNT A lightship is a small ship that stays in one place and has a powerful flashing lamp. Lightships are used to guide ships or to warn them of danger.

light|weight /la I twe I t/ (lightweights ) also light-weight

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is lightweight weighs less than most other things of the same type. □� �lightweight denim. □� The company manufactures a range of innovative light-weight cycles.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Lightweight is a category in some sports, such as boxing, judo, or rowing, based on the weight of the athlete. □� By the age of sixteen he was the junior lightweight champion of Poland. ●�N‑COUNT A lightweight is a person who is in the lightweight category in a particular sport.

3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a lightweight , you are critical of them because you think that they are not very important or skilful in a particular area of activity. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Hill considered Sam a lightweight, a real amateur. ●�ADJ Lightweight is also an adjective. □� Some of the discussion in the book is lightweight and unconvincing.

li ght year (light years )

1 N‑COUNT A light year is the distance that light travels in a year. □� �a star system millions of light years away.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can say that two things are light years apart to emphasize a very great difference or a very long distance or period of time between them. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� She says the French education system is light years ahead of the English one.

lik|able /la I kəb ə l/ →�see likeable

like

➊�PREPOSITION AND CONJUNCTION USES

➋�VERB USES

➌�NOUN USES AND PHRASES

➊ like ◆◆◆ /la I k, la I k/ (likes )

1 PREP If you say that one person or thing is like another, you mean that they share some of the same qualities or features. □� He looks like Father Christmas. □� Kathy is a great mate, we are like sisters. □� It's nothing like what happened in the mid-Seventies. □� This is just like old times. □� �a mountain shaped like a reclining woman.

2 PREP If you talk about what something or someone is like , you are talking about their qualities or features. □� What was Bulgaria like? □� What did she look like? □� What was it like growing up in Costa Rica?

3 PREP You can use like to introduce an example of the set of things or people that you have just mentioned. □� The neglect that large cities like New York have received over the past 12 years is tremendous. □� He could say things like, 'Let's go to the car' or 'Let us go for a walk' in French.

4 PREP You can use like to say that someone or something is in the same situation as another person or thing. □� It also moved those who, like me, are too young to have lived through the war.

5 PREP If you say that someone is behaving like something or someone else, you mean that they are behaving in a way that is typical of that kind of thing or person. Like is used in this way in many fixed expressions, for example to cry like a baby and to watch someone like a hawk . □� I was shaking all over, trembling like a leaf. □� Greenfield was behaving like an irresponsible idiot.

6 PREP You can use like in expressions such as that's just like her and it wasn't like him to indicate that the person's behaviour is or is not typical of their character. □� You should have told us. But it's just like you not to share.

7 CONJ Like is sometimes used as a conjunction in order to say that something appears to be the case when it is not. Some people consider this use to be incorrect. □� On the train up to Waterloo, I felt like I was going on an adventure.

8 CONJ Like is sometimes used as a conjunction in order to indicate that something happens or is done in the same way as something else. Some people consider this use to be incorrect. □� People are strolling, buying ice cream for their children, just like they do every Sunday. □� He spoke exactly like I did. □� We really were afraid, not like in the cinema.

9 PREP [with neg] You can use like in negative expressions such as nothing like it and no place like it to emphasize that there is nothing as good as the situation, thing, or person mentioned. [EMPHASIS ] □� There's nothing like candlelight for creating a romantic mood. □� There was no feeling like it in the world.

10 PREP [with neg] You can use like in expressions such as nothing like to make an emphatic negative statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� Three hundred million dollars will be nothing like enough. □� It's really not anything like as bad as it looks.

➋ like ◆◆◆ /la I k/ (likes , liking , liked )

1 VERB [no cont] If you like something or someone, you think they are interesting, enjoyable, or attractive. □�[V n] He likes baseball. □�[V n] I can't think why Grace doesn't like me. □�[V n] What music do you like best? □�[V v-ing] I just didn't like being in crowds. □�[V to-inf] Do you like to go swimming? □�[V n adj/prep] She likes her steak medium rare. □�[V n +�about ] That's one of the things I like about you. You're strong.

2 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you ask someone how they like something, you are asking them for their opinion of it and whether they enjoy it or find it pleasant. □�[V n/v-ing] How do you like America? □�[V n/v-ing] How did you like the trip?

3 VERB [no cont] If you like something such as a particular course of action or way of behaving, you approve of it. □�[V n] I've been looking at the cookery book. I like the way it is set out. □�[V to-inf] The U.S. administration would like to see a negotiated settlement to the war. □�[V n v-ing] She does not like her sister talking to strangers about the past. □�[V v-ing] I don't like relying on the judges' decisions. [Also V n +�about n/v-ing]

4 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say that you liketo do something or that you like something to be done, you mean that you prefer to do it or prefer it to be done as part of your normal life or routine. □�[V to-inf] I like to get to airports in good time. □�[V n to-inf] I like him to look smart.

5 VERB If you like something on social media, you click on a symbol to show that you like it. □�[V n] Do you feel hurt if nobody likes your Instagram post?

6 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say that you wouldlike something or wouldlike to do something, you are indicating a wish or desire that you have. □�[V n] I'd like a bath. □�[V to-inf] If you don't mind, I think I'd like to go home.

7 VERB [no cont, no passive] You can say that you would like to say something to indicate that you are about to say it. □�[V to-inf] I'd like to apologize. □�[V to-inf] I would like to take this opportunity of telling you about a new service which we are offering.

8 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you ask someone if they would like something or would like to do something, you are making a polite offer or invitation. [POLITENESS ] □�[V n] Here's your change. Would you like a bag? □�[V n] Perhaps while you wait you would like a drink at the bar. □�[V to-inf] Would you like to come back for coffee?

9 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say to someone that you would like something or you would like them to do something, or ask them if they would like to do it, you are politely telling them what you want or what you want them to do. [POLITENESS ] □�[V n] I'd like an explanation. □�[V n to-inf] We'd like you to look around and tell us if anything is missing. □�[V to-inf] Would you like to tell me what happened?

➌ like ◆◆◆ /la I k/ (likes )

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use like in expressions such as like attracts like , when you are referring to two or more people or things that have the same or similar characteristics. □� You have to make sure you're comparing like with like. □� Homeopathic treatment is based on the 'like cures like' principle.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Someone's likes are the things that they enjoy or find pleasant. □� I thought that I knew everything about Jemma: her likes and dislikes, her political viewpoints.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] On social media, likes are symbols that people have clicked on to show that they like something. □� They might try to dress in a way that generates Facebook likes.

4 →�see also liking

5 PHRASE You say if you like when you are making or agreeing to an offer or suggestion in a casual way. □� You can stay here if you like. □� 'Shall we stop talking about her?'�'If you like.'

6 PHRASE You say if you like when you are expressing something in a different way, or in a way that you think some people might disagree with or find strange. □� This is more like a downpayment, or a deposit, if you like.

7 PHRASE You can use the expressions like anything , like crazy , or like mad to emphasize that someone is doing something or something is happening in a very energetic or noticeable way. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He's working like mad at the moment.

8 PHRASE You say like this , like that , or like so when you are showing someone how something is done. □� It opens and closes, like this.

9 PHRASE You use like this or like that when you are drawing attention to something that you are doing or that someone else is doing. □� I'm sorry to intrude on you like this. □� Stop pacing like that.

10 PHRASE You use the expression something like with an amount, number, or description to indicate that it is approximately accurate. □� They can get something like �3,000 a year. □� 'When roughly would this be? Monday?'�'Something like that.'

11 PHRASE If you refer to something the like of which or the likes of which has never been seen before, you are emphasizing how important, great, or noticeable the thing is. [EMPHASIS ] □� �technological advances the like of which the world had previously only dreamed of. □� We are dealing with an epidemic the likes of which we have never seen in this century. USAGE like

1 Don�t say � Do you like some coffee ?� You say �Would you like �� followed by a to -infinitive when you are inviting someone to do something. □� Would you like to meet him?

2 Use like it in front of a clause beginning with when or if . Don�t say � I like when I can go home early �. □� I like it when I can go home early.

3 You must put very much after the person or thing that you like. Don�t say, for example, � I like very much driving �. Say �I like driving very much �.

-like /-la I k/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -like combines with nouns to form adjectives which describe something as being similar to the thing referred to by the noun. □� �beautiful purple-red petunia-like flowers. □� �a tiny worm-like creature.

like|able /la I kəb ə l/ also likable ADJ Someone or something that is likeable is pleasant and easy to like. □� He was an immensely likeable chap.

like|li|hood /la I klihʊd/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The likelihoodof something happening is how likely it is to happen. □�[+�of ] The likelihood of infection is minimal.

2 N‑SING [N that] If something is a likelihood , it is likely to happen. □� The likelihood is that your child will not develop diabetes.

3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen in all likelihood , you mean that it will probably happen. □� In all likelihood, the committee will have to interview every woman who's worked with Thomas.

like|ly ◆◆◆ /la I kli/ (likelier , likeliest )

1 ADJ You use likely to indicate that something is probably the case or will probably happen in a particular situation. □� Experts say a 'yes' vote is still the likely outcome. □� If this is your first baby, it's far more likely that you'll get to the hospital too early. □� Francis thought it likely John still loved her. ●�ADV Likely is also an adverb. □� Profit will most likely have risen by about �25 million. □� Very likely he'd told them he had American business interests.

2 ADJ If someone or something is likelyto do a particular thing, they will very probably do it. □� In the meantime the war of nerves seems likely to continue. □� Adolescents who watched more than two hours of TV a day were much more likely to be overweight.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A likely person, place, or thing is one that will probably be suitable for a particular purpose. □� At one point he had seemed a likely candidate to become Prime Minister. □� We aimed the microscope at a likely looking target.

4 CONVENTION You can say not likely as an emphatic way of saying 'no', especially when someone asks you whether you are going to do something. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� 'How about having a phone out here?'�'Not likely!' SYNONYMS likely ADJ 1

probable:It is probable that the medication will suppress the symptoms.

expected:Their expected time of arrival is 6 o'clock.

anticipated:The long-anticipated study drew criticism from the tobacco industry.

li ke-minded ADJ [usu ADJ n] Like-minded people have similar opinions, ideas, attitudes, or interests. □� �the opportunity to mix with hundreds of like-minded people.

lik|en /la I kən/ (likens , likening , likened ) VERB If you liken one thing or person to another thing or person, you say that they are similar. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The pain is often likened to being drilled through the side of the head.

like|ness /la I knəs/ (likenesses )

1 N‑SING If two things or people have a likenessto each other, they are similar to each other. □�[+�to ] These myths have a startling likeness to one another. □�[+�between ] There might be a likeness between their features, but their eyes were totally dissimilar.

2 N‑COUNT [with poss] A likenessof someone is a picture or sculpture of them. □�[+�of ] The museum displays wax likenesses of every U.S. president.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu adj N ] If you say that a picture of someone is a good likeness , you mean that it looks just like them. □�[+�of ] She says the artist's impression is an excellent likeness of her abductor.

like|wise /la I kwa I z/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use likewise when you are comparing two methods, states, or situations and saying that they are similar. □� All attempts by the Socialists to woo him back were spurned. Similar overtures from the right have likewise been rejected.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something and someone else does likewise , they do the same or a similar thing. □� He lent money, made donations and encouraged others to do likewise.

lik|ing /la I k I ŋ/

1 N‑SING If you have alikingfor something or someone, you like them. □�[+�for ] She had a liking for good clothes. □�[+�to ] Mrs Jermyn took a great liking to him.

2 PHRASE [with too/not enough ] If something is, for example, too fast for your liking , you would prefer it to be slower. If it is not fast enough for your liking , you would prefer it to be faster. □� She's asking far too many personal questions for my liking.

3 PHRASE If something is to your liking , it suits your interests, tastes, or wishes. □� London was more to his liking than Rome.

li|lac /la I lək/ (lilacs or lilac )

1 N‑VAR A lilac or a lilac tree is a small tree which has sweet-smelling purple, pink, or white flowers in large, cone-shaped groups. □� Lilacs grew against the side wall. □� �a twig of lilac. ●�N‑VAR Lilacs are the flowers which grow on this tree. □� �a vase of tulips, lilies, lilacs and primroses. □� Her hair smelt of lilac.

2 COLOUR Something that is lilac is pale pinkish-purple in colour. □� All shades of mauve, lilac, lavender and purple were fashionable.

lilt /l I lt/ N‑SING If someone's voice has a lilt in it, the pitch of their voice rises and falls in a pleasant way, as if they were singing. □� Her voice is child-like, with a West Country lilt.

lilt|ing /l I lt I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A lilting voice or song rises and falls in pitch in a pleasant way. □� He had a pleasant, lilting northern accent.

lily /l I li/ (lilies ) N‑VAR A lily is a plant with large flowers. Lily flowers are often white.

li ly of the va l|ley (lilies of the valley or lily of the valley ) N‑VAR Lily of the valley are small plants with large leaves and small, white, bell-shaped flowers.

lima bean /liː mə biːn/ (lima beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Lima beans are flat round beans that are light green in colour and are eaten as a vegetable. They are the seeds of a plant that grows in tropical parts of America.

limb /l I m/ (limbs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your limbs are your arms and legs. □� She would be able to stretch out her cramped limbs and rest for a few hours.

2 N‑COUNT The limbs of a tree are its branches. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] This entire rickety structure was hanging from the limb of an enormous leafy tree.

3 PHRASE If someone goes out on a limb , they do something they strongly believe in even though it is risky or extreme, and is likely to fail or be criticized by other people. □� They can see themselves going out on a limb, voting for a very controversial energy bill.

4to risk life and limb →�see life

-limbed /-l I md/ COMB -limbed combines with adjectives to form other adjectives which indicate that a person or animal has limbs of a particular type or appearance. □� He was long-limbed and dark-eyed.

lim|ber /l I mbə r / (limbers , limbering , limbered )

▸� limber up PHRASAL VERB If you limber up , you prepare for an energetic physical activity such as a sport by moving and stretching your body. □�[V P ] Next door, 200 girls are limbering up for their ballet exams. □�[V P n] A short walk will limber up the legs.

lim|bo /l I mboʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu in/into N ] If you say that someone or something is inlimbo , you mean that they are in a situation where they seem to be caught between two stages and it is unclear what will happen next. □� The negotiations have been in limbo since mid-December.

lime /la I m/ (limes )

1 N‑VAR A lime is a green fruit that tastes like a lemon. Limes grow on trees in tropical countries. □� �peeled slices of lime. □� Add a few drops of lime juice.

2 N‑VAR A lime or a lime tree is a large tree with pale green leaves. It is often planted in parks in towns and cities. □� �dilapidated avenues of limes.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Lime is a substance containing calcium. It is found in soil and water. □� If your soil is very acid, add lime. ●�COMB Lime is also a combining form. □� �lime-rich sand. □� �old lime-stained baths.

li me gree n also lime-green COLOUR Something that is lime green is light yellowish-green in colour.

lime|light /la I mla I t/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is in the limelight , a lot of attention is being paid to them, because they are famous or because they have done something very unusual or exciting. □� Tony has now been thrust into the limelight, with a high-profile job.

lim|er|ick /l I mər I k/ (limericks ) N‑COUNT A limerick is a humorous poem which has five lines.

lime|stone /la I mstoʊn/ (limestones ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Limestone is a whitish-coloured rock which is used for building and for making cement. □� �high limestone cliffs. □� The local limestone is very porous.

lim|ey /la I mi/ (limeys ) N‑COUNT Some Americans refer to British people as limeys . Some people consider this use offensive. [INFORMAL ]

lim|it ◆◆◇ /l I m I t/ (limits , limiting , limited )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A limit is the greatest amount, extent, or degree of something that is possible. □� Her love for him was being tested to its limits. □�[+�to ] There is no limit to how much fresh fruit you can eat in a day.

2 N‑COUNT A limit of a particular kind is the largest or smallest amount of something such as time or money that is allowed because of a rule, law, or decision. □� The three month time limit will be up in mid-June. □�[+�on ] The economic affairs minister announced limits on petrol sales.

3 N‑COUNT The limit of an area is its boundary or edge. □�[+�of ] �the city limits of Baghdad.

4 N‑PLURAL Thelimitsof a situation are the facts involved in it which make only some actions or results possible. □�[+�of ] She has to work within the limits of a fairly tight budget. □�[+�of ] He outlined the limits of British power.

5 VERB If you limit something, you prevent it from becoming greater than a particular amount or degree. □�[V n] He limited payments on the country's foreign debt. □�[V n +�to ] Place numbers are limited to 25 on both tours, so please book early.

6 VERB If you limityourself to something, or if someone or something limits you, the number of things that you have or do is reduced. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] It is now accepted that men should limit themselves to 20 units of alcohol a week. □�[V n +�to ] Voters cut councillors' pay and limited them to one staff member each. [Also V pron-refl] ●� lim|it|ing ADJ □� The conditions laid down to me were not too limiting.

7 VERB [usu passive] If something is limitedto a particular place or group of people, it exists only in that place, or is had or done only by that group. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The protests were not limited to New York. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Entry to this prize draw is limited to U.K. residents.

8 →�see also age limit , limited

9 PHRASE If an area or a place is off limits , you are not allowed to go there. □� A one-mile area around the wreck is still off limits. □� These establishments are off limits to ordinary citizens.

10 PHRASE If someone is over the limit , they have drunk more alcohol than they are legally allowed to when driving a vehicle. [BRIT ] □� If police breathalyse me and find I am over the limit I face a long ban.

11 PHRASE If you say the sky is the limit , you mean that there is nothing to prevent someone or something from being very successful. □� They have found that, in terms of both salary and career success, the sky is the limit.

12 PHRASE If you add within limits to a statement, you mean that it is true or applies only when talking about reasonable or normal situations. □� In the circumstances we'll tell you what we can, within limits, of course, and in confidence. COLLOCATIONS limit NOUN 2

noun +�limit : age, height, size; speed, time; alcohol, drink-drive

adjective +�limit : legal, statutory; lower, upper; acceptable, reasonable, recommended, strict

verb +�limit : impose, set; break, exceed SYNONYMS limit NOUN

3

boundary:The Bow Brook forms the western boundary of the wood.

edge:We were on a hill, right on the edge of town.

confines:The movie is set entirely within the confines of the abandoned factory.

4

restriction:The relaxation of travel restrictions means they are free to travel and work.

constraint:Water shortages in the area will be the main constraint on development.

limitation:There is to be no limitation on the number of opposition parties. VERB 5

restrict:There is talk of raising the admission requirements to restrict the number of students on campus.

control:The federal government tried to control rising health-care costs.

check:A free press will help to check corruption.

curb:Inflation needs to be curbed.

limi|ta|tion /l I m I te I ʃ ə n/ (limitations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The limitation of something is the act or process of controlling or reducing it. □�[+�of ] All the talk had been about the limitation of nuclear weapons. □� �damage limitation.

2 N‑VAR A limitationon something is a rule or decision which prevents that thing from growing or extending beyond certain limits. □�[+�on ] �a limitation on the tax deductions for people who make more than $100,000 a year. □�[+�on ] There is to be no limitation on the number of opposition parties.

3 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] If you talk about the limitations of someone or something, you mean that they can only do some things and not others, or cannot do something very well. □�[+�of ] Parents are too likely to blame schools for the educational limitations of their children.

4 N‑VAR A limitation is a fact or situation that allows only some actions and makes others impossible. □� This drug has one important limitation. Its effects only last six hours.

lim|it|ed ◆◇◇ /l I m I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is limited is not very great in amount, range, or degree. □� They may only have a limited amount of time to get their points across.

2 ADJ [ADJ n, n ADJ ] A limited company is one whose owners are legally responsible for only a part of any money that it may owe if it goes bankrupt. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� They had plans to turn the club into a limited company. □� He is the founder of International Sports Management Limited. in AM, use incorporated

li m|it|ed edi |tion (limited editions ) N‑COUNT A limited edition is a work of art, such as a book which is only produced in very small numbers, so that each one will be valuable in the future.

lim|it|less /l I m I tləs/ ADJ If you describe something as limitless , you mean that there is or appears to be so much of it that it will never be exhausted. □� �a cheap and potentially limitless supply of energy. □� The opportunities are limitless.

limo /l I moʊ/ (limos ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A limo is a limousine . [INFORMAL ]

lim|ou|sine /l I məziː n/ (limousines ) N‑COUNT A limousine is a large and very comfortable car. Limousines are usually driven by a chauffeur and are used by very rich or important people.

limp /l I mp/ (limps , limping , limped , limper , limpest )

1 VERB If a person or animal limps , they walk with difficulty or in an uneven way because one of their legs or feet is hurt. □�[V ] I wasn't badly hurt, but I injured my thigh and had to limp. □�[V adv/prep] He had to limp off with a leg injury. ●�N‑COUNT Limp is also a noun. □� A stiff knee following surgery forced her to walk with a limp.

2 VERB If you say that something such as an organization, process, or vehicle limpsalong , you mean that it continues slowly or with difficulty, for example because it has been weakened or damaged. □�[V adv/prep] In recent years the newspaper had been limping along on limited resources. □�[V adv/prep] A British battleship, which had been damaged severely in the battle of Crete, came limping into Pearl Harbor.

3 ADJ If you describe something as limp , you mean that it is soft or weak when it should be firm or strong. □� A residue can build up on the hair shaft, leaving the hair limp and dull looking. ●� limp|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Flags and bunting hung limply in the still, warm air.

4 ADJ If someone is limp , their body has no strength and is not moving, for example because they are asleep or unconscious. □� He carried her limp body into the room and laid her on the bed.

lim|pet /l I mp I t/ (limpets ) N‑COUNT A limpet is a small sea animal with a cone-shaped shell which attaches itself tightly to rocks.

lim|pid /l I mp I d/

1 ADJ If you say that something is limpid , you mean that it is very clear and transparent. [LITERARY ] □� �limpid blue eyes. □� �limpid rock-pools.

2 ADJ If you describe speech, writing, or music as limpid , you like it because it is clear, simple and flowing. [LITERARY , APPROVAL ] □� He thought the speech a model of its kind, limpid and unaffected.

linch|pin /l I ntʃp I n/ (linchpins ) also lynchpin N‑COUNT If you refer to a person or thing as the linchpin of something, you mean that they are the most important person or thing involved in it. □�[+�of ] He's the lynchpin of our team and crucial to my long-term plans.

lin|den /l I nd ə n/ (lindens ) N‑VAR A linden or a linden tree is a large tree with pale green leaves which is often planted in parks in towns and cities.

line ◆◆◆ /la I n/ (lines , lining , lined )

1 N‑COUNT A line is a long thin mark which is drawn or painted on a surface. □� Draw a line down that page's center. □� �a dotted line. □� The ball had clearly crossed the line.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The lines on someone's skin, especially on their face, are long thin marks that appear there as they grow older. □� He has a large, generous face with deep lines.

3 N‑COUNT A line of people or things is a number of them arranged one behind the other or side by side. □�[+�of ] The sparse line of spectators noticed nothing unusual.

4 N‑COUNT A line of people or vehicles is a number of them that are waiting one behind another, for example in order to buy something or to go in a particular direction. □� Children clutching empty bowls form a line.

5 N‑COUNT A line of a piece of writing is one of the rows of words, numbers, or other symbols in it. □� The next line should read: Five days, 23.5 hours. □� Tina wouldn't have read more than three lines.

6 N‑COUNT A line of a poem, song, or play is a group of words that are spoken or sung together. If an actor learns his or her lines for a play or film, they learn what they have to say. □�[+�from ] �a line from Shakespeare's Othello: 'one that loved not wisely but too well'. □� Learning lines is very easy. Acting is very difficult.

7 N‑VAR You can refer to a long piece of wire, string, or cable as a line when it is used for a particular purpose. □� She put her washing on the line. □� �a piece of fishing-line. □� The winds downed power lines.

8 N‑COUNT [oft on the N ] A line is a connection which makes it possible for two people to speak to each other on the phone. □� The phone lines went dead. □� It's not a very good line. Shall we call you back Susan? □� She's on the line from her home in Boston.

9 N‑COUNT [oft in names] You can use line to refer to a phone number which you can ring in order to get information or advice. □� �the 24-hours information line.

10 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A line is a route, especially a dangerous or secret one, along which people move or send messages or supplies. □� Negotiators say they're keeping communication lines open. □� �the guerrillas' main supply lines.

11 N‑COUNT The line in which something or someone moves is the particular route that they take, especially when they keep moving straight ahead. □� Walk in a straight line. □�[+�of ] The wings were at right angles to the line of flight.

12 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A line is a particular route, involving the same stations, roads, or stops along which a train or bus service regularly operates. □� They've got to ride all the way to the end of the line. □� I would be able to stay on the Piccadilly Line and get off the tube at South Kensington.

13 N‑COUNT A railway line consists of the pieces of metal and wood which form the track that the trains travel along.

14 N‑COUNT A shipping, air, or bus line is a company which provides services for transporting people or goods by sea, air, or bus. [BUSINESS ] □� The Foreign Office offered to pay the shipping line all the costs of diverting the ship to Bermuda.

15 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A state or county line is a boundary between two states or counties. [AM ] □� �the California state line.

16 N‑COUNT You can use lines to refer to the set of physical defences or the soldiers that have been established along the boundary of an area occupied by an army. □� Their unit was shelling the German lines only seven miles away.

17 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The particular line that a person has towards a problem is the attitude that they have towards it. For example, if someone takes a hard line on something, they have a firm strict policy which they refuse to change. □� Forty members of the governing Conservative party rebelled, voting against the government line.

18 N‑COUNT You can use line to refer to the way in which someone's thoughts or activities develop, particularly if it is logical. □�[+�of ] What are some of the practical benefits likely to be of this line of research?

19 N‑PLURAL If you say that something happens along particular lines , or on particular lines , you are giving a general summary or approximate account of what happens, which may not be correct in every detail. □� He'd said something along those lines already. □� Our forecast was on the right lines.

20 N‑PLURAL If something is organized on particular lines , or along particular lines , it is organized according to that method or principle. □� �so-called autonomous republics based on ethnic lines. □� �reorganising old factories to work along Japanese lines.

21 N‑COUNT Your lineof business or work is the kind of work that you do. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] So what was your father's line of business? □�[+�of ] In my line of work I often get home too late for dinner.

22 N‑COUNT A line is a particular type of product that a company makes or sells. □� His best selling line is the cheapest lager at �1.99.

23 N‑COUNT In a factory, a line is an arrangement of workers or machines where a product passes from one worker to another until it is finished. □� �a production line capable of producing three different products.

24 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use line when you are referring to a number of people who are ranked according to status. □�[+�of ] Nicholas Paul Patrick was seventh in the line of succession to the throne. □�[+�for ] �the man who stands next in line for the presidency.

25 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A particular lineof people or things is a series of them that has existed over a period of time, when they have all been similar in some way, or done similar things. □�[+�of ] We were part of a long line of artists. □�[+�of ] It's the latest in a long line of tragedies.

26 VERB If people or things line a road, room, or other place, they are present in large numbers along its edges or sides. □�[V n] Thousands of local people lined the streets and clapped as the procession went by. □�[V -ed] �a square lined with pubs and clubs. ●� -lined COMB □� �a long tree-lined drive.

27 VERB If you line a wall, container, or other object, you put a layer of something such as leaves or paper on the inside surface of it in order to make it stronger, warmer, or cleaner. □�[V n] Scoop the blanket weed out and use it to line hanging baskets. □�[V n +�with ] Female bears tend to line their dens with leaves or grass. ●� -lined COMB □� �a dark, suede-lined case.

28 VERB If something lines a container or area, especially an area inside a person, animal, or plant, it forms a layer on the inside surface. □�[V n] �the muscles that line the intestines.

29 →�see also bottom line , branch line , dividing line , front line , lined , lining , party line , picket line , yellow line

30 PHRASE If you draw the lineat a particular activity, you refuse to do it, because you disapprove of it or because it is more extreme than what you normally do. □�[+�at ] I will eat pretty much anything, but I draw the line at insects.

31 PHRASE If you draw a linebetween two things, you make a distinction between them. □� It is, however, not possible to draw a distinct line between the two categories.

32 PHRASE If you do something or if it happens to you in the line of duty , you do it or it happens as part of your regular work or as a result of it. □� More than 3,000 police officers were wounded in the line of duty last year.

33 PHRASE If you refer to a method as the first line of , for example, defence or treatment, you mean that it is the first or most important method to be used in dealing with a problem. □� Passport checks will remain the first line of defence against terrorists.

34 PHRASE If you are in linefor something, it is likely to happen to you or you are likely to obtain it. If something is in lineto happen, it is likely to happen. □�[+�for ] He must be in line for a place in the Guinness Book of Records. □� Public sector pay is also in line to be hit hard.

35 PHRASE If one object is in linewith others, or moves into linewith others, they are arranged in a line. You can also say that a number of objects are in line or move into line . □�[+�with ] The device itself was right under the vehicle, almost in line with the gear lever. □� Venus, the Sun and Earth all moved into line.

36 PHRASE If one thing is in linewith another, or is brought into linewith it, the first thing is, or becomes, similar to the second, especially in a way that has been planned or expected. □�[+�with ] The structure of our schools is now broadly in line with the major countries of the world. □�[+�with ] This brings the law into line with most medical opinion.

37 PHRASE When people stand in line or wait in line , they stand one behind the other in a line, waiting their turn for something. [AM ] □� I had been standing in line for three hours. in BRIT, use queue

38 PHRASE If you keep someone in line or bring them into line , you make them obey you, or you make them behave in the way you want them to. □� All this was just designed to frighten me and keep me in line. □� �if the Prime Minister fails to bring rebellious Tories into line.

39 PHRASE If a machine or piece of equipment comes on line , it starts operating. If it is off line , it is not operating. □� The new machine will go on line in June. □� Every second her equipment was off line cost the company money.

40 PHRASE If you do something on line , you do it using a computer or a computer network. □� They can order their requirements on line. □� �on-line transaction processing.

41 PHRASE If something such as your job, career, or reputation is on the line , you may lose or harm it as a result of what you are doing or of the situation you are in. [INFORMAL ] □� He wouldn't put his career on the line to help a friend.

42 PHRASE If one thing is out of line with another, the first thing is different from the second in a way that was not agreed, planned, or expected. □�[+�with ] �if one set of figures is sharply out of line with a trend.

43 PHRASE If someone steps out of line , they disobey someone or behave in an unacceptable way. □� Any one of my players who steps out of line will be in trouble with me as well. □� You're way out of line, lady.

44 PHRASE If you read between the lines , you understand what someone really means, or what is really happening in a situation, even though it is not said openly. □� Reading between the lines, it seems neither Cole nor Ledley King will be going to Japan.

45to sign on the dotted line →�see dotted

46to line your pockets →�see pocket

47the line of least resistance →�see resistance

48toe the line →�see toe

▸� line up

1 PHRASAL VERB If people line up or if you line them up , they move so that they are standing in a line. □�[V P ] The senior leaders lined up behind him in orderly rows. □�[V n P ] The gym teachers lined us up against the cement walls. □�[V P n] When he came back the sergeant had lined up the suspects.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you line things up , you move them into a straight row. □�[V P n] I would line up my toys on this windowsill and play. □�[V n P ] He finished polishing the cocktail glasses and lined them up behind the bar.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you line one thing upwith another, or one thing lines upwith another, the first thing is moved into its correct position in relation to the second. You can also say that two things line up , or are lined up . □�[V n P +�with ] You have to line the car up with the ones beside you. □�[V P +�with ] Gas cookers are adjustable in height to line up with your kitchen work top. □�[V P n] Mahoney had lined up two of the crates. □�[V P ] When the images line up exactly, the projectors should be fixed in place. □�[V -ed P ] All we have to do is to get the two pieces lined up properly.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you line up an event or activity, you arrange for it to happen. If you line someone up for an event or activity, you arrange for them to be available for that event or activity. □�[V P n to-inf] She lined up executives, politicians and educators to serve on the board of directors. □�[V P n] The band is lining up a two-week U.K. tour for the New Year. [Also V n P , V n P to-inf]

5 →�see also line-up

lin|eage /l I ni I dʒ/ (lineages ) N‑VAR Someone's lineage is the series of families from which they are directly descended. [FORMAL ] □� They can trace their lineage directly back to the 18th century.

lin|eal /l I niəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] A lineal descendant of a particular person or family is someone in a later generation who is directly related to them. [FORMAL ]

lin|ear /l I niə r /

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A linear process or development is one in which something changes or progresses straight from one stage to another, and has a starting point and an ending point. □� �the linear view of time.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A linear shape or form consists of straight lines. □� �the sharp, linear designs of the Seventies and Eighties.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Linear movement or force occurs in a straight line rather than in a curve.

line|back|er /la I nb�kə r / (linebackers ) N‑COUNT In American football, a linebacker is a player who tries to stop members of the other team from scoring by tackling them.

lined /la I nd/

1 ADJ If someone's face or skin is lined , it has lines on it as a result of old age, tiredness, worry, or illness. □� His lined face was that of an old man.

2 ADJ Lined paper has lines printed across it to help you write neatly.

3 →�see also line

li ne danc|ing N‑UNCOUNT Line dancing is a style of dancing in which people move across the floor in a line, accompanied by country and western music.

li ne draw|ing (line drawings ) N‑COUNT A line drawing is a drawing which consists only of lines.

li ne man|ag|er (line managers ) N‑COUNT Your line manager is the person at work who is in charge of your department, group, or project. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

lin|en /l I n I n/ (linens )

1 N‑VAR Linen is a kind of cloth that is made from a plant called flax. It is used for making clothes and things such as tablecloths and sheets. □� �a white linen suit. □� �cottons, woolens, silks and linens.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Linen is tablecloths, sheets, pillowcases, and similar things made of cloth that are used in the home. □� �embroidered bed linen.

3to wash your dirty linen in public →�see dirty

li ne of si ght (lines of sight ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft with poss] Your line of sight is an imaginary line that stretches between your eye and the object that you are looking at. □� He was trying to keep out of the bird's line of sight.

li ne of vi |sion N‑SING [usu with poss] Your line of vision is the same as your line of sight . □� Any crack in a car windscreen always seems to be right in the driver's line of vision.

lin|er /la I nə r / (liners )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A liner is a large ship in which people travel long distances, especially on holiday. □� �luxury ocean liners.

2 →�see also bin liner

li n|er note (liner notes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The liner notes on record jackets are short pieces of writing that tell you something about the record or the musicians playing on the record. [AM ] in BRIT, use sleeve notes

lines|man /la I nzmən/ (linesmen ) N‑COUNT A linesman is an official who assists the referee or umpire in games such as football and tennis by indicating when the ball goes over the lines around the edge of the field or court.

li ne-up (line-ups )

1 N‑COUNT A line-up is a group of people or a series of things that have been gathered together to be part of a particular event. □�[+�of ] The programme is back for a new series with a great line-up of musicians and comedy acts.

2 N‑COUNT At a line-up , a witness to a crime tries to identify the criminal from among a line of people. □� He failed to identify Graham from photographs, but later picked him out of a police line-up.

lin|ger /l I ŋgə r / (lingers , lingering , lingered )

1 VERB When something such as an idea, feeling, or illness lingers , it continues to exist for a long time, often much longer than expected. □�[V adv/prep] The scent of her perfume lingered on in the room. □�[V ] He was ashamed. That feeling lingered, and he was never comfortable in church after that. □�[V -ing] He would rather be killed in a race than die a lingering death in hospital.

2 VERB If you linger somewhere, you stay there for a longer time than is necessary, for example because you are enjoying yourself. □�[V adv/prep] Customers are welcome to linger over coffee until around midnight. □�[V ] It is a dreary little town where few would choose to linger.

lin|gerie /l� nʒəri, [AM ] -re I / N‑UNCOUNT Lingerie is women's underwear and nightclothes.

lin|go /l I ŋgoʊ/ (lingos )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] People sometimes refer to a foreign language, especially one that they do not speak or understand, as a lingo . [INFORMAL ] □� I don't speak the lingo.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] A lingo is a range of words or a style of language which is used in a particular situation or by a particular group of people. [INFORMAL ] □� In record-business lingo, that means he wanted to buy the rights to the song and market it. □� �an author who writes in a lurid lingo, freely punctuated with crude expletives.

lin|gua fran|ca /l I ŋgwə fr� ŋkə/ N‑SING A lingua franca is a language or way of communicating which is used between people who do not speak one another's native language. [FORMAL ] □� English is rapidly becoming the lingua franca of Asia.

lin|guist /l I ŋgw I st/ (linguists )

1 N‑COUNT A linguist is someone who is good at speaking or learning foreign languages. □� Her brother was an accomplished linguist.

2 N‑COUNT A linguist is someone who studies or teaches linguistics.

lin|guis|tic /l I ŋgw I st I ks/ (linguistics )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Linguistic abilities or ideas relate to language or linguistics. □� �linguistic skills. □� �linguistic theory. ●� lin|guis|ti|cal|ly /l I ŋgw I st I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� Somalia is an ethnically and linguistically homogeneous nation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Linguistics is the study of the way in which language works. □� �applied linguistics.

lini|ment /l I n I mənt/ (liniments ) N‑VAR Liniment is a liquid that you rub into your skin in order to reduce pain or stiffness.

lin|ing /la I n I ŋ/ (linings )

1 N‑VAR The lining of something such as a piece of clothing or a curtain is a layer of cloth attached to the inside of it in order to make it thicker or warmer, or in order to make it hang better. □� �a padded satin jacket with quilted lining.

2 N‑VAR You can use lining to refer to a layer of paper, plastic, metal, or another substance that is attached to the inside of something, for example in order to protect it. □� �brake linings. □�[+�to ] Moss makes an attractive lining to wire baskets.

3 N‑COUNT The lining of your stomach or other organ is a layer of tissue on the inside of it. □�[+�of ] �a bacterium that attacks the lining of the stomach. □� �the uterine lining.

4 →�see also line

link ◆◆◇ /l I ŋk/ (links , linking , linked )

1 N‑COUNT If there is a linkbetween two things or situations, there is a relationship between them, for example because one thing causes or affects the other. □�[+�between ] �the link between smoking and lung cancer. [Also +�with ]

2 VERB If someone or something links two things or situations, there is a relationship between them, for example because one thing causes or affects the other. □�[V n +�to ] The U.N. Security Council has linked any lifting of sanctions to compliance with the ceasefire terms. □�[V n +�to ] Liver cancer is linked to the hepatitis B virus. □�[V -ed] The detention raised two distinct but closely linked questions. [Also +�V n with ]

3 →�see also index-linked

4 N‑COUNT A linkbetween two things or places is a physical connection between them. □�[+�between ] �the high-speed rail link between London and the Channel Tunnel. □�[+�with ] Stalin insisted that the radio link with the German Foreign Ministry should remain open.

5 VERB If two places or objects are linked or something links them, there is a physical connection between them. □�[V n +�with/to ] �the Rama Road, which links the capital, Managua, with the Caribbean coast. □�[be V -ed +�with/to ] The campus is linked by regular bus services to Coventry. □�[V n] �the Channel Tunnel linking Britain and France.

6 N‑COUNT A link between two people, organizations, or places is a friendly or business connection between them. □�[+�with ] The university has close links with local employers. □�[+�between ] In 1984 the long link between AC Cars and the Hurlock family was severed. □�[+�to ] A cabinet minister came under investigation for links to the Mafia.

7 N‑COUNT A link to another person or organization is something that allows you to communicate with them or have contact with them. □� She was my only link with the past. □� These projects will provide vital links between companies and universities.

8 VERB If you link one person or thing to another, you claim that there is a relationship or connection between them. □�[V n +�to/with ] Criminologist Dr Ann Jones has linked the crime to social circumstances. □�[V n +�to/with ] The tabloids have linked him with various women. [Also V n]

9 N‑COUNT In computing, a link is a connection between different documents, or between different parts of the same document, using hypertext. ●�VERB Link is also a verb. □�[V n] Certainly, Andreessen didn't think up using hypertext to link Internet documents.

10 N‑COUNT A link is one of the rings in a chain.

11 VERB If you link one thing with another, you join them by putting one thing through the other. □�[V n prep/adv] She linked her arm through his. □�[V n prep/adv] He linked the fingers of his hands together on his stomach. [Also V n] ●�PHRASE If two or more people link arms , or if one person links arms with another, they stand next to each other, and each person puts their arm round the arm of the person next to them. □� She stayed with them, linking arms with the two girls, joking with the boys.

12 →�see also link-up

▸� link up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you link upwith someone, you join them for a particular purpose. □�[V P +�with ] They linked up with a series of local anti-nuclear and anti-apartheid groups. □�[V P ] The Russian and American armies linked up for the first time on the banks of the river Elbe.

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If one thing is linked up to another, the two things are connected to each other. □�[be V -ed P +�to ] The motion detectors were linked up to my laptop. COLLOCATIONS link NOUN 1

adjective +�link : close, direct, strong; tenuous, weak; causal

verb +�link : build, create, establish, forge; break, cut, sever; maintain, retain VERB 2

link+�adverb : closely, directly SYNONYMS link NOUN 1

connection:The police say he had no connection with the security forces.

relationship:There is a relationship between diet and cancer.

association:Black was considered inappropriate because of its associations with death. VERB 5

connect:You can connect the machine to your hi-fi.

join:The car parks are joined by a footpath.

unite:The vast majority of nations have agreed to unite their efforts to bring peace.

attach:The gadget can be attached to any vertical surface.

link|age /l I ŋk I dʒ/ (linkages )

1 N‑VAR A linkagebetween two things is a link or connection between them. The linkageof two things is the act of linking or connecting them. □�[+�between ] No one disputes the direct linkage between the unemployment rate and crime. □�[+�between ] We're trying to establish linkages between these groups and financial institutions. □�[+�of ] �the creation of new research materials by the linkage of previously existing sources. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Linkage is an arrangement where one country agrees to do something only if another country agrees to do something in return. □�[+�between ] There is no formal linkage between the two agreements. □�[+�with ] He insisted that there could be no linkage with other Mideast problems.

li nk|ing verb (linking verbs ) in BRIT, also use link verb N‑COUNT A linking verb is a verb which links the subject of a clause and a complement. 'Be', 'seem', and 'become' are linking verbs.

li nk|ing word (linking words ) in BRIT, also use link word N‑COUNT A linking word is a word which shows a connection between clauses or sentences. 'However' and 'so' are linking words.

li nk-up (link-ups )

1 N‑COUNT A link-up is a connection between two machines or communication systems. □�[+�with ] �a live satellite link-up with Bonn. □�[+�with ] �computer link-ups with banks in Spain, Portugal, and France. [Also +�between ]

2 N‑COUNT A link-up is a relationship or partnership between two organizations. □�[+�between ] �new link-ups between school and commerce. [Also +�with ]

lino /la I noʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Lino is the same as linoleum . [BRIT ] □� �lino floors.

li|no|leum /l I noʊ liəm/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Linoleum is a floor covering which is made of cloth covered with a hard shiny substance. □� �a gray linoleum floor. □� �black-and-white squares of linoleum.

lin|seed oil /l I nsiːd ɔ I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Linseed oil is an oil made from seeds of the flax plant. It is used to make paints and inks, or to rub into wooden surfaces to protect them.

lint /l I nt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Lint is cotton or linen fabric which you can put on your skin if you have a cut.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Lint is small unwanted threads or fibres that collect on clothes. [mainly AM ]

lin|tel /l I nt ə l/ (lintels ) N‑COUNT A lintel is a piece of stone or wood over a door or window which supports the bricks above the door or window.

lion /la I ən/ (lions ) N‑COUNT A lion is a large wild member of the cat family that is found in Africa. Lions have yellowish fur, and male lions have long hair on their head and neck.

li|on|ess /la I ən I s/ (lionesses ) N‑COUNT A lioness is a female lion.

li|on|ize /la I əna I z/ (lionizes , lionizing , lionized ) in BRIT, also use lionise VERB If someone is lionized , they are treated as if they are very important or special by a particular group of people, often when they do not really deserve to be. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] By the 1920's, he was lionised by literary London. □�[V n] The press began to lionize him enthusiastically. □�[be V -ed +�as ] In 1936, Max Schmeling had been lionised as boxing's great hope.

li on's share N‑SING If a person, group, or project gets thelion's shareof something, they get the largest part of it, leaving very little for other people. □�[+�of ] Military and nuclear research have received the lion's share of public funding.

lip ◆◇◇ /l I p/ (lips )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] Your lips are the two outer parts of the edge of your mouth. □� Wade stuck the cigarette between his lips.

2 N‑COUNT The lip of something such as a container or a high area of land is its edge. □�[+�of ] �the lip of the jug. □�[+�of ] �the lip of Mount Etna's smouldering crater.

3 PHRASE If you lick your lips , you move your tongue across your lips as you think about or taste something pleasant. □� They licked their lips in anticipation. □� We swallowed the chocolates in one gulp, licking our lips. COLLOCATIONS lip NOUN 1

adjective +�lip : pouting, pouty; quivering, trembling; pursed

verb +�lip : curl; bite

li p gloss (lip glosses ) N‑VAR Lip gloss is a clear or very slightly coloured substance that some women put on their lips to make them shiny.

lipo|suc|tion /l I poʊsʌkʃən/ N‑UNCOUNT Liposuction is a form of cosmetic surgery where fat is removed from a particular area of the body by dissolving it with special chemicals and then sucking it out with a tube. □� You can have a face-lift and liposuction, but your voice will still betray your age.

-lipped /-l I pt/

1 COMB -lipped combines with adjectives to form other adjectives which describe the sort of lips that someone has. □� A thin-lipped smile spread over the captain's face. □� �his full-lipped mouth.

2 →�see also tight-lipped

lip|py /l I pi/ (lippies )

1 ADJ If someone is lippy , they speak to other people in a way that shows no respect. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Bruce Willis plays a lippy cop battling it out with a female partner.

2 N‑VAR Lippy is short for lipstick . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

lip-read (lip-reads , lip-reading ) The form lip-read is pronounced /l I priːd/ when it is the present tense, and /l I pred/ when it is the past tense and past participle. VERB If someone can lip-read , they are able to understand what someone else is saying by looking at the way the other person's lips move as they speak, without actually hearing any of the words. □�[V ] They are not given hearing aids or taught to lip-read. ●� lip read|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The teacher should not move around too much as this makes lip reading more difficult.

li p ser|vice N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone pays lip service to an idea, you are critical of them because they say they are in favour of it, but they do not do anything to support it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] Unhappily, he had done no more than pay lip service to their views.

lip|stick /l I pst I k/ (lipsticks ) N‑VAR Lipstick is a coloured substance in the form of a stick which women put on their lips. □� She was wearing red lipstick. ●�N‑COUNT A lipstick is a small tube containing this substance.

liq|ue|fy /l I kw I fa I / (liquefies , liquefying , liquefied ) VERB When a gas or solid substance liquefies or is liquefied , it changes its form and becomes liquid. □�[V ] Heat the jam until it liquefies. □�[V n] You can liquefy the carbon dioxide to separate it from the other constituents. □�[V -ed] �a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas.

li|queur /l I kjʊə r , [AM ] -kɜː r/ (liqueurs ) N‑VAR A liqueur is a strong alcoholic drink with a sweet taste. You drink it after a meal. □� �liqueurs such as Grand Marnier and Kirsch. □� �small glasses of liqueur. ●�N‑COUNT A liqueur is a glass of liqueur. □�[+�with ] 'What about a liqueur with your coffee?' suggested the waitress.

liq|uid /l I kw I d/ (liquids )

1 N‑VAR A liquid is a substance which is not solid but which flows and can be poured, for example water. □� Drink plenty of liquid. □� Boil for 20 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half. □� Solids turn to liquids at certain temperatures.

2 ADJ A liquid substance is in the form of a liquid rather than being solid or a gas. □� Wash in warm water with liquid detergent. □� �liquid nitrogen. □� Fats are solid at room temperature, and oil is liquid at room temperature.

3 ADJ Liquid assets are the things that a person or company owns which can be quickly turned into cash if necessary. [BUSINESS ] □� The bank had sufficient liquid assets to continue operations.

liq|ui|date /l I kw I de I t/ (liquidates , liquidating , liquidated )

1 VERB To liquidate a company is to close it down and sell all its assets, usually because it is in debt. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] A unanimous vote was taken to liquidate the company. ●� liq|ui|da|tion /l I kw I de I ʃ ə n/ (liquidations ) N‑VAR □� The company went into liquidation. □� The number of company liquidations rose 11 per cent.

2 VERB If a company liquidates its assets, its property such as buildings or machinery is sold in order to get money. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The company closed down operations and began liquidating its assets in January.

3 VERB If someone in a position of power liquidates people who are causing problems, they get rid of them, usually by killing them. □�[V n] They have not hesitated in the past to liquidate their rivals.

liq|ui|da|tor /l I kw I de I tə r / (liquidators ) N‑COUNT A liquidator is a person who is responsible for settling the affairs of a company that is being liquidated. [BUSINESS ]

li q|uid crys|tal (liquid crystals ) N‑COUNT A liquid crystal is a liquid that has some of the qualities of crystals, for example reflecting light from different directions in different ways.

li q|uid crys|tal dis|pla y (liquid crystal displays ) also liquid-crystal display N‑COUNT A liquid crystal display is a display of information on a screen, which uses liquid crystals that become visible when electricity is passed through them.

li|quid|ity /l I kw I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In finance, a company's liquidity is the amount of cash or liquid assets it has easily available. [BUSINESS ] □� The company maintains a high degree of liquidity.

liq|uid|ize /l I kw I da I z/ (liquidizes , liquidizing , liquidized ) in BRIT, also use liquidise VERB If you liquidize food, you process it using an electrical appliance in order to make it liquid.

liq|uid|iz|er /l I kw I da I zə r / (liquidizers ) in BRIT, also use liquidiser N‑COUNT A liquidizer is an electric machine that you use to liquidize food. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use blender

liq|uor /l I kə r / (liquors ) N‑VAR Strong alcoholic drinks such as whisky, vodka, and gin can be referred to as liquor . [AM ] □� The room was filled with cases of liquor. □� �intoxicating liquors. in BRIT, use spirits

liquo|rice /l I kər I ʃ, - I s/ →�see licorice

li q|uor store (liquor stores ) N‑COUNT A liquor store is a store which sells beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks. [AM ] in BRIT, use off-licence

lira /l I ə rə/ (lire /l I ə rə/) N‑COUNT The lira was the unit of money that was used in Italy. Turkey and Syria also have a unit of money called a lira . In 2002 it was replaced by the euro in Italy. □� It only cost me 400,000 lire. □� Coin-operated telephones took 100, 200 and 500 lire coins. ●�N‑SING The lira was also used to refer to the Italian currency system, and it also sometimes refers to the currency system of other countries which use the lira. □� The franc had been under no pressure compared with the lira.

lisp /l I sp/ (lisps , lisping , lisped )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone has alisp , they pronounce the sounds 's' and 'z' as if they were 'th'. For example, they say 'thing' instead of 'sing'. □� He has a slight lisp.

2 VERB If someone lisps , they say something with a lisp or speak with a lisp. □�[V ] The little man, upset, was lisping badly. □�[V n] Bochmann lisped his congratulations. □�[V -ing] �her low, lisping voice.

list ◆◆◆ /l I st/ (lists , listing , listed )

1 N‑COUNT A list of things such as names or addresses is a set of them which all belong to a particular category, written down one below the other. □�[+�of ] We are making a list of the top ten men we would not want to be married to. □� There were six names on the list. □� �fine wine from the hotel's exhaustive wine list.

2 →�see also Civil List , hit list , honours list , laundry list , mailing list , shopping list , waiting list

3 N‑COUNT A list of things is a set of them that you think of as being in a particular order. □�[+�of ] High on the list of public demands is to end military control of broadcasting. □� I would have thought if they were looking for redundancies I would be last on the list. □�[+�of ] The company joined a long list of failed banks.

4 VERB To list several things such as reasons or names means to write or say them one after another, usually in a particular order. □�[V n] Manufacturers must list ingredients in order of the amount used.

5 VERB To list something in a particular way means to include it in that way in a list or report. □�[V n prep] A medical examiner has listed the deaths as homicides. □�[V -ed +�under ] He was not listed under his real name on the residents panel.

6 VERB If a company is listed , or if it lists , on a stock exchange, it obtains an official quotation for its shares so that people can buy and sell them. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] It will list on the London Stock Exchange next week with a value of 130 million pounds. [Also V n]

7 →�see also listed , listing SYNONYMS list NOUN 1

record:Keep a record of all the payments.

inventory:Before starting, he made an inventory of everything that was to stay.

catalogue:This is the world's biggest seed catalogue.

register:She calls the register for her class of thirty 12 year olds. VERB 4

catalogue:The Royal Greenwich Observatory was founded to observe and catalogue the stars.

itemize:Itemize your gear and mark major items with your name and post code.

record:You can buy software packages which record the details of your photographs.

list|ed /l I st I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In Britain, a listed building is protected by law against being destroyed or altered because it is historically or architecturally important.

li st|ed co m|pa|ny (listed companies ) N‑COUNT A listed company is a company whose shares are quoted on a stock exchange. [BUSINESS ]

lis|ten ◆◆◇ /l I s ə n/ (listens , listening , listened )

1 VERB If you listento someone who is talking or to a sound, you give your attention to them or it. □�[V +�to ] He spent his time listening to the radio. □�[V ] Sonia was not listening. ●� lis|ten|er (listeners ) N‑COUNT □� One or two listeners had fallen asleep while the President was speaking.

2 VERB If you listenfor a sound, you keep alert and are ready to hear it if it occurs. □�[V +�for ] We listen for footsteps approaching. □�[V ] They're both asleep upstairs, but you don't mind listening just in case of trouble, do you? ●�PHRASAL VERB Listen out means the same as listen . [BRIT ] □�[V P +�for ] I didn't really listen out for the lyrics. [Also V P ]

3 VERB If you listento someone, you do what they advise you to do, or you believe them. □�[V +�to ] Anne, you need to listen to me this time. □�[V ] When I asked him to stop, he would not listen.

4 CONVENTION You say listen when you want someone to pay attention to you because you are going to say something important. □� Listen, I finish at one.

▸� listen in PHRASAL VERB If you listen in to a private conversation, you secretly listen to it. □�[V P +�to/on ] He assigned federal agents to listen in on Martin Luther King's phone calls. [Also V P ] COLLOCATIONS listen VERB 1

listen+�adverb : attentively, carefully, hard, intently; patiently, politely

lis|ten|able /l I s ə nəb ə l/ ADJ If something is listenable , it is very pleasant to listen to. □� It's an eminently listenable album.

lis|ten|er /l I snə r / (listeners )

1 N‑COUNT A listener is a person who listens to the radio or to a particular radio programme. □�[+�to ] I'm a regular listener to her show.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you describe someone as a good listener , you mean that they listen carefully and sympathetically to you when you talk, for example about your problems. □� Dr Brian was a good listener. □� If you can be a sympathetic listener, it may put your own problems in perspective.

3 →�see also listen

list|ing /l I st I ŋ/ (listings ) N‑COUNT A listing is a published list, or an item in a published list. □�[+�of ] A full listing of the companies will be published quarterly.

list|less /l I stləs/ ADJ Someone who is listless has no energy or enthusiasm. □� He was listless and pale and wouldn't eat much. ●� list|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Usually, you would just sit listlessly, too hot to do anything else. ●� list|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Amy was distressed by Helen's listlessness.

li st pri ce (list prices ) N‑COUNT The list price of an item is the price which the manufacturer suggests that a shopkeeper should charge for it.

lit /l I t/ Lit is a past tense and past participle of light .

lita|ny /l I təni/ (litanies )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe what someone says as a litanyof things, you mean that you have heard it many times before, and you think it is boring or insincere. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] She remained in the doorway, listening to his litany of complaints against her client.

2 N‑COUNT A litany is part of a church service in which the priest says a set group of words and the people reply, also using a set group of words.

lite /la I t/ ADJ Lite is used to describe foods or drinks that contain few calories or low amounts of sugar, fat, or alcohol. □� �lite beer. □� �lite yogurt.

li|ter /liː tə r / →�see litre

lit|era|cy /l I tərəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Literacy is the ability to read and write. □� Many adults have some problems with literacy and numeracy. □� The literacy rate there is the highest in Central America.

lit|er|al /l I tərəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The literal sense of a word or phrase is its most basic sense. □� In many cases, the people there are fighting, in a literal sense, for their homes.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A literal translation is one in which you translate each word of the original work rather than giving the meaning of each expression or sentence using words that sound natural. □� A literal translation of the name Tapies is 'walls.'

3 ADJ You use literal to describe someone who uses or understands words in a plain and simple way. □� Dennis is a very literal person.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as the literal truth or a literal fact, you are emphasizing that it is true. [EMPHASIS ] □� He was saying no more than the literal truth.

lit|er|al|ly /l I tərəli/

1 ADV [ADV before v, ADV adj] You can use literally to emphasize a statement. Some careful speakers of English think that this use is incorrect. [EMPHASIS ] □� We've got to get the economy under control or it will literally eat us up. □� The views are literally breath-taking.

2 ADV [ADV before v] You use literally to emphasize that what you are saying is true, even though it seems exaggerated or surprising. [EMPHASIS ] □� Putting on an opera is a tremendous enterprise involving literally hundreds of people. □� I literally crawled to the car.

3 ADV [ADV with v] If a word or expression is translated literally , its most simple or basic meaning is translated. □� The word 'volk' translates literally as 'folk'. □� A stanza is, literally, a room.

4 PHRASE If you take something literally , you think that a word or expression is being used with its most simple or basic meaning. □� That was meant to be a joke, but he took it literally.

lit|er|ary ◆◇◇ /l I tərəri, [AM ] -reri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Literary means concerned with or connected with the writing, study, or appreciation of literature. □� She's the literary editor of the 'Sunday Review'. □� �a literary masterpiece.

2 ADJ Literary words and expressions are often unusual in some way and are used to create a special effect in a piece of writing such as a poem, speech, or novel.

li t|er|ary cri ti|cism N‑UNCOUNT Literary criticism is the academic study of the techniques used in the creation of literature.

lit|er|ate /l I tərət/

1 ADJ Someone who is literate is able to read and write. □� Over one-quarter of the adult population are not fully literate.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as literate , you mean that they are intelligent and well-educated, especially about literature and the arts. [APPROVAL ] □� Scientists should be literate and articulate as well as able to handle figures.

3 ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If you describe someone as literate in a particular subject, especially one that many people do not know anything about, you mean that they have a good knowledge and understanding of that subject. □� Head teachers need to be financially literate.

4 →�see also computer-literate

lit|era|ti /l I tərɑː ti/ N‑PLURAL Literati are well-educated people who are interested in literature. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the Australian storyteller who was loved by readers but disdained by the literati.

lit|era|ture ◆◇◇ /l I trətʃə r , [AM ] -tərətʃʊr/ (literatures )

1 N‑VAR Novels, plays, and poetry are referred to as literature , especially when they are considered to be good or important. □� �classic works of literature. □� �a Professor of English Literature. □� It may not be great literature but it certainly had me riveted! □� The book explores the connection between American ethnic and regional literatures.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Theliterature on a particular subject of study is all the books and articles that have been published about it. □�[+�on ] The literature on immigration policy is extremely critical of the state. □� This work is documented in the scientific literature.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Literature is written information produced by people who want to sell you something or give you advice. □�[+�from ] I am sending you literature from two other companies that provide a similar service.

lithe /la I �/ ADJ A lithe person is able to move and bend their body easily and gracefully. □� �a lithe young gymnast. □� His walk was lithe and graceful.

litho|graph /l I θəgrɑːf, -gr�f/ (lithographs ) N‑COUNT A lithograph is a printed picture made by the method of lithography.

li|thog|ra|phy /l I θɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Lithography is a method of printing in which a piece of stone or metal is specially treated so that ink sticks to some parts of it and not to others. ●� litho|graph|ic ADJ [ADJ n] □� The book's 85 colour lithographic plates look staggeringly fresh and bold.

Lithua|nian /l I θjue I niən/ (Lithuanians )

1 ADJ Lithuanian means belonging or relating to Lithuania, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Lithuanian is a person who comes from Lithuania.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Lithuanian is the language spoken in Lithuania.

liti|gant /l I t I gənt/ (litigants ) N‑COUNT A litigant is a person who is involved in a civil legal case, either because they are making a formal complaint about someone, or because a complaint is being made about them. [LEGAL ]

liti|gate /l I t I ge I t/ (litigates , litigating , litigated ) VERB To litigate means to take legal action. [LEGAL ] □�[V n] �the cost of litigating personal injury claims in the county court. □�[V ] If we have to litigate, we will.

liti|ga|tion /l I t I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Litigation is the process of fighting or defending a case in a civil court of law. □� The settlement ends more than four years of litigation on behalf of the residents.

liti|ga|tor /l I t I ge I tə r / (litigators ) N‑COUNT A litigator is a lawyer who helps someone take legal action. [LEGAL ]

li|ti|gious /l I t I dʒəs/ ADJ Someone who is litigious often makes formal complaints about people to a civil court of law. [FORMAL ]

lit|mus test /l I tməs test/ (litmus tests ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that something is a litmus testof something, you mean that it is an effective and definite way of proving it or measuring it. □�[+�of ] Ending the fighting must be the absolute priority, the litmus test of the agreements' validity. □�[+�for ] The success of wind power represents a litmus test for renewable energy.

li|tre /liː tə r / (litres ) in AM, use liter N‑COUNT [num N ] A litre is a metric unit of volume that is a thousand cubic centimetres. It is equal to 1.76 British pints or 2.11 American pints. □�[+�of ] �15 litres of water. □� This tax would raise petrol prices by about 3.5p per litre. □� �a Ford Escort with a 1.9-litre engine.

lit|ter /l I tə r / (litters , littering , littered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Litter is rubbish that is left lying around outside. □� If you see litter in the corridor, pick it up. □� On Wednesday we cleared a beach and woodland of litter.

2 N‑UNCOUNT A litterof things is a quantity of them that are lying around in a disorganized way. □�[+�of ] He pushed aside the litter of books and papers and laid two places at the table.

3 VERB If a number of things litter a place, they are scattered untidily around it or over it. □�[V n] Glass from broken bottles litters the pavement. ●� lit|tered ADJ [ADJ prep/adv] □� The entrance hall is littered with toys and wellington boots. □� Concrete purpose-built resorts are littered across the mountainsides.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If something is littered with things, it contains many examples of it. □�[+�with ] History is littered with men and women spurred into achievement by a father's disregard. □�[+�with ] Charles' speech is littered with lots of marketing buzzwords like 'package' and 'product'.

5 N‑COUNT A litter is a group of animals born to the same mother at the same time. □�[+�of ] �a litter of pups.

6 N‑UNCOUNT Litter is a dry substance that you put in the container where you want your cat to go to the toilet.

li t|ter bin (litter bins ) N‑COUNT A litter bin is a container, usually in a street, park, or public building, into which people can put rubbish. [BRIT ] in AM, use trash can

little

➊�DETERMINER, QUANTIFIER, AND ADVERB USES

➋�ADJECTIVE USES

➊ lit|tle ◆◆◆ /l I t ə l/

1 DET You use little to indicate that there is only a very small amount of something. You can use 'so', 'too', and 'very' in front of little . □� I had little money and little free time. □� I find that I need very little sleep these days. □� There is little doubt that a diet high in fibre is more satisfying. □� So far little progress has been made towards ending the fighting. ●�QUANT Little is also a quantifier. □� Little of the existing housing is of good enough quality. ●�PRON Little is also a pronoun. □� In general, employers do little to help the single working mother. □� Little is known about his childhood.

2 ADV [ADV with v] Little means not very often or to only a small extent. □� On their way back to Marseille they spoke very little.

3 DET A little of something is a small amount of it, but not very much. You can also say a very little . □� Mrs Caan needs a little help getting her groceries home. □� A little food would do us all some good. □� I shall be only a very little time. ●�PRON Little is also a pronoun. □� They get paid for it. Not much. Just a little. ●�QUANT Little is also a quantifier. □�[+�of ] Pour a little of the sauce over the chicken. □�[+�of ] I'm sure she won't mind sparing us a little of her time.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something a little , you do it for a short time. □� He walked a little by himself in the garden.

5 ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/adv] A little or a little bit means to a small extent or degree. □� He complained a little of a nagging pain between his shoulder blades. □� He was a little bit afraid of his father's reaction. □� If you have to drive when you are tired, go a little more slowly than you would normally.

6 PHRASE If something happens little by little , it happens very gradually. □� In the beginning he had felt well, but little by little he was becoming weaker.

➋ lit|tle ◆◆◆ /l I t ə l/ (littler , littlest ) The comparative littler and the superlative littlest are sometimes used in spoken English for meanings 1 , 3 , and 4 , but otherwise the comparative and superlative forms of the adjective little are not used. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Little things are small in size. Little is slightly more informal than small . □� We sat around a little table, eating and drinking tea. □� �the little group of art students.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use little to indicate that someone or something is small, in a pleasant and attractive way. □� She's got the nicest little house not far from the library. □� �a little old lady. □� James usually drives a little hatchback.

3 ADJ A little child is young. □� I have a little boy of 8. □� When I was little I was very hyper-active.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Your little sister or brother is younger than you are. □� Whenever Daniel's little sister was asked to do something she always had a naughty reply.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A little distance, period of time, or event is short in length. □� Just go down the road a little way, turn left, and cross the bridge. □� Why don't we just wait a little while and see what happens. □� I've been wanting to have a little talk with you.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A little sound or gesture is quick. □� I had a little laugh to myself. □� She stood up quickly, giving a little cry of astonishment. □� He turned with a little nod and I watched him walk away.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] You use little to indicate that something is not serious or important. □� �irritating little habits. □� Harry found himself getting angry over little things that had never bothered him before. SYNONYMS little ADJ ➋1

small:She is small for her age.

tiny:The living room is tiny.

minute:Only a minute amount is needed.

compact:�my compact office in Washington.

diminutive:She noticed a diminutive figure standing at the entrance.

li t|tle fi n|ger (little fingers ) N‑COUNT Your little finger is the smallest finger on your hand.

Li t|tle Lea gue N‑PROPER The Little League is an organization of children's baseball teams that compete against each other in the United States.

lit|to|ral /l I tərəl/ (littorals ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, N n] In geography, the littoral means the coast. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the countries of the north African littoral. □� �the littoral countries of the Persian Gulf.

li|tur|gi|cal /l I tɜː r dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Liturgical things are used in or relate to church services. [FORMAL ]

lit|ur|gy /l I tə r dʒi/ (liturgies ) N‑VAR A liturgy is a particular form of religious service, usually one that is set and approved by a branch of the Christian Church. □� A clergyman read the liturgy from the prayer-book. □� �the many similarities in ministry, liturgy and style between the two churches.

live

➊�VERB USES

➋�ADJECTIVE USES

➊ live ◆◆◆ /l I v/ (lives , living , lived )

→�Please look at categories 14 to 16 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If someone lives in a particular place or with a particular person, their home is in that place or with that person. □�[V adv/prep] She has lived here for 10 years. □�[V adv/prep] She always said I ought to live alone. □�[V adv/prep] Where do you live? □�[V adv/prep] He still lives with his parents.

2 VERB If you say that someone lives in particular circumstances or that they live a particular kind of life, you mean that they are in those circumstances or that they have that kind of life. □�[V adv/prep] We lived quite grandly. □�[V adv/prep] We live in an age of rapid technological change. □�[V n] We can start living a normal life again now.

3 VERB If you say that someone lives for a particular thing, you mean that it is the most important thing in their life. □�[V +�for ] He lived for his work.

4 VERB To live means to be alive. If someone livesto a particular age, they stay alive until they are that age. □�[V adv] He's got a terrible disease and will not live long. □�[V to-inf] He lived to be 103. □�[V +�to ] Matilda was born in northern Italy in 1046 and apparently lived to a ripe old age. □�[V -ing] The blue whale is the largest living thing on the planet.

5 VERB [no cont] If people live by doing a particular activity, they get the money, food, or clothing they need by doing that activity. □�[V +�by ] �the last indigenous people to live by hunting. □�[V +�by ] These crimes were committed largely by professional criminals who lived by crime.

6 VERB If you live by a particular rule, belief, or ideal, you behave in the way in which it says you should behave. □�[V +�by ] They live by the principle that we are here to add what we can to life.

7 →�see also living

8to live beyond your means →�see means

9to live in sin →�see sin

▸� live down PHRASAL VERB If you are unable to live down a mistake, failure, or bad reputation, you are unable to make people forget about it. □�[V P n] Labour was also unable to live down its reputation as the party of high taxes. □�[V n P ] I thought I'd never live it down.

▸� live off PHRASAL VERB If you live off another person, you rely on them to provide you with money. □�[V P n] �a man who all his life had lived off his father.

▸� live on or live off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you live on or live off a particular amount of money, you have that amount of money to buy things. □�[V P amount] Even with efficient budgeting, most students are unable to live on �4000 per year. □�[V P amount] You'll have enough to live on.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you live on or live off a particular source of income, that is where you get the money that you need. □�[V P n] The proportion of Americans living on welfare rose. □�[V P n] He's been living off state benefits.

3 PHRASAL VERB If an animal lives on or lives off a particular food, this is the kind of food that it eats. □�[V P n] The fish live on the plankton. □�[V P n] Most species live off aquatic snails.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you say that a person lives on or lives off a particular kind of food, you mean that it seems to be the only thing that they eat, for example because they like it a lot or because they do not have other foods. □�[V P n] The children live on chips. □�[V P n] Their room was bare of furniture and they lived off porridge.

▸� live on PHRASAL VERB If someone lives on , they continue to be alive for a long time after a particular point in time or after a particular event. □�[V P ] I know my life has been cut short by this terrible virus but Daniel will live on after me.

▸� live out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you live out your life in a particular place or in particular circumstances, you stay in that place or in those circumstances until the end of your life or until the end of a particular period of your life. □�[V P n] Gein did not stand trial but lived out his days in a mental asylum. □�[V n P ] I couldn't live my life out on tour like he does.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you live out a dream or idea, you do the things that you have thought about. □�[V P n] He began living out his rock 'n' roll fantasy during his last year in law school. □�[V n P ] I suppose some people create an idea of who they want to be, and then they live it out.

▸� live through PHRASAL VERB If you live through an unpleasant event or change, you experience it and survive. □�[V P n] We are too young to have lived through the war.

▸� live together PHRASAL VERB If two people are not married but live in the same house and have a sexual relationship, you can say that they live together . □�[V P ] The couple had been living together for 16 years.

▸� live up to PHRASAL VERB If someone or something lives up to what they were expected to be, they are as good as they were expected to be. □�[V P P n] Sales have not lived up to expectations this year.

➋ live ◆◇◇ /la I v/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Live animals or plants are alive, rather than being dead or artificial. □� �a protest against the company's tests on live animals. □� �baskets of live chickens.

2 ADJ A live television or radio programme is one in which an event or performance is broadcast at exactly the same time as it happens, rather than being recorded first. □� Murray was a guest on a live radio show. □� �we were laughing and gossiping, oblivious to the fact that we were on live TV. □� A broadcast of the speech was heard in San Francisco, but it is not known if this was live. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Live is also an adverb. □� It was broadcast live in 50 countries. □� We'll be going live to Nottingham later in this bulletin.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A live performance is given in front of an audience, rather than being recorded and then broadcast or shown in a film. □� The Rainbow has not hosted live music since the end of 1981. □� A live audience will pose the questions. □� The band was forced to cancel a string of live dates. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Live is also an adverb. □�[+�with ] She has been playing live with her new band.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A live recording is a recording of a band playing at a concert, rather than in a studio. □� This is my favourite live album of all time.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A live wire or piece of electrical equipment is directly connected to a source of electricity. □� The plug broke, exposing live wires. □� He warned others about the live electric cables as they climbed to safety.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Live bullets are made of metal, rather than rubber or plastic, and are intended to kill people rather than injure them. □� They trained in the jungle using live ammunition.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A live bomb or missile is one which has not yet exploded. □� A live bomb had earlier been defused. SYNONYMS live VERB ➊1

dwell:They are concerned for the fate of the forest and the Indians who dwell in it.

lodge:�the story of the farming family she lodged with as a young teacher.

inhabit:�the people who inhabit these islands.

reside:Margaret resides with her mother in a London suburb.

live|blog /la I vblɒg/ (liveblogs , liveblogging , liveblogged )

1 N‑COUNT A liveblog is a blog in which you write about an event as it happens. □� She provided a liveblog from the conflict area.

2 VERB If you liveblog or liveblog an event, you write on your blog about an event as it happens. □�[V ] Several people were liveblogging from the scene. [also V n]

live-in ◆◇◇ /l I v I n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A live-in partner is someone who lives in the same house as the person they are having a sexual relationship with, but is not married to them. □� She shared the apartment with her live-in partner.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A live-in servant or other domestic worker sleeps and eats in the house where they work. □� I have a live-in nanny for my youngest daughter.

live|li|hood /la I vlihʊd/ (livelihoods ) N‑VAR Your livelihood is the job or other source of income that gives you the money to buy the things you need. □� �fishermen who depend on the seas for their livelihood. □� As a result of this conflict he lost both his home and his means of livelihood.

live|ly /la I vli/ (livelier , liveliest )

1 ADJ You can describe someone as lively when they behave in an enthusiastic and cheerful way. □� Josephine was bright, lively and cheerful. ●� live|li|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Amy could sense his liveliness even from where she stood.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A lively event or a lively discussion, for example, has lots of interesting and exciting things happening or being said in it. □� It turned out to be a very interesting session with a lively debate. □� Their 4�1 win in Honduras was a particularly lively affair. ●� live|li|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Some may enjoy the liveliness of such a restaurant for a few hours a day or week.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has a lively mind is intelligent and interested in a lot of different things. □� She was a very well educated girl with a lively mind, a girl with ambition. □� �her very lively imagination.

liv|en /la I v ə n/ (livens , livening , livened )

▸� liven up

1 PHRASAL VERB If a place or event livens up , or if something livens it up , it becomes more interesting and exciting. □�[V n P ] How could we decorate the room to liven it up? □�[V P n] The multicoloured rag rug was chosen to liven up the grey carpet. □�[V P ] The arena livens up only on Saturdays and Sundays when a flea market is open there.

2 PHRASAL VERB If people liven up , or if something livens them up , they become more cheerful and energetic. □�[V n P ] Talking about her daughters livens her up. □�[V P ] George livens up after midnight, relaxing a little.

liv|er /l I və r / (livers )

1 N‑COUNT Your liver is a large organ in your body which processes your blood and helps to clean unwanted substances out of it.

2 N‑VAR Liver is the liver of some animals, especially lambs, pigs, and cows, which is cooked and eaten. □� �grilled calves' liver.

liv|eried /l I vərid/ ADJ [ADJ n] A liveried servant is one who wears a special uniform. □� The tea was served to guests by liveried footmen.

liv|ery /l I vəri/ (liveries )

1 N‑VAR A servant's livery is the special uniform that he or she wears.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The livery of a particular company is the special design or set of colours associated with it that is put on its products and possessions. □� �buffet cars in the railway company's bright red and yellow livery.

livesLives is pronounced /la I vz/ in meaning 1 , and /l I vz/ in meaning 2 . 1Lives is the plural of life .

2Lives is the third person singular form of live .

live|stock /la I vstɒk/ N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Animals such as cattle and sheep which are kept on a farm are referred to as livestock . □� The heavy rains and flooding killed scores of livestock.

live wire /la I v wa I ə r / (live wires ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a live wire , you mean that they are lively and energetic. [INFORMAL ]

liv|id /l I v I d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is livid is extremely angry. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] I am absolutely livid about it. □�[+�that ] She is livid that I have invited Dick.

2 ADJ Something that is livid is an unpleasant dark purple or red colour. □� The scarred side of his face was a livid red.

liv|ing ◆◇◇ /l I v I ŋ/ (livings )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The work that you do for a living is the work that you do in order to earn the money that you need. □� Father never talked about what he did for a living. □� He earns his living doing all kinds of things.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You use living when you are talking about the quality of people's daily lives. □� Olivia has always been a model of healthy living. □� �the stresses of urban living.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use living to talk about the places where people relax when they are not working. □� The spacious living quarters were on the second floor. □� The study links the main living area to the kitchen.

4 N‑PLURAL The living are people who are alive, rather than people who have died. □� The young man is dead. We have only to consider the living.

5in living memory →�see memory

li v|ing room (living rooms ) also living-room N‑COUNT The living room in a house is the room where people sit and relax. □� We were sitting on the couch in the living room watching TV.

li v|ing stand|ard (living standards ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Living standards or living standard is used to refer to the level of comfort in which people live, which usually depends on how much money they have. □�[+�of ] Cheaper housing would vastly improve the living standards of ordinary people. □� Critics say his reforms have caused the fall in living standards.

li v|ing wa ge N‑SING A living wage is a wage which is just enough to enable you to buy food, clothing, and other necessary things. □� Many farmers have to depend on subsidies to make a living wage.

li v|ing wi ll (living wills ) N‑COUNT A living will is a document in which you say what medical or legal decisions you want people to make for you if you become too ill to make these decisions yourself.

liz|ard /l I zə r d/ (lizards ) N‑COUNT A lizard is a reptile with short legs and a long tail.

-'ll /- ə l/ -'ll is the usual spoken form of 'will'. It is added to the end of the pronoun which is the subject of the verb. For example, 'you will' can be shortened to 'you'll'.

lla|ma /lɑː mə/ (llamas ) N‑COUNT A llama is a South American animal with thick hair, which looks like a small camel without a hump.

lo /loʊ / CONVENTION Lo and behold or lo is used to emphasize a surprising event that is about to be mentioned, or to emphasize in a humorous way that something is not surprising at all. [HUMOROUS or LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □� He called the minister of the interior and, lo and behold, the prisoners were released. □� I looked and lo! every one of the men had disappeared.

load ◆◇◇ /loʊ d/ (loads , loading , loaded )

1 VERB If you load a vehicle or a container, you put a large quantity of things into it. □�[V n] The three men seemed to have finished loading the truck. □�[V n +�with ] Mr. Dambar had loaded his plate with lasagne. □�[V n +�into/onto ] They load all their equipment into backpacks. □�[V -ed] She deposited the loaded tray. ●�PHRASAL VERB Load up means the same as load . □�[V n P ] I've just loaded my truck up. □�[V P n] The giggling couple loaded up their red sports car and drove off. □�[V P n +�with ] We loaded up carts with all the blankets, bandages, medication, water we could spare. □�[V P n +�into/onto ] She loaded up his collection of vintage wines into crates. [Also V n P +�with/into/onto ] ●� load|ing N‑SING □� �the loading of baggage onto international flights.

2 N‑COUNT A load is something, usually a large quantity or heavy object, which is being carried. □�[+�of ] He drove by with a big load of hay. □� He was carrying a very heavy load.

3 QUANT If you refer to a load of people or things or loads of them, you are emphasizing that there are a lot of them. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] I've got loads of money. □�[+�of ] His people came up with a load of embarrassing information. □�[+�of ] �a load of kids.

4 VERB When someone loads a weapon such as a gun, they put a bullet or missile in it so that it is ready to use. □�[V n] I knew how to load and handle a gun. □�[V -ed] He carried a loaded gun.

5 VERB To load a piece of equipment means to put something into it so that it is ready to use. □�[V n ] She made us clean our room and load the dishwasher. □�[be V -ed +�into/onto/on ] The data can subsequently be loaded on a computer for processing.

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to the amount of work you have to do as a load . □�[+�off ] She's taking some of the load off the secretaries.

7 N‑COUNT The load of a system or piece of equipment, especially a system supplying electricity or a computer, is the extent to which it is being used at a particular time. □�[+�of ] An efficient bulb may lighten the load of power stations. □�[+�of ] Several processors can share the load of handling data in a single program.

8 N‑SING The loadon something is the amount of weight that is pressing down on it or the amount of strain that it is under. □�[+�on ] Some of these chairs have flattened feet which spread the load on the ground. □�[+�on ] High blood pressure imposes an extra load on the heart.

9 →�see also loaded

10a load off your mind →�see mind ➊

▸� load up →�see load1 SYNONYMS load VERB 1

pack:When I was 17, I packed my bags and left home.

stuff:He grabbed my purse, opened it and stuffed it full, then gave it back to me.

pile:He was piling clothes into the suitcase.

-load /-loʊd/ (-loads ) COMB -load combines with nouns referring to a vehicle or container to form nouns that refer to the total amount of something that the vehicle or container mentioned can hold or carry. □�[+�of ] The first plane-loads of food, children's clothing and medical supplies began arriving. □�[+�of ] �a lorry-load of sheep on their way across Europe.

load|ed /loʊ d I d/

1 ADJ A loaded question or word has more meaning or purpose than it appears to have, because the person who uses it hopes it will cause people to respond in a particular way. □� That's a loaded question. □� �the loaded word 'sexist'.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is loadedwith a particular characteristic, it has that characteristic to a very great degree. □�[+�with ] The President's visit is loaded with symbolic significance. □�[+�with ] The phrase is loaded with irony.

3 ADJ If you say that something is loadedin favour of someone, you mean it works unfairly to their advantage. If you say it is loadedagainst them, you mean it works unfairly to their disadvantage. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�in favour of ] The press is loaded in favour of this present government. □�[+�against ] The article was heavily loaded against Morrissey.

loaf /loʊ f/ (loaves ) N‑COUNT A loaf of bread is bread which has been shaped and baked in one piece. It is usually large enough for more than one person and can be cut into slices. □�[+�of ] �a loaf of crusty bread. □� �freshly baked loaves.

loaf|er /loʊ fə r / (loafers ) N‑COUNT Loafers are flat leather shoes with no straps or laces. [mainly AM ]

loam /loʊ m/ N‑UNCOUNT Loam is soil that is good for growing crops and plants in because it contains a lot of decayed vegetable matter and does not contain too much sand or clay.

loan ◆◆◇ /loʊ n/ (loans , loaning , loaned )

1 N‑COUNT A loan is a sum of money that you borrow. □� The president wants to make it easier for small businesses to get bank loans. □� �loan repayments.

2 →�see also bridging loan , soft loan

3 N‑SING If someone gives you a loan of something, you borrow it from them. □�[+�of ] He had offered the loan of his small villa at Cap Ferrat.

4 VERB If you loan something to someone, you lend it to them. □�[V n n] He had kindly offered to loan us all the plants required for the exhibit. □�[V n +�to ] We were approached by the Royal Yachting Association to see if we would loan our boat to them. [Also V n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Loan out means the same as loan . □�[V P n +�to ] It is common practice for clubs to loan out players to sides in the lower divisions. □�[be V -ed out ] The ground was loaned out for numerous events including pop concerts. [Also V n P , V P n]

5 PHRASE If something is on loan , it has been borrowed. □� �impressionist paintings on loan from the National Gallery. SYNONYMS loan NOUN 1

advance:She was paid a �100,000 advance for her next two novels.

credit:The group can't get credit to buy farming machinery.

mortgage:There has been an increase in mortgage rates. VERB 4

advance:I advanced him some money, which he would repay on our way home.

lend:I had to lend him ten pounds to take his children to the pictures.

loa n shark (loan sharks ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a loan shark , you disapprove of them because they lend money to people and charge them very high rates of interest on the loan. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

loath /loʊ θ/ also loth ADJ If you are loathto do something, you do not want to do it. □�[+�to-inf] The new finance minister seems loth to cut income tax.

loathe /loʊ �/ (loathes , loathing , loathed ) VERB If you loathe something or someone, you dislike them very much. □�[V n] The two men loathe each other. □�[V v-ing] She loathed being the child of impoverished labourers.

loath|ing /loʊ � I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Loathing is a feeling of great dislike and disgust. □� She looked at him with loathing.

loath|some /loʊ �səm/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as loathsome , you are indicating how much you dislike them or how much they disgust you. □� �the loathsome spectacle we were obliged to witness.

loaves /loʊ vz/ Loaves is the plural of loaf .

lob /lɒ b/ (lobs , lobbing , lobbed ) VERB If you lob something, you throw it so that it goes quite high in the air. □�[V n prep/adv] Enemy forces lobbed a series of artillery shells onto the city. □�[V n] A group of protesters gathered outside, chanting and lobbing firebombs.

lob|by ◆◇◇ /lɒ bi/ (lobbies , lobbying , lobbied )

1 VERB If you lobby someone such as a member of a government or council, you try to persuade them that a particular law should be changed or that a particular thing should be done. □�[V n] Carers from all over the U.K. lobbied Parliament last week to demand a better financial deal. □�[V +�for ] Gun control advocates are lobbying hard for new laws. [Also V +�against ] ●� lob|by|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�by ] The aid was frozen in June after intense lobbying by conservative Republicans.

2 N‑COUNT A lobby is a group of people who represent a particular organization or campaign, and try to persuade a government or council to help or support them. □�[+�of ] He set up this lobby of independent producers.

3 N‑COUNT In a hotel or other large building, the lobby is the area near the entrance that usually has corridors and staircases leading off it. □�[+�of ] I met her in the lobby of the museum.

lob|by|ist /lɒ bi I st/ (lobbyists ) N‑COUNT A lobbyist is someone who tries actively to persuade a government or council that a particular law should be changed or that a particular thing should be done.

lobe /loʊ b/ (lobes )

1 N‑COUNT The lobe of your ear is the soft, fleshy part at the bottom.

2 N‑COUNT A lobe is a rounded part of something, for example one of the sections of your brain or lungs, or one of the rounded sections along the edges of some leaves. □�[+�of ] �damage to the temporal lobe of the brain.

lo|boto|my /ləbɒ təmi/ (lobotomies ) N‑VAR A lobotomy is a surgical operation in which some of the nerves in the brain are cut in order to treat severe mental illness. [MEDICAL ]

lob|ster /lɒ bstə r / (lobsters ) N‑VAR A lobster is a sea creature that has a hard shell, two large claws, and eight legs. □� She sold me a couple of live lobsters. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Lobster is the flesh of a lobster eaten as food. □� �lobster on a bed of fresh vegetables.

lo b|ster pot (lobster pots ) N‑COUNT A lobster pot is a trap used for catching lobsters. It is in the shape of a basket.

lo|cal ◆◆◆ /loʊ k ə l/ (locals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Local means existing in or belonging to the area where you live, or to the area that you are talking about. □� We'd better check on the match in the local paper. □� Some local residents joined the students' protest. □� I was going to pop up to the local library. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] The locals are local people. □� That's what the locals call the place. ●� lo|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� We've got cards which are drawn and printed and designed by someone locally.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Local government is elected by people in one area of a country and controls aspects such as education, housing, and transport within that area. □� Education comprises two-thirds of all local council spending.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu poss N ] Your local is a pub which is near where you live and where you often go for a drink. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The Black Horse is my local.

4 ADJ A local anaesthetic or condition affects only a small area of your body. [MEDICAL ]

lo |cal area ne t|work (local area networks ) N‑COUNT A local area network is a group of personal computers and associated equipment that are linked by cable, for example in an office building, and that share a communications line. The abbreviation LAN is also used. [COMPUTING ] □� Users can easily move files between PCs connected by local area networks or the internet.

lo |cal autho r|ity ◆◇◇ (local authorities ) N‑COUNT A local authority is an organization that is officially responsible for all the public services and facilities in a particular area. [BRIT ] in AM, use local government

lo |cal co l|our in AM, use local color N‑UNCOUNT Local colour is used to refer to customs, traditions, dress, and other things which give a place or period of history its own particular character. □� The fishing boat harbour was usually bustling with lots of local colour.

lo|cale /loʊkɑː l/ (locales ) N‑COUNT A locale is a small area, for example the place where something happens or where the action of a book or film is set. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] An amusement park is the perfect locale for all sorts of adventures.

lo |cal go v|ern|ment (local governments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Local government is the system of electing representatives to be responsible for the administration of public services and facilities in a particular area.

2 N‑COUNT A local government is the same as a local authority . [AM ]

lo|cal|ism /loʊ k ə l I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Localism is the belief that services should be controlled and provided, or goods produced and bought, within a local area for the benefit of people in that area. □� For all the talk of localism, power remains concentrated in the hands of central government.

lo|cal|ity /loʊk� l I ti/ (localities ) N‑COUNT A locality is a small area of a country or city. [FORMAL ] □� Following the discovery of the explosives the president cancelled his visit to the locality.

lo|cal|ize /loʊ kəla I z/ (localizes , localizing , localized ) in BRIT, also use localise1 VERB If you localize something, you identify precisely where it is. □�[V n] Examine the painful area carefully in an effort to localize the most tender point.

2 VERB If you localize something, you limit the size of the area that it affects and prevent it from spreading. □�[be V -ed] Few officers thought that a German-Czech war could be localized.

lo|cal|ized /loʊ kəla I zd/ in BRIT, also use localised ADJ Something that is localized remains within a small area and does not spread. □� She had localized breast cancer and both of her doctors had advised surgery.

lo |cal time N‑UNCOUNT Local time is the official time in a particular region or country. □� It was around 10.15 pm local time, 3.15 am at home.

lo|cate /loʊke I t, [AM ] loʊ ke I t/ (locates , locating , located )

1 VERB If you locate something or someone, you find out where they are. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The scientists want to locate the position of the gene on a chromosome. □�[V n] We've simply been unable to locate him.

2 VERB If you locate something in a particular place, you put it there or build it there. [FORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] Atlanta was voted the best city in which to locate a business by more than 400 chief executives. □�[V prep/adv] Tudor Court represents your opportunity to locate at the heart of the new Birmingham.

3 VERB If you locate in a particular place, you move there or open a business there. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] □�[V ] �tax breaks for businesses that locate in run-down neighborhoods.

lo|cat|ed /loʊke I t I d, [AM ] loʊ ke I t-/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If something is located in a particular place, it is present or has been built there. [FORMAL ] □�[+�within ] A boutique and beauty salon are conveniently located within the grounds.

lo|ca|tion ◆◇◇ /loʊke I ʃ ə n/ (locations )

1 N‑COUNT A location is the place where something happens or is situated. □� The first thing he looked at was his office's location. □� Macau's newest small luxury hotel has a beautiful location.

2 N‑COUNT [with poss] The location of someone or something is their exact position. □�[+�of ] She knew the exact location of The Eagle's headquarters.

3 N‑VAR [oft on N ] A location is a place away from a studio where a film or part of a film is made. □� �an art movie with dozens of exotic locations. □� We're shooting on location.

loch /lɒ x, lɒ k/ (lochs ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A loch is a large area of water in Scotland that is completely or almost completely surrounded by land. □� �twenty miles north of Loch Ness.

loci /loʊ sa I , loʊ ka I / Loci is the plural of locus .

lock ◆◇◇ /lɒ k/ (locks , locking , locked )

1 VERB When you lock something such as a door, drawer, or case, you fasten it, usually with a key, so that other people cannot open it. □�[V n] Are you sure you locked the front door? □�[V -ed] Wolfgang moved along the corridor towards the locked door at the end.

2 N‑COUNT The lock on something such as a door or a drawer is the device which is used to keep it shut and prevent other people from opening it. Locks are opened with a key. □�[+�of ] At that moment he heard Gill's key turning in the lock of the door. □� An intruder forced open a lock on French windows at the house.

3 VERB If you lock something or someone in a place, room, or container, you put them there and fasten the lock. □�[V n +�in/into ] Her maid locked the case in the safe. □�[V n +�in/into ] They beat them up and locked them in a cell.

4 VERB If you lock something in a particular position or if it lock there, it is held or fitted firmly in that position. □�[V n prep/adv] He leaned back in the swivel chair and locked his fingers behind his head. □�[V prep/adv] There was a whine of hydraulics as the undercarriage locked into position.

5 N‑COUNT On a canal or river, a lock is a place where walls have been built with gates at each end so that boats can move to a higher or lower section of the canal or river, by gradually changing the water level inside the gates.

6 N‑COUNT A lockof hair is a small bunch of hairs on your head that grow together and curl or curve in the same direction. □�[+�of ] She brushed a lock of hair off his forehead.

7lock, stock, and barrel →�see barrel

▸� lock away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you lock something away in a place or container, you put or hide it there and fasten the lock. □�[V n P ] She meticulously cleaned the gun and locked it away in its case. □�[V P n] He had even locked away all the videos of his previous exploits.

2 PHRASAL VERB To lock someone away means to put them in prison or a secure mental hospital. □�[V n P ] Locking them away is not sufficient, you have to give them treatment. [Also V P n]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you lock yourself away , you go somewhere where you can be alone, and do not come out or see anyone for some time. □�[V pron-refl P ] I locked myself away with books and magazines.

▸� lock in PHRASAL VERB If you lock someone in , you put them in a room and lock the door so that they cannot get out. □�[V n P ] Manda cried out that Mr Hoelt had no right to lock her in.

▸� lock out

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone locks you out of a place, they prevent you entering it by locking the doors. □�[V n P +�of ] They had had a row, and she had locked him out of the apartment. □�[V n P ] My husband's locked me out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you lock yourself out of a place, such as your house, you cannot get in because the door is locked and you do not have your keys. □�[V pron-refl P +�of ] The new tenants locked themselves out of their apartment and had to break in. □�[V pron-refl P ] There had been a knock at the door and when she opened it she locked herself out. □�[V -ed P ] The wind had made the door swing closed, and she was now locked out.

3 PHRASAL VERB In an industrial dispute, if a company locks its workers out , it closes the factory or office in order to prevent the employees coming to work. [BUSINESS ] □�[V P n] The company locked out the workers, and then the rest of the work force went on strike. [Also V n P ]

▸� lock up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you lock something up in a place or container, you put or hide it there and fasten the lock. □�[V n P ] Give away any food you have on hand, or lock it up and give the key to the neighbours. □�[V P n] Control of materials could be maintained by locking up bombs.

2 PHRASAL VERB To lock someone up means to put them in prison or a secure psychiatric hospital. □�[V P n] Mr Milner persuaded the federal prosecutors not to lock up his client. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB When you lock up a building or car or lock up , you make sure that all the doors and windows are locked so that nobody can get in. □�[V P ] Don't forget to lock up. □�[V n P ] Leave your car here and lock it up.

locked ◆◇◇ /lɒ kt/ ADJ If you say that people are locked in conflict or in battle, you mean they are arguing or fighting in a fierce or determined way, and neither side seems likely to stop.

lock|er /lɒ kə r / (lockers ) N‑COUNT A locker is a small metal or wooden cupboard with a lock, where you can put your personal possessions, for example in a school, place of work, or sports club.

lo ck|er room (locker rooms ) N‑COUNT A locker room is a room in which there are a lot of lockers.

lock|et /lɒ k I t/ (lockets ) N‑COUNT A locket is a piece of jewellery containing something such as a picture, which a woman wears on a chain around her neck.

lo ck-keeper (lock-keepers ) N‑COUNT A lock-keeper is a person whose job is to be in charge of and maintain a lock or group of locks on a canal.

lo ck-out (lock-outs ) in AM, use lockout N‑COUNT A lock-out is a situation in which employers close a place of work and prevent workers from entering it until the workers accept the employer's new proposals on pay or conditions of work. [BUSINESS ]

lo ck-up (lock-ups ) also lockup

1 N‑COUNT A lock-up is the same as a jail . [AM , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A lock-up is a garage that is used by someone, but is not next to their house. [BRIT ] ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Lock-up is also an adjective. □� �a lock-up garage.

lo|co|mo|tion /loʊ kəmoʊ ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Locomotion is the ability to move and the act of moving from one place to another. [FORMAL ] □� Flight is the form of locomotion that puts the greatest demands on muscles.

lo|co|mo|tive /loʊ kəmoʊ t I v/ (locomotives ) N‑COUNT A locomotive is a large vehicle that pulls a railway train. [FORMAL ]

lo|cum /loʊ kəm/ (locums ) N‑COUNT A locum is a doctor or priest who does the work for another doctor or priest who is ill or on holiday. [mainly BRIT ]

lo|cus /loʊ kəs/ (loci ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The locus of something is the place where it happens or the most important area or point with which it is associated. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Barcelona is the locus of Spanish industry.

lo|cust /loʊ kəst/ (locusts ) N‑COUNT Locusts are large insects that live mainly in hot countries. They fly in large groups and eat crops.

lodge /lɒ dʒ/ (lodges , lodging , lodged )

1 N‑COUNT A lodge is a house or hut in the country or in the mountains where people stay on holiday, especially when they want to shoot or fish. □� �a Victorian hunting lodge. □� �a ski lodge.

2 N‑COUNT A lodge is a small house at the entrance to the grounds of a large house. □� I drove out of the gates, past the keeper's lodge.

3 N‑COUNT In some organizations, a lodge is a local branch or meeting place of the organization. □� My father would occasionally go to his Masonic lodge.

4 VERB If you lodge a complaint, protest, accusation, or claim, you officially make it. □�[V n] He has four weeks in which to lodge an appeal.

5 VERB If you lodge somewhere, such as in someone else's house or if you are lodged there, you live there, usually paying rent. □�[V prep/adv] �the story of the farming family she lodged with as a young teacher. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] The building he was lodged in turned out to be a church.

6 VERB If someone lodges you somewhere, they give you a place to stay, for example because they are responsible for your safety or comfort. □�[V n prep/adv] They lodged the delegates in different hotels.

7 VERB If an object lodges somewhere, it becomes stuck there. □�[V prep/adv] The bullet lodged in the sergeant's leg, shattering his thigh bone. □�[V -ed] His car has a bullet lodged in the passenger door.

8 →�see also lodging

lodg|er /lɒ dʒə r / (lodgers ) N‑COUNT A lodger is a person who pays money to live in someone else's house. □� Jennie took in a lodger to help with the mortgage.

lodg|ing /lɒ dʒ I ŋ/ (lodgings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you are provided with lodging or lodgings , you are provided with a place to stay for a period of time. You can use lodgings to refer to one or more of these places. □�[+�in ] He was given free lodging in a three-room flat. □� �travel expenses including meals and lodgings while traveling away from home.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you live in lodgings , you live in a room or rooms in someone's house and you pay them for this. □� David had changed his lodgings, leaving no address behind.

3 →�see also board and lodging

lo dg|ing house (lodging houses ) N‑COUNT A lodging house is a house where people can rent rooms to live in or stay in. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use rooming house

loft /lɒ ft, [AM ] lɔː ft/ (lofts )

1 N‑COUNT A loft is the space inside the sloping roof of a house or other building, where things are sometimes stored. □� A loft conversion can add considerably to the value of a house.

2 N‑COUNT A loft is an apartment in the upper part of a building, especially a building such as a warehouse or factory that has been converted for people to live in. Lofts are usually large and not divided into separate rooms.

lofty /lɒ fti, [AM ] lɔː f-/ (loftier , loftiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A lofty ideal or ambition is noble, important, and admirable. □� It was a bank that started out with grand ideas and lofty ideals.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A lofty building or room is very high. [FORMAL ] □� �a light, lofty apartment in the suburbs of Salzburg.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone behaves in a lofty way, you are critical of them for behaving in a proud and rather unpleasant way, as if they think they are very important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the lofty disdain he often expresses for his profession. □� �lofty contempt.

log /lɒ g, [AM ] lɔː g/ (logs , logging , logged )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A log is a piece of a thick branch or of the trunk of a tree that has been cut so that it can be used for fuel or for making things. □� He dumped the logs on the big stone hearth. □� �the original log cabin where Lincoln was born.

2 N‑COUNT A log is an official written account of what happens each day, for example on board a ship. □� The family made an official complaint to a ship's officer, which was recorded in the log.

3 VERB If you log an event or fact, you record it officially in writing or on a computer. □�[be V -ed] Details of the crime are then logged in the computer.

4 →�see also logging

▸� log in or log on PHRASAL VERB When someone logs in or logs on , or logs into a computer system, they start using the system, usually by typing their name or identity code and a password. □�[V P ] Customers pay to log on and gossip with other users. □�[V P n] They would log into their account and take a look at prices and decide what they'd like to do.

▸� log out or log off PHRASAL VERB When someone who is using a computer system logs out or logs off , they finish using the system by typing a particular command. □�[V P ] If a computer user fails to log off, the system is accessible to all.

logan|berry /loʊ gənbəri, [AM ] -beri/ (loganberries ) N‑COUNT A loganberry is a purplish red fruit that is similar to a raspberry.

loga|rithm /lɒ gər I �əm, [AM ] lɔː g-/ (logarithms ) N‑COUNT In mathematics, the logarithm of a number is a number that it can be represented by in order to make a difficult multiplication or division sum simpler.

lo g book (log books ) N‑COUNT A log book is a book in which someone records details and events relating to something, for example a journey or period of their life, or a vehicle.

log|ger /lɒ gə r , [AM ] lɔː g-/ (loggers ) N‑COUNT A logger is a man whose job is to cut down trees. [AM ] in BRIT, use lumberjack

log|ger|heads /lɒ gə r hed, [AM ] lɔː g-/ PHRASE If two or more people or groups are at loggerheads , they disagree very strongly with each other. □�[+�over ] For months dentists and the health department have been at loggerheads over fees. □�[+�with ] He was at loggerheads with other members of the committee.

log|gia /lɒ dʒə/ (loggias ) N‑COUNT A loggia is a roofed area attached to a house. [FORMAL ]

log|ging /lɒ g I ŋ, [AM ] lɔː g-/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Logging is the activity of cutting down trees in order to sell the wood. □� Logging companies would have to leave a central area of the forest before the end of the year.

log|ic /lɒ dʒ I k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Logic is a method of reasoning that involves a series of statements, each of which must be true if the statement before it is true. □� Students learn forensic medicine, philosophy and logic.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The logic of a conclusion or an argument is its quality of being correct and reasonable. □�[+�of ] I don't follow the logic of your argument. □�[+�in v-ing] There would be no logic in upsetting the agreements.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] A particular kind of logic is the way of thinking and reasoning about things that is characteristic of a particular type of person or particular field of activity. □� The plan was based on sound commercial logic.

logi|cal /lɒ dʒ I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In a logical argument or method of reasoning, each step must be true if the step before it is true. □� Each logical step must be checked by other mathematicians. ●� logi|cal|ly /lɒ dʒ I kli/ ADV [usu ADV with v] □� My professional training has taught me to look at things logically.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The logical conclusion or result of a series of facts or events is the only one which can come from it, according to the rules of logic. □� If the climate gets drier, then the logical conclusion is that even more drought will occur. □� �a society that dismisses God as a logical impossibility. ●� logi|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� From that it followed logically that he would not be meeting Hildegarde.

3 ADJ Something that is logical seems reasonable or sensible in the circumstances. □� Connie suddenly struck her as a logical candidate. □� There was a logical explanation. □�[+�to-inf] It is logical to take precautions. ●� logi|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I was surprised it was so different from France, though logically I shouldn't have been.

-logical →�see -ological

lo g|ic bomb (logic bombs ) N‑COUNT A logic bomb is an unauthorized program that is inserted into a computer system so that when it is started it affects the operation of the computer. [COMPUTING ]

lo|gi|cian /lədʒ I ʃ ə n/ (logicians ) N‑COUNT A logician is a person who is a specialist in logic.

-logist →�see -ologist

lo|gis|tic /lədʒ I st I k/ or logistical /lədʒ I st I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Logistic or logistical means relating to the organization of something complicated. □� Logistical problems may be causing the delay. □� She described the distribution of food and medical supplies as a logistical nightmare. ●� lo|gis|ti|cal|ly /lədʒ I st I kli/ ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� Organised junior football was either restricted or logistically impossible to operate. □� It is about time that the U.N. considers logistically deploying additional military resources. □� Logistically it is very difficult to value unit-linked policies.

lo|gis|tics /lədʒ I st I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] If you refer to the logistics of doing something complicated that involves a lot of people or equipment, you are referring to the skilful organization of it so that it can be done successfully and efficiently. □�[+�of ] The logistics of organising such a big show pose enormous practical problems.

log|jam /lɒ gdʒ�m/ (logjams ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] To break the logjam means to change or deal with a difficult situation which has existed for a long time. [JOURNALISM ] □� A new initiative was needed to break the logjam.

logo /loʊ goʊ/ (logos ) N‑COUNT The logo of a company or organization is the special design or way of writing its name that it puts on all its products, notepaper, or advertisements.

-logy →�see -ology

loin /lɔ I n/ (loins )

1 N‑PLURAL Someone's loins are the front part of their body between their waist and legs, especially their sexual parts. [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑VAR Loin or a loin is a piece of meat which comes from the back or sides of an animal, quite near the tail end. □� Heat the honey and brush it on to the outside of the loin. □�[+�of ] �roast loin of venison.

loin|cloth /lɔ I nklɒθ, [AM ] -klɔːθ/ (loincloths ) N‑COUNT A loincloth is a piece of cloth sometimes worn by men in order to cover their sexual parts, especially in countries when it is too hot to wear anything else.

loi|ter /lɔ I tə r / (loiters , loitering , loitered ) VERB If you loiter somewhere, you remain there or walk up and down without any real purpose. □�[V ] Unemployed young men loiter at the entrance of the factory.

LOLLOL is the written abbreviation for 'laughing out loud', often used in text messages. [INFORMAL ]

loll /lɒ l/ (lolls , lolling , lolled )

1 VERB If you loll somewhere, you sit or lie in a very relaxed position. □�[V prep/adv] He was lolling on the sofa in the shadows near the fire. □�[V prep/adv] He lolled back in his comfortable chair.

2 VERB If something fairly heavy, especially someone's head or tongue, lolls , it hangs down in a loose, uncontrolled way. □�[V adv/prep] When he let go the head lolled sideways. □�[V ] Tongue lolling, the dog came lolloping back from the forest.

lol|li|pop /lɒ lipɒp/ (lollipops ) N‑COUNT A lollipop is a sweet consisting of a hard disc or ball of a sugary substance on the end of a stick.

lol|lop /lɒ ləp/ (lollops , lolloping , lolloped ) VERB When an animal or a person lollops along, they run along awkwardly and not very fast. [mainly BRIT , LITERARY ] □�[V prep/adv] A herd of elephants lolloped across the plains towards a watering hole.

lol|ly /lɒ li/ (lollies )

1 N‑COUNT A lolly is the same as a lollipop . [mainly BRIT ]

2 →�see also ice lolly

lone /loʊ n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you talk about a lone person or thing, you mean that they are alone. □� He was shot by a lone gunman.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A lone parent is a parent who is looking after her or his child or children and who is not married or living with a partner. [mainly BRIT ] □� Ninety per cent of lone parent families are headed by mothers.

lone|li|ness /loʊ nlinəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Loneliness is the unhappiness that is felt by someone because they do not have any friends or do not have anyone to talk to. □� I have so many friends, but deep down, underneath, I have a fear of loneliness.

lone|ly /loʊ nli/ (lonelier , loneliest )

1 ADJ Someone who is lonely is unhappy because they are alone or do not have anyone they can talk to. □� �lonely people who just want to talk. □� I feel lonelier in the middle of London than I do on my boat in the middle of nowhere. ●�N‑PLURAL The lonely are people who are lonely. □� He looks for the lonely, the lost, the unloved.

2 ADJ A lonely situation or period of time is one in which you feel unhappy because you are alone or do not have anyone to talk to. □� I desperately needed something to occupy me during those long, lonely nights. □� �her lonely childhood.

3 ADJ A lonely place is one where very few people come. □� It felt like the loneliest place in the world. □� �dark, lonely streets.

lo ne|ly hea rts ADJ [ADJ n] A lonely hearts section in a newspaper or a lonely hearts club is used by people who are trying to find a lover or friend.

lon|er /loʊ nə r / (loners ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a loner , you mean they prefer to be alone rather than with a group of people. □� I'm very much a loner�I never go out.

lone|some /loʊ nsəm/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is lonesome is unhappy because they do not have any friends or do not have anyone to talk to. [mainly AM ] □� I've grown so lonesome, thinking of you.

2 ADJ A lonesome place is one which very few people come to and which is a long way from places where people live. [AM ] □� He was finding the river lonesome.

long

➊�TIME

➋�DISTANCE AND SIZE

➌�PHRASES

➍�VERB USES

➊ long ◆◆◆ /lɒ ŋ, [AM ] lɔː ŋ/ (longer /lɒ ŋgə r , [AM ] lɔː ŋgər/, longest /lɒ ŋg I st, [AM ] lɔː ŋg I st/)

1 ADV [ADV with v] Long means a great amount of time or for a great amount of time. □� Repairs to the cable did not take too long. □� Have you known her parents long? □� I learned long ago to avoid these invitations. □� The railway had obviously been built long after the house. □� �long-established social traditions. ●�PHRASE The expression for long is used to mean 'for a great amount of time'. □� 'Did you live there?'�'Not for long.' □� Developing countries won't put up with the situation for much longer. □� For too long there was a huge gap in the market.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A long event or period of time lasts for a great amount of time or takes a great amount of time. □� We had a long meeting with the attorney general. □� They sat looking at each other for a long while. □� He must have started writing his book a long time ago.

3 ADV You use long to ask or talk about amounts of time. □� How long have you lived around here? □� He has been on a diet for as long as any of his friends can remember. □� She reflected no longer than a second before she decisively slit the envelope. ●�ADJ Long is also an adjective. □� How long is the usual stay in hospital? □� The average commuter journey there is five hours long.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A long speech, book, film, or list contains a lot of information or a lot of items and takes a lot of time to listen to, read, watch, or deal with. □� He was making quite a long speech. □� This is a long film, three hours and seven minutes.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a period of time or work as long , you mean it lasts for more hours or days than is usual, or seems to last for more time than it actually does. □� Go to sleep. I've got a long day tomorrow. □� She was a TV reporter and worked long hours. □� This has been the longest week of my life.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a long memory, they are able to remember things that happened far back in the past.

7 ADV [n ADV ] Long is used in expressions such as all year long , the whole day long , and your whole life long to say and emphasize that something happens for the whole of a particular period of time. [EMPHASIS ] □� We played that record all night long. □� Snow is sometimes found all summer long upon the highest peaks.

➋ long ◆◆◆ /lɒ ŋ, [AM ] lɔː ŋ/ (longer /lɒ ŋgə r , [AM ] lɔː ŋgər/, longest /lɒ ŋg I st, [AM ] lɔː ŋg I st/)

1 ADJ Something that is long measures a great distance from one end to the other. □� �a long table. □� A long line of people formed outside the doctor's office. □� Her hair was long and dark.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A long distance is a great distance. A long journey or route covers a great distance. □� His destination was Chobham Common, a long way from his Cotswold home. □� The long journey tired him. □� I went for a long walk.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A long piece of clothing covers the whole of someone's legs or more of their legs than usual. Clothes with long sleeves cover the whole of someone's arms. □� She is wearing a long black dress. □� �a long-sleeved blouse.

4 ADJ [as ADJ as ] You use long to talk or ask about the distance something measures from one end to the other. □� An eight-week-old embryo is only an inch long. □� How long is the tunnel? □� In the roots of the olives, you could find centipedes as long as a pencil. ●�COMB Long is also a combining form. □� �a three-foot-long gash in the tanker's side.

➌ long ◆◆◆ /lɒ ŋ, [AM ] lɔː ŋ/ (longer /lɒ ŋgə r , [AM ] lɔː ŋgər/)

→�Please look at categories 7 to 16 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 PHRASE If you say that something is the case as long as or so long as something else is the case, you mean that it is only the case if the second thing is the case. □� The interior minister said he would still support them, as long as they didn't break the rules. □� I eat as much as I want, so long as it is healthy.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone won't be long , you mean that you think they will arrive or be back soon. If you say that it won't be long before something happens, you mean that you think it will happen soon. □� 'What's happened to her?'�'I'm sure she won't be long.' □� If every tune from Radiohead is as good as this one is, it can't be long before they are household names.

3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen or happened before long , you mean that it will happen or happened soon. □� German interest rates will come down before long. □� Before long he took over the editing of the magazine.

4 PHRASE Something that is no longer the case used to be the case but is not the case now. You can also say that something is not the case any longer . □� Food shortages are no longer a problem. □� I noticed that he wasn't sitting by the door any longer.

5 CONVENTION You can say so long as an informal way of saying goodbye. [FORMULAE ] □� Well, so long, pal, see you around.

6a long face →�see face ➊

7at long last →�see last

8in the long run →�see run

9a long shot →�see shot

10in the long term →�see term

11long in the tooth →�see tooth

12to take the long view →�see view

13to go a long way →�see way

➍ long /lɒ ŋ, [AM ] lɔː ŋ/ (longs , longing , longed )

1 VERB If you longfor something, you want it very much. □�[V +�for ] Steve longed for the good old days. □�[V to-inf] I'm longing to meet her. □�[V +�for ] He longed for the winter to be over.

2 →�see also longing SYNONYMS long ADJ ➊1

prolonged:�a prolonged drought.

lengthy:�a lengthy meeting.

protracted:�a protracted civil war. VERB ➍1

desire:She had remarried and desired a child with her new husband.

crave:You may be craving some fresh air.

covet:She coveted his job so openly that conversations between them were tense.

hanker:I hankered after a floor-length brown suede coat.

lo ng-awai ted ADJ [ADJ n] A long-awaited event or thing is one that someone has been waiting for for a long time. □� �the long-awaited signing of a peace agreement.

lo ng-di stance

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Long-distance is used to describe travel between places that are far apart. □� Trains are reliable, cheap and best for long-distance journeys.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Long-distance is used to describe communication that takes place between people who are far apart. □� He received a long-distance phone call from his girlfriend in Colorado. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Long-distance is also an adverb. □� I phoned Nicola long distance to suggest it.

lo ng drawn ou t also long-drawn-out ADJ [usu ADJ n] A long drawn out process or conflict lasts an unnecessarily long time or an unpleasantly long time. □� �a long drawn out election campaign.

lo nged-for ADJ [ADJ n] A longed-for thing or event is one that someone wants very much. □� �the wet weather that prevents your longed-for picnic.

lon|gev|ity /lɒndʒe v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Longevity is long life. [FORMAL ] □� Human longevity runs in families. □� The main characteristic of the strike has been its longevity.

long|hand /lɒ ŋh�nd, [AM ] lɔː ŋ-/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] If you write something down in longhand , you write it by hand using complete words and normal letters rather than typing it or using shortened forms or special symbols.

lo ng-hau l ADJ [ADJ n] Long-haul is used to describe things that involve transporting passengers or goods over long distances. Compare short-haul . □� �learning how to avoid the unpleasant side-effects of long-haul flights.

lo ng-hou rs cu l|ture N‑SING The long-hours culture is the way in which some workers feel that they are expected to work much longer hours than they are paid to do. [BUSINESS ]

long|ing /lɒ ŋ I ŋ, [AM ] lɔː ŋ-/ (longings ) N‑VAR [N to-inf] If you feel longing or a longingfor something, you have a rather sad feeling because you want it very much. □�[+�for ] He felt a longing for the familiar. □�[+�to-inf] Imelda spoke of her longing to return home.

long|ing|ly /lɒ ŋ I ŋli, [AM ] lɔː ŋ-/ ADV [ADV with v] If you look longingly at something you want, or think longingly about it, you look at it or think about it with a feeling of desire. □�[+�at ] Claire looked longingly at the sunlit gardens outside the window.

long|ish /lɒ ŋ I ʃ, [AM ] lɔː ŋ-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Longish means fairly long. □� She's about my age, with longish hair.

lon|gi|tude /lɒ ndʒ I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (longitudes ) N‑VAR The longitude of a place is its distance to the west or east of a line passing through Greenwich. Compare latitude . □� He noted the latitude and longitude, then made a mark on the admiralty chart. ●�ADJ Longitude is also an adjective. □� A similar feature is found at 13 degrees North between 230 degrees and 250 degrees longitude.

lon|gi|tu|di|nal /lɒ ndʒ I tjuː d I n ə l, [AM ] -tuː -/ ADJ [ADJ n] A longitudinal line or structure goes from one end of an object to the other rather than across it from side to side.

lo ng johns N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Long johns are warm underpants with long legs.

lo ng jump N‑SING The long jump is an athletics contest which involves jumping as far as you can from a marker which you run up to.

lo ng-la sting (longer-lasting ) also long lasting ADJ Something that is long-lasting lasts for a long time. □� One of the long-lasting effects of the infection is damage to a valve in the heart.

lo ng-life ADJ [ADJ n] Long-life light bulbs and batteries are manufactured so that they last longer than ordinary ones. Long-life fruit juice and milk have been specially treated so that they last a long time.

lo ng-list (long-lists , long-listing , long-listed ) also longlist

1 N‑COUNT A long-list for something such as a job or a prize is a large group that has been chosen from all the people who applied for the job, or all the people or things that are competing for the prize. The successful ones from this group are chosen to go on the shortlist . □� There are 27 riders on the long-list.

2 VERB If someone or something is long-listed for a job or a prize, they are put on a long-list of those to be considered for that job or prize. □�[be V -ed +�for ] She was long-listed for the senior team last year.

lo ng-li ved also long lived ADJ Something that is long-lived lives or lasts for a long time. □� The flowers may only last a day but the plants are long-lived. □� �huge piles of long-lived radioactive material.

lo ng-lo st ADJ [ADJ n] You use long-lost to describe someone or something that you have not seen for a long time. □� �finding a long-lost sixth century manuscript.

lo ng-ra nge

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A long-range piece of military equipment or vehicle is able to hit or detect a target a long way away or to travel a long way in order to do something. □� He is very keen to reach agreement with the U.S. on reducing long-range nuclear missiles. □� �the growing use on the North Atlantic routes of long-range twin-engined aircraft.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A long-range plan or prediction relates to a period extending a long time into the future. □� Eisenhower was intensely aware of the need for long-range planning.

lo ng-ru nning (longest-running ) ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is long-running has been in existence, or has been performed, for a long time. □� �a long-running trade dispute.

long|shore|man /lɒ ŋʃɔː r mən, [AM ] lɔː ŋ-/ (longshoremen ) N‑COUNT A longshoreman is a person who works in the docks, loading and unloading ships. [AM ] in BRIT, use docker

lo ng-si ghted ADJ Long-sighted people cannot see things clearly that are close to them, and therefore need to wear glasses. [BRIT ] in AM, use far-sighted ●� long-sightedness N‑UNCOUNT □� Both short-sightedness and long-sightedness can be inherited.

lo ng-sta nding ADJ [usu ADJ n] A long-standing situation has existed for a long time. □� They are on the brink of resolving their long-standing dispute over money. □� �long-standing economic links between Europe and much of Africa.

lo ng-su ffering ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is long-suffering patiently puts up with a lot of trouble or unhappiness, especially when it is caused by someone else. □� He went back to Yorkshire to join his loyal, long-suffering wife.

lo ng-term ◆◆◇ (longer-term )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is long-term has continued for a long time or will continue for a long time in the future. □� A new training scheme to help the long-term unemployed is expected. □� The association believes new technology will provide a long-term solution to credit card fraud.

2 N‑SING When you talk about what happens in the long term , you are talking about what happens over a long period of time, either in the future or after a particular event. □� In the long term the company hopes to open in Moscow and other major cities. □� Over the long term, such measures may only make the underlying situation worse.

lo ng-time ◆◇◇ ADJ [ADJ n] You use long-time to describe something that has existed or been a particular thing for a long time. □� She married her long-time boyfriend.

lo ng wave N‑UNCOUNT Long wave is a range of radio waves which are used for broadcasting. □� �broadcasting on long wave. □� �1500m on long wave.

lo ng-wea ring also long wearing ADJ Something that is long-wearing is strong and well made so that it lasts for a long time and stays in good condition even though it is used a lot. [AM ] □� �luxurious, long-wearing, real-leather slippers. in BRIT, use hard-wearing

lo ng-wi nded ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something that is written or said as long-winded , you are critical of it because it is longer than necessary. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The manifesto is long-winded, repetitious and often ambiguous or poorly drafted. □� I hope I'm not being too long-winded.

loo /luː / (loos ) N‑COUNT A loo is a toilet. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I asked if I could go to the loo.

loo|fah /luː fə/ (loofahs ) N‑COUNT A loofah is a long rough sponge-like piece of plant fibre which you use to scrub your body.

look

➊�USING YOUR EYES OR YOUR MIND

➋�APPEARANCE

➊ look ◆◆◆ /lʊ k/ (looks , looking , looked )

→�Please look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you look in a particular direction, you direct your eyes in that direction, especially so that you can see what is there or see what something is like. □�[V prep/adv] I looked down the hallway to room number nine. □�[V prep/adv] She turned to look at him. □�[V prep/adv] He looked away, apparently enraged. □�[V ] If you look, you'll see what was a lake. ●�N‑SING Look is also a noun. □� Lucille took a last look in the mirror. □� Assisi has a couple of churches that are worth a look if you have time.

2 VERB If you look at a book, newspaper, or magazine, you read it fairly quickly or read part of it. □�[V +�at ] You've just got to look at the last bit of Act Three. ●�N‑SING Look is also a noun. □�[+�at ] A quick look at Monday's British newspapers shows that there's plenty of interest in foreign news.

3 VERB If someone, especially an expert, looks at something, they examine it, and then deal with it or say how it should be dealt with. □�[V +�at ] Can you look at my back? I think something's wrong. [Also V ] ●�N‑SING Look is also a noun. □�[+�at ] The car has not been running very well and a mechanic had to come over to have a look at it.

4 VERB If you look at someone in a particular way, you look at them with your expression showing what you are feeling or thinking. □�[V +�at ] She looked at him earnestly. 'You don't mind?' ●�N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] Look is also a noun. □� He gave her a blank look, as if he had no idea who she was. □�[+�of ] Sally spun round, a feigned look of surprise on her face.

5 VERB If you lookfor something, for example something that you have lost, you try to find it. □�[V +�for ] I'm looking for a child. I believe your husband can help me find her. □�[V +�for ] I had gone to Maine looking for a place to work. □�[V prep/adv +�for ] I looked everywhere for ideas. □�[V prep/adv] Have you looked on the piano? ●�N‑SING Look is also a noun. □� Go and have another look.

6 VERB If you are looking for something such as the solution to a problem or a new method, you want it and are trying to obtain it or think of it. □�[V +�for ] The working group will be looking for practical solutions to the problems faced by doctors.

7 VERB If you look at a subject, problem, or situation, you think about it or study it, so that you know all about it and can perhaps consider what should be done in relation to it. □�[V +�at ] Next term we'll be looking at the Second World War period. □�[V +�at ] He visited Florida a few years ago looking at the potential of the area to stage a big match. ●�N‑SING Look is also a noun. □�[+�at ] A close look at the statistics reveals a troubling picture.

8 VERB If you look at a person, situation, or subject from a particular point of view, you judge them or consider them from that point of view. □�[V +�at ] Brian had learned to look at her with new respect. □�[V +�at ] It depends how you look at it.

9 CONVENTION You say look when you want someone to pay attention to you because you are going to say something important. □� Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. □� Now, look, here is how things stand.

10 VERB You can use look to draw attention to a particular situation, person, or thing, for example because you find it very surprising, significant, or annoying. □�[V +�at ] Hey, look at the time! We'll talk about it tonight. All right? □�[V wh] Look what a mess you've made of your life.

11 VERB If something such as a building or window looks somewhere, it has a view of a particular place. □�[V prep] The castle looks over private parkland. ●�PHRASAL VERB Look out means the same as look . □�[V P prep] We sit on the terrace, which looks out on the sea.

12 VERB If you are looking to do something, you are aiming to do it. □�[V to-inf] We're not looking to make a fortune.

13 EXCLAM If you say or shout ' look out! ' to someone, you are warning them that they are in danger. □� 'Look out!' somebody shouted, as the truck started to roll toward the sea.

14to look down your nose at someone →�see nose

▸� look after

1 PHRASAL VERB If you look after someone or something, you do what is necessary to keep them healthy, safe, or in good condition. □�[V P n] I love looking after the children. □�[V P n] People don't look after other people's property in the same way as they look after their own.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you look after something, you are responsible for it and deal with it or make sure it is all right, especially because it is your job to do so. □�[V P n] �the farm manager who looks after the day-to-day organization. □�[V P n] We'll help you look after your finances.

▸� look ahead PHRASAL VERB If you look ahead , you think about what is going to happen in the future and perhaps make plans for the future. □�[V P ] I'm trying to look ahead at what might happen and be ready to handle it.

▸� look around in BRIT, also use look round PHRASAL VERB If you look around or look round a building or place, you walk round it and look at the different parts of it. □�[V P n] We went to look round the show homes. □�[V P ] I'm going to look around and see what I can find.

▸� look back PHRASAL VERB If you look back , you think about things that happened in the past. □�[V P ] Looking back, I am staggered how easily it was all arranged.

▸� look down on PHRASAL VERB To look down on someone means to consider that person to be inferior or unimportant, usually when this is not true. □�[V P P n] I wasn't successful, so they looked down on me.

▸� look forward to

1 PHRASAL VERB If you look forward to something that is going to happen, you want it to happen because you think you will enjoy it. □�[V P P v-ing/n] He was looking forward to working with the new Prime Minister.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is looking forward to something useful or positive, you mean they expect it to happen. □�[V P P n] Motor traders are looking forward to a further increase in vehicle sales.

▸� look into PHRASAL VERB If a person or organization is looking into a possible course of action, a problem, or a situation, they are finding out about it and examining the facts relating to it. □�[V P v-ing/n] He had once looked into buying his own island off Nova Scotia.

▸� look on PHRASAL VERB If you look on while something happens, you watch it happening without taking part yourself. □�[V P ] About 150 local people looked on in silence as the two coffins were taken into the church.

▸� look on or look upon PHRASAL VERB If you look on or look upon someone or something in a particular way, you think of them in that way. □�[V P n +�as ] A lot of people looked on him as a healer. □�[V P n prep/adv] A lot of people look on it like that. □�[V P n] Employers look favourably on applicants who have work experience.

▸� look out →�see look ➊ 11

▸� look out for PHRASAL VERB If you look out for something, you pay attention to things so that you notice it if or when it occurs. □�[V P P n] Look out for special deals.

▸� look over PHRASAL VERB If you look something over , you examine it quite quickly in order to get a general idea of what it is like. □�[V n P ] They presented their draft to the president, who looked it over, nodded and signed it. □�[V P n] He could have looked over the papers in less than ten minutes.

▸� look round →�see look around

▸� look through

1 PHRASAL VERB If you look through a group of things, you examine each one so that you can find or choose the one that you want. □�[V P n] Peter starts looking through the mail as soon as the door shuts.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you look through something that has been written or printed, you read it. □�[V P n] He happened to be looking through the medical book 'Gray's Anatomy' at the time.

▸� look to

1 PHRASAL VERB If you look to someone or something for a particular thing that you want, you expect or hope that they will provide it. □�[V P n] We look to others for support, for example in online groups.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you look to something that will happen in the future, you think about it. □�[V P n] As an organisation we are looking to the future.

▸� look up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you look up a fact or a piece of information, you find it out by looking in something such as a reference book or a list. □�[V n P ] I looked your address up in the personnel file. □�[V P n] Many people have to look up the meaning of this word in the dictionary.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you look someone up , you visit them after not having seen them for a long time. □�[V n P ] I'll try to look him up, ask him a few questions. □�[V P n] She looked up some friends of bygone years.

3 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If a situation is looking up , it is improving. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Things could be looking up in the computer industry.

▸� look upon →�see look on

▸� look up to PHRASAL VERB If you look up to someone, especially someone older than you, you respect and admire them. □�[V P P n] You're a popular girl, Grace, and a lot of the younger ones look up to you.

➋ look ◆◆◆ /lʊ k/ (looks , looking , looked )

1 V‑LINK You use look when describing the appearance of a person or thing or the impression that they give. □�[V adj] Sheila was looking miserable. □�[V n] He does not look the most reliable of animals. □�[V +�like ] They look like stars to the naked eye. □�[V +�as if ] He looked as if he was going to smile. □�[V to-inf] Everybody in the club looked to be fourteen years old. ●� -looking COMB □� She was a very peculiar-looking woman.

2 N‑SING If someone or something has a particular look , they have a particular appearance or expression. □� She had the look of someone deserted and betrayed. □� When he came to decorate the kitchen, Kenneth opted for a friendly rustic look.

3 N‑PLURAL When you refer to someone's looks , you are referring to how beautiful or ugly they are, especially how beautiful they are. □� I never chose people just because of their looks. □� �a young woman with wholesome good looks.

4 V‑LINK You use look when indicating what you think will happen in the future or how a situation seems to you. □�[V adj] He had lots of time to think about the future, and it didn't look good. □�[V adj] Britain looks set to send a major force of over 100 tanks and supporting equipment. □�[V like/as if ] So far it looks like Warner Brothers' gamble is paying off. □�[V like v-ing] The Europeans had hoped to win, and, indeed, had looked like winning. □�[V to-inf] The team had stormed into a two-goal lead and looked to be cruising to a third round place.

5 PHRASE You use expressions such as by the look of him and by the looks of it when you want to indicate that you are giving an opinion based on the appearance of someone or something. □� He was not a well man by the look of him. □� By the look of things, Mr Stone and company will stay busy.

6 PHRASE If you don't like the look of something or someone, you feel that they may be dangerous or cause problems. □� I don't like the look of those clouds.

7 PHRASE If you ask what someone or something looks like , you are asking for a description of them. COLLOCATIONS look NOUN

➊1

adjective +�look : close, good, hard, long, quick

verb +�look : get, have, take

➊ 4

adjective +�look : blank, dirty, funny, puzzled, quizzical

look|alike /lʊ kəla I k/ (lookalikes ) also look-alike N‑COUNT A lookalike is someone who has a very similar appearance to another person, especially a famous person. □� �a Marilyn Monroe look-alike.

look|er /lʊ kə r / (lookers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an attractive man or woman as a looker or a good looker . [INFORMAL ] □� She was quite a looker before this happened.

loo k-in N‑SING If you are trying to take part in an activity and you do not get a look-in , you do not get the chance to take part because too many other people are doing it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� They want to make sure the newcomers don't get a look-in.

loo k|ing glass (looking glasses ) also looking-glass N‑COUNT A looking glass is a mirror. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

look|out /lʊ kaʊt/ (lookouts )

1 N‑COUNT A lookout is a place from which you can see clearly in all directions. □� Troops tried to set up a lookout post inside a refugee camp.

2 N‑COUNT A lookout is someone who is watching for danger in order to warn other people about it.

3 PHRASE If someone keeps a lookout , especially on a boat, they look around all the time in order to make sure there is no danger. □� He denied that he'd failed to keep a proper lookout that night.

loom /luː m/ (looms , looming , loomed )

1 VERB If something loomsover you, it appears as a large or unclear shape, often in a frightening way. □�[V prep/adv] �the bleak mountains that loomed out of the blackness and towered around us. [Also V ]

2 VERB If a worrying or threatening situation or event is looming , it seems likely to happen soon. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] Another government spending crisis is looming in the United States. □�[V adv/prep] The threat of renewed civil war looms ahead. □�[V -ing] �the looming threat of recession.

3 N‑COUNT A loom is a machine that is used for weaving thread into cloth.

loony /luː ni/ (loonies , loonier , looniest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or ideas as loony , you mean that they seem mad, strange, or eccentric. Some people consider this use offensive. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� What's she up to? She's as loony as her brother!

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a loony , you mean that they behave in a way that seems mad, strange, or eccentric. Some people consider this use offensive. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� At first they all thought I was a loony.

loop /luː p/ (loops , looping , looped )

1 N‑COUNT A loop is a curved or circular shape in something long, for example in a piece of string. □� Mrs. Morrell reached for a loop of garden hose.

2 VERB If you loop something such as a piece of rope around an object, you tie a length of it in a loop around the object, for example in order to fasten it to the object. □�[V n prep] He looped the rope over the wood. □�[V -ed] He wore the watch and chain looped round his neck like a medallion.

3 VERB If something loops somewhere, it goes there in a circular direction that makes the shape of a loop. □�[V prep/adv] The helicopter took off and headed north. Then it looped west, heading for the hills.

4 PHRASE If someone is in the loop , they are part of a group of people who make decisions about important things, or they know about these decisions. If they are out of the loop , they do not make or know about important decisions. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� I think that the vice president was in the loop. □� These activists don't want to feel out of the loop.

loop|hole /luː phoʊl/ (loopholes ) N‑COUNT A loophole in the law is a small mistake which allows people to do something that would otherwise be illegal. □�[+�in ] He uses his legal knowledge to exploit loopholes in the law.

loose ◆◇◇ /luː s/ (looser , loosest , looses , loosing , loosed )

1 ADJ Something that is loose is not firmly held or fixed in place. □� If a tooth feels very loose, your dentist may recommend that it's taken out. □�[+�from ] Two wooden beams had come loose from the ceiling. □� She idly pulled at a loose thread on her skirt. ●� loose|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Tim clasped his hands together and held them loosely in front of his belly.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is loose is not attached to anything, or held or contained in anything. □� Frank emptied a handful of loose change on the table. □� A page came loose and floated onto the tiles.

3 ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If people or animals break loose or are set loose , they are no longer held, tied, or kept somewhere and can move around freely. □�[+�from ] She broke loose from his embrace and crossed to the window. □� Why didn't you tell me she'd been set loose?

4 ADJ Clothes that are loose are rather large and do not fit closely. □� Wear loose clothes as they're more comfortable. ●� loose|ly ADV [ADV after v, oft ADV -ed] □� His shirt hung loosely over his thin shoulders.

5 ADJ If your hair is loose , it hangs freely round your shoulders and is not tied back. □� She was still in her nightdress, with her hair hanging loose over her shoulders.

6 ADJ If something is loose in texture, there is space between the different particles or threads it consists of. □� She gathered loose soil and let it filter slowly through her fingers.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A loose grouping, arrangement, or organization is flexible rather than strictly controlled or organized. □� Murray and Alison came to some sort of loose arrangement before he went home. □� He wants a loose coalition of left wing forces. ●� loose|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The investigation had aimed at a loosely organised group of criminals.

8 PHRASE If a person or an animal is on the loose , they are free because they have escaped from a person or place. □� Up to a thousand prisoners may be on the loose inside the jail.

9a loose cannon →�see cannon

10all hell breaks loose →�see hell

loo se e nd (loose ends )

1 N‑COUNT A loose end is part of a story, situation, or crime that has not yet been explained. □�[+�in ] There are some annoying loose ends in the plot.

2 PHRASE If you are at a loose end , you are bored because you do not have anything to do and cannot think of anything that you want to do. In American English, you usually say that you are at loose ends . [INFORMAL ] □� Adolescents are most likely to get into trouble when they're at a loose end.

loo se-fi tting also loose fitting ADJ [usu ADJ n] Loose-fitting clothes are rather large and do not fit tightly on your body.

loos|en /luː s ə n/ (loosens , loosening , loosened )

1 VERB If someone loosens restrictions or laws, for example, they make them less strict or severe. □�[V n] Drilling regulations, too, have been loosened to speed the development of the fields. ●� loos|en|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] Domestic conditions did not justify a loosening of monetary policy.

2 VERB If someone or something loosens the ties between people or groups of people, or if the ties loosen , they become weaker. □�[V n] The Federal Republic must loosen its ties with the United States. □�[V n] The deputy leader is cautious about loosening the links with the unions. □�[V ] The ties that bind them together are loosening.

3 VERB If you loosen your clothing or something that is tied or fastened or if it loosens , you undo it slightly so that it is less tight or less firmly held in place. □�[V n] Loosen the bolt so the bars can be turned. □�[V ] Her hair had loosened and was tangled around her shoulders.

4 VERB If you loosen something that is stretched across something else, you make it less stretched or tight. □�[V n] Insert a small knife into the top of the chicken breast to loosen the skin.

5 VERB If you loosen your grip on something, or if your grip loosens , you hold it less tightly. □�[V n] Harry loosened his grip momentarily and Anna wriggled free. □�[V ] When his grip loosened she eased herself away.

6 VERB If a government or organization loosens its grip on a group of people or an activity, or if its grip loosens , it begins to have less control over it. □�[V n] There is no sign that the Party will loosen its tight grip on the country. □�[V ] The President's own grip on power has loosened.

▸� loosen up

1 PHRASAL VERB If a person or situation loosens up , they become more relaxed and less tense. □�[V P ] Young people often loosen up on the dance floor. □�[V P n] I think people have loosened up their standards.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you loosen up your body, or if it loosens up , you do simple exercises to get your muscles ready for a difficult physical activity, such as running or playing football. □�[V P n] Squeeze the foot with both hands, again to loosen up tight muscles. □�[V P ] Close your eyes. Relax. Let your body loosen up. [Also V n P ]

loot /luː t/ (loots , looting , looted )

1 VERB If people loot shops or houses, they steal things from them, for example during a war or riot. □�[V n] The trouble began when gangs began breaking windows and looting shops. □�[V ] There have been reports of youths taking advantage of the general confusion to loot and steal. ●� loot|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� In the country's largest cities there has been rioting and looting.

2 VERB If someone loots things, they steal them, for example during a war or riot. □�[V n] Armed thugs have looted food supplies and terrorized the population.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Loot is stolen money or goods. [INFORMAL ] □� Most criminals steal in order to sell their loot for cash on the black market.

loot|er /luː tə r / (looters ) N‑COUNT A looter is a person who steals things from shops or houses, for example during a war or riot.

lop /lɒ p/ (lops , lopping , lopped )

▸� lop off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you lop something off , you cut it away from what it was attached to, usually with a quick, strong stroke. □�[V n P ] Somebody lopped the heads off our tulips. □�[V P n] �men with axes, lopping off branches. □�[V P n] His ponytail had been lopped off.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you lop an amount of money or time off something such as a budget or a schedule, you reduce the budget or schedule by that amount. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P n] The Air France plane lopped over four hours off the previous best time. □�[V n P n] More than 100 million pounds will be lopped off the prison building programme. [Also V P n, V n P ]

lope /loʊ p/ (lopes , loping , loped ) VERB If a person or animal lopes somewhere, they run in an easy and relaxed way, taking long steps. □�[V prep/adv] He was loping across the sand toward Nancy. □�[V prep/adv] Matty saw him go loping off, running low. [Also V ] ●� lop|ing ADJ [ADJ n] □� She turned and walked away with long, loping steps.

lop|sided /lɒ psa I d I d/ also lop-sided ADJ Something that is lopsided is uneven because one side is lower or heavier than the other. □� His suit had shoulders that made him look lopsided. □� �a friendly, lopsided grin.

lo|qua|cious /ləkwe I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as loquacious , you mean that they talk a lot. [FORMAL ] □� The normally loquacious Mr O'Reilly has said little.

lord ◆◆◇ /lɔː r d/ (lords )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Britain, a lord is a man who has a high rank in the nobility, for example an earl, a viscount, or a marquis. □� She married a lord and lives in this huge house in the Cotswolds. □� A few days earlier he had received a telegram from Lord Lloyd.

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, judges, bishops, and some male members of the nobility are addressed as ' my Lord '. [POLITENESS ] □� My lord, I am instructed by my client to claim that the evidence has been tampered with.

3 In Britain, Lord is used in the titles of some officials of very high rank. □� He was Lord Chancellor from 1970 until 1974. □� �the head of the judiciary, the Lord Chief Justice.

4 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Lords is the same as theHouse of Lords . □� It's very likely the bill will be defeated in the Lords.

5 N‑PROPER In the Christian church, people refer to God and to Jesus Christ as the Lord . □� I know the Lord will look after him. □� She prayed now. 'Lord, help me to find courage.' □� �the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

6 →�see also Our Lord

7 EXCLAM Lord is used in exclamations such as ' good Lord! ' and ' oh Lord! ' to express surprise, shock, frustration, or annoyance about something. [FEELINGS ] □� 'Good lord, that's what he is: he's a police officer.' □� 'They didn't fire you for drinking, did they?'�'Lord, no! I only drink beer, nowadays.'

lord|ly /lɔː r dli/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone's behaviour is lordly , you are critical of them because they treat other people in a proud and arrogant way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �their usual lordly indifference to patients.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Lordly means impressive and suitable for a lord. □� �the site of a lordly mansion.

Lord|ship /lɔː r dʃ I p/ (Lordships ) N‑COUNT ; N‑PROPER You use the expressions Your Lordship , His Lordship , or Their Lordships when you are addressing or referring to a judge, bishop, or male member of the nobility. [POLITENESS ] □� My name is Richard Savage, your Lordship. □� His Lordship expressed the hope that the Law Commission might look at the subject.

Lo rd's Pra yer N‑PROPER The Lord's Prayer is a Christian prayer that was originally taught by Jesus Christ to his followers.

lore /lɔː r / N‑UNCOUNT The lore of a particular country or culture is its traditional stories and history. □� �the Book of the Sea, which was stuffed with sailors' lore. □� �ancient Catalan lore.

lor|ry /lɒ ri, [AM ] lɔː ri/ (lorries ) N‑COUNT A lorry is a large vehicle that is used to transport goods by road. [BRIT ] □� �a seven-ton lorry. in AM, use truck

lose ◆◆◆ /luː z/ (loses , losing , lost )

1 VERB If you lose a contest, a fight, or an argument, you do not succeed because someone does better than you and defeats you. □�[V n] They lost the Italian Cup Final. □�[V n] The government lost the argument over the pace of reform. □�[V -ing] No one likes to be on the losing side.

2 VERB If you lose something, you do not know where it is, for example because you have forgotten where you put it. □�[V n] I lost my keys. □�[V n] I had to go back for my checkup; they'd lost my X-rays.

3 VERB You say that you lose something when you no longer have it because it has been taken away from you or destroyed. □�[V n] I lost my job when the company moved to another state. □�[V n] She was terrified they'd lose their home.

4 VERB If someone loses a quality, characteristic, attitude, or belief, they no longer have it. □�[V n] He lost all sense of reason. □�[V n] He had lost his desire to live.

5 VERB If you lose an ability, you stop having that ability because of something such as an accident. □�[V n] They lost their ability to hear. □�[V n] He had lost the use of his legs.

6 VERB If someone or something loses heat, their temperature becomes lower. □�[V n] Babies lose heat much faster than adults.

7 VERB If you lose blood or fluid from your body, it leaves your body so that you have less of it. □�[V n] During fever a large quantity of fluid is lost in perspiration.

8 VERB If you lose weight, you become less heavy, and usually look thinner. □�[V n] I have lost a lot of weight. □�[V n] Martha was able to lose 25 pounds.

9 VERB If you lose a part of your body, it is cut off in an operation or in an accident. □�[V n] He lost a foot when he was struck by a train.

10 VERB If someone loses their life, they die. □�[V n] �the ferry disaster in 1987, in which 192 people lost their lives. □�[be V -ed] Hundreds of lives were lost in fighting.

11 VERB If you lose a close relative or friend, they die. □�[V n] My Grandma lost her brother in the war.

12 VERB [usu passive] If things are lost , they are destroyed in a disaster. □�[be V -ed] �the famous Nankin pottery that was lost in a shipwreck off the coast of China.

13 VERB If you lose time, something slows you down so that you do not make as much progress as you hoped. □�[V n] They claim that police lost valuable time in the early part of the investigation. □�[be V -ed] Six hours were lost in all.

14 VERB If you lose an opportunity, you do not take advantage of it. □�[V n] If you don't do it soon you're going to lose the opportunity. □�[V n to-inf] They did not lose the opportunity to say what they thought of events. □�[V -ed] �a lost opportunity.

15 VERB If you loseyourself in something or if you are lostin it, you give a lot of attention to it and do not think about anything else. □�[V pron-refl +�in ] Michael held on to her arm, losing himself in the music. □�[be V -ed +�in ] He was lost in the contemplation of the landscape.

16 VERB If a business loses money, it earns less money than it spends, and is therefore in debt. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] His shops stand to lose millions of pounds.

17 VERB If something loses you a contest or loses you something that you had, it causes you to fail or to no longer have what you had. □�[V n n] My own stupidity lost me the match. □�[V n n] His economic mismanagement has lost him the support of the general public.

18 →�see also lost

19 PHRASE If someone loses it , they become extremely angry or upset. [INFORMAL ] □� I completely lost it. I went mad, berserk.

20 PHRASE If you lose your way , you become lost when you are trying to go somewhere. □� The men lost their way in a sandstorm.

21to lose your balance →�see balance

22to lose the battle but win the war →�see battle

23to lose contact →�see contact

24to lose your cool →�see cool

25to lose face →�see face ➊

26to lose your grip →�see grip

27to lose your head →�see head

28to lose heart →�see heart

29to lose your mind →�see mind ➊

30to lose your nerve →�see nerve

31to lose the plot →�see plot

32to lose sight of →�see sight

33to lose your temper →�see temper

34to lose touch →�see touch

35to lose track of →�see track

▸� lose out PHRASAL VERB If you lose out , you suffer a loss or disadvantage because you have not succeeded in what you were doing. □�[V P ] We both lost out. □�[V P +�to ] Laura lost out to Tom. □�[V P +�in ] Women have lost out in this new pay flexibility. □�[V P +�on ] Egypt has lost out on revenues from the Suez Canal. COLLOCATIONS lose VERB 4

lose+�noun : confidence, faith, interest; control

los|er /luː zə r / (losers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The losers of a game, contest, or struggle are the people who are defeated or beaten. □�[+�of ] �the winners and losers of this year's Super Bowl. ●�PHRASE If someone is a good loser , they accept that they have lost a game or contest without complaining. If someone is a bad loser , they hate losing and complain about it. □� I'm sure the prime minister will turn out to be a good loser. □� You are a very bad loser Lou, aren't you?

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a loser , you have a low opinion of them because you think they are always unsuccessful. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� You're a bunch of losers.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] People who are losers as the result of an action or event, are in a worse situation because of it or do not benefit from it. □� Some of Britain's top business leaders of the 1980s became the country's greatest losers in the recession.

loss ◆◆◇ /lɒ s, [AM ] lɔː s/ (losses )

1 N‑VAR Loss is the fact of no longer having something or having less of it than before. □�[+�of ] �loss of sight. □�[+�of ] The loss of income for the government is about $250 million a month. □� �hair loss. □� The job losses will reduce the total workforce to 7,000.

2 N‑VAR Loss of life occurs when people die. □�[+�of ] �a terrible loss of human life. □� The allies suffered less than 20 casualties while enemy losses were said to be high.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The loss of a relative or friend is their death. □�[+�of ] They took the time to talk about the loss of Thomas and how their grief was affecting them. □�[+�of ] �the loss of his mother.

4 N‑VAR If a business makes a loss , it earns less than it spends. □�[+�of ] That year the company made a loss of nine hundred million pounds. □� The company stopped producing fertilizer because of continued losses. □� �profit and loss.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Loss is the feeling of sadness you experience when someone or something you like is taken away from you. □� Talk to others about your feelings of loss and grief.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A loss is the disadvantage you suffer when a valuable and useful person or thing leaves or is taken away. □�[+�to ] She said his death was a great loss to herself.

7 N‑UNCOUNT The loss of something such as heat, blood, or fluid is the gradual reduction of it or of its level in a system or in someone's body. □� �blood loss. □� �weight loss. □�[+�of ] �a rapid loss of heat from the body.

8 PHRASE If a business produces something at a loss , they sell it at a price which is less than it cost them to produce it or buy it. [BUSINESS ] □� New fashion designs have to be sold off at a loss if sales are poor.

9 PHRASE If you say that you are at a loss , you mean that you do not know what to do in a particular situation. □� The government is at a loss to know how to tackle the violence.

10 PHRASE If you cut your losses , you stop doing what you were doing in order to prevent the bad situation that you are in becoming worse. □� Directors are right to cut their losses, admit they chose the wrong man and make a change.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is adead loss , you have a low opinion of them because you think they are completely useless or unsuccessful. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'd had no experience of organizing anything of that sort. I think I was largely a dead loss. COLLOCATIONS loss

1

noun +�loss : hair, hearing, memory, weight

adjective +�loss : heavy, huge, massive

3

adjective +�loss : heartbeaking, sad, tragic

verb +�loss : mourn, suffer

4

adjective +�loss : attributable; net, pre-tax

verb +�loss : incur; record, report; offset

lo ss ad|just|er (loss adjusters ) also loss adjustor N‑COUNT A loss adjuster is someone who is employed by an insurance company to decide how much money should be paid to a person making a claim. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] in AM, use insurance adjuster , claims adjuster

lo ss lead|er (loss leaders ) also loss-leader N‑COUNT A loss leader is an item that is sold at such a low price that it makes a loss in the hope that customers will be attracted by it and buy other goods at the same shop. [BUSINESS ]

lost ◆◇◇ /lɒ st, [AM ] lɔː st/

1Lost is the past tense and past participle of lose .

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are lost or if you get lost , you do not know where you are or are unable to find your way. □� Barely had I set foot in the street when I realised I was lost. □� I took a wrong turn and we got lost in the mountains.

3 ADJ If something is lost , or gets lost , you cannot find it, for example because you have forgotten where you put it. □� �a lost book. □� My paper got lost. □� He was scrabbling for his pen, which had got lost somewhere under the sheets of paper.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel lost , you feel very uncomfortable because you are in an unfamiliar situation. □� Of the funeral he remembered only the cold, the waiting, and feeling very lost. □� I feel lost and lonely in a strange town alone.

5 ADJ If you describe a person or group of people as lost , you think that they do not have a clear idea of what they want to do or achieve. □� They are a lost generation in search of an identity.

6 ADJ If you describe something as lost , you mean that you no longer have it or it no longer exists. □� �a lost job or promotion. □� The sense of community is lost. □� The riots will also mean lost income for Los Angeles County.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] You use lost to refer to a period or state of affairs that existed in the past and no longer exists. □� He seemed to pine for his lost youth. □� �the relics of a lost civilisation.

8 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is lost , it is not used properly and is considered wasted. □� He is not bitter about the lost opportunity to compete in the Games. □� The advantage is lost.

9 PHRASE If advice or a comment is lost on someone, they do not understand it or they pay no attention to it. □� The meaning of that was lost on me.

lo st and fou nd

1 N‑SING Lost and found is the place where lost property is kept. [AM ] in BRIT, use lost property2 ADJ Lost and found things are things which someone has lost and which someone else has found. □� �the shelf where they stored lost-and-found articles. □� �the local paper's lost-and-found column.

lo st cau se (lost causes ) N‑COUNT If you refer to something or someone as alost cause , you mean that people's attempts to change or influence them have no chance of succeeding. □� They do not want to expend energy in what, to them, is a lost cause.

lo st pro p|er|ty

1 N‑UNCOUNT Lost property consists of things that people have lost or accidentally left in a public place, for example on a train or in a school. □� Lost property should be handed to the driver.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Lost property is a place where lost property is kept. [BRIT ] □� I was enquiring in Lost Property at Derby. in AM, use lost and found

lo st sou l (lost souls ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a lost soul , you mean that they seem unhappy, and unable to fit in with any particular group of people in society. □� They just clung to each other like two lost souls.

lot ◆◆◆ /lɒ t/ (lots )

1 QUANT A lot of something or lots of it is a large amount of it. A lot of people or things, or lots of them, is a large number of them. □� A lot of our land is used to grow crops for export. □� I remember a lot of things. □� 'You'll find that everybody will try and help their colleague.'�'Yeah. There's a lot of that.' □� He drank lots of milk. □� A lot of the play is very funny. ●�PRON Lot is also a pronoun. □� There's lots going on at Selfridges this month. □�[+�from ] I learned a lot from him about how to run a band. □� I know a lot has been said about my sister's role in my career.

2 ADV [ADV after v] A lot means to a great extent or degree. □� Matthew's out quite a lot doing his research. □� I like you, a lot. □� If I went out and accepted a job at a lot less money, I'd jeopardize a good career.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something a lot , you do it often or for a long time. □� They went out a lot, to the Cafe Royal or The Ivy. □�[+�about ] He talks a lot about his own children.

4 N‑COUNT [num N ] You can use lot to refer to a set or group of things or people. □�[+�of ] He bought two lots of 1,000 shares in the company during August and September. □�[+�of ] We've just sacked one lot of builders.

5 N‑SING [adj N ] You can refer to a specific group of people as a particular lot . [INFORMAL ] □� Future generations are going to think that we were a pretty boring lot.

6 N‑SING You can use the lot to refer to the whole of an amount that you have just mentioned. [INFORMAL ] □� She was given �20 and by Monday morning had spent the lot.

7 N‑SING [usu with poss] Your lot is the kind of life you have or the things that you have or experience. □�[+�in ] Sometimes you just have to accept your lot in life .

8 N‑COUNT A lot is a small area of land that belongs to a person or company. [AM ] □� If oil or gold are discovered under your lot, you can sell the mineral rights.

9 →�see also parking lot

10 N‑COUNT A lot in an auction is one of the objects or groups of objects that are being sold. □� The receivers are keen to sell the stores as one lot.

11 PHRASE If people draw lots to decide who will do something, they each take a piece of paper from a container. One or more pieces of paper is marked, and the people who take marked pieces are chosen. □� For the first time in a World Cup finals, lots had to be drawn to decide who would finish second and third.

12 PHRASE If you throw in your lot with a particular person or group, you decide to work with them and support them from then on, whatever happens. □� He has decided to throw in his lot with the far-right groups in parliament.

loth /loʊ θ/ →�see loath

lo|tion /loʊ ʃ ə n/ (lotions ) N‑VAR [usu n N ] A lotion is a liquid that you use to clean, improve, or protect your skin or hair. □� �suntan lotion. □� �cleansing lotions.

lot|tery /lɒ təri/ (lotteries )

1 N‑COUNT A lottery is a type of gambling game in which people buy numbered tickets. Several numbers are then chosen, and the people who have those numbers on their tickets win a prize. □� �the national lottery.

2 N‑SING If you describe something as a lottery , you mean that what happens depends entirely on luck or chance. □� Which judges are assigned to a case is always a bit of a lottery.

lo|tus /loʊ təs/ (lotuses ) N‑COUNT A lotus or a lotus flower is a type of water lily that grows in Africa and Asia.

lo |tus po|si|tion N‑SING If someone doing meditation or yoga is in thelotus position , they are sitting with their legs crossed and each foot resting on top of the opposite thigh.

louche /luː ʃ/ ADJ If you describe a person or place as louche , you mean that they are unconventional and not respectable, but often in a way that people find rather attractive. [WRITTEN ] □� �that section of London society which somehow managed to be louche and fashionable at the same time.

loud ◆◇◇ /laʊ d/ (louder , loudest )

1 ADJ If a noise is loud , the level of sound is very high and it can be easily heard. Someone or something that is loud produces a lot of noise. □� Suddenly there was a loud bang. □� His voice became harsh and loud. □� The band was starting to play a fast, loud number. □� �amazingly loud discos. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Loud is also an adverb. □� She wonders whether Paul's hearing is OK because he turns the television up very loud. ●� loud|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� His footsteps echoed loudly in the tiled hall. ●� loud|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The students began to enter the classroom and Anna was startled at their loudness.

2 ADJ If someone is loud in their support for or criticism of something, they express their opinion very often and in a very strong way. □�[+�in ] Mr Adams' speech yesterday was very loud in condemnation of the media. □� Mr Jones received loud support from his local community. ●� loud|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Mac talked loudly in favour of the good works done by the Church.

3 ADJ If you describe something, especially a piece of clothing, as loud , you dislike it because it has very bright colours or very large, bold patterns which look unpleasant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He liked to shock with his gold chains and loud clothes.

4 PHRASE If you tell someone something loud and clear , you are very easily understood, either because your voice is very clear or because you express yourself very clearly. □� Lisa's voice comes through loud and clear. □� The committee's warnings should be heard loud and clear.

5 PHRASE If you say or read something out loud , you say it or read it so that it can be heard, rather than just thinking it. □� Even Ford, who seldom smiled, laughed out loud a few times. □� He began to read out loud.

6for crying out loud →�see cry SYNONYMS loud ADJ 1

noisy:�my noisy old typewriter.

deafening:�the deafening roar of fighter jets taking off.

ear-splitting:�ear-splitting screams.

loud|hail|er /laʊ dhe I lə r / (loudhailers ) also loud-hailer N‑COUNT A loudhailer is a portable device with a microphone at one end and a cone-shaped speaker at the other end, used to make your voice heard more easily outdoors. [BRIT ] in AM, use bullhorn

loud|mouth /laʊ dmaʊθ/ (loudmouths /laʊ dmaʊ�z/) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a loudmouth , you are critical of them because they talk a lot, especially in an unpleasant, offensive, or stupid way. [DISAPPROVAL ]

lou d-mouthed ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as loud-mouthed , you are critical of them because they talk a lot, especially in an unpleasant, offensive, or stupid way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a loud-mouthed oaf with very little respect for women.

loud|speaker /laʊ dspiː kə r / (loudspeakers ) also loud speaker N‑COUNT A loudspeaker is a piece of equipment, for example part of a radio or hi-fi system, through which sound comes out.

lounge /laʊ ndʒ/ (lounges , lounging , lounged )

1 N‑COUNT In a house, a lounge is a room where people sit and relax. [mainly BRIT ] □� The Holmbergs were sitting before a roaring fire in the lounge, sipping their cocoa.

2 N‑COUNT In a hotel, club, or other public place, a lounge is a room where people can sit and relax. □�[+�of ] I spoke to her in the lounge of a big Johannesburg hotel where she was attending a union meeting.

3 N‑COUNT In an airport, a lounge is a very large room where people can sit and wait for aircraft to arrive or leave. □� Instead of taking me to the departure lounge they took me right to my seat on the plane.

4 VERB If you lounge somewhere, you sit or lie there in a relaxed or lazy way. □�[V prep] They ate and drank and lounged in the shade.

louse /laʊ s/ (lice ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Lice are small insects that live on the bodies of people or animals and bite them in order to feed off their blood.

lousy /laʊ zi/ (lousier , lousiest )

1 ADJ If you describe something as lousy , you mean that it is of very bad quality or that you do not like it. [INFORMAL ] □� He blamed Fiona for a lousy weekend. □�[+�to-inf] It's lousy to be the new kid.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as lousy , you mean that they are very bad at something they do. [INFORMAL ] □� I was a lousy secretary. □�[+�at ] There can be no argument about how lousy he is at public relations.

3 ADJ If you describe the number or amount of something as lousy , you mean it is smaller than you think it should be. [INFORMAL ] □� The pay is lousy.

4 ADJ If you feel lousy , you feel very ill. [INFORMAL ] □� I wasn't actually sick but I felt lousy.

lout /laʊ t/ (louts ) N‑COUNT If you describe a man or boy as a lout , you are critical of them because they behave in an impolite or aggressive way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a drunken lout.

lout|ish /laʊ t I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a man or a boy as loutish , you are critical of them because their behaviour is impolite and aggressive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I was appalled by the loutish behaviour.

lou|vre /luː və r / (louvres ) in AM, use louver N‑COUNT [oft N n] A louvre is a door or window with narrow, flat, sloping pieces of wood or glass across its frame.

lov|able /lʌ vəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as lovable , you mean that they have attractive qualities, and are easy to like. □� His vulnerability makes him even more lovable.

love ◆◆◆ /lʌ v/ (loves , loving , loved )

1 VERB If you love someone, you feel romantically or sexually attracted to them, and they are very important to you. □�[V n] Oh, Amy, I love you. □�[V n] We love each other. We want to spend our lives together.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Love is a very strong feeling of affection towards someone who you are romantically or sexually attracted to. □�[+�for ] Our love for each other has been increased by what we've been through together. □� �a old fashioned love story. □� �an album of love songs.

3 VERB You say that you love someone when their happiness is very important to you, so that you behave in a kind and caring way towards them. □�[V n] You'll never love anyone the way you love your baby.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Love is the feeling that a person's happiness is very important to you, and the way you show this feeling in your behaviour towards them. □�[+�for ] My love for all my children is unconditional. □� She's got a great capacity for love.

5 VERB If you love something, you like it very much. □�[V n/v-ing] We loved the food so much, especially the fish dishes. □�[V n/v-ing] I loved reading. □�[V to-inf] �one of these people that loves to be in the outdoors. □�[V it wh] I love it when I hear you laugh.

6 VERB You can say that you love something when you consider that it is important and want to protect or support it. □�[V n] I love my country as you love yours.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Love is a strong liking for something, or a belief that it is important. □�[+�of ] The French are known for their love of their language.

8 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Your love is someone or something that you love. □� 'She is the love of my life,' he said. □� Music's one of my great loves.

9 VERB If you would loveto have or do something, you very much want to have it or do it. □�[V to-inf] I would love to play for England again. □�[V n] I would love a hot bath and clean clothes. □�[V n to-inf] His wife would love him to give up his job.

10 N‑COUNT Some people use love as an affectionate way of addressing someone. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Well, I'll take your word for it then, love. □� Don't cry, my love.

11 NUM In tennis, love is a score of zero. □� He beat the Austrian three sets to love.

12 CONVENTION You can use expressions such as ' love ', ' love from ', and ' all my love ', followed by your name, as an informal way of ending a letter to a friend or relation. □� �with love from Grandma and Grandpa.

13 N‑UNCOUNT If you send someone your love , you ask another person, who will soon be speaking or writing to them, to tell them that you are thinking about them with affection. □� Please give her my love.

14 →�see also free love , -loved , loving , peace-loving , tug-of-love

15 PHRASE If you fall in lovewith someone, you start to be in love with them. □�[+�with ] I fell in love with him because of his kind nature. □� We fell madly in love.

16 PHRASE If you fall in lovewith something, you start to like it very much. □� Working with Ford closely, I fell in love with the cinema.

17 PHRASE If you are in lovewith someone, you feel romantically or sexually attracted to them, and they are very important to you. □� Laura had never before been in love. □�[+�with ] I've never really been in love with anyone. □� We were madly in love for about two years.

18 PHRASE If you are in lovewith something, you like it very much. □� He had always been in love with the enchanted landscape of the West.

19 PHRASE When two people make love , they have sex. □�[+�to ] Have you ever made love to a girl before? [Also +�with ] COLLOCATIONS love VERB 1

love+�adverb : dearly, unconditionally NOUN 2

adjective +�love : true, unconditional, undying, unrequited; passionate, romantic

lo ve af|fair (love affairs )

1 N‑COUNT A love affair is a romantic and usually sexual relationship between two people who love each other but who are not married or living together. □�[+�with ] �a stressful love affair with a married man. [Also +�between ]

2 N‑SING If you refer to someone's love affairwith something, you mean that they like it a lot and are very enthusiastic about it. □�[+�with ] �the American love affair with firearms.

love|birds /lʌ vbɜː r dz/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to two people as lovebirds when they are obviously very much in love. [HUMOROUS ]

lo ve bite (love bites ) also lovebite N‑COUNT A love bite is a mark which someone has on their body as a result of being bitten by their partner when they were kissing or making love.

lo ve child (love children ) also love-child N‑COUNT If journalists refer to someone as a love child , they mean that the person was born as a result of a love affair between two people who have never been married to each other. □� Eric has a secret love child.

-loved /-lʌvd/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -loved combines with adverbs to form adjectives that describe how much someone or something is loved. □� The similarities between the much-loved father and his son are remarkable. □� �two of Mendelssohn's best-loved works.

lo ve-ha te re|la|tion|ship (love-hate relationships ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have a love-hate relationship with someone or something, your feelings towards them change suddenly and often from love to hate. □� �a book about the close love-hate relationship between two boys.

love|less /lʌ vləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A loveless relationship or situation is one where there is no love. □� She is in a loveless relationship.

lo ve let|ter (love letters ) N‑COUNT A love letter is a letter that you write to someone in order to tell them that you love them.

lo ve life (love lives ) N‑COUNT Someone's love life is the part of their life that consists of their romantic and sexual relationships. □� His love life was complicated, and involved intense relationships.

love|lorn /lʌ vlɔː r n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Lovelorn means the same as lovesick . □� He was acting like a lovelorn teenager.

love|ly ◆◇◇ /lʌ vli/ (lovelier , loveliest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as lovely , you mean that they are very beautiful and therefore pleasing to look at or listen to. [mainly BRIT ] □� You look lovely, Marcia. □� He had a lovely voice. □� It was just one of those lovely old English gardens. ●� love|li|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� You are a vision of loveliness.

2 ADJ If you describe something as lovely , you mean that it gives you pleasure. [mainly BRIT , mainly SPOKEN ] □� Mary! How lovely to see you! □� It's a lovely day. □� What a lovely surprise!

3 ADJ If you describe someone as lovely , you mean that they are friendly, kind, or generous. [mainly BRIT ] □� Laura is a lovely young woman. □� She's a lovely child. SYNONYMS lovely ADJ 1

beautiful:New England is beautiful.

appealing:There was a sense of humour to what he did that I found very appealing.

attractive:The creamy white flowers are attractive in the spring.

charming:�a charming little fishing village.

adorable:We have three adorable children.

love|making /lʌ vme I k I ŋ/ also love-making N‑UNCOUNT Lovemaking refers to sexual activities that take place between two people who love each other. □� Their love-making became less and less frequent.

lo ve nest (love nests ) also love-nest N‑COUNT [usu sing] A love nest is a house or flat where two people who are having a love affair live or meet. [JOURNALISM ]

lov|er ◆◇◇ /lʌ və r / (lovers )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's lover is someone who they are having a sexual relationship with but are not married to. □� He and Liz became lovers soon after they first met.

2 N‑COUNT If you are a lover of something such as animals or the arts, you enjoy them very much and take great pleasure in them. □�[+�of ] She is a great lover of horses and horse racing. □� Are you an opera lover?

lo ve rat (love rats ) N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes use love rat to refer to a man who treats his partner in a cruel way, especially by having sexual relationships with other people. [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the womanising of royal love rat James Hewitt.

love|sick /lʌ vs I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as lovesick , you mean that they are so in love with someone who does not love them, that they are behaving in a strange and foolish way. □� �a lovesick boy consumed with self-pity.

lo ve sto|ry (love stories ) N‑COUNT A love story is something such as a novel or film about a love affair.

lo ve-stricken also lovestruck ADJ If you describe someone as love-stricken , you mean that they are so much in love that they are behaving in a strange and foolish way.

lo ve tri|an|gle (love triangles ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A love triangle is a relationship in which three people are each in love with at least one other person in the relationship. [JOURNALISM ]

lovey-dovey /lʌ vi dʌ vi/ ADJ You can use lovey-dovey to describe, in a humorous or slightly disapproving way, lovers who show their affection for each other very openly. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� All my friends were either lovey-dovey couples or wild, single girls.

lov|ing /lʌ v I ŋ/

1 ADJ Someone who is loving feels or shows love to other people. □� Jim was a most loving husband and father. □� The children there were very loving to me. ●� lov|ing|ly ADV □� Brian gazed lovingly at Mary Ann.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Loving actions are done with great enjoyment and care. □� The house has been restored with loving care. ●� lov|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v, oft ADV -ed] □� I lifted the box and ran my fingers lovingly over the top.

3 →�see also peace-loving

low ◆◆◆ /loʊ / (lower , lowest , lows )

1 ADJ Something that is low measures only a short distance from the bottom to the top, or from the ground to the top. □� �the low garden wall that separated the front garden from next door. □� She put it down on the low table. □� The Leisure Center is a long and low modern building.

2 ADJ If something is low , it is close to the ground, to sea level, or to the bottom of something. □� He bumped his head on the low beams. □� It was late afternoon and the sun was low in the sky. □� They saw a government war plane make a series of low-level bombing raids.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When a river is low , it contains less water than usual. □� �pumps that guarantee a constant depth of water even when the supplying river is low.

4 ADJ You can use low to indicate that something is small in amount or that it is at the bottom of a particular scale. You can use phrases such as in the low 80s to indicate that a number or level is less than 85 but not as little as 80. □� British casualties remained remarkably low. □� They are still having to live on very low incomes. □� The temperature's in the low 40s.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Low is used to describe people who are not considered to be very important because they are near the bottom of a particular scale or system. □� She refused to promote Colin above the low rank of 'legal adviser'.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something reaches a low of a particular amount or degree, that is its smallest amount or lowest level. □�[+�of ] Overnight temperatures fell to a low of -20�C in some areas. □� The dollar fell to a new low.

7 ADJ If you drive or ride a bicycle in a low gear, you use a gear, usually first or second, which gives you the most control over your car or bicycle when travelling slowly. □� She selected a low gear and started down the track carefully.

8 ADJ If the quality or standard of something is low , it is very poor. □� A school would not accept low-quality work from any student. □� �low-grade coal.

9 ADJ If a food or other substance is low in a particular ingredient, it contains only a small amount of that ingredient. □�[+�in ] They look for foods that are low in calories. ●�COMB [usu ADJ n] Low is also a combining form. □� �low-sodium tomato sauce. □� Low-odour paints help make decorating so much easier.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone such as a student or a worker as a low achiever, you mean that they are not very good at their work, and do not achieve or produce as much as others. □� Low achievers in schools will receive priority.

11 ADJ If you have a low opinion of someone or something, you disapprove of them or dislike them. □� I have an extremely low opinion of the British tabloid newspapers.

12 ADJ You can use low to describe negative feelings and attitudes. □� We are all very tired and morale is low. □� People had very low expectations.

13 ADJ If a sound or noise is low , it is deep. □� Then suddenly she gave a low, choking moan and began to tremble violently. □� My voice has got so low now I was mistaken for a man the other day on the phone.

14 ADJ If someone's voice is low , it is quiet or soft. □� Her voice was so low he had to strain to catch it.

15 ADJ A light that is low is not bright or strong. □� Their eyesight is poor in low light.

16 ADJ If a radio, oven, or light is on low , it has been adjusted so that only a small amount of sound, heat, or light is produced. □� She turned her little kitchen radio on low. □� Buy a dimmer switch and keep the light on low, or switch it off altogether. □� Cook the sauce over a low heat until it boils and thickens.

17 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are lowon something or if a supply of it is low , there is not much of it left. □�[+�on ] We're a bit low on bed linen. □� World stocks of wheat were getting very low.

18 ADJ If you are low , you are depressed. [INFORMAL ] □� 'I didn't ask for this job, you know,' he tells friends when he is low.

19 →�see also lower

20 PHRASE If you are lying low , you are hiding or not drawing attention to yourself. [INFORMAL ] □� Far from lying low, Kuti became more outspoken than ever.

21to look high and low →�see high

22low profile →�see profile

23to be running low →�see run COLLOCATIONS low NOUN 6

adjective +�low : all-time, historic, new, record

verb +�low : hit, plumb, reach

low|brow /loʊ braʊ/ also low-brow ADJ If you say that something is lowbrow , you mean that it is easy to understand or appreciate rather than intellectual and is therefore perhaps inferior. □� His choice of subject matter has been regarded as lowbrow. □� �low-brow novels.

lo w-cal ADJ [usu ADJ n] Low-cal food is food that contains only a few calories. People who are trying to lose weight eat low-cal food.

lo w-cu t ADJ [usu ADJ n] Low-cut dresses and blouses do not cover the top part of a woman's chest.

lo w-down also lowdown

1 N‑SING If someone gives you the low-downon a person or thing, they tell you all the important information about them. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] We want you to give us the low-down on your team-mates.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use low-down to emphasize how bad, dishonest, or unfair you consider a particular person or their behaviour to be. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� �a lowdown, evil drunkard. □� They will stoop to every low-down trick.

low|er ◆◇◇ /loʊ ə r / (lowers , lowering , lowered )

1 ADJ [ADJ n, the ADJ ] You can use lower to refer to the bottom one of a pair of things. □� She bit her lower lip. □� �the lower deck of the bus. □� The upper layer of felt should overlap the lower. □� �the lower of the two holes.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use lower to refer to the bottom part of something. □� Use a small cushion to help give support to the lower back. □� �fires which started in the lower part of a tower block.

3 ADJ [ADJ n, the ADJ ] You can use lower to refer to people or things that are less important than similar people or things. □� Already the awards are causing resentment in the lower ranks of council officers. □� The nation's highest court reversed the lower court's decision. □� The higher orders of society must rule the lower.

4 VERB If you lower something, you move it slowly downwards. □�[V n prep/adv] Two reporters had to help lower the coffin into the grave. □�[V pron-refl] Sokolowski lowered himself into the black leather chair. □�[V n] 'No movies of me getting out of the pool, boys.' They dutifully lowered their cameras. ●� low|er|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the extinguishing of the flame and the lowering of the flag.

5 VERB If you lower something, you make it less in amount, degree, value, or quality. □�[V n] The bank has lowered interest rates by 2 percent. ●� low|er|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a package of social measures which included the lowering of the retirement age.

6 VERB If someone lowers their head or eyes, they look downwards, for example because they are sad or embarrassed. □�[V n] She lowered her head and brushed past photographers as she went back inside. □�[V n] She lowered her gaze to the hands in her lap.

7 VERB If you say that you would not loweryourself by doing something, you mean that you would not behave in a way that would make you or other people respect you less. □�[V pron-refl] Don't lower yourself, don't be the way they are. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] I've got no qualms about lowering myself to Lemmer's level to get what I want.

8 VERB If you lower your voice or if your voice lowers , you speak more quietly. □�[V n] The man moved closer, lowering his voice. □�[V ] His voice lowers confidentially.

9 →�see also low SYNONYMS lower VERB 5

lessen:Make sure that your immunisations are up to date to lessen the risk of serious illness.

cut:The first priority is to cut costs.

reduce:Consumption is being reduced by 25 per cent.

lo w|er ca se also lower-case N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Lower-case letters are small letters, not capital letters. □� It was printed in lower case. □� We did the logo in lower-case letters instead of capitals.

lo w|er cla ss (lower classes ) also lower-class N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu pl] Some people use thelower class or thelower classes to refer to the division of society that they consider to have the lowest social status. □� Education now offers the lower classes access to job opportunities. ●�ADJ Lower class is also an adjective. □� �lower-class families.

lo w|est com|mon de|no mi|na|tor (lowest common denominators )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a plan or policy as thelowest common denominator , you are critical of it because it has been deliberately made too simple so that nobody will disagree. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They reduce complicated explanations to the lowest common denominator.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that something is designed to appeal to thelowest common denominator , you are critical of it because it is designed to be liked by the majority of people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Tabloid newspapers pander to the lowest common denominator.

3 N‑COUNT In mathematics, thelowest common denominator is the smallest number that all the numbers on the bottom of a particular group of fractions can be divided into. [TECHNICAL ]

lo w-fly ing ADJ [ADJ n] Low-flying aircraft or birds are flying very close to the ground, or lower than normal.

lo w-i mpact

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Low-impact exercise does not put a lot of stress on your body.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Low-impact projects, developments, and activities such as holidays are designed to cause minimum harm to the environment. □� �sensitive, enlightened, low-impact ecotourism.

lo w-ke y ADJ If you say that something is low-key , you mean that it is on a small scale rather than involving a lot of activity or being made to seem impressive or important. □� The wedding will be a very low-key affair. □� He wanted to keep the meetings low-key.

low|lands /loʊ ləndz/ also lowland The form lowland is also used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Lowlands are an area of low, flat land. □�[+�of ] �wherever you travel in the lowlands of the United Kingdom. □� �the fever-haunted old town on the lowland across the lake. □� �lowland areas.

lo w life also low-life , lowlife N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] People sometimes use low life to refer in a disapproving way to people who are involved in criminal, dishonest, or immoral activities, or to these activities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the sort of low-life characters who populate this film.

low|ly /loʊ li/ (lowlier , lowliest ) ADJ If you describe someone or something as lowly , you mean that they are low in rank, status, or importance. □� �lowly bureaucrats pretending to be senators.

lo w-ly ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] Low-lying land is at, near, or below sea level. □� Sea walls collapsed, and low-lying areas were flooded.

lo w-pai d ADJ If you describe someone or their job as low-paid , you mean that their work earns them very little money. □� �low-paid workers. □� The majority of working women are in low-paid jobs. ●�N‑PLURAL The low-paid are people who are low-paid.

lo w-pi tched

1 ADJ A sound that is low-pitched is deep. □� With a low-pitched rumbling noise, the propeller began to rotate.

2 ADJ A voice that is low-pitched is very soft and quiet. □� He kept his voice low-pitched in case someone was listening.

lo w-re nt

1 ADJ If someone lives in a low-rent house, they only have to pay a small amount of money to live there. □� �a low-rent housing development.

2 ADJ You can use low-rent to describe something that is of poor quality, especially when it is compared with something else. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a low-rent horror movie.

lo w sea|son N‑SING The low season is the time of year when a place receives the fewest visitors, and fares and holiday accommodation are often cheaper. [BRIT ] □� Prices drop to �315 in the low season. in AM, use off-season

lo w-slu ng ADJ [usu ADJ n] Low-slung chairs or cars are very low, so that you are close to the ground when you are sitting in them.

lo w-te ch ADJ [usu ADJ n] Low-tech machines or systems are ones that do not use modern or sophisticated technology. □� �a simple form of low-tech electric propulsion.

lo w ti de (low tides ) N‑VAR [oft at N ] At the coast, low tide is the time when the sea is at its lowest level because the tide is out. □� The causeway to the island is only accessible at low tide.

lo w wa |ter N‑UNCOUNT Low water is the same as low tide .

lox /lɒ ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Lox is salmon that has been smoked and is eaten raw. [mainly AM ]

loy|al /lɔ I əl/ ADJ Someone who is loyal remains firm in their friendship or support for a person or thing. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] They had remained loyal to the president. □� He'd always been such a loyal friend to us all. ●� loy|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They have loyally supported their party and their leader.

loy|al|ist /lɔ I əl I st/ (loyalists ) N‑COUNT A loyalist is a person who remains firm in their support for a government or ruler. □� Party loyalists responded as they always do, waving flags and carrying placards.

loy|al|ty /lɔ I əlti/ (loyalties )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Loyalty is the quality of staying firm in your friendship or support for someone or something. □�[+�to ] I have sworn an oath of loyalty to the monarchy. □� This is seen as a reward for the army's loyalty during a barracks revolt earlier this month.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Loyalties are feelings of friendship, support, or duty towards someone or something. □�[+�to ] She had developed strong loyalties to the Manet family.

lo y|al|ty card (loyalty cards ) N‑COUNT A loyalty card is a plastic card that some shops give to regular customers. Each time the customer buys something from the shop, points are electronically stored on their card and can be exchanged later for goods or services.

loz|enge /lɒ z I ndʒ/ (lozenges )

1 N‑COUNT Lozenges are sweets which you can suck to make a cough or sore throat better. □� �throat lozenges.

2 N‑COUNT A lozenge is a shape with four corners. The two corners that point up and down are further away than the two pointing sideways.

LP /e l piː / (LPs ) N‑COUNT An LP is a record which usually has about 25 minutes of music or speech on each side. LP is an abbreviation for 'long-playing record'. □� �his first LP since 1986.

LPG /e l piː dʒiː / N‑UNCOUNT LPG is a type of fuel consisting of hydrocarbon gases in liquid form. LPG is an abbreviation for 'liquefied petroleum gas'.

L -plate (L-plates ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] In Britain, L-plates are signs with a red 'L' on them which you attach to a car to warn other drivers that you are a learner.

LSD /e l es diː / N‑UNCOUNT LSD is a very powerful illegal drug which makes the user see things that only exist in their mind.

LtLt is a written abbreviation for lieutenant . □� He was replaced by Lt Frank Fraser.

Ltd ◆◇◇ Ltd is a written abbreviation for limited when it is used after the name of a company. Compare plc . [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

lub|ri|cant /luː br I kənt/ (lubricants )

1 N‑VAR A lubricant is a substance which you put on the surfaces or parts of something, especially something mechanical, to make the parts move smoothly. □� Its nozzle was smeared with some kind of lubricant. □� �industrial lubricants.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a lubricant in a particular situation, you mean that it helps to make things happen without any problems. □�[+�for ] I think humor is a great lubricant for life.

lu|bri|cate /luː br I ke I t/ (lubricates , lubricating , lubricated )

1 VERB If you lubricate something such as a part of a machine, you put a substance such as oil on it so that it moves smoothly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Mineral oils are used to lubricate machinery. □�[V -ing] �lubricating oil. [Also V ] ●� lu|bri|ca|tion /luː br I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Use a touch of linseed oil for lubrication.

2 VERB If you say that something lubricates a particular situation, you mean that it helps things to happen without any problems. □�[V n] Franklin's task was to lubricate the discussions with the French.

lu|cerne /luːsɜː r n/ N‑UNCOUNT Lucerne is a plant that is grown for animals to eat and in order to improve the soil. [BRIT ] in AM, use alfalfa

lu|cid /luː s I d/

1 ADJ Lucid writing or speech is clear and easy to understand. □� �a lucid account of the history of mankind. □� His prose as always lucid and compelling. ●� lu|cid|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Both of them had the ability to present complex matters lucidly. ●� lu|cid|ity /luːs I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] His writings were marked by an extraordinary lucidity and elegance of style.

2 ADJ If someone is lucid , they are thinking clearly again after a period of illness or confusion. [FORMAL ] □� He wasn't very lucid, he didn't quite know where he was. ●� lu|cid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� The pain had lessened in the night, but so had his lucidity.

luck ◆◇◇ /lʌ k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Luck or good luck is success or good things that happen to you, that do not come from your own abilities or efforts. □�[+�to-inf] I knew I needed a bit of luck to win. □�[+�with ] The Sri Lankans have been having no luck with the weather. □� The goal, when it came, owed more to good luck than good planning.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Bad luck is lack of success or bad things that happen to you, that have not been caused by yourself or other people. □� I had a lot of bad luck during the first half of this season. □� Randall's illness was only bad luck.

3 →�see also hard luck

4 CONVENTION If you ask someone the question ' Any luck? ' or ' No luck? ', you want to know if they have been successful in something they were trying to do. [INFORMAL ] □� 'Any luck?'�'No.'

5 CONVENTION You can say ' Bad luck ', or ' Hard luck ', to someone when you want to express sympathy to them. [INFORMAL , FORMULAE ] □� Well, hard luck, mate.

6 PHRASE If you describe someone as down on their luck , you mean that they have had bad experiences, often because they do not have enough money.

7 CONVENTION If you say ' Good luck ' or ' Best of luck ' to someone, you are telling them that you hope they will be successful in something they are trying to do. [INFORMAL , FORMULAE ] □� He kissed her on the cheek. 'Best of luck!'

8 PHRASE You can say someone is in luck when they are in a situation where they can have what they want or need. □� You're in luck. The doctor's still in.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is out of luck , you mean that they cannot have something which they can normally have. □� 'What do you want, Roy? If it's money, you're out of luck.'

10 PHRASE If you say that someone is pushing their luck , you think they are taking a bigger risk than is sensible, and may get into trouble. □� I didn't dare push my luck too far and did not ask them to sign statements.

11 PHRASE If someone tries their luckat something, they try to succeed at it, often when it is very difficult or there is little chance of success. □� She was going to try her luck at the Las Vegas casinos.

12pot luck →�see pot

lucki|ly /lʌ k I li/ ADV You add luckily to a statement to indicate that it is good that a particular thing happened or is the case because otherwise the situation would have been difficult or unpleasant. □� Luckily, we both love football. □� Luckily for me, he spoke very good English.

luck|less /lʌ kləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as luckless , you mean that they are unsuccessful or unfortunate. [WRITTEN ] □� �the luckless parent of an extremely difficult child.

lucky ◆◇◇ /lʌ ki/ (luckier , luckiest )

1 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] You say that someone is lucky when they have something that is very desirable or when they are in a very desirable situation. □� I am luckier than most. I have a job. □� He is incredibly lucky to be alive. □� Those who are lucky enough to be wealthy have a duty to give to the hungry.

2 ADJ Someone who is lucky seems to always have good luck. □� Some people are born lucky aren't they? □�[+�at ] He had always been lucky at cards.

3 ADJ If you describe an action or experience as lucky , you mean that it was good or successful, and that it happened by chance and not as a result of planning or preparation. □� They admit they are now desperate for a lucky break. □�[+�that ] The man is very lucky that he had help so quickly.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A lucky object is something that people believe helps them to be successful. □� He did not have on his other lucky charm, a pair of green socks.

5 →�see also happy-go-lucky

6 PHRASE If you say that someone will be luckyto do or get something, you mean that they are very unlikely to do or get it, and will definitely not do or get any more than that. □� You'll be lucky if you get any breakfast. □� Those remaining in work will be lucky to get the smallest of pay increases.

7 PHRASE If you strike lucky or strike it lucky , you have some good luck. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� You may strike lucky and find a sympathetic and helpful clerk, but, there again, you might not.

lu cky di p (lucky dips ) N‑COUNT a lucky dip is a game in which you take a prize out of a container full of hidden prizes and then find out what you have chosen. [BRIT ] in AM, use grab bag

lu|cra|tive /luː krət I v/ ADJ A lucrative activity, job, or business deal is very profitable. □� Thousands of ex-army officers have found lucrative jobs in private security firms.

lu|cre /luː kə r / N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes refer to money or profit as lucre , especially when they think that it has been obtained by dishonest means. [HUMOROUS or OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �so they can feel less guilty about their piles of filthy lucre.

Lud|dite /lʌ da I t/ (Luddites ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you refer to someone as a Luddite , you are criticizing them for opposing changes in industrial methods, especially the introduction of new machines and modern methods. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The majority have a built-in Luddite mentality; they are resistant to change.

lu|di|crous /luː d I krəs/ ADJ If you describe something as ludicrous , you are emphasizing that you think it is foolish, unreasonable, or unsuitable. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was ludicrous to suggest that the visit could be kept secret. □� It's a completely ludicrous idea. ●� lu|di|crous|ly ADV □� By Western standards the prices are ludicrously low.

lug /lʌ g/ (lugs , lugging , lugged ) VERB If you lug a heavy or awkward object somewhere, you carry it there with difficulty. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n with adv] Nobody wants to lug around huge suitcases full of clothes. □�[V n prep] I hastily packed the hamper and lugged it to the car. [Also V n]

luge /luː ʒ/ (luges ) N‑COUNT A luge is an object that is designed to be used for racing downhill over snow or ice. Riders lie on their backs and travel with their feet pointing towards the front of the luge.

lug|gage /lʌ g I dʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Luggage is the suitcases and bags that you take with you when travel. □� Leave your luggage in the hotel. □� Each passenger was allowed two 30-kg pieces of luggage.

2 →�see also left luggage

lu g|gage rack (luggage racks )

1 N‑COUNT A luggage rack is a shelf for putting luggage on, on a vehicle such as a train or bus.

2 N‑COUNT A luggage rack is a metal frame that is fixed on top of a car and used for carrying large objects. [AM ] in BRIT, use roof rack

lu|gu|bri|ous /luːguː briəs/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is lugubrious , you mean that they are sad rather than lively or cheerful. [LITERARY ] □� �a tall, thin man with a long and lugubrious face. □� He plays some passages so slowly that they become lugubrious. ●� lu|gu|bri|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The dog gazed at us lugubriously for a few minutes.

luke|warm /luː kwɔː m/

1 ADJ Something, especially a liquid, that is lukewarm is only slightly warm. □� Wash your face with lukewarm water. □� The coffee was weak and lukewarm.

2 ADJ If you describe a person or their attitude as lukewarm , you mean that they are not showing much enthusiasm or interest. □� The study received a lukewarm response from the Home Secretary.

lull /lʌ l/ (lulls , lulling , lulled )

1 N‑COUNT A lull is a period of quiet or calm in a longer period of activity or excitement. □�[+�in ] There was a lull in political violence after the election of the current president. □�[+�in ] �a lull in the conversation.

2 VERB If you are lulledinto feeling safe, someone or something causes you to feel safe at a time when you are not safe. □�[be V -ed +�into ] It is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security. □�[V -ed] Lulled by almost uninterrupted economic growth, too many European firms assumed that this would last for ever. [Also V n +�into ]

3 VERB If someone or something lulls you, they cause you to feel calm or sleepy. □�[V n +�into/to ] Before he knew it, the heat and hum of the forest had lulled him to sleep. [Also V n ]

4 PHRASE If you describe a situation as thelull before the storm , you mean that although it is calm now, there is going to be trouble in the future.

lulla|by /lʌ ləba I / (lullabies ) N‑COUNT A lullaby is a quiet song which is intended to be sung to babies and young children to help them go to sleep.

lum|ba|go /lʌmbe I goʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone has lumbago , they have pains in the lower part of their back.

lum|bar /lʌ mbə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Lumbar means relating to the lower part of your back. [MEDICAL ] □� Lumbar support is very important if you're driving a long way.

lum|ber /lʌ mbə r / (lumbers , lumbering , lumbered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Lumber consists of trees and large pieces of wood that have been roughly cut up. [mainly AM ] □� It was made of soft lumber, spruce by the look of it. □� He was going to have to purchase all his lumber at full retail price.

2 VERB If someone or something lumbers from one place to another, they move there very slowly and clumsily. □�[V adv/prep] He turned and lumbered back to his chair. □�[V -ing] He looked straight ahead and overtook a lumbering lorry.

▸� lumber with PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you are lumbered with someone or something, you have to deal with them or take care of them even though you do not want to and this annoys you. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] I was lumbered with the job of taking charge of all the money. □�[be V -ed +�with ] She was lumbered with a bill for about ninety pounds.

lumber|jack /lʌ mbə r dʒ�k/ (lumberjacks ) N‑COUNT A lumberjack is a person whose job is to cut down trees.

lumber|man /lʌ mbə r mən/ (lumbermen ) N‑COUNT A lumberman is a man who sells timber. [AM ]

lumber|yard /lʌ mbə r jɑː r d/ (lumberyards ) also lumber yard N‑COUNT A lumberyard is a place where wood is stored and sold. [AM ] in BRIT, use timber yard

lu|mi|nary /luː m I nəri, [AM ] -neri/ (luminaries ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a luminary , you mean that they are an expert in a particular subject or activity. [LITERARY ] □� �the political opinions of such luminaries as Sartre or de Beauvoir.

lu|mi|nes|cence /luː m I ne s ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Luminescence is a soft, glowing light. [LITERARY ] □� Lights reflected off dust-covered walls creating a ghostly luminescence.

lu|mi|nos|ity /luː m I nɒ s I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The luminosity of a star or sun is how bright it is. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the present-day luminosity of the Sun.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can talk about the luminosity of someone's skin when it has a healthy glow. □� Rosy powder gives the skin warmth and luminosity.

lu|mi|nous /luː m I nəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is luminous shines or glows in the dark. □� The luminous dial on the clock showed five minutes to seven.

lump /lʌ mp/ (lumps , lumping , lumped )

1 N‑COUNT A lumpof something is a solid piece of it. □�[+�of ] The potter shaped and squeezed the lump of clay into a graceful shape. □�[+�of ] �a lump of wood. □� They used to buy ten kilos of meat in one lump.

2 N‑COUNT A lump on or in someone's body is a small, hard swelling that has been caused by an injury or an illness. □�[+�on ] I've got a lump on my shoulder. □�[+�in ] Howard had to have cancer surgery for a lump in his chest.

3 N‑COUNT A lumpof sugar is a small cube of it. □� 'No sugar,' I said, and Jim asked for two lumps.

4 →�see also sugar lump

5 →�see also lump sum

6 PHRASE If you say that you have a lump in your throat , you mean that you have a tight feeling in your throat because of a strong emotion such as sorrow or gratitude. □� I stood there with a lump in my throat and tried to fight back tears.

▸� lump together PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a number of different people or things are lumped together , they are considered as a group rather than separately. □�[be V -ed P ] Police officers, bankers and butchers are all lumped together in the service sector. □�[be V -ed P +�with ] They are lumped together with the troublemakers and basically written off.

lum|pec|to|my /lʌmpe ktəmi/ (lumpectomies ) N‑COUNT A lumpectomy is an operation in which a woman has a lump such as a tumour removed from one of her breasts, rather than having the whole breast removed.

lump|en /lʌ mpən/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A lumpen object is large, heavy, and lumpy. [mainly BRIT , LITERARY ] □� She was kneading a lumpen mass of dough. □� Lumpen shapes began to appear out of the shadows.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe people as lumpen , you think they are dull and clumsy. [mainly BRIT , LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The people seemed lumpen and boring.

lu mp sum (lump sums ) N‑COUNT A lump sum is an amount of money that is paid as a large amount on a single occasion rather than as smaller amounts on several separate occasions. □�[+�of ] �a tax-free lump sum of �50,000 at retirement age.

lumpy /lʌ mpi/ (lumpier , lumpiest ) ADJ Something that is lumpy contains lumps or is covered with lumps. □� When the rice isn't cooked properly it goes lumpy and gooey.

lu|na|cy /luː nəsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone's behaviour as lunacy , you mean that it seems very strange or foolish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �the lunacy of the tax system. □� It remains lunacy to produce yet more coal to add to power stations' stockpiles.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Lunacy is severe mental illness. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

lu|nar /luː nə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Lunar means relating to the moon. □� The vast volcanic slope was eerily reminiscent of a lunar landscape. □� �a magazine article celebrating the anniversary of man's first lunar landing.

lu|na|tic /luː nət I k/ (lunatics )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a lunatic , you think they behave in a dangerous, stupid, or annoying way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Her son thinks she's an absolute raving lunatic.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or ideas as lunatic , you think they are very foolish and possibly dangerous. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the operation of the market taken to lunatic extremes. □� �a country spurned until now by all except the more lunatic of journalists and adventurers.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a place or situation as lunatic , you mean that it is confused and seems out of control. □� He pleads for sanity in a lunatic world.

4 N‑COUNT People who were mentally ill used to be called lunatics . [OLD-FASHIONED , OFFENSIVE ]

lu |na|tic asy|lum (lunatic asylums ) N‑COUNT A lunatic asylum was a place where mentally disturbed people used to be locked up. [OLD-FASHIONED , OFFENSIVE ]

lu |na|tic fri nge N‑SING If you refer to a group of people as the lunatic fringe , you mean that they are very extreme in their opinions or behaviour. □� �the lunatic fringe of Milanese fashion.

lunch ◆◆◇ /lʌ ntʃ/ (lunches , lunching , lunched )

1 N‑VAR Lunch is the meal that you have in the middle of the day. □� Shall we meet somewhere for lunch? □� He did not enjoy business lunches. □�[+�with ] If anyone wants me, I'm at lunch with a client.

2 VERB When you lunch , you have lunch, especially at a restaurant. [FORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] Only the extremely rich could afford to lunch at the Mirabelle. □�[V ] Having not yet lunched, we went to the refreshment bar for ham sandwiches.

lu nch box (lunch boxes ) also lunchbox N‑COUNT A lunch box is a small container with a lid. You put food such as sandwiches in it to eat for lunch at work or at school.

lu nch break (lunch breaks ) also lunchbreak N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your lunch break is the period in the middle of the day when you stop work in order to have a meal.

lu nch coun|ter (lunch counters ) N‑COUNT A lunch counter is an informal caf� or a counter in a shop where people can buy and eat meals. [AM ]

lunch|eon /lʌ ntʃən/ (luncheons ) N‑COUNT A luncheon is a formal lunch, for example to celebrate an important event or to raise money for charity. □�[+�for ] Earlier this month, a luncheon for former U.N. staff was held in Vienna.

lunch|eon|ette /lʌntʃəne t/ (luncheonettes ) N‑COUNT A luncheonette is a small restaurant that serves light meals. [AM ]

lu nch|eon meat (luncheon meats )

1 N‑VAR Luncheon meat is meat that you eat in a sandwich or salad, and that is usually cold and either sliced or formed into rolls. [AM ]

2 N‑VAR Luncheon meat is a type of cooked meat that is often sold in tins. It is a mixture of pork and cereal. [BRIT ]

lu nch hour (lunch hours ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your lunch hour is the period in the middle of the day when you stop working, usually for one hour, in order to have a meal.

lunch|room /lʌ ntʃruːm/ (lunchrooms ) also lunch room N‑COUNT A lunchroom is the room in a school or company where you buy and eat your lunch. [AM ]

lunch|time /lʌ ntʃta I m/ (lunchtimes ) also lunch time N‑VAR Lunchtime is the period of the day when people have their lunch. □� Could we meet at lunchtime? □� �a lunchtime meeting.

lung /lʌ ŋ/ (lungs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your lungs are the two organs inside your chest which fill with air when you breathe in.

lunge /lʌ ndʒ/ (lunges , lunging , lunged )

1 VERB If you lunge in a particular direction, you move in that direction suddenly and clumsily. □�[V prep/adv] He lunged at me, grabbing me violently. □�[V prep/adv] I lunged forward to try to hit him. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Lunge is also a noun. □�[+�for ] The attacker knocked on their door and made a lunge for Wendy when she answered.

2 N‑COUNT Lunges are exercises that you do to strengthen your leg muscles. They involve stepping forward with a bent leg while keeping the other leg straight. □� I advised her to do lunges, press-ups and crunches for toning.

lung|ful /lʌ ŋfʊl/ (lungfuls ) N‑COUNT If someone takes a lungful of something such as fresh air or smoke, they breathe in deeply so that their lungs feel as if they are full of that thing. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] I bobbed to the surface and gasped a lungful of air.

lurch /lɜː r tʃ/ (lurches , lurching , lurched )

1 VERB To lurch means to make a sudden movement, especially forwards, in an uncontrolled way. □�[V adv/prep] As the car sped over a pothole she lurched forward. □�[V adv/prep] Henry looked, stared, and lurched to his feet. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Lurch is also a noun. □� The car took a lurch forward but grounded in a deep rut.

2 VERB If you say that a person or organization lurchesfrom one thing to another, you mean they move suddenly from one course of action or attitude to another in an uncontrolled way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V from n to n] The state government has lurched from one budget crisis to another. □�[V prep/adv] The first round of multilateral trade talks has lurched between hope and despair. ●�N‑COUNT Lurch is also a noun. □� The property sector was another casualty of the lurch towards higher interest rates.

3 PHRASE If someone leaves you in the lurch , they go away or stop helping you at a very difficult time. [INFORMAL ] □� You wouldn't leave an old friend in the lurch, surely?

lure /ljʊə r , [AM ] lʊ r/ (lures , luring , lured )

1 VERB To lure someone means to trick them into a particular place or to trick them into doing something that they should not do. □�[V n prep/adv] He lured her to his home and shot her with his father's gun. □�[V n prep/adv] Supermarkets will try to lure customers back in with special offers.

2 N‑COUNT A lure is an object which is used to attract animals so that they can be caught.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A lure is an attractive quality that something has, or something that you find attractive. □�[+�to ] The excitement of hunting big game in Africa has been a lure to Europeans for 200 years. □�[+�of ] The lure of rural life is proving as strong as ever.

lu|rid /ljʊə r I d, [AM ] lʊ r I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something is lurid , you are critical of it because it involves a lot of violence, sex, or shocking detail. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �lurid accounts of Claire's sexual exploits. □� Some reports have contained lurid accounts of deaths and mutilations. ●� lu|rid|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� His cousin was soon cursing luridly.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as lurid , you do not like it because it is very brightly coloured. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She took care to paint her toe nails a lurid red or orange. ●� lu|rid|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� It had a high ceiling and a luridly coloured square of carpet on the floor.

lurk /lɜː r k/ (lurks , lurking , lurked )

1 VERB If someone lurks somewhere, they wait there secretly so that they cannot be seen, usually because they intend to do something bad. □�[V ] He thought he saw someone lurking above the chamber during the address.

2 VERB If something such as a danger, doubt, or fear lurks somewhere, it exists but is not obvious or easily recognized. □�[V ] Hidden dangers lurk in every family saloon car. □�[V ] Around every corner lurked doubt and uncertainty.

lus|cious /lʌ ʃəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a woman or something about her as luscious , you mean that you find her or this thing sexually attractive. □� �a luscious young blonde. □� What I like most about Gabby is her luscious lips!

2 ADJ Luscious food is juicy and very good to eat. □� �a small apricot tree which bore luscious fruit.

lush /lʌ ʃ/ (lusher , lushest )

1 ADJ Lush fields or gardens have a lot of very healthy grass or plants. □� �the lush green meadows bordering the river. □� The beautifully landscaped gardens sprawl with lush vegetation. ●� lush|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �a tropical lushness.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you describe a place or thing as lush , you mean that it is very luxurious. □� �a mirrored bathroom done in soft pink tiles with a lush, plush carpet. □� The fabrics were lush.

3 ADJ-GRADED If you describe a person or thing as lush , you mean that they are very attractive or appealing. [INFORMAL ] □� Supermodel Kate Moss explains how she looks lush for every party.

lust /lʌ st/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Lust is a feeling of strong sexual desire for someone. □� His relationship with Angie was the first which combined lust with friendship. □�[+�for ] His lust for her grew until it was overpowering.

2 N‑UNCOUNT A lust for something is a very strong and eager desire to have it. □�[+�for ] It was Fred's lust for glitz and glamour that was driving them apart.

▸� lust after or lust for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you lust after someone or lust for them, you feel a very strong sexual desire for them. □�[V P n] From what I hear, half the campus is lusting after her.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you lust after or lust for something, you have a very strong desire to possess it. □�[V P n] Sheard lusted after the Directorship.

lust|ful /lʌ stfʊl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Lustful means feeling or expressing strong sexual desire. □� �lustful thoughts.

lus|tre /lʌ stə r / in AM, use luster1 N‑UNCOUNT Lustre is gentle shining light that is reflected from a surface, for example from polished metal. □� Gold retains its lustre for far longer than other metals. □� It is softer than cotton and nylon and has a similar lustre to silk.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Lustre is the qualities that something has that make it interesting and exciting. □� What do you do if your relationship is beginning to lose its lustre?

lus|trous /lʌ strəs/ ADJ Something that is lustrous shines brightly and gently, because it has a smooth or shiny surface. □� �a head of thick, lustrous, wavy brown hair.

lusty /lʌ sti/ (lustier , lustiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something is lusty , you mean that it is healthy and full of strength and energy. □� �plants with large, lusty roots. □� �remembering his lusty singing in the open park. ●� lusti|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Bob ate lustily.

lute /luː t/ (lutes ) N‑VAR A lute is a stringed instrument with a rounded body that is quite like a guitar and is played with the fingers.

luv /lʌ v/ N‑COUNT Luv is a written form of the word 'love', when it is being used as an informal way of addressing someone. [BRIT ] □� 'Don't worry, luv.'

luv|vie /lʌ vi/ (luvvies ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to actors as luvvies as a humorous way of criticizing their emotional behaviour and their feeling that they are important. [BRIT , HUMOROUS , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

luxu|ri|ant /lʌgʒʊə riənt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Luxuriant plants, trees, and gardens are large, healthy, and growing well. □� �large oak trees with wide spreading branches and luxuriant foliage.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's hair as luxuriant , you mean that it is very thick and healthy. □� Hair that's thick and luxuriant needs regular trimming.

luxu|ri|ate /lʌgʒʊə rie I t/ (luxuriates , luxuriating , luxuriated ) VERB If you luxuriate in something, you relax in it and enjoy it very much, especially because you find it comfortable and luxurious. □�[V +�in ] Lie back and luxuriate in the scented oil. □�[V +�in ] Ralph was luxuriating in the first real holiday he'd had in years.

luxu|ri|ous /lʌgʒʊə riəs/

1 ADJ If you describe something as luxurious , you mean that it is very comfortable and expensive. □� She had come to enjoy Roberto's luxurious life-style. ●� luxu|ri|ous|ly ADV □� The dining-room is luxuriously furnished and carpeted.

2 ADJ Luxurious means feeling or expressing great pleasure and comfort. □� Amy tilted her wine in her glass with a luxurious sigh. ●� luxu|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Liz laughed, stretching luxuriously.

luxu|ry ◆◇◇ /lʌ kʃəri/ (luxuries )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Luxury is very great comfort, especially among beautiful and expensive surroundings. □� By all accounts he leads a life of considerable luxury. □� She was brought up in an atmosphere of luxury and wealth.

2 N‑COUNT A luxury is something expensive which is not necessary but which gives you pleasure. □� A week by the sea is a luxury they can no longer afford. □� Telephones are still a luxury in some parts of Spain, Portugal, and Greece.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A luxury item is something expensive which is not necessary but which gives you pleasure. □� He could not afford luxury food on his pay. □� He rode on the president's luxury train through his own state.

4 N‑SING A luxury is a pleasure which you do not often have the opportunity to enjoy. □� Hot baths are my favourite luxury. □�[+�of ] We were going to have the luxury of a free weekend, to rest and do whatever we pleased.

lu xu|ry goods N‑PLURAL Luxury goods are things which are not necessary, but which give you pleasure or make your life more comfortable. □� �increased taxes on luxury goods, such as boats, fur coats and expensive cars.

LWLW is an abbreviation for long wave .

SUFFIX -ly

forms adverbs that indicate how something is done. For example, if someone speaks cheerfully , they speak in a cheerful way.

ly|chee /la I tʃiː, [AM ] liː tsiː/ (lychees ) N‑VAR Lychees are Chinese fruit which have white flesh and large stones inside and a pinkish-brown skin.

Ly|cra /la I krə/ N‑UNCOUNT Lycra is a type of stretchy fabric, similar to elastic, which is used to make tight-fitting garments such as tights and swimming costumes. [TRADEMARK ]

ly|ing /la I I ŋ/ Lying is the present participle of lie .

lymph node /l I mf noʊd/ (lymph nodes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Lymph nodes or lymph glands are small masses of tissue in your body where white blood cells are formed.

lynch /l I ntʃ/ (lynches , lynching , lynched ) VERB If a group of people lynch someone, they kill that person without letting them have a trial, especially by hanging, because they believe that the person has committed a crime. □�[V n] An enraged crowd went to the local prison determined to lynch the people detained there. ●� lynch|ing (lynchings ) N‑VAR □� The state cannot tolerate mob rule and lynching.

ly nch mob (lynch mobs )

1 N‑COUNT A lynch mob is an angry crowd of people who want to kill someone without a trial, because they believe that person has committed a crime.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of people as a lynch mob if they are very angry with someone because they believe that person has done something bad or wrong. □� Something approaching a lynch mob has been gathering against the Chancellor for even daring to consider higher interest rates.

lynch|pin /l I ntʃp I n/ →�see linchpin

lynx /l I ŋks/ (lynxes ) N‑COUNT A lynx is a wild animal similar to a large cat.

lyre /la I ə r / (lyres ) N‑COUNT A lyre is a stringed instrument that looks like a small harp.

lyr|ic /l I r I k/ (lyrics )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The lyrics of a song are its words. □�[+�by ] �Kurt Weill's Broadway opera with lyrics by Langston Hughes.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Lyric poetry is written in a simple and direct style, and usually expresses personal emotions such as love. □� �Lawrence's splendid short stories and lyric poetry.

lyri|cal /l I r I k ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is lyrical is poetic and romantic. □� His paintings became more lyrical. □� �its remarkable free-flowing and often lyrical style.

2to wax lyrical →�see wax

lyri|cism /l I r I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Lyricism is gentle and romantic emotion, often expressed in writing, poetry, or music. □� �a natural lyricism which can be expressed through dance and music.

lyri|cist /l I r I s I st/ (lyricists ) N‑COUNT A lyricist is someone who writes the words for modern songs or for musicals.

Mm

M , m /e m/ (M's, m's )

1 N‑VAR M is the thirteenth letter of the English alphabet.

2m is a written abbreviation for metres or metre . □� The island is only 200m wide at its narrowest point.

3m is a written abbreviation for the number million . □� Last year exports reached $150m in value. □� �500m tonnes of coal.

-'m /-m/ 'm is the usual spoken form of 'am', used after 'I' in 'I'm'.

ma /mɑː / (mas ) N‑COUNT Some people refer to or address their mother as ma . [INFORMAL ] □� Ma was still at work when I got back.

MA /e m e I / (MAs ) also M.A. N‑COUNT An MA is a master's degree in an arts or social science subject. MA is an abbreviation for 'Master of Arts'. □� She then went on to university where she got a BA and then an MA.

ma'am /m� m, mɑː m/ N‑COUNT People sometimes say ma'am as a very formal and polite way of addressing a woman whose name they do not know or a woman of superior rank. [mainly AM , POLITENESS ] □� Would you repeat that please, ma'am?

mac /m� k/ (macs ) N‑COUNT A mac is a raincoat, especially one made from a particular kind of waterproof cloth. [BRIT ]

ma|ca|bre /məkɑː brə/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You describe something such as an event or story as macabre when it is strange and horrible or upsetting, usually because it involves death or injury. □� Police have made a macabre discovery.

maca|ro|ni /m� kəroʊ ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Macaroni is a kind of pasta made in the shape of short hollow tubes.

ma ca|ro|ni chee se in AM, use macaroni and cheese N‑UNCOUNT Macaroni cheese is a dish made from macaroni and cheese sauce.

maca|roon /m� kəruː n/ (macaroons ) N‑COUNT Macaroons are sweet cake-like biscuits that are flavoured with coconut or almond.

McCoy /məkɔ I / PHRASE If you describe someone or something as the real McCoy , you mean that they really are what they claim to be and are not an imitation. [INFORMAL ]

mace /me I s/ (maces )

1 N‑COUNT A mace is an ornamental stick carried by an official or placed somewhere as a symbol of authority.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Mace is a substance that causes tears and sickness, and that is used in sprays as a defence against rioters or attackers. [TRADEMARK ]

mac|er|ate /m� səre I t/ (macerates , macerating , macerated ) VERB If you macerate food, or if it macerates , you soak it in a liquid for a period of time so that it absorbs the liquid. □�[V n +�in ] I like to macerate the food in liqueur for a few minutes before serving. □�[V n] Cognac is also used to macerate and flavour ingredients and casseroles. □�[V ] Seal tightly then leave for four to five days to macerate.

Mach /mɑː k/ N‑UNCOUNT Mach is used as a unit of measurement in stating the speed of a moving object in relation to the speed of sound. For example, if an aircraft is travelling at Mach 1, it is travelling at exactly the speed of sound. [TECHNICAL ]

ma|chete /məʃe ti/ (machetes ) N‑COUNT A machete is a large knife with a broad blade.

Machia|vel|lian /m� kiəve liən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as Machiavellian , you are critical of them because they often make clever and secret plans to achieve their aims and are not honest with people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �Machiavellian republicans plotting to destabilise the throne. □� A Machiavellian plot was suspected.

machi|na|tions /m� k I ne I ʃ ə nz, m� ʃ-/ N‑PLURAL You use machinations to describe secret and complicated plans, especially to gain power. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the political machinations that brought him to power.

ma|chine ◆◆◇ /məʃiː n/ (machines , machining , machined )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A machine is a piece of equipment which uses electricity or an engine in order to do a particular kind of work. □� I put the coin in the machine and pulled the lever. □� �a color photograph of the sort taken by machine to be pasted in passports.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you machine something, you make it or work on it using a machine. □�[be V -ed] The material is machined in a factory. □�[be V -ed +�from ] All parts are machined from top grade, high tensile aluminium. □�[V -ed] �machined brass zinc alloy gears. ●� ma|chin|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �our machining, fabrication and finishing processes.

3 N‑COUNT You can use machine to refer to a large and well-controlled system or organization. □� �Nazi Germany's military machine. □� He has put the party publicity machine behind another candidate.

4 →�see also fruit machine , sewing machine , slot machine , vending machine SYNONYMS machine NOUN 1

appliance:He could also learn to use other household appliances.

device:It is an electronic device that protects your vehicle 24 hours a day.

apparatus:One of the boys had to be rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

ma|chi ne code N‑UNCOUNT Machine code is a way of expressing instructions and information in the form of numbers which can be understood by a computer or microchip. [COMPUTING ]

ma|chi ne gun (machine guns ) also machine-gun

1 N‑COUNT A machine gun is a gun which fires a lot of bullets one after the other very quickly. □� �a burst of machine-gun fire.

2 →�see also sub-machine gun

ma|chin|ery /məʃiː nəri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use machinery to refer to machines in general, or machines that are used in a factory or on a farm. □� �quality tools and machinery. □� �your local garden machinery specialist.

2 N‑SING Themachinery of a government or organization is the system and all the procedures that it uses to deal with things. □�[+�of ] The machinery of democracy could be created quickly.

ma|chi ne tool (machine tools ) N‑COUNT A machine tool is a machine driven by power that cuts, shapes, or finishes metal or other materials.

ma|chin|ist /məʃiː n I st/ (machinists ) N‑COUNT A machinist is a person whose job is to operate a machine, especially in a factory.

ma|chis|mo /m�tʃ I zmoʊ, [AM ] mɑːtʃiː z-/ N‑UNCOUNT You use machismo to refer to men's behaviour or attitudes when they are very conscious and proud of their masculinity. □� Hooky, naturally, has to prove his machismo by going on the scariest rides twice.

macho /m� tʃoʊ, [AM ] mɑː -/ ADJ You use macho to describe men who are very conscious and proud of their masculinity. [INFORMAL ] □� �displays of macho bravado.

mac|in|tosh /m� k I ntɒʃ/ →�see mackintosh

macke|rel /m� kərəl/ (mackerel ) N‑VAR A mackerel is a sea fish with a dark, patterned back. □� They'd gone out to fish for mackerel. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Mackerel is this fish eaten as food.

mack|in|tosh /m� k I ntɒʃ/ (mackintoshes ) N‑COUNT A mackintosh is a raincoat, especially one made from a particular kind of waterproof cloth. [mainly BRIT ]

macro /m� kroʊ/ (macros )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use macro to indicate that something relates to a general area, rather than being detailed or specific. [TECHNICAL ] □� �regulation of the economy both at the macro level and at the micro level.

2 N‑COUNT A macro is a shortened version of a computer command which makes the computer carry out a set of actions. [COMPUTING ]

PREFIX macro-

is added to words in order to form new words that are technical and that refer to things which are large or involve the whole of something. For example, macroeconomic policies relate to the economic system of a whole country.

macro|bi|ot|ic /m� kroʊba I ɒ t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Macrobiotic food consists of whole grains and vegetables that are grown without chemicals. [TECHNICAL ] □� �a strict macrobiotic diet.

macro|bi|ot|ics /m� kroʊba I ɒ t I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Macrobiotics is the practice of eating macrobiotic food. [TECHNICAL ]

macro|cosm /m� kroʊkɒzəm/ N‑SING A macrocosm is a complex organized system such as the universe or a society, considered as a single unit. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The macrocosm of the universe is mirrored in the microcosm of the mind.

macro|eco|nom|ics /m� kroʊiː kənɒ m I ks, -e k-/ also macro-economics N‑UNCOUNT [BUSINESS ] Macroeconomics is the branch of economics that is concerned with the major, general features of a country�s economy, such as the level of inflation, unemployment, or interest rates. □� Too many politicians forget the importance of macroeconomics. ●� ma|cro|ec|o|nom|ic /m� kroʊiː kənɒ m I k, -e k-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �macro-economic policy.

mad ◆◇◇ /m� d/ (madder , maddest )

1 ADJ Someone who is mad has a mind that does not work in a normal way, with the result that their behaviour is very strange. □� She was afraid of going mad. ●� mad|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He was driven to the brink of madness.

2 ADJ You use mad to describe people or things that you think are very foolish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You'd be mad to work with him again. □� Isn't that a rather mad idea? ●� mad|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� It is political madness.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is mad , you mean that they are very angry. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�at ] You're just mad at me because I don't want to go. [Also +�about ]

4 ADJ If you are mad about or mad on something or someone, you like them very much indeed. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] She's not as mad about sport as I am. □�[+�about ] He's mad about you. □�[+�on ] He's mad on trains. ●�COMB Mad is also a combining form. □� �his football-mad son. □� He's not power-mad.

5 ADJ Mad behaviour is wild and uncontrolled. □� You only have an hour to complete the game so it's a mad dash against the clock. □� The audience went mad. ●� mad|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Down in the streets people were waving madly.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone or something drives you mad , you mean that you find them extremely annoying. [INFORMAL ] □� There are certain things he does that drive me mad. □� This itching is driving me mad.

7 PHRASE If you do something like mad , you do it very energetically or enthusiastically. [INFORMAL ] □� He was weight training like mad.

8 →�see also madly

9mad keen →�see keen

mad|am /m� dəm/ also Madam N‑COUNT People sometimes say Madam as a very formal and polite way of addressing a woman whose name they do not know or a woman of superior rank. For example, a shop assistant might address a woman customer as Madam . [POLITENESS ] □� Try them on, madam.

mad|cap /m� dk�p/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A madcap plan or scheme is very foolish and not likely to succeed. [INFORMAL ] □� The politicians simply flitted from one madcap scheme to another.

ma d co w dis|ease N‑UNCOUNT Mad cow disease is a disease which affects the nervous system of cattle and causes death. [mainly BRIT ]

mad|den /m� d ə n/ (maddens , maddening , maddened ) VERB To madden a person or animal means to make them very angry. □�[V n] He knew that what he was saying did not reach her. And the knowledge of it maddened him.

mad|den|ing /m� dən I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as maddening , you mean that it makes you feel angry, irritated, or frustrated. □� Shopping in the January sales can be maddening. ●� mad|den|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� The service is maddeningly slow.

made /me I d/

1Made is the past tense and past participle of make .

2 ADJ If something is made of or made out of a particular substance, that substance was used to build it. □�[+�of ] The top of the table is made of glass. □�[+�out of ] What is the statue made out of?

3 PHRASE If you say that someone has it made or has got it made , you mean that they are certain to be rich or successful. [INFORMAL ] □� When I was at school, I thought I had it made.

-made /-me I d/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -made combines with words such as 'factory' to make adjectives that indicate that something has been made or produced in a particular place or in a particular way. □� �a British-made car. □� �specially-made footwear.

ma de-to-mea sure ADJ [usu ADJ n] A made-to-measure suit, shirt, or other item of clothing is one that is made by a tailor to fit you exactly, rather than one that you buy already made in a shop.

ma de-up ◆◇◇ also made up

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , adv ADJ n] If you are made-up , you are wearing make-up such as powder or eye shadow. □� She was beautifully made-up, beautifully groomed.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A made-up word, name, or story is invented, rather than really existing or being true. □� It looks like a made-up word.

3 ADJ If you are made-up , you are happy. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I'll be made up if I get in the top five, that would be great.

mad|house /m� dhaʊs/ (madhouses ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a place or situation as a madhouse , you mean that it is full of confusion and noise. □� That place is a madhouse.

mad|ly /m� dli/

1 ADV [ADV after v] You can use madly to indicate that one person loves another a great deal. □� She has fallen madly in love with him.

2 ADV [ADV adj] You can use madly in front of an adjective in order to emphasize the quality expressed by the adjective. [mainly BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □� Inside it is madly busy.

mad|man /m� dmən/ (madmen ) N‑COUNT A madman is a man who is insane. □� He wanted to jump up and run outside, screaming like a madman.

Ma|don|na /mədɒ nə/ N‑PROPER Catholics and other Christians sometimes call Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, the Madonna .

mad|ras /mədr� s, -drɑː s/ ADJ [ADJ n] A madras curry is a rather hot spicy curry.

mad|ri|gal /m� dr I g ə l/ (madrigals ) N‑COUNT A madrigal is a song sung by several singers without any musical instruments. Madrigals were popular in England in the sixteenth century.

mad|woman /m�dwʊmən/ (madwomen ) N‑COUNT A madwoman is a woman who is insane. [INFORMAL ]

mael|strom /me I lstrɒm/ (maelstroms ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a situation as a maelstrom , you mean that it is very confused or violent. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the maelstrom of ethnic hatreds and vendetta politics. □�[+�of ] Inside, she was a maelstrom of churning emotions.

maes|tro /ma I stroʊ/ (maestros ) N‑COUNT A maestro is a skilled and well-known musician or conductor. □� �the urbane maestro's delightful first show.

ma|fia /m� fiə, [AM ] mɑː f-/ (mafias )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The Mafia is a criminal organization that makes money illegally, especially by threatening people and dealing in drugs. □� The Mafia is by no means ignored by Italian television.

2 N‑COUNT You can use mafia to refer to an organized group of people who you disapprove of because they use unfair or illegal means in order to get what they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They are well-connected with the south-based education-reform mafia.

mag /m� g/ (mags ) N‑COUNT A mag is the same as a magazine. [INFORMAL ] □� �a well-known glossy mag.

maga|zine ◆◆◇ /m� gəziː n, [AM ] -ziːn/ (magazines )

1 N‑COUNT A magazine is a publication with a paper cover which is issued regularly, usually every week or every month, and which contains articles, stories, photographs, and advertisements. □� Her face is on the cover of a dozen or more magazines.

2 N‑COUNT In an automatic gun, the magazine is the part that contains the bullets.

ma|gen|ta /mədʒe ntə/ (magentas ) COLOUR Magenta is used to describe things that are dark reddish-purple in colour.

mag|got /m� gət/ (maggots ) N‑COUNT Maggots are creatures that look like very small worms and turn into flies.

mag|ic ◆◇◇ /m� dʒ I k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Magic is the power to use supernatural forces to make impossible things happen, such as making people disappear or controlling events in nature. □� They believe in magic. □� Older legends say that Merlin raised the stones by magic.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use magic when you are referring to an event that is so wonderful, strange, or unexpected that it seems as if supernatural powers have caused it. You can also say that something happens as if by magic or like magic . □� All this was supposed to work magic. □� The picture will now appear, as if by magic!

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use magic to describe something that does things, or appears to do things, by magic. □� So it's a magic potion? □� �the magic ingredient that helps to keep skin looking smooth.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Magic is the art and skill of performing mysterious tricks to entertain people, for example by making things appear and disappear. □� His secret hobby: performing magic tricks.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to themagicof something, you mean that it has a special mysterious quality which makes it seem wonderful and exciting to you and which makes you feel happy. □�[+�of ] It infected them with some of the magic of a lost age. ●�ADJ Magic is also an adjective. □� Then came those magic moments in the rose-garden.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you refer to a person's magic , you mean a special talent or ability that they have, which you admire or consider very impressive. □� The fighter believes he can still regain some of his old magic.

7 ADJ You can use expressions such as the magic number and the magic word to indicate that a number or word is the one which is significant or desirable in a particular situation. □� �their quest to gain the magic number of 270 electoral votes on Election Day.

8 ADJ [ADJ n, with neg] Magic is used in expressions such as there is no magic formula and there is no magic solution to say that someone will have to make an effort to solve a problem, because it will not solve itself. □� There is no magic formula for producing winning products.

9 ADJ If you say that something is magic , you think it is very good or enjoyable. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� It was magic�one of the best days of my life.

magi|cal /m� dʒ I k ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is magical seems to use magic or to be able to produce magic. □� �the story of Sin-Sin, a little boy who has magical powers. ●� magi|cal|ly /m� dʒ I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� �the story of a young boy's adventures after he is magically transported through the cinema screen.

2 ADJ You can say that a place or object is magical when it has a special mysterious quality that makes it seem wonderful and exciting. □� The beautiful island of Cyprus is a magical place to get married.

ma g|ic bu l|let (magic bullets )

1 N‑COUNT In medicine, a magic bullet is a drug or treatment that can cure a disease quickly and completely.

2 N‑COUNT A magic bullet is an easy solution to a difficult problem. [INFORMAL ] □� A lot of people are looking for some sort of magic bullet that will solve this problem.

ma g|ic ca r|pet (magic carpets ) N‑COUNT In stories, a magic carpet is a special carpet that can carry people through the air.

ma|gi|cian /mədʒ I ʃ ə n/ (magicians ) N‑COUNT A magician is a person who entertains people by doing magic tricks.

ma g|ic mu sh|room (magic mushrooms ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Magic mushrooms are a type of mushroom which contain a drug and may make the person who eats them believe they are seeing things which are not real.

ma g|ic re |al|ism also magical realism N‑UNCOUNT Magic realism is a style of writing or painting which sometimes describes dreams as though they were real, and real events as though they were dreams.

ma g|ic wa nd (magic wands )

1 N‑COUNT A magic wand or a wand is a long thin rod that magicians and fairies wave when they are performing tricks and magic.

2 N‑COUNT You use magic wand , especially in the expression there is no magic wand , to indicate that someone is dealing with a difficult problem which cannot be solved quickly and easily. □� There is no magic wand to secure a just peace. □� People can't expect him to just wave a magic wand.

mag|is|te|rial /m� dʒ I st I ə ri ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour or work as magisterial , you mean that they show great authority or ability. [FORMAL ] □� �his magisterial voice and bearing. □� The Cambridge World History of Human Disease is a magisterial work.

mag|is|trate /m� dʒ I stre I t/ (magistrates ) N‑COUNT A magistrate is an official who acts as a judge in law courts which deal with minor crimes or disputes.

mag|ma /m� gmə/ N‑UNCOUNT Magma is molten rock that is formed in very hot conditions inside the earth. [TECHNICAL ] □� The volcano threw new showers of magma and ash into the air.

mag|na|nim|ity /m� gnən I m I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Magnanimity is kindness and generosity towards someone, especially after defeating them or being treated badly by them. [FORMAL ] □� The father of one victim spoke with remarkable magnanimity.

mag|nani|mous /m�gn� n I məs/ ADJ If you are magnanimous , you behave kindly and generously towards someone, especially after defeating them or being treated badly by them. □� I was prepared to be magnanimous, prepared to feel compassion for him. ●� mag|nani|mous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'You were right, and we were wrong,' he said magnanimously.

mag|nate /m� gne I t/ (magnates ) N‑COUNT A magnate is someone who has earned a lot of money from a particular business or industry. □� �a multimillionaire shipping magnate.

mag|ne|sium /m�gniː ziəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Magnesium is a light silvery-white metal which burns with a bright white flame.

mag|net /m� gn I t/ (magnets )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that something is a magnet or is like a magnet , you mean that people are very attracted by it and want to go to it or look at it. □�[+�for ] Prospect Park, with its vast lake, is a magnet for all health freaks.

2 N‑COUNT A magnet is a piece of iron or other material which attracts iron towards it. □� �a fridge magnet.

mag|net|ic /m�gne t I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something metal is magnetic , it acts like a magnet. □� �magnetic particles.

2 ADJ You use magnetic to describe something that is caused by or relates to the force of magnetism. □� The electrically charged gas particles are affected by magnetic forces. ●� mag|neti|cal|ly /m�gne t I kli/ ADV [ADV after v] □� �metal fragments held together magnetically.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use magnetic to describe tapes and other objects which have a coating of a magnetic substance and contain coded information that can be read by computers or other machines. □� �her magnetic strip ID card.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as magnetic , you mean that it is very attractive to people because it has unusual, powerful, and exciting qualities. □� London's creative reputation has had a magnetic effect.

ma g|net|ic fie ld (magnetic fields ) N‑COUNT A magnetic field is an area around a magnet, or something functioning as a magnet, in which the magnet's power to attract things is felt.

ma g|net|ic ta pe (magnetic tapes ) N‑VAR Magnetic tape is plastic tape covered with iron oxide or a similar magnetic substance. It is used for recording sounds, film, or computer information.

mag|net|ism /m� gn I t I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Someone or something that has magnetism has unusual, powerful, and exciting qualities which attract people to them. □� There was no doubting the animal magnetism of the man.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Magnetism is the natural power of some objects and substances, especially iron, to attract other objects towards them.

mag|net|ize /m� gn I ta I z/ (magnetizes , magnetizing , magnetized ) in BRIT, also use magnetise VERB If you magnetize something, you make it magnetic. □�[V n] Make a Mobius strip out of a ribbon of mild steel and magnetise it. □�[V -ed] �a small metal chessboard with magnetized playing pieces.

ma g|net schoo l (magnet schools ) N‑COUNT A magnet school is a state-funded school, usually in a poor area, which is given extra resources in order to attract new pupils from other areas and help improve the school's performance. [JOURNALISM ]

mag|ni|fi|ca|tion /m� gn I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (magnifications )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Magnification is the act or process of magnifying something. □� Pores are visible without magnification.

2 N‑VAR Magnification is the degree to which a lens, mirror, or other device can magnify an object, or the degree to which the object is magnified. □� The electron microscope uses a beam of electrons to produce images at high magnifications.

mag|nifi|cent /m�gn I f I sənt/ ADJ If you say that something or someone is magnificent , you mean that you think they are extremely good, beautiful, or impressive. □� �a magnificent country house in wooded grounds. □� �magnificent views over the San Fernando Valley. ●� mag|nifi|cence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the magnificence of the Swiss mountains. ●� mag|nifi|cent|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □� The team played magnificently throughout the competition.

mag|ni|fy /m� gn I fa I / (magnifies , magnifying , magnified )

1 VERB To magnify an object means to make it appear larger than it really is, by means of a special lens or mirror. □�[V n n] This version of the Digges telescope magnifies images 11 times. □�[V n] A lens would magnify the picture so it would be like looking at a large TV screen. □�[V -ing] �magnifying lenses.

2 VERB To magnify something means to increase its effect, size, loudness, or intensity. □�[V n] Their noises were magnified in the still, wet air.

3 VERB If you magnify something, you make it seem more important or serious than it really is. □�[V n] They do not grasp the broad situation and spend their time magnifying ridiculous details.

ma g|ni|fy|ing glass (magnifying glasses ) N‑COUNT A magnifying glass is a piece of glass which makes objects appear bigger than they actually are.

mag|ni|tude /m� gn I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the magnitude of something, you are talking about its great size, scale, or importance. □� An operation of this magnitude is going to be difficult.

2 PHRASE You can use order of magnitude when you are giving an approximate idea of the amount or importance of something. □� America and Russia do not face a problem of the same order of magnitude as Japan.

mag|no|lia /m�gnoʊ liə/ (magnolias ) N‑VAR A magnolia is a kind of tree with white, pink, yellow, or purple flowers.

mag|num /m� gnəm/ (magnums ) N‑COUNT A magnum is a wine bottle holding the equivalent of two normal bottles, approximately 1.5 litres. □�[+�of ] �a magnum of champagne.

ma g|num o pus N‑SING [oft poss N ] A magnum opus is the greatest or most important work produced by a writer, artist, musician, or academic. □� �Gadamer's magnum opus 'Truth and Method'.

mag|pie /m� gpa I / (magpies ) N‑COUNT A magpie is a large black and white bird with a long tail.

ma|ha|ra|ja /mɑː hərɑː dʒə/ (maharajas ) also maharajah N‑COUNT A maharaja is the head of one of the royal families that used to rule parts of India.

ma|hoga|ny /məhɒ gəni/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Mahogany is a dark reddish-brown wood that is used to make furniture. □� �mahogany tables and chairs.

maid /me I d/ (maids )

1 N‑COUNT A maid is a woman who works as a servant in a hotel or private house. □� A maid brought me breakfast at half past eight.

2 →�see also old maid

maid|en /me I d ə n/ (maidens )

1 N‑COUNT A maiden is a young girl or woman. [LITERARY ] □� �stories of noble princes and their brave deeds on behalf of beautiful maidens.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The maiden voyage or flight of a ship or aircraft is the first official journey that it makes. □� In 1912, the Titanic sank on her maiden voyage.

mai d|en au nt (maiden aunts ) N‑COUNT A maiden aunt is an aunt who is not married. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

mai d|en name (maiden names ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A married woman's maiden name is her parents' surname, which she used before she got married and started using her husband's surname.

mai d|en spee ch (maiden speeches ) N‑COUNT A politician's maiden speech is the first speech that he or she makes in parliament after becoming a member of it. [BRIT ]

mai d of ho n|our (maids of honour ) N‑COUNT A maid of honour is the chief bridesmaid at a wedding. [AM ]

mail ◆◇◇ /me I l/ (mails , mailing , mailed )

1 N‑SING [oft by N ] The mail is the public service or system by which letters and parcels are collected and delivered. □� Your check is in the mail. □� The firm has offices in several large cities, but does most of its business by mail.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] You can refer to letters and parcels that are delivered to you as mail . □� There was no mail except the usual junk addressed to the occupier.

3 VERB If you mail a letter or parcel to someone, you send it to them by putting it in a post box or taking it to a post office. [mainly AM ] □�[V n +�to ] Last year, he mailed the documents to French journalists. □�[V n n] He mailed me the contract. □�[V n +�with ] The Government has already mailed some 18 million households with details of the public offer. [Also V n] in BRIT, usually use post4 VERB To mail a message to someone means to send it to them by means of email or a computer network. □�[be V -ed prep] �if a report must be electronically mailed to an office by 9 am the next day. [Also V n] ●�N‑UNCOUNT Mail is also a noun. □� If you have any problems then send me some mail.

5 →�see also mailing , chain mail , electronic mail , email , hate mail , junk mail , surface mail

▸� mail out PHRASAL VERB If someone mails out things such as letters, leaflets, or bills, they send them to a large number of people at the same time. [mainly AM ] □�[V P n] This week, the company mailed out its annual report. [Also V n P ] in BRIT, use send out COLLOCATIONS mail NOUN 2

noun +�mail : fan, hate, junk, snail

adjective +�mail : first-class, second-class; undelivered, unopened, unsolicited

verb +�mail : deliver, forward, redirect, send; receive

mail|bag /me I lb�g/ (mailbags ) also mail bag N‑COUNT A mailbag is a large bag that is used by postal workers for carrying mail.

mail|box /me I lbɒks/ (mailboxes )

1 N‑COUNT A mailbox is a box outside your house where your letters are delivered. [AM ]

2 N‑COUNT A mailbox is a metal box in a public place, where you put letters and packets to be collected. They are then sorted and delivered. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use post box3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] On a computer, your mailbox is the file where your email is stored.

mail|ing /me I l I ŋ/ (mailings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mailing is the activity of sending things to people through the postal service. □� The newsletter was printed towards the end of June in readiness for mailing. □� The owners of the store have stepped up customer mailings.

2 N‑COUNT A mailing is something that is sent to people through the postal service. □� The seniors organizations sent out mailings to their constituencies.

mai l|ing list (mailing lists ) N‑COUNT A mailing list is a list of names and addresses that a company or organization keeps, so that they can send people information or advertisements.

mail|man /me I lm�n/ (mailmen ) N‑COUNT A mailman is a man whose job is to collect and deliver letters and parcels that are sent by post. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use postman

mai l me rge N‑UNCOUNT Mail merge is a word processing procedure which enables you to combine a document with a data file, for example a list of names and addresses, so that copies of the document are different for each person it is sent to. [COMPUTING ] □� He sent every member of staff a mail-merge letter wishing them a merry Christmas.

mai l o r|der (mail orders )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft by N , N n] Mail order is a system of buying and selling goods. You choose the goods you want from a company by looking at their catalogue, and the company sends them to you by post. □� The toys are available by mail order from Opi Toys.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Mail orders are goods that have been ordered by mail order. [mainly AM ] □� I supervise the packing of all mail orders.

mail|shot /me I lʃɒt/ (mailshots ) N‑COUNT A mailshot is a letter advertising something or appealing for money for a particular charity. Mailshots are sent out to a large number of people at once. [BRIT ]

maim /me I m/ (maims , maiming , maimed ) VERB To maim someone means to injure them so badly that part of their body is permanently damaged. □�[V n] Mines have been scattered in rice paddies and jungles, maiming and killing civilians.

main ◆◆◆ /me I n/ (mains )

1 ADJ The main thing is the most important one of several similar things in a particular situation. □� �one of the main tourist areas of Amsterdam. □� My main concern now is to protect the children. □� What are the main differences and similarities between them?

2 PHRASE If you say that something is true in the main , you mean that it is generally true, although there may be exceptions. □� Tourists are, in the main, sympathetic people.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The mains are the pipes which supply gas or water to buildings, or which take sewage away from them. □� �the water supply from the mains. □� The capital has been without mains water since Wednesday night.

4 N‑PLURAL The mains are the wires which supply electricity to buildings, or the place where the wires end inside the building. [mainly BRIT ] □� �amplifiers which plug into the mains.

mai n clau se (main clauses ) N‑COUNT A main clause is a clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence. Compare subordinate clause .

mai n dra g N‑SING The main drag in a town or city is its main street. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

main|frame /me I nfre I m/ (mainframes ) N‑COUNT A mainframe or mainframe computer is a large powerful computer which can be used by many people at the same time and which can do very large or complicated tasks.

main|land /me I nl�nd/ N‑SING [N n] You can refer to the largest part of a country or continent as the mainland when contrasting it with the islands around it. □� She was going to Nanaimo to catch the ferry to the mainland. □� �the islands that lie off the coast of mainland Britain.

main|line /me I nla I n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A mainline railway is a major railway between two important places. □� �the first mainline railway to be built in Britain for almost a hundred years. □� �London's mainline stations.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use mainline to describe people, ideas, and activities that belong to the most central, conventional, and normal part of a tradition, institution, or business. □� We observe a striking shift away from a labor theory among all mainline economists.

main|ly ◆◆◇ /me I nli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use mainly when mentioning the main reason or thing involved in something. □� He did not want to take up a competitive sport, mainly because he did not have anyone to play with. □� The birds live mainly on nectar.

2 ADV You use mainly when you are referring to a group and stating something that is true of most of it. □� The African half of the audience was mainly from Senegal or Mali. □� The spacious main bedroom is mainly blue. SYNONYMS mainly ADV 1

chiefly:His response to attacks on his work was chiefly bewilderment.

mostly:I am working with mostly highly motivated people.

largely:The French empire had expanded largely through military conquest.

generally:As women we generally say and feel too much about these things.

primarily:Public order is primarily an urban problem.

mai n roa d (main roads ) N‑COUNT A main road is an important road that leads from one town or city to another. □� Webb turned off the main road and drove round to the car park.

main|spring /me I nspr I ŋ/ (mainsprings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that an idea, emotion, or other factor is themainspringof something, you mean that it is the most important reason or motive for that thing. [WRITTEN ] □� My life has been music, and a constant search for it has been the mainspring of my life. □� You begin to understand what actions were the mainspring of the story.

main|stay /me I nste I / (mainstays ) N‑COUNT If you describe something as themainstayof a particular thing, you mean that it is the most basic part of it. □� Fish and rice were the mainstays of the country's diet. □� This principle of collective bargaining has been a mainstay in labor relations in this country.

main|stream /me I nstriːm/ (mainstreams ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] People, activities, or ideas that are part of the mainstream are regarded as the most typical, normal, and conventional because they belong to the same group or system as most others of their kind. □� �people outside the economic mainstream. □� The show wanted to attract a mainstream audience.

mai n|stream me |dia N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The mainstream media refers to conventional newspapers, television and other news sources that most people know about and regard as reliable. □� We have seen how the mainstream media uniformly support the official government line on this. □� The story got little mainstream media coverage.

Mai n Stree t

1 N‑PROPER In small towns in the United States, the street where most of the shops are is often called Main Street .

2 N‑UNCOUNT Main Street is used by journalists to refer to the ordinary people of America who live in small towns rather than big cities or are not very rich. [AM ] □� This financial crisis had a much greater impact on Main Street.

main|tain ◆◆◇ /me I nte I n/ (maintains , maintaining , maintained )

1 VERB If you maintain something, you continue to have it, and do not let it stop or grow weaker. □�[V n] The Department maintains many close contacts with the chemical industry.

2 VERB If you say that someone maintainsthat something is true, you mean that they have stated their opinion strongly but not everyone agrees with them or believes them. □�[V that] He has maintained that the money was donated for international purposes. □�[V with quote] 'Not all feminism has to be like this,' Jo maintains. □�[V n] He had always maintained his innocence.

3 VERB If you maintain something at a particular rate or level, you keep it at that rate or level. □�[V n +�at ] The government was right to maintain interest rates at a high level.

4 VERB If you maintain a road, building, vehicle, or machine, you keep it in good condition by regularly checking it and repairing it when necessary. □�[V n] The house costs a fortune to maintain. □�[V -ed] The cars are getting older and less well-maintained.

5 VERB If you maintain someone, you provide them with money and other things that they need. □�[V n] �the basic costs of maintaining a child. SYNONYMS maintain VERB

1

retain:The interior of the shop still retains a nineteenth-century atmosphere.

preserve:We will do everything to preserve peace.

sustain:The parameters within which life can be sustained on Earth are extraordinarily narrow.

keep up:There will be a major incentive among TV channels to keep standards up.

2

assert:The defendants, who continue to assert their innocence, are expected to appeal.

state:'Our relationship is totally platonic,' she stated.

claim:He claimed that it was all a conspiracy against him.

contend:The government contends that he is fundamentalist.

profess:Why do organisations profess that they care?

main|te|nance /me I nt I nəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The maintenance of a building, vehicle, road, or machine is the process of keeping it in good condition by regularly checking it and repairing it when necessary. □� �maintenance work on government buildings. □� The window had been replaced last week during routine maintenance.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Maintenance is money that someone gives regularly to another person to pay for the things that the person needs. □� �the government's plan to make absent fathers pay maintenance for their children.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you ensure the maintenanceof a state or process, you make sure that it continues. □�[+�of ] �the maintenance of peace and stability in Asia.

mai|son|ette /me I zəne t/ (maisonettes ) N‑COUNT A maisonette is a flat that usually has a separate door to the outside from other flats in the same building. Many maisonettes are on two floors. [BRIT ]

maize /me I z/ N‑UNCOUNT Maize is a tall plant which produces long objects covered with yellow seeds called sweetcorn. It is often grown as a food crop. [mainly BRIT ] □� �vast fields of maize. in AM, usually use corn

Maj N‑TITLE Maj is a written abbreviation for major when it is used as a title. □� �Maj D B Lee.

ma|jes|tic /mədʒe st I k/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as majestic , you think they are very beautiful, dignified, and impressive. □� �a majestic country home that once belonged to the Astor family. ●� ma|jes|ti|cal|ly /mədʒe st I kli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Fuji is a majestically beautiful mountain.

maj|es|ty /m� dʒ I sti/ (majesties )

1 N‑COUNT You use majesty in expressions such as Your Majesty or Her Majesty when you are addressing or referring to a King or Queen. [POLITENESS ] □� His Majesty requests your presence in the royal chambers.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Majesty is the quality of being beautiful, dignified, and impressive. □� �the majesty of the mainland mountains.

ma|jor ◆◆◆ /me I dʒə r / (majors , majoring , majored )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use major when you want to describe something that is more important, serious, or significant than other things in a group or situation. □� The major factor in the decision to stay or to leave was usually professional. □� Studies show that stress can also be a major problem. □� Exercise has a major part to play in preventing and combating disease.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A major is an officer of middle rank in the British army or the United States army, air force, or marines. □� �Major Alan Bulman.

3 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] At a university or college in the United States, a student's major is the main subject that they are studying. □� English majors would be asked to explore the roots of language.

4 N‑COUNT [n N ] At a university or college in the United States, if a student is, for example, a geology major , geology is the main subject they are studying. □� She was named the outstanding undergraduate history major at the University of Oklahoma.

5 VERB If a student at a university or college in the United States majorsin a particular subject, that subject is the main one they study. □�[V +�in ] He majored in finance at Claremont Men's College in California.

6 ADJ [n ADJ , ADJ n] In music, a major scale is one in which the third note is two tones higher than the first. □� �Mozart's Symphony No 35 in D Major.

7 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A major is a large or important company. [BUSINESS ] □� Oil majors need not fear being unable to sell their crude.

8 N‑PLURAL The majors are groups of professional sports teams that compete against each other, especially in American baseball. [mainly AM ] □� I knew what I could do in the minor leagues, I just wanted a chance to prove myself in the majors.

9 N‑COUNT A major is an important sporting competition, especially in golf or tennis. □� Sarazen became the first golfer to win all four majors. SYNONYMS major ADJ 1

vital:The port is vital to supply relief to millions of drought victims.

critical:He says setting priorities is of critical importance.

important:The planned general strike represents an important economic challenge to the government.

significant:It is the first drug that seems to have a very significant effect on this disease.

ma|jor|ette /me I dʒəre t/ (majorettes ) N‑COUNT A majorette is one of a group of girls or young women who march at the front of a musical band in a procession.

ma |jor ge n|er|al (major generals ) also major-general N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Britain, a major general is a senior officer in the army. In the United States, a major general is a senior officer in the army, air force, or marines.

ma|jor|ity ◆◆◇ /mədʒɒ r I ti, [AM ] -dʒɔː r-/ (majorities )

1 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb, usu sing] The majority of people or things in a group is more than half of them. □�[+�of ] The vast majority of our cheeses are made with pasteurised milk. □� Still, a majority continue to support the treaty. ●�PHRASE If a group is in a majority or in the majority , they form more than half of a larger group. □� Surveys indicate that supporters of the treaty are still in the majority.

2 N‑COUNT A majority is the difference between the number of votes or seats in parliament or legislature that the winner gets in an election, and the number of votes or seats that the next person or party gets. □� Members of Parliament approved the move by a majority of ninety-nine. □� According to most opinion polls, he is set to win a clear majority.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Majority is used to describe opinions, decisions, and systems of government that are supported by more than half the people involved. □� �her continuing disagreement with the majority view. □� A majority vote of 75% is required from shareholders for the plan to go ahead.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Majority is the state of legally being an adult. In Britain and most states in the United States, people reach their majority at the age of eighteen. □� The age of majority in Romania is eighteen.

5 →�see also absolute majority , moral majority

ma |jor lea gue (major leagues )

1 N‑PLURAL The major leagues are groups of professional sports teams that compete against each other, especially in American baseball. □� Chandler was instrumental in making Jackie Robinson the first black player in the major leagues.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Major league means connected with the major leagues in baseball. □� �a town with no major league baseball.

3 ADJ Major league people or institutions are important or successful. □� James Hawes's first film boasts major-league stars.

4 PHRASE If someone moves into the major league or makes it into the major league , they become very successful in their career. [JOURNALISM ] □� Once a girl has made it into the major league every detail is mapped out by her agency.

make

➊�CARRYING OUT AN ACTION

➋�CAUSING OR CHANGING

➌�CREATING OR PRODUCING

➍�LINK VERB USES

➎�ACHIEVING OR REACHING

➏�STATING AN AMOUNT OR TIME

➐�PHRASAL VERBS

➊ make ◆◆◆ /me I k/ (makes , making , made ) Make is used in a large number of expressions which are explained under other words in this dictionary. For example, the expression 'to make sense' is explained at 'sense'. 1 VERB You can use make with a wide range of nouns to indicate that someone performs an action or says something. For example, if you make a suggestion, you suggest something. □�[V n] I'd just like to make a comment. □�[V n] I made a few phone calls. □�[V n] I think you're making a serious mistake.

2 VERB You can use make with certain nouns to indicate that someone does something well or badly. For example, if you make a success of something, you do it successfully, and if you make a mess of something, you do it very badly. □�[V n +�of ] Apparently he made a mess of his audition. □�[V n +�of ] Are you really going to make a better job of it this time?

3 VERB If you makeas if to do something or maketo do something, you behave in a way that makes it seem that you are just about to do it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V as if to-inf] Mary made as if to protest, then hesitated. □�[V to-inf] He made to chase Davey, who ran back laughing.

4 VERB In cricket, if a player makes a particular number of runs, they score that number of runs. In baseball or American football, if a player makes a particular score, they achieve that score. □�[V amount] He made 1,972 runs for the county.

5 PHRASE If you make dowith something, you use or have it instead of something else that you do not have, although it is not as good. □� Why make do with a copy if you can afford the genuine article?

6 PHRASE If you make like you are doing something, you act as if you are doing it, and if you make like someone, you act as if you are that person. [INFORMAL ] □� Bob makes like he's a fish blowing bubbles.

➋ make ◆◆◆ /me I k/ (makes , making , made )

→�Please look at category 11 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If something makes you do something, it causes you to do it. □�[V n inf] Grit from the highway made him cough. □�[be V -ed to-inf] I was made to feel guilty and irresponsible.

2 VERB If you make someone do something, you force them to do it. □�[V n inf] You can't make me do anything. □�[be V -ed to-inf] They were made to pay $8.8 million in taxes.

3 VERB You use make to talk about causing someone or something to be a particular thing or to have a particular quality. For example, to make someone a star means to cause them to become a star, and to make someone angry means to cause them to become angry. □�[V n n] �James Bond, the role that made him a star. □�[V n adj] She made life very difficult for me. □�[V n adj that] She's made it obvious that she's appalled by me. □�[V n adj to-inf] Rationing has made it easier to find some products like eggs, butter and meat. □�[V n +�of ] Does your film make a hero of Jim Garrison?

4 VERB If you say that one thing or person makes another seem, for example, small, stupid, or good, you mean that they cause them to seem small, stupid, or good in comparison, even though they are not. □�[V n inf adj/prep/n] They live in fantasy worlds which make Euro Disney seem uninventive.

5 VERB If you makeyourself understood, heard, or known, you succeed in getting people to understand you, hear you, or know that you are there. □�[V pron-refl -ed] Aron couldn't speak Polish. I made myself understood with difficulty.

6 VERB If you make someone something, you appoint them to a particular job, role, or position. □�[V n n] Mr Blair made him transport minister.

7 VERB If you make something into something else, you change it in some way so that it becomes that other thing. □�[V n +�into ] We made it into a beautiful home.

8 VERB To make a total or score a particular amount means to increase it to that amount. □�[V n amount] This makes the total cost of the bulb and energy �27.

9 VERB When someone makes a friend or an enemy, someone becomes their friend or their enemy, often because of a particular thing they have done. □�[V n] Lorenzo was a natural leader who made friends easily. □�[V n +�of ] He was unruly in class and made an enemy of most of his teachers.

10 PHRASE If someone makes something of themselves or makes something of their life , they become successful. □� My father lived long enough to see that I'd made something of myself. □� The nuns who taught him urged him to make something of his life and he did.

11to make friends →�see friend

➌ make ◆◆◆ /me I k/ (makes , making , made )

1 VERB To make something means to produce, construct, or create it. □�[V n] She made her own bread. □�[have n V -ed] Having curtains made professionally can be costly. □�[V n +�from/out of ] They make compost out of all kinds of waste.

2 VERB If you make a note or list, you write something down in that form. □�[V n] Mr Perry made a note in his book. □�[V n] Make a list of your questions beforehand.

3 VERB If you make rules or laws, you decide what these should be. □�[V n] The police don't make the laws, they merely enforce them.

4 VERB If you make money, you get it by working for it, by selling something, or by winning it. □�[V n] I think every business's goal is to make money. □�[V n +�out of/from ] Can it be moral to make so much money out of a commodity which is essential to life?

5 VERB If something makes something else, it is responsible for the success of that thing. □�[V n] What really makes the book are the beautiful designs.

6 N‑COUNT The make of something such as a car or radio is the name of the company that made it. □� �a certain make of wristwatch.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone is on the make , you disapprove of them because they are trying to get a lot of money or power, possibly by illegal or immoral methods. [DISAPPROVAL ]

➍ make ◆◆◆ /me I k/ (makes , making , made )

1 V‑LINK You can use make to say that someone or something has the right qualities for a particular task or role. For example, if you say that someone will make a good politician, you mean that they have the right qualities to be a good politician. □�[V n] You've a very good idea there. It will make a good book. □�[V n n] I'm very fond of Maurice and I'd make him a good partner.

2 V‑LINK If people make a particular pattern such as a line or a circle, they arrange themselves in this way. □�[V n] A group of people made a circle around the Pentagon.

3 V‑LINK You can use make to say what two numbers add up to. □�[V amount] Four twos make eight.

➎ make ◆◆◆ /me I k/ (makes , making , made )

1 VERB If someone makes a particular team or makes a particular high position, they do so well that they are put in that team or get that position. □�[V n] The athletes are just happy to make the British team. □�[V n] He knew he was never going to make director.

2 VERB If you make a place in or by a particular time, you get there in or by that time, often with some difficulty. □�[V n prep] They were trying to make New Orleans by nightfall.

3 PHRASE If you make it somewhere, you succeed in getting there, especially in time to do something. □� �the hostages who never made it home. □� I just made it!

4 PHRASE If you make it , you are successful in achieving something difficult, or in surviving through a very difficult period. □� I believe I have the talent to make it.

5 PHRASE If you cannot make it , you are unable to attend an event that you have been invited to. □� He hadn't been able to make it to our dinner.

➏ make ◆◆◆ /me I k/ (makes , making , made )

1 VERB You use makeit when saying what you calculate or guess an amount to be. □�[V n] All I want to know is how many T-shirts Jim Martin has got. I make it three.

2 VERB You use makeit when saying what time your watch says it is. □�[V n n] I make it nearly 9.30. □�[V n n] 'What time d'you make it?'�'Thirteen past.'

➐ make ◆◆◆ /me I k/ (makes , making , made )

▸� make for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you make for a place, you move towards it. □�[V P n] He rose from his seat and made for the door.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something makes for another thing, it causes or helps to cause that thing to happen or exist. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] A happy parent makes for a happy child.

▸� make of PHRASAL VERB If you ask a person what they make of something, you want to know what their impression, opinion, or understanding of it is. □�[V P n] Nancy wasn't sure what to make of Mick's apology.

▸� make off PHRASAL VERB If you make off , you leave somewhere as quickly as possible, often in order to escape. □�[V P ] They broke free and made off in a stolen car.

▸� make off with PHRASAL VERB If you make off with something, you steal it and take it away with you. □�[V P P n] Masked robbers broke in and made off with $8,000.

▸� make out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you make something out , you manage with difficulty to see or hear it. □�[V P n] I could just make out a tall, pale, shadowy figure tramping through the undergrowth. □�[V n P ] She thought she heard a name. She couldn't make it out, though. □�[V P wh] I heard the voices, but couldn't make out what they were saying.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you try to make something out , you try to understand it or decide whether or not it is true. □�[V n P ] I couldn't make it out at all. □�[V P wh] It is hard to make out what criteria are used. □�[V P ] This was, as far as I can make out, the only time he's had proper employment.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you make outthat something is the case or make something outto be the case, you try to cause people to believe that it is the case. □�[V P that] They were trying to make out that I'd actually done it. □�[V n P to-inf] I don't think it was as glorious as everybody made it out to be. □�[V P ] He was never half as bad as his teachers made out.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you make out a case for something, you try to establish or prove that it is the best thing to do. □�[V P n +�for/against ] You could certainly make out a case for this point of view. [Also V n P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB When you make out a cheque, receipt, or order form, you write all the necessary information on it. □�[V n P +�to ] If you would like to send a donation, you can make a cheque out to Feed the Children. □�[V P n] I'm going to make out a receipt for you.

6 PHRASAL VERB If two people are making out , they are engaged in sexual activity. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� �pictures of the couple making out on the beach. [Also V P +�with ]

▸� make up

1 PHRASAL VERB The people or things that make up something are the members or parts that form that thing. □�[V P n] UK shoppers make up the largest percentage of foreign buyers. □�[be V -ed P +�of ] Insects are made up of tens of thousands of proteins. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you make up something such as a story or excuse, you invent it, sometimes in order to deceive people. □�[V P n] I think it's very unkind of you to make up stories about him. □�[V n P ] I'm not making it up. The character exists in real life.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you make yourself up or if someone else makes you up , make-up such as powder or lipstick is put on your face. □�[V n P ] She spent too much time making herself up. □�[V n P ] She chose Maggie to make her up for her engagement photographs. □�[V P n] I can't be bothered to make up my face.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you make up an amount, you add something to it so that it is as large as it should be. □�[V P n] We can't cover our costs, and rely on donors to make up the difference. □�[V n P ] The team had six professionals and made the number up with five amateurs. □�[V n P +�to ] For every �100 you save, I will make it up to �125.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you make up time or hours, you work some extra hours because you have previously taken some time off work. □�[V P n] They'll have to make up time lost during the strike. [Also V n P ]

6 PHRASAL VERB If two people make up or make it up after a quarrel or disagreement, they become friends again. □�[V P ] She came back and they made up. □�[V P n] They never made up the quarrel. □�[V P +�with ] They should make up with their ex-enemy in the West. □�[V n P +�with ] I'll make it up with him again.

7 PHRASAL VERB If you make up something such as food or medicine, you prepare it by mixing or putting different things together. □�[V P n] Prepare the souffle dish before making up the souffle mixture. [Also V n P ]

8 PHRASAL VERB If you make up a bed, you put sheets and blankets on it so that someone can sleep there. □�[V P n] Her mother made up a bed in her old room.

▸� make up for PHRASAL VERB To make up for a bad experience or the loss of something means to make the situation better or make the person involved happier. □�[V P P n] Ask for an extra compensation payment to make up for the stress you have been caused.

▸� make up to PHRASAL VERB If you say that you will make it up to someone, you are promising that you will do something good for them after they have been upset or disappointed, especially by you. □�[V n P P n] I'll make it up to you, I promise. □�[V n P P n +�for ] I must make it up to him for the awful intrusion of last night.

ma ke-belie ve

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is living in a make-believe world, they are pretending that things are better, different, or more exciting than they really are instead of facing up to reality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the glamorous make-believe world of show business.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You use make-believe to refer to the activity involved when a child plays a game in which they pretend something, for example that they are someone else. □� She used to play games of make-believe with her elder sister. □� �his make-believe playmate.

3 ADJ You use make-believe to describe things, for example in a play or film, that imitate or copy something real, but which are not what they appear to be. □� The violence in those films was too unreal, it was make-believe.

make|over /me I koʊvə r / (makeovers )

1 N‑COUNT If a person or room is given a makeover , their appearance is improved, usually by an expert. □� She received a cosmetic makeover at a beauty salon as a birthday gift.

2 N‑COUNT If an organization or system is given a makeover , important changes are made in order to improve it. □� The biggest makeover has been in TV drama.

mak|er ◆◆◇ /me I kə r / (makers )

1 N‑COUNT The maker of a product is the firm that manufactures it. □� �Japan's two largest car makers.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to the person who makes something as its maker . □� �the makers of news and current affairs programmes.

3 →�see also peacemaker SYNONYMS maker NOUN 1

manufacturer:�the world's largest doll manufacturer.

producer:The estate is generally a producer of high quality wines.

creator:I have always believed that a garden dies with its creator.

make|shift /me I kʃ I ft/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Makeshift things are temporary and usually of poor quality, but they are used because there is nothing better available. □� �the cardboard boxes and makeshift shelters of the homeless.

ma ke-up ◆◇◇ also makeup

1 N‑UNCOUNT Make-up consists of things such as lipstick, eye shadow, and powder which some women put on their faces to make themselves look more attractive or which actors use to change or improve their appearance. □� Normally she wore little make-up.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's make-up is their nature and the various qualities in their character. □� There was some fatal flaw in his makeup.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The make-up of something consists of its different parts and the way these parts are arranged. □�[+�of ] The ideological make-up of the unions is now radically different from what it had been.

make|weight /me I kwe I t/ (makeweights ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone or something as a makeweight , you think that they are not good or valuable and that they have been included in an activity in order to fill up a gap. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has not been signed to the club as a makeweight to fill out the numbers.

mak|ing /me I k I ŋ/ (makings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] The making of something is the act or process of producing or creating it. □�[+�of ] �Salamon's book about the making of this movie.

2 PHRASE If you describe a person or thing as something in the making , you mean that they are going to become known or recognized as that thing. □� Her drama teacher is confident Julie is a star in the making.

3 PHRASE If something is the making of a person or thing, it is the reason that they become successful or become very much better than they used to be. □� This discovery may yet be the making of him.

4 PHRASE If you say that a person or thing hasthe makings of something, you mean it seems possible or likely that they will become that thing, as they have the necessary qualities. □� Godfrey had the makings of a successful journalist.

5 PHRASE If you say that something such as a problem you have is of your own making , you mean you have caused or created it yourself. □� Some of the university's financial troubles are of its own making.

PREFIX mal-

forms words that refer to things that are bad or unpleasant, or that are unsuccessful or imperfect. For example, malware is a type of computer program that damages a computer.

mal|ad|just|ed /m� lədʒʌ st I d/ ADJ If you describe a child as maladjusted , you mean that they have psychological problems and behave in a way which is not acceptable to society. □� �a school for maladjusted children.

mal|ad|min|is|tra|tion /m� l�dm I n I stre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Maladministration is the act or process of running a system or organization incorrectly. [FORMAL ] □� �a request to investigate a claim about maladministration.

mala|droit /m� lədrɔ I t/ ADJ If you describe someone as maladroit , you mean that they are clumsy or handle situations badly. [FORMAL ] □� Some of his first interviews with the press were rather maladroit.

mala|dy /m� lədi/ (maladies )

1 N‑COUNT A malady is an illness or disease. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He was stricken at twenty-one with a crippling malady.

2 N‑COUNT In written English, people sometimes use maladies to refer to serious problems in a society or situation. □� When apartheid is over the maladies will linger on.

ma|laise /m�le I z/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Malaise is a state in which there is something wrong with a society or group, for which there does not seem to be a quick or easy solution. [FORMAL ] □� There is no easy short-term solution to Britain's chronic economic malaise.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Malaise is a state in which people feel dissatisfied or unhappy but feel unable to change, usually because they do not know what is wrong. [FORMAL ] □� He complained of depression, headaches and malaise.

ma|laria /məleə riə/ N‑UNCOUNT Malaria is a serious disease carried by mosquitoes which causes periods of fever. WORD HISTORY malaria

The word malaria come from early Italian mal , meaning 'bad' and aria , meaning 'air'. People used to think that the bad air coming from the swamps around Rome caused this particular fever. We now know that it's the mosquitoes that inhabit this type of area which are to blame.

ma|lar|ial /məleə riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use malarial to refer to things connected with malaria or areas which are affected by malaria. □� �malarial parasites.

Ma|lay /məle I / (Malays )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Malay means belonging or relating to the people, language, or culture of the largest racial group in Malaysia.

2 N‑COUNT A Malay is a member of the largest racial group in Malaysia.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Malay is a language that is spoken in Malaysia and in parts of Indonesia.

Ma|lay|sian /məle I ʒ ə n/ (Malaysians )

1 ADJ Malaysian means belonging or relating to Malaysia, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Malaysian is a person who comes from Malaysia.

mal|con|tent /m� lkəntent/ (malcontents ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can describe people as malcontents when you disapprove of the fact that they are dissatisfied with a situation and want it to change. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Five years ago a band of malcontents, mainly half-educated radicals, seized power.

male ◆◆◇ /me I l/ (males )

1 ADJ Someone who is male is a man or a boy. □� Many women achievers appear to pose a threat to their male colleagues. □� Most of the demonstrators were white and male. ●� male|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the solidarity among men which is part of maleness.

2 N‑COUNT Men and boys are sometimes referred to as males when they are being considered as a type. □� A high proportion of crime is perpetrated by young males in their teens and twenties.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Male means relating, belonging, or affecting men rather than women. □� Women entered the workforce in greater numbers and male unemployment rose. □� �a deep male voice.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to any creature that belongs to the sex that cannot lay eggs or have babies as a male . □� Males and females take turns brooding the eggs. ●�ADJ Male is also an adjective. □� After mating the male wasps tunnel through the sides of their nursery.

ma le chau |vin|ism N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse a man of male chauvinism , you disapprove of him because his beliefs and behaviour show that he thinks men are naturally superior to women. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ma le chau |vin|ist (male chauvinists ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an attitude or remark as male chauvinist , you are critical of it because you think it is based on the belief that men are naturally superior to women. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The male chauvinist attitude of some people in the company could get you down. ●�N‑COUNT A male chauvinist is a man who has male chauvinist views. □� I'm not a male chauvinist.

ma le-dominated ADJ [usu ADJ n] A male-dominated society, organization, or area of activity is one in which men have most of the power and influence. □� �the male-dominated world of journalism.

mal|efac|tor /m� l I f�ktə r / (malefactors ) N‑COUNT A malefactor is someone who has done something bad or illegal. [FORMAL ] □� �a well-known criminal lawyer who had saved many a malefactor from going to jail.

ma|levo|lent /m�le vələnt/ ADJ A malevolent person deliberately tries to cause harm or evil. [FORMAL ] □� Her stare was malevolent, her mouth a thin line. ●� ma|levo|lence N‑UNCOUNT □� �a rare streak of malevolence. ●� ma|levo|lent|ly ADV □� Mark watched him malevolently.

mal|for|ma|tion /m� lfɔː r me I ʃ ə n/ (malformations ) N‑COUNT A malformation in a person's body is a part which does not have the proper shape or form, especially when it has been like this since birth. [WRITTEN ] □� �babies with a high incidence of congenital malformations.

mal|formed /m� lfɔː r md/ ADJ If people or parts of their body are malformed , they do not have the shape or form that they are supposed to, especially when they have been like this since birth. [FORMAL ] □� �malformed babies. □� More rarely, the tubes have been malformed from birth.

mal|func|tion /m� lfʌ ŋkʃ ə n/ (malfunctions , malfunctioning , malfunctioned ) VERB If a machine or part of the body malfunctions , it fails to work properly. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] The radiation can damage microprocessors and computer memories, causing them to malfunction. ●�N‑COUNT Malfunction is also a noun. □� There must have been a computer malfunction.

mal|ice /m� l I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Malice is behaviour that is intended to harm people or their reputations, or cause them embarrassment and upset. □� There was a strong current of malice in many of his portraits.

ma|li|cious /məl I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe someone's words or actions as malicious , you mean that they are intended to harm people or their reputation, or cause them embarrassment and upset. □� That might merely have been malicious gossip. ●� ma|li|cious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� �his maliciously accurate imitation of Hubert de Burgh.

ma|lign /məla I n/ (maligns , maligning , maligned )

1 VERB If you malign someone, you say unpleasant and untrue things about them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We maligned him dreadfully when you come to think of it.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If something is malign , it causes harm. [FORMAL ] □� �the malign influence jealousy had on their lives.

3 →�see also much-maligned

ma|lig|nan|cy /məl I gnənsi/ (malignancies ) N‑VAR A tumour or disease in a state of malignancy is out of control and is likely to cause death. [MEDICAL ] □� Tissue that is removed during the operation is checked for signs of malignancy.

ma|lig|nant /məl I gnənt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A malignant tumour or disease is out of control and likely to cause death. [MEDICAL ] □� She developed a malignant breast tumour.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is malignant , you think they are cruel and like to cause harm. □� He said that we were evil, malignant and mean.

ma|lin|ger /məl I ŋgə r / (malingers , malingering , malingered ) VERB [usu cont] If someone is malingering , they pretend to be ill in order to avoid working. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] She was told by her doctor that she was malingering.

mall /mɔː l, m� l/ (malls ) N‑COUNT A mall is a very large enclosed shopping area.

mal|lard /m� lɑː r d/ (mallards ) N‑COUNT A mallard is a kind of wild duck which is very common.

mal|le|able /m� liəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that someone is malleable , you mean that they are easily influenced or controlled by other people. [WRITTEN ] □� She was young enough to be malleable.

2 ADJ A substance that is malleable is soft and can easily be made into different shapes. □� Silver is the most malleable of all metals.

mal|let /m� l I t/ (mallets ) N‑COUNT A mallet is a wooden hammer with a square head.

ma ll rat (mall rats ) N‑COUNT Mall rats are young people who spend a lot of time hanging around in shopping malls with their friends. [AM , DISAPPROVAL ]

mal|nour|ished /m� lnʌ r I ʃt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is malnourished , they are physically weak because they do not eat enough food or do not eat the right kind of food. □� About thirty per-cent of the country's children were malnourished.

mal|nu|tri|tion /m� lnjuːtr I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -nuːt-/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is suffering from malnutrition , they are physically weak and extremely thin because they have not eaten enough food. □� Infections are more likely in those suffering from malnutrition.

mal|odor|ous /m�loʊ dərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is malodorous has an unpleasant smell. [LITERARY ] □� �tons of malodorous garbage bags.

mal|prac|tice /m� lpr� kt I s/ (malpractices ) N‑VAR [oft N n] If you accuse someone of malpractice , you are accusing them of breaking the law or the rules of their profession in order to gain some advantage for themselves. [FORMAL ] □� There were only one or two serious allegations of malpractice. □� �alleged financial malpractices.

malt /mɔː lt/ (malts )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Malt is a substance made from grain that has been soaked in water and then dried in a hot oven. Malt is used in the production of whisky, beer, and other alcoholic drinks. □� German beer has traditionally been made from just four ingredients�hops, malt, yeast and water.

2 N‑COUNT A malt is a drink made from malted milk and sometimes other flavourings. [AM ]

malt|ed /mɔː lt I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Malted barley has been soaked in water and then dried in a hot oven. It is used in the production of whisky, beer, and other alcoholic drinks.

Mal|tese /mɒ ltiː z/ (Maltese )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Maltese means belonging or relating to Malta, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Maltese is a person who comes from Malta.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Maltese is a language spoken in Malta.

mal|treat /m� ltriː t/ (maltreats , maltreating , maltreated ) VERB [usu passive] If a person or animal is maltreated , they are treated badly, especially by being hurt. □�[be V -ed] He said that he was not tortured or maltreated during his detention.

mal|treat|ment /m� ltriː tmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Maltreatment is cruel behaviour, especially involving hurting a person or animal. □�[+�of ] 2,000 prisoners died as a result of torture and maltreatment.

ma lt whi s|ky (malt whiskies ) N‑VAR Malt whisky or malt is whisky that is made from malt.

mal|ware /m� lweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Malware is a type of computer program that is designed to damage or disrupt a computer. [COMPUTING ] □� Hackers conceal malware in pop-up windows.

mam /m� m/ (mams ) N‑COUNT Mam is used to mean mother. You can call your mam 'Mam'. [BRIT , DIALECT ] □� You sit here and rest, Mam.

mama /məmɑː / (mamas ) N‑COUNT Mama means the same as mother . You can call your mama 'Mama'. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

mam|ma /mɑː mə/ (mammas ) also mama N‑COUNT Mamma means the same as mother . You can call your mamma 'Mamma'. [AM , INFORMAL ]

mam|mal /m� m ə l/ (mammals ) N‑COUNT Mammals are animals such as humans, dogs, lions, and whales. In general, female mammals give birth to babies rather than laying eggs, and feed their young with milk.

mam|ma|lian /m�me I liən/ ADJ [ADJ n] In zoology, mammalian means relating to mammals. [TECHNICAL ] □� The disease can spread from one mammalian species to another.

mam|ma|ry /m� məri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Mammary means relating to the breasts. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the mammary glands.

mam|mo|gram /m� məgr�m/ (mammograms ) N‑COUNT A mammogram is a test used to check whether women have breast cancer, using x-rays.

Mam|mon /m� mən/ N‑UNCOUNT You can use Mammon to refer to money and business activities if you want to show your disapproval of people who think that becoming rich is the most important thing in life. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is not every day that one meets a business-person who is not obsessed with Mammon.

mam|moth /m� məθ/ (mammoths )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use mammoth to emphasize that a task or change is very large and needs a lot of effort to achieve. [EMPHASIS ] □� �the mammoth task of relocating the library.

2 N‑COUNT A mammoth was an animal like an elephant, with very long tusks and long hair, that lived a long time ago but no longer exists.

mam|my /m� mi/ (mammies ) N‑COUNT In some dialects of English, mammy is used to mean mother. You can call your mammy 'Mammy'. [INFORMAL ]

man ◆◆◆ /m� n/ (men , mans , manning , manned )

1 N‑COUNT A man is an adult male human being. □� He had not expected the young man to reappear before evening. □�[+�of ] I have always regarded him as a man of integrity. □� �the thousands of men, women and children who are facing starvation.

2 N‑VAR Man and men are sometimes used to refer to all human beings, including both males and females. Some people dislike this use. □� The chick initially has no fear of man.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that a man is, for example, a gambling man or an outdoors man , you mean that he likes gambling or outdoor activities. □� Are you a gambling man, Mr Graham?

4 N‑COUNT If you say that a man is, for example, a London man or an Oxford man , you mean that he comes from London or Oxford, or went to university there. □� �as the Stockport man collected his winnings.

5 N‑COUNT If you refer to a particular company's or organization's man , you mean a man who works for or represents that company or organization. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the Daily Telegraph's man in Abu Dhabi.

6 N‑SING Some people refer to someone's husband, lover, or boyfriend as their man . [INFORMAL ] □� �if they see your man cuddle you in the kitchen or living room.

7 N‑COUNT In very informal social situations, man is sometimes used as a greeting or form of address to a man. [FORMULAE ] □� Hey wow, man! Where d'you get those boots?

8 VERB If you man something such as a place or machine, you operate it or are in charge of it. □�[V n] �the person manning the phone at the complaints department. □�[be V -ed] The station is seldom manned in the evening.

9 →�see also manned , ladies' man , no-man's land

10 PHRASE If you say that a man is man enough to do something, you mean that he has the necessary courage or ability to do it. □� I told him that he should be man enough to admit he had done wrong.

11 PHRASE If you describe a man as a man's man , you mean that he has qualities which make him popular with other men rather than with women.

12 PHRASE If you say that a man is his own man , you approve of the fact that he makes his decisions and his plans himself, and does not depend on other people. [APPROVAL ] □� Be your own man. Make up your own mind.

13 PHRASE If you say that a group of men are, do, or think something to a man , you are emphasizing that every one of them is, does, or thinks that thing. [EMPHASIS ] □� To a man, the surveyors blamed the government.

14 PHRASE A man-to-man conversation or meeting takes place between two men, especially two men who meet to discuss a serious personal matter. □� He called me to his office for a man-to-man talk. □� Me and Ben should sort this out man to man.

15the man in the street →�see street

16man of the world →�see world

▸� man up PHRASAL VERB If you man up , you start to be more brave in the way that you deal with a situation. □�[V P ] You need to man up and confront them.

-man /-m�n/ COMB [ADJ n] -man combines with numbers to make adjectives which indicate that something involves or is intended for that number of people. □� �the four-man crew on board the fishing trawler. □� �a two-man tent.

mana|cle /m� nək ə l/ (manacles , manacling , manacled )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Manacles are metal devices attached to a prisoner's wrists or legs in order to prevent him or her from moving or escaping.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a prisoner is manacled , their wrists or legs are put in manacles in order to prevent them from moving or escaping. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] His hands were manacled behind his back. □�[be V -ed] He was manacled by the police.

man|age ◆◆◇ /m� n I dʒ/ (manages , managing , managed )

1 VERB If you manage an organization, business, or system, or the people who work in it, you are responsible for controlling them. □�[V n] Within two years he was managing the store. □�[be V -ed] Most factories in the area are obsolete and badly managed. □�[V n] There is a lack of confidence in the government's ability to manage the economy.

2 VERB If you manage time, money, or other resources, you deal with them carefully and do not waste them. □�[V n] In a busy world, managing your time is increasingly important. □�[V n] Josh expects me to manage all the household expenses on very little.

3 VERB If you manageto do something, especially something difficult, you succeed in doing it. □�[V to-inf] Somehow, he'd managed to persuade Kay to buy one for him. □�[V n] Over the past 12 months the company has managed a 10 per cent improvement.

4 VERB If you manage , you succeed in coping with a difficult situation. □�[V ] She had managed perfectly well without medication for three years. □�[V ] I am managing, but I could not possibly give up work.

5 VERB If you say that you can manage an amount of time or money for something, you mean that you can afford to spend that time or money on it. □�[V n] 'All right, I can manage a fiver,' McMinn said with reluctance.

6 VERB If you say that someone managed a particular response, such as a laugh or a greeting, you mean that it was difficult for them to do it because they were feeling sad or upset. □�[V n] He looked dazed as he spoke to reporters, managing only a weak smile.

7 CONVENTION You say ' I can manage ' or ' I'll manage ' as a way of refusing someone's offer of help and insisting on doing something by yourself. □� I know you mean well, but I can manage by myself.

man|age|able /m� n I dʒəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is manageable is of a size, quantity, or level of difficulty that people are able to deal with. □� He will now try to cut down the task to a manageable size. □� The present flow of refugees was manageable.

man|age|ment ◆◆◇ /m� n I dʒmənt/ (managements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Management is the control and organizing of a business or other organization. □� The zoo needed better management rather than more money. □�[+�of ] The dispute is about wages, working conditions and the management of the mining industry. □� �the responsibility for its day-to-day management.

2 N‑VAR [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to the people who control and organize a business or other organization as the management . [BUSINESS ] □� The management is doing its best to improve the situation. □� We need to get more women into top management.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Management is the way people control different parts of their lives. □�[+�of ] �her management of her professional life. □� �intelligent money management, for example paying big bills monthly where possible.

ma n|age|ment bu y|out (management buyouts ) N‑COUNT A management buyout is the buying of a company by its managers. The abbreviation MBO is also used. [BUSINESS ] □� Of the first three franchises to be awarded, two went to management buyouts led by former BR executives.

ma n|age|ment con|su lt|ant (management consultants ) N‑COUNT A management consultant is someone whose job is to advise companies on the most efficient ways to run their business. [BUSINESS ] □� �a leading firm of management consultants.

man|ag|er ◆◆◇ /m� n I dʒə r / (managers )

1 N‑COUNT A manager is a person who is responsible for running part of or the whole of a business organization. □� The chef, staff and managers are all Chinese. □� �a retired bank manager.

2 N‑COUNT The manager of a pop star or other entertainer is the person who looks after their business interests.

3 N‑COUNT The manager of a sports team is the person responsible for training the players and organizing the way they play. In American English, manager is only used for baseball; in other sports, coach is used instead. SYNONYMS manager NOUN 1

supervisor:She has a full-time job as a supervisor at a factory.

head:He was the head waiter.

director:He works as the director of the intensive care unit at Guy's Hospital.

boss:He cannot stand his boss.

man|ag|er|ess /m� n I dʒəre s/ (manageresses ) N‑COUNT The manageress of a shop, restaurant, or other small business is the woman who is responsible for running it. Some women object to this word and prefer to be called a 'manager'. □�[+�of ] �the manageress of a betting shop.

mana|gerial /m� n I dʒ I ə ri ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Managerial means relating to the work of a manager. □� �his managerial skills. □� �a managerial career. □� Some see themselves as the provider of ideas, while others view their role as essentially managerial.

ma n|ag|ing di|re c|tor (managing directors ) N‑COUNT The managing director of a company is the most important working director, and is in charge of the way the company is managed. The abbreviation MD is also used. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] in AM, usually use chief executive officer

man|da|rin /m� ndər I n/ (mandarins )

1 N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes use mandarin to refer to someone who has an important job in the Civil Service. [BRIT ] □� �Foreign Office mandarins.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Mandarin is the official language of China.

3 N‑COUNT A mandarin or a mandarin orange is a small orange whose skin comes off easily.

4 N‑COUNT A mandarin was, in former times, an important government official in China.

man|date /m� nde I t/ (mandates , mandating , mandated )

1 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] If a government or other elected body has a mandate to carry out a particular policy or task, they have the authority to carry it out as a result of winning an election or vote. □�[+�for ] The President and his supporters are almost certain to read this vote as a mandate for continued economic reform.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] If someone is given a mandate to carry out a particular policy or task, they are given the official authority to do it. □� How much longer does the independent prosecutor have a mandate to pursue this investigation?

3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] You can refer to the fixed length of time that a country's leader or government remains in office as their mandate . [FORMAL ] □� �his intention to leave politics once his mandate ends.

4 VERB [usu passive] When someone is mandatedto carry out a particular policy or task, they are given the official authority to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] He'd been mandated by the West African Economic Community to go in and to enforce a ceasefire. □�[be V -ed] The elections are mandated by a peace accord signed by the government last May.

5 VERB To mandate something means to make it mandatory. [AM ] □�[V n] The proposed initiative would mandate a reduction of carbon dioxide of 40%. □�[V that] Quebec mandated that all immigrants send their children to French schools. □�[V -ed] �constitutionally mandated civil rights.

man|da|tory /m� ndətri Am -tɔːri/

1 ADJ If an action or procedure is mandatory , people have to do it, because it is a rule or a law. [FORMAL ] □� �the mandatory retirement age of 65. □� Attendance is mandatory.

2 ADJ If a crime carries a mandatory punishment, that punishment is fixed by law for all cases, in contrast to crimes for which the judge or magistrate has to decide the punishment for each particular case. [FORMAL ] □� �the mandatory life sentence for murder.

man|di|ble /m� nd I b ə l/ (mandibles )

1 N‑COUNT A mandible is the bone in the lower jaw of a person or animal. [TECHNICAL ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] An insect's mandibles are the two parts of its mouth which it uses for biting, similar to an animal's jaws. [TECHNICAL ]

man|do|lin /m� ndəl I n, -l I n/ (mandolins ) N‑VAR A mandolin is a musical instrument that looks like a small guitar and has four pairs of strings.

mane /me I n/ (manes ) N‑COUNT The mane on a horse or lion is the long thick hair that grows from its neck.

ma n-eating ADJ [ADJ n] A man-eating animal is one that has killed and eaten human beings, or that people think might do so. □� �man-eating lions.

ma|neu|ver /mənuː və r / →�see manoeuvre

ma|neu|ver|able /mənuː vərəb ə l/ →�see manoeuvrable

man|ful|ly /m� nf ə li/ ADV [ADV with v] If you say that someone, especially a man, does something manfully , you mean that they do it in a very determined or brave way. □� They stuck to their task manfully.

man|ga /m� ŋgə/ N‑UNCOUNT Manga is a type of Japanese comic book, which often contains material that is intended for adults. □� Most manga is targeted toward a specific readership. □� When he smiles, he looks like a character from a manga comic or computer game.

man|ga|nese /m� ŋgəniːz/ N‑UNCOUNT Manganese is a greyish-white metal that is used in making steel.

man|ger /me I ndʒə r / (mangers ) N‑COUNT A manger is a low open container which cows, horses, and other animals feed from when indoors. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

mange|tout /mɒ nʒtuː / (mangetout or mangetouts ) also mange-tout N‑COUNT [usu pl] Mangetout are a type of pea whose pods are eaten as well as the peas inside them. [BRIT ] in AM, use snow pea

man|gle /m� ŋg ə l/ (mangles , mangling , mangled )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a physical object is mangled , it is crushed or twisted very forcefully, so that it is difficult to see what its original shape was. □�[be V -ed] His body was crushed and mangled beyond recognition. □�[V -ed] �the mangled wreckage.

2 VERB If you say that someone mangles words or information, you are criticizing them for not speaking or writing clearly or correctly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] They don't know what they're talking about and mangle scientific information.

man|go /m� ŋgoʊ/ (mangoes or mangos ) N‑VAR A mango is a large sweet yellowish fruit which grows on a tree in hot countries. □� Peel, stone and dice the mango. □� �mango chutney. ●�N‑VAR [oft N n] A mango or a mango tree is the tree that this fruit grows on. □� �orchards of lime and mango trees.

man|grove /m� ŋgroʊv/ (mangroves ) N‑VAR [oft N n] A mangrove or mangrove tree is a tree with roots which are above the ground and that grows along coasts or on the banks of large rivers in hot countries. □� �mangrove swamps.

man|gy /me I ndʒi/ (mangier , mangiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A mangy animal looks dirty, uncared for or ill. □� �mangy old dogs.

man|handle /m� nh�nd ə l/ (manhandles , manhandling , manhandled )

1 VERB If someone is manhandled , they are physically held or pushed, for example when they are being taken somewhere. □�[be V -ed] Foreign journalists were manhandled by armed police, and told to leave. □�[V n prep/adv] They manhandled the old man along the corridor. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you manhandle something big or heavy somewhere, you move it there by hand. □�[V n prep/adv] The three of us manhandled the uncovered dinghy out of the shed.

man|hole /m� nhoʊl/ (manholes ) N‑COUNT A manhole is a large hole in a road or path, covered by a metal plate that can be removed. Workers climb down through manholes when they want to examine or clean the drains.

man|hood /m� nhʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Manhood is the state of being a man rather than a boy. □� They were failing lamentably to help their sons grow from boyhood to manhood.

ma n-hour (man-hours ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A man-hour is the average amount of work that one person can do in an hour. Man-hours are used to estimate how long jobs take, or how many people are needed to do a job in a particular time. □� The restoration took almost 4,000 man-hours over four years.

man|hunt /m� nhʌnt/ (manhunts ) N‑COUNT A manhunt is a major search for someone who has escaped or disappeared.

ma|nia /me I niə/ (manias )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, n N ] If you say that a person or group has a maniafor something, you mean that they enjoy it very much or spend a lot of time on it. □�[+�for ] It seemed to some observers that the English had a mania for travelling. □� �Mozart mania.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Mania is a mental illness which causes the sufferer to become very worried or concerned about something. □� �the treatment of mania.

ma|ni|ac /me I ni�k/ (maniacs )

1 N‑COUNT A maniac is a mad person who is violent and dangerous. □� �a drug-crazed maniac.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour as maniac , you are emphasizing that it is extremely foolish and uncontrolled. [EMPHASIS ] □� A maniac driver sped 35 miles along the wrong side of a motorway at 110 mph.

3 N‑COUNT If you call someone, for example, a religious maniac or a sports maniac , you are critical of them because they have such a strong interest in religion or sport. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� My mum is turning into a religious maniac. □� �football maniacs.

ma|nia|cal /məna I ək ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as maniacal , you mean that it is extreme, violent, or very determined, as if the person were insane. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was almost maniacal in his pursuit of sporting records. □� She is hunched forward over the wheel with a maniacal expression. ●� ma|nia|cal|ly /məna I əkli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He was last seen striding maniacally to the hotel reception.

man|ic /m� n I k/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as manic , you mean that they do things extremely quickly or energetically, often because they are very excited or anxious about something. □� He was really manic. □� He seemed to have an almost manic energy. ●� man|ic|al|ly /m� n I kli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� We cleaned the house manically over the weekend.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's smile, laughter, or sense of humour as manic , you mean that it seems excessive or strange, as if they were insane. □� �a manic grin.

ma nic-depre ssive (manic-depressives ) also manic depressive ADJ If someone is manic-depressive , they have a medical condition in which they sometimes feel excited and confident and at other times very depressed. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� She told them that her daughter-in-law was manic-depressive. ●�N‑COUNT A manic-depressive is someone who is manic-depressive. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Her mother is a manic depressive.

mani|cure /m� n I kjʊə r / (manicures , manicuring , manicured ) VERB If you manicure your hands or nails, you care for them by softening your skin and cutting and polishing your nails. □�[V n] He was surprised to see how carefully she had manicured her broad hands. ●�N‑COUNT Manicure is also a noun. □� I have a manicure occasionally.

mani|cured /m� n I kjʊə r d/ ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] A manicured lawn, park, or garden has very short neatly cut grass. [WRITTEN ] □� �the manicured lawns of Government House.

mani|cur|ist /m� n I kjʊər I st/ (manicurists ) N‑COUNT A manicurist is a person whose job is manicuring people's hands and nails.

mani|fest /m� n I fest/ (manifests , manifesting , manifested )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something is manifest , you mean that it is clearly true and that nobody would disagree with it if they saw it or considered it. [FORMAL ] □� �the manifest failure of the policies. □� There may be unrecognised cases of manifest injustice of which we are unaware. ●� mani|fest|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She manifestly failed to last the mile and a half of the race.

2 VERB If you manifest a particular quality, feeling, or illness, or if it manifestsitself , it becomes visible or obvious. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He manifested a pleasing personality on stage. □�[V pron-refl +�in ] Their frustration and anger will manifest itself in crying and screaming. ●�ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Manifest is also an adjective. □� The same alarm is manifest everywhere.

mani|fes|ta|tion /m� n I feste I ʃ ə n/ (manifestations ) N‑COUNT A manifestationof something is one of the different ways in which it can appear. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Different animals in the colony had different manifestations of the disease.

mani|fes|to /m� n I fe stoʊ/ (manifestos or manifestoes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] A manifesto is a statement published by a person or group of people, especially a political party, or a government, in which they say what their aims and policies are. □� The Tories are currently drawing up their election manifesto.

mani|fold /m� n I foʊld/ ADJ Things that are manifold are of many different kinds. [LITERARY ] □� Gaelic can be heard here in manifold forms.

ma|nila /mən I lə/ also manilla ADJ [ADJ n] A manila envelope or folder is made from a strong paper that is usually light brown.

ma|nipu|late /mən I pjʊle I t/ (manipulates , manipulating , manipulated )

1 VERB If you say that someone manipulates people, you disapprove of them because they skilfully force or persuade people to do what they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] He is a very difficult character. He manipulates people. □�[V n to-inf] She's always borrowing my clothes and manipulating me to give her money. □�[V n +�into ] They have kids who manipulate them into buying toys. ●� ma|nipu|la|tion /mən I pjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (manipulations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �repeated criticism or manipulation of our mind.

2 VERB If you say that someone manipulates an event or situation, you disapprove of them because they use or control it for their own benefit, or cause it to develop in the way they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] She was unable, for once, to control and manipulate events. ●� ma|nipu|la|tion N‑VAR □� �accusations of political manipulation.

3 VERB If you manipulate something that requires skill, such as a complicated piece of equipment or a difficult idea, you operate it or process it. □�[V n] The puppets are expertly manipulated by Liz Walker. ●� ma|nipu|la|tion N‑VAR □� �science that requires only the simplest of mathematical manipulations.

4 VERB If someone manipulates your bones or muscles, they skilfully move and press them with their hands in order to push the bones into their correct position or make the muscles less stiff. □�[V n] The way he can manipulate my leg has helped my arthritis so much. ●� ma|nipu|la|tion N‑VAR □� A permanent cure will only be effected by acupuncture, chiropractic or manipulation.

ma|nipu|la|tive /mən I pjʊlət I v/ ADJ If you describe someone as manipulative , you disapprove of them because they skilfully force or persuade people to act in the way that they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He described Mr Long as cold, calculating and manipulative.

ma|nipu|la|tor /mən I pjʊle I tə r / (manipulators ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a manipulator , you mean that they skilfully control events, situations, or people, often in a way that other people disapprove of. □� Jean Brodie is a manipulator. She cons everybody.

man|kind /m� nka I nd/ N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to all human beings as mankind when considering them as a group. Some people dislike this use. □� �the evolution of mankind.

man|ly /m� nli/ (manlier , manliest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a man's behaviour or appearance as manly , you approve of it because it shows qualities that are considered typical of a man, such as strength or courage. [APPROVAL ] □� He was the ideal of manly beauty. ●� man|li|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He has no doubts about his manliness.

ma n-ma de ADJ Man-made things are created or caused by people, rather than occurring naturally. □� Man-made and natural disasters have disrupted the Government's economic plans. □� �a variety of materials, both natural and man-made.

ma n ma n|age|ment N‑UNCOUNT Man management involves controlling and organizing the people who work in a business or organization. [BUSINESS ] □� Team captains need to have effective man-management skills.

man|na /m� nə/ PHRASE If you say that something unexpected is manna from heaven , you mean that it is good and happened just at the time that it was needed. □� Ex-forces personnel could be the manna from heaven employers are seeking.

manned /m� nd/

1 ADJ A manned vehicle such as a spacecraft has people in it who are operating its controls. □� In thirty years from now the United States should have a manned spacecraft on Mars.

2 →�see also man

man|ne|quin /m� n I k I n/ (mannequins ) N‑COUNT A mannequin is a life-sized model of a person which is used to display clothes, especially in shop windows. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

man|ner ◆◇◇ /m� nə r / (manners )

1 N‑SING The manner in which you do something is the way that you do it. □� She smiled again in a friendly manner. □� I'm a professional and I have to conduct myself in a professional manner. □� The manner in which young children are spoken to varies depending on who is present.

2 N‑SING [usu poss N ] Someone's manner is the way in which they behave and talk when they are with other people, for example whether they are polite, confident, or bad-tempered. □� His manner was self-assured and brusque. ●� -mannered COMB □� Forrest was normally mild-mannered, affable, and untalkative. □� The British are considered ill-mannered, badly dressed and unsophisticated.

3 N‑PLURAL If someone has good manners , they are polite and observe social customs. If someone has bad manners , they are impolite and do not observe these customs. □� He dressed well and had impeccable manners. □� They taught him his manners.

4 →�see also bedside manner , table manners

5 PHRASE If you refer to all manner of objects or people, you are talking about objects or people of many different kinds. □� Mr Winchester is impressively knowledgeable about all manner of things.

6 PHRASE You say in a manner of speaking to indicate that what you have just said is true, but not absolutely or exactly true. [VAGUENESS ] □� An attorney is your employee, in a manner of speaking. SYNONYMS manner NOUN 1

style:Sam celebrated in fine style.

way:Freezing isn't a bad way of preserving food.

fashion:There is another drug called DHE that works in a similar fashion.

method:The pill is the most efficient method of birth control.

means:The move is a means to fight crime.

man|nered /m� nə r d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour or a work of art as mannered , you dislike it because it is elaborate or formal, and therefore seems false or artificial. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �Naomi's mannered voice. □� If you arrange your picture too systematically, the results can look very mannered.

2 ADJ Mannered behaviour is polite and observes social customs. □� Its intention is to restore pride in the past and create a more mannered society.

man|ner|ism /m� nər I zəm/ (mannerisms ) N‑COUNT Someone's mannerisms are the gestures or ways of speaking which are very characteristic of them, and which they often use. □� His mannerisms are more those of a preoccupied math professor.

man|nish /m� n I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a woman's appearance or behaviour as mannish , you mean it is more like a man's appearance or behaviour than a woman's. □� She shook hands in a mannish way, her grip dry and firm. □� �a mannish trouser suit.

ma|noeu|vrable /mənuː vərəb ə l/ in AM, use maneuverable ADJ Something that is manoeuvrable can be easily moved into different positions. □� Ferries are very powerful and manoeuvrable compared to cargo ships. □� �the light, manoeuvrable cart.

ma|noeu|vre /mənuː və r / (manoeuvres , manoeuvring , manoeuvred ) in AM, use maneuver1 VERB If you manoeuvre something into or out of an awkward position, you skilfully move it there. □�[V n adv/prep] We attempted to manoeuvre the canoe closer to him. □� I manoeuvred my way among the tables to the back corner of the place. □�[V ] The pilot instinctively maneuvered to avoid them. ●�N‑VAR Manoeuvre is also a noun. □� �a ship capable of high speed and rapid manoeuvre.

2 VERB If you manoeuvre a situation, you change it in a clever and skilful way so that you can benefit from it. □�[V n prep/adv] The authorities have to manoeuvre the markets into demanding a cut in interest rates. □�[V ] He manoeuvres to foster recovery. ●�N‑COUNT Manoeuvre is also a noun. □� �manoeuvres to block the electoral process. ●� man|oeuv|ring (manoeuvrings ) N‑VAR □� �his unrivalled skill in political manoeuvring. □� �his manoeuvrings on the matter of free trade.

3 N‑PLURAL Military manoeuvres are training exercises which involve the movement of soldiers and equipment over a large area. □� Allied troops begin maneuvers tomorrow.

4room for manoeuvre →�see room

man|or /m� nə r / (manors ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A manor is a large private house in the country, usually built in the Middle Ages, and also includes the land and smaller buildings around it. [BRIT ] □� Thieves broke into the manor at night.

ma n|or house (manor houses ) N‑COUNT A manor house is the main house that is or was on a medieval manor. [BRIT ]

man|power /m� npaʊə r / N‑UNCOUNT Workers are sometimes referred to as manpower when they are being considered as a part of the process of producing goods or providing services. □� �the shortage of skilled manpower in the industry. □� These people do not have the equipment or the manpower to cut down the trees.

man|qu� /mɒ ŋke I , [AM ] -ke I / ADJ [n ADJ ] You use manqu� to describe someone who has never had the type of job indicated, although they had the ability for it or wanted it. □� �his inescapable feeling that he is a great actor manqu�.

manse /m� ns/ (manses ) N‑COUNT In some Christian churches, a manse is the house provided for a clergyman to live in. [mainly BRIT ]

man|servant /m� nsɜː r v ə nt/ (manservants ) N‑COUNT A manservant is a man who works as a servant in a private house. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] in AM, use houseman

man|sion /m� nʃ ə n/ (mansions ) N‑COUNT A mansion is a very large house. □� �an eighteenth century mansion in Hampshire.

man|slaughter /m� nslɔːtə r / N‑UNCOUNT Manslaughter is the illegal killing of a person by someone who did not intend to kill them. [LEGAL ] □� A judge accepted her plea that she was guilty of manslaughter, not murder.

man|tel /m� nt ə l/ (mantels ) N‑COUNT A mantel is a mantelpiece. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

mantel|piece /m� nt ə lpiːs/ (mantelpieces ) also mantlepiece N‑COUNT [usu sing] A mantelpiece is a wood or stone shelf which is the top part of a border round a fireplace. □� On the mantelpiece are a pair of bronze Ming vases.

mantel|shelf /m� nt ə lʃelf/ (mantelshelves ) also mantleshelf N‑COUNT [usu sing] A mantelshelf is a mantelpiece. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

man|tle /m� nt ə l/ (mantles )

1 N‑SING If you take on themantleof something such as a profession or an important job, you take on the responsibilities and duties which must be fulfilled by anyone who has this profession or job. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] Glasgow has broadened its appeal since taking on the mantle of European City of Culture in 1990.

2 N‑COUNT A mantle of something is a layer of it covering a surface, for example a layer of snow on the ground. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] The parks and squares looked grim under a mantle of soot and ash.

3 →�see also mantel

mantle|piece /m� nt ə lpiːs/ →�see mantelpiece

ma n-to-ma n →�see man

man|tra /m� ntrə/ (mantras )

1 N‑COUNT A mantra is a word or phrase repeated by Buddhists and Hindus when they meditate, or to help them feel calm.

2 N‑COUNT You can use mantra to refer to a statement or a principle that people repeat very often because they think it is true, especially when you think that it not true or is only part of the truth. □�[+�of ] Listening to customers is now part of the mantra of new management in public services.

manu|al /m� njuəl/ (manuals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Manual work is work in which you use your hands or your physical strength rather than your mind. □� �skilled manual workers. □� They have no reservations about taking factory or manual jobs.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Manual is used to talk about movements which are made by someone's hands. [FORMAL ] □� �toys designed to help develop manual dexterity.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Manual means operated by hand, rather than by electricity or a motor. □� There is a manual pump to get rid of the water. ●� manu|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The device is manually operated, using a simple handle.

4 N‑COUNT A manual is a book which tells you how to do something or how a piece of machinery works. □� �the instruction manual.

manu|fac|ture ◆◇◇ /m� njʊf� ktʃə r / (manufactures , manufacturing , manufactured )

1 VERB To manufacture something means to make it in a factory, usually in large quantities. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] They manufacture the class of plastics known as thermoplastic materials. □�[V -ed] We import foreign manufactured goods. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Manufacture is also a noun. □� �the manufacture of nuclear weapons. □� �celebrating 90 years of car manufacture. ●� manu|fac|tur|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �management headquarters for manufacturing.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Manufactures are goods or products which have been made in a factory. [BUSINESS ] □� �a long-term rise in the share of manufactures in non-oil exports.

3 VERB If you say that someone manufactures information, you are criticizing them because they invent information that is not true. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] According to the prosecution, the officers manufactured an elaborate story. SYNONYMS manufacture VERB 1

make:Nissan now makes cars at two plants in Europe.

build:Workers at the plant build the F-16 jet fighter.

produce:The company produced circuitry for communications systems.

construct:The boxes should be constructed from rough-sawn timber.

manu|fac|tur|er ◆◇◇ /m� njʊf� ktʃərə r / (manufacturers ) N‑COUNT A manufacturer is a business or company which makes goods in large quantities to sell. [BUSINESS ] □� �the world's largest doll manufacturer.

ma|nure /mənjʊə r , [AM ] -nʊr / (manures ) N‑VAR Manure is animal faeces, sometimes mixed with chemicals, that is spread on the ground in order to make plants grow healthy and strong. □� �bags of manure.

manu|script /m� njʊskr I pt/ (manuscripts ) N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A manuscript is a handwritten or typed document, especially a writer's first version of a book before it is published. □� He had seen a manuscript of the book. □� I am grateful to him for letting me read his early chapters in manuscript.

Manx /m� ŋks/ ADJ Manx is used to describe people or things that belong to or concern the Isle of Man and the people who live there.

many ◆◆◆ /me ni/

1 DET You use many to indicate that you are talking about a large number of people or things. □� I don't think many people would argue with that. □� Not many films are made in Finland. □� Many holidaymakers had avoided the worst of the delays by consulting tourist offices. □� Acting is definitely a young person's profession in many ways. ●�PRON Many is also a pronoun. □� We stood up, thinking through the possibilities. There weren't many. ●�QUANT Many is also a quantifier. □�[+�of ] So, once we have cohabited, why do many of us feel the need to get married? □�[+�of ] It seems there are not very many of them left in the sea. ●�ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Many is also an adjective. □� Among his many hobbies was the breeding of fine horses. □� The possibilities are many.

2 ADV You use many in expressions such as 'not many', 'not very many', and 'too many' when replying to questions about numbers of things or people. □�[+�of ] 'How many of the songs that dealt with this theme became hit songs?'�'Not very many.'. □� How many years is it since we've seen each other? Too many, anyway.

3 PREDET You use many followed by 'a' and a noun to emphasize that there are a lot of people or things involved in something. [EMPHASIS ] □� Many a mother tries to act out her unrealized dreams through her daughter.

4 DET You use many after 'how' to ask questions about numbers or quantities. You use many after 'how' in reported clauses to talk about numbers or quantities. □� How many years have you been here? □� No-one knows how many people have been killed since the war began. ●�PRON Many is also a pronoun. □� How many do you need?

5 DET You use many with 'as' when you are comparing numbers of things or people. □� I've always entered as many photo competitions as I can. □� We produced ten times as many tractors as the United States. ●�PRON [as PRON ] Many is also a pronoun. □� Let the child try on as many as she likes.

6 PRON You use many to mean 'many people'. □� Iris Murdoch was regarded by many as a supremely good and serious writer.

7 N‑SING The many means a large group of people, especially the ordinary people in society, considered as separate from a particular small group. □� The printing press gave power to a few to change the world for the many.

8 PHRASE You use as many as before a number to suggest that it is surprisingly large. [EMPHASIS ] □� As many as four and a half million people watched today's parade.

9 PHRASE You use a good many or a great many to emphasize that you are referring to a large number of things or people. [EMPHASIS ] □� I am staying there for a good many reasons. □� There have been a great many books written about sports injuries.

10many happy returns →�see return

11in so many words →�see word

Mao|ri /maʊ ri/ (Maoris )

1 ADJ Maori means belonging to or relating to the race of people who have lived in New Zealand and the Cook Islands since before Europeans arrived.

2 N‑COUNT The Maori or the Maoris are people who are Maori.

map ◆◇◇ /m� p/ (maps , mapping , mapped )

1 N‑COUNT A map is a drawing of a particular area such as a city, a country, or a continent, showing its main features as they would appear if you looked at them from above. □� He unfolded the map and set it on the floor. □�[+�of ] Have you got a map of the city centre?

2 VERB To map an area means to make a map of it. □�[V n] �a spacecraft which is using radar to map the surface of Venus.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone or something put a person, thing, or place on the map , you approve of the fact that they made it become well-known and important. [APPROVAL ] □� �the attempts of the Edinburgh Festival's organisers to put C.P. Taylor firmly on the map.

▸� map out PHRASAL VERB If you map out something that you are intending to do, you work out in detail how you will do it. □�[V P n] I went home and mapped out my strategy. □�[V n P ] I cannot conceive of anybody writing a play by sitting down and mapping it out. □�[be V -ed P ] This whole plan has been most carefully mapped out.

ma|ple /me I p ə l/ (maples ) N‑VAR A maple or a maple tree is a tree with five-pointed leaves which turn bright red or gold in autumn. ●�N‑VAR Maple is the wood of this tree. □� �a solid maple worktop.

ma |ple sy r|up N‑UNCOUNT Maple syrup is a sweet, sticky, brown liquid made from the sap of maple trees, that can be eaten with pancakes or used to make desserts.

mar /mɑː r / (mars , marring , marred ) VERB To mar something means to spoil or damage it. □�[V n] A number of problems marred the smooth running of this event.

Mar.Mar. is a written abbreviation for March .

mara|thon /m� rəθən, [AM ] -θɒn/ (marathons )

1 N‑COUNT A marathon is a race in which people run a distance of 26 miles, which is about 42 km. □� �running in his first marathon. □� She has run the London marathon three times.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you use marathon to describe an event or task, you are emphasizing that it takes a long time and is very tiring. [EMPHASIS ] □� People make marathon journeys to buy glass here. □� �a marathon session of talks with government representatives.

ma|raud|er /mərɔː də r / (marauders ) N‑COUNT If you describe a group of people or animals as marauders , you mean they are unpleasant and dangerous, because they wander around looking for opportunities to steal or kill. [LITERARY ] □� They were raided by roaming bands of marauders.

ma|raud|ing /mərɔː d I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you talk about marauding groups of people or animals, you mean they are unpleasant and dangerous, because they wander around looking for opportunities to steal or kill. [LITERARY ] □� Marauding gangs of armed men have been looting food relief supplies.

mar|ble /mɑː r b ə l/ (marbles )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Marble is a type of very hard rock which feels cold when you touch it and which shines when it is cut and polished. Statues and parts of buildings are sometimes made of marble. □� The house has a superb staircase made from oak and marble.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Marbles are sculptures made of marble. □� �marbles and bronzes from the Golden Age of Athens.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Marbles is a children's game played with small balls, usually made of coloured glass. You roll a ball along the ground and try to hit an opponent's ball with it. □� On the far side of the street, two boys were playing marbles.

4 N‑COUNT A marble is one of the small balls used in the game of marbles.

mar|bled /mɑː r b ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n, Also v-link ADJ with/in n] Something that is marbled has a pattern or colouring like that of marble. □� �green marbled soap.

march ◆◇◇ /mɑː r tʃ/ (marches , marching , marched )

1 VERB When soldiers march somewhere, or when a commanding officer marches them somewhere, they walk there with very regular steps, as a group. □�[V prep/adv] A Scottish battalion was marching down the street. □�[V n adv/prep] Captain Ramirez called them to attention and marched them off to the main camp. □�[V amount/n] We marched fifteen miles to Yadkin River. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT March is also a noun. □� After a short march, the column entered the village.

2 VERB When a large group of people march for a cause, they walk somewhere together in order to express their ideas or to protest about something. □�[V prep/adv] The demonstrators then marched through the capital chanting slogans and demanding free elections. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT March is also a noun. □� Organisers expect up to 300,000 protesters to join the march. ●� march|er (marchers ) N‑COUNT □� Fights between police and marchers lasted for three hours.

3 VERB If you say that someone marches somewhere, you mean that they walk there quickly and in a determined way, for example because they are angry. □�[V prep/adv] He marched into the kitchen without knocking.

4 VERB If you march someone somewhere, you force them to walk there with you, for example by holding their arm tightly. □�[V n prep/adv] I marched him across the room, down the hall and out onto the doorstep.

5 N‑SING Themarchof something is its steady development or progress. □� It is easy to feel trampled by the relentless march of technology.

6 N‑COUNT A march is a piece of music with a regular rhythm that you can march to. □� A military band played Russian marches and folk tunes.

7 PHRASE If you give someone their marching orders , you tell them that you no longer want or need them, for example as your employee or as your lover. [BRIT ] □� What does it take for a woman to say 'that's enough' and give her man his marching orders? in AM, use walking papers

8 PHRASE If you steal a marchon someone, you start doing something before they do it in order to gain an advantage over them. □� If its strategy succeeds, Mexico could even steal a march on its northern neighbour.

March (Marches ) N‑VAR March is the third month of the year in the Western calendar. □� I flew to Milan in early March. □� She was born in Austria on 6 March, 1920. □� The election could be held as early as next March.

ma rch|ing ba nd (marching bands ) N‑COUNT A marching band is a group of musicians who play music as they march along the street or march as part of a ceremony.

mar|chion|ess /mɑː r ʃəne s/ (marchionesses ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A marchioness is the wife of a marquis, or a woman with the same rank as a marquis.

ma rch-past (march-pasts ) also march past N‑COUNT When soldiers take part in a march-past , they march past an important person as part of a ceremonial occasion.

Mar|di Gras /mɑː r di grɑː / N‑UNCOUNT Mardi Gras is the Christian festival of Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent, which people in some places celebrate by wearing colourful costumes and dancing through the streets.

mare /meə r / (mares ) N‑COUNT A mare is an adult female horse.

mar|ga|rine /mɑː r dʒəriː n, [AM ] -r I n/ (margarines ) N‑VAR Margarine is a yellow substance made from vegetable oil and animal fats that is similar to butter. You spread it on bread or use it for cooking.

marge /mɑː r dʒ/ also marg N‑UNCOUNT Marge is the same as margarine . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

mar|gin ◆◇◇ /mɑː r dʒ I n/ (margins )

1 N‑COUNT A margin is the difference between two amounts, especially the difference in the number of votes or points between the winner and the loser in an election or other contest. □� They could end up with a 50-point winning margin. □� The Sunday Times remains the brand leader by a huge margin.

2 N‑COUNT The margin of a written or printed page is the empty space at the side of the page. □� She added her comments in the margin.

3 N‑VAR If there is a margin for something in a situation, there is some freedom to choose what to do or decide how to do it. □�[+�for ] The money is collected in a straightforward way with little margin for error.

4 N‑COUNT The margin of a place or area is the extreme edge of it. □� �the low coastal plain along the western margin.

5 N‑PLURAL To be on themargins of a society, group, or activity means to be among the least typical or least important parts of it. □� Students have played an important role in the past, but for the moment, they're on the margins.

6 →�see also profit margin COLLOCATIONS margin NOUN 1

adjective +�margin : narrow, slender, slim, thin, tight; comfortable, considerable, wide; winning

verb +�margin : cut, erode, narrow, reduce, shrink; extend, improve, stretch, widen SYNONYMS margin NOUN

1

gap:Britain needs to bridge the technology gap between academia and industry.

difference:The difference between the numbers is 8,532.

4

edge:Daniel stepped in front of her desk and sat down on its edge.

side:Coyne slid his legs over the side of the bed.

limit:� the city limits of Baghdad.

border:�the low coastal plain along the western margin.

mar|gin|al /mɑː r dʒ I n ə l/ (marginals )

1 ADJ If you describe something as marginal , you mean that it is small or not very important. □� This is a marginal improvement on October. □� The role of the opposition party proved marginal.

2 ADJ If you describe people as marginal , you mean that they are not involved in the main events or developments in society because they are poor or have no power. □� Andy Warhol made glamorous icons out of the most marginal people.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In political elections, a marginal seat or constituency is one which is usually won or lost by only a few votes, and is therefore of great interest to politicians and journalists. [BRIT ] □� �the views of voters in five marginal seats. ●�N‑COUNT A marginal is a marginal seat. [BRIT ] □� The votes in the marginals are those that really count.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Marginal activities, costs, or taxes are not the main part of a business or an economic system, but often make the difference between its success or failure, and are therefore important to control. [BUSINESS ] □� Consumer electronics has become a marginal business for the group.

mar|gin|al|ize /mɑː r dʒ I nəla I z/ (marginalizes , marginalizing , marginalized ) in BRIT, also use marginalise VERB To marginalize a group of people means to make them feel isolated and unimportant. □�[be V -ed] We've always been marginalized, exploited, and constantly threatened.

mar|gin|al|ly /mɑː r dʒ I nəli/ ADV [ADV with v] Marginally means to only a small extent. □� Sales last year were marginally higher than the year before. □� These cameras have increased only marginally in value over the past decade.

mari|gold /m� r I goʊld/ (marigolds ) N‑VAR A marigold is a type of yellow or orange flower.

ma|ri|jua|na /m� r I wɑː nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Marijuana is a drug which is made from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, and which can be smoked.

ma|ri|na /məriː nə/ (marinas ) N‑COUNT A marina is a small harbour for small boats that are used for leisure.

mari|nade /m� r I ne I d/ (marinades , marinading , marinaded )

1 N‑COUNT A marinade is a sauce of oil, vinegar, spices, and herbs, which you pour over meat or fish before you cook it, in order to add flavour, or to make the meat or fish softer.

2 VERB To marinade means the same as to marinate . □�[V n] Marinade the chicken breasts in the tandoori paste. □�[V ] Leave to marinade for 24 hours.

mari|nate /m� r I ne I t/ (marinates , marinating , marinated ) VERB If you marinate meat or fish, or if it marinates , you keep it in a mixture of oil, vinegar, spices, and herbs, before cooking it, so that it can develop a special flavour. □�[V n] Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours. □�[V ] Put it in a screw-top jar with French dressing and leave to marinate.

ma|rine ◆◇◇ /məriː n/ (marines )

1 N‑COUNT A marine is a member of an armed force, for example the US Marine Corps or the Royal Marines, who is specially trained for military duties at sea as well as on land.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Marine is used to describe things relating to the sea or to the animals and plants that live in the sea. □� �breeding grounds for marine life. □� �research in marine biology.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Marine is used to describe things relating to ships and their movement at sea. □� �a solicitor specialising in marine law. □� �marine insurance claims.

mari|ner /m� r I nə r / (mariners ) N‑COUNT A mariner is a sailor. [LITERARY ]

mari|on|ette /m� riəne t/ (marionettes ) N‑COUNT A marionette is a puppet whose different parts you can move using strings or wires.

mari|tal /m� r I t ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Marital is used to describe things relating to marriage. □� Caroline was keen to make her marital home in London. □� Her son had no marital problems.

ma ri|tal sta |tus N‑UNCOUNT Your marital status is whether you are married, single, or divorced. [FORMAL ] □� How well off you are in old age is largely determined by race, sex, and marital status.

mari|time /m� r I ta I m/ ADJ [ADJ n] Maritime is used to describe things relating to the sea and to ships. □� �the largest maritime museum of its kind.

mar|jo|ram /mɑː r dʒərəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Marjoram is a kind of herb.

mark ◆◆◇ /mɑː r k/ (marks , marking , marked )

1 N‑COUNT A mark is a small area of something such as dirt that has accidentally got onto a surface or piece of clothing. □� The dogs are always rubbing against the wall and making dirty marks. □� A properly fitting bra should never leave red marks.

2 VERB If something marks a surface, or if the surface marks , the surface is damaged by marks or a mark. □�[V n] Leather overshoes were put on the horses' hooves to stop them marking the turf. □�[V ] I have to be more careful with the work tops, as wood marks easily.

3 N‑COUNT A mark is a written or printed symbol, for example a letter of the alphabet. □� He made marks with a pencil.

4 VERB If you mark something with a particular word or symbol, you write that word or symbol on it. □�[V n quote] The bank marks the check 'certified'. □�[V n +�with ] Mark the frame with your postcode. □�[V -ed] For more details about these products, send a postcard marked HB/FF.

5 N‑COUNT A mark is a point that is given for a correct answer or for doing something well in an exam or competition. A mark can also be a written symbol such as a letter that indicates how good a student's or competitor's work or performance is. □� �a simple scoring device of marks out of 10, where '1' equates to 'Very poor performance'. □� He did well to get such a good mark.

6 N‑PLURAL If someone gets good or high marks for doing something, they have done it well. If they get poor or low marks , they have done it badly. □� You have to give her top marks for moral guts. □� His administration has earned low marks for its economic policies.

7 VERB When a teacher marks a student's work, the teacher decides how good it is and writes a number or letter on it to indicate this opinion. □�[V n] He was marking essays in his small study. ●� mark|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� For the rest of the lunchbreak I do my marking.

8 N‑COUNT A particular mark is a particular number, point, or stage which has been reached or might be reached, especially a significant one. □� Unemployment is rapidly approaching the one million mark.

9 N‑COUNT The markof something is the characteristic feature that enables you to recognize it. □�[+�of ] The mark of a civilized society is that it looks after its weakest members.

10 N‑SING If you say that a type of behaviour or an event is amarkof a particular quality, feeling, or situation, you mean it shows that that quality, feeling, or situation exists. □�[+�of ] It was a mark of his unfamiliarity with Hollywood that he didn't understand that an agent was paid out of his client's share.

11 VERB If something marks a place or position, it shows where something else is or where it used to be. □�[V n] A huge crater marks the spot where the explosion happened.

12 VERB An event that marks a particular stage or point is a sign that something different is about to happen. □�[V n] The announcement marks the end of an extraordinary period in European history.

13 VERB If you do something to mark an event or occasion, you do it to show that you are aware of the importance of the event or occasion. □�[V n] Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to mark the occasion.

14 VERB Something that marks someone as a particular type of person indicates that they are that type of person. □�[V n +�as ] Her opposition to abortion and feminism mark her as a convinced traditionalist.

15 VERB In a team game, when a defender is marking an attacker, they are trying to stay close to the attacker and prevent them from getting the ball. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] Every player knows who to mark when we start a game. in AM, use guard , cover ●� mark|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� They had stopped Ecuador from building up attacks with good marking.

16 N‑COUNT The mark was the unit of money that was used in Germany. In 2002 it was replaced by the euro. □� The government gave 30 million marks for new school books. ●�N‑SING The mark was also used to refer to the German currency system. □� The mark appreciated 12 per cent against the dollar.

17 N‑UNCOUNT Mark is used before a number to indicate a particular temperature level in a gas oven. [BRIT ] □� Set the oven at gas mark 4.

18 N‑UNCOUNT Mark is used before a number to indicate a particular version or model of a vehicle, machine, or device. □� All eyes will be on the unveiling of the mark III model at the Detroit car show.

19 →�see also marked , marking , black mark , check mark , exclamation mark , full marks , high-water mark , punctuation mark , question mark , scuff mark , stretch marks

20 PHRASE If someone or something leaves their mark or leaves a mark , they have a lasting effect on another person or thing. □� All the quarrelling and fighting going on around me has left its mark on me.

21 PHRASE If you make your mark or make a mark , you become noticed or famous by doing something impressive or unusual. □�[+�on/in ] She made her mark in the film industry in the 1960s.

22 PHRASE If you are quick off the mark , you are quick to understand or respond to something. If you are slow off the mark , you are slow to understand or respond to something.

23 CONVENTION On your marks in British English, or on your mark in American English, is a command given to runners at the beginning of a race in order to get them into the correct position to start. □� On your marks�get set�go!

24 PHRASE If something is off the mark , it is inaccurate or incorrect. If it is on the mark , it is accurate or correct. □� Robinson didn't think the story was so far off the mark.

25 PHRASE If something such as a claim or estimate is wide of the mark , it is incorrect or inaccurate. □� That comparison isn't as wide of the mark as it seems.

26to overstep the mark →�see overstep

▸� mark down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you mark something down , you write it down. □�[V n P ] I tend to forget things unless I mark them down. □�[V P n] As he marks down the prices, he stops now and then to pack things into a large bag.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you mark someone downas a particular type of person, especially a type that you do not like, you consider that they have the qualities which make them that type of person. □�[V n P +�as ] If he'd taken that five pounds, I would have marked him down as a greedy fool.

3 PHRASAL VERB To mark an item down or mark its price down means to reduce its price. □�[V P n] The toy store has marked down copies of the computer game. □�[V -ed P ] Clothes are the best bargain, with many items marked down. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If a teacher marks a student down , the teacher puts a lower grade on the student's work because of a mistake that has been made. □�[V n P ] If you mark each other's work, they don't mark you down because then you can mark them down.

▸� mark off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you mark off a piece or length of something, you make it separate, for example by putting a line on it or around it. □�[V P n] He used a rope to mark off the circle.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a particular quality or feature marks someone or something off from other people or things, it is unusual and makes them obviously different. □�[V n P +�from ] Her clothes, of course, marked her off from a great number of the delegates at the conference. □�[V n P +�as ] Traditionalist influences within the navy marked it off as a rather old-fashioned institution.

▸� mark out

1 PHRASAL VERB To mark out an area or shape means to show where it begins and ends. □�[V P n] When planting seedlings I prefer to mark out the rows in advance. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If a particular quality or feature marks someone or something out , it makes them obviously different from other people or things. □�[V n P +�as ] There were several things about that evening that marked it out as very unusual. □�[V n P +�from ] Her independence of spirit marked her out from her male fellow officers. [Also V P n]

▸� mark up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you mark something up , you increase its price. □�[V n P ] You can sell it to them at a set wholesale price, allowing them to mark it up for retail. □�[V P n] A typical warehouse club marks up its goods by only 10 to 15 percent.

2 →�see also mark-up SYNONYMS mark NOUN 1

spot:The leaves have yellow areas on the top and underneath are powdery orange spots.

stain:Remove stains by soaking in a mild solution of bleach.

smudge:There was a dark smudge on his forehead.

blotch:His face was covered in red blotches, seemingly a nasty case of acne.

mark|down /mɑː r kdaʊn/ (markdowns ) N‑COUNT A markdown is a reduction in the price of something. □� Customers know that our stocktake sales offer genuine markdowns across the store.

marked ◆◇◇ /mɑː r kt/

1 ADJ A marked change or difference is very obvious and easily noticed. □� There has been a marked increase in crimes against property. □� He was a man of austere habits, in marked contrast to his more flamboyant wife. ●� mark|ed|ly /mɑː r k I dli/ ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� America's current economic downturn is markedly different from previous recessions.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as a marked man or woman, you mean that they are in danger from someone who wants to harm or kill them. □� All he needs to do is make one phone call and I'm a marked man.

mark|er /mɑː r kə r / (markers )

1 N‑COUNT A marker is an object which is used to show the position of something, or is used to help someone remember something. □� He put a marker in his book and followed her out.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a markerfor a particular quality or feature, you mean that it demonstrates the existence or presence of that quality or feature. □�[+�for ] Vitamin C is a good marker for the presence of other vitamins and nutrients in frozen food.

3 N‑COUNT A marker or a marker pen is a pen with a thick tip made of felt, which is used for drawing and for colouring things. □� Draw your child's outline with a heavy black marker.

mar|ket ◆◆◆ /mɑː r k I t/ (markets , marketing , marketed )

1 N‑COUNT A market is a place where goods are bought and sold, usually outdoors. □� He sold boots on a market stall.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The market for a particular type of thing is the number of people who want to buy it, or the area of the world in which it is sold. [BUSINESS ] □� The foreign market was increasingly crucial. □�[+�for ] �the Russian market for personal computers. [Also +�in ]

3 N‑SING The market refers to the total amount of a product that is sold each year, especially when you are talking about the competition between the companies who sell that product. [BUSINESS ] □� The two big companies control 72% of the market.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If you talk about a market economy, or the market price of something, you are referring to an economic system in which the prices of things depend on how many are available and how many people want to buy them, rather than prices being fixed by governments. [BUSINESS ] □� Their ultimate aim was a market economy for Hungary. □� He must sell the house for the current market value. □� �the market price of cocoa.

5 VERB To market a product means to organize its sale, by deciding on its price, where it should be sold, and how it should be advertised. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] �if you marketed our music the way you market pop music. □�[be V -ed +�as ] �if a soap is marketed as an anti-acne product.

6 N‑SING The job market or the labour market refers to the people who are looking for work and the jobs available for them to do. [BUSINESS ] □� Every year, 250,000 people enter the job market. □� �the changes in the labour market during the 1980s.

7 N‑SING The stock market is sometimes referred to as the market . [BUSINESS ] □� The market collapsed last October.

8 →�see also black market , market forces , open market

9 PHRASE If you say that it is a buyer's market , you mean that it is a good time to buy a particular thing, because there is a lot of it available, so its price is low. If you say that it is a seller's market , you mean that very little of it is available, so its price is high. [BUSINESS ] □� Don't be afraid to haggle: for the moment, it's a buyer's market.

10 PHRASE If you are in the market for something, you are interested in buying it. □� If you're in the market for a new radio, you'll see that the latest models are very different.

11 PHRASE If something is on the market , it is available for people to buy. If it comes onto the market , it becomes available for people to buy. [BUSINESS ] □� �putting more empty offices on the market. □� �new medicines that have just come onto the market.

12 PHRASE If you price yourself out of the market , you try to sell goods or services at a higher price than other people, with the result that no one buys them from you. [BUSINESS ] □� At �150,000 for a season, he really is pricing himself out of the market.

mar|ket|able /mɑː r k I təb ə l/ ADJ Something that is marketable is able to be sold because people want to buy it. [BUSINESS ] □� �telling them how to turn their prize research projects into marketable products.

mar|ket|eer /mɑː r k I t I ə r / (marketeers )

1 N‑COUNT A marketeer is the same as a marketer . [BUSINESS ]

2 →�see also black marketeer , free-marketeer

mar|ket|er /mɑː r k I tə r / (marketers ) N‑COUNT A marketer is someone whose job involves marketing. [BUSINESS ]

ma r|ket fo rces N‑PLURAL When politicians and economists talk about market forces , they mean the economic factors that affect the availability of goods and the demand for them, without any help or control by governments. [BUSINESS ] □� �opening the economy to market forces and increasing the role of private enterprise.

ma r|ket ga r|den (market gardens ) N‑COUNT A market garden is a small farm where vegetables and fruit are grown for sale. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use truck farm

mar|ket|ing ◆◇◇ /mɑː r k I t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Marketing is the organization of the sale of a product, for example, deciding on its price, the areas it should be supplied to, and how it should be advertised. [BUSINESS ] □� �expert advice on production and marketing. □� �a marketing campaign. SYNONYMS marketing NOUN

promotion:The company spent a lot of money on advertising and promotion.

advertising:We need a bigger advertising budget.

PR:It will be good PR.

ma r|ket|ing mi x N‑SING A company's marketing mix is the combination of marketing activities it uses in order to promote a particular product or service. [BUSINESS ] □� The key focus of the marketing mix will be on price and distribution.

ma r|ket lea d|er (market leaders ) N‑COUNT A market leader is a company that sells more of a particular product or service than most of its competitors do. [BUSINESS ] □� We are becoming one of the market leaders in the fashion industry.

market|place /mɑː r k I tple I s/ (marketplaces ) also market place

1 N‑COUNT The marketplace refers to the activity of buying and selling products. [BUSINESS ] □� We need to test our strategies in the marketplace.

2 N‑COUNT A marketplace is a small area in a town or city where goods are bought and sold, often outdoors. □� The marketplace was jammed with buyers and sellers.

ma r|ket re|sea rch N‑UNCOUNT Market research is the activity of collecting and studying information about what people want, need, and buy. [BUSINESS ] □� �a market research company.

ma r|ket sha re (market shares ) N‑VAR [oft with poss] A company's market share in a product is the proportion of the total sales of that product that is produced by that company. [BUSINESS ] □� Ford has been gaining market share this year at the expense of GM.

ma r|ket te st (market tests , market testing , market tested )

1 N‑COUNT If a company carries out a market test , it asks a group of people to try a new product or service and give their opinions on it. [BUSINESS ] □� Results from market tests in the U.S. and Europe show little enthusiasm for the product.

2 VERB If a new product or service is market tested , a group of people are asked to try it and then asked for their opinions on it. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The company uses the simulator to market test new designs. ●� mar|ket test|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� They learnt a lot from the initial market testing exercise.

ma r|ket to wn (market towns ) N‑COUNT A market town is a town, especially in a country area, that has or used to have a market in it.

mark|ing /mɑː r k I ŋ/ (markings )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Markings are coloured lines, shapes, or patterns on the surface of something, which help to identify it. □� A plane with Danish markings was over-flying his vessel.

2 →�see also mark

marks|man /mɑː r ksmən/ (marksmen ) N‑COUNT A marksman is a person who can shoot very accurately. □� Police marksmen opened fire.

marks|man|ship /mɑː r ksmənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Marksmanship is the ability to shoot accurately.

ma rk-up (mark-ups ) in AM, also use markup N‑COUNT A mark-up is an increase in the price of something, for example the difference between its cost and the price that it is sold for.

mar|ma|lade /mɑː r məle I d/ (marmalades ) N‑VAR Marmalade is a food made from oranges, lemons, or grapefruit that is similar to jam. It is eaten on bread or toast at breakfast.

mar|mo|set /mɑː r məzet/ (marmosets ) N‑COUNT A marmoset is a type of small monkey.

ma|roon /məruː n/ (maroons , marooning , marooned )

1 COLOUR Something that is maroon is dark reddish-purple in colour. □� �maroon velvet curtains.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is marooned somewhere, they are left in a place that is difficult for them to escape from. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Five couples were marooned in their caravans when the River Avon broke its banks.

ma|rooned /məruː nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are marooned , you mean that you feel alone and helpless and you cannot escape from the place or situation you are in. □� �families marooned in decaying inner-city areas.

marque /mɑː r k/ (marques ) N‑COUNT A marque is the name of a famous company that makes motor vehicles, or the vehicles it produces. □� �a marque long-associated with motor racing success, Alfa Romeo.

mar|quee /mɑː r kiː / (marquees )

1 N‑COUNT A marquee is a large tent which is used at a fair, garden party, or other outdoor event, usually for eating and drinking in.

2 N‑COUNT A marquee is a cover over the entrance of a building, for example a hotel or a theatre. [AM ]

mar|quis /mɑː r kw I s/ (marquises ) also marquess N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A marquis is a male member of the nobility who has a rank between duke and earl.

mar|riage ◆◆◇ /m� r I dʒ/ (marriages )

1 N‑COUNT A marriage is the relationship between two people who are married. □� When I was 35 my marriage broke up. □� His son by his second marriage lives in Paris.

2 N‑VAR A marriage is the act of marrying someone, or the ceremony at which this is done. □�[+�to ] I opposed her marriage to Darryl.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Marriage is the state of being married. □� Marriage might not suit you.

4 →�see also arranged marriage COLLOCATIONS marriage NOUN

1

adjective +�marriage : broken, failed, loveless, unhappy; happy, successful; first, previous, second

verb +�marriage : contemplate, propose; dissolve, end, fail; save

2

adjective +�marriage : civil, gay, same-sex; sham

verb +�marriage : celebrate; oppose

mar|riage|able /m� r I dʒəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as marriageable , you mean that they are suitable for marriage, especially that they are the right age to marry. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �girls of marriageable age. □� �a marriageable daughter.

ma r|riage gui d|ance N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Marriage guidance is advice given to couples who are having problems in their relationship. [BRIT ]

mar|ried ◆◇◇ /m� rid/

1 ADJ If you are married , you have a husband or wife. □� We have been married for 14 years. □�[+�to ] She is married to an Englishman. □� �a married man with two children.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Married means relating to marriage or to people who are married. □� For the first ten years of our married life we lived in a farmhouse.

3 ADJ If you say that someone is married to their work or another activity, you mean that they are very involved with it and have little interest in anything else. □�[+�to ] She was a very strict Christian who was married to her job.

mar|row /m� roʊ/ (marrows )

1 N‑VAR A marrow is a long, thick, green vegetable with soft white flesh that is eaten cooked. [BRIT ] in AM, use squash2 N‑SING Themarrowof something is the most important and basic part of it. □�[+�of ] We're getting into the marrow of the film.

ma r|row bone (marrow bones ) also marrowbone N‑VAR Marrow bones are the bones of certain animals, especially cows, that contain a lot of bone marrow. They are used in cooking and in dog food. □� �marrowbone jelly.

mar|ry ◆◆◇ /m� ri/ (marries , marrying , married )

1 VERB When two people get married or marry , they legally become partners in a special ceremony. Get married is less formal and more commonly used than marry . □�[get V -ed] I thought he would change after we got married. □�[V ] They married a month after they met. □�[V n] He wants to marry her. □�[get V -ed +�to ] He got married to wife Beryl when he was 19. □�[get V -ed] I am getting married on Monday. □�[V ] She ought to marry again, don't you think?

2 VERB When a priest or official marries two people, he or she conducts the ceremony in which the two people legally become partners. □�[V n] The local vicar has agreed to marry us in the chapel on the estate. USAGE marry

You don�t usually use �marry� without a following noun. Don�t say, for example, � She married � or � They married �. Use get married . □� I�m getting married next month.

marsh /mɑː r ʃ/ (marshes ) N‑VAR A marsh is a wet, muddy area of land.

mar|shal /mɑː r ʃ ə l/ (marshals , marshalling , marshalled ) in AM, use marshaling , marshaled1 VERB If you marshal people or things, you gather them together and arrange them for a particular purpose. □�[V n] Richard was marshalling the doctors and nurses, showing them where to go. □�[V n] �the way in which Britain marshalled its economic and political resources to protect its security interests.

2 N‑COUNT A marshal is an official who helps to supervise a public event, especially a sports event. □� The Grand Prix is controlled by well-trained marshals.

3 N‑COUNT In the United States and some other countries, a marshal is a police officer, often one who is responsible for a particular area. □� A federal marshal was killed in a shoot-out.

4 N‑COUNT A marshal is an officer in a fire department. [AM ] □� �a Cleveland county fire marshal.

5 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Britain and some other countries, a marshal is the most senior officer in an army or air force. □� �Air Chief Marshal Sir Kenneth Cross.

marsh|land /mɑː r ʃl�nd/ (marshlands ) N‑UNCOUNT Marshland is land with a lot of wet, muddy areas.

marsh|mal|low /mɑː r ʃm� loʊ, [AM ] -mel-/ (marshmallows )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Marshmallow is a soft, sweet food that is used in some cakes, puddings, and sweets.

2 N‑COUNT Marshmallows are sweets made from marshmallow.

marshy /mɑː r ʃi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Marshy land is always wet and muddy. □� �the broad, marshy plain of the River Spey.

mar|su|pial /mɑː r suː piəl/ (marsupials ) N‑COUNT A marsupial is an animal such as a kangaroo or an opossum. Female marsupials carry their babies in a pouch on their stomach.

mart /mɑː r t/ (marts ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A mart is a place such as a market where things are bought and sold. [AM ] □� �the flower mart.

mar|tial /mɑː r ʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Martial is used to describe things relating to soldiers or war. [FORMAL ] □� The paper was actually twice banned under the martial regime.

2 →�see also court martial

ma r|tial a rt (martial arts ) N‑COUNT A martial art is one of the methods of fighting, often without weapons, that come from the Far East, for example kung fu, karate, or judo.

ma r|tial la w N‑UNCOUNT Martial law is control of an area by soldiers, not the police. □� The military leadership have lifted martial law in several more towns.

Mar|tian /mɑː r ʃ ə n/ (Martians )

1 N‑COUNT A Martian is an imaginary creature from the planet Mars. □� Orson Welles managed to convince many Americans that they were being invaded by Martians.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is Martian exists on or relates to the planet Mars. □� The Martian atmosphere contains only tiny amounts of water.

mar|tin /mɑː r t I n/ (martins ) N‑COUNT A martin is a small bird with a forked tail.

mar|ti|net /mɑː r t I ne t/ (martinets ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a martinet , you are criticizing them because they are very strict and demand that people obey their rules and orders. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's a retired Lieutenant Colonel and a bit of a martinet.

mar|tyr /mɑː r tə r / (martyrs , martyring , martyred )

1 N‑COUNT A martyr is someone who is killed or made to suffer greatly because of their religious or political beliefs, and is admired and respected by people who share those beliefs. □�[+�to ] �a glorious martyr to the cause of liberty. □� �a Christian martyr.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is martyred , they are killed or made to suffer greatly because of their religious or political beliefs. □�[be V -ed] St Pancras was martyred in 304 AD. □�[V -ed] �whether its martyred leader is released or not.

3 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a martyr , you disapprove of the fact that they pretend to suffer, or exaggerate their suffering, in order to get sympathy or praise from other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� When are you going to quit acting like a martyr?

4 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a martyrto something, you mean that they suffer as a result of it. □�[+�to ] Ellsworth was a martyr to his sense of honour and responsibility.

5 →�see also martyred

mar|tyr|dom /mɑː r tə r dəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone suffers martyrdom , they are killed or made to suffer greatly because of their religious or political beliefs. □�[+�of ] �the martyrdom of Bishop Feliciano. □� He suffered martyrdom by stoning.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone's behaviour as martyrdom , you are critical of them because they are exaggerating their suffering in order to gain sympathy or praise. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She sat picking at her small plate of rice salad with an air of martyrdom.

mar|tyred /mɑː r tə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a person or their behaviour as martyred , you mean that they often exaggerate their suffering in order to gain sympathy or praise. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'As usual,' muttered his martyred wife. □� �with a lot of sighs, moans and a martyred air.

mar|vel /mɑː r v ə l/ (marvels , marvelling , marvelled ) in AM, use marveling , marveled1 VERB If you marvel at something, you express your great surprise, wonder, or admiration. □�[V +�at ] Her fellow members marveled at her seemingly infinite energy. □�[V ] Sara and I read the story and marveled. □�[V with quote] 'That's the weirdest thing I've ever seen,' marveled Carl. □�[V that] He marvelled that a man in such intense pain could be so coherent.

2 N‑COUNT You can describe something or someone as a marvel to indicate that you think that they are wonderful. □�[+�of ] The whale, like the dolphin, has become a symbol of the marvels of creation.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Marvels are things that people have done, or that have happened, which are very unexpected or surprising. □� He's done marvels with the team.

mar|vel|lous /mɑː r vələs/ in AM, use marvelous ADJ If you describe someone or something as marvellous , you are emphasizing that they are very good. □� He certainly is a marvellous actor. □� He looked marvellous. ●� mar|vel|lous|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� He always painted marvellously.

Marx|ism /mɑː r ks I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Marxism is a political philosophy based on the writings of Karl Marx which stresses the importance of the struggle between different social classes.

Marx|ist /mɑː r ks I st/ (Marxists )

1 ADJ Marxist means based on Marxism or relating to Marxism. □� �a Marxist state. □� �Marxist ideology.

2 N‑COUNT A Marxist is a person who believes in Marxism or who is a member of a Marxist party.

mar|zi|pan /mɑː r zip�n/ N‑UNCOUNT Marzipan is a paste made of almonds, sugar, and egg which is sometimes put on top of cakes.

masc.Masc. is a written abbreviation of masculine .

mas|cara /m�skɑː rə, [AM ] -k� r-/ (mascaras ) N‑VAR Mascara is a substance used as make-up to make eyelashes darker. □� �water-resistant mascaras.

mas|car|pone /m�skə r poʊ ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Mascarpone is a soft white cheese traditionally made in Italy. It is used to make desserts.

mas|cot /m� skɒt/ (mascots ) N‑COUNT A mascot is an animal, toy, or symbol which is associated with a particular organization or event, and which is thought to bring good luck. □�[+�of ] �the official mascot of the Commonwealth Games.

mas|cu|line /m� skjʊl I n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Masculine qualities and things relate to or are considered typical of men, in contrast to women. □� �masculine characteristics like a husky voice and facial hair. □� �masculine pride.

2 ADJ If you say that someone or something is masculine , you mean that they have qualities such as strength or confidence which are considered typical of men. □� �her aggressive, masculine image. □� The Duke's study was very masculine, with deep red wall-covering and dark oak shelving.

3 ADJ In some languages, a masculine noun, pronoun, or adjective has a different form from a feminine or neuter one, or behaves in a different way.

mas|cu|lin|ity /m� skjʊl I n I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT A man's masculinity is the fact that he is a man. □� �a project on the link between masculinity and violence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Masculinity means the qualities, especially sexual qualities, which are considered to be typical of men. □� The old ideas of masculinity do not work for most men.

mas|cu|lin|ize /m� skjʊl I na I z/ (masculinizes , masculinizing , masculinized ) in BRIT, also use masculinise VERB [usu passive] To masculinize something means to make it into something that involves mainly men or is thought suitable for or typical of men. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Not all plantation work has been masculinized.

mash /m� ʃ/ (mashes , mashing , mashed )

1 VERB If you mash food that is solid but soft, you crush it so that it forms a soft mass. □�[V n] Mash the bananas with a fork. □�[V -ed] �mashed potatoes.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Mash is mashed potato. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

mask ◆◇◇ /mɑː sk, m� sk/ (masks , masking , masked )

1 N‑COUNT A mask is a piece of cloth or other material, which you wear over your face so that people cannot see who you are, or so that you look like someone or something else. □� The gunman, whose mask had slipped, fled. □� �actors wearing masks.

2 N‑COUNT A mask is a piece of cloth or other material that you wear over all or part of your face to protect you from germs or harmful substances. □� You must wear goggles and a mask that will protect you against the fumes.

3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone's behaviour as a mask , you mean that they do not show their real feelings or character. □�[+�of ] His mask of detachment cracked, and she saw for an instant an angry and violent man.

4 N‑COUNT A mask is a thick cream or paste made of various substances, which you spread over your face and leave for some time in order to improve your skin. □� This mask leaves your complexion feeling soft and supple.

5 VERB If you mask your feelings, you deliberately do not show them in your behaviour, so that people cannot know what you really feel. □�[V n] Mr Straw has, in public at least, masked his disappointment.

6 VERB If one thing masks another, it prevents people from noticing or recognizing the other thing. □�[V n] Too much salt masks the true flavour of the food.

7 →�see also death mask , gas mask , oxygen mask COLLOCATIONS mask NOUN 2

noun +�mask : eye, face, ski

adjective +�mask : protective, respiratory, surgical

verb +�mask : remove, wear VERB 5

mask+�noun : feeling

noun +�mask : smile

masked /mɑː skt, m� skt/ ADJ If someone is masked , they are wearing a mask. □� Masked youths threw stones and fire-bombs.

ma sk|ing tape N‑UNCOUNT Masking tape is plastic or paper tape which is sticky on one side and is used, for example, to protect part of a surface that you are painting.

maso|chism /m� sək I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Masochism is behaviour in which someone gets sexual pleasure from their own pain or suffering. □� The tendency towards masochism is however always linked with elements of sadism. ●� maso|chist (masochists ) N‑COUNT □� �consensual sexual masochists.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone's behaviour as masochism , you mean that they seem to be trying to get into a situation which causes them suffering or great difficulty. □� Once you have tasted life in southern California, it takes a peculiar kind of masochism to return to a British winter. ●� maso|chist N‑COUNT □� Anybody who enjoys this is a masochist.

3 →�see also sado-masochism

maso|chis|tic /m� sək I st I k/

1 ADJ Masochistic behaviour involves a person getting sexual pleasure from their own pain or suffering. □� �his masochistic tendencies.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as masochistic , you mean that they seem to be trying to get into a situation which causes them suffering or great difficulty. □� It seems masochistic, somehow.

3 →�see also sado-masochistic

ma|son /me I s ə n/ (masons )

1 N‑COUNT A mason is a person who is skilled at making things or building things with stone. In American English, masons are people who work with stone or bricks.

2 N‑COUNT A Mason is the same as a Freemason .

Ma|son|ic /məsɒ n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Masonic is used to describe things relating to the organization of Freemasons. □� �a Masonic lodge on Broughton Street.

ma|son|ry /me I sənri/ N‑UNCOUNT Masonry is bricks or pieces of stone which have been stuck together with cement as part of a wall or building.

mas|quer|ade /m� skəre I d/ (masquerades , masquerading , masqueraded )

1 VERB To masquerade as someone or something means to pretend to be that person or thing, particularly in order to deceive other people. □�[V +�as ] He masqueraded as a doctor and fooled everyone.

2 N‑COUNT A masquerade is an attempt to deceive people about the true nature or identity of something. □� He told a news conference that the elections would be a masquerade.

3 N‑COUNT A masquerade is an event such as a party or dance where people dress up in disguise and wear masks. □� �a masquerade ball.

mass ◆◆◇ /m� s/ (masses , massing , massed )

1 N‑SING A massof things is a large number of them grouped together. □�[+�of ] On his desk is a mass of books and papers.

2 N‑SING A massof something is a large amount of it. □�[+�of ] She had a mass of auburn hair.

3 QUANT Massesof something means a great deal of it. [INFORMAL ] □� There's masses of work for her to do. □� It has masses of flowers each year.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Mass is used to describe something which involves or affects a very large number of people. □� �ideas on combating mass unemployment. □� �weapons of mass destruction.

5 N‑COUNT A massof a solid substance, a liquid, or a gas is an amount of it, especially a large amount which has no definite shape. □� �before it cools and sets into a solid mass. □�[+�of ] The fourteenth century cathedral was reduced to a mass of rubble.

6 N‑PLURAL If you talk about the masses , you mean the ordinary people in society, in contrast to the leaders or the highly educated people. □� His music is commercial. It is aimed at the masses.

7 N‑SING Themassof people are most of the people in a country, society, or group. □�[+�of ] The 1939-45 world war involved the mass of the population.

8 VERB When people or things mass , or when you mass them, they gather together into a large crowd or group. □�[V ] Shortly after the workers went on strike, police began to mass at the shipyard. □�[V n] The General was massing his troops for a counterattack.

9 N‑SING If you say that something is amass of things, you mean that it is covered with them or full of them. □�[+�of ] In the spring, the meadow is a mass of daffodils.

10 N‑VAR In physics, the mass of an object is the amount of physical matter that it has. [TECHNICAL ] □� Astronomers know that Pluto and Triton have nearly the same size, mass, and density.

11 N‑VAR Mass is a Christian church ceremony, especially in a Roman Catholic or Orthodox church, during which people eat bread and drink wine in order to remember the last meal of Jesus Christ. □� She attended a convent school and went to Mass each day.

12 →�see also massed , critical mass , land mass

mas|sa|cre /m� səkə r / (massacres , massacring , massacred )

1 N‑VAR A massacre is the killing of a large number of people at the same time in a violent and cruel way. □� Maria lost her 62-year-old mother in the massacre. □� �reports of massacre, torture and starvation.

2 VERB If people are massacred , a large number of them are attacked and killed in a violent and cruel way. □�[be V -ed] 300 civilians are believed to have been massacred by the rebels. □�[V n] Troops indiscriminately massacred the defenceless population.

mas|sage /m� sɑːʒ, [AM ] məsɑː ʒ/ (massages , massaging , massaged )

1 N‑VAR Massage is the action of squeezing and rubbing someone's body, as a way of making them relax or reducing their pain. □� Alex asked me if I wanted a massage.

2 VERB If you massage someone or a part of their body, you squeeze and rub their body, in order to make them relax or reduce their pain. □�[V n] She continued massaging her right foot, which was bruised and aching.

3 VERB If you say that someone massages statistics, figures, or evidence, you are criticizing them for changing or presenting the facts in a way that misleads people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Their governments have no reason to 'massage' the statistics.

ma s|sage pa r|lour (massage parlours ) in AM, use massage parlor N‑COUNT A massage parlour is a place where people go and pay for a massage. Some places that are called massage parlours are in fact places where people pay to have sex.

masse →�see en masse

massed /m� st/ ADJ [ADJ n] Massed is used to describe a large number of people who have been brought together for a particular purpose. □� He could not escape the massed ranks of newsmen.

mas|seur /m�sɜː r , [AM ] -sʊ ə r/ (masseurs ) N‑COUNT A masseur is a person whose job is to give massages.

mas|seuse /m�sɜː z, [AM ] -suː s/ (masseuses ) N‑COUNT A masseuse is a woman whose job is to give massages.

mas|sif /m�siː f/ (massifs ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A massif is a group of mountains that form part of a mountain range.

mas|sive ◆◇◇ /m� s I v/

1 ADJ Something that is massive is very large in size, quantity, or extent. [EMPHASIS ] □� There was evidence of massive fraud. □� �massive air attacks. □� The scale of the problem is massive. ●� mas|sive|ly ADV □� �a massively popular game.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a medical condition as massive , you mean that it is extremely serious. □� He died six weeks later of a massive heart attack. SYNONYMS massive ADJ 1

huge:�a tiny little woman with huge black glasses.

enormous:The main bedroom is enormous.

gigantic:�gigantic rocks.

vast:�Afrikaner farmers who own vast stretches of land.

immense:�an immense cloud of smoke.

ma ss ma r|ket (mass markets )

1 N‑COUNT Mass market is used to refer to the large numbers of people who want to buy a particular product. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] They now have access to the mass markets of Japan and the U.K�

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Mass-market products are designed and produced for selling to large numbers of people. [BUSINESS ] □� �mass-market paperbacks.

ma ss me |dia N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] You can use the mass media to refer to the various ways, especially television, radio, newspapers, and magazines, by which information and news are given to large numbers of people. □� �mass media coverage of the issue.

ma ss mu r|der (mass murders ) N‑VAR Mass murder is the deliberate illegal killing of a large number of people by a person or an organization.

ma ss mu r|der|er (mass murderers ) N‑COUNT A mass murderer is someone who deliberately kills a large number of people illegally.

ma ss noun (mass nouns )

1 N‑COUNT A mass noun is a noun such as 'wine' which is usually uncount but is used with 'a' or 'an' or used in the plural when it refers to types of that substance, as in 'a range of Australian wines'.

2 N‑COUNT In some descriptions of grammar, a mass noun is the same as an uncount noun .

ma ss-produ ce (mass-produces , mass-producing , mass-produced ) VERB If someone mass-produces something, they make it in large quantities, usually by machine. This means that the product can be sold cheaply. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] �the invention of machinery to mass-produce footwear. ●� mass-produced ADJ [ADJ n] □� �the first mass-produced mountain bike.

ma ss pro|du c|tion also mass-production N‑UNCOUNT Mass production is the production of something in large quantities, especially by machine. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] �equipment that would allow the mass production of baby food.

mast /mɑː st, m� st/ (masts )

1 N‑COUNT The masts of a boat are the tall upright poles that support its sails.

2 N‑COUNT A radio mast is a tall upright structure that is used to transmit radio or television signals.

mas|tec|to|my /m�ste ktəmi/ (mastectomies ) N‑VAR A mastectomy is a surgical operation to remove a woman's breast.

mas|ter ◆◆◇ /mɑː stə r , m� s-/ (masters , mastering , mastered )

1 N‑COUNT A servant's master is the man that he or she works for. □� My master ordered me not to deliver the message except in private.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A dog's master is the man or boy who owns it. □� The dog yelped excitedly when his master opened a desk drawer and produced his leash.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a master of a particular activity, you mean that they are extremely skilled at it. □� They appear masters in the art of making regulations work their way. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Master is also an adjective. □� �a master craftsman. □� �a master criminal.

4 →�see also past master

5 N‑VAR If you are master of a situation, you have complete control over it. □�[+�of ] Jackson remained calm and always master of his passions.

6 VERB If you master something, you learn how to do it properly or you succeed in understanding it completely. □�[V n] Duff soon mastered the skills of radio production. □�[V n] Students are expected to master a second language.

7 VERB If you master a difficult situation, you succeed in controlling it. □�[V n] When you have mastered one situation you have to go on to the next.

8 N‑COUNT A famous male painter of the past is often called a master . □� �a portrait by the Dutch master, Vincent Van Gogh.

9 →�see also old master

10 ADJ [ADJ n] A master copy of something such as a film or a tape recording is an original copy that can be used to produce other copies. □� Keep one as a master copy for your own reference and circulate the others.

11 N‑SING A master's degree can be referred to as a master's . □�[+�in ] I've a master's in economics. SYNONYMS master NOUN 1

lord:�the lords of the black market.

ruler:He was a weak-willed and indecisive ruler.

boss:He cannot stand his boss.

employer:He had been sent to Rome by his employer. COLLOCATIONS master VERB 6

master+�noun : art, basics, skill, technique; language, technology

master+�adverb : completely, successfully

ma s|ter be d|room (master bedrooms ) N‑COUNT The master bedroom in a large house is the largest bedroom.

mas|ter|class /mɑː stə r klɑːs, m� stə r kl�s/ (masterclasses ) N‑COUNT A masterclass is a lesson where someone who is an expert at something such as dancing or music gives advice to a group of good students. Masterclasses usually take place in public or are broadcast on television.

mas|ter|ful /mɑː stə r f ə l, m� s-/

1 ADJ If you describe a man as masterful , you approve of him because he behaves in a way which shows that he is in control of a situation and can tell other people what to do. [APPROVAL ] □� Big, successful moves need bold, masterful managers.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or actions as masterful , you mean that they show great skill. □� �a masterful performance of boxing and punching skills.

ma s|ter key (master keys ) N‑COUNT A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.

mas|ter|ly /mɑː stə r li, m� s-/ ADJ If you describe something as masterly , you admire it because it has been done extremely well or shows the highest level of ability and skill. [APPROVAL ] □� Malcolm Hebden gives a masterly performance.

master|mind /mɑː stə r ma I nd, m� s-/ (masterminds , masterminding , masterminded )

1 VERB If you mastermind a difficult or complicated activity, you plan it in detail and then make sure that it happens successfully. □�[V n] The finance minister will continue to mastermind the country's economic reform.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The mastermindbehind a difficult or complicated plan, often a criminal one, is the person who is responsible for planning and organizing it. □�[+�behind/of ] He was the mastermind behind the plan to acquire the explosives.

Ma s|ter of A rts N‑SING A Master of Arts degree is the same as an MA degree.

ma s|ter of ce r|emo|nies (masters of ceremonies ) N‑COUNT At events such as formal dinners, award ceremonies, and variety shows, the master of ceremonies is the person who introduces the speakers or performers, and who announces what is going to happen next.

Ma s|ter of Sci |ence N‑SING A Master of Science degree is the same as an MSc or MS degree.

master|piece /mɑː stə r piːs, m� s-/ (masterpieces )

1 N‑COUNT A masterpiece is an extremely good painting, novel, film, or other work of art. □� His book, I must add, is a masterpiece.

2 N‑COUNT [with poss] An artist's, writer's, or composer's masterpiece is the best work that they have ever produced. □� 'Man's Fate,' translated into sixteen languages, is probably his masterpiece.

3 N‑COUNT A masterpiece is an extremely clever or skilful example of something. □�[+�of ] The whole thing was a masterpiece of crowd management.

ma s|ter plan (master plans ) N‑COUNT A master plan is a clever plan that is intended to help someone succeed in a very difficult or important task. □� �the master plan for the reform of the economy.

ma s|ter's de|gree (master's degrees ) also Master's degree N‑COUNT A master's degree is a university degree such as an MA or an MSc which is of a higher level than a first degree and usually takes one or two years to complete.

master|stroke /mɑː stə r stroʊk, m� s-/ (masterstrokes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A masterstroke is something you do which is unexpected but very clever and which helps you to achieve something. □� The company played a masterstroke in promoting her to be director of innovation.

master|work /mɑː stə r wɜː r k, m� s-/ (masterworks ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] If you describe something such as a book or a painting as a masterwork , you think it is extremely good or the best that someone has produced. □�[+�of ] They endure as masterworks of American musical theatre.

mas|tery /mɑː stəri, m� s-/ N‑UNCOUNT If you show masteryof a particular skill or language, you show that you have learned or understood it completely and have no difficulty using it. □�[+�of ] He doesn't have mastery of the basic rules of grammar.

mast|head /mɑː sthed, m� st-/ (mastheads )

1 N‑COUNT A ship's masthead is the highest part of its mast.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] A newspaper's masthead is the part at the top of the front page where its name appears in big letters.

mas|ti|cate /m� st I ke I t/ (masticates , masticating , masticated ) VERB When you masticate food, you chew it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Her mouth was working, as if she was masticating some tasty titbit. □�[V ] Don't gulp everything down without masticating. ●� mas|ti|ca|tion /m� st I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Poor digestion can be caused by defective mastication of the food in the mouth.

mas|tiff /m� st I f/ (mastiffs ) N‑COUNT A mastiff is a large, powerful, short-haired dog.

mas|tur|bate /m� stə r be I t/ (masturbates , masturbating , masturbated ) VERB If someone masturbates , they stroke or rub their own genitals in order to get sexual pleasure. ●� mas|tur|ba|tion /m� stə r be I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The sperm sample is produced by masturbation.

mat /m� t/ (mats )

1 N‑COUNT A mat is a small piece of something such as cloth, card, or plastic which you put on a table to protect it from plates or cups. □� The food is served on polished tables with mats.

2 N‑COUNT A mat is a small piece of carpet or other thick material which is put on the floor for protection, decoration, or comfort. □� There was a letter on the mat.

3 →�see also matt , place mat

mata|dor /m� tədɔː r / (matadors ) N‑COUNT A matador is the person in a bullfight who is supposed to kill the bull.

match ◆◆◆ /m� tʃ/ (matches , matching , matched )

1 N‑COUNT A match is an organized game of football, tennis, cricket, or some other sport. [mainly BRIT ] □� He was watching a football match. □� France won the match 28-19.

2 N‑COUNT A match is a small wooden stick with a substance on one end that produces a flame when you rub it along the rough side of a matchbox. □� �a packet of cigarettes and a box of matches.

3 VERB If something of a particular colour or design matches another thing, they have the same colour or design, or have a pleasing appearance when they are used together. □�[V n] Her nails were painted bright red to match her dress. □�[V ] All the chairs matched. □�[V n +�to/with ] You don't have to match your lipstick exactly to your outfit. □�[V n] Mix and match your tableware and textiles from the new Design House collection. ●�PHRASAL VERB Match up means the same as match . □�[V P +�with/to ] The pillow cover can match up with the sheets. □�[V n P +�with/to ] False eyelashes come in various shades, so it's easy to match them up with your own.

4 VERB If something such as an amount or a quality matcheswith another amount or quality, they are both the same or equal. If you match two things, you make them the same or equal. □�[V ] Their strengths in memory and spatial skills matched. □�[V +�with ] Our value system does not match with their value system. □�[V n +�with ] �efforts to match demand with supply by building new schools. [Also V n]

5 VERB If one thing matches another, they are connected or suit each other in some way. □�[V n +�with/to ] The students are asked to match the books with the authors. □�[V n] It can take time and effort to match buyers and sellers. □�[V ] The sale would only go ahead if the name and number matched. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Pictures of road signs are matched with their Highway Code meanings. ●�PHRASAL VERB Match up means the same as match . □�[V P n +�with ] The consultant seeks to match up jobless professionals with small companies in need of expertise. □�[V n P +�with ] With this app, friends of singles match them up with other users. □�[V P ] My sister and I never really matched up. □�[V P +�to/with ] I'm sure that yellow lead matched up to that yellow socket. [Also V P n]

6 N‑SING [adj N ] If a combination of things or people is a good match , they have a pleasing effect when placed or used together. □� Helen's choice of lipstick was a good match for her skin-tone. □� Moira was a perfect match for him.

7 VERB If you match something, you are as good as it or equal to it, for example in speed, size, or quality. □�[V n] They played some fine attacking football, but I think we matched them in every respect.

8 VERB In a sport or other contest, if you match one person or team against another, in sports or other contests, you make them compete with each other to see which one is better. □�[V n +�with/against ] The finals begin today, matching Chelsea against Manchester United.

9 →�see also matched , matching

10 PHRASE If you meet your match , you find that you are competing or fighting against someone who you cannot beat because they are as good as you, or better than you. □� I had finally met my match in power and intellect.

11 PHRASE If one person or thing is no match for another, they are unable to compete successfully with the other person or thing. □� I was no match for a man with such power.

▸� match up →�see match3 , match5

▸� match up to PHRASAL VERB If someone or something does not match up to what was expected, they are smaller, less impressive, or of poorer quality. □�[V P P n] Her career never quite matched up to its promise. USAGE match

Don�t use �matches to�. For example, don�t say � Do these shoes match to my dress ?� You say that the first thing matches the other thing, for example, �Do these shoes match my dress?�

match|box /m� tʃbɒks/ (matchboxes ) N‑COUNT A matchbox is a small box that you buy with matches in it.

matched /m� tʃt/

1 ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you say that two people are well matched , you mean that they have qualities that will enable them to have a good relationship. □� My parents were not very well matched.

2 ADJ [adv ADJ ] In sports and other competitions, if the two opponents or teams are well matched , they are both of the same standard in strength or ability. □� Two well-matched sides conjured up an entertaining game.

match|ing /m� tʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Matching is used to describe things which are of the same colour or design. □� �a coat and a matching handbag.

match|less /m� tʃləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use matchless to emphasize that you think something is extremely good. [EMPHASIS ] □� A timeless comic actor�his simplicity and his apparent ease are matchless. □� The Savoy provides a matchless hotel experience.

match|maker /m� tʃme I kə r / (matchmakers ) N‑COUNT A matchmaker is someone who tries to encourage people they know to form a romantic relationship or to get married. □� Some friends played matchmaker and had us both over to dinner.

match|making /m� tʃme I k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Matchmaking is the activity of encouraging people you know to form relationships or get married.

ma tch play N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Match play is a form of golf where the game is scored by the number of holes someone wins rather than the number of strokes it takes them to complete the course.

ma tch poi nt (match points ) N‑VAR In a game of tennis, match point is the situation when the player who is in the lead can win the whole match if they win the next point.

match|stick /m� tʃst I k/ (matchsticks ) N‑COUNT A matchstick is the wooden part of a match.

mate ◆◇◇ /me I t/ (mates , mating , mated )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] You can refer to someone's friends as their mates , especially when you are talking about a man and his male friends. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He's off drinking with his mates.

2 N‑COUNT Some men use mate as a way of addressing other men when they are talking to them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Come on mate, things aren't that bad.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] Someone's wife, husband, or sexual partner can be referred to as their mate . □� He has found his ideal mate.

4 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] An animal's mate is its sexual partner. □� The males guard their mates zealously.

5 VERB When animals mate , a male and a female have sex in order to produce young. □�[V ] This allows the pair to mate properly and stops the hen staying in the nest-box. □�[V +�with ] They want the males to mate with wild females. □�[V ] It is easy to tell when a female is ready to mate. □�[V -ing] �the mating season.

6 N‑COUNT On a commercial ship, the mate or the first mate is the most important officer except for the captain. Officers of lower rank are also called mates . □� �the mate of a fishing trawler.

7 N‑UNCOUNT In chess, mate is the same as checkmate .

8 →�see also cellmate , classmate , flatmate , playmate , roommate , running mate , schoolmate , shipmate , soul mate

ma|terial ◆◆◇ /mət I ə riəl/ (materials )

1 N‑VAR A material is a solid substance. □� �electrons in a conducting material such as a metal. □� �the design of new absorbent materials.

2 N‑VAR Material is cloth. □�[+�of ] �the thick material of her skirt. □� The materials are soft and comfortable to wear.

3 N‑PLURAL Materials are the things that you need for a particular activity. □� The builders ran out of materials. □� �sewing materials.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Ideas or information that are used as a basis for a book, play, or film can be referred to as material . □� In my version of the story, I added some new material.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Material things are related to possessions or money, rather than to more abstract things such as ideas or values. □� Every room must have been stuffed with material things. □� �the material world. ●� ma|teri|al|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/-ed] □� He has tried to help this child materially and spiritually.

6 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone is a particular kind of material , you mean that they have the qualities or abilities to do a particular job or task. □� She was not university material. □� His message has changed little since he became presidential material.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Material evidence or information is directly relevant and important in a legal or academic argument. [FORMAL ] □� The nature and availability of material evidence was not to be discussed. SYNONYMS material NOUN

1

substance:The substance that's causing the problem comes from the barley.

matter:They feed mostly on decaying vegetable matter.

stuff:I don't object to the powdered stuff if it's all you've got.

2

cloth:She began cleaning the wound with a piece of cloth.

fabric:�small squares of red cotton fabric.

textile:�decorative textiles for the home.

ma|teri|al|ise /mət I ə riəla I z/ →�see materialize

ma|teri|al|ism /mət I ə riəl I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Materialism is the attitude of someone who attaches a lot of importance to money and wants to possess a lot of material things. □� �the rising consumer materialism in society at large. ●� ma|teri|al|ist (materialists ) N‑COUNT □� Leo is a materialist, living for life's little luxuries.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Materialism is the belief that only physical matter exists, and that there is no spiritual world.

ma|teri|al|ist /mət I ə riəl I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Materialist is used to describe things relating to the philosophy of materialism. □� �the materialist view of nature and society.

ma|teri|al|is|tic /mət I ə riəl I st I k/ ADJ If you describe a person or society as materialistic , you are critical of them because they attach too much importance to money and material possessions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� During the 1980s, Britain became a very materialistic society.

ma|teri|al|ize /mət I ə riəla I z/ (materializes , materializing , materialized ) in BRIT, also use materialise1 VERB If a possible or expected event does not materialize , it does not happen. □�[V ] A rebellion by radicals failed to materialize.

2 VERB If a person or thing materializes , they suddenly appear, after they have been invisible or in another place. □�[V ] Tamsin materialized at her side, notebook at the ready.

ma|ter|nal /mətɜː r n ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Maternal is used to describe feelings or actions which are typical of those of a kind mother towards her child. □� She had little maternal instinct. □� Her feelings towards him were almost maternal.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Maternal is used to describe things that relate to the mother of a baby. □� Maternal smoking can damage the unborn child.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A maternal relative is one who is related through a person's mother rather than their father. □� Her maternal grandfather was Mayor of Karachi.

ma|ter|nity /mətɜː r n I ti/ ADJ [ADJ n] Maternity is used to describe things relating to the help and medical care given to a woman when she is pregnant and when she gives birth. □� Your job will be kept open for your return after maternity leave. □� �maternity clothes.

matey /me I ti/

1 ADJ If someone is matey , they behave in a very friendly way, usually without sincerity. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �her irritatingly matey tone.

2 N‑COUNT You can address someone as matey when you are being friendly towards them. People sometimes also use matey when they are annoyed with someone. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� No problem, matey.

math /m� θ/ N‑UNCOUNT Math is the same as mathematics . [AM ] □� He studied math in college. in BRIT, use maths

math|emati|cal /m� θəm� t I k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is mathematical involves numbers and calculations. □� �mathematical calculations. ●� math|emati|cal|ly /m� θəm� t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �a mathematically complicated formula. □� Mathematically, it made sense.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have mathematical abilities or a mathematical mind, you are clever at doing calculations or understanding problems that involve numbers. □� �a mathematical genius. ●� math|emati|cal|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □� Anyone can be an astrologer as long as they are mathematically minded.

math|ema|ti|cian /m� θəmət I ʃ ə n/ (mathematicians )

1 N‑COUNT A mathematician is a person who is trained in the study of numbers and calculations. □� The risks can be so complex that banks hire mathematicians to puzzle them out.

2 N‑COUNT A mathematician is a person who is good at doing calculations and using numbers. □� I'm not a very good mathematician.

math|emat|ics /m� θəm� t I ks/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mathematics is the study of numbers, quantities, or shapes. □� �a professor of mathematics at Boston College.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Themathematicsof a problem is the calculations that are involved in it. □�[+�of ] Once you understand the mathematics of debt you can work your way out of it.

maths /m� θs/ N‑UNCOUNT Maths is the same as mathematics . [BRIT ] □� He taught science and maths. in AM, use math

mati|nee /m� t I ne I , [AM ] -ne I / (matinees ) N‑COUNT A matinee is a performance of a play or a showing of a film which takes place in the afternoon.

ma|tri|arch /me I triɑː r k/ (matriarchs )

1 N‑COUNT A matriarch is a woman who rules in a society in which power passes from mother to daughter.

2 N‑COUNT A matriarch is an old and powerful female member of a family, for example a grandmother.

ma|tri|ar|chal /me I triɑː r k ə l/

1 ADJ A matriarchal society, family, or system is one in which the rulers are female and power or property is passed from mother to daughter. □� �the 3,000 years of the matriarchal Sumerian society.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a woman as matriarchal , you mean that she has authority and power within her family or group. □� �the matriarchal figure of his grandmother.

ma|tri|ar|chy /me I triɑː r ki/ (matriarchies ) N‑VAR A matriarchy is a system in which power or property is passed from mother to daughter.

ma|tri|ces /me I tr I siːz/ Matrices is the plural of matrix .

ma|tricu|late /mətr I kjʊle I t/ (matriculates , matriculating , matriculated ) VERB In some countries, if you matriculate , you register formally as a student at a university, or you satisfy the academic requirements necessary for registration for a course. □�[V ] I had to matriculate if I wanted to do a degree. ●� ma|tricu|la|tion /mətri kjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The head decided I should have another go at matriculation.

mat|ri|mo|nial /m� tr I moʊ niəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Matrimonial means concerning marriage or married people. [FORMAL ] □� �the matrimonial home.

mat|ri|mo|ny /m� tr I məni, [AM ] -moʊni/ N‑UNCOUNT Matrimony is marriage. [FORMAL ] □� �the bonds of matrimony.

ma|trix /me I tr I ks/ (matrices )

1 N‑COUNT A matrix is the environment or context in which something such as a society develops and grows. [FORMAL ] □� �the matrix of their culture.

2 N‑COUNT In mathematics, a matrix is an arrangement of numbers, symbols, or letters in rows and columns which is used in solving mathematical problems.

ma|tron /me I trən/ (matrons ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE The matron in a nursing home is the woman who is in charge of all the nurses. In the past, the woman in charge of the nurses in a hospital was also called a matron . [BRIT ] □� The Matron at the nursing home expressed a wish to attend.

ma|tron|ly /me I trənli/ ADJ You can use matronly to describe a woman who is fairly fat and looks middle-aged, especially if you think the clothes she is wearing are not fashionable or attractive. □� �a matronly woman with an air of authority.

matt /m� t/ The spellings matte in British English, and matte or mat in American English are also used. ADJ A matt colour, paint, or surface is dull rather than shiny. □� �a creamy white matt emulsion. □� �matt black.

mat|ted /m� t I d/ ADJ If you describe someone's hair as matted , you mean that it has become a thick untidy mass, often because it is wet or dirty. □� She had matted hair and torn dusty clothes.

mat|ter ◆◆◆ /m� tə r / (matters , mattering , mattered )

1 N‑COUNT A matter is a task, situation, or event which you have to deal with or think about, especially one that involves problems. □� It was clear that she wanted to discuss some private matter. □� Until the matter is resolved, the athletes will be ineligible to compete. □�[+�for ] Don't you think this is now a matter for the police? □� Business matters drew him to Paris.

2 N‑PLURAL [no det] You use matters to refer to the situation you are talking about, especially when something is affecting the situation in some way. □� The new system should improve matters. □� If it would facilitate matters, I would be happy to come to New York. □� Matters took an unexpected turn.

3 N‑SING If you say that a situation is amatterof a particular thing, you mean that that is the most important thing to be done or considered when you are involved in the situation or explaining it. □�[+�of ] History is always a matter of interpretation. □�[+�of ] Jack had attended these meetings as a matter of routine for years.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Printed matter consists of books, newspapers, and other texts that are printed. Reading matter consists of things that are suitable for reading, such as books and newspapers. □� Better education created an ever-larger demand for printed matter. □� �a rich variety of reading matter.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Matter is the physical part of the universe consisting of solids, liquids, and gases. □� A proton is an elementary particle of matter.

6 N‑UNCOUNT You use matter to refer to a particular type of substance. □� �waste matter from industries.

7 N‑SING You use matter in expressions such as ' What's the matter? ' or ' Is anything the matter? ' when you think that someone has a problem and you want to know what it is. □� Carole, what's the matter? You don't seem happy. □� She told him there was nothing the matter. [Also +�with ]

8 N‑SING You use matter in expressions such as ' a matter of weeks ' when you are emphasizing how small an amount is or how short a period of time is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Within a matter of days she was back at work.

9 VERB [no cont] If you say that something does not matter , you mean that it is not important to you because it does not have an effect on you or on a particular situation. □�[V ] A lot of the food goes on the floor but that doesn't matter. □�[V wh] As long as staff are smart, it does not matter how long their hair is. □�[V that] Does it matter that people don't know this? □�[V +�to ] Money is the only thing that matters to them.

10 →�see also grey matter , subject matter

11 PHRASE If you say that something is another matter or a different matter , you mean that it is very different from the situation that you have just discussed. □� You have to take control of your career. But relationships are a different matter.

12 PHRASE If you are going to do something as a matter of urgency or priority, you are going to do it as soon as possible, because it is important. □� You need to talk about it with your doctor as a matter of urgency.

13 PHRASE If something is no easy matter , it is difficult to do it. □� Choosing the colour for the drawing-room walls was no easy matter.

14 PHRASE If someone says that's the end of the matter or that's an end to the matter , they mean that a decision that has been taken must not be changed or discussed any more. □� 'He's moving in here,' Maria said. 'So that's the end of the matter.'

15 PHRASE You use the fact of the matter is or the truth of the matter is to introduce a fact which supports what you are saying or which is not widely known, for example because it is a secret. □� The fact of the matter is that most people consume far more protein than they actually need.

16 PHRASE You can use for that matter to emphasize that the remark you are making is true in the same way as your previous, similar remark. [EMPHASIS ] □� The irony was that Shawn had not seen her. Nor for that matter had anyone else.

17 CONVENTION You say ' it doesn't matter ' to tell someone who is apologizing to you that you are not angry or upset, and that they should not worry. □� 'Did I wake you?'�'Yes, but it doesn't matter.'

18 PHRASE If you say that something is no laughing matter , you mean that it is very serious and not something that you should laugh or joke about. □� Their behaviour is an offence. It's no laughing matter.

19 PHRASE If you say that something makes matters worse , you mean that it makes a difficult situation even more difficult. □� Don't let yourself despair; this will only make matters worse.

20 PHRASE You use no matter in expressions such as ' no matter how ' and ' no matter what ' to say that something is true or happens in all circumstances. □� No matter what your age, you can lose weight by following this program.

21 PHRASE If you say that you are going to do something no matter what , you are emphasizing that you are definitely going to do it, even if there are obstacles or difficulties. [EMPHASIS ] □� He had decided to publish the manuscript no matter what.

22 PHRASE If you say that a statement is a matter of opinion , you mean that it is not a fact, and that other people, including yourself, do not agree with it. □� 'We're not that contrived. We're not that theatrical.'�'That's a matter of opinion.'

23 PHRASE If you say that something is just a matter of time , you mean that it is certain to happen at some time in the future. □� It would be only a matter of time before he went through with it.

24a matter of life and death →�see death

25as a matter of course →�see course

26as a matter of fact →�see fact

27mind over matter →�see mind ➊ USAGE matter

You can say What�s the matter ? to ask about a problem or difficulty. Don�t use �the matter� with this meaning in other types of sentence. Don�t say, for example, � The matter is that we don�t know where she is �. Say the problem or the trouble . □� What�s the matter ? You seem unhappy. □� The problem is that she can�t cook.

ma tter-of-fa ct ADJ If you describe a person as matter-of-fact , you mean that they show no emotions such as enthusiasm, anger, or surprise, especially in a situation where you would expect them to be emotional. □� John was doing his best to give Francis the news in a matter-of-fact way. ●� matter-of-factly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'She thinks you're a spy,' Scott said matter-of-factly.

mat|ting /m� t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Matting is strong thick material, usually made from a material like rope, straw, or rushes, which is used as a floor covering.

mat|tress /m� trəs/ (mattresses ) N‑COUNT A mattress is the large, flat object which is put on a bed to make it comfortable to sleep on.

matu|ra|tion /m� tjʊre I ʃən/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The maturation of something such as wine or cheese is the process of leaving it for a time to become mature. [FORMAL ] □� The period of maturation is determined by the cellar master.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The maturation of a young person's body is the process of it becoming like an adult's. [FORMAL ]

ma|ture /mətjʊə r / (matures , maturing , matured , maturer , maturest )

1 VERB When a child or young animal matures , it becomes an adult. □�[V ] You will learn what to expect as your child matures physically.

2 VERB When something matures , it reaches a state of complete development. □�[V ] When the trees matured they were cut in certain areas.

3 VERB If someone matures , they become more fully developed in their personality and emotional behaviour. □�[V ] Hopefully after three years at university I will have matured.

4 ADJ If you describe someone as mature , you think that they are fully developed and balanced in their personality and emotional behaviour. [APPROVAL ] □� They are emotionally mature and should behave responsibly.

5 VERB If something such as wine or cheese matures or is matured , it is left for a time to allow its full flavour or strength to develop. □�[V ] Unlike wine, brandy matures only in wood, not glass. □�[be V -ed] �the cellars where the cheeses are matured.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mature cheese or wine has been left for a time to allow its full flavour or strength to develop. □� Grate some mature cheddar cheese.

7 VERB When an investment such as a savings policy or pension plan matures , it reaches the stage when you stop paying money and the company pays you back the money you have saved, and the interest your money has earned. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] These bonuses will be paid when your savings plan matures in ten years' time.

8 ADJ If you say that someone is mature or of mature years, you are saying politely that they are middle-aged or old. [POLITENESS ] □� �a man of mature years.

ma|tu re stu |dent (mature students ) N‑COUNT A mature student is a person who begins their studies at university or college a number of years after leaving school, so that they are older than most of the people they are studying with. [BRIT ] in AM, use adult student

ma|tur|ity /mətjʊə r I ti/ (maturities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Maturity is the state of being fully developed or adult. □� Humans experience a delayed maturity; we arrive at all stages of life later than other mammals.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's maturity is their quality of being fully developed in their personality and emotional behaviour. □� Her speech showed great maturity and humanity.

3 N‑VAR When an investment such as a savings policy or pension plan reaches maturity , it reaches the stage when you stop paying money and the company pays you back the money you have saved, and the interest your money has earned. [BUSINESS ] □� Customers are told what their policies will be worth on maturity.

maud|lin /mɔː dl I n/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as maudlin , you mean that they are being sad and sentimental in a foolish way, perhaps because of drinking alcohol. □� Jimmy turned maudlin after three drinks. □� �maudlin self-pity.

2 ADJ If you describe a song, book, or film as maudlin , you are criticizing it for being very sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the most maudlin song of all time. □� �a hugely entertaining (if over-long and maudlin) movie.

maul /mɔː l/ (mauls , mauling , mauled ) VERB If you are mauled by an animal, you are violently attacked by it and badly injured. □�[be V -ed +�by ] He had been mauled by a bear. □�[V n] The dog went berserk and mauled one of the girls.

Maun|dy Thurs|day /mɔː ndi θɜː r zde I / N‑UNCOUNT Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter Sunday.

Mau|ri|tian /mər I ʃ ə n, [AM ] mɔːr-/ (Mauritians )

1 ADJ Mauritian means belonging or relating to Mauritius, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Mauritian is a Mauritian citizen, or a person of Mauritian origin.

mau|so|leum /mɔː zəliː əm/ (mausoleums ) N‑COUNT A mausoleum is a building which contains the grave of a famous person or the graves of a rich family.

mauve /moʊ v/ (mauves ) COLOUR Something that is mauve is of a pale purple colour. □� It bears clusters of mauve flowers in early summer.

mav|er|ick /m� vər I k/ (mavericks ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a maverick , you mean that they are unconventional and independent, and do not think or behave in the same way as other people. □� He was too much of a maverick ever to hold high office. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Maverick is also an adjective. □� �a maverick group of scientists, who oppose the prevailing medical opinion on the disease.

maw /mɔː / (maws ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe something as a maw , you mean that it is like a big open mouth which swallows everything near it. [LITERARY ] □� �helping to chop wood to feed the red maw of the stove.

mawk|ish /mɔː k I ʃ/ ADJ You can describe something as mawkish when you think it is sentimental and silly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� A sordid, sentimental plot unwinds, with an inevitable mawkish ending.

max. /m� ks/ ADJ [ADJ n] Max. is an abbreviation for maximum , and is often used after numbers or amounts. □� I'll give him eight out of 10, max.

max|im /m� ks I m/ (maxims ) N‑COUNT A maxim is a rule for good or sensible behaviour, especially one in the form of a saying. □� I believe in the maxim 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

max|im|ize /m� ks I ma I z/ (maximizes , maximizing , maximized ) in BRIT, also use maximise1 VERB If you maximize something, you make it as great in amount or importance as you can. □�[V n] In order to maximize profit, the firm would seek to maximize output. ●� maxi|mi|za|tion /m� ks I ma I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a pricing policy that was aimed at profit maximisation. [Also +�of ]

2 VERB If you maximize a window on a computer screen, you make it as large as possible. □�[V n] Click on the square icon to maximize the window.

maxi|mum ◆◇◇ /m� ks I məm/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use maximum to describe an amount which is the largest that is possible, allowed, or required. □� Under planning law the maximum height for a fence or hedge is 2 metres. □� China headed the table with maximum points. ●�N‑SING Maximum is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The law provides for a maximum of two years in prison.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use maximum to indicate how great an amount is. □� �the maximum amount of information. □� It was achieved with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency. □� �a maximum security prison.

3 ADV If you say that something is a particular amount maximum , you mean that this is the greatest amount it should be or could possibly be, although a smaller amount is acceptable or very possible. □� We need an extra 6g a day maximum.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone does something to the maximum , you are emphasizing that they do it to the greatest degree possible. [EMPHASIS ] □� You have to develop your capabilities to the maximum.

may ◆◆◆ /me I / May is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. 1 MODAL You use may to indicate that something will possibly happen or be true in the future, but you cannot be certain. [VAGUENESS ] □� We may have some rain today. □� I may be back next year. □� I don't know if they'll publish it or not. They may. □� Scientists know that cancer may not show up for many years.

2 MODAL You use may to indicate that there is a possibility that something is true, but you cannot be certain. [VAGUENESS ] □� Civil rights officials say there may be hundreds of other cases of racial violence.

3 MODAL You use may to indicate that something is sometimes true or is true in some circumstances. □� A vegetarian diet may not provide enough calories for a child's normal growth. □� Up to five inches of snow may cover the mountains.

4 MODAL You use may have with a past participle when suggesting that it is possible that something happened or was true, or when giving a possible explanation for something. [VAGUENESS ] □� He may have been to some of those places. □� The chaos may have contributed to the deaths of up to 20 people.

5 MODAL You use may in statements where you are accepting the truth of a situation, but contrasting it with something that is more important. □� I may be almost 50, but there aren't a lot of things I've forgotten.

6 MODAL You use may when you are mentioning a quality or fact about something that people can make use of if they want to. □� The bag has narrow straps, so it may be worn over the shoulder or carried in the hand.

7 MODAL You use may to indicate that someone is allowed to do something, usually because of a rule or law. You use may not to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something. □� What is the nearest you may park to a junction? □� Adolescents under the age of 18 may not work in jobs that require them to drive.

8 MODAL You use may when you are giving permission to someone to do something, or when asking for permission. [FORMAL ] □� Mr Hobbs? May we come in? □� If you wish, you may now have a glass of milk.

9 MODAL You use may when you are making polite requests. [FORMAL , POLITENESS ] □� I'd like the use of your living room, if I may. □� May I come with you to Southampton?

10 MODAL You use may when you are mentioning the reaction or attitude that you think someone is likely to have to something you are about to say. □� You know, Brian, whatever you may think, I work hard for a living.

11 MODAL You use may in expressions such as I may add and I may say in order to emphasize a statement that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □� They spent their afternoons playing golf�extremely badly, I may add�around Loch Lomond. □� Both of them, I may say, are thoroughly reliable men.

12 MODAL If you do something so that a particular thing may happen, you do it so that there is an opportunity for that thing to happen. □� �the need for more surgeons so that patients may be treated more quickly.

13 MODAL People sometimes use may to express hopes and wishes. [FORMAL ] □� Courage seems now to have deserted him. May it quickly reappear.

14be that as it may →�see be ➋

15may as well →�see well ➌

May /me I / (Mays ) N‑VAR May is the fifth month of the year in the Western calendar. □� University examinations are held in May. □� They got married on 18 May. □� The report was published last May.

may|be ◆◆◇ /me I bi/

1 ADV You use maybe to express uncertainty, for example when you do not know that something is definitely true, or when you are mentioning something that may possibly happen in the future in the way you describe. [VAGUENESS ] □� Maybe she is in love. □� I do think about having children, maybe when I'm 40.

2 ADV You use maybe when you are making suggestions or giving advice. Maybe is also used to introduce polite requests. [POLITENESS ] □� Maybe we can go to the movies or something. □� Wait a while, maybe a few days.

3 ADV You use maybe to indicate that, although a comment is partly true, there is also another point of view that should be considered. □� Maybe there is jealousy, but I think the envy is more powerful.

4 ADV You can say maybe as a response to a question or remark, when you do not want to agree or disagree. □� 'Is she coming back?'�'Maybe. No one hears from her.'

5 ADV You use maybe when you are making a rough guess at a number, quantity, or value, rather than stating it exactly. [VAGUENESS ] □� The men were maybe a hundred feet away and coming closer.

6 ADV People use maybe to mean 'sometimes', particularly in a series of general statements about what someone does, or about something that regularly happens. □� They'll come to the bar for a year, or maybe even two.

May|day /me I de I / (Maydays ) N‑COUNT If someone in a plane or ship sends out a Mayday or a Mayday message, they send out a radio message calling for help because they are in serious difficulty. □� He raced to pick up the lifejackets while his stepmother sent out a Mayday call.

Ma y Day N‑UNCOUNT May Day is the 1st of May, which in many countries is celebrated as a public holiday, especially as one in honour of working people.

may|fly /me I fla I / (mayflies ) N‑COUNT A mayfly is an insect which lives near water and only lives for a very short time as an adult.

may|hem /me I hem/ N‑UNCOUNT You use mayhem to refer to a situation that is not controlled or ordered, when people are behaving in a disorganized, confused, and often violent way. □� Their arrival caused mayhem as crowds of refugees rushed towards them.

mayn't /me I ənt/ Mayn't is a spoken form of 'may not'.

mayo /me I oʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Mayo is the same as mayonnaise . [INFORMAL ]

may|on|naise /me I əne I z/ N‑UNCOUNT Mayonnaise is a thick pale sauce made from egg yolks and oil. It is put on salad.

mayor ◆◇◇ /meə r , me I ə r / (mayors ) N‑COUNT The mayor of a town or city is the person who has been elected to represent it for a fixed period of time or, in some places, to run its government.

mayor|ess /meə res, me I əres/ (mayoresses )

1 N‑COUNT A woman who holds the office of mayor is sometimes referred to as a mayoress . [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A mayoress is the wife of a mayor. [BRIT ]

may've /me I əv/ May've is a spoken form of 'may have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb.

maze /me I z/ (mazes )

1 N‑COUNT A maze is a complex system of passages or paths between walls or hedges and is designed to confuse people who try to find their way through it, often as a form of amusement. □� The palace has extensive gardens, a maze, and tennis courts.

2 N‑COUNT A mazeof streets, rooms, or tunnels is a large number of them that are connected in a complicated way, so that it is difficult to find your way through them. □�[+�of ] The children lead me through the maze of alleys to the edge of the city.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a set of ideas, topics, or rules as a maze when a large number of them are related to each other in a complicated way that makes them difficult to understand. □�[+�of ] The book tries to steer you through the maze of alternative therapies.

MBA /e m biː e I / (MBAs ) in AM, also use M.B.A. N‑COUNT An MBA is a master's degree in business administration. You can also refer to a person who has this degree as an MBA . MBA is an abbreviation for 'Master of Business Administration'.

MBE /e m biː iː / (MBEs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An MBE is a British honour that is awarded to a person by the King or Queen for a particular achievement. MBE is an abbreviation for 'Member of the Order of the British Empire'. □� He had to go to Buckingham Palace to accept an MBE from the Queen.

MBO /e m biː oʊ / N‑COUNT An MBO is the buying of a company by its managers. MBO is an abbreviation for 'management buyout'. [BUSINESS ]

MC /e m siː / (MCs ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An MC is the same as a master of ceremonies .

MD /e m diː / (MDs ) in AM, also use M.D.1MD is written after someone's name to indicate that they have been awarded a degree in medicine and are qualified to practise as a doctor.

2 N‑COUNT MD is an abbreviation for managing director . [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� He's going to be the MD of the Park Lane company.

me ◆◆◆ /mi, STRONG miː/ PRON A speaker or writer uses me to refer to himself or herself. Me is a first person singular pronoun. Me is used as the object of a verb or a preposition. □� He asked me to go to Cambridge with him. □� She looked up at me, smiling. USAGE me or myself?

Don�t use �me� when the person who is speaking is both the subject and the object of the verb. Don�t say, for example, � I got me a drink �. Say �I got myself a drink�. □� I made myself some breakfast.

ME /e m iː / N‑UNCOUNT ME is a long-lasting illness that is thought to be caused by a virus. Its symptoms include feeling tired all the time and muscle pain. ME is an abbreviation for 'myalgic encephalomyelitis'.

mead /miː d/ N‑UNCOUNT In former times, mead was an alcoholic drink made of honey, spices, and water.

mead|ow /me doʊ/ (meadows ) N‑COUNT A meadow is a field which has grass and flowers growing in it.

mea|gre /miː gə r / in AM, use meager ADJ If you describe an amount or quantity of something as meagre , you are critical of it because it is very small or not enough. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The bank's staff were already angered by a meagre 3.1% pay rise.

meal ◆◇◇ /miː l/ (meals )

1 N‑COUNT A meal is an occasion when people sit down and eat, usually at a regular time. □� She sat next to him throughout the meal. □� It's rare that I have an evening meal with my children.

2 N‑COUNT A meal is the food you eat during a meal. □� The waiter offered him red wine or white wine with his meal.

3 →�see also bone meal

4 PHRASE If you think someone is taking more time and energy to do something than is necessary, you can say that they are making a meal of it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Lawyers always make such a meal of the simplest little thing.

5 PHRASE If you have a square meal , you have a large healthy meal.

mea ls on whee ls also Meals on Wheels N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, meals on wheels is a service provided by the local authority that delivers hot meals to people who are too old or too sick to cook for themselves.

mea l tick|et also meal-ticket N‑SING If you say that something or someone is ameal ticket , you mean that they provide a person with money or a lifestyle which they would not otherwise have. □� His chosen field was unlikely to be a meal ticket for life. □� I don't intend to be a meal-ticket for anyone.

meal|time /miː lta I m/ (mealtimes ) also meal time N‑VAR [usu pl] Mealtimes are occasions when you eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. □� At mealtimes he would watch her eat.

mealy /miː li/ ADJ Food that is dry and powdery can be described as mealy . □� �the mealy stodge of pulse, grain and potato dishes.

mealy-mouthed /miː limaʊ �d/ ADJ If you say that someone is being mealy-mouthed , you are critical of them for being unwilling to speak in a simple or open way because they want to avoid talking directly about something unpleasant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He repeated that he did not intend to be mealy-mouthed with the country's leaders.

mean

➊�VERB USES

➋�ADJECTIVE USES

➌�NOUN USE

➊ mean ◆◆◆ /miː n/ (means , meaning , meant )

→�Please look at categories 20 and 21 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB [no cont] If you want to know what a word, code, signal, or gesture means , you want to know what it refers to or what its message is. □�[V n] In modern Welsh, 'glas' means 'blue'. □�[V that] The red signal means you can shoot.

2 VERB [no cont] If you ask someone what they mean , you are asking them to explain exactly what or who they are referring to or what they are intending to say. □�[V n] Do you mean me? □�[V that] I think he means that he does not want this marriage to turn out like his friend's.

3 VERB [no cont] If something means something to you, it is important to you in some way. □� The idea that she witnessed this shameful incident meant nothing to him. □�[V n to-inf] It would mean a lot to them to win. [Also V amount]

4 VERB [no cont] If one thing means another, it shows that the second thing exists or is true. □�[V n] An enlarged prostate does not necessarily mean cancer. □�[V that] Just because he has a beard doesn't necessarily mean he's a hippy.

5 VERB [no cont] If one thing means another, the first thing leads to the second thing happening. □�[V n] It would almost certainly mean the end of NATO. □�[V that] Failure to act now will mean that our society will change beyond recognition.

6 VERB If doing one thing means doing another, it involves doing the second thing. □�[V v-ing] Managing well means communicating well.

7 VERB [no cont] If you say that you mean what you are saying, you are telling someone that you are serious about it and are not joking, exaggerating, or just being polite. □�[V n] He says you're fired if you're not back at work on Friday. And I think he meant it.

8 VERB [no cont] If you say that someone meantto do something, you are saying that they did it deliberately. □�[V to-inf] I didn't mean to hurt you. □�[V n to-inf] I can see why you believed my letters were threatening but I never meant them to be.

9 VERB [no cont] If you say that someone did notmeanany harm, offence, or disrespect, you are saying that they did not intend to upset or offend people or to cause problems, even though they may in fact have done so. □�[V n] I'm sure he didn't mean any harm.

10 VERB [no cont] If you meanto do something, you intend or plan to do it. □�[V to-inf] Summer is the perfect time to catch up on the new books you meant to read.

11 VERB [usu passive, no cont] If you say that something was meantto happen, you believe that it was made to happen by God or fate, and did not just happen by chance. □�[be V -ed to-inf] John was constantly reassuring me that we were meant to be together.

12 PHRASE You say ' I mean ' when making clearer something that you have just said. [SPOKEN ] □� It was his idea. Gordon's, I mean.

13 PHRASE You can use ' I mean ' to introduce a statement, especially one that justifies something that you have just said. [SPOKEN ] □� I'm sure he wouldn't mind. I mean, I was the one who asked him.

14 PHRASE You say I mean when correcting something that you have just said. [SPOKEN ] □� It was law or classics�I mean English or classics.

15 PHRASE If you know what it means to do something, you know everything that is involved in a particular activity or experience, especially the effect that it has on you. □� I know what it means to lose a child under such tragic circumstances.

16 PHRASE If a name, word, or phrase means something to you, you have heard it before and you know what it refers to. □� 'Oh, Gairdner,' he said, as if that meant something to him.

17 PHRASE If you say that someone means well , you mean they are trying to be kind and helpful, even though they might be causing someone problems or upsetting them. □� I know you mean well, but I can manage by myself.

18 PHRASE You use ' you mean ' in a question to check that you have understood what someone has said. □� What accident? You mean Christina's? □� 'What if I had said no?' 'About the apartment, you mean?'

19 →�see also meaning , means , meant

20to mean business →�see business

21if you know what I mean →�see know

➋ mean /miː n/ (meaner , meanest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone as mean , you are being critical of them because they are unwilling to spend much money or to use very much of a particular thing. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Don't be mean with fabric, otherwise curtains will end up looking skimpy. in AM, use cheap , stingy ●� mean|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� This very careful attitude to money can sometimes border on meanness.

2 ADJ If you describe an amount as mean , you are saying that it is very small. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the meanest grant possible from the local council.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is being mean , they are being unkind to another person, for example by not allowing them to do something. □�[+�to ] The little girls had locked themselves in upstairs because Mack had been mean to them. □� I'd feel mean saying no. ●� mean|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He had been behaving very meanly to his girlfriend.

4 ADJ If you describe a person or animal as mean , you are saying that they are very bad-tempered and cruel. [mainly AM ] □� �the meanest fighter in the world.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a place as mean , you think that it looks poor and dirty. □� He was raised on the mean streets of the central market district of Panama City.

6 PHRASE You can use no mean in expressions such as ' no mean writer ' and ' no mean golfer ' to indicate that someone does something well. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� She was no mean performer on a variety of other instruments.

7 PHRASE You can use no mean in expressions such as ' no mean achievement ' and ' no mean task ' to indicate that someone has done something they deserve to be proud of. □� To destroy 121 enemy aircraft is no mean record.

➌ mean /miː n/

1 N‑SING [oft N n] The mean is a number that is the average of a set of numbers. □� Take a hundred and twenty values and calculate the mean. □� �the mean score for 26-year-olds.

2 →�see also means USAGE mean

Don�t use �mean� when you are talking about people�s opinions or beliefs. Use think or believe . Don�t say, for example, � Most of the directors mean he should resign �. Say �Most of the directors think he should resign�. □� Scientists believe that life began four billion years ago.

me|ander /mi� ndə r / (meanders , meandering , meandered )

1 VERB If a river or road meanders , it has a lot of bends, rather than going in a straight line from one place to another. □�[V prep/adv] �roads that meandered round the edges of the fields. □�[V -ing] We crossed a small iron bridge over a meandering stream. [Also V ]

2 N‑COUNT A meander is a large bend in a river.

3 VERB If you meander somewhere, you move slowly and not in a straight line. □�[V prep/adv] We meandered through a landscape of mountains, rivers, and vineyards. [Also V ]

4 VERB If a speech, account, or piece of writing meanders , it seems to move from one topic to another without any order or purpose. □�[V ] His talk appears to meander but by the end focuses attention on the true state of affairs. □�[V -ing] �a rich and meandering novel.

mean|ing ◆◇◇ /miː n I ŋ/ (meanings )

1 N‑VAR The meaning of a word, expression, or gesture is the thing or idea that it refers to or represents and which can be explained using other words. □�[+�of ] I hadn't a clue to the meaning of 'activism'. □� I became more aware of the symbols and their meanings.

2 N‑VAR The meaning of what someone says or of something such as a book or film is the thoughts or ideas that are intended to be expressed by it. □�[+�of ] Unsure of the meaning of this remark, Ryle chose to remain silent.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If an activity or action has meaning , it has a purpose and is worthwhile. □� Art has real meaning when it helps people to understand themselves. □� �a challenge that gives meaning to life.

4 PHRASE If you mention something and say that someone doesn't know the meaning of the word , you are emphasizing that they have never experienced the thing mentioned or do not have the quality mentioned. [EMPHASIS ] □� Don't mention failure when Kevin is around. He doesn't know the meaning of the word.

mean|ing|ful /miː n I ŋfʊl/

1 ADJ If you describe something as meaningful , you mean that it is serious, important, or useful in some way. □� She believes these talks will be the start of a constructive and meaningful dialogue. □� He asked people to tell him about a meaningful event or period in their lives.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A meaningful look or gesture is one that is intended to express something, usually to a particular person, without anything being said. □� Upon the utterance of this word, Dan and Harry exchanged a quick, meaningful look. ●� mean|ing|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV -ed] □� He glanced meaningfully at the other police officer, then he went up the stairs.

3 →�see also meaningfully

mean|ing|ful|ly /miː n I ŋfʊli/

1 ADV [ADV after v] You use meaningfully to indicate that someone has deliberately chosen their words in order to express something in a way which is not obvious but which is understood by the person they are talking to. □� 'I have a knack for making friends, you know,' she added meaningfully.

2 →�see also meaningful

mean|ing|less /miː n I ŋləs/

1 ADJ If something that someone says or writes is meaningless , it has no meaning, or appears to have no meaning. □� She is fascinated by algebra while he considers it meaningless nonsense.

2 ADJ Something that is meaningless in a particular situation is not important or relevant. □� Fines are meaningless to guys earning millions.

3 ADJ If something that you do is meaningless , it has no purpose and is not at all worthwhile. □� They seek strong sensations to dull their sense of a meaningless existence.

means ◆◆◇ /miː nz/

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A means of doing something is a method, instrument, or process which can be used to do it. Means is both the singular and the plural form for this use. □� The move is a means to fight crime. □�[+�of ] The army had perfected the use of terror as a means of controlling the population. □� Business managers are focused on increasing their personal wealth by any available means.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft N to-inf] You can refer to the money that someone has as their means . [FORMAL ] □� �a person of means. □� He did not have the means to compensate her.

3 PHRASE If someone is living beyond their means , they are spending more money than they can afford. If someone is living within their means , they are not spending more money than they can afford. □� The more gifts she received, the more she craved, until he was living beyond his means.

4 PHRASE If you do something by means of a particular method, instrument, or process, you do it using that method, instrument, or process. □� This is a two year course taught by means of lectures and seminars.

5 CONVENTION You can say ' by all means ' to tell someone that you are very willing to allow them to do something. [FORMULAE ] □� 'Can I come and have a look at your house?'�'Yes by all means'.

6 PHRASE You use expressions such as ' by no means ', ' not by any means ', and ' by no manner of means ' to emphasize that something is not true. [EMPHASIS ] □� This is by no means out of the ordinary. □� They were not finished, however, not by any means.

7 PHRASE If you say that something is a means to an end , you mean that it helps you to achieve what you want, although it may not be enjoyable or important itself. □� We seem to have lost sight of the fact that marketing is only a means to an end. SYNONYMS means NOUN 1

method:�new teaching methods.

mechanism:There's no mechanism for punishing arms exporters who break the rules.

way:Freezing isn't a bad way of preserving food.

process:The best way to proceed is by a process of elimination.

mea ns test (means tests ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A means test is a test in which your income is calculated in order to decide whether you qualify for a grant or benefit from the state.

mea ns-tested ADJ A grant or benefit that is means-tested varies in amount depending on a means test. □� �means-tested benefits.

meant /me nt/

1Meant is the past tense and past participle of mean .

2 ADJ You use meant to to say that something or someone was intended to be or do a particular thing, especially when they have failed to be or do it. □� I can't say any more, it's meant to be a big secret. □� I'm meant to be on holiday.

3 ADJ If something is meant for particular people or for a particular situation, it is intended for those people or for that situation. □�[+�for ] Fairy tales weren't just meant for children. □�[+�for ] The seeds were not meant for human consumption.

4 PHRASE If you say that something is meant to happen, you mean that it is expected to happen or that it ought to happen. □� Parties are meant to be fun.

5 PHRASE If you say that something is meant to have a particular quality or characteristic, you mean that it has a reputation for being like that. □� Beaujolais is meant to be a really good wine.

mean|time /miː nta I m/

1 PHRASE In the meantime or meantime means in the period of time between two events. □� Eventually your child will become an independent adult, but in the meantime she relies on your support. □� It now hopes to hold elections in February. Meantime, the state will continue to be run from Delhi.

2 PHRASE For the meantime means for a period of time from now until something else happens. □� The Prime Minister has, for the meantime, seen off the challenge of the opposition.

mean|while ◆◆◇ /miː n h wa I l/

1 ADV Meanwhile means while a particular thing is happening. □� Bake the aubergines till soft. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy pan. □� Kate turned to beckon Peter across from the car, but Bill waved him back, meanwhile pushing Kate inside.

2 ADV Meanwhile means in the period of time between two events. □� You needn't worry; I'll be ready to greet them. Meanwhile I'm off to discuss the Fowler's party with Felix.

3 ADV You use meanwhile to introduce a different aspect of a particular situation, especially one that is completely opposite to the one previously mentioned. □� Almost four million households are in debt to their energy company. Meanwhile, suppliers profits have doubled.

mea|sles /miː z ə lz/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Measles is an infectious illness that gives you a high temperature and red spots on your skin.

mea|sly /miː zli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an amount, quantity, or size as measly , you are critical of it because it is very small or inadequate. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� All they get by way of thanks is a measly bottle of wine. □� �a measly twelve-year-old like me.

meas|ur|able /me ʒərəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as measurable , you mean that it is large enough to be noticed or to be significant. [FORMAL ] □� Both leaders seemed to expect measurable progress. ●� meas|ur|ably ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV with v] □� The old man's voice was measurably weaker than the last time they'd talked.

2 ADJ Something that is measurable can be measured. □� Economists emphasize measurable quantities�the number of jobs, the per capita income.

meas|ure ◆◆◇ /me ʒə r / (measures , measuring , measured )

1 VERB If you measure the quality, value, or effect of something, you discover or judge how great it is. □�[V n prep] I continued to measure his progress against the charts in the doctor's office. □�[V n] It was difficult to measure the precise impact of the labor action.

2 VERB If you measure a quantity that can be expressed in numbers, such as the length of something, you discover it using a particular instrument or device, for example a ruler. □�[V n] Measure the length and width of the gap.

3 VERB [no cont] If something measures a particular length, width, or amount, that is its size or intensity, expressed in numbers. □�[V amount] The house is more than twenty metres long and measures six metres in width.

4 N‑SING A measure of a particular quality, feeling, or activity is a fairly large amount of it. [FORMAL ] □� The colonies were claiming a larger measure of self-government.

5 N‑SING If you say that one aspect of a situation is ameasure of that situation, you mean that it shows that the situation is very serious or has developed to a very great extent. □�[+�of ] That is a measure of how bad things have become at the bank.

6 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] When someone, usually a government or other authority, takes measures to do something, they carry out particular actions in order to achieve a particular result. [FORMAL ] □� The government warned that police would take tougher measures to contain the trouble. [Also +�against ]

7 N‑COUNT A measureof a strong alcoholic drink such as brandy or whisky is an amount of it in a glass. In pubs and bars, a measure is an official standard amount. □�[+�of ] He poured himself another generous measure of malt.

8 N‑COUNT In music, a measure is one of the several short parts of the same length into which a piece of music is divided. [AM ] in BRIT, use bar9 →�see also measured , measuring , counter-measure , half measure , tape measure

10 PHRASE If you say that something has changed or that it has affected you beyond measure , you are emphasizing that it has done this to a great extent. [EMPHASIS ] □� Mankind's knowledge of the universe has increased beyond measure.

11 PHRASE If you say that something is done for good measure , you mean that it is done in addition to a number of other things. □� I repeated my question for good measure.

12 PHRASE If you get or take the measure of someone or something, you discover what they are like, so that you are able to control them or deal with them. If you have the measure of someone or something, you have succeeded in doing this. □� The governments of the industrialized world had failed to get the measure of the crisis. □� Lili was the only person I knew who had the measure of her brother.

13 PHRASE If something is true in some measure or in large measure , it is partly or mostly true. [FORMAL ] □� Power is in some measure an act of will.

▸� measure out PHRASAL VERB If you measure out a certain amount of something, you measure that amount and take it or mark it because it is the amount that you want or need. □�[V P n] I'd already measured out the ingredients. [Also V n P ]

▸� measure up PHRASAL VERB If you do not measure upto a standard or to someone's expectations, you are not good enough to achieve the standard or fulfil the person's expectations. □�[V P +�to ] It was fatiguing sometimes to try to measure up to her standard of perfection. □�[V P ] She's always comparing me to other people, and somehow I never measure up. SYNONYMS measure VERB 1

monitor:You need feedback to monitor progress.

follow:She was following Laura's progress closely.

keep track of:They had become so numerous I hadn't been able to keep track of them.

meas|ured /me ʒə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use measured to describe something that is careful and deliberate. □� The men spoke in soft, measured tones. □� Her more measured response will appeal to voters.

meas|ure|ment /me ʒə r mənt/ (measurements )

1 N‑COUNT A measurement is a result, usually expressed in numbers, that you obtain by measuring something. □� We took lots of measurements.

2 N‑VAR Measurement of something is the process of measuring it in order to obtain a result expressed in numbers. □�[+�of ] Measurement of blood pressure can be undertaken by practice nurses.

3 N‑VAR The measurement of the quality, value, or effect of something is the activity of deciding how great it is. □�[+�of ] �the measurement of output in the non-market sector.

4 N‑PLURAL [with poss] Your measurements are the size of your waist, chest, hips, and other parts of your body, which you need to know when you are buying clothes.

meas|ur|ing /me ʒər I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A measuring jug, cup, or spoon is specially designed for measuring quantities, especially in cooking.

meat ◆◇◇ /miː t/ (meats )

1 N‑VAR Meat is flesh taken from a dead animal that people cook and eat. □� Meat and fish are relatively expensive. □� �imported meat products. □� �a buffet of cold meats and salads.

2 →�see also luncheon meat , red meat , white meat

meat|ball /miː tbɔːl/ (meatballs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Meatballs are small balls of chopped meat. They are usually eaten with a sauce.

mea t gri nd|er (meat grinders ) N‑COUNT A meat grinder is a machine which cuts meat into very small pieces by forcing it through very small holes. [AM ] in BRIT, use mincer

mea t loaf (meat loaves ) also meatloaf N‑VAR Meat loaf is chopped meat made into the shape of a loaf of bread.

meaty /miː ti/ (meatier , meatiest )

1 ADJ Food that is meaty contains a lot of meat. □� �a pleasant lasagne with a meaty sauce.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe something such as a piece of writing or a part in a film as meaty if it contains a lot of interesting or important material. □� The short, meaty reports are those he likes best.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe a part of someone's body as meaty if it is big and strong. □� He looked up and down the corridor, meaty hands resting on his thighs.

mec|ca /me kə/ (meccas )

1 N‑PROPER Mecca is a city in Saudi Arabia, which is the holiest city in Islam because the Prophet Mohammed was born there. All Muslims face towards Mecca when they pray.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a place as a mecca or Mecca for a particular thing or activity, you mean that many people who are interested in it go there. □� Thailand has become the tourist mecca of Asia.

me|chan|ic /m I k� n I k/ (mechanics )

1 N‑COUNT A mechanic is someone whose job is to repair and maintain machines and engines, especially car engines. □� If you smell gas fumes or burning, take the car to your mechanic.

2 N‑PLURAL Themechanicsof a process, system, or activity are the way in which it works or the way in which it is done. □�[+�of ] What are the mechanics of this new process?

3 N‑UNCOUNT Mechanics is the part of physics that deals with the natural forces that act on moving or stationary objects. □� He has not studied mechanics or engineering.

me|chani|cal /m I k� n I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A mechanical device has parts that move when it is working, often using power from an engine or from electricity. □� �a small mechanical device that taps out the numbers. □� �the oldest working mechanical clock in the world. ●� me|chani|cal|ly /m I k� n I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� The air was circulated mechanically.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Mechanical means relating to machines and engines and the way they work. □� �mechanical engineering. □� The train had stopped due to a mechanical problem. ●� me|chani|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� The car was mechanically sound, he decided.

3 ADJ If you describe a person as mechanical , you mean they are naturally good at understanding how machines work. □� He was a very mechanical person, who knew a lot about sound. ●� me|chani|cal|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� I'm not mechanically minded.

4 ADJ If you describe someone's action as mechanical , you mean that they do it automatically, without thinking about it. □� It is real prayer, and not mechanical repetition. ●� me|chani|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He nodded mechanically, his eyes fixed on the girl.

mecha|nise /me kəna I z/ →�see mechanize

mecha|nism ◆◇◇ /me kən I zəm/ (mechanisms )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In a machine or piece of equipment, a mechanism is a part, often consisting of a set of smaller parts, which performs a particular function. □� �the locking mechanism. □� A bomb has been detonated by a special mechanism.

2 N‑COUNT A mechanism is a special way of getting something done within a particular system. □�[+�for ] There's no mechanism for punishing arms exporters who break the rules.

3 N‑COUNT A mechanism is a part of your behaviour that is automatic and that helps you to survive or to cope with a difficult situation. □� �a survival mechanism, a means of coping with intolerable stress.

4 →�see also defence mechanism SYNONYMS mechanism NOUN 1

workings:These computer systems mimic the workings of the brain.

motor:She got in and started the motor.

machinery:Farmers import most of their machinery and materials.

mecha|nis|tic /me kən I st I k/ ADJ If you describe a view or explanation of something as mechanistic , you are criticizing it because it describes a natural or social process as if it were a machine. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a mechanistic view of things that ignores the emotional realities in people's lives. □� Most of my colleagues in biology are still very mechanistic in their thinking.

mecha|nize /me kəna I z/ (mechanizes , mechanizing , mechanized ) in BRIT, also use mechanise VERB If someone mechanizes a process, they cause it to be done by a machine or machines, when it was previously done by people. □�[V n] Only gradually are technologies being developed to mechanize the task. ●� mecha|nized ADJ □� �highly mechanised production methods. ●� mecha|ni|za|tion /me kəna I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Mechanization happened years ago on the farms of Islay.

med|al ◆◇◇ /me d ə l/ (medals ) N‑COUNT A medal is a small metal disc which is given as an award for bravery or as a prize in a sporting event.

me|dal|lion /m I d� liən/ (medallions ) N‑COUNT A medallion is a round metal disc which some people wear as an ornament, especially on a chain round their neck.

med|al|list /me dəl I st/ (medallists ) N‑COUNT A medallist is a person who has won a medal in sport. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the gold medallists.

med|dle /me d ə l/ (meddles , meddling , meddled ) VERB If you say that someone meddles in something, you are criticizing the fact that they try to influence or change it without being asked. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�in/with ] Already some people are asking whether scientists have any right to meddle in such matters. □�[V ] If only you hadn't felt compelled to meddle. □�[V -ing] �the inept and meddling bureaucrats. ●� med|dler (meddlers ) N‑COUNT □� They view activists as little more than meddlers.

med|dle|some /me d ə lsəm/ ADJ If you describe a person as meddlesome , you are criticizing them because they try to influence or change things that do not concern them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a meddlesome member of the public.

me|dia ◆◆◇ /miː diə/

1 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to television, radio, newspapers, and magazines as the media . □� It is hard work and not a glamorous job as portrayed by the media. □� �bias in the news media. □� Media coverage of cycling in July was pretty impressive.

2 →�see also mass media , multimedia

3Media is a plural of medium .

me |dia ci r|cus (media circuses ) N‑COUNT If an event is described as a media circus , a large group of people from the media is there to report on it and take photographs. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The couple married in the Caribbean to avoid a media circus.

me|di|aeval /me diiː v ə l, [AM ] miː d-/ →�see medieval

me|dian /miː diən/ (medians )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The median value of a set of values is the middle one when they are arranged in order. For example, if a group of five students take a test and their marks are 5, 7, 7, 8, and 10, the median mark is 7. [TECHNICAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A median is the same as a median strip . [AM ]

me |dian strip (median strips ) N‑COUNT The median strip is the strip of ground, often covered with grass, that separates the two sides of a major road. [AM ] in BRIT, use central reservation

me|di|ate /miː die I t/ (mediates , mediating , mediated )

1 VERB If someone mediatesbetween two groups of people, or mediates an agreement between them, they try to settle an argument between them by talking to both groups and trying to find things that they can both agree to. □�[V +�between ] My mom was the one who mediated between Zelda and her mom. □�[V n +�between ] United Nations officials have mediated a series of peace meetings between the two sides. □�[V ] The Vatican successfully mediated in a territorial dispute between Argentina and Chile in 1984. □�[V n] U.N. peacekeepers mediated a new cease-fire. ●� me|dia|tion /miː die I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�between ] The agreement provides for United Nations mediation between the two sides. ●� me|dia|tor (mediators ) N‑COUNT □�[+�between ] An archbishop has been acting as mediator between the rebels and the authorities.

2 VERB If something mediates a particular process or event, it allows that process or event to happen and influences the way in which it happens. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �the thymus, the organ which mediates the response of the white blood cells. ●� me|dia|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� This works through the mediation of the central nervous system.

med|ic /me d I k/ (medics )

1 N‑COUNT A medic is a doctor or medical student. [INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A medic is a doctor who works with the armed forces, as part of a medical corps. [AM ] □� A Navy medic was wounded by sniper fire.

medi|cal ◆◆◇ /me d I k ə l/ (medicals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Medical means relating to illness and injuries and to their treatment or prevention. □� Several police officers received medical treatment for cuts and bruises. □� �the medical profession. ●� medi|cal|ly /me d I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Therapists cannot prescribe drugs as they are not necessarily medically qualified.

2 N‑COUNT A medical is a thorough examination of your body by a doctor, for example before you start a new job.

me di|cal ex|a m|in|er (medical examiners )

1 N‑COUNT A medical examiner is a medical expert who is responsible for investigating the deaths of people who have died in a sudden, violent, or unusual way. [AM ]

2 N‑COUNT A medical examiner is a doctor whose job is to examine people, for example when they apply for a job or for health insurance. [AM ]

medi|cat|ed /me d I ke I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A medicated soap or shampoo contains substances which are intended to kill bacteria and therefore make your skin or hair healthier.

medi|ca|tion /me d I ke I ʃ ə n/ (medications ) N‑VAR Medication is medicine that is used to treat and cure illness. □� Are you on any medication?

me|dici|nal /med I sən ə l/ ADJ Medicinal substances or substances with medicinal effects can be used to treat and cure illnesses. □� �medicinal plants. ●� me|dici|nal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Root ginger has been used medicinally for centuries.

medi|cine ◆◇◇ /me ds ə n, [AM ] me d I s I n/ (medicines )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Medicine is the treatment of illness and injuries by doctors and nurses. □� He pursued a career in medicine. □� I was interested in alternative medicine and becoming an aromatherapist. □� Psychiatry is an accepted branch of medicine.

2 N‑VAR Medicine is a substance that you drink or swallow in order to cure an illness. □� People in hospitals are dying because of shortage of medicine. □� �herbal medicines. SYNONYMS medicine NOUN 2

remedy:�natural remedies to help overcome winter infections.

drug:The drug will be useful to hundreds of thousands of infected people.

medication:She stopped taking the prescribed medications.

me|di|eval /me diiː v ə l, [AM ] miː d-/ in BRIT, also use mediaeval ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is medieval relates to or was made in the period of European history between the end of the Roman Empire in 476 AD and about 1500 AD. □� �a medieval castle. □� �the medieval chroniclers.

me|dio|cre /miː dioʊ kə r / ADJ If you describe something as mediocre , you mean that it is of average quality but you think it should be better. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His school record was mediocre. □� �mediocre music.

me|di|oc|rity /miː diɒ kr I ti, me d-/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the mediocrity of something, you mean that it is of average quality but you think it should be better. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the mediocrity of most contemporary literature.

medi|tate /me d I te I t/ (meditates , meditating , meditated )

1 VERB If you meditate on something, you think about it very carefully and deeply for a long time. □�[V +�on ] On the day her son began school, she meditated on the uncertainties of his future.

2 VERB If you meditate you remain in a silent and calm state for a period of time, as part of a religious training or so that you are more able to deal with the problems and difficulties of everyday life. □�[V ] I was meditating, and reached a higher state of consciousness.

medi|ta|tion /me d I te I ʃ ə n/ (meditations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Meditation is the act of remaining in a silent and calm state for a period of time, as part of a religious training, or so that you are more able to deal with the problems of everyday life. □� Many busy executives have begun to practice yoga and meditation.

2 →�see also transcendental meditation

3 N‑UNCOUNT Meditation is the act of thinking about something very carefully and deeply for a long time. □� �the man, lost in meditation, walking with slow steps along the shore. □� In his lonely meditations, Antony had been forced to the conclusion that there had been rumours.

medi|ta|tive /me d I tət I v, [AM ] -te I t-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Meditative describes things that are related to the act of meditating or the act of thinking very deeply about something. □� Music can induce a meditative state in the listener. □� �moments of meditative silence. ●� medi|ta|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Martin rubbed his chin meditatively.

Medi|ter|ra|nean /me d I təre I niən/

1 N‑PROPER The Mediterranean is the sea between southern Europe and North Africa.

2 N‑PROPER The Mediterranean refers to the southern part of Europe, which is next to the Mediterranean Sea. □� �one of the most dynamic and prosperous cities in the Mediterranean.

3 ADJ Something that is Mediterranean is characteristic of or belongs to the people or region around the Mediterranean Sea. □� �the classic Mediterranean diet.

me|dium ◆◇◇ /miː diəm/ (mediums , media ) The plural of the noun can be either mediums or media for meanings 4 and 5 . The form mediums is the plural for meaning 6 . 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is of medium size, it is neither large nor small, but approximately half way between the two. □� A medium dose produces severe nausea within hours. □� He was of medium height with blond hair and light blue eyes.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use medium to describe something which is average in degree or amount, or approximately half way along a scale between two extremes. □� Foods that contain only medium levels of sodium are bread, cakes, milk, butter and margarine. □� �a sweetish, medium-strength beer. ●�ADV [ADV adj] Medium is also an adverb. □� Cook under a medium-hot grill.

3 ADJ If something is of a medium colour, it is neither light nor dark, but approximately half way between the two. □� Andrea has medium brown hair, grey eyes and very pale skin.

4 N‑COUNT A medium is a way or means of expressing your ideas or of communicating with people. □�[+�of ] In Sierra Leone, English is used as the medium of instruction for all primary education. □� But Artaud was increasingly dissatisfied with film as a medium.

5 N‑COUNT A medium is a substance or material which is used for a particular purpose or in order to produce a particular effect. □� Blood is the medium in which oxygen is carried to all parts of the body. □� Hyatt has found a way of creating these qualities using the more permanent medium of oil paint.

6 N‑COUNT A medium is a person who claims to be able to contact and speak to people who are dead, and to pass messages between them and people who are still alive.

7 →�see also media

8 PHRASE If you strike or find a happy medium between two extreme and opposite courses of action, you find a sensible way of behaving that is somewhere between the two extremes. □� I aim to strike a happy medium between playing entertaining football and getting results. SYNONYMS medium ADJ 1

average:�a woman of average height.

mean:�the mean score for 26-year-olds.

middling:�a man of middling height.

me dium-dry also medium dry ADJ Medium-dry wine or sherry is not very sweet.

me dium-sized also medium size ADJ [usu ADJ n] Medium-sized means neither large nor small, but approximately half way between the two. □� �a medium-sized saucepan. □� �medium-sized accountancy firms.

me dium-te rm N‑SING [usu N n] Themedium-term is the period of time which lasts a few months or years beyond the present time, in contrast with the short term or the long term. □� The medium-term economic prospects remained poor. □� She risks losing her salary in the medium-term and damaging her long-term career prospects.

me |dium wave N‑UNCOUNT [usu on N ] Medium wave is a range of radio waves which are used for broadcasting. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a station broadcasting pop music on medium wave.

med|ley /me dli/ (medleys )

1 N‑COUNT In music, a medley is a collection of different tunes or songs that are played one after the other as a single piece of music. □�[+�of ] �a medley of traditional songs.

2 N‑COUNT In sport, a medley is a swimming race in which the four main strokes are used one after the other. □� He won the Men's 200 metres Individual Medley.

meek /miː k/ (meeker , meekest ) ADJ If you describe a person as meek , you think that they are gentle and quiet, and likely to do what other people say. □� He was a meek, mild-mannered fellow. ●� meek|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Most have meekly accepted such advice.

meet ◆◆◆ /miː t/ (meets , meeting , met )

1 VERB If you meet someone, you happen to be in the same place as them and start talking to them. You may know the other person, but be surprised to see them, or you may not know them at all. □�[V n] I have just met the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. □�[V n] He's the kindest and sincerest person I've ever met. □�[V ] We met by chance. ●�PHRASAL VERB Meet up means the same as meet . □�[V P +�with ] When he was in the supermarket, he met up with a buddy he had at Oxford. □�[V P ] They met up in 1956, when they were both young schoolboys.

2 VERB If two or more people meet , they go to the same place, which they have earlier arranged to do, so that they can talk or do something together. □�[V ] We could meet for a drink after work. □�[V n] Meet me down at the beach tomorrow, at 6am sharp. ●�PHRASAL VERB Meet up means the same as meet . □�[V P ] We tend to meet up for lunch once a week. □�[V P +�with ] My intention was to have a holiday and meet up with old friends.

3 VERB If you meet someone, you are introduced to them and begin talking to them and getting to know them. □�[V n] Hey, Terry, come and meet my Dad.

4 VERB You use meet in expressions such as ' Pleased to meet you ' and ' Nice to have met you ' when you want to politely say hello or goodbye to someone you have just met for the first time. [FORMULAE ] □�[V n] 'Jennifer,' Miss Mallory said, 'this is Leigh Van-Voreen.'�'Pleased to meet you,' Jennifer said. □�[V n] I have to leave. Nice to have met you.

5 VERB If you meet someone off their train, plane, or bus, you go to the station, airport, or bus stop in order to be there when they arrive. □�[V n prep/adv] Mama met me at the station. □�[V n +�off ] Lili and my father met me off the boat. □�[V n] Kurt's parents weren't able to meet our plane so we took a taxi.

6 VERB When a group of people such as a committee meet , they gather together for a particular purpose. □�[V ] Officials from the two countries will meet again soon to resume negotiations. □�[V ] The commission met 14 times between 1988 and 1991.

7 VERB If you meet with someone, you have a meeting with them. [mainly AM ] □�[V +�with ] Most of the lawmakers who met with the president yesterday said they backed the mission.

8 VERB If something such as a suggestion, proposal, or new book meets with or is met with a particular reaction, it gets that reaction from people. □�[V +�with ] The idea met with a cool response from various quarters. □�[V n +�with ] Reagan's speech was met with incredulity in the U.S.

9 VERB If something meets a need, requirement, or condition, it is good enough to do what is required. □�[V n] It is up to parents to decide what form of health care best meets their needs. □�[V n] Out of the original 23,000 applications, 16,000 candidates meet the entry requirements.

10 VERB If you meet something such as a problem or challenge, you deal with it satisfactorily or do what is required. □�[V n] They had worked heroically to meet the deadline.

11 VERB If you meet the cost of something, you provide the money that is needed for it. □�[V n] The government said it will help meet some of the cost of the damage. □�[V n] You need to find the money to meet your monthly repayments.

12 VERB If you meet a situation, attitude, or problem, you experience it or become aware of it. □�[V n] I honestly don't know how I will react the next time I meet a potentially dangerous situation.

13 VERB You can say that someone meets with success or failure when they are successful or unsuccessful. □�[V +�with ] Attempts to find civilian volunteers have met with embarrassing failure.

14 VERB When a moving object meets another object, it hits or touches it. □�[V n] You sense the stresses in the hull each time the keel meets the ground. □�[V ] Nick's head bent slowly over hers until their mouths met.

15 VERB If your eyes meet someone else's, you both look at each other at the same time. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] Nina's eyes met her sisters' across the table. □�[V ] I found myself smiling back instinctively when our eyes met.

16 VERB If two areas meet , especially two areas of land or sea, they are next to one another. □�[V n] It is one of the rare places in the world where the desert meets the sea. □�[V ] �the southernmost point of South America where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet.

17 VERB The place where two lines meet is the place where they join together. □�[V ] Parallel lines will never meet no matter how far extended. □�[V n] The track widened as it met the road.

18 VERB If two sportsmen, teams, or armies meet , they compete or fight against one another. □�[V ] The two women will meet tomorrow in the final. □�[V n] �when England last met the Aussies in a cricket Test match.

19 N‑COUNT A meet is an event in which athletes come to a particular place in order to take part in a race or races. □� I was competing at a meet in the National Stadium, Kingston.

20 PHRASE If you do not meet someone's eyes or meet someone's gaze , you do not look at them although they are looking at you, for example because you are ashamed. □� He hesitated, then shook his head, refusing to meet her eyes.

21 PHRASE If someone meets their death or meets their end , they die, especially in a violent or suspicious way. [WRITTEN ] □� Jacob Sinclair met his death at the hands of a soldier.

22to make ends meet →�see end

23there's more to this than meets the eye →�see eye

24to meet someone's eyes →�see eye

25to meet someone halfway →�see halfway

26to meet your match →�see match

▸� meet up →�see meet1 , meet2 SYNONYMS meet VERB

1

encounter:Did you encounter anyone in the building?

come across:I came across a group of children playing.

run into:He ran into Krettner in the corridor a few minutes later.

2

gather:In the evenings, we gathered around the fireplace.

assemble:There wasn't even a convenient place for students to assemble between classes.

get together:This is the only forum where East and West can get together.

congregate:Visitors congregated on Sunday afternoons to view public exhibitions.

meet|ing ◆◆◆ /miː t I ŋ/ (meetings )

1 N‑COUNT A meeting is an event in which a group of people come together to discuss things or make decisions. □� Can we have a meeting to discuss that? □� �business meetings. ●�N‑SING You can also refer to the people at a meeting as the meeting . □� The meeting decided that further efforts were needed.

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] When you meet someone, either by chance or by arrangement, you can refer to this event as a meeting . □� In January, 37 years after our first meeting, I was back in the studio with Denis.

mee t|ing house (meeting houses ) N‑COUNT A meeting house is a building in which certain groups of Christians, for example Quakers, meet in order to worship together.

mee t|ing place (meeting places ) N‑COUNT A meeting place is a place where people meet.

mega /me gə/

1 ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] Young people sometimes use mega in front of adjectives or adverbs in order to emphasize them. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He has become mega rich.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Young people sometimes use mega in front of nouns in order to emphasize that the thing they are talking about is very good, very large, or very impressive. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� �the mega superstar Madonna.

PREFIX mega-

forms words that refer to units which are a million times bigger. For example, a megabyte is a million bytes.

mega|byte /me gəba I t/ (megabytes ) N‑COUNT In computing, a megabyte is one million bytes of data.

mega|hertz /me gəhɜː r ts/ (megahertz ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A megahertz is a unit of frequency, used especially for radio frequencies. One megahertz equals one million cycles per second. □� �UHF frequencies of around 900 megahertz.

mega|lo|ma|nia /me gələme I niə/ N‑UNCOUNT Megalomania is the belief that you are more powerful and important than you really are. Megalomania is sometimes a mental illness.

mega|lo|ma|ni|ac /me gələme I ni�k/ (megalomaniacs ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you describe someone as a megalomaniac , you are criticizing them because they enjoy being powerful, or because they believe that they are more powerful or important than they really are. [DISAPPROVAL ]

mega|mall /me gəmɔːl, -m�l/ (megamalls ) also mega-mall N‑COUNT A megamall is a very large shopping area containing very many shops, cinemas, and restaurants.

mega|phone /me gəfoʊn/ (megaphones ) N‑COUNT A megaphone is a cone-shaped device for making your voice sound louder in the open air.

mega|pixel /me gəp I ks ə l/ N‑COUNT A megapixel is one million pixels: used as a measure of the quality of the picture created by a digital camera, scanner, or other device.

mega|ton /me gətʌn/ (megatons ) N‑COUNT [num N ] You can use megaton to refer to the power of a nuclear weapon. A one megaton bomb has the same power as one million tons of TNT.

mega|watt /me gəwɒt/ (megawatts ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A megawatt is a unit of power. One megawatt is a million watts. □�[+�of ] The project is designed to generate around 30 megawatts of power for the national grid.

meh /me / EXCLAM You can say meh to show that you do not care about something. [INFORMAL ] □� If I'm wrong about any of this, meh.

-meister /-ma I stə r / (-meisters ) COMB -meister combines with nouns to form nouns which refer to someone who is extremely good at a particular activity. □� The film�tautly directed by horror-meister Sam Raimi�is almost assured an Oscar nomination.

mel|an|cho|lia /me lənkoʊ liə/ N‑UNCOUNT Melancholia is a feeling of great sadness, especially one that lasts a long time. [LITERARY ] □� He sank into deep melancholia.

mel|an|chol|ic /me lənkɒ l I k/ (melancholics ) ADJ If you describe someone or something as melancholic , you mean that they are very sad. [LITERARY ] □� �his gentle, melancholic songs.

mel|an|choly /me lənkɒli/

1 ADJ You describe something that you see or hear as melancholy when it gives you an intense feeling of sadness. □� The only sounds were the distant, melancholy cries of the sheep.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Melancholy is an intense feeling of sadness which lasts for a long time and which strongly affects your behaviour and attitudes. [LITERARY ] □� I was deeply aware of his melancholy as he stood among the mourners.

3 ADJ If someone feels or looks melancholy , they feel or look very sad. [LITERARY ] □� It was in these hours of the late afternoon that Tom Mulligan felt most melancholy. □� He fixed me with those luminous, empty eyes and his melancholy smile.

me|lange /me I lɒ ndʒ/ (melanges ) also m�lange N‑COUNT A melangeof things is a mixture of them, especially when this is attractive or exciting. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] �a successful melange of music styles, from soul and rhythm and blues to rap. □�[+�of ] �a wonderful melange of flavours.

mela|nin /me lən I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Melanin is a dark substance in the skin, eyes, and hair of people and animals, which gives them colour and can protect them against strong sunlight.

mela|no|ma /me lənoʊ mə/ (melanomas ) N‑VAR A melanoma is an area of cancer cells in the skin which is caused by very strong sunlight.

me|lee /me le I , [AM ] me I -/ (melees ) also m�l�e

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A melee is a noisy confusing fight between the people in a crowd. [WRITTEN ] □� A policeman was killed and scores of people were injured in the melee.

2 N‑SING A melee of things is a large, confusing, disorganized group of them. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] �the melee of streets around the waterfront.

mel|lif|lu|ous /m I l I fluəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A mellifluous voice or piece of music is smooth and gentle and very pleasant to listen to. [FORMAL ] □� I grew up around people who had wonderful, mellifluous voices.

mel|low /me loʊ/ (mellower , mellowest , mellows , mellowing , mellowed )

1 ADJ Mellow is used to describe things that have a pleasant, soft, rich colour, usually red, orange, yellow, or brown. □� �the softer, mellower light of evening.

2 ADJ A mellow sound or flavour is pleasant, smooth, and rich. □� His voice was deep and mellow. □� �a delightfully mellow, soft and balanced wine.

3 VERB If someone mellows or if something mellows them, they become kinder or less extreme in their behaviour, especially as a result of growing older. □�[V ] When the children married and had children of their own, he mellowed a little. □�[V n] Marriage had not mellowed him. ●�ADJ Mellow is also an adjective. □� Is she more mellow and tolerant?

4 ADJ If someone is mellow , they feel very relaxed and cheerful, especially as the result of alcohol or good food. [INFORMAL ] □� He'd had a few glasses of champagne himself and was fairly mellow.

me|lod|ic /m I lɒ d I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Melodic means relating to melody. □� �Schubert's effortless gift for melodic invention. ●� me|lodi|cal|ly /m I lɒ d I kli/ ADV □� �the third of Tchaikovsky's ten operas, and melodically one of his richest scores.

2 ADJ Music that is melodic has beautiful tunes in it. □� Wonderfully melodic and tuneful, his songs have made me weep. ●� me|lodi|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The leader has also learned to play more melodically.

me|lo|dious /m I loʊ diəs/ ADJ A melodious sound is pleasant to listen to. [LITERARY ] □� She spoke in a quietly melodious voice.

melo|dra|ma /me lədrɑːmə/ (melodramas ) N‑VAR A melodrama is a story or play in which there are a lot of exciting or sad events and in which people's emotions are very exaggerated.

melo|dra|mat|ic /me lədrəm� t I k/ ADJ Melodramatic behaviour is behaviour in which someone treats a situation as much more serious than it really is. □� 'Don't you think you're being rather melodramatic?' Jane asked. ●� melo|dra|mati|cal|ly /me lədrəm� t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'For God's sake,' Michael said melodramatically, 'Whatever you do, don't look down.'

melo|dy /me lədi/ (melodies ) N‑COUNT A melody is a tune. [FORMAL ]

mel|on /me lən/ (melons ) N‑VAR A melon is a large fruit which is sweet and juicy inside and has a hard green or yellow skin.

melt /me lt/ (melts , melting , melted )

1 VERB When a solid substance melts or when you melt it, it changes to a liquid, usually because it has been heated. □�[V ] The snow had melted, but the lake was still frozen solid. □�[V n] Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate in a bowl suspended over simmering water. □�[V -ed] Add the melted butter, molasses, salt, and flour.

2 VERB If something such as your feelings melt , they suddenly disappear and you no longer feel them. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] His anxiety about the outcome melted, to return later but not yet. ●�PHRASAL VERB Melt away means the same as melt . □�[V P ] When he heard these words, Shinran felt his inner doubts melt away.

3 VERB If a person or thing melts into something such as darkness or a crowd of people, they become difficult to see, for example because they are moving away from you or are the same colour as the background. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�into ] The youths dispersed and melted into the darkness.

4 VERB If someone or something melts your heart, or if your heart melts , you start to feel love or sympathy towards them. □�[V n] When his lips break into a smile, it is enough to melt any woman's heart. □�[V ] When a bride walks down the aisle to a stirring tune, even the iciest of hearts melt.

▸� melt away

1 PHRASAL VERB If a crowd of people melts away , members of the crowd gradually leave until there is no-one left. □�[V P ] The crowd around the bench began to melt away.

2 →�see also melt2

▸� melt down PHRASAL VERB If an object is melted down , it is heated until it melts, so that the material can be used to make something else. □�[be V -ed P ] Some of the guns were melted down and used to help build a statue. □�[V n P ] When Jefferson didn't like a pair of goblets given to him as a gift, he asked a local smith to melt them down. □�[V P n] Some thieves do not even bother to melt down stolen silver for its scrap value.

melt|down /me ltdaʊn/ (meltdowns )

1 N‑VAR If there is meltdown in a nuclear reactor, the fuel rods start melting because of a failure in the system, and radiation starts to escape. □� Emergency cooling systems could fail and a reactor meltdown could occur.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The meltdown of a company, organization, or system is its sudden and complete failure. [JOURNALISM ] □� Urgent action is needed to prevent the market going into financial meltdown.

me lt|ing point (melting points ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it melts when you heat it.

me lt|ing pot (melting pots )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A melting pot is a place or situation in which people or ideas of different kinds gradually get mixed together. □� The republic is a melting pot of different nationalities.

2 PHRASE If something is in the melting pot , you do not know what is going to happen to it. [mainly BRIT ] □� Their fate is still in the melting-pot.

mem|ber ◆◆◆ /me mbə r / (members )

1 N‑COUNT A member of a group is one of the people, animals, or things belonging to that group. □�[+�of ] He refused to name the members of staff involved. □�[+�of ] Their lack of training could put members of the public at risk.

2 N‑COUNT A member of an organization such as a club or a political party is a person who has officially joined the organization. □� The support of our members is of great importance to the Association. □�[+�of ] Britain is a full member of NATO.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A member country or member state is one of the countries that has joined an international organization or group. □� �the 13 member countries of Opec.

4 N‑COUNT A member or Member is a person who has been elected to a parliament or legislature. □�[+�for ] He was elected to Parliament as the Member for Leeds.

Me m|ber of Co n|gress (Members of Congress ) N‑COUNT A Member of Congress is a person who has been elected to the United States Congress.

Me m|ber of Pa r|lia|ment (Members of Parliament ) N‑COUNT A Member of Parliament is a person who has been elected by the people in a particular area to represent them in a country's parliament. The abbreviation MP is often used.

mem|ber|ship ◆◇◇ /me mbə r ʃ I p/ (memberships )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Membership of an organization is the state of being a member of it. □�[+�of ] The country has also been granted membership of the World Trade Organisation. □� He sent me a membership form.

2 N‑VAR [with sing or pl verb] The membership of an organization is the people who belong to it, or the number of people who belong to it. □�[+�of ] The European Builders Confederation has a membership of over 350,000 building companies. □� �the recent fall in party membership.

mem|brane /me mbre I n/ (membranes ) N‑COUNT A membrane is a thin piece of skin which connects or covers parts of a person's or animal's body.

meme /miː m/ (memes ) N‑COUNT A meme is something such as a video, picture, or phrase that a lot of people send to each other on the internet. □� The image quickly became a meme.

me|men|to /m I me ntoʊ/ (mementos or mementoes ) N‑COUNT A memento is an object which you keep because it reminds you of a person or a special occasion. □�[+�of ] More anglers are taking cameras when they go fishing to provide a memento of catches.

memo /me moʊ/ (memos ) N‑COUNT A memo is a short official note that is sent by one person to another within the same company or organization.

mem|oirs /me mwɑː r z/ N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] A person's memoirs are a written account of the people who they have known and events that they remember. □� In his memoirs, De Gaulle wrote that he had come to London determined to save the French nation.

memo|ra|bilia /me mərəb I liə/ N‑PLURAL Memorabilia are things that you collect because they are connected with a person or organization in which you are interested.

memo|rable /me mərəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is memorable is worth remembering or likely to be remembered, because it is special or very enjoyable. □� �the perfect setting for a nostalgic memorable day. □� Annette's performance as Eliza Doolittle in 'Pygmalion' was truly memorable. ●� memo|rably ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The National Theatre's production is memorably staged.

memo|ran|dum /me mər� ndəm/ (memoranda or memorandums )

1 N‑COUNT A memorandum is a written report that is prepared for a person or committee in order to provide them with information about a particular matter. □� The delegation submitted a memorandum to the Commons on the blatant violations of basic human rights.

2 N‑COUNT A memorandum is a short official note that is sent by one person to another within the same company or organization. [FORMAL ]

me|mo|rial /m I mɔː riəl/ (memorials )

1 N‑COUNT A memorial is a structure built in order to remind people of a famous person or event. □� Every village had its war memorial.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A memorial event, object, or prize is in honour of someone who has died, so that they will be remembered. □� A memorial service is being held for her at St Paul's Church.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that something will be a memorial to someone who has died, you mean that it will continue to exist and remind people of them. □�[+�to ] The museum will serve as a memorial to the millions who passed through Ellis Island.

Me|mo |rial Day N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, Memorial Day is a public holiday when people honour the memory of Americans who have died in wars. Memorial Day is celebrated in most states on the last Monday in May.

me|mo|ri|al|ize /m I mɔː riəla I z/ (memorializes , memorializing , memorialized ) in BRIT, also use memorialise VERB If a person or event is memorialized , something is produced that will continue to exist and remind people of them. □�[be V -ed] He was praised in print and memorialized in stone throughout the South. □�[V n] When she died in 1946, her friends wanted to memorialize her in some significant way.

memo|rize /me məra I z/ (memorizes , memorizing , memorized ) in BRIT, also use memorise VERB If you memorize something, you learn it so that you can remember it exactly. □�[V n] He studied his map, trying to memorize the way to Rose's street.

memo|ry ◆◆◇ /me məri/ (memories )

1 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Your memory is your ability to remember things. □� All the details of the meeting are fresh in my memory. □�[+�for ] He'd a good memory for faces, and he was sure he hadn't seen her before. □� But locals with long memories thought this was fair revenge for the injustice of 1961.

2 N‑COUNT A memory is something that you remember from the past. □� She cannot bear to watch the film because of the bad memories it brings back. □�[+�of ] He had happy memories of his father. □� Her earliest memory is of singing at the age of four to wounded soldiers.

3 N‑COUNT A computer's memory is the part of the computer where information is stored, especially for a short time before it is transferred to disks or magnetic tapes. [COMPUTING ] □� The data are stored in the computer's memory.

4 N‑SING [usu with poss, oft in N of n] If you talk about the memory of someone who has died, especially someone who was loved or respected, you are referring to the thoughts, actions, and ceremonies by which they are remembered. □� She remained devoted to his memory. □� The congress opened with a minute's silence in memory of those who died in the struggle.

5 PHRASE If you do something from memory , for example speak the words of a poem or play a piece of music, you do it without looking at it, because you know it very well. □� Many members of the church sang from memory.

6 PHRASE If you say that something is, for example, the best, worst, or first thing of its kind in living memory , you are emphasizing that it is the only thing of that kind that people can remember. [EMPHASIS ] □� The floods are the worst in living memory.

7 PHRASE If you lose your memory , you forget things that you used to know. □� His illness caused him to lose his memory.

8to commit something to memory →�see commit

me mo|ry card (memory cards ) N‑COUNT A memory card is a type of card containing computer memory that is used in digital cameras and other devices. [COMPUTING ]

me mo|ry chip (memory chips ) N‑COUNT In a computer, the memory chip is the microchip in which information is stored.

me mo|ry stick (memory sticks ) N‑COUNT A memory stick is a small device that connects to a computer and allows you to store and copy information. □� I'll bring my presentation on a memory stick.

mem|sa|hib /me msɑːb/ (memsahibs ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Memsahib was used to refer to or address white women in India, especially during the period of British rule, or sometimes to refer to or address upper-class Indian women. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

men /me n/ Men is the plural of man .

men|ace /me n I s/ (menaces , menacing , menaced )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone or something is a menace to other people or things, you mean that person or thing is likely to cause serious harm. □�[+�to ] In my view you are a menace to the public. □�[+�of ] �the menace of fascism.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to someone or something as a menace when you want to say that they cause you trouble or annoyance. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�to ] You're a menace to my privacy, Kenworthy.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Menace is a quality or atmosphere that gives you the feeling that you are in danger or that someone wants to harm you. □� �a voice full of menace.

4 VERB If you say that one thing menaces another, you mean that the first thing is likely to cause the second thing serious harm. □�[V n] The European states retained a latent capability to menace Britain's own security.

5 VERB If you are menaced by someone, they threaten to harm you. □�[be V -ed] She's being menaced by her sister's latest boyfriend. [Also V n]

men|ac|ing /me n I s I ŋ/ ADJ If someone or something looks menacing , they give you a feeling that they are likely to cause you harm or put you in danger. □� The strong dark eyebrows give his face an oddly menacing look. ●� men|ac|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� A group of men suddenly emerged from a doorway and moved menacingly forward to block her way.

me|nage /me I nɑː ʒ/ also m�nage N‑SING A menage is a group of people living together in one house. [FORMAL ]

me|nage a trois /me I nɑː ʒ ɑː twɑː / (menages a trois ) also m�nage � trois N‑COUNT [usu sing] A menage a trois is a situation where three people live together, especially when one of them is having a sexual relationship with both of the others.

me|nag|erie /mən� dʒəri/ (menageries ) N‑COUNT A menagerie is a collection of wild animals.

mend /me nd/ (mends , mending , mended )

1 VERB If you mend something that is broken or not working, you repair it, so that it works properly or can be used. □�[V n] They took a long time to mend the roof. □�[have n V -ed] I should have had the catch mended, but never got round to it.

2 VERB If a person or a part of their body mends or is mended , they get better after they have been ill or have had an injury. □�[V ] I'm feeling a good bit better. The cut aches, but it's mending. □�[V n] He must have a major operation on his knee to mend severed ligaments.

3 VERB If you try to mend divisions between people, you try to end the disagreements or quarrels between them. □�[V n] He sent Evans as his personal envoy to discuss ways to mend relations between the two countries.

4 PHRASE If a relationship or situation is on the mend after a difficult or unsuccessful period, it is improving. [INFORMAL ] □� More evidence that the economy was on the mend was needed.

5 PHRASE If you are on the mend after an illness or injury, you are recovering from it. [INFORMAL ] □� The baby had been poorly but seemed on the mend.

6 PHRASE If someone who has been behaving badly mends their ways , they begin to behave well. □� He has promised drastic disciplinary action if they do not mend their ways.

7to mend fences →�see fence

men|da|cious /mende I ʃəs/ ADJ A mendacious person is someone who tells lies. A mendacious statement is one that is a lie. [FORMAL ]

men|dac|ity /mend� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Mendacity is lying, rather than telling the truth. [FORMAL ] □� �an astonishing display of cowardice and mendacity.

mend|ing /me nd I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mending is the sewing and repairing of clothes that have got holes in them. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Who will then do the cooking, the washing, the mending?

2 →�see also mend

men|folk /me nfoʊk/ N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] When women refer to their menfolk , they mean the men in their family or society.

me|nial /miː niəl/ ADJ Menial work is very boring, and the people who do it have a low status and are usually badly paid. □� �low paid menial jobs, such as cleaning and domestic work.

men|in|gi|tis /me n I ndʒa I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Meningitis is a serious infectious illness which affects your brain and spinal cord.

meno|pause /me nəpɔːz/ N‑SING Themenopause is the time during which a woman gradually stops menstruating, usually when she is about fifty years old. ●� meno|pau|sal ADJ □� �a menopausal woman.

me n's room (men's rooms ) N‑COUNT Themen's room is a toilet for men in a public building. [mainly AM ]

men|strual /me nstruəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Menstrual means relating to menstruation. □� �the menstrual cycle.

men|stru|ate /me nstrue I t/ (menstruates , menstruating , menstruated ) VERB When a woman menstruates , a flow of blood comes from her womb. Women menstruate once a month unless they are pregnant or have reached the menopause. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Lean hard-training women athletes may menstruate less frequently or not at all. ●� men|strua|tion /me nstrue I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Menstruation may cease when a woman is anywhere between forty-five and fifty years of age.

mens|wear /me nzweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Menswear is clothing for men. □� �the menswear industry.

SUFFIX -ment

forms nouns that refer to the process of making or doing something, or to the result of this process. For example, replacement is the process of replacing something or the thing that replaces it.

men|tal ◆◇◇ /me nt ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Mental means relating to the process of thinking. □� �the mental development of children. □� �intensive mental effort. ●� men|tal|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV with v] □� I think you are mentally tired. □� Physically I might not have been overseas but mentally and spiritually I was with them.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Mental means relating to the state or the health of a person's mind. □� The mental state that had created her psychosis was no longer present. □� �mental health problems. ●� men|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV with cl/group, oft ADV after v] □� �an inmate who is mentally disturbed. □� �the needs of the mentally ill.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A mental act is one that involves only thinking and not physical action. □� Practise mental arithmetic when you go out shopping. ●� men|tal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� This technique will help people mentally organize information.

4 ADJ If you say that someone is mental , you mean that you think they are mad. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I just said to him 'you must be mental'.

5 PHRASE If you make a mental noteof something, you make an effort to store it in your memory so that you will not forget it. □� She made a mental note to have his prescription refilled.

me n|tal a ge (mental ages ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A person's mental age is the age which they are considered to have reached in their ability to think or reason.

me n|tal hos|pi|tal (mental hospitals ) N‑COUNT A mental hospital is a hospital for people who are suffering from mental illness.

men|tal|ity /ment� l I ti/ (mentalities ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your mentality is your attitudes and your way of thinking. □� �a criminal mentality. □� Running a business requires a very different mentality from being a salaried employee.

men|thol /me nθɒl, [AM ] -θɔːl/ N‑UNCOUNT Menthol is a substance that smells a bit like peppermint and is used to flavour things such as cigarettes and toothpaste. It is also used in some medicines, especially for curing colds.

men|tion ◆◆◇ /me nʃ ə n/ (mentions , mentioning , mentioned )

1 VERB If you mention something, you say something about it, usually briefly. □�[V n/v-ing] She did not mention her mother's absence. □�[V n +�to ] I may not have mentioned it to her. □�[V that] I had mentioned that I didn't really like contemporary music. □�[V wh] She shouldn't have mentioned how heavy the dress was. □�[V n +�as ] I felt as though I should mention it as an option.

2 N‑VAR A mention is a reference to something or someone. □�[+�of ] The statement made no mention of government casualties.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is mentioned in writing, a reference is made to them by name, often to criticize or praise something that they have done. □�[be V -ed] I was absolutely outraged that I could be even mentioned in an article of this kind. □�[be V -ed +�as ] �Brigadier Ferguson was mentioned in the report as being directly responsible.

4 VERB [usu passive] If someone is mentionedas a candidate for something such as a job, it is suggested that they might become a candidate. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Her name has been mentioned as a favoured leadership candidate.

5 N‑VAR A special or honourable mention is formal praise that is given for an achievement that is very good, although not usually the best of its kind. □� Many people have helped me but I would like to pick out a few for special mention.

6 CONVENTION People sometimes say ' don't mention it ' as a polite reply to someone who has just thanked them for doing something. [FORMULAE ] □� 'Thank you very much.'�'Don't mention it.'

7 PHRASE You use not to mention when you want to add extra information which emphasizes the point that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □� The audience, not to mention the bewildered cast, were not amused.

men|tor /me ntɔː r / (mentors , mentoring , mentored )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A person's mentor is someone who gives them help and advice over a period of time, especially help and advice related to their job.

2 VERB To mentor someone means to give them help and advice over a period of time, especially help and advice related to their job. □�[V n] He had mentored scores of younger doctors. ●� men|tor|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the company's mentoring programme.

menu /me njuː/ (menus )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In a restaurant or caf�, or at a formal meal, the menu is a list of the food and drinks that are available. □� A waiter offered him the menu. □� Even the most elaborate dishes on the menu were quite low on calories.

2 N‑COUNT A menu is the food that you serve at a meal. □� Try out the menu on a few friends.

3 N‑COUNT On a computer screen, a menu is a list of choices. Each choice represents something that you can do using the computer.

meow /miaʊ / →�see miaow

MEP /e m iː piː / (MEPs ) N‑COUNT An MEP is a person who has been elected to the European Parliament. MEP is an abbreviation for 'Member of the European Parliament'.

mer|can|tile /mɜː r kənta I l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Mercantile means relating to or involved in trade. [FORMAL ] □� �the emergence of a new mercantile class.

mer|ce|nary /mɜː r sənri, [AM ] -neri/ (mercenaries )

1 N‑COUNT A mercenary is a soldier who is paid to fight by a country or group that they do not belong to.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as mercenary , you are criticizing them because you think that they are only interested in the money that they can get from a particular person or situation. [DISAPPROVAL ]

mer|chan|dise /mɜː r tʃənda I z, -da I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Merchandise is goods that are bought, sold, or traded. [FORMAL ]

mer|chan|dis|er /mɜː r tʃənda I zə r / (merchandisers ) N‑COUNT A merchandiser is a person or company that sells goods to the public. [AM , BUSINESS ] □� The company thrived as a discount merchandiser. in BRIT, use retailer

mer|chan|dis|ing /mɜː r tʃənda I z I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Merchandising consists of goods such as toys and clothes that are linked with something such as a film, sports team, or pop group. □� We are selling the full range of World Cup merchandising. □� The club says it will make increasing amounts from merchandising.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Merchandising is used to refer to the way shops and businesses organize the sale of their products, for example the way they are displayed and the prices that are chosen. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] □� Company executives say revamped merchandising should help Macy's earnings to grow.

mer|chant ◆◇◇ /mɜː r tʃənt/ (merchants )

1 N‑COUNT A merchant is a person who buys or sells goods in large quantities, especially one who imports and exports them. □� Any knowledgeable wine merchant would be able to advise you.

2 N‑COUNT A merchant is a person who owns or runs a shop, store, or other business. [AM ] □� The family was forced to live on credit from local merchants. in BRIT, usually use retailer , shopkeeper3 ADJ [ADJ n] Merchant seamen or ships are involved in carrying goods for trade. □� There's been a big reduction in the size of the British merchant fleet in recent years. SYNONYMS merchant NOUN 1

tradesman:The tradesmen gathered for a meeting.

trader:�a fur trader.

dealer:�an antique dealer.

broker:We sell through a broker.

supplier:�Hillsdown Holdings, one of the U.K.'s biggest food suppliers.

me r|chant ba nk (merchant banks ) N‑COUNT A merchant bank is a bank that deals mainly with firms, investment, and foreign trade, rather than with the public. [BUSINESS ]

me r|chant ba nk|er (merchant bankers ) N‑COUNT A merchant banker is someone who works for a merchant bank. [BUSINESS ]

mer|ci|ful /mɜː r s I fʊl/

1 ADJ If you describe God or a person in a position of authority as merciful , you mean that they show kindness and forgiveness to people. □� We can only hope the court is merciful.

2 ADJ If you describe an event or situation as merciful , you mean that it is a good thing, especially because it stops someone's suffering or discomfort. □� Eventually the session came to a merciful end.

mer|ci|ful|ly /mɜː r s I fʊli/ ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] You can use mercifully to show that you are glad that something good has happened, or that something bad has not happened or has stopped. [FEELINGS ] □� Mercifully, a friend came to the rescue.

mer|ci|less /mɜː r s I ləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as merciless , you mean that they are very cruel or determined and do not show any concern for the effect their actions have on other people. □� �the merciless efficiency of a modern police state. ●� mer|ci|less|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� We teased him mercilessly. □� The sun beat down mercilessly.

mer|cu|rial /mɜː r kjʊə riəl/ ADJ If you describe someone as mercurial , you mean that they frequently change their mind or mood without warning. [LITERARY ] □� �his mercurial temperament.

mer|cu|ry /mɜː r kjʊri/ N‑UNCOUNT Mercury is a silver-coloured liquid metal that is used especially in thermometers and barometers.

mer|cy /mɜː r si/ (mercies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone in authority shows mercy , they choose not to harm someone they have power over, or they forgive someone they have the right to punish. □� Neither side took prisoners or showed any mercy. □� They cried for mercy but their pleas were met with abuse and laughter.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Mercy is used to describe a special journey to help someone in great need, such as people who are sick or made homeless by war. [JOURNALISM ] □� She vanished nine months ago while on a mercy mission to West Africa.

3 N‑COUNT If you refer to an event or situation as amercy , you mean that it makes you feel happy or relieved, usually because it stops something unpleasant happening. □� It really was a mercy that he'd died so rapidly at the end.

4 PHRASE [with poss] If one person or thing is at the mercyof another, the first person or thing is in a situation where they cannot prevent themselves being harmed or affected by the second. □� Buildings are left to decay at the mercy of vandals and the weather.

5 PHRASE If you tell someone who is in an unpleasant situation that they should be grateful or thankful for small mercies , you mean that although their situation is bad, it could be even worse, and so they should be happy. □� The team and fans would have been grateful for small mercies.

me r|cy kill|ing (mercy killings ) N‑VAR A mercy killing is an act of killing someone who is very ill, in order to stop them suffering any more pain.

mere ◆◇◇ /m I ə r / (merest ) Mere does not have a comparative form. The superlative form merest is used to emphasize how small something is, rather than in comparisons. 1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use mere to emphasize how unimportant or inadequate something is, in comparison to the general situation you are describing. [EMPHASIS ] □� �successful exhibitions which go beyond mere success. □� There is more to good health than the mere absence of disease. □� She'd never received the merest hint of any communication from him.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use mere to indicate that a quality or action that is usually unimportant has a very important or strong effect. □� The mere mention of food had triggered off hunger pangs. □� The team manager has been quick to clamp down on the merest hint of complacency.

3 ADJ You use mere to emphasize how small a particular amount or number is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Sixty per cent of teachers are women, but a mere 5 percent of women are heads and deputies.

mere|ly ◆◇◇ /m I ə r li/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use merely to emphasize that something is only what you say and not better, more important, or more exciting. [EMPHASIS ] □� Michael is now merely a good friend. □� They are offering merely technical assistance.

2 ADV You use merely to emphasize that a particular amount or quantity is very small. [EMPHASIS ] □� The brain accounts for merely three per cent of body weight.

3 PHRASE You use not merely before the less important of two contrasting statements, as a way of emphasizing the more important statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� The team needs players who want to play cricket for England, not merely any country that will have them.

mer|etri|cious /me r I tr I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe something as meretricious , you disapprove of it because although it looks attractive it is actually of little value. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �vulgar, meretricious and shabby souvenirs.

merge /mɜː r dʒ/ (merges , merging , merged )

1 VERB If one thing mergeswith another, or is mergedwith another, they combine or come together to make one whole thing. You can also say that two things merge , or are merged . □�[V +�with ] The company had merged with its rival the previous December. □�[V ] The rivers merge just north of a vital irrigation system. □�[V +�into ] The two countries merged into one. □�[V n] He sees sense in merging the two agencies while both are new. □�[V n +�with ] Then he showed me how to merge the graphic with text on the same screen. [Also V n +�into ]

2 VERB If one sound, colour, or object merges into another, the first changes so gradually into the second that you do not notice the change. □�[V +�into ] Like a chameleon, he could merge unobtrusively into the background. □�[V +�with ] His features merged with the darkness. □�[V ] Night and day begin to merge.

mer|ger ◆◇◇ /mɜː r dʒə r / (mergers ) N‑COUNT A merger is the joining together of two separate companies or organizations so that they become one. [BUSINESS ] □� �a merger between two of Britain's biggest trades unions. SYNONYMS merger NOUN

union:The majority in this province voted for union with Romania.

fusion:His final reform was the fusion of regular and reserve forces.

me|rid|ian /mər I diən/ (meridians ) N‑COUNT A meridian is an imaginary line from the North Pole to the South Pole. Meridians are drawn on maps to help you describe the position of a place.

me|ringue /mər� ŋ/ (meringues ) N‑VAR Meringue is a mixture of beaten egg whites and sugar which is baked in the oven.

mer|it /me r I t/ (merits , meriting , merited )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If something has merit , it has good or worthwhile qualities. □� The argument seemed to have considerable merit. □� Box-office success mattered more than artistic merit.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] The merits of something are its advantages or other good points. □�[+�of ] �the technical merits of a film.

3 VERB If someone or something merits a particular action or treatment, they deserve it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He said he had done nothing wrong to merit a criminal investigation.

4 PHRASE If you judge something or someone on merit or on their merits , your judgment is based on what you notice when you consider them, rather than on things that you know about them from other sources. □� Everybody is selected on merit. □� Each case is judged on its merits.

meri|toc|ra|cy /me r I tɒ krəsi/ (meritocracies ) N‑VAR A meritocracy is a society or social system in which people get status or rewards because of what they achieve, rather than because of their wealth or social status.

meri|to|crat|ic /me r I təkr� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A meritocratic society or social system gives people status or rewards because of what they achieve, rather than because of their wealth or social position.

meri|to|ri|ous /me r I tɔː riəs/ ADJ If you describe something as meritorious , you approve of it for its good or worthwhile qualities. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� I had been promoted for what was called gallant and meritorious service.

mer|maid /mɜː r me I d/ (mermaids ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories and legends, a mermaid is a woman with a fish's tail instead of legs, who lives in the sea.

mer|ri|ly /me r I li/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you say that someone merrily does something, you are critical of the fact that they do it without realizing that there are a lot of problems which they have not thought about. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He merrily rewrote history according to his own prejudices.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If you say that something is happening merrily , you mean that it is happening fairly quickly, and in a pleasant or satisfactory way. □� The ferry cut merrily through the water.

3 →�see also merry

mer|ri|ment /me r I mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Merriment means laughter. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

mer|ry /me ri/ (merrier , merriest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone's character or behaviour as merry , you mean that they are happy and cheerful. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� From the house come the bursts of merry laughter. ●� mer|ri|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Chris threw back his head and laughed merrily.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you get merry , you get slightly drunk. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� They went off to Glengarriff to get merry.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Some people use merry to emphasize something that they are saying, often when they want to express disapproval or humour. [EMPHASIS ] □� It hasn't stopped the British Navy proceeding on its merry way.

4 →�see also merrily

5 CONVENTION Just before Christmas and on Christmas Day, people say ' Merry Christmas ' to other people to express the hope that they will have a happy time. [FORMULAE ] □� Merry Christmas, everyone. □� I just wanted to wish you a merry Christmas.

6to play merry hell →�see hell

me rry-go-round (merry-go-rounds )

1 N‑COUNT A merry-go-round is a large circular platform at a fairground on which there are model animals or vehicles for people to sit on or in as it turns round.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a continuous series of activities as a merry-go-round . □�[+�of ] �a merry-go-round of teas, fetes, musical events and the like.

me rry-making N‑UNCOUNT Merry-making is the activities of people who are enjoying themselves together in a lively way, for example by eating, drinking, or dancing. □� �a time of merry-making, feasting and visiting friends.

me|sa /me I sə/ (mesas ) N‑COUNT A mesa is a large hill with a flat top and steep sides; used mainly of hills in the south-western United States. [AM ]

mesh /me ʃ/ (meshes , meshing , meshed )

1 N‑VAR Mesh is material like a net made from wire, thread, or plastic. □� The ground-floor windows are obscured by wire mesh.

2 VERB If two things or ideas mesh or are meshed , they go together well or fit together closely. □�[V ] Their senses of humor meshed perfectly. □�[V +�with ] This of course meshes with the economic philosophy of those on the right. □�[V n-pl] Meshing the research and marketing operations will be Mr. Furlaud's job. [Also V n +�with ]

mes|mer|ize /me zməra I z/ (mesmerizes , mesmerizing , mesmerized ) in BRIT, also use mesmerise VERB If you are mesmerized by something, you are so interested in it or so attracted to it that you cannot think about anything else. □�[be V -ed] He was absolutely mesmerised by Pavarotti on television. □�[V n] There was something about Pearl that mesmerised her. ●� mes|mer|ized ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� I sat mesmerized long after the fairground closed. ●� mes|mer|iz|ing ADJ [ADJ n] □� She has a mesmerising smile.

mess ◆◇◇ /me s/ (messes , messing , messed )

1 N‑SING If you say that something is amess or in amess , you think that it is in an untidy state. □� The house is a mess. □� Linda can't stand mess.

2 N‑VAR If you say that a situation is amess , you mean that it is full of trouble or problems. You can also say that something is in amess . □� I've made such a mess of my life. □� �the many reasons why the economy is in such a mess.

3 N‑VAR Amess is something liquid or sticky that has been accidentally dropped on something. □� I'll clear up the mess later.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The mess at a military base or military barracks is the building in which members of the armed forces can eat or relax. □� �a party at the officers' mess.

▸� mess around in BRIT, also use mess about1 PHRASAL VERB If you mess around or mess about , you spend time doing things without any particular purpose or without achieving anything. □�[V P ] We were just messing around, playing with paint. □�[V P +�with ] Boys and girls will enjoy messing about with any kind of machine.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is messing around with or messing about with something, you mean that they are interfering with it in a harmful way. □�[V P +�with ] I'd like to know who's been messing about with the pram.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone is messing around or messing about , they are behaving in a joking or silly way. □�[V P ] I thought she was messing about.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you mess someone around or mess them about , you treat them badly, for example by not being honest with them, or by continually changing plans which affect them. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P ] I think they've been messed around far too much.

▸� mess up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you mess something up or if you mess up , you cause something to fail or be spoiled. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] When politicians mess things up, it is the people who pay the price. □�[V P n] He had messed up one career. □�[V P ] If I messed up, I would probably be fired.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you mess up a place or a thing, you make it untidy or dirty. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] They probably didn't want to mess up their hair. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If something messes someone up , it causes them to be very confused or worried, or to have psychological problems. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] That really messed them up, especially the boys. [Also V P n]

▸� mess with PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone not to mess with a person or thing, you are warning them not to get involved with that person or thing. □�[V P n] You are messing with people's religion and they don't like that. □�[V P n] Do you know who you're messing with�do you know who I am? SYNONYMS mess NOUN 1

untidiness:The untidiness in her room no longer bothered her.

disorder:Inside all was disorder: drawers fallen out, shoes and boots scattered.

clutter:Caroline prefers her worktops to be clear of clutter.

disarray:He found the room in disarray, with food dumped on the floor and drawers pulled open.

mes|sage ◆◆◇ /me s I dʒ/ (messages , messaging , messaged )

1 N‑COUNT A message is a piece of information or a request that you send to someone or leave for them when you cannot speak to them directly. □� I got a message you were trying to reach me. □� Would you like to leave a message?

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The message that someone is trying to communicate, for example in a book or play, is the idea or point that they are trying to communicate. □� The report's message was unequivocal. □� I think they got the message that this is wrong.

3 VERB If you message someone, you send them a message electronically using a computer or another device such as a mobile phone. □�[V ] People who message a lot feel unpopular if they don't get many back. □�[V n] She messaged him saying she wished they were together. SYNONYMS message NOUN

1

note:I'll have to leave a note for Karen.

communication:The ambassador has brought a communication from the President.

memo:Did you get the memo about opening hours?

2

point:The following tale will clearly illustrate this point.

meaning:Unsure of the meaning of this remark, Ryle chose to remain silent.

theme:The need to strengthen the family has been a recurrent theme for the Prime Minister.

import:I have already spoken about the import of his speech.

^mes|sage ^board (message boards ) N‑COUNT In computing, a message board is a system that allows users to send and receive messages of general interest. [COMPUTING ] □� Have your say on our message board by clicking here.

mes|sag|ing /me s I dʒ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Messaging is the sending of written or spoken messages using a computer or another electronic device such as a mobile phone. □� Messaging allows real-time communication by keyboard with up to five people at any one time.

mes|sen|ger /me s I ndʒə r / (messengers ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A messenger takes a message to someone, or takes messages regularly as their job. □� There will be a messenger at the airport to collect the photographs from our courier.

me s|sen|ger boy (messenger boys ) N‑COUNT A messenger boy is a boy who is employed to take messages to people.

me ss hall (mess halls ) N‑COUNT A mess hall is a large room where a particular group of people, especially members of the armed forces, eat meals together.

mes|si|ah /m I sa I ə/ (messiahs ) also Messiah

1 N‑PROPER For Jews, the Messiah is the King of the Jews, who will be sent to them by God.

2 N‑PROPER For Christians, the Messiah is Jesus Christ.

3 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a messiah , you mean that they are expected to do wonderful things, especially to rescue people from a very difficult or dangerous situation, or that they are thought to have done these things. □� People saw Mandela as their messiah.

mes|si|an|ic /me si� n I k/ also Messianic

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Messianic means relating to the belief that a divine being has been born, or will be born, who will change the world. □� The cult leader saw himself as a Messianic figure.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Messianic means relating to the belief that there will be a complete change in the social order in a country or in the world. □� The defeated radicals of the French Revolution were the first to have this messianic vision in 1794.

Messrs /me sə r z/ in AM, use Messrs. N‑TITLE Messrs is used before the names of two or more men as part of the name of a business. [BRIT ] □� The repairs were to be done by Messrs Clegg & Sons of Balham.

messy /me si/ (messier , messiest )

1 ADJ A messy person or activity makes things dirty or untidy. □� She was a good, if messy, cook. □� As the work tends to be a bit messy, you'll need to wear old clothes. ●� messi|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� She wrote it hastily and messily on a scrap of paper.

2 ADJ Something that is messy is dirty or untidy. □� Don't worry if this first coat of paint looks messy.

3 ADJ If you describe a situation as messy , you are emphasizing that it is confused or complicated, and therefore unsatisfactory. □� John had been through a messy divorce himself.

met /me t/ Met is the past tense and past participle of meet .

meta|bol|ic /me təbɒ l I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Metabolic means relating to a person's or animal's metabolism. □� �people who have inherited a low metabolic rate.

me|tabo|lism /m I t� bəl I zəm/ (metabolisms ) N‑VAR [oft with poss] Your metabolism is the way that chemical processes in your body cause food to be used in an efficient way, for example to make new cells and to give you energy.

me|tabo|lize /m I t� bəla I z/ (metabolizes , metabolizing , metabolized ) in BRIT, also use metabolise VERB When you metabolize a substance, it is affected by chemical processes in your body so that, for example, it is broken down, absorbed, and used. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] Diabetics cannot metabolise glucose properly.

met|al ◆◇◇ /me t ə l/ (metals )

1 N‑VAR Metal is a hard substance such as iron, steel, gold, or lead. □� �pieces of furniture in wood, metal and glass. □� He hit his head against a metal bar.

2 →�see also base metal

meta|lan|guage /me təl�ŋgw I dʒ/ (metalanguages ) also meta-language N‑VAR In linguistics, the words and expressions that people use to describe or refer to language can be called metalanguage . [TECHNICAL ]

met|alled /me t ə ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] A metalled road has a level surface made of small pieces of stone; used especially of country roads and tracks. [mainly BRIT ]

me|tal|lic /mət� l I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A metallic sound is like the sound of one piece of metal hitting another. □� There was a metallic click and the gates swung open.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Metallic paint or colours shine like metal. □� He had painted all the wood with metallic silver paint.

3 ADJ Something that tastes metallic has a bitter unpleasant taste. □� There was a metallic taste at the back of his throat.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Metallic means consisting entirely or partly of metal. □� Even the smallest metallic object is immediately confiscated.

met|al|lur|gist /met� lə r dʒ I st, [AM ] me təlɜːrdʒ I st/ (metallurgists ) N‑COUNT A metallurgist is an expert in metallurgy.

met|al|lur|gy /met� lə r dʒi, [AM ] me təlɜː r dʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Metallurgy is the scientific study of the properties and uses of metals.

metal|work /me t ə lwɜː r k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Metalwork is the activity of making objects out of metal in a skilful way. □� He was a craftsman in metalwork from Dresden.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Themetalwork is the metal part of something. □� Rust and flaking paint mean the metalwork is in poor condition.

met|a|morph|ic /me təmɔː r f I k/ ADJ Metamorphic rocks are rocks that have had their original structure changed by pressure and heat. [TECHNICAL ]

meta|mor|phose /me təmɔː r foʊz/ (metamorphoses , metamorphosing , metamorphosed )

1 VERB To metamorphose or be metamorphosed means to develop and change into something completely different. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�into/from ] �hysterical laughter which gradually metamorphoses into convulsive sobs. □�[V ] The tadpoles metamorphose and emerge onto land. □�[be V -ed] She had been metamorphosed by the war. [Also V n]

2 →�see also metamorphosis

meta|mor|pho|sis /me təmɔː r fəs I s/ (metamorphoses ) N‑VAR When a metamorphosis occurs, a person or thing develops and changes into something completely different. [FORMAL ] □� �his metamorphosis from a republican to a democrat.

meta|phor /me təfɔːr/ (metaphors )

1 N‑VAR A metaphor is an imaginative way of describing something by referring to something else which is the same in a particular way. For example, if you want to say that someone is very shy and frightened of things, you might say that they are a mouse. □� �the avoidance of 'violent expressions and metaphors' like 'kill two birds with one stone'. □� �the writer's use of metaphor.

2 N‑VAR If one thing is a metaphorfor another, it is intended or regarded as a symbol of it. □�[+�for ] The divided family remains a powerful metaphor for a society tearing itself apart.

3 PHRASE If you mix your metaphors , you use two different metaphors. People do this accidentally, or sometimes deliberately as a joke. □� To mix metaphors, she's stabbed him in the back and he's shot himself in the foot.

meta|phori|cal /me təfɒ r I k ə l, [AM ] -fɔː r-/ ADJ You use the word metaphorical to indicate that you are not using words with their ordinary meaning, but are describing something by means of an image or symbol. □� It turns out Levy is talking in metaphorical terms. ●� meta|phori|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� You're speaking metaphorically, I hope.

meta|physi|cal /me təf I z I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Metaphysical means relating to metaphysics. □� �metaphysical questions like personal responsibility for violence.

meta|phys|ics /me təf I z I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Metaphysics is a part of philosophy which is concerned with understanding reality and developing theories about what exists and how we know that it exists.

mete /miː t/ (metes , meting , meted )

▸� mete out PHRASAL VERB To mete out a punishment means to order that someone should be punished in a certain way. [FORMAL ] □�[V P n] His father meted out punishment with a slipper. [Also V n P ]

me|teor /miː tiə r / (meteors ) N‑COUNT A meteor is a piece of rock or metal that burns very brightly when it enters the earth's atmosphere from space.

me|teor|ic /miː tiɒ r I k, [AM ] -ɔː r-/ ADJ If you use meteoric when you are describing someone's career, you mean that they achieved success very quickly. □� �his meteoric rise to fame.

me|teor|ite /miː tiəra I t/ (meteorites ) N‑COUNT A meteorite is a large piece of rock or metal from space that has landed on Earth.

me|teoro|logi|cal /miː tiərəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Meteorological means relating to meteorology. □� �adverse meteorological conditions.

me|teor|ol|ogy /miː tiərɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Meteorology is the study of the processes in the Earth's atmosphere that cause particular weather conditions, especially in order to predict the weather. ●� me|teor|olo|gist /miː tiərɒ lədʒ I st/ (meteorologists ) N‑COUNT □� Meteorologists have predicted mild weather for the next few days.

me|ter /miː tə r / (meters , metering , metered )

1 N‑COUNT A meter is a device that measures and records something such as the amount of gas or electricity that you have used. □� He was there to read the electricity meter.

2 VERB To meter something such as gas or electricity means to use a meter to measure how much of it people use, usually in order to calculate how much they have to pay. □�[V n] Only a third of these households thought it reasonable to meter water. □�[V -ed] Metered taxis are relatively inexpensive.

3 N‑COUNT A meter is the same as a parking meter .

4 →�see also metre

me|thane /miː θe I n, [AM ] me θ-/ N‑UNCOUNT Methane is a colourless gas that has no smell. Natural gas consists mostly of methane.

meth|od ◆◆◇ /me θəd/ (methods ) N‑COUNT A method is a particular way of doing something. □�[+�of ] The pill is the most efficient method of birth control. □� �new teaching methods. SYNONYMS method NOUN

means:The move is a means to fight crime.

mechanism:There's no mechanism for punishing arms exporters who break the rules.

way:Freezing isn't a bad way of preserving food.

process:The best way to proceed is by a process of elimination.

me|thodi|cal /məθɒ d I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as methodical , you mean that they do things carefully, thoroughly, and in order. □� Da Vinci was methodical in his research, carefully recording his observations and theories. ●� me|thodi|cal|ly /məθɒ d I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� She methodically put the things into her suitcase.

Meth|od|ism /me θəd I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Methodism is the beliefs and practices of Methodists.

Meth|od|ist /me θəd I st/ (Methodists ) N‑COUNT Methodists are Christians who follow the teachings of John Wesley and who have their own branch of the Christian church and their own form of worship.

meth|od|ol|ogy /me θədɒ lədʒi/ (methodologies ) N‑VAR A methodology is a system of methods and principles for doing something, for example for teaching or for carrying out research. [FORMAL ] □� Teaching methodologies vary according to the topic. ●� meth|odo|logi|cal /me θədəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �theoretical and methodological issues raised by the study of literary texts.

meths /me θs/ N‑UNCOUNT Meths is the same as methylated spirits . [BRIT ]

meth|yl|at|ed spir|its /me θəle I t I d sp I r I ts/ N‑UNCOUNT Methylated spirits is a liquid made from alcohol and other chemicals. It is used for removing stains and as a fuel in small lamps and heaters. [BRIT ]

me|ticu|lous /mət I kjʊləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as meticulous , you mean that they do things very carefully and with great attention to detail. □� He was so meticulous about everything. □� The painting had been executed with meticulous attention to detail. ●� me|ticu|lous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The flat had been meticulously cleaned.

me|ti|er /me tie I , [AM ] metje I / (metiers ) also m�tier N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Your metier is the type of work that you have a natural talent for and do well. [FORMAL ] □� It was as the magazine's business manager that he found his true metier.

me|tre ◆◇◇ /miː tə r / (metres ) in AM, use meter1 N‑COUNT [num N ] A metre is a metric unit of length equal to 100 centimetres. □� She set a world record in the 100 metre sprint at her national championships. □� The tunnel is 10 metres wide and 600 metres long. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑VAR In the study of poetry, metre is the regular and rhythmic arrangement of syllables according to particular patterns. [TECHNICAL ] □� They must each compose a poem in strict alliterative metre. □� All of the poems are written in traditional metres and rhyme schemes.

met|ric /me tr I k/ ADJ Metric means relating to the metric system. □� Converting metric measurements to U.S. equivalents is easy.

me t|ric sys|tem N‑SING Themetric system is the system of measurement that uses metres, grams, and litres.

me t|ric to n (metric tons ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A metric ton is 1,000 kilograms. □�[+�of ] The Wall Street Journal uses 220,000 metric tons of newsprint each year.

met|ro /me troʊ/ (metros ) also Metro N‑COUNT Themetro is the underground railway system in some cities, for example in Paris.

met|ro|nome /me trənoʊm/ (metronomes ) N‑COUNT A metronome is a device which is used to indicate how quickly a piece of music should be played. It can be adjusted to make regular sounds at different speeds.

me|tropo|lis /mətrɒ pəl I s/ (metropolises ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A metropolis is the largest, busiest, and most important city in a country or region. □� �the bustling metropolis of Chengdu.

met|ro|poli|tan /me trəpɒ l I t ə n/ ADJ [ADJ n] Metropolitan means belonging to or typical of a large busy city. □� �the metropolitan district of Miami. □� �a dozen major metropolitan hospitals. □� �metropolitan sophistication and rustic naivety.

met|ro|sex|ual /me trəʊse kʃʊəl/ (metrosexuals ) N‑COUNT A metrosexual is a man who spends a lot of time and money on his appearance, and often his home. □� A true metrosexual, Brad buys fresh flowers every week to brighten up the apartment. ●�ADJ Metrosexual is also an adjective. □� My metrosexual husband has so many shirts that he needs more wardrobe space.

met|tle /me t ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's mettle is their ability to do something well in difficult circumstances. □� His first important chance to show his mettle came when he opened the new session of the Legislature.

mew /mjuː / (mews , mewing , mewed ) VERB When a cat mews , it makes a soft high-pitched noise. □�[V ] From somewhere, the kitten mewed.

mews /mjuː z/ (mews ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A mews is a street or small area surrounded by houses that were originally built as stables. [BRIT ] □� The house is in a secluded mews.

Mexi|can /me ks I kən/ (Mexicans )

1 ADJ Mexican means belonging or relating to Mexico, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Mexican is a Mexican citizen, or a person of Mexican origin.

Me xi|can sta nd-off (Mexican stand-offs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A Mexican stand-off is a situation in which neither of the people or groups in a conflict or dispute can win and neither wants to give in first. [AM ]

Me xi|can wa ve (Mexican waves ) N‑COUNT If a crowd of people do a Mexican wave , each person in the crowd stands up and puts their arms in the air after the person to one side of them, creating a continuous wave-like motion through the crowd. [BRIT ] in AM, use wave

mez|za|nine /me zəniːn/ (mezzanines )

1 N‑COUNT A mezzanine is a small floor which is built between two main floors of a building. □� �the dining room on the mezzanine.

2 N‑COUNT The mezzanine is the lowest balcony in a theatre, or the front rows in the lowest balcony. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use dress circle

mez|zo /me tsoʊ/ (mezzos ) N‑COUNT A mezzo is the same as a mezzo-soprano .

me zzo-sopra no (mezzo-sopranos ) N‑COUNT A mezzo-soprano is a female singer who sings with a higher range than a contralto but a lower range than a soprano. □� She became a professional mezzo-soprano. □� �her remarkable mezzo-soprano voice.

mgmg is a written abbreviation for milligram or milligrams . □� �300 mg of calcium.

MgrMgr is a written abbreviation for Monsignor .

MHzMHz is a written abbreviation for megahertz .

MIA /e m a I e I / ADJ MIA is used to describe members of the armed forces who do not return from a military operation but who are not known to have been killed or captured. MIA is an abbreviation for 'missing in action'. [mainly AM ] □� He was listed as MIA.

miaow /miaʊ / (miaows , miaowing , miaowed ) also meow N‑COUNT Miaow is used to represent the noise that a cat makes. □� He made a frightened noise a little like the miaow of a cat. ●�VERB Miaow is also a verb. □�[V ] Cats miaow when they are unhappy, purr when they are happy.

mi|as|ma /mi� zmə/ (miasmas ) N‑VAR You can describe something bad or confused that seems to be in the air all around you as a miasma . [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] His ambition to be part of the U.S. Supreme Court faded in a miasma of despair.

mic. /ma I k/ (mics ) N‑COUNT A mic. is the same as a microphone . [INFORMAL ]

mica /ma I kə/ (micas ) N‑VAR Mica is a hard mineral which is found as small flat crystals in rocks. It has a great resistance to heat and electricity.

mice /ma I s/ Mice is the plural of mouse .

mick|ey /m I ki/ PHRASE If you take the mickey out of someone or something, you make fun of them, usually in an unkind way. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�out of ] He started taking the mickey out of this poor man just because he is bald.

Mi ckey Mou se ADJ You use Mickey Mouse to show that you think something is silly, childish, easy, or worthless. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� This is not a Mickey Mouse course where every player has a chance.

mi|cro /ma I kroʊ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use micro to indicate that something relates to a specific area, rather than a general one [mainly TECHNICAL ] □� The vital task was to allow the economy to operate freely at a micro level.

PREFIX micro-

forms nouns that have small as part of their meaning. For example, a micro-organism is a very small living thing that you cannot see with your eyes alone.

mi|crobe /ma I kroʊb/ (microbes ) N‑COUNT A microbe is a very small living thing, which you can only see if you use a microscope.

micro|bio|logi|cal /ma I kroʊba I əlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Microbiological refers to studies or tests relating to very small living things such as bacteria and their effects on people. □� �microbiological testing.

micro|bi|ol|ogy /ma I kroʊbaiɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Microbiology is the branch of biology which is concerned with very small living things such as bacteria and their effects on people. □� �a professor of microbiology and immunology. ●� micro|bi|olo|gist (microbiologists ) N‑COUNT □� �a microbiologist at Liverpool University.

mi|cro|blog /ma I krəʊblɒg/ (microblogs ) N‑COUNT A microblog is a blog which is often intended for a particular group of people and consists of very short messages. [COMPUTING ] □� Traditional media organizations have begun to send headlines and links in microblog posts.

mi cro-bre wery (micro-breweries ) N‑COUNT A micro-brewery is a type of small brewery where beer is produced using traditional methods.

micro|chip /ma I kroʊtʃ I p/ (microchips ) N‑COUNT A microchip is a very small piece of silicon inside a computer. It has electronic circuits on it and can hold large quantities of information or perform mathematical and logical operations.

micro|com|put|er /ma I kroʊkəmpjuː tə r / (microcomputers ) also micro-computer N‑COUNT A microcomputer is a small computer, especially one used for writing documents.

micro|cosm /ma I kroʊkɒzəm/ (microcosms ) N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A microcosm is a small society, place, or activity which has all the typical features of a much larger one and so seems like a smaller version of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Kitchell says the city was a microcosm of all American culture during the '60s.

micro|cred|it /ma I kroʊkred I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Microcredit is credit in the form of small loans offered to local businesses, especially in developing countries. [BUSINESS ] □� �a microcredit scheme which provides credit to small businesses.

micro|ec|o|nom|ics /ma I kroʊiː kənɒ m I ks, -e k-/ also micro-economics N‑UNCOUNT [BUSINESS ] Microeconomics is the branch of economics that is concerned with individual areas of economic activity, such as those within a particular company or relating to a particular market. □� He has 250 students in his microeconomics module. ●� micro|ec|o|nom|ic /ma I kroʊiː kənɒ m I k, -e k-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �a textbook on microeconomic theory.

micro|elec|tron|ics /ma I kroʊelektrɒ n I ks/ The form microelectronic is used as a modifier. N‑UNCOUNT Microelectronics is the branch of electronics that deals with miniature electronic circuits.

micro|fibre /ma I kroʊfa I bə r / (microfibres ) in AM, use microfiber N‑VAR [oft N n] Microbfibres are extremely light artificial fibres that are used to make cloth.

micro|fiche /ma I kroʊfiːʃ/ (microfiches ) N‑VAR A microfiche is a small sheet of film on which writing or other information is stored, greatly reduced in size.

micro|film /ma I kroʊf I lm/ (microfilms ) N‑VAR Microfilm is film that is used for photographing information and storing it in a reduced form.

mi cro-o rganism (micro-organisms ) also microorganism N‑COUNT A micro-organism is a very small living thing which you can only see if you use a microscope.

micro|phone /ma I krəfoʊn/ (microphones ) N‑COUNT A microphone is a device that is used to make sounds louder or to record them.

micro|pro|ces|sor /ma I kroʊproʊ sesə r / (microprocessors ) N‑COUNT In a computer, the microprocessor is the main microchip, which controls its most important functions. [COMPUTING ]

micro|scope /ma I krəskoʊp/ (microscopes )

1 N‑COUNT A microscope is a scientific instrument which makes very small objects look bigger so that more detail can be seen.

2 PHRASE If you say that something is under the microscope , you mean that it is being studied very closely, usually because it is believed that something is wrong with it. □� The media put their every decision under the microscope.

micro|scop|ic /ma I krəskɒ p I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Microscopic objects are extremely small, and usually can be seen only through a microscope. □� �microscopic fibres of protein.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A microscopic examination is done using a microscope. □� Microscopic examination of a cell's chromosomes can reveal the sex of the fetus. ●� micro|scopi|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The tissue is examined microscopically to rule out or confirm cancer.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something is done in microscopic detail, you are emphasizing that it is done in a very thorough, detailed way. [EMPHASIS ] □� He carefully recounts the tale, the microscopic details of those crucial minutes.

micro|sec|ond /ma I kroʊsekənd/ (microseconds ) N‑COUNT A microsecond is one millionth of a second.

micro|sur|gery /ma I kroʊsɜː r dʒəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Microsurgery is a form of surgery where doctors repair or remove parts of the body that are so small that they can only be seen clearly using a microscope.

micro|wave /ma I kroʊwe I v/ (microwaves , microwaving , microwaved )

1 N‑COUNT A microwave or a microwave oven is an oven which cooks food very quickly by electromagnetic radiation rather than by heat.

2 VERB To microwave food or drink means to cook or heat it in a microwave oven. □�[V n] Steam or microwave the vegetables until tender.

micro|wave|able /ma I kroʊwe I vəb ə l/ also microwavable ADJ Microwaveable food can be cooked in a microwave.

PREFIX mid-

forms nouns and adjectives that refer to the middle part of a particular period of time, or the middle part of a particular place. For example, mid-June is the middle of June.

mi d-ai r N‑UNCOUNT If something happens in mid-air , it happens in the air, rather than on the ground. □� The bird stopped and hovered in mid-air. □� �a mid-air collision.

mid|day /m I dde I /

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] Midday is twelve o'clock in the middle of the day. □� At midday everyone would go down to Reg's Cafe. □� It's eight minutes after midday.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Midday is the middle part of the day, from late morning to early afternoon. □� People were beginning to tire in the midday heat.

mid|dle ◆◆◆ /m I d ə l/ (middles )

1 N‑COUNT Themiddleof something is the part of it that is furthest from its edges, ends, or outside surface. □�[+�of ] Howard stood in the middle of the room, sipping a cup of coffee. □�[+�of ] Hyde accelerated away from the kerb, swerving out into the middle of the street. □� Make sure the roast potatoes aren't raw in the middle.

2the middle of nowhere →�see nowhere

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The middle object in a row of objects is the one that has an equal number of objects on each side. □� The middle button of his uniform jacket was strained over his belly. □� �the middle finger of her left hand.

4 N‑SING Themiddleof an event or period of time is the part that comes after the first part and before the last part. □� I woke up in the middle of the night and could hear a tapping on the window. □� It was now the middle of November, cold and often foggy. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Middle is also an adjective. □� The month began and ended dry, but the middle fortnight saw nearly 100mm of rain.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The middle course or way is a moderate course of action that lies between two opposite and extreme courses. □� He favoured a middle course between free enterprise and state intervention.

6 PHRASE If you divide or split something down the middle , you divide or split it into two equal halves or groups. □� They agreed to split the bill down the middle.

7 PHRASE If you are in the middle of doing something, you are busy doing it. □� It's a bit hectic. I'm in the middle of cooking for nine people.

mi d|dle a ge N‑UNCOUNT Middle age is the period in your life when you are no longer young but have not yet become old. Middle age is usually considered to take place between the ages of 40 and 60. □� Men tend to put on weight in middle age.

mi ddle-a ged

1 ADJ If you describe someone as middle-aged , you mean that they are neither young nor old. People between the ages of 40 and 60 are usually considered to be middle-aged. □� �middle-aged, married businessmen.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's activities or interests as middle-aged , you are critical of them because you think they are typical of a middle-aged person, for example by being conventional or old-fashioned. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Her novels are middle-aged and boring.

Mi d|dle A ges N‑PLURAL In European history, the Middle Ages was the period between the end of the Roman Empire in 476 AD and about 1500 AD, especially the later part of this period.

Mi d|dle Ame ri|ca

1 N‑UNCOUNT Journalists use Middle America to refer to middle class people in America who are believed not to like change. □� People in the United States want the President to pay attention to Middle America.

2 N‑PROPER Middle America is the same as the Midwest .

3 N‑PROPER Middle America is used to refer to the area consisting of Mexico and Central America, sometimes including the West Indies.

middle|brow /m I d ə lbraʊ/ also middle-brow ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a piece of entertainment such as a book or film as middlebrow , you mean that although it may be interesting and enjoyable, it does not require much thought. □� �such middlebrow fare as Poirot, Sherlock Holmes and Jeeves and Wooster.

mi d|dle cla ss ◆◇◇ (middle classes ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] Themiddle class or middle classes are the people in a society who are not working class or upper class. Business people, managers, doctors, lawyers, and teachers are usually regarded as middle class. □� �the expansion of the middle class in the late 19th century. □� The President may have secured some support from the middle classes. ●�ADJ Middle class is also an adjective. □� He is rapidly losing the support of blue-collar voters and of middle-class conservatives.

mi d|dle di s|tance

1 N‑SING [usu into/in the N ] If you are looking into themiddle distance , you are looking at a place that is neither near nor far away. □� He stares detachedly into the middle distance, towards nothing in particular.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A middle-distance runner is someone who takes part in races of medium length, for example 800 metres.

Mi d|dle E a st ◆◆◇ N‑PROPER TheMiddle East is the area around the eastern Mediterranean that includes Iran and all the countries in Asia to the west and south-west of Iran. □� The two great rivers of the Middle East rise in the mountains of Turkey.

Mi d|dle E a st|ern ADJ [ADJ n] Middle Eastern means relating to the Middle East. □� Most Middle Eastern countries have extremely high rates of population growth.

Mi d|dle E ng|land N‑UNCOUNT Journalists use Middle England to refer to middle class people in England who are believed not to like change. □� This shows that the people of Middle England no longer trust the Tories.

middle|man /m I d ə lm�n/ (middlemen )

1 N‑COUNT A middleman is a person or company which buys things from the people who produce them and sells them to the people who want to buy them. [BUSINESS ] □� Why don't they cut out the middleman and let us do it ourselves?

2 N‑COUNT A middleman is a person who helps in negotiations between people who are unwilling to meet each other directly. □� The two sides would only meet indirectly, through middlemen.

mi d|dle ma n|age|ment N‑UNCOUNT Middle management refers to managers who are below the top level of management, and who are responsible for controlling and running an organization rather than making decisions about how it operates. [BUSINESS ] □� The proportion of women in middle management has risen to 40%. □� �middle-management jobs.

mi d|dle name (middle names )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your middle name is the name that comes between your first name and your surname. □� His middle name is Justin.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can use middle name in expressions such as ' discretion was her middle name ' and ' his middle name is loyalty ' to indicate that someone always behaves with a great deal of a particular quality. [HUMOROUS ] □� Geniality is my middle name. I rarely write a fierce word about any restaurant.

mi ddle-of-the-roa d

1 ADJ If you describe someone's opinions or policies as middle-of-the-road , you mean that they are neither left-wing nor right-wing, and not at all extreme. □� Consensus need not be weak, nor need it result in middle-of-the-road policies.

2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as middle-of-the-road , you mean that they are ordinary or unexciting. □� I actually don't want to be a middle-of-the-road person, married with a mortgage.

3 ADJ Middle-of-the-road music is pop music which a large number of people like because it is pleasant and does not sound extreme or unusual. The abbreviation MOR is also used. □� I like cheerful, uplifting middle-of-the-road pop.

mi ddle-ra nking ADJ [ADJ n] A middle-ranking person has a fairly important or responsible position in a particular organization, but is not one of the most important people in it. □� �middle-ranking army officers.

mi d|dle school (middle schools )

1 N‑VAR [oft in names] In the United States, a middle school is a school for children in the fifth to eighth grades, between the ages of 10 and 13 or 14. □� �Harlem Park Middle School.

2 N‑VAR [oft in names] In Britain, a middle school is a state school that children go to between the ages of 8 or 9 and 12 or 13.

Mi d|dle We st N‑PROPER The Middle West is the central part of the United States.

mid|dling /m I d ə l I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a quality such as the size of something as middling , you mean that it is average. □� The Beatles enjoyed only middling success until 1963. □� �a man of middling height.

mid|field|er /m I dfiːldə r / (midfielders ) N‑COUNT In football, a midfielder is a player whose usual position is in the central area of the playing field between the two goals.

midge /m I dʒ/ (midges ) N‑COUNT Midges are very small insects which bite.

midg|et /m I dʒ I t/ (midgets ) N‑COUNT People who are very short are sometimes referred to as midgets . [OFFENSIVE ]

Mid|lands /m I dlənds/ N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Midlands is the region or area in the central part of a country, in particular the central part of England. □� �an engineering company in the Midlands.

mid|life cri|sis /m I dla I f kra I s I s/ (midlife crises ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A midlife crisis is a period of doubt and anxiety that some people experience in middle age, when they think about whether their life is the kind of life that they want. □� I went through my midlife crisis about four or five years ago, when I was forty.

mid|night ◆◇◇ /m I dna I t/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Midnight is twelve o'clock in the middle of the night. □� It was well after midnight by the time Anne returned to her apartment.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Midnight is used to describe something which happens or appears at midnight or in the middle of the night. □� It is totally out of the question to postpone the midnight deadline.

3 PHRASE If someone is burning the midnight oil , they are staying up very late in order to study or do some other work. □� Chris is asleep after burning the midnight oil trying to finish his article.

mi d|night blue COLOUR Something that is midnight blue is a very dark blue colour, almost black.

mid|point /m I dpɔ I nt/ also mid-point

1 N‑SING Themidpointbetween two things is the point that is the same distance from both things. □�[+�between/of ] �the midpoint between Paris and Warsaw.

2 N‑SING Themidpointof an event is the time halfway between the beginning and the end of it. □�[+�of ] She has not yet reached the midpoint of her life.

mi d-ra nge ADJ [ADJ n] You can use mid-range to describe products or services which are neither the most expensive nor the cheapest of their type. □� �the price of a mid-range family car.

mid|riff /m I dr I f/ (midriffs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Someone's midriff is the middle part of their body, between their waist and their chest. □� �the girl with the bare midriff.

mid|sized /m I dsa I zd/ also mid-sized , midsize ADJ [ADJ n] You use midsized or midsize to describe products, cities, companies, and other things that are neither large nor small. □� �a low-cost midsized car. □� �a midsize city.

midst /m I dst/

1 PHRASE If you are in the midst of doing something, you are doing it at the moment. □� We are in the midst of one of the worst recessions for many, many years.

2 PHRASE If something happens in the midst of an event, it happens during it. □� Eleanor arrived in the midst of a blizzard.

3 PHRASE If someone or something is in the midst of a group of people or things, they are among them or surrounded by them. □� Many were surprised to see him exposed like this in the midst of a large crowd.

4 PHRASE You say that someone is in your midst when you are drawing attention to the fact that they are in your group. [FORMAL ] □� We're lucky to have such a man in our midst.

mid|stream /m I dstriː m/ also mid-stream

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Someone or something that is inmidstream is in the middle of a river, where the current is strongest. □� Their boat had capsized in midstream. ●�ADV [usu ADV after v, oft n ADV ] Midstream is also an adverb. □� Some of them got caught midstream by the tide.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If someone who has been doing something such as talking stops or pauses inmidstream , they stop doing it, often before continuing. □� I was cut off in midstream. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Midstream is also an adverb. □� The most difficult thing in a fast game of rugby is to change course midstream.

mid|sum|mer /m I dsʌ mə r / N‑UNCOUNT Midsummer is the period in the middle of the summer. □� In midsummer every town is impossibly crowded. □� It was a lovely midsummer morning.

Mi d|sum|mer's Da y N‑PROPER Midsummer's Day or Midsummer Day is the 24th of June.

mid|way /m I dwe I / also mid-way

1 ADV If something is midwaybetween two places, it is between them and the same distance from each of them. □� The studio is midway between his aunt's old home and his cottage. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Midway is also an adjective. □� �the midway point between Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If something happens midwaythrough a period of time, it happens during the middle part of it. □�[+�through ] He crashed midway through the race. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Midway is also an adjective. □� They were denied an obvious penalty before the midway point of the first half.

mid|week /m I dwiː k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Midweek describes something that happens in the middle of the week. □� The package includes midweek flights from Gatwick. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Midweek is also an adverb. □� They'll be able to go up to London midweek.

Mid|west /m I dwe st/ N‑PROPER TheMidwest is the region in the north of the central part of the United States. □� �farmers in the Midwest. □� �the Midwest states.

Mid|west|ern /m I dwe stə r n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Midwestern means belonging or relating to the Midwest. □� �the Midwestern plains. □� �traditional Midwestern values. □� �the midwestern plains.

mid|wife /m I dwa I f/ (midwives ) N‑COUNT A midwife is a nurse who is trained to deliver babies and to advise pregnant women.

mid|wife|ry /m I dw I fəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Midwifery is the work of delivering babies and advising pregnant women.

mid|win|ter /m I dw I ntə r / also mid-winter N‑UNCOUNT Midwinter is the period in the middle of winter. □� �the bleak midwinter. □� �the cold midwinter weather.

mien /miː n/ N‑SING [usu poss N ] Someone's mien is their general appearance and manner, especially the expression on their face, which shows what they are feeling or thinking. [LITERARY ] □� It was impossible to tell from his mien whether he was offended. □� �his mild manner and aristocratic mien.

miffed /m I ft/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are miffed , you are slightly annoyed and hurt because of something which someone has said or done to you. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] I was a bit miffed about that.

might

➊�MODAL USES

➋�NOUN USES

➊ might ◆◆◆ /ma I t/ Might is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. →�Please look at category 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 MODAL You use might to indicate that something will possibly happen or be true in the future, but you cannot be certain. [VAGUENESS ] □� Smoking might be banned totally in most buildings. □� I might well regret it later. □� He said he might not be back until tonight.

2 MODAL You use might to indicate that there is a possibility that something is true, but you cannot be certain. [VAGUENESS ] □� She and Simon's father had not given up hope that he might be alive. □� You might be right.

3 MODAL You use might to indicate that something could happen or be true in particular circumstances. [VAGUENESS ] □� Your child might do better with a different teacher. □� �the type of person who might appear in a fashion magazine.

4 MODAL You use might have with a past participle to indicate that it is possible that something happened or was true, or when giving a possible explanation for something. □� I heard what might have been an explosion. □� She thought the shooting might have been an accident.

5 MODAL You use might have with a past participle to indicate that something was a possibility in the past, although it did not actually happen. □� Had the bomb dropped on a city, there might have been a great deal of damage.

6 MODAL You use might in statements where you are accepting the truth of a situation, but contrasting it with something that is more important. □� She might not have much energy but she still has a stinging wit.

7 MODAL You use might when you are saying emphatically that someone ought to do the thing mentioned, especially when you are annoyed because they have not done it. [EMPHASIS ] □� You might have told me that before!

8 MODAL You use might to make a suggestion or to give advice in a very polite way. [POLITENESS ] □� They might be wise to stop advertising on television. □� You might try the gas station down the street.

9 MODAL You use might as a polite way of interrupting someone, asking a question, making a request, or introducing what you are going to say next. [FORMAL , SPOKEN , POLITENESS ] □� Might I make a suggestion? □� Might I draw your readers' attention to the dangers in the Government's proposal.

10 MODAL You use might in expressions such as as you might expect and as you might imagine in order to indicate that the statement you are making is not surprising. □� 'How's Jan?' she asked.�'Bad. As you might expect.'. □� The drivers, as you might imagine, didn't care much for that.

11 MODAL You use might in expressions such as I might add and I might say in order to emphasize a statement that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □� It didn't come as a great surprise to me, I might say.

12 MODAL You use might in expressions such as I might have known and I might have guessed to indicate that you are not surprised at a disappointing event or fact. □� 'I detest clutter, you know.'�'I didn't know, but I might have guessed.'

13might as well →�see well ➌

➋ might /ma I t/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Might is power or strength. [FORMAL ] □� The might of the army could prove a decisive factor.

2 PHRASE If you do something with all your might , you do it using all your strength and energy. □� She swung the hammer at his head with all her might.

mighti|ly /ma I t I li/ ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV after v] Mightily means to a great extent or degree. [OLD-FASHIONED , EMPHASIS ] □� He had given a mightily impressive performance. □� She strove mightily to put Mike from her thoughts.

mightn't /ma I t ə nt/ Mightn't is a spoken form of 'might not'.

might've /ma I təv/ Might've is the usual spoken form of 'might have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb.

mighty /ma I ti/ (mightier , mightiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mighty is used to describe something that is very large or powerful. [LITERARY ] □� There was a flash and a mighty bang.

2 ADV [ADV adj/adv] Mighty is used in front of adjectives and adverbs to emphasize the quality that they are describing. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� It's something you'll be mighty proud of.

3 →�see also high and mighty

mi|graine /miː gre I n, [AM ] ma I -/ (migraines ) N‑VAR A migraine is an extremely painful headache that makes you feel very ill. □� Her mother suffered from migraines. WORD HISTORY migraine

Migraine comes via French from Latin hēmicrānia , meaning 'pain in half the head', from Greek hemi- , meaning 'half', and kranion , meaning 'cranium' or 'skull'.

mi|grant /ma I grənt/ (migrants )

1 N‑COUNT A migrant is a person who moves from one place to another, especially in order to find work. □� The government divides asylum-seekers into economic migrants and genuine refugees. □� �migrant workers following harvests northward.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] Migrants are birds, fish, or animals that migrate from one part of the world to another. □� Migrant birds shelter in the reeds.

mi|grate /ma I gre I t, [AM ] ma I gre I t/ (migrates , migrating , migrated )

1 VERB If people migrate , they move from one place to another, especially in order to find work or to live somewhere for a short time. □�[V prep/adv] People migrate to cities like Jakarta in search of work. □�[V ] Farmers have learned that they have to migrate if they want to survive. ●� mi|gra|tion /ma I gre I ʃ ə n/ (migrations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the migration of Soviet Jews to Israel.

2 VERB When birds, fish, or animals migrate , they move at a particular season from one part of the world or from one part of a country to another, usually in order to breed or to find new feeding grounds. □�[V ] Most birds have to fly long distances to migrate. □�[V prep/adv] �a dam system that kills the fish as they migrate from streams to the ocean. ●� mi|gra|tion N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the migration of animals in the Serengeti.

mi|gra|tory /ma I grətəri, [AM ] -tɔːri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A migratory bird, fish, or animal is one that migrates every year.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Migratory means relating to the migration of people, birds, fish, or animals. □� �migratory farm labour.

mike /ma I k/ (mikes ) N‑COUNT A mike is the same as a microphone . [INFORMAL ]

mil /m I l/ NUM Mil means the same as million . [INFORMAL ] □� Zhamnov, 22, signed for $1.25 mil over three years.

mild ◆◇◇ /ma I ld/ (milder , mildest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mild is used to describe something such as a feeling, attitude, or illness that is not very strong or severe. □� Teddy turned to Mona with a look of mild confusion. □� Anna put up a mild protest. ●� mild|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/adv, oft ADV after v] □� Josephine must have had the disease very mildly as she showed no symptoms.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A mild person is gentle and does not get angry easily. □� He is a mild man, who is reasonable almost to the point of blandness. ●� mild|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'I'm not meddling,' Kenworthy said mildly, 'I'm just curious.'

3 ADJ Mild weather is pleasant because it is neither extremely hot nor extremely cold. □� The area is famous for its very mild winter climate.

4 ADJ You describe food as mild when it does not taste or smell strong, sharp, or bitter, especially when you like it because of this. □� This cheese has a soft, mild flavour. □� �a mild curry powder.

5 →�see also mildly

mil|dew /m I ldjuː, [AM ] -duː/ N‑UNCOUNT Mildew is a soft white fungus that grows in damp places. □� The room smelled of mildew.

mil|dewed /m I ldjuːd, [AM ] -duːd/ ADJ Something that is mildewed has mildew growing on it.

mild|ly /ma I ldli/

1 →�see mild

2 PHRASE You use to put it mildly to indicate that you are describing something in language that is much less strong, direct, or critical than what you really think. □� But not all the money, to put it mildly, has been used wisely.

mi ld-ma nnered ADJ If you describe someone as mild-mannered , you approve of them because they are gentle, kind, and polite. [APPROVAL ]

mile ◆◆◇ /ma I l/ (miles )

1 N‑COUNT [num N ] A mile is a unit of distance equal to 1760 yards or approximately 1.6 kilometres. □� They drove 600 miles across the desert. □� The hurricane is moving to the west at about 18 miles per hour. □� She lives just half a mile away. □� �a 50-mile bike ride.

2 N‑PLURAL Miles is used, especially in the expression miles away , to refer to a long distance. □� If you enrol at a gym that's miles away, you won't be visiting it as often as you should. □� I was miles and miles from anywhere.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Miles or a mile is used with the meaning 'very much' in order to emphasize the difference between two things or qualities, or the difference between what you aimed to do and what you actually achieved. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� You're miles better than most of the performers we see nowadays. □� With a Labour candidate in place they won by a mile. □� The rehearsals were miles too slow and no work was getting done.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone is miles away , you mean that they are unaware of what is happening around them because they are thinking about something else. [INFORMAL ] □� What were you thinking about? You were miles away.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is willing to go the extra mile , you mean that they are willing to make a special effort to do or achieve something. □� The President is determined 'to go the extra mile for peace'.

6 PHRASE If you say that you can see or recognize something a mile off , you are emphasizing that it is very obvious and easy to recognize. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� You can spot undercover cops a mile off.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone would run a mile when faced with a particular situation, you mean that they would be very frightened or unwilling to deal with it. [INFORMAL ] □� If anybody had told me that I was going to have seven children, I would have run a mile.

8 PHRASE If you say that something or someone sticks out a mile or stands out a mile , you are emphasizing that they are very obvious and easy to recognize. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� 'How do you know he's Irish?'�'Sticks out a mile.' WORD HISTORY mile

In Roman times, a mile was equal to a thousand paces. In Latin, 'one thousand paces' is mīlia passuum , from mille , meaning 'a thousand' (the same Latin word as is found in English words such as 'millennium' and 'millimetre').

mile|age /ma I l I dʒ/ (mileages )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mileage refers to the distance that you have travelled, measured in miles. □� Most of their mileage is in and around town.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The mileage of a vehicle is the number of miles that it can travel using one gallon or litre of fuel. □� They are willing to pay up to $500 more for cars that get better mileage.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The mileage in a particular course of action is its usefulness in getting you what you want. □�[+�out of/in ] It's obviously important to get as much mileage out of the convention as possible.

mile|stone /ma I lstoʊn/ (milestones ) N‑COUNT A milestone is an important event in the history or development of something or someone. □�[+�in ] He said the launch of the party represented a milestone in Zambian history.

mi|lieu /miː ljɜː, [AM ] m I ljuː / (milieux or milieus ) N‑COUNT Your milieu is the group of people or activities that you live among or are familiar with. [FORMAL ] □� They stayed, safe and happy, within their own social milieu.

mili|tant ◆◇◇ /m I l I tənt/ (militants ) ADJ You use militant to describe people who believe in something very strongly and are active in trying to bring about political or social change, often in extreme ways that other people find unacceptable. □� Militant mineworkers in the Ukraine have voted for a one-day stoppage next month. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Militant is also a noun. □� The militants might still find some new excuse to call a strike. ●� mili|tan|cy N‑UNCOUNT □� �the rise of trade union militancy. ●� mili|tant|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Their army is militantly nationalist. SYNONYMS militant ADJ

aggressive:Some children are much more aggressive than others.

belligerent:�the belligerent statements from both sides which have led to fears of war.

warring:The warring factions have not yet turned in all their heavy weapons.

combative:He conducted the meeting in his usual combative style, refusing to admit any mistakes.

mili|ta|rism /m I l I tər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Militarism is a country's desire to strengthen their armed forces in order to make itself more powerful. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The country slipped into a dangerous mixture of nationalism and militarism.

mili|ta|rist /m I l I tər I st/ (militarists )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you describe someone as a militarist , you mean that they want their country's armed forces to be strengthened in order to make it more powerful. [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Militarist means the same as militaristic . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �militarist policies.

mili|ta|ris|tic /m I l I tər I st I k/ ADJ Militaristic is used to describe groups, ideas, or policies which support the strengthening of the armed forces of their country in order to make it more powerful. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �aggressive militaristic governments.

mili|ta|rized /m I l I təra I zd/ in BRIT, also use militarised1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A militarized area or region has members of the armed forces and military equipment in it. □� �the militarized zone that separates the faction leaders' areas of control.

2 ADJ You can use militarized to show disapproval of something that has many military characteristics, for example the quality of being aggressive or strict. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a militarized and confrontationist style of politics.

mili|tary ◆◆◆ /m I l I tri, [AM ] -teri/ (militaries )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Military means relating to the armed forces of a country. □� Military action may become necessary. □� The president is sending in almost 20,000 military personnel to help with the relief efforts. □� �last year's military coup. ●� mili|tari|ly /m I lteə r I li/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� They remain unwilling to intervene militarily in what could be an unending war.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu sing] The military are the armed forces of a country, especially officers of high rank. □� The bombing has been far more widespread than the military will admit.

3 ADJ Military means well-organized, controlled, or neat, in a way that is typical of a soldier. □� Your working day will need to be organized with military precision.

mi li|tary po|li ce

1 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] Themilitary police are the part of an army, navy, or air force that act as its police force. □� The government has said it will reform the military police.

2 N‑PLURAL Military police are men and women who are members of the part of an army, navy, or air force that act as its police force. □� The camp is surrounded by razor-wire fences and guarded by military police.

mi li|tary poli ce|man (military policemen ) N‑COUNT A military policeman is a member of the military police.

mi li|tary se r|vice N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Military service is a period of service in the armed forces that everyone in certain countries has to do. □� Many conscripts resent having to do their military service.

mili|tate /m I l I te I t/ (militates , militating , militated ) VERB To militate against something means to make it less possible or likely. To militate against someone means to prevent them from achieving something. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�against ] Her background militates against her. □�[V +�against ] All these rules and guidelines militate against intelligent thinking.

mi|li|tia /m I l I ʃə/ (militias ) N‑COUNT A militia is an organization that operates like an army but whose members are not professional soldiers. □� The troops will not attempt to disarm the warring militias.

mi|li|tia|man /m I l I ʃəmən/ (militiamen ) N‑COUNT A militiaman is a member of a militia.

milk ◆◇◇ /m I lk/ (milks , milking , milked )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Milk is the white liquid produced by cows, goats, and some other animals, which people drink and use to make butter, cheese, and yoghurt. □� He popped out to buy a pint of milk. □� �basic foods such as meat, bread and milk.

2 VERB If someone milks a cow or goat, they get milk from it, using either their hands or a machine. □�[V n] Farm-workers milked cows by hand.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Milk is the white liquid produced by women to feed their babies. □� Milk from the mother's breast is a perfect food for the human baby.

4 N‑VAR Liquid products for cleaning your skin or making it softer are sometimes referred to as milks . □� �sales of cleansing milks, creams and gels.

5 VERB If you say that someone milks something, you mean that they get as much benefit or profit as they can from it, without caring about the effects this has on other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] A few people tried to milk the insurance companies. □�[V n +�from ] The callous couple milked money from a hospital charity to fund a lavish lifestyle.

6 →�see also coconut milk , condensed milk , evaporated milk , skimmed milk

mi lk cho co|late N‑UNCOUNT Milk chocolate is chocolate that has been made with milk. It is lighter in colour and has a creamier taste than plain chocolate.

mi lk float (milk floats ) N‑COUNT A milk float is a small electric van with a roof and no sides which is used to deliver milk to people's houses. [BRIT ]

milk|maid /m I lkme I d/ (milkmaids ) N‑COUNT In former times, a milkmaid was a woman who milked cows and made butter and cheese on a farm.

milk|man /m I lkmən, [AM ] -m�n/ (milkmen ) N‑COUNT A milkman is a person who delivers milk to people's homes.

mi lk prod|uct (milk products ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Milk products are foods made from milk, for example butter, cheese, and yoghurt.

mi lk round (milk rounds )

1 N‑COUNT If someone has a milk round , they work as a milkman, going from house to house delivering milk. [BRIT ] □� Milk rounds are threatened as customers switch to buying from supermarkets.

2 N‑SING The milk round is an event that happens once a year when people from large companies visit colleges and universities and interview students who are interested in working for them. [BRIT ] □� He obtained his first job through the milk round.

milk|shake /m I lkʃe I k/ (milkshakes ) also milk shake N‑VAR A milkshake is a cold drink made by mixing milk with a flavouring or fruit, and sometimes ice cream. □� �a strawberry milkshake.

mi lk tooth (milk teeth ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your milk teeth are the first teeth that grow in your mouth, which later fall out and are replaced by a second set.

mi lk whi te COLOUR You can use milk white to describe things that are a milky white colour. [LITERARY ] □� Mist was rising, and trees and shrubs began to disappear in a milk-white haze.

milky /m I lki/ (milkier , milkiest )

1 ADJ If you describe something as milky , you mean that it is pale white in colour. You can describe other colours as milky when they are very pale. □� A milky mist filled the valley.

2 ADJ Drinks or food that are milky contain a lot of milk. □� �a large bowl of milky coffee.

Mi lky Wa y N‑PROPER The Milky Way is the pale strip of light consisting of many stars that you can see stretched across the sky at night.

mill ◆◇◇ /m I l/ (mills , milling , milled )

1 N‑COUNT A mill is a building in which grain is crushed to make flour.

2 N‑COUNT A mill is a small device used for grinding something such as coffee beans or pepper into powder. □� �a pepper mill.

3 N‑COUNT A mill is a factory used for making and processing materials such as steel, wool, or cotton. □� �a steel mill. □� �a textile mill.

4 VERB To mill something such as wheat or pepper means to grind it in a mill. □�[V n] They mill 1000 tonnes of flour a day in every Australian state. □�[V -ed] �freshly milled black pepper.

5 →�see also milling , rolling mill , run-of-the-mill , watermill

6grist to the mill →�see grist

▸� mill around in BRIT, also use mill about PHRASAL VERB When a crowd of people mill around or mill about , they move around within a particular place or area, so that the movement of the whole crowd looks very confused. □�[V P ] Quite a few people were milling about, but nothing was happening. □�[V P n] Dozens of people milled around Charing Cross Road and Denmark Street.

mil|len|nium /m I le niəm/ (millenniums or millennia )

1 N‑COUNT A millennium is a period of one thousand years, especially one which begins and ends with a year ending in '000', for example the period from the year 1000 to the year 2000. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑SING Many people refer to the year 2000 as theMillennium . □� �the eve of the Millennium.

mil|ler /m I lə r / (millers ) N‑COUNT A miller is a person who owns or operates a mill in which grain is crushed to make flour.

mil|let /m I l I t/ (millets ) N‑VAR Millet is a cereal crop that is grown for its seeds or for hay.

PREFIX milli-

forms nouns that refer to units that are a thousand times smaller. For example, a millimetre is a thousandth of a meter.

mil|li|gram /m I l I gr�m/ (milligrams ) in BRIT, also use milligramme N‑COUNT [num N ] A milligram is a unit of weight that is equal to a thousandth of a gramme. □�[+�of ] �0.5 milligrams of mercury.

mil|li|li|tre /m I l I liːtə r / (millilitres ) in AM, use milliliter N‑COUNT [num N ] A millilitre is a unit of volume for liquids and gases that is equal to a thousandth of a litre. □�[+�of ] �100 millilitres of blood.

mil|li|metre /m I l I miːtə r / (millimetres ) in AM, use millimeter N‑COUNT [num N ] A millimetre is a metric unit of length that is equal to a tenth of a centimetre or a thousandth of a metre. □� �a tiny little transparent pill, about 20 millimetres long.

mil|li|ner /m I l I nə r / (milliners ) N‑COUNT A milliner is a person whose job is making or selling women's hats.

mil|li|nery /m I l I nəri, [AM ] -neri/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Millinery is used to refer to women's hats. [FORMAL ] □� �her aunt's modest millinery shop.

mill|ing /m I l I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] The people in a milling crowd move around within a particular place or area, so that the movement of the whole crowd looks very confused. □� They moved purposefully through the milling crowd.

mil|lion ◆◆◆ /m I liən/ (millions ) The plural form is million after a number, or after a word or expression referring to a number, such as 'several' or 'a few'. 1 NUM A million or one million is the number 1,000,000. □� Up to five million people a year visit the county. □� Profits for 1999 topped �100 million.

2 QUANT If you talk about millions of people or things, you mean that there is a very large number of them but you do not know or do not want to say exactly how many. □�[+�of ] The programme was viewed on television in millions of homes. USAGE million

Don�t add �-s� to the word million when you put another number in front of it. Don�t say, for example, � five millions dollars �. Say �five million dollars�. □� Over six million people visit the country every year.

mil|lion|aire /m I liəneə r / (millionaires ) N‑COUNT A millionaire is a very rich person who has money or property worth at least a million pounds or dollars. □� By the time he died, he was a millionaire.

mil|lion|air|ess /m I liəneə res/ (millionairesses ) N‑COUNT A millionairess is a woman who has money or property worth at least a million pounds or dollars.

mil|lionth ◆◆◇ /m I liənθ/ (millionths )

1 ORD The millionth item in a series is the one you count as number one million. □� Last year the millionth truck rolled off the assembly line.

2 FRACTION A millionthof something is one of a million equal parts of it. □�[+�of ] The bomb must explode within less than a millionth of a second.

mil|li|pede /m I l I piːd/ (millipedes ) N‑COUNT A millipede is a small creature with a long narrow body and a lot of legs.

mil|li|sec|ond /m I lisekənd/ (milliseconds ) N‑COUNT A millisecond is a unit of time equal to one thousandth of a second.

mill|stone /m I lstoʊn/ (millstones )

1 N‑COUNT A millstone is a large, flat, round stone which is one of a pair of stones used to grind grain into flour.

2 PHRASE If you describe something as a millstone or a millstone around your neck , you mean that it is a very unpleasant problem or responsibility that you cannot escape from. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� For today's politicians, the treaty is becoming a millstone. □� That contract proved to be a millstone around his neck.

mime /ma I m/ (mimes , miming , mimed )

1 N‑VAR Mime is the use of movements and gestures in order to express something or tell a story without using speech. □� Music, mime and strong visual imagery play a strong part in the productions. □� �a mime artist.

2 VERB If you mime something, you describe or express it using mime rather than speech. □�[V n/v-ing] It featured a solo dance in which a woman in a short overall mimed a lot of dainty housework. □�[V n/v-ing] I remember asking her to mime getting up in the morning. [Also V ]

3 VERB If you mime , you pretend to be singing or playing an instrument, although the music is in fact coming from something like a CD. □�[V ] Richey's not miming, he's playing very quiet guitar. □�[V n] In concerts, the group mime their songs. □�[V +�to ] The waiters mime to records playing on the jukebox.

mi|met|ic /m I me t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mimetic movements or activities are ones in which you imitate something. [FORMAL ] □� Both realism and naturalism are mimetic systems or practices of representation.

mim|ic /m I m I k/ (mimics , mimicking , mimicked )

1 VERB If you mimic the actions or voice of a person or animal, you imitate them, usually in a way that is meant to be amusing or entertaining. □�[V n] He could mimic anybody.

2 VERB If someone or something mimics another person or thing, they try to be like them. □�[V n] The computer doesn't mimic human thought; it reaches the same ends by different means.

3 N‑COUNT A mimic is a person who is able to mimic people or animals.

mim|ic|ry /m I m I kri/ N‑UNCOUNT Mimicry is the action of mimicking someone or something. □� One of his few strengths was his skill at mimicry.

min.Min. is a written abbreviation for minimum , or for minutes or minute .

mina|ret /m I nəre t/ (minarets ) N‑COUNT A minaret is a tall thin tower which is part of a mosque.

mince /m I ns/ (minces , mincing , minced )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mince is meat which has been cut into very small pieces using a machine. [mainly BRIT ] □� Brown the mince in a frying pan. in AM, use ground beef , hamburger meat2 VERB If you mince food such as meat, you put it into a machine which cuts it into very small pieces. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] Perhaps I'll buy lean meat and mince it myself. □�[V -ed] �minced beef. in AM, usually use grind3 VERB If you say that someone, especially a homosexual man, minces somewhere, you mean that they walk there with quick small steps. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V prep/adv] They minced in, in beach costumes and make-up.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone does not mince their words , you mean that they speak in a forceful and direct way, especially when saying something unpleasant to someone. □� The doctors didn't mince their words, and predicted the worst.

mince|meat /m I nsmiːt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mincemeat is a sticky mixture of small pieces of dried fruit. It is usually cooked in pastry to make mince pies.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Mincemeat is the same as mince . [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use ground beef , hamburger meat

3 PHRASE If you make mincemeat of someone or make mincemeat out of them, you defeat them completely in an argument, fight, or competition. □� I can imagine a defence lawyer making mincemeat of him if we ever put him up in court.

mi nce pie (mince pies ) N‑COUNT Mince pies are small pies containing a sticky mixture of small pieces of dried fruit. Mince pies are usually eaten at Christmas.

minc|er /m I nsə r / (mincers ) N‑COUNT A mincer is a machine which cuts meat into very small pieces by forcing it through very small holes. [BRIT ] in AM, use meat grinder

mind

➊�NOUN USES

➋�VERB USES

➊ mind ◆◆◆ /ma I nd/ (minds )

→�Please look at categories 45 to 47 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑COUNT [with poss] You refer to someone's mind when talking about their thoughts. For example, if you say that something is in your mind , you mean that you are thinking about it, and if you say that something is at the back of your mind , you mean that you are aware of it, although you are not thinking about it very much. □� I'm trying to clear my mind of all this. □� There was no doubt in his mind that the man was serious. □� I put what happened during that game to the back of my mind. □� He spent the next hour going over the trial in his mind.

2 N‑COUNT Your mind is your ability to think and reason. □� You have a good mind. □� Studying stretched my mind and got me thinking about things.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have a particular type of mind , you have a particular way of thinking which is part of your character, or a result of your education or professional training. □� Andrew, you have a very suspicious mind. □� The key to his success is his logical mind. □� �an American writer who has researched the criminal mind.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone as a particular kind of mind as a way of saying that they are clever, intelligent, or imaginative. □� She moved to London, meeting some of the best minds of her time.

5 →�see also minded , -minded , frame of mind , state of mind

6 PHRASE If you tell someone to bear something in mind or to keep something in mind , you are reminding or warning them about something important which they should remember. □� Bear in mind that petrol stations are scarce in the more remote areas. □� I should not be surprised about some of her comments, bearing in mind the party she belongs to.

7 PHRASE If something brings another thing to mind or calls another thing to mind , it makes you think of that other thing, usually because it is similar in some way. □� That brings to mind a wonderful poem by Riokin.

8 PHRASE If you cast your mind backto a time in the past, you think about what happened then. □� Cast your mind back to the year the team won the title.

9 PHRASE If you close your mindto something, you deliberately do not think about it or pay attention to it. □� She has closed her mind to last year's traumas.

10 PHRASE If you change your mind , or if someone or something changes your mind , you change a decision you have made or an opinion that you had. □� I was going to vote for him, but I changed my mind. □� It would be impossible to change his mind.

11 PHRASE If something comes to mind or springs to mind , you think of it without making any effort. □� Integrity and honesty are words that spring to mind when talking of the man.

12 PHRASE If you say that an idea or possibility never crossed your mind , you mean that you did not think of it. □� It had never crossed his mind that there might be a problem.

13 PHRASE If you see something in your mind's eye , you imagine it and have a clear picture of it in your mind. □� In his mind's eye, he can imagine the effect he's having.

14 PHRASE If you have a mind to do something, you want, intend, or choose to do it. □� The captain of the guard looked as if he had a mind to challenge them.

15 PHRASE If you say that you have a good mind to do something or have half a mind to do it, you are threatening or announcing that you have a strong desire to do it, although you probably will not do it. □� He raged on about how he had a good mind to resign.

16 PHRASE If you ask someone what they have in mind , you want to know in more detail about an idea or wish they have. □� 'Maybe we could celebrate tonight.'�'What did you have in mind?'

17 PHRASE If you have it in mind to do something, you intend or want to do it. □� Collins Harvill had it in mind to publish a short volume about Pasternak.

18 PHRASE If you do something with a particular thing in mind , you do it with that thing as your aim or as the reason or basis for your action. □� These families need support. With this in mind, a group of 35 specialists met last weekend.

19 PHRASE If you say that something such as an illness is allin the mind , you mean that it relates to someone's feelings or attitude, rather than having any physical cause. □� It could be a virus, or it could be all in the mind.

20 PHRASE If you know your own mind , you are sure about your opinions, and are not easily influenced by other people.

21 PHRASE If you say that someone is losing their mind , you mean that they are becoming mad. □� Sometimes I feel I'm losing my mind.

22 PHRASE If you make up your mind or make your mind up , you decide which of a number of possible things you will have or do. □� Once he made up his mind to do something, there was no stopping him. □� She said her mind was made up.

23 PHRASE You can use the expression mind over matter to describe situations in which a person seems to be able to control events, physical objects, or the condition of their own body using their mind. □� Good health is simply a case of mind over matter.

24 PHRASE If a number of people are of one mind , of like mind , or of the same mind , they all agree about something. □� Contact with other disabled yachtsmen of like mind would be helpful. □� The food companies are not of one mind about these new regulations.

25 PHRASE If you say that something that happens is a load off your mind or a weight off your mind , you mean that it causes you to stop worrying, for example because it solves a problem that you had.

26 PHRASE If something is on your mind , you are worried or concerned about it and think about it a lot. □� This game has been on my mind all week. □� I just forgot. I've had a lot on my mind.

27 PHRASE If your mind is on something or you have your mind on something, you are thinking about that thing. □� At school I was always in trouble�my mind was never on my work.

28 PHRASE If you have an open mind , you avoid forming an opinion or making a decision until you know all the facts. □� It's hard to see it any other way, though I'm trying to keep an open mind.

29 PHRASE If something opens your mindto new ideas or experiences, it makes you more willing to accept them or try them. □� She also stimulated his curiosity and opened his mind to other cultures.

30 PHRASE If you say that someone is out of their mind , you mean that they are mad or very foolish. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?

31 PHRASE If you say that someone is out of their mindwith a feeling such as worry or fear, you are emphasizing that they are extremely worried or afraid. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

32 PHRASE If you say that someone is, for example, bored out of their mind , scared out of their mind , or stoned out of their mind , you are emphasizing that they are extremely bored, scared, or affected by drugs. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

33 PHRASE If you put your mind to something, you start making an effort to do it. □� You could do fine in the world if you put your mind to it.

34 PHRASE If something puts you in mind of something else, it reminds you of it because it is similar to it or is associated with it. □� This put me in mind of something Patrick said many years ago.

35 PHRASE If you can read someone's mind , you know what they are thinking without them saying anything. □� Don't expect others to read your mind.

36 PHRASE To put someone's mind at rest or set their mind at rest means to stop them worrying about something. □� It may be advisable to have a blood test to put your mind at rest.

37 PHRASE If you say that nobody in their right mind would do a particular thing, you are emphasizing that it is an irrational thing to do and you would be surprised if anyone did it. [EMPHASIS ] □� No one in their right mind would make such a major purchase without asking questions.

38 PHRASE If you set your mind on something or have your mind set on it, you are determined to do it or obtain it. □� When Alice sets her mind on something, she invariably finds a way to achieve it.

39 PHRASE If something slips your mind , you forget it. □� I was going to mention it, but it slipped my mind.

40 PHRASE If you speak your mind , you say firmly and honestly what you think about a situation, even if this may offend or upset people. □� Martina Navratilova has never been afraid to speak her mind.

41 PHRASE If something sticks in your mind , it remains firmly in your memory. □� I've always been fond of poetry and one piece has always stuck in my mind.

42 PHRASE If something takes your mind off a problem or unpleasant situation, it helps you to forget about it for a while. □� 'How about a game of tennis?' suggested Alan. 'That'll take your mind off things.'

43 PHRASE You say or write to my mind to indicate that the statement you are making is your own opinion. □� There are scenes in this play which to my mind are incredibly violent.

44 PHRASE If you are in two minds , you are uncertain about what to do, especially when you have to choose between two courses of action. The expression of two minds is also used, especially in American English. □�[+�about ] Like many parents, I am in two minds about school uniforms.

45to give someone a piece of your mind →�see piece

➋ mind ◆◇◇ /ma I nd/ (minds , minding , minded )

→�Please look at category 21 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you do not mind something, you are not annoyed or bothered by it. □�[V n/v-ing] I don't mind the noise during the day. □�[V n/v-ing] Do you mind being alone? □�[V n v-ing] I hope you don't mind me calling in like this, without an appointment. □�[V ] It involved a little extra work, but nobody seemed to mind.

2 VERB You use mind in the expressions ' do you mind? ' and ' would you mind? ' as a polite way of asking permission or asking someone to do something. [POLITENESS ] □�[V if] Do you mind if I ask you one more thing? □�[V v-ing] Would you mind waiting outside for a moment? □�[V ] 'Would you like me to read that for you?'�'If you wouldn't mind, please.'

3 VERB If someone does not mind what happens or what something is like, they do not have a strong preference for any particular thing. □�[V wh] I don't mind what we play, really.

4 VERB [usu imper] If you tell someone to mind something, you are warning them to be careful not to hurt themselves or other people, or damage something. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Mind that bike! in AM, usually use watch5 VERB You use mind when you are reminding someone to do something or telling them to be careful not to do something. [BRIT ] □�[V that] Mind you don't burn those sausages. in AM, usually use make sure , take care6 VERB If you mind a child or something such as a shop or luggage, you look after it, usually while the person who owns it or is usually responsible for it is somewhere else. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Jim Coulters will mind the store while I'm away. in AM, usually use take care of , watch

7 CONVENTION If you are offered something or offered a choice and you say ' I don't mind ', you are saying politely that you will be happy with any of the things offered. [BRIT , FORMULAE ] □� 'Which one of these do you want?'�'I don't mind.'

8 CONVENTION You say ' Don't mind me ' to apologize for your presence when you think that it might embarrass someone, and to tell them to carry on with what they were doing or about to do.

9 PHRASE You use don't mind in expressions such as don't mind him or don't mind them to apologize for someone else's behaviour when you think it might have offended the person you are speaking to. □� Don't mind the old lady. She's getting senile.

10 CONVENTION Some people say ' Mind how you go ' when they are saying goodbye to someone who is leaving. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FORMULAE ]

11 PHRASE People use the expression if you don't mind when they are rejecting an offer or saying that they do not want to do something, especially when they are annoyed. [FEELINGS ] □� 'Sit down.'�'I prefer standing for a while, if you don't mind.'.

12 PHRASE You use mind you to emphasize a piece of information that you are adding, especially when the new information explains what you have said or contrasts with it. Some people use mind in a similar way. [EMPHASIS ] □� They pay full rates. Mind you, they can afford it. □� You need a bit of cold water. Not too cold, mind.

13 CONVENTION You say never mind when you are emphasizing that something is not serious or important, especially when someone is upset about it or is saying sorry to you. [EMPHASIS ]

14 PHRASE You use never mind to tell someone that they need not do something or worry about something, because it is not important or because you will do it yourself. □� 'Was his name David?'�'No I don't think it was, but never mind, go on.' □� Dorothy, come on. Never mind your shoes. They'll soon dry off. □� 'Fewter didn't seem to think so.'�'Never mind what Fewter said.'

15 PHRASE You use never mind after a statement, often a negative one, to indicate that the statement is even more true of the person, thing, or situation that you are going to mention next. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm not going to believe it myself, never mind convince anyone else.

16 CONVENTION You use never you mind to tell someone not to ask about something because it is not their concern or they should not know about it. [SPOKEN ] □� 'Where is it?'�'Never you mind.'

17 PHRASE If you say that you wouldn't mind something, you mean that you would quite like it. □� I wouldn't mind a coffee.

18to mind your own business →�see business COLLOCATIONS mind NOUN

➊1

verb +�mind : clear; concentrate, focus; occupy

➊ 2

adjective +�mind : good, healthy, sound; conscious, subconscious, unconscious; human, young

mind+�be +�adjective : blank

➊ 3

adjective +�mind : inquiring, open, suspicious; brilliant, creative; criminal SYNONYMS mind NOUN

➊1

brain:Once you stop using your brain you soon go stale.

psyche:'It probably shows up a deeply immature part of my psyche,' he confesses.

head:I can't get that song out of my head.

➊ 2

intelligence:Nerve cells, after all, do not have intelligence of their own.

reason:�a conflict between emotion and reason.

intellect:Do the emotions develop in parallel with the intellect? VERB ➋1

object:A lot of people will object to the book.

resent:I resent being dependent on her.

disapprove:Most people disapprove of such violent tactics.

mi nd-altering ADJ [usu ADJ n] A mind-altering drug is one that produces mood changes in the person who has taken it.

mi nd-bending

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as mind-bending , you mean that it is difficult to understand or think about. □� �mind-bending debates about the nature of life.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mind-bending means the same as mind-altering . □� �mind-bending drugs.

mi nd-blowing also mind blowing ADJ If you describe something as mind-blowing , you mean that it is extremely impressive or surprising. [INFORMAL ] □� �a mind-blowing array of treatments.

mi nd-boggling also mind boggling ADJ If you say that something is mind-boggling , you mean that it is so large, complicated, or extreme that it is very hard to imagine. [INFORMAL ] □� The amount of paperwork involved is mind-boggling.

mind|ed /ma I nd I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf, so ADJ ] If someone is mindedto do something, they want or intend to do it. [FORMAL ] □� The Home Office said at that time that it was minded to reject his application for political asylum.

-minded /-ma I nd I d/

1 COMB -minded combines with adjectives to form words that describe someone's character, attitude, opinions, or intelligence. □� These are evil-minded people. □� He is famous for his tough-minded professionalism.

2 COMB -minded combines with adverbs to form adjectives that indicate that someone is interested in a particular subject or is able to think in a particular way. □� I am not an academically-minded person.

3 COMB -minded combines with nouns to form adjectives that indicate that someone thinks a particular thing is important or cares a lot about it. □� He is seen as more business-minded than his predecessor. □� �career-minded women.

mind|er /ma I ndə r / (minders )

1 N‑COUNT A minder is a person whose job is to protect someone, especially someone famous. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A minder is the same as a childminder . [BRIT ]

mind|ful /ma I ndfʊl/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are mindfulof something, you think about it and consider it when taking action. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] We must be mindful of the consequences of selfishness.

mind|ful|ness /ma I ndfʊlnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Mindfulness is a way of training your mind to concentrate on the present, in order to feel calm and improve your mental state. □� We have started teaching mindfulness techniques to our pupils.

mind|less /ma I ndləs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a violent action as mindless , you mean that it is done without thought and will achieve nothing. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a plot that mixes blackmail, extortion and mindless violence.

2 ADJ If you describe a person or group as mindless , you mean that they are stupid or do not think about what they are doing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The mindless idiots are just trying to get a reaction. ●� mind|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I was annoyed with myself for having so mindlessly lost thirty dollars.

3 ADJ If you describe an activity as mindless , you mean that it is extremely dull. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the mindless repetitiveness of some tasks. ●� mind|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I spent many hours mindlessly banging a tennis ball against the wall.

mi nd-numbing ADJ If you describe an event or experience as mind-numbing , you mean that it is so bad, boring, or great in extent that you are unable to think about it clearly. □� It was another day of mind-numbing tedium. ●� mind-numbingly ADV [ADV adj] □� �a mind-numbingly boring sport.

mi ndset /ma I ndset/ (mindsets ) also mind-set N‑COUNT [oft with poss, adj N ] If you refer to someone's mindset , you mean their general attitudes and the way they typically think about things. □� Flexible working was part of the mindset of the company from the start.

mine

➊�PRONOUN USE

➋�NOUN AND VERB USES

➊ mine ◆◆◆ /ma I n/ PRON Mine is the first person singular possessive pronoun. A speaker or writer uses mine to refer to something that belongs or relates to himself or herself. □� Her right hand is inches from mine. □� I'm looking for a friend of mine who lives here.

➋ mine /ma I n/ (mines , mining , mined )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A mine is a place where deep holes and tunnels are dug under the ground in order to obtain a mineral such as coal, diamonds, or gold. □� �coal mines.

2 VERB [usu passive] When a mineral such as coal, diamonds, or gold is mined , it is obtained from the ground by digging deep holes and tunnels. □�[be V -ed] The pit is being shut down because it no longer has enough coal that can be mined economically.

3 N‑COUNT A mine is a bomb which is hidden in the ground or in water and which explodes when people or things touch it.

4 VERB If an area of land or water is mined , mines are placed there which will explode when people or things touch them. □�[be V -ed] The approaches to the garrison have been heavily mined. [Also V n]

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is a mine of information , you mean that they know a great deal about something.

6 →�see also mining

mine|field /ma I nfiːld/ (minefields )

1 N‑COUNT A minefield is an area of land or water where explosive mines have been hidden.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If you describe a situation as a minefield , you are emphasizing that there are a lot of hidden dangers or problems, and where people need to behave with care because things could easily go wrong. [EMPHASIS ] □� The whole subject is a political minefield. [Also +�of ]

min|er ◆◇◇ /ma I nə r / (miners ) N‑COUNT A miner is a person who works underground in mines in order to obtain minerals such as coal, diamonds, or gold.

min|er|al /m I nərəl/ (minerals ) N‑COUNT A mineral is a substance such as tin, salt, or sulphur that is formed naturally in rocks and in the earth. Minerals are also found in small quantities in food and drink.

mi n|er|al wa|ter (mineral waters ) N‑VAR Mineral water is water that comes out of the ground naturally and is considered healthy to drink. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of mineral water can be referred to as a mineral water .

min|estro|ne /m I n I stroʊ ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Minestrone soup is a type of soup made from meat stock that contains small pieces of vegetable and pasta.

mine|sweeper /ma I nswiːpə r / (minesweepers ) also mine sweeper N‑COUNT A minesweeper is a ship that is used to clear away explosive mines in the sea.

min|gle /m I ŋg ə l/ (mingles , mingling , mingled )

1 VERB If things such as sounds, smells, or feelings mingle , they become mixed together but are usually still recognizable. □�[V ] Now the cheers and applause mingled in a single sustained roar. □�[V +�with ] Foreboding mingled with his excitement.

2 VERB At a party, if you minglewith the other people there, you move around and talk to them. □�[V +�with ] Go out of your way to mingle with others at the wedding. □�[V ] Guests ate and mingled. □�[V ] Alison mingled for a while and then went to where Douglas stood with John.

mini /m I ni/ (minis ) N‑COUNT A mini is the same as a mini-skirt .

PREFIX mini-

forms nouns that refer to things that are a smaller version of something else. For example, a minibus is a small bus.

minia|ture /m I n I tʃə r , [AM ] m I niətʃʊr/ (miniatures )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Miniature is used to describe something which is very small, especially a smaller version of something which is normally much bigger. □� �miniature roses. □� He looked like a miniature version of his handsome and elegant big brother.

2 PHRASE If you describe one thing as another thing in miniature , you mean that it is much smaller in size or scale than the other thing, but is otherwise exactly the same. □� Ecuador provides a perfect introduction to South America; it's a continent in miniature.

3 N‑COUNT A miniature is a very small detailed painting, often of a person.

4 N‑COUNT A miniature is a very small bottle of strong alcohol such as whisky or brandy, and usually contains enough for one or two drinks.

minia|tur|ize /m I n I tʃəra I z/ (miniaturizes , miniaturizing , miniaturized ) in BRIT, also use miniaturise VERB If you miniaturize something such as a machine, you produce a very small version of it. □�[V n] �the problems of further miniaturizing the available technologies. □�[V -ed] �miniaturized amplifiers and receivers. ●� minia|turi|za|tion /m I n I tʃəra I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �increasing miniaturization in the computer industry.

mini|bar /m I nibɑː r / (minibars ) N‑COUNT In a hotel room, a minibar is a small fridge containing alcoholic drinks.

mi ni-break (mini-breaks ) N‑COUNT A mini-break is a short holiday. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ]

mini|bus /m I nibʌs/ (minibuses ) also mini-bus N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A minibus is a large van which has seats in the back for passengers, and windows along its sides.

mini|cab /m I nik�b/ (minicabs ) also mini-cab N‑COUNT A minicab is a taxi which you have to arrange to pick you up by phone. [BRIT ] □� If you want a cheap ride, take a minicab.

mini|cam /m I nik�m/ (minicams ) N‑COUNT A minicam is a very small television camera.

mini|dish /m I nid I ʃ/ (minidishes ) N‑COUNT A minidish is a small satellite dish that can receive signals from communications satellites for media such as television programmes and the internet.

min|im /m I n I m/ (minims ) N‑COUNT A minim is a musical note that has a time value equal to two crotchets or two quarter notes. [BRIT ] in AM, use half note

mini|mal /m I n I m ə l/ ADJ Something that is minimal is very small in quantity, value, or degree. □� The co-operation between the two is minimal. □� One aim of these reforms is effective defence with minimal expenditure.

mini|mal|ism /m I n I məl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Minimalism is a style in which a small number of very simple things are used to create a particular effect. □� In her own home, she replaced austere minimalism with cosy warmth and colour.

mini|mal|ist /m I n I məl I st/ (minimalists )

1 N‑COUNT A minimalist is an artist or designer who uses minimalism. □� He was influenced by the minimalists in the 1970s.

2 ADJ Minimalist is used to describe ideas, artists, or designers that are influenced by minimalism. □� The two designers settled upon a minimalist approach.

mini|mal|istic /m I n I məl I st I k/ ADJ A minimalistic style is simple and plain, without any decoration. □� The modern trend is minimalistic with simple, square components.

mini|mize /m I n I ma I z/ (minimizes , minimizing , minimized ) in BRIT, also use minimise1 VERB If you minimize a risk, problem, or unpleasant situation, you reduce it to the lowest possible level, or prevent it increasing beyond that level. □�[be V -ed] Many of these problems can be minimised by sensible planning.

2 VERB If you minimize something, you make it seem smaller or less significant than it really is. □�[V n] Some have minimized the importance of ideological factors.

3 VERB If you minimize a window on a computer screen, you make it very small, because you do not want to use it. □�[V n] Click the square icon again to minimize the window.

mini|mum ◆◇◇ /m I n I məm/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use minimum to describe an amount which is the smallest that is possible, allowed, or required. □� He was only five feet nine, the minimum height for a policeman. □� �a rise in the minimum wage. ●�N‑SING Minimum is also a noun. □�[+�of ] This will take a minimum of one hour. □� Four foot should be seen as an absolute minimum.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use minimum to state how small an amount is. □� The basic needs of life are available with minimum effort. □� Neil and Chris try to spend the minimum amount of time on the garden. ●�N‑SING Minimum is also a noun. □� With a minimum of fuss, she produced the grandson he had so desperately wished for.

3 ADV If you say that something is a particular amount minimum , you mean that this is the smallest amount it should be or could possibly be, although a larger amount is acceptable or very possible. □� You're talking over a thousand pounds minimum for one course.

4 PHRASE You use at a minimum , or at the minimum , when you want to indicate that something is the very least which could or should happen. □� This would take three months at a minimum.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone keeps something to a minimum , or to the minimum , you mean that they keep the amount of it as small as possible. □� Office machinery is kept to a minimum.

mi ni|mum se|cu |rity pri s|on (minimum security prisons ) N‑COUNT A minimum security prison is a prison where there are fewer restrictions on prisoners than in a normal prison. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use open prison

mi ni|mum wa ge N‑SING Theminimum wage is the lowest wage that an employer is allowed to pay an employee, according to a law or agreement.

min|ing /ma I n I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Mining is the industry and activities connected with getting valuable or useful minerals from the ground, for example coal, diamonds, or gold. □� �traditional industries such as coal mining and steel making.

min|ion /m I njən/ (minions ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu poss N ] If you refer to someone's minions , you are referring to people who have to do what that person tells them to do, especially unimportant or boring tasks. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� She delegated the job to one of her minions.

mi ni-series (mini-series ) N‑COUNT A mini-series is a drama shown on television in two or three parts, usually in one week.

mi ni-skirt (mini-skirts ) also miniskirt N‑COUNT A mini-skirt is a very short skirt.

min|is|ter ◆◆◆ /m I n I stə r / (ministers , ministering , ministered )

1 N‑COUNT [n N ] In Britain and some other countries, a minister is a person who is in charge of a particular government department. □�[+�of ] When the government had come to power, he had been named Minister of Culture. □� � he newly appointed defence minister.

2 N‑COUNT A minister is a person who officially represents their government in a foreign country and has a lower rank than an ambassador. □� He concluded a deal with the Danish minister in Washington.

3 N‑COUNT A minister is a member of the clergy, especially in Protestant churches. □� His father was a Baptist minister.

4 VERB If you minister to people or to their needs, you serve them or help them, for example by making sure that they have everything they need or want. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] For 44 years he had ministered to the poor, the sick, the neglected and the deprived.

min|is|terial /m I n I st I ə riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use ministerial to refer to people, events, or jobs that are connected with government ministers. □� The prime minister's initial ministerial appointments haven't pleased all his supporters.

mini|stra|tions /m I n I stre I ʃ ə nz/ N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] A person's ministrations are the things they do to help or care for someone in a particular situation, especially someone who is weak or ill. [HUMOROUS or LITERARY ] □� �the tender ministrations of the buxom woman who cut his hair.

min|is|try ◆◆◇ /m I n I stri/ (ministries )

1 N‑COUNT [n N ] In Britain and some other countries, a ministry is a government department which deals with a particular thing or area of activity, for example trade, defence, or transport. □�[+�of ] �the Ministry of Justice. □� �a spokesman for the Agriculture Ministry.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] The ministry of a religious person is the work that they do that is based on or inspired by their religious beliefs. □� His ministry is among the poor.

mink /m I ŋk/ (minks or mink )

1 N‑COUNT A mink is a small animal with highly valued fur. □� �a proposal for a ban on the hunting of foxes, mink and hares. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Mink is the fur of a mink. □� �a mink coat.

2 N‑COUNT A mink is a coat or other garment made from the fur of a mink. □� Some people like to dress up in minks and diamonds.

min|now /m I noʊ/ (minnows ) N‑COUNT A minnow is a very small fish that lives in lakes and rivers.

mi|nor ◆◇◇ /ma I nə r / (minors , minoring , minored )

1 ADJ You use minor when you want to describe something that is less important, serious, or significant than other things in a group or situation. □� She is known in Italy for a number of minor roles in films. □� Western officials say the problem is minor, and should be quickly overcome.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A minor illness or operation is not likely to be dangerous to someone's life or health. □� Sarah had been plagued continually by a series of minor illnesses. □� His mother had to go to the hospital for minor surgery.

3 ADJ [n ADJ , ADJ n] In European music, a minor scale is one in which the third note is three semitones higher than the first. □� �the unfinished sonata movement in F minor.

4 N‑COUNT A minor is a person who is still legally a child. In Britain and most states in the United States, people are minors until they reach the age of eighteen. □� The approach has virtually ended cigarette sales to minors.

5 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] At a university or college in the United States, a student's minor is a subject that they are studying in addition to their main subject, or major.

6 N‑COUNT [n N ] At a university or college in the United States, if a student is, for example, a geology minor , they are studying geology as well as their main subject.

7 VERB If a student at a university or college in the United States minorsin a particular subject, they study it in addition to their main subject. □�[V +�in ] I'm minoring in computer science. SYNONYMS minor ADJ 1

unimportant:It was an unimportant job, and paid very little.

insignificant:In 1949 Bonn was a small, insignificant city.

trivial:The director tried to wave aside these issues as trivial details.

mi|nor|ity ◆◆◇ /m I nɒ r I ti, [AM ] -nɔː r-/ (minorities )

1 N‑SING If you talk about a minority of people or things in a larger group, you are referring to a number of them that forms less than half of the larger group, usually much less than half. □�[+�of ] Local authority nursery provision covers only a tiny minority of working mothers. □� �minority shareholders. ●�PHRASE If people are in a minority or in the minority , they belong to a group of people or things that form less than half of a larger group. □� Even in the 1960s, politically active students and academics were in a minority. □� In the past conservatives have been in the minority.

2 N‑COUNT A minority is a group of people of the same race, culture, or religion who live in a place where most of the people around them are of a different race, culture, or religion. □� �the region's ethnic minorities.

min|strel /m I nstrəl/ (minstrels ) N‑COUNT In medieval times, a minstrel was a singer and musician who travelled around and entertained noble families.

mint /m I nt/ (mints , minting , minted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mint is a herb with fresh-tasting leaves. □� Garnish with mint sprigs.

2 N‑COUNT A mint is a sweet with a peppermint flavour. Some people suck mints in order to make their breath smell fresher.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Themint is the place where the official coins of a country are made. □� In 1965 the mint stopped putting silver in dimes.

4 VERB To mint coins or medals means to make them in a mint. □�[V n] �the right to mint coins.

5 N‑SING If you say that someone makes amint , you mean that they make a very large amount of money. [INFORMAL ] □� Everybody thinks I'm making a mint.

6 PHRASE If you say that something is in mint condition , you mean that it is in perfect condition.

mint|ed /m I nt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n, adv ADJ ] If you describe something as newly minted or freshly minted , you mean that it is very new, and that it has only just been produced or completed. □� He seemed to be pleased by this newly minted vehicle. □� �the movie's freshly minted script.

mi nt sau ce N‑UNCOUNT Mint sauce is a sauce made from mint leaves, vinegar, and sugar, which is often eaten with lamb.

minu|et /m I njue t/ (minuets )

1 N‑COUNT In the music of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, a minuet is a piece of music with three beats in a bar which is played at moderate speed.

2 N‑COUNT A minuet is a fairly slow and formal dance which was popular in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

mi|nus /ma I nəs/ (minuses )

1 CONJ You use minus to show that one number or quantity is being subtracted from another. □� One minus one is zero. □� They've been promised their full July salary minus the hardship payment.

2 ADJ Minus before a number or quantity means that the number or quantity is less than zero. □� The aircraft was subjected to temperatures of minus 65 degrees and plus 120 degrees.

3 Teachers use minus in grading work in schools and colleges. 'B minus' is not as good as 'B', but is a better grade than 'C'. □� I'm giving him a B minus.

4 PREP To be minus something means not to have that thing. □� The film company collapsed, leaving Chris jobless and minus his life savings.

5 N‑COUNT A minus is a disadvantage. [INFORMAL ] □� The minuses far outweigh that possible gain.

6 PHRASE You use plus or minus to give the amount by which a particular number may vary. □� The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 per cent.

mi|nus|cule /m I n I skjuːl/ ADJ If you describe something as minuscule , you mean that it is very small. □� The film was shot in 17 days, a minuscule amount of time.

mi |nus sign (minus signs ) N‑COUNT A minus sign is the sign - which is put between two numbers in order to show that the second number is being subtracted from the first one. It is also put before a number to show that the number is less than zero.

minute

➊�NOUN AND VERB USES

➋�ADJECTIVE USE

➊ min|ute ◆◆◆ /m I n I t/ (minutes , minuting , minuted )

1 N‑COUNT A minute is one of the sixty parts that an hour is divided into. People often say ' a minute ' or ' minutes ' when they mean a short length of time. □� The pizza will then take about twenty minutes to cook. □� Bye Mum, see you in a minute. □� Within minutes we realized our mistake.

2 N‑PLURAL The minutes of a meeting are the written records of the things that are discussed or decided at it. □�[+�of ] He'd been reading the minutes of the last meeting.

3 VERB When someone minutes something that is discussed or decided at a meeting, they make a written record of it. □�[V n] You don't need to minute that.

4 →�see also up-to-the-minute

5 CONVENTION People often use expressions such as wait a minute or just a minute when they want to stop you doing or saying something. □� Wait a minute, folks, something is wrong here. □� Hey, just a minute!

6 PHRASE If you say that something will or may happen at any minute or any minute now , you are emphasizing that it is likely to happen very soon. [EMPHASIS ] □� It looked as though it might rain at any minute. □� Any minute now, that phone is going to ring.

7 PHRASE If you say that you do not believe for a minute or for one minute that something is true, you are emphasizing that you do not believe that it is true. [EMPHASIS ] □� I don't believe for one minute she would have been scared.

8 PHRASE A last-minute action is one that is done at the latest time possible. □� She was doing some last-minute revision for her exams. □� He will probably wait until the last minute.

9 PHRASE You use the expression the next minute or expressions such as ' one minute he was there , the next he was gone' to emphasize that something happens suddenly. [EMPHASIS ] □� The next minute my father came in. □� Jobs are there one minute, gone the next.

10 PHRASE If you say that something happens the minute something else happens, you are emphasizing that it happens immediately after the other thing. [EMPHASIS ] □� The minute you do this, you'll lose control.

11 PHRASE If you say that something must be done this minute , you are emphasizing that it must be done immediately. [EMPHASIS ] □� Anna, stop that. Sit down this minute.

➋ mi|nute /ma I njuː t, [AM ] -nuː t-/ (minutest ) Minute does not have a comparative form. The superlative form minutest is used to emphasize how small something is, rather than in comparisons. ADJ If you say that something is minute , you mean that it is very small. □� Only a minute amount is needed. □� The party was planned in the minutest detail.

mi|nute|ly /ma I njuː tli, [AM ] -nuː t-/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use minutely to indicate that something is done in great detail. □� The metal is then minutely examined to ensure there are no cracks.

2 ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] You use minutely to indicate that the size or extent of something is very small. □� The benefit of an x-ray far outweighs the minutely increased risk of cancer.

mi|nu|tiae /ma I njuː ʃiiː, [AM ] m I nuː ʃ-/ N‑PLURAL Theminutiaeof something such as someone's job or life are the very small details of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Much of his early work is concerned with the minutiae of rural life.

mira|cle /m I rək ə l/ (miracles )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that a good event is a miracle , you mean that it is very surprising and unexpected. □� It is a miracle no one was killed.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A miracle drug or product does something that was thought almost impossible. [JOURNALISM ] □� �a miracle drug that is said to be a cure for Aids and cancer.

3 N‑COUNT A miracle is a wonderful and surprising event that is believed to be caused by God. □� �Jesus's ability to perform miracles.

mi ra|cle wo rk|er (miracle workers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a miracle worker , you mean that they have achieved or are able to achieve success in something that other people have found very difficult. [APPROVAL ] □� At work he was regarded as a miracle worker, the man who took risks and could not lose.

mi|racu|lous /m I r� kjʊləs/

1 ADJ If you describe a good event as miraculous , you mean that it is very surprising and unexpected. □� The horse made a miraculous recovery to finish a close third. □� �a miraculous escape. ●� mi|racu|lous|ly ADV [ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Miraculously, the guards escaped death or serious injury.

2 ADJ If someone describes a wonderful event as miraculous , they believe that the event was caused by God. □� �miraculous healing. □� �miraculous powers.

mi|rage /m I rɑːʒ/ (mirages )

1 N‑COUNT A mirage is something which you see when it is extremely hot, for example in the desert, and which appears to be quite near but is actually a long way away or does not really exist. □�[+�of ] It hovered before his eyes like the mirage of an oasis.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe something as a mirage , you mean that it is not real or true, although it may seem to be. □� The girl was a mirage, cast up by his troubled mind.

mire /ma I ə r /

1 N‑SING You can refer to an unpleasant or difficult situation as a mire of some kind. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �a mire of poverty and ignorance.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Mire is dirt or mud. [LITERARY ] □� �the muck and mire of sewers and farmyards.

mir|ror ◆◇◇ /m I rə r / (mirrors , mirroring , mirrored )

1 N‑COUNT A mirror is a flat piece of glass which reflects light, so that when you look at it you can see yourself reflected in it. □� He absent-mindedly looked at himself in the mirror. ●� mir|rored ADJ □� �a mirrored ceiling.

2 VERB If something mirrors something else, it has similar features to it, and therefore seems like a copy or representation of it. □�[V n] The book inevitably mirrors my own interests and experiences.

3 VERB If you see something reflected in water, you can say that the water mirrors it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] �the sudden glitter where a newly-flooded field mirrors the sky. COLLOCATIONS mirror NOUN 1

noun +�mirror : bathroom, hand, shaving, vanity; driving, side

adjective +�mirror : full-length, two-way SYNONYMS mirror VERB 2

copy:Children can be seen to copy the behaviour of others whom they admire or identify with.

reflect:Concern at the economic situation was reflected in the government's budget.

show:These figures show an increase of over one million in unemployment.

mi r|ror i m|age (mirror images ) also mirror-image N‑COUNT If something is a mirror image of something else, it is like a reflection of it, either because it is exactly the same or because it is the same but reversed. □�[+�of ] I saw in him a mirror image of my younger self.

mi r|ror si te (mirror sites ) N‑COUNT A mirror site is a website which is the same as another website operated by the same person or organization but has a slightly different address. Mirror sites are designed to make it easier for more people to visit a popular website.

mirth /mɜː r θ/ N‑UNCOUNT Mirth is amusement which you express by laughing. [LITERARY ] □� That caused considerable mirth amongst pupils and sports masters alike.

mirth|less /mɜː r θləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone gives a mirthless laugh or smile, it is obvious that they are not really amused. [WRITTEN ]

PREFIX mis-

forms verbs and nouns that refer to something being done badly or wrongly. For example, misbehaviour is bad behaviour.

mis|ad|ven|ture /m I sədve ntʃə r / (misadventures ) N‑VAR A misadventure is an unfortunate incident. [FORMAL ] □� �a series of misadventures. □� A verdict of death by misadventure was recorded.

mis|an|thrope /m I z ə nθroʊp/ (misanthropes ) N‑COUNT A misanthrope is a person who does not like other people. [FORMAL ]

mis|an|throp|ic /m I z ə nθrɒ pik/ ADJ If you describe a person or their feelings as misanthropic , you mean that they do not like other people. [FORMAL ]

mis|an|thro|py /m I z� nθrəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Misanthropy is a general dislike of people. [FORMAL ]

mis|ap|pli|ca|tion /m I s�pl I ke I ʃ ə n/ (misapplications ) N‑VAR If you talk about the misapplicationof something, you mean it is used for a purpose it was not intended for. □�[+�of ] He's charged with conspiracy, misapplication of funds and other crimes. □�[+�of ] �a common misapplication of the law.

mis|ap|ply /m I səpla I / (misapplies , misapplying , misapplied ) VERB [usu passive] If something is misapplied , it is used for a purpose for which it is not intended or not suitable. □�[be V -ed] Many lines from Shakespeare's plays are misquoted and misapplied. □�[be V -ed] The law had been misapplied.

mis|ap|pre|hen|sion /m I s�pr I he nʃ ə n/ (misapprehensions ) N‑VAR [oft N that, under N ] A misapprehension is a wrong idea or impression that you have about something. □� Men still appear to be labouring under the misapprehension that women want hairy, muscular men.

mis|ap|pro|pri|ate /m I səproʊ prie I t/ (misappropriates , misappropriating , misappropriated ) VERB If someone misappropriates money which does not belong to them, they take it without permission and use it for their own purposes. □�[V n] I took no money for personal use and have not misappropriated any funds whatsoever. ●� mis|ap|pro|pria|tion /m I səproʊprie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] He pleaded guilty to charges of misappropriation of bank funds.

mis|be|have /m I sb I he I v/ (misbehaves , misbehaving , misbehaved ) VERB If someone, especially a child, misbehaves , they behave in a way that is not acceptable to other people. □�[V ] When the children misbehaved, she was unable to cope.

mis|be|hav|iour /m I sb I he I vjə r / in AM, use misbehavior N‑UNCOUNT Misbehaviour is behaviour that is not acceptable to other people. [FORMAL ] □� If the toddler had been dealt with properly, his misbehaviour would have been avoided.

mis|cal|cu|late /m I sk� lkjʊle I t/ (miscalculates , miscalculating , miscalculated ) VERB If you miscalculate , you make a mistake in judging a situation or in making a calculation. □�[V n] It's clear that he has badly miscalculated the mood of the people. □�[V ] The government appears to have miscalculated and bills are higher as a result. ●� mis|cal|cu|la|tion /m I sk�lkjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (miscalculations ) N‑VAR □� The coup failed because of miscalculations by the plotters.

mis|car|riage /m I sk� r I dʒ, -k�r-/ (miscarriages ) N‑VAR If a pregnant woman has a miscarriage , her baby dies and she gives birth to it before it is properly formed.

mis|ca r|riage of ju s|tice (miscarriages of justice ) N‑VAR A miscarriage of justice is a wrong decision made by a court, as a result of which an innocent person is punished. □� I can imagine no greater miscarriage of justice than the execution of an innocent man.

mis|car|ry /m I sk� ri, -k�ri/ (miscarries , miscarrying , miscarried ) VERB If a woman miscarries , she has a miscarriage. □�[V ] Many women who miscarry eventually have healthy babies. [Also V n]

mis|cast /m I skɑː st, -k� st/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone who is acting in a play or film is miscast , the role that they have is not suitable for them, so that they appear silly or unconvincing to the audience.

mis|cel|la|neous /m I səle I niəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] A miscellaneous group consists of many different kinds of things or people that are difficult to put into a particular category. □� �a hoard of miscellaneous junk.

mis|cel|la|ny /m I se ləni, [AM ] m I səle I ni/ (miscellanies ) N‑COUNT A miscellany of things is a collection or group of many different kinds of things. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] �glass cases filled with a miscellany of objects.

mis|chief /m I stʃ I f/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mischief is playing harmless tricks on people or doing things you are not supposed to do. It can also refer to the desire to do this. □� The little lad was a real handful. He was always up to mischief. □� His eyes were full of mischief.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Mischief is behaviour that is intended to cause trouble for people. It can also refer to the trouble that is caused. □� Angry MPs have continued to make mischief.

mi schief-maker (mischief-makers ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a mischief-maker , you are criticizing them for saying or doing things which are intended to cause trouble between people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The letter had come from an unknown mischief-maker.

mis|chie|vous /m I stʃ I vəs/

1 ADJ A mischievous person likes to have fun by playing harmless tricks on people or doing things they are not supposed to do. □� She rocks back and forth on her chair like a mischievous child. ●� mis|chie|vous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Kathryn winked mischievously.

2 ADJ A mischievous act or suggestion is intended to cause trouble. □� �a mischievous campaign by the press to divide the ANC. ●� mis|chie|vous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� That does not require 'massive' military intervention, as some have mischievously claimed.

mis|com|mu|ni|ca|tion /m I skəmjuːn I ke I ʃən/ (miscommunications ) N‑VAR A miscommunication is a failure to communicate effectively. □� Don�t let your marriage fall apart because of a simple miscommunication.

mis|con|ceived /m I skənsiː vd/ ADJ If you describe a plan or method as misconceived , you mean it is not the right one for dealing with a particular problem or situation. □� The teachers say the tests for 14-year-olds are misconceived. □� �Lawrence's worthy but misconceived idea.

mis|con|cep|tion /m I skənse pʃ ə n/ (misconceptions ) N‑COUNT A misconception is an idea that is not correct. □� There are many fears and misconceptions about cancer.

mis|con|duct /m I skɒ ndʌkt/ N‑UNCOUNT Misconduct is bad or unacceptable behaviour, especially by a professional person. □� Dr Lee was cleared of serious professional misconduct.

mis|con|strue /m I skənstruː / (misconstrues , misconstruing , misconstrued ) VERB If you misconstrue something that has been said or something that happens, you interpret it wrongly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] An outsider might misconstrue the nature of the relationship.

mis|cre|ant /m I skriənt/ (miscreants ) N‑COUNT A miscreant is someone who has done something illegal or behaved badly. [LITERARY ] □� Local people demanded that the District Magistrate apprehend the miscreants.

mis|deed /m I sdiː d/ (misdeeds ) N‑COUNT A misdeed is a bad or evil act. [FORMAL ] □� �the alleged financial misdeeds of his government.

mis|de|mean|our /m I sd I miː nə r / (misdemeanours ) in AM, use misdemeanor1 N‑COUNT A misdemeanour is an act that some people consider to be wrong or unacceptable. [FORMAL ] □� Emily knew nothing about her husband's misdemeanours.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States and other countries where the legal system distinguishes between very serious crimes and less serious ones, a misdemeanour is a less serious crime. [LEGAL ] □� She was charged with a misdemeanour, that of carrying a concealed weapon.

mis|di|rect /m I sd I re kt, -da I r-/ (misdirects , misdirecting , misdirected )

1 VERB [usu passive] If resources or efforts are misdirected , they are used in the wrong way or for the wrong purposes. □�[be V -ed] Many of the aid projects in the developing world have been misdirected in the past. ●� mis|di|rect|ed ADJ □� �a misdirected effort to mollify the bishop.

2 VERB If you misdirect someone, you send them in the wrong direction. □�[V n] He had deliberately misdirected the reporters.

mi|ser /ma I zə r / (misers ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a miser , you disapprove of them because they seem to hate spending money, and to spend as little as possible. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm married to a miser.

mis|er|able /m I zərəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are miserable , you are very unhappy. □� I took a series of badly paid secretarial jobs which made me really miserable. ●� mis|er|ably /m I zərəbli/ ADV [usu ADV after v] □� He looked miserably down at his plate.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a place or situation as miserable , you mean that it makes you feel unhappy or depressed. □� There was nothing at all in this miserable place to distract him.

3 ADJ If you describe the weather as miserable , you mean that it makes you feel depressed, because it is raining or dull. □� It was a grey, wet, miserable day.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as miserable , you mean that you do not like them because they are bad-tempered or unfriendly. □� He always was a miserable man. He never spoke to me nor anybody else.

5 ADJ You can describe a quantity or quality as miserable when you think that it is much smaller or worse than it ought to be. [EMPHASIS ] □� Our speed over the ground was a miserable 2.2 knots. ●� mis|er|ably ADV [ADV adj] □� �the miserably inadequate supply of books now provided for schools.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A miserable failure is a very great one. [EMPHASIS ] □� The film was a miserable commercial failure both in Italy and in the United States. ●� mis|er|ably ADV [ADV with v] □� Some manage it. Some fail miserably.

mi|ser|ly /ma I zə r li/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as miserly , you disapprove of them because they seem to hate spending money, and to spend as little as possible. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is miserly with both his time and his money.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an amount of something as miserly , you are critical of it because it is very small. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Being a student today with miserly grants and limited career prospects is difficult.

mis|ery /m I zəri/ (miseries )

1 N‑VAR Misery is great unhappiness. □� All that money brought nothing but sadness and misery and tragedy. □�[+�of ] �the miseries of his youth.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Misery is the way of life and unpleasant living conditions of people who are very poor. □�[+�of ] A tiny, educated elite profited from the misery of their two million fellow countrymen.

3 PHRASE If someone makes your life a misery , they behave in an unpleasant way towards you over a period of time and make you very unhappy. □� �the gangs of kids who make our lives a misery.

4 PHRASE If you put someone out of their misery , you tell them something that they are very anxious to know. [INFORMAL ] □� Please put me out of my misery. How do you do it?

5 PHRASE If you put an animal out of its misery , you kill it because it is sick or injured and cannot be cured or healed.

mi s|ery me m|oir (misery memoirs ) N‑COUNT A misery memoir is a book that someone has written about their own life in which they describe many sad things that happened when they were a child. □� His latest book is a misery memoir about his life in rural Africa.

mis|fire /m I sfa I ə r / (misfires , misfiring , misfired )

1 VERB If a plan misfires , it goes wrong and does not have the results that you intend it to have. □�[V ] Some of their policies had misfired.

2 VERB If an engine misfires , the fuel fails to start burning when it should. □�[V ] The boat's engine misfired after he tried to start it up.

3 VERB If a gun misfires , the bullet is not sent out as it should be when the gun is fired. □�[V ] The gun misfired after one shot and jammed.

mis|fit /m I sf I t/ (misfits ) N‑COUNT A misfit is a person who is not easily accepted by other people, often because their behaviour is very different from that of everyone else. □� I have been made to feel a social and psychological misfit for not wanting children.

mis|for|tune /m I sfɔː r tʃuːn/ (misfortunes ) N‑VAR A misfortune is something unpleasant or unlucky that happens to someone. □�[+�of ] She seemed to enjoy the misfortunes of others. □� He had his full share of misfortune.

mis|giv|ing /m I sg I v I ŋ/ (misgivings ) N‑VAR If you have misgivings about something that is being suggested or done, you feel that it is not quite right, and are worried that it may have unwanted results. □� She had some misgivings about what she was about to do.

mis|guid|ed /m I sga I d I d/ ADJ If you describe an opinion or plan as misguided , you are critical of it because you think it is based on an incorrect idea. You can also describe people as misguided. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� In a misguided attempt to be funny, he manages only offensiveness.

mis|han|dle /m I sh� nd ə l/ (mishandles , mishandling , mishandled ) VERB If you say that someone has mishandled something, you are critical of them because you think they have dealt with it badly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] The judge said the police had mishandled the siege. ●� mis|han|dling N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the Government's mishandling of the economy.

mis|hap /m I sh�p/ (mishaps ) N‑VAR A mishap is an unfortunate but not very serious event that happens to someone. □� After a number of mishaps, she did manage to get back to Germany. □� The plot passed off without mishap.

mis|hear /m I sh I ə r / (mishears , mishearing , misheard ) VERB If you mishear what someone says, you hear it incorrectly, and think they said something different. □�[V n] You misheard me, Frank. □�[V ] She must have misheard.

mish|mash /m I ʃm�ʃ/ also mish-mash N‑SING [usu a N of n] If something is a mishmash , it is a confused mixture of different types of things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The letter was a mish-mash of ill-fitting proposals taken from two different reform plans.

mis|in|form /m I s I nfɔː r m/ (misinforms , misinforming , misinformed ) VERB If you are misinformed , you are told something that is wrong or inaccurate. □�[be V -ed] He has been misinformed by members of his own party. □�[V n] The president accused the media of misinforming the people.

mis|in|for|ma|tion /m I s I nfə r me I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Misinformation is wrong information which is given to someone, often in a deliberate attempt to make them believe something which is not true. □� This was a deliberate piece of misinformation.

mis|in|ter|pret /m I s I ntɜː r pr I t/ (misinterprets , misinterpreting , misinterpreted ) VERB If you misinterpret something, you understand it wrongly. □�[V n] He was amazed that he'd misinterpreted the situation so completely. ●� mis|in|ter|pre|ta|tion /m I s I ntɜː r pr I te I ʃ ə n/ (misinterpretations ) N‑VAR □� �a misinterpretation of the aims and ends of socialism.

mis|judge /m I sdʒʌ dʒ/ (misjudges , misjudging , misjudged ) VERB If you say that someone has misjudged a person or situation, you mean that they have formed an incorrect idea or opinion about them, and often that they have made a wrong decision as a result of this. □�[V n] Perhaps I had misjudged him, and he was not so predictable after all.

mis|judg|ment /m I sdʒʌ dʒmənt/ (misjudgments ) in BRIT, also use misjudgement N‑VAR A misjudgment is an incorrect idea or opinion that is formed about someone or something, especially when a wrong decision is made as a result of this. □� �a misjudgment in British foreign policy which had far-reaching consequences. □� Many accidents were due to pilot misjudgement.

mis|kick (miskicks , miskicking , miskicked ) The verb is pronounced /m I sk I k/. The noun is pronounced /m I sk I k/. VERB To miskick the ball in a game such as football means to kick it badly so that it does not go in the direction you want it to. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] He miskicked the ball twice at the edge of the penalty box. □�[V ] He miskicked completely as he lost his footing. ●�N‑COUNT Miskick is also a noun. □� A miskick gave her a clear shot at goal.

mis|lay /m I sle I / (mislays , mislaying , mislaid ) VERB If you mislay something, you put it somewhere and then forget where you have put it. □�[V n] I appear to have mislaid my jumper.

mis|lead /m I sliː d/ (misleads , misleading , misled ) VERB If you say that someone has misled you, you mean that they have made you believe something which is not true, either by telling you a lie or by giving you a wrong idea or impression. □�[V n] Jack was furious with his London doctors for having misled him.

mis|lead|ing /m I sliː d I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as misleading , you mean that it gives you a wrong idea or impression. □� It would be misleading to say that we were friends. □� The article contains several misleading statements. ●� mis|lead|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The data had been presented misleadingly.

mis|led /m I sle d/ Misled is the past tense and past participle of mislead .

mis|man|age /m I sm� n I dʒ/ (mismanages , mismanaging , mismanaged ) VERB To mismanage something means to manage it badly. □�[V n] 75% of voters think the President has mismanaged the economy.

mis|man|age|ment /m I sm� n I dʒmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's mismanagement of a system or organization is the bad way they have dealt with it or organized it. □� His gross mismanagement left the company desperately in need of restructuring.

mis|match (mismatches , mismatching , mismatched ) The noun is pronounced /m I sm�tʃ/. The verb is pronounced /m I sm� tʃ/. 1 N‑COUNT If there is a mismatchbetween two or more things or people, they do not go together well or are not suitable for each other. □�[+�between ] There is a mismatch between the skills offered by people and the skills needed by industry. □�[+�of ] �an unfortunate mismatch of styles.

2 VERB To mismatch things or people means to put them together although they do not go together well or are not suitable for each other. □�[V n] She was deliberately mismatching articles of clothing. ●� mis|matched ADJ □� The two opponents are mismatched.

mis|named /m I sne I md/ V-PASSIVE If you say that something or someone is misnamed , you mean that they have a name that describes them incorrectly. □�[be V -ed n] �a high school teacher who was misnamed Mr. Witty. □�[V -ed] �the misnamed Grand Hotel. □�[be V -ed] The truth is that junk bonds were misnamed, and therefore misunderstood.

mis|no|mer /m I snoʊ mə r / (misnomers ) N‑COUNT If you say that a word or name is a misnomer , you mean that it describes something incorrectly. □� Herbal 'tea' is something of a misnomer because these drinks contain no tea at all.

mi|sogy|nist /m I sɒ dʒ I n I st/ (misogynists )

1 N‑COUNT A misogynist is a man who dislikes women.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Misogynist attitudes or actions are ones that involve or show a strong dislike of women.

miso|gyn|is|tic /m I sɒdʒ I n I st I k/ ADJ Misogynistic means the same as misogynist .

mi|sogy|ny /m I sɒ dʒ I ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Misogyny is a strong dislike of women.

mis|place /m I sple I s/ (misplaces , misplacing , misplaced ) VERB If you misplace something, you lose it, usually only temporarily. □�[be V -ed] Somehow the suitcase with my clothes was misplaced.

mis|placed /m I sple I st/ ADJ If you describe a feeling or action as misplaced , you are critical of it because you think it is inappropriate, or directed towards the wrong thing or person. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Lenders rely on the misplaced loyalty of existing borrowers to make their profit.

mis|print /m I spr I nt/ (misprints ) N‑COUNT A misprint is a mistake in the way something is printed, for example a spelling mistake.

mis|pro|nounce /m I sprənaʊ ns/ (mispronounces , mispronouncing , mispronounced ) VERB If you mispronounce a word, you pronounce it wrongly. □�[V n] He repeatedly mispronounced words and slurred his speech.

mis|quote /m I skwoʊ t/ (misquotes , misquoting , misquoted ) VERB If someone is misquoted , something that they have said or written is repeated incorrectly. □�[be V -ed] He claimed that he had been misquoted and he threatened to sue the magazine for libel.

mis|read /m I sriː d/ (misreads , misreading ) The form misread is used in the present tense, and is the past tense and past participle, when it is pronounced /m I sre d/. 1 VERB If you misread a situation or someone's behaviour, you do not understand it properly. □�[V n] The government largely misread the mood of the electorate. □�[V n] Mothers may also misread signals and think the baby is crying because he is hungry. ●� mis|read|ing (misreadings ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �a misreading of opinion in France.

2 VERB If you misread something that has been written or printed, you look at it and think that it says something that it does not say. □�[V n] His chauffeur misread his route and took a wrong turning.

mis|re|mem|ber /m I sr I me mbə r / (misremembers , misremembering , misremembered ) VERB If you misremember something, you remember it incorrectly. [mainly AM , FORMAL ] □�[V n] He proved over-confident on the witness stand, misremembering a key piece of evidence.

mis|rep|re|sent /m I srepr I ze nt/ (misrepresents , misrepresenting , misrepresented ) VERB If someone misrepresents a person or situation, they give a wrong or inaccurate account of what the person or situation is like. □�[V n as adj] He said that the press had misrepresented him as arrogant and bullying. □�[V n +�as ] Hollywood films misrepresented us as drunks, maniacs and murderers. □�[V n] Keynes deliberately misrepresented the views of his opponents. ●� mis|rep|re|sen|ta|tion /m I sre pr I zente I ʃ ə n/ (misrepresentations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] I wish to point out your misrepresentation of the facts.

mis|rule /m I sruː l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's government of a country as misrule , you are critical of them for governing their country badly or unfairly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was arrested last December, accused of corruption and misrule.

miss

➊�VERB AND NOUN USES

➋�USED AS A TITLE OR A FORM OF ADDRESS

➊ miss ◆◆◇ /m I s/ (misses , missing , missed )

→�Please look at categories 12 and 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you miss something, you fail to hit it, for example when you have thrown something at it or you have shot a bullet at it. □�[V n] She hurled the ashtray across the room, narrowly missing my head. □�[V ] When I'd missed a few times, he suggested I rest the rifle on a rock to steady it. ●�N‑COUNT Miss is also a noun. □� After more misses, they finally put two arrows into the lion's chest.

2 VERB In sport, if you miss a shot, you fail to get the ball in the goal, net, or hole. □�[V n] He scored four of the goals but missed a penalty. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Miss is also a noun. □� The striker was guilty of two glaring misses.

3 VERB If you miss something, you fail to notice it. □�[V n] From this vantage point he watched, his searching eye never missing a detail. □�[V n] It's the first thing you see as you come round the corner. You can't miss it.

4 VERB If you miss the meaning or importance of something, you fail to understand or appreciate it. □�[V n] Tambov had slightly missed the point.

5 VERB If you miss a chance or opportunity, you fail to take advantage of it. □�[V n] Williams knew that she had missed her chance of victory. □�[V n] It was too good an opportunity to miss.

6 VERB If you miss someone who is no longer with you or who has died, you feel sad and wish that they were still with you. □�[V n] Your mama and I are gonna miss you at Christmas.

7 VERB If you miss something, you feel sad because you no longer have it or are no longer doing or experiencing it. □�[V n/v-ing] I could happily move back into a flat if it wasn't for the fact that I'd miss my garden. □�[V n/v-ing] He missed having good friends.

8 VERB If you miss something such as a plane or train, you arrive too late to catch it. □�[V n] He missed the last bus home.

9 VERB If you miss something such as a meeting or an activity, you do not go to it or take part in it. □�[V n] It's a pity Makku and I had to miss our lesson last week. □�[V n] 'Are you coming to the show?'�'I wouldn't miss it for the world.'

10 PHRASE If you give something a miss , you decide not to do it or not to go to it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Do you mind if I give it a miss?

11 →�see also missing , hit and miss , near miss

12to miss the boat →�see boat

13not to miss a trick →�see trick

▸� miss out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you miss outon something that would be enjoyable or useful to you, you are not involved in it or do not take part in it. □�[V P +�on ] We're missing out on a tremendous opportunity. □�[V P ] Well, I'm glad you could make it. I didn't want you to miss out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you miss out something or someone, you fail to include them. [BRIT ] □�[V P n] There should be an apostrophe here, and look, you've missed out the word 'men' altogether! □�[V n P ] What about Sally? You've missed her out. in AM, use leave out

➋ Miss ◆◆◆ /m I s/ (Misses )

1 N‑TITLE You use Miss in front of the name of a girl or unmarried woman when you are speaking to her or referring to her. □� It was nice talking to you, Miss Giroux.

2 N‑COUNT In some schools, children address their women teachers as Miss . [mainly BRIT ] □� 'Chivers!'�'Yes, Miss?'

mi s-se ll (mis-sells , mis-selling , mis-sold ) VERB To mis-sell something such as a pension or an insurance policy means to sell it to someone even though you know that it is not suitable for them. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The company has been accused of mis-selling products to thousands of elderly investors.

mis|shap|en /m I sʃe I pən/ ADJ If you describe something as misshapen , you think that it does not have a normal or natural shape. □� �misshapen vegetables. □� Her hands were misshapen by arthritis.

mis|sile ◆◇◇ /m I sa I l, [AM ] -s ə l/ (missiles )

1 N‑COUNT A missile is a tube-shaped weapon that travels long distances through the air and explodes when it reaches its target. □� Helicopters fired missiles at the camp. □� �nuclear missiles.

2 N‑COUNT Anything that is thrown as a weapon can be called a missile . □� The football supporters began throwing missiles, one of which hit the referee.

3 →�see also cruise missile , guided missile

miss|ing ◆◇◇ /m I s I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is missing , it is not in its usual place, and you cannot find it. □� It was only an hour or so later that I discovered that my gun was missing. □� The playing cards had gone missing.

2 ADJ If a part of something is missing , it has been removed or has come off, and has not been replaced. □� Three buttons were missing from his shirt.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is missing , you mean that it has not been included, and you think that it should have been. □� She had given me an incomplete list. One name was missing from it.

4 ADJ Someone who is missing cannot be found, and it is not known whether they are alive or dead. □� Five people died in the explosion, and one person is still missing. ●�PHRASE If a member of the armed forces is missing in action , they have not returned from a battle, their body has not been found, and they are not thought to have been captured.

mi ss|ing li nk (missing links ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The missing link in a situation is the piece of information or evidence that you need in order to make your knowledge or understanding of something complete. □� We're dealing with probably the biggest missing link in what we know about human evolution.

mi ss|ing pe r|son (missing persons ) N‑COUNT A missing person has suddenly left their home without telling their family where they are going, and it is not known whether they are alive or dead.

mis|sion ◆◆◇ /m I ʃ ə n/ (missions )

1 N‑COUNT A mission is an important task that people are given to do, especially one that involves travelling to another country. □� Salisbury sent him on a diplomatic mission to North America. □� �the most crucial stage of his latest peace mission.

2 N‑COUNT A mission is a group of people who have been sent to a foreign country to carry out an official task. □� �a senior member of a diplomatic mission.

3 N‑COUNT A mission is a special journey made by a military aeroplane or space rocket. □� �a bomber that crashed during a training mission in the west Texas mountains. □� �the first shuttle mission.

4 N‑SING [usu poss N ] If you say that you have a mission , you mean that you have a strong commitment and sense of duty to do or achieve something. □� He viewed his mission in life as protecting the weak from the evil.

5 N‑COUNT A mission is the activities of a group of Christians who have been sent to a place to teach people about Christianity. □� They say God spoke to them and told them to go on a mission to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

mis|sion|ary /m I ʃənri, -neri/ (missionaries )

1 N‑COUNT A missionary is a Christian who has been sent to a foreign country to teach people about Christianity.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Missionary is used to describe the activities of missionaries. □� You should be in missionary work.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to someone's enthusiasm for an activity or belief as missionary zeal, you are emphasizing that they are very enthusiastic about it. [EMPHASIS ] □� She had a kind of missionary zeal about bringing culture to the masses.

mi s|sion|ary po|si |tion N‑SING The missionary position is a position for sexual intercourse in which the man lies on top of the woman and they are facing each other.

mi s|sion con|tro l N‑UNCOUNT Mission control is the group of people on Earth who are in charge of a flight by a spacecraft, or the place where these people work.

mi s|sion sta te|ment (mission statements ) N‑COUNT A company's or organization's mission statement is a document which states what they aim to achieve and the kind of service they intend to provide. [BUSINESS ]

mis|sive /m I s I v/ (missives ) N‑COUNT A missive is a letter or other message that someone sends. [HUMOROUS or LITERARY ] □� �the customary missive from your dear mother.

mis|spell /m I sspe l/ (misspells , misspelling , misspelled or misspelt ) VERB If someone misspells a word, they spell it wrongly. □�[V n] Sorry I misspelled your last name. ●� mis|spell|ing (misspellings ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �a misspelling of the writer's name.

mis|spend /m I sspe nd/ (misspends , misspending , misspent ) VERB If you say that time or money has been misspent , you disapprove of the way in which it has been spent. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] Much of the money was grossly misspent.

mis|state /m I sste I t/ (misstates , misstating , misstated ) VERB If you misstate something, you state it incorrectly or give false information about it. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] Look at the false police reports that omitted or misstated crucial facts. □�[be V -ed] The amount was misstated in the table because of an error by regulators.

mis|state|ment /m I sste I tmənt/ (misstatements ) N‑COUNT A misstatement is an incorrect statement, or the giving of false information. [mainly AM ] □� He finally corrected his misstatement and offered to reduce the fee. □�[+�of ] This booklet is filled with misstatements of fact.

mis|sus /m I s I z/ also missis

1 N‑SING Some people refer to someone's wife as their missus . [INFORMAL ] □� That's what bugs my missus more than anything. □� I do a bit of shopping for the missus.

2 N‑COUNT In some parts of Britain, people use missus as a very informal way of addressing a woman who they do not know. □� Thanks, missus.

mist /m I st/ (mists , misting , misted )

1 N‑VAR Mist consists of a large number of tiny drops of water in the air, which make it difficult to see very far. □� Thick mist made flying impossible. □� Mists and fog swirled about the road.

2 VERB If a piece of glass mists or is misted , it becomes covered with tiny drops of moisture, so that you cannot see through it easily. □�[V ] The windows misted, blurring the stark streetlight. □�[V n] The temperature in the car was misting the window. ●�PHRASAL VERB Mist over and mist up mean the same as mist . □�[V P ] The front windshield was misting over. □�[V -ed P ] She stood in front of the misted-up mirror.

▸� mist over →�see mist2

▸� mist up →�see mist2

mis|take ◆◆◇ /m I ste I k/ (mistakes , mistaking , mistook , mistaken )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] If you make a mistake , you do something which you did not intend to do, or which produces a result that you do not want. □�[+�of ] She made the mistake of going against her doctor's advice. □� I think it's a serious mistake to confuse books with life. □� There must be some mistake. □� He has been arrested by mistake.

2 N‑COUNT A mistake is something or part of something which is incorrect or not right. □� Her mother sighed and rubbed out another mistake in the crossword puzzle. □� �spelling mistakes.

3 VERB If you mistake one person or thing for another, you wrongly think that they are the other person or thing. □�[V n +�for ] I mistook you for Carlos.

4 VERB If you mistake something, you fail to recognize or understand it. □�[V n] The government completely mistook the feeling of the country. □�[V wh] No one should mistake how serious the issue is.

5 PHRASE You can say there is no mistaking something when you are emphasizing that you cannot fail to recognize or understand it. [EMPHASIS ] □� There's no mistaking the eastern flavour of the food. USAGE mistake

Don�t say that someone �does� a mistake or an error. Don�t say, for example, � He did a terrible mistake �. You say that someone does something by mistake or, in more formal English, in error . Don�t say � in mistake ' or � by error �. □� I went into the wrong room by mistake .

mis|tak|en /m I ste I kən/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are mistakenabout something, you are wrong about it. □�[+�about ] I see I was mistaken about you. □� You couldn't be more mistaken, Alex. You've utterly misread the situation. ●�PHRASE [v-link ADJ ] You use expressions such as if I'm not mistaken and unless I'm very much mistaken as a polite way of emphasizing the statement you are making, especially when you are confident that it is correct. [EMPHASIS ] □� I think he wanted to marry her, if I am not mistaken. □� Unless I'm mistaken, he didn't specify what time.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A mistaken belief or opinion is incorrect. □� �a limited understanding of addiction and mistaken beliefs about how it can be overcome. ●� mis|tak|en|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He says they mistakenly believed the standard licenses they held were sufficient.

mis|ta k|en ide n|tity N‑UNCOUNT When someone incorrectly thinks that they have found or recognized a particular person, you refer to this as a case of mistaken identity . □� The dead men could have been the victims of mistaken identity.

mis|ter /m I stə r / N‑COUNT Men are sometimes addressed as mister , especially by children and especially when the person talking to them does not know their name. [INFORMAL ] □� Look, Mister, we know our job, so don't try to tell us what to do.

mis|time /m I sta I m/ (mistimes , mistiming , mistimed ) VERB If you mistime something, you do it at the wrong time, so that it is not successful. □�[V n] You're bound to mistime a tackle every so often. □�[V -ed] �a certain mistimed comment.

mis|tle|toe /m I s ə ltoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Mistletoe is a plant with pale berries that grows on the branches of some trees. Mistletoe is used in Britain and the United States as a Christmas decoration, and people often kiss under it.

mis|took /m I stʊ k/ Mistook is the past tense of mistake .

mis|treat /m I striː t/ (mistreats , mistreating , mistreated ) VERB If someone mistreats a person or an animal, they treat them badly, especially by making them suffer physically. □�[be V -ed] She has been mistreated by men in the past.

mis|treat|ment /m I striː tmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Mistreatment of a person or animal is cruel behaviour towards them, especially by making them suffer physically. □�[+�of ] �issues like police brutality and mistreatment of people in prisons.

mis|tress /m I strəs/ (mistresses )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A married man's mistress is a woman who is not his wife and with whom he is having a sexual relationship. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� She was his mistress for three years.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A dog's mistress is the woman or girl who owns it. □� The huge wolfhound danced in circles around his mistress.

mis|tri|al /m I stra I əl, [AM ] -tra I -/ (mistrials )

1 N‑COUNT A mistrial is a legal trial that is conducted unfairly, for example because not all the evidence is considered, so that there must be a new trial. □� The past has been scarred by countless mistrials and perversions of justice.

2 N‑COUNT A mistrial is a legal trial which ends without a verdict, for example because the jury cannot agree on one. [AM ] □� The judge said he would declare a mistrial if the jury did not reach its verdict today.

mis|trust /m I strʌ st/ (mistrusts , mistrusting , mistrusted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mistrust is the feeling that you have towards someone who you do not trust. □� There was mutual mistrust between the two men. □�[+�of ] �a deep mistrust of state banks.

2 VERB If you mistrust someone or something, you do not trust them. □�[V n] It frequently appears that Bell mistrusts all journalists.

mis|trust|ful /m I strʌ stfʊl/ ADJ If you are mistrustful of someone, you do not trust them. □�[+�of ] He had always been mistrustful of women.

misty /m I sti/ ADJ On a misty day, there is a lot of mist in the air. □� The air was cold and misty.

mi sty-eyed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something makes you misty-eyed , you mean that it makes you feel so happy or sentimental, especially about the past, that you feel as if you are going to cry. □� They got misty-eyed listening to records of Ruby Murray singing 'Danny Boy'.

mis|under|stand /m I sʌndə r st� nd/ (misunderstands , misunderstanding , misunderstood )

1 VERB If you misunderstand someone or something, you do not understand them properly. □�[V wh] They have simply misunderstood what rock and roll is. □�[V n] Maybe I misunderstood you.

2 →�see also misunderstood

3 CONVENTION You can say don't misunderstand me when you want to correct a wrong impression that you think someone may have got about what you are saying. □� I'm not saying what he did was good, don't misunderstand me.

mis|under|stand|ing /m I sʌndə r st� nd I ŋ/ (misunderstandings )

1 N‑VAR A misunderstanding is a failure to understand something properly, for example a situation or a person's remarks. □� Tell your midwife what you want so she can make a note of it and avoid misunderstandings.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a disagreement or slight quarrel as a misunderstanding . [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] �a little misunderstanding with the police.

mis|under|stood /m I sʌndə r stʊ d/

1Misunderstood is the past tense and past participle of misunderstand .

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as misunderstood , you mean that people do not understand them and have a wrong impression or idea of them. □� Eric is very badly misunderstood. □� The cost of capital is widely misunderstood.

mis|use (misuses , misusing , misused ) The noun is pronounced /m I sjuː s/. The verb is pronounced /m I sjuː z/. 1 N‑VAR The misuse of something is incorrect, careless, or dishonest use of it. □�[+�of ] �the misuse of power and privilege. □� The effectiveness of this class of drug has, however, led to their misuse.

2 VERB If someone misuses something, they use it incorrectly, carelessly, or dishonestly. □�[V n] You are protected instantly if a thief misuses your credit card.

mite /ma I t/ (mites )

1 PHRASE A mite means to a small extent or degree. It is sometimes used to make a statement less extreme. □� I can't help feeling just a mite uneasy about it.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Mites are very tiny creatures that live on plants, for example, or in animals' fur. □� �an itching skin disorder caused by parasitic mites.

miti|gate /m I t I ge I t/ (mitigates , mitigating , mitigated ) VERB To mitigate something means to make it less unpleasant, serious, or painful. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �ways of mitigating the effects of an explosion.

miti|gat|ing /m I t I ge I t I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Mitigating circumstances or factors make a bad action easier to understand and excuse, and may result in the person responsible being punished less severely. [LEGAL , FORMAL ] □� The judge found that in her case there were mitigating circumstances. □� There are various mitigating factors.

miti|ga|tion /m I t I ge I ʃ ə n/

1 PHRASE If someone, especially in a court, is told something in mitigation , they are told something that makes a crime or fault easier to understand and excuse. [FORMAL ] □� Kieran Coonan QC told the judge in mitigation that the offences had been at the lower end of the scale.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Mitigation is a reduction in the unpleasantness, seriousness, or painfulness of something. [FORMAL ] □� �the mitigation or cure of a physical or mental condition.

mitt /m I t/ (mitts )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a person's hands as their mitts . [INFORMAL ] □� I pressed a dime into his grubby mitt.

2 N‑COUNT A baseball mitt is a large glove worn by a player whose job involves catching the ball.

mit|ten /m I t ə n/ (mittens ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Mittens are gloves which have one section that covers your thumb and another section that covers your four fingers together.

mix ◆◆◇ /m I ks/ (mixes , mixing , mixed )

1 VERB If two substances mix or if you mix one substance with another, you stir or shake them together, or combine them in some other way, so that they become a single substance. □�[V ] Oil and water don't mix. □�[V +�with ] It mixes easily with cold or hot water to make a tasty, filling drink. □�[V n] A quick stir will mix them thoroughly. □�[V n +�with ] Mix the cinnamon with the rest of the sugar. □�[V n with adv] Mix the ingredients together slowly. ●� mix|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� This final part of the mixing is done slowly and delicately.

2 VERB If you mix something, you prepare it by mixing other things together. □�[V n] He had spent several hours mixing cement. □�[V n n] Are you sure I can't mix you a drink?

3 N‑VAR A mix is a powder containing all the substances that you need in order to make something such as a cake or a sauce. When you want to use it, you add liquid. □� �packets of pizza dough mix.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A mixof different things or people is two or more of them together. □�[+�of ] The story is a magical mix of fantasy and reality. □� We get a very representative mix of people.

5 VERB If two things or activities do not mix or if one thing does not mixwith another, it is not a good idea to have them or do them together, because the result would be unpleasant or dangerous. □�[V ] Politics and sport don't mix. □�[V +�with ] �some of these pills that don't mix with drink. □�[V n +�with ] Ted managed to mix business with pleasure. □�[V n] The military has accused the clergy of mixing religion and politics.

6 VERB If you mixwith other people, you meet them and talk to them. You can also say that people mix . □�[V +�with ] I ventured the idea that the secret of staying young was to mix with older people. □�[V ] People are supposed to mix, do you understand? □�[V ] When you came away you made a definite effort to mix.

7 VERB When a record producer mixes a piece of music, he or she puts together the various sounds that have been recorded in order to make the finished record. □�[V n] They've been mixing tracks for a new album due out later this year. ●� mix|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Final mixing should be completed by the end of this week.

8 →�see also mixed , cake mix

9to mix your metaphors →�see metaphor

▸� mix up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you mix up two things or people, you confuse them, so that you think that one of them is the other one. □�[V n P +�with ] People often mix me up with other actors. □�[V P n] Depressed people may mix up their words. □�[V n P ] Any time you told one of them something, they'd swear you'd mixed them up and told the other.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you mix up a number of things, you put things of different kinds together or place things so that they are not in order. □�[V P n] I like to mix up designer clothes. □�[V n P ] Put the sauce on top and let people mix everything up or keep separate, as they choose. □�[V n P +�with ] I've taken those sounds from childhood and mixed them up with other things.

3 →�see also mixed up , mix-up COLLOCATIONS mix NOUN 4

adjective +�mix : diverse, eclectic; heady, intoxicating, potent; toxic; fascinating, interesting; curious, odd, strange; explosive; rich, vibrant; complex

mixed ◆◇◇ /m I kst/

1 ADJ Mixed feelings or reactions include some good things and some bad things. □� I came home from the meeting with mixed feelings. □� The reaction to these cars has been mixed.

2 ADJ A mixed group of people consists of people of many different types. □� I found a very mixed group of individuals, some with whom I had very little in common.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mixed is used to describe something that involves people from two or more different races. □� �a woman of mixed race. □� She had attended a racially mixed school.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mixed education or accommodation is intended for both males and females. □� Girls who have always been at a mixed school know how to stand up for themselves.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Mixed is used to describe something which includes or consists of different things of the same general kind. □� �a small mixed salad. □� �a teaspoon of mixed herbs.

6a mixed blessing →�see blessing

mi xed abi l|ity ADJ [usu ADJ n] A mixed ability class or teaching system is one in which pupils of different abilities are taught together in the same class. [BRIT ]

mi xed ba g N‑SING If you describe a situation or a group of things or people as amixed bag , you mean that it contains some good items, features, or people and some bad ones. □�[+�of ] Research on athletes and ordinary human subjects has yielded a mixed bag of results. □� This autumn's collections are a very mixed bag.

mi xed dou |bles N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] In some sports, such as tennis and badminton, mixed doubles is a match in which a man and a woman play as partners against another man and woman.

mi xed eco no|my (mixed economies ) N‑COUNT A mixed economy is an economic system in which some companies are owned by the state and some are not. [BUSINESS ]

mi xed ma r|riage (mixed marriages ) N‑COUNT A mixed marriage is a marriage between two people who are not of the same race or religion.

mi xed mar|tial a rts N‑UNCOUNT Mixed martial arts is a sport in which two people fight by hitting, kicking, and holding each other, both in a standing position and on the ground. □� It's a film about the world of mixed martial arts.

mi xed u p

1 ADJ If you are mixed up , you are confused, often because of emotional or social problems. □� I think he's a rather mixed up kid.

2 ADJ To be mixed upin something bad, or with someone you disapprove of, means to be involved in it or with them. □� Why did I ever get mixed up with you?

mix|er /m I ksə r / (mixers )

1 N‑COUNT A mixer is a machine used for mixing things together. □� �an electric mixer.

2 →�see also cement mixer , food mixer

3 N‑COUNT A mixer is a non-alcoholic drink such as fruit juice that you mix with strong alcohol such as gin.

4 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you say that someone is a good mixer , you mean that they are good at talking to people and making friends. □� Cooper was a good mixer, he was popular.

5 N‑COUNT A mixer is a piece of equipment that is used to make changes to recorded music or film. □� �a three channel audio mixer.

mi x|ing bowl (mixing bowls ) N‑COUNT A mixing bowl is a large bowl used for mixing ingredients.

mix|ture ◆◇◇ /m I kstʃə r / (mixtures )

1 N‑SING A mixtureof things consists of several different things together. □�[+�of ] They looked at him with a mixture of horror, envy, and awe. □�[+�of ] �a mixture of spiced, grilled vegetables served cold.

2 N‑COUNT A mixture is a substance that consists of other substances which have been stirred or shaken together. □� Prepare the gravy mixture. □�[+�of ] �a mixture of water and sugar and salt.

3 →�see also cough mixture

mi x-up (mix-ups ) N‑COUNT A mix-up is a mistake or a failure in the way that something has been planned. [INFORMAL ] □� �a mix-up over travel arrangements.

MkMk is a written abbreviation for mark . Mk is used to refer to a particular model or design of a car or machine. □� �a 1974 white MG Midget Mk 3.

mlml is a written abbreviation for millilitre or millilitres . □� Boil the sugar and 100 ml of water.

MLA /e m el e I / (MLAs ) N‑COUNT In Australia and some other countries, an MLA is a person who has been elected as a member of parliament. MLA is an abbreviation for 'member of the legislative assembly'.

mmmm is an abbreviation for millimetre or millimetres . □� �a 135mm lens. □� �0.25mm of rain.

MMR /e m em ɑː r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] MMR is a vaccine that is given to young children to protect them against certain diseases. MMR is an abbreviation for measles, mumps, and rubella . □� �the MMR vaccine.

mne|mon|ic /n I mɒ n I k/ (mnemonics ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A mnemonic is a word, short poem, or sentence that is intended to help you remember things such as scientific rules or spelling rules. For example, 'i before e, except after c' is a mnemonic to help people remember how to spell words like 'believe' and 'receive'. □� �mnemonic devices.

mo /moʊ / N‑SING A mo is a very short length of time. It is short for moment . [BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� Hang on a mo.

moan /moʊ n/ (moans , moaning , moaned )

1 VERB If you moan , you make a low sound, usually because you are unhappy or in pain. □�[V ] Tony moaned in his sleep and then turned over on his side. □�[V with quote] 'My head, my head,' he moaned. 'I can't see.' ●�N‑COUNT Moan is also a noun. □� Suddenly she gave a low, choking moan and began to tremble violently.

2 VERB To moan means to complain or speak in a way which shows that you are very unhappy. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] I used to moan if I didn't get at least six hours' sleep at night. □�[V prep/adv] �moaning about the weather. □�[V with quote] Meg moans, 'I hated it!' □�[V that] The gardener was moaning that he had another garden to do later that morning.

3 N‑COUNT A moan is a complaint. [INFORMAL ] □� They have been listening to people's gripes, moans and praise.

4 PHRASE If you have a moan , you complain about something. [INFORMAL ] □� You can go see him and have a good old moan.

5 N‑COUNT A moan is a low noise. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �the occasional moan of the wind round the corners of the house.

moan|er /moʊ nə r / (moaners ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a moaner , you are critical of them because they often complain about things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Film critics are dreadful moaners.

moat /moʊ t/ (moats ) N‑COUNT A moat is a deep, wide channel dug round a place such as a castle and filled with water, in order to protect the place from attack.

mob /mɒ b/ (mobs , mobbing , mobbed )

1 N‑COUNT A mob is a large, disorganized, and often violent crowd of people. □� The inspectors watched a growing mob of demonstrators gathering.

2 N‑SING People sometimes use the mob to refer in a disapproving way to the majority of people in a country or place, especially when these people are behaving in a violent or uncontrolled way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� If they continue like this, there is a danger of the mob taking over.

3 N‑SING You can refer to the people involved in organized crime as theMob . [INFORMAL ] □� �casinos that the Mob had operated.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone is being mobbedby a crowd of people, you mean that the people are trying to talk to them or get near them in an enthusiastic or threatening way. □�[be V -ed] They found themselves being mobbed in the street for autographs.

mo|bile ◆◇◇ /moʊ ba I l, [AM ] -b ə l/ (mobiles )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use mobile to describe something large that can be moved easily from place to place. □� �the four hundred seat mobile theatre.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are mobile , you can move or travel easily from place to place, for example because you do not have a physical disability or because you have your own transport. □� I'm still very mobile. ●� mo|bil|ity /moʊb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Two cars gave them the freedom and mobility to go their separate ways.

3 ADJ In a mobile society, people move easily from one job, home, or social class to another. □� Our mobile society forces many people to move away from family and friends. □� �young, mobile professionals. ●� mo|bil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� Prior to the nineteenth century, there were almost no channels of social mobility.

4 N‑COUNT A mobile is a decoration which you hang from a ceiling. It usually consists of several small objects which move as the air around them moves.

5 N‑COUNT A mobile is the same as a mobile phone .

6 →�see also upwardly mobile

mo |bile ho me (mobile homes ) N‑COUNT A mobile home is a large caravan that people live in and that usually remains in the same place, but which can be pulled to another place using a car or van.

mo |bile pho ne (mobile phones ) N‑COUNT A mobile phone is a phone that you can carry with you and use to make or receive calls wherever you are. [BRIT ] in AM, use cellular phone , cellphone

mo|bi|lize /moʊ b I la I z/ (mobilizes , mobilizing , mobilized ) in BRIT, also use mobilise1 VERB If you mobilize support or mobilize people to do something, you succeed in encouraging people to take action, especially political action. If people mobilize , they prepare to take action. □�[V n] The best hope is that we will mobilize international support and get down to action. □�[V ] Faced with crisis, people mobilized. ●� mo|bi|li|za|tion /moʊ b I la I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the rapid mobilization of international opinion in support of the revolution.

2 VERB If you mobilize resources, you start to use them or make them available for use. □�[V n] If you could mobilize the resources, you could get it done. ●� mo|bi|li|za|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the mobilisation of resources for education.

3 VERB If a country mobilizes , or mobilizes its armed forces, or if its armed forces mobilize , they are given orders to prepare for a conflict. [JOURNALISM or MILITARY ] □�[V ] Sudan even threatened to mobilize in response to the ultimatums. □�[V n] India is now in a better position to mobilise its forces. ●� mo|bi|li|za|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �a demand for full-scale mobilisation to defend the republic.

mob|ster /mɒ bstə r / (mobsters ) N‑COUNT A mobster is someone who is a member of an organized group of violent criminals.

moc|ca|sin /mɒ kəs I n/ (moccasins ) N‑COUNT Moccasins are soft leather shoes which have a low heel and a raised join round the top of the front part.

mock /mɒ k/ (mocks , mocking , mocked )

1 VERB If someone mocks you, they show or pretend that they think you are foolish or inferior, for example by saying something funny about you, or by imitating your behaviour. □�[V n] I thought you were mocking me. □�[V with quote] 'I'm astonished, Benjamin,' she mocked.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use mock to describe something which is not real or genuine, but which is intended to be very similar to the real thing. □� 'It's tragic!' swoons Jeffrey in mock horror.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Mocks are practice exams that you take as part of your preparation for real exams. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� She went from a D in her mocks to a B in the real thing.

mock|ery /mɒ kəri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone mocks you, you can refer to their behaviour or attitude as mockery . □� Was there a glint of mockery in his eyes?

2 N‑SING If something makes amockeryof something, it makes it appear worthless and foolish. □�[+�of ] This action makes a mockery of the Government's continuing protestations of concern.

mock|ing /mɒ k I ŋ/ ADJ A mocking expression or mocking behaviour indicates that you think someone or something is stupid or inferior. □� She gave a mocking smile. □� Behind the mocking laughter lurks a growing sense of unease.

mocking|bird /mɒ k I ŋbɜː r d/ (mockingbirds ) N‑COUNT A mockingbird is a grey bird with a long tail which is found in North America. Mockingbirds are able to copy the songs of other birds.

mo ck-up (mock-ups ) N‑COUNT A mock-upof something such as a machine or building is a model of it which is used in tests or to show people what it will look like. □�[+�of ] There's a mock-up of the high street where the Goodwins go shopping.

mod /mɒ d/ (mods ) N‑COUNT Mods are young people in Britain who wear a special kind of neat clothes, ride motor scooters, and like soul music. Many young people were mods in the early 1960s.

mod|al /moʊ d ə l/ (modals ) N‑COUNT In grammar, a modal or a modal auxiliary is a word such as 'can' or 'would' which is used with a main verb to express ideas such as possibility, intention, or necessity. [TECHNICAL ]

mo d co ns N‑PLURAL Mod cons are the modern facilities in a house that make it easy and pleasant to live in. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The house is spacious with all mod cons, handy for the station and has a garden.

mode /moʊ d/ (modes )

1 N‑COUNT A mode of life or behaviour is a particular way of living or behaving. [FORMAL ] □� He switched automatically into interview mode.

2 N‑COUNT A mode is a particular style in art, literature, or dress. □� �a slightly more elegant and formal mode of dress.

3 N‑COUNT On some cameras or electronic devices, the different modes available are the different programs or settings that you can choose when you use them. □� �when the camera is in manual mode.

mod|el ◆◆◇ /mɒ d ə l/ (models , modelling , modelled ) in AM, use modeling , modeled1 N‑COUNT A model of an object is a physical representation that shows what it looks like or how it works. The model is often smaller than the object it represents. □�[+�of ] �an architect's model of a wooden house. □�[+�of ] �a working scale model of the whole Bay Area. □� I made a model out of paper and glue. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Model is also an adjective. □� I had made a model aeroplane. □� �a model railway.

2 N‑COUNT A model is a system that is being used and that people might want to copy in order to achieve similar results. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He wants companies to follow the European model of social responsibility.

3 N‑COUNT A model of a system or process is a theoretical description that can help you understand how the system or process works, or how it might work. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Darwin eventually put forward a model of biological evolution.

4 VERB If someone such as a scientist models a system or process, they make an accurate theoretical description of it in order to understand or explain how it works. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □�[V n] �the mathematics needed to model a nonlinear system like an atmosphere.

5 N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something is amodelof a particular quality, you are showing approval of them because they have that quality to a large degree. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] A model of good manners, he has conquered any inward fury.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You use model to express approval of someone when you think that they perform their role or duties extremely well. [APPROVAL ] □� As a girl she had been a model pupil.

7 VERB If one thing is modelledon another, the first thing is made so that it is like the second thing in some way. □�[be V -ed +�on/after ] The quota system was modelled on those operated in America and continental Europe. □�[V n +�on/after ] She asked the author if she had modelled her hero on anybody in particular.

8 VERB If you model yourself on someone, you copy the way that they do things, because you admire them and want to be like them. □�[V pron-refl +�on/after ] There's absolutely nothing wrong in modelling yourself on an older woman. □�[V n +�on/after ] They will tend to model their behaviour on the teacher's behaviour.

9 N‑COUNT A particular model of a machine is a particular version of it. □� To keep the cost down, opt for a basic model. □� The model number is 1870/285.

10 N‑COUNT An artist's model is a person who stays still in a particular position so that the artist can make a picture or sculpture of them.

11 VERB If someone models for an artist, they stay still in a particular position so that the artist can make a picture or sculpture of them. □�[V +�for ] Tullio has been modelling for Sandra for eleven years. [Also V ]

12 N‑COUNT A fashion model is a person whose job is to display clothes by wearing them. □� �Paris's top photographic fashion model.

13 VERB If someone models clothes, they display them by wearing them. □�[V n] I wasn't here to model clothes. □�[V ] She began modelling in Paris aged 15. ●� mod|el|ling N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� She was being offered a modelling contract.

14 VERB If you model shapes or figures, you make them out of a substance such as clay or wood. □�[V ] There she began to model in clay. □�[V n] Sometimes she carved wood and sometimes stone; sometimes she modelled clay.

15 →�see also role model COLLOCATIONS model NOUN

2

noun +�model : business

verb +�model : adopt, develop

3

noun +�model : computer

adjective +�model : mathematical

12

noun +�model : catwalk, fashion, glamour

mod|el|ler /mɒ dələ r / (modellers ) in AM, use modeler1 N‑COUNT A modeller is someone who makes shapes or figures out of substances such as wood or clay.

2 N‑COUNT A modeller is someone who makes theoretical descriptions of systems or processes in order to understand them and be able to predict how they will develop. □� �climate modellers.

mo|dem /moʊ dem/ (modems ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A modem is a device which connects computers or computer systems to the internet. [COMPUTING ] □� It should be placed near a computer, a telephone line or a modem.

mod|er|ate ◆◇◇ (moderates , moderating , moderated ) The adjective and noun are pronounced /mɒ dərət/. The verb is pronounced /mɒ dəre I t/. 1 ADJ Moderate political opinions or policies are not extreme. □� He was an easygoing man of very moderate views. □� Both countries have called for a moderate approach to the use of force.

2 ADJ You use moderate to describe people or groups who have moderate political opinions or policies. □� �a moderate Democrat. □� �the moderate wing of the army. ●�N‑COUNT A moderate is someone with moderate political opinions. □� If he presents himself as a radical, he risks scaring off the moderates.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use moderate to describe something that is neither large nor small in amount or degree. □� While a moderate amount of stress can be beneficial, too much stress can exhaust you. □� �moderate exercise. ●� mod|er|ate|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, oft ADV after v] □� Both are moderately large insects. □� I don't smoke and I drink only moderately.

4 ADJ A moderate change in something is a change that is not great. □� Most drugs offer either no real improvement or, at best, only moderate improvements. ●� mod|er|ate|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Share prices on the Tokyo Exchange declined moderately.

5 VERB If you moderate something or if it moderates , it becomes less extreme or violent and easier to deal with or accept. □�[V n] They are hoping that once in office he can be persuaded to moderate his views. □�[V ] Amongst relief workers, the immediate sense of crisis has moderated somewhat. ●� mod|era|tion /mɒ dəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of/in ] A moderation in food prices helped to offset the first increase in energy prices. SYNONYMS moderate ADJ

1

mild:Teddy turned to Mona with a look of mild confusion.

limited:They may only have a limited amount of time to get their points across.

restrained:Caroline's greeting seemed a little restrained.

3

reasonable:They will need a reasonable amount of desk area and good light.

average:�a woman of average height.

acceptable:We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

mod|era|tion /mɒ dəre I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone's behaviour shows moderation , you approve of them because they act in a way that you think is reasonable and not extreme. [APPROVAL ] □� The United Nations Secretary General called on all parties to show moderation. ●�PHRASE If you say that someone does something such as eat, drink, or smoke in moderation , you mean that they do not eat, smoke, or drink too much or more than is reasonable. □� Many adults are able to drink in moderation, but others become dependent on alcohol.

2 →�see also moderate

mod|era|tor /mɒ dəre I tə r / (moderators )

1 N‑COUNT In some Protestant churches, a moderator is a senior member of the clergy who is in charge at large and important meetings. □�[+�of ] �a former moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

2 N‑COUNT In debates and negotiations, the moderator is the person who is in charge of the discussion and makes sure that it is conducted in a fair and organized way. [FORMAL ]

mod|ern ◆◆◇ /mɒ də r n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Modern means relating to the present time, for example the present decade or present century. □� �the problem of materialism in modern society. □� �the risks facing every modern marriage.

2 ADJ Something that is modern is new and involves the latest ideas or equipment. □� Modern technology has opened our eyes to many things. □� In many ways, it was a very modern school for its time. ●� mo|der|nity /mɒdɜː r n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �an office block that astonished the city with its modernity.

3 ADJ People are sometimes described as modern when they have opinions or ways of behaviour that have not yet been accepted by most people in a society. □� She is very modern in outlook.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Modern is used to describe styles of art, dance, music, and architecture that have developed in recent times, in contrast to classical styles. □� �a modern dance company. □� �the Museum of Modern Art.

mo dern-da y ADJ [ADJ n] Modern-day is used to refer to the new or modern aspects of a place, an activity, or a society. □� �modern-day America. □� �the by-products of modern-day living.

mod|ern|ise /mɒ də r na I z/ →�see modernize

mod|ern|ism /mɒ də r n I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Modernism was a movement in the arts in the first half of the twentieth century that rejected traditional values and techniques, and emphasized the importance of individual experience.

2 →�see also post-modernism

mod|ern|ist /mɒ də r n I st/ (modernists )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Modernist means relating to the ideas and methods of modern art. □� �modernist architecture. □� �modernist art.

2 →�see also post-modernist

mod|ern|is|tic /mɒ də r n I st I k/ ADJ A modernistic building or piece of furniture looks very modern.

mod|ern|ize /mɒ də r na I z/ (modernizes , modernizing , modernized ) in BRIT, also use modernise VERB To modernize something such as a system or a factory means to change it by replacing old equipment or methods with new ones. □�[V n] �plans to modernize the refinery. ●� mod|ern|iz|ing ADJ □� In effect, modernizing societies are portrayed as battlegrounds. ●� mod|erni|za|tion /mɒ də r na I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a five-year modernization programme.

mod|ern|iz|er /mɒ də r na I zə r / (modernizers ) in BRIT, also use moderniser N‑COUNT A modernizer is someone who replaces old equipment or methods with new ones.

mo d|ern la n|guages N‑PLURAL Modern languages refers to the modern European languages, for example French, German, and Russian, which are studied at school or university. □� �head of modern languages at a London grammar school.

mod|est ◆◇◇ /mɒ d I st/

1 ADJ A modest house or other building is not large or expensive. □� �the modest home of a family who lived off the land. □� A one-night stay in a modest hotel costs around �35.

2 ADJ You use modest to describe something such as an amount, rate, or improvement which is fairly small. □� Swiss unemployment rose to the still modest rate of 0.7%. □� The democratic reforms have been modest. ●� mod|est|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Britain's balance of payments improved modestly last month.

3 ADJ If you say that someone is modest , you approve of them because they do not talk much about their abilities or achievements. [APPROVAL ] □� He's modest, as well as being a great player. ●� mod|est|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'You really must be very good at what you do.'�'I suppose I am,' Kate said modestly.

4 ADJ You can describe a woman as modest when she avoids doing or wearing anything that might cause men to have sexual feelings towards her. You can also describe her clothes or behaviour as modest . □� �cultures in which women are supposed to be modest. ●� mod|est|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� She sat down, knees modestly together. SYNONYMS modest ADJ 1

homely:Scottish baking is homely, comforting and truly good.

humble:Andy was a humble, courteous and gentle man.

unpretentious:The Tides Inn is both comfortable and unpretentious.

mod|es|ty /mɒ d I sti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Someone who shows modesty does not talk much about their abilities or achievements. [APPROVAL ] □� His modesty does him credit, for the food he produces speaks for itself.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the modesty of something such as a place or amount when it is fairly small. □�[+�of ] The modesty of the town itself comes as something of a surprise.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If someone, especially a woman, shows modesty , they are cautious about the way they dress and behave because they are aware that other people may view them in a sexual way. □� There were shrieks of embarrassment as the girls struggled to protect their modesty.

modi|cum /mɒ d I kəm/ QUANT A modicum of something, especially something that is good or desirable, is a reasonable but not large amount of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] I'd like to think I've had a modicum of success. □�[+�of ] �a modicum of privacy.

modi|fi|er /mɒ d I fa I ə r / (modifiers ) N‑COUNT A modifier is a word or group of words that modifies another word or group. In some descriptions of grammar, only words that are used before a noun are called modifiers .

modi|fy /mɒ d I fa I / (modifies , modifying , modified )

1 VERB If you modify something, you change it slightly, usually in order to improve it. □�[V n] The club members did agree to modify their recruitment policy. □�[V -ed] The plane was a modified version of the C-130. ●� modi|fi|ca|tion /mɒ d I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (modifications ) N‑VAR □� Relatively minor modifications were required.

2 VERB A word or group of words that modifies another word describes or classifies something, or restricts the meaning of the word. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] It is a rule of English that adjectives generally precede the noun they modify: we say 'a good cry', not 'a cry good'.

mod|ish /moʊ d I ʃ/ ADJ Something that is modish is fashionable. [LITERARY ] □� �a short checklist of much that is modish at the moment. □� �modish young women from London society.

modu|lar /mɒ dʒʊlə r /

1 ADJ In building, modular means relating to the construction of buildings in parts called modules. □� They ended up buying a prebuilt modular home on a two-acre lot.

2 ADJ Modular means relating to the teaching of courses at college or university in units called modules. [BRIT ] □� The course is modular in structure.

modu|late /mɒ dʒʊle I t/ (modulates , modulating , modulated )

1 VERB If you modulate your voice or a sound, you change or vary its loudness, pitch, or tone in order to create a particular effect. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] He carefully modulated his voice. [Also V ]

2 VERB To modulate an activity or process means to alter it so that it is more suitable for a particular situation. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] These chemicals modulate the effect of potassium. ●� modu|la|tion /mɒ dʒʊle I ʃ ə n/ (modulations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The famine turned the normal modulation of climate into disaster.

mod|ule /mɒ dʒuːl/ (modules )

1 N‑COUNT A module is one of the separate parts of a course taught at a college or university. [BRIT ] □� These courses cover a twelve-week period and are organised into three four-week modules.

2 N‑COUNT A module is a part of a spacecraft which can operate by itself, often away from the rest of the spacecraft. □� A rescue plan could be achieved by sending an unmanned module to the space station.

mo|dus op|eran|di /moʊ dəs ɒpər� ndiː, -da I / N‑SING A modus operandi is a particular way of doing something. [FORMAL ] □� An example of her modus operandi was provided during a terse exchange with the defendant.

mo|dus vi|ven|di /moʊ dəs v I ve ndiː, -da I / N‑SING A modus vivendi is an arrangement which allows people who have different attitudes to live or work together. [FORMAL ] □� After 1940, a modus vivendi between church and state was achieved.

mog|gy /mɒ gi/ (moggies ) also moggie N‑COUNT A moggy is a cat. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

mo|gul /moʊ g ə l/ (moguls )

1 N‑COUNT A Mogul was a Muslim ruler in India in the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries.

2 N‑COUNT A mogul is an important, rich, and powerful businessman, especially one in the news, film, or television industry. □� �an international media mogul.

mo|hair /moʊ heə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Mohair is a type of very soft wool. □� �a brown mohair dress.

moist /mɔ I st/ (moister , moistest ) ADJ Something that is moist is slightly wet. □� Wipe off any excess make-up with a clean, moist cotton flannel.

mois|ten /mɔ I s ə n/ (moistens , moistening , moistened ) VERB To moisten something means to make it slightly wet. □�[V n] She took a sip of water to moisten her dry throat.

mois|ture /mɔ I stʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Moisture is tiny drops of water in the air, on a surface, or in the ground. □� When the soil is dry, more moisture is lost from the plant.

mois|tur|ize /mɔ I stʃəra I z/ (moisturizes , moisturizing , moisturized ) in BRIT, also use moisturise VERB If you moisturize your skin, you rub cream into it to make it softer. If a cream moisturizes your skin, it makes it softer. □�[V n] �products to moisturise, protect and firm your skin. □�[V ] The lotion moisturizes while it cleanses.

moist|ur|iz|er /mɔ I stʃəra I zə r / (moisturizers ) in BRIT, also use moisturiser N‑VAR A moisturizer is a cream that you put on your skin to make it feel softer and smoother.

mo|ji|to /məhiː təʊ/ (mojitos ) N‑COUNT A mojito is a drink consisting of rum, sugar, lime, mint, and soda water. □� Marina remained faithful to the local taste by ordering a mojito.

mo|jo /məʊ dʒəʊ/ (mojos or mojoes ) N‑COUNT Your mojo is your personal power or influence over other people, often your sexual power or attraction. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� She worked her musical mojo, while tossing roses to the crowd.

mo|lar /moʊ lə r / (molars ) N‑COUNT Your molars are the large, flat teeth towards the back of your mouth that you use for chewing food.

mo|las|ses /məl� s I z/ N‑UNCOUNT Molasses is a thick, dark brown syrup which is produced when sugar is processed. It is used in cooking.

mold /moʊ ld/ →�see mould

mold|ing /moʊ ld I ŋ/ →�see moulding

moldy /moʊ ldi/ →�see mouldy

mole /moʊ l/ (moles )

1 N‑COUNT A mole is a natural dark spot or small dark lump on someone's skin.

2 N‑COUNT A mole is a small animal with black fur that lives underground.

3 N‑COUNT A mole is a member of a government or other organization who gives secret information to the press or to a rival organization. □� MI5 has tried to recruit him as a mole.

mo|lecu|lar /məle kjʊlə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Molecular means relating to or involving molecules. □� �the molecular structure of fuel.

mo|le cu|lar bi|o l|ogy N‑UNCOUNT Molecular biology is the study of the structure and function of the complex chemicals that are found in living things. ●� mo|lecu|lar bi|olo|gist (molecular biologists ) N‑COUNT □� This substance has now been cloned by molecular biologists.

mol|ecule /mɒ l I kjuːl/ (molecules ) N‑COUNT A molecule is the smallest amount of a chemical substance which can exist by itself. □� �the hydrogen bonds between water molecules.

mole|hill /moʊ lh I l/ (molehills )

1 N‑COUNT A molehill is a small pile of earth made by a mole digging a tunnel.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is making a mountain out of a molehill , you are critical of them for making an unimportant fact or difficulty seem like a serious one. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The British press, making a mountain out of a molehill, precipitated an unnecessary economic crisis.

mo|lest /məle st/ (molests , molesting , molested ) VERB A person who molests someone, especially a woman or a child, interferes with them in a sexual way against their will. □�[V n] He was accused of sexually molesting a female colleague. ●� mo|les|ta|tion /mɒ leste I ʃ ə n, [AM ] moʊ l-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Any case of sexual molestation of a child should be reported to the police. ●� mo|lest|er (molesters ) N‑COUNT □� He'd been publicly labelled a child molester.

mol|li|fy /mɒ l I fa I / (mollifies , mollifying , mollified ) VERB If you mollify someone, you do or say something to make them less upset or angry. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The investigation was undertaken primarily to mollify pressure groups.

mol|lusc /mɒ ləsk/ (molluscs ) in AM, use mollusk N‑COUNT A mollusc is an animal such as a snail, clam, or octopus which has a soft body. Many types of mollusc have hard shells to protect them.

molly|coddle /mɒ likɒd ə l/ (mollycoddles , mollycoddling , mollycoddled ) VERB If you accuse someone of mollycoddling someone else, you are critical of them for doing too many things for the other person and protecting them too much from unpleasant experiences. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Christopher accused me of mollycoddling Andrew.

Molotov cock|tail /mɒ lətɒv kɒ kte I l/ (Molotov cocktails ) N‑COUNT A Molotov cocktail is a simple bomb made by putting petrol and cloth into a bottle. It is exploded by setting fire to the cloth.

molt /moʊ lt/ →�see moult

mol|ten /moʊ lt ə n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Molten rock, metal, or glass has been heated to a very high temperature and has become a hot, thick liquid. □� The molten metal is poured into the mould.

mom /mɒ m/ (moms ) N‑COUNT Your mom is your mother. You can call your mom 'Mom'. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� We waited for Mom and Dad to get home. in BRIT, use mum

mo|ment ◆◆◆ /moʊ mənt/ (moments )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a very short period of time, for example a few seconds, as a moment or moments . □� In a moment he was gone. □� She stared at him a moment, then turned away. □� Stop for one moment and think about it! □� In moments, I was asleep once more.

2 N‑COUNT A particular moment is the point in time at which something happens. □� At this moment a car stopped at the house. □� I'll never forget the moment when I first saw it.

3 PHRASE If you say that something will or may happen at any moment or any moment now , you are emphasizing that it is likely to happen very soon. [EMPHASIS ] □� They ran the risk of being shot at any moment. □� He'll be here to see you any moment now.

4 PHRASE You use expressions such as at the moment , at this moment , and at the present moment to indicate that a particular situation exists at the time when you are speaking. □� At the moment, no one is talking to me. □� This is being planned at the present moment.

5 PHRASE If you say that you do not believe for a moment or for one moment that something is true, you are emphasizing that you do not believe that it could possibly be true. [EMPHASIS ] □� I don't for a moment think there'll be a divorce.

6 PHRASE You use for the moment to indicate that something is true now, even if it will not be true in the future. □� For the moment, however, the government is happy to live with it.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone or something has their moments , you are indicating that there are times when they are successful or interesting, but that this does not happen very often. □� The film has its moments.

8 PHRASE If something or someone is having a moment , they are successful or popular at the present time. [INFORMAL ] □� Long skirts are having a moment.

9 PHRASE If someone does something at the last moment , they do it at the latest time possible. □� They changed their minds at the last moment and refused to go.

10 PHRASE You use the expression the next moment , or expressions such as ' one moment he was there, the next he was gone', to emphasize that something happens suddenly, especially when it is very different from what was happening before. [EMPHASIS ] □� The next moment there was an almighty crash. □� He is unpredictable, weeping one moment, laughing the next.

11 PHRASE You use of the moment to describe someone or something that is or was especially popular at a particular time, especially when you want to suggest that their popularity is unlikely to last long or did not last long. □� He's the man of the moment, isn't he?

12 PHRASE If you say that something happens the moment something else happens, you are emphasizing that it happens immediately after the other thing. [EMPHASIS ] □� The moment I closed my eyes, I fell asleep.

13spur of the moment →�see spur COLLOCATIONS moment NOUN 2

adjective +�moment : crucial, key; defining, memorable, pivotal, proud; anxious, rare

verb +�moment : capture, seize

mo|men|tari|ly /moʊ mənteə r I li/

1 ADV [usu ADV with v] Momentarily means for a short time. [mainly BRIT , WRITTEN ] □� She paused momentarily when she saw them.

2 ADV [usu ADV after v] Momentarily means very soon. [AM ] □� The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote momentarily on his nomination to the Supreme Court.

mo|men|tary /moʊ məntəri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ Something that is momentary lasts for a very short period of time, for example for a few seconds or less. □� �a momentary lapse of concentration.

mo |ment of tru th (moments of truth ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a time or event as themoment of truth , you mean that it is an important time when you must make a decision quickly, and whatever you decide will have important consequences in the future. □� The moment of truth had arrived.

mo|men|tous /moʊme ntəs/ ADJ If you refer to a decision, event, or change as momentous , you mean that it is very important, often because of the effects that it will have in the future. □� �the momentous decision to send in the troops.

mo|men|tum /moʊme ntəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If a process or movement gains momentum , it keeps developing or happening more quickly and keeps becoming less likely to stop. □� This campaign is really gaining momentum.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In physics, momentum is the mass of a moving object multiplied by its speed in a particular direction. [TECHNICAL ]

mom|ma /mɒ mə/ (mommas ) N‑COUNT Momma means the same as mommy . [AM , INFORMAL ]

mom|my /mɒ mi/ (mommies ) N‑COUNT Some people, especially young children, call their mother mommy . [AM , INFORMAL ] □� Mommy and I went in an aeroplane. in BRIT, use mummy

Mon.Mon. is a written abbreviation for Monday . □� �Mon. Oct 19.

mon|arch /mɒ nə r k/ (monarchs ) N‑COUNT The monarch of a country is the king, queen, emperor, or empress.

mo|nar|chi|cal /mɒnɑː r k I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Monarchical means relating to a monarch or monarchs. □� �a monarchical system of government.

mon|ar|chist /mɒ nə r k I st/ (monarchists ) ADJ If someone has monarchist views, they believe that their country should have a monarch, such as a king or queen. □� �the tiny monarchist party. ●�N‑COUNT A monarchist is someone with monarchist views.

mon|ar|chy /mɒ nə r ki/ (monarchies )

1 N‑VAR A monarchy is a system in which a country has a monarch. □� �a serious debate on the future of the monarchy.

2 N‑COUNT A monarchy is a country that has a monarch.

3 N‑COUNT The monarchy is used to refer to the monarch and his or her family. □� The monarchy has to create a balance between its public and private lives.

mon|as|tery /mɒ nəstri, [AM ] -teri/ (monasteries ) N‑COUNT A monastery is a building or collection of buildings in which monks live.

mo|nas|tic /mən� st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Monastic means relating to monks or to a monastery. □� He was drawn to the monastic life.

Mon|day /mʌ nde I , -di/ (Mondays ) N‑VAR Monday is the day after Sunday and before Tuesday. □� I went back to work on Monday. □� The attack took place last Monday. □� I'm usually here on Mondays and Fridays. □� The deaths on Monday afternoon were being treated as accidental.

mon|etar|ism /mʌ n I tər I zəm, [AM ] mɑː n-/ N‑UNCOUNT Monetarism is an economic policy that involves controlling the amount of money that is available and in use in a country at any one time. [BUSINESS ]

mon|etar|ist /mʌ n I tər I st, [AM ] mɑː n-/ (monetarists ) ADJ Monetarist policies or views are based on the theory that the amount of money that is available and in use in a country at any one time should be controlled. [BUSINESS ] □� �tough monetarist policies. ●�N‑COUNT A monetarist is someone with monetarist views.

mon|etary ◆◇◇ /mʌ n I tri, [AM ] mɑː n I teri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Monetary means relating to money, especially the total amount of money in a country. [BUSINESS ] □� Some countries tighten monetary policy to avoid inflation.

mon|ey ◆◆◆ /mʌ ni/ (monies or moneys )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Money is the coins or bank notes that you use to buy things, or the sum that you have in a bank account. □� A lot of the money that you pay at the cinema goes back to the film distributors. □� Players should be allowed to earn money from advertising. □� �discounts and money saving offers.

2 N‑PLURAL Monies is used to refer to several separate sums of money that form part of a larger amount that is received or spent. [FORMAL ] □� We drew up a schedule of payments for the rest of the monies owed.

3 →�see also blood money , pocket money

4 PHRASE If you say that someone has money to burn , you mean that they have more money than they need or that they spend their money on things that you think are unnecessary. □� He was a high-earning broker with money to burn.

5 PHRASE If you are in the money , you have a lot of money to spend. [INFORMAL ] □� If you are one of the lucky callers chosen to play, you could be in the money.

6 PHRASE If you make money , you obtain money by earning it or by making a profit. □� �the only bit of the firm that consistently made money.

7 PHRASE If you say that you want someone to put their money where their mouth is , you want them to spend money to improve a bad situation, instead of just talking about improving it. □� The government might be obliged to put its money where its mouth is to prove its commitment.

8 PHRASE If you say that thesmart money is on a particular person or thing, you mean that people who know a lot about it think that this person will be successful, or this thing will happen. [JOURNALISM ] □� With England not playing, the smart money was on the Germans.

9 PHRASE If you say that money talks , you mean that if someone has a lot of money, they also have a lot of power. □� The formula in Hollywood is simple�money talks.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone is throwing money at a problem, you are critical of them for trying to improve it by spending money on it, instead of doing more thoughtful and practical things to improve it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Australian government's answer to the problem has been to throw money at it.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone is throwing good money after bad , you are critical of them for trying to improve a bad situation by spending more money on it, instead of doing more thoughtful or practical things to improve it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Further heavy intervention would be throwing good money after bad.

12 PHRASE If you get your money's worth , you get something which is worth the money that it costs or the effort you have put in. □� The fans get their money's worth.

13to be rolling in money →�see rolling

14money for old rope →�see rope

15to give someone a run for their money →�see run

mo n|ey box (money boxes ) N‑COUNT A money box is a small box with an opening at the top, into which a child puts coins as a way of saving money. [mainly BRIT ]

mon|eyed /mʌ nid/ also monied ADJ A moneyed person has a lot of money. [FORMAL ] □� Fear of crime among Japan's new monied classes is rising rapidly.

mo n|ey laun|der|ing N‑UNCOUNT Money laundering is the crime of processing stolen money through a legitimate business or sending it abroad to a foreign bank, to hide the fact that the money was illegally obtained. □� �the largest money-laundering scandal in history.

money|lender /mʌ nilendə r / (moneylenders ) also money-lender N‑COUNT A moneylender is a person who lends money which has to be paid back at a high rate of interest. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

mo ney-maker (money-makers ) also moneymaker N‑COUNT If you say that a business, product, or investment is a money-maker , you mean that it makes a big profit. [BUSINESS ]

mo n|ey mar|ket (money markets ) N‑COUNT A country's money market consists of all the banks and other organizations that deal with short-term loans, capital, and foreign exchange. [BUSINESS ] □� On the money markets the dollar was weaker against European currencies.

mo n|ey or|der (money orders ) N‑COUNT A money order is a piece of paper representing a sum of money which you can buy at a post office and send to someone as a way of sending them money by post. [AM ] in BRIT, use postal order

mo ney-spinner (money-spinners ) also moneyspinner N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you say that something is a money-spinner , you mean that it earns a lot of money for someone. [INFORMAL ] □� The films have been fantastic money-spinners.

mo n|ey sup|ply N‑UNCOUNT Themoney supply is the total amount of money in a country's economy at any one time. [BUSINESS ] □� They believed that controlling the money supply would reduce inflation.

Mon|gol /mɒ ŋg ə l/ (Mongols )

1 N‑COUNT The Mongols were an Asian people who, led by Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan, took control of large areas of China and Central Asia in the 12th and 13th centuries A.D.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Mongol means belonging or relating to the Mongols. □� �the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.

Mon|go|lian /mɒŋgoʊ liən/ (Mongolians )

1 ADJ Mongolian means belonging or relating to Mongolia, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Mongolian is a person who comes from Mongolia.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Mongolian is the language that is spoken in Mongolia.

mon|grel /mʌ ŋgrəl/ (mongrels ) N‑COUNT A mongrel is a dog which is a mixture of different breeds.

mon|ied /mʌ nid/ →�see moneyed

moni|ker /mɒ n I kə r / (monikers ) N‑COUNT The moniker of a person or thing is their name, especially when they have changed it. [INFORMAL ] □� She's the author of three detective novels under the moniker of Janet Neel.

moni|tor ◆◇◇ /mɒ n I tə r / (monitors , monitoring , monitored )

1 VERB If you monitor something, you regularly check its development or progress, and sometimes comment on it. □�[V n] Officials had not been allowed to monitor the voting. □�[V n] You need feedback to monitor progress. ●� moni|tor|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �analysis and monitoring of the global environment.

2 VERB If someone monitors radio broadcasts from other countries, they record them or listen carefully to them in order to obtain information. □�[V n] Peter Murray is in London and has been monitoring reports out of Monrovia.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A monitor is a machine that is used to check or record things, for example processes or substances inside a person's body. □� The heart monitor shows low levels of consciousness.

4 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A monitor is a screen which is used to display certain kinds of information, for example in airports or television studios. □� He was watching a game of tennis on a television monitor.

5 N‑COUNT A monitor is the screen on a computer. □� Last night you went home without switching off your computer monitor.

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to a person who checks that something is done correctly, or that it is fair, as a monitor . □� Government monitors will continue to accompany reporters. SYNONYMS monitor ADJ 1

measure:I continued to measure his progress against the charts in the doctor's office.

follow:She was following Laura's progress closely.

keep track of:They had become so numerous I hadn't been able to keep track of them.

supervise:He supervised and trained more than 400 volunteers.

monk /mʌ ŋk/ (monks ) N‑COUNT A monk is a member of a male religious community that is usually separated from the outside world. □� �saffron-robed Buddhist monks.

mon|key /mʌ ŋki/ (monkeys )

1 N‑COUNT A monkey is an animal with a long tail which lives in hot countries and climbs trees.

2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you refer to a child as a monkey , you are saying in an affectionate way that he or she is very lively and naughty. [FEELINGS ] □� She's such a little monkey.

mo n|key bars N‑PLURAL Monkey bars are metal or wooden bars that are joined together to form a structure for children to climb and play on. [AM ] in BRIT, use climbing frame

mo n|key wrench (monkey wrenches ) →�see wrench

mono /mɒ noʊ/

1 ADJ Mono is used to describe a system of playing music in which all the sound is directed through one speaker only. Compare stereo . □� This model has a mono soundtrack.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Mono is the same as mononucleosis . [AM , INFORMAL ]

PREFIX mono-

forms nouns and adjectives that have 'one' or 'single' as part of their meaning. For example, a monochromatic picture uses only one colour.

mono|chrome /mɒ nəkroʊm/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A monochrome film, photograph, or television shows black, white, and shades of grey, but no other colours. □� �color and monochrome monitors.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A monochrome picture uses only one colour in various shades. □� �an old monochrome etching of a brewery.

mono|cle /mɒ nək ə l/ (monocles ) N‑COUNT A monocle is a glass lens which people wore in former times in front of one of their eyes to improve their ability to see with that eye.

mo|noga|mous /mənɒ gəməs/

1 ADJ Someone who is monogamous or who has a monogamous relationship has a sexual relationship with only one partner. □� Do you believe that men are not naturally monogamous?

2 ADJ Monogamous animals have only one sexual partner during their lives or during each mating season.

mo|noga|my /mənɒ gəmi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Monogamy is used to refer to the state or custom of having a sexual relationship with only one partner. □� People still opt for monogamy and marriage.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Monogamy is the state or custom of being married to only one person at a particular time. □� In many non-Western societies, however, monogamy has never dominated.

mono|gram /mɒ nəgr�m/ (monograms ) N‑COUNT A monogram is a design based on the first letters of a person's names, which is put on things they own, such as their clothes.

mono|grammed /mɒ nəgr�md/ ADJ Monogrammed means marked with a design based on the first letters of a person's names. □� �a monogrammed handkerchief.

mono|graph /mɒ nəgrɑːf, -gr�f/ (monographs ) N‑COUNT A monograph is a book which is a detailed study of only one subject. [FORMAL ] □�[+�on ] �a monograph on her favourite author, John Masefield.

mono|lin|gual /mɒ noʊl I ŋgwəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Monolingual means involving, using, or speaking one language. □� �a largely monolingual country such as Great Britain.

mono|lith /mɒ nəl I θ/ (monoliths )

1 N‑COUNT A monolith is a very large, upright piece of stone, especially one that was put in place in ancient times.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to an organization or system as a monolith , you are critical of it because it is very large and very slow to change, and it does not seem to have different parts with different characters. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� A deal between the two powerful institutions would have created a banking monolith.

mono|lith|ic /mɒ nəl I θ I k/

1 ADJ If you refer to an organization or system as monolithic , you are critical of it because it is very large and very slow to change, and does not seem to have different parts with different characters. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an authoritarian and monolithic system.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a building as monolithic , you do not like it because it is very large and plain with no character. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a huge monolithic concrete building.

mono|logue /mɒ nəlɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (monologues )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a long speech by one person during a conversation as a monologue , you mean it prevents other people from talking or expressing their opinions. □� Morris ignored the question and continued his monologue.

2 N‑VAR A monologue is a long speech which is spoken by one person as an entertainment, or as part of an entertainment such as a play. □� �a monologue based on the writing of Quentin Crisp.

mono|nu|cleo|sis /mɒ noʊnjuːklioʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Mononucleosis is a disease which causes swollen glands, fever, and a sore throat. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use glandular fever

mo|nopo|lis|tic /mənɒ pəl I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to a business or its practices as monopolistic , you mean that it tries to control as much of an industry as it can and does not allow fair competition.

mo|nopo|lize /mənɒ pəla I z/ (monopolizes , monopolizing , monopolized ) in BRIT, also use monopolise1 VERB If you say that someone monopolizes something, you mean that they have a very large share of it and prevent other people from having a share. □�[V n] They are controlling so much cocoa that they are virtually monopolizing the market. □�[V n] Johnson, as usual, monopolized the conversation. ●� mo|nopo|li|za|tion /mənɒ pəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the monopolization of a market by a single supplier.

2 VERB If something or someone monopolizes you, they demand a lot of your time and attention, so that there is very little time left for anything or anyone else. □�[V n] He would monopolize her totally, to the exclusion of her brothers and sisters.

mo|nopo|ly /mənɒ pəli/ (monopolies )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] If a company, person, or state has a monopolyon something such as an industry, they have complete control over it, so that it is impossible for others to become involved in it. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�on ] �Russian moves to end a state monopoly on land ownership. □�[+�over ] �the governing party's monopoly over the media.

2 N‑COUNT A monopoly is a company which is the only one providing a particular product or service. [BUSINESS ] □� �a state-owned monopoly.

3 N‑SING If you say that someone does not have a monopolyon something, you mean that they are not the only person who has that thing. □�[+�on ] Women do not have a monopoly on feelings of betrayal.

mono|rail /mɒ noʊre I l/ (monorails ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A monorail is a system of transport in which small trains travel along a single rail which is usually high above the ground.

mono|so|dium glu|ta|mate /mɒ nəsoʊdiəm gluː təme I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Monosodium glutamate is a substance which is sometimes added to savoury food to make it taste better. The abbreviation MSG is also used.

mono|syl|lab|ic /mɒ noʊs I l� b I k/ ADJ If you refer to someone or the way they speak as monosyllabic , you mean that they say very little, usually because they do not want to have a conversation. □� He could be gruff and monosyllabic.

mono|syl|la|ble /mɒ noʊs I ləb ə l/ (monosyllables ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone speaks in monosyllables you mean that they speak very little, usually because they do not want to have a conversation. □� A taciturn man, he replied to my questions in monosyllables.

mono|tone /mɒ nətoʊn/ (monotones )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in N ] If someone speaks in a monotone , their voice does not vary at all in tone or loudness and so it is not interesting to listen to. □� The evidence was read out to the court in a dull monotone.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A monotone sound or surface does not have any variation in its tone or colour. □� He was seen on TV delivering platitudes about the crisis in a monotone voice.

mo|noto|nous /mənɒ tənəs/ ADJ Something that is monotonous is very boring because it has a regular, repeated pattern which never changes. □� It's monotonous work, like most factory jobs. ●� mo|noto|nous|ly ADV □� The rain dripped monotonously from the trees.

mo|noto|ny /mənɒ təni/ N‑UNCOUNT The monotony of something is the fact that it never changes and is boring. □�[+�of ] A night on the town may help to break the monotony of the week.

mon|ox|ide /mənɒ ksa I d/ →�see carbon monoxide

Mon|sig|nor /mɒnsiː njɔː r / (Monsignors ) N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT [usu sing] Monsignor is the title of a priest of high rank in the Catholic Church. □� Monsignor Jaime Goncalves was also there.

mon|soon /mɒnsuː n/ (monsoons )

1 N‑COUNT The monsoon is the season in Southern Asia when there is a lot of very heavy rain. □� �the end of the monsoon.

2 N‑PLURAL Monsoon rains are sometimes referred to as themonsoons . □� In Bangladesh, the monsoons have started.

mon|ster /mɒ nstə r / (monsters )

1 N‑COUNT A monster is a large imaginary creature that looks very ugly and frightening.

2 N‑COUNT A monster is something which is extremely large, especially something which is difficult to manage or which is unpleasant. □� �the monster which is now the London marathon.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Monster means extremely and surprisingly large. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The film will be a monster hit.

4 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a monster , you mean that they are cruel, frightening, or evil.

mon|stros|ity /mɒnstrɒ s I ti/ (monstrosities ) N‑COUNT If you describe something, especially something large, as a monstrosity , you mean that you think it is extremely ugly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Most of the older buildings have been torn down and replaced by modern monstrosities.

mon|strous /mɒ nstrəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation or event as monstrous , you mean that it is extremely shocking or unfair. □� She endured the monstrous behaviour for years. ●� mon|strous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Your husband's family has behaved monstrously.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an unpleasant thing as monstrous , you mean that it is extremely large in size or extent. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a monstrous copper edifice. ●� mon|strous|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� It would be monstrously unfair.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as monstrous , you mean that it is extremely frightening because it appears unnatural or ugly. □� �the film's monstrous fantasy figure.

mon|tage /mɒntɑː ʒ, mɒ ntɑːʒ/ (montages ) N‑COUNT A montage is a picture, film, or piece of music which consists of several different items that are put together, often in an unusual combination or sequence. □� �a photo montage of some of Italy's top television stars.

month ◆◆◆ /mʌ nθ/ (months )

1 N‑COUNT A month is one of the twelve periods of time that a year is divided into, for example January or February. □� The trial is due to begin next month. □� �an exhibition which opens this month at London's Design Museum. □� I send him fifteen dollars a month.

2 N‑COUNT A month is a period of about four weeks. □� She was here for a month. □� Over the next several months I met most of her family. □� �a month's unlimited train travel.

month|ly ◆◇◇ /mʌ nθli/ (monthlies )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A monthly event or publication happens or appears every month. □� Many people are now having trouble making their monthly house payments. □� �Young Guard, a monthly journal founded in 1922. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Monthly is also an adverb. □� In some areas the property price can rise monthly.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] You can refer to a publication that is published monthly as a monthly . □� �Scallywag, a London satirical monthly.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Monthly quantities or rates relate to a period of one month. □� The monthly rent for a two-bedroom flat would be �953.33.

monu|ment /mɒ njʊmənt/ (monuments )

1 N‑COUNT A monument is a large structure, usually made of stone, which is built to remind people of an event in history or of a famous person.

2 N‑COUNT A monument is something such as a castle or bridge which was built a very long time ago and is regarded as an important part of a country's history. □�[+�of ] �the ancient monuments of England

3 N‑COUNT If you describe something as a monumentto someone's qualities, you mean that it is a very good example of the results or effects of those qualities. □�[+�to ] By his international achievements he leaves a fitting monument to his beliefs.

monu|men|tal /mɒ njʊme nt ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use monumental to emphasize the size or extent of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a series of monumental disappointments. ●� monu|men|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, oft ADV after v] □� Suddenly it was monumentally successful. □� �the most monumentally hideous night of my life.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a book or musical work as monumental , you are emphasizing that it is very large and impressive, and is likely to be important for a long time. [EMPHASIS ] □� �his monumental work on Chinese astronomy.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A monumental building or sculpture is very large and impressive. □� �monumental sculpture.

moo /muː / (moos , mooing , mooed ) VERB When cattle, especially cows, moo , they make the long low sound that cattle typically make. □�[V ] �a sound like a cow mooing. ●�N‑COUNT Moo is also a noun. □� The cow says 'moo-moo'.

MOOC /muː k/ (MOOCs ) N‑COUNT A MOOC is a free online course that many people can study. MOOC is an abbreviation for 'massive open online course'. □� The university has developed a MOOC in clinical psychology.

mooch /muː tʃ/ (mooches , mooching , mooched )

▸� mooch around in BRIT, also use mooch about PHRASAL VERB If you mooch around or mooch about a place, you move around there slowly with no particular purpose. □�[V P n] Andrew was left to mooch around the house on his own. □�[V P ] He was awake at 3am, mooching about in the darkness.

mood ◆◇◇ /muː d/ (moods )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N , oft in N ] Your mood is the way you are feeling at a particular time. If you are in a good mood , you feel cheerful. If you are in a bad mood , you feel angry and impatient. □� He is clearly in a good mood today. □� When he came back, he was in a foul mood. □� His moods swing alarmingly. ●�PHRASE If you say that you are in the moodfor something, you mean that you want to do it or have it. If you say that you are in no moodto do something, you mean that you do not want to do it or have it. □� After a day of air and activity, you should be in the mood for a good meal. □� He was in no mood to celebrate.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in a N ] If someone is in amood , the way they are behaving shows that they are feeling angry and impatient. □� She was obviously in a mood.

3 N‑SING [oft with poss] Themood of a group of people is the way that they think and feel about an idea, event, or question at a particular time. □�[+�of ] They largely misread the mood of the electorate.

4 N‑COUNT The mood of a place is the general impression that you get of it. □� First, set the mood with music.

5 N‑VAR In grammar, the mood of a clause is the way in which the verb forms are used to show whether the clause is, for example, a statement, a question, or an instruction.

moody /muː di/ (moodier , moodiest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone as moody , you mean that their feelings and behaviour change frequently, and in particular that they often become depressed or angry without any warning. □� David's mother was unstable and moody. ●� moodi|ly /muː d I li/ ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He sat and stared moodily out the window. ●� moodi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� His moodiness may have been caused by his poor health.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a picture, film, or piece of music as moody , you mean that it suggests particular emotions, especially sad ones. □� �moody black and white photographs.

moon ◆◇◇ /muː n/ (moons )

1 N‑SING [oft full/new N ] Themoon is the object that you can often see in the sky at night. It goes round the Earth once every four weeks, and as it does so its appearance changes from a circle to part of a circle. □� �the first man on the moon. □� �the light of a full moon.

2 →�see also new moon

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A moon is an object similar to a small planet that travels around a planet. □� �Neptune's large moon.

4 PHRASE If you say that something happens once in a blue moon , you are emphasizing that it does not happen very often at all. [EMPHASIS ] □� Once in a blue moon you get some problems.

5 PHRASE If you say that you are over the moon , you mean that you are very pleased about something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

moon|beam /muː nbiːm/ (moonbeams ) N‑COUNT A moonbeam is a ray of light from the moon.

moon|less /muː nləs/ ADJ A moonless sky or night is dark because there is no moon.

moon|light /muː nla I t/ (moonlights , moonlighting , moonlighted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Moonlight is the light that comes from the moon at night. □� They walked along the road in the moonlight. □� We went to the temple of Atlantis and saw it by moonlight.

2 VERB If someone moonlights , they have a second job in addition to their main job, often without informing their main employers or the tax office. □�[V +�as ] �an engineer who was moonlighting as a taxi driver. □�[V ] Workers in state enterprises were permitted to moonlight.

moon|lit /muː nl I t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is moonlit is lit by moonlight. □� �a beautiful moonlit night.

moon|shine /muː nʃa I n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Moonshine is whisky that is made illegally. [mainly AM ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone's thoughts, ideas, or comments are moonshine , you think they are foolish and not based on reality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� As Morison remarks, the story is pure moonshine.

moor /mʊə r / (moors , mooring , moored )

1 N‑VAR A moor is an area of open and usually high land with poor soil that is covered mainly with grass and heather. [mainly BRIT ] □� Colliford is higher, right up on the moors. □� Exmoor National Park stretches over 265 square miles of moor.

2 VERB If you moor a boat somewhere, you stop and tie it to the land with a rope or chain so that it cannot move away. □�[V n] She had moored her barge on the right bank of the river. □�[V ] I decided to moor near some tourist boats.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The Moors were a Muslim people who established a civilization in North Africa and Spain between the 8th and the 15th century A.D.

4 →�see also mooring

moor|ing /mʊə r I ŋ/ (moorings )

1 N‑COUNT A mooring is a place where a boat can be tied so that it cannot move away, or the object it is tied to. □� Free moorings will be available.

2 N‑PLURAL Moorings are the ropes, chains, and other objects used to moor a boat. □� Emergency workers fear that the burning ship could slip its moorings.

Moor|ish /mʊə r I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is Moorish belongs to or is characteristic of the Muslim civilization in North Africa and Spain between the 8th and the 15th century A.D. □� �a medieval Moorish palace.

moor|land /mʊə r l�nd/ (moorlands ) N‑UNCOUNT Moorland is land which consists of moors. □� �rugged Yorkshire moorland.

moose /muː s/ (moose ) N‑COUNT A moose is a large type of deer. Moose have big flat horns called antlers and are found in Northern Europe, Asia, and North America. Some British speakers use moose to refer to the North American variety of this animal, and elk to refer to the European and Asian varieties.

moot /muː t/ (moots , mooting , mooted )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a plan, idea, or subject is mooted , it is suggested or introduced for discussion. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Plans have been mooted for a 450,000-strong Ukrainian army.

2 ADJ If something is a moot point or question, people cannot agree about it. □� How long he'll be able to do so is a moot point.

mop /mɒ p/ (mops , mopping , mopped )

1 N‑COUNT A mop is a piece of equipment for washing floors. It consists of a sponge or many pieces of string attached to a long handle.

2 VERB If you mop a surface such as a floor, you clean it with a mop. □�[V n] There was a woman mopping the stairs.

3 VERB If you mop sweat from your forehead or mop your forehead, you wipe it with a piece of cloth. □�[V n +�from ] He mopped perspiration from his forehead. □�[V n] The Inspector took out a handkerchief and mopped his brow.

4 N‑COUNT If someone has a mopof hair, they have a lot of hair and it looks rather untidy. □�[+�of ] He was long-limbed and dark-eyed, with a mop of tight, dark curls.

▸� mop up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you mop up a liquid, you clean it with a cloth so that the liquid is absorbed. □�[V P n] A waiter mopped up the mess as best he could. □�[V n P ] When the washing machine spurts out water at least we can mop it up. □�[V P ] Michael mopped up quickly with his napkin.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you mop up something that you think is undesirable or dangerous, you remove it or deal with it so that it is no longer a problem. □�[V P n] The infantry divisions mopped up remaining centres of resistance. [Also V n P ]

mope /moʊ p/ (mopes , moping , moped ) VERB If you mope , you feel miserable and do not feel interested in doing anything. □�[V ] Get on with life and don't sit back and mope.

▸� mope around in BRIT, also use mope about PHRASAL VERB If you mope around or mope about a place, you wander around there not doing anything, looking and feeling unhappy. □�[V P n] He moped around the office for a while, feeling bored. □�[V P ] He mopes about all day.

mo|ped /moʊ ped/ (mopeds ) N‑COUNT A moped is a small motorcycle which you can also pedal like a bicycle. [mainly BRIT ]

MOR /e m oʊ ɑː r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] MOR is a type of pop music which is pleasant and not extreme or unusual. MOR is an abbreviation of 'middle-of-the-road'. □� �MOR singer Daniel O'Donnell.

mor|al ◆◇◇ /mɒ r ə l, [AM ] mɔː r-/ (morals )

1 N‑PLURAL Morals are principles and beliefs concerning right and wrong behaviour. □� �Western ideas and morals. □� They have no morals.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Moral means relating to beliefs about what is right or wrong. □� She describes her own moral dilemma in making the film. □� �matters of church doctrine and moral teaching. ●� mor|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV after v] □� When, if ever, is it morally justifiable to allow a patient to die?

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Moral courage or duty is based on what you believe is right or acceptable, rather than on what the law says should be done. □� The Government had a moral, if not a legal duty to pay compensation.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A moral person behaves in a way that is believed by most people to be good and right. □� The people who will be on the committee are moral, cultured, competent people. ●� mor|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Art is not there to improve you morally.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If you give someone moral support, you encourage them in what they are doing by expressing approval. □� Moral as well as financial support was what the West should provide.

6 N‑COUNT Themoral of a story or event is what you learn from it about how you should or should not behave. □�[+�of ] I think the moral of the story is let the buyer beware.

7moral victory →�see victory SYNONYMS moral NOUN 1

principle:It's not just a matter of principle.

belief:He refuses to compete on Sundays because of his religious beliefs.

morality:�standards of morality and justice in society.

integrity:I have always regarded him as a man of integrity. ADJ 3

ethical:�the moral and ethical standards in the school.

just:She fought honestly for a just cause and for freedom.

principled:She was a strong, principled woman.

good:The president is a good man.

mo|rale /mərɑː l, -r� l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Morale is the amount of confidence and cheerfulness that a group of people have. □� Many pilots are suffering from low morale.

mo|ra le boost|er (morale boosters ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to something that makes people feel more confident and cheerful as a morale booster . □� This win has been a great morale booster.

mora le-boosting ADJ [usu ADJ n] A morale-boosting action or event makes people feel more confident and cheerful. □� �the President's morale-boosting visit to the troops.

mo r|al fi |bre in AM, use moral fiber N‑UNCOUNT Moral fibre is the quality of being determined to do what you think is right. □� �a man of stern moral fibre.

mor|al|ise /mɒ rəla I z, [AM ] mɔː r-/ →�see moralize

mor|al|ist /mɒ rəl I st, [AM ] mɔː r-/ (moralists ) N‑COUNT A moralist is someone who has strong ideas about right and wrong behaviour, and who tries to make other people behave according to these ideas.

mor|al|is|tic /mɒ rəl I st I k, [AM ] mɔː r-/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as moralistic , you are critical of them for making harsh judgments of other people on the basis of their own ideas about what is right and wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has become more moralistic.

mo|ral|ity /mər� l I ti/ (moralities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Morality is the belief that some behaviour is right and acceptable and that other behaviour is wrong. □� �standards of morality and justice in society.

2 N‑COUNT A morality is a system of principles and values concerning people's behaviour, which is generally accepted by a society or by a particular group of people. □� �a morality that is sexist.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Themoralityof something is how right or acceptable it is. □�[+�of ] �the arguments about the morality of blood sports.

mor|al|ize /mɒ rəla I z, [AM ] mɔː r-/ (moralizes , moralizing , moralized ) in BRIT, also use moralise VERB If you say that someone is moralizing , you are critical of them for telling people what they think is right or wrong, especially when they have not been asked their opinion. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] As a dramatist I hate to moralize. ●� mor|al|iz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� We have tried to avoid any moralising.

mo r|al ma|jo r|ity N‑SING ; N‑PROPER If there is a large group in society that holds strong, conservative opinions on matters of morality and religion, you can refer to these people as themoral majority . In the United States, there is an organized group called the Moral Majority . □� �unless the writers begin to write decent comedy and stop pandering to the moral majority.

mo|rass /mər� s/ (morasses ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe an unpleasant or confused situation as a morass , you mean that it seems impossible to escape from or resolve, because it has become so serious or so complicated. □�[+�of ] I tried to drag myself out of the morass of despair. □� �the economic morass.

mora|to|rium /mɒ rətɔː riəm, [AM ] mɔː r-/ (moratoriums or moratoria ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A moratoriumon a particular activity or process is the stopping of it for a fixed period of time, usually as a result of an official agreement. □�[+�on ] �a moratorium on talking to the press until the dispute is settled.

mor|bid /mɔː r b I d/ ADJ If you describe a person or their interest in something as morbid , you mean that they are very interested in unpleasant things, especially death, and you think this is strange. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Some people have a morbid fascination with crime. ●� mor|bid|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� There's something morbidly fascinating about the thought.

mor|dant /mɔː r d ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mordant humour is very critical and often mocks someone or something. [FORMAL ] □� A wicked, mordant sense of humour has come to the fore in Blur's world.

more ◆◆◆ /mɔː r / More is often considered to be the comparative form of much and many . 1 DET You use more to indicate that there is a greater amount of something than before or than average, or than something else. You can use 'a little', 'a lot', 'a bit', 'far', and 'much' in front of more . □� More and more people are surviving heart attacks. □� He spent more time perfecting his dance moves instead of gym work. □� �teaching more children foreign languages other than English. ●�PRON More is also a pronoun. □� As the level of work increased from light to heavy, workers ate more. □� He had four hundred dollars in his pocket. Billy had more. ●�QUANT More is also a quantifier. □�[+�of ] Employees may have to take on more of their own medical costs.

2 PHRASE You use more than before a number or amount to say that the actual number or amount is even greater. □� The Afghan authorities say the airport had been closed for more than a year. □� �classy leather and silk jackets at more than �250.

3 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use more to indicate that something or someone has a greater amount of a quality than they used to or than is average or usual. □� Prison conditions have become more brutal. □� We can satisfy our basic wants more easily than in the past.

4 ADV If you say that something is more one thing than another, you mean that it is like the first thing rather than the second. □� The exhibition at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts is more a production than it is a museum display. □� He's more like a film star than a life-guard, really. □� She looked more sad than in pain. □� Sue screamed, not loudly, more in surprise than terror. □� She's more of a social animal than me.

5 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something more than before or more than someone else, you do it to a greater extent or more often. □� When we are tired, tense, depressed or unwell, we feel pain much more. □� What impressed me more was that she knew Tennessee Williams.

6 ADV [ADV after v] You can use more to indicate that something continues to happen for a further period of time. □� Things might have been different if I'd talked a bit more. ●�PHRASE You can use some more to indicate that something continues to happen for a further period of time. □� We walked some more.

7 ADV [adv ADV , n ADV ] You use more to indicate that something is repeated. For example, if you do something 'once more', you do it again once. □� This train would stop twice more in the suburbs before rolling southeast toward Munich. □� The breathing exercises should be repeated several times more.

8 DET You use more to refer to an additional thing or amount. You can use 'a little', 'a lot', 'a bit', 'far' and 'much' in front of more . □� They needed more time to consider whether to hold an inquiry. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] More is also an adjective. □� We stayed in Danville two more days. □� Are you sure you wouldn't like some more coffee? ●�PRON More is also a pronoun. □� Oxfam has appealed to western nations to do more to help the refugees. □� 'None of them are very nice folks.'�'Tell me more.'

9 ADV You use more in conversations when you want to draw someone's attention to something interesting or important that you are about to say. □� The way we dress reflects who we are and, more interestingly, who we wish we could be. □� More seriously for him, there are members who say he is wrong on this issue.

10 PHRASE You can use more and more to indicate that something is becoming greater in amount, extent, or degree all the time. □� Her life was heading more and more where she wanted it to go.

11 PHRASE If something is more or less true, it is true in a general way, but is not completely true. [VAGUENESS ] □� The Conference is more or less over. □� He more or less started the firm.

12 PHRASE If something is more than a particular thing, it has greater value or importance than this thing. □� He's more than a coach, he's a friend.

13 PHRASE You use more than to say that something is true to a greater degree than is necessary or than average. □� Lithuania produces more than enough food to feed itself.

14 PHRASE You use no more than or not more than when you want to emphasize how small a number or amount is. [EMPHASIS ] □� He was a kid really, not more than eighteen or nineteen.

15 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is nothing more than a particular thing, you are emphasizing that they are only that thing, and nothing more interesting or important. [EMPHASIS ] □� The newly discovered notes are nothing more than Lang's personal journal.

16 PHRASE You can use what is more or what's more to introduce an extra piece of information which supports or emphasizes the point you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □� You should remember it, and what's more, you should get it right.

17all the more →�see all

18any more →�see any USAGE more

Don�t use more with adjectives that have only one syllable. Don�t say, for example, � more tall �. Instead, add -er to the end of the adjective. □� Krish is taller than me

more|ish /mɔː r I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe food as moreish , you mean that it is so nice that you want to keep eating more of it once you have started. [INFORMAL ] □� Thai food's very moreish, isn't it?

more|over ◆◇◇ /mɔːroʊ və r / ADV You use moreover to introduce a piece of information that adds to or supports the previous statement. [FORMAL ] □� There was a man immediately behind her. Moreover, he was observing her strangely. SYNONYMS moreover ADV

furthermore:Furthermore, they claim that any such interference is completely ineffective.

in addition:In addition, students can take classes in word-processing and computing.

also:He is an asthmatic who was also anaemic.

besides:Besides, I'd grown fond of our little rented house.

mo|res /mɔː re I z/ N‑PLURAL The mores of a particular place or group of people are the customs and behaviour that are typically found in that place or group. [FORMAL ] □� �the accepted mores of British society.

morgue /mɔː r g/ (morgues ) N‑COUNT A morgue is a building or a room in a hospital where dead bodies are kept before they are buried or cremated, or before they are identified or examined.

mori|bund /mɒ r I bʌnd, [AM ] mɔː r-/ ADJ If you describe something as moribund , you mean that it is in a very bad condition. [FORMAL ] □� �the moribund economy.

Mor|mon /mɔː r mən/ (Mormons ) ADJ Mormon means relating to the religion started by Joseph Smith in the United States. □� �the Mormon church. ●�N‑COUNT Mormons are people who are Mormon.

morn /mɔː r n/ N‑SING Morn means the same as morning. [LITERARY ] □� �one cold February morn.

morn|ing ◆◆◆ /mɔː r n I ŋ/ (mornings )

1 N‑VAR The morning is the part of each day between the time that people usually wake up and 12 o'clock noon or lunchtime. □� During the morning your guide will take you around the city. □� On Sunday morning Bill was woken by the telephone. □� He read about it in his morning paper.

2 N‑SING If you refer to a particular time in themorning , you mean a time between 12 o'clock midnight and 12 o'clock noon. □� I often stayed up until two or three in the morning.

3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen in the morning , you mean that it will happen during the morning of the following day. □� I'll fly it to London in the morning.

4 PHRASE If you say that something happens morning, noon and night , you mean that it happens all the time. □� You get fit by playing the game, day in, day out, morning, noon and night.

mo rning-a fter pill (morning-after pills ) N‑COUNT The morning-after pill is a pill that a woman can take some hours after having sex to prevent herself from becoming pregnant.

mo rn|ing dress N‑UNCOUNT Morning dress is a suit that is worn by men for very formal occasions such as weddings. It consists of a grey or black coat that is longer at the back than the front, grey trousers, a white shirt, a grey tie, and often a top hat.

mo rn|ing room (morning rooms ) also morning-room N‑COUNT In some large, old houses, the morning room is a living room which gets the sun in the morning. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

mo rn|ing sick|ness N‑UNCOUNT Morning sickness is a feeling of sickness that some women have, often in the morning, when they are pregnant.

mo rn|ing sta r N‑SING Themorning star is the planet Venus, which can be seen shining in the sky just after the sun rises.

Mo|roc|can /mərɒ kən/ (Moroccans )

1 ADJ Moroccan means belonging or relating to Morocco or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Moroccan is a person who comes from Morocco.

mor|on /mɔː rɒn/ (morons ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a moron , you think that they are very stupid. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I used to think that Gordon was a moron.

mo|ron|ic /mɔːrɒ n I k/ ADJ If you say that a person or their behaviour is moronic , you think that they are very stupid. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� It was wanton, moronic vandalism.

mo|rose /məroʊ s/ ADJ Someone who is morose is miserable, bad-tempered, and not willing to talk very much to other people. □� She was morose, pale, and reticent. ●� mo|rose|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� One elderly man sat morosely at the bar.

morph /mɔː r f/ (morphs , morphing , morphed ) VERB If one thing morphsinto another thing, especially something very different, the first thing changes into the second. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�into ] Mild-mannered Stanley morphs into a confident, grinning hero.

mor|pheme /mɔː r fiːm/ (morphemes ) N‑COUNT A morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning in a language. The words 'the', 'in', and 'girl' consist of one morpheme. The word 'girls' consists of two morphemes: 'girl' and 's'.

mor|phine /mɔː r fiːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Morphine is a drug used to relieve pain.

morph|ing /mɔː r f I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Morphing is a technique which involves using a computer to make an image on film or television appear to change shape or change into something else.

mor|phol|ogy /mɔː r fɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT The morphology of something is its form and structure. In linguistics, morphology refers to the way words are constructed with stems, prefixes, and suffixes. [TECHNICAL ]

mor|ris danc|er /mɒ r I s dɑːnsə r , - d�ns-/ (morris dancers ) N‑COUNT A morris dancer is a person who takes part in morris dancing.

mor|ris danc|ing /mɒ r I s dɑːns I ŋ, - d�ns-/ N‑UNCOUNT Morris dancing is a type of old English country dancing which is performed by people wearing special costumes.

mor|row /mɒ roʊ, [AM ] mɔː r-/

1 N‑SING [oft on the N ] Themorrow means the next day or tomorrow. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ] □� We do depart for Wales on the morrow.

2 CONVENTION Good morrow means the same as 'good morning'. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Good morrow to you, my lord.

morse code /mɔː r s koʊ d/ also Morse code N‑UNCOUNT Morse code or morse is a code used for sending messages. It represents each letter of the alphabet using short and long sounds or flashes of light, which can be written down as dots and dashes.

mor|sel /mɔː r s ə l/ (morsels ) N‑COUNT A morsel is a very small amount of something, especially a very small piece of food. □�[+�of ] �a delicious little morsel of meat.

mor|tal /mɔː r t ə l/ (mortals )

1 ADJ If you refer to the fact that people are mortal , you mean that they have to die and cannot live for ever. □� A man is deliberately designed to be mortal. He grows, he ages, and he dies. ●� mor|tal|ity /mɔː r t� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] □� She has suddenly come face to face with her own mortality.

2 N‑COUNT You can describe someone as a mortal when you want to say that they are an ordinary person. □� Tickets seem unobtainable to the ordinary mortal.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use mortal to show that something is very serious or may cause death. □� The police were defending themselves and others against mortal danger. ●� mor|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj/adv] □� He falls, mortally wounded.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use mortal to emphasize that a feeling is extremely great or severe. [EMPHASIS ] □� When self-esteem is high, we lose our mortal fear of jealousy. ●� mor|tal|ly ADV □� Candida admits to having been 'mortally embarrassed'.

mor|tal|ity /mɔː r t� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] The mortality in a particular place or situation is the number of people who die. □� The nation's infant mortality rate has reached a record low.

mo r|tal si n (mortal sins ) N‑VAR In the Roman Catholic Church, a mortal sin is an extremely serious sin and the person who has committed it will be punished after death unless they are forgiven by the Church.

mor|tar /mɔː r tə r / (mortars )

1 N‑COUNT A mortar is a big gun which fires missiles high into the air over a short distance. □� He was killed in a mortar attack.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Mortar is a mixture of sand, water, and cement or lime which is put between bricks to hold them together.

3 N‑COUNT A mortar is a bowl in which you can crush things such as herbs, spices, or grain using a rod called a pestle.

4bricks and mortar →�see brick

mo r|tar board (mortar boards ) also mortarboard N‑COUNT A mortar board is a stiff black cap which has a flat square top with a bunch of threads attached to it. In Britain, mortar boards are sometimes worn on formal occasions by university students and teachers. In the United States, mortar boards are worn by students at graduation ceremonies at high schools, colleges, and universities.

mort|gage ◆◆◇ /mɔː r g I dʒ/ (mortgages , mortgaging , mortgaged )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A mortgage is a loan of money which you get from a bank or building society in order to buy a house. □� �an increase in mortgage rates.

2 VERB If you mortgage your house or land, you use it as a guarantee to a company in order to borrow money from them. □�[V n] They had to mortgage their home to pay the bills.

mor|tice lock /mɔː r t I s lɒk/ (mortice locks ) also mortise lock N‑COUNT A mortice lock is a type of lock which fits into a hole cut into the edge of a door rather than being fixed to one side of it.

mor|ti|cian /mɔː r t I ʃ ə n/ (morticians ) N‑COUNT A mortician is a person whose job is to deal with the bodies of people who have died and to arrange funerals. [mainly AM ]

mor|ti|fi|ca|tion /mɔː r t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Mortification is a strong feeling of shame and embarrassment. □� The chairman tried to disguise his mortification.

mor|ti|fied /mɔː r t I fa I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is mortified , you mean that they feel extremely offended, ashamed, or embarrassed. □� If I reduced somebody to tears I'd be mortified.

mor|ti|fy /mɔː r t I fa I / (mortifies , mortifying , mortified ) VERB [no cont] If you say that something mortifies you, you mean that it offends or embarrasses you a great deal. □�[V n] It would not be the first time Judy has mortified her son.

mor|ti|fy|ing /mɔː r t I fa I I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that something is mortifying , you mean that it makes you feel extremely ashamed or embarrassed. □� She felt it would be utterly mortifying to be seen in such company as his by anyone.

mor|tise lock /mɔː r t I s lɒk/ →�see mortice lock

mor|tu|ary /mɔː r tʃuəri, [AM ] -eri/ (mortuaries ) N‑COUNT A mortuary is a building or a room in a hospital where dead bodies are kept before they are buried or cremated, or before they are identified or examined.

mo|sa|ic /moʊze I I k/ (mosaics ) N‑VAR A mosaic is a design which consists of small pieces of coloured glass, pottery, or stone set in concrete or plaster. □� �a Roman villa which once housed a fine collection of mosaics.

mo|sey /moʊ zi/ (moseys , moseying , moseyed ) VERB If you mosey somewhere, you go there slowly, often without any particular purpose. [INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] He usually moseys into town for no special reason.

mosh /mɒ ʃ/ (moshes , moshing , moshed ) VERB If people at a rock concert mosh , they jump up and down together in front of the stage, often pushing each other. □�[V ] Moshing down the front crushed against the stage is all part of the gig experience.

mosh|pit /mɒ ʃp I t/ (moshpits ) also mosh pit N‑COUNT The moshpit at a rock concert is the area in front of the stage where people jump up and down. [mainly BRIT ]

Mos|lem /mɒ zləm, mʊ zl I m/ →�see Muslim

mosque /mɒ sk/ (mosques ) N‑COUNT A mosque is a building where Muslims go to worship.

mos|qui|to /mɒskiː toʊ/ (mosquitoes or mosquitos ) N‑COUNT Mosquitos are small flying insects which bite people and animals in order to suck their blood.

mos|qui |to net (mosquito nets ) N‑COUNT A mosquito net is a curtain made of very fine cloth which is hung round a bed in order to keep mosquitoes and other insects away from a person while they are sleeping.

moss /mɒ s, [AM ] mɔː s/ (mosses ) N‑VAR Moss is a very small soft green plant which grows on damp soil, or on wood or stone. □� �ground covered over with moss.

mossy /mɒ si, [AM ] mɔː si/ ADJ A mossy surface is covered with moss. □� �a mossy wall.

most ◆◆◆ /moʊ st/ Most is often considered to be the superlative form of much and many . 1 QUANT You use most to refer to the majority of a group of things or people or the largest part of something. □�[+�of ] By stopping smoking you are undoing most of the damage smoking has caused. □�[+�of ] Sadly, most of the house was destroyed by fire in 1828. ●�DET Most is also a determiner. □� Most people think the Queen has done a good job during her reign. ●�PRON Most is also a pronoun. □� Seventeen civilians were hurt. Most are students who had been attending a party.

2 ADJ You use the most to mean a larger amount than anyone or anything else, or the largest amount possible. □� The President himself won the most votes. ●�PRON Most is also a pronoun. □� The most they earn in a day is ten roubles.

3 ADV [ADV with v] You use most to indicate that something is true or happens to a greater degree or extent than anything else. □� What she feared most was becoming like her mother. □� �Professor Morris, the person he most hated. ●�PHRASE You use most of all to indicate that something happens or is true to a greater extent than anything else. □� She said she wanted most of all to be fair.

4 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use most to indicate that someone or something has a greater amount of a particular quality than most other things of its kind. □� He was one of the most influential performers of modern jazz. □� If anything, swimming will appeal to her most strongly.

5 ADV If you do something the most , you do it to the greatest extent possible or with the greatest frequency. □� What question are you asked the most?

6 ADV You use most in conversations when you want to draw someone's attention to something very interesting or important that you are about to say. □� Most surprisingly, quite a few said they don't intend to vote at all.

7 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use most to emphasize an adjective or adverb. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I'll be most pleased to speak to them.

8 PHRASE You use at most or at the most to say that a number or amount is the maximum that is possible and that the actual number or amount may be smaller. □� Poach the pears in apple juice for perhaps ten minutes at most. □� �staying on at school for two extra years to study only three, or at the most four subjects.

9 PHRASE If you make the most of something, you get the maximum use or advantage from it. □� Happiness is the ability to make the most of what you have.

10for the most part →�see part ➊

SUFFIX -most

is added to adjectives in order to form other adjectives that describe something as being further in a particular direction than other things of the same kind. For example, 'the northernmost suburbs of Chicago' are the suburbs that are furthest north of the city of Chicago.

most|ly ◆◇◇ /moʊ stli/ ADV You use mostly to indicate that a statement is generally true, for example true about the majority of a group of things or people, true most of the time, or true in most respects. □� I am working with mostly highly motivated people. □� Cars are mostly metal. □� �men and women, mostly in their 30s.

MOT /e m oʊ tiː / (MOTs ) N‑COUNT In Britain, an MOT is a test which, by law, must be made each year on all road vehicles that are more than 3 years old, in order to check that they are safe to drive. □� My car is due for its MOT in two days' time.

mo|tel /moʊte l/ (motels ) N‑COUNT A motel is a hotel intended for people who are travelling by car.

moth /mɒ θ, [AM ] mɔː θ/ (moths ) N‑COUNT A moth is an insect like a butterfly which usually flies about at night.

moth|ball /mɒ θbɔːl, [AM ] mɔː θ-/ (mothballs , mothballing , mothballed )

1 N‑COUNT A mothball is a small ball made of a special chemical, which you can put among clothes or blankets in order to keep moths away.

2 VERB If someone in authority mothballs a plan, factory, or piece of equipment, they decide to stop developing or using it, perhaps temporarily. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] �the decision to mothball the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, for safety and political reasons.

mo th-eaten

1 ADJ Moth-eaten clothes look very old and have holes in them.

2 ADJ If you describe something as moth-eaten , you mean that it seems unattractive or useless because it is old or has been used too much. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We drove through a somewhat moth-eaten deer park. □� This strategy looks increasingly moth-eaten.

moth|er ◆◆◆ /mʌ �ə r / (mothers , mothering , mothered )

1 N‑COUNT Your mother is the woman who gave birth to you. You can also call someone your mother if she brings you up as if she was this woman. You can call your mother 'Mother'. □� She sat on the edge of her mother's bed. □�[+�of ] She's an English teacher and a mother of two children. □� I'm here, Mother.

2 VERB If a woman mothers a child, she looks after it and brings it up, usually because she is its mother. □�[V n] Colleen had dreamed of mothering a large family. ●� moth|er|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The reality of mothering is frequently very different from the romantic ideal.

3 VERB If you mother someone, you treat them with great care and affection, as if they were a small child. □�[V n] Stop mothering me.

mother|board /mʌ �ə r bɔː r d/ (motherboards ) N‑COUNT In a computer, the motherboard is the main electronic circuit board to which the microchips that perform important functions are attached.

mo th|er coun|try (mother countries ) also Mother Country

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's mother country is the country in which they or their ancestors were born and to which they still feel emotionally linked, even if they live somewhere else. □� Dr Kengerli looks to Turkey as his mother country.

2 N‑SING If you refer to the mother country of a particular state or country, you are referring to the very powerful country that used to control its affairs. □� Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, had no colonial conflict with the mother country.

mo th|er fig|ure (mother figures ) also mother-figure N‑COUNT If you regard someone as a mother figure , you think of them as having the role of a mother and being the person you can turn to for help, advice, or support.

mother|fucker /mʌ �ə r fʌkə r / (motherfuckers ) N‑COUNT If someone calls a person, usually a man, a motherfucker , they are insulting him in a very unpleasant way. [mainly AM , VERY RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

moth|er|hood /mʌ �ə r hʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Motherhood is the state of being a mother. □� �women who try to combine work and motherhood.

Mo th|er|ing Su n|day N‑UNCOUNT Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday in Lent, when children give cards and presents to their mothers as a sign of their love for them. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

mo ther-in-law (mothers-in-law ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's mother-in-law is the mother of their husband or wife.

mother|land /mʌ �ə r l�nd/ also Motherland N‑SING Themotherland is the country in which you or your ancestors were born and to which you still feel emotionally linked, even if you live somewhere else. □� �love for the motherland.

moth|er|less /mʌ �ə r ləs/ ADJ You describe children as motherless if their mother has died or does not live with them. □� �Michael's seven motherless children.

moth|er|ly /mʌ �ə r li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Motherly feelings or actions are like those of a kind mother. □� It was an incredible display of motherly love and forgiveness.

Mo th|er Na ture N‑UNCOUNT Mother Nature is sometimes used to refer to nature, especially when it is being considered as a force that affects human beings. □� �when Mother Nature created Iceland out of volcanic lava and glaciers.

Mo th|er of Go d N‑PROPER In Christianity, the Mother of God is another name for the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.

mo ther-of-pea rl also mother of pearl N‑UNCOUNT Mother-of-pearl is the shiny layer on the inside of some shells. It is used to make buttons or to decorate things.

Mo th|er's Day N‑UNCOUNT Mother's Day is a special day on which children give cards and presents to their mothers as a sign of their love for them. In Britain, Mother's Day is the fourth Sunday in Lent. In the United States, it is the second Sunday in May.

Mo th|er Su|pe ri|or (Mother Superiors ) N‑COUNT A Mother Superior is a nun who is in charge of the other nuns in a convent.

mo ther-to-be (mothers-to-be ) N‑COUNT A mother-to-be is a woman who is pregnant, especially for the first time.

mo th|er tongue (mother tongues ) also mother-tongue N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your mother tongue is the language that you learn from your parents when you are a baby.

mo|tif /moʊtiː f/ (motifs ) N‑COUNT A motif is a design which is used as a decoration or as part of an artistic pattern. □� �a rose motif.

mo|tion ◆◇◇ /moʊ ʃ ə n/ (motions , motioning , motioned )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Motion is the activity or process of continually changing position or moving from one place to another. □� �the laws governing light, sound, and motion. □� One group of muscles sets the next group in motion. □� The wind from the car's motion whipped her hair around her head.

2 N‑COUNT A motion is an action, gesture, or movement. □� He made a neat chopping motion with his hand.

3 N‑COUNT A motion is a formal proposal or statement in a meeting, debate, or trial, which is discussed and then voted on or decided on. □� The conference is now debating the motion and will vote on it shortly. □�[+�against ] Opposition parties are likely to bring a no-confidence motion against the government.

4 VERB If you motion to someone, you move your hand or head as a way of telling them to do something or telling them where to go. □�[V +�for ] She motioned for the locked front doors to be opened. □�[V n prep/adv] He stood aside and motioned Don to the door. □�[V n to-inf] I motioned him to join us. □�[V +�to ] He motioned to her to go behind the screen.

5 →�see also slow motion , time and motion

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is going through the motions , you think they are only saying or doing something because it is expected of them without being interested, enthusiastic, or sympathetic. □� 'You really don't care, do you?' she said quietly. 'You're just going through the motions.'

7 PHRASE If a process or event is in motion , it is happening. If it is set in motion , it is happening or beginning to happen. □� His job as England manager begins in earnest now his World Cup campaign is in motion. □� Her sharp, aggressive tone set in motion the events that led to her downfall.

8 PHRASE If someone sets the wheels in motion , they take the necessary action to make something start happening. □� I have set the wheels in motion to sell Endsleigh Court. SYNONYMS motion NOUN

1

movement:Movement is a big challenge for him since he broke his hip.

action:As always, Peter had a reason for his action.

mobility:Two cars gave them the freedom and mobility to go their separate ways.

2

gesture:Sarah made a menacing gesture with her fist.

sign:They gave Lavalle the thumbs-up sign.

wave:Steve stopped him with a wave of the hand.

signal:As soon as it was dark, Mrs Evans gave the signal.

mo|tion|less /moʊ ʃ ə nləs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is motionless is not moving at all. □� He stood there motionless.

mo |tion pic|ture (motion pictures ) N‑COUNT A motion picture is a film made for cinema. [mainly AM ] □� It was there that I saw my first motion picture.

mo|ti|vate ◆◇◇ /moʊ t I ve I t/ (motivates , motivating , motivated )

1 VERB If you are motivated by something, especially an emotion, it causes you to behave in a particular way. □�[be V -ed] They are motivated by a need to achieve. □�[V n to-inf] I don't want to be missing out. And that motivates me to get up and do something every day. [Also V n] ●� mo|ti|vat|ed ADJ □� �highly motivated employees. ●� mo|ti|va|tion /moʊ t I ve I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� His poor performance may be attributed to lack of motivation.

2 VERB If someone motivates you to do something, they make you feel determined to do it. □�[V n to-inf] How do you motivate people to work hard and efficiently? □�[V n] Never let it be said that the manager doesn't know how to motivate his players. ●� mo|ti|va|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� Gross's skill in motivation looked in doubt when his side began the second half badly.

mo|ti|va|tion /moʊ t I ve I ʃ ə n/ (motivations ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Your motivation for doing something is what causes you to want to do it. □� Money is my motivation. □� The timing of the attack, and its motivations, are unknown.

mo|tive /moʊ t I v/ (motives ) N‑COUNT Your motive for doing something is your reason for doing it. □�[+�for ] Police have ruled out robbery as a motive for the killing. □� �the motives and objectives of British foreign policy.

mot|ley /mɒ tli/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can describe a group of things as a motley collection if you think they seem strange together because they are all very different. □� �a motley collection of vans, old buses, cattle-trucks, and even a fire engine.

mo|tor ◆◆◇ /moʊ tə r / (motors )

1 N‑COUNT The motor in a machine, vehicle, or boat is the part that uses electricity or fuel to produce movement, so that the machine, vehicle, or boat can work. □� She got in and started the motor.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Motor vehicles and boats have a petrol or diesel engine. □� Theft of motor vehicles is up by 15.9%.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Motor is used to describe activities relating to vehicles such as cars and buses. [mainly BRIT ] □� �the future of the British motor industry. □� He worked as a motor mechanic. in AM, usually use automotive , automobile4 N‑COUNT Some people refer to a car as a motor . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

5 →�see also motoring , outboard

motor|bike /moʊ tə r ba I k/ (motorbikes ) also motor-bike

1 N‑COUNT A motorbike is the same as a motorcycle . [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A motorbike is a lighter, less powerful motorcycle. [AM ]

motor|boat /moʊ tə r boʊt/ (motorboats ) also motor boat N‑COUNT A motorboat is a boat that is driven by an engine.

motor|cade /moʊ tə r ke I d/ (motorcades ) N‑COUNT A motorcade is a line of slow-moving cars carrying important people, usually as part of a public ceremony. □� At times the president's motorcade slowed to a crawl.

mo |tor car (motor cars ) also motorcar N‑COUNT A motor car is the same as a car . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

motor|cycle /moʊ tə r sa I k ə l/ (motorcycles ) N‑COUNT A motorcycle is a vehicle with two wheels and an engine.

motor|cyclist /moʊ tə r sa I kl I st/ (motorcyclists ) N‑COUNT A motorcyclist is a person who rides a motorcycle.

mo |tor home (motor homes ) N‑COUNT A motor home is a large vehicle containing beds and equipment for cooking and washing. Motor homes can be used for holidays or very long journeys.

mo|tor|ing /moʊ tər I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Motoring means relating to cars and driving. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a three-month sentence for motoring offences. □� Police and motoring organizations said the roads were slightly busier than normal. in AM, usually use driving , automobile

mo|tor|ised /moʊ təra I zd/ →�see motorized

mo|tor|ist /moʊ tər I st/ (motorists ) N‑COUNT A motorist is a person who drives a car. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use driver

mo|tor|ized /moʊ təra I zd/ in BRIT, also use motorised1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A motorized vehicle has an engine. □� Around 1910, motorized carriages were beginning to replace horse-drawn cabs.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A motorized group of soldiers is equipped with motor vehicles. □� �motorized infantry and artillery.

motor|mouth /moʊ tə r maʊθ/ N‑SING If you describe someone as a motormouth , you mean that they talk a lot, especially in a loud or aggressive way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

mo |tor neu |rone dis|ease N‑UNCOUNT Motor neurone disease is a disease which destroys the part of a person's nervous system that controls movement.

motor|way /moʊ tə r we I / (motorways ) N‑VAR A motorway is a major road that has been specially built for fast travel over long distances. Motorways have several lanes and special places where traffic gets on and leaves. [BRIT ] □� �the M1 motorway. □� �the national motorway network. in AM, usually use freeway

mott|led /mɒ t ə ld/ ADJ Something that is mottled is covered with patches of different colours which do not form a regular pattern. □� �mottled green and yellow leaves.

mot|to /mɒ toʊ/ (mottoes or mottos ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A motto is a short sentence or phrase that expresses a rule for sensible behaviour, especially a way of behaving in a particular situation. □� Our motto is 'Plan for the worst and hope for the best'.

mould /moʊ ld/ (moulds , moulding , moulded ) in AM, use mold1 N‑COUNT A mould is a hollow container that you pour liquid into. When the liquid becomes solid, it takes the same shape as the mould. □� Spoon the mixture carefully into the mould. □� �jelly moulds.

2 N‑COUNT If a person fits into or is cast in a mould of a particular kind, they have the characteristics, attitudes, behaviour, or lifestyle that are typical of that type of person. □� In Britain, political leaders come from the same mould: same education, same schools. ●�PHRASE If you say that someone breaks the mould , you mean that they do completely different things from what has been done before or from what is usually done. □� Memorial services have become tedious and expected. I would like to help break the mould.

3 VERB If you mould a soft substance such as plastic or clay, you make it into a particular shape or into an object. □�[V n +�into ] Using 2 spoons, mould the cheese mixture into small balls or ovals.

4 VERB To mould someone or something means to change or influence them over a period of time so that they develop in a particular way. □�[V n] She was only 17 at the time and the experience moulded her personality. □�[V n +�into ] Too often we try to mold our children into something they do not wish to be.

5 VERB When something moulds to an object or when you mould it there, it fits round the object tightly so that the shape of the object can still be seen. □�[V +�to/around/round ] You need a malleable pillow that will mould to the curves of your neck. □�[V n +�around/round/to ] She stood there, the wind moulding the dress around her.

6 N‑VAR Mould is a soft grey, green, or blue substance that sometimes forms in spots on old food or on damp walls or clothes.

7 →�see also leaf mould

mould|er /moʊ ldə r / (moulders , mouldering , mouldered ) in AM, use molder VERB [usu cont] If something is mouldering , it is decaying slowly where it has been left. □�[V ] �one of your scripts that's been mouldering under the bed for ages. □�[V ] It is clear that such ideas will be left to moulder. □�[V -ing] �the empty, mouldering old house.

mould|ing /moʊ ld I ŋ/ (mouldings ) in AM, use molding N‑COUNT A moulding is a strip of plaster or wood along the top of a wall or round a door, which has been made into an ornamental shape or decorated with a pattern.

mouldy /moʊ ldi/ in AM, use moldy ADJ Something that is mouldy is covered with mould. □� �mouldy bread. □� Oranges can be kept for a long time without going mouldy.

moult /moʊ lt/ (moults , moulting , moulted ) in AM, use molt VERB When an animal or bird moults , it gradually loses its coat or feathers so that a new coat or feathers can grow. □�[V ] Finches start to moult at around twelve weeks of age.

mound /maʊ nd/ (mounds )

1 N‑COUNT A mound of something is a large rounded pile of it. □�[+�of ] The bulldozers piled up huge mounds of dirt.

2 N‑COUNT In baseball, the mound is the raised area where the pitcher stands when he or she throws the ball.

mount ◆◇◇ /maʊ nt/ (mounts , mounting , mounted )

1 VERB If you mount a campaign or event, you organize it and make it take place. □�[V n] �a security operation mounted by the army.

2 VERB If something mounts , it increases in intensity. □�[V ] For several hours, tension mounted. □�[V -ing] There was mounting concern in her voice.

3 VERB If something mounts , it increases in quantity. □�[V ] The uncollected garbage mounts in city streets. □�[V -ing] He ignored his mounting debts. ●�PHRASAL VERB To mount up means the same as to mount . □�[V P ] Her medical bills mounted up.

4 VERB If you mount the stairs or a platform, you go up the stairs or go up onto the platform. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Llewelyn was mounting the stairs up into the keep.

5 VERB If you mount a horse or cycle, you climb on to it so that you can ride it. □�[V n] A man in a crash helmet was mounting a motorbike. □�[V ] He harnessed his horse, mounted, and rode out to the beach.

6 VERB If you mount an object on something, you fix it there firmly. □�[V n +�on ] Ella mounts the work on velour paper and makes the frame. □�[V -ed] �a specially mounted horse shoe. [Also V n] ●� -mounted COMB □� �a wall-mounted electric fan.

7 VERB If you mount an exhibition or display, you organize and present it. □�[V n] The gallery has mounted an exhibition of art by Irish women painters.

8 N‑COUNT Mount is used as part of the name of a mountain. □� �Mount Everest.

9 →�see also mounted

▸� mount up →�see mount3 SYNONYMS mount VERB 1

increase:We are experiencing an increasing number of problems.

build:Pressure built yesterday for postponement of the ceremony.

grow:Opposition grew and the government agreed to negotiate.

intensify:Groups of refugees are on the move following intensified fighting in the region.

escalate:The protests escalated into five days of rioting. COLLOCATIONS mount VERB

1

mount+�noun : attack, bid, campaign, challenge; defence; investigation, operation, search

2

noun +�mount : concern, fear, pressure, tension; anger, criticism; speculation

mount+�adverb : steadily

3

noun +�mount : debts, evidence

moun|tain ◆◆◇ /maʊ nt I n, [AM ] -t ə n/ (mountains )

1 N‑COUNT A mountain is a very high area of land with steep sides. □� Ben Nevis, in Scotland, is Britain's highest mountain.

2 QUANT If you talk about a mountainof something, or mountainsof something, you are emphasizing that there is a large amount of it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� They are faced with a mountain of bureaucracy.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone has a mountain to climb , you mean that it will be difficult for them to achieve what they want to achieve. [JOURNALISM ] □� 'We had a mountain to climb after the second goal went in,' said Crosby.

4to make a mountain out of a molehill →�see molehill

mou n|tain bike (mountain bikes ) N‑COUNT A mountain bike is a type of bicycle that is suitable for riding over rough ground. It has a strong frame and thick tyres.

moun|tain|eer /maʊ nt I n I ə r / (mountaineers ) N‑COUNT A mountaineer is a person who is skilful at climbing the steep sides of mountains.

moun|tain|eer|ing /maʊ nt I n I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Mountaineering is the activity of climbing the steep sides of mountains as a hobby or sport.

mo un|tain lion (mountain lions ) N‑COUNT A mountain lion is a wild animal that is a member of the cat family. Mountain lions have brownish-grey fur and live in mountain regions of North and South America. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use puma

moun|tain|ous /maʊ nt I nəs/

1 ADJ A mountainous place has a lot of mountains. □� �the mountainous region of Campania.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use mountainous to emphasize that something is great in size, quantity, or degree. [EMPHASIS ] □� The plan is designed to reduce some of the company's mountainous debt.

moun|tain|side /maʊ nt I nsa I d/ (mountainsides ) N‑COUNT A mountainside is one of the steep sides of a mountain. □� The couple trudged up the dark mountainside.

mount|ed /maʊ nt I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Mounted police or soldiers ride horses when they are on duty. □� A dozen mounted police rode into the square.

2 →�see also mount

mourn /mɔː r n/ (mourns , mourning , mourned )

1 VERB If you mourn someone who has died or mournfor them, you are very sad that they have died and show your sorrow in the way that you behave. □�[V n] Joan still mourns her father. □�[V +�for ] He mourned for his valiant men. □�[V ] As the nation continued to mourn, the new President of South Africa paid his own tribute.

2 VERB If you mourn something or mournfor it, you regret that you no longer have it and show your regret in the way that you behave. □�[V n] We mourned the loss of our cities. □�[V +�for ] She mourned for the beloved past.

3 →�see also mourning

mourn|er /mɔː r nə r / (mourners ) N‑COUNT A mourner is a person who attends a funeral, especially as a relative or friend of the dead person.

mourn|ful /mɔː r nfʊl/

1 ADJ If you are mournful , you are very sad. □� He looked mournful, even near to tears. ●� mourn|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He stood mournfully at the gate waving bye bye.

2 ADJ A mournful sound seems very sad. □� �the mournful wail of bagpipes.

mourn|ing /mɔː r n I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mourning is behaviour in which you show sadness about a person's death. □� Expect to feel angry, depressed and confused. It's all part of the mourning process.

2 PHRASE If you are in mourning , you are dressed or behaving in a particular way because someone you love or respect has died. □� Yesterday, the whole country was in mourning.

mouse /maʊ s/ (mice ) The plural mouses can be used for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT A mouse is a small furry animal with a long tail. □� �a mouse running in a wheel in its cage.

2 N‑COUNT A mouse is a device that is connected to a computer. By moving it over a flat surface and pressing its buttons, you can move the cursor around the screen and do things without using the keyboard.

3game of cat and mouse →�see cat

mou se mat (mouse mats ) also mousemat N‑COUNT A mouse mat is a flat piece of plastic or some other material that you rest the mouse on while using a computer. [BRIT ]

mou se pad (mouse pads ) also mousepad N‑COUNT A mouse pad is the same as a mouse mat . [mainly AM ]

mouse|trap /maʊ str�p/ (mousetraps ) N‑COUNT A mousetrap is a small device that catches or kills mice.

mous|ey /maʊ si/ →�see mousy

mous|sa|ka /mʊsɑː kə/ (moussakas ) N‑VAR Moussaka is a Greek dish consisting of layers of meat and aubergine.

mousse /muː s/ (mousses )

1 N‑VAR Mousse is a sweet light food made from eggs and cream. It is often flavoured with fruit or chocolate.

2 N‑VAR Mousse is a soft substance containing a lot of tiny bubbles, for example one that you can put in your hair to make it easier to shape into a particular style.

mous|tache /məstɑː ʃ, [AM ] mʊ st�ʃ/ (moustaches ) also mustache N‑COUNT A man's moustache is the hair that grows on his upper lip. If it is very long, it is sometimes referred to as his moustaches . □� He was short and bald and had a moustache. ●� mous|tached ADJ □� �three burly, moustached middle-aged men.

mous|ta|chi|oed /məst� ʃioʊd, [AM ] -t� tʃoʊd/ also mustachioed ADJ A moustachioed man has a moustache. [HUMOROUS or WRITTEN ]

mousy /maʊ si/ also mousey

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mousy hair is a dull light brown colour. □� He was aged between 25 and 30, with a medium build and collar-length mousy hair.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as mousy , you mean that they are quiet and shy and that people do not notice them. □� The Inspector remembered her as a small, mousy woman, invariably worried.

mouth ◆◆◇ (mouths , mouthing , mouthed ) Pronounced /maʊ θ/ for the noun, and /maʊ �/ for the verb. The form mouths is pronounced /maʊ �z/. 1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your mouth is the area of your face where your lips are or the space behind your lips where your teeth and tongue are. □� She clamped her hand against her mouth. □� His mouth was full of peas. ●� -mouthed /-maʊ �d/ COMB □� He straightened up and looked at me, open-mouthed.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] You can say that someone has a particular kind of mouth to indicate that they speak in a particular kind of way or that they say particular kinds of things. □� You've got such a crude mouth! ●� -mouthed COMB □� �Simon, their smart-mouthed teenage son.

3 N‑COUNT The mouth of a cave, hole, or bottle is its entrance or opening. □�[+�of ] By the mouth of the tunnel, he bent to retie his lace. ●� -mouthed COMB □� He put the flowers in a wide-mouthed blue vase.

4 N‑COUNT The mouth of a river is the place where it flows into the sea. □�[+�of ] �the town at the mouth of the River Dart.

5 VERB If you mouth something, you form words with your lips without making any sound. □�[V n] I mouthed a goodbye and hurried in behind Momma. □�[V with quote] 'It's for you,' he mouthed.

6 VERB If you mouth something, you say it, especially without believing it or without understanding it. □�[V n] I mouthed some sympathetic platitudes.

7 →�see also hand-to-mouth

8 PHRASE If you have a number of mouths to feed , you have the responsibility of earning enough money to feed and look after that number of people. □� With five mouths to feed, he found life very hard.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone does not open their mouth , you are emphasizing that they never say anything at all. [EMPHASIS ] □� Sometimes I hardly dare open my mouth.

10heart in your mouth →�see heart

11from the horse's mouth →�see horse

12keep your mouth shut →�see shut

13to put your money where your mouth is →�see money

14to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth →�see spoon

15word of mouth →�see word

mouth|ful /maʊ θfʊl/ (mouthfuls )

1 N‑COUNT A mouthfulof drink or food is the amount that you put or have in your mouth. □�[+�of ] She gulped down a mouthful of coffee.

2 N‑SING If you describe a long word or phrase as a mouthful , you mean that it is difficult to say. [INFORMAL ] □� It's called the Pan-Caribbean Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Project, which is quite a mouthful.

mou th or|gan (mouth organs ) N‑COUNT A mouth organ is the same as a harmonica . [mainly BRIT ]

mouth|piece /maʊ θpiːs/ (mouthpieces )

1 N‑COUNT The mouthpiece of a telephone is the part that you speak into. □� He shouted into the mouthpiece.

2 N‑COUNT The mouthpiece of a musical instrument or other device is the part that you put into your mouth. □� He showed him how to blow into the ivory mouthpiece.

3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The mouthpiece of an organization or person is someone who informs other people of the opinions and policies of that organization or person. □� Their mouthpiece is the vice-president.

mou th-to-mou th re|sus|ci|ta |tion or mouth-to-mouth N‑UNCOUNT If you give someone who has stopped breathing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation , you breathe into their mouth to make them start breathing again.

mouth|wash /maʊ θwɒʃ/ (mouthwashes ) N‑VAR Mouthwash is a liquid that you put in your mouth and then spit out in order to clean your mouth and make your breath smell pleasant.

mou th-watering also mouthwatering

1 ADJ Mouth-watering food looks or smells extremely nice. □� �hundreds of cheeses, in a mouth-watering variety of shapes, textures and tastes.

2 ADJ If you describe something as mouth-watering , you are emphasizing that it is very attractive. [JOURNALISM , EMPHASIS ] □� Prizes worth a mouth-watering �9.6 million are unclaimed.

mov|able /muː vəb ə l/ also moveable ADJ Something that is movable can be moved from one place or position to another. □� It's a vinyl doll with movable arms and legs.

move ◆◆◆ /muː v/ (moves , moving , moved )

1 VERB When you move something or when it moves , its position changes and it does not remain still. □�[V n prep/adv] She moved the sheaf of papers into position. □�[V n] A traffic warden asked him to move his car. □�[V prep/adv] I could see the branches of the trees moving back and forth. □�[V ] The train began to move.

2 VERB When you move , you change your position or go to a different place. □�[V ] She waited for him to get up, but he didn't move. □�[V prep/adv] He moved around the room, putting his possessions together. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Move is also a noun. □� The doctor made a move towards the door. □� Daniel's eyes followed her every move.

3 VERB If you move , you act or you begin to do something. □�[V ] Industrialists must move fast to take advantage of these new opportunities.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A move is an action that you take in order to achieve something. □� The one point cut in interest rates was a wise move. □� The thirty-five member nations agreed to the move.

5 VERB If a person or company moves , they leave the building where they have been living or working, and they go to live or work in a different place, taking their possessions with them. □�[V ] My family home is in Yorkshire and they don't want to move. □�[V +�to ] She had often considered moving to London. □�[V n] They move house fairly frequently. ●�N‑COUNT Move is also a noun. □� Modigliani announced his move to Montparnasse in 1909.

6 VERB If people in authority move someone, they make that person go from one place or job to another one. □�[V n prep/adv] His superiors moved him to another parish. □�[V n] Ms Clark is still in position and there are no plans to move her.

7 VERB If you movefrom one job or interest to another, you change to it. □�[V +�from/to ] He moved from being an extramural tutor to being a lecturer in social history. □�[V n] In the early days Christina moved jobs to get experience. ●�N‑COUNT Move is also a noun. □� His move to the chairmanship means he will take a less active role in day-to-day management.

8 VERB If you moveto a new topic in a conversation, you start talking about something different. □�[V +�from/to ] Let's move to another subject, Dan.

9 VERB If you move an event or the date of an event, you change the time at which it happens. □�[V n +�to ] The club has moved its meeting to Saturday, January 22nd. □�[V n with adv] The band have moved forward their Leeds date to October 27. [Also V n]

10 VERB If you move towards a particular state, activity, or opinion, you start to be in that state, do that activity, or have that opinion. □�[V prep/adv] Since the Convention was drawn up, international opinion has begun to move against it. ●�N‑COUNT Move is also a noun. □� His move to the left was not a sudden leap but a natural working out of ideas.

11 VERB [usu cont] If a situation or process is moving , it is developing or progressing, rather than staying still. □�[V ] Events are moving fast. □�[get n V -ing] Someone has got to get things moving.

12 VERB [usu passive, with neg] If you say that you will not be moved , you mean that you have come to a decision and nothing will change your mind. □�[be V -ed] Everyone thought I was mad to go back, but I wouldn't be moved.

13 VERB If something moves you to do something, it influences you and causes you to do it. □�[V n to-inf] It was punk that first moved him to join a band seriously.

14 VERB If something moves you, it has an effect on your emotions and causes you to feel sadness or sympathy for another person. □�[V n] These stories surprised and moved me. □�[V n +�to ] His prayer moved me to tears. ●� moved ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� Those who listened to him were deeply moved.

15 VERB If you say that someone moves in a particular society, circle, or world, you mean that they know people in a particular social class or group and spend most of their time with them. □�[V +�in ] She moves in high-society circles in London.

16 VERB At a meeting, if you move a motion, you formally suggest it so that everyone present can vote on it. □�[V n] Labour quickly moved a closure motion to end the debate. □�[V that] I move that the case be dismissed.

17 N‑COUNT A move is an act of putting a chess piece or other counter in a different position on a board when it is your turn to do so in a game. □� With no idea of what to do for my next move, my hand hovered over the board.

18 PHRASE If you say that one false move will cause a disaster, you mean that you or someone else must not make any mistakes because the situation is so difficult or dangerous. □� He knew one false move would end in death.

19 PHRASE If you tell someone to get a move on , you are telling them to hurry. [INFORMAL ]

20 PHRASE If you make a move , you prepare or begin to leave one place and go somewhere else. □� He glanced at his wristwatch. 'I suppose we'd better make a move.'

21 PHRASE If you make a move , you take a course of action. □� The banks made a move to pull out of the deal.

22 PHRASE If you are on the move , you are going from one place to another. □� Jack never wanted to stay in one place for very long, so they were always on the move.

23to move the goalposts →�see goalpost

24to move a muscle →�see muscle

▸� move about →�see move around

▸� move along

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone, especially a police officer, tells you to move along , or if they move you along , they tell you to stop standing in a particular place and to go somewhere else. □�[V P ] Curious pedestrians were ordered to move along. □�[V n P ] Our officers are moving them along and not allowing them to gather in large groups. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If a process moves along or if something moves it along , it progresses. □�[V P ] Research tends to move along at a slow but orderly pace. □�[V n P ] Delay is part of the normal process, but I hope we can move things along.

▸� move around in BRIT, also use move about PHRASAL VERB If you move around or move about , you keep changing your job or keep changing the place where you live. □�[V P ] I was born in Fort Worth but we moved around a lot and I was reared in east Texas. □�[V P n] He moved around the country working in orange groves.

▸� move away PHRASAL VERB If you move away , you go and live in a different town or area of a country. □�[V P ] He moved away and broke off relations with the family.

▸� move down PHRASAL VERB If someone or something moves down , they go to a lower level, grade, or class. □�[V P ] Gold prices moved down. [Also V P n]

▸� move in

1 PHRASAL VERB When you move in somewhere, you begin to live there as your home. □�[V P ] Her house was in perfect order when she moved in. □�[V P +�with ] He loses his job and is forced to move in with his father . □�[V P together ] We'd been seeing each other for a year when he suggested we should move in together.

2 PHRASAL VERB If police, soldiers, or attackers move in , they go towards a place or person in order to deal with or attack them. □�[V P ] Police moved in to disperse the crowd. □�[V P +�on ] Forces were moving in on the town.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone moves inon an area of activity which was previously only done by a particular group of people, they start becoming involved with it for the first time. □�[V P +�on ] He saw an opportunity to move in on a rapidly growing business. [Also V P ]

▸� move into PHRASAL VERB If you move into a new house, you start living there. □�[V P n] I want you to move into my apartment. We've a spare room.

▸� move off PHRASAL VERB When you move off , you start moving away from a place. □�[V P ] Gil waved his hand and the car moved off.

▸� move on

1 PHRASAL VERB When you move on somewhere, you leave the place where you have been staying or waiting and go there. □�[V P prep/adv] Mr Brooke moved on from Paris to Belgrade. □�[V P ] What's wrong with his wanting to sell his land and move on?

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone such as a police officer moves you on , they order you to stop standing in a particular place and to go somewhere else. □�[V n P ] Eventually the police were called to move them on. [Also V P n]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you move on , you finish or stop one activity and start doing something different. □�[V P +�to ] She ran this shop for ten years before deciding to move on to fresh challenges. □�[V P ] Now, can we move on and discuss the vital business of the day.

▸� move out PHRASAL VERB If you move out , you stop living in a particular house or place and go to live somewhere else. □�[V P ] The harassment had become too much to tolerate and he decided to move out. □�[V P +�of ] They had a huge row and Sally moved out of the house.

▸� move over

1 PHRASAL VERB If you move overto a new system or way of doing something, you change to it. □�[V P +�to ] We moved over to the Danish system of collecting the milk directly from the farm. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone moves over , they leave their job or position in order to let someone else have it. □�[V P ] They said Mr Jenkins should make balanced programmes about the Black community or move over and let someone else who can.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you move over , you change your position in order to make room for someone else. □�[V P ] Move over and let me drive.

▸� move up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you move up , you change your position, especially in order to be nearer someone or to make room for someone else. □�[V P ] Move up, John, and let the lady sit down.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something moves up , they go to a higher level, grade, or class. □�[V P ] Share prices moved up. □�[V P n] Children learn in mixed-ability classes and move up a class each year.

move|able /muː vəb ə l/ →�see movable

move|ment ◆◆◇ /muː vmənt/ (movements )

1 N‑COUNT A movement is a group of people who share the same beliefs, ideas, or aims. □� It's part of a broader Hindu nationalist movement that's gaining strength throughout the country.

2 N‑VAR Movement involves changing position or going from one place to another. □� There was movement behind the window in the back door. □�[+�of ] A man was directing the movements of a large removal van.

3 N‑VAR A movement is a planned change in position that an army makes during a battle or military exercise. □� There are reports of fresh troop movements across the border.

4 N‑VAR Movement is a gradual development or change of an attitude, opinion, or policy. □�[+�towards/away from ] �the movement towards democracy in Latin America.

5 N‑PLURAL Your movements are everything which you do or plan to do during a period of time. □� I want a full account of your movements the night Mr Gower was killed.

6 N‑COUNT A movement of a piece of classical music is one of its main sections. □�[+�of ] �the first movement of Beethoven's 7th symphony. COLLOCATIONS movement

1

noun +�movement : civil rights, independence, protest, trade union

adjective +�movement : environmental, revolutionary

verb +�movement : join, support

5

verb +�movement : monitor, track SYNONYMS movement NOUN 1

group:Members of an environmental group are staging a protest inside a chemical plant.

party:�a member of the Labour party.

organization:�a report by the International Labour Organisation.

mov|er /muː və r / (movers )

1 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you describe a person or animal as a particular kind of mover , you mean that they move at that speed or in that way. □� We found him a nice horse�a good mover who could gallop.

2 →�see also prime mover

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Movers are people whose job is to move furniture or equipment from one building to another. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use removal men

4 PHRASE The movers and shakers in a place or area of activity are the people who have most power or influence. □� It is the movers and shakers of the record industry who will decide which bands make it.

movie ◆◆◇ /muː vi/ (movies )

1 N‑COUNT A movie is a film. [AM , also BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� In the first movie Tony Curtis ever made he played a grocery clerk.

2 N‑PLURAL You can talk about the movies when you are talking about seeing a movie in a movie theater. [mainly AM ] □� He took her to the movies. in BRIT, usually use the cinema

movie|goer /muː vigoʊə r / (moviegoers ) also movie-goer N‑COUNT A moviegoer is a person who often goes to the cinema. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use cinema-goer , film-goer

mo vie house (movie houses ) N‑COUNT A movie house is the same as a movie theater . [AM ]

mo vie star (movie stars ) N‑COUNT A movie star is a famous actor or actress who appears in films. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use film star

mo vie thea|ter (movie theaters ) N‑COUNT A movie theater is a place where people go to watch films for entertainment. [AM ] in BRIT, use cinema

mov|ing /muː v I ŋ/

1 ADJ If something is moving , it makes you feel strongly an emotion such as sadness, pity, or sympathy. □� It is very moving to see how much strangers can care for each other. ●� mov|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� You write very movingly of your sister Amy's suicide.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A moving model or part of a machine moves or is able to move.

3 PHRASE The moving spirit or moving force behind something is the person or thing that caused it to start and to keep going, or that influenced people to take part in it. □�[+�behind/in ] She alone must have been the moving spirit behind the lawsuit that lost me my position.

mo v|ing pi c|ture (moving pictures ) N‑COUNT A moving picture is a film. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

mow /moʊ / (mows , mowing , mowed , mowed or mown ) VERB If you mow an area of grass, you cut it using a machine called a lawnmower. □�[V n] He continued to mow the lawn and do other routine chores. [Also V ]

▸� mow down PHRASAL VERB If someone is mown down , they are killed violently by a vehicle or gunfire. □�[be V -ed P ] She was mown down on a pedestrian crossing. □�[V P n] Gunmen mowed down 10 people in one attack. [Also V n P ]

mow|er /moʊ ə r / (mowers )

1 N‑COUNT A mower is the same as a lawnmower .

2 N‑COUNT A mower is a machine that has sharp blades for cutting something such as corn or wheat.

MP ◆◆◇ /e m piː / (MPs ) N‑COUNT In Britain, an MP is a person who has been elected to represent the people from a particular area in the House of Commons. MP is an abbreviation for 'Member of Parliament'. □� Several Conservative MPs have voted against the government.

MP3 /e m piː θriː / N‑UNCOUNT MP3 is a kind of technology which enables you to record and play music from the internet.

M P3 play|er (MP3 players ) N‑COUNT An MP3 player is a machine on which you can play music downloaded from the internet.

MPEG /e mpeg/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] MPEG is a standard file format for compressing video images so that they can be stored or sent by email more easily. MPEG is an abbreviation for 'Motion Picture Experts Group'. [COMPUTING ]

mpg /e m piː dʒiː / mpg is written after a number to indicate how many miles a vehicle can travel using one gallon of fuel. mpg is an abbreviation for 'miles per gallon'. □� Fuel consumption is 38 mpg around town, 55 mpg on the open road.

mph /e m piː e I tʃ/ mph is written after a number to indicate the speed of something such as a vehicle. mph is an abbreviation for 'miles per hour'. □� Inside these zones, traffic speeds are restricted to 20 mph.

MPV /e m piː vi ː/ (MPVs ) N‑COUNT An MPV is a large, tall car whose seats can be moved or removed, for example so that it can carry large loads. MPV is an abbreviation for 'multi-purpose vehicle'.

Mr /m I stə r / in AM, use Mr.1 N‑TITLE Mr is used before a man's name when you are speaking or referring to him. □� �Mr Grant. □� �Mr Bob Price.

2 N‑COUNT [N n] Mr is sometimes used in front of words such as 'President' and 'Chairman' to address the man who holds the position mentioned. □� Mr. President, you're aware of the system.

3 →�see also Messrs

MRI /e m ɑːr a I / N‑UNCOUNT MRI is a method by which medical staff can get a picture of soft parts inside a patient's body, using a powerful magnetic field. MRI is an abbreviation for 'magnetic resonance imaging'.

Mrs /m I s I z/ in AM, use Mrs. N‑TITLE Mrs is used before the name of a married woman when you are speaking or referring to her. □� Hello, Mrs Miles. □� �Mrs Scott-Campbell. □� �Mr and Mrs D H Alderson.

MRSA /e m ɑːr es e I / N‑UNCOUNT MRSA is a bacterium that is resistant to most antibiotics. MRSA is an abbreviation for 'methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus'. □� �the problem of MRSA in hospitals.

Ms /məz, m I z/ in AM, use Ms. N‑TITLE Ms is used, especially in written English, before a woman's name when you are speaking to her or referring to her. If you use Ms , you are not specifying if the woman is married or not. □� �Ms Brown. □� �Ms Elizabeth Harman.

MS /e m e s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT MS is a serious disease of the nervous system, which gradually makes a person weaker, and sometimes affects their sight or speech. MS is an abbreviation for 'multiple sclerosis'.

2 An MS or M.S. is the same as an MSc . [AM ]

ms. (mss ) ms. is a written abbreviation for manuscript .

MSc /e m es siː / (MScs ) also M.Sc. N‑COUNT An MSc is a master's degree in a science subject. MSc is an abbreviation for 'Master of Science'.

MSG /e m es dʒiː / N‑UNCOUNT MSG is an abbreviation for monosodium glutamate .

Msgr also Msgr.Msgr is a written abbreviation for Monsignor .

MSP /e m es pi ː/ (MSPs ) N‑COUNT An MSP is someone who has been elected as a member of the Scottish Parliament. MSP is an abbreviation for 'Member of the Scottish Parliament'.

Mt (Mts ) also Mt.Mt is a written abbreviation for mount or mountain . □� �Mt Everest. □� �the Rocky Mts.

much ◆◆◆ /mʌ tʃ/

1 ADV [ADV after v] You use much to indicate the great intensity, extent, or degree of something such as an action, feeling, or change. Much is usually used with 'so', 'too', and 'very', and in negative clauses with this meaning. □� She laughs too much. □� Thank you very much. □� My hairstyle hasn't changed much since I was five.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If something does not happen much , it does not happen very often. □� He said that his father never talked much about the war. □� Gwen had not seen her Daddy all that much, because mostly he worked on the ships. □� Do you get back East much?

3 ADV [ADV too ] You use much in front of 'too' or comparative adjectives and adverbs in order to emphasize that there is a large amount of a particular quality. [EMPHASIS ] □� The skin is much too delicate. □� You'd be so much happier if you could see yourself the way I see you.

4 ADV [ADV like n] [ADV n] If one thing is much the same as another thing, it is very similar to it. □� The day ended much as it began. □� Sheep's milk is produced in much the same way as goat's milk.

5 DET You use much to indicate that you are referring to a large amount of a substance or thing. □� They are grown on the hillsides in full sun, without much water. □� People are happy because there's not much crime here. ●�PRON Much is also a pronoun. □� �eating too much and drinking too much. □� There was so much to talk about. ●�QUANT Much is also a quantifier. □� Much of the time we do not notice that we are solving problems. □� She does much of her work abroad.

6 ADV You use much in expressions such as not much , not very much , and too much when replying to questions about amounts. □� 'Can you hear it where you live?' He shook his head. 'Not much.' □� 'Do you care very much about what other people think?'�'Too much.'

7 QUANT If you do not see much of someone, you do not see them very often. □� I don't see much of Tony nowadays.

8 DET You use much in the expression how much to ask questions about amounts or degrees, and also in reported clauses and statements to give information about the amount or degree of something. □� How much money can I afford? □� See just how much fat and cholesterol you're eating. ●�ADV Much is also an adverb. □� She knows how much this upsets me but she persists in doing it. ●�PRON Much is also a pronoun. □� How much do you earn?

9 DET You use much in the expression as much when you are comparing amounts. □� Their aim will be to produce as much milk as possible.

10 PHRASE You use much as to introduce a fact which makes something else you have just said or will say rather surprising. □� Much as they'd like to go home, they're resigned to staying until the end of the year.

11 PHRASE You use as much in expressions such as ' I thought as much ' and ' I guessed as much ' after you have just been told something and you want to say that you already believed or expected it to be true. □� You're waiting for a woman�I thought as much.

12 PHRASE You use as much as before an amount to suggest that it is surprisingly large. [EMPHASIS ] □� The organisers hope to raise as much as �6m for charity.

13 PHRASE You use much less after a statement, often a negative one, to indicate that the statement is more true of the person, thing, or situation that you are going to mention next. □� They are always short of water to drink, much less to bathe in.

14 PHRASE You say nothing much to refer to something that is not very interesting or important. □� 'What was stolen?'�'Oh, nothing much.'

15 PHRASE If you describe something as not much of a particular type of thing, you mean that it is small or of poor quality. □� It hasn't been much of a holiday.

16 PHRASE So much for is used to indicate that you have finished talking about a subject. [SPOKEN ] □� Well, so much for the producers. But what of the consumers?

17 PHRASE If you say so much for a particular thing, you mean that it has not been successful or helpful. [INFORMAL ] □� He has spent 19 million pounds, lost three cup finals and been relegated. So much for money.

18 PHRASE If you say that something is not so much one thing as another, you mean that it is more like the second thing than the first. □� I don't really think of her as a daughter so much as a very good friend.

19 PHRASE If you say that someone did not do so much as perform a particular action, you are emphasizing that they did not even do that, when you were expecting them to do more. [EMPHASIS ] □� I didn't so much as catch sight of him all day long.

20 PHRASE You use so much so to indicate that your previous statement is true to a very great extent, and therefore it has the result mentioned. □� He himself believed in freedom, so much so that he would rather die than live without it.

21 PHRASE If a situation or action is too muchfor you, it is so difficult, tiring, or upsetting that you cannot cope with it. □�[+�for ] His inability to stay at one job for long had finally proved too much for her.

22 PHRASE You use very much to emphasize that someone or something has a lot of a particular quality, or that the description you are about to give is particularly accurate. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a man very much in charge of himself.

23a bit much →�see bit

24not up to much →�see up ➋ USAGE much

1 You don�t usually use �much� as an object pronoun in positive sentences. Instead you use a lot . For example, don�t say � He knows much about butterflies �. Say �He knows a lot about butterflies�. □� She talks a lot about music.

2 In positive sentences, don�t use 'much' without 'very'. Don�t say, for example, � I enjoyed it much � or � We much agree � Say �I enjoyed it very much � or �We very much agree�.

much- /mʌ tʃ-/ COMB Much- combines with past participles to form adjectives which emphasize the intensity of the specified state or action. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm having a much-needed rest. □� �a much-improved version of last season's model.

mu ch-mali gned ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as much-maligned , you mean that they are often criticized by people, but you think the criticism is unfair or exaggerated because they have good qualities too. □� I'm happy for James. He's a much-maligned player but has tremendous spirit.

mu ch-tra velled in AM, use much-traveled ADJ A much-travelled person has travelled a lot in foreign countries.

muck /mʌ k/ (mucks , mucking , mucked ) N‑UNCOUNT Muck is dirt or some other unpleasant substance. [INFORMAL ] □� This congealed muck was interfering with the filter.

▸� muck around in BRIT, also use muck about1 PHRASAL VERB If you muck around or muck about , you behave in a childish or silly way, often so that you waste your time and fail to achieve anything. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] We do not want people of his age mucking around risking people's lives. □�[V P prep/adv] He'd spent his boyhood summers mucking about in boats.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you muck around with or muck about with something, you alter it, often making it worse than it was. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�with ] The president's wife doesn't muck around with policy or sit in on Cabinet meetings.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you muck someone around or muck them about , you treat them badly, for example by not being honest with them or by continually changing plans which affect them. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] He does not tolerate anyone who mucks him about.

▸� muck in PHRASAL VERB If someone mucks in , they join in with an activity or help other people with a job and do not consider themselves to be too important to do it. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Course residents are expected to muck in and be prepared to share rooms. □�[V P +�with ] She mucked in with the chores and did her own washing and ironing. [Also V P together ]

▸� muck up PHRASAL VERB If you muck up or muck something up , you do something very badly so that you fail to achieve what you wanted to. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] I mucked up at the 13th hole and told myself that this was getting stupid. □�[V P n] He really has mucked up his chances. [Also V n P ]

mu ck-raking also muckraking N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of muck-raking , you are criticizing them for finding and spreading unpleasant or embarrassing information about someone, especially a public figure. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Prime Minister accused opposition leaders of muck-raking.

mucky /mʌ ki/ (muckier , muckiest ) ADJ Something that is mucky is very dirty. [INFORMAL ]

mu|cous mem|brane /mjuː kəs me mbre I n/ (mucous membranes ) N‑COUNT A mucous membrane is skin that produces mucus to prevent itself from becoming dry. It covers delicate parts of the body such as the inside of your nose. [TECHNICAL ]

mu|cus /mjuː kəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Mucus is a thick liquid that is produced in some parts of your body, for example the inside of your nose.

mud /mʌ d/ N‑UNCOUNT Mud is a sticky mixture of earth and water. □� His uniform was crumpled, untidy, splashed with mud.

mud|dle /mʌ d ə l/ (muddles , muddling , muddled )

1 N‑VAR [oft in/into a N ] If people or things are in amuddle , they are in a state of confusion or disorder. □� My thoughts are all in a muddle. □�[+�of ] �a general muddle of pencils and boxes.

2 VERB If you muddle things or people, you get them mixed up, so that you do not know which is which. □�[V n] Already, one or two critics have begun to muddle the two names. ●�PHRASAL VERB Muddle up means the same as muddle . □�[V P n] The question muddles up three separate issues. □�[V n P +�with ] He sometimes muddles me up with other patients. ●� mud|dled up ADJ □� I know that I am getting my words muddled up.

▸� muddle through PHRASAL VERB If you muddle through , you manage to do something even though you do not have the proper equipment or do not really know how to do it. □�[V P ] We will muddle through and just play it day by day. □�[V P n] The BBC may be able to muddle through the next five years like this. □�[V n P ] Somehow or other, we muddled our way through.

▸� muddle up →�see muddle2

mud|dled /mʌ d ə ld/ ADJ If someone is muddled , they are confused about something. □� I'm afraid I'm a little muddled. I'm not exactly sure where to begin.

mud|dy /mʌ di/ (muddier , muddiest , muddies , muddying , muddied )

1 ADJ Something that is muddy contains mud or is covered in mud. □� �a muddy track. □� The ground was still very muddy.

2 VERB If you muddy something, you cause it to be muddy. □�[V n] The ground still smelled of rain and they muddied their shoes.

3 VERB If someone or something muddies a situation or issue, they cause it to seem less clear and less easy to understand. □�[V n] It's difficult enough without muddying the issue with religion. ●� mud|died ADJ □� Overseas, the legal issues are more muddied. ●�PHRASE If someone or something muddies the waters , they cause a situation or issue to seem less clear and less easy to understand. □� They keep on muddying the waters by raising other political issues.

mud|flats /mʌ dfl�ts/ N‑PLURAL Mudflats are areas of flat empty land at the coast which are covered by the sea only when the tide is in.

mud|guard /mʌ dgɑː r d/ (mudguards ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The mudguards of a bicycle or other vehicle are curved pieces of metal or plastic above the tyres, which stop mud getting on the rider or vehicle. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use fender , splashguard

mud|slide /mʌ dsla I d/ (mudslides ) N‑COUNT A mudslide is a large amount of mud sliding down a mountain, usually causing damage or destruction.

mu d-slinging N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of mud-slinging , you are accusing them of making insulting, unfair, and damaging remarks about their opponents. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Voters are disillusioned with mud-slinging campaigns.

mues|li /mjuː zli/ (mueslis ) N‑VAR Muesli is a breakfast cereal made from chopped nuts, dried fruit, and grains.

mu|ez|zin /mue z I n/ (muezzins ) N‑COUNT A muezzin is an official who calls from the tower of a mosque when it is time for Muslims to pray.

muff /mʌ f/ (muffs , muffing , muffed )

1 VERB If you muff something, you do it badly or you make a mistake while you are doing it, so that it is not successful. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He muffed his opening speech.

2 N‑COUNT A muff is a piece of fur or thick cloth shaped like a short hollow cylinder. You wear a muff on your hands to keep them warm in cold weather.

muf|fin /mʌ f I n/ (muffins )

1 N‑COUNT Muffins are small, round, sweet cakes, usually with fruit or bran inside. They are often eaten with butter for breakfast. [AM ] □� �breakfasts of pancakes, blueberry muffins, eggs, and bacon.

2 N‑COUNT Muffins are small, flat, sweet bread rolls that you eat hot with butter. [BRIT ] in AM, use English muffins

muf|fle /mʌ f ə l/ (muffles , muffling , muffled ) VERB If something muffles a sound, it makes it quieter and more difficult to hear. □�[V n] Blake held his handkerchief over the mouthpiece to muffle his voice. □�[V -ed] She heard a muffled cough behind her.

muf|fled /mʌ f ə ld/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are muffled , you are wearing a lot of heavy clothes so that very little of your body or face is visible. □�[+�in ] �children muffled in scarves and woolly hats.

muf|fler /mʌ flə r / (mufflers )

1 N‑COUNT A muffler is the same as a scarf . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT A muffler is a device on a car exhaust that makes it quieter. [AM ] in BRIT, use silencer

mug /mʌ g/ (mugs , mugging , mugged )

1 N‑COUNT A mug is a large deep cup with straight sides and a handle, used for hot drinks. □� He spooned instant coffee into two of the mugs. ●�N‑COUNT A mug of something is the amount of it contained in a mug. □�[+�of ] He had been drinking mugs of coffee to keep himself awake.

2 VERB If someone mugs you, they attack you in order to steal your money. □�[V n] I was walking out to my car when this guy tried to mug me. ●� mug|ging (muggings ) N‑VAR □� Bank robberies, burglaries and muggings are reported almost daily in the press.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a mug , you mean that they are stupid and easily deceived by other people. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's a mug as far as women are concerned.

4 PHRASE If you say that an activity is a mug's game , you mean that it is not worth doing because it does not give the person who is doing it any benefit or satisfaction. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I used to be a very heavy gambler, but not any more. It's a mug's game.

5 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's mug is their face. [INFORMAL ] □� He managed to get his ugly mug on TV.

mug|ger /mʌ gə r / (muggers ) N‑COUNT A mugger is a person who attacks someone violently in a street in order to steal money from them.

mug|gy /mʌ gi/ (muggier , muggiest ) ADJ Muggy weather is unpleasantly warm and damp. □� It was muggy and overcast.

mu g shot (mug shots ) N‑COUNT A mug shot is a photograph of someone, especially a photograph of a criminal which has been taken by the police. [INFORMAL ]

mul|berry /mʌ lbəri, [AM ] -beri/ (mulberries ) N‑VAR A mulberry or a mulberry tree is a tree which has small purple berries which you can eat. ●�N‑COUNT Mulberries are the fruit of a mulberry tree.

mulch /mʌ ltʃ/ (mulches , mulching , mulched )

1 N‑VAR A mulch is a layer of something such as old leaves, small pieces of wood, or manure which you put on the soil round plants in order to protect them and help them to grow.

2 VERB To mulch plants means to put a mulch round them to protect them and help them to grow. □�[V n +�with ] In May, mulch the bed with garden compost. [Also V n]

mule /mjuː l/ (mules )

1 N‑COUNT A mule is an animal whose parents are a horse and a donkey.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A mule is a shoe or slipper which is open around the heel.

mull /mʌ l/ (mulls , mulling , mulled ) VERB If you mull something, you think about it for a long time before deciding what to do. [AM ] □�[V n] Last month, a federal grand jury began mulling evidence in the case. □�[V ] Do you know why he was mulling and hesitating?

▸� mull over PHRASAL VERB If you mull something over , you think about it for a long time before deciding what to do. □�[V P n] McLaren had been mulling over an idea to make a movie. □�[V n P ] I'll leave you alone here so you can mull it over.

mul|lah /mʊ lə, mʌ lə/ (mullahs ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A mullah is a Muslim who is a religious teacher or leader.

mulled /mʌ ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] Mulled wine has sugar and spice added to it and is then heated.

mul|let /mʌ l I t/ (mullets or mullet ) N‑VAR A mullet is a small sea fish that people cook and eat. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Mullet is this fish eaten as food.

PREFIX multi-

forms adjectives that refer to something that consists of many things of a particular kind. For example, a multi-coloured object has many different colours.

multi|col|oured /mʌ ltikʌlə r d/ also multi-coloured in AM, use multicolored or multi-colored ADJ [usu ADJ n] A multicoloured object has many different colours. □� �a sea of multicoloured umbrellas.

multi|cul|tur|al /mʌ ltikʌ ltʃərəl/ also multi-cultural ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multicultural means consisting of or relating to people of many different nationalities and cultures. □� �children growing up in a multicultural society.

multi|cul|tur|al|ism /mʌ ltikʌ ltʃərəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Multiculturalism is a situation in which all the different cultural or racial groups in a society have equal rights and opportunities, and none is ignored or regarded as unimportant.

mu lti-fa ceted also multifaceted ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multi-faceted means having a variety of different and important features or elements. □� Webb is a multi-faceted performer. □� Her job is multi-faceted.

multi|fari|ous /mʌ lt I feə riəs/ ADJ If you describe things as multifarious , you mean that they are many in number and of many different kinds. [LITERARY ] □� Spain is a composite of multifarious traditions and people. □� The reasons for closure are multifarious.

multi|lat|er|al /mʌ ltil� tər ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multilateral means involving at least three different groups of people or nations. □� Many want to abandon the multilateral trade talks.

mu lti-level ma r|ket|ing N‑UNCOUNT Multi-level marketing is a marketing technique which involves people buying a product, then earning a commission by selling it to their friends. The abbreviation MLM is also used. □� �multi-level marketing schemes.

multi|lin|gual /mʌ ltil I ŋgw ə l/ also multi-lingual

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multilingual means involving several different languages. □� �a multilingual country. □� �multilingual dictionaries.

2 ADJ A multilingual person is able to speak more than two languages very well. □� He recruited two multilingual engineers.

multi|media /mʌ ltimiː diə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] You use multimedia to refer to computer programs and products which involve sound, pictures, and film, as well as text. □� � multimedia theme-park attractions and virtual-reality displays.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In education, multimedia is the use of television and other different media in a lesson, as well as books.

mu lti-millionai re (multi-millionaires ) also multimillionaire N‑COUNT A multi-millionaire is a very rich person who has money or property worth several million pounds or dollars.

multi|na|tion|al /mʌ ltin� ʃən ə l/ (multinationals ) also multi-national

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A multinational company has branches or owns companies in many different countries. ●�N‑COUNT Multinational is also a noun. □� �multinationals such as Ford and IBM.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multinational armies, organizations, or other groups involve people from several different countries. □� The U.S. troops would be part of a multinational force.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multinational countries or regions have a population that is made up of people of several different nationalities.

mul|ti|play|er /mʌ lt I ple I ə r / ADJ A multiplayer computer or video game is played by more than one player at one time. [COMPUTING ] □� Internet multiplayer games are responsible for much of the increase in broadband use.

multi|ple /mʌ lt I p ə l/ (multiples )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use multiple to describe things that consist of many parts, involve many people, or have many uses. □� He died of multiple injuries. □� The most common multiple births are twins, two babies born at the same time.

2 N‑COUNT If one number is a multiple of a smaller number, it can be exactly divided by that smaller number. □�[+�of ] Their numerical system, derived from the Babylonians, was based on multiples of the number six.

3 N‑COUNT A multiple or a multiple store is a shop with a lot of branches in different towns. [BRIT ] □� It made it almost impossible for the smaller retailer to compete against the multiples.

mu lti|ple choi ce also multiple-choice ADJ [usu ADJ n] In a multiple choice test or question, you have to choose the answer that you think is right from several possible answers that are listed on the question paper.

multi|ple scle|ro|sis /mʌ lt I p ə l skləroʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Multiple sclerosis is a serious disease of the nervous system, which gradually makes a person weaker, and sometimes affects their sight or speech. The abbreviation MS is also used.

multi|plex /mʌ ltipleks/ (multiplexes ) N‑COUNT A multiplex is a cinema complex with six or more screens.

multi|pli|ca|tion /mʌ lt I pl I ke I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Multiplication is the process of calculating the total of one number multiplied by another. □� There will be simple tests in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The multiplication of things of a particular kind is the process or fact of them increasing in number or amount. □�[+�of ] Increasing gravity is known to speed up the multiplication of cells.

mu lti|pli|ca |tion sign (multiplication signs ) N‑COUNT A multiplication sign is the sign x which is put between two numbers to show that they are being multiplied.

mu lti|pli|ca |tion ta|ble (multiplication tables ) N‑COUNT A multiplication table is a list of the multiplications of numbers between one and twelve. Children often have to learn multiplication tables at school.

multi|plic|ity /mʌ lt I pl I s I ti/ QUANT A multiplicity of things is a large number or a large variety of them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a writer who uses a multiplicity of styles.

multi|ply /mʌ lt I pla I / (multiplies , multiplying , multiplied )

1 VERB When something multiplies or when you multiply it, it increases greatly in number or amount. □�[V ] Such disputes multiplied in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. □�[V n] The scale of change multiplies the difficulties and the risks involved.

2 VERB When animals and insects multiply , they increase in number by giving birth to large numbers of young. □�[V ] These creatures can multiply quickly.

3 VERB If you multiply one number by another, you add the first number to itself as many times as is indicated by the second number. For example, 2 multiplied by 3 is equal to 6. □�[V n +�by ] What do you get if you multiply six by nine? □�[V n] �the remarkable ability to multiply huge numbers correctly without pen or paper.

multi|ra|cial /mʌ ltire I ʃ ə l/ also multi-racial ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multiracial means consisting of or involving people of many different nationalities and cultures. □� We live in a multiracial society.

mu lti-ski lled ADJ Multi-skilled employees have a number of different skills, enabling them to do more than one kind of work. □� �a more adaptable, multi-skilled workforce.

mu lti-ski lling N‑UNCOUNT Multi-skilling is the practice of training employees to do a number of different tasks. □� He said restructuring at the station would lead to increased multi-skilling among staff.

mu lti-sto rey also multistorey , multi-storeyed in AM, use multi-story , multistory , or multi-storied ADJ [usu ADJ n] A multi-storey building has several floors at different levels above the ground. □� �the Moskovski Department Store, a vast multi-story complex near the city's center. □� �a multi-storey car park.

mu lti-ta sking N‑UNCOUNT Multi-tasking is a situation in which a computer or person does more than one thing at the same time. □� The big advantage of multi-tasking is that all equipment is used most of the time.

multi|tude /mʌ lt I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (multitudes )

1 QUANT A multitude of things or people is a very large number of them. □�[+�of ] There are a multitude of small quiet roads to cycle along. □�[+�of ] Being inactive can lead to a multitude of health problems. ●�PHRASE If you say that something covers or hides a multitude of sins , you mean that it hides something unattractive or does not reveal the true nature of something. □� 'Strong, centralized government' is a term that can cover a multitude of sins.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a very large number of people as a multitude . [WRITTEN ] □� �surrounded by a noisy multitude.

3 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to the great majority of people in a particular country or situation as the multitude or the multitudes . □� The hideous truth was hidden from the multitude.

mum ◆◇◇ /mʌ m/ (mums )

1 N‑COUNT Your mum is your mother. You can call your mum 'Mum'. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He misses his mum. □� Mum and Dad are coming for lunch. □� Don't worry, Mum. in AM, usually use mom

2 PHRASE If you keep mum or stay mum about something, you do not tell anyone about it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] He is keeping mum about his feelings on the matter.

mum|ble /mʌ mb ə l/ (mumbles , mumbling , mumbled ) VERB If you mumble , you speak very quietly and not at all clearly with the result that the words are difficult to understand. □�[V ] Her grandmother mumbled in her sleep. □�[V n] He mumbled a few words. □�[V with quote] 'Today of all days,' she mumbled. ●�N‑COUNT Mumble is also a noun. □� He could hear the low mumble of Navarro's voice.

mum|bo jum|bo /mʌ mboʊ dʒʌ mboʊ/ also mumbo-jumbo N‑UNCOUNT If you describe ideas or words, especially religious or technical ones, as mumbo jumbo , you mean that they are nonsense. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� It's all full of psychoanalytic mumbo-jumbo.

mum|mi|fy /mʌ m I fa I / (mummifies , mummifying , mummified ) VERB [usu passive] If a dead body is mummified , it is preserved, for example by rubbing it with special oils and wrapping it in cloth. □�[be V -ed] In America, people are paying up to $150,000 to be mummified after death. □�[V -ed] �the mummified pharaoh.

mum|my /mʌ mi/ (mummies )

1 N‑COUNT Some people, especially young children, call their mother mummy . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I want my mummy. □� Mummy says I can play out in the garden. in AM, use mommy2 N‑COUNT A mummy is a dead body which was preserved long ago by being rubbed with special oils and wrapped in cloth. □� �an Egyptian mummy.

mumps /mʌ mps/ N‑UNCOUNT Mumps is a disease usually caught by children. It causes a mild fever and painful swelling of the glands in the neck.

munch /mʌ ntʃ/ (munches , munching , munched ) VERB If you munch food, you eat it by chewing it slowly, thoroughly, and rather noisily. □�[V n] Luke munched the chicken sandwiches. □�[V ] Across the table, his son Benjie munched appreciatively. □�[V +�way through ] Sheep were munching their way through a yellow carpet of leaves. [Also V +�away at/on ]

mun|chies /mʌ ntʃiz/ N‑PLURAL If someone gets the munchies , they suddenly feel a strong desire to eat a snack or something sweet. [INFORMAL ] □� �an attack of the munchies.

mun|dane /mʌ nde I n/ ADJ Something that is mundane is very ordinary and not at all interesting or unusual. □� Be willing to do even mundane tasks. □� �the mundane realities of life. ●�N‑SING You can refer to mundane things as the mundane . □� It's an attitude that turns the mundane into something rather more interesting and exciting.

mu|nici|pal /mjuːn I s I p ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Municipal means associated with or belonging to a city or town that has its own local government. □� The municipal authorities gave the go-ahead for the march. □� �next month's municipal elections. □� �the municipal library.

mu|nici|pal|ity /mjuːn I s I p� l I ti/ (municipalities )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a municipality is a city or town which is governed by its own locally-appointed officials. You can also refer to a city's or town's local government as a municipality .

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a municipality is a city or town that is incorporated and can elect its own government, which is also called a municipality .

mu|nifi|cent /mjuːn I f I sənt/ ADJ A munificent person is very generous. [FORMAL ] □� �one of the country's most munificent artistic benefactors. □� �a munificent donation.

mu|ni|tions /mjuːn I ʃ ə nz/ N‑PLURAL Munitions are military equipment and supplies, especially bombs, shells, and guns. □� �the shortage of men and munitions. □� �a munitions factory.

mu|ral /mjʊə rəl/ (murals ) N‑COUNT A mural is a picture painted on a wall. □�[+�of ] �a mural of Tangier bay.

mur|der ◆◆◇ /mɜː r də r / (murders , murdering , murdered )

1 N‑VAR Murder is the deliberate and illegal killing of a person. □� The three accused, aged between 19 and 20, are charged with attempted murder. □� She refused to testify, unless the murder charge against her was dropped. □� �brutal murders.

2 VERB To murder someone means to commit the crime of killing them deliberately. □�[V n] �a thriller about two men who murder a third to see if they can get away with it. □�[V -ed] �the body of a murdered religious and political leader. [Also V ]

3 PHRASE If you say that someone gets away with murder , you are complaining that they can do whatever they like without anyone trying to control them or punish them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� His charm and the fact that he is so likeable often allows him to get away with murder.

mur|der|er /mɜː r dərə r / (murderers ) N‑COUNT A murderer is a person who has murdered someone. □� One of these men may have been the murderer.

mur|der|ess /mɜː r dər I s/ (murderesses ) N‑COUNT A murderess is a woman who has murdered someone.

mur|der|ous /mɜː r dərəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is murderous is likely to murder someone and may already have murdered someone. □� This murderous lunatic could kill them both without a second thought.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A murderous attack or other action is very violent and intended to result in someone's death. □� He made a murderous attack on his wife that evening.

mur|der|ous|ly /mɜː r dərəsli/ ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] You use murderously to indicate that something is extremely unpleasant or threatening. □� Beauchamp glared at her murderously.

murk /mɜː r k/ N‑SING Themurk is darkness, dark water, or thick mist that is very difficult to see through. □� All of a sudden a tall old man in a black cloak loomed out of the murk.

murky /mɜː r ki/ (murkier , murkiest )

1 ADJ A murky place or time of day is dark and rather unpleasant because there is not enough light. □�[+�with ] The large lamplit room was murky with woodsmoke.

2 ADJ Murky water or fog is so dark and dirty that you cannot see through it. □� �the deep, murky waters of Loch Ness.

3 ADJ If you describe an activity or situation as murky , you suspect that it is dishonest or morally wrong. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� There has been a murky conspiracy to keep them out of power.

4 ADJ If you describe something as murky , you mean that the details of it are not clear or that it is difficult to understand. □� The law here is a little bit murky.

mur|mur /mɜː r mə r / (murmurs , murmuring , murmured )

1 VERB If you murmur something, you say it very quietly, so that not many people can hear what you are saying. □�[V n +�to ] He turned and murmured something to the professor. □�[V n] She murmured a few words of support. □�[V with quote] 'How lovely,' she murmured. □�[V that] Murmuring softly that they must go somewhere to talk, he led her from the garden.

2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A murmur is something that is said which can hardly be heard. □� They spoke in low murmurs.

3 N‑SING A murmur is a continuous low sound, like the noise of a river or of voices far away. □�[+�of ] The piano music mixes with the murmur of conversation. □� The clamor of traffic has receded to a distant murmur.

4 N‑COUNT A murmurof a particular emotion is a quiet expression of it. □�[+�of ] The promise of some basic working rights draws murmurs of approval.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A murmur is an abnormal sound which is made by the heart and which shows that there is probably something wrong with it. □� The doctor said James had now developed a heart murmur.

6 PHRASE If someone does something without a murmur , they do it without complaining.

mur|mur|ings /mɜː r mər I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL If there are murmuringsof , for example, approval or disapproval, people are expressing their approval or disapproval of something in a quiet way. □� For some time there have been murmurings of discontent over the government policy on inflation. □�[+�of ] At this point there were murmurings of approval from the experts.

Murphy's Law /mɜː r fiz lɔː/ N‑PROPER Murphy's Law is the idea that whatever can go wrong in a situation will go wrong.

mus|cle ◆◇◇ /mʌ s ə l/ (muscles , muscling , muscled )

1 N‑VAR A muscle is a piece of tissue inside your body which connects two bones and which you use when you make a movement. □� Keeping your muscles strong and in tone helps you to avoid back problems. □� He is suffering from a strained thigh muscle.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has muscle , you mean that they have power and influence, which enables them to do difficult things. □� Eisenhower used his muscle to persuade Congress to change the law.

3 PHRASE If a group, organization, or country flexes its muscles , it does something to impress or frighten people, in order to show them that it has power and is considering using it. □� The Fair Trade Commission has of late been flexing its muscles, cracking down on cases of corruption.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone did not move a muscle , you mean that they stayed absolutely still. □� He stood without moving a muscle, unable to believe what his eyes saw so plainly.

▸� muscle in PHRASAL VERB If someone muscles inon something, they force their way into a situation where they have no right to be and where they are not welcome, in order to gain some advantage for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P +�on ] Cohen complained that Kravis was muscling in on his deal. □�[V P ] It would be surprising were the Mafia not to have muscled in.

mu scle-bound ADJ If you describe someone as muscle-bound , you mean that their muscles are well developed, usually in an unattractive way. □� �a cartoon of a muscle-bound woman standing victorious astride a prone male.

mus|cu|lar /mʌ skjʊlə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Muscular means involving or affecting your muscles. □� As a general rule, all muscular effort is enhanced by breathing in as the effort is made. □� Early symptoms include anorexia, muscular weakness and fatigue.

2 ADJ If a person or their body is muscular , they are very fit and strong, and have firm muscles which are not covered with a lot of fat. □� Like most female athletes, she was lean and muscular.

mus|cu|lar dys|tro|phy /mʌ skjʊlə r d I strəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Muscular dystrophy is a serious disease in which your muscles gradually weaken.

mus|cu|la|ture /mʌ skjʊlətʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Musculature is used to refer to all the muscles in your body, or to a system of muscles that you use to perform a particular type of action. [FORMAL ]

muse /mjuː z/ (muses , musing , mused )

1 VERB If you muse on something, you think about it, usually saying or writing what you are thinking at the same time. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�on/about/over ] Many of the papers muse on the fate of the President. □�[V with quote] 'As a whole,' she muses, 'the 'organized church' turns me off'. □�[V that] He once mused that he would have voted Labour in 1964 had he been old enough. ●� mus|ing (musings ) N‑COUNT □� His musings were interrupted by Montagu who came and sat down next to him.

2 N‑COUNT A muse is a person, usually a woman, who gives someone, usually a man, a desire to create art, poetry, or music, and gives them ideas for it. □�[+�to ] Once she was a nude model and muse to French artist Henri Matisse.

mu|seum ◆◆◇ /mjuːziː əm/ (museums ) N‑COUNT A museum is a building where a large number of interesting and valuable objects, such as works of art or historical items, are kept, studied, and displayed to the public. □� For months Malcolm had wanted to visit the Parisian art museums. □�[+�of ] �the American Museum of Natural History.

mu|se um piece (museum pieces ) N‑COUNT If you describe an object or building as a museum piece , you mean that it is old and unusual. □� One day these are multi-million-dollar war machines and the next they are museum pieces.

mush /mʌ ʃ/ (mushes , mushing , mushed )

1 N‑VAR [oft a N ] Mush is a thick, soft paste. □� The brown mush in the fridge is some veg soup left over.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something such as a film or book as mush , you mean that it is very sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He calls the film "a trite, sentimental puddle of mush."

3 VERB If you mush something, you make it into a mush. □�[V -ed up ] �mushed-up potato and cauliflower. [Also V n, V -ed]

mush|room /mʌ ʃruːm/ (mushrooms , mushrooming , mushroomed )

1 N‑VAR Mushrooms are fungi that you can eat. □� There are many types of wild mushrooms. □� �mushroom omelette.

2 →�see also button mushroom

3 VERB If something such as an industry or a place mushrooms , it grows or comes into existence very quickly. □�[V ] The media training industry has mushroomed over the past decade. □�[V +�to/into ] A town of a few hundred thousand people mushroomed to a crowded city of 2 million.

mu sh|room cloud (mushroom clouds ) N‑COUNT A mushroom cloud is an extremely large cloud caused by a nuclear explosion.

mushy /mʌ ʃi/ (mushier , mushiest )

1 ADJ Vegetables and fruit that are mushy are soft and have lost most of their shape. □� When the fruit is mushy and cooked, remove from the heat.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as mushy , you mean that they are very sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Don't go getting all mushy and sentimental.

mu|sic ◆◆◆ /mjuː z I k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Music is the pattern of sounds produced by people singing or playing instruments. □� �classical music. □�[+�of ] �the music of George Gershwin.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Music is the art of creating or performing music. □� He went on to study music, specialising in the clarinet. □� �a music lesson.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Music is the symbols written on paper which represent musical sounds. □� He's never been able to read music.

4 →�see also sheet music

5 PHRASE If something that you hear is music to your ears , it makes you feel very happy. [FEELINGS ] □�[+�of ] Popular support�it's music to the ears of any politician.

6 PHRASE If you face the music , you put yourself in a position where you will be criticized or punished for something you have done. □� Sooner or later, I'm going to have to face the music.

mu|si|cal ◆◇◇ /mjuː z I k ə l/ (musicals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use musical to indicate that something is connected with playing or studying music. □� We have a wealth of musical talent in this region. □� Stan Getz's musical career spanned five decades. ●� mu|si|cal|ly /mjuː z I kli/ ADV [ADV after v] □� Musically there is a lot to enjoy.

2 N‑COUNT A musical is a play or film that uses singing and dancing in the story. □� �London's smash hit musical Miss Saigon.

3 ADJ Someone who is musical has a natural ability and interest in music. □� I came from a musical family.

4 ADJ Sounds that are musical are light and pleasant to hear. □� He had a soft, almost musical voice.

mu |si|cal box (musical boxes ) N‑COUNT A musical box is the same as a music box . [BRIT ]

mu |si|cal chai rs

1 N‑UNCOUNT Musical chairs is a game that children play at parties. They run round a row of chairs while music plays and try to sit down on one when the music stops.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe the situation within a particular organization or area of activity as musical chairs , you are critical of the fact that people in that organization or area exchange jobs or positions very often. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It was musical chairs. Creative people would switch jobs just to get more money.

mu |si|cal com|edy (musical comedies ) N‑VAR Musical comedy is a type of play or film that has singing and dancing as part of the story and that is humorous and entertaining, especially one written before the middle of the twentieth century.

mu |si|cal di|rec|tor (musical directors ) N‑COUNT A musical director is the same as a music director .

mu |si|cal i n|stru|ment (musical instruments ) N‑COUNT A musical instrument is an object such as a piano, guitar, or violin which you play in order to produce music. □� The drum is one of the oldest musical instruments.

mu |sic box (music boxes ) N‑COUNT A music box is a box that plays a tune when you open the lid.

mu |sic di|rec|tor (music directors ) N‑COUNT The music director of an orchestra or other group of musicians is the person who decides what they will play and where, and usually conducts them as well.

mu |sic hall (music halls ) also music-hall

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Music hall was a popular form of entertainment in the theatre in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. It consisted of a series of performances by comedians, singers, and dancers. [mainly BRIT ] □� �an old music hall song. in AM, usually use vaudeville2 N‑COUNT A music hall was a theatre that presented popular entertainment. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use vaudeville theater

mu|si|cian ◆◇◇ /mjuːz I ʃ ə n/ (musicians ) N‑COUNT A musician is a person who plays a musical instrument as their job or hobby. □� �one of Britain's best known rock musicians.

mu|si|cian|ship /mjuːz I ʃ ə nʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Musicianship is the skill involved in performing music. □� Her musicianship is excellent.

mu |sic stand (music stands ) N‑COUNT A music stand is a device that holds pages of music in position while you play a musical instrument.

musk /mʌ sk/ N‑UNCOUNT Musk is a substance with a strong smell which is used in making perfume.

mus|ket /mʌ sk I t/ (muskets ) N‑COUNT A musket was an early type of gun with a long barrel, which was used before rifles were invented.

musky /mʌ ski/ ADJ A musky smell is strong, warm, and sweet. □� She dabbed a drop of the musky perfume behind each ear.

Mus|lim ◆◆◇ /mʊ zl I m, muː s-, [AM ] mʌ z-/ (Muslims )

1 N‑COUNT A Muslim is someone who believes in Islam and lives according to its rules.

2 ADJ Muslim means relating to Islam or Muslims. □� �Iran and other Muslim countries.

mus|lin /mʌ zl I n/ (muslins ) N‑VAR Muslin is very thin cotton cloth. □� �white muslin curtains.

muso /mjuː zoʊ/ (musos )

1 N‑COUNT A muso is a musician. [INFORMAL ] □� �country muso Shania Twain.

2 ADJ Muso means the same as musical . [INFORMAL ] □� Members of this close-knit muso community are always helping each other out.

muss /mʌ s/ (musses , mussing , mussed ) VERB To muss something, especially someone's hair, or to muss it up , means to make it untidy. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] He reached out and mussed my hair. □�[be V -ed up ] His clothes were all mussed up.

mus|sel /mʌ s ə l/ (mussels ) N‑COUNT Mussels are a kind of shellfish that you can eat from their shells.

must ◆◆◆ /məst, STRONG mʌst/ (musts ) The noun is pronounced /mʌ st/. Must is a modal verb. It is followed by the base form of a verb. 1 MODAL You use must to indicate that you think it is very important or necessary for something to happen. You use must not or mustn't to indicate that you think it is very important or necessary for something not to happen. □� What you wear should be stylish and clean, and must definitely fit well. □� The doctor must not allow the patient to be put at risk.

2 MODAL You use must to indicate that it is necessary for something to happen, usually because of a rule or law. □� Candidates must satisfy the general conditions for admission. □� Equipment must be supervised if children are in the house.

3 MODAL You use must , or must have with a past participle, to indicate that you are fairly sure that something is the case. □� At 29, Russell must be one of the youngest-ever Wembley referees. □� I'm sure he must feel he has lost a close family friend, because I know I do. □� I must have been a bore.

4 MODAL You use must , or must have with a past participle, to indicate that you believe that something is the case, because of the available evidence. □� 'You must be Emma,' said the visitor. □� Miss Holloway had a weak heart. She must have had a heart attack.

5 MODAL If you say that one thing must have happened in order for something else to happen, you mean that it is necessary for the first thing to have happened before the second thing can happen. □� In order to take that job, you must have left another job.

6 MODAL You use must to express your intention to do something. □� I must be getting back. □� I must phone my parents. □� He told the Prime Minister that he felt he must now leave.

7 MODAL You use must to make suggestions or invitations very forcefully. □� You must see a doctor, Frederick. □� You must see the painting Paul has given me as a wedding present.

8 MODAL You use must in remarks and comments where you are expressing sympathy. □� This must be a very difficult job for you.

9 MODAL You use must in conversation in expressions such as ' I must say ' and ' I must admit ' in order to emphasize a point that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □� This came as a surprise, I must say. □� I must admit I like looking feminine.

10 MODAL You use must in expressions such as ' it must be noted ' and ' it must be remembered ' in order to draw the reader's or listener's attention to what you are about to say. □� It must be noted, however, that not all British and American officers carried out orders. □� It must be stated that this illness is one of the most complex conditions known to man.

11 MODAL You use must in questions to express your anger or irritation about something that someone has done, usually because you do not understand their behaviour. [FEELINGS ] □� Why must she interrupt? □� Must you always run when the pressure gets too much?

12 MODAL You use must in exclamations to express surprise or shock. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Go! Please go.'�'You must be joking!' □� I really must be quite mad!

13 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as amust , you mean that it is absolutely necessary. [INFORMAL ] □� The new 37th issue of National Savings Certificates is a must for any taxpayer.

14 PHRASE You say ' if you must ' when you know that you cannot stop someone doing something that you think is wrong or stupid. □� If you must be in the sunlight, use the strongest filter cream you can get. □� 'Could I have a word?'�'Oh dear, if you must.'

15 PHRASE You say ' if you must know ' when you tell someone something that you did not want them to know and you want to suggest that you think they were wrong to ask you about it. □� 'Why don't you wear your jogging shorts Mum?'�'Well, my legs are too skinny, if you must know.'

must- /mʌ st-/ COMB Must- is added to verbs such as 'see', 'have', or 'read' to form adjectives and nouns which describe things that you think people should see, have, or read. For example, a must-have is something which you think people should get, and a must-win game is one which a team needs to win. [JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □� �a list of must-see movies.

mus|tache /məstɑː ʃ, [AM ] mʊ st�ʃ/ →�see moustache

mus|tang /mʌ st�ŋ/ (mustangs ) N‑COUNT A mustang is a small wild horse which lives on the plains of North America.

mus|tard /mʌ stə r d/ (mustards )

1 N‑VAR Mustard is a yellow or brown paste usually eaten with meat. It tastes hot and spicy. □� �a pot of mustard.

2 COLOUR Mustard is used to describe things that are brownish-yellow in colour. □� �a mustard-coloured jumper.

3 PHRASE [usu with neg] If someone does not cut the mustard , their work or their performance is not as good as it should be or as good as it is expected to be. [INFORMAL ]

mu s|tard and cre ss N‑UNCOUNT Mustard and cress is very young mustard plants and cress plants grown together and eaten in salad.

mu s|tard gas N‑UNCOUNT Mustard gas is a gas which burns the skin and was used in war as a weapon.

mu s|tard pow|der N‑UNCOUNT Mustard powder is a yellow powder. You add hot water to it in order to make mustard.

mus|ter /mʌ stə r / (musters , mustering , mustered )

1 VERB If you muster something such as support, strength, or energy, you gather as much of it as you can in order to do something. □�[V n] He travelled around West Africa trying to muster support for his movement.

2 VERB When soldiers muster or are mustered , they gather together in one place in order to take part in a military action. □�[V ] The men mustered before their clan chiefs. □�[V n] The general had mustered his troops north of the Hindu Kush.

3 PHRASE If someone or something passes muster , they are good enough for the thing they are needed for. □� I could not pass muster in his language. □� If it doesn't pass muster, a radio station could have its license challenged.

mu st-ha ve (must-haves ) N‑COUNT A must-have is something modern that many people want to have. □� The mobile phone is now a must-have for children. ●�ADJ Must-have is also an adjective. □� �a must-have fashion accessory.

mustn't /mʌ s ə nt/ Mustn't is the usual spoken form of 'must not'.

must've /mʌ stəv/ Must've is the usual spoken form of 'must have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb.

mus|ty /mʌ sti/ (mustier , mustiest ) ADJ Something that is musty smells old and damp. □� �that terrible musty smell.

mu|tant /mjuː t ə nt/ (mutants ) N‑COUNT A mutant is an animal or plant that is physically different from others of the same species because of a change in its genes.

mu|tate /mjuːte I t, [AM ] mjuː te I t/ (mutates , mutating , mutated )

1 VERB If an animal or plant mutates , or something mutates it, it develops different characteristics as the result of a change in its genes. □�[V ] The virus mutates in the carrier's body. □�[V +�into ] A newer anti-HIV drug caused HIV to mutate into a form which could not infect new cells. □�[V n] The technique has been to mutate the genes by irradiation or chemicals. [Also V n +�into ] ●� mu|ta|tion /mjuːte I ʃ ə n/ (mutations ) N‑VAR □� Scientists have found a genetic mutation that appears to be the cause of Huntington's disease.

2 VERB If something mutates into something different, it changes into that thing. □�[V +�into ] Overnight, the gossip begins to mutate into headlines.

mute /mjuː t/ (mutes , muting , muted )

1 ADJ Someone who is mute is silent for a particular reason and does not speak. □� He was mute, distant, and indifferent. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Mute is also an adverb. □� He could watch her standing mute by the phone. ●� mute|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I crouched by him and grasped his hand, mutely offering what comfort I could.

2 ADJ Someone who is mute is unable to speak. [OLD-FASHIONED , OFFENSIVE ] □� Marianna, the duke's daughter, became mute after a shock.

3 VERB If someone mutes something such as their feelings or their activities, they reduce the strength or intensity of them. □�[V n] The corruption does not seem to have muted the country's prolonged economic boom. ●� mut|ed ADJ □� The threat contrasted starkly with his administration's previous muted criticism.

4 VERB If you mute a noise or sound, you lower its volume or make it less distinct. □�[V n] They begin to mute their voices, not be as assertive. ●� mut|ed ADJ □� 'Yes,' he muttered, his voice so muted I hardly heard his reply.

mut|ed /mjuː t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Muted colours are soft and gentle, not bright and strong. □� He likes sombre, muted colours�she likes bright colours.

mu|ti|late /mjuː t I le I t/ (mutilates , mutilating , mutilated )

1 VERB If a person or animal is mutilated , their body is severely damaged, usually by someone who physically attacks them. □�[be V -ed] More than 30 horses have been mutilated in the last nine months. □�[V n] He tortured and mutilated six young men. □�[V -ed] The mutilated bodies of seven men have been found beside a railway line. ●� mu|ti|la|tion /mjuː t I le I ʃ ə n/ (mutilations ) N‑VAR □� Amnesty International chronicles cases of torture and mutilation.

2 VERB If something is mutilated , it is deliberately damaged or spoiled. □�[be V -ed] Brecht's verdict was that his screenplay had been mutilated. [Also V n]

mu|ti|neer /mjuː t I n I ə r / (mutineers ) N‑COUNT A mutineer is a person who takes part in a mutiny.

mu|ti|nous /mjuː t I nəs/ ADJ If someone is mutinous , they are strongly dissatisfied with a person in authority and are likely to stop obeying them. □� His own army, stung by defeats, is mutinous.

mu|ti|ny /mjuː t I ni/ (mutinies , mutinying , mutinied )

1 N‑VAR A mutiny is a refusal by people, usually soldiers or sailors, to continue obeying a person in authority. □� A series of coup attempts and mutinies within the armed forces destabilized the regime.

2 VERB If a group of people, usually soldiers or sailors, mutiny , they refuse to continue obeying a person in authority. □�[V ] Units stationed around the capital mutinied because they had received no pay for nine months. □�[V +�against ] Sailors at a naval base had mutinied against their officers.

mutt /mʌ t/ (mutts ) N‑COUNT A mutt is the same as a mongrel . [INFORMAL ]

mut|ter /mʌ tə r / (mutters , muttering , muttered ) VERB If you mutter , you speak very quietly so that you cannot easily be heard, often because you are complaining about something. □�[V with quote] 'God knows what's happening in that madman's mind,' she muttered. □�[V +�about ] She can hear the old woman muttering about consideration. □�[V +�to ] He sat there shaking his head, muttering to himself. □�[V ] She was staring into the fire muttering. ●�N‑COUNT Mutter is also a noun. □�[+�of ] They make no more than a mutter of protest. ●� mut|ter|ing (mutterings ) N‑VAR □� He heard muttering from the front of the crowd.

mut|ton /mʌ t ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mutton is meat from an adult sheep that is eaten as food. □� �a leg of mutton. □� �mutton stew.

2 PHRASE If you describe a woman as mutton dressed as lamb , you are criticizing her for trying to look younger than she really is, in a way that you consider unattractive. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

mu|tu|al ◆◇◇ /mjuː tʃuəl/

1 ADJ You use mutual to describe a situation, feeling, or action that is experienced, felt, or done by both of two people mentioned. □� The East and the West can work together for their mutual benefit and progress. □� It's plain that he adores his daughter, and the feeling is mutual. ●� mu|tu|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV before v] □� Attempts to reach a mutually agreed solution had been fruitless.

2mutually exclusive →�see exclusive

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use mutual to describe something such as an interest which two or more people share. □� They do, however, share a mutual interest in design. □� We were introduced by a mutual friend.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If a building society or an insurance company has mutual status, it is not owned by shareholders but by its customers, who receive a share of the profits. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� Britain's third-largest building society abandoned its mutual status and became a bank. SYNONYMS mutual ADJ 1

common:Moldavians and Romanians share a common language.

joint:Jackie and Ben came to a joint decision as to where they would live.

reciprocal:They expected a reciprocal gesture before more hostages could be freed.

mu |tu|al fund (mutual funds ) N‑COUNT A mutual fund is an organization which invests money in many different kinds of business and which offers units for sale to the public as an investment. [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use unit trust

Mu|zak /mjuː z�k/ also muzak

1 N‑UNCOUNT Muzak is recorded music that is played as background music in shops or restaurants. [TRADEMARK ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe music as muzak , you dislike it because you think it is dull or unnecessary. [DISAPPROVAL ]

muz|zle /mʌ z ə l/ (muzzles , muzzling , muzzled )

1 N‑COUNT The muzzle of an animal such as a dog is its nose and mouth.

2 N‑COUNT A muzzle is an object that is put over a dog's nose and mouth so that it cannot bite people or make a noise. □� �dogs like pit bulls which have to wear a muzzle.

3 VERB If you muzzle a dog or other animal, you put a muzzle over its nose and mouth. □�[V n] He was convicted of failing to muzzle a pit bull.

4 VERB If you say that someone is muzzled , you are complaining that they are prevented from expressing their views freely. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] He complained of being muzzled by the chairman. □�[V n] She was opposed to new laws to muzzle the press.

5 N‑COUNT The muzzle of a gun is the end where the bullets come out when it is fired.

muz|zy /mʌ zi/

1 ADJ If someone feels muzzy , they are confused and unable to think clearly, usually because they are ill or have drunk too much alcohol. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 ADJ If a photograph or television picture is muzzy , it is unclear. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

MVP /e m viː piː / (MVPs ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] Journalists sometimes use MVP to talk about the player in a sports team who has performed best in a particular match or series of matches. MVP is an abbreviation for 'most valuable player'. [AM ] □� He secured the MVP award by scoring 357 points. [Also +�of ]

MW

1MW is a written abbreviation for medium wave .

2MW is a written abbreviation for megawatt .

my ◆◆◆ /ma I / My is the first person singular possessive determiner. 1 DET A speaker or writer uses my to indicate that something belongs or relates to himself or herself. □� I invited him back to my flat for a coffee. □� John's my best friend.

2 DET In conversations or in letters, my is used in front of a word like 'dear' or 'darling' to show affection. [FEELINGS ] □� Yes, of course, my darling.

3 DET My is used in phrases such as ' My God ' and ' My goodness ' to express surprise or shock. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� My God, I've never seen you so nervous. □� My goodness, Tim, you have changed!

myo|pia /ma I oʊ piə/ N‑UNCOUNT Myopia is the inability to see things properly when they are far away, because there is something wrong with your eyes. [FORMAL ]

my|op|ic /ma I ɒ p I k/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as myopic , you are critical of them because they seem unable to realize that their actions might have negative consequences. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Government still has a myopic attitude to spending.

2 ADJ If someone is myopic , they are unable to see things which are far away from them. [FORMAL ]

myri|ad /m I riəd/

1 QUANT A myriad or myriadsof people or things is a very large number or great variety of them. □�[+�of ] They face a myriad of problems bringing up children. □�[+�of ] These myriads of fish would be enough to keep any swimmer entranced for hours.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Myriad means having a large number or great variety. □� �British pop and culture in all its myriad forms.

my|self ◆◆◇ /ma I se lf/ Myself is the first person singular reflexive pronoun. 1 PRON A speaker or writer uses myself to refer to himself or herself. Myself is used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject refers to the same person. □� I asked myself what I would have done in such a situation. □� I looked at myself in the mirror.

2 PRON You use myself to emphasize a first person singular subject. In more formal English, myself is sometimes used instead of 'me' as the object of a verb or preposition, for emphasis. [EMPHASIS ] □� I myself enjoy cinema, poetry, eating out and long walks. □� I'm fond of cake myself.

3 PRON If you say something such as 'I did it myself ', you are emphasizing that you did it, rather than anyone else. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Where did you get that embroidery?'�'I made it myself.' USAGE me or myself?

Don�t use �me� when the person who is speaking is both the subject and the object of the verb. Don�t say, for example, � I got me a drink �. Say �I got myself a drink�. □� I made myself some breakfast.

mys|teri|ous /m I st I ə riəs/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is mysterious is strange and is not known about or understood. □� He died in mysterious circumstances. □� A mysterious illness confined him to bed for over a month. □� The whole thing seems very mysterious. ●� mys|teri|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� A couple of messages had mysteriously disappeared.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is mysterious about something, they deliberately do not talk much about it, sometimes because they want to make people more interested in it. □�[+�about ] As for his job�well, he was very mysterious about it. ●� mys|teri|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Asked what she meant, she said mysteriously: 'Work it out for yourself'.

mys|tery ◆◇◇ /m I stəri/ (mysteries )

1 N‑COUNT A mystery is something that is not understood or known about. □� The source of the gunshots still remains a mystery. □�[+�of ] �the mysteries of mental breakdown.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the mystery of someone or something, you are talking about how difficult they are to understand or know about, especially when this gives them a rather strange or magical quality. □� She's a lady of mystery. □� It is an elaborate ceremony, shrouded in mystery.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A mystery person or thing is one whose identity or nature is not known. □� The mystery hero immediately alerted police after spotting a bomb. □� �a mystery prize of up to �1,000.

4 N‑COUNT A mystery is a story in which strange things happen that are not explained until the end. □� His fourth novel is a murder mystery set in London. SYNONYMS mystery NOUN 1

puzzle:She was a puzzle � no one knew or understood her properly.

riddle:Scientists claimed yesterday to have solved the riddle of the birth of the Universe.

enigma:He was an enigma � his feelings hidden behind a wall of distrust.

conundrum:�this theological conundrum of the existence of evil and suffering in a world created by a good God.

mys|tic /m I st I k/ (mystics )

1 N‑COUNT A mystic is a person who practises or believes in religious mysticism. □� �an Indian mystic known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Mystic means the same as mystical . □� �mystic union with God.

mys|ti|cal /m I st I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is mystical involves spiritual powers and influences that most people do not understand. □� That was clearly a deep mystical experience.

mys|ti|cism /m I st I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Mysticism is a religious practice in which people search for truth, knowledge, and closeness to God through meditation and prayer.

mys|ti|fy /m I st I fa I / (mystifies , mystifying , mystified ) VERB If you are mystified by something, you find it impossible to explain or understand. □�[be V -ed] The audience must have been totally mystified by the plot. □�[V n] There was something strange in her attitude which mystified me. ●� mys|ti|fy|ing ADJ □� I find your attitude a little mystifying, Moira.

mys|tique /m I stiː k/ N‑SING [oft n-uncount] If there is a mystique about someone or something, they are thought to be special and people do not know much about them. □�[+�of ] His book destroyed the mystique of monarchy.

myth ◆◇◇ /m I θ/ (myths )

1 N‑VAR A myth is a well-known story which was made up in the past to explain natural events or to justify religious beliefs or social customs. □� There is a famous Greek myth in which Icarus flew too near to the Sun.

2 N‑VAR If you describe a belief or explanation as a myth , you mean that many people believe it but it is actually untrue. □� Contrary to the popular myth, women are not reckless spendthrifts.

myth|ic /m I θ I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone or something that is mythic exists only in myths and is therefore imaginary. [LITERARY ] □� �the mythic figure of King Arthur.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as mythic , you mean that they have become very famous or important. □� �a team whose reputation has achieved mythic proportions.

mythi|cal /m I θ I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something or someone that is mythical exists only in myths and is therefore imaginary. □� �the Hydra, the mythical beast that had seven or more heads.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as mythical , you mean that it is untrue or does not exist. □� �the American West, not the mythical, romanticized West of cowboys and gunslingers, but the real West.

my|thol|ogy /m I θɒ lədʒi/ (mythologies )

1 N‑VAR Mythology is a group of myths, especially all the myths from a particular country, religion, or culture. □� In Greek mythology, the god Zeus took the form of a swan to seduce Leda. □� This is well illustrated in the mythologies of many cultures. ●� mytho|logi|cal /m I θəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �the mythological beast that was part lion and part goat.

2 N‑VAR You can use mythology to refer to the beliefs or opinions that people have about something, when you think that they are false or untrue. □� �the mythology of corporate marketing.

Nn

N , n /e n/ (N's, n's )

1 N‑VAR N is the fourteenth letter of the English alphabet.

2N or n is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with N or n, such as 'north', 'northern', or 'noun'.

'n' / ə n/ CONJ The word 'and' is sometimes written as 'n' between certain pairs of words, as in 'rock 'n' roll'. [INFORMAL ] □� �a country 'n' western song. □� �a fish 'n' chips restaurant.

N.A. also n/a CONVENTION N.A. is a written abbreviation for not applicable or not available .

naan /nɑː n/ (naans ) also nan N‑VAR Naan or naan bread is a type of bread that comes in a large, round, flat piece and is usually eaten with Indian food.

nab /n� b/ (nabs , nabbing , nabbed ) VERB If people in authority such as the police nab someone who they think has done something wrong, they catch them or arrest them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He killed 12 people before the authorities finally nabbed him. □�[get V -ed] Soon he was back in the armed robbery business. Again, he got nabbed.

na|dir /ne I d I ə r , [AM ] -dər/

1 N‑SING [usu with poss] The nadir of something such as someone's career or the history of an organization is its worst time. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] 1945 to 1946 was the nadir of Truman's presidency.

2 N‑SING In astronomy, the nadir is the point at which the sun or moon is directly below you, on the other side of the earth. Compare zenith . [TECHNICAL ]

naff /n� f/ (naffer , naffest ) ADJ If you say that something is naff , you mean it is very unfashionable or unsophisticated. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The music's really naff. □� �naff 'his and hers' matching outfits.

nag /n� g/ (nags , nagging , nagged )

1 VERB If someone nags you, they keep asking you to do something you have not done yet or do not want to do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] The more Sarah nagged her, the more stubborn Cissie became. □�[V n to-inf] My girlfriend nagged me to cut my hair. □�[V n +�about ] She had stopped nagging him about never being home. □�[V n +�into ] �children nagging their parents into buying things. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT A nag is someone who nags. □�[+�about ] Aunt Molly is a nag about regular meals. ●� nag|ging N‑UNCOUNT □� Her endless nagging drove him away from home.

2 VERB If something such as a doubt or worry nagsat you, or nags you, it keeps worrying you. □�[V +�at ] He could be wrong about her. The feeling nagged at him. □�[V n] �the anxiety that had nagged Amy all through lunch. □�[V ] Something was nagging in the back of his mind.

nag|ging /n� g I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A nagging pain is not very severe but is difficult to cure. □� He complained of a nagging pain between his shoulder blades.

2 →�see also nag

nail /ne I l/ (nails , nailing , nailed )

1 N‑COUNT A nail is a thin piece of metal with one pointed end and one flat end. You hit the flat end with a hammer in order to push the nail into something such as a wall. □� A mirror hung on a nail above the washstand.

2 VERB If you nail something somewhere, you fix it there using one or more nails. □�[V n prep/adv] Frank put the first plank down and nailed it in place. □�[V n with adj] They nail shut the front door.

3 N‑COUNT Your nails are the thin hard parts that grow at the ends of your fingers and toes. □� Keep your nails short and your hands clean.

4 VERB To nail someone means to catch them and prove that they have been breaking the law. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�for ] The prosecution still managed to nail him for robberies at the homes of leading industrialists.

5 VERB If you nail something, you do it extremely well or successfully. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] She had nailed the art of making us laugh. □�[V it ] He tried, but I'm not sure he totally nailed it.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is as hard as nails , you mean that they are extremely tough and aggressive, either physically or in their attitude towards other people or other situations. □� He's a shrewd businessman and hard as nails.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone has hit the nail on the head , you think they are exactly right about something. □� 'I think it would civilize people if they had decent conditions.'�'I think you've hit the nail on the head.'

8a nail in the coffin →�see coffin

9to fight tooth and nail →�see tooth

▸� nail down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you nail down something unknown or uncertain, you find out exactly what it is. □�[V P n] It would be useful if you could nail down the source of this tension. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you nail down an agreement, you manage to reach a firm agreement with a definite result. □�[V P n] The two leaders met to try to nail down the elusive accord. [Also V n P ]

nai l-biting ADJ If you describe something such as a story or a sports match as nail-biting , you mean that it makes you feel very excited or nervous because you do not know how it is going to end. □� He had a perfect, nail-biting climax to his story.

nai l bomb (nail bombs ) N‑COUNT A nail bomb is a bomb which contains nails that are intended to cause a lot of damage and injury when the bomb goes off.

nai l brush (nail brushes ) also nailbrush N‑COUNT A nail brush is a small brush that you use to clean your nails when washing your hands.

nai l file (nail files ) also nailfile N‑COUNT A nail file is a small strip of rough metal or card that you rub across the ends of your nails to shorten them or shape them.

nai l pol|ish /ne I l pɒl I ʃ/ (nail polishes ) N‑VAR Nail polish is a thick liquid that women paint on their nails.

nai l scis|sors also nail-scissors N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Nail scissors are small scissors that you use for cutting your nails. □� Mishka got some nail scissors and started carefully trimming his fingernails.

nai l var|nish (nail varnishes ) N‑VAR Nail varnish is the same as nail polish . [BRIT ] in AM, use nail polish

na|ive /na I iː v, [AM ] nɑː-/ also na�ve ADJ [ADJ to-inf] If you describe someone as naive , you think they lack experience and so expect things to be easy or people to be honest or kind. □� It's naive to think that teachers are always tolerant. □� �naive idealists. □� Their view was that he had been politically naive. ●� na|ive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� �naively assuming that they would be protected by local development plans. □� I thought, naively, that this would be a nine-to-five job. ●� na|ive|ty /na I iː v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� I was alarmed by his naivety and ignorance of international affairs.

na|ked /ne I k I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] Someone who is naked is not wearing any clothes. □� Her naked body was found wrapped in a sheet in a field. □� The hot paving stones scorched my naked feet. □� They stripped me naked. □� He stood naked in front of me. ●� na|ked|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] □� He had pulled the blanket over his body to hide his nakedness.

2 →�see also stark naked

3 ADJ If an animal or part of an animal is naked , it has no fur or feathers on it. □� The nest contained eight little mice that were naked and blind.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe an object as naked when it does not have its normal covering. □� �a naked bulb dangling in a bare room.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use naked to describe unpleasant or violent actions and behaviour which are not disguised or hidden in any way. [JOURNALISM ] □� Naked aggression and an attempt to change frontiers by force could not go unchallenged.

6 PHRASE If you say that something cannot be seen bythe naked eye , you mean that it cannot be seen without the help of equipment such as a telescope or microscope. □� There's so much going on that you can't see with the naked eye.

name ◆◆◆ /ne I m/ (names , naming , named )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The name of a person, place, or thing is the word or group of words that is used to identify them. □� 'What's his name?'�'Peter.' □� I don't even know if Sullivan's his real name. □� They changed the name of the street.

2 VERB When you name someone or something, you give them a name, usually at the beginning of their life. □�[V n n] My mother insisted on naming me Horace. □�[V -ed] �a man named John T. Benson.

3 VERB If you name someone or something after another person or thing, you give them the same name as that person or thing. □�[V n +�after ] Why have you not named any of your sons after yourself? [Also V n +�for ]

4 VERB If you name someone, you identify them by stating their name. □�[V n] It's nearly thirty years since a journalist was jailed for refusing to name a source. □�[be V -ed +�as ] One of the victims of the weekend's snowstorm has been named as twenty-year-old John Barr.

5 VERB If you name something such as a price, time, or place, you say what you want it to be. □�[V n] Call Marty, tell him to name his price.

6 VERB If you name the person for a particular job, you say who you want to have the job. □�[V n] The England manager will be naming a new captain. □�[be V -ed +�as ] When the chairman retired, McGovern was named as his successor. □�[be V -ed n] Early in 1941 he was named commander of the Afrika Korps. [Also V n +�as , V n n]

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to the reputation of a person or thing as their name . □�[+�for ] He had a name for good judgement. □� She's never had any drug problems or done anything to give jazz a bad name.

8 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] You can refer to someone as, for example, a famous name or a great name when they are well-known. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�in ] �some of the most famous names in modelling and show business.

9 →�see also assumed name , big name , brand name , Christian name , code name , first name , given name , maiden name , middle name , pet name

10 PHRASE If something is in someone's name , it officially belongs to them or is reserved for them. □� The house is in my husband's name. □� A double room had been reserved for him in the name of Muller.

11 PHRASE If someone does something in the name of a group of people, they do it as the representative of that group. □� In the United States the majority governs in the name of the people.

12 PHRASE If you do something in the name of an ideal or an abstract thing, you do it in order to preserve or promote that thing. □� A political leader risked his own power in the name of the greater public good.

13 PHRASE People sometimes use expressions such as ' in the name of heaven' or ' in the name of humanity' to add emphasis to a question or request. [EMPHASIS ] □� What in the name of heaven's going on? □� In the name of humanity, I ask the government to reappraise this important issue.

14 PHRASE When you mention someone or something by name , or address someone by name , you use their name. □� He greets customers by name and enquires about their health.

15 PHRASE You can use by name or by the name of when you are saying what someone is called. [FORMAL ] □� Canute did have a son, Harthacanute by name. □� This guy, Jack Smith, does he go by the name of Jackal?

16 PHRASE If someone calls you names , they insult you by saying unpleasant things to you or about you. □� At my last school they called me names because I was so slow. □� They had called her rude names.

17 PHRASE If you say that something is the name of the game , you mean that it is the most important aspect of a situation. [INFORMAL ] □� The name of the game is survival.

18 PHRASE If you make a name foryourself or make your nameas something, you become well-known for that thing. □�[+�as ] She was beginning to make a name for herself as a portrait photographer. □� He made his name with several collections of short stories.

19 PHRASE If you name names , you identify the people who have done something, often something wrong. □� Nobody was prepared to risk prosecution by actually naming names.

20 PHRASE If something such as a newspaper or an official body names and shames people who have performed badly or who have done something wrong, it identifies those people by name. □� The government will also name and shame the worst performing airlines.

21 PHRASE You say you name it , usually after or before a list, to indicate that you are talking about a very wide range of things. □� I also enjoy windsurfing, tennis, racquetball, swimming, you name it.

name|check /ne I mtʃek/ (namechecks , namechecking , namechecked ) also name-check N‑COUNT If someone gets a namecheck in something such as an article or interview, their name is mentioned in it. □�[+�in ] She has had many credits and name-checks in American Vogue. ●�VERB Namecheck is also a verb. □�[V n] Several bands have namechecked him in interviews.

na me-drop (name-drops , name-dropping , name-dropped ) VERB If you say that someone name-drops , you disapprove of them referring to famous people they have met in order to impress people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] The assistant carried on talking to his mate, name-dropping all the famous riders he knew. □�[V ] I must stop saying everyone famous is a good friend. It sounds as if I'm name-dropping. ●� name-dropping N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�with ] One can do a lot of name-dropping with names of the school's parents. President Nixon sent his daughters there.

name|less /ne I mləs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You describe people or things as nameless when you do not know their name or when they do not have a name. □� They can have their cases rejected, without reasons being given, by nameless officials.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone or something will remainnameless , you mean that you will not mention their name, often because you do not want to embarrass them. □� A local friend who shall be nameless warned me that I was in for trouble soon.

name|ly /ne I mli/ ADV [ADV n] You use namely to introduce detailed information about the subject you are discussing, or a particular aspect of it. □� One group of people seems to be forgotten, namely pensioners. □� They were hardly aware of the challenge facing them, namely, to re-establish prosperity.

name|plate /ne I mple I t/ (nameplates ) also name-plate N‑COUNT A nameplate is a sign on a door, wall, or desk which shows the name of the person or organization that occupies a particular place.

name|sake /ne I mse I k/ (namesakes ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's or something's namesake has the same name as they do. [WRITTEN ] □� He is putting together a four-man team, including his son and namesake Tony 0'Reilly Jnr. □� Notre-Dame Cathedral in Senlis is less famous than its namesake in Paris.

nan /n� n/ (nans )

1 N‑COUNT Some people refer to their grandmother as their nan . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I was brought up by my nan.

2 →�see also naan

nan|dro|lone /n� ndrəloʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT Nandrolone is type of drug that can improve performance in sports and is used illegally by some sportspeople.

nan|ny /n� ni/ (nannies ) N‑COUNT A nanny is a woman who is paid by parents to look after their child or children.

nan|ny|ing /n� ni I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Nannying is the job of being a nanny. [mainly BRIT ] □� �low-paid jobs such as nannying.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to activities such as helping and advising people as nannying , you disapprove of these activities because you think that they are protecting people too much. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �governmental nannying and interference in markets.

na n|ny sta te N‑SING If you refer to the government as thenanny state , you disapprove of it because you think it tries to protect its citizens too much and makes them rely on the state too much. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The tussle to free the individual from the nanny state is still far from won.

nano|tech|nol|ogy /n� noʊteknɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Nanotechnology is the science of making or working with things that are so small that they can only be seen using a powerful microscope.

nap /n� p/ (naps , napping , napped )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a nap , you have a short sleep, usually during the day. □� Use your lunch hour to have a nap in your chair. □� I might take a little nap.

2 VERB If you nap , you sleep for a short period of time, usually during the day. □�[V ] An elderly person may nap during the day and then sleep only five hours a night.

3 N‑SING The nap of a carpet or of a cloth such as velvet is the top layer of short threads, which usually lie smoothly in one direction.

4 PHRASE If someone is caught napping , something happens when they are not prepared for it, although they should have been. [INFORMAL ] □� The security services were clearly caught napping.

na|palm /ne I pɑːm/ (napalms , napalming , napalmed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Napalm is a substance containing petrol which is used to make bombs that burn people, buildings, and plants. □� The government has consistently denied using napalm.

2 VERB If people napalm other people or places, they attack and burn them using napalm. □�[V n] Why napalm a village now?

nape /ne I p/ (napes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The nape of your neck is the back of it. □�[+�of ] �the way that his hair grew at the nape of his neck.

nap|kin /n� pk I n/ (napkins ) N‑COUNT A napkin is a square of cloth or paper that you use when you are eating to protect your clothes, or to wipe your mouth or hands. □� She was taking tiny bites of a hot dog and daintily wiping her lips with a napkin.

na p|kin ring (napkin rings ) N‑COUNT A napkin ring is a ring-shaped object which is used to hold a rolled-up napkin.

nap|py /n� pi/ (nappies ) N‑COUNT A nappy is a piece of soft thick cloth or paper which is fastened round a baby's bottom in order to soak up its urine and faeces. [BRIT ] in AM, use diaper

na p|py rash N‑UNCOUNT If a baby has nappy rash , the skin under its nappy is red and sore. [BRIT ] in AM, use diaper rash

nar|cis|si /nɑː r s I sa I / narcissi is a plural form of narcissus .

nar|cis|sism /nɑː r s I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Narcissism is the habit of always thinking about yourself and admiring yourself. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Those who suffer from narcissism become self-absorbed or chronic show-offs.

nar|cis|sis|tic /nɑː r s I s I st I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as narcissistic , you disapprove of them because they think about themselves a lot and admire themselves too much. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was insufferable at times�self-centred and narcissistic.

nar|cis|sus /nɑː r s I səs/ (narcissi or narcissus ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Narcissi are plants which have yellow or white flowers with cone-shaped centres that appear in the spring.

PREFIX narco-

is added to words to form new words that relate to illegal narcotics. For example, narco-trafficking is the buying and selling of illegal drugs.

nar|co|lep|sy /nɑː r kəlepsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Narcolepsy is a rare medical condition. It causes people who suffer from it to fall into a deep sleep at any time without any warning.

nar|cot|ic /nɑː r kɒ t I k/ (narcotics )

1 N‑COUNT Narcotics are drugs such as opium or heroin which make you sleepy and stop you feeling pain. You can also use narcotics , especially in American English, to mean any kind of illegal drug. □� He was indicted for dealing in narcotics.

2 ADJ If something, especially a drug, has a narcotic effect, it makes the person who uses it feel sleepy. □� �hormones that have a narcotic effect on the immune system.

narked /nɑː r kt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is narked is annoyed about something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He's probably narked because he didn't see the ad himself.

nar|rate /nəre I t, [AM ] n� re I t/ (narrates , narrating , narrated )

1 VERB If you narrate a story, you tell it from your own point of view. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The book is narrated by Richard Papen, a Californian boy. ●� nar|ra|tion /nəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Its story-within-a-story method of narration is confusing. ●� nar|ra|tor /nəre I tə r , [AM ] n� re I t-/ (narrators ) N‑COUNT □� Jules, the story's narrator, is an actress in her late thirties.

2 VERB The person who narrates a film or programme speaks the words which accompany the pictures, but does not appear in it. □�[V n] She also narrated a documentary about the Kirov Ballet School. [Also V ] ●� nar|ra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� As the crew gets back from lunch, we can put your narration on it right away. ●� nar|ra|tor (narrators ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �the narrator of the documentary.

nar|ra|tive /n� rət I v/ (narratives )

1 N‑COUNT A narrative is a story or an account of a series of events. □� �a fast-moving narrative. □� Sloan began his narrative with the day of the murder.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Narrative is the description of a series of events, usually in a novel. □� Neither author was very strong on narrative. □� �Nye's simple narrative style.

nar|row ◆◆◇ /n� roʊ/ (narrower , narrowest , narrows , narrowing , narrowed )

1 ADJ Something that is narrow measures a very small distance from one side to the other, especially compared to its length or height. □� �through the town's narrow streets. □� She had long, narrow feet. □� �the narrow strip of land joining the peninsula to the rest of the island. ●� nar|row|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the narrowness of the river mouth.

2 VERB If something narrows , it becomes less wide. □�[V ] The wide track narrows before crossing another stream.

3 VERB If your eyes narrow or if you narrow your eyes, you almost close them, for example because you are angry or because you are trying to concentrate on something. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] Coggins' eyes narrowed angrily. 'You think I'd tell you?' □�[V n] He paused and narrowed his eyes in concentration.

4 ADJ If you describe someone's ideas, attitudes, or beliefs as narrow , you disapprove of them because they are restricted in some way, and often ignore the more important aspects of an argument or situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a narrow and outdated view of family life. ●� nar|row|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj] □� They're making judgments based on a narrowly focused vision of the world. ●� nar|row|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the narrowness of their mental and spiritual outlook.

5 VERB If something narrows or if you narrow it, its extent or range becomes smaller. □�[V ] Most recent opinion polls suggest that the gap between the two main parties has narrowed. □�[V n] Negotiators narrowed their differences over federal spending for anti-drug programs. ●� nar|row|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] �a narrowing of the gap between rich members and poor.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a narrow victory, you succeed in winning but only by a small amount. □� Delegates have voted by a narrow majority in favour of considering electoral reform. ●� nar|row|ly ADV □� She narrowly failed to win enough votes. ●� nar|row|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The narrowness of the government's victory reflected deep division within the Party.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have a narrow escape, something unpleasant nearly happens to you. □� Two police officers had a narrow escape when separatists attacked their vehicles. ●� nar|row|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Five firefighters narrowly escaped death when a staircase collapsed beneath their feet.

8on the straight and narrow →�see straight

▸� narrow down PHRASAL VERB If you narrow down a range of things, you reduce the number of things included in it. □�[V P n] What's happened is that the new results narrow down the possibilities. □�[V n P +�to ] I've managed to narrow the list down to twenty-three. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS narrow ADJ 1

thin:A thin cable carries the signal to a computer.

fine:The heat scorched the fine hairs on her arms.

slender:He gazed at her slender neck.

na r|row boat (narrow boats ) also narrowboat N‑COUNT A narrow boat is a long, low boat used on canals. [BRIT ]

nar|row|ly /n� roʊli/

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you look at someone narrowly , you look at them in a concentrated way, often because you think they are not giving you full information about something. □� He grimaced and looked narrowly at his colleague.

2 →�see also narrow

na rrow-mi nded ADJ If you describe someone as narrow-minded , you are criticizing them because they are unwilling to consider new ideas or other people's opinions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a narrow-minded bigot. ●� narrow-mindedness N‑UNCOUNT □� It is unbelievable that as a result of this narrow-mindedness a group of people should suffer.

NASA /n� sə/ N‑PROPER NASA is the American government organization concerned with spacecraft and space travel. NASA is an abbreviation for 'National Aeronautics and Space Administration'.

na|sal /ne I z ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Nasal is used to describe things relating to the nose and the functions it performs. □� �inflamed nasal passages. □� �nasal decongestant sprays.

2 ADJ If someone's voice is nasal , it sounds as if air is passing through their nose as well as their mouth while they are speaking. □� She talked in a deep nasal monotone.

nas|cent /ne I s ə nt/ ADJ [ADJ n] Nascent things or processes are just beginning, and are expected to become stronger or to grow bigger. [FORMAL ] □� �Kenya's nascent democracy. □� �the still nascent science of psychology.

na|stur|tium /n�stɜː r ʃəm/ (nasturtiums ) N‑COUNT Nasturtiums are low plants with large round leaves and orange, red, and yellow flowers.

nas|ty /nɑː sti, n� sti/ (nastier , nastiest )

1 ADJ Something that is nasty is very unpleasant to see, experience, or feel. □� �an extremely nasty murder. □� Now the dispute seems to have turned nasty. ●� nas|ti|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the nastiness of war.

2 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as nasty , you mean that they behave in an unkind and unpleasant way. □� What nasty little snobs you all are. □� The guards looked really nasty. □� She is so nasty to me when my brother isn't here. ●� nas|ti|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She took the money and eyed me nastily. □� Nikki laughed nastily. ●� nas|ti|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� As the years went by, his nastiness began to annoy his readers.

3 ADJ If you describe something as nasty , you mean it is unattractive, undesirable, or in bad taste. □� �Emily's nasty little house in Balham. □� That damned Farrel made some nasty jokes here about Mr. Lane.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A nasty problem or situation is very worrying and difficult to deal with. □� A spokesman said this firm action had defused a very nasty situation.

5 ADJ If you describe an injury or a disease as nasty , you mean that it is serious or looks unpleasant. □� Lili had a nasty chest infection.

natch /n� tʃ/ ADV Natch is used to indicate that a particular fact or event is what you would expect and not at all surprising. [mainly JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □� Ina is a bad girl so, natch, ends up in prison.

na|tion ◆◆◆ /ne I ʃ ə n/ (nations )

1 N‑COUNT A nation is an individual country considered together with its social and political structures. □� Such policies would require unprecedented cooperation between nations. □� �Nigeria, by far the most populous of African nations.

2 N‑SING Thenation is sometimes used to refer to all the people who live in a particular country. [JOURNALISM ] □� It was a story that touched the nation's heart. COLLOCATIONS nation NOUN

1

noun +�nation : eurozone, member, sovereign; host; island

adjective +�nation : developing, industrial, populous, rich; African, Arab, European, Western; footballing

verb +�nation : lead, represent

2

adjective +�nation : entire, whole

verb +�nation : divide, unite; grip, shock SYNONYMS nation NOUN 1

country:Indonesia is the fifth most populous country in the world.

state:Mexico is a secular state.

kingdom:The kingdom's power declined.

land:�this land of free speech.

na|tion|al ◆◆◆ /n� ʃən ə l/ (nationals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] National means relating to the whole of a country or nation rather than to part of it or to other nations. □� Ruling parties have lost ground in national and local elections. □� �major national and international issues. ●� na|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �a nationally televised speech. □� Duncan Campbell is nationally known for his investigative work.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] National means typical of the people or customs of a particular country or nation. □� �the national characteristics and history of the country. □� Baseball is the national pastime.

3 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You can refer to someone who is legally a citizen of a country as a national of that country. □� �a Sri-Lankan-born British national.

na |tion|al a n|them (national anthems ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A national anthem is a nation's official song which is played or sung on public occasions.

Na |tion|al Cur|ri cu|lum N‑PROPER The National Curriculum is the course of study that most school pupils in England and Wales are meant to follow between the ages of 5 and 16.

na |tion|al go v|ern|ment (national governments ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A national government is a government with members from more than one political party, especially one that is formed during a crisis. [mainly BRIT ]

Na |tion|al Gua rd (National Guards ) N‑COUNT In the United States, theNational Guard is a military force within an individual state, which can become part of the national army if there is a war or emergency. □� �the leader of the Arkansas National Guard.

Na |tion|al Gua rds|man (National Guardsmen ) N‑COUNT A National Guardsman is a member of the National Guard in the United States.

Na |tion|al Hea lth Ser|vice N‑PROPER In Britain, theNational Health Service is the state system for providing medical care. It is paid for by taxes. □� An increasing number of these treatments are now available on the National Health Service.

na |tion|al in|su r|ance N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, national insurance is the state system of paying money to people who are ill, unemployed, or retired. It is financed by money that the government collects from people who work, or from their employers. [BUSINESS ]

na|tion|al|ise /n� ʃənəla I z/ →�see nationalize

na|tion|al|ism /n� ʃənəl I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Nationalism is the desire for political independence of people who feel they are historically or culturally a separate group within a country. □� �the rising tide of nationalism.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to a person's great love for their nation as nationalism . It is often associated with the belief that a particular nation is better than any other nation, and in this case is often used showing disapproval. □� This kind of fierce nationalism is a powerful and potentially volatile force.

na|tion|al|ist ◆◇◇ /n� ʃənəl I st/ (nationalists )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Nationalist means connected with the desire of a group of people within a country for political independence. □� The crisis has set off a wave of nationalist feelings in Quebec. ●�N‑COUNT A nationalist is someone with nationalist views. □� �demands by nationalists for an independent state.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Nationalist means connected with a person's great love for their nation. It is often associated with the belief that their nation is better than any other nation, and in this case is often used showing disapproval. □� Political life has been infected by growing nationalist sentiment. ●�N‑COUNT A nationalist is someone with nationalist views. □� �the small band of nationalists who reject imported American culture and Western-style politics.

na|tion|al|is|tic /n� ʃənəl I st I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as nationalistic , you mean they are very proud of their nation. They also often believe that their nation is better than any other nation, and in this case it is often used showing disapproval. □� �the nationalistic pride of the Catalan people.

na|tion|al|ity /n� ʃən� l I ti/ (nationalities )

1 N‑VAR If you have the nationality of a particular country, you were born there or have the legal right to be a citizen. □� The crew are of different nationalities and have no common language.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to people who have the same racial origins as a nationality , especially when they do not have their own independent country. □� The poor of many nationalities struggle for survival.

na|tion|al|ize /n� ʃənəla I z/ (nationalizes , nationalizing , nationalized ) in BRIT, also use nationalise VERB If a government nationalizes a private company or industry, that company or industry becomes owned by the state and controlled by the government. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] He introduced legislation to nationalize the country's banking and financial systems. ●� na|tion|ali|za|tion /n� ʃənəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (nationalizations ) N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the campaign for the nationalization of the coal mines. □� The steel workers were relatively indifferent to the issue of nationalization.

na |tion|al pa rk (national parks ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A national park is a large area of land which is protected by the government because of its natural beauty, plants, or animals, and which the public can usually visit. □� �the Masai Mara game reserve and Amboseli national park.

na |tion|al se r|vice N‑UNCOUNT National service is service in the armed forces, which young people in certain countries have to do by law. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�in ] Banks spent his national service in the Royal Navy. in AM, use selective service

na tion-building N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Journalists sometimes use nation-building to refer to government policies that are designed to create a strong sense of national identity. [JOURNALISM ] □� �calling for reconciliation and nation-building after the bitter election campaign. □� This revolutionary expansion required energetic nation-building policies.

na|tion|hood /ne I ʃ ə nhʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT A country's nationhood is its status as a nation. □� To them, the monarchy is the special symbol of nationhood.

na tion-sta te (nation-states ) also nation state N‑COUNT A nation-state is an independent state which consists of people from one particular national group. □�[+�of ] Albania is a small nation state of around 3 million people.

nation|wide /ne I ʃ ə nwa I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Nationwide activities or situations happen or exist in all parts of a country. □� The rising number of car crimes is a nationwide problem. □� �the strike by teachers which is nationwide. ●�ADV Nationwide is also an adverb. □� The figures show unemployment falling nationwide last month.

na|tive ◆◇◇ /ne I t I v/ (natives )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Your native country or area is the country or area where you were born and brought up. □� It was his first visit to his native country since 1948. □� Mother Teresa visited her native Albania.

2 N‑COUNT A native of a particular country or region is someone who was born in that country or region. □�[+�of ] Dr Aubin is a native of St Blaise. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Native is also an adjective. □� Joshua Halpern is a native Northern Californian. □�[+�to ] �men and women native to countries such as Japan.

3 N‑COUNT Some European people use native to refer to a person living in a non-Western country who belongs to the race or tribe that the majority of people there belong to. This use could cause offence. □� They used force to banish the natives from the more fertile land. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Native is also an adjective. □� Native people were allowed to retain some sense of their traditional culture and religion.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Your native language or tongue is the first language that you learned to speak when you were a child. □� She spoke not only her native language, Swedish, but also English and French. □� French is not my native tongue.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Plants or animals that are native to a particular region live or grow there naturally and were not brought there. □� �a project to create a 50 acre forest of native Caledonian pines. □�[+�to ] Many of the plants are native to Brazil. ●�N‑COUNT Native is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The coconut palm is a native of Malaysia.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A native ability or quality is one that you possess naturally without having to learn it. □� We have our native inborn talent, yet we hardly use it. SYNONYMS native ADJ 1

indigenous:�the country's indigenous population.

vernacular:The play was written in vernacular language.

original:The inhabitants have voted to restore the city's original name.

Na |tive Ame ri|can (Native Americans ) N‑COUNT Native Americans are people from any of the many groups who were already living in North America before Europeans arrived. □� The eagle is the animal most sacred to the Native Americans. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Native American is also an adjective. □� �a gathering of Native American elders.

na |tive spea k|er (native speakers ) N‑COUNT A native speaker of a language is someone who speaks that language as their first language rather than having learned it as a foreign language. □� Our programme ensures daily opportunities to practice your study language with native speakers.

Na|tiv|ity /nət I v I ti/ N‑SING The Nativity is the birth of Jesus, which is celebrated by Christians at Christmas. □� They admired the tableau of the Nativity. □� �the Nativity story.

na|ti v|ity play (nativity plays ) N‑COUNT A nativity play is a play about the birth of Jesus, usually one performed by children at Christmas time.

NATO ◆◇◇ /ne I toʊ/ N‑PROPER NATO is an international organization which consists of the USA, Canada, Britain, and other European countries, all of whom have agreed to support one another if they are attacked. NATO is an abbreviation for 'North Atlantic Treaty Organization'. □� NATO said enemy losses were 'significantly higher' than first thought.

nat|ter /n� tə r / (natters , nattering , nattered ) VERB When people natter , they talk casually for a long time about unimportant things. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V ] If something dramatic has happened during the day, we'll sit and natter about it. □�[V away/on ] Susan and the girl were still nattering away in German. □�[V +�with ] Ahead of you is a day of nattering with fellow farmers at the local market. □�[V ] You natter all day long at the hospital. □�[V +�to ] His mother would natter to anyone. ●�N‑SING Natter is also a noun. □� What's the topic of conversation when a group of new mums get together for a natter?

nat|ty /n� ti/ (nattier , nattiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe clothes, especially men's clothes, as natty , you mean that they are smart and neat. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �a natty pin stripe suit. □� Cliff was a natty dresser.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as natty , you think it is smart and cleverly designed. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �natty little houses.

natu|ral ◆◆◇ /n� tʃərəl/ (naturals )

1 ADJ If you say that it is natural for someone to act in a particular way or for something to happen in that way, you mean that it is reasonable in the circumstances. □�[+�for ] It is only natural for youngsters to crave the excitement of driving a fast car. □� A period of depression can be a perfectly natural response to certain aspects of life.

2 ADJ Natural behaviour is shared by all people or all animals of a particular type and has not been learned. □� �the insect's natural instinct to feed. □� Anger is the natural reaction we experience when we feel threatened or frustrated.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone with a natural ability or skill was born with that ability and did not have to learn it. □� She has a natural ability to understand the motives of others. □� He had a natural flair for business.

4 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is anatural , you mean that they do something very well and very easily. □�[+�with ] He's a natural with any kind of engine. □� She proved to be a natural on camera.

5 ADJ If someone's behaviour is natural , they appear to be relaxed and are not trying to hide anything. □� Bethan's sister was as friendly and natural as the rest of the family. ●� natu|ral|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� �people behaving naturally, not posing for the camera. □� You feel you can talk quite naturally to her. ●� natu|ral|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The critics praised the reality of the scenery and the naturalness of the acting.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Natural things exist or occur in nature and are not made or caused by people. □� It has called the typhoon the worst natural disaster in South Korea in many years. □� The gigantic natural harbour of Poole is a haven for boats. ●� natu|ral|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Nitrates are chemicals that occur naturally in water and the soil.

7 PHRASE If someone dies of or fromnatural causes , they die because they are ill or old rather than because of an accident or violence. □� According to the Home Office, your brother died of natural causes.

na tu|ral chi ld|birth N‑UNCOUNT If a woman gives birth by natural childbirth , she is not given any drugs to relieve her pain or to send her to sleep.

na tu|ral ga s N‑UNCOUNT Natural gas is gas which is found underground or under the sea. It is collected and stored, and piped into people's homes to be used for cooking and heating.

na tu|ral hi s|to|ry N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Natural history is the study of animals and plants and other living things. □� Schools regularly bring children to the beach for natural history lessons.

natu|ral|ise /n� tʃərəla I z/ →�see naturalize

natu|ral|ism /n� tʃərəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Naturalism is a theory in art and literature which states that people and things should be shown in a realistic way.

natu|ral|ist /n� tʃərəl I st/ (naturalists ) N‑COUNT A naturalist is a person who studies plants, animals, insects, and other living things.

natu|ral|is|tic /n� tʃərəl I st I k/

1 ADJ Naturalistic art or writing tries to show people and things in a realistic way. □� These drawings are among his most naturalistic.

2 ADJ Naturalistic means resembling something that exists or occurs in nature. □� Further research is needed under rather more naturalistic conditions.

natu|ral|ize /n� tʃərəla I z/ (naturalizes , naturalizing , naturalized ) in BRIT, also use naturalise1 VERB To naturalize a species of plant means to start it growing in an area where it is not usually found. If a plant naturalizes in an area where it was not found before, it starts to grow there naturally. □�[V n] A friend sent me a root from Mexico, and I hope to naturalize it. □�[V ] The plant naturalises well in grass.

2 VERB If the government of a country naturalizes someone, they allow a person who was not born in that country to become a citizen of it. □�[V n] No one expects the Baltic states to naturalise young Russian soldiers, but army pensioners can be given citizenship. ●� natu|rali|za|tion /n� tʃərəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� They swore their allegiance to the U.S.A. and received their naturalization papers.

3 →�see also naturalized

natu|ral|ized /n� tʃərəla I zd/ in BRIT, also use naturalised ADJ [ADJ n] A naturalized citizen of a particular country is someone who has legally become a citizen of that country, although they were not born there.

natu|ral|ly ◆◇◇ /n� tʃərəli/

1 ADV [ADV before v, ADV adj] You use naturally to indicate that you think something is very obvious and not at all surprising in the circumstances. □� When things go wrong, all of us naturally feel disappointed and frustrated. □� Naturally these comings and goings excited some curiosity. □� He had been stunned and, naturally, deeply upset.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If one thing develops naturally from another, it develops as a normal consequence or result of it. □� A study of yoga leads naturally to meditation.

3 ADV [ADV adj] You can use naturally to talk about a characteristic of someone's personality when it is the way that they normally act. □� He has a lively sense of humour and appears naturally confident.

4 ADV [ADV adj] If someone is naturally good at something, they learn it easily and quickly and do it very well. □� Some individuals are naturally good communicators.

5 PHRASE If something comes naturallyto you, you find it easy to do and quickly become good at it. □� With football, it was just something that came naturally to me. SYNONYMS naturally ADV

1

obviously:Obviously, they've had sponsorship from some big companies.

of course:Of course, there were lots of other interesting things at the exhibition.

certainly:Certainly, pets can help children develop friendship skills.

4

inherently:Aeroplanes are not inherently dangerous.

instinctively:Jane instinctively knew all was not well with her 10-month-old son.

innately:I believe everyone is innately psychic.

na tu|ral re|sou rces N‑PLURAL Natural resources are all the land, forests, energy sources and minerals existing naturally in a place that can be used by people. □� Angola was a country rich in natural resources.

na tu|ral se|le c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Natural selection is a process by which species of animals and plants that are best adapted to their environment survive and reproduce, while those that are less well adapted die out. □� Natural selection ensures only the fittest survive to pass their genes on to the next generation.

na tu|ral wa st|age N‑UNCOUNT Natural wastage is the process of employees leaving their jobs because they want to retire or move to other jobs, rather than because their employer makes them leave. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� The company hopes the job cuts will be made through natural wastage and voluntary redundancy. in AM, usually use attrition

na|ture ◆◆◇ /ne I tʃə r / (natures )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Nature is all the animals, plants, and other things in the world that are not made by people, and all the events and processes that are not caused by people. □� �grasses that grow wild in nature. □� �the ecological balance of nature.

2 →�see also Mother Nature

3 N‑SING [oft n N , oft by/in N ] The nature of something is its basic quality or character. □�[+�of ] Mr Sharp would not comment on the nature of the issues being investigated. □�[+�of ] �the ambitious nature of the programme. □� The rise of a major power is both economic and military in nature.

4 N‑SING [with poss, oft by N ] Someone's nature is their character, which they show by the way they behave. □� Jeya feels that her ambitious nature made her unsuitable for an arranged marriage. □� She trusted people. That was her nature. □� He was by nature affectionate.

5 →�see also human nature

6 PHRASE If you want to get back to nature , you want to return to a simpler way of living. □� She was very anxious to get away from cities and back to nature.

7 PHRASE If you say that something has a particular characteristic by its nature or by its very nature , you mean that things of that type always have that characteristic. □� Peacekeeping, by its nature, makes pre-planning difficult. □� One could argue that smoking, by its very nature, is addictive.

8 PHRASE Some people talk about acall of nature when referring politely to the need to go to the toilet. [POLITENESS ] □� I'm afraid I have to answer a call of nature.

9 PHRASE If you say that something is in the nature of things , you mean that you would expect it to happen in the circumstances mentioned. □� Many have already died, and in the nature of things many more will die.

10 PHRASE If you say that one thing is in the nature of another, you mean that it is like the other thing. □� It was in the nature of a debate rather than an argument.

11 PHRASE If a way of behaving is second natureto you, you do it almost without thinking because it is easy for you or obvious to you. □� Planning ahead had always come as second nature to her. □� It's not easy at first, but it soon becomes second nature. SYNONYMS nature NOUN

3

quality:�the pretentious quality of the poetry.

characteristics:Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing.

attribute:Cruelty is a normal attribute of human behaviour.

4

character:Perhaps there is a negative side to his character that you haven't seen yet.

personality:He has such a kind, friendly personality.

temperament:His impulsive temperament regularly got him into difficulties.

na |ture study N‑UNCOUNT Nature study is the study of animals and plants by looking at them directly, for example when it is taught to young children.

na |ture trail (nature trails ) N‑COUNT A nature trail is a route through an area of countryside which has signs drawing attention to interesting animals, plants, or rocks.

na|tur|ism /ne I tʃər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Naturism is the same as nudism . [mainly BRIT ] ●� na|tur|ist (naturists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] □� �a naturist beach.

naught /nɔː t/ →�see nought

naugh|ty /nɔː ti/ (naughtier , naughtiest )

1 ADJ If you say that a child is naughty , you mean that they behave badly or do not do what they are told. □� Girls, you're being very naughty. □� You naughty boy, you gave me such a fright.

2 ADJ You can describe books, pictures, or words as naughty when they are slightly rude or related to sex. □� You know what little boys are like with naughty words. □� �saucy TV shows, crammed full of naughty innuendo.

nau|sea /nɔː ziə/ N‑UNCOUNT Nausea is the condition of feeling sick and the feeling that you are going to vomit. □� I was overcome with a feeling of nausea.

nau|seam /nɔː zi�m/ →�see ad nauseam

nau|seate /nɔː zie I t/ (nauseates , nauseating , nauseated ) VERB If something nauseates you, it makes you feel as if you are going to vomit. □�[V n] The smell of frying nauseated her. □�[V -ed] She could not eat anything without feeling nauseated.

nau|seat|ing /nɔː zie I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone's attitude or their behaviour as nauseating , you mean that you find it extremely unpleasant and feel disgusted by it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The judge described the offences as nauseating and unspeakable. □� For them to attack the Liberals for racism is nauseating hypocrisy.

nau|seous /nɔː ziəs, [AM ] -ʃəs/ ADJ If you feel nauseous , you feel as if you want to vomit. □� If the patient is poorly nourished, the drugs make them feel nauseous. □� A nauseous wave of pain broke over her.

nau|ti|cal /nɔː t I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Nautical means relating to ships and sailing. □� �a nautical chart of the region you sail.

nau |ti|cal mi le (nautical miles ) N‑COUNT A nautical mile is a unit of measurement used at sea. It is equal to 1852 metres.

na|val ◆◇◇ /ne I v ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Naval means belonging to, relating to, or involving a country's navy. □� He was the senior serving naval officer. □� �a U.S. naval base.

nave /ne I v/ (naves ) N‑COUNT The nave of a church is the long central part where people gather to worship.

na|vel /ne I v ə l/ (navels ) N‑COUNT Your navel is the small hollow just below your waist at the front of your body.

na vel-gazing N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to an activity as navel-gazing , you are critical of it because people are thinking about something for a long time but take no action on it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She dismisses the reform process as an exercise in collective navel gazing.

navi|gable /n� v I gəb ə l/ ADJ A navigable river is wide and deep enough for a boat to travel along safely. [FORMAL ] □� �the navigable portion of the Nile.

navi|gate /n� v I ge I t/ (navigates , navigating , navigated )

1 VERB When someone navigates a ship or an aircraft somewhere, they decide which course to follow and steer it there. You can also say that a ship or an aircraft navigates somewhere. □�[V n] Captain Cook safely navigated his ship without accident for 100 voyages. □�[V prep/adv] The purpose of the visit was to navigate into an ice-filled fiord. □�[V ] The system will enable aircraft to navigate with pinpoint accuracy. ●� navi|ga|tion /n� v I ge I ʃ ə n/ (navigations ) N‑VAR □� The expedition was wrecked by bad planning and poor navigation. □� �the boat's navigation system.

2 VERB When a ship or boat navigates an area of water, it sails on or across it. □�[V n] �a lock system to allow sea-going craft to navigate the upper reaches of the river. □�[V prep] Such boats can navigate on the Nile.

3 VERB When someone in a car navigates , they decide what roads the car should be driven along in order to get somewhere. □�[V ] When travelling on fast roads at night, it is impossible to drive and navigate at the same time. □�[V prep/adv] �the relief at successfully navigating across the Golden Gate Bridge to arrive here. □�[V n prep] They had just navigated their way through Maidstone on their way to the coast. [Also V n]

4 VERB When fish, animals, or insects navigate somewhere, they find the right direction to go and travel there. □�[V adv/prep] In tests, the bees navigate back home after being placed in a field a mile away. [Also V ]

5 VERB If you navigate an obstacle, you move carefully in order to avoid hitting the obstacle or hurting yourself. □�[V n] He was not able to walk without a cane and could only navigate steps backwards. □�[V n prep/adv] In the corridors he let her navigate her own way round the trolleys and other obstacles. □�[V prep/adv] Guests had to navigate around chairs in the middle of the room.

navi|ga|tion /n� v I ge I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the movement of ships as navigation . □� Pack ice around Iceland was becoming a threat to navigation.

2 →�see also navigate

navi|ga|tion|al /n� v I ge I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Navigational means relating to the act of navigating a ship or an aircraft. □� The crash was a direct result of inadequate navigational aids.

navi|ga|tor /n� v I ge I tə r / (navigators ) N‑COUNT The navigator on an aircraft or ship is the person whose job is to work out the direction in which the aircraft or ship should be travelling. □� He became an RAF navigator during the war.

nav|vy /n� vi/ (navvies ) N‑COUNT A navvy is a person who is employed to do hard physical work, for example building roads or canals. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

navy ◆◆◇ /ne I vi/ (navies )

1 N‑COUNT A country's navy consists of the people it employs to fight at sea, and the ships they use. □� Her own son was also in the Navy. □� �a United States navy ship.

2 COLOUR Something that is navy or navy-blue is very dark blue. □� I mostly wore black or navy trousers. □� �a navy-blue blazer.

nay /ne I /

1 ADV You use nay in front of a stronger word or phrase which you feel is more correct than the one you have just used and helps to emphasize the point you are making. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Long essays, nay, whole books have been written on this.

2 CONVENTION Nay is sometimes used to mean 'no' when talking about people voting against something or refusing to give consent for something. □� Will rural communities be able to say yea or nay to such proposals?

3 CONVENTION Nay is an old-fashioned, literary, or dialect word for 'no'. [FORMULAE ]

Nazi ◆◇◇ /nɑː tsi/ (Nazis )

1 N‑COUNT TheNazis were members of the right-wing political party, led by Adolf Hitler, which held power in Germany from 1933 to 1945.

2 ADJ You use Nazi to say that something relates to the Nazis. □� �the rise of the Nazi Party. □� �the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands.

Na|zism /nɑː ts I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Nazism was the political ideas and activities of the German Nazi Party.

NB /e n biː / You write NB to draw someone's attention to what you are about to say or write. □� NB The opinions stated in this essay do not necessarily represent those of the Church of God Missionary Society.

NCO /e n siː oʊ / (NCOs ) N‑COUNT An NCO is a soldier who has a fairly low rank such as sergeant or corporal. NCO is an abbreviation for 'non-commissioned officer'. □� Food for the ordinary Soviet troops and NCOs was very poor.

SUFFIX -nd

is added to written numbers ending in 2, except for numbers ending in 12, in order to form ordinal numbers. For example, 22nd February is day number 22 in the month of February.

NENE is a written abbreviation for north-east . □� �on the NE outskirts of Bath.

ne|an|der|thal /ni� ndə r tɑːl, -θɔːl/ (neanderthals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Neanderthal people lived in Europe between 35,000 and 70,000 years ago. □� Neanderthal man was able to kill woolly mammoths and bears. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to people from the Neanderthal period as Neanderthals .

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe people's, especially men's, ideas or ways of behaving as Neanderthal , you disapprove of them because they are very old-fashioned and uncivilized. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is a peculiarity of modern sport that so many coaches persist in a Neanderthal approach.

3 N‑COUNT If you call a man a neanderthal , you disapprove of him because you think he behaves in a very uncivilized way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �drunken neanderthals.

near ◆◆◆ /n I ə r / (nearer , nearest , nears , nearing , neared )

1 PREP If something is near a place, thing, or person, it is a short distance from them. □� Don't come near me. □� Her children went back every year to stay in a farmhouse near the cottage. □� He drew his chair nearer the fire. □� Some of the houses nearest the bridge were on fire. ●�ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] Near is also an adverb. □�[+�to ] He crouched as near to the door as he could. □� She took a step nearer to the barrier. □� As we drew near, I saw that the boot lid was up. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Near is also an adjective. □� He collapsed into the nearest chair. □� Where's the nearest phone? □� The nearer of the two barges was perhaps a mile away. ●� near|ness N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □� He was suddenly aware of his nearness.

2 PHRASE If someone or something is near to a particular state, they have almost reached it. □� After the war, the company came near to bankruptcy. □� The repairs to the machine were near to completion. □� Apart from anything else, he comes near to contradicting himself. ●�PREP Near means the same as near to . □� He was near tears. □� We are no nearer agreement now than in the past.

3 PHRASE If something is similar to something else, you can say that it is near to it. □� �a sickening sensation that was near to nausea. ●�PREP Near means the same as near to . □� Often her feelings were nearer hatred than love.

4 ADJ You describe the thing most similar to something as thenearest thing to it when there is no example of the thing itself. □� It would appear that the legal profession is the nearest thing to a recession-proof industry.

5 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If a time or event draws near , it will happen soon. [WRITTEN ] □� The time for my departure from Japan was drawing nearer every day.

6 PREP If something happens near a particular time, it happens just before or just after that time. □� Performance is lowest between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., and reaches a peak near midday. □� I'll tell you nearer the day.

7 PREP You use near to say that something is a little more or less than an amount or number stated. □� �to increase manufacturing from about 2.5 million cars a year to nearer 4.75 million.

8 PREP You can say that someone will not gonear a person or thing when you are emphasizing that they refuse to see them or go there. [EMPHASIS ] □� He will absolutely not go near a hospital. □� I'm so annoyed with her that I haven't been near her for a week.

9 ADJ Thenear one of two things is the one that is closer. □� �a mighty beech tree on the near side of the little clearing. □� Jane put one foot in the near stirrup and turned to look at the stranger.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] You use near to indicate that something is almost the thing mentioned. □� She was believed to have died in near poverty on the French Riviera. □� �the 48-year-old who was brought in to rescue the bank from near collapse. ●�ADV [ADV adj] Near is also an adverb. □� �his near fatal accident two years ago.

11 ADJ [ADJ n] In a contest, your nearest rival or challenger is the person or team that is most likely to defeat you. □� That victory put the Ukrainians beyond the reach of their nearest challengers, Dynamo Moscow.

12 VERB [no passive] When you near a place, you get quite near to it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] As he neared the stable, he slowed the horse and patted it on the neck.

13 VERB [no passive] When someone or something nears a particular stage or point, they will soon reach that stage or point. □�[V n] His age was hard to guess�he must have been nearing fifty. □�[V n] The project is taking a long time but is now nearing completion.

14 VERB You say that an important time or event nears when it is going to occur quite soon. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] As half time neared, Hardyman almost scored twice.

15 PHRASE People sometimes refer to their close relatives and friends as their nearest and dearest . □� �that English convention of not showing your feelings, even to your nearest and dearest.

16 PHRASE You use near and far to indicate that you are referring to a very large area or distance. □� People would gather from near and far.

17 PHRASE If you say that something will happen in the near future , you mean that it will happen quite soon. □� The controversy regarding vitamin C is unlikely to be resolved in the near future.

18 PHRASE You use nowhere near and not anywhere near to emphasize that something is not the case. [EMPHASIS ] □� They are nowhere near good enough. □� It was nowhere near as painful as David had expected.

near|by ◆◇◇ /n I ə r ba I / also near by , near-by ADV [ADV after v, n ADV , from ADV ] If something is nearby, it is only a short distance away. □� He might easily have been seen by someone who lived nearby. □� There is less expensive accommodation nearby. □� There were one or two suspicious looks from nearby. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Nearby is also an adjective. □� At a nearby table a man was complaining in a loud voice. □� �the nearby village of Crowthorne.

nea r-death ex|pe ri|ence (near-death experiences ) N‑COUNT A near-death experience is a strange experience that some people who have nearly died say they had when they were unconscious.

Nea r E a st N‑PROPER The Near East is the same as theMiddle East .

near|ly ◆◆◇ /n I ə r li/

1 ADV [ADV before v] Nearly is used to indicate that something is not quite the case, or not completely the case. □� Goldsworth stared at me in silence for nearly twenty seconds. □� Hunter knew nearly all of this already. □� Several times Thorne nearly fell. □� I nearly had a heart attack when she told me. □� The beach was nearly empty. □� They nearly always ate outside.

2 ADV [ADV before v] Nearly is used to indicate that something will soon be the case. □� It was already nearly eight o'clock. □� I was nearly asleep. □� The voyage is nearly over. □� You're nearly there. □� I've nearly finished the words for your song.

3 PHRASE You use not nearly to emphasize that something is not the case. [EMPHASIS ] □� Father's flat in Paris wasn't nearly as grand as this. □� Minerals in general are not nearly so well absorbed as other nutrients. □� British car workers did not earn nearly enough money to buy the products they were turning out. SYNONYMS nearly ADV 1

practically:He'd known the old man practically all his life.

almost:The couple had been dating for almost three years.

virtually:Virtually all cooking was done over coal-fired ranges.

nea r|ly ne w ADJ [usu ADJ n] Nearly new items are items for sale that have belonged to another person but have not been used much and are still in very good condition. A nearly new shop sells nearly new items.

nea r mi ss (near misses ) also near-miss

1 N‑COUNT You can say that there is a near miss when something is nearly hit by another thing, for example by a vehicle or a bomb. □�[+�between ] Details have been given of a near miss between two airliners over southern England earlier this week. □� We've had a few near misses in the raids, as I expect you've noticed.

2 N‑COUNT A near miss is an attempt to do something which fails by a very small amount. □�[+�in ] �Milan's successful defence of the European Cup and near-miss in the Italian championship last season.

near|side /n I ə r sa I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The nearside wheels, lights, or doors of a vehicle are those nearest the edge of the road when the vehicle is being driven on the correct side of the road. In Britain, the nearside is on the left. [BRIT ] □� The nearside front tyre had been slashed.

2 N‑SING The nearside of a vehicle is the side that is nearest the edge of the road when the vehicle is being driven on the correct side of the road. [BRIT ] □� It hit the kerb on the nearside and seemed to ricochet across the road on two wheels.

nea r-si ghted also nearsighted ADJ Someone who is near-sighted cannot see distant things clearly. [AM , also BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� The girl squinted at the photograph. She seemed to be nearsighted.

neat ◆◇◇ /niː t/ (neater , neatest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A neat place, thing, or person is tidy and smart, and has everything in the correct place. □� She undressed and put her wet clothes in a neat pile in the corner. □� �a girl in a neat grey flannel suit. □� Everything was neat and tidy and gleamingly clean. ●� neat|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/-ed] □� He folded his paper neatly and sipped his coffee. □� At the door was a neatly dressed, dignified man. ●� neat|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The grounds were a perfect balance between neatness and natural wildness.

2 ADJ Someone who is neat keeps their home or possessions tidy, with everything in the correct place. □� 'That's not like Alf,' he said, 'leaving papers muddled like that. He's always so neat.' ●� neat|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Josephine's few possessions are neatly arranged. ●� neat|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �a paragon of neatness, efficiency and reliability.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A neat object, part of the body, or shape is quite small and has a smooth outline. □� �a faded woman with neat features. □� �neat handwriting. ●� neat|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� She was a small woman, slender and neatly made.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A neat movement or action is done accurately and skilfully, with no unnecessary movements. □� A neat move between Black and Keane left Nigel Clough in the clear, but his shot skimmed wide of the far post. ●� neat|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He watched her peel and dissect a pear neatly; no mess, no sticky fingers.

5 ADJ A neat way of organizing, achieving, explaining, or expressing something is clever and convenient. □� It had been such a neat, clever plan. □� Neat solutions are not easily found to these issues. ●� neat|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Real people do not fit neatly into these categories. ●� neat|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] He knew full well he had been outflanked, and he appreciated the neatness of it.

6 ADJ If you say that something is neat , you mean that it is very good. [AM , INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� 'Oh, those new apartments are really neat,' the girl babbled on. □� It'll be neat to have a father and son playing on the same team.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] When someone drinks strong alcohol neat , they do not add a weaker liquid such as water to it. [mainly BRIT ] □� He poured himself a brandy and swallowed it neat. □� He took a mouthful of neat whisky, and coughed. in AM, use straight SYNONYMS neat ADJ 1

tidy:Having a tidy desk can seem impossible if you have a busy, demanding job.

orderly:Their vehicles were parked in orderly rows.

immaculate:Her front room was kept immaculate.

nebu|la /ne bjələ/ (nebulae ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A nebula is a cloud of dust and gas in space. New stars are produced from nebulae.

nebu|lous /ne bjələs/ ADJ If you describe something as nebulous , you mean that it is vague and not clearly defined or not easy to describe. □� The notions we children were able to form of the great world beyond were exceedingly nebulous. □� Music is such a nebulous thing.

nec|es|sari|ly ◆◇◇ /ne s I se r I li, -sr I li/

1 ADV [with neg, ADV before v] If you say that something is notnecessarily the case, you mean that it may not be the case or is not always the case. [VAGUENESS ] □� Anger is not necessarily the most useful or acceptable reaction to such events. □� A higher fee does not necessarily mean a better course. ●�CONVENTION If you reply ' Not necessarily ', you mean that what has just been said or suggested may not be true. □� 'He was lying, of course.'�'Not necessarily.'

2 ADV [ADV before v] If you say that something necessarily happens or is the case, you mean that it has to happen or be the case and cannot be any different. □� The most desirable properties necessarily command astonishingly high prices. □� Tourism is an industry that has a necessarily close connection with governments.

nec|es|sary ◆◆◇ /ne s I səri/

1 ADJ Something that is necessary is needed in order for something else to happen. □�[+�to-inf] I kept the engine running because it might be necessary to leave fast. □� We will do whatever is necessary to stop them. □� Is that really necessary? □� Make the necessary arrangements.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A necessary consequence or connection must happen or exist, because of the nature of the things or events involved. □� Wastage was no doubt a necessary consequence of war. □� Scientific work has a necessary connection with the idea of progress.

3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen if necessary , when necessary , or where necessary , you mean that it will happen if it is necessary, when it is necessary, or where it is necessary. □� If necessary, the airship can stay up there for days to keep out of danger. □� The army needs men who are willing to fight, when necessary. □� All the rigging had been examined, and renewed where necessary.

ne|ces|si|tate /n I se s I te I t/ (necessitates , necessitating , necessitated ) VERB If something necessitates an event, action, or situation, it makes it necessary. [FORMAL ] □�[V n/v-ing] A prolonged drought had necessitated the introduction of water rationing.

ne|ces|sity /n I se s I ti/ (necessities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The necessity of something is the fact that it must happen or exist. □�[+�of ] There is agreement on the necessity of reforms. □� Most women, like men, work from economic necessity. □� Some people have to lead stressful lifestyles out of necessity. ●�PHRASE If you say that something is of necessity the case, you mean that it is the case because nothing else is possible or practical in the circumstances. [FORMAL ] □� Negotiations between the enemies are of necessity indirect.

2 N‑COUNT A necessity is something that you must have in order to live properly or do something. □�[+�of ] Water is a basic necessity of life. □� �food, fuel and other daily necessities.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A situation or action that is a necessity is necessary and cannot be avoided. □� The President pleaded that strong rule from the centre was a regrettable, but temporary necessity.

neck ◆◇◇ /ne k/ (necks , necking , necked )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your neck is the part of your body which joins your head to the rest of your body. □� She threw her arms round his neck and hugged him warmly. □� He was short and stocky, and had a thick neck.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The neck of an article of clothing such as a shirt, dress, or sweater is the part which surrounds your neck. □�[+�of ] �the low, ruffled neck of her blouse. □� He wore a blue shirt open at the neck.

3 N‑COUNT The neck of something such as a bottle or a guitar is the long narrow part at one end of it. □�[+�of ] Catherine gripped the broken neck of the bottle.

4 VERB [usu cont] If two people are necking , they are kissing each other in a sexual way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] They sat talking and necking in the car for another ten minutes. □�[V +�with ] I found myself behind a curtain, necking with my best friend. [Also V n]

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is breathing down your neck , you mean that they are watching you very closely and checking everything you do. □� Most farmers have bank managers breathing down their necks.

6 PHRASE In a competition, especially an election, if two or more competitors are neck and neck , they are level with each other and have an equal chance of winning. □� The latest polls indicate that the two main parties are neck and neck. □�[+�with ] The party is running neck-and-neck with Labour.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone is risking their neck , you mean they are doing something very dangerous, often in order to achieve something. □� I won't have him risking his neck on that motorcycle.

8 PHRASE If you stick your neck out , you bravely say or do something that might be criticized or might turn out to be wrong. [INFORMAL ] □� I've earned a reputation as someone who'll stick his neck out, a bit of a rebel.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is in some sort of trouble or criminal activity up to their neck , you mean that they are deeply involved in it. [INFORMAL ] □� He is probably up to his neck in debt.

10 PHRASE Someone or something that is from your neck of the woods is from the same part of the country as you are. [INFORMAL ] □� It's so good to see you. What brings you to this neck of the woods?

11to have a millstone round your neck →�see millstone

12the scruff of your neck →�see scruff

neck|er|chief /ne kə r tʃiːf, -tʃif/ (neckerchiefs ) N‑COUNT A neckerchief is a piece of cloth which is folded to form a triangle and worn round your neck.

neck|lace /ne kl I s/ (necklaces ) N‑COUNT A necklace is a piece of jewellery such as a chain or a string of beads which someone, usually a woman, wears round their neck. □� �a diamond necklace and matching earrings.

neck|line /ne kla I n/ (necklines ) N‑COUNT The neckline of a dress, blouse, or other piece of clothing is the edge that goes around your neck, especially the front part of it. □� �a dress with pale pink roses around the neckline.

neck|tie /ne kta I / (neckties ) N‑COUNT A necktie is a narrow piece of cloth that someone, usually a man, puts under his shirt collar and ties so that the ends hang down in front.

nec|ro|man|cy /ne krəm�nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Necromancy is magic that some people believe brings a dead person back to this world so that you can talk to them. [FORMAL ]

nec|ro|philia /ne krəf I liə/ N‑UNCOUNT Necrophilia is the act of having sexual intercourse with a dead body, or the desire to do this.

ne|cropo|lis /nekrɒ pəl I s/ (necropolises ) N‑COUNT A necropolis is a place where dead people are buried. [FORMAL ]

ne|cro|sis /nekroʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Necrosis is the death of part of someone's body, for example because it is not getting enough blood. [MEDICAL ] □� �liver necrosis.

nec|tar /ne ktə r / (nectars ) N‑UNCOUNT Nectar is a sweet liquid produced by flowers, which bees and other insects collect.

nec|tar|ine /ne ktəriːn, -r I n/ (nectarines ) N‑COUNT A nectarine is a round, juicy fruit which is similar to a peach but has a smooth skin.

n�e /ne I / also nee You use n�e after a married woman's name and before you mention the surname she had before she got married. [FORMAL ] □� �Lady Helen Taylor (n�e Windsor).

need ◆◆◆ /niː d/ (needs , needing , needed ) Need sometimes behaves like an ordinary verb, for example 'She needs to know' and 'She doesn't need to know' and sometimes like a modal, for example 'She need know', 'She needn't know', or, in more formal English, 'She need not know.' 1 VERB [no cont] If you need something, or needto do something, you cannot successfully achieve what you want or live properly without it. □�[V n] He desperately needed money. □�[V to-inf] I need to make a phone call. □�[V n to-inf] I need you to do something for me. □�[V n adv/prep] I need you here, Wally. □�[V n adj] I need you sane and sober. ●�N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] Need is also a noun. □� Charles has never felt the need to compete with anyone. □�[+�for ] �the child who never had his need for attention and importance satisfied. □�[+�of ] �the special nutritional needs of the elderly.

2 VERB [no cont] If an object or place needs something doing to it, that action should be done to improve the object or place. If a task needs doing, it should be done to improve a particular situation. □�[V n] The building needs quite a few repairs. □�[V v-ing] �a garden that needs tidying. □�[V to-inf] The taste of vitamins is not too nice so the flavour sometimes needs to be disguised.

3 N‑SING [N to-inf] If there is a needfor something, that thing would improve a situation or something cannot happen without it. □�[+�for ] Mr Forrest believes there is a need for other similar schools throughout Britain. □�[+�for ] 'I think we should see a specialist.'�'I don't think there's any need for that.' □�[+�for ] There's no need for you to stay.

4 MODAL [with neg] If you say that someone needn't do something, you are telling them not to do it, or advising or suggesting that they should not do it. □� Look, you needn't shout. □� She need not know I'm here. ●�VERB [no cont, with neg] Need is also a verb. □�[V to-inf] Come along, Mother, we don't need to take up any more of Mr Kemp's time.

5 MODAL If you tell someone that they needn't do something, or that something needn't happen, you are telling them that that thing is not necessary, in order to make them feel better. □� You needn't worry. □� Buying budget-priced furniture needn't mean compromising on quality or style. □� Loneliness can be horrible, but it need not remain that way. ●�VERB [no cont, with neg] Need is also a verb. □�[V to-inf] He replied, with a reassuring smile, 'Oh, you don't need to worry about them.' □�[V to-inf] You don't need to be a millionaire to consider having a bank account in Switzerland.

6 MODAL [with neg] You use needn't when you are giving someone permission not to do something. □� You needn't come again, if you don't want to. ●�VERB [no cont] Need is also a verb. □�[V to-inf] You don't need to wait for me.

7 MODAL [with neg] If something need not be true, it is not necessarily true or not always true. [FORMAL ] □� What is right for us need not be right for others. □� Freedom need not mean independence.

8 MODAL [with neg] If someone needn'thave done something, it was not necessary or useful for them to do it, although they did it. □� I was a little nervous when I announced my engagement to Grace, but I needn't have worried. □� We spent a hell of a lot of money that we needn't have spent. ●�VERB [no cont, with neg] If someone didn't need to do something, they needn't have done it. □�[V to-inf] You didn't need to give me any more money you know, but thank you.

9 MODAL You use need in expressions such as I need hardly say and I needn't add to emphasize that the person you are talking to already knows what you are going to say. [EMPHASIS ] □� I needn't add that if you fail to do as I ask, you will suffer the consequences. ●�VERB [no cont] Need is also a verb. □�[V to-inf] I hardly need to say that I have never lost contact with him.

10 MODAL You can use need in expressions such as ' Need I say more ' and ' Need I go on ' when you want to avoid stating an obvious consequence of something you have just said. □� Mid-fifties, short black hair, grey moustache, distinctive Russian accent. Need I go on?

11 PHRASE People in need do not have enough of essential things such as money, food, or good health. □� The education authorities have to provide for children in need. □� Remember that when both of you were in need, I was the one who loaned you money.

12 PHRASE If you are in need of something, you need it or ought to have it. □� I was all right but in need of rest. □� He was badly in need of a shave. □� The house was in need of modernisation when they bought it.

13 PHRASE If you say that you will do something, especially an extreme action, if need be , you mean that you will do if it is necessary. In British English, you can also say if needs be . □� They will now seek permission to take their case to the House of Lords, and, if need be, to the European Court of Human Rights.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone needs to get out more , you mean that they are boring or that they are spending too much time concentrating on one particular thing. [INFORMAL ] □� I found myself reading The Inner Game Of Tennis the other day (I really do need to get out more).

15 PHRASE You can tell someone that there's no need for them to do something as a way of telling them not to do it or of telling them to stop doing it, for example because it is unnecessary. [SPOKEN ] □� There's no need to call a doctor. □� 'I'm going to come with you.'�'Now look, Sue, there's no need.' [Also +�for ]

16 PHRASE You can say ' Who needs something?' as a way of emphasizing that you think that this thing is unnecessary or not useful. [INFORMAL ] □� With apologies to my old history teacher, who needs history lessons? □� Cigarettes, who needs them? USAGE need

Don�t use need in the progressive form. Don�t say, for example, � I am needing money for food .� You say you need something. □� I need money for food.

need|ful /niː dfʊl/ ADJ Needful means necessary. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[+�of ] The section of society most needful of such guidance is the young male. □� �stoppages for needful rest and recreation.

nee|dle /niː d ə l/ (needles , needling , needled )

1 N‑COUNT A needle is a small, very thin piece of polished metal which is used for sewing. It has a sharp point at one end and a hole in the other for a thread to go through.

2 N‑COUNT Knitting needles are thin sticks that are used for knitting. They are usually made of plastic or metal and have a point at one end.

3 N‑COUNT A needle is a thin hollow metal rod with a sharp point, which is part of a medical instrument called a syringe. It is used to put a drug into someone's body, or to take blood out.

4 N‑COUNT A needle is a thin metal rod with a point which is put into a patient's body during acupuncture.

5 N‑COUNT On an instrument which measures something such as speed or weight, the needle is the long strip of metal or plastic on the dial that moves backwards and forwards, showing the measurement. □� She kept looking at the dial on the boiler. The needle had reached 250 degrees.

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The needles of a fir or pine tree are its thin, hard, pointed leaves. □� The carpet of pine needles was soft underfoot.

7 VERB If someone needles you, they annoy you continually, especially by criticizing you. □�[V n] Blake could see he had needled Jerrold, which might be unwise.

8 →�see also pins and needles

9like looking for a needle in a haystack →�see haystack

nee |dle ex|change (needle exchanges ) also needle-exchange N‑COUNT A needle exchange is a place where drug addicts are able to obtain new syringes in exchange for used ones. □� �needle exchange schemes.

need|less /niː dləs/

1 ADJ Something that is needless is completely unnecessary. □� But his death was so needless. □� 'I have never knowingly exposed any patient to needless risks,' he said. ●� need|less|ly ADV [ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Half a million women die needlessly each year during childbirth.

2 PHRASE You use needless to say when you want to emphasize that what you are about to say is obvious and to be expected in the circumstances. [EMPHASIS ] □� Our budgie got out of its cage. Needless to say, the cat caught it.

needle|work /niː d ə lwɜː r k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Needlework is sewing or stitching that is done by hand. □� She did beautiful needlework and she embroidered table napkins.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Needlework is the activity of sewing or stitching. □� �watching my mother and grandmothers doing needlework.

needn't /niː d ə nt/ Needn't is the usual spoken form of 'need not'.

needy /niː di/ (needier , neediest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Needy people do not have enough food, medicine, or clothing, or adequate houses. □� �a multinational force aimed at ensuring that food and medicine get to needy refugees. ●�N‑PLURAL The needy are people who are needy. □� There will be efforts to get larger amounts of food to the needy.

ne|fari|ous /n I feə riəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an activity as nefarious , you mean that it is wicked and immoral. [LITERARY ] □� Why make a whole village prisoner if it was not to some nefarious purpose?

neg.Neg. is a written abbreviation for negative .

ne|gate /n I ge I t/ (negates , negating , negated )

1 VERB If one thing negates another, it causes that other thing to lose the effect or value that it had. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] These weaknesses negated his otherwise progressive attitude towards the staff.

2 VERB If someone negates something, they say that it does not exist. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He warned that to negate the results of elections would only make things worse.

ne|ga|tion /n I ge I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑SING The negation of something is its complete opposite or something which destroys it or makes it lose its effect. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Unintelligible legislation is the negation of the rule of law and of parliamentary democracy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Negation is disagreement, refusal, or denial. [FORMAL ] □� Isabella shook her head, but in bewilderment, not negation.

nega|tive ◆◇◇ /ne gət I v/ (negatives )

1 ADJ A fact, situation, or experience that is negative is unpleasant, depressing, or harmful. □� The news from overseas is overwhelmingly negative. □� All this had an extremely negative effect on the criminal justice system. ●� nega|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� This will negatively affect the result over the first half of the year.

2 ADJ If someone is negative or has a negative attitude, they consider only the bad aspects of a situation, rather than the good ones. □� When asked for your views about your current job, on no account must you be negative about it. □� Why does the media present such a negative view of this splendid city? ●� nega|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� A few weeks later he said that maybe he viewed all his relationships rather negatively. ●� nega|tiv|ity /ne gət I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� I loathe negativity. I can't stand people who moan.

3 ADJ A negative reply or decision indicates the answer 'no'. □� Dr Velayati gave a vague but negative response. □� Upon a negative decision, the applicant loses the protection offered by Belgian law. ●� nega|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 60 percent of the sample answered negatively.

4 N‑COUNT A negative is a word, expression, or gesture that means 'no' or 'not'. □� In the past we have heard only negatives when it came to following a healthy diet.

5 ADJ In grammar, a negative clause contains a word such as 'not', 'never', or 'no-one'.

6 ADJ If a medical test or scientific test is negative , it shows no evidence of the medical condition or substance that you are looking for. □� So far 57 have taken the test and all have been negative. □� �negative test results.

7HIV negative →�see HIV

8 N‑COUNT In photography, a negative is an image that shows dark areas as light and light areas as dark. Negatives are made from a camera film, and are used to print photographs.

9 ADJ A negative charge or current has the same electrical charge as an electron. □� Stimulate the site of greatest pain with a small negative current. ●� nega|tive|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� As these electrons are negatively charged, they will attempt to repel each other.

10 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A negative number, quantity, or measurement is less than zero. □� The weakest students can end up with a negative score.

11 PHRASE If an answer is in the negative , it is 'no' or means 'no'. □� Seventy-nine voted in the affirmative, and none in the negative. SYNONYMS negative ADJ

1

unpleasant:The symptoms can be uncomfortable, unpleasant and serious.

damaging:Is the recycling process in itself damaging to the environment?

harmful:�the harmful effects of smoking.

2

pessimistic:Not everyone is so pessimistic about the future.

cynical:It's hard not to be cynical about reform.

gloomy:Miller is gloomy about the fate of the serious playwright in America.

ne ga|tive e qui|ty N‑UNCOUNT If someone who has borrowed money to buy a house or flat has negative equity , the amount of money they owe is greater than the present value of their home. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

ne|glect /n I gle kt/ (neglects , neglecting , neglected )

1 VERB If you neglect someone or something, you fail to look after them properly. □�[V n] The woman denied that she had neglected her child. □�[V n] Feed plants and they grow, neglect them and they suffer. □�[V -ed] �an ancient and neglected church. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Neglect is also a noun. □� The town's old quayside is collapsing after years of neglect.

2 VERB If you neglect someone or something, you fail to give them the amount of attention that they deserve. □�[V n] He'd given too much to his career, worked long hours, neglected her. □�[V n] If you are not careful, children tend to neglect their homework. ●� ne|glect|ed ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] □� The fact that she is not coming today makes her grandmother feel lonely and neglected. □� � a neglected aspect of London's forgotten history. □� The journal she had begun lay neglected on her bedside table.

3 VERB If you neglectto do something that you ought to do or neglect your duty, you fail to do it. □�[V to-inf] We often neglect to make proper use of our bodies. □�[V n] They never neglect their duties.

ne|glect|ful /n I gle ktfʊl/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as neglectful , you think they fail to do everything they should do to look after someone or something properly. □� �neglectful parents.

2 ADJ If someone is neglectfulof something, they do not give it the attention or consideration that it should be given. □�[+�of ] Have I been neglectful of my friend, taking him for granted?

neg|li|gee /ne gl I ʒe I , [AM ] -ʒe I / (negligees ) also n�glig�e N‑COUNT A negligee is a very thin garment which a woman wears over her nightclothes. □� �a pink satin negligee.

neg|li|gence /ne gl I dʒ ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is guilty of negligence , they have failed to do something which they ought to do. [FORMAL ] □� The soldiers were ordered to appear before a disciplinary council on charges of negligence.

neg|li|gent /ne gl I dʒ ə nt/ ADJ If someone in a position of responsibility is negligent , they do not do something which they ought to do. □� The jury determined that the airline was negligent in training and supervising the crew. □� The Council had acted in a negligent manner. ●� neg|li|gent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� A manufacturer negligently made and marketed a car with defective brakes.

neg|li|gible /ne gl I dʒ I b ə l/ ADJ An amount or effect that is negligible is so small that it is not worth considering or worrying about. □� The pay that the soldiers received was negligible. □� Senior managers are convinced that the strike will have a negligible impact.

ne|go|tiable /n I goʊ ʃəb ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is negotiable can be changed or agreed when people discuss it. □� He warned that his economic programme for the country was not negotiable. □� The Manor is for sale at a negotiable price.

2 ADJ Contracts or assets that are negotiable can be transferred to another person in exchange for money. □� The bonds may no longer be negotiable. □� �negotiable bearer bonds.

ne|go|ti|ate ◆◆◇ /n I goʊ ʃie I t/ (negotiates , negotiating , negotiated )

1 VERB If people negotiatewith each other or negotiate an agreement, they talk about a problem or a situation such as a business arrangement in order to solve the problem or complete the arrangement. □�[V +�with ] It is not clear whether the president is willing to negotiate with the democrats. □�[V ] When you have two adversaries negotiating, you need to be on neutral territory. □�[V n] The local government and the army negotiated a truce. □�[V ] Western governments have this week urged him to negotiate and avoid force. □�[V n] He has bravely negotiated an end to the country's civil war. □�[V +�for ] His publishing house had just begun negotiating for her next books. □�[V to-inf] There were reports that three companies were negotiating to market the drug. [Also V n +�with ]

2 VERB If you negotiate an area of land, a place, or an obstacle, you successfully travel across it or around it. □�[V n] Frank Mariano negotiates the desert terrain in his battered pickup. □�[V n prep/adv] I negotiated my way out of the airport and joined the flow of cars. SYNONYMS negotiate VERB 1

bargain:They prefer to bargain with individual clients, for cash.

debate:At the moment we are debating what furniture to buy for the house.

discuss:The Cabinet met today to discuss how to respond to the ultimatum.

ne|go |ti|at|ing ta|ble N‑SING If you say that people are at thenegotiating table , you mean that they are having discussions in order to settle a dispute or reach an agreement. □� 'We want to settle all matters at the negotiating table,' he said.

ne|go|tia|tion ◆◆◇ /n I goʊ ʃie I ʃ ə n/ (negotiations ) N‑VAR Negotiations are formal discussions between people who have different aims or intentions, especially in business or politics, during which they try to reach an agreement. □� We have had meaningful negotiations and I believe we are very close to a deal. □� After 10 years of negotiation, the Senate ratified the strategic arms reduction treaty. SYNONYMS negotiation NOUN

discussion:There was a lot of discussion about the wording of the report.

debate:An intense debate is going on within the government.

bargaining:The government has called for sensible pay bargaining.

ne|go|tia|tor /n I goʊ ʃie I tə r / (negotiators ) N‑COUNT Negotiators are people who take part in political or financial negotiations. □� �the rebels' chief negotiator at the peace talks. □� The two American negotiators are calling for substantial cuts in external subsidies.

Ne|gro /niː groʊ/ (Negroes ) N‑COUNT A Negro is someone with dark skin who comes from Africa or whose ancestors came from Africa. [OFFENSIVE , OLD-FASHIONED ]

neigh /ne I / (neighs , neighing , neighed ) VERB When a horse neighs , it makes a loud sound with its mouth. □�[V ] The mare neighed once more, turned and disappeared amongst the trees. ●�N‑COUNT Neigh is also a noun. □� The horse gave a loud neigh.

neigh|bour ◆◇◇ /ne I bə r / (neighbours ) in AM, use neighbor1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your neighbour is someone who lives near you. □� I got chatting with my neighbour in the garden.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] You can refer to the person who is standing or sitting next to you as your neighbour . □� The woman prodded her neighbour and whispered urgently in his ear.

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can refer to something which stands next to something else of the same kind as its neighbour . □� Each house was packed close behind its neighbour.

neigh|bour|hood /ne I bə r hʊd/ (neighbourhoods ) in AM, use neighborhood1 N‑COUNT A neighbourhood is one of the parts of a town where people live. □� It seemed like a good neighbourhood to raise my children.

2 N‑COUNT The neighbourhood of a place or person is the area or the people around them. □� He was born and grew up in the Flatbush neighbourhood of Brooklyn.

3 PHRASE In the neighbourhood of a number means approximately that number. □� He's won in the neighbourhood of four million dollars.

4 PHRASE A place in the neighbourhood of another place is near it. □� �the loss of woodlands in the neighbourhood of large towns.

neigh|bour|ing /ne I bər I ŋ/ in AM, use neighboring ADJ [ADJ n] Neighbouring places or things are near other things of the same kind. □� Rwanda is to hold talks with leaders of neighbouring countries next week. □� �the hotel's boutique and neighboring shops.

neigh|bour|ly /ne I bə r li/ in AM, use neighborly ADJ If the people who live near you are neighbourly , they are friendly and helpful. If you live in a neighbourly place, it has a friendly atmosphere. □� The noise would have provoked alarm and neighbourly concern. □� The older people had stopped being neighbourly to each other.

nei|ther ◆◆◇ /na I �ə r , niː �ə r /

1 CONJ You use neither in front of the first of two or more words or expressions when you are linking two or more things which are not true or do not happen. The other thing is introduced by 'nor'. □� Professor Hisamatsu spoke neither English nor German. □� The play is neither as funny nor as disturbing as Tabori thinks it is.

2 DET You use neither to refer to each of two things or people, when you are making a negative statement that includes both of them. □� At first, neither man could speak. ●�QUANT Neither is also a quantifier. □� Neither of us felt like going out. ●�PRON Neither is also a pronoun. □� They both smiled; neither seemed likely to be aware of my absence for long.

3 CONJ If you say that one person or thing does not do something and neither does another, what you say is true of all the people or things that you are mentioning. □� I never learned to swim and neither did they. □� I don't have all the answers and neither do you.

4 CONJ You use neither after a negative statement to emphasize that you are introducing another negative statement. [FORMAL ] □� I can't ever recall Dad hugging me. Neither did I sit on his knee.

5 PHRASE If you say that something is neither here nor there , you mean that it does not matter because it is not a relevant point. □� 'I'd never heard of her before I came here.'�'That is neither here nor there.'

nem|esis /ne m I s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] The nemesis of a person or thing is a situation, event, or person which causes them to be seriously harmed, especially as a punishment. □� Yet the imminent crisis in its balance of payments may be the President's nemesis.

PREFIX neo-

forms nouns and adjectives that refer to modern versions of styles and particular groups of the past. For example, neo-classical architecture is based on ancient Greek or Roman architecture.

neo|clas|si|cal /niː oʊkl� s I k ə l/ also neo-classical ADJ Neoclassical architecture or art is from the late 18th century and uses designs from Roman and Greek architecture and art. □� The building was erected between 1798 and 1802 in the neoclassical style of the time.

neo|lib|er|al|ism /niː oʊl I bərəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Neoliberalism is a form of liberalism that supports economic freedom and the free market. □� The key tenets of neoliberalism include privatisation and deregulation.

Neo|lith|ic /niː əl I θ I k/ also neolithic ADJ Neolithic is used to describe things relating to the period when people had started farming but still used stone for making weapons and tools. □� �neolithic culture. □� �the monument was Stone Age or Neolithic.

ne|olo|gism /niː ələdʒ I zəm, niɒ l-/ (neologisms ) N‑COUNT A neologism is a new word or expression in a language, or a new meaning for an existing word or expression. [TECHNICAL ] □� Some neologisms become widely used and enter the language.

neon /niː ɒn/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Neon lights or signs are made from glass tubes filled with neon gas which produce a bright electric light. □� In the city squares the neon lights flashed in turn.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Neon is a gas which occurs in very small amounts in the atmosphere. □� �inert gases like neon and argon.

neo|na|tal /niː oʊne I t ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Neonatal means relating to the first few days of life of a new born baby. □� �the neonatal intensive care unit.

ne o-Na zi (neo-Nazis ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] Neo-Nazis are people who admire Adolf Hitler and the beliefs of the right-wing party which he led in Germany from 1933 to 1945.

neo|phyte /niː əfa I t/ (neophytes ) N‑COUNT A neophyte is someone who is new to a particular activity. [FORMAL ] □� �a self-proclaimed political neophyte.

neph|ew /ne fjuː, ne v-/ (nephews ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's nephew is the son of their sister or brother. □� I am planning a 25th birthday party for my nephew.

nepo|tism /ne pət I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Nepotism is the unfair use of power in order to get jobs or other benefits for your family or friends. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Many will regard his appointment as the kind of nepotism British banking ought to avoid.

nerd /nɜː r d/ (nerds ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a nerd , you mean that they are stupid or ridiculous, especially because they wear unfashionable clothes or show too much interest in computers or science. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Mark claimed he was made to look a nerd. □� �the notion that users of the Internet are all sad computer nerds.

nerdy /nɜː r di/ (nerdier , nerdiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as nerdy , you think that they are a nerd or look like a nerd. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �nerdy types who never exercise. □� �the Prince's nerdy hairstyle.

nerve ◆◇◇ /nɜː r v/ (nerves )

1 N‑COUNT Nerves are long thin fibres that transmit messages between your brain and other parts of your body. □� �spinal nerves. □� �in cases where the nerve fibres are severed.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] If you refer to someone's nerves , you mean their ability to cope with problems such as stress, worry, and danger. □� Jill's nerves are stretched to breaking point. □� I can be very patient, and then I can burst if my nerves are worn out.

3 N‑PLURAL You can refer to someone's feelings of anxiety or tension as nerves . □� I just played badly. It wasn't nerves.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Nerve is the courage that you need in order to do something difficult or dangerous. □� The brandy made him choke, but it restored his nerve. □� He never got up enough nerve to meet me.

5 PHRASE If someone or something gets on your nerves , they annoy or irritate you. [INFORMAL ] □� Lately he's not done a bloody thing and it's getting on my nerves.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone has a nerve or has the nerve to do something, you are criticizing them for doing something which you feel they had no right to do. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They've got a nerve, complaining about our behaviour. □� He had the nerve to ask me to prove who I was.

7 PHRASE If you hold your nerve or keep your nerve , you remain calm and determined in a difficult situation. □� He held his nerve to beat his opponent in five sets. □� We need to keep our nerve now.

8 PHRASE If you lose your nerve , you suddenly panic and become too afraid to do something that you were about to do. □� The bomber had lost his nerve and fled.

9 PHRASE If you say that you have touched a nerve or touched a raw nerve , you mean that you have accidentally upset someone by talking about something that they feel strongly about or are very sensitive about. □� Alistair saw Henry shrink, as if the words had touched a nerve. □� The mere mention of John had touched a very raw nerve indeed. SYNONYMS nerve NOUN 4

bravery:He deserves the highest praise for his bravery.

courage:They do not have the courage to apologise for their actions.

daring:His daring may have cost him his life.

pluck:Little companies are known for their pluck and perseverance, even in the face of a recession.

ne rve agent (nerve agents ) N‑VAR A nerve agent is a chemical weapon that affects people's nervous systems.

ne rve cen|tre (nerve centres ) in AM, use nerve center N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The nerve centre of an organization is the place from where its activities are controlled and where its leaders meet. □�[+�of ] My office is the nerve centre of the operation.

ne rve end|ing (nerve endings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your nerve endings are the millions of points on the surface of your body and inside it which send messages to your brain when you feel sensations such as heat, cold, and pain.

ne rve gas (nerve gases ) N‑VAR Nerve gas is a poisonous gas used in war as a weapon.

ne rve-racking also nerve-wracking ADJ A nerve-racking situation or experience makes you feel very tense and worried. □� They spent a nerve-racking day waiting. □� It was more nerve-wracking than taking a World Cup penalty.

ner|vo|sa /nɜː r voʊ sə/ →�see anorexia , bulimia

nerv|ous ◆◇◇ /nɜː r vəs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is nervous , they are frightened or worried about something that is happening or might happen, and show this in their behaviour. □�[+�about ] The party has become deeply nervous about its prospects of winning the next election. □� She described Mr Hutchinson as nervous and jumpy after his wife's disappearance. [Also +�of ] ●� nerv|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Brunhilde stood up nervously as the men came into the room. ●� nerv|ous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I smiled warmly so he wouldn't see my nervousness.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A nervous person is very tense and easily upset. □� She was apparently a very nervous woman, and that affected her career.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A nervous illness or condition is one that affects your emotions and your mental state. □� The number of nervous disorders was rising in the region. □� He developed nervous problems after people began repeatedly correcting him.

ne rv|ous brea k|down (nervous breakdowns ) N‑COUNT If someone has a nervous breakdown , they become extremely depressed and cannot cope with their normal life. □� The stress of the situation led her to have a nervous breakdown.

ne rv|ous sys|tem (nervous systems ) N‑COUNT Your nervous system consists of all the nerves in your body together with your brain and spinal cord.

ne rv|ous wreck (nervous wrecks ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is anervous wreck , you mean that they are extremely nervous or worried about something. □� She was a nervous wreck, crying when anyone asked her about her experience.

nervy /nɜː r vi/

1 ADJ If someone is nervy , their behaviour shows that they are very tense or anxious, or they are the type of person who is easily upset. [mainly BRIT ] □� Alan was irritable, and very evidently in a nervy state.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is nervy , you mean that their behaviour is bold or daring. [AM ] □� John liked him because he was a nervy guy and would go out and shoot anybody who John wanted him to shoot.

SUFFIX -ness

forms nouns that refer to a particular state or quality. For example, gentleness is the state or quality of being gentle.

nest /ne st/ (nests , nesting , nested )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A bird's nest is the home that it makes to lay its eggs in. □�[+�on ] I can see an eagle's nest on the rocks.

2 VERB When a bird nests somewhere, it builds a nest and settles there to lay its eggs. □�[V ] Some species may nest in close proximity to each other. □�[V -ing] �nesting sites.

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A nest is a home that a group of insects or other creatures make in order to live in and give birth to their young in. □�[+�in ] Some solitary bees make their nests in burrows in the soil. □� �a rat's nest.

4 →�see also crow's nest , love nest

5 PHRASE When children fly the nest , they leave their parents' home to live on their own. □� When their children had flown the nest, they moved to a cottage in Dorset.

6a hornet's nest →�see hornet

ne st egg (nest eggs ) also nest-egg N‑COUNT [usu sing] A nest egg is a sum of money that you are saving for a particular purpose. [INFORMAL ] □� They have a little nest egg tucked away somewhere for a rainy day.

nes|tle /ne s ə l/ (nestles , nestling , nestled )

1 VERB If you nestle or are nestled somewhere, you move into a comfortable position, usually by pressing against someone or against something soft. □�[V prep] John took one child into the crook of each arm and let them nestle against him. □�[V n prep] Jade nestled her first child in her arms.

2 VERB If something such as a building nestles somewhere or if it is nestled somewhere, it is in that place and seems safe or sheltered. □�[V prep] Nearby, nestling in the hills, was the children's home. □�[V n prep] She nestled the eggs safely in the straw in Jim's basket.

nest|ling /ne stl I ŋ/ (nestlings ) N‑COUNT A nestling is a young bird that has not yet learned to fly.

net

➊�NOUN AND VERB USES

➋�ADJECTIVE AND ADVERB USES

➊ net ◆◇◇ /ne t/ (nets , netting , netted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Net is a kind of cloth that you can see through. It is made of very fine threads woven together so that there are small equal spaces between them.

2 N‑COUNT A net is a piece of netting which is used as a protective covering for something, for example to protect vegetables from birds. □� I threw aside my mosquito net and jumped out of bed.

3 N‑COUNT A net is a piece of netting which is used for catching fish, insects, or animals. □� Several fishermen sat on wooden barrels, tending their nets.

4 N‑SING The Net is the same as the internet .

5 VERB If you net a fish or other animal, you catch it in a net. □�[V n] I'm quite happy to net a fish and then let it go.

6 N‑COUNT In games such as tennis, thenet is the piece of netting across the centre of the court which the ball has to go over.

7 N‑COUNT Thenet on a football or hockey field is the framework with netting over it which is attached to the back of the goal. □� He let the ball slip through his grasp and into the net.

8 N‑COUNT In basketball, thenet is the netting which hangs from the metal hoop. You score goals by throwing the ball through the hoop and netting.

9 VERB If you net something, you manage to get it, especially by using skill. □�[V n] They were intent on netting the �250,000 reward.

10 VERB If you net a particular amount of money, you gain it as profit after all expenses have been paid. □�[V n] Last year he netted a cool 3 million pounds by selling his holdings.

11 →�see also netting , safety net

12 PHRASE If you cast your net wider , you look for or consider a greater variety of things. □� The security forces are casting their net wider.

13 PHRASE If criminals slip through the net , they avoid being caught by the system or trap that was meant to catch them. □� Officials fear some of the thugs identified by British police may have slipped through the net.

14 PHRASE You use slip through the net or fall through the net to describe a situation where people are not properly cared for by the system that is intended to help them. □� The single homeless largely fall through the net of state welfare.

➋ net ◆◇◇ /ne t/ in BRIT, also use nett1 ADJ [ADJ n] A net amount is one which remains when everything that should be subtracted from it has been subtracted. □� �a rise in sales and net profit. □� At the year end, net assets were �18 million. □�[+�of ] What you actually receive is net of deductions for the airfare and administration. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Net is also an adverb. □� Balances of �5,000 and above will earn 11 per cent gross, 8.25 per cent net. □� All bank and building society interest is paid net.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The net weight of something is its weight without its container or the material that has been used to wrap it. □� �350 mg net weight.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A net result is a final result after all the details have been considered or included. □� We have a net gain of nearly 50 seats, the biggest for any party in Scotland. □� We will be a net exporter of motor cars in just a few years' time. SYNONYMS net NOUN ➊1

mesh:The ground-floor windows are obscured by wire mesh.

netting:�mosquito netting.

lattice:We were crawling along the narrow steel lattice of the bridge.

net|ball /ne tbɔːl/ N‑UNCOUNT In Britain and some other countries, netball is a game played by two teams of seven players, usually women. Each team tries to score goals by throwing a ball through a net on the top of a pole at each end of the court.

net|book /ne tbʊk/ (netbooks ) N‑COUNT A netbook is a type of small computer that you can easily carry around with you. [COMPUTING ]

ne t cu r|tain (net curtains ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Net curtains are curtains made of thin cloth that people hang across their windows to stop people outside seeing into their houses in the daytime. [BRIT ] in AM, use sheers

net|head /ne thed/ (netheads ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a nethead , you mean that they spend a lot of time using the internet. [INFORMAL ]

neth|er /ne �ə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Nether means the lower part of a thing or place. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He was escorted back to the nether regions of Main Street.

nether|world /ne �ə r wɜː r ld/ also nether world N‑SING If you refer to a place as a netherworld , you mean that it is dangerous and full of poor people and criminals. □�[+�of ] Waits sang about the boozy netherworld of urban America.

neti|quette /ne t I ket/ N‑UNCOUNT Netiquette is the set of rules and customs that it is considered polite to follow when you are communicating by means of email or the internet.

nett /ne t/ →�see net ➋

net|ting /ne t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Netting is a kind of material made of pieces of thread or metal wires. These are woven together so that there are equal spaces between them. □� �mosquito netting. □� �wire netting.

net|tle /ne t ə l/ (nettles , nettling , nettled )

1 N‑COUNT Nettles are wild plants which have leaves covered with fine hairs that sting you when you touch them. □� The nettles stung their legs.

2 VERB If you are nettled by something, you are annoyed or offended by it. □�[be V -ed] He was nettled by her manner. □�[V n] It was the suggestion that he might alter course to win an election that really nettled him.

net|work ◆◆◇ /ne twɜː r k/ (networks , networking , networked )

1 N‑COUNT A networkof lines, roads, veins, or other long thin things is a large number of them which cross each other or meet at many points. □�[+�of ] �Strasbourg, with its rambling network of medieval streets. □�[+�of ] The uterus is supplied with a rich network of blood vessels and nerves.

2 N‑COUNT A networkof people or institutions is a large number of them that have a connection with each other and work together as a system. □�[+�of ] Distribution of the food is going ahead using a network of local volunteers. □� He is keen to point out the benefits which the family network can provide.

3 →�see also old-boy network

4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A particular network is a system of things which are connected and which operate together. For example, a computer network consists of a number of computers that are part of the same system. □�[+�with ] �a computer network with 154 terminals. □� Huge sections of the rail network are out of action.

5 →�see also neural network

6 N‑COUNT A radio or television network is a company or group of companies that broadcasts radio or television programmes throughout an area. □� An American network says it has obtained the recordings.

7 VERB [usu passive] When a television or radio programme is networked , it is broadcast at the same time by several different television companies. □�[be V -ed] Lumsdon would like to see his programme sold and networked. □�[V -ed] He had once had his own networked chat show.

8 VERB If you network , you try to meet new people who might be useful to you in your job. [BUSINESS ] □�[V +�with ] In business, it is important to network with as many people as possible. [Also V ] SYNONYMS network NOUN 1

maze:The children lead me through the maze of alleys to the edge of the city.

warren:�a warren of narrow streets.

labyrinth:�the labyrinth of corridors.

system:�Australia's road and rail system.

structure:The feet are highly specialised structures made up of 26 small delicate bones.

grid:�a grid of narrow streets.

ne t|work ca rd (network cards ) or network interface card N‑COUNT A network card or a network interface card is a card that connects a computer to a network. [COMPUTING ]

net|work|ing /ne twɜː r k I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Networking is the process of trying to meet new people who might be useful to you in your job, often through social activities. [BUSINESS ] □� If executives fail to exploit the opportunities of networking they risk being left behind.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the things associated with a computer system or the process of establishing such a system as networking . □� It offers training including web development and IT networking. □� �computer and networking equipment.

neu|ral /njʊə rəl, [AM ] nʊ r-/ ADJ Neural means relating to a nerve or to the nervous system. [MEDICAL ] □� �neural pathways in the brain.

neu|ral|gia /njʊər� ldʒə, [AM ] nʊr-/ N‑UNCOUNT Neuralgia is very severe pain along the whole length of a nerve caused when the nerve is damaged or not working properly. [MEDICAL ]

neu |ral ne t|work (neural networks ) N‑COUNT In computing, a neural network is a program or system which is modelled on the human brain and is designed to imitate the brain's method of functioning, particularly the process of learning.

PREFIX neuro-

is used to form words that refer or relate to a nerve or the nervous system. For example, a neurotransmitter is a chemical by which nerve cells communicate.

neu|ro|logi|cal /njʊə rəlɒ dʒ I k ə l, [AM ] nʊ r-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Neurological means related to the nervous system. [MEDICAL ] □� �neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

neu|rol|ogy /njʊərɒ lədʒi, [AM ] nʊr-/ N‑UNCOUNT Neurology is the study of the structure, function, and diseases of the nervous system. [MEDICAL ] □� He trained in neurology at the National Hospital for Nervous Diseases. ●� neu|rolo|gist (neurologists ) N‑COUNT □� She is a consultant neurologist at Imperial College London.

neu|ron /njʊə rɒn, [AM ] nʊ r-/ (neurons ) also neurone

1 N‑COUNT A neuron is a cell which is part of the nervous system. Neurons send messages to and from the brain. [TECHNICAL ] □� Information is transferred along each neuron by means of an electrical impulse.

2 →�see also motor neurone disease

neu|ro|sis /njʊəroʊ s I s, [AM ] nʊr-/ (neuroses /njʊəroʊ s I ːz, [AM ] nʊr-/) N‑VAR Neurosis is a mental condition which causes people to have unreasonable fears and worries over a long period of time. □� He was anxious to the point of neurosis. □�[+�about ] She got a neurosis about chemicals and imagined them everywhere doing her harm.

neu|rot|ic /njʊərɒ t I k, [AM ] nʊr-/ (neurotics ) ADJ If you say that someone is neurotic , you mean that they are always frightened or worried about things that you consider unimportant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] He was almost neurotic about being followed. ●�N‑COUNT A neurotic is someone who is neurotic. □� These patients are not neurotics.

neu|ter /njuː tə r , [AM ] nuː t-/ (neuters , neutering , neutered )

1 VERB [usu passive] When an animal is neutered , its reproductive organs are removed so that it cannot create babies. □�[have n V -ed] We ask the public to have their dogs neutered and keep them under close supervision.

2 VERB To neuter an organization, group, or person means to make them powerless and ineffective. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] �the Government's 'hidden agenda' to neuter local authorities. □�[be V -ed] Their air force had been neutered before the work began.

3 ADJ In some languages, a neuter noun, pronoun, or adjective has a different form from a masculine or feminine one, or behaves in a different way.

neu|tral /njuː trəl, [AM ] nuː t-/ (neutrals )

1 ADJ If a person or country adopts a neutral position or remains neutral , they do not support anyone in a disagreement, war, or contest. □� Let's meet on neutral territory. □�[+�in ] Those who had tried to remain neutral now found themselves required to take sides. ●�N‑COUNT A neutral is someone who is neutral. □� It was a good game to watch for the neutrals. ●� neu|tral|ity /njuːtr� l I ti, [AM ] nuː t-/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a reputation for political neutrality and impartiality.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone speaks in a neutral voice or if the expression on their face is neutral , they do not show what they are thinking or feeling. □� Isabel put her magazine down and said in a neutral voice, 'You're very late, darling.' □� He told her about the death, describing the events in as neutral a manner as he could. ●� neu|tral|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] I noticed, behind the neutrality of his gaze, a deep weariness.

3 ADJ If you say that something is neutral , you mean that it does not have any effect on other things because it lacks any significant qualities of its own, or it is an equal balance of two or more different qualities, amounts, or ideas. □� Three in every five interviewed felt that the Budget was neutral and they would be no better off.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft into/in N ] Neutral is the position between the gears of a vehicle such as a car, in which the gears are not connected to the engine. □� Graham put the van in neutral and jumped out into the road.

5 ADJ In an electrical device or system, the neutral wire is one of the three wires needed to complete the circuit so that the current can flow. The other two wires are called the earth wire and the live or positive wire.

6 COLOUR Neutral is used to describe things that have a pale colour such as cream or grey, or that have no colour at all. □� At the horizon the land mass becomes a continuous pale neutral grey.

7 ADJ In chemistry, neutral is used to describe things that are neither acid nor alkaline. □� Pure water is neutral with a pH of 7.

neu|tral|ize /njuː trəla I z, [AM ] nuː t-/ (neutralizes , neutralizing , neutralized ) in BRIT, also use neutralise1 VERB To neutralize something means to prevent it from having any effect or from working properly. □�[V n] The U.S. is trying to neutralize the resolution in the U.N. Security Council. □�[V n] The intruder smashed a window to get in and then neutralized the alarm system. ●� neu|trali|za|tion /njuː trəla I ze I ʃ ə n, [AM ] nuː t-/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the sale or neutralization of the suspected nuclear site.

2 VERB When a chemical substance neutralizes an acid, it makes it less acid. □�[V n] Antacids relieve pain by neutralizing acid in the stomach.

neu|tron /njuː trɒn, [AM ] nuː t-/ (neutrons ) N‑COUNT A neutron is an atomic particle that has no electrical charge. □� Each atomic cluster is made up of neutrons and protons.

neu |tron bomb (neutron bombs ) N‑COUNT A neutron bomb is a nuclear weapon that is designed to kill people and animals without a large explosion and without destroying buildings or causing serious radioactive pollution.

neu |tron sta r (neutron stars ) N‑COUNT A neutron star is a star that has collapsed under the weight of its own gravity.

nev|er ◆◆◆ /ne və r /

1 ADV [ADV before v] Never means at no time in the past or at no time in the future. □� I have never lost the weight I put on in my teens. □� Never had he been so free of worry. □� That was a mistake. We'll never do it again. □� Never say that. Never, do you hear? □� He was never really healthy. □� This is never to happen again.

2 ADV [ADV before v] Never means 'not in any circumstances at all'. □� I would never do anything to hurt him. □� Even if you are desperate to get married, never let it show. □� Divorce is never easy for children. □� The golden rule is never to clean a valuable coin.

3 PHRASE Never ever is an emphatic way of saying 'never'. [EMPHASIS ] □� I never, ever sit around thinking, 'What shall I do next?' □� He's vowed never ever to talk about anything personal in public, ever again.

4 ADV Never is used to refer to the past and means 'not'. □� He never achieved anything. □� He waited until all the luggage was cleared, but Paula's never appeared. □� I never knew the lad. □� I'd never have dreamt of doing such a thing.

5 EXCLAM You say ' never! ' to indicate how surprised or shocked you are by something that someone has just said. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ]

6 EXCLAM You say ' Well, I never ' to indicate that you are very surprised about something that you have just seen or found out. [OLD-FASHIONED , SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� 'What were you up to there?'�'I was head of the information department.'�'Well I never!'

7 PHRASE If you say that something will never do or would never do , you are saying, often humorously, that you think it is not appropriate or not suitable in some way. □� It would never do to have Henry there in her apartment. □� I don't think it is an example of bad writing myself, otherwise I'd be agreeing with Leavis, and that would never do.

8never mind →�see mind ➋ USAGE never

Don�t use �do� in front of never . Don�t say, for example, � He does never write to me �. Say �He never writes to me�. □� He never complains .

ne ver-e nding ADJ If you describe something bad or unpleasant as never-ending , you are emphasizing that it seems to last a very long time. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a never-ending series of scandals.

ne ver-ne ver land N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Never-never land is an imaginary place where everything is perfect and no-one has any problems. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] We became suspended in some stately never-never land of pleasure, luxury and idleness.

never|the|less ◆◇◇ /ne və r �əle s/ ADV You use nevertheless when saying something that contrasts with what has just been said. [FORMAL ] □� Many marriages fail. Nevertheless, people continue to get married. SYNONYMS nevertheless ADV

even so:The bus was only half full. Even so, a young man asked Nina if the seat next to her was taken.

still:Their luck had simply run out. Still, never fear.

nonetheless:There was still a long way to go. Nonetheless, some progress had been made.

yet:I don't eat much, yet I am a size 16.

new ◆◆◆ /njuː , [AM ] nuː / (newer , newest )

1 ADJ Something that is new has been recently created, built, or invented or is in the process of being created, built, or invented. □� They've just opened a new hotel in the Stoke area. □� There are some very useful new inventions in photography. □� �the introduction of new drugs to suppress the immune system. □� Their epic fight is the subject of a new film. □� These ideas are nothing new in America. ●� new|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The board acknowledges problems which arise from the newness of the approach.

2 ADJ Something that is new has not been used or owned by anyone. □� That afternoon she went out and bought a new dress. □� There are many boats, new and used, for sale. □� They cost nine pounds new, three pounds secondhand.

3 ADJ You use new to describe something which has replaced another thing, for example because you no longer have the old one, or it no longer exists, or it is no longer useful. □� Under the new rules, some factories will cut emissions by as much as 90 percent. □� I had been in my new job only a few days. □� I had to find somewhere new to live. □� Rachel has a new boyfriend. □� They told me I needed a new battery.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] New is used to describe something that has only recently been discovered or noticed. □� The new planet is about ten times the size of the earth.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A new day or year is the beginning of the next day or year. □� The start of a new year is a good time to reflect on the many achievements of the past.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] New is used to describe someone or something that has recently acquired a particular status or position. □� �the usual exhaustion of a new mother. □� The Association gives a free handbook to all new members.

7 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are newto a situation or place, or if the situation or place is newto you, you have not previously seen it or had any experience of it. □�[+�to ] She wasn't new to the company. □�[+�to ] His name was new to me then and it stayed in my mind. □� I'm new here and all I did was follow orders.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] New potatoes, carrots, or peas are produced early in the season for such vegetables and are usually small with a sweet flavour.

9 →�see also brand-new

10as good as new →�see good

11to turn over a new leaf →�see leaf

12a new lease of life →�see lease

13pastures new →�see pasture

new- /njuː -, [AM ] nuː -/ COMB [usu ADJ n] New- combines with the past participle of some verbs to form adjectives which indicate that an action has been done or completed very recently. □� He loved the smell of new-mown grass. □� Gerald treasures his new-won independence.

Ne w A ge ADJ [usu ADJ n] New Age is used to describe spiritual or non-scientific activities such as meditation, astrology, and alternative medicine, or people who are connected with such activities. □� She was involved in many New Age activities such as yoga and healing.

Ne w Age tra v|el|ler (New Age travellers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] New Age travellers are people who live in tents and vehicles and travel from place to place, and who reject many of the values of modern society. [BRIT ]

new|bie /njuː bi, [AM ] nuː bi/ (newbies ) N‑COUNT A newbie is someone who is new to an activity, especially in computing or on the internet. □� All newbies are offered an individually tailored training and development programme.

ne w bloo d N‑UNCOUNT If people talk about bringing new blood into an organization or sports team, they are referring to new people who are likely to improve the organization or team. □� That's what we need, some new blood in the team.

new|born /njuː bɔː r n, [AM ] nuː -/ (newborns ) also new-born , new born ADJ [usu ADJ n] A newborn baby or animal is one that has just been born. □� This equipment has saved the lives of a number of new born children. □� �new born lambs. ●�N‑PLURAL The newborn are babies or animals who are newborn. □� Mild jaundice in the newborn is common and often clears without treatment.

ne w broo m (new brooms ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Someone who has just started a new job and who is expected to make a lot of changes can be referred to as a new broom . [JOURNALISM ] □� The company seemed set to make a fresh start under a new broom.

new|comer /njuː kʌmə r , [AM ] nuː -/ (newcomers ) N‑COUNT A newcomer is a person who has recently arrived in a place, joined an organization, or started a new activity. □�[+�to ] He must be a newcomer to town and he obviously didn't understand our local customs. □�[+�to ] The candidates are both relative newcomers to politics.

ne w fa ce (new faces ) N‑COUNT Someone who is new in a particular public role can be referred to as a new face . [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�in ] All together there are six new faces in the Cabinet.

new-fangled /njuː f� ŋg ə ld, [AM ] nuː -/ also newfangled ADJ [ADJ n] If someone describes a new idea or a new piece of equipment as new-fangled , they mean that it is too complicated or is unnecessary. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Mr Goss does not believe in any of this 'new-fangled nonsense' about lean meat. □� �a newfangled tax structure.

ne w-fou nd also newfound ADJ [ADJ n] A new-found quality or ability is one that you have got recently. □� Juliana was brimming over with new-found confidence. □� She was enjoying the newfound freedom of adulthood.

new|ly ◆◇◇ /njuː li, [AM ] nuː li/ ADV [ADV -ed/adj] Newly is used before a past participle or an adjective to indicate that a particular action is very recent, or that a particular state of affairs has very recently begun to exist. □� She was young at the time, and newly married. □� �a newly fashionable holiday destination. SYNONYMS newly ADV

recently:The bank recently opened a branch in Germany.

lately:Lord Tomas had lately been appointed Chairman of the Centre for Policy Studies.

freshly:�freshly cut grass.

latterly:Latterly, he has written extensively about alternative medicine.

newly|wed /njuː liwed, [AM ] nuː -/ (newlyweds ) also newly-wed N‑COUNT [usu pl] Newlyweds are a man and woman who have very recently got married to each other. □� Lavalais raised his glass to propose a toast to the newlyweds.

ne w me |dia N‑PLURAL New media are new technologies such as the internet, and digital television and radio. □� �a company which specialises in new media. □� The new-media industry attracts young and creative people.

ne w moo n (new moons ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A new moon is the moon when it first appears as a thin curved shape at the start of its four-week cycle. Thenew moon is also the time of the month when the moon appears in this way. □� �the pale crescent of a new moon. □� The new moon was the occasion of festivals of rejoicing in Egypt.

news ◆◆◆ /njuː z, [AM ] nuː z/

1 N‑UNCOUNT News is information about a recently changed situation or a recent event. □�[+�of ] We waited and waited for news of him. □�[+�about ] They still haven't had any news about when they'll be able to go home. □�[+�for ] I wish I had better news for you. □� He's thrilled to bits at the news.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] News is information that is published in newspapers and broadcast on radio and television about recent events in the country or world or in a particular area of activity. □� Foreign News is on Page 16. □� We'll also have the latest sports news. □� The announcement was made at a news conference. □� Those are some of the top stories in the news.

3 N‑SING The news is a television or radio broadcast which consists of information about recent events in the country or the world. □� I heard all about the bombs on the news. □� �the six o'clock news.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something is news , you mean that they are considered to be interesting and important at the moment, and that people want to hear about them on the radio and television and in newspapers. [INFORMAL ] □� A murder was big news. □� If you are a celebrity, you are headline news.

5 PHRASE If you say that something is bad news , you mean that it will cause you trouble or problems. If you say that something is good news , you mean that it will be useful or helpful to you. □�[+�for ] The drop in travel is bad news for the airline industry. □�[+�to ] This new attitude is good news to environmental activists.

6 PHRASE If you say that something is news to you, you mean that you did not previously know what you have just been told, especially when you are surprised or annoyed about it. □� I'd certainly tell you if I knew anything, but I don't. What you're saying is news to me. USAGE news

Don�t talk about � a news �. You refer to a piece of information as some news , a bit of news , or a piece of news . □� I�ve got some good news for you.

ne ws agen|cy ◆◇◇ (news agencies ) N‑COUNT A news agency is an organization that gathers news stories from a particular country or from all over the world and supplies them to journalists. □� A correspondent for Reuters news agency says he saw a number of demonstrators being beaten.

news|agent /njuː ze I dʒ ə nt, [AM ] nuː z-/ (newsagents )

1 N‑COUNT A newsagent or a newsagent's is a shop that sells newspapers and magazines, and things such as cigarettes and sweets. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A newsagent is a shopkeeper who sells newspapers and magazines, and things such as cigarettes and sweets. [BRIT ]

news|cast /njuː zkɑːst, [AM ] nuː zk�st/ (newscasts ) N‑COUNT A newscast is a news programme that is broadcast on the radio or on television. [mainly AM ]

news|caster /njuː zkɑːstə r , [AM ] nuː zk�stə r / (newscasters ) N‑COUNT A newscaster is a person who reads the news on the radio or on television.

ne ws con|fer|ence (news conferences ) N‑COUNT A news conference is a meeting held by a famous or important person in which they answer journalists' questions.

news|flash /njuː zfl�ʃ, [AM ] nuː z-/ (newsflashes ) also news flash N‑COUNT A newsflash is an important item of news that television or radio companies broadcast as soon as they receive it, often interrupting other programmes to do so. □� We interrupt our programmes for a newsflash.

news|group /njuː zgruːp, [AM ] nuː z-/ (newsgroups ) N‑COUNT A newsgroup is an internet site where people can put information and opinions about a particular subject so they can be read by everyone who looks at the site.

news|letter /njuː zletə r , [AM ] nuː z-/ (newsletters ) also news letter N‑COUNT A newsletter is one or more printed sheets of paper containing information about an organization that is sent regularly to its members. □� The organization now has around 18,000 members who receive a quarterly newsletter.

news|man /njuː zmən, [AM ] nuː z-/ (newsmen ) N‑COUNT A newsman is a journalist for a newspaper or for a television or radio news programme. [JOURNALISM ]

news|paper ◆◆◇ /njuː spe I pə r , [AM ] nuː z-/ (newspapers )

1 N‑COUNT A newspaper is a publication consisting of a number of large sheets of folded paper, on which news, advertisements, and other information is printed. □� He was carrying a newspaper. □� They read their daughter's allegations in the newspaper. □� She writes a regular Sunday newspaper feature.

2 N‑COUNT A newspaper is an organization that produces a newspaper. □� It is Britain's fastest growing national daily newspaper. □� He is a food critic for the newspaper.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Newspaper consists of pieces of old newspapers, especially when they are being used for another purpose such as wrapping things up. □� He found two pots, each wrapped in newspaper.

news|paper|man /njuː spe I pə r m�n, [AM ] nuː z-/ (newspapermen ) N‑COUNT A newspaperman is a journalist, especially a man, who works for a newspaper. [JOURNALISM ]

news|print /njuː zpr I nt, [AM ] nuː z-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Newsprint is the cheap, fairly rough paper on which newspapers are printed.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Newsprint is the text that is printed in newspapers. □� �the acres of newsprint devoted to celebrities' personal lives.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Newsprint is the ink which is used to print newspapers and magazines. □� They get their hands covered in newsprint.

news|read|er /njuː zriːdə r , [AM ] nuː z-/ (newsreaders ) N‑COUNT A newsreader is a person who reads the news on the radio or on television. [BRIT ] in AM, use newscaster

news|reel /njuː zriːl, [AM ] nuː z-/ (newsreels ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A newsreel is a short film of national or international news events. In the past newsreels were made for showing in cinemas.

ne ws re|lease (news releases ) N‑COUNT A news release is a written statement about a matter of public interest which is given to the press by an organization concerned with the matter. [mainly AM ] □� In a news release, the company said it had experienced severe financial problems. in BRIT, use press release

news|room /njuː zruːm, [AM ] nuː z-/ (newsrooms ) N‑COUNT A newsroom is an office in a newspaper, radio, or television organization where news reports are prepared before they are printed or broadcast.

ne ws-sheet (news-sheets ) N‑COUNT A news-sheet is a small newspaper that is usually printed and distributed in small quantities by a local political or social organization.

news|stand /njuː zst�nd, [AM ] nuː z-/ (newsstands ) also news-stand N‑COUNT A newsstand is a stall in the street or a public place, which sells newspapers and magazines. □� It is the best-selling holiday magazine on the newsstand

news|worthy /njuː zwɜː r �i, [AM ] nuː z-/ ADJ An event, fact, or person that is newsworthy is considered to be interesting enough to be reported in newspapers or on the radio or television. □� The number of deaths makes the story newsworthy.

newt /njuː t, [AM ] nuː t/ (newts ) N‑COUNT A newt is a small creature that has four legs and a long tail and can live on land and in water.

Ne w Te s|ta|ment N‑PROPER The New Testament is the part of the Bible that deals with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and with Christianity in the early Church.

ne w town (new towns ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A new town is a town that has been planned and built as a single project, including houses, shops, and factories, rather than one that has developed gradually. [mainly BRIT ] □� �Basildon New Town.

ne w wa ve (new waves ) N‑COUNT In the arts or in politics, a new wave is a group or movement that deliberately introduces new or unconventional ideas instead of using traditional ones. □�[+�of ] �the new wave of satirical comedy. □� �New Wave music.

Ne w Wo rld N‑PROPER The New World is used to refer to the continents of North and South America. □� �the massive growth in imports of good wines from the New World and Australasia.

Ne w Yea r

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] New Year or the New Year is the time when people celebrate the start of a year. □� Happy New Year, everyone. □� The restaurant was closed over the New Year. □� He returned home each year to celebrate Christmas and New Year with his family.

2 N‑SING The New Year is the first few weeks of a year. □� Isabel was expecting their baby in the New Year. □� The shortages could lead the government to raise prices before the New Year.

Ne w Yea r's N‑UNCOUNT New Year's is another name for New Year's Day or New Year's Eve . [AM ]

Ne w Year's Da y N‑UNCOUNT New Year's Day is the first day of the year. In Western countries this is the 1st of January. □� On New Year's Day in 1974, I started keeping a journal.

Ne w Year's E ve N‑UNCOUNT New Year's Eve is the last day of the year, the day before New Year's Day. □� On New Year's Eve I usually give a party, which is always chaotic.

Ne w Year's reso|lu |tion (New Year's resolutions ) also New Year resolution N‑COUNT If you make a New Year's resolution , you make a decision at the beginning of a year to start doing something or to stop doing something. □� She made a New Year's resolution to get fit.

New Zea|land|er /njuː ziː ləndə r , [AM ] nuː -/ (New Zealanders ) N‑COUNT A New Zealander is a citizen of New Zealand, or a person of New Zealand origin.

next ◆◆◆ /ne kst/

1 ORD The next period of time, event, person, or thing is the one that comes immediately after the present one or after the previous one. □� I got up early the next morning. □� �the next available flight. □� Who will be the next prime minister? □� I want my next child born at home. □� Many senior citizens have very few visitors from one week to the next.

2 DET You use next in expressions such as next Friday , next day and next year to refer, for example, to the first Friday, day, or year that comes after the present or previous one. □� Let's plan a big night next week. □� He retires next January. □� Next day the E.U. summit strengthened their ultimatum. ●�ADJ [n ADJ ] Next is also an adjective. □� I shall be 26 years old on Friday next. ●�PRON Next is also a pronoun. □� He predicted the region's economy would grow both this year and next.

3 ADJ Thenext place or person is the one that is nearest to you or that is the first one that you come to. □� Grace sighed so heavily that Trish could hear it in the next room. □� The man in the next chair was asleep. □� Stop at the next corner. I'm getting out.

4 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] The thing that happens next is the thing that happens immediately after something else. □� Next, close your eyes then screw them up tight. □� I don't know what to do next. □� The news is next.

5 ADV [ADV before v] When you next do something, you do it for the first time since you last did it. □� I next saw him at his house in Berkshire. □� When we next met, he was much more jovial.

6 ADV You use next to say that something has more of a particular quality than all other things except one. For example, the thing that is next best is the one that is the best except for one other thing. □� He didn't have a son; I think he felt that a grandson is the next best thing. □� At least three times more daffodils are grown than in Holland, the next largest grower.

7 PHRASE You use after next in expressions such as the week after next to refer to a period of time after the next one. For example, when it is May, the month after next is July. □� �the party's annual conference, to be held in Bournemouth the week after next.

8 PHRASE If you say that you do something or experience something as much as the next person, you mean that you are no different from anyone else in the respect mentioned. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm as ambitious as the next man. I'd like to manage at the very highest level.

9 PHRASE If one thing is next to another thing, it is at the other side of it. □� She sat down next to him on the sofa. □� �a fishing community in northern Canada, next to the Alaskan border. □� The car was parked in the small weedy lot next to the hotel.

10 PHRASE You use next to in order to give the most important aspect of something when comparing it with another aspect. □� Her children were the number two priority in her life next to her career.

11 PHRASE You use next to before a negative, or a word that suggests something negative, to mean almost, but not completely. □� Johnson still knew next to nothing about tobacco. □� Most pre-prepared weight loss products are next to useless. USAGE next

Don�t use �next� simply to say that a particular thing is the closest one. Don�t say, for example, � They took him to the next hospital �. You say �They took him to the nearest hospital �. □� The nearest town is Brompton.

ne xt doo r The adjective is also spelled next-door . 1 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV , oft n ADV ] If a room or building is next door , it is the next one to the right or left. □� I went next door to the bathroom. □� She was next door at the time. □� �the old lady who lived next door. □� The flat next door was empty. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Next door is also an adjective. □� She wandered back into the next door room. □� The wires trailed through other parts of the HQ into a next door building. ●�PHRASE If a room or building is next door to another one, it is the next one to the left or right. □� The kitchen is right next door to the dining room.

2 ADV [n ADV ] The people next door are the people who live in the house or flat to the right or left of yours. □� The neighbours thought the family next door had moved. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Next door is also an adjective. □� Our next door neighbour knocked on the door to say that our car had been stolen.

3 PHRASE If you refer to someone as the boy next door or the girl next door , you mean that they are pleasant and respectable but rather dull. □� She was the girl-next-door type.

ne xt doo r's DET You can use next door's to indicate that something belongs to the person or people who live in the house to the right or left of your own. □� �next door's dog.

ne xt of ki n N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Next of kin is sometimes used to refer to the person who is your closest relative, especially in official or legal documents. [FORMAL ] □� We have notified the next of kin.

nex|us /ne ksəs/ (nexus ) N‑COUNT A nexus is a connection or series of connections within a particular situation or system. [FORMAL ] □�[+�between ] �the nexus between the dominant class and the State.

NGO /e n dʒiː oʊ / (NGOs ) N‑COUNT An NGO is an organization which is not run by the government. NGO is an abbreviation for 'non-governmental organization'.

NHS ◆◇◇ /e n e I t ʃe s/ N‑SING [N n] NHS is an abbreviation for National Health Service . □� This vaccine is not normally provided free under the NHS. □� �NHS patients.

nia|cin /na I əs I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Niacin is a vitamin that occurs in milk, liver, yeast, and some other foods.

nib /n I b/ (nibs ) N‑COUNT A nib is a pointed piece of metal at the end of some pens, which controls the flow of ink as you write.

nib|ble /n I b ə l/ (nibbles , nibbling , nibbled )

1 VERB If you nibble food, you eat it by biting very small pieces of it, for example because you are not very hungry. □�[V n] He started to nibble his biscuit. □�[V +�at/on ] She nibbled at the corner of a piece of dry toast. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Nibble is also a noun. □� We each took a nibble.

2 VERB If you nibble something, you bite it very gently. □�[V n] John found he was kissing and nibbling her ear. □�[V +�on/at ] Daniel Winter nibbled on his pen.

3 VERB When an animal nibbles something, it takes small bites of it quickly and repeatedly. □�[V n] A herd of goats was nibbling the turf around the base of the tower. □�[V +�at/on ] The birds cling to the wall and nibble at the brickwork. [Also V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Nibble away means the same as nibble . □�[V P +�on/at ] The rabbits nibbled away on the herbaceous plants.

4 VERB If one thing nibblesat another, it gradually affects, harms, or destroys it. □�[V +�at ] �how best to compete with the overseas nations nibbling at our traditional markets. ●�PHRASAL VERB Nibble away means the same as nibble . □�[V P +�at ] Several manufacturers are also nibbling away at Ford's traditional customer base.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Nibbles are small snacks such as biscuits, crisps, and nuts that are often offered to you at parties. [mainly BRIT ] □� �crisps, nuts, and other nibbles.

ni|cad /na I k�d/ also ni-cad ADJ A nicad battery is a battery made from a combination of nickel and cadmium.

nice ◆◆◇ /na I s/ (nicer , nicest )

1 ADJ If you say that something is nice , you mean that you find it attractive, pleasant, or enjoyable. □� I think silk ties can be quite nice. □� It's nice to be here together again. □� We had a nice meal with a bottle of champagne. ●� nice|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj, oft ADV after v] □� He's just written a book, nicely illustrated and not too technical.

2 ADJ If you say that it is nice of someone to say or do something, you are saying that they are being kind and thoughtful. This is often used as a way of thanking someone. □�[+�of ] It's awfully nice of you to come all this way to see me. □�[+�of ] 'How are your boys?'�'How nice of you to ask.'

3 ADJ If you say that someone is nice , you mean that you like them because they are friendly and pleasant. □� He was a nice fellow, very quiet and courteous. ●� nice|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Mr Pearce was rather bowled over by his niceness, his concern and his ordinariness.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are niceto people, you are friendly, pleasant, or polite towards them. □�[+�to ] She met Mr and Mrs Ricciardi, who were very nice to her. ●� nice|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He treated you very nicely and acted like a decent guy.

5 ADJ When the weather is nice , it is warm and pleasant. □� He nodded to us and said, 'Nice weather we're having.'

6 ADJ [ADJ and adv after v] You can use nice to emphasize a particular quality that you like. [EMPHASIS ] □� Once they are a nice dark golden brown, turn them over. □� Add the oats to thicken the mixture and stir until it is nice and creamy.

7 ADJ A nice point or distinction is very clear, precise, and based on good reasoning. [FORMAL ] □� Those are nice academic arguments, but what about the immediate future? ●� nice|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� I think this puts the problem very nicely.

8 ADJ You can use nice when you are greeting people. For example, you can say ' Nice to meet you ', ' Nice to have met you ', or ' Nice to see you '. [FORMULAE ] □�[+�to-inf] Good morning. Nice to meet you and thanks for being with us this weekend. □�[+�to-inf] 'It's so nice to see you,' said Charles.

9 →�see also nicely SYNONYMS nice ADJ

1

pleasant:I've got a pleasant little apartment.

delightful:It was the most delightful garden I had ever seen.

agreeable:�an agreeable surprise.

3

kind:I must thank you for being so kind to me.

helpful:James is a very helpful and cooperative lad.

obliging:He is an extremely pleasant and obliging man.

considerate:I think he's the most charming, most considerate man I've ever known.

ni ce-loo king ADJ Someone who is nice-looking is physically attractive. □� I saw this nice-looking man in a gray suit. □� We got on very well and she was very nice-looking.

nice|ly /na I sli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If something is happening or working nicely , it is happening or working in a satisfactory way or in the way that you want it to. □� She has a bit of private money, so they manage quite nicely. □� The crowds had been soaked and were now nicely drying out.

2 →�see also nice

3 PHRASE [usu cont] If someone or something is doing nicely , they are being successful. □� �another hotel owner who is doing very nicely.

4 PHRASE If you say that something will do nicely , you mean that it is good enough for the situation. □� A shirt and jersey and an ordinary pair of trousers will do nicely, thank you.

ni|cety /na I s I ti/ (niceties ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, adj N ] Thenicetiesof a situation are its details, especially with regard to good manners or the appropriate behaviour for that situation. □�[+�of ] By the end of term, girls will have learnt the niceties of dinner party conversation. □� He wasted no time with social niceties.

niche /niː ʃ, [AM ] n I tʃ/ (niches )

1 N‑COUNT A niche in the market is a specific area of marketing which has its own particular requirements, customers, and products. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�in ] I think we have found a niche in the toy market.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Niche marketing is the practice of dividing the market into specialized areas for which particular products are made. A niche market is one of these specialized areas. [BUSINESS ] □� Many media experts see news channels as part of a general move towards niche marketing. □� The Japanese are able to supply niche markets because of their flexible production methods.

3 N‑COUNT A niche is a hollow area in a wall which has been made to hold a statue, or a natural hollow part in a hill or cliff. □�[+�on ] Above him, in a niche on the wall, sat a tiny veiled Ganesh, the elephant god. □�[+�in ] There was a niche in the rock where the path ended.

4 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your niche is the job or activity which is exactly suitable for you. □�[+�as ] Simon Lane quickly found his niche as a busy freelance model maker.

nick /n I k/ (nicks , nicking , nicked )

1 VERB If someone nicks something, they steal it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He smashed a window to get in and nicked a load of silver cups.

2 VERB If the police nick someone, they arrest them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] The police nicked me for carrying an offensive weapon. □�[get/be V -ed] Keep quiet or we'll all get nicked.

3 VERB If you nick something or nick yourself, you accidentally make a small cut in the surface of the object or your skin. □�[V n] When I pulled out of the space, I nicked the rear bumper of the car in front of me. □�[V pron-refl] He dropped a bottle in the kitchen and nicked himself on broken glass.

4 N‑COUNT A nick is a small cut made in the surface of something, usually in someone's skin. □� The barbed wire had left only the tiniest nick just below my right eye.

5 VERB If you are nicked by someone, they cheat you, for example by charging you too much money. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] College students already are being nicked, but probably don't realize it.

6 PHRASE Nick is used in expressions such as ' in good nick ' or ' in bad nick ' to describe the physical condition of someone or something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� His ribs were damaged, but other than that he's in good nick. □� Tom's house is actually in better nick than mine.

7 PHRASE If you say that something happens in the nick of time , you are emphasizing that it happens at the last possible moment. [EMPHASIS ] □� Seems we got here just in the nick of time.

nick|el /n I k ə l/ (nickels )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Nickel is a silver-coloured metal that is used in making steel.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States and Canada, a nickel is a coin worth five cents.

nick|name /n I kne I m/ (nicknames , nicknaming , nicknamed )

1 N‑COUNT A nickname is an informal name for someone or something. □� Red got his nickname for his red hair.

2 VERB If you nickname someone or something, you give them an informal name. □�[V n n] When he got older I nicknamed him Little Alf. □�[be V -ed n] Which newspaper was once nicknamed The Thunderer?

nico|tine /n I k I tiːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Nicotine is the substance in tobacco that people can become addicted to. □� Nicotine marks stained his chin and fingers.

niece /niː s/ (nieces ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's niece is the daughter of their sister or brother. □� �his niece from America, the daughter of his eldest sister.

nif|ty /n I fti/ (niftier , niftiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as nifty , you think it is neat and pleasing or cleverly done. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� Bridgeport was a pretty nifty place. □� It was a nifty arrangement, a perfect partnership.

Ni|gerian /na I dʒ I ə riən/ (Nigerians )

1 ADJ Nigerian means belonging or relating to Nigeria, its people, or its culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Nigerian is a Nigerian citizen, or a person of Nigerian origin.

nig|gard|ly /n I gə r dli/ ADJ If you describe someone as niggardly , you are criticizing them because they do not give or provide much of something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It seems a little niggardly not to include any photographs. □� �a niggardly supply of hot water.

nig|ger /n I gə r / (niggers ) N‑COUNT Nigger is an extremely offensive word for a black person. [VERY OFFENSIVE ]

nig|gle /n I g ə l/ (niggles , niggling , niggled )

1 VERB If something niggles you, it causes you to worry slightly over a long period of time. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] I realise now that the things which used to niggle and annoy me just don't really matter. □�[V +�at ] It's been niggling at my mind ever since I met Neville in Nice. □�[V away ] The puzzle niggled away in Arnold's mind. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Niggle is also a noun. □� So why is there a little niggle at the back of my mind?

2 VERB If someone niggles you, they annoy you by continually criticizing you for what you think are small or unimportant things. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] I don't react anymore when opponents try to niggle me. □�[V +�at ] You tend to niggle at your partner, and get hurt when he doesn't hug you. [Also V , V n that] ●�N‑COUNT Niggle is also a noun. □� Our life together is more important than any minor niggle we might have.

nig|gling /n I gəl I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A niggling injury or worry is small but bothers you over a long period of time. □� Both players have been suffering from niggling injuries. □� �a niggling worry that the cheap car is also the one that will cause endless trouble.

nigh /na I /

1 ADV [be ADV ] If an event is nigh , it will happen very soon. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� The end of the world may be nigh, but do we really care?

2 →�see also well-nigh

3 PHRASE Nigh on an amount, number, or age means almost that amount, number, or age. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� I had to pay nigh on forty pounds for it.

night ◆◆◆ /na I t/ (nights )

1 N‑VAR The night is the part of each day when the sun has set and it is dark outside, especially the time when people are sleeping. □� He didn't sleep a wink all night. □� The fighting began in the late afternoon and continued all night. □� Our reporter spent the night crossing the border from Austria into Slovenia. □� Finally night fell.

2 N‑COUNT The night is the period of time between the end of the afternoon and the time that you go to bed, especially the time when you relax before going to bed. □� So whose party was it last night? □� Demiris took Catherine to dinner the following night.

3 N‑COUNT A particular night is a particular evening when a special event takes place, such as a show or a play. □� The first night crowd packed the building. □� �election night.

4 PHRASE If it is a particular time at night , it is during the time when it is dark and is before midnight. □� It's eleven o'clock at night in Moscow. □� He works obsessively from 7.15 am to 9 or 10 at night.

5 PHRASE If something happens at night , it happens regularly during the evening or night. □� He was going to college at night, in order to become an accountant. □� The veranda was equipped with heavy wooden rain doors that were kept closed at night.

6 PHRASE If something happens day and night or night and day , it happens all the time without stopping. □� Dozens of doctors and nurses have been working day and night for weeks. □� He was at my door night and day, demanding my attention.

7 PHRASE If you have an early night , you go to bed early. If you have a late night , you go to bed late. □� I've had a bad day, and all I want is an early night. □� In spite of the travelling and the late night, she did not feel tired.

8morning, noon, and night →�see morning

night|cap /na I tk�p/ (nightcaps ) N‑COUNT A nightcap is a drink that you have just before you go to bed, usually an alcoholic drink. □� Perhaps you would join me for a nightcap?

night|clothes /na I tkloʊ�z/ N‑PLURAL Nightclothes are clothes that you wear in bed.

night|club /na I tklʌb/ (nightclubs ) also night club N‑COUNT A nightclub is a place where people go late in the evening to drink and dance.

night|club|bing /na I tklʌb I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Nightclubbing is the activity of going to nightclubs.

night|dress /na I tdres/ (nightdresses ) N‑COUNT A nightdress is a sort of loose dress that a woman or girl wears in bed. [BRIT ] in AM, use nightgown

night|fall /na I tfɔːl/ N‑UNCOUNT Nightfall is the time of day when it starts to get dark. □� I need to get to Lyon by nightfall.

night|gown /na I tgaʊn/ (nightgowns ) N‑COUNT A nightgown is the same as a nightdress . [AM ]

nightie /na I ti/ (nighties ) N‑COUNT A nightie is the same as a nightdress or nightgown. [INFORMAL ]

night|in|gale /na I t I ŋge I l, [AM ] -t ə n-/ (nightingales ) N‑COUNT A nightingale is a small brown bird. The male, which can be heard at night, sings beautifully.

night|life /na I tla I f/ also night-life N‑UNCOUNT Nightlife is all the entertainment and social activities that are available at night in towns and cities, such as nightclubs and theatres. □� �Hamburg's energetic nightlife. □� There are free buses around the resort and plenty of nightlife.

ni ght light (night lights ) N‑COUNT A night light is a light that is not bright and is kept on during the night, especially in a child's room.

night|ly /na I tli/ ADJ [ADJ n] A nightly event happens every night. □� I'm sure we watched the nightly news, and then we turned on the movie. □� For months at a time, air raids were a nightly occurrence. ●�ADV [usu ADV after v] Nightly is also an adverb. □� She appears nightly on the television news.

night|mare ◆◇◇ /na I tmeə r / (nightmares )

1 N‑COUNT A nightmare is a very frightening dream. □� All the victims still suffered nightmares. □� Jane did not eat cheese because it gives her nightmares.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a situation as a nightmare , you mean that it is very frightening and unpleasant. □� The years in prison were a nightmare.

3 N‑COUNT If you refer to a situation as a nightmare , you are saying in a very emphatic way that it is irritating because it causes you a lot of trouble. [EMPHASIS ] □� Taking my son Peter to a restaurant was a nightmare. □� In practice a graduate tax is an administrative nightmare. WORD HISTORY nightmare

Nightmare comes from night and Old English mare , meaning 'evil spirit'.

ni ght|mare sce|na rio (nightmare scenarios ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a situation or event as anightmare scenario , you mean that it is one of the worst possible things that could happen. □� The sudden outbreak of a lethal virus is a nightmare scenario.

night|mar|ish /na I tmeər I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe something as nightmarish , you mean that it is extremely frightening and unpleasant. □� She described a nightmarish scene of dead bodies lying in the streets.

ni ght owl (night owls ) N‑COUNT A night owl is someone who regularly stays up late at night, or who prefers to work at night. [INFORMAL ]

ni ght por|ter (night porters ) N‑COUNT A night porter is a person whose job is to be on duty at the main reception desk of a hotel throughout the night. [mainly BRIT ]

ni ght school (night schools ) N‑VAR Someone who goes to night school does an educational course in the evenings. □� People can go out to work in the daylight hours and then come to night school in the evening.

night|shirt /na I tʃɜː r t/ (nightshirts ) N‑COUNT A nightshirt is a long, loose shirt worn in bed.

night|spot /na I tspɒt/ (nightspots ) N‑COUNT A nightspot is a nightclub. [INFORMAL ] □� �Harlem's most famous nightspot, the Cotton Club.

ni ght stand (night stands ) N‑COUNT A night stand is a small table or cupboard that you have next to your bed. [AM ] in BRIT, use bedside table

night|stick /na I tst I k/ (nightsticks ) N‑COUNT A nightstick is a short thick club that is carried by police officers in the United States. [AM ] in BRIT, use truncheon

ni ght-time also night time N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Night-time is the period of time between when it gets dark and when the sun rises. □� They wanted someone responsible to look after the place at night-time. □� A twelve hour night time curfew is in force.

ni ght vi|sion N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Night vision equipment enables people, for example soldiers or pilots, to see better at night. □� �night vision goggles.

night|watch|man /na I twɒ tʃmən/ (nightwatchmen ) also night watchman N‑COUNT A nightwatchman is a person whose job is to guard buildings at night.

night|wear /na I tweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Nightwear is clothing that you wear in bed.

ni|hil|ism /na I I l I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Nihilism is a belief which rejects all political and religious authority and current ideas in favour of the individual. ●� ni|hil|ist (nihilists ) N‑COUNT □� Why wasn't Weber a nihilist?

ni|hil|is|tic /na I I l I st I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as nihilistic , you mean they do not trust political and religious authority and place their faith in the individual. □� She exhibited none of the narcissistic and nihilistic tendencies of her peers.

nil /n I l/

1 NUM Nil means the same as zero. It is usually used to say what the score is in sports such as rugby or football. [BRIT ] □� They beat us one-nil in the final.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something isnil , you mean that it does not exist at all. □� Their legal rights are virtually nil.

nim|ble /n I mb ə l/ (nimbler , nimblest )

1 ADJ Someone who is nimble is able to move their fingers, hands, or legs quickly and easily. □� Everything had been stitched by Molly's nimble fingers. □�[+�on ] Val, who was light and nimble on her feet, learnt to dance the tango. ●� nim|bly ADV [ADV with v] □� Sabrina jumped nimbly out of the van.

2 ADJ If you say that someone has a nimble mind, you mean they are clever and can think very quickly. □� A nimble mind backed by a degree in economics gave him a firm grasp of financial matters.

nim|bus /n I mbəs/ N‑SING [usu N n] A nimbus is a large grey cloud that brings rain or snow. [TECHNICAL ] □� �layers of cold nimbus clouds.

nim|by /n I mbi/ also Nimby , NIMBY ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has a nimby attitude, you are criticizing them because they do not want something such as a new road, housing estate, or prison built near to where they live. Nimby is an abbreviation for 'not in my backyard'. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the usual nimby protests from local residents.

nine ◆◆◆ /na I n/ (nines )

1 NUM Nine is the number 9. □� We still sighted nine yachts. □� �nine hundred pounds.

2nine times out of ten →�see time

911 /na I n wʌ n wʌ n/ NUM 911 is the number that you call in the United States in order to contact the emergency services. □� The women made their first 911 call about a prowler at 12:46 a.m.

999 /na I n na I n na I n/ NUM 999 is the number that you call in Britain in order to contact the emergency services. □� �a fire engine answering a 999 call. □� She dialled 999 on her mobile.

nine|pins /na I np I nz/ PHRASE If you say that people or things are going down like ninepins , you mean that large numbers of them are suddenly becoming ill, collapsing, or doing very badly. [mainly BRIT ] □� There was a time when Liverpool players never seemed to get injured, but now they are going down like ninepins.

nine|teen ◆◆◆ /na I ntiː n/ (nineteens ) NUM Nineteen is the number 19. □� They have nineteen days to make up their minds.

nine|teenth ◆◆◇ /na I ntiː nθ/

1 ORD The nineteenth item in a series is the one that you count as number nineteen. □� �my nineteenth birthday. □� �the nineteenth century.

2 FRACTION A nineteenth is one of nineteen equal parts of something.

nine|ti|eth ◆◆◇ /na I ntiəθ/ ORD The ninetieth item in a series is the one that you count as number ninety. □� He celebrates his ninetieth birthday on Friday.

nine|ty ◆◆◆ /na I nti/ (nineties )

1 NUM Ninety is the number 90. □� It was decided she had to stay another ninety days.

2 N‑PLURAL When you talk about the nineties , you are referring to numbers between 90 and 99. For example, if you are in your nineties , you are aged between 90 and 99. If the temperature is in the nineties , the temperature is between 90 and 99 degrees. □� By this time she was in her nineties and needed help more and more frequently.

3 N‑PLURAL The nineties is the decade between 1990 and 1999. □� These trends only got worse as we moved into the nineties.

nin|ny /n I ni/ (ninnies ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a ninny , you think that they are foolish or silly. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

ninth ◆◆◇ /na I nθ/ (ninths )

1 ORD The ninth item in a series is the one that you count as number nine. □� �January the ninth. □� �students in the ninth grade. □� �ninth century illustrated manuscripts.

2 FRACTION Aninth is one of nine equal parts of something. □� I would be happy to do that job for a ninth of her salary.

nip /n I p/ (nips , nipping , nipped )

1 VERB [no passive] If you nip somewhere, usually somewhere nearby, you go there quickly or for a short time. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] Should I nip out and get some groceries?

2 VERB If an animal or person nips you, they bite you lightly or squeeze a piece of your skin between their finger and thumb. □�[V n] I have known cases where dogs have nipped babies. [Also V at n, V ] ●�N‑COUNT Nip is also a noun. □� Some ants can give you a nasty nip.

3 N‑COUNT A nip is a small amount of a strong alcoholic drink. □�[+�from ] She had a habit of taking an occasional nip from a flask of cognac.

4to nip something in the bud →�see bud

nip|per /n I pə r / (nippers ) N‑COUNT A nipper is a child. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I'm not ever going to forget what you've done for the nippers.

nip|ple /n I p ə l/ (nipples )

1 N‑COUNT The nipples on someone's body are the two small pieces of slightly hard flesh on their chest. Babies suck milk from their mothers' breasts through their mothers' nipples. □� Sore nipples can inhibit the milk supply.

2 N‑COUNT A nipple is a piece of rubber or plastic which is fitted to the top of a baby's bottle. □� �a white plastic bottle with a rubber nipple.

nip|py /n I pi/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If the weather is nippy , it is rather cold. [INFORMAL ] □� It could get suddenly nippy in the evenings.

2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as nippy , you mean that they can move very quickly over short distances. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� This nippy new car has fold down rear seats.

niqab /n I kɑː b/ (niqabs ) N‑COUNT A niqab is a piece of cloth that some Muslim women wear covering their face apart from their eyes.

nir|va|na /n I ə r vɑː nə, nɜː r -/

1 N‑UNCOUNT In the Hindu and Buddhist religions, Nirvana is the highest spiritual state that can possibly be achieved. □� Entering the realm of Nirvana is only possible for those who have become pure.

2 N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes refer to a state of complete happiness and peace as nirvana . □� Many businessmen think that a world where relative prices never varied would be nirvana.

Nissen hut /n I s ə n hʌt/ (Nissen huts ) N‑COUNT A Nissen hut is a military hut made of metal. The walls and roof form the shape of a semi-circle. [BRIT ] in AM, use Quonset hut

nit /n I t/ (nits )

1 N‑PLURAL Nits are the eggs of insects called lice which live in people's hair.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a nit , you think they are stupid or silly. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'd rather leave the business than work with such a nit.

nit|pick /n I tp I k/ (nitpicks , nitpicking , nitpicked ) VERB If someone nitpicks , they criticize small and unimportant details. [INFORMAL ] □� I looked hard for items to nitpick about, and couldn't find any. Altogether a great car.

nit|pick|ing /n I tp I k I ŋ/ also nit-picking N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's opinion as nitpicking , you disapprove of the fact that it concentrates on small and unimportant details, especially to try and find fault with something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� A lot of nit-picking was going on about irrelevant things. □� I can get down to nitpicking detail, I am pretty fussy about certain things.

ni|trate /na I tre I t/ (nitrates ) N‑VAR Nitrate is a chemical compound that includes nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrates are used as fertilizers in agriculture. □� High levels of nitrate occur in eastern England because of the heavy use of fertilizers.

ni|tric /na I tr I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Nitric means relating to or containing nitrogen. □� �nitric oxide.

ni |tric a cid N‑UNCOUNT Nitric acid is a strong colourless acid containing nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen.

nitro- /na I troʊ-/ COMB Nitro- combines with nouns to form other nouns referring to things which contain nitrogen and oxygen. □� �highly corrosive substances such as nitro-phosphates.

ni|tro|gen /na I trədʒən/ N‑UNCOUNT Nitrogen is a colourless element that has no smell and is usually found as a gas. It forms about 78% of the earth's atmosphere, and is found in all living things.

ni|tro|glyc|er|in /na I troʊgl I sər I n/ also nitroglycerine N‑UNCOUNT Nitroglycerin is a liquid that is used to make explosives and also in some medicines.

ni|trous /na I trəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] Nitrous means coming from, relating to, or containing nitrogen. □� �nitrous oxides.

nitty-gritty /n I ti gr I ti/ also nitty gritty N‑SING If people get down to thenitty-gritty of a matter, situation, or activity, they discuss the most important, basic parts of it or facts about it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the nitty gritty of everyday politics.

nit|wit /n I tw I t/ (nitwits ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a nitwit , you think they are stupid or silly. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� You great nitwit!

no ◆◆◆ /noʊ / (noes or no's )

1 CONVENTION You use no to give a negative response to a question. □� 'Any problems?'�'No, I'm O.K.' □� 'Haven't you got your driver's licence?'�'No.'

2 CONVENTION You use no to say that something that someone has just said is not true. □� 'We thought you'd emigrated.'�'No, no.' □� 'You're getting worse than me.'�'No I'm not.'

3 CONVENTION You use no to refuse an offer or a request, or to refuse permission. □� 'Here, have mine.'�'No, this is fine.' □� 'Can you just get the message through to Pete for me?'�'No, no I can't.' □� After all, the worst the boss can do is say no if you ask him.

4 EXCLAM You use no to indicate that you do not want someone to do something. □� No. I forbid it. You cannot. □� She put up a hand to stop him. 'No. It's not right. We mustn't.'

5 CONVENTION You use no to acknowledge a negative statement or to show that you accept and understand it. □� 'We're not on the main campus.'�'No.' □� 'It's not one of my favourite forms of music.'�'No.'

6 CONVENTION You use no before correcting what you have just said. □� I was twenty-two�no, twenty-one.

7 EXCLAM You use no to express shock or disappointment at something you have just been told. [FEELINGS ] □� 'John phoned to say that his computer wasn't working.'�'Oh God no.'

8 DET You use no to mean not any or not one person or thing. □� He had no intention of paying the cash. □� No job has more influence on the future of the world. □� No letters survive from this early period.

9 DET You use no to emphasize that someone or something is not the type of thing mentioned. [EMPHASIS ] □� He is no singer. □� I make it no secret that our worst consultants earn nothing.

10 ADV You can use no to make the negative form of a comparative. □� It is to start broadcasting no later than the end of next year. □� Yesterday no fewer than thirty climbers reached the summit.

11 DET You use no in front of an adjective and noun to make the noun group mean its opposite. □� Sometimes a bit of selfishness, if it leads to greater self-knowledge, is no bad thing. □� Today's elections are of no great importance in themselves.

12 DET No is used in notices or instructions to say that a particular activity or thing is forbidden. □� The captain turned out the 'no smoking' signs. □� �a notice saying 'No Dogs'.

13 N‑COUNT A no is a person who has answered 'no' to a question or who has voted against something. No is also used to refer to their answer or vote. □� According to the latest opinion polls, the noes have 50 percent, the yeses 35 percent.

14 PHRASE If you say there is no doing a particular thing, you mean that it is very difficult or impossible to do that thing. [EMPHASIS ] □� There is no going back to the life she had.

15not to take no for an answer →�see answer

16no doubt →�see doubt

17no less than →�see less

18no longer →�see long ➌

19in no way →�see way

20there's no way →�see way

21no way →�see way

No. (Nos ) No. is a written abbreviation for number . □� That year he was named the nation's No. 1 college football star. □� Columbia Law Review, vol. no. 698 p1317.

no -accou nt ADJ [usu ADJ n] A no-account person or thing is one that you consider worthless. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a mongrelized, no-account place.

nob /nɒ b/ (nobs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you refer to a group of people as thenobs , you mean they are rich or come from a much higher social class than you do. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �the nobs who live in the Big House.

no -ba ll (no-balls ) N‑COUNT In cricket, a no-ball is a ball that is bowled in a way that is not allowed by the rules. It results in an extra run being given to the side that is batting. □� In the nine matches, they bowled 48 wides and 29 no-balls.

nob|ble /nɒ b ə l/ (nobbles , nobbling , nobbled )

1 VERB If someone nobbles an important group of people such as a committee, they offer them money or threaten them in order to make them do something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] The trial was stopped before Christmas after allegations of attempts to nobble the jury.

2 VERB If someone nobbles a racehorse, they deliberately harm it, often using drugs, in order to prevent it from winning a race. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] �the substance used to nobble two horses at Doncaster.

3 VERB If someone nobbles your plans or chances of succeeding, they prevent you from achieving what you want. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] His opportunity to re-establish himself had been nobbled by the manager's tactics.

Nobel Prize /noʊbe l pra I z/ (Nobel Prizes ) N‑COUNT A Nobel Prize is one of a set of prizes that are awarded each year to people who have done important work in science, literature, or economics, or for world peace. □�[+�for ] �the Nobel Prize for literature.

no|bil|ity /noʊb I l I ti/

1 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The nobility of a society are all the people who have titles and belong to a high social class. □� They married into the nobility and entered the highest ranks of state administration.

2 N‑UNCOUNT A person's nobility is their noble character and behaviour. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �his nobility of character, and his devotion to his country.

no|ble /noʊ b ə l/ (nobles , nobler , noblest )

1 ADJ If you say that someone is a noble person, you admire and respect them because they are unselfish and morally good. [APPROVAL ] □� He was an upright and noble man who was always willing to help in any way he could. □� I wanted so much to believe he was pure and noble. ●� no|bly ADV [ADV with v] □� Eric's sister had nobly volunteered to help with the gardening.

2 ADJ If you say that something is a noble idea, goal, or action, you admire it because it is based on high moral principles. [APPROVAL ] □� He had implicit faith in the noble intentions of the Emperor. □� We'll always justify our actions with noble sounding theories.

3 ADJ If you describe something as noble , you think that its appearance or quality is very impressive, making it superior to other things of its type. □� �the great parks with their noble trees.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Noble means belonging to a high social class and having a title. □� Although he was of noble birth, he lived as a poor man.

noble|man /noʊ b ə lmən/ (noblemen ) N‑COUNT In former times, a nobleman was a man who was a member of the nobility. □� It had once been the home of a wealthy nobleman.

no|blesse oblige /noʊble s əbliː ʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Noblesse oblige is the idea that people with advantages, for example those of a high social class, should help and do things for other people. [FORMAL ] □� They did so without hope of further profit and out of a sense of noblesse oblige.

noble|woman /noʊ b ə lwʊmən/ (noblewomen ) N‑COUNT In former times, a noblewoman was a woman who was a member of the nobility.

no|body ◆◆◇ /noʊ bɒdi/ (nobodies )

1 PRON Nobody means not a single person, or not a single member of a particular group or set. □� They were shut away in a little room where nobody could overhear. □� Nobody realizes how bad things are. □� Nobody else in the neighbourhood can help.

2 N‑COUNT If someone says that a person is a nobody , they are saying in an unkind way that the person is not at all important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� A man in my position has nothing to fear from a nobody like you.

no-brainer /noʊ bre I nə r / (no-brainers )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe a question or decision as ano-brainer , you mean that it is a very easy one to answer or make. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� It should be illegal to drink and drive. That's a no-brainer.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a person or action as a no-brainer , you mean that they are stupid. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

no clai ms also no-claims ADJ [ADJ n] A no claims discount or bonus is a reduction in the money that you have to pay for an insurance policy, which you get when you have not made any claims in the previous year. □� Motorists could lose their no-claims discount, even if they are not at fault in an accident.

no -co nfidence

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n of N , N n] If members of an organization pass a vote or motion of no-confidence in someone, they take a vote which shows that they no longer support that person or their ideas. □�[+�in ] A call for a vote of no-confidence in the president was rejected. □� �a no-confidence motion.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n of N ] You can refer to something people say or do as a vote of no-confidence when it shows that they no longer support a particular person or organization. □�[+�in ] Many police officers view this action as a vote of no-confidence in their service.

noc|tur|nal /nɒktɜː r n ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Nocturnal means occurring at night. □� �long nocturnal walks.

2 ADJ Nocturnal creatures are active mainly at night. □� When there is a full moon, this nocturnal rodent is careful to stay in its burrow.

noc|turne /nɒ ktɜː r n/ (nocturnes ) N‑COUNT A nocturne is a short gentle piece of music, often one written to be played on the piano.

nod ◆◇◇ /nɒ d/ (nods , nodding , nodded )

1 VERB [no passive] If you nod , you move your head downwards and upwards to show that you are answering 'yes' to a question, or to show agreement, understanding, or approval. □�[V ] 'Are you okay?' I asked. She nodded and smiled. □�[V n] Jacques tasted one and nodded his approval. □�[V with quote] 'Oh, yes,' she nodded. 'I understand you very well.' ●�N‑COUNT Nod is also a noun. □� She gave a nod and said, 'I see'. □� He gave Sabrina a quick nod of acknowledgement.

2 VERB [no passive] If you nod in a particular direction, you bend your head once in that direction in order to indicate something or to give someone a signal. □�[V prep] 'Does it work?' he asked, nodding at the piano. □�[V +�to ] He lifted the end of the canoe, nodding to me to take up mine.

3 VERB [no passive] If you nod , you bend your head once, as a way of saying hello or goodbye. □�[V ] All the girls nodded and said 'Hi'. □�[V n] Tom nodded a greeting but didn't say anything. □�[V +�at/to ] Both of them smiled and nodded at friends. □�[V n +�to ] They nodded goodnight to the security man.

4 VERB In football, if a player nods the ball in a particular direction, they hit the ball there with their head. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n adv/prep] Taylor leapt up to nod the ball home.

▸� nod off PHRASAL VERB If you nod off , you fall asleep, especially when you had not intended to. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] The judge appeared to nod off yesterday while a witness was being cross-examined. □�[V P +�to ] He was nodding off to sleep in an armchair.

node /noʊ d/ (nodes ) N‑COUNT A node is a point, especially in the form of lump or swelling, where one thing joins another. □� Cut them off cleanly through the stem just below the node. □� �nerve nodes.

nod|ule /nɒ djuːl, [AM ] -dʒuːl/ (nodules )

1 N‑COUNT A nodule is a small round lump that can appear on your body and is a sign of an illness. [MEDICAL ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A nodule is a small round lump which is found on the roots of certain plants.

Noel /noʊe l/ N‑PROPER Noel is sometimes printed on Christmas cards and Christmas wrapping paper to mean 'Christmas'.

no -fly zone (no-fly zones ) N‑COUNT A no-fly zone is an area of sky where military and other aircraft are not allowed to fly, especially because of a war.

no -go area (no-go areas )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a place as a no-go area , you mean that it has a reputation for violence and crime which makes people frightened to go there. [mainly BRIT ] □� The subway's reputation for violence makes it a no-go area for many natives of the city.

2 N‑COUNT A no-go area is a place which is controlled by a group of people who use force to prevent other people from entering it. [mainly BRIT ] □� The area of the President's residence is a no-go area after six p.m.

noise ◆◇◇ /nɔ I z/ (noises )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Noise is a loud or unpleasant sound. □� There was too much noise in the room and he needed peace. □�[+�of ] The noise of bombs and guns was incessant. □� The baby was filled with alarm at the darkness and the noise.

2 N‑COUNT A noise is a sound that someone or something makes. □� Sir Gerald made a small noise in his throat. □� �birdsong and other animal noises.

3 N‑PLURAL If someone makes noises of a particular kind about something, they say things that indicate their attitude to it in a rather indirect or vague way. □�[+�about ] The President took care to make encouraging noises about the future. □�[+�about ] His mother had also started making noises about it being time for him to leave home.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone makes the right noises or makes all the right noises , you think that they are showing concern or enthusiasm about something because they feel they ought to rather than because they really want to. □� He was making all the right noises about multi-party democracy and human rights.

5 →�see also big noise COLLOCATIONS noise NOUN 1

adjective +�noise : deafening, loud; ambient

noun +�noise : aircraft, engine, road, traffic; background; crowd

verb +�noise : minimise, reduce; muffle

noise|less /nɔ I zləs/ ADJ Something or someone that is noiseless does not make any sound. □� The snow was light and noiseless as it floated down. ●� noise|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I shut the door noiselessly behind me.

noi|some /nɔ I səm/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something or someone as noisome , you mean that you find them extremely unpleasant. [LITERARY ] □� Noisome vapours arise from the mud left in the docks. □� His noisome reputation for corruption had already begun to spread.

noisy /nɔ I zi/ (noisier , noisiest )

1 ADJ A noisy person or thing makes a lot of loud or unpleasant noise. □� �my noisy old typewriter. □� His daughter was very active and noisy in the mornings. ●� noisi|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The students on the grass bank cheered noisily. □� She sat by the window, noisily gulping her morning coffee.

2 ADJ A noisy place is full of a lot of loud or unpleasant noise. □� It's a noisy place with film clips showing constantly on one of the cafe's giant screens. □� The baggage hall was crowded and noisy.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as noisy , you are critical of them for trying to attract attention to their views by frequently and forcefully discussing them. [DISAPPROVAL ]

no|mad /noʊ m�d/ (nomads ) N‑COUNT A nomad is a member of a group of people who travel from place to place rather than living in one place all the time. □� �a country of nomads who raise cattle and camels.

no|mad|ic /noʊm� d I k/

1 ADJ Nomadic people travel from place to place rather than living in one place all the time. □� �the great nomadic tribes of the Western Sahara.

2 ADJ If someone has a nomadic way of life, they travel from place to place and do not have a settled home. □� The daughter of a railway engineer, she at first had a somewhat nomadic childhood.

no -man's land

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] No-man's land is an area of land that is not owned or controlled by anyone, for example the area of land between two opposing armies. □� In Tobruk, leading a patrol in no-man's land, he was blown up by a mortar bomb. □�[+�between ] The station has been built on the former no-man's-land between East and West Berlin.

2 N‑SING If you refer to a situation as a no-man's land between different things, you mean that it seems unclear because it does not fit into any of the categories. □�[+�between ] The play is set in the dangerous no-man's land between youth and adolescence.

nom de guerre /nɒ m də geə r / (noms de guerre ) N‑COUNT A nom de guerre is a false name which is sometimes used by people who belong to an unofficial military organization. [FORMAL ] □� He joined the Resistance and adopted the nom de guerre Revel.

nom de plume /nɒ m də pluː m/ (noms de plume ) N‑COUNT An author's nom de plume is a name that he or she uses instead of their real name. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] She writes under the nom de plume of Alison Cooper.

no|men|cla|ture /nəme ŋklətʃə r , [AM ] noʊ mənkle I tʃər/ (nomenclatures ) N‑UNCOUNT The nomenclature of a particular set of things is the system of naming those things. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �mistakes arising from ignorance of the nomenclature of woody plants.

no|men|kla|tu|ra /noʊ menklɑtʊə rə/ N‑SING In former communist countries, the nomenklatura were the people the Communist Party approved of and appointed to positions of authority.

nomi|nal /nɒ m I n ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use nominal to indicate that someone or something is supposed to have a particular identity or status, but in reality does not have it. □� As he was still not allowed to run a company, his partner became its nominal head. □� I was brought up a nominal Christian. ●� nomi|nal|ly ADV [oft ADV before v] □� The Sultan was still nominally the Chief of Staff.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A nominal price or sum of money is very small in comparison with the real cost or value of the thing that is being bought or sold. □� All the ferries carry bicycles free or for a nominal charge.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In economics, the nominal value, rate, or level of something is the one expressed in terms of current prices or figures, without taking into account general changes in prices that take place over time. □� Inflation would be lower and so nominal rates would be rather more attractive in real terms.

no mi|nal grou p (nominal groups ) N‑COUNT A nominal group is the same as a noun group .

nomi|nate /nɒ m I ne I t/ (nominates , nominating , nominated )

1 VERB If someone is nominated for a job or position, their name is formally suggested as a candidate for it. □�[be V -ed] Under party rules each candidate has to be nominated by 55 Labour MPs. □�[V n +�for ] The public will be able to nominate candidates for awards such as the MBE. □�[V n +�as ] �a presidential decree nominating him as sports ambassador. [Also V n, V n to-inf]

2 VERB If you nominate someone to a job or position, you formally choose them to hold that job or position. □�[V n] Voters will choose fifty of the seventy five deputies. The Emir will nominate the rest. □�[V n +�to ] The E.U. would nominate two members to the committee. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He was nominated by the African National Congress as one of its team at the Groote Sehuur talks. □�[V n to-inf] An elderly person can nominate someone to act for them. [Also V n +�as , V n n]

3 VERB If someone or something such as an actor or a film is nominated for an award, someone formally suggests that they should be given that award. □�[be V -ed +�for ] Practically every movie he made was nominated for an Oscar. □�[V n +�as ] �a campaign to nominate the twice World Champion as Sports Personality of the Year. [Also V n +�for ]

nomi|na|tion /nɒ m I ne I ʃ ə n/ (nominations )

1 N‑COUNT A nomination is an official suggestion of someone as a candidate in an election or for a job. □� �his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. □�[+�for ] �a list of nominations for senior lectureships.

2 N‑COUNT A nominationfor an award is an official suggestion that someone or something should be given that award. □�[+�for ] They say he's certain to get a nomination for best supporting actor. □� He has nominations in four categories: Male Solo Artist, Breakthrough Artist, British Album of the Year and British Single.

3 N‑VAR The nomination of someone to a particular job or position is their appointment to that job or position. □�[+�of ] They opposed the nomination of a junior officer to the position of Inspector General of Police.

nomi|na|tive /nɒ m I nət I v/ N‑SING In the grammar of some languages, the nominative or the nominative case is the case used for a noun when it is the subject of a verb. Compare accusative .

nomi|nee /nɒ m I niː / (nominees ) N‑COUNT A nominee is someone who is nominated for a job, position, or award. □� I was delighted to be a nominee for such a prestigious award.

PREFIX non-

1 also forms nouns that refer to situations where a particular action has not taken place. For example, someone�s non-attendance at a meeting is the fact that they did not go to the meeting.

2 forms nouns and adjectives that refer to people or things that do not have a particular quality or characteristic. For example, a non-fatal accident is not fatal.

no n-aggre ssion in AM, also use nonaggression N‑UNCOUNT If a country adopts a policy of non-aggression , it declares that it will not attack or try to harm a particular country in any way. □� A non-aggression pact will be signed between the two countries.

no n-alcoho lic in AM, also use nonalcoholic ADJ [usu ADJ n] A non-alcoholic drink does not contain alcohol. □� �bottles of non-alcoholic beer.

no n-ali gned in AM, also use nonaligned ADJ [usu ADJ n] Non-aligned countries did not support or were in no way linked to groups of countries headed by the United States or the former Soviet Union. □� �a meeting of foreign ministers from non-aligned countries.

no n-ali gnment in AM, also use nonalignment N‑UNCOUNT Non-alignment is the state or policy of being non-aligned. □� The Afro-Asian nations had approved the basic general principles of non-alignment.

non|cha|lant /nɒ nʃələnt, [AM ] -lɑː nt/ ADJ If you describe someone as nonchalant , you mean that they appear not to worry or care about things and that they seem very calm. □�[+�about ] Clark's mother is nonchalant about her role in her son's latest work. □� It merely underlines our rather more nonchalant attitude to life. ●� non|cha|lance /nɒ nʃələns, [AM ] -lɑː ns/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Affecting nonchalance, I handed her two hundred dollar bills. ●� non|cha|lant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� 'Does Will intend to return with us?' Joanna asked as nonchalantly as she could.

no n-co mbatant (non-combatants ) in AM, usually use noncombatant1 N‑COUNT [usu N n] Non-combatant troops are members of the armed forces whose duties do not include fighting. □� The General does not like non-combatant personnel near a scene of action.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In a war, non-combatants are people who are not members of the armed forces. □� The Red Cross has arranged two local ceasefires, allowing non-combatants to receive medical help.

no n-commi ssioned in AM, use noncommissioned ADJ [ADJ n] A non-commissioned officer in the armed forces is someone with a rank such as corporal or sergeant who used to have a lower rank, rather than an officer of higher rank who has been given a commission.

non|com|mit|tal /nɒ nkəm I t ə l/ also non-committal ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] You can describe someone as noncommittal when they deliberately do not express their opinion or intentions clearly. □� Mr Hall is non-committal about the number of jobs that the development corporation has created. □� Sylvia's face was noncommittal. □� �a very bland non-committal answer. ●� non|com|mit|tal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'I like some of his novels better than others,' I said noncommittally.

non|con|form|ist /nɒ nkənfɔː r m I st/ (nonconformists ) also non-conformist

1 ADJ If you say that someone's way of life or opinions are nonconformist , you mean that they are different from those of most people. □� Their views are non-conformist and their political opinions are extreme. □� �a nonconformist lifestyle. ●�N‑COUNT A nonconformist is someone who is nonconformist. □� Victoria stood out as a dazzling non-conformist.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, nonconformist churches are Protestant churches which are not part of the Church of England. □� His father was a Nonconformist minister. ●�N‑COUNT A nonconformist is a member of a nonconformist church. □� Although he seems to be an old-fashioned non-conformist, he is in fact a very devout Catholic.

non|con|form|ity /nɒ nkənfɔː r m I ti/ also non-conformity N‑UNCOUNT Nonconformity is behaviour or thinking which is different from that of most people. □� Your unconventional choice of clothes is a statement of your non-conformity. □� Lovelock's principled nonconformity can be traced to his childhood.

no n-custo dial

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone who has been found guilty of a crime or offence is given a non-custodial sentence, their punishment does not involve going to prison. [FORMAL ] □� �non-custodial punishments for minor criminals.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The non-custodial parent in a couple who are separated or divorced is the parent who does not live with the children. □� More than half the children of divorce did not see the non-custodial parent on a regular basis.

non|de|script /nɒ nd I skr I pt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something or someone as nondescript , you mean that their appearance is rather dull, and not at all interesting or attractive. □� Europa House is one of those hundreds of nondescript buildings along the Bath Road. □� �a nondescript woman of uncertain age.

non-dom /nɒ ndɒm/ (non-doms ) N‑COUNT A non-dom is a person who does not live in the country in which they were born. □� The spotlight is on the bewildering world of non-doms and offshore taxation.

none ◆◆◇ /nʌ n/

1 QUANT None of something means not even a small amount of it. None of a group of people or things means not even one of them. □�[+�of ] She did none of the maintenance on the vehicle itself. □�[+�of ] None of us knew how to treat her. ●�PRON None is also a pronoun. □� I turned to bookshops and libraries seeking information and found none. □� No one could imagine a great woman painter. None had existed yet. □� Only two cars produced by Austin-Morris could reach 100 mph and none could pass the 10-second acceleration test.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone will have none of something, or is having none of something, you mean that they refuse to accept it. [INFORMAL ] □� He knew his own mind and was having none of their attempts to keep him at home.

3 PHRASE You use none too in front of an adjective or adverb in order to emphasize that the quality mentioned is not present. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He was none too thrilled to hear from me at that hour. □� Her hand grasped my shoulder, none too gently.

4 PHRASE You use none the to say that someone or something does not have any more of a particular quality than they did before. □� You could end up none the wiser about managing your finances. □� He became convinced that his illness was purely imaginary: that made it none the better.

5none of your business →�see business

6none other than →�see other

7second to none →�see second ➋

non|en|tity /nɒne nt I ti/ (nonentities ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a nonentity , you mean that they are not special or important in any way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Amidst the current bunch of nonentities, he is a towering figure. □� She was written off then as a political nonentity.

no n-esse ntial (non-essentials ) in AM, also use nonessential1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Non-essential means not absolutely necessary. □� The crisis has led to the closure of a number of non-essential government services. □� �non-essential goods.

2 N‑PLURAL Non-essentials are things that are not absolutely necessary. □� In a recession, consumers could be expected to cut down on non-essentials like toys.

none|the|less /nʌ n�əle s/ ADV Nonetheless means the same as nevertheless . [FORMAL ] □� There was still a long way to go. Nonetheless, some progress had been made. □� His face is serious but nonetheless very friendly.

no n-eve nt (non-events ) in AM, also use nonevent N‑COUNT If you say that something was a non-event , you mean that it was disappointing or dull, especially when this was not what you had expected. □� Unfortunately, the entire evening was a total non-event.

no n-exe cutive (non-executives )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone who has a non-executive position in a company or organization gives advice but is not responsible for making decisions or ensuring that decisions are carried out. [BUSINESS ] □� �non-executive directors.

2 N‑COUNT A non-executive is someone who has a non-executive position in a company or organization. [BUSINESS ]

no n-exi stence also nonexistence N‑UNCOUNT Non-existence is the fact of not existing. □�[+�of ] I was left with puzzlement as to the existence or non-existence of God.

no n-exi stent also nonexistent ADJ If you say that something is non-existent , you mean that it does not exist when you feel that it should. □� Hygiene was non-existent: no running water, no bathroom.

no n-fat also nonfat ADJ Non-fat foods have very low amounts of fat in them. □� �plain non-fat yogurt.

no n-fi ction also nonfiction N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Non-fiction is writing that gives information or describes real events, rather than telling a story. □� The series will include both fiction and non-fiction. □� Lewis is the author of thirteen novels and ten non-fiction books.

no n-fi nite also nonfinite ADJ [usu ADJ n] A non-finite clause is a clause which is based on an infinitive or a participle and has no tense. Compare finite .

no n-governme ntal or|gani|za |tion (non-governmental organizations ) N‑COUNT A non-governmental organization is the same as an NGO .

no n-hu man also nonhuman ADJ Non-human means not human or not produced by humans. □� Hostility towards outsiders is characteristic of both human and non-human animals.

no n-interve ntion in AM, also use nonintervention N‑UNCOUNT Non-intervention is the practice or policy of not becoming involved in a dispute or disagreement between other people and of not helping either side. □� Generally, I think the policy of non-intervention is the correct one.

no n-li near also nonlinear ADJ If you describe something as non-linear , you mean that it does not progress or develop smoothly from one stage to the next in a logical way. Instead, it makes sudden changes, or seems to develop in different directions at the same time. □� �a non-linear narrative structure.

no n-me mber (non-members ) in AM, also use nonmember N‑COUNT [usu pl] Non-members of a club or organization are people who are not members of it. □� The scheme is also open to non-members. □� Spain imposed levies on farm imports from non-member states.

no n-nu clear in AM, also use nonnuclear ADJ Non-nuclear means not using or involving nuclear weapons or nuclear power. □� �a treaty to reduce non-nuclear weapons.

no -no N‑SING If you say that something is a no-no , you think it is undesirable or unacceptable. [INFORMAL ] □� We all know that cheating on our taxes is a no-no.

no -no nsense

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as a no-nonsense person, you approve of the fact that they are efficient, direct, and quite tough. [APPROVAL ] □� She saw herself as a direct, no-nonsense modern woman.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as a no-nonsense thing, you approve of the fact that it is plain and does not have unnecessary parts. [APPROVAL ] □� You'll need no-nonsense boots for the jungle.

no n-pa rtisan in AM, use nonpartisan ADJ A person or group that is non-partisan does not support or help a particular political party or group. □� �a non-partisan organization that does economic research for business and labor groups. □� �the president's Thanksgiving Day call for a non-partisan approach to the problem.

no n-pa yment also nonpayment N‑UNCOUNT Non-payment is a failure to pay a sum of money that you owe. □�[+�of ] She has received an eviction order from the council for non-payment of rent.

non|plussed /nɒ nplʌ st/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are nonplussed , you feel confused and unsure how to react. □� He is completely nonplussed by the question.

no n-pro fit also nonprofit ADJ [usu ADJ n] A non-profit organization is one which is not run with the aim of making a profit. [BUSINESS ] □� Her center is a non-profit organization that cares for about 50 children.

no n-pro fit-making also nonprofit-making ADJ [usu ADJ n] A non-profit-making organization or charity is not run with the intention of making a profit. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� �the Film Theatre Foundation, a non-profit-making company which raises money for the arts.

no n-prolifera tion also nonproliferation N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Non-proliferation is the limiting of the production and spread of something such as nuclear or chemical weapons. □� �the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

no n-re sident (non-residents ) in AM, also use nonresident ADJ A non-resident person is someone who is visiting a particular place but who does not live or stay there permanently. □� 100,000 non-resident workers would be sent back to their home villages. ●�N‑COUNT A non-resident is someone who is non-resident. □� Both hotels have gardens and restaurants open to non-residents.

non|sense /nɒ nsəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something spoken or written is nonsense , you mean that you consider it to be untrue or silly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Most orthodox doctors however dismiss this as complete nonsense. □� �all that poetic nonsense about love. □� 'I'm putting on weight.'�'Nonsense my dear.'

2 N‑VAR [oft a N ] You can use nonsense to refer to something that you think is foolish or that you disapprove of. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Surely it is an economic nonsense to deplete the world of natural resources. □� I think there is a limit to how much of this nonsense people are going to put up with.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to spoken or written words that do not mean anything because they do not make sense as nonsense . □� �a children's nonsense poem by Charles E Carryl.

4 →�see also no-nonsense

5 PHRASE To make a nonsense of something or to make nonsense of it means to make it seem ridiculous or pointless. □� The fighting made a nonsense of the peace pledges made last week.

non|sen|si|cal /nɒnse ns I k ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is nonsensical , you think it is stupid, ridiculous, or untrue. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It seemed to me that Sir Robert's arguments were nonsensical. □� There were no nonsensical promises about reviving the economy.

non se|qui|tur /nɒ n se kw I tə r / (non sequiturs ) N‑VAR A non sequitur is a statement, remark, or conclusion that does not follow naturally or logically from what has just been said. [FORMAL ] □� Had she missed something important, or was this just a non sequitur?

no n-smo ker (non-smokers ) also nonsmoker N‑COUNT A non-smoker is someone who does not smoke. □� Nobody will be allowed to smoke in an office if there are non-smokers present.

no n-smo king also nonsmoking

1 ADJ A non-smoking area in a public place is an area in which people are not allowed to smoke. □� More and more restaurants are providing non-smoking areas.

2 ADJ A non-smoking person is a person who does not smoke. □� The fertility of women who smoke is half that of non-smoking women.

no n-speci fic also nonspecific

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Non-specific medical conditions or symptoms have more than one possible cause. □� �non-specific headaches.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is non-specific is general rather than precise or exact. □� I intend to use these terms in a deliberately non-specific and all-embracing way.

no n-sta ndard also nonstandard ADJ [usu ADJ n] Non-standard things are different from the usual version or type of that thing. □� The shop is completely out of non-standard sizes.

no n-sta rter (non-starters ) also nonstarter N‑COUNT If you describe a plan or idea as a non-starter , you mean that it has no chance of success. [INFORMAL ] □� The United States is certain to reject the proposal as a non-starter.

no n-sti ck also nonstick ADJ [usu ADJ n] Non-stick saucepans, frying pans, or baking tins have a special coating on the inside which prevents food from sticking to them.

no n-sto p also nonstop ADJ Something that is non-stop continues without any pauses or interruptions. □� Many U.S. cities now have non-stop flights to Aspen. □� �80 minutes of non-stop music. □� The training was non-stop and continued for three days. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Non-stop is also an adverb. □� Amy and her group had driven non-stop through Spain. □�[+�for ] The snow fell non-stop for 24 hours.

no n-u nion in AM, use nonunion ADJ [usu ADJ n] Non-union workers do not belong to a trade union or labor union. A non-union company or organization does not employ workers who belong to a trade union or labor union. [BUSINESS ] □� The company originally intended to reopen the factory with non-union workers.

no n-ve rbal also nonverbal ADJ [usu ADJ n] Non-verbal communication consists of things such as the expression on your face, your arm movements, or your tone of voice, which show how you feel about something without using words.

no n-vi olent also nonviolent

1 ADJ Non-violent methods of bringing about change do not involve hurting people or causing damage. □� King was a worldwide symbol of non-violent protest against racial injustice. □� I would only belong to an environmental movement if it was explicitly non-violent. ●� non-violence N‑UNCOUNT □� His commitment to non-violence led to a Nobel peace prize.

2 ADJ You can refer to someone or something such as a crime as non-violent when that person or thing does not hurt or injure people. □� �non-violent offenders.

no n-whi te (non-whites ) in AM, also use nonwhite ADJ A non-white person is a member of a race of people who are not of European origin. □� Non-white people are effectively excluded from certain jobs. □� 60 percent of the population is non-white. ●�N‑COUNT Non-white is also a noun. □� Not one non-white has ever been selected to play for the team.

noo|dle /nuː d ə l/ (noodles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Noodles are long, thin, curly strips of pasta. They are used especially in Chinese and Italian cooking.

nook /nʊ k/ (nooks )

1 N‑COUNT A nook is a small and sheltered place. □� We found a seat in a little nook, and had some lunch.

2 PHRASE If you talk about every nook and cranny of a place or situation, you mean every part or every aspect of it. [EMPHASIS ] □� Boxes are stacked in every nook and cranny at the factory. □�[+�of ] �Cole's vast knowledge of the nooks and crannies of British politics.

nookie /nʊ ki/ also nooky N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to sexual intercourse as nookie . Some people consider this word offensive. [INFORMAL ] □� �the fearful Hollywood sin of pre-marital nookie.

noon /nuː n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] Noon is twelve o'clock in the middle of the day. □� The long day of meetings started at noon. □� Our branches are open from 9am to 5pm during the week and until 12 noon on Saturdays.

2 →�see also high noon

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Noon means happening or appearing in the middle part of the day. □� The noon sun was fierce. □� He expected the transfer to go through by today's noon deadline.

4morning, noon, and night →�see morning

noon|day /nuː nde I / ADJ [ADJ n] Noonday means happening or appearing in the middle part of the day. □� It was hot, nearly 90 degrees in the noonday sun.

no one ◆◆◇ also no-one PRON No one means not a single person, or not a single member of a particular group or set. □� Everyone wants to be a hero, but no one wants to die. □� No one can open mail except the person to whom it has been addressed. USAGE no one

You don�t usually use any other negative word after no one or nobody . Don�t say, for example, � No one didn�t come �. Say �No one came �. Similarly, don�t use �no one� or �nobody� as the object of a sentence which already has a negative word in it. Don�t say, for example, � We didn�t see no one �. You say �We didn�t see anyone � or �We didn�t see anybody �. □� You mustn�t tell anyone .

noose /nuː s/ (nooses ) N‑COUNT A noose is a circular loop at the end of a piece of rope or wire. A noose is tied with a knot that allows it to be tightened, and it is usually used to trap animals or hang people.

nope /noʊ p/ CONVENTION Nope is sometimes used instead of 'no' as a negative response. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� 'Is she supposed to work today?'�'Nope, tomorrow.'

nor ◆◆◇ /nɔː r /

1 CONJ You use nor after 'neither' in order to introduce the second alternative or the last of a number of alternatives in a negative statement. □� Neither Mr Rose nor Mr Woodhead was available for comment yesterday. □� I can give you neither an opinion nor any advice. □� They can neither read nor write, nor can they comprehend such concepts.

2 CONJ You use nor after a negative statement in order to indicate that the negative statement also applies to you or to someone or something else. □� 'We have no idea how long we're going to be here.'�'Nor do I.' □� I don't want to see him go and nor do the fans. □� He doesn't want to live in the country when he grows up, nor does he want to live in the city.

3 CONJ You use nor after a negative statement in order to introduce another negative statement which adds information to the previous one. □� Cooking quickly doesn't mean sacrificing flavour. Nor does fast food have to be junk food.

Nor|dic /nɔː r d I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Nordic means relating to the Scandinavian countries of northern Europe. □� The Nordic countries have been quick to assert their interest in the development of the Baltic States.

norm /nɔː r m/ (norms )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Norms are ways of behaving that are considered normal in a particular society. □�[+�of ] �the commonly accepted norms of democracy. □� �a social norm that says drunkenness is inappropriate behaviour.

2 N‑SING If you say that a situation is the norm , you mean that it is usual and expected. □�[+�in ] Families of six or seven are the norm in Borough Park. □�[+�of ] There will be more leases of 15 years than the present norm of 25 years. [Also +�for ]

3 N‑COUNT A norm is an official standard or level that organizations are expected to reach. □� �an agency which would establish European norms and co-ordinate national policies to halt pollution.

nor|mal ◆◆◇ /nɔː r m ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is normal is usual and ordinary, and is what people expect. □� He has occasional injections to maintain his good health but otherwise he lives a normal life. □� The two countries resumed normal diplomatic relations. □�[+�for ] Some of the shops were closed but that's quite normal for a Thursday afternoon. □� Life here will continue as normal.

2 ADJ A normal person has no serious physical or mental health problems. □� Normal people just don't react like that. □� Will the baby be normal?

nor|mal|cy /nɔː r m ə lsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Normalcy is a situation in which everything is normal. □� Underneath this image of normalcy, addiction threatened to rip this family apart.

nor|mal|ity /nɔː r m� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Normality is a situation in which everything is normal. □� A semblance of normality has returned with people going to work and shops re-opening. [Also +�of ]

nor|mal|ize /nɔː r məla I z/ (normalizes , normalizing , normalized ) in BRIT, also use normalise1 VERB When you normalize a situation or when it normalizes , it becomes normal. □�[V n] Meditation tends to lower or normalize blood pressure. □�[V ] After the interview your body chemistry normalizes.

2 VERB If people, groups, or governments normalize relations, or when relations normalize , they become normal or return to normal. □�[V n] The two governments were close to normalizing relations. □�[V n +�with ] The United States says they are not prepared to join in normalizing ties with their former enemy. □�[V ] If relations between the two countries begin to normalise, anything is possible. ●� nor|mali|za|tion /nɔː r məla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The two sides would like to see the normalisation of diplomatic relations.

nor|mal|ly ◆◇◇ /nɔː r məli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you say that something normally happens or that you normally do a particular thing, you mean that it is what usually happens or what you usually do. □� All airports in the country are working normally today. □� Social progress is normally a matter of struggles and conflicts. □� Normally, the transportation system in Paris carries 950,000 passengers a day.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something normally , you do it in the usual or conventional way. □� She would apparently eat normally and then make herself sick. □� �failure of the blood to clot normally. SYNONYMS normally ADV 1

usually:Usually, the work is boring.

generally:It is generally true that the darker the fruit, the higher its iron content.

commonly:Parsley is probably the most commonly used of all herbs.

typically:It typically takes a day or two, depending on size.

Nor|man /nɔː r mən/ (Normans )

1 N‑COUNT TheNormans were the people who came from northern France and took control of England in 1066, or their descendants.

2 ADJ Norman is used to refer to the period of history in Britain from 1066 until around 1300, and in particular to the style of architecture of that period. □� In Norman England, the greyhound was a symbol of nobility. □� �a Norman castle.

nor|ma|tive /nɔː r mət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Normative means creating or stating particular rules of behaviour. [FORMAL ] □� Normative sexual behaviour in our society remains heterosexual. □� �a normative model of teaching.

Norse /nɔː r s/

1 ADJ Norse means belonging or relating to Scandinavian countries in medieval times. □� In Norse mythology the moon is personified as male.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Norse is the language that was spoken in Scandinavian countries in medieval times.

Norse|man /nɔː r smən/ (Norsemen ) N‑COUNT TheNorsemen were people who lived in Scandinavian countries in medieval times.

north ◆◆◆ /nɔː r θ/ also North

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The north is the direction which is on your left when you are looking towards the direction where the sun rises. □� In the north the ground becomes very cold as the winter snow and ice covers the ground. □� Birds usually migrate from north to south.

2 N‑SING Thenorth of a place, country, or region is the part which is in the north. □� The scheme mostly benefits people in the North and Midlands. □�[+�of ] �a tiny house in a village in the north of France.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go north , you travel towards the north. □� Anita drove north up Pacific Highway.

4 ADV Something that is northof a place is positioned to the north of it. □�[+�of ] �a little village a few miles north of Portsmouth.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The north edge, corner, or part of a place or country is the part which is towards the north. □� �the north side of the mountain. □� They were coming in to land on the north coast of Crete.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] ' North ' is used in the names of some countries, states, and regions in the north of a larger area. □� There were demonstrations this weekend in cities throughout North America, Asia and Europe.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] A north wind is a wind that blows from the north. □� �a bitterly cold north wind.

8 N‑SING The North is used to refer to the richer, more developed countries of the world. □� Developing countries are critical of the North's environmental attitudes.

north|bound /nɔː r θbaʊnd/ ADJ [ADJ n, n ADJ ] Northbound roads or vehicles lead or are travelling towards the north. □� A 25 mile traffic jam clogged the northbound carriageway of the M6. □� Traffic was already very congested by six thirty this morning, particularly on the M1 northbound.

no rth-ea st ◆◆◇ also northeast

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The north-east is the direction which is halfway between north and east. □� The land to the north-east fell away into meadows.

2 N‑SING The north-east of a place, country, or region is the part which is in the north-east. □� The north-east, with 60 million people, is the most densely populated part of the United States. □�[+�of ] They're all from Newcastle in the North East of England.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go north-east , you travel towards the north-east. □� The streets were jammed with slow-moving traffic, army convoys moving north-east.

4 ADV Something that is north-east of a place is positioned to the north-east of it. □�[+�of ] This latest attack was at Careysburg, twenty miles north-east of the capital, Monrovia.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The north-east part of a place, country, or region is the part which is towards the north-east. □� �Waltham Abbey on the north-east outskirts of London.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A north-east wind is a wind that blows from the north-east. □� By 9.15 a bitter north-east wind was blowing.

no rth-ea sterly also northeasterly ADJ [usu ADJ n] A north-easterly point, area, or direction is to the north-east or towards the north-east.

no rth-ea stern also north eastern ADJ [usu ADJ n] North-eastern means in or from the north-east of a region or country. □� �the north-eastern coast of the United States.

nor|ther|ly /nɔː r �ə r li/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A northerly point, area, or direction is to the north or towards the north. □� Unst is the most northerly island in the British Isles. □� I wanted to go a more northerly route across Montana.

2 ADJ A northerly wind is a wind that blows from the north.

north|ern ◆◆◇ /nɔː r �ə r n/ also Northern ADJ [ADJ n] Northern means in or from the north of a region, state, or country. □� Prices at three-star hotels fell furthest in several northern cities.

north|ern|er /nɔː r �ə r nə r / (northerners ) N‑COUNT A northerner is a person who was born in or who lives in the north of a place or country. □� I like the openness and directness of northerners.

north|ern|most /nɔː r �ə r nmoʊst/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] The northernmost part of an area or the northernmost place is the one that is farthest towards the north. □� �the northernmost tip of the British Isles. □� The Chablis vineyard is the northernmost in Burgundy.

No rth Po le N‑PROPER TheNorth Pole is the place on the surface of the earth which is farthest towards the north.

north|ward /nɔː r θwə r d/ also northwards ADV [usu ADV after v, oft n ADV ] Northward or northwards means towards the north. □� Tropical storm Marco is pushing northward up Florida's coast. □� �the flow of immigrants northward. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Northward is also an adjective. □� The northward journey from Jalalabad was no more than 120 miles.

no rth-we st ◆◆◇ also northwest

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The north-west is the direction which is halfway between north and west. □� �Ushant, five miles out to the north-west.

2 N‑SING Thenorth-west of a place, country, or region is the part which is towards the north-west. □� Labour took its pre-election campaign to the North-West. □�[+�of ] �the extreme north-west of South America.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go north-west , you travel towards the north-west. □� Take the narrow lane going north-west, parallel with the railway line.

4 ADV Something that is north-west of a place is positioned to the north-west of it. □�[+�of ] This was situated to the north-west of the town, a short walk from the railway station.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The north-west part of a place, country, or region is the part which is towards the north-west. □� �the north-west coast of the United States. □� �Sydney's north-west suburbs.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A north-west wind is a wind that blows from the north-west. □� A brisk north-west wind swept across the region.

no rth-we sterly also northwesterly ADJ [usu ADJ n] A north-westerly point, area, or direction is to the north-west or towards the north-west.

no rth-we stern also north western ADJ [usu ADJ n] North-western means in or from the north-west of a region or country. □� He was from north-western Russia.

Nor|we|gian /nɔː r wiː dʒ ə n/ (Norwegians )

1 ADJ Norwegian means belonging or relating to Norway, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Norwegian is a person who comes from Norway.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Norwegian is the language spoken in Norway.

no -sco re dra w (no-score draws ) N‑COUNT A no-score draw is the result of a football match in which neither team scores any goals.

nose ◆◇◇ /noʊ z/ (noses , nosing , nosed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your nose is the part of your face which sticks out above your mouth. You use it for smelling and breathing. □� She wiped her nose with a tissue. □� She's got funny eyes and a big nose.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] The nose of a vehicle such as a car or aeroplane is the front part of it. □� Sue parked off the main street, with the van's nose pointing away from the street.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to your sense of smell as your nose . □� The river that runs through Middlesbrough became ugly on the eye and hard on the nose.

4 VERB If a vehicle noses in a certain direction or if you nose it there, you move it slowly and carefully in that direction. □�[V adv/prep] He could not see the driver as the car nosed forward. □�[V n prep/adv] Ben drove past them, nosing his car into the garage.

5 →�see also hard-nosed , toffee-nosed

6 PHRASE If you keep your nose clean , you behave well and stay out of trouble. [INFORMAL ] □� If you kept your nose clean, you had a job for life.

7 PHRASE If you follow your nose to get to a place, you go straight ahead or follow the most obvious route. □� Just follow your nose and in about five minutes you're at the old railway.

8 PHRASE If you follow your nose , you do something in a particular way because you feel it should be done like that, rather than because you are following any plan or rules. □� You won't have to think, just follow your nose.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone has a nose for something, you mean that they have a natural ability to find it or recognize it. □� He had a nose for trouble and a brilliant tactical mind.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone or something gets up your nose , you mean that they annoy you. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He's just getting up my nose so much at the moment.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone looks down their nose at something or someone, you mean that they believe they are superior to that person or thing and treat them with disrespect. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They rather looked down their noses at anyone who couldn't speak French.

12 PHRASE If you say that you paid through the nose for something, you are emphasizing that you had to pay what you consider too high a price for it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�for ] We pay through the nose for a ticket then stand up all the way to work.

13 PHRASE If someone pokes their nose into something or sticks their nose into something, they try to interfere with it even though it does not concern them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� We don't like strangers who poke their noses into our affairs. □� Why did you have to stick your nose in?

14 PHRASE To rub someone's nose in something that they do not want to think about, such as a failing or a mistake they have made, means to remind them repeatedly about it. [INFORMAL ] □� His enemies will attempt to rub his nose in past policy statements.

15 PHRASE If you say that someone is cutting off their nose to spite their face , you mean they do something that they think will hurt someone, without realizing or caring that it will hurt themselves as well. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The industry's greed means it is cutting off its nose to spite its face.

16 PHRASE If vehicles are nose to tail , the front of one vehicle is close behind the back of another. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a line of about twenty fast-moving trucks driving nose to tail. in AM, use bumper-to-bumper

17 PHRASE If you thumb your nose at someone, you behave in a way that shows that you do not care what they think. □� He has always thumbed his nose at the media.

18 PHRASE If you turn up your noseat something, you reject it because you think that it is not good enough for you. □� I'm not in a financial position to turn up my nose at several hundred thousand pounds.

19 PHRASE If you do something under someone's nose , you do it right in front of them, without trying to hide it from them. □� Okay so have an affair, but not right under my nose.

20to put someone's nose out of joint →�see joint

nose|bleed /noʊ zbliːd/ (nosebleeds ) also nose bleed N‑COUNT If someone has a nosebleed , blood comes out from inside their nose. □� Whenever I have a cold I get a nosebleed.

nose|dive /noʊ zda I v/ (nosedives , nosediving , nosedived ) also nose-dive

1 VERB If prices, profits, or exchange rates nosedive , they suddenly fall by a large amount. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] The value of other shares nosedived by �2.6 billion. ●�N‑SING Nosedive is also a noun. □�[+�in ] The bank yesterday revealed a 30 per cent nosedive in profits.

2 VERB If something such as someone's reputation or career nosedives , it suddenly gets much worse. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] Since the U.S. invasion the president's reputation has nosedived. ●�N‑SING Nosedive is also a noun. □� He told the tribunal his career had 'taken a nosedive' since his dismissal last year.

no se job (nose jobs ) N‑COUNT A nose job is a surgical operation that some people have to improve the shape of their nose. [INFORMAL ] □� I've never had plastic surgery, though people always think I've had a nose job.

nos|ey /noʊ zi/ →�see nosy

nosh /nɒ ʃ/ (noshes , noshing , noshed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Food can be referred to as nosh . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Fancy some nosh?

2 N‑SING A nosh is a snack or light meal. [AM , INFORMAL ]

3 VERB If you nosh , you eat. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] She sprinkled pepper on my grub, watching me nosh. □�[V n] �a big-bellied bird noshing some heather.

no -sho w N‑SING If someone who is expected to go somewhere fails to go there, you can say that they are a no-show . □� He was a no-show at last week's game in Milwaukee.

nos|tal|gia /nɒst� ldʒə/ N‑UNCOUNT Nostalgia is an affectionate feeling you have for the past, especially for a particularly happy time. □�[+�for ] He might be influenced by nostalgia for his happy youth. □� He discerned in the novel an air of Sixties nostalgia.

nos|tal|gic /nɒst� ldʒ I k/

1 ADJ Nostalgic things cause you to think affectionately about the past. □� Although we still depict nostalgic snow scenes on Christmas cards, winters are now very much warmer. □� Somehow the place even smelt wonderfully nostalgic.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel nostalgic , you think affectionately about experiences you had in the past. □�[+�for/about ] Many people were nostalgic for the good old days. ●� nos|tal|gi|cal|ly /nɒst� ldʒ I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� People look back nostalgically on the war period, simply because everyone pulled together.

nos|tril /nɒ str I l/ (nostrils ) N‑COUNT Your nostrils are the two openings at the end of your nose.

nos|trum /nɒ strəm/ (nostrums )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to ideas or theories about how something should be done as nostrums , especially when you think they are old-fashioned or wrong in some way. [FORMAL ] □� �yesterday's failed socialist nostrums. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a medicine as a nostrum , you mean that it is not effective or has not been tested in a proper scientific way. □� �pills, tablets, and other nostrums claiming to be magic potions.

nosy /noʊ zi/ (nosier , nosiest ) also nosey ADJ If you describe someone as nosy , you mean that they are interested in things which do not concern them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was having to whisper in order to avoid being overheard by their nosy neighbours. □� I agree that the press is often too nosy about a candidate's personal history.

not ◆◆◆ /nɒ t/ Not is often shortened to n't in spoken English, and added to the auxiliary or modal verb. For example, 'did not' is often shortened to 'didn't'. 1 ADV You use not with verbs to form negative statements. □� The sanctions are not working the way they were intended. □� I was not in Britain at the time. □� There are many things you won't understand here. □� I don't trust my father anymore.

2 ADV You use not to form questions to which you expect the answer 'yes'. □� Haven't they got enough problems there already? □� Didn't I see you at the party last week? □� Don't you just love lying in the sunshine?

3 ADV You use not , usually in the form n't , in questions which imply that someone should have done something, or to express surprise that something is not the case. □� Why didn't you do it months ago? □� Hasn't anyone ever kissed you before? □� Shouldn't you have gone further?

4 ADV You use not , usually in the form n't , in question tags after a positive statement. □� 'It's a nice piece of jewellery though, isn't it?'. □� I've been a great husband, haven't I?

5 ADV You use not , usually in the form n't , in polite suggestions. [POLITENESS ] □� Actually we do have a position in mind. Why don't you fill out our application? □� Couldn't they send it by train?

6 ADV You use not to represent the negative of a word, group, or clause that has just been used. □� 'Have you found Paula?'�'I'm afraid not, Kate.' □� At first I really didn't care whether he came or not.

7 ADV You can use not in front of 'all' or 'every' when you want to say something that applies only to some members of the group that you are talking about. □� Not all the money, to put it mildly, has been used wisely. □� Not every applicant had a degree.

8 ADV If something is not always the case, you mean that sometimes it is the case and sometimes it is not. □� She couldn't always afford a babysitter. □� The life of an FBI agent wasn't always as glamorous as people thought.

9 ADV You can use not or not even in front of 'a' or 'one' to emphasize that there is none at all of what is being mentioned. [EMPHASIS ] □� The houses are beautiful, but there's no shop, not even a pub to go into. □� I sent report after report. But not one word was published.

10 ADV You can use not in front of a word referring to a distance, length of time, or other amount to say that the actual distance, time, or amount is less than the one mentioned. □� The tug crossed our stern not fifty yards away. □� They were here not five minutes ago!

11 ADV You use not when you are contrasting something that is true with something that is untrue. You use this especially to indicate that people might think that the untrue statement is true. □� They married not because it made economic sense but because they loved one another. □� Training is an investment not a cost.

12 ADV You use not in expressions such as 'not only', 'not just', and 'not simply' to emphasize that something is true, but it is not the whole truth. [EMPHASIS ] □� These movies were not only making money; they were also perceived to be original. □� The 1790s were bad times, not just in Scotland but all across England.

13 PHRASE You use not that to introduce a negative clause that contradicts something that the previous statement implies. □� His death took me a year to get over; not that you're ever really over it.

14 CONVENTION Not at all is an emphatic way of saying 'No' or of agreeing that the answer to a question is 'No'. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Sorry. I sound like Abby, don't I?'�'No. Not at all.' □� 'You don't think that you've betrayed your country.'�'No I don't. No, not at all.'

15 CONVENTION Not at all is a polite way of acknowledging a person's thanks. [FORMULAE ] □� 'Thank you very much for speaking with us.'�'Not at all.'

16not half →�see half

17if not →�see if

18not least →�see least

19not to mention →�see mention

20nothing if not →�see nothing

21more often than not →�see often

no|table /noʊ təb ə l/ ADJ Someone or something that is notable is important or interesting. □�[+�for ] The proposed new structure is notable not only for its height, but for its shape. □� With a few notable exceptions, doctors are a pretty sensible lot.

no|tably /noʊ təbli/

1 ADV You use notably to specify an important or typical example of something that you are talking about. □� More important problems, notably the fate of the children, had to be decided. □� It was a question of making sure certain needs were addressed, notably in the pensions area.

2 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use notably to emphasize a particular quality that someone or something has. [EMPHASIS ] □� Old established friends are notably absent, so it's a good opportunity to make new contacts.

no|ta|ry /noʊ təri/ (notaries ) N‑COUNT A notary or a notary public is a person, usually a lawyer, who has legal authority to witness the signing of documents in order to make them legally valid.

no|ta|tion /noʊte I ʃ ə n/ (notations ) N‑VAR A system of notation is a set of written symbols that are used to represent something such as music or mathematics. □� Musical notation was conceived for the C major scale. □� �some other abstract notation system like a computer language.

notch /nɒ tʃ/ (notches , notching , notched )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a level on a scale of measurement or achievement as a notch . [JOURNALISM ] □� Average earnings in the economy moved up another notch in August. □� In this country the good players are pulled down a notch or two.

2 VERB If you notch a success, especially in a sporting contest, you achieve it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The President is keen to notch a political triumph that would foster freer world trade and faster economic growth.

3 N‑COUNT A notch is a small V-shaped or circular cut in the surface or edge of something. □�[+�in ] They cut notches in the handle of their pistol for each man they shot.

4 →�see also top-notch

▸� notch up PHRASAL VERB If you notch up something such as a score or total, you achieve it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V P n] He had notched up more than 25 victories worldwide. [Also V n P ]

note ◆◆◇ /noʊ t/ (notes , noting , noted )

1 N‑COUNT A note is a short letter. □� Stevens wrote him a note asking him to come to his apartment. □�[+�for ] I'll have to leave a note for Karen.

2 N‑COUNT A note is something that you write down to remind yourself of something. □� I knew that if I didn't make a note I would forget. □� Take notes during the consultation as the final written report is very concise.

3 N‑COUNT In a book or article, a note is a short piece of additional information. □� See Note 16 on page p. 223.

4 N‑COUNT A note is a short document that has to be signed by someone and that gives official information about something. □� Since Mr Bennett was going to need some time off work, he asked for a sick note. □� I've got half a ton of gravel in the lorry but he won't sign my delivery note.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a banknote as a note . [BRIT ] □� Her husband received a telephone call ordering him to collect � 40,000 in used notes. □� �a five pound note. in AM, use bill6 N‑COUNT In music, a note is the sound of a particular pitch, or a written symbol representing this sound. □� She has a deep voice and doesn't even try for the high notes.

7 N‑SING You can use note to refer to a particular quality in someone's voice that shows how they are feeling. □�[+�of ] There is an unmistakable note of nostalgia in his voice. □�[+�of ] It was not difficult for him to catch the note of bitterness in my voice.

8 N‑SING You can use note to refer to a particular feeling, impression, or atmosphere. □�[+�of ] Yesterday's testimony began on a note of passionate but civilized disagreement. □�[+�of ] Somehow he tells these stories without a note of horror. □� The furniture strikes a traditional note which is appropriate to its Edwardian setting.

9 VERB If you note a fact, you become aware of it. □�[V n] The White House has noted his promise to support any attack that was designed to enforce the U.N. resolutions. □�[V that] Suddenly, I noted that the rain had stopped. □�[V wh] Haig noted how he 'looked pinched and rather tired'.

10 VERB If you tell someone to note something, you are drawing their attention to it. □�[V n] Note the statue to Sallustio Bandini, a prominent Sienese. □�[V that] Please note that there are a limited number of tickets.

11 VERB If you note something, you mention it in order to draw people's attention to it. □�[V that] The report notes that export and import volumes picked up in leading economies. □�[V n] The yearbook also noted a sharp drop in reported cases of sexually transmitted disease.

12 VERB When you note something, you write it down as a record of what has happened. □�[V with quote] 'He has had his tonsils out and has been ill, too', she noted in her diary. □�[V n] One policeman was clearly visible noting the number plates of passing cars. □�[V wh] A guard came and took our names and noted where each of us was sitting. [Also V that]

13 →�see also noted , promissory note , sleeve note

14 PHRASE If you compare notes with someone on a particular subject, you talk to them and find out whether their opinion, information, or experience is the same as yours. □� The women were busily comparing notes on the queen's outfit. [Also +�with ]

15 PHRASE Someone or something that is of note is important, worth mentioning, or well-known. □� �politicians of note. □� He has published nothing of note in the last ten years.

16 PHRASE If someone or something strikes a particular note or sounds a particular note , they create a particular feeling, impression, or atmosphere. □� Before his first round of discussions, Mr Baker sounded an optimistic note. □� Plants growing out of cracks in paving strike the right note up a cottage-garden path.

17 PHRASE If you take noteof something, you pay attention to it because you think that it is important or significant. □�[+�of ] Take note of the weather conditions. □� They took note that she showed no surprise at the news of the murder.

18to make a mental note →�see mental

▸� note down PHRASAL VERB If you note down something, you write it down quickly, so that you have a record of it. □�[V P n] She had noted down the names and she told me the story simply and factually. □�[V n P ] If you find a name that's on the list I've given you, note it down. □�[V P wh] Please note down what I'm about to say. SYNONYMS note NOUN 1

message:I got a message you were trying to reach me.

communication:The ambassador has brought a communication from the President.

memo:Did you get the memo about opening hours?

letter:I had received a letter from a very close friend. VERB

9

notice:Luckily, I'd noticed where you left the car.

observe:In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.

perceive:'Precisely what other problems do you perceive?' she asked.

12

write down:On the morning before starting the fast, write down your starting weight.

record:�a place which has rarely suffered a famine in its recorded history.

jot down:Keep a pad handy to jot down queries as they occur.

note|book /noʊ tbʊk/ (notebooks )

1 N‑COUNT A notebook is a small book for writing notes in. □� He brought out a notebook and pen from his pocket. □� �her reporter's notebook.

2 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A notebook computer is a small personal computer. □� This is a super-slim, lightweight notebook computer.

not|ed ◆◇◇ /noʊ t I d/ ADJ To be notedfor something you do or have means to be well-known and admired for it. □�[+�for ] �a television programme noted for its attacks on organised crime. □�[+�for ] Lawyers are not noted for rushing into change. SYNONYMS noted ADJ

famous:New Orleans is famous for its cuisine.

celebrated:He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.

well-known:He surrounds himself with attractive, intelligent, or well-known people.

prominent:�a prominent member of the Law Society.

renowned:�Sir William Crookes, the renowned chemist.

note|pad /noʊ tp�d/ (notepads ) N‑COUNT A notepad is a pad of paper that you use for writing notes or letters on.

note|paper /noʊ tpe I pə r / N‑UNCOUNT Notepaper is paper that you use for writing letters on. □� He had written letters on official notepaper to promote a relative's company.

note|worthy /noʊ twɜː r �i/ ADJ A fact or event that is noteworthy is interesting, remarkable, or significant in some way. [FORMAL ] □� It is noteworthy that the programme has been shifted from its original August slot to July. □� I found nothing particularly noteworthy to report. □� The most noteworthy feature of the list is that there are no women on it.

noth|ing ◆◆◆ /nʌ θ I ŋ/ (nothings )

1 PRON Nothing means not a single thing, or not a single part of something. □� I've done nothing much since coffee time. □�[+�of ] The man knows nothing of history or sociology. □� He was dressed in jeans and nothing else. □� There is nothing wrong with the car.

2 PRON You use nothing to indicate that something or someone is not important or significant. □� Because he had always had money, it meant nothing to him. □� This cold snap is nothing compared to a real winter. □� She kept bursting into tears over nothing at work. □� Do our years together mean nothing? ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Nothing is also a noun. □� It is the picture itself that is the problem; so small, so dull. It's a nothing, really.

3 PRON If you say that something cost nothing or is worth nothing , you are indicating that it cost or is worth a surprisingly small amount of money. □� The furniture was threadbare; he'd obviously picked it up for nothing. □� His net UK estate was worth nothing after debts were taken into account.

4 PRON You use nothing before an adjective or 'to'-infinitive to say that something or someone does not have the quality indicated. □� Around the lake the countryside generally is nothing special. □� There was nothing remarkable about him. □� All kids her age do silly things; it's nothing to worry about.

5 PRON You can use nothing before 'so' and an adjective or adverb, or before a comparative, to emphasize how strong or great a particular quality is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Youngsters learn nothing so fast as how to beat the system. □� I consider nothing more important in my life than songwriting. □� There's nothing better than a good cup of hot coffee.

6 PHRASE You can use all or nothing to say that either something must be done fully and completely or else it cannot be done at all. □� Either he went through with this thing or he did not; it was all or nothing.

7 PHRASE If you say that something is better than nothing , you mean that it is not what is required, but that it is better to have that thing than to have nothing at all. □� After all, 15 minutes of exercise is better than nothing.

8 PHRASE You use nothing but in front of a noun, an infinitive without 'to', or an '-ing' form to mean 'only'. □� All that money brought nothing but sadness and misery and tragedy. □� It did nothing but make us ridiculous. □� They care for nothing but fighting.

9 PHRASE If you say that there is nothing for it but to take a particular action, you mean that it is the only possible course of action that you can take, even though it might be unpleasant. [BRIT ] □� Surrounded by empty fields, there was nothing for it but to keep going.

10 PHRASE You use nothing if not in front of an adjective to indicate that someone or something clearly has a lot of the particular quality mentioned. [EMPHASIS ] □� Professor Fish has been nothing if not professional.

11 CONVENTION People sometimes say ' It's nothing ' as a polite response after someone has thanked them for something they have done. [FORMULAE ] □� 'Thank you for the wonderful dinner.'�'It's nothing', Sarah said. □� 'I'll be on my way. I can't thank you enough, Alan'.�'It was nothing, but take care'.

12 PHRASE If you say about a story or report that there is nothing in it or nothing to it , you mean that it is untrue. □� It's all rubbish and superstition, and there's nothing in it.

13 PHRASE If you say about an activity that there is nothing to it or nothing in it , you mean that it is extremely easy. □� This device has a gripper that electrically twists off the jar top. Nothing to it. □� If you've shied away from making pancakes, don't be put off�there's really nothing in it!

14 PHRASE If you say about a contest or competition that there is nothing in it , you mean that two or more of the competitors are level and have an equal chance of winning.

15 PHRASE Nothing of the sort is used when strongly contradicting something that has just been said. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'We're going to talk this over in my office'.�'We're going to do nothing of the sort'. □� Mrs Adamson said that she was extremely sorry, in tones that made it clear that she was nothing of the sort.

16 →�see also sweet nothings

17nothing to write home about →�see home ➊

18to say nothing of →�see say

19nothing short of →�see short ➊

20to stop at nothing →�see stop

21to think nothing of →�see think USAGE nothing

You don�t usually use any other negative word such as �not� after nothing . Don�t say, for example, � Nothing didn�t happen �. You say �Nothing happened �. Similarly, don�t use �nothing� as the object of a sentence which already has a negative word in it. Don�t say, for example, � I couldn�t hear nothing �. Say �I couldn�t hear anything .� □� I did not say anything .

noth|ing|ness /nʌ θ I ŋnəs/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Nothingness is the fact of not existing. □� There might be something beyond the grave, you know, and not nothingness.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Nothingness means complete emptiness. □� I peered out into what seemed like nothingness.

no|tice ◆◆◇ /noʊ t I s/ (notices , noticing , noticed )

1 VERB If you notice something or someone, you become aware of them. □�[V n] People should not hesitate to contact the police if they've noticed anyone acting suspiciously. □�[V that] I noticed that most academics were writing papers during the summer. □�[V wh] Luckily, I'd noticed where you left the car. □�[V n v-ing] Mrs Shedden noticed a bird sitting on the garage roof. □�[V ] She needn't worry that he'll think she looks a mess. He won't notice. [Also V n inf]

2 N‑COUNT A notice is a written announcement in a place where everyone can read it. □� A few guest houses had 'No Vacancies' notices in their windows. □� �a notice which said 'Beware Flooding'.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you give notice about something that is going to happen, you give a warning in advance that it is going to happen. □� Interest is paid monthly. Three months' notice is required for withdrawals. □� She was transferred without notice.

4 N‑COUNT A notice is a formal announcement in a newspaper or magazine about something that has happened or is going to happen. □�[+�in ] I rang The Globe with news of Blake's death, and put notices in the personal column of The Times.

5 N‑COUNT A notice is one of a number of letters that are similar or exactly the same which an organization sends to people in order to give them information or ask them to do something. □� Bonus notices were issued each year from head office to local agents.

6 N‑COUNT A notice is a written article in a newspaper or magazine in which someone gives their opinion of a play, film, or concert. □� Nevertheless, it's good to know you've had good notices, even if you don't read them.

7 PHRASE Notice is used in expressions such as ' at short notice ', ' at a moment's notice ', or ' at twenty-four hours' notice ', to indicate that something can or must be done within a short period of time. □� There's no one available at such short notice to take her class. □� All our things stayed in our suitcase, as if we had to leave at a moment's notice.

8 PHRASE If you bring something to someone's notice , you make them aware of it. □� I am so glad that you have brought this to my notice.

9 PHRASE If something comes to your notice , you become aware of it. □� Her work also came to the notice of the King.

10 PHRASE If something escapes your notice , you fail to recognize it or realize it. □�[PHR that] Besides, it hadn't escaped my notice that he was very good-looking.

11 PHRASE If a situation is said to exist until further notice , it will continue for an uncertain length of time until someone changes it. □� All flights to Lanchow had been cancelled until further notice.

12 PHRASE If an employer gives an employee notice , the employer tells the employee that he or she must leave his or her job within a fixed period of time. [BUSINESS ] □� The next morning I phoned him and gave him his notice.

13 PHRASE If you hand in your notice or give in your notice , you tell your employer that you intend to leave your job soon within a set period of time. [BUSINESS ] □� He handed in his notice at the bank and ruined his promising career.

14 PHRASE If you take noticeof a particular fact or situation, you behave in a way that shows that you are aware of it. □�[+�of ] We want the government to take notice of what we think they should do for single parents. □� This should make people sit up and take notice.

15 PHRASE If you take no noticeof someone or something, you do not consider them to be important enough to affect what you think or what you do. □� They took no notice of him, he did not stand out, he was in no way remarkable. □� I tried not to take any notice at first but then I was offended by it. COLLOCATIONS notice NOUN

3

adjective +�notice : advance, prior; adequate, reasonable

verb +�notice : give, serve

5

noun +�notice : enforcement, eviction, infringement, redundancy

verb +�notice : circulate, issue; receive VERB 1

notice+�noun : change, difference, increase

no|tice|able /noʊ t I səb ə l/ ADJ Something that is noticeable is very obvious, so that it is easy to see, hear, or recognize. □� It is noticeable that women do not have the rivalry that men have. □� The most noticeable effect of these changes is in the way people are now working together. ●� no|tice|ably ADV [ADV with v] □� Standards of living were deteriorating rather noticeably. □� There are also many physical signs, most noticeably a change in facial features.

no|tice|board /noʊ t I sbɔː r d/ (noticeboards ) N‑COUNT A noticeboard is a board which is usually attached to a wall in order to display notices giving information about something. [BRIT ] □� She added her name to the list on the noticeboard. in AM, use bulletin board

no|ti|fi|able /noʊ t I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ A notifiable disease or crime is one that must be reported to the authorities whenever it occurs, because it is considered to be dangerous to the community. □� Many doctors fail to report cases, even though food poisoning is a notifiable disease.

no|ti|fi|ca|tion /noʊ t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (notifications )

1 N‑VAR If you are given notificationof something, you are officially informed of it. □�[+�of ] Names of the dead and injured are being withheld pending notification of relatives. □� Payments should be sent with the written notification.

2 N‑COUNT A notification is a message, sound, or symbol on your phone or computer telling you that someone has sent you a message or put something new for you to look at on a website. □� The thought of logging back on and sifting through a huge number of notifications was tiring.

no|ti|fy /noʊ t I fa I / (notifies , notifying , notified ) VERB If you notify someone of something, you officially inform them about it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�of/about ] The skipper notified the coastguard of the tragedy. □�[be V -ed that] Earlier this year they were notified that their homes were to be cleared away. □�[V n] She confirmed that she would notify the police and the hospital. [Also V n that]

no|tion ◆◇◇ /noʊ ʃ ə n/ (notions ) N‑COUNT [N that] A notion is an idea or belief about something. □�[+�of ] We each have a notion of just what kind of person we'd like to be. □�[+�that ] I reject absolutely the notion that privatisation of our industry is now inevitable. SYNONYMS notion NOUN

idea:Some of his ideas about democracy are entirely his own.

view:My own view is absolutely clear. What I did was right.

opinion:He held the opinion that a government should think before introducing a tax.

no|tion|al /noʊ ʃən ə l/ ADJ Something that is notional exists only in theory or as a suggestion or idea, but not in reality. [FORMAL ] □� �the notional value of state assets. ●� no|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �those who notionally supported the republic but did nothing in terms of action. □� That meant that he, notionally at least, outranked them all.

no|to|ri|ety /noʊ təra I I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT To achieve notoriety means to become well-known for something bad. □� He achieved notoriety as chief counsel to President Nixon in the Watergate break-in.

no|to|ri|ous /noʊtɔː riəs/ ADJ To be notorious means to be well-known for something bad. □�[+�for ] �an area notorious for crime and violence. □� She told us the story of one of Britain's most notorious country house murders. ●� no|to|ri|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV group, oft ADV before v] □� The train company is overstaffed and notoriously inefficient. □� Doctors notoriously neglect their own health and fail to seek help when they should.

not|with|stand|ing /nɒ tw I �st� nd I ŋ/ PREP If something is true notwithstanding something else, it is true in spite of that other thing. [FORMAL ] □� He despised William Pitt, notwithstanding the similar views they both held. ●�ADV [n ADV ] Notwithstanding is also an adverb. □� His relations with colleagues, differences of opinion notwithstanding, were unfailingly friendly.

nou|gat /nuː gɑː, [AM ] -gət/ N‑UNCOUNT Nougat is a kind of firm sweet, containing nuts and sometimes fruit.

nought /nɔː t/ (noughts ) The spelling naught is also used for meaning 2 . 1 NUM Nought is the number 0. [mainly BRIT ] □� Sales rose by nought point four per cent last month. □� Houses are graded from nought to ten for energy efficiency. in AM, use zero

2 PHRASE If you try to do something but your efforts are not successful, you can say that your efforts come to nought . [FORMAL ] □� Numerous attempts to persuade him to write his memoirs came to nought.

Nought|ies also noughties /nɔː tiz/ N‑PLURAL The Noughties is the decade between 2000 to 2009. [INFORMAL ] □� �the economic realities of the noughties.

noun /naʊ n/ (nouns )

1 N‑COUNT A noun is a word such as 'car', 'love', or 'Anne' which is used to refer to a person or thing.

2 →�see also collective noun , count noun , mass noun , proper noun , singular noun , uncount noun

nou n group (noun groups ) N‑COUNT A noun group is a noun or pronoun, or a group of words based on a noun or pronoun. In the sentence, 'He put the bottle of wine on the kitchen table', 'He', 'the bottle of wine', and 'the kitchen table' are all noun groups.

nou n phrase (noun phrases ) N‑COUNT A noun phrase is the same as a noun group .

nour|ish /nʌ r I ʃ, [AM ] nɜː r I ʃ/ (nourishes , nourishing , nourished )

1 VERB To nourish a person, animal, or plant means to provide them with the food that is necessary for life, growth, and good health. □�[V n] The food she eats nourishes both her and the baby. □�[V n] �microbes in the soil which nourish the plant. ●� nour|ish|ing ADJ □� Most of these nourishing substances are in the yolk of the egg. □� �sensible, nourishing food.

2 VERB To nourish something such as a feeling or belief means to allow or encourage it to grow. □�[V n] Journalists on the whole don't create public opinion. They can help to nourish it.

3 →�see also -nourished

-nourished /-nʌ r I ʃt, [AM ] -nɜː r-/ COMB -nourished is used with adverbs such as 'well' or 'under' to indicate how much food someone eats or whether it is the right kind of food. □� To make sure the children are well-nourished, vitamin drops are usually recommended. □� �under-nourished and poorly dressed orphans.

nour|ish|ment /nʌ r I ʃmənt, [AM ] nɜː r-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If something provides a person, animal, or plant with nourishment , it provides them with the food that is necessary for life, growth, and good health. □� He was unable to take nourishment for several days.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The action of nourishing someone or something, or the experience of being nourished, can be referred to as nourishment . □� Sugar gives quick relief to hunger but provides no lasting nourishment.

nous /naʊ s/ N‑UNCOUNT Nous is intelligence or common sense. [BRIT ] □� Few ministers have the nous or the instinct required to understand the ramifications. □� He is a man of extraordinary vitality, driving ambition and political nous.

nou|veau riche /nuː voʊ riː ʃ/ (nouveau riche or nouveaux riches ) also nouveau-riche

1 N‑PLURAL Thenouveaux riches are people who have only recently become rich and who have tastes and manners that some people consider vulgar. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The nouveau riche have to find a way to be accepted.

2 ADJ Nouveau-riche means belonging or relating to the nouveaux riches. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �critics who did not appreciate his nouveau-riche taste.

nou|velle cui|sine /nuː vel kw I zin / N‑UNCOUNT Nouvelle cuisine is a style of cooking in which very fresh foods are lightly cooked and served in unusual combinations. You can also refer to food that has been cooked in this way as nouvelle cuisine . □� The classics of Gascony are served as well as nouvelle cuisine.

Nov.Nov. is a written abbreviation for November . □� The first ballot is on Tuesday Nov 20.

nov|el ◆◆◇ /nɒ v ə l/ (novels )

1 N‑COUNT A novel is a long written story about imaginary people and events. □�[+�by ] �a novel by Herman Hesse. □� �historical novels set in the time of the Pharaohs.

2 ADJ Novel things are new and different from anything that has been done, experienced, or made before. □� Protesters found a novel way of demonstrating against steeply rising oil prices. □� The very idea of a sixth form college was novel in 1962. SYNONYMS novel ADJ 2

new:�the introduction of new drugs to suppress the immune system.

different:This recipe is certainly interesting and different.

original:It is one of the most original works of imagination in the language.

innovative:�products which are more innovative than those of their competitors.

nov|el|ist /nɒ vəl I st/ (novelists ) N‑COUNT A novelist is a person who writes novels. □� �a romantic novelist.

no|vel|la /noʊve lə/ (novellas ) N‑COUNT A novella is a short novel or a long short story. □�[+�from ] �an autobiographical novella from French writer Marguerite Duras.

nov|el|ty /nɒ v ə lti/ (novelties )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Novelty is the quality of being different, new, and unusual. □� After a few hours, however, the novelty wore off.

2 N‑COUNT A novelty is something that is new and therefore interesting. □� It came from the days when a motor car was a novelty.

3 N‑COUNT Novelties are cheap toys, ornaments, or other objects that are sold as presents or souvenirs. □� At Easter, we give them plastic eggs filled with small toys, novelties and coins.

No|vem|ber /noʊve mbə r / (Novembers ) N‑VAR November is the eleventh month of the year in the Western calendar. □� He arrived in London in November 1939. □� He died on 24 November 2001, aged 80. □� There's no telling what the voters will do next November.

nov|ice /nɒ v I s/ (novices )

1 N‑COUNT [N n] A novice is someone who has been doing a job or other activity for only a short time and so is not experienced at it. □�[+�at ] I'm a novice at these things, Lieutenant. You're the professional. □� As a novice writer, this is something I'm interested in.

2 N‑COUNT In a monastery or convent, a novice is a person who is preparing to become a monk or nun.

now ◆◆◆ /naʊ /

1 ADV You use now to refer to the present time, often in contrast to a time in the past or the future. □� She's a widow now. □� But we are now a much more fragmented society. □� Coffee now costs well over 3 dollars a kilo. □� She should know that by now. ●�PRON Now is also a pronoun. □� Now is the time when we must all live as economically as possible.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something now , you do it immediately. □� I'm sorry, but I must go now. □� I fear that if I don't write now I shall never have another opportunity to do so. ●�PRON Now is also a pronoun. □� Now is your chance to talk to him.

3 CONJ You use now or now that to indicate that an event has occurred and as a result something else may or will happen. □� Now you're settled, why don't you take up some serious study? □� Now that she was retired she lived with her sister.

4 ADV [ADV before v] You use now to indicate that a particular situation is the result of something that has recently happened. □� She told me not to repeat it, but now I don't suppose it matters. □� Diplomats now expect the mission to be much less ambitious.

5 ADV In stories and accounts of past events, now is used to refer to the particular time that is being written or spoken about. □� She felt a little better now. □� It was too late now for Blake to lock his room door. □� By now it was completely dark outside.

6 ADV [ADV with v, n ADV ] You use now in statements which specify the length of time up to the present that something has lasted. □� They've been married now for 30 years. □� They have been missing for a long time now. □� It's some days now since I heard anything.

7 ADV You say ' Now ' or ' Now then ' to indicate to the person or people you are with that you want their attention, or that you are about to change the subject. [SPOKEN ] □� 'Now then,' Max said, 'to get back to the point.' □� Now, can we move on and discuss the vital business of the day, please.

8 ADV You use now to give a slight emphasis to a request or command. [SPOKEN ] □� Come on now. You know you must be hungry. □� Come and sit down here, now. □� Now don't talk so loud and bother him, honey.

9 ADV You can say ' Now ' to introduce information which is relevant to the part of a story or account that you have reached, and which needs to be known before you can continue. [SPOKEN ] □� My son went to Almeria in Southern Spain. Now he is someone who loves a quiet holiday. □� Now, I hadn't told him these details, so he must have done some research on his own.

10 ADV You say ' Now ' to introduce something which contrasts with what you have just said. [SPOKEN ] □� Now, if it was me, I'd want to do more than just change the locks.

11 PHRASE If you say that something happens now and then or every now and again , you mean that it happens sometimes but not very often or regularly. □� My father has a collection of magazines to which I return every now and then. □� Now and again he'd join in when we were playing video games.

12 PHRASE If you say that something will happen any day now , any moment now , or any time now , you mean that it will happen very soon. □� Jim expects to be sent to Europe any day now. □� Any moment now the silence will be broken.

13 PHRASE People such as television presenters sometimes use now for when they are going to start talking about a different subject or presenting a new activity. [SPOKEN ] □� And now for something completely different. □� Now for a quick look at some of the other stories in the news.

14 PHRASE Just now means a very short time ago. [SPOKEN ] □� You looked pretty upset just now. □� I spoke just now of being in love.

15 PHRASE You use just now when you want to say that a particular situation exists at the time when you are speaking, although it may change in the future. [SPOKEN ] □� I'm pretty busy just now. □� Mr Goldsworth is not available just now.

16 PHRASE If you say ' It's now or never ', you mean that something must be done immediately, because if it is not done immediately there will not be another chance to do it. [SPOKEN ] □� It's now or never, so make up your mind.

17 CONVENTION You can say ' now, now ' as a friendly way of trying to comfort someone who is upset or distressed. [SPOKEN ] □� 'I figure it's all over.'�'Now, now. You did just fine.'

18 CONVENTION You can say ' Now, then ' or ' Now, now ' when you want to give someone you know well a friendly warning not to behave in a particular way. [SPOKEN ] □� Now then, no unpleasantness, please. □� Now, now Roger, I'm sure you didn't mean it but that remark was in very poor taste. SYNONYMS now ADV 1

nowadays:I don't see much of Tony nowadays.

currently:He currently has no strong rivals for power.

at the moment:At the moment, no one is talking to me.

these days:She is doing just fine these days.

nowa|days /naʊ əde I z/ ADV Nowadays means at the present time, in contrast with the past. □� Nowadays it's acceptable for women to be ambitious. But it wasn't then. □� I don't see much of Tony nowadays.

no|where ◆◇◇ /noʊ h weə r /

1 ADV [ADV with be , ADV after v] You use nowhere to emphasize that a place has more of a particular quality than any other places, or that it is the only place where something happens or exists. [EMPHASIS ] □� Nowhere is language a more serious issue than in Hawaii. □� This kind of forest exists nowhere else in the world. □� If you are extremely rich, you could stay nowhere better than the Ruislip Court Hotel.

2 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v, usu ADV to-inf] You use nowhere when making negative statements to say that a suitable place of the specified kind does not exist. □� There was nowhere to hide and nowhere to run. □� I have nowhere else to go, nowhere in the world. □� He had nowhere to call home.

3 ADV [be ADV , oft ADV to-inf, ADV adv/prep] You use nowhere to indicate that something or someone cannot be seen or found. □� Michael glanced anxiously down the corridor, but Wilfred was nowhere to be seen. □� The escaped prisoner was nowhere in sight.

4 ADV [ADV after v] You can use nowhere to refer in a general way to small, unimportant, or uninteresting places. □� �endless paths that led nowhere in particular. □� �country roads that go from nowhere to nowhere.

5 ADV If you say that something or someone appears from nowhere or out of nowhere , you mean that they appear suddenly and unexpectedly. □� A car came from nowhere, and I had to jump back into the hedge just in time. □� Houses had sprung up out of nowhere on the hills.

6 ADV [ADV before v, be ADV ] You use nowhere to mean not in any part of a text, speech, or argument. [EMPHASIS ] □� He nowhere offers concrete historical background to support his arguments. □� Point taken, but nowhere did we suggest that this yacht's features were unique. □� The most important issue for most ordinary people was nowhere on the proposed agenda.

7 PHRASE If you say that a place is in the middle of nowhere , you mean that it is a long way from other places. □� At dusk we pitched camp in the middle of nowhere.

8 PHRASE If you say that you are getting nowhere , or getting nowhere fast , or that something is getting you nowhere , you mean that you are not achieving anything or having any success. □� My mind won't stop going round and round on the same subject and I seem to be getting nowhere. □� 'Getting nowhere fast,' pronounced Crosby, 'that's what we're doing.' □� Oh, stop it! This is getting us nowhere.

9 PHRASE If you use nowhere near in front of a word or expression, you are emphasizing that the real situation is very different from, or has not yet reached, the state which that word or expression suggests. [EMPHASIS ] □� He's nowhere near recovered yet from his experiences. □� The chair he sat in was nowhere near as comfortable as the custom-designed one behind his desk. USAGE nowhere

You don�t usually use another negative word with �nowhere�. Don�t say, for example, � I couldn�t find her nowhere �. You say �I couldn�t find her anywhere �. □� I changed my mind and decided not to go anywhere .

no -wi n ADJ [ADJ n] If you are in a no-win situation, any action you take will fail to benefit you in any way. □� It was a no-win situation. Either she pretended she hated Ned and felt awful or admitted she loved him and felt even worse!

nowt /naʊ t/ PRON Nowt is sometimes used to mean the same as 'nothing'. [BRIT , DIALECT ] □� I'd got nowt to worry about.

nox|ious /nɒ kʃəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A noxious gas or substance is poisonous or very harmful. □� Many household products give off noxious fumes.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to someone or something as noxious , you mean that they are extremely unpleasant. [FORMAL ] □� �the heavy, noxious smell of burning sugar, butter, fats, and flour. □� Their behaviour was noxious.

noz|zle /nɒ z ə l/ (nozzles ) N‑COUNT The nozzle of a hose or pipe is a narrow piece fitted to the end to control the flow of liquid or gas. □� If he put his finger over the nozzle, he could produce a forceful spray.

nr In addresses, nr is used as a written abbreviation for near . [BRIT ] □� Brackhurst Agricultural College, nr Southwell, Notts.

-n't /- ə nt/ →�see not

nth /e nθ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to the most recent item in a series of things as the nth item, you are emphasizing the number of times something has happened. [EMPHASIS ] □� The story was raised with me for the nth time two days before the article appeared.

nu|ance /njuː ɑːns, [AM ] nuː -/ (nuances ) N‑VAR A nuance is a small difference in sound, feeling, appearance, or meaning. □� Do you understand the nuances of British humour?

nub /nʌ b/ N‑SING The nub of a situation, problem, or argument is the central and most basic part of it. □�[+�of ] That, I think, is the nub of the problem. □�[+�of ] Here we reach the nub of the argument.

nu|bile /njuː ba I l, [AM ] nuː b I l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A nubile woman is young, physically mature, and sexually attractive. □� What is this current television obsession with older men and nubile young women?

nu|clear ◆◆◇ /njuː kliə r , [AM ] nuː k-/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Nuclear means relating to the nuclei of atoms, or to the energy released when these nuclei are split or combined. □� �a nuclear power station. □� �nuclear energy. □� �nuclear physics.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Nuclear means relating to weapons that explode by using the energy released when the nuclei of atoms are split or combined. □� They rejected a demand for the removal of all nuclear weapons from U.K. soil. □� �nuclear testing.

nu |clear ca |pa|bi l|ity (nuclear capabilities ) N‑VAR If a country has nuclear capability , it is able to produce nuclear power and usually nuclear weapons.

nu |clear fa mi|ly (nuclear families ) N‑COUNT A nuclear family is a family unit that consists of father, mother, and children.

nu clear-free ADJ [usu ADJ n] A nuclear-free place is a place where nuclear energy or nuclear weapons are forbidden. □� Strathclyde council has declared itself a nuclear-free zone.

nu |clear fu el (nuclear fuels ) N‑VAR Nuclear fuel is fuel that provides nuclear energy, for example in power stations.

nu |clear re|a c|tor (nuclear reactors ) N‑COUNT A nuclear reactor is a machine which is used to produce nuclear energy or the place where this machine and other related machinery and equipment is kept. □� They shut down the nuclear reactor for safety reasons.

nu |clear wi n|ter N‑VAR [oft a N ] Nuclear winter refers to the possible effects on the environment of a war in which large numbers of nuclear weapons are used. It is thought that there would be very low temperatures and very little light during a nuclear winter.

nu|cleic acid /njuːkle I I k � s I d, [AM ] nuː -/ (nucleic acids ) N‑VAR Nucleic acids are complex chemical substances, such as DNA, which are found in living cells. [TECHNICAL ]

nu|cleus /njuː kliəs, [AM ] nuː -/ (nuclei /njuː klia I , [AM ] nuː -/)

1 N‑COUNT The nucleus of an atom or cell is the central part of it. □�[+�of ] Neutrons and protons are bound together in the nucleus of an atom.

2 N‑COUNT Thenucleusof a group of people or things is the small number of members which form the most important part of the group. □�[+�of ] A small group of shareholders formed the nucleus of a new management team.

nude /njuː d, [AM ] nuː d/ (nudes )

1 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] A nude person is not wearing any clothes. □� The occasional nude bather comes here. □� She turned down �1.2 million to pose nude in the magazine. ●�PHRASE If you do something in the nude , you are not wearing any clothes. If you paint or draw someone in the nude , they are not wearing any clothes. □� Sleeping in the nude, if it suits you, is not a bad idea.

2 N‑COUNT A nude is a picture or statue of a person who is not wearing any clothes. A nude is also a person in a picture who is not wearing any clothes. □� He was one of Australia's most distinguished artists, renowned for his portraits, landscapes and nudes.

nudge /nʌ dʒ/ (nudges , nudging , nudged )

1 VERB If you nudge someone, you push them gently, usually with your elbow, in order to draw their attention to something. □�[V n] I nudged Stan and pointed again. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Nudge is also a noun. □� She slipped her arm under his and gave him a nudge.

2 VERB If you nudge someone or something into a place or position, you gently push them there. □�[V n prep/adv] Edna Swinson nudged him into the sitting room. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Nudge is also a noun. □� McKinnon gave the wheel another slight nudge.

3 VERB If you nudge someone into doing something, you gently persuade them to do it. □�[V n +�into ] Bit by bit, Bob had nudged Fritz into selling his controlling interest. □�[V n +�towards ] Foreigners must use their power to nudge the country towards greater tolerance. □�[V n to-inf] British tour companies are nudging clients to travel further afield. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Nudge is also a noun. □� I had a feeling that the challenge appealed to him. All he needed was a nudge.

4 VERB [usu cont] If someone or something is nudging a particular amount, level, or state, they have almost reached it. □�[V n] The temperature when we were there was nudging 80�F.

nud|ism /njuː d I zəm, [AM ] nuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Nudism is the practice of not wearing any clothes on beaches and other areas specially set aside for this purpose. □� Nudism, the council decided, was doing the resort more harm than good. ●� nud|ist (nudists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] □� There are no nudist areas and topless sunbathing is only allowed on a few beaches.

nu|dity /njuː d I ti, [AM ] nuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Nudity is the state of wearing no clothes. □� �constant nudity and bad language on TV.

nug|get /nʌ g I t/ (nuggets ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A nugget is a small lump of something, especially gold. □� �pure high-grade gold nuggets. □�[+�of ] �a small nugget of butter.

nui|sance /njuː s ə ns, [AM ] nuː -/ (nuisances ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone or something is a nuisance , you mean that they annoy you or cause you a lot of problems. □� He could be a bit of a nuisance when he was drunk. □� Sorry to be a nuisance. ●�PHRASE If someone makes a nuisance of themselves, they behave in a way that annoys other people. □�[+�of ] He spent three days making an absolute nuisance of himself.

nuke /njuː k, [AM ] nuː k/ (nukes , nuking , nuked )

1 N‑COUNT A nuke is a nuclear weapon. [INFORMAL ] □� They have nukes, and if they're sufficiently pushed, they'll use them.

2 VERB If one country nukes another, it attacks it using nuclear weapons. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He wanted to nuke the area.

null /nʌ l/ PHRASE If an agreement, a declaration, or the result of an election is null and void , it is not legally valid. □� A spokeswoman said the agreement had been declared null and void.

nul|li|fy /nʌ l I fa I / (nullifies , nullifying , nullified )

1 VERB To nullify a legal decision or procedure means to declare that it is not legally valid. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He used his broad executive powers to nullify decisions by local governments. □�[be V -ed] It is worth remembering that previous wills are nullified automatically upon marriage.

2 VERB To nullify something means to make it have no effect. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He may be able to nullify that disadvantage by offering a wider variety of produce.

numb /nʌ m/ (numbs , numbing , numbed )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a part of your body is numb , you cannot feel anything there. □� He could feel his fingers growing numb at their tips. □� My legs felt numb and my toes ached. ●� numb|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�in ] I have recently been suffering from pain and numbness in my hands.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are numbwith shock, fear, or grief, you are so shocked, frightened, or upset that you cannot think clearly or feel any emotion. □�[+�with ] The mother, numb with grief, has trouble speaking. □� I was so shocked I went numb. ●� numb|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] □� Many men become more aware of emotional numbness in their 40s. ●� numb|ly /nʌ mli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� He walked numbly into the cemetery.

3 VERB If an event or experience numbs you, you can no longer think clearly or feel any emotion. □�[V n] For a while the shock of Philippe's letter numbed her. □�[V n] The horror of my experience has numbed my senses. ●� numbed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� I'm so numbed with shock that I can hardly think. □� �the sort of numbed hush which usually follows an automobile accident.

4 →�see also mind-numbing

5 VERB If cold weather, a drug, or a blow numbs a part of your body, you can no longer feel anything in it. □�[V n] An injection of local anaesthetic is usually given first to numb the area. □�[V -ed] She awoke with a numbed feeling in her left leg.

num|ber ◆◆◆ /nʌ mbə r / (numbers , numbering , numbered )

1 N‑COUNT A number is a word such as 'two', 'nine', or 'twelve', or a symbol such as 1, 3, or 47. You use numbers to say how many things you are referring to or where something comes in a series. □� No, I don't know the room number. □� Stan Laurel was born at number 3, Argyll Street. □� The number 47 bus leaves in 10 minutes.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] You use number with words such as 'large' or 'small' to say approximately how many things or people there are. □�[+�of ] Quite a considerable number of interviews are going on. □�[+�of ] I have had an enormous number of letters from single parents. □�[+�of ] Growing numbers of people in the rural areas are too frightened to vote.

3 N‑SING If there are anumberof things or people, there are several of them. If there are anynumberof things or people, there is a large quantity of them. □�[+�of ] I seem to remember that Sam told a number of lies. □�[+�of ] There must be any number of people in my position.

4 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to someone's or something's position in a list of the most successful or most popular of a particular type of thing as, for example, number one or number two. □� �the 19-year-old Norwegian who is already ranked world number one. □� Before you knew it, the single was at Number 90 in the U.S. singles charts.

5 VERB If a group of people or things numbers a particular total, that is how many there are. □�[V num] They told me that their village numbered 100. □�[be V -ed +�in ] This time the dead were numbered in hundreds, not dozens. [Also V n +�in ]

6 N‑COUNT A number is the series of numbers that you dial when you are making a phone call. □� Sarah sat down and dialled a number. □� �a list of names and phone numbers. □� My number is 414-3925. □� 'You must have a wrong number,' she said. 'There's no one of that name here'.

7 N‑COUNT You can refer to a short piece of music, a song, or a dance as a number . □� �'Unforgettable', a number that was written and performed in 1951. □� Responsibility for the dance numbers was split between Robert Alton and the young George Balanchine.

8 VERB If someone or something is numberedamong a particular group, they are believed to belong in that group. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�among ] The Leicester Swannington Railway is numbered among Britain's railway pioneers. □�[V n +�among ] He numbered several Americans among his friends.

9 VERB If you number something, you mark it with a number, usually starting at 1. □�[V n] He cut his paper up into tiny squares, and he numbered each one.

10 →�see also opposite number , prime number , serial number

11 PHRASE [with poss] If you say that someone's or something's days are numbered , you mean that they will not survive or be successful for much longer. □� Critics believe his days are numbered because audiences are tired of watching him.

12 PHRASE If you refer to the numbers game , the numbers racket , or the numbers , you are referring to an illegal lottery or illegal betting. [AM ]

13 →�see also numbers game

14safety in numbers →�see safety

nu m|ber crunch|er (number crunchers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you refer to number crunchers , you mean people whose jobs involve dealing with numbers or mathematical calculations, for example in finance or statistics. [INFORMAL ] □� Number crunchers were forecasting the total would hit 75,000.

nu m|ber crunch|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] If you refer to number crunching , you mean activities or processes concerned with numbers or mathematical calculation, for example in finance, statistics, or computing. [INFORMAL ] □� The computer does most of the number crunching.

num|ber|less /nʌ mbə r ləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there are numberless things, there are too many to be counted. [LITERARY ] □� �numberless acts of personal bravery by firefighters and rescue workers.

nu m|ber o ne (number ones )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Number one means better, more important, or more popular than anything else of its kind. [INFORMAL ] □� The economy is the number one issue by far. □� By the way, I'm your number-one fan.

2 N‑COUNT In popular music, the number one is the best-selling song in any one week, or the group or person who has recorded that song. [INFORMAL ] □� Paula is the only artist to achieve four number ones from a debut album.

nu m|ber plate (number plates ) also numberplate N‑COUNT A number plate is a sign on the front and back of a vehicle that shows its registration number. [BRIT ] □� He drove a Rolls-Royce with a personalised number plate. in AM, use license plate

nu m|bers game

1 N‑SING If you say that someone is playing thenumbers game , you think that they are concentrating on the aspects of something which can be expressed in statistics, usually in order to mislead people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It's a numbers game, and the odds favour the bad guys.

2 →�see also number

Nu m|ber Te n N‑PROPER Number Ten is often used to refer to 10 Downing Street, London, which is the official home of the British Prime Minister. □� He called senior Unionist politicians to a meeting at Number Ten.

numb|skull /nʌ mskʌl/ (numbskulls ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a numbskull , you mean that they are very stupid. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� How were we to know that he was a numbskull?

nu|mera|cy /njuː mərəsi, [AM ] nuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Numeracy is the ability to do arithmetic. □� Six months later John had developed literacy and numeracy skills, plus confidence.

nu|mer|al /njuː mərəl, [AM ] nuː -/ (numerals ) N‑COUNT Numerals are written symbols used to represent numbers. □� �a flat, square wristwatch with classic Roman numerals. □� �the numeral six.

nu|mer|ate /njuː mərət, [AM ] nuː -/ ADJ Someone who is numerate is able to do arithmetic. □� Your children should be literate and numerate.

nu|meri|cal /njuːme r I k ə l, [AM ] nuː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Numerical means expressed in numbers or relating to numbers. □� Your job is to group them by letter and put them in numerical order. ●� nu|meri|cal|ly ADV □� �a numerically coded colour chart. □� Numerically, there are a lot of young people involved in crime.

nu|mer|ol|ogy /njuː mərɒ lədʒi, [AM ] nuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Numerology is the study of particular numbers, such as a person's date of birth, in the belief that they may have special significance in a person's life.

nu|mer|ous ◆◇◇ /njuː mərəs, [AM ] nuː m-/ ADJ If people or things are numerous , they exist or are present in large numbers. □� Sex crimes were just as numerous as they are today. □� Despite numerous attempts to diet, her weight soared. SYNONYMS numerous ADJ

many:Acting is a young person's profession in many ways.

several:I had lived two doors away from this family for several years.

a lot of:I remember a lot of things.

countless:She brought joy to countless people through her music.

nu|mi|nous /njuː m I nəs, [AM ] nuː m-/ ADJ Things that are numinous seem holy or spiritual and mysterious. [LITERARY ] □� The account of spiritual struggle that follows has a humbling and numinous power.

nun /nʌ n/ (nuns ) N‑COUNT A nun is a member of a female religious community. □� Mr Thomas was taught by the Catholic nuns whose school he attended.

nun|cio /nʌ nsioʊ/ (nuncios ) N‑COUNT In the Roman Catholic church, a nuncio is an official who represents the Pope in a foreign country. □� �the papal nuncio.

nun|nery /nʌ nəri/ (nunneries ) N‑COUNT A nunnery is a group of buildings in which a community of nuns live together. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

nup|tial /nʌ pʃ ə l/ (nuptials )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Nuptial is used to refer to things relating to a wedding or to marriage. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� I went to the room which he had called the nuptial chamber.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Someone's nuptials are their wedding celebrations. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� She became immersed in planning her nuptials.

nurse ◆◇◇ /nɜː r s/ (nurses , nursing , nursed )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A nurse is a person whose job is to care for people who are ill. □� She had spent 29 years as a nurse. □� Patients were dying because of an acute shortage of nurses.

2 VERB If you nurse someone, you care for them when they are ill. □�[V n] All the years he was sick, my mother had nursed him. □�[V n +�back ] She rushed home to nurse her daughter back to health.

3 VERB If you nurse an illness or injury, you allow it to get better by resting as much as possible. □�[V n] We're going to go home and nurse our colds.

4 VERB If you nurse an emotion or desire, you feel it strongly for a long time. □�[V n] Jane still nurses the pain of rejection. □�[V n] He had nursed an ambition to lead his own big orchestra.

5 VERB When a baby nurses or when its mother nurses it, it feeds by sucking milk from its mother's breast. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V ] Most authorities recommend letting the baby nurse whenever it wants. □�[V n] �young women nursing babies. □�[V -ing] Young people and nursing mothers are exempted from charges.

6 →�see also nursery nurse , nursing , wet nurse COLLOCATIONS nurse NOUN 1

noun +�nurse : agency, practice, student, trainee

adjective +�nurse : cardiac, dental, paediatric, psychiatric; veterinary; qualified, trained

nurse|maid /nɜː r sme I d/ (nursemaids ) N‑COUNT A nursemaid is a woman or girl who is paid to look after young children. [AM , also BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

nurse|ry /nɜː r səri/ (nurseries )

1 N‑COUNT [oft at/from/to N ] A nursery is a place where children who are not old enough to go to school are looked after. □� This nursery will be able to cater for 29 children. □� Her company ran its own workplace nursery.

2 →�see also day nursery

3 N‑VAR [oft N n] Nursery is a school for very young children. □� An affordable nursery education service is an essential basic amenity. □� �a nursery teacher.

4 N‑COUNT A nursery is a room in a family home in which the young children of the family sleep or play. □� He has painted murals in his children's nursery.

5 N‑COUNT A nursery is a place where plants are grown in order to be sold. □� The garden, developed over the past 35 years, includes a nursery.

nursery|man /nɜː r sərimən/ (nurserymen ) N‑COUNT A nurseryman is a man who works in a place where young plants are grown in order to be sold.

nu rse|ry nurse (nursery nurses ) N‑COUNT A nursery nurse is a person who has been trained to look after very young children. [BRIT ]

nu rse|ry rhyme (nursery rhymes ) N‑COUNT A nursery rhyme is a poem or song for young children, especially one that is old or well known.

nu rse|ry school (nursery schools ) N‑VAR A nursery school or a nursery is a school for very young children. □� The availability of nursery school places varies widely across London.

nurs|ing /nɜː r s I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Nursing is the profession of looking after people who are ill. □� She had no aptitude for nursing. □� Does the nursing staff seem to care?

nu rs|ing bot|tle (nursing bottles ) N‑COUNT A nursing bottle is a plastic bottle with a special rubber top through which a baby can suck milk or another liquid. [AM ] in BRIT, use feeding bottle

nu rs|ing home (nursing homes ) N‑COUNT A nursing home is a private hospital, especially one for old people. □� He died in a nursing home at the age of 87.

nur|ture /nɜː r tʃə r / (nurtures , nurturing , nurtured )

1 VERB If you nurture something such as a young child or a young plant, you care for it while it is growing and developing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Parents want to know the best way to nurture and raise their child to adulthood. □�[V n] The modern conservatory is not an environment for nurturing plants. ●� nur|tur|ing ADJ □� She was not receiving warm nurturing care. ●� nur|tur|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Which adult in these children's lives will provide the nurturing they need?

2 VERB If you nurture plans, ideas, or people, you encourage them or help them to develop. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She had always nurtured great ambitions for her son. □�[be V -ed] �parents whose political views were nurtured in the sixties. ●� nur|tur|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The decision to cut back on film-making had a catastrophic effect on the nurturing of new talent.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Nurture is care that is given to someone while they are growing and developing. □� The human organism learns partly by nature, partly by nurture.

nut /nʌ t/ (nuts )

1 N‑COUNT The firm shelled fruit of some trees and bushes are called nuts . Some nuts can be eaten. □� Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E.

2 →�see also groundnut , hazelnut , peanut

3 N‑COUNT A nut is a thick metal ring which you screw onto a metal rod called a bolt. Nuts and bolts are used to hold things such as pieces of machinery together. □� If you want to repair the wheels, you just undo the four nuts. □� �nuts and bolts that haven't been tightened up.

4 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as, for example, a football nut or a health nut , you mean that they are extremely enthusiastic about the thing mentioned. [INFORMAL ] □� �a football nut who spends thousands of pounds travelling to watch games.

5 ADJ If you are nutsabout something or someone, you like them very much. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □�[+�about ] She's nuts about you.

6 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a nut , you mean that they are mad. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� There's some nut out there with a gun.

7 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone goes nuts or is nuts , you mean that they go crazy or are very foolish. [INFORMAL ] □� You guys are nuts. □� A number of the French players went nuts, completely out of control.

8 PHRASE If someone goes nuts , or in British English does their nut , they become extremely angry. [INFORMAL ] □� My father would go nuts if he saw bruises on me. □� We heard your sister doing her nut.

9 PHRASE If you talk about thenuts and boltsof a subject or an activity, you are referring to the detailed practical aspects of it rather than abstract ideas about it. □� He's more concerned about the nuts and bolts of location work.

nu t-bro wn COLOUR Nut-brown is used to describe things that are dark reddish brown in colour.

nut|case /nʌ tke I s/ (nutcases ) also nut case N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a nutcase , you mean that they are mad or that their behaviour is very strange. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The woman's a nutcase. She needs locking up.

nut|cracker /nʌ tkr�kə r / (nutcrackers ) N‑COUNT A nutcracker is a device used to crack the shell of a nut. Nutcrackers can be used to refer to one or more of these devices.

nut|meg /nʌ tmeg/ N‑UNCOUNT Nutmeg is a spice made from the seed of a tree that grows in hot countries. Nutmeg is usually used to flavour sweet food.

nu|tri|ent /njuː triənt, [AM ] nuː -/ (nutrients ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Nutrients are substances that help plants and animals to grow. □� �the role of vegetable fibres, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

nu|tri|tion /njuːtr I ʃ ə n, [AM ] nuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Nutrition is the process of taking food into the body and absorbing the nutrients in those foods. □� There are alternative sources of nutrition to animal meat.

nu|tri|tion|al /njuːtr I ʃən ə l, [AM ] nuː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] The nutritional content of food is all the substances that are in it which help you to remain healthy. □� It does sometimes help to know the nutritional content of foods. □� Cooking vegetables reduces their nutritional value. ●� nu|tri|tion|al|ly ADV □� �a nutritionally balanced diet.

nu|tri|tion|ist /njuːtr I ʃən I st, [AM ] nuː-/ (nutritionists ) N‑COUNT A nutritionist is a person whose job is to give advice on what you should eat to remain healthy. □� Nutritionists say only 33% of our calorie intake should be from fat.

nu|tri|tious /njuːtr I ʃəs, [AM ] nuː-/ ADJ Nutritious food contains substances which help your body to be healthy. □� It is always important to choose enjoyable, nutritious foods. □� Some ready made meals are nutritious and very easy to prepare.

nu|tri|tive /njuː tr I t I v, [AM ] nuː -/ ADJ [ADJ n] The nutritive content of food is all the substances that are in it which help you to remain healthy. □� Coconut milk has little nutritive value.

nut|shell /nʌ tʃel/ PHRASE You can use in a nutshell to indicate that you are saying something in a very brief way, using few words. □� In a nutshell, the owners thought they knew best.

nut|ter /nʌ tə r / (nutters ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a nutter , you mean that they are mad or that their behaviour is very strange. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was a bit of a nutter.

nut|ty /nʌ ti/ (nuttier , nuttiest )

1 ADJ If you describe food as nutty , you mean that it tastes of nuts, has the texture of nuts, or is made with nuts. □� �nutty butter cookies. □� Chick peas have a distinctive, delicious and nutty flavour.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as nutty , you mean that their behaviour is very strange or foolish. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He looked like a nutty professor. □� That's a nutty idea.

nuz|zle /nʌ z ə l/ (nuzzles , nuzzling , nuzzled ) VERB If you nuzzle someone or something, you gently rub your nose and mouth against them to show affection. □�[V n] She nuzzled me and I cuddled her. □�[V adv/prep] The dog came and nuzzled up against me.

NWNW is a written abbreviation for north-west . □� �Ivor Place, London NW 1.

ny|lon /na I lɒn/ (nylons )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Nylon is a strong, flexible artificial fibre. □� I put on a new pair of nylon socks.

2 N‑PLURAL Nylons are stockings made of nylon. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� This woman wore seamed nylons and kept smoothing her skirt.

nymph /n I mf/ (nymphs )

1 N‑COUNT In Greek and Roman mythology, nymphs were spirits of nature who appeared as young women.

2 N‑COUNT A nymph is the larva, or young form, of an insect such as a dragonfly.

nym|pho|ma|ni|ac /n I mfəme I ni�k/ (nymphomaniacs ) N‑COUNT If someone refers to a woman as a nymphomaniac , they mean that she has sex or wants to have sex much more often than they consider normal or acceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ]

Oo

O , o /oʊ / (O's, o's )

1 N‑VAR O is the fifteenth letter of the English alphabet.

2 NUM O is used to mean zero, for example when you are telling someone a phone number, or mentioning a year such as 1908. [SPOKEN ]

3 EXCLAM O is used in exclamations, especially when you are expressing strong feelings. [LITERARY , FEELINGS ] □� O how mistaken you are! □� O God, I want to go home.

4 →�see also oh

o' /ə/

1 PREP O' is used in written English to represent the word 'of' pronounced in a particular way. □� I lost a lot o' blood. □� Can we have a cup o' coffee, please?

2 →�see also o'clock

oaf /oʊ f/ (oafs ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If you refer to someone, especially a man or boy, as an oaf , you think that they are impolite, clumsy, or aggressive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Leave the lady alone, you drunken oaf.

oaf|ish /oʊ f I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe someone, especially a man or a boy, as oafish , you disapprove of their behaviour because you think that it is impolite, clumsy, or aggressive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The bodyguards, as usual, were brave but oafish. □� �oafish humour.

oak /oʊ k/ (oaks ) N‑VAR An oak or an oak tree is a large tree that often grows in woods and forests and has strong, hard wood. □� Many large oaks were felled during the war. □� �forests of beech, chestnut, and oak. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Oak is the wood of this tree. □� The cabinet was made of oak.

OAP /oʊ e I piː / (OAPs ) N‑COUNT An OAP is a person who is old enough to receive an old age pension from the government. OAP is an abbreviation for 'old age pensioner'. [BRIT ] □� �tickets only �6 each and half that for OAPs and kids.

oar /ɔː r / (oars ) N‑COUNT Oars are long poles with a wide, flat blade at one end which are used for rowing a boat.

oar|lock /ɔː r lɒk/ (oarlocks ) N‑COUNT The oarlocks on a rowing boat are the U-shaped pieces of metal that keep the oars in position while you move them backwards and forwards. [AM ] in BRIT, use rowlock

oasis /oʊe I s I s/ (oases /oʊe I siːz/)

1 N‑COUNT An oasis is a small area in a desert where water and plants are found.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a pleasant place or situation as an oasis when it is surrounded by unpleasant ones. □�[+�in ] The immaculately tended gardens are an oasis in the midst of Cairo's urban sprawl.

oath /oʊθ / (oaths )

1 N‑COUNT An oath is a formal promise, especially a promise to be loyal to a person or country. □�[+�of ] He took an oath of loyalty to the government.

2 →�see also Hippocratic oath

3 N‑SING [oft on/under N ] In a court of law, when someone takes theoath , they make a formal promise to tell the truth. You can say that someone is on oath or under oath when they have made this promise. □� His girlfriend had gone into the witness box and taken the oath. □� Under oath, Aston finally admitted that he had lied. □� Three officers gave evidence on oath against him.

4 N‑COUNT An oath is an offensive or emphatic word or expression which you use when you are angry or shocked. [WRITTEN ] □� Wellor let out a foul oath and hurled himself upon him.

oat|meal /oʊ tmiːl/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Oatmeal is a kind of flour made by crushing oats. □� �oatmeal biscuits.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Oatmeal is a thick sticky food made from oats cooked in water or milk and eaten hot, especially for breakfast. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use porridge

oats /oʊ ts/ The form oat is used as a modifier. 1 N‑PLURAL Oats are a cereal crop or its grains, used for making biscuits or a food called porridge, or for feeding animals. □� Oats provide good, nutritious food for horses. □� �oat bran.

2 PHRASE If a young person sows their wild oats , they behave in a rather uncontrolled way, especially by having a lot of sexual relationships. □� The kids need to sow a few wild oats.

ob|du|ra|cy /ɒ bdjʊrəsi, [AM ] -dʊr-/ N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of obduracy , you think their refusal to change their decision or opinion is unreasonable. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� MPs have accused the government of obduracy and called on ministers to reverse their decision.

ob|du|rate /ɒ bdjʊrət, [AM ] -dʊr-/ ADJ If you describe someone as obdurate , you think that they are being unreasonable in their refusal to change their decision or opinion. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �obdurate defenders of the status quo.

obedi|ent /oʊbiː diənt/ ADJ A person or animal who is obedient does what they are told to do. □� He was very respectful at home and obedient to his parents. ●� obedi|ence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] �unquestioning obedience to the law. ●� obedi|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He was looking obediently at Keith, waiting for orders.

obei|sance /oʊbe I səns/ (obeisances )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Obeisanceto someone or something is great respect shown for them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] While he was still young and strong all paid obeisance to him.

2 N‑VAR An obeisance is a physical gesture, especially a bow, that you make in order to show your respect for someone or something. [FORMAL ] □� One by one they came forward, mumbled grudging words of welcome, made awkward obeisances.

ob|elisk /ɒ bəl I sk/ (obelisks ) N‑COUNT An obelisk is a tall stone pillar that has been built in honour of a person or an important event.

obese /oʊbiː s/ ADJ If someone is obese , they are extremely fat. □� Obese people tend to have higher blood pressure than lean people. ●� obesity /oʊbiː s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the excessive consumption of sugar that leads to problems of obesity.

obey /oʊbe I / (obeys , obeying , obeyed ) VERB If you obey a person, a command, or an instruction, you do what you are told to do. □�[V n] Cissie obeyed her mother without question. □�[V n] Most people obey the law. □�[V ] It was still Baker's duty to obey.

ob|fus|cate /ɒ bfʌske I t/ (obfuscates , obfuscating , obfuscated ) VERB To obfuscate something means to deliberately make it seem confusing and difficult to understand. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They are obfuscating the issue, as only insurance companies can. □�[V ] Macdonald accepted that such information could be used to obfuscate and to mislead.

obi|tu|ary /oʊb I tʃuəri, [AM ] -ʃueri/ (obituaries ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's obituary is an account of their life and character which is printed in a newspaper or broadcast soon after they die. □�[+�in ] I read your brother's obituary in the Times.

ob|ject ◆◆◇ (objects , objecting , objected ) The noun is pronounced /ɒ bdʒ I kt/. The verb is pronounced /əbdʒe kt/. 1 N‑COUNT An object is anything that has a fixed shape or form, that you can touch or see, and that is not alive. □� �an object the shape of a coconut. □� In the cosy consulting room the children are surrounded by familiar objects.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The object of what someone is doing is their aim or purpose. □�[+�of ] The object of the exercise is to raise money for the charity. □� My object was to publish a scholarly work on Peter Mourne.

3 N‑COUNT The object of a particular feeling or reaction is the person or thing it is directed towards or that causes it. □�[+�of ] The object of her hatred was a 24-year-old model. □�[+�of ] The object of great interest at the Temple was a large marble tower built in memory of Buddha.

4 →�see also sex object

5 N‑COUNT In grammar, the object of a verb or a preposition is the word or phrase which completes the structure begun by the verb or preposition.

6 →�see also direct object , indirect object

7 VERB If you object to something, you express your dislike or disapproval of it. □�[V +�to ] A lot of people will object to the book. □�[V that] Cullen objected that his small staff would be unable to handle the added work. □�[V ] We objected strongly but were outvoted. □�[V with quote] 'Hey, I don't know what you're talking about,' Russo objected.

8 PHRASE If you say that money is no object or distance is no object , you are emphasizing that you are willing or able to spend as much money as necessary or travel whatever distance is required. [EMPHASIS ] □� Hugh Johnson's shop in London has a range of superb Swedish crystal glasses that I would have if money were no object. □� Although he was based in Wales, distance was no object.

ob|jec|tion /əbdʒe kʃ ə n/ (objections )

1 N‑VAR If you make or raise an objectionto something, you say that you do not like it or agree with it. □� Some managers have recently raised objection to the PFA handling these negotiations. □�[+�by ] Despite objections by the public, the government voted today to cut off aid.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that you have noobjectionto something, you mean that you are not annoyed or bothered by it. □� I have no objection to banks making money. □� I no longer have any objection to your going to see her.

ob|jec|tion|able /əbdʒe kʃənəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as objectionable , you consider them to be extremely offensive and unacceptable. [FORMAL ] □� I don't like your tone young woman, in fact I find it highly objectionable.

ob|jec|tive ◆◇◇ /əbdʒe kt I v/ (objectives )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Your objective is what you are trying to achieve. □� Our main objective was the recovery of the child safe and well. □� His objective was to play golf and win.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Objective information is based on facts. □� He had no objective evidence that anything extraordinary was happening. ●� ob|jec|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� We simply want to inform people objectively about events. ●� ob|jec|tiv|ity /ɒ bdʒekt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The poll, whose objectivity is open to question, gave the party a 39% share of the vote.

3 ADJ If someone is objective, they base their opinions on facts rather than on their personal feelings. □� I believe that a journalist should be completely objective. □� I would really like to have your objective opinion on this. ●� ob|jec|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Try to view situations more objectively, especially with regard to work. ●� ob|jec|tiv|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� The psychiatrist must learn to maintain an unusual degree of objectivity. SYNONYMS objective NOUN 1

purpose:The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for medical supplies.

aim:The aim of the festival is to increase awareness of Hindu culture and traditions.

goal:The goal is to raise as much money as possible.

target:He's won back his place too late to achieve his target of 20 goals this season. ADJ 3

unbiased:The researchers were expected to be unbiased.

neutral:Let's meet on neutral territory.

impartial:Careers officers offer impartial advice to all pupils.

o b|ject les|son (object lessons ) N‑COUNT If you describe an action, event, or situation as an object lesson , you think that it demonstrates the correct way to do something, or that it demonstrates the truth of a particular principle. □�[+�on/in ] It was an object lesson in how to use television as a means of persuasion.

ob|ject|or /əbdʒe ktə r / (objectors )

1 N‑COUNT An objector is someone who states or shows that they oppose or disapprove of something. □� The district council agreed with the objectors and turned down the application.

2 →�see also conscientious objector

o bject-o riented ADJ [usu ADJ n] In computing, object-oriented programming involves dealing with code and data in blocks so that it is easier to change or do things with. □� �object-oriented software.

ob|jet d'art /ɒ bʒe I dɑː r / (objets d'art ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Objets d'art are small ornaments that are considered to be attractive and of quite good quality. [FORMAL ]

ob|li|gate /ɒ bl I ge I t/ (obligates , obligating , obligated ) VERB If something obligates you to do a particular thing, it creates a situation where you have to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n to-inf] The ruling obligates airlines to release information about their flight delays.

ob|li|gat|ed /ɒ bl I ge I t I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] If you feel obligated to do something, you feel that it is your duty to do it. If you are obligated to someone, you feel that it is your duty to look after them. [FORMAL ] □� I felt obligated to let him read the letter. □�[+�to ] He had got a girl pregnant and felt obligated to her and the child.

ob|li|ga|tion /ɒ bl I ge I ʃ ə n/ (obligations )

1 N‑VAR [usu N to-inf] If you have an obligationto do something, it is your duty to do that thing. □� When teachers assign homework, students usually feel an obligation to do it. □� Ministers are under no obligation to follow the committee's recommendations.

2 N‑VAR If you have an obligationto a person, it is your duty to look after them or protect their interests. □�[+�to ] The United States will do that which is necessary to meet its obligations to its own citizens. □�[+�to ] I have an ethical and a moral obligation to my client.

3 PHRASE In advertisements, if a product or a service is available without obligation , you do not have to pay for that product or service until you have tried it and are satisfied with it. □� If you are selling your property, why not call us for a free valuation without obligation?

ob|liga|tory /əbl I gətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/

1 ADJ If something is obligatory , you must do it because of a rule or a law. □� Most women will be offered an ultrasound scan during pregnancy, although it's not obligatory. □� These rates do not include the charge for obligatory medical consultations.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as obligatory , you mean that it is done from habit or custom and not because the person involved has thought carefully about it or really means it. □� She was wearing the obligatory sweater and pearl necklace.

oblige /əbla I dʒ/ (obliges , obliging , obliged )

1 VERB If you are obligedto do something, a situation, rule, or law makes it necessary for you to do that thing. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The storm got worse and worse. Finally, I was obliged to abandon the car and continue on foot. □�[V n to-inf] This decree obliges unions to delay strikes.

2 VERB To oblige someone means to be helpful to them by doing what they have asked you to do. □�[V ] If you ever need help with the babysitting, I'd be glad to oblige. □�[V +�with ] The gracious star was more than happy to oblige with an autograph. □�[V n +�with ] Mr Oakley always has been ready to oblige journalists with information. [Also V n]

3 CONVENTION People sometimes use obliged in expressions such as ' much obliged ' or ' I am obliged to you ' when they want to indicate that they are very grateful for something. [FORMAL or OLD-FASHIONED , FORMULAE ] □�[+�for ] Much obliged for your assistance. □�[+�to ] Thank you very much indeed, Doctor, I am extremely obliged to you.

4 CONVENTION If you tell someone that you would be obliged or should be obliged if they would do something, you are telling them in a polite but firm way that you want them to do it. [FORMAL , POLITENESS ] □�[+�if ] I would be obliged if you could read it to us.

oblig|ing /əbla I dʒ I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as obliging , you think that they are willing and eager to be helpful. [OLD-FASHIONED or WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □� He is an extremely pleasant and obliging man. ●� oblig|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He swung round and strode towards the door. Benedict obligingly held it open.

oblique /oʊbliː k/

1 ADJ If you describe a statement as oblique , you mean that is not expressed directly or openly, making it difficult to understand. □� Mr Golding delivered an oblique warning, talking of the danger of sudden action. ●� oblique|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He obliquely referred to the U.S., Britain and Saudi Arabia.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An oblique line is a straight line that is not horizontal or vertical. An oblique angle is any angle other than a right angle. □� It lies between the plain and the sea at an oblique angle to the coastline. ●� oblique|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� This muscle runs obliquely downwards inside the abdominal cavity.

oblit|erate /əbl I təre I t/ (obliterates , obliterating , obliterated )

1 VERB If something obliterates an object or place, it destroys it completely. □�[V n] Their warheads are enough to obliterate the world several times over. ●� oblit|era|tion /əbl I təre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the obliteration of three isolated rainforests.

2 VERB If you obliterate something such as a memory, emotion, or thought, you remove it completely from your mind. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] There was time enough to obliterate memories of how things once were for him.

oblivi|on /əbl I viən/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu into N ] Oblivion is the state of not being aware of what is happening around you, for example because you are asleep or unconscious. □� He just drank himself into oblivion.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu into N ] Oblivion is the state of having been forgotten or of no longer being considered important. □� It seems that the so-called new theory is likely to sink into oblivion.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is bombed or blasted into oblivion , you are emphasizing that it is completely destroyed. [EMPHASIS ] □� An entire poor section of town was bombed into oblivion.

oblivi|ous /əbl I viəs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are oblivious to something or oblivious of it, you are not aware of it. □�[+�to/of ] She lay motionless where she was, oblivious to pain. ●� ob|livi|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Burke was asleep, sprawled obliviously against the window. ●� ob|livi|ous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Her obliviousness of what was happening in Germany seems extraordinary.

ob|long /ɒ blɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ (oblongs ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An oblong is a shape which has two long sides and two short sides and in which all the angles are right angles. □� �an oblong table.

ob|nox|ious /ɒbnɒ kʃəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as obnoxious, you think that they are very unpleasant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� One of the parents was a most obnoxious character. No-one liked him.

oboe /oʊ boʊ/ (oboes ) N‑VAR An oboe is a musical instrument shaped like a tube which you play by blowing through a double reed in the top end. WORD HISTORY oboe

Oboe comes from French haut bois , meaning 'high wood', a reference to the instrument's high pitch compared to other instruments of the woodwind family.

obo|ist /oʊ boʊ I st/ (oboists ) N‑COUNT An oboist is someone who plays the oboe.

ob|scene /ɒbsiː n/

1 ADJ If you describe something as obscene , you mean it offends you because it relates to sex or violence in a way that you think is unpleasant and shocking. □� I'm not prudish but I think these photographs are obscene. □� He continued to use obscene language and also to make threats.

2 ADJ In legal contexts, books, pictures, or films which are judged obscene are illegal because they deal with sex or violence in a way that is considered offensive to the general public. □� A city magistrate ruled that the novel was obscene and copies should be destroyed.

3 ADJ If you describe something as obscene , you disapprove of it very strongly and consider it to be offensive or immoral. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It was obscene to spend millions producing unwanted food.

ob|scen|ity /ɒbse n I ti/ (obscenities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Obscenity is behaviour, art, or language that is sexual and offends or shocks people. □� He insisted these photographs were not art but obscenity.

2 N‑VAR An obscenity is a very offensive word or expression. □� They shouted obscenities at us and smashed bottles on the floor.

ob|scu|rant|ism /ɒ bskjʊr� ntizəm, [AM ] ɒbskjʊ rənt-/ N‑UNCOUNT Obscurantism is the practice or policy of deliberately making something vague and difficult to understand, especially in order to prevent people from finding out the truth. [FORMAL or WRITTEN ] □� �legalistic obscurantism.

ob|scu|rant|ist /ɒ bskjʊr� nt I st, [AM ] ɒbskjʊ rənt-/ ADJ If you describe something as obscurantist , you mean that it is deliberately vague and difficult to understand, so that it prevents people from finding out the truth about it. [FORMAL or WRITTEN ] □� I think that a lot of poetry published today is obscurantist nonsense.

ob|scure /ɒbskjʊə r / (obscurer , obscurest , obscures , obscuring , obscured )

1 ADJ If something or someone is obscure , they are unknown, or are known by only a few people. □� The origin of the custom is obscure. □� The hymn was written by an obscure Greek composer.

2 ADJ Something that is obscure is difficult to understand or deal with, usually because it involves so many parts or details. □� The contracts are written in obscure language.

3 VERB If one thing obscures another, it prevents it from being seen or heard properly. □�[be V -ed] One wall of the parliament building is now almost completely obscured by a huge banner.

4 VERB To obscure something means to make it difficult to understand. □�[V n] �the jargon that frequently obscures educational writing. □�[be V -ed] This issue has been obscured by recent events.

ob|scu|rity /ɒbskjʊə r I ti/ (obscurities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Obscurity is the state of being known by only a few people. □� Tom's showbiz career began when he was plucked from obscurity by director Stephen Daldry.

2 N‑VAR Obscurity is the quality of being difficult to understand. An obscurity is something that is difficult to understand. □�[+�of ] 'How can that be?' asked Hunt, irritated by the obscurity of Henry's reply.

ob|se|qui|ous /ɒbsiː kwiəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as obsequious , you are criticizing them because they are too eager to help or agree with someone more important than them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Perhaps your mother was very obsequious to doctors. ●� ob|se|qui|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He smiled and bowed obsequiously to Winger. ●� ob|se|qui|ous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� His tone quickly changed from obsequiousness to outright anger.

ob|serv|able /əbzɜː r vəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is observable can be seen. □� Mars is too faint and too low in the sky to be observable.

ob|ser|vance /əbzɜː r v ə ns/ (observances ) N‑VAR The observance of something such as a law or custom is the practice of obeying or following it. □�[+�of ] Local councils should use their powers to ensure strict observance of laws.

ob|ser|vant /əbzɜː r v ə nt/ ADJ Someone who is observant pays a lot of attention to things and notices more about them than most people do. □� That's a marvellous description, Mrs Drummond. You're unusually observant. □� An observant doctor can often detect depression from expression, posture, and movement.

ob|ser|va|tion /ɒ bzə r ve I ʃ ə n/ (observations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Observation is the action or process of carefully watching someone or something. □�[+�of ] �careful observation of the movement of the planets. □� In hospital she'll be under observation all the time.

2 N‑COUNT An observation is something that you have learned by seeing or watching something and thinking about it. □�[+�about ] This book contains observations about the causes of addictions.

3 N‑COUNT If a person makes an observation , they make a comment about something or someone, usually as a result of watching how they behave. □� 'You're an obstinate man,' she said. 'Is that a criticism,' I said, 'or just an observation?'.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Observation is the ability to pay a lot of attention to things and to notice more about them than most people do. □� She has good powers of observation.

ob|ser|va|tion|al /ɒ bzə r ve I ʃən ə l/ ADJ Observational means relating to the watching of people or things, especially in order to learn something new. [FORMAL ] □� �observational humour. □� The observational work is carried out on a range of telescopes.

ob|ser|va|tory /əbzɜː r vətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (observatories ) N‑COUNT An observatory is a building with a large telescope from which scientists study things such as the planets by watching them.

ob|serve ◆◇◇ /əbzɜː r v/ (observes , observing , observed )

1 VERB If you observe a person or thing, you watch them carefully, especially in order to learn something about them. □�[V n] Stern also studies and observes the behaviour of babies. □�[V n v-ing] Our sniper teams observed them manning an anti-aircraft gun. [Also V , V n inf]

2 VERB If you observe someone or something, you see or notice them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.

3 VERB If you observe that something is the case, you make a remark or comment about it, especially when it is something you have noticed and thought about a lot. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] When he spoke, it was to observe that the world was full of criminals. □�[V with quote] 'He is a fine young man,' observed Stephen.

4 VERB If you observe something such as a law or custom, you obey it or follow it. □�[V n] Imposing speed restrictions is easy, but forcing motorists to observe them is trickier. □�[V n] The army was observing a ceasefire. SYNONYMS observe VERB 1

watch:The man was standing in his doorway watching him.

study:Debbie studied her friend's face for a moment.

look at:She turned to look at him.

ob|serv|er ◆◇◇ /əbzɜː r və r / (observers )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone who sees or notices something as an observer . □� A casual observer would have taken them to be three men out for an evening stroll. □� Observers say the woman pulled a knife out of the bunch of flowers and stabbed him in the neck.

2 N‑COUNT An observer is someone who studies current events and situations, especially in order to comment on them and predict what will happen next. [JOURNALISM ] □� Political observers believe that a new cabinet may be formed shortly.

3 N‑COUNT An observer is a person who is sent to observe an important event or situation, especially in order to make sure it happens as it should, or so that they can tell other people about it. □� The president suggested that a U.N. observer should attend the conference.

ob|sess /əbse s/ (obsesses , obsessing , obsessed ) VERB If something obsesses you or if you obsessabout something, you keep thinking about it and find it difficult to think about anything else. □�[V n] A string of scandals is obsessing America. □�[V +�about/over ] She stopped drinking but began obsessing about her weight. □�[V that] I started obsessing that Trish might die.

ob|sessed /əbse st/ ADJ If someone is obsessedwith a person or thing, they keep thinking about them and find it difficult to think about anything else. □�[+�with ] He was obsessed with American gangster movies. □�[+�by ] She wasn't in love with Steve, she was obsessed by him physically.

ob|ses|sion /əbse ʃ ə n/ (obsessions ) N‑VAR If you say that someone has an obsession with a person or thing, you think they are spending too much time thinking about them. □�[+�with ] She would try to forget her obsession with Christopher. □� 95% of patients know their obsessions are irrational.

ob|ses|sion|al /əbse ʃən ə l/ ADJ Obsessional means the same as obsessive . □� She became almost obsessional about the way she looked.

ob|ses|sive /əbse s I v/ (obsessives )

1 ADJ If someone's behaviour is obsessive , they cannot stop doing a particular thing or behaving in a particular way. □�[+�about ] Williams is obsessive about motor racing. ●� ob|ses|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� He couldn't help worrying obsessively about what would happen. □� The Ministry is being obsessively secretive about the issue.

2 N‑COUNT An obsessive is someone who is obsessive about something or who behaves in an obsessive way. □� I am not an obsessive. Not at all.

obse ssive-compu lsive dis|o r|der N‑UNCOUNT If someone suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder , they cannot stop doing a particular thing, for example washing their hands.

ob|so|les|cence /ɒ bsəle s ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Obsolescence is the state of being no longer needed because something newer or more efficient has been invented. □� The aircraft was nearing obsolescence by early 1942.

ob|so|les|cent /ɒ bsəle s ə nt/ ADJ If something is obsolescent , it is no longer needed because something better has been invented. □� �outmoded, obsolescent equipment.

ob|so|lete /ɒ bsəliː t/ ADJ Something that is obsolete is no longer needed because something better has been invented. □� So much equipment becomes obsolete almost as soon as it's made.

ob|sta|cle /ɒ bstək ə l/ (obstacles )

1 N‑COUNT An obstacle is an object that makes it difficult for you to go where you want to go, because it is in your way. □� Most competition cars will only roll over if they hit an obstacle. □� He left her to navigate her own way round the trolleys and other obstacles.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to anything that makes it difficult for you to do something as an obstacle . □�[+�to ] Overcrowding remains a large obstacle to improving conditions. □� To succeed, you must learn to overcome obstacles.

o b|sta|cle course (obstacle courses ) N‑COUNT In a race, an obstacle course is a series of obstacles that people have to go over or round in order to complete the race.

ob|ste|tri|cian /ɒ bstətr I ʃ ə n/ (obstetricians ) N‑COUNT An obstetrician is a doctor who is specially trained to deal with pregnant women and with women who are giving birth. [MEDICAL ]

ob|stet|rics /ɒbste tr I ks/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that is concerned with pregnancy and giving birth. [MEDICAL ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Obstetric medicine and care is concerned with pregnancy and giving birth. [MEDICAL ] □� For a child to be born with this disability indicates a defect in obstetric care.

ob|sti|nate /ɒ bst I nət/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as obstinate , you are being critical of them because they are very determined to do what they want, and refuse to change their mind or be persuaded to do something else. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is obstinate and determined and will not give up. ●� ob|sti|nate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I stayed obstinately in my room, sitting by the phone. ●� ob|sti|na|cy N‑UNCOUNT □� I might have become a dangerous man with all that stubbornness and obstinacy built into me.

2 ADJ You can describe things as obstinate when they are difficult to move, change, or destroy. □� �rusted farm equipment strewn among the obstinate weeds. ●� ob|sti|nate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the door of the shop which obstinately stayed closed when he tried to push it open.

ob|strep|er|ous /ɒbstre pərəs/ ADJ If you say that someone is obstreperous , you think that they are noisy and difficult to control. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You know I have no intention of being awkward and obstreperous.

ob|struct /ɒbstrʌ kt/ (obstructs , obstructing , obstructed )

1 VERB If something obstructs a road or path, it blocks it, stopping people or vehicles getting past. □�[V n] Tractors and container lorries have completely obstructed the road.

2 VERB To obstruct someone or something means to make it difficult for them to move forward by blocking their path. □�[V n] A number of local people have been arrested for trying to obstruct lorries loaded with logs.

3 VERB To obstruct progress or a process means to prevent it from happening properly. □�[V n] The authorities are obstructing a United Nations investigation.

4 VERB If someone or something obstructs your view, they are positioned between you and the thing you are trying to look at, stopping you from seeing it properly. □�[V n] Claire positioned herself so as not to obstruct David's line of sight.

ob|struc|tion /ɒbstrʌ kʃ ə n/ (obstructions )

1 N‑COUNT An obstruction is something that blocks a road or path. □� John was irritated by drivers parking near his house and causing an obstruction.

2 N‑VAR An obstruction is something that blocks a passage in your body. □� The boy was suffering from a bowel obstruction and he died.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Obstruction is the act of deliberately delaying something or preventing something from happening, usually in business, law, or government. □� Mr Guest refused to let them in and now faces a criminal charge of obstruction.

ob|struc|tion|ism /ɒbstrʌ kʃən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Obstructionism is the practice of deliberately delaying or preventing a process or change, especially in politics. □� Obstructionism is generally most evident at the stage of implementing a law.

ob|struc|tive /ɒbstrʌ kt I v/ ADJ If you say that someone is being obstructive , you think that they are deliberately causing difficulties for other people. □� Mr Smith was obstructive and refused to follow correct procedure.

ob|tain ◆◇◇ /ɒbte I n/ (obtains , obtaining , obtained ) VERB To obtain something means to get it or achieve it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Evans was trying to obtain a false passport and other documents. USAGE obtain

You don�t usually use �get� in the passive. Don�t say, for example, � Maps can be got from the Tourist Office �. Say �Maps can be obtained from the Tourist Office� or, in conversation, �You can get maps from the Tourist Office�. □� All the above items can be obtained from most supermarkets. SYNONYMS obtain VERB

get:I got a job at the sawmill.

acquire:I recently acquired some wood from a holly tree.

gain:Students can gain valuable experience by working on the campus radio or magazine.

procure:It remained very difficult to procure food, fuel and other daily necessities.

ob|tain|able /ɒbte I nəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is obtainable , it is possible to get or achieve it. □�[+�from ] The dried herb is obtainable from health shops.

ob|trude /ɒbtruː d/ (obtrudes , obtruding , obtruded ) VERB When something obtrudes or when you obtrude it, it becomes noticeable in an undesirable way. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] A 40 watt bulb would be quite sufficient and would not obtrude. □�[V n] Gertrude now clearly felt that she had obtruded her sorrow. □�[V +�on ] He didn't want to obtrude on her privacy.

ob|tru|sive /ɒbtruː s I v/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is obtrusive , you think they are noticeable in an unpleasant way. □� These heaters are less obtrusive and are easy to store away in the summer. ●� ob|tru|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Hawke got up and walked obtrusively out of the building.

ob|tuse /əbtjuː s, [AM ] -tuː s/

1 ADJ Someone who is obtuse has difficulty understanding things, or makes no effort to understand them. [FORMAL ] □� I've really been very obtuse and stupid. ●� ob|tuse|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Naivety bordering on obtuseness helped sustain his faith.

2 ADJ An obtuse angle is between 90� and 180�. Compare acute angle. [TECHNICAL ]

ob|verse /ɒ bvɜː r s/ N‑SING The obverse of an opinion, situation, or argument is its opposite. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The obverse of rising unemployment is continued gains in productivity.

ob|vi|ate /ɒ bvie I t/ (obviates , obviating , obviated ) VERB To obviate something such as a problem or a need means to remove it or make it unnecessary. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Our old-fashioned push-mower, for instance, obviates the needs for extension leads.

ob|vi|ous ◆◆◇ /ɒ bviəs/

1 ADJ If something is obvious , it is easy to see or understand. □� �the need to rectify what is an obvious injustice. □� Determining how he will conduct his presidency isn't quite so obvious.

2 ADJ If you describe something that someone says as obvious , you are being critical of it because you think it is unnecessary or shows lack of imagination. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There are some very obvious phrases that we should know better than to use. ●� ob|vi|ous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Francis smiled agreement, irritated by the obviousness of his answer. ●�PHRASE If you say that someone is stating the obvious , you mean that they are saying something that everyone already knows and understands. □� It may be stating the obvious, but most teleworking at present is connected with computers.

ob|vi|ous|ly ◆◆◇ /ɒ bviəsli/

1 ADV You use obviously when you are stating something that you expect the person who is listening to know already. [EMPHASIS ] □� Obviously, they've had sponsorship from some big companies. □� There are obviously exceptions to this.

2 ADV You use obviously to indicate that something is easily noticed, seen, or recognized. □� They obviously appreciate you very much. SYNONYMS obviously ADV

1

clearly:Clearly, the police cannot break the law in order to enforce it.

evidently:The two Russians evidently knew each other.

of course:Of course there were lots of other interesting things at the exhibition.

needless to say:Needless to say, the cat moved quicker than me and caught the bird.

2

plainly:The judge's conclusion was plainly wrong.

patently:He made his displeasure patently obvious.

unquestionably:He is unquestionably a star.

obvs /ɒ bvz/ ADV Obvs is a written and sometimes spoken abbreviation for 'obviously', often used in emails and text messages [INFORMAL ] □� I won't be inviting Jenna, obvs.

oc|ca|sion ◆◆◇ /əke I ʒ ə n/ (occasions )

1 N‑COUNT An occasion is a time when something happens, or a case of it happening. □� I often think fondly of an occasion some years ago at Covent Garden. □� Mr Davis has been asked on a number of occasions.

2 N‑COUNT An occasion is an important event, ceremony, or celebration. □� Taking her with me on official occasions has been a challenge. □� It will be a unique family occasion.

3 N‑COUNT An occasion for doing something is an opportunity for doing it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] It is an occasion for all the family to celebrate. □�[+�for ] It is always an important occasion for setting out government policy.

4 VERB To occasion something means to cause it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He argued that the release of hostages should not occasion a change in policy.

5 →�see also sense of occasion

6 PHRASE If you have occasionto do something, it is necessary for you to do it. □� We have had occasion to deal with members of the group on a variety of charges.

7 PHRASE If something happens on occasion , it happens sometimes, but not very often. □� He translated not only from the French but also, on occasion, from the Polish.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone rose to the occasion , you mean that they did what was necessary to successfully overcome a difficult situation. □� It was a big day and we rose to the occasion.

oc|ca|sion|al ◆◇◇ /əke I ʒən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Occasional means happening sometimes, but not regularly or often. □� I've had occasional mild headaches all my life. □� Esther used to visit him for the occasional days and weekends. ●� oc|ca|sion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He still misbehaves occasionally.

oc|ci|den|tal /ɒ ks I de nt ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Occidental means relating to the countries of Europe and America. [FORMAL ] □� There is a fundamental division between oriental and occidental approaches to land use.

oc|cult /ɒkʌ lt, ɒ kʌlt/ N‑SING The occult is the knowledge and study of supernatural or magical forces. □� �sinister experiments with the occult. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Occult is also an adjective. □� �organisations which campaign against paganism and occult practice.

oc|cult|ist /ɒkʌ lt I st/ (occultists ) N‑COUNT An occultist is a person who believes in the supernatural and the power of magic.

oc|cu|pan|cy /ɒ kjʊpənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Occupancy is the act of using a room, building, or area of land, usually for a fixed period of time. [FORMAL ] □� Hotel occupancy has been as low as 40%.

oc|cu|pant /ɒ kjʊpənt/ (occupants )

1 N‑COUNT The occupants of a building or room are the people who live or work there. □� Most of the occupants had left before the fire broke out.

2 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the people who are in a place such as a room, vehicle, or bed at a particular time as the occupants . □� The lifeboat capsized, throwing the occupants into the water.

oc|cu|pa|tion ◆◇◇ /ɒ kjʊpe I ʃ ə n/ (occupations )

1 N‑COUNT Your occupation is your job or profession. □� I suppose I was looking for an occupation which was going to be an adventure. □� Occupation: administrative assistant.

2 N‑COUNT An occupation is something that you spend time doing, either for pleasure or because it needs to be done. □� Parachuting is a dangerous occupation.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The occupation of a country happens when it is entered and controlled by a foreign army. □� �the deportation of Jews from Paris during the German occupation. SYNONYMS occupation NOUN

1

job:Once I'm in America I can get a job.

business:You can't mix business with pleasure.

work:What kind of work do you do?

career:She is now concentrating on a career as a fashion designer.

2

hobby:My hobbies are football, music, photography, and tennis.

pastime:His favourite pastime is golf.

diversion:Finger painting is very messy but an excellent diversion.

oc|cu|pa|tion|al /ɒ kjʊpe I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Occupational means relating to a person's job or profession. □� Some received substantial occupational assistance in the form of low-interest loans. ●� oc|cu|pa|tion|al|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� You might be having an occupationally related skin problem.

o c|cu|pa|tion|al ha z|ard (occupational hazards ) N‑COUNT An occupational hazard is something unpleasant that you may suffer or experience as a result of doing your job or hobby. □� Catching colds is unfortunately an occupational hazard in this profession.

o c|cu|pa|tion|al hea lth N‑UNCOUNT Occupational health is the branch of medicine that deals with the health of people in their workplace or in relation to their job. □� Over the years, occupational health has moved more towards preventive medicine.

o c|cu|pa|tion|al the ra|pist (occupational therapists ) N‑COUNT An occupational therapist is someone whose job involves helping people by means of occupational therapy.

o c|cu|pa|tion|al the ra|py N‑UNCOUNT Occupational therapy is a method of helping people who have been ill or injured to develop skills or get skills back by giving them certain activities to do. □� She will now begin occupational therapy to regain the use of her hands.

oc|cu|pi|er /ɒ kjʊpa I ə r / (occupiers )

1 N‑COUNT The occupier of a house, flat, or piece of land is the person who lives or works there. [FORMAL ]

2 →�see also owner-occupier

oc|cu|py ◆◆◇ /ɒ kjʊpa I / (occupies , occupying , occupied )

1 VERB The people who occupy a building or a place are the people who live or work there. □�[V n] There were over 40 tenants, all occupying one wing of the hospital. □�[V n] Land is, in most instances, purchased by those who occupy it.

2 V-PASSIVE If a room or something such as a seat is occupied , someone is using it, so that it is not available for anyone else. □�[be V -ed] Two-thirds of hospital beds are occupied by the elderly. □�[be V -ed] I saw three camp beds, two of which were occupied.

3 VERB If a group of people or an army occupies a place or country, they move into it, using force in order to gain control of it. □�[V n] U.S. forces now occupy a part of the country. □�[V -ed] �the occupied territories.

4 VERB If someone or something occupies a particular place in a system, process, or plan, they have that place. □�[V n] Men still occupy more positions of power than women.

5 VERB If something occupies you, or if you occupy yourself, your time, or your mind with it, you are busy doing that thing or thinking about it. □�[V n] Her parliamentary career has occupied all of her time. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] He hurried to take the suitcases and occupy himself with packing the car. □�[V pron-refl] I would deserve to be pitied if I couldn't occupy myself. [Also V n +�with ] ●� oc|cu|pied ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� Keep the brain occupied. □�[+�with ] I had forgotten all about it because I had been so occupied with other things.

6 VERB If something occupies you, it requires your efforts, attention, or time. □�[V n] I had other matters to occupy me, during the day at least. □�[V n] This challenge will occupy Europe for a generation or more.

7 VERB If something occupies a particular area or place, it fills or covers it, or exists there. □�[V n] Even quite small aircraft occupy a lot of space. □�[V n] Bookshelves occupied most of the living room walls. SYNONYMS occupy VERB

1

inhabit:The valley is inhabited by the Dani tribe.

live in:She has lived in this house for ten years.

reside:All single full-time students must reside in university residence halls.

3

invade:The Romans and the Normans came to Britain as invading armies.

take over:The Belgians took over Rwanda under a League of Nations mandate.

capture:They now appear ready to capture more territory.

seize:Troops have seized the airport and railroad terminals.

oc|cur ◆◆◇ /əkɜː r / (occurs , occurring , occurred )

1 VERB When something occurs , it happens. □�[V ] If headaches only occur at night, lack of fresh air and oxygen is often the cause. □�[V ] The crash occurred when the crew shut down the wrong engine. □� In March 1770, there occurred what became known as the Boston Massacre.

2 VERB When something occurs in a particular place, it exists or is present there. □�[V adv/prep] The cattle disease occurs more or less anywhere in Africa where the fly occurs. □�[V adv/prep] These snails do not occur on low-lying coral islands or atolls.

3 VERB [no passive, no cont] If a thought or idea occursto you, you suddenly think of it or realize it. □�[V to n to-inf] It did not occur to me to check my insurance policy. □�[V +�to ] The same idea had occurred to Elizabeth. USAGE occur

Don�t say that a planned event �occurs� or �happens�. Say that it takes place . □� The first meeting of this committee took place on 9 January. SYNONYMS occur VERB 1

happen:We cannot say for sure what will happen.

take place:The discussion took place in a famous villa on the lake's shore.

come about:That came about when we went to Glastonbury last year.

oc|cur|rence /əkʌ rəns, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (occurrences )

1 N‑COUNT An occurrence is something that happens. [FORMAL ] □� Complaints seemed to be an everyday occurrence. □� The food queues have become a daily occurrence across the country.

2 N‑COUNT The occurrence of something is the fact that it happens or is present. □�[+�of ] The greatest occurrence of coronary heart disease is in those over 65.

ocean ◆◇◇ /oʊ ʃ ə n/ (oceans )

1 N‑SING The ocean is the sea. □� There were few sights as beautiful as the calm ocean on a warm night.

2 N‑COUNT An ocean is one of the five very large areas of sea on the Earth's surface. □� They spent many days cruising the northern Pacific Ocean. □� �the Indian Ocean.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that there is an ocean of something, you are emphasizing that there is a very large amount of it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] I had cried oceans of tears. □�[+�of ] APEC seems be drowning in an ocean of jargon.

4 PHRASE If you say that something is a drop in the ocean , you mean that it is a very small amount which is unimportant compared to the cost of other things or is so small that it has very little effect on something. [EMPHASIS ] □� His fee is a drop in the ocean compared with the real cost of broadcasting. SYNONYMS ocean NOUN 1

sea:Most of the kids have never seen the sea.

the deep:�a vast unfrequented pool, traversed by whales and creatures of the deep.

o cean-going ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ocean-going ships are designed for travelling on the sea rather than on rivers, canals, or lakes. □� At the height of his shipping career, he owned about 60 ocean-going vessels.

ocean|ic /oʊ ʃi� n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Oceanic means belonging or relating to an ocean or to the sea. □� Many oceanic islands are volcanic.

ocean|og|ra|phy /oʊ ʃənɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Oceanography is the scientific study of sea currents, the sea bed, and the fish and animals that live in the sea. ●� ocean|og|ra|pher (oceanographers ) N‑COUNT □� �an oceanographer working on an environmental protection programme. ●� oceano|graph|ic /oʊ ʃənəgr� f I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� �oceanographic research.

och /ɒ x/ CONVENTION Och is used to express surprise at something, or to emphasize agreement or disagreement with what has just been said. [IRISH , SCOTTISH ] □� 'Och be quiet then,' Shawn said. □� Och aye. I always liked him.

ochre /oʊ kə r / in AM, also use ocher COLOUR Something that is ochre is a yellowish orange colour. □� For our dining room I have chosen ochre yellow walls.

o'clock ◆◇◇ /əklɒ k/ ADV You use o'clock after numbers from one to twelve to say what time it is. For example, if you say that it is 9 o'clock, you mean that it is nine hours after midnight or nine hours after midday. □� The trouble began just after ten o'clock last night. □� I went to sleep, and at two o'clock in the morning I woke up.

Oct.Oct. is a written abbreviation for October . □� �Tuesday Oct. 25th.

oc|ta|gon /ɒ ktəgən/ (octagons ) N‑COUNT An octagon is a shape that has eight straight sides.

oc|tago|nal /ɒkt� gən ə l/ ADJ Something that is octagonal has eight straight sides. □� �a white octagonal box.

oc|tane /ɒ kte I n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Octane is a chemical substance that exists in petrol or gasoline and that is used to measure the quality of the fuel. □� �high octane fuel for cars.

2 →�see also high-octane

oc|tave /ɒ kt I v/ (octaves ) N‑COUNT An octave is a series of eight notes in a musical scale. It is also used to talk about the difference in pitch between the first and last notes in a musical scale.

oc|tet /ɒkte t/ (octets ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An octet is a group of eight singers or musicians. □� �the Stan Tracey Octet.

Oc|to|ber /ɒktoʊ bə r / (Octobers ) N‑VAR October is the tenth month of the year in the Western calendar. □� Most seasonal hiring is done in early October. □� The first plane is due to leave on 2 October. □� My grandson has been away since last October.

oc|to|genar|ian /ɒ ktoʊdʒ I neə riən/ (octogenarians ) N‑COUNT An octogenarian is a person who is between eighty and eighty-nine years old.

oc|to|pus /ɒ ktəpəs/ (octopuses ) N‑VAR An octopus is a soft sea creature with eight long arms called tentacles which it uses to catch food. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Octopus is this creature eaten as food.

ocu|lar /ɒ kjələ r / ADJ [ADJ n] Ocular means relating to the eyes or the ability to see. [MEDICAL ] □� Other ocular signs include involuntary rhythmic movement of the eyeball.

OD /oʊ diː / (OD's , OD'ing , OD'd ) VERB To OD means the same as to overdose . [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] His son was a junkie, the kid OD'd a year ago. ●�N‑COUNT OD is also a noun. □� 'I had a friend who died of an OD,' she said.

odd ◆◆◇ /ɒ d/ (odder , oddest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as odd , you think that they are strange or unusual. □� He'd always been odd, but not to this extent. □� What an odd coincidence that he should have known your family. □� Something odd began to happen. ●� odd|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/-ed] □� �an oddly shaped hill. □� His own boss was behaving rather oddly.

2 →�see also odd-looking

3 ADJ You use odd before a noun to indicate that you are not mentioning the type, size, or quality of something because it is not important. □� �moving from place to place where she could find the odd bit of work. □� I knew that Alan liked the odd drink.

4 ADV You use odd after a number to indicate that it is only approximate. [INFORMAL ] □� He has now appeared in sixty odd films. □� 'How long have you lived here?'�'Twenty odd years.'

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Odd numbers, such as 3 and 17, are those which cannot be divided exactly by the number two. □� The odd numbers are on the left as you walk up the street. □� There's an odd number of candidates.

6 ADJ You say that two things are odd when they do not belong to the same set or pair. □� I'm wearing odd socks today by the way.

7 PHRASE The odd man out , the odd woman out , or the odd one out in a particular situation is a person who is different from the other people in it. □� He is very much the odd man out in the team's successful season so far. □� Parents did not want their children to be the odd ones out.

8 →�see also odds , odds and ends SYNONYMS odd ADJ

1

strange:Then a strange thing happened.

peculiar:Rachel thought it tasted peculiar.

unusual:They have replanted many areas with rare and unusual plants.

weird:That first day was weird.

3

occasional:I've had occasional mild headaches all my life.

random:�random variations of the wind.

various:The school has received various grants from the education department.

odd|ball /ɒ dbɔːl/ (oddballs ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as an oddball , you think they behave in a strange way. [INFORMAL ] □� His mother and father thought Jim was a bit of an oddball too. ●�ADJ Oddball is also an adjective. □� I came from a family that was decidedly oddball, you know.

odd|ity /ɒ d I ti/ (oddities )

1 N‑COUNT An oddity is someone or something that is very strange. □� Carlson noticed another oddity; his plant had bloomed twice.

2 N‑COUNT The oddityof something is the fact that it is very strange. □�[+�of ] �the oddities of the Welsh legal system.

o dd-jo b man (odd-job men ) N‑COUNT An odd-job man is a man who is paid to do various jobs such as cleaning or repairing things, usually in someone's home.

o dd-looking ADJ If you describe someone or something as odd-looking , you think that they look strange or unusual. □� They were an odd-looking couple.

odd|ly /ɒ dli/

1 ADV [ADV adj] You use oddly to indicate that what you are saying is true, but that it is not what you expected. □� He said no and seemed oddly reluctant to talk about it. □� Oddly, Emma says she never considered her face was attractive.

2 →�see also odd

odd|ment /ɒ dmənt/ (oddments ) N‑COUNT Oddments are unimportant objects of any kind, usually ones that are old or left over from a larger group of things. □� �searching street markets for interesting jewellery and oddments.

odds /ɒ dz/

1 N‑PLURAL You refer to how likely something is to happen as the odds that it will happen. □�[+�of ] What are the odds of finding a parking space right outside the door? □� The odds are that you are going to fail.

2 →�see also odds-on

3 N‑PLURAL In betting, odds are expressions with numbers such as '10 to 1' and '7 to 2' that show how likely something is thought to be, for example how likely a particular horse is to lose or win a race. □�[+�of ] Gavin Jones, who put �25 on Eugene, at odds of 50 to 1, has won �1,250.

4 PHRASE If someone is at odds with someone else, or if two people are at odds , they are disagreeing or quarrelling with each other. □�[+�with ] He was at odds with his Prime Minister. □� An adviser said there was no reason why the two countries should remain at odds.

5 PHRASE If you say that the odds are against something or someone, you mean that they are unlikely to succeed. □� He reckoned the odds are against the scheme going ahead.

6 PHRASE If something happens against all odds , it happens or succeeds although it seemed impossible or very unlikely. □� Some women do manage to achieve business success against all odds.

7 PHRASE If you say that the odds are in someone's favour , you mean that they are likely to succeed in what they are doing. □� His troops will only engage in a ground battle when all the odds are in their favour.

8 PHRASE To shorten the odds on something happening means to make it more likely to happen. To lengthen the odds means to make it less likely to happen. You can also say that the odds shorten or lengthen . □� His reception there shortened the odds that he might be the next Tory leader.

o dds and e nds N‑PLURAL You can refer to a disorganized group of things of various kinds as odds and ends . [INFORMAL ] □� She put in some clothes, odds and ends, and make-up.

o dds-o n also odds on ADJ If there is an odds-on chance that something will happen, it is very likely that it will happen. [INFORMAL ] □� Gerald was no longer the odds-on favourite to win the contest. □� It was odds-on that there was no killer.

ode /oʊ d/ (odes ) N‑COUNT An ode is a poem, especially one that is written in praise of a particular person, thing, or event. □�[+�of ] �Keats' Ode to a Nightingale.

odi|ous /oʊ diəs/ ADJ If you describe people or things as odious , you think that they are extremely unpleasant. □� Herr Schmidt is certainly the most odious man I have ever met.

odium /oʊ diəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Odium is the dislike, disapproval, or hatred that people feel for a particular person, usually because of something that the person has done. [FORMAL ] □� The complainant has been exposed to public odium, scandal and contempt.

odom|eter /ɒdɒ m I tə r / (odometers ) N‑COUNT An odometer is a device in a vehicle which shows how far the vehicle has travelled. [mainly AM ]

odor /oʊ də r / →�see odour

odour /oʊ də r / (odours ) in AM, use odor1 N‑VAR An odour is a particular and distinctive smell. □� The whole herb has a characteristic taste and odour. □� The taste is only slightly bitter, and there is little odour.

2 →�see also body odour

odour|less /oʊ də r ləs/ in AM, use odorless ADJ An odourless substance has no smell. □� �a completely odourless, colourless, transparent liquid. □� The gases are odourless.

od|ys|sey /ɒ d I si/ (odysseys ) N‑COUNT An odyssey is a long exciting journey on which a lot of things happen. [LITERARY ] □� The march to Travnik was the final stretch of a 16-hour odyssey.

Oedipus com|plex /iː d I pəs kɒmpleks/ N‑SING If a boy or man has an Oedipus complex , he feels sexual desire for his mother and has hostile feelings towards his father.

o'er /ɔː r / PREP O'er means the same as 'over'. [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� As long as mist hangs o'er the mountains, the deeds of the brave will be remembered.

oesopha|gus /iːsɒ fəgəs/ (oesophaguses ) in AM, use esophagus N‑COUNT Your oesophagus is the part of your body that carries the food from the throat to the stomach.

oes|tro|gen /iː strədʒ ə n, [AM ] e -/ also estrogen N‑UNCOUNT Oestrogen is a hormone produced in the ovaries of female animals. Oestrogen controls the reproductive cycle and prepares the body for pregnancy. □� As ovulation gets nearer, oestrogen levels rise.

of ◆◆◆ /əv, STRONG ɒv, [AM ] ʌv/ In addition to the uses shown below, of is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. Of is also used in phrasal prepositions such as 'because of', 'instead of' and 'in spite of', and in phrasal verbs such as 'make of' and 'dispose of'. 1 PREP You use of to combine two nouns when the first noun identifies the feature of the second noun that you want to talk about. □� The average age of the women interviewed was only 21.5. □� �the population of this town. □� The aim of the exercise is to come up with more ideas

2 PREP You use of to combine two nouns, or a noun and a present participle, when the second noun or present participle defines or gives more information about the first noun. □� She let out a little cry of pain. □� �the problem of a national shortage of teachers. □� �an idealized but hazy notion of world socialism. □� �the recession of 1974�75.

3 PREP You use of after nouns referring to actions to specify the person or thing that is affected by the action or that performs the action. For example, 'the kidnapping of the child' refers to an action affecting a child; 'the arrival of the next train' refers to an action performed by a train. □� �the reduction of trade union power inside the party. □� �the assessment of future senior managers. □� �the death of their father.

4 PREP You use of after words and phrases referring to quantities or groups of things to indicate the substance or thing that is being measured. □� �40 litres of water. □� �dozens of people. □� �billions of dollars. □� �a collection of short stories.

5 PREP You use of after the name of someone or something to introduce the institution or place they belong to or are connected with. □� �the Prince of Wales. □� �the Finance Minister of Bangladesh.

6 PREP You use of after a noun referring to a container to form an expression referring to the container and its contents. □� She brought out a bottle of sauce. □� �a box of tissues. □� �a packet of spaghetti. □� �a roomful of people.

7 PREP You use of after a count noun and before an uncount noun when you want to talk about an individual piece or item. □� �a blade of grass. □� Marina ate only one slice of bread. □� With a stick of chalk he wrote her order on a blackboard.

8 PREP You use of to indicate the materials or things that form something. □� �local decorations of wood and straw. □� �loose-fitting garments of linen. □� �a mixture of paint-thinner and petrol.

9 PREP You use of after a noun which specifies a particular part of something, to introduce the thing that it is a part of. □� �the other side of the square. □� We had almost reached the end of the street. □� �the beginning of the year. □� Edward disappeared around 9.30pm on the 23rd of July. □� �the core of the problem.

10 PREP You use of after some verbs to indicate someone or something else involved in the action. □� He'd been dreaming of her. □� Listen, I shall be thinking of you always. □� Her parents did not approve of her decision.

11 PREP You use of after some adjectives to indicate the thing that a feeling or quality relates to. □� I have grown very fond of Alec. □� His father was quite naturally very proud of him. □� I think everyone was scared of her.

12 PREP You use of before a word referring to the person who performed an action when saying what you think about the action. □� This has been so nice, so terribly kind of you. □� That's certainly very generous of you Tony.

13 PREP You use of after a noun which describes someone or something, to introduce the person or thing you are talking about. □� �an awkward, slow-moving giant of a man.

14 PREP If something is more of or less of a particular thing, it is that thing to a greater or smaller degree. □� Your extra fat may be more of a health risk than you realize. □� As time goes by, sleeping becomes less of a problem.

15 PREP You use of to indicate a characteristic or quality that someone or something has. □� She is a woman of enviable beauty. □� �a matter of overwhelming importance.

16 PREP You use of to specify an amount, value, or age. □� Last Thursday, Nick announced record revenues of $3.4 billion. □� He has been sentenced to a total of 21 years in prison since 1973. □� �young people under the age of 16 years.

17 PREP You use of after a noun such as 'month' or 'year' to indicate the length of time that some state or activity continues. □� �eight bruising years of war. □� The project has gone through nearly a dozen years of planning.

18 PREP You can use of to say what time it is by indicating how many minutes there are before the hour mentioned. [AM ] □� At about a quarter of eight in the evening, Joe Urber calls. □� We got to the beach at five of one in the afternoon. USAGE of

Don�t use �of � in front of a personal pronoun such as �me�, �him�, or �them� when you are talking about possession. Don�t say, for example, � the sister of me �. Instead, you use a possessive determiner such as my , his , or their . □� My sister visited us last week.

of cou rse ◆◆◆

1 ADV You say of course to suggest that something is normal, obvious, or well-known, and should therefore not surprise the person you are talking to. [SPOKEN ] □� Of course there were lots of other interesting things at the exhibition. □� 'I have read about you in the newspapers of course,' Charlie said. □� The only honest answer is, of course, yes.

2 CONVENTION You use of course as a polite way of giving permission. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'Can I just say something about the cup game on Saturday?'�'Yes of course you can.' □� 'Could I see these documents?'�'Of course.'

3 ADV You use of course in order to emphasize a statement that you are making, especially when you are agreeing or disagreeing with someone. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� 'I expect you're right.'�'Of course I'm right.'. □� 'You will strictly observe your diet.'�'Of course.'

4 CONVENTION Of course not is an emphatic way of saying no. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� 'You're not really seriously considering this thing, are you?'�'No, of course not.'

off ◆◆◆ The preposition is pronounced /ɒf, [AM ] ɔːf/. The adverb is pronounced /ɒ f, [AM ] ɔː f/ In addition to the uses shown below, off is used after some verbs and nouns in order to introduce extra information. Off is also used in phrasal verbs such as 'get off', 'pair off', and 'sleep off'. 1 PREP If something is taken off something else or moves off it, it is no longer touching that thing. □� He took his feet off the desk. □� I took the key for the room off a rack above her head. □� Hugh wiped the rest of the blood off his face with his handkerchief. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Off is also an adverb. □� Lee broke off a small piece of orange and held it out to him. □� His exhaust fell off six laps from the finish.

2 PREP When you get off a bus, train, or plane, you come out of it or leave it after you have been travelling on it. □� Don't try to get on or off a moving train! □� As he stepped off the aeroplane, he was shot dead. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Off is also an adverb. □� At the next stop the man got off too and introduced himself.

3 PREP If you keep off a street or piece of land, you do not step on it or go there. □� Locking up men does nothing more than keep them off the streets. □� The local police had warned visitors to keep off the beach at night. ●�ADV Off is also an adverb. □� �a sign saying 'Keep Off'.

4 PREP If something is situated off a place such as a coast, room, or road, it is near to it or next to it, but not exactly in it. □� The boat was anchored off the northern coast of the peninsula. □� Lily lives in a penthouse just off Park Avenue.

5 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV , oft ADV -ing] If you go off , you leave a place. □� He was just about to drive off when the secretary came running out. □� She gave a hurried wave and set off across the grass. □� She was off again. Last year she had been to Kenya. This year it was Goa. □� When his master's off traveling, Caleb stays with Pierre's parents.

6 ADV [ADV after v] When you take off clothing or jewellery that you are wearing, you remove it from your body. □� He took off his spectacles and rubbed frantically at the lens. □� He hastily stripped off his old uniform and began pulling on the new one.

7 ADV [oft be ADV ] If you have time off or a particular day off, you do not go to work or school, for example because you are ill or it is a day when you do not usually work. □� The rest of the men had the day off. □� She was sacked for demanding Saturdays off. □� I'm off tomorrow. □� The average worker was off sick 27 days last year. ●�PREP Off is also a preposition. □� He could not get time off work to go on holiday.

8 PREP If you keep off a subject, you deliberately avoid talking about it. □� Keep off the subject of politics. □� Keep the conversation off linguistic matters.

9 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If something such as an agreement or a sporting event is off , it is cancelled. □� Until Pointon is completely happy, however, the deal's off. □� Greenpeace refused to call off the event.

10 PREP If someone is off something harmful such as a drug, they have stopped taking or using it. □� She was taken off antibiotics and given pain killers.

11 PREP If you are off something, you have stopped liking it. □� I'm off coffee at the moment. □� Diarrhoea can make you feel weak, as well as putting you off your food.

12 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] When something such as a machine or electric light is off , it is not functioning or in use. When you switch it off , you stop it functioning. □� As he pulled into the driveway, he saw her bedroom light was off. □� We used sail power and turned the engine off to save our fuel. □� The microphones had been switched off.

13 PREP If there is money off something, its price is reduced by the amount specified. □� �Simons Leatherwear, 37 Old Christchurch Road. 20 per cent off all jackets this Saturday. □� �discounts offering thousands of pounds off the normal price of a car. ●�ADV [ADV after v, v-link ADV ] Off is also an adverb. □� I'm prepared to knock five hundred pounds off but no more.

14 ADV If something is a long way off , it is a long distance away from you. □� Florida was a long way off. □� Below you, though still 50 miles off, is the most treeless stretch of land imaginable.

15 ADV If something is a long time off , it will not happen for a long time. □� An end to the crisis seems a long way off. □� The required technology is probably still two years off.

16 PREP If you get something off someone, you obtain it from them. [SPOKEN ] □� I don't really get a lot of information, and if I do I get it off Mark. □� 'Telmex' was bought off the government by a group of investors.

17 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If food has gone off , it tastes and smells bad because it is no longer fresh enough to be eaten. [mainly BRIT ] □� Don't eat that! It's mouldy. It's gone off! in AM, usually use spoiled , bad18 PREP If you live off a particular kind of food, you eat it in order to live. If you live off a particular source of money, you use it to live. □� Living off papaya, mango and pineapple might sound delicious, but is not practical. □� Antony had been living off the sale of his own paintings.

19 PREP If a machine runs off a particular kind of fuel or power, it uses that power in order to function. □� During the daytime the mechanical heart works off batteries.

20 PHRASE If something happens on and off , or off and on , it happens occasionally, or only for part of a period of time, not in a regular or continuous way. □� I was still working on and off as a waitress to support myself. □� We lived together, off and on, for two years.

o ff-ai r also off air ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] In radio or television, when a programme goes off-air or when something happens off-air , it is not broadcast. □� The argument continued off air. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Off-air is also an adjective. □� �a special off-air advice line.

of|fal /ɒ f ə l, [AM ] ɔː f ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Offal is the internal organs of animals, for example their hearts and livers, when they are cooked and eaten.

o ff-ba lance also off balance

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is off-balance , they can easily fall or be knocked over because they are not standing firmly. □� He tried to use his own weight to push his attacker off but he was off balance.

2 ADJ If someone is caught off-balance , they are extremely surprised or upset by a particular event or piece of news they are not expecting. □� Mullins knocked me off-balance with his abrupt change of subject. □� The government was thrown off-balance by the attempted coup.

o ff-bea m also off beam ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something or someone as off-beam , you mean that they are wrong or inaccurate. [INFORMAL ] □� Everything she says is a little off beam.

off|beat /ɒ fbiː t, [AM ] ɔː f-/ also off-beat ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something or someone as offbeat , you think that they are different from normal. □� �a wickedly offbeat imagination.

off-Broadway /ɒ f brɔː dwe I , [AM ] ɔː f -/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An off-Broadway theatre is located close to Broadway, the main theatre district in New York.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An off-Broadway play is less commercial and often more unusual than those usually staged on Broadway.

o ff-ce ntre in AM, use off-center1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is off-centre , it is not exactly in the middle of a space or surface. □� If the blocks are placed off-centre, they will fall down.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone or something as off-centre , you mean that they are less conventional than other people or things. □� Davies's writing is far too off-centre to be commercial.

o ff-chance also off chance PHRASE If you do something on the off-chance , you do it because you hope that it will succeed, although you think that this is unlikely. □�[PHR that] He had taken a flight to Paris on the off-chance that he might be able to meet Francesca. [Also +�of ]

o ff-co lour in AM, use off-color1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are feeling off-colour , you mean that you are slightly ill. [BRIT ] □� For three weeks Maurice felt off-colour but did not have any dramatic symptoms.

2 ADJ If you say that someone's performance is off-colour , you mean that they are not performing as well as they usually do. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� Milan looked off-colour but eventually took the lead in the 82nd minute.

o ff day (off days ) also off-day N‑COUNT If someone has anoff day , they do not perform as well as usual. [INFORMAL ] □� Whittingham, the League's top scorer, had an off day, missing three good chances.

o ff-du ty ADJ When someone such as a soldier or police officer is off-duty , they are not working. □� The place is the haunt of off-duty police officers.

of|fence ◆◇◇ /əfe ns/ (offences ) The spelling offense is used in American English. 1 N‑COUNT An offence is a crime that breaks a particular law and requires a particular punishment. □� Thirteen people have been charged with treason�an offence which can carry the death penalty. □� In Britain the Consumer Protection Act makes it a criminal offence to sell goods that are unsafe.

2 N‑VAR Offence or an offence is behaviour which causes people to be upset or embarrassed. □� The book might be published without creating offense. □�[+�to ] Privilege determined by birth is an offence to any modern sense of justice.

3 CONVENTION Some people say ' no offence ' to make it clear that they do not want to upset you, although what they are saying may seem rather rude. [FORMULAE ] □� Dad, you need a bath. No offence.

4 PHRASE If someone takes offenceat something you say or do, they feel upset, often unnecessarily, because they think you are being rude to them. □� She never takes offence at anything. □� Never had she seen him so tense, so quick to take offence as he had been in recent weeks. SYNONYMS offence NOUN

1

crime:He and Lieutenant Cassidy were checking the scene of the crime.

wrong:�a man who believes that he has done no wrong.

sin:Was it the sin of pride to have believed too much in themselves?

wrongdoing:The city attorney's office hasn't found any evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

2

outrage:The Treaty has failed to arouse genuine public outrage.

anger:Ellen felt both despair and anger at her mother.

indignation:No wonder he could hardly contain his indignation.

of|fend /əfe nd/ (offends , offending , offended )

1 VERB If you offend someone, you say or do something rude which upsets or embarrasses them. □�[V n] He apologizes for his comments and says he had no intention of offending the community. □�[be V -ed] The survey found almost 90 percent of people were offended by strong swearwords. □�[V ] Television censors are cutting out scenes which they claim may offend. ●� of|fend|ed ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� She is terribly offended, angered and hurt by this.

2 VERB To offendagainst a law, rule, or principle means to break it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�against ] This bill offends against good sense and against justice. □�[V n] The peak age for offending the law is between 15 and 25.

3 VERB [no cont] If someone offends , they commit a crime. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] In Western countries girls are far less likely to offend than boys.

of|fend|er /əfe ndə r / (offenders )

1 N‑COUNT An offender is a person who has committed a crime. □� This led to a large number of convicted offenders being released from prison.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone or something which you think is causing a problem as an offender . □� Excessive noise was the worst offender in a list of complaints made to landlords.

of|fend|ing /əfe nd I ŋ/

1 ADJ You can use offending to describe something that is causing a problem that needs to be dealt with. □� The book was withdrawn for the offending passages to be deleted.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Offending is the act of committing a crime. □� Ms Mann is working with young offenders and trying to break cycles of offending.

of|fense /əfe ns, ɒ fens/ →�see offence

of|fen|sive ◆◇◇ /əfe ns I v/ (offensives )

1 ADJ Something that is offensive upsets or embarrasses people because it is rude or insulting. □� Some friends of his found the play horribly offensive. □� �offensive remarks which called into question the integrity of my firm. ●� of|fen|sive|ly ADV [ADV after v, oft ADV adj] □� The group who had been shouting offensively opened to let her through.

2 N‑COUNT A military offensive is a carefully planned attack made by a large group of soldiers. □�[+�against ] Its latest military offensive against rebel forces is aimed at re-opening trade routes.

3 N‑COUNT If you conduct an offensive , you take strong action to show how angry you are about something or how much you disapprove of something. □�[+�on ] Republicans acknowledged that they had little choice but to mount an all-out offensive on the Democratic nominee.

4 →�see also charm offensive

5 PHRASE If you go on the offensive , go over to the offensive , or take the offensive , you begin to take strong action against people who have been attacking you. □� The West African forces went on the offensive in response to attacks on them. □� The Foreign Secretary has decided to take the offensive in the discussion on the future of the community. SYNONYMS offensive ADJ 1

rude:Unfair bosses and rude customers make us unhappy on the job.

insulting:One of the apprentices made an insulting remark to a passing officer.

objectionable:I find your tone highly objectionable.

disrespectful:They shouldn't treat their mother in this disrespectful way.

of|fer ◆◆◆ /ɒ fə r , [AM ] ɔː fər/ (offers , offering , offered )

1 VERB If you offer something to someone, you ask them if they would like to have it or use it. □�[V n +�to ] He has offered seats at the conference table to the Russian leader and the president of Kazakhstan. □�[V n n] The number of companies offering them work increased. □�[V n] Western governments have offered aid.

2 VERB If you offerto do something, you say that you are willing to do it. □�[V to-inf] Peter offered to teach them water-skiing. □�[V with quote] 'Can I get you a drink?' she offered.

3 N‑COUNT An offer is something that someone says they will give you or do for you. □�[+�of ] The offer of talks marks a significant change from their previous position. □� 'I ought to reconsider her offer to move in,' he mused. □� He had refused several excellent job offers.

4 VERB If you offer someone information, advice, or praise, you give it to them, usually because you feel that they need it or deserve it. □�[V n] They manage a company offering advice on mergers and acquisitions. □�[be V -ed n] They are offered very little counselling or support. [Also V n +�to ]

5 VERB If you offer someone something such as love or friendship, you show them that you feel that way towards them. □�[V n +�to ] The Prime Minister offered his sympathy to the families of the victims. □�[V n n] It must be better to be able to offer them love and security. □�[V n] John's mother and sister rallied round offering comfort.

6 VERB If people offer prayers, praise, or a sacrifice to God or a god, they speak to or give something to their god. □�[V n] Church leaders offered prayers and condemned the bloodshed. □�[V n +�to ] He will offer the first harvest of rice to the sun goddess. [Also V n n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Offer up means the same as offer . □�[V P n] He should consider offering up a prayer to St Lambert.

7 VERB If an organization offers something such as a service or product, it provides it. □�[V n] We have been successful because we are offering a quality service. □�[V n n] Sainsbury's is offering customers 1p for each shopping bag re-used. □�[V n +�to ] The insurance company offers a 10% discount to the over-55s.

8 N‑COUNT [oft on N ] An offer in a shop is a specially low price for a specific product or something extra that you get if you buy a certain product. □� This month's offers include a shirt, trousers and bed covers. □� Today's special offer gives you a choice of three destinations. □� Over 40 new books are on offer at 25 per cent off their normal retail price.

9 VERB If you offer a particular amount of money for something, you say that you will pay that much to buy it. □�[V amount] Whitney has offered $21.50 a share in cash. □�[V n amount] They are offering farmers $2.15 a bushel for corn. □�[V n n] He will write Rachel a note and offer her a fair price for the land. □�[V n] It was his custom in buying real estate to offer a rather low price. [Also V n +�to ]

10 N‑COUNT An offer is the amount of money that someone says they will pay to buy something or give to someone because they have harmed them in some way. □� He has dismissed an offer of compensation.

11 PHRASE If you have something to offer , you have a quality or ability that makes you important, attractive, or useful. □� In your free time, explore all that this incredible city has to offer.

12 PHRASE If there is something on offer , it is available to be used or bought. □� Savings schemes are the best retail investment products on offer. □� �country cottages on offer at bargain prices.

13 PHRASE If you are open to offers , you are willing to do something if someone will pay you an amount of money that you think is reasonable. □� It seems that while the Kiwis are keen to have him, he is still open to offers.

▸� offer up →�see offer6 SYNONYMS offer NOUN 3

proposal:The Security Council has rejected the latest peace proposal.

suggestion:He followed her suggestion of a stroll to the river.

proposition:I want to make you a proposition.

of|fer|ing ◆◇◇ /ɒ fər I ŋ, [AM ] ɔː f-/ (offerings )

1 N‑COUNT An offering is something that is specially produced to be sold. □�[+�in ] It was very, very good, far better than vegetarian offerings in many a posh restaurant.

2 N‑COUNT An offering is a gift that people offer to their God or gods as a form of worship. □� �the holiest of the Shinto rituals, where offerings are made at night to the great Sun.

o f|fer price (offer prices )

1 N‑COUNT The offer price for a particular stock or share is the price that the person selling it says that they want for it. [BUSINESS ] □� BET shares closed just above the offer price, up 1.5p at 207p.

2 →�see also asking price , bid price

o ff-gua rd ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is caughtoff-guard , they are not expecting a surprise or danger that suddenly occurs. □� The question caught her completely off-guard.

off|hand /ɒ fh� nd/ also off-hand

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is being offhand , you are critical of them for being unfriendly or impolite, and not showing any interest in what other people are doing or saying. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Consumers found the attitude of its staff offhand.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you say something offhand , you say it without checking the details or facts of it. □� 'Have you done the repairs?'�'Can't say off-hand, but I doubt it.'.

of|fice ◆◆◆ /ɒ f I s, [AM ] ɔː f-/ (offices )

1 N‑COUNT An office is a room or a part of a building where people work sitting at desks. □� He had an office just big enough for his desk and chair. □� At about 4.30 p.m. Audrey arrived at the office. □� Phone their head office for more details. □� �an office block.

2 N‑COUNT An office is a department of an organization, especially the government, where people deal with a particular kind of administrative work. □� Thousands have registered with unemployment offices. □� �Downing Street's press office. □� �the Congressional Budget Office.

3 N‑COUNT An office is a small building or room where people can go for information, tickets, or a service of some kind. □� The tourist office operates a useful room-finding service. □� �the airline ticket offices.

4 N‑COUNT A doctor's or dentist's office is a place where a doctor or dentist sees their patients. [AM ] in BRIT, use surgery5 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/out of N ] If someone holds office in a government, they have an important job or position of authority. □� The events to mark the President's ten years in office went ahead as planned. □� They are fed up with the politicians and want to vote them out of office. □� The president shall hold office for five years. □� He ran for office.

6 →�see also booking office , box office , post office , register office , registry office COLLOCATIONS office NOUN 5

adjective +�office : public

verb +�office : assume, hold, take; leave SYNONYMS office NOUN 2

branch:The local branch of Bank of America is handling the accounts.

department:He moved to the sales department.

division:�the bank's Latin American division.

o f|fice boy (office boys ) N‑COUNT An office boy is a young man, especially one who has just left school, who is employed in an office to do simple tasks. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

o ffice-holder (office-holders ) also office holder N‑COUNT An office-holder is a person who has an important official position in an organization or government. □� They appear to be in a mood to vote against office-holders in the elections.

o f|fice hou rs N‑PLURAL Office hours are the times when an office or similar place is open for business. For example, office hours in Britain are usually between 9 o'clock and 5 o'clock from Monday to Friday. □� If you have any queries, please call Anne Fisher during office hours.

of|fic|er ◆◆◆ /ɒ f I sə r , [AM ] ɔː f-/ (officers )

1 N‑COUNT In the armed forces, an officer is a person in a position of authority. □� �a retired British army officer. □� He was an officer in the Cadet Corps.

2 N‑COUNT An officer is a person who has a responsible position in an organization, especially a government organization. □� �a local authority education officer.

3 N‑COUNT Members of the police force can be referred to as officers . □� �senior officers in the West Midlands police force. □� Thank you, Officer.

4 →�see also commanding officer , petty officer , pilot officer , police officer , probation officer , returning officer , warrant officer

of|fi|cial ◆◆◆ /əf I ʃ ə l/ (officials )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Official means approved by the government or by someone in authority. □� According to the official figures, over one thousand people died during the revolution. □� A report in the official police newspaper gave no reason for the move. ●� of|fi|cial|ly ADV [oft ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� The nine-year civil war is officially over.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Official activities are carried out by a person in authority as part of their job. □� The President is in Brazil for an official two-day visit.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Official things are used by a person in authority as part of their job. □� �the official residence of the Head of State.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone's explanation or reason for something as the official explanation, you are suggesting that it is probably not true, but is used because the real explanation is embarrassing. □� The official reason given for the President's absence was sickness. ●� of|fi|cial|ly ADV □� Officially, the guard was to protect us. In fact, they were there to report on our movements.

5 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] An official is a person who holds a position of authority in an organization. □� A senior U.N. official hopes to visit Baghdad this month.

6 N‑COUNT An official at a sports event is a referee, umpire, or other person who checks that the players follow the rules. SYNONYMS official ADJ 1

authorized:Only authorized personnel may enter the building.

approved:The approved method of cleaning is industrial sand-blasting.

sanctioned:The use of force is not sanctioned.

of|fi|cial|dom /əf I ʃ ə ldəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Officialdom is used to refer to officials who work for the government or in other organizations, especially when you think that their rules are unhelpful. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Officialdom has been against us from the start.

of|fi|ci|ate /əf I ʃie I t/ (officiates , officiating , officiated )

1 VERB When someone officiatesat a ceremony or formal occasion, they are in charge and perform the official part of it. □�[V +�at ] Bishop Silvester officiated at the funeral. □�[V ] A memorial service was held yesterday at Wadhurst Parish Church. The Rev Michael Inch officiated.

2 VERB When someone officiatesat a sports match or competition, they are in charge and make sure the players do not break the rules. □�[V +�at ] Mr Ellis was selected to officiate at a cup game between Grimsby and Rotherham. □�[V ] Frik Burger will officiate when the Pumas play Scotland. [Also V +�in ]

of|fi|cious /əf I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as officious , you are critical of them because they are eager to tell people what to do when you think they should not. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� When people put on uniforms, their attitude becomes more confident and their manner more officious. ●� of|fi|cious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Lance Corporal Williams officiously ordered them out.

of|fing /ɒ f I ŋ, [AM ] ɔː f-/ PHRASE If you say that something is in the offing , you mean that it is likely to happen soon. □� A general amnesty for political prisoners may be in the offing.

o ff-ke y ADJ When music is off-key , it is not in tune. □� �wailing, off-key vocals and strangled guitars. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Off-key is also an adverb. □� Moe was having fun banging the drums and singing off-key.

o ff-licence (off-licences ) N‑COUNT An off-licence is a shop which sells beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks. [BRIT ] in AM, use liquor store

o ff li m|its also off-limits

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a place is off limits to someone, they are not allowed to go there. □�[+�to ] Downing Street has been off limits to the general public since 1982. □�[+�to ] Certain areas have been declared off limits to servicemen.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that an activity or a substance is off limits for someone, you mean that they are not allowed to do it or have it. □� Fraternizing with the customers is off-limits. [Also +�for ]

off|line ◆◇◇ /ɒ fla I n/

1 ADJ If a computer is offline , it is not connected to the internet. Compare online . [COMPUTING ] ●�ADV [ADV with v] Offline is also an adverb. □� Most software programs allow you to compose emails offline.

2off line →�see line

off|load /ɒ floʊ d, [AM ] ɔː f-/ (offloads , offloading , offloaded )

1 VERB If you offload something that you do not want, you get rid of it by giving it or selling it to someone else. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] Prices have been cut by developers anxious to offload unsold apartments. □�[V n +�onto ] Already in financial difficulties, Turner offloaded the painting on to the Getty Museum. in AM, usually use unload2 VERB When goods are offloaded , they are removed from a container or vehicle and put somewhere else. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] The cargo was due to be offloaded in Singapore three days later. [Also V n] in AM, usually use unload

o ff-me ssage ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a politician is off-message , they say something that does not follow the official policy of their party.

o ff-pea k ADJ [ADJ n] You use off-peak to describe something that happens or that is used at times when there is least demand for it. Prices at off-peak times are often lower than at other times. □� The price for indoor courts is �10 per hour at peak times and �7 per hour at off-peak times. □� �off-peak electricity. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Off-peak is also an adverb. □� Calls cost 36p per minute off-peak and 48p at other times.

o ff-pu tting ADJ If you describe a quality or feature of something as off-putting , you mean that it makes you dislike that thing or not want to get involved with it. [mainly BRIT ] □� However, many customers found the smell of this product distinctly off-putting.

o ff-roa der (off-roaders ) N‑COUNT An off-roader is the same as an off-road vehicle . [INFORMAL ]

o ff-roa ding N‑UNCOUNT Off-roading is the activity of driving off-road vehicles over rough ground. □� �training sessions for anyone who wants to go off-roading.

o ff-roa d ve hicle (off-road vehicles ) N‑COUNT An off-road vehicle is a vehicle that is designed to travel over rough ground.

o ff-scree n also offscreen ADV You use off-screen to refer to the real lives of film or television actors, in contrast with the lives of the characters they play. □� He was immensely attractive to women, onscreen and offscreen. □� Off-screen, Kathy is under the watchful eye of her father Terry. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Off-screen is also an adjective. □� They were quick to dismiss rumours of an off-screen romance.

o ff sea|son also off-season

1 N‑SING [oft N n] The off season is the time of the year when not many people go on holiday and when things such as hotels and plane tickets are often cheaper. □� It is possible to vacation at some of the more expensive resorts if you go in the off-season. □� Although it was off-season, the hotel was fully occupied. □� �off-season prices. ●�ADV [oft ADV after v] Off season is also an adverb. □� Times become more flexible off-season, especially in the smaller provincial museums.

2 N‑SING [oft N n] The off season is the time of the year when a particular sport is not played. □� He has coached and played in Italy during the Australian off-season. □� �intensive off-season training. ●�ADV [oft ADV after v] Off season is also an adverb. □� To stay fit off season, I play tennis or football.

off|set /ɒ fse t, [AM ] ɔː f-/ (offsets , offsetting ) The form offset is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb. VERB If one thing is offset by another, the effect of the first thing is reduced by the second, so that any advantage or disadvantage is cancelled out. □�[be V -ed] The increase in pay costs was more than offset by higher productivity. □�[V n] The move is designed to help offset the shortfall in world oil supplies.

off|shoot /ɒ fʃuːt, [AM ] ɔː f-/ (offshoots ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] If one thing is an offshoot of another, it has developed from that other thing. □� Psychology began as a purely academic offshoot of natural philosophy.

off|shore /ɒ fʃɔː r , [AM ] ɔː f-/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Offshore means situated or happening in the sea, near to the coast. □� �Britain's offshore oil industry. □� �offshore islands. ●�ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] Offshore is also an adverb. □� One day a larger ship anchored offshore. □� When they hit the rocks, they were just 500 yards offshore.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An offshore wind blows from the land towards the sea.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Offshore investments or companies are located in a place, usually an island, which has fewer tax regulations than most other countries. [BUSINESS ] □� The island offers a wide range of offshore banking facilities.

off|shor|ing /ɒ fʃɔːr I ŋ, [AM ] ɔː f-/ N‑UNCOUNT Offshoring is the practice of moving a company's work to a foreign country where labour costs are cheaper. [BUSINESS ] □� Offshoring provides an opportunity to obtain I.T. services at low cost.

off|side /ɒ fsa I d, [AM ] ɔː f-/ also off-side

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] In games such as football or hockey, when an attacking player is offside , they have broken the rules by being nearer to the goal than a defending player when the ball is passed to them. □� The goal was disallowed because she was offside. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Offside is also an adverb. □� Wise was standing at least ten yards offside. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Offside is also a noun. □� Rush had a 45th-minute goal disallowed for offside.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] In American football, a player is offside if they cross the line of scrimmage before a play begins. [AM ]

3 N‑SING [usu N n] The offside of a vehicle is the side that is farthest from the edge of the road when the vehicle is being driven normally. [BRIT ] □� The driver of the car lowered his offside front window.

o ff-si te →�see site

off|spring /ɒ fspr I ŋ, [AM ] ɔː f-/ (offspring ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] You can refer to a person's children or to an animal's young as their offspring . [FORMAL ] □� Eleanor was now less anxious about her offspring than she had once been.

off|stage /ɒ fste I dʒ, [AM ] ɔː f-/ also off-stage

1 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] When an actor or entertainer goes offstage , they go into the area behind or to the side of the stage, so that the audience no longer sees them. □� She ran offstage in tears. □� There was a lot of noise offstage.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Offstage is used to describe the behaviour of actors or entertainers in real life, when they are not performing. □� �the tragedies of their off-stage lives. ●�ADV Offstage is also an adverb. □� Despite their bitter screen rivalry, off-stage they are close friends.

o ff-the-cu ff →�see cuff

o ff-the-pe g →�see peg

o ff-the-re cord →�see record

o ff-the-she lf →�see shelf

o ff-the-wa ll

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as off-the-wall , you mean that it is unusual and rather strange but in an amusing or interesting way. [INFORMAL ] □� �surreal off-the-wall humor.

2 ADJ If you say that a person, their ideas, or their ways of doing something are off-the-wall , you are critical of them because you think they are mad or very foolish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It can be done without following some absurd, off-the-wall investment strategy.

o ff to p|ic also off-topic ADJ If you describe something that someone says or writes as off topic , you mean that it is not relevant to the current discussion; used especially of discussions on the internet. □� A troll is someone who posts inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online community.

o ff-whi te COLOUR Something that is off-white is not pure white, but slightly grey or yellow.

o ff-yea r (off-years ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An off-year is a year when no major political elections are held. [AM ] □� Election officials predict they'll set a new turnout record for an off-year election in Washington state.

oft- /ɒ ft-, [AM ] ɔː ft-/ COMB Oft- combines with past participles to form adjectives that mean that something happens or is done often. [LITERARY ] □� The Foreign Secretary's views on the treaty are well-documented and oft-repeated.

of|ten ◆◆◆ /ɒ f ə n, [AM ] ɔː f-/ Often is usually used before the verb, but it may be used after the verb when it has a word like 'less' or 'more' before it, or when the clause is negative. 1 ADV [ADV before v] If something often happens, it happens many times or much of the time. □� They often spent Christmas at Prescott Hill. □� It was often hard to work and do the course at the same time. □� That doesn't happen very often.

2 ADV You use how often to ask questions about frequency. You also use often in reported clauses and other statements to give information about the frequency of something. □� How often do you brush your teeth? □� Unemployed Queenslanders were victims of personal crime twice as often as employed people.

3 PHRASE If something happens every so often , it happens regularly, but with fairly long intervals between each occasion. □� She's going to come back every so often. □� Every so often he would turn and look at her.

4 PHRASE If you say that something happens as often as not, or more often than not , you mean that it happens fairly frequently, and that this can be considered as typical of the kind of situation you are talking about. □� Yet, as often as not, they find themselves the target of persecution rather than praise. SYNONYMS often ADV 1

frequently:Folic acid supplements are frequently given to pregnant women.

generally:We generally say and feel too much about these things.

repeatedly:Both men have repeatedly denied the allegations. USAGE often

Don�t use �often� to talk about something that happens several times within a short period of time. Don�t say, for example, � I often phoned her yesterday �. You say �I phoned her several times yesterday� or �I kept phoning her yesterday�. □� That fear was expressed several times last week.

often|times /ɒ f ə nta I mz, [AM ] ɔː f-/ ADV [ADV with v] If something oftentimes happens, it happens many times or much of the time. [AM ] □� Oftentimes, I wouldn't even return the calls.

ogle /oʊ g ə l/ (ogles , ogling , ogled ) VERB If you say that one person is ogling another, you disapprove of them continually staring at that person in a way that indicates a strong sexual interest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] All she did was hang around ogling the men in the factory. □�[V +�at ] Paula is not used to everyone ogling at her while she undresses backstage. [Also V ]

ogre /oʊ gə r / (ogres ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as an ogre , you are saying in a humorous way that they are very frightening. □� Bank managers�like tax inspectors�do not really like being thought of as ogres.

oh ◆◆◇ /oʊ /

1 CONVENTION You use oh to introduce a response or a comment on something that has just been said. [SPOKEN ] □� 'Had you seen the car before?'�'Oh yes, it was always in the drive.' □� 'You don't understand!'�'Oh, I think I do, Grace.'

2 EXCLAM You use oh to express a feeling such as surprise, pain, annoyance, or happiness. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� 'Oh!' Kenny blinked. 'Has everyone gone?' □� Oh, I'm so glad you're here.

3 CONVENTION You use oh when you are hesitating while speaking, for example because you are trying to estimate something, or because you are searching for the right word. [SPOKEN ] □� I've been here, oh, since the end of June.

ohm /oʊ m/ (ohms ) N‑COUNT An ohm is a unit which is used to measure electrical resistance. [TECHNICAL ]

OHMS /oʊ e I tʃ em e s/ OHMS is used on official letters from British or Commonwealth government offices. OHMS is the abbreviation for 'On Her Majesty's Service' or 'On His Majesty's Service'.

OHP /oʊ e I tʃ piː / (OHPs ) N‑COUNT An OHP is the same as an overhead projector .

oi /ɔ I / EXCLAM In informal situations, people say or shout ' oi ' to attract someone's attention, especially if they are angry. [BRIT ] □� Oi! You lot! Shut up!

oik /ɔ I k/ (oiks ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as an oik , you think that they behave in a rude or unacceptable way, especially in a way that you believe to be typical of a low social class. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They imply that Tony is an uneducated oik, who spends too much time down the pub.

oil ◆◆◆ /ɔ I l/ (oils , oiling , oiled )

1 N‑VAR Oil is a smooth, thick liquid that is used as a fuel and for making the parts of machines move smoothly. Oil is found underground. □� The company buys and sells about 600,000 barrels of oil a day. □� �the rapid rise in prices for oil and petrol. □� �a small oil lamp.

2 VERB If you oil something, you put oil onto or into it, for example to make it work smoothly or to protect it. □�[V n] A crew of assistants oiled and adjusted the release mechanism until it worked perfectly.

3 N‑VAR [usu n N ] Oil is a smooth, thick liquid made from plants and is often used for cooking. □� Combine the beans, chopped mint and olive oil in a large bowl.

4 N‑VAR Oil is a smooth, thick liquid, often with a pleasant smell, that you rub into your skin or add to your bath. □� Try a hot bath with some relaxing bath oil.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Oils are oil paintings . □� Her colourful oils and works on paper have a naive, dreamlike quality.

6 N‑PLURAL When an artist paints in oils , he or she uses oil paints. □� When she paints in oils she always uses the same range of colours.

7 →�see also castor oil , crude oil , olive oil

8 PHRASE If someone or something oils the wheels of a process or system, they help things to run smoothly and successfully. □� On all such occasions, the king stands in the wings, oiling the wheels of diplomacy.

9to burn the midnight oil →�see midnight

oil|cloth /ɔ I lklɒθ, [AM ] -klɔːθ/ (oilcloths )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Oilcloth is a cotton fabric with a shiny waterproof surface.

2 N‑COUNT An oilcloth is a covering made from oilcloth, such as a tablecloth.

oiled /ɔ I ld/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is oiled has had oil put into or onto it, for example to make it work smoothly or to protect it. □� Oiled wood is water-resistant and won't flake.

2 →�see also well-oiled

oil|field /ɔ I lfiːld/ (oilfields ) also oil field N‑COUNT An oilfield is an area of land or sea under which there is oil.

oi l-fired ADJ [ADJ n] Oil-fired heating systems and power stations use oil as a fuel. □� �an oil-fired furnace.

oil|man /ɔ I lm�n/ (oilmen ) also oil man N‑COUNT An oilman is a man who owns an oil company or who works in the oil business. [JOURNALISM ]

oi l paint (oil paints ) N‑UNCOUNT Oil paint is a thick paint used by artists. It is made from coloured powder and linseed oil.

oi l paint|ing (oil paintings ) N‑COUNT An oil painting is a picture which has been painted using oil paints. □� Several magnificent oil paintings adorn the walls.

oi l pan (oil pans ) N‑COUNT An oil pan is the place under an engine which holds the engine oil. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use sump

oi l plat|form (oil platforms ) N‑COUNT An oil platform is a structure that is used when getting oil from the ground under the sea.

oi l rig (oil rigs ) N‑COUNT An oil rig is a structure on land or in the sea that is used when getting oil from the ground.

oil|seed rape /ɔ I lsiːd re I p/ also oil-seed rape N‑UNCOUNT Oilseed rape is a plant with yellow flowers which is grown as a crop. Its seeds are crushed to make cooking oil. [BRIT ] in AM, use rape

oil|skins /ɔ I lsk I nz/ N‑PLURAL Oilskins are a coat and a pair of trousers made from thick waterproof cotton cloth.

oi l slick (oil slicks ) N‑COUNT An oil slick is a layer of oil that is floating on the sea or on a lake because it has accidentally come out of a ship or container. □� The oil slick is now 35 miles long.

oi l tank|er (oil tankers ) N‑COUNT An oil tanker is a ship that is used for transporting oil.

oi l well (oil wells ) N‑COUNT An oil well is a deep hole which is made in order to get oil out of the ground.

oily /ɔ I li/ (oilier , oiliest )

1 ADJ Something that is oily is covered with oil or contains oil. □� He was wiping his hands on an oily rag. □� When she was younger, she had very oily skin.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Oily means looking, feeling, tasting, or smelling like oil. □� �traces of an oily substance.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as oily , you dislike them because you think they are too polite or say exaggeratedly nice things, and are insincere. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He had behaved with undue and oily familiarity.

oint|ment /ɔ I ntmənt/ (ointments )

1 N‑VAR An ointment is a smooth thick substance that is put on sore skin or a wound to help it heal. □� A range of ointments and creams is available for the treatment of eczema. □� He received ointment for his flaking skin.

2 PHRASE If you describe someone or something as a fly in the ointment , you think they spoil a situation and prevent it being as successful as you had hoped. □� Rachel seems to be the one fly in the ointment of Caroline's smooth life.

OK /oʊ ke I / →�see okay

okay ◆◆◇ /oʊ ke I / (okays , okaying , okayed ) also OK , O.K. , ok

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is okay , you find it satisfactory or acceptable. [INFORMAL ] □� �a shooting range where it's OK to use weapons. □� Is it okay if I come by myself? □� I guess for a fashionable restaurant like this the prices are OK. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Okay is also an adverb. □� We seemed to manage okay for the first year or so after David was born.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is okay , you mean that they are safe and well. [INFORMAL ] □� Check that the baby's okay. □� 'Don't worry about me,' I said. 'I'll be okay.'

3 CONVENTION You can say ' Okay ' to show that you agree to something. [INFORMAL , FORMULAE ] □� 'Just tell him Sir Kenneth would like to talk to him.'�'OK.' □� 'Shall I give you a ring on Friday?'�'Yeah okay.'

4 CONVENTION You can say ' Okay? ' to check whether the person you are talking to understands what you have said and accepts it. [INFORMAL ] □� We'll get together next week, OK?

5 CONVENTION You can use okay to indicate that you want to start talking about something else or doing something else. [INFORMAL ] □� OK. Now, let's talk some business. □� Tim jumped to his feet. 'Okay, let's go.'

6 CONVENTION You can use okay to stop someone arguing with you by showing that you accept the point they are making, though you do not necessarily regard it as very important. [INFORMAL ] □� Okay, there is a slight difference. □� Okay, so I'm forty-two.

7 VERB If someone in authority okays something, they officially agree to it or allow it to happen. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] His doctor wouldn't OK the trip. ●�N‑SING Okay is also a noun. □� He gave the okay to issue a new press release.

okey doke /oʊ ke I doʊ k/ or okey dokey CONVENTION Okey doke is used in the same way as 'OK' to show that you agree to something, or that you want to start talking about something else or doing something else. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� Okey doke. I'll give you a ring.

okra /oʊ krə/ N‑UNCOUNT Okra is a vegetable that consists of long green parts containing seeds.

old ◆◆◆ /oʊ ld/ (older , oldest )

1 ADJ Someone who is old has lived for many years and is no longer young. □� �a white-haired old man. □�[+�for ] He was considered too old for the job. ●�N‑PLURAL The old are people who are old. This use could cause offence. □� �providing a caring response for the needs of the old.

2 ADJ [oft as ADJ as ] You use old to talk about how many days, weeks, months, or years someone or something has lived or existed. □� He was abandoned by his father when he was three months old. □� The paintings in the chapel were perhaps a thousand years old. □� How old are you now? □� Bill was six years older than David.

3 ADJ Something that is old has existed for a long time. □� She loved the big old house. □� These books must be very old. □� �an old Arab proverb.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is old is no longer in good condition because of its age or because it has been used a lot. □� He took a bunch of keys from the pocket of his old corduroy trousers. □� �an old toothbrush.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You use old to refer to something that is no longer used, that no longer exists, or that has been replaced by something else. □� The old road had disappeared under grass and heather. □� Although the old secret police have been abolished, the military police still exist.

6 ADJ You use old to refer to something that used to belong to you, or to a person or thing that used to have a particular role in your life. □� I'll make up the bed in your old room. □� Mark was heartbroken when Jane returned to her old boyfriend.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] An old friend, enemy, or rival is someone who has been your friend, enemy, or rival for a long time. □� I called my old friend John Horner. □� The French and English are old rivals.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use old to express affection when talking to or about someone you know. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Are you all right, old chap? □� Good old Bergen would do him the favor.

9 PHRASE You use any old to emphasize that the quality or type of something is not important. If you say that a particular thing is notany old thing, you are emphasizing how special or famous it is. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He didn't want to make just any old china. He wanted to make the world's best.

10 PHRASE In the old days means in the past, before things changed. □� In the old days we got a visit from the vet maybe once a year.

11 PHRASE When people refer to the good old days , they are referring to a time in the past when they think that life was better than it is now. □� He remembers the good old days when you could leave your door open at night.

12good old →�see good

13to settle an old score →�see score

14up to one's old tricks →�see trick SYNONYMS old ADJ 1

elderly:�an elderly couple.

aged:She has an aged parent who's capable of being very difficult.

ageing:John lives with his ageing mother.

mature:�a man of mature years.

o ld a ge N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Your old age is the period of years towards the end of your life. □� They worry about how they will support themselves in their old age.

o ld age pe n|sion (old age pensions ) also old-age pension N‑COUNT An old age pension is a regular amount of money that people receive from the government when they have retired from work. [BRIT ] in AM, use social security benefit , social security payment

o ld age pe n|sion|er (old age pensioners ) also old-age pensioner N‑COUNT An old age pensioner is a person who is old enough to receive a pension from their employer or the government. [BRIT ]

o ld ba t (old bats ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone refers to an old person, especially an old woman, as an old bat , they think that person is silly, annoying, or unpleasant. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

o ld boy (old boys ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a man who used to be a pupil at a particular school or university as an old boy . [BRIT ] □� �Eton College, with all its traditions and long list of famous old boys.

o ld-boy net|work (old-boy networks ) also old boy network N‑COUNT When people talk about the old-boy network , they are referring to a situation in which people who went to the same public school or university use their positions of influence to help each other. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The majority obtained their positions through the old boy network.

olde /oʊ ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] Olde is used in names of places and in advertising to make people think that something is very old and interesting. □� I always feel at home at Ye Olde Starre Inn.

old|en /oʊ ldən/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to a period in the past as theoldendays , you feel affection for it. [LITERARY ] □� We had a delightful time talking about the olden days on his farm. □� �the nicely painted railways of olden times. ●�PHRASE In the olden days or in olden days means in the past. □� In the olden days the girls were married young.

olde worlde /oʊ ldi wɜː ldi/ ADJ Olde worlde is used to describe places and things that are or seem to be from an earlier period of history, and that look interesting or attractive. [BRIT ] □� �the quaint olde worlde part of town. □� There is an olde worlde look about the clothes for summer.

o ld-fa shioned

1 ADJ Something such as a style, method, or device that is old-fashioned is no longer used, done, or admired by most people, because it has been replaced by something that is more modern. □� The house was dull, old-fashioned and in bad condition. □� There are some traditional farmers left who still make cheese the old-fashioned way.

2 ADJ Old-fashioned ideas, customs, or values are the ideas, customs, and values of the past. □� She has some old-fashioned values and can be a strict disciplinarian. □� �good old-fashioned English cooking.

o ld fla me (old flames ) N‑COUNT An old flame is someone with whom you once had a romantic relationship. □� Sue was seen dating an old flame.

o ld girl (old girls ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a woman who used to be a pupil at a particular school or university as an old girl . [BRIT ] □� �the St Mary's Ascot Old Girls' Reunion Lunch.

O ld Glo |ry N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes refer to the flag of the United States as Old Glory . [AM ]

o ld gua rd N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] If you refer to a group of people as the old guard , you mean that they have worked in a particular organization for a very long time and are unwilling to accept new ideas or practices. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The old guard did not like the changes that Brewer introduced.

o ld ha nd (old hands ) N‑COUNT If someone is an old hand at something, they are very skilled at it because they have been doing it for a long time. □�[+�at ] An old hand at photography, Tim has been shooting wildlife as a hobby for the last 13 years.

o ld ha t →�see hat

oldie /oʊ ldi/ (oldies )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to something such as an old song or film as an oldie , especially when you think it is still good. [INFORMAL ] □� Radio Aire only plays Top 40 stuff and oldies. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Oldie is also an adjective. □� During the festival, we'll be showing 13 classic oldie films.

2 N‑COUNT You can use oldies to refer to fairly old people. [BRIT , HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □� �a lush English fairy tale that many oldies will remember from their youth.

o ld la dy N‑SING [usu poss N ] Some men refer to their wife, girlfriend, or mother as their old lady . [INFORMAL ] □� He had met his old lady when he was a house painter and she was a waitress.

o ld mai d (old maids ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to an old or middle-aged woman as an old maid when she has never married and they think that it is unlikely that she ever will marry. This use could cause offence. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Alex is too young to be already thinking of herself as an old maid.

o ld ma n N‑SING Some people refer to their father, husband, or boyfriend as their old man . [INFORMAL ] □� Her old man left her a few million when he died.

o ld ma s|ter (old masters ) N‑COUNT An old master is a painting by one of the famous European painters of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. These painters can also be referred to as the Old Masters . □� �his collection of old masters and modern art. □� �portraits by Gainsborough, Rubens and other Old Masters.

o ld peo|ple's ho me (old people's homes ) N‑COUNT An old people's home is a place where old people live and are cared for when they are too old to look after themselves. [mainly BRIT ]

o ld school tie N‑SING When people talk about the old school tie , they are referring to the situation in which people who attended the same public school use their positions of influence to help each other. [BRIT ] □� Of course, the old school tie has been a help.

o ld-style ADJ [ADJ n] You use old-style to describe something or someone of a type that was common or popular in the past but is not common or popular now. □� �a proper barber shop with real old-style barber chairs.

O ld Te s|ta|ment N‑PROPER The Old Testament is the first part of the Bible. It deals especially with the relationship between God and the Jewish people.

o ld-time ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as old-time , you mean that it was common or popular in the past but is not common or popular now. □� �an old-time dance hall which still has a tea dance on Monday afternoons.

o ld-timer (old-timers )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as an old-timer , you mean that he or she has been living in a particular place or doing a particular job for a long time. [INFORMAL ] □� The old-timers and established families clutched the reins of power.

2 N‑COUNT An old man is sometimes referred to as an old-timer . [AM , INFORMAL ]

o ld wi ves' tale (old wives' tales ) N‑COUNT An old wives' tale is a traditional belief, especially one which is incorrect. □� Ann Bradley dispels the old wives' tales and gives the medical facts.

o ld wo m|an (old women ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone, especially a man, as an old woman , you are critical of them because you think they are too anxious about things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ole /oʊ l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ole is used in written English to represent the word 'old' pronounced in a particular way. □� 'I started fixin' up ole bicycles fer poor kids.'

olean|der /oʊ li� ndə r / (oleanders ) N‑VAR An oleander is an evergreen tree or shrub that has white, pink, or purple flowers. Oleanders grow in Mediterranean countries and in some parts of Asia and Australia.

ol|fac|tory /ɒlf� ktəri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Olfactory means concerned with the sense of smell. [FORMAL ] □� This olfactory sense develops in the womb.

oli|gar|chy /ɒ l I gɑː r ki/ (oligarchies )

1 N‑COUNT An oligarchy is a small group of people who control and run a particular country or organization. You can also refer to a country which is governed in this way as an oligarchy .

2 N‑UNCOUNT Oligarchy is a situation in which a country or organization is run by an oligarchy. □� �a protest against imperialism and oligarchy in the region.

ol|ive /ɒ l I v/ (olives )

1 N‑VAR Olives are small green or black fruit with a bitter taste. Olives are often pressed to make olive oil.

2 N‑VAR An olive or an olive tree is a tree on which olives grow. □� �an olive grove.

3 COLOUR Something that is olive is yellowish-green in colour. □� �glowing colours such as deep red, olive, saffron and ochre. ●�ADJ Olive is also a combining form. □� She wore an olive-green T-shirt.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has olive skin, the colour of their skin is light brown. □� They are handsome with dark, shining hair, olive skin and fine brown eyes.

o l|ive branch (olive branches ) also olive-branch N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you offer an olive branch to someone, you say or do something in order to show that you want to end a disagreement or quarrel. □� Clarke also offered an olive branch to critics in his party.

o l|ive oil (olive oils ) N‑VAR Olive oil is oil that is obtained by pressing olives. It is used for putting on salads or in cooking.

SUFFIX -ological

is used to replace -ology at the end of nouns in order to form adjectives that describe something as relating to a particular science or subject. For example, biological systems relate to biology.

SUFFIX -ologist

is used to replace -ology at the end of nouns in order to form other nouns that refer to people who are concerned with a particular science or subject. For example, a biologist is someone who studies biology.

SUFFIX -ology

is used at the end of some nouns that refer to a particular science or subject. For example, geology or sociology .

Olym|pian /əl I mpiən/ (Olympians )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Olympian means very powerful, large, or impressive. [FORMAL ] □� Getting his book into print has been an Olympian task in itself.

2 N‑COUNT An Olympian is a competitor in the Olympic Games. [TRADEMARK ] □� The importance of being an Olympian will vary from athlete to athlete.

Olym|pic /əl I mp I k/ (Olympics )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Olympic means relating to the Olympic Games. [TRADEMARK ] □� �the reigning Olympic champion.

2 N‑PROPER The Olympics are the Olympic Games. [TRADEMARK ] □� She won the individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

Olym|pic Ga mes N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Olympic Games are a set of international sports competitions which take place every four years, each time in a different country. [TRADEMARK ] □� At the recent Olympic Games she won gold medals in races at 200, 400, and 800m.

om|buds|man /ɒ mbʊdzmən/ (ombudsmen ) N‑COUNT Theombudsman is an independent official who has been appointed to investigate complaints that people make against the government or public organizations. □� The leaflet explains how to complain to the banking ombudsman.

ome|lette /ɒ mlət/ (omelettes ) in AM, use omelet N‑COUNT An omelette is a type of food made by beating eggs and cooking them in a flat pan. □� �a cheese omelette.

omen /oʊ men/ (omens ) N‑COUNT If you say that something is an omen , you think it indicates what is likely to happen in the future and whether it will be good or bad. □�[+�for ] Could this at last be a good omen for peace?

OMGOMG is the written abbreviation for 'Oh my God!', used especially in emails and text messages.

omi|nous /ɒ m I nəs/ ADJ If you describe something as ominous , you mean that it worries you because it makes you think that something unpleasant is going to happen. □� There was an ominous silence at the other end of the phone. ●� omi|nous|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The bar seemed ominously quiet. □� Ominously, car sales slumped in August.

omis|sion /oʊm I ʃ ə n/ (omissions )

1 N‑COUNT An omission is something that has not been included or has not been done, either deliberately or accidentally. □�[+�from ] There is one striking omission from the plot.

2 N‑VAR Omission is the act of not including a particular person or thing or of not doing something. □�[+�of ] �the prosecution's seemingly malicious omission of recorded evidence.

omit /oʊm I t/ (omits , omitting , omitted )

1 VERB If you omit something, you do not include it in an activity or piece of work, deliberately or accidentally. □�[V n] Omit the salt in this recipe. □�[V n +�from ] Our apologies to David Pannick for omitting his name from last week's article.

2 VERB If you omitto do something, you do not do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] His new girlfriend had omitted to tell him she was married.

om|ni|bus /ɒ mn I bʌs/ (omnibuses )

1 N‑COUNT [usu N n] An omnibus edition of a radio or television programme contains two or more similar programmes that were originally broadcast separately. [BRIT ] □� I enjoy the omnibus edition of the show on Sunday.

2 N‑COUNT An omnibus is a book which contains a large collection of stories or articles, often by a particular person or about a particular subject. □�[usu N n] �a new omnibus edition of three thrillers.

om|nipo|tence /ɒmn I pətəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Omnipotence is the state of having total authority or power. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the omnipotence of God.

om|nipo|tent /ɒmn I pətənt/ ADJ Someone or something that is omnipotent has complete power over things or people. [FORMAL ] □� Doug lived in the shadow of his seemingly omnipotent father.

om|ni|pres|ent /ɒ mnipre z ə nt/ ADJ Something that is omnipresent is present everywhere or seems to be always present. [FORMAL ] □� The sound of sirens was an omnipresent background noise in New York.

om|nis|ci|ent /ɒmn I siənt, [AM ] -n I ʃənt/ ADJ If you describe someone as omniscient , you mean they know or seem to know everything. [FORMAL ] □� �a benevolent and omniscient deity. □� �the Financial Times's omniscient data-gathering network. ●� om|nis|ci|ence N‑UNCOUNT □� �the divine attributes of omnipotence, benevolence and omniscience.

om|niv|or|ous /ɒmn I vərəs/

1 ADJ An omnivorous person or animal eats all kinds of food, including both meat and plants. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □� Brown bears are omnivorous, eating anything that they can get their paws on.

2 ADJ Omnivorous means liking a wide variety of things of a particular type. [FORMAL ] □� As a child, Coleridge developed omnivorous reading habits.

on ◆◆◆ The preposition is pronounced /ɒn/. The adverb and the adjective are pronounced /ɒ n/. In addition to the uses shown below, on is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. On is also used in phrasal verbs such as 'keep on', 'cotton on', and 'sign on'. 1 PREP If someone or something is on a surface or object, the surface or object is immediately below them and is supporting their weight. □� He is sitting beside her on the sofa. □� On top of the cupboards are vast straw baskets which Pat uses for dried flower arrangements. □� On the table were dishes piled high with sweets.

2 PREP If something is on a surface or object, it is stuck to it or attached to it. □� I admired the peeling paint on the ceiling. □� The clock on the wall showed one minute to twelve. □� There was a smear of gravy on his chin. ●�ADV [ADV after v] On is also an adverb. □� I know how to darn, and how to sew a button on.

3 PREP If you put, throw, or drop something on a surface, you move it or drop it so that it is then supported by the surface. □� He got his winter jacket from the closet and dropped it on the sofa. □� He threw a folded dollar on the counter.

4 PREP You use on to say what part of your body is supporting your weight. □� He continued to lie on his back and look at clouds. □� He raised himself on his elbows, squinting into the sun. □� She was on her hands and knees in the bathroom.

5 PREP You use on to say that someone or something touches a part of a person's body. □� He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the mouth. □� His jaw was broken after he was hit on the head.

6 PREP If someone has a particular expression on their face, their face has that expression. □� The maid looked at him, a nervous smile on her face. □� She looked at him with a hurt expression on her face.

7 ADV [ADV after v] When you put a piece of clothing on , you place it over part of your body in order to wear it. If you have it on , you are wearing it. □� He put his coat on while she opened the front door. □� I had a hat on.

8 PREP You can say that you have something on you if you are carrying it in your pocket or in a bag. □� I didn't have any money on me.

9 PREP If someone's eyes are on you, they are looking or staring at you. □� Everyone's eyes were fixed on him. □� It's as if all eyes are focused on me.

10 PREP If you hurt yourself on something, you accidentally hit a part of your body against it and that thing causes damage to you. □� Mr Pendle hit his head on a wall as he fell.

11 PREP If you are on an area of land, you are there. □� You lived on the farm until you came back to America? □� �a tall tree on a mountain.

12 PREP If something is situated on a place such as a road or coast, it forms part of it or is by the side of it. □� The company has opened a men's store on Fifth Avenue. □� The hotel is on the coast. □� He visited relatives at their summer house on the river.

13 PREP If you get on a bus, train, or plane, you go into it in order to travel somewhere. If you are on it, you are travelling in it. □� We waited till twelve and we finally got on the plane. □� I never go on the bus into the town. ●�ADV [ADV after v] On is also an adverb. □� He showed his ticket to the conductor and got on.

14 PREP If there is something on a piece of paper, it has been written or printed there. □� The writing on the back of the card was cramped but scrupulously neat. □� The numbers she put on the chart were 98.4, 64, and 105.

15 PREP If something is on a list, it is included in it. □� Nutritionists placed certain seafood dishes on the list of foods to limit or avoid. □� �the range of topics on the agenda for their talks.

16 PREP Books, discussions, or ideas on a particular subject are concerned with that subject. □� They offer a free counselling service which can offer help and advice on legal matters. □� He declined to give any information on the Presidential election.

17 PREP You use on to introduce the method, principle, or system which is used to do something. □� �a television that we bought on credit two months ago. □� �a levelling system which acts on the same principle as a spirit level. □� They want all groups to be treated on an equal basis.

18 PREP If something is done on an instrument or a machine, it is done using that instrument or machine. □� �songs that I could just sit down and play on the piano. □� I could do all my work on the computer.

19 PREP If information is, for example, on tape or on computer, that is the way that it is stored. □� Tourists try, and fail, to capture the view on film. □� Descriptions of the pieces have been logged on computer by the Art Loss Register.

20 PREP If something is being broadcast, you can say that it is on the radio or television. □� Every sporting event on television and satellite over the next seven days is listed. □� Here, listen, they're talking about it on Radio-Paris right now. ●�ADJ [v-link ADJ ] On is also an adjective. □� �teenagers complaining there's nothing good on.

21 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] When an activity is taking place, you can say that it is on . □� There's a marvellous match on at Wimbledon at the moment. □� We in Berlin hardly knew a war was on during the early part of 1941.

22 ADV [ADV after v] You use on in expressions such as ' have a lot on ' and ' not have very much on ' to indicate how busy someone is. [SPOKEN ] □� I have a lot on in the next week.

23 PREP You use on to introduce an activity that someone is doing, particularly travelling. □� I've always wanted to go on a cruise. □� Students on the full-time course of study are usually sponsored.

24 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] When something such as a machine or an electric light is on , it is functioning or in use. When you switch it on , it starts functioning. □� The central heating's been turned off. I've turned it on again. □� The light had been left on. □� He didn't bother to switch on the light.

25 PREP If you are on a committee or council, you are a member of it. □� Claire and Beryl were on the organizing committee. □� He was on the Council of Foreign Relations.

26 PREP You can indicate when something happens by saying that it happens on a particular day or date. □� This year's event will take place on June 19th, a week earlier than usual. □� She travels to Korea on Monday. □� I was born on Christmas day. □� Dr. Keen arrived about seven on Sunday morning.

27 PREP You use on when mentioning an event that was followed by another one. □� She waited in her hotel to welcome her children on their arrival from London. □� On reaching Dubai, the evacuees are taken straight to Dubai international airport.

28 ADV [ADV after v] You use on to say that someone is continuing to do something. □� They walked on in silence for a while. □� If the examination shows your company enjoys basically good health, read on. □� He happened to be in England when the war broke out and he just stayed on.

29 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If you say that someone goes onat you, you mean that they continually criticize you, complain to you, or ask you to do something. □�[+�at ] She's been on at me for weeks to show her round the stables. □�[+�at ] He used to keep on at me about the need to win.

30 ADV [from n ADV ] You use on in expressions such as from now on and from then on to indicate that something starts to happen at the time mentioned and continues to happen afterwards. □� Perhaps it would be best not to see much of you from now on. □� We can expect trouble from this moment on.

31 ADV [adv ADV ] You often use on after the adverbs 'early', 'late', 'far', and their comparative forms, especially at the beginning or end of a sentence, or before a preposition. □� The market square is a riot of colour and animation from early on in the morning. □� Later on I learned how to read music. □� The pub where I had arranged to meet Nobby was a good five minutes walk further on.

32 PREP Someone who is on a drug takes it regularly. □� She was on antibiotics for an eye infection that wouldn't go away. □� Many of the elderly are on medication.

33 PREP If you live on a particular kind of food, you eat it. If a machine runs on a particular kind of power or fuel, it uses it in order to function. □� The caterpillars feed on a wide range of trees, shrubs and plants. □� He lived on a diet of water and tinned fish. □� �making and selling vehicles that run on batteries or fuel-cells.

34 PREP If you are on a particular income, that is the income that you have. □� He's on three hundred a week. □� You won't be rich as an MP, but you'll have enough to live on.

35 PREP Taxes or profits that are obtained from something are referred to as taxes or profits on it. □� �a general strike to protest a tax on food and medicine last week. □� The Church was to receive a cut of the profits on every record sold.

36 PREP When you buy something or pay for something, you spend money on it. □� I resolved not to waste money on a hotel. □� He spent more on feeding the dog than he spent on feeding himself. □� More money should be spent on education and housing.

37 PREP When you spend time or energy on a particular activity, you spend time or energy doing it. □� People complain about how children spend so much time on computer games. □� �the opportunity to concentrate more time and energy on America's domestic agenda.

38 PHRASE If you say that something is not on or is just not on , you mean that it is unacceptable or impossible. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� We shouldn't use the police in that way. It's just not on.

39 PHRASE If you say that something happens on and on , you mean that it continues to happen for a very long time. □� �designers, builders, fitters�the list goes on and on. □� Lobell drove on and on through the dense and blowing snow. □� �a desert of ice stretching on and on.

40 PHRASE If you ask someone what they are on about or what they are going on about , you are puzzled because you cannot understand what they are talking about. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� What on earth are you going on about? □� Honest, Kate, I don't know what you're on about.

41 PHRASE If you say that someone knows what they are on about , you are confident that what they are saying is true or makes sense, for example because they are an expert. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� It looks like he knows what he's on about.

42 PHRASE If someone has something on you, they have evidence that you have done something wrong or bad. If they have nothing on you, they cannot prove that you have done anything wrong or bad. [INFORMAL ] □� Secret services now had something on her if they needed it. □� You've got nothing on me and you know it. Your theory would never stand up in a court of law.

43on behalf of →�see behalf

44on and off →�see off

45and so on →�see so

46on top of →�see top

once ◆◆◆ /wʌ ns/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If something happens once , it happens one time only. □� I met Wilma once, briefly. □� Since that evening I haven't once slept through the night. □� Mary had only been to Manchester once before. ●�PRON Once is also a pronoun. □� 'Have they been to visit you yet?'�'Just the once, yeah.' □� Listen to us, if only this once.

2 ADV You use once with 'a' and words like 'day', 'week', and 'month' to indicate that something happens regularly, one time in each day, week, or month. □� Lung cells die and are replaced about once a week. □� We arranged a special social event once a year to which we invited our major customers.

3 ADV [ADV with v, ADV with be ] If something was once true, it was true at some time in the past, but is no longer true. □� The culture minister once ran a theatre. □� I lived there once myself, before I got married. □� The house where she lives was once the village post office. □� My memory isn't as good as it once was.

4 ADV [ADV with v] If someone once did something, they did it at some time in the past. □� I once went camping at Lake Darling with a friend. □� We once walked across London at two in the morning. □� Diana had taken that path once.

5 CONJ If something happens once another thing has happened, it happens immediately afterwards. □� The decision had taken about 10 seconds once he'd read a market research study. □� Once customers come to rely on these systems they almost never take their business elsewhere.

6 PHRASE If something happens all at once , it happens suddenly, often when you are not expecting it to happen. □� All at once there was someone knocking on the door.

7 PHRASE If you do something at once , you do it immediately. □� I have to go, I really must, at once. □� Remove from the heat, add the parsley, toss and serve at once. □� The audience at once greeted him warmly.

8 PHRASE If a number of different things happen at once or all at once , they all happen at the same time. □� You can't be doing two things at once. □� No bank could ever pay off its creditors if they all demanded their money at once.

9 PHRASE For once is used to emphasize that something happens on this particular occasion, especially if it has never happened before, and may never happen again. [EMPHASIS ] □� For once, dad is not complaining. □� His smile, for once, was genuine.

10 PHRASE If something happens once again or once more , it happens again. □� Amy picked up the hairbrush and smoothed her hair once more. □� Once again an official inquiry has spoken of weak management and ill-trained workers.

11 PHRASE If something happens once and for all , it happens completely or finally. [EMPHASIS ] □� We have to resolve this matter once and for all. □� If we act fast, we can once and for all prevent wild animals in Britain from suffering terrible cruelty.

12 PHRASE If something happens once in a while , it happens sometimes, but not very often. □� Earrings need to be taken out and cleaned once in a while.

13 PHRASE If you have done something once or twice , you have done it a few times, but not very often. □� I popped my head round the door once or twice. □� Once or twice she had caught a flash of interest in William's eyes.

14 PHRASE Once upon a time is used to indicate that something happened or existed a long time ago or in an imaginary world. It is often used at the beginning of children's stories. □� 'Once upon a time,' he began, 'there was a man who had everything.'. □� Once upon a time, asking a woman if she has a job was quite a straightforward question.

15once in a blue moon →�see moon

o nce-over PHRASE If you give something or someone the once-over , you quickly look at or examine them. [INFORMAL ] □� She gave the apartment a once-over.

on|coming /ɒ nkʌm I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Oncoming means moving towards you. □� She was thrown from his car after it skidded into the path of an oncoming car.

o n-dema nd ADJ [usu ADJ n] An on-demand service is available at any time that you want to use it. □� �a TV package offering thousands of on-demand programmes and movies. ●�ADV [ADV after v] On-demand is also an adverb. □� Viewers increasingly choose to watch on-demand.

one ◆◆◆ /wʌ n/ (ones )

1 NUM One is the number 1. □� They had three sons and one daughter. □� �one thousand years ago. □� Our team beat them one-nil at Wembley. □� �one of the children killed in the crash.

2 ADJ If you say that someone or something is the one person or thing of a particular kind, you are emphasizing that they are the only person or thing of that kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� They had alienated the one man who knew the business. □� His one regret is that he has never learned a language.

3 DET One can be used instead of 'a' to emphasize the following noun. [EMPHASIS ] □� There is one thing I would like to know�What is it about Tim that you find so irresistible? □� One person I hate is Russ.

4 DET You can use one instead of 'a' to emphasize the following adjective or expression. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� If we ever get married we'll have one terrific wedding. □� It's like one enormous street carnival here.

5 DET You can use one to refer to the first of two or more things that you are comparing. □� Prices vary from one shop to another. □� The road hugs the coast for hundreds of miles, the South China Sea on one side, jungle on the other. ●�ADJ One is also an adjective. □� We ask why peace should have an apparent chance in the one territory and not the other. ●�PRON One is also a pronoun. □� The twins were dressed differently and one was thinner than the other.

6 PRON You can use one or ones instead of a noun when it is clear what type of thing or person you are referring to and you are describing them or giving more information about them. □� They are selling their house to move to a smaller one. □� We test each one to see that it flies well.

7 PRON You use ones to refer to people in general. □� We are the only ones who know.

8 PRON You can use one instead of a noun group when you have just mentioned something and you want to describe it or give more information about it. □� His response is one of anger and frustration. □� The issue of land reform was one that dominated parliamentary elections.

9 DET You can use one when you have been talking or writing about a group of people or things and you want to say something about a particular member of the group. □� 'A college degree isn't enough,' said one honors student. ●�PRON One is also a pronoun. □� Some of them couldn't eat a thing. One couldn't even drink.

10 QUANT You use one in expressions such as ' one of the biggest airports ' or ' one of the most experienced players ' to indicate that something or someone is bigger or more experienced than most other things or people of the same kind. □� Subaru is one of the smallest Japanese car makers.

11 DET You can use one when referring to a time in the past or in the future. For example, if you say that you did something one day , you mean that you did it on a day in the past. □� How would you like to have dinner one night, just you and me? □� Then one evening Harry phoned, asking me to come to their flat as soon as possible.

12one day →�see day

13 PRON You use one to make statements about people in general which also apply to themselves. One can be used as the subject or object of a sentence. [FORMAL ] □� If one looks at the longer run, a lot of positive things are happening. □� Shares and bonds can bring one quite a considerable additional income.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone is one for or is a one for something, you mean that they like or approve of it or enjoy doing it. □� I'm not one for political discussions. □� She was a real one for flirting with the boys.

15 PHRASE You can use for one to emphasize that a particular person is definitely reacting or behaving in a particular way, even if other people are not. [EMPHASIS ] □� I, for one, hope you don't get the job.

16 PHRASE You can use expressions such as a hundred and one , a thousand and one , and a million and one to emphasize that you are talking about a large number of things or people. [EMPHASIS ] □� There are a hundred and one ways in which you can raise money.

17 PHRASE You can use in one to indicate that something is a single unit, but is made up of several different parts or has several different functions. □� �a love story and an adventure all in one. □� This cream moisturises and repairs in one.

18 PHRASE You use one after the other or one after another to say that actions or events happen with very little time between them. □� My three guitars broke one after the other. □� One after another, people described how hard it is for them to get medical care.

19 PHRASE The one and only can be used in front of the name of an actor, singer, or other famous person when they are being introduced on a show. □� �one of the greatest ever rock performers, the one and only Tina Turner.

20 PHRASE You can use one by one to indicate that people do things or that things happen in sequence, not all at the same time. □� We went into the room one by one. □� One by one the houses burst into flames.

21 PHRASE You use one or other to refer to one or more things or people in a group, when it does not matter which particular one or ones are thought of or chosen. □�[+�of ] One or other of the two women was wrong.

22 PHRASE One or two means a few. □� We may make one or two changes. □�[+�of ] I asked one or two of the stallholders about it.

23 PHRASE If you say that someone is not oneto do something, you think that it is very unlikely that they would do it because it is not their normal behaviour. □� I'm not one to waste time on just anyone.

24 PHRASE If you try to get one up on someone, you try to gain an advantage over them. □� �the competitive kind who will see this as the opportunity to be one up on you.

25one another →�see another

26one thing after another →�see another

27of one mind →�see mind ➊

28in one piece →�see piece USAGE one

You can�t use a plural form of �one� in this kind of sentence. Don�t say, for example, � If you like grapes, I�ll get you ones �. Say �If you like grapes, I�ll get you some �. □� If you want more staples, there are some in the stationery cupboard.

o ne-armed ba n|dit (one-armed bandits ) N‑COUNT A one-armed bandit is the same as a fruit machine .

o ne-horse

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone describes a town as a one-horse town, they mean it is very small, dull, and old-fashioned. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Would you want to live in a small, one-horse town for your whole life?

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If a contest is described as a one-horse race, it is thought that one person or thing will obviously win it. □� He described the referendum as a one-horse race.

o ne-li ner (one-liners ) N‑COUNT A one-liner is a funny remark or a joke told in one sentence, for example in a play or comedy programme. [INFORMAL ] □� The book is witty and peppered with good one-liners.

o ne-man

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A one-man performance is given by only one man rather than by several people. □� I saw him do his one-man show in London, which I loved.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A one-man organization, such as a business or type of government, is controlled by one person, rather than by several people. □� It has grown from a one-man business to a multi-million dollar business. □� He established one-man rule in his country seven months ago.

o ne-man ba nd (one-man bands ) N‑COUNT Aone-man band is a street entertainer who wears and plays a lot of different instruments at the same time.

o ne-night sta nd (one-night stands ) N‑COUNT A one-night stand is a very brief sexual relationship, usually one that is casual and perhaps only lasts one night. [INFORMAL ]

o ne-of-a-ki nd ADJ [ADJ n] You use one-of-a-kind to describe something that is special because there is nothing else exactly like it. [mainly AM ] □� �a small one-of-a-kind publishing house.

o ne-off (one-offs )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to something as a one-off when it is made or happens only once. [mainly BRIT ] □� Our survey revealed that these allergies were mainly one-offs.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A one-off thing is made or happens only once. [mainly BRIT ] □� �one-off cash benefits.

o ne-on-o ne ADJ [usu ADJ n] A one-on-one situation, meeting, or contest involves only two people. □� �a one-on-one therapy session. ●�ADV [ADV after v] One-on-one is also an adverb. □�[+�with ] Talking one-on-one with people is not his idea of fun. ●�N‑SING One-on-one is also a noun. □�[+�with ] Holloway was beaten in a one-on-one with Miklosko just before half-time.

o ne-parent fa mi|ly (one-parent families ) N‑COUNT A one-parent family is a family that consists of one parent and his or her children living together. □� Many children are now born into or raised in one-parent families.

o ne-piece (one-pieces )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A one-piece article of clothing consists of one piece only, rather than two or more separate parts. □� �a blue one-piece bathing suit.

2 N‑COUNT A one-piece is a type of woman's swimming costume that consists of one piece of material and which covers her chest. □� A one-piece is more flattering than a bikini.

on|er|ous /oʊ nərəs, [AM ] ɑː n-/ ADJ If you describe a task as onerous , you dislike having to do it because you find it difficult or unpleasant. [FORMAL ] □� �parents who have had the onerous task of bringing up a very difficult child.

one's ◆◇◇ /wʌ nz/

1 DET Speakers and writers use one's to indicate that something belongs or relates to people in general, or to themselves in particular. [FORMAL ] □� �a feeling of responsibility for the welfare of others in one's community.

2One's can be used as a spoken form of 'one is' or 'one has', especially when 'has' is an auxiliary verb. □� No one's going to hurt you. □� One's got to consider all the possibilities.

3 →�see one

one|self /wʌnse lf/ Oneself is a third person singular reflexive pronoun. 1 PRON A speaker or writer uses oneself as the object of a verb or preposition in a clause where 'oneself' meaning 'me' or 'any person in general' refers to the same person as the subject of the verb. [FORMAL ] □� To work one must have time to oneself.

2 PRON Oneself can be used as the object of a verb or preposition, when 'one' is not present but is understood to be the subject of the verb. [FORMAL ] □� The historic feeling of the town makes it a pleasant place to base oneself. □� It's so easy to feel sorry for oneself.

o ne-si ded

1 ADJ If you say that an activity or relationship is one-sided , you think that one of the people or groups involved does much more than the other or is much stronger than the other. □� The negotiating was completely one-sided.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as one-sided , you are critical of what they say or do because you think it shows that they have considered only one side of an issue or event. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There has been a very one-sided account of her problems with Ted.

one|sie /wʌ nzi/ (onesies ) N‑COUNT A onesie is a single piece of clothing that combines a top with trousers. It is usually worn for sleeping or at home. □� She came down to breakfast wearing a onesie.

o ne-stop ADJ [ADJ n] A one-stop shop is a place where you can buy everything you need for a particular purpose. □� A marvellous discovery for every bride-to-be, The Wedding Centre is the ultimate one-stop shop.

o ne-time also onetime ADJ [ADJ n] One-time is used to describe something such as a job, position, or role which someone used to have, or something which happened in the past. [JOURNALISM ] □� The legislative body had voted to oust the country's onetime rulers.

o ne-to-o ne

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In a one-to-one relationship, one person deals directly with only one other person. □� �one-to-one training. □� �negotiating on a one-to-one basis. ●�ADV [ADV after v] One-to-one is also an adverb. □� She would like to talk to people one to one.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If there is a one-to-one match between two sets of things, each member of one set matches a member of the other set. □� In English, there is not a consistent one-to-one match between each written symbol and each distinct spoken sound.

one-upmanship /wʌ n ʌ pmənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's behaviour as one-upmanship , you disapprove of them trying to make other people feel inferior in order to make themselves appear more important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �political one-upmanship.

o ne-wa y

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In one-way streets or traffic systems, vehicles can only travel along in one direction. □� He zoomed through junctions without stopping and sped the wrong way down a one-way street.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] One-way describes journeys which go to just one place, rather than to that place and then back again. □� The trailers will be rented for one-way trips.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A one-way ticket or fare is for a journey from one place to another, but not back again. [mainly AM ] □� �a one-way ticket from New York to Los Angeles. ●�ADV [ADV after v] One-way is also an adverb. □� Unrestricted fares will be increased as much as $80 one-way. [in BRIT, usually use single ]

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that a course of action is a one-way ticket to a place or situation, or is a one-way journey there, you are sure that it will lead to the place or situation mentioned. □� It seemed like a one-way ticket to riches, but then it all went wrong.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] One-way glass or a one-way mirror is a piece of glass which acts as a mirror when looked at from one side, but acts as a window when looked through from the other side. They are used for watching people without their knowledge.

6 PHRASE If you describe an agreement or a relationship as a one-way street , you mean that only one of the sides in the agreement or relationship is offering something or is benefitting from it. □� The experience of the last 10 years has shown that, for the Eurosceptics, loyalty is a one-way street; something you demand but do not give. □� So trade between the two nations has been something of a one-way street, with Cuba deriving the benefit.

o ne-woman ADJ [ADJ n] A one-woman performance or business is done by only one woman, rather than by several people. □� She has already presented a one-woman show of her paintings.

on|going /ɒ ngoʊ I ŋ/ ADJ An ongoing situation has been happening for quite a long time and seems likely to continue for some time in the future. □� There is an ongoing debate on the issue. □� That research is ongoing.

on|ion /ʌ njən/ (onions ) N‑VAR An onion is a round vegetable with a brown skin that grows underground. It has many white layers on its inside which have a strong, sharp smell and taste. □� It is made with fresh minced meat, cooked with onion and a rich tomato sauce.

on|line ◆◇◇ /ɒ nla I n/ also on-line

1 ADJ If a company goes online , its services become available on the internet. [BUSINESS , COMPUTING ] □� �the first bank to go online. □� �an online shopping centre. □� �an online catalogue.

2 ADJ If you are online , your computer is connected to the internet. Compare offline . [COMPUTING ] □� You can chat to other people who are online. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Online is also an adverb. □� �the cool stuff you find online.

3on line →�see line

on|looker /ɒ nlʊkə r / (onlookers ) N‑COUNT An onlooker is someone who watches an event take place but does not take part in it. □� A handful of onlookers stand in the field watching.

only ◆◆◆ /oʊ nli/ In written English, only is usually placed immediately before the word it qualifies. In spoken English, however, you can use stress to indicate what only qualifies, so its position is not so important. 1 ADV [ADV before v] You use only to indicate the one thing that is true, appropriate, or necessary in a particular situation, in contrast to all the other things that are not true, appropriate, or necessary. □� Only the President could authorize the use of the atomic bomb. □� Only here were the police visible in any strength at all. □� 44-year-old woman seeks caring, honest male for friendship and fun. Genuine replies only. □� A business can only be built and expanded on a sound financial base.

2 ADV You use only to introduce the thing which must happen before the thing mentioned in the main part of the sentence can happen. □� The lawyer is paid only if he wins. □� The Bank of England insists that it will cut interest rates only when it is ready.

3 ADJ If you talk about theonly person or thing involved in a particular situation, you mean there are no others involved in it. □� She was the only woman in the company's legal department. □� My cat Gustaf was the only thing I had - the only company.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] An only child is a child who has no brothers or sisters.

5 ADV [ADV before v] You use only to indicate that something is no more important, interesting, or difficult, for example, than you say it is, especially when you want to correct a wrong idea that someone may get or has already got. □� At the moment it is only a theory. □� 'I'm only a sergeant,' said Clements. □� Don't get defensive, Charlie. I was only joking.

6 ADV You use only to emphasize how small an amount is or how short a length of time is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Child car seats only cost about �10 a week to hire. □� �spacecraft guidance systems weighing only a few grams. □� I've only recently met him.

7 ADV [ADV n] You use only to emphasize that you are talking about a small part of an amount or group, not the whole of it. [EMPHASIS ] □� These are only a few of the possibilities. □� Only a minority of the people supported the Revolution.

8 ADV Only is used after 'can' or 'could' to emphasize that it is impossible to do anything except the rather inadequate or limited action that is mentioned. [EMPHASIS ] □� For a moment I could say nothing. I could only stand and look. □� The police can only guess at the scale of the problem.

9 ADV [ADV before v] You can use only in the expressions I only wish or I only hope in order to emphasize what you are hoping or wishing. [EMPHASIS ] □� I only wish he were here now that things are getting better for me.

10 CONJ Only can be used to add a comment which slightly changes or limits what you have just said. [INFORMAL ] □� It's just as dramatic as a film, only it's real. □� Drop in and see me when you're ready. Only don't take too long about it.

11 CONJ Only can be used after a clause with 'would' to indicate why something is not done. [SPOKEN ] □� I'd invite you to come with me, only it's such a long way. □� I'd be quite happy to go. Only I don't know what my kids would say about living there.

12 ADV [ADV to-inf] You can use only before an infinitive to introduce an event which happens immediately after one you have just mentioned, and which is rather surprising or unfortunate. □� Ryle tried the Embassy, only to be told that Hugh was in a meeting. □� He raced through the living room, only to find the front door closed.

13 ADV [usu ADV adj] You can use only to emphasize how appropriate a certain course of action or type of behaviour is. [EMPHASIS ] □� It's only fair to let her know that you intend to apply. □� She appeared to have changed considerably, which was only to be expected.

14 ADV [ADV before v] You can use only in front of a verb to indicate that the result of something is unfortunate or undesirable and is likely to make the situation worse rather than better. □� The embargo would only hurt innocent civilians. □� She says that legalising prostitution will only cause problems.

15 PHRASE If you say you only have to or have only to do one thing in order to achieve or prove a second thing, you are emphasizing how easily the second thing can be achieved or proved. [EMPHASIS ] □� Any time you want a babysitter, dear, you only have to ask. □� We have only to read the labels to know what ingredients are in foods.

16 PHRASE You can say that something has only just happened when you want to emphasize that it happened a very short time ago. [EMPHASIS ] □� I've only just arrived. □� The signs of an economic revival are only just beginning.

17 PHRASE You use only just to emphasize that something is true, but by such a small degree that it is almost not true at all. [EMPHASIS ] □� For centuries farmers there have only just managed to survive. □� I am old enough to remember the Blitz, but only just.

18 PHRASE You can use only too to emphasize that something is true or exists to a much greater extent than you would expect or like. [EMPHASIS ] □� I know only too well that plans can easily go wrong. □� When the new baby comes along, it is only too easy to shut out the others.

19 PHRASE You can say that you are only too happy to do something to emphasize how willing you are to do it. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'll be only too pleased to help them out with any queries.

20if only →�see if

21not only →�see not

22the one and only →�see one

o n-me ssage ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a politician is on-message , they say something that follows the official policy of their party.

o.n.o. In advertisements, o.n.o. is used after a price to indicate that the person who is selling something is willing to accept slightly less money than the sum they have mentioned. o.n.o. is a written abbreviation for 'or near offer'. [BRIT ]

ono|mato|poeia /ɒ nəm�təpiː ə/ N‑UNCOUNT Onomatopoeia refers to the use of words which sound like the noise they refer to. 'Hiss', 'buzz', and 'rat-a-tat-tat' are examples of onomatopoeia. [TECHNICAL ]

ono|mato|poe|ic /ɒ nəm�təpiː I k/ ADJ Onomatopoeic words sound like the noise they refer to. 'Hiss', 'buzz', and 'rat-a-tat-tat' are examples of onomatopoeic words. [TECHNICAL ]

on|rush /ɒ nrʌʃ/ N‑SING The onrush of something is its sudden development, which happens so quickly and forcefully that you are unable to control it. □�[+�of ] The onrush of tears took me by surprise. □�[+�of ] She was screwing up her eyes against the onrush of air.

on|rush|ing /ɒ nrʌʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Onrushing describes something such as a vehicle that is moving forward so quickly or forcefully that it would be very difficult to stop. □� He was killed by an onrushing locomotive. □� �the roar of the onrushing water.

o n-scree n also onscreen

1 ADJ [ADJ n] On-screen means appearing on the screen of a television, cinema, or computer. □� �a clear and easy-to-follow menu-driven on-screen display. □� Read the on-screen lyrics and sing along.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] On-screen means relating to the roles played by film or television actors, in contrast with their real lives. □� �her first onscreen kiss. ●�ADV On-screen is also an adverb. □� He was immensely attractive to women, onscreen and offscreen.

on|set /ɒ nset/ N‑SING Theonsetof something is the beginning of it, used especially to refer to something unpleasant. □�[+�of ] Most of the passes have been closed with the onset of winter.

on|shore /ɒ nʃɔː r /

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Onshore means happening on or near land, rather than at sea. □� �Western Europe's biggest onshore oilfield. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Onshore is also an adverb. □� They missed the ferry and remained onshore.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Onshore means happening or moving towards the land. □� The onshore wind blew steadily past him. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Onshore is also an adverb. □� There was a bit of a wind and it was blowing onshore.

on|side /ɒ nsa I d/

1 ADJ In games such as football and hockey, when an attacking player is onside , they have not broken the rules because at least two players from the opposing team are between them and the goal when the ball is passed to them.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a person or group of people is onside , they support you and agree with what you are doing. □� The company is phoning shareholders in an attempt to bring them onside.

o n-si te →�see site

on|slaught /ɒ nslɔːt/ (onslaughts )

1 N‑COUNT An onslaught on someone or something is a very violent, forceful attack against them. □�[+�against ] The rebels responded to a military onslaught against them by launching a major assault. [Also +�by ]

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to an onslaughtof something, you mean that there is a large amount of it, often so that it is very difficult to deal with. □�[+�of ] �the constant onslaught of ads on American TV.

on|stage /ɒ nste I dʒ/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] When someone such as an actor or musician goes onstage , they go onto the stage in a theatre to give a performance. □� When she walked onstage she was given a standing ovation.

o n-the-jo b →�see job

o n-the-spo t ADJ [ADJ n] On-the-spot things are done at the place that you are in at the time that you are there. □� Rail travellers who try to avoid paying their fares could face on-the-spot fines.

onto ◆◇◇ /ɒ ntu/ also on to In addition to the uses shown below, onto is used in phrasal verbs such as 'hold onto' and 'latch onto'. 1 PREP If something moves or is put onto an object or surface, it is then on that object or surface. □� I took my bags inside, lowered myself onto the bed and switched on the TV. □� Smear Vaseline on to your baby's skin to prevent soreness.

2 PREP You can sometimes use onto to mention the place or area that someone moves into. □� The players emerged onto the field. □� Alex turned his car on to the Albert Quay and drove along until he found a parking place.

3 PREP You can use onto to introduce the place towards which a light or someone's look is directed. □� �the metal part of the door onto which the sun had been shining. □� �the house with its leafy garden and its view on to Regent's Park.

4 PREP You can use onto to introduce a place that you would immediately come to after leaving another place that you have just mentioned, because they are next to each other. □� �windows opening onto carved black-wood balconies. □� The door opened onto a lighted hallway.

5 PREP When you change the position of your body, you use onto to introduce the part your body which is now supporting you. □� As he stepped backwards she fell onto her knees, then onto her face. □� I willed my eyes to open and heaved myself over on to my back.

6 PREP When you get onto a bus, train, or plane, you enter it in order to travel somewhere. □� As he got on to the plane, he asked me how I was feeling. □� 'I'll see you onto the train.'�'Thank you.'

7 PREP Onto is used after verbs such as 'hold', 'hang', and 'cling' to indicate what someone is holding firmly or where something is being held firmly. □� The reflector is held onto the sides of the spacecraft with a frame. □� She was conscious of a second man hanging on to the rail.

8 PREP If people who are talking get onto a different subject, they begin talking about it. □� Let's get on to more important matters. □� So, if we could just move onto something else?

9 PREP You can sometimes use onto to indicate that something or someone becomes included as a part of a list or system. □� The Macedonian question had failed to get on to the agenda. □� The pill itself has changed a lot since it first came onto the market. □� Twelve thousand workers will go onto a four-day week at their factory in Birmingham.

10 PREP If someone is onto something, they are about to discover something important. [INFORMAL ] □� He leaned across the table and whispered to me, 'I'm really onto something.'. □� Archaeologists knew they were onto something big when they started digging.

11 PREP If someone is onto you, they have discovered that you are doing something illegal or wrong. [INFORMAL ] □� I had told people what he had been doing, so now the police were onto him.

on|tol|ogy /ɒntɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Ontology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of existence. [TECHNICAL ] ●� on|to|logi|cal /ɒ ntəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �the ontological question of the relationship between mind and body.

onus /oʊ nəs/ N‑SING If you say that theonus is on someone to do something, you mean it is their duty or responsibility to do it. [FORMAL ] □� If you ordered something, then the onus is on you to pay for it. [Also +�of ]

on|ward /ɒ nwə r d/ also onwards In British English, onwards is an adverb and onward is an adjective. In American English and sometimes in formal British English, onward may also be an adverb. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Onward means moving forward or continuing a journey. □� They have two flights a day to Bangkok, and there are onward flights to Phnom Penh. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Onward is also an adverb. □� The bus continued onward. □�[+�to ] He measured the distance to the nearest Antarctic coast, and onwards to the South Pole.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Onward means developing, progressing, or becoming more important over a period of time. □� �the onward march of progress in the British aircraft industry. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Onward is also an adverb. □� I can see things just going onwards and upwards for us now.

3 ADV [from n ADV ] If something happens from a particular time onwards or onward , it begins to happen at that time and continues to happen afterwards. □� From the turn of the century onward, she shared the life of the aborigines.

onyx /ɒ n I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Onyx is a stone which can be various colours. It is used for making ornaments, jewellery, or furniture.

oo /uː / →�see ooh

oodles /uː d ə lz/ QUANT If you say that there is oodles of something, you are emphasizing that there is a very large quantity of it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] The recipe calls for oodles of melted chocolate.

ooh /uː / also oo EXCLAM People say ' ooh ' when they are surprised, looking forward to something, or find something pleasant or unpleasant. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� 'Ooh dear me, that's a bit of a racist comment isn't it.'. □� 'Red? Ooh how nice.'

oomph /ʊ mf/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something has oomph , you mean that they are energetic and exciting. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� 'There's no buzz, there's no oomph about the place,' he complained.

oops /ʊ ps, uː ps/ EXCLAM You say ' oops ' to indicate that there has been a slight accident or mistake, or to apologize to someone for it. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Today they're saying, 'Oops, we made a mistake.'

ooze /uː z/ (oozes , oozing , oozed )

1 VERB When a thick or sticky liquid oozes from something or when something oozes it, the liquid flows slowly and in small quantities. □�[V ] He saw there was a big hole in the back of the man's head, blood was still oozing from it. □�[V adv] The lava will just ooze gently out of the crater. □�[V n] The wounds may heal cleanly or they may ooze a clear liquid.

2 VERB If you say that someone or something oozes a quality or characteristic, or oozes with it, you mean that they show it very strongly. □�[V n] The Elizabethan house oozes charm. □�[V +�with ] Manchester United were by now oozing with confidence.

op /ɒ p/ (ops )

1 N‑COUNT An op is a medical operation. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �breast cancer ops.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Ops are military operations. □� Flt Lt Beamont had completed a 200 hour tour of ops in December 1941.

op. In music, op. is a written abbreviation for opus . □� �Beethoven's Op. 101 and 111 sonatas.

opac|ity /oʊp� s I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Opacity is the quality of being difficult to see through. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Opacity of the eye lens can be induced by deficiency of certain vitamins.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to something's opacity , you mean that it is difficult to understand. [FORMAL ] □� Its dramatic nuances were often generalised to the point of opacity.

opal /oʊ p ə l/ (opals ) N‑VAR An opal is a precious stone. Opals are colourless or white, but other colours are reflected in them.

opal|es|cent /oʊ pəle s ə nt/ ADJ Opalescent means colourless or white like an opal, or changing colour like an opal. [LITERARY ] □� Elaine turned her opalescent eyes on him. □� �a sky which was still faintly opalescent. ●� opal|es|cence N‑UNCOUNT □� The sunset was making great splashes of fiery opalescence across the sky.

opaque /oʊpe I k/

1 ADJ If an object or substance is opaque , you cannot see through it. □� You can always use opaque glass if you need to block a street view.

2 ADJ If you say that something is opaque , you mean that it is difficult to understand. □� �the opaque language of the inspector's reports.

op. cit. /ɒ p s I t/ In reference books, op. cit. is used after an author's name to refer to a book of theirs which has already been mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� �quoted in Iyer, op. cit., p. 332.

OPEC /oʊ pek/ N‑PROPER OPEC is an organization of countries that produce oil. It tries to develop a common policy and system of prices. OPEC is an abbreviation for 'Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries'. □� Each member of OPEC would seek to maximize its own production.

o p-e d ADJ [ADJ n] In a newspaper, the op-ed page is a page containing articles in which people express their opinions about things. [AM , INFORMAL ]

open ◆◆◆ /oʊ pən/ (opens , opening , opened )

1 VERB If you open something such as a door, window, or lid, or if it opens , its position is changed so that it no longer covers a hole or gap. □�[V n] He opened the window and looked out. □�[V ] The church doors would open and the crowd would surge out. ●�ADJ Open is also an adjective. □� �an open window. □� A door had been forced open.

2 VERB If you open something such as a bottle, box, parcel, or envelope, you move, remove, or cut part of it so you can take out what is inside. □�[V n] The Inspector opened the suitcase. □�[V n] The capsules are fiddly to open. ●�ADJ Open is also an adjective. □� �an open bottle of milk. □� I tore the letter open. ●�PHRASAL VERB Open up means the same as open . □�[V P n] He opened up a cage and lifted out a 6ft python. [Also V n P ]

3 VERB If you open something such as a book, an umbrella, or your hand, or if it opens , the different parts of it move away from each other so that the inside of it can be seen. □�[V n] He opened the heavy Bible. □�[V ] The officer's mouth opened, showing white, even teeth. ●�ADJ Open is also an adjective. □� Without warning, Bardo smacked his fist into his open hand. □� His mouth was a little open, as if he'd started to scream. ●�PHRASAL VERB Open out means the same as open . □�[V n P ] Keith took a map from the dashboard and opened it out on his knees. □�[V P ] �oval tables which open out to become circular. [Also V P n]

4 VERB If you open a computer file, you give the computer an instruction to display it on the screen. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] Double click on the icon to open the file.

5 VERB When you open your eyes or your eyes open , you move your eyelids upwards, for example when you wake up, so that you can see. □�[V n] When I opened my eyes I saw a man with an axe standing at the end of my bed. □�[V ] His eyes were opening wide. ●�ADJ Open is also an adjective. □� As soon as he saw that her eyes were open, he sat up.

6 VERB If you open your arms, you stretch them wide apart in front of you, usually in order to put them round someone. □�[V n] She opened her arms and gave me a big hug.

7 ADJ If you describe a person or their character as open , you mean they are honest and do not want or try to hide anything or to deceive anyone. □�[+�with ] He had always been open with her and she always felt she would know if he lied. □� She has an open, trusting nature. ●� open|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �a relationship based on honesty and openness.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a situation, attitude, or way of behaving as open , you mean it is not kept hidden or secret. □� The action is an open violation of the Vienna Convention. □� Hearing the case in open court is only one part of the judicial process. ●� open|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the new climate of political openness.

9 ADJ If you are open to suggestions or ideas, you are ready and willing to consider or accept them. □�[+�to ] They are open to suggestions on how working conditions might be improved.

10 ADJ If you say that a system, person, or idea is open to something such as abuse or criticism, you mean they might receive abuse or criticism because of their qualities, effects, or actions. □�[+�to ] The system, though well-meaning, is open to abuse.

11 ADJ If you say that a fact or question is opento debate, interpretation, or discussion, you mean that people are uncertain whether it is true, what it means, or what the answer is. □� It is an open question how long that commitment can last.

12 VERB If people open something such as a blocked road or a border, or if it opens , people can then pass along it or through it. □�[V n] The rebels have opened the road from Monrovia to the Ivory Coast. □�[V ] The solid rank of police officers lining the courtroom opened to let them pass. ●�ADJ Open is also an adjective. □� We were part of an entire regiment that had nothing else to do but to keep that highway open. ●�PHRASAL VERB Open up means the same as open . □�[V P n] Can we get the fencing removed and open up the road again? □�[V P ] When the Berlin Wall came down it wasn't just the roads that opened up but the waterways too. [Also V n P ]

13 VERB If a place opensinto another, larger place, you can move from one directly into the other. □�[V +�into/onto/to ] The corridor opened into a low smoky room. ●�PHRASAL VERB Open out means the same as open . □�[V P +�into/onto/to ] �narrow streets opening out into charming squares.

14 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An open area is a large area that does not have many buildings or trees in it. □� Officers will also continue their search of nearby open ground.

15 ADJ [ADJ n] An open structure or object is not covered or enclosed. □� Don't leave a child alone in a room with an open fire. □� �open sandwiches.

16 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An open wound is one from which a liquid such as blood is coming.

17 VERB If you open your shirt or coat, you undo the buttons or pull down the zip. □�[V n] I opened my coat and let him see the belt. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Open is also an adjective. □� The top can be worn buttoned up or open over a T-shirt.

18 VERB When a shop, office, or public building opens or is opened , its doors are unlocked and the public can go in. □�[V ] Banks closed on Friday afternoon and did not open again until Monday morning. □�[V n] �a gang of three who'd apparently been lying in wait for him to open the shop. □�[V -ing] �opening and closing times. ●�ADJ Open is also an adjective. □� His shop is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.

19 VERB When a public building, factory, or company opens or when someone opens it, it starts operating for the first time. □�[V ] The original station opened in 1754. □�[V +�to ] The complex opens to the public tomorrow. □�[V n] They are planning to open a factory in Eastern Europe. ●�ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Open is also an adjective. □� �any operating subsidy required to keep the pits open. ●� open|ing (openings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] □� He was there, though, for the official opening.

20 VERB If something such as a meeting or series of talks opens , or if someone opens it, it begins. □�[V ] �an emergency session of the Russian Parliament due to open later this morning. □�[V n] They are now ready to open negotiations. ●� open|ing N‑SING □� �a communique issued at the opening of the talks.

21 VERB If an event such as a meeting or discussion openswith a particular activity or if a particular activity opens an event, that activity is the first thing that happens or is dealt with. You can also say that someone such as a speaker or singer opensby doing a particular thing. □�[V +�with ] The service opened with a hymn. □�[V +�by ] I opened by saying, 'Honey, you look sensational.'. □�[V n +�with ] Pollard opened the conversation with some small talk. [Also V n +�by ]

22 VERB On the stock exchange, the price at which currencies, shares, or commodities open is their value at the start of that day's trading. [BUSINESS ] □�[V prep/adv] The stock had opened at $71. □�[V adj] The dollar opened almost unchanged.

23 VERB When a film, play, or other public event opens , it begins to be shown, be performed, or take place for a limited period of time. □�[V ] A photographic exhibition opens at the Royal College of Art on Wednesday. ●� open|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] He is due to attend the opening of the Asian Games on Saturday.

24 VERB If you open an account with a bank or a commercial organization, you begin to use their services. □�[V n] He tried to open an account at the branch of his bank nearest to his workplace.

25 ADJ If an opportunity or choice is open to you, you are able to do a particular thing if you choose to. □�[+�to ] There are a wide range of career opportunities open to young people.

26 VERB To open opportunities or possibilities means the same as to open them up . □�[V n] The chief of naval operations wants to open opportunities for women in the Navy. □�[V ] A series of fortunate opportunities opened to him.

27 ADJ You can use open to describe something that anyone is allowed to take part in or accept. □� A recent open meeting of College members revealed widespread dissatisfaction. □� A portfolio approach would keep entry into the managerial profession open and flexible. □� �an open invitation.

28 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something such as an offer or job is open , it is available for someone to accept or apply for. □� The offer will remain open until further notice.

29 →�see also opening6

30 PHRASE If you do something in the open , you do it out of doors rather than in a house or other building. □� Many are sleeping in the open because they have no shelter.

31 PHRASE If an attitude or situation is in the open or out in the open , people know about it and it is no longer kept secret. □� The medical service had advised us to keep it a secret, but we wanted it in the open.

32 PHRASE If something is wide open , it is open to its full extent. □� The child had left the inner door wide open.

33 PHRASE If you say that a competition, race, or election is wide open , you mean that anyone could win it, because there is no competitor who seems to be much better than the others. □� The competition has been thrown wide open by the absence of the world champion.

34with open arms →�see arm ➊

35to open the door →�see door

36to keep your eyes open →�see eye

37with your eyes open →�see eye

38to open your eyes →�see eye

39to open fire →�see fire ➋

40to open your heart →�see heart

41the heavens open →�see heaven

42an open mind →�see mind ➊

43to open your mind →�see mind ➊

44to keep your options open →�see option

▸� open out →�see open3 , open14

▸� open up

1 →�see open2 , open13

2 PHRASAL VERB If a place, economy, or area of interest opens up , or if someone opens it up , more people can go there or become involved in it. □�[V P ] Demand is outstripping supply since the market opened up. □�[V P +�to ] He wanted to see how the country was opening up to the world. □�[V P n] These programmes will open up markets for farmers. [Also V n P , V n P to n]

3 PHRASAL VERB If something opens up opportunities or possibilities, or if they open up , they are created. □�[V P n] It was also felt that the collapse of the system opened up new possibilities. □�[V P ] New opportunities are opening up for investors. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you open up a lead in a race or competition, you get yourself into a position where you are leading, usually by quite a long way. □�[V P n] The Chinese team had opened up a lead of more than two minutes.

5 PHRASAL VERB When you open up a building, you unlock and open the door so that people can get in. □�[V P n] Three armed men were waiting when the postmaster arrived to open up the shop.

6 PHRASAL VERB If someone opens up , they start to say exactly what they think or feel. □�[V P +�to ] Lorna found that people were willing to open up to her. USAGE open

Opened is the past tense and past participle of the verb open . You only use it when you are describing the action of opening something. For example, 'A tall man opened the front door'. Don�t describe the position of a door by saying that it �is opened�. Say that it �is open�. □� The door was open and the sunshine streamed in.

o pen-ai r also open air

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An open-air place or event is outside rather than in a building. □� �the Open Air Theatre in Regents Park. □� �an open air concert in brilliant sunshine.

2 N‑SING If you are in theopen air , you are outside rather than in a building. □� We sleep out under the stars, and eat our meals in the open air.

o pen-and-shu t ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a dispute or a legal case as open-and-shut , you mean that is easily decided or solved because the facts are very clear. □� It's an open and shut case. The hospital is at fault.

open|cast /oʊ pənkɑːst, -k�st/ also open-cast ADJ [ADJ n] At an opencast mine, the coal, metal, or minerals are near the surface and underground passages are not needed. [BRIT ] in AM, use strip mine , open pit

o pen day (open days ) N‑COUNT An open day is a day on which members of the public are encouraged to visit a particular school, university, or other institution to see what it is like. [BRIT ] in AM, use open house

o pen-doo r also open door ADJ [ADJ n] If a country or organization has an open-door policy towards people or goods, it allows them to come there freely, without any restrictions. □� �reformers who have advocated an open door economic policy. ●�N‑SING Open door is also a noun. □� �an open door to further foreign investment.

o pen-e nded ADJ [usu ADJ n] When people begin an open-ended discussion or activity, they do not have a particular result, decision, or timespan in mind. □� Girls do better on open-ended tasks that require them to think for themselves. □� �open-ended questions about what passengers expect of an airline.

open|er /oʊ pənə r / (openers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An opener is a tool which is used to open containers such as tins or bottles. □� �a tin opener.

2 →�see also eye-opener

o pen hou se

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone keeps open house , you mean that they welcome friends or visitors to their house whenever they arrive and allow them to stay for as long as they want to. □� Father Illtyd kept open house and the boys would congregate in his study during their recreation time, playing cards or games.

2 N‑VAR [oft N n] An open house is a day on which members of the public are encouraged to visit a particular institution or place to see what it is like. [AM ] □�[+�at ] A week later, Sara and I attended open house at Ted's school. in BRIT, use open day

open|ing ◆◇◇ /oʊ pən I ŋ/ (openings )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The opening event, item, day, or week in a series is the first one. □� They returned to take part in the season's opening game. □� �the opening day of the fifth General Synod.

2 N‑COUNT Theopeningof something such as a book, play, or concert is the first part of it. □�[+�of ] The opening of the scene depicts Akhnaten and his family in a moment of intimacy.

3 N‑COUNT An opening is a hole or empty space through which things or people can pass. □�[+�in ] He squeezed through a narrow opening in the fence.

4 N‑COUNT An opening in a forest is a small area where there are no trees or bushes. [mainly AM ] □�[+�by ] I glanced down at the beach as we passed an opening in the trees. in BRIT, usually use clearing5 N‑COUNT An opening is a good opportunity to do something, for example to show people how good you are. □� Her capabilities were always there; all she needed was an opening to show them.

6 N‑COUNT An opening is a job that is available. □� We don't have any openings now, but we'll call you if something comes up.

7 →�see also open

o pen|ing hours N‑PLURAL Opening hours are the times during which a shop, bank, library, or bar is open for business. □� Opening hours are 9.30am�5.45pm, Mon�Fri.

o pen|ing ni ght (opening nights ) N‑COUNT The opening night of a play or an opera is the first night on which a particular production is performed.

o pen|ing time (opening times )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] You can refer to the time that a shop, bank, library, or bar opens for business as its opening time . □� Shoppers began arriving long before the 10am opening time.

2 N‑PLURAL The opening times of a place such as a shop, a restaurant, or a museum is the period during which it is open. □� Ask the local tourist office about opening times.

o pen le t|ter (open letters ) N‑COUNT An open letter is a letter that is published in a newspaper or magazine. It is addressed to a particular person but is intended for the general reader, usually in order to protest or give an opinion about something. □� The Lithuanian parliament also sent an open letter to the United Nations.

open|ly /oʊ pənli/ ADV [ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you do something openly , you do it without hiding any facts or hiding your feelings. □� The Bundesbank has openly criticised the German Government.

o pen ma r|ket N‑SING Goods that are bought and sold on the open market are advertised and sold to anyone who wants to buy them. [BUSINESS ] □� The Central Bank is authorized to sell government bonds on the open market.

o pen-mi nded ADJ If you describe someone as open-minded , you approve of them because they are willing to listen to and consider other people's ideas and suggestions. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] He was very open-minded about other people's work. ●� open-mindedness N‑UNCOUNT □� He was praised for his enthusiasm and his open-mindedness.

o pen-mou thed ADJ [usu ADJ after v, ADJ n] If someone is looking open-mouthed , they are staring at something with their mouth wide open because it has shocked, frightened, or excited them. □� They watched almost open-mouthed as the two men came towards them. □� The finale had 50,000 adults standing in open-mouthed wonderment.

o pen-ne cked also open-neck ADJ [ADJ n] If you are wearing an open-necked shirt or blouse, you are wearing a shirt or blouse which has no buttons at the top or on which the top button is not done up.

o pen pi t (open pits ) N‑COUNT An open pit is a mine where the coal, metal, or minerals are near the surface and underground passages are not needed. [AM ] in BRIT, use opencast mine

o pen-pla n ADJ An open-plan building, office, or room has no internal walls dividing it into smaller areas. □� The firm's top managers share the same open-plan office.

o pen pri s|on (open prisons ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An open prison is a prison where there are fewer restrictions on prisoners than in a normal prison. [BRIT ] in AM, use minimum security prison

o pen que s|tion (open questions ) N‑COUNT If something is anopen question , people have different opinions about it and nobody can say which opinion is correct. □� He thought it was an open question whether sanctions would do any good.

o pen sea |son N‑UNCOUNT If you say that it is open seasonon someone or something, you mean that a lot of people are currently criticizing or attacking them. □�[+�on ] It was open season on journalists and academics.

o pen se |cret (open secrets ) N‑COUNT If you refer to something as anopen secret , you mean that it is supposed to be a secret, but many people know about it. □�[+�that] It's an open secret that the security service bugged phones.

o pen sou rce also open-source ADJ Open source material is computer programming code or software that anyone is allowed to use or modify without asking permission from the company that developed it. [COMPUTING ] □� Supporters say open source software is more secure.

o pen-to p also open-topped ADJ [ADJ n] An open-top bus has no roof, so that the people sitting on the top level can see or be seen more easily. An open-top car has no roof or has a roof that can be removed. □� The team drove through the streets of Leeds city centre in an open-top bus.

O pen Uni|ve r|sity N‑PROPER In Britain, the Open University is a university that runs degree courses online and using the radio and television, for students who want to study part-time or mainly at home.

op|era ◆◇◇ /ɒ pərə/ (operas )

1 N‑VAR An opera is a play with music in which all the words are sung. □�[+�about ] �a one-act opera about contemporary women in America. □� �an opera singer. □� He was also learned in classical music with a great love of opera.

2 →�see also soap opera

o p|era house (opera houses ) N‑COUNT An opera house is a theatre that is specially designed for the performance of operas. □� �Sydney Opera House.

op|eran|di /ɒpər� nda I / →�see modus operandi

op|er|ate ◆◆◆ /ɒ pəre I t/ (operates , operating , operated )

1 VERB If you operate a business or organization, you work to keep it running properly. If a business or organization operates , it carries out its work. □�[V n] Until his death in 1986, Greenwood owned and operated an enormous pear orchard. □�[V ] �allowing commercial banks to operate in the country. □�[V -ing] Operating costs jumped from �85.3m to �95m. ●� op|era|tion /ɒ pəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Company finance is to provide funds for the everyday operation of the business.

2 VERB The way that something operates is the way that it works or has a particular effect. □�[V adv/prep] Ceiling and wall lights can operate independently. □�[V adv] The world of work doesn't operate that way. ●� op|era|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the operation of the benefit system.

3 VERB When you operate a machine or device, or when it operates , you make it work. □�[V n] A massive rock fall trapped the men as they operated a tunnelling machine. □�[V ] The number of these machines operating around the world has now reached ten million. ●� op|era|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �over 1,000 dials monitoring every aspect of the operation of the aeroplane.

4 VERB When surgeons operateon a patient in a hospital, they cut open a patient's body in order to remove, replace, or repair a diseased or damaged part. □�[V +�on ] The surgeon who operated on the King released new details of his injuries. □�[V ] You examine a patient and then you decide whether or not to operate.

5 VERB If military forces are operatingin a particular region, they are in that place in order to carry out their orders. □�[V prep] Up to ten thousand soldiers are operating in the area. SYNONYMS operate VERB

1

run:His stepfather ran a prosperous paint business.

manage:Within two years he was managing the store.

control:He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California.

2

function:The machine is functioning normally.

work:The pump doesn't work and we have no running water.

3

work:Do you know how to work this washing machine?

control:�a computerised system to control the gates.

op|er|at|ic /ɒ pər� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Operatic means relating to opera. □� �the local amateur operatic society.

op|er|at|ing /ɒ pəre I t I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Operating profits and costs are the money that a company earns and spends in carrying out its ordinary trading activities, in contrast to such things as interest and investment. [BUSINESS ] □� The group made operating profits of �80m before interest.

o p|er|at|ing room (operating rooms ) N‑COUNT An operating room is the same as an operating theatre . [AM ]

o p|er|at|ing sys|tem (operating systems ) N‑COUNT The operating system of a computer is its most basic program, which it needs in order to function and run other programs. [COMPUTING ]

o p|er|at|ing ta|ble (operating tables ) N‑COUNT An operating table is a table which a patient in a hospital lies on during a surgical operation.

o p|er|at|ing thea|tre (operating theatres ) N‑COUNT An operating theatre is a special room in a hospital where surgeons carry out medical operations. [BRIT ] in AM, use operating room

op|era|tion ◆◆◆ /ɒ pəre I ʃ ə n/ (operations )

1 N‑COUNT An operation is a highly organized activity that involves many people doing different things. □� The rescue operation began on Friday afternoon. □� The soldiers were engaged in a military operation close to the border. □� �a police operation against organised crime.

2 N‑COUNT A business or company can be referred to as an operation . [BUSINESS ] □� Thorn's electronics operation employs around 5,000 people. □� The two parent groups now run their business as a single combined operation.

3 N‑COUNT When a patient has an operation , a surgeon cuts open their body in order to remove, replace, or repair a diseased or damaged part. □� Charles was at the clinic recovering from an operation on his arm.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [in/out of N ] If a system is inoperation , it is being used. □� The scheme is expected to be in operation by the end of March.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [in/out of N ] If a machine or device is inoperation , it is working. □� There are three ski lifts in operation.

6 PHRASE When a rule, system, or plan comes into operation or you put it into operation , you begin to use it. □� The Financial Services Act came into operation four years ago. □� Cheaper energy conservation techniques have been put into operation in the developed world.

op|era|tion|al /ɒ pəre I ʃən ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A machine or piece of equipment that is operational is in use or is ready for use. □� The whole system will be fully operational by December.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Operational factors or problems relate to the working of a system, device, or plan. □� We cannot give any more details at this stage for operational reasons. ●� op|era|tion|al|ly ADV [oft ADV adj, ADV after v] □� The device had been used operationally some months previously.

op|era|tive /ɒ pərət I v/ (operatives )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A system or service that is operative is working or having an effect. [FORMAL ] □� The commercial telephone service was no longer operative.

2 N‑COUNT An operative is a worker, especially one who does work with their hands. [FORMAL ] □� In an automated car plant there is not a human operative to be seen.

3 N‑COUNT An operative is someone who works for a government agency such as the intelligence service. [mainly AM ] □� Naturally the CIA wants to protect its operatives.

4 PHRASE If you describe a word as the operative word , you want to draw attention to it because you think it is important or exactly true in a particular situation. □� As long as the operative word is 'greed', you can't count on people keeping the costs down.

op|era|tor ◆◇◇ /ɒ pəre I tə r / (operators )

1 N‑COUNT An operator is a person who connects phone calls at a telephone exchange or in a place such as an office or hotel. □� He dialled the operator and put in a call for Rome.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An operator is a person who is employed to operate or control a machine. □� �computer operators.

3 N‑COUNT An operator is a person or a company that runs a business. [BUSINESS ] □� �'Tele-Communications', the nation's largest cable TV operator.

4 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you call someone a good operator , you mean that they are skilful at achieving what they want, often in a slightly dishonest way. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�in ] �one of the shrewdest political operators in the Arab World.

5 →�see also tour operator COLLOCATIONS operator NOUN

2

noun +�operator : computer, machine, train

adjective +�operator : experienced, skilled

3

noun +�operator : hotel, mobile phone, network, rail

op|er|et|ta /ɒ pəre tə/ (operettas ) N‑VAR An operetta is a light-hearted opera which has some of the words spoken rather than sung.

oph|thal|mic /ɒfθ� lm I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ophthalmic means relating to or concerned with the medical care of people's eyes. [FORMAL ] □� Ophthalmic surgeons are now performing laser surgery to correct myopia.

oph|thal|molo|gist /ɒ fθ�lmɒ lədʒ I st/ (ophthalmologists ) N‑COUNT An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diseases and problems affecting people's eyes.

oph|thal|mol|ogy /ɒ fθ�lmɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Ophthalmology is branch of medicine concerned with people's eyes and the problems that affect them.

opi|ate /oʊ piət/ (opiates ) N‑COUNT An opiate is a drug that contains opium. Opiates are used to reduce pain or to help people to sleep.

opine /oʊpa I n/ (opines , opining , opined ) VERB To opine means to express your opinion. [FORMAL ] □�[V with quote] 'She's probably had a row with her boyfriend,' Charles opined. □�[V that] He opined that the navy would have to start again from the beginning. [Also V +�on/about ]

opin|ion ◆◆◇ /əp I njən/ (opinions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N , N that] Your opinion about something is what you think or believe about it. □� I wasn't asking for your opinion, Dick. □� He held the opinion that a government should think before introducing a tax. □� Most who expressed an opinion spoke favorably of Thomas.

2 N‑SING Your opinionof someone is your judgment of their character or ability. □�[+�of ] That improved Mrs Goole's already favourable opinion of him.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the beliefs or views that people have as opinion . □� Some, I suppose, might even be in positions to influence opinion. □�[+�about ] There is a broad consensus of opinion about the policies which should be pursued.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An opinion from an expert is the advice or judgment that they give you in the subject that they know a lot about. □� Severe, prolonged pain, especially at rest, needs a medical opinion.

5 →�see also public opinion , second opinion

6 PHRASE You add expressions such as ' in my opinion ' or ' in their opinion ' to a statement in order to indicate that it is what you or someone else thinks, and is not necessarily a fact. □� Well, he's not making a very good job of it in my opinion.

7 PHRASE If someone is of the opinionthat something is the case, that is what they believe. [FORMAL ] □� Frank is of the opinion that the 1934 yacht should have won.

8a matter of opinion →�see matter COLLOCATIONS opinion NOUN

1

adjective +�opinion : objective, subjective; humble; strong; informed, valid; forthright, honest

verb +�opinion : express, voice

opinion+�verb : differ, vary

3

adjective +�opinion : legal, medical, scientific

verb +�opinion : divide, polarize, split

opinion+�verb : shift, swing

opin|ion|at|ed /əp I njəne I t I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as opinionated , you mean that they have very strong opinions and refuse to accept that they may be wrong. □� Sue is the extrovert in the family; opinionated, talkative and passionate about politics.

opi n|ion for|mer (opinion formers ) also opinion maker N‑COUNT Opinion formers are people who have a lot of influence over what the public thinks about things.

opi n|ion poll (opinion polls ) N‑COUNT An opinion poll involves asking people's opinions on a particular subject, especially one concerning politics. □� An opinion poll showed that his popularity had dived by a third since the election.

opium /oʊ piəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Opium is a powerful drug made from the juice or sap of a type of poppy. Opium is used in medicines that relieve pain or help someone sleep.

opos|sum /əpɒ səm/ (opossums ) N‑VAR An opossum is a small animal that lives in America. It carries its young in a pouch on its body, and has thick fur and a long tail.

op|po|nent ◆◇◇ /əpoʊ nənt/ (opponents )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A politician's opponents are other politicians who belong to a different party or who have different aims or policies. □�[+�in ] �Mr Kennedy's opponent in the leadership contest. □� He described the detention without trial of political opponents as a cowardly act.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] In a sporting contest, your opponent is the person who is playing against you. □� Norris twice knocked down his opponent in the early rounds of the fight.

3 N‑COUNT The opponentsof an idea or policy do not agree with it and do not want it to be carried out. □�[+�of ] �opponents of the spread of nuclear weapons. SYNONYMS opponent NOUN 1

adversary:His political adversaries were creating trouble for him.

rival:He eliminated his rivals in a brutal struggle for power.

enemy:The Government's political enemies were quick to pick up on this mishap.

opposition:The main opposition parties boycotted the election.

op|por|tune /ɒ pə r tjuːn, [AM ] -tuː n/ ADJ If something happens at an opportune time or is opportune , it happens at the time that is most convenient for someone or most likely to lead to success. [FORMAL ] □� I believe that I have arrived at a very opportune moment. □� The timing of the meetings was opportune.

op|por|tun|ism /ɒ pə r tjuː n I zəm, [AM ] -tuː n-/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's behaviour as opportunism , you are criticizing them for taking advantage of any opportunity that occurs in order to gain money or power, without thinking about whether their actions are right or wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Energy Minister responded by saying that the opposition's concern for the environment was political opportunism.

op|por|tun|ist /ɒ pə r tjuː n I st, [AM ] -tuː n-/ (opportunists )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as opportunist , you are critical of them because they take advantage of any situation in order to gain money or power, without considering whether their actions are right or wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �corrupt and opportunist politicians. ●�N‑COUNT An opportunist is someone who is opportunist. □� Like most successful politicians, Sinclair was an opportunist. □� Car thieves are opportunists.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Opportunist actions are not planned, but are carried out in order to take advantage of a situation that has just occurred. □� He made the game safe with a brilliant opportunist goal.

op|por|tun|is|tic /ɒ pə r tjuːn I st I k, [AM ] -tuːn-/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as opportunistic , you are critical of them because they take advantage of situations in order to gain money or power, without thinking about whether their actions are right or wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Many of the party's members joined only for opportunistic reasons. ●� op|por|tun|is|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� This nationalist feeling has been exploited opportunistically by several important politicians.

op|por|tu|nity ◆◆◇ /ɒ pə r tjuː n I ti, [AM ] -tuː n-/ (opportunities )

1 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] An opportunity is a situation in which it is possible for you to do something that you want to do. □� I had an opportunity to go to New York and study. □�[+�for ] I want to see more opportunities for young people. □� �equal opportunities in employment.

2 →�see also photo opportunity SYNONYMS opportunity NOUN 1

chance:The electoral council announced that all eligible people would get a chance to vote.

opening:Her capabilities were always there; all she needed was an opening to show them.

possibility:There were several possibilities open to each manufacturer.

op|pose ◆◇◇ /əpoʊ z/ (opposes , opposing , opposed ) VERB If you oppose someone or oppose their plans or ideas, you disagree with what they want to do and try to prevent them from doing it. □�[V n] Mr Taylor was not bitter towards those who had opposed him. □�[V n] Many parents oppose bilingual education in schools.

op|posed ◆◇◇ /əpoʊ zd/

1 ADJ If you are opposed to something, you disagree with it or disapprove of it. □�[+�to ] We are utterly opposed to racism in all of its forms.

2 ADJ You say that two ideas or systems are opposed when they are opposite to each other or very different from each other. □�[+�to ] �people with policies almost diametrically opposed to his own. □� This was a straight conflict of directly opposed aims.

3 PHRASE You use as opposed to when you want to make it clear that you are talking about one particular thing and not something else. □� We ate in the restaurant, as opposed to the bistro. SYNONYMS opposed ADJ

1

hostile:Many people felt he would be hostile to the idea of foreign intervention.

averse:He's not averse to publicity, of the right kind.

2

conflicting:There are conflicting reports about the identity of the hostage.

opposing:I have a friend who has the opposing view and felt that the war was immoral.

contrary:This view is contrary to the aims of critical social research for a number of reasons.

op|pos|ing /əpoʊ z I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Opposing ideas or tendencies are totally different from each other. □� I have a friend who has the opposing view and felt that the war was immoral.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Opposing groups of people disagree about something or are in competition with one another. □� The Georgian leader said in a radio address that he still favoured dialogue between the opposing sides. □� The batter from the opposing team stepped into the batting box.

op|po|site ◆◇◇ /ɒ pəz I t/ (opposites )

1 PREP If one thing is opposite another, it is on the other side of a space from it. □� Jennie had sat opposite her at breakfast. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Opposite is also an adverb. □� He looked up at the buildings opposite, but could see no open window.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The opposite side or part of something is the side or part that is furthest away from you. □� �the opposite corner of the room.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n, v-link ADJ , Also v-link ADJ to n] Opposite is used to describe things of the same kind which are completely different in a particular way. For example, north and south are opposite directions, and winning and losing are opposite results in a game. □� All the cars driving in the opposite direction had their headlights on. □� I should have written the notes in the opposite order.

4 N‑COUNT Theoppositeof someone or something is the person or thing that is most different from them. □� Ritter was a very complex man but Marius was the opposite, a simple farmer. □� Well, whatever he says, you can bet he's thinking the opposite.

o p|po|site nu m|ber (opposite numbers ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your opposite number is a person who has the same job or rank as you, but works in a different department, firm, or organization. [JOURNALISM ] □� The French Defence Minister is to visit Japan later this month for talks with his Japanese opposite number.

o p|po|site se x N‑SING If you are talking about men and refer to the opposite sex , you mean women. If you are talking about women and refer to the opposite sex , you mean men. □� Body language can also be used to attract members of the opposite sex.

op|po|si|tion ◆◆◇ /ɒ pəz I ʃ ə n/ (oppositions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Opposition is strong, angry, or violent disagreement and disapproval. □� The government is facing a new wave of opposition in the form of a student strike. □�[+�to ] Much of the opposition to this plan has come from the media.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu sing, oft N n] Theopposition is the political parties or groups that are opposed to a government. □� The main opposition parties boycotted the election, saying it would not be conducted fairly.

3 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu sing] In a country's parliament or legislature, theopposition refers to the politicians or political parties that form part of the parliament or legislature, but are not the government. □� �the Leader of the Opposition.

4 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] Theopposition is the person or team you are competing against in a sports event. □�[+�for ] Poland provide the opposition for the Scots' last warm-up match at home. SYNONYMS opposition NOUN 1

resistance:Calls for cuts in agricultural export subsidies are meeting resistance.

hostility:There is hostility among traditionalists to this method of teaching history.

disapproval:His action had been greeted with almost universal disapproval.

op|press /əpre s/ (oppresses , oppressing , oppressed )

1 VERB To oppress people means to treat them cruelly, or to prevent them from having the same opportunities, freedom, and benefits as others. □�[be V -ed] These people often are oppressed by the governments of the countries they find themselves in. □�[V n] We are not normal like everybody else. If we were, they wouldn't be oppressing us. [Also V , V n +�with ]

2 VERB If something oppresses you, it makes you feel depressed, anxious, and uncomfortable. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] It was not just the weather which oppressed her.

op|pressed /əpre st/ ADJ People who are oppressed are treated cruelly or are prevented from having the same opportunities, freedom, and benefits as others. □�[+�by ] Before they took power, they felt oppressed by the white English speakers who controlled things. ●�N‑PLURAL The oppressed are people who are oppressed. □� �a sense of community with the poor and oppressed.

op|pres|sion /əpre ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Oppression is the cruel or unfair treatment of a group of people. □� �an attempt to escape political oppression. [Also +�of ]

op|pres|sive /əpre s I v/

1 ADJ If you describe a society, its laws, or customs as oppressive , you think they treat people cruelly and unfairly. □� The new laws will be just as oppressive as those they replace. □� �refugees from the oppressive regime.

2 ADJ If you describe the weather or the atmosphere in a room as oppressive , you mean that it is unpleasantly hot and damp. □� The oppressive afternoon heat had quite tired him out.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An oppressive situation makes you feel depressed and uncomfortable. □� �the oppressive sadness that weighed upon him like a physical pain.

op|pres|sor /əpre sə r / (oppressors ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An oppressor is a person or group of people that is treating another person or group of people cruelly or unfairly. □� Lacking sovereignty, they could organise no defence against their oppressors.

op|pro|brium /əproʊ briəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Opprobrium is open criticism or disapproval of something that someone has done. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] His political opinions have attracted the opprobrium of the Left.

opt ◆◇◇ /ɒ pt/ (opts , opting , opted ) VERB If you optfor something, or optto do something, you choose it or decide to do it in preference to anything else. □�[V +�for ] Depending on your circumstances you may wish to opt for one method or the other. □�[V to-inf] Our students can also opt to stay in residence.

▸� opt in PHRASAL VERB If you can opt into something, you are able to choose to be part of an agreement or system. □�[V P +�to ] He proposed that only those countries which were willing and able should opt in to phase three. □�[V P ] He didn't exactly opt out because he never opted in.

▸� opt out PHRASAL VERB If you opt outof something, you choose to be no longer involved in it. □�[V P +�of ] � powers for hospitals to opt out of health authority control. □�[V P ] Under the agreement the Vietnamese can opt out at any time.

op|tic /ɒ pt I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Optic means relating to the eyes or to sight. □� The reason for this is that the optic nerve is a part of the brain.

2 →�see also optics

op|ti|cal /ɒ pt I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Optical devices, processes, and effects involve or relate to vision, light, or images. □� �optical telescopes. □� �the optical effects of volcanic dust in the stratosphere.

o p|ti|cal fi |bre (optical fibres ) in AM, use optical fiber N‑VAR An optical fibre is a very thin thread of glass inside a protective coating. Optical fibres are used to carry information in the form of light.

o p|ti|cal il|lu |sion (optical illusions ) N‑COUNT An optical illusion is something that tricks your eyes so that what you think you see is different from what is really there. □� Sloping walls on the bulk of the building create an optical illusion.

op|ti|cian /ɒpt I ʃ ə n/ (opticians )

1 N‑COUNT An optician is someone whose job involves testing people's sight, and making or selling glasses and contact lenses.

2 N‑COUNT An optician or an optician's is a shop where you can have your eyes tested and buy glasses and contact lenses. □� Some may need specialist treatment at the optician's.

op|tics /ɒ pt I ks/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Optics is the branch of science concerned with vision, sight, and light.

2 →�see also fibre optics

op|ti|mal /ɒ pt I m ə l/ →�see optimum

op|ti|mism /ɒ pt I m I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Optimism is the feeling of being hopeful about the future or about the success of something in particular. □� The manager expressed optimism about adding to his squad before the transfer window closes. □� �a mood of cautious optimism.

op|ti|mist /ɒ pt I m I st/ (optimists ) N‑COUNT An optimist is someone who is hopeful about the future. □� Optimists reckon house prices will move up with inflation this year.

op|ti|mis|tic ◆◇◇ /ɒ pt I m I st I k/ ADJ [ADJ that] Someone who is optimistic is hopeful about the future or the success of something in particular. □� The President says she is optimistic that an agreement can be worked out soon. □� Michael was in a jovial and optimistic mood. [Also +�about ] ●� op|ti|mis|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Both sides have spoken optimistically about the talks. SYNONYMS optimistic ADJ 1

hopeful:Surgeons were hopeful of saving the sight in Sara's left eye.

positive:Be positive about your future and get on with living a normal life.

bright:The boy was so bright and animated.

cheerful:Jack sounded quite cheerful about the idea.

op|ti|mize /ɒ pt I ma I z/ (optimizes , optimizing , optimized ) in BRIT, also use optimise1 VERB To optimize a plan, system, or machine means to arrange or design it so that it operates as smoothly and efficiently as possible. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The new systems have been optimised for running Microsoft Windows.

2 VERB To optimize a situation or opportunity means to get as much advantage or benefit from it as you can. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] What can you do to optimize your family situation?

op|ti|mum /ɒ pt I məm/ or optimal ADJ [usu ADJ n] The optimum or optimal level or state of something is the best level or state that it could achieve. [FORMAL ] □� Aim to do some physical activity three times a week for optimum health. □� �regions in which optimal conditions for farming can be created.

op|tion ◆◆◇ /ɒ pʃ ə n/ (options )

1 N‑COUNT An option is something that you can choose to do in preference to one or more alternatives. □� He's argued from the start that America and its allies are putting too much emphasis on the military option. □� What other options do you have?

2 N‑SING [N to-inf] If you have the option of doing something, you can choose whether to do it or not. □�[+�of ] Criminals are given the option of going to jail or facing public humiliation. □� We had no option but to abandon the meeting.

3 N‑COUNT In business, an option is an agreement or contract that gives someone the right to buy or sell something such as property or shares at a future date. [BUSINESS ] □� Each bank has granted the other an option on 19.9% of its shares.

4 N‑COUNT An option is one of a number of subjects which a student can choose to study as a part of his or her course. □� Several options are offered for the student's senior year.

5 PHRASE If you keep your options open or leave your options open , you delay making a decision about something. □� I am keeping my options open. I have not made a decision on either matter.

6 PHRASE If you take the soft option , you do the thing that is easiest or least likely to cause trouble in a particular situation. [mainly BRIT ] □� The job of chairman can no longer be regarded as a convenient soft option. COLLOCATIONS option NOUN 1

noun +�option : career, treatment

adjective +�option : attractive, cheap, easy, healthy; available, safe, viable

verb +�option : choose, exercise, select; consider, discuss, explore SYNONYMS option NOUN 1

alternative:New ways to treat arthritis may provide an alternative to painkillers.

choice:You've got three choices: small, medium or large.

op|tion|al /ɒ pʃən ə l/ ADJ If something is optional , you can choose whether or not you do it or have it. □� Sex education is a sensitive area for some parents, and thus it should remain optional.

op|tom|etrist /ɒptɒ mətr I st/ (optometrists ) N‑COUNT An optometrist is the same as an optician . [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use optician

o pt-out (opt-outs )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An opt-out school or hospital has chosen to leave local government control and manage itself using national government money. [BRIT ] □� �teachers at opt-out schools.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to the action taken by a school or hospital in which they choose not to be controlled by a local government authority as an opt-out . [BRIT ] □� More freedom and choice will be given to parents, and the school opt-outs will be stepped up.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An opt-out clause in an agreement gives people the choice not to be involved in one part of that agreement. [mainly BRIT ] □� �an opt-out clause.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to the action of choosing not to be involved in a particular part of an agreement as an opt-out . □� �a list of demands, such as opt-outs from some parts of the treaty.

opu|lent /ɒ pjʊlənt/

1 ADJ Opulent things or places look grand and expensive. [FORMAL ] □� �an opulent office on Wimpole Street in London's West End. ●� opu|lence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the elegant opulence of the German embassy.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Opulent people are very wealthy and spend a lot of money. [FORMAL ] □� Most of the cash went on supporting his opulent lifestyle.

opus /oʊ pəs, ɒ pəs/ (opuses or opera )

1 N‑COUNT An opus is a piece of classical music by a particular composer. Opus is usually followed by a number which indicates at what point the piece was written. The abbreviation op. is also used. □� �Beethoven's Piano Sonata in E minor, Opus 90.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an artistic work such as a piece of music or writing or a painting as an opus . □� �the new opus from Peter Gabriel.

3 →�see also magnum opus

or ◆◆◆ /ə r , STRONG ɔː r /

1 CONJ You use or to link two or more alternatives. □� 'Tea or coffee?' John asked. □� He said he would try to write or call as soon as he reached the Canary Islands. □� Students are asked to take another course in English, or science, or mathematics.

2 CONJ You use or to give another alternative, when the first alternative is introduced by 'either' or 'whether'. □� Items like bread, milk and meat were either unavailable or obtained only on the black market. □� Either you can talk to him, or I will. □� I don't know whether people will buy it or not.

3 CONJ You use or between two numbers to indicate that you are giving an approximate amount. □� Everyone benefited from limiting their intake of tea to just three or four cups a day. □� Normally he asked questions, and had a humorous remark or two.

4 CONJ You use or to introduce a comment which corrects or modifies what you have just said. □� The man was a fool, he thought, or at least incompetent. □� There was nothing more he wanted, or so he thought.

5 CONJ If you say that someone should do something or something unpleasant will happen, you are warning them that if they do not do it, the unpleasant thing will happen. □� She had to have the operation, or she would die.

6 CONJ You use or to introduce something which is evidence for the truth of a statement you have just made. □� He must have thought Jane was worth it or he wouldn't have wasted time on her, I suppose.

7 PHRASE You use or no or or not to emphasize that a particular thing makes no difference to what is going to happen. [EMPHASIS ] □� Chairman or no, if I want to stop the project, I can. □� The first difficulty is that, old-fashioned or not, it is very good.

8 PHRASE You use or no between two occurrences of the same noun in order to say that whether something is true or not makes no difference to a situation. □� The next day, rain or no rain, it was business as usual.

9or else →�see else

10or other →�see other

11or so →�see so

12or something →�see something

SUFFIX -or

forms nouns that refer to a person who performs a particular action, often because it is their job. For example, a sailor is someone who sails.

ora|cle /ɒ rək ə l, [AM ] ɔː r-/ (oracles ) N‑COUNT In ancient Greece, an oracle was a priest or priestess who made statements about future events or about the truth.

oral /ɔː rəl/ (orals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Oral communication is spoken rather than written. □� �the written and oral traditions of ancient cultures. □� �an oral agreement. ●� oral|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� �their ability to present ideas orally and in writing.

2 N‑COUNT An oral is an examination, especially in a foreign language, that is spoken rather than written. □� I spoke privately to the candidate after the oral.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use oral to indicate that something is done with a person's mouth or relates to a person's mouth. □� �good oral hygiene. ●� oral|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� �antibiotic tablets taken orally.

o ral hi s|to|ry (oral histories ) N‑VAR Oral history consists of spoken memories, stories, and songs, and the study of these, as a way of communicating and discovering information about the past.

o ral se x N‑UNCOUNT Oral sex is sexual activity involving contact between a person's mouth and their partner's genitals.

or|ange ◆◆◇ /ɒ r I ndʒ, [AM ] ɔː r-/ (oranges )

1 COLOUR Something that is orange is of a colour between red and yellow. □� �men in bright orange uniforms.

2 N‑VAR [oft N n] An orange is a round juicy fruit with a thick, orange coloured skin. □� �orange trees. □� �fresh orange juice.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Orange is a drink that is made from or tastes of oranges. □� �cola or orange. WORD HISTORY orange

Did you know that the word orange comes from the Arabic naranj ? The initial n sound was lost because it got confused with the indefinite article a .

o r|ange blos|som N‑UNCOUNT The flowers of the orange tree are called orange blossom . Orange blossom is white and is traditionally associated with weddings in Europe and America.

or|ang|ery /ɒ r I ndʒri, [AM ] ɔː r-/ (orangeries ) N‑COUNT An orangery is a building with glass walls and roof which is used for growing orange trees and other plants which need to be kept warm.

or|angey /ɒ r I ndʒi, [AM ] ɔː r-/ ADJ Orangey means slightly orange in colour. ●�ADJ Orangey is also a combining form. □� The hall is decorated in bright orangey-red with black and gold woodwork.

orang-utan /ɔːr� ŋuːt� n/ (orang-utans ) also orang-utang , orangutan , orang-outan N‑COUNT An orang-utan is an ape with long reddish hair that comes from Borneo and Sumatra.

ora|tion /əre I ʃ ə n, [AM ] ɔːr-/ (orations ) N‑COUNT An oration is a formal speech made in public. [FORMAL ] □� �a brief funeral oration.

ora|tor /ɒ rətə r , [AM ] ɔː r-/ (orators ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] An orator is someone who is skilled at making formal speeches, especially ones which affect people's feelings and beliefs. □�[+�of ] Lenin was the great orator of the Russian Revolution.

ora|tori|cal /ɒ rətɒ r I k ə l, [AM ] ɔː rətɔː r-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Oratorical means relating to or using oratory. [FORMAL ] □� He reached oratorical heights which left him and some of his players in tears.

ora|to|rio /ɒ rətɔː rioʊ, [AM ] ɔː r-/ (oratorios ) N‑COUNT An oratorio is a long piece of music with a religious theme which is written for singers and an orchestra.

ora|tory /ɒ rətəri, [AM ] ɔː rətɔːri/ (oratories )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Oratory is the art of making formal speeches which strongly affect people's feelings and beliefs. [FORMAL ] □� He displayed determination as well as powerful oratory.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] An oratory is a room or building where Christians go to pray. □� The wedding will be at the Brompton Oratory next month.

orb /ɔː r b/ (orbs )

1 N‑COUNT An orb is something that is shaped like a ball, for example the sun or moon. [LITERARY ] □� The moon's round orb would shine high in the sky, casting its velvety light on everything.

2 N‑COUNT An orb is a small, ornamental ball with a cross on top that is carried by some kings or queens at important ceremonies.

or|bit /ɔː r b I t/ (orbits , orbiting , orbited )

1 N‑VAR [oft in/into N ] An orbit is the curved path in space that is followed by an object going round and round a planet, moon, or star. □� Mars and Earth have orbits which change with time. □� The planet is probably in orbit around a small star.

2 VERB If something such as a satellite orbits a planet, moon, or sun, it moves around it in a continuous, curving path. □�[V n] In 1957 the Soviet Union launched the first satellite to orbit the Earth.

or|bit|al /ɔː r b I t ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An orbital road goes all the way round a large city. [mainly BRIT ] □� The M25 London orbital road was proposed in 1905. in AM, use beltway2 ADJ [ADJ n] Orbital describes things relating to the orbit of an object in space. □� The newly discovered world followed an orbital path unlike that of any other planet.

or|ca /ɔː r kə/ (orcas or orca ) N‑COUNT An orca is a large black and white killer whale.

or|chard /ɔː r tʃə r d/ (orchards ) N‑COUNT An orchard is an area of land on which fruit trees are grown.

or|ches|tra /ɔː r k I strə/ (orchestras )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] An orchestra is a large group of musicians who play a variety of different instruments together. Orchestras usually play classical music. □� �the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

2 →�see also chamber orchestra , symphony orchestra

3 N‑SING [N n] Theorchestra or theorchestra seats in a theatre or concert hall are the seats on the ground floor directly in front of the stage. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use stalls

or|ches|tral /ɔː r ke strəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Orchestral means relating to an orchestra and the music it plays. □� �an orchestral concert.

o r|ches|tra pit N‑SING In a theatre, theorchestra pit is the space reserved for the musicians playing the music for an opera, musical, or ballet, immediately in front of or below the stage.

or|ches|trate /ɔː r k I stre I t/ (orchestrates , orchestrating , orchestrated ) VERB If you say that someone orchestrates an event or situation, you mean that they carefully organize it in a way that will produce the result that they want. □�[V n] The colonel was able to orchestrate a rebellion from inside an army jail. □�[V -ed] �a carefully orchestrated campaign. ●� or|ches|tra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �his skilful orchestration of latent nationalist feeling.

or|ches|tra|tion /ɔː r k I stre I ʃ ə n/ (orchestrations ) N‑COUNT An orchestration is a piece of music that has been rewritten so that it can be played by an orchestra. □� Mahler's own imaginative orchestration was heard in the same concert.

or|chid /ɔː r k I d/ (orchids ) N‑COUNT Orchids are plants with brightly coloured, unusually shaped flowers.

or|dain /ɔː r de I n/ (ordains , ordaining , ordained )

1 VERB When someone is ordained , they are made a member of the clergy in a religious ceremony. □�[be V -ed n] He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1982. □�[be V -ed] Women have been ordained for many years in the Church of Scotland. □�[V n] He ordained his own priests.

2 VERB If some authority or power ordains something, they decide that it should happen or be in existence. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] Nehru ordained that socialism should rule. □�[be V -ed] His rule was ordained by heaven. □�[V n] The recession may already be severe enough to ordain structural change.

or|deal /ɔː r diː l/ (ordeals ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft with poss] If you describe an experience or situation as an ordeal , you think it is difficult and unpleasant. □� She described her agonising ordeal.

order

➊�SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION USES

➋�COMMANDS AND REQUESTS

➌�ARRANGEMENTS, SITUATIONS, AND GROUPINGS

➊ or|der ◆◆◇ /ɔː r də r /

1 PHRASE If you do something in order to achieve a particular thing or in order that something can happen, you do it because you want to achieve that thing. □� Most schools are extremely unwilling to cut down on staff in order to cut costs.

2 PHRASE If someone must be in a particular situation in order to achieve something they want, they cannot achieve that thing if they are not in that situation. □� They need hostages in order to bargain with the government.

3 PHRASE If something must happen in order for something else to happen, the second thing cannot happen if the first thing does not happen. □� In order for our muscles to work efficiently they need oxygen, which is provided by the lungs.

➋ or|der ◆◆◆ /ɔː r də r / (orders , ordering , ordered )

→�Please look at categories 12 and 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If a person in authority orders someone to do something, they tell them to do it. □�[V n to-inf] Williams ordered him to leave. □�[V n prep/adv] He ordered the women out of the car. □�[V with quote] 'Let him go!' he ordered. □�[V n with quote] 'Go up to your room. Now,' he ordered him.

2 VERB If someone in authority orders something, they give instructions that it should be done. □�[V n] The President has ordered a full investigation. □�[V n to-inf] The radio said that the prime minister had ordered price controls to be introduced. □�[V that] He ordered that all party property be confiscated. □�[V n -ed] The President ordered him moved because of fears that his comrades would try to free him.

3 N‑COUNT If someone in authority gives you an order , they tell you to do something. □�[+�to-inf] The activists were shot when they refused to obey an order to halt. □�[+�for ] As darkness fell, Clinton gave orders for his men to rest. □� They were later arrested and executed on the orders of Stalin.

4 N‑COUNT A court order is a legal instruction stating that something must be done. □� She has decided not to appeal against a court order banning her from keeping animals. □� He was placed under a two-year supervision order.

5 VERB When you order something that you are going to pay for, you ask for it to be brought to you, sent to you, or obtained for you. □�[V n] Atanas ordered a shrimp cocktail and a salad. □�[V ] The waitress appeared. 'Are you ready to order?'. □�[V n n] We ordered him a coffee.

6 N‑COUNT An order is a request for something to be brought, made, or obtained for you in return for money. □�[+�for ] I did manage to place an order for a blazer the right size.

7 N‑COUNT Someone's order is what they have asked to be brought, made, or obtained for them in return for money. □� The waiter returned with their order and Graham signed the bill. □� They can't supply our order.

8 →�see also holy orders , mail order , postal order , standing order

9 PHRASE Something that is on order at a shop or factory has been asked for but has not yet been supplied. □� The airlines still have 2,500 new aeroplanes on order.

10 PHRASE If you do something to order , you do it whenever you are asked to do it. □� She now makes wonderful dried flower arrangements to order.

11 PHRASE If you are under ordersto do something, you have been told to do it by someone in authority. □� I am under orders not to discuss his mission or his location with anyone.

12your marching orders →�see march

13a tall order →�see tall

▸� order around in BRIT, also use order about PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is ordering you around or is ordering you about , you mean they are telling you what to do as if they have authority over you, and you dislike this. □�[V n P ] Grandmother felt free to order her about just as she wished. [Also V P n]

➌ or|der ◆◆◇ /ɔː r də r / (orders , ordering , ordered )

→�Please look at categories 19 and 20 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑VAR [oft a N , oft in/into N ] If a set of things are arranged or done in a particular order , they are arranged or done so one thing follows another, often according to a particular factor such as importance. □� Write down (in order of priority) the qualities you'd like to have. □� Music shops should arrange their recordings in simple alphabetical order.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Order is the situation that exists when everything is in the correct or expected place, or happens at the correct or expected time. □� The wish to impose order upon confusion is a kind of intellectual instinct. □� Making lists can create order and control.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Order is the situation that exists when people obey the law and do not fight or riot. □� Troops were sent to the islands to restore order last November. □� He has the power to use force to maintain public order.

4 N‑SING When people talk about a particular order , they mean the way society is organized at a particular time. □� The end of the Cold War has produced the prospect of a new world order based on international co-operation.

5 VERB The way that something is ordered is the way that it is organized and structured. □�[be V -ed] �a society which is ordered by hierarchy. □�[V n] We know the French order things differently. □�[V -ed] �a carefully ordered system in which everyone has his place.

6 N‑COUNT [usu of supp N ] If you refer to something of a particular order , you mean something of a particular kind. [FORMAL ] □� Another unexpected event, though of quite a different order, occurred one evening in 1973.

7 N‑COUNT A religious order is a group of monks or nuns who live according to a particular set of rules. □�[+�of ] �the Benedictine order of monks.

8 →�see also ordered , law and order , pecking order , point of order

9 PHRASE If you put or keep something in order , you make sure that it is tidy or properly organized. □� Now he has a chance to put his life back in order. □� Someone comes in every day to check all is in order.

10 PHRASE If you think something is in order , you think it should happen or be provided. □� Reforms are clearly in order.

11 PHRASE You use in the order of or of the order of when mentioning an approximate figure. □� They borrowed something in the order of �10 million.

12 PHRASE If something is in good order , it is in good condition. □� The vessel's safety equipment was not in good order.

13 PHRASE A machine or device that is in working order is functioning properly and is not broken. □� Only half of the spacecraft's six science instruments are still in working order.

14 PHRASE If a particular way of behaving or doing something is the order of the day , it is very common. □� Hot strong tea is the order of the day here, but coffee is becoming more and more popular.

15 PHRASE A machine or device that is out of order is broken and does not work. □� Their phone's out of order.

16 PHRASE If you say that someone or their behaviour is out of order , you mean that their behaviour is unacceptable or unfair. [INFORMAL ] □� You don't think the paper's a bit out of order in publishing it?

17to put your house in order →�see house

18order of magnitude →�see magnitude SYNONYMS order VERB ➋1

command:He commanded his troops to attack.

instruct:'Go and have a word with her, Ken,' Webb instructed.

direct:The Bishop directed the faithful to stay at home. NOUN

➋3

instruction:They were told to leave, but no reason for this instruction was given.

ruling:Goodwin tried to have the court ruling overturned.

demand:They rejected the demand to remove U.S. troops.

decree:He issued a decree ordering all armed groups to disband.

➌ 2

organization:The organization of the book is not very well thought-out.

system:�a flexible and relatively efficient filing system.

arrangement:�an arrangement of dark-blue armchairs around a coffee table.

pattern:A change in the pattern of his breathing became apparent. VERB ➌5

arrange:He started to arrange the books in piles.

group:The fact sheets are grouped into seven sections.

sort:He sorted the materials into their folders.

organize:He began to organize his materials.

o r|der book (order books ) N‑COUNT When you talk about the state of a company's order book or order books , you are talking about how many orders for their goods the company has. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □�[+�for ] He has a full order book for his boat-building yard on the Thames.

or|dered /ɔː r də r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ordered society or system is well-organized and has a clear structure. □� An objective set of rules which we all agree to accept is necessary for any ordered society.

or|der|ly /ɔː r də r li/ (orderlies )

1 ADJ If something is done in an orderly fashion or manner, it is done in a well-organized and controlled way. □� The organizers guided them in orderly fashion out of the building. □� �seeking an orderly and peaceful resolution to the crisis.

2 ADJ Something that is orderly is neat or arranged in a neat way. □� Their vehicles were parked in orderly rows. ●� or|der|li|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� A balance is achieved in the painting between orderliness and unpredictability.

3 N‑COUNT An orderly is a person who works in a hospital and does jobs that do not require special medical training.

or|di|nal num|ber /ɔː r d I n ə l nʌ mbə r / (ordinal numbers ) N‑COUNT An ordinal number or an ordinal is a word such as 'first', 'third', and 'tenth' that tells you where a particular thing occurs in a sequence of things. Compare cardinal number .

or|di|nance /ɔː r d I nəns/ (ordinances ) N‑COUNT An ordinance is an official rule or order. [FORMAL ] □� �ordinances that restrict building development.

or|di|nari|ly /ɔː r d I nərəli, [AM ] -ne r I li/ ADV [oft ADV adj, ADV before v] If you say what is ordinarily the case, you are saying what is normally the case. □� The streets would ordinarily have been full of people. There was no one. □� �places where the patient does not ordinarily go.

or|di|nary ◆◇◇ /ɔː r d I nri, [AM ] -neri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ordinary people or things are normal and not special or different in any way. □� I strongly suspect that most ordinary people would agree with me. □� It has 25 calories less than ordinary ice cream. □� It was just an ordinary weekend for us.

2 PHRASE Something that is out of the ordinary is unusual or different. □� The boy's knowledge was out of the ordinary. □� I've noticed nothing out of the ordinary.

o r|di|nary sha res N‑PLURAL Ordinary shares are shares in a company that are owned by people who have a right to vote at the company's meetings and to receive part of the company's profits after the holders of preference shares have been paid. Compare preference shares . [BRIT , BUSINESS ] in AM, use common stock

or|di|na|tion /ɔː r d I ne I ʃ ə n/ (ordinations ) N‑VAR When someone's ordination takes place, they are made a member of the clergy. □�[+�of ] �supporters of the ordination of women.

ord|nance /ɔː r dnəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Ordnance refers to military supplies, especially weapons. [FORMAL ] □� �a team clearing an area littered with unexploded ordnance.

O rd|nance Su r|vey map (Ordnance Survey maps ) N‑COUNT An Ordnance Survey map is a detailed map produced by the British or Irish government map-making organization.

ore /ɔː r / (ores ) N‑VAR Ore is rock or earth from which metal can be obtained. □� �a huge iron ore mine.

orega|no /ɒ r I gɑː noʊ, [AM ] əre gənoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Oregano is a herb that is used in cooking.

or|gan /ɔː r gən/ (organs )

1 N‑COUNT An organ is a part of your body that has a particular purpose or function, for example your heart or lungs. □� �damage to the muscles and internal organs. □� �the reproductive organs. □� �organ transplants.

2 →�see also sense organ

3 N‑COUNT An organ is a large musical instrument with pipes of different lengths through which air is forced. It has keys and pedals rather like a piano.

4 →�see also barrel organ , mouth organ

5 N‑COUNT You refer to a newspaper or organization as theorganof the government or another group when it is used by them as a means of giving information or getting things done. □�[+�of ] The Security Service is an important organ of the State.

or|gan|die /ɔː r gəndi/ also organdy N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Organdie is a thin, slightly stiff cotton fabric.

o r|gan grind|er (organ grinders ) also organ-grinder N‑COUNT An organ grinder was an entertainer who played a barrel organ in the streets.

or|gan|ic /ɔː r g� n I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Organic methods of farming and gardening use only natural animal and plant products to help the plants or animals grow and be healthy, rather than using chemicals. □� Organic farming is expanding everywhere. □� �organic fruit and vegetables. ●� or|gani|cal|ly ADV □� �organically grown vegetables.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Organic substances are of the sort produced by or found in living things. □� Incorporating organic material into chalky soils will reduce the alkalinity.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Organic change or development happens gradually and naturally rather than suddenly. [FORMAL ] □� �to manage the company and supervise its organic growth.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If a community or structure is an organic whole, each part of it is necessary and fits well with the other parts. [FORMAL ] □� City planning treats the city as a unit, as an organic whole.

or|gani|sa|tion /ɔː r gəna I ze I ʃ ə n/ →�see organization

or|gani|sa|tion|al /ɔː r gəna I ze I ʃən ə l/ →�see organizational

or|gan|ise /ɔː r gəna I z/ →�see organize

or|gan|is|er /ɔː r gəna I zə r / →�see organizer

or|gan|ism /ɔː r gən I zəm/ (organisms ) N‑COUNT An organism is an animal or plant, especially one that is so small that you cannot see it without using a microscope. □� �the insect-borne organisms that cause sleeping sickness.

or|gan|ist /ɔː r gən I st/ (organists ) N‑COUNT An organist is someone who plays the organ.

or|gani|za|tion ◆◆◇ /ɔː r gəna I ze I ʃ ə n/ (organizations ) in BRIT, also use organisation1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] An organization is an official group of people, for example a political party, a business, a charity, or a club. □� Most of these specialized schools are provided by voluntary organizations. □� �a report by the International Labour Organisation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The organization of an event or activity involves making all the necessary arrangements for it. □�[+�of ] �the exceptional attention to detail that goes into the organisation of this event. □� Several projects have been delayed by poor organisation.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The organizationof something is the way in which its different parts are arranged or relate to each other. □�[+�of ] I am aware that the organization of the book leaves something to be desired.

or|gani|za|tion|al /ɔː r gəna I ze I ʃən ə l/ in BRIT, also use organisational1 ADJ [ADJ n] Organizational abilities and methods relate to the way that work, activities, or events are planned and arranged. □� Evelyn's excellent organisational skills were soon spotted by her employers. □� She will be prepared to take on a variety of organizational roles in the future.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Organizational means relating to the structure of an organization. □� The police now recognise that big organisational changes are needed.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Organizational means relating to organizations, rather than individuals. □� This problem needs to be dealt with at an organizational level.

or|gan|ize ◆◆◇ /ɔː r gəna I z/ (organizes , organizing , organized ) in BRIT, also use organise1 VERB If you organize an event or activity, you make sure that the necessary arrangements are made. □�[V n] In the end, we all decided to organize a concert for Easter. □�[V n] �a two-day meeting organised by the United Nations. □�[V n] The initial mobilisation was well organised.

2 VERB If you organize something that someone wants or needs, you make sure that it is provided. □�[V n] I will organize transport. □�[V n] We asked them to organize coffee and sandwiches.

3 VERB If you organize a set of things, you arrange them in an ordered way or give them a structure. □�[V n] He began to organize his materials. □�[V n] �the way in which the Army is organised.

4 VERB If you organize yourself, you plan your work and activities in an ordered, efficient way. □�[V pron-refl] �changing the way you organize yourself. □�[V n] Go right ahead, I'm sure you don't need me to organize you. □�[V -ed] Get organised and get going.

5 VERB If someone organizes workers or if workers organize , they form a group or society such as a trade union in order to have more power. □�[V n] �helping to organize women working abroad. □�[V ] It's the first time farmers have decided to organize. □�[V -ed] �organised labour. SYNONYMS organize VERB

1

arrange:He arranged an appointment for Friday afternoon at 4:15.

set up:�an organization which sets up meetings about issues of interest to women.

plan:I had been planning a trip to the West Coast.

3

arrange:He started to arrange the books in piles.

group:The fact sheets are grouped into seven sections.

sort:He sorted the materials into their folders.

order:�a carefully ordered system in which everyone has his place.

or|ga|nized ◆◇◇ /ɔː r gəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use organised1 ADJ [ADJ n] An organized activity or group involves a number of people doing something together in a structured way, rather than doing it by themselves. □� �organised groups of art thieves. □� �organised religion. □� �years of steadfast, organized resistance.

2 ADJ Someone who is organized plans their work and activities efficiently. □� These people are very efficient, very organized and excellent time managers.

-organized /-ɔː r gəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use -organised COMB [ADJ n] -organized is added to nouns to form adjectives which indicate who organizes something. □� �student-organized seminars.

o r|ga|nized cri me in BRIT, also use organised crime N‑UNCOUNT Organized crime refers to criminal activities which involve large numbers of people and are organized and controlled by a small group.

or|gan|iz|er ◆◇◇ /ɔː r gəna I zə r / (organizers ) in BRIT, also use organiser1 N‑COUNT The organizer of an event or activity is the person who makes sure that the necessary arrangements are made. □� The organisers of the demonstration concede that they hadn't sought permission for it. □� She was a good organiser.

2 →�see also personal organizer

or|gano|phos|phate /ɔːg� noʊfɒ sfe I t/ (organophosphates ) N‑COUNT Organophosphates are chemical substances that are used to make crops grow or protect them from insects.

or|gan|za /ɔː r g� nzə/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Organza is a thin, stiff fabric made of silk, cotton, or an artificial fibre.

or|gasm /ɔː r g�zəm/ (orgasms ) N‑VAR An orgasm is the moment of greatest pleasure and excitement in sexual activity.

or|gas|mic /ɔː r g� zm I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Orgasmic means relating to a sexual orgasm. □� Testosterone does not increase their erectile or orgasmic ability.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Some people refer to things they find extremely enjoyable or exciting as orgasmic . [mainly JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □� �jerking the neck of his guitar in orgasmic fits of ecstasy.

or|gi|as|tic /ɔː r dʒi� st I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] An orgiastic event is one in which people enjoy themselves in an extreme, uncontrolled way. □� �an orgiastic party.

orgy /ɔː r dʒi/ (orgies )

1 N‑COUNT An orgy is a party in which people behave in a very uncontrolled way, especially one involving sexual activity. □� �a drunken orgy.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an activity as an orgy of that activity to emphasize that it is done to an excessive extent. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] One eye-witness said the rioters were engaged in an orgy of destruction.

ori|ent /ɔː rient/ (orients , orienting , oriented ) or orientate

1 VERB When you orientyourself to a new situation or course of action, you learn about it and prepare to deal with it. [FORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl +�towards/to ] You will need the time to orient yourself to your new way of eating.

2 →�see also oriented

Ori|ent /ɔː riənt/ N‑PROPER The eastern part of Asia is sometimes referred to as the Orient . [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ]

ori|en|tal /ɔː rie nt ə l/ (orientals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Oriental means coming from or associated with eastern Asia, especially China and Japan. □� There were Oriental carpets on the floors. □� �oriental food.

2 N‑COUNT Some people refer to people from eastern Asia, especially China or Japan as Orientals . This use could cause offence.

Ori|en|tal|ist /ɔː rie ntəl I st/ (Orientalists ) also orientalist N‑COUNT An Orientalist is someone from the West who studies the language, culture, history, or customs of countries in eastern Asia.

ori|en|tate /ɔː riənte I t/ →�see orient

ori|en|tat|ed /ɔː riənte I t I d/ →�see oriented

-orientated /-ɔːriənte I t I d/ →�see -oriented

ori|en|ta|tion /ɔː riənte I ʃ ə n/ (orientations )

1 N‑VAR If you talk about the orientation of an organization or country, you are talking about the kinds of aims and interests it has. □� �a marketing orientation. □� To a society which has lost its orientation he has much to offer. □� The movement is liberal and social democratic in orientation.

2 N‑VAR Someone's orientation is their basic beliefs or preferences. □� �legislation that would have made discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation illegal.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Orientation is basic information or training that is given to people starting a new job, school, or course. □� �a one-day orientation session.

4 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The orientation of a structure or object is the direction it faces. □�[+�of ] Farnese had the orientation of the church changed so that the front would face a square.

ori|ent|ed /ɔː rient I d/ or orientated ADJ If someone is oriented towards or oriented to a particular thing or person, they are mainly concerned with that thing or person. □�[+�towards ] It seems almost inevitable that North African economies will still be primarily oriented towards Europe. □�[+�to ] Most students here are oriented to computers.

-oriented /-ɔːrient I d/ or -orientated COMB -oriented is added to nouns and adverbs to form adjectives which describe what someone or something is mainly interested in or concerned with. □� �a market-oriented economy. □� �family oriented holidays.

ori|ent|eer|ing /ɔː riənt I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Orienteering is a sport in which people run from one place to another, using a compass and a map to guide them between points that are marked along the route.

ori|fice /ɒ r I f I s, [AM ] ɔː r-/ (orifices ) N‑COUNT An orifice is an opening or hole, especially one in your body such as your mouth. [FORMAL ] □� After a massive heart attack, he was strapped to a bed, with tubes in every orifice.

ori|ga|mi /ɒ r I gɑː mi, [AM ] ɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Origami is the craft of folding paper to make models of animals, people, and objects.

ori|gin ◆◇◇ /ɒ r I dʒ I n, [AM ] ɔː r-/ (origins )

1 N‑VAR [usu with poss, oft in/of N ] You can refer to the beginning, cause, or source of something as its origin or origins . □� �theories about the origin of life. □� The disorder in military policy had its origins in Truman's first term. □� Their medical problems are basically physical in origin. □� Most of the thickeners are of plant origin.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N , oft of/in N ] When you talk about a person's origin or origins , you are referring to the country, race, or social class of their parents or ancestors. □� Thomas has not forgotten his humble origins. □� �people of Asian origin. □� They are forced to return to their country of origin.

origi|nal ◆◆◇ /ər I dʒ I n ə l/ (originals )

1 ADJ You use original when referring to something that existed at the beginning of a process or activity, or the characteristics that something had when it began or was made. □� He was unable to identify the original name of the site.

2 N‑COUNT If something such as a document, a work of art, or a piece of writing is an original , it is not a copy or a later version. □� When you have filled in the questionnaire, copy it and send the original to your employer. □� For once the sequel is as good as the original.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An original document or work of art is not a copy. □� �an original movie poster.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An original piece of writing or music was written recently and has not been published or performed before. □� �its policy of commissioning original work. □� �with catchy original songs by Richard Warner.

5 ADJ If you describe someone or their work as original , you mean that they are very imaginative and have new ideas. [APPROVAL ] □� It is one of the most original works of imagination in the language. □� �an original writer. ●� origi|nal|ity /ər I dʒ I n� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He was capable of writing things of startling originality.

6 PHRASE If you read or sing something in the original or, for example, in the original French , you read or sing it in the language it was written in, rather than a translation. □� He read every book or author it deals with, often in the original. □� The texts were sung in the original Italian. SYNONYMS original ADJ

1

first:�the first few flakes of snow.

initial:The aim of this initial meeting is to clarify the issues.

aboriginal:Most Canadians acknowledge that the aboriginal people have had a bad deal.

5

fresh:These designers are full of fresh ideas.

novel:The very idea of a sixth form college was novel in 1962.

innovative:�products which are more innovative than those of their competitors.

origi|nal|ly ◆◇◇ /ər I dʒ I nəli/ ADV [ADV with v] When you say what happened or was the case originally , you are saying what happened or was the case when something began or came into existence, often to contrast it with what happened later. □� The plane has been kept in service far longer than originally intended. □� France originally refused to sign the treaty. SYNONYMS originally ADV 1

initially:Initially, they were wary of Simon.

at first:At first, he seemed surprised by my questions.

first:I met him first at his house where we had a chat.

firstly:Firstly, it is needed for hormone production.

ori gi|nal si n N‑UNCOUNT According to some Christians, original sin is the wickedness that all human beings are born with, because the first human beings, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God.

origi|nate /ər I dʒ I ne I t/ (originates , originating , originated ) VERB When something originates or when someone originates it, it begins to happen or exist. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] The alfalfa plant originated in North Africa. □�[V n] I suppose no one has any idea who originated the story?

origi|na|tor /ər I dʒ I ne I tə r / (originators ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The originator of something such as an idea or scheme is the person who first thought of it or began it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the originator of the theory of relativity.

or|na|ment /ɔː r nəmənt/ (ornaments )

1 N‑COUNT An ornament is an attractive object that you display in your home or in your garden. □� �a shelf containing a few photographs and ornaments. □� �Christmas tree ornaments.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Decorations and patterns on a building or a piece of furniture can be referred to as ornament . [FORMAL ] □� �walls of glass overlaid with ornament.

or|na|men|tal /ɔː r nəme nt ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ornamental things have no practical function but are put in a place because they look attractive. □� �ornamental trees.

2 ADJ Something that is ornamental is attractive and decorative. □� �ornamental plaster mouldings.

or|na|men|ta|tion /ɔː r nəmente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Decorations and patterns can be referred to as ornamentation . [FORMAL ] □� The chairs were comfortable, functional and free of ornamentation.

or|na|ment|ed /ɔː r nəment I d/ ADJ If something is ornamentedwith attractive objects or patterns, it is decorated with them. □�[+�with ] It had a high ceiling, ornamented with plaster fruits and flowers.

or|nate /ɔ r ne I t/ ADJ An ornate building, piece of furniture, or object is decorated with complicated patterns or shapes. □� �an ornate iron staircase. ●� or|nate|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� Eventually they reached a pair of ornately carved doors.

or|nery /ɔː r nəri/ ADJ If you describe someone as ornery , you mean that they are bad-tempered, difficult, and often do things that are mean. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The old lady was still being ornery, but at least she had consented to this visit.

or|ni|thol|ogy /ɔː r n I θɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Ornithology is the study of birds. [FORMAL ] ●� or|ni|tho|logi|cal /ɔː r n I θəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� �a member of the Hampshire Ornithological Society. ●� or|ni|tholo|gist (ornithologists ) N‑COUNT □� That area is an ornithologist's paradise.

or|phan /ɔː r fən/ (orphans , orphaned )

1 N‑COUNT An orphan is a child whose parents are dead. □� �a young orphan girl brought up by peasants.

2 V-PASSIVE [no cont] If a child is orphaned , their parents die, or their remaining parent dies. □�[V -ed] �a fifteen-year-old boy left orphaned by the recent disaster.

or|phan|age /ɔː r fən I dʒ/ (orphanages ) N‑COUNT An orphanage is a place where orphans live and are looked after.

ortho|don|tist /ɔː r θədɒ nt I st/ (orthodontists ) N‑COUNT An orthodontist is a dentist who corrects the position of people's teeth.

ortho|dox /ɔː r θədɒks/ The spelling Orthodox is also used for meaning 3 . 1 ADJ Orthodox beliefs, methods, or systems are ones which are accepted or used by most people. □� Many of these ideas are now being incorporated into orthodox medical treatment.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as orthodox , you mean that they hold the older and more traditional ideas of their religion or party. □� �orthodox Jews. □� �orthodox communists.

3 ADJ The Orthodox churches are Christian churches in Eastern Europe which separated from the western church in the eleventh century. □� �the Greek Orthodox Church.

ortho|doxy /ɔː r θədɒksi/ (orthodoxies )

1 N‑VAR An orthodoxy is an accepted view about something. □� These ideas rapidly became the new orthodoxy in linguistics. □� What was once a novel approach had become orthodoxy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The old, traditional beliefs of a religion, political party, or philosophy can be referred to as orthodoxy . □� �a conflict between Nat's religious orthodoxy and Rube's belief that his mission is to make money.

ortho|paedic /ɔː r θəpiː d I k/ also orthopedic ADJ [ADJ n] Orthopaedic means relating to problems affecting people's joints and spines. [MEDICAL ] □� �an orthopaedic surgeon. □� �orthopedic shoes.

os|cil|late /ɒ s I le I t/ (oscillates , oscillating , oscillated )

1 VERB If an object oscillates , it moves repeatedly from one position to another and back again, or keeps getting bigger and smaller. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] I checked to see if the needle indicating volume was oscillating. ●� os|cil|la|tion /ɒ s I le I ʃ ə n/ (oscillations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] Some oscillation of the fuselage had been noticed on early flights.

2 VERB [no passive] If the level or value of something oscillatesbetween one amount and another, it keeps going up and down between the two amounts. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Oil markets oscillated on the day's reports from Geneva. □�[V -ing] �an oscillating signal of microwave frequency. ●� os|cil|la|tion (oscillations ) N‑VAR □�[+�in ] There have always been slight oscillations in world temperature.

3 VERB [no passive] If you oscillatebetween two moods, attitudes, or types of behaviour, you keep changing from one to the other and back again. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�between/and ] The president of the Republic oscillated between a certain audacity and a prudent realism. ●� os|cil|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�between/and ] �that perpetual oscillation between despair and distracted joy.

os|mo|sis /ɒsmoʊ s I s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Osmosis is the process by which a liquid passes through a thin piece of solid substance such as the roots of a plant. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the processes of diffusion and osmosis.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu by/through N ] If you say that people influence each other byosmosis , or that skills are gained byosmosis , you mean that this is done gradually and without any obvious effort. [FORMAL ] □� She allowed her life to be absorbed by his, taking on as if by osmosis his likes and dislikes.

os|si|fy /ɒ s I fa I / (ossifies , ossifying , ossified ) VERB If an idea, system, or organization ossifies or if something ossifies it, it becomes fixed and difficult to change. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] It reckons that rationing would ossify the farm industry. □�[V ] British society tended to ossify and close ranks as the 1930s drew to their close. [Also V into n]

os|ten|sible /ɒste ns I b ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ostensible is used to describe something that seems to be true or is officially stated to be true, but about which you or other people have doubts. [FORMAL ] □� The ostensible purpose of these meetings was to gather information on financial strategies. ●� os|ten|sibly /ɒste ns I bli/ ADV [usu ADV with cl/group] □� �ostensibly independent organisations.

os|ten|ta|tion /ɒ stente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone's behaviour as ostentation , you are criticizing them for doing or buying things in order to impress people. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� On the whole she had lived modestly, with a notable lack of ostentation.

os|ten|ta|tious /ɒ stente I ʃəs/

1 ADJ If you describe something as ostentatious , you disapprove of it because it is expensive and is intended to impress people. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an ostentatious wedding reception.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as ostentatious , you disapprove of them because they want to impress people with their wealth or importance. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Obviously he had plenty of money and was generous in its use without being ostentatious. ●� os|ten|ta|tious|ly ADV □� Her servants were similarly, if less ostentatiously attired.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe an action or behaviour as ostentatious when it is done in an exaggerated way to attract people's attention. □� �his ostentatious waves and gestures. ●� os|ten|ta|tious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Harry ostentatiously began inspecting the contents of his bag.

os|teo|path /ɒ stiəp�θ/ (osteopaths ) N‑COUNT An osteopath is a person who treats painful conditions or illnesses by pressing and moving parts of the patient's body.

os|teo|po|ro|sis /ɒ stioʊpəroʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones lose calcium and become more likely to break. [MEDICAL ]

os|tra|cism /ɒ strəs I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Ostracism is the state of being ostracized or the act of ostracizing someone. [FORMAL ] □� �those who have decided to risk social ostracism and stay on the wrong side of town. □�[+�from ] �denunciation, tougher sanctions and ostracism from the civilised world.

os|tra|cize /ɒ strəsa I z/ (ostracizes , ostracizing , ostracized ) in BRIT, also use ostracise VERB [usu passive] If someone is ostracized , people deliberately behave in an unfriendly way towards them and do not allow them to take part in any of their social activities. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] She claims she's being ostracized by some members of her local community.

os|trich /ɒ str I tʃ, [AM ] ɔː st-/ (ostriches ) N‑COUNT An ostrich is a very large African bird that cannot fly.

OTC /oʊ tiː siː / ADJ [ADJ n] OTC is an abbreviation for over-the-counter . □� �the first OTC heartburn drug. □� �head of OTC trading at PaineWebber Inc.

oth|er ◆◆◆ /ʌ �ə r / (others ) When other follows the determiner an , it is written as one word: see another . 1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use other to refer to an additional thing or person of the same type as one that has been mentioned or is known about. □� They were just like any other young couple. □� The communique gave no other details. ●�PRON Other is also a pronoun. □� Four crewmen were killed, one other was injured. □� In 1914 he (like so many others) lied about his age so that he could join the war effort.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use other to indicate that a thing or person is not the one already mentioned, but a different one. □� Calls cost 36p per minute cheap rate and 48p per minute at all other times. □� He would have to accept it; there was no other way. ●�PRON Other is also a pronoun. □� This issue, more than any other, has divided her cabinet. □� Some of these methods will work. Others will not.

3 ADJ You use theother to refer to the second of two things or people when the identity of the first is already known or understood, or has already been mentioned. □� The Captain was at the other end of the room. □� Half of PML's scientists have first degrees, the other half have PhDs. ●�PRON Theother is also a pronoun. □� Henry was holding a duster in one hand and a kitchen pail in the other.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use other at the end of a list or a group of examples, to refer generally to people or things like the ones just mentioned. □� The quay will incorporate shops, restaurants and other amenities. □� Place them in a jam jar, porcelain bowl, or other similar container. ●�PRON Other is also a pronoun. □� Descartes received his stimulus from the new physics and astronomy of Copernicus, Galileo, and others.

5 ADJ You use theother to refer to the rest of the people or things in a group, when you are talking about one particular person or thing. □� When the other pupils were taken to an exhibition, he was left behind. ●�PRON Theothers is also a pronoun. □� Aubrey's on his way here, with the others.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Other people are people in general, as opposed to yourself or a person you have already mentioned. □� The suffering of other people appals me. □� She likes to be with other people. ●�PRON Others means the same as other people . □� His humour depended on contempt for others.

7 ADJ You use other in informal expressions of time such as the other day , the other evening , or the other week to refer to a day, evening, or week in the recent past. □� I rang her the other day and she said she'd like to come round.

8 PHRASE You use expressions like among other things or among others to indicate that there are several more facts, things, or people like the one or ones mentioned, but that you do not intend to mention them all. [VAGUENESS ] □� He moved to England in 1980 where, among other things, he worked as a journalist. □� His travels took him to Dublin, among other places. □� They produce thin sheet steel to be used by the motor car industry, among others.

9 PHRASE If something happens, for example, every other day or every other month , there is a day or month when it does not happen between each day or month when it happens. □� Their food is adequate. It includes meat at least every other day, vegetables and fruit. □� Now that their children have grown up she joins Paddy in London every other week.

10 PHRASE You use every other to emphasize that you are referring to all the rest of the people or things in a group. [EMPHASIS ] □� The same will apply in every other country.

11 PHRASE You use none other than and no other than to emphasize the name of a person or thing when something about that person or thing is surprising in a particular situation. [EMPHASIS ] □� It is based on an incident involving none other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

12 PHRASE You use nothing other than and no other than when you are going to mention a course of action, decision, or description and emphasize that it is the only one possible in the situation. [EMPHASIS ] □� Nothing other than an immediate custodial sentence could be justified. □� The rebels would not be happy with anything other than the complete removal of the current regime. □� They have left us with no other choice than to take formal action.

13 PHRASE You use or other in expressions like somehow or other and someone or other to indicate that you cannot or do not want to be more precise about the information that you are giving. [VAGUENESS ] □� The Foundation is holding a dinner in honour of something or other. □� Somehow or other he's involved.

14 PHRASE You use other than after a negative statement to say that the person, item, or thing that follows is the only exception to the statement. □� She makes no reference to any feminist work other than her own.

15each other →�see each

16one after the other →�see after

17one or other →�see one

18this, that and the other →�see this

19in other words →�see word

oth|er|ness /ʌ �ə r nəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Otherness is the quality that someone or something has which is different from yourself or from the things that you have experienced. □�[+�of ] I like the otherness of men's minds and bodies.

other|wise ◆◆◇ /ʌ �ə r wa I z/

1 ADV You use otherwise after stating a situation or fact, in order to say what the result or consequence would be if this situation or fact was not the case. □� Make a note of the questions you want to ask. You will invariably forget them otherwise. □� I'm lucky that I'm interested in school work, otherwise I'd go mad.

2 ADV You use otherwise before stating the general condition or quality of something, when you are also mentioning an exception to this general condition or quality. □� The decorations for the games have lent a splash of colour to an otherwise drab city. □� �a blue and gold caravan, slightly travel-stained but otherwise in good condition.

3 ADV [ADV with v] You use otherwise to refer in a general way to actions or situations that are very different from, or the opposite to, your main statement. [WRITTEN ] □� Take approximately 60mg up to four times a day, unless advised otherwise by a doctor. □� All photographs are by the author unless otherwise stated.

4 ADV [ADV before v] You use otherwise to indicate that other ways of doing something are possible in addition to the way already mentioned. □� The studio could punish its players by keeping them out of work, and otherwise controlling their lives.

5 PHRASE You use or otherwise or and otherwise to mention something that is not the thing just referred to or is the opposite of that thing. □� It was for the police to assess the validity or otherwise of the evidence. □� I was feeling really ill, mentally and otherwise.

other|worldly /ʌ �ə r wɜː r ldli/ also other-worldly ADJ [usu ADJ n] Otherworldly people, things, and places seem strange or spiritual, and not much connected with ordinary things. □� They encourage an image of the region as an otherworldly sort of place. □� �a strange, other-worldly smile.

OTT /oʊ tiː tiː / ADJ If you describe something as OTT , you mean that it is exaggerated and extreme. OTT is an abbreviation for 'over the top'. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �an OTT comedy cabaret revue.

ot|ter /ɒ tə r / (otters ) N‑COUNT An otter is a small animal with brown fur, short legs, and a long tail. Otters swim well and eat fish.

ouch /aʊ tʃ/ EXCLAM ' Ouch! ' is used in writing to represent the noise that people make when they suddenly feel pain. □� She was barefoot and stones dug into her feet. 'Ouch, ouch,' she cried.

ought ◆◇◇ /ɔː t/ Ought to is a phrasal modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. The negative form of ought to is ought not to , which is sometimes shortened to oughtn't to in spoken English. 1 PHRASE You use ought to to mean that it is morally right to do a particular thing or that it is morally right for a particular situation to exist, especially when giving or asking for advice or opinions. □� If you get something good, you ought to share it. □� You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. You've created this problem.

2 PHRASE You use ought to when saying that you think it is a good idea and important for you or someone else to do a particular thing, especially when giving or asking for advice or opinions. □� You don't have to be alone with him and I don't think you ought to be. □� You ought to ask a lawyer's advice. □� We ought not to be quarrelling now.

3 PHRASE You use ought to to indicate that you expect something to be true or to happen. You use ought to have to indicate that you expect something to have happened already. □� 'This ought to be fun,' he told Alex, eyes gleaming.

4 PHRASE You use ought to to indicate that you think that something should be the case, but might not be. □� By rights the Social Democrats ought to be the favourites in the election. But nothing looks less certain. □� Though this gives them a nice feeling, it really ought to worry them.

5 PHRASE You use ought to to indicate that you think that something has happened because of what you know about the situation, but you are not certain. [VAGUENESS ] □� He ought to have reached the house some time ago.

6 PHRASE You use ought to have with a past participle to indicate that something was expected to happen or be the case, but it did not happen or was not the case. □� Basically the system ought to have worked. □� The money to build the power station ought to have been sufficient.

7 PHRASE You use ought to have with a past participle to indicate that although it was best or correct for someone to do something in the past, they did not actually do it. □� I realize I ought to have told you about it. □� Perhaps we ought to have trusted people more. □� I ought not to have asked you a thing like that. I'm sorry. □� I'm beginning to feel now we oughtn't to have let her go away like that.

8 PHRASE You use ought to when politely telling someone that you must do something, for example that you must leave. [POLITENESS ] □� I really ought to be getting back now. □� I think I ought to go.

oughtn't /ɔː t ə nt/ Oughtn't is a spoken form of 'ought not'.

oui|ja board /wiː dʒə bɔː r d/ (ouija boards ) N‑COUNT A ouija board is a board with the letters of the alphabet written on it. It is used to ask questions which are thought to be answered by the spirits of dead people.

ounce /aʊ ns/ (ounces )

1 N‑COUNT [num N ] An ounce is a unit of weight used in Britain and the USA. There are sixteen ounces in a pound and one ounce is equal to 28.35 grams. □�[+�of ] �four ounces of sugar.

2 N‑SING You can refer to a very small amount of something, such as a quality or characteristic, as an ounce . □�[+�of ] If only my father had possessed an ounce of business sense. □�[+�of ] I spent every ounce of energy trying to hide.

3 →�see also fluid ounce

our ◆◆◆ /aʊə r / Our is the first person plural possessive determiner. 1 DET You use our to indicate that something belongs or relates both to yourself and to one or more other people. □� We're expecting our first baby. □� I locked myself out of our apartment and had to break in.

2 DET A speaker or writer sometimes uses our to indicate that something belongs or relates to people in general. □� We are all entirely responsible for our actions, and for our reactions.

O u r La dy N‑PROPER Some Christians, especially Catholics, refer to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, as Our Lady . □� Will you pray to Our Lady for me?

O u r Lo rd N‑PROPER Christians refer to Jesus Christ as Our Lord . □� Let us remember the words of Our Lord from the gospel of Mark.

ours /aʊə r z/ Ours is the first person plural possessive pronoun. PRON You use ours to refer to something that belongs or relates both to yourself and to one or more other people. □� There are few strangers in a town like ours. □� Half the houses had been fitted with alarms and ours hadn't.

our|self /aʊə r se lf/ PRON Ourself is sometimes used instead of 'ourselves' when it clearly refers to a singular subject. Some people consider this use to be incorrect. □� �the way we think of ourself and others.

our|selves ◆◇◇ /aʊə r se lvz/ Ourselves is the first person plural reflexive pronoun. 1 PRON You use ourselves to refer to yourself and one or more other people as a group. □� We sat round the fire to keep ourselves warm. □� It was the first time we admitted to ourselves that we were tired.

2 PRON A speaker or writer sometimes uses ourselves to refer to people in general. Ourselves is used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject refers to the same people. □� We all know that when we exert ourselves our heart rate increases.

3 PRON You use ourselves to emphasize a first person plural subject. In more formal English, ourselves is sometimes used instead of 'us' as the object of a verb or preposition, for emphasis. [EMPHASIS ] □� Others are feeling just the way we ourselves would feel in the same situation. □� The people who will suffer won't be people like ourselves.

4 PRON If you say something such as 'We did it ourselves ', you are indicating that something was done by you and a particular group of other people, rather than anyone else. □� We villagers built that ourselves, we had no help from anyone.

SUFFIX -ous

forms adjectives that indicate that someone or something has a particular quality. For example, a person who is humorous often uses humour.

oust /aʊ st/ (ousts , ousting , ousted ) VERB If someone is ousted from a position of power, job, or place, they are forced to leave it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[be V -ed] The leaders have been ousted from power by nationalists. □�[V n] Last week they tried to oust him in a parliamentary vote of no confidence. □�[V -ed] �the ousted government. ●� oust|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �an accounting scandal that led to the ousting of its chief executive.

out

➊�ADVERB USES

➋�ADJECTIVE AND ADVERB USES

➌�VERB USE

➍�PREPOSITION USES

➊ out ◆◆◆ /aʊ t/ Out is often used with verbs of movement, such as 'walk' and 'pull', and also in phrasal verbs such as 'give out' and 'run out'. 1 ADV [ADV after v] When something is in a particular place and you take it out , you remove it from that place. □� Carefully pull out the centre pages. □� He took out his notebook and flipped the pages. □� They paid in that cheque a couple of days ago, and drew out around two thousand in cash.

2 ADV [ADV after v] You can use out to indicate that you are talking about the situation outside, rather than inside buildings. □� It's hot out�very hot, very humid.

3 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If you are out , you are not at home or not at your usual place of work. □� I tried to get in touch with you yesterday evening, but I think you were out. □� She had to go out.

4 ADV [ADV adv/prep] If you say that someone is out in a particular place, you mean that they are in a different place, usually one far away. □� The police tell me they've finished their investigations out there. □� When he's not filming out east, Allen lives in the Cotswolds.

5 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] When the sea or tide goes out , the sea moves away from the shore. □� The tide was out and they walked among the rock pools.

6 ADV [ADV n] If you are out a particular amount of money, you have that amount less than you should or than you did. [mainly AM ] □� Me and my friends are out ten thousand dollars, with nothing to show for it!

➋ out ◆◆◆ /aʊ t/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a light or fire is out or goes out , it is no longer shining or burning. □� All the lights were out in the house. □� Several of the lights went out, one after another.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If flowers are out , their petals have opened. □� Well, the daffodils are out in the gardens and they're always a beautiful show. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Out is also an adverb. □� I usually put it in my diary when I see the wild flowers coming out.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something such as a book or CD is out , it is available for people to buy. □� �cover versions of 40 British Number Ones�out now. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Out is also an adverb. □� The French edition came out in early 1992.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If workers are out , they are on strike. [INFORMAL ] □� We've been out for two and a half months. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Out is also an adverb. □� In June last year, 26 people came out on strike protesting against a compulsory 65-hour week.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] In a game or sport, if someone is out , they can no longer take part either because they are unable to or because they have been defeated.

6 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] In baseball, a player is out if they do not reach a base safely. When three players in a team are out in an inning, then the team is out .

7 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that a proposal or suggestion is out , you mean that it is unacceptable. □� That's right out, I'm afraid.

8 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that a particular thing is out , you mean that it is no longer fashionable at the present time. □� Romance is making a comeback. Reality is out.

9 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that a calculation or measurement is out , you mean that it is incorrect. □� When the two ends of the tunnel met in the middle they were only a few inches out.

10 ADJ If someone is out to do something, they intend to do it. [INFORMAL ] □� Most companies these days are just out to make a quick profit.

➌ out /aʊ t/ (outs , outing , outed ) VERB If a group of people out a public figure or famous person, they reveal that person's homosexuality against their wishes. □�[V n] A New York gay action group recently outed an American Congressman. ●� out|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The gay and lesbian rights group, Stonewall, sees outing as completely unhelpful.

➍ out ◆◆◆ Out of is used with verbs of movement, such as 'walk' and 'pull', and also in phrasal verbs such as 'do out of' and 'grow out of'. In American English and informal British English, out is often used instead of out of .

1 PHRASE If you go out of a place, you leave it. □� She let him out of the house.

2 PHRASE If you take something out of the container or place where it has been, you remove it so that it is no longer there. □� I always took my key out of my bag and put it in my pocket.

3 PHRASE If you look or shout out of a window, you look or shout away from the room where you are towards the outside. □� He went on staring out of the window. □� He looked out the window at the car on the street below.

4 PHRASE If you are out of the sun, the rain, or the wind, you are sheltered from it. □� People can keep out of the sun to avoid skin cancer.

5 PHRASE If someone or something gets out of a situation, especially an unpleasant one, they are then no longer in it. If they keep out of it, they do not start being in it. □� In the past army troops have relied heavily on air support to get them out of trouble. □� The economy is starting to climb out of recession.

6 PHRASE You can use out of to say that someone leaves an institution. □� You come out of university and find there are no jobs available. □� Doctors should be able to decide who they can safely let out of hospital early.

7 PHRASE If you are out of range of something, you are beyond the limits of that range. □� Shaun was in the bedroom, out of earshot, watching television. □� He turned to look back, but by then she was out of sight.

8 PHRASE You use out of to say what feeling or reason causes someone to do something. For example, if you do something out of pity, you do it because you pity someone. □� He took up office out of a sense of duty.

9 PHRASE If you get something such as information or work out of someone, you manage to make them give it to you, usually when they are unwilling to give it. □� 'Where is she being held prisoner?' I asked. 'Did you get it out of him?'. □� We knew we could get better work out of them.

10 PHRASE If you get pleasure or an advantage out of something, you get it as a result of being involved with that thing or making use of it. □� We all had a lot of fun out of him. □� To get the most out of your money, you have to invest.

11 PHRASE If you are out of something, you no longer have any of it. □� I can't find the sugar�and we're out of milk.

12 PHRASE If something is made out of a particular material, it consists of that material because it has been formed or constructed from it. □� Would you advise people to make a building out of wood or stone?

13 PHRASE You use out of to indicate what proportion of a group of things something is true of. For example, if something is true of one out of five things, it is true of one fifth of all things of that kind. □� Two out of five thought the business would be sold privately on their retirement or death.

PREFIX out-

You can use out- to form verbs that describe an action as being done better by one person than by another. For example, if you can outswim someone, you can swim further or faster than they can.

out|age /aʊ t I dʒ/ (outages ) N‑COUNT An outage is a period of time when the electricity supply to a building or area is interrupted, for example because of damage to the cables. [AM ] □� A windstorm in Washington is causing power outages throughout the region. in BRIT, use power cut

ou t-and-ou t ADJ [ADJ n] You use out-and-out to emphasize that someone or something has all the characteristics of a particular type of person or thing. [EMPHASIS ] □� Much of what has been written about us is out-and-out lies.

out|back /aʊ tb�k/ N‑SING The parts of Australia that are far away from towns are referred to as the outback .

out|bid /aʊ tb I d/ (outbids , outbidding ) The form outbid is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. VERB If you outbid someone, you offer more money than they do for something that you both want to buy. □�[V n] The Museum has antagonised rivals by outbidding them for the world's greatest art treasures.

out|board /aʊ tbɔː r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] An outboard motor is one that you can fix to the back of a small boat.

out|bound /aʊ tbaʊnd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An outbound flight is one that is leaving or about to leave a particular place.

out|box /aʊ tbɒks/ (outboxes ) N‑COUNT An outbox is a folder on a computer or phone where emails that are waiting to be sent are stored. [COMPUTING ] □� If there is no signal it will just sit in my outbox until I resend it.

out|break /aʊ tbre I k/ (outbreaks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is an outbreakof something unpleasant, such as violence or a disease, it suddenly starts to happen. □�[+�of ] At the outbreak of war, he enlisted as a private. □� The cholera outbreak continued to spread.

out|build|ing /aʊ tb I ld I ŋ/ (outbuildings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Outbuildings are small buildings for keeping things in or working in which are near a house, on the land belonging to it.

out|burst /aʊ tbɜː r st/ (outbursts )

1 N‑COUNT An outburst of an emotion, especially anger, is a sudden strong expression of that emotion. □�[+�of ] �a spontaneous outburst of cheers and applause. □�[+�against ] There has been another angry outburst against the new local tax introduced today.

2 N‑COUNT An outburstof violent activity is a sudden period of this activity. □�[+�of ] Five people were reported killed today in a fresh outburst of violence. □�[+�of ] �this first great outburst of nationalist student protest.

out|cast /aʊ tkɑːst, -k�st/ (outcasts ) N‑COUNT An outcast is someone who is not accepted by a group of people or by society. □� He had always been an outcast, unwanted and alone.

out|class /aʊ tklɑː s, -kl� s/ (outclasses , outclassing , outclassed )

1 VERB If you are outclassed by someone, they are a lot better than you are at a particular activity. □�[be V -ed] The hotel is serviceable, but outclassed by its bistro. □�[V n] Few city hotels can outclass the Hotel de Crillon.

2 VERB If one thing outclasses another thing, the first thing is of a much higher quality than the second thing. □�[be V -ed] These planes are outclassed by the most recent designs. □�[V n] The story outclasses anything written by Frederick Forsyth.

out|come ◆◇◇ /aʊ tkʌm/ (outcomes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The outcome of an activity, process, or situation is the situation that exists at the end of it. □� Mr. Singh said he was pleased with the outcome. □�[+�of ] It's too early to know the outcome of her illness. COLLOCATIONS outcome NOUN 1

noun +�outcome : treatment; election, student

adjective +�outcome : adverse, negative, positive, satisfactory; likely, possible, predictable, probable; eventual, final

verb +�outcome : affect, decide, determine, influence; await, predict; achieve SYNONYMS outcome NOUN 1

result:These people have developed asthma as a direct result of their work.

end:The police force is being manipulated for political ends.

consequence:An economic crisis may have tremendous consequences for our global security.

out|crop /aʊ tkrɒp/ (outcrops ) or outcropping N‑COUNT An outcrop is a large area of rock sticking out of the ground. □�[+�of ] �an outcrop of rugged granite.

out|cry /aʊ tkra I / (outcries ) N‑VAR An outcry is a reaction of strong disapproval and anger shown by the public or media about a recent event. □� The killing caused an international outcry.

out|dat|ed /aʊ tde I t I d/ ADJ If you describe something as outdated , you mean that you think it is old-fashioned and no longer useful or relevant to modern life. □� �outdated and inefficient factories. □� Caryl Churchill's play about Romania is already outdated.

out|did /aʊ td I d/ Outdid is the past tense of outdo .

out|dis|tance /aʊ td I stəns/ (outdistances , outdistancing , outdistanced )

1 VERB If you outdistance someone, you are a lot better and more successful than they are at a particular activity over a period of time. □�[V n] It didn't matter that Ingrid had outdistanced them as a movie star.

2 VERB If you outdistance your opponents in a contest of some kind, you beat them easily. □�[V n] �a millionaire businessman who easily outdistanced his major rivals for the nomination.

out|do /aʊ tduː / (outdoes , outdoing , outdid , outdone )

1 VERB If you outdo someone, you are a lot more successful than they are at a particular activity. □�[V n] Both sides have tried to outdo each other to show how tough they can be.

2 PHRASE You use not to be outdone to introduce an action which someone takes in response to a previous action. □� The New York Times, not to be outdone, launched a rival service.

out|door /aʊ tdɔː r / ADJ [ADJ n] Outdoor activities or things happen or are used outside and not in a building. □� If you enjoy outdoor activities, this is the trip for you. □� There were outdoor cafes on almost every block.

out|doors /aʊ tdɔː r z/

1 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If something happens outdoors , it happens outside in the fresh air rather than in a building. □� It was warm enough to be outdoors all afternoon. □� The ceremony was being held outdoors.

2 N‑SING You refer to the outdoors when talking about work or leisure activities which take place outside away from buildings. □� I'm a lover of the outdoors. □� Life in the great outdoors isn't supposed to be luxurious.

out|er /aʊ tə r / ADJ [ADJ n] The outer parts of something are the parts which contain or enclose the other parts, and which are furthest from the centre. □� He heard a voice in the outer room. □� �the outer suburbs of the city.

outer|most /aʊ tə r moʊst/ ADJ [ADJ n] The outermost thing in a group is the one that is furthest from the centre. □� �the iron beam on the outermost part of the bridge.

ou t|er spa ce N‑UNCOUNT Outer space is the area outside the earth's atmosphere where the other planets and stars are situated. □� In 1957, the Soviets launched Sputnik 1 into outer space.

outer|wear /aʊ tə r weə r / N‑UNCOUNT Outerwear is clothing that is not worn underneath other clothing. □� The latest in sports bras are colorful tops designed as outerwear.

out|fall /aʊ tfɔːl/ (outfalls ) N‑COUNT An outfall is a place where water or waste flows out of a drain, often into the sea. □� During the winter months, great flocks of gulls gather at rubbish tips and sewage outfalls.

out|field /aʊ tfiːld/ N‑SING In baseball and cricket, theoutfield is the part of the field that is furthest from the batting area.

out|field|er /aʊ tfiːldə r / (outfielders ) N‑COUNT In baseball and cricket, the outfielders are the players in the part of the field that is furthest from the batting area.

out|fit /aʊ tf I t/ (outfits , outfitting , outfitted )

1 N‑COUNT An outfit is a set of clothes. □� She was wearing an outfit she'd bought the previous day.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an organization as an outfit . □� He works for a private security outfit.

3 VERB To outfit someone or something means to provide them with equipment for a particular purpose. [mainly AM ] □�[V n +�with ] They outfitted him with artificial legs. [Also V n +�as ]

out|fit|ter /aʊ tf I tə r / (outfitters ) also outfitters N‑COUNT An outfitter or an outfitters is a shop that sells clothes and equipment for a specific purpose. [mainly BRIT ] □� �J. Hepworth, the men's outfitter. □� �a sports outfitters.

out|flank /aʊ tfl� ŋk/ (outflanks , outflanking , outflanked )

1 VERB In a battle, when one group of soldiers outflanks another, it succeeds in moving past the other group in order to be able to attack it from the side. □�[V n] �plans to outflank them from the west.

2 VERB If you outflank someone, you succeed in getting into a position where you can defeat them, for example in an argument. □�[V n] He had tried to outflank them.

out|flow /aʊ tfloʊ/ (outflows ) N‑COUNT When there is an outflowof money or people, a large amount of money or people move from one place to another. □�[+�of ] There was a net outflow of about �650m in short-term capital. □�[+�of ] �an increasing outflow of refugees.

out|fox /aʊ tfɒ ks/ (outfoxes , outfoxing , outfoxed ) VERB If you outfox someone, you defeat them in some way because you are cleverer than they are. □�[V n] There is no greater thrill than to bluff a man, trap him and outfox him.

out|going /aʊ tgoʊ I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use outgoing to describe a person in charge of something who is soon going to leave that position. □� �the outgoing director of the Edinburgh International Festival.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Outgoing things such as planes, mail, and passengers are leaving or being sent somewhere. □� All outgoing flights were grounded.

3 ADJ Someone who is outgoing is very friendly and likes meeting and talking to people.

out|go|ings /aʊ tgoʊ I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Your outgoings are the regular amounts of money which you have to spend every week or every month, for example in order to pay your rent or bills. [BRIT ] □� She suggests you first assess your income and outgoings. □� �monthly outgoings. in AM, usually use outlay , expenses

out|grow /aʊ tgroʊ / (outgrows , outgrowing , outgrew , outgrown )

1 VERB If a child outgrows a piece of clothing, they grow bigger, so that it no longer fits them. □�[V n] She outgrew her clothes so rapidly that Patsy was always having to buy new ones.

2 VERB If you outgrow a particular way of behaving or thinking, you change and become more mature, so that you no longer behave or think in that way. □�[V n] The girl may or may not outgrow her interest in fashion.

out|growth /aʊ tgroʊθ/ (outgrowths ) N‑COUNT Something that is an outgrowthof another thing has developed naturally as a result of it. □�[+�of ] Her first book is an outgrowth of an art project she began in 1988.

out|guess /aʊ tge s/ (outguesses , outguessing , outguessed ) VERB If you outguess someone, you try to predict what they are going to do in order to gain some advantage. □�[V n] Only by being him can you hope to outguess him. □�[V n] A very good investor will outguess the market.

out|gun /aʊ tgʌ n/ (outguns , outgunning , outgunned )

1 VERB [usu passive] In a battle, if one army is outgunned , they are in a very weak position because the opposing army has more or better weapons. □�[be V -ed] First Airborne Division was heavily outgunned by German forces.

2 VERB If you are outgunned in a contest, you are beaten because your rival is stronger or better than you. □�[be V -ed] Clearly, the BBC is being outgunned by ITV's original drama. □�[V n] He soon hit top speed to outgun all his rivals in the opening qualifying session.

out|house /aʊ thaʊs/ (outhouses )

1 N‑COUNT An outhouse is a small building attached to a house or very close to the house, used, for example, for storing things in.

2 N‑COUNT An outhouse is an outside toilet. [AM ]

out|ing /aʊ t I ŋ/ (outings )

1 N‑COUNT An outing is a short enjoyable trip, usually with a group of people, away from your home, school, or place of work. □�[+�to ] One evening, she made a rare outing to the local discotheque. □� �families on a Sunday afternoon outing.

2 N‑COUNT In sport, an outing is an occasion when a player competes in a particular contest or competition. □� Playing in England's first outing, he suffered a whiplash injury to his neck.

3 →�see also out ➊ 3

out|land|ish /aʊtl� nd I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe something as outlandish , you disapprove of it because you think it is very unusual, strange, or unreasonable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� This idea is not as outlandish as it sounds.

out|last /aʊ tlɑː st, -l� st/ (outlasts , outlasting , outlasted ) VERB [no passive] If one thing outlasts another thing, the first thing lives or exists longer than the second. □�[V n] These naturally dried flowers will outlast a bouquet of fresh blooms.

out|law /aʊ tlɔː/ (outlaws , outlawing , outlawed )

1 VERB When something is outlawed , it is made illegal. □�[be V -ed] In 1975 gambling was outlawed. □�[V n] The German government has outlawed some fascist groups. □�[V -ed] �the outlawed political parties.

2 N‑COUNT An outlaw is a criminal who is hiding from the authorities. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

out|lay /aʊ tle I / (outlays ) N‑VAR Outlay is the amount of money that you have to spend in order to buy something or start a project. □�[+�of ] Apart from the capital outlay of buying the machine, dishwashers can actually save you money.

out|let /aʊ tlet/ (outlets )

1 N‑COUNT An outlet is a shop or organization which sells the goods made by a particular manufacturer. □�[+�in ] �the largest retail outlet in the city.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An outlet or an outlet store is a place which sells slightly damaged or outdated goods from a particular manufacturer, or goods that it made in greater quantities than needed. □� �the factory outlet store in Belmont.

3 N‑COUNT If someone has an outletfor their feelings or ideas, they have a means of expressing and releasing them. □�[+�for ] Her father had found an outlet for his ambition in his work.

4 N‑COUNT An outlet is a hole or pipe through which liquid or air can flow away. □� �a warm air outlet.

5 N‑COUNT An outlet is a place, usually in a wall, where you can connect electrical devices to the electricity supply. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use socket

out|line ◆◇◇ /aʊ tla I n/ (outlines , outlining , outlined )

1 VERB If you outline an idea or a plan, you explain it in a general way. □�[V n] The mayor outlined his plan to clean up the town's image.

2 N‑VAR [oft in N ] An outline is a general explanation or description of something. □�[+�of ] Following is an outline of the survey findings. □� The proposals were given in outline by the Secretary of State.

3 V-PASSIVE You say that an object is outlined when you can see its general shape because there is light behind it. □�[be V -ed] The Ritz was outlined against the lights up there.

4 N‑COUNT The outline of something is its general shape, especially when it cannot be clearly seen. □�[+�of ] He could see only the hazy outline of the goalposts.

out|live /aʊ tl I v/ (outlives , outliving , outlived ) VERB If one person outlives another, they are still alive after the second person has died. If one thing outlives another thing, the first thing continues to exist after the second has disappeared or been replaced. □�[V n] I'm sure Rose will outlive many of us. □�[V n] The U.N. is an organisation which has long since outlived its usefulness.

out|look /aʊ tlʊk/ (outlooks )

1 N‑VAR [usu sing, oft in N ] Your outlook is your general attitude towards life. □�[+�on ] I adopted a positive outlook on life. □� We were quite different in outlook, Philip and I.

2 N‑SING The outlook for something is what people think will happen in relation to it. □� The economic outlook is one of rising unemployment.

out|ly|ing /aʊ tla I I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Outlying places are far away from the main cities of a country. □� Tourists can visit outlying areas like the Napa Valley Wine Country.

out|ma|noeu|vre /aʊ tmənuː və r / (outmanoeuvres , outmanoeuvring , outmanoeuvred ) in AM, use outmaneuver VERB If you outmanoeuvre someone, you gain an advantage over them in a particular situation by behaving in a clever and skilful way. □�[V n] He has shown once again that he's able to outmanoeuvre the military.

out|mod|ed /aʊ tmoʊ d I d/ ADJ If you describe something as outmoded , you mean that you think it is old-fashioned and no longer useful or relevant to modern life. □� Romania badly needs aid to modernise its outmoded industries. □� The political system has become thoroughly outmoded.

out|num|ber /aʊ tnʌ mbə r / (outnumbers , outnumbering , outnumbered ) VERB If one group of people or things outnumbers another, the first group has more people or things in it than the second group. □�[V n] �a town where men outnumber women four to one.

ou t of →�see out ➍

ou t-of-bo dy ADJ [ADJ n] An out-of-body experience is one in which you feel as if you are outside your own body, watching it and what is going on around it.

ou t of da te also out-of-date ADJ Something that is out of date is old-fashioned and no longer useful. □� Think how rapidly medical knowledge has gone out of date in recent years.

ou t of doo rs also out-of-doors ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If you are out of doors , you are outside a building rather than inside it. □� Sometimes we eat out of doors.

ou t-of-po cket

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Out-of-pocket expenses are those which you pay out of your own money on behalf of someone else, and which are often paid back to you later.

2 →�see also pocket

ou t-of-the-wa y also out of the way ADJ Out-of-the-way places are difficult to reach and are therefore not often visited. □� �an out-of-the-way spot.

ou t of tou ch

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is out of touchwith a situation is not aware of recent changes in it. □�[+�with ] Washington politicians are out of touch with the American people.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are out of touch with someone, you have not been in contact with them recently and are not familiar with their present situation. □�[+�for ] James wasn't invited. We've been out of touch for years. [Also +�with ]

ou t-of-to wn

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Out-of-town shops or facilities are situated away from the centre of a town or city. □� �shopping at cheaper, out-of-town supermarkets.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Out-of-town is used to describe people who do not live in a particular town or city, but have travelled there for a particular purpose. □� �a deluxe hotel for out-of-town visitors.

ou t of wo rk ADJ Someone who is out of work does not have a job. □� �a town where half the men are usually out of work. □� �an out of work actor.

out|pace /aʊ tpe I s/ (outpaces , outpacing , outpaced ) VERB To outpace someone or something means to perform a particular action faster or better than they can. □�[V n] These hovercraft can easily outpace most boats. □�[V n] The economy will continue to outpace its foreign rivals for years to come.

out|pa|tient /aʊ tpe I ʃənt/ (outpatients ) also out-patient N‑COUNT [oft N n] An outpatient is someone who receives treatment at a hospital but does not spend the night there. □� �the outpatient clinic. □� She received psychiatric care as an outpatient.

out|per|form /aʊ tpə r fɔː r m/ (outperforms , outperforming , outperformed ) VERB If one thing outperforms another, the first is more successful or efficient than the second. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] In recent years our economy has outperformed most other industrial economies.

out|place|ment /aʊ tple I smənt/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] An outplacement agency gives advice to managers and other professional people who have recently become unemployed, and helps them find new jobs. [BUSINESS ]

out|play /aʊ tple I / (outplays , outplaying , outplayed ) VERB In sports, if one person or team outplays an opposing person or team, they play much better than their opponents. □�[V n] He was outplayed by the Swedish 21-year-old.

out|point /aʊ tpɔ I nt/ (outpoints , outpointing , outpointed ) VERB In boxing, if one boxer outpoints another, they win the match by getting more points then their opponent. □�[V n] Kane won the world title in 1938 when he outpointed Jackie Durich.

out|post /aʊ tpoʊst/ (outposts ) N‑COUNT An outpost is a small group of buildings used for trading or military purposes, either in a distant part of your own country or in a foreign country. □� �a remote mountain outpost, linked to the outside world by the poorest of roads. [Also +�of ]

out|pour|ing /aʊ tpɔːr I ŋ/ (outpourings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An outpouringof something such as an emotion or a reaction is the expression of it in an uncontrolled way. □�[+�of ] The news of his death produced an instant outpouring of grief.

out|put ◆◇◇ /aʊ tpʊt/ (outputs )

1 N‑VAR Output is used to refer to the amount of something that a person or thing produces. □� Government statistics show the largest drop in industrial output for ten years.

2 N‑VAR The output of a computer or word processor is the information that it displays on a screen or prints on paper as a result of a particular program. □� You run the software, you look at the output, you make modifications.

out|rage (outrages , outraging , outraged ) The verb is pronounced /aʊ tre I dʒ/. The noun is pronounced /aʊ tre I dʒ/. 1 VERB If you are outraged by something, it makes you extremely shocked and angry. □�[be V -ed] Many people have been outraged by some of the things that have been said. □�[V n] Reports of torture and mass executions in Serbia's detention camps have outraged the world's religious leaders. ●� out|raged ADJ □�[+�at/about ] He is truly outraged about what's happened to him.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Outrage is an intense feeling of anger and shock. □�[+�from ] The decision provoked outrage from women and human rights groups.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to an act or event which you find very shocking as an outrage . □� The latest outrage was to have been a co-ordinated gun and bomb attack on the station.

out|ra|geous /aʊtre I dʒəs/ ADJ If you describe something as outrageous , you are emphasizing that it is unacceptable or very shocking. [EMPHASIS ] □� I must apologise for my outrageous behaviour. □� Charges for local phone calls are particularly outrageous. ●� out|ra|geous|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Car-parks are few, crammed, and outrageously expensive.

out|ran /aʊ tr� n/ Outran is the past tense of outrun .

out|rank /aʊ tr� ŋk/ (outranks , outranking , outranked ) VERB If one person outranks another person, he or she has a higher position or grade within an organization than the other person. □�[V n] The most junior executive officer outranked the senior engineer officer aboard ship.

outr� /uː tre I , [AM ] uːtre I / ADJ Something that is outr� is very unusual and strange. [FORMAL ] □� �outr� outfits designed by students at the Royal College of Art.

out|reach /aʊ triːtʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Outreach programmes and schemes try to find people who need help or advice rather than waiting for those people to come and ask for help. □� �the outreach work that she has done to encourage girls to study physics at university level.

out|rid|er /aʊ tra I də r / (outriders ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] Outriders are people such as police officers who ride on motorcycles or horses beside or in front of an official vehicle, in order to protect the people in the vehicle. □� �a black Mercedes with motorcycle outriders provided by the city's police.

out|right The adjective is pronounced /aʊ tra I t/. The adverb is pronounced /aʊ tra I t/. 1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use outright to describe behaviour and actions that are open and direct, rather than indirect. □� Kawaguchi finally resorted to an outright lie. □� �outright condemnation. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Outright is also an adverb. □� Why are you so mysterious? Why don't you tell me outright?

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Outright means complete and total. □� She had failed to win an outright victory. □� The response of the audience varied from outright rejection to warm hospitality. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Outright is also an adverb. □� The peace plan wasn't rejected outright. ●�PHRASE If someone is killed outright , they die immediately, for example in an accident. □� My driver was killed outright.

out|run /aʊ trʌ n/ (outruns , outrunning , outran ) The form outrun is used in the present tense and is also the past participle of the verb. 1 VERB If you outrun someone, you run faster than they do, and therefore are able to escape from them or to arrive somewhere before they do. □�[V n] There are not many players who can outrun me.

2 VERB If one thing outruns another thing, the first thing develops faster than the second thing. □�[V n] Spending could outrun the capacity of businesses to produce the goods.

out|sell /aʊ tse l/ (outsells , outselling , outsold ) VERB If one product outsells another product, the first product is sold more quickly or in larger quantities than the second. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The company consistently outsells all other European designers.

out|set /aʊ tset/ PHRASE If something happens at the outset of an event, process, or period of time, it happens at the beginning of it. If something happens from the outset it happens from the beginning and continues to happen. □� Decide at the outset what kind of learning programme you want to follow. □� From the outset he had put his trust in me, the son of his old friend.

out|shine /aʊ tʃa I n/ (outshines , outshining , outshone ) VERB If you outshine someone at a particular activity, you are much better at it than they are. □�[V n] Jesse has begun to outshine me in sports.

out|side ◆◆◆ /aʊ tsa I d/ (outsides ) The form outside of can also be used as a preposition. This form is more usual in American English. 1 N‑COUNT The outside of something is the part which surrounds or encloses the rest of it. □�[+�of ] �the outside of the building. □� Cook over a fairly high heat until the outsides are browned. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Outside is also an adjective. □� �high up on the outside wall.

2 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v, n ADV ] If you are outside , you are not inside a building but are quite close to it. □� 'Was the car inside the garage?'�'No, it was still outside.'. □� Outside, the light was fading rapidly. □� The shouting outside grew louder. ●�PREP Outside is also a preposition. □� The victim was outside a shop when he was attacked. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Outside is also an adjective. □� �the outside temperature. □� �an outside toilet.

3 PREP If you are outside a room, you are not in it but are in the passage or area next to it. □� She'd sent him outside the classroom. □� He stood in the narrow hallway just outside the door. ●�ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] Outside is also an adverb. □� They heard voices coming from outside in the corridor.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] When you talk about the outside world, you are referring to things that happen or exist in places other than your own home or community. □� �a side of Morris's character she hid carefully from the outside world. □� It's important to have outside interests. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Outside is also an adverb. □� The scheme was good for the prisoners because it brought them outside into the community.

5 PREP People or things outside a country, town, or region are not in it. □� �an old castle outside Budapest. □� By broadcasting from 'pirate' radio ships based outside British territorial waters, they avoided official regulation. ●�N‑SING Outside is also a noun. □� Peace cannot be imposed from the outside by the United States or anyone else.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] On a road with two separate carriageways, the outside lanes are the ones which are closest to its centre. Compare inside . □� It was travelling in the outside lane at 78mph.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Outside people or organizations are not part of a particular organization or group. □� The company now makes much greater use of outside consultants. ●�PREP Outside is also a preposition. □� He is hoping to recruit a chairman from outside the company.

8 PREP Outside a particular institution or field of activity means in other fields of activity or in general life. □� �the largest merger ever to take place outside the oil industry.

9 PREP Something that is outside a particular range of things is not included within it. □� She is a beautiful boat, but way, way outside my price range.

10 PREP Something that happens outside a particular period of time happens at a different time from the one mentioned. □� They are open outside normal daily banking hours.

11 PHRASE You use at the outside to say that you think that a particular amount is the largest possible in a particular situation, or that a particular time is the latest possible time for something to happen. □� Give yourself forty minutes at the outside.

ou t|side broa d|cast (outside broadcasts ) N‑COUNT An outside broadcast is a radio or television programme that is not recorded or filmed in a studio, but in another building or in the open air. [BRIT ] in AM, use remote broadcast

out|sid|er /aʊ tsa I də r / (outsiders )

1 N‑COUNT An outsider is someone who does not belong to a particular group or organization. □� The most likely outcome may be to subcontract much of the work to an outsider.

2 N‑COUNT An outsider is someone who is not accepted by a particular group, or who feels that they do not belong in it. □� Malone, a cop, felt as much an outsider as any of them.

3 N‑COUNT In a competition, an outsider is a competitor who is unlikely to win. □� He was an outsider in the race to be the new U.N. Secretary-General.

out|size /aʊ tsa I z/ also outsized ADJ [usu ADJ n] Outsize or outsized things are much larger than usual or much larger than you would expect. [BRIT ] □� �an outsize pair of scissors.

out|skirts /aʊ tskɜː r ts/ N‑PLURAL The outskirtsof a city or town are the parts of it that are farthest away from its centre. □�[+�of ] Hours later we reached the outskirts of New York.

out|smart /aʊ tsmɑː r t/ (outsmarts , outsmarting , outsmarted ) VERB If you outsmart someone, you defeat them or gain an advantage over them in a clever and sometimes dishonest way. □�[V n] Troy was very clever for his age and had already figured out ways to outsmart her.

out|sold /aʊ tsoʊ ld/ Outsold is the past tense and past participle of outsell .

out|source /aʊ tsɔː r s/ (outsources , outsourcing , outsourced ) VERB If a company outsources work or things, it pays workers from outside the company to do the work or supply the things. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] Increasingly, corporate clients are seeking to outsource the management of their facilities. [Also V ] ●� out|sourc|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� I do not favour outsourcing of tasks such as hospital cleaning.

out|spo|ken /aʊ tspoʊ kən/ ADJ Someone who is outspoken gives their opinions about things openly and honestly, even if they are likely to shock or offend people. □�[+�in ] Some church leaders have been outspoken in their support for political reform in Kenya. ●� out|spo|ken|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� His outspokenness has ensured that he has at least one senior enemy within the BBC hierarchy.

out|stand|ing ◆◇◇ /aʊ tst� nd I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as outstanding , you think that they are very remarkable and impressive. □� Derartu is an outstanding athlete and deserved to win. □� �an area of outstanding natural beauty.

2 ADJ Money that is outstanding has not yet been paid and is still owed to someone. □� You have to pay your outstanding bill before joining the scheme.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Outstanding issues or problems have not yet been resolved. □� We still have some outstanding issues to resolve.

4 ADJ Outstanding means very important or obvious. □� The company is an outstanding example of a small business that grew into a big one. SYNONYMS outstanding ADJ 1

remarkable:It was a remarkable achievement.

extraordinary:Rozhdestvensky is an extraordinary musician.

exceptional:�children with exceptional ability.

out|stand|ing|ly /aʊ tst� nd I ŋli/ ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use outstandingly to emphasize how good, or occasionally how bad, something is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Salzburg is an outstandingly beautiful place to visit.

out|stay /aʊ tste I / (outstays , outstaying , outstayed ) to outstay your welcome →�see welcome

out|stretched /aʊ tstre tʃt/ ADJ If a part of the body of a person or animal is outstretched , it is stretched out as far as possible. □� She came to Anna her arms outstretched.

out|strip /aʊ tstr I p/ (outstrips , outstripping , outstripped ) VERB If one thing outstrips another, the first thing becomes larger in amount, or more successful or important, than the second thing. □�[V n] In 1989 and 1990, demand outstripped supply, and prices went up by more than a third.

ou t-take (out-takes ) also outtake N‑COUNT An out-take is a piece of film or a song that is not in the final version of a programme, film, or record, for example because it contains a mistake.

ou t-there ADJ Someone or something that is out-there is very extreme or unusual. [INFORMAL ] □� It takes a certain type of person to carry off the more out-there looks.

ou t tray (out trays ) also out-tray N‑COUNT An out tray is a shallow container used in offices to put letters and documents in when they have been dealt with and are ready to be sent somewhere else. Compare in tray .

out|vote /aʊ tvoʊ t/ (outvotes , outvoting , outvoted ) VERB If you are outvoted , more people vote against what you are suggesting than vote for it, so that your suggestion is defeated. □�[be V -ed] I didn't want to sell, but was outvoted by my half-siblings. □�[V n] Twice his colleagues have outvoted him.

out|ward /aʊ twə r d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An outward journey is a journey that you make away from a place that you are intending to return to later. □� Tickets must be bought seven days in advance, with outward and return journey dates specified.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The outward feelings, qualities, or attitudes of someone or something are the ones they appear to have rather than the ones that they actually have. □� In spite of my outward calm, I was very shaken. □� What the military rulers have done is to restore the outward appearance of order.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The outward features of something are the ones that you can see from the outside. □� Mark was lying unconscious but with no outward sign of injury.

4 →�see also outwards

out|ward|ly /aʊ twə r dli/ ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use outwardly to indicate the feelings or qualities that a person or situation may appear to have, rather than the ones that they actually have. □� They may feel tired and though outwardly calm, can be irritable. □� Outwardly, little seems to have changed.

out|wards /aʊ twə r dz/ also outward

1 ADV [ADV after v] If something moves or faces outwards , it moves or faces away from the place you are in or the place you are talking about. □� The top door opened outwards.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you say that a person or a group of people, such as a government, looks outwards , you mean that they turn their attention to another group that they are interested in or would like greater involvement with. □� Other poor countries looked outward, strengthening their ties to the economic superpowers.

out|weigh /aʊ twe I / (outweighs , outweighing , outweighed ) VERB If one thing outweighs another, the first thing is of greater importance, benefit, or significance than the second thing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The advantages of this deal largely outweigh the disadvantages.

out|wit /aʊ tw I t/ (outwits , outwitting , outwitted ) VERB If you outwit someone, you use your intelligence or a clever trick to defeat them or to gain an advantage over them. □�[V n] To win the presidency, he had first to outwit his rivals within the Socialist Party.

out|with /aʊtw I θ/ PREP In Scottish English, outwith means outside. □� It is, however, necessary on occasion to work outwith these hours.

out|worn /aʊ twɔː r n/ ADJ If you describe a belief or custom as outworn , you mean that it is old-fashioned and no longer has any meaning or usefulness. □� �an ancient nation irretrievably sunk in an outworn culture.

ouzo /uː zoʊ/ (ouzos ) N‑UNCOUNT Ouzo is a strong aniseed-flavoured alcoholic drink that is made in Greece. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of ouzo can be referred to as an ouzo .

ova /oʊ və/ Ova is the plural of ovum .

oval /oʊ v ə l/ (ovals ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Oval things have a shape that is like a circle but is wider in one direction than the other. □� �the small oval framed picture of a little boy. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Oval is also a noun. □� Using 2 spoons, mould the cheese into small balls or ovals.

ovar|ian /oʊveə riən/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ovarian means in or relating to the ovaries. □� �a new treatment for ovarian cancer.

ova|ry /oʊ vəri/ (ovaries ) N‑COUNT A woman's ovaries are the two organs in her body that produce eggs.

ova|tion /oʊve I ʃ ə n/ (ovations )

1 N‑COUNT An ovation is a large amount of applause from an audience for a particular performer or speaker. [FORMAL ] □� They had lost by a wide margin, but their supporters gave them a defiant, loyal ovation.

2 →�see also standing ovation

oven /ʌ v ə n/ (ovens ) N‑COUNT An oven is a device for cooking that is like a box with a door. You heat it and cook food inside it.

oven|proof /ʌ v ə npruːf/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ovenproof dish is one that has been specially made to be used in an oven without being damaged by the heat.

over

➊�POSITION AND MOVEMENT

➋�AMOUNTS AND OCCURRENCES

➌�OTHER USES

➊ over ◆◆◆ /oʊ və r / In addition to the uses shown below, over is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. Over is also used in phrasal verbs such as 'hand over' and 'glaze over'. 1 PREP If one thing is over another thing or is moving over it, the first thing is directly above the second, either resting on it, or with a space between them. □� He looked at himself in the mirror over the table. □� �a bridge over the river Danube. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Over is also an adverb. □� �planes flying over every 10 or 15 minutes.

2 PREP If one thing is over another thing, it is supported by it and its ends are hanging down on each side of it. □� A grey mackintosh was folded over her arm. □� Joe's clothing was flung over the back of a chair.

3 PREP If one thing is over another thing, it covers part or all of it. □� Mix the ingredients and pour over the mushrooms. □� He was wearing a light-grey suit over a shirt. □� He pulled the cap halfway over his ears. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Over is also an adverb. □� Heat this syrup and pour it over.

4 PREP If you lean over an object, you bend your body so that the top part of it is above the object. □� They stopped to lean over a gate. □� Everyone in the room was bent over her desk. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Over is also an adverb. □� Sam leant over to open the door of the car.

5 PREP If you look over or talk over an object, you look or talk across the top of it. □� I went and stood beside him, looking over his shoulder. □� �conversing over the fence with your friend.

6 PREP If a window has a view over an area of land or water, you can see the land or water through the window. □� �a light and airy bar with a wonderful view over the River Amstel.

7 PREP If someone or something goes over a barrier, obstacle, or boundary, they get to the other side of it by going across it, or across the top of it. □� I stepped over a broken piece of wood. □� He'd just come over the border. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Over is also an adverb. □� I climbed over into the back seat.

8 PREP If someone or something moves over an area or surface, they move across it, from one side to the other. □� She ran swiftly over the lawn to the gate. □� Joe passed his hand over his face and looked puzzled.

9 PREP If something is on the opposite side of a road or river, you can say that it is over the road or river. □� �a fashionable neighbourhood, just over the river from Manhattan.

10 ADV [ADV after v] If you go over to a place, you go to that place. □�[+�to ] I got out the car and drove over to Dervaig. □� I thought you might have invited her over.

11 ADV [ADV after v] You can use over to indicate a particular position or place a short distance away from someone or something. □� He noticed Rolfe standing silently over by the window. □� John reached over and took Joanna's hand.

12 ADV [ADV after v] You use over to say that someone or something falls towards or onto the ground, often suddenly or violently. □� He was knocked over by a bus and broke his leg. □� The truck had gone off the road and toppled over.

13 ADV [ADV after v] If something rolls over or is turned over , its position changes so that the part that was facing upwards is now facing downwards. □� His car rolled over after a tyre was punctured. □� The alarm did go off but all I did was yawn, turn over and go back to sleep.

14 PHRASE All over a place means in every part of it. □� �the letters she received from people all over the world.

15 PHRASE Over here means near you, or in the country you are in. □� Why don't you come over here tomorrow evening?

16 PHRASE Over there means in a place a short distance away from you, or in another country. □� The cafe is just across the road over there. □� She'd married some American and settled down over there.

➋ over ◆◆◆ /oʊ və r /

1 PREP If something is over a particular amount, measurement, or age, it is more than that amount, measurement, or age. □� I carried out a survey of over a thousand patients. □� I met George well over a year ago. ●�ADV Over is also an adverb. □� �people aged 65 and over.

2 PHRASE Over and above an amount, especially a normal amount, means more than that amount or in addition to it. □� Expenditure on education has gone up by seven point eight per cent over and above inflation.

3 ADV [be ADV , n ADV , ADV after v] If you say that you have some food or money over , you mean that it remains after you have used all that you need. □� Larsons pay me well enough, but there's not much over for luxuries when there's two of you. □� Primrose was given an apple, left over from our picnic lunch.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something over , you do it again or start doing it again from the beginning. [AM ] □� She said if she had the chance to do it over, she would have hired a press secretary.

5 PHRASE If you say that something happened twice over , three times over and so on, you are stating the number of times that it happened and emphasizing that it happened more than once. [EMPHASIS ] □� He had to have everything spelled out twice over for him.

6 PHRASE If you do something over again , you do it again or start doing it again from the beginning. [BRIT ] □� If I was living my life over again I wouldn't have attended so many committee meetings.

7 PHRASE If you say that something is happening all over again , you are emphasizing that it is happening again, and you are suggesting that it is tiring, boring, or unpleasant. [EMPHASIS ] □� The whole process started all over again. □� He had to prove himself all over again.

8 PHRASE If you say that something happened over and over or over and over again , you are emphasizing that it happened many times. [EMPHASIS ] □� He plays the same songs over and over. □� 'I don't understand it,' he said, over and over again.

➌ over ◆◆◆ /oʊ və r /

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If an activity is over or allover , it is completely finished. □� Warplanes that have landed there will be kept until the war is over. □� I am glad it's all over.

2 PREP If you are over an illness or an experience, it has finished and you have recovered from its effects. □� I'm glad that you're over the flu. □� She was still getting over the shock of what she had been told.

3 PREP If you have control or influence over someone or something, you are able to control them or influence them. □� He's never had any influence over her. □� The oil companies have lost their power over oil price and oil production.

4 PREP You use over to indicate what a disagreement or feeling relates to or is caused by. □� �public concern over the possible relationship between behaviour and the intake of certain food additives. □� Staff at some air and sea ports are beginning to protest over pay.

5 PREP If something happens over a particular period of time or over something such as a meal, it happens during that time or during the meal. □� Many strikes over the last few years have not ended successfully. □� Over breakfast we discussed plans for the day. □� �discussing the problem over a cup of coffee.

6 PREP You use over to indicate that you give or receive information using a phone, radio, or other piece of electrical equipment. □� I'm not prepared to discuss this over the phone. □� The head of state addressed the nation over the radio.

7 PHRASE The presenter of a radio or television programme says ' over to someone' to indicate the person who will speak next. □� With the rest of the sports news, over to Colin Maitland.

8 CONVENTION When people such as the police or the army are using a radio to communicate, they say ' Over ' to indicate that they have finished speaking and are waiting for a reply. [FORMULAE ]

9 N‑COUNT In cricket, an over consists of six correctly bowled balls. □� At the start of the last over, the Welsh county were favourites.

PREFIX over-

forms words that refer to a quality of action that exists or is done to too great an extent. For example, if someone is being over-cautious , they are being too cautious.

over|achieve /oʊ vərətʃiː v/ (overachieves , overachieving , overachieved ) VERB If someone overachieves in something such as school work or a job, they work very hard, especially in a way that makes them tired or unhappy. They want to be successful because it is very important to them to do well and not because they enjoy what they are doing. □�[V ] �emotions such as guilt, compulsion to please or overachieve, or depression. ●� over|achiev|er (overachievers ) N‑COUNT □� He comes from a family of overachievers.

over|act /oʊ vər� kt/ (overacts , overacting , overacted ) VERB If you say that someone overacts , you mean they exaggerate their emotions and movements, usually when acting in a play. □�[V ] Sometimes he had overacted in his role as Prince.

o ver-a ge

1 ADJ If you are over-age , you are officially too old to do something. □� He was a couple of months over-age for the youth team.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use over-age to describe someone who is doing something that is usually done by much younger people, and which therefore seems inappropriate or silly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �an over-age nightclub singer.

over|all ◆◆◇ (overalls ) The adjective and adverb are pronounced /oʊ vərɔː l/. The noun is pronounced /oʊ vərɔːl/. 1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use overall to indicate that you are talking about a situation in general or about the whole of something. □� �the overall rise in unemployment. □� Cut down your overall amount of physical activity. ●�ADV Overall is also an adverb. □� Overall I was disappointed. □� The college has few ways to assess the quality of education overall.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Overalls consist of a single piece of clothing that combines trousers and a jacket. You wear overalls over your clothes in order to protect them while you are working. □� �workers in blue overalls.

3 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Overalls are trousers that are attached to a piece of cloth which covers your chest and which has straps going over your shoulders. [AM ] □� An elderly man dressed in faded overalls took the witness stand. in BRIT, use dungarees4 N‑COUNT An overall is a piece of clothing shaped like a coat that you wear over your clothes in order to protect them while you are working. [BRIT ] SYNONYMS overall ADJ 1

total:The total cost of the project would be more than $240 million.

general:The figures represent a general decline in employment.

o ver|all ma|jo r|ity (overall majorities ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a political party wins anoverall majority in an election or vote, they get more votes than the total number of votes or seats won by all their opponents.

over|arch|ing /oʊ vərɑː r tʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use overarching to indicate that you are talking about something that includes or affects everything or everyone. [FORMAL ] □� The overarching question seems to be what happens when the U.S. pulls out?

over|arm /oʊ vərɑː r m/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use overarm to describe actions, such as throwing a ball, in which you stretch your arm over your shoulder. □� �a single overarm stroke.

over|awe /oʊ vərɔː / (overawes , overawing , overawed ) VERB [usu passive] If you are overawedby something or someone, you are very impressed by them and a little afraid of them. □�[be V -ed] Don't be overawed by people in authority, however important they are. ●� over|awed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� Benjamin said that he had been rather overawed to meet one of the Billington family.

over|bal|ance /oʊ və r b� ləns/ (overbalances , overbalancing , overbalanced ) VERB If you overbalance , you fall over or nearly fall over, because you are not standing properly. □�[V ] He overbalanced and fell head first.

over|bear|ing /oʊ və r beə r I ŋ/ ADJ An overbearing person tries to make other people do what he or she wants in an unpleasant and forceful way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�with ] He can be quite overbearing with his staff.

over|blown /oʊ və r bloʊ n/ ADJ Something that is overblown makes something seem larger, more important, or more significant than it really is. □� Warnings of disaster may be overblown. □� The reporting of the hostage story was fair, if sometimes overblown.

over|board /oʊ və r bɔː r d/

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you fall overboard , you fall over the side of a boat into the water. □� His sailing instructor fell overboard and drowned during a lesson.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone goes overboard , you mean that they do something to a greater extent than is necessary or reasonable. [INFORMAL ] □� Women sometimes damage their skin by going overboard with abrasive cleansers.

3 PHRASE If you throw something overboard , for example an idea or suggestion, you reject it completely. □� They had thrown their neutrality overboard in the crisis.

over|book /oʊ və r bʊ k/ (overbooks , overbooking , overbooked ) VERB If an organization such as an airline or a theatre company overbooks , they sell more tickets than they have places for. □�[V ] Planes are crowded, airlines overbook, and departures are almost never on time. [Also V n]

over|booked /oʊ və r bʊ kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something such as a hotel, bus, or aircraft is overbooked , more people have booked than the number of places that are available. □� Sorry, the plane is overbooked.

over|bur|dened /oʊ və r bɜː r d ə nd/

1 ADJ If a system or organization is overburdened , it has too many people or things to deal with and so does not function properly. □�[+�by ] The city's hospitals are overburdened by casualties. □� �an overburdened air traffic control system. [Also +�with ]

2 ADJ If you are overburdenedwith something such as work or problems, you have more of it than you can cope with. □�[+�with ] The Chief Inspector disliked being overburdened with insignificant detail. □� �overburdened teachers. [Also +�by ]

over|came /oʊ və r ke I m/ Overcame is the past tense of overcome .

over|ca|pac|ity /oʊvə r kəp� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is overcapacity in a particular industry or area, more goods have been produced than are needed, and the industry is therefore less profitable than it could be. [BUSINESS ] □� There is huge overcapacity in the world car industry.

over|cast /oʊ və r kɑː st, -k� st/ ADJ If it is overcast , or if the sky or the day is overcast , the sky is completely covered with cloud and there is not much light. □� For three days it was overcast. □� The weather forecast is for showers and overcast skies.

over|charge /oʊ və r tʃɑː r dʒ/ (overcharges , overcharging , overcharged ) VERB If someone overcharges you, they charge you too much for their goods or services. □�[V n] If you feel a taxi driver has overcharged you, say so. ●� over|charg|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �protests of overcharging and harsh treatment of small businesses.

over|coat /oʊ və r koʊt/ (overcoats ) N‑COUNT An overcoat is a thick warm coat that you wear in winter.

over|come ◆◇◇ /oʊ və r kʌ m/ (overcomes , overcoming , overcame ) The form overcome is used in the present tense and is also the past participle. 1 VERB If you overcome a problem or a feeling, you successfully deal with it and control it. □�[V n] Molly had fought and overcome her fear of flying.

2 VERB If you are overcomeby a feeling or event, it is so strong or has such a strong effect that you cannot think clearly. □�[be V -ed] The night before the test I was overcome by fear and despair. □�[V n] A dizziness overcame him, blurring his vision.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are overcomeby smoke or a poisonous gas, you become very ill or die from breathing it in. □�[be V -ed] The residents were trying to escape from the fire but were overcome by smoke. SYNONYMS overcome VERB 1

conquer:He has never conquered his addiction to smoking.

master:His genius alone has mastered every crisis.

over|crowd|ed /oʊ və r kraʊ d I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An overcrowded place has too many things or people in it. □� �a windswept, overcrowded, unattractive beach.

over|crowd|ing /oʊ və r kraʊ d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is a problem of overcrowding , there are more people living in a place than it was designed for. □�[+�in ] Students were protesting at overcrowding in the university hostels.

over|do /oʊ və r duː / (overdoes , overdoing , overdid , overdone )

1 VERB If someone overdoes something, they behave in an exaggerated or extreme way. □�[V n] As with details, it's possible to overdo dialogue. □�[V it ] Some planning is required, but let's not overdo it.

2 VERB If you overdo an activity, you try to do more than you can physically manage. □�[V n] It is important never to overdo new exercises. □�[V it ] Doctors are worried she's overdoing it. She needs to take some time off.

over|done /oʊ və r dʌ n/

1 ADJ If food is overdone , it has been spoiled by being cooked for too long. □� The meat was overdone and the vegetables disappointing.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is overdone , you mean that you think it is excessive or exaggerated. □� In fact, the panic is overdone. As the map shows, the drought has been confined to the south and east of Britain.

over|dose /oʊ və r doʊs/ (overdoses , overdosing , overdosed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone takes an overdose of a drug, they take more of it than is safe. □� Each year, one in 100 girls aged 15�19 takes an overdose.

2 VERB If someone overdoseson a drug, they take more of it than is safe. □�[V +�on ] He'd overdosed on heroin. □�[V ] Medical opinion varies on how many tablets it takes to overdose.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to too much of something, especially something harmful, as an overdose . □�[+�of ] An overdose of sun, sea, sand and chlorine can give lighter hair a green tinge.

4 VERB You can say that someone overdoseson something if they have or do too much of it. □�[V +�on ] The city, he concluded, had overdosed on design. [Also V ]

over|draft /oʊ və r drɑːft, -dr�ft/ (overdrafts ) N‑COUNT If you have an overdraft , you have spent more money than you have in your bank account, and so you are in debt to the bank.

over|drawn /oʊ və r drɔː n/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are overdrawn or if your bank account is overdrawn , you have spent more money than you have in your account, and so you are in debt to the bank. □� Nick's bank sent him a letter saying he was �100 overdrawn.

over|dressed /oʊ və r dre st/ ADJ If you say that someone is overdressed , you are criticizing them for wearing clothes that are not appropriate for the occasion because they are too formal or too smart.

over|drive /oʊ və r dra I v/ (overdrives )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] The overdrive in a vehicle is a very high gear that is used when you are driving at high speeds.

2 PHRASE If you go into overdrive , you begin to work very hard or perform a particular activity in a very intense way. □� Henman went into overdrive, teasing and tormenting like a celebrated matador.

over|due /oʊ və r djuː , -duː /

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that a change or an event is overdue , you mean that you think it should have happened before now. □� This debate is long overdue.

2 ADJ Overdue sums of money have not been paid, even though it is later than the date on which they should have been paid. □� The average small company is owed almost �12,000 in overdue payments.

3 ADJ An overdue library book has not been returned to the library, even though the date on which it should have been returned has passed.

over|eat /oʊ və r iː t/ (overeats , overeating , overate , overeaten ) VERB If you say that someone overeats , you mean they eat more than they need to or more than is healthy. □�[V ] 40 percent of people said that stress had caused them to overeat or eat unhealthy foods. □�[V n] �people who overeat spicy foods. ●� over|eater (overeaters ) N‑COUNT □� She eats in secret like most compulsive overeaters. ●� over|eat|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The main cause of being overweight is overeating.

over|em|pha|sis /oʊ vəre mfəs I s/ N‑SING If you say that there is anoveremphasison a particular thing, you mean that more importance or attention is given to it than is necessary. □�[+�on ] He attributed the party's lack of success to an overemphasis on ideology and ideas.

over|em|pha|size /oʊ vəre mfəsa I z/ (overemphasizes , overemphasizing , overemphasized ) in BRIT, also use overemphasise1 VERB If you say that someone overemphasizes something, you mean that they give it more importance than it deserves or than you consider appropriate. □�[V n] Of particular importance was Marx's tendency to overemphasize economic conflict.

2 VERB If you say that something cannotbe overemphasized , you are emphasizing that you think it is very important. [EMPHASIS ] □�[be V -ed] The importance of education cannot be overemphasised. □�[V n] I can't overemphasize the cleanliness of this place.

over|es|ti|mate (overestimates , overestimating , overestimated ) The verb is pronounced /oʊ vəre st I me I t/. The noun is pronounced /oʊ vəre st I mət/. 1 VERB If you say that someone overestimates something, you mean that they think it is greater in amount or importance than it really is. □�[V n] With hindsight, he was overestimating their desire for peace. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Overestimate is also a noun. □� I suspect the figures could be an overestimate. ●� over|es|ti|ma|tion /oʊ və r est I me I ʃ ə n/ N‑SING □�[+�of ] �excessive overestimation of one's own importance.

2 VERB If you say that something cannotbe overestimated , you are emphasizing that you think it is very important. [EMPHASIS ] □�[be V -ed] The importance of participating in the life of the country cannot be overestimated. □�[V n] It is hard to overestimate the potential gains from this process.

3 VERB If you overestimate someone, you think that they have more of a skill or quality than they really have. □�[V n] I think you overestimate me, Fred.

o ver-exci ted also overexcited ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is over-excited , you mean that they are more excited than you think is desirable. □� You'll need to provide continuous, organised entertainment or children may get over-excited.

over|ex|posed /oʊ vər I kspoʊ zd/ ADJ An overexposed photograph is of poor quality because the film has been exposed to too much light, either when the photograph was taken or during the developing process.

over|ex|tend|ed /oʊ vər I kste nd I d/ ADJ If a person or organization is overextended , they have become involved in more activities than they can financially or physically manage. □� The British East India Tea Company was overextended and faced bankruptcy.

over|flight /oʊ və r fla I t/ (overflights ) N‑VAR An overflight is the passage of an aircraft from one country over another country's territory. □� Nations react strongly to unauthorized overflights.

over|flow (overflows , overflowing , overflowed ) The verb is pronounced /oʊ və r floʊ /. The noun is pronounced /oʊ və r floʊ/. 1 VERB [no passive] If a liquid or a river overflows , it flows over the edges of the container or place it is in. □�[V ] Pour in some of the syrup, but not all of it, as it will probably overflow. □�[V n] Rivers and streams have overflowed their banks in countless places.

2 VERB [usu cont] If a place or container is overflowingwith people or things, it is too full of them. □�[V +�with ] The great hall was overflowing with people. □�[V ] Jails and temporary detention camps are overflowing.

3 N‑COUNT The overflow is the extra people or things that something cannot contain or deal with because it is not large enough. □� Tents have been set up next to hospitals to handle the overflow.

4 N‑COUNT An overflow is a hole or pipe through which liquid can flow out of a container when it gets too full.

5 PHRASE If a place or container is filled to overflowing , it is so full of people or things that no more can fit in. □� The kitchen garden was full to overflowing with fresh vegetables.

over|fly /oʊ və r fla I / (overflies , overflying , overflew , overflown ) VERB When an aircraft overflies an area, it flies over it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He obtained permission to overfly and photograph the coasts of Spain.

over|ground The adjective is pronounced /oʊ və r graʊnd/. The adverb is pronounced /oʊ və r graʊ nd/. ADJ [ADJ n] In an overground transport system, vehicles run on the surface of the ground, rather than below it. [BRIT ] □� Bus routes and railways, both overground and underground, converged on the station. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Overground is also an adverb. □� There are plans to run the line overground close to the village of Boxley.

over|grown /oʊ və r groʊ n/

1 ADJ If a garden or other place is overgrown , it is covered with a lot of untidy plants because it has not been looked after. □�[+�with ] We hurried on until we reached a courtyard overgrown with weeds.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe an adult as an overgrown child, you mean that their behaviour and attitudes are like those of a child, and that you dislike this. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a bunch of overgrown kids.

over|hang (overhangs , overhanging , overhung ) The verb is pronounced /oʊ və r h� ŋ/. The noun is pronounced /oʊ və r h�ŋ/. 1 VERB If one thing overhangs another, it sticks out over and above it. □�[V n] Part of the rock wall overhung the path at one point.

2 N‑COUNT An overhang is the part of something that sticks out over and above something else. □�[+�of ] A sharp overhang of rock gave them cover.

over|haul (overhauls , overhauling , overhauled ) The verb is pronounced /oʊ və r hɔː l/. The noun is pronounced /oʊ və r hɔːl/. 1 VERB [usu passive] If a piece of equipment is overhauled , it is cleaned, checked thoroughly, and repaired if necessary. □�[be V -ed] They had ensured the plumbing was overhauled a year ago. □�[have n V -ed] Our car was towed away to have its suspension overhauled. ●�N‑COUNT Overhaul is also a noun. □� �the overhaul of aero engines.

2 VERB If you overhaul a system or method, you examine it carefully and make many changes in it in order to improve it. □�[V n] The government said it wanted to overhaul the employment training scheme. ●�N‑COUNT Overhaul is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The study says there must be a complete overhaul of air traffic control systems.

over|head The adjective is pronounced /oʊ və r hed/. The adverb is pronounced /oʊ və r he d/. ADJ [ADJ n] You use overhead to indicate that something is above you or above the place that you are talking about. □� She turned on the overhead light and looked around the little room. ●�ADV [ADV after v, oft be ADV ] Overhead is also an adverb. □� �planes passing overhead.

o ver|head pro|je c|tor (overhead projectors ) N‑COUNT An overhead projector is a machine that has a light inside it and can be used to make the writing or pictures on a sheet of plastic appear on a screen or wall. The abbreviation OHP is also used.

over|heads /oʊ və r hedz/ N‑PLURAL The overheads of a business are its regular and essential expenses, such as salaries, rent, electricity, and phone bills. [BUSINESS ] □� We are having to cut our costs to reduce overheads and remain competitive.

over|hear /oʊ və r h I ə r / (overhears , overhearing , overheard ) VERB If you overhear someone, you hear what they are saying when they are not talking to you and they do not know that you are listening. □�[V n] I overheard two doctors discussing my case.

over|heat /oʊ və r hiː t/ (overheats , overheating , overheated )

1 VERB If something overheats or if you overheat it, it becomes hotter than is necessary or desirable. □�[V ] The engine was overheating and the car was not handling well. □�[V n] Why do we pay to overheat pubs and hotels? ●� over|heat|ed ADJ □� �that stuffy, overheated apartment.

2 VERB If a country's economy overheats or if conditions overheat it, it grows so rapidly that inflation and interest rates rise very quickly. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] The private sector is increasing its spending so sharply that the economy is overheating. □�[V n] Their prime consideration has been not to overheat the economy. ●� over|heat|ed ADJ □� �the disastrous consequences of an overheated market.

over|heat|ed /oʊ və r hiː t I d/ ADJ Someone who is overheated is very angry about something. □� I think the reaction has been a little overheated.

over|hung /oʊ və r hʌ ŋ/ Overhung is the past tense and past participle of overhang .

over|in|dulge /oʊ vər I ndʌ ldʒ/ (overindulges , overindulging , overindulged ) VERB If you overindulge , or overindulgein something that you like very much, usually food or drink, you allow yourself to have more of it than is good for you. □�[V ] We all overindulge occasionally. □�[V +�in ] The urge to overindulge in food is powerful.

over|joyed /oʊ və r dʒɔ I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] If you are overjoyed , you are extremely pleased about something. □� Shelley was overjoyed to see me. □�[+�at ] He was overjoyed at his son's return.

over|kill /oʊ və r k I l/ N‑UNCOUNT You can say that something is overkill when you think that there is more of it than is necessary or appropriate. □� Such security measures may well be overkill.

over|land /oʊ və r l�nd/ ADJ [ADJ n] An overland journey is made across land rather than by ship or aeroplane. □� �an overland journey through Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. □� The overland route is across some really tough mountains. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Overland is also an adverb. □� They're travelling to Baghdad overland.

over|lap (overlaps , overlapping , overlapped ) The verb is pronounced /oʊ və r l� p/. The noun is pronounced /oʊ və r l�p/. 1 VERB If one thing overlaps another, or if you overlap them, a part of the first thing occupies the same area as a part of the other thing. You can also say that two things overlap . □�[V n] When the bag is folded flat, the bag bottom overlaps one side of the bag. □�[V n] Overlap the slices carefully so there are no gaps. □�[V ] Use vinyl seam adhesive where vinyls overlap. □�[V n] The edges must overlap each other or weeds will push through the gaps.

2 VERB If one idea or activity overlaps another, or overlaps with another, they involve some of the same subjects, people, or periods of time. □�[V n] Elizabeth met other Oxford intellectuals, some of whom overlapped Naomi's world. □�[V +�with ] Christian Holy Week overlaps with the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. □�[V ] The needs of patients invariably overlap. ●�N‑VAR Overlap is also a noun. □�[+�between ] �the overlap between civil and military technology.

over|lay /oʊ və r le I / (overlays , overlaying , overlaid )

1 VERB [usu passive] If something is overlaidwith something else, it is covered by it. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The floor was overlaid with rugs of oriental design.

2 VERB If something is overlaidwith a feeling or quality, that feeling or quality is the most noticeable one, but there may be deeper and more important ones involved. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] The party had been overlaid with a certain nervousness. □�[V n] �a surge of feeling which at this moment overlaid all others.

over|leaf /oʊ və r liː f/ ADV [n ADV , oft ADV after v] Overleaf is used in books and magazines to say that something is on the other side of the page you are reading. □� Answer the questionnaire overleaf.

over|load (overloads , overloading , overloaded ) The verb is pronounced /oʊ və r loʊ d/. The noun is pronounced /oʊ və r loʊd/. 1 VERB If you overload something such as a vehicle, you put more things or people into it than it was designed to carry. □�[V n] Don't overload the boat or it will sink. □�[V n] Large meals overload the digestive system. ●� over|load|ed ADJ □� Some trains were so overloaded that their suspension collapsed.

2 VERB To overload someone with work, problems, or information means to give them more work, problems, or information than they can cope with. □�[V n +�with ] �an effective method that will not overload staff with yet more paperwork. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Overload is also a noun. □� 57 per cent complained of work overload. □� The greatest danger is that we simply create information overload for our executives. ●� over|load|ed ADJ □� The bar waiter was already overloaded with orders.

3 VERB If you overload an electrical system, you cause too much electricity to flow through it, and so damage it. □�[V n] Never overload an electrical socket.

over|look /oʊ və r lʊ k/ (overlooks , overlooking , overlooked )

1 VERB If a building or window overlooks a place, you can see the place clearly from the building or window. □�[V n] Pretty and comfortable rooms overlook a flower-filled garden.

2 VERB If you overlook a fact or problem, you do not notice it, or do not realize how important it is. □�[V n] We overlook all sorts of warning signals about our own health.

3 VERB If you overlook someone's faults or bad behaviour, you forgive them and take no action. □�[V n] �satisfying relationships that enable them to overlook each other's faults.

over|lord /oʊ və r lɔː r d/ (overlords )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as an overlord , you mean that they have great power and are likely to use it in a bad way. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] They hosted a mega-event to reflect their status as the overlords of entertainment. □� The running of Welsh rugby was left in chaos yesterday after a vote of no confidence in the game's overlords.

2 N‑COUNT In former times, an overlord was someone who had power over many people. □� Henry II was the first king to be recognized as overlord of Ireland.

over|ly /oʊ və r li/ ADV Overly means more than is normal, necessary, or reasonable. □� Employers may become overly cautious about taking on new staff.

over|manned /oʊ və r m� nd/ ADJ If you say that a place or an industry is overmanned , you mean that you think there are more people working there or doing the work than is necessary. □� Many factories were chronically overmanned.

over|man|ning /oʊ və r m� n I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is a problem of overmanning in an industry, there are more people working there or doing the work than is necessary.

over|much /oʊ və r mʌ tʃ/ ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV -ed] If something happens overmuch , it happens too much or very much. [FORMAL ] □� He was not a man who thought overmuch about clothes.

over|night ◆◇◇ /oʊ və r na I t/ (overnights , overnighting , overnighted )

1 ADV [ADV after v] If something happens overnight , it happens throughout the night or at some point during the night. □� The decision was reached overnight. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Overnight is also an adjective. □� Travel and overnight accommodation are included.

2 ADV [ADV after v] You can say that something happens overnight when it happens very quickly and unexpectedly. □� The rules are not going to change overnight. □� Almost overnight, she had aged ten years and become fat. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Overnight is also an adjective. □� In 1970 he became an overnight success in America.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Overnight bags or clothes are ones that you take when you go and stay somewhere for one or two nights. □� He realized he'd left his overnight bag at Mary's house.

4 VERB If you overnight somewhere, you spend the night there. □�[V prep/adv] They had told her she would be overnighting in Sydney. ●�N‑COUNT Overnight is also a noun. □� Overnights can be arranged.

over|paid /oʊ və r pe I d/

1 ADJ If you say that someone is overpaid , you mean that you think they are paid more than they deserve for the work they do. □� �grossly overpaid corporate lawyers.

2 →�see also overpay

over|pass /oʊ və r pɑːs, -p�s/ (overpasses ) N‑COUNT An overpass is a structure which carries one road over the top of another one. [mainly AM ] □� �a $16 million highway overpass over Route 1. in BRIT, usually use flyover

over|pay /oʊ və r pe I / (overpays , overpaying , overpaid )

1 VERB If you overpay someone, or if you overpay for something, you pay more than is necessary or reasonable. □�[V n] Management has to make sure it does not overpay its staff. □�[V +�for ] The council is said to have been overpaying for repairs made by its housing department. □�[V n] The scheme will overpay some lawyers and underpay others. [Also V , V n to-inf]

2 →�see also overpaid

over|play /oʊ və r ple I / (overplays , overplaying , overplayed )

1 VERB If you say that someone is overplaying something such as a problem, you mean that they are making it seem more important than it really is. □�[be V -ed] I think the historical factor is overplayed, that it really doesn't mean much.

2 PHRASE If someone overplays their hand , they act more confidently than they should because they believe that they are in a stronger position than they actually are. □� The United States has to be careful it doesn't overplay its hand.

over|popu|lat|ed /oʊ və r pɒ pjʊle I t I d/ ADJ If an area is overpopulated , there are problems because it has too many people living there. □� Environmentalists say Australia is already overpopulated.

over|popu|la|tion /oʊ və r pɒpjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is a problem of overpopulation in an area, there are more people living there than can be supported properly. □�[+�in ] �young persons who are concerned about overpopulation in the world.

over|pow|er /oʊ və r paʊ ə r / (overpowers , overpowering , overpowered )

1 VERB If you overpower someone, you manage to take hold of and keep hold of them, although they struggle a lot. □�[V n] It took ten guardsmen to overpower him.

2 VERB If a feeling overpowers you, it suddenly affects you very strongly. □�[V n] A sudden dizziness overpowered him.

3 VERB In a sports match, when one team or player overpowers the other, they play much better than them and beat them easily. □�[V n] His team overpowered Scotland 38�18.

4 VERB If something such as a colour or flavour overpowers another colour or flavour, it is so strong that it makes the second one less noticeable. □�[V n] On fair skin, pale shades are delicate enough not to overpower your colouring.

over|pow|er|ing /oʊ və r paʊ ər I ŋ/

1 ADJ An overpowering feeling is so strong that you cannot resist it. □� �hard, cold, overpowering anger. □� The desire for revenge can be overpowering.

2 ADJ An overpowering smell or sound is so strong that you cannot smell or hear anything else. □� There was an overpowering smell of petrol.

3 ADJ An overpowering person makes other people feel uncomfortable because they have such a strong personality. □� Mrs Winter was large and somewhat overpowering.

over|priced /oʊ və r pra I st/ ADJ If you say that something is overpriced , you mean that you think it costs much more than it should. □� Any property which does not sell within six weeks is overpriced.

over|ran /oʊ və r r� n/ Overran is the past tense of overrun .

over|rate /oʊ və r re I t/ (overrates , overrating , overrated ) also over-rate VERB If you say that something or someone is overrated , you mean that people have a higher opinion of them than they deserve. □�[be V -ed] More men are finding out that the joys of work have been overrated. □�[V n] If you consider him a miracle man, you're overrating him. ●� over|rat|ed ADJ □� Life in the wild is vastly overrated.

over|reach /oʊ və r riː tʃ/ (overreaches , overreaching , overreached ) also over-reach VERB If you say that someone overreachesthemselves , you mean that they fail at something because they are trying to do more than they are able to. □�[V pron-refl] The company had overreached itself and made unwise investments.

over|react /oʊ və r ri� kt/ (overreacts , overreacting , overreacted ) also over-react VERB If you say that someone overreactsto something, you mean that they have and show more of an emotion than is necessary or appropriate. □�[V ] Is the council right to be concerned, or is it overreacting? □�[V +�to ] I overreact to anything sad. ●� over|reac|tion /oʊ və r ri� kʃ ə n/ (overreactions ) N‑VAR □� This is actually an outrageous overreaction.

over|ride (overrides , overriding , overrode , overridden ) also over-ride The verb is pronounced /oʊ və r ra I d/. The noun is pronounced /oʊ və r ra I d/. 1 VERB If one thing in a situation overrides other things, it is more important than them. □�[V n] The welfare of a child should always override the wishes of its parents.

2 VERB If someone in authority overrides a person or their decisions, they cancel their decisions. □�[V n] The president vetoed the bill, and the Senate failed by a single vote to override his veto.

3 N‑COUNT An override is an attempt to cancel someone's decisions by using your authority over them or by gaining more votes than them in an election or contest. [AM ] □� The bill now goes to the House where an override vote is expected to fail.

over|rid|ing /oʊ və r ra I d I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In a particular situation, the overriding factor is the one that is the most important. □� My overriding concern is to raise the standards of state education.

over|rule /oʊ və r ruː l/ (overrules , overruling , overruled ) VERB If someone in authority overrules a person or their decision, they officially decide that the decision is incorrect or not valid. □�[V n] In 1991, the Court of Appeal overruled this decision. □�[V n] I told them it was a lousy idea, but I was overruled.

over|run /oʊ və r rʌ n/ (overruns , overrunning , overran ) The form overrun is used in the present tense and is also the past participle of the verb. 1 VERB If an army or an armed force overruns a place, area, or country, it succeeds in occupying it very quickly. □�[V n] A group of rebels overran the port area and most of the northern suburbs.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that a place is overrunwith or by things that you consider undesirable, you mean that there are a large number of them there. □�[+�by ] The Hotel has been ordered to close because it is overrun by mice and rats. □�[+�by ] Padua and Vicenza are prosperous, well-preserved cities, not overrun by tourists. [Also +�with ]

3 VERB If an event or meeting overruns by, for example, ten minutes, it continues for ten minutes longer than it was intended to. □�[V +�by ] Tuesday's lunch overran by three-quarters of an hour. □�[V n] The talks overran their allotted time. [Also V ]

4 VERB If costs overrun , they are higher than was planned or expected. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] The US developer took a $163m hit after costs overran at the wind farm. □�[V n] Costs overran the budget by about 30%. ●�N‑COUNT [usu n N ] Overrun is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He was stunned to discover cost overruns of at least $1 billion.

over|seas ◆◇◇ /oʊ və r siː z/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use overseas to describe things that involve or are in foreign countries, usually across a sea or an ocean. □� He has returned to South Africa from his long overseas trip. □� �overseas trade figures. ●�ADV [ADV after v, oft be ADV ] Overseas is also an adverb. □� People think that living and working overseas is glamorous. It's not.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An overseas student or visitor comes from a foreign country, usually across a sea or an ocean. □� Every year millions of overseas visitors come to London. SYNONYMS overseas ADJ 1

foreign:She was on her first foreign holiday without her parents.

international:�emergency aid from the international community.

over|see /oʊ və r siː / (oversees , overseeing , oversaw , overseen ) VERB If someone in authority oversees a job or an activity, they make sure that it is done properly. □�[V n] Use a surveyor or architect to oversee and inspect the different stages of the work.

over|seer /oʊ və r siːə r / (overseers )

1 N‑COUNT An overseer is someone whose job is to make sure that employees are working properly. □� I was put in the tailor shop, and I loved it. I was promoted to overseer.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] If a person or organization is the overseer of a particular system or activity, they are responsible for making sure that the system or activity works properly and is successful. □�[+�of ] �the department's dual role as overseer of oil production and safety.

over|sell /oʊ və r se l/ (oversells , overselling , oversold ) VERB If you say that something or someone is oversold , you mean that people say they are better or more useful than they really are. □�[be V -ed] The benefits of higher education have been oversold.

over|sexed /oʊ və r se kst/ ADJ If you describe someone as oversexed , you mean that they are more interested in sex or more involved in sexual activities than you think they should be. [DISAPPROVAL ]

over|shad|ow /oʊ və r ʃ� doʊ/ (overshadows , overshadowing , overshadowed )

1 VERB If an unpleasant event or feeling overshadows something, it makes it less happy or enjoyable. □�[V n] Fears for the President's safety could overshadow his peace-making mission.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are overshadowedby a person or thing, you are less successful, important, or impressive than they are. □�[be V -ed] Hester is overshadowed by her younger and more attractive sister.

3 VERB If one building, tree, or large structure overshadows another, it stands near it, is much taller than it, and casts a shadow over it. □�[V -ed] She said stations should be in the open, near housing, not overshadowed by trees or walls.

over|shoot (overshoots , overshooting , overshot ) The verb is pronounced /oʊ və r ʃuː t/. The noun is pronounced /oʊ və r ʃuːt/. 1 VERB If you overshoot a place that you want to get to, you go past it by mistake. □�[V n] The plane apparently overshot the runway after landing. [Also V ]

2 VERB If a government or organization overshoots its budget, it spends more than it had planned to. □�[V n] The government usually overshot its original spending target. ●�N‑COUNT Overshoot is also a noun. □�[+�in ] �the 100 million pounds overshoot in the cost of building the hospital.

over|sight /oʊ və r sa I t/ (oversights )

1 N‑COUNT If there has been an oversight , someone has forgotten to do something which they should have done. □� By an unfortunate oversight, full instructions do not come with the product.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has oversightof a process or system, they are responsible for making sure that it works efficiently and correctly. □�[+�of ] �a new system, where there'll be greater oversight of doctors.

over|sim|pli|fy /oʊ və r s I mpl I fa I / (oversimplifies , oversimplifying , oversimplified ) VERB If you say that someone is oversimplifying something, you mean that they are describing or explaining it so simply that what they say is no longer true or reasonable. □�[V n] One should not oversimplify the situation. ●� over|sim|pli|fied ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �an oversimplified view of mathematics and the sciences. ●� over|sim|pli|fi|ca|tion /oʊ və r s I mpl I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (oversimplifications ) N‑VAR □� There is an old saying that 'we are what we eat'. Obviously this is an oversimplification.

over|size /oʊ və r sa I z/ also oversized ADJ [usu ADJ n] Oversize or oversized things are too big, or much bigger than usual. □� �the oversize white sweater she had worn at school. □� �an oversized bed.

over|sleep /oʊ və r sliː p/ (oversleeps , oversleeping , overslept ) VERB If you oversleep , you sleep longer than you should have done. □�[V ] I'm really sorry I'm late, Andrew. I forgot to set my alarm and I overslept.

over|spend (overspends , overspending , overspent ) The verb is pronounced /oʊ və r spe nd/. The noun is pronounced /oʊ və r spend/. 1 VERB If you overspend , you spend more money than you can afford to. □�[V +�on ] Don't overspend on your home and expect to get the money back when you sell. □�[V +�by ] I overspent by �1 on your shopping so I'm afraid you owe me. □�[V ] He argued that local councils which overspend should be forced to face fresh elections.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If an organization or business has an overspend , it spends more money than was planned or allowed in its budget. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� Efforts are under way to avoid a �800,000 overspend. in AM, use overrun

over|spill /oʊ və r sp I l/

1 N‑VAR [oft a N , oft N n] Overspill is used to refer to people who live near a city because there is no room in the city itself. [BRIT ] □�[+�from ] �new towns built to absorb overspill from nearby cities.

2 N‑VAR [oft a N ] You can use overspill to refer to things or people which there is no room for in the usual place because it is full. □� With the best seats taken, it was ruled that the overspill could stand at the back of the court.

over|staffed /oʊ və r stɑː ft, -st� ft/ ADJ If you say that a place is overstaffed , you think there are more people working there than is necessary. □� Many workers believe the factory is overstaffed.

over|state /oʊ və r ste I t/ (overstates , overstating , overstated ) VERB If you say that someone is overstating something, you mean they are describing it in a way that makes it seem more important or serious than it really is. □�[V n] The authors no doubt overstated their case with a view to catching the public's attention.

over|state|ment /oʊ və r ste I tmənt/ (overstatements ) N‑VAR If you refer to the way something is described is anoverstatement , you mean it is described in a way that makes it seem more important or serious than it really is. □� This may have been an improvement, but 'breakthrough' was an overstatement.

over|stay /oʊ və r ste I / (overstays , overstaying , overstayed )

1 VERB [no passive] If you overstay your time, you stay somewhere for longer than you should. □�[V n] Up to forty per cent of the students had overstayed their visas. [Also V ]

2to overstay your welcome →�see welcome

over|step /oʊ və r ste p/ (oversteps , overstepping , overstepped ) VERB If you say that someone oversteps the limits of a system or situation, you mean that they do something that is not allowed or is not acceptable. □�[V n] The Commission is sensitive to accusations that it is overstepping its authority. ●�PHRASE If someone oversteps the mark , they behave in a way that is considered unacceptable. □� He overstepped the mark and we had no option but to suspend him.

over|stretch /oʊ və r stre tʃ/ (overstretches , overstretching , overstretched ) VERB If you overstretch something or someone or if they overstretch , you force them to do something they are not really capable of, and they may be harmed as a result. □�[V n] He claimed that the operation would overstretch resources. □�[V pron-refl] Do what you know you can do well and don't overstretch yourself. □�[V ] Never force your legs to overstretch, or you can cause injuries.

over|stretched /oʊ və r stre tʃt/ ADJ If a system or organization is overstretched , it is being forced to work more than it is supposed to. □� Analysts fear the overstretched air traffic control system could reach breaking point.

over|sub|scribed /oʊ və r səbskra I bd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something such as an event or a service is oversubscribed , too many people apply to attend the event or use the service. □� The popular schools tend to be heavily oversubscribed.

overt /oʊ vɜː r t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An overt action or attitude is done or shown in an open and obvious way. □� Although there is no overt hostility, black and white students do not mix much. ●� overt|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� He's written a few overtly political lyrics over the years.

over|take /oʊ və r te I k/ (overtakes , overtaking , overtook , overtaken )

1 VERB If you overtake a vehicle or a person that is ahead of you and moving in the same direction, you pass them. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] When he eventually overtook the last truck, he pulled over to the inside lane. □�[V ] The red car was pulling out ready to overtake. in AM, usually use pass2 VERB If someone or something overtakes a competitor, they become more successful than them. □�[V n] The coffee chain has overtaken its US rival.

3 VERB If an event overtakes you, it happens unexpectedly or suddenly. □�[V n] Tragedy was shortly to overtake him, however.

4 VERB If a feeling overtakes you, it affects you very strongly. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] Something like panic overtook me.

over|tax /oʊ və r t� ks/ (overtaxes , overtaxing , overtaxed )

1 VERB If you overtax someone or something, you force them to work harder than they can really manage, and may do them harm as a result. □�[V n] �a contralto who has overtaxed her voice.

2 VERB If you say that a government is overtaxing its people, you mean that it is making them pay more tax than you think they should pay. □�[V n] You can't help Britain by overtaxing its people.

o ver-the-cou nter →�see counter

o ver-the-to p →�see top

over|think /əʊ və r θ I ŋk/ (overthinks , overthinking , overthought ) VERB If you overthink , or if you overthink a problem, you spend too much time thinking about something. □� You overthink things and start worrying.

over|throw (overthrows , overthrowing , overthrew , overthrown ) The verb is pronounced /oʊ və r θroʊ /. The noun is pronounced /oʊ və r θroʊ/. VERB When a government or leader is overthrown , they are removed from power by force. □�[be V -ed] That government was overthrown in a military coup three years ago. □�[V n] �an attempt to overthrow the president. ●�N‑SING Overthrow is also a noun. □�[+�of ] They were charged with plotting the overthrow of the state.

over|time /oʊ və r ta I m/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Overtime is time that you spend doing your job in addition to your normal working hours. □� He would work overtime, without pay, to finish a job.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is working overtime to do something, you mean that they are using a lot of energy, effort, or enthusiasm trying to do it. [INFORMAL ] □� We had to battle very hard and our defence worked overtime to keep us in the game.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Overtime is an additional period of time that is added to the end of a sports match in which the two teams are level, as a way of allowing one of the teams to win. [AM ] □� They won the championship by defeating their opponents 3�2 in overtime. in BRIT, use extra time

over|tired /oʊ və r tai ə r d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are overtired , you are so tired that you feel unhappy or bad-tempered, or feel that you cannot do things properly.

over|tone /oʊ və r toʊn/ (overtones ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If something has overtonesof a particular thing or quality, it suggests that thing or quality but does not openly express it. □� It's a quite profound story, with powerful religious overtones.

over|took /oʊ və r tʊ k/ Overtook is the past tense of overtake .

over|ture /oʊ və r tʃʊə r / (overtures )

1 N‑COUNT An overture is a piece of music, often one that is the introduction to an opera or play. □�[+�to ] The programme opened with the overture to Wagner's Flying Dutchman.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you make overturesto someone, you behave in a friendly or romantic way towards them. □�[+�of ] He had lately begun to make clumsy yet endearing overtures of friendship.

over|turn /oʊ və r tɜː r n/ (overturns , overturning , overturned )

1 VERB If something overturns or if you overturn it, it turns upside down or on its side. □�[V ] The lorry veered out of control, overturned and smashed into a wall. □�[V n] Alex jumped up so violently that he overturned his glass of sherry. □�[V -ed] �a battered overturned boat.

2 VERB If someone in authority overturns a legal decision, they officially decide that that decision is incorrect or not valid. □�[V n] His nine-month sentence was overturned by Appeal Court judge Lord Justice Watkins.

3 VERB To overturn a government or system means to remove it or destroy it. □�[V n] He accused his opponents of wanting to overturn the government.

over|use (overuses , overusing , overused ) The verb is pronounced /oʊ və r juː z/. The noun is pronounced /oʊ və r juː s/. 1 VERB If someone overuses something, they use more of it than necessary, or use it more often than necessary. □�[V n] Don't overuse heated appliances on your hair. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Overuse is also a noun. □� Supplies are under increasing threat from overuse and pollution.

2 VERB If you say that people overuse a word or idea, you mean that they use it so often that it no longer has any real meaning or effect. □�[V n] Which words or phrases do you most overuse? ●� over|used ADJ □� 'Just Do It' has become one of the most overused catch phrases in recent memory.

over|value /oʊ və r v� ljuː/ (overvalues , overvaluing , overvalued ) VERB To overvalue something, often a cost or rate of exchange, means to fix its value at too high a level compared with other similar things. □�[V n] �a rate which does not overvalue the pound. □�[be V -ed] Many, perhaps all, Internet stocks are hugely overvalued. ●� over|valu|ation /oʊ və r v�ljue I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] These problems were aggravated by the overvaluation of the pound. ●� over|valued ADJ □� It still can be argued that Japanese shares are overvalued in terms of the return they offer.

over|view /oʊ və r vjuː/ (overviews ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An overviewof a situation is a general understanding or description of it as a whole. □�[+�of ] The central section of the book is a historical overview of drug use.

over|ween|ing /oʊ və r wiː n I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you want to emphasize your disapproval of someone's great ambition or pride, you can refer to their overweening ambition or pride. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'Your modesty is a cover for your overweening conceit,' she said.

over|weight /oʊ və r we I t/ ADJ Someone who is overweight weighs more than is considered healthy or attractive. □� Being even moderately overweight increases your risk of developing high blood pressure.

over|whelm /oʊ və r h we lm/ (overwhelms , overwhelming , overwhelmed )

1 VERB If you are overwhelmedby a feeling or event, it affects you very strongly, and you do not know how to deal with it. □�[be V -ed] He was overwhelmed by a longing for times past. □�[V n] The need to talk to someone, anyone, overwhelmed her. ●� over|whelmed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □�[+�by ] Sightseers may be a little overwhelmed by the crowds and noise.

2 VERB If a group of people overwhelm a place or another group, they gain complete control or victory over them. □�[V n] It was clear that one massive Allied offensive would overwhelm the weakened enemy.

over|whelm|ing ◆◇◇ /oʊ və r h we lm I ŋ/

1 ADJ If something is overwhelming , it affects you very strongly, and you do not know how to deal with it. □� The task won't feel so overwhelming if you break it down into small, easy-to-accomplish steps. □� She felt an overwhelming desire to have another child. ●� over|whelm|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �the overwhelmingly strange medieval city of F�s.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use overwhelming to emphasize that an amount or quantity is much greater than other amounts or quantities. [EMPHASIS ] □� The overwhelming majority of small businesses go broke within the first twenty-four months. □� The vote was overwhelming�283 in favour, and only twenty-nine against. ●� over|whelm|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The House of Commons has overwhelmingly rejected calls to bring back the death penalty for murder.

over|work /oʊ və r wɜː r k/ (overworks , overworking , overworked ) VERB If you overwork or if someone overworks you, you work too hard, and are likely to become very tired or ill. □�[V ] He's overworking and has got a lot on his mind. □�[V n] He overworks and underpays the poor clerk whom he employs. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Overwork is also a noun. □� He died of a heart attack brought on by overwork. ●� over|worked ADJ □� �an overworked doctor.

over|worked /oʊ və r wɜː r kt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a word, expression, or idea as overworked , you mean it has been used so often that it no longer has much effect or meaning. □� 'Ecological' has become one of the most overworked adjectives.

over|wrought /oʊ və r rɔː t/ ADJ Someone who is overwrought is very upset and is behaving in an uncontrolled way. □� One overwrought member had to be restrained by friends.

ovu|late /ɒ vjʊle I t/ (ovulates , ovulating , ovulated ) VERB When a woman or female animal ovulates , an egg is produced from one of her ovaries. □�[V ] Some girls may first ovulate even before they menstruate. ●� ovu|la|tion /ɒ vjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� By noticing these changes, the woman can tell when ovulation is about to occur.

ovum /oʊ vəm/ (ova ) N‑COUNT An ovum is one of the eggs of a woman or female animal. [TECHNICAL ]

ow /aʊ / EXCLAM ' Ow! ' is used in writing to represent the noise that people make when they suddenly feel pain. □� Ow! Don't do that!

owe ◆◇◇ /oʊ / (owes , owing , owed )

1 VERB If you owe money to someone, they have lent it to you and you have not yet paid it back. You can also say that the money is owing . □�[V n +�to ] The company owes money to more than 60 banks. □�[V n n] Blake already owed him nearly �50. □�[V n] I'm broke, Livy, and I owe a couple of million dollars. □�[V ] He could take what was owing for the rent.

2 VERB [no passive] If someone or something owes a particular quality or their success to a person or thing, they only have it because of that person or thing. □�[V n +�to ] He owed his survival to his strength as a swimmer. □�[V n n] I owe him my life.

3 VERB If you say that you owe a great deal to someone or something, you mean that they have helped you or influenced you a lot, and you feel very grateful to them. □�[V n to ] As a professional composer, I owe much to Radio 3. □�[V n n] He's been fantastic. I owe him a lot.

4 VERB If you say that something owes a great deal to a person or thing, you mean that it exists, is successful, or has its particular form mainly because of them. □�[V n to ] She is the first to admit that her career path owes a lot to good fortune.

5 VERB If you say that you owe someone gratitude, respect, or loyalty, you mean that they deserve it from you. [FORMAL ] □�[V n n] Perhaps we owe these people more respect. □�[V n n] I owe you an apology. You must have found my attitude very annoying. □�[V n +�to ] I owe a big debt of gratitude to her.

6 VERB [no passive] If you say that you owe it to someone to do something, you mean that you should do that thing because they deserve it. □� I can't go. I owe it to him to stay. □� You owe it to yourself to get some professional help. □� Of course she would have to send a letter; she owed it to the family.

7 PHRASE You use owing to when you are introducing the reason for something. □� Owing to staff shortages, there was no restaurant car on the train.

owl /aʊ l/ (owls )

1 N‑COUNT An owl is a bird with a flat face, large eyes, and a small sharp beak. Most owls obtain their food by hunting small animals at night.

2 →�see also night owl

owl|ish /aʊ l I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An owlish person looks rather like an owl, especially because they wear glasses, and seems to be very serious and clever. □� With his owlish face, it is easy to understand why he was called 'The Professor'.

own ◆◆◆ /oʊ n/ (owns , owning , owned )

1 ADJ You use own to indicate that something belongs to a particular person or thing. □� Helen decided I should have my own shop. □� He could no longer trust his own judgement. □� His office had its own private entrance. ●�PRON Own is also a pronoun. □� He saw the Major's face a few inches from his own.

2 ADJ You use own to indicate that something is used by, or is characteristic of, only one person, thing, or group. □� Jennifer insisted on her own room. □� I let her tell me about it in her own way. □� Each nation has its own peculiarities when it comes to doing business. ●�PRON Own is also a pronoun. □� This young lady has a sense of style that is very much her own.

3 ADJ You use own to indicate that someone does something without any help from other people. □� They enjoy making their own decisions. □� He'll have to make his own arrangements. ●�PRON Own is also a pronoun. □� There's no career structure, you have to create your own.

4 VERB If you own something, it is your property. □�[V n] His father owns a local pub.

5 VERB If you own someone, you completely defeat them in a game, competition, or argument. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I just totally owned you.

6 PHRASE If you have something you can call your own , it belongs only to you, rather than being controlled by or shared with someone else. □� I would like a place I could call my own.

7 PHRASE If someone or something comes into their own , they become very successful or start to perform very well because the circumstances are right. □� The goalkeeper came into his own with a series of brilliant saves.

8 PHRASE If you get your own back on someone, you have your revenge on them because of something bad that they have done to you. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Renshaw reveals 20 bizarre ways in which women have got their own back on former loved ones.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone has a particular thing of their own , you mean that that thing belongs or relates to them, rather than to other people. □� He set out in search of ideas for starting a company of his own.

10 PHRASE If someone or something has a particular quality or characteristic of their own , that quality or characteristic is especially theirs, rather than being shared by other things or people of that type. □� The cries of the seagulls gave this part of the harbour a fascinating character all of its own.

11 PHRASE When you are on your own , you are alone. □� He lives on his own. □� I told him how scared I was of being on my own.

12 PHRASE If you do something on your own , you do it without any help from other people. □� I work best on my own. □� �the jobs your child can do on her own.

13hold one's own →�see hold ➍

▸� own up PHRASAL VERB If you own up to something wrong that you have done, you admit that you did it. □�[V P ] The headmaster is waiting for someone to own up. □�[V P +�to ] They fear losing face by owning up to what they have done. COLLOCATIONS own NOUN 4

own+�noun : business, company, share, stake; home, house, land, property

own+�adverb : collectively, jointly, outright, partly; privately, publicly SYNONYMS own VERB 1

have:Oscar had a new bicycle.

possess:He is said to possess a large fortune.

keep:This mad writer kept a lobster as a pet.

o wn bra nd (own brands ) N‑COUNT Own brands are products which have the trademark or label of the shop which sells them, especially a supermarket chain. They are normally cheaper than other popular brands. [BUSINESS ] □� This range is substantially cheaper than any of the other own brands available. □� �own-brand cola.

-owned /-oʊnd/ COMB -owned combines with nouns, adjectives, and adverbs to form adjectives that indicate who owns something. □� More than 50 state-owned companies have been sold in the last decade. □� �the Japanese-owned Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles.

own|er ◆◆◇ /oʊ nə r / (owners )

1 N‑COUNT The owner of something is the person to whom it belongs. □�[+�of ] The owner of the store was sweeping his floor when I walked in. □� New owners will have to wait until September before moving in.

2 →�see also home owner , landowner

o wner-o ccupier (owner-occupiers ) N‑COUNT An owner-occupier is a person who owns the house or flat that they live in. [BRIT ]

own|er|ship ◆◇◇ /oʊ nə r ʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Ownership of something is the state of owning it. □�[+�of ] They decided to relax their rules on the foreign ownership of their airlines. □� �the growth of home ownership in Britain.

o wn goa l (own goals )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In sport, if someone scores anown goal , they accidentally score a goal for the team they are playing against. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a course of action that someone takes harms their own interests, you can refer to it as anown goal . [BRIT ] □� The debacle over its deputy president was another own goal.

o wn la |bel (own labels ) N‑COUNT Own label is the same as own brand . [BUSINESS ] □� People will trade down to own labels which are cheaper.

ox /ɒ ks/ (oxen /ɒ ksən/) N‑COUNT An ox is a bull that has been castrated. Oxen are used in some countries for pulling vehicles or carrying things.

Ox|bridge /ɒ ksbr I dʒ/ N‑PROPER Oxbridge is used to refer to the British universities of Oxford and Cambridge together. [BRIT ] □� �an offer of a place at Oxbridge.

oxi|da|tion /ɒ ks I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Oxidation is a process in which a chemical substance changes because of the addition of oxygen. [TECHNICAL ]

ox|ide /ɒ ksa I d/ (oxides ) N‑VAR An oxide is a compound of oxygen and another chemical element.

oxi|dize /ɒ ks I da I z/ (oxidizes , oxidizing , oxidized ) in BRIT, also use oxidise VERB When a substance is oxidized or when it oxidizes , it changes chemically because of the effect of oxygen on it. □�[be V -ed] Aluminium is rapidly oxidized in air. □�[V ] The original white lead pigments have oxidized and turned black.

ox|tail /ɒ kste I l/ (oxtails ) N‑VAR Oxtail is meat from the tail of a cow. It is used for making soups and stews. □� �oxtail soup.

oxy|gen /ɒ ks I dʒən/ N‑UNCOUNT Oxygen is a colourless gas that exists in large quantities in the air. All plants and animals need oxygen in order to live. □� The human brain needs to be without oxygen for only four minutes before permanent damage occurs.

oxy|gen|ate /ɒ ks I dʒ I ne I t/ (oxygenates , oxygenating , oxygenated ) VERB To oxygenate something means to mix or dissolve oxygen into it. □�[V n] Previous attempts at filtering and oxygenating aquarium water had failed. □�[V -ed] �freshly oxygenated blood.

o xy|gen mask (oxygen masks ) N‑COUNT An oxygen mask is a device that is connected to a cylinder of oxygen by means of a tube. It is placed over the nose and mouth of someone who is having difficulty in breathing in order to help them breathe more easily.

oxy|mo|ron /ɒ ksimɔː rɒn/ (oxymorons ) N‑COUNT If you describe a phrase as an oxymoron , you mean that what it refers to combines two opposite qualities or ideas and therefore seems impossible. [TECHNICAL ] □� This has made many Americans conclude that business ethics is an oxymoron.

oys|ter /ɔ I stə r / (oysters )

1 N‑COUNT An oyster is a large flat shellfish. Some oysters can be eaten and others produce valuable objects called pearls.

2 PHRASE If you say that the world is someone's oyster , you mean that they can do anything or go anywhere that they want to. □� You're young, you've got a lot of opportunity. The world is your oyster.

o ys|ter bed (oyster beds ) N‑COUNT An oyster bed is a place where oysters breed and grow naturally or are kept for food or pearls.

oyster|catcher /ɔ I stə r k�tʃə r / (oystercatchers ) N‑COUNT An oystercatcher is a black and white bird with a long red beak. It lives near the sea and eats small shellfish.

ozOz is a written abbreviation for ounce . □� Whisk 25g (1 oz) of butter into the sauce.

ozone /oʊ zoʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Ozone is a colourless gas which is a form of oxygen. There is a layer of ozone high above the earth's surface. □� What they find could provide clues to what might happen worldwide if ozone depletion continues.

o zone-frie ndly ADJ Ozone-friendly chemicals, products, or technology do not cause harm to the ozone layer. □� �ozone-friendly chemicals for fridges and air conditioners.

o zone lay|er N‑SING [usu the N ] Theozone layer is the part of the Earth's atmosphere that has the most ozone in it. The ozone layer protects living things from the harmful radiation of the sun.

Pp

P , p /piː / (P's, p's )

1 N‑VAR P is the sixteenth letter of the English alphabet.

2p is an abbreviation for pence or penny . □� They cost 5p each. □� �plans to increase income tax by 1p.

3 You write p. before a number as an abbreviation for 'page'. The plural form is 'pp.' □� See p. 246 for Thom Bean's response. □� �see Chapter 4 (pp. 109-13).

pa /pɑː / (pas ) N‑COUNT Some people address or refer to their father as pa . [INFORMAL ] □� Pa used to be in the army.

PA ◆◇◇ /piː e I / (PAs )

1 N‑COUNT A PA is the same as a personal assistant . [BUSINESS ]

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to the PA or the PA system in a place, you are referring to the public address system. □� A voice came booming over the PA.

p.a.p.a. is a written abbreviation for per annum . □� �dentists with an average net income of �48,000 p.a.

pace ◆◇◇ /pe I s/ (paces , pacing , paced )

1 N‑SING The pace of something is the speed at which it happens or is done. □�[+�of ] Many people were not satisfied with the pace of change. □� �people who prefer to live at a slower pace. □� Interest rates would come down as the recovery gathered pace.

2 N‑SING Your pace is the speed at which you walk. □� He moved at a brisk pace down the rue St Antoine.

3 N‑COUNT A pace is the distance that you move when you take one step. □� He'd only gone a few paces before he stopped again.

4 VERB If you pace a small area, you keep walking up and down it, because you are anxious or impatient. □�[V n] As they waited, Kravis paced the room nervously. □�[V prep/adv] He found John pacing around the flat, unable to sleep. □�[V ] She stared as he paced and yelled.

5 VERB If you paceyourself when doing something, you do it at a steady rate. □�[V pron-refl] It was a tough race and I had to pace myself.

6 PHRASE If something keeps pacewith something else that is changing, it changes quickly in response to it. □�[+�with ] Farmers are angry because the rise fails to keep pace with inflation.

7 PHRASE If you keep pacewith someone who is walking or running, you succeed in going as fast as them, so that you remain close to them. □�[+�with ] With four laps to go, he kept pace with the leaders.

8 PHRASE If you do something at your own pace , you do it at a speed that is comfortable for you. □� The computer will give students the opportunity to learn at their own pace.

9 PHRASE If you put someone through their paces or make them go through their paces , you get them to show you how well they can do something. □� The British coach is putting the boxers through their paces.

10at a snail's pace →�see snail

paced /pe I st/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you talk about the way that something such as a film or book is paced , you are referring to the speed at which the story is told. □� This excellent thriller is fast paced and believable.

pace|maker /pe I sme I kə r / (pacemakers )

1 N‑COUNT A pacemaker is a device that is placed inside someone's body in order to help their heart beat in the right way. □� She was fitted with a pacemaker after suffering serious heart trouble.

2 N‑COUNT A pacemaker is a competitor in a race whose task is to start the race very quickly in order to help the other runners achieve a very fast time. Pacemakers usually stop before the race is finished.

pace|setter /pe I ssetə r / (pacesetters ) also pace-setter

1 N‑COUNT A pacesetter is someone who is in the lead during part of a race or competition and therefore decides the speed or standard of the race or competition for that time. □� Their victory keeps them five points behind the pacesetters. □� Hammond was the early pace-setter.

2 N‑COUNT A pacesetter is a person or a company that is considered to be the leader in a particular field or activity. □�[+�for ] They were the pacesetter for political change in the region.

pacey /pe I si/ →�see pacy

pa|cif|ic /pəs I f I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pacific person, country, or course of action is peaceful or has the aim of bringing about peace. [FORMAL ] □� The Liberals were traditionally seen as the more pacific party.

Pa|cif|ic

1 N‑PROPER The Pacific or the Pacific Ocean is a very large sea to the west of North and South America, and to the east of Asia and Australia. □� �an island in the Pacific.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Pacific is used to describe things that are in or that relate to the Pacific Ocean. □� �the tiny Pacific island of Pohnpei.

paci|fi|er /p� s I fa I ə r / (pacifiers ) N‑COUNT A pacifier is a rubber or plastic object that you give to a baby to suck so that he or she feels comforted. [AM ] in BRIT, use dummy

paci|fism /p� s I f I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Pacifism is the belief that war and violence are always wrong.

paci|fist /p� s I f I st/ (pacifists )

1 N‑COUNT A pacifist is someone who believes that violence is wrong and refuses to take part in wars.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has pacifist views, they believe that war and violence are always wrong.

paci|fy /p� s I fa I / (pacifies , pacifying , pacified )

1 VERB If you pacify someone who is angry, upset, or not pleased, you succeed in making them calm or pleased. □�[V n] Is this a serious step, or is this just something to pacify the critics?

2 VERB If the army or the police pacify a group of people, they use force to overcome their resistance or protests. □�[V n] Government forces have found it difficult to pacify the rebels. ●� paci|fi|ca|tion /p� s I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the pacification of the country.

pack ◆◆◇ /p� k/ (packs , packing , packed )

1 VERB When you pack a bag, you put clothes and other things into it, because you are leaving a place or going on holiday. □�[V n] When I was 17, I packed my bags and left home. □�[V ] I packed and said goodbye to Charlie. ●� pack|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� She left Frances to finish her packing.

2 VERB When people pack things, for example in a factory, they put them into containers or parcels so that they can be transported and sold. □�[V n] They offered me a job packing goods in a warehouse. □�[V n +�in ] Machines now exist to pack olives in jars. □�[V -ed] �sardines packed in oil. ●� pack|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� His onions cost 9p a lb wholesale; packing and transport costs 10p.

3 VERB If people or things pack into a place or if they pack a place, there are so many of them that the place is full. □�[V +�into ] Hundreds of thousands of people packed into the mosque. □�[V n] Seventy thousand people will pack the stadium.

4 N‑COUNT A packof things is a collection of them that is sold or given together in a box or bag. □� The club will send a free information pack. □�[+�of ] �a pack of playing cards.

5 N‑COUNT A pack is a bag containing your possessions that you carry on your back when you are travelling. □� I hid the money in my pack.

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of people who go around together as a pack , especially when it is a large group that you feel threatened by. □�[+�of ] �a pack of journalists eager to question him.

7 N‑COUNT A packof wolves or dogs is a group of them that hunt together.

8 N‑COUNT A packof playing cards is a complete set of playing cards. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use deck9 →�see also packed , packing

10 PHRASE If you say that an account is a pack of lies , you mean that it is completely untrue. □� You told me a pack of lies.

11 PHRASE If you send someone packing , you make them go away. [INFORMAL ] □� I decided I wanted to live alone and I sent him packing.

▸� pack in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pack something in , you stop doing it. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] I'd just packed in a job the day before. □�[V n P ] Pack it in. Stop being spiteful.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone packs in things or people, they fit a lot of them into a limited space or time. □�[V P n] Prisons are having to pack in as many inmates as possible. □�[be V -ed P ] It's kind of a referendum, though a lot of issues are packed in. [Also V n P ] ●�PHRASE If a play, film or event packs them in , lots of people go to see it. [INFORMAL ] □� 'Blow your head!' is still packing them in at Camden's Jazz Caf� every Friday night.

▸� pack into

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone packs a lot of something into a limited space or time, they fit a lot into it. □�[V n P n] I have tried to pack a good deal into a few words.

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If people or things are packed into a place, so many of them are put in there that the place becomes very full. □�[be V -ed P n] Some 700 people were packed into a hotel room.

▸� pack off PHRASAL VERB If you pack someone off somewhere, you send them there to stay for a period of time. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n +�to ] She had mixed feelings about packing off her 13-year-old to boarding school. □�[V n P +�to ] I finally succeeded in packing her off to bed. [Also V n P ]

▸� pack up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pack up or if you pack up your things, you put your possessions or the things you have been using in a case or bag, because you are leaving. □�[V P ] They packed up and went home. □�[V P n] He began packing up his things. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If a machine or a part of the body packs up , it stops working. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] In the end it was his stomach and lungs that packed up.

pack|age ◆◆◇ /p� k I dʒ/ (packages , packaging , packaged )

1 N‑COUNT A package is a small parcel. □� I tore open the package. □� �a package addressed to Miss Claire Montgomery.

2 N‑COUNT A package is a small container in which a quantity of something is sold. Packages are either small boxes made of thin cardboard, or bags or envelopes made of paper or plastic. [mainly AM ] □�[+�of ] �a package of doughnuts. □� It is listed among the ingredients on the package. in BRIT, usually use packet3 N‑COUNT A package is a set of proposals that are made by a government or organization and which must be accepted or rejected as a group. □�[+�of ] �a package of measures aimed at improving child welfare.

4 VERB [usu passive] When a product is packaged , it is put into containers to be sold. □�[be V -ed] The beans are then ground and packaged for sale as ground coffee. □�[V -ed] Packaged foods have to show a list of ingredients.

5 VERB [usu passive] If something is packaged in a particular way, it is presented or advertised in that way in order to make it seem attractive or interesting. □�[be V -ed] A city has to be packaged properly to be attractive to tourists. □�[be V -ed +�as ] �entertainment packaged as information.

6 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A package tour, or in British English a package holiday, is a holiday arranged by a travel company in which your travel and your accommodation are booked for you.

pa ck|age deal (package deals ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A package deal is a set of offers or proposals which is made by a government or an organization, and which must be accepted or rejected as a whole.

pack|ag|ing /p� k I dʒ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Packaging is the container or covering that something is sold in. □� It is selling very well, in part because the packaging is so attractive.

pa ck ani|mal (pack animals ) N‑COUNT A pack animal is an animal such as a horse or donkey that is used to carry things on journeys.

packed /p� kt/

1 ADJ A place that is packed is very crowded. □� From 3.30 until 7pm, the shop is packed. □�[+�with ] The streets were packed with men, women and children.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] Something that is packed with things contains a very large number of them. □�[+�with ] The Encyclopedia is packed with clear illustrations and over 250 recipes.

pa cked lu nch (packed lunches ) N‑COUNT A packed lunch is food, for example sandwiches, which you take to work, to school, or on a trip and eat as your lunch. [BRIT ] in AM, use box lunch

pa cked ou t ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a place is packed out , it is very full of people. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� There are 350 cinemas in Paris and most are packed out. in AM, use packed

pack|er /p� kə r / (packers ) N‑COUNT A packer is a worker whose job is to pack things into containers. □� Norma Jones worked as a packer in a local chemical factory.

pack|et /p� k I t/ (packets )

1 N‑COUNT A packet is a small container in which a quantity of something is sold. Packets are either small boxes made of thin cardboard, or bags or envelopes made of paper or plastic. [mainly BRIT ] □� Cook the rice according to instructions on the packet. □� �a crisp packet. ●�N‑COUNT A packetof something is an amount of it contained in a packet. □�[+�of ] Use half a packet of noodles per person. [in AM, usually use pack , package ]

2 N‑COUNT A packet is a small flat parcel. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �a packet of photographs.

3 N‑SING You can refer to a lot of money as a packet . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� It'll cost you a packet. in AM, use bundle4 →�see also pay packet , wage packet

pa ck|et swi tch|ing also packet-switching N‑UNCOUNT Packet switching is a method of sending computer data on phone lines which automatically divides the data into short pieces in order to send it and puts it together again when it is received. [COMPUTING ]

pa ck ice N‑UNCOUNT Pack ice is an area of ice that is floating on the sea. It is made up of pieces of ice that have been pushed together.

pack|ing /p� k I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Packing is the paper, plastic, or other material which is put round things that are being sent somewhere.

2 →�see also pack

pa ck|ing box (packing boxes ) N‑COUNT A packing box is the same as a packing case . [mainly AM ]

pa ck|ing case (packing cases ) N‑COUNT A packing case is a large wooden box in which things are put so that they can be stored or taken somewhere. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use packing box

pa ck|ing house (packing houses ) N‑COUNT A packing house is a company that processes and packs food, especially meat, to be sold. [AM ]

pact ◆◇◇ /p� kt/ (pacts ) N‑COUNT A pact is a formal agreement between two or more people, organizations, or governments to do a particular thing or to help each other. □�[+�with ] Stalin signed a non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany in 1939. SYNONYMS pact NOUN

agreement:The two countries signed an agreement to jointly launch satellites.

deal:The two sides tried and failed to come to a deal.

treaty:�the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Community.

protocol:�the Montreal Protocol to phase out use and production of CFCs.

pacy /pe I si/ (pacier , paciest ) also pacey

1 ADJ You use pacy to describe someone, especially a sports player, who has the ability to move very quickly. [BRIT ] □� �United's pacey new striker.

2 ADJ If you describe a story or a film as pacy , you mean that it is exciting because the events happen very quickly one after another. [BRIT ] □� Set in contemporary Dublin, this pacy thriller features kidnapping, mayhem and murder.

pad /p� d/ (pads , padding , padded )

1 N‑COUNT A pad is a fairly thick, flat piece of a material such as cloth or rubber. Pads are used, for example, to clean things, to protect things, or to change their shape. □�[+�of ] He withdrew the needle and placed a pad of cotton-wool over the spot. □� �a scouring pad.

2 N‑COUNT A padof paper is a number of pieces of paper which are fixed together along the top or the side, so that each piece can be torn off when it has been used. □�[+�of ] She wrote on a pad of paper. □� Have a pad and pencil ready and jot down some of your thoughts.

3 VERB When someone pads somewhere, they walk there with steps that are fairly quick, light, and quiet. □�[V prep/adv] Freddy speaks very quietly and pads around in soft velvet slippers. □�[V n] I often bumped into him as he padded the corridors.

4 N‑COUNT A pad is a platform or an area of flat, hard ground where helicopters take off and land or rockets are launched. □� �a little round helicopter pad. □� �a landing pad on the back of the ship.

5 →�see also launch pad

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The padsof a person's fingers and toes or of an animal's feet are the soft, fleshy parts of them. □�[+�of ] Tap your cheeks all over with the pads of your fingers.

7 VERB If you pad something, you put something soft in it or over it in order to make it less hard, to protect it, or to give it a different shape. □�[V n +�with ] Pad the back of a car seat with a pillow. □�[V n] I can tell you I always padded my bras. ●� pad|ded ADJ □� �a padded jacket. □�[+�with ] �back-rests padded with camel's wool.

8 →�see also padding

▸� pad out PHRASAL VERB If you pad out a piece of writing or a speech with unnecessary words or pieces of information, you include them in it to make it longer and hide the fact that you have not got very much to say. □�[V P n +�with ] The reviewer padded out his review with a lengthy biography of the author. [Also V n P ]

pa d|ded ce ll (padded cells ) N‑COUNT A padded cell is a small room with padded walls in a mental hospital or prison, where a person who may behave violently can be put so that they do not hurt themselves.

pad|ding /p� d I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Padding is soft material which is put on something or inside it in order to make it less hard, to protect it, or to give it a different shape. □� �the foam rubber padding on the headphones. □� Players must wear padding to protect themselves from injury.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Padding is unnecessary words or information used to make a piece of writing or a speech longer. □� �the kind of subject that politicians put in their speeches for a bit of padding.

pad|dle /p� d ə l/ (paddles , paddling , paddled )

1 N‑COUNT A paddle is a short pole with a wide flat part at one end or at both ends. You hold it in your hands and use it as an oar to move a small boat through water. □� We might be able to push ourselves across with the paddle.

2 VERB If you paddle a boat, you move it through water using a paddle. □�[V n] �the skills you will use to paddle the canoe. □�[V prep/adv] �paddling around the South Pacific in a kayak.

3 VERB If you paddle , you walk or stand in shallow water, for example at the edge of the sea, for pleasure. □�[V ] Wear sandals when you paddle. □�[V prep] �a lovely little stream that you can paddle in. ●�N‑SING Paddle is also a noun. □� Ruth enjoyed her paddle.

pa d|dle boat (paddle boats ) N‑COUNT A paddle boat or a paddle steamer is a large boat that is pushed through the water by the movement of large wheels that are attached to its sides.

pa d|dling pool (paddling pools ) N‑COUNT A paddling pool is a shallow artificial pool for children to paddle in. [BRIT ] in AM, use wading pool

pad|dock /p� dək/ (paddocks )

1 N‑COUNT A paddock is a small field where horses are kept. □� The family kept horses in the paddock in front of the house.

2 N‑COUNT In horse racing or motor racing, the paddock is the place where the horses or cars are kept just before each race.

pad|dy /p� di/ (paddies ) N‑COUNT A paddy or a paddy field is a field that is kept flooded with water and is used for growing rice. □� �the paddy fields of China.

pad|lock /p� dlɒk/ (padlocks , padlocking , padlocked )

1 N‑COUNT A padlock is a lock which is used for fastening two things together. It consists of a block of metal with a U-shaped bar attached to it. One end of the bar is released by turning a key in the lock. □� They had put a padlock on the door of his flat.

2 VERB If you padlock something, you lock it or fasten it to something else using a padlock. □�[V n] Eddie parked his cycle against a lamp post and padlocked it. [Also V n +�to ]

pa|dre /pɑː dre I / (padres ) N‑COUNT A padre is a Christian priest, especially one who works with the armed forces. [INFORMAL ] □� Could I speak to you in private a moment, padre.

paean /piː ən/ (paeans ) N‑COUNT A paean is a piece of music, writing, or film that expresses praise, admiration, or happiness. [LITERARY ] □�[+�to ] �a paean to deep, passionate love.

pae|dia|tri|cian /piː diətr I ʃ ə n/ (paediatricians ) in AM, use pediatrician N‑COUNT A paediatrician is a doctor who specializes in treating sick children.

pae|di|at|rics /piː di� tr I ks/ The spelling pediatrics is used in American English. The forms paediatric and pediatric are used as modifiers. N‑UNCOUNT Paediatrics is the area of medicine that is concerned with the treatment of children's illnesses.

pae|do|phile /piː dəfa I l/ (paedophiles ) in AM, use pedophile N‑COUNT A paedophile is a person, usually a man, who is sexually attracted to children.

pae|do|philia /piː dəf I liə/ in AM, use pedophilia N‑UNCOUNT Paedophilia is sexual activity with children or the condition of being sexually attracted to children.

pa|el|la /pa I e lə/ (paellas ) N‑VAR Paella is a dish cooked especially in Spain, which consists of rice mixed with small pieces of vegetables, fish, and chicken.

paeo|ny /piː əni/ →�see peony

pa|gan /pe I gən/ (pagans )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pagan beliefs and activities do not belong to any of the main religions of the world and take nature and a belief in many gods as a basis. They are older, or are believed to be older, than other religions.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] In former times, pagans were people who did not believe in Christianity and who many Christians considered to be inferior people. □� The new religion was eager to convert the pagan world.

pa|gan|ism /pe I gən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Paganism is pagan beliefs and activities. □� The country swayed precariously between Christianity and paganism.

page ◆◆◆ /pe I dʒ/ (pages , paging , paged )

1 N‑COUNT A page is one side of one of the pieces of paper in a book, magazine, or newspaper. Each page usually has a number printed at the top or bottom. □� Where's your book? Take it out and turn to page 4. □�[+�of ] �the front page of the Guardian. □�[+�of ] �1,400 pages of top-secret information.

2 N‑COUNT The pages of a book, magazine, or newspaper are the pieces of paper it consists of. □�[+�of ] He turned the pages of his notebook. □� Over the page you can read all about the six great books on offer.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to an important event or period of time as a page of history. [LITERARY ] □�[+�in ] �a new page in the country's political history.

4 VERB If someone who is in a public place is paged , they receive a message, often over a speaker, telling them that someone is trying to contact them. □�[be V -ed] He was paged repeatedly as the flight was boarding. □�[have n V -ed] I'll have them paged and tell them you're here.

5 N‑COUNT A page is a young person who takes messages or does small jobs for members of the United States Congress or state legislatures. [AM ]

pag|eant /p� dʒənt/ (pageants )

1 N‑COUNT A pageant is a colourful public procession, show, or ceremony. Pageants are usually held out of doors and often celebrate events or people from history.

2 N‑COUNT A pageant or a beauty pageant is a competition in which young women are judged to decide which one is the most beautiful.

pag|eant|ry /p� dʒəntri/ N‑UNCOUNT People use pageantry to refer to the colourful and formal things that are done for special official or royal occasions, for example the wearing of special clothes and the playing of special music. □� �all the pageantry of an official state visit.

page|boy /pe I dʒbɔ I / (pageboys ) also page-boy N‑COUNT A pageboy is a small boy who accompanies the bride at a wedding. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use page

pag|er /pe I dʒə r / (pagers ) N‑COUNT A pager is a small electronic device which you can carry around with you and which gives you a number or a message when someone is trying to contact you. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use beeper

pa ge-tu rn|er (page-turners ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an exciting novel, such as a thriller, as a page-turner . □� It's an extraordinarily compelling page-turner that also happens to be a major work of literature.

pa|go|da /pəgoʊ də/ (pagodas ) N‑COUNT A pagoda is a tall building which is used for religious purposes, especially by Buddhists, in China, Japan, and South-East Asia. Pagodas are usually very highly decorated.

pah /p� / EXCLAM Pah is used in writing to represent the sound someone makes when showing disgust or contempt.

paid /pe I d/

1Paid is the past tense and past participle of pay .

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Paid workers, or people who do paid work, receive money for the work that they do. □� Apart from a small team of paid staff, the organisation consists of unpaid volunteers.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are given paid holiday, you get your wages or salary even though you are not at work. □� �10 days' paid holiday for house hunting.

4 ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you are well paid , you receive a lot of money for the work that you do. If you are badly paid , you do not receive much money. □� �a well-paid accountant. □� Fruit-picking is boring, badly paid and very hard work.

5 PHRASE If an unexpected event puts paid to someone's hopes, chances, or plans, it completely ends or destroys them. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a series of airforce strikes that put paid to the General's hopes of fighting on.

pai d-up also paid up

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If a person or country is a paid-up member of a group, they are an enthusiastic member or are recognized by most people as being a member of it. □� Despite a past in an inner-city comprehensive, I am a fully paid-up member of the middle classes now.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone is a paid-up member of a political party or other organization, they have paid the money needed to become an official member. □� �a fully paid-up member of the Labour Party.

pail /pe I l/ (pails ) N‑COUNT A pail is a bucket, usually made of metal or wood. [mainly AM , also BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

pain ◆◆◇ /pe I n/ (pains , pained )

1 N‑VAR Pain is the feeling of great discomfort you have, for example when you have been hurt or when you are ill. □� �back pain. □� �a bone disease that caused excruciating pain. □�[+�in ] I felt a sharp pain in my lower back. □� �chest pains. ●�PHRASE If you are in pain , you feel pain in a part of your body, because you are injured or ill. □� She was writhing in pain, bathed in perspiration.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Pain is the feeling of unhappiness that you have when something unpleasant or upsetting happens. □� �grey eyes that seemed filled with pain.

3 VERB [no cont] If a fact or idea pains you, it makes you feel upset and disappointed. □�[V n] This public acknowledgment of Ted's disability pained my mother. □�[V n to-inf] It pains me to think of you struggling all alone.

4 PHRASE In informal English, if you call someone or something a pain or a pain in the neck , you mean that they are very annoying or irritating. Expressions such as a pain in the arse and a pain in the backside in British English, or a pain in the ass and a pain in the butt in American English, are also used, but most people consider them offensive. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

5 PHRASE If someone is at pains to do something, they are very eager and anxious to do it, especially because they want to avoid a difficult situation. □� Mobil is at pains to point out that the chances of an explosion at the site are remote.

6 PHRASE If someone is ordered not to do something on pain of or under pain of death, imprisonment, or arrest, they will be killed, put in prison, or arrested if they do it. □� We were forbidden, under pain of imprisonment, to use our native language.

7 PHRASE If you take painsto do something or go to great painsto do something, you try hard to do it, because you think it is important to do it. □� Social workers went to great pains to acknowledge men's domestic rights. □� I had taken great pains with my appearance.

pai n bar|ri|er N‑SING If you say that a sports player has gone through the pain barrier , you mean that he or she is continuing to make a great effort in spite of being injured or exhausted. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� England's World Cup hero is determined to play through the pain barrier.

pained /pe I nd/ ADJ If you have a pained expression or look, you look upset, worried, or slightly annoyed.

pain|ful ◆◇◇ /pe I nfʊl/

1 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If a part of your body is painful , it hurts because it is injured or because there is something wrong with it. □� Her glands were swollen and painful. ●� pain|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� His tooth had started to throb painfully again.

2 ADJ If something such as an illness, injury, or operation is painful , it causes you a lot of physical pain. □� �a painful back injury. ●� pain|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He cracked his head painfully against the cupboard.

3 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Situations, memories, or experiences that are painful are difficult and unpleasant to deal with, and often make you feel sad and upset. □� Remarks like that brought back painful memories. □� She finds it too painful to return there without him. ●� pain|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �their old relationship, which he had painfully broken off.

4 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If a performance or interview is painful , it is so bad that it makes you feel embarrassed for the people taking part in it. [INFORMAL ] □� The interview was painful to watch. SYNONYMS painful ADJ

1

sore:My chest is still sore from the surgery.

tender:My tummy felt very tender.

excruciating:I was in excruciating pain and one leg wouldn't move.

3

distressing:It is very distressing to see your baby attached to tubes and monitors.

unpleasant:The symptoms can be uncomfortable, unpleasant and serious.

upsetting:Childhood illness can be upsetting for children and parents alike.

pain|ful|ly /pe I nfʊli/

1 ADV You use painfully to emphasize a quality or situation that is undesirable. [EMPHASIS ] □� Things are moving painfully slowly. □� �a painfully shy young man.

2 →�see also painful

pain|killer /pe I nk I lə r / (painkillers ) N‑COUNT A painkiller is a drug which reduces or stops physical pain.

pain|less /pe I nləs/

1 ADJ Something such as a treatment that is painless causes no physical pain. □� Acupuncture treatment is gentle, painless, and, invariably, most relaxing. □� �a quick and painless death. ●� pain|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �a technique to eliminate unwanted facial hair quickly and painlessly.

2 ADJ If a process or activity is painless , there are no difficulties involved, and you do not have to make a great effort or suffer in any way. □� House-hunting is in fact relatively painless in this region. ●� pain|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �a game for children which painlessly teaches essential pre-reading skills.

pains|taking /pe I nste I k I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A painstaking search, examination, or investigation is done extremely carefully and thoroughly. □� Forensic experts carried out a painstaking search of the debris. ●� pains|taking|ly ADV □� Broken bones were painstakingly pieced together and reshaped.

paint ◆◆◇ /pe I nt/ (paints , painting , painted )

1 N‑VAR Paint is a coloured liquid that you put onto a surface with a brush in order to protect the surface or to make it look nice, or that you use to produce a picture. □� �a pot of red paint. □� They saw some large letters in white paint. □� �water-based artist's paints.

2 N‑SING On a wall or object, the paint is the covering of dried paint on it. □� The paint was peeling on the window frames.

3 VERB If you paint a wall or an object, you cover it with paint. □�[V n] They started to mend the woodwork and paint the walls. □�[V n colour] I made a guitar and painted it red. □�[V -ed] �painted furniture. [Also V ]

4 VERB If you paint something or paint a picture of it, you produce a picture of it using paint. □�[V n] He is painting a huge volcano. □�[V n] Why do people paint pictures? □�[V ] I had come here to paint.

5 VERB When you paint a design or message on a surface, you put it on the surface using paint. □�[V n prep] �a machine for painting white lines down roads. □�[V -ed] The recesses are decorated with gold stars, with smaller stars painted along the edges.

6 VERB If a woman paints her lips or nails, she puts a coloured cosmetic on them. □�[V n] She propped the mirror against her handbag and began to paint her lips. □�[V n colour] She painted her fingernails bright red.

7 VERB If you paint a grim or vivid picture of something, you give a description of it that is grim or vivid. □�[V n] The report paints a grim picture of life there.

8 →�see also gloss paint , oil paint , painting , poster paint , war paint

paint|box /pe I ntbɒks/ (paintboxes ) N‑COUNT A paintbox is a small flat plastic or metal container with a number of little blocks of paint inside which can be made wet and used to paint a picture.

paint|brush /pe I ntbrʌʃ/ (paintbrushes ) also paint brush , paint-brush N‑COUNT A paintbrush is a brush which you use for painting.

paint|er /pe I ntə r / (painters )

1 N‑COUNT A painter is an artist who paints pictures.

2 N‑COUNT A painter is someone who paints walls, doors, and some other parts of buildings as their job.

paint|er|ly /pe I ntə r li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Painterly means relating to or characteristic of painting or painters. □� �his painterly talents. □� The film has a painterly eye.

paint|ing ◆◆◇ /pe I nt I ŋ/ (paintings )

1 N‑COUNT A painting is a picture which someone has painted. □�[+�of ] �a large oil-painting of Queen Victoria.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Painting is the activity of painting pictures. □� �two hobbies she really enjoyed, painting and gardening.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Painting is the activity of painting doors, walls, and some other parts of buildings. □� �painting and decorating.

pai nt strip|per (paint strippers ) N‑VAR Paint stripper is a liquid which you use in order to remove old paint from things such as doors or pieces of furniture.

paint|work /pe I ntwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT The paintwork of a building, room, or vehicle is the covering of paint on it, or the parts of it that are painted. □� The paintwork, the wardrobes and the bedside cupboards were coffee-cream.

pair ◆◆◇ /peə r / (pairs , pairing , paired )

1 N‑COUNT A pairof things are two things of the same size and shape that are used together or are both part of something, for example shoes, earrings, or parts of the body. □�[+�of ] �a pair of socks. □� �trainers that cost up to 90 pounds a pair. □�[+�of ] 72,000 pairs of hands clapped in unison to the song.

2 N‑COUNT Some objects that have two main parts of the same size and shape are referred to as a pair , for example a pair of trousers or a pair of scissors . □�[+�of ] �a pair of faded jeans. □�[+�of ] �a pair of binoculars.

3 N‑SING You can refer to two people as a pair when they are standing or walking together or when they have some kind of relationship with each other. □�[+�of ] John and Jeremy are a pair of friends who work together at a law firm.

4 VERB [usu passive] If one thing is paired with another, it is put with it or considered with it. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The trainees will then be paired with experienced managers. ●� pair|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the pairing of these two fine musicians.

5 →�see also au pair

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is or has a safe pair of hands , you mean that they are reliable and will not make any serious mistakes. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� He has now held five cabinet posts and remains a safe pair of hands.

▸� pair off PHRASAL VERB When people pair off or are paired off , they form a pair, often in order to become girlfriend and boyfriend. □�[V n P +�with ] I knew she wouldn't be able to resist pairing me off with someone. □�[V P ] The squad members paired off to find places to eat and sleep. [Also V P +�with ]

▸� pair up PHRASAL VERB If people pair up or are paired up , they form a pair, especially in order to do something together. □�[V P +�with ] They asked us to pair up with the person next to us and form teams. □�[V P ] Men and women pair up to dance. □�[be V -ed P ] When they are in a burning building, firefighters are paired up. [Also V n P +�with ] COLLOCATIONS pair NOUN

1

adjective +�pair : identical, matching

3

adjective +�pair : odd, unlikely

pair+�be +�adjective : inseparable

pair|ing /peə r I ŋ/ (pairings ) N‑COUNT Two people, especially sports players, actors, or musicians, who are working together as a pair can be referred to as a pairing . □�[+�of ] �John Etheridge and Nigel Kennedy, an enticing pairing of ace guitarist and maverick fiddler.

pais|ley /pe I zli/ (paisleys ) N‑VAR Paisley is a special pattern of curving shapes and colours, used especially on fabric. □� He was elegantly dressed in a grey suit, blue shirt and paisley tie.

pa|jam|as /pədʒɑː məz/ →�see pyjamas

Pa|ki|stani /pɑː k I stɑː ni/ (Pakistanis )

1 ADJ Pakistani means belonging or relating to Pakistan, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A Pakistani is a Pakistani citizen, or a person of Pakistani origin.

pal /p� l/ (pals ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Your pals are your friends. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

pal|ace ◆◇◇ /p� l I s/ (palaces )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names, N n] A palace is a very large impressive house, especially one which is the official home of a king, queen, or president. □� �Buckingham Palace. □� They entered the palace courtyard.

2 N‑SING When the members of a royal palace make an announcement through an official spokesperson, they can be referred to as the Palace . □� The Palace will not comment on questions about the family's private life.

palae|on|tol|ogy /p� liɒntɒ lədʒi, [AM ] pe I l-/ also paleontology N‑UNCOUNT Palaeontology is the study of fossils as a guide to the history of life on Earth. ●� palae|on|tolo|gist (palaeontologists ) N‑COUNT □� �just as a palaeontologist can reconstruct a dinosaur from one of its toes.

pal|at|able /p� lətəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe food or drink as palatable , you mean that it tastes pleasant. [FORMAL ] □� �flavourings and preservatives, designed to make the food look more palatable.

2 ADJ If you describe something such as an idea or method as palatable , you mean that people are willing to accept it. □� �a palatable way of sacking staff.

pal|ate /p� l I t/ (palates )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your palate is the top part of the inside of your mouth.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone's palate as a way of talking about their ability to judge good food or drink. □� �fresh pasta sauces to tempt more demanding palates.

pa|la|tial /pəle I ʃ ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A palatial house, hotel, or office building is very large and impressive. □� �a palatial Hollywood mansion.

pa|la|ver /pəlɑː və r , -l� v-/ N‑UNCOUNT Palaver is unnecessary fuss and bother about the way something is done. [INFORMAL ] □� We don't want all that palaver, do we?

pale ◆◇◇ /pe I l/ (paler , palest , pales , paling , paled )

1 ADJ If something is pale , it is very light in colour or almost white. □� Migrating birds filled the pale sky. □� As we age, our skin becomes paler. ●�ADJ Pale is also a combining form. □� �a pale-blue sailor dress.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone looks pale , their face looks a lighter colour than usual, usually because they are ill, frightened, or shocked. □� She looked pale and tired. ●� pale|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □� �his paleness when he realized that he was bleeding.

3 VERB If one thing pales in comparison with another, it is made to seem much less important, serious, or good by it. □�[V ] When someone you love has a life-threatening illness, everything else pales in comparison. □�[V prep] �a soap opera against which other soaps pale into insignificance.

4 PHRASE If you think that someone's actions or behaviour are not acceptable, you can say that they are beyond the pale . □� This sort of thing really is quite beyond the pale. [Also +�of ]

pale|on|tol|ogy /p� liɒntɒ lədʒi, [AM ] pe I l-/ →�see palaeontology

Pal|es|tin|ian /p� l I st I niən/ (Palestinians )

1 ADJ Palestinian means belonging or relating to the region between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea which used to be called Palestine, or to the Arabs who come from this region.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A Palestinian is an Arab who comes from the region that used to be called Palestine.

pal|ette /p� l I t/ (palettes )

1 N‑COUNT A palette is a flat piece of wood or plastic on which an artist mixes paints.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to the range of colours that are used by a particular artist or group of artists as their palette . □� David Fincher paints from a palette consisting almost exclusively of grey and mud brown.

pa l|ette knife (palette knives ) N‑COUNT A palette knife is a knife with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used in cookery and in oil painting.

pali|mo|ny /p� l I moʊni/ N‑UNCOUNT Palimony is money that a person pays to a partner they have lived with for a long time and are now separated from. Compare alimony .

pal|in|drome /p� l I ndroʊm/ (palindromes ) N‑COUNT A palindrome is a word or a phrase that is the same whether you read it backwards or forwards, for example the word 'refer'.

pali|sade /p� l I se I d/ (palisades ) N‑COUNT A palisade is a fence of wooden posts which are driven into the ground in order to protect people from attack.

pall /pɔː l/ (palls , palled )

1 VERB [no cont] If something palls , it becomes less interesting or less enjoyable after a period of time. □�[V ] Already the allure of meals in restaurants had begun to pall.

2 N‑COUNT If a pallof smoke hangs over a place, there is a thick cloud of smoke above it. □�[+�of ] A pall of oily black smoke drifted over the cliff-top.

3 PHRASE If something unpleasant casts a pall over an event or occasion, it makes it less enjoyable than it should be. □� The unrest has cast a pall over what is usually a day of national rejoicing.

pall|bearer /pɔː lbeərə r / (pallbearers ) N‑COUNT At a funeral, a pallbearer is a person who helps to carry the coffin or who walks beside it.

pal|let /p� l I t/ (pallets )

1 N‑COUNT A pallet is a narrow mattress filled with straw which is put on the floor for someone to sleep on.

2 N‑COUNT A pallet is a hard, narrow bed. □� He was given only a wooden pallet with a blanket.

3 N‑COUNT A pallet is a flat wooden or metal platform on which goods are stored so that they can be lifted and moved using a forklift truck. □� The warehouse will hold more than 90,000 pallets storing 30 million Easter eggs.

pal|lia|tive /p� liət I v, [AM ] -e I t-/ (palliatives )

1 N‑COUNT A palliative is a drug or medical treatment that relieves suffering without treating the cause of the suffering.

2 N‑COUNT A palliative is an action that is intended to make the effects of a problem less severe but does not actually solve the problem. [FORMAL ] □� The loan was a palliative, not a cure, for ever-increasing financial troubles.

pal|lid /p� l I d/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is pallid is pale in an unattractive or unnatural way. □� �helpless grief on pallid faces.

2 ADJ You can describe something such as a performance or book as pallid if it is weak or not at all exciting. □� �a pallid account of the future of transport.

pal|lor /p� lə r / N‑SING If you refer to the pallor of someone's face or skin, you mean that it is pale and unhealthy. □�[+�of ] The deathly pallor of her skin had been replaced by the faintest flush of color.

pal|ly /p� li/ ADJ If you are pallywith someone, you are friendly with them. [INFORMAL ]

palm /pɑː m/ (palms , palming , palmed )

1 N‑VAR A palm or a palm tree is a tree that grows in hot countries. It has long leaves growing at the top, and no branches.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] The palmof your hand is the inside part. □�[+�of ] Dornberg slapped the table with the palm of his hand. □� He wiped his sweaty palm.

3 PHRASE If you have someone or something in the palm of your hand , you have control over them. □� Johnson thought he had the board of directors in the palm of his hand.

▸� palm off PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone has palmed something offon you, you feel annoyed because they have made you accept it although it is not valuable or is not your responsibility. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n P +�on ] I couldn't keep palming her off on friends. □�[be V -ed P +�with ] Joseph made sure that he was never palmed off with inferior stuff.

▸� palm off with PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you say that you are palmed off with a lie or an excuse, you are annoyed because you are told something in order to stop you asking any more questions. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed P +�with ] Mark was palmed off with a series of excuses.

palm|cord|er /pɑː mkɔː r də r / (palmcorders ) N‑COUNT A palmcorder is a small video camera that you can hold in the palm of your hand.

palm|is|try /pɑː m I stri/ N‑UNCOUNT Palmistry is the practice and art of trying to find out what people are like and what will happen in their future life by examining the lines on the palms of their hands.

pa lm oil N‑UNCOUNT Palm oil is a yellow oil which comes from the fruit of certain palm trees and is used in making soap and sometimes as a fat in cooking.

Pa lm Su n|day N‑UNCOUNT Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter. It is the day when Christians remember Jesus Christ's arrival in Jerusalem a few days before he was killed.

palo|mi|no /p� ləmiː noʊ/ (palominos ) N‑COUNT A palomino is a horse which is yellowish or cream in colour and has a white tail.

pal|pable /p� lpəb ə l/ ADJ You describe something as palpable when it is obvious or intense and easily noticed. □� The tension between Amy and Jim is palpable. ●� pal|pably /p� lpəbli/ ADV □� The scene was palpably intense to watch.

pal|pi|tate /p� lp I te I t/ (palpitates , palpitating , palpitated )

1 VERB If someone's heart palpitates , it beats very fast in an irregular way, because they are frightened or anxious. □�[V ] He felt suddenly faint, and his heart began to palpitate.

2 VERB If something palpitates , it shakes or seems to shake. [LITERARY ] □�[V -ing] She lay on the bed, her eyes closed and her bosom palpitating. [Also V ]

pal|pi|ta|tion /p� lp I te I ʃ ə n/ (palpitations ) N‑VAR When someone has palpitations , their heart beats very fast in an irregular way. □� Caffeine can cause palpitations and headaches.

pal|sy /pɔː lzi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Palsy is a loss of feeling in part of your body.

2 →�see also cerebral palsy

pal|try /pɔː ltri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A paltry amount of money or of something else is one that you consider to be very small. □� �a paltry fine of �150.

pam|pas /p� mpəs, -əz/ N‑SING The pampas is the large area of flat, grassy land in South America.

pam|per /p� mpə r / (pampers , pampering , pampered ) VERB If you pamper someone, you make them feel comfortable by doing things for them or giving them expensive or luxurious things, sometimes in a way which has a bad effect on their character. □�[V n] Why don't you let your mother pamper you for a while? □�[V pron-refl] Pamper yourself with our luxury gifts. ●� pam|pered ADJ □� �today's pampered superstars.

pam|phlet /p� mflət/ (pamphlets ) N‑COUNT A pamphlet is a very thin book, with a paper cover, which gives information about something.

pam|phlet|eer /p� mflət I ə r / (pamphleteers ) N‑COUNT A pamphleteer is a person who writes pamphlets, especially about political subjects.

pan ◆◇◇ /p� n/ (pans , panning , panned )

1 N‑COUNT A pan is a round metal container with a long handle, which is used for cooking things in, usually on top of a cooker or stove. □� Heat the butter and oil in a large pan.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something such as a film or a book is panned by journalists, they say it is very bad. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] His first high-budget movie, called 'Brain Donors', was panned by the critics.

3 VERB If you pan a film or television camera or if it pans somewhere, it moves slowly round so that a wide area is filmed. □�[V prep/adv] The camera panned along the line of players. □�[V n] A television camera panned the stadium. [Also V ]

4 VERB If someone pansfor gold, they use a shallow metal container to try to find small pieces of gold from a river. □�[V +�for ] People came westward in the 1800s to pan for gold. □�[V n] Every year they panned about a ton and a half of gold.

▸� pan out PHRASAL VERB If something, for example a project or some information, pans out , it produces something useful or valuable. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] None of Morgan's proposed financings panned out.

PREFIX pan-

is added to the beginning of adjectives and nouns to form other adjectives and nouns that describe something as being connected with all places or people of a particular kind. For example, a pan-European defence system is designed to protect all of the countries in Europe.

pana|cea /p� nəsiː ə/ (panaceas ) N‑COUNT If you say that something is not a panaceafor a particular set of problems, you mean that it will not solve all those problems. □�[+�for ] The proposal is not a panacea for Britain's economic problems.

pa|nache /pən� ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you do something with panache , you do it in a confident, stylish, and elegant way. □� The BBC Symphony Orchestra played with great panache.

pana|ma hat /p� nəmɑː h� t/ (panama hats ) N‑COUNT A panama hat or a panama is a hat, worn especially by men, that is woven from the leaves of a palm-like plant and worn when it is sunny.

pan|cake /p� nke I k/ (pancakes )

1 N‑COUNT A pancake is a thin, flat, circular piece of cooked batter made from milk, flour, and eggs. Pancakes are often rolled up or folded and eaten hot with a sweet or savoury filling inside. In America, pancakes are usually eaten for breakfast, with butter and maple syrup.

2flat as a pancake →�see flat

Pa n|cake Day N‑UNCOUNT Pancake Day is the popular name for Shrove Tuesday . [BRIT ]

pa n|cake ro ll (pancake rolls ) N‑COUNT A pancake roll is an item of Chinese food consisting of a small roll of thin crisp pastry filled with vegetables and sometimes meat.

pan|cre|as /p� ŋkriəs/ (pancreases ) N‑COUNT Your pancreas is an organ in your body that is situated behind your stomach. It produces insulin and substances that help your body digest food.

pan|cre|at|ic /p� ŋkri� t I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Pancreatic means relating to or involving the pancreas. □� �pancreatic juices.

pan|da /p� ndə/ (pandas ) N‑COUNT A panda or a giant panda is a large animal rather like a bear, which has black and white fur and lives in the bamboo forests of China.

pa n|da car (panda cars ) N‑COUNT A panda car is a police car. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

pan|dem|ic /p�nde m I k/ (pandemics ) N‑COUNT A pandemic is an occurrence of a disease that affects many people over a very wide area. [FORMAL ] □� They feared a new cholera pandemic.

pan|de|mo|nium /p� nd I moʊ niəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is pandemonium in a place, the people there are behaving in a very noisy and uncontrolled way. □� There was pandemonium in court as the judge gave his summing up.

pan|der /p� ndə r / (panders , pandering , pandered ) VERB If you pander to someone or to their wishes, you do everything that they want, often to get some advantage for yourself. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�to ] He has offended the party's traditional base by pandering to the rich and the middle classes.

Pandora /p�ndɔː rə/ PHRASE If someone or something opens Pandora's box or opens a Pandora's box , they do something that causes a lot of problems to appear that did not exist or were not known about before.

p & p also p and p You use p & p as a written abbreviation for 'postage and packing', when stating the cost of packing goods in a parcel and sending them through the post to a customer. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� The guide costs �9.95 (inc. p & p).

pane /pe I n/ (panes ) N‑COUNT A pane of glass is a flat sheet of glass in a window or door.

pan|egyr|ic /p� n I dʒ I r I k/ (panegyrics ) N‑COUNT A panegyric is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�on ] �Prince Charles's panegyric on rural living.

pan|el ◆◇◇ /p� n ə l/ (panels )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A panel is a small group of people who are chosen to do something, for example to discuss something in public or to make a decision. □�[+�of ] He assembled a panel of scholars to advise him. □� The advisory panel disagreed with the decision.

2 N‑COUNT A panel is a flat rectangular piece of wood or other material that forms part of a larger object such as a door. □� �the frosted glass panel set in the centre of the door.

3 N‑COUNT [n N ] A control panel or instrument panel is a board or surface which contains switches and controls to operate a machine or piece of equipment. □� The equipment was extremely sophisticated and was monitored from a central control-panel.

pan|elled /p� n ə ld/ in AM, use paneled1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A panelled room has decorative wooden panels covering its walls. □� �a large, comfortable, panelled room. □� The cheerful room was panelled in pine. ●�COMB -panelled combines with nouns to form adjectives that describe the way a room or wall is decorated or the way a door or window is made. □� �a wood-panelled dining room.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A panelled wall, door, or window does not have a flat surface but has square or rectangular areas set into its surface. □� The panelled walls were covered with portraits.

pan|el|ling /p� nəl I ŋ/ in AM, use paneling N‑UNCOUNT Panelling consists of boards or strips of wood covering a wall inside a building. □� �an apartment with oak beams and rosewood panelling.

pan|el|list /p� nəl I st/ (panellists ) in AM, use panelist N‑COUNT A panellist is a person who is a member of a panel and speaks in public, especially on a radio or television programme.

pa n-frie d ADJ Pan-fried food is food that has been cooked in hot fat or oil in a frying pan.

pang /p� ŋ/ (pangs ) N‑COUNT [n N ] A pang is a sudden strong feeling or emotion, for example of sadness or pain. □�[+�of ] For a moment she felt a pang of guilt about the way she was treating him.

pan|han|dle /p� nh�nd ə l/ (panhandles , panhandling , panhandled )

1 N‑COUNT A panhandle is a narrow strip of land joined to a larger area of land. [AM ] □� �the Texas panhandle.

2 VERB If someone panhandles , they stop people in the street and ask them for food or money. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V ] Many of these street people seemed to support themselves by panhandling and doing odd jobs. □�[V +�for ] There was also a guy panhandling for quarters. [Also V n] in BRIT, usually use beg ●� pan|han|dling N‑UNCOUNT □� Sergeant Rivero says arrests for panhandling take place every day.

pan|han|dler /p� nh�ndlə r / (panhandlers ) N‑COUNT A panhandler is a person who stops people in the street and asks them for food or money. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] in BRIT, usually use beggar

pan|ic ◆◇◇ /p� n I k/ (panics , panicking , panicked )

1 N‑VAR Panic is a very strong feeling of anxiety or fear, which makes you act without thinking carefully. □� An earthquake hit the capital, causing panic among the population. □� I phoned the doctor in a panic, worried about the pain in my chest.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Panic or apanic is a situation in which people are affected by a strong feeling of anxiety. □� There was a moment of panic in Britain as it became clear just how vulnerable the nation was. □�[+�about ] I'm in a panic about getting everything done in time. □� The policy announcement caused panic buying of petrol.

3 VERB If you panic or if someone panics you, you suddenly feel anxious or afraid, and act quickly and without thinking carefully. □�[V ] Guests panicked and screamed when the bomb exploded. □�[V n] The unexpected and sudden memory briefly panicked her. □�[be V -ed +�into ] He will not be panicked into a hasty decision. [Also V n into n] SYNONYMS panic NOUN 1

alarm:She sat up in alarm.

fear:I was sitting on the floor shivering with fear.

terror:I shook with terror whenever I was about to fly in an aeroplane.

hysteria:Several were hurt in the panic. 'It was mass hysteria,' said Walker.

pan|icky /p� n I ki/ ADJ A panicky feeling or panicky behaviour is characterized by panic. □� Many women feel panicky travelling home at night alone.

pa nic-stricken ADJ If someone is panic-stricken or is behaving in a panic-stricken way, they are so anxious or afraid that they may act without thinking carefully. □� Panic-stricken travellers fled for the borders.

pa|ni|ni /pəniː niː / (paninis ) N‑COUNT A panini is a type of Italian bread, usually served hot with a variety of fillings. □� �a panini with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

pan|ni|er /p� niə r / (panniers )

1 N‑COUNT A pannier is one of two bags or boxes for carrying things in, which are fixed on each side of the back wheel of a bicycle or motorbike.

2 N‑COUNT A pannier is a large basket or bag, usually one of two that are put over an animal and used for carrying loads.

pano|ply /p� nəpli/ N‑SING A panoplyof things is a wide range of them, especially one that is considered impressive. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He was attended, as are all heads of state, by a full panoply of experts.

pano|ra|ma /p� nərɑː mə, -r� mə/ (panoramas )

1 N‑COUNT A panorama is a view in which you can see a long way over a wide area of land, usually because you are on high ground. □�[+�of ] Horton looked out over a panorama of fertile valleys and gentle hills.

2 N‑COUNT A panorama is a broad view of a state of affairs or of a constantly changing series of events. □�[+�of ] The play presents a panorama of the history of communism.

pano|ram|ic /p� nər� m I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a panoramic view, you can see a long way over a wide area. □� The terrain's high points provide a panoramic view of Los Angeles.

pan|sy /p� nzi/ (pansies )

1 N‑COUNT A pansy is a small brightly coloured garden flower with large round petals.

2 N‑COUNT If someone describes a man as a pansy , they mean that he is a homosexual. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , OLD-FASHIONED ]

pant /p� nt/ (pants , panting , panted )

1 VERB If you pant , you breathe quickly and loudly with your mouth open, because you have been doing something energetic. □�[V ] She climbed rapidly until she was panting with the effort.

2 →�see also pants

pan|ta|loons /p� ntəluː nz/ N‑PLURAL Pantaloons are long trousers with very wide legs, gathered at the ankle.

pan|theism /p� nθi I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pantheism is the religious belief that God is in everything in nature and the universe.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Pantheism is a willingness to worship and believe in all gods.

pan|theis|tic /p� nθi I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pantheistic religions involve believing that God is in everything in nature and the universe.

pan|the|on /p� nθiɒn/ (pantheons ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of gods or a group of important people as a pantheon . [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] �the birthplace of Krishna, another god of the Hindu pantheon.

pan|ther /p� nθə r / (panthers ) N‑COUNT A panther is a large wild animal that belongs to the cat family. Panthers are usually black.

panties /p� ntiz/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Panties are short, close-fitting underpants worn by women or girls. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use knickers , pants

pan|to /p� ntoʊ/ (pantos ) N‑VAR A panto is the same as a pantomime . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a Christmas panto.

pan|to|mime /p� ntəma I m/ (pantomimes )

1 N‑COUNT A pantomime is a funny musical play for children. Pantomimes are usually based on fairy stories and are performed at Christmas. [BRIT ]

2 N‑SING If you say that a situation or a person's behaviour is a pantomime , you mean that it is silly or exaggerated and that there is something false about it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] They were made welcome with the usual pantomime of exaggerated smiles and gestures.

pan|try /p� ntri/ (pantries ) N‑COUNT A pantry is a small room or large cupboard in a house, usually near the kitchen, where food is kept.

pants /p� nts/

1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Pants are a piece of underwear which have two holes to put your legs through and elastic around the top to hold them up round your waist or hips. [BRIT ] □� I put on my bra and pants. in AM, usually use underpants2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Pants are a piece of clothing that covers the lower part of your body and each leg. [AM ] □� He wore brown corduroy pants and a white cotton shirt. in BRIT, use trousers3 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is pants , you mean that it is very poor in quality. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The place is pants, yet so popular.

4 PHRASE If someone bores, charms, or scares the pants off you, for example, they bore, charm, or scare you a lot. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� You'll bore the pants off your grandchildren.

5 PHRASE If you fly by the seat of your pants or do something by the seat of your pants , you use your instincts to tell you what to do in a new or difficult situation rather than following a plan or relying on equipment.

6to wear the pants →�see wear USAGE pants

Don�t say � a pants � or � a shorts �. You can say a pair of pants or a pair of shorts . □� Make sure you pack a pair of shorts .

pan|ty|hose /p� ntihoʊz/ also panty hose N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Pantyhose are nylon tights worn by women. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use tights

pap /p� p/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something such as information, writing, or entertainment as pap , you mean that you consider it to be of no worth, value, or serious interest. [DISAPPROVAL ]

papa /pəpɑː , [AM ] pɑː pə/ (papas ) N‑COUNT Some people refer to or address their father as papa . [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He was so much older than me, older even than my papa.

pa|pa|cy /pe I pəsi/ also Papacy N‑SING Thepapacy is the position, power, and authority of the Pope, including the period of time that a particular person holds this position. □� Throughout his papacy, John Paul has called for a second evangelization of Europe.

pa|pal /pe I p ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Papal is used to describe things relating to the Pope. □� �the doctrine of papal infallibility.

pa|pa|raz|zo /p� pər� tsoʊ/ (paparazzi /p� pər� tsi/) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Thepaparazzi are photographers who follow famous people around, hoping to take interesting or shocking photographs of them that they can sell to a newspaper. □� The paparazzi pursue Armani wherever he travels.

pa|pa|ya /pəpa I ə/ (papayas ) N‑COUNT A papaya is a fruit with a green skin, sweet yellow flesh, and small black seeds. Papayas grow on trees in hot countries such as the West Indies.

pa|per ◆◆◆ /pe I pə r / (papers , papering , papered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Paper is a material that you write on or wrap things with. The pages of this book are made of paper. □� He wrote his name down on a piece of paper for me. □� She sat at the table with pen and paper. □� �a sheet of pretty wrapping paper. □� �a paper bag.

2 N‑COUNT A paper is a newspaper. □� I'll cook and you read the paper.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to newspapers in general as the paper or the papers . □� You can't believe everything you read in the paper.

4 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Your papers are sheets of paper with writing or information on them, which you might keep in a safe place at home. □� Her papers included unpublished articles and correspondence.

5 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your papers are official documents, for example your passport or identity card, which prove who you are or which give you official permission to do something. □� They have arrested four people who were trying to leave the country with forged papers.

6 N‑COUNT A paper is a long, formal piece of writing about an academic subject. □� He just published a paper in the journal Nature, analyzing the fires.

7 N‑COUNT A paper is an essay written by a student. [mainly AM ] □� �the ten common errors that appear most frequently in student papers.

8 →�see also term paper

9 N‑COUNT A paper is a part of a written examination in which you answer a number of questions in a particular period of time. □� We sat each paper in the Hall.

10 N‑COUNT A paper prepared by a government or a committee is a report on a question they have been considering or a set of proposals for changes in the law. □�[+�on ] �a new government paper on climate change.

11 →�see also Green Paper , White Paper

12 ADJ [ADJ n] Paper agreements, qualifications, or profits are ones that are stated by official documents to exist, although they may not really be effective or useful. □� We're looking for people who have experience rather than paper qualifications.

13 VERB If you paper a wall, you put wallpaper on it. □�[V n] We papered all four bedrooms. □�[V -ed] The room was strange, the walls half papered, half painted.

14 PHRASE If you put your thoughts down on paper , you write them down. □� It is important to get something down on paper.

15 PHRASE If something seems to be the case on paper , it seems to be the case from what you read or hear about it, but it may not really be the case. □� On paper, their country is a multi-party democracy.

16 PHRASE If you say that a promise, an agreement, or a guarantee is not worth the paper it's written on , you mean that although it has been written down and seems to be official, it is in fact worthless because what has been promised will not be done. [DISAPPROVAL ]

▸� paper over PHRASAL VERB If people paper over a disagreement between them, they find a temporary solution to it in order to give the impression that things are going well. □�[V P n] �his determination to paper over the cracks in his party and avoid confrontation.

paper|back /pe I pə r b�k/ (paperbacks ) N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A paperback is a book with a thin cardboard or paper cover. Compare hardback . □� She said she would buy the book when it comes out in paperback.

paper|boy /pe I pə r bɔ I / (paperboys ) also paper boy N‑COUNT A paperboy is a boy who delivers newspapers to people's homes.

pa |per clip (paper clips ) also paper-clip , paperclip N‑COUNT A paper clip is a small piece of bent wire that is used to fasten papers together.

paper|girl /pe I pə r gɜː r l/ (papergirls ) also paper girl N‑COUNT A papergirl is a girl who delivers newspapers to people's homes.

pa |per knife (paper knives ) also paper-knife N‑COUNT A paper knife is a tool shaped like a knife, which is used for opening envelopes.

paper|less /pe I pə r ləs/ ADJ [ADJ n] Paperless is used to describe business or office work which is done by computer or phone, rather than by writing things down. □� Paperless trading can save time and money. □� �the paperless office.

pa |per mo n|ey N‑UNCOUNT Paper money is money which is made of paper. Paper money is usually worth more than coins.

pa |per round (paper rounds ) N‑COUNT A paper round is a job of delivering newspapers to houses along a particular route. Paper rounds are usually done by children before or after school. [BRIT ] in AM, use paper route

pa |per route (paper routes ) N‑COUNT A paper route is the same as a paper round . [AM ]

pa |per shop (paper shops ) N‑COUNT A paper shop is a shop that sells newspapers and magazines, and also things such as tobacco, sweets, and cards. [BRIT ]

pa per-thi n also paper thin ADJ If something is paper-thin , it is very thin. □� Cut the onion into paper-thin slices.

pa |per ti |ger (paper tigers ) N‑COUNT If you say that an institution, a country, or a person is a paper tiger , you mean that although they seem powerful they do not really have any power.

pa |per trail N‑SING Documents which provide evidence of someone's activities can be referred to as a paper trail . [mainly AM ] □� Criminals are very reluctant to leave a paper trail.

paper|weight /pe I pə r we I t/ (paperweights ) N‑COUNT A paperweight is a small heavy object which you place on papers to prevent them from being disturbed or blown away.

paper|work /pe I pə r wɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Paperwork is the routine part of a job which involves writing or dealing with letters, reports, and records. □� A pile of paperwork demanded my attention.

pa|pery /pe I pəri/ ADJ Something that is papery is thin and dry like paper. □� Leave each garlic clove in its papery skin.

papier-m�ch� /p� pie I m� ʃe I , [AM ] pe I pə r məʃe I / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Papier-m�ch� is a mixture of pieces of paper and glue. It can be made, while still damp, into objects such as bowls, ornaments, and models. □� �papier-m�ch� bowls.

pa|pist /pe I p I st/ (papists ) also Papist N‑COUNT Some Protestants refer to Catholics as Papists . [OFFENSIVE ]

pap|ri|ka /pəpriː kə, p� pr I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Paprika is a red powder used for flavouring meat and other food.

pa p smea r (pap smears ) also pap test N‑COUNT A pap smear is a medical test in which cells are taken from a woman's cervix and analysed to see if any cancer cells are present. [AM ] in BRIT, use smear

pa|py|rus /pəpa I rəs/ (papyri )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Papyrus is a tall water plant that grows in Africa.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Papyrus is a type of paper made from papyrus stems that was used in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece.

3 N‑COUNT A papyrus is an ancient document that is written on papyrus.

par /pɑː r /

1 PHRASE If you say that two people or things are on a par with each other, you mean that they are equally good or bad, or equally important. □� Parts of Glasgow are on a par with the worst areas of London and Liverpool for burglaries.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In golf, par is the number of strokes that a good player should take to get the ball into a hole or into all the holes on a particular golf course. □� He was five under par after the first round.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is below par or under par , you are disappointed in them because they are below the standard you expected. □� Duffy's primitive guitar playing is well below par.

4 PHRASE [usu with neg] If you say that someone or something is not up to par , you are disappointed in them because they are below the standard you expected. □� His performance was not up to par.

5 PHRASE If you feel below par or under par , you feel tired and unable to perform as well as you normally do.

6 PHRASE If you say that something that happens is par for the course , you mean that you are not pleased with it but it is what you expected to happen. □� He said long hours are par for the course.

para /p� rə/ (paras ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A para is a paratrooper . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �some guys just out of the paras.

para. /p� rə/ (paras ) Para. is a written abbreviation for paragraph . □� See Chapter 9, para. 1.2.

para|ble /p� rəb ə l/ (parables ) N‑COUNT A parable is a short story, which is told in order to make a moral or religious point, like those in the Bible. □�[+�of ] �the parable of the Good Samaritan.

pa|rabo|la /pər� bələ/ (parabolas ) N‑COUNT A parabola is a type of curve such as the path of something that is thrown up into the air and comes down in a different place. [TECHNICAL ]

para|bol|ic /p� rəbɒ l I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A parabolic object or curve is shaped like a parabola. □� �a parabolic mirror.

pa|ra|ceta|mol /p� rəsiː təmɒl/ (paracetamol ) N‑VAR Paracetamol is a mild drug which reduces pain and fever. [BRIT ] □� I often take paracetamol at work if I get a bad headache.

para|chute /p� rəʃuːt/ (parachutes , parachuting , parachuted )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A parachute is a device which enables a person to jump from an aircraft and float safely to the ground. It consists of a large piece of thin cloth attached to your body by strings. □� They fell 41,000 ft. before opening their parachutes.

2 VERB If a person parachutes or someone parachutes them somewhere, they jump from an aircraft using a parachute. □�[V prep/adv] He was a courier for the Polish underground and parachuted into Warsaw. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] He was parachuted in.

3 VERB To parachute something somewhere means to drop it somewhere by parachute. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Supplies were parachuted into the mountains.

4 VERB If a person parachutesinto an organization or if they are parachutedinto it, they are brought in suddenly in order to help it. □�[V into ] �a consultant who parachutes into corporations and helps provide strategic thinking. □�[be V -ed +�into ] There was intense speculation 18 months ago that the former foreign secretary might be parachuted into the Scottish Parliament.

para|chut|ing /p� rəʃuːt I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Parachuting is the activity or sport of jumping from an aircraft with a parachute. □� His hobby is freefall parachuting.

para|chut|ist /p� rəʃuːt I st/ (parachutists ) N‑COUNT A parachutist is a person who jumps from an aircraft using a parachute. □� He was an experienced parachutist who had done over 150 jumps.

pa|rade /pəre I d/ (parades , parading , paraded )

1 N‑COUNT A parade is a procession of people or vehicles moving through a public place in order to celebrate an important day or event. □� A military parade marched slowly and solemnly down Pennsylvania Avenue.

2 VERB When people parade somewhere, they walk together in a formal group or a line, usually with other people watching them. □�[V prep/adv] More than four thousand soldiers, sailors and airmen paraded down the Champs Elysees.

3 N‑VAR [oft on N ] Parade is a formal occasion when soldiers stand in lines to be seen by an officer or important person, or march in a group. □� He had them on parade at six o'clock in the morning.

4 VERB [usu passive] If prisoners are paraded through the streets of a town or on television, they are shown to the public, usually in order to make the people who are holding them seem more powerful or important. □�[be V -ed prep] Five leading fighter pilots have been captured and paraded before the media.

5 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone parades a person, you mean that they show that person to others only in order to gain some advantage for themselves. □�[be V -ed] Children are paraded on television alongside the party leaders to win votes.

6 VERB If people parade something, they show it in public so that it can be admired. □�[V n] Valentino is keen to see celebrities parading his clothes at big occasions.

7 VERB If someone parades , they walk about somewhere in order to be seen and admired. □�[V prep/adv] I love to put on a bathing suit and parade on the beach. □�[V prep/adv] They danced and paraded around.

8 VERB If you say that something parades as or is paraded as a good or important thing, you mean that some people say that it is good or important but you think it probably is not. □�[V n +�as ] He paraded his cut in interest rates as a small victory. □�[V +�as ] �all the fashions that parade as modern movements in art.

9 N‑COUNT If you talk about a parade of people or things, you mean that there is a series of them that seems never to end. □�[+�of ] When I ask Nick about his childhood, he remembers a parade of baby-sitters. □�[+�of ] �an endless parade of advertisements.

10 N‑COUNT A parade is a short row of shops, usually set back from the main street. [BRIT ]

11 N‑COUNT Parade is used as part of the name of a street. □� �Queens Hotel, Clarence Parade, Southsea.

12 →�see also hit parade , identity parade

pa |rade ground (parade grounds ) N‑COUNT A parade ground is an area of ground where soldiers practise marching and have parades.

para|digm /p� rəda I m/ (paradigms )

1 N‑VAR A paradigm is a model for something which explains it or shows how it can be produced. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a new paradigm of production.

2 N‑COUNT A paradigm is a clear and typical example of something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He had become the paradigm of the successful man.

para|dig|mat|ic /p� rəd I gm� t I k/ ADJ You can describe something as paradigmatic if it acts as a model or example for something. [FORMAL ] □� Their great academic success was paraded as paradigmatic.

para|dise /p� rəda I s/ (paradises )

1 N‑PROPER According to some religions, paradise is a wonderful place where people go after they die, if they have led good lives. □� The Koran describes paradise as a place containing a garden of delight.

2 N‑VAR You can refer to a place or situation that seems beautiful or perfect as paradise or a paradise . □� �one of the world's great natural paradises.

3 N‑COUNT You can use paradise to say that a place is very attractive to a particular kind of person and has everything they need for a particular activity. □� The Algarve is a golfer's paradise.

4 →�see also fool's paradise

para|dox /p� rədɒks/ (paradoxes )

1 N‑COUNT You describe a situation as a paradox when it involves two or more facts or qualities which seem to contradict each other. □� The paradox is that the region's most dynamic economies have the most primitive financial systems.

2 N‑VAR A paradox is a statement in which it seems that if one part of it is true, the other part of it cannot be true. □� Although I'm so successful I'm really rather a failure. That's a paradox, isn't it?

para|doxi|cal /p� rədɒ ks I k ə l/ ADJ If something is paradoxical , it involves two facts or qualities which seem to contradict each other. □� Some sedatives produce the paradoxical effect of making the person more anxious. ●� para|doxi|cal|ly /p� rədɒ ks I kli/ ADV [usu ADV with cl/group, ADV with v] □� Paradoxically, acceptance of this apparent injustice is the beginning of empowerment.

par|af|fin /p� rəf I n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Paraffin is a strong-smelling liquid which is used as a fuel in heaters, lamps, and engines. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a paraffin lamp. in AM, use kerosene2 N‑UNCOUNT Paraffin wax, or in American English paraffin , is a white wax obtained from petrol or coal. It is used to make candles and in beauty treatments.

para|glide /p� rəgla I d/ (paraglides , paragliding , paraglided ) VERB If a person paraglides , they jump from an aircraft or off a hill or tall building while wearing a special parachute which allows them to control the way they float to the ground. □�[V prep] They planned to paraglide from Long Mountain. [Also V ] ●� para|glid|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Hang gliding and paragliding are allowed from the top of Windy Hill.

para|glid|er /p� rəgla I də r / (paragliders )

1 N‑COUNT A paraglider is a special type of parachute that you use for paragliding.

2 N‑COUNT A paraglider is a person who paraglides.

para|gon /p� rəgɒn/ (paragons ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a paragon , you mean that they are perfect or have a lot of a good quality. □�[+�of ] We don't expect candidates to be paragons of virtue.

para|graph /p� rəgrɑːf, -gr�f/ (paragraphs ) N‑COUNT A paragraph is a section of a piece of writing. A paragraph always begins on a new line and contains at least one sentence. □� The length of a paragraph depends on the information it conveys.

para|keet /p� rəkiːt/ (parakeets ) also parrakeet N‑COUNT A parakeet is a type of small parrot which is brightly coloured and has a long tail.

para|le|gal /p� rəliː g ə l/ (paralegals ) N‑COUNT A paralegal is someone who helps lawyers with their work but is not yet completely qualified as a lawyer. [AM ]

par|al|lax /p� rəl�ks/ (parallaxes ) N‑VAR Parallax is when an object appears to change its position because the person or instrument observing it has changed their position. [TECHNICAL ]

par|al|lel /p� rəlel/ (parallels , parallelling , parallelled ) in AM, use paralleling , paralleled1 N‑COUNT If something has a parallel , it is similar to something else, but exists or happens in a different place or at a different time. If it has no parallel or is without parallel , it is not similar to anything else. □�[+�to ] Readers familiar with English history will find a vague parallel to the suppression of the monasteries. □� It's an ecological disaster with no parallel anywhere else in the world.

2 N‑COUNT If there are parallels between two things, they are similar in some ways. □� Detailed study of folk music from a variety of countries reveals many close parallels. □�[+�between ] Friends of the dead lawyer were quick to draw a parallel between the two murders. [Also +�to/with ]

3 VERB If one thing parallels another, they happen at the same time or are similar, and often seem to be connected. □�[V n] Often there are emotional reasons paralleling the financial ones. □�[V n] His remarks paralleled those of the president.

4 ADJ Parallel events or situations happen at the same time as one another, or are similar to one another. □� �parallel talks between the two countries' Foreign Ministers. □�[+�with ] Their instincts do not always run parallel with ours. [Also +�to ]

5 ADJ If two lines, two objects, or two lines of movement are parallel , they are the same distance apart along their whole length. □� �seventy-two ships, drawn up in two parallel lines. □�[+�with ] Farthing Lane's just above the High Street and parallel with it. [Also +�to ]

6 N‑COUNT A parallel is an imaginary line round the Earth that is parallel to the equator. Parallels are shown on maps. □� �the area south of the 38th parallel.

7 PHRASE Something that occurs in parallelwith something else occurs at the same time as it. □�[+�with ] Davies has managed to pursue his diverse interests in parallel with his fast-moving career. [Also +�to ]

pa r|al|lel ba rs N‑PLURAL Parallel bars consist of a pair of horizontal bars on posts, which are used for doing physical exercises.

par|al|lel|ism /p� rəlel I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT When there is parallelismbetween two things, there are similarities between them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�between ] The last thing we should do is make any parallelism between the murderers and their victims.

par|al|lelo|gram /p� rəle ləgr�m/ (parallelograms ) N‑COUNT A parallelogram is a four-sided shape in which each side is parallel to the side opposite it.

pa r|al|lel pa rk (parallel parks , parallel parking , parallel parked ) VERB If you parallel park a vehicle or parallel park somewhere, you drive the vehicle into a position behind another vehicle in order to park it there. □� Sit back, relax and let your car parallel park itself.

pa r|al|lel pro |cess|ing N‑UNCOUNT In computing, parallel processing is a system in which several instructions are carried out at the same time instead of one after the other. [COMPUTING ]

para|lyse /p� rəla I z/ (paralyses , paralysing , paralysed ) in AM, use paralyze1 VERB If someone is paralysed by an accident or an illness, they have no feeling in their body, or in part of their body, and are unable to move. □�[be V -ed] Her married sister had been paralysed in a road accident. □�[V n] �a virus which paralysed his legs. ●� para|lysed ADJ □� The disease left him with a paralysed right arm.

2 VERB If a person, place, or organization is paralysedby something, they become unable to act or function properly. □�[be V -ed] For weeks now the government has been paralysed by indecision. □�[V n] The strike has virtually paralysed the island. ●� para|lysed ADJ □�[+�with ] He was absolutely paralysed with shock. ●� para|lys|ing ADJ [ADJ n] □� �paralysing shyness.

pa|raly|sis /pər� ləs I s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move and feel in all or part of your body. □�[+�of ] �paralysis of the leg.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Paralysis is the state of being unable to act or function properly. □�[+�of ] The paralysis of the leadership leaves the army without its supreme command.

para|lyt|ic /p� rəl I t I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Paralytic means suffering from or related to paralysis. □� �paralytic disease.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is paralytic is very drunk. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� By the end of the evening they were all absolutely paralytic.

para|med|ic /p� rəme d I k, [AM ] -med I k/ (paramedics ) N‑COUNT A paramedic is a person whose training is similar to that of a nurse and who helps to do medical work. □� We intend to have a paramedic on every ambulance within the next three years.

para|medi|cal /p� rəme d I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Paramedical workers and services help doctors and nurses in medical work. □� �doctors and paramedical staff.

pa|ram|eter /pər� m I tə r / (parameters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Parameters are factors or limits which affect the way that something can be done or made. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] That would be enough to make sure we fell within the parameters of our loan agreement.

para|mili|tary /p� rəm I l I tri, [AM ] -teri/ (paramilitaries )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A paramilitary organization is organized like an army and performs either civil or military functions in a country. □� Searches by the army and paramilitary forces have continued today. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Paramilitaries are members of a paramilitary organization. □� Paramilitaries and army recruits patrolled the village.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A paramilitary organization is an illegal group that is organized like an army. □� �a law which said that all paramilitary groups must be disarmed. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Paramilitaries are members of an illegal paramilitary organization. □� Loyalist paramilitaries were blamed for the shooting.

para|mount /p� rəmaʊnt/ ADJ Something that is paramount or of paramount importance is more important than anything else. □� The child's welfare must be seen as paramount.

par|amour /p� rəmʊə r / (paramours ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's paramour is their lover. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

para|noia /p� rənɔ I ə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone suffers from paranoia , you think that they are too suspicious and afraid of other people. □� The mood is one of paranoia and expectation of war.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In psychology, if someone suffers from paranoia , they wrongly believe that other people are trying to harm them, or believe themselves to be much more important than they really are.

para|noi|ac /p� rənɔ I �k/ ADJ Paranoiac means the same as paranoid . [FORMAL ]

para|noid /p� rənɔ I d/ (paranoids )

1 ADJ If you say that someone is paranoid , you mean that they are extremely suspicious and afraid of other people. □�[+�about ] I'm not going to get paranoid about it. □� �a paranoid politician who saw enemies all around him.

2 ADJ Someone who is paranoid suffers from the mental illness of paranoia. □� �paranoid delusions. □� �a paranoid schizophrenic. ●�N‑COUNT A paranoid is someone who is paranoid.

para|nor|mal /p� rənɔː r m ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A paranormal event or power, for example the appearance of a ghost, cannot be explained by scientific laws and is thought to involve strange, unknown forces. □� Science may be able to provide some explanations of paranormal phenomena. ●�N‑SING You can refer to paranormal events and matters as the paranormal . □� We have been looking at the shadowy world of the paranormal.

para|pet /p� rəp I t/ (parapets )

1 N‑COUNT A parapet is a low wall along the edge of something high such as a bridge or roof.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone puts their head above the parapet , you mean they take a risk. If you say they keep their head below the parapet , you mean they avoid taking a risk. [BRIT ]

para|pher|na|lia /p� rəfə r ne I liə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to a large number of objects that someone has with them or that are connected with a particular activity as paraphernalia . □� �a large courtyard full of builders' paraphernalia.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you disapprove of the things and events that are involved in a particular system or activity, and you think they are unnecessary, you can refer to them as paraphernalia . [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] The public don't necessarily want the paraphernalia of a full hearing.

para|phrase /p� rəfre I z/ (paraphrases , paraphrasing , paraphrased )

1 VERB If you paraphrase someone or paraphrase something that they have said or written, you express what they have said or written in a different way. □�[V n] Parents, to paraphrase Philip Larkin, can seriously damage your health. □�[V ] I'm paraphrasing but this is honestly what he said.

2 N‑COUNT A paraphrase of something written or spoken is the same thing expressed in a different way.

para|plegia /p� rəpliː dʒə/ N‑UNCOUNT Paraplegia is the condition of being unable to move the lower half of your body. [MEDICAL ]

para|plegic /p� rəpliː dʒ I k/ (paraplegics ) N‑COUNT A paraplegic is someone who cannot move the lower half of their body, for example because of an injury to their spine. ●�ADJ Paraplegic is also an adjective. □� A passenger was injured so badly he will be paraplegic for the rest of his life.

para|psy|chol|ogy /p� rəsa I kɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Parapsychology is the study of strange mental abilities that seem to exist but cannot be explained by accepted scientific theories.

para|quat /p� rəkw�t/ N‑UNCOUNT Paraquat is a very poisonous substance that is used to kill weeds. [TRADEMARK ]

para|site /p� rəsa I t/ (parasites )

1 N‑COUNT A parasite is a small animal or plant that lives on or inside a larger animal or plant, and gets its food from it.

2 N‑COUNT If you disapprove of someone because you think that they get money or other things from other people but do not do anything in return, you can call them a parasite . [DISAPPROVAL ] WORD HISTORY parasite

Parasite comes from Greek parasitos , meaning 'someone who eats at someone else's table'.

para|sit|ic /p� rəs I t I k/ also parasitical

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Parasitic diseases are caused by parasites. □� Will global warming mean the spread of tropical parasitic diseases?

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Parasitic animals and plants live on or inside larger animals or plants and get their food from them. □� �tiny parasitic insects.

3 ADJ If you describe a person or organization as parasitic , you mean that they get money or other things from people without doing anything in return. [DISAPPROVAL ]

para|sol /p� rəsɒl, [AM ] -sɔːl/ (parasols ) N‑COUNT A parasol is an object like an umbrella that provides shade from the sun.

para|troop|er /p� rətruːpə r / (paratroopers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Paratroopers are soldiers who are trained to be dropped by parachute into battle or into enemy territory.

para|troops /p� rətruːps/ The form paratroop is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Paratroops are soldiers who are trained to be dropped by parachute into battle or into enemy territory. □� British paratroops began to drop from the sky.

par|boil /pɑː r bɔ I l/ (parboils , parboiling , parboiled ) VERB If you parboil food, especially vegetables, you boil it until it is partly cooked. □�[V n] Roughly chop and parboil the potatoes.

par|cel /pɑː r s ə l/ (parcels )

1 N‑COUNT A parcel is something wrapped in paper, usually so that it can be sent to someone by post. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �parcels of food and clothing. □� He had a large brown paper parcel under his left arm. in AM, usually use package2 N‑COUNT A parcel of land is a piece of land. □�[+�of ] These small parcels of land were purchased for the most part by local people.

3 PHRASE If you say that something is part and parcelof something else, you are emphasizing that it is involved or included in it. [EMPHASIS ] □� Payment was part and parcel of carrying on insurance business within the U.K�

pa r|cel bomb (parcel bombs ) N‑COUNT A parcel bomb is a small bomb which is sent in a parcel through the post and which is designed to explode when the parcel is opened. [BRIT ]

parched /pɑː r tʃt/

1 ADJ If something, especially the ground or a plant, is parched , it is very dry, because there has been no rain. □� �a hill of parched brown grass.

2 ADJ If your mouth, throat, or lips are parched , they are unpleasantly dry.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are parched , you mean that you are very thirsty. [INFORMAL ]

parch|ment /pɑː r tʃmənt/ (parchments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT In former times, parchment was the skin of a sheep or goat that was used for writing on. □� �old manuscripts written on parchment.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Parchment is a kind of thick yellowish paper. □� �an old lamp with a parchment shade. □� Cover with a sheet of non-stick baking parchment.

par|don /pɑː r d ə n/ (pardons , pardoning , pardoned )

1 CONVENTION You say ' Pardon? ' or ' I beg your pardon? ' or, in American English, ' Pardon me? ' when you want someone to repeat what they have just said because you have not heard or understood it. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'Will you let me open it?'�'Pardon?'�'Can I open it?'.

2 CONVENTION People say ' I beg your pardon? ' when they are surprised or offended by something that someone has just said. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� 'Would you get undressed, please?'�'I beg your pardon?'�'Will you get undressed?'

3 CONVENTION You say ' I beg your pardon ' or ' I do beg your pardon ' as a way of apologizing for accidentally doing something wrong, such as disturbing someone or making a mistake. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� I was impolite and I do beg your pardon.

4 CONVENTION Some people say ' Pardon me ' instead of 'Excuse me' when they want to politely get someone's attention or interrupt them. [mainly BRIT , SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� Pardon me, are you finished, madam? in AM, use excuse me5 CONVENTION You can say things like ' Pardon me for asking ' or ' Pardon my frankness ' as a way of showing you understand that what you are going to say may sound rude. [SPOKEN , POLITENESS ] □� That, if you'll pardon my saying so, is neither here nor there.

6 CONVENTION Some people say things like ' If you'll pardon the expression ' or ' Pardon my French ' just before or after saying something which they think might offend people. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� It's enough to make you wet yourself, if you'll pardon the expression.

7 VERB [usu passive] If someone who has been found guilty of a crime is pardoned , they are officially allowed to go free and are not punished. □�[be V -ed] Hundreds of political prisoners were pardoned and released. ●�N‑COUNT Pardon is also a noun. □� He was granted a presidential pardon.

par|don|able /pɑː r dənəb ə l/ ADJ You describe someone's action or attitude as pardonable if you think it is wrong but you understand why they did that action or have that attitude. □� 'I have', he remarked with pardonable pride, 'done what I set out to do.'

pare /peə r / (pares , paring , pared )

1 VERB When you pare something, or pare part of it off or away , you cut off its skin or its outer layer. □�[V n +�from ] Pare the brown skin from the meat with a very sharp knife. □�[V n with adv] He took out a slab of cheese, pared off a slice and ate it hastily. □�[V -ed] �thinly pared lemon rind.

2 →�see also paring

3 VERB If you pare something down or back , or if you pare it, you reduce it. □�[be V -ed adv] The number of Ministries has been pared down by a third. □�[V n with adv] The luxury tax won't really do much to pare down the budget deficit. □�[V n] Local authorities must pare their budgets.

pa red-down ADJ If you describe something as pared-down , you mean that it has no unnecessary features, and has been reduced to a very simple form. □� Her style is pared-down and simple.

par|ent ◆◆◆ /peə rənt/ (parents )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your parents are your mother and father. □� Children need their parents. □� When you become a parent, the things you once cared about seem to have less value.

2 →�see also foster parent , one-parent family , single parent

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An organization's parent organization is the organization that created it and usually still controls it. □� Each unit including the parent company has its own, local management.

par|ent|age /peə rənt I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft of adj N ] Your parentage is the identity and origins of your parents. For example, if you are of Greek parentage , your parents are Greek. □� She's a Londoner of mixed parentage (English and Jamaican).

pa|ren|tal /pəre nt ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Parental is used to describe something that relates to parents in general, or to one or both of the parents of a particular child. □� Medical treatment was sometimes given to children without parental consent.

pa|re n|tal lea ve N‑UNCOUNT Parental leave is time away from work, usually without pay, that parents are allowed in order to look after their children. [BUSINESS ] □� Parents are entitled to 13 weeks' parental leave.

pa|ren|thesis /pəre nθəs I s/ (parentheses /pəre nθəsiːz/)

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Parentheses are a pair of curved marks that you put around words or numbers to indicate that they are additional, separate, or less important. (This sentence is in parentheses.)

2 N‑COUNT A parenthesis is a remark that is made in the middle of a piece of speech or writing, and which gives a little more information about the subject being discussed.

3 PHRASE You say in parenthesis to indicate that you are about to add something before going back to the main topic.

par|en|the|ti|cal /p� rənθe t I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A parenthetical remark or section is put into something written or spoken but is not essential to it. □� Fox was making a long parenthetical remark about his travels on the border of the country. ●� par|en|the|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Well, parenthetically, I was trying to quit smoking at the time. □� And what, we may ask parenthetically, does it mean?

par|ent|hood /peə rənthʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Parenthood is the state of being a parent. □� She may feel unready for the responsibilities of parenthood.

par|ent|ing /peə rənt I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Parenting is the activity of bringing up and looking after your child. □� Parenting is not fully valued by society. □� �parenting classes.

pa rent-tea cher as|so|cia|tion (parent-teacher associations ) N‑COUNT A parent-teacher association is the same as a PTA .

par ex|cel|lence /pɑː r e ksəlɑːns, [AM ] -lɑː ns/ ADJ [n ADJ ] You say that something is a particular kind of thing par excellence in order to emphasize that it is a very good example of that kind of thing. [EMPHASIS ] □� He has been a meticulous manager, a manager par excellence. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Par excellence is also an adverb. □� He is par excellence the Catholic film-maker.

pa|ri|ah /pəra I ə/ (pariahs ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a pariah , you mean that other people dislike them so much that they refuse to associate with them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His landlady had treated him like a dangerous criminal, a pariah.

par|ing /peə r I ŋ/ (parings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Parings are thin pieces that have been cut off things such as a fingernails, fruit, or vegetables. □� �nail parings. □� �vegetable parings.

par|ish /p� r I ʃ/ (parishes )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A parish is a village or part of a town which has its own church and priest. □� �the parish of St Mark's, Lakenham. □� �a 13th-century parish church.

2 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A parish is a small country area in England which has its own elected council. □� �elected representatives, such as County and Parish Councillors.

pa|rish|ion|er /pər I ʃənə r / (parishioners ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A priest's parishioners are the people who live in his or her parish, especially the ones who go to his or her church.

Pa|ris|ian /p�r I ziən/ (Parisians )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Parisian means belonging or relating to Paris. □� �Parisian fashion.

2 N‑COUNT A Parisian is a person who comes from Paris.

par|ity /p� r I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If there is parity between two things, they are equal. [FORMAL ] □� Women have yet to achieve wage or occupational parity in many fields.

2 N‑VAR If there is parity between the units of currency of two countries, the exchange rate is such that the units are equal to each other. [TECHNICAL ] □�[+�with ] The government was ready to let the pound sink to parity with the dollar if necessary.

park ◆◆◇ /pɑː r k/ (parks , parking , parked )

1 N‑COUNT A park is a public area of land with grass and trees, usually in a town, where people go in order to relax and enjoy themselves. □� �Regent's Park. □� They stopped and sat on a park bench.

2 VERB When you park a vehicle or park somewhere, you drive the vehicle into a position where it can stay for a period of time, and leave it there. □�[V ] Greenfield turned into the next side street and parked. □�[V n] He found a place to park the car. □�[V prep/adv] Ben parked across the street. □�[V -ed] �rows of parked cars.

3 →�see also double-park

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to a place where a particular activity is carried out as a park . □� �a science and technology park. □� �a business park.

5 N‑VAR A private area of grass and trees around a large country house is referred to as a park . [BRIT ] □� �a 19th-century manor house in six acres of park and woodland.

6 →�see also parked , amusement park , ballpark , car park , national park , safari park , theme park

par|ka /pɑː r kə/ (parkas ) N‑COUNT A parka is a jacket or coat which has a thick lining and a hood with fur round the edge.

parked /pɑː r kt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are parked somewhere, you have parked your car there. □� My sister was parked down the road. □� We're parked out front.

park|ing /pɑː r k I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Parking is the action of moving a vehicle into a place in a car park or by the side of the road where it can be left. □� In many towns parking is allowed only on one side of the street. □� I knew I'd never find a parking space in the Square.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Parking is space for parking a vehicle in. □� Cars allowed, but parking is limited.

pa rk|ing gar|age (parking garages ) N‑COUNT A parking garage is a building where people can leave their cars. [AM ] □� �a multi-level parking garage. in BRIT, use car park , multi-storey car park

pa rk|ing light (parking lights ) N‑COUNT The parking lights on a vehicle are the small lights at the front that help other drivers to notice the vehicle and to judge its width. [AM ] in BRIT, use sidelights

pa rk|ing lot (parking lots ) N‑COUNT A parking lot is an area of ground where people can leave their cars. [AM ] □� A block up the street I found a parking lot. in BRIT, use car park

pa rk|ing me|ter (parking meters ) N‑COUNT A parking meter is a device which you have to put money into when you park in a parking space.

pa rk|ing tick|et (parking tickets ) N‑COUNT A parking ticket is a piece of paper with instructions to pay a fine, and is put on your car when you have parked it somewhere illegally.

pa rk-keeper (park-keepers ) also park keeper N‑COUNT A park-keeper is a person whose job is to look after a park. [mainly BRIT ]

park|land /pɑː r kl�nd/ N‑UNCOUNT Parkland is land with grass and trees on it. □� Its beautiful gardens and parkland are also open to the public.

par|kour /pɑː r kʊə r / N‑UNCOUNT Parkour is the activity of running through areas in a town, using skilful movements to jump over walls and other objects. □� He runs a parkour club for local kids.

park|way /pɑː r kwe I / (parkways ) N‑COUNT A parkway is a wide road with trees and grass on both sides. [mainly AM ]

par|lance /pɑː r ləns/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] You use parlance when indicating that the expression you are using is normally used by a particular group of people. [FORMAL ] □� The phrase is common diplomatic parlance for spying.

par|ley /pɑː r li/ (parleys , parleying , parleyed )

1 N‑VAR A parley is a discussion between two opposing people or groups in which both sides try to come to an agreement. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 VERB When two opposing people or groups parley , they meet to discuss something in order to come to an agreement. [HUMOROUS or INFORMAL ] □�[V ] �a place where we meet and parley. □�[V +�with ] I don't think you've ever tried parleying with Gleed, have you?

par|lia|ment ◆◆◇ /pɑː r ləmənt/ (parliaments ) also Parliament

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑PROPER The parliament of some countries, for example Britain, is the group of people who make or change its laws, and decide what policies the country should follow. □� Parliament today approved the policy, but it has not yet become law.

2 →�see also Houses of Parliament , Member of Parliament

3 N‑COUNT A particular parliament is a particular period of time in which a parliament is doing its work, between two elections or between two periods of holiday. □� The legislation is expected to be passed in the next parliament.

par|lia|men|tar|ian /pɑː r ləmenteə riən/ (parliamentarians )

1 N‑COUNT Parliamentarians are Members of a Parliament; used especially to refer to a group of Members of Parliament who are dealing with a particular task. □� He's been meeting with British parliamentarians and government officials.

2 N‑COUNT A parliamentarian is a Member of Parliament who is an expert on the rules and procedures of Parliament and takes an active part in debates. □� He is a veteran parliamentarian whose views enjoy widespread respect.

par|lia|men|ta|ry ◆◇◇ /pɑː r ləme ntəri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Parliamentary is used to describe things that are connected with a parliament or with Members of Parliament. □� He used his influence to make sure she was not selected as a parliamentary candidate.

par|lour /pɑː r lə r / (parlours ) in AM, use parlor N‑COUNT [n N ] Parlour is used in the names of some types of shops which provide a service, rather than selling things. □� �a funeral parlour. □� �a notorious massage parlour.

pa r|lour game (parlour games ) in AM, use parlor game N‑COUNT A parlour game is a game that is played indoors by families or at parties, for example a guessing game.

par|lour|maid /pɑː r lə r me I d/ (parlourmaids ) in AM, use parlormaid N‑COUNT In former times, a parlourmaid was a female servant in a private house whose job involved serving people at table.

par|lous /pɑː r ləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is in a parlous state, it is in a bad or dangerous condition. [FORMAL ] □� �the parlous state of our economy.

Par|me|san /pɑː r m I z�n/ also parmesan N‑UNCOUNT Parmesan or Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a strong flavour which is often used in Italian cooking.

pa|ro|chial /pəroʊ kiəl/ ADJ If you describe someone as parochial , you are critical of them because you think they are too concerned with their own affairs and should be thinking about more important things. [DISAPPROVAL ]

pa|ro|chi|al|ism /pəroʊ kiəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Parochialism is the quality of being parochial in your attitude. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We have been guilty of parochialism, of resistance to change.

paro|dy /p� rədi/ (parodies , parodying , parodied )

1 N‑VAR A parody is a humorous piece of writing, drama, or music which imitates the style of a well-known person or represents a familiar situation in an exaggerated way. □�[+�of ] 'The Scarlet Capsule' was a parody of the popular 1959 TV series 'The Quatermass Experiment'.

2 VERB When someone parodies a particular work, thing, or person, they imitate it in an amusing or exaggerated way. □�[V n] �a sketch parodying the British class system.

3 N‑COUNT When you say that something is a parodyof a particular thing, you are criticizing it because you think it is a very poor example or bad imitation of that thing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] The first trial was a parody of justice.

pa|role /pəroʊ l/ (paroles , paroling , paroled )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If a prisoner is given parole , he or she is released before the official end of their prison sentence and has to promise to behave well. □� Although sentenced to life, he will become eligible for parole after serving 10 years. ●�PHRASE If a prisoner is on parole , he or she is released before the official end of their prison sentence and will not be sent back to prison if their behaviour is good. □� If released, he will continue to be on parole for eight more years.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a prisoner is paroled , he or she is given parole. □�[be V -ed] He faces at most 12 years in prison and could be paroled after eight years.

par|ox|ysm /p� rəks I zəm/ (paroxysms )

1 N‑COUNT A paroxysmof emotion is a sudden, very strong occurrence of it. □�[+�of ] He exploded in a paroxysm of rage.

2 N‑COUNT A paroxysm is a series of sudden, violent, uncontrollable movements that your body makes because you are coughing, laughing, or in great pain. □�[+�of ] He broke into a paroxysm of coughing.

par|quet /pɑː r ke I , [AM ] -ke I / N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Parquet is a floor covering made of small rectangular blocks of wood fitted together in a pattern. □� �the polished parquet floors.

par|ra|keet →�see parakeet

par|rot /p� rət/ (parrots , parroting , parroted )

1 N‑COUNT A parrot is a tropical bird with a curved beak and brightly-coloured or grey feathers. Parrots can be kept as pets. Some parrots are able to copy what people say.

2 VERB If you disapprove of the fact that someone is just repeating what someone else has said, often without really understanding it, you can say that they are parroting it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Generations of students have learnt to parrot the standard explanations.

pa rrot-fashion also parrot fashion ADV [ADV after v] If you learn or repeat something parrot-fashion , you do it accurately but without really understanding what it means. [BRIT ] □� Pupils often had to stand to attention and repeat lessons parrot fashion.

par|ry /p� ri/ (parries , parrying , parried )

1 VERB If you parry a question or argument, you cleverly avoid answering it or dealing with it. □�[V n] In an awkward press conference, Mr King parried questions on the allegations.

2 VERB If you parry a blow from someone who is attacking you, you push aside their arm or weapon so that you are not hurt. □�[V n] I did not want to wound him, but to restrict myself to defence, to parry his attacks. □�[V ] I parried, and that's when my sword broke.

parse /pɑː r z/ (parses , parsing , parsed ) VERB In grammar, if you parse a sentence, you examine each word and clause in order to work out what grammatical type each one is. [TECHNICAL ]

par|si|mo|ni|ous /pɑː r s I moʊ niəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is parsimonious is very unwilling to spend money. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

par|si|mo|ny /pɑː r s I məni, [AM ] -moʊ ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Parsimony is extreme unwillingness to spend money. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Due to official parsimony, only the one machine was built.

pars|ley /pɑː r sli, [AM ] -zli/ N‑UNCOUNT Parsley is a small plant with flat or curly leaves that are used for flavouring or decorating savoury food. □� �parsley sauce.

pars|nip /pɑː r sn I p/ (parsnips ) N‑COUNT A parsnip is a long cream-coloured root vegetable.

par|son /pɑː r s ə n/ (parsons ) N‑COUNT A parson is a priest in the Church of England with responsibility for a small local area. Parson can also be used to refer to any clergyman in some other churches. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

par|son|age /pɑː r sən I dʒ/ (parsonages ) N‑COUNT A parsonage is the house where a parson lives. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

part

➊�NOUN USES, QUANTIFIER USES, AND PHRASES

➋�VERB USES

➊ part ◆◆◆ /pɑː r t/ (parts )

→�Please look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑COUNT A part of something is one of the pieces, sections, or elements that it consists of. □�[+�of ] I like that part of Cape Town. □�[+�of ] Respect is a very important part of any relationship.

2 N‑COUNT A part for a machine or vehicle is one of the smaller pieces that is used to make it. □�[+�for ] �spare parts for military equipment.

3 QUANT Part of something is some of it. □�[+�of ] It was a very severe accident and he lost part of his foot. □�[+�of ] Mum and he were able to walk part of the way together.

4 ADV [ADV n, ADV adj] If you say that something is part one thing, part another, you mean that it is to some extent the first thing and to some extent the second thing. □� The television producer today has to be part news person, part educator.

5 N‑COUNT You can use part when you are talking about the proportions of substances in a mixture. For example, if you are told to use five parts water to one part paint, the mixture should contain five times as much water as paint. □� Use turpentine and linseed oil, three parts to two.

6 N‑COUNT A part in a play or film is one of the roles in it which an actor or actress can perform. □�[+�in ] Alf Sjoberg offered her a large part in the play he was directing. □� He was just right for the part.

7 N‑SING Your part in something that happens is your involvement in it. □�[+�in ] If only he could conceal his part in the accident.

8 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If something or someone is part of a group or organization, they belong to it or are included in it. □�[+�of ] I was a part of the team and wanted to remain a part of the team.

9 N‑COUNT The part in someone's hair is the line running from the front to the back of their head where their hair lies in different directions. [AM ] in BRIT, use parting10 →�see also private parts

11 PHRASE If something or someone plays a large or important partin an event or situation, they are very involved in it and have an important effect on what happens. □�[+�in ] These days work plays an important part in a single woman's life.

12 PHRASE If you take part in an activity, you do it together with other people. □�[+�in ] Thousands of students have taken part in demonstrations.

13 PHRASE When you are describing people's thoughts or actions, you can say for her part or for my part , for example, to introduce what a particular person thinks or does. [FORMAL ] □� For my part, I feel elated and close to tears.

14 PHRASE If you talk about a feeling or action on someone's part , you are referring to something that they feel or do. □� There is no need for any further instructions on my part.

15 PHRASE For the most part means mostly or usually. □� Professors, for the most part, are firmly committed to teaching, not research.

16 PHRASE You use in part to indicate that something exists or happens to some extent but not completely. [FORMAL ] □� The levels of blood glucose depend in part on what you eat and when you eat.

17 PHRASE If you say that something happened for the best part or the better part of a period of time, you mean that it happened for most of that time. □� He had been in Israel for the best part of twenty-four hours.

18part and parcel →�see parcel

➋ part ◆◇◇ /pɑː r t/ (parts , parting , parted )

→�Please look at category 6 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If things that are next to each other part or if you part them, they move in opposite directions, so that there is a space between them. □�[V ] Her lips parted as if she were about to take a deep breath. □�[V n] He crossed to the window of the sitting-room and parted the curtains.

2 VERB If you part your hair in the middle or at one side, you make it lie in two different directions so that there is a straight line running from the front of your head to the back. □�[V n] Picking up a brush, Joanna parted her hair. □�[V -ed] His hair was slicked back and neatly parted.

3 VERB When two people part , or if one person parts from another, they leave each other. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] He gave me the envelope and we parted. □�[V +�from ] He has confirmed he is parting from his Swedish-born wife Eva.

4 VERB If you are parted from someone you love, you are prevented from being with them. □�[be V -ed] I don't believe Lotte and I will ever be parted. □�[be V -ed +�from ] A stay in hospital may be the first time a child is ever parted from its parents. [Also V n from n]

5 →�see also parting

6to part company →�see company

▸� part with PHRASAL VERB If you part with something that is valuable or that you would prefer to keep, you give it or sell it to someone else. □�[V P n] Buyers might require further assurances before parting with their cash.

PREFIX part-

forms words that refer to something that is partly but not completely a particular thing. For example, part-baked bread is not completely baked.

par|take /pɑː r te I k/ (partakes , partaking , partook , partaken )

1 VERB If you partakeof food or drink, you eat or drink some of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�of ] They were happy to partake of our feast, but not to share our company.

2 VERB If you partakein an activity, you take part in it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�in ] You will probably be asked about whether you partake in very vigorous sports.

pa rt ex|cha nge also part-exchange N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If you give an old item inpart exchange for something you are buying, the seller accepts the old item as part of the payment, so you do not have to give them as much money. [BRIT ] □� The dealer said it could not take my old car in part-exchange.

par|tial /pɑː r ʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use partial to refer to something that is not complete or whole. □� �a partial ban on the use of cars in the city. □� �partial blindness.

2 ADJ If you are partial to something, you like it. □�[+�to ] He's partial to sporty women with blue eyes. ●� par|tial|ity /pɑː r ʃi� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�for ] He has a great partiality for chocolate biscuits.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is partial supports a particular person or thing, for example in a competition or dispute, instead of being completely fair. □� I might be accused of being partial. ●� par|tial|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� She is criticized by some others for her one-sidedness and partiality.

par|tial|ly /pɑː r ʃəli/ ADV If something happens or exists partially , it happens or exists to some extent, but not completely. □� Lisa is deaf in one ear and partially blind.

par|tici|pant /pɑː r t I s I pənt/ (participants ) N‑COUNT The participants in an activity are the people who take part in it. □� 40 of the course participants are offered employment with the company.

par|tici|pate ◆◇◇ /pɑː r t I s I pe I t/ (participates , participating , participated ) VERB If you participatein an activity, you take part in it. □�[V +�in ] They expected him to participate in the ceremony. □�[V -ing] �special contracts at lower rates for participating corporations. ●� par|tici|pa|tion /pɑː r t I s I pe I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�in ] �participation in religious activities.

par|tici|pa|tive /pɑː r t I s I pət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Participative management or decision-making involves the participation of all the people engaged in an activity or affected by certain decisions. [FORMAL ] □� �a participative management style.

par|tici|pa|tory /pɑː r t I s I pe I təri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A participatory system, activity, or role involves a particular person or group of people taking part in it. □� Fishing is said to be the most popular participatory sport in the U.K.

par|ti|cipi|al /pɑː r t I s I piəl/ ADJ In grammar, participial means relating to a participle.

par|ti|ci|ple /pɑː r t I s I p ə l/ (participles ) N‑COUNT In grammar, a participle is a form of a verb that can be used in compound tenses of the verb. There are two participles in English: the past participle, which usually ends in '-ed', and the present participle, which ends in '-ing'.

par|ti|cle /pɑː r t I k ə l/ (particles )

1 N‑COUNT A particleof something is a very small piece or amount of it. □�[+�of ] There is a particle of truth in his statement. □� �food particles.

2 N‑COUNT In physics, a particle is a piece of matter smaller than an atom, for example an electron or a proton. [TECHNICAL ]

3 N‑COUNT In grammar, a particle is a preposition such as 'into' or an adverb such as 'out' which can combine with a verb to form a phrasal verb.

pa r|ti|cle ac|ce l|era|tor (particle accelerators ) N‑COUNT A particle accelerator is a machine used for research in nuclear physics which can make particles that are smaller than atoms move very fast.

pa r|ti|cle phys|ics N‑UNCOUNT Particle physics is the study of the qualities of atoms and molecules and the way they behave and react.

par|ticu|lar ◆◆◇ /pə r t I kjʊlə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use particular to emphasize that you are talking about one thing or one kind of thing rather than other similar ones. [EMPHASIS ] □� I remembered a particular story about a postman who was a murderer. □� I have to know exactly why it is I'm doing a particular job.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If a person or thing has a particular quality or possession, it is distinct and belongs only to them. □� I have a particular responsibility to ensure I make the right decision.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use particular to emphasize that something is greater or more intense than usual. [EMPHASIS ] □� Particular emphasis will be placed on oral language training.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is particular , you mean that they choose things and do things very carefully, and are not easily satisfied. □�[+�about ] Ted was very particular about the colors he used.

5 →�see also particulars

6 PHRASE You use in particular to indicate that what you are saying applies especially to one thing or person. □� The situation in rural areas in particular is worrying. □� Why should he notice her car in particular?

7 PHRASE You use nothing in particular or nobody in particular to mean nothing or nobody important or special. □� Drew made some remarks to nobody in particular and said goodbye. SYNONYMS particular ADJ

1

specific:There are several specific problems to be dealt with.

exact:I don't remember the exact words.

precise:He was not clear on the precise nature of his mission.

2

special:Just to see him was something special.

exceptional:�children with exceptional ability.

notable:With a few notable exceptions, doctors are a pretty sensible lot.

remarkable:It was a remarkable achievement.

4

fussy:He is not fussy about what he eats.

demanding:Ricky was a very demanding child.

exacting:Privately they seem to have the same exacting standards.

fastidious:He was fastidious about his appearance.

par|ticu|lar|ity /pə r t I kjʊl� r I ti/ (particularities )

1 N‑VAR The particularityof something is its quality of being different from other things. The particularitiesof something are the features that make it different. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] What is lacking is an insight into the particularity of our societal system. □�[+�of ] Time inevitably glosses over the particularities of each situation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Particularity is the giving or showing of details. [FORMAL ]

par|ticu|lar|ize /pə r t I kjʊləra I z/ (particularizes , particularizing , particularized ) in BRIT, also use particularise VERB If you particularize something that you have been talking about in a general way, you give details or specific examples of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Mr Johnson particularizes the general points he wants to make. □�[V -ed] A farmer is entitled to a certain particularized tax treatment. [Also V ]

par|ticu|lar|ly ◆◆◇ /pə r t I kjʊlə r li/

1 ADV You use particularly to indicate that what you are saying applies especially to one thing or situation. □� Keep your office space looking good, particularly your desk. □� I often do absent-minded things, particularly when I'm worried.

2 ADV Particularly means more than usual or more than other things. [EMPHASIS ] □� Progress has been particularly disappointing. □� I particularly liked the wooden chests and chairs. SYNONYMS particularly ADV 1

especially:Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you have been swimming.

specifically:We haven't specifically targeted school children.

in particular:Why should he notice her car in particular?

par|ticu|lars /pə r t I kjʊləz/ N‑PLURAL The particulars of something or someone are facts or details about them which are written down and kept as a record. □� The nurses at the admission desk asked her for particulars.

par|ticu|late /pɑː r t I kjʊlət/ (particulates ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] Particulates are very small particles of a substance, especially those that are produced when fuel is burned. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the particulate pollution in our atmosphere.

part|ing /pɑː r t I ŋ/ (partings )

1 N‑VAR Parting is the act of leaving a particular person or place. A parting is an occasion when this happens. □� It was a dreadfully emotional parting.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Your parting words or actions are the things that you say or do as you are leaving a place or person. □� Her parting words left him feeling empty and alone.

3 N‑COUNT The parting in someone's hair is the line running from the front to the back of their head where their hair lies in different directions. [BRIT ] in AM, use part

4 PHRASE When there is a parting of the ways , two or more people or groups of people stop working together or travelling together. □� If a resolution cannot be worked out, a peaceful parting of the ways is possible.

pa rt|ing shot (parting shots ) N‑COUNT If someone makes a parting shot , they make an unpleasant or forceful remark at the end of a conversation, and then leave so that no-one has the chance to reply. □� He turned to face her for his parting shot. 'You're one coldhearted woman, you know that?'

par|ti|san /pɑː r t I z� n, [AM ] -zən/ (partisans )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is partisan strongly supports a particular person or cause, often without thinking carefully about the matter. □� He is clearly too partisan to be a referee.

2 N‑COUNT Partisans are ordinary people, rather than soldiers, who join together to fight enemy soldiers who are occupying their country. □� He was rescued by some Italian partisans.

par|ti|san|ship /pɑː r t I z� nʃ I p, [AM ] -zən-/ N‑UNCOUNT Partisanship is support for a person or group without fair consideration of the facts and circumstances. □� His politics were based on loyal partisanship.

par|ti|tion /pɑː r t I ʃ ə n/ (partitions , partitioning , partitioned )

1 N‑COUNT A partition is a wall or screen that separates one part of a room or vehicle from another. □� �new offices divided only by glass partitions.

2 VERB If you partition a room, you separate one part of it from another by means of a partition. □�[V n] Bedrooms have again been created by partitioning a single larger room. □�[V -ed] He sat on the two-seater sofa in the partitioned office.

3 VERB If a country is partitioned , it is divided into two or more independent countries. □�[be V -ed] Korea was partitioned in 1945. □�[V n] Britain was accused of trying to partition the country 'because of historic enmity'. □�[V -ed] The island has been partitioned since the mid-seventies. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Partition is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �fighting which followed the partition of India.

part|ly ◆◇◇ /pɑː r tli/ ADV You use partly to indicate that something happens or exists to some extent, but not completely. □� It's partly my fault. □� He let out a long sigh, mainly of relief, partly of sadness. □� I feel partly responsible for the problems we're in.

part|ner ◆◆◇ /pɑː r tnə r / (partners , partnering , partnered )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your partner is the person you are married to or are having a romantic or sexual relationship with. □� Wanting other friends doesn't mean you don't love your partner. □� �his choice of marriage partner.

2 N‑COUNT Your partner is the person you are doing something with, for example dancing with or playing with in a game against two other people. □� My partner for the event was the marvellous American player. □� �a partner in crime.

3 N‑COUNT The partners in a firm or business are the people who share the ownership of it. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�in ] He's a partner in a Chicago law firm.

4 N‑COUNT The partner of a country or organization is another country or organization with which they work or do business. □� Spain has been one of the country's major trading partners.

5 VERB If you partner someone, you are their partner in a game or in a dance. □�[V n] He had partnered the famous Russian ballerina. □�[be V -ed +�by/with ] He will be partnered by the defending champion. □�[V n +�to ] She partnered him to a 6-1 first-set success. COLLOCATIONS partner NOUN

1

noun +�partner : marriage

adjective +�partner : civil, sexual; ideal, perfect, potential; former, long-term

verb +�partner : find, seek

3

noun +�partner : business

adjective +�partner : junior, managing, senior; equal, full

part|ner|ship ◆◇◇ /pɑː r tnə r ʃ I p/ (partnerships ) N‑VAR Partnership or a partnership is a relationship in which two or more people, organizations, or countries work together as partners. □�[+�between ] �the partnership between Germany's banks and its businesses. COLLOCATIONS partnership NOUN

adjective +�partnership : close, effective, solid, successful; joint, public-private, strategic

verb +�partnership : create, develop, forge, form SYNONYMS partnership NOUN

cooperation:A deal with Japan could open the door to economic cooperation with East Asia.

association:�the company's six-year association with retailer J.C. Penney Co.

alliance:The two parties were still too much apart to form an alliance.

pa rt of spee ch (parts of speech ) N‑COUNT A part of speech is a particular grammatical class of word, for example noun, adjective, or verb.

par|took /pɑː r tʊ k/ Partook is the past tense of partake .

par|tridge /pɑː r tr I dʒ/ (partridges ) N‑COUNT A partridge is a wild bird with brown feathers, a round body, and a short tail. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Partridge is the flesh of this bird eaten as food. □� �a main course of partridge.

pa rt-ti me The adverb is also spelled part time . ADJ If someone is a part-time worker or has a part-time job, they work for only part of each day or week. □� Many businesses are cutting back by employing lower-paid part-time workers. □� I'm part-time. I work three days a week. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Part-time is also an adverb. □� I want to work part-time.

pa rt-ti mer (part-timers ) N‑COUNT A part-timer is a person who works part-time. □� Customer service departments are often staffed by part-timers.

pa rt wa y also part-way ADV [ADV after v] Part way means part of the way or partly. □� Local authorities will run out of money part way through the financial year. □� She was on the hillside, part way up. □� It might go part way to repaying the debt.

par|ty ◆◆◆ /pɑː r ti/ (parties , partying , partied )

1 N‑COUNT A party is a political organization whose members have similar aims and beliefs. Usually the organization tries to get its members elected to the government of a country. □� �a member of the Labour party. □� �India's ruling party. □� �opposition parties. □� �her resignation as party leader.

2 N‑COUNT A party is a social event, often in someone's home, at which people enjoy themselves doing things such as eating, drinking, dancing, talking, or playing games. □� The couple met at a party. □� We threw a huge birthday party. □� Most teenagers like to go to parties.

3 →�see also dinner party , garden party , hen party , stag party

4 VERB If you party , you enjoy yourself doing things such as going out to parties, drinking, dancing, and talking to people. □�[V ] They come to eat and drink, to swim, to party. Sometimes they never go to bed.

5 N‑COUNT A partyof people is a group of people who are doing something together, for example travelling together. □� They became separated from their party. □�[+�of ] �a party of sightseers.

6 →�see also search party , working party

7 N‑COUNT One of the people involved in a legal agreement or dispute can be referred to as a particular party . [LEGAL ] □� It has to be proved that they are the guilty party.

8 →�see also third party

9 PHRASE Someone who is a party to or is party to an action or agreement is involved in it, and therefore partly responsible for it. □� Crook had resigned his post rather than be party to such treachery. SYNONYMS party NOUN 2

get-together:�a get-together I had at my home.

celebration:�his eightieth birthday celebrations.

do:A friend is having a do in Stoke.

party-goer /pɑː r tigoʊə r / (party-goers ) also partygoer N‑COUNT A party-goer is someone who likes going to parties or someone who is at a particular party. □� At least half the partygoers were under 15.

pa r|ty li ne N‑SING The party line on a particular issue is the official view taken by a political party, which its members are expected to support. □� They ignored the official party line.

pa r|ty piece (party pieces ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's party piece is something that they often do to entertain people, especially at parties, for example singing a particular song or saying a particular poem. [INFORMAL ]

pa r|ty po|li ti|cal ADJ [ADJ n] Party political matters relate to political parties. [BRIT ] □� The debate is being conducted almost exclusively on party political lines.

pa r|ty po|liti|cal broa d|cast (party political broadcasts ) N‑COUNT A party political broadcast is a short broadcast on radio or television made by a political party, especially before an election. It explains their views and often criticizes other political parties. [BRIT ]

pa r|ty po li|tics

1 N‑UNCOUNT Party politics is political activity involving political parties. □� He thinks the Archbishop has identified himself too closely with party politics.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If politicians are accused of playing party politics , they are being accused of saying or doing something in order to make their party seem good or another party seem bad, rather than for a better reason. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Usually when Opposition MPs question Ministers they are just playing party politics.

par|ty poop|er /pɑː r ti puːpə r / (party poopers ) N‑COUNT You describe someone as a party pooper when you think that they spoil other people's fun and their enjoyment of something. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I hate to be a party pooper, but I am really tired.

pa r|ty spi r|it N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about someone being in the party spirit , you mean that they are in the mood to enjoy a party or to have fun. □� It's that time of year when everyone gets in the party spirit.

par|venu /pɑː r vənjuː, [AM ] -nuː/ (parvenus ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a parvenu , you think that although they have acquired wealth or high status they are not very cultured or well-educated. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

pas de deuxpas de deux is both the singular and the plural form; both forms are pronounced /pɑː də dɜː / and the plural form can also be pronounced /pɑː də dɜː z/. N‑COUNT In ballet, a pas de deux is a dance sequence for two dancers.

pash|mi|na /p�ʃmiː nə/ (pashminas )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pashmina is very fine, soft wool made from the hair of goats. □� �pashmina scarves.

2 N‑COUNT A pashmina is a type of shawl made from pashmina.

pass ◆◆◆ /pɑː s, p� s/ (passes , passing , passed )

1 VERB To pass someone or something means to go past them without stopping. □�[V n] As she passed the library door, the phone began to ring. □�[V ] Jane stood aside to let her pass. □�[V -ing] I sat in the garden and watched the passing cars.

2 VERB When someone or something passes in a particular direction, they move in that direction. □�[V prep/adv] He passed through the doorway into Ward B. □�[V prep/adv] As the car passed by, I saw them point at me and laugh.

3 VERB If something such as a road or pipe passes along a particular route, it goes along that route. □�[V prep/adv] After going over the Col de Vars, the route passes through St-Paul-sur-Ubaye. □�[V n] The road passes a farmyard.

4 VERB If you pass something through, over, or round something else, you move or push it through, over, or round that thing. □�[V n prep/adv] 'I don't understand,' the Inspector mumbled, passing a hand through his hair.

5 VERB If you pass something to someone, you take it in your hand and give it to them. □�[V n +�to ] Ken passed the books to Sergeant Parrott. □�[V n n] Pass me that bottle.

6 VERB If something passes or is passedfrom one person to another, the second person then has it instead of the first. □�[V +�to ] His mother's small estate had passed to him after her death. □�[be V -ed +�to ] These powers were eventually passed to municipalities. □�[be V -ed +�from ] �a genetic trait, which can be passed from one generation to the next.

7 VERB If you pass information to someone, you give it to them because it concerns them. □�[V n +�to ] Officials failed to pass vital information to their superiors. ●�PHRASAL VERB Pass on means the same as pass . □�[V n P ] I do not know what to do with the information if I cannot pass it on. □�[V P n +�to ] From time to time he passed on confidential information to him. □�[V P n] He has written a note asking me to pass on his thanks. [Also V n P +�to ]

8 VERB If you pass the ball to someone in your team in a game such as football, basketball, hockey, or rugby, you kick, hit, or throw it to them. □�[V n adv/prep] Your partner should then pass the ball back to you. □�[V prep/adv] I passed back to Brendan. ●�N‑COUNT Pass is also a noun. □�[+�to ] She rolled a short pass to Ashleigh.

9 VERB When a period of time passes , it happens and finishes. □�[V ] He couldn't imagine why he had let so much time pass without contacting her. □�[V ] Several minutes passed before the girls were noticed.

10 VERB If you pass a period of time in a particular way, you spend it in that way. □�[V n v-ing/adv] The children passed the time playing in the streets. □�[V n] To pass the time they sang songs and played cards.

11 VERB If you pass through a stage of development or a period of time, you experience it. □�[V +�through ] The country was passing through a grave crisis.

12 VERB If an amount passes a particular total or level, it becomes greater than that total or level. □�[V n] They became the first company in their field to pass the �2 billion turn-over mark.

13 VERB If someone or something passes a test, they are considered to be of an acceptable standard. □�[V n] Kevin has just passed his driving test. □�[V ] I didn't pass.

14 N‑COUNT A pass in an examination, test, or course is a successful result in it. □�[+�in ] An A-level pass in Biology is preferred for all courses.

15 VERB If someone in authority passes a person or thing, they declare that they are of an acceptable standard or have reached an acceptable standard. □�[V n] Several popular beaches were found unfit for bathing although the government passed them. □�[V n adj] The medical board would not pass him fit for General Service.

16 VERB When people in authority pass a new law or a proposal, they formally agree to it or approve it. □�[V n] They passed a resolution declaring the republic fully independent.

17 VERB When a judge passes sentence on someone, he or she says what their punishment will be. □�[V n] Passing sentence, the judge said it all had the appearance of a con trick.

18 VERB If you pass comment or pass a comment, you say something. □�[V n] I don't really know so I could not pass comment on that.

19 VERB If someone or something passes for or passes as something that they are not, they are accepted as that thing or mistaken for that thing. □�[V +�for/as ] Children's toy guns now look so realistic that they can often pass for the real thing. □�[V +�for/as ] �a woman passing as a man.

20 VERB If someone passes water or passes urine, they urinate. □�[V n] A sensitive bladder can make you feel the need to pass water frequently.

21 N‑COUNT A pass is a document that allows you to do something. □�[+�into/for ] I got myself a pass into the barracks.

22 N‑COUNT A pass is a narrow path or route between mountains. □� The monastery is in a remote mountain pass.

23 →�see also passing

24 PHRASE If someone makes a pass at you, they try to begin a romantic or sexual relationship with you. [INFORMAL ] □� Nancy wasn't sure if Dirk was making a pass at her.

25to pass the buck →�see buck

26to pass judgment →�see judgment

▸� pass away PHRASAL VERB You can say that someone passed away to mean that they died, if you want to avoid using the word 'die' because you think it might upset or offend people. □�[V P ] He unfortunately passed away last year.

▸� pass by PHRASAL VERB If you pass by something, you go past it or near it on your way to another place. □�[V P n] I see them pass by my house every day. □�[V P ] They were injured when a parked car exploded as their convoy passed by.

▸� pass off PHRASAL VERB If an event passes off without any trouble, it happens and ends without any trouble. □�[V P adv/prep] The main demonstration passed off peacefully.

▸� pass off as PHRASAL VERB If you pass something off as another thing, you convince people that it is that other thing. □�[V n P P n] He passed himself off as a senior psychologist. □�[V P n P n] I've tried to pass off my accent as a convent school accent. □�[be V -ed P P n] In some cases goat has been passed off as lamb.

▸� pass on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pass something onto someone, you give it to them so that they have it instead of you. □�[V n P +�to ] The Queen is passing the money on to a selection of her favourite charities. □�[V n P ] There is a risk of passing the virus on. □�[V P n +�to ] The late Earl passed on much of his fortune to his daughter. □�[V P n] Tenants remain liable if they pass on their lease.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pass on costs or savings to someone else, you make them pay for your costs or allow them to benefit from your savings. □�[V P n] They pass on their cost of borrowing and add to it their profit margin. □�[V n P +�to ] I found we could make some saving and it is right to pass the savings on to the customer. [Also V n P , V P n +�to ]

3 PHRASAL VERB You can say that someone passed on to mean that they died, if you want to avoid using the word 'die' because you think it might upset or offend people. □�[V P ] He passed on at the age of 72.

4 →�see also pass

▸� pass out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pass out , you faint or collapse. □�[V P ] He felt sick and dizzy and then passed out.

2 PHRASAL VERB When a police, army, navy, or air force cadet passes out , he or she completes his or her training. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] He passed out in November 1924 and was posted to No 24 Squadron.

▸� pass over

1 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone is passed overfor a job or position, they do not get the job or position and someone younger or less experienced is chosen instead. □�[be V -ed P +�for ] She claimed she was repeatedly passed over for promotion. □�[be V -ed P ] They've been rejected, disappointed, ignored, passed over.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pass over a topic in a conversation or speech, you do not talk about it. □�[V P n] He largely passed over the government's record. □�[be V -ed P ] They seem to think her crimes should be passed over in silence.

▸� pass up PHRASAL VERB If you pass up a chance or an opportunity, you do not take advantage of it. □�[V P n] The official urged the government not to pass up the opportunity that has now presented itself. □�[V n P ] 'I can't pass this up.' She waved the invitation.

pass|able /pɑː səb ə l, p� s-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is a passable effort or of passable quality, it is satisfactory or quite good. □� Stan puffed out his thin cheeks in a passable imitation of his dad. ●� pass|ably /pɑː səbli, p� s-/ ADV [usu ADV adj/adv, oft ADV after v] □� She has always been quick to pick things up, doing passably well in school.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a road is passable , it is not completely blocked, and people can still use it. □� The airport road is passable today for the first time in a week.

pas|sage ◆◇◇ /p� s I dʒ/ (passages )

1 N‑COUNT A passage is a long narrow space with walls or fences on both sides, which connects one place or room with another. □� Harry stepped into the passage and closed the door behind him.

2 N‑COUNT A passage in a book, speech, or piece of music is a section of it that you are considering separately from the rest. □�[+�from ] He reads a passage from Milton. □� �the passage in which Blake spoke of the world of imagination.

3 N‑COUNT A passage is a long narrow hole or tube in your body, which air or liquid can pass along. □� �blocked nasal passages.

4 N‑COUNT A passagethrough a crowd of people or things is an empty space that allows you to move through them. □�[+�through ] He cleared a passage for himself through the crammed streets.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The passage of someone or something is their movement from one place to another. □�[+�of ] Germany had not requested Franco's consent for the passage of troops through Spain.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] The passage of someone or something is their progress from one situation or one stage in their development to another. □�[+�from/to ] �the passage from school to college.

7 N‑SING The passage of a period of time is its passing. □�[+�of ] �an asset that increases in value with the passage of time.

8 N‑COUNT A passage is a journey by ship. □�[+�from ] We'd arrived the day before after a 10-hour passage from Swansea.

9 N‑UNCOUNT If you are granted passage through a country or area of land, you are given permission to go through it. □�[+�to/from ] He would be given safe passage to and from the capital. SYNONYMS passage NOUN 1

corridor:They walked down the corridor.

hallway:The living room was at the end of a long hallway.

passageway:There's an underground passageway that connects the five buildings.

passage|way /p� s I dʒwe I / (passageways ) N‑COUNT A passageway is a long narrow space with walls or fences on both sides, which connects one place or room with another. □� Outside, in the passageway, I could hear people moving about.

pass|book /pɑː sbʊk, p� s-/ (passbooks ) N‑COUNT A passbook is a small book recording the amount of money you pay in or take out of a savings account at a bank or building society. [BRIT ]

pas|s� /p�se I / ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone describes something as pass� , they think that it is no longer fashionable or that it is no longer effective. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Punk is pass�.

pas|sen|ger ◆◇◇ /p� s I ndʒə r / (passengers )

1 N‑COUNT A passenger in a vehicle such as a bus, boat, or plane is a person who is travelling in it, but who is not driving it or working on it. □�[+�in ] Mr Fullemann was a passenger in the car when it crashed. □� �a flight from Milan with more than forty passengers on board.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Passenger is used to describe something that is designed for passengers, rather than for drivers or goods. □� I sat in the passenger seat. □� �a passenger train. SYNONYMS passenger NOUN 1

traveller:Many air travellers suffer puffy ankles and feet during long flights.

commuter:The number of commuters to London has dropped by 100,000.

pa sser-by (passers-by ) also passerby N‑COUNT A passer-by is a person who is walking past someone or something. □� A passer-by described what he saw moments after the car bomb had exploded.

pas|sim /p� s I m/ ADV In indexes and notes, passim indicates that a particular name or subject occurs frequently throughout a particular piece of writing or section of a book. □� �The Theories of their Relation (London, 1873), p. 8 and passim.

pass|ing /pɑː s I ŋ, p� s-/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A passing fashion, activity, or feeling lasts for only a short period of time and is not worth taking very seriously. □� Hamnett does not believe environmental concern is a passing fad.

2 N‑SING [with poss] The passing of something such as a time or system is the fact of its coming to an end. □� It was an historic day, yet its passing was not marked by the slightest excitement.

3 N‑SING [with poss] You can refer to someone's death as their passing , if you want to avoid using the word 'death' because you think it might upset or offend people. □� His passing will be mourned by many people.

4 N‑SING The passing of a period of time is the fact or process of its going by. □�[+�of ] The passing of time brought a sense of emptiness.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A passing mention or reference is brief and is made while you are talking or writing about something else. □� It was just a passing comment, he didn't go on about it.

6 →�see also pass

7 PHRASE If you mention something in passing , you mention it briefly while you are talking or writing about something else. □� The army is only mentioned in passing.

pas|sion ◆◇◇ /p� ʃ ə n/ (passions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Passion is strong sexual feelings towards someone. □�[+�for ] �my passion for a dark-haired, slender boy named James. □� �the expression of love and passion.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Passion is a very strong feeling about something or a strong belief in something. □� He spoke with great passion.

3 N‑COUNT If you have a passion for something, you have a very strong interest in it and like it very much. □�[+�for ] She had a passion for gardening.

pas|sion|ate /p� ʃənət/

1 ADJ A passionate person has very strong feelings about something or a strong belief in something. □� �his passionate commitment to peace. □� I'm a passionate believer in public art. □�[+�about ] He is very passionate about the project. ●� pas|sion|ate|ly ADV □� I am passionately opposed to the death penalty.

2 ADJ A passionate person has strong romantic or sexual feelings and expresses them in their behaviour. □� �a beautiful, passionate woman of twenty-six. ●� pas|sion|ate|ly ADV □� He was passionately in love with her.

pa s|sion fruit (passion fruit ) N‑VAR A passion fruit is a small, round, brown fruit that is produced by certain types of tropical flower.

pas|sion|less /p� ʃ ə nləs/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as passionless , you mean that they do not have or show strong feelings. □� �a passionless academic. □� �their late and apparently passionless marriage.

pas|sive /p� s I v/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as passive , you mean that they do not take action but instead let things happen to them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His passive attitude made things easier for me. ●� pas|sive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He sat there passively, content to wait for his father to make the opening move. ●� pas|sivi|ty /p�s I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the passivity of the public under the military occupation.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A passive activity involves watching, looking at, or listening to things rather than doing things. □� They want less passive ways of filling their time.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Passive resistance involves showing opposition to the people in power in your country by not co-operating with them and protesting in non-violent ways. □� When police arrived, the protesters used passive resistance to continue their protest.

4 N‑SING In grammar, the passive or the passive voice is formed using 'be' and the past participle of a verb. The subject of a passive clause does not perform the action expressed by the verb but is affected by it. For example, in 'He's been murdered', the verb is in the passive. Compare active .

pa s|sive smo k|ing N‑UNCOUNT Passive smoking involves breathing in the smoke from other people's cigarettes because you happen to be near them. □� �the dangers of passive smoking.

Pass|over /pɑː soʊvə r , p� s-/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Passover is a Jewish festival that begins in March or April and lasts for seven or eight days. Passover begins with a special meal that reminds Jewish people of how God helped their ancestors escape from Egypt.

pass|port /pɑː spɔː r t, p� s-/ (passports )

1 N‑COUNT Your passport is an official document containing your name, photograph, and personal details, which you need to show when you enter or leave a country. □� You should take your passport with you when changing money. □� �a South African businessman travelling on a British passport.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that a thing is a passport to success or happiness, you mean that this thing makes success or happiness possible. □�[+�to ] Victory would give him a passport to the riches he craves.

pass|word /pɑː swɜː r d, p� s-/ (passwords ) N‑COUNT A password is a secret word or phrase that you must know in order to be allowed to enter a place such as a military base, or to be allowed to use a computer system. □� No-one could use the computer unless they had a password.

past ◆◆◆ /pɑː st, p� st/ (pasts ) In addition to the uses shown below, past is used in the phrasal verb 'run past'. 1 N‑SING The past is the time before the present, and the things that have happened. □� In the past, about a third of the babies born to women with diabetes were lost. □� He should learn from the mistakes of the past. We have been here before. ●�PHRASE If you accuse someone of living in the past , you mean that they think too much about the past or believe that things are the same as they were in the past. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What was the point in living in the past, thinking about what had or had not happened?

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your past consists of all the things that you have done or that have happened to you. □� �revelations about his past. □� �Germany's recent past.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Past events and things happened or existed before the present time. □� I knew from past experience that alternative therapies could help. □� The list of past champions includes many British internationals.

4 ADJ You use past to talk about a period of time that has just finished. For example, if you talk about the past five years , you mean the period of five years that has just finished. □� Most shops have remained closed for the past three days.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a situation is past , it has ended and no longer exists. [LITERARY ] □� Many economists believe the worst of the economic downturn is past. □� �images from years long past.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, the past tenses of a verb are the ones used to talk about things that happened at some time before the present. The simple past tense uses the past form of a verb, which for regular verbs ends in '-ed', as in 'They walked back to the car'.

7 →�see also past perfect

8 PREP You use past when you are stating a time which is thirty minutes or less after a particular hour. For example, if it is twenty past six, it is twenty minutes after six o'clock. □� It's ten past eleven. □� I arrived at half past ten. ●�ADV Past is also an adverb. □� I have my lunch at half past.

9 PREP If it is past a particular time, it is later than that time. □� It was past midnight. □� It's past your bedtime.

10 PREP If you go past someone or something, you go near them and keep moving, so that they are then behind you. □� I dashed past him and out of the door. □� A steady procession of people filed past the coffin. ●�ADV Past is also an adverb. □� An ambulance drove past.

11 PREP If you look or point past a person or thing, you look or point at something behind them. □� She stared past Christine at the bed.

12 PREP If something is past a place, it is on the other side of it. □� Go north on I-15 to the exit just past Barstow.

13 PREP If someone or something is past a particular point or stage, they are no longer at that point or stage. □� He was well past retirement age.

14 PREP If you are past doing something, you are no longer able to do it. For example, if you are past caring , you do not care about something any more because so many bad things have happened to you. □� She was past caring about anything by then and just wanted the pain to end. □� Often by the time they do accept the truth they are past being able to put words to feelings. ●�PHRASE If you say that someone or something is past it , they are no longer able to do what they used to do. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� We could do with a new car. The one we've got is a bit past it.

15 PHRASE If you say that you would not put it past someone to do something bad, you mean that you would not be surprised if they did it because you think their character is bad. □� You know what she's like. I wouldn't put it past her to call the police and say I stole them. COLLOCATIONS past NOUN

1

adjective +�past : distant, recent

2

adjective +�past : dark, murky, troubled, violent; colourful, glorious, rich SYNONYMS past ADJ 4

last:She got married last July.

recent:Sales have fallen by more than 75 percent in recent years.

previous:It was a surprisingly dry day after the rain of the previous week.

pas|ta /p� stə, [AM ] pɑː stə/ (pastas ) N‑VAR Pasta is a type of food made from a mixture of flour, eggs, and water that is formed into different shapes and then boiled. Spaghetti, macaroni, and noodles are types of pasta.

paste /pe I st/ (pastes , pasting , pasted )

1 N‑VAR Paste is a soft, wet, sticky mixture of a substance and a liquid, which can be spread easily. Some types of paste are used to stick things together. □� Blend a little milk with the custard powder to form a paste. □� �wallpaper paste.

2 N‑VAR Paste is a soft smooth mixture made of crushed meat, fruit, or vegetables. You can, for example, spread it onto bread or use it in cooking. □� �tomato paste. □� �fish-paste sandwiches.

3 VERB If you paste something on a surface, you put glue or paste on it and stick it on the surface. □�[V n prep] �pasting labels on bottles. □�[V n with adv] Activists pasted up posters criticizing the leftist leaders. [Also V n with n]

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Paste is a hard shiny glass that is used for making imitation jewellery. □� �paste emeralds.

5 →�see also pasting

pas|tel /p� st ə l, [AM ] p�ste l/ (pastels )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Pastel colours are pale rather than dark or bright. □� �delicate pastel shades. □� �pastel pink, blue, peach and green. ●�N‑COUNT Pastel is also a noun. □� The lobby is decorated in pastels.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pastels are also small sticks of different coloured chalks that are used for drawing pictures. □� �pastels and charcoal. □� �the portrait in pastels.

3 N‑COUNT A pastel is a picture that has been done using pastels. □� �Degas's paintings, pastels, and prints.

pas|teur|ized /pɑː stʃəra I zd, p� s-/ in BRIT, also use pasteurised ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pasteurized milk, cream, or cheese has had bacteria removed from it by a special heating process to make it safer to eat or drink.

pas|tiche /p�stiː ʃ/ (pastiches ) N‑VAR A pastiche is something such as a piece of writing or music in which the style is copied from somewhere else, or which contains a mixture of different styles. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Peter Baker's bathroom is a brilliant pastiche of expensive interior design.

pas|tille /p� st ə l, [AM ] p�stiː l/ (pastilles ) N‑COUNT A pastille is a small, round sweet or piece of candy that has a fruit flavour. Some pastilles contain medicine and you can suck them if you have a sore throat or a cough.

pas|time /pɑː sta I m, p� s-/ (pastimes ) N‑COUNT A pastime is something that you do in your spare time because you enjoy it or are interested in it. □� His favourite pastime is golf.

past|ing /pe I st I ŋ/

1 N‑SING If something or someone takes a pasting , they are severely criticized. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� She got a pasting from show bosses after swearing during Monday night's live show. □� �the critical pasting that the film received.

2 N‑SING If a sports team or political party is given a pasting , they are heavily defeated. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

pa st ma s|ter (past masters ) N‑COUNT If you are a past masterat something, you are very skilful at it because you have had a lot of experience doing it. □�[+�at ] He was a past master at manipulating the media for his own ends. □�[+�of ] She is an adept rock-climber and a past master of the assault course. [Also +�in ]

pas|tor /pɑː stə r , p� stə r / (pastors ) N‑COUNT A pastor is a member of the Christian clergy in some Protestant churches.

pas|to|ral /pɑː stərəl, p� st-/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The pastoral duties of a priest or other religious leader involve looking after the people he or she has responsibility for, especially by helping them with their personal problems. □� Many churches provide excellent pastoral counselling.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If a school offers pastoral care, it is concerned with the personal needs and problems of its pupils, not just with their schoolwork. [mainly BRIT ] □� A few schools now offer counselling sessions; all have some system of pastoral care.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A pastoral place, atmosphere, or idea is characteristic of peaceful country life and scenery. □� �a tranquil pastoral scene.

pa st pa r|ti|ci|ple (past participles ) N‑COUNT In grammar, the past participle of a verb is a form that is usually the same as the past form and so ends in '-ed'. A number of verbs have irregular past participles, for example 'break' (past participle 'broken'), and 'come' (past participle 'come'). Past participles are used to form perfect tenses and the passive voice, and many of them can be used like an adjective in front of a noun.

pa st per|fect ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, the past perfect tenses of a verb are the ones used to talk about things that happened before a specific time. The simple past perfect tense uses 'had' and the past participle of the verb, as in 'She had seen him before'. It is sometimes called the pluperfect .

pas|tra|mi /p�strɑː mi/ N‑UNCOUNT Pastrami is strongly seasoned smoked beef.

pas|try /pe I stri/ (pastries )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pastry is a food made from flour, fat, and water that is mixed together, rolled flat, and baked in the oven. It is used, for example, for making pies.

2 N‑COUNT A pastry is a small cake made with sweet pastry.

pas|ture /pɑː stʃə r , p� s-/ (pastures )

1 N‑VAR Pasture is land with grass growing on it for farm animals to eat. □� The cows are out now, grazing in the pasture.

2 PHRASE If someone leaves for greener pastures , or in British English pastures new , they leave their job, their home, or the situation they are in for something they think will be much better. □� Michael decided he wanted to move on to pastures new for financial reasons.

3 PHRASE If you put animals out to pasture , you move them out into the fields so they can eat the grass.

pasty (pasties , pastier , pastiest ) The adjective is pronounced /pe I sti/. The noun is pronounced /p� sti/. 1 ADJ If you are pasty or if you have a pasty face, you look pale and unhealthy. □� My complexion remained pale and pasty.

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, a pasty is a small pie which consists of pastry folded around meat, vegetables, or cheese.

3 →�see also Cornish pasty

pat /p� t/ (pats , patting , patted )

1 VERB If you pat something or someone, you tap them lightly, usually with your hand held flat. □�[V n +�on ] 'Don't you worry about any of this,' she said patting me on the knee. □�[V n] The landlady patted her hair nervously. □�[V n adj] Wash the lettuce and pat it dry. ●�N‑COUNT Pat is also a noun. □�[+�on ] He gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

2 N‑COUNT A patof butter or something else that is soft is a small lump of it.

3 ADJ If you say that an answer or explanation is pat , you disapprove of it because it is too simple and sounds as if it has been prepared in advance. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There's no pat answer to that.

4 PHRASE If you give someone a pat on the back or if you pat them on the back , you show them that you think they have done well and deserve to be praised. [APPROVAL ] □� The players deserve a pat on the back.

5 PHRASE If you have an answer or explanation down pat or off pat , you have prepared and learned it so you are ready to say it at any time. □� I have my story down pat.

patch /p� tʃ/ (patches , patching , patched )

1 N‑COUNT A patch on a surface is a part of it which is different in appearance from the area around it. □�[+�on ] �the bald patch on the top of his head. □�[+�of ] There was a small patch of blue in the grey clouds.

2 N‑COUNT A patchof land is a small area of land where a particular plant or crop grows. □�[+�of ] �a patch of land covered in forest. □� �the little vegetable patch in her backyard.

3 N‑COUNT A patch is a piece of material which you use to cover a hole in something. □�[+�on ] �jackets with patches on the elbows.

4 N‑COUNT A patch is a small piece of material which you wear to cover an injured eye. □�[+�over ] She went to the hospital and found him lying down with a patch over his eye.

5 →�see also eye patch

6 VERB If you patch something that has a hole in it, you mend it by fastening a patch over the hole. □�[V n] He and Walker patched the barn roof. □�[V -ed] �their patched clothes.

7 N‑COUNT A patch is a piece of computer program code written as a temporary solution for dealing with a virus in computer software and distributed by the makers of the original program. [COMPUTING ] □� Older machines will need a software patch to be loaded to correct the date.

8 PHRASE If you have or go through a bad patch or a rough patch , you have a lot of problems for a time. [mainly BRIT ] □� I'm going through a very bad patch just now.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is not a patch on another person or thing, you mean that they are not as good as that person or thing. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Handsome, she thought, but not a patch on Alex.

▸� patch up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you patch up a quarrel or relationship, you try to be friendly again and not to quarrel any more. □�[V P n] They have gone on holiday to try to patch up their marriage. □�[V P n +�with ] He has now patched up his differences with the Minister. □�[V n P +�with ] I did my best to patch things up with her but it didn't seem to work. □�[V n P ] They managed to patch it up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you patch up something which is damaged, you mend it or patch it. □�[V P n] We can patch up those holes. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If doctors patch someone up or patch their wounds up , they treat their injuries. □�[V n P ] �the medical staff who patched her up after the accident. □�[V P n] Emergency surgery patched up his face.

patch|work /p� tʃwɜː r k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A patchwork quilt, cushion, or piece of clothing is made by sewing together small pieces of material of different colours or patterns. □� �beds covered in patchwork quilts. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Patchwork is also a noun. □� For centuries, quilting and patchwork have been popular needlecrafts.

2 N‑SING If you refer to something as a patchwork , you mean that it is made up of many different parts, pieces or colours. □�[+�of ] The low mountains were a patchwork of green and brown. □�[+�of ] �this complex republic, a patchwork of cultures, religions and nationalities.

patchy /p� tʃi/ (patchier , patchiest )

1 ADJ A patchy substance or colour exists in some places but not in others, or is thick in some places and thin in others. □� Thick patchy fog and irresponsible driving were to blame. □� �the brown, patchy grass.

2 ADJ If something is patchy , it is not completely reliable or satisfactory because it is not always good. □� The evidence is patchy.

pate /pe I t/ (pates ) N‑COUNT Your pate is the top of your head. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �Bryan's bald pate.

p�t� /p� te I , [AM ] pɑːte I / (p�t�s ) N‑VAR P�t� is a soft mixture of meat, fish, or vegetables with various flavourings, and is eaten cold.

pa|tent /pe I t ə nt, [AM ] p� t-/ (patents , patenting , patented ) The pronunciation /p� t ə nt/ is also used for meanings 1 and 2 in British English. 1 N‑COUNT A patent is an official right to be the only person or company allowed to make or sell a new product for a certain period of time. □�[+�on ] P&G applied for a patent on its cookies. □�[+�for ] He held a number of patents for his many innovations.

2 VERB If you patent something, you obtain a patent for it. □�[V n] He patented the idea that the atom could be split. □�[V -ed] �a patented process for disinfecting liquids.

3 ADJ You use patent to describe something, especially something bad, in order to indicate in an emphatic way that you think its nature or existence is clear and obvious. [EMPHASIS ] □� This was patent nonsense. □� �a patent lie. ●� pa|tent|ly ADV □� He made his displeasure patently obvious.

pa |tent lea th|er N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Patent leather is leather which has a shiny surface. It is used to make shoes, bags, and belts. □� He wore patent leather shoes.

pa|ter|nal /pətɜː r n ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Paternal is used to describe feelings or actions which are typical of those of a kind father towards his child. □� He put his hand under her chin in an almost paternal gesture.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A paternal relative is one that is related through a person's father rather than their mother. □� �my paternal grandparents.

pa|ter|nal|ism /pətɜː r nəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Paternalism means taking all the decisions for the people you govern, employ, or are responsible for, so that they cannot or do not have to make their own decisions. □� �the company's reputation for paternalism.

pa|ter|nal|ist /pətɜː r nəl I st/ (paternalists )

1 N‑COUNT A paternalist is a person who acts in a paternalistic way. □� Primo de Rivera himself was a benevolent and sincere paternalist.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Paternalist means the same as paternalistic . □� �a paternalist policy of state welfare for the deserving poor.

pa|ter|nal|is|tic /pətɜː r nəl I st I k/ ADJ Someone who is paternalistic takes all the decisions for the people they govern, employ, or are responsible for. □� The doctor is being paternalistic. He's deciding what information the patient needs to know.

pa|ter|nity /pətɜː r n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Paternity is the state or fact of being the father of a particular child. [FORMAL ] □� He was of unknown paternity.

pa|te r|nity leave N‑UNCOUNT If a man has paternity leave , his employer allows him some time off work because his child has just been born. [BUSINESS ]

pa|te r|nity suit (paternity suits ) N‑COUNT If a woman starts or takes out a paternity suit , she asks a court of law to help her to prove that a particular man is the father of her child, often in order to claim financial support from him.

path ◆◇◇ /pɑː θ, p� θ/ (paths )

1 N‑COUNT A path is a long strip of ground which people walk along to get from one place to another. □� We followed the path along the clifftops. □� Feet had worn a path in the rock. □� He went up the garden path to knock on the door.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your path is the space ahead of you as you move along. □� A group of reporters blocked his path.

3 N‑COUNT [with poss] The path of something is the line which it moves along in a particular direction. □�[+�of ] He stepped without looking into the path of a reversing car.

4 N‑COUNT A path that you take is a particular course of action or way of achieving something. □�[+�of/to ] The opposition appear to have chosen the path of cooperation rather than confrontation.

5 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] You can say that something is in your path or blocking your path to mean that it is preventing you from doing or achieving what you want. □�[+�of ] There are serious obstacles in the path of reform.

6 PHRASE If you cross someone's path or if your paths cross , you meet them by chance. □� It was highly unlikely that their paths would cross again.

pa|thet|ic /pəθe t I k/

1 ADJ If you describe a person or animal as pathetic , you mean that they are sad and weak or helpless, and they make you feel very sorry for them. □� The small group of onlookers presented a pathetic sight. □� She now looked small, shrunken and pathetic. ●� pa|theti|cal|ly /pəθe t I kli/ ADV □� She was pathetically thin.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as pathetic , you mean that they make you feel impatient or angry, often because they are weak or not very good. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What pathetic excuses. □� 'This area is pathetic,' he says. 'It has so few hotels.' ●� pa|theti|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� Five women in a group of 18 people is a pathetically small number.

path|finder /pɑː θfa I ndə r , p� θ-/ (pathfinders ) N‑COUNT A pathfinder is someone whose job is to find routes across areas.

patho|gen /p� θədʒen/ (pathogens ) N‑COUNT A pathogen is any organism which can cause disease in a person, animal, or plant. [TECHNICAL ]

patho|gen|ic /p� θədʒe n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pathogenic organism can cause disease in a person, animal, or plant. [TECHNICAL ]

patho|logi|cal /p� θəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You describe a person or their behaviour as pathological when they behave in an extreme and unacceptable way, and have very powerful feelings which they cannot control. □� He's a pathological liar. □� �a pathological fear of snakes.

2 ADJ Pathological means relating to pathology or illness. [MEDICAL ] □� �pathological conditions in animals.

pa|tholo|gist /pəθɒ lədʒ I st/ (pathologists ) N‑COUNT A pathologist is someone who studies or investigates diseases and illnesses, and examines dead bodies in order to find out the cause of death.

pa|thol|ogy /pəθɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Pathology is the study of the way diseases and illnesses develop. [MEDICAL ]

pa|thos /pe I θɒs/ N‑UNCOUNT Pathos is a quality in a situation, film, or play that makes people feel sadness and pity. □�[+�of ] �the pathos of man's isolation.

path|way /pɑː θwe I , p� θ-/ (pathways )

1 N‑COUNT A pathway is a path which you can walk along or a route which you can take. □� Richard was coming up the pathway. □� �a pathway leading towards the nearby river.

2 N‑COUNT A pathway is a particular course of action or a way of achieving something. □�[+�to ] Diplomacy will smooth your pathway to success.

pa|tience /pe I ʃ ə ns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have patience , you are able to stay calm and not get annoyed, for example when something takes a long time, or when someone is not doing what you want them to do. □� He doesn't have the patience to wait. □� It was exacting work and required all his patience.

2 PHRASE If someone tries your patience or tests your patience , they annoy you so much that it is very difficult for you to stay calm. □� He tended to stutter, which tried her patience.

pa|tient ◆◆◇ /pe I ʃ ə nt/ (patients )

1 N‑COUNT A patient is a person who is receiving medical treatment from a doctor or hospital. A patient is also someone who is registered with a particular doctor. □� The earlier the treatment is given, the better the patient's chances. □� He specialized in treatment of cancer patients.

2 ADJ If you are patient , you stay calm and do not get annoyed, for example when something takes a long time, or when someone is not doing what you want them to do. □� Please be patient�your cheque will arrive. □�[+�with ] He was endlessly kind and patient with children. ●� pa|tient|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She waited patiently for Frances to finish. SYNONYMS patient ADJ 2

forbearing:He was always very forbearing.

understanding:Her boss, who was very understanding, gave her time off.

tolerant:They need to be tolerant of different points of view.

uncomplaining:He was a cheerful and uncomplaining travel companion.

pati|na /p� t I nə/

1 N‑SING A patina is a thin layer of something that has formed on the surface of something. □�[+�of ] He allowed a fine patina of old coffee to develop around the inside of the mug.

2 N‑SING The patina on an old object is an attractive soft shine that has developed on its surface, usually because it has been used a lot. □�[+�of ] �a mahogany door that is golden brown with the patina of age.

3 N‑SING If you say that someone has a patinaof a quality or characteristic, you mean that they have a small but impressive amount of this quality or characteristic. □�[+�of ] �a superficial patina of knowledge.

pa|tio /p� tioʊ/ (patios ) N‑COUNT A patio is an area of flat blocks or concrete next to a house, where people can sit and relax or eat.

pa |tio doo r (patio doors ) N‑COUNT Patio doors are glass doors that lead onto a patio.

pa|tis|serie /pətiː səri, [AM ] -t I s-/ (patisseries )

1 N‑COUNT A patisserie is a shop where cakes and pastries are sold.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Patisserie is cakes and pastries. □� Blois is famous for patisserie.

pat|oispatois is both the singular and the plural form; the singular form is pronounced /p� twɑː/, and the plural form is pronounced /p� twɑːz/. 1 N‑VAR A patois is a form of a language, especially French, that is spoken in a particular area of a country. □� In France patois was spoken in rural, less developed regions.

2 N‑VAR A patois is a language that has developed from a mixture of other languages. □� A substantial proportion of the population speak a French-based patois.

pa|tri|arch /pe I triɑː r k/ (patriarchs )

1 N‑COUNT A patriarch is the male head of a family or tribe. □�[+�of ] The patriarch of the house, Mr Jawad, rules it with a ferocity renowned throughout the neighbourhood.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A patriarch is the head of one of a number of Eastern Christian Churches.

pa|tri|ar|chal /pe I triɑː r kəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A patriarchal society, family, or system is one in which the men have all or most of the power and importance. □� To feminists she is a classic victim of the patriarchal society.

pa|tri|ar|chy /pe I triɑː r ki/ (patriarchies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Patriarchy is a system in which men have all or most of the power and importance in a society or group. □� The main cause of women's and children's oppression is patriarchy.

2 N‑COUNT A patriarchy is a patriarchal society.

pa|tri|cian /pətr I ʃ ə n/ (patricians )

1 N‑COUNT A patrician is a person who comes from a family of high social rank. [FORMAL ] □� �the patrician banker Sir Charles Villiers.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as patrician , you mean that they behave in a sophisticated way, and look as though they are from a high social rank. □� He was a lean, patrician gent in his early sixties.

pat|ri|mo|ny /p� tr I məni, [AM ] -moʊni/

1 N‑SING Someone's patrimony is the possessions that they have inherited from their father or ancestors. [FORMAL ] □� I left my parents' house, relinquished my estate and my patrimony.

2 N‑SING A country's patrimony is its land, buildings, and works of art. [FORMAL ] □� In the 1930s, The National Trust began its campaign to save Britain's patrimony of threatened country houses.

pa|tri|ot /p� triət, pe I t-/ (patriots ) N‑COUNT Someone who is a patriot loves their country and feels very loyal towards it. □� They were staunch British patriots and had portraits of the Queen in their flat.

pat|ri|ot|ic /p� triɒ t I k, pe I t-/ ADJ Someone who is patriotic loves their country and feels very loyal towards it. □� Woosnam was fiercely patriotic. □� The crowd sang 'Land of Hope and Glory' and other patriotic songs.

pat|ri|ot|ism /p� triət I zəm, pe I t-/ N‑UNCOUNT Patriotism is love for your country and loyalty towards it. □� He was a country boy who had joined the army out of a sense of patriotism and adventure.

pa|trol /pətroʊ l/ (patrols , patrolling , patrolled )

1 VERB When soldiers, police, or guards patrol an area or building, they move around it in order to make sure that there is no trouble there. □�[V n] Prison officers continued to patrol the grounds within the jail. ●�N‑COUNT Patrol is also a noun. □� He failed to return from a patrol.

2 PHRASE Soldiers, police, or guards who are on patrol are patrolling an area. □� �a sympathetic portrait of the daily pressures faced by soldiers on patrol.

3 N‑COUNT A patrol is a group of soldiers or vehicles that are patrolling an area. □� Guerrillas attacked a patrol with hand grenades.

pa|tro l car (patrol cars ) N‑COUNT A patrol car is a police car used for patrolling streets and roads.

patrol|man /pətroʊ lmən/ (patrolmen )

1 N‑COUNT A patrolman is a police officer who patrols a particular area. [AM ]

2 N‑COUNT A patrolman is a person employed by a motoring organization to help members of the organization when their cars break down. [BRIT ]

pa|tro l wag|on (patrol wagons ) N‑COUNT A patrol wagon is a van or truck which the police use for transporting prisoners. [AM ]

pa|tron /pe I trən/ (patrons )

1 N‑COUNT A patron is a person who supports and gives money to artists, writers, or musicians. □�[+�of ] Catherine the Great was a patron of the arts and sciences.

2 N‑COUNT The patron of a charity, group, or campaign is an important person who allows his or her name to be used for publicity. □�[+�of ] Fiona and Alastair have become patrons of the National Missing Person's Helpline.

3 N‑COUNT The patrons of a place such as a pub, bar, or hotel are its customers. [FORMAL ]

pat|ron|age /p� trən I dʒ, pe I t-/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Patronage is the support and money given by someone to a person or a group such as a charity. □�[+�of ] �government patronage of the arts in Europe.

pa|tron|ess /pe I trənes/ (patronesses ) N‑COUNT A woman who is a patron of something can be described as a patroness .

pat|ron|ize /p� trəna I z, [AM ] pe I t-/ (patronizes , patronizing , patronized ) in BRIT, also use patronise1 VERB If someone patronizes you, they speak or behave towards you in a way which seems friendly, but which shows that they think they are superior to you in some way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Don't you patronize me! □�[V -ed] Cornelia often felt patronised by her tutors.

2 VERB Someone who patronizes artists, writers, or musicians supports them and gives them money. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The Japanese Imperial family patronises the Japanese Art Association.

3 VERB If someone patronizes a place such as a pub, bar, or hotel, they are one of its customers. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The ladies of Berne liked to patronize the Palace for tea and little cakes.

pat|ron|iz|ing /p� trəna I z I ŋ, [AM ] pe I t-/ in BRIT, also use patronising ADJ If someone is patronizing , they speak or behave towards you in a way that seems friendly, but which shows that they think they are superior to you. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The tone of the interview was unnecessarily patronizing .

pa t|ron sai nt (patron saints ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The patron saintof a place, an activity, or a group of people is a saint who is believed to give them special help and protection. □�[+�of ] Chiswick church is dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of sailors.

pat|sy /p� tsi/ (patsies ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a patsy , you mean that they are rather stupid and are easily tricked by other people, or can be made to take the blame for other people's actions. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Davis was nobody's patsy.

pat|ter /p� tə r / (patters , pattering , pattered )

1 VERB If something patters on a surface, it hits it quickly several times, making quiet, tapping sounds. □�[V adv/prep] Rain pattered gently outside, dripping on to the roof from the pines.

2 N‑SING A patter is a series of quick, quiet, tapping sounds. □�[+�of ] �the patter of the driving rain on the roof.

3 N‑SING [usu poss N ] Someone's patter is a series of things that they say quickly and easily, usually in order to entertain people or to persuade them to buy or do something. □� Fran began her automatic patter about how Jon had been unavoidably detained.

pat|tern ◆◆◇ /p� tə r n/ (patterns )

1 N‑COUNT A pattern is the repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done. □� All three attacks followed the same pattern. □�[+�of ] A change in the pattern of his breathing became apparent.

2 N‑COUNT A pattern is an arrangement of lines or shapes, especially a design in which the same shape is repeated at regular intervals over a surface. □�[+�of ] �a golden robe embroidered with red and purple thread stitched into a pattern of flames.

3 N‑COUNT A pattern is a diagram or shape that you can use as a guide when you are making something such as a model or a piece of clothing. □�[+�for ] �cutting out a pattern for trousers. COLLOCATIONS pattern NOUN

1

noun +�pattern : breathing, sleep, speech, thought; shift, weather; behaviour, migration, voting

adjective +�pattern : familiar, normal, regular

verb +�pattern : exhibit, follow, repeat, show; establish, set

2

adjective +�pattern : complex, floral, geometric, intricate SYNONYMS pattern NOUN

1

order:List the key headings and sort them into a logical order.

system:�a flexible and relatively efficient filing system.

arrangement:�an arrangement of dark-blue armchairs around a coffee table.

sequence:�the colour sequence yellow, orange, purple, blue, green and white.

2

design:Their range of tableware is decorated with a blackberry design.

decoration:The only wall decorations are candles and a single mirror.

pat|terned /p� tə r nd/

1 ADJ Something that is patterned is covered with a pattern or design. □� �a plain carpet with a patterned border. □�[+�with ] �bone china patterned with flowers.

2 V-PASSIVE If something new is patternedon something else that already exists, it is deliberately made so that it has similar features. [mainly AM ] □�[be V -ed +�on ] New York City announced a 10-point policy patterned on the federal bill of rights for taxpayers. □�[be V -ed +�after ] He says this contract should not be patterned after the Deere pact.

pat|tern|ing /p� tə r n I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Patterning is the forming of fixed ways of behaving or of doing things by constantly repeating something or copying other people. [FORMAL ] □� �social patterning. □�[+�of ] �the patterning of behaviour.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to lines, spots, or other patterns as patterning . □� �geometric patterning. □�[+�of ] �a jazzy patterning of lights.

pat|ty /p� ti/ (patties )

1 N‑COUNT A patty is a small, round meat pie. [mainly AM ]

2 N‑COUNT A patty is an amount of minced meat formed into a flat, round shape.

pau|city /pɔː s I ti/ N‑SING If you say that there is a paucity of something, you mean that there is not enough of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Even the film's impressive finale can't hide the first hour's paucity of imagination. □�[+�of ] �the paucity of good British women sprinters.

paunch /pɔː ntʃ/ (paunches ) N‑COUNT If a man has a paunch , he has a fat stomach. □� He finished his dessert and patted his paunch.

paunchy /pɔː ntʃi/ (paunchier , paunchiest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A man who is paunchy has a fat stomach.

pau|per /pɔː pə r / (paupers ) N‑COUNT A pauper is a very poor person. [FORMAL ] □� He died a pauper and is buried in an unmarked grave.

pause ◆◇◇ /pɔː z/ (pauses , pausing , paused )

1 VERB If you pause while you are doing something, you stop for a short period and then continue. □�[V ] 'It's rather embarrassing,' he began, and paused. □�[V ] On leaving, she paused for a moment at the door. □�[V +�for ] He talked for two hours without pausing for breath.

2 N‑COUNT A pause is a short period when you stop doing something before continuing. □� After a pause Alex said sharply: 'I'm sorry if I've upset you'. SYNONYMS pause NOUN 2

delay:They claimed that such a delay wouldn't hurt anyone.

interval:There was a long interval of silence.

hesitation:�the prime minister's hesitation to accept a ceasefire.

pave /pe I v/ (paves , paving , paved )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a road or an area of ground has been paved , it has been covered with flat blocks of stone or concrete, so that it is suitable for walking or driving on. □�[be V -ed] The avenue had never been paved, and deep mud made it impassable in winter. ●� paved ADJ □� �a small paved courtyard. [Also +�with ]

2 PHRASE If one thing paves the way for another, it creates a situation in which it is possible or more likely that the other thing will happen. [JOURNALISM ] □� The discussions are aimed at paving the way for formal negotiations between the two countries.

pave|ment /pe I vmənt/ (pavements )

1 N‑COUNT A pavement is a path with a hard surface, usually by the side of a road. [BRIT ] □� He was hurrying along the pavement. in AM, use sidewalk2 N‑COUNT The pavement is the hard surface of a road. [AM ]

pa|vil|ion /pəv I liən/ (pavilions )

1 N‑COUNT A pavilion is a building on the edge of a sports field where players can change their clothes and wash. [BRIT ] □� �the cricket pavilion.

2 N‑COUNT A pavilion is a large temporary structure such as a tent, which is used at outdoor public events. □� �the United States pavilion at the Expo '70 exhibition in Japan.

pav|ing /pe I v I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Paving is flat blocks of stone or concrete covering an area. □� In the centre of the paving stood a statue. □� �concrete paving.

pa v|ing stone (paving stones ) N‑COUNT Paving stones are flat pieces of stone or concrete, usually square in shape, that are put on the ground, for example to make a path. [mainly BRIT ]

pav|lo|va /p�vloʊ və/ (pavlovas ) N‑VAR A pavlova is a dessert which consists of a hard base made of egg whites and sugar with fruit and cream on top.

paw /pɔː / (paws , pawing , pawed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The paws of an animal such as a cat, dog, or bear are its feet, which have claws for gripping things and soft pads for walking on. □� The kitten was black with white front paws and a white splotch on her chest.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N , adj N ] You can describe someone's hand as their paw , especially if it is very large or if they are very clumsy. [mainly HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □� He shook Keaton's hand with his big paw.

3 VERB If an animal paws something, it draws its foot over it or down it. □�[V n] Madigan's horse pawed the ground. □�[V +�at ] The dogs continued to paw and claw frantically at the chain mesh.

4 VERB If one person paws another, they touch or stroke them in a way that the other person finds offensive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Stop pawing me, Giles! □�[V +�at ] He pawed at my jacket with his free hand.

pawn /pɔː n/ (pawns , pawning , pawned )

1 VERB If you pawn something that you own, you leave it with a pawnbroker, who gives you money for it and who can sell it if you do not pay back the money before a certain time. □�[V n] He is contemplating pawning his watch.

2 N‑COUNT In chess, a pawn is the smallest and least valuable playing piece. Each player has eight pawns at the start of the game.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is using you as a pawn , you mean that they are using you for their own advantage. □� It looks as though he is being used as a political pawn by the President.

pawn|broker /pɔː nbroʊkə r / (pawnbrokers ) N‑COUNT A pawnbroker is a person who lends people money. People give the pawnbroker something they own, which can be sold if they do not pay back the money before a certain time.

pa wn shop (pawn shops ) also pawnshop N‑COUNT A pawn shop is a pawnbroker's shop.

paw|paw /pɔː pɔː/ (pawpaws ) also paw-paw N‑VAR A pawpaw is a fruit with green skin, sweet yellow flesh, and black seeds and grows in hot countries such as the West Indies. [BRIT ] in AM, use papaya

pay ◆◆◆ /pe I / (pays , paying , paid )

1 VERB When you pay an amount of money to someone, you give it to them because you are buying something from them or because you owe it to them. When you pay something such as a bill or a debt, you pay the amount that you owe. □�[V +�for ] Accommodation is free�all you pay for is breakfast and dinner. □�[V n +�for ] We paid �35 for each ticket. □�[V n] The wealthier may have to pay a little more in taxes. □�[V n +�to ] He proposes that businesses should pay taxes to the federal government. □�[V adv/prep] You can pay by credit card. [Also V to-inf, V n to-inf, V ]

2 VERB When you are paid , you get your wages or salary from your employer. □�[be/get V -ed n] The lawyer was paid a huge salary. □�[get/be V -ed adv] I get paid monthly. □�[V adv] They could wander where they wished and take jobs from who paid best.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Your pay is the money that you get from your employer as wages or salary. □� �their complaints about their pay and conditions. □� �the workers' demand for a twenty per cent pay rise.

4 VERB If you are paidto do something, someone gives you some money so that you will help them or perform some service for them. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Students were paid substantial sums of money to do nothing all day but lie in bed. □�[V n n] If you help me, I'll pay you anything.

5 VERB If a government or organization makes someone payfor something, it makes them responsible for providing the money for it, for example by increasing prices or taxes. □�[V +�for ] �an international treaty that establishes who must pay for environmental damage. □�[V +�for ] If you don't subsidize ballet and opera, seat prices will have to go up to pay for it. [Also V ]

6 VERB If a job, deal, or investment pays a particular amount, it brings you that amount of money. □�[V adv] We're stuck in jobs that don't pay very well. □�[V n] The account does not pay interest on a credit balance.

7 VERB If a job, deal, or investment pays , it brings you a profit or earns you some money. □�[V ] They owned land; they made it pay.

8 VERB When you pay money into a bank account, you put the money in the account. □�[V n +�into ] He paid �20 into his savings account. □�[V n with adv] There is nothing more annoying than queueing when you only want to pay in a few cheques.

9 VERB If a course of action pays , it results in some advantage or benefit for you. □�[V to-inf] It pays to invest in protective clothing. □�[V ] He talked of defending small nations, of ensuring that aggression does not pay.

10 VERB If you payfor something that you do or have, you suffer as a result of it. □�[V +�for ] Britain was to pay dearly for its lack of resolve. □�[V n +�for ] Why should I pay the penalty for somebody else's mistake? □�[V n +�for ] She feels it's a small price to pay for the pleasure of living in this delightful house. [Also V ]

11 VERB You use pay with some nouns, for example in the expressions pay a visit and pay attention , to indicate that something is given or done. □�[V n n] Do pay us a visit next time you're in Birmingham. □�[V n +�to ] He felt a heavy bump, but paid no attention to it. □�[V n] He had nothing to do with arranging the funeral, but came along to pay his last respects.

12 ADJ [ADJ n] Pay television consists of programmes and channels which are not part of a public broadcasting system, and for which people have to pay. □� �the top 100 programmes on pay television in Australia.

13 →�see also paid , sick pay

14 PHRASE If something that you buy or invest in pays for itself after a period of time, the money you gain from it, or save because you have it, is greater than the amount you originally spent or invested. □� �investments in energy efficiency that would pay for themselves within five years.

15 PHRASE If you pay your way , you have or earn enough money to pay for what you need, without needing other people to give or lend you money. □� I went to college anyway, as a part-time student, paying my own way. □� The British film industry could not pay its way without a substantial export market.

16to pay dividends →�see dividend

17to pay through the nose →�see nose

18he who pays the piper calls the tune →�see piper

▸� pay back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pay back some money that you have borrowed or taken from someone, you give them an equal sum of money at a later time. □�[V P n] After several deadlines, David had failed to pay back any of the money. □�[V n P n] I'll pay you back that two quid tomorrow. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pay someone backfor doing something unpleasant to you, you take your revenge on them or make them suffer for what they did. □�[V n P +�for ] Some day I'll pay you back for this! [Also V n P ]

▸� pay off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pay off a debt, you give someone all the money that you owe them. □�[V P n] It would take him the rest of his life to pay off that loan. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pay off someone, you give them the amount of money that you owe them or that they are asking for, so that they will not take action against you or cause you any trouble. □�[V P n] �his bid to raise funds to pay off his creditors. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If an action pays off , it is successful or profitable after a period of time. □�[V P ] Sandra was determined to become a doctor and her persistence paid off.

4 →�see also payoff

▸� pay out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pay out money, usually a large amount, you spend it on something. □�[V P n +�for/to ] �football clubs who pay out millions of pounds for players. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB When an insurance policy pays out , the person who has the policy receives the money that they are entitled to receive. □�[V P ] Many policies pay out only after a period of weeks or months.

3 →�see also payout

▸� pay up PHRASAL VERB If you pay up , you give someone the money that you owe them or that they are entitled to, even though you would prefer not to give it. □�[V P ] We claimed a refund from the association, but they would not pay up. USAGE pay

You must use for after pay in sentences like these. Don�t say � Willie paid the drinks �. Say �Willie paid for the drinks�.

pay|able /pe I əb ə l/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If an amount of money is payable , it has to be paid or it can be paid. □�[+�on ] Purchase tax was not payable on goods for export. [Also +�to ]

2 ADJ [n ADJ ] If a cheque or postal order is made payable to you, it has your name written on it to indicate that you are the person who will receive the money. □�[+�to ] Write, enclosing a cheque made payable to Cobuild Limited.

pa y-as-you-go also pay as you go ADJ Pay-as-you-go is a system in which a person or organization pays for the costs of something when they occur rather than before or afterwards. □� Pensions are paid by the state on a pay-as-you-go basis.

pay|back /pe I b�k/ (paybacks ) also pay-back

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use payback to refer to the profit or benefit that you obtain from something that you have spent money, time, or effort on. [mainly AM ] □� There is a substantial payback in terms of employee and union relations.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The payback period of a loan is the time in which you are required or allowed to pay it back.

3 PHRASE Payback time is when someone has to take the consequences of what they have done in the past. You can use this expression to talk about good or bad consequences. □� This was payback time. I've proved once and for all I can become champion.

pa y cheque (pay cheques ) in AM, use paycheck N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your pay cheque is a piece of paper that your employer gives you as your wages or salary, and which you can then cash at a bank. You can also use pay cheque as a way of referring to your wages or salary. □� They've worked for about two weeks without a paycheck.

pa y day (pay days ) also payday

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pay day is the day of the week or month on which you receive your wages or salary. □� Until next payday, I was literally without any money.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If a sports player has a big pay day , he or she earns a lot of money from winning or taking part in a game or contest. [JOURNALISM ]

pa y|day le nd|er (payday lenders ) N‑COUNT A payday lender is a company that lends small amounts of money for a short time, usually at a very high rate of interest. □� There has been controversy over the sky-high interest rates charged by payday lenders.

pa y|day loa n (payday loans ) N‑COUNT A payday loan is a small amount of money lent to someone for a short time, usually at a very high rate of interest.

pay|dirt /pe I dɜː r t/ also pay dirt PHRASE If you say that someone has struck paydirt or has hit paydirt , you mean that they have achieved sudden success or gained a lot of money very quickly. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� Howard Hawks hit paydirt with 'Rio Bravo'.

PAYE /piː e I wa I iː / N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, PAYE is a system of paying income tax in which your employer pays your tax directly to the government, and then takes this amount from your salary or wages. PAYE is an abbreviation for 'pay as you earn'. [BUSINESS ]

payee /pe I iː / (payees ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The payee of a cheque or similar document is the person who should receive the money. [FORMAL ]

pa y en|velope (pay envelopes ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your pay envelope is the envelope containing your wages, which your employer gives you at the end of every week. [AM ] in BRIT, use pay packet

pay|er /pe I ə r / (payers )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] You can refer to someone as a payer if they pay a particular kind of bill or fee. For example, a mortgage payer is someone who pays a mortgage. □� Lower interest rates pleased millions of mortgage payers.

2 →�see also ratepayer , taxpayer

3 N‑COUNT [adj N ] A good payer pays you quickly or pays you a lot of money. A bad payer takes a long time to pay you, or does not pay you very much. □� I have always been a good payer and have never gone into debt.

pa y|ing gue st (paying guests ) N‑COUNT A paying guest is a person who pays to stay with someone in their home, usually for a short time. □� My mother took in paying guests.

pay|load /pe I loʊd/ (payloads )

1 N‑VAR The payload of an aircraft or spacecraft is the amount or weight of things or people that it is carrying. [TECHNICAL ] □� With these very large passenger payloads, one question looms above all others � safety.

2 N‑VAR The payload of a missile or similar weapon is the quantity of explosives it contains. [MILITARY ] □� �a gun capable of delivering substantial payloads.

pay|master /pe I mɑːstə r , -m�st-/ (paymasters )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A paymaster is a person or organization that pays and therefore controls another person or organization. □� �the ruling party's paymasters in business and banking.

2 N‑COUNT A paymaster is an official in the armed forces who is responsible for the payment of wages and salaries. [MILITARY ]

pay|ment ◆◆◇ /pe I mənt/ (payments )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A payment is an amount of money that is paid to someone, or the act of paying this money. □� Thousands of its customers are in arrears with loans and mortgage payments. □�[+�of ] The fund will make payments of just over �1 billion next year. [Also +�to/on ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Payment is the act of paying money to someone or of being paid. □�[+�of ] He had sought to obtain payment of a sum which he had claimed was owed to him. [Also +�for ]

3 →�see also balance of payments , down payment

pa y|ment card (payment cards ) N‑COUNT A payment card is a plastic card which you use like a credit card, but which takes the money directly from your bank account.

pay|off /pe I ɒf/ (payoffs ) also pay-off

1 N‑COUNT The payofffrom an action is the advantage or benefit that you get from it. □�[+�from ] The payoffs from such a breakthrough would be enormous.

2 N‑COUNT A payoff is a payment which is made to someone, often secretly or illegally, so that they will not cause trouble. □�[+�from ] He owned luxury property abroad, bought with payoffs from foreign companies.

3 N‑COUNT A payoff is a large payment made to someone by their employer when the person has been forced to leave their job. □� The ousted chairman received a �1.5 million payoff from the loss-making oil company.

pay|ola /pe I oʊ lə/ N‑UNCOUNT Payola was the term used for the illegal practice of paying radio broadcasters to play certain CDs, so that the CDs would become more popular and therefore make more profits for the record company. [AM ]

pay|out /pe I aʊt/ (payouts ) also pay-out N‑COUNT A payout is a sum of money, especially a large one, that is paid to someone, for example by an insurance company or as a prize. □� �long delays in receiving insurance payouts.

pa y pack|et (pay packets )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your pay packet is the envelope containing your wages, which your employer gives you at the end of every week. [BRIT ] in AM, use pay envelope2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] You can refer to someone's wages or salary as their pay packet . [BRIT ] in AM, use paycheck , pay

pa y-per-cli ck ADJ A pay-per-click system of payment is one in which a company has adverts on someone else's website and pays the website owner each time someone clicks on the advert. □� The site hosts several pay-per-click adverts.

pa y-per-vie w N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Pay-per-view is a cable or satellite television system in which you have to pay a fee if you want to watch a particular programme. □� The match appeared on pay-per-view television.

pay|phone /pe I foʊn/ (payphones ) also pay phone N‑COUNT A payphone is a phone which you need to put coins or a card in before you can make a call. Payphones are usually in public places.

pay|roll /pe I roʊl/ (payrolls ) N‑COUNT [oft on N ] The people on the payroll of a company or an organization are the people who work for it and are paid by it. [BUSINESS ] □� They had 87,000 employees on the payroll.

pay|slip /pe I sl I p/ (payslips ) also pay slip N‑COUNT A payslip is a piece of paper given to an employee at the end of each week or month, which states how much money he or she has earned and how much tax has been taken off. [BRIT ]

pay|wall /pe I wɔːl/ (paywalls ) N‑COUNT A paywall is a system that stops the user of a website from seeing other pages on that site if they do not pay. □� Most of their data is behind the paywall.

PC ◆◇◇ /piː siː / (PCs )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Britain, a PC is a male police officer of the lowest rank. PC is an abbreviation for 'police constable'. □� The PCs took her to the local station. □� PC Keith Gate helped arrest the men.

2 N‑COUNT A PC is a computer that is used by one person at a time in a business, a school, or at home. It is not usually a portable computer. PC is an abbreviation for 'personal computer'. □� The price of a PC has fallen by an average of 25% a year since 1982.

3 ADJ If you say that someone is PC , you mean that they are extremely careful not to offend or upset any group of people in society who have a disadvantage. PC is an abbreviation for 'politically correct'.

pcmpcm is used in advertisements for housing, when indicating how much the rent will be. pcm is a written abbreviation for 'per calendar month'. [BRIT ]

pdpd is a written abbreviation for paid . It is written on a bill to indicate that it has been paid.

PDF /piː diː e f/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] PDF files are computer documents which look exactly like the original documents, regardless of which software or operating system was used to create them. PDF is an abbreviation for 'Portable Document Format'. [COMPUTING ] □� The leaflet is in PDF format.

PE /piː iː / N‑UNCOUNT In schools, PE is a lesson in which pupils do physical exercises or sport. PE is an abbreviation for 'physical education'.

pea /piː / (peas ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Peas are round green seeds which grow in long thin cases and are eaten as a vegetable.

peace ◆◆◆ /piː s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] If countries or groups involved in a war or violent conflict are discussing peace , they are talking to each other in order to try to end the conflict. □� Leaders of some rival factions signed a peace agreement last week. □� They hope the treaty will bring peace and stability to the region.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft at N ] If there is peace in a country or in the world, there are no wars or violent conflicts going on. □� The President spoke of a shared commitment to world peace and economic development. □� �the Nobel Peace Prize.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] If you disapprove of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, you can use peace to refer to campaigns and other activities intended to reduce their numbers or stop their use. □� Two peace campaigners were accused of causing damage to an F1 11 nuclear bomber.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If you have peace , you are not being disturbed, and you are in calm, quiet surroundings. □� All I want is to have some peace and quiet. □� One more question and I'll leave you in peace.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [oft at N ] If you have a feeling of peace , you feel contented and calm and not at all worried. You can also say that you are at peace . □� I had a wonderful feeling of peace and serenity when I saw him.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If there is peace among a group of people, they live or work together in a friendly way and do not quarrel. You can also say that people live or work in peace with each other. □� �a period of relative peace in the country's industrial relations.

7 N‑COUNT ThePeace of a particular place is a treaty or an agreement that was signed there, bringing an end to a war. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[+�of ] The Peace of Ryswick was signed in September 1697.

8 →�see also breach of the peace , Justice of the Peace

9 PHRASE If you hold or keep your peace , you do not speak, even though there is something you want or ought to say. [FORMAL ] □� �people who knew about this evil man but held their peace.

10 PHRASE If someone in authority, such as the army or the police, keeps the peace , they make sure that people behave and do not fight or quarrel with each other. □� �the first U.N. contingent assigned to help keep the peace in Cambodia.

11 PHRASE If something gives you peace of mind , it stops you from worrying about a particular problem or difficulty. □� He began to insist upon a bullet-proof limousine, just for peace of mind.

12 PHRASE If you express the wish that a dead person may rest in peace , you are showing respect and sympathy for him or her. ' Rest in peace ' or ' RIP ' is also sometimes written on gravestones. [FORMAL ]

peace|able /piː səb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is peaceable tries to avoid quarrelling or fighting with other people. [WRITTEN ] □� �an attempt by ruthless people to impose their will on a peaceable majority.

peace|ably /piː səbli/ ADV [ADV with v] If you do something peaceably , you do it quietly or peacefully, without violence or anger. [WRITTEN ] □� The rival guerrilla groups had agreed to stop fighting and settle their differences peaceably.

Pea ce Corps also peace corps N‑PROPER The Peace Corps is an American organization that sends young people to help with projects in developing countries.

pea ce di vi|dend (peace dividends ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The peace dividend is the economic benefit that was expected in the world after the end of the Cold War, as a result of money previously spent on defence and arms becoming available for other purposes. □� The peace dividend has not materialised despite military spending going down in most countries.

peace|ful ◆◇◇ /piː sfʊl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Peaceful activities and situations do not involve war. □� He has attempted to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. □� They emphasised that their equipment was for peaceful and not military purposes. ●� peace|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The U.S. military expects the matter to be resolved peacefully.

2 ADJ Peaceful occasions happen without violence or serious disorder. □� The farmers staged a noisy but peaceful protest outside the headquarters of the organization. ●� peace|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Ten thousand people are reported to have taken part in the protest which passed off peacefully.

3 ADJ Peaceful people are not violent and try to avoid quarrelling or fighting with other people. □� �warriors who killed or enslaved the peaceful farmers. ●� peace|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They've been living and working peacefully with members of various ethnic groups.

4 ADJ A peaceful place or time is quiet, calm, and free from disturbance. □� �a peaceful Georgian house in the heart of Dorset. ●� peace|ful|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Except for traffic noise, the night passed peacefully.

peace|ful|ly /piː sfʊli/

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you say that someone died peacefully , you mean that they suffered no pain or violence when they died. □� He died peacefully on 10th December after a short illness.

2 →�see also peaceful

peace|keep|er /piː skiːpə r / (peacekeepers ) also peace-keeper

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Peacekeepers are soldiers who are members of a peacekeeping force. □� There's been much fear that the United Nations peacekeepers would be under attack in a situation like that.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a country or an organization as a peacekeeper , you mean that it often uses its influence or armed forces to try to prevent wars or violent conflicts in the world. □� They want the United Nations to play a bigger role as the world's peacekeeper.

peace|keep|ing /piː skiːp I ŋ/ also peace-keeping N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] A peacekeeping force is a group of soldiers that is sent to a country where there is war or fighting, in order to try to prevent more violence. Peacekeeping forces are usually made up of troops from several different countries. □� �the possibilities of a U.N. peacekeeping force monitoring the ceasefire in the country.

pea ce-loving ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as peace-loving , you mean that they try to avoid quarrelling or fighting with other people. □� By and large, these people are peace-loving, law-abiding citizens.

peace|maker /piː sme I kə r / (peacemakers ) also peace-maker , peace maker N‑COUNT You can describe an organization, a country or a person as a peacemaker when they try to persuade countries or people to stop fighting or quarrelling. □� �the Labour government's vision of acting as a peacemaker and mediator.

peace|making /piː sme I k I ŋ/ also peace-making N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Peacemaking efforts are attempts to persuade countries or groups to stop fighting with each other. □� �the failure of international peacemaking efforts. □� The Church's real mission is to promote reconciliation and take a lead in peace-making.

peace|nik /piː sn I k/ (peaceniks ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a peacenik , you mean that they are strongly opposed to war. [INFORMAL ]

pea ce of|fer|ing (peace offerings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use peace offering to refer to something that you give someone to show that you want to end the quarrel between you. □� 'A peace offering,' Roberts said as he handed the box of cigars to Cohen.

pea ce pro|cess (peace processes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A peace process consists of all the meetings, agreements, and negotiations in which people such as politicians are involved when they are trying to arrange peace between countries or groups that are fighting with each other.

peace|time /piː sta I m/ also peace-time N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Peacetime is a period of time during which a country is not at war. □� The British could afford to reduce defence spending in peacetime without excessive risk.

peach /piː tʃ/ (peaches )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A peach is a soft, round, slightly furry fruit with sweet yellow flesh and pinky-orange skin. Peaches grow in warm countries.

2 COLOUR Something that is peach is pale pinky-orange in colour. □� �a peach silk blouse.

pea ches and crea m ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that a woman or a girl has a peaches and cream complexion , you mean that she has very clear, smooth, pale skin. [APPROVAL ]

peachy /piː tʃi/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as peachy , you mean that it tastes or smells like a peach or is similar in colour to a peach. □� �a rich, peachy flavour. □� �peachy pink.

2 ADJ If you say that something is peachy or peachy keen , you mean that it is very nice. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� Everything in her life is just peachy.

pea|cock /piː kɒk/ (peacocks ) N‑COUNT A peacock is a large bird. The male has a very large tail covered with blue and green spots, which it can spread out like a fan. □� �peacocks strutting slowly across the garden. □� �peacock feathers.

pea |cock blue COLOUR Something that is peacock blue is a deep, bright, greeny-blue in colour.

peak ◆◇◇ /piː k/ (peaks , peaking , peaked )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The peak of a process or an activity is the point at which it is at its strongest, most successful, or most fully developed. □�[+�of ] The party's membership has fallen from a peak of fifty-thousand after the Second World War. □�[+�of ] The bomb went off in a concrete dustbin at the peak of the morning rush hour. □� �a flourishing career that was at its peak at the time of his death.

2 VERB When something peaks , it reaches its highest value or its highest level. □�[V +�at ] Temperatures have peaked at over thirty degrees Celsius. □�[V ] His career peaked during the 1970s.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The peak level or value of something is its highest level or value. □� Calls cost 36p (cheap rate) and 48p (peak rate) per minute.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Peak times are the times when there is most demand for something or most use of something. □� It's always crowded at peak times.

5 →�see also peak time

6 N‑COUNT A peak is a mountain or the top of a mountain. □� �the snow-covered peaks.

7 N‑COUNT The peak of a cap is the part at the front that sticks out above your eyes.

peaked /piː kt/ ADJ [ADJ n] A peaked cap has a pointed or rounded part that sticks out above your eyes. □� �a man in a blue-grey uniform and peaked cap.

pea k time N‑UNCOUNT [oft at /in N , N n] Programmes which are broadcast at peak time are broadcast when the greatest number of people are watching television or listening to the radio. [mainly BRIT ] □� The news programme goes out four times a week at peak time. in AM, usually use prime time

peal /piː l/ (peals , pealing , pealed )

1 VERB When bells peal , they ring one after another, making a musical sound. □�[V ] Church bells pealed at the stroke of midnight. ●�N‑COUNT Peal is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the great peal of the Abbey bells.

2 N‑COUNT A pealof laughter or thunder consists of a long, loud series of sounds. □�[+�of ] I heard a peal of merry laughter.

pea|nut /piː nʌt/ (peanuts )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft N n] Peanuts are small nuts that grow under the ground. Peanuts are often eaten as a snack, especially roasted and salted. □� �a packet of peanuts. □� Add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil.

2 N‑PLURAL If you say that a sum of money is peanuts , you mean that it is very small. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The cost was peanuts compared to a new kitchen.

pea |nut bu t|ter N‑UNCOUNT Peanut butter is a brown paste made out of crushed peanuts which you can spread on bread and eat.

pear /peə r / (pears ) N‑COUNT A pear is a sweet, juicy fruit which is narrow near its stalk, and wider and rounded at the bottom. Pears have white flesh and thin green or yellow skin.

pearl /pɜː r l/ (pearls )

1 N‑COUNT A pearl is a hard round object which is shiny and usually creamy-white in colour. Pearls grow inside the shell of an oyster and are used for making expensive jewellery. □� She wore a string of pearls at her throat.

2 →�see also mother-of-pearl

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pearl is used to describe something which looks like a pearl. □� �tiny pearl buttons.

pearly /pɜː r li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is pearly is pale and shines softly, like a pearl. □� �the pearly light of early morning. ●�ADJ Pearly is also a combining form. □� �pearly-pink lipstick.

pea r-shaped

1 ADJ Something that is pear-shaped has a shape like a pear. □� �her pear-shaped diamond earrings.

2 ADJ If someone, especially a woman, is pear-shaped , they are wider around their hips than around the top half of their body.

3 PHRASE If a situation goes pear-shaped , bad things start happening. [INFORMAL ] □� He feared his career had gone a bit pear-shaped.

peas|ant /pe z ə nt/ (peasants ) N‑COUNT [N n] A peasant is a poor person of low social status who works on the land; used of people who live in countries where farming is still a common way of life. □� �the peasants in the Peruvian highlands.

peas|ant|ry /pe z ə ntri/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to all the peasants in a particular country as thepeasantry . □� The Russian peasantry stood on the brink of disappearance.

peat /piː t/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Peat is decaying plant material which is found under the ground in some cool, wet regions. Peat can be added to soil to help plants grow, or can be burnt on fires instead of coal.

peaty /piː ti/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Peaty soil or land contains a large quantity of peat.

peb|ble /pe b ə l/ (pebbles ) N‑COUNT A pebble is a small, smooth, round stone which is found on beaches and at the bottom of rivers.

peb|bly /pe bəli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pebbly beach is covered in pebbles.

pe|can /piː kən, [AM ] p I kɑː n/ (pecans ) N‑COUNT Pecans or pecan nuts are nuts with a thin, smooth shell that grow on trees in the southern United States and central America and that you can eat.

pec|ca|dil|lo /pe kəd I loʊ/ (peccadilloes or peccadillos ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Peccadilloes are small, unimportant sins or faults. [WRITTEN ] □� People are prepared to be tolerant of extra-marital peccadilloes by public figures.

peck /pe k/ (pecks , pecking , pecked )

1 VERB If a bird pecks at something or pecks something, it moves its beak forward quickly and bites at it. □�[V +�at ] It was winter and the sparrows were pecking at whatever they could find. □�[V prep/adv] Chickens pecked in the dust. □�[V n] It pecked his leg. □�[V n prep] They turn on their own kind and peck each other to death. □�[V n with adv] These birds peck off all the red flowers. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you peck someone on the cheek, you give them a quick, light kiss. □�[V n +�on ] Elizabeth walked up to him and pecked him on the cheek. □�[V n] She pecked his cheek. ●�N‑COUNT Peck is also a noun. □�[+�on ] He gave me a little peck on the cheek.

peck|er /pe kə r / (peckers )

1 PHRASE If you tell someone to keep their pecker up , you are encouraging them to be cheerful in a difficult situation. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A man's pecker is his penis. [AM , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

pe ck|ing or|der (pecking orders ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thepecking order of a group is the way that the positions people have are arranged according to their status or power within the group. □� He knew his place in the pecking order.

peck|ish /pe k I ʃ/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are feeling peckish , you mean that you are slightly hungry. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

pecs /pe ks/ N‑PLURAL Pecs are the same as pectorals . [INFORMAL ]

pec|tin /pe kt I n/ (pectins ) N‑VAR Pectin is a substance that is found in fruit. It is used when making jam to help it become firm.

pec|to|ral /pe ktərəl/ (pectorals ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your pectorals are the large chest muscles that help you to move your shoulders and your arms.

pe|cu|liar /p I kjuː liə r /

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as peculiar , you think that they are strange or unusual, sometimes in an unpleasant way. □� Mr Kennet has a rather peculiar sense of humour. □� Rachel thought it tasted peculiar. ●� pe|cu|liar|ly ADV □� His face had become peculiarly expressionless.

2 ADJ If something is peculiarto a particular thing, person, or situation, it belongs or relates only to that thing, person, or situation. □�[+�to ] The problem is by no means peculiar to America. ●� pe|cu|liar|ly ADV □� Cricket is so peculiarly English.

pe|cu|li|ar|ity /p I kjuː li� r I ti/ (peculiarities )

1 N‑COUNT A peculiarity that someone or something has is a strange or unusual characteristic or habit. □� Joe's other peculiarity was that he was constantly munching hard candy. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑COUNT A peculiarity is a characteristic or quality which belongs or relates only to one person or thing. □�[+�of ] �a strange peculiarity of the tax system.

pe|cu|ni|ary /p I kjuː niəri, [AM ] -eri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pecuniary means concerning or involving money. [FORMAL ] □� She denies obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception.

peda|gog|ic /pe dəgɒ dʒ I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Pedagogic means the same as pedagogical .

peda|gogi|cal /pe dəgɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Pedagogical means concerning the methods and theory of teaching. [FORMAL ] □� �the pedagogical methods used in the classroom.

peda|gogue /pe dəgɒg/ (pedagogues ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a pedagogue , you mean that they like to teach people things in a firm way as if they know more than anyone else. [FORMAL ] □� De Gaulle was a born pedagogue who used the public platform and the television screen to great effect.

peda|go|gy /pe dəgɒdʒi, [AM ] -goʊdʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Pedagogy is the study and theory of the methods and principles of teaching. [FORMAL ]

ped|al /pe d ə l/ (pedals , pedalling , pedalled ) in AM, use pedaling , pedaled1 N‑COUNT The pedals on a bicycle are the two parts that you push with your feet in order to make the bicycle move.

2 VERB When you pedal a bicycle, you push the pedals around with your feet to make it move. □�[V n] She climbed on her bike with a feeling of pride and pedalled the five miles home. □�[V adv/prep] She was too tired to pedal back.

3 →�see also back-pedal , soft-pedal

4 N‑COUNT A pedal in a car or on a machine is a lever that you press with your foot in order to control the car or machine. □� �the brake or accelerator pedals.

pe d|al bin (pedal bins ) N‑COUNT A pedal bin is a container for waste, usually in a kitchen or bathroom. It has a lid which is controlled by a pedal that you press with your foot. [BRIT ]

ped|ant /pe d ə nt/ (pedants ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a pedant , you mean that they are too concerned with unimportant details or traditional rules, especially in connection with academic subjects. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I am no pedant and avoid being dogmatic concerning English grammar and expression.

pe|dan|tic /p I d� nt I k/ ADJ If you think someone is pedantic , you mean that they are too concerned with unimportant details or traditional rules, especially in connection with academic subjects. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His lecture was so pedantic and uninteresting.

ped|ant|ry /pe d ə ntri/ N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of pedantry , you mean that you disapprove of them because they pay excessive attention to unimportant details or traditional rules, especially in connection with academic subjects. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ped|dle /pe d ə l/ (peddles , peddling , peddled )

1 VERB Someone who peddles things goes from place to place trying to sell them. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] His attempts to peddle his paintings around London's tiny gallery scene proved unsuccessful.

2 VERB Someone who peddles drugs sells illegal drugs. □�[V n] He offered the youngster $100 to peddle drugs. ●� ped|dling N‑UNCOUNT □� The war against drug peddling is all about cash.

3 VERB If someone peddles an idea or a piece of information, they try very hard to get people to accept it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] They even set up their own news agency to peddle anti-isolationist propaganda.

ped|dler /pe dlə r / (peddlers ) The spelling pedlar is also used in British English for meanings 1 and 3 . 1 N‑COUNT A peddler is someone who goes from place to place in order to sell something. [AM , also BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT A drug peddler is a person who sells illegal drugs.

3 N‑COUNT A peddlerof information or ideas is someone who frequently expresses such ideas to other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �the peddlers of fear.

ped|es|tal /pe d I st ə l/ (pedestals )

1 N‑COUNT A pedestal is the base on which something such as a statue stands. □� �a larger-than-life-sized bronze statue on a granite pedestal.

2 N‑COUNT If you put someone on a pedestal , you admire them very much and think that they cannot be criticized. If someone is knocked off a pedestal they are no longer admired. □� Since childhood, I put my own parents on a pedestal. I felt they could do no wrong.

pe|des|trian /p I de striən/ (pedestrians )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A pedestrian is a person who is walking, especially in a town or city, rather than travelling in a vehicle. □� In Los Angeles a pedestrian is a rare spectacle.

2 ADJ If you describe something as pedestrian , you mean that it is ordinary and not at all interesting. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His style is so pedestrian that the book becomes a real bore.

pe|de s|trian cro ss|ing (pedestrian crossings ) N‑COUNT A pedestrian crossing is a place where pedestrians can cross a street and where motorists must stop to let them cross. [BRIT ] in AM, use crosswalk

pe|des|tri|an|ized /p I de striəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use pedestrianised ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pedestrianized area has been made into an area that is intended for pedestrians, not vehicles. □� �pedestrianized streets. □� There are plans to make the city centre pedestrianized.

pe|de s|trian ma ll (pedestrian malls ) N‑COUNT A pedestrian mall is the same as a pedestrian precinct . [AM ]

pe|de s|trian pre |cinct (pedestrian precincts ) N‑COUNT A pedestrian precinct is a street or part of a town where vehicles are not allowed. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use pedestrian mall

pe|dia|tri|cian /piː diətr I ʃ ə n/ →�see paediatrician

pe|di|at|rics /piː di� tr I ks/ →�see paediatrics

pedi|cure /pe d I kjʊə r / (pedicures ) N‑COUNT If you have a pedicure , you have your toenails cut and the skin on your feet softened.

pedi|gree /pe d I griː/ (pedigrees )

1 N‑COUNT If a dog, cat, or other animal has a pedigree , its ancestors are known and recorded. An animal is considered to have a good pedigree when all its known ancestors are of the same type. □� 60 per cent of dogs and ten per cent of cats have pedigrees.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pedigree animal is descended from animals which have all been of a particular type, and is therefore considered to be of good quality. □� �a pedigree dog.

3 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's pedigree is their background or their ancestors. □� Hammer's business pedigree almost guaranteed him the acquaintance of U.S. presidents.

pedi|ment /pe d I mənt/ (pediments ) N‑COUNT A pediment is a large triangular structure built over a door or window as a decoration.

ped|lar /pe dlə r / (pedlars ) →�see peddler

pe|do|phile /piː dəfa I l/ (pedophiles ) →�see paedophile

pe|do|philia /piː dəf I liə/ →�see paedophilia

pee /piː / (pees , peeing , peed ) VERB When someone pees , they urinate. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] He needed to pee. ●�N‑SING Pee is also a noun. □� The driver was probably having a pee.

peek /piː k/ (peeks , peeking , peeked ) VERB If you peek at something or someone, you have a quick look at them, often secretly. □�[V +�at ] On two occasions she had peeked at him through a crack in the wall. ●�N‑COUNT Peek is also a noun. □�[+�at/into ] American firms have been paying outrageous fees for a peek at the technical data.

peeka|boo /piː kəbuː / also peek-a-boo N‑UNCOUNT ; EXCLAM Peekaboo is a game you play with babies in which you cover your face with your hands or hide behind something and then suddenly show your face, saying 'peekaboo!'

peel /piː l/ (peels , peeling , peeled )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The peel of a fruit such as a lemon or an apple is its skin. □� �grated lemon peel. ●�N‑COUNT You can also refer to a peel . [AM ] □� �a banana peel.

2 VERB When you peel fruit or vegetables, you remove their skins. □�[V n] She sat down and began peeling potatoes.

3 VERB If you peeloff something that has been sticking to a surface or if it peelsoff , it comes away from the surface. □�[V n +�off/from ] One of the kids was peeling plaster off the wall. □�[V n with off/away ] It took me two days to peel off the labels. □�[V +�off/from ] Paint was peeling off the walls. □�[V off/away ] The wallpaper was peeling away close to the ceiling. □�[V -ing] �an unrenovated bungalow with slightly peeling blue paint.

4 VERB [usu cont] If a surface is peeling , the paint on it is coming away. □�[V ] Its once-elegant white pillars are peeling.

5 VERB [usu cont] If you are peeling or if your skin is peeling , small pieces of skin are coming off, usually because you have been burned by the sun. □�[V ] His face was peeling from sunburn.

▸� peel off PHRASAL VERB If you peel off a tight piece of clothing, you take it off, especially by turning it inside out. □�[V P n] She peeled off her gloves. [Also V n P ]

peel|er /piː lə r / (peelers ) N‑COUNT A peeler is a special tool used for removing the skin from fruit and vegetables. □� �a potato peeler.

peel|ings /piː l I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Peelings are pieces of skin removed from vegetables and fruit. □� �potato peelings.

peep /piː p/ (peeps , peeping , peeped )

1 VERB If you peep , or peep at something, you have a quick look at it, often secretly and quietly. □�[V +�at ] Children came to peep at him round the doorway. □�[V ] Now and then she peeped to see if he was noticing her. ●�N‑SING Peep is also a noun. □�[+�at ] 'Fourteen minutes,' Chris said, taking a peep at his watch.

2 VERB If something peeps out from behind or under something, a small part of it is visible or becomes visible. □�[V prep/adv] Purple and yellow flowers peeped up between rocks.

peep|hole /piː phoʊl/ (peepholes ) N‑COUNT A peephole is small hole in a door or wall through which you can look secretly at what is happening on the other side.

Pee p|ing To m (Peeping Toms ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a Peeping Tom , you mean that they secretly watch other people, especially when those people are taking their clothes off. [DISAPPROVAL ]

peeps /piː ps/ N‑PLURAL Peeps is a spoken abbreviation for 'people'. [INFORMAL ] □� So what do you think, peeps?

peep|show /piː pʃoʊ/ (peepshows ) N‑COUNT A peepshow is a box containing moving pictures which you can look at through a small hole. Peepshows used to be a form of entertainment at fairs.

peer ◆◇◇ /p I ə r / (peers , peering , peered )

1 VERB If you peerat something, you look at it very hard, usually because it is difficult to see clearly. □�[V prep] I had been peering at a computer print-out that made no sense at all. □�[V prep] He watched the Customs official peer into the driver's window.

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, a peer is a member of the nobility who has or had the right to vote in the House of Lords. □� Lord Swan was made a life peer in 1981.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your peers are the people who are the same age as you or who have the same status as you. □� His engaging personality made him popular with his peers. SYNONYMS peer VERB 1

gaze:She stood gazing at herself in the mirror.

squint:The girl squinted at the photograph.

peek:On two occasions she had peeked at him through a crack in the wall.

peer|age /p I ə r I dʒ/ (peerages )

1 N‑COUNT If someone has a peerage , they have the rank of a peer. □� The Prime Minister offered him a peerage.

2 N‑SING The peers of a particular country are referred to as the peerage .

peer|ess /p I ə res/ (peeresses ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a peeress is a female peer or a peer's wife.

pee r group (peer groups ) N‑COUNT Your peer group is the group of people you know who are the same age as you or who have the same social status as you. □� It is important for a manager to be able to get the support of his peer group.

peer|less /p I ə r ləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is peerless is so beautiful or wonderful that you feel that nothing can equal it. [FORMAL ] □� �two days of clear sunshine under peerless blue skies.

pee r of the rea lm (peers of the realm ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a peer of the realm is a member of the nobility who has the right to sit in the House of Lords.

pee r press|ure N‑UNCOUNT If someone does something because of peer pressure , they do it because other people in their social group do it. □� Naomi admits that it was peer pressure to be 'cool' that drove her into having sex early.

peeved /piː vd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are peeved about something, you are annoyed about it. [INFORMAL ] □� Susan couldn't help feeling a little peeved. □� �complaints from peeved citizens who pay taxes.

peev|ish /piː v I ʃ/ ADJ Someone who is peevish is bad-tempered. □� Aubrey had slept little and that always made him peevish. □� She glared down at me with a peevish expression on her face. ●� peev|ish|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Brian sighed peevishly. □� She had grown ever more peevishly dependent on him. ●� peev|ish|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He complained with characteristic peevishness.

peg ◆◇◇ /pe g/ (pegs , pegging , pegged )

1 N‑COUNT A peg is a small hook or knob that is attached to a wall or door and is used for hanging things on. □� His work jacket hung on the peg in the kitchen.

2 N‑COUNT A peg is a small device which you use to fasten clothes to a washing line. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use clothespin3 N‑COUNT A peg is a small piece of wood or metal that is used for fastening something to something else. □� He builds furniture using wooden pegs instead of nails.

4 VERB If you peg something somewhere or peg it down , you fix it there with pegs. □�[V n prep/adv] �trying to peg a double sheet on a washing line on a blustery day. □�[V n with adv] Peg down netting over the top to keep out leaves. □�[V -ed prep] �a tent pegged to the ground nearby for the kids.

5 VERB If a price or amount of something is peggedat a particular level, it is fixed at that level. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Its currency is pegged to the dollar. □�[be V -ed +�at ] U.K. trading profits were pegged at �40 million. □�[V n +�at ] It is difficult for banks to peg rates at record lows indefinitely. □�[V -ed] �a pegged European currency.

6 →�see also level pegging

7 PHRASE Off-the-peg clothes are made in large numbers and sent to shops, not made specially for a particular person. [BRIT ] □� �an off-the-peg two-piece suit. in AM, use off-the-rack

pe|jo|ra|tive /pədʒɒ rət I v, [AM ] -dʒɔː r-/ ADJ A pejorative word or expression is one that expresses criticism of someone or something. [FORMAL ] □� I agree I am ambitious, and I don't see that as a pejorative term.

pe|kin|ese /piː k I niː z/ (pekineses ) also pekingese N‑COUNT A pekinese is a type of small dog with long hair, short legs, and a short, flat nose.

peli|can /pe l I kən/ (pelicans ) N‑COUNT A pelican is a type of large water bird. It catches fish and keeps them in the bottom part of its beak which is shaped like a large bag.

pe li|can cro ss|ing (pelican crossings ) N‑COUNT A pelican crossing is a place where people who are walking can cross a busy road. They press a button at the side of the road, which operates traffic lights to stop the traffic. [BRIT ]

pel|let /pe l I t/ (pellets ) N‑COUNT A pellet is a small ball of paper, mud, lead, or other material. □� He was shot in the head by an air gun pellet.

pell-mell /pe l me l/ ADV [ADV after v] If you move pell-mell somewhere, you move there in a hurried, uncontrolled way. □� All three of us rushed pell-mell into the kitchen.

pel|lu|cid /peluː s I d/ ADJ Something that is pellucid is extremely clear. [LITERARY ] □� �her pellucid blue eyes. □� �the warm pellucid water.

pel|met /pe lm I t/ (pelmets ) N‑COUNT A pelmet is a long, narrow piece of wood or fabric which is fitted at the top of a window for decoration and to hide the curtain rail. [BRIT ] in AM, use valance

pe|lo|ta /peloʊ tɑ/ N‑UNCOUNT Pelota is a game that is played in Spain, America, and the Philippines, in which the players hit a ball against a wall using a long basket tied to their wrist.

pelt /pe lt/ (pelts , pelting , pelted )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The pelt of an animal is its skin, which can be used to make clothing or rugs. □� �a bed covered with beaver pelts.

2 VERB If you pelt someone with things, you throw things at them. □�[V n +�with ] Some of the younger men began to pelt one another with snowballs.

3 VERB [usu cont] If the rain is pelting down , or if itis pelting with rain, it is raining very hard. [INFORMAL ] □�[V adv] The rain now was pelting down. □�[V with n] It's pelting with rain. □�[V -ing] We drove through pelting rain.

4 VERB If you pelt somewhere, you run there very fast. [INFORMAL ] □�[V prep] Without thinking, she pelted down the stairs in her nightgown.

5 PHRASE If you do something full pelt or at full pelt , you do it very quickly indeed. [INFORMAL ] □� Alice leapt from the car and ran full pelt towards the emergency room.

pel|vic /pe lv I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Pelvic means near or relating to your pelvis.

pel|vis /pe lv I s/ (pelvises ) N‑COUNT Your pelvis is the wide, curved group of bones at the level of your hips.

pen ◆◇◇ /pe n/ (pens , penning , penned )

1 N‑COUNT A pen is a long thin object which you use to write in ink.

2 →�see also ballpoint , felt-tip , fountain pen

3 VERB If someone pens a letter, article, or book, they write it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] She penned a short memo to his private secretary. [Also V n n]

4 N‑COUNT A pen is also a small area with a fence round it in which farm animals are kept for a short time. □� �a holding pen for sheep.

5 →�see also playpen

6 VERB [usu passive] If people or animals are penned somewhere or are penned up , they are forced to remain in a very small area. □�[be V -ed] �to drive the cattle back to the house so they could be milked and penned for the night. □�[V -ed up ] I don't have to stay in my room penned up like a prisoner.

pe|nal /piː n ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Penal means relating to the punishment of criminals. □� �director-general of penal affairs at the justice ministry. □� �penal and legal systems.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A penal institution or colony is one where criminals are kept as punishment. □� �imprisoned on an island that has served as a penal colony since Roman times.

pe |nal code (penal codes ) N‑COUNT The penal code of a country consists of all the laws that are related to crime and punishment. [FORMAL ]

pe|nal|ize /piː nəla I z/ (penalizes , penalizing , penalized ) in BRIT, also use penalise VERB [usu passive] If a person or group is penalized for something, they are made to suffer in some way because of it. □�[be V -ed] Some of the players may, on occasion, break the rules and be penalized.

pe |nal se r|vi|tude N‑UNCOUNT Penal servitude is the punishment of being sent to prison and forced to do hard physical work. [FORMAL ]

pen|al|ty ◆◇◇ /pe n ə lti/ (penalties )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A penalty is a punishment that someone is given for doing something which is against a law or rule. □� One of those arrested could face the death penalty. □� The maximum penalty is up to 7 years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine.

2 N‑COUNT In sports such as football and hockey, a penalty is an opportunity to score a goal, which is given to the attacking team if the defending team breaks a rule near their own goal. □� Referee Michael Reed had no hesitation in awarding a penalty.

3 N‑COUNT Thepenalty that you pay for something you have done is something unpleasant that you experience as a result. □�[+�for ] Why should I pay the penalty for somebody else's mistake? SYNONYMS penalty NOUN 1

punishment:The government is proposing tougher punishments for officials convicted of corruption.

price:He's paying the price for working his body so hard.

fine:She had to pay a fine.

pe n|al|ty area (penalty areas ) N‑COUNT In football, the penalty area is the rectangular area in front of the goal. Inside this area the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball, and if the defending team breaks a rule here, the opposing team gets a penalty. [mainly BRIT ]

pe n|al|ty box (penalty boxes )

1 N‑COUNT In football, the penalty box is the same as the penalty area . [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT In ice hockey, the penalty box is an area in which players who have broken a rule have to sit for a period of time.

pe n|al|ty shoo t-out (penalty shoot-outs ) N‑COUNT In football, a penalty shoot-out is a way of deciding the result of a game that has ended in a draw. Players from each team try to score a goal in turn until one player fails to score and their team loses the game. [mainly BRIT ]

pen|ance /pe nəns/ (penances ) N‑VAR If you do penance for something wrong that you have done, you do something that you find unpleasant to show that you are sorry. □� �a time of fasting, penance and pilgrimage.

pe n and i nk ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pen and ink drawing is done using a pen rather than a pencil.

pence /pe ns/ →�see penny

pen|chant /pɒ nʃɒn, pe ntʃənt/ N‑SING If someone has a penchant for something, they have a special liking for it or a tendency to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] �a stylish woman with a penchant for dark glasses.

pen|cil /pe ns ə l/ (pencils , pencilling , pencilled )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A pencil is an object that you write or draw with. It consists of a thin piece of wood with a rod of a black or coloured substance through the middle. If you write or draw something in pencil , you do it using a pencil. □� I found a pencil and some blank paper in her desk. □� He had written her a note in pencil.

2 VERB If you pencil a letter or a note, you write it using a pencil. □�[V n +�to ] He pencilled a note to Joseph Daniels. ●� pen|cilled ADJ □� �folded notepaper with the pencilled block letters on the outside.

▸� pencil in PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If an event or appointment is pencilled in , it has been agreed that it should take place, but it will have to be confirmed later. □�[be V -ed P ] He told us that the tour was pencilled in for the following March.

pe n|cil push|er (pencil pushers ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a pencil pusher , you mean that their work consists of writing or dealing with documents, and does not seem very useful or important. [AM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the pencil pushers who decide the course of people's lives. in BRIT, use pen-pusher

pen|dant /pe ndənt/ (pendants ) N‑COUNT A pendant is an ornament on a chain that you wear round your neck.

pend|ing /pe nd I ŋ/

1 ADJ If something such as a legal procedure is pending , it is waiting to be dealt with or settled. [FORMAL ] □� In 1989, the court had 600 pending cases. □� She had a libel action against the magazine pending.

2 PREP If something is done pending a future event, it is done until that event happens. [FORMAL ] □� A judge has suspended a ban on the magazine pending a full inquiry.

3 ADJ Something that is pending is going to happen soon. [FORMAL ] □� A growing number of customers have been inquiring about the pending price rises.

pen|du|lous /pe ndʒʊləs/ ADJ Something that is pendulous hangs downwards and moves loosely, usually in an unattractive way. [LITERARY ] □� �a stout, gloomy man with a pendulous lower lip. □� �pendulous cheeks.

pen|du|lum /pe ndʒʊləm/ (pendulums )

1 N‑COUNT The pendulum of a clock is a rod with a weight at the end which swings from side to side in order to make the clock work.

2 N‑SING You can use the idea of a pendulum and the way it swings regularly as a way of talking about regular changes in a situation or in people's opinions. □� The political pendulum has swung in favour of the liberals.

pen|etrate /pe n I tre I t/ (penetrates , penetrating , penetrated )

1 VERB If something or someone penetrates a physical object or an area, they succeed in getting into it or passing through it. □�[V n] X-rays can penetrate many objects. ●� pen|etra|tion /pe n I tre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�by ] The exterior walls are three to three and a half feet thick to prevent penetration by bombs.

2 VERB If someone penetrates an organization, a group, or a profession, they succeed in entering it although it is difficult to do so. □�[V n] �the continuing failure of women to penetrate the higher levels of engineering.

3 VERB If someone penetrates an enemy group or a rival organization, they succeed in joining it in order to get information or cause trouble. □�[V n] The CIA were trying to penetrate a crime ring operating out of Munich. ●� pen|etra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the successful penetration of the country's intelligence service.

4 VERB If a company or country penetrates a market or area, they succeed in selling their products there. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] There have been around 15 attempts from outside France to penetrate the market. ●� pen|etra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �import penetration across a broad range of heavy industries.

pen|etrat|ing /pe n I tre I t I ŋ/

1 ADJ A penetrating sound is loud and usually high-pitched. □� Mary heard the penetrating siren of an ambulance.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone gives you a penetrating look, it makes you think that they know what you are thinking. □� He gazed at me with a sharp, penetrating look that made my heart pound.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has a penetrating mind understands and recognizes things quickly and thoroughly. □� �a thoughtful, penetrating mind.

pene|tra|tive /pe n I trət I v, [AM ] -tre I t-/ ADJ [ADJ n] If a man has penetrative sex with someone, he inserts his penis into his partner's vagina or anus.

pe n-friend (pen-friends ) also penfriend N‑COUNT A pen-friend is someone you write friendly letters to and receive letters from, although the two of you may never have met. [BRIT ] in AM, use pen pal

pen|guin /pe ŋgw I n/ (penguins ) N‑COUNT A penguin is a type of large black and white sea bird found mainly in the Antarctic. Penguins cannot fly but use their short wings for swimming.

peni|cil|lin /pe n I s I l I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Penicillin is a drug that kills bacteria and is used to treat infections.

pe|nile /piː na I l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Penile means relating to a penis. [FORMAL ] □� �penile cancer.

pen|in|su|la /pən I nsjʊlə/ (peninsulas ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A peninsula is a long narrow piece of land which sticks out from a larger piece of land and is almost completely surrounded by water. □� I had walked around the entire peninsula.

pe|nis /piː n I s/ (penises ) N‑COUNT A man's penis is the part of his body that he uses when urinating and when having sex.

peni|tence /pe n I təns/ N‑UNCOUNT Penitence is sincere regret for wrong or evil things that you have done.

peni|tent /pe n I tənt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is penitent is very sorry for something wrong that they have done, and regrets their actions. [LITERARY ] □�[+�about ] Robert Gates sat before them, almost penitent about the past. □� �penitent criminals. ●� peni|tent|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He sat penitently in his chair by the window.

peni|ten|tial /pe n I te nʃ ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Penitential means expressing deep sorrow and regret at having done something wrong. [FORMAL ] □� �penitential psalms.

peni|ten|tia|ry /pe n I te nʃəri/ (penitentiaries ) N‑COUNT A penitentiary is a prison. [AM , FORMAL ]

pen|knife /pe nna I f/ (penknives ) N‑COUNT A penknife is a small knife with a blade that folds back into the handle.

pe n name (pen names ) also pen-name N‑COUNT A writer's pen name is the name that he or she uses on books and articles instead of his or her real name. □� �Baroness Blixen, also known by her pen-name Isak Dinesen.

pen|nant /pe nənt/ (pennants )

1 N‑COUNT A pennant is a long, narrow, triangular flag. □� The second car was flying the Ghanaian pennant.

2 N‑COUNT In baseball, a pennant is a flag that is given each year to the top team in a league. The championship is also called the pennant . [AM ] □� The Red Sox lost the pennant to Detroit by a single game.

pen|nies /pe niz/ Pennies is the plural of penny . Pennies is mainly used to refer only to coins, rather than to amounts.

pen|ni|less /pe niləs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is penniless has hardly any money at all. □� They'd soon be penniless and homeless if she couldn't find suitable work. □� �a penniless refugee.

penn'orth /pe nəθ/ PHRASE During a discussion about something, if you have your two penn'orth or put in your two penn'orth , you add your own opinion. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Please do be patient�I'm sure you want to have your two penn'orth. in AM, use two cents' worth

pen|ny ◆◇◇ /pe ni/ (pennies , pence ) The form pence is used for the plural of meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a penny is one hundredth of a pound, or a coin worth this amount of money. □� There was nothing over a penny. □� �a shiny newly minted penny.

2 N‑COUNT A penny is a British coin used before 1971 that was worth one twelfth of a shilling.

3 N‑COUNT A penny is one cent, or a coin worth one cent. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� Unleaded gasoline rose more than a penny a gallon.

4 N‑SING If you say, for example, that you do not have a penny , or that something does not cost a penny , you are emphasizing that you do not have any money at all, or that something did not cost you any money at all. [EMPHASIS ] □� The Brilliantons paid their rent on time and did not owe him a penny.

5 PHRASE If you say the penny dropped , you mean that someone suddenly understood or realized something. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

6 PHRASE Things that are said to be two a penny or ten a penny are not valuable or interesting because they are very common and easy to find. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Leggy blondes are two a penny in Hollywood. in AM, use a dime a dozen

pe nny-fa rthing (penny-farthings ) also penny farthing N‑COUNT A penny-farthing is an old-fashioned bicycle that had a very large front wheel and a small back wheel. [mainly BRIT ]

pe nny-pinching

1 N‑UNCOUNT Penny-pinching is the practice of trying to spend as little money as possible. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Government penny-pinching is blamed for the decline in food standards.

2 ADJ Penny-pinching people spend as little money as possible. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �small-minded penny-pinching administrators.

pen|ny sha res N‑PLURAL Penny shares are shares that are offered for sale at a low price. [BUSINESS ]

pe n pal (pen pals ) also pen-pal N‑COUNT A pen pal is someone you write friendly letters to and receive letters from, although the two of you may never have met.

pe n-pusher (pen-pushers ) also penpusher N‑COUNT If you call someone a pen-pusher , you mean that their work consists of writing or dealing with documents, and does not seem very useful or important. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� As a result, industry was overmanned and pen-pushers were everywhere. in AM, use pencil pusher

pen|sion ◆◇◇ /pe nʃ ə n/ (pensions , pensioning , pensioned ) N‑COUNT Someone who has a pension receives a regular sum of money from the state or from a former employer because they have retired or because they are widowed or have a disability. □� �struggling by on a pension. □� �a company pension scheme.

▸� pension off PHRASAL VERB If someone is pensioned off , they are made to retire from work and are given a pension. □�[be V -ed P ] Many successful women do not want to be pensioned off at 60. □�[V n P ] When his employees were no longer of use to him, he pensioned them off. [Also V P n] SYNONYMS pension NOUN 1

allowance:He lives on a single parent's allowance of �70 a week.

benefit:In order to get benefit payments I had to answer some questions.

annuity:Their annuity provides most of their income.

pen|sion|able /pe nʃənəb ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Pensionable means relating to someone's right to receive a pension. □� �civil servants who were nearing pensionable age.

pe n|sion book (pension books ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a pension book is a small book which is given to pensioners by the government. Each week, one page can be exchanged for money at a Post Office.

pen|sion|er /pe nʃənə r / (pensioners ) N‑COUNT A pensioner is someone who receives a pension, especially a pension paid by the state to retired people.

pe n|sion plan (pension plans ) N‑COUNT A pension plan is an arrangement to receive a pension from an organization such as an insurance company or a former employer in return for making regular payments to them over a number of years. [BUSINESS ] □� I would have been much wiser to start my own pension plan when I was younger.

pe n|sion scheme (pension schemes ) N‑COUNT A pension scheme is the same as a pension plan . [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� His company has the best pension scheme in the industry.

pen|sive /pe ns I v/ ADJ If you are pensive , you are thinking deeply about something, especially something that worries you slightly. □� He looked suddenly sombre, pensive. ●� pen|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Angela stared pensively out of the window.

pen|ta|gon /pe ntəgən, [AM ] -gɑːn/ (pentagons ) N‑COUNT A pentagon is a shape with five sides.

Pen|ta|gon N‑PROPER [N n] The Pentagon is the main building of the US Defense Department, in Washington. The US Defense Department is often referred to as the Pentagon . □� �a news conference at the Pentagon.

pen|tam|eter /pent� m I tə r / (pentameters ) N‑COUNT In literary criticism, a pentameter is a line of poetry that has five strong beats in it. [TECHNICAL ]

pen|tath|lon /pent� θlɒn/ (pentathlons ) N‑COUNT A pentathlon is an athletics competition in which each person must compete in five different events.

Pen|tecost /pe nt I kɒst, [AM ] -kɔːst/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pentecost is a Christian festival that takes place on the seventh Sunday after Easter and celebrates the sending of the Holy Spirit to the first followers of Christ.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Pentecost is a Jewish festival that takes place 50 days after Passover and celebrates the harvest.

Pen|tecos|tal /pe nt I kɒ st ə l, [AM ] -kɔː st-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Pentecostal churches are Christian churches that emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit and the exact truth of the Bible.

pent|house /pe nthaʊs/ (penthouses ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A penthouse or a penthouse apartment or suite is a luxurious flat or set of rooms at the top of a tall building. □� �her swish Manhattan penthouse.

pent-up /pe nt ʌ p/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pent-up emotions, energies, or forces have been held back and not expressed, used, or released. □� He still had a lot of pent-up anger to release.

pe|nul|ti|mate /penʌ lt I mət/ ADJ The penultimate thing in a series of things is the last but one. [FORMAL ] □� �on the penultimate day of the Asian Games. □� �in the penultimate chapter.

pe|num|bra /pe nʌ mbrə/ (penumbras ) N‑COUNT A penumbra is an area of light shadow. [FORMAL ]

penu|ry /pe njʊri/ N‑UNCOUNT Penury is the state of being extremely poor. [FORMAL ] □� He was brought up in penury, without education.

peo|ny /piː əni/ (peonies ) also paeony N‑COUNT A peony is a medium-sized garden plant which has large round flowers, usually pink, red, or white.

peo|ple ◆◆◆ /piː p ə l/ (peoples , peopling , peopled )

1 N‑PLURAL People are men, women, and children. People is normally used as the plural of person , instead of 'persons'. □� Millions of people have lost their homes. □�[+�of ] �the people of Angola. □� �homeless young people. □� I don't think people should make promises they don't mean to keep.

2 N‑PLURAL The people is sometimes used to refer to ordinary men and women, in contrast to the government or the upper classes. □� �the will of the people.

3 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A people is all the men, women, and children of a particular country or race. □�[+�of ] �the native peoples of Central and South America.

4 VERB [usu passive] If a place or country is peopled by a particular group of people, that group of people live there. □�[be V -ed +�by/with ] It was peopled by a fiercely independent race of peace-loving Buddhists. □�[V -ed] �a small town peopled by lay workers and families.

peo |ple car|ri|er (people carriers ) N‑COUNT A people carrier is a large family car which looks similar to a van and has three rows of seats for passengers.

peo |ple mov|er (people movers ) also people-mover N‑COUNT A people mover is the same as a people carrier .

pe o|ple skills N‑PLURAL People skills are the ability to deal with, influence, and communicate effectively with other people. [BUSINESS ] □� She has very good people skills and is able to manage a team.

peo |ple smu g|gling or people trafficking N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] People smuggling or people trafficking is the practice of bringing immigrants into a country illegally. □� �a people-smuggling operation.

pep /pe p/ (peps , pepping , pepped ) N‑UNCOUNT Pep is liveliness and energy. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Many say that, given a choice, they would opt for a holiday to put the pep back in their lives.

▸� pep up PHRASAL VERB If you try to pep something up , you try to make it more lively, more interesting, or stronger. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] The Prime Minister aired some ideas about pepping up trade in the region. □�[V P n] How about pepping up plain tiles with transfers? [Also V n P ]

pep|per ◆◇◇ /pe pə r / (peppers , peppering , peppered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pepper is a hot-tasting spice which is used to flavour food. □� Season with salt and pepper. □� �freshly ground black pepper.

2 N‑COUNT A pepper , or in American English a bell pepper , is a hollow green, red, or yellow vegetable with seeds inside it.

3 VERB [usu passive] If something is peppered with small objects, a lot of those objects hit it. □�[be V -ed +�with ] He was wounded in both legs and severely peppered with shrapnel.

4 VERB If something is pepperedwith things, it has a lot of those things in it or on it. □�[be V -ed +�with ] While her English was correct, it was peppered with French phrases. □�[V n] Yachts peppered the tranquil waters of Botafogo Bay.

pepper|corn /pe pə r kɔː r n/ (peppercorns ) N‑COUNT Peppercorns are the small berries which are dried and crushed to make pepper. They are sometimes used whole in cooking.

pe pper|corn re nt (peppercorn rents ) N‑COUNT A peppercorn rent is an extremely low rent. [BRIT ]

pe p|per mill (pepper mills ) also peppermill N‑COUNT A pepper mill is a container in which peppercorns are crushed to make pepper. You turn the top of the container and the pepper comes out of the bottom.

pepper|mint /pe pə r m I nt/ (peppermints )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Peppermint is a strong, sharp flavouring that is obtained from the peppermint plant or that is made artificially.

2 N‑COUNT A peppermint is a peppermint-flavoured sweet or piece of candy.

pep|pero|ni /pe pəroʊ ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Pepperoni is a kind of spicy sausage which is often sliced and put on pizzas.

pepper|pot /pe pə r pɒt/ (pepperpots ) also pepper pot N‑COUNT A pepperpot is a small container with holes in the top, used for shaking pepper onto food. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use pepper shaker

pe p|per shak|er (pepper shakers ) N‑COUNT A pepper shaker is the same as a pepperpot . [mainly AM ]

pe p|per spray (pepper sprays ) N‑VAR Pepper spray is a device that causes tears and sickness and is sometimes used against rioters and attackers. □� The officers blasted him with pepper spray.

pep|pery /pe pəri/ ADJ Food that is peppery has a strong, hot taste like pepper. □� �a crisp green salad with a few peppery radishes.

pep|py /pe pi/ ADJ Someone or something that is peppy is lively and full of energy. [INFORMAL ] □� At the end of every day, jot down a brief note on how peppy or tired you felt. □� �peppy dance-numbers.

pe p ral|ly (pep rallies ) N‑COUNT A pep rally at a school, college, or university is a gathering to support a football team or sports team. [AM ]

pe p talk (pep talks ) also pep-talk N‑COUNT A pep talk is a speech which is intended to encourage someone to make more effort or feel more confident. [INFORMAL ] □� Powell spent the day giving pep talks to the troops.

pep|tic ul|cer /pe pt I k ʌ lsə r / (peptic ulcers ) N‑COUNT A peptic ulcer is an ulcer that occurs in the digestive system.

per ◆◆◇ /pɜː r /

1 PREP You use per to express rates and ratios. For example, if something costs �50 per year, you must pay �50 each year for it. If a vehicle is travelling at 40 miles per hour, it travels 40 miles each hour. □� Social Security refused to pay her more than �17 per week. □� Buses and trains use much less fuel per person than cars.

2per head →�see head

3 PHRASE If something happens as per a particular plan or suggestion, it happens in the way planned or suggested. [FORMAL ] □� When they reach here they complain that they are not being paid as per the agreement.

per|am|bu|late /pər� mbjʊle I t/ (perambulates , perambulating , perambulated ) VERB When someone perambulates , they walk about for pleasure. [OLD-FASHIONED ] ●� per|am|bu|la|tion /pər� mbjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (perambulations ) N‑COUNT □�[+�round ] It was time now to end our perambulation round Paris.

per an|num /pər � nəm/ ADV A particular amount per annum means that amount each year. □� �a fee of �35 per annum. □� Kenya's population is growing at 4.1 per cent per annum.

per capi|ta /pə r k� p I tə/ ADJ [ADJ n] The per capita amount of something is the total amount of it in a country or area divided by the number of people in that country or area. □� They have the world's largest per capita income. ●�ADV [n ADV ] Per capita is also an adverb. □� Ethiopia has almost the lowest oil consumption per capita in the world.

per|ceive /pə r siː v/ (perceives , perceiving , perceived )

1 VERB If you perceive something, you see, notice, or realize it, especially when it is not obvious. □�[V n] Many young people do not perceive the need to consider pensions at all.

2 VERB If you perceive someone or something as doing or being a particular thing, it is your opinion that they do this thing or that they are that thing. □�[V n +�as ] Stress is widely perceived as contributing to coronary heart disease.

per cent ◆◆◆ /pə r se nt/ (per cent ) also percent N‑COUNT [num N ] You use per cent to talk about amounts. For example, if an amount is 10 per cent (10%) of a larger amount, it is equal to 10 hundredths of the larger amount. □�[+�of ] 20 to 40 per cent of the voters are undecided. □� We aim to increase sales by 10 per cent. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Per cent is also an adjective. □� There has been a ten per cent increase in the number of new students. ●�ADV [ADV with v] Per cent is also an adverb. □� �its prediction that house prices will fall 5 per cent over the year.

per|cent|age ◆◇◇ /pə r se nt I dʒ/ (percentages ) N‑COUNT A percentage is a fraction of an amount expressed as a particular number of hundredths of that amount. □�[+�of ] Only a few vegetable-origin foods have such a high percentage of protein.

per|cep|tible /pə r se pt I b ə l/ ADJ Something that is perceptible can only just be seen or noticed. □� Pasternak gave him a barely perceptible smile. ●� per|cep|tibly /pə r se pt I bli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� The tension was mounting perceptibly.

per|cep|tion /pə r se pʃ ə n/ (perceptions )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your perceptionof something is the way that you think about it or the impression you have of it. □�[+�of ] He is interested in how our perceptions of death affect the way we live.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone who has perception realizes or notices things that are not obvious. □� It did not require a great deal of perception to realise the interview was over.

3 N‑COUNT Perception is the recognition of things using your senses, especially the sense of sight.

per|cep|tive /pə r se pt I v/ ADJ If you describe a person or their remarks or thoughts as perceptive , you think that they are good at noticing or realizing things, especially things that are not obvious. [APPROVAL ] □� He was one of the most perceptive U.S. political commentators. ●� per|cep|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The stages in her love affair with Harry are perceptively written.

per|cep|tual /pə r se ptʃuəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Perceptual means relating to the way people interpret and understand what they see or notice. [FORMAL ] □� Some children have more finely trained perceptual skills than others.

perch /pɜː r tʃ/ (perches , perching , perched ) The form perch is used for both the singular and plural in meaning 8 . 1 VERB If you perch on something, you sit down lightly on the very edge or tip of it. □�[V prep/adv] He perched on the corner of the desk. □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] He perched himself on the side of the bed. ●� perched ADJ □� She was perched on the edge of the sofa.

2 VERB To perch somewhere means to be on the top or edge of something. □�[V prep/adv] �the vast slums that perch precariously on top of the hills around which the city was built. ●� perched ADJ □� St. John's is a small college perched high up in the hills.

3 VERB If you perch something on something else, you put or balance it on the top or edge of that thing. □�[V n +�on ] The builders have perched a light concrete dome on eight slender columns.

4 VERB When a bird percheson something such as a branch or a wall, it lands on it and stands there. □�[V prep] A blackbird flew down and perched on the parapet outside his window.

5 N‑COUNT A perch is a short rod for a bird to stand on.

6 N‑COUNT A perch is an edible fish. There are several kinds of perch.

per|chance /pə r tʃɑː ns, -tʃ� ns/ ADV Perchance means perhaps . [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ]

per|co|late /pɜː r kəle I t/ (percolates , percolating , percolated )

1 VERB If an idea, feeling, or piece of information percolates through a group of people or a thing, it spreads slowly through the group or thing. □�[V prep/adv] New fashions took a long time to percolate down. □�[V prep/adv] �all of these thoughts percolated through my mind. ●� per|co|la|tion /pɜː r kəle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] There is no percolation of political ideas from the membership to the leadership.

2 VERB When you percolate coffee or when coffee percolates , you prepare it in a percolator. □�[V n] She percolated the coffee and put croissants in the oven to warm. [Also V ]

3 VERB To percolate somewhere means to pass slowly through something that has very small holes or gaps in it. □�[V prep/adv] Rainwater will only percolate through slowly.

per|co|la|tor /pɜː r kəle I tə r / (percolators ) N‑COUNT A percolator is a piece of equipment for making and serving coffee, in which steam passes through crushed coffee beans.

per|cus|sion /pə r kʌ ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Percussion instruments are musical instruments that you hit, such as drums.

2 N‑SING Thepercussion is the section of an orchestra which consists of percussion instruments such as drums and cymbals.

per|cus|sion|ist /pə r kʌ ʃ ə n I st/ (percussionists ) N‑COUNT A percussionist is a person who plays percussion instruments such as drums.

per|cus|sive /pə r kʌ s I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Percussive sounds are like the sound of drums. □� �using all manner of percussive effects.

per diem /pə r diː əm/ N‑SING [oft N n] A per diem is an amount of money that someone is given to cover their daily expenses while they are working. [mainly AM ] □� He received a per diem allowance to cover his travel expenses.

per|di|tion /pɜː r d I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone is on the road to perdition , you mean that their behaviour is likely to lead them to failure and disaster. [LITERARY ]

per|egrine fal|con /pe r I gr I n fɔː lkən/ (peregrine falcons ) N‑COUNT A peregrine falcon or a peregrine is a bird of prey.

per|emp|tory /pəre mptəri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who does something in a peremptory way does it in a way that shows that they expect to be obeyed immediately. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� With a brief, almost peremptory gesture he pointed to a chair. ●� per|emp|to|ri|ly /pəre mptər I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Hello!' the voice said, more peremptorily. 'Who is it? Who do you want?'

per|en|nial /pəre niəl/ (perennials )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use perennial to describe situations or states that keep occurring or which seem to exist all the time; used especially to describe problems or difficulties. □� �the perennial urban problems of crime and homelessness. ●� per|en|ni|al|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Both services are perennially short of staff.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A perennial plant lives for several years and has flowers each year. □� �a perennial herb with greenish-yellow flowers. ●�N‑COUNT Perennial is also a noun. □� �a low-growing perennial.

pe|re|stroi|ka /pe r I strɔ I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Perestroika is a term which was used to describe the changing political and social structure of the former Soviet Union during the late 1980s.

per|fect ◆◆◇ (perfects , perfecting , perfected ) The adjective is pronounced /pɜː r f I kt/. The verb is pronounced /pə r fe kt/. 1 ADJ Something that is perfect is as good as it could possibly be. □� He spoke perfect English. □� Hiring a nanny has turned out to be the perfect solution. □� Nobody is perfect.

2 ADJ If you say that something is perfectfor a particular person, thing, or activity, you are emphasizing that it is very suitable for them or for that activity. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�for ] Carpet tiles are perfect for kitchens because they're easy to take up and wash. □� So this could be the perfect time to buy a home.

3 ADJ If an object or surface is perfect , it does not have any marks on it, or does not have any lumps, hollows, or cracks in it. □� Use only clean, Grade A, perfect eggs. □� �their perfect white teeth.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use perfect to give emphasis to the noun following it. [EMPHASIS ] □� She was a perfect fool. □� What he had said to her made perfect sense.

5 VERB If you perfect something, you improve it so that it becomes as good as it can possibly be. □�[V n] We perfected a hand-signal system so that he could keep me informed of hazards.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] The perfect tenses of a verb are the ones used to talk about things that happened or began before a particular time, as in 'He's already left' and 'They had always liked her'. The present perfect tense is sometimes called the perfect tense.

7 →�see also future , past perfect , present perfect

per|fec|tion /pə r fe kʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Perfection is the quality of being as good as it is possible for something of a particular kind to be. □� Physical perfection in a human being is exceedingly rare.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is perfection , you mean that you think it is as good as it could possibly be. □� The house and garden were perfection.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The perfection of something such as a skill, system, or product involves making it as good as it could possibly be. □�[+�of ] Madame Clicquot is credited with the perfection of this technique.

4 PHRASE If something is done to perfection , it is done so well that it could not be done any better. □� �fresh fish, cooked to perfection.

per|fec|tion|ism /pə r fe kʃən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Perfectionism is the attitude or behaviour of a perfectionist.

per|fec|tion|ist /pə r fe kʃən I st/ (perfectionists ) N‑COUNT Someone who is a perfectionist refuses to do or accept anything that is not as good as it could possibly be.

per|fect|ly ◆◇◇ /pɜː r f I ktli/

1 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use perfectly to emphasize an adjective or adverb, especially when you think the person you are talking to might doubt what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� There's no reason why you can't have a perfectly normal child. □� They made it perfectly clear that it was pointless to go on. □� You know perfectly well what happened.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If something is done perfectly , it is done so well that it could not possibly be done better. □� This adaptation perfectly captures the spirit of Kurt Vonnegut's novel. □� The system worked perfectly.

3 ADV [ADV adj/adv] If you describe something as perfectly good or acceptable, you are emphasizing that there is no reason to use or get something else, although other people may disagree. [EMPHASIS ] □� You can buy perfectly good instruments for a lot less. SYNONYMS perfectly ADV 1

completely:Dozens of flats had been completely destroyed.

totally:The fire totally destroyed the top floor.

absolutely:There is absolutely no difference!

quite:It is quite clear that we were firing in self defence.

pe r|fect pi tch N‑UNCOUNT Someone who has perfect pitch is able to identify or sing musical notes correctly.

pe r|fect sto rm (perfect storms ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A perfect storm is an unusual combination of events or things that produce an unusually bad or powerful result. □� Investors are faced with the perfect storm of slowing economic growth, rising prices and an unstable housing market.

per|fidi|ous /pə r f I diəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as perfidious , you mean that they have betrayed someone or cannot be trusted. [LITERARY ] □� Their feet will trample on the dead bodies of their perfidious aggressors.

per|fi|dy /pɜː r f I di/ N‑UNCOUNT Perfidy is the action of betraying someone or behaving very badly towards someone. [LITERARY ]

per|fo|rate /pɜː r fəre I t/ (perforates , perforating , perforated ) VERB To perforate something means to make a hole or holes in it. □�[V n] I refused to wear headphones because they can perforate your eardrums. ●� per|fo|rat|ed ADJ [ADJ n] □� Keep good apples in perforated polythene bags.

per|fo|ra|tion /pɜː r fəre I ʃ ə n/ (perforations ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Perforations are small holes that are made in something, especially in paper. □� Tear off the form along the perforations and send it to Sales.

per|force /pə r fɔː r s/ ADV [ADV with v] Perforce is used to indicate that something happens or is the case because it cannot be prevented or avoided. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� The war in 1939 perforce ushered in an era of more grime and drabness.

per|form ◆◆◇ /pə r fɔː r m/ (performs , performing , performed )

1 VERB When you perform a task or action, especially a complicated one, you do it. □�[V n] His council had to perform miracles on a tiny budget. □�[be V -ed] Several grafts may be performed at one operation.

2 VERB If something performs a particular function, it has that function. □�[V n] A complex engine has many separate components, each performing a different function.

3 VERB If you perform a play, a piece of music, or a dance, you do it in front of an audience. □�[V n] Gardiner has pursued relentlessly high standards in performing classical music. □�[be V -ed] This play was first performed in 411 BC. □�[V ] He began performing in the early fifties, singing and playing guitar.

4 VERB If someone or something performs well , they work well or achieve a good result. If they perform badly , they work badly or achieve a poor result. □�[V adv] He had not performed well in his exams. □�[V adv] 'State-owned industries will always perform poorly,' John Moore informed readers. SYNONYMS perform VERB 1

achieve:We have achieved what we set out to do.

carry out:Commitments have been made with very little intention of carrying them out.

effect:Prospects for effecting real political change seemed to have taken a major step backwards.

accomplish:If we'd all work together, I think we could accomplish our goal.

per|for|mance ◆◆◇ /pə r fɔː r məns/ (performances )

1 N‑COUNT A performance involves entertaining an audience by doing something such as singing, dancing, or acting. □�[+�of ] Inside the theatre, they were giving a performance of Bizet's Carmen. □�[+�as ] �her performance as the betrayed Medea.

2 N‑VAR [oft with poss] Someone's or something's performance is how successful they are or how well they do something. □�[+�of ] That study looked at the performance of 18 surgeons. □� The job of the new director-general was to ensure that performance targets were met.

3 N‑UNCOUNT A car's performance is its ability to go fast and to increase its speed quickly.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A performance car is one that can go very fast and can increase its speed very quickly.

5 →�see also high-performance

6 N‑SING Theperformanceof a task is the fact or action of doing it. □�[+�of ] He devoted in excess of seventy hours a week to the performance of his duties.

7 N‑SING You can describe something that is or looks complicated or difficult to do as a performance . [INFORMAL ] □� The whole process is quite a performance.

8a repeat performance →�see repeat COLLOCATIONS performance NOUN

1

noun +�performance : concert, dance, stage; matinee, evening

adjective +�performance : dramatic, musical, vocal; impressive, outstanding, stellar, stunning; live

2

noun +�performance : investment; team

adjective +�performance : disappointing, dismal; consistent, solid, strong; all-round, overall

verb +�performance : deliver, produce SYNONYMS performance NOUN 1

presentation:�Blackpool Opera House's presentation of Buddy, the musical.

production:For this production she has learnt the role in Spanish.

show:How about going shopping and seeing a show in London?

per|fo r|mance art N‑UNCOUNT Performance art is a theatrical presentation that includes various art forms such as dance, music, painting, and sculpture.

perfo rmance-related pa y N‑UNCOUNT Performance-related pay is a rate of pay which is based on how well someone does their job. [BUSINESS ]

per|form|er /pə r fɔː r mə r / (performers )

1 N‑COUNT A performer is a person who acts, sings, or does other entertainment in front of audiences. □� A performer in evening dress plays classical selections on the violin.

2 N‑COUNT You can use performer when describing someone or something in a way that indicates how well they do a particular thing. □� Until 1987, Canada's industry had been the star performer. □� He is a world-class performer.

per|fo rm|ing a rts N‑PLURAL Dance, drama, music, and other forms of entertainment that are usually performed live in front of an audience are referred to as theperforming arts .

per|fume /pɜː r fjuːm, pə r fjuː m/ (perfumes , perfuming , perfumed )

1 N‑VAR Perfume is a pleasant-smelling liquid which women put on their skin to make themselves smell nice. □� The hall smelled of her mother's perfume. □� �a bottle of perfume.

2 N‑VAR Perfume is the ingredient that is added to some products to make them smell nice. □� �a delicate white soap without perfume.

3 VERB If something is used to perfume a product, it is added to the product to make it smell nice. □�[V n] The oil is used to flavour and perfume soaps, foam baths, and scents. □�[V -ed +�with ] �shower gel perfumed with the popular Paris fragrance.

per|fumed /pɜː r fjuːmd, pə r fjuː md/

1 ADJ Something such as fruit or flowers that are perfumed have a sweet pleasant smell. □� �perfumed English strawberries.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Perfumed things have a sweet pleasant smell, either naturally or because perfume has been added to them. □� She opened the perfumed envelope.

per|fum|ery /pə r fjuː məri/ (perfumeries )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Perfumery is the activity or business of producing perfume. □� �the perfumery trade.

2 N‑COUNT A perfumery is a shop or a department in a store where perfume is the main product that is sold.

per|func|tory /pə r fʌ ŋktəri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A perfunctory action is done quickly and carelessly, and shows a lack of interest in what you are doing. □� She gave the list only a perfunctory glance. □� Our interest was purely perfunctory. ●� per|func|to|ri|ly /pə r fʌ ŋktər I li, [AM ] -tɔː r-/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Melina was perfunctorily introduced to the men.

per|go|la /pɜː r gələ/ (pergolas ) N‑COUNT In a garden, a pergola is an arch or a structure with a roof over which climbing plants can be grown.

per|haps ◆◆◆ /pə r h� ps, pr� ps/

1 ADV You use perhaps to express uncertainty, for example, when you do not know that something is definitely true, or when you are mentioning something that may possibly happen in the future in the way you describe. [VAGUENESS ] □� Millson regarded her thoughtfully. Perhaps she was right. □� In the end they lose millions, perhaps billions. □� It was bulky, perhaps three feet long and almost as high. □� Perhaps, in time, the message will get through. □� They'd come soon, perhaps when the radio broadcast was over.

2 ADV You use perhaps in opinions and remarks to make them appear less definite or more polite. [VAGUENESS ] □� Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned is that you simply cannot please everyone. □� His very last paintings are perhaps the most puzzling. □� Do you perhaps disapprove of Agatha Christie and her Poirot and Miss Marple?

3 ADV You use perhaps when you are making suggestions or giving advice. Perhaps is also used in formal English to introduce requests. [POLITENESS ] □� Perhaps I may be permitted a few suggestions. □� Well, perhaps you'll come and see us at our place?

4 ADV You can say perhaps as a response to a question or remark, when you do not want to agree or accept, but think that it would be rude to disagree or refuse. □� 'I'm sure we can make it,' he says. Perhaps, but it will not be easy.

per|il /pe r I l/ (perils )

1 N‑VAR Perils are great dangers. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the perils of the sea. □� We are in the gravest peril.

2 N‑PLURAL [with poss] The perils of a particular activity or course of action are the dangers or problems it may involve. □�[+�of ] �the perils of starring in a television commercial.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone does something at their peril , you are warning them that they will probably suffer as a result of doing it. □� Anyone who breaks the law does so at their peril.

peri|lous /pe r I ləs/ ADJ Something that is perilous is very dangerous. [LITERARY ] □� �a perilous journey across the war-zone. □� The road grew even steeper and more perilous. ●� peri|lous|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� The track snaked perilously upwards.

pe|rim|eter /pər I m I tə r / (perimeters ) N‑COUNT The perimeter of an area of land is the whole of its outer edge or boundary. □�[+�of ] �the perimeter of the airport. □� Officers dressed in riot gear are surrounding the perimeter fence.

peri|na|tal /pe rine I t ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Perinatal deaths, problems, or experiences happen at the time of birth or soon after the time of birth. [MEDICAL ] □� Premature birth is the main cause of perinatal mortality.

pe|ri|od ◆◆◇ /p I ə riəd/ (periods )

1 N‑COUNT A period is a length of time. □�[+�of ] This crisis might last for a long period of time. □�[+�of ] �a period of a few months. □� �for a limited period only.

2 N‑COUNT A period in the life of a person, organization, or society is a length of time which is remembered for a particular situation or activity. □�[+�of ] �a period of economic good health and expansion. □�[+�of ] He went through a period of wanting to be accepted. □� The South African years were his most creative period.

3 N‑COUNT A particular length of time in history is sometimes called a period . For example, you can talk about the Victorian period or the Elizabethan period in Britain. □� �the Roman period. □� No reference to their existence appears in any literature of the period.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Period costumes, furniture, and instruments were made at an earlier time in history, or look as if they were made then. □� �dressed in full period costume.

5 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] Exercise, training, or study periods are lengths of time that are set aside for exercise, training, or study. □� They accompanied him during his exercise periods.

6 N‑COUNT At a school or college, a period is one of the parts that the day is divided into during which lessons or other activities take place. □�[+�of ] �periods of private study.

7 N‑COUNT When a woman has a period , she bleeds from her womb. This usually happens once a month, unless she is pregnant.

8 ADV Some people say period after stating a fact or opinion when they want to emphasize that they are definite about something and do not want to discuss it further. [EMPHASIS ] □� I don't want to do it, period.

9 N‑COUNT A period is the punctuation mark (.) which you use at the end of a sentence when it is not a question or an exclamation. [AM ] in BRIT, use full stop SYNONYMS period NOUN 1

time:By this time he was thirty.

term:Premiums are guaranteed throughout the term of the policy.

stretch:�after an 18-month stretch in the army.

phase:The crisis is entering a crucial, critical phase.

pe|ri|od|ic /p I ə riɒ d I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Periodic events or situations happen occasionally, at fairly regular intervals. □� �periodic bouts of illness.

pe|ri|odi|cal /p I ə riɒ d I k ə l/ (periodicals )

1 N‑COUNT Periodicals are magazines, especially serious or academic ones, that are published at regular intervals. □� The walls would be lined with books and periodicals.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Periodical events or situations happen occasionally, at fairly regular intervals. □� She made periodical visits to her dentist. ●� pe|ri|odi|cal|ly /p I ə riɒ d I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Meetings are held periodically to monitor progress on the case.

pe |ri|od|ic ta |ble N‑SING In chemistry, the periodic table is a table showing the chemical elements arranged according to their atomic numbers.

perio|don|tal /pe rioʊdɒ nt ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Periodontal disease is disease of the gums. [TECHNICAL ]

pe |ri|od pain (period pains ) N‑VAR Period pain is the pain that some women have when they have a monthly period.

pe |ri|od piece (period pieces ) N‑COUNT A period piece is a play, book, or film that is set at a particular time in history and describes life at that time.

peri|pa|tet|ic /pe r I pəte t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a peripatetic life or career, they travel around a lot, living or working in places for short periods of time. [FORMAL ] □� Her father was in the army and the family led a peripatetic existence.

pe|riph|er|al /pər I fərəl/ (peripherals )

1 ADJ A peripheral activity or issue is one which is not very important compared with other activities or issues. □� Companies are increasingly keen to contract out peripheral activities like training. □�[+�to ] Science is peripheral to that debate. ●� pe|riph|er|al|ly ADV □� The Marshall Plan did not include Britain, except peripherally.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Peripheral areas of land are ones which are on the edge of a larger area. □� �urban development in the outer peripheral areas of large towns.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft N n] Peripherals are devices that can be attached to computers. [COMPUTING ] □� �peripherals to expand the use of our computers.

pe|riph|ery /pər I fəri/ (peripheries )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] If something is on the periphery of an area, place, or thing, it is on the edge of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Geographically, the U.K. is on the periphery of Europe, while Paris is at the heart of the continent.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The periphery of a subject or area of interest is the part of it that is not considered to be as important or basic as the main part. □�[+�of ] The sociological study of religion moved from the centre to the periphery of sociology.

peri|scope /pe r I skoʊp/ (periscopes ) N‑COUNT A periscope is a vertical tube which people inside submarines can look through to see above the surface of the water.

per|ish /pe r I ʃ/ (perishes , perishing , perished )

1 VERB If people or animals perish , they die as a result of very harsh conditions or as the result of an accident. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] Most of the butterflies perish in the first frosts of autumn.

2 VERB If a substance or material perishes , it starts to fall to pieces and becomes useless. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V ] Their tyres are slowly perishing. ●� per|ished ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �tattered pieces of ancient, perished leather.

per|ish|able /pe r I ʃəb ə l/ ADJ Goods such as food that are perishable go bad after quite a short length of time. □� �perishable food like fruit, vegetables and meat.

per|ished /pe r I ʃt/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is perished , they are extremely cold. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I was absolutely perished.

2 →�see also perish

peri|to|ni|tis /pe r I təna I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Peritonitis is a disease in which the inside wall of your abdomen becomes swollen and very painful. [MEDICAL ]

peri|win|kle /pe riw I ŋk ə l/ (periwinkles )

1 N‑VAR Periwinkle is a plant that grows along the ground and has blue flowers.

2 N‑COUNT Periwinkles are small sea snails that can be eaten.

per|jure /pɜː r dʒə r / (perjures , perjuring , perjured ) VERB If someone perjuresthemselves in a court of law, they lie, even though they have promised to tell the truth. □�[V pron-refl] Witnesses lied and perjured themselves.

per|jured /pɜː r dʒə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In a court of law, perjured evidence or perjured testimony is a false statement of events. □� �information that was based on perjured testimony.

per|jury /pɜː r dʒəri/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone who is giving evidence in a court of law commits perjury , they lie. [LEGAL ] □� This witness has committed perjury and no reliance can be placed on her evidence.

perk /pɜː r k/ (perks , perking , perked ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Perks are special benefits that are given to people who have a particular job or belong to a particular group. □� �a company car, private medical insurance and other perks. □� One of the perks of being a student is cheap travel.

▸� perk up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something perks you up or if you perk up , you become cheerful and lively, after feeling tired, bored, or depressed. □�[V P ] He perks up and jokes with them. □�[V n P ] �suggestions to make you smile and perk you up. [Also V P n (not pron)]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you perk something up , you make it more interesting. □�[V n P ] To make the bland taste more interesting, the locals began perking it up with local produce. □�[V P n] Psychological twists perk up an otherwise predictable storyline.

3 PHRASAL VERB If sales, prices, or economies perk up , or if something perks them up , they begin to increase or improve. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V P ] House prices could perk up during the autumn. □�[V P n] Anything that could save the company money and perk up its cash flow was examined. [Also V n P ]

perky /pɜː r ki/ (perkier , perkiest ) ADJ If someone is perky , they are cheerful and lively. □� He wasn't quite as perky as normal.

perm /pɜː r m/ (perms , perming , permed )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a perm , your hair is curled and treated with chemicals so that it stays curly for several months. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use permanent2 VERB When a hair stylist perms someone's hair, they curl it and treat it with chemicals so that it stays curly for several months. □�[have n V -ed] She had her hair permed. ●� permed ADJ □� �dry, damaged or permed hair.

per|ma|frost /pɜː r məfrɒst/ N‑UNCOUNT Permafrost is land that is permanently frozen to a great depth.

per|ma|nent ◆◇◇ /pɜː r mənənt/ (permanents )

1 ADJ Something that is permanent lasts for ever. □� Heavy drinking can cause permanent damage to the brain. □� The ban is intended to be permanent. ●� per|ma|nent|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� His reason had been permanently affected by what he had witnessed. ●� per|ma|nence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Anything which threatens the permanence of the treaty is a threat to peace.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use permanent to describe situations or states that keep occurring or which seem to exist all the time; used especially to describe problems or difficulties. □� �a permanent state of tension. □� They feel under permanent threat. ●� per|ma|nent|ly ADV □� �the heavy, permanently locked gate.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A permanent employee is one who is employed for an unlimited length of time. □� �a permanent job. ●� per|ma|nent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �permanently employed registered dockers.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Your permanent home or your permanent address is the one at which you spend most of your time or the one that you return to after having stayed in other places. □� York Cottage was as near to a permanent home as the children knew.

5 N‑COUNT A permanent is a treatment where a hair stylist curls your hair and treats it with a chemical so that it stays curly for several months. [AM ] in BRIT, use perm SYNONYMS permanent ADJ 1

lasting:We are well on our way to a lasting peace.

enduring:�the start of an enduring friendship.

eternal:�the quest for eternal youth.

everlasting:�a message of peace and everlasting life.

pe r|ma|nent wa ve (permanent waves ) N‑COUNT A permanent wave is the same as a perm . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

per|me|able /pɜː r miəb ə l/ ADJ If a substance is permeable , something such as water or gas can pass through it or soak into it. □�[+�to ] A number of products have been developed which are permeable to air and water.

per|me|ate /pɜː r mie I t/ (permeates , permeating , permeated )

1 VERB If an idea, feeling, or attitude permeates a system or permeates society, it affects every part of it or is present throughout it. □�[V n] Bias against women permeates every level of the judicial system. □�[V +�through ] An obvious change of attitude at the top will permeate through the system.

2 VERB If something permeates a place, it spreads throughout it. □�[V n] The smell of roast chicken permeated the air. □�[V +�through ] Eventually, the water will permeate through the surrounding concrete.

per|mis|sible /pə r m I səb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is permissible , it is considered to be acceptable because it does not break any laws or rules. □� Religious practices are permissible under the Constitution.

per|mis|sion ◆◇◇ /pə r m I ʃ ə n/ (permissions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to-inf] If someone who has authority over you gives you permissionto do something, they say that they will allow you to do it. □� He asked permission to leave the room. □�[+�for ] Finally his mother relented and gave permission for her youngest son to marry. □� They cannot leave the country without permission.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A permission is a formal, written statement from an official group or place allowing you to do something. □� �oil exploration permissions.

3 →�see also planning permission COLLOCATIONS permission NOUN 1

adjective +�permission : express, prior, special; parental, written

verb +�permission : give, grant, refuse; ask, need, obtain, seek

per|mis|sive /pə r m I s I v/ ADJ A permissive person, society, or way of behaving allows or tolerates things which other people disapprove of. □� �the permissive tolerance of the 1960s. ●� per|mis|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Permissiveness and democracy go together.

per|mit ◆◇◇ (permits , permitting , permitted ) The verb is pronounced /pə r m I t/. The noun is pronounced /pɜː r m I t/. 1 VERB If someone permits something, they allow it to happen. If they permit you to do something, they allow you to do it. [FORMAL , WRITTEN , FORMAL ] □�[V n] He can let the court's decision stand and permit the execution. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Employees are permitted to use the golf course during their free hours. □�[be V -ed +�into ] No outside journalists have been permitted into the country. □�[V n n] If they appear to be under 12, then the doorman is not allowed to permit them entry to the film.

2 N‑COUNT A permit is an official document which says that you may do something. For example you usually need a permit to work in a foreign country. □� The majority of foreign nationals working here have work permits.

3 VERB If a situation permits something, it makes it possible for that thing to exist, happen, or be done or it provides the opportunity for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He sets about creating an environment that doesn't just permit experiment, it encourages it. □�[V ] Try to go out for a walk at lunchtime, if the weather permits. □�[V n to-inf] This method of cooking also permits heat to penetrate evenly from both sides. [Also V +�of ]

4 VERB If you permityourself something, you allow yourself to do something that you do not normally do or that you think you probably should not do. □�[V pron-refl n] Captain Bowen permitted himself one cigar a day. □�[V pron-refl to-inf] Only once in his life had Douglas permitted himself to lose control of his emotions.

5 PHRASE You can use permit me when you are about to say something or to make a suggestion. [FORMAL , POLITENESS ] □� Permit me to give you some advice.

per|mu|ta|tion /pɜː r mjuːte I ʃ ə n/ (permutations ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A permutation is one of the ways in which a number of things can be ordered or arranged. □�[+�of ] Variation among humans is limited to the possible permutations of our genes.

per|ni|cious /pə r n I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe something as pernicious , you mean that it is very harmful. [FORMAL ] □� I did what I could, but her mother's influence was pernicious.

per|ni |cious anae mia also pernicious anemia N‑UNCOUNT Pernicious anaemia is a very severe blood disease.

per|nick|ety /pə r n I k I ti/ ADJ If you describe someone as pernickety , you think that they pay too much attention to small, unimportant details. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] Customs officials can get extremely pernickety about things like that. in AM, use persnickety

pero|ra|tion /pe rəre I ʃ ə n/ (perorations )

1 N‑COUNT A peroration is the last part of a speech, especially the part where the speaker sums up his or her argument. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT If someone describes a speech as a peroration , they mean that they dislike it because they think it is very long and not worth listening to. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

per|ox|ide /pərɒ ksa I d/ (peroxides )

1 N‑VAR Peroxide is a chemical that is often used for making hair lighter in colour. It can also be used to kill germs.

2 →�see also hydrogen peroxide

per|o x|ide blonde (peroxide blondes ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a woman whose hair has been artificially been made lighter in colour as a peroxide blonde , especially when you want to show that you disapprove of this, or that you think her hair looks unnatural or unattractive.

per|pen|dicu|lar /pɜː r pənd I kjʊlə r /

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A perpendicular line or surface points straight up, rather than being sloping or horizontal. □� We made two slits for the eyes and a perpendicular line for the nose. □� The sides of the loch are almost perpendicular.

2 ADJ If one thing is perpendicularto another, it is at an angle of 90 degrees to it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] The left wing dipped until it was perpendicular to the ground.

per|pe|trate /pɜː r p I tre I t/ (perpetrates , perpetrating , perpetrated ) VERB If someone perpetrates a crime or any other immoral or harmful act, they do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] A high proportion of crime in any country is perpetrated by young males. ●� per|pe|tra|tion /pɜː r p I tre I ʃ ə n/ N‑SING □�[+�of ] �a very small minority who persist in the perpetration of these crimes. ●� per|pe|tra|tor (perpetrators ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] The perpetrator of this crime must be traced.

per|pet|ual /pə r pe tʃuəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A perpetual feeling, state, or quality is one that never ends or changes. □� �the creation of a perpetual union. ●� per|pet|ual|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They were all perpetually starving.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A perpetual act, situation, or state is one that happens again and again and so seems never to end. □� I thought her perpetual complaints were going to prove too much for me. ●� per|pet|ual|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He perpetually interferes in political affairs.

per|pe t|ual mo |tion also perpetual-motion N‑UNCOUNT The idea of perpetual motion is the idea of something continuing to move for ever without getting energy from anything else.

per|petu|ate /pə r pe tʃue I t/ (perpetuates , perpetuating , perpetuated ) VERB If someone or something perpetuates a situation, system, or belief, especially a bad one, they cause it to continue. □�[V n] We must not perpetuate the religious divisions of the past. □�[V -ed] This image is a myth perpetuated by the media. ●� per|petua|tion /pə r pe tʃue I ʃ ə n/ N‑SING □�[+�of ] The perpetuation of nuclear deployments is morally unacceptable.

per|pe|tu|ity /pɜː r p I tjuː I ti/ PHRASE If something is done in perpetuity , it is intended to last for ever. [FORMAL ] □� The U.S. Government gave the land to the tribe in perpetuity.

per|plex /pə r ple ks/ (perplexes , perplexing , perplexed ) VERB If something perplexes you, it confuses and worries you because you do not understand it or because it causes you difficulty. □�[V n] It perplexed him because he was tackling it the wrong way.

per|plexed /pə r ple kst/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are perplexed , you feel confused and slightly worried by something because you do not understand it. □�[+�about ] She is perplexed about what to do for her daughter.

per|plex|ing /pə r ple ks I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you find something perplexing , you do not understand it or do not know how to deal with it. □� It took years to understand many perplexing diseases.

per|plex|ity /pə r ple ks I ti/ (perplexities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Perplexity is a feeling of being confused and frustrated because you do not understand something. □� He began counting them and then, with growing perplexity, counted them a second time.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The perplexities of something are those things about it which are difficult to understand because they are complicated. □�[+�of ] �the perplexities of quantum mechanics.

per|qui|site /pɜː r kw I z I t/ (perquisites ) N‑COUNT A perquisite is the same as a perk . [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �cost-free long-distance calls, a perquisite of her employment.

per se /pɜː r se I / ADV Per se means 'by itself' or 'in itself', and is used when you are talking about the qualities of one thing considered on its own, rather than in connection with other things. □� It is not the money per se that makes them unhappy, but the single-minded pursuit of that money.

per|secute /pɜː r s I kjuːt/ (persecutes , persecuting , persecuted )

1 VERB If someone ispersecuted , they are treated cruelly and unfairly, often because of their race or beliefs. □�[be V -ed] Mr Weaver and his family have been persecuted by the authorities for their beliefs. □�[V n] They began by brutally persecuting the Catholic Church. □�[V -ed] �a persecuted minority.

2 VERB If you say that someone ispersecuting you, you mean that they are deliberately making your life difficult. □�[V n] Local boys constantly persecuted him, throwing stones at his windows.

per|secu|tion /pɜː r s I kjuː ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Persecution is cruel and unfair treatment of a person or group, especially because of their religious or political beliefs, or their race. □� �the persecution of minorities. □� �victims of political persecution.

per|secu|tor /pɜː r s I kjuːtə r / (persecutors ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The persecutors of a person or group treat them cruelly and unfairly, especially because of their religious or political beliefs, or their race.

per|sever|ance /pɜː r s I v I ə rəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Perseverance is the quality of continuing with something even though it is difficult.

per|severe /pɜː r s I v I ə r / (perseveres , persevering , persevered ) VERB If you perseverewith something, you keep trying to do it and do not give up, even though it is difficult. □�[V ] �his ability to persevere despite obstacles and setbacks. □�[V +�with ] �a school with a reputation for persevering with difficult and disruptive children. □�[V prep] She persevered in her idea despite obvious objections raised by friends. ●� per|sever|ing ADJ □� He is a persevering, approachable family man.

Per|sian /pɜː r ʒ ə n/ (Persians )

1 ADJ Something that is Persian belongs or relates to the ancient kingdom of Persia, or sometimes to the modern state of Iran.

2 N‑COUNT Persians were the people who came from the ancient kingdom of Persia.

3 ADJ Persian carpets and rugs traditionally come from Iran. They are made by hand from silk or wool and usually have patterns in deep colours.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Persian is the language that is spoken in Iran, and was spoken in the ancient Persian empire.

Pe r|sian Gu lf N‑PROPER ThePersian Gulf is the area of sea between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

per|sim|mon /pɜː r s I mən/ (persimmons ) N‑COUNT A persimmon is a soft, orange fruit that looks rather like a large tomato. Persimmons grow on trees in hot countries.

per|sist /pə r s I st/ (persists , persisting , persisted )

1 VERB If something undesirable persists , it continues to exist. □�[V ] Contact your doctor if the cough persists. □�[V ] These problems persisted for much of the decade.

2 VERB If you persistin doing something, you continue to do it, even though it is difficult or other people are against it. □�[V +�in ] Why does Britain persist in running down its defence forces? □�[V +�with/in ] He urged the United States to persist with its efforts to bring about peace. □�[V with quote] 'You haven't answered me,' she persisted. □�[V ] When I set my mind to something, I persist.

per|sis|tence /pə r s I stəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have persistence , you continue to do something even though it is difficult or other people are against it. □� Skill comes only with practice, patience and persistence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thepersistenceof something, especially something bad, is the fact of its continuing to exist for a long time. □�[+�of ] �an expression of concern at the persistence of inflation and high interest rates.

per|sis|tent /pə r s I stənt/

1 ADJ Something that is persistent continues to exist or happen for a long time; used especially about bad or undesirable states or situations. □� His cough grew more persistent until it never stopped. □� Shoppers picked their way through puddles caused by persistent rain.

2 ADJ Someone who is persistent continues trying to do something, even though it is difficult or other people are against it. □� �a persistent critic of the government's transport policies.

per|sis|tent|ly /pə r s I stəntli/

1 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] If something happens persistently , it happens again and again or for a long time. □� The allegations have been persistently denied by ministers.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If someone does something persistently , they do it with determination even though it is difficult or other people are against it. □� Rachel gently but persistently imposed her will upon Douglas.

per|si s|tent ve g|eta|tive sta te (persistent vegetative states ) N‑COUNT If someone is in a persistent vegetative state , they are unable to think, speak, or move because they have severe brain damage, and their condition is not likely to improve. [MEDICAL ]

per|snick|ety /pə r sn I k I ti/ ADJ If you describe someone as persnickety , you think that they pay too much attention to small, unimportant details. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is a very rigorous man, very persnickety. in BRIT, use pernickety

per|son ◆◆◆ /pɜː r s ə n/ (people , persons ) The usual word for 'more than one person' is people . The form persons is used as the plural in formal or legal language. 1 N‑COUNT A person is a man, woman, or child. □� At least one person died and several others were injured. □� Everyone knows he's the only person who can do the job. □� The amount of sleep we need varies from person to person.

2 N‑PLURAL Persons is used as the plural of person in formal, legal, and technical writing. □� �removal of the right of accused persons to remain silent.

3 N‑COUNT If you talk about someone as a person , you are considering them from the point of view of their real nature. □� Robin didn't feel good about herself as a person.

4 N‑COUNT If someone says, for example, ' I'm an outdoor person ' or ' I'm not a coffee person ', they are saying whether or not they like that particular activity or thing. [mainly SPOKEN ] □� I am not a country person at all. I prefer the cities.

5 PHRASE If you do something in person , you do it yourself rather than letting someone else do it for you. □� She went to New York to receive the award in person.

6 PHRASE If you meet, hear, or see someone in person , you are in the same place as them, rather than, for example, speaking to them on the phone, writing to them, or seeing them on television. □� It was the first time she had seen him in person.

7 N‑COUNT Your person is your body. [FORMAL ] □� The suspect had carried no documents on his person.

8 PHRASE You can use in the person of when mentioning the name of someone you have just referred to in a more general or indirect way. [WRITTEN ] □� We had a knowledgeable guide in the person of George Adams.

9 N‑COUNT In grammar, we use the term first person when referring to 'I' and 'we', second person when referring to 'you', and third person when referring to 'he', 'she', 'it', 'they', and all other noun groups. Person is also used like this when referring to the verb forms that go with these pronouns and noun groups.

10 →�see also first person , second person , third person

-person /-pɜː r s ə n/ (-people or -persons )

1 COMB [ADJ n] -person is added to numbers to form adjectives which indicate how many people are involved in something or can use something. People is not used in this way. □� �two-person households. □� �the spa's 32-person staff. □� �his 1971 one-person exhibition.

2 COMB -person is added to nouns to form nouns which refer to someone who does a particular job or is in a particular group. -person is used by people who do not want to use a term which indicates whether someone is a man or a woman. -people can also be used in this way. □� She was chairperson of the school governors. □� He had a staff of six salespeople working for him.

per|so|na /pə r soʊ nə/ (personas or personae /pə r soʊ na I /)

1 N‑COUNT Someone's persona is the aspect of their character or nature that they present to other people, perhaps in contrast to their real character or nature. [FORMAL ] □� �the contradictions between her private life and the public persona.

2 →�see also persona non grata

per|son|able /pɜː r sənəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is personable has a pleasant appearance and character. [APPROVAL ] □� The people I met were intelligent, mature, personable.

per|son|age /pɜː r sən I dʒ/ (personages )

1 N‑COUNT A personage is a famous or important person. [FORMAL ] □� �MPs, film stars and other important personages.

2 N‑COUNT A personage is a character in a play or book, or in history. [FORMAL ] □� There is no evidence for such a historical personage.

per|son|al ◆◆◇ /pɜː r sən ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A personal opinion, quality, or thing belongs or relates to one particular person rather than to other people. □� He learned this lesson the hard way�from his own personal experience. □� That's my personal opinion. □� �books, furniture, and other personal belongings. □� �an estimated personal fortune of almost seventy million dollars.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you give something your personal care or attention, you deal with it yourself rather than letting someone else deal with it. □� �a business that requires a great deal of personal contact. □� �a personal letter from the President's secretary.

3 ADJ Personal matters relate to your feelings, relationships, and health. □� �teaching young people about marriage and personal relationships. □� You never allow personal problems to affect your performance.

4 ADJ Personal comments refer to someone's appearance or character in an offensive way. □� Newspapers resorted to personal abuse.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Personal care involves looking after your body and appearance. □� �men who take as much trouble over personal hygiene as women.

6 ADJ A personal relationship is one that is not connected with your job or public life. □� He was a personal friend whom I've known for many years.

7 →�see also personals

pe r|son|al as|si s|tant (personal assistants ) N‑COUNT A personal assistant is a person who does office work and administrative work for someone. The abbreviation PA is also used. [BUSINESS ]

pe r|son|al be st (personal bests ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A sports player's personal best is the highest score or fastest time that they have ever achieved. □�[+�of ] She ran a personal best of 13.01 sec.

pe r|son|al col|umn (personal columns ) N‑COUNT The personal column in a newspaper or magazine contains messages for individual people and advertisements of a private nature. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use personals

pe r|son|al com|pu t|er (personal computers ) N‑COUNT A personal computer is a computer that is used by one person at a time in a business, a school, or at home. The abbreviation PC is also used.

per|son|al|ity ◆◇◇ /pɜː r sən� l I ti/ (personalities )

1 N‑VAR Your personality is your whole character and nature. □� She has such a kind, friendly personality. □� Through sheer force of personality Hugh Trenchard had got his way. □� The contest was as much about personalities as it was about politics.

2 N‑VAR If someone has personality or is a personality , they have a strong and lively character. □� �a woman of great personality. □� He is such a personality�he is so funny.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a famous person, especially in entertainment, broadcasting, or sport, as a personality . □� She is one of the country's most highly paid television personalities. SYNONYMS personality NOUN 1

character:Perhaps there is a negative side to his character that you haven't seen yet.

temperament:His impulsive temperament regularly got him into difficulties.

nature:She trusted people. That was her nature.

identity:I wanted a sense of my own identity.

per|son|al|ize /pɜː r sən ə la I z/ (personalizes , personalizing , personalized ) in BRIT, also use personalise1 VERB [usu passive] If an object is personalized , it is marked with the name or initials of its owner. □�[be V -ed] The clock has easy-to-read numbers and is personalised with the child's name and birth date. ●� per|son|al|ized ADJ [ADJ n] □� �a Rolls-Royce with a personalised number plate.

2 VERB If you personalize something, you do or design it specially according to the needs of an individual or to your own needs. □�[V n] Personalising your car has never been cheaper. □�[V -ed] �an ideal centre for professional men or women who need intensive, personalised French courses.

3 VERB If you personalize an argument, discussion, idea, or issue, you consider it from the point of view of individual people and their characters or relationships, rather than considering the facts in a general or abstract way. □�[V n] Women tend to personalise rejection more than men. □�[V -ed] The contest has become personalised, if not bitter. [Also V ]

per|son|al|ly ◆◇◇ /pɜː r sənəli/

1 ADV You use personally to emphasize that you are giving your own opinion. [EMPHASIS ] □� Personally I think it's a waste of time. □� I personally would welcome it.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something personally , you do it yourself rather than letting someone else do it. □� The minister is returning to Paris to answer the allegations personally. □� When the great man arrived, the club's manager personally escorted him upstairs.

3 ADV [ADV with v] If you meet or know someone personally , you meet or know them in real life, rather than knowing about them or knowing their work. □� He did not know them personally, but he was familiar with their reputation.

4 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] You can use personally to say that something refers to an individual person rather than to other people. □� He was personally responsible for all that the people had suffered under his rule. □� In order for me to spend three months on something, it has to interest me personally.

5 ADV You can use personally to show that you are talking about someone's private life rather than their professional or public life. □� This has taken a great toll on me personally and professionally.

6 PHRASE If you take someone's remarks personally , you are upset because you think that they are criticizing you in particular. □� Remember, stick to the issues and don't take it personally.

pe r|son|al o r|gan|iz|er (personal organizers ) in BRIT, also use personal organiser N‑COUNT A personal organizer is a book containing personal or business information, which you can add pages to or remove pages from to keep the information up to date. Small computers with a similar function are also called personal organizers .

pe r|son|al pro |noun (personal pronouns ) N‑COUNT A personal pronoun is a pronoun such as 'I', 'you', 'she', or 'they' which is used to refer to the speaker or the person spoken to, or to a person or thing whose identity is clear, usually because they have already been mentioned.

per|son|als /pɜː r sən ə ls/ N‑PLURAL The section in a newspaper or magazine which contains messages for individual people and advertisements of a private nature is called thepersonals . [AM ] in BRIT, usually use personal column

pe r|son|al spa ce

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] If someone invades your personal space , they stand or lean too close to you, so that you feel uncomfortable.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] If you need your personal space , you need time on your own, with the freedom to do something that you want to do or to think about something. □� Self-confidence means being relaxed enough to allow your lover their personal space.

pe r|son|al ste |reo (personal stereos ) N‑COUNT A personal stereo is a small cassette or CD player with very light headphones, which people carry round so that they can listen to music while doing something else.

per|so|na non gra|ta /pə r soʊ nə nɒn grɑː tə/ (personae non gratae ) PHRASE If someone becomes or is declared persona non grata , they become unwelcome or unacceptable because of something they have said or done. □� The government has declared the French ambassador persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country.

per|soni|fi|ca|tion /pə r sɒ n I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑SING If you say that someone is thepersonificationof a particular thing or quality, you mean that they are a perfect example of that thing or that they have a lot of that quality. □�[+�of ] He was usually the personification of kindness.

per|soni|fy /pə r sɒ n I fa I / (personifies , personifying , personified ) VERB If you say that someone personifies a particular thing or quality, you mean that they seem to be a perfect example of that thing, or to have that quality to a very large degree. □�[V n] She seemed to personify goodness and nobility. □�[V -ed] On other occasions she can be charm personified.

per|son|nel ◆◇◇ /pɜː r səne l/

1 N‑PLURAL [oft N n] The personnel of an organization are the people who work for it. □� Since 1954 Japan has never dispatched military personnel abroad. □� There has been very little renewal of personnel in higher education.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Personnel is the department in a large company or organization that deals with employees, keeps their records, and helps with any problems they might have. [BUSINESS ] □� Her first job was in personnel.

pe rson-to-pe rson ADJ If you make a person-to-person call, you say that you want to talk to one person in particular. If that person cannot come to the phone, you do not have to pay for the call. [FORMAL ]

per|spec|tive ◆◇◇ /pə r spe kt I v/ (perspectives )

1 N‑COUNT A particular perspective is a particular way of thinking about something, especially one that is influenced by your beliefs or experiences. □�[+�on ] He says the death of his father 18 months ago has given him a new perspective on life. □�[+�of ] Most literature on the subject of immigrants in France has been written from the perspective of the French themselves. □� I would like to offer a historical perspective.

2 PHRASE If you get something in perspective or into perspective , you judge its real importance by considering it in relation to everything else. If you get something out of perspective , you fail to judge its real importance in relation to everything else. □� Remember to keep things in perspective. □� It helps to put their personal problems into perspective. □� I let things get out of perspective.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Perspective is the art of making some objects or people in a picture look further away than others. SYNONYMS perspective NOUN 1

outlook:The illness had a profound effect on his outlook.

attitude:�the general change in attitude towards people with disabilities.

angle:He was considering the idea from all angles.

per|spex /pɜː r speks/ also Perspex N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Perspex is a strong clear plastic which is sometimes used instead of glass. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ]

per|spi|ca|cious /pɜː r sp I ke I ʃəs/ ADJ Someone who is perspicacious notices, realizes, and understands things quickly. [FORMAL ] □� �one of the most perspicacious and perceptive historians of that period. ●� per|spi|cac|ity /pɜː r sp I k� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Channel 4's overseas buyers have foreseen the audience demand with their usual perspicacity.

per|spi|ra|tion /pɜː r sp I re I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Perspiration is the liquid which comes out on the surface of your skin when you are hot or frightened. [FORMAL ] □� His hands were wet with perspiration.

per|spire /pə r spa I ə r / (perspires , perspiring , perspired ) VERB When you perspire , a liquid comes out on the surface of your skin, because you are hot or frightened. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] He began to perspire heavily. □�[V -ing] �mopping their perspiring brows.

per|suade ◆◇◇ /pə r swe I d/ (persuades , persuading , persuaded )

1 VERB If you persuade someone to do something, you cause them to do it by giving them good reasons for doing it. □�[V n to-inf] My partner persuaded me to come. □�[V n to-inf, be V -ed] They were eventually persuaded by the police to give themselves up. [Also V n +�into , V n] ●� per|suad|er (persuaders ) N‑COUNT □� All great persuaders and salesmen are the same.

2 VERB If something persuades someone to take a particular course of action, it causes them to take that course of action because it is a good reason for doing so. □�[V n to-inf] The Conservative Party's victory in April's general election persuaded him to run for President again.

3 VERB If you persuade someone that something is true, you say things that eventually make them believe that it is true. □�[V n that] I've persuaded Mrs Tennant that it's time she retired. □�[V n +�of ] Derek persuaded me of the feasibility of the idea. ●� per|suad|ed ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] □�[+�of ] He is not persuaded of the need for electoral reform.

per|sua|sion /pə r swe I ʒ ə n/ (persuasions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Persuasion is the act of persuading someone to do something or to believe that something is true. □� She was using all her powers of persuasion to induce the Griffins to remain in Rollway.

2 N‑COUNT If you are of a particular persuasion , you have a particular belief or set of beliefs. [FORMAL ] □� It is a national movement and has within it people of all political persuasions.

per|sua|sive /pə r swe I s I v/ ADJ Someone or something that is persuasive is likely to persuade a person to believe or do a particular thing. □� What do you think were some of the more persuasive arguments on the other side? □� I can be very persuasive when I want to be. ●� per|sua|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �a trained lawyer who can present arguments persuasively. ●� per|sua|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He has the personality and the persuasiveness to make you change your mind.

pert /pɜː r t/

1 ADJ If someone describes a young woman as pert , they mean that they like her because she is lively and not afraid to say what she thinks. This use could cause offence. □� �a pert redhead in uniform. □� �pert replies by servant girls.

2 ADJ If you say that someone has, for example, a pert bottom or nose, you mean that it is quite small and neat, and you think it is attractive. [APPROVAL ]

per|tain /pə r te I n/ (pertains , pertaining , pertained ) VERB If one thing pertainsto another, it relates, belongs, or applies to it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] �matters pertaining to naval district defense. [Also V ]

per|ti|na|cious /pɜː r t I ne I ʃəs/ ADJ Someone who is pertinacious continues trying to do something difficult rather than giving up quickly. [FORMAL ]

per|ti|nent /pɜː r t I nənt/ ADJ Something that is pertinent is relevant to a particular subject. [FORMAL ] □� She had asked some pertinent questions. □�[+�to ] �knowledge and skills pertinent to classroom teaching.

per|turb /pə r tɜː r b/ (perturbs , perturbing , perturbed )

1 VERB If something perturbs you, it worries you quite a lot. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] What perturbs me is that magazine articles are so much shorter nowadays.

2 →�see also perturbed

per|tur|ba|tion /pɜː r tə r be I ʃ ə n/ (perturbations )

1 N‑VAR A perturbation is a small change in the movement, quality, or behaviour of something, especially an unusual change. [TECHNICAL ] □�[+�in ] �perturbations in Jupiter's gravitational field.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Perturbation is worry caused by some event. [FORMAL ] □� Agatha went up to her mistress in a state of great perturbation.

per|turbed /pə r tɜː r bd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If someone is perturbedby something, they are worried by it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�by/at ] He apparently was not perturbed by the prospect of a police officer coming to call.

per|tus|sis /pə r tʌ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Pertussis is the medical term for whooping cough .

pe|rus|al /pəruː z ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Perusalof something such as a letter, article, or document is the action of reading it. [FORMAL ] □� Peter Cooke undertook to send each of us a sample contract for perusal.

pe|ruse /pə r uː z/ (peruses , perusing , perused ) VERB If you peruse something such as a letter, article, or document, you read it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We perused the company's financial statements for the past five years.

Pe|ru|vian /pəruː viən/ (Peruvians ) ADJ Peruvian means belonging or related to Peru, or to its people or culture. ●�N‑COUNT A Peruvian is someone who is Peruvian.

per|vade /pə r ve I d/ (pervades , pervading , pervaded ) VERB If something pervades a place or thing, it is a noticeable feature throughout it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The smell of sawdust and glue pervaded the factory. □�[V -ing] Throughout the book there is a pervading sense of menace.

per|va|sive /pə r ve I s I v/ ADJ Something, especially something bad, that is pervasive is present or felt throughout a place or thing. [FORMAL ] □� �the pervasive influence of the army in national life. ●� per|va|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the pervasiveness of computer technology.

per|verse /pə r vɜː r s/ ADJ Someone who is perverse deliberately does things that are unreasonable or that result in harm for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It would be perverse to stop this healthy trend. □� In some perverse way the ill-matched partners do actually need each other. ●� per|verse|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She was perversely pleased to be causing trouble.

per|ver|sion /pə r vɜː r ʃ ə n, -ʒ ə n/ (perversions )

1 N‑VAR You can refer to a sexual desire or action that you consider to be abnormal and unacceptable as a perversion . [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑VAR A perversionof something is a form of it that is bad or wrong, or the changing of it into this form. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] He condemned the trade as morally repugnant and a perversion of natural justice.

per|vert (perverts , perverting , perverted ) The verb is pronounced /pə r vɜː r t/. The noun is pronounced /pɜː r vɜː r t/. 1 VERB If you pervert something such as a process or society, you interfere with it so that it is not as good as it used to be or as it should be. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Any reform will destroy and pervert our constitution.

2 PHRASE If someone perverts the course of justice , they deliberately do something that will make it difficult to discover who really committed a particular crime, for example, destroying evidence or lying to the police. [LEGAL ] □� He was charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a pervert , you mean that you consider their behaviour, especially their sexual behaviour, to be immoral or unacceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ]

per|vert|ed /pə r vɜː r t I d/

1 ADJ If you say that someone is perverted , you mean that you consider their behaviour, especially their sexual behaviour, to be immoral or unacceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You've been protecting sick and perverted men.

2 ADJ You can use perverted to describe actions or ideas which you think are wrong, unnatural, or harmful. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a perverted form of knowledge.

pe|seta /pəse I tə/ (pesetas ) N‑COUNT The peseta was the unit of money that was used in Spain. In 2002 it was replaced by the euro.

pesky /pe ski/ ADJ [ADJ n] Pesky means irritating. [INFORMAL ] □� �as if he were a pesky tourist asking silly questions of a busy man.

peso /pe I soʊ/ (pesos ) N‑COUNT The peso is the unit of money that is used in Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Philippines, and Uruguay.

pes|sa|ry /pe səri/ (pessaries )

1 N‑COUNT A pessary is a small block of a medicine or a contraceptive chemical that a woman puts in her vagina.

2 N‑COUNT A pessary is a device that is put in a woman's vagina to support her womb.

pes|si|mism /pe s I m I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Pessimism is the belief that bad things are going to happen. □�[+�about/over ] �universal pessimism about the economy. □� My first reaction was one of deep pessimism.

pes|si|mist /pe s I m I st/ (pessimists ) N‑COUNT A pessimist is someone who thinks that bad things are going to happen. □� I'm a natural pessimist; I usually expect the worst.

pes|si|mis|tic /pe s I m I st I k/ ADJ Someone who is pessimistic thinks that bad things are going to happen. □�[+�about ] Not everyone is so pessimistic about the future. □� Hardy has often been criticised for an excessively pessimistic view of life. ●� pes|si|mis|ti|cal|ly /pe s I m I st I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'But it'll not happen,' she concluded pessimistically.

pest /pe st/ (pests )

1 N‑COUNT Pests are insects or small animals which damage crops or food supplies. □� �crops which are resistant to some of the major insect pests and diseases. □� �new and innovative methods of pest control.

2 N‑COUNT You can describe someone, especially a child, as a pest if they keep bothering you. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He climbed on the table, pulled my hair, and was generally a pest.

pes|ter /pe stə r / (pesters , pestering , pestered ) VERB If you say that someone is pestering you, you mean that they keep asking you to do something, or keep talking to you, and you find this annoying. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] I thought she'd stop pestering me, but it only seemed to make her worse. □�[V n prep] I know he gets fed up with people pestering him for money. □�[V n to-inf] �that creep who's been pestering you to go out with him. [Also V ]

pes|ti|cide /pe st I sa I d/ (pesticides ) N‑VAR Pesticides are chemicals which farmers put on their crops to kill harmful insects.

pes|ti|lence /pe st I ləns/ (pestilences ) N‑VAR Pestilence is any disease that spreads quickly and kills large numbers of people. [LITERARY ]

pes|ti|len|tial /pe st I le nʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Pestilential is used to refer to things that cause disease or are caused by disease. [FORMAL ] □� �people who were dependent for their water supply on this pestilential stream. □� �a pestilential fever.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Pestilential animals destroy crops or exist in such large numbers that they cause harm. [FORMAL ]

pes|tle /pe s ə l/ (pestles ) N‑COUNT A pestle is a short rod with a thick round end. It is used for crushing things such as herbs, spices, or grain in a bowl called a mortar.

pes|to /pe stoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Pesto is an Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese, and olive oil.

pet ◆◇◇ /pe t/ (pets , petting , petted )

1 N‑COUNT A pet is an animal that you keep in your home to give you company and pleasure. □� It is plainly cruel to keep turtles as pets. □� �a bachelor living alone in a flat with his pet dog.

2 ADJ Someone's pet theory, project, or subject is one that they particularly support or like. □� He would not stand by and let his pet project be killed off.

3 VERB If you pet a person or animal, you touch them in an affectionate way. □�[V n] The police officer reached down and petted the wolfhound. COLLOCATIONS pet NOUN 1

verb +�pet : pamper; adopt; abandon, dump

adjective +�pet : beloved, much-loved; unwanted; domestic

noun +�pet : family, household

pet|al /pe t ə l/ (petals ) N‑COUNT The petals of a flower are the thin coloured or white parts which together form the flower. □� �bowls of dried rose petals.

pe|tard /petɑː r d/ (petards ) PHRASE If someone who has planned to harm someone else is hoist with their own petard or hoist by their own petard , their plan in fact results in harm to themselves. □� The students were hoist by their own petards, however, as Granada decided to transmit the programme anyway.

pe|ter /piː tə r / (peters , petering , petered )

▸� peter out PHRASAL VERB If something peters out , it gradually comes to an end. □�[V P ] The six-month strike seemed to be petering out.

Peter PHRASE If you say that someone is robbing Peter to pay Paul , you mean that they are transferring money from one group of people or place to another, rather than providing extra money. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Sometimes he was moving money from one account to another, robbing Peter to pay Paul.

pet|it bour|geois /pe ti bʊə r ʒwɑː/ also petty bourgeois ADJ Someone or something that is petit bourgeois belongs or relates to the lower middle class. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He had a petit bourgeois mentality.

pet|it bour|geoi|sie /pe ti bʊə r ʒwɑːziː / also petty bourgeoisie N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The petit bourgeoisie are people in the lower middle class. [DISAPPROVAL ]

pe|tite /pətiː t/ ADJ If you describe a woman as petite , you are politely saying that she is small and is not fat.

pet|it four /pe ti fɔː r / (petits fours or petit fours ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Petits fours are very small sweet cakes. They are sometimes served with coffee at the end of a meal.

pe|ti|tion /pət I ʃ ə n/ (petitions , petitioning , petitioned )

1 N‑COUNT A petition is a document signed by a lot of people which asks a government or other official group to do a particular thing. □� We recently presented the government with a petition signed by 4,500 people.

2 N‑COUNT A petition is a formal request made to a court of law for some legal action to be taken. [LEGAL ] □� His lawyers filed a petition for all charges to be dropped.

3 VERB If you petition someone in authority, you make a formal request to them. [FORMAL , LEGAL ] □�[V +�for ] �couples petitioning for divorce. □�[V n] All the attempts to petition the Congress had failed. □�[V to-inf] She's petitioning to regain custody of the child. [V n +�for ]

pe|ti|tion|er /pət I ʃənə r / (petitioners )

1 N‑COUNT A petitioner is a person who presents or signs a petition.

2 N‑COUNT A petitioner is a person who brings a legal case to a court of law. [LEGAL ] □� The judge awarded the costs of the case to the petitioners.

pe t name (pet names ) N‑COUNT A pet name is a special name that you use for a close friend or a member of your family instead of using their real name.

pet|rel /pe trəl/ (petrels ) N‑COUNT A petrel is a type of sea bird which often flies a long way from land. There are many kinds of petrel.

Pet|ri dish /pe tr I d I ʃ / (Petri dishes ) N‑COUNT A Petri dish is a flat dish with a lid, used in laboratories for producing cultures of microorganisms.

pet|ri|fied /pe tr I fa I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ that] If you are petrified , you are extremely frightened, perhaps so frightened that you cannot think or move. □�[+�of ] I've always been petrified of being alone. □�[+�of ] Most people seem to be petrified of snakes.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A petrified plant or animal has died and has gradually turned into stone. □� �a block of petrified wood.

pet|ri|fy /pe tr I fa I / (petrifies , petrifying , petrified ) VERB If something petrifies you, it makes you feel very frightened. □�[V n] Prison petrifies me and I don't want to go there. ●� pet|ri|fy|ing ADJ □� I found the climb absolutely petrifying.

pet|ro|chemi|cal /pe troʊke m I k ə l/ (petrochemicals ) also petro-chemical N‑COUNT [usu pl] Petrochemicals are chemicals that are obtained from petroleum or natural gas.

pet|ro|dol|lars /pe troʊdɒlə r z/ also petro-dollars N‑PLURAL Petrodollars are a unit of money used to calculate how much a country has earned by exporting petroleum or natural gas.

pet|rol ◆◇◇ /pe trəl/ N‑UNCOUNT Petrol is a liquid which is used as a fuel for motor vehicles. [BRIT ] in AM, use gas , gasoline

pe t|rol bomb (petrol bombs ) N‑COUNT A petrol bomb is a simple bomb consisting of a bottle full of petrol with a cloth in it that is lit just before the bottle is thrown. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use Molotov cocktail

pe|tro|leum /pətroʊ liəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Petroleum is oil which is found under the surface of the Earth or under the sea bed. Petrol and paraffin are obtained from petroleum.

pe|tro |leum jel|ly N‑UNCOUNT Petroleum jelly is a soft, clear substance obtained from oil or petroleum. It is put on the skin to protect or soften it, or put on surfaces to make them move against each other easily.

pe t|rol sta|tion (petrol stations ) N‑COUNT A petrol station is a garage by the side of the road where petrol is sold and put into vehicles. [BRIT ] in AM, use gas station

pe t|rol tank (petrol tanks ) N‑COUNT The petrol tank in a motor vehicle is the container for petrol. [BRIT ] in AM, use gas tank

pet|ti|coat /pe tikoʊt/ (petticoats ) N‑COUNT A petticoat is a piece of clothing like a thin skirt, which is worn under a skirt or dress. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

pet|ti|fog|ging /pe tifɒg I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can describe an action or situation as pettifogging when you think that unnecessary attention is being paid to unimportant, boring details. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �pettifogging bureaucratic interference.

pet|ting /pe tiŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Petting is when two people kiss and touch each other in a sexual way, but without having sexual intercourse.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [N n] A petting zoo or a petting farm is a place with animals which small children can safely stroke or play with.

pet|ty /pe ti/ (pettier , pettiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use petty to describe things such as problems, rules, or arguments which you think are unimportant or relate to unimportant things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was miserable all the time and rows would start over petty things. □� �endless rules and petty regulations.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone's behaviour as petty , you mean that they care too much about small, unimportant things and perhaps that they are unnecessarily unkind. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I think that attitude is a bit petty. ●� pet|ti|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Never had she met such spite and pettiness.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Petty is used of people or actions that are less important, serious, or great than others. □� �petty crime, such as handbag-snatching and minor break-ins.

pe t|ty bou r|geois →�see petit bourgeois

pe t|ty bour|geoi|sie →�see petit bourgeoisie

pe t|ty ca sh N‑UNCOUNT Petty cash is money that is kept in the office of a company, for making small payments in cash when necessary. [BUSINESS ]

pe t|ty of|fic|er (petty officers ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A petty officer is an officer of low rank in the navy.

petu|lance /pe tʃʊləns/ N‑UNCOUNT Petulance is unreasonable, childish bad temper over something unimportant. □� His petulance made her impatient.

petu|lant /pe tʃʊlənt/ ADJ Someone who is petulant is unreasonably angry and upset in a childish way. □� His critics say he's just being silly and petulant. ●� petu|lant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'I don't need help,' he said petulantly.

pe|tu|nia /p I tjuː niə, [AM ] -tuː-/ (petunias ) N‑COUNT A petunia is a type of garden plant with pink, white, or purple flowers shaped like short, wide cones.

pew /pjuː / (pews ) N‑COUNT A pew is a long wooden seat with a back, which people sit on in church. □� Claire sat in the front pew.

pew|ter /pjuː tə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Pewter is a grey metal which is made by mixing tin and lead. Pewter was often used in former times to make ornaments or containers for eating and drinking. □� �pewter plates. □� �the best 18th-century pewter.

PG /piː dʒiː / In Britain, films that are labelled PG are not considered suitable for younger children to see without an adult being with them. PG is an abbreviation for 'parental guidance'.

PG-13 /piː dʒiː θɜː r tiː n/ In the United States, films that are labelled PG-13 are not considered suitable for children under the age of thirteen, but parents can decide whether or not to allow their children to see the films. PG is an abbreviation for 'parental guidance'.

PGCE /piː dʒiː siː iː / (PGCEs ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a PGCE is a teaching qualification that qualifies someone with a degree to teach in a state school. PGCE is an abbreviation for 'Postgraduate Certificate of Education'. Compare BEd .

pH /piː e I tʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] The pHof a solution indicates how acid or alkaline the solution is. A pH of less than 7 indicates that it is an acid, and a pH of more than 7 indicates that it is an alkali. □�[+�of ] �the pH of sea water. □�[+�of ] Skin is naturally slightly acidic and has a pH of 5.5.

phal|anx /f� l�ŋks/ (phalanxes or phalanges /fəl� ndʒiːz/)

1 N‑COUNT A phalanx is a group of soldiers or police who are standing or marching close together ready to fight. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A phalanxof people is a large group who are brought together for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a phalanx of waiters.

phal|lic /f� l I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is phallic is shaped like an erect penis. It can also relate to male sexual powers. □� �a phallic symbol.

phal|lus /f� ləs/ (phalluses or phalli /f� la I /)

1 N‑COUNT A phallus is a model of an erect penis, especially one used as a symbol in ancient religions.

2 N‑COUNT A phallus is a penis. [TECHNICAL ]

phan|tas|ma|go|ri|cal /f� nt�zməgɒ r I k ə l, [AM ] -gɔː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Phantasmagorical means very strange, like something in a dream. [LITERARY ]

phan|ta|sy /f� ntəzi/ (phantasies ) →�see fantasy

phan|tom /f� ntəm/ (phantoms )

1 N‑COUNT A phantom is a ghost. [mainly LITERARY ] □� They vanished down the stairs like two phantoms.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use phantom to describe something which you think you experience but which is not real. □� She was always taking days off for what her colleagues considered phantom illnesses. □� �a phantom pregnancy.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Phantom can refer to something that is done by an unknown person, especially something criminal. □� �victims of alleged 'phantom' withdrawals from high-street cash machines.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Phantom is used to describe business organizations, agreements, or goods which do not really exist, but which someone pretends do exist in order to cheat people. □� �a phantom trading scheme at a Wall Street investment bank.

phar|aoh /feə roʊ/ (pharaohs ) N‑COUNT ; N‑PROPER A pharaoh was a king of ancient Egypt. □� �Rameses II, Pharaoh of All Egypt.

Phari|see /f� r I siː/ (Pharisees ) N‑PROPER‑PLURAL The Pharisees were a group of Jews, mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, who believed in strictly obeying the laws of Judaism.

phar|ma|ceu|ti|cal /fɑː r məsuː t I k ə l/ (pharmaceuticals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Pharmaceutical means connected with the industrial production of medicine. □� �a Swiss pharmaceutical company.

2 N‑PLURAL Pharmaceuticals are medicines. □� Antibiotics were of no use; neither were other pharmaceuticals.

phar|ma|cist /fɑː r məs I st/ (pharmacists )

1 N‑COUNT A pharmacist is a person who is qualified to prepare and sell medicines.

2 N‑COUNT A pharmacist or a pharmacist's is a shop in which drugs and medicines are sold by a pharmacist. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use pharmacy

phar|ma|col|ogy /fɑː r məkɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Pharmacology is the branch of science relating to drugs and medicines. ●� phar|ma|co|logi|cal /fɑː r məkəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� As little as 50mg of caffeine can produce pharmacological effects. ●� phar|ma|colo|gist (pharmacologists ) N‑COUNT □� �a pharmacologist from the University of California.

phar|ma|co|poeia /fɑː r məkoʊpiː ə/ (pharmacopoeias ) also pharmacopeia N‑COUNT A pharmacopoeia is an official book that lists all the drugs that can be used to treat people in a particular country, and describes how to use them.

phar|ma|cy /fɑː r məsi/ (pharmacies )

1 N‑COUNT A pharmacy is a shop or a department in a shop where medicines are sold or given out. □� �the pharmacy section of the drugstore.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Pharmacy is the job or the science of preparing medicines. □� He spent four years studying pharmacy.

phase ◆◇◇ /fe I z/ (phases , phasing , phased )

1 N‑COUNT A phase is a particular stage in a process or in the gradual development of something. □�[+�of ] This autumn, 6000 residents will participate in the first phase of the project. □� The crisis is entering a crucial, critical phase. □�[+�of ] Most kids will go through a phase of being faddy about what they eat.

2 VERB [usu passive] If an action or change is phasedover a period of time, it is done in stages. □�[be V -ed] The redundancies will be phased over two years. □�[V -ed] He wants military commanders to plan a phased withdrawal starting at the end of the year.

3 PHRASE If two things are out of phasewith each other, they are not working or happening together as they should. If two things are in phase , they are working or occurring together as they should. □�[+�with ] The Skills Programme is out of phase with the rest of the curriculum.

▸� phase in PHRASAL VERB If a new way of doing something is phased in , it is introduced gradually. □�[be V -ed P ] It was announced that the reforms would be phased in over three years. □�[V P n] The change is part of the government's policy of phasing in Arabic as the official academic language. [Also V n P ]

▸� phase out PHRASAL VERB If something is phased out , people gradually stop using it. □�[be V -ed P ] They said the present system of military conscription should be phased out. □�[V P n] They phased out my job in favor of a computer. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS phase NOUN 1

stage:Mr Cook has arrived in Greece on the final stage of his tour.

point:At this point Diana arrived.

period:He went through a period of wanting to be accepted.

PhD /piː e I tʃ diː / (PhDs ) also Ph.D.

1 N‑COUNT A PhD is a degree awarded to people who have done advanced research into a particular subject. PhD is an abbreviation for 'Doctor of Philosophy'. □� He is more highly educated, with a PhD in Chemistry. □� �an unpublished PhD thesis.

2PhD is written after someone's name to indicate that they have a PhD. □� �R.D. Combes, PhD.

pheas|ant /fe z ə nt/ (pheasants or pheasant ) N‑COUNT A pheasant is a bird with a long tail. Pheasants are often shot as a sport and then eaten. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Pheasant is the flesh of this bird eaten as food. □� �roast pheasant.

phe|nom|ena /f I nɒ m I nə/ Phenomena is the plural of phenomenon .

phe|nom|enal /f I nɒ m I n ə l/ ADJ Something that is phenomenal is so great or good that it is very unusual indeed. [EMPHASIS ] □� Exports are growing at a phenomenal rate. □� The performances have been absolutely phenomenal. ●� phe|nom|enal|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV after v] □� She has recently re-launched her phenomenally successful singing career.

phe|nom|enol|ogy /f I nɒ m I nɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Phenomenology is a branch of philosophy which deals with consciousness, thought, and experience. ●� phe|nom|eno|logi|cal /f I nɒ m I nəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �a phenomenological approach to the definition of 'reality'.

phe|nom|enon /f I nɒ m I nən, [AM ] -nɑːn/ (phenomena ) N‑COUNT A phenomenon is something that is observed to happen or exist. [FORMAL ] □� �scientific explanations of natural phenomena.

phero|mone /fe rəmoʊn/ (pheromones ) N‑COUNT Some animals and insects produce chemicals called pheromones which affect the behaviour of other animals and insects of the same type, for example by attracting them sexually. [TECHNICAL ]

phew /fjuː / EXCLAM Phew is used in writing to represent the soft whistling sound that you make when you breathe out quickly, for example when you are relieved or shocked about something or when you are very hot. □� Phew, what a relief!

phial /fa I əl/ (phials ) N‑COUNT A phial is a small tube-shaped glass bottle used, for example, to hold medicine. [FORMAL ]

phi|lan|der|er /f I l� ndərə r / (philanderers ) N‑COUNT If you say that a man is a philanderer , you mean that he has a lot of casual sexual relationships with women. [DISAPPROVAL ]

phi|lan|der|ing /f I lŋ dər I ŋ/ (philanderings )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A philandering man has a lot of casual sexual relationships with women. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �her philandering husband.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Philandering means having a lot of casual sexual relationships with women. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She intended to leave her husband because of his philandering.

phil|an|throp|ic /f I lənθrɒ p I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A philanthropic person or organization freely gives money or other help to people who need it. □� Some of the best services for the ageing are sponsored by philanthropic organizations.

phi|lan|thro|pist /f I l� nθrəp I st/ (philanthropists ) N‑COUNT A philanthropist is someone who freely gives money and help to people who need it.

phi|lan|thro|py /f I l� nθrəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Philanthropy is the giving of money to people who need it, without wanting anything in return. □� �a retired banker well known for his philanthropy.

phi|lat|elist /f I l� təl I st/ (philatelists ) N‑COUNT A philatelist is a person who collects and studies postage stamps. [FORMAL ]

phi|lat|ely /f I l� təli/ N‑UNCOUNT Philately is the hobby of collecting and learning about postage stamps. [FORMAL ]

SUFFIX -phile, -ophile

occurs in words which refer to someone who has a very strong liking for people or things of a particular kind. For example, a Francophile admires France and the French.

phil|har|mon|ic /f I lɑː r mɒ n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] A philharmonic orchestra is a large orchestra which plays classical music. □� The Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra played Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. ●�N‑COUNT Philharmonic is also a noun. □� He will conduct the Vienna Philharmonic in the final concert of the season.

Phil|ip|pine /f I l I piːn/ ADJ Philippine means belonging or relating to the Philippines, or to their people or culture.

phil|is|tine /f I l I sta I n, [AM ] -stiːn/ (philistines )

1 N‑COUNT If you call someone a philistine , you mean that they do not care about or understand good art, music, or literature, and do not think that they are important. [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use philistine to describe people or organizations who you think do not care about or understand the value of good art, music, or literature. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a philistine government that allowed the arts to decline.

phil|is|tin|ism /f I l I st I n I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Philistinism is the attitude or quality of not caring about, understanding, or liking good art, music, or literature. [DISAPPROVAL ]

phi|lol|ogy /f I lɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Philology is the study of words, especially the history and development of the words in a particular language or group of languages. ●� phi|lolo|gist (philologists ) N‑COUNT □� He is a philologist, specialising in American poetry.

phi|loso|pher /f I lɒ səfə r / (philosophers )

1 N‑COUNT A philosopher is a person who studies or writes about philosophy. □� �the Greek philosopher Plato.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a philosopher , you mean that they think deeply and seriously about life and other basic matters.

philo|soph|ic /f I ləsɒ f I k/ ADJ Philosophic means the same as philosophical .

philo|sophi|cal /f I ləsɒ f I k ə l/

1 ADJ Philosophical means concerned with or relating to philosophy. □� He was not accustomed to political or philosophical discussions. ●� philo|sophi|cal|ly /f I ləsɒ f I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Wiggins says he's not a coward, but that he's philosophically opposed to war.

2 ADJ Someone who is philosophical does not get upset when disappointing or disturbing things happen. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] Lewis has grown philosophical about life. ●� philo|sophi|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She says philosophically: 'It could have been far worse.'

phi|loso|phize /f I lɒ səfa I z/ (philosophizes , philosophizing , philosophized ) in BRIT, also use philosophise VERB If you say that someone is philosophizing , you mean that they are talking or thinking about important subjects, sometimes instead of doing something practical. □�[V ] Of course these leaders do more than preach and philosophize. □�[V +�about/on ] �a tendency to philosophize about racial harmony. [Also V with quote] ●� phi|loso|phiz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The General was anxious to cut short the philosophizing and get down to more urgent problems.

phi|loso|phy ◆◇◇ /f I lɒ səfi/ (philosophies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Philosophy is the study or creation of theories about basic things such as the nature of existence, knowledge, and thought, or about how people should live. □� He studied philosophy and psychology at Cambridge. □� �traditional Chinese philosophy.

2 N‑COUNT A philosophy is a particular set of ideas that a philosopher has. □�[+�of ] �the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

3 N‑COUNT [N that] A philosophy is a particular theory that someone has about how to live or how to deal with a particular situation. □� The best philosophy is to change your food habits to a low-sugar, high-fibre diet. [Also +�of ]

phish|ing /f I ʃ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Phishing is the practice of trying to trick people into giving secret financial information by sending emails that look as if they come from a bank. The details are then used to steal people's money, or to steal their identity in order to commit crimes. [COMPUTING ]

phlegm /fle m/ N‑UNCOUNT Phlegm is the thick yellowish substance that develops in your throat and at the back of your nose when you have a cold.

phleg|mat|ic /flegm� t I k/ ADJ Someone who is phlegmatic stays calm even when upsetting or exciting things happen. [FORMAL ]

SUFFIX -phobe, -ophobe

occurs in words which refer to a very strong, irrational fear or hatred of people or things of a particular kind. For example, a germophobe has a strong fear of germs.

pho|bia /foʊ biə/ (phobias ) N‑COUNT A phobia is a very strong irrational fear or hatred of something. □�[+�about/of ] The man had a phobia about flying.

SUFFIX -phobia

occurs in words which refer to someone who has a very strong, irrational fear or hatred of people or things of a particular kind. For example, someone who shows signs of arachnophobia has a strong fear of spiders.

pho|bic /foʊ b I k/ (phobics )

1 ADJ A phobic feeling or reaction results from or is related to a strong, irrational fear or hatred of something. □� Many children acquire a phobic horror of dogs.

2 ADJ Someone who is phobic has a strong, irrational fear or hatred of something. □�[+�about ] In Victorian times people were phobic about getting on trains. They weren't used to it. ●�N‑COUNT Phobic is also a noun. □� Social phobics quake at the thought of meeting strangers.

SUFFIX -phobic

occurs in words which refer to a very strong, irrational fear or hatred of people or things of a particular kind. For example, someone who is technophobic has a strong dislike of new technology.

phoe|nix /fiː n I ks/ (phoenixes )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A phoenix is an imaginary bird which, according to ancient stories, burns itself to ashes every five hundred years and is then born again.

2 N‑SING If you describe someone or something as a phoenix , you mean that they return again after seeming to disappear or be destroyed. [LITERARY ] □� Out of the ashes of the economic shambles, a phoenix of recovery can arise.

phone ◆◆◇ /foʊ n/ (phones , phoning , phoned )

1 N‑SING [oft by N ] Thephone is an electrical system that you use to talk to someone else in another place, by dialling a number on a piece of equipment and speaking into it. □� You can buy insurance over the phone. □� She looked forward to talking to her daughter by phone. □� Do you have an address and phone number for him?

2 N‑COUNT Thephone is the piece of equipment that you use when you dial someone's phone number and talk to them. □� Two minutes later the phone rang. □� Doug's 14-year-old son Jamie answered the phone.

3 →�see also cellular phone , mobile phone

4 N‑SING If you say that someone picks up or puts down the phone , you mean that they lift or replace the receiver. □� She picked up the phone, and began to dial Maurice Campbell's number.

5 VERB When you phone someone, you dial their phone number and speak to them by phone. □�[V n] He'd phoned Laura to see if she was better. □�[V ] I got more and more angry as I waited for her to phone.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is on the phone , you mean that they are speaking to someone else by phone. □� She's always on the phone, wanting to know what I've been up to.

▸� phone in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you phone in to a radio or television show, you phone the show in order to give your opinion on a matter that the show has raised. □�[V P ] Listeners have been invited to phone in to pick the winner.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you phone in to a place, you make a phone call to that place. □�[V P to-inf] He has phoned in to say he is thinking over his options.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you phone in an order for something, you place the order by phone. □�[V P n] Just phone in your order three or more days prior to departure. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASE If you phone in sick , you phone your workplace to say that you will not come to work because you are ill. □� On Monday I was still upset and I phoned in sick to work.

▸� phone up PHRASAL VERB When you phone someone up , you dial their phone number and speak to them by phone. □�[V n P ] Phone him up and tell him to come and have dinner with you one night. [Also V P n]

pho ne book (phone books ) N‑COUNT A phone book is a book that contains an alphabetical list of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the people in a town or area.

pho ne booth (phone booths )

1 N‑COUNT A phone booth is a place in a station, hotel, or other public building where there is a public telephone.

2 N‑COUNT A phone booth is the same as a phone box . [AM ]

pho ne box (phone boxes ) N‑COUNT A phone box is a small shelter in the street in which there often used to be a public telephone. [BRIT ] in AM, use phone booth

pho ne call (phone calls ) N‑COUNT If you make a phone call , you dial someone's phone number and speak to them by phone. □� Wait there for a minute. I have to make a phone call.

phone|card /foʊ nkɑː r d/ (phonecards ) also phone card N‑COUNT A phonecard is a plastic card that you can use instead of money to pay for telephone calls.

pho ne-in (phone-ins ) N‑COUNT A phone-in is a programme on radio or television in which people phone with questions or opinions and their calls are broadcast. [mainly BRIT ] □� She took part in a BBC radio phone-in programme. in AM, usually use call-in

pho|neme /foʊ niːm/ (phonemes ) N‑COUNT A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound which is significant in a language. [TECHNICAL ]

pho ne-tapping

1 N‑UNCOUNT Phone-tapping is the activity of listening secretly to someone's phone conversations using special electronic equipment. In most cases phone-tapping is illegal. □� There have also been claims of continued phone-tapping and bugging.

2 →�see also tap

pho|net|ics /fəne t I ks/ The form phonetic is used as a modifier. 1 N‑UNCOUNT In linguistics, phonetics is the study of speech sounds.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Phonetic means relating to the sound of a word or to the sounds that are used in languages. □� �the Japanese phonetic system, with its relatively few, simple sounds. ●� pho|neti|cal|ly /fəne t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� It's wonderful to watch her now going through things phonetically learning how to spell things.

pho|ney /foʊ ni/ (phoneys ) also phony

1 ADJ If you describe something as phoney , you disapprove of it because it is false rather than genuine. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He'd phoned with some phoney excuse she didn't believe for a minute.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is phoney , you disapprove of them because they are pretending to be someone that they are not in order to deceive people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He looks totally phoney to me. ●�N‑COUNT Phoney is also a noun. □� 'He's false, a phoney,' Harry muttered.

pho |ney wa r also phony war N‑SING A phoney war is when two opposing groups are openly hostile towards each other, as if they were at war, but there is no real fighting. [BRIT ]

phon|ic /fɒ n I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In linguistics, phonic means relating to the sounds of speech. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the phonic system underlying a particular language.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Phonics is a method of teaching people to read by training them to associate written letters with their sounds.

pho|no|graph /foʊ nəgrɑːf, -gr�f/ (phonographs ) N‑COUNT A phonograph is a record player. [AM , also BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

pho|nol|ogy /fənɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT In linguistics, phonology is the study of speech sounds in a particular language. [TECHNICAL ]

pho|ny /foʊ ni/ →�see phoney

phos|phate /fɒ sfe I t/ (phosphates ) N‑VAR A phosphate is a chemical compound that contains phosphorus. Phosphates are often used in fertilizers.

phos|pho|res|cence /fɒ sfəre s ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Phosphorescence is a glow or soft light which is produced in the dark without using heat.

phos|pho|res|cent /fɒ sfəre s ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A phosphorescent object or colour glows in the dark with a soft light, but gives out little or no heat. □� �phosphorescent paint.

phos|phor|ic acid /fɒsfɒ r I k � s I d, [AM ] -fɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Phosphoric acid is a type of acid which contains phosphorus. [TECHNICAL ]

phos|pho|rus /fɒ sfərəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Phosphorus is a poisonous yellowish-white chemical element. It glows slightly, and burns when air touches it.

pho|to ◆◆◆ /foʊ toʊ/ (photos ) N‑COUNT A photo is the same as a photograph . □� We must take a photo! □�[+�of ] I've got a photo of him on the wall.

PREFIX photo-

is added to nouns and adjectives in order to form other nouns and adjectives which refer or relate to photography, or to light. For example, photosensitive film is sensitive to light.

pho|to|bomb /foʊ toʊbɒm/ (photobombs , photobombing , photobombed ) VERB If you photobomb someone, you spoil a photograph of them by stepping in front of them as the photograph is taken, often doing something silly such as making a funny face. □�[V n] This is the one where my sister photobombed me.

photo|card /foʊ toʊkɑːd/ (photocards ) N‑COUNT A photocard is a card with a person's photograph on it, which they can use to prove who they are. □� New season ticket purchasers should bring a passport-sized photograph for their photocard.

photo|copi|er /foʊ toʊkɒpiə r / (photocopiers ) N‑COUNT A photocopier is a machine which quickly copies documents onto paper by photographing them.

photo|copy /foʊ toʊkɒpi/ (photocopies , photocopying , photocopied )

1 N‑COUNT A photocopy is a copy of a document made using a photocopier.

2 VERB If you photocopy a document, you make a copy of it using a photocopier. □�[V n] Staff photocopied the cheque before cashing it.

pho to-fi nish (photo-finishes ) also photo finish N‑COUNT If the end of a race is a photo-finish , two or more of the competitors cross the finishing line so close together that a photograph of the finish has to be examined to decide who has won. □� He was just beaten in a photo-finish.

Photo|fit /foʊ toʊf I t/ (Photofits ) N‑COUNT A Photofit is a picture of someone wanted by the police which is made up of several photographs or drawings of different parts of the face. Compare e-fit , identikit . [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] □�[+�of ] The girl sat down with a police artist to compile a Photofit of her attacker.

photo|gen|ic /foʊ tədʒe n I k/ ADJ Someone who is photogenic looks nice in photographs. □� I've got a million photos of my boy. He's very photogenic.

photo|graph ◆◆◇ /foʊ təgrɑːf, -gr�f/ (photographs , photographing , photographed )

1 N‑COUNT A photograph is a picture made using a camera. □�[+�of ] He wants to take some photographs of the house. □� Her photograph appeared in The New York Times.

2 VERB When you photograph something, you use a camera to obtain a picture of it. □�[V n] She photographed the children. □�[be V -ed v-ing] They were photographed kissing on the platform.

pho|tog|ra|pher ◆◇◇ /fətɒ grəfə r / (photographers ) N‑COUNT A photographer is someone who takes photographs as a job or hobby.

photo|graph|ic /foʊ təgr� f I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Photographic means connected with photographs or photography. □� �photographic equipment. □� The bank is able to provide photographic evidence of who used the machine. ●� photo|graphi|cal|ly /foʊ təgr� f I kli/ ADV □� �photographically reproduced copies of his notes.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a photographicmemory , you are able to remember things in great detail after you have seen them. □� He had a photographic memory for maps.

pho|tog|ra|phy /fətɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Photography is the skill, job, or process of producing photographs. □� Photography is one of her hobbies. □� �some of the top names in fashion photography.

photo|jour|nal|ism /foʊ toʊdʒɜː r nəl I zəm/ also photo-journalism N‑UNCOUNT Photojournalism is a form of journalism in which stories are presented mainly through photographs rather than words. □� �some of the finest photo-journalism of the Civil Rights era. ●� photo|jour|nal|ist (photojournalists ) N‑COUNT □� �the agency for many international photojournalists, Magnum Photos.

pho|ton /foʊ tɒn/ (photons ) N‑COUNT A photon is a particle of light. [TECHNICAL ]

pho |to op|por|tu|nity (photo opportunities ) N‑COUNT If a politician or other public figure arranges a photo opportunity , they invite the newspapers and television to photograph them doing something which they think will interest or impress the public.

pho |to shoot (photo shoots ) also photo-shoot N‑COUNT A photo shoot is an occasion when a photographer takes pictures, especially of models or famous people, to be used in a newspaper or magazine. □� �a long day of interviews and photo-shoots.

photo|syn|the|sis /fo uθoʊs I nθəs I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Photosynthesis is the way that green plants make their food using sunlight. [TECHNICAL ]

phras|al verb /fre I z ə l vɜː r b/ (phrasal verbs ) N‑COUNT A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and an adverb or preposition, for example 'shut up' or 'look after', which together have a particular meaning.

phrase ◆◇◇ /fre I z/ (phrases , phrasing , phrased )

1 N‑COUNT A phrase is a short group of words that people often use as a way of saying something. The meaning of a phrase is often not obvious from the meaning of the individual words in it. □� He used a phrase I hate: 'You have to be cruel to be kind.'

2 N‑COUNT A phrase is a small group of words which forms a unit, either on its own or within a sentence. □� It is impossible to hypnotise someone simply by saying a particular word or phrase.

3 VERB If you phrase something in a particular way, you express it in words in that way. □�[V n adv] I would have phrased it quite differently. □�[V n +�as ] They phrased it as a question.

4 PHRASE If someone has a particular turn of phrase , they have a particular way of expressing themselves in words. □� �Schwarzkopf's distinctive turn of phrase.

5to coin a phrase →�see coin SYNONYMS phrase NOUN 1

expression:She used some very coarse expressions.

saying:We also realize the truth of that old saying: Charity begins at home.

proverb:An old proverb says, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'.

idiom:Proverbs and idioms may become worn with over-use.

phra se book (phrase books ) N‑COUNT A phrase book is a book used by people travelling to a foreign country. It has lists of useful words and expressions, together with the translation of each word or expression in the language of that country. □� We bought a Danish phrase book.

phra|seol|ogy /fre I ziɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT If something is expressed using a particular type of phraseology , it is expressed in words and expressions of that type. □� This careful phraseology is clearly intended to appeal to various sides of the conflict.

phras|ing /fre I z I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT The phrasingof something that is said or written is the exact words that are chosen to express the ideas in it. □�[+�of ] The phrasing of the question was vague.

phre|nol|ogy /fr I nɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Phrenology is the study of the size and shape of people's heads in the belief that you can find out about their characters and abilities from this. ●� phre|nolo|gist (phrenologists ) N‑COUNT □� Queen Victoria had her own personal phrenologist.

physi|cal ◆◆◇ /f I z I k ə l/ (physicals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Physical qualities, actions, or things are connected with a person's body, rather than with their mind. □� �the physical and mental problems caused by the illness. □� The attraction between them is physical. ●� physi|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� You may be physically and mentally exhausted after a long flight. □� �people who cannot physically use a telephone.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Physical things are real things that can be touched and seen, rather than ideas or spoken words. □� All he needed was a little room, a physical and spiritual place to call home. □� �physical evidence to support the story. ●� physi|cal|ly ADV □� �physically cut off from every other country.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Physical means relating to the structure, size, or shape of something that can be touched and seen. □� �the physical characteristics of the terrain.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Physical means connected with physics or the laws of physics. □� �the physical laws of combustion and thermodynamics.

5 ADJ Someone who is physical touches people a lot, either in an affectionate way or in a rough way. □� We decided that in the game we would be physical and aggressive.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Physical is used in expressions such as physical love and physical relationships to refer to sexual relationships between people. □� It had been years since they had shared any meaningful form of physical relationship.

7 N‑COUNT A physical is a medical examination, done in order to see if someone is fit and well enough to do a particular job or to join the army. □� Bob failed his physical. SYNONYMS physical ADJ 2

material:Every room must have been stuffed with material things.

real:No, it wasn't a dream. It was real.

tangible:There should be some tangible evidence that the economy is starting to recover.

phy si|cal edu|ca |tion N‑UNCOUNT Physical education is the school subject in which children do physical exercises or take part in physical games and sports.

physi|cal|ity /f I z I k� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the physicality of something such as an artist's or a musician's work, you mean that their energy and enthusiasm is obvious in the work they produce. □�[+�of ] There's not another guitarist to rival the sheer physicality of his work.

phy si|cal sci |ence (physical sciences ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Thephysical sciences are branches of science such as physics, chemistry, and geology that are concerned with natural forces and with things that do not have life.

phy si|cal the ra|py N‑UNCOUNT Physical therapy is the same as physiotherapy .

phy|si|cian /f I z I ʃ ə n/ (physicians ) N‑COUNT In formal American English or old-fashioned British English, a physician is a doctor.

physi|cist /f I z I s I st/ (physicists ) N‑COUNT A physicist is a person who does research connected with physics or who studies physics. □� �a nuclear physicist.

phys|ics /f I z I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Physics is the scientific study of forces such as heat, light, sound, pressure, gravity, and electricity, and the way that they affect objects. □� �the laws of physics. □� �experiments in particle physics.

physio /f I zioʊ/ (physios )

1 N‑COUNT A physio is a physiotherapist . [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The athlete is checked by their physio or doctor.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Physio is physiotherapy . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I have been for some physio.

physi|og|no|my /f I ziɒ nəmi/ (physiognomies ) N‑COUNT Your physiognomy is your face, especially when it is considered to show your real character. [FORMAL ] □� He was fascinated by her physiognomy�the prominent nose, brooding eyes and thick hair.

physi|ol|ogy /f I ziɒ lədʒi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Physiology is the scientific study of how people's and animals' bodies function, and of how plants function. □� �the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology. ●� physi|olo|gist (physiologists ) N‑COUNT □� � a retired plant physiologist.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The physiology of a human or animal's body or of a plant is the way that it functions. □�[+�of ] �the physiology of respiration. □� �insect physiology. ●� physio|logi|cal /f I ziəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ □� �the physiological effects of stress.

physio|thera|pist /f I zioʊθe rəp I st/ (physiotherapists ) N‑COUNT A physiotherapist is a person who treats people using physiotherapy.

physio|thera|py /f I zioʊθe rəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Physiotherapy is medical treatment for problems of the joints, muscles, or nerves, which involves doing exercises or having part of your body massaged or warmed. □� He'll need intensive physiotherapy.

phy|sique /f I ziː k/ (physiques ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Someone's physique is the shape and size of their body. □�[+�of ] He has the physique and energy of a man half his age. □� �men of powerful physique.

pi /pa I / NUM Pi is a number, approximately 3.142, which is equal to the distance round a circle divided by its width. It is usually represented by the Greek letter π.

pia|nis|si|mo /pi�n I s I moʊ/ ADV [ADV after v] A piece of music that is played pianissimo is played very quietly. [TECHNICAL ]

pia|nist /piː ən I st, [AM ] pi� n-/ (pianists ) N‑COUNT A pianist is a person who plays the piano.

pi|ano (pianos ) Pronounced /pi� noʊ/ for meaning 1 , and /piɑː noʊ/ for meaning 3 . 1 N‑VAR A piano is a large musical instrument with a row of black and white keys. When you press these keys with your fingers, little hammers hit wire strings inside the piano which vibrate to produce musical notes. □� I taught myself how to play the piano. □� He started piano lessons at the age of 7. □� �sonatas for cello and piano.

2 →�see also grand piano , upright piano

3 ADV [ADV after v] A piece of music that is played piano is played quietly. [TECHNICAL ]

pi|ano|for|te /pi� noʊfɔː r te I / (pianofortes ) N‑COUNT A pianoforte is a piano . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

pia|no|la /piː �noʊ lə/ (pianolas ) N‑VAR A pianola is a type of mechanical piano. When you press the pedals, air is forced through holes in a roll of paper to press the keys and play a tune. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, use player piano

pi|az|za /pi� tsə/ (piazzas ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A piazza is a large open square in a town or city, especially in Italy. □� They were seated at a table outside a pub in a pleasant piazza close by St Paul's.

pic /p I k/ (pics )

1 N‑COUNT A pic is a cinema film. [INFORMAL ] □� 'Angels with Dirty Faces' is a Cagney gangster pic.

2 N‑COUNT A pic is a photograph. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Photographer Weegee shot to fame with his shocking pics of New York crime in the 30s.

pica|resque /p I kəre sk/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A picaresque story is one in which a dishonest but likeable person travels around and has lots of exciting experiences. [LITERARY ]

pic|co|lo /p I kəloʊ/ (piccolos ) N‑VAR A piccolo is a small musical instrument that is like a flute but produces higher notes. You play the piccolo by blowing into it.

pick ◆◆◇ /p I k/ (picks , picking , picked )

1 VERB If you pick a particular person or thing, you choose that one. □�[V n] Mr Nowell had picked ten people to interview for six sales jobs in London. □�[V n] I had deliberately picked a city with a tropical climate.

2 N‑SING You can refer to the best things or people in a particular group as the pickof that group. □�[+�of ] The boys here are the pick of the under-15 cricketers in the country.

3 VERB When you pick flowers, fruit, or leaves, you break them off the plant or tree and collect them. □�[V n] She used to pick flowers in the Cromwell Road.

4 VERB If you pick something from a place, you remove it from there with your fingers or your hand. □�[V n prep] He picked the napkin from his lap and placed it alongside his plate.

5 VERB If you pick your nose or teeth , you remove substances from inside your nose or between your teeth. □�[V n] Edgar, don't pick your nose, dear.

6 VERB If you pick a fight or quarrel with someone, you deliberately cause one. □�[V n +�with ] He picked a fight with a waiter and landed in jail. [Also V n]

7 VERB If someone such as a thief picks a lock, they open it without a key, for example by using a piece of wire. □�[V n] He picked each lock deftly, and rifled the papers within each drawer.

8 N‑COUNT A pick is the same as a pickaxe .

9 →�see also hand-pick , ice pick

10 PHRASE If you pick and choose , you carefully choose only things that you really want and reject the others. □� We, the patients, cannot pick and choose our doctors.

11 PHRASE If you have your pick of a group of things, you are able to choose any of them that you want. □� Here is an actress who could have her pick of any part.

12 PHRASE If you are told to take your pick , you can choose any one that you like from a group of things. □�[+�of/from ] Accountants can take their pick of company cars.

13 PHRASE If you pick your way across an area, you walk across it very carefully in order to avoid obstacles or dangerous things. □� The girls were afraid of snakes and picked their way along with extreme caution.

14to pick someone's brains →�see brain

15to pick holes in something →�see hole

16to pick someone's pocket →�see pocket

▸� pick at PHRASAL VERB If you pick at the food that you are eating, you eat only very small amounts of it. □�[V P n] Sarah picked at a plate of cheese for supper, but she wasn't really hungry.

▸� pick off PHRASAL VERB If someone picks off people or aircraft, they shoot them down one by one, aiming carefully at them from a distance. □�[V P n] Both groups on either side are just picking off innocent bystanders. □�[V n P ] Any decent shot with telescopic sights could pick us off at random.

▸� pick on

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone picks on you, they repeatedly criticize you unfairly or treat you unkindly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Bullies pick on younger children.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone picks on a particular person or thing, they choose them, for example for special attention or treatment. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] When you have made up your mind, pick on a day when you will not be under much stress.

▸� pick out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pick out someone or something, you recognize them when it is difficult to see them, for example because they are among a large group. □�[V P n] The detective-constable picked out the words with difficulty. □�[V n P ] Steven describes himself as 'a regular guy�you couldn't pick me out of a crowd'.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pick out someone or something, you choose them from a group of people or things. □�[be V -ed P ] I have been picked out to represent the whole team. □�[V n P ] There are so many great newscasters it's difficult to pick one out. [Also V P n]

3 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If part of something is picked outin a particular colour, it is painted in that colour so that it can be seen clearly beside the other parts. □�[be V -ed P ] The name is picked out in gold letters over the shop-front.

▸� pick over PHRASAL VERB If you pick over a quantity of things, you examine them carefully, for example to reject the ones you do not want. □�[V P n] Pick over the fruit and pile on top of the cream.

▸� pick up

1 PHRASAL VERB When you pick something up , you lift it up. □�[V n P ] He picked his cap up from the floor and stuck it back on his head. □�[V P n] Ridley picked up a pencil and fiddled with it.

2 PHRASAL VERB When you pickyourselfup after you have fallen or been knocked down, you stand up rather slowly. □�[V pron-refl P ] Anthony picked himself up and set off along the track.

3 PHRASAL VERB When you pick up someone or something that is waiting to be collected, you go to the place where they are and take them away, often in a car. □�[V P n] She went over to her parents' house to pick up some clean clothes. □�[V n P ] I picked her up at Covent Garden to take her to lunch with my mother.

4 PHRASAL VERB If someone is picked up by the police, they are arrested and taken to a police station. □�[be V -ed P ] Rawlings had been picked up by police at his office. □�[V n P ] The police picked him up within the hour. [Also V P n]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you pick up something such as a skill or an idea, you acquire it without effort over a period of time. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Where did you pick up your English? [Also V n P ]

6 PHRASAL VERB If you pick up someone you do not know, you talk to them and try to start a sexual relationship with them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] He had picked her up at a nightclub on Kallari Street, where she worked as a singer. [Also V P n]

7 PHRASAL VERB If you pick up an illness, you get it from somewhere or something. □�[V P n] They've picked up a really nasty infection from something they've eaten. [Also V n P ]

8 PHRASAL VERB If a piece of equipment, for example a radio or a microphone, picks up a signal or sound, it receives it or detects it. □�[V P n] We can pick up Italian television.

9 PHRASAL VERB If you pick up something, such as a feature or a pattern, you discover or identify it. □�[V P n] They were slow to pick up trends in consumer behaviour.

10 PHRASAL VERB If someone picks up a point or topic that has already been mentioned, or if they pick up on it, they refer to it or develop it. □�[V P n] Can I just pick up that gentleman's point? □�[V P P n] I'll pick up on what I said a couple of minutes ago. [Also V n P ]

11 PHRASAL VERB If trade or the economy of a country picks up , it improves. □�[V P ] Industrial production is beginning to pick up.

12 PHRASAL VERB If you pick someone up on something that they have said or done, you mention it and tell them that you think it is wrong. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P P n] �if I may pick you up on that point.

13 →�see also pick-up

14 PHRASE When you pick up the pieces after a disaster, you do what you can to get the situation back to normal again. □� Do we try and prevent problems or do we try and pick up the pieces afterwards?

15 PHRASE When a vehicle picks up speed , it begins to move more quickly. □� Brian pulled away slowly, but picked up speed. SYNONYMS pick VERB 1

select:Voters are selecting candidates for both U.S. Senate seats and for 52 congressional seats.

choose:They will be able to choose their own leaders in democratic elections.

opt for:You may wish to opt for one method or the other.

pick|axe /p I k�ks/ (pickaxes ) in AM, use pickax N‑COUNT A pickaxe is a large tool consisting of a curved, pointed piece of metal with a long handle joined to the middle. Pickaxes are used for breaking up rocks or the ground.

pick|er /p I kə r / (pickers ) N‑COUNT A fruit picker or cotton picker , for example, is a person who picks fruit or cotton, usually for money.

pick|et /p I k I t/ (pickets , picketing , picketed )

1 VERB When a group of people, usually trade union members, picket a place of work, they stand outside it in order to protest about something, to prevent people from going in, or to persuade the workers to join a strike. □�[V n] The miners went on strike and picketed the power stations. □�[V ] 100 union members and supporters picketed outside. ●�N‑COUNT Picket is also a noun. □� �forty demonstrators who have set up a twenty-four-hour picket. ●� pick|et|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] There was widespread picketing of mines where work was continuing.

2 N‑COUNT Pickets are people who are picketing a place of work. □� The strikers agreed to remove their pickets and hold talks with the government.

pi ck|et fence (picket fences ) N‑COUNT A picket fence is a fence made of pointed wooden sticks fixed into the ground, with pieces of wood nailed across them.

pi ck|et line (picket lines ) N‑COUNT A picket line is a group of pickets outside a place of work. □� No one tried to cross the picket lines.

pick|ings /p I k I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to the money that can be made easily in a particular place or area of activity as the pickings . □� Traditional hiding places are easy pickings for experienced burglars.

pick|le /p I k ə l/ (pickles , pickling , pickled )

1 N‑PLURAL Pickles are vegetables or fruit, sometimes cut into pieces, which have been kept in vinegar or salt water for a long time so that they have a strong, sharp taste.

2 N‑VAR Pickle is a cold spicy sauce with pieces of vegetables and fruit in it. □� �jars of pickle.

3 VERB When you pickle food, you keep it in vinegar or salt water so that it does not go bad and it develops a strong, sharp taste. □�[V n] Select your favourite fruit or veg and pickle them while they are still fresh. ●� pick|ling N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� Small pickling onions can be used instead of sliced ones.

pick|led /p I k ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pickled food, such as vegetables, fruit, and fish, has been kept in vinegar or salt water to preserve it. □� �a jar of pickled fruit.

pi ck-me-up (pick-me-ups ) N‑COUNT A pick-me-up is something that you have or do when you are tired or depressed in order to make you feel better. [INFORMAL ] □� This is an ideal New Year pick-me-up�a five-day holiday in the Bahamas.

pi ck 'n' mi x also pick and mix ADJ [ADJ n] Pick 'n' mix is used to describe a way of getting a collection of things together by choosing a number of different ones. [BRIT ] □� It is, as some senior officials conceded, a pick 'n' mix approach to policy. □� �a pick-and-mix selection of fabrics and wallpapers.

pick|pocket /p I kpɒk I t/ (pickpockets ) N‑COUNT A pickpocket is a person who steals things from people's pockets or bags in public places.

pi ck-up ◆◇◇ (pick-ups ) also pickup

1 N‑COUNT A pick-up or a pick-up truck is a small truck with low sides that can be easily loaded and unloaded.

2 N‑SING A pick-upin trade or in a country's economy is an improvement in it. □�[+�in ] �a pick-up in the housing market.

3 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A pick-up takes place when someone picks up a person or thing that is waiting to be collected. □� The company had pick-up points in most cities.

4 N‑COUNT When a pick-up takes place, someone talks to a person in a friendly way in the hope of having a casual sexual relationship with them. [INFORMAL ] □� They had come to the world's most famous pick-up joint.

picky /p I ki/ (pickier , pickiest ) ADJ Someone who is picky is difficult to please and only likes a small range of things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] Some people are very picky about who they choose to share their lives with.

pic|nic /p I kn I k/ (picnics , picnicking , picnicked )

1 N‑COUNT When people have a picnic , they eat a meal out of doors, usually in a field or a forest, or at the beach. □� We're going on a picnic tomorrow. □� We'll take a picnic lunch.

2 VERB When people picnic somewhere, they have a picnic. □�[V ] Afterwards, we picnicked on the riverbank. □�[V -ing] �such a perfect day for picnicking. ●� pic|nick|er (picnickers ) N‑COUNT □� �fires started by careless picnickers.

3 PHRASE If you say that an experience, task, or activity is no picnic , you mean that it is quite difficult or unpleasant. [INFORMAL ] □� Emigrating is no picnic.

pic|to|gram /p I ktəgr�m/ (pictograms ) or pictograph /p I ktəgrɑːf, -gr�f/ N‑COUNT A pictogram is a simple drawing that represents something. Pictograms were used as the earliest form of writing. □�[+�of ] �a pictogram of a pine tree.

pic|to|rial /p I ktɔː riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pictorial means using or relating to pictures. □� �a pictorial history of the Special Air Service. ●� pic|to|ri|al|ly ADV □� Each section is explained pictorially.

pic|ture ◆◆◇ /p I ktʃə r / (pictures , picturing , pictured )

1 N‑COUNT A picture consists of lines and shapes which are drawn, painted, or printed on a surface and show a person, thing, or scene. □�[+�of ] A picture of Rory O'Moore hangs in the dining room at Kildangan.

2 N‑COUNT A picture is a photograph. □�[+�of ] The tourists have nothing to do but take pictures of each other.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Television pictures are the scenes which you see on a television screen. □�[+�of ] �heartrending television pictures of human suffering.

4 VERB [usu passive] To be pictured somewhere, for example in a newspaper or magazine, means to appear in a photograph or picture. □�[be V -ed] The golfer is pictured on many of the front pages, kissing his trophy as he holds it aloft. □�[be V -ed v-ing] �a woman who claimed she had been pictured dancing with a celebrity in Stringfellows nightclub. □�[V -ed] The rattan and wrought-iron chair pictured here costs �125.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a film as a picture . □� �a director of epic action pictures.

6 N‑PLURAL If you go to the pictures , you go to a cinema to see a film. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� We're going to the pictures tonight. in AM, use the movies7 N‑COUNT If you have a picture of something in your mind, you have a clear idea or memory of it in your mind as if you were actually seeing it. □�[+�of ] We are just trying to get our picture of the whole afternoon straight.

8 VERB If you picture something in your mind, you think of it and have such a clear memory or idea of it that you seem to be able to see it. □�[V n prep] He pictured her with long black braided hair. □�[V n v-ing] He pictured Claire sitting out in the car, waiting for him. □�[V n] I tried to picture the place, but could not. [Also V n adj]

9 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A picture of something is a description of it or an indication of what it is like. □�[+�of ] I'll try and give you a better picture of what the boys do.

10 N‑SING When you refer to the picture in a particular place, you are referring to the situation there. □� It's a similar picture across the border in Ethiopia.

11 PHRASE If you get the picture , you understand the situation, especially one which someone is describing to you. □� Luke never tells you the whole story, but you always get the picture.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone is in the picture , you mean that they are involved in the situation that you are talking about. If you say that they are out of the picture , you mean that they are not involved in the situation. □� Meyerson is back in the picture after disappearing in July.

13 PHRASE You use picture to describe what someone looks like. For example, if you say that someone is a picture of health or the picture of misery , you mean that they look extremely healthy or extremely miserable. □�[+�of ] We found her standing on a chair, the picture of terror, screaming hysterically.

14 PHRASE If you put someone in the picture , you tell them about a situation which they need to know about. □� Has Inspector Fayard put you in the picture?

pi c|ture book (picture books ) also picture-book N‑COUNT A picture book is a book with a lot of pictures and not much writing. Many picture books are intended for children.

pi c|ture li |brary (picture libraries ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A picture library is a collection of photographs that is held by a particular company or organization. Newspapers or publishers can pay to use the photographs in their publications.

pi c|ture mes|sag|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Picture messaging is the sending of photographs or pictures from one mobile phone to another. □� �picture messaging on camera phones. □� �a picture messaging service.

pi c|ture po st|card (picture postcards ) The spelling picture-postcard is also used for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT A picture postcard is a postcard with a photograph of a place on it. People often buy picture postcards of places they visit when on holiday.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use picture postcard to describe a place that is very attractive. □� �picture-postcard Normandy villages.

pi c|ture rail (picture rails ) also picture-rail N‑COUNT A picture rail is a continuous narrow piece of wood which is fixed round a room just below the ceiling. Pictures can be hung from it using string and hooks. [mainly BRIT ]

pi c|ture show (picture shows ) N‑COUNT A picture show is a film shown at a cinema. [AM , OLD-FASHIONED ]

pic|tur|esque /p I ktʃəre sk/

1 ADJ A picturesque place is attractive and interesting, and has no ugly modern buildings. □� Alte, in the hills northwest of Loule, is the Algarve's most picturesque village. ●�N‑SING You can refer to picturesque things as the picturesque . □� �lovers of the picturesque. ●� pic|tur|esque|ly ADV □� �the shanty-towns perched picturesquely on the hillsides.

2 ADJ Picturesque words and expressions are unusual or poetic. □� Every inn had a picturesque name�the Black Locust Inn, the Blueberry Inn. ●� pic|tur|esque|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The historian Yakut described it picturesquely as a 'mother of castles'.

pi c|ture win|dow (picture windows ) N‑COUNT A picture window is a window containing one large sheet of glass, so that people have a good view of what is outside.

pid|dle /p I d ə l/ (piddles , piddling , piddled ) VERB To piddle means to urinate. [INFORMAL ]

pid|dling /p I dəl I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Piddling means small or unimportant. [INFORMAL ] □� �arguing over piddling amounts of money.

pidg|in /p I dʒ I n/ (pidgins )

1 N‑VAR Pidgin is a simple form of a language which speakers of a different language use to communicate. Pidgin is not anyone's first language. □� He's at ease speaking pidgin with the factory workers and guys on the docks.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone is speaking their own language simply or another language badly and is trying to communicate, you can say that they are speaking, for example, pidgin English or pidgin Italian. □� The restaurant owner could only speak pidgin English.

pie /pa I / (pies )

1 N‑VAR A pie consists of meat, vegetables, or fruit baked in pastry. □� �a chicken pie. □� �apple pie and custard.

2 →�see also cottage pie , shepherd's pie

3 PHRASE If you describe an idea, plan, or promise of something good as pie in the sky , you mean that you think that it is very unlikely to happen. □� The true regeneration of devastated Docklands seemed like pie in the sky.

4to eat humble pie →�see humble

pie|bald /pa I bɔːld/ ADJ A piebald animal has patches of black and white on it. □� �a piebald pony.

piece ◆◆◇ /piː s/ (pieces , piecing , pieced )

1 N‑COUNT A piece of something is an amount of it that has been broken off, torn off, or cut off. □�[+�of ] �a piece of cake. □�[+�of ] �a few words scrawled on a piece of paper. □� Cut the ham into pieces. □� Do you want another piece?

2 N‑COUNT A piece of an object is one of the individual parts or sections which it is made of, especially a part that can be removed. □� The equipment was taken down the shaft in pieces.

3 N‑COUNT A piece of land is an area of land. □�[+�of ] People struggle to get the best piece of land.

4 N‑COUNT You can use piece of with many uncount nouns to refer to an individual thing of a particular kind. For example, you can refer to some advice as a piece of advice . □�[+�of ] When I produced this piece of work, my lecturers were very critical. □�[+�of ] �an interesting piece of information. □�[+�of ] �a sturdy piece of furniture.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to an article in a newspaper or magazine, some music written by someone, a broadcast, or a play as a piece . □�[+�on ] I disagreed with Andrew Russell over his piece on British Rail.

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to a work of art as a piece . [FORMAL ] □� Each piece is unique, an exquisite painting of a real person, done on ivory.

7 N‑COUNT You can refer to specific coins as pieces . For example, a 10p piece is a coin that is worth 10p.

8 N‑COUNT The pieces which you use when you play a board game such as chess are the specially made objects which you move around on the board.

9 QUANT A piece of something is part of it or a share of it. [AM ] □�[+�of ] They got a small piece of the net profits and a screen credit.

10 →�see also museum piece , party piece , set piece

11 PHRASE If you give someone a piece of your mind , you tell them very clearly that you think they have behaved badly. [INFORMAL ] □� How very thoughtless. I'll give him a piece of my mind.

12 PHRASE If something with several different parts is all of a piece , each part is consistent with the others. If one thing is of a piece with another, it is consistent with it. □� At its peak in the Thirties, Underground design and architecture was all of a piece.

13 PHRASE If someone or something is still in one piece after a dangerous journey or experience, they are safe and not damaged or hurt. □� �providing that my brother gets back alive and in one piece from his mission.

14 PHRASE You use to pieces in expressions such as 'smash to pieces', and mainly in British English 'fall to pieces' or 'take something to pieces', when you are describing how something is broken or comes apart so that it is in separate pieces. □� If the shell had hit the boat, it would have blown it to pieces. □� Do you wear your old clothes until they fall to pieces?

15 PHRASE If you go to pieces , you are so upset or nervous that you lose control of yourself and cannot do what you should do. [INFORMAL ] □� She's a strong woman, but she nearly went to pieces when Arnie died.

16a piece of the action →�see action

17bits and pieces →�see bit

18a piece of cake →�see cake

19pick up the pieces →�see pick

▸� piece together

1 PHRASAL VERB If you piece together the truth about something, you gradually discover it. □�[V P n] They've pieced together his movements for the last few days before his death. □�[V P wh] In the following days, Francis was able to piece together what had happened. □�[V n P ] Frank was beginning to piece things together.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you piece something together , you gradually make it by joining several things or parts together. □�[V P n] This process is akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. [Also V n P ]

-piece /-piːs/ COMB [ADJ n] -piece combines with numbers to form adjectives indicating that something consists of a particular number of items. □� �his well-cut three-piece suit. □� �a hundred-piece dinner service.

pi�ce de r�|sis|tance /pie s də re I z I stɒns, [AM ] -z I stɑː ns/ N‑SING The pi�ce de r�sistance of a collection or series of things is the most impressive thing in it. [FORMAL ] □� The pi�ce de r�sistance, however, was a gold evening gown.

piece|meal /piː smiːl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a change or process as piecemeal , you disapprove of it because it happens gradually, usually at irregular intervals, and is probably not satisfactory. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �piecemeal changes to the constitution. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Piecemeal is also an adverb. □� The government plans to sell the railways piecemeal to the private sector.

piece|work /piː swɜː r k/ also piece-work N‑UNCOUNT If you do piecework , you are paid according to the amount of work that you do rather than the length of time that you work. □� All my men are on piece-work. □� The tobacco workers were paid on a piecework basis.

pie chart (pie charts ) N‑COUNT A pie chart is a circle divided into sections to show the relative proportions of a set of things.

pied-�-terre /pie I d ɑː teə r / (pieds-�-terre ) N‑COUNT A pied-�-terre is a small house or flat, especially in a town, which you own or rent but only use occasionally.

pier /p I ə r / (piers ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A pier is a platform sticking out into water, usually the sea, which people walk along or use when getting onto or off boats. □� �Brighton Pier.

pierce /p I ə r s/ (pierces , piercing , pierced )

1 VERB If a sharp object pierces something, or if you pierce something with a sharp object, the object goes into it and makes a hole in it. □�[V n] One bullet pierced the left side of his chest. □�[V n] Pierce the skin of the potato with a fork.

2 VERB If you have your ears or some other part of your body pierced , you have a small hole made through them so that you can wear a piece of jewellery in them. □�[have n V -ed] I'm having my ears pierced on Saturday. □�[V -ed] �her pierced ears with their tiny gold studs. [Also V n]

pierc|ing /p I ə r s I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A piercing sound or voice is high-pitched and very sharp and clear in an unpleasant way. □� A piercing scream split the air. □� �a piercing whistle. ●� pierc|ing|ly ADV □� She screamed again, piercingly.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has piercing eyes or a piercing stare, they seem to look at you very intensely. [WRITTEN ] □� �his sandy blond hair and piercing blue eyes. ●� pierc|ing|ly ADV □� Ben looked at him piercingly.

3 ADJ A piercing wind makes you feel very cold.

pi|eties /pa I I tiz/ N‑PLURAL You refer to statements about what is morally right as pieties when you think they are insincere or unrealistic. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] �politicians who constantly intone pieties about respect for the rule of law.

pi|ety /pa I I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Piety is strong religious belief, or behaviour that is religious or morally correct.

pif|fle /p I f ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe what someone says as piffle , you think that it is nonsense. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He talks such a load of piffle.

pif|fling /p I fəl I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as piffling , you are critical of it because it is very small or unimportant. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �some piffling dispute regarding visiting rights.

pig /p I g/ (pigs , pigging , pigged )

1 N‑COUNT A pig is a pink or black animal with short legs and not much hair on its skin. Pigs are often kept on farms for their meat, which is called pork, ham, bacon, or gammon. □� �the grunting of the pigs. □� �a pig farmer.

2 →�see also guinea pig

3 N‑COUNT If you call someone a pig , you think that they are unpleasant in some way, especially that they are greedy or unkind. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

4 VERB If you say that people are piggingthemselves , you are criticizing them for eating a very large amount at one meal. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V pron-refl] After pigging herself on ice cream she went upstairs.

5 PHRASE If you say ' pigs might fly ' after someone has said that something might happen, you are emphasizing that you think it is very unlikely. [HUMOROUS , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� 'There's a chance he won't get involved in this, of course.'�'And pigs might fly.'

6 PHRASE If you say that someone ismaking a pig ofthemselves , you are criticizing them for eating a very large amount at one meal. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm afraid I made a pig of myself at dinner.

▸� pig out PHRASAL VERB If you say that people are pigging out , you are criticizing them for eating a very large amount at one meal. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] I stopped pigging out on chips and crisps.

pi|geon /p I dʒ I n/ (pigeons )

1 N‑COUNT A pigeon is a bird, usually grey in colour, which has a fat body. Pigeons often live in towns.

2 →�see also clay pigeon , homing pigeon

3to put the cat among the pigeons →�see cat

pi geon-hole (pigeon-holes , pigeon-holing , pigeon-holed ) also pigeonhole

1 N‑COUNT A pigeon-hole is one of the sections in a frame on a wall where letters and messages can be left for someone, or one of the sections in a writing desk where you can keep documents.

2 VERB To pigeon-hole someone or something means to decide that they belong to a particular class or category, often without considering all their qualities or characteristics. □�[V n] He felt they had pigeonholed him. □�[be V -ed +�as ] I don't want to be pigeonholed as a kids' presenter.

pi geon-toe d ADJ Someone who is pigeon-toed walks with their toes pointing slightly inwards.

pig|gery /p I gəri/ (piggeries ) N‑COUNT A piggery is a farm or building where pigs are kept. [mainly BRIT ]

pig|gy /p I gi/ (piggies )

1 N‑COUNT A piggy is a child's word for a pig or a piglet.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has piggy eyes, their eyes are small and unattractive.

piggy|back /p I gib�k/ (piggybacks , piggybacking , piggybacked ) also piggy-back

1 N‑COUNT If you give someone a piggyback , you carry them high on your back, supporting them under their knees. □� They give each other piggy-back rides. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Piggyback is also an adverb. □� My father carried me up the hill, piggyback.

2 VERB If you piggyback on something that someone else has thought of or done, you use it to your advantage. □�[V +�on ] I was just piggybacking on Stokes's idea. □�[V +�onto ] They are piggybacking onto developed technology. [Also V ]

pi g|gy bank (piggy banks ) also piggybank N‑COUNT A piggy bank is a small container shaped like a pig, with a narrow hole in the top through which to put coins. Children often use piggy banks to save money.

pi ggy-in-the-mi ddle also pig-in-the-middle

1 N‑UNCOUNT Piggy-in-the-middle or pig-in-the-middle is a game in which two children throw a ball to each other and a child standing between them tries to catch it. [BRIT ]

2 N‑SING If someone is piggy-in-the-middle or pig-in-the-middle , they are unwillingly involved in a dispute between two people or groups. [BRIT ]

pi g-hea ded also pigheaded ADJ If you describe someone as pig-headed , you are critical of them because they refuse to change their mind about things, and you think they are unreasonable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She, in her pig-headed way, insists that she is right and that everyone else is wrong. ●� pig-headedness N‑UNCOUNT □� I am not sure whether this was courage or pig-headedness.

pig|let /p I glət/ (piglets ) N‑COUNT A piglet is a young pig.

pig|ment /p I gmənt/ (pigments ) N‑VAR A pigment is a substance that gives something a particular colour. [FORMAL ] □� The Romans used natural pigments on their fabrics and walls.

pig|men|ta|tion /p I gmente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The pigmentation of a person's or animal's skin is its natural colouring. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in/of ] I have a skin disorder, it destroys the pigmentation in my skin.

pig|ment|ed /p I gme nt I d/ ADJ Pigmented skin has a lot of natural colouring. [FORMAL ]

pig|my /p I gmi/ →�see pygmy

pig|pen /p I gpen/ (pigpens ) also pig pen N‑COUNT A pigpen is an enclosed place where pigs are kept on a farm. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use pigsty

pig|skin /p I gsk I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Pigskin is leather made from the skin of a pig.

pig|sty /p I gsta I / (pigsties ) also pig sty

1 N‑COUNT A pigsty is an enclosed place where pigs are kept on a farm. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use pigpen2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a room or a house as a pigsty , you are criticizing the fact that it is very dirty and untidy. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The office is a pigsty.

pig|swill /p I gsw I l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pigswill is waste food that is fed to pigs.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe food as pigswill , you are criticizing it because it is of very poor quality. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

pig|tail /p I gte I l/ (pigtails ) N‑COUNT If someone has a pigtail or pigtails , their hair is plaited or braided into one or two lengths. □� �a little girl with pigtails.

pike /pa I k/ (pikes ) The form pike is often used as the plural for meaning 1 . 1 N‑VAR A pike is a large fish that lives in rivers and lakes and eats other fish. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Pike is this fish eaten as food.

2 N‑COUNT In former times, a pike was a weapon consisting of a pointed blade on the end of a long pole.

3 PHRASE When something comes down the pike , it happens or occurs. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� There have been threats to veto any legislation that comes down the pike.

pil|af /p I l�f, [AM ] p I lɑː f/ (pilafs ) also pilaff N‑VAR Pilaf is the same as pilau .

pi|las|ter /p I lɑː stə r / (pilasters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pilasters are shallow decorative pillars attached to a wall.

Pi|la|tes /p I lɑː tiz/ N‑UNCOUNT Pilates is a type of exercise that is similar to yoga. □� She'd never done Pilates before.

pi|lau /piː laʊ, [AM ] p I loʊ / (pilaus ) N‑VAR Pilau or pilau rice is rice flavoured with spices, often mixed with pieces of meat or fish.

pil|chard /p I ltʃə r d/ (pilchards ) N‑COUNT Pilchards are small fish that live in the sea. Pilchards can be eaten as food. □� �tinned pilchards.

pile ◆◇◇ /pa I l/ (piles , piling , piled )

1 N‑COUNT A pile of things is a mass of them that is high in the middle and has sloping sides. □�[+�of ] �a pile of sand. □� The leaves had been swept into huge piles.

2 N‑COUNT A pile of things is a quantity of things that have been put neatly somewhere so that each thing is on top of the one below. □�[+�of ] �a pile of boxes. □� The clothes were folded in a neat pile.

3 VERB If you pile things somewhere, you put them there so that they form a pile. □�[V n adv/prep] He was piling clothes into the suitcase. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] A few newspapers and magazines were piled on a table.

4 VERB [usu passive] If something is piled with things, it is covered or filled with piles of things. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Tables were piled high with local produce.

5 QUANT If you talk about a pile of something or piles of something, you mean a large amount of it. [INFORMAL ] □� �a whole pile of disasters.

6 VERB If a group of people pile into or out of a vehicle, they all get into it or out of it in a disorganized way. □�[V +�into/out of ] They all piled into Jerrold's car. □�[V in/out ] A fleet of police cars suddenly arrived. Dozens of officers piled out.

7 N‑COUNT You can refer to a large impressive building as a pile , especially when it is the home of a rich important person. □� �some stately pile in the country.

8 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Piles are wooden, concrete, or metal posts which are pushed into the ground and on which buildings or bridges are built. Piles are often used in very wet areas so that the buildings do not flood. □� �settlements of wooden houses, set on piles along the shore.

9 N‑PLURAL Piles are painful swellings that can appear in the veins inside a person's anus.

10 N‑SING The pile of a carpet or of a fabric such as velvet is its soft surface. It consists of a lot of little threads standing on end. □� �the carpet's thick pile.

11 PHRASE Someone who is at the bottom of the pile is low down in society or low down in an organization. Someone who is at the top of the pile is high up in society or high up in an organization. [INFORMAL ]

▸� pile up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pile up a quantity of things or if they pile up , they gradually form a pile. □�[V P n] Bulldozers piled up huge mounds of dirt. □�[V P ] Mail was still piling up at the office.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pile up work, problems, or losses or if they pile up , you get more and more of them. □�[V P ] Problems were piling up at work. □�[V P n] He piled up huge debts. SYNONYMS pile NOUN 1

heap:�a heap of bricks.

stack:There were stacks of books on the bedside table and floor.

mound:The bulldozers piled up huge mounds of dirt.

pi le-up (pile-ups ) in AM, use pileup N‑COUNT A pile-up is a road accident in which a lot of vehicles crash into each other. □� �a 54-car pile-up.

pil|fer /p I lfə r / (pilfers , pilfering , pilfered ) VERB If someone pilfers , they steal things, usually small cheap things. □�[V ] Staff were pilfering behind the bar. □�[V n] When food stores close, they go to work, pilfering food for resale on the black market. ●� pil|fer|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Precautions had to be taken to prevent pilfering.

pil|grim /p I lgr I m/ (pilgrims ) N‑COUNT Pilgrims are people who make a journey to a holy place for a religious reason.

pil|grim|age /p I lgr I m I dʒ/ (pilgrimages )

1 N‑COUNT If you make a pilgrimage to a holy place, you go there for a religious reason. □�[+�to ] �the pilgrimage to Mecca.

2 N‑COUNT A pilgrimage is a journey that someone makes to a place that is very important to them. □�[+�to ] �a private pilgrimage to family graves.

pil|ing /pa I l I ŋ/ (pilings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pilings are wooden, concrete, or metal posts which are pushed into the ground and on which buildings or bridges are built. Pilings are often used in very wet areas so that the buildings do not flood. □� �bridges set on stone pilings.

pill ◆◇◇ /p I l/ (pills )

1 N‑COUNT Pills are small solid round masses of medicine or vitamins that you swallow without chewing. □� Why do I have to take all these pills? □� �sleeping pills.

2 N‑SING If a woman is onthe pill , she takes a special pill that prevents her from becoming pregnant. □� She had been on the pill for three years.

3 PHRASE If a person or group has to accept a failure or an unpleasant piece of news, you can say that it was a bitter pill or a bitter pill to swallow . □� You're too old to be given a job. That's a bitter pill to swallow.

4 PHRASE If someone does something to sweeten the pill or sugar the pill , they do it to make some unpleasant news or an unpleasant measure more acceptable. □� He sweetened the pill by increasing wages, although by slightly less than he raised prices.

pil|lage /p I l I dʒ/ (pillages , pillaging , pillaged ) VERB If a group of people pillage a place, they steal property from it using violent methods. □�[V n] Soldiers went on a rampage, pillaging stores and shooting. □�[V ] �the boldness to pillage and rape. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Pillage is also a noun. □� There were no signs of violence or pillage. ●� pil|lag|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �pillaging by people looking for something to eat.

pil|lar /p I lə r / (pillars )

1 N‑COUNT A pillar is a tall solid structure, which is usually used to support part of a building. □� �the pillars supporting the roof.

2 N‑COUNT If something is the pillarof a system or agreement, it is the most important part of it or what makes it strong and successful. □�[+�of ] The pillar of her economic policy was keeping tight control over money supply.

3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a pillar of society or as a pillarof the community, you approve of them because they play an important and active part in society or in the community. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] My father had been a pillar of the community.

pi l|lar box (pillar boxes ) also pillar-box N‑COUNT In Britain, a pillar box is a tall red box in the street in which you put letters that you are sending by post. [BRIT ] in AM, use mailbox

pil|lared /p I lə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pillared building is a building that is supported by pillars.

pill|box /p I lbɒks/ (pillboxes ) also pill box

1 N‑COUNT A pillbox is a small tin or box in which you can keep pills.

2 N‑COUNT A pillbox is a small building made of concrete and is used to defend a place.

3 N‑COUNT A pillbox or a pillbox hat is a small round hat for a woman.

pil|lion /p I liən/ (pillions )

1 ADV [ADV after v] If someone rides pillion on a motorcycle or bicycle, they sit behind the person who is controlling it. □� She rode pillion on her son's motorbike.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] On a motorcycle, the pillion is the seat or part behind the rider. □� As a learner rider you must not carry a pillion passenger.

pil|lock /p I lək/ (pillocks ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a pillock , you are showing that you think they are very stupid. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The guy you put in charge is a complete pillock.

pil|lo|ry /p I ləri/ (pillories , pillorying , pilloried ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is pilloried , a lot of people, especially journalists, criticize them and make them look stupid. □�[be V -ed] A man has been forced to resign as a result of being pilloried by some of the press.

pil|low /p I loʊ/ (pillows ) N‑COUNT A pillow is a rectangular cushion which you rest your head on when you are in bed.

pillow|case /p I loʊke I s/ (pillowcases ) also pillow case N‑COUNT A pillowcase is a cover for a pillow, which can be removed and washed.

pi l|low slip (pillow slips ) N‑COUNT A pillow slip is the same as a pillowcase .

pi l|low talk N‑UNCOUNT Conversations that people have when they are in bed together can be referred to as pillow talk , especially when they are about secret or private subjects.

pi|lot ◆◇◇ /pa I lət/ (pilots , piloting , piloted )

1 N‑COUNT A pilot is a person who is trained to fly an aircraft. □� He spent seventeen years as an airline pilot. □� �fighter pilots of the British Royal Air Force.

2 N‑COUNT A pilot is a person who steers a ship through a difficult stretch of water, for example the entrance to a harbour.

3 VERB If someone pilots an aircraft or ship, they act as its pilot. □�[V n] He piloted his own plane part of the way to Washington.

4 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A pilot scheme or a pilot project is one which is used to test an idea before deciding whether to introduce it on a larger scale. □� The service is being expanded following the success of a pilot scheme.

5 VERB If a government or organization pilots a programme or a scheme, they test it, before deciding whether to introduce it on a larger scale. □�[V n] The trust is looking for 50 schools to pilot a programme aimed at teenage pupils.

6 VERB If a government minister pilots a new law or bill through parliament, he or she makes sure that it is introduced successfully. □�[V n +�through ] His achievement in piloting the Bill through a querulous House of Commons was an outstanding parliamentary feat. [Also V n]

7 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A pilot or a pilot episode is a single television programme that is shown in order to find out whether a particular series of programmes is likely to be popular. □� A pilot episode has been shot and a full series has been ordered.

8 →�see also automatic pilot , test pilot

pi |lot light (pilot lights ) N‑COUNT A pilot light is a small gas flame in a cooker, stove, boiler, or fire. It burns all the time and lights the main large flame when the gas is turned fully on.

pi |lot of|fic|er (pilot officers ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A pilot officer is an officer of low rank in the British Royal Air Force.

pi|men|to /p I me ntoʊ/ (pimentos ) N‑VAR A pimento is a small red pepper.

pimp /p I mp/ (pimps , pimping , pimped )

1 N‑COUNT A pimp is a man who gets clients for prostitutes and takes a large part of the money the prostitutes earn.

2 VERB Someone who pimps gets clients for prostitutes and takes a large part of the money the prostitutes earn. □�[V n] He stole, lied, deceived and pimped his way out of poverty. ●� pimp|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �corruption, pimping and prostitution.

pim|per|nel /p I mpə r nel/ (pimpernels ) N‑VAR A pimpernel is a small wild plant that usually has red flowers.

pim|ple /p I mp ə l/ (pimples ) N‑COUNT Pimples are small raised spots, especially on the face. □� �spots and pimples. □� His face was covered with pimples.

pim|ply /p I mpli/ ADJ If someone is pimply or has a pimply face, they have a lot of pimples on their face. □� �pimply teenagers. □� �an old man with a pimply nose.

pin ◆◇◇ /p I n/ (pins , pinning , pinned )

1 N‑COUNT Pins are very small thin pointed pieces of metal. They are used in sewing to fasten pieces of material together until they have been sewn. □� �needles and pins.

2 VERB If you pin something on or to something, you attach it with a pin, a drawing pin, or a safety pin. □�[V n prep] They pinned a notice to the door. □�[V n with adv] He had pinned up a map of Finland.

3 VERB If someone pins you to something, they press you against a surface so that you cannot move. □�[V n adv/prep] I pinned him against the wall. □�[V n] She fought at the bulk that pinned her.

4 N‑COUNT A pin is any long narrow piece of metal or wood that is not sharp, especially one that is used to fasten two things together. □� �the 18-inch steel pin holding his left leg together.

5 VERB If someone tries to pin something on you or to pin the blame on you, they say, often unfairly, that you were responsible for something bad or illegal. □�[V n +�on ] The trade unions are pinning the blame for the violence on the government.

6 VERB If you pin your hopes on something or pin your faith on something, you hope very much that it will produce the result you want. □�[V n +�on ] The Democrats are pinning their hopes on the next election.

7 VERB If someone pins their hair up or pins their hair back, they arrange their hair away from their face using hair pins. □�[V n with adv] Cleanse your face thoroughly and pin back your hair. □�[V n prep] In an effort to look older she has pinned her hair into a bun.

8 N‑COUNT A pin is something worn on your clothing, for example as jewellery, which is fastened with a pointed piece of metal. [AM ] □� �necklaces, bracelets, and pins.

9 →�see also drawing pin , pins and needles , rolling pin , safety pin

▸� pin down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you try to pin something down , you try to discover exactly what, where, or when it is. □�[V P n] It has taken until now to pin down its exact location. □�[V n P +�to ] I can only pin it down to between 1936 and 1942. □�[V P wh] If we cannot pin down exactly what we are supposed to be managing, how can we manage it? [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pin someone down , you force them to make a decision or to tell you what their decision is, when they have been trying to avoid doing this. □�[V n P +�to/on ] She couldn't pin him down to a date. □�[V n P ] If you pin people down, they will tell you some puzzling things about stress. [Also V P n (not pron)]

PIN /p I n/ N‑SING [oft N n] Someone's PIN or PIN number is a secret number which they can use, for example, with a bank card to withdraw money from a cash machine or ATM. PIN is an abbreviation for 'personal identification number'.

pina co|la|da /piː nə koʊlɑː də, [AM ] piː njə -/ (pina coladas ) N‑COUNT A pina colada is a drink made from rum, coconut juice, and pineapple juice.

pina|fore /p I nəfɔː r / (pinafores ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A pinafore or a pinafore dress is a sleeveless dress. It is worn over a blouse or sweater. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use jumper

pin|ball /p I nbɔːl/ N‑UNCOUNT Pinball is a game in which a player presses two buttons on each side of a pinball machine in order to hit a small ball to the top of the machine. The aim of the game is to prevent the ball reaching the bottom of the machine by pressing the buttons.

pi n|ball ma|chine (pinball machines ) N‑COUNT A pinball machine is a games machine on which pinball is played. It consists of a sloping table with objects that a ball hits as it rolls down.

pince-nez /p� ns ne I / N‑PLURAL [oft a N ] Pince-nez are old-fashioned glasses that consist of two lenses that fit tightly onto the top of your nose and do not have parts that rest on your ears.

pin|cer /p I nsə r / (pincers )

1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Pincers consist of two pieces of metal that are hinged in the middle. They are used as a tool for gripping things or for pulling things out. □� His surgical instruments were a knife and a pair of pincers.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The pincers of an animal such as a crab or a lobster are its front claws.

pi n|cer move|ment (pincer movements ) N‑COUNT A pincer movement is an attack by an army or other group in which they attack their enemies in two places at once with the aim of surrounding them. □� They are moving in a pincer movement to cut the republic in two.

pinch /p I ntʃ/ (pinches , pinching , pinched )

1 VERB If you pinch a part of someone's body, you take a piece of their skin between your thumb and first finger and give it a short squeeze. □�[V n] She pinched his arm as hard as she could. □�[V pron-refl] We both kept pinching ourselves to prove that it wasn't all a dream. ●�N‑COUNT Pinch is also a noun. □� She gave him a little pinch.

2 N‑COUNT A pinch of an ingredient such as salt is the amount of it that you can hold between your thumb and your first finger. □�[+�of ] Put all the ingredients, including a pinch of salt, into a food processor.

3to take something with a pinch of salt →�see salt

4 VERB To pinch something, especially something of little value, means to steal it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] �pickpockets who pinched his wallet.

5 PHRASE If you say that something is possible at a pinch , or in American English if you say that something is possible in a pinch , you mean that it would be possible if it was necessary, but it might not be very comfortable or convenient. □� Six people, and more at a pinch, could be seated comfortably at the table.

6 PHRASE If a person or company is feeling the pinch , they do not have as much money as they used to, and so they cannot buy the things they would like to buy. □� Consumers are spending less and traders are feeling the pinch.

pinched /p I ntʃt/ ADJ If someone's face is pinched , it looks thin and pale, usually because they are ill or old. □� Her face was pinched and drawn.

pi nch-hit (pinch-hits , pinch-hitting , pinch-hit ) also pinch hit

1 VERB If you pinch-hitfor someone, you do something for them because they are unexpectedly unable to do it. [AM ] □�[V +�for ] The staff here can pinch hit for each other when the hotel is busy.

2 VERB In a game of baseball, if you pinch-hit for another player, you hit the ball instead of them. [AM ] □�[V ] Davalillo goes up to pinch-hit. ●� pinch-hitter (pinch-hitters ) N‑COUNT □� The pinch-hitter lashed a single to left field.

pin|cushion /p I nkʊʃ ə n/ (pincushions ) also pin-cushion N‑COUNT A pincushion is a very small cushion that you stick pins and needles into so that you can get them easily when you need them.

pine /pa I n/ (pines , pining , pined )

1 N‑VAR A pine tree or a pine is a tall tree which has very thin, sharp leaves and a fresh smell. Pine trees have leaves all year round. □� �high mountains covered in pine trees. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Pine is the wood of this tree. □� �a big pine table.

2 VERB If you pine for someone who has died or gone away, you want them to be with you very much and feel sad because they are not there. □�[V +�for ] When the family moved away, Polly pined for them. □�[V ] Make sure your pet won't pine while you're away.

3 VERB If you pine for something, you want it very much, especially when it is unlikely that you will be able to have it. □�[V +�for ] I pine for the countryside.

pine|apple /pa I n�p ə l/ (pineapples ) N‑VAR A pineapple is a large oval fruit that grows in hot countries. It is sweet, juicy, and yellow inside, and it has a thick brownish skin.

pi ne cone (pine cones ) N‑COUNT A pine cone is one of the brown oval seed cases produced by a pine tree.

pi ne nee|dle (pine needles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pine needles are very thin, sharp leaves that grow on pine trees.

pi ne nut (pine nuts ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pine nuts are small cream-coloured seeds that grow on pine trees. They can be used in salads and other dishes.

pine|wood /pa I nwʊd/ (pinewoods ) The spelling pine wood is also used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT A pinewood is a wood which consists mainly of pine trees. □� �the hilly pinewoods of northeast Georgia.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Pinewood is wood that has come from a pine tree. □� �Italian pinewood furniture.

ping /p I ŋ/ (pings , pinging , pinged ) VERB If a bell or a piece of metal pings , it makes a short, high-pitched noise. □�[V ] The lift bell pinged at the fourth floor. ●�N‑COUNT Ping is also a noun. □� �a metallic ping.

pi ng-pong N‑UNCOUNT Ping-pong is the game of table tennis . [INFORMAL ]

pin|head /p I nhed/ (pinheads ) N‑COUNT A pinhead is the small metal or plastic part on the top of a pin. □� It may even be possible to make computers the size of a pinhead one day.

pin|hole /p I nhoʊl/ (pinholes ) N‑COUNT A pinhole is a tiny hole.

pin|ion /p I njən/ (pinions , pinioning , pinioned ) VERB If you are pinioned , someone prevents you from moving or escaping, especially by holding or tying your arms. □�[be V -ed] At nine the next morning Bentley was pinioned, hooded and hanged. [Also V n]

pink ◆◆◇ /p I ŋk/ (pinker , pinkest , pinks )

1 COLOUR Pink is the colour between red and white. □� �pink lipstick. □� �white flowers edged in pink. □� �sweaters in a variety of pinks and blues. ●� pink|ish ADJ □� Her nostrils were pinkish, as though she had a cold. ●� pink|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Meat which has been cooked thoroughly shows no traces of pinkness.

2 COLOUR If you go pink , your face turns a slightly redder colour than usual because you are embarrassed or angry, or because you are doing something energetic. □� She went pink again as she remembered her mistake.

3 ADJ Pink is used to refer to things relating to or connected with homosexuals. □� Businesses are now more aware of the importance of the 'pink pound'.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pinks are small plants that people grow in their gardens. They have sweet-smelling pink, white, or red flowers.

pinkie /p I ŋki/ (pinkies ) also pinky N‑COUNT Your pinkie is the smallest finger on your hand. [INFORMAL ] □� He pushes his glasses up his nose with his pinkie.

pinko /p I ŋkoʊ/ (pinkos or pinkoes ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a pinko , you mean that they have left-wing views. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

pinky /p I ŋki/ →�see pinkie

pi n mon|ey N‑UNCOUNT Pin money is small amounts of extra money that someone earns or gets in order to buy things that they want but that they do not really need. [INFORMAL ] □� She'd do anything for a bit of pin money.

pin|na|cle /p I n I kəl/ (pinnacles )

1 N‑COUNT A pinnacle is a pointed piece of stone or rock that is high above the ground. □� A walker fell 80ft from a rocky pinnacle.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone reaches thepinnacle of their career or thepinnacle of a particular area of life, they are at the highest point of it. □�[+�of ] She was still a screen goddess at the pinnacle of her career.

pin|ny /p I ni/ (pinnies ) N‑COUNT A pinny is an apron . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

pin|point /p I npɔ I nt/ (pinpoints , pinpointing , pinpointed )

1 VERB If you pinpoint the cause of something, you discover or explain the cause exactly. □�[V n] It was almost impossible to pinpoint the cause of death. □�[V wh] �if you can pinpoint exactly what the anger is about. □�[V n +�as ] The commission pinpoints inadequate housing as a basic problem threatening village life.

2 VERB If you pinpoint something or its position, you discover or show exactly where it is. □�[V n] I could pinpoint his precise location on a map. □�[V wh] Computers pinpointed where the shells were coming from.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If something is placed with pinpoint accuracy, it is placed in exactly the right place or position. □� �the pinpoint accuracy of the bombing campaigns.

pin|prick /p I npr I k/ (pinpricks ) also pin-prick , pin prick N‑COUNT A very small spot of something can be described as a pinprick . □�[+�of ] �a pinprick of light.

pi ns and nee |dles N‑UNCOUNT If you have pins and needles in part of your body, you feel small sharp pains there for a short period of time. It usually happens when that part of your body has been in an uncomfortable position. □�[+�in ] I had pins and needles in the tips of my fingers.

pin|stripe /p I nstra I p/ (pinstripes ) also pin-stripe N‑COUNT [usu N n] Pinstripes are very narrow vertical stripes found on certain types of clothing. Businessmen's suits often have pinstripes. □� He wore an expensive, dark-blue pinstripe suit.

pin|striped /p I nstra I pt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pinstriped suit is made of cloth that has very narrow vertical stripes.

pint /pa I nt/ (pints )

1 N‑COUNT A pint is a unit of measurement for liquids. In Britain, it is equal to 568 cubic centimetres or one eighth of an imperial gallon. In America, it is equal to 473 cubic centimetres or one eighth of an American gallon. □�[+�of ] �a pint of milk. □�[+�of ] The military requested 6,000 pints of blood from the American Red Cross.

2 N‑COUNT If you go for a pint , you go to the pub to drink a pint of beer or more. [BRIT ]

pi nt-sized ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as pint-sized , you think they are smaller than is normal or smaller than they should be. [INFORMAL ] □� Two pint-sized kids emerged from a doorway.

pi n-up (pin-ups ) also pinup N‑COUNT A pin-up is an attractive man or woman who appears on posters, often wearing very few clothes. □� �pin-up boys.

pio|neer /pa I ən I ə r / (pioneers , pioneering , pioneered )

1 N‑COUNT [N n] Someone who is referred to as a pioneer in a particular area of activity is one of the first people to be involved in it and develop it. □�[+�of/in ] �one of the leading pioneers of British photo journalism.

2 VERB Someone who pioneers a new activity, invention, or process is one of the first people to do it. □�[V n] �Professor Alec Jeffreys, who invented and pioneered DNA tests. □�[V -ed] �the folk-tale writing style pioneered by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. [Also V ]

3 N‑COUNT Pioneers are people who leave their own country or the place where they were living, and go and live in a place that has not been lived in before. □� �abandoned settlements of early European pioneers.

pio|neer|ing /pa I ən I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pioneering work or a pioneering individual does something that has not been done before, for example by developing or using new methods or techniques. □� The school has won awards for its pioneering work with the community.

pi|ous /pa I əs/

1 ADJ Someone who is pious is very religious and moral. □� He was brought up by pious female relatives. □� �pious acts of charity. ●� pi|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Conti kneeled and crossed himself piously.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone's words as pious , you think that their words are full of good intentions but do not lead to anything useful being done. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What we need is not manifestos of pious intentions, but real action. ●� pi|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The groups at the conference spoke piously of their fondness for democracy.

pip /p I p/ (pips , pipping , pipped )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pips are the small hard seeds in a fruit such as an apple, orange, or pear.

2 VERB If someone is pippedto something such as a prize or an award, they are defeated by only a small amount. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed prep] O'Sullivan's team were pipped by France, who scored in injury time. □�[V n prep] She pipped Jennifer Lawrence to the part.

3 PHRASE If someone is pipped at the post or pipped to the post they are just beaten in a competition or in a race to achieve something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I didn't want us to be pipped to the post.

pipe ◆◇◇ /pa I p/ (pipes , piping , piped )

1 N‑COUNT A pipe is a long, round, hollow object, usually made of metal or plastic, through which a liquid or gas can flow. □� They had accidentally damaged a gas pipe while drilling.

2 N‑COUNT A pipe is an object which is used for smoking tobacco. You put the tobacco into the cup-shaped part at the end of the pipe, light it, and breathe in the smoke through a narrow tube.

3 N‑COUNT A pipe is a simple musical instrument in the shape of a tube with holes in it. You play a pipe by blowing into it while covering and uncovering the holes with your fingers.

4 N‑COUNT An organ pipe is one of the long hollow tubes in which air vibrates and produces a musical note.

5 VERB If liquid or gas is piped somewhere, it is transferred from one place to another through a pipe. □�[be V -ed prep] The heated gas is piped through a coil surrounded by water. □�[V n with adv] The villagers piped in drinking water from the reservoir. □�[V -ed] Most of the houses in the capital don't have piped water.

6 →�see also piping , piping hot COLLOCATIONS pipe NOUN 1

noun +�pipe : drainage, exhaust, overflow, sewage; gas, water; concrete, copper, lead, metal

adjective +�pipe : burst, leaking

verb +�pipe : lay, repair, replace

pi pe bomb (pipe bombs ) N‑COUNT A pipe bomb is a small bomb in a narrow tube made by someone such as a terrorist.

pi pe clean|er (pipe cleaners ) N‑COUNT A pipe cleaner is a piece of wire covered with a soft substance which is used to clean a tobacco pipe.

pi ped mu |sic N‑UNCOUNT Piped music is recorded music which is played in some supermarkets, restaurants, and other public places. [BRIT ] in AM, use Muzak

pi pe dream (pipe dreams ) also pipe-dream N‑COUNT A pipe dream is a hope or plan that you have which you know will never really happen. □� You could waste your whole life on a pipe-dream.

pipe|line /pa I pla I n/ (pipelines )

1 N‑COUNT A pipeline is a large pipe which is used for carrying oil or gas over a long distance, often underground. □� Two natural gas pipelines have been laid to replace coal-burning plants.

2 PHRASE If something is in the pipeline , it has already been planned or begun. □� Already in the pipeline is a 2.9 per cent pay increase for teachers.

pip|er /pa I pə r / (pipers )

1 N‑COUNT A piper is a musician who plays the bagpipes.

2 PHRASE If you say ' He who pays the piper ' or ' He who pays the piper calls the tune ', you mean that the person who provides the money for something decides what will be done, or has a right to decide what will be done.

pipe|work /pa I pwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Pipework consists of the pipes that are part of a machine, building, or structure. □� The stainless steel pipework has been constructed, tested and inspected to very high standards.

pip|ing /pa I p I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Piping is metal, plastic, or another substance made in the shape of a pipe or tube. □� �rolls of bright yellow plastic piping.

pi p|ing ho t also piping-hot ADJ Food or water that is piping hot is very hot. □� �large cups of piping-hot coffee.

pi|quant /piː kənt, -kɑːnt/

1 ADJ Food that is piquant has a pleasantly spicy taste. [WRITTEN ] □� �a crisp mixed salad with an unusually piquant dressing. ●� pi|quan|cy /piː kənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT □� A little mustard is served on the side to add further piquancy.

2 ADJ Something that is piquant is interesting and exciting. [WRITTEN ] □� There may well have been a piquant novelty about her books when they came out. ●� pi|quan|cy N‑UNCOUNT □� Piquancy was added to the situation because Dr Porter was then on the point of marrying Hugh Miller.

pique /piː k/ (piques , piquing , piqued )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pique is the feeling of annoyance you have when you think someone has not treated you properly. □�[+�at ] Eventually, Mr Green left, although not, as widely believed, out of pique at not becoming chief executive.

2 VERB If something piques your interest or curiosity, it makes you interested or curious. □�[V n] This phenomenon piqued Dr Morris' interest. □�[V -ed] Their curiosity piqued, they stopped writing.

3 PHRASE If someone does something in a fit of pique , they do it suddenly because they are annoyed at being not treated properly. □� Lawrence, in a fit of pique, left the Army and took up a career in the City.

piqued /piː kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is piqued , they are offended or annoyed, often by something that is not very important. □� If you end up with the smallest room, it's hard not to be a little piqued. □�[+�by ] She wrinkled her nose, piqued by his total lack of enthusiasm.

pi|ra|cy /pa I rəsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Piracy is robbery at sea carried out by pirates. □� Seven of the fishermen have been formally charged with piracy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the illegal copying of things such as DVDs and computer programs as piracy . □� �protection against piracy of books and films.

pi|ra|nha /p I rɑː nə/ (piranhas or piranha ) N‑COUNT A piranha is a small, fierce fish which is found in South America.

pi|rate /pa I rət/ (pirates , pirating , pirated )

1 N‑COUNT Pirates are sailors who attack other ships and steal property from them. □� In the nineteenth century, pirates roamed the seas.

2 VERB Someone who pirates films, books, files or computer programs copies and sells them when they have no right to do so. □�[V n] He was accused of pirating music, movies and other web material. ●� pi|rat|ed ADJ □� They had modified their consoles to play pirated games.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A pirate version of something is an illegal copy of it. □� Pirate copies can be downloaded easily.

pi |rate ra |dio N‑UNCOUNT Pirate radio is the broadcasting of radio programmes illegally. [BRIT ] □� �a pirate radio station.

pirou|ette /p I rue t/ (pirouettes , pirouetting , pirouetted )

1 N‑COUNT A pirouette is a movement in ballet dancing. The dancer stands on one foot and spins their body round fast.

2 VERB If someone pirouettes , they perform one or more pirouettes. □�[V ] She pirouetted in front of the glass.

Pi|sces /pa I siːz/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pisces is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is two fish. People who are born approximately between the 19th of February and the 20th of March come under this sign.

2 N‑SING A Pisces is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Pisces.

piss /p I s/ (pisses , pissing , pissed )

1 VERB To piss means to urinate. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

2 N‑SING If someone has a piss , they urinate. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

3 N‑UNCOUNT Piss is urine. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

4 VERB [usu cont] If it ispissing with rain, it is raining very hard. ●�PHRASAL VERB Piss down means the same as piss . [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[V P ] It was pissing down out there.

5 VERB If someone is pissingthemselves , or is pissingthemselves laughing, they are laughing a lot. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[V pron-refl] I just pissed myself with laughter.

6 PHRASE If you take the piss out of someone, you tease them and make fun of them. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

▸� piss around in BRIT, also use piss about1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone pisses around or pisses about , you mean they waste a lot of time doing unimportant things. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] Now, let's stop pissing about, shall we?

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone pisses around or pisses about , you mean they behave in a silly, childish way. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[V P ] We just pissed about, laughing.

▸� piss down →�see piss4

▸� piss off

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something pisses you off , they annoy you. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[V n P ] It pisses me off when they start moaning about going to war. ●� pissed off ADJ □� I was really pissed off.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone tells a person to piss off , they are telling the person in a rude way to go away. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

pissed /p I st/

1 ADJ Someone who is pissed is drunk. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □� He was just lying there completely pissed.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is pissed , you mean that they are annoyed. [AM , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[+�at ] You know Molly's pissed at you.

pi ss-poo r ADJ If you describe something as piss-poor , you think it is of extremely poor quality. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □� �a piss-poor comedy.

pi ss-take (piss-takes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A piss-take is an act of making fun of someone or something. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

pi ss-up (piss-ups ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a group of people have a piss-up , they drink a lot of alcohol. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

pis|ta|chio /p I st� tʃioʊ/ (pistachios ) N‑VAR Pistachios or pistachio nuts are small, green, edible nuts.

piste /piː st/ (pistes ) N‑COUNT A piste is a track of firm snow for skiing on.

pis|tol /p I st ə l/ (pistols ) N‑COUNT A pistol is a small gun.

pis|ton /p I st ə n/ (pistons ) N‑COUNT A piston is a cylinder or metal disc that is part of an engine. Pistons slide up and down inside tubes and cause various parts of the engine to move.

pit ◆◇◇ /p I t/ (pits , pitting , pitted )

1 N‑COUNT A pit is a coal mine. □� It was a better community then when all the pits were working.

2 N‑COUNT A pit is a large hole that is dug in the ground. □� Eric lost his footing and began to slide into the pit.

3 N‑COUNT A gravel pit or clay pit is a very large hole that is left where gravel or clay has been dug from the ground. □� This area of former farmland was worked as a gravel pit until 1964.

4 VERB [usu passive] If two opposing things or people are pitted against one another, they are in conflict. □�[be V -ed +�against ] You will be pitted against people who are every bit as good as you are. □�[V -ed] This was one man pitted against the universe.

5 N‑PLURAL [usu pl] In motor racing, thepits are the areas at the side of the track where drivers stop to get more fuel and to repair their cars during races.

6 →�see also pit stop

7 N‑PLURAL If you describe something as the pits , you mean that it is extremely bad. [SPOKEN ] □� Mary Ann asked him how dinner had been. 'The pits,' he replied.

8 N‑COUNT A pit is the stone of a fruit or vegetable. [AM ]

9 →�see also pitted , fleapit , orchestra pit , sandpit

10 PHRASE If you pit your wits against someone, you compete with them in a test of knowledge or intelligence. □� I'd like to pit my wits against the best.

11 PHRASE If you have a feeling in the pit of your stomach , you have a tight or sick feeling in your stomach, usually because you are afraid or anxious. □� I had a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach.

12a bottomless pit →�see bottomless

pita /piː tə/ (pitas ) →�see pitta

pi t bull ter|ri|er (pit bull terriers ) N‑COUNT A pit bull terrier or a pit bull is a very fierce kind of dog. Some people train pit bull terriers to fight other dogs. It is illegal to own one in the UK.

pitch ◆◇◇ /p I tʃ/ (pitches , pitching , pitched )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A pitch is an area of ground that is marked out and used for playing a game such as football, cricket, or hockey. [mainly BRIT ] □� There was a swimming-pool, cricket pitches, and playing fields. □� Their conduct both on and off the pitch was excellent. in AM, usually use field2 VERB If you pitch something somewhere, you throw it with quite a lot of force, usually aiming it carefully. □�[V n prep] Simon pitched the empty bottle into the lake.

3 VERB To pitch somewhere means to fall forwards suddenly and with a lot of force. □�[V adv] The movement took him by surprise, and he pitched forward. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] I was pitched into the water and swam ashore.

4 VERB If someone is pitched into a new situation, they are suddenly forced into it. □�[be V -ed prep] They were being pitched into a new adventure. □�[V n prep] This could pitch the government into confrontation with the work-force.

5 VERB In the game of baseball or rounders, when you pitch the ball, you throw it to the batter for them to hit it. □�[V n] We passed long, hot afternoons pitching a baseball. [Also V prep] ●� pitch|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� His pitching was a legend among major league hitters.

6 N‑UNCOUNT The pitch of a sound is how high or low it is. □� He raised his voice to an even higher pitch.

7 →�see also perfect pitch

8 VERB [usu passive] If a sound is pitched at a particular level, it is produced at the level indicated. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] His cry is pitched at a level that makes it impossible to ignore. □�[V -ed] Her voice was well pitched and brisk.

9 →�see also high-pitched , low-pitched

10 VERB If something is pitchedat a particular level or degree of difficulty, it is set at that level. □�[be V -ed prep] I think the material is pitched at too high a level for our purposes. □�[V n prep] The government has pitched High Street interest rates at a new level.

11 N‑SING If something such as a feeling or a situation rises to a high pitch , it rises to a high level. □� The hysteria reached such a pitch that police were deployed to reassure parents at the school gates.

12 →�see also fever pitch

13 VERB If you pitch your tent , or pitch camp , you put up your tent in a place where you are going to stay. □�[V n] He had pitched his tent in the yard. □�[V n] At dusk we pitched camp in the middle of nowhere.

14 VERB If a boat pitches , it moves violently up and down with the movement of the waves when the sea is rough. □�[V ] The ship is pitching and rolling in what looks like about fifteen-foot seas.

15 →�see also pitched

16 PHRASE If someone makes a pitchfor something, they try to persuade people to do or buy it. □�[+�for ] The President made another pitch for his economic program.

17 →�see also sales pitch

▸� pitch for PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If someone is pitching for something, they are trying to persuade other people to give it to them. □�[V P n] �laws prohibiting the state's accountants from pitching for business.

▸� pitch in PHRASAL VERB If you pitch in , you join in and help with an activity. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] The agency says international relief agencies also have pitched in. □�[V P to-inf] The entire company pitched in to help. SYNONYMS pitch NOUN 1

ground:�the city's football ground.

arena:�the largest indoor sports arena in the world.

field:�a football field.

stadium:�a baseball stadium.

pi tch-bla ck ADJ If a place or the night is pitch-black , it is completely dark. □� �a cold pitch-black winter morning.

pi tch-da rk also pitch dark ADJ Pitch-dark means the same as pitch-black . □� It was pitch-dark in the room and I couldn't see a thing.

pitched /p I tʃt/

1 ADJ A pitched roof is one that slopes as opposed to one that is flat. □� �a rather quaint lodge with a steeply pitched roof.

2 →�see also high-pitched , low-pitched

pi tched ba t|tle (pitched battles ) N‑COUNT A pitched battle is a very fierce and violent fight involving a large number of people. □� Pitched battles were fought with the police.

pitch|er /p I tʃə r / (pitchers )

1 N‑COUNT A pitcher is a jug. [mainly AM ] □�[+�of ] �a pitcher of iced water.

2 N‑COUNT A pitcher is a large container made of clay. Pitchers are usually round in shape and have a narrow neck and two handles shaped like ears.

3 N‑COUNT In baseball, the pitcher is the person who throws the ball to the batter, who tries to hit it.

pitch|fork /p I tʃfɔː r k/ (pitchforks ) N‑COUNT A pitchfork is a tool with a long handle and two pointed parts that is used on a farm for lifting hay or cut grass.

pi tch in|va|sion (pitch invasions ) N‑COUNT If there is a pitch invasion during or after a football, rugby, or cricket match, fans run on to the pitch. [BRIT ]

pit|eous /p I tiəs/ ADJ Something that is piteous is so sad that you feel great pity for the person involved. [WRITTEN ] □� As they pass by, a piteous wailing is heard.

pit|fall /p I tfɔːl/ (pitfalls ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The pitfalls involved in a particular activity or situation are the things that may go wrong or may cause problems. □�[+�of ] The pitfalls of working abroad are numerous.

pith /p I θ/ N‑UNCOUNT Thepith of an orange, lemon, or similar fruit is the white substance between the skin and the inside of the fruit.

pit|head /p I thed/ (pitheads ) N‑COUNT Thepithead at a coal mine is all the buildings and machinery which are above ground. □� Across the river the railway track ran up to the pithead.

pithy /p I θi/ (pithier , pithiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pithy comment or piece of writing is short, direct, and full of meaning. [WRITTEN ] □� His pithy advice to young painters was, 'Above all, keep your colours fresh.' □� Many of them made a point of praising the film's pithy dialogue. ●� pithi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Emily Bronte said it best when she wrote pithily: 'Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.'

piti|able /p I tiəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is pitiable is in such a sad or weak state that you feel pity for them. [WRITTEN ] □� Her grandmother seemed to her a pitiable figure. ●� piti|ably /p I tiəbli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Their main grievance was that they had not received their pitiably low pay. □� She found Frances lying on the bed crying pitiably.

piti|ful /p I t I fʊl/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is pitiful is so sad, weak, or small that you feel pity for them. □� It was the most pitiful sight I had ever seen. ●� piti|ful|ly ADV □� His legs were pitifully thin compared to the rest of his bulk.

2 ADJ If you describe something as pitiful , you mean that it is completely inadequate. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The choice is pitiful and the quality of some of the products is very low. ●� piti|ful|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� Clearly that constitutes a pitifully inadequate return on my investment.

piti|less /p I tiləs/ ADJ Someone or something that is pitiless shows no pity or kindness. [LITERARY ] □� He saw the pitiless eyes of his enemy. ●� piti|less|ly ADV □� She had scorned him pitilessly.

pit|man /p I tmən/ (pitmen ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pitmen are coal miners . [AM , also BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� Many of the older pitmen may never work again.

pi t stop (pit stops ) N‑COUNT In motor racing, if a driver makes a pit stop , he or she stops in a special place at the side of the track to get more fuel and to make repairs. □� He had to make four pit stops during the race.

pit|ta /p I tə/ (pittas ) The spelling pita is used in American English, pronounced /pi tə/. N‑VAR Pitta or pitta bread is a type of bread in the shape of a flat oval. It can be split open and filled with food such as meat and salad.

pit|tance /p I t ə ns/ (pittances ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that you receive a pittance , you are emphasizing that you get only a very small amount of money, probably not as much as you think you deserve. [EMPHASIS ] □� Her secretaries work tirelessly for a pittance.

pit|ted /p I t I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Pitted fruits have had their stones removed. □� �green and black pitted olives.

2 ADJ If the surface of something is pitted , it is covered with a lot of small, shallow holes. □�[+�with ] Everywhere building facades are pitted with shell and bullet holes. □� �the pitted surface of the moon.

pi|tui|tary gland /p I tjuː I tri gl� nd, [AM ] -tuː I teri/ (pituitary glands ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The pituitary gland or the pituitary is a gland that is attached to the base of the brain. It produces hormones which affect growth, sexual development, and other functions of the body. [TECHNICAL ]

pity /p I ti/ (pities , pitying , pitied )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you feel pityfor someone, you feel very sorry for them. □�[+�for ] He felt a sudden tender pity for her. □� She knew that she was an object of pity among her friends.

2 →�see also self-pity

3 VERB If you pity someone, you feel very sorry for them. □�[V n] I don't know whether to hate or pity him.

4 N‑SING If you say that it is a pity that something is the case, you mean that you feel disappointment or regret about it. [FEELINGS ] □� It is a great pity that all pupils in the city cannot have the same chances. □� It seemed a pity to let it all go to waste.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If someone shows pity , they do not harm or punish someone they have power over. □� One should avoid showing too much pity.

6 PHRASE If you take pity on someone, you feel sorry for them and help them. □� No woman had ever felt the need to take pity on him before.

pity|ing /p I ti I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pitying look shows that someone feels pity and perhaps slight contempt. □� She gave him a pitying look; that was the sort of excuse her father would use. ●� pity|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Stasik looked at him pityingly and said nothing.

piv|ot /p I vət/ (pivots , pivoting , pivoted )

1 N‑COUNT The pivot in a situation is the most important thing which everything else is based on or arranged around. □�[+�of ] Forming the pivot of the exhibition is a large group of watercolours.

2 VERB If something pivots , it balances or turns on a central point. □�[V prep/adv] The boat pivoted on its central axis and pointed straight at the harbour entrance. □�[V prep/adv] She pivots gracefully on the stage. □�[V n prep] He pivoted his whole body through ninety degrees.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A pivot is the pin or the central point on which something balances or turns. □� The pedal had sheared off at the pivot.

piv|ot|al /p I vət ə l/ ADJ A pivotal role, point or figure in something is one that is very important and affects the success of that thing. □� The Court of Appeal has a pivotal role in the English legal system.

pix /p I ks/ N‑PLURAL Pix is an informal way of spelling pics meaning 'photographs' or 'films'. □� �historic team pix showing Best, Charlton and Law.

pix|el /p I ks ə l/ (pixels ) N‑COUNT A pixel is the smallest area on a computer screen which can be given a separate colour by the computer. [COMPUTING ]

pixie /p I ksi/ (pixies ) N‑COUNT A pixie is an imaginary little creature like a fairy. Pixies have pointed ears and wear pointed hats.

piz|za /piː tsə/ (pizzas ) N‑VAR A pizza is a flat, round piece of dough covered with tomatoes, cheese, and other savoury food, and then baked in an oven. □� �the last piece of pizza. □� We went for a pizza together at lunch-time.

piz|zazz /p I z� z/ also pzazz , pizazz N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something has pizzazz , you mean that they are very exciting, energetic, and stylish. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �a young woman with a lot of energy and pizzazz.

piz|ze|ria /piː tsəriː ə/ (pizzerias ) N‑COUNT A pizzeria is a place where pizza is made, sold, and eaten.

piz|zi|ca|to /p I ts I kɑː toʊ/ (pizzicatos ) ADV [ADV after v] If a stringed instrument is played pizzicato , it is played by pulling the strings with the fingers rather than by using the bow. [TECHNICAL ] ●�N‑COUNT [oft N n] Pizzicato is also a noun. □� �an extended pizzicato section.

pktPkt is used in recipes as a written abbreviation for packet .

pl also pl.

1 In addresses and on maps and signs, Pl is often used as a written abbreviation for Place . □� �27 Queensdale Pl, London W11, England.

2 In grammar, pl is often used as a written abbreviation for plural .

3Pl. is sometimes used as a written abbreviation for please .

plac|ard /pl� kɑː r d/ (placards ) N‑COUNT A placard is a large notice that is carried in a march or displayed in a public place. □� The protesters sang songs and waved placards.

pla|cate /pləke I t, [AM ] ple I ke I t/ (placates , placating , placated ) VERB If you placate someone, you do or say something to make them stop feeling angry. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He smiled, trying to placate me. □�[V -ing] 'I didn't mean to upset you,' Agnew said in a placating voice. [Also V ]

placa|tory /pləke I təri, [AM ] ple I kətɔːri/ ADJ A placatory remark or action is intended to make someone stop feeling angry. [FORMAL ] □� When next he spoke he was more placatory. □� He raised a placatory hand. 'All right, we'll see what we can do.'

place ◆◆◆ /ple I s/ (places , placing , placed )

1 N‑COUNT A place is any point, building, area, town, or country. □� �Temple Mount, the place where the Temple actually stood. □�[+�of ] �a list of museums and places of interest. □� We're going to a place called Mont-St-Jean. □� �the opportunity to visit new places. □� The best place to catch fish on a canal is close to a lock. □� The pain is always in the same place.

2 N‑SING You can use the place to refer to the point, building, area, town, or country that you have already mentioned. □� Except for the remarkably tidy kitchen, the place was a mess.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to somewhere that provides a service, such as a hotel, restaurant, or institution, as a particular kind of place . □� He found a bed-and-breakfast place. □� We discovered some superb places to eat.

4 PHRASE When something takes place , it happens, especially in a controlled or organized way. □� The discussion took place in a famous villa on the lake's shore. □� Elections will now take place on November the twenty-fifth.

5 N‑SING Place can be used after 'any', 'no', 'some', or 'every' to mean 'anywhere', 'nowhere', 'somewhere', or 'everywhere'. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� The poor guy obviously didn't have any place to go for Easter.

6 ADV [ADV after v] If you go places , you visit pleasant or interesting places. [mainly AM ] □� I don't have money to go places.

7 N‑COUNT You can refer to the position where something belongs, or where it is supposed to be, as its place . □� He returned the album to its place on the shelf. □� He returned to his place on the sofa.

8 N‑COUNT A place is a seat or position that is available for someone to occupy. □� He walked back to the table and sat at the nearest of two empty places.

9 N‑COUNT [with poss] Someone's or something's place in a society, system, or situation is their position in relation to other people or things. □�[+�of ] �the important place of Christianity in our national culture.

10 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your place in a race or competition is your position in relation to the other competitors. If you are in first place, you are ahead of all the other competitors. □�[+�in ] He won third place in the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants awards.

11 N‑COUNT If you get a place in a team, on a committee, or on a course of study, for example, you are accepted as a member of the team or committee or as a student on the course. □�[+�at ] I eventually got a place at York University. □� They should be in residential care but there are no places available.

12 N‑SING [oft N to-inf] A good placeto do something in a situation or activity is a good time or stage at which to do it. □� It seemed an appropriate place to end somehow. □�[+�for ] This is not the place for a lengthy discussion.

13 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu poss N ] Your place is the house or flat where you live. [INFORMAL ] □� Let's all go back to my place! □� He kept encouraging Rosie to find a place of her own.

14 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu poss N ] Your placein a book or speech is the point you have reached in reading the book or making the speech. □� He lost his place in his notes.

15 N‑COUNT If you say how many decimal places there are in a number, you are saying how many numbers there are to the right of the decimal point. □� A pocket calculator only works to eight decimal places.

16 VERB If you place something somewhere, you put it in a particular position, especially in a careful, firm, or deliberate way. □�[V n prep/adv] Brand folded it in his handkerchief and placed it in the inside pocket of his jacket. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Chairs were hastily placed in rows for the parents.

17 VERB To place a person or thing in a particular state means to cause them to be in it. □�[V n prep] Widespread protests have placed the President under serious pressure. □�[be V -ed prep] The remaining 30 percent of each army will be placed under U.N. control.

18 VERB You can use place instead of 'put' or 'lay' in certain expressions where the meaning is carried by the following noun. For example, if you place emphasison something, you emphasize it, and if you place the blameon someone, you blame them. □�[V n +�on/upon ] He placed great emphasis on the importance of family life and ties. □�[V n +�in ] His government is placing its faith in international diplomacy.

19 VERB If you place someone or something in a particular class or group, you label or judge them in that way. □�[V n prep] You take a simple written and verbal test so you can be placed in the appropriate class.

20 VERB [usu passive] If a competitor is placed first, second, or last, for example, that is their position at the end of a race or competition. In American English, be placed often means 'finish in second position'. □�[be V -ed ord] I had been placed 2nd and 3rd a few times but had never won. □�[ord V -ed] Second-placed Auxerre suffered a surprising 2-0 home defeat to Nantes.

21 VERB If you place an order for a product or for a meal, you ask for it to be sent or brought to you. □�[V n] It is a good idea to place your order well in advance. □�[V n +�for ] Before placing your order for a meal, study the menu.

22 VERB If you place an advertisement in a newspaper, you arrange for the advertisement to appear in the newspaper. □�[V n +�in ] They placed an advertisement in the local paper for a secretary. [Also V n]

23 VERB If you place a phone call to a particular place, you give the telephone operator the number of the person you want to speak to and ask them to connect you. □�[V n] I'd like to place an overseas call.

24 VERB If you place a bet, you bet money on something. □�[V n +�on ] For this race, though, he had already placed a bet on one of the horses. [Also V n]

25 VERB If an agency or organization places someone, it finds them a job or somewhere to live. □�[V n +�in ] In 1861, they managed to place fourteen women in paid positions in the colonies. □�[V n] In cases where it proves difficult to place a child, the reception centre provides long-term care.

26 VERB If you say that you cannot place someone, you mean that you recognize them but cannot remember exactly who they are or where you have met them before. □�[V n] It was a voice he recognized, though he could not immediately place it.

27 →�see also meeting place

28 PHRASE If something is happening all over the place , it is happening in many different places. □� Businesses are closing down all over the place.

29 PHRASE If things are all over the place , they are spread over a very large area, usually in a disorganized way. □� Our fingerprints are probably all over the place.

30 PHRASE If you say that someone is all over the place , you mean that they are confused or disorganized, and unable to think clearly or act properly. [mainly BRIT ] □� He was careful and diligent. I was all over the place.

31 PHRASE If you change placeswith another person, you start being in their situation or role, and they start being in yours. □� When he has tried to identify all the items, you can change places, and he can test you. [Also +�with ]

32 PHRASE If you have been trying to understand something puzzling and then everything falls into place or clicks into place , you suddenly understand how different pieces of information are connected and everything becomes clearer. □� When the reasons behind the decision were explained, of course, it all fell into place.

33 PHRASE If things fall into place , events happen naturally to produce a situation you want. □� Once the decision was made, things fell into place rapidly.

34 PHRASE [oft cont] If you say that someone is going places , you mean that they are showing a lot of talent or ability and are likely to become very successful. □� You always knew Barbara was going places; she was different.

35 PHRASE People in high places are people who have powerful and influential positions in a government, society, or organization. □� He had friends in high places.

36 PHRASE If something is in place , it is in its correct or usual position. If it is out of place , it is not in its correct or usual position. □� Geoff hastily pushed the drawer back into place. □� Not a strand of her golden hair was out of place.

37 PHRASE If something such as a law, a policy, or an administrative structure is in place , it is working or able to be used. □� Similar legislation is already in place in Wales.

38 PHRASE If one thing or person is used or does something in place of another, they replace the other thing or person. □� Cooked kidney beans can be used in place of French beans.

39 PHRASE If something has particular characteristics or features in places , it has them at several points within an area. □� The snow along the roadside was six feet deep in places.

40 PHRASE If you say what you would have done in someone else's place , you say what you would have done if you had been in their situation and had been experiencing what they were experiencing. □� In her place I wouldn't have been able to resist it. □� What would you have done in my place, my dear?

41 PHRASE You say in the first place when you are talking about the beginning of a situation or about the situation as it was before a series of events. □� What brought you to Washington in the first place?

42 PHRASE You say in the first place and in the second place to introduce the first and second in a series of points or reasons. In the first place can also be used to emphasize a very important point or reason. □� In the first place you are not old and in the second place you are a very attractive man.

43 PHRASE If you say that it is not your placeto do something, you mean that it is not right or appropriate for you to do it, or that it is not your responsibility to do it. □� He says that it is not his place to comment on government commitment to further funds.

44 PHRASE If someone or something seems out of place in a particular situation, they do not seem to belong there or to be suitable for that situation. □� I felt out of place in my suit and tie.

45 PHRASE If you say that someone has found their place in the sun , you mean that they are in a job or a situation where they will be happy and have everything that they want.

46 PHRASE If you place one thing above , before , or over another, you think that the first thing is more important than the second and you show this in your behaviour. □� He continued to place security above all other objectives.

47 PHRASE If you put someone in their place , you show them that they are less important or clever than they think they are. □� In a few words she had put him in his place.

48 PHRASE If you say that someone should be shown their place or be kept in their place , you are saying, often in a humorous way, that they should be made aware of their low status. □� �an uppity publican who needs to be shown his place.

49 PHRASE If one thing takes second placeto another, it is considered to be less important and is given less attention than the other thing. □� My personal life has had to take second place to my career.

50 PHRASE If one thing or person takes the place of another or takes another's place , they replace the other thing or person. □� Optimism was gradually taking the place of pessimism. □� He eventually took Charlie's place in a popular Latin band.

51pride of place →�see pride

Place N‑COUNT Place is used as part of the name of a square or short street in a town. □� �15 Portland Place, London W1A 4DD.

pla|cebo /pləsiː boʊ/ (placebos ) N‑COUNT A placebo is a substance with no effects that a doctor gives to a patient instead of a drug. Placebos are used when testing new drugs or sometimes when a patient has imagined their illness.

pla|ce bo ef|fect (placebo effects ) N‑COUNT Theplacebo effect is the fact that some patients' health improves after taking what they believe is an effective drug but which is in fact only a placebo.

pla ce card (place cards ) N‑COUNT A place card is a small card with a person's name on it which is put on a table at a formal meal to indicate where that person is to sit.

-placed /-ple I st/

1 COMB -placed combines with adverbs to form adjectives which describe how well or badly someone is able to do a particular task. □� A member of the Royal Commission on Criminal Justice, Miss Rafferty is well-placed to comment. □� Fund managers are poorly-placed to monitor firms.

2 COMB -placed combines with adverbs to form adjectives which indicate how good or bad the position of a building or area is considered to be. □� The hotel is wonderfully-placed, only a minute's walk from the city centre.

place|man /ple I smən/ (placemen ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you refer to a public official as a placeman , you disapprove of the fact that they use their position for their own personal benefit or to provide political support for those who appointed them. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The President's placemen on the Supreme Court can block legislation including an amnesty for political prisoners.

pla ce mat (place mats ) also placemat N‑COUNT Place mats are mats that are put on a table before a meal for people to put their plates or bowls on.

place|ment /ple I smənt/ (placements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Theplacementof something or someone is the act of putting them in a particular place or position. □�[+�of ] The treatment involves the placement of twenty-two electrodes in the inner ear.

2 N‑COUNT If someone who is training gets a placement , they get a job for a period of time which is intended to give them experience in the work they are training for. □�[+�with ] He had a six-month work placement with the Japanese government.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The placement of someone in a job, home, or school is the act or process of finding them a job, home, or school. □�[+�in ] The children were waiting for placement in a foster care home.

pla|cen|ta /pləse ntə/ (placentas ) N‑COUNT Theplacenta is the mass of veins and tissue inside the womb of a pregnant woman or animal, which the unborn baby is attached to. □� The infection can be passed on to the baby via the placenta.

pla ce set|ting (place settings )

1 N‑COUNT A place setting is an arrangement of knives, forks, spoons, and glasses that has been laid out on a table for the use of one person at a meal.

2 N‑COUNT A place setting of china or of knives, forks, and spoons is a complete set of all the things that one person might use at a meal. □� A seven-piece place setting costs about �45.

plac|id /pl� s I d/

1 ADJ A placid person or animal is calm and does not easily become excited, angry, or upset. □� She was a placid child who rarely cried. ●� plac|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'No matter, we will pay the difference,' Helena said placidly.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A placid place, area of water, or life is calm and peaceful. □� �the placid waters of Lake Erie.

plac|ings /ple I s I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL The placings in a competition are the relative positions of the competitors at the end or at a particular stage of the competition. □� Northampton were third in the League placings.

pla|gia|rism /ple I dʒər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Plagiarism is the practice of using or copying someone else's idea or work and pretending that you thought of it or created it. □� Now he's in real trouble. He's accused of plagiarism. ●� pla|gia|rist (plagiarists ) N‑COUNT □� Colleagues call Oates an unlikely plagiarist.

pla|gia|rize /ple I dʒəra I z/ (plagiarizes , plagiarizing , plagiarized ) in BRIT, also use plagiarise VERB If someone plagiarizes another person's idea or work, they use it or copy it and pretend that they thought of it or created it. □�[V n] Moderates are plagiarizing his ideas in hopes of wooing voters. □�[V -ed +�from ] The poem employs as its first lines a verse plagiarized from a billboard. [Also V ]

plague /ple I g/ (plagues , plaguing , plagued )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Plague or the plague is a very infectious disease which usually results in death. The patient has a severe fever and swellings on his or her body. □� �a fresh outbreak of plague.

2 N‑COUNT A plague of unpleasant things is a large number of them that arrive or happen at the same time. □�[+�of ] The city is under threat from a plague of rats.

3 VERB If you areplaguedby unpleasant things, they continually cause you a lot of trouble or suffering. □�[be V -ed +�by ] She was plagued by weakness, fatigue, and dizziness. □�[V n] Fears about job security plague nearly half the workforce.

plaice /ple I s/ (plaice ) N‑VAR Plaice are a type of flat sea fish. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Plaice is this fish eaten as food. □� �a fillet of plaice with saut�ed rice and vegetables.

plaid /pl� d/ (plaids ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Plaid is material with a check design on it. Plaid is also the design itself. □� Eddie wore blue jeans and a plaid shirt.

plain ◆◇◇ /ple I n/ (plainer , plainest , plains )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A plain object, surface, or fabric is entirely in one colour and has no pattern, design, or writing on it. □� In general, a plain carpet makes a room look bigger. □� He wore a plain blue shirt, open at the collar.

2 ADJ Something that is plain is very simple in style. □� Bronwen's dress was plain but it hung well on her. ●� plain|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� He was very tall and plainly dressed.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a fact, situation, or statement is plain , it is easy to recognize or understand. □� It was plain to him that I was having a nervous breakdown. □� He's made it plain that he loves the game and wants to be involved still.

4 →�see also plain-spoken

5 ADJ If you describe someone as plain , you think they look ordinary and not at all beautiful. □� �a shy, rather plain girl with a pale complexion.

6 N‑COUNT A plain is a large flat area of land with very few trees on it. □� Once there were 70 million buffalo on the plains.

7 ADV [ADV adj] You can use plain before an adjective in order to emphasize it. [EMPHASIS ] □� The food was just plain terrible. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Plain is also used before a noun. □� Is it love of publicity or plain stupidity on her part?

8 PHRASE If a police officer is in plain clothes , he or she is wearing ordinary clothes instead of a police uniform. □� Three officers in plain clothes told me to get out of the car.

9plain sailing →�see sailing COLLOCATIONS plain NOUN 6

adjective +�plain : alluvial; arid, barren, dusty; coastal; fertile; grassy; rolling

noun +�plain : flood

plai n cho co|late N‑UNCOUNT Plain chocolate is dark-brown chocolate that has a stronger and less sweet taste than milk chocolate. [BRIT ] in AM, use dark chocolate

plai n-clo thes also plainclothes

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Plain-clothes police officers wear ordinary clothes instead of a police uniform. □� He was arrested by plain-clothes detectives as he walked through the customs hall.

2in plain clothes →�see plain

plai n flou r N‑UNCOUNT Plain flour is flour that does not make cakes and biscuits rise when they are cooked because it has no chemicals added to it. [BRIT ] in AM, use all-purpose flour

plain|ly /ple I nli/

1 ADV You use plainly to indicate that you believe something is obviously true, often when you are trying to convince someone else that it is true. [EMPHASIS ] □� The judge's conclusion was plainly wrong. □� Plainly, a more objective method of description must be adopted.

2 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] You use plainly to indicate that something is easily seen, noticed, or recognized. □� He was plainly annoyed. □� I could plainly see him turning his head to the right and left.

3 →�see also plain

plai n-spo ken also plainspoken ADJ If you say that someone is plain-spoken , you mean that they say exactly what they think, even when they know that what they say may not please other people. [APPROVAL ] □� �a plain-spoken man full of scorn for pomp and pretense.

plaint /ple I nt/ (plaints ) N‑COUNT A plaint is a complaint or a sad cry. [LITERARY ] □� �a forlorn, haunting plaint.

plain|tiff /ple I nt I f/ (plaintiffs ) N‑COUNT A plaintiff is a person who brings a legal case against someone in a court of law.

plain|tive /ple I nt I v/ ADJ A plaintive sound or voice sounds sad. [LITERARY ] □� They lay on the firm sands, listening to the plaintive cry of the seagulls. ●� plain|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� 'Why don't we do something?' Davis asked plaintively.

plait /pl� t, [AM ] ple I t/ (plaits , plaiting , plaited )

1 VERB If you plait three or more lengths of hair, rope, or other material together, you twist them over and under each other to make one thick length. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] Joanna parted her hair, and then began to plait it into two thick braids. □�[V -ed] �a plaited leather belt. in AM, usually use braid2 N‑COUNT A plait is a length of hair that has been plaited [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use braid

plan ◆◆◆ /pl� n/ (plans , planning , planned )

1 N‑COUNT [oft according to N ] A plan is a method of achieving something that you have worked out in detail beforehand. □� The three leaders had worked out a peace plan. □�[+�of ] �a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group. □� He maintains that everything is going according to plan.

2 VERB If you plan what you are going to do, you decide in detail what you are going to do, and you intend to do it. □�[V wh] If you plan what you're going to eat, you reduce your chances of overeating. □�[V to-inf] He planned to leave Baghdad on Monday. □�[V +�for ] It would be difficult for schools to plan for the future. □�[V n] I had been planning a trip to the West Coast. □�[V -ed] A planned demonstration has been called off by its organisers.

3 N‑PLURAL [N to-inf] If you have plans , you are intending to do a particular thing. □�[+�for ] 'I'm sorry,' she said. 'I have plans for tonight.'

4 VERB When you plan something that you are going to make, build, or create, you decide what the main parts of it will be and do a drawing of how it should be made. □�[V n] We are planning a new kitchen.

5 N‑COUNT A planof something that is going to be built or made is a detailed diagram or drawing of it. □�[+�of/for ] �when you have drawn a plan of the garden.

6 →�see also planning

▸� plan on PHRASAL VERB If you plan on doing something, you intend to do it. □�[V P v-ing/n] They were planning on getting married.

plane ◆◆◇ /ple I n/ (planes , planing , planed )

1 N‑COUNT A plane is a vehicle with wings and one or more engines, which can fly through the air. □� He had plenty of time to catch his plane. □� Her mother was killed in a plane crash. □� �fighter planes.

2 N‑COUNT A plane is a flat, level surface which may be sloping at a particular angle. □� �a building with angled planes.

3 N‑SING If a number of points are in the same plane , one line or one flat surface could pass through them all. □� All the planets orbit the Sun in roughly the same plane, round its equator.

4 N‑COUNT A plane is a tool that has a flat bottom with a sharp blade in it. You move the plane over a piece of wood in order to remove thin pieces of its surface.

5 VERB If you plane a piece of wood, you make it smaller or smoother by using a plane. □�[V n] She watches him plane the surface of a walnut board. □�[V n adj] Again I planed the surface flush.

6 N‑COUNT A plane or a plane tree is a large tree with broad leaves which often grows in towns.

plane|load /ple I nloʊd/ (planeloads ) N‑COUNT A planeloadof people or goods is as many people or goods as a plane can carry. □�[+�of ] The kingdom has so far sent only a few planeloads of basic relief supplies.

plan|et ◆◇◇ /pl� n I t/ (planets ) N‑COUNT A planet is a large, round object in space that moves around a star. The Earth is a planet. □� The picture shows six of the nine planets in the solar system.

plan|etar|ium /pl� n I teə riəm/ (planetariums ) N‑COUNT A planetarium is a building where lights are shone on the ceiling to represent the planets and the stars and to show how they appear to move.

plan|etary /pl� n I tri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Planetary means relating to or belonging to planets. □� Within our own galaxy there are probably tens of thousands of planetary systems.

plan|gent /pl� ndʒ ə nt/ ADJ A plangent sound is a deep, loud sound, which may be sad. [LITERARY ] □� �plangent violins.

plank /pl� ŋk/ (planks )

1 N‑COUNT A plank is a long, flat, rectangular piece of wood. □�[+�of ] It was very strong, made of three solid planks of wood.

2 N‑COUNT The main plankof a particular group or political party is the main principle on which it bases its policy, or its main aim. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] Encouraging people to shop locally is a central plank of his environment policy.

3 N‑COUNT Planks are exercises for strengthening your stomach and back muscles. They involve holding your body straight and horizontal with your hands or elbows and toes or knees on the floor. □� For over an hour, I did planks, squats, lunges and crunches.

plank|ing /pl� ŋk I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Planking is wood that has been cut into long flat pieces. It is used especially to make floors.

plank|ton /pl� ŋktən/ N‑UNCOUNT Plankton is a mass of tiny animals and plants that live in the surface layer of the sea. □� �its usual diet of plankton and other small organisms.

plan|ner /pl� nə r / (planners ) N‑COUNT Planners are people whose job is to make decisions about what is going to be done in the future. For example, town planners decide how land should be used and what new buildings should be built. □� �a panel that includes city planners, art experts and historians.

plan|ning ◆◇◇ /pl� n I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Planning is the process of deciding in detail how to do something before you actually start to do it. □� The trip needs careful planning. □� The new system is still in the planning stages.

2 →�see also family planning

3 N‑UNCOUNT Planning is control by the local government of the way that land is used in an area and of what new buildings are built there. □� �a masterpiece of 18th-century town planning. SYNONYMS planning NOUN 1

organization:Several projects have been delayed by poor organization.

preparation:Behind any successful event lay months of preparation.

arrangement:The staff is working frantically on final arrangements for the summit.

pla n|ning ap|pli|ca|tion (planning applications ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a planning application is a formal request to a local authority for permission to build something new or to add something to an existing building.

pla n|ning per|mis|sion (planning permissions ) N‑VAR In Britain, planning permission is official permission that you must get from the local authority before building something new or adding something to an existing building.

plant ◆◆◆ /plɑː nt, pl� nt/ (plants , planting , planted )

1 N‑COUNT A plant is a living thing that grows in the earth and has a stem, leaves, and roots. □� Water each plant as often as required. □� �exotic plants.

2 →�see also bedding plant , pot plant , rubber plant

3 VERB When you plant a seed, plant, or young tree, you put it into the ground so that it will grow there. □�[V n] He says he plans to plant fruit trees and vegetables. ●� plant|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Extensive flooding in the country has delayed planting and many crops are still under water.

4 VERB When someone plants land with a particular type of plant or crop, they put plants, seeds, or young trees into the land to grow them there. □�[V n +�with ] They plan to plant the area with grass and trees. □�[V n] Recently much of their energy has gone into planting a large vegetable garden. □�[V -ed] �newly planted fields.

5 N‑COUNT A plant is a factory or a place where power is produced. □� �Ford's British car assembly plants. □� The plant provides forty per cent of the country's electricity.

6 N‑UNCOUNT Plant is large machinery that is used in industrial processes. □� �investment in plant and equipment.

7 VERB If you plant something somewhere, you put it there firmly. □�[V n adv/prep] She planted her feet wide and bent her knees slightly. □�[V -ed adv/prep] �with his enormous feet planted heavily apart.

8 VERB To plant something such as a bomb means to hide it somewhere so that it explodes or works there. □�[V n] So far no one has admitted planting the bomb.

9 VERB [oft passive] If something such as a weapon or drugs is planted on someone, it is put among their possessions or in their house so that they will be wrongly accused of a crime. □�[be V -ed] He claimed that the evidence had been planted to incriminate him.

10 VERB If an organization plants someone somewhere, they send that person there so that they can get information or watch someone secretly. □�[V n] Journalists informed police, who planted an undercover detective to trap their target.

▸� plant out PHRASAL VERB When you plant out young plants, you plant them in the ground in the place where they are to be left to grow. □�[V P n] Plant out the spring cabbage whenever opportunities arise. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS plant VERB 3

sow:Sow the seed in a warm place in February/March.

scatter:He began by scattering seed and putting in plants.

transplant:Farmers will be able to seed it directly, rather than having to transplant seedlings.

plan|tain /pl� nt I n/ (plantains )

1 N‑VAR A plantain is a type of green banana which can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

2 N‑VAR A plantain is a wild plant with broad leaves and a head of tiny green flowers on a long stem.

plan|ta|tion /plɑːnte I ʃ ə n, pl�n-/ (plantations )

1 N‑COUNT A plantation is a large piece of land, especially in a tropical country, where crops such as rubber, coffee, tea, or sugar are grown. □� �banana plantations in Costa Rica.

2 N‑COUNT A plantation is a large number of trees that have been planted together. □�[+�of ] �a plantation of almond trees.

plant|er /plɑː ntə r , pl�n-/ (planters )

1 N‑COUNT Planters are people who own or manage plantations in tropical countries.

2 N‑COUNT A planter is a container for plants that people keep in their homes.

pla nt pot (plant pots ) N‑COUNT A plant pot is a container that is used for growing plants. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use pot , planter

plaque /pl� k, plɑː k/ (plaques )

1 N‑COUNT A plaque is a flat piece of metal or stone with writing on it which is fixed to a wall or other structure to remind people of an important person or event. □� After touring the hospital, the princess unveiled a commemorative plaque.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Plaque is a substance containing bacteria that forms on the surface of your teeth. □� Deposits of plaque build up between the tooth and the gum.

plas|ma /pl� zmə/ N‑UNCOUNT Plasma is the clear liquid part of blood which contains the blood cells.

pla s|ma screen (plasma screens ) N‑COUNT A plasma screen is a type of thin television screen or computer screen that produces high-quality images.

plas|ter /plɑː stə r , pl� s-/ (plasters , plastering , plastered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Plaster is a smooth paste made of sand, lime, and water which goes hard when it dries. Plaster is used to cover walls and ceilings and is also used to make sculptures. □� There were huge cracks in the plaster, and the green shutters were faded.

2 VERB If you plaster a wall or ceiling, you cover it with a layer of plaster. □�[V n] The ceiling he had just plastered fell in and knocked him off his ladder.

3 VERB If you plaster a surface or a place with posters or pictures, you stick a lot of them all over it. □�[V n +�with ] They plastered the city with posters condemning her election. □�[be V -ed +�with ] His room is plastered with pictures of Porsches and Ferraris.

4 VERB If you plasteryourself in some kind of sticky substance, you cover yourself in it. □�[V pron-refl +�in ] She plastered herself from head to toe in high-factor sun lotion.

5 N‑COUNT A plaster is a strip of sticky material used for covering small cuts or sores on your body. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use Band-Aid6 →�see also plastered

7 PHRASE If you have a leg or arm in plaster , you have a cover made of plaster of Paris around your leg or arm, in order to protect a broken bone and allow it to mend. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use in a cast

plaster|board /plɑː stə r bɔː r d, pl� s-/ N‑UNCOUNT Plasterboard is cardboard covered with plaster which is used for covering walls and ceilings instead of using plaster.

pla s|ter cast (plaster casts )

1 N‑COUNT A plaster cast is a cover made of plaster of Paris which is used to protect a broken bone by keeping part of the body stiff.

2 N‑COUNT A plaster cast is a copy of a statue or other object, made from plaster of Paris. □�[+�of ] �a plaster cast of the Venus de Milo.

plas|tered /plɑː stə r d, pl� s-/

1 ADJ If something is plastered to a surface, it is sticking to the surface. □�[+�to ] His hair was plastered down to his scalp by the rain.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something or someone is plastered with a sticky substance, they are covered with it. □�[+�with/in ] My hands, boots and trousers were plastered with mud.

3 ADJ If a story or photograph is plastered all over the front page of a newspaper, it is given a lot of space on the page and made very noticeable. □� His picture was plastered all over the newspapers on the weekend.

plas|ter|er /plɑː stərə r , pl� s-/ (plasterers ) N‑COUNT A plasterer is a person whose job it is to cover walls and ceilings with plaster.

plas|ter of Paris /plɑː stər əv p� r I s, pl� s-/ N‑UNCOUNT Plaster of Paris is a type of plaster made from white powder and water which dries quickly. It is used to make plaster casts.

plas|tic ◆◇◇ /pl� st I k/ (plastics )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Plastic is a material which is produced from oil by a chemical process and which is used to make many objects. It is light in weight and does not break easily. □� �a wooden crate, sheltered from wetness by sheets of plastic. □� A lot of the plastics that carmakers are using cannot be recycled. □� �a black plastic bag.

2 ADJ If you describe something as plastic , you mean that you think it looks or tastes unnatural or not real. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �plastic airline food.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you use plastic or plastic money to pay for something, you pay for it with a credit card instead of using cash. [INFORMAL ] □� Using plastic to pay for an order is simplicity itself.

4 ADJ Something that is plastic is soft and can easily be made into different shapes. □� The mud is smooth, soft, and plastic as butter. ●� plas|tic|ity /pl�st I s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the plasticity of the flesh.

pla s|tic bu l|let (plastic bullets ) N‑COUNT A plastic bullet is a large bullet made of plastic, which is intended to make people stop rioting, rather than to kill people.

pla s|tic ex|plo |sive (plastic explosives ) N‑VAR Plastic explosive is a substance which explodes and which is used in making small bombs.

Plas|ti|cine /pl� st I siːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Plasticine is a soft coloured substance like clay which children use for making models. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ]

pla s|tic su r|geon (plastic surgeons ) N‑COUNT A plastic surgeon is a doctor who performs operations to repair or replace skin which has been damaged, or to improve people's appearance.

pla s|tic su r|gery N‑UNCOUNT Plastic surgery is the practice of performing operations to repair or replace skin which has been damaged, or to improve people's appearance. □� She even had plastic surgery to change the shape of her nose.

pla s|tic wra p N‑UNCOUNT Plastic wrap is a thin, clear, stretchy plastic which you use to cover food to keep it fresh. [AM ] in BRIT, use clingfilm

plate ◆◇◇ /ple I t/ (plates )

1 N‑COUNT A plate is a round or oval flat dish that is used to hold food. □� Anita pushed her plate away; she had eaten virtually nothing. ●�N‑COUNT A plateof food is the amount of food on the plate. □�[+�of ] �a huge plate of spaghetti.

2 N‑COUNT A plate is a flat piece of metal, especially on machinery or a building.

3 N‑COUNT A plate is a small, flat piece of metal with someone's name written on it, which you usually find beside the front door of an office or house.

4 N‑PLURAL On a road vehicle, the plates are the panels at the front and back which display the license number in the United States, and the registration number in Britain. □� �dusty-looking cars with New Jersey plates.

5 →�see also license plate , number plate

6 N‑UNCOUNT Plate is dishes, bowls, and cups that are made of precious metal, especially silver or gold. □� �gold and silver plate, jewellery, and roomfuls of antique furniture.

7 N‑COUNT A plate in a book is a picture or photograph which takes up a whole page and is usually printed on better quality paper than the rest of the book. □� Fermor's book has 55 colour plates.

8 N‑COUNT In geology, a plate is a large piece of the Earth's surface, perhaps as large as a continent, which moves very slowly. [TECHNICAL ]

9 PHRASE If you have enough on your plate or have a lot on your plate , you have a lot of work to do or a lot of things to deal with. □� We have enough on our plate. There is plenty of work to be done on what we have.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone has things handed to them on a plate , you disapprove of them because they get good things easily. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Even the presidency was handed to him on a plate.

plat|eau /pl� toʊ, [AM ] pl�toʊ / (plateaus or plateaux , plateaus , plateauing , plateaued )

1 N‑COUNT A plateau is a large area of high and fairly flat land. □� A broad valley opened up leading to a high, flat plateau of cultivated land.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that an activity or process has reached a plateau , you mean that it has reached a stage where there is no further change or development. □� The U.S. heroin market now appears to have reached a plateau.

3 VERB If something such as an activity, process, or cost plateaus or plateaus out , it reaches a stage where there is no further change or development. □�[V out ] Evelyn's career is accelerating, and mine is plateauing out a bit. □�[V +�at ] The shares plateaued at 153p.

plat|ed /ple I t I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If something made of metal is plated with a thin layer of another type of metal, it is covered with it. □�[+�with ] �a range of jewellery, plated with 22-carat nickel-free gold.

-plated /-ple I t I d/

1 COMB Something made of metal that is plated is covered with a thin layer of another type of metal such as gold and silver. □� �a gold-plated watch.

2 →�see also armour-plated , gold-plated , silver-plated

plate|ful /ple I tfʊl/ (platefuls ) N‑COUNT A platefulof food is an amount of food that is on a plate and fills it. □�[+�of ] �a plateful of chicken and rice.

pla te gla ss also plate-glass N‑UNCOUNT Plate glass is thick glass made in large, flat pieces, which is used especially to make large windows and doors.

plate|let /ple I tlət/ (platelets ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Platelets are a kind of blood cell. If you cut yourself and you are bleeding, platelets help to stop the bleeding. [TECHNICAL ]

pla te tec|to n|ics N‑UNCOUNT Plate tectonics is the way that large pieces of the Earth's surface move slowly around. [TECHNICAL ]

plat|form ◆◇◇ /pl� tfɔː r m/ (platforms )

1 N‑COUNT A platform is a flat, raised structure, usually made of wood, which people stand on when they make speeches or give a performance. □� Nick finished what he was saying and jumped down from the platform.

2 N‑COUNT A platform is a flat raised structure or area, usually one which something can stand on or land on. □� They found a spot on a rocky platform where they could pitch their tents.

3 N‑COUNT A platform is a structure built for people to work and live on when drilling for oil or gas at sea, or when extracting it.

4 N‑COUNT A platform in a railway station is the area beside the rails where you wait for or get off a train. □� The train was about to leave and I was not even on the platform.

5 N‑COUNT The platform of a political party is what they say they will do if they are elected. □�[+�of ] �a platform of political and economic reforms.

6 N‑COUNT If someone has a platform , they have an opportunity to tell people what they think or want. □�[+�for ] The demonstration provided a platform for a broad cross-section of speakers.

plat|ing /ple I t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Plating is a thin layer of metal on something, or a covering of metal plates. □� The tanker began spilling oil the moment her outer plating ruptured.

plati|num /pl� t I nəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Platinum is a very valuable, silvery-grey metal. It is often used for making jewellery.

2 COLOUR Platinum hair is very fair, almost white. □� �a platinum blonde with thick eye shadow and scarlet lipstick.

plati|tude /pl� t I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (platitudes ) N‑COUNT A platitude is a statement which is considered meaningless and boring because it has been made many times before in similar situations. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Why couldn't he say something original instead of spouting the same old platitudes?

pla|ton|ic /plətɒ n I k/ The spelling Platonic is also used for meaning 2 . 1 ADJ Platonic relationships or feelings of affection do not involve sex. □� She values the platonic friendship she has had with Chris for ten years.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Platonic means relating to the ideas of the Greek philosopher Plato. □� �the Platonic tradition of Greek philosophy.

pla|toon /plətuː n/ (platoons ) N‑COUNT A platoon is a small group of soldiers, usually one which is commanded by a lieutenant.

plat|ter /pl� tə r / (platters ) N‑COUNT A platter is a large, flat plate used for serving food. [mainly AM ] □� The food was being served on silver platters. ●�N‑COUNT A platterof food is the amount of food on a platter.

plau|dits /plɔː d I tz/ N‑PLURAL If a person or a thing receives plaudits from a group of people, those people express their admiration for or approval of that person or thing. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] They won plaudits and prizes for their accomplished films.

plau|sible /plɔː z I b ə l/

1 ADJ An explanation or statement that is plausible seems likely to be true or valid. □� A more plausible explanation would seem to be that people are fed up with the Conservative government. ●� plau|sibly /plɔː z I bli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Having bluffed his way in without paying, he could not plausibly demand his money back. ●� plau|sibil|ity /plɔː z I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the plausibility of the theory.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is plausible , you mean that they seem to be telling the truth and to be sincere and honest. □� He was so plausible that he conned everybody.

play ◆◆◆ /ple I / (plays , playing , played )

1 VERB When children, animals, or perhaps adults play , they spend time doing enjoyable things, such as using toys and taking part in games. □�[V ] They played in the little garden. □�[V +�with ] Polly was playing with her teddy bear. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Play is also a noun. □� �a few hours of play until the baby-sitter takes them off to bed.

2 VERB When you play a sport, game, or match, you take part in it. □�[V n] All they want to do is sit around playing computer games. □�[V n +�with ] Alain was playing cards with his friends. □�[V n] I used to play basketball. □�[V +�for ] I want to play for my country. □�[V ] He captained the team but he didn't actually play. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Play is also a noun. □� Both sides adopted the Continental style of play.

3 VERB When one person or team plays another or plays against them, they compete against them in a sport or game. □�[V n] Northern Ireland will play Latvia. □�[V +�against ] I've played against him a few times. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Play is also a noun. □� Fischer won after 5 hours and 41 minutes of play.

4 VERB When you play the ball or play a shot in a game or sport, you kick or hit the ball. □�[V n] Think first before playing the ball. □�[V n adv] I played the ball back slightly.

5 VERB If you play a joke or a trick on someone, you deceive them or give them a surprise in a way that you think is funny, but that often causes problems for them or annoys them. □�[V n +�on ] Someone had played a trick on her, stretched a piece of string at the top of those steps. □�[V n] I thought: 'This cannot be happening, somebody must be playing a joke'.

6 VERB If you play with an object or with your hair, you keep moving it or touching it with your fingers, perhaps because you are bored or nervous. □�[V +�with ] She stared at the floor, idly playing with the strap of her handbag.

7 N‑COUNT A play is a piece of writing which is performed in a theatre, on the radio, or on television. □�[+�about ] The company put on a play about the homeless. □� It's my favourite Shakespeare play.

8 VERB If an actor plays a role or character in a play or film, he or she performs the part of that character. □�[V n] �Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in which he played Hyde. □�[V n] His ambition is to play the part of Dracula.

9 V‑LINK You can use play to describe how someone behaves, when they are deliberately behaving in a certain way or like a certain type of person. For example, to play the innocent , means to pretend to be innocent, and to play deaf means to pretend not to hear something. □�[V n] Hill tried to play the peacemaker. □�[V adj] So you want to play nervous today?

10 VERB You can describe how someone deals with a situation by saying that they play it in a certain way. For example, if someone plays it cool , they keep calm and do not show much emotion, and if someone plays it straight , they behave in an honest and direct way. □�[V n adj/adv] Investors are playing it cautious, and they're playing it smart.

11 VERB If you play a musical instrument or play a tune on a musical instrument, or if a musical instrument plays , music is produced from it. □�[V n] Nina had been playing the piano. □�[V +�for ] He played for me. □�[V n n] Place your baby in her seat and play her a lullaby. □�[V ] The guitars played. [Also V n for n]

12 VERB If you play a record or a CD, you put it into a machine and sound is produced. If a record or a CD is playing , sound is being produced from it. □�[V n] She played her records too loudly. □�[V ] There is classical music playing in the background. [Also V n n]

13 VERB If a musician or group of musicians plays or plays a concert, they perform music for people to listen or dance to. □�[V ] A band was playing. □�[V n] He will play concerts in Amsterdam and Paris.

14 PHRASE If you ask what someone is playing at , you are angry because you think they are doing something stupid or wrong. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� What on earth are you playing at?

15 PHRASE When something comes into play or is brought into play , it begins to be used or to have an effect. □� The real existence of a military option will come into play.

16 PHRASE If something or someone plays a part or plays a rolein a situation, they are involved in it and have an effect on it. □� The U.N. would play a major role in monitoring a ceasefire. □� �the role played by diet in disease.

17to play ball →�see ball

18to play your cards right →�see card

19to play it by ear →�see ear

20to play fair →�see fair

21to play second fiddle →�see fiddle

22to play the field →�see field

23to play with fire →�see fire ➊

24to play the fool →�see fool

25to play to the gallery →�see gallery

26to play into someone's hands →�see hand ➊

27to play hard to get →�see hard

28to play havoc →�see havoc

29to play host →�see host

30to play safe →�see safe

31to play for time →�see time

32to play truant →�see truant

▸� play along PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you play alongwith a person, with what they say, or with their plans, you appear to agree with them and do what they want, even though you are not sure whether they are right. □�[V P +�with ] My mother has learnt to play along with the bizarre conversations begun by father. □�[V P ] He led the way to the lift. Fox played along, following him.

▸� play around

1 PHRASAL VERB If you play around , you behave in a silly way to amuse yourself or other people. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Stop playing around and eat! □�[V P +�with ] Had he taken the keys and played around with her car?

2 PHRASAL VERB If you play around with a problem or an arrangement of objects, you try different ways of organizing it in order to find the best solution or arrangement. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�with ] I can play around with the pictures to make them more eye-catching.

▸� play at

1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you say that someone isplaying at something, you disapprove of the fact that they are doing it casually and not very seriously. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P n/v-ing] We were still playing at war�dropping leaflets instead of bombs.

2 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If someone, especially a child, plays at being someone or doing something, they pretend to be that person or do that thing as a game. □�[V P n/v-ing] Ed played at being a pirate.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you do not know what someone is playing at , you do not understand what they are doing or what they are trying to achieve. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] She began to wonder what he was playing at.

▸� play back

1 PHRASAL VERB When you play back a tape or film, you listen to the sounds or watch the pictures after recording them. □�[V P n] He bought an answering machine that plays back his messages when he calls. □�[V -ed P ] Ted might benefit from hearing his own voice recorded and played back. □�[V n P ] I played the tape back.

2 →�see also playback

▸� play down PHRASAL VERB If you play down something, you try to make people believe that it is not particularly important. □�[V P n] Western diplomats have played down the significance of the reports. □�[V n P ] Both London and Dublin are playing the matter down.

▸� play on PHRASAL VERB If you play on someone's fears, weaknesses, or faults, you deliberately use them in order to persuade that person to do something, or to achieve what you want. □�[V P n] �an election campaign which plays on the population's fear of change.

▸� play out PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a dramatic event is played out , it gradually takes place. □�[be V -ed P ] Her union reforms were played out against a background of rising unemployment. [Also V P n]

▸� play up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you play up something, you emphasize it and try to make people believe that it is important. □�[V P n] The media played up the prospects for a settlement. □�[V P n, be V -ed P ] His Japanese ancestry has been played up by some of his opponents. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont, no passive] If something such as a machine or a part of your body is playing up or is playing you up , it is causing problems because it is not working properly. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] The engine had been playing up. □�[V n P ] It was his back playing him up.

3 PHRASAL VERB When children play up , they are naughty and difficult to control. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Patrick often plays up when he knows I'm in a hurry. SYNONYMS play VERB

1

amuse yourself:I need to amuse myself so I won't keep thinking about things.

enjoy yourself:I must say I am really enjoying myself at the moment.

2

compete:It is essential for all players who wish to compete that they earn computer ranking points.

challenge:We challenged a team who called themselves 'College Athletes'.

take on:I knew I couldn't take him on. NOUN 7

drama:He acted in radio dramas.

show:A daily one-hour news show can cost $250,000 to produce.

performance:We went to see Helen in a performance of 'Hamlet'. VERB 8

act:She confessed to her parents her desire to act.

portray:In 1975 he portrayed the king in a Los Angeles revival of 'Camelot'.

perform:This play was first performed in 411 BC.

pla y-act (play-acts , play-acting , play-acted ) VERB [usu cont] If someone is play-acting , they are pretending to have attitudes or feelings that they do not really have. □�[V ] The 'victim' revealed he was only play-acting.

pla y-acting N‑UNCOUNT Play-acting is behaviour where someone pretends to have attitudes or feelings that they do not really have. □� It was just a piece of play-acting.

play|back /ple I b�k/ (playbacks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The playback of a recording is the operation of listening to the sound or watching the pictures recorded. □�[+�of ] The day includes a pre-release playback of the new album.

play|boy /ple I bɔ I / (playboys ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a rich man who spends most of his time enjoying himself as a playboy . □� Father was a rich playboy. □� �the playboy millionaire.

Play-Doh /ple I doʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Play-Doh is a soft coloured substance like clay which children use for making models. [TRADEMARK ]

play|er ◆◆◆ /ple I ə r / (players )

1 N‑COUNT A player in a sport or game is a person who takes part, either as a job or for fun. □� �his greatness as a player. □� She was a good golfer and tennis player.

2 N‑COUNT You can use player to refer to a musician. For example, a piano player is someone who plays the piano. □� �a professional trumpet player.

3 N‑COUNT If a person, country, or organization is a playerin something, they are involved in it and important in it. □�[+�in ] Big business has become a major player in the art market.

4 N‑COUNT A player is an actor. □� �a company of players. □� Oscar nominations went to all five leading players.

5 →�see also CD player , record player , team player

pla yer-ma nager (player-managers ) N‑COUNT In football and some other sports, a player-manager is a person who plays for a team and also manages the team.

pla y|er pia |no (player pianos ) N‑COUNT A player piano is a type of mechanical piano. When you press the pedals, air is forced through holes in a roll of paper to press the keys and play a tune. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use pianola

play|ful /ple I fʊl/

1 ADJ A playful gesture or person is friendly or humorous. □� �a playful kiss on the tip of his nose. ●� play|ful|ly ADV □� She pushed him away playfully. ●� play|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the child's natural playfulness.

2 ADJ A playful animal is lively and cheerful. □� �a playful puppy.

play|ground /ple I graʊnd/ (playgrounds )

1 N‑COUNT A playground is a piece of land, at school or in a public area, where children can play.

2 →�see also adventure playground

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a place as a playground for a certain group of people, you mean that those people like to enjoy themselves there or go on holiday there. □�[+�of ] �St Tropez, playground of the rich and famous.

play|group /ple I gruːp/ (playgroups ) also play group N‑COUNT A playgroup is an informal school for very young children, where they learn things by playing.

play|house /ple I haʊs/ (playhouses )

1 N‑COUNT A playhouse is a theatre. □� The Theatre Royal is one of the oldest playhouses in Britain.

2 N‑COUNT A playhouse is a small house made for children to play in. □� My father built me a playhouse.

pla y|ing card (playing cards ) N‑COUNT Playing cards are thin pieces of cardboard with numbers or pictures printed on them, which are used to play various games.

pla y|ing field (playing fields )

1 N‑COUNT A playing field is a large area of grass where people play sports. □� �the school playing fields.

2 PHRASE You talk about a level playing field to mean a situation that is fair, because no competitor or opponent in it has an advantage over another. □� We ask for a level playing field when we compete with foreign companies.

play|list /ple I l I st/ (playlists , playlisting , playlisted )

1 N‑COUNT A playlist is a list of songs, albums, and artists that a radio station broadcasts. □� Radio 1's playlist is dominated by top-selling youth-orientated groups.

2 VERB If a song, album, or artist is playlisted , it is put on a radio station's playlist. □�[V n] We've playlisted many new artists who got picked up down the line by others.

play|mate /ple I me I t/ (playmates ) N‑COUNT A child's playmate is another child who often plays with him or her. □� The young girl loved to play with her playmates.

pla y-off (play-offs ) also playoff

1 N‑COUNT A play-off is an extra game which is played to decide the winner of a sports competition when two or more people have got the same score. □� This was his second defeat in a play-off this year.

2 N‑COUNT You use play-offs to refer to a series of games between the winners of different leagues, to decide which teams will play for a championship. □� The winner will face the Oakland A's in the playoffs this weekend.

pla y on wo rds (plays on words ) N‑COUNT A play on words is the same as a pun .

pla y park (play parks ) N‑COUNT A play park is a children's playground.

play|pen /ple I pen/ (playpens ) N‑COUNT A playpen is a small structure which is designed for a baby or young child to play safely in. It has bars or a net round the sides and is open at the top.

play|room /ple I ruːm/ (playrooms ) N‑COUNT A playroom is a room in a house for children to play in.

play|school /ple I skuːl/ (playschools ) also play school N‑COUNT A playschool is an informal type of school for very young children where they learn things by playing. [mainly BRIT ]

Play|Sta|tion /ple I ste I ʃ ə n/ (PlayStations ) N‑VAR A PlayStation is a type of games console. [COMPUTING , TRADEMARK ] □� He spends most of his pocket money on PlayStation games.

play|thing /ple I θ I ŋ/ (playthings ) N‑COUNT A plaything is a toy or other object that a child plays with. □� �an untidy garden scattered with children's playthings.

play|time /ple I ta I m/ N‑UNCOUNT In a school for young children, playtime is the period of time between lessons when they can play outside. □� Any child who is caught will be kept in at playtime.

play|wright /ple I ra I t/ (playwrights ) N‑COUNT A playwright is a person who writes plays.

pla|za /plɑː zə, [AM ] pl� zə/ (plazas )

1 N‑COUNT A plaza is an open square in a city. □� Across the busy plaza, vendors sell hot dogs and croissant sandwiches.

2 N‑COUNT A plaza is a group of stores or buildings that are joined together or share common areas. [AM ]

plc /piː el siː / (plcs ) also PLC N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu n N ] In Britain, plc means a company whose shares can be bought by the public and is usually used after the name of a company. plc is an abbreviation for 'public limited company'. Compare Ltd . [BUSINESS ] □� �British Telecommunications plc.

plea /pliː / (pleas )

1 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] A plea is an appeal or request for something, made in an intense or emotional way. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�for ] Mr Nicholas made his emotional plea for help in solving the killing.

2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N , N of adj] In a court of law, a person's plea is the answer that they give when they have been charged with a crime, saying whether or not they are guilty of that crime. □� The judge questioned him about his guilty plea. □� We will enter a plea of not guilty.

3 N‑COUNT A plea is a reason which is given, to a court of law or to other people, as an excuse for doing something or for not doing something. □�[+�of ] The jury rejected his plea of insanity.

plea bar|gain (plea bargains , plea bargaining , plea bargained )

1 N‑COUNT In some legal systems, a plea bargain is an agreement that, if an accused person says they are guilty, they will be charged with a less serious crime or will receive a less severe punishment. □� A plea bargain was offered by the state assuring her that she would not go to prison.

2 VERB If an accused person plea bargains , they accept a plea bargain. □�[V ] More and more criminals will agree to plea-bargain. ●� plea bar|gain|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the introduction of a system of plea bargaining.

plead /pliː d/ (pleads , pleading , pleaded )

1 VERB If you plead with someone to do something, you ask them in an intense, emotional way to do it. □�[V +�with ] The lady pleaded with her daughter to come back home. □�[V +�for ] He was kneeling on the floor pleading for mercy. □�[V with quote] 'Do not say that,' she pleaded. □�[V to-inf] I pleaded to be allowed to go. [Also V , V that]

2 VERB When someone charged with a crime pleads guilty or not guilty in a court of law, they officially state that they are guilty or not guilty of the crime. □�[V adj] Morris had pleaded guilty to robbery.

3 VERB If you plead the case or cause of someone or something, you speak out in their support or defence. □�[V n] He appeared before the Committee to plead his case.

4 VERB If you plead a particular thing as the reason for doing or not doing something, you give it as your excuse. □�[V n] Mr Giles pleads ignorance as his excuse. □�[V that] It was no defence to plead that they were only obeying orders.

plead|ing /pliː d I ŋ/ (pleadings )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pleading expression or gesture shows someone that you want something very much. □� �the pleading expression on her face. ●� plead|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He looked at me pleadingly.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Pleading is asking someone for something you want very much, in an intense or emotional way. □� He simply ignored Sid's pleading.

3 →�see also special pleading

pleas|ant ◆◇◇ /ple z ə nt/ (pleasanter , pleasantest )

1 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] Something that is pleasant is nice, enjoyable, or attractive. □� I've got a pleasant little apartment. □� It's always pleasant to do what you're good at doing. ●� pleas|ant|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� We talked pleasantly of old times.

2 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Someone who is pleasant is friendly and likeable. □� The woman had a pleasant face.

pleas|ant|ry /ple z ə ntri/ (pleasantries ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pleasantries are casual, friendly remarks which you make in order to be polite. □�[+�about ] He exchanged pleasantries about his hotel and the weather.

please ◆◆◇ /pliː z/ (pleases , pleasing , pleased )

1 ADV You say please when you are politely asking or inviting someone to do something. [POLITENESS ] □� Can you help us please? □� Would you please open the door? □� Please come in. □� 'May I sit here?'�'Please do.' □� Can we have the bill please?

2 ADV You say please when you are accepting something politely. [FORMULAE ] □� 'Tea?'�'Yes, please.' □� 'You want an apple with your cheese?'�'Please.'

3 CONVENTION You can say please to indicate that you want someone to stop doing something or stop speaking. You would say this if, for example, what they are doing or saying makes you angry or upset. [FEELINGS ] □� Please, Mary, this is all so unnecessary.

4 CONVENTION You can say please in order to attract someone's attention politely. Children in particular say ' please ' to attract the attention of a teacher or other adult. [mainly BRIT , POLITENESS ] □� Please sir, can we have some more?

5 VERB If someone or something pleases you, they make you feel happy and satisfied. □�[V n] More than anything, I want to please you. □�[V ] Much of the food pleases rather than excites. □�[V n to-inf] It pleased him to talk to her.

6 PHRASE You use please in expressions such as as she pleases , whatever you please , and anything he pleases to indicate that someone can do or have whatever they want. □� Women should be free to dress and act as they please. □� Isabel can live where she pleases.

7 CONVENTION If you please is sometimes used as a very polite and formal way of attracting someone's attention or of asking them to do something. [POLITENESS ] □� Ladies and gentlemen, if you please. Miss Taylor's going to play for us.

8 CONVENTION You say ' please yourself ' to indicate in a rather rude way that you do not mind or care whether the person you are talking to does a particular thing or not. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� 'Do you mind if I wait?' I asked. Melanie shrugged: 'Please yourself.'

pleased ◆◇◇ /pliː zd/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are pleased , you are happy about something or satisfied with something. □�[+�at ] Felicity seemed pleased at the suggestion. □� I think he's going to be pleased that we identified the real problems. □� They're pleased to be going home. □� He glanced at her with a pleased smile.

2 ADJ If you say you will be pleasedto do something, you are saying in a polite way that you are willing to do it. [POLITENESS ] □� We will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] You can tell someone that you are pleasedwith something they have done in order to express your approval. [FEELINGS ] □�[+�with ] I'm pleased with the way things have been going. □�[+�about ] I am very pleased about the result. □� We are pleased that the problems have been resolved. □� We were very pleased to hear this encouraging news.

4 ADJ When you are about to give someone some news which you know will please them, you can say that you are pleasedto tell them the news or that they will be pleasedto hear it. □� I'm pleased to say that he is now doing well.

5 ADJ In official letters, people often say they will be pleasedto do something, as a polite way of introducing what they are going to do or inviting people to do something. [POLITENESS ] □� We will be pleased to delete the charge from the original invoice.

6 PHRASE If someone seems very satisfied with something they have done, you can say that they are pleased withthemselves , especially if you think they are more satisfied than they should be. □� He was pleased with himself for having remembered her name.

7 CONVENTION You can say ' Pleased to meet you ' as a polite way of greeting someone who you are meeting for the first time. [FORMULAE ] SYNONYMS pleased ADJ 1

delighted:He said that he was delighted with the public response.

happy:I'm just happy to be back running.

contented:Whenever he returns to this place he is happy and contented.

thrilled (to bits):He's thrilled to bits at the news.

pleas|ing /pliː z I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ to-inf] Something that is pleasing gives you pleasure and satisfaction. □� This area of France has a pleasing climate in August. □� It's pleasing to listen to. [Also +�to ] ●� pleas|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� The interior design is pleasingly simple.

pleas|ur|able /ple ʒərəb ə l/ ADJ Pleasurable experiences or sensations are pleasant and enjoyable. □� The most pleasurable experience of the evening was the wonderful fireworks display. ●� pleas|ur|ably /ple ʒərəbli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� They spent six weeks pleasurably together.

pleas|ure ◆◇◇ /ple ʒə r / (pleasures )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If something gives you pleasure , you get a feeling of happiness, satisfaction, or enjoyment from it. □� Watching sport gave him great pleasure. □�[+�in ] Everybody takes pleasure in eating. [Also +�from ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Pleasure is the activity of enjoying yourself, especially rather than working or doing what you have a duty to do. □� He mixed business and pleasure in a perfect and dynamic way. □� I read for pleasure.

3 N‑COUNT A pleasure is an activity, experience or aspect of something that you find very enjoyable or satisfying. □� Watching TV is our only pleasure. □�[+�of ] �the pleasure of seeing a smiling face.

4 CONVENTION If you meet someone for the first time, you can say, as a way of being polite, that it is a pleasure to meet them. You can also ask for the pleasure of someone's company as a polite and formal way of inviting them somewhere. [POLITENESS ] □� 'A pleasure to meet you, sir,' he said.

5 CONVENTION You can say ' It's a pleasure ' or ' My pleasure ' as a polite way of replying to someone who has just thanked you for doing something. [FORMULAE ] □� 'Thanks very much anyhow.'�'It's a pleasure.' SYNONYMS pleasure NOUN 1

enjoyment:�her enjoyment of the beauty of the countryside.

satisfaction:She felt a small glow of satisfaction.

bliss:It was a scene of such domestic bliss.

delight:The views are a constant source of surprise and delight.

happiness:I think mostly she was looking for happiness.

plea s|ure boat (pleasure boats ) N‑COUNT A pleasure boat is a large boat which takes people for trips on rivers, lakes, or on the sea for pleasure.

plea s|ure craft (pleasure craft ) N‑COUNT A pleasure craft is the same as a pleasure boat .

pleat /pliː t/ (pleats ) N‑COUNT A pleat in a piece of clothing is a permanent fold that is made in the cloth by folding one part over the other and sewing across the top end of the fold.

pleat|ed /pliː t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pleated piece of clothing has pleats in it. □� �a short white pleated skirt.

pleb /ple b/ (plebs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If someone refers to people as plebs , they mean they are of a low social class or do not appreciate culture. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ple|beian /pləbiː ən/ also plebian

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A person, especially one from an earlier period of history, who is plebeian comes from a low social class.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone describes something as plebeian , they think that it is unsophisticated and connected with or typical of people from a low social class. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a philosophy professor with a cockney accent and an alarmingly plebeian manner.

plebi|scite /ple b I sa I t, -s I t/ (plebiscites ) N‑COUNT A plebiscite is a direct vote by the people of a country or region in which they say whether they agree or disagree with a particular policy, for example whether a region should become an independent state.

pledge ◆◇◇ /ple dʒ/ (pledges , pledging , pledged )

1 N‑COUNT [usu N to-inf] When someone makes a pledge , they make a serious promise that they will do something. □� The meeting ended with a pledge to step up cooperation between the six states of the region. □�[+�of ] �a �1.1m pledge of support from the Spanish ministry of culture.

2 VERB When someone pledgesto do something, they promise in a serious way to do it. When they pledge something, they promise to give it. □�[V to-inf] Mr Dudley has pledged to give any award to charity. □�[V n] Philip pledges support and offers to help in any way that he can. □�[V that] I pledge that by next year we will have the problem solved.

3 VERB If you pledge a sum of money to an organization or activity, you promise to pay that amount of money to it at a particular time or over a particular period. □�[V n] The French President is pledging $150 million in French aid next year. ●�N‑COUNT Pledge is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �a pledge of forty-two million dollars a month.

4 VERB If you pledgeyourself to something, you commit yourself to following a particular course of action or to supporting a particular person, group, or idea. □�[V pron-refl to-inf] He has pledged himself to assist Mr. Williams with money. □�[V n +�to ] The treaties renounce the use of force and pledge the two countries to co-operation.

5 VERB If you pledge something such as a valuable possession or a sum of money, you leave it with someone as a guarantee that you will repay money that you have borrowed. □�[V n] He asked her to pledge the house as security for a loan. SYNONYMS pledge NOUN 1

promise:If you make a promise, you should keep it.

vow:I took my marriage vows and kept them.

oath:She took an oath of loyalty to the government.

guarantee:California's state Constitution includes a guarantee of privacy. COLLOCATIONS pledge NOUN 1

noun +�pledge : election, manifesto, referendum

adjective +�pledge : solemn

verb +�pledge : make, sign; fulfil, honour

ple|na|ry /pliː nəri, ple n-/ (plenaries ) ADJ [ADJ n] A plenary session or plenary meeting is one that is attended by everyone who has the right to attend. [TECHNICAL ] □� The programme was approved at a plenary session of the committee last week. ●�N‑COUNT Plenary is also a noun. □� There'll be another plenary at the end of the afternoon after the workshop.

pleni|po|ten|ti|ary /ple n I pəte nʃəri, [AM ] -ʃieri/ (plenipotentiaries ) also Plenipotentiary

1 N‑COUNT A plenipotentiary is a person who has full power to make decisions or take action on behalf of their government, especially in a foreign country. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] �the British Plenipotentiary to the U.N. conference.

2 ADJ [n ADJ ] An ambassador plenipotentiary or minister plenipotentiary has full power or authority to represent their country. [FORMAL ]

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone such as an ambassador has plenipotentiary powers , they have full power or authority to represent their country. [FORMAL ]

pleni|tude /ple n I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Plenitude is a feeling that an experience is satisfying because it is full or complete. [FORMAL ] □� The music brought him a feeling of plenitude and freedom.

2 N‑SING If there is a plenitude of something, there is a great quantity of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] What is the use of a book about interior design without a plenitude of pictures in color?

plen|ti|ful /ple nt I fʊl/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Things that are plentiful exist in such large amounts or numbers that there is enough for people's wants or needs. □� Fish are plentiful in the lake. □� �a plentiful supply of vegetables and salads and fruits. ●� plen|ti|ful|ly ADV □� Nettle grows plentifully on any rich waste ground.

plen|ty ◆◇◇ /ple nti/

1 QUANT If there is plenty of something, there is a large amount of it. If there are plenty of things, there are many of them. Plenty is used especially to indicate that there is enough of something, or more than you need. □�[+�of ] There was still plenty of time to take Jill out for pizza. □�[+�of ] Most businesses face plenty of competition. □�[+�of ] Are there plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet? ●�PRON Plenty is also a pronoun. □� I don't believe in long interviews. Fifteen minutes is plenty.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Plenty is a situation in which people have a lot to eat or a lot of money to live on. [FORMAL ] □� You are all fortunate to be growing up in a time of peace and plenty.

3 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use plenty in front of adjectives or adverbs to emphasize the degree of the quality they are describing. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The water looked plenty deep. □� The compartment is plenty big enough.

ple|num /pliː nəm/ (plenums ) N‑COUNT A plenum is a meeting that is attended by all the members of a committee or conference. [TECHNICAL ]

pletho|ra /ple θərə/ N‑SING A plethora of something is a large amount of it, especially an amount of it that is greater than you need, want, or can cope with. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] A plethora of new operators will be allowed to enter the market.

pleu|ri|sy /plʊə r I si/ N‑UNCOUNT Pleurisy is a serious illness in which a person's lungs are sore and breathing is difficult.

plex|us /ple ksəs/ →�see solar plexus

pli|able /pla I əb ə l/ ADJ If something is pliable , you can bend it easily without cracking or breaking it. □� As your baby grows bigger, his bones become less pliable.

pli|ant /pla I ənt/

1 ADJ A pliant person can be easily influenced and controlled by other people. □� She's proud and stubborn, you know, under that pliant exterior.

2 ADJ If something is pliant , you can bend it easily without breaking it. □� �pliant young willows.

pli|ers /pla I ə r z/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Pliers are a tool with two handles at one end and two hard, flat, metal parts at the other. Pliers are used for holding or pulling out things such as nails, or for bending or cutting wire.

plight /pla I t/ (plights ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to someone's plight , you mean that they are in a difficult or distressing situation that is full of problems. □�[+�of ] �the worsening plight of Third World countries plagued by debts.

plim|soll /pl I msoʊl/ (plimsolls ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Plimsolls are canvas shoes with flat rubber soles. People wear plimsolls for sports and leisure activities. [BRIT ] in AM, use sneakers

plinth /pl I nθ/ (plinths ) N‑COUNT A plinth is a rectangular block of stone on which a statue or pillar stands.

plod /plɒ d/ (plods , plodding , plodded )

1 VERB If someone plods , they walk slowly and heavily. □�[V adv/prep] Crowds of French and British families plodded around in yellow plastic macs.

2 VERB If you say that someone plods on or plods along with a job, you mean that the job is taking a long time. □�[V adv] He is plodding on with negotiations. □�[V adv] Aircraft production continued to plod along at an agonizingly slow pace.

plod|der /plɒ də r / (plodders ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a plodder , you have a low opinion of them because they work slowly and steadily but without showing enthusiasm or having new ideas. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was quiet, conscientious, a bit of a plodder.

plonk /plɒ ŋk/ (plonks , plonking , plonked )

1 VERB If you plonk something somewhere, you put it or drop it there heavily and carelessly. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] She plonked the bags on the counter. in AM, use plunk2 VERB If you plonkyourself somewhere, you sit down carelessly without paying attention to the people around you. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl adv/prep] Steve plonked himself down on a seat and stayed motionless as the bus moved away. in AM, use plunk3 N‑UNCOUNT Plonk is cheap or poor quality wine. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

4 N‑SING ; N‑COUNT A plonk is a heavy, hollow sound. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �the dry plonk of tennis balls.

plonk|er /plɒ ŋkə r / (plonkers ) N‑COUNT If someone calls a person, especially a man, a plonker , they think he is stupid. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

plop /plɒ p/ (plops , plopping , plopped )

1 N‑COUNT A plop is a soft, gentle sound, like the sound made by something dropping into water without disturbing the surface much. □� Another drop of water fell with a soft plop.

2 VERB If something plops somewhere, it drops there with a soft, gentle sound. □�[V prep] The ice cream plopped to the ground.

plot ◆◇◇ /plɒ t/ (plots , plotting , plotted )

1 N‑COUNT [usu N to-inf] A plot is a secret plan by a group of people to do something that is illegal or wrong, usually against a person or a government. □� Security forces have uncovered a plot to overthrow the government. □�[+�against ] He was responding to reports of an assassination plot against him.

2 VERB If people plotto do something or plot something that is illegal or wrong, they plan secretly to do it. □�[V to-inf] Prosecutors in the trial allege the defendants plotted to overthrow the government. □�[V n] The military were plotting a coup. □�[V +�against ] They are awaiting trial on charges of plotting against the state.

3 VERB When people plot a strategy or a course of action, they carefully plan each step of it. □�[V n] Yesterday's meeting was intended to plot a survival strategy for the party.

4 N‑VAR The plot of a film, novel, or play is the connected series of events which make up the story.

5 →�see also sub-plot

6 N‑COUNT A plotof land is a small piece of land, especially one that has been measured or marked out for a special purpose, such as building houses or growing vegetables. □� The bottom of the garden was given over to vegetable plots.

7 VERB When someone plots something on a graph, they mark certain points on it and then join the points up. □�[V n] We plot about eight points on the graph.

8 VERB When someone plots the position or course of a plane or ship, they mark it on a map using instruments to obtain accurate information. □�[V n] We were trying to plot the course of the submarine.

9 VERB If someone plots the progress or development of something, they make a diagram or a plan which shows how it has developed in order to give some indication of how it will develop in the future. □�[V n] They used a computer to plot the movements of everyone in the building.

10 PHRASE If someone loses the plot , they become confused and do not know what they should do. [INFORMAL ] □� The Tories have lost the plot on law and order.

plot|line /plɒ tla I n/ (plotlines ) N‑COUNT The plotline of a book, film, or play is its plot and the way in which it develops. □� The plotline revolved around the fall of Chas, a minor London gangster.

plot|ter /plɒ tə r / (plotters )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A plotter is a person who secretly plans with others to do something that is illegal or wrong, usually against a person or government. □� Coup plotters tried to seize power in Moscow.

2 N‑COUNT A plotter is a person or instrument that marks the position of something such as a ship on a map or chart.

plough /plaʊ / (ploughs , ploughing , ploughed ) in AM, use plow1 N‑COUNT A plough is a large farming tool with sharp blades which is pulled across the soil to turn it over, usually before seeds are planted.

2 →�see also snowplough

3 VERB When someone ploughs an area of land, they turn over the soil using a plough. □�[V n] They ploughed nearly 100,000 acres of virgin moorland. □�[V -ed] �a carefully ploughed field. ●� plough|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� There is plenty of land around that needs ploughing.

4to plough a furrow →�see furrow

▸� plough back PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If profits are ploughed backinto a business, they are used to increase the size of the business or to improve it. [BUSINESS ] □�[be V -ed P +�into ] About 70 per cent of its profits are being ploughed back into the investment programme.

▸� plough into

1 PHRASAL VERB If something, for example a car, ploughs into something else, it goes out of control and crashes violently into it. □�[V P n] A young girl was seriously hurt when a car ploughed into her on a crossing.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that money is ploughed into something such as a business or a service, you are emphasizing that the amount of money which is invested in it or spent on it in order to improve it is very large. [BUSINESS , EMPHASIS ] □�[be V -ed P n/v-ing] Huge sums of private capital will be ploughed into the ailing industries of the east. □�[V n P n/v-ing] He claimed he ploughed all his money into his antique business.

▸� plough up PHRASAL VERB If someone ploughs up an area of land, they plough it, usually in order to turn it into land used for growing crops. □�[V P n] It would pay farmers to plough up the scrub and plant wheat.

plough|man /plaʊ mən/ (ploughmen ) N‑COUNT A ploughman is a man whose job it is to plough the land, especially with a plough pulled by horses or oxen.

plou gh|man's lu nch (ploughman's lunches ) N‑COUNT A ploughman's lunch or a ploughman's is a meal consisting of bread, cheese, salad, and pickle, usually eaten in a pub. [BRIT ]

plough|share /plaʊ ʃeə r / (ploughshares ) in AM, use plowshare PHRASE If you say that swords have been turned into ploughshares or beaten into ploughshares , you mean that a state of conflict between two or more groups of people has ended and a period of peace has begun. [JOURNALISM ]

plov|er /plʌ və r / (plovers ) N‑COUNT A plover is a bird with a rounded body, a short tail, and a short beak that is found by the sea or by lakes.

plow /plaʊ / (plows , plowing , plowed ) →�see plough

plow|share /plaʊ ʃeə r / (plowshares ) →�see ploughshare

ploy /plɔ I / (ploys ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N , N to-inf] A ploy is a way of behaving that someone plans carefully and secretly in order to gain an advantage for themselves. □� Christmas should be a time of excitement and wonder, not a cynical marketing ploy. [Also +�of ]

plsPls is a written abbreviation for please . □� Have you moved yet? Pls advise address, phone no.

pluck /plʌ k/ (plucks , plucking , plucked )

1 VERB If you pluck a fruit, flower, or leaf, you take it between your fingers and pull it in order to remove it from its stalk where it is growing. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n +�from ] I plucked a lemon from the tree. □�[V n] He plucked a stalk of dried fennel.

2 VERB If you pluck something from somewhere, you take it between your fingers and pull it sharply from where it is. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n from n] Jill rose, plucking bits of straw from her clothes.

3 VERB If you pluck a guitar or other musical instrument, you pull the strings with your fingers and let them go, so that they make a sound. □�[V n] Nell was plucking a harp.

4 VERB If you pluck a chicken or other dead bird, you pull its feathers out to prepare it for cooking. □�[V n] She looked relaxed as she plucked a chicken.

5 VERB If you pluck your eyebrows , you pull out some of the hairs using tweezers. □�[V n] You've plucked your eyebrows at last!

6 VERB [usu passive] If someone unknown is given an important job or role and quickly becomes famous because of it, you can say that they have been pluckedfrom obscurity or pluckedfrom an unimportant position. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed +�from ] She was plucked from the corps de ballet to take on Juliet. □�[V n +�from ] The agency plucked her from obscurity and turned her into one of the world's top models.

7 VERB [usu passive] If someone is rescued from a dangerous situation, you can say that they are pluckedfrom it or are pluckedto safety. □�[be V -ed +�from ] A workman was plucked from the roof of a burning power station by a police helicopter. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Ten fishermen were plucked to safety from life-rafts.

8 PHRASE If you pluck up the courageto do something that you feel nervous about, you make an effort to be brave enough to do it. □� It took me about two hours to pluck up courage to call.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone plucks a figure, name, or date out of the air , you mean that they say it without thinking much about it before they speak. □� Is this just a figure she plucked out of the air?

▸� pluck at PHRASAL VERB If you pluck at something, you take it between your fingers and pull it sharply but gently. □�[V P n] The boy plucked at Adam's sleeve.

plucky /plʌ ki/ (pluckier , pluckiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone, for example a sick child, is described as plucky , it means that although they are weak, they face their difficulties with courage. [JOURNALISM , APPROVAL ] □� The plucky schoolgirl amazed doctors by hanging on to life for nearly two months.

plug /plʌ g/ (plugs , plugging , plugged )

1 N‑COUNT A plug on a piece of electrical equipment is a small plastic object with two or three metal pins which fit into the holes of an electric socket and connects the equipment to the electricity supply.

2 N‑COUNT A plug is an electric socket. [INFORMAL ]

3 N‑COUNT A plug is a thick, circular piece of rubber or plastic that you use to block the hole in a bath or sink when it is filled with water. □� She put the plug in the sink and filled it with cold water.

4 N‑COUNT A plug is a small, round piece of wood, plastic, or wax which is used to block holes. □� A plug had been inserted in the drill hole.

5 VERB If you plug a hole, you block it with something. □�[V n] Crews are working to plug a major oil leak.

6 VERB If someone plugs a commercial product, especially a book or a film, they praise it in order to encourage people to buy it or see it because they have an interest in it doing well. □�[V n] We did not want people on the show who are purely interested in plugging a book or film. ●�N‑COUNT Plug is also a noun. □� Let's do this show tonight and it'll be a great plug, a great promotion.

7 →�see also earplug , spark plug

8 PHRASE If someone in a position of power pulls the plug on a project or on someone's activities, they use their power to stop them continuing. □� The banks have the power to pull the plug on the project.

▸� plug in or plug into

1 PHRASAL VERB If you plug a piece of electrical equipment into an electricity supply or if you plug it in , you connect it to an electricity supply using a plug. □�[V P n] He went to plug in his phone for the night. □�[V n P ] I filled the kettle while she was talking and plugged it in. □�[V n P n] He took the machine from its bag and plugged it into the wall socket.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you plug one piece of electrical equipment into another or if you plug it in , you make it work by connecting the two. □�[V n P n] They plugged their guitars into amplifiers. □�[V P n] He plugged in his guitar.

3 PHRASAL VERB If one piece of electrical equipment plugs in or plugs into another piece of electrical equipment, it works by being connected by an electrical cord or lead to an electricity supply or to the other piece of equipment. □�[V P n] Car ionizers generally plug into the lighter socket. □�[V P ] They've found out where the other speaker plugs in.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you plug something into a hole, you push it into the hole. □�[V n P n] Her instructor plugged live bullets into the gun's chamber.

▸� plug into

1 PHRASAL VERB If you plug into a computer system, you are able to use it or see the information stored on it. □�[V P n] It is possible to plug into remote databases to pick up information.

2 →�see also plug-in

plu g-and-pla y ADJ [ADJ n] Plug-and-play is used to describe computer equipment, for example a printer, that is ready to use immediately when you connect it to a computer. [COMPUTING ] □� � a plug-and-play USB camera.

plug|hole /plʌ ghoʊl/ (plugholes ) N‑COUNT A plughole is a small hole in a bath or sink which allows the water to flow away and into which you can put a plug. [BRIT ] in AM, use drain

plu g-in (plug-ins ) also plugin

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A plug-in machine is a piece of electrical equipment that is operated by being connected to an electricity supply or to another piece of electrical equipment by means of a plug. □� �a plug-in radio.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A plug-in is something such as a piece of software that can be added to a computer system to give extra features or functions. [COMPUTING ] □� �a plug-in memory card.

plum /plʌ m/ (plums )

1 N‑COUNT A plum is a small, sweet fruit with a smooth red or yellow skin and a stone in the middle.

2 COLOUR Something that is plum or plum-coloured is a dark reddish-purple colour. □� �plum-coloured silk.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A plum job, contract, or role is a very good one that a lot of people would like. [JOURNALISM ] □� Laura landed a plum job with a smart art gallery.

plum|age /pluː m I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT A bird's plumage is all the feathers on its body.

plumb /plʌ m/ (plumbs , plumbing , plumbed )

1 VERB If you plumb something mysterious or difficult to understand, you succeed in understanding it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] She never abandoned her attempts to plumb my innermost emotions.

2 VERB When someone plumbs a building, they put in all the pipes for carrying water. □�[V n] She learned to wire and plumb the house herself.

3 PHRASE If someone plumbs the depthsof an unpleasant emotion or quality, they experience it or show it to an extreme degree. □�[+�of ] They frequently plumb the depths of loneliness, humiliation and despair.

4 PHRASE If you say that something plumbs new depths , you mean that it is worse than all the things of its kind that have existed before, even though some of them have been very bad. □� Relations between the two countries have plumbed new depths. [Also +�of ]

plumb|er /plʌ mə r / (plumbers ) N‑COUNT A plumber is a person whose job is to connect and repair things such as water and drainage pipes, baths, and toilets.

plumb|ing /plʌ m I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The plumbing in a building consists of the water and drainage pipes, baths, and toilets in it. □� The electrics and the plumbing were sound.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Plumbing is the work of connecting and repairing things such as water and drainage pipes, baths, and toilets. □� She learned the rudiments of brick-laying, wiring and plumbing.

plu mb line (plumb lines ) N‑COUNT A plumb line is a piece of string with a weight attached to the end that is used to check that something such as a wall is vertical or that it slopes at the correct angle.

plume /pluː m/ (plumes )

1 N‑COUNT A plumeof smoke, dust, fire, or water is a large quantity of it that rises into the air in a column. □�[+�of ] The rising plume of black smoke could be seen all over Kabul.

2 N‑COUNT A plume is a large, soft bird's feather. □� �broad straw hats decorated with ostrich plumes.

plumed /pluː md/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Plumed means decorated with a plume or plumes. □� �a young man wearing a plumed hat.

plum|met /plʌ m I t/ (plummets , plummeting , plummeted )

1 VERB If an amount, rate, or price plummets , it decreases quickly by a large amount. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] In Tokyo share prices have plummeted for the sixth successive day. □�[V +�to ] His popularity has plummeted to an all-time low in recent weeks. □�[V +�from/to/by ] The shares have plummeted from 130p to 2.25p in the past year.

2 VERB If someone or something plummets , they fall very fast towards the ground, usually from a great height. □�[V prep] The jet burst into flames and plummeted to the ground.

plum|my /plʌ mi/ ADJ If you say that someone has a plummy voice or accent, you mean that they sound very upper-class. You usually use plummy to criticize the way someone speaks. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �precious, plummy-voiced radio announcers.

plump /plʌ mp/ (plumper , plumpest , plumps , plumping , plumped )

1 ADJ You can describe someone or something as plump to indicate that they are rather fat or rounded. □� Maria was small and plump with a mass of curly hair. □� �red pears, ripe peaches and plump nectarines. ●� plump|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� There was a sturdy plumpness about her hips.

2 VERB If you plump a pillow or cushion, you shake it and hit it gently so that it goes back into a rounded shape. □�[V n] She panics when people pop in unexpectedly, rushing round plumping cushions. ●�PHRASAL VERB Plump up means the same as plump . □�[V P n] 'You need to rest,' she told her reassuringly as she moved to plump up her pillows. [Also V n P ]

3 VERB If you plump for someone or something, you choose them, often after hesitating or thinking carefully. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V +�for ] I think Tessa should plump for Malcolm, her long-suffering admirer.

plu m pu d|ding (plum puddings ) N‑COUNT Plum pudding is a special pudding eaten at Christmas which is made with dried fruit, spices, and suet. [AM , also BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

plu m to|ma |to (plum tomatoes ) N‑VAR Plum tomatoes are long egg-shaped tomatoes.

plun|der /plʌ ndə r / (plunders , plundering , plundered )

1 VERB If someone plunders a place or plunders things from a place, they steal things from it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] They plundered and burned the market town of Leominster. □�[V n +�of ] She faces charges of helping to plunder her country's treasury of billions of dollars. □�[V n +�from ] This has been done by plundering �4 billion from the Government reserves. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Plunder is also a noun. □� �a guerrilla group infamous for torture and plunder.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Plunder is property that is stolen. [LITERARY ] □� The thieves are often armed and in some cases have killed for their plunder.

plunge ◆◇◇ /plʌ ndʒ/ (plunges , plunging , plunged )

1 VERB If something or someone plunges in a particular direction, especially into water, they fall, rush, or throw themselves in that direction. □�[V prep/adv] At least 50 people died when a bus plunged into a river. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Plunge is also a noun. □� �a plunge into cold water.

2 VERB If you plunge an object into something, you push it quickly or violently into it. □�[V n into n] A soldier plunged a bayonet into his body. □�[V n with in ] I plunged in my knife and fork.

3 VERB If a person or thing is plungedinto a particular state or situation, or if they plungeinto it, they are suddenly in that state or situation. □�[V n +�into ] The government's political and economic reforms threaten to plunge the country into chaos. □�[V -ed] Eddy finds himself plunged into a world of brutal violence. □�[V +�into ] The economy is plunging into recession. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Plunge is also a noun. □�[+�into ] That peace often looked like a brief truce before the next plunge into war.

4 VERB If you plunge into an activity or are plunged into it, you suddenly get very involved in it. □�[V +�into ] The two men plunged into discussion. □�[be V -ed +�into ] The prince should be plunged into work. □�[V pron-refl +�into ] Take the opportunity to plunge yourself into your career. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Plunge is also a noun. □�[+�into ] His sudden plunge into the field of international diplomacy is a major surprise.

5 VERB If an amount or rate plunges , it decreases quickly and suddenly. □�[V ] His weight began to plunge. □�[V +�to ] The Pound plunged to a new low on the foreign exchange markets yesterday. □�[V +�from/to ] Shares have plunged from �17 to �7.55. □�[V +�by ] The bank's profits plunged by 87 per cent. □�[V amount] Its net profits plunged 73% last year. ●�N‑COUNT Plunge is also a noun. □� Japan's banks are in trouble because of bad loans and the stock market plunge.

6 →�see also plunging

7 PHRASE If you take the plunge , you decide to do something that you consider difficult or risky. □� If you have been thinking about buying shares, now could be the time to take the plunge.

plung|er /plʌ ndʒə r / (plungers ) N‑COUNT A plunger is a device for clearing waste pipes. It consists of a rubber cup on the end of a stick which you press down several times over the end of the pipe.

plung|ing /plʌ ndʒ I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A dress or blouse with a plunging neckline is cut in a very low V-shape at the front.

plunk /plʌ ŋk/ (plunks , plunking , plunked )

1 VERB If you plunk something somewhere, you put it there without great care. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n with down ] Melanie plunked her cosmetic case down on a chair. □�[V n +�on ] She swept up a hat from where it had fallen on the ground, and plunked it on her hair. in BRIT, use plonk2 VERB If you plunkyourself somewhere, or plunk down , you sit down heavily and clumsily. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V down ] I watched them go and plunked down on one of the small metal chairs. in BRIT, use plonk

plu|per|fect /pluː pɜː r f I kt/ N‑SING The pluperfect is the same as the past perfect .

plu|ral /plʊə rəl/ (plurals )

1 ADJ The plural form of a word is the form that is used when referring to more than one person or thing. □� 'Data' is the Latin plural form of 'datum'. □� �his use of the plural pronoun 'we'.

2 N‑COUNT The plural of a noun is the form of it that is used to refer to more than one person or thing. □�[+�of ] What is the plural of 'person'?

plu|ral|ism /plʊə rəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is pluralism within a society, it has many different groups and political parties. [FORMAL ] □� �as the country shifts towards political pluralism.

plu|ral|ist /plʊə rəl I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pluralist society is one in which many different groups and political parties are allowed to exist. [FORMAL ] □� �an attempt to create a pluralist democracy.

plu|ral|ist|ic /plʊə rəl I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pluralistic means the same as pluralist . [FORMAL ] □� Our objective is a free, open and pluralistic society.

plu|ral|ity /plʊər� l I ti/ (pluralities )

1 QUANT If there is a plurality of things, a number of them exist. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Federalism implies a plurality of political authorities, each with its own powers.

2 QUANT If a candidate, political party, or idea has the support of a plurality of people, they have more support than any other candidate, party, or idea. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The Conservative party retained a plurality of the votes.

3 N‑COUNT A plurality in an election is the number of votes that the winner gets, when this is less than the total number of votes for all the other candidates. [AM ] □� He only got a plurality on November 3rd, just 49 percent.

4 N‑COUNT A plurality in an election is the difference in the number of votes between the candidate who gets the most votes and the candidate who comes second. [AM ] □� Franklin had won with a plurality in electoral votes of 449 to 82.

plus ◆◆◇ /plʌ s/ (pluses or plusses )

1 CONJ You say plus to show that one number or quantity is being added to another. □� Send a cheque for �18.99 plus �2 for postage and packing. □� They will pay about $673 million plus interest.

2 ADJ Plus before a number or quantity means that the number or quantity is greater than zero. □� The aircraft was subjected to temperatures of minus 65 degrees and plus 120 degrees.

3plus or minus →�see minus

4 CONJ You can use plus when mentioning an additional item or fact. [INFORMAL ] □� There's easily enough room for two adults and three children, plus a dog in the boot.

5 ADJ You use plus after a number or quantity to indicate that the actual number or quantity is greater than the one mentioned. □� There are only 35 staff to serve 30,000-plus customers.

6 Teachers use plus in grading work in schools and colleges. 'B plus' is a better grade than 'B', but it is not as good as 'A'.

7 N‑COUNT A plus is an advantage or benefit. [INFORMAL ] □� Experience of any career in sales is a big plus.

plu s-fou rs also plus fours N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Plus-fours are short wide trousers fastened below the knees which people used to wear when hunting or playing golf. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

plush /plʌ ʃ/ (plusher , plushest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as plush , you mean that it is very smart, comfortable, or expensive. □� �a plush, four-storey, Georgian house in Mayfair.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Plush is a thick soft material like velvet, used especially for carpets and to cover furniture. □� All the seats were in red plush.

plu s sign (plus signs ) N‑COUNT A plus sign is the sign +�which is put between two numbers in order to show that the second number is being added to the first. It can also be put before a number to show that the number is greater than zero (+3), and after a number to indicate a number that is more than a minimum number or amount (18+).

plu|toc|ra|cy /pluːtɒ krəsi/ (plutocracies ) N‑COUNT A plutocracy is a country which is ruled by its wealthiest people, or a class of wealthy people who rule a country. [FORMAL ]

plu|to|crat /pluː təkr�t/ (plutocrats ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a plutocrat , you disapprove of them because you believe they are powerful only because they are rich. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

plu|to|nium /pluːtoʊ niəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Plutonium is a radioactive element used especially in nuclear weapons and as a fuel in nuclear power stations.

ply /pla I / (plies , plying , plied )

1 VERB If you ply someone with food or drink, you keep giving them more of it. □�[V n +�with ] Elsie, who had been told that Maria wasn't well, plied her with food.

2 VERB If you ply someone with questions, you keep asking them questions. □�[V n +�with ] Giovanni plied him with questions with the intention of prolonging his stay.

3 VERB If you ply a trade, you do a particular kind of work regularly as your job, especially a kind of work that involves trying to sell goods or services to people outdoors. □�[V n] �the market traders noisily plying their wares. □�[V +�for ] It's illegal for unmarked mini-cabs to ply for hire.

-ply /-pla I / COMB [ADJ n] You use -ply after a number to indicate how many pieces are twisted together to make a type of wool, thread, or rope. □� You need 3 balls of any 4-ply knitting wool.

ply|wood /pla I wʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Plywood is wood that consists of thin layers of wood stuck together. □� �a sheet of plywood.

PM ◆◇◇ /piː e m/ (PMs )

1 N‑COUNT The PM is an abbreviation for the Prime Minister . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The PM pledged to make life better for the poorest families.

2 N‑COUNT A PM is a project manager . [BUSINESS ]

p.m. /piː e m/ also pm ADV p.m. is used after a number to show that you are referring to a particular time between 12 noon and 12 midnight. Compare a.m. □� The spa closes at 9:00 pm.

PMS /piː em e s/ N‑UNCOUNT PMS is an abbreviation for premenstrual syndrome .

PMT /piː em tiː / N‑UNCOUNT PMT is an abbreviation for premenstrual tension . [BRIT ]

pneu|mat|ic /njuːm� t I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A pneumatic drill is operated by air under pressure and is very powerful. Pneumatic drills are often used for digging up roads. □� �the sound of a pneumatic drill hammering away.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Pneumatic means filled with air. □� �pneumatic tyres.

pneu|mo|nia /njuːmoʊ niə/ N‑UNCOUNT Pneumonia is a serious disease which affects your lungs and makes it difficult for you to breathe. □� She nearly died of pneumonia.

PO /piː oʊ / also P.O.PO is an abbreviation for post office or postal order .

poach /poʊ tʃ/ (poaches , poaching , poached )

1 VERB If someone poaches fish, animals, or birds, they illegally catch them on someone else's property. □�[V n] Many wildlife parks are regularly invaded by people poaching game. [Also V ] ●� poach|er (poachers ) N‑COUNT □� Security cameras have been installed to guard against poachers. ●� poach|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the poaching of elephants for their tusks.

2 VERB If an organization poaches members or customers from another organization, they secretly or dishonestly persuade them to join them or become their customers. □�[V n] The company authorised its staff to poach customers from the opposition. □�[V n +�from ] �allegations that it had poached members from other unions. ●� poach|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The union was accused of poaching.

3 VERB If someone poaches an idea, they dishonestly or illegally use the idea. □�[V n] The opposition parties complained that the government had poached their ideas.

4 VERB When you poach an egg, you cook it gently in boiling water without its shell. □�[V n] Poach the eggs for 4 minutes. □�[V -ed] He had a light breakfast of poached eggs and tea.

5 VERB If you poach food such as fish, you cook it gently in boiling water, milk, or other liquid. □�[V n] Poach the chicken until just cooked. □�[V -ed] �a pear poached in syrup. ●� poach|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� You will need a pot of broth for poaching.

PO Box /piː oʊ bɒks/ also P.O. BoxPO Box is used before a number as a kind of address. The Post Office keeps letters addressed to the PO Box until they are collected by the person who has paid for the service.

pocked /pɒ kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Pocked means the same as pockmarked . □�[+�with ] �a bus pocked with bullet holes.

pock|et ◆◇◇ /pɒ k I t/ (pockets , pocketing , pocketed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N , n N ] A pocket is a kind of small bag which forms part of a piece of clothing, and which is used for carrying small things such as money or a handkerchief. □� He took his flashlight from his jacket pocket and switched it on. □� The man stood with his hands in his pockets.

2 N‑COUNT You can use pocket in a lot of different ways to refer to money that people have, get, or spend. For example, if someone gives or pays a lot of money, you can say that they dig deep into their pocket . If you approve of something because it is very cheap to buy, you can say that it suits people's pockets . □� �ladies' fashions to suit all shapes, sizes and pockets.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use pocket to describe something that is small enough to fit into a pocket, often something that is a smaller version of a larger item. □� �a pocket calculator. □� �my pocket edition of the Collins Spanish Dictionary.

4 N‑COUNT A pocketof something is a small area where something is happening, or a small area which has a particular quality, and which is different from the other areas around it. □� He survived the earthquake after spending 3 days in an air pocket. □�[+�of ] The army controls the city apart from a few pockets of resistance.

5 VERB If someone who is in possession of something valuable such as a sum of money pockets it, they steal it or take it for themselves, even though it does not belong to them. □�[V n] Dishonest importers would be able to pocket the VAT collected from customers.

6 VERB If you say that someone pockets something such as a prize or sum of money, you mean that they win or obtain it, often without needing to make much effort or in a way that seems unfair. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] He pocketed more money from this tournament than in his entire three years as a professional.

7 VERB If someone pockets something, they put it in their pocket, for example because they want to steal it or hide it. □�[V n] Anthony snatched his letters and pocketed them.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone is in someone else's pocket , you disapprove of the fact that the first person is willing to do whatever the second person tells them, for example out of weakness or in return for money. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The board of directors must surely have been in Johnstone's pocket.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is lining their own or someone else's pockets , you disapprove of them because they are making money dishonestly or unfairly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is estimated that 5,000 bank staff could be lining their own pockets from customer accounts.

10 PHRASE If you are out of pocket , you have less money than you should have or than you intended, for example because you have spent too much or because of a mistake. □� Card fraud causes huge inconvenience and the experience can often leave you out of pocket.

11 →�see also out-of-pocket

12 PHRASE If someone picks your pocket , they steal something from your pocket, usually without you noticing. □� They were more in danger of having their pockets picked than being shot at.

pocket|book /pɒ k I tbʊk/ (pocketbooks )

1 N‑COUNT You can use pocketbook to refer to people's concerns about the money they have or hope to earn. [AM , JOURNALISM ] □� People feel pinched in their pocketbooks and insecure about their futures.

2 N‑COUNT A pocketbook is a small bag which a woman uses to carry things such as her money and keys in when she goes out. [AM ] in BRIT, use handbag , bag3 N‑COUNT A pocketbook is a small flat folded case, usually made of leather or plastic, where you can keep banknotes and credit cards. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use wallet

po ck|et knife (pocket knives ) also pocketknife N‑COUNT A pocket knife is a small knife with several blades which fold into the handle so that you can carry it around with you safely.

po ck|et mon|ey also pocket-money N‑UNCOUNT Pocket money is money which children are given by their parents, usually every week. [mainly BRIT ] □� We agreed to give her �6 a week pocket money. in AM, usually use allowance

po cket-sized also pocket-size ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as pocket-sized , you approve of it because it is small enough to fit in your pocket. [APPROVAL ] □� �a handy pocket-sized reference book.

pock|mark /pɒ kmɑː r k/ (pockmarks ) also pock mark N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pockmarks are small hollows on the surface of something. □� She has a poor complexion and pock marks on her forehead. □� The pockmarks made by her bullets are still on the wall.

pock|marked /pɒ kmɑː r kt/ also pock-marked ADJ If the surface of something is pockmarked , it has small hollow marks covering it. □� He had a pockmarked face. □�[+�with ] The living room is pockmarked with bullet holes.

pod /pɒ d/ (pods ) N‑COUNT A pod is a seed container that grows on plants such as peas or beans. □� �fresh peas in the pod. □� �hot red pepper pods.

pod|cast /pɒ dkɑːst/ (podcasts ) N‑COUNT A podcast is an audio file similar to a radio broadcast, that can be downloaded and listened to on a computer or MP3 player. □� � an online store offering tens of thousands of podcasts.

podgy /pɒ dʒi/ ADJ If you describe someone as podgy , you think that they are slightly fat. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] in AM, use pudgy

po|dia|trist /pəda I ətr I st/ (podiatrists ) N‑COUNT A podiatrist is a person whose job is to treat and care for people's feet. Podiatrist is a more modern term for chiropodist .

po|dia|try /pəda I ətri/ N‑UNCOUNT Podiatry is the professional care and treatment of people's feet. Podiatry is a more modern term for chiropody and also deals with correcting foot problems relating to the way people stand and walk.

po|dium /poʊ diəm/ (podiums ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A podium is a small platform on which someone stands in order to give a lecture or conduct an orchestra.

poem ◆◇◇ /poʊ I m/ (poems ) N‑COUNT A poem is a piece of writing in which the words are chosen for their beauty and sound and are carefully arranged, often in short lines which rhyme. SYNONYMS poem NOUN 1

verse:�a slim volume of verse.

rhyme:He was teaching Helen a little rhyme.

sonnet:We read one of Shakespeare's sonnets.

lyrics:�Kurt Weill's Broadway opera with lyrics by Langston Hughes.

poet ◆◇◇ /poʊ I t/ (poets ) N‑COUNT A poet is a person who writes poems. □� He was a painter and poet.

po|et|ess /poʊ I tes/ (poetesses ) N‑COUNT A poetess is a female poet. Most female poets prefer to be called poets.

po|et|ic /poʊe t I k/

1 ADJ Something that is poetic is very beautiful and expresses emotions in a sensitive or moving way. □� The pianist gave an exciting yet poetic performance. ●� po|eti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The speech was as poetically written as any he'd ever heard.

2 ADJ Poetic means relating to poetry. □� There's a very rich poetic tradition in Gaelic.

po|eti|cal /poʊe t I k ə l/ ADJ Poetical means the same as poetic . □� �a work of real merit and genuine poetical feeling.

po|e t|ic ju s|tice N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something bad that happens to someone as poetic justice , you mean that it is exactly what they deserve because of the things that person has done.

po|e t|ic li |cence N‑UNCOUNT If someone such as a writer or film director uses poetic licence , they break the usual rules of language or style, or they change the facts, in order to create a particular effect. □� All that stuff about catching giant fish was just a bit of poetic licence.

poet lau|reate /poʊ I t lɒ riət, [AM ] lɔː r-/ (poet laureates or poets laureate ) N‑COUNT Thepoet laureate is the official poet of a country. In Britain the poet laureate is paid by the government for the rest of their life. In the United States they are paid for a fixed period.

po|et|ry ◆◇◇ /poʊ I tri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Poems, considered as a form of literature, are referred to as poetry . □� �Russian poetry. □� His first encounter with poetry had been the Tennyson given him by his father.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can describe something very beautiful as poetry . □� His music is purer poetry than a poem in words. SYNONYMS poetry NOUN 1

verse:�a slim volume of verse.

rhyme:The plays are in rhyme.

po-faced /poʊ fe I st/ ADJ If you describe someone as po-faced , you think that they are being unnecessarily serious about something. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Coltrane took a rather po-faced view of this.

pog|rom /pɒ grəm, [AM ] pəgrɑː m/ (pogroms ) N‑COUNT A pogrom is organized, official violence against a group of people for racial or religious reasons.

poign|an|cy /pɔ I njənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Poignancy is the quality that something has when it affects you deeply and makes you feel very sad. □� The film contains moments of almost unbearable poignancy.

poign|ant /pɔ I njənt/ ADJ Something that is poignant affects you deeply and makes you feel sadness or regret. □� �a poignant combination of beautiful surroundings and tragic history. ●� poign|ant|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Naomi's mothering experiences are poignantly described in her fiction.

poin|set|tia /pɔ I nse tiə/ (poinsettias ) N‑COUNT A poinsettia is a plant with groups of bright red or pink leaves that grows in Central and South America. Poinsettias are very popular in Britain and the United States, especially at Christmas.

point ◆◆◆ /pɔ I nt/ (points , pointing , pointed )

1 N‑COUNT You use point to refer to something that someone has said or written. □� We disagree with every point the Minister makes. □� The following tale will clearly illustrate this point.

2 N‑SING If you say that someone has a point , or if you take their point , you mean that you accept that what they have said is important and should be considered. □� 'If he'd already killed once, surely he'd have killed Sarah?' She had a point there.

3 N‑SING The point of what you are saying or discussing is the most important part that provides a reason or explanation for the rest. □� 'Did I ask you to talk to me?'�'That's not the point.' □� The American Congress and media mostly missed the point about all this.

4 N‑SING If you ask what thepointof something is, or say that there is no pointin it, you are indicating that a particular action has no purpose or would not be useful. □�[+�of ] What was the point of thinking about him? □�[+�in ] There was no point in staying any longer.

5 N‑COUNT A point is a detail, aspect, or quality of something or someone. □� The most interesting point about the village was its religion. □� Science was never my strong point at school.

6 N‑COUNT A point is a particular place or position where something happens. □� The pain originated from a point in his right thigh.

7 N‑SING [oft at N ] You use point to refer to a particular time, or to a particular stage in the development of something. □� We're all going to die at some point. □� At this point Diana arrived. □� It got to the point where he had to leave.

8 N‑COUNT The point of something such as a pin, needle, or knife is the thin, sharp end of it.

9 In spoken English, you use point to refer to the dot or mark in a decimal number that separates the whole numbers from the fractions. □� Inflation at nine point four percent is the worst for eight years.

10 N‑COUNT In some sports, competitions, and games, a point is one of the single marks that are added together to give the total score. □� They lost the 1977 World Cup final to Australia by a single point.

11 N‑COUNT The points of the compass are directions such as North, South, East, and West. □� Sightseers arrived from all points of the compass.

12 N‑PLURAL On a railway track, the points are the levers and rails at a place where two tracks join or separate. The points enable a train to move from one track to another. [BRIT ] □� �the rattle of the wheels across the points. in AM, use switches13 N‑COUNT A point is an electric socket. [BRIT ] □� �too far away from the nearest electrical point.

14 VERB If you point at a person or thing, you hold out your finger towards them in order to make someone notice them. □�[V +�at ] I pointed at the boy sitting nearest me. □�[V +�to ] He pointed to a chair, signalling for her to sit.

15 VERB If you point something at someone, you aim the tip or end of it towards them. □�[V n +�at ] David Khan pointed his finger at Mary. □�[V n +�at ] A man pointed a gun at them and pulled the trigger.

16 VERB If something pointsto a place or points in a particular direction, it shows where that place is or it faces in that direction. □�[V prep/adv] An arrow pointed to the toilets. □�[V prep/adv] You can go anywhere and still the compass points north or south.

17 VERB If something points to a particular situation, it suggests that the situation exists or is likely to occur. □�[V +�to ] Private polls and embassy reports pointed to a no vote.

18 VERB If you point to something that has happened or that is happening, you are using it as proof that a particular situation exists. □�[V +�to ] George Fodor points to other weaknesses in the way the campaign has progressed.

19 VERB When builders point a wall, they put a substance such as cement into the gaps between the bricks or stones in order to make the wall stronger and seal it.

20 →�see also pointed , breaking point , focal point , point of sale , point of view , power point , sticking point , vantage point

21 PHRASE If you say that something is beside the point , you mean that it is not relevant to the subject that you are discussing. □� Brian didn't like it, but that was beside the point.

22 PHRASE When someone comes to the point or gets to the point , they start talking about the thing that is most important to them. □� Was she ever going to get to the point?

23 PHRASE If you make your point or prove your point , you prove that something is true, either by arguing about it or by your actions or behaviour. □� I think you've made your point, dear. □� The tie-break proved the point.

24 PHRASE If you make a point of doing something, you do it in a very deliberate or obvious way. □� She made a point of spending as much time as possible away from Osborne House.

25 PHRASE If you are on the point of doing something, you are about to do it. □� He was on the point of saying something when the phone rang. □� She looked on the point of tears.

26 PHRASE Something that is to the point is relevant to the subject that you are discussing, or expressed neatly without wasting words or time. □� The description which he had been given was brief and to the point.

27 PHRASE If you say that something is true up to a point , you mean that it is partly but not completely true. □� 'Was she good?'�'Mmm. Up to a point.'

28a case in point →�see case ➊

29in point of fact →�see fact

30to point the finger at someone →�see finger

31a sore point →�see sore

▸� point out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you point out an object or place, you make people look at it or show them where it is. □�[V n P ] They kept standing up to take pictures and point things out to each other. □�[V P n] They'd already driven along the wharf so that she could point out her father's boat.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you point out a fact or mistake, you tell someone about it or draw their attention to it. □�[V P that] I should point out that these estimates cover just the hospital expenditures. □�[V P n] We all too easily point out our mothers' failings. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS point NOUN

1

message:I think they got the message that this is wrong.

subject:It was I who first raised the subject of plastic surgery.

question:But the whole question of aid is a tricky political one.

4

purpose:The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for medical supplies.

aim:�a research programme that has largely failed to achieve its principal aims.

goal:The goal is to raise as much money as possible.

objective:His objective was to play golf and win. VERB 15

aim:He was aiming the rifle at Wade.

level:They levelled guns at one another.

direct:He directed the tiny beam of light at the roof.

poi nt-and-cli ck ADJ Point-and-click refers to the way a computer mouse can be used to do things quickly and easily on a computer. [COMPUTING ] □� �a simple point-and-click interface.

poi nt-bla nk

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you say something point-blank , you say it very directly or rudely, without explaining or apologizing. □� The army apparently refused point blank to do what was required of them. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Point-blank is also an adjective. □� �a point-blank refusal.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If someone or something is shot point-blank , they are shot when the gun is touching them or extremely close to them. □� He fired point-blank at Bernadette. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Point-blank is also an adjective. □� He had been shot at point-blank range in the back of the head.

point|ed /pɔ I nt I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is pointed has a point at one end. □� �a pointed roof. □� �pointed shoes.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pointed comments or behaviour express criticism in a clear and direct way. □� I couldn't help but notice the pointed remarks slung in my direction. ●� point|ed|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� They were pointedly absent from the news conference.

point|er /pɔ I ntə r / (pointers )

1 N‑COUNT A pointer is a piece of advice or information which helps you to understand a situation or to find a way of making progress. □� I hope at least my daughter was able to offer you some useful pointers.

2 N‑COUNT A pointerto something suggests that it exists or gives an idea of what it is like. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�to ] Sunday's elections should be a pointer to the public mood.

3 N‑COUNT A pointer is a long stick that is used to point at something such as a large chart or diagram when explaining something to people. □� She tapped on the world map with her pointer.

4 N‑COUNT The pointer on a measuring instrument is the long, thin piece of metal that points to the numbers.

point|ing /pɔ I nt I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pointing is a way of filling in the gaps between the bricks or stones on the outside of a building so that the surface becomes sealed. □� He did the pointing in the stonework himself.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Pointing is the cement between the bricks or stones in a wall.

point|less /pɔ I ntləs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is pointless , you are criticizing it because it has no sense or purpose. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Violence is always pointless. □� �pointless arguments. ●� point|less|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Chemicals were pointlessly poisoning the soil. ●� point|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] You cannot help wondering about the pointlessness of it all.

poi nt of o r|der (points of order ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In a formal debate, a point of order is an official complaint that someone makes because the rules about how the debate is meant to be organized have been broken. [FORMAL ] □� A point of order was raised in parliament by Mr Ben Morris.

poi nt of re f|er|ence (points of reference ) N‑COUNT A point of reference is something which you use to help you understand a situation or communicate with someone. □� Do we still have any fixed point of reference in the teaching of English?

poi nt of sa le (points of sale )

1 N‑COUNT The point of sale is the place in a shop where a product is passed from the seller to the customer. The abbreviation POS is also used. [BUSINESS ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Point of sale is used to describe things which occur or are located or used at the place where you buy something. The abbreviation POS is also used. [BUSINESS ] □� �point-of-sale advertising.

poi nt of vie w ◆◇◇ (points of view )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] You can refer to the opinions or attitudes that you have about something as your point of view . □� Thanks for your point of view, John. □� Try to look at this from my point of view.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you consider something from a particular point of view , you are using one aspect of a situation in order to judge that situation. □� Do you think that, from the point of view of results, this exercise was worth the cost?

pointy /pɔ I nti/ (pointier , pointiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is pointy has a point at one end. [INFORMAL ] □� �a pointy little beard.

poise /pɔ I z/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] If someone has poise , they are calm, dignified, and self-controlled. □� It took a moment for Mark to recover his poise.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Poise is a graceful, very controlled way of standing and moving. □� Ballet classes are important for poise and grace.

poised /pɔ I zd/

1 ADJ If a part of your body is poised , it is completely still but ready to move at any moment. □� He studied the keyboard carefully, one finger poised.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If someone is poisedto do something, they are ready to take action at any moment. □� Britain was poised to fly medical staff to the country at short notice. □�[+�for ] U.S. forces are poised for a massive air, land and sea assault.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are poised , you are calm, dignified, and self-controlled. □� Rachel appeared poised and calm.

poi|son /pɔ I z ə n/ (poisons , poisoning , poisoned )

1 N‑VAR Poison is a substance that harms or kills people or animals if they swallow it or absorb it. □� Poison from the weaver fish causes paralysis, swelling, and nausea. □� Mercury is a known poison.

2 VERB If someone poisons another person, they kill the person or make them ill by giving them poison. □�[V n] The rumours that she had poisoned him could never be proved. ●� poi|son|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� She was sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment for poisoning and attempted murder.

3 VERB If you are poisonedby a substance, it makes you very ill and sometimes kills you. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Employees were taken to hospital yesterday after being poisoned by fumes. □�[V n] Toxic waste could endanger lives and poison fish. ●� poi|son|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� His illness was initially diagnosed as food poisoning.

4 VERB If someone poisons a food, drink, or weapon, they add poison to it so that it can be used to kill someone. □�[V n] They considered poisoning his food. ●� poi|soned ADJ □� He was terrified to eat, suspecting that the food was poisoned. □� �an umbrella tipped with a poisoned dart.

5 VERB To poison water, air, or land means to damage it with harmful substances such as chemicals. □�[V n] The land has been completely poisoned by chemicals. □�[V -ed] �dying forests, poisoned rivers and lakes.

6 VERB Something that poisons a good situation or relationship spoils it or destroys it. □�[be V -ed] The whole atmosphere has really been poisoned. □�[V n] �ill-feeling that will poison further talk of a common foreign policy.

poi|son|er /pɔ I zənə r / (poisoners ) N‑COUNT A poisoner is someone who has killed or harmed another person by using poison. □� Soon they were dead, victims of a mysterious poisoner.

poi |son gas N‑UNCOUNT Poison gas is a gas that is poisonous and is usually used to kill people in war or to execute criminals.

poi |son i vy N‑UNCOUNT Poison ivy is a wild plant that grows in North America and that causes a rash or skin problems if you touch it.

poi|son|ous /pɔ I z ə nəs/

1 ADJ Something that is poisonous will kill you or make you ill if you swallow or absorb it. □� �a large cloud of poisonous gas.

2 ADJ An animal that is poisonous produces a poison that will kill you or make you ill if the animal bites you. □� There are hundreds of poisonous spiders and snakes.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as poisonous , you mean that it is extremely unpleasant and likely to spoil or destroy a good relationship or situation. □� �poisonous comments.

poi son-pe n let|ter (poison-pen letters ) N‑COUNT A poison-pen letter is an unpleasant unsigned letter which is sent in order to upset someone or to cause trouble.

poi |son pi ll (poison pills ) N‑COUNT A poison pill refers to what some companies do to reduce their value in order to prevent themselves being taken over by another company. [BUSINESS ]

poke /poʊ k/ (pokes , poking , poked )

1 VERB If you poke someone or something, you quickly push them with your finger or with a sharp object. □�[V n] Lindy poked him in the ribs. ●�N‑COUNT Poke is also a noun. □� John smiled at them and gave Richard a playful poke.

2 VERB If you poke one thing into another, you push the first thing into the second thing. □�[V n +�into ] He poked his finger into the hole.

3 VERB If something pokes out of or through another thing, you can see part of it appearing from behind or underneath the other thing. □�[V +�out of ] He saw the dog's twitching nose poke out of the basket. □�[V +�through ] His fingers poked through the worn tips of his gloves.

4 VERB If you poke your head through an opening or if it pokes through an opening, you push it through, often so that you can see something more easily. □�[V n adv/prep] Julie tapped on my door and poked her head in. □�[V prep/adv] Raymond's head poked through the doorway.

5to poke fun at →�see fun

6to poke your nose into something →�see nose

pok|er /poʊ kə r / (pokers )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Poker is a card game that people usually play in order to win money. □� Lon and I play in the same weekly poker game.

2 N‑COUNT A poker is a metal bar which you use to move coal or wood in a fire in order to make it burn better.

po k|er fa ce (poker faces ) N‑COUNT A poker face is an expression on your face that shows none of your feelings. [INFORMAL ] □� In business a poker face can be very useful. □� She managed to keep a poker face.

po ker-fa ced ADJ If you are poker-faced , you have a calm expression on your face which shows none of your thoughts or feelings. [INFORMAL ] □� His expressions varied from poker-faced to blank. □� The officer listened, poker-faced.

poky /poʊ ki/ (pokier , pokiest ) The spelling pokey is also used, especially for meanings 1 and 3 . 1 ADJ A room or house that is poky is uncomfortably small. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �pokey little offices.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is poky , you are criticizing them for moving or reacting very slowly. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'Move!' she cried. 'Don't be so darn poky!'

3 N‑SING If someone is in the pokey , they are in prison. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

po|lar /poʊ lə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Polar means near the North and South Poles. □� Warmth melted some of the polar ice. □� �polar explorers.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Polar is used to describe things which are completely opposite in character, quality, or type. [FORMAL ] □� In many ways, Brett and Bernard are polar opposites.

po |lar bear (polar bears ) N‑COUNT A polar bear is a large white bear which is found near the North Pole.

po|lar|ise /poʊ ləra I z/ →�see polarize

po|lar|ity /poʊl� r I ti/ (polarities ) N‑VAR If there is a polarity between two people or things, they are completely different from each other in some way. [FORMAL ] □� �the polarities of good and evil.

po|lar|ize /poʊ ləra I z/ (polarizes , polarizing , polarized ) in BRIT, also use polarise VERB If something polarizes people or if something polarizes , two separate groups are formed with opposite opinions or positions. □�[V n] Missile deployment did much to further polarize opinion in Britain. □�[V ] As the car rental industry polarizes, business will go to the bigger companies. ●� po|lar|ized ADJ □� The electorate was polarized equally between two parties. ●� po|lari|za|tion /poʊ ləra I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�between ] �an increasing polarization between the wealthy and the poor in the city.

Po|lar|oid /poʊ lərɔ I d/ (Polaroids )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A Polaroid camera is a small camera that can take, develop, and print a photograph in a few seconds. [TRADEMARK ] □� Polaroid film is very sensitive.

2 N‑COUNT A Polaroid is a photograph taken with a Polaroid camera. □� I took a Polaroid of them so I could remember them when they were gone.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Polaroid sunglasses have been treated with a special substance in order to make the sun seem less bright.

pole ◆◇◇ /poʊ l/ (poles )

1 N‑COUNT A pole is a long thin piece of wood or metal, used especially for supporting things. □� The truck crashed into a telegraph pole. □� He reached up with a hooked pole to roll down the metal shutter.

2 N‑COUNT The earth's poles are the two opposite ends of its axis, its most northern and southern points. □� For six months of the year, there is hardly any light at the poles.

3 →�see also North Pole , South Pole

4 N‑COUNT The two poles of a range of qualities, opinions, or beliefs are the completely opposite qualities, opinions, or beliefs at either end of the range. □� The two politicians represent opposite poles of the political spectrum.

5 PHRASE If you say that two people or things are poles apart , you mean that they have completely different beliefs, opinions, or qualities. [EMPHASIS ]

Pole (Poles ) N‑COUNT A Pole is a person who comes from Poland.

po le-axed also poleaxed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is pole-axed , they are so surprised or shocked that they do not know what to say or do. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Sitting pole-axed on the sofa, he stared in astonishment at the spectacle before him.

pole|cat /poʊ lk�t/ (polecats ) N‑COUNT A polecat is a small, thin, fierce wild animal. Polecats have a very unpleasant smell.

po le danc|ing also pole-dancing N‑UNCOUNT Pole dancing is a type of entertainment in a bar or club in which a woman who is wearing very few clothes dances around a pole in a sexy way. ●� pole danc|er (pole dancers ) N‑COUNT □� She is a pole dancer at London's famous Spearmint Rhino club.

po|lem|ic /pəle m I k/ (polemics ) N‑VAR A polemic is a very strong written or spoken attack on, or defence of, a particular belief or opinion. □� �a polemic against the danger of secret societies.

po|lemi|cal /pəle m I k ə l/ ADJ Polemical means arguing very strongly for or against a belief or opinion. □� Daniels is at his best when he's cool and direct, rather than combative and polemical. □� �Kramer's biting polemical novel.

po|lemi|cist /pəle m I s I st/ (polemicists ) N‑COUNT A polemicist is someone who is skilled at arguing very strongly for or against a belief or opinion. [FORMAL ]

po le po|si |tion (pole positions ) N‑UNCOUNT When a racing car is in pole position , it is in front of the other cars at the start of a race.

po le vault N‑SING The pole vault is an athletics event in which athletes jump over a high bar, using a long flexible pole to help lift themselves up.

po le vault|er (pole vaulters ) N‑COUNT A pole vaulter is an athlete who performs the pole vault.

po|lice ◆◆◆ /pəliː s/ (polices , policing , policed )

1 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The police are the official organization that is responsible for making sure that people obey the law. □� The police are also looking for a second car. □� Police say they have arrested twenty people following the disturbances. □� I noticed a police car shadowing us.

2 →�see also secret police

3 N‑PLURAL Police are men and women who are members of the official organization that is responsible for making sure that people obey the law. □� More than one hundred police have ringed the area.

4 VERB If the police or military forces police an area or event, they make sure that law and order is preserved in that area or at that event. □�[V n] �the tiny U.N. observer force whose job it is to police the border. □�[V -ed] The march was heavily policed. ●� po|lic|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the policing of public places.

5 →�see also community policing

6 VERB If a person or group in authority polices a law or an area of public life, they make sure that what is done is fair and legal. □�[V n] �Imro, the self-regulatory body that polices the investment management business. ●� po|lic|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Policing of business courses varies widely. SYNONYMS police VERB

4

control:�measures to control illegal mining.

patrol:Prison officers continued to patrol the grounds within the jail.

guard:�the heavily guarded courtroom.

6

monitor:Officials had not been allowed to monitor the voting.

oversee:�the agreement to set up a commission to oversee the peace process.

supervise:University teachers have refused to supervise students' examinations.

po|li ce co n|sta|ble (police constables ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A police constable is a police officer of the lowest rank. [BRIT ] □� A police constable is handling all inquiries. □� �Police Constable David Casey. in AM, use police officer

po|li ce dog (police dogs ) N‑COUNT A police dog is a working dog which is owned by the police.

po|li ce force (police forces ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A police force is the police organization in a particular country or area. □� �the South Wales police force.

police|man ◆◇◇ /pəliː smən/ (policemen ) N‑COUNT A policeman is a man who is a member of the police force.

po|li ce of|fic|er ◆◇◇ (police officers ) N‑COUNT A police officer is a member of the police force. □� �a meeting of senior police officers.

po|li ce sta te (police states ) N‑COUNT A police state is a country in which the government controls people's freedom by means of the police, especially secret police. [DISAPPROVAL ]

po|li ce sta|tion (police stations ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A police station is the local office of a police force in a particular area. □� Two police officers arrested him and took him to Kensington police station.

police|woman /pəliː swʊmən/ (policewomen ) N‑COUNT A policewoman is a woman who is a member of the police force.

poli|cy ◆◆◆ /pɒ l I si/ (policies )

1 N‑VAR A policy is a set of ideas or plans that is used as a basis for making decisions, especially in politics, economics, or business. □� �plans which include changes in foreign policy and economic reforms. □� �the U.N.'s policy-making body.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] An official organization's policy on a particular issue or towards a country is their attitude and actions regarding that issue or country. □�[+�on ] �the government's policy on repatriation. □�[+�of ] �the corporation's policy of forbidding building on common land.

3 N‑COUNT [usu N n] An insurance policy is a document which shows the agreement that you have made with an insurance company. [BUSINESS ] □� You are advised to read the small print of household and motor insurance policies. COLLOCATIONS policy NOUN

1

noun +�policy : energy, immigration, privacy

adjective +�policy : economic, fiscal, foreign, monetary

verb +�policy : change, develop, influence; tighten

2

noun +�policy : government

verb +�policy : adopt, implement, pursue, support

3

verb +�policy : take out; renew SYNONYMS policy NOUN 1

procedure:The White House said there would be no change in procedure.

plan:�a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group.

protocol:�minor breaches of protocol.

policy|holder /pɒ l I sihoʊldə r / (policyholders ) also policy-holder N‑COUNT A policyholder is a person who has an insurance policy with an insurance company. [BUSINESS ] □� The first 10 per cent of legal fees will be paid by the policy-holder.

policy|maker /pɒ l I sime I kə r / (policymakers ) also policy-maker N‑COUNT [usu pl] In politics, policymakers are people who are involved in making policies and policy decisions. □� �top economic policymakers.

po licy-making also policymaking N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Policy-making is the making of policies. □� He will play a key background role in government policy-making.

po|lio /poʊ lioʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Polio is a serious infectious disease which often makes people unable to use their legs. □� Gladys was crippled by polio at the age of 3.

po|lio|my|eli|tis /poʊ lioʊma I əla I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Poliomyelitis is the same as polio . [MEDICAL ]

Po|lish /poʊ l I ʃ/

1 ADJ Polish means belonging or relating to Poland, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Polish is the language spoken in Poland.

pol|ish /pɒ l I ʃ/ (polishes , polishing , polished )

1 N‑VAR Polish is a substance that you put on the surface of an object in order to clean it, protect it, and make it shine. □� The still air smelt faintly of furniture polish. □� �soap powders, detergents, and polishes.

2 VERB If you polish something, you put polish on it or rub it with a cloth to make it shine. □�[V n] Each morning he shaved and polished his shoes. [Also V ] ●�N‑SING Polish is also a noun. □� He gave his counter a polish with a soft duster. ●� pol|ished ADJ □� �a highly polished floor.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has polish , you mean that they show confidence and know how to behave socially. [APPROVAL ]

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that a performance or piece of work has polish , you mean that it is of a very high standard. [APPROVAL ] □� The opera lacks the polish of his later work.

5 VERB If you polish your technique, performance, or skill at doing something, you work on improving it. □�[V n] They just need to polish their technique. ●�PHRASAL VERB Polish up means the same as polish . □�[V P n] Polish up your writing skills on a one-week professional course. [Also V n P ]

6 →�see also polished , French polish , nail polish

7

▸� polish off PHRASAL VERB If you polish off food or drink, you eat or drink all of it, or finish it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] No matter what he is offered to eat he polishes it off in an instant. □�[V P n] He polished off his Scotch and slammed the glass down.

▸� polish up →�see polish5

pol|ished /pɒ l I ʃt/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is polished shows confidence and knows how to behave socially. [APPROVAL ] □� He is polished, charming, articulate and an excellent negotiator.

2 ADJ If you describe a performance, ability, or skill as polished , you mean that it is of a very high standard. [APPROVAL ] □� It was simply a very polished performance.

3 →�see also polish

Pol|it|bu|ro /pɒ l I tbjʊəroʊ/ (Politburos ) N‑COUNT In communist countries thePolitburo is the chief committee that decides on government policy and makes decisions.

po|lite /pəla I t/ (politer , politest )

1 ADJ Someone who is polite has good manners and behaves in a way that is socially correct and not rude to other people. □� Everyone around him was trying to be polite, but you could tell they were all bored. □� It's not polite to point or talk about strangers in public. □� Gately, a quiet and very polite young man, made a favourable impression. □� I hate having to make polite conversation. ●� po|lite|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� 'Your home is beautiful,' I said politely. ●� po|lite|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� She listened to him, but only out of politeness.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can refer to people who consider themselves to be socially superior and to set standards of behaviour for everyone else as polite society or polite company . □� Certain words are vulgar and not acceptable in polite society. PRAGMATICS politeness

In this dictionary, the label POLITENESS indicates that you use the word or expression in order to show good manners, and to avoid upsetting or embarrassing people. An example of an expression with this label is Would you mind�?

poli|tic /pɒ l I t I k/

1 ADJ If it seems politicto do a particular thing, that seems to be the most sensible thing to do in the circumstances. [FORMAL ] □� Many towns often found it politic to change their allegiance.

2 →�see also body politic , politics

po|liti|cal ◆◆◆ /pəl I t I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Political means relating to the way power is achieved and used in a country or society. □� All other political parties there have been completely banned. □� The Canadian government is facing another political crisis. □� �a democratic political system. ●� po|liti|cal|ly /pəl I t I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV with v] □� They do not believe the killings were politically motivated. □� Politically and economically this is an extremely difficult question.

2 →�see also party political

3 ADJ Someone who is political is interested or involved in politics and holds strong beliefs about it. □� This play is very political. SYNONYMS political ADJ 1

governmental:�a governmental agency for providing financial aid to developing countries.

state:�reform of the state social-security system.

parliamentary:He used his influence to make sure she was not selected as a parliamentary candidate.

po|li ti|cal asy |lum N‑UNCOUNT Political asylum is the right to live in a foreign country and is given by the government of that country to people who have to leave their own country for political reasons. □� �a university teacher who is seeking political asylum in Britain.

po|li ti|cal cor|re ct|ness N‑UNCOUNT Political correctness is the attitude or policy of being extremely careful not to offend or upset any group of people in society who have a disadvantage, or who have been treated differently because of their sex, race, or disability.

po|li ti|cal eco no|my N‑UNCOUNT Political economy is the study of the way in which a government influences or organizes a nation's wealth.

po|li ti|cal in|cor|re ct|ness N‑UNCOUNT Political incorrectness is the attitude or policy shown by someone who does not care if they offend or upset any group of people in society who have a disadvantage, or who have been treated differently because of their sex, race, or disability.

po|li ti|cal|ly cor|re ct ADJ If you say that someone is politically correct , you mean that they are extremely careful not to offend or upset any group of people in society who have a disadvantage, or who have been treated differently because of their sex, race, or disability. ●�N‑PLURAL The politically correct are people who are politically correct.

po|li ti|cal|ly in|cor|re ct ADJ If you say that someone is politically incorrect , you mean that they do not care if they offend or upset other people in society, for example with their attitudes towards sex, race, or disability. □� Gershwin's lyrics would today probably be deemed politically incorrect. ●�N‑PLURAL The politically incorrect are people who are politically incorrect.

po|li ti|cal pri s|on|er (political prisoners ) N‑COUNT A political prisoner is someone who has been imprisoned for criticizing or disagreeing with their own government.

po|li ti|cal sci |ence N‑UNCOUNT Political science is the study of the ways in which political power is acquired and used in a country.

po|li ti|cal sci |en|tist (political scientists ) N‑COUNT A political scientist is someone who studies, writes, or lectures about political science.

poli|ti|cian ◆◆◇ /pɒ l I t I ʃ ə n/ (politicians ) N‑COUNT A politician is a person whose job is in politics, especially a member of parliament or congress. □� They have arrested a number of leading opposition politicians. SYNONYMS politician NOUN 1

statesman:Hamilton is a great statesman and political thinker.

MP:Several Conservative MPs have voted against the government.

legislator:�an attempt to get U.S. legislators to change the system.

po|liti|cize /pəl I t I sa I z/ (politicizes , politicizing , politicized ) in BRIT, also use politicise VERB If you politicize someone or something, you make them more interested in politics or more involved with politics. □�[V n] �ideas which might politicize the labouring classes. □�[V n] Some feminists had attempted to politicize personal life. ●� po|liti|cized ADJ □� The data that's being used to fault American education is highly politicized. ●� po|liti|ci|za|tion /pəl I t I sa I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� There has been increasing politicization of the civil service.

poli|tick|ing /pɒ l I t I k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone's political activity as politicking , you think that they are engaged in it to gain votes or personal advantage for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The politicking at Westminster is extremely intense.

po|liti|co /pəl I t I koʊ/ (politicos ) N‑COUNT You can describe a politician as a politico , especially if you do not like them or approve of what they do. [DISAPPROVAL ]

politico- /pəl I t I koʊ-/ COMB [ADJ n] Politico- is added to adjectives to form other adjectives that describe something as being both political and the other thing that is mentioned. □� �the capitalist politico-economic system.

poli|tics ◆◆◇ /pɒ l I t I ks/

1 N‑PLURAL Politics are the actions or activities concerned with achieving and using power in a country or society. The verb that follows politics may be either singular or plural. □� The key question in British politics was how long the prime minister could survive. □�[+�of ] �a crucial watershed in the politics of the German right. □� Politics is by no means the only arena in which women are excelling.

2 →�see also party politics

3 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Your politics are your beliefs about how a country ought to be governed. □� My politics are well to the left of centre.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Politics is the study of the ways in which countries are governed. □� He began studying politics and medieval history. □� �young politics graduates.

5 N‑PLURAL Politics can be used to talk about the ways that power is shared in an organization and the ways it is affected by personal relationships between people who work together. The verb that follows politics may be either singular or plural. □� You need to understand how office politics influence the working environment.

pol|ity /pɒ l I ti/ (polities ) N‑COUNT A polity is an organized society, such as a nation, city, or church, together with its government and administration. [FORMAL ] □� �the role of religious belief in a democratic polity.

pol|ka /pɒ lkə, [AM ] poʊ lkə/ (polkas ) N‑COUNT A polka is a fast lively dance that was popular in the nineteenth century.

po l|ka dots The spelling polka-dot is also used, especially as a modifier. The word polka is usually pronounced /poʊ kə/ in American English when it is part of this compound. N‑PLURAL [oft N n] Polka dots are very small spots printed on a piece of cloth. □� �a yellow bikini with polka dots. □� �a tight-fitting polka dot blouse.

poll ◆◆◇ /poʊ l/ (polls , polling , polled )

1 N‑COUNT A poll is a survey in which people are asked their opinions about something, usually in order to find out how popular something is or what people intend to do in the future. □� At least 60 per cent of the country wants the strikers to win, polls show. □�[+�on ] We are doing a weekly poll on the president, and clearly his popularity has declined.

2 →�see also opinion poll , straw poll

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are polledon something, you are asked what you think about it as part of a survey. □�[be V -ed] More than 18,000 people were polled. □�[be V -ed +�on ] Audiences were going to be polled on which of three pieces of music they liked best. □�[V -ed] More than 70 per cent of those polled said that they approved of his record as president.

4 N‑PLURAL The polls means an election for a country's government, or the place where people go to vote in an election. □� In 1945, Winston Churchill was defeated at the polls. □� Voters are due to go to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president.

5 VERB If a political party or a candidate polls a particular number or percentage of votes, they get that number or percentage of votes in an election. □�[V n] It was a disappointing result for the Greens who polled three percent.

6 →�see also polling , deed poll SYNONYMS poll NOUN 1

survey:According to the survey, overall world trade has also slackened. VERB 3

ballot:The union said they will ballot members on whether to strike.

survey:Only 18 percent of those surveyed opposed the idea. NOUN 4

election:�the first fully free elections for more than fifty years.

referendum:Estonia said it too planned to hold a referendum on independence.

vote:Why do you think we should have a vote on that?

ballot:The result of the ballot will not be known for two weeks.

pol|len /pɒ lən/ (pollens ) N‑VAR Pollen is a fine powder produced by flowers. It fertilizes other flowers of the same species so that they produce seeds.

po l|len count (pollen counts ) N‑COUNT The pollen count is a measure of how much pollen is in the air at a particular place and time. Information about the pollen count is given to help people who are made ill by pollen. □� Avoid trips to the country while the pollen count is high.

pol|li|nate /pɒ l I ne I t/ (pollinates , pollinating , pollinated ) VERB To pollinate a plant or tree means to fertilize it with pollen. This is often done by insects. □�[V n] Many of the indigenous insects are needed to pollinate the local plants. ●� pol|li|na|tion /pɒ l I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Without sufficient pollination, the growth of the corn is stunted.

pol|li|na|tor /pɒ l I ne I tə r / (pollinators ) N‑COUNT A pollinator is something which pollinates plants, especially a type of insect. [TECHNICAL ]

poll|ing /poʊ l I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Polling is the act of voting in an election. □� There has been a busy start to polling in today's local elections.

po ll|ing booth (polling booths )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Polling booths are the places where people go to vote in an election. □� In Darlington, queues formed at some polling booths.

2 N‑COUNT A polling booth is one of the partly enclosed areas in a polling station, where people can vote in private. □� When you are there, in the polling booth, nobody can see where you put your cross.

po ll|ing day N‑UNCOUNT Polling day is the day on which people vote in an election. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use election day

po ll|ing place (polling places ) N‑COUNT A polling place is the same as a polling station . [AM ]

po ll|ing sta|tion (polling stations ) N‑COUNT A polling station is a place where people go to vote at an election. It is often a school or other public building. [BRIT ] □� Queues formed even before polling stations opened. in AM, use polling place

poll|ster /poʊ lstə r / (pollsters ) N‑COUNT A pollster is a person or organization who asks large numbers of people questions to find out their opinions on particular subjects.

pol|lu|tant /pəluː tənt/ (pollutants ) N‑VAR Pollutants are substances that pollute the environment, especially gases from vehicles and poisonous chemicals produced as waste by industrial processes. □� A steady stream of California traffic clogs the air with pollutants.

pol|lute /pəluː t/ (pollutes , polluting , polluted ) VERB To pollute water, air, or land means to make it dirty and dangerous to live in or to use, especially with poisonous chemicals or sewage. □�[V n] Heavy industry pollutes our rivers with noxious chemicals. ●� pol|lut|ed ADJ □� The police have warned the city's inhabitants not to bathe in the polluted river.

pol|lut|er /pəluː tə r / (polluters ) N‑COUNT A polluter is someone or something that pollutes the environment.

pol|lu|tion ◆◇◇ /pəluː ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pollution is the process of polluting water, air, or land, especially with poisonous chemicals. □�[+�of ] The fine was for the company's pollution of the air near its plants. □� Recycling also helps control environmental pollution by reducing the need for waste dumps.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Pollution is poisonous or dirty substances that are polluting the water, air, or land somewhere. □� The level of pollution in the river was falling. SYNONYMS pollution NOUN 1

contamination:The contamination of the sea around Capri may be just the beginning.

waste:Up to 10 million tonnes of toxic wastes are produced every year in the U.K�

impurity:The air in the factory is filtered to remove impurities.

polo /poʊ loʊ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Polo is a game played between two teams of players. The players ride horses and use wooden hammers with long handles to hit a ball.

2 →�see also water polo

po lo neck (polo necks ) also polo-neck N‑COUNT A polo neck or a polo neck sweater is a sweater with a high neck which folds over. [BRIT ] in AM, use turtleneck

po lo shirt (polo shirts ) N‑COUNT A polo shirt is a soft short-sleeved piece of clothing with a collar, which you put on over your head.

pol|ter|geist /pɒ ltə r ga I st, [AM ] poʊ l-/ (poltergeists ) N‑COUNT A poltergeist is a ghost or supernatural force which is believed to move furniture or throw objects around.

poly /pɒ li/ (polys ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A poly is the same as a polytechnic . [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

PREFIX poly-

forms nouns and adjectives that have many as part of their meaning. For example, polygamy is the custom in some societies of being married to more than one person at the same time.

poly|es|ter /pɒ lie stə r , [AM ] -es-/ (polyesters ) N‑VAR Polyester is a type of artificial cloth used especially to make clothes. □� �a green polyester shirt.

poly|eth|yl|ene /pɒ lie θ I liːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Polyethylene is a type of plastic made into thin sheets or bags and used especially to keep food fresh or to keep things dry. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use polythene

po|lyga|mous /pəl I gəməs/ ADJ In a polygamous society, people can be legally married to more than one person at the same time. A polygamous person, especially a man, is married to more than one person. □� There is growing concern that wives in polygamous marriages are unaware that they have no legal rights.

po|lyga|my /pəl I gəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Polygamy is the custom in some societies in which someone can be legally married to more than one person at the same time.

poly|glot /pɒ liglɒt/ (polyglots )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Polyglot is used to describe something such as a book or society in which several different languages are used. [FORMAL ] □� �Chicago's polyglot population.

2 N‑COUNT A polyglot is a person who speaks or understands many languages.

poly|graph /pɒ ligrɑːf, -gr�f/ (polygraphs ) N‑COUNT A polygraph or a polygraph test is a test which is used by the police to try to find out whether someone is telling the truth. □� Hill's lawyers announced she had taken and passed a polygraph test.

poly|mer /pɒ l I mə r / (polymers ) N‑COUNT A polymer is a chemical compound with large molecules made of many smaller molecules of the same kind. Some polymers exist naturally and others are produced in laboratories and factories.

pol|yp /pɒ l I p/ (polyps )

1 N‑COUNT A polyp is a small unhealthy growth on a surface inside your body, especially inside your nose.

2 N‑COUNT A polyp is a small animal that lives in the sea. It has a hollow body like a tube and long parts called tentacles around its mouth.

poly|pro|pyl|ene /pɒ liprɒ p I liːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Polypropylene is a strong, flexible artificial material that is used to make things such as rope, carpet, and pipes.

poly|sty|rene /pɒ l I sta I riːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Polystyrene is a very light plastic substance used to make containers or to keep things warm, cool, or protected from damage. □� �polystyrene cups.

poly|tech|nic /pɒ l I te kn I k/ (polytechnics )

1 N‑VAR [oft in names] In Britain, a polytechnic was a college where you could go after leaving school in order to study academic subjects up to degree level, or to train for particular jobs. In 1992, all the polytechnics in Britain became universities.

2 N‑VAR [oft in names] In the United States, polytechnic is the former name for a school, college, or university which specialized in courses in science and technology.

poly|thene /pɒ l I θiːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Polythene is a type of plastic made into thin sheets or bags and used especially to keep food fresh or to keep things dry. [mainly BRIT ] □� Simply put them into a polythene bag and store them in the freezer for a day. in AM, usually use polyethylene

poly|un|satu|rate /pɒ liʌns� tʃʊrət/ (polyunsaturates ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Polyunsaturates are types of animal or vegetable fats which are used to make cooking oil and margarine. They are thought to be less harmful to your body than other fats.

poly|un|satu|rat|ed /pɒ liʌns� tʃʊre I t I d/ ADJ Polyunsaturated oils and margarines are made mainly from vegetable fats and are considered healthier than those made from animal fats. □� Use polyunsaturated spread instead of butter.

poly|urethane /pɒ lijʊə rəθe I n/ (polyurethanes ) N‑VAR Polyurethane is a plastic material used especially to make paint or substances which prevent water or heat from passing through. □� �polyurethane varnish.

pom /pɒ m/ (poms ) N‑COUNT A pom is the same as a pommy .

pom|egran|ate /pɒ m I gr�n I t/ (pomegranates ) N‑VAR A pomegranate is a round fruit with a thick reddish skin. It contains lots of small seeds with juicy flesh around them.

pom|mel /pʌ m ə l, pɒ m-/ (pommels ) N‑COUNT A pommel is the part of a saddle that rises up at the front, or a knob that is fixed there.

pom|my /pɒ mi/ (pommies ) also pommie N‑COUNT A pommy is an English person. This use could cause offence. [mainly AUSTRALIAN , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

pomp /pɒ mp/ N‑UNCOUNT Pomp is the use of a lot of ceremony, fine clothes, and decorations, especially on a special occasion. □� �the pomp and splendour of the English aristocracy.

po m-pom (pom-poms ) also pompom , pom-pom N‑COUNT A pom-pom is a ball of threads which is used to decorate things such as hats or furniture. In the United States, cheerleaders wave large pom-poms at football matches.

pom|pos|ity /pɒmpɒ s I ti/ (pomposities ) N‑UNCOUNT Pomposity means speaking or behaving in a very serious manner which shows that you think you are more important than you really are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He hated pomposity and disliked being called a genius.

pomp|ous /pɒ mpəs/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as pompous , you mean that they behave or speak in a very serious way because they think they are more important than they really are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was somewhat pompous and had a high opinion of his own capabilities. ●� pomp|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Robin said pompously that he had an important business appointment.

2 ADJ A pompous building or ceremony is very grand and elaborate. □� The service was grand without being pompous.

ponce /pɒ ns/ (ponces , poncing , ponced )

1 N‑COUNT A ponce is the same as a pimp . [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT If you call a man a ponce , you are insulting him because you think the way he dresses or behaves is too feminine. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

▸� ponce around in BRIT, also use ponce about PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is poncing around or poncing about , you mean that they are not doing something properly, quickly, or seriously. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] I spent my working life poncing around on a beach instead of doing a proper job.

poncey /pɒ nsi/ also poncy ADJ If you say that someone or something is poncey , you mean you do not like them because they are too feminine or artistic. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a poncy male model.

pon|cho /pɒ ntʃoʊ/ (ponchos ) N‑COUNT A poncho is a piece of clothing that consists of a long piece of material, usually wool, with a hole cut in the middle through which you put your head. Some ponchos have a hood.

pond /pɒ nd/ (ponds )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A pond is a small area of water that is smaller than a lake. Ponds are often made artificially. □� She chose a bench beside the duck pond and sat down.

2 N‑SING People sometimes refer to the Atlantic Ocean as the pond . [mainly JOURNALISM ] □� Usually, the presentation is made on the other side of the pond.

pon|der /pɒ ndə r / (ponders , pondering , pondered ) VERB If you ponder something, you think about it carefully. □�[V n] I found myself constantly pondering the question: 'How could anyone do these things?' □�[V +�on/over ] The Prime Minister pondered on when to go to the polls. □�[V wh] I'm continually pondering how to improve the team. [Also V ]

pon|der|ous /pɒ ndərəs/

1 ADJ Ponderous writing or speech is very serious, uses more words than necessary, and is rather dull. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He had a dense, ponderous style. ●� pon|der|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Lewis�s style as historian and critic is never dull or ponderously academic.

2 ADJ A movement or action that is ponderous is very slow or clumsy. [WRITTEN ] □� His steps were heavy and ponderous. ●� pon|der|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Wilson shifted ponderously in his chair.

pong /pɒ ŋ, [AM ] pɔː ŋ/ (pongs ) N‑COUNT A pong is an unpleasant smell. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �the pong of milk and sick and nappies.

pon|tiff /pɒ nt I f/ (pontiffs ) N‑COUNT ThePontiff is the Pope. [FORMAL ] □� The Pontiff celebrated mass in Mexico City.

pon|tifi|cate (pontificates , pontificating , pontificated ) The verb is pronounced /pɒnt I f I ke I t/. The noun is pronounced /pɒnt I f I kət/. 1 VERB If someone pontificatesabout something, they state their opinions as if they are the only correct ones and nobody could possibly argue against them. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�about/on ] Politicians like to pontificate about falling standards. [Also V ]

2 N‑COUNT The pontificate of a pope is the period of time during which he is pope. □� Pope Formosus died after a pontificate of four and a half years.

pon|toon /pɒ ntuː n/ (pontoons ) N‑COUNT A pontoon is a floating platform, often one used to support a bridge. □� �a pontoon bridge.

pony /poʊ ni/ (ponies ) N‑COUNT A pony is a type of small horse.

pony|tail /poʊ nite I l/ (ponytails ) also pony-tail N‑COUNT A ponytail is a hairstyle in which someone's hair is tied up at the back of the head and hangs down like a tail. □� Her long, fine hair was swept back in a ponytail.

poo /puː / (poos ) N‑VAR Poo is a child's word for faeces. [INFORMAL ]

pooch /puː tʃ/ (pooches ) N‑COUNT A pooch is a dog. [JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ]

poo|dle /puːd ə l/ (poodles ) N‑COUNT A poodle is a type of dog with thick curly hair.

poof /pʊ f/ (poofs ) also pouf

1 N‑COUNT A poof is a homosexual man. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE ]

2 EXCLAM Some people say poof to indicate that something happened very suddenly. □� They approach, embrace, and poof!, they disappear in a blinding flash of light.

poof|ter /pʊ ftə r / (poofters ) N‑COUNT A poofter is a homosexual man. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE ]

pooh-pooh /puː puː / (pooh-poohs , pooh-poohing , pooh-poohed ) VERB If someone pooh-poohs an idea or suggestion, they say or imply that it is foolish, impractical, or unnecessary. □�[V n] In the past he has pooh-poohed suggestions that he might succeed Isaacs.

pool ◆◇◇ /puː l/ (pools , pooling , pooled )

1 N‑COUNT A pool is the same as a swimming pool . □� �a heated indoor pool. □� During winter, many people swim and the pool is crowded.

2 N‑COUNT A pool is a fairly small area of still water. □� The pool had dried up and was full of bracken and reeds.

3 →�see also rock pool

4 N‑COUNT A pool of liquid or light is a small area of it on the ground or on a surface. □�[+�of ] She was found lying in a pool of blood. □�[+�of ] The lamps on the side-tables threw warm pools of light on the polished wood.

5 N‑COUNT A poolof people, money, or things is a quantity or number of them that is available for an organization or group to use. □�[+�of ] The new proposal would create a reserve pool of cash.

6 →�see also car pool

7 VERB If a group of people or organizations pool their money, knowledge, or equipment, they share it or put it together so that it can be used for a particular purpose. □�[V n] We pooled ideas and information.

8 N‑UNCOUNT Pool is a game played on a large table covered with a cloth. Players use a long stick called a cue to hit a white ball across the table so that it knocks coloured balls with numbers on them into six holes around the edge of the table.

9 N‑PLURAL If you do the pools , you take part in a gambling competition in which people try to win money by guessing correctly the results of football matches. [BRIT ] □� The odds of winning the pools are about one in 20 million. COLLOCATIONS pool NOUN

1

noun +�pool : hydrotherapy, plunge; hotel, rooftop; infinity

adjective +�pool : heated; indoor, outdoor

5

noun +�pool : gene; bonus, talent

poop /puː p/ (poops ) N‑COUNT The poop of an old-fashioned sailing ship is the raised structure at the back end of it. □� �the poop deck.

pooped /puː pt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are pooped , you are very tired. [AM , INFORMAL ]

poor ◆◆◇ /pʊə r , pɔː r / (poorer , poorest )

1 ADJ Someone who is poor has very little money and few possessions. □� The reason our schools cannot afford better teachers is because people here are poor. □� He was one of thirteen children from a poor family. ●�N‑PLURAL The poor are people who are poor. □� Even the poor have their pride.

2 ADJ The people in a poor country or area have very little money and few possessions. □� Many countries in the Third World are as poor as they have ever been. □� �a settlement house for children in a poor neighborhood.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use poor to express your sympathy for someone. [FEELINGS ] □� I feel sorry for that poor child. □� Poor chap�he was killed in an air crash.

4 ADJ If you describe something as poor , you mean that it is of a low quality or standard or that it is in bad condition. □� The flat was in a poor state of repair. □� The food was poor. ●� poor|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� Some are living in poorly built dormitories, even in tents.

5 ADJ If you describe an amount, rate, or number as poor , you mean that it is less than expected or less than is considered reasonable. □� �poor wages and working conditions. ●� poor|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� During the first week, the evening meetings were poorly attended.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use poor to describe someone who is not very skilful in a particular activity. □� He was a poor actor. □�[+�at ] Hospitals are poor at collecting information. ●� poor|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� This team can play very well or very poorly.

7 ADJ If something is poor in a particular quality or substance, it contains very little of the quality or substance. □� �soil that is poor in zinc.

poor|house /pʊə r haʊs, pɔː r -/ (poorhouses ) also poor-house N‑COUNT In former times in Britain, a poorhouse was an institution in which poor people could live. It was paid for by the public.

poor|ly /pʊə r li, pɔː r -/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is poorly , they are ill. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I've just phoned Julie and she's still poorly. in AM, use sick2 →�see also poor

poo r re|la |tion (poor relations ) N‑COUNT If you describe one thing as a poor relationof another, you mean that it is similar to or part of the other thing, but is considered to be inferior to it. □�[+�of ] Watercolour still seems somehow to be the poor relation of oil painting.

pop ◆◇◇ /pɒ p/ (pops , popping , popped )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Pop is modern music that usually has a strong rhythm and uses electronic equipment. □� �the perfect combination of Caribbean rhythms, European pop, and American soul. □� �a life-size poster of a pop star. □� I know nothing about pop music.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to fizzy drinks such as lemonade as pop . [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He still visits the village shop for buns and fizzy pop. □� �glass pop bottles. in AM, usually use soda pop3 N‑COUNT Pop is used to represent a short sharp sound, for example the sound made by bursting a balloon or by pulling a cork out of a bottle. □� His back tyre just went pop on a motorway.

4 VERB If something pops , it makes a short sharp sound. □�[V ] He untwisted the wire off the champagne bottle, and the cork popped and shot to the ceiling.

5 VERB If your eyes pop , you look very surprised or excited when you see something. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] My eyes popped at the sight of the rich variety of food on show.

6 VERB If you pop something somewhere, you put it there quickly. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] He plucked a purple grape from the bunch and popped it in his mouth.

7 VERB If you pop somewhere, you go there for a short time. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] Wendy popped in for a quick bite to eat on Monday night.

8 N‑COUNT Some people call their father pop . [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� I looked at Pop and he had big tears in his eyes. in BRIT, usually use dad9to pop the question →�see question

▸� pop up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something pops up , they appear in a place or situation unexpectedly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] She was startled when Lisa popped up at the door all smiles.

2 →�see also pop-up

POP /piː oʊ piː / (POPs ) N‑COUNT A POP is equipment that gives access to the internet. POP is an abbreviation for 'point of presence'. [COMPUTING ]

pop. /pɒ p/ pop. is an abbreviation for population . It is used before a number when indicating the total population of a city or country. □� Somalia, pop. 7.9 million, income per head about �1.60 a week.

po p art N‑UNCOUNT Pop art is a style of modern art which began in the 1960s. It uses bright colours and takes a lot of its techniques and subject matter from everyday, modern life.

pop|corn /pɒ pkɔː r n/ N‑UNCOUNT Popcorn is a snack which consists of grains of maize or corn that have been heated until they have burst and become large and light. It can be eaten with salt or sometimes sugar.

pope /poʊ p/ (popes ) N‑COUNT ThePope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. □� �the Pope's message to the people. □� �Pope John Paul II.

pop|lar /pɒ plə r / (poplars ) N‑VAR A poplar or a poplar tree is a type of tall thin tree.

pop|lin /pɒ pl I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Poplin is a type of cotton material used to make clothes.

pop|pa|dom /pɒ pədɒm/ (poppadoms ) N‑COUNT A poppadom is a very thin circular crisp made from a mixture of flour and water, which is fried in oil. Poppadoms are usually eaten with Indian food.

pop|per /pɒ pə r / (poppers ) N‑COUNT A popper is a device for fastening clothes. It consists of two pieces of plastic or metal which you press together. [BRIT ] in AM, use snap fastener , snap

pop|py /pɒ pi/ (poppies )

1 N‑COUNT A poppy is a plant with a large, delicate flower, usually red in colour. The drug opium is obtained from one type of poppy. □� �a field of poppies.

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, on a particular day in November, people wear an artificial poppy in memory of the people who died in the two world wars. □� �a wreath of poppies.

Pop|si|cle /pɒ ps I k ə l/ (Popsicles ) N‑COUNT A Popsicle is a piece of flavoured ice or ice cream on a stick. [AM , TRADEMARK ] in BRIT, use ice lolly

popu|lace /pɒ pjʊləs/ N‑UNCOUNT Thepopulace of a country is its people. [FORMAL ] □� �a large proportion of the populace.

popu|lar ◆◆◇ /pɒ pjʊlə r /

1 ADJ Something that is popular is enjoyed or liked by a lot of people. □� This is the most popular ball game ever devised. □� Chocolate sauce is always popular with youngsters. ●� popu|lar|ity /pɒ pjʊl� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □�[+�of ] �the growing popularity of coconut oil. □� Walking and golf increased in popularity during the 1980s.

2 ADJ Someone who is popular is liked by most people, or by most people in a particular group. □� He remained the most popular politician in France. ●� popu|lar|ity N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □�[+�with ] It is his popularity with ordinary people that sets him apart.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Popular newspapers, television programmes, or forms of art are aimed at ordinary people and not at experts or intellectuals. □� Once again the popular press in Britain has been rife with stories about their marriage. □� �one of the classics of modern popular music.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Popular ideas, feelings, or attitudes are approved of or held by most people. □� The military government has been unable to win popular support. ●� popu|lar|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� Over time, though, Watson's views gained in popularity.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Popular is used to describe political activities which involve the ordinary people of a country, and not just members of political parties. □� The late President Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown by a popular uprising in 1986.

popu|lar|ize /pɒ pjʊləra I z/ (popularizes , popularizing , popularized ) in BRIT, also use popularise VERB To popularize something means to make a lot of people interested in it and able to enjoy it. □�[V n] The Victorians popularized rhubarb in fools and crumbles. ●� popu|lari|za|tion /pɒ pjʊləra I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the popularisation of sport through television.

popu|lar|ly /pɒ pjʊlə r li/

1 ADV If something or someone is popularly known as something, most people call them that, although it is not their official name or title. □� �the Mesozoic era, more popularly known as the age of dinosaurs. □� �an infection popularly called mad cow disease.

2 ADV [ADV -ed] If something is popularly believed or supposed to be the case, most people believe or suppose it to be the case, although it may not be true. □� Schizophrenia is not a 'split mind' as is popularly believed.

3 ADV [ADV -ed] A popularly elected leader or government has been elected by a majority of the people in a country. □� He was the country's first popularly elected President.

popu|late /pɒ pjʊle I t/ (populates , populating , populated )

1 VERB If an area is populatedby certain people or animals, those people or animals live there, often in large numbers. □�[be V -ed] Before all this the island was populated by native American Arawaks. □�[V n] �native Sindhis, who populate the surrounding villages. ●� popu|lat|ed ADJ [adv ADJ ] □� The southeast is the most densely populated area. ●� -populated COMB □� �to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under threat of attack.

2 VERB To populate an area means to cause people to live there. □�[V n +�with ] Successive regimes annexed the region and populated it with lowland people. [Also V n]

popu|la|tion ◆◆◇ /pɒ pjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (populations )

1 N‑COUNT The population of a country or area is all the people who live in it. □�[+�of ] Bangladesh now has a population of about 110 million. □� �the annual rate of population growth.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a particular type of population in a country or area, you are referring to all the people or animals of that type there. [FORMAL ] □� �75.6 per cent of the male population over sixteen. □� �the elephant populations of Tanzania and Kenya. COLLOCATIONS population NOUN

1

adjective +�population : general, local, total

verb +�population : control, feed, support

2

noun +�population : bee, elephant, fish; civilian, immigrant, prison, student

adjective +�population : adult, black, indigenous, male; ageing, declining, growing, working; Jewish, Muslim

pop|ulism /pɒ pjʊl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Populism refers to political activities or ideas that claim to promote the interests and opinions of ordinary people. [FORMAL ] □� �a wave of populism.

popu|list /pɒ pʊl I st/ (populists ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a politician or an artist as populist , you mean that they claim to care about the interests and opinions of ordinary people rather than those of a small group. [FORMAL ] □� The changes on gas have been forced on the populist President by several factors. ●�N‑COUNT A populist is someone who expresses populist views.

popu|lous /pɒ pjʊləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A populous country or area has a lot of people living in it. [FORMAL ] □� Indonesia, with 216 million people, is the fourth most populous country in the world.

po p-up

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A pop-up book, usually a children's book, has pictures that stand up when you open the pages.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A pop-up toaster has a mechanism that pushes slices of bread up when they are toasted.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] On a computer screen, a pop-up menu or advertisement is a small window containing a menu or advertisement that appears on the screen when you perform a particular operation. [COMPUTING ] □� �a program for stopping pop-up ads.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A pop-up shop, restaurant or gallery opens only for a short time and is intended to be temporary. □� There's a pop-up gallery where the caf� used to be.

porce|lain /pɔː r səl I n/ (porcelains )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Porcelain is a hard, shiny substance made by heating clay. It is used to make delicate cups, plates, and ornaments. □� �tall white porcelain vases.

2 N‑VAR A porcelain is an ornament that is made of porcelain. You can refer to a number of such ornaments as porcelain . □� �a priceless collection of English porcelain.

porch /pɔː r tʃ/ (porches )

1 N‑COUNT A porch is a sheltered area at the entrance to a building. It has a roof and sometimes has walls.

2 N‑COUNT A porch is a raised platform built along the outside wall of a house and often covered with a roof. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use veranda

por|cu|pine /pɔː r kjʊpa I n/ (porcupines ) N‑COUNT A porcupine is an animal with many long, thin, sharp spikes on its back that stick out as protection when it is attacked.

pore /pɔː r / (pores , poring , pored )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your pores are the tiny holes in your skin. □� The size of your pores is determined by the amount of oil they produce.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The pores of a plant are the tiny holes on its surface. □� A plant's lungs are the microscopic pores in its leaves.

3 VERB If you pore over or through information, you look at it and study it very carefully. □�[V +�over/through ] We spent hours poring over travel brochures.

4 PHRASE You can say that someone has a certain quality or emotion coming from every pore to emphasize the strength of that quality or emotion. [EMPHASIS ] □� She oozes sexuality from every pore.

pork /pɔː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Pork is meat from a pig, usually fresh and not smoked or salted. □� �fried pork chops. □� �a packet of pork sausages.

po rk bar|rel also pork-barrel N‑SING [usu N n] If you say that someone is using pork barrel politics, you mean that they are spending a lot of government money on a local project in order to win the votes of the people who live in that area. [mainly AM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Pork-barrel politicians hand out rents to win votes and influence people.

po rk pie (pork pies ) N‑VAR A pork pie is a round, tall pie with cooked pork inside, which is eaten cold. [BRIT ]

porn /pɔː r n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Porn is the same as pornography . [INFORMAL ] □� �a porn cinema.

2 →�see also hard porn , soft porn

por|no /pɔː r noʊ/ ADJ Porno is the same as pornographic . □� �porno mags.

por|nog|ra|pher /pɔː r nɒ grəfə r / (pornographers ) N‑COUNT A pornographer is a person who produces or sells pornography. [DISAPPROVAL ]

por|no|graph|ic /pɔː r nəgr� f I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pornographic films, videos, and magazines are designed to cause sexual excitement by showing naked people or referring to sexual acts. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I found out he'd been visiting pornographic websites.

por|nog|ra|phy /pɔː r nɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Pornography refers to books, magazines, and films that are designed to cause sexual excitement by showing naked people or referring to sexual acts. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� A nationwide campaign against pornography began in the summer.

po|ros|ity /pɔːrɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Porosity is the quality of being porous. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the porosity of the coal.

po|rous /pɔː rəs/ ADJ Something that is porous has many small holes in it, which water and air can pass through. □� The local limestone is very porous.

por|poise /pɔː r pəs/ (porpoises ) N‑COUNT A porpoise is a sea animal that looks like a large grey fish. Porpoises usually swim about in groups.

por|ridge /pɒ r I dʒ, [AM ] pɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Porridge is a thick sticky food made from oats cooked in water or milk and eaten hot, especially for breakfast. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use oatmeal

port ◆◇◇ /pɔː r t/ (ports )

1 N‑COUNT A port is a town by the sea or on a river, which has a harbour. □� Port-Louis is an attractive little fishing port. □� �the Mediterranean port of Marseilles.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A port is a harbour area where ships load and unload goods or passengers. □� �the bridges which link the port area to the city centre.

3 N‑COUNT A port on a computer is a place where you can attach another piece of equipment, for example a printer. [COMPUTING ]

4 ADJ In sailing, the port side of a ship is the left side when you are on it and facing towards the front. [TECHNICAL ] □� Her official number is carved on the port side of the forecabin. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [usu to N ] Port is also a noun. □� USS Ogden turned to port.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Port is a type of strong, sweet red wine. □� He asked for a glass of port after dinner.

port|able /pɔː r təb ə l/ (portables )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A portable machine or device is designed to be easily carried or moved. □� There was a little portable television switched on behind the bar. ●� port|abil|ity /pɔː r təb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� When it came to choosing photographic equipment portability was as important as reliability.

2 N‑COUNT A portable is something such as a television, radio, or computer which can be easily carried or moved. □� We bought a colour portable for the bedroom.

Por|ta|ka|bin /pɔː r tək�b I n/ (Portakabins ) N‑COUNT A Portakabin is a small building that can be moved by truck and that can be used for a short period of time, for example as a temporary office. [TRADEMARK ]

por|tal /pɔː r t ə l/ (portals )

1 N‑COUNT A portal is a large impressive doorway at the entrance to a building. [LITERARY ] □� I went in through the royal portal.

2 N‑COUNT On the internet, a portal is a site that consists of links to other websites. [COMPUTING ]

port|cul|lis /pɔː r tkʌ l I s/ (portcullises ) N‑COUNT A portcullis is a strong gate above an entrance to a castle and used to be lowered to the ground in order to keep out enemies.

por|tend /pɔː r te nd/ (portends , portending , portended ) VERB If something portends something, it indicates that it is likely to happen in the future. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The change did not portend a basic improvement in social conditions.

por|tent /pɔː r tent/ (portents ) N‑COUNT A portent is something that indicates what is likely to happen in the future. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The savage civil war there could be a portent of what's to come in the rest of the region.

por|ten|tous /pɔː r te ntəs/

1 ADJ If someone's way of speaking, writing, or behaving is portentous , they speak, write, or behave more seriously than necessary because they want to impress other people. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� There was nothing portentous or solemn about him. He was bubbling with humour. □� �portentous prose. ●� por|ten|tous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'The difference is,' he said portentously, 'you are Anglo-Saxons, we are Latins.'

2 ADJ Something that is portentous is important in indicating or affecting future events. [FORMAL ] □� The city's contribution to 20th century thought and culture was no less portentous.

por|ter /pɔː r tə r / (porters )

1 N‑COUNT A porter is a person whose job is to be in charge of the entrance of a building such as a hotel. [BRIT ] in AM, use doorman2 N‑COUNT A porter is a person whose job is to carry things, for example people's luggage at a railway station or in a hotel.

3 N‑COUNT A porter on a train is a person whose job is to make up beds in the sleeping car and to help passengers. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use attendant4 N‑COUNT In a hospital, a porter is someone whose job is to move patients from place to place. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use orderly

port|fo|lio /pɔː r tfoʊ lioʊ/ (portfolios )

1 N‑COUNT A portfolio is a set of pictures by someone, or photographs of examples of their work, which they use when entering competitions or applying for work. □� After dinner that evening, Edith showed them a portfolio of her own political cartoons.

2 N‑COUNT In finance, a portfolio is the combination of shares or other investments that a particular person or company has. [BUSINESS ] □� Short-term securities can also be held as part of an investment portfolio. □� �Roger Early, a portfolio manager at Federated Investors Corp.

3 N‑COUNT In politics, a portfolio is a minister's responsibility for a particular area of a government's activities. □� He has held the defence portfolio since the first free elections. ●�PHRASE A minister without portfolio is a politician who is given the rank of minister without being given responsibility for any particular area of a government's activities. [FORMAL ]

4 N‑COUNT A company's portfolio of products or designs is their range of products or designs. [BUSINESS ]

port|hole /pɔː r thoʊl/ (portholes ) N‑COUNT A porthole is a small round window in the side of a ship or aircraft.

por|ti|co /pɔː r t I koʊ/ (porticoes or porticos ) N‑COUNT A portico is a large covered area at the entrance to a building, with pillars supporting the roof. [FORMAL ]

por|tion /pɔː r ʃ ə n/ (portions )

1 N‑COUNT A portion of something is a part of it. □�[+�of ] Damage was confined to a small portion of the castle. □�[+�of ] I have spent a fairly considerable portion of my life here. □�[+�of ] I had learnt a portion of the Koran.

2 N‑COUNT A portion is the amount of food that is given to one person at a meal. □� Desserts can be substituted by a portion of fresh fruit. □� The portions were generous.

port|ly /pɔː r tli/ (portlier , portliest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A portly person, especially a man, is rather fat. [FORMAL ]

po rt of ca ll (ports of call )

1 N‑COUNT A port of call is a place where a ship stops during a journey. □� Their first port of call will be Cape Town.

2 N‑COUNT A port of call is any place where you stop for a short time when you are visiting several places, shops, or people. [INFORMAL ] □� The local tourist office should be your first port of call in any town.

por|trait ◆◇◇ /pɔː r tre I t/ (portraits )

1 N‑COUNT A portrait is a painting, drawing, or photograph of a particular person. □�[+�of ] The artist was asked to paint a portrait of the Queen.

2 N‑COUNT A portrait of a person, place, or thing is a verbal description of them. □�[+�of ] �this gripping, funny portrait of Jewish life in 1950s London.

por|trait|ist /pɔː r tre I t I st/ (portraitists ) N‑COUNT A portraitist is an artist who paints or draws people's portraits. [FORMAL ]

por|trai|ture /pɔː r tr I tʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Portraiture is the art of painting or drawing portraits. [FORMAL ]

por|tray /pɔː r tre I / (portrays , portraying , portrayed )

1 VERB When an actor or actress portrays someone, he or she plays that person in a play or film. □�[V n] In 1975 he portrayed the king in a Los Angeles revival of 'Camelot'. □�[V -ed] At first Glenn Miller, brilliantly portrayed by Jimmy Stewart, is sunk into gloom.

2 VERB When a writer or artist portrays something, he or she writes a description or produces a painting of it. □�[V n] �this northern novelist, who accurately portrays provincial domestic life. □�[V -ed] �the landscape as portrayed by painters such as Claude and Poussin.

3 VERB If a film, book, or television programme portrays someone in a certain way, it represents them in that way. □�[V n +�as ] She says the programme portrayed her as a 'lady of easy virtue'. □�[be V -ed] �complaints about the way women are portrayed in adverts.

por|tray|al /pɔː r tre I əl/ (portrayals )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An actor's portrayalof a character in a play or film is the way that he or she plays the character. □�[+�of ] �the intimate portrayal of Hitler in the film AFP Downfall.

2 N‑COUNT An artist's portrayalof something is a drawing, painting, or photograph of it. □�[+�of ] �a moving portrayal of St John the Evangelist by Simone Martini.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The portrayalof something in a book or film is the act of describing it or showing it. □�[+�of ] This is a sensitive and often funny portrayal of a friendship between two 11-year-old boys.

4 N‑COUNT The portrayalof something in a book, film, or programme is the way that it is made to appear. □�[+�of ] The media persists in its portrayal of us as muggers, dope sellers and gangsters.

Por|tu|guese /pɔː r tʃʊgiː z/

1 ADJ Portuguese means belonging or relating to Portugal, or its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑PLURAL The Portuguese are the people of Portugal.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Portuguese is the language spoken in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.

POS /piː oʊ e s/ The POS is the place in a shop where a product is passed from the seller to the customer. POS is an abbreviation for 'point of sale'. [BUSINESS ] □� �a POS system that doubles as a stock and sales control system.

pos.Pos. is the written abbreviation for positive .

pose ◆◇◇ /poʊ z/ (poses , posing , posed )

1 VERB If something poses a problem or a danger, it is the cause of that problem or danger. □�[V n] This could pose a threat to jobs in the coal industry. □�[V n] His ill health poses serious problems for the future.

2 VERB If you pose a question, you ask it. If you pose an issue that needs considering, you mention the issue. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] When I finally posed the question, 'Why?' he merely shrugged. □�[V -ed] �the moral issues posed by new technologies.

3 VERB If you pose as someone, you pretend to be that person in order to deceive people. □�[V +�as ] Industrial spies posed as flight attendants.

4 VERB If you pose for a photograph or painting, you stay in a particular position so that someone can photograph you or paint you. □�[V +�for ] Before going into their meeting the six foreign ministers posed for photographs.

5 VERB [usu cont] You can say that people are posing when you think that they are behaving in an insincere or exaggerated way because they want to make a particular impression on other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] He criticized them for dressing outrageously and posing pretentiously.

6 N‑COUNT A pose is a particular way that you stand, sit, or lie, for example when you are being photographed or painted. □� We have had several preliminary sittings in various poses.

pos|er /poʊ zə r / (posers )

1 N‑COUNT A poser is the same as a poseur . [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A poser is a difficult problem or puzzle. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Here is a little poser for you.

po|seur /poʊzɜː r / (poseurs ) N‑COUNT You can describe someone as a poseur when you think that they behave in an insincere or exaggerated way because they want to make a particular impression on other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I am sometimes accused of being an inveterate poseur.

posh /pɒ ʃ/ (posher , poshest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as posh , you mean that it is smart, fashionable, and expensive. [INFORMAL ] □� Celebrating a promotion, I took her to a posh hotel for a cocktail. □� �a posh car.

2 ADJ If you describe a person as posh , you mean that they belong to or behave as if they belong to the upper classes. [INFORMAL ] □� I wouldn't have thought she had such posh friends.

pos|it /pɒ z I t/ (posits , positing , posited ) VERB If you posit something, you suggest or assume it as the basis for an argument or calculation. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Several writers have posited the idea of a universal consciousness. □�[V that] Callahan posits that chemical elements radiate electromagnetic signals.

po|si|tion ◆◆◆ /pəz I ʃ ə n/ (positions , positioning , positioned )

1 N‑COUNT The position of someone or something is the place where they are in relation to other things. □� The ship was identified, and its name and position were reported to the coastguard. □� This conservatory enjoys an enviable position overlooking a leafy expanse.

2 N‑COUNT When someone or something is in a particular position , they are sitting, lying, or arranged in that way. □� Hold the upper back and neck in an erect position to give support for the head. □� Ensure the patient is turned into the recovery position. □� Mr. Dambar had raised himself to a sitting position.

3 VERB If you position something somewhere, you put it there carefully, so that it is in the right place or position. □�[V n prep] Place the pastry circles on to a baking sheet and position one apple on each circle.

4 N‑COUNT Your position in society is the role and the importance that you have in it. □�[+�of ] �the position of older people in society.

5 N‑COUNT A position in a company or organization is a job. [FORMAL ] □� He left a career in teaching to take up a position with the Arts Council.

6 N‑COUNT Your position in a race or competition is how well you did in relation to the other competitors or how well you are doing. □� By the ninth hour the car was running in eighth position.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can describe your situation at a particular time by saying that you are in a particular position . □� He's going to be in a very difficult position indeed if things go badly for him. □� Companies should be made to reveal more about their financial position. □� It was not the only time he found himself in this position.

8 N‑COUNT Your positionon a particular matter is your attitude towards it or your opinion of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�on ] He could be depended on to take a moderate position on most of the key issues.

9 N‑SING [N to-inf] If you are in a positionto do something, you are able to do it. If you are in no positionto do something, you are unable to do it. □� The U.N. system will be in a position to support the extensive relief efforts needed. □� I am not in a position to comment.

10 PHRASE If someone or something is in position , they are in their correct or usual place or arrangement. □� This second door is an extra security measure and can be locked in position during the day. □� Some 28,000 U.S. troops are moving into position. SYNONYMS position NOUN 1

location:She knew the exact location of The Eagle's headquarters.

place:The best place to catch fish on a canal is close to a lock.

site:Plymouth Hoe is renowned as the site where Drake played bowls.

whereabouts:Once he knew his father's name, finding his whereabouts proved surprisingly easy.

po|si|tion|al /pəz I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Positional refers to the physical position of someone, for example in a football match. □� The manager has made no positional changes for the second game.

po|si |tion pa |per (position papers ) N‑COUNT A position paper is a detailed report which usually explains or recommends a particular course of action.

posi|tive ◆◆◇ /pɒ z I t I v/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are positiveabout things, you are hopeful and confident, and think of the good aspects of a situation rather than the bad ones. □�[+�about ] Be positive about your future and get on with living a normal life. □� �a positive frame of mind. ●� posi|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� You really must try to start thinking positively.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A positive fact, situation, or experience is pleasant and helpful to you in some way. □� The parting from his sister had a positive effect on John. ●�N‑SING The positive in a situation is the good and pleasant aspects of it. □� Work on the positive, creating beautiful, loving and fulfilling relationships.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you make a positive decision or take positive action, you do something definite in order to deal with a task or problem. □� Having a good diet gives me a sense that I'm doing something positive and that I'm in control.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A positive response to something indicates agreement, approval, or encouragement. □� Police have had a positive response to appeals for information from motorists travelling on the M40. ●� posi|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He responded positively and accepted the fee of �1000 I had offered.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are positive about something, you are completely sure about it. □� I'm as positive as I can be about it. □� 'She's never late. You sure she said eight?'�'Positive.'

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Positive evidence gives definite proof of the truth or identity of something. □� There was no positive evidence that any birth defects had arisen as a result of Vitamin A intake. ●� posi|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The body has been positively identified as his.

7 ADJ If a medical or scientific test is positive , it shows that something has happened or is present. □� If the test is positive, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. □� He was stripped of his gold medal after testing positive for steroids.

8HIV positive →�see HIV

9 ADJ [ADJ n] A positive number is greater than zero. □� It's really a simple numbers game with negative and positive numbers.

10 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something has a positive electrical charge, it has the same charge as a proton and the opposite charge to an electron. [TECHNICAL ]

po si|tive dis|crimi|na |tion N‑UNCOUNT Positive discrimination means making sure that people such as women, members of smaller racial groups, and people with disabilities get a fair share of the opportunities available. [BRIT ] in AM, use affirmative action

posi|tive|ly /pɒ z I t I vli/

1 ADV You use positively to emphasize that you really mean what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� This is positively the worst thing that I can even imagine.

2 ADV [ADV adj, ADV before v] You use positively to emphasize that something really is the case, although it may sound surprising or extreme. [EMPHASIS ] □� He's changed since he came back�he seems positively cheerful.

3 →�see also positive

posi|tiv|ism /pɒ z I t I v I sm/ N‑UNCOUNT Positivism is a philosophy which accepts only things that can be seen or proved. ●� posi|tiv|ist (positivists ) N‑COUNT [usu N n] □� By far the most popular idea is the positivist one that we should keep only the facts.

poss /pɒ s/

1 PHRASE ' If poss ' means the same as 'if possible'. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� We'll rush it round today if poss.

2 PHRASE ' As poss ' means the same as 'as possible'. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Tell them I'll be there as soon as poss.

pos|se /pɒ si/ (posses )

1 N‑COUNT A posse of people is a group of people with the same job or purpose. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a posse of reporters.

2 N‑COUNT In former times, in the United States, a posse was a group of men who were brought together by the local law officer to help him chase and capture a criminal.

pos|sess /pəze s/ (possesses , possessing , possessed )

1 VERB [no passive] If you possess something, you have it or own it. □�[V n] He was then arrested and charged with possessing an offensive weapon. □�[V n] He is said to possess a fortune of more than two-and-a-half-thousand million dollars.

2 VERB [no cont] If someone or something possesses a particular quality, ability, or feature, they have it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �individuals who are deemed to possess the qualities of sense, loyalty and discretion.

3 →�see also possessed

4 PHRASE If you ask what possessed someone to do something, you are emphasizing your great surprise that they have done something which you consider foolish or dangerous. [FEELINGS ] □� What on earth had possessed her to agree to marry him?

pos|sessed /pəze st/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is described as being possessedby an evil spirit, it is believed that their mind and body are controlled by an evil spirit. □�[+�by ] She even claimed the couple's daughter was possessed by the devil.

2 →�see also possess

pos|ses|sion /pəze ʃ ə n/ (possessions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you are inpossessionof something, you have it, because you have obtained it or because it belongs to you. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Those documents are now in the possession of the Guardian. □�[+�of ] We should go up and take possession of the land. □�[+�of ] He was also charged with illegal possession of firearms.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your possessions are the things that you own or have with you at a particular time. □� People had lost their homes and all their possessions. □� She had tidied away her possessions.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A country's possessions are countries or territories that it controls. [FORMAL ] □� All of them were French possessions at one time or another.

pos|ses|sive /pəze s I v/ (possessives )

1 ADJ Someone who is possessiveabout another person wants all that person's love and attention. □�[+�about/of ] Danny could be very jealous and possessive about me. ●� pos|ses|sive|ly ADV □� Leaning over, he kissed her possessively on the mouth. ●� pos|ses|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I've ruined every relationship with my possessiveness.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is possessiveabout things that they own does not like other people to use them. □�[+�about ] People were very possessive about their coupons.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, a possessive determiner or possessive adjective is a word such as 'my' or 'his' which shows who or what something belongs to or is connected with. The possessive form of a name or noun has 's added to it, as in 'Jenny's' or 'cat's'.

4 N‑COUNT A possessive is a possessive determiner or the possessive form of a name or noun.

pos|se s|sive pro |noun (possessive pronouns ) N‑COUNT A possessive pronoun is a pronoun such as 'mine', 'yours', or 'theirs' which is used to refer to the thing of a particular kind that belongs to someone, as in 'Can I borrow your pen? I've lost mine.'

pos|ses|sor /pəze sə r / (possessors ) N‑COUNT The possessorof something is the person who has it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Ms Nova is the proud possessor of a truly incredible voice.

pos|sibil|ity ◆◆◇ /pɒ s I b I l I ti/ (possibilities )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N that] If you say there is a possibilitythat something is the case or that something will happen, you mean that it might be the case or it might happen. □� We were not in the least worried about the possibility that sweets could rot the teeth. □� Tax on food has become a very real possibility.

2 N‑COUNT A possibility is one of several different things that could be done. □� One possibility would be to compensate us with other property. □� There were several possibilities open to each manufacturer. COLLOCATIONS possibility NOUN

1

adjective +�possibility : distinct, real, realistic, strong

verb +�possibility : consider, investigate, raise; face; dismiss, exclude, ignore

2

adjective +�possibility : infinite, limitless

possibility+�be +�adjective : endless

verb +�possibility : discuss, explore

pos|sible ◆◆◆ /pɒ s I b ə l/ (possibles )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If it is possibleto do something, it can be done. □� If it is possible to find out where your brother is, we shall. □� Everything is possible if we want it enough. □� This morning he had tried every way possible to contact her. □� It's been a beautiful evening and you have made it all possible.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A possible event is one that might happen. □� The families are meeting lawyers to discuss possible action against the police. □� Her family is discussing a possible move to America. □� One possible solution, if all else fails, is to take legal action.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that it is possiblethat something is true or correct, you mean that although you do not know whether it is true or correct, you accept that it might be. [VAGUENESS ] □� It is possible that there's an explanation for all this.

4 ADJ If you do something as soon as possible , you do it as soon as you can. If you get as much as possible of something, you get as much of it as you can. □� Please make your decision as soon as possible. □� I want to learn as much as possible about the industry so that I'm better prepared. □� Michael sat down as far away from her as possible.

5 ADJ You use possible with superlative adjectives to emphasize that something has more or less of a quality than anything else of its kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� They have joined the job market at the worst possible time. □� He is doing the best job possible.

6 ADJ You use possible in expressions such as ' if possible ' and ' if at all possible ' when stating a wish or intention, to show that although this is what you really want, you may have to accept something different. [POLITENESS ] □� I need to see you, right away if possible. □� �the moral duty to uphold peace if at all possible.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as, for example, a possible Prime Minister, you mean that they may become Prime Minister. □� Bradley has been considered a possible presidential contender himself. ●�N‑COUNT Possible is also a noun. □� Kennedy was tipped as a presidential possible.

8 N‑SING The possible is everything that can be done in a situation. □� He is a democrat with the skill, nerve, and ingenuity to push the limits of the possible.

pos|sibly ◆◆◇ /pɒ s I bli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use possibly to indicate that you are not sure whether something is true or might happen. [VAGUENESS ] □� Exercise will not only lower blood pressure but possibly protect against heart attacks. □� They were smartly but casually dressed; possibly students. □� Do you think that he could possibly be right?

2 ADV [ADV before v] You use possibly to emphasize that you are surprised, puzzled, or shocked by something that you have seen or heard. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was the most unexpected piece of news one could possibly imagine.

3 ADV [ADV before v] You use possibly to emphasize that someone has tried their hardest to do something, or has done it as well as they can. [EMPHASIS ] □� They've done everything they can possibly think of.

4 ADV [ADV before v] You use possibly to emphasize that something definitely cannot happen or definitely cannot be done. [EMPHASIS ] □� No I really can't possibly answer that! SYNONYMS possibly ADV 1

maybe:I do think about having children, maybe when I'm 40.

perhaps:Perhaps, in time, the message will get through.

conceivably:The mission could conceivably be accomplished within a week.

pos|sum /pɒ səm/ (possums ) N‑COUNT A possum is the same as an opossum . [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

post

➊�LETTERS, PARCELS, AND INFORMATION

➋�JOBS AND PLACES

➌�POLES

➊ post ◆◆◇ /poʊ st/ (posts , posting , posted )

1 N‑SING [oft by N ] The post is the public service or system by which letters and packages are collected and delivered. [mainly BRIT ] □� You'll receive your book through the post. □� The winner will be notified by post. □� The cheque is in the post. in AM, usually use mail2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use post to refer to letters and packages that are delivered to you. [mainly BRIT ] □� He flipped through the post without opening any of it. □� There has been no post in three weeks. in AM, usually use mail3 N‑UNCOUNT Post is used to refer to an occasion when letters or packages are delivered. For example, first post on a particular day is the first time that things are delivered. [mainly BRIT ] □� Entries must arrive by first post next Wednesday.

4 VERB If you post a letter or package, you send it to someone by putting it in a post box or by taking it to a post office. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] If I write a letter, would you post it for me? □�[V n n] I'm posting you a cheque tonight. □�[V n +�to ] I posted a letter to Stanley saying I was an old Army friend. ●�PHRASAL VERB Post off means the same as post . □�[V n P ] He'd left me to pack up the mail and post it off. □�[V P n] All you do is complete and post off a form. [in AM, usually use mail ]

5 VERB If you post notices, signs, or other pieces of information somewhere, you fix them to a wall or board so that everyone can see them. □�[V n] Officials began posting warning notices. □�[V n prep/adv] She has posted photographs on bulletin boards. ●�PHRASAL VERB Post up means the same as post . □�[V n P ] He has posted a sign up that says 'No Fishing'. □�[V P n] We post up a set of rules for the house.

6 VERB If you post information on the internet, you make the information available to other people on the internet. [COMPUTING ] □�[be V -ed] This list will be posted on Times Online. ●�N‑COUNT Post is also a noun □� His internet post about the incident got 20,000 'likes'.

7 PHRASE If you keep someone posted , you keep giving them the latest information about a situation that they are interested in. □�[+�on/with ] Keep me posted on your progress.

➋ post ◆◆◇ /poʊ st/ (posts , posting , posted )

1 N‑COUNT A post in a company or organization is a job or official position in it, usually one that involves responsibility. [FORMAL ] □�[+�as ] She had earlier resigned her post as President Menem's assistant. □� Sir Peter has held several senior military posts. [Also +�of ]

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are posted somewhere, you are sent there by the organization that you work for and usually work there for several years. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] It is normal to spend two or three years working in this country before being posted overseas.

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can use post to refer to the place where a soldier, guard, or other person has been told to remain and to do his or her job. □� Quick men, back to your post!

4 VERB If a soldier, guard, or other person is posted somewhere, they are told to stand there, in order to supervise an activity or guard a place. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Police have now been posted outside all temples. □�[V n prep/adv] They had to post a signalman at the entrance to the tunnel. □�[V -ed] We have guards posted near the windows. [Also be V -ed]

5 →�see also posting , staging post

➌ post /poʊ st/ (posts )

→�Please look at categories 5 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑COUNT A post is a strong upright pole made of wood or metal that is fixed into the ground. □� You have to get eight wooden posts, and drive them into the ground.

2 N‑COUNT A post is the same as a goalpost . □� Wimbledon were unlucky not to win after hitting the post twice.

3 N‑SING On a horse-racing track, the post is a pole which marks the finishing point.

4 →�see also first-past-the-post

5to pip someone at the post →�see pip

PREFIX post-

forms words that refer to something that takes place after a particular date, period, or event. For example, a postscript to a letter is extra information that you write at the end, after you have signed it.

post|age /poʊ st I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Postage is the money that you pay for sending letters and packages by post.

po st|age stamp (postage stamps ) N‑COUNT A postage stamp is a small piece of gummed paper that you buy from the post office and stick on an envelope or package before you post it. [FORMAL ]

post|al /poʊ st ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Postal is used to describe things or people connected with the public service of carrying letters and packages from one place to another. □� Compensation for lost or damaged mail will be handled by the postal service. □� Include your full postal address.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Postal is used to describe activities that involve sending things by post. □� Unions would elect their leadership by secret postal ballot.

po st|al or|der (postal orders ) N‑COUNT A postal order is a piece of paper representing a sum of money which you can buy at a post office and send to someone as a way of sending them money by post. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use money order

post|bag /poʊ stb�g/ (postbags ) also post-bag N‑COUNT [usu sing] The letters that are received by an important person, a newspaper, or a television or radio company can be referred to as the postbag . [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� Here's another selection of recent letters from our postbag. □� Marling's article on Northumbria attracted a large postbag.

post|box /poʊ stbɒks/ (postboxes ) also post box N‑COUNT A postbox is a metal box in a public place, where you put letters and packets to be collected. They are then sorted and delivered. Compare letterbox . [BRIT ] in AM, use mailbox

post|card /poʊ stkɑː r d/ (postcards ) also post card

1 N‑COUNT A postcard is a piece of thin card, often with a picture on one side, which you can write on and send to people without using an envelope.

2 →�see also picture postcard

post|code /poʊ stkoʊd/ (postcodes ) also post code N‑COUNT Your postcode is a short sequence of numbers and letters at the end of your address, which helps the post office to sort the mail. [BRIT ] in AM, use zip code

po st-da ted ADJ [usu ADJ n] On a post-dated cheque, the date is a later one than the date when the cheque was actually written. You write a post-dated cheque to allow a period of time before the money is taken from your account.

post|er /poʊ stə r / (posters ) N‑COUNT A poster is a large notice or picture that you stick on a wall or board, often in order to advertise something.

po st|er child (poster children ) or poster boy , poster girl

1 N‑COUNT If someone is a poster childfor a particular cause, characteristic, or activity, they are seen as a very good or typical example of it. [mainly AM ] □�[+�for ] Zidane has become the poster child for a whole generation of French-born youths of North African extraction.

2 N‑COUNT A poster child is a young man or woman who appears on an advertising poster. [mainly AM ] □� She went out with a Calvin Klein poster boy.

poste res|tante /poʊ st re stɑːnt, [AM ] restɑː nt/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Poste restante is a service operated by post offices by which letters and packages that are sent to you are kept at a particular post office until you collect them. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use general delivery

pos|teri|or /pɒst I ə riə r / (posteriors )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's bottom can be referred to as their posterior . [mainly HUMOROUS ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Posterior describes something that is situated at the back of something else. [MEDICAL ] □� �the posterior leg muscles.

pos|ter|ity /pɒste r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft for N ] You can refer to everyone who will be alive in the future as posterity . [FORMAL ] □� A photographer recorded the scene for posterity.

po st|er paint (poster paints ) N‑VAR Poster paint is a type of brightly coloured paint which contains no oil and is used for painting pictures. [mainly BRIT ]

post-fe minist (post-feminists )

1 ADJ Post-feminist people and attitudes accept some of the ideas of feminism, but reject others. □� �the post-feminist age.

2 N‑COUNT A post-feminist is someone who accepts some of the ideas of feminism, but rejects others. ●� post-feminism N‑UNCOUNT □� Post-feminism does not actually exist because we are still in the phase of pre-feminism.

post|grad /poʊ stgr�d/ (postgrads ) also post-grad N‑COUNT A postgrad is the same as a postgraduate . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] in AM, use grad student

post|gradu|ate /poʊ stgr� dʒuət/ (postgraduates ) also post-graduate

1 N‑COUNT A postgraduate or a postgraduate student is a student with a first degree from a university who is studying or doing research at a more advanced level. [BRIT ] in AM, use graduate student2 ADJ [ADJ n] Postgraduate study or research is done by a student who has a first degree and is studying or doing research at a more advanced level. [BRIT ] □� �postgraduate courses. □� Dr Hoffman did his postgraduate work at Leicester University. in AM, use graduate

po st-ha ste also post haste ADV [ADV after v] If you go somewhere or do something post-haste , you go there or do it as quickly as you can. [FORMAL ] □� The pilot wisely decided to return to Farnborough post haste.

post|hu|mous /pɒ stʃʊməs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Posthumous is used to describe something that happens after a person's death but relates to something they did before they died. □� �the posthumous publication of his first novel. ●� post|hu|mous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� After the war she was posthumously awarded the George Cross.

postie /poʊ sti/ (posties ) N‑COUNT A postie is a postman . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

po st-indu strial in AM, usually use postindustrial ADJ [ADJ n] Post-industrial is used to describe many Western societies whose economies are no longer based on heavy industry.

post|ing /poʊ st I ŋ/ (postings )

1 N‑COUNT If you get a postingto a different town or country, your employers send you to work there, usually for several years. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�to ] He was rewarded with a posting to New York. in AM, usually use assignment2 →�see also post ➊, post ➋

3 N‑COUNT If a member of an armed force gets a postingto a particular place, they are sent to live and work there for a period. □�[+�to ] �awaiting his posting to a field ambulance corps in early 1941.

4 N‑COUNT A posting is a message that is placed on the internet, for example on a bulletin board or website, for everyone to read. [COMPUTING ] □� Postings on Times Online include messages of solidarity from across the US.

post|man /poʊ stmən/ (postmen ) N‑COUNT A postman is a man whose job is to collect and deliver letters and packages that are sent by post. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use mailman

post|mark /poʊ stmɑː r k/ (postmarks ) N‑COUNT A postmark is a mark which is printed on letters and packages at a post office. It shows the time and place at which something was posted. □� All the letters bore an Aberdeen postmark.

post|marked /poʊ stmɑː r kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a letter is postmarked , it has a printed mark on the envelope showing when and where the letter was posted. □� The envelope was postmarked Helsinki.

post|master /poʊ stmɑːstə r , -m�s-/ (postmasters ) N‑COUNT A postmaster is a man who is in charge of a local post office. [FORMAL ]

post|mistress /poʊ stm I strəs/ (postmistresses ) N‑COUNT A postmistress is a woman who is in charge of a local post office. [FORMAL ]

post-mo dern also postmodern ADJ [usu ADJ n] Post-modern is used to describe something or someone that is influenced by post-modernism. □� �post-modern architecture.

post-mo dernism also postmodernism N‑UNCOUNT Post-modernism is a late twentieth century approach in art, architecture, and literature which typically mixes styles, ideas, and references to modern society, often in an ironic way.

post-mo dernist (post-modernists ) also postmodernist N‑COUNT A post-modernist is a writer, artist, or architect who is influenced by post-modernism. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Post-modernist is also an adjective. □� �the post-modernist suspicion of grand ideological narratives.

post-mortem /poʊ st mɔː r təm/ (post-mortems ) also post mortem , postmortem

1 N‑COUNT A post-mortem is a medical examination of a dead person's body in order to find out how they died.

2 N‑COUNT A post-mortem is an examination of something that has recently happened, especially something that has failed or gone wrong. □�[+�on ] The postmortem on the presidential campaign is under way.

post|na|tal /poʊ stne I t ə l/ also post-natal ADJ [ADJ n] Postnatal means happening after and relating to the birth of a baby. □� �postnatal depression. □� �midwives on the postnatal ward.

po st of|fice (post offices )

1 N‑SING ThePost Office is the national organization that is responsible for postal services. □� The Post Office has the advantage of an enormous high street presence and it is a trusted brand.

2 N‑COUNT A post office is a building where you can buy stamps, post letters and packages, and use other services provided by the national postal service.

po st of|fice box (post office boxes ) N‑COUNT A post office box is a numbered box in a post office where a person's mail is kept for them until they come to collect it.

post|op|era|tive /poʊ stɒ pərət I v/ also post-operative ADJ [ADJ n] Postoperative means occurring after and relating to a medical operation. □� �post-operative pain.

post|pone /poʊspoʊ n/ (postpones , postponing , postponed ) VERB If you postpone an event, you delay it or arrange for it to take place at a later time than was originally planned. □�[V n/v-ing] He decided to postpone the expedition until the following day. □�[be V -ed] The visit has now been postponed indefinitely.

post|pone|ment /poʊspoʊ nmənt/ (postponements ) N‑VAR The postponement of an event is the act of delaying it happening or arranging for it to take place at a later time than originally planned. □� The postponement was due to a dispute over where the talks should be held. [Also +�of ]

post-prandial /poʊ st pr� ndiəl/ also postprandial ADJ [ADJ n] You use post-prandial to refer to things you do or have after a meal. [FORMAL ] □� �a post-prandial nap. □� �a post-prandial cigar.

post-produ ction also post production N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In film and television, post-production is the work such as editing that takes place after the film has been shot. □� The film's post-production will be completed early next year. □� �a film post-production company.

post|script /poʊ stskr I pt/ (postscripts )

1 N‑COUNT A postscript is something written at the end of a letter after you have signed your name. You usually write 'PS' in front of it. □� A brief, hand-written postscript lay beneath his signature.

2 N‑COUNT A postscript is an addition to a finished story, account, or statement, which gives further information. □� Let me add a postscript to this section on diet.

post-trauma tic stre ss dis|o r|der N‑UNCOUNT Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental illness that can develop after someone has been involved in a very bad experience such as a war. [MEDICAL ]

po st-tru th ADJ [ADJ n] A post-truth situation is one in which people are less influenced by factual information than by their emotions or by beliefs they already hold. □� We live in a world of post-truth politics.

pos|tu|late /pɒ stʃʊle I t/ (postulates , postulating , postulated ) VERB If you postulate something, you suggest it as the basis for a theory, argument, or calculation, or assume that it is the basis. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �arguments postulating differing standards for human rights in different cultures. □�[V that] Freud postulated that we all have a death instinct as well as a life instinct.

pos|tur|al /pɒ stʃərəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Postural means relating to the way a person stands or sits. [FORMAL ] □� Children can develop bad postural habits from quite an early age. □� �postural exercises.

pos|ture /pɒ stʃə r / (postures , posturing , postured )

1 N‑VAR Your posture is the position in which you stand or sit. □� You can make your stomach look flatter instantly by improving your posture. □� Sit in a relaxed upright posture.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu adj N ] A posture is an attitude that you have towards something. [FORMAL ] □� The military machine is ready to change its defensive posture to one prepared for action.

3 VERB [usu cont] You can say that someone is posturing when you disapprove of their behaviour because you think they are trying to give a particular impression in order to deceive people. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] She says the President may just be posturing. ●� pos|tur|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Any calls for a new U.N. resolution are largely political posturing.

post-vi ral fa|ti gue sy n|drome or post-viral syndrome N‑UNCOUNT Post-viral fatigue syndrome is a long-lasting illness that is thought to be caused by a virus. Its symptoms include feeling tired all the time and muscle pain. [MEDICAL ]

po st-wa r also postwar ADJ [usu ADJ n] Post-war is used to describe things that happened, existed, or were made in the period immediately after a war, especially the Second World War, 1939-45. □� In the post-war years her writing regularly appeared in The New Journal.

posy /poʊ zi/ (posies ) N‑COUNT A posy is a small bunch of flowers. In American English, it can also consist of a single flower.

pot ◆◇◇ /pɒ t/ (pots , potting , potted )

1 N‑COUNT A pot is a deep round container used for cooking stews, soups, and other food. □�[+�of ] �metal cooking pots. ●�N‑COUNT A potof stew, soup, or other food is an amount of it contained in a pot. □�[+�of ] He was stirring a pot of soup.

2 N‑COUNT You can use pot to refer to a teapot or coffee pot. □� There's tea in the pot. ●�N‑COUNT A potof tea or coffee is an amount of it contained in a pot. □�[+�of ] He spilt a pot of coffee.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A pot is a cylindrical container for jam, paint, or some other thick liquid. □� Hundreds of jam pots lined her scrubbed shelves. ●�N‑COUNT A potof jam, paint, or some other thick liquid is an amount of it contained in a pot. □�[+�of ] �a pot of red paint.

4 N‑COUNT A pot is the same as a flowerpot .

5 VERB If you pot a young plant, or part of a plant, you put it into a container filled with soil, so it can grow there. □�[V n] Pot the cuttings individually. □�[V -ed] �potted plants.

6 N‑UNCOUNT Pot is sometimes used to refer to the drugs cannabis and marijuana. [INFORMAL ]

7 VERB In the games of snooker and billiards, if you pot a ball, you succeed in hitting it into one of the pockets. □�[V n] He did not pot a ball for the next two frames.

8 →�see also potted , chamber pot , chimney pot , coffee pot , lobster pot , melting pot , plant pot

9 PHRASE If you takepot luck , you decide to do something even though you do not know what you will get as a result. □� If you haven't made an appointment, take pot luck and knock on the door. □� He scorns the 'pot-luck' approach.

po|table /poʊ təb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Potable water is clean and safe for drinking. [mainly AM ]

pot|ash /pɒ t�ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Potash is a white powder obtained from the ashes of burnt wood and is sometimes used as a fertilizer.

po|tas|sium /pət� siəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Potassium is a soft silvery-white chemical element, which occurs mainly in compounds. These compounds are used in making such things as glass, soap, and fertilizers.

po|ta|to ◆◇◇ /pəte I toʊ/ (potatoes )

1 N‑VAR Potatoes are quite round vegetables with brown or red skins and white insides. They grow under the ground.

2 →�see also sweet potato

3 PHRASE You can refer to a difficult subject that people disagree on as a hot potato . □� �a political hot potato such as abortion.

po|ta |to chip (potato chips )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Potato chips are very thin slices of potato that have been fried until they are hard, dry, and crisp. [AM ] in BRIT, use crisps2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Potato chips are long, thin pieces of potato fried in oil or fat and eaten hot, usually with a meal. [BRIT ] in AM, use French fries

po|ta |to crisp (potato crisps ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Potato crisps are the same as crisps . [BRIT , FORMAL ]

po t-be llied also potbellied ADJ Someone, usually a man, who is pot-bellied has a pot belly.

po t be l|ly (pot bellies ) also potbelly N‑COUNT Someone who has a pot belly has a round, fat stomach which sticks out, either because they eat or drink too much, or because they have had very little to eat for some time.

pot|boiler /pɒ tbɔ I lə r / (potboilers ) also pot-boiler N‑COUNT If you describe a book or film as a potboiler , you mean that it has been created in order to earn money quickly and is of poor quality. [DISAPPROVAL ]

po|ten|cy /poʊ t ə nsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Potency is the power and influence that a person, action, or idea has to affect or change people's lives, feelings, or beliefs. □�[+�of ] They testify to the extraordinary potency of his personality.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The potency of a drug, poison, or other chemical is its strength. □� Sunscreen can lose its potency if left over winter in the bathroom cabinet.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Potency is the ability of a man to have sex. □� Illness can cause loss of sex drive and reduced potency.

po|tent /poʊ t ə nt/ ADJ Something that is potent is very effective and powerful. □� Their most potent weapon was the Exocet missile. □� The drug is extremely potent, but causes unpleasant side effects.

po|ten|tate /poʊ t ə nte I t/ (potentates ) N‑COUNT A potentate is a ruler who has complete power over his people. [FORMAL ]

po|ten|tial ◆◆◇ /pəte nʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use potential to say that someone or something is capable of developing into the particular kind of person or thing mentioned. □� The firm has identified 60 potential customers at home and abroad. □� We are aware of the potential problems and have taken every precaution. ●� po|ten|tial|ly ADV □� Clearly this is a potentially dangerous situation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something has potential , you mean that they have the necessary abilities or qualities to become successful or useful in the future. □� The school strives to help each pupil to achieve their full potential. □� Denmark recognised the potential of wind energy early.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something has potentialfor doing a particular thing, you mean that it is possible they may do it. If there is the potential for something, it may happen. □�[+�for ] John seemed as horrified as I about his potential for violence. □� The meeting has the potential to be a watershed event. SYNONYMS potential ADJ 1

possible:Her family is discussing a possible move to America.

future:Meanwhile, the domestic debate on the country's future role in Europe rages on.

likely:Experts say a 'yes' vote is still the likely outcome. NOUN 2

ability:Her drama teacher spotted her ability.

capacity:Our capacity for giving care, love and attention is limited.

capability:They have the capability to destroy the enemy in days rather than weeks.

po|ten|ti|al|ity /pəte nʃi� l I ti/ (potentialities ) N‑VAR If something has potentialities or potentiality , it is capable of being used or developed in particular ways. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the breathtaking potentialities of mechanization. □� All of these are quite useful breeds whose potentiality has not been realised.

pot|hole /pɒ thoʊl/ (potholes ) also pot-hole

1 N‑COUNT A pothole is a large hole in the surface of a road, caused by traffic and bad weather.

2 N‑COUNT A pothole is a deep hole in the ground. Potholes often lead to underground caves and tunnels.

po t-holed also potholed ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pot-holed road has a lot of potholes in it.

pot|hol|ing /pɒ thoʊl I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Potholing is the leisure activity of going into underground caves and tunnels. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use spelunking

po|tion /poʊ ʃ ə n/ (potions ) N‑COUNT A potion is a drink that contains medicine, poison, or something that is supposed to have magic powers.

po t lu ck →�see pot

po t plant (pot plants ) N‑COUNT A pot plant is a plant which is grown in a container, especially indoors. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use house plant

pot|pour|ri /poʊ pʊə ri, [AM ] -pʊriː / (potpourris ) also pot-pourri , pot pourri

1 N‑VAR Potpourri is a mixture of dried petals and leaves from different flowers. Potpourri is used to make rooms smell pleasant.

2 N‑SING A potpourri of things is a collection of various different items which were not originally intended to form a group. □�[+�of ] �a potpourri of architectural styles from all over the world.

po t roast (pot roasts ) N‑VAR A pot roast is a piece of meat that is cooked very slowly with a small amount of liquid in a covered pot.

po t shot (pot shots ) also pot-shot

1 N‑COUNT To take a pot shotat someone or something means to shoot at them without taking the time to aim carefully. [INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A pot shot is a criticism of someone which may be unexpected and unfair. [INFORMAL ] □� �Republican rivals taking pot shots at the president.

pot|ted /pɒ t I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Potted meat or fish is cooked meat or fish, usually in the form of a paste, which has been put into a small sealed container. □� �potted shrimps.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A potted history or biography contains just the main facts about someone or something. [BRIT ] □� The film is a potted history of the band.

3 →�see also pot

pot|ter /pɒ tə r / (potters , pottering , pottered ) N‑COUNT A potter is someone who makes pottery.

▸� potter around or potter about PHRASAL VERB If you potter around or potter about , you do pleasant but unimportant things, without hurrying. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] I was perfectly happy just pottering around doing up my flat. □�[V P n] At weekends he would potter around the garden. in AM, use putter around

po t|ter's whee l (potter's wheels ) N‑COUNT A potter's wheel is a piece of equipment with a flat disc which spins round, on which a potter puts soft clay in order to shape it into a pot.

pot|tery /pɒ təri/ (potteries )

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use pottery to refer to pots, dishes, and other objects which are made from clay and then baked in an oven until they are hard.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use pottery to refer to the hard clay that some pots, dishes, and other objects are made of. □� Some bowls were made of pottery and wood.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Pottery is the craft or activity of making objects out of clay.

4 N‑COUNT A pottery is a factory or other place where pottery is made.

po t|ting com|post (potting composts ) N‑VAR Potting compost is soil that is specially prepared to help plants to grow, especially in containers. [BRIT ] in AM, use compost

po t|ting shed (potting sheds ) N‑COUNT A potting shed is a small building in a garden, in which you can keep things such as seeds or garden tools.

pot|ty /pɒ ti/ (potties ) N‑COUNT A potty is a deep bowl which a small child uses instead of a toilet.

po t|ty trained also potty-trained ADJ Potty trained means the same as toilet trained . [BRIT ]

po t|ty train|ing also potty-training N‑UNCOUNT Potty training is the same as toilet training . [BRIT ]

pouch /paʊ tʃ/ (pouches )

1 N‑COUNT A pouch is a flexible container like a small bag.

2 N‑COUNT The pouch of an animal such as a kangaroo or a koala bear is the pocket of skin on its stomach in which its baby grows.

pouf /pʊ f/ →�see poof

poul|tice /poʊ lt I s/ (poultices ) N‑COUNT A poultice is a piece of cloth with a soft, often hot, substance such as clay or a mixture of herbs on it. It is put over a painful or swollen part of someone's body in order to reduce the pain or swelling.

poul|try /poʊ ltri/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to chickens, ducks, and other birds that are kept for their eggs and meat as poultry . ●�N‑UNCOUNT Meat from these birds is also referred to as poultry . □� The menu features roast meats and poultry.

pounce /paʊ ns/ (pounces , pouncing , pounced )

1 VERB If someone pounceson you, they come up towards you suddenly and take hold of you. □�[V +�on/upon ] He pounced on the photographer, beat him up and smashed his camera. □�[V ] Fraud squad officers had bugged the phone and were ready to pounce.

2 VERB If someone pounceson something such as a mistake, they quickly draw attention to it, usually in order to gain an advantage for themselves or to prove that they are right. □�[V +�on/upon ] The Democrats were ready to pounce on any Republican failings or mistakes. [Also V ]

3 VERB When an animal or bird pounceson something, it jumps on it and holds it, in order to kill it. □�[V +�on/upon ] �like a tiger pouncing on its prey. □�[V ] Before I could get the pigeon the cat pounced.

pound ◆◆◆ /paʊ nd/ (pounds , pounding , pounded )

1 N‑COUNT [num N ] The pound is the unit of money which is used in the UK. It is represented by the symbol �. One UK pound is divided into a hundred pence. Some other countries, for example Egypt, also have a unit of money called a pound . □� Coffee is two pounds a cup. □� A thousand pounds worth of jewellery and silver has been stolen. □� �multi-million pound profits. □� �a pound coin. ●�N‑SING [the N ] The pound is also used to refer to the UK currency system. □� The pound is expected to continue to increase against most other currencies.

2 N‑SING The pound is used to refer to the British currency system, and sometimes to the currency systems of other countries which use pounds. □� The pound is expected to continue to increase against most other currencies.

3 N‑COUNT [num N ] A pound is a unit of weight used mainly in Britain, America, and other countries where English is spoken. One pound is equal to 0.454 kilograms. A pound of something is a quantity of it that weighs one pound. □� Her weight was under ninety pounds. □�[+�of ] �a pound of cheese.

4 N‑COUNT A pound is a place where dogs and cats found wandering in the street are taken and kept until they are claimed by their owners.

5 N‑COUNT A pound is a place where cars that have been parked illegally are taken by the police and kept until they have been claimed by their owners.

6 VERB If you pound something or pound on it, you hit it with great force, usually loudly and repeatedly. □�[V n] He pounded the table with his fist. □�[V prep/adv] Somebody began pounding on the front door. □�[V n prep] She came at him, pounding her fists against his chest. □�[V -ing] �the pounding waves.

7 VERB If you pound something, you crush it into a paste or a powder or into very small pieces. □�[V n] She paused as she pounded the maize grains.

8 VERB If your heart is pounding , it is beating with an unusually strong and fast rhythm, usually because you are afraid. □�[V ] I'm sweating, my heart is pounding. I can't breathe. ●� pound|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the fast pounding of her heart.

9 →�see also pounding

-pounder /-paʊ ndə r / (-pounders )

1 COMB -pounder can be added to numbers to form nouns that refer to animals or fish that weigh a particular number of pounds. □� My fish average 2 lb 8 oz and I've had two eight-pounders.

2 COMB -pounder can be added to numbers to form nouns that refer to guns that fire shells weighing a particular number of pounds. □� The guns were twelve-pounders.

pound|ing /paʊ nd I ŋ/ (poundings )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone or something takes a pounding , they are severely injured or damaged. [INFORMAL ] □� Sarajevo took one of its worst poundings in weeks.

2 →�see also pound

pour ◆◇◇ /pɔː r / (pours , pouring , poured )

1 VERB If you pour a liquid or other substance, you make it flow steadily out of a container by holding the container at an angle. □�[V n prep] Pour a pool of sauce on two plates and arrange the meat neatly. □�[V n with adv] Heat the oil in a non-stick frying-pan, then pour in the egg mixture.

2 VERB If you pour someone a drink, you put some of the drink in a cup or glass so that they can drink it. □�[V n n] He got up and poured himself another drink. □�[V n +�for ] Quietly Mark poured and served drinks for all of them. [Also V n]

3 VERB When a liquid or other substance pours somewhere, for example through a hole, it flows quickly and in large quantities. □�[V prep/adv] Blood was pouring from his broken nose. □�[V prep/adv] Tears poured down both our faces. □�[V prep/adv] The tide poured in from the south.

4 VERB [usu cont] When it rains very heavily, you can say that it is pouring . □�[V ] It has been pouring with rain all week. □�[V down ] The rain was pouring down. □�[V -ing] We drove all the way through pouring rain.

5 VERB If people pour into or out of a place, they go there quickly and in large numbers. □�[V prep/adv] Any day now, the Northern forces may pour across the new border. □�[V prep/adv] Holidaymakers continued to pour down to the coast in search of surf and sun.

6 VERB If something such as information pours into a place, a lot of it is obtained or given. □�[V adv/prep] Martin, 78, died yesterday. Tributes poured in from around the globe.

7 PHRASE If someone pours cold water on a plan or idea, they criticize it so much that people lose their enthusiasm for it. □� The education secretary poured cold water on the recommendations of a working party.

8to pour scorn on something →�see scorn

▸� pour into PHRASAL VERB If you pour money or supplies into an activity or organization, or if it pours in , a lot of money or supplies are given in order to do the activity or help the organization. □�[V n P n] The Prime Minister poured billions into financial services. □�[V P ] Food donations have poured in from all over the country.

▸� pour out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pour out a drink, you put some of it in a cup or glass. □�[V P n] Larry was pouring out some drinks. □�[V n P ] Carefully and slowly he poured the tea out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pour out your thoughts, feelings, or experiences, you tell someone all about them. □�[V n P ] I poured my thoughts out on paper in an attempt to rationalize my feelings.

pout /paʊ t/ (pouts , pouting , pouted ) VERB If someone pouts , they stick out their lips, usually in order to show that they are annoyed or to make themselves sexually attractive. □�[V ] He whined and pouted when he did not get what he wanted. □�[V -ing] �gorgeous pouting models. ●�N‑COUNT Pout is also a noun. □� She shot me a reproachful pout.

pov|er|ty ◆◇◇ /pɒ və r ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Poverty is the state of being extremely poor. □� �people living in absolute poverty.

2 N‑SING You can use poverty to refer to any situation in which there is not enough of something or its quality is poor. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Britain has suffered from a poverty of ambition.

po v|er|ty line N‑SING If someone is on the poverty line , they have just enough income to buy the things they need in order to live. □� Thirteen per cent of the population live below the poverty line.

po verty-stricken ADJ [usu ADJ n] Poverty-stricken people or places are extremely poor. □� �a teacher of poverty-stricken kids.

po v|er|ty trap (poverty traps ) N‑COUNT If someone is in a poverty trap , they are very poor but cannot improve their income because the money they get from the government decreases as the money they earn increases.

POW /piː oʊ dʌ b ə ljuː/ (POWs ) N‑COUNT A POW is the same as a prisoner of war .

pow|der /paʊ də r / (powders , powdering , powdered )

1 N‑VAR Powder consists of many tiny particles of a solid substance. □� The wood turns to powder in his fingers. □� �a fine white powder. □� �cocoa powder.

2 VERB If a woman powders her face or some other part of her body, she puts face powder or talcum powder on it. □�[V n] She powdered her face and applied her lipstick and rouge. □�[V -ed] �the old woman's powdered face.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Powder is very fine snow. □� �a day's powder skiing.

4 →�see also baking powder , chilli powder , curry powder , talcum powder , washing powder

po w|der blue also powder-blue COLOUR Something that is powder blue is a pale greyish-blue colour.

pow|dered /paʊ də r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A powdered substance is one which is in the form of a powder although it can come in a different form. □� There are only two tins of powdered milk left.

po w|der keg (powder kegs ) also powder-keg N‑COUNT If you describe a situation or a place as a powder keg , you mean that it could easily become very dangerous. □� Unless these questions are solved, the region will remain a powder keg.

po w|der room (powder rooms ) N‑COUNT A powder room is a room for women in a public building such as a hotel, where they can use the toilet, have a wash, or put on make-up. [FORMAL ]

pow|dery /paʊ dəri/ ADJ Something that is powdery looks or feels like powder. □� A couple of inches of dry, powdery snow had fallen.

pow|er ◆◆◆ /paʊ ə r / (powers , powering , powered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has power , they have a lot of control over people and activities. □� In a democracy, power must be divided. □� �a political power struggle between the Liberals and National Party.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N to-inf] Your powerto do something is your ability to do it. □� Human societies have the power to solve the problems confronting them. □�[+�of ] He was so drunk that he had lost the power of speech.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If it is in or within your powerto do something, you are able to do it or you have the resources to deal with it. □� Your debt situation is only temporary, and it is within your power to resolve it.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If someone in authority has the power to do something, they have the legal right to do it. □� The police have the power of arrest.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If people take power or come to power , they take charge of a country's affairs. If a group of people are in power , they are in charge of a country's affairs. □� In 1964 Labour came into power. □� He first assumed power in 1970. □� The party has been in power since independence in 1964.

6 N‑COUNT You can use power to refer to a country that is very rich or important, or has strong military forces. □� The country is a major power in an area of great strategic importance.

7 N‑UNCOUNT The power of something is the ability that it has to move or affect things. □� The Roadrunner had better power, better tyres, and better brakes. □� �massive computing power.

8 N‑UNCOUNT Power is energy, especially electricity, that is obtained in large quantities from a fuel source and used to operate lights, heating, and machinery. □� Nuclear power is cleaner than coal. □� Power has been restored to most parts that were hit last night by high winds.

9 VERB The device or fuel that powers a machine provides the energy that the machine needs in order to work. □�[V n] The battery could power an electric car for 600 miles on a single charge. ●� -powered COMB □� �battery-powered radios. □� �nuclear-powered submarines.

10 →�see also high-powered

11 ADJ [ADJ n] Power tools are operated by electricity. □� �large power tools, such as chainsaws. □� �a power drill.

12 N‑SING In mathematics, power is used in expressions such as 2 to the power of 4 or 2 to the 4th power to indicate that 2 must be multiplied by itself 4 times. This is written in numbers as 2⁴, or 2 x 2 x 2 x 2, which equals 16.

13 PHRASE You can refer to people in authority as the powers that be , especially when you want to say that you disagree with them or do not understand what they say or do. □� The powers that be, in this case the independent Television Association, banned the advertisement altogether.

▸� power ahead PHRASAL VERB If an economy or company powers ahead , it becomes stronger and more successful. □�[V P ] The most widely held view is the market will continue to power ahead. □�[V P ] It all leaves the way clear for Tesco to power ahead.

▸� power up PHRASAL VERB When you power up something such as a computer or a machine, you connect it to a power supply and switch it on. □�[V P n] Simply power up your laptop and continue work. [Also V n P ]

po w|er base (power bases ) also power-base N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The power base of a politician or other leader is the area or the group of people from which they get most support, and which enables him or her to become powerful. □� Milan was Mr Craxi's home town and his power base.

power|boat /paʊ ə r boʊt/ (powerboats ) N‑COUNT A powerboat is a very fast, powerful motorboat.

po w|er bro|ker (power brokers ) N‑COUNT A power broker is someone who has a lot of influence, especially in politics, and uses it to help other people gain power. □� Jackson had been a major power broker in the 1988 Presidential elections.

po w|er cut (power cuts ) N‑COUNT A power cut is a period of time when the electricity supply to a particular building or area is stopped, sometimes deliberately. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use outage

po w|er fail|ure (power failures ) N‑VAR A power failure is a period of time when the electricity supply to a particular building or area is interrupted, for example because of damage to the cables.

pow|er|ful ◆◆◇ /paʊ ə r fʊl/

1 ADJ A powerful person or organization is able to control or influence people and events. □� You're a powerful man�people will listen to you. □� �Russia and India, two large, powerful countries.

2 →�see also all-powerful

3 ADJ You say that someone's body is powerful when it is physically strong. □� Hans flexed his powerful muscles. ●� pow|er|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He is described as a strong, powerfully-built man of 60.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A powerful machine or substance is effective because it is very strong. □� �powerful computer systems. □� �a powerful magnet. ●� pow|er|ful|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� The substance is powerfully addictive.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A powerful smell is very strong. □� There was a powerful smell of garlic. ●� pow|er|ful|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The railway station smelt powerfully of cats and drains.

6 ADJ A powerful voice is loud and can be heard from a long way away. □� At that moment the housekeeper's powerful voice interrupted them, announcing a visitor.

7 ADJ You describe a piece of writing, speech, or work of art as powerful when it has a strong effect on people's feelings or beliefs. □� �Bleasdale's powerful 11-part drama about a corrupt city leader. ●� pow|er|ful|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □� It's a play�painful, funny and powerfully acted. SYNONYMS powerful ADJ

1

influential:It helps to have influential friends.

dominant:She was a dominant figure in the French film industry.

commanding:Right now you're in a more commanding position than you have been for ages.

3

strong:I'm not strong enough to carry him.

mighty:�a land marked with vast lakes and mighty rivers.

vigorous:Sir Robert was a strong and vigorous politician.

sturdy:She was a short, sturdy woman in her early sixties.

po w|er game (power games ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] You can refer to a situation in which different people or groups are competing for power as a power game , especially if you disapprove of the methods they are using in order to try to win power. □� �the dangerous power games following the dictator's death.

power|house /paʊ ə r haʊs/ (powerhouses ) N‑COUNT A powerhouse is a country or organization that has a lot of power or influence. □� The country is an economic powerhouse.

pow|er|less /paʊ ə r ləs/

1 ADJ Someone who is powerless is unable to control or influence events. □� If you don't have money, you're powerless. ●� pow|er|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� If we can't bring our problems under control, feelings of powerlessness often ensue.

2 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] If you are powerlessto do something, you are completely unable to do it. □� People are being murdered every day and I am powerless to stop it.

po w|er line (power lines ) N‑COUNT A power line is a cable, especially above ground, along which electricity is passed to an area or building.

po w|er of at|to r|ney N‑UNCOUNT Power of attorney is a legal document which allows you to appoint someone, for example a lawyer, to act on your behalf in specified matters.

po w|er plant (power plants ) N‑COUNT A power plant is the same as a power station .

po w|er play (power plays ) also power-play

1 N‑COUNT A power play is an attempt to gain an advantage by showing that you are more powerful than another person or organization, for example in a business relationship or negotiation. □� Their politics consisted of unstable power-plays between rival groups.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In a game of ice hockey, power play is a period of time when one team has more players because one or more of the other team is in the penalty box.

po w|er point (power points ) N‑COUNT A power point is a place in a wall where you can connect electrical equipment to the electricity supply. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use outlet , wall socket

po wer-sharing also power sharing N‑UNCOUNT Power-sharing is a political arrangement in which different or opposing groups all take part in government together.

po w|er sta|tion (power stations ) N‑COUNT A power station is a place where electricity is produced.

po w|er stee r|ing N‑UNCOUNT In a vehicle, power steering is a system for steering which uses power from the engine so that it is easier for the driver to steer the vehicle.

pow-wow /paʊ waʊ/ (pow-wows ) also powwow N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a meeting or discussion as a pow-wow . [INFORMAL ] □� Every year my father would call a family powwow to discuss where we were going on vacation.

pox /pɒ ks/

1 N‑SING People sometimes refer to the disease syphilis as the pox . [INFORMAL ]

2 →�see also chickenpox , smallpox

poxy /pɒ ksi/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something or someone as poxy , you think that they are insignificant, too small, or bad in some other way. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �some poxy band from Denver. □� �a poxy one per cent of the transport budget.

pp

1pp is written before a person's name at the bottom of a formal or business letter in order to indicate that they have signed the letter on behalf of the person whose name appears before theirs. [BUSINESS ] □� �J.R. Adams, pp D. Philips.

2pp. is the plural of 'p.' and means 'pages'. [WRITTEN ] □� See chapter 6, pp. 137-41.

PPS /piː piː e s/ (PPSs ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a PPS is a Member of Parliament who is appointed by a more senior Member to help them with their duties. PPS is an abbreviation for 'parliamentary private secretary'.

PPV /piː piː viː / N‑UNCOUNT PPV is an abbreviation for pay-per-view .

PR ◆◇◇ /piː ɑː r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT PR is an abbreviation for public relations . [BUSINESS ] □� It will be good PR. □� �a PR firm.

2 N‑UNCOUNT PR is an abbreviation for proportional representation .

prac|ti|cable /pr� kt I kəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a task, plan, or idea is practicable , people are able to carry it out. [FORMAL ] □� It is not reasonably practicable to offer her the original job back. ●� prac|ti|cabil|ity /pr� kt I kəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Knotman and I discussed the practicability of the idea.

prac|ti|cal ◆◇◇ /pr� kt I k ə l/ (practicals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The practical aspects of something involve real situations and events, rather than just ideas and theories. □� We can offer you practical suggestions on how to increase the fibre in your daily diet. □� This practical guidebook teaches you about relaxation, coping skills, and time management.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] You describe people as practical when they make sensible decisions and deal effectively with problems. [APPROVAL ] □� You were always so practical, Maria. □� He lacked any of the practical common sense essential in management.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Practical ideas and methods are likely to be effective or successful in a real situation. □� Although the causes of cancer are being uncovered, we do not yet have any practical way to prevent it.

4 ADJ You can describe clothes and things in your house as practical when they are suitable for a particular purpose rather than just being fashionable or attractive. □� Our clothes are lightweight, fashionable, practical for holidays.

5 N‑COUNT A practical is an examination or a lesson in which you make things or do experiments rather than simply writing answers to questions. [mainly BRIT ]

prac|ti|cal|ity /pr� kt I k� l I ti/ (practicalities ) N‑VAR The practicalitiesof a situation are the practical aspects of it, as opposed to its theoretical aspects. □�[+�of ] Decisions about your children should be based on the practicalities of everyday life.

pra c|ti|cal jo ke (practical jokes ) N‑COUNT A practical joke is a trick that is intended to embarrass someone or make them look ridiculous.

prac|ti|cal|ly /pr� kt I kəli/

1 ADV Practically means almost, but not completely or exactly. □� He'd known the old man practically all his life. □� I know people who find it practically impossible to give up smoking.

2 ADV [ADV adj/-ed] You use practically to describe something which involves real actions or events rather than ideas or theories. □� The course is more practically based than the Masters degree.

prac|tice ◆◆◇ /pr� kt I s/ (practices )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to something that people do regularly as a practice . □� Some firms have cut workers' pay below the level set in their contract, a practice that is illegal in Germany. □� The Prime Minister demanded a public inquiry into bank practices.

2 N‑VAR Practice means doing something regularly in order to be able to do it better. A practice is one of these periods of doing something. □� She was taking all three of her daughters to basketball practice every day. □� The defending world racing champion recorded the fastest time in a final practice today.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The work done by doctors and lawyers is referred to as the practice of medicine and law. People's religious activities are referred to as the practice of a religion. □�[+�of ] �the practice of internal medicine. □� I eventually realized I had to change my attitude toward medical practice.

4 N‑COUNT A doctor's or lawyer's practice is his or her business, often shared with other doctors or lawyers. □� The new doctor's practice was miles away from where I lived.

5 →�see also practise

6 PHRASE What happens in practice is what actually happens, in contrast to what is supposed to happen. □� In actual practice, of course, it's more complicated. □� In practice, workers do not work to satisfy their needs.

7 PHRASE If something such as a procedure is normal practice or standard practice , it is the usual thing that is done in a particular situation. □� It is normal practice not to reveal details of a patient's condition. □� The transcript is full of codewords, which is standard practice in any army.

8 PHRASE If you are out of practice at doing something, you have not had much experience of it recently, although you used to do it a lot or be quite good at it. □� 'How's your German?'�'Not bad, but I'm out of practice.'

9 PHRASE If you put a belief or method into practice , you behave or act in accordance with it. □� Now that he is back, the prime minister has another chance to put his new ideas into practice. COLLOCATIONS practice NOUN

1

noun +�practice : accounting, business, management, work

adjective +�practice : common, normal, standard; questionable, unfair

practice+�be +�adjective : widespread

verb +�practice : adopt, develop; end, stop

4

noun +�practice : GP, law

adjective +�practice : architectural, dental, legal, medical; private SYNONYMS practice NOUN 1

custom:The custom of tipping has never taken root in the minicab world.

way:Direct confrontation was not his way.

tradition:�the rich traditions of Afro-Cuban music, and dance.

habit:He has an endearing habit of licking his lips when he's nervous.

prac|tise /pr� kt I s/ (practises , practising , practised ) in AM, use practice1 VERB If you practise something, you keep doing it regularly in order to be able to do it better. □�[V n] Lauren practises the piano every day. □�[V ] When she wanted to get something right, she would practise and practise and practise.

2 →�see also practised

3 VERB When people practise something such as a custom, craft, or religion, they take part in the activities associated with it. □�[V n] �countries which practise multi-party politics. □�[V n] Acupuncture was practised in China as long ago as the third millennium BC. ●� prac|tis|ing ADJ [ADJ n] □� The church insisted all employees must be practising Christians.

4 VERB [usu passive] If something cruel is regularly done to people, you can say that it is practised on them. □�[be V -ed +�on ] There are consistent reports of electrical torture being practised on inmates.

5 VERB Someone who practises medicine or law works as a doctor or a lawyer. □�[V n] In Belgium only qualified doctors may practise alternative medicine. □�[V +�as ] He practised as a lawyer there until his retirement. □�[V ] The ways in which solicitors practise are varied. □�[V -ing] An art historian and collector, he was also a practising architect.

6to practise what you preach →�see preach

prac|tised /pr� kt I st/ in AM, use practiced ADJ Someone who is practisedat doing something is good at it because they have had experience and have developed their skill at it. □� �a practised and experienced surgeon.

prac|ti|tion|er /pr�kt I ʃənə r / (practitioners )

1 N‑COUNT Doctors are sometimes referred to as practitioners or medical practitioners . [FORMAL ]

2 →�see also GP

prae|to|rian guard /pr I tɔː riən gɑː r d/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] You can use praetorian guard to refer to a group of people who are close associates and loyal supporters of someone important. [FORMAL ]

prag|mat|ic /pr�gm� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pragmatic way of dealing with something is based on practical considerations, rather than theoretical ones. A pragmatic person deals with things in a practical way. □� �a pragmatic approach to the problems faced by Latin America. ●� prag|mati|cal|ly /pr�gm� t I kli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □� 'I can't ever see us doing anything else,' states Brian pragmatically.

prag|mat|ics /pr�gm� t I ks/ N‑SING Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics that deals with the meanings and effects which come from the use of language in particular situations.

prag|ma|tism /pr� gmət I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Pragmatism means thinking of or dealing with problems in a practical way, rather than by using theory or abstract principles. [FORMAL ] □� She had a reputation for clear thinking and pragmatism. ●� prag|ma|tist (pragmatists ) N‑COUNT □� He is a political pragmatist, not an idealist.

prai|rie /preə ri/ (prairies ) N‑VAR A prairie is a large area of flat, grassy land in North America. Prairies have very few trees.

prai |rie dog (prairie dogs ) N‑COUNT A prairie dog is a type of small furry animal that lives underground in the prairies of North America.

praise ◆◇◇ /pre I z/ (praises , praising , praised )

1 VERB If you praise someone or something, you express approval for their achievements or qualities. □�[V n +�for ] The American president praised Turkey for its courage. □�[V n] He praised the excellent work of the U.N. weapons inspectors.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Praise is what you say or write about someone when you are praising them. □�[+�for ] All the ladies are full of praise for the staff and service they received. □� That is high praise indeed.

3 VERB If you praise God, you express your respect, honour, and thanks to God. □�[V n] She asked the church to praise God.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Praise is the expression of respect, honour, and thanks to God. □�[+�of ] Hindus were singing hymns in praise of the god Rama.

praise|worthy /pre I zwɜː r �i/ ADJ If you say that something is praiseworthy , you mean that you approve of it and it deserves to be praised. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� �the government's praiseworthy efforts to improve efficiency in health and education.

pra|line /prɑː liːn, pre I -/ N‑UNCOUNT Praline is a sweet substance made from nuts cooked in boiling sugar. It is used in desserts and as a filling for chocolates.

pram /pr� m/ (prams ) N‑COUNT A pram is a small vehicle in which a baby can lie as it is pushed along. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use baby carriage

prance /prɑː ns, pr� ns/ (prances , prancing , pranced )

1 VERB If someone prances around, they walk or move around with exaggerated movements, usually because they want people to look at them and admire them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V adv/prep] He was horrified at the thought of his son prancing about on a stage in tights.

2 VERB When a horse prances , it moves with quick, high steps. □�[V ] Their horses pranced and whinnied. □�[V prep/adv] �as the carriage horses pranced through the bustling thoroughfares. □�[V -ing] �a prancing light-footed mare named Princess.

prank /pr� ŋk/ (pranks ) N‑COUNT A prank is a childish trick. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

prank|ster /pr� ŋkstə r / (pranksters ) N‑COUNT A prankster is someone who plays tricks and practical jokes on people. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

prat /pr� t/ (prats ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a prat , you are saying in an unkind way that you think that they are very stupid or foolish. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� What's that prat doing out there now?

prat|fall /pr� tfɔːl/ (pratfalls )

1 N‑COUNT If someone takes a pratfall , they make an embarrassing mistake. [mainly AM ] □� They're waiting for the poor little rich girl to take a pratfall.

2 N‑COUNT A pratfall is a fall onto your bottom. [mainly AM ]

prat|tle /pr� t ə l/ (prattles , prattling , prattled ) VERB If you say that someone prattles onabout something, you are criticizing them because they are talking a great deal without saying anything important. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�on/away about ] Lou prattled on about various trivialities till I wanted to scream. □�[V on/away ] She prattled on as she drove out to the Highway. □�[V ] Archie, shut up. You're prattling. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Prattle is also a noun. □� What a bore it was to listen to the woman's prattle!

prawn /prɔː n/ (prawns ) N‑COUNT A prawn is a small shellfish with a long tail and many legs, which can be eaten. [BRIT ] in AM, use shrimp

pra wn co ck|tail (prawn cocktails ) N‑VAR A prawn cocktail is a dish that consists of prawns, salad, and a sauce. It is usually eaten at the beginning of a meal. [BRIT ] in AM, use shrimp cocktail

pray /pre I / (prays , praying , prayed )

1 VERB When people pray , they speak to God in order to give thanks or to ask for his help. □�[V ] He spent his time in prison praying and studying. □�[V +�to ] Now all we have to do is help ourselves and pray to God. □�[V +�for ] �all those who work and pray for peace. □�[V that] Kelly prayed that God would judge her with mercy. [Also V with quote, V to-inf]

2 VERB [usu cont] When someone is hoping very much that something will happen, you can say that they are prayingthat it will happen. □�[V that] I'm just praying that the authorities will do something before it's too late. □�[V +�for ] Many were secretly praying for a compromise.

prayer /preə r / (prayers )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Prayer is the activity of speaking to God. □� They had joined a religious order and dedicated their lives to prayer and good works. □� The night was spent in prayer.

2 N‑COUNT A prayer is the words a person says when they speak to God. □� They should take a little time and say a prayer for the people on both sides.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a strong hope that you have as your prayer . □� This drug could be the answer to our prayers.

4 N‑PLURAL A short religious service at which people gather to pray can be referred to as prayers . □� He promised that the boy would be back at school in time for evening prayers.

pra yer book (prayer books ) N‑COUNT A prayer book is a book which contains the prayers which are used in church or at home.

pra yer meet|ing (prayer meetings ) N‑COUNT A prayer meeting is a religious meeting where people say prayers to God.

PREFIX pre-

forms words that refer to something that takes place before a particular date, period, or event. For example, prehistoric people and things existed at a time before information was written down.

preach /priː tʃ/ (preaches , preaching , preached )

1 VERB When a member of the clergy preaches a sermon, he or she gives a talk on a religious or moral subject during a religious service. □�[V n] At High Mass the priest preached a sermon on the devil. □�[V +�to ] The bishop preached to a crowd of several hundred local people. □�[V ] He denounced the decision to invite his fellow archbishop to preach. [Also V +�against/on ]

2 VERB When people preach a belief or a course of action, they try to persuade other people to accept the belief or to take the course of action. □�[V n] He tried to preach peace and tolerance to his people. □�[V that] Health experts are now preaching that even a little exercise is far better than none at all. □�[V +�against/about ] For many years I have preached against war.

3 VERB If someone gives you advice in a very serious, boring way, you can say that they are preaching at you. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�at ] 'Don't preach at me,' he shouted.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone practises what they preach , you mean that they behave in the way that they encourage other people to behave in. □� He ought to practise what he preaches.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is preaching to the converted , you mean that they are wasting their time because they are trying to persuade people to think or believe in things that they already think or believe in.

preach|er /priː tʃə r / (preachers ) N‑COUNT A preacher is a person, usually a member of the clergy, who preaches sermons as part of a church service.

pre|am|ble /priː �mb ə l/ (preambles ) N‑VAR A preamble is an introduction that comes before something you say or write. □�[+�to/of ] The controversy has arisen over the text of the preamble to the unification treaty.

pre|ar|range /priː əre I ndʒ/ (prearranges , prearranging , prearranged ) also pre-arrange VERB If you prearrange something, you plan or arrange it before the time when it actually happens. □�[V n] When you prearrange your funeral, you can pick your own flowers and music.

pre|ar|ranged /priː əre I ndʒd/ also pre-arranged ADJ [ADJ n] You use prearranged to indicate that something has been planned or arranged before the time when it actually happens. □� Working to a prearranged plan, he rang the First Secretary and requested an appointment with the Ambassador.

pre|cari|ous /pr I keə riəs/

1 ADJ If your situation is precarious , you are not in complete control of events and might fail in what you are doing at any moment. □� Our financial situation had become precarious. □� �the Government's precarious position. ●� pre|cari|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� The hunter-gatherer lifestyle today survives precariously in remote regions. ●� pre|cari|ous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Wells was well aware of the precariousness of human life.

2 ADJ Something that is precarious is not securely held in place and seems likely to fall or collapse at any moment. □� They looked rather comical as they crawled up precarious ladders. ●� pre|cari|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� One of my grocery bags was still precariously perched on the car bumper.

pre|cau|tion /pr I kɔː ʃ ə n/ (precautions ) N‑COUNT A precaution is an action that is intended to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening. □� Could he not, just as a precaution, move to a place of safety? □� Extra safety precautions are essential in homes where older people live.

pre|cau|tion|ary /pr I kɔː ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Precautionary actions are taken in order to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening. [FORMAL ] □� The local administration says the curfew is a precautionary measure.

pre|cede /pr I siː d/ (precedes , preceding , preceded )

1 VERB If one event or period of time precedes another, it happens before it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Intensive negotiations between the main parties preceded the vote. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The earthquake was preceded by a loud roar and lasted 20 seconds. □�[V -ing] Industrial orders had already fallen in the preceding months.

2 VERB If you precede someone somewhere, you go in front of them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He gestured to Alice to precede them from the room. □�[be V -ed +�by ] They were preceded by mounted cowboys.

3 VERB A sentence, paragraph, or chapter that precedes another one comes just before it. □�[V n] Look at the information that precedes the paragraph in question. □�[V -ing] Repeat the exercises described in the preceding section.

prec|edence /pre s I dəns/ N‑UNCOUNT If one thing takes precedenceover another, it is regarded as more important than the other thing. □�[+�over ] Have as much fun as possible at college, but don't let it take precedence over work.

prec|edent /pre s I dənt/ (precedents ) N‑VAR If there is a precedentfor an action or event, it has happened before, and this can be regarded as an argument for doing it again. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] The trial could set an important precedent for dealing with large numbers of similar cases.

pre|cept /priː sept/ (precepts ) N‑COUNT A precept is a general rule that helps you to decide how you should behave in particular circumstances. [FORMAL ] □� �an electoral process based on the precept that all men are born equal.

pre|cinct /priː s I ŋkt/ (precincts )

1 N‑COUNT A shopping precinct is an area in the centre of a town in which cars are not allowed. [BRIT ] □� The Centre was a pedestrian precinct with a bandstand in the middle.

2 N‑COUNT A precinct is a part of a city which has its own police force and fire service. [AM ] □� The shooting occurred in the 34th Precinct.

3 N‑PLURAL The precincts of an institution are its buildings and land. [FORMAL ] □� No one carrying arms is allowed within the precincts of a temple.

pre|cious /pre ʃəs/

1 ADJ If you say that something such as a resource is precious , you mean that it is valuable and should not be wasted or used badly. □� After four months in foreign parts, every hour at home was precious. □� Water is becoming an increasingly precious resource.

2 ADJ Precious objects and materials are worth a lot of money because they are rare. □� �jewellery and precious objects belonging to her mother.

3 ADJ If something is precious to you, you regard it as important and do not want to lose it. □�[+�to ] Her family's support is particularly precious to Josie.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] People sometimes use precious to emphasize their dislike for things which other people think are important. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� You don't care about anything but yourself and your precious face.

5 PHRASE If you say that there is precious little of something, you are emphasizing that there is very little of it, and that it would be better if there were more. Precious few has a similar meaning. [EMPHASIS ] □� The banks have had precious little to celebrate recently. □� Precious few homebuyers will notice any reduction in their monthly repayments.

pre |cious me t|al (precious metals ) N‑VAR A precious metal is a valuable metal such as gold or silver.

pre |cious sto ne (precious stones ) N‑COUNT A precious stone is a valuable stone, such as a diamond or a ruby, that is used for making jewellery.

preci|pice /pre s I p I s/ (precipices )

1 N‑COUNT A precipice is a very steep cliff on a mountain.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is on the edge of a precipice , you mean that they are in a dangerous situation in which they are extremely close to disaster or failure. □� The King now stands on the brink of a political precipice.

pre|cipi|tate (precipitates , precipitating , precipitated ) The verb is pronounced /pr I s I pəte I t/. The adjective is pronounced /pr I s I p I tət/. 1 VERB If something precipitates an event or situation, usually a bad one, it causes it to happen suddenly or sooner than normal. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The recent killings have precipitated the worst crisis yet. □�[V n] A slight mistake could precipitate a disaster.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A precipitate action or decision happens or is made more quickly or suddenly than most people think is sensible. [FORMAL ] □� I don't think we should make precipitate decisions. ●� pre|cipi|tate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Somebody hired from another country is not likely to resign precipitately.

pre|cipi|ta|tion /pr I s I p I te I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Precipitation is rain, snow, or hail. [TECHNICAL ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Precipitation is a process in a chemical reaction which causes solid particles to become separated from a liquid. [TECHNICAL ]

pre|cipi|tous /pr I s I p I təs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A precipitous slope or drop is very steep and often dangerous. □� The town is perched on the edge of a steep, precipitous cliff. ●� pre|cipi|tous|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV adj] □� The ground beyond the road fell away precipitously.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A precipitous change is sudden and unpleasant. □� The stock market's precipitous drop frightened foreign investors. ●� pre|cipi|tous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The company has seen its profits fall precipitously over the past few years.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A precipitous action happens very quickly and often without being planned. □� �a precipitous decision. ●� pre|cipi|tous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� They've got to act precipitously to make the deals.

pr�|cis /pre I si, [AM ] pre I siː / The form pr�cis is both the singular and the plural form. It is pronounced /pre I siz/ when it is the plural. N‑COUNT A pr�cis is a short written or spoken account of something, which gives the important points but not the details. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] A pr�cis of the manuscript was sent to the magazine New Idea.

pre|cise /pr I sa I s/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use precise to emphasize that you are referring to an exact thing, rather than something vague. [EMPHASIS ] □� At that precise moment I felt sorry for him and didn't want to hurt him. □� The precise location of the wreck was discovered in 1988. □� He was not clear on the precise nature of his mission.

2 ADJ Something that is precise is exact and accurate in all its details. □� He does not talk too much and what he has to say is precise and to the point.

3 PHRASE You say ' to be precise ' to indicate that you are giving more detailed or accurate information than you have just given. □� More than a week ago, Thursday evening to be precise, she was at her evening class.

pre|cise|ly ◆◇◇ /pr I sa I sli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] Precisely means accurately and exactly. □� Nobody knows precisely how many people are still living in the camp. □� The meeting began at precisely 4.00 p.m.

2 ADV You can use precisely to emphasize that a reason or fact is the only important one there is, or that it is obvious. [EMPHASIS ] □� Children come to zoos precisely to see captive animals.

3 ADV [as reply] You can say ' precisely ' to confirm in an emphatic way that what someone has just said is true. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Did you find yourself wondering what went wrong?'�'Precisely.' SYNONYMS precisely ADV 1

exactly:Agnew's car pulled into the driveway at exactly five o'clock.

accurately:The test can accurately predict what a bigger explosion would do.

strictly:Actually, that is not strictly true.

pre|ci|sion /pr I s I ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] If you do something withprecision , you do it exactly as it should be done. □� The interior is planned with a precision the military would be proud of.

pre|clude /pr I kluː d/ (precludes , precluding , precluded )

1 VERB If something precludes an event or action, it prevents the event or action from happening. [FORMAL ] □�[V n/v-ing] At 84, John feels his age precludes too much travel.

2 VERB If something precludes you from doing something or going somewhere, it prevents you from doing it or going there. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�from ] A constitutional amendment precludes any president from serving more than two terms.

pre|co|cious /pr I koʊ ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A precocious child is very clever, mature, or good at something, often in a way that you usually only expect to find in an adult. □� Margaret was always a precocious child. ●� pre|co|cious|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� He was a precociously bright school boy.

pre|coc|ity /pr I kɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Precocity is the quality of being precocious. [FORMAL ]

pre|con|ceived /priː kənsiː vd/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you have preconceived ideas about something, you have already formed an opinion about it before you have enough information or experience. □� We all start with preconceived notions of what we want from life.

pre|con|cep|tion /priː kənse pʃ ə n/ (preconceptions ) N‑COUNT Your preconceptions about something are beliefs formed about it before you have enough information or experience. □� Did you have any preconceptions about the sort of people who did computing?

pre|con|di|tion /priː kənd I ʃ ə n/ (preconditions ) N‑COUNT If one thing is a preconditionfor another, it must happen or be done before the second thing can happen or exist. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for/of/to ] They made multi-party democracy a precondition for giving aid.

pre -coo ked also precooked ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pre-cooked food has been prepared and cooked in advance so that it only needs to be heated quickly before you eat it.

pre|cur|sor /priːkɜː r sə r / (precursors ) N‑COUNT A precursor of something is a similar thing that happened or existed before it, often something which led to the existence or development of that thing. □�[+�to ] He said that the deal should not be seen as a precursor to a merger.

pre|date /priː de I t/ (predates , predating , predated ) VERB If you say that one thing predated another, you mean that the first thing happened or existed some time before the second thing. □�[V n] His troubles predated the recession.

preda|tor /pre dətə r / (predators )

1 N‑COUNT A predator is an animal that kills and eats other animals.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to predatory people or organizations as predators . □� The company is worried about takeovers by various predators.

preda|tory /pre dətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Predatory animals live by killing other animals for food. □� �predatory birds like the eagle.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Predatory people or organizations are eager to gain something out of someone else's weakness or suffering. □� People who run small businesses are frightened by the predatory behaviour of the banks.

pre da|tory pri c|ing N‑UNCOUNT If a company practises predatory pricing , it charges a much lower price for its products or services than its competitors in order to force them out of the market. [BUSINESS ] □� Predatory pricing by large supermarkets was threatening the livelihood of smaller businesses.

pre|de|cease /priː d I siː s/ (predeceases , predeceasing , predeceased ) VERB If one person predeceases another, they die before them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] His wife of 63 years, Mary, predeceased him by 11 months.

pre|de|ces|sor /priː d I sesə r , [AM ] pre d-/ (predecessors )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your predecessor is the person who had your job before you. □� He maintained that he learned everything he knew from his predecessor.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The predecessor of an object or machine is the object or machine that came before it in a sequence or process of development. □� The car is some 40mm shorter than its predecessor.

pre|des|ti|na|tion /priː dest I ne I ʃ ə n, [AM ] priːde st-/ N‑UNCOUNT If you believe in predestination , you believe that people have no control over events because everything has already been decided by a power such as God or fate.

pre|des|tined /priː de st I nd/ ADJ If you say that something was predestined , you mean that it could not have been prevented or changed because it had already been decided by a power such as God or fate. □� His was not a political career predestined from birth.

pre|de|ter|mined /priː d I tɜː r m I nd/ ADJ If you say that something is predetermined , you mean that its form or nature was decided by previous events or by people rather than by chance. □� The Prince's destiny was predetermined from the moment of his birth. □� The capsules can be made to release the pesticides at a predetermined time.

pre|de|ter|min|er /priː d I tɜː r m I nə r / (predeterminers ) N‑COUNT In grammar, a predeterminer is a word that is used before a determiner, but is still part of the noun group. For example, 'all' in 'all the time' and 'both' in 'both our children' are predeterminers.

pre|dica|ment /pr I d I kəmənt/ (predicaments ) N‑COUNT If you are in a predicament , you are in an unpleasant situation that is difficult to get out of. □� The decision will leave her in a peculiar predicament.

predi|cate (predicates , predicating , predicated ) The noun is pronounced /pre d I kət/. The verb is pronounced /pre d I ke I t/. 1 N‑COUNT In some systems of grammar, the predicate of a clause is the part of it that is not the subject. For example, in 'I decided what to do', 'decided what to do' is the predicate.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you say that one situation is predicated on another, you mean that the first situation can be true or real only if the second one is true or real. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�on ] Financial success is usually predicated on having money or being able to obtain it.

pre|dict ◆◇◇ /pr I d I kt/ (predicts , predicting , predicted ) VERB If you predict an event, you say that it will happen. □�[V n] The latest opinion polls are predicting a very close contest. □�[V that] He predicted that my hair would grow back 'in no time'. □�[V wh] It's hard to predict how a jury will react. □�[V with quote] 'The war will continue another two or three years,' he predicted.

pre|dict|able /pr I d I ktəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that an event is predictable , you mean that it is obvious in advance that it will happen. □� This was a predictable reaction, given the bitter hostility between the two countries. ●� pre|dict|ably ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� His article is, predictably, a scathing attack on capitalism. ●� pre|dict|abil|ity /pr I d I ktəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Your mother values the predictability of your Sunday calls.

pre|dic|tion /pr I d I kʃ ə n/ (predictions ) N‑VAR If you make a prediction about something, you say what you think will happen. □� He was unwilling to make a prediction about which books would sell in the coming year. □� Weather prediction has never been a perfect science.

pre|dic|tive /pr I d I kt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use predictive to describe something such as a test, science, or theory that is concerned with determining what will happen in the future. [FORMAL ] □� �the predictive branch of economics.

pre|dic|tor /pr I d I ktə r / (predictors ) N‑COUNT You can refer to something that helps you predict something that will happen in the future as a predictorof that thing. □�[+�of ] Opinion polls are an unreliable predictor of election outcomes.

pre|di|lec|tion /priː d I le kʃ ə n, [AM ] pre d-/ (predilections ) N‑COUNT If you have a predilectionfor something, you have a strong liking for it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] �his predilection for fast cars and fast horses.

pre|dis|pose /priː d I spoʊ z/ (predisposes , predisposing , predisposed )

1 VERB If something predisposes you to think or behave in a particular way, it makes it likely that you will think or behave in that way. [FORMAL ] □�[V n to-inf] They take pains to hire people whose personalities predispose them to serve customers well. □�[V n +�to ] Certain factors predispose some individuals to criminal behaviour. ●� pre|dis|posed ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] □� �people who are predisposed to violent crime.

2 VERB If something predisposes you to a disease or illness, it makes it likely that you will suffer from that disease or illness. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] �a gene that predisposes people to depression. ●� pre|dis|posed ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □�[+�to ] Some people are genetically predisposed to diabetes.

pre|dis|po|si|tion /priː d I spəz I ʃ ə n/ (predispositions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] If you have a predispositionto behave in a particular way, you tend to behave like that because of the kind of person that you are or the attitudes that you have. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] There are always going to be other factors that influence someone's predisposition to exercise.

2 N‑COUNT If you have a predispositionto a disease or illness, it is likely that you will suffer from that disease or illness. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to/towards ] �a genetic predisposition to lung cancer.

pre|domi|nance /pr I dɒ m I nəns/

1 N‑SING If there is a predominanceof one type of person or thing, there are many more of that type than of any other type. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Another interesting note was the predominance of London club players.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone or something has predominance , they have the most power or importance among a group of people or things. [FORMAL ] □� Eventually even their economic predominance was to suffer.

pre|domi|nant /pr I dɒ m I nənt/ ADJ If something is predominant , it is more important or noticeable than anything else in a set of people or things. □� Amanda's predominant emotion was that of confusion.

pre|domi|nant|ly /pr I dɒ m I nəntli/ ADV [usu ADV group, oft ADV after v] You use predominantly to indicate which feature or quality is most noticeable in a situation. □� �a predominantly female profession.

pre|domi|nate /pr I dɒ m I ne I t/ (predominates , predominating , predominated )

1 VERB If one type of person or thing predominates in a group, there is more of that type of person or thing in the group than of any other. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] In older age groups women predominate because men tend to die younger.

2 VERB When a feature or quality predominates , it is the most important or noticeable one in a situation. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Much sociological research on religion was based on societies in which a single religion overwhelmingly predominated.

pre|domi|nate|ly /pr I dɒ m I nətli/ ADV [usu ADV group, oft ADV after v] Predominately means the same as predominantly . □� �a predominately white, middle-class suburb.

pre-e minent in AM, usually use preeminent ADJ If someone or something is pre-eminent in a group, they are more important, powerful, or capable than other people or things in the group. [FORMAL ] □� �his fifty years as the pre-eminent political figure in the country. ●� pre-eminence N‑UNCOUNT □� �London's continuing pre-eminence among European financial centres.

pre-e minently in AM, usually use preeminently ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv, ADV n] Pre-eminently means to a very great extent. □� The party was pre-eminently the party of the landed interest.

pre-empt /priːe mpt/ (pre-empts , pre-empting , pre-empted ) in AM, usually use preempt VERB If you pre-empt an action, you prevent it from happening by doing something which makes it unnecessary or impossible. □�[V n] You can pre-empt pain by taking a painkiller at the first warning sign. □�[V n] He pre-empted any decision to sack him. ●� pre-emption /priːe mpʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Pre-emption was the only method of averting defeat.

pre-emptive /priːe mpt I v/ in AM, usually use preemptive ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pre-emptive attack or strike is intended to weaken or damage an enemy or opponent, for example by destroying their weapons before they can do any harm. □� �plans for a pre-emptive strike against countries that may have biological weapons.

preen /priː n/ (preens , preening , preened )

1 VERB If someone preensthemselves , they spend a lot of time making themselves look neat and attractive; used especially if you want to show that you disapprove of this behaviour or that you find it ridiculous and amusing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V pron-refl] 50% of men under 35 spend at least 20 minutes preening themselves every morning. □�[V n] Bill preened his beard.

2 VERB If someone preens , they think in a pleased way about how attractive, clever, or good at something they are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] She stood preening in their midst, delighted with the attention. □�[V pron-refl +�on ] He preened himself on the praise he had received. □�[V -ing] �a preening prize fighter about to enter a ring.

3 VERB When birds preen their feathers, they clean them and arrange them neatly using their beaks. □�[V pron-refl] Rare birds preen themselves right in front of your camera. [Also V , V n]

pre -exi sting also preexisting ADJ [ADJ n] A pre-existing situation or thing exists already or existed before something else. □� �the pre-existing tensions between the two countries. □� �people who have been infected in the course of their NHS treatment for a pre-existing illness.

pre|fab /priː f�b/ (prefabs )

1 N‑COUNT A prefab is a house built with parts which have been made in a factory and then quickly put together at the place where the house was built. [mainly BRIT ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A prefab building or structure is one that has been made from parts which were made in a factory and then quickly put together at the place where the structure was built .

pre|fab|ri|cat|ed /priːf� br I ke I t I d/ ADJ Prefabricated buildings are built with parts which have been made in a factory so that they can be easily carried and put together.

pref|ace /pre f I s/ (prefaces , prefacing , prefaced )

1 N‑COUNT A preface is an introduction at the beginning of a book, which explains what the book is about or why it was written.

2 VERB If you preface an action or speech with something else, you do or say this other thing first. □�[V n +�with ] I will preface what I am going to say with a few lines from Shakespeare. □�[V n +�by ] The president prefaced his remarks by saying he has supported unemployment benefits all along.

pre|fect /priː fekt/ (prefects )

1 N‑COUNT In some schools, especially in Britain, a prefect is an older pupil who does special duties and helps the teachers to control the younger pupils.

2 N‑COUNT In some countries, a prefect is the head of the local government administration or of a local government department. □� �the police prefect for the district of Mehedinti.

pre|fec|ture /priː fektʃə r / (prefectures ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] In some countries, administrative areas are called prefectures . □� He was born in Yamagata prefecture, north of Tokyo.

pre|fer ◆◆◇ /pr I fɜː r / (prefers , preferring , preferred ) VERB [no cont] If you prefer someone or something, you like that person or thing better than another, and so you are more likely to choose them if there is a choice. □�[V n] Does he prefer a particular sort of music? □�[V n +�to ] I became a teacher because I preferred books and people to politics. □�[V to-inf] I prefer to go on self-catering holidays. □�[V n to-inf] I would prefer him to be with us next season. □�[V v-ing] Bob prefers making original pieces rather than reproductions. □�[V n adj] The woodwork's green now. I preferred it blue. □�[V -ed] Her own preferred methods of exercise are hiking and long cycle rides. [Also V that]

pref|er|able /pre frəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that one thing is preferableto another, you mean that it is more desirable or suitable. □�[+�to ] A big earthquake a long way off is preferable to a smaller one nearby. □�[+�to ] The hazards of the theatre seemed preferable to joining the family paint business. ●� pref|er|ably /pre frəbli/ ADV □� Do something creative or take exercise, preferably in the fresh air.

pref|er|ence /pre fərəns/ (preferences )

1 N‑VAR If you have a preferencefor something, you would like to have or do that thing rather than something else. □�[+�for ] Parents can express a preference for the school their child attends. □�[+�to ] Many of these products were bought in preference to their own.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you give preferenceto someone with a particular qualification or feature, you choose them rather than someone else. □�[+�to ] Firms often give preference to present employees in promotions, transfers, and other career-enhancing opportunities.

pre f|er|ence shares N‑PLURAL Preference shares are shares in a company that are owned by people who have the right to receive part of the company's profits before the holders of ordinary shares are paid. They also have the right to have their capital repaid if the company fails and has to close. Compare ordinary shares . [BRIT , BUSINESS ] in AM use preferred stock

pref|er|en|tial /pre fəre nʃ ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you get preferential treatment, you are treated better than other people and therefore have an advantage over them. □� Despite her status, the Duchess will not be given preferential treatment.

pre|fer|ment /pr I fɜː r mənt/ (preferments ) N‑VAR Preferment is the act of being given a better and more important job in an organization. [FORMAL ] □� He was told by the governors that he could expect no further preferment.

pref|e rred sto ck

1 N‑UNCOUNT Preferred stock is the same as preference shares . [AM , BUSINESS ]

2 →�see also common stock

pre|fig|ure /priː f I gə r , [AM ] -gjər/ (prefigures , prefiguring , prefigured ) VERB If one thing prefigures another, it is a first indication which suggests or determines that the second thing will happen. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �the 19th-century photographer, inventor and showman who pioneered photographic techniques that prefigured modern cinema.

pre|fix /priː f I ks/ (prefixes )

1 N‑COUNT A prefix is a letter or group of letters, for example 'un-' or 'multi-', which is added to the beginning of a word in order to form a different word. For example, the prefix 'un-' is added to 'happy' to form 'unhappy'. Compare affix and suffix .

2 N‑COUNT A prefix is one or more numbers or letters added to the beginning of a code number to indicate, for example, what area something belongs to. □� To telephone from the U.S. use the prefix 011 33 before the numbers given here.

pre|fixed /priː f I kst/ V-PASSIVE A word or code number that is prefixedby one or more letters or numbers has them as its prefix. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Sulphur-containing compounds are often prefixed by the term 'thio'. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Calls to Dublin should be prefixed with 003531.

preg|nan|cy ◆◇◇ /pre gnənsi/ (pregnancies ) N‑VAR Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or the period of time during which a female is pregnant. □� The cream is safe to use during pregnancy. □� She was exhausted by eight pregnancies in 13 years. COLLOCATIONS pregnancy NOUN 1

adjective +�pregnancy : healthy, normal, successful; difficult, ectopic, high-risk; teenage, unplanned, unwanted

verb +�pregnancy : confirm, continue; avoid, prevent; end, terminate

pre g|nan|cy test (pregnancy tests ) N‑COUNT A pregnancy test is a medical test which women have to find out if they have become pregnant.

preg|nant ◆◇◇ /pre gnənt/

1 ADJ If a woman or female animal is pregnant , she has a baby or babies developing in her body. □� She got pregnant soon after they married. □� Tina was pregnant with her first child. □� �a pregnant woman.

2 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ with n] A pregnant silence or moment has a special meaning which is not obvious but which people are aware of. □� There was a long, pregnant silence.

pre|heat /priː hiː t/ (preheats , preheating , preheated ) VERB If you preheat an oven, you switch it on and allow it to reach a certain temperature before you put food inside it. □�[V n] Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. □�[V -ed] Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

pre|his|tor|ic /priː h I stɒ r I k, [AM ] -tɔː r-/ ADJ Prehistoric people and things existed at a time before information was written down. □� �the famous prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux.

pre|his|to|ry /priː h I stəri/ also pre-history N‑UNCOUNT Prehistory is the time in history before any information was written down.

pre -indu strial in AM, usually use preindustrial ADJ [ADJ n] Pre-industrial refers to the time before machines were introduced to produce goods on a large scale. □� �the transition from pre-industrial to industrial society.

pre|judge /priː dʒʌ dʒ/ (prejudges , prejudging , prejudged ) VERB If you prejudge a situation, you form an opinion about it before you know all the facts. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They tried to prejudge the commission's findings. [Also V ]

preju|dice /pre dʒʊd I s/ (prejudices , prejudicing , prejudiced )

1 N‑VAR Prejudice is an unreasonable dislike of a particular group of people or things, or a preference for one group of people or things over another. □� There is widespread prejudice against workers over 45. □� He said he hoped the Swiss authorities would investigate the case thoroughly and without prejudice.

2 VERB If you prejudice someone or something, you influence them so that they are unfair in some way. □�[V n] I think your South American youth has prejudiced you. □�[V be V -ed] He claimed his case would be prejudiced if it became known he was refusing to answer questions.

3 VERB If someone prejudices another person's situation, they do something which makes it worse than it should be. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Her study was not in any way intended to prejudice the future development of the college.

4 PHRASE If you take an action without prejudice to an existing situation, your action does not change or harm that situation. [FORMAL ] □� We accept the outcome of the inquiry, without prejudice to the unsettled question of territorial waters.

preju|diced /pre dʒʊd I st/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A person who is prejudiced against someone has an unreasonable dislike of them. A person who is prejudiced in favour of someone has an unreasonable preference for them. □� Some landlords and landladies are racially prejudiced.

preju|di|cial /pre dʒʊd I ʃ ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If an action or situation is prejudicialto someone or something, it is harmful to them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Any new arrangements must not be prejudicial to families from low down the income scale.

prel|ate /pre l I t/ (prelates ) N‑COUNT A prelate is a member of the clergy holding a high rank, for example a bishop.

pre|limi|nary /pr I l I m I nri, [AM ] -neri/ (preliminaries )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Preliminary activities or discussions take place at the beginning of an event, often as a form of preparation. □� Preliminary results show the Republican party with 11 percent of the vote. □� �preliminary talks on the future of the bases.

2 N‑COUNT A preliminary is something that you do at the beginning of an activity, often as a form of preparation. □� A background check is normally a preliminary to a presidential appointment.

3 N‑COUNT A preliminary is the first part of a competition to see who will go on to the main competition. □� The winner of each preliminary goes through to the final.

pre|load /priːloʊ d/ (preloads , preloading , preloaded ) VERB If someone preloads , they drink a lot of alcohol before they go out for a social occasion. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] They meet at one of their houses to preload before going on to a night club.

pre-loved /priːlʌ vd/ ADJ A pre-loved item is not new and has been owned and used before. Sellers use this word to make the item seem more attractive. □� The shop sells pre-loved furniture.

prel|ude /pre ljuːd, [AM ] pre I luːd/ (preludes )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can describe an event as a preludeto a more important event when it happens before it and acts as an introduction to it. □�[+�to ] Most unions see privatisation as an inevitable prelude to job losses.

2 N‑COUNT A prelude is a short piece of music for the piano or organ. □� �the famous E minor prelude of Chopin.

pre|mari|tal /priː m� r I t ə l/ also pre-marital ADJ [ADJ n] Premarital means happening at some time before someone gets married. □� I rejected the teaching that premarital sex was immoral.

prema|ture /pre mətʃʊə r , [AM ] priː -/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is premature happens earlier than usual or earlier than people expect. □� Accidents are still the number one cause of premature death for Americans. □� �a twenty-four-year-old man who suffered from premature baldness. ●� prema|ture|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The war had prematurely aged him.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] You can say that something is premature when it happens too early and is therefore inappropriate. □� It now seems their optimism was premature. ●� prema|ture|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Holmgren is careful not to celebrate prematurely.

3 ADJ A premature baby is one that was born before the date when it was expected to be born. □� My daughter Emma was born two and a half months premature. ●� prema|ture|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Danny was born prematurely, weighing only 3lb 3oz.

pre|medi|tat|ed /priːme d I te I t I d/ ADJ A premeditated crime is planned or thought about before it is done. □� In a case of premeditated murder a life sentence is mandatory.

pre|medi|ta|tion /priːme d I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Premeditation is thinking about something or planning it before you actually do it. [FORMAL ] □� The judge finally concluded there was insufficient evidence of premeditation.

pre|men|stru|al /priː me nstruəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Premenstrual is used to refer to the time immediately before menstruation and a woman's behaviour and feelings at this time. □� �premenstrual symptoms.

pre |me n|stru|al syn|drome N‑UNCOUNT Premenstrual syndrome is used to refer to the problems, including strain and tiredness, that many women experience before menstruation. The abbreviation PMS is often used. □� About 70% of women suffer from premenstrual syndrome.

pre |men|stru|al te n|sion N‑UNCOUNT Premenstrual tension is the same as premenstrual syndrome . The abbreviation PMT is often used. [mainly BRIT ]

prem|ier ◆◇◇ /pre miə r , [AM ] pr I m I r/ (premiers )

1 N‑COUNT The leader of the government of a country is sometimes referred to as the country's premier . □� �Australian premier Malcolm Turnbull.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Premier is used to describe something that is considered to be the best or most important thing of a particular type. □� �the country's premier opera company.

premi|ere /pre mieə r , [AM ] pr I mje r/ (premieres , premiering , premiered )

1 N‑COUNT The premiere of a new play or film is the first public performance of it. □� A new Czech film has had its premiere at the Karlovy Vary film festival.

2 VERB When a film or show premieres or is premiered , it is shown to an audience for the first time. □�[V ] The documentary premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival. □�[be V -ed] The opera is due to be premiered by ENO next year.

prem|ier|ship /pre miə r ʃ I p, [AM ] pr I m I r-/

1 N‑SING The premiership of a leader of a government is the period of time during which they are the leader. □� �the final years of her premiership.

2 N‑SING In England, the Premiership is the league in which the best football teams play. [BRIT ] □� �their position at the bottom of the Premiership.

prem|ise /pre m I s/ (premises ) The spelling premiss is also used in British English for meaning 2 . 1 N‑PLURAL [oft on the N ] The premises of a business or an institution are all the buildings and land that it occupies in one place. □� There is a kitchen on the premises. □� The business moved to premises in Brompton Road.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A premise is something that you suppose is true and that you use as a basis for developing an idea. [FORMAL ] □� The premise is that schools will work harder to improve if they must compete.

prem|ised /pre m I st/ V-PASSIVE If a theory or attitude is premised on an idea or belief, that idea or belief has been used as the basis for it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�on ] All our activities are premised on the basis of 'Quality with Equality'.

prem|iss /pre m I s/ →�see premise

pre|mium ◆◇◇ /priː miəm/ (premiums )

1 N‑COUNT A premium is a sum of money that you pay regularly to an insurance company for an insurance policy. □� It is too early to say whether insurance premiums will be affected.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] A premium is a sum of money that you have to pay for something in addition to the normal cost. □� Even if customers want 'solutions', most are not willing to pay a premium for them. □� Callers are charged a premium rate of 48p a minute.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Premium goods are of a higher than usual quality and are often expensive. □� �the most popular premium ice cream in this country.

4 PHRASE If something is at a premium , it is wanted or needed, but is difficult to get or achieve. □� If space is at a premium, choose adaptable furniture that won't fill the room.

5 PHRASE If you buy or sell something at a premium , you buy or sell it at a higher price than usual, for example because it is in short supply. □� He eventually sold the shares back to the bank at a premium.

6 PHRASE If you place a high premium on a quality or characteristic or put a high premium on it, you regard it as very important. □� I place a high premium on what someone is like as a person.

pre |mium bond (premium bonds ) N‑COUNT In Britain, premium bonds are numbered tickets that are sold by the government. Each month, a computer selects several numbers, and the people whose tickets have those numbers win money.

premo|ni|tion /pre mən I ʃ ə n, [AM ] priː -/ (premonitions ) N‑COUNT If you have a premonition , you have a feeling that something is going to happen, often something unpleasant. □� He had an unshakable premonition that he would die.

pre|na|tal /priː ne I t ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Prenatal is used to describe things relating to the medical care of women during pregnancy. □� I'd met her briefly in a prenatal class.

pre|oc|cu|pa|tion /priɒ kjʊpe I ʃ ə n/ (preoccupations )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a preoccupation with something or someone, you keep thinking about them because they are important to you. □�[+�with ] In his preoccupation with Robyn, Crook had neglected everything.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Preoccupation is a state of mind in which you think about something so much that you do not consider other things to be important. □� It was hard for him to be aware of her; he kept sinking back into black preoccupation.

pre|oc|cu|pied /priɒ kjʊpa I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are preoccupied , you are thinking a lot about something or someone, and so you hardly notice other things. □�[+�with/by ] Tom Banbury was preoccupied with the missing Shepherd child and did not want to devote time to the new murder.

pre|oc|cu|py /priɒ kjʊpa I / (preoccupies , preoccupying , preoccupied ) VERB If something is preoccupying you, you are thinking about it a lot. □�[V n] Crime and the fear of crime preoccupy the community.

pre|or|dained /priː ɔː r de I nd/ ADJ If you say that something is preordained , you mean you believe it to be happening in the way that has been decided by a power such as God or fate. [FORMAL ] □� �the belief that our actions are the unfolding of a preordained destiny.

prep /pre p/ (preps , prepping , prepped ) VERB If you prep something, you prepare it. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] After prepping the boat, they sailed it down to Carloforte.

pre -pa ckaged also prepackaged ADJ Pre-packaged foods have been prepared in advance and put in plastic or cardboard containers to be sold.

pre -pa cked also prepacked ADJ Pre-packed goods are packed or wrapped before they are sent to the shop where they are sold.

pre|paid /priː pe I d/ also pre-paid ADJ [usu ADJ n] Prepaid items are paid for in advance, before the time when you would normally pay for them. □� Return the enclosed Donation Form today in the prepaid envelope provided.

prepa|ra|tion ◆◇◇ /pre pəre I ʃ ə n/ (preparations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Preparation is the process of getting something ready for use or for a particular purpose or making arrangements for something. □�[+�for/of ] Rub the surface of the wood in preparation for the varnish. □� Behind any successful event lay months of preparation.

2 N‑PLURAL Preparations are all the arrangements that are made for a future event. □�[+�for ] They made preparations for a quiet wedding.

3 N‑COUNT A preparation is a mixture that has been prepared for use as food, medicine, or a cosmetic. □� �anti-ageing creams and sensitive-skin preparations. SYNONYMS preparation NOUN 1

groundwork:Yesterday's meeting was to lay the groundwork for the task ahead.

development:What are your plans for the development of your company?

readiness:Security tightened in the capital in readiness for the president's arrival.

pre|para|tory /pr I p� rətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Preparatory actions are done before doing something else as a form of preparation or as an introduction. □� At least a year's preparatory work will be necessary before building can start.

2 PHRASE If one action is done preparatory to another, it is done before the other action, usually as preparation for it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Sloan cleared his throat preparatory to speaking.

pre|pa ra|tory school (preparatory schools ) N‑VAR A preparatory school is the same as a prep school . [BRIT ]

pre|pare ◆◆◇ /pr I peə r / (prepares , preparing , prepared )

1 VERB If you prepare something, you make it ready for something that is going to happen. □�[V n] The most important task was to prepare a list of missing items. □�[V n +�for ] The crew of the Iowa has been preparing the ship for storage.

2 VERB If you preparefor an event or action that will happen soon, you get yourself ready for it or make the necessary arrangements. □�[V +�for ] The Party leadership is using management consultants to help prepare for the next election. □�[V to-inf] He had to go back to his hotel and prepare to catch a train for New York. □�[V pron-refl +�for ] His doctor had told him to prepare himself for surgery. [Also V ]

3 VERB When you prepare food, you get it ready to be eaten, for example by cooking it. □�[V n] She made her way to the kitchen, hoping to find someone preparing dinner. SYNONYMS prepare VERB

1

get ready:Tomorrow he would tell his pilot to get the aircraft ready.

equip:Owners of restaurants would have to equip them to admit people with disabilities.

draw up:They agreed to draw up a formal agreement.

put together:We got to work on putting the book together.

2

train:The U.S. was ready to train its troops to participate.

groom:George was already being groomed for the top job.

prime:Arnold primed her for her duties.

pre|pared ◆◆◇ /pr I peə r d/

1 ADJ If you are preparedto do something, you are willing to do it if necessary. □� Are you prepared to take industrial action?

2 ADJ If you are prepared for something that you think is going to happen, you are ready for it. □�[+�for ] Police are prepared for large numbers of demonstrators.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You can describe something as prepared when it has been done or made beforehand, so that it is ready when it is needed. □� He ended his prepared statement by thanking the police.

pre|par|ed|ness /pr I peə r I dnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Preparedness is the state of being ready for something to happen, especially for war or a disaster. [FORMAL ] □� The situation in the capital forced them to maintain military preparedness.

pre|pon|der|ance /pr I pɒ ndərəns/ N‑SING If there is a preponderance of one type of person or thing in a group, there is more of that type than of any other. □�[+�of ] �a preponderance of bright, middle-class children in one group. □�[+�of ] �Bath, with its preponderance of small businesses.

prepo|si|tion /pre pəz I ʃ ə n/ (prepositions ) N‑COUNT A preposition is a word such as 'by', 'for', 'into', or 'with' which usually has a noun group as its object. □� Tick all the sentences that contain a preposition.

prepo|si|tion|al phrase /pre pəz I ʃən ə l fre I z/ (prepositional phrases ) N‑COUNT A prepositional phrase is a structure consisting of a preposition and its object. Examples are 'on the table' and 'by the sea'.

pre|pos|ter|ous /pr I pɒ st ə rəs/ ADJ If you describe something as preposterous , you mean that it is extremely unreasonable and foolish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The whole idea was preposterous. ●� pre|pos|ter|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] □� Some prices are preposterously high.

prep|py /pre pi/ (preppies )

1 N‑COUNT Preppies are young people, especially in America, who have often been to an expensive private school and who are conventional and conservative in their attitudes, behaviour, and style of dress. [mainly AM ]

2 ADJ If you describe someone or their clothes, attitudes, or behaviour as preppy , you mean that they are like a preppy. [mainly AM ] □� I couldn't believe how straight-looking he was, how preppy. □� �a preppy collar and tie.

pre-prandial /priː pr� ndiəl/ also preprandial ADJ [ADJ n] You use pre-prandial to refer to things you do or have before a meal. [FORMAL ] □� �pre-prandial drinks.

pre p school (prep schools )

1 N‑VAR [oft prep N ] In Britain, a prep school is a private school where children are educated until the age of 11 or 13.

2 N‑VAR In the United States, a prep school is a private school for students who intend to go to college after they leave.

pre|pu|bes|cent /priː pjuːbe s ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Prepubescent means relating to the time just before someone's body becomes physically mature. [FORMAL ] □� �prepubescent boys and girls.

pre|quel /priː kwəl/ (prequels ) N‑COUNT A prequel is a film that is made about an earlier stage of a story or a character's life when the later part of it has already been made into a successful film. □�[+�to ] Now Saul Goodman has his own television series, inevitably entitled Better Call Saul - a prequel to Breaking Bad.

Pre-Raphaelite /priː r� fəla I t/ (Pre-Raphaelites )

1 N‑COUNT The Pre-Raphaelites were a group of British painters in the nineteenth century who painted mainly scenes from medieval history and old stories.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Pre-Raphaelite art was created by the Pre-Raphaelites.

3 ADJ If you say that a woman looks Pre-Raphaelite , you mean that she looks like a character in a Pre-Raphaelite painting, for example because she has long wavy hair.

pre -reco rded also prerecorded ADJ Something that is pre-recorded has been recorded in advance so that it can be broadcast or played later. □� �a pre-recorded interview.

pre|requi|site /priː re kw I z I t/ (prerequisites ) N‑COUNT If one thing is a prerequisitefor another, it must happen or exist before the other thing is possible. □�[+�for/of ] Good self-esteem is a prerequisite for a happy life.

pre|roga|tive /pr I rɒ gət I v/ (prerogatives ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] If something is the prerogative of a particular person or group, it is a privilege or a power that only they have. [FORMAL ] □� Constitutional changes are exclusively the prerogative of the parliament.

pres|age /pre s I dʒ/ (presages , presaging , presaged ) VERB If something presages a situation or event, it is considered to be a warning or sign of what is about to happen. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �the dawn's loud chorus that seemed to presage a bright hot summer's day.

Pres|by|ter|ian /pre zb I t I ə riən/ (Presbyterians )

1 ADJ Presbyterian means belonging or relating to a Protestant church, found especially in Scotland or the United States, which is governed by a body of official people all of equal rank. □� �a Presbyterian minister.

2 N‑COUNT A Presbyterian is a member of the Presbyterian church.

pres|by|tery /pre zb I tri, [AM ] -teri/ (presbyteries ) N‑COUNT A presbytery is the house in which a Roman Catholic priest lives.

pre-school (pre-schools ) also preschool Pronounced /priː skuː l/ for meaning 1 , and /priː skuːl/ for meaning 2 . 1 ADJ [ADJ n] Pre-school is used to describe things relating to the care and education of children before they reach the age when they have to go to school. [WRITTEN ] □� Looking after pre-school children is very tiring. □� The Halsey Report emphasized the value of a pre-school education.

2 N‑VAR In the United States, a pre-school is a school for children between the ages of 2 and 5 or 6. □� Children graduate to the kindergarten, then pre-school, and then school.

pre|schooler /priːskuː lə r / (preschoolers ) also pre-schooler N‑COUNT [usu pl] Children who are no longer babies but are not yet old enough to go to school are sometimes referred to as preschoolers . [WRITTEN ]

pres|ci|ent /pre siənt, [AM ] pre ʃ-/ ADJ If you say that someone or something was prescient , you mean that they were able to know or predict what was going to happen in the future. [FORMAL ] □� �'Bob Roberts', an eerily prescient comedy about a populist multimillionaire political candidate. ●� pres|ci|ence N‑UNCOUNT □� Over the years he's demonstrated a certain prescience in foreign affairs.

pre|scribe /pr I skra I b/ (prescribes , prescribing , prescribed )

1 VERB If a doctor prescribes medicine or treatment for you, he or she tells you what medicine or treatment to have. □�[V n] Our doctor diagnosed a throat infection and prescribed antibiotics and junior aspirin. □�[V -ed] She took twice the prescribed dose of sleeping tablets. □�[V n +�to ] The law allows doctors to prescribe contraception to the under 16s.

2 VERB If a person or set of laws or rules prescribes an action or duty, they state that it must be carried out. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �article II of the constitution, which prescribes the method of electing a president. □�[V -ed] Alliott told Singleton he was passing the sentence prescribed by law.

pre|scrip|tion /pr I skr I pʃ ə n/ (prescriptions )

1 N‑COUNT A prescription is the piece of paper on which your doctor writes an order for medicine and which you give to a chemist or pharmacist to get the medicine. □� You will have to take your prescription to a chemist.

2 N‑COUNT A prescription is a medicine which a doctor has told you to take. □� The prescription Ackerman gave me isn't doing any good. ●�PHRASE If a medicine is available on prescription , you can only get it from a chemist or pharmacist if a doctor gives you a prescription for it. □� The drug is available on prescription only.

3 N‑COUNT A prescription is a proposal or a plan which gives ideas about how to solve a problem or improve a situation. □� �the economic prescriptions of Ireland's main political parties.

pre|scrip|tive /pr I skr I pt I v/ ADJ A prescriptive approach to something involves telling people what they should do, rather than simply giving suggestions or describing what is done. [FORMAL ] □� �prescriptive attitudes to language on the part of teachers. □� The psychologists insist, however, that they are not being prescriptive.

pres|ence ◆◆◇ /pre z ə ns/ (presences )

1 N‑SING [with poss] Someone's presence in a place is the fact that they are there. □�[+�in ] They argued that his presence in the village could only stir up trouble. □�[+�at ] She received hundreds of emails and phone calls requesting her presence at company meetings.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has presence , you mean that they impress people by their appearance and manner. [APPROVAL ] □� Hendrix's stage presence appealed to thousands of teenage rebels.

3 N‑COUNT A presence is a person or creature that you cannot see, but that you are aware of. [LITERARY ] □� She started to be affected by the ghostly presence she could feel in the house.

4 N‑SING If a country has a military presence in another country, it has some of its armed forces there. □� London had intended to grant Aden independence in 1968 but retain a military presence.

5 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] If you refer to the presence of a substance in another thing, you mean that it is in that thing. □�[+�of ] The somewhat acid flavour is caused by the presence of lactic acid.

6 PHRASE If you are in someone's presence , you are in the same place as that person, and are close enough to them to be seen or heard. □� The talks took place in the presence of a diplomatic observer.

present

➊�EXISTING OR HAPPENING NOW

➋�BEING SOMEWHERE

➌�GIFT

➍�VERB USES

➊ pres|ent ◆◆◇ /pre z ə nt/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use present to describe things and people that exist now, rather than those that existed in the past or those that may exist in the future. □� He has brought much of the present crisis on himself. □� It has been skilfully renovated by the present owners. □� No statement can be made at the present time.

2 N‑SING The present is the period of time that we are in now and the things that are happening now. □� �his struggle to reconcile the past with the present. □� �continuing right up to the present. □� Then her thoughts would switch to the present.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, the present tenses of a verb are the ones that are used to talk about things that happen regularly or situations that exist at this time. The simple present tense uses the base form or the 's' form of a verb, as in 'I play tennis twice a week' and 'He works in a bank'.

4 PHRASE A situation that exists at present exists now, although it may change. □� There is no way at present of predicting which individuals will develop the disease. □� At present children under 14 are not permitted in bars.

5 PHRASE The present day is the period of history that we are in now. □� �Western European art from the period of Giotto to the present day.

6 PHRASE Something that exists or will be done for the present exists now or will continue for a while, although the situation may change later. □� For the present at least, they appeared to be safe.

➋ pres|ent ◆◆◇ /pre z ə nt/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is present at an event, they are there. □�[+�at ] The president was not present at the meeting. □�[+�at ] Nearly 85 per cent of men are present at the birth of their children. □� The whole family was present.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something, especially a substance or disease, is present in something else, it exists within that thing. □�[+�in ] This special form of vitamin D is naturally present in breast milk.

➌ pres|ent /pre z ə nt/ (presents ) N‑COUNT A present is something that you give to someone, for example at Christmas or when you visit them. □�[+�from ] The carpet was a wedding present from the Prime Minister. □�[+�for ] I bought a birthday present for my mother. □� This book would make a great Christmas present.

➍ pre|sent ◆◆◇ /pr I ze nt/ (presents , presenting , presented )

1 VERB If you present someone with something such as a prize or document, or if you present it to them, you formally give it to them. □�[V n +�with ] The mayor presented him with a gold medal at an official city reception. □�[V n] The Prime Minister presented the prizes. □�[V n +�to ] The group intended to present this petition to the parliament. ●� pres|en|ta|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Then came the presentation of the awards by the Duke.

2 VERB If something presents a difficulty, challenge, or opportunity, it causes it or provides it. □�[V n] This presents a problem for many financial consumers. □�[V n +�with ] Public policy on the family presents liberals with a dilemma. [Also V n to n]

3 VERB If an opportunity or problem presentsitself , it occurs, often when you do not expect it. □�[V pron-refl] Their colleagues insulted them whenever the opportunity presented itself.

4 VERB When you present information, you give it to people in a formal way. □�[V n] We spend the time collating and presenting the information in a variety of chart forms. □�[V n +�to ] We presented three options to the unions for discussion. □�[V n +�with ] In effect, Parsons presents us with a beguilingly simple outline of social evolution. ●� pres|en|ta|tion (presentations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �a fair presentation of the facts to a jury.

5 VERB If you present someone or something in a particular way, you describe them in that way. □�[V n +�as ] The government has presented these changes as major reforms. □�[V n +�in ] In Europe, Aga Khan III presented himself in a completely different light.

6 VERB The way you present yourself is the way you speak and act when meeting new people. □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] �all those tricks which would help him to present himself in a more confident way in public.

7 VERB If someone or something presents a particular appearance or image, that is how they appear or try to appear. □�[V n] The small group of onlookers presented a pathetic sight. □�[V n] In presenting a more professional image the party risks losing its individuality. □�[V n +�to ] �presenting a calm and dignified face to the world at large.

8 VERB If you present yourself somewhere, you officially arrive there, for example for an appointment. □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] She was told to present herself at the Town Hall at 11.30 for the induction ceremony.

9 VERB If someone presents a programme on television or radio, they introduce each item in it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] She presents a monthly magazine programme on the BBC. in AM, usually use host , introduce10 VERB When someone presents something such as a production of a play or an exhibition, they organize it. □�[V n] The Lyric Theatre is presenting a new production of 'Over the Bridge'.

11 VERB If you present someone to someone else, often an important person, you formally introduce them. □�[V n +�to ] Fox stepped forward, welcomed him, and presented him to Jack. □�[V n] Allow me to present my cousin, Mr Zachary Colenso.

12 →�see also presentation

pre|sent|able /pr I ze ntəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that someone looks presentable , you mean that they look fairly tidy or attractive. □� She managed to make herself presentable in time for work. □� �wearing his most presentable suit.

2 ADJ If you describe something as presentable , you mean that it is acceptable or quite good. [mainly BRIT ] □� His score of 29 had helped Leicestershire reach a presentable total.

pres|en|ta|tion /pre z ə nte I ʃ ə n, [AM ] priː zen-/ (presentations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Presentation is the appearance of something, which someone has worked to create. □� Her recipes were clear and her presentation simple. □� Check the presentation. Get it properly laid out with a title page.

2 N‑COUNT A presentation is a formal event at which someone is given a prize or award. □� He received his award at a presentation in London yesterday.

3 N‑COUNT When someone gives a presentation , they give a formal talk, often in order to sell something or get support for a proposal. □� She gave bosses a Powerpoint presentation of what she planned to do.

4 →�see also present ➍

pre sent-da y also present day ADJ [ADJ n] Present-day things, situations, and people exist at the time in history we are now in. □� Even by present-day standards these were large aircraft. □� �a huge area of northern India, stretching from present-day Afghanistan to Bengal.

pre|sent|er /pr I ze ntə r / (presenters ) N‑COUNT A radio or television presenter is a person who introduces the items in a particular programme. [mainly BRIT ] □� Most people think being a television presenter is exciting. in AM, usually use host , anchor

pre|sen|ti|ment /pr I ze nt I mənt/ (presentiments ) N‑COUNT [usu N that] A presentiment is a feeling that a particular event, for example someone's death, will soon take place. [FORMAL ] □� I had a presentiment that he represented a danger to me. □�[+�of ] He had a presentiment of disaster.

pres|ent|ly /pre z ə ntli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] If you say that something is presently happening, you mean that it is happening now. □� She is presently developing a number of projects. □� The island is presently uninhabited.

2 ADV You use presently to indicate that something happened quite a short time after the time or event that you have just mentioned. [WRITTEN ] □� Presently, a young woman in a white coat came in.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you say that something will happen presently , you mean that it will happen quite soon. [FORMAL ] □� 'Just take it easy,' David said. 'You'll feel better presently.'

pre s|ent pa r|ti|ci|ple (present participles ) N‑COUNT In grammar, the present participle of a verb is the form which ends in '-ing'. Present participles are used to form continuous tenses, as in 'She was wearing a neat blue suit'. They are often nouns, as in 'I hate cooking' and 'Cooking can be fun'. Many of them can be used like an adjective in front of a noun, as in 'their smiling faces'.

pre s|ent pe r|fect ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, the present perfect tenses of a verb are the ones used to talk about things which happened before the time you are speaking or writing but are relevant to the present situation, or things that began in the past and are still happening. The simple present perfect tense uses 'have' or 'has' and the past participle of the verb, as in 'They have decided what to do'.

pres|er|va|tion|ist /pre zə r ve I ʃən I st/ (preservationists ) N‑COUNT A preservationist is someone who takes action to preserve something such as old buildings or an area of countryside.

pre s|er|va |tion or|der (preservation orders ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a preservation order is an official order that makes it illegal for anyone to alter or destroy something such as an old building or an area of countryside. □� The entire city is under a preservation order.

pre|serva|tive /pr I zɜː r vət I v/ (preservatives ) N‑VAR A preservative is a chemical that prevents things from decaying. Some preservatives are added to food, and others are used to treat wood or metal. □� Nitrates are used as preservatives in food manufacture.

pre|serve ◆◇◇ /pr I zɜː r v/ (preserves , preserving , preserved )

1 VERB If you preserve a situation or condition, you make sure that it remains as it is, and does not change or end. □�[V n] We will do everything to preserve peace. □�[V n] �an effort to fit in more students while preserving standards. ●� pres|er|va|tion /pre zə r ve I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the preservation of the status quo.

2 VERB If you preserve something, you take action to save it or protect it from damage or decay. □�[V n] We need to preserve the forest. □�[V -ed] �perfectly preserved medieval houses. ●� pres|er|va|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the preservation of buildings of architectural or historic interest.

3 VERB If you preserve food, you treat it in order to prevent it from decaying so that you can store it for a long time. □�[V n] I like to make puree, using only enough sugar to preserve the plums. □�[V -ed] �preserved ginger in syrup.

4 N‑PLURAL Preserves are foods such as jam that are made by cooking fruit with a large amount of sugar so that they can be stored for a long time.

5 N‑COUNT If you say that a job or activity is the preserve of a particular person or group of people, you mean that they are the only ones who take part in it. □�[+�of ] The conduct of foreign policy is largely the preserve of the president.

6 N‑COUNT A nature preserve is an area of land or water where animals are protected from hunters. [AM ] □� �Pantanal, one of the world's great wildlife preserves. SYNONYMS preserve VERB

1

maintain:�the emergency powers to try to maintain law and order.

retain:The interior of the shop still retains a nineteenth-century atmosphere.

sustain:He has sustained his fierce social conscience from young adulthood through old age.

keep up:There will be a major incentive among TV channels to keep standards up.

2

maintain:The house costs a fortune to maintain.

protect:So, what can women do to protect themselves from heart disease?

safeguard:They will press for international action to safeguard the ozone layer.

conserve:�a big increase in U.S. aid to help developing countries conserve their forests.

pre|set /priː se t/ (presets , presetting ) also pre-set The form preset is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. VERB [usu passive] If a piece of equipment is preset , its controls have been set in advance of the time you want it to work. □�[be V -ed] �a computerised timer that can be preset to a variety of programs. □�[V -ed] Bake the cake in a preset oven.

pre|side /pr I za I d/ (presides , presiding , presided ) VERB If you preside over a meeting or an event, you are in charge. □�[V +�over/at ] The PM presided over a meeting of his inner Cabinet. □�[V -ing] The presiding officer ruled that the motion was out of order.

presi|den|cy ◆◇◇ /pre z I dənsi/ (presidencies ) N‑COUNT The presidency of a country or organization is the position of being the president or the period of time during which someone is president. □� Poverty had declined during his presidency.

presi|dent ◆◆◆ /pre z I dənt/ (presidents )

1 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT The president of a country that has no king or queen is the person who is the head of state of that country. □� The White House says the president would veto the bill.

2 N‑COUNT The president of an organization is the person who has the highest position in it. □�[+�of ] �Alexandre de Merode, the president of the medical commission. SYNONYMS president NOUN 2

chairman:I had done business with the company's chairman.

managing director:She is managing director of a construction company.

MD:He's going to be the MD of the Park Lane company.

CEO:They have replaced their CEO.

pre sident-ele ct N‑SING The president-elect is the person who has been elected as the president of an organization or country, but who has not yet taken office. □� �one of the president-elect's best proposals during the campaign.

presi|den|tial ◆◆◇ /pre z I de nʃ ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Presidential activities or things relate or belong to a president. □� �Peru's presidential election. □� There are several presidential candidates.

press ◆◆◆ /pre s/ (presses , pressing , pressed )

1 VERB If you press something somewhere, you push it firmly against something else. □�[V n +�against ] He pressed his back against the door. □�[V n prep] They pressed the silver knife into the cake.

2 VERB If you press a button or switch, you push it with your finger in order to make a machine or device work. □�[V n] Drago pressed a button and the door closed. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Press is also a noun. □� �a TV which rises from a table at the press of a button.

3 VERB If you press something or press down on it, you push hard against it with your foot or hand. □�[V n] The engine stalled. He pressed the accelerator hard. □�[V adv] She stood up and leaned forward with her hands pressing down on the desk. [Also V on n]

4 VERB If you press for something, you try hard to persuade someone to give it to you or to agree to it. □�[V +�for ] Police might now press for changes in the law. □�[V +�for ] They had pressed for their children to be taught French.

5 VERB If you press someone, you try hard to persuade them to do something. □�[V n to-inf] Trade unions are pressing him to stand firm. □�[be V -ed +�for/about ] Mr King seems certain to be pressed for further details. □�[be V -ed +�for/about ] She smiles coyly when pressed about her private life. [Also V n into n/-ing]

6 VERB If someone presses their claim, demand, or point, they state it in a very forceful way. □�[V n] The protest campaign has used mass strikes and demonstrations to press its demands.

7 VERB If an unpleasant feeling or worry presses on you, it affects you very much or you are always thinking about it. □�[V +�on ] The weight of irrational guilt pressed on her.

8 VERB If you press something on someone, you give it to them and insist that they take it. □�[V n +�on ] All I had was money, which I pressed on her reluctant mother.

9 VERB If you press clothes, you iron them in order to get rid of the creases. □�[V n] Vera pressed his shirt. □�[V -ed] �clean, neatly pressed, conservative clothes.

10 VERB If you press fruits or vegetables, you squeeze them or crush them, usually in order to extract the juice. □�[be V -ed] The grapes are hand-picked and pressed. □�[V n] I pressed the juice of half a lemon into a glass of water. □�[V -ed] �1 clove fresh garlic, pressed or diced.

11 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] Newspapers are referred to as the press . □� Today the press is full of articles on the new prime minister. □� Press reports revealed that ozone levels in the upper atmosphere fell during the past month.

12 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] Journalists are referred to as the press . □� Christie looked relaxed and calm as he faced the press afterwards.

13 N‑COUNT A press or a printing press is a machine used for printing things such as books and newspapers.

14 →�see also pressed , pressing

15 PHRASE If someone or something gets a bad press , they are criticized, especially in the newspapers, on television, or on radio. If they get a good press , they are praised. □� �the bad press that career women consistently get in this country.

16 PHRASE If you press chargesagainst someone, you make an official accusation against them which has to be decided in a court of law. □� I could have pressed charges against him.

17 PHRASE When a newspaper or magazine goes to press , it starts being printed. □� We check prices at the time of going to press.

▸� press ahead →�see press on1

▸� press on or press ahead

1 PHRASAL VERB If you press on or press ahead , you continue with a task or activity in a determined way, and do not allow any problems or difficulties to delay you. □�[V P ] Organizers of the strike are determined to press on. □�[V P +�with ] Poland pressed on with economic reform.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you press on , you continue with a journey, even though it is becoming more difficult or more dangerous. □�[V P ] I considered turning back, but it was getting late, so I pressed on. SYNONYMS press VERB 1

push:He put both hands flat on the door and pushed as hard as he could.

squeeze:He squeezed her arm reassuringly.

pre ss agen|cy (press agencies ) N‑COUNT A country's press agency is an organization that gathers news from that country and supplies it to journalists from all over the world.

pre ss agent (press agents ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A press agent is a person who is employed by a famous person to give information about that person to the press.

pre ss box (press boxes ) N‑COUNT Thepress box at a sports ground is a room or area which is reserved for journalists to watch sporting events.

pre ss con|fer|ence (press conferences ) N‑COUNT A press conference is a meeting held by a famous or important person in which they answer journalists' questions. □� She gave her reaction to his release at a press conference.

pre ss corps (press corps ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] Thepress corps is a group of journalists who are all working in a particular place, for different newspapers. □� David McNeil is travelling with the White House press corps.

pressed /pre st/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are pressed for time or pressed for money, you mean that you do not have enough time or money at the moment. □�[+�for ] Are you pressed for time, Mr Bayliss? If not, I suggest we have lunch.

2 →�see also hard-pressed

pre ss gal|lery (press galleries ) N‑COUNT Thepress gallery is the area in a parliament, legislature, or council which is reserved for journalists who report on its activities.

pre ss-gang (press-gangs , press-ganging , press-ganged )

1 VERB [usu passive] If you are press-ganged into doing something, you are made or persuaded to do it, even though you do not really want to. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed +�into ] I was press-ganged into working in that business. □�[be V -ed] She was a volunteer, she hadn't had to be press-ganged.

2 VERB [usu passive] If people are press-ganged , they are captured and forced to join the army or navy. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed +�into ] They left their villages to evade being press-ganged into the army. □�[be V -ed] The government denies that the women were press-ganged. ●� press-ganging N‑SING □� �the press-ganging of young people into the country's armed forces.

3 N‑COUNT In former times, a press-gang was a group of men who used to capture boys and men and force them to join the navy.

pres|sie /pre zi/ →�see pressy

press|ing /pre s I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pressing problem, need, or issue has to be dealt with immediately. □� It is one of the most pressing problems facing this country.

2 →�see also press

press|man /pre sm�n/ (pressmen ) N‑COUNT A pressman is a journalist, especially a man, who works for a newspaper or magazine. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� There were television crews and pressmen from all around the world. in AM, use newspaperman

pre ss of|fic|er (press officers ) N‑COUNT A press officer is a person who is employed by an organization to give information about that organization to the press. □� �the Press Officer of the Bavarian Government.

pre ss re|lease (press releases ) N‑COUNT A press release is a written statement about a matter of public interest which is given to the press by an organization concerned with the matter.

pre ss room (press rooms ) also pressroom N‑COUNT A press room is a room for journalists to use at a special event.

pre ss se c|re|tary (press secretaries ) N‑COUNT A government's or political leader's press secretary is someone who is employed by them to give information to the press. □� �the Prime Minister's official press secretary.

pre ss stud (press studs ) N‑COUNT A press stud is a small metal object used to fasten clothes and is made up of two parts which can be pressed together. [BRIT ] in AM, use snap fastener , snap

pre ss-up (press-ups ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Press-ups are exercises to strengthen your arms and chest muscles. They are done by lying with your face towards the floor and pushing with your hands to raise your body until your arms are straight. [BRIT ] □� He made me do 30 press-ups. in AM, use push-ups

pres|sure ◆◆◆ /pre ʃə r / (pressures , pressuring , pressured )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pressure is force that you produce when you press hard on something. □� She kicked at the door with her foot, and the pressure was enough to open it. □� The best way to treat such bleeding is to apply firm pressure.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The pressure in a place or container is the force produced by the quantity of gas or liquid in that place or container. □� The window in the cockpit had blown in and the pressure dropped dramatically.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If there is pressureon a person, someone is trying to persuade or force them to do something. □�[+�on ] He may have put pressure on her to agree. □� Its government is under pressure from the European Commission.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you are experiencing pressure , you feel that you must do a lot of tasks or make a lot of decisions in very little time, or that people expect a lot from you. □� Can you work under pressure? □�[+�of ] The pressures of modern life are great.

5 VERB If you pressure someone to do something, you try forcefully to persuade them to do it. □�[V n to-inf] He will never pressure you to get married. □�[be V -ed +�into ] The Government should not be pressured into making hasty decisions. □�[V n] Don't pressure me. □�[V n +�for ] His boss did not pressure him for results. ●� pres|sured ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� You're likely to feel anxious and pressured.

6 →�see also blood pressure

pre s|sure cook|er (pressure cookers ) N‑COUNT A pressure cooker is a large metal container with a lid that fits tightly, in which you can cook food quickly using steam at high pressure.

pre s|sure group (pressure groups ) N‑COUNT A pressure group is an organized group of people who are trying to persuade a government or other authority to do something, for example to change a law. □� �the environmental pressure group Greenpeace.

pres|sur|ize /pre ʃəra I z/ (pressurizes , pressurizing , pressurized ) in BRIT, also use pressurise1 VERB If you are pressurized into doing something, you are forcefully persuaded to do it. □�[be V -ed +�into ] Do not be pressurized into making your decision immediately. □�[V n] He thought she was trying to pressurize him. [Also V n to-inf]

2 →�see also pressurized

pres|sur|ized /pre ʃəra I zd/ in BRIT, also use pressurised ADJ [usu ADJ n] In a pressurized container or area, the pressure inside is different from the pressure outside. □� Certain types of foods are also dispensed in pressurized canisters.

pres|sy /pre zi/ (pressies ) also pressie N‑COUNT A pressy is something that you give to someone, for example at Christmas, or when you visit them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �Christmas pressies.

pres|tige /prestiː ʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If a person, a country, or an organization has prestige , they are admired and respected because of the position they hold or the things they have achieved. □� It was his responsibility for foreign affairs that gained him international prestige.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Prestige is used to describe products, places, or activities which people admire because they are associated with being rich or having a high social position. □� �such prestige cars as Cadillac, Mercedes, Porsche and Jaguar.

pres|tig|ious /prest I dʒəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A prestigious institution, job, or activity is respected and admired by people. □� It's one of the best equipped and most prestigious schools in the country.

pre|sum|ably ◆◇◇ /pr I zjuː məbli, [AM ] -zuː m-/ ADV [ADV before v] If you say that something is presumably the case, you mean that you think it is very likely to be the case, although you are not certain. [VAGUENESS ] □� He had gone to the reception desk, presumably to check out.

pre|sume /pr I zjuː m, [AM ] -zuː m/ (presumes , presuming , presumed )

1 VERB If you presumethat something is the case, you think that it is the case, although you are not certain. □�[V that] I presume you're here on business. □�[V that] Dido's told you the whole sad story, I presume? □�[V so ] 'Had he been home all week?'�'I presume so.' □�[be V -ed to-inf] �areas that have been presumed to be safe. □�[be V -ed adj] The missing person is presumed dead. [Also it be V -ed that]

2 VERB If you say that someone presumesto do something, you mean that they do it even though they have no right to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] They're resentful that outsiders presume to meddle in their affairs.

3 VERB If an idea, theory, or plan presumes certain facts, it regards them as true so that they can be used as a basis for further ideas and theories. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The legal definition of 'know' often presumes mental control. □�[V that] The arrangement presumes that both lenders and borrowers are rational.

pre|sump|tion /pr I zʌ mpʃ ə n/ (presumptions )

1 N‑COUNT A presumption is something that is accepted as true but is not certain to be true. □� �the presumption that a defendant is innocent until proved guilty.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone's behaviour as presumption , you disapprove of it because they are doing something that they have no right to do. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They were angered by his presumption.

pre|sump|tu|ous /pr I zʌ mptʃuəs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone or their behaviour as presumptuous , you disapprove of them because they are doing something that they have no right or authority to do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It would be presumptuous to judge what the outcome will be.

pre|sup|pose /priː səpoʊ z/ (presupposes , presupposing , presupposed ) VERB If one thing presupposes another, the first thing cannot be true or exist unless the second thing is true or exists. □�[V that] All your arguments presuppose that he's a rational, intelligent man. □�[V n] The end of an era presupposes the start of another.

pre|sup|po|si|tion /priː sʌpəz I ʃ ə n/ (presuppositions ) N‑COUNT A presupposition is something that you assume to be true, especially something which you must assume is true in order to continue with what you are saying or thinking. [FORMAL ] □� �the presupposition that human life must be sustained for as long as possible.

pre -ta x also pretax ADJ [ADJ n] Pre-tax profits or losses are the total profits or losses made by a company before tax has been taken away. [BUSINESS ] □� Storehouse made pre-tax profits of �3.1m. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Pre-tax is also an adverb. □� Last year it made �2.5m pre-tax.

pre -tee n (pre-teens ) also preteen N‑COUNT [oft N n] A pre-teen is a child aged between nine and thirteen. □� Some preteens are able to handle a good deal of responsibility. □� �pre-teen children.

pre|tence /pr I te ns, [AM ] priː tens/ (pretences ) in AM, use pretense1 N‑VAR A pretence is an action or way of behaving that is intended to make people believe something that is not true. □�[+�of ] Welland made a pretence of writing a note in his pad. □� We have to go along with the pretence that things are getting better.

2 PHRASE If you do something underfalse pretences , you do it when people do not know the truth about you and your intentions. □� I could not go on living with a man who had married me under false pretences.

pre|tend /pr I te nd/ (pretends , pretending , pretended )

1 VERB If you pretendthat something is the case, you act in a way that is intended to make people believe that it is the case, although in fact it is not. □�[V that] I pretend that things are really okay when they're not. □�[V to-inf] Sometimes the boy pretended to be asleep. □�[V n] I had no option but to pretend ignorance.

2 VERB If children or adults pretendthat they are doing something, they imagine that they are doing it, for example as part of a game. □�[V that] She can sunbathe and pretend she's in Spain. □�[V to-inf] The children pretend to be different animals dancing to the music.

3 VERB [with neg] If you do not pretendthat something is the case, you do not claim that it is the case. □�[V that] We do not pretend that the past six years have been without problems for us. □�[V to-inf] Within this lecture I cannot pretend to deal adequately with dreams.

pre|tend|er /pr I te ndə r / (pretenders ) N‑COUNT [adj N ] A pretenderto a position is someone who claims the right to that position, and whose claim is disputed by others. □�[+�to ] �the Comte de Paris, pretender to the French throne.

pre|tense /pr I te ns, [AM ] priː tens/ →�see pretence

pre|ten|sion /pr I te nʃ ə n/ (pretensions )

1 N‑VAR If you say that someone has pretensions , you disapprove of them because they claim or pretend that they are more important than they really are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] Her wide-eyed innocence soon exposes the pretensions of the art world. □� We like him for his honesty, his lack of pretension.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [N to-inf] If someone has pretensions to something, they claim to be or do that thing. □�[+�to ] The city has unrealistic pretensions to world-class status.

pre|ten|tious /pr I te nʃəs/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is pretentious , you mean that they try to seem important or significant, but you do not think that they are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His response was full of pretentious nonsense. ●� pre|ten|tious|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He has a tendency towards pretentiousness.

pre|ter|natu|ral /priː tə r n� tʃrəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Preternatural abilities, qualities, or events are very unusual in a way that might make you think that unknown forces are involved. [FORMAL ] □� Parents had an almost preternatural ability to understand what was going on in their children's minds. ●� pre|ter|natu|ral|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� It was suddenly preternaturally quiet.

pre|text /priː tekst/ (pretexts ) N‑COUNT A pretext is a reason which you pretend has caused you to do something. □�[+�for ] They wanted a pretext for subduing the region by force.

pret|ti|fy /pr I t I fa I / (prettifies , prettifying , prettified ) VERB To prettify something, especially something that is not beautiful, means to make it appear pretty. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] �just a clever effort to prettify animal slaughter. □�[V -ed] It presented an intolerably prettified view of the countryside.

pret|ty ◆◆◇ /pr I ti/ (prettier , prettiest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone, especially a girl, as pretty , you mean that they look nice and are attractive in a delicate way. □� She's a very charming and very pretty girl. ●� pret|ti|ly /pr I t I li/ ADV □� She smiled again, prettily. ●� pret|ti|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Her prettiness had been much admired.

2 ADJ A place or a thing that is pretty is attractive and pleasant, in a charming but not particularly unusual way. □� Whitstable is still a very pretty little town. ●� pret|ti|ly ADV □� The living-room was prettily decorated. ●� pret|ti|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �shells of quite unbelievable prettiness.

3 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use pretty before an adjective or adverb to mean 'quite' or 'rather'. [INFORMAL ] □� I had a pretty good idea what she was going to do. □� Pretty soon after my arrival I found lodgings.

4 PHRASE Pretty much or pretty well means 'almost'. [INFORMAL ] □� His new government looks pretty much like the old one. SYNONYMS pretty ADJ 1

attractive:He's a very attractive man.

beautiful:She was a very beautiful woman.

lovely:You all look really lovely.

pret|zel /pre ts ə l/ (pretzels ) N‑COUNT A pretzel is a small, crisp, shiny biscuit, which has salt on the outside. Pretzels are usually shaped like knots or sticks.

pre|vail /pr I ve I l/ (prevails , prevailing , prevailed )

1 VERB If a proposal, principle, or opinion prevails , it gains influence or is accepted, often after a struggle or argument. □�[V ] We hope that common sense would prevail. □�[V +�over ] Political and personal ambitions are starting to prevail over economic interests.

2 VERB If a situation, attitude, or custom prevails in a particular place at a particular time, it is normal or most common in that place at that time. □�[V ] A similar situation prevails in America. □�[V -ing] How people bury their dead says much about the prevailing attitudes toward death.

3 VERB If one side in a battle, contest, or dispute prevails , it wins. □�[V ] He appears to have the votes he needs to prevail. □�[V +�over/against ] I do hope he will prevail over the rebels.

4 VERB If you prevail upon someone to do something, you succeed in persuading them to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�upon/on ] We must, each of us, prevail upon our congressman to act.

pre|vail|ing /pr I ve I l I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] The prevailing wind in an area is the type of wind that blows over that area most of the time. □� The direction of the prevailing winds should be taken into account.

preva|lent /pre vələnt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A condition, practice, or belief that is prevalent is common. □� This condition is more prevalent in women than in men. □� The prevalent view is that interest rates will fall. ●� preva|lence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the prevalence of asthma in Britain and western Europe.

pre|vari|cate /pr I v� r I ke I t/ (prevaricates , prevaricating , prevaricated ) VERB If you prevaricate , you avoid giving a direct answer or making a firm decision. □�[V ] British ministers continued to prevaricate. ●� pre|vari|ca|tion /pr I v� r I ke I ʃ ə n/ (prevarications ) N‑VAR □� After months of prevarication, the political decision had at last been made.

pre|vent ◆◆◇ /pr I ve nt/ (prevents , preventing , prevented )

1 VERB To prevent something means to ensure that it does not happen. □�[V n] These methods prevent pregnancy. □�[V n +�from ] Further treatment will prevent cancer from developing. □�[V n v-ing] We recognized the possibility and took steps to prevent it happening. ●� pre|ven|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the prevention of heart disease. □� �crime prevention.

2 VERB To prevent someone from doing something means to make it impossible for them to do it. □�[V n +�from ] He said this would prevent companies from creating new jobs. □�[V n v-ing] The police have been trying to prevent them carrying weapons. [Also V n]

pre|vent|able /pr I ve ntəb ə l/ ADJ Preventable diseases, illnesses, or deaths could be stopped from occurring. □� Forty-thousand children a day die from preventable diseases.

pre|ven|ta|tive /pr I ve ntət I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] Preventative means the same as preventive .

pre|ven|tive /pr I ve nt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Preventive actions are intended to help prevent things such as disease or crime. □� Too much is spent on expensive curative medicine and too little on preventive medicine.

pre|view /priː vjuː/ (previews , previewing , previewed )

1 N‑COUNT A preview is an opportunity to see something such as a film, exhibition, or invention before it is open or available to the public. □�[+�of ] He had gone to see the preview of a play. □�[+�of ] �a sneak preview of the type of car that could be commonplace within ten years.

2 VERB If a journalist previews something such as a film, exhibition, or invention, they see it and describe it to the public before the public see it for themselves. □�[V n] He knew about the interview prior to its publication and had actually previewed the piece.

pre|vi|ous ◆◆◇ /priː viəs/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A previous event or thing is one that happened or existed before the one that you are talking about. □� I'm a lot happier than I was in my previous job. □� He has no previous convictions.

2 ADJ You refer to the period of time or the thing immediately before the one that you are talking about as the previous one. □� It was a surprisingly dry day after the rain of the previous week.

pre|vi|ous|ly ◆◇◇ /priː viəsli/

1 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] Previously means at some time before the period that you are talking about. □� Guyana's railways were previously owned by private companies. □� Previously she had very little time to work in her own garden.

2 ADV [n ADV ] You can use previously to say how much earlier one event was than another event. □� He had first entered the House 12 years previously. SYNONYMS previously ADV 1

before:The war had ended only a month or so before.

once:The culture minister once ran a theatre.

formerly:He had formerly been in the Navy.

pre -wa r also prewar ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pre-war is used to describe things that happened, existed, or were made in the period immediately before a war, especially the Second World War, 1939-45. □� �Poland's pre-war leader.

prey /pre I / (preys , preying , preyed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu with poss] A creature's prey are the creatures that it hunts and eats in order to live. □� Electric rays stun their prey with huge electrical discharges. □�[+�of ] These animals were the prey of hyenas.

2 →�see also bird of prey

3 VERB A creature that preys on other creatures lives by catching and eating them. □�[V +�on/upon ] The larvae prey upon small aphids.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] You can refer to the people who someone tries to harm or trick as their prey . □� Police officers lie in wait for the gangs who stalk their prey at night.

5 VERB If someone preys on other people, especially people who are unable to protect themselves, they take advantage of them or harm them in some way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�on ] The survey claims loan companies prey on weak families already in debt.

6 VERB If something preys on your mind, you cannot stop thinking and worrying about it. □�[V +�on ] He had been unwise and it preyed on his conscience.

price ◆◆◆ /pra I s/ (prices , pricing , priced )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] The price of something is the amount of money that you have to pay in order to buy it. □� �a sharp increase in the price of petrol. □� They expected house prices to rise. □� Computers haven't come down in price.

2 N‑SING The price that you pay for something that you want is an unpleasant thing that you have to do or suffer in order to get it. □�[+�for ] We will have to pay a high price for independence.

3 VERB If something is priced at a particular amount, the price is set at that amount. □�[be V -ed +�at ] The shares are expected to be priced at about 330p. □�[V n +�at ] Digital priced the new line at less than half the cost of comparable mainframes. □�[V -ed] There is a very reasonably priced menu. ●� pric|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� It's hard to maintain competitive pricing.

4 →�see also retail price index , selling price

5 PHRASE If you want something at any price , you are determined to get it, even if unpleasant things happen as a result. □� If they wanted a deal at any price, they would have to face the consequences.

6 PHRASE If you can buy something that you want at a price , it is for sale, but it is extremely expensive. □� Most goods are available, but at a price.

7 PHRASE If you get something that you want at a price , you get it but something unpleasant happens as a result. □� Fame comes at a price.

8to price yourself out of the market →�see market

price|less /pra I sləs/

1 ADJ If you say that something is priceless , you are emphasizing that it is worth a very large amount of money. [EMPHASIS ] □� �the priceless treasures of the Royal Collection.

2 ADJ If you say that something is priceless , you approve of it because it is extremely useful. [APPROVAL ] □� They are a priceless record of a brief period in British history.

pri ce point (price points ) N‑COUNT The price point of a product is the price that it sells for. [BUSINESS ] □� No price point exists for the machine yet. □� The big companies dominate the lower price points.

pri ce tag (price tags ) also price-tag

1 N‑COUNT If something has a price tag of a particular amount, that is the amount that you must pay in order to buy it. [WRITTEN ] □� The price tag on the 34-room white Regency mansion is �17.5 million.

2 N‑COUNT In a shop, the price tag on an article for sale is a small piece of card or paper which is attached to the article and which has the price written on it.

pri ce war (price wars ) N‑COUNT If competing companies are involved in a price war , they each try to gain an advantage by lowering their prices as much as possible in order to sell more of their products and damage their competitors financially. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�between ] A vicious price war between manufacturers has cut margins to the bone.

pricey /pra I si/ (pricier , priciest ) also pricy ADJ If you say that something is pricey , you mean that it is expensive. [INFORMAL ] □� Medical insurance is very pricey.

prick /pr I k/ (pricks , pricking , pricked )

1 VERB If you prick something or prick holes in it, you make small holes in it with a sharp object such as a pin. □�[V n] Prick the potatoes and rub the skins with salt. □�[V n prep] He pricks holes in the foil with a pin.

2 VERB If something sharp pricks you or if you prickyourself with something sharp, it sticks into you or presses your skin and causes you pain. □�[V n] She had just pricked her finger with the needle. [Also V pron-refl]

3 VERB If something pricks your conscience , you suddenly feel guilty about it. If you are prickedby an emotion, you suddenly experience that emotion. □�[V n] Most were sympathetic once we pricked their consciences.

4 N‑COUNT A prick is a small, sharp pain that you get when something pricks you. □� At the same time she felt a prick on her neck.

5 N‑COUNT A man's prick is his penis. [INFORMAL , VERY RUDE ]

▸� prick up PHRASAL VERB If someone pricks up their ears or if their ears prick up , they listen eagerly when they suddenly hear an interesting sound or an important piece of information. □�[V P n] She stopped talking to prick up her ears. □�[V P ] �ears which prick up at the mention of royalty.

prick|le /pr I k ə l/ (prickles , prickling , prickled )

1 VERB If your skin prickles , it feels as if a lot of small sharp points are being stuck into it, either because of something touching it or because you feel a strong emotion. □�[V ] He paused, feeling his scalp prickling under his hat. ●�N‑COUNT Prickle is also a noun. □�[+�of ] I felt a prickle of disquiet.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Prickles are small sharp points that stick out from leaves or from the stalks of plants. □� �an erect stem covered at the base with a few prickles.

prick|ly /pr I kəli/

1 ADJ Something that is prickly feels rough and uncomfortable, as if it has a lot of prickles. □� The bunk mattress was hard, the blankets prickly and slightly damp.

2 ADJ Someone who is prickly loses their temper or gets upset very easily. □� You know how prickly she is.

3 ADJ A prickly issue or subject is one that is rather complicated and difficult to discuss or resolve. □� The issue is likely to prove a prickly one.

pri ck|ly hea t N‑UNCOUNT Prickly heat is a condition caused by very hot weather, in which your skin becomes hot, uncomfortable, and covered with tiny bumps.

pri ck|ly pea r (prickly pears ) N‑COUNT A prickly pear is a kind of cactus that has round fruit with prickles on. The fruit, which you can eat, is also called a prickly pear .

pricy /pra I si/ →�see pricey

pride ◆◇◇ /pra I d/ (prides , priding , prided )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pride is a feeling of satisfaction which you have because you or people close to you have done something good or possess something good. □�[+�in ] �the sense of pride in a job well done. □�[+�in ] We take pride in offering you the highest standards. □� They can look back on their endeavours with pride.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Pride is a sense of the respect that other people have for you, and that you have for yourself. □� It was a severe blow to Kendall's pride.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's pride is the feeling that they have that they are better or more important than other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His pride may still be his downfall.

4 VERB If you prideyourself on a quality or skill that you have, you are very proud of it. □�[V pron-refl +�on ] Smith prides himself on being able to organise his own life.

5 PHRASE Someone or something that is your pride and joy is very important to you and makes you feel very happy. □� The bike soon became his pride and joy.

6 PHRASE If something takes pride of place , it is treated as the most important thing in a group of things. □� A three-foot-high silver World Championship cup takes pride of place near a carved wooden chair.

priest ◆◇◇ /priː st/ (priests )

1 N‑COUNT A priest is a member of the Christian clergy in the Catholic, Anglican, or Orthodox church. □� He had trained to be a Catholic priest.

2 N‑COUNT In many non-Christian religions a priest is a man who has particular duties and responsibilities in a place where people worship.

3 →�see also high priest

priest|ess /priː stes/ (priestesses )

1 N‑COUNT A priestess is a woman in a non-Christian religion who has particular duties and responsibilities in a place where people worship.

2 →�see also high priestess

priest|hood /priː sthʊd/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Priesthood is the position of being a priest or the period of time during which someone is a priest. □� He spent the first twenty-five years of his priesthood as an academic.

2 N‑SING The priesthood is all the members of the Christian clergy, especially in a particular Church. □� Should the General Synod vote women into the priesthood?

priest|ly /priː stli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Priestly is used to describe things that belong or relate to a priest. □� Priestly robes hang on the walls. □� �his priestly duties.

prig /pr I g/ (prigs ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a prig , you disapprove of them because they behave in a very moral way and disapprove of other people's behaviour as though they are superior. [DISAPPROVAL ]

prig|gish /pr I g I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe someone as priggish , you think that they are a prig. [DISAPPROVAL ]

prim /pr I m/ ADJ If you describe someone as prim , you disapprove of them because they behave too correctly and are too easily shocked by anything rude. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We tend to imagine that the Victorians were very prim and proper. ●� prim|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� We sat primly at either end of a long settee.

pri|ma|cy /pra I məsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Theprimacyof something is the fact that it is the most important or most powerful thing in a particular situation. [FORMAL ] □� The political idea at the heart of this is the primacy of the individual.

pri|ma don|na /priː mə dɒ nə/ (prima donnas )

1 N‑COUNT A prima donna is the main female singer in an opera. □� Her career began as prima donna with the Royal Carl Rosa Opera Company.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a prima donna , you disapprove of them because they think they can behave badly or get what they want because they have a particular talent. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Nobody who comes to this club is allowed to behave like a prima donna.

pri|mae|val /pra I miː v ə l/ →�see primeval

pri|ma fa|cie /pra I mə fe I ʃi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Prima facie is used to describe something which appears to be true when you first consider it. [FORMAL ] □� There was a prima facie case that a contempt of court had been committed.

pri|mal /pra I m ə l/ ADJ Primal is used to describe something that relates to the origins of things or that is very basic. [FORMAL ] □� Jealousy is a primal emotion.

pri|mari|ly /pra I mər I li, [AM ] pra I meə r I li/ ADV [ADV with v] You use primarily to say what is mainly true in a particular situation. □� �a book aimed primarily at high-energy physicists. □� Public order is primarily an urban problem.

pri|ma|ry ◆◇◇ /pra I məri, [AM ] -meri/ (primaries )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use primary to describe something that is very important. [FORMAL ] □� That's the primary reason the company's share price has held up so well. □� His misunderstanding of language was the primary cause of his other problems.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Primary education is given to pupils between the ages of 5 and 11. [BRIT ] □� Britain did not introduce compulsory primary education until 1880. □� �primary teachers. in AM, use elementary3 ADJ [ADJ n] Primary is used to describe something that occurs first. □� It is not the primary tumour that kills, but secondary growths elsewhere in the body.

4 N‑COUNT A primary or a primary election is an election in an American state in which people vote for someone to become a candidate for a political office. Compare general election . □� �the 1968 New Hampshire primary. SYNONYMS primary ADJ 1

chief:Financial stress is well established as a chief reason for divorce.

main:My main concern now is to protect the children.

principal:The principal reason for my change of mind is my health.

leading:Britain's future as a leading industrial nation depends on investment.

pri |ma|ry ca re N‑UNCOUNT Primary care refers to those parts of the health service, such as general practitioners and hospital casualty departments, that deal with people who are in immediate need of medical care. □� �the crucial roles of primary care and of preventive work.

pri |ma|ry co l|our (primary colours ) in AM, use primary color N‑COUNT [usu pl] Primary colours are basic colours that can be mixed together to produce other colours. They are usually considered to be red, yellow, blue, and sometimes green. □� It comes in bright primary colours that kids will love.

pri |ma|ry school (primary schools ) N‑VAR [oft in names] A primary school is a school for children between the ages of 5 and 11. [mainly BRIT ] □� �eight- to nine-year-olds in their third year at primary school. □� Greenside Primary School. in AM, usually use elementary school

pri|mate /pra I me I t/ (primates ) The pronunciation /pra I mət/ is also used for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT A primate is a member of the group of mammals which includes humans, monkeys, and apes. □� The woolly spider monkey is the largest primate in the Americas.

2 N‑COUNT The Primateof a particular country or region is the most important priest in that country or region. □� �the Roman Catholic Primate of All Ireland.

prime ◆◇◇ /pra I m/ (primes , priming , primed )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use prime to describe something that is most important in a situation. □� Political stability, meanwhile, will be a prime concern. □� It could be a prime target for guerrilla attack. □� The police will see me as the prime suspect!

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use prime to describe something that is of the best possible quality. □� It was one of the City's prime sites, near the Stock Exchange.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use prime to describe an example of a particular kind of thing that is absolutely typical. □� Marianne North was a prime example of Victorian womanhood of the more adventurous kind.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] If someone or something is in their prime , they are at the stage in their existence when they are at their strongest, most active, or most successful. □� She was in her intellectual prime. □� We've had a series of athletes trying to come back well past their prime. □�[+�of ] �young persons in the prime of life.

5 VERB If you prime someone to do something, you prepare them to do it, for example by giving them information about it beforehand. □�[V n] Claire wished she'd primed Sarah beforehand. □�[V n +�for ] Arnold primed her for her duties. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The press corps was primed to leap to the defense of the fired officials.

6to prime the pump →�see pump

Prime Mi n|is|ter ◆◆◆ (Prime Ministers ) N‑COUNT The leader of the government in some countries is called the Prime Minister . □�[+�of ] �the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Miss Benazir Bhutto.

pri me mo v|er (prime movers ) N‑COUNT The prime moverbehind a plan, idea, or situation is someone who has an important influence in starting it. □�[+�behind/in ] He was the prime mover behind the coup.

pri me nu m|ber (prime numbers ) N‑COUNT In mathematics, a prime number is a whole number greater than 1 that cannot be divided exactly by any whole number except itself and the number 1, for example 17.

pri|mer /pra I mə r / (primers ) N‑VAR Primer is a type of paint that is put onto wood in order to prepare it for the main layer of paint. □� Once applied the primer will be touch dry in one hour.

pri me rate (prime rates ) N‑COUNT A bank's prime rate is the lowest rate of interest which it charges at a particular time and which is offered only to certain customers. [BUSINESS ] □� At least one bank cut its prime rate today.

pri me time also primetime N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Prime time television or radio programmes are broadcast when the greatest number of people are watching television or listening to the radio, usually in the evenings. □� �a primetime television show. □� �prime time viewing in mid-evening.

pri|meval /pra I miː v ə l/ in BRIT, also use primaeval1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use primeval to describe things that belong to a very early period in the history of the world. [FORMAL ] □� �the dense primeval forests that once covered inland Brittany.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use primeval to describe feelings and emotions that are basic and not the result of thought. □� �a primeval urge to hit out at that which causes him pain.

primi|tive /pr I m I t I v/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Primitive means belonging to a society in which people live in a very simple way, usually without industries or a writing system. □� �studies of primitive societies.

2 ADJ Primitive means belonging to a very early period in the development of an animal or plant. □� �primitive whales. □� It is a primitive instinct to flee a place of danger.

3 ADJ If you describe something as primitive , you mean that it is very simple in style or very old-fashioned. □� It's using some rather primitive technology.

pri|mor|dial /pra I mɔː r diəl/ ADJ You use primordial to describe things that belong to a very early time in the history of the world. [FORMAL ] □� Twenty million years ago, Idaho was populated by dense primordial forest.

prim|rose /pr I mroʊz/ (primroses ) N‑VAR A primrose is a wild plant which has pale yellow flowers in the spring.

primu|la /pr I mjʊlə/ (primulas ) N‑VAR A primula is a plant that has brightly coloured flowers in the spring.

Pri|mus /pra I məs/ N‑SING A Primus or a Primus stove is a small cooker or stove that burns paraffin and is often used in camping. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ]

prince ◆◆◇ /pr I ns/ (princes )

1 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT A prince is a male member of a royal family, especially the son of the king or queen of a country. □� �Prince Edward and other royal guests. □� The Prince won warm applause for his ideas.

2 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT A prince is the male royal ruler of a small country or state. □� He was speaking without the prince's authority.

Pri nce Cha rm|ing N‑SING A woman's Prince Charming is a man who seems to her to be a perfect lover or boyfriend, because he is attractive, kind, and considerate. [APPROVAL ] □� To begin with he was Prince Charming.

prince|ly /pr I nsli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A princely sum of money is a large sum of money. □� It'll cost them the princely sum of seventy-five pounds.

prin|cess ◆◆◇ /pr I nse s, [AM ] -səs/ (princesses ) N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT A princess is a female member of a royal family, usually the daughter of a king or queen or the wife of a prince. □� Princess Anne topped the guest list. □� �Caroline Lindon, Princess of Monaco.

prin|ci|pal ◆◇◇ /pr I ns I p ə l/ (principals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Principal means first in order of importance. □� The principal reason for my change of mind is this. □� �the country's principal source of foreign exchange earnings. □� Their principal concern is bound to be that of winning the next general election.

2 N‑COUNT The principal of a school, or in Britain the principal of a college, is the person in charge of the school or college. □�[+�of ] Donald King is the principal of Dartmouth High School. SYNONYMS principal ADJ 1

main:My main concern now is to protect the children.

leading:Britain's future as a leading industrial nation depends on investment.

chief:Financial stress is well established as a chief reason for divorce.

primary:That's the primary reason the company's share price has held up so well.

prin|ci|pal|ity /pr I ns I p� l I ti/ (principalities ) N‑COUNT A principality is a country that is ruled by a prince. □�[+�of ] �the tiny principality of Liechtenstein.

prin|ci|pal|ly /pr I ns I pəli/ ADV Principally means more than anything else. □� This is principally because the major export markets are slowing.

prin|ci|ple ◆◆◇ /pr I ns I p ə l/ (principles )

1 N‑VAR [usu poss N , adj N ] A principle is a general belief that you have about the way you should behave, which influences your behaviour. □� Buck never allowed himself to be bullied into doing anything that went against his principles. □� It's not just a matter of principle. □� �a man of principle.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] The principlesof a particular theory or philosophy are its basic rules or laws. □�[+�of ] �a violation of the basic principles of Marxism.

3 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] Scientific principles are general scientific laws which explain how something happens or works. □�[+�of ] These people lack all understanding of scientific principles.

4 PHRASE If you agree with something in principle , you agree in general terms to the idea of it, although you do not yet know the details or know if it will be possible. □� I agree with it in principle but I doubt if it will happen in practice.

5 PHRASE If something is possible in principle , there is no known reason why it should not happen, even though it has not happened before. □� Even assuming this to be in principle possible, it will not be achieved soon.

6 PHRASE If you refuse to do something on principle , you refuse to do it because of a particular belief that you have. □� He would vote against it on principle. COLLOCATIONS principle NOUN

1

adjective +�principle : basic, moral, sound

verb +�principle : follow; abandon

2

adjective +�principle : biblical, founding, fundamental, guiding; democratic, liberal, socialist

verb +�principle : apply, follow, uphold; abandon, violate

prin|ci|pled /pr I ns I p ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as principled , you approve of them because they have strong moral principles. [APPROVAL ] □� She was a strong, principled woman.

print ◆◆◇ /pr I nt/ (prints , printing , printed )

1 VERB If someone prints something such as a book or newspaper, they produce it in large quantities using a machine. □�[V n] He started to print his own posters to distribute abroad. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Our brochure is printed on environmentally-friendly paper. □�[V -ed] Television and radio gave rise to far fewer complaints than did the printed media. ●�PHRASAL VERB In American English, print up means the same as print . □�[V P n] Community workers here are printing up pamphlets for peace demonstrations. □�[have/get n V -ed] Hey, I know what, I'll get a bumper sticker printed up. ●� print|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� His brother ran a printing and publishing company. □� �stocks of paper and printing ink.

2 VERB If a newspaper or magazine prints a piece of writing, it includes it or publishes it. □�[V n] We can only print letters which are accompanied by the writer's name and address. □�[V -ed] �a questionnaire printed in the magazine recently. [Also be V -ed in n]

3 VERB If numbers, letters, or designs are printedon a surface, they are put on it in ink or dye using a machine. You can also say that a surface is printedwith numbers, letters, or designs. □�[V -ed] �the number printed on the receipt. □�[V n +�on ] The company has for some time printed its phone number on its products. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The shirts were printed with a paisley pattern. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] 'Ecu' was printed in lower case rather than capital letters. [Also V n, V prep/adv]

4 N‑COUNT A print is a piece of clothing or material with a pattern printed on it. You can also refer to the pattern itself as a print . □� In this living room we've mixed glorious floral prints. □� �multi-coloured print jackets.

5 VERB When you print a photograph, you produce it from a negative. □�[V n +�onto/from ] Printing a black-and-white negative on to colour paper produces a similar monochrome effect. [Also V n]

6 N‑COUNT A print is a photograph from a film that has been developed. □�[+�of ] �black and white prints of Margaret and Jean as children. □� �35mm colour print films.

7 N‑COUNT A print of a cinema film is a particular copy or set of copies of it.

8 N‑COUNT A print is one of a number of copies of a particular picture. It can be either a photograph, something such as a painting, or a picture made by an artist who puts ink on a prepared surface and presses it against paper. □� �William Hogarth's famous series of prints.

9 N‑UNCOUNT Print is used to refer to letters and numbers as they appear on the pages of a book, newspaper, or printed document. □� �columns of tiny print. □� Laser printers give high quality print.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] The print media consists of newspapers and magazines, but not television or radio. □� I have been convinced that the print media are more accurate and more reliable than television.

11 VERB If you print words, you write in letters that are not joined together and that look like the letters in a book or newspaper. □�[V n] Print your name and address on a postcard and send it to us.

12 N‑COUNT You can refer to a mark left by someone's foot as a print . □� He crawled from print to print, sniffing at the earth, following the scent left in the tracks. □� �boot prints.

13 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to invisible marks left by someone's fingers as their prints . □� Fresh prints of both girls were found in the flat.

14 →�see also printing

15 PHRASE If you appear in print , or get into print , what you say or write is published in a book, newspaper, or magazine. □� Many of these poets appeared in print only long after their deaths.

16 PHRASE The small print or the fine print of something such as an advertisement or a contract consists of the technical details and legal conditions, which are often printed in much smaller letters than the rest of the text. □� I'm looking at the small print; I don't want to sign anything that I shouldn't sign.

▸� print out

1 PHRASAL VERB If a computer or a machine attached to a computer prints something out , it produces a copy of it on paper. □�[V P n] You measure yourself, enter measurements and the computer will print out the pattern. □�[V n P ] I shall just print this out and put it in the post. [Also V P ]

2 →�see also printout

▸� print up →�see print1 COLLOCATIONS print NOUN

4

noun +�print : animal, leopard, paisley, zebra

adjective +�print : floral, geometric

12

noun +�print : hand, palm, shoe; hoof, paw

print|able /pr I ntəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone's words or remarks are not printable , you mean that they are likely to offend people, and are therefore not suitable to be repeated in writing or speech. [JOURNALISM ] □� His team-mates opened hotel windows, shouting 'Jump!' and somewhat less printable banter.

pri nt|ed ci r|cuit board (printed circuit boards ) N‑COUNT A printed circuit board is an electronic circuit in which some of the parts and connections consist of thin metal lines and shapes on a thin board. [TECHNICAL ]

pri nt|ed wo rd N‑SING The printed word is the same as written word .

print|er /pr I ntə r / (printers )

1 N‑COUNT A printer is a machine that can be connected to a computer in order to make copies on paper of documents or other information held by the computer.→�see also laser printer

2 N‑COUNT A printer is a person or company whose job is printing things such as books. □� The manuscript had already been sent off to the printers.

print|ing /pr I nt I ŋ/ (printings )

1 N‑COUNT If copies of a book are printed and published on a number of different occasions, you can refer to each of these occasions as a printing . □� The American edition of this book is already in its third printing.

2 →�see also print

pri nt|ing press (printing presses ) N‑COUNT A printing press is a machine used for printing, especially one that can print books, newspapers, or documents in large numbers.

print|mak|ing /pr I ntme I k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Printmaking is an artistic technique which consists of making a series of pictures from an original, or from a specially prepared surface.

print|out /pr I ntaʊt/ (printouts ) also print-out N‑COUNT A printout is a piece of paper on which information from a computer or similar device has been printed. □�[+�of ] �a computer printout of various financial projections.

pri nt run (print runs ) N‑COUNT In publishing, a print runof something such as a book or a newspaper is the number of copies of it that are printed and published at one time. □�[+�of ] It was launched last year in paperback with an initial print run of 7,000 copies.

pri nt shop (print shops ) N‑COUNT A print shop is a small business which prints and copies things such as documents and cards for customers.

pri|or ◆◇◇ /pra I ə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use prior to indicate that something has already happened, or must happen, before another event takes place. □� He claimed he had no prior knowledge of the protest. □� The Constitution requires the president to seek the prior approval of Congress for military action.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A prior claim or duty is more important than other claims or duties and needs to be dealt with first. □� The firm I wanted to use had prior commitments.

3 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A prior is a monk who is in charge of a priory or a monk who is the second most important person in a monastery.

4 PHRASE If something happens prior to a particular time or event, it happens before that time or event. [FORMAL ] □� Prior to his Japan trip, he went to New York. SYNONYMS prior ADJ 1

previous:He has no previous convictions.

former:The unemployed executives include former sales managers, directors and accountants.

preceding:Industrial orders had already fallen in the preceding months.

pri|or|ess /pra I əres/ (prioresses ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A prioress is a nun who is in charge of a convent.

pri|ori|tize /pra I ɒ r I ta I z, [AM ] -ɔː r-/ (prioritizes , prioritizing , prioritized ) in BRIT, also use prioritise1 VERB If you prioritize something, you treat it as more important than other things. □�[V n] The government is prioritising the service sector, rather than investing in industry and production.

2 VERB If you prioritize the tasks that you have to do, you decide which are the most important and do them first. □�[V n] Make lists of what to do and prioritize your tasks. [Also V ]

pri|or|ity ◆◇◇ /pra I ɒ r I ti, [AM ] -ɔː r-/ (priorities )

1 N‑COUNT If something is a priority , it is the most important thing you have to do or deal with, or must be done or dealt with before everything else you have to do. □� Being a parent is her first priority. □� The government's priority is to build more power plants.

2 PHRASE If you give priorityto something or someone, you treat them as more important than anything or anyone else. □� The school will give priority to science, maths and modern languages.

3 PHRASE If something takes priority or has priorityover other things, it is regarded as being more important than them and is dealt with first. □� The fight against inflation took priority over measures to combat the deepening recession.

pri|ory /pra I əri/ (priories ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A priory is a place where a small group of monks live and work together.

prise /pra I z/ →�see prize

prism /pr I zəm/ (prisms ) N‑COUNT A prism is a block of clear glass or plastic which separates the light passing through it into different colours.

pris|on ◆◆◇ /pr I z ə n/ (prisons ) N‑VAR [oft in names] A prison is a building where criminals are kept as punishment or where people accused of a crime are kept before their trial. □� The prison's inmates are being kept in their cells. □� He was sentenced to life in prison. SYNONYMS prison NOUN 1

jail:Three prisoners escaped from a jail.

penitentiary:She works at the local penitentiary.

confinement:He had been held in solitary confinement for four months.

dungeon:They were thrown in a dungeon.

pri s|on camp (prison camps )

1 N‑COUNT A prison camp is a guarded camp where prisoners of war or political prisoners are kept. □� He was shot down over Denmark and spent three years in a prison camp.

2 N‑COUNT A prison camp is a prison where the prisoners are not considered dangerous and are allowed to work outside the prison. [AM ]

pris|on|er ◆◆◇ /pr I zənə r / (prisoners )

1 N‑COUNT A prisoner is a person who is kept in a prison as a punishment for a crime that they have committed. □� The committee is concerned about the large number of prisoners sharing cells.

2 N‑COUNT [oft hold/take n N ] A prisoner is a person who has been captured by an enemy, for example in war. □� �wartime hostages and concentration-camp prisoners. □� He was taken prisoner in North Africa in 1942.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that you are a prisoner of a situation, you mean that your are trapped by it. □�[+�of ] We are all prisoners of our childhood and feel an obligation to it. SYNONYMS prisoner NOUN 2

captive:He described the difficulties of surviving for four months as a captive.

hostage:It is hopeful that two hostages will be freed in the next few days.

detainee:They agreed to release all the detainees.

pri s|on|er of co n|science (prisoners of conscience ) N‑COUNT Prisoners of conscience are people who have been put into prison for their political or social beliefs or for breaking the law while protesting against a political or social system.

pri s|on|er of wa r (prisoners of war ) N‑COUNT Prisoners of war are soldiers who have been captured by their enemy during a war and kept as prisoners until the end of the war.

pris|sy /pr I si/ (prissier , prissiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is prissy , you are critical of them because they are very easily shocked by anything rude or bad. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I grew to dislike the people from my background�they were rather uptight and prissy.

pris|tine /pr I stiːn/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pristine things are extremely clean or new. [FORMAL ] □� Now the house is in pristine condition.

pri|va|cy /pr I vəsi, [AM ] pra I -/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] If you have privacy , you are in a place or situation which allows you to do things without other people seeing you or disturbing you. □� He saw the publication of this book as an embarrassing invasion of his privacy. □� �a collection of over 60 designs to try on in the privacy of your own home.

2 PHRASE If someone or something invades your privacy , they interfere in your life without your permission. □� The press invade people's privacy unjustifiably every day.

pri|vate ◆◆◇ /pra I v I t/ (privates )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Private industries and services are owned or controlled by an individual person or a commercial company, rather than by the state or an official organization. [BUSINESS ] □� Bupa runs private hospitals in Britain. □� Brazil says its constitution forbids the private ownership of energy assets. ●� pri|vate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� No other European country had so few privately owned businesses. □� She was privately educated at schools in Ireland and Paris.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Private individuals are acting only for themselves, and are not representing any group, company, or organization. □� �the law's insistence that private citizens are not permitted to have weapons. □� The King was on a private visit to enable him to pray at the tombs of his ancestors.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Your private things belong only to you, or may only be used by you. □� There are 76 individually furnished bedrooms, all with private bathrooms.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Private places or gatherings may be attended only by a particular group of people, rather than by the general public. □� 673 private golf clubs took part in a recent study. □� The door is marked 'Private'.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Private meetings, discussions, and other activities involve only a small number of people, and very little information about them is given to other people. □� Don't bug private conversations, and don't buy papers that reprint them. ●� pri|vate|ly ADV [oft ADV after v] □� Few senior figures have issued any public statements but privately the resignation's been welcomed.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Your privatelife is that part of your life that is concerned with your personal relationships and activities, rather than with your work or business. □� I've always kept my private and professional life separate.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Your private thoughts or feelings are ones that you do not talk about to other people. □� We all felt as if we were intruding on his private grief. ●� pri|vate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Privately, she worries about whether she's really good enough.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use private to describe situations or activities that are understood only by the people involved in them, and not by anyone else. □� Chinese waiters stood in a cluster, sharing a private joke.

9 ADJ If you describe a place as private , or as somewhere where you can be private , you mean that it is a quiet place and you can be alone there without being disturbed. □� It was the only reasonably private place they could find.

10 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as a private person, you mean that they are very quiet by nature and do not reveal their thoughts and feelings to other people. □� Gould was an intensely private individual.

11 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use private to describe lessons that are not part of ordinary school activity, and which are given by a teacher to an individual pupil or a small group, usually in return for payment. □� Martial arts: Private lessons: �8 per hour. □� �Donald Tovey, who took her as his private pupil for the piano.

12 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A private is a soldier of the lowest rank in an army or the marines. □� �Private Martin Ferguson.

13 →�see also privately

14 PHRASE If you do something in private , you do it without other people being present, often because it is something that you want to keep secret. □� Some of what we're talking about might better be discussed in private.

pri |vate de|te c|tive (private detectives ) N‑COUNT A private detective is someone who you can pay to find missing people or do other kinds of investigation for you.

pri |vate e n|ter|prise N‑UNCOUNT Private enterprise is industry and business which is owned by individual people or commercial companies, and not by the government or an official organization. [BUSINESS ] □� �the government's plans to sell state companies to private enterprise.

pri |vate ey e (private eyes ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a private detective as a private eye , especially when he or she is a character in a film or story. [INFORMAL ]

pri |vate in|ve s|ti|ga|tor (private investigators ) N‑COUNT A private investigator is the same as a private detective .

pri|vate|ly /pra I v I tli/

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you buy or sell something privately , you buy it from or sell it to another person directly, rather than in a shop or through a business. □� The whole process makes buying a car privately as painless as buying from a garage. □� A great deal of food is distributed and sold privately without ever reaching the shops.

2 →�see also private

Pri |vate Me m|ber's Bill (Private Members' Bills ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a Private Member's Bill is a law that is proposed by a Member of Parliament acting as an individual rather than as a member of his or her political party.

pri |vate pa rts N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your private parts are your genitals. [INFORMAL ]

pri |vate schoo l (private schools ) N‑VAR A private school is a school which is not supported financially by the government and which parents have to pay for their children to go to. □� He attended Eton, the most exclusive private school in Britain.

pri |vate se c|tor N‑SING [N n] The private sector is the part of a country's economy which consists of industries and commercial companies that are not owned or controlled by the government. [BUSINESS ] □� �small firms in the private sector.

pri |vate so l|dier (private soldiers ) N‑COUNT A private soldier is a soldier of the lowest rank in an army or the marines. [FORMAL ]

pri|va|tion /pra I ve I ʃ ə n/ (privations ) N‑VAR If you suffer privation or privations , you have to live without many of the things that are thought to be necessary in life, such as food, clothing, or comfort. [FORMAL ] □� They endured five years of privation during the Second World War. □�[+�of ] The privations of monastery life were evident in his appearance.

pri|vat|ize ◆◇◇ /pra I vəta I z/ (privatizes , privatizing , privatized ) in BRIT, also use privatise VERB If a company, industry, or service that is owned by the state is privatized , the government sells it and makes it a private company. [BUSINESS ] □�[be V -ed] The water boards are about to be privatized. □�[V n] �a pledge to privatise the rail and coal industries. □�[V -ed] �the newly privatized FM radio stations. ●� pri|vati|za|tion /pra I vəta I ze I ʃ ə n/ (privatizations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the privatisation of British Rail. □� �fresh rules governing the conduct of future privatizations.

priv|et /pr I v I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Privet is a type of bush with small leaves that stay green all year round. It is often grown in gardens to form hedges. □� The garden was enclosed by a privet hedge.

privi|lege /pr I v I l I dʒ/ (privileges , privileging , privileged )

1 N‑COUNT A privilege is a special right or advantage that only one person or group has. □� The Russian Federation has issued a decree abolishing special privileges for government officials.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about privilege , you are talking about the power and advantage that only a small group of people have, usually because of their wealth or their high social class. □� Pironi was the son of privilege and wealth, and it showed.

3 N‑SING You can use privilege in expressions such as be a privilege or have the privilege when you want to show your appreciation of someone or something or to show your respect. □� It must be a privilege to know such a man.

4 VERB To privilege someone or something means to treat them better or differently than other people or things rather than treat them all equally. □�[V n] They are privileging a tiny number to the disadvantage of the rest.

privi|leged /pr I v I l I dʒd/

1 ADJ Someone who is privileged has an advantage or opportunity that most other people do not have, often because of their wealth or high social class. □� They were, by and large, a very wealthy, privileged elite. □� I felt very privileged to work at the university. ●�N‑PLURAL The privileged are people who are privileged. □� They are only interested in preserving the power of the privileged.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Privileged information is known by only a small group of people, who are not legally required to give it to anyone else. □� The data is privileged information, not to be shared with the general public.

privy /pr I vi/ ADJ If you are privy to something secret, you have been allowed to know about it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Only three people, including a police officer, will be privy to the facts.

Pri vy Cou n|cil N‑PROPER In Britain, the Privy Council is a group of people who are appointed to advise the king or queen on political affairs.

prize ◆◆◇ /pra I z/ (prizes , prizing , prized ) The spelling prise is also used in British English for meanings 5 and 6 . 1 N‑COUNT A prize is money or something valuable that is given to someone who has the best results in a competition or game, or as a reward for doing good work. □� You must claim your prize by phoning our claims line. □� He won first prize at the Leeds Piano Competition. □� They were going all out for the prize-money, �6,500 for the winning team.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use prize to describe things that are of such good quality that they win prizes or deserve to win prizes. □� �a prize bull. □� �prize blooms.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone or something as a prize when people consider them to be of great value or importance. □� With no lands of his own, he was no great matrimonial prize.

4 VERB [usu passive] Something that is prized is wanted and admired because it is considered to be very valuable or very good quality. □�[be V -ed] Military figures, made out of lead are prized by collectors. □�[V -ed] His Fender Stratocaster remains one of his most prized possessions.

5 VERB If you prize something open or prize it away from a surface, you force it to open or force it to come away from the surface. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n with adj] He tried to prize the dog's mouth open. □�[V n with adv] I prised off the metal rim surrounding one of the dials. □�[V n +�out of/from ] He held on tight but she prised it from his fingers. in AM, usually use pry6 VERB If you prize something such as information out of someone, you persuade them to tell you although they may be very unwilling to. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n +�out of ] Alison and I had to prize conversation out of him. [Also V n with out ] in AM, usually use pry

pri ze fight (prize fights ) also prizefight N‑COUNT A prize fight is a boxing match where the boxers are paid to fight, especially one that is not official.

pri ze fight|er (prize fighters ) also prizefighter N‑COUNT A prize fighter is a boxer who fights to win money.

pri ze-giving (prize-givings ) also prizegiving N‑COUNT A prize-giving is a ceremony where prizes are awarded to people who have produced a very high standard of work. [BRIT ] □� Neil had been at a prizegiving ceremony at a school in Birmingham. □� �a prize-giving for cattle-breeding.

pro /proʊ / (pros )

1 N‑COUNT A pro is a professional. [INFORMAL ] □� I have enjoyed playing with some of the top pros from Europe and America.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A pro player is a professional sportsman or woman. You can also use pro to refer to sports that are played by professional sportsmen or women. [AM ] □� �a former college and pro basketball player.

3 PREP If you are pro a particular course of action or belief, you agree with it or support it. [mainly BRIT ] □� I'm one of the few that's very pro performance-related pay.

4 PHRASE The pros and cons of something are its advantages and disadvantages, which you consider carefully so that you can make a sensible decision. □� Motherhood has both its pros and cons.

PREFIX pro-

forms adjectives that refer to people who strongly support a particular person or thing. For example, if you are pro-democracy , you support democracy.

pro|ac|tive /proʊ� kt I v/ ADJ Proactive actions are intended to cause changes, rather than just reacting to change. □� In order to survive the competition a company should be proactive not reactive.

pro -a m (pro-ams ) also pro am N‑COUNT [oft N n] A pro-am is a sports competition in which professional and amateur players compete together. □� �a sponsored pro-am golf tournament.

prob|abil|is|tic /prɒ bəb I l I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Probabilistic actions, methods, or arguments are based on the idea that you cannot be certain about results or future events but you can judge whether or not they are likely, and act on the basis of this judgment. [FORMAL ] □� �probabilistic exposure to risk.

prob|abil|ity /prɒ bəb I l I ti/ (probabilities )

1 N‑VAR The probabilityof something happening is how likely it is to happen, sometimes expressed as a fraction or a percentage. □�[+�of ] Without a transfusion, the victim's probability of dying was 100%. □�[+�of ] The probabilities of crime or victimization are higher with some situations than with others.

2 N‑VAR You say that there is a probability that something will happen when it is likely to happen. [VAGUENESS ] □� If you've owned property for several years, the probability is that values have increased. □� His story-telling can push the bounds of probability a bit far at times.

3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen in all probability , you mean that you think it is very likely to happen. [VAGUENESS ] □� The Republicans had better get used to the fact that in all probability, they are going to lose.

prob|able /prɒ bəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that something is probable , you mean that it is likely to be true or likely to happen. [VAGUENESS ] □� It is probable that the medication will suppress the symptom without treating the condition. □� An airline official said a bomb was the incident's most probable cause.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use probable to describe a role or function that someone or something is likely to have. □� The Socialists united behind their probable presidential candidate.

prob|ably ◆◆◆ /prɒ bəbli/

1 ADV If you say that something is probably the case, you think that it is likely to be the case, although you are not sure. [VAGUENESS ] □� The White House probably won't make this plan public until July. □� Van Gogh is probably the best-known painter in the world.

2 ADV You can use probably when you want to make your opinion sound less forceful or definite, so that you do not offend people. [VAGUENESS ] □� He probably thinks you're both crazy! SYNONYMS probably ADV 1

likely:Profit will most likely have risen by about �25 million.

doubtless:She took off her shoes, doubtless because her feet hurt.

presumably:The spear is presumably the murder weapon.

pro|bate /proʊ be I t/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Probate is the act or process of officially proving a will to be valid. □� Probate cases can go on for two years or more.

pro|ba|tion /prəbe I ʃ ə n, [AM ] proʊ -/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Probation is a period of time during which a person who has committed a crime has to obey the law and be supervised by a probation officer, rather than being sent to prison. □� The thief was put on probation for two years.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Probation is a period of time during which someone is judging your character and ability while you work, in order to see if you are suitable for that type of work. □�[+�of ] Employee appointment will be subject to a term of probation of 6 months.

pro|ba|tion|ary /prəbe I ʃənəri, [AM ] proʊbe I ʃəneri/ ADJ [ADJ n] A probationary period is a period after someone starts a job, during which their employer can decide whether the person is suitable and should be allowed to continue. [BUSINESS ] □� Teachers should have a probationary period of two years.

pro|ba|tion|er /prəbe I ʃənə r , proʊ-/ (probationers )

1 N‑COUNT A probationer is someone who has been found guilty of committing a crime but is on probation rather than in prison.

2 N‑COUNT A probationer is someone who is still being trained to do a job and is on trial. □� �a probationer teacher.

pro|ba |tion of|fic|er (probation officers ) N‑COUNT A probation officer is a person whose job is to supervise and help people who have committed crimes and been put on probation.

probe /proʊ b/ (probes , probing , probed )

1 VERB If you probeinto something, you ask questions or try to discover facts about it. □�[V +�into ] The more they probed into his background, the more inflamed their suspicions would become. □�[V +�for ] For three years, I have probed for understanding. □�[V n] The Office of Fair Trading has been probing banking practices. □�[V -ing] The form asks probing questions. ●�N‑COUNT Probe is also a noun. □� �a federal grand-jury probe into corruption within the FDA. ●� prob|ing (probings ) N‑COUNT □� If he remains here, he'll be away from the press and their probings.

2 VERB If a doctor or dentist probes , he or she uses a long instrument to examine part of a patient's body. □�[V ] The surgeon would pick up his instruments, probe, repair and stitch up again. □�[V prep/adv] Dr Amid probed around the sensitive area.

3 N‑COUNT A probe is a long thin instrument that doctors and dentists use to examine parts of the body. □� �a fibre-optic probe.

4 VERB If you probe a place, you search it in order to find someone or something that you are looking for. □�[V n] A flashlight beam probed the underbrush only yards away from their hiding place. □�[V adv/prep] I probed around for some time in the bushes.

5 VERB In a conflict such as a war, if one side probes another side's defences, they try to find their weaknesses, for example by attacking them in specific areas using a small number of troops. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] He probes the enemy's weak positions, ignoring his strongholds. ●�N‑COUNT Probe is also a noun. □� Small probes would give the allied armies some combat experience.

6 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A space probe is a spacecraft which travels into space with no people in it, usually in order to study the planets and send information about them back to earth.

pro|bity /proʊ b I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Probity is a high standard of correct moral behaviour. [FORMAL ] □� He asserted his innocence and his financial probity.

prob|lem ◆◆◆ /prɒ bləm/ (problems )

1 N‑COUNT A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for people. □�[+�of ] �the economic problems of the inner city. □� The main problem is unemployment. □� He told Americans that solving the energy problem was very important. [Also +�with ]

2 N‑COUNT A problem is a puzzle that requires logical thought or mathematics to solve it. □� With mathematical problems, you can save time by approximating.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Problem children or problem families have serious problems or cause serious problems for other people. □� In some cases a problem child is placed in a special school. USAGE problem

Don�t use �problem� with why when you are explaining the reason something happened. Don�t say, for example, � The problem why he couldn�t come is that he is ill �. Say �The reason why he couldn�t come is that he is ill�. □� That is the reason why I find her books boring.

prob|lem|at|ic /prɒ bləm� t I k/ ADJ Something that is problematic involves problems and difficulties. □� Some places are more problematic than others for women travelling alone.

prob|lem|ati|cal /prɒ bləm� t I k ə l/ ADJ Problematical means the same as problematic . [FORMAL ]

pro|cedur|al /prəsiː dʒərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Procedural means involving a formal procedure. [FORMAL ] □� A Spanish judge rejected the suit on procedural grounds.

pro|cedure ◆◇◇ /prəsiː dʒə r / (procedures ) N‑VAR A procedure is a way of doing something, especially the usual or correct way. □� A biopsy is usually a minor surgical procedure. □� Police insist that he did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa. SYNONYMS procedure NOUN 1

method:�new teaching methods.

process:They decided to spread the building process over three years.

system:The present system of funding for higher education is unsatisfactory.

routine:He checked up on you as a matter of routine.

pro|ceed ◆◇◇ (proceeds , proceeding , proceeded ) The verb is pronounced /prəsiː d/. The plural noun in meaning 5 is pronounced /proʊ siːdz/. 1 VERB If you proceedto do something, you do it, often after doing something else first. □�[V to-inf] He proceeded to tell me of my birth.

2 VERB If you proceed with a course of action, you continue with it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] The group proceeded with a march they knew would lead to bloodshed. □�[V ] The trial has been delayed until November because the defence is not ready to proceed.

3 VERB If an activity, process, or event proceeds , it goes on and does not stop. □�[V ] The ideas were not new. Their development had proceeded steadily since the war.

4 VERB If you proceed in a particular direction, you go in that direction. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] She climbed the steps and proceeded along the upstairs hallway. □�[V ] The freighter was allowed to proceed after satisfying them that it was not breaking sanctions.

5 N‑PLURAL The proceeds of an event or activity are the money that has been obtained from it. SYNONYMS proceed VERB 2

continue:There is no reason why you should not continue with any sport or activity you already enjoy.

go on:I'm all right here. Go on with your work.

carry on:Do you mind if I ask a few questions please?'�'Carry on.'

pro|ceed|ing /prəsiː d I ŋ/ (proceedings )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Legal proceedings are legal action taken against someone. [FORMAL ] □�[+�against ] �criminal proceedings against the former prime minister. □� The Council had brought proceedings to stop the store from trading on Sundays.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The proceedings are an organized series of events that take place in a particular place. [FORMAL ] □� The proceedings of the enquiry will take place in private.

3 N‑PLURAL You can refer to a written record of the discussions at a meeting or conference as the proceedings . □� The Department of Transport is to publish the conference proceedings.

pro|cess ◆◆◆ /proʊ ses, [AM ] prɑː ses/ (processes , processing , processed )

1 N‑COUNT A process is a series of actions which are carried out in order to achieve a particular result. □� There was total agreement to start the peace process as soon as possible. □�[+�of ] The best way to proceed is by a process of elimination.

2 N‑COUNT A process is a series of things which happen naturally and result in a biological or chemical change. □� It occurs in elderly men, apparently as part of the ageing process.

3 VERB When raw materials or foods are processed , they are prepared in factories before they are used or sold. □�[be V -ed] �fish which are processed by freezing, canning or smoking. □�[be V -ed +�into ] The material will be processed into plastic pellets. □�[V -ed] �diets high in refined and processed foods. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT Process is also a noun. □� �the cost of re-engineering the production process. ●� pro|cess|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� America sent cotton to England for processing.

4 VERB When people process information, they put it through a system or into a computer in order to deal with it. □�[V n] �facilities to process the data, and the right to publish the results. ●� pro|cess|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �data processing.

5 →�see also word processing

6 VERB [usu passive] When people are processed by officials, their case is dealt with in stages and they pass from one stage of the process to the next. □�[be V -ed] Patients took more than two hours to be processed through the department.

7 PHRASE If you are in the process of doing something, you have started to do it and are still doing it. □� The administration is in the process of drawing up a peace plan.

8 PHRASE If you are doing something and you do something else in the process , you do the second thing as part of doing the first thing. □� You have to let us struggle for ourselves, even if we must die in the process. SYNONYMS process NOUN 1

procedure:A biopsy is usually a minor surgical procedure.

system:The present system of funding for higher education is unsatisfactory.

routine:He checked up on you as a matter of routine.

pro |cessed chee se (processed cheeses ) N‑VAR Processed cheese is cheese that has been specially made so that it can be sold and stored in large quantities. It is sometimes sold in the form of single wrapped slices.

pro|ces|sion /prəse ʃ ə n/ (processions ) N‑COUNT A procession is a group of people who are walking, riding, or driving in a line as part of a public event. □� �a funeral procession. □� �religious processions.

pro|ces|sion|al /prəse ʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Processional means used for or taking part in a ceremonial procession. □� �the processional route.

pro|ces|sor /proʊ sesə r , [AM ] prɑː s-/ (processors )

1 N‑COUNT A processor is the part of a computer that interprets commands and performs the processes the user has requested. [COMPUTING ]

2 →�see also word processor

3 N‑COUNT A processor is someone or something which carries out a process. □� �food growers and processors.

pro -choi ce also prochoice ADJ Someone who is pro-choice thinks that women have a right to choose whether or not to give birth to a child they have conceived, and to have an abortion if they do not want the child. □� �the pro-choice movement. □� Most of the electorate is pro-choice.

pro|claim /proʊkle I m/ (proclaims , proclaiming , proclaimed )

1 VERB If people proclaim something, they formally make it known to the public. □�[V n] He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives. □�[V that] Britain proudly proclaims that it is a nation of animal lovers. □�[V pron-refl n] He still proclaims himself a believer in the Revolution. [Also V n n, V n as n]

2 VERB If you proclaim something, you state it in an emphatic way. □�[V with quote] 'I think we have been heard today,' he proclaimed. □�[V that] He confidently proclaims that he is offering the best value in the market.

proc|la|ma|tion /prɒ kləme I ʃ ə n/ (proclamations ) N‑COUNT A proclamation is a public announcement about something important, often about something of national importance. □�[+�of ] �a proclamation of independence.

pro|cliv|ity /prəkl I v I ti, [AM ] proʊ-/ (proclivities ) N‑COUNT A proclivity is a tendency to behave in a particular way or to like a particular thing, often a bad way or thing. [FORMAL ] □� He was indulging his own sexual proclivities. □� �a proclivity to daydream.

pro|cras|ti|nate /proʊkr� st I ne I t/ (procrastinates , procrastinating , procrastinated ) VERB If you procrastinate , you keep leaving things you should do until later, often because you do not want to do them. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Most often we procrastinate when faced with something we do not want to do. ●� pro|cras|ti|na|tion /proʊkr� st I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He hates delay and procrastination in all its forms.

pro|cre|ate /proʊ krie I t/ (procreates , procreating , procreated ) VERB When animals or people procreate , they produce young or babies. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Many people feel a biological need to procreate. ●� pro|crea|tion /proʊ krie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� They saw sex as for procreation only.

procu|ra|tor /prɒ kjʊre I tə r / (procurators ) N‑COUNT A procurator is an administrative official with legal powers, especially in the former Soviet Union, the Roman Catholic Church, or the ancient Roman Empire.

pro cu|ra|tor fi s|cal (procurators fiscal ) N‑COUNT In the Scottish legal system, theprocurator fiscal is a public official who puts people on trial.

pro|cure /prəkjʊə r / (procures , procuring , procured )

1 VERB If you procure something, especially something that is difficult to get, you obtain it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] It remained very difficult to procure food, fuel and other daily necessities.

2 VERB If someone procures a prostitute, they introduce the prostitute to a client. □�[V n] He procured girls of 16 and 17 to be mistresses for his influential friends.

pro|cure|ment /prəkjʊə r mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Procurement is the act of obtaining something such as supplies for an army or other organization. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Russia was cutting procurement of new weapons 'by about 80 per cent', he said.

prod /prɒ d/ (prods , prodding , prodded )

1 VERB If you prod someone or something, you give them a quick push with your finger or with a pointed object. □�[V n +�with ] He prodded Murray with the shotgun. □�[V n] Prod the windowsills to check for signs of rot. □�[V +�at ] Cathy was prodding at a boiled egg. ●�N‑COUNT Prod is also a noun. □� He gave the donkey a mighty prod in the backside.

2 VERB If you prod someone into doing something, you remind or persuade them to do it. □�[V n +�into ] The report should prod the Government into spending more on the Health Service. □�[V n to-inf] His remark prodded her to ask where Mora had gone.

3 →�see also cattle prod

prodi|gal /prɒ d I g ə l/ (prodigals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone as a prodigal son or daughter if they leave their family or friends, often after a period of behaving badly, and then return at a later time as a better person. [LITERARY ] ●�N‑COUNT Prodigal is also a noun. □� The prodigal had returned.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who behaves in a prodigal way spends a lot of money carelessly without thinking about what will happen when they have none left. □� Prodigal habits die hard.

pro|di|gious /prəd I dʒəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is prodigious is very large or impressive. [LITERARY ] □� This business generates cash in prodigious amounts. ●� pro|di|gious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She ate prodigiously.

prodi|gy /prɒ d I dʒi/ (prodigies ) N‑COUNT A prodigy is someone young who has a great natural ability for something such as music, mathematics, or sport. □� �a Russian tennis prodigy.

pro|duce ◆◆◆ (produces , producing , produced ) The verb is pronounced /prədjuː s, [AM ] -duː s/. The noun is pronounced /prɒ djuːs, [AM ] -duːs/ and is hyphenated prod|uce. 1 VERB To produce something means to cause it to happen. □�[V n] The drug is known to produce side-effects in women. □�[V n] Talks aimed at producing a new world trade treaty have been under way for six years.

2 VERB If you produce something, you make or create it. □�[V n] The company produced circuitry for communications systems.

3 VERB When things or people produce something, it comes from them or slowly forms from them, especially as the result of a biological or chemical process. □�[V n] These plants are then pollinated and allowed to mature and produce seed. □�[V -ed] �gases produced by burning coal and oil.

4 VERB If you produce evidence or an argument, you show it or explain it to people in order to make them agree with you. □�[V n] They challenged him to produce evidence to support his allegations.

5 VERB If you produce an object from somewhere, you show it or bring it out so that it can be seen. □�[V n] To hire a car you must produce a passport and a current driving licence.

6 VERB If someone produces something such as a film, a magazine, or a CD, they organize it and decide how it should be done. □�[V n] He has produced his own sports magazine.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Produce is food or other things that are grown in large quantities to be sold. □� We manage to get most of our produce in Britain. COLLOCATIONS produce NOUN 7

noun +�produce : farm, garden

adjective +�produce : agricultural, dairy; fresh, local, organic, seasonal

verb +�produce : buy, grow, import, sell SYNONYMS produce VERB

1

cause:Attempts to limit family size among some minorities are likely to cause problems.

lead to:He warned yesterday that a pay rise for teachers would lead to job cuts.

result in:Fifty per cent of road accidents result in head injuries.

bring about:The only way they can bring about political change is by putting pressure on the country.

2

make:She made her own bread.

create:We set business free to create more jobs in Britain.

manufacture:They manufacture the class of plastics known as thermoplastic materials.

build:Workers at the plant build the F-16 jet fighter.

construct:The boxes should be constructed from rough-sawn timber.

pro|duc|er ◆◆◇ /prədjuː sə r , [AM ] -duː s-/ (producers )

1 N‑COUNT A producer is a person whose job is to produce plays, films, programmes, or CDs. □� Vanya Kewley is a freelance film producer.

2 N‑COUNT A producer of a food or material is a company or country that grows or manufactures a large amount of it. □� �Saudi Arabia, the world's leading oil producer. SYNONYMS producer NOUN 2

manufacturer:�the world's largest doll manufacturer.

creator:I have always believed that a garden dies with its creator.

maker:�Japan's two largest car makers.

builder:The builders have finished the roof.

prod|uct ◆◆◆ /prɒ dʌkt/ (products )

1 N‑COUNT A product is something that is produced and sold in large quantities, often as a result of a manufacturing process. □� Try to get the best product at the lowest price. □� �the company's ability to produce cheap electronic consumer products.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something is a product of a situation or process, you mean that the situation or process has had a significant effect in making them what they are. □�[+�of ] We are all products of our time. □�[+�of ] The bank is the product of a 1971 merger of two Japanese banks. COLLOCATIONS product NOUN 1

noun +�product : beauty, cleaning, consumer, dairy; savings

adjective +�product : innovative, new; financial; finished

verb +�product : develop, manufacture, sell; buy, use SYNONYMS product NOUN 1

goods:Money can be exchanged for goods or services.

produce:We manage to get most of our produce in Britain.

merchandise:There is a lot of merchandise associated with the movie.

commodity:The government increased prices on several basic commodities like bread and meat.

pro|duc|tion ◆◆◇ /prədʌ kʃ ə n/ (productions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft into N ] Production is the process of manufacturing or growing something in large quantities. □� That model won't go into production until next year. □�[+�of ] �tax incentives to encourage domestic production of oil.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Production is the amount of goods manufactured or grown by a company or country. □� We needed to increase the volume of production.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The production of something is its creation as the result of a natural process. □�[+�of ] These proteins stimulate the production of blood cells.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Production is the process of organizing and preparing a play, film, programme, or CD, in order to present it to the public. □� She is head of the production company.

5 N‑COUNT A production is a play, opera, or other show that is performed in a theatre. □�[+�of ] �a critically acclaimed production of Othello.

6 PHRASE When you can do something on production of or on the production of documents, you need to show someone those documents in order to be able to do that thing. □� Entry to the show is free to members on production of their membership cards. COLLOCATIONS production NOUN

1

noun +�production : food, gas, oil

adjective +�production : agricultural, domestic, industrial; full, mass

verb +�production : encourage; cease, halt

2

verb +�production : boost, increase, maintain; cut

5

noun +�production : film, stage, theatre

adjective +�production : musical, theatrical; acclaimed, lavish

verb +�production : direct SYNONYMS production NOUN

1

manufacture:�celebrating 90 years of car manufacture.

construction:�companies who have long experience in the construction of those types of equipment.

fabrication:More than 200 improvements were made in the design and fabrication of the shuttle.

assembly:For the rest of the day, he worked on the assembly of an explosive device.

2

output:Government statistics show the largest drop in industrial output for ten years.

yield:Polluted water lessens crop yields.

productivity:The third-quarter results reflect continued improvements in productivity.

pro|du c|tion line (production lines ) N‑COUNT A production line is an arrangement of machines in a factory where the products pass from machine to machine until they are finished.

pro|duc|tive /prədʌ kt I v/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is productive produces or does a lot for the amount of resources used. □� Training makes workers highly productive. □� �fertile and productive soils. ●� pro|duc|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The company is certain to reinvest its profits productively.

2 ADJ If you say that a relationship between people is productive , you mean that a lot of good or useful things happen as a result of it. □� He was hopeful that the next round of talks would also be productive. ●� pro|duc|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They feel they are interacting productively with elderly patients.

prod|uc|tiv|ity /prɒ dʊkt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Productivity is the rate at which goods are produced. □� The third-quarter results reflect continued improvements in productivity.

pro d|uct line (product lines ) N‑COUNT A product line is a group of related products produced by one manufacturer, for example products that are intended to be used for similar purposes or to be sold in similar types of shops. [BUSINESS ] □� A well-known U.K. supermarket launches more than 1,000 new product lines each year.

pro d|uct pla ce|ment (product placements ) N‑VAR Product placement is a form of advertising in which a company has its product placed where it can be clearly seen during a film or television programme. [BUSINESS ] □� It was the first movie to feature onscreen product placement for its own merchandise.

Prof. /prɒ f/ (Profs ) also prof.

1 N‑TITLE Prof. is a written abbreviation for professor . □� �Prof. Richard Joyner of Liverpool University.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a professor as a prof . [INFORMAL ] □� Write a note to my prof. and tell him why I missed an exam this morning.

pro|fane /prəfe I n, [AM ] proʊ-/ (profanes , profaning , profaned )

1 ADJ Profane behaviour shows disrespect for a religion or religious things. [FORMAL ] □� �profane language.

2 ADJ Something that is profane is concerned with everyday life rather than religion and spiritual things. □� The cardinal said that churches should not be used for profane or secular purposes.

3 VERB If someone profanes a religious belief or institution, they treat it with disrespect. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They have profaned the long upheld traditions of the Church.

pro|fan|ity /prəf� n I ti, [AM ] proʊ-/ (profanities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Profanity is an act that shows disrespect for a religion or religious beliefs. [FORMAL ] □� To desecrate a holy spring is considered profanity.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Profanities are swear words. [FORMAL ]

pro|fess /prəfe s/ (professes , professing , professed )

1 VERB If you professto do or have something, you claim that you do it or have it, often when you do not. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] She professed to hate her nickname. □�[V that] Why do organisations profess that they care? □�[V n] 'I don't know,' Pollard replied, professing innocence. □�[V -ed] �the Republicans' professed support for traditional family values.

2 VERB If you profess a feeling, opinion, or belief, you express it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] He professed to be content with the arrangement. □�[V pron-refl adj] Bacher professed himself pleased with the Indian tour. □�[V n] �a right to profess their faith in Islam.

pro|fes|sion ◆◇◇ /prəfe ʃ ə n/ (professions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A profession is a type of job that requires advanced education or training. □� Harper was a teacher by profession. □� Only 20 per cent of jobs in the professions are held by women.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] You can use profession to refer to all the people who have the same profession. □� The attitude of the medical profession is very much more liberal now.

pro|fes|sion|al ◆◆◇ /prəfe ʃən ə l/ (professionals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Professional means relating to a person's work, especially work that requires special training. □� His professional career started at Liverpool University. ●� pro|fes|sion|al|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □� �a professionally-qualified architect.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Professional people have jobs that require advanced education or training. □� �highly qualified professional people like doctors and engineers. ●�N‑COUNT Professional is also a noun. □� My father wanted me to become a professional and have more stability.

3 ADJ You use professional to describe people who do a particular thing to earn money rather than as a hobby. □� This has been my worst time for injuries since I started as a professional footballer. ●�N‑COUNT Professional is also a noun. □� He had been a professional since March 1985. ●� pro|fes|sion|al|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� By age 16 he was playing professionally with bands in Greenwich Village.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Professional sports are played for money rather than as a hobby. □� �an art student who had played professional football for a short time.

5 ADJ If you say that something that someone does or produces is professional , you approve of it because you think that it is of a very high standard. [APPROVAL ] □� They run it with a truly professional but personal touch. ●�N‑COUNT Professional is also a noun. □� �a dedicated professional who worked harmoniously with the cast and crew. ●� pro|fes|sion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� These tickets have been produced very professionally.

6 →�see also semi-professional SYNONYMS professional ADJ 2

qualified:Demand has far outstripped supply of qualified teachers.

skilled:New industries demanded skilled labour not available locally.

white-collar:White-collar workers now work longer hours.

pro|fe s|sion|al fou l (professional fouls ) N‑COUNT In football, if a player commits a professional foul , they deliberately do something which is against the rules in order to prevent another player from scoring a goal.

pro|fes|sion|al|ism /prəfe ʃən ə l I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Professionalism in a job is a combination of skill and high standards. [APPROVAL ] □� American companies pride themselves on their professionalism.

pro|fes|sion|al|ize /prəfe ʃənəla I z/ (professionalizes , professionalizing , professionalized ) in BRIT, also use professionalise VERB To professionalize an organization, an institution, or an activity means to make it more professional, for example by paying the people who are involved in it. □�[V n] Foster parents will be paid salaries to professionalise their role. ●� pro|fes|sion|ali|za|tion /prəfe ʃən ə la I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The professionalization of politics is a major source of our ills.

pro|fes|sor ◆◆◇ /prəfe sə r / (professors )

1 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT A professor in a British university is the most senior teacher in a department. □� �Professor Cameron. □� In 1979, only 2% of British professors were female.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A professor in an American or Canadian university or college is a teacher of the highest rank. □� Robert Dunn is a professor of economics at George Washington University.

prof|es|so|rial /prɒ f I sɔː riəl/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as professorial , you mean that they look or behave like a professor. □� His manner is not so much regal as professorial. □� I raised my voice to a professorial tone.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Professorial means relating to the work of a professor. □� �the cuts which have led to 36 per cent of professorial posts remaining unfilled.

pro|fes|sor|ship /prəfe sə r ʃ I p/ (professorships ) N‑COUNT A professorship is the post of professor in a university or college. □� He has accepted a research professorship at Cambridge University.

prof|fer /prɒ fə r / (proffers , proffering , proffered )

1 VERB If you proffer something to someone, you hold it towards them so that they can take it or touch it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She proffered a gloved hand. [Also V n +�to ]

2 VERB If you proffer something such as advice to someone, you offer it to them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The army has not yet proffered an explanation of how and why the accident happened. [Also V n +�to , V n n]

pro|fi|cien|cy /prəf I ʃ ə nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT If you show proficiencyin something, you show ability or skill at it. □�[+�in ] Evidence of basic proficiency in English is part of the admission requirement.

pro|fi|cient /prəf I ʃənt/ ADJ If you are proficientin something, you can do it well. □�[+�in/at ] A great number of Egyptians are proficient in foreign languages.

pro|file ◆◇◇ /proʊ fa I l/ (profiles , profiling , profiled )

1 N‑COUNT Your profile is the outline of your face as it is seen when someone is looking at you from the side. □� His handsome profile was turned away from us.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [in N ] If you see someone in profile , you see them from the side. □� This picture shows the girl in profile.

3 N‑COUNT A profile of someone is a short article or programme in which their life and character are described. □�[+�of ] A newspaper published profiles of the candidates.

4 VERB To profile someone means to give an account of that person's life and character. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] Tamar Golan, a Paris-based journalist, profiles the rebel leader. ●� pro|fil|ing /proʊ fa I lŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with supp] □� �a former FBI agent who pioneered psychological profiling in the 1970s. □� DNA profiling has aided the struggle against crime.

5 N‑COUNT Your profile on a social media website is the part where you post your name, picture, and personal information. □� He lied about himself on his profile.

6 PHRASE If someone has a high profile , people notice them and what they do. If you keep a low profile , you avoid doing things that will make people notice you. □� You can't get any higher profile than a James Bond movie.

7 →�see also high-profile SYNONYMS profile NOUN 1

outline:He could see only the hazy outline of the goalposts.

form:�the form of the body.

silhouette:The dark silhouette of the castle ruins stood out boldly against the fading light.

prof|it ◆◆◇ /prɒ f I t/ (profits , profiting , profited )

1 N‑VAR A profit is an amount of money that you gain when you are paid more for something than it cost you to make, get, or do it. □� The bank made pre-tax profits of �3.5 million. □� You can improve your chances of profit by sensible planning.

2 VERB If you profitfrom something, you earn a profit from it. □�[V +�from/by ] Footballers are accustomed to profiting handsomely from bonuses. □�[V ] The dealers profited shamefully at the expense of my family.

3 VERB If you profitfrom something, or it profits you, you gain some advantage or benefit from it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�from/by ] Jennifer wasn't yet totally convinced that she'd profit from a more relaxed lifestyle. □�[V n] So far the French alliance had profited the rebels little. □�[V n to-inf] Whom would it profit to terrify or to kill this man? ●�N‑UNCOUNT Profit is also a noun. □� The artist found much to his profit in the Louvre.

prof|it|able /prɒ f I təb ə l/

1 ADJ A profitable organization or practice makes a profit. □� Improved transport turned agriculture into a highly profitable business. □�[+�for ] It was profitable for them to produce large amounts of food. ●� prof|it|ably /prɒ f I təbli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� The 28 French stores are trading profitably. ●� prof|it|abil|ity /prɒ f I təb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Changes were made in operating methods in an effort to increase profitability.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is profitable results in some benefit for you. □� �collaboration which leads to a profitable exchange of personnel and ideas. ●� prof|it|ably ADV [ADV with v] □� In fact he could scarcely have spent his time more profitably.

profi|teer /prɒ f I t I ə r / (profiteers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you describe someone as a profiteer , you are critical of them because they make large profits by charging high prices for goods that are hard to get. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a new social class composed largely of war profiteers and gangsters.

prof|it|eer|ing /prɒ f I t I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Profiteering involves making large profits by charging high prices for goods that are hard to get. [BUSINESS , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a wave of profiteering and corruption.

pro fit-making

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A profit-making business or organization makes a profit. [BUSINESS ] □� He wants to set up a profit-making company, owned mostly by the university.

2 →�see also non-profit-making

pro f|it mar|gin (profit margins ) N‑COUNT A profit margin is the difference between the selling price of a product and the cost of producing and marketing it. [BUSINESS ] □� The group had a net profit margin of 30% last year.

pro fit-sharing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Profit-sharing is a system by which all the people who work in a company have a share in its profits. [BUSINESS ]

pro fit-taking N‑UNCOUNT Profit-taking is the selling of stocks and shares at a profit after their value has risen or just before their value falls. [BUSINESS ]

prof|li|ga|cy /prɒ fl I gəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Profligacy is the spending of too much money or the using of too much of something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the continuing profligacy of certain states.

prof|li|gate /prɒ fl I g I t/ ADJ Someone who is profligate spends too much money or uses too much of something. [FORMAL ] □� �the most profligate consumer of energy in the world.

pro for|ma /proʊ fɔː r mə/ also pro-forma ADJ [usu ADJ n] In banking, a company's pro forma balance or earnings are their expected balance or earnings. [BUSINESS ]

pro|found /prəfaʊ nd/ (profounder , profoundest )

1 ADJ You use profound to emphasize that something is very great or intense. [EMPHASIS ] □� �discoveries which had a profound effect on many areas of medicine. □� �profound disagreement. □� Anna's patriotism was profound. ●� pro|found|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/-ed] □� This has profoundly affected my life.

2 ADJ A profound idea, work, or person shows great intellectual depth and understanding. □� This is a book full of profound, original and challenging insights.

pro|fun|dity /prəfʌ nd I ti/ (profundities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Profundity is great intellectual depth and understanding. □�[+�of ] The profundity of this book is achieved with breathtaking lightness.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the profundity of a feeling, experience, or change, you mean that it is deep, powerful, or serious. □�[+�of ] �the profundity of the structural problems besetting the country.

3 N‑COUNT A profundity is a remark that shows great intellectual depth and understanding. □� His work is full of profundities and asides concerning the human condition.

pro|fuse /prəfjuː s/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Profuse sweating, bleeding, or vomiting is sweating, bleeding, or vomiting large amounts. □� �a remedy that produces profuse sweating. ●� pro|fuse|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He was bleeding profusely.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you offer profuse apologies or thanks, you apologize or thank someone a lot. □� Then the police officer recognised me, breaking into profuse apologies. ●� pro|fuse|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� They were very grateful to be put right and thanked me profusely.

pro|fu|sion /prəfjuː ʒ ə n/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb, oft in N ] If there is a profusion of something or if it occurs in profusion , there is a very large quantity or variety of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The Dart is a delightful river with a profusion of wild flowers along its banks.

pro|geni|tor /proʊdʒe n I tə r / (progenitors )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A progenitor of someone is a direct ancestor of theirs. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He was also a progenitor of seven presidents of Nicaragua.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The progenitor of an idea or invention is the person who first thought of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the progenitor of the C5 electric car.

prog|eny /prɒ dʒəni/ N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] You can refer to a person's children or to an animal's young as their progeny . [FORMAL ] □� Davis was never loquacious on the subject of his progeny.

pro|ges|ter|one /proʊdʒe stəroʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT Progesterone is a hormone that is produced in the ovaries of women and female animals and helps prepare the body for pregnancy. □� If the egg is not fertilised oestrogen and progesterone decrease.

prog|no|sis /prɒgnoʊ s I s/ (prognoses /prɒgnoʊ siːz/) N‑COUNT A prognosis is an estimate of the future of someone or something, especially about whether a patient will recover from an illness. [FORMAL ] □� If the cancer is caught early the prognosis is excellent.

prog|nos|ti|ca|tion /prɒgnɒ st I ke I ʃ ə n/ (prognostications ) N‑VAR A prognostication is a statement about what you think will happen in the future. [FORMAL ] □�[+�about ] The country is currently obsessed with gloomy prognostications about its future.

pro|gram ◆◆◇ /proʊ gr�m/ (programs , programming , programmed )

1 N‑COUNT A program is a set of instructions that a computer follows in order to perform a particular task. [COMPUTING ] □� The chances of an error occurring in a computer program increase with the size of the program.

2 VERB When you program a computer, you give it a set of instructions to make it able to perform a particular task. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n to-inf] He programmed his computer to compare all the possible combinations. □�[V n] �45 million people, about half of whom can program their own computers. □�[V -ed] �a computer programmed to translate a story given to it in Chinese. ●� pro|gram|ming N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� �programming skills. □� �the concepts of programming.

3 →�see also programme

pro|gram|ma|ble /proʊ gr�məb ə l/ ADJ A programmable machine can be programmed, so that for example it will switch on and off automatically or do things in a particular order. □� The heating system has a fully programmable touchscreen remote control.

pro|gram|mat|ic /proʊ grəm� t I k/ ADJ Programmatic ideas or policies follow a particular programme. □� He gave up on programmatic politics and turned his back on public life.

pro|gramme ◆◆◆ /proʊ gr�m/ (programmes , programming , programmed ) in AM, use program1 N‑COUNT A programme of actions or events is a series of actions or events that are planned to be done. □� The general argued that the nuclear programme should still continue.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A television or radio programme is something that is broadcast on television or radio. □� �a series of TV programmes on global environment. □� �local news programmes.

3 N‑COUNT A theatre or concert programme is a small book or sheet of paper which gives information about the play or concert you are attending.

4 VERB When you programme a machine or system, you set its controls so that it will work in a particular way. □�[V n to-inf] Parents can programme the machine not to turn on at certain times. [Also V n]

5 VERB [usu passive] If a living creature is programmedto behave in a particular way, they are likely to behave in that way because of social or biological factors that they cannot control. □�[be V -ed to-inf] We are all genetically programmed to develop certain illnesses. [Also be V -ed]

pro |gramme note (programme notes ) in AM, use program note N‑COUNT A programme note is an article written in a programme for a play or concert, which gives information about the performance or production.

pro|gram|mer /proʊ gr�mə r / (programmers ) N‑COUNT A computer programmer is a person whose job involves writing programs for computers. [COMPUTING ]

pro|gress ◆◆◇ (progresses , progressing , progressed ) The noun is pronounced /proʊ gres, [AM ] prɑː -/. The verb is pronounced /prəgre s/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Progress is the process of gradually improving or getting nearer to achieving or completing something. □� The medical community continues to make progress in the fight against cancer. □� The two sides made little if any progress towards agreement.

2 N‑SING Theprogressof a situation or action is the way in which it develops. □�[+�of ] The CEO is reported to have been delighted with the progress of the first day's talks.

3 VERB To progress means to move over a period of time to a stronger, more advanced, or more desirable state. □�[V ] He will visit once a fortnight to see how his new staff are progressing. □�[V +�to ] He started with sketching and then progressed to painting.

4 VERB If events progress , they continue to happen gradually over a period of time. □�[V ] As the evening progressed, sadness turned to rage.

5 VERB If you progress something, you cause it to develop. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Very little was done to progress the case in the first 10 or so months after K was charged.

6 PHRASE If something is in progress , it has started and is still continuing. □� The game was already in progress when we took our seats. COLLOCATIONS progress NOUN

1

adjective +�progress : good, real, significant, steady; rapid, slow, swift; technological

verb +�progress : achieve, make

2

verb +�progress : assess, follow, monitor, review VERB 4

noun +�progress : day, evening, game, season; game, season, war, work

pro|gres|sion /prəgre ʃ ə n/ (progressions )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A progression is a gradual development from one state to another. □�[+�of ] Both drugs slow the progression of HIV, but neither cures the disease.

2 N‑COUNT A progression of things is a number of things which come one after the other. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a progression of habitats from dry meadows through marshes to open water.

pro|gres|sive /prəgre s I v/ (progressives )

1 ADJ Someone who is progressive or has progressive ideas has modern ideas about how things should be done, rather than traditional ones. □� �a progressive businessman who had voted for Roosevelt in 1932 and 1936. □� The children go to a progressive school. ●�N‑COUNT A progressive is someone who is progressive. □� The Republicans were deeply split between progressives and conservatives.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A progressive change happens gradually over a period of time. □� One prominent symptom of the disease is progressive loss of memory. ●� pro|gres|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Her symptoms became progressively worse. □� The amount of grant the council received was progressively reduced.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, progressive means the same as continuous .

pro|hib|it /prəh I b I t, [AM ] proʊ-/ (prohibits , prohibiting , prohibited ) VERB If a law or someone in authority prohibits something, they forbid it or make it illegal. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �a law that prohibits tobacco advertising in newspapers and magazines. □�[V n] Fishing is prohibited. □�[V n +�from ] Federal law prohibits foreign airlines from owning more than 25% of any U.S. airline. ●� pro|hi|bi|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the prohibition of women on air combat missions.

pro|hi|bi|tion /proʊ I b I ʃ ə n/ (prohibitions )

1 N‑COUNT A prohibition is a law or rule forbidding something. □�[+�on ] �a prohibition on discrimination. □�[+�against ] �prohibitions against feeding birds at the airport.

2 →�see also prohibit

Pro|hi|bi|tion N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, Prohibition was the law that prevented the manufacture, sale, and transporting of alcoholic drinks between 1919 and 1933. Prohibition also refers to the period when this law existed.

pro|hibi|tive /prəh I b I t I v, [AM ] proʊ-/ ADJ If the cost of something is prohibitive , it is so high that many people cannot afford it. [FORMAL ] □� The cost of private treatment can be prohibitive. ●� pro|hibi|tive|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� Meat and butter were prohibitively expensive.

proj|ect ◆◆◇ (projects , projecting , projected ) The noun is pronounced /prɒ dʒekt/. The verb is pronounced /prədʒe kt/ and is hyphenated pro|ject. 1 N‑COUNT A project is a task that requires a lot of time and effort. □� Money will also go into local development projects in Vietnam. □� Besides film and record projects, I have continued to work in the theater.

2 N‑COUNT A project is a detailed study of a subject by a pupil or student. □� Students complete projects for a personal tutor, working at home at their own pace.

3 VERB If something is projected , it is planned or expected. □�[be V -ed to-inf] This sector is projected to double in size over the next 12 months. □�[V n] The government had been projecting a 5% consumer price increase for the entire year. □�[V -ed] �a projected deficit of $1.5 million.

4 VERB If you project someone or something in a particular way, you try to make people see them in that way. If you project a particular feeling or quality, you show it in your behaviour. □�[V n] Bradley projects a natural warmth and sincerity. □�[V pron-refl +�as ] He just hasn't been able to project himself as the strong leader. □�[V n +�as ] His first job will be to project Glasgow as a friendly city. □�[V -ed] The initial image projected was of a caring, effective president.

5 VERB If you project feelings or ideas on to other people, you imagine that they have the same ideas or feelings as you. □�[V n +�on/onto/upon ] He projects his own thoughts and ideas onto her.

6 VERB If you project a film or picture onto a screen or wall, you make it appear there. □�[V n] The team tried projecting the maps with two different projectors onto the same screen.

7 VERB If something projects , it sticks out above or beyond a surface or edge. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] �the remains of a war-time defence which projected out from the shore. □�[V -ing] �a piece of projecting metal.

8 →�see also housing project SYNONYMS project NOUN 1

task:She used the day to catch up with administrative tasks.

scheme:�schemes to help combat unemployment.

plan:�a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group.

venture:�his latest writing venture.

pro|jec|tile /prədʒe kta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/ (projectiles ) N‑COUNT A projectile is an object that is fired from a gun or other weapon. [FORMAL ]

pro|jec|tion /prədʒe kʃ ə n/ (projections )

1 N‑COUNT A projection is an estimate of a future amount. □�[+�of ] �the company's projection of 11 million visitors for the first year. □� �sales projections.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] The projection of a film or picture is the act of projecting it onto a screen or wall.

pro|jec|tion|ist /prədʒe kʃən I st/ (projectionists ) N‑COUNT A projectionist is someone whose job is to work a projector at a cinema.

pro j|ect ma n|ag|er (project managers ) N‑COUNT A project manager is someone who plans a project and organizes the work of all the people involved in it. □� She works as a project manager for an insurance company.

pro|jec|tor /prədʒe ktə r / (projectors )

1 N‑COUNT A projector is a machine that projects images onto a screen or wall. □� The chain is introducing digital projectors and broadcasts of live sports.

2 →�see also overhead projector

pro|lapse /proʊ l�ps, [AM ] proʊl� ps/ (prolapses , prolapsing , prolapsed ) The verb is also pronounced /prəl� ps/. 1 N‑VAR A prolapse is when one of the organs in the body moves down from its normal position. [MEDICAL ]

2 VERB If an organ in someone's body prolapses , it moves down from its normal position. [MEDICAL ] □�[V ] Sometimes the original abortion was done so badly that the uterus prolapsed.

prole /proʊ l/ (proles ) N‑COUNT A prole is someone in a low social class. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� We had proles working alongside university types as equals.

pro|letar|ian /proʊ l I teə riən/ (proletarians )

1 ADJ Proletarian means relating to the proletariat. □� �a proletarian revolution.

2 N‑COUNT A proletarian is a member of the proletariat.

pro|letari|at /proʊ l I teə ri�t/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The proletariat is a term used to refer to workers without high status, especially industrial workers. □� �a struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.

pro -li fe ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is pro-life thinks that women do not have a right to choose whether or not to give birth to a child they have conceived, and that abortion is wrong in most or all circumstances. □� �the pro-life movement.

pro|lif|er|ate /prəl I fəre I t/ (proliferates , proliferating , proliferated ) VERB If things proliferate , they increase in number very quickly. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Computerized data bases are proliferating fast. ●� pro|lif|era|tion /prəl I fəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] □�[+�of ] �the proliferation of nuclear weapons. □� Smoking triggers off cell proliferation.

pro|lif|ic /prəl I f I k/

1 ADJ A prolific writer, artist, or composer produces a large number of works. □� She is a prolific writer of novels and short stories.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A prolific sports player scores a lot of goals or wins a lot of matches or races. □� Another prolific scorer was Dean Saunders.

3 ADJ An animal, person, or plant that is prolific produces a large number of babies, young plants, or fruit. □� They are prolific breeders, with many hens laying up to six eggs.

pro|logue /proʊ lɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (prologues )

1 N‑COUNT A prologue is a speech or section of text that introduces a play or book. □� The prologue to the novel is written in the form of a newspaper account.

2 N‑COUNT If one event is a prologue to another event, it leads to it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] This was a prologue to today's bloodless revolution.

pro|long /prəlɒ ŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ (prolongs , prolonging , prolonged ) VERB To prolong something means to make it last longer. □�[V n] Mr Chesler said foreign military aid was prolonging the war. ●� pro|lon|ga|tion /proʊ lɒŋge I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -lɔːŋ-/ (prolongations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the prolongation of productive human life.

pro|longed /prəlɒ ŋd, [AM ] -lɔːŋd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A prolonged event or situation continues for a long time, or for longer than expected. □� �a prolonged period of low interest rates.

prom /prɒ m/ (proms ) The spelling Prom is usually used for meaning 3 . 1 N‑COUNT A prom is a formal dance at a school or college which is usually held at the end of the academic year. [AM ] □� I didn't want to go to the prom with Craig.

2 N‑SING The prom is the road by the sea where people go for a walk. [BRIT ]

3 N‑PLURAL TheProms are a series of concerts of mainly classical music that are held each year in London and some other cities. There is usually an area at these concerts where people stand, as well as seats. [mainly BRIT ]

prom|enade /prɒ mənɑː d, [AM ] -ne I d/ (promenades , promenading , promenaded )

1 N‑COUNT In a seaside town, the promenade is the road by the sea where people go for a walk.

2 N‑COUNT A promenade is an area that is used for walking, for example a wide road or a deck on a ship. [mainly AM ]

3 N‑COUNT A promenade is a formal dance at a school or college which is usually held at the end of the academic year. [AM ]

promi|nence /prɒ m I nəns/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone or something is in a position of prominence , they are well-known and important. □� He came to prominence during the last World Cup. □� Crime prevention had to be given more prominence.

promi|nent ◆◇◇ /prɒ m I nənt/

1 ADJ Someone who is prominent is important. □� �a prominent member of the Law Society.

2 ADJ Something that is prominent is very noticeable or is an important part of something else. □� Here the window plays a prominent part in the design. ●� promi|nent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Trade will figure prominently in the second day of talks in Washington. SYNONYMS prominent ADJ 1

famous:�England's most famous landscape artist, John Constable.

leading:�a leading member of Bristol's Sikh community.

top:So you want to be a top model.

pro|mis|cu|ous /prəm I skjuəs/ ADJ Someone who is promiscuous has sex with many different people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She is perceived as vain, spoilt and promiscuous. ●� promis|cu|ity /prɒ m I skjuː I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He has recently urged more tolerance of sexual promiscuity.

prom|ise ◆◆◇ /prɒ m I s/ (promises , promising , promised )

1 VERB If you promisethat you will do something, you say to someone that you will definitely do it. □�[V to-inf] The post office has promised to resume first class mail delivery to the area on Friday. □�[V that] He had promised that the rich and privileged would no longer get preferential treatment. □�[V n that] Promise me you will not waste your time. □�[V with quote] 'We'll be back next year,' he promised. □�[V ] 'You promise?'�'All right, I promise.' [Also V n]

2 VERB If you promise someone something, you tell them that you will definitely give it to them or make sure that they have it. □�[V n n] In 1920 the great powers promised them an independent state. □�[V n] The officers promise a return to multiparty rule.

3 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf, N that] A promise is a statement which you make to a person in which you say that you will definitely do something or give them something. □� If you make a promise, you should keep it.

4 VERB If a situation or event promisesto have a particular quality or to be a particular thing, it shows signs that it will have that quality or be that thing. □�[V to-inf] While it will be fun, the seminar also promises to be most instructive.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If someone or something shows promise , they seem likely to be very good or successful. □� The boy first showed promise as an athlete in grade school. COLLOCATIONS promise NOUN

3

noun +�promise : campaign, election, manifesto

adjective +�promise : broken, empty, false, vague

verb +�promise : fulfil, honour, keep; break

5

adjective +�promise : early, great

verb +�promise : show VERB 2

promise+�noun : aid, help, support; action, change; investigation, review

pro m|ised la nd (promised lands ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a place or a state as a promised land , you mean that people desire it and expect to find happiness or success there. □� �the promised land of near-zero inflation.

prom|is|ing /prɒ m I s I ŋ/ ADJ Someone or something that is promising seems likely to be very good or successful. □� A school has honoured one of its brightest and most promising former pupils.

prom|is|ing|ly /prɒ m I s I ŋli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If something or someone starts promisingly , they begin well but often fail in the end. □� It all started so promisingly when we scored a tremendous first goal.

prom|is|sory note /prɒ m I səri noʊt, [AM ] -sɔːri/ (promissory notes ) N‑COUNT A promissory note is a written promise to pay a specific sum of money to a particular person. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] □� �a $36.4 million, five-year promissory note.

pro|mo /proʊ moʊ/ (promos ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A promo is something such as a short video film which is used to promote a product. [JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □� He races his cars, and hires them out for film, TV and promo videos.

prom|on|tory /prɒ məntri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (promontories ) N‑COUNT A promontory is a cliff that stretches out into the sea.

pro|mote ◆◆◇ /prəmoʊ t/ (promotes , promoting , promoted )

1 VERB If people promote something, they help or encourage it to happen, increase, or spread. □�[V n] You don't have to sacrifice environmental protection to promote economic growth. ●� pro|mo|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The government has pledged to give the promotion of democracy higher priority.

2 VERB If a firm promotes a product, it tries to increase the sales or popularity of that product. □�[V n] The singer has announced a full British tour to promote his second solo album. □�[be V -ed +�as ] �a special St Lucia week where the island could be promoted as a tourist destination.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is promoted , they are given a more important job or rank in the organization that they work for. □�[be V -ed +�from/to ] I was promoted to editor and then editorial director. □�[be V -ed] In fact, those people have been promoted.

4 VERB [usu passive] If a team that competes in a league is promoted , it starts competing in a higher division in the next season because it was one of the most successful teams in the lower division. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed +�to ] They won the Second Division title and were promoted to the First Division. [Also be V -ed] ●� pro|mo|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] Fans have been celebrating their team's promotion to the First Division. SYNONYMS promote VERB

1

encourage:Slow music encourages supermarket-shoppers to browse longer but spend more.

support:He pressed the party to support a total ban on imported coal.

back:The Prime Minister is backed by the civic movement, Public Against Violence.

2

advertise:The players can advertise baked beans, but not rugby boots.

publicize:The author appeared on television to publicize her latest book.

push:Ministers will push the case for opening the plant.

pro|mot|er /prəmoʊ tə r / (promoters )

1 N‑COUNT A promoter is a person who helps organize and finance an event, especially a sports event. □� �one of the top boxing promoters in Britain.

2 N‑COUNT The promoter of a cause or idea tries to make it become popular. □�[+�of ] He was an energetic promoter of American music.

pro|mo|tion ◆◇◇ /prəmoʊ ʃ ə n/ (promotions )

1 N‑VAR If you are given promotion or a promotion in your job, you are given a more important job or rank in the organization that you work for. □� Consider changing jobs or trying for promotion. □�[+�to ] �rewarding outstanding employees with promotions to higher-paid posts.

2 N‑VAR A promotion is an attempt to make a product or event popular or successful, especially by advertising. [BUSINESS ] □� During 1984, Remington spent a lot of money on advertising and promotion.

3 →�see also promote

pro|mo|tion|al /prəmoʊ ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Promotional material, events, or ideas are designed to increase the sales of a product or service. □� You can use the logo in all your promotional material.

prompt ◆◇◇ /prɒ mpt/ (prompts , prompting , prompted )

1 VERB To prompt someone to do something means to make them decide to do it. □�[V n to-inf] Japan's recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars. □�[V n] The need for villagers to control their own destinies has prompted a new plan.

2 VERB If you prompt someone when they stop speaking, you encourage or help them to continue. If you prompt an actor, you tell them what their next line is when they have forgotten what comes next. □�[V with quote] 'Go on,' the therapist prompted him. □�[V n] How exactly did he prompt her, Mr Markham?

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A prompt action is done without any delay. □� It is not too late, but prompt action is needed.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are prompt to do something, you do it without delay or you are not late. □� You have been so prompt in carrying out all these commissions. SYNONYMS prompt VERB 1

inspire:These herbs will inspire you to try out all sorts of exotic-flavoured dishes!

stimulate:I was stimulated to examine my deepest thoughts.

spur:His friend's plight had spurred him into taking part.

provoke:His election success has provoked a shocked reaction. ADJ 3

immediate:These tragic incidents have had an immediate effect.

quick:Officials played down any hope for a quick end to the bloodshed.

rapid:This signals a rapid change of mind by the government.

swift:The police were swift to act.

prompt|ing /prɒ mpt I ŋ/ (promptings ) N‑VAR If you respond to prompting , you do what someone encourages or reminds you to do. □� �the promptings of your subconscious.

prompt|ly /prɒ mptli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something promptly , you do it immediately. □� Sister Francesca entered the chapel, took her seat, and promptly fell asleep.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something promptly at a particular time, you do it at exactly that time. □�[+�at/on ] Promptly at a quarter past seven, we left the hotel.

prom|ul|gate /prɒ m ə lge I t/ (promulgates , promulgating , promulgated )

1 VERB If people promulgate a new law or a new idea, they make it widely known. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The shipping industry promulgated a voluntary code.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a new law is promulgated by a government or national leader, it is publicly approved or made official. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] A new constitution was promulgated last month. ●� prom|ul|ga|tion /prɒ m ə lge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the promulgation of the constitution.

prone /proʊ n/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] To be prone to something, usually something bad, means to have a tendency to be affected by it or to do it. □�[+�to ] For all her experience, she was still prone to nerves. □�[+�to ] People with fair skin who sunburn easily are very prone to skin cancer. ●�COMB -prone combines with nouns to make adjectives that describe people who are frequently affected by something bad. □� �the most injury-prone rider on the circuit.

2 →�see also accident prone

3 ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n] If you are lying prone , you are lying on your front. [FORMAL ] □� Bob slid from his chair and lay prone on the floor.

prong /prɒ ŋ, [AM ] prɔː ŋ/ (prongs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The prongs of something such as a fork are the long, thin pointed parts.

2 N‑COUNT The prongs of something such as a policy or plan are the separate parts of it. □� The shareholder rights movement has two prongs. □�[+�of ] The second prong of the strategy is the provision of basic social services for the poor.

-pronged /-prɒŋd, [AM ] -prɔːŋd/ COMB [ADJ n] A two -pronged or three -pronged attack, plan, or approach has two or three parts. □� �a two-pronged attack on the recession.

pro|nomi|nal /proʊnɒ m I n ə l/ ADJ Pronominal means relating to pronouns or like a pronoun. [TECHNICAL ] □� �a pronominal use.

pro|noun /proʊ naʊn/ (pronouns )

1 N‑COUNT A pronoun is a word that you use to refer to someone or something when you do not need to use a noun, often because the person or thing has been mentioned earlier. Examples are 'it', 'she', 'something', and 'myself'.

2 →�see also indefinite pronoun , personal pronoun , reflexive pronoun , relative pronoun

pro|nounce /prənaʊ ns/ (pronounces , pronouncing , pronounced )

1 VERB To pronounce a word means to say it using particular sounds. □�[V n] Have I pronounced your name correctly? □�[V n n] He pronounced it Per-sha, the way the English do.

2 VERB If you pronounce something to be true, you state that it is the case. [FORMAL ] □�[V n adj] A specialist has now pronounced him fully fit. □�[V n n] I now pronounce you husband and wife.

pro|nounced /prənaʊ nst/ ADJ Something that is pronounced is very noticeable. □� Most of the art exhibitions have a pronounced Scottish theme.

pro|nounce|ment /prənaʊ nsmənt/ (pronouncements ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pronouncements are public or official statements on an important subject. □� �the prime minister's latest pronouncements about the protection of minorities.

pron|to /prɒ ntoʊ/ ADV [ADV after v] If you say that something must be done pronto , you mean that it must be done quickly and at once. [INFORMAL ] □� Get down to the post office pronto!

pro|nun|cia|tion /prənʌ nsie I ʃ ə n/ (pronunciations ) N‑VAR The pronunciation of a word or language is the way in which it is pronounced. □� She gave the word its French pronunciation. □� You're going to have to forgive my pronunciation.

proof ◆◇◇ /pruː f/ (proofs )

1 N‑VAR [N that] Proof is a fact, argument, or piece of evidence which shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists. □�[+�of ] I would need to bring in something with my French address on it as proof of residence. □� This is not necessarily proof that he is wrong.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In publishing, the proofsof a book, magazine, or article are a first copy of it that is printed so that mistakes can be corrected before more copies are printed and published. □�[+�of ] I'm correcting the proofs of the Spanish edition right now. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Proof is also an adjective. □� �an uncorrected proof copy of the book.

3 ADJ Proof is used after a number of degrees or a percentage, when indicating the strength of a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky. □� �a glass of Wild Turkey bourbon: 101 degrees proof.

4the proof of the pudding is in the eating →�see pudding

-proof /-pruːf/ (-proofs , -proofing , -proofed )

1 COMB -proof combines with nouns and verbs to form adjectives which indicate that something cannot be damaged or badly affected by the thing or action mentioned. □� �a bomb-proof aircraft. □� In a large microwave-proof dish, melt butter for 20 seconds.

2 COMB -proof combines with nouns to form verbs which refer to protecting something against being damaged or badly affected by the thing mentioned. □�[V n] �home energy efficiency grants towards the cost of draught-proofing your home. □�[V -ed] �inflation-proofed pensions.

3 →�see also bullet-proof , childproof , damp-proof course , fireproof , ovenproof , soundproof , waterproof , weatherproof

proof|read /pruː friːd/ (proofreads , proofreading ) also proof-read VERB When someone proofreads something such as a book or an article, they read it before it is published in order to find and mark mistakes that need to be corrected. □�[V n] I didn't even have the chance to proofread my own report. [Also V ]

prop /prɒ p/ (props , propping , propped )

1 VERB If you prop an object on or against something, you support it by putting something underneath it or by resting it somewhere. □�[V n +�on/against ] He rocked back in the chair and propped his feet on the desk. [Also V n adv/prep] ●�PHRASAL VERB Prop up means the same as prop . □�[V n P prep] Sam slouched back and propped his elbows up on the bench behind him. □�[V P n prep] If you have difficulty sitting like this, prop up your back against a wall.

2 N‑COUNT A prop is a stick or other object that you use to support something.

3 N‑COUNT To be a prop for a system, institution, or person means to be the main thing that keeps them strong or helps them survive. □� The army is one of the main props of the government.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The props in a play or film are all the objects or pieces of furniture that are used in it. □� �the backdrop and props for a stage show.

▸� prop up

1 PHRASAL VERB To prop up something means to support it or help it to survive. □�[V P n] Investments in the U.S. money market have propped up the American dollar. □�[V n P ] On the Stock Exchange, aggressive buying propped the market up.

2 →�see prop1

propa|gan|da /prɒ pəg� ndə/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Propaganda is information, often inaccurate information, which a political organization publishes or broadcasts in order to influence people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The party adopted an aggressive propaganda campaign against its rivals.

propa|gan|dist /prɒ pəg� nd I st/ (propagandists ) N‑COUNT A propagandist is a person who tries to persuade people to support a particular idea or group, often by giving inaccurate information. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�for ] He was also a brilliant propagandist for free trade.

propa|gan|dize /prɒ pəg� nda I z/ (propagandizes , propagandizing , propagandized ) in BRIT, also use propagandise VERB If you say that a group of people propagandize , you think that they are dishonestly trying to persuade other people to share their views. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] You can propagandize just by calling attention to something. □�[V n] This government shouldn't propagandize its own people.

propa|gate /prɒ pəge I t/ (propagates , propagating , propagated )

1 VERB If people propagate an idea or piece of information, they spread it and try to make people believe it or support it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They propagated political doctrines which promised to tear apart the fabric of our society. ●� propa|ga|tion /prɒ pəge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the propagation of true Buddhism.

2 VERB If you propagate plants, you grow more of them from the original ones. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] The easiest way to propagate a vine is to take hardwood cuttings. □�[be V -ed +�from ] The pasque flower can be propagated from seed. [Also V n +�from ] ●� propa|ga|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the successful propagation of a batch of plants.

pro|pane /proʊ pe I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Propane is a gas that is used for cooking and heating. □� �a propane gas cylinder.

pro|pel /prəpe l/ (propels , propelling , propelled )

1 VERB To propel something in a particular direction means to cause it to move in that direction. □�[V n prep] Floor the accelerator pedal and you are propelled forward in a wave of power. ●�COMB -propelled combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate how something, especially a weapon, is propelled. □� �rocket-propelled grenades.

2 VERB If something propels you into a particular activity, it causes you to do it. □�[V n prep] It was a shooting star that propelled me into astronomy in the first place. □�[be V -ed] He is propelled by both guilt and the need to avenge his father.

pro|pel|lant /prəpe lənt/ (propellants )

1 N‑VAR Propellant is a substance that causes something to move forwards. □� �a propellant for nuclear rockets.

2 N‑VAR Propellant is a gas that is used in spray cans to force the contents out of the can when you press the button. □� By 1978, in the U.S.A., the use of CFCs in aerosol propellants was banned.

pro|pel|ler /prəpe lə r / (propellers ) N‑COUNT A propeller is a device with blades which is attached to a boat or aircraft. The engine makes the propeller spin round and causes the boat or aircraft to move. □� �a fixed three-bladed propeller.

pro|pen|sity /prəpe ns I ti/ (propensities ) N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A propensity to do something or a propensityfor something is a natural tendency that you have to behave in a particular way. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] Mr Bint has a propensity to put off decisions to the last minute.

prop|er ◆◇◇ /prɒ pə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use proper to describe things that you consider to be real and satisfactory rather than inadequate in some way. □� Two out of five people lack a proper job. □� I always cook a proper evening meal.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The proper thing is the one that is correct or most suitable. □� The Supreme Court will ensure that the proper procedures have been followed. □� He helped to put things in their proper place.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that a way of behaving is proper , you mean that it is considered socially acceptable and right. □� In those days it was not thought entirely proper for a woman to be on the stage.

4 ADJ [n ADJ ] You can add proper after a word to indicate that you are referring to the central and most important part of a place, event, or object and want to distinguish it from other things which are not regarded as being important or central to it. □� A distinction must be made between archaeology proper and science-based archaeology.

prop|er|ly ◆◇◇ /prɒ pə r li/

1 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If something is done properly , it is done in a correct and satisfactory way. □� You're too thin. You're not eating properly. □� There needs to be a properly informed public debate.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If someone behaves properly , they behave in a way that is considered acceptable and not rude. □� He's a spoilt brat and it's about time he learnt to behave properly.

pro p|er nou n (proper nouns ) also proper name N‑COUNT A proper noun is the name of a particular person, place, organization, or thing. Proper nouns begin with a capital letter. Examples are 'Margaret', 'London', and 'the United Nations'. Compare common noun .

prop|er|tied /prɒ pə r tid/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Propertied people own land or property. [FORMAL ] □� �the propertied classes.

prop|er|ty ◆◆◇ /prɒ pə r ti/ (properties )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Someone's property is all the things that belong to them or something that belongs to them. [FORMAL ] □� Richard could easily destroy her personal property to punish her for walking out on him. □� Security forces searched thousands of homes, confiscating weapons and stolen property.

2 N‑VAR A property is a building and the land belonging to it. [FORMAL ] □� This vehicle has been parked on private property.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The properties of a substance or object are the ways in which it behaves in particular conditions. □� A radio signal has both electrical and magnetic properties. SYNONYMS property NOUN 1

possessions:She had tidied away her possessions.

assets:By the end of 1989 the group had assets of 3.5 billion francs.

belongings:I collected my belongings and left.

proph|ecy /prɒ f I si/ (prophecies ) N‑VAR A prophecy is a statement in which someone says they strongly believe that a particular thing will happen. □� �Biblical prophecy.

proph|esy /prɒ f I sa I / (prophesies , prophesying , prophesied ) VERB If you prophesythat something will happen, you say that you strongly believe that it will happen. □�[V that] He prophesied that within five years his opponent would either be dead or in prison. □�[V n] She prophesied a bad ending for the expedition. [Also V ]

proph|et /prɒ f I t/ (prophets )

1 N‑COUNT A prophet is a person who is believed to be chosen by God to say the things that God wants to tell people. □� �the sacred name of the Holy Prophet of Islam.

2 N‑COUNT A prophet is someone who predicts that something will happen in the future. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] I promised myself I'd defy all the prophets of doom and battle back to fitness.

pro|phet|ic /prəfe t I k/ ADJ If something was prophetic , it described or suggested something that did actually happen later. □� This ominous warning soon proved prophetic.

prophy|lac|tic /prɒ f I l� kt I k/ (prophylactics )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Prophylactic means concerned with preventing disease. [MEDICAL ] □� Vaccination and other prophylactic measures can be carried out.

2 N‑COUNT A prophylactic is a substance or device used for preventing disease. [MEDICAL ] □� The region began to use quinine successfully as a prophylactic.

3 N‑COUNT A prophylactic is a condom. [FORMAL ]

pro|pi|ti|ate /prəp I ʃie I t/ (propitiates , propitiating , propitiated ) VERB If you propitiate someone, you stop them being angry or impatient by doing something to please them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] I've never gone out of my way to propitiate people. □�[V n] These ancient ceremonies propitiate the spirits of the waters.

pro|pi|tious /prəp I ʃəs/ ADJ If something is propitious , it is likely to lead to success. [FORMAL ] □� They should wait for the most propitious moment between now and the next election. □� The omens for the game are still not propitious.

pro|po|nent /prəpoʊ nənt/ (proponents ) N‑COUNT [with poss] If you are a proponentof a particular idea or course of action, you actively support it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Halsey was identified as a leading proponent of the values of progressive education.

pro|por|tion ◆◇◇ /prəpɔː r ʃ ə n/ (proportions )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A proportion of a group or an amount is a part of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] A large proportion of the dolphins in that area will eventually die. □�[+�of ] A proportion of the rent is met by the city council.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The proportion of one kind of person or thing in a group is the number of people or things of that kind compared to the total number of people or things in the group. □�[+�of ] The proportion of women in the profession had risen to 17.3%.

3 N‑COUNT The proportion of one amount to another is the relationship between the two amounts in terms of how much there is of each thing. □�[+�to ] Women's bodies tend to have a higher proportion of fat to water.

4 N‑PLURAL If you refer to the proportions of something, you are referring to its size, usually when this is extremely large. [WRITTEN ] □� In the tropics plants grow to huge proportions.

5 PHRASE If one thing increases or decreases in proportion to another thing, it increases or decreases to the same degree as that thing. □� The pressure in the cylinders would go up in proportion to the boiler pressure.

6 PHRASE If something is small or large in proportion to something else, it is small or large when compared with that thing. □� Children have relatively larger heads than adults in proportion to the rest of their body.

7 PHRASE If you say that something is out of all proportion to something else, you think that it is far greater or more serious than it should be. □� The punishment was out of all proportion to the crime.

8 PHRASE If you get something out of proportion , you think it is more important or worrying than it really is. If you keep something in proportion , you have a realistic view of how important it is. □� Everything just got blown out of proportion. □� We've got to keep this in proportion. SYNONYMS proportion NOUN 1

part:Mum and Rob were able to walk part of the way together.

share:Sara also pays a share of the gas, electricity and phone bills.

segment:�the third segment of his journey.

pro|por|tion|al /prəpɔː r ʃən ə l/ ADJ If one amount is proportional to another, the two amounts increase and decrease at the same rate so there is always the same relationship between them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Loss of weight is directly proportional to the rate at which the disease is progressing. ●� pro|por|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� You have proportionally more fat on your thighs and hips than anywhere else on your body.

pro|por|tion|al|ity /prəpɔː r ʃən� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT The principle of proportionality is the idea that an action should not be more severe than is necessary, especially in a war or when punishing someone for a crime. [FORMAL ] □� Nuclear weapons seem to violate the just war principle of proportionality. □� He said there was a need for proportionality in sentencing.

pro|po r|tion|al rep|re|sen|ta |tion N‑UNCOUNT Proportional representation is a system of voting in which each political party is represented in a parliament or legislature in proportion to the number of people who vote for it in an election.

pro|por|tion|ate /prəpɔː r ʃənət/ ADJ Proportionate means the same as proportional . □�[+�to ] Republics will have voting rights proportionate to the size of their economies. ●� pro|por|tion|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Direct cost tends to vary proportionately with the level of output.

-proportioned /-prəpɔː r ʃ ə nd/ COMB -proportioned is added to adverbs to form adjectives that indicate that the size and shape of the different parts of something or someone are pleasing or useful. □� The flat has high ceilings and well-proportioned rooms.

pro|po|sal ◆◆◇ /prəpoʊ z ə l/ (proposals )

1 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] A proposal is a plan or an idea, often a formal or written one, which is suggested for people to think about and decide upon. □�[+�for ] The President is to put forward new proposals for resolving the country's constitutional crisis. □� The Security Council has rejected the latest peace proposal.

2 N‑COUNT A proposal is the act of asking someone to marry you. □�[+�of ] After a three-weekend courtship, Pamela accepted Randolph's proposal of marriage. COLLOCATIONS proposal NOUN 1

verb +�proposal : accept, approve, reject; put forward, submit; consider

adjective +�proposal : controversial; concrete, detailed; formal

noun +�proposal : draft; reform SYNONYMS proposal NOUN 1

suggestion:I have lots of suggestions for the park's future.

plan:The three leaders had worked out a peace plan.

scheme:�schemes to help combat unemployment.

proposition:I want to make you a proposition.

pro|pose ◆◆◇ /prəpoʊ z/ (proposes , proposing , proposed )

1 VERB If you propose something such as a plan or an idea, you suggest it for people to think about and decide upon. □�[V n/v-ing] Britain is about to propose changes to some institutions. □�[V that] It was George who first proposed that we dry clothes in that locker.

2 VERB If you proposeto do something, you intend to do it. □�[V to-inf] It's still far from clear what action the government proposes to take over the affair. □�[V v-ing] And where do you propose building such a huge thing? [Also V n]

3 VERB If you propose a theory or an explanation, you state that it is possibly or probably true, because it fits in with the evidence that you have considered. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] This highlights a problem faced by people proposing theories of ball lightning. □�[V that] Newton proposed that heavenly and terrestrial motion could be unified with the idea of gravity.

4 VERB If you propose a motion for debate, or a candidate for election, you begin the debate or the election procedure by formally stating your support for that motion or candidate. □�[V n] She was a pioneer in proposing that women should be able to control their own fertility. [Also V that] ●� pro|pos|er (proposers ) N‑COUNT □� �Mr Ian Murch, the proposer of the motion.

5 VERB If you propose a toast to someone or something, you ask people to drink a toast to them. □�[V n] Usually the bride's father proposes a toast to the health of the bride and groom.

6 VERB If you propose to someone, or propose marriageto them, you ask them to marry you. □�[V +�to ] He had proposed to Isabel the day after taking his seat in Parliament. [Also V , V n, V n +�to ]

propo|si|tion /prɒ pəz I ʃ ə n/ (propositions , propositioning , propositioned )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, adj N ] If you describe something such as a task or an activity as, for example, a difficult proposition or an attractive proposition , you mean that it is difficult or pleasant to do. □� Making easy money has always been an attractive proposition. □� Even among seasoned mountaineers this peak is considered quite a tough proposition.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A proposition is a statement or an idea which people can consider or discuss to decide whether it is true. [FORMAL ] □� The proposition that democracies do not fight each other is based on a tiny historical sample.

3 N‑COUNT In the United States, a proposition is a question or statement about an issue of public policy which appears on a voting paper so that people can vote for or against it. □� I voted 'yes' on proposition 136, but 'no' on propositions 129, 133 and 134.

4 N‑COUNT A proposition is an offer or a suggestion that someone makes to you, usually concerning some work or business that you might be able to do together. □� You came to see me at my office the other day with a business proposition.

5 VERB If someone who you do not know very well propositions you, they suggest that you have sex with them. □�[V n] He had allegedly tried to proposition a colleague. ●�N‑COUNT Proposition is also a noun. □� �unwanted sexual propositions.

pro|pound /prəpaʊ nd/ (propounds , propounding , propounded ) VERB If someone propounds an idea or point of view they have, they suggest it for people to consider. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] This zoologist has propounded a general theory of the vocal sounds that animals make.

pro|pri|etary /prəpra I ətri, [AM ] -teri/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Proprietary substances or products are sold under a trade name. [FORMAL ] □� �some proprietary brands of dog food. □� We had to take action to protect the proprietary technology.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a proprietary attitude towards something, they act as though they own it. [FORMAL ] □� Directors weren't allowed any proprietary airs about the product they made.

pro|pri|eties /prəpra I I tiz/ N‑PLURAL Theproprieties are the standards of social behaviour which most people consider socially or morally acceptable. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �respectable couples who observe the proprieties but loathe each other.

pro|pri|etor /prəpra I ətə r / (proprietors ) N‑COUNT The proprietor of a hotel, shop, newspaper, or other business is the person who owns it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the proprietor of a local restaurant.

pro|pri|etorial /prəpra I ətɔː riəl/ ADJ If your behaviour is proprietorial , you are behaving in a proud way because you are, or feel like you are, the owner of something. [FORMAL ] □� The longer I live alone the more proprietorial I become about my home.

pro|pri|etress /prəpra I ətr I s/ (proprietresses ) N‑COUNT The proprietress of a hotel, shop, or business is the woman who owns it. [FORMAL ] □� The proprietress was alone in the bar.

pro|pri|ety /prəpra I I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Propriety is the quality of being socially or morally acceptable. [FORMAL ] □� Their sense of social propriety is eroded.

pro|pul|sion /prəpʌ lʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N , N n] Propulsion is the power that moves something, especially a vehicle, in a forward direction. [FORMAL ] □� Turbofans are the pinnacle of efficient jet propulsion.

pro ra|ta /proʊ rɑː tə, [AM ] - re I tə/ also pro-rata ADV [ADV after v] If something is distributed pro rata , it is distributed in proportion to the amount or size of something. [FORMAL ] □� All part-timers should be paid the same, pro rata, as full-timers doing the same job. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Pro rata is also an adjective. □� They are paid their salaries and are entitled to fringe benefits on a pro-rata basis.

pro|sa|ic /proʊze I I k/ ADJ Something that is prosaic is dull and uninteresting. [FORMAL ] □� His instructor offered a more prosaic explanation for the surge in interest. ●� pro|sai|cal|ly /proʊze I I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Arabian jam is also known as angels' hair preserve, or more prosaically as carrot jam.

pro|scenium /proʊsiː niəm/ (prosceniums ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A proscenium or a proscenium arch is an arch in a theatre which separates the stage from the audience.

pro|scribe /proʊskra I b/ (proscribes , proscribing , proscribed ) VERB [usu passive] If something is proscribed by people in authority, the existence or the use of that thing is forbidden. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] In some cultures surgery is proscribed. □�[be V -ed +�from ] They are proscribed by federal law from owning guns.

pro|scrip|tion /proʊskr I pʃ ə n/ (proscriptions ) N‑VAR The proscriptionof something is the official forbidding of its existence or use. [FORMAL ] □� �the proscription against any religious service. □�[+�of ] �the proscription of his records.

prose /proʊ z/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N , in N ] Prose is ordinary written language, in contrast to poetry. □� Shute's prose is stark and chillingly unsentimental.

pros|ecute /prɒ s I kjuːt/ (prosecutes , prosecuting , prosecuted )

1 VERB If the authorities prosecute someone, they charge them with a crime and put them on trial. □�[V ] The police have decided not to prosecute because the evidence is not strong enough. □�[V n +�for ] Photographs taken by roadside cameras will soon be enough to prosecute drivers for speeding. □�[V n +�for ] He is being prosecuted for two criminal offences. [Also V n]

2 VERB When a lawyer prosecutes a case, he or she tries to prove that the person who is on trial is guilty. □�[V n] The attorney who will prosecute the case says he cannot reveal how much money is involved. □�[V -ing] �the prosecuting attorney.

pros|ecu|tion ◆◇◇ /prɒ s I kjuː ʃ ə n/ (prosecutions )

1 N‑VAR Prosecution is the action of charging someone with a crime and putting them on trial. □�[+�of ] Harding pleaded guilty to a charge of hindering the prosecution of the suspects.

2 N‑SING The lawyers who try to prove that a person on trial is guilty are called the prosecution . □� In all these cases the prosecution was successful.

pros|ecu|tor /prɒ s I kjuːtə r / (prosecutors ) N‑COUNT In some countries, a prosecutor is a lawyer or official who brings charges against someone or tries to prove in a trial that they are guilty.

pros|elyt|ize /prɒ s I l I ta I z/ (proselytizes , proselytizing , proselytized ) in BRIT, also use proselytise VERB If you proselytize , you try to persuade someone to share your beliefs, especially religious or political beliefs. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] I assured him we didn't come here to proselytize. □�[V n] Christians were arrested for trying to convert people, to proselytise them.

pros|pect ◆◆◇ (prospects , prospecting , prospected ) The noun is pronounced /prɒ spekt, [AM ] prɑː -/. The verb is pronounced /prəspe kt, [AM ] prɑː spekt/ and is hyphenated pro|spect. 1 N‑VAR If there is some prospectof something happening, there is a possibility that it will happen. □�[+�of ] Unfortunately, there is little prospect of seeing these big questions answered. □�[+�for ] The prospects for peace in the country's eight-year civil war are becoming brighter. □� There is a real prospect that the bill will be defeated in parliament.

2 N‑SING A particular prospect is something that you expect or know is going to happen. □�[+�of ] They now face the prospect of having to wear a cycling helmet by law.

3 N‑PLURAL Someone's prospects are their chances of being successful, especially in their career. □� I chose to work abroad to improve my career prospects.

4 VERB When people prospect for oil, gold, or some other valuable substance, they look for it in the ground or under the sea. □�[V +�for ] He had prospected for minerals everywhere from the Gobi Desert to the Transvaal. □�[V ] In fact, the oil companies are already prospecting not far from here. ●� pro|spect|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He was involved in oil, zinc and lead prospecting. ●� pro|spec|tor (prospectors ) N‑COUNT □� The discovery of gold brought a flood of prospectors into the Territories.

pro|spec|tive /prəspe kt I v, [AM ] prɑː-/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use prospective to describe someone who wants to be the thing mentioned or who is likely to be the thing mentioned. □� The story should act as a warning to other prospective buyers. □� When his prospective employers heard his history, they said they wouldn't hire him.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use prospective to describe something that is likely to happen soon. □� �the terms of the prospective deal.

pro|spec|tus /prəspe ktəs, [AM ] prɑː-/ (prospectuses ) N‑COUNT A prospectus is a detailed document produced by a college, school, or company, which gives details about it.

pros|per /prɒ spə r / (prospers , prospering , prospered ) VERB If people or businesses prosper , they are successful and do well. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] The high street banks continue to prosper. □�[V ] His teams have always prospered in cup competitions.

pros|per|ity /prɒspe r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Prosperity is a condition in which a person or community is doing well financially. □� �a new era of peace and prosperity.

pros|per|ous /prɒ spərəs/ ADJ Prosperous people, places, and economies are rich and successful. [FORMAL ] □� �the youngest son of a relatively prosperous British family.

pros|tate /prɒ ste I t/ (prostates ) N‑COUNT The prostate or the prostate gland is an organ in the body of male mammals which is situated at the neck of the bladder and produces a liquid which forms part of semen.

pros|the|sis /prɒsθiː s I s/ (prostheses ) N‑COUNT A prosthesis is an artificial body part that is used to replace a natural part. [MEDICAL ]

pros|thet|ic /prɒsθe t I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Prosthetic parts of the body are artificial ones used to replace natural ones. [MEDICAL ]

pros|ti|tute /prɒ st I tjuːt, [AM ] -tuːt/ (prostitutes ) N‑COUNT A prostitute is a person, usually a woman, who has sex with men in exchange for money. □� He admitted last week he paid for sex with a prostitute.

pros|ti|tu|tion /prɒ st I tjuː ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Prostitution means having sex with people in exchange for money. □� She eventually drifts into prostitution.

pros|trate (prostrates , prostrating , prostrated ) The verb is pronounced /prɒstre I t, [AM ] prɑː stre I t/. The adjective is pronounced /prɒ stre I t/. 1 VERB If you prostrateyourself , you lie down flat on the ground, on your front, usually to show respect for God or a person in authority. □�[V pron-refl] They prostrated themselves before their king.

2 ADJ [ADJ after v] If you are lying prostrate , you are lying flat on the ground, on your front. □� Percy was lying prostrate, his arms outstretched and his eyes closed.

3 ADJ If someone is prostrate , they are so distressed or affected by a very bad experience that they are unable to do anything at all. [FORMAL ] □� I was prostrate with grief.

pro|tago|nist /prət� gən I st, [AM ] proʊ-/ (protagonists )

1 N‑COUNT Someone who is a protagonist of an idea or movement is a supporter of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the main protagonists of their countries' integration into the world market.

2 N‑COUNT A protagonist in a play, novel, or real event is one of the main people in it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the protagonist of J. D. Salinger's novel 'The Catcher in the Rye'.

pro|tean /proʊ tiən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as protean , you mean that they have the ability to continually change their nature, appearance, or behaviour. [FORMAL ] □� He is a protean stylist who can move from blues to ballads and grand symphony.

pro|tect ◆◆◇ /prəte kt/ (protects , protecting , protected )

1 VERB To protect someone or something means to prevent them from being harmed or damaged. □�[V n +�from/against ] So, what can women do to protect themselves from heart disease? □�[V n] The government is committed to protecting the interests of tenants.

2 VERB If an insurance policy protects you against an event such as death, injury, fire, or theft, the insurance company will give you or your family money if that event happens. □�[V n +�against ] Many manufacturers have policies to protect themselves against blackmailers. [Also V +�against ] SYNONYMS protect VERB 1

defend:They would have killed him if he had not defended himself.

shield:He shielded his head from the sun with an old sack.

shelter:�a wooden house, sheltered by a low pointed roof.

safeguard:They will press for international action to safeguard the ozone layer.

pro|tect|ed /prəte kt I d/ ADJ Protected is used to describe animals, plants, and areas of land which the law does not allow to be destroyed, harmed, or damaged. □� In England, thrushes are a protected species so you will not find them on any menu.

pro|tec|tion ◆◆◇ /prəte kʃ ə n/ (protections )

1 N‑VAR To give or be protection against something unpleasant means to prevent people or things from being harmed or damaged by it. □�[+�against ] Such a diet is widely believed to offer protection against a number of cancers. □� It is clear that the primary duty of parents is to provide protection for our children.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If an insurance policy gives you protectionagainst an event such as death, injury, fire, or theft, the insurance company will give you or your family money if that event happens. □�[+�against ] The new policy is believed to be the first scheme to offer protection against an illness.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If a government has a policy of protection , it helps its own industries by putting a tax on imported goods or by restricting imports in some other way. [BUSINESS ] □� Over the same period trade protection has increased in the rich countries. COLLOCATIONS protection NOUN

1

noun +�protection : consumer, data, payment; fire, sun; child, protection

adjective +�protection : environmental, legal; adequate, effective; coastal

verb +�protection : afford, give, offer, provide; need, seek; enjoy

2

noun +�protection : bankruptcy, income SYNONYMS protection NOUN 1

defence:The immune system is our main defence against disease.

safeguard:Many people took second jobs as a safeguard against unemployment.

security:Strict security measures are in force in the capital.

shield:He used his left hand as a shield against the reflecting sunlight.

pro|tec|tion|ism /prəte kʃən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Protectionism is the policy some countries have of helping their own industries by putting a large tax on imported goods or by restricting imports in some other way. [BUSINESS ] □� �talks to promote free trade and avert increasing protectionism.

pro|tec|tion|ist /prəte kʃən I st/ (protectionists )

1 N‑COUNT A protectionist is someone who agrees with and supports protectionism. [BUSINESS ] □� Trade frictions between the two countries had been caused by trade protectionists.

2 ADJ Protectionist policies, measures, and laws are meant to stop or reduce imports. [BUSINESS ]

pro|tec|tive /prəte kt I v/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Protective means designed or intended to protect something or someone from harm. □� Protective gloves reduce the absorption of chemicals through the skin. □� Protective measures are necessary if the city's monuments are to be preserved.

2 ADJ If someone is protectivetowards you, they look after you and show a strong desire to keep you safe. □�[+�towards/of ] He is very protective towards his mother. ●� pro|tec|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Simon drove me to the airport and protectively told me to look after myself. ●� pro|tec|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�towards ] What she felt now was protectiveness towards her brothers, her sister and her new baby.

pro|te c|tive cu s|to|dy N‑UNCOUNT If a witness in a court case is being held in protective custody , they are being kept in prison in order to prevent them from being harmed. □� They might be doing me a good turn if they took me into protective custody.

pro|tec|tor /prəte ktə r / (protectors )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as your protector , you mean that they protect you from being harmed. □� Many mothers see their son as a potential protector and provider.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A protector is a device that protects someone or something from physical harm. □� He was the only National League umpire to wear an outside chest protector.

pro|tec|tor|ate /prəte ktərət/ (protectorates ) N‑COUNT A protectorate is a country that is controlled and protected by a more powerful country. □� In 1914 the country became a British protectorate.

pro|t�|g� /prɒ t I ʒe I , [AM ] proʊ t-/ (prot�g�s ) The spelling prot�g�e is often used when referring to a woman. N‑COUNT The prot�g� of an older and more experienced person is a young person who is helped and guided by them over a period of time. □� He had been a prot�g� of Captain James.

pro|tein ◆◇◇ /proʊ tiːn/ (proteins ) N‑VAR Protein is a substance found in food and drink such as meat, eggs, and milk. You need protein in order to grow and be healthy. □� Fish was a major source of protein for the working man. □� �a high protein diet.

pro tem /proʊ te m/ ADV [n ADV ] If someone has a particular position or job pro tem , they have it temporarily. [FORMAL ] □� �the president pro tem of the California State Senate.

pro|test ◆◆◇ (protests , protesting , protested ) The verb is pronounced /prəte st/. The noun is pronounced /proʊ test/. 1 VERB If you protestagainst something or about something, you say or show publicly that you object to it. In American English, you usually say that you protest it. □�[V +�about/against/at ] Groups of women took to the streets to protest against the arrests. □�[V +�about/against/at ] The students were protesting at overcrowding in the university hostels. □�[V n] They were protesting soaring prices. □�[V ] He picked up the cat before Rosa could protest.

2 N‑VAR A protest is the act of saying or showing publicly that you object to something. □�[+�against ] The opposition now seems too weak to stage any serious protests against the government. □�[+�at ] The unions called a two-hour strike in protest at the railway authority's announcement. □� �a protest march. [Also +�about ]

3 VERB If you protestthat something is the case, you insist that it is the case, when other people think that it may not be. □�[V that] When we tried to protest that Mo was beaten up they didn't believe us. □�[V with quote] 'I never said any of that to her,' he protested. □�[V n] He has always protested his innocence. SYNONYMS protest VERB 1

object:'Hey, I don't know what you're talking about,' Russo objected.

demonstrate:30,000 angry farmers demonstrated against possible cuts in subsidies.

complain:'I do everything you ask of me,' he complained. NOUN 2

complaint:People have been reluctant to make formal complaints to the police.

demonstration:Riot police broke up a demonstration by students.

outcry:The killing caused an international outcry.

Prot|es|tant /prɒ t I stənt/ (Protestants )

1 N‑COUNT A Protestant is a Christian who belongs to the branch of the Christian church which separated from the Catholic church in the sixteenth century.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Protestant means relating to Protestants or their churches. □� Many Protestant churches have women ministers.

Prot|es|tant|ism /prɒ t I stənt I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Protestantism is the set of Christian beliefs that are held by Protestants. □� �the spread of Protestantism.

pro|tes|ta|tion /prɒ t I ste I ʃ ə n/ (protestations ) N‑COUNT A protestation is a strong declaration that something is true or not true. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Despite his constant protestations of devotion and love, her doubts persisted.

pro|test|er /prəte stə r / (protesters ) also protestor N‑COUNT Protesters are people who protest publicly about an issue. □� The protesters say the government is corrupt and inefficient.

pro |test vote (protest votes ) N‑COUNT In an election, a protest vote is a vote against the party you usually support in order to show disapproval of something they are doing or planning to do.

PREFIX proto-

is used to form adjectives and nouns that indicate that something is in the early stages of its development. For example, Proto-Germanic was the language that came before all Germanic languages.

proto|col /proʊ təkɒl, [AM ] -kɔːl/ (protocols )

1 N‑VAR Protocol is a system of rules about the correct way to act in formal situations. □� He has become something of a stickler for the finer observances of royal protocol. □� �minor breaches of protocol.

2 N‑COUNT A protocol is a set of rules for exchanging information between computers. [COMPUTING ]

3 N‑COUNT A protocol is a written record of a treaty or agreement that has been made by two or more countries. [FORMAL ] □� It is diplomatic protocol that a foreign minister often accompanies the head of state on certain journeys.

4 N‑COUNT A protocol is a plan for a course of medical treatment, or a plan for a scientific experiment. [AM , FORMAL ] □� �the detoxification protocol.

pro|ton /proʊ tɒn/ (protons ) N‑COUNT A proton is an atomic particle that has a positive electrical charge. [TECHNICAL ]

proto|type /proʊ təta I p/ (prototypes )

1 N‑COUNT [N n] A prototype is a new type of machine or device which is not yet ready to be made in large numbers and sold. □�[+�of ] He built a prototype of a machine called the wave rotor.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something is a prototype of a type of person or thing, you mean that they are the first or most typical one of that type. □�[+�of ] He was the prototype of the elder statesman.

proto|typi|cal /proʊ tət I p I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Prototypical is used to indicate that someone or something is a very typical example of a type of person or thing. [FORMAL ] □� Park Ridge is the prototypical American suburb. □� �a prototypical socialist.

proto|zoan /proʊ təzoʊ ən/ (protozoa or protozoans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Protozoa are very small organisms which often live inside larger animals. [TECHNICAL ]

pro|tract|ed /prətr� kt I d, [AM ] proʊ-/ ADJ Something, usually something unpleasant, that is protracted lasts a long time, especially longer than usual or longer than you hoped. [FORMAL ] □� After protracted negotiations, Ogden got the deal he wanted. □� The struggle would be bitter and protracted.

pro|trac|tor /prətr� ktə r , [AM ] proʊ-/ (protractors ) N‑COUNT A protractor is a flat, semi-circular piece of plastic or metal which is used for measuring angles.

pro|trude /prətruː d, [AM ] proʊ-/ (protrudes , protruding , protruded ) VERB If something protrudesfrom somewhere, it sticks out. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep] �a huge round mass of smooth rock protruding from the water. □�[V ] The tip of her tongue was protruding slightly. ●� pro|trud|ing ADJ □� �protruding ears.

pro|tru|sion /prətruː ʒ ə n, [AM ] proʊ-/ (protrusions ) N‑COUNT A protrusion is something that sticks out from something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He grabbed at a protrusion of rock with his right hand.

pro|tu|ber|ance /prətjuː bərəns, [AM ] proʊtuː b-/ (protuberances ) N‑COUNT A protuberance is a rounded part that sticks out from the surface of something. [FORMAL ] □� �a protuberance on the upper jawbone.

pro|tu|ber|ant /prətjuː bərənt, [AM ] proʊtuː b-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Protuberant eyes, lips, noses, or teeth stick out more than usual from the face. [FORMAL ]

proud ◆◇◇ /praʊ d/ (prouder , proudest )

1 ADJ [ADJ that/to-inf] If you feel proud , you feel pleased about something good that you possess or have done, or about something good that a person close to you has done. □�[+�of ] I felt proud of his efforts. □� They are proud that she is doing well at school. □� I am proud to be a Canadian. □� Derek is now the proud father of a bouncing baby girl. ●� proud|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'That's the first part finished,' he said proudly.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Your proudest moments or achievements are the ones that you are most proud of. □� This must have been one of the proudest moments of his busy and hard working life.

3 ADJ Someone who is proud has respect for themselves and does not want to lose the respect that other people have for them. □� He was too proud to ask his family for help and support.

4 ADJ Someone who is proud feels that they are better or more important than other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She was said to be proud and arrogant.

prove ◆◆◇ /pruː v/ (proves , proving , proved , proved or proven )

1 V‑LINK If something provesto be true or to have a particular quality, it becomes clear after a period of time that it is true or has that quality. □�[V to-inf] None of the rumours has ever been proved to be true. □�[V adj] In the past this process of transition has often proven difficult. □�[V n] �an experiment which was to prove a source of inspiration for many years to come.

2 VERB If you provethat something is true, you show by means of argument or evidence that it is definitely true. □�[V n] You brought this charge. You prove it! □�[V that] The results prove that regulation of the salmon farming industry is inadequate. □�[V wh] �trying to prove how groups of animals have evolved. □�[V n adj] That made me hopping mad and determined to prove him wrong. □�[V n to-inf] History will prove him to have been right all along. □�[V -ed] �a proven cause of cancer.

3 VERB If you proveyourself to have a certain good quality, you show by your actions that you have it. □�[V pron-refl to-inf] Margaret proved herself to be a good mother. □�[V pron-refl adj] As a composer he proved himself adept at large dramatic forms. □�[V pron-refl] A man needs time to prove himself. □�[V -ed] Few would argue that this team has experience and proven ability. [V that]

4 PHRASE If you prove a point , you show other people that you know something or can do something, although your action may have no other purpose. □� They made a 3,000 mile detour simply to prove a point.

prov|en /pruː v ə n, proʊ v ə n/ Proven is a past participle of prove . Proven is the usual form of the past participle when you are using it as an adjective.

prov|enance /prɒ v I nəns/ (provenances ) N‑VAR [usu with poss] The provenance of something is the place that it comes from or that it originally came from. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Kato was fully aware of the provenance of these treasures.

prov|erb /prɒ vɜː r b/ (proverbs ) N‑COUNT A proverb is a short sentence that people often quote, which gives advice or tells you something about life. □� An old Arab proverb says, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'.

pro|ver|bial /prəvɜː r biəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use proverbial to show that you know the way you are describing something is one that is often used or is part of a popular saying. □� My audience certainly isn't the proverbial man in the street.

pro|vide ◆◆◆ /prəva I d/ (provides , providing , provided )

1 VERB If you provide something that someone needs or wants, or if you provide them with it, you give it to them or make it available to them. □�[V n] I'll be glad to provide a copy of this. □�[V n] They would not provide any details. □�[V n +�with ] The government was not in a position to provide them with food. ●� pro|vid|er (providers ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] They remain the main providers of sports facilities.

2 VERB If a law or agreement providesthat something will happen, it states that it will happen. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] The treaty provides that, by the end of the century, the United States must have removed its bases.

3 →�see also provided , providing

▸� provide for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you provide for someone, you support them financially and make sure that they have the things that they need. □�[V P n] Elaine wouldn't let him provide for her. □�[be adv V -ed for ] Her father always ensured she was well provided for.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you provide for something that might happen or that might need to be done, you make arrangements to deal with it. □�[V P n] James had provided for just such an emergency.

3 PHRASAL VERB If a law or agreement provides for something, it makes it possible. [FORMAL ] □�[V P n] The bill provides for the automatic review of all death sentences.

pro|vid|ed /prəva I d I d/ CONJ If you say that something will happen provided or provided that something else happens, you mean that the first thing will happen only if the second thing also happens. □� It should all work nicely, provided that nobody loses faith in the idea. □� Provided they are fit I see no reason why they shouldn't go on playing.

provi|dence /prɒ v I dəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Providence is God, or a force which is believed by some people to arrange the things that happen to us. [LITERARY ] □� These women regard his death as an act of providence.

provi|den|tial /prɒ v I de nʃ ə l/ ADJ A providential event is lucky because it happens at exactly the right time. [FORMAL ] □� He explained the yellow fever epidemic as a providential act to discourage urban growth. □� The pistols were loaded so our escape is indeed providential. ●� provi|den|tial|ly ADV □� Just weeks before taking office, he had providentially taken out a life insurance policy.

pro|vid|ing /prəva I d I ŋ/ CONJ If you say that something will happen providing or providing that something else happens, you mean that the first thing will happen only if the second thing also happens. □� You can wear cut-off denim shorts, providing they are not too tight.

prov|ince ◆◇◇ /prɒ v I ns/ (provinces )

1 N‑COUNT A province is a large section of a country which has its own administration. □� �the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost province.

2 N‑PLURAL Theprovinces are all the parts of a country except the part where the capital is situated. □� The government plans to transfer some 30,000 government jobs from the capital to the provinces.

3 N‑SING [with poss] If you say that a subject or activity is a particular person's province , you mean that this person has a special interest in it, a special knowledge of it, or a special responsibility for it. □� Industrial research is the province of the Department of Trade and Industry.

pro|vin|cial /prəv I nʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Provincial means connected with the parts of a country away from the capital city. □� Jeremy Styles, 34, was the house manager for a provincial theatre for ten years.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as provincial , you disapprove of them because you think that they are old-fashioned and boring. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He decided to revamp the company's provincial image.

pro|vin|cial|ism /prəv I nʃəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Provincialism is the holding of old-fashioned attitudes and opinions, which some people think is typical of people in areas away from the capital city of a country. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the stifling bourgeois provincialism of Buxton.

pro v|ing ground (proving grounds ) N‑COUNT If you describe a place as a proving ground , you mean that new things or ideas are tried out or tested there. □� New York is a proving ground today for the Democratic presidential candidates.

pro|vi|sion ◆◇◇ /prəv I ʒ ə n/ (provisions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The provisionof something is the act of giving it or making it available to people who need or want it. □�[+�of ] The department is responsible for the provision of residential care services. □� �nursery provision for children with special needs.

2 N‑VAR If you make provision for something that might happen or that might need to be done, you make arrangements to deal with it. □�[+�for ] Mr King asked if it had ever occurred to her to make provision for her own pension.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you make provision for someone, you support them financially and make sure that they have the things that they need. □�[+�for ] Special provision should be made for children.

4 N‑COUNT A provision in a law or an agreement is an arrangement which is included in it. □� There was a provision in his contract that would return him two-thirds of his deposit.

5 N‑PLURAL Provisions are supplies of food. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� On board were enough provisions for two weeks.

pro|vi|sion|al /prəv I ʒən ə l/ ADJ You use provisional to describe something that has been arranged or appointed for the present, but may be changed in the future. □� �the possibility of setting up a provisional coalition government. □� It was announced that the times were provisional and subject to confirmation. ●� pro|vi|sion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The seven republics had provisionally agreed to the new relationship on November 14th.

pro|vi|so /prəva I zoʊ/ (provisos ) N‑COUNT [oft N that] A proviso is a condition in an agreement. You agree to do something if this condition is fulfilled. □� I told Norman I would invest in his venture as long as he agreed to one proviso.

pro|vo|ca|teur /proʊvɒ kətɜː r / (provocateurs ) →�see agent provocateur

provo|ca|tion /prɒ vəke I ʃ ə n/ (provocations ) N‑VAR If you describe a person's action as provocation or a provocation , you mean that it is a reason for someone else to react angrily, violently, or emotionally. □� He denies murder on the grounds of provocation. □� The soldiers fired without provocation.

pro|voca|tive /prəvɒ kət I v/

1 ADJ If you describe something as provocative , you mean that it is intended to make people react angrily or argue against it. □� He has made a string of outspoken and sometimes provocative speeches in recent years. □� His behavior was called provocative and antisocial. ●� pro|voca|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The soldiers fired into the air when the demonstrators behaved provocatively.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's clothing or behaviour as provocative , you mean that it is intended to make someone feel sexual desire. □� Some adolescents might be more sexually mature and provocative than others. ●� pro|voca|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� She smiled provocatively.

pro|voke ◆◇◇ /prəvoʊ k/ (provokes , provoking , provoked )

1 VERB If you provoke someone, you deliberately annoy them and try to make them behave aggressively. □�[V n] He started beating me when I was about fifteen but I didn't do anything to provoke him. □�[V n +�into ] I provoked him into doing something really stupid.

2 VERB If something provokes a reaction, it causes it. □�[V n] His election success has provoked a shocked reaction. COLLOCATIONS provoke VERB 2

provoke+�noun : controversy, debate, reaction, response; backlash, outcry, protest; anger, fury, outrage SYNONYMS provoke VERB

1

anger:The decision to allow more offshore oil drilling angered some Californians.

annoy:Try making a note of the things which annoy you.

irritate:Perhaps they were irritated by the sound of crying.

infuriate:Jimmy's presence had infuriated Hugh.

2

rouse:He did more to rouse the crowd there than anybody else.

cause:This was a genuine mistake, but it did cause me some worry.

incite:They pleaded guilty to possessing material likely to incite racial hatred.

prov|ost /prɒ vəst, [AM ] proʊ voʊst/ (provosts )

1 N‑COUNT In some university colleges in Britain, the provost is the head.

2 N‑COUNT In some colleges and universities in the United States, a provost is an official who deals with matters such as the teaching staff and the courses of study.

3 N‑COUNT A provost is the chief magistrate of a Scottish administrative area.

4 N‑COUNT In the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches, a provost is the person who is in charge of the administration of a cathedral.

prow /praʊ / (prows ) N‑COUNT The prow of a ship or boat is the front part of it.

prow|ess /praʊ I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Someone's prowess is their great skill at doing something. [FORMAL ] □� He's always bragging about his prowess as a cricketer.

prowl /praʊ l/ (prowls , prowling , prowled )

1 VERB If an animal or a person prowlsaround , they move around quietly, for example when they are hunting. □�[V prep/adv] Police officers prowled around the building. [Also V , V n]

2 PHRASE If an animal is on the prowl , it is hunting. If a person is on the prowl , they are hunting for something such as a sexual partner or a business deal. □� Their fellow travellers are a mix of single girls on the prowl and elderly couples. □�[+�for ] The new administration are on the prowl for ways to reduce spending.

prowl|er /praʊ lə r / (prowlers ) N‑COUNT A prowler is someone who secretly follows people or hides near their houses, especially at night, in order to steal something, frighten them, or perhaps harm them.

prox|im|ity /prɒks I m I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Proximityto a place or person is nearness to that place or person. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Part of the attraction is Darwin's proximity to Asia. □�[+�to ] Families are no longer in close proximity to each other. [Also +�of ]

proxy /prɒ ksi/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu by N ] If you do something by proxy , you arrange for someone else to do it for you. □� Those not attending the meeting may vote by proxy.

Pro|zac /proʊ z�k/ N‑UNCOUNT Prozac is a drug that is used to treat people who are suffering from depression. [TRADEMARK ]

prude /pruː d/ (prudes ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a prude , you mean that they are too easily shocked by things relating to sex. [DISAPPROVAL ]

pru|dence /pruː d ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Prudence is care and good sense that someone shows when making a decision or taking action. [FORMAL ] □� A lack of prudence may lead to financial problems.

pru|dent /pruː d ə nt/ ADJ Someone who is prudent is sensible and careful. □� It is always prudent to start any exercise programme gradually at first. □� Being a prudent and cautious person, you realise that the problem must be resolved. ●� pru|dent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Prudently, Joanna spoke none of this aloud.

prud|ery /pruː dəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Prudery is prudish behaviour or attitudes. [DISAPPROVAL ]

prud|ish /pruː d I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe someone as prudish , you mean that they are too easily shocked by things relating to sex. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I'm not prudish but I think these photographs are obscene. ●� prud|ish|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Older people will have grown up in a time of greater sexual prudishness.

prune /pruː n/ (prunes , pruning , pruned )

1 N‑COUNT A prune is a dried plum.

2 VERB When you prune a tree or bush, you cut off some of the branches so that it will grow better the next year. □�[V n] You have to prune a bush if you want fruit. □�[V ] There is no best way to prune. ●�PHRASAL VERB Prune back means the same as prune . □�[be V -ed P ] Apples, pears and cherries can be pruned back when they've lost their leaves. [Also V n P ]

3 VERB If you prune something, you cut out all the parts that you do not need. □�[V n] Firms are cutting investment and pruning their product ranges. ●�PHRASAL VERB Prune back means the same as prune . □�[V P n] The company has pruned back its workforce by 20,000 since 1989.

▸� prune back →�see prune2 , prune3

pru|ri|ence /prʊə riəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Prurience is a strong interest that someone shows in sexual matters. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Nobody ever lost money by overestimating the public's prurience.

pru|ri|ent /prʊə riənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as prurient , you mean that they show too much interest in sexual matters. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� We read the gossip written about them with prurient interest.

pry /pra I / (pries , prying , pried )

1 VERB If someone pries , they try to find out about someone else's private affairs, or look at their personal possessions. □�[V +�into ] We do not want people prying into our affairs. □�[V ] Imelda might think she was prying. □�[V -ing] She thought she was safe from prying eyes and could do as she wished.

2 VERB If you pry something open or pry it away from a surface, you force it open or away from a surface. □�[V n with adj] They pried open a sticky can of blue paint. □�[V n prep] I pried the top off a can of chilli. □�[V n with adv] Prying off the plastic lid, she took out a small scoop.

3 VERB If you pry something such as information out of someone, you persuade them to tell you although they may be very unwilling to. [mainly AM ] □�[V n +�from/out of ] They impersonated reporters to pry personal records from phone companies. in BRIT, usually use prize

PS /piː e s/ also P.S. You write PS to introduce something that you add at the end of a letter after you have signed it. □� PS. Please show your friends this letter and the enclosed leaflet.

psalm /sɑː m/ (psalms ) N‑COUNT The Psalms are the 150 songs, poems, and prayers which together form the Book of Psalms in the Bible. □� He recited a verse of the twenty-third psalm.

pse|pholo|gist /s I fɒ lədʒ I st, [AM ] siː-/ (psephologists ) N‑COUNT A psephologist studies how people vote in elections.

pseud /sjuː d/ (pseuds ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a pseud , you mean that they are trying to appear very intellectual but you think that they appear silly. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

PREFIX pseudo-

forms nouns and adjectives that refer to something that is not really what it seems or claims to be. For example, a pseudo-science is something that claims to be a science, but is not.

pseudo|nym /sjuː dən I m, [AM ] suː -/ (pseudonyms ) N‑COUNT A pseudonym is a name which someone, usually a writer, uses instead of his or her real name. □�[+�of/for ] Both plays were published under the pseudonym of Philip Dayre.

pso|ria|sis /səra I əs I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Psoriasis is a disease that causes dry red patches on the skin.

psst /psst/ Psst is a sound that someone makes when they want to attract another person's attention secretly or quietly. □� 'Psst! Come over here!' one youth hissed furtively.

psych /sa I k/ (psychs , psyching , psyched ) also psyche

▸� psych out PHRASAL VERB If you psych out your opponent in a contest, you try to make them feel less confident by behaving in a very confident or aggressive way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] They are like heavyweight boxers, trying to psych each other out and build themselves up. [Also V P n]

▸� psych up PHRASAL VERB If you psychyourselfup before a contest or a difficult task, you prepare yourself for it mentally, especially by telling yourself that you can win or succeed. [INFORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl P ] After work, it is hard to psych yourself up for an hour at the gym. □�[get V -ed P ] Before the game everyone gets psyched up and starts shouting.

psy|che /sa I ki/ (psyches ) N‑COUNT In psychology, your psyche is your mind and your deepest feelings and attitudes. [TECHNICAL ] □� His exploration of the myth brings insight into the American psyche.

psychedelia /sa I kədiː liə/ N‑UNCOUNT Psychedelia refers to psychedelic objects, clothes, and music.

psychedel|ic /sa I kəde l I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Psychedelic means relating to drugs such as LSD which have a strong effect on your mind, often making you see things that are not there. □� �his first real, full-blown psychedelic experience.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Psychedelic art has bright colours and strange patterns. □� �psychedelic patterns.

psy|chi|at|ric /sa I ki� tr I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Psychiatric means relating to psychiatry. □� We finally insisted that he seek psychiatric help.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Psychiatric means involving mental illness. □� About 4% of the prison population have chronic psychiatric illnesses.

psy|chia|trist /sa I ka I ətr I st, [AM ] s I -/ (psychiatrists ) N‑COUNT A psychiatrist is a doctor who treats people suffering from mental illness.

psy|chia|try /sa I ka I ətri, [AM ] s I -/ N‑UNCOUNT Psychiatry is the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of mental illness.

psy|chic /sa I k I k/ (psychics )

1 ADJ If you believe that someone is psychic or has psychic powers, you believe that they have strange mental powers, such as being able to read the minds of other people or to see into the future. □� Trevor helped police by using his psychic powers. ●�N‑COUNT A psychic is someone who seems to be psychic.

2 ADJ Psychic means relating to ghosts and the spirits of the dead. □� He declared his total disbelief in psychic phenomena.

psy|chi|cal /sa I k I k ə l/ ADJ Psychical means relating to ghosts and the spirits of the dead. [FORMAL ]

psy|cho /sa I koʊ/ (psychos ) N‑COUNT A psycho is someone who has serious mental problems and who may act in a violent way without feeling sorry for what they have done. [INFORMAL ] □� Some psycho picked her up, and killed her.

PREFIX psycho-

is added to words in order to form other words that describe or refer to things connected with the mind or with mental processes. For example, a psychoanalyst is someone whose job is to talk to people in order to help them to understand their behaviour or mental problems.

psycho|ac|tive /sa I koʊ� kt I v/ ADJ Psychoactive drugs are drugs that affect your mind.

psycho|ana|lyse /sa I koʊ� nəla I z/ (psychoanalyses , psychoanalysing , psychoanalysed ) in AM, use psychoanalyze VERB When a psychotherapist or psychiatrist psychoanalyses someone who has mental problems, he or she examines or treats them using psychoanalysis. □�[V n] The movie sees Burton psychoanalysing Firth to cure him of his depression.

psycho|analy|sis /sa I koʊən� l I s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Psychoanalysis is the treatment of someone who has mental problems by asking them about their feelings and their past in order to try to discover what may be causing their condition.

psycho|ana|lyst /sa I koʊ� nəl I st/ (psychoanalysts ) N‑COUNT A psychoanalyst is someone who treats people who have mental problems using psychoanalysis.

psycho|ana|lyt|ic /sa I koʊ�nəl I t I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Psychoanalytic means relating to psychoanalysis. □� �psychoanalytic therapy.

psycho|ana|lyze /sa I koʊ� nəla I z/ →�see psychoanalyse

psycho|bab|ble /sa I koʊb�b ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to language about people's feelings or behaviour as psychobabble , you mean that it is very complicated and perhaps meaningless. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Beneath the sentimental psychobabble, there's a likeable movie trying to get out.

psycho|dra|ma /sa I koʊdrɑːmə/ (psychodramas ) N‑VAR Psychodrama is a type of psychotherapy in which people express their problems by acting them out in front of other people.

psycho|ki|nesis /sa I koʊk I niː s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Psychokinesis is the ability, which some people believe exists, to move objects using the power of your mind.

psycho|logi|cal ◆◇◇ /sa I kəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Psychological means concerned with a person's mind and thoughts. □� John received constant physical and psychological abuse from his father. □� Robyn's loss of memory is a psychological problem, rather than a physical one. ●� psycho|logi|cal|ly /sa I kəlɒ dʒ I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� It was very important psychologically for us to succeed.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Psychological means relating to psychology. □� �psychological testing. SYNONYMS psychological ADJ 1

mental:�the mental development of children.

emotional:Victims are left with emotional problems that can last for life.

imaginary:He seems to suffer from imaginary illnesses.

psy cho|logi|cal wa r|fare N‑UNCOUNT Psychological warfare consists of attempts to make your enemy lose confidence, give up hope, or feel afraid, so that you can win.

psy|cholo|gist /sa I kɒ ləldʒ I st/ (psychologists ) N‑COUNT A psychologist is a person who studies the human mind and tries to explain why people behave in the way that they do.

psy|chol|ogy /sa I kɒ lədʒi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and the reasons for people's behaviour. □� �Professor of Psychology at Bedford College.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The psychologyof a person is the kind of mind that they have, which makes them think or behave in the way that they do. □�[+�of ] �a fascination with the psychology of murderers.

psycho|met|ric /sa I kəme tr I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Psychometric tests are designed to test a person's mental state, personality, and thought processes.

psycho|path /sa I koʊp�θ/ (psychopaths ) N‑COUNT A psychopath is someone who has serious mental problems and who may act in a violent way without feeling sorry for what they have done. □� She was abducted by a dangerous psychopath.

psycho|path|ic /sa I koʊp� θ I k/ ADJ Someone who is psychopathic is a psychopath. □� �a report labelling him psychopathic. □� �a psychopathic killer.

psy|cho|sis /sa I koʊ s I s/ (psychoses ) N‑VAR Psychosis is mental illness of a severe kind which can make people lose contact with reality. [MEDICAL ] □� He may have some kind of neurosis or psychosis later in life.

psycho|so|mat|ic /sa I koʊsoʊm� t I k/ ADJ If someone has a psychosomatic illness, their symptoms are caused by worry or unhappiness rather than by a physical problem. □� Doctors refused to treat her, claiming that her problems were all psychosomatic.

psycho|thera|pist /sa I koʊθe rəp I st/ (psychotherapists ) N‑COUNT A psychotherapist is a person who treats people who are mentally ill using psychotherapy.

psycho|thera|py /sa I koʊθe rəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Psychotherapy is the use of psychological methods in treating people who are mentally ill, rather than using physical methods such as drugs or surgery. □� For milder depressions, certain forms of psychotherapy do work well.

psy|chot|ic /sa I kɒ t I k/ (psychotics ) ADJ Someone who is psychotic has a type of severe mental illness. [MEDICAL ] ●�N‑COUNT Psychotic is also a noun. □� A religious psychotic in Las Vegas has killed four people.

psycho|trop|ic /sa I koʊtrɒ p I k/ ADJ Psychotropic drugs are drugs that affect your mind.

pt (pts ) also pt. The plural in meaning 1 is either pt or pts . 1pt is a written abbreviation for pint . □� �1 pt single cream.

2pt is the written abbreviation for point . □� Here's how it works�3 pts for a correct result, 1 pt for the correct winning team.

PTA /piː tiː e I / (PTAs ) N‑COUNT A PTA is a school association run by some of the parents and teachers to discuss matters that affect the children and to organize events to raise money. PTA is an abbreviation for 'parent-teacher association'.

Pte N‑TITLE Pte is used before a person's name as a written abbreviation for the military title private . [BRIT ] □� �Pte Owen Butler. in AM, use Pvt.

PTO /piː tiː oʊ / also P.T.O.PTO is a written abbreviation for 'please turn over'. You write it at the bottom of a page to indicate that there is more writing on the other side.

PTSD /piː tiː es diː / N‑UNCOUNT PTSD is an abbreviation for post-traumatic stress disorder .

pub ◆◇◇ /pʌ b/ (pubs ) N‑COUNT A pub is a building where people can have drinks, especially alcoholic drinks, and talk to their friends. Many pubs also serve food. [mainly BRIT ] □� He was in the pub until closing time. □� Richard used to run a pub.

pu b crawl (pub crawls ) N‑COUNT If people go on a pub crawl , they go from one pub to another having drinks in each one. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

pu|ber|ty /pjuː bə r ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Puberty is the stage in someone's life when their body starts to become physically mature. □� Margaret had reached the age of puberty.

pu|bes|cent /pjuːbe s ə nt/ ADJ A pubescent girl or boy has reached the stage in their life when their body is becoming physically like an adult's. [FORMAL ]

pu|bic /pjuː b I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Pubic means relating to the area just above a person's genitals. □� �pubic hair.

pub|lic ◆◆◆ /pʌ bl I k/

1 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to people in general, or to all the people in a particular country or community, as the public . □� Lauderdale House is now open to the public. □� Tickets go on sale to the general public on July 1st. □� Trade unions are regarding the poll as a test of the public's confidence in the government.

2 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to a set of people in a country who share a common interest, activity, or characteristic as a particular kind of public . □� Market research showed that 93% of the viewing public wanted a hit film channel.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Public means relating to all the people in a country or community. □� The President is attempting to drum up public support for his economic program.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Public means relating to the government or state, or things that are done for the people by the state. □� The social services account for a substantial part of public spending. ●� pub|lic|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� �publicly funded legal services.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Public buildings and services are provided for everyone to use. □� The new museum must be accessible by public transport. □� �a public health service available to all.

6 ADJ A public place is one where people can go about freely and where you can easily be seen and heard. □� �the heavily congested public areas of international airports. □� I avoid working in places which are too public.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone is a public figure or in public life , many people know who they are because they are often mentioned in newspapers and on television. □� I'd like to see more women in public life, especially Parliament.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Public is used to describe statements, actions, and events that are made or done in such a way that any member of the public can see them or be aware of them. □� The National Heritage Committee has conducted a public inquiry to find the answer. □� The comments were the ministry's first detailed public statement on the subject. ●� pub|lic|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He never spoke publicly about the affair.

9 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a fact is made public or becomes public , it becomes known to everyone rather than being kept secret. □� His will, made public yesterday, showed that he had amassed an estate with a net worth of �1,980,133.

10 PHRASE If someone is inthe public eye , many people know who they are, because they are famous or because they are often mentioned on television or in the newspapers. □� One expects people in the public eye to conduct their personal lives with a certain decorum.

11 PHRASE If a company goes public , it starts selling its shares on the stock exchange. [BUSINESS ] □� The company went public, having achieved an average annual profit of more than �50,000.

12 PHRASE If you say or do something in public , you say or do it when a group of people are present. □� Many people are nervous about speaking in public.

13to wash your dirty linen in public →�see dirty COLLOCATIONS public NOUN 1

adjective +�public : general, wider; gullible, sceptical

verb +�public : convince, reassure, urge, warn; educate, entertain, inform, mislead; protect, serve SYNONYMS public NOUN 1

people:Millions of people have lost their homes.

society:This reflects attitudes and values prevailing in society.

population:Bangladesh now has a population of about 110 million.

pu b|lic ad|dre ss sys|tem (public address systems ) N‑COUNT A public address system is a set of electrical equipment which allows someone's voice, or music, to be heard throughout a large building or area. The abbreviation PA is also used.

pub|li|can /pʌ bl I kən/ (publicans ) N‑COUNT A publican is a person who owns or manages a pub. [BRIT , FORMAL ]

pub|li|ca|tion ◆◇◇ /pʌ bl I ke I ʃ ə n/ (publications )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The publication of a book or magazine is the act of printing it and sending it to shops to be sold. □� The guide is being translated into several languages for publication at the end of the year. □�[+�of ] The publication of his collected poems was approaching the status of an event.

2 N‑COUNT A publication is a book or magazine that has been published. □� They have started legal proceedings against two publications which spoke of an affair.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The publication of something such as information is the act of making it known to the public, for example by informing journalists or by publishing a government document. □�[+�of ] A spokesman said: 'We have no comment regarding the publication of these photographs.'

pu b|lic ba r (public bars ) N‑COUNT In a British pub, a public bar is a room where the furniture is plain and the drinks are cheaper than in the pub's other bars.

pu b|lic co m|pa|ny (public companies ) N‑COUNT A public company is a company whose shares can be bought by the general public. [BUSINESS ]

pu b|lic con|ve ni|ence (public conveniences ) N‑COUNT A public convenience is a toilet in a public place for everyone to use. [BRIT , FORMAL ]

pu b|lic de|fe nd|er (public defenders ) N‑COUNT A public defender is a lawyer who is employed by a city or county to represent people who are accused of crimes but cannot afford to pay for a lawyer themselves. [AM ]

pu b|lic do|mai n N‑SING If information is in the public domain , it is not secret and can be used or discussed by anyone. □� It is outrageous that the figures are not in the public domain.

pu b|lic hou se (public houses ) N‑COUNT A public house is the same as a pub . [BRIT , FORMAL ]

pub|li|cise /pʌ bl I sa I z/ →�see publicize

pub|li|cist /pʌ bl I s I st/ (publicists ) N‑COUNT A publicist is a person whose job involves getting publicity for people, events, or things such as films or books.

pub|lic|ity ◆◇◇ /pʌbl I s I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Publicity is information or actions that are intended to attract the public's attention to someone or something. □� Much advance publicity was given to the talks. □� It was all a publicity stunt.

2 N‑UNCOUNT When the news media and the public show a lot of interest in something, you can say that it is receiving publicity . □� The case has generated enormous publicity in Brazil. □� �the renewed publicity over the Casey affair.

pub|li c|ity agent (publicity agents ) N‑COUNT A publicity agent is a person whose job is to make sure that a large number of people know about a person, show, or event so that they are successful.

pub|li|cize /pʌ bl I sa I z/ (publicizes , publicizing , publicized ) in BRIT, also use publicise VERB If you publicize a fact or event, you make it widely known to the public. □�[V n] The author appeared on television to publicize her latest book. □�[V n] He never publicized his plans. □�[V -ed] �his highly publicized trial this summer.

pu b|lic lim|it|ed co m|pa|ny (public limited companies ) N‑COUNT A public limited company is the same as a public company . The abbreviation plc is used after such companies' names. [BUSINESS ]

pu b|lic nui |sance (public nuisances ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something or someone is, or causes, a public nuisance , they break the law by harming or annoying members of the public. [LEGAL ] □� �the 45-day jail sentence he received for causing a public nuisance. □� He said the protesters were a public nuisance.

pu b|lic opi n|ion N‑UNCOUNT Public opinion is the opinion or attitude of the public regarding a particular matter. □�[+�against ] He mobilized public opinion all over the world against hydrogen-bomb tests.

pu b|lic pro p|er|ty

1 N‑UNCOUNT Public property is land and other assets that belong to the general public and not to a private owner. □� �vandals who wrecked public property.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe a person or thing as public property , you mean that information about them is known and discussed by everyone. □� She complained that intimate aspects of her personal life had been made public property.

pu b|lic pro s|ecu|tor (public prosecutors ) N‑COUNT A public prosecutor is an official who puts people on trial on behalf of the government and people of a particular country.

pu b|lic re|la |tions

1 N‑UNCOUNT Public relations is the part of an organization's work that is concerned with obtaining the public's approval for what it does. The abbreviation PR is often used. [BUSINESS ] □� The move was good public relations. □� George is a public relations officer for The John Bennett Trust.

2 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the opinion that the public has of an organization as public relations . □� Limiting casualties is important for public relations.

pu b|lic schoo l (public schools )

1 N‑VAR In Britain, a public school is a private school that provides secondary education which parents have to pay for. The pupils often live at the school during the school term. □� He was headmaster of a public school in the West of England.

2 N‑VAR In the United States, Australia, and many other countries, a public school is a school that is supported financially by the government and usually provides free education. □� �Milwaukee's public school system.

pu b|lic se c|tor N‑SING The public sector is the part of a country's economy which is controlled or supported financially by the government. [BUSINESS ] □� To keep economic reform on track, 60,000 public-sector jobs must be cut.

pu b|lic se rv|ant (public servants ) N‑COUNT A public servant is a person who is appointed or elected to a public office, for example working for a local or state government.

pu b|lic se r|vice (public services )

1 N‑COUNT A public service is something such as health care, transport, or the removal of waste which is organized by the government or an official body in order to benefit all the people in a particular society or community. □� The money is used by local authorities to pay for public services.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] You use public service to refer to activities and jobs which are provided or paid for by a government, especially through the civil service. □� �a distinguished career in public service.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Public service broadcasting consists of television and radio programmes supplied by an official or government organization, rather than by a commercial company. Such programmes often provide information or education, as well as entertainment.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Public service activities and types of work are concerned with helping people and providing them with what they need, rather than making a profit. □� �an egalitarian society based on cooperation and public service.

pu blic-spi rited ADJ A public-spirited person tries to help the community that they belong to. □� Thanks to a group of public-spirited citizens, the Krippendorf garden has been preserved.

pu b|lic uti l|ity (public utilities ) N‑COUNT Public utilities are services provided by the government or state, such as the supply of electricity and gas, or the train network. □� Water supplies and other public utilities were badly affected.

pu b|lic wo rks N‑PLURAL Public works are buildings, roads, and other projects that are built by the government or state for the public.

pub|lish ◆◆◇ /pʌ bl I ʃ/ (publishes , publishing , published )

1 VERB When a company publishes a book or magazine, it prints copies of it, which are sent to shops to be sold. □�[V n] They publish reference books. □�[V n] His latest book of poetry will be published by Faber in May.

2 VERB When the people in charge of a newspaper or magazine publish a piece of writing or a photograph, they print it in their newspaper or magazine. □�[V n] The ban was imposed after the magazine published an article satirising the government. □�[V ] I don't encourage people to take photographs like this without permission, but by law we can publish.

3 VERB If someone publishes a book or an article that they have written, they arrange to have it published. □�[V n] The singer found time to publish two books of his humorous prose.

4 VERB If you publish information or an opinion, you make it known to the public by having it printed in a newspaper, magazine, or official document. □�[V n] The demonstrators called on the government to publish a list of registered voters.

pub|lish|er ◆◇◇ /pʌ bl I ʃə r / (publishers ) N‑COUNT A publisher is a person or a company that publishes books, newspapers, or magazines. □� The publishers planned to produce the journal on a weekly basis.

pub|lish|ing ◆◇◇ /pʌ bl I ʃ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Publishing is the profession of publishing books. □� I had a very high-powered job in publishing.

pu b|lish|ing house (publishing houses ) N‑COUNT A publishing house is a company which publishes books.

puce /pjuː s/ COLOUR Something that is puce is a dark purple colour.

puck /pʌ k/ (pucks ) N‑COUNT In the game of ice hockey, the puck is the small rubber disc that is used instead of a ball.

puck|er /pʌ kə r / (puckers , puckering , puckered ) VERB When a part of your face puckers or when you pucker it, it becomes tight or stretched, often because you are trying not to cry or are going to kiss someone. □�[V ] Toby's face puckered. □�[V n] She puckered her lips into a rosebud and kissed him on the nose. ●� puck|ered ADJ □� �puckered lips. □� �a long puckered scar.

puck|ish /pʌ k I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as puckish , you mean that they play tricks on people or tease them. [OLD-FASHIONED , WRITTEN ] □� He had a puckish sense of humour.

pud /pʊ d/ (puds ) N‑VAR Pud is the same as pudding . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �rice pud.

pud|ding /pʊ d I ŋ/ (puddings )

1 N‑VAR A pudding is a cooked sweet food made with flour, fat, and eggs, and usually served hot. □� �a cherry sponge pudding with warm custard.

2 N‑VAR Some people refer to the sweet course of a meal as the pudding . [BRIT ] □� �a menu featuring canapes, a starter, a main course and a pudding.

3 →�see also Yorkshire pudding

4 PHRASE If you say the proof of the pudding or the proof of the puddingis in the eating , you mean that something new can only be judged to be good or bad after it has been tried or used.

pu d|ding ba|sin (pudding basins ) N‑COUNT A pudding basin is a deep round bowl that is used in the kitchen, especially for mixing or for cooking puddings. [BRIT ]

pud|dle /pʌ d ə l/ (puddles ) N‑COUNT A puddle is a small, shallow pool of liquid that has spread on the ground. □� The road was shiny with puddles, but the rain was at an end. □�[+�of ] �puddles of oil.

pudgy /pʌ dʒi/ ADJ If you describe someone as pudgy , you mean that they are rather fat in an unattractive way. [AM ] □� He put a pudgy arm around Harry's shoulder.

pu|er|ile /pjʊə ra I l, [AM ] -r ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as puerile , you mean that they are silly and childish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Concert organisers branded the group's actions as puerile. □� �puerile, schoolboy humour.

puff /pʌ f/ (puffs , puffing , puffed )

1 VERB If someone puffsat a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, they smoke it. □�[V +�at/on ] He lit a cigar and puffed at it twice. [Also V n, V ] ●�N‑COUNT Puff is also a noun. □� She was taking quick puffs at her cigarette.

2 VERB If you puff smoke or moisture from your mouth or if it puffs from your mouth, you breathe it out. □�[V n] Richard puffed smoke towards the ceiling. □�[V prep] The weather was dry and cold; wisps of steam puffed from their lips. ●�PHRASAL VERB Puff out means the same as puff . □�[V P n] He puffed out a cloud of smoke. [Also V n P ]

3 VERB If an engine, chimney, or boiler puffs smoke or steam, clouds of smoke or steam come out of it. □�[V n] As I completed my 26th lap the Porsche puffed blue smoke.

4 N‑COUNT A puff of something such as air or smoke is a small amount of it that is blown out from somewhere. □�[+�of ] Wind caught the sudden puff of dust and blew it inland.

5 VERB [usu cont] If you are puffing , you are breathing loudly and quickly with your mouth open because you are out of breath after a lot of physical effort. □�[V ] I know nothing about boxing, but I could see he was unfit, because he was puffing.

6 →�see also puffed

▸� puff out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you puff out your cheeks, you make them larger and rounder by filling them with air. □�[V P n] He puffed out his fat cheeks and let out a lungful of steamy breath. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see also puff2

▸� puff up

1 PHRASAL VERB If part of your body puffs up as a result of an injury or illness, it becomes swollen. □�[V P ] Her body bloated and puffed up till pain seemed to burst out through her skin.

2 →�see also puffed up

puff|ball /pʌ fbɔːl/ (puffballs ) also puff-ball N‑COUNT A puffball is a round fungus which bursts when it is ripe and sends a cloud of seeds into the air.

puffed /pʌ ft/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a part of your body is puffed or puffed up , it is swollen because of an injury or because you are unwell. □� His face was a little puffed.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are puffed or puffed out , you are breathing with difficulty because you have been using a lot of energy. [INFORMAL ] □� Do you get puffed out running up and down the stairs?

pu ffed u p

1 ADJ If you describe someone as puffed up , you disapprove of them because they are very proud of themselves and think that they are very important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�with ] �an insufferable woman so puffed up with her own importance.

2 →�see also puffed

puf|fin /pʌ f I n/ (puffins ) N‑COUNT A puffin is a black and white seabird with a large, brightly-coloured beak.

pu ff pa s|try N‑UNCOUNT Puff pastry is a type of pastry which is very light and consists of a lot of thin layers.

puffy /pʌ fi/ (puffier , puffiest ) ADJ If a part of someone's body, especially their face, is puffy , it has a round, swollen appearance. □� Her cheeks were puffy with crying. □� �dark-ringed puffy eyes. ●� puffi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He noticed some slight puffiness beneath her eyes.

pug /pʌ g/ (pugs ) N‑COUNT A pug is a small, fat, short-haired dog with a flat face.

pu|gi|list /pjuː dʒ I l I st/ (pugilists ) N‑COUNT A pugilist is a boxer. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

pug|na|cious /pʌgne I ʃəs/ ADJ Someone who is pugnacious is always ready to quarrel or start a fight. [FORMAL ] □� �the pugnacious little Scouse striker who terrorised defences across the North West in a prolific playing career.

pug|nac|ity /pʌgn� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Pugnacity is the quality of being pugnacious. [FORMAL ] □� He is legendary for his fearlessness and pugnacity.

puke /pjuː k/ (pukes , puking , puked )

1 VERB When someone pukes , they vomit. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] They got drunk and puked out the window. ●�PHRASAL VERB Puke up means the same as puke . □�[V P ] He peered at me like I'd just puked up on his jeans. □�[V n P ] I figured, why eat when I was going to puke it up again?

2 N‑UNCOUNT Puke is the same as vomit . [INFORMAL ] □� He was fully clothed and covered in puke and piss.

puk|ka /pʌ kə/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as pukka , you mean that they are real or genuine, and of good quality. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �a pukka English gentleman.

pull ◆◆◇ /pʊ l/ (pulls , pulling , pulled )

1 VERB When you pull something, you hold it firmly and use force in order to move it towards you or away from its previous position. □�[V n with adv] They have pulled out patients' teeth unnecessarily. □�[V prep] Erica was solemn, pulling at her blonde curls. □�[V n prep] I helped pull him out of the water. □�[V n] Someone pulled her hair. □�[V n] He knew he should pull the trigger, but he was suddenly paralysed by fear. □�[V ] Pull as hard as you can. □�[V n adj] I let myself out into the street and pulled the door shut. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Pull is also a noun. □� The feather must be removed with a straight, firm pull.

2 VERB When you pull an object from a bag, pocket, or cupboard, you put your hand in and bring the object out. □�[V n prep] Jack pulled the slip of paper from his shirt pocket. □�[V n with adv] Katie reached into her shopping bag and pulled out a loaf of bread.

3 VERB When a vehicle, animal, or person pulls a cart or piece of machinery, they are attached to it or hold it, so that it moves along behind them when they move forward. □�[V n] This is early-20th-century rural Sussex, when horses still pulled the plough.

4 VERB If you pull yourself or pull a part of your body in a particular direction, you move your body or a part of your body with effort or force. □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] Hughes pulled himself slowly to his feet. □�[V n prep/adv] He pulled his arms out of the sleeves. □�[V n adj] She tried to pull her hand free. □�[V adv] Lillian brushed his cheek with her fingertips. He pulled away and said, 'Don't!'

5 VERB When a driver or vehicle pulls to a stop or a halt, the vehicle stops. □�[V prep] He pulled to a stop behind a pickup truck.

6 VERB In a race or contest, if you pull ahead of or pull away from an opponent, you gradually increase the amount by which you are ahead of them. □�[V adv] He pulled away, extending his lead to 15 seconds.

7 VERB If you pull something apart , you break or divide it into small pieces, often in order to put them back together again in a different way. □�[V n with adv] If I wanted to improve the car significantly I would have to pull it apart and start again.

8 VERB If someone pulls a gun or a knife on someone else, they take out a gun or knife and threaten the other person with it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�on ] They had a fight. One of them pulled a gun on the other. □�[V n] I pulled a knife and threatened her.

9 VERB To pull crowds, viewers, or voters means to attract them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] The organisers have to employ performers to pull a crowd. ●�PHRASAL VERB Pull in means the same as pull . □�[V P n] They provided a far better news service and pulled in many more viewers. □�[V n P ] She is still beautiful, and still pulling them in at sixty.

10 N‑COUNT A pull is a strong physical force which causes things to move in a particular direction. □�[+�of ] �the pull of gravity.

11 VERB If you pull a muscle, you injure it by straining it. □�[V n] Dave pulled a back muscle and could barely kick the ball. □�[V -ed] He suffered a pulled calf muscle.

12 VERB To pull a stunt or a trick on someone means to do something dramatic or silly in order to get their attention or trick them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�on ] Everyone saw the stunt you pulled on me. [Also V n]

13 VERB If someone pulls someone else, they succeed in attracting them sexually and in spending the rest of the evening or night with them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

14to pull oneself up by one's bootstraps →�see bootstrap

15to pull a face →�see face ➊

16to pull someone's leg →�see leg

17to pull your punches →�see punch

18to pull rank →�see rank

19to pull out all the stops →�see stop

20to pull strings →�see string

21to pull your weight →�see weight

22to pull the wool over someone's eyes →�see wool

▸� pull away

1 PHRASAL VERB When a vehicle or driver pulls away , the vehicle starts moving forward. □�[V P ] I stood in the driveway and watched him back out and pull away.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pull away from someone that you have had close links with, you deliberately become less close to them. □�[V P ] Other daughters, faced with their mother's emotional hunger, pull away. □�[V P +�from ] He'd pulled away from her as if she had leprosy.

▸� pull back

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone pulls back from an action, they decide not to do it or continue with it, because it could have bad consequences. □�[V P +�from ] They will plead with him to pull back from confrontation. □�[V P ] The government threatened to make public its disquiet but then pulled back.

2 PHRASAL VERB If troops pull back or if their leader pulls them back , they go some or all of the way back to their own territory. □�[V P ] They were asked to pull back from their artillery positions around the city. □�[V P n] They were not ready to begin pulling back tanks, artillery and rocket launchers from the front line. [Also V n P ]

▸� pull down PHRASAL VERB To pull down a building or statue means to deliberately destroy it. □�[V n P ] They'd pulled the registry office down which then left an open space. □�[V P n] A small crowd attempted to pull down a statue.

▸� pull in

1 PHRASAL VERB When a vehicle or driver pulls in somewhere, the vehicle stops there. □�[V P prep/adv] He pulled in at the side of the road. □�[V P ] The van pulled in and waited.

2 →�see pull9

▸� pull into PHRASAL VERB When a vehicle or driver pulls into a place, the vehicle moves into the place and stops there. □�[V P n] He pulled into the driveway in front of her garage. □�[V n P n] She pulled the car into a tight parking space on a side street.

▸� pull off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you pull off something very difficult, you succeed in achieving it. □�[V P n] The National League for Democracy pulled off a landslide victory. □�[V n P ] It will be a very, very fine piece of mountaineering if they pull it off.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a vehicle or driver pulls off the road, the vehicle stops by the side of the road. □�[V P n] I pulled off the road at a small village pub. □�[V n P n] One evening, crossing a small creek, he pulled the car off the road.

▸� pull out

1 PHRASAL VERB When a vehicle or driver pulls out , the vehicle moves out into the road or nearer the centre of the road. □�[V P prep] She pulled out into the street. □�[V P ] He was about to pull out to overtake the guy in front of him.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pull out of an agreement, a contest, or an organization, you withdraw from it. □�[V P +�of ] The World Bank should pull out of the project. □�[V P ] Murray was forced to pull out on the eve of the tournament due to a wrist injury.

3 PHRASAL VERB If troops pull out of a place or if their leader pulls them out , they leave it. □�[V P +�of ] The troops prepared to pull out of a country in terrible disrepair but hopeful for the future. □�[V P ] Economic sanctions will be lifted once two-thirds of their forces have pulled out. □�[V n P +�of ] The regime would defy a call from the United Nations to pull its troops out of the cities it had occupied. [Also V n P , V P n (not pron)]

4 PHRASAL VERB If a country pulls out of recession or if someone pulls it out , it begins to recover from it. □�[V P +�of ] Sterling has been hit by the economy's failure to pull out of recession. □�[V n P +�of ] What we want to see today are policies to pull us out of this recession. [Also V P ]

5 →�see also pull-out

▸� pull over

1 PHRASAL VERB When a vehicle or driver pulls over , the vehicle moves closer to the side of the road and stops there. □�[V P ] He noticed a man behind him in a blue Ford gesticulating to pull over.

2 PHRASAL VERB If the police pull over a driver or vehicle, they make the driver stop at the side of the road, usually because the driver has been driving dangerously. □�[V n P ] The officers pulled him over after a high-speed chase. □�[V P n] Police pulled over his Mercedes near Dieppe.

3 →�see also pullover

▸� pull through PHRASAL VERB If someone with a serious illness or someone in a very difficult situation pulls through , they recover. □�[V P ] Everyone was very concerned whether he would pull through or not. □�[V n P ] It is only our determination to fight that has pulled us through. □�[V P n] �ways of helping Russia pull through its upheavals.

▸� pull together

1 PHRASAL VERB If people pull together , they help each other or work together in order to deal with a difficult situation. □�[V P ] The nation was urged to pull together to avoid a slide into complete chaos.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you are upset or depressed and someone tells you to pullyourselftogether , they are telling you to control your feelings and behave calmly again. □� Pull yourself together, you stupid woman!

3 PHRASAL VERB If you pull together different facts or ideas, you link them to form a single theory, argument, or story. □�[V P n] Let me now pull together the threads of my argument. □�[V P ] Data exists but it needs pulling together. [Also V n P ]

▸� pull up

1 PHRASAL VERB When a vehicle or driver pulls up , the vehicle slows down and stops. □�[V P ] The cab pulled up and the driver jumped out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you pull up a chair, you move it closer to something or someone and sit on it. □�[V P n] He pulled up a chair behind her and put his chin on her shoulder. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS pull VERB 1

haul:A crane was used to haul the car out of the stream.

drag:He got up and dragged his chair towards the table.

tow:He had been using the vehicle to tow his work trailer.

tug:A little boy came running up and tugged at his sleeve excitedly.

pu ll|ed po rk N‑UNCOUNT Pulled pork is pork meat that has been cooked for a long time until it is very soft, then torn into small strips.

pul|ley /pʊ li/ (pulleys ) N‑COUNT A pulley is a device consisting of a wheel over which a rope or chain is pulled in order to lift heavy objects.

Pull|man /pʊ lmən/ (Pullmans )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A Pullman is a type of train or railway carriage which is extremely comfortable and luxurious. You can also refer to a Pullman train or a Pullman carriage . [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A Pullman or a Pullman car on a train is a railway car that provides beds for passengers to sleep in. [AM ] in BRIT, use sleeping car

pu ll-out (pull-outs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu N n] In a newspaper or magazine, a pull-out is a section which you can remove easily and keep. □� �an eight-page pull-out supplement.

2 N‑SING When there is a pull-outof armed forces from a place, troops which have occupied an area of land withdraw from it. □�[+�from/of ] �a pull-out from the occupied territories.

pull|over /pʊ loʊvə r / (pullovers ) N‑COUNT A pullover is a piece of woollen clothing that covers the upper part of your body and your arms. You put it on by pulling it over your head.

pul|mo|nary /pʌ lmənəri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Pulmonary means relating to your lungs. [MEDICAL ] □� �respiratory and pulmonary disease.

pulp /pʌ lp/ (pulps , pulping , pulped )

1 N‑SING If an object is pressed into a pulp , it is crushed or beaten until it is soft, smooth, and wet. □� The olives are crushed to a pulp by stone rollers.

2 N‑SING In fruit or vegetables, the pulp is the soft part inside the skin. □� Make maximum use of the whole fruit, including the pulp which is high in fibre.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Wood pulp is material made from crushed wood. It is used to make paper.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] People refer to stories or novels as pulp fiction when they consider them to be of poor quality and intentionally shocking or sensational. □� �lurid '50s pulp novels.

5 VERB [usu passive] If paper, vegetables, or fruit are pulped , they are crushed into a smooth, wet paste. □�[be V -ed] Onions can be boiled and pulped to a puree. □�[V -ed] �creamed or pulped tomatoes.

6 VERB [usu passive] If money or documents are pulped , they are destroyed. This is done to stop the money being used or to stop the documents being seen by the public. □�[be V -ed] Millions of five pound notes have been pulped because the designers made a mistake.

7 PHRASE If someone is beaten to a pulp or beaten to pulp , they are hit repeatedly until they are very badly injured.

pul|pit /pʊ lp I t/ (pulpits ) N‑COUNT A pulpit is a small raised platform with a rail or barrier around it in a church, where a member of the clergy stands to speak.

pulpy /pʌ lpi/ ADJ Something that is pulpy is soft, smooth, and wet, often because it has been crushed or beaten. □� The chutney should be a thick, pulpy consistency.

pul|sar /pʌ lsɑː r / (pulsars ) N‑COUNT A pulsar is a star that spins very fast and cannot be seen but produces regular radio signals.

pul|sate /pʌlse I t, [AM ] pʌ lse I t/ (pulsates , pulsating , pulsated ) VERB If something pulsates , it beats, moves in and out, or shakes with strong, regular movements. □�[V ] �a star that pulsates. □�[V -ing] �a pulsating blood vessel. ●� pul|sa|tion /pʌlse I ʃ ə n/ (pulsations ) N‑VAR □� Several astronomers noted that the star's pulsations seemed less pronounced.

pulse /pʌ ls/ (pulses , pulsing , pulsed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your pulse is the regular beating of blood through your body, which you can feel when you touch particular parts of your body, especially your wrist. □� Mahoney's pulse was racing, and he felt confused.

2 N‑COUNT In music, a pulse is a regular beat, which is often produced by a drum. □�[+�of ] �the repetitive pulse of the music.

3 N‑COUNT A pulseof electrical current, light, or sound is a temporary increase in its level. □�[+�of ] The switch works by passing a pulse of current between the tip and the surface.

4 N‑SING If you refer to the pulse of a group in society, you mean the ideas, opinions, or feelings they have at a particular time. □�[+�of ] I love the way he is so absolutely in tune with the pulse of his audience.

5 VERB If something pulses , it moves, appears, or makes a sound with a strong regular rhythm. □�[V ] His temples pulsed a little, threatening a headache. □�[V -ing] It was a slow, pulsing rhythm that seemed to sway languidly in the air.

6 N‑PLURAL Some seeds which can be cooked and eaten are called pulses , for example peas, beans, and lentils.

7 PHRASE If you have your finger on the pulseof something, you know all the latest opinions or developments concerning it. □� He claims to have his finger on the pulse of the industry. □� It's important to keep your finger on the pulse by reading all the right magazines.

8 PHRASE When someone takes your pulse or feels your pulse , they find out how quickly your heart is beating by feeling the pulse in your wrist.

pul|ver|ize /pʌ lvəra I z/ (pulverizes , pulverizing , pulverized ) in BRIT, also use pulverise1 VERB To pulverize something means to do great damage to it or to destroy it completely. □�[V n] �the economic policies which pulverised the economy during the 1980s.

2 VERB If someone pulverizes an opponent in an election or competition, they thoroughly defeat them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He is set to pulverise his two opponents in the race for the presidency.

3 VERB If you pulverize something, you make it into a powder by crushing it. □�[V n] Using a pestle and mortar, pulverise the bran to a coarse powder. □�[V -ed] The fries are made from pellets of pulverised potato.

puma /pjuː mə/ (pumas ) N‑COUNT A puma is a wild animal that is a member of the cat family. Pumas have brownish-grey fur and live in mountain regions of North and South America. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use mountain lion , cougar

pum|ice /pʌ m I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Pumice is a kind of grey stone from a volcano and is very light in weight. It can be rubbed over surfaces, especially your skin, that you want to clean or make smoother.

pu m|ice stone (pumice stones )

1 N‑COUNT A pumice stone is a piece of pumice that you rub over your skin in order to clean the skin or make it smoother.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Pumice stone is the same as pumice .

pum|mel /pʌ m ə l/ (pummels , pummelling , pummelled ) in AM, use pummeling , pummeled VERB If you pummel someone or something, you hit them many times using your fists. □�[V n] He trapped Conn in a corner and pummeled him ferociously for thirty seconds.

pump ◆◇◇ /pʌ mp/ (pumps , pumping , pumped )

1 N‑COUNT A pump is a machine or device that is used to force a liquid or gas to flow in a particular direction. □� �pumps that circulate the fuel around in the engine. □� You'll need a bicycle pump to keep the tyres topped up with air.

2 VERB To pump a liquid or gas in a particular direction means to force it to flow in that direction using a pump. □�[V n with adv] It's not enough to get rid of raw sewage by pumping it out to sea. □�[V n prep] The money raised will be used to dig bore holes to pump water into the dried-up lake. □�[V n] �drill rigs that are busy pumping natural gas. □�[V ] Age diminishes the heart's ability to pump harder and faster under exertion.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A petrol or gas pump is a machine with a tube attached to it that you use to fill a car with petrol. □� There are already long queues of vehicles at petrol pumps.

4 VERB [usu passive] If someone has their stomach pumped , doctors remove the contents of their stomach, for example because they have swallowed poison or drugs. □�[have n V -ed] She was released from hospital yesterday after having her stomach pumped. [Also be V -ed]

5 VERB If you pump money or other resources into something such as a project or an industry, you invest a lot of money or resources in it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�into ] The Government needs to pump more money into community care.

6 VERB If you pump someone about something, you keep asking them questions in order to get information. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�about/for ] He ran in every five minutes to pump me about the case. □�[V n +�out of/from ] Stop trying to pump information out of me.

7 N‑COUNT Pumps are canvas shoes with flat rubber soles which people wear for sports and leisure. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use trainers8 N‑COUNT Pumps are women's shoes that do not cover the top part of the foot and are usually made of plain leather. [AM ] in BRIT, use court shoes

9 PHRASE To prime the pump means to do something to encourage the success or growth of something, especially the economy. [mainly AM ] □�[+�of ] �the use of tax money to prime the pump of the state's economy.

▸� pump out

1 PHRASAL VERB To pump out something means to produce or supply it continually and in large amounts. □�[V P n] Japanese companies have been pumping out plenty of innovative products. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If pop music pumps out , it plays very loudly. □�[V P ] Teenage disco music pumped out at every station.

▸� pump up PHRASAL VERB If you pump up something such as a tyre, you fill it with air using a pump. □�[V P n] I tried to pump up my back tyre. [Also V n P ]

pum|per|nick|el /pʌ mpə r n I k ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Pumpernickel is a dark brown, heavy bread, which is eaten especially in Germany.

pump|kin /pʌ mpk I n/ (pumpkins ) N‑VAR A pumpkin is a large, round, orange vegetable with a thick skin. □� Quarter the pumpkin and remove the seeds. □� �pumpkin pie.

pun /pʌ n/ (puns ) N‑COUNT A pun is a clever and amusing use of a word or phrase with two meanings, or of words with the same sound but different meanings. For example, if someone says 'The peasants are revolting', this is a pun because it can be interpreted as meaning either that the peasants are fighting against authority, or that they are disgusting.

punch ◆◇◇ /pʌ ntʃ/ (punches , punching , punched )

1 VERB If you punch someone or something, you hit them hard with your fist. □�[V n] After punching him on the chin she wound up hitting him over the head. ●�PHRASAL VERB In American English, punch out means the same as punch . □�[V P n] 'I almost lost my job today.'�'What happened?'�'Oh, I punched out this guy.'. □�[V n P ] In the past, many kids would settle disputes by punching each other out. ●�N‑COUNT Punch is also a noun. □� He was hurting Johansson with body punches in the fourth round. ●� punch|er (punchers ) N‑COUNT □� �the awesome range of blows which have confirmed him as boxing's hardest puncher.

2 VERB If you punch the air , you put one or both of your fists forcefully above your shoulders as a gesture of delight or victory. □�[V n] At the end, Graf punched the air in delight, a huge grin on her face.

3 VERB If you punch something such as the buttons on a keyboard, you touch them in order to store information on a machine such as a computer or to give the machine a command to do something. □�[V n] Mrs. Baylor strode to the elevator and punched the button.

4 VERB If you punch holes in something, you make holes in it by pushing or pressing it with something sharp. □�[V n +�in ] I took a ballpoint pen and punched a hole in the carton.

5 N‑COUNT A punch is a tool that you use for making holes in something. □� Make two holes with a hole punch.

6 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something has punch , you mean that it has force or effectiveness. □� My nervousness made me deliver the vital points of my address without sufficient punch.

7 N‑VAR Punch is a drink made from wine or spirits mixed with things such as sugar, lemons, and spices.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone does not pull their punches when they are criticizing a person or thing, you mean that they say exactly what they think, even though this might upset or offend people. □� She has a reputation for getting at the guts of a subject and never pulling her punches.

▸� punch in PHRASAL VERB If you punch in a number on a machine or punch numbers into it, you push the machine's buttons or keys in order to give it a command to do something. □�[V P n] You can bank by phone in the U.S.A., punching in account numbers on the phone. □�[V n P ] Punch your credit card number into the keypad.

Punch and Judy show /pʌ ntʃ ən dʒuː di ʃoʊ/ (Punch and Judy shows ) N‑COUNT A Punch and Judy show is a puppet show for children, often performed at fairs or at the seaside. Punch and Judy, the two main characters, are always fighting.

punch|bag /pʌ ntʃb�g/ (punchbags ) also punch bag N‑COUNT A punchbag is a heavy leather bag, filled with a firm material, that hangs on a rope. Punchbags are used by boxers and other sportsmen for exercise and training. [BRIT ] in AM, use punching bag

pu nch bowl (punch bowls ) N‑COUNT A punch bowl is a large bowl in which drinks, especially punch, are mixed and served.

pu nch-drunk also punch drunk

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A punch-drunk boxer shows signs of brain damage, for example by being unsteady and unable to think clearly, after being hit too often on the head.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is punch-drunk , you mean that they are very tired or confused, for example because they have been working too hard. □� He was punch-drunk with fatigue and depressed by the rain.

pu nch|ing bag (punching bags ) N‑COUNT A punching bag is the same as a punchbag . [AM ]

punch|line /pʌ ntʃla I n/ (punchlines ) also punch line , punch-line N‑COUNT The punchline of a joke or funny story is its last sentence or phrase, which gives it its humour.

pu nch-up (punch-ups ) N‑COUNT A punch-up is a fight in which people hit each other. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He was involved in a punch-up with Sarah's former lover.

punchy /pʌ ntʃi/ (punchier , punchiest ) ADJ If you describe something as punchy , you mean that it expresses its meaning in a forceful or effective way. □� A good way to sound confident is to use short punchy sentences.

punc|tili|ous /pʌŋkt I liəs/ ADJ Someone who is punctilious is very careful to behave correctly. [FORMAL ] □� He was punctilious about being ready and waiting in the entrance hall exactly on time. □� He was a punctilious young man. ●� punc|tili|ous|ly ADV □� Given the circumstances, his behaviour to Laura had been punctiliously correct.

punc|tu|al /pʌ ŋktʃuəl/ ADJ If you are punctual , you do something or arrive somewhere at the right time and are not late. □� He's always very punctual. I'll see if he's here yet. ●� punc|tu|al|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� My guest arrived punctually. ●� punc|tu|al|ity /pʌ ŋktʃu� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� I'll have to have a word with them about punctuality.

punc|tu|ate /pʌ ŋktʃue I t/ (punctuates , punctuating , punctuated ) VERB [usu passive] If an activity or situation is punctuatedby particular things, it is interrupted by them at intervals. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed +�by/with ] The silence of the night was punctuated by the distant rumble of traffic.

punc|tua|tion /pʌ ŋktʃue I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Punctuation is the use of symbols such as full stops or periods, commas, or question marks to divide written words into sentences and clauses. □� He was known for his poor grammar and punctuation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Punctuation is the symbols that you use to divide written words into sentences and clauses. □� Jessica scanned the lines, none of which had any punctuation.

pu nc|tua |tion mark (punctuation marks ) N‑COUNT A punctuation mark is a symbol such as a full stop or period, comma, or question mark that you use to divide written words into sentences and clauses.

punc|ture /pʌ ŋktʃə r / (punctures , puncturing , punctured )

1 N‑COUNT A puncture is a small hole in a car tyre or bicycle tyre that has been made by a sharp object. □� Somebody helped me mend the puncture. □� �a tyre that has a slow puncture.

2 N‑COUNT A puncture is a small hole in someone's skin that has been made by or with a sharp object. □�[+�in ] An instrument called a trocar makes a puncture in the abdominal wall.

3 VERB If a sharp object punctures something, it makes a hole in it. □�[V n] The bullet punctured the skull.

4 VERB If a car tyre or bicycle tyre punctures or if something punctures it, a hole is made in the tyre. □�[V ] The tyre is guaranteed never to puncture or go flat. □�[V n] He punctured a tyre in the last lap.

5 VERB If someone's feelings or beliefs are punctured , their feelings or beliefs are made to seem wrong or foolish, especially when this makes the person feel disappointed or upset. □�[be V -ed] His enthusiasm for fishing had been punctured by the sight of what he might catch. [Also V n]

pun|dit /pʌ nd I t/ (pundits ) N‑COUNT A pundit is a person who knows a lot about a subject and is often asked to give information or opinions about it to the public. □� �a well-known political pundit.

pun|gent /pʌ ndʒ ə nt/

1 ADJ Something that is pungent has a strong, sharp smell or taste which is often so strong that it is unpleasant. □� The more herbs you use, the more pungent the sauce will be. □� �the pungent smell of burning rubber. ●� pun|gen|cy N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □� �the spices that give Jamaican food its pungency.

2 ADJ If you describe what someone has said or written as pungent , you approve of it because it has a direct and powerful effect and often criticizes something very cleverly. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� He enjoyed the play's shrewd and pungent social analysis.

pun|ish /pʌ n I ʃ/ (punishes , punishing , punished )

1 VERB To punish someone means to make them suffer in some way because they have done something wrong. □�[V n] According to present law, the authorities can only punish smugglers with small fines. □�[V n +�for ] Don't punish your child for being honest.

2 VERB To punish a crime means to punish anyone who commits that crime. □�[V n] The government voted to punish corruption in sport with up to four years in jail.

pun|ish|able /pʌ n I ʃəb ə l/ ADJ If a crime is punishable in a particular way, anyone who commits it is punished in that way. □�[+�by/with ] Treason in this country is still punishable by death.

pun|ish|ing /pʌ n I ʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A punishing schedule, activity, or experience requires a lot of physical effort and makes you very tired or weak. □� It was a punishing schedule for any man, but Fox was now fifty-seven.

pun|ish|ment /pʌ n I ʃmənt/ (punishments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Punishment is the act of punishing someone or of being punished. □�[+�of ] �a group which campaigns against the physical punishment of children. □� I have no doubt that the man is guilty and that he deserves punishment.

2 N‑VAR A punishment is a particular way of punishing someone. □�[+�for ] The government is proposing tougher punishments for officials convicted of corruption.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You can use punishment to refer to severe physical treatment of any kind. □� Don't expect these types of boot to take the punishment that gardening will give them.

4 →�see also capital punishment , corporal punishment

pu|ni|tive /pjuː n I t I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Punitive actions are intended to punish people. [FORMAL ] □� Other economists say any punitive measures against foreign companies would hurt U.S. interests.

Pun|ja|bi /pʌndʒɑː bi/ (Punjabis )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Punjabi means belonging or relating to the Punjab region of India or Pakistan, its people, or its language.

2 N‑COUNT A Punjabi is a person who comes from the Punjab.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Punjabi is the language spoken in the Punjab.

punk /pʌ ŋk/ (punks )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Punk or punk rock is rock music that is played in a fast, loud, and aggressive way and is often a protest against conventional attitudes and behaviour. Punk rock was particularly popular in the late 1970s. □� I was never really into punk. □� �a punk rock band.

2 N‑COUNT A punk or a punk rocker is a young person who likes punk music and dresses in a very noticeable and unconventional way, for example by having brightly coloured hair and wearing metal chains.

pun|net /pʌ n I t/ (punnets ) N‑COUNT A punnet is a small light box in which soft fruits such as strawberries or raspberries are often sold. You can also use punnet to refer to the amount of fruit that a punnet contains. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �a punnet of strawberries.

punt (punts ) Pronounced /pʌ nt/ for meaning 1 and /pʊ nt/ for meaning 3 . 1 N‑COUNT A punt is a long boat with a flat bottom. You move the boat along by standing at one end and pushing a long pole against the bottom of the river. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT [num N ] The punt was the unit of money used in the Irish Republic. In 2002 it was replaced by the euro. □� He bought a plot of land for 50 punts, the Irish currency back then. ●�N‑SING The punt was also used to refer to the Irish currency system. □� �the cost of defending the punt against speculators.

punt|er /pʌ ntə r / (punters )

1 N‑COUNT A punter is a person who bets money, especially on horse races. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Punters are expected to gamble �70m on the Grand National.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to their customers or clients as punters . [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

puny /pjuː ni/ (punier , puniest ) ADJ Someone or something that is puny is very small or weak. □� �a puny, bespectacled youth.

pup /pʌ p/ (pups )

1 N‑COUNT A pup is a young dog. □� I'll get you an Alsatian pup for Christmas.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] The young of some other animals, for example seals, are called pups . □� Two thousand grey seal pups are born there every autumn.

pupa /pjuː pə/ (pupae /pjuː piː/) N‑COUNT A pupa is an insect that is in the stage of development between a larva and a fully grown adult. It has a protective covering and does not move. [TECHNICAL ] □� The pupae remain dormant in the soil until they emerge as adult moths in the winter.

pu|pil ◆◇◇ /pjuː p I l/ (pupils )

1 N‑COUNT The pupils of a school are the children who go to it. □� Many secondary schools in Wales have over 1,000 pupils.

2 N‑COUNT [with poss] A pupil of a painter, musician, or other expert is someone who studies under that expert and learns his or her skills. □�[+�of ] �the only drawing firmly attributed to Cesare Magni (1511-1534), a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci.

3 N‑COUNT The pupils of your eyes are the small, round, black holes in the centre of them. COLLOCATIONS pupil NOUN 1

adjective +�pupil : able, bright, gifted; former, past, prospective; disruptive, unruly

verb +�pupil : admit, exclude, expel, suspend; encourage, motivate, prepare, teach SYNONYMS pupil NOUN 1

student:Warren's eldest son is an art student, at St Martin's.

scholar:The library attracts thousands of scholars and researchers.

schoolchild:Last year I had an audience of schoolchildren and they laughed at everything.

learner:�a new aid for younger children or slow learners.

pup|pet /pʌ p I t/ (puppets )

1 N‑COUNT A puppet is a doll that you can move, either by pulling strings which are attached to it or by putting your hand inside its body and moving your fingers.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] You can refer to a person or country as a puppet when you mean that their actions are controlled by a more powerful person or government, even though they may appear to be independent. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] When the invasion occurred he ruled as a puppet of the occupiers.

pup|pet|eer /pʌ p I t I ə r / (puppeteers ) N‑COUNT A puppeteer is a person who gives shows using puppets.

pup|py /pʌ pi/ (puppies ) N‑COUNT A puppy is a young dog. □� One Sunday he began trying to teach the two puppies to walk on a leash.

pu p|py fat also puppy-fat N‑UNCOUNT Puppy fat is fat that some children have on their bodies when they are young but that disappears when they grow older and taller.

pur|chase ◆◆◇ /pɜː r tʃ I s/ (purchases , purchasing , purchased )

1 VERB When you purchase something, you buy it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He purchased a ticket and went up on the top deck. ●� pur|chas|er (purchasers ) N‑COUNT □� The broker will get 5% if he finds a purchaser.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The purchase of something is the act of buying it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Some of the receipts had been for the purchase of cars.

3 →�see also hire purchase

4 N‑COUNT A purchase is something that you buy. [FORMAL ] □� She opened the tie box and looked at her purchase. It was silk, with maroon stripes.

5 N‑VAR [oft a N ] If you get a purchaseon something, you manage to get a firm grip on it. [FORMAL ] □� I got a purchase on the rope and pulled. □� I couldn't get any purchase with the screwdriver on the damn screws.

pu r|chas|ing po w|er

1 N‑UNCOUNT The purchasing power of a currency is the amount of goods or services that you can buy with it. [BUSINESS ] □� The real purchasing power of the rouble has plummeted.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The purchasing power of a person or group of people is the amount of goods or services that they can afford to buy. [BUSINESS ] □� �the purchasing power of their customers.

pur|dah /pɜː r də/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Purdah is a custom practised in some Muslim and Hindu societies, in which women either remain in a special part of the house or cover their faces and bodies to avoid being seen by men who are not related to them. If a woman is in purdah , she lives according to this custom.

pure ◆◇◇ /pjʊə r / (purer , purest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pure substance is not mixed with anything else. □� �a carton of pure orange juice.

2 ADJ Something that is pure is clean and does not contain any harmful substances. □� In remote regions, the air is pure and the crops are free of poisonous insecticides. □� �demands for purer and cleaner river water. ●� pu|rity N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] □�[+�of ] They worried about the purity of tap water.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a colour, a sound, or a type of light as pure , you mean that it is very clear and represents a perfect example of its type. □� �flowers in a whole range of blues with the occasional pure white. ●� pu|rity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the soaring purity of her voice.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a form of art or a philosophy as pure , you mean that it is produced or practised according to a standard or form that is expected of it. [FORMAL ] □� Nicholson never swerved from his aim of making pure and simple art. ●� pu|rity N‑UNCOUNT □� �verse of great purity, sonority of rhythm, and symphonic form.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Pure science or pure research is concerned only with theory and not with how this theory can be used in practical ways. □� Physics isn't just about pure science with no immediate applications.

6 ADJ Pure means complete and total. [EMPHASIS ] □� The old man turned to give her a look of pure surprise.

pu re-bred also purebred ADJ [ADJ n] A pure-bred animal is one whose parents and ancestors all belong to the same breed. □� �pure-bred Arab horses.

pu|ree /pjʊə re I , [AM ] pjʊre I / (purees , pureeing , pureed ) also pur�e

1 N‑VAR Puree is food which has been crushed or beaten so that it forms a thick, smooth liquid. □� �a can of tomato puree.

2 VERB If you puree food, you make it into a puree. □�[V n] Puree the apricots in a liquidiser until completely smooth.

pure|ly /pjʊə r li/

1 ADV You use purely to emphasize that the thing you are mentioning is the most important feature or that it is the only thing which should be considered. [EMPHASIS ] □� It is a racing machine, designed purely for speed. □� The government said the moves were purely defensive.

2 PHRASE You use purely and simply to emphasize that the thing you are mentioning is the only thing involved. [EMPHASIS ] □� If Arthur was attracted here by the prospects of therapy, John came down purely and simply to make money.

pur|ga|tive /pɜː r gət I v/ (purgatives )

1 N‑COUNT A purgative is a medicine that causes you to get rid of unwanted waste from your body. [FORMAL ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A purgative substance acts as a purgative. [FORMAL ] □� �purgative oils. □� �a purgative tea.

pur|ga|tory /pɜː r gətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/

1 N‑PROPER Purgatory is the place where Roman Catholics believe the spirits of dead people are sent to suffer for their sins before they go to heaven. □� Prayers were said for souls in Purgatory.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can describe a very unpleasant experience as purgatory . □� Every step of the last three miles was purgatory. □� �five years of economic purgatory.

purge /pɜː r dʒ/ (purges , purging , purged )

1 VERB To purge an organization of its unacceptable members means to remove them from it. You can also talk about purging people from an organization. □�[V n +�of ] The leadership voted to purge the party of 'hostile and anti-party elements'. □�[V n] He recently purged the armed forces, sending hundreds of officers into retirement. □�[V n +�from ] They have purged thousands from the upper levels of the civil service. ●�N‑COUNT Purge is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The army have called for a more thorough purge of people associated with the late president.

2 VERB If you purge something of undesirable things, you get rid of them. □�[V n +�of ] He closed his eyes and lay still, trying to purge his mind of anxiety. [Also V n]

pu|ri|fi|er /pjʊə r I fa I ə r / (purifiers ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A purifier is a device or a substance that is used to purify something such as water, air, or blood. □� �air purifiers.

pu|ri|fy /pjʊə r I fa I / (purifies , purifying , purified ) VERB If you purify a substance, you make it pure by removing any harmful, dirty, or inferior substances from it. □�[V n] I take wheat and yeast tablets daily to purify the blood. □�[V -ed] Only purified water is used. ●� pu|ri|fi|ca|tion /pjuə r I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a water purification plant.

pur|ist /pjʊə r I st/ (purists )

1 N‑COUNT A purist is a person who wants something to be totally correct or unchanged, especially something they know a lot about. □� The purists would prefer we played on grass, no matter the weather.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Purist attitudes are the kind of attitudes that purists have. □� Britain wanted a 'more purist' approach.

pu|ri|tan /pjʊə r I t ə n/ (puritans )

1 N‑COUNT You describe someone as a puritan when they live according to strict moral or religious principles, especially when they disapprove of physical pleasures. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Bykov had forgotten that Malinin was something of a puritan.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Puritan attitudes are based on strict moral or religious principles and often involve disapproval of physical pleasures. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Paul was someone who certainly had a puritan streak in him.

Pu|ri|tan (Puritans ) N‑COUNT The Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries who lived in a very strict and religious way.

pu|ri|tani|cal /pjʊə r I t� n I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as puritanical , you mean that they have very strict moral principles, and often try to make other people behave in a more moral way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has a puritanical attitude towards sex.

pu|ri|tan|ism /pjʊə r I tən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Puritanism is behaviour or beliefs that are based on strict moral or religious principles, especially the principle that people should avoid physical pleasures. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the tight-lipped puritanism of the Scottish literary world.

Pu|ri|tan|ism N‑UNCOUNT Puritanism is the set of beliefs that were held by the Puritans. □� Out of Puritanism came the intense work ethic.

pu|rity /pjʊə r I ti/ →�see pure

pur|loin /pɜː r lɔ I n/ (purloins , purloining , purloined ) VERB If someone purloins something, they steal it or borrow it without asking permission. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Each side purloins the other's private letters.

pur|ple ◆◆◇ /pɜː r p ə l/ (purples )

1 COLOUR Something that is purple is of a reddish-blue colour. □� She wore purple and green silk. □� �sinister dark greens and purples.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Purple prose or a purplepatch is a piece of writing that contains very elaborate language or images. □� �passages of purple prose describing intense experiences.

Pu r|ple Hea rt (Purple Hearts ) N‑COUNT The Purple Heart is a medal that is given to members of the US Armed Forces who have been wounded during battle.

pur|plish /pɜː r pəl I ʃ/ ADJ Purplish means slightly purple in colour.

pur|port /pə r pɔː r t/ (purports , purporting , purported ) VERB If you say that someone or something purportsto do or be a particular thing, you mean that they claim to do or be that thing, although you may not always believe that claim. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] �a book that purports to tell the whole truth.

pur|port|ed|ly /pə r pɔː r t I dli/ ADV [ADV with v] If you say that something has purportedly been done, you mean that you think that it has been done but you cannot be sure. [FORMAL ] □� He was given a letter purportedly signed by the Prime Minister.

pur|pose ◆◆◇ /pɜː r pəs/ (purposes )

1 N‑COUNT The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done. □�[+�of ] The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for medical supplies. □� Various insurance schemes already exist for this purpose. □� �the use of nuclear energy for military purposes. □� He was asked about casualties, but said it would serve no purpose to count bodies.

2 N‑COUNT [with poss] Your purpose is the thing that you want to achieve. □� They might well be prepared to do you harm in order to achieve their purpose. □� His purpose was to make a profit by improving the company's performance.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Purpose is the feeling of having a definite aim and of being determined to achieve it. □� The teachers are enthusiastic and have a sense of purpose.

4 →�see also cross-purposes

5 PHRASE You use for all practical purposes or to all intents and purposes to suggest that a situation is not exactly as you describe it, but the effect is the same as if it were. □� For all practical purposes the treaty has already ceased to exist.

6 PHRASE If you do something on purpose , you do it intentionally. □� Was it an accident or did David do it on purpose? COLLOCATIONS purpose NOUN 1

verb +�purpose : fulfil, serve; defeat

adjective +�purpose : sole, specific; express, intended, stated; commercial, educational, medicinal, recreational, scientific; practical, useful; main, primary SYNONYMS purpose NOUN

1

reason:The exact locations are being kept secret for reasons of security.

point:What was the point of thinking about him?

function:The main function of the merchant banks is to raise capital for industry.

2

aim:The aim of the festival is to increase awareness of Hindu culture and traditions.

goal:The goal is to raise as much money as possible.

objective:Our main objective was the recovery of the child safe and well.

pu rpose-bui lt ADJ A purpose-built building has been specially designed and built for a particular use. [mainly BRIT ] □� The company has recently moved into a new purpose-built factory. in AM, usually use custom-built

pur|pose|ful /pɜː r pəsfʊl/ ADJ If someone is purposeful , they show that they have a definite aim and a strong desire to achieve it. □� She had a purposeful air, and it became evident that this was not a casual visit. ●� pur|pose|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He strode purposefully towards the barn.

pur|pose|less /pɜː r pəsləs/ ADJ If an action is purposeless , it does not seem to have a sensible purpose. □� Time may also be wasted in purposeless meetings. □� Surely my existence cannot be so purposeless?

pur|pose|ly /pɜː r pəsli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you do something purposely , you do it intentionally. [FORMAL ] □� They are purposely withholding information.

purr /pɜː r / (purrs , purring , purred )

1 VERB When a cat purrs , it makes a low vibrating sound with its throat because it is contented. □�[V ] The plump ginger kitten had settled comfortably in her arms and was purring enthusiastically.

2 VERB When the engine of a machine such as a car purrs , it is working and making a quiet, continuous, vibrating sound. □�[V prep] Both boats purred out of the cave mouth and into open water. [Also V ] ●�N‑SING Purr is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Carmela heard the purr of a motor-cycle coming up the drive.

purse /pɜː r s/ (purses , pursing , pursed )

1 N‑COUNT A purse is a very small bag that people, especially women, keep their money in. [BRIT ] in AM, use change purse2 N‑COUNT A purse is a small bag that women carry. [AM ] □� She reached in her purse for her phone. in BRIT, use bag , handbag3 N‑SING Purse is used to refer to the total amount of money that a country, family, or group has. □� The money could simply go into the public purse, helping to lower taxes.

4 VERB If you purse your lips , you move them into a small, rounded shape, usually because you disapprove of something or when you are thinking. □�[V n] She pursed her lips in disapproval.

purs|er /pɜː r sə r / (pursers ) N‑COUNT On a ship, the purser is an officer who deals with the accounts and official papers. On a passenger ship, the purser is also responsible for the welfare of the passengers.

pu rse strings N‑PLURAL If you say that someone holds or controls the purse strings , you mean that they control the way that money is spent in a particular family, group, or country. □� Women control the purse strings of most families.

pur|su|ance /pə r sjuː əns, [AM ] -suː -/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N of n] If you do something inpursuance of a particular activity, you do it as part of carrying out that activity. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He ordered disclosure of a medical report to the Metropolitan Police in pursuance of an investigation of murder.

pur|su|ant /pə r sjuː ənt, [AM ] -suː -/ PHRASE If someone does something pursuant to a law or regulation, they obey that law or regulation. [FORMAL ] □� He should continue to act pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

pur|sue ◆◇◇ /pə r sjuː , -suː / (pursues , pursuing , pursued )

1 VERB If you pursue an activity, interest, or plan, you carry it out or follow it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He said his country would continue to pursue the policies laid down at the summit. □�[V n] She had come to England to pursue an acting career.

2 VERB If you pursue a particular aim or result, you make efforts to achieve it, often over a long period of time. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Mr. Menendez has aggressively pursued new business.

3 VERB If you pursue a particular topic, you try to find out more about it by asking questions. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] If your original request is denied, don't be afraid to pursue the matter.

4 VERB If you pursue a person, vehicle, or animal, you follow them, usually in order to catch them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She pursued the man who had stolen a woman's bag. SYNONYMS pursue VERB

1

engage in:I have never engaged in the drug trade.

practise:Acupuncture was practised in China as long ago as the third millennium BC.

follow:Do you follow any particular religion?'�'Yes, we're all Hindus.'

4

follow:I think we're being followed.

chase:She chased the thief for 100 yards.

hunt:Detectives have been hunting him for seven months.

run after:Neighbouring shopkeepers ran after the man and caught him.

pur|su|er /pə r sjuː ə r , [AM ] -suː -/ (pursuers ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N in pl] Your pursuers are the people who are chasing or searching for you. [FORMAL ] □� They had shaken off their pursuers.

pur|suit /pə r sjuː t, [AM ] -suː t/ (pursuits )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Your pursuit of something is your attempts at achieving it. If you do something in pursuit of a particular result, you do it in order to achieve that result. □�[+�of ] �a young man whose relentless pursuit of excellence is conducted with determination.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The pursuit of an activity, interest, or plan consists of all the things that you do when you are carrying it out. □�[+�of ] The vigorous pursuit of policies is no guarantee of success.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N of n] Someone who is in pursuit of a person, vehicle, or animal is chasing them. □� �a police officer who drove a patrol car at more than 120mph in pursuit of a motor cycle.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your pursuits are your activities, usually activities that you enjoy when you are not working. □� They both love outdoor pursuits.

5 PHRASE If you are in hot pursuitof someone, you are chasing after them with great determination. □� I rushed through with Sue in hot pursuit.

pur|vey /pə r ve I / (purveys , purveying , purveyed )

1 VERB If you purvey something such as information, you tell it to people. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �one who would, for a hefty fee, purvey strategic advice to private corporations.

2 VERB If someone purveys goods or services, they provide them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They have two restaurants that purvey dumplings and chicken noodle soup.

pur|vey|or /pə r ve I ə r / (purveyors ) N‑COUNT A purveyor of goods or services is a person or company that provides them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �purveyors of gourmet foods.

pur|view /pɜː r vjuː/ N‑SING The purview of something such as an organization or activity is the range of things it deals with. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] That, however, was beyond the purview of the court; it was a diplomatic matter.

pus /pʌ s/ N‑UNCOUNT Pus is a thick yellowish liquid that forms in wounds when they are infected.

push ◆◆◇ /pʊ ʃ/ (pushes , pushing , pushed )

1 VERB When you push something, you use force to make it move away from you or away from its previous position. □�[V n with adv] The woman pushed back her chair and stood up. □�[V n prep] They pushed him into the car. □�[V n] �a woman pushing a pushchair. □�[V ] He put both hands flat on the door and pushed as hard as he could. □�[V n adj] When there was no reply, he pushed the door open. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Push is also a noun. □� He gave me a sharp push. □�[+�of ] Information is called up at the push of a button.

2 VERB If you push through things that are blocking your way or push your way through them, you use force in order to move past them. □�[V prep/adv] I pushed through the crowds and on to the escalator. □�[V n prep/adv] He pushed his way towards her, laughing.

3 VERB If an army pushes into a country or area that it is attacking or invading, it moves further into it. □�[V +�into ] One detachment pushed into the eastern suburbs towards the airfield. □�[V adv +�into ] The army may push southwards into the Kurdish areas. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Push is also a noun. □� All that was needed was one final push, and the enemy would be vanquished once and for all.

4 VERB To push a value or amount up or down means to cause it to increase or decrease. □�[V n with adv] Any shortage could push up grain prices. □�[V n prep] Interest had pushed the loan up to $27,000.

5 VERB If someone or something pushes an idea or project in a particular direction, they cause it to develop or progress in a particular way. □�[V n with adv] We are continuing to push the business forward. □�[V n prep] The government seemed intent on pushing local and central government in opposite directions.

6 VERB If you push someone to do something or push them into doing it, you encourage or force them to do it. □�[V n to-inf] She thanks her parents for keeping her in school and pushing her to study. □�[V n +�into ] James did not push her into stealing the money. □�[V n prep/adv] I knew he was pushing himself to the limit. □�[V n] There is no point in pushing them unless they are talented. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Push is also a noun. □� We need a push to take the first step.

7 VERB If you push for something, you try very hard to achieve it or to persuade someone to do it. □�[V +�for ] Campaigners are pushing for more information and better treatments. □�[V +�for ] Germany is pushing for direct flights to be established. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Push is also a noun. □� In its push for economic growth it has ignored projects that would improve living standards.

8 VERB If someone pushes an idea, a point, or a product, they try in a forceful way to convince people to accept it or buy it. □�[V n] Ministers will push the case for opening the plant.

9 VERB When someone pushes drugs, they sell them illegally. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] She was sent for trial yesterday accused of pushing drugs.

10 →�see also pushed , pushing

11 PHRASE If you get the push or are given the push , you are told that you are not wanted any more, either in your job or by someone you are having a relationship with. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Two cabinet ministers also got the push.

12to push the boat out →�see boat

13to push your luck →�see luck

14if push comes to shove →�see shove

▸� push ahead or push forward PHRASAL VERB If you push ahead or push forwardwith something, you make progress with it. □�[V P +�with ] The government intends to push ahead with its reform programme. [Also V P ]

▸� push around PHRASAL VERB If someone pushes you around , they give you orders in a rude and insulting way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] We don't like somebody coming in with lots of money and trying to push people around.

▸� push back PHRASAL VERB If you push back against something, such as a change or criticism, you refuse to accept it or try to prevent it. □�[V P ] Teachers who feel they have been criticized are starting to push back.

▸� push forward →�see push ahead

▸� push in PHRASAL VERB When someone pushes in , they unfairly join a queue or line in front of other people who have been waiting longer. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] Nina pushed in next to Liddie.

▸� push on PHRASAL VERB When you push on , you continue with a journey or task. □�[V P ] Although the journey was a long and lonely one, Tumalo pushed on.

▸� push over

1 PHRASAL VERB If you push someone or something over , you push them so that they fall onto the ground. □�[V P n] People have damaged hedges and pushed over walls. □�[V n P ] Anna is always attacking other children, pushing them over.

2 →�see also pushover

▸� push through PHRASAL VERB If someone pushes through a law, they succeed in getting it accepted although some people oppose it. □�[V P n] The vote will enable the Prime Minister to push through tough policies. □�[V n P n] He tried to push the amendment through Parliament. [Also V n P ]

push|back /pʊ ʃb�k/ N‑UNCOUNT Pushback is a negative response to a change or a plan, often a refusal to accept it. □� There's been a lot of pushback from conservatives on this issue.

pu sh bike (push bikes ) N‑COUNT A push bike is a bicycle which you move by turning the pedals with your feet. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

pu sh-button ADJ [ADJ n] A push-button machine or process is controlled by means of buttons or switches. □� �push-button phones.

push|cart /pʊ ʃkɑː r t/ (pushcarts ) N‑COUNT A pushcart is a cart from which fruit or other goods are sold in the street. [AM ] in BRIT, use barrow

push|chair /pʊ ʃtʃeə r / (pushchairs ) N‑COUNT A pushchair is a small chair on wheels, in which a baby or small child can sit and be wheeled around. [BRIT ] in AM, use stroller

pushed /pʊ ʃt/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are pushed for something such as time or money, you do not have enough of it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�for ] He's going to be a bit pushed for money. in AM, use pressed for

2 PHRASE If you are hard pushed to do something, you find it very difficult to do it. [BRIT ] □� I'd be hard pushed to teach him anything.

push|er /pʊ ʃə r / (pushers ) N‑COUNT A pusher is a person who sells illegal drugs. [INFORMAL ] □� �drug pushers.

push|ing /pʊ ʃ I ŋ/ PREP If you say that someone is pushing a particular age, you mean that they are nearly that age. [INFORMAL ] □� Pushing 40, he was an ageing rock star.

push|over /pʊ ʃoʊvə r / (pushovers )

1 N‑COUNT You say that someone is a pushover when you find it easy to persuade them to do what you want. [INFORMAL ] □� He is a tough negotiator. We did not expect to find him a pushover and he has not been one.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You say that something is a pushover when it is easy to do or easy to get. [INFORMAL ] □� You might think Hungarian a pushover to learn. It is not.

pu sh-up (push-ups ) N‑COUNT Push-ups are exercises to strengthen your arms and chest muscles. They are done by lying with your face towards the floor and pushing with your hands to raise your body until your arms are straight. [AM ] in BRIT, use press-ups

pushy /pʊ ʃi/ (pushier , pushiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as pushy , you mean that they try in a forceful way to get things done as they would like. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� She was a confident and pushy young woman.

pu|sil|lani|mous /pjuː s I l� n I məs/ ADJ If you say that someone is pusillanimous , you mean that they are timid or afraid. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The authorities have been too pusillanimous in merely condemning the violence.

puss /pʊ s/ N‑COUNT People sometimes call a cat by saying ' Puss '.

pussy /pʊ si/ (pussies )

1 N‑COUNT Pussy is a child's word for a cat.

2 N‑COUNT Some people use pussy to refer to a woman's genitals. [INFORMAL , VERY RUDE ]

pussy|cat /pʊ sik�t/ (pussycats )

1 N‑COUNT Children or people talking to children often refer to a cat as a pussycat .

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a pussycat , you think that they are kind and gentle.

pussy|foot /pʊ sifʊt/ (pussyfoots , pussyfooting , pussyfooted ) VERB If you say that someone is pussyfootingaround , you are criticizing them for behaving in a too cautious way because they are not sure what to do and are afraid to commit themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Why don't they stop pussyfooting around and say what they really mean? [Also V ]

pus|tule /pʌ stʃuːl/ (pustules ) N‑COUNT A pustule is a small infected swelling on the skin. [MEDICAL ]

put ◆◆◆ /pʊ t/ (puts , putting ) The form put is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. Put is used in a large number of expressions which are explained under other words in this dictionary. For example, the expression to put someone in the picture is explained at picture . 1 VERB When you put something in a particular place or position, you move it into that place or position. □�[V n prep/adv] Leaphorn put the photograph on the desk. □�[V n prep/adv] She hesitated, then put her hand on Grace's arm. □�[V n with adv] Mishka put down a heavy shopping bag.

2 VERB If you put someone somewhere, you cause them to go there and to stay there for a period of time. □�[V n prep/adv] Rather than put him in the hospital, she had been caring for him at home. □�[V n prep/adv] I'd put the children to bed.

3 VERB To put someone or something in a particular state or situation means to cause them to be in that state or situation. □�[V n prep/adv] This is going to put them out of business. □�[V n prep/adv] He was putting himself at risk. □�[V n prep/adv] My doctor put me in touch with a psychiatrist.

4 VERB To put something on people or things means to cause them to have it, or to cause them to be affected by it. □�[V n +�on ] The ruling will put extra pressure on health authorities. □�[V n +�on ] They will also force schools to put more emphasis on teaching basic subjects.

5 VERB If you put your trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something, you trust them or have faith or confidence in them. □�[V n +�in ] How much faith should we put in anti-ageing products?

6 VERB If you put time, strength, or energy into an activity, you use it in doing that activity. □�[V n +�into ] Eleanor did not put much energy into the discussion.

7 VERB If you put money into a business or project, you invest money in it. □�[V n +�into ] Investors should consider putting some money into an annuity.

8 VERB When you put an idea or remark in a particular way, you express it in that way. You can use expressions like to put it simply and to put it bluntly before saying something when you want to explain how you are going to express it. □�[V n] I had already met him a couple of times through�how should I put it�friends in low places. □�[V n adv/prep] He doesn't, to put it very bluntly, give a damn about the woman or the baby. □�[V it ] He admitted the security forces might have made some mistakes, as he put it. □�[V n +�into ] You can't put that sort of fear into words.

9 VERB When you put a questionto someone, you ask them the question. □�[V n +�to ] Is this fair? Well, I put that question today to the deputy counsel. □�[V n adv] He thinks that some workers may be afraid to put questions publicly.

10 VERB If you put a case, opinion, or proposal, you explain it and list the reasons why you support or believe it. □�[V n] He always put his point of view with clarity and with courage. □�[V n +�to ] He put the case to the Saudi Foreign Minister.

11 VERB If you put something at a particular value or in a particular category, you consider that it has that value or that it belongs in that category. □�[V n +�at ] I would put her age at about 50 or so. □�[V n +�on ] All the more technically advanced countries put a high value on science. □�[V n +�into ] It is not easy to put the guilty and innocent into clear-cut categories. [Also V n adj-compar]

12 VERB If you put written information somewhere, you write, type, or print it there. □�[V n prep/adv] Mary's family were so pleased that they put an announcement in the local paper to thank them. □�[V n] He crossed out 'Screenplay' and put 'Written by' instead.

13 PHRASE If you put it to someone that something is true, you suggest that it is true, especially when you think that they will be unwilling to admit this. □� But I put it to you that they're useless.

14 PHRASE If you say that something is bigger or better than several other things put together , you mean that it is bigger or has more good qualities than all of those other things if they are added together. □� London has more pubs and clubs than the rest of the country put together.

▸� put about The forms put around and put round are also used in British English. PHRASAL VERB If you put something about , you tell it to people that you meet and cause it to become well-known. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P that] Moderates are putting it about that people shouldn't take the things said at the Republican Convention too seriously. □�[V P n] The King had been putting about lurid rumours for months. [Also V n P ]

▸� put across or put over PHRASAL VERB When you put something across or put it over , you succeed in describing or explaining it to someone. □�[V n P ] He has taken out a half-page advertisement in his local paper to put his point across. □�[V P n] This is actually a very entertaining book putting over serious health messages.

▸� put around →�see put about

▸� put aside

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put something aside , you keep it to be dealt with or used at a later time. □�[V n P ] She took up a slice of bread, broke it nervously, then put it aside. □�[V P n] Encourage children to put aside some of their pocket-money to buy birthday presents.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put a feeling or disagreement aside , you forget about it or ignore it in order to solve a problem or argument. □�[V P n] We should put aside our differences and discuss the things we have in common. □�[V n P ] We admitted that the attraction was there, but decided that we would put the feelings aside.

▸� put away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put something away , you put it into the place where it is normally kept when it is not being used, for example in a drawer. □�[V n P ] She finished putting the milk away and turned around. □�[V P n] 'Yes, Mum,' replied Cheryl as she slowly put away her doll. □�[V -ed P ] Her bed was crisply made, her clothes put away.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone is put away , they are sent to prison or to a mental hospital for a long time. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed P ] He's an animal! He should be put away. □�[V n P ] His testimony could put Drago away for life.

▸� put back PHRASAL VERB To put something back means to delay it or arrange for it to happen later than you previously planned. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P ] There are always new projects which seem to put the reunion back further. □�[be V -ed P ] News conferences due to be held by both men have been put back. [Also V P n]

▸� put down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put something down somewhere, you write or type it there. □�[V n P +�in/on ] Never put anything down on paper which might be used in evidence against you at a later date. □�[V P that] We've put down that we would like some technology courses. □�[V P wh] I had prepared for the meeting by putting down what I wanted from them. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put down some money, you pay part of the price of something, and will pay the rest later. □�[V P n] He bought an investment property for $100,000 and put down $20,000. □�[V n P ] He's got to put cash down.

3 PHRASAL VERB When soldiers, police, or the government put down a riot or rebellion, they stop it by using force. □�[V P n] Soldiers went in to put down a rebellion. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If someone puts you down , they treat you in an unpleasant way by criticizing you in front of other people or making you appear foolish. □�[V n P ] I know that I do put people down occasionally. □�[V P n] Racist jokes come from wanting to put down other kinds of people we feel threatened by.

5 →�see also put-down

6 PHRASAL VERB When an animal is put down , it is killed because it is dangerous or very ill. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed P ] Magistrates ordered his dog Samson to be put down immediately. □�[V P n] They think that any legislation that involved putting down dogs was wrong. [Also V n P ]

▸� put down to PHRASAL VERB If you put something down to a particular thing, you believe that it is caused by that thing. □�[V n P P n] You may be a sceptic and put it down to life's inequalities.

▸� put forward PHRASAL VERB If you put forward a plan, proposal, or name, you suggest that it should be considered for a particular purpose or job. □�[V P n] He has put forward new peace proposals. □�[V n P +�for ] I rang the colonel and asked him to put my name forward for the vacancy. [Also V n P ]

▸� put in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put in an amount of time or effort doing something, you spend that time or effort doing it. □�[V P n] They've put in time and effort to keep the strike going. □�[V n P ] If we don't put money in we will lose our investment.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put in a request or put in for something, you formally request or apply for that thing. □�[V P n] The ministry ordered 113 of these and later put in a request for 21 more. □�[V P +�for ] I decided to put in for a job as deputy secretary.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you put in a remark, you interrupt someone or add to what they have said with the remark. □�[V P with quote] 'He was a lawyer before that,' Mary Ann put in.

4 PHRASAL VERB When a ship puts in or puts into a port, it goes into the port for a short stop. □�[V P adv/prep] It's due to put in at Aden and some other ports before arriving in Basra.

▸� put off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put something off , you delay doing it. □�[V P v-ing/n] Women who put off having a baby often make the best mothers. □�[V n P ] The Association has put the event off until October.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put someone off , you make them wait for something that they want. □�[V n P ] The old priest tried to put them off, saying that the hour was late.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something puts you off something, it makes you dislike it, or decide not to do or have it. □�[V n P n/v-ing] The thought of caring for young plants can put people off growing their own veg. □�[V n P ] His personal habits put them off. □�[V P n] The country's worsening reputation does not seem to be putting off the tourists. □�[be V -ed P ] We tried to visit the Abbey but were put off by the queues.

4 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something puts you off , they take your attention from what you are trying to do and make it more difficult for you to do it. □�[V n P ] She asked me to be serious�said it put her off if I laughed. □�[V n P n/v-ing] It put her off revising for her exams. [Also V P n (not pron)]

▸� put on

1 PHRASAL VERB When you put on clothing or make-up, you place it on your body in order to wear it. □�[V P n] She put on her coat and went out. □�[V n P ] I haven't even put any lipstick on.

2 PHRASAL VERB When people put on a show, exhibition, or service, they perform it or organize it. □�[V P n] The band are hoping to put on a U.K. show before the end of the year. □�[V n P ] We put it on and everybody said 'Oh it's a brilliant production'.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone puts on weight, they become heavier. □�[V P n] I can eat what I want but I never put on weight. □�[V P n] Luther's put on three stone. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you put on a piece of equipment or a device, you make it start working, for example by pressing a switch or turning a knob. □�[V n P ] I put the radio on. □�[V P n] I put on the light by the bed.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you put a record or CD on , you place it in a record or CD player and listen to it. □�[V n P ] She poured them drinks, and put a record on loud. □�[V P n] Let's go into the study and put on some music.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you put something on , you begin to cook or heat it. □�[V n P ] She immediately put the kettle on. □�[V n P ] Put some rice on now. □�[V P n] Put on a pan of water to simmer and gently poach the eggs.

7 PHRASAL VERB If you put a sum of money on something, you make a bet about it. For example, if you put �10 on a racehorse, you bet �10 that it will win. □�[V n P n/v-ing] They each put �20 on Matthew scoring the first goal. □�[V n P ] I'll put a bet on for you. [Also V P n]

8 PHRASAL VERB To put a particular amount on the cost or value of something means to add that amount to it. □�[V n P n] The proposal could put 3p on a loaf of bread.

9 PHRASAL VERB If you put on a way of behaving, you behave in a way that is not natural to you or that does not express your real feelings. □�[V P n] Stop putting on an act and be yourself. □�[V n P ] It was hard to believe she was ill, she was putting it on.

▸� put out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put out an announcement or story, you make it known to a lot of people. □�[V P n] The French news agency put out a statement from the Trade Minister. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put out a fire, candle, or cigarette, you make it stop burning. □�[V P n] Firefighters tried to free the injured and put out the blaze. □�[V n P ] She tried to light a candle but the rain put it out.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you put out an electric light, you make it stop shining by pressing a switch. □�[V P n] He crossed to the bedside table and put out the light. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you put out things that will be needed, you place them somewhere ready to be used. □�[V P n] Paula had put out her luggage for the coach. □�[V n P ] I slowly unpacked the teapot and put it out on the table.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you put out your hand, you move it forward, away from your body. □�[V P n] He put out his hand to Alfred. □�[V n P ] She put her hand out and tried to touch her mother's arm.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you put someone out , you cause them trouble because they have to do something for you. □�[V n P ] I've always put myself out for others and I'm not doing it any more.

7 PHRASAL VERB In a sporting competition, to put out a player or team means to defeat them so that they are no longer in the competition. □�[V P n] The Spaniard was put out in three sets. □�[V n P +�of ] �the debatable goal that put them out of the UEFA Cup. [Also V n P ]

8 →�see also put out

▸� put over →�see put across

▸� put round →�see put about

▸� put through

1 PHRASAL VERB When someone puts through someone who is making a phone call, they make the connection that allows the phone call to take place. □�[V n P ] The operator will put you through. □�[be V -ed P +�to ] He asked to be put through to Charley Lunn. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone puts you through an unpleasant experience, they make you experience it. □�[V n P n] She wouldn't want to put them through the ordeal of a huge ceremony.

▸� put together

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put something together , you join its different parts to each other so that it can be used. □�[V n P ] He took it apart brick by brick, and put it back together again. □�[V P n] The factories no longer relied upon a mechanic to put together looms within the plant.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put together a group of people or things, you form them into a team or collection. □�[V P n] It will be able to put together a governing coalition. □�[V n P ] He is trying to put a team together for next season.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you put together an agreement, plan, or product, you design and create it. □�[V P n] We wouldn't have time to put together an agreement. □�[V n P ] We got to work on putting the book together.

▸� put up

1 PHRASAL VERB If people put up a wall, building, tent, or other structure, they construct it so that it is upright. □�[V P n] Protesters have been putting up barricades across a number of major intersections. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put up a poster or notice, you fix it to a wall or board. □�[V n P ] They're putting new street signs up. □�[V P n] The teacher training college put up a plaque to the college's founder.

3 PHRASAL VERB To put up resistance to something means to resist it. □�[V P n] In the end they surrendered without putting up any resistance. □�[V P n] He'd put up a real fight to keep you there.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you put up money for something, you provide the money that is needed to pay for it. □�[V P n] The state agreed to put up $69,000 to start his company. □�[V n P ] The merchant banks raise capital for industry. They don't actually put it up themselves.

5 PHRASAL VERB To put up the price of something means to cause it to increase. □�[V P n] Their friends suggested they should put up their prices. □�[V n P ] They know he would put their taxes up.

6 PHRASAL VERB If a person or hotel puts you up or if you put up somewhere, you stay there for one or more nights. □�[V n P ] I wanted to know if she could put me up for a few days. □�[V P prep] He decided that he would drive back to town instead of putting up for the night at the hotel.

7 PHRASAL VERB If a political party puts up a candidate in an election or if the candidate puts up , the candidate takes part in the election. □�[V P n] The new party is putting up 15 candidates for 22 seats. □�[V P +�as ] He put up as a candidate.

▸� put up for PHRASAL VERB If you put something up for sale or auction, for example, you make it available to be sold or auctioned. □�[V n P P n] The old flower and fruit market has been put up for sale. □�[V P n P n] She put up her daughter for adoption in 1967.

▸� put up to PHRASAL VERB If you put someone up to something wrong or foolish or something which they would not normally do, you suggest that they do it and you encourage them to do it. □�[V n P P n] How do you know he asked me out? You put him up to it.

▸� put up with PHRASAL VERB If you put up with something, you tolerate or accept it, even though you find it unpleasant or unsatisfactory. □�[V P P n] We'd been unhappy for years, but I put up with it for the sake of the kids.

pu|ta|tive /pjuː tət I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as putative , you mean that they are generally thought to be the thing mentioned. [LEGAL , FORMAL ] □� �a putative father.

pu t-down (put-downs ) also put down N‑COUNT A put-down is something that you say or do to criticize someone or make them appear foolish. [INFORMAL ] □� I see the term as a put-down of women.

pu t ou t ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you feel put out , you feel rather annoyed or upset. □� I did not blame him for feeling put out.

pu|tre|fac|tion /pjuː tr I f� kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Putrefaction is the process of decay. [FORMAL ] □� �the lingering stench of putrefaction.

pu|tre|fy /pjuː tr I fa I / (putrefies , putrefying , putrefied ) VERB When something putrefies , it decays and produces a very unpleasant smell. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] The meat in all of the open flasks putrefied. □�[V -ing] �putrefying corpses.

pu|trid /pjuː tr I d/ ADJ Something that is putrid has decayed and smells very unpleasant. [FORMAL ] □� �a foul, putrid stench.

putsch /pʊ tʃ/ (putsches ) N‑COUNT A putsch is a sudden attempt to get rid of a government by force.

putt /pʌ t/ (putts , putting , putted )

1 N‑COUNT A putt is a stroke in golf that you make when the ball has reached the green in an attempt to get the ball in the hole. □� �a 5-foot putt.

2 VERB In golf, when you putt the ball, you hit a putt. □�[V ] Turner, however, putted superbly, twice holing from 40 feet.

putt|er /pʌ tə r / (putters , puttering , puttered )

1 N‑COUNT A putter is a club used for hitting a golf ball a short distance once it is on the green.

2 VERB If you putteraround , you do unimportant but quite enjoyable things, without hurrying. [AM ] □� I started puttering around outside, not knowing what I was doing. □�[V ] She liked to putter in the kitchen. in BRIT, use potter

putt|ing green /pʌ t I ŋ griːn/ (putting greens ) N‑COUNT A putting green is a very small golf course on which the grass is kept very short and on which there are no obstacles.

put|ty /pʌ ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Putty is a stiff paste used to fix sheets of glass into window frames.

pu t-upon also put upon ADJ If you are put-upon , you are treated badly by someone who takes advantage of your willingness to help them. [INFORMAL ] □� Volunteers from all walks of life are feeling put upon.

puz|zle /pʌ z ə l/ (puzzles )

1 VERB If something puzzles you, you do not understand it and feel confused. □�[V n] My sister puzzles me and causes me anxiety. ●� puz|zling ADJ □� His letter poses a number of puzzling questions.

2 VERB If you puzzle over something, you try hard to think of the answer to it or the explanation for it. □�[V +�about ] I stayed up nights, puzzling over epic Old English poems in a fog of incomprehension.

3 N‑COUNT A puzzle is a question, game, or toy which you have to think about carefully in order to answer it correctly or put it together properly. □� �a word puzzle.

4 →�see also crossword

5 N‑SING You can describe a person or thing that is hard to understand as a puzzle . □� Data from Voyager II has presented astronomers with a puzzle about why our outermost planet exists.

puz|zled /pʌ z ə ld/ ADJ Someone who is puzzled is confused because they do not understand something. □�[+�by ] Critics remain puzzled by the British election results. □� Norman looked puzzled. [Also +�about/at ]

puz|zle|ment /pʌ z ə lmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Puzzlement is the confusion that you feel when you do not understand something. □� He frowned in puzzlement.

PVC /piː viː siː / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] PVC is a plastic material that is used for many purposes, for example to make clothing or shoes or to cover chairs. PVC is an abbreviation for 'polyvinyl chloride'.

Pvt. N‑TITLE Pvt. is used before a person's name as a written abbreviation for the military title private . [AM ] □� �Pvt. Carlton McCarthy of the Richmond Howitzers. in BRIT, use Pte

pwpw is used especially when stating the weekly cost of something. pw is the written abbreviation for 'per week'. □� �single room��55 pw.

pyg|my /p I gmi/ (pygmies ) also pigmy

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Pygmy means belonging to a species of animal which is the smallest of a group of related species. □� Reaching a maximum height of 56cm the pygmy goat is essentially a pet.

2 N‑COUNT A pygmy is a member of a group of very short people who live in Africa or south-east Asia. □� �the pygmy tribes of Papua New Guinea.

py|ja|mas /p I dʒɑː məz/ The spelling pajamas is used in American English. The forms pyjama and pajama are used as modifiers. N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] A pair of pyjamas consists of loose trousers and a loose jacket that people wear in bed. □� My brother was still in his pyjamas. □� �a pyjama jacket. WORD HISTORY pyjamas

Pyjamas comes from Persian pāy jāma , meaning 'leg clothing'.

py|lon /pa I lɒn/ (pylons ) N‑COUNT Pylons are very tall metal structures which hold electric cables high above the ground so that electricity can be transmitted over long distances. □� �electricity pylons.

pyra|mid /p I rəm I d/ (pyramids )

1 N‑COUNT Pyramids are ancient stone buildings with four triangular sloping sides. The most famous pyramids are those built in ancient Egypt to contain the bodies of their kings and queens. □� We set off to see the Pyramids and Sphinx.

2 N‑COUNT A pyramid is a shape, object, or pile of things with a flat base and sloping triangular sides that meet at a point. □�[+�of ] On a plate in front of him was piled a pyramid of flat white biscuits.

3 N‑COUNT You can describe something as a pyramid when it is organized so that there are fewer people at each level as you go towards the top. □� The structure of the group is more like a loose net than a hierarchical pyramid.

py|rami|dal /p I rəm I d ə l, p I r� m-/ ADJ Something that is pyramidal is shaped like a pyramid. [FORMAL ] □� �a black pyramidal tent.

pyra|mid se ll|ing N‑UNCOUNT Pyramid selling is a method of selling in which one person buys a supply of a particular product direct from the manufacturer and then sells it to a number of other people at an increased price. These people sell it on to others in a similar way, but eventually the final buyers are only able to sell the product for less than they paid for it. [BUSINESS ] □� If the scheme appears to be a pyramid selling scam, have nothing to do with it.

pyre /pa I ə r / (pyres ) N‑COUNT A pyre is a high pile of wood built outside on which people burn a dead body or other things in a ceremony.

Py|rex /pa I ə reks/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Pyrex is a type of strong glass which is used for making bowls and dishes that do not break when you cook things in them. [TRADEMARK ]

pyro|ma|ni|ac /pa I ə roʊme I ni�k/ (pyromaniacs ) N‑COUNT A pyromaniac is a person who has an uncontrollable desire to start fires.

pyro|tech|nics /pa I roʊte kn I ks/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pyrotechnics is the making or displaying of fireworks. □� The festival will feature pyrotechnics, live music, and sculptures.

2 N‑PLURAL Impressive and exciting displays of skill are sometimes referred to as pyrotechnics . □� �the soaring pyrotechnics of the singer's voice.

Pyr|rhic vic|to|ry /p I r I k v I ktəri/ (Pyrrhic victories ) also pyrrhic victory N‑COUNT If you describe a victory as a Pyrrhic victory , you mean that although someone has won or gained something, they have also lost something which was worth even more.

py|thon /pa I θən/ (pythons ) N‑COUNT A python is a large snake that kills animals by squeezing them with its body.

Qq

Q , q /kjuː / (Q's, q's ) N‑VAR Q is the seventeenth letter of the English alphabet.

Q & A /kjuː ən e I / also Q and A N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Q & A is a situation in which a person or group of people asks questions and another person or group of people answers them. Q & A is short for 'question and answer'. □� �a Q & A session with a prominent politician.

QC /kjuː siː / (QCs ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a QC is a senior barrister. QC is an abbreviation for 'Queen's Counsel'. □� He hired a top QC to defend him.

QR code /kjuːɑː r koʊ d/ (QR codes ) N‑COUNT A QR code is a pattern of black and white squares that can be read by a smart phone, allowing the phone user to get more information about something. QR code is an abbreviation for 'Quick Response code'. □� The advert includes a QR code.

quack /kw� k/ (quacks , quacking , quacked )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you call someone a quack or a quack doctor , you mean that they claim to be skilled in medicine but are not. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I went everywhere for treatment, tried all sorts of quacks.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Quack remedies or quack cures are medical treatments that you think are unlikely to work because they are not scientific. [DISAPPROVAL ]

3 VERB When a duck quacks , it makes the noise that ducks typically make. □�[V ] There were ducks quacking on the lawn. ●�N‑COUNT Quack is also a noun. □� Suddenly he heard a quack.

quack|ery /kw� kəri/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to a form of medical treatment as quackery , you think that it is unlikely to work because it is not scientific. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� To some people, herbal medicine is quackery.

quad /kwɒ d/ (quads )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Quads are the same as quadruplets . □� �a 34-year-old mother of quads.

2 N‑COUNT A quad is the same as a quadrangle . [INFORMAL ] □� His rooms were on the left-hand side of the quad.

qua d bike (quad bikes ) N‑COUNT A quad bike is a kind of motorbike with four large wheels that people ride for fun or in races.

quad|ran|gle /kwɒ dr�ŋg ə l/ (quadrangles ) N‑COUNT A quadrangle is an open square area with buildings round it, especially in a college or school.

quad|rant /kwɒ drənt/ (quadrants ) N‑COUNT [adj N ] A quadrant is one of four equal parts into which a circle or other shape has been divided. □�[+�of ] A symbol appears in an upper quadrant of the screen.

quad|rille /kwɒdriː l/ (quadrilles ) N‑COUNT A quadrille is a type of old-fashioned dance for four or more couples.

quad|ri|plegic /kwɒ dr I pliː dʒ I k/ (quadriplegics ) N‑COUNT A quadriplegic is a person who is permanently unable to use their arms and legs. ●�ADJ Quadriplegic is also an adjective. □� He is now quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair.

quad|ru|ped /kwɒ drʊped/ (quadrupeds ) N‑COUNT A quadruped is any animal with four legs. [FORMAL ]

quad|ru|ple /kwɒ druː p ə l/ (quadruples , quadrupling , quadrupled )

1 VERB If someone quadruples an amount or if it quadruples , it becomes four times bigger. □�[V n] Norway has quadrupled its exports to the E.U� □�[V ] The price has quadrupled in the last few years.

2 PREDET If one amount is quadruple another amount, it is four times bigger. □� They could sell their merchandise for quadruple the asking price.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use quadruple to indicate that something has four parts or happens four times. □� �a quadruple murder.

quad|ru|plet /kwɒ drʊplət, kwɒdruː -/ (quadruplets ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Quadruplets are four children who are born to the same mother at the same time.

quaff /kwɒ f/ (quaffs , quaffing , quaffed ) VERB If you quaff an alcoholic drink, you drink a lot of it in a short time. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] He's quaffed many a glass of champagne in his time.

quag|mire /kw� gma I ə r / (quagmires )

1 N‑COUNT A quagmire is a difficult, complicated, or unpleasant situation which is not easy to avoid or escape from. □�[+�of ] His people had fallen further and further into a quagmire of confusion.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A quagmire is a soft, wet area of land which your feet sink into if you try to walk across it. □� Rain had turned the grass into a quagmire.

quail /kwe I l/ (quails or quail , quails , quailing , quailed )

1 N‑COUNT A quail is a type of small bird which is often shot and eaten.

2 VERB If someone or something makes you quail , they make you feel very afraid, often so that you hesitate. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] The very words make many of us quail. □�[V +�at ] Kearon was no shrinking violet, but even he quailed at being handed 10lb of high explosive.

quaint /kwe I nt/ (quainter , quaintest ) ADJ Something that is quaint is attractive because it is unusual and old-fashioned. □� �a small, quaint town with narrow streets. ●� quaint|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� This may seem a quaintly old-fashioned idea. ●� quaint|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the quaintness of the rural north.

quake /kwe I k/ (quakes , quaking , quaked )

1 N‑COUNT A quake is the same as an earthquake . □� The quake destroyed mud buildings in many remote villages.

2 VERB If you quake , you shake, usually because you are very afraid. □�[V +�with ] I just stood there quaking with fear. □�[V ] Her shoulders quaked.

3 PHRASE If you are quaking in your boots or quaking in your shoes , you feel extremely nervous or afraid.

Quak|er /kwe I kə r / (Quakers ) N‑COUNT A Quaker is a person who belongs to a Christian group called the Society of Friends.

quali|fi|ca|tion /kwɒ l I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (qualifications )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your qualifications are the examinations that you have passed. □� Lucy wants to study medicine but needs more qualifications.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Qualification is the act of passing the examinations you need to work in a particular profession. □� Following qualification, he worked as a social worker.

3 N‑COUNT The qualifications you need for an activity or task are the qualities and skills that you need to be able to do it. □� Responsibility and reliability are necessary qualifications.

4 N‑VAR A qualification is a detail or explanation that you add to a statement to make it less strong or less general. □� The empirical evidence considered here is subject to many qualifications. ●�PHRASE If something is stated or accepted without qualification , it is stated or accepted as it is, without the need for any changes. □� The government conceded to their demands almost without qualification.

quali|fied ◆◇◇ /kwɒ l I fa I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is qualified has passed the examinations that they need to pass in order to work in a particular profession. □� Demand has far outstripped supply of qualified teachers.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you give someone or something qualified support or approval, your support or approval is not total because you have some doubts. □� The government has given qualified support to the idea.

3 PHRASE If you describe something as a qualified success , you mean that it is only partly successful. □� Even as a humanitarian mission it has been only a qualified success. SYNONYMS qualified ADJ 1

trained:Mr. Koutab is an American-trained lawyer.

competent:Most adults do not feel competent to deal with a medical emergency involving a child.

experienced:It's a team packed with experienced and mature professionals.

quali|fi|er /kwɒ l I fa I ə r / (qualifiers )

1 N‑COUNT A qualifier is an early round or match in some competitions. The players or teams who are successful are able to continue to the next round or to the main competition. □� Last week Wales lost 5-1 to Romania in a World Cup qualifier.

2 N‑COUNT In grammar, a qualifier is a word or group of words that comes after a noun and gives more information about the person or thing that the noun refers to.

3 →�see also qualify

quali|fy ◆◇◇ /kwɒ l I fa I / (qualifies , qualifying , qualified )

1 VERB When someone qualifies , they pass the examinations that they need to be able to work in a particular profession. □�[V ] But when I'd qualified and started teaching it was a different story. □�[V +�as/in ] I qualified as a doctor from London University over 30 years ago. [Also V to-inf]

2 VERB If you qualify for something or if something qualifies you for it, you have the right to do it or have it. □�[V +�for ] To qualify for maternity leave you must have worked for the same employer for two years. □�[V n to-inf] The basic course does not qualify you to practise as a therapist. □�[V n +�for ] �skills that qualify foreigners for work visas. □�[V -ed] �highly trained staff who are well qualified to give unbiased, practical advice. [Also V , V to-inf]

3 VERB To qualifyas something or to be qualifiedas something means to have all the features that are needed to be that thing. □�[V +�as ] 13 percent of American households qualify as poor, says Mr. Mishel. □�[V n +�as ] These people seem to think that reading a few books on old age qualifies them as experts. [Also V ]

4 VERB If you qualify in a competition, you are successful in one part of it and go on to the next stage. □�[V +�for ] Nottingham Forest qualified for the final by beating Tranmere on Tuesday. □�[V ] Cameroon have also qualified after beating Sierra Leone. □�[V -ing] �a World Cup qualifying match. ●� quali|fi|er (qualifiers ) N‑COUNT □� He was the fastest qualifier for the 800 metres final.

5 VERB If you qualify a statement, you make it less strong or less general by adding a detail or explanation to it. □�[V n] I would qualify that by putting it into context.

6 →�see also qualified

quali|ta|tive /kwɒ l I tət I v, [AM ] -te I t-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Qualitative means relating to the nature or standard of something, rather than to its quantity. [FORMAL ] □� There are qualitative differences in the way children and adults think. ●� quali|ta|tive|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The new media are unlikely to prove qualitatively different from the old.

qual|ity ◆◆◇ /kwɒ l I ti/ (qualities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The quality of something is how good or bad it is. □� Everyone can greatly improve the quality of life. □� Other services vary dramatically in quality. □� �high-quality paper and plywood.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Something of quality is of a high standard. □� �a college of quality. □� In our work, quality is paramount.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Someone's qualities are the good characteristics that they have which are part of their nature. □� He wanted to introduce mature people with leadership qualities.

4 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] You can describe a particular characteristic of a person or thing as a quality . □� �a childlike quality. □�[+�of ] �the pretentious quality of the poetry.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The quality papers or the quality press are the more serious newspapers which give detailed accounts of world events, as well as reports on business, culture, and society. [BRIT ] □� Even the quality papers agreed that it was a triumph. COLLOCATIONS quality NOUN 1

noun +�quality : air, picture, sound, water

adjective +�quality : excellent, fine, high, top; poor

verb +�quality : affect, assess; improve SYNONYMS quality NOUN

1

standard:The standard of professional cricket has never been lower.

condition:I received several compliments on the condition of my skin.

calibre:I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts.

3

characteristic:Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing.

feature:The spacious gardens are a special feature of this property.

attribute:He has every attribute you could want and could play for any team.

qua l|ity ci r|cle (quality circles ) N‑COUNT A quality circle is a small group of workers and managers who meet to solve problems and improve the quality of the organization's products or services. [BUSINESS ] □� Riddick's first move was to form a quality circle.

qua l|ity con|tro l N‑UNCOUNT In an organization that produces goods or provides services, quality control is the activity of checking that the goods or services are of an acceptable standard. [BUSINESS ]

qua l|ity ti me N‑UNCOUNT If people spend quality time together, they spend a period of time relaxing or doing things that they both enjoy, and not worrying about work or other responsibilities. [APPROVAL ]

qualm /kwɑː m/ (qualms ) N‑COUNT If you have no qualms about doing something, you are not worried that it may be wrong in some way. □�[+�about ] I have no qualms about recommending this approach.

quan|da|ry /kwɒ ndəri/ (quandaries ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you are in a quandary , you have to make a decision but cannot decide what to do. □�[+�about ] The government appears to be in a quandary about what to do with so many people.

quango /kw� ŋgoʊ/ (quangos ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a quango is a committee which is appointed by the government but works independently. A quango has responsibility for a particular area of activity, for example the giving of government grants to arts organizations.

quan|ti|fi|able /kwɒ nt I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ Something that is quantifiable can be measured or counted in a scientific way. □� A clearly quantifiable measure of quality is not necessary.

quan|ti|fi|er /kwɒ nt I fa I ə r / (quantifiers ) N‑COUNT In grammar, a quantifier is a word or phrase such as 'plenty' or 'a lot' which you use to refer to a quantity of something without being precise. It is often followed by 'of', as in 'a lot of money'.

quan|ti|fy /kwɒ nt I fa I / (quantifies , quantifying , quantified ) VERB If you try to quantify something, you try to calculate how much of it there is. □�[V n] It is difficult to quantify an exact figure as firms are reluctant to declare their losses. ●� quan|ti|fi|ca|tion /kwɒ nt I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Others are more susceptible to attempts at quantification.

quan|ti|ta|tive /kwɒ nt I tət I v, [AM ] -te I t-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Quantitative means relating to different sizes or amounts of things. [FORMAL ] □� �the advantages of quantitative and qualitative research. ●� quan|ti|ta|tive|ly ADV □� We cannot predict quantitatively the value or the cost of a new technology.

quan|ti|ta|tive eas|ing N‑UNCOUNT Quantitative easing is the practice of increasing the supply of money in order to encourage activity in an economy. □� The Bank of England has continued to hold UK interest rates and announced no change to its quantitative easing programme.

quan|tity ◆◇◇ /kwɒ nt I ti/ (quantities )

1 N‑VAR A quantity is an amount that you can measure or count. □�[+�of ] �a small quantity of water. □�[+�of ] �vast quantities of food. □� Cheap goods are available, but not in sufficient quantities to satisfy demand.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Things that are produced or available in quantity are produced or available in large amounts. □� After some initial problems, acetone was successfully produced in quantity.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You can use quantity to refer to the amount of something that there is, especially when you want to contrast it with its quality. □� �the less discerning drinker who prefers quantity to quality.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is an unknown quantity , you mean that not much is known about what they are like or how they will behave. □� He is an unknown quantity for his rivals. SYNONYMS quantity NOUN 1

amount:He needs that amount of money to survive.

number:Quite a considerable number of interviews are going on.

size:Iraq itself has oil reserves second in size only to Saudi Arabia's.

qua n|tity sur|ve y|or (quantity surveyors ) N‑COUNT A quantity surveyor is a person who calculates the cost and amount of materials and workers needed for a job such as building a house or a road. [BRIT ]

quan|tum /kwɒ ntəm/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In physics, quantum theory and quantum mechanics are concerned with the behaviour of atomic particles. □� Both quantum mechanics and chaos theory suggest a world constantly in flux.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A quantum leap or quantum jump in something is a very great and sudden increase in its size, amount, or quality. □� The vaccine represents a quantum leap in healthcare.

quar|an|tine /kwɒ rəntiːn, [AM ] kwɔː r-/ (quarantines , quarantining , quarantined )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/into n] If a person or animal is inquarantine , they are being kept separate from other people or animals for a set period of time, usually because they have or may have a disease. □� She was sent home to Oxford and put in quarantine.

2 VERB [usu passive] If people or animals are quarantined , they are stopped from having contact with other people or animals. If a place is quarantined , people and animals are prevented from entering or leaving it. □�[be V -ed] Dogs have to be quarantined for six months before they'll let them in.

quark /kwɑː r k, [AM ] kwɔː rk/ (quarks ) N‑COUNT In physics, a quark is one of the basic units of matter.

quar|rel /kwɒ rəl, [AM ] kwɔː r-/ (quarrels , quarrelling , quarrelled ) in AM, use quarreling , quarreled1 N‑COUNT A quarrel is an angry argument between two or more friends or family members. □�[+�with ] I had a terrible quarrel with my other brothers.

2 N‑COUNT Quarrels between countries or groups of people are disagreements, which may be diplomatic or include fighting. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�with ] Canning thought that Persia would probably not want to risk a quarrel with England.

3 VERB When two or more people quarrel , they have an angry argument. □�[V ] At one point we quarrelled, over something silly. □�[V +�with ] My brother quarrelled with my father.

4 N‑SING [with neg] If you say that you have no quarrel with someone or something, you mean that you do not disagree with them. □�[+�with ] We have no quarrel with the people of Spain or of any other country.

quar|rel|some /kwɒ rəlsəm, [AM ] kwɔː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A quarrelsome person often gets involved in arguments. □� Benedict had been a wild boy and a quarrelsome young man.

quar|ry /kwɒ ri, [AM ] kwɔː ri/ (quarries , quarrying , quarried )

1 N‑COUNT A quarry is an area that is dug out from a piece of land or the side of a mountain in order to get stone or minerals. □� �an old limestone quarry.

2 VERB When stone or minerals are quarried or when an area is quarried for them, they are removed from the area by digging, drilling, or using explosives. □�[be V -ed] The large limestone caves are also quarried for cement. □�[V -ed] �locally quarried stone. ●� quar|ry|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Farming, quarrying and other local industries have declined.

3 N‑SING A person's or animal's quarry is the person or animal that they are hunting.

quart /kwɔː r t/ (quarts ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A quart is a unit of volume that is equal to two pints. □�[+�of ] Pick up a quart of milk or a loaf of bread.

quar|ter ◆◆◇ /kwɔː r tə r / (quarters , quartering , quartered )

1 FRACTION A quarter is one of four equal parts of something. □�[+�of ] A quarter of the residents are over 55 years old. □�[+�of ] I've got to go in a quarter of an hour. □� Prices have fallen by a quarter since January. □� Cut the peppers into quarters. ●�PREDET Quarter is also a predeterminer. □� The largest asteroid is Ceres, which is about a quarter the size of the moon. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Quarter is also an adjective. □� �the past quarter century.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A quarter is a fixed period of three months. Companies often divide their financial year into four quarters. □� The group said results for the third quarter are due on October 29.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] When you are telling the time, you use quarter to talk about the fifteen minutes before or after an hour. For example, 8.15 is quarter past eight, and 8.45 is quarter to nine. In American English, you can also say that 8.15 is a quarter after eight and 8.45 is a quarter of nine. □�[+�to ] It was quarter to six. □�[+�of ] I got a call at a quarter of seven one night.

4 VERB If you quarter something such as a fruit or a vegetable, you cut it into four roughly equal parts. □�[V n] Chop the mushrooms and quarter the tomatoes.

5 VERB [usu passive] If the number or size of something is quartered , it is reduced to about a quarter of its previous number or size. □�[be V -ed] The doses I suggested for adults could be halved or quartered.

6 N‑COUNT A quarter is an American or Canadian coin that is worth 25 cents. □� I dropped a quarter into the slot of the pay phone.

7 N‑COUNT A particular quarter of a town is a part of the town where a particular group of people traditionally live or work. □� Look for hotels in the French Quarter.

8 N‑COUNT To refer to a person or group you may not want to name, you can talk about the reactions or actions from a particular quarter . □� Help came from an unexpected quarter.

9 N‑PLURAL The rooms provided for soldiers, sailors, or servants to live in are called their quarters . □� Mckinnon went down from deck to the officers' quarters.

10 PHRASE If you do something at close quarters , you do it very near to a particular person or thing. □� You can watch aircraft take off or land at close quarters.

quarter|back /kwɔː r tə r b�k/ (quarterbacks ) N‑COUNT In American football, a quarterback is the player on the attacking team who begins each play and who decides which play to use. [AM ]

qua rter-fi nal (quarter-finals ) in AM, use quarterfinal N‑COUNT A quarter-final is one of the four matches in a competition which decides which four players or teams will compete in the semi-final. □� The very least I'm looking for in this tournament is to reach the quarter-finals.

qua rter-fi nalist (quarter-finalists ) N‑COUNT A quarter-finalist is a person or team that is competing in a quarter-final.

quar|ter|ly /kwɔː r tə r li/ (quarterlies )

1 ADJ A quarterly event happens four times a year, at intervals of three months. □� �the latest Bank of Japan quarterly survey of 5,000 companies. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Quarterly is also an adverb. □� It makes no difference whether dividends are paid quarterly or annually.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A quarterly is a magazine that is published four times a year, at intervals of three months.

qua r|ter note (quarter notes ) N‑COUNT A quarter note is a musical note that has a time value equal to two eighth notes. [AM ] in BRIT, use crotchet

qua r|ter pou nd|er (quarter pounders ) N‑COUNT A quarter pounder is a hamburger that weighs four ounces before it is cooked. Four ounces is a quarter of a pound.

quar|tet /kwɔː r te t/ (quartets )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A quartet is a group of four people who play musical instruments or sing together. □� �a string quartet. □�[+�of ] �a quartet of singers.

2 N‑COUNT A quartet is a piece of music for four instruments or four singers.

quartz /kwɔː r ts/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Quartz is a mineral in the form of a hard, shiny crystal. It is used in making electronic equipment and very accurate watches and clocks. □� �a quartz crystal.

qua|sar /kwe I zɑː r / (quasars ) N‑COUNT A quasar is an object far away in space that produces bright light and radio waves.

quash /kwɒ ʃ/ (quashes , quashing , quashed )

1 VERB If a court or someone in authority quashes a decision or judgment, they officially reject it. □�[V n] The Appeal Court has quashed the convictions of all eleven people.

2 VERB If someone quashes rumours, they say or do something to demonstrate that the rumours are not true. □�[V n] Graham attempted to quash rumours of growing discontent.

3 VERB To quash a rebellion or protest means to stop it, often in a violent way. □�[V n] Troops were displaying an obvious reluctance to get involved in quashing demonstrations.

quasi- /kwe I za I -/ COMB Quasi- is used to form adjectives and nouns that describe something as being in many ways like something else, without actually being that thing. □� The flame is a quasi-religious emblem of immortality.

qua|ver /kwe I və r / (quavers , quavering , quavered )

1 VERB If someone's voice quavers , it sounds unsteady, usually because they are nervous or uncertain. □�[V ] Her voice quavered and she fell silent. ●�N‑COUNT Quaver is also a noun. □�[+�in ] There was a quaver in Beryl's voice.

2 N‑COUNT A quaver is a musical note that is half as long as a crotchet. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use eighth note

quay /kiː / (quays ) N‑COUNT A quay is a long platform beside the sea or a river where boats can be tied up and loaded or unloaded. □� Jack and Stephen were waiting for them on the quay.

quay|side /kiː sa I d/ (quaysides ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A quayside is the same as a quay . □� A large group had gathered on the quayside to see them off.

quea|sy /kwiː zi/ (queasier , queasiest ) ADJ If you feel queasy or if you have a queasy stomach, you feel rather ill, as if you are going to be sick. [INFORMAL ] □� He was very prone to seasickness and already felt queasy. ●� quea|si|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The food did nothing to stifle her queasiness.

queen ◆◆◇ /kwiː n/ (queens )

1 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT A queen is a woman who rules a country as its monarch. □� �Queen Victoria. □� She met the Queen last week.

2 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT A queen is a woman who is married to a king. □� The king and queen had fled.

3 N‑COUNT [n N ] If you refer to a woman as thequeenof a particular activity, you mean that she is well-known for being very good at it. □�[+�of ] �the queen of crime writing.

4 →�see also beauty queen

5 N‑COUNT In chess, the queen is the most powerful piece. It can be moved in any direction.

6 N‑COUNT A queen is a playing card with a picture of a queen on it. □�[+�of ] �the queen of spades.

7 N‑COUNT A queen or a queen bee is a large female bee which can lay eggs.

queen|ly /kwiː nli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use queenly to describe a woman's appearance or behaviour if she looks very dignified or behaves as if she is very important. □� She was a queenly, organizing type.

Quee n Mo th|er N‑PROPER The Queen Mother is the mother of a ruling king or queen.

quee n-size also queen-sized ADJ [ADJ n] A queen-size bed is larger than a double bed, but smaller than a king-size bed.

queer /kw I ə r / (queerer , queerest , queers )

1 ADJ Something that is queer is strange. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� If you ask me, there's something a bit queer going on.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes call homosexual men queers . [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE ] ●�ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Queer is also an adjective. □� �queer men.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Queer means relating to homosexual people, and is used by some homosexuals. □� �contemporary queer culture.

quell /kwe l/ (quells , quelling , quelled )

1 VERB To quell opposition or violent behaviour means to stop it. □�[V n] Troops eventually quelled the unrest.

2 VERB If you quell an unpleasant feeling such as fear or anger, you stop yourself or other people from having that feeling. □�[V n] The Information Minister is trying to quell fears of a looming oil crisis.

quench /kwe ntʃ/ (quenches , quenching , quenched ) VERB If someone who is thirsty quenches their thirst , they lose their thirst by having a drink. □�[V n] He stopped to quench his thirst at a stream.

queru|lous /kwe rʊləs/ ADJ Someone who is querulous often complains about things. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� A querulous male voice said, 'Look, are you going to order, or what?'

que|ry /kw I ə ri/ (queries , querying , queried )

1 N‑COUNT A query is a question, especially one that you ask an organization, publication, or expert. □�[+�about ] While she was off work, the Manager of the firm phoned her many times with queries about accounts and customers.

2 VERB If you query something, you check it by asking about it because you are not sure if it is correct. □�[V n] It's got a number you can ring to query your bill.

3 VERB To query means to ask a question. □�[V with quote] 'Is there something else?' Ryle queried as Helen stopped speaking. □�[V wh] One of the journalists queried whether sabotage could have been involved. [Also V n]

quest /kwe st/ (quests ) N‑COUNT [N to-inf] A quest is a long and difficult search for something. [LITERARY ] □�[+�for ] My quest for a better bank continues. ●�PHRASE If you go in quest of something, you try to find or obtain it. □�[+�of ] He went on to say that he was going to New York in quest of peace.

quest|ing /kwe st I ŋ/ VERB [only cont] If you are questingfor something, you are searching for it. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�for ] He had been questing for religious belief from an early age. □�[V -ing] �his questing mind and boundless enthusiasm.

ques|tion ◆◆◆ /kwe stʃ ə n/ (questions , questioning , questioned )

1 N‑COUNT A question is something that you say or write in order to ask a person about something. □�[+�about ] They asked a great many questions about England. □�[+�on ] The President refused to answer further questions on the subject.

2 VERB If you question someone, you ask them a lot of questions about something. □�[V n] This led the therapist to question Jim about his parents. ●� ques|tion|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The police have detained thirty-two people for questioning.

3 VERB If you question something, you have or express doubts about whether it is true, reasonable, or worthwhile. □�[V n] It never occurs to them to question the doctor's decisions.

4 N‑SING If you say that there is some question about something, you mean that there is doubt or uncertainty about it. If something is in question or has been calledinto question , doubt or uncertainty has been expressed about it. □� There's no question about their success. □� The paper says the President's move has called into question the whole basis of democracy in the country. □� With the loyalty of key military units in question, that could prove an extraordinarily difficult task.

5 N‑COUNT A question is a problem, matter, or point which needs to be considered. □�[+�of ] But the whole question of aid is a tricky political one.

6 N‑COUNT The questions in an examination are the problems which are set in order to test your knowledge or ability. □� That question did come up in the examination.

7 →�see also cross-question , leading question , questioning , trick question

8 PHRASE The person, thing, or time in question is one which you have just been talking about or which is relevant. □� Add up all the income you've received over the period in question.

9 PHRASE If you say that something is out of the question , you are emphasizing that it is completely impossible or unacceptable. [EMPHASIS ] □� For the homeless, private medical care is simply out of the question.

10 PHRASE If you pop the question , you ask someone to marry you. [JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □� Stuart got serious quickly and popped the question six months later.

11 PHRASE If you say there is no question of something happening, you are emphasizing that it is not going to happen. [EMPHASIS ] □� As far as he was concerned there was no question of betraying his own comrades. □� There is no question of the tax-payer picking up the bill for the party.

12 PHRASE If you do something without question , you do it without arguing or asking why it is necessary. □� �military formations, carrying out without question the battle orders of superior officers.

13 PHRASE You use without question to emphasize the opinion you are expressing. [EMPHASIS ] □� He was our greatest storyteller, without question.

ques|tion|able /kwe stʃənəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is questionable , you mean that it is not completely honest, reasonable, or acceptable. [FORMAL ] □� He has been dogged by allegations of questionable business practices.

ques|tion|er /kwe stʃənə r / (questioners ) N‑COUNT A questioner is a person who is asking a question. □� He agreed with the questioner.

ques|tion|ing /kwe stʃən I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has a questioning expression on their face, they look as if they want to know the answer to a question. [WRITTEN ] □� He raised a questioning eyebrow. ●� ques|tion|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Brenda looked questioningly at Daniel.

2 →�see also question

que s|tion mark (question marks )

1 N‑COUNT A question mark is the punctuation mark ? which is used in writing at the end of a question.

2 N‑COUNT If there is doubt or uncertainty about something, you can say that there is a question markover it. □�[+�over ] There are bound to be question marks over his future.

ques|tion|naire /kwe stʃəneə r , ke s-/ (questionnaires ) N‑COUNT A questionnaire is a written list of questions which are answered by a lot of people in order to provide information for a report or a survey. □� Headteachers will be asked to fill in a questionnaire.

que s|tion tag (question tags ) N‑COUNT In grammar, a question tag is a very short clause at the end of a statement which changes the statement into a question. For example, in 'She said half price, didn't she?', the words 'didn't she' are a question tag.

queue /kjuː / (queues , queuing , queued ) queueing can also be used as the continuous form. 1 N‑COUNT A queue is a line of people or vehicles that are waiting for something. [mainly BRIT ] □� I watched as he got a tray and joined the queue. □� She waited in the bus queue. [Also +�for/of ] in AM, usually use line2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say there is a queueof people who want to do or have something, you mean that a lot of people are waiting for an opportunity to do it or have it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] Manchester United would be at the front of a queue of potential buyers. in AM, usually use line3 VERB When people queue , they stand in a line waiting for something. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V ] I had to queue for quite a while. □�[V +�for ] �a line of women queueing for bread. ●�PHRASAL VERB Queue up means the same as queue . □�[V P ] A mob of journalists are queuing up at the gate to photograph him. □�[V P +�for ] We all had to queue up for our ration books. [in AM, usually use line up ]

4 N‑COUNT A queue is a list of computer tasks which will be done in order. [COMPUTING ] □� Your print job has been sent to the network print queue.

5 VERB To queue a number of computer tasks means to arrange them to be done in order. [COMPUTING ]

▸� queue up

1 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If you say that people are queuing upto do or have something, you mean that a lot of them want the opportunity to do it or have it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P to-inf] People are queueing up to work for me! □�[V P +�for ] There are a growing number of countries queueing up for membership. in AM, usually use line up2 →�see also queue3

queu e-jumping N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of queue-jumping , you mean that they are trying to get to the front of a queue or waiting list unfairly. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �queue-jumping within the health service.

quib|ble /kw I b ə l/ (quibbles , quibbling , quibbled )

1 VERB When people quibbleover a small matter, they argue about it even though it is not important. □�[V +�over/about ] Council members spent the day quibbling over the final wording of the resolution. [Also V +�with ]

2 N‑COUNT A quibble is a small and unimportant complaint about something. □� These are minor quibbles.

quiche /kiː ʃ/ (quiches ) N‑VAR A quiche is a pastry case filled with a savoury mixture of eggs, cheese, and often other foods.

quick ◆◆◆ /kw I k/ (quicker , quickest )

1 ADJ Someone or something that is quick moves or does things with great speed. □� You'll have to be quick. The flight leaves in about three hours. □� I think I'm a reasonably quick learner. ●� quick|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Cussane worked quickly and methodically. ●� quick|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the natural quickness of his mind.

2 ADV [ADV after v] Quicker is sometimes used to mean 'at a greater speed', and quickest to mean 'at the greatest speed'. Quick is sometimes used to mean 'with great speed'. Some people consider this to be non-standard. [INFORMAL ] □� Warm the sugar slightly first to make it dissolve quicker.

3 ADJ Something that is quick takes or lasts only a short time. □� He took one last quick look about the room. □� Although this recipe looks long, it is actually very quick to prepare. ●� quick|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� You can become fitter quite quickly and easily.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Quick means happening without delay or with very little delay. □� These investors feel the need to make quick profits. ●� quick|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� It quickly became the most popular men's fragrance in the world.

5 ADV [ADV after v] Quick is sometimes used to mean 'with very little delay'. [INFORMAL ] □� I got away as quick as I could.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If you are quickto do something, you do not hesitate to do it. □� He 's quick to praise his co-stars' acting skills as well as their beauty.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has a quick temper, they are easily made angry.

8 PHRASE If something cuts you to the quick , it makes you feel very upset. [LITERARY ] □� I once heard her weeping in her bedroom, which cut me to the quick.

9quick as a flash →�see flash

10quick off the mark →�see mark

11quick on the uptake →�see uptake SYNONYMS quick ADJ 1

fast:Brindley was known as a very, very fast driver.

rapid:�the country's rapid economic growth in the 1980's.

speedy:We wish Maria a speedy recovery.

swift:The police were swift to act.

quick- /kw I k-/ COMB quick- is added to words, especially present participles, to form adjectives which indicate that a person or thing does something quickly. □� He was saved by quick-thinking neighbours. □� �quick-drying paint.

quick|en /kw I kən/ (quickens , quickening , quickened ) VERB If something quickens or if you quicken it, it becomes faster or moves at a greater speed. □�[V ] Ainslie's pulse quickened in alarm. □�[V n] He quickened his pace a little.

quick|fire /kw I kfa I ə r / also quick-fire ADJ [ADJ n] Quickfire speech or action is very fast with no pauses in it. □� �that talent for quickfire response.

qui ck fi x (quick fixes ) N‑COUNT [oft with neg] If you refer to a quick fix to a problem, you mean a way of solving a problem that is easy but temporary or inadequate. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �tax measures enacted as a quick fix.

quickie /kw I ki/ (quickies ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A quickie is something that only takes a very short time. [INFORMAL ] □� There's no quickie cure.

quick|sand /kw I ks�nd/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Quicksand is deep, wet sand that you sink into if you try to walk on it. □� The sandbank was uncertain, like quicksand under his feet.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to a situation as quicksand when you want to suggest that it is dangerous or difficult to escape from, or does not provide a strong basis for what you are doing. □� The research seemed founded on quicksand.

quick|silver /kw I ks I lvə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT Quicksilver is the same as mercury . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Quicksilver movements or changes are very fast and unpredictable. □� �her quicksilver changes of mood.

qui ck-te mpered ADJ Someone who is quick-tempered often gets angry without having a good reason.

qui ck-wi tted ADJ Someone who is quick-witted is intelligent and good at thinking quickly.

quid /kw I d/ (quid ) N‑COUNT A quid is a pound in money. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� It cost him five hundred quid.

qui d pro quo (quid pro quos ) N‑COUNT A quid pro quo is a gift or advantage that is given to someone in return for something that they have done. [FORMAL ] □� The statement is emphatic in stating that there must be a quid pro quo.

quids /kw I dz/ PHRASE If you are quids in , you have more money left than you expected or get more for your money than you expected. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Still, we were quids in, we didn't care!

qui|es|cent /kwie s ə nt, [AM ] kwa I -/ ADJ Someone or something that is quiescent is quiet and inactive. [LITERARY ] □� �a society which was politically quiescent and above all deferential. ●� qui|es|cence N‑UNCOUNT □� �a long period of quiescence.

qui|et ◆◆◇ /kwa I ət/ (quieter , quietest , quiets , quieting , quieted )

1 ADJ Someone or something that is quiet makes only a small amount of noise. □� Tania kept the children reasonably quiet and contented. □� A quiet murmur passed through the classroom. □� The airlines have invested enormous sums in new, quieter aircraft. ●� qui|et|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'This is goodbye, isn't it?' she said quietly. ●� qui|et|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the smoothness and quietness of the flight.

2 ADJ If a place is quiet , there is very little noise there. □� She was received in a small, quiet office. □� The street was unnaturally quiet. ●� qui|et|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] I miss the quietness of the countryside.

3 ADJ If a place, situation, or time is quiet , there is no excitement, activity, or trouble. □� It is very quiet without him. □� While he wanted Los Angeles and partying, she wanted a quiet life. ●� qui|et|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� His most prized time, though, will be spent quietly on his farm. ●� qui|et|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I do very much appreciate the quietness and privacy here.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Quiet is silence. □� He called for quiet and announced that the next song was in our honor.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are quiet , you are not saying anything. □� I told them to be quiet and go to sleep. ●� qui|et|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Amy stood quietly in the doorway watching him.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer, for example, to someone's quiet confidence or quiet despair, you mean that they do not say much about the way they are feeling. □� He has a quiet confidence in his ability. ●� qui|et|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� Nigel Deering, the publisher, is quietly confident about the magazine's chances.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] You describe activities as quiet when they happen in secret or in such a way that people do not notice them. □� The Swedes had sought his freedom through quiet diplomacy. ●� qui|et|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� I slipped away quietly. □� The goal of shifting freight from road to rail has been quietly abandoned.

8 ADJ A quiet person behaves in a calm way and is not easily made angry or upset. □� He's a nice quiet man.

9 VERB If someone or something quiets or if you quiet them, they become less noisy, less active, or silent. [mainly AM ] □�[V ] The wind dropped and the sea quieted. □�[V n] He quieted the crowd with a gesture. in BRIT, usually use quieten10 VERB To quiet fears or complaints means to persuade people that there is no good reason for them. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] Music seemed to quiet her anxiety and loneliness. in BRIT, usually use quieten

11 PHRASE If someone does not go quietly , they do not leave a particular job or a place without complaining or resisting. □� She's not going to go quietly.

12 PHRASE If you keep quiet about something or keep something quiet , you do not say anything about it. □� I told her to keep quiet about it.

13 PHRASE If something is done on the quiet , it is done secretly or in such a way that people do not notice it. □� She'd promised to give him driving lessons, on the quiet, when no one could see.

▸� quiet down PHRASAL VERB If someone or something quiets down or if you quiet them down , they become less noisy or less active. [mainly AM ] □�[V P ] Once the vote was taken, things quieted down quickly. □�[V n P ] Try gradually to quiet them down as bedtime approaches. in BRIT, usually use quieten down SYNONYMS quiet ADJ

1

low:Her voice was so low he had to strain to catch it.

soft:When he woke again he could hear soft music.

faint:She became aware of the soft, faint sounds of water dripping.

inaudible:His voice was almost inaudible.

2

peaceful:�a peaceful Georgian house in the heart of Dorset.

silent:The room was silent except for John's crunching.

still:In the room it was very still.

qui|et|en /kwa I ət ə n/ (quietens , quietening , quietened )

1 VERB If you quieten someone or something, or if they quieten , you make them become less noisy, less active, or silent. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] She tried to quieten her breathing. □�[V ] A man shouted and the dogs suddenly quietened. in AM, usually use quiet2 VERB To quieten fears or complaints means to persuade people that there is no good reason for them. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] The President has been working hard to quieten such fears, assuring investors that he has no wish to change current policies. in AM, usually use quiet

▸� quieten down PHRASAL VERB If someone or something quietens down or if you quieten them down , they become less noisy or less active. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P ] The labour unrest which swept the country last week has quietened down. □�[V n P ] Somehow I managed to quieten her down. □�[V P n] Tom's words before the match might also have quietened down our own supporters. in AM, usually use quiet down

qui|etude /kwa I ətjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Quietude is quietness and calm. [FORMAL ]

quiff /kw I f/ (quiffs ) N‑COUNT If a man has a quiff , his hair has been combed upwards and backwards from his forehead. [mainly BRIT ] □� I attempted a classic rock and roll quiff.

quill /kw I l/ (quills )

1 N‑COUNT A quill is a pen made from a bird's feather. □� She dipped a quill in ink, then began to write.

2 N‑COUNT A bird's quills are large, stiff feathers on its wings and tail.

3 N‑COUNT The quills of a porcupine are the long sharp points on its body.

quilt /kw I lt/ (quilts )

1 N‑COUNT A quilt is a thin cover filled with feathers or some other warm, soft material, which you put over your blankets when you are in bed. □� �an old patchwork quilt.

2 N‑COUNT A quilt is the same as a duvet . [BRIT ]

quilt|ed /kw I lt I d/ ADJ Something that is quilted consists of two layers of fabric with a layer of thick material between them, often decorated with lines of stitching which form a pattern. □� �a quilted bedspread.

quince /kw I ns/ (quinces ) N‑VAR A quince is a hard yellow fruit. Quinces are used for making jelly or jam.

qui|nine /kw I niː n, [AM ] kwa I na I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Quinine is a drug that is used to treat fevers such as malaria.

quinoa /kiː nwɑː/ N‑UNCOUNT Quinoa is the small round seeds of a South American plant, eaten as a grain and popular as a health food.

quin|tes|sence /kw I nte s ə ns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Thequintessenceof something is the most perfect or typical example of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He was the quintessence of all that Eva most deeply loathed.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thequintessenceof something is the aspect of it which seems to represent its central nature. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �an old stone cottage, the quintessence of rural England.

quin|tes|sen|tial /kw I nt I se nʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Quintessential means representing a perfect or typical example of something. [FORMAL ] □� Everybody thinks of him as the quintessential New Yorker. ●� quin|tes|sen|tial|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� It is a familiar, and quintessentially British, ritual.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Quintessential means representing the central nature of something. [FORMAL ] □� �the quintessential charm of his songs.

quin|tet /kw I nte t/ (quintets )

1 N‑COUNT A quintet is a group of five singers or musicians singing or playing together.

2 N‑COUNT A quintet is a piece of music written for five instruments or five singers.

quip /kw I p/ (quips , quipping , quipped )

1 N‑COUNT A quip is a remark that is intended to be amusing or clever. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�about ] The commentators make endless quips about the female players' appearance.

2 VERB To quip means to say something that is intended to be amusing or clever. [WRITTEN ] □�[V with quote] 'He'll have to go on a diet,' Ballard quipped. □�[V that] The chairman quipped that he would rather sell his airline than his computer systems.

quirk /kwɜː r k/ (quirks )

1 N‑COUNT [adj N ] A quirk is something unusual or interesting that happens by chance. □�[+�of ] It was almost a quirk of fate he and Foy should have been in charge.

2 N‑COUNT A quirk is a habit or aspect of a person's character which is odd or unusual. □� Brown was fascinated by people's quirks and foibles.

quirky /kwɜː r ki/ (quirkier , quirkiest ) ADJ Something or someone that is quirky is rather odd or unpredictable in their appearance, character, or behaviour. □� We've developed a reputation for being quite quirky and original. ●� quirki|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�in ] You will probably notice an element of quirkiness in his behaviour.

quis|ling /kw I zl I ŋ/ (quislings ) N‑COUNT A quisling is someone who helps an enemy army that has taken control of their country. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

quit ◆◇◇ /kw I t/ (quits , quitting ) The form quit is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you quit your job, you choose to leave it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He quit his job as an office boy in Athens. □�[V ] He figured he would quit before Johnson fired him.

2 VERB If you quit an activity or quit doing something, you stop doing it. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] A nicotine spray can help smokers quit the habit. □�[V v-ing] I was trying to quit smoking at the time.

3 VERB If you quit a place, you leave it completely and do not go back to it. □�[V n] �the idea that humans might one day quit the earth to colonise other planets.

4 PHRASE If you say that you are going to call it quits , you mean that you have decided to stop doing something or being involved in something. □� They raised $630,000 through listener donations, and then called it quits. SYNONYMS quit VERB 1

step down/aside:Many would prefer him to step aside in favour of a younger man.

resign:A hospital administrator has resigned over claims he lied to get the job.

leave:I am leaving to concentrate on writing fiction.

quite ◆◆◆ /kwa I t/

1 ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV before v] You use quite to indicate that something is the case to a fairly great extent. Quite is less emphatic than 'very' and 'extremely'. [VAGUENESS ] □� I felt quite bitter about it at the time. □� Well, actually it requires quite a bit of work and research. □� I was quite a long way away, on the terrace.

2 ADV [ADV before v] You use quite to emphasize what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� It is quite clear that we were firing in self defence. □� That's a general British failing. In the U.S.A. it's quite different.

3 ADV [ADV before v] You use quite after a negative to make what you are saying weaker or less definite. [VAGUENESS ] □� Something here is not quite right. □� After treatment he was able to continue but he was never quite the same.

4 PREDET You use quite in front of a noun group to emphasize that a person or thing is very impressive or unusual. [APPROVAL ] □� 'Oh, he's quite a character,' Sean replied. □� It's quite a city, Boston.

5 ADV You can say ' quite ' to express your agreement with someone. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'And if you buy the record it's your choice isn't it.'�'Quite'. SYNONYMS quite ADV 1

rather:I grew up in rather unusual circumstances.

fairly:Both ships are fairly new.

somewhat:He concluded that Oswald was somewhat odd.

reasonably:I can dance reasonably well. USAGE quite

You can use quite in front of a , followed by an adjective and a noun. Don�t say, for example, � She was a quite pretty girl �. □� She was quite a pretty girl .

quit|ter /kw I tə r / (quitters ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is not a quitter , you mean that they continue doing something even though it is very difficult. □� He won't resign because he's not a quitter.

quiv|er /kw I və r / (quivers , quivering , quivered )

1 VERB If something quivers , it shakes with very small movements. □�[V ] Her bottom lip quivered and big tears rolled down her cheeks.

2 VERB If you say that someone or their voice is quiveringwith an emotion such as rage or excitement, you mean that they are strongly affected by this emotion and show it in their appearance or voice. □�[V +�with ] Cooper arrived, quivering with rage. ●�N‑COUNT Quiver is also a noun. □�[+�of ] I felt a quiver of panic.

quix|ot|ic /kw I ksɒ t I k/ ADJ If you describe someone's ideas or plans as quixotic , you mean that they are imaginative or hopeful but unrealistic. [FORMAL ] □� He has always lived his life by a hopelessly quixotic code of honour.

quiz /kw I z/ (quizzes , quizzing , quizzed )

1 N‑COUNT A quiz is a game or competition in which someone tests your knowledge by asking you questions. □� We'll have a quiz at the end of the show.

2 VERB If you are quizzed by someone about something, they ask you questions about it. □�[be V -ed +�about ] He was quizzed about his income, debts and eligibility for state benefits. □�[V n +�about ] Sybil quizzed her about life as a working girl.

quiz|master /kw I zmɑːstə r , -m�s-/ (quizmasters ) N‑COUNT A quizmaster is the person who asks the questions in a game or quiz on the television or radio. [mainly BRIT ]

quiz|zi|cal /kw I z I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you give someone a quizzical look or smile, you look at them in a way that shows that you are surprised or amused by their behaviour. □� He gave Robin a mildly quizzical glance. ●� quiz|zi|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She looked at him quizzically.

quo /kwoʊ / →�see quid pro quo , status quo

quoit /kɔ I t, [AM ] kwɔ I t/ (quoits )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Quoits is a game which is played by throwing rings over a small post. Quoits is usually played on board ships.

2 N‑COUNT A quoit is a ring used in the game of quoits.

Quon|set hut /kwɒ ns I t hʌt/ (Quonset huts ) N‑COUNT A Quonset hut is a military hut made of metal. The walls and roof form the shape of a semi-circle. [AM ] in BRIT, use Nissen hut

quor|ate /kwɔː re I t/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] When a committee is quorate , there are enough people present for it to conduct official business and make decisions. [BRIT ] □� The session was technically quorate.

quor|um /kwɔː rəm/ N‑SING A quorum is the minimum number of people that a committee needs in order to carry out its business officially. When a meeting has a quorum, there are at least that number of people present. □� �enough deputies to make a quorum.

quo|ta /kwoʊ tə/ (quotas )

1 N‑COUNT A quota is the limited number or quantity of something which is officially allowed. □�[+�of ] The quota of four tickets per person had been reduced to two.

2 N‑COUNT [N n] A quota is a fixed maximum or minimum proportion of people from a particular group who are allowed to do something, such as come and live in a country or work for the government. □� The bill would force employers to adopt a quota system when recruiting workers. [Also +�of ]

3 N‑COUNT Someone's quotaof something is their expected or deserved share of it. □�[+�of ] They have the usual quota of human weaknesses, no doubt.

quot|able /kwoʊ təb ə l/ ADJ Quotable comments are written or spoken comments that people think are interesting and worth quoting. □� �one of his more quotable sayings.

quo|ta|tion /kwoʊte I ʃ ə n/ (quotations )

1 N‑COUNT A quotation is a sentence or phrase taken from a book, poem, or play, which is repeated by someone else. □�[+�from ] He illustrated his argument with quotations from Pasternak.

2 N‑COUNT When someone gives you a quotation , they tell you how much they will charge to do a particular piece of work. □� Get several written quotations and check exactly what's included in the cost.

3 N‑COUNT A company's quotation on the stock exchange is its registration on the stock exchange, which enables its shares to be officially listed and traded. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�on ] �an investment manager with a quotation on the London stock market.

quo|ta |tion mark (quotation marks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Quotation marks are punctuation marks that are used in writing to show where speech or a quotation begins and ends. They are usually written or printed as "�" or, in Britain, '�' .

quote ◆◆◇ /kwoʊ t/ (quotes , quoting , quoted )

1 VERB If you quote someone as saying something, you repeat what they have written or said. □�[V n +�as ] He quoted Mr Polay as saying that peace negotiations were already underway. □�[V n] She quoted a great line from a book by Romain Gary. □�[V +�from ] I gave the letter to our local press and they quoted from it.

2 N‑COUNT A quotefrom a book, poem, play, or speech is a passage or phrase from it. □�[+�from ] The article starts with a quote from an unnamed member of the Cabinet.

3 VERB If you quote something such as a law or a fact, you state it because it supports what you are saying. □�[V n] Mr Meacher quoted statistics saying that the standard of living of the poorest people had fallen.

4 VERB If someone quotes a price for doing something, they say how much money they would charge you for a service they are offering or a for a job that you want them to do. □�[V n n] A travel agent quoted her �160 for the flight. □�[V n] He quoted a price for the repairs.

5 N‑COUNT A quotefor a piece of work is the price that someone says they will charge you to do the work. □�[+�for ] Always get a written quote for any repairs needed.

6 V-PASSIVE If a company's shares, a substance, or a currency is quoted at a particular price, that is its current market price. [BUSINESS ] □�[be V -ed +�at ] In early trading, gold was quoted at $368.20 an ounce. □�[be V -ed +�on ] Heron is a private company and is not quoted on the Stock Market.

7 N‑PLURAL Quotes are the same as quotation marks . [INFORMAL ] □� The word 'remembered' is in quotes.

8 CONVENTION You can say ' quote ' to show that you are about to quote someone's words. [SPOKEN ] □� He predicts they will have, quote, 'an awful lot of explaining to do'. COLLOCATIONS quote NOUN

2

adjective +�quote : famous, favourite, inspirational, memorable; direct; scandalous

5

noun +�quote : insurance, price, renewal

adjective +�quote : written; cheap, competitive, free VERB 1

noun +�quote : newspaper, report

quote+�noun : official, source

quote+�adverb : anonymously, approvingly; extensively, frequently, publicly, widely; accurately, directly, verbatim SYNONYMS quote VERB 1

repeat:I trust you not to repeat that to anyone else.

recite:They recited poetry to one another.

reproduce:I shall not try to reproduce the policemen's English.

cite:She cites a favourite poem by George Herbert. NOUN 2

quotation:He illustrated his argument with quotations from Pasternak.

excerpt:�an excerpt from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker.

extract:Read this extract from an information booklet about the work of an airline cabin crew.

citation:The article included several citations from government documents.

quoth /kwoʊ θ/ VERB Quoth means 'said'. Quoth comes before the subject of the verb. [HUMOROUS or OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V with quote] 'I blame the selectors,' quoth he.

quo|tid|ian /kwoʊt I diən/ ADJ [ADJ n] Quotidian activities or experiences are basic, everyday activities or experiences. [FORMAL ] □� �the minutiae of their quotidian existence.

quo|tient /kwoʊ ʃ ə nt/ (quotients )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu n N ] Quotient is used when indicating the presence or degree of a characteristic in someone or something. □� Being rich doesn't actually increase your happiness quotient. □�[+�of ] The island has a high quotient of clergymen.

2intelligence quotient →�see IQ

Quran /kɔːrɑː n/ also Koran , Qur'an N‑PROPER The Quran is the holy book on which the religion of Islam is based.

Quran|ic /kɔːr� n I k/ also Koranic , Qur'anic ADJ [ADJ n] Quranic is used to describe something which belongs or relates to the Quran.

QWER|TY /kwɜː r ti/ also Qwerty , qwerty ADJ [ADJ n] A QWERTY keyboard on a typewriter or computer is the standard English language keyboard, on which the top line of keys begins with the letters q, w, e, r, t, and y.

Rr

R , r /ɑː r / (R's, r's )

1 N‑VAR R is the eighteenth letter of the English alphabet.

2 →�see also three Rs

3 In the United States, some cinema films are marked R to show that children under 17 years old are only allowed to see them if an adult is with them.

rab|bi /r� ba I / (rabbis ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A rabbi is a Jewish religious leader, usually one who is in charge of a synagogue, one who is qualified to teach Judaism, or one who is an expert on Jewish law.

rab|bini|cal /r�b I n I k ə l/ or rabbinic /r�b I n I k/ ADJ Rabbinical or rabbinic refers to the teachings of Jewish religious teachers and leaders. □� �early rabbinic scholars.

rab|bit /r� b I t/ (rabbits , rabbiting , rabbited ) N‑COUNT A rabbit is a small furry animal with long ears. Rabbits are sometimes kept as pets, or live wild in holes in the ground.

▸� rabbit on PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If you describe someone as rabbiting on , you do not like the way they keep talking for a long time about something that is not very interesting. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P +�about ] What are you rabbiting on about?

rab|ble /r� b ə l/ N‑SING A rabble is a crowd of noisy people who seem likely to cause trouble. □�[+�of ] He seems to attract a rabble of supporters more loyal to the man than to the cause.

ra bble-rouser (rabble-rousers ) N‑COUNT A rabble-rouser is a clever speaker who can persuade a group of people to behave violently or aggressively, often for the speaker's own political advantage. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ra bble-rousing N‑UNCOUNT Rabble-rousing is encouragement that a person gives to a group of people to behave violently or aggressively, often for that person's own political advantage. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Critics have accused him of rabble-rousing.

rab|id /r� b I d, re I b-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use rabid to describe someone who has very strong and unreasonable opinions or beliefs about a subject, especially in politics. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The party has distanced itself from the more rabid nationalist groups in the country. ●� rab|id|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV -ed] □� Mead calls the group 'rabidly right-wing'.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rabid dog or other animal has the disease rabies.

ra|bies /re I biːz/ N‑UNCOUNT Rabies is a serious disease which causes people and animals to go mad and die. Rabies is particularly common in dogs.

rac|coon /r�kuː n/ (raccoons or raccoon ) also racoon N‑COUNT A raccoon is a small animal that has dark-coloured fur with white stripes on its face and on its long tail. Raccoons live in forests in North and Central America and the West Indies.

race ◆◆◆ /re I s/ (races , racing , raced )

1 N‑COUNT A race is a competition to see who is the fastest, for example in running, swimming, or driving. □� The first Le Mans 24-hour motor race was won by Andr� Lagache and Ren� L�onard.

2 VERB If you race , you take part in a race. □�[V ] In the 10 years I raced in Europe, 30 drivers were killed. □�[V n] They may even have raced each other�but not regularly. [Also V +�against ]

3 N‑PLURAL The races are a series of horse races that are held in a particular place on a particular day. People go to watch and to bet on which horse will win. □� The high point of this trip was a day at the races.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A race is a situation in which people or organizations compete with each other for power or control. □� The race for the White House begins in earnest today.

5 →�see also arms race , rat race

6 N‑VAR A race is one of the major groups which human beings can be divided into according to their physical features, such as the colour of their skin. □� The College welcomes students of all races, faiths, and nationalities.

7 →�see also human race , race relations

8 VERB If you race somewhere, you go there as quickly as possible. □�[V adv/prep] He raced across town to the State House building.

9 VERB If something races towards a particular state or position, it moves very fast towards that state or position. □�[V prep/adv] Do they realize we are racing towards complete economic collapse?

10 VERB If you race a vehicle or animal, you prepare it for races and make it take part in races. □�[V n] He still raced sports cars as often as he could.

11 VERB If your mind races , or if thoughts race through your mind, you think very fast about something, especially when you are in a difficult or dangerous situation. □�[V ] I made sure I sounded calm but my mind was racing. □�[V adv/prep] Bits and pieces of the past raced through her mind.

12 VERB If your heart races , it beats very quickly because you are excited or afraid. □�[V ] Her heart raced uncontrollably.

13 →�see also racing

14 PHRASE You describe a situation as a race against time when you have to work very fast in order to do something before a particular time, or before another thing happens. □� An air force spokesman said the rescue operation was a race against time. SYNONYMS race NOUN 4

competition:He will be banned from international competition for four years.

contest:Few contests in the recent history of British boxing have been as thrilling.

quest:My quest for a better bank continues. VERB 8

dash:Antonia ran to meet them.

speed:Trains speed through the Channel Tunnel at 186mph.

fly:I flew downstairs.

tear:The door flew open and Miranda tore into the room.

race|course /re I skɔː r s/ (racecourses ) also race course N‑COUNT A racecourse is a track on which horses race. [BRIT ] in AM, use racetrack

race|go|er /re I sgoʊə r / (racegoers ) also race-goer N‑COUNT [usu pl] Racegoers are people who regularly go to watch horse races. [mainly BRIT ]

race|horse /re I shɔː r s/ (racehorses ) N‑COUNT A racehorse is a horse that is trained to run in races.

ra ce meet|ing (race meetings ) N‑COUNT A race meeting is an occasion when a series of horse races are held at the same place, often during a period of several days. [mainly BRIT ]

rac|er /re I sə r / (racers )

1 N‑COUNT A racer is a person or animal that takes part in races. □� He is a former champion powerboat racer.

2 N‑COUNT A racer is a vehicle such as a car or bicycle that is designed to be used in races and therefore travels fast.

ra ce re|la |tions N‑PLURAL Race relations are the ways in which people of different races living together in the same community behave towards one another.

ra ce riot (race riots ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Race riots are violent fights between people of different races living in the same community.

race|track /re I str�k/ (racetracks ) also race track

1 N‑COUNT A racetrack is a track on which horses race. [AM ] in BRIT, use racecourse2 N‑COUNT A racetrack is a track for races, for example car or bicycle races.

ra|cial ◆◇◇ /re I ʃ ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Racial describes things relating to people's race. □� �the protection of national and racial minorities. □� �the elimination of racial discrimination. ●� ra|cial|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □� �a racially mixed area. SYNONYMS racial ADJ

ethnic:�a survey of Britain's ethnic minorities.

national:�the national characteristics and history of the country.

ra|cial|ism /re I ʃəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Racialism means the same as racism . [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use racism ●� ra|cial|ist ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �racialist groups.

ra |cial pro |fil|ing N‑UNCOUNT Racial profiling is government or police activity that involves using people�s racial and cultural characteristics to identify people to investigate. □� �controversies involving racial profiling and corruption.

rac|ing ◆◇◇ /re I s I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Racing refers to races between animals, especially horses, or between vehicles. □� Mr Honda was himself a keen racing driver in his younger days. □� �horse racing.

rac|ism /re I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Racism is the belief that people of some races are inferior to others, and the behaviour which is the result of this belief. □� There is a feeling among some black people that the level of racism is declining.

rac|ist /re I s I st/ (racists ) ADJ If you describe people, things, or behaviour as racist , you mean that they are influenced by the belief that some people are inferior because they belong to a particular race. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You have to acknowledge that we live in a racist society. ●�N‑COUNT A racist is someone who is racist. □� He has a hard core of support among white racists.

rack /r� k/ (racks , racking , racked ) The spelling wrack is also used, mainly for meanings 3 and 4 , and mainly in old-fashioned or American English. 1 N‑COUNT A rack is a frame or shelf, usually with bars or hooks, that is used for holding things or for hanging things on. □� My rucksack was too big for the luggage rack.

2 →�see also roof rack , toast rack

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is rackedby something such as illness or anxiety, it causes them great suffering or pain. □�[be V -ed +�by/with ] His already infirm body was racked by high fever. □�[V -ed] �a teenager racked with guilt and anxiety.

4 →�see also racking

5 PHRASE If you rack your brains , you try very hard to think of something. □� She began to rack her brains to remember what had happened at the nursing home.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is on the rack , you mean that they are suffering either physically or mentally. [JOURNALISM ] □� Only a year ago, he was on the rack with a heroin addiction that began when he was 13.

7 PHRASE If you say that a place is going to rack and ruin , you are emphasizing that it is slowly becoming less attractive or less pleasant because no-one is bothering to look after it. [EMPHASIS ]

8 PHRASE Off-the-rack clothes or goods are made in large numbers, rather than being made specially for a particular person. [AM ] □� �the same off-the-rack dress she's been wearing since the night before. in BRIT, use off-the-peg

▸� rack up PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If a business racks up profits, losses, or sales, it makes a lot of them. If a sportsman, sportswoman, or team racks up wins, they win a lot of matches or races. □�[V P n] Lower rates mean that firms are more likely to rack up profits in the coming months.

rack|et /r� k I t/ (rackets ) The spelling racquet is also used for meaning 3 . 1 N‑SING A racket is a loud unpleasant noise. □� He makes such a racket I'm afraid he disturbs the neighbours.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] You can refer to an illegal activity used to make money as a racket . [INFORMAL ] □� A smuggling racket is killing thousands of exotic birds each year.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A racket is an oval-shaped bat with strings across it. Rackets are used in tennis, squash, and badminton. □� Tennis rackets and balls are provided.

rack|et|eer /r� k I t I ə r / (racketeers ) N‑COUNT A racketeer is someone who makes money from illegal activities such as threatening people or selling worthless, immoral, or illegal goods or services.

rack|et|eer|ing /r� k I t I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Racketeering is making money from illegal activities such as threatening people or selling worthless, immoral, or illegal goods or services.

rack|ing /r� k I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A racking pain or emotion is a distressing one which you feel very strongly. □� She was now shaking with long, racking sobs.

2 →�see also nerve-racking

rac|on|teur /r� kɒntɜː r / (raconteurs ) N‑COUNT A raconteur is someone, usually a man, who can tell stories in an interesting or amusing way. □� He spoke eight languages and was a noted raconteur.

ra|coon /r�kuː n/ →�see raccoon

rac|quet /r� k I t/ →�see racket

racy /re I si/ (racier , raciest ) ADJ Racy writing or behaviour is lively, amusing, and slightly shocking.

ra|dar /re I dɑː r / (radars ) N‑VAR Radar is a way of discovering the position or speed of objects such as aircraft or ships when they cannot be seen, by using radio signals.

ra|dial /re I diəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Radial refers to the pattern that you get when straight lines are drawn from the centre of a circle to a number of points round the edge. □� The white marble floors were inlaid in a radial pattern of brass.

ra|di|ance /re I diəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Radiance is great happiness which shows in someone's face and makes them look very attractive. □� She has the vigour and radiance of someone young enough to be her grand-daughter.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Radiance is a glowing light shining from something. □� The dim bulb of the bedside lamp cast a soft radiance over his face.

ra|di|ant /re I diənt/

1 ADJ Someone who is radiant is so happy that their happiness shows in their face. □� On her wedding day the bride looked truly radiant. ●� ra|di|ant|ly ADV □� He smiled radiantly and embraced her.

2 ADJ Something that is radiant glows brightly. □� The evening sun warms the old red brick wall to a radiant glow. ●� ra|di|ant|ly ADV □� The sun was still shining radiantly.

ra|di|ate /re I die I t/ (radiates , radiating , radiated )

1 VERB If things radiate out from a place, they form a pattern that is like lines drawn from the centre of a circle to various points on its edge. □�[V +�from ] �the various walks which radiate from the Heritage Centre. □�[V prep/adv] From here, contaminated air radiates out to the open countryside.

2 VERB If you radiate an emotion or quality or if it radiatesfrom you, people can see it very clearly in your face and in your behaviour. □�[V n] She radiates happiness and health. □�[V +�from ] Her voice hadn't changed but I felt the anger that radiated from her.

3 VERB If something radiates heat or light, heat or light comes from it. □�[V n] Stoves are meant to radiate heat.

ra|dia|tion /re I die I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Radiation consists of very small particles of a radioactive substance. Large amounts of radiation can cause illness and death. □� They fear the long term effects of radiation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Radiation is energy, especially heat, that comes from a particular source. □� The satellite will study energy radiation from stars.

ra|dia |tion sick|ness N‑UNCOUNT Radiation sickness is an illness that people get when they are exposed to too much radiation.

ra|dia|tor /re I die I tə r / (radiators )

1 N‑COUNT A radiator is a hollow metal device, usually connected by pipes to a central heating system, that is used to heat a room.

2 N‑COUNT The radiator in a car is the part of the engine which is filled with water in order to cool the engine.

radi|cal ◆◆◇ /r� d I k ə l/ (radicals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Radical changes and differences are very important and great in degree. □� The country needs a period of calm without more surges of radical change. □� The Football League has announced its proposals for a radical reform of the way football is run in England. ●� radi|cal|ly /r� d I kli/ ADV □� �two large groups of people with radically different beliefs and cultures.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Radical people believe that there should be great changes in society and try to bring about these changes. □� �threats by left-wing radical groups to disrupt the proceedings. ●�N‑COUNT A radical is someone who has radical views. SYNONYMS radical ADJ 1

extreme:The scheme has been condemned as extreme.

sweeping:The new government has started to make sweeping changes in the economy.

far-reaching:The economy is in danger of collapse unless far-reaching reforms are implemented.

radi|cal|ism /r� d I kəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Radicalism is radical beliefs, ideas, or behaviour. □� Jones himself was a curious mixture of radicalism and conservatism.

radi|cal|ize /r� d I kəla I z/ (radicalizes , radicalizing , radicalized ) in BRIT, also use radicalise VERB If something radicalizes a process, situation, or person, it makes them more radical. □�[V n] He says the opposition will radicalize its demands if these conditions aren't met. □�[V -ed] �women radicalized by feminism. □�[V -ing] The trial was a radicalizing experience for her. ●� radi|cali|za|tion /r� d I kəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the radicalization of the conservative right.

ra|dic|chio /r�d I kioʊ, [AM ] rɑːdiː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Radicchio is a vegetable with purple and white leaves that is usually eaten raw in salads.

ra|dii /re I dia I / Radii is the plural of radius .

ra|dio ◆◆◆ /re I dioʊ/ (radios , radioing , radioed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Radio is the broadcasting of programmes for the public to listen to, by sending out signals from a transmitter. □� The announcement was broadcast on radio and television.

2 N‑SING You can refer to the programmes broadcast by radio stations as the radio . □� A lot of people tend to listen to the radio in the mornings.

3 N‑COUNT A radio is the piece of equipment that you use in order to listen to radio programmes. □� He sat down in the armchair and turned on the radio.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Radio is a system of sending sound over a distance by transmitting electrical signals. □� They are in twice daily radio contact with the rebel leader.

5 N‑COUNT A radio is a piece of equipment that is used for sending and receiving messages. □� �the young constable who managed to raise the alarm on his radio.

6 VERB If you radio someone, you send a message to them by radio. □�[V adv/prep] The officer radioed for advice. □�[V that] A few minutes after take-off, the pilot radioed that a fire had broken out. [Also V n, V ]

radio|ac|tive /re I dioʊ� kt I v/ ADJ Something that is radioactive contains a substance that produces energy in the form of powerful and harmful rays. □� The government has been storing radioactive waste at Fernald for 50 years. ●� radio|ac|tiv|ity /re I dioʊ�kt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �waste which is contaminated with low levels of radioactivity.

ra |dio as|tro no|my N‑UNCOUNT Radio astronomy is a branch of science in which radio telescopes are used to receive and analyse radio waves from space.

radio|car|bon /re I dioʊkɑː r bən/ also radio carbon N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Radiocarbon is a type of carbon which is radioactive, and which therefore breaks up slowly at a regular rate. Its presence in an object can be measured in order to find out how old the object is. □� The most frequently used method is radiocarbon dating.

ra dio-contro lled ADJ [usu ADJ n] A radio-controlled device works by receiving radio signals which operate it. □� �radio-controlled model planes.

ra|di|og|ra|pher /re I diɒ grəfə r / (radiographers ) N‑COUNT A radiographer is a person who is trained to take X-rays.

ra|di|og|ra|phy /re I diɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Radiography is the process of taking X-rays.

radio|logi|cal /re I diəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Radiological means relating to radiology. □� �patients subjected to extensive radiological examinations.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Radiological means relating to radioactive materials. □� �the National Radiological Protection Board's guidelines for storing nuclear waste.

ra|di|olo|gist /re I diɒ lədʒ I st/ (radiologists ) N‑COUNT A radiologist is a doctor who is trained in radiology.

ra|di|ol|ogy /re I diɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Radiology is the branch of medical science that uses X-rays and radioactive substances to treat diseases.

ra |dio te le|phone (radio telephones ) N‑COUNT A radio telephone is a telephone which carries sound by sending radio signals rather than by using wires. Radio telephones are often used in cars.

ra |dio te le|scope (radio telescopes ) N‑COUNT A radio telescope is an instrument that receives radio waves from space and finds the position of stars and other objects in space.

radio|thera|pist /re I dioʊθe rəp I st/ (radiotherapists ) N‑COUNT A radiotherapist is a person who treats diseases such as cancer by using radiation.

radio|thera|py /re I dioʊθe rəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Radiotherapy is the treatment of diseases such as cancer by using radiation.

rad|ish /r� d I ʃ/ (radishes ) N‑VAR Radishes are small red or white vegetables that are the roots of a plant. They are eaten raw in salads.

ra|dium /re I diəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Radium is a radioactive element which is used in the treatment of cancer.

ra|dius /re I diəs/ (radii /re I dia I /)

1 N‑SING The radius around a particular point is the distance from it in any direction. □� Nigel has searched for work in a ten-mile radius around his home.

2 N‑COUNT The radius of a circle is the distance from its centre to its outside edge. □�[+�of ] He indicated a semicircle with a radius of about thirty miles.

ra|don /re I dɒn/ N‑UNCOUNT Radon is a radioactive element in the form of a gas.

RAF /ɑː r e I e f, r� f/ N‑PROPER The RAF is the air force of the United Kingdom. RAF is an abbreviation for 'Royal Air Force'. □� An RAF helicopter rescued the men after the boat began taking in water.

raf|fia /r� fiə/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Raffia is a fibre made from palm leaves. It is used to make mats and baskets.

raff|ish /r� f I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Raffish people and places are not very respectable but are attractive and stylish in spite of this. [WRITTEN ] □� He was handsome in a raffish kind of way.

raf|fle /r� f ə l/ (raffles , raffling , raffled )

1 N‑COUNT A raffle is a competition in which you buy tickets with numbers on them. Afterwards some numbers are chosen, and if your ticket has one of these numbers on it, you win a prize. □� Any more raffle tickets? Twenty-five pence each or five for a pound.

2 VERB If someone raffles something, they give it as a prize in a raffle. □�[V n] During each show we will be raffling a fabulous prize.

raft /rɑː ft, r� ft/ (rafts )

1 N‑COUNT A raft is a floating platform made from large pieces of wood or other materials tied together. □� �a river trip on bamboo rafts through dense rainforest.

2 N‑COUNT A raft is a small rubber or plastic boat that you blow air into to make it float. □� The crew spent two days and nights in their raft.

3 →�see also life raft

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A raft of people or things is a lot of them. □�[+�of ] He has surrounded himself with a raft of advisers who are very radical.

raft|er /rɑː ftə r , r� f-/ (rafters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Rafters are the sloping pieces of wood that support a roof. □� From the rafters of the thatched roofs hung strings of dried onions and garlic.

raft|ing /rɑː ft I ŋ, r� f-/ N‑UNCOUNT Rafting is the sport of travelling down a river on a raft. □� �water sports such as boating, fishing, and rafting.

rag /r� g/ (rags )

1 N‑VAR A rag is a piece of old cloth which you can use to clean or wipe things. □� He was wiping his hands on an oily rag.

2 N‑PLURAL Rags are old torn clothes. □� There were men, women and small children, some dressed in rags.

3 N‑COUNT People refer to a newspaper as a rag when they have a poor opinion of it. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'This man Tom works for a local rag,' he said.

4 →�see also ragged

5 PHRASE You use rags to riches to describe the way in which someone quickly becomes very rich after they have been quite poor. □� His was a rags-to-riches story and people admire that.

6 PHRASE If you describe something as a red rag to a bull , you mean that it is certain to make a particular person or group very angry. [mainly BRIT ] □� This sort of information is like a red rag to a bull for the tobacco companies.

raga /rɑː gə/ (ragas ) N‑COUNT A raga is a piece of Indian music based on a traditional scale or pattern of notes which is also called a raga .

raga|muf|fin /r� gəmʌf I n/ (ragamuffins ) N‑COUNT A ragamuffin is someone, especially a child, who is dirty and has torn clothes. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� They looked like little ragamuffins.

ra g-and-bo ne man (rag-and-bone men ) N‑COUNT A rag-and-bone man is a person who goes from street to street in a vehicle or with a horse and cart buying things such as old clothes and furniture. [BRIT ] in AM, use junkman , junk dealer

rag|bag /r� gb�g/ also rag-bag N‑SING A ragbag of things is a group of things which do not have much in common with each other, but which are being considered together. □�[+�of ] Carol Reed's film follows a ragbag of British army conscripts as they are turned into an efficient unit.

ra g do ll (rag dolls ) N‑COUNT A rag doll is a soft doll made of cloth.

rage ◆◇◇ /re I dʒ/ (rages , raging , raged )

1 N‑VAR Rage is strong anger that is difficult to control. □� He was red-cheeked with rage. □� I flew into a rage.

2 VERB You say that something powerful or unpleasant rages when it continues with great force or violence. □�[V ] Train services were halted as the fire raged for more than four hours. □�[V on ] The war rages on and the time has come to take sides.

3 VERB If you rage about something, you speak or think very angrily about it. □�[V +�about/against/at ] Monroe was on the phone, raging about her mistreatment by the brothers. □�[V ] Inside, Frannie was raging. □�[V with quote] 'I can't see it's any of your business,' he raged.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] You can refer to the strong anger that someone feels in a particular situation as a particular rage , especially when this results in violent or aggressive behaviour. □� Cabin crews are reporting up to nine cases of air rage a week.

5 →�see also road rage

6 N‑SING When something is popular and fashionable, you can say that it is the rage or all the rage . [INFORMAL ] □� The 1950s look is all the rage at the moment.

7 →�see also raging

rag|ga /r� gə/ N‑UNCOUNT Ragga is a style of pop music similar to rap music which began in the West Indies.

rag|ged /r� g I d/

1 ADJ Someone who is ragged looks untidy and is wearing clothes that are old and torn. □� The five survivors eventually reached safety, ragged, half-starved and exhausted. ●� rag|ged|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� �raggedly dressed children.

2 ADJ Ragged clothes are old and torn.

3 ADJ You can say that something is ragged when it is untidy or uneven. □� O'Brien formed the men into a ragged line. ●� rag|ged|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� Some people tried to sing, but their voices soon died raggedly away.

rag|gedy /r� g I di/ ADJ People and things that are raggedy are dirty and untidy. Raggedy clothes are old and torn. [INFORMAL ] □� �an old man in a raggedy topcoat.

rag|ing /re I dʒ I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Raging water moves very forcefully and violently. □� The field trip involved crossing a raging torrent.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Raging fire is very hot and fierce. □� As he came closer he saw a gigantic wall of raging flame before him.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Raging is used to describe things, especially bad things, that are very intense. □� If raging inflation returns, then interest rates will shoot up. □� He felt a raging thirst.

4 →�see also rage

ra|gout /r�guː / (ragouts ) N‑VAR A ragout is a strongly flavoured stew of meat or vegetables or both.

ra g rug (rag rugs ) N‑COUNT A rag rug is a small carpet made of old pieces of cloth stitched or woven together.

rag|tag /r� gt�g/ also rag-tag ADJ [ADJ n] If you want to say that a group of people or an organization is badly organized and not very respectable, you can describe it as a ragtag group or organization. [INFORMAL ] □� We started out with a little rag-tag team of 30 people.

rag|time /r� gta I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Ragtime is a kind of jazz piano music that was invented in America in the early 1900s.

ra g trade N‑SING The rag trade is the business and industry of making and selling clothes, especially women's clothes. □� The rag trade is extremely competitive, and one needs plenty of contacts in order to survive.

raid ◆◇◇ /re I d/ (raids , raiding , raided )

1 VERB When soldiers raid a place, they make a sudden armed attack against it, with the aim of causing damage rather than occupying any of the enemy's land. □�[V n] The guerrillas raided banks and destroyed a police barracks and an electricity substation. ●�N‑COUNT Raid is also a noun. □�[+�on/against ] The rebels attempted a surprise raid on a military camp.

2 →�see also air raid

3 VERB If the police raid a building, they enter it suddenly and by force in order to look for dangerous criminals or for evidence of something illegal, such as drugs or weapons. □�[V n] Fraud squad officers raided the firm's offices. ●�N‑COUNT Raid is also a noun. □�[+�on ] They were arrested early this morning after a raid on a house by thirty armed police.

4 VERB If someone raids a building or place, they enter it by force in order to steal something. [BRIT ] □�[V n] A 19-year-old man has been found guilty of raiding a bank. ●�N‑COUNT Raid is also a noun. □�[+�on ] �an armed raid on a small Post Office.

5 VERB If you raid the fridge or the larder, you take food from it to eat instead of a meal or in between meals. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] She made her way to the kitchen to raid the fridge.

raid|er /re I də r / (raiders )

1 N‑COUNT Raiders are people who enter a building or place by force in order to steal something. [BRIT ] □� The raiders escaped with cash and jewellery.

2 →�see also corporate raider

rail ◆◇◇ /re I l/ (rails , railing , railed )

1 N‑COUNT A rail is a horizontal bar attached to posts or fixed round the edge of something as a fence or support. □� She gripped the thin rail in the lift.

2 N‑COUNT A rail is a horizontal bar that you hang things on. □� This pair of curtains will fit a rail up to 7ft 6in wide.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Rails are the steel bars which trains run on. □� The train left the rails but somehow forced its way back onto the line.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] If you travel or send something byrail , you travel or send it on a train. □� The president traveled by rail to his home town.

5 VERB If you rail against something, you criticize it loudly and angrily. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�against/at ] He railed against hypocrisy and greed.

6 →�see also railing

7 PHRASE If something is back on the rails , it is beginning to be successful again after a period when it almost failed. [JOURNALISM ] □� They are keen to get the negotiating process back on the rails.

8 PHRASE If someone goes off the rails , they start to behave in a way that other people think is unacceptable or very strange, for example they start taking drugs or breaking the law. □� They've got to do something about these children because clearly they've gone off the rails.

rail|card /re I lkɑː r d/ (railcards ) N‑COUNT A railcard is an identity card that allows people to buy train tickets cheaply. [BRIT ]

rail|ing /re I l I ŋ/ (railings )

1 N‑COUNT A fence made from metal bars is called a railing or railings . □� He walked out on to the balcony where he rested his arms on the railing.

2 →�see also rail

rail|road /re I lroʊd/ (railroads , railroading , railroaded )

1 N‑COUNT A railroad is a route between two places along which trains travel on steel rails. [AM ] □� �railroad tracks that led to nowhere. in BRIT, use railway2 N‑COUNT A railroad is a company or organization that operates railway routes. [AM ] □� �The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. in BRIT, use railway3 VERB If you railroad someone into doing something, you make them do it although they do not really want to, by hurrying them and putting pressure on them. □�[V n +�into ] She is a distractingly beautiful actress who has refused to be railroaded into rom-coms. □�[V n through ] He railroaded the reforms through.

rail|way ◆◇◇ /re I lwe I / (railways )

1 N‑COUNT A railway is a route between two places along which trains travel on steel rails. [mainly BRIT ] □� The road ran beside a railway. □� �a disused railway line. in AM, usually use railroad2 N‑COUNT A railway is a company or organization that operates railway routes. [BRIT ] □� �the state-owned French railway. □� �the privatisation of the railways. in AM, use railroad3 N‑COUNT A railway is the system and network of tracks that trains travel on. [mainly AM ]

rail|way|man /re I lwe I mən/ (railwaymen ) N‑COUNT Railwaymen are men who work for the railway. [BRIT ] in AM, use rail workers , railroad workers

rai|ment /re I mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Raiment is clothing. [LITERARY ] □� I want nothing but raiment and daily bread.

rain ◆◆◇ /re I n/ (rains , raining , rained )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Rain is water that falls from the clouds in small drops. □� I hope you didn't get soaked standing out in the rain.

2 N‑PLURAL In countries where rain only falls in certain seasons, this rain is referred to as the rains . □� �the spring, when the rains came.

3 VERB When rain falls, you can say that it is raining . □�[V ] It was raining hard, and she hadn't an umbrella.

4 VERB If someone rains blows, kicks, or bombs on a person or place, the person or place is attacked by many blows, kicks, or bombs. You can also say that blows, kicks, or bombs rain on a person or place. □�[V n +�on ] The police, raining blows on rioters and spectators alike, cleared the park. □�[V +�on ] Rockets, mortars and artillery rounds rained on buildings. ●�PHRASAL VERB Rain down means the same as rain . □�[V P n] Fighter aircraft rained down high explosives. □�[V P +�on ] Grenades and mortars rained down on the city.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone does something rain or shine , you mean that they do it regularly, without being affected by the weather or other circumstances. □� Frances took her daughter walking every day, rain or shine.

▸� rain off PHRASAL VERB If a sports game is rained off , it has to stop, or it is not able to start, because of rain. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed P ] Most of the games have been rained off. □�[V -ed P ] �a rained-off cricket match. in AM, use rain out

▸� rain out PHRASAL VERB If a sports game is rained out , it has to stop, or it is not able to start, because of rain. [AM ] □�[be V -ed P ] Saturday's game was rained out. in BRIT, use rain off COLLOCATIONS rain NOUN 1

noun +�rain : monsoon

adjective +�rain : driving, heavy, pouring, torrential; light

verb +�rain : brave

rain|bow /re I nboʊ/ (rainbows ) N‑COUNT A rainbow is an arch of different colours that you can sometimes see in the sky when it is raining. □� �silk brocade of every colour of the rainbow.

rai n check (rain checks )

1 N‑SING If you say you will take a rain check on an offer or suggestion, you mean that you do not want to accept it now, but you might accept it at another time. □� Can I take a rain check on that?

2 N‑COUNT A rain check is a free ticket that is given to people when an outdoor game or event is stopped because of rain or bad weather, so that they can go to it when it is held again. [AM ]

rain|coat /re I nkoʊt/ (raincoats ) N‑COUNT A raincoat is a waterproof coat.

rain|drop /re I ndrɒp/ (raindrops ) N‑COUNT A raindrop is a single drop of rain.

rain|fall /re I nfɔːl/ N‑UNCOUNT Rainfall is the amount of rain that falls in a place during a particular period. □� There have been four years of below average rainfall.

rain|for|est /re I nfɒr I st, [AM ] -fɔːr-/ (rainforests ) in AM, also use rain forest N‑VAR A rainforest is a thick forest of tall trees which is found in tropical areas where there is a lot of rain.

rain|storm /re I nstɔː r m/ (rainstorms ) N‑COUNT A rainstorm is a fall of very heavy rain. □� His car collided with another car during a heavy rainstorm.

rai n-swept also rainswept ADJ [ADJ n] A rain-swept place is a place where it is raining heavily. □� He looked up and down the rain-swept street.

rain|water /re I nwɔːtə r / N‑UNCOUNT Rainwater is water that has fallen as rain.

rainy /re I ni/ (rainier , rainiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] During a rainy day, season, or period it rains a lot. □� The rainy season in the Andes normally starts in December.

2 PHRASE If you say that you are saving something, especially money, for a rainy day , you mean that you are saving it until a time in the future when you might need it. □� I'll put the rest in the bank for a rainy day.

raise ◆◆◆ /re I z/ (raises , raising , raised )

1 VERB If you raise something, you move it so that it is in a higher position. □�[V n] He raised his hand to wave. □�[V n prep/adv] Milton raised the glass to his lips. □�[V -ed] �a small raised platform.

2 VERB If you raise a flag, you display it by moving it up a pole or into a high place where it can be seen. □�[V n] They had raised the white flag in surrender.

3 VERB If you raiseyourself , you lift your body so that you are standing up straight, or so that you are no longer lying flat. □�[V pron-refl] He raised himself into a sitting position.

4 VERB If you raise the rate or level of something, you increase it. □�[V n] The Republic of Ireland is expected to raise interest rates. □�[V -ed] �a raised body temperature.

5 VERB To raise the standard of something means to improve it. □�[V n] �a new drive to raise standards of literacy in Britain's schools.

6 VERB If you raise your voice , you speak more loudly, usually because you are angry. □�[V n] Don't you raise your voice to me, Henry Rollins!

7 N‑COUNT A raise is an increase in your wages or salary. [AM ] □� Within two months Kelly got a raise. in BRIT, use rise8 VERB If you raise money for a charity or an institution, you ask people for money which you collect on its behalf. □�[V n +�for ] �events held to raise money for Help the Aged.

9 VERB If a person or company raises money that they need, they manage to get it, for example by selling their property or by borrowing. □�[V n] They raised the money to buy the house and two hundred acres of grounds.

10 VERB If an event raises a particular emotion or question, it makes people feel the emotion or consider the question. □�[V n] The agreement has raised hopes that the war may end soon. □�[V n] The accident again raises questions about the safety of the plant.

11 VERB If you raise a subject, an objection, or a question, you mention it or bring it to someone's attention. □�[V n] He had been consulted and had raised no objections.

12 VERB Someone who raises a child looks after it until it is grown up. □�[V n] My mother was an amazing woman. She raised four of us kids virtually singlehandedly.

13 VERB If someone raises a particular type of animal or crop, they breed that type of animal or grow that type of crop. □�[V n] He raises 2,000 acres of wheat and hay.

14to raise the alarm →�see alarm

15to raise your eyebrows →�see eyebrow

16to raise a finger →�see finger

17to raise hell →�see hell

18to raise a laugh →�see laugh

19to raise the roof →�see roof SYNONYMS raise VERB

1

lift:She lifted the last of her drink to her lips.

elevate:Jack elevated the gun at the sky.

4

increase:The company has increased the price of its cars.

elevate:Emotional stress can elevate blood pressure.

inflate:The promotion of a big release can inflate a film's final cost.

augment:While searching for a way to augment the family income, she began making dolls.

rai|sin /re I z ə n/ (raisins ) N‑COUNT Raisins are dried grapes.

rai|son d'etre /re I zɒn de trə/ also raison d'�tre N‑SING [usu with poss] A person's or organization's raison d'etre is the most important reason for them existing in the way that they do. □� �a debate about the raison d'etre of the armed forces.

Raj /rɑʒ / N‑SING The British Raj was the period of British rule in India which ended in 1947. □� �Indian living conditions under the Raj.

rake /re I k/ (rakes , raking , raked )

1 N‑COUNT A rake is a garden tool consisting of a row of metal or wooden teeth attached to a long handle. You can use a rake to make the earth smooth and level before you put plants in, or to gather leaves together.

2 VERB If you rake a surface, you move a rake across it in order to make it smooth and level. □�[V n] Rake the soil, press the seed into it, then cover it lightly.

3 VERB If you rake leaves or ashes, you move them somewhere using a rake or a similar tool. □�[V n adv/prep] I watched the men rake leaves into heaps.

▸� rake in PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is raking in money, you mean that they are making a lot of money very easily, more easily than you think they should. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] The privatisation allowed companies to rake in huge profits. [Also V n P ]

▸� rake over PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is raking over something that has been said, done, or written in the past, you mean that they are examining and discussing it in detail, in a way that you do not think is very pleasant. □�[V P n] Nobody wanted to rake over his past history.

▸� rake up PHRASAL VERB If someone is raking up something unpleasant or embarrassing that happened in the past, they are talking about it when you would prefer them not to mention it. □�[V P n] Raking up the past won't help anyone. [Also V n P ]

raked /re I kt/ ADJ [ADJ n] A raked stage or other surface is sloping, for example so that all the audience can see more clearly. □� The action takes place on a steeply raked stage.

ra ke-off (rake-offs ) N‑COUNT If someone who has helped to arrange a business deal takes or gets a rake-off , they illegally or unfairly take a share of the profits. [INFORMAL ]

rak|ish /re I k I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rakish person or appearance is stylish in a confident, bold way. □� �a soft-brimmed hat which he wore at a rakish angle. ●� rak|ish|ly ADV □� �a hat cocked rakishly over one eye.

ral|ly ◆◇◇ /r� li/ (rallies , rallying , rallied )

1 N‑COUNT A rally is a large public meeting that is held in order to show support for something such as a political party. □� About three thousand people held a rally to mark international human rights day.

2 VERB When people rallyto something or when something rallies them, they unite to support it. □�[V +�to ] His supporters have rallied to his defence. □�[V n] He rallied his own supporters for a fight.

3 VERB When someone or something rallies , they begin to recover or improve after having been weak. □�[V ] He rallied enough to thank his doctors. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Rally is also a noun. □� After a brief rally the shares returned to 126p.

4 N‑COUNT A rally is a competition in which vehicles are driven over public roads. □� �an accomplished rally driver.

5 N‑COUNT A rally in tennis, badminton, or squash is a continuous series of shots that the players exchange without stopping. □� �a long rally.

▸� rally around in BRIT, also use rally round PHRASAL VERB When people rally around or rally round , they work as a group in order to support someone or something at a difficult time. □�[V P ] So many people have rallied round to help the family. □�[V P n] Connie's friends rallied round her.

ra l|ly|ing cry (rallying cries ) N‑COUNT A rallying cry or rallying call is something such as a word or phrase, an event, or a belief which encourages people to unite and to act in support of a particular group or idea. □� �the more political songs such as Meat Is Murder's rallying cry for vegetarianism.

ra l|ly|ing point (rallying points ) N‑COUNT A rallying point is a place, event, or person that people are attracted to as a symbol of a political group or ideal. □� He could serve as a rallying point for unity and independence.

ram /r� m/ (rams , ramming , rammed )

1 VERB If a vehicle rams something such as another vehicle, it crashes into it with a lot of force, usually deliberately. □�[V n] The thieves fled, ramming the police officer's car.

2 VERB If you ram something somewhere, you push it there with great force. □�[V n adv/prep] He rammed the key into the lock and kicked the front door open.

3 N‑COUNT A ram is an adult male sheep.

4 →�see also battering ram

5 PHRASE If something rams home a message or a point, it makes it clear in a way that is very forceful and that people are likely to listen to. □� The report by Marks & Spencer's chairman will ram this point home.

6to ram something down someone's throat →�see throat

RAM /r� m/ N‑UNCOUNT RAM is the part of a computer in which information is stored while you are using it. RAM is an abbreviation for 'Random Access Memory'. [COMPUTING ] □� First examine the amount of RAM in your laptop, as too little can affect sound quality.

Rama|dan /r� məd�n/ N‑UNCOUNT Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year, when Muslims do not eat between the rising and setting of the sun. During Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the fact that it was in this month that God first revealed the words of the Quran to Mohammed.

ram|ble /r� mb ə l/ (rambles , rambling , rambled )

1 N‑COUNT A ramble is a long walk in the countryside. □� �an hour's ramble through the woods.

2 VERB If you ramble , you go on a long walk in the countryside. □�[V adv/prep] �freedom to ramble across the moors.

3 VERB If you say that a person rambles in their speech or writing, you mean they do not make much sense because they keep going off the subject in a confused way. □�[V ] Sometimes she spoke sensibly; sometimes she rambled.

▸� ramble on PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is rambling on , you mean that they have been talking for a long time in a boring and rather confused way. □�[V P ] She only half-listened as Ella rambled on. □�[V P +�about ] He stood in my kitchen, rambling on about Lillian.

ram|bler /r� mblə r / (ramblers ) N‑COUNT A rambler is a person whose hobby is going on long walks in the countryside, often as part of an organized group. [BRIT ]

ram|bling /r� mbl I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rambling building is big and old with an irregular shape. □� �that rambling house and its bizarre contents.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a speech or piece of writing as rambling , you are criticizing it for being too long and very confused. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His actions were accompanied by a rambling monologue.

ram|blings /r� mbl I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] If you describe a speech or piece of writing as someone's ramblings , you are saying that it is meaningless because the person who said or wrote it was very confused or insane. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The official dismissed the speech as the ramblings of a desperate lunatic.

ram|bunc|tious /r�mbʌ ŋkʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rambunctious person is energetic in a cheerful, noisy way. [mainly AM ] □� �a very rambunctious and energetic class. in BRIT, usually use rumbustious

ram|ekin /r� m I k I n/ (ramekins ) N‑COUNT A ramekin or a ramekin dish is a small dish in which food for one person can be baked in the oven.

rami|fi|ca|tion /r� m I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (ramifications ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft with poss] The ramifications of a decision, plan, or event are all its consequences and effects, especially ones which are not obvious at first. □�[+�of ] Consider the long-term ramifications of any loan.

ramp /r� mp/ (ramps ) N‑COUNT A ramp is a sloping surface between two places that are at different levels. □� Lillian was coming down the ramp from the museum.

ram|page (rampages , rampaging , rampaged ) Pronounced /r�mpe I dʒ/ for meaning 1 , and /r� mpe I dʒ/ for meaning 2 . 1 VERB When people or animals rampage through a place, they rush about there in a wild or violent way, causing damage or destruction. □�[V adv/prep] Hundreds of youths rampaged through the town, shop windows were smashed and cars overturned. □�[V -ing] He used a sword to try to defend his shop from a rampaging mob.

2 PHRASE If people go on the rampage , they rush about in a wild or violent way, causing damage or destruction. □� The prisoners went on the rampage destroying everything in their way.

ram|pant /r� mpənt/ ADJ If you describe something bad, such as a crime or disease, as rampant , you mean that it is very common and is increasing in an uncontrolled way. □� Inflation is rampant and industry in decline.

ram|part /r� mpɑː r t/ (ramparts ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The ramparts of a castle or city are the earth walls, often with stone walls on them, that were built to protect it. □� �a walk along the ramparts of the Old City.

ra m-raid (ram-raids , ram-raiding , ram-raided )

1 N‑COUNT A ram-raid is the crime of using a car to drive into and break a shop window in order to steal things from the shop. [BRIT ] □� A shop in Station Road was the target of a ram-raid early yesterday.

2 VERB If people ram-raid , they use a car to drive into and break a shop window in order to steal things from the shop. [BRIT ] □�[V ] The kids who are joyriding and ram-raiding are unemployed. [Also V n] ●� ram-raider (ram-raiders ) N‑COUNT □� Ram-raiders smashed their way into a high-class store.

ram|rod /r� mrɒd/ (ramrods )

1 N‑COUNT A ramrod is a long, thin rod which can be used for pushing something into a narrow tube. Ramrods were used, for example, for forcing an explosive substance down the barrel of an old-fashioned gun, or for cleaning the barrel of a gun.

2 PHRASE If someone sits or stands like a ramrod or straight as a ramrod , they have a very straight back and appear rather stiff and formal. □� �a woman with iron grey hair, high cheekbones and a figure like a ramrod.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has a ramrod back or way of standing, they have a very straight back and hold themselves in a rather stiff and formal way. □� I don't have the ramrod posture I had when I was in the Navy. ●�ADV [ADV adj] Ramrod is also an adverb. □� At 75, she's still ramrod straight.

ram|shack|le /r� mʃ�k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A ramshackle building is badly made or in bad condition, and looks as if it is likely to fall down. □� They entered the shop, which was a curious ramshackle building.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A ramshackle system, union, or collection of things has been put together without much thought and is not likely to work very well. □� They joined with a ramshackle alliance of other rebels.

ran /r� n/ Ran is the past tense of run .

ranch /rɑː ntʃ, r� ntʃ/ (ranches )

1 N‑COUNT A ranch is a large farm used for raising animals, especially cattle, horses, or sheep. □� He lives on a cattle ranch in Australia.

2 →�see also dude ranch

ranch|er /rɑː ntʃə r , r� n-/ (ranchers ) N‑COUNT A rancher is someone who owns or manages a large farm, especially one used for raising cattle, horses, or sheep. □� �a cattle rancher.

ranch|ing /rɑː ntʃ I ŋ, r� n-/ N‑UNCOUNT Ranching is the activity of running a large farm, especially one used for raising cattle, horses, or sheep.

ran|cid /r� ns I d/ ADJ If butter, bacon, or other oily foods are rancid , they have gone bad and taste old and unpleasant. □� Butter is perishable and can go rancid.

ran|cor /r� ŋkər/ →�see rancour

ran|cor|ous /r� ŋkərəs/ ADJ A rancorous argument or person is full of bitterness and anger. [FORMAL ] □� The deal ended after a series of rancorous disputes.

ran|cour /r� ŋkə r / in AM, use rancor N‑UNCOUNT Rancour is a feeling of bitterness and anger. [FORMAL ] □� 'That's too bad,' Teddy said without rancour.

rand /r� nd/ (rands or rand ) N‑COUNT The rand is the unit of currency used in South Africa. □� �12 million rand. ●�N‑SING The rand is also used to refer to the South African currency system. □� The rand slumped by 22% against the dollar.

R&B /ɑː r ən biː / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] R&B is a style of popular music developed in the 1940s from blues music, but using electrically amplified instruments. R&B is an abbreviation for 'rhythm and blues'.

R&D /ɑː r ən diː / also R and D N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/on N ] R&D refers to the research and development work or department within a large company or organization. R&D is an abbreviation for 'Research and Development'. □� Businesses need to train their workers better, and spend more on R&D.

ran|dom /r� ndəm/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A random sample or method is one in which all the people or things involved have an equal chance of being chosen. □� The survey used a random sample of two thousand people across England and Wales. □� The competitors will be subject to random drug testing. ●� ran|dom|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �interviews with a randomly selected sample of thirty girls aged between 13 and 18.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe events as random , you mean that they do not seem to follow a definite plan or pattern. □� �random violence against innocent victims. ●� ran|dom|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �drinks and magazines left scattered randomly around.

3 PHRASE If you choose people or things at random , you do not use any particular method, so they all have an equal chance of being chosen. □� We received several answers, and we picked one at random.

4 PHRASE If something happens at random , it happens without a definite plan or pattern. □� Three people were killed by shots fired at random from a minibus.

ran|dom|ize /r� ndəma I z/ (randomizes , randomizing , randomized ) in BRIT, also use randomise VERB If you randomize the events or people in scientific experiments or academic research, you use a method that gives them all an equal chance of happening or being chosen. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] The wheel is designed with obstacles in the ball's path to randomise its movement. □�[V -ed] Properly randomized studies are only now being completed.

R & R /ɑː r ən ɑː r/ also R and R

1 N‑UNCOUNT R & R refers to time that you spend relaxing, when you are not working. R & R is an abbreviation for 'rest and recreation'. [mainly AM ] □� Winter spas are now the smart set's choice for serious R & R.

2 N‑UNCOUNT R & R refers to time that members of the armed forces spend relaxing, away from their usual duties. R & R is an abbreviation for 'rest and recuperation'. [AM ] □� Twenty-five years ago Pattaya was a sleepy fishing village. Then it was discovered by American soldiers on R & R from Vietnam.

randy /r� ndi/ (randier , randiest ) ADJ Someone who is randy is sexually excited and eager to have sex. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� It was extremely hot and I was feeling rather randy.

rang /r� ŋ/ Rang is the past tense of ring .

range ◆◆◇ /re I ndʒ/ (ranges , ranging , ranged )

1 N‑COUNT A rangeof things is a number of different things of the same general kind. □�[+�of ] A wide range of colours and patterns are available. □�[+�of ] The two men discussed a range of issues.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A range is the complete group that is included between two points on a scale of measurement or quality. □� The average age range is between 35 and 55. □� �properties available in the price range they are looking for.

3 N‑COUNT The rangeof something is the maximum area in which it can reach things or detect things. □�[+�of ] The 120mm mortar has a range of 18,000 yards.

4 VERB If things rangebetween two points or rangefrom one point to another, they vary within these points on a scale of measurement or quality. □�[V from n to n] They range in price from $3 to $15. □�[V from n to n] �offering merchandise ranging from the everyday to the esoteric. □�[V +�between ] �temperatures ranging between 5�C and 20�C.

5 N‑COUNT A range of mountains or hills is a line of them. □� �the massive mountain ranges to the north.

6 N‑COUNT A rifle range or a shooting range is a place where people can practise shooting at targets. □� It reminds me of my days on the rifle range preparing for duty in Vietnam.

7 N‑COUNT A range or kitchen range is an old-fashioned metal cooker. [BRIT ]

8 N‑COUNT A range or kitchen range is a large metal device for cooking food using gas or electricity. A range consists of a grill, an oven, and some gas or electric rings. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use cooker9 →�see also free-range

10 PHRASE If something is in range or within range , it is near enough to be reached or detected. If it is out of range , it is too far away to be reached or detected. □� Cars are driven through the mess, splashing everyone in range. □� �a base within range of enemy missiles. □� The fish stayed 50 yards offshore, well out of range.

11 PHRASE If you see or hit something at close range or from close range , you are very close to it when you see it or hit it. If you do something at a range of half a mile, for example, you are half a mile away from it when you do it. □� He was shot in the head at close range. □� The enemy opened fire at a range of only 20 yards.

range|finder /re I ndʒfa I ndə r / (rangefinders ) N‑COUNT A rangefinder is an instrument, usually part of a camera or a piece of military equipment, that measures the distance between things that are far away from each other.

rang|er /re I ndʒə r / (rangers ) N‑COUNT A ranger is a person whose job is to look after a forest or large park. □� Bill Justice is a park ranger at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

rangy /re I ndʒi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or animal as rangy , you mean that they have long, thin, powerful legs. [WRITTEN ] □� �a tall, rangy, redheaded girl.

rank ◆◇◇ /r� ŋk/ (ranker , rankest , ranks , ranking , ranked )

1 N‑VAR Someone's rank is the position or grade that they have in an organization. □�[+�of ] He eventually rose to the rank of captain. □� The former head of counter-intelligence had been stripped of his rank and privileges.

2 N‑VAR Someone's rank is the social class, especially the high social class, that they belong to. [FORMAL ] □� He must be treated as a hostage of high rank, not as a common prisoner.

3 VERB If an official organization ranks someone or something 1st, 5th, or 50th, for example, they calculate that the person or thing has that position on a scale. You can also say that someone or something ranks 1st, 5th, or 50th, for example. □�[V n ord +�in/out of ] The report ranks the U.K. 20th out of 22 advanced nations. □�[be V -ed +�in ] She was ranked in the top 50 of the women's world rankings. □�[V +�in/among ] Mr Short does not even rank in the world's top ten.

4 VERB If you say that someone or something ranks high or low on a scale or if you rank them high or low, you are saying how good or important you think they are. □�[V adj +�among ] His prices rank high among those of other contemporary photographers. □�[V n adj +�among ] Investors ranked South Korea high among Asian nations. □�[V as adj] St Petersburg's night life ranks as more exciting than the capital's. □�[V n as adj] 18 per cent of women ranked sex as very important in their lives. □�[V +�as ] The Ritz-Carlton in Aspen has to rank as one of the most extraordinary hotels I have ever been to. [Also V n among n, V among n, V n as n]

5 N‑PLURAL The ranks of a group or organization are the people who belong to it. □�[+�of ] There were some misgivings within the ranks of the media too.

6 N‑PLURAL [oft prep N ] The ranks are the ordinary members of an organization, especially of the armed forces. □� Most store managers have worked their way up through the ranks.

7 N‑COUNT A rankof people or things is a row of them. □�[+�of ] Ranks of police in riot gear stood nervously by.

8 N‑COUNT A taxirank is a place on a city street where taxis park when they are available for hire. [mainly BRIT ] □� The man led the way to the taxi rank. in AM, use stand9 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use rank to emphasize a bad or undesirable quality that exists in an extreme form. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He called it 'rank hypocrisy' that the government was now promoting equal rights.

10 ADJ You can describe something as rank when it has a strong and unpleasant smell. [OLD-FASHIONED , WRITTEN ] □� The kitchen was rank with the smell of drying uniforms. □� �the rank smell of unwashed clothes.

11 PHRASE If you say that a member of a group or organization breaks ranks , you mean that they disobey the instructions of their group or organization. □� She broke ranks with her father's old party when she stood as an independent.

12 PHRASE If you say that the members of a group close ranks , you mean that they are supporting each other only because their group is being criticized. □� Institutions tend to close ranks when a member has been accused of misconduct.

13 PHRASE If you experience something, usually something bad, that other people have experienced, you can say that you have joined their ranks . □� Last month, 370,000 Americans joined the ranks of the unemployed.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone in authority pulls rank , you mean that they unfairly force other people to do what they want because of their higher rank or position. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Captain pulled rank and made his sergeant row the entire way.

ra nk and fi le N‑SING Therank and file are the ordinary members of an organization or the ordinary workers in a company, as opposed to its leaders or managers. [JOURNALISM ] □� There was widespread support for him among the rank and file.

-ranked /-r�ŋkt/ COMB [ADJ n] -ranked is added to words, usually numbers like 'first', 'second', and 'third', to form adjectives which indicate what position someone or something has in a list or scale. □� She is Canada's second-ranked sprinter. □� �the world's ten highest-ranked players.

rank|ing ◆◇◇ /r� ŋk I ŋ/ (rankings )

1 N‑PLURAL In many sports, the list of the best players made by an official organization is called the rankings . □� �the 25 leading teams in the world rankings.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's ranking is their position in an official list of the best players of a sport. □�[+�of ] Agassi was playing well above his world ranking of 12.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The ranking member of a group, usually a political group, is the most senior person in it. [AM ] □� �the ranking Republican on the senate intelligence committee.

-ranking /-r�ŋk I ŋ/ COMB [ADJ n] -ranking is used to form adjectives which indicate what rank someone has in an organization. □� �a colonel on trial with three lower-ranking officers.

ran|kle /r� ŋk ə l/ (rankles , rankling , rankled ) VERB If an event or situation rankles , it makes you feel angry or bitter afterwards, because you think it was unfair or wrong. □�[V ] They paid him only �10 for it and it really rankled. □�[V +�with ] Britain's refusal to sell Portugal arms in 1937 still rankled with him. □�[V n] The only thing that rankles me is what she says about Ireland.

ran|sack /r� ns�k/ (ransacks , ransacking , ransacked ) VERB If people ransack a building, they damage things in it or make it very untidy, often because they are looking for something in a quick and careless way. □�[V n] Demonstrators ransacked and burned the house where he was staying. ●� ran|sack|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] �the ransacking of the opposition party's offices.

ran|som /r� nsəm/ (ransoms , ransoming , ransomed )

1 N‑VAR A ransom is the money that has to be paid to someone so that they will set free a person they have kidnapped. □� Her kidnapper successfully extorted a �175,000 ransom for her release.

2 VERB If you ransom someone who has been kidnapped, you pay the money to set them free. □�[V n] The same system was used for ransoming or exchanging captives.

3 PHRASE If a kidnapper isholding someone to ransom or holding them ransom in British English, or isholding a person for ransom in American English, they keep that person prisoner until they are given what they want. □� He is charged with kidnapping a businessman last year and holding him for ransom.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone is holding you to ransom in British English, or holding you for ransom in American English, you mean that they are using their power to try to force you to do something which you do not want to do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was accused of trying to hold Arsenal to ransom over a new contract.

ran|som|ware /r� nsəmweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Ransomware is illegal computer software that stops a computer from working or prevents the computer user from getting information until they have paid some money. □� You need to protect your computer from ransomware.

rant /r� nt/ (rants , ranting , ranted )

1 VERB If you say that someone rants , you mean that they talk loudly or angrily, and exaggerate or say foolish things. □�[V ] As the boss began to rant, I stood up and went out. □�[V +�on ] Even their three dogs got bored and fell asleep as he ranted on. □�[V with quote] 'Let's get it over and done with!' he ranted. ●�N‑COUNT Rant is also a noun. □� Part I is a rant against organised religion. ●� rant|ing (rantings ) N‑VAR □� He had been listening to Goldstone's rantings all night.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone rants and raves , you mean that they talk loudly and angrily in an uncontrolled way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I don't rant and rave or throw tea cups.

rap /r� p/ (raps , rapping , rapped )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Rap is a type of music in which the words are not sung but are spoken in a rapid, rhythmic way. □� �a rap group.

2 VERB Someone who raps performs rap music. □�[V ] �the unexpected pleasure of hearing the band not only rap but even sing.

3 N‑COUNT A rap is a piece of music performed in rap style, or the words that are used in it. □� Every member contributes to the rap, singing either solo or as part of a rap chorus.

4 VERB If you rapon something or rap it, you hit it with a series of quick blows. □�[V +�on ] Mary Ann turned and rapped on Simon's door. □�[V n] �rapping the glass with the knuckles of his right hand. □�[V n +�on ] A guard raps his stick on a metal hand rail. ●�N‑COUNT Rap is also a noun. □�[+�on ] There was a sharp rap on the door.

5 N‑COUNT A rap is a statement in a court of law that someone has committed a particular crime, or the punishment for committing it. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� You'll be facing a rap for aiding and abetting an escaped convict.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A rap is an act of criticizing or blaming someone. [JOURNALISM ] □� FA chiefs could still face a rap and a possible fine.

7 VERB If you rap someone for something, you criticize or blame them for it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[be V -ed +�for/over ] Water industry chiefs were rapped yesterday for failing their customers.

8 N‑SING Therap about someone or something is their reputation, often a bad reputation which they do not deserve. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] The rap on this guy is that he doesn't really care.

9 PHRASE If someone in authority raps your knuckles or raps you on the knuckles , they criticize you or blame you for doing something they think is wrong. [JOURNALISM ] □� I joined the workers on strike and was rapped over the knuckles.

10 PHRASE If someone in authority gives you a rap on the knuckles , they criticize you or blame you for doing something they think is wrong. [JOURNALISM ] □� The remark earned him a rap on the knuckles.

11 PHRASE If you take the rap , you are blamed or punished for something, especially something that is not your fault or for which other people are equally guilty. [INFORMAL ] □� When the money went missing, she took the rap, but did she really do it?

ra|pa|cious /rəpe I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or their behaviour as rapacious , you disapprove of their greedy or selfish behaviour. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a rapacious exploitation policy.

ra|pac|ity /rəp� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Rapacity is very greedy or selfish behaviour. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Overcrowded cities were the product of a system based on selfishness and rapacity.

rape ◆◇◇ /re I p/ (rapes , raping , raped )

1 VERB If someone is raped , they are forced to have sex, usually by violence or threats of violence. □�[be V -ed] A young woman was brutally raped in her own home. □�[V n] They'd held him down and raped him.

2 N‑VAR Rape is the crime of forcing someone to have sex. □� Almost ninety per cent of all rapes and violent assaults went unreported.

3 N‑SING The rape of an area or of a country is the destruction or spoiling of it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] As a result of the rape of the forests, parts of the country are now short of water.

4Rape is a plant with yellow flowers which is grown as a crop. Its seeds are crushed to make cooking oil. [AM ] in BRIT, use oilseed rape5 →�see also date rape , gang rape , oilseed rape

rap|id ◆◆◇ /r� p I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rapid change is one that happens very quickly. □� �the country's rapid economic growth in the 1980s. □� �the rapid decline in the birth rate. ●� rap|id|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� �countries with rapidly growing populations. ●� ra|pid|ity /rəp I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the rapidity with which the weather can change.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rapid movement is one that is very fast. □� He walked at a rapid pace along Charles Street. □� �the St John Ambulance Air Wing, formed to provide for the rapid transport of patients in urgent need of specialist attention. ●� rap|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He was moving rapidly around the room. ●� ra|pid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� The water rushed through the holes with great rapidity.

ra pid-fi re

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A rapid-fire gun is one that shoots a lot of bullets very quickly, one after the other. □� In the back of the truck was a 12.7 millimeter rapid-fire machine gun.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A rapid-fire conversation or speech is one in which people talk or reply very quickly. □� Yul listened to their sophisticated, rapid-fire conversation.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A rapid-fire economic activity or development is one that takes place very quickly. [mainly AM , JOURNALISM ] □� �the rapid-fire buying and selling of stocks.

rap|ids /r� p I dz/ N‑PLURAL Rapids are a section of a river where the water moves very fast, often over rocks. □� His canoe was there, on the river below the rapids.

ra p|id tra ns|it ADJ [ADJ n] A rapid transit system is a transport system in a city which allows people to travel quickly, using trains that run underground or above the streets. □� �a rapid transit link with the City and London's underground system.

ra|pi|er /re I pie r / (rapiers )

1 N‑COUNT A rapier is a very thin sword with a long sharp point.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone has a rapier wit, you mean that they are very intelligent and quick at making clever comments or jokes in a conversation. □� The journalist is famous for her precocity and rapier wit.

rap|ist /re I p I st/ (rapists ) N‑COUNT A rapist is a man who has raped someone. □� The convicted murderer and rapist is scheduled to be executed next Friday.

rap|pel /r�pe l/ (rappels , rappelling , rappelled ) VERB To rappel down a cliff or rock face means to slide down it in a controlled way using a rope, with your feet against the cliff or rock. [AM ] □�[V prep] They learned to rappel down a cliff. in BRIT, use abseil

rap|per /r� pə r / (rappers ) N‑COUNT A rapper is a person who performs rap music. □� �rappers like MC Hammer.

rap|port /r�pɔː r / N‑SING If two people or groups have a rapport , they have a good relationship in which they are able to understand each other's ideas or feelings very well. □�[+�with ] He said he wanted 'to establish a rapport with the Indian people'. □�[+�between ] The success depends on good rapport between interviewer and interviewee.

rap|por|teur /r� pɔː r tɜː r / (rapporteurs ) N‑COUNT A rapporteur is a person who is officially appointed by an organization to investigate a problem or attend a meeting and to report on it. [FORMAL ] □� �the United Nations special rapporteur on torture.

rap|proche|ment /r�prɒ ʃmɒn, [AM ] -proʊ ʃ-/ N‑SING A rapprochement is an increase in friendliness between two countries, groups, or people, especially after a period of unfriendliness. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] Cuba released 53 dissidents after its historic rapprochement with America. □�[+�between ] �the process of political rapprochement between the two former foes.

rapt /r� pt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone watches or listens with rapt attention, they are extremely interested or fascinated. [LITERARY ] □� I noticed that everyone was watching me with rapt attention. ●� rapt|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �listening raptly to stories about fascinating people.

rap|tor /r� ptə r / (raptors ) N‑COUNT Raptors are birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks. [TECHNICAL ]

rap|ture /r� ptʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Rapture is a feeling of extreme happiness or pleasure. [LITERARY ] □� The film was shown to gasps of rapture at the Democratic Convention.

rap|tures /r� ptʃə r z/ PHRASE If you are in raptures or go into raptures about something, you are extremely impressed by it and enthusiastic about it. [mainly BRIT , WRITTEN ] □� They will be in raptures over the French countryside.

rap|tur|ous /r� ptʃərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rapturous feeling or reaction is one of extreme happiness or enthusiasm. [JOURNALISM ] □� The students gave him a rapturous welcome.

rare ◆◇◇ /reə r / (rarer , rarest )

1 ADJ Something that is rare is not common and is therefore interesting or valuable. □� �the black-necked crane, one of the rarest species in the world. □� She collects rare plants.

2 ADJ An event or situation that is rare does not occur very often. □� �on those rare occasions when he did eat alone. □� Heart attacks were extremely rare in babies, he said.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use rare to emphasize an extremely good or remarkable quality. [EMPHASIS ] □� Ferris has a rare ability to record her observations on paper.

4 ADJ Meat that is rare is cooked very lightly so that the inside is still red. □� Thick tuna steaks are eaten rare, like beef. SYNONYMS rare ADJ 1

unusual:To be appreciated as a parent is quite unusual.

uncommon:A 15-year lifespan is not uncommon for a dog.

exceptional:�if the courts hold that this case is exceptional.

rar|efied /reə r I fa I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you talk about the rarefied atmosphere of a place or institution, you are expressing your disapproval of it, because it has a special social or academic status that makes it very different from ordinary life. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the rarefied atmosphere of the property market in Belgravia, Chelsea and Mayfair.

2 ADJ Rarefied air is air that does not contain much oxygen, for example in mountain areas. □� �living at very high altitudes where the atmosphere is rarefied.

rare|ly ◆◇◇ /reə r li/ ADV [ADV before v] If something rarely happens, it does not happen very often. □� June and her daughters laughed a lot and rarely fought. □� Money was plentiful, and rarely did anyone seem very bothered about levels of expenditure. SYNONYMS rarely ADV

seldom:They seldom speak.

hardly:Hardly a day goes by without a visit from someone.

infrequently:The bridge is used infrequently.

rar|ing /reə r I ŋ/

1 PHRASE If you say that you are raring to go , you mean that you are very eager to start doing something. □� After a good night's sleep, Paul said he was raring to go.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are raringto do something or are raringfor it, you are very eager to do it or very eager that it should happen. □� He is raring to charge into the fray and lay down the law. □� Baker suggested the administration wasn't raring for a fight.

rar|ity /reə r I ti/ (rarities )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone or something is a rarity , they are interesting or valuable because they are so unusual. [JOURNALISM ] □� Sontag has always been that rarity, a glamorous intellectual.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] The rarity of something is the fact that it is very uncommon. □� It was a real prize due to its rarity and good condition.

ras|cal /rɑː sk ə l, r� s-/ (rascals ) N‑COUNT If you call a man or child a rascal , you mean that they behave badly and are rude or dishonest. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� What's that old rascal been telling you?

ras|cal|ly /rɑː skəli, r� s-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as a rascally person, you mean that they behave badly and are wicked or dishonest. [LITERARY ] □� They stumble across a ghost town inhabited by a rascally gold prospector.

rash /r� ʃ/ (rashes )

1 ADJ If someone is rash or does rash things, they act without thinking carefully first, and therefore make mistakes or behave foolishly. □� It would be rash to rely on such evidence. □� The Prime Minister is making no rash promises. ●� rash|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� I made quite a lot of money, but I rashly gave most of it away. ●� rash|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� With characteristic rashness and valor, he plunged into the icy water.

2 N‑COUNT A rash is an area of red spots that appears on your skin when you are ill or have a bad reaction to something that you have eaten or touched. □� He may break out in a rash when he eats these nuts.

3 N‑SING If you talk about a rash of events or things, you mean a large number of unpleasant events or undesirable things, which have happened or appeared within a short period of time. □�[+�of ] �one of the few major airlines left untouched by the industry's rash of takeovers.

rash|er /r� ʃə r / (rashers ) N‑COUNT A rasher of bacon is a slice of bacon. [BRIT ] in AM, use slice

rasp /rɑː sp, r� sp/ (rasps , rasping , rasped )

1 VERB If someone rasps , their voice or breathing is harsh and unpleasant to listen to. □�[V with quote] 'Where've you put it?' he rasped. □�[V ] He fell back into the water, his breath rasping in his heaving chest. ●�N‑SING Rasp is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He was still laughing when he heard the rasp of Rennie's voice.

2 VERB If something rasps or if you rasp it, it makes a harsh, unpleasant sound as it rubs against something hard or rough. □�[V prep] Sabres rasped from scabbards and the horsemen spurred forward. □�[V n prep] Foden rasped a hand across his chin. ●�N‑SING Rasp is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the rasp of something being drawn across the sand.

rasp|berry /rɑː zbri, [AM ] r� zberi/ (raspberries ) N‑COUNT Raspberries are small, soft, red fruit that grow on bushes.

raspy /rɑː spi, r� s-/ ADJ If someone has a raspy voice, they make rough sounds as if they have a sore throat or have difficulty in breathing. [LITERARY ] □� Both men sang in a deep, raspy tone.

Ras|ta /r� stə/ (Rastas )

1 N‑COUNT A Rasta is the same as a Rastafarian . [INFORMAL ] □� Ethiopia is Zion - the Rastas' promised land.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Rasta means the same as Rastafarian . [INFORMAL ] □� He comes from Camden but was brought up in Rasta culture by his Jamaican father.

Ras|ta|far|ian /r� stəfeə riən/ (Rastafarians )

1 N‑COUNT A Rastafarian is a member of a Jamaican religious group which considers Haile Selassie, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, to be God. Rastafarians often have long hair which they wear in a hairstyle called dreadlocks. □� He was one of the few thousand committed Rastafarians in South Africa.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Rastafarian is used to describe Rastafarians and their beliefs and lifestyle. □� �Rastafarian poet Benjamin Zephaniah.

rat /r� t/ (rats , ratting , ratted )

1 N‑COUNT A rat is an animal which has a long tail and looks like a large mouse. □� This was demonstrated in a laboratory experiment with rats.

2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a rat , you mean that you are angry with them or dislike them, often because they have cheated you or betrayed you. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� What did you do with the gun you took from that little rat Turner?

3 VERB If someone rats on you, they tell someone in authority about things that you have done, especially bad things. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�on ] They were accused of encouraging children to rat on their parents.

4 VERB If someone rats on an agreement, they do not do what they said they would do. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�on ] She claims he ratted on their deal.

5 PHRASE If you smell a rat , you begin to suspect or realize that something is wrong in a particular situation, for example that someone is trying to deceive you or harm you. □� If I don't send a picture, he will smell a rat.

ra|ta /rɑː tə/ →�see pro rata

ra t-a-tat N‑SING ; N‑COUNT You use rat-a-tat to represent a series of sharp, repeated sounds, for example the sound of someone knocking at a door. □� �the rat-a-tat at the door.

ra|ta|touille /r� tətuː i/ N‑UNCOUNT Ratatouille is a cooked dish made with vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, aubergines, courgettes, and peppers.

rat|bag /r� tb�g/ (ratbags ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a ratbag , you are insulting them. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Lying ratbags, that's what they are.

ratch|et /r� tʃ I t/ (ratchets , ratcheting , ratcheted )

1 N‑COUNT In a tool or machine, a ratchet is a wheel or bar with sloping teeth, which can move only in one direction, because a piece of metal stops the teeth from moving backwards. □� The chair has a ratchet below it to adjust the height.

2 VERB If a tool or machine ratchets or if you ratchet it, it makes a clicking noise as it operates, because it has a ratchet in it. □�[V ] The rod bent double, the reel shrieked and ratcheted. □�[V n] She took up a sheet and ratcheted it into the typewriter.

3 N‑SING If you describe a situation as a ratchet , you mean that it is bad and can only become worse. [mainly BRIT ] □� �another raising of the ratchet of violence in the conflict.

▸� ratchet down PHRASAL VERB If something ratchets down or is ratcheted down , it decreases by a fixed amount or degree, and seems unlikely to increase again. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □�[V P n] We're trying to ratchet down the administrative costs. [Also V n P ]

▸� ratchet up PHRASAL VERB If something ratchets up or is ratcheted up , it increases by a fixed amount or degree, and seems unlikely to decrease again. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V P n] �an attempt to ratchet up the pressure. □�[V P ] He fears inflation will ratchet up as the year ends.

rate ◆◆◆ /re I t/ (rates , rating , rated )

1 N‑COUNT The rate at which something happens is the speed with which it happens. □� The rate at which hair grows can be agonisingly slow. □� The world's tropical forests are disappearing at an even faster rate than experts had thought.

2 N‑COUNT The rate at which something happens is the number of times it happens over a period of time or in a particular group. □�[+�of ] New diet books appear at a rate of nearly one a week. □� His heart rate was 30 beats per minute slower.

3 N‑COUNT A rate is the amount of money that is charged for goods or services. □� Calls cost 36p per minute cheap rate and 48p at all other times. □� �specially reduced rates for travellers using Gatwick Airport.

4 →�see also exchange rate

5 N‑COUNT The rate of taxation or interest is the amount of tax or interest that needs to be paid. It is expressed as a percentage of the amount that is earned, gained as profit, or borrowed. [BUSINESS ] □� The government insisted that it would not be panicked into interest rate cuts.

6 VERB [no cont] If you rate someone or something as good or bad, you consider them to be good or bad. You can also say that someone or something rates as good or bad. □�[V n adj] Of all the men in the survey, they rate themselves the most responsible. □�[V n n] Most rated it a hit. □�[V n +�as ] We rate him as one of the best. □�[V n adv] She rated the course highly. □�[V adv prep] Reading books does not rate highly among Britons as a leisure activity. □�[V -ed] �the most highly rated player in English football.

7 VERB If you rate someone or something, you think that they are good. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] It's flattering to know that other clubs have shown interest and seem to rate me.

8 V-PASSIVE [no cont] If someone or something is rated at a particular position or rank, they are calculated or considered to be in that position on a list. □�[be V -ed n] He is generally rated Italy's No. 3 industrialist. □�[be V -ed ord] He came here rated 100th on the tennis computer.

9 VERB [no cont] If you say that someone or something rates a particular reaction, you mean that this is the reaction you consider to be appropriate. □�[V n] Their national golf championship barely rated a mention.

10 →�see also rating

11 PHRASE You use at any rate to indicate that what you have just said might be incorrect or unclear in some way, and that you are now being more precise. □� She modestly suggests that 'sex, or at any rate gender, may account for the difference'.

12 PHRASE You use at any rate to indicate that the important thing is what you are saying now, and not what was said before. □� Well, at any rate, let me thank you for all you did.

13 PHRASE If you say that at this rate something bad or extreme will happen, you mean that it will happen if things continue to develop as they have been doing. □� At this rate they'd be lucky to get home before eight-thirty or nine. SYNONYMS rate NOUN 1

speed:In the late 1850s the speed of technological change quickened.

pace:Many people were not satisfied with the pace of change.

tempo:�the slow tempo of change in an overwhelmingly rural country.

rate|able value /re I təb ə l v� ljuː/ (rateable values ) N‑COUNT In Britain, the rateable value of a building was a value based on its size and facilities, which was used in calculating local taxes called rates.

ra te-cap (rate-caps , rate-capping , rate-capped )

1 VERB [usu passive] In Britain, when a local council was rate-capped , the government prevented it from increasing local taxes called rates, in order to force the council to reduce its spending or make it more efficient. □�[be V -ed] Notts County Council is to cut 200 jobs in a bid to escape being rate-capped. ●� rate-capping N‑UNCOUNT □� The project is seriously threatened by rate-capping.

2 N‑COUNT A rate cap is a limit placed by the government on the amount of interest that banks or credit card companies can charge their customers. [AM ]

ra te of ex|cha nge (rates of exchange ) N‑COUNT A rate of exchange is the same as an exchange rate . □� �four thousand dinars�about four hundred dollars at the official rate of exchange.

ra te of re|tu rn (rates of return ) N‑COUNT The rate of return on an investment is the amount of profit it makes, often shown as a percentage of the original investment. [BUSINESS ] □� High rates of return can be earned on these investments.

rate|payer /re I tpe I ə r / (ratepayers )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a ratepayer was a person who owned or rented property and therefore had to pay local taxes called rates. The citizens of a district are sometimes still called the ratepayers when their interests and the use of local taxes are being considered.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a ratepayer is a person whose property is served by an electricity, water, or phone company, and who pays for these services.

ra|ther ◆◆◆ /rɑː �ə r , r� �-/

1 PHRASE You use rather than when you are contrasting two things or situations. Rather than introduces the thing or situation that is not true or that you do not want. □� The problem was psychological rather than physiological. □� When I'm going out in the evening I use the bike if I can rather than the car. ●�CONJ Rather is also a conjunction. □� She made students think for themselves, rather than telling them what to think.

2 ADV You use rather when you are correcting something that you have just said, especially when you are describing a particular situation after saying what it is not. □� He explained what the Crux is, or rather, what it was.

3 PHRASE If you say that you would rather do something or you 'd rather do it, you mean that you would prefer to do it. If you say that you would rather not do something, you mean that you do not want to do it. □� If it's all the same to you, I'd rather work at home. □� Kids would rather play than study. □� I would rather Lionel took it on. □� Sorry. I'd rather not talk about it. □�[MODAL not ] Would you like that? Don't hesitate to say no if you'd rather not.

4 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use rather to indicate that something is true to a fairly great extent, especially when you are talking about something unpleasant or undesirable. □� I grew up in rather unusual circumstances. □� The first speaker began to talk, very fast and rather loudly. □� I'm afraid it's rather a long story. □� The reality is rather more complex. □� The fruit is rather like a sweet chestnut.

5 ADV [ADV before v] You use rather before verbs that introduce your thoughts and feelings, in order to express your opinion politely, especially when a different opinion has been expressed. [POLITENESS ] □� I rather think he was telling the truth.

rati|fi|ca|tion /r� t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (ratifications ) N‑VAR [usu sing] The ratification of a treaty or written agreement is the process of ratifying it. □�[+�of ] The E.U. will now complete ratification of the treaty by June 1.

rati|fy /r� t I fa I / (ratifies , ratifying , ratified ) VERB When national leaders or organizations ratify a treaty or written agreement, they make it official by giving their formal approval to it, usually by signing it or voting for it. □�[V n] The parliaments of Australia and Indonesia have yet to ratify the treaty.

rat|ing ◆◇◇ /re I t I ŋ/ (ratings )

1 N‑COUNT A rating of something is a score or measurement of how good or popular it is. □� �a value-for-money rating of ten out of ten.

2 →�see also credit rating

3 N‑PLURAL The ratings are the statistics published each week which show how popular each television programme is. □� CBS's ratings again showed huge improvement over the previous year. COLLOCATIONS rating NOUN

1

noun +�rating : approval, popularity, satisfaction; player, poll, safety, star

adjective +�rating : average, high, low, top; overall

verb +�rating : achieve, earn, receive; give

3

noun +�rating : audience, TV

adjective +�rating : dismal, poor; good, solid

verb +�rating : boost

ra|tio /re I ʃioʊ, [AM ] -ʃoʊ/ (ratios ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A ratio is a relationship between two things when it is expressed in numbers or amounts. For example, if there are ten boys and thirty girls in a room, the ratio of boys to girls is 1:3, or one to three. □� The adult to child ratio is 1 to 6.

ra|tion /r� ʃ ə n/ (rations , rationing , rationed )

1 N‑COUNT When there is not enough of something, your ration of it is the amount that you are allowed to have. □� The meat ration was down to one pound per person per week.

2 VERB When something is rationed by a person or government, you are only allowed to have a limited amount of it, usually because there is not enough of it. □�[be V -ed] Staples such as bread, rice and tea are already being rationed. □�[V n] �the decision to ration food. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Motorists will be rationed to thirty litres of petrol a month. [Also V n +�to ]

3 N‑PLURAL Rations are the food which is given to people who do not have enough food or to soldiers. □� The first emergency food rations were handed out here last month.

4 N‑COUNT Your rationof something is the amount of it that you normally have. □�[+�of ] I'm wondering if it's too early to eat my ration of dark chocolate.

5 →�see also rationing

ra|tion|al /r� ʃənəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Rational decisions and thoughts are based on reason rather than on emotion. □� He's asking you to look at both sides of the case and come to a rational decision. ●� ra|tion|al|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� It can be very hard to think rationally when you're feeling so vulnerable and alone. ●� ra|tion|al|ity /r�ʃən� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� We live in an era of rationality.

2 ADJ A rational person is someone who is sensible and is able to make decisions based on intelligent thinking rather than on emotion. □� Did he come across as a sane rational person?

ra|tion|ale /r� ʃənɑː l, -n� l/ (rationales ) N‑COUNT The rationale for a course of action, practice, or belief is the set of reasons on which it is based. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] However, the rationale for such initiatives is not, of course, solely economic.

ra|tion|al|ism /r� ʃənəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Rationalism is the belief that your life should be based on reason and logic, rather than emotions or religious beliefs. □� Coleridge was to spend the next thirty years attacking rationalism.

ra|tion|al|ist /r� ʃənəl I st/ (rationalists )

1 ADJ If you describe someone as rationalist , you mean that their beliefs are based on reason and logic rather than emotion or religion. □� White was both visionary and rationalist.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a rationalist , you mean that they base their life on rationalist beliefs.

3 →�see also rationalism

ra|tion|al|ize /r� ʃənəla I z/ (rationalizes , rationalizing , rationalized ) in BRIT, also use rationalise1 VERB If you try to rationalize attitudes or actions that are difficult to accept, you think of reasons to justify or explain them. □�[V n] He rationalized his activity by convincing himself that he was promoting peace.

2 VERB [usu passive] When a company, system, or industry is rationalized , it is made more efficient, usually by getting rid of staff and equipment that are not essential. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □�[be V -ed] The network of 366 local offices is being rationalised to leave the company with 150 larger branch offices. ●� ra|tion|ali|za|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the rationalization of the textile industry.

ra|tion|ing /r� ʃən I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Rationing is the system of limiting the amount of food, water, petrol, or other necessary substances that each person is allowed to have or buy when there is not enough of them. □� The municipal authorities here are preparing for food rationing.

ra t pack N‑SING People sometimes refer to the group of journalists and photographers who follow famous people around as therat pack , especially when they think that their behaviour is unacceptable. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ]

ra t race N‑SING If you talk about getting out of the rat race , you mean leaving a job or way of life in which people compete aggressively with each other to be successful. □� I had to get out of the rat race and take a look at the real world again.

ra t run (rat runs ) N‑COUNT A rat run is a small street which drivers use during busy times in order to avoid heavy traffic on the main roads. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

rat|tan /r�t� n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Rattan furniture is made from the woven strips of stems of a plant which grows in South East Asia. □� �a light airy room set with cloth-covered tables and rattan chairs.

rat|tle /r� t ə l/ (rattles , rattling , rattled )

1 VERB When something rattles or when you rattle it, it makes short sharp knocking sounds because it is being shaken or it keeps hitting against something hard. □�[V ] She slams the kitchen door so hard I hear dishes rattle. □�[V n] He gently rattled the cage and whispered to the canary. ●�N‑COUNT Rattle is also a noun. □�[+�of ] There was a rattle of rifle-fire. ●� rat|tling N‑SING □� At that moment, there was a rattling at the door.

2 N‑COUNT A rattle is a baby's toy with loose bits inside which make a noise when the baby shakes it.

3 N‑COUNT A rattle is a wooden instrument that people shake to make a loud knocking noise at football matches or tribal ceremonies.

4 VERB If something or someone rattles you, they make you nervous. □�[be V -ed +�by ] She refused to be rattled by his �3,000-a-day lawyer. ●� rat|tled ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� He swore in Spanish, another indication that he was rattled.

5 VERB You can say that a bus, train, or car rattles somewhere when it moves noisily from one place to another. □�[V prep/adv] The bus from Odense rattled into a dusty village called Pozo Almonte.

▸� rattle around PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone rattles around in a room or other space, you mean that the space is too large for them. □�[V P +�in ] We don't want to move, but we're rattling around in our large house. [Also V P n]

▸� rattle off PHRASAL VERB If you rattle off something, you say it or do it very quickly and without much effort. □�[V P n] I started writing a blog on the season and, within two days, I had rattled off 10,000 words. [Also V n P ]

▸� rattle through PHRASAL VERB If you rattle through something, you deal with it quickly in order to finish it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] She rattled through a translation from Virgil's Aeneid.

rat|tler /r� tlə r / (rattlers ) N‑COUNT A rattler is the same as a rattlesnake . [AM , INFORMAL ]

rattle|snake /r� t ə lsne I k/ (rattlesnakes ) N‑COUNT A rattlesnake is a poisonous American snake which can make a rattling noise with its tail.

rat|ty /r� ti/ (rattier , rattiest )

1 ADJ If someone is ratty , they get angry and irritated easily. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I had spent too many hours there and was beginning to get a bit ratty and fed up.

2 ADJ Ratty clothes and objects are torn or in bad condition, especially because they are old. [AM ] □� �my ratty old flannel pyjamas.

rau|cous /rɔː kəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A raucous sound is loud, harsh, and rather unpleasant. □� They heard a bottle being smashed, then more raucous laughter. ●� rau|cous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� They laughed together raucously.

raun|chy /rɔː ntʃi/ (raunchier , raunchiest ) ADJ If a film, a person, or the way that someone is dressed is raunchy , they are sexually exciting. [INFORMAL ] □� �her raunchy new movie.

rav|age /r� v I dʒ/ (ravages , ravaging , ravaged ) VERB [usu passive] A town, country, or economy that has been ravaged is one that has been damaged so much that it is almost completely destroyed. □�[be V -ed] For two decades the country has been ravaged by civil war and foreign intervention. □�[V -ed] �Nicaragua's ravaged economy.

rav|ages /r� v I dʒiz/ N‑PLURAL Theravagesof time, war, or the weather are the damaging effects that they have. □�[+�of ] �a hi-tech grass pitch that can survive the ravages of a cold, wet climate.

rave /re I v/ (raves , raving , raved )

1 VERB If someone raves , they talk in an excited and uncontrolled way. □�[V ] She cried and raved for weeks, and people did not know what to do. □�[V with quote] 'What is wrong with you, acting like that,' she raved, pacing up and down frantically.

2 VERB If you raveabout something, you speak or write about it with great enthusiasm. □�[V +�about ] Rachel raved about the new foods she ate while she was there. □�[V with quote] 'Such lovely clothes. I'd no idea Milan was so wonderful,' she raved.

3 N‑COUNT A rave is a big event at which young people dance to electronic music in a large building or in the open air. Raves are often associated with illegal drugs. [BRIT ] □� �an all-night rave at Castle Donington. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Rave is also an adjective. □� Old faces and new talents are making it big on the rave scene.

4 →�see also raving

5to rant and rave →�see rant

ra|ven /re I v ə n/ (ravens ) N‑COUNT A raven is a large bird with shiny black feathers and a deep harsh call.

rav|en|ous /r� vənəs/ ADJ If you are ravenous , you are extremely hungry. □� She realized that she had eaten nothing since leaving home, and she was ravenous. ●� rav|en|ous|ly ADV □� She began to eat ravenously.

rav|er /re I və r / (ravers ) N‑COUNT A raver is a young person who has a busy social life and goes to a lot of parties, raves, or nightclubs. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

ra ve re|vie w (rave reviews ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] When journalists write rave reviews , they praise something such as a play or book in a very enthusiastic way. □� The play received rave reviews from the critics.

ra|vine /rəviː n/ (ravines ) N‑COUNT A ravine is a very deep narrow valley with steep sides. □� The bus is said to have overturned and fallen into a ravine.

rav|ing /re I v I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use raving to describe someone who you think is completely mad. [INFORMAL ] □� Malcolm looked at her as if she were a raving lunatic. ●�ADV [ADV adj] Raving is also an adverb. □� I'm afraid Jean-Paul has gone raving mad.

2 →�see also rave

rav|ings /re I v I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL If you describe what someone says or writes as their ravings , you mean that it makes no sense because they are mad or very ill. □� Haig and Robertson saw it as the lunatic ravings of a mad politician.

ra|vio|li /r� vioʊ li/ (raviolis ) N‑VAR Ravioli is a type of pasta that is shaped into small squares, filled with minced meat or cheese and served in a sauce.

rav|ish /r� v I ʃ/ (ravishes , ravishing , ravished ) VERB [usu passive] If a woman is ravished by a man, she is raped by him. [LITERARY ] □�[be V -ed] She'll never know how close she came to being dragged off and ravished.

rav|ish|ing /r� v I ʃ I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as ravishing , you mean that they are very beautiful. [LITERARY ] □� She looked ravishing.

raw ◆◇◇ /rɔː / (rawer , rawest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Raw materials or substances are in their natural state before being processed or used in manufacturing. □� We import raw materials and energy and export mainly industrial products. □� �two ships carrying raw sugar from Cuba.

2 ADJ Raw food is food that is eaten uncooked, that has not yet been cooked, or that has not been cooked enough. □� �a popular dish made of raw fish. □� This versatile vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked.

3 ADJ If a part of your body is raw , it is red and painful, perhaps because the skin has come off or has been burnt. □� �the drag of the rope against the raw flesh of my shoulders.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Raw emotions are strong basic feelings or responses which are not weakened by other influences. □� Her grief was still raw and he did not know how to help her.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as raw , you mean that it is simple, powerful, and real. □� �the raw power of instinct.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Raw data is facts or information that has not yet been sorted, analysed, or prepared for use. □� Analyses were conducted on the raw data.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone in a new job as raw , or as a raw recruit, you mean that they lack experience in that job. □� �replacing experienced men with raw recruits.

8 ADJ Raw weather feels unpleasantly cold. □� �a raw December morning.

9 ADJ [ADJ n] Raw sewage is sewage that has not been treated to make it cleaner. □� �contamination of bathing water by raw sewage.

10 PHRASE If you say that you are getting a raw deal , you mean that you are being treated unfairly. [INFORMAL ] □� I think women have a raw deal.

11touch a raw nerve →�see nerve SYNONYMS raw ADJ 1

unrefined:Unrefined carbohydrates include brown rice and other grains.

natural:We only use natural ingredients.

crude:�8.5 million tonnes of crude steel.

unprocessed:Try to eat more unprocessed foods.

raw|hide /rɔː ha I d/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Rawhide is leather that comes from cattle, and has not been treated or tanned. [AM ] □� At his belt he carried a rawhide whip.

ray ◆◇◇ /re I / (rays )

1 N‑COUNT Rays of light are narrow beams of light. □�[+�of ] �the first rays of light spread over the horizon. □� The sun's rays can penetrate water up to 10 feet.

2 →�see also cosmic rays , gamma rays , X-ray

3 N‑COUNT A ray of hope, comfort, or other positive quality is a small amount of it that you welcome because it makes a bad situation seem less bad. □�[+�of ] They could provide a ray of hope amid the general business and economic gloom.

ray|on /re I ɒn/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Rayon is a smooth artificial fabric that is made from cellulose. □� �the old woman's rayon dress.

raze /re I z/ (razes , razing , razed ) VERB [usu passive] If buildings, villages or towns are razed or razed to the ground, they are completely destroyed. □�[be V -ed] Dozens of villages have been razed. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Towns such as Mittelwihr and Bennwihr were virtually razed to the ground.

ra|zor /re I zə r / (razors ) N‑COUNT A razor is a tool that people use for shaving.

ra |zor blade (razor blades ) N‑COUNT A razor blade is a small flat piece of metal with a very sharp edge which is put into a razor and used for shaving.

ra zor-sha rp

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cutting tool that is razor-sharp is extremely sharp. □� �a razor sharp butcher's knife.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or someone's mind as razor-sharp , you mean that they have a very accurate and clear understanding of things. □� �his razor-sharp intelligence.

ra |zor wire N‑UNCOUNT Razor wire is strong wire with sharp blades sticking out of it. In wars or civil conflict it is sometimes used to prevent people from entering or leaving buildings or areas of land. □� �plans to use razor wire to seal off hostels for migrant workers.

razz /r� z/ (razzes , razzing , razzed ) VERB To razz someone means to tease them, especially in an unkind way. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Molly razzed me about my rotten sense of direction.

razz|a|ma|tazz /r� zəmət� z/ N‑UNCOUNT Razzamatazz is the same as razzmatazz . [mainly BRIT ]

razzle-dazzle /r� z ə l d� z ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Razzle-dazzle is the same as razzmatazz . □� �a razzle-dazzle marketing man.

razz|ma|tazz /r� zmət� z/ N‑UNCOUNT Razzmatazz is a noisy and showy display. □� �the colour and razzmatazz of a U.S. election.

RC /ɑː r siː / also R.C. ADJ RC is an abbreviation for Roman Catholic . □� �St Mary's RC Cathedral.

Rd also Rd.Rd is a written abbreviation for road . It is used especially in addresses and on maps or signs. □� St Pancras Library, 100 Euston Rd, London, NW1.

-rd-rd is added to numbers that end in 3, except those ending in 13, in order to form ordinal numbers such as 3rd or 33rd. 3rd is pronounced 'third'. □� �September 3rd 1990. □� �the 33rd Boston Marathon. □� �Canada's 123rd birthday.

RDA /ɑː r diː e I / (RDAs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The RDA of a particular vitamin or mineral is the amount that people need each day to stay healthy. RDA is an abbreviation for 'recommended daily amount'.

re /riː / You use re in business letters, faxes, or other documents to introduce a subject or item which you are going to discuss or refer to in detail. □� Dear Mrs Cox, Re: Household Insurance. We note from our files that we have not yet received your renewal instructions.

PREFIX re-

forms verbs and nouns that refer to an action or process being repeated. For example, if you re-read something, you read it again.

R.E. /ɑː r iː / N‑UNCOUNT R.E. is a school subject in which children learn about religion and other social matters. R.E. is an abbreviation for 'religious education'. [BRIT ]

-'re /ə r / -'re is the usual spoken form of 'are'. It is added to the end of the pronoun or noun which is the subject of the verb. For example, 'they are' can be shortened to 'they're'.

reach ◆◆◆ /riː tʃ/ (reaches , reaching , reached )

1 VERB A leak was found when the train reached Ipswich. □�[V n] He did not stop until he reached the door. □�[V n] He reached Cambridge shortly before three o'clock.

2 VERB If someone or something has reached a certain stage, level, or amount, they are at that stage, level, or amount. □�[V n] The process of political change has reached the stage where it is irreversible. □�[V n] We're told the figure could reach 100,000 next year.

3 VERB If you reach somewhere, you move your arm and hand to take or touch something. □�[V prep/adv] Judy reached into her handbag and handed me a small printed leaflet. □�[V prep/adv] He reached up for an overhanging branch.

4 VERB If you can reach something, you are able to touch it by stretching out your arm or leg. □�[V n] Can you reach your toes with your fingertips?

5 VERB If you try to reach someone, you try to contact them, usually by phone. □�[V n] Has the doctor told you how to reach him or her in emergencies?

6 VERB If something reaches a place, point, or level, it extends as far as that place, point, or level. □�[V +�to ] �a nightshirt which reached to his knees. □�[V n] The water level in Lake Taihu has reached record levels.

7 VERB When people reach an agreement or a decision, they succeed in achieving it. □�[V n] A meeting of agriculture ministers in Luxembourg today has so far failed to reach agreement over farm subsidies. □�[V n] They are meeting in Lusaka in an attempt to reach a compromise.

8 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's or something's reach is the distance or limit to which they can stretch, extend, or travel. □� Isabelle placed a cup on the table within his reach.

9 N‑UNCOUNT If a place or thing is within reach , it is possible to have it or get to it. If it is out of reach , it is not possible to have it or get to it. □�[+�of ] It is located within reach of many important Norman towns, including Bayeux. □�[+�of ] The price is ten times what it normally is and totally beyond the reach of ordinary people. SYNONYMS reach VERB

1

arrive at:The Princess Royal arrived at Gatwick this morning from Jamaica.

get to:Generally I get to work at 9.30am.

end up:The result was that the box ended up at the bottom of the canal.

2

attain:�attaining a state of calmness and confidence.

amount to:Consumer spending on sports-related items amounted to �9.75 billion.

get to:We haven't got to the stage of a full-scale military conflict.

rise to:Pre-tax profits rose to �1.82m.

reaches /riː tʃiz/

1 N‑PLURAL The upper, middle, or lower reaches of a river are parts of a river. The upper reaches are nearer to the river's source and the lower reaches are nearer to the sea into which it flows. □�[+�of ] This year water levels in the middle and lower reaches of the river are unusually high.

2 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the distant or outer parts of a place or area as the far, farthest, or outer reaches . [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the outer reaches of the solar system.

3 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the higher or lower levels of an organization as its upper or lower reaches . [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the upper reaches of the legal profession.

re|act ◆◇◇ /ri� kt/ (reacts , reacting , reacted )

1 VERB When you reactto something that has happened to you, you behave in a particular way because of it. □�[V +�to ] They reacted violently to the news. □�[V adv/prep] It's natural to react with disbelief if your child is accused of bullying. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you react against someone's way of behaving, you deliberately behave in a different way because you do not like the way they behave. □�[V +�against ] My father never saved and perhaps I reacted against that.

3 VERB If you reactto a substance such as a drug, or to something you have touched, you are affected unpleasantly or made ill by it. □�[V +�to ] Someone allergic to milk is likely to react to cheese. [Also V ]

4 VERB When one chemical substance reactswith another, or when two chemical substances react , they combine chemically to form another substance. □�[V +�with ] Calcium reacts with water. □�[V ] Under normal circumstances, these two gases react readily to produce carbon dioxide and water. SYNONYMS react VERB 1

respond:The army responded with gunfire and tear gas.

answer:He answered her smile with one of his own.

re|ac|tion ◆◆◇ /ri� kʃ ə n/ (reactions )

1 N‑VAR Your reaction to something that has happened or something that you have experienced is what you feel, say, or do because of it. □�[+�to ] Reaction to the visit is mixed. □� He was surprised that his answer should have caused such a strong reaction.

2 N‑COUNT A reaction against something is a way of behaving or doing something that is deliberately different from what has been done before. □�[+�against ] All new fashion starts out as a reaction against existing convention.

3 N‑SING If there is a reaction against something, it becomes unpopular. □�[+�against ] Premature moves in this respect might well provoke a reaction against the reform.

4 N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] Your reactions are your ability to move quickly in response to something, for example when you are in danger. □� The sport requires very fast reactions.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Reaction is the belief that the political or social system of your country should not change. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Thus, he aided reaction and thwarted progress.

6 N‑COUNT A chemical reaction is a process in which two substances combine together chemically to form another substance. □� Ozone is produced by the reaction between oxygen and ultra-violet light.

7 N‑COUNT If you have a reactionto a substance such as a drug, or to something you have touched, you are affected unpleasantly or made ill by it. □�[+�to ] Every year, 5000 people have life-threatening reactions to anaesthetics. SYNONYMS reaction NOUN 1

response:The meeting was called in response to a request from Venezuela.

answer:In answer to speculation that she wouldn't finish the race, she boldly declared her intention of winning it.

re|ac|tion|ary /ri� kʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ (reactionaries ) ADJ A reactionary person or group tries to prevent changes in the political or social system of their country. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �Charlotte Bront‰�'s battle against the forces of reactionary Victorianism. ●�N‑COUNT A reactionary is someone with reactionary views. □� Critics viewed him as a reactionary.

re|ac|ti|vate /ri� kt I ve I t/ (reactivates , reactivating , reactivated ) VERB If people reactivate a system or organization, they make it work again after a period in which it has not been working. □�[V n] �a series of economic reforms to reactivate the economy.

re|ac|tive /ri� kt I v/

1 ADJ Something that is reactive is able to react chemically with a lot of different substances. □� Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen gas.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is reactive , they behave in response to what happens to them, rather than deciding in advance how they want to behave. □� I want our organization to be less reactive and more pro-active.

re|ac|tor /ri� ktə r / (reactors ) N‑COUNT A reactor is the same as a nuclear reactor .

read ◆◆◆ (reads , reading ) The form read is pronounced /riː d/ when it is the present tense, and /re d/ when it is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB When you read something such as a book or article, you look at and understand the words that are written there. □�[V n] Have you read this book? □�[V +�about ] I read about it in the paper. □�[V +�through ] He read through the pages slowly and carefully. □�[V that] It is nice to read that Dylan Thomas venerated the Welsh language. □�[V ] She spends her days reading and watching television. ●�N‑SING Read is also a noun. □� I settled down to have a good read.

2 VERB When you read a piece of writing to someone, you say the words aloud. □�[V n] Jay reads poetry so beautifully. □�[V +�to ] I like it when she reads to us. □�[V n n] I sing to the boys or read them a story before tucking them in. [Also V n +�to , V ]

3 VERB People who can read have the ability to look at and understand written words. □�[V ] He couldn't read or write. □�[V n] He could read words at 18 months.

4 VERB If you can read music, you have the ability to look at and understand the symbols that are used in written music to represent musical sounds. □�[V n] Later on I learned how to read music.

5 VERB When a computer reads a file or a document, it takes information from a disk or tape. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] An update has left the program unable to read the files.

6 VERB [no cont] You can use read when saying what is written on something or in something. For example, if a notice reads 'Entrance', the word 'Entrance' is written on it. □�[V with quote] The sign on the bus read 'Private: Not In Service'.

7 VERB If you refer to how a piece of writing reads , you are referring to its style. □�[V prep/adv] The book reads like a ballad.

8 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you say that a book or magazine is a good read , you mean that it is very enjoyable to read. □� His latest novel is a good read.

9 VERB If something is read in a particular way, it is understood or interpreted in that way. □�[be V -ed +�as ] The play is being widely read as an allegory of imperialist conquest. □�[V n adv/prep] South Africans were praying last night that he has read the situation correctly.

10 VERB If you read someone's mind or thoughts, you know exactly what they are thinking without them telling you. □�[V n] As if he could read her thoughts, Benny said, 'You're free to go any time you like.'

11 VERB If you can read someone or you can read their gestures, you can understand what they are thinking or feeling by the way they behave or the things they say. □�[V n] If you have to work in a team you must learn to read people.

12 VERB If someone who is trying to talk to you with a radio transmitter says, 'Do you read me?', they are asking you if you can hear them. □�[V n] We read you loud and clear. Over.

13 VERB When you read a measuring device, you look at it to see what the figure or measurement on it is. □�[V n] It is essential that you are able to read a thermometer.

14 VERB If a measuring device reads a particular amount, it shows that amount. □�[V amount] Cook for 1-1� hours for medium, or until the meat thermometer reads 55�C.

15 VERB If you read a subject at university, you study it. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □�[V n] She read French and German at Cambridge University. □�[V +�for ] He is now reading for a maths degree at Surrey University. in AM, use major , study

16 PHRASE If you take something as read , you accept it as true or right and therefore feel that it does not need to be discussed or proved. □� We took it as read that he must have been a foreign agent.

17 →�see also reading

18to read between the lines →�see line

▸� read into PHRASAL VERB If you read a meaning into something, you think it is there although it may not actually be there. □�[V n P n] The addict often reads disapproval into people's reactions to him even where it does not exist. □�[V n P n] It would be wrong to try to read too much into such a light-hearted production. [Also V P n n]

▸� read out PHRASAL VERB If you read out a piece of writing, you say it aloud. □�[V P n] He's obliged to take his turn at reading out the announcements. □�[V n P ] Shall I read them out?

▸� read up on PHRASAL VERB If you read up on a subject, you read a lot about it so that you become informed about it. □�[V P P n] She spent time in the library, reading up on her new employers. SYNONYMS read VERB 1

scan:She scanned the advertisement pages of the newspapers.

pore over:We spent hours poring over travel brochures.

skim:She skimmed the pages quickly, then read them again more carefully.

glance at/through:I never even glanced at the political page of a daily paper.

read|able /riː dəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that a book or article is readable , you mean that it is enjoyable and easy to read. □� This is an impeccably researched and very readable book.

2 ADJ A piece of writing that is readable is written or printed clearly and can be read easily. □� My secretary translated my almost illegible writing into a readable script.

read|er ◆◆◇ /riː də r / (readers )

1 N‑COUNT The readers of a newspaper, magazine, or book are the people who read it. □� These texts give the reader an insight into the Chinese mind.

2 N‑COUNT A reader is a person who reads, especially one who reads for pleasure. □� Thanks to that job I became an avid reader.

3 N‑COUNT A reader is a book to help children to learn to read, or to help people to learn a foreign language. It contains passages of text, and often exercises to give practice in reading and writing.

read|er|ship /riː də r ʃ I p/ (readerships ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The readership of a book, newspaper, or magazine is the number or type of people who read it. □� Its readership has grown to over 15,000 subscribers.

read|ily /re d I li/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something readily , you do it in a way which shows that you are very willing to do it. □� I asked her if she would allow me to interview her, and she readily agreed.

2 ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] You also use readily to say that something can be done or obtained quickly and easily. For example, if you say that something can be readily understood, you mean that people can understand it quickly and easily. □� The components are readily available in hardware shops.

readi|ness /re d I nəs/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is very willing to do something, you can talk about their readinessto do it. □� �their readiness to co-operate with the new U.S. envoy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] If you do something inreadinessfor a future event, you do it so that you are prepared for that event. □�[+�for ] Security tightened in the capital in readiness for the president's arrival.

read|ing ◆◇◇ /riː d I ŋ/ (readings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Reading is the activity of reading books. □� I have always loved reading. □� �young people who find reading and writing difficult.

2 N‑COUNT A reading is an event at which poetry or extracts from books are read to an audience. □� �a poetry reading.

3 N‑COUNT Your readingof a word, text, or situation is the way in which you understand or interpret it. □�[+�of ] My reading of her character is that she is a responsible person.

4 N‑COUNT The reading on a measuring device is the figure or measurement that it shows. □� The gauge must be giving a faulty reading.

5 N‑COUNT In the British Parliament or the U.S. Congress, a reading is one of the three stages of introducing and discussing a new bill before it can be passed as law. □� The bill is expected to pass its second reading with a comfortable majority.

6 PHRASE If you say that a book or an article makes interesting reading or makes for interesting reading , you mean that it is interesting to read. □� The list of drinks, a dozen pages long, makes fascinating reading.

rea d|ing glasses N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Reading glasses are glasses that are worn by people, for example when they are reading, because they cannot see things close to them very well.

rea d|ing lamp (reading lamps ) N‑COUNT A reading lamp is a small lamp that you keep on a desk or table. You can move part of it in order to direct the light to where you need it for reading.

rea d|ing room (reading rooms ) N‑COUNT A reading room is a quiet room in a library or museum where you can read and study.

re|adjust /riː ədʒʌ st/ (readjusts , readjusting , readjusted )

1 VERB When you readjustto a new situation, usually one you have been in before, you adapt to it. □�[V +�to ] I can understand why astronauts find it difficult to readjust to life on Earth. □�[V ] They are bound to take time to readjust after a holiday.

2 VERB If you readjust the level of something, your attitude to something, or the way you do something, you change it to make it more effective or appropriate. □�[V n] In the end you have to readjust your expectations.

3 VERB If you readjust something such as a piece of clothing or a mechanical device, you correct or alter its position or setting. □�[V n] Readjust your watch. You are now on Moscow time.

re|adjust|ment /riː ədʒʌ stmənt/ (readjustments )

1 N‑VAR Readjustment is the process of adapting to a new situation, usually one that you have been in before. □� The next few weeks will be a period of readjustment.

2 N‑VAR A readjustment of something is a change that you make to it so that it is more effective or appropriate. □�[+�of ] The organization denies that it is seeking any readjustment of state borders. □� �the effects of economic readjustment.

read|out /riː daʊt/ (readouts ) N‑COUNT If an electronic measuring device gives you a readout , it displays information about the level of something such as a speed, height, or sound. □�[+�of ] The system provides a digital readout of the vehicle's speed.

ready ◆◆◇ /re di/ (readier , readiest , readies , readying , readied )

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If someone is ready , they are properly prepared for something. If something is ready , it has been properly prepared and is now able to be used. □�[+�for ] It took her a long time to get ready for church. □� Are you ready to board, Mr Daly? □� Tomorrow he would tell his pilot to get the aircraft ready.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are readyfor something or readyto do something, you have enough experience to do it or you are old enough and sensible enough to do it. □�[+�for ] She says she's not ready for motherhood. □� You'll have no trouble getting him into a nursery when you feel he's ready to go.

3 ADJ If you are readyto do something, you are willing to do it. □� They were ready to die for their beliefs.

4 ADJ If you are ready for something, you need it or want it. □�[+�for ] I don't know about you, but I'm ready for bed.

5 ADJ To be readyto do something means to be about to do it or likely to do it. □� She looked ready to cry.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ready to describe things that are able to be used very quickly and easily. □� �a ready supply of well-trained and well-motivated workers.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Ready money is in the form of notes and coins rather than cheques or credit cards, and so it can be used immediately. □� I'm afraid I don't have enough ready cash.

8 VERB When you ready something, you prepare it for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�for ] John's soldiers were readying themselves for the final assault. [Also V n to-inf]

9 COMB Ready combines with past participles to indicate that something has already been done, and that therefore you do not have to do it yourself. □� You can buy ready-printed forms for wills at stationery shops.

10 PHRASE If you have something at the ready , you have it in a position where it can be quickly and easily used. □� Soldiers came charging through the forest, guns at the ready.

rea dy-ma de

1 ADJ If something that you buy is ready-made , you can use it immediately, because the work you would normally have to do has already been done. □� We rely quite a bit on ready-made meals�they are so convenient.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ready-made means extremely convenient or useful for a particular purpose. □� Those wishing to study urban development have a ready-made example on their doorstep.

rea dy mea l (ready meals ) N‑COUNT Ready meals are complete meals that are sold in shops. They are already prepared and you need only heat them before eating them.

rea dy-to-wea r ADJ [ADJ n] Ready-to-wear clothes are made in standard sizes so that they fit most people, rather than being made specially for a particular person. □� In 1978 he launched his first major ready-to-wear collection for the Austin Reed stores.

re|affirm /riː əfɜː r m/ (reaffirms , reaffirming , reaffirmed ) VERB If you reaffirm something, you state it again clearly and firmly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He reaffirmed his commitment to the country's economic reform programme. □�[V that] The government has reaffirmed that it will take any steps necessary to maintain law and order.

re|affor|esta|tion /riː əfɒr I ste I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -fɔːr-/ N‑UNCOUNT Reafforestation is the same as reforestation . [mainly BRIT ]

re|agent /rie I dʒənt/ (reagents ) N‑COUNT A reagent is a substance that is used to cause a chemical reaction. Reagents are often used in order to indicate the presence of another substance. [TECHNICAL ]

real ◆◆◆ /riː l/

1 ADJ Something that is real actually exists and is not imagined, invented, or theoretical. □� No, it wasn't a dream. It was real. □� Legends grew up around a great many figures, both real and fictitious.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is realto someone, they experience it as though it really exists or happens, even though it does not. □�[+�to ] Whitechild's life becomes increasingly real to the reader.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A material or object that is real is natural or functioning, and not artificial or an imitation. □� �the smell of real leather. □� Who's to know if they're real guns or not?

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use real to describe someone or something that has all the characteristics or qualities that such a person or thing typically has. □� �his first real girlfriend. □� The only real job I'd ever had was as manager of the local cafe.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use real to describe something that is the true or original thing of its kind, in contrast to one that someone wants you to believe is true. □� This was the real reason for her call. □� Her real name had been Miriam Pinckus.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use real to describe something that is the most important or typical part of a thing. □� When he talks, he only gives glimpses of his real self. □� The smart executive has people he can trust doing all the real work.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use real when you are talking about a situation or feeling to emphasize that it exists and is important or serious. [EMPHASIS ] □� Global warming is a real problem. □� The prospect of civil war is very real. □� There was never any real danger of the children being affected.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use real to emphasize a quality that is genuine and sincere. [EMPHASIS ] □� I thought we were the team who showed real determination to win.

9 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use real before nouns to emphasize your description of something or someone. [mainly SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� 'It's a fabulous deal, a real bargain.'

10 ADJ [ADJ n] The real cost or value of something is its cost or value after other amounts have been added or subtracted and when factors such as the level of inflation have been considered. □� �the real cost of borrowing. ●�PHRASE You can also talk about the cost or value of something in real terms . □� In real terms the cost of driving is cheaper than a decade ago.

11 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use real to emphasize an adjective or adverb. [AM , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He is finding prison life 'real tough'.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone does something for real , you mean that they actually do it and do not just pretend to do it. □� The action scenes were just good acting. We didn't do it for real.

13 PHRASE If you think that someone or something is very surprising, you can ask if they are for real . [AM , INFORMAL ] □� Is this guy for real?

14 PHRASE If you say that a thing or event is the real thing , you mean that it is the thing or event itself, rather than an imitation or copy. □� The counterfeits sell for about $20 less than the real thing.

rea l a le (real ales ) N‑VAR Real ale is beer which is stored in a barrel and is pumped from it without the use of carbon dioxide. [mainly BRIT ]

rea l es|tate

1 N‑UNCOUNT Real estate is property in the form of land and buildings, rather than personal possessions. [mainly AM ] □� By investing in real estate, he was one of the richest men in the United States.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Real estate businesses or real estate agents sell houses, buildings, and land. [AM ] □� �the real estate agent who sold you your house. in BRIT, use estate agency , estate agents

re|align /riː əla I n/ (realigns , realigning , realigned ) VERB If you realign your ideas, policies, or plans, you organize them in a different way in order to take account of new circumstances. □�[V n] Pardew hopes to realign his team with more British players. [Also V ]

re|align|ment /riː əla I nmənt/ (realignments ) N‑VAR If a company, economy, or system goes through a realignment , it is organized or arranged in a new way. □�[+�of ] �a realignment of the existing political structure.

re|al|ise /riː əla I z/ →�see realize

re|al|ism /riː əl I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT When people show realism in their behaviour, they recognize and accept the true nature of a situation and try to deal with it in a practical way. [APPROVAL ] □� It was time now to show more political realism.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If things and people are presented with realism in paintings, stories, or films, they are presented in a way that is like real life. [APPROVAL ] □� Greene's stories had an edge of realism that made it easy to forget they were fiction.

re|al|ist /riː əl I st/ (realists )

1 N‑COUNT A realist is someone who recognizes and accepts the true nature of a situation and tries to deal with it in a practical way. [APPROVAL ] □� I see myself not as a cynic but as a realist.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A realist painter or writer is one who represents things and people in a way that is like real life. □� �perhaps the foremost realist painter of our times.

re|al|is|tic /riː əl I st I k/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are realistic about a situation, you recognize and accept its true nature and try to deal with it in a practical way. □�[+�about ] Police have to be realistic about violent crime. □� It's only realistic to acknowledge that something, some time, will go wrong. ●� re|al|is|ti|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� As an adult, you can assess the situation realistically.

2 ADJ Something such as a goal or target that is realistic is one which you can sensibly expect to achieve. □� Establish deadlines that are more realistic.

3 ADJ You say that a painting, story, or film is realistic when the people and things in it are like people and things in real life. □� �extraordinarily realistic paintings of Indians. ●� re|al|is|ti|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The film starts off realistically and then develops into a ridiculous fantasy.

re|al|is|ti|cal|ly /riː əl I st I kli/

1 ADV You use realistically when you want to emphasize that what you are saying is true, even though you would prefer it not to be true. [EMPHASIS ] □� Realistically, there is never one right answer.

2 →�see also realistic

re|al|ity ◆◆◇ /ri� l I ti/ (realities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT You use reality to refer to real things or the real nature of things rather than imagined, invented, or theoretical ideas. □� Fiction and reality were increasingly blurred.

2 →�see also virtual reality

3 N‑COUNT Therealityof a situation is the truth about it, especially when it is unpleasant or difficult to deal with. □�[+�of ] �the harsh reality of top international competition.

4 N‑SING You say that something has become a reality when it actually exists or is actually happening. □� �the whole procedure that made this book become a reality.

5 PHRASE You can use in reality to introduce a statement about the real nature of something, when it contrasts with something incorrect that has just been described. □� He came across as streetwise, but in reality he was not. COLLOCATIONS reality NOUN 3

adjective +�reality : grim, harsh, sad, stark

verb +�reality : accept, confront, face, recognize; expose, reflect

re |a l|ity check (reality checks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that something is a reality check for someone, you mean that it makes them recognize the truth about a situation, especially about the difficulties involved in something they want to achieve. □�[+�for ] This first reality check for the players could shape the rest of the club's season.

re|a l|ity TV N‑UNCOUNT Reality TV is a type of television programming which aims to show how ordinary people behave in everyday life, or in situations, often created by the programme makers, which are intended to represent everyday life. □� �the Americans' current infatuation with reality TV.

re|al|iz|able /riː əla I zəb ə l/ in BRIT, also use realisable1 ADJ If your hopes or aims are realizable , there is a possibility that the things that you want to happen will happen. [FORMAL ] □� �the reasonless assumption that one's dreams and desires were realizable.

2 ADJ Realizable wealth is money that can be easily obtained by selling something. [FORMAL ] □� They must prove they own �250,000 of realisable assets.

re|al|ize ◆◆◇ /riː əla I z/ (realizes , realizing , realized ) in BRIT, also use realise1 VERB If you realize that something is true, you become aware of that fact or understand it. □�[V that] As soon as we realised something was wrong, we moved the children away. □�[V wh] People don't realize how serious this recession has actually been. □�[V n] Once they realised their mistake the phone was reconnected again. □�[V ] 'That's my brother.'�'Oh, I hadn't realized.' ●� re|ali|za|tion /riː əla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (realizations ) N‑VAR [usu N that] □� There is now a growing realisation that things cannot go on like this for much longer. □�[+�of ] He nearly cried out at the sudden realization of how much Randall looked like him.

2 VERB [usu passive] If your hopes, desires, or fears are realized , the things that you hope for, desire, or fear actually happen. □�[be V -ed] Straightaway our worst fears were realised. ●� re|ali|za|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the realization of his worst fears.

3 VERB When someone realizes a design or an idea, they make or organize something based on that design or idea. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Various textile techniques will be explored to realise design possibilities.

4 VERB If someone or something realizes their potential, they do everything they are capable of doing, because they have been given the opportunity to do so. □�[V n] The support systems to enable women to realize their potential at work are inadequate.

5 VERB If something realizes a particular amount of money when it is sold, that amount of money is paid for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Last year's auction realised $48 million. ●� re|ali|za|tion N‑VAR □�[+�of ] I took this course to assist the realisation of my assets for the benefit of my creditors. SYNONYMS realize VERB 1

understand:They are too young to understand what is going on.

appreciate:He appreciates that co-operation with the media is part of his professional duties.

grasp:He instantly grasped that Stephen was talking about his wife.

rea l li fe N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] If something happens inreal life , it actually happens and is not just in a story or in someone's imagination. □� In FarmVille, wheat grows in two days - in real life, it takes months. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Real life is also an adjective. □� �a real-life horror story.

re|allo|cate /riː � ləke I t/ (reallocates , reallocating , reallocated ) VERB When organizations reallocate money or resources, they decide to change the way they spend the money or use the resources. □�[V n] �a cost-cutting program to reallocate people and resources within the company. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Money should be reallocated to towns devastated by pit closures.

re|al|ly ◆◆◆ /riː əli/

1 ADV [usu ADV with v] You can use really to emphasize a statement. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� I'm very sorry. I really am. □� It really is best to manage without any medication if you possibly can.

2 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use really to emphasize an adjective or adverb. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was really good. □� They were really nice people.

3 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] You use really when you are discussing the real facts about something, in contrast to the ones someone wants you to believe. □� My father didn't really love her.

4 ADV [ADV before v] People use really in questions and negative statements when they want you to answer 'no'. [EMPHASIS ] □� Do you really think he would be that stupid?

5 ADV [ADV before v] If you refer to a time when something really begins to happen, you are emphasizing that it starts to happen at that time to a much greater extent and much more seriously than before. [EMPHASIS ] □� That's when the pressure really started.

6 ADV [ADV after neg, usu ADV with v] People sometimes use really to slightly reduce the force of a negative statement. [SPOKEN , VAGUENESS ] □� I'm not really surprised. □� 'Did they hurt you?'�'Not really'.

7 CONVENTION You can say really to express surprise or disbelief at what someone has said. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� 'We discovered it was totally the wrong decision.'�'Really?'. SYNONYMS really ADV 2

extremely:Three of them are working extremely well.

very:I'm very sorry.

particularly:Progress has been particularly disappointing.

incredibly:Their father was incredibly good-looking.

realm /re lm/ (realms )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] You can use realm to refer to any area of activity, interest, or thought. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the realm of politics.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A realm is a country that has a king or queen. [FORMAL ] □� Defence of the realm is crucial.

3 PHRASE If you say that something is not beyond the realms of possibility , you mean that it is possible. □� A fall of 50 per cent or more on prices is not beyond the realms of possibility.

rea l pro p|er|ty N‑UNCOUNT Real property is property in the form of land and buildings, rather than personal possessions. [AM ]

rea l time N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If something is done inreal time , there is no noticeable delay between the action and its effect or consequence. □� �umpires, who have to make every decision in real time.

rea l-time ADJ [ADJ n] Real-time processing is a type of computer programming or data processing in which the information received is processed by the computer almost immediately. [COMPUTING ] □� �real-time language translations.

Real|tor /riː əltɔːr/ (Realtors ) also realtor N‑COUNT A Realtor is a person whose job is to sell houses, buildings, and land, and who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. [AM , TRADEMARK ] in BRIT, use estate agent

rea l wo rld N‑SING If you talk about thereal world , you are referring to the world and life in general, in contrast to a particular person's own life, experience, and ideas, which may seem untypical and unrealistic. □� When they leave school, they will be ill-equipped to deal with the real world.

ream /riː m/ (reams ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you say that there are reamsof paper or reamsof writing, you mean that there are large amounts of it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] They have to sort through the reams of information to determine what it may mean.

reap /riː p/ (reaps , reaping , reaped ) VERB If you reap the benefits or the rewards of something, you enjoy the good things that happen as a result of it. □�[V n] You'll soon begin to reap the benefits of being fitter.

reap|er /riː pə r / (reapers )

1 N‑COUNT A reaper is a machine used to cut and gather crops.

2 →�see also Grim Reaper

re|appear /riː əp I ə r / (reappears , reappearing , reappeared ) VERB When people or things reappear , they return again after they have been away or out of sight for some time. □�[V ] Thirty seconds later she reappeared and beckoned them forward.

re|appear|ance /riː əp I ə rəns/ (reappearances ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The reappearance of someone or something is their return after they have been away or out of sight for some time. □� His sudden reappearance must have been a shock.

re|apprais|al /riː əpre I z ə l/ (reappraisals ) N‑VAR If there is a reappraisal of something such as an idea or plan, people think about the idea carefully and decide whether they want to change it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Britain's worst jail riot will force a fundamental reappraisal of prison policy.

re|appraise /riː əpre I z/ (reappraises , reappraising , reappraised ) VERB If you reappraise something such as an idea or a plan, you think carefully about it and decide whether it needs to be changed. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] It did not persuade them to abandon the war but it did force them to reappraise their strategy.

rear ◆◇◇ /r I ə r / (rears , rearing , reared )

1 N‑SING The rear of something such as a building or vehicle is the back part of it. □�[+�of ] He settled back in the rear of the taxi. □�[+�of ] �a stairway in the rear of the building. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Rear is also an adjective. □� Manufacturers have been obliged to fit rear seat belts in all new cars.

2 N‑SING If you are at the rear of a moving line of people, you are the last person in it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Musicians played at the front and rear of the procession.

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your rear is the part of your body that you sit on. [INFORMAL ] □� He plans to have a dragon tattooed on his rear.

4 VERB If you rear children, you look after them until they are old enough to look after themselves. □�[V n] She reared six children.

5 VERB If you rear a young animal, you keep and look after it until it is old enough to be used for work or food, or until it can look after itself. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] She spends a lot of time rearing animals. in AM, usually use raise6 VERB When a horse rears , it moves the front part of its body upwards, so that its front legs are high in the air and it is standing on its back legs. □�[V ] The horse reared and threw off its rider.

7 VERB If you say that something such as a building or mountain rears above you, you mean that is very tall and close to you. □�[V prep/adv] The exhibition hall reared above me behind a high fence.

8 PHRASE If a person or vehicle isbringing up the rear , they are the last person or vehicle in a moving line of them. □�[+�of ] �police motorcyclists bringing up the rear of the procession.

9 PHRASE If something unpleasant rears its head or rears its ugly head , it becomes visible or noticeable. □� The threat of strikes reared its head again this summer.

rea r ad|mi|ral (Rear Admirals ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A rear admiral is a senior officer in the navy. □� �Rear Admiral Douglas Cap, commander of the USS America.

rea r-e nd (rear-ends , rear-ending , rear-ended ) VERB If a driver or vehicle rear-ends the vehicle in front, they crash into the back of it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] A few days earlier somebody had rear-ended him.

rear|guard /r I ə r gɑː r d/

1 N‑SING In a battle, the rearguard is a group of soldiers who protect the back part of an army, especially when the army is leaving the battle.

2 PHRASE If someone is fighting a rearguard action or mounting a rearguard action , they are trying very hard to prevent something from happening, even though it is probably too late for them to succeed. [JOURNALISM ] □� �actresses fighting a rearguard action against the plastification of women.

re|arm /riː ɑː r m/ (rearms , rearming , rearmed ) also re-arm VERB If a country rearms or is rearmed , it starts to build up a new stock of military weapons. □�[V ] They neglected to rearm in time and left Britain exposed to disaster. □�[V n] �NATO's decision to rearm West Germany.

re|arma|ment /riː ɑː r məmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Rearmament is the process of building up a new stock of military weapons.

re|arrange /riː əre I ndʒ/ (rearranges , rearranging , rearranged )

1 VERB If you rearrange things, you change the way in which they are organized or ordered. □�[V n] When she returned, she found Malcolm had rearranged all her furniture.

2 VERB If you rearrange a meeting or an appointment, you arrange for it to take place at a different time to that originally intended. □�[V n] You may cancel or rearrange the appointment.

re|arrange|ment /riː əre I ndʒmənt/ (rearrangements ) N‑VAR A rearrangement is a change in the way that something is arranged or organized. □� �a rearrangement of the job structure.

rea r-view mir|ror (rear-view mirrors ) also rearview mirror N‑COUNT Inside a car, the rear-view mirror is the mirror that enables you to see the traffic behind when you are driving.

rear|ward /r I ə r wə r d/ ADV [ADV with v] If something moves or faces rearward , it moves or faces backwards. □� �a rearward facing infant carrier. □� The centre of pressure moves rearward and the aeroplane becomes unbalanced. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Rearward is also an adjective. □� �the rearward window.

rea|son ◆◆◆ /riː z ə n/ (reasons , reasoning , reasoned )

1 N‑COUNT The reasonfor something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen. □�[+�for ] There is a reason for every important thing that happens. □�[N to-inf] Who would have a reason to want to kill her?

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N to-inf] If you say that you have reasonto believe something or to have a particular emotion, you mean that you have evidence for your belief or there is a definite cause of your feeling. □� They had reason to believe there could be trouble. □� He had every reason to be upset.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The ability that people have to think and to make sensible judgments can be referred to as reason . □� �a conflict between emotion and reason.

4 VERB If you reasonthat something is true, you decide that it is true after thinking carefully about all the facts. □�[V that] I reasoned that changing my diet would lower my cholesterol level. □�[V with quote] 'Listen,' I reasoned, 'it doesn't take a genius to figure out what Adam's up to.'

5 →�see also reasoned , reasoning

6 PHRASE If one thing happens by reason of another, it happens because of it. [FORMAL ] □� The boss retains enormous influence by reason of his position.

7 PHRASE If you try to make someone listen to reason , you try to persuade them to listen to sensible arguments and be influenced by them. □� The company's top executives had refused to listen to reason.

8 PHRASE If you say that something happened or was done for no reason , for no good reason , or for no reason at all , you mean that there was no obvious reason why it happened or was done. □� The guards, he said, would punch them for no reason. □� For no reason at all the two men started to laugh.

9 PHRASE If a person or thing is someone's reason for living or their reason for being , they are the most important thing in that person's life. □� Chloe is my reason for living.

10 PHRASE If you say that something happened or is true for some reason , you mean that you know it happened or is true, but you do not know why. [VAGUENESS ] □� For some inexplicable reason she was attracted to Patrick.

11 PHRASE If you say that you will do anything within reason , you mean that you will do anything that is fair or reasonable and not too extreme. □� I will take any job that comes along, within reason.

12rhyme or reason →�see rhyme

13to see reason →�see see

14it stands to reason →�see stand

▸� reason with PHRASAL VERB If you try to reason with someone, you try to persuade them to do or accept something by using sensible arguments. □�[V P n] I have watched parents trying to reason with their children and have never seen it work.

rea|son|able ◆◇◇ /riː zənəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you think that someone is fair and sensible you can say that they are reasonable . □� He's a reasonable sort of chap. □� Oh, come on, be reasonable. ●� rea|son|ably /riː zənəbli/ ADV □� 'I'm sorry, Andrew,' she said reasonably. ●� rea|son|able|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� 'I can understand how you feel,' Desmond said with great reasonableness.

2 ADJ If you say that a decision or action is reasonable , you mean that it is fair and sensible. □� �a perfectly reasonable decision. □� At the time, what he'd done had seemed reasonable.

3 ADJ If you say that an expectation or explanation is reasonable , you mean that there are good reasons why it may be correct. □� It seems reasonable to expect rapid urban growth. ●� rea|son|ably ADV [ADV with v] □� You can reasonably expect your goods to arrive within six to eight weeks.

4 ADJ If you say that the price of something is reasonable , you mean that it is fair and not too high. □� You get an interesting meal for a reasonable price. ●� rea|son|ably ADV [ADV with v] □� �reasonably priced accommodation.

5 ADJ You can use reasonable to describe something that is fairly good, but not very good. □� The boy answered him in reasonable French. ●� rea|son|ably ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� I can dance reasonably well.

6 ADJ A reasonable amount of something is a fairly large amount of it. □� They will need a reasonable amount of desk area and good light. ●� rea|son|ably ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� From now on events moved reasonably quickly. SYNONYMS reasonable ADJ

1

sensible:Oh come on, let's be sensible about this.

reasoned:This is an issue which produces little reasoned argument.

rational:He's asking you to look at both sides of the case and come to a rational decision.

2

fair:It didn't seem fair to leave out her father.

just:Was Pollard's life sentence just or was it too severe?

acceptable:The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

rea|soned /riː z ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A reasoned discussion or argument is based on sensible reasons, rather than on an appeal to people's emotions. [APPROVAL ] □� Abortion is an issue which produces little reasoned argument.

rea|son|ing /riː zən I ŋ/ (reasonings ) N‑VAR Reasoning is the process by which you reach a conclusion after thinking about all the facts. □� �the reasoning behind the decision.

re|as|sem|ble /riː əse mb ə l/ (reassembles , reassembling , reassembled )

1 VERB If you reassemble something, you put it back together after it has been taken apart. □�[V n] We will now try to reassemble pieces of the wreckage.

2 VERB If a group of people reassembles or if you reassemble them, they gather together again in a group. □�[V ] We shall reassemble in the car park in thirty minutes. □�[V n] Mr Lucas reassembled his team in September.

re|as|sert /riː əsɜː r t/ (reasserts , reasserting , reasserted )

1 VERB If you reassert your control or authority, you make it clear that you are still in a position of power, or you strengthen the power that you had. □�[V n] �the government's continuing effort to reassert its control in the region.

2 VERB If something such as an idea or habit reassertsitself , it becomes noticeable again. □�[V pron-refl] His sense of humour was beginning to reassert itself.

re|as|sess /riː əse s/ (reassesses , reassessing , reassessed ) VERB If you reassess something, you think about it and decide whether you need to change your opinion about it. □�[V n] I will reassess the situation when I get home.

re|as|sess|ment /riː əse smənt/ (reassessments ) N‑VAR If you make a reassessment of something, you think about it and decide whether you need to change your opinion about it. □�[+�of ] �the moment when we make a reassessment of ourselves.

re|assur|ance /riː əʃʊə rəns/ (reassurances )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone needs reassurance , they are very worried and need someone to help them stop worrying by saying kind or helpful things. □� She needed reassurance that she belonged somewhere.

2 N‑COUNT Reassurances are things that you say to help people stop worrying about something. □� �reassurances that pesticides are not harmful.

re|assure /riː əʃʊə r / (reassures , reassuring , reassured ) VERB If you reassure someone, you say or do things to make them stop worrying about something. □�[V n] I tried to reassure her, 'Don't worry about it. We won't let it happen again.' □�[V n that] She just reassured me that everything was fine. [Also V n +�about ]

re|assured /riː əʃʊə r d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel reassured , you feel less worried about something, usually because you have received help or advice. □� I feel much more reassured when I've been for a health check.

re|assur|ing /riː əʃʊə r I ŋ/ ADJ If you find someone's words or actions reassuring , they make you feel less worried about something. □� It was reassuring to hear John's familiar voice. ●� re|assur|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� 'It's okay now,' he said reassuringly.

re|awak|en /riː əwe I kən/ (reawakens , reawakening , reawakened ) VERB If something reawakens an issue, or an interest or feeling that you used to have, it makes you think about it or feel it again. □�[V n] The King's stand is bound to reawaken the painful debate about abortion. ●� re|awak|en|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a reawakening of interest in stained glass.

re|badge /riː b� dʒ/ (rebadges , rebadging , rebadged ) VERB If a product is rebadged , it is given a new name, brand, or logo. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed +�as ] The car was rebadged as a Vauxhall and sold in Britain. [Also V -ed]

re|bate /riː be I t/ (rebates ) N‑COUNT [oft n N , adj N ] A rebate is an amount of money which is paid to you when you have paid more tax, rent, or rates than you needed to. □� �a tax rebate. [Also +�on ]

re|bel ◆◆◇ (rebels , rebelling , rebelled ) The noun is pronounced /re bəl/. The verb is pronounced /r I be l/. 1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Rebels are people who are fighting against their own country's army in order to change the political system there. □� �fighting between rebels and government forces. □� �rebel forces in Liberia.

2 N‑COUNT Politicians who oppose some of their own party's policies can be referred to as rebels . □� The rebels want another 1% cut in interest rates.

3 VERB If politicians rebel against one of their own party's policies, they show that they oppose it. □�[V +�against ] There are signs that MPs are rebelling against a new regime of austerity at the Commons. □�[V +�over ] �MPs planning to rebel over the proposed welfare cuts.

4 N‑COUNT You can say that someone is a rebel if you think that they behave differently from other people and have rejected the values of society or of their parents. □� She had been a rebel at school.

5 VERB When someone rebels , they start to behave differently from other people and reject the values of society or of their parents. □�[V ] The child who rebels is unlikely to be overlooked. □�[V +�against ] I was very young and rebelling against everything. SYNONYMS rebel NOUN 1

revolutionary:The revolutionaries laid down their arms and their leaders went into voluntary exile.

insurgent:By early yesterday, the insurgents had taken control of the country's main military air base. VERB 5

revolt:In 1375 the townspeople revolted.

rise:The National Convention has promised armed support to any people who wish to rise against armed oppression.

dissent:Just one of the 10 members dissented.

disobey:They were threatened with punishment if they disobeyed.

re|bel|lion /r I be liən/ (rebellions )

1 N‑VAR A rebellion is a violent organized action by a large group of people who are trying to change their country's political system. □� The British soon put down the rebellion.

2 N‑VAR A situation in which politicians show their opposition to their own party's policies can be referred to as a rebellion . □� The Prime Minister faced his first Commons rebellion since the election.

re|bel|lious /r I be liəs/

1 ADJ If you think someone behaves in an unacceptable way and does not do what they are told, you can say they are rebellious . □� �a rebellious teenager. ●� re|bel|lious|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the normal rebelliousness of youth.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A rebellious group of people is a group involved in taking violent action against the rulers of their own country, usually in order to change the system of government there. □� The prime minister will face even greater resistance from rebellious backbenchers.

re|birth /riː bɜː r θ/ N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to a change that leads to a new period of growth and improvement in something as its rebirth . □�[+�of ] �the rebirth of democracy in Latin America.

re|born /riː bɔː r n/ V-PASSIVE If you say that someone or something has been reborn , you mean that they have become active again after a period of being inactive. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Russia was being reborn as a great power.

re|bound (rebounds , rebounding , rebounded ) The verb is pronounced /r I baʊ nd/. The noun is pronounced /riː baʊnd/. 1 VERB If something rebounds from a solid surface, it bounces or springs back from it. □�[V prep] His shot in the 21st minute of the game rebounded from a post. □�[V ] The hot liquid splashed down on the concrete and rebounded.

2 VERB If an action or situation reboundson you, it has an unpleasant effect on you, especially when this effect was intended for someone else. □�[V +�on/upon ] Mia realised her trick had rebounded on her. □�[V ] The CIA was extremely wary of interfering with the foreign press; in the past, such interference had rebounded.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone is on the rebound , you mean that they have just ended a relationship with a girlfriend or boyfriend. This often makes them do things they would not normally do. □�[+�from ] He took heroin for the first time when he was on the rebound from a broken relationship.

4 N‑COUNT In basketball, a rebound is a shot which someone catches after it has hit the board behind the basket.

re|brand /riː br� nd/ (rebrands , rebranding , rebranded ) VERB To rebrand a product or organization means to present it to the public in a new way, for example by changing its name or appearance. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] There are plans to rebrand many Texas stores.

re|brand|ing /riːbr� nd I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Rebranding is the process of giving a product or an organization a new image, in order to make it more attractive or successful. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] The �85m programme will involve an extensive rebranding of the airline.

re|buff /r I bʌ f/ (rebuffs , rebuffing , rebuffed ) VERB If you rebuff someone or rebuff a suggestion that they make, you refuse to do what they suggest. □�[be V -ed +�by ] His proposals have already been rebuffed by the Prime Minister. [Also be V -ed in n] ●�N‑VAR Rebuff is also a noun. □�[+�to ] The results of the poll dealt a humiliating rebuff to Mr Jones.

re|build /riː b I ld/ (rebuilds , rebuilding , rebuilt )

1 VERB When people rebuild something such as a building or a city, they build it again after it has been damaged or destroyed. □�[V n] They say they will stay to rebuild their homes rather than retreat to refugee camps.

2 VERB When people rebuild something such as an institution, a system, or an aspect of their lives, they take action to bring it back to its previous condition. □�[V n] Everyone would have to work hard together to rebuild the economy. □�[V ] The agency has been rebuilding under new management.

re|buke /r I bjuː k/ (rebukes , rebuking , rebuked ) VERB If you rebuke someone, you speak severely to them because they have said or done something that you do not approve of. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The company has been publicly rebuked by one of its largest shareholders over its executive pay levels. ●�N‑VAR Rebuke is also a noun. □� The UN delivered a strong rebuke to both countries for persisting with nuclear testing.

re|but /r I bʌ t/ (rebuts , rebutting , rebutted ) VERB If you rebut a charge or criticism that is made against you, you give reasons why it is untrue or unacceptable. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He spent most of his speech rebutting criticisms of his foreign policy.

re|but|tal /r I bʌ t ə l/ (rebuttals ) N‑COUNT If you make a rebuttalof a charge or accusation that has been made against you, you make a statement which gives reasons why the accusation is untrue. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of/to ] He is conducting a point-by-point rebuttal of charges from former colleagues.

re|cal|ci|trant /r I k� ls I trənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as recalcitrant , you mean that they are unwilling to obey orders or are difficult to deal with. [FORMAL ] □� The danger is that recalcitrant local authorities will reject their responsibilities. ●� re|cal|ci|trance /r I k� ls I trəns/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the government's recalcitrance over introducing even the smallest political reform.

re|call ◆◆◇ (recalls , recalling , recalled ) The verb is pronounced /r I kɔː l/. The noun is pronounced /riː kɔːl/. 1 VERB When you recall something, you remember it and tell others about it. □�[V that] Henderson recalled that he first met Pollard during a business trip to Washington. □�[V with quote] Her teacher recalled: 'She was always on about modelling.' □�[V wh] Colleagues today recall with humor how meetings would crawl into the early morning hours. □�[V n] I recalled the way they had been dancing together. □�[V ] I have no idea what she said, something about airline travel, I seem to recall.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Recall is the ability to remember something that has happened in the past or the act of remembering it. □�[+�of ] He had a good memory, and total recall of her spoken words.

3 VERB If you arerecalled to your home, country, or the place where you work, you are ordered to return there. □�[V n] The Ambassador was recalled after a row over refugees seeking asylum at the embassy. ●�N‑SING Recall is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The recall of ambassador Alan Green was a public signal of America's concern.

4 VERB In sport, if a player is recalledto a team, he or she is included in that team again after being left out. □�[be V -ed +�to ] He is still delighted at being recalled to the Argentina squad after a nine-year absence. ●�N‑SING Recall is also a noun. □�[+�to ] It would be great to get a recall to the England squad for Sweden.

5 VERB If a company recalls a product, it asks the shops or the people who have bought that product to return it because there is something wrong with it. □�[V n] The toy company said it was recalling the building set. SYNONYMS recall VERB 1

remember:I certainly don't remember talking to you at all.

recollect:His efforts, the Duke recollected many years later, were distinctly half-hearted.

re|cant /r I k� nt/ (recants , recanting , recanted ) VERB If you recant , you say publicly that you no longer hold a set of beliefs that you had in the past. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] White House officials ordered Williams to recant. □�[V n] �a man who had refused after torture to recant his heresy.

re|cap /riː k� p/ (recaps , recapping , recapped ) VERB You can say that you are going to recap when you want to draw people's attention to the fact that you are going to repeat the main points of an explanation, argument, or description, as a summary of it. □�[V ] To recap briefly, an agreement negotiated to cut the budget deficit was rejected 10 days ago. □�[V n] Can you recap the points included in the regional conference proposal? ●�N‑SING Recap is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Each report starts with a recap of how we did versus our projections.

re|capi|tal|ize /riːk� p I təla I z/ (recapitalizes , recapitalizing , recapitalized ) VERB If a company recapitalizes , it changes the way it manages its financial affairs, for example by borrowing money or reissuing shares. [AM , BUSINESS ] □�[V ] Mr Warnock resigned as the company abandoned a plan to recapitalize. □�[V n] He plans to recapitalize the insurance fund. ●� re|capi|tali|za|tion /riːk� p I təla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (recapitalizations ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �a recapitalization of the company.

re|ca|pitu|late /riː kəp I tʃʊle I t/ (recapitulates , recapitulating , recapitulated ) VERB You can say that you are going to recapitulate the main points of an explanation, argument, or description when you want to draw attention to the fact that you are going to repeat the most important points as a summary. □�[V n] Let's just recapitulate the essential points. □�[V ] To recapitulate, the terms already communicated to you call for a minimum of publicity. ●� re|ca|pitu|la|tion /riː kəp I tʃʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑SING □�[+�of ] Chapter 9 provides a recapitulation of the material already presented.

re|cap|ture /riː k� ptʃə r / (recaptures , recapturing , recaptured )

1 VERB When soldiers recapture an area of land or a place, they gain control of it again from an opposing army who had taken it from them. □�[V n] They said the bodies were found when rebels recaptured the area. ●�N‑SING Recapture is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �an offensive to be launched for the recapture of the city.

2 VERB When people recapture something that they have lost to a competitor, they get it back again. □�[V n] I believe that he would be the best possibility to recapture the centre vote in the forthcoming election.

3 VERB To recapture a person or animal which has escaped from somewhere means to catch them again. □�[V n] Police have recaptured Alan Lord, who escaped from a police cell in Bolton. ●�N‑SING Recapture is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the recapture of a renegade police chief in Panama.

4 VERB When you recapture something such as an experience, emotion, or a quality that you had in the past, you experience it again. When something recaptures an experience for you, it makes you remember it. □�[V n] He couldn't recapture the form he'd shown in getting to the semi-final.

re|cast /riː kɑː st, -k� st/ (recasts , recasting ) The form recast is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you recast something, you change it by organizing it in a different way. □�[V n] The shake-up aims to recast the company as a federation of flexible and competing subsidiaries. ●� re|cast|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] �the recasting of the political map of Europe.

2 VERB To recast an actor's role means to give the role to another actor. □�[V n] Stoppard had to recast four of the principal roles.

rec|ce /re ki/ (recces , recceing , recced ) VERB If you recce an area, you visit that place in order to become familiar with it. People usually recce an area when they are going to return at a later time to do something there. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] The first duty of a director is to recce his location. ●�N‑COUNT Recce is also a noun. □� Uncle Jim took the air rifle and went on a recce to the far end of the quarry.

recd. In written English, recd. can be used as an abbreviation for received .

re|cede /r I siː d/ (recedes , receding , receded )

1 VERB If something recedes from you, it moves away. □�[V prep] Luke's footsteps receded into the night. □�[V ] As she receded he waved goodbye.

2 VERB When something such as a quality, problem, or illness recedes , it becomes weaker, smaller, or less intense. □�[V ] Just as I started to think that I was never going to get well, the illness began to recede. [Also V prep]

3 VERB If a man's hair starts to recede , it no longer grows on the front of his head. □�[V ] �a youngish man with dark hair just beginning to recede. [Also V at/from n]

re|ceipt /r I siː t/ (receipts )

1 N‑COUNT A receipt is a piece of paper that you get from someone as proof that they have received money or goods from you. In British English a receipt is a piece of paper that you get in a shop when you buy something, but in American English the more usual term for this is sales slip . □�[+�for ] I wrote her a receipt for the money.

2 N‑PLURAL Receipts are the amount of money received during a particular period, for example by a shop or theatre. □� He was tallying the day's receipts.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The receipt of something is the act of receiving it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Goods should be supplied within 28 days after the receipt of your order.

4 PHRASE If you are in receipt of something, you have received it or you receive it regularly. [FORMAL ] □� We are taking action, having been in receipt of a letter from him.

re|ceive ◆◆◆ /r I siː v/ (receives , receiving , received )

1 VERB When you receive something, you get it after someone gives it to you or sends it to you. □�[V n] They will receive their awards at a ceremony in Stockholm. □�[V n] I received your letter of November 7.

2 VERB You can use receive to say that certain kinds of thing happen to someone. For example if they are injured, you can say that they received an injury. □�[V n] He received more of the blame than anyone when the plan failed to work. □�[V -ed] She was suffering from whiplash injuries received in a car crash.

3 VERB When you receive a visitor or a guest, you greet them. □�[V n] The following evening the duchess was again receiving guests.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you say that something is received in a particular way, you mean that people react to it in that way. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] The resolution had been received with great disappointment within the organization.

5 VERB When a radio or television receives signals that are being transmitted, it picks them up and converts them into sound or pictures. □�[V n] The reception was a little faint but clear enough for him to receive the signal. [Also V ]

6 PHRASE If you are on the receiving end or at the receiving end of something unpleasant, you are the person that it happens to. □� You saw hate in their eyes and you were on the receiving end of that hate. SYNONYMS receive VERB 1

collect:She had just collected her pension from the post office.

obtain:Evans was trying to obtain a false passport.

acquire:I recently acquired some wood from a holly tree.

re|ceived /r I siː vd/ ADJ [ADJ n] The received opinion about something or the received way of doing something is generally accepted by people as being correct. [FORMAL ] □� He was among the first to question the received wisdom of the time.

Re|cei ved Pro|nun|cia |tion N‑UNCOUNT Received Pronunciation is a way of pronouncing British English that is often used as a standard in the teaching of English as a foreign language. The abbreviation RP is also used. The accent represented by the pronunciations in this dictionary is Received Pronunciation.

re|ceiv|er /r I siː və r / (receivers )

1 N‑COUNT A phone's receiver is the part that you hold near to your ear and speak into.

2 N‑COUNT A receiver is the part of a radio or television that picks up signals and converts them into sound or pictures. □� A built-in TMC radio receiver picks up information about tailbacks, and alerted us promptly to a motorway hold-up.

3 N‑COUNT Thereceiver is someone who is appointed by a court of law to manage the affairs of a business, usually when it is facing financial failure. [BUSINESS ] □� Between July and September, a total of 1,059 firms called in the receiver.

re|ceiv|er|ship /r I siː və r ʃ I p/ (receiverships ) N‑VAR [oft in/into N ] If a company goes intoreceivership , it faces financial failure and the administration of its business is handled by the receiver. [BUSINESS ] □� The company has now gone into receivership with debts of several million.

re|cent ◆◆◆ /riː s ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A recent event or period of time happened only a short while ago. □� In the most recent attack one man was shot dead and two others were wounded. □� Sales have fallen by more than 75 percent in recent years.

re|cent|ly ◆◆◇ /riː s ə ntli/ ADV [ADV with v] If you have done something recently or if something happened recently , it happened only a short time ago. □� The bank recently opened a branch in Germany. □� He was until very recently the most powerful banker in the city. SYNONYMS recently ADV

newly:She was young at the time, and newly married.

lately:Dad's health hasn't been too good lately.

just:I've just bought a new house.

re|cep|ta|cle /r I se pt I k ə l/ (receptacles ) N‑COUNT A receptacle is an object which you use to put or keep things in. [FORMAL ]

re|cep|tion /r I se pʃ ə n/ (receptions )

1 N‑SING [oft N n, oft at N ] The reception in a hotel is the desk or office that books rooms for people and answers their questions. [mainly BRIT ] □� Have him bring a car round to the reception. □� �the hotel's reception desk. in AM, use front desk2 N‑SING [oft N n, oft at N ] The reception in an office or hospital is the place where people's appointments and questions are dealt with. [mainly BRIT ] □� Wait at reception for me.

3 N‑COUNT A reception is a formal party which is given to welcome someone or to celebrate a special event. □� At the reception they served smoked salmon.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone or something has a particular kind of reception , that is the way that people react to them. □� The President was given a tumultuous reception.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If you get good reception from your mobile phone, radio, or television, the sound or picture is clear because the signal is strong. If the reception is poor, the sound or picture is unclear because the signal is weak. □� Adjust the aerial's position and direction for the best reception.

6 N‑SING Reception is the same as reception class .

re|ce p|tion cen|tre (reception centres ) N‑COUNT A reception centre is a place where people who have no homes or are being looked after by the government can live until somewhere else is found for them to live. [mainly BRIT ]

re|ce p|tion class (reception classes ) N‑COUNT A reception class is a class that children go into when they first start school at the age of four or five. [BRIT ]

re|cep|tion|ist /r I se pʃən I st/ (receptionists )

1 N‑COUNT In a hotel, the receptionist is the person whose job is to book rooms for people and answer their questions. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use desk clerk2 N‑COUNT In an office or hospital, the receptionist is the person whose job is to answer the phone, arrange appointments, and deal with people when they first arrive.

re|ce p|tion room (reception rooms ) N‑COUNT A reception room is a room in a house, for example a living room, where people can sit. This expression is often used in descriptions of houses that are for sale. [BRIT ]

re|cep|tive /r I se pt I v/

1 ADJ Someone who is receptiveto new ideas or suggestions is prepared to consider them or accept them. □�[+�to ] The voters had seemed receptive to his ideas. ●� re|cep|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� There was less receptiveness to liberalism in some areas.

2 ADJ If someone who is ill is receptiveto treatment, they start to get better when they are given treatment. □�[+�to ] �those patients who are not receptive to treatment.

re|cep|tor /r I se ptə r / (receptors ) N‑COUNT Receptors are nerve endings in your body which react to changes and stimuli and make your body respond in a particular way. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the information receptors in our brain.

re|cess /r I se s, riː ses/ (recesses , recessing , recessed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A recess is a break between the periods of work of an official body such as a committee, a court of law, or a government. □� The conference broke for a recess.

2 VERB When formal meetings or court cases recess , they stop temporarily. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�for ] The hearings have now recessed for dinner. □�[V ] Before the trial recessed today, the lawyer read her opening statement.

3 N‑COUNT In a room, a recess is part of a wall which is built further back than the rest of the wall. Recesses are often used as a place to put furniture such as shelves. □� �a discreet recess next to a fireplace.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Therecessesof something or somewhere are the parts of it which are hard to see because light does not reach them or they are hidden from view. □�[+�of ] He emerged from the dark recesses of the garage.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you refer to therecessesof someone's mind or soul, you are referring to thoughts or feelings they have which are hidden or difficult to describe. □�[+�of ] There was something in the darker recesses of his unconscious that was troubling him.

re|cessed /riː sest/ ADJ If something such as a door or window is recessed , it is set into the wall that surrounds it. □� �a wide passage, lit from one side by recessed windows.

re|ces|sion ◆◆◇ /r I se ʃ ə n/ (recessions ) N‑VAR A recession is a period when the economy of a country is doing badly, for example because industry is producing less and more people are becoming unemployed. □� The oil price increases sent Europe into deep recession. COLLOCATIONS recession NOUN

adjective +�recession : deep, economic, global; deepening, looming, prolonged

verb +�recession : avoid, beat, survive, weather SYNONYMS recession NOUN

depression:He never forgot the hardships he witnessed during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

slump:�the slump of the early 1980s.

credit crunch:The most common argument for cutting interest rates is to prevent a global credit crunch.

downturn:They predicted a severe economic downturn.

re|ces|sion|al /r I se ʃən ə l/

1 N‑SING The recessional is a religious song which is sung at the end of a church service.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Recessional means related to an economic recession. □� Many home sellers remain stuck in a recessional rut.

re|ces|sion|ary /r I se ʃ ə nri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Recessionary means relating to an economic recession or having the effect of creating a recession. □� Reduced interest rates would help ease recessionary pressures in the economy.

re|ces|sive /r I se s I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A recessive gene produces a particular characteristic only if a person has two of these genes, one from each parent. Compare dominant . [TECHNICAL ] □� Sickle-cell anaemia is passed on through a recessive gene.

re|charge /riː tʃɑː r dʒ/ (recharges , recharging , recharged )

1 VERB If you recharge a battery, you put an electrical charge back into the battery by connecting it to a machine that draws power from another source of electricity such as the mains. □�[V n] He is using your mains electricity to recharge his car battery.

2 PHRASE If you recharge your batteries , you take a break from activities which are tiring or difficult in order to relax and feel better when you return to these activities. □� He wanted to recharge his batteries and come back feeling fresh and positive.

re|charge|able /riː tʃɑː r dʒəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Rechargeable batteries can be recharged and used again. Some electrical products are described as rechargeable when they contain rechargeable batteries. □� �a rechargeable battery. □� �a rechargeable drill.

re|cher|ch� /rəʃeə r ʃe I / ADJ If you describe something as recherch� , you mean that it is very sophisticated or is associated with people who like things which are unusual and of a very high quality. [FORMAL ] □� Only extra-virgin olive oil will do on recherch� dinner tables.

re|cidi|vist /r I s I d I v I st/ (recidivists ) N‑COUNT A recidivist is someone who has committed crimes in the past and has begun to commit crimes again, for example after a period in prison. [FORMAL ] □� Six prisoners are still at large along with four dangerous recidivists. ●� re|cidi|vism /r I s I d I v I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Their basic criticism was that prisons do not reduce the crime rate, they cause recidivism.

reci|pe /re s I pi/ (recipes )

1 N‑COUNT A recipe is a list of ingredients and a set of instructions that tell you how to cook something. □� �a traditional recipe for oatmeal biscuits. □� �a recipe book.

2 N‑SING If you say that something is a recipe for a particular situation, you mean that it is likely to result in that situation. □� Large-scale inflation is a recipe for disaster.

re|cipi|ent /r I s I piənt/ (recipients ) N‑COUNT The recipient of something is the person who receives it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the largest recipient of American foreign aid.

re|cip|ro|cal /r I s I prək ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A reciprocal action or agreement involves two people or groups who do the same thing to each other or agree to help each another in a similar way. [FORMAL ] □� They expected a reciprocal gesture before more hostages could be freed.

re|cip|ro|cate /r I s I prəke I t/ (reciprocates , reciprocating , reciprocated ) VERB If your feelings or actions towards someone are reciprocated , the other person feels or behaves in the same way towards you as you have felt or behaved towards them. □�[V n] He reciprocated the party leader's good wishes. □�[V +�by ] I helped Juan with his English and he reciprocated by correcting my Spanish. ●� re|cip|ro|ca|tion /r I s I prəke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] There was no reciprocation of affection.

reci|proc|ity /re s I prɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Reciprocity is the exchange of something between people or groups of people when each person or group gives or allows something to the other. [FORMAL ] □� They gave assurances they would press for reciprocity with Greece in the issuing of visas.

re|cit|al /r I sa I t ə l/ (recitals )

1 N‑COUNT A recital is a performance of music or poetry, usually given by one person. □� �a solo recital by the harpsichordist Maggie Cole.

2 N‑COUNT If someone speaks for a long time, or says something that is boring or that has been heard many times before, you can describe it as a recital . [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] Before long we all grew bored with his frequent recital of the foods he couldn't eat.

reci|ta|tion /re s I te I ʃ ə n/ (recitations ) N‑VAR When someone does a recitation , they say aloud a piece of poetry or other writing that they have learned. □� The transmission began with a recitation from the Koran.

re|cite /r I sa I t/ (recites , reciting , recited )

1 VERB When someone recites a poem or other piece of writing, they say it aloud after they have learned it. □�[V n] They recited poetry to one another. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you recite something such as a list, you say it aloud. □�[V n] All he could do was recite a list of Government failings.

reck|less /re kləs/ ADJ If you say that someone is reckless , you mean that they act in a way which shows that they do not care about danger or the effect their behaviour will have on other people. □� He is charged with causing death by reckless driving. ●� reck|less|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� He was leaning recklessly out of the unshuttered window. ●� reck|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He felt a surge of recklessness.

reck|on ◆◇◇ /re kən/ (reckons , reckoning , reckoned )

1 VERB If you reckon that something is true, you think that it is true. [INFORMAL ] □�[V that] Toni reckoned that it must be about three o'clock.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is reckoned to be a particular figure, it is calculated to be roughly that amount. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The star's surface temperature is reckoned to be minus 75 degrees Celsius. □�[V n +�at ] A proportion of the research, which I reckoned at about 30 percent, was basic research.

▸� reckon on PHRASAL VERB If you reckon on something, you feel certain that it will happen and are therefore prepared for it. □�[V -ing P ] They planned a family without reckoning on the small fortune it would cost.

▸� reckon with

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that you had not reckoned with something, you mean that you had not expected it and so were not prepared for it. □�[V P n] Giles had not reckoned with the strength of Sally's feelings for him.

2 PHRASE If you say that there is someone or something to be reckoned with , you mean that they must be dealt with and it will be difficult. □� This act was a signal to his victim's friends that he was someone to be reckoned with. SYNONYMS reckon VERB 1

think:Nora thought he was seventeen years old.

believe:Experts believe that the coming drought will be extensive.

assume:If the package is wrapped well, we assume the contents are also wonderful.

suppose:It had been supposed that by then Peter would be married.

reck|on|ing /re kən I ŋ/ (reckonings ) N‑VAR [usu poss N ] Someone's reckoning is a calculation they make about something, especially a calculation that is not very exact. □� By my reckoning we were seven or eight kilometres from Borj Mechaab.

re|claim /r I kle I m/ (reclaims , reclaiming , reclaimed )

1 VERB If you reclaim something that you have lost or that has been taken away from you, you succeed in getting it back. □�[V n] In 1986, they got the right to reclaim South African citizenship.

2 VERB If you reclaim an amount of money, for example tax that you have paid, you claim it back. □�[V n] There are eight million people currently eligible to reclaim income tax.

3 VERB When people reclaim land, they make it suitable for a purpose such as farming or building, for example by draining it or by building a barrier against the sea. □�[V n] The Netherlands has been reclaiming farmland from water.

4 VERB [usu passive] If a piece of land that was used for farming or building is reclaimedby a desert, forest, or the sea, it turns back into desert, forest, or sea. □�[be V -ed +�by ] The diamond towns are gradually being reclaimed by the desert.

rec|la|ma|tion /re kləme I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Reclamation is the process of changing land that is unsuitable for farming or building into land that can be used. □�[+�of ] �centuries of sea-wall construction and the reclamation of dry land from the marshes.

re|cline /r I kla I n/ (reclines , reclining , reclined )

1 VERB If you reclineon something, you sit or lie on it with the upper part of your body supported at an angle. □�[V prep] She proceeded to recline on a chaise longue. [Also V n]

2 VERB When a seat reclines or when you recline it, you lower the back so that it is more comfortable to sit in. □�[V ] Air France first-class seats recline almost like beds. □�[V n] Ramesh had reclined his seat and was lying back smoking.

re|clin|er /r I kla I nə r / (recliners ) N‑COUNT A recliner is a type of armchair with a back that can be adjusted to slope at different angles.

re|cluse /r I kluː s, [AM ] re kluːs/ (recluses ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A recluse is a person who lives alone and deliberately avoids other people. □� His widow became a virtual recluse for the remainder of her life.

re|clu|sive /r I kluː s I v/ ADJ A reclusive person or animal lives alone and deliberately avoids the company of others. □� She had been living a reclusive life since her marriage broke up.

rec|og|nise /re kəgna I z/ →�see recognize

rec|og|ni|tion ◆◇◇ /re kəgn I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Recognition is the act of recognizing someone or identifying something when you see it. □� He searched for a sign of recognition on her face, but there was none.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Recognitionof something is an understanding and acceptance of it. □�[+�of ] The CBI welcomed the Chancellor's recognition of the recession and hoped for a reduction in interest rates.

3 N‑UNCOUNT When a government gives diplomatic recognition to another country, they officially accept that its status is valid. □� His government did not receive full recognition by Britain until July.

4 N‑UNCOUNT When a person receives recognition for the things that they have done, people acknowledge the value or skill of their work. □� At last, her father's work has received popular recognition.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone or something has changed beyond recognition or out of all recognition , you mean that person or thing has changed so much that you can no longer recognize them. [EMPHASIS ] □� The bodies were mutilated beyond recognition. □� The situation has changed out of all recognition.

6 PHRASE If something is done in recognition of someone's achievements, it is done as a way of showing official appreciation of them. □� Brazil normalised its diplomatic relations with South Africa in recognition of the steps taken to end apartheid. COLLOCATIONS recognition NOUN

1

noun +�recognition : fingerprint, name, speech, voice; brand, pattern

verb +�recognition : aid

4

adjective +�recognition : belated, international

verb +�recognition : achieve, gain, receive, win; deserve; crave, seek SYNONYMS recognition NOUN 2

acceptance:There was a general acceptance that the defence budget would shrink.

acknowledgement:This is an acknowledgment that the president has lost all hope of keeping the country together.

admission:She wanted some admission of guilt from her father.

rec|og|niz|able /re kəgna I zəb ə l/ in BRIT, also use recognisable ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] If something can be easily recognized or identified, you can say that it is easily recognizable . □� The body was found to be well preserved, his features easily recognizable. [Also +�as/by/to ] ●� rec|og|niz|ably /re kəgna I zəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� At seven weeks, an embryo is about three-fourths of an inch long and recognizably human.

rec|og|nize ◆◆◇ /re kəgna I z/ (recognizes , recognizing , recognized ) in BRIT, also use recognise1 VERB [no cont] If you recognize someone or something, you know who that person is or what that thing is. □�[V n] The receptionist recognized him at once. □�[V n +�as ] A man I easily recognized as Luke's father sat with a newspaper on his lap.

2 VERB [no cont] If someone says that they recognize something, they acknowledge that it exists or that it is true. □�[V n] I recognize my own shortcomings. □�[V that] Well, of course I recognize that evil exists.

3 VERB If people or organizations recognize something as valid, they officially accept it or approve of it. □�[V n +�as ] Most doctors appear to recognize homeopathy as a legitimate form of medicine. □�[V n] Eisenhower recognized the Castro government at once. [Also V that]

4 VERB When people recognize the work that someone has done, they show their appreciation of it, often by giving that person an award of some kind. □�[V n +�as ] The RAF recognized him as an outstandingly able engineer. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Nichols was recognized by the Hall of Fame in 1949.

re|coil (recoils , recoiling , recoiled ) The verb is pronounced /r I kɔ I l/. The noun is pronounced /riː kɔ I l/. 1 VERB If something makes you recoil , you move your body quickly away from it because it frightens, offends, or hurts you. □�[V ] For a moment I thought he was going to kiss me. I recoiled in horror. □�[V +�from ] We are attracted by nice smells and recoil from nasty ones. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Recoil is also a noun. □� �his small body jerking in recoil from the volume of his shouting.

2 VERB If you recoilfrom doing something or recoilat the idea of something, you refuse to do it or accept it because you dislike it so much. □�[V +�from ] People used to recoil from the idea of getting into debt. □�[V +�at ] She recoiled at the number of young girls who came forward.

rec|ol|lect /re kəle kt/ (recollects , recollecting , recollected ) VERB If you recollect something, you remember it. □�[V n] Ramona spoke with warmth when she recollected the doctor who used to be at the county hospital. □�[V that] His efforts, she recollected many years later, were distinctly half-hearted. [Also V ]

rec|ol|lec|tion /re kəle kʃ ə n/ (recollections ) N‑VAR If you have a recollectionof something, you remember it. □�[+�of ] Pat has vivid recollections of the trip. □�[+�of ] He had no recollection of the crash.

re|com|mence /riː kəme ns/ (recommences , recommencing , recommenced ) VERB If you recommence something or if it recommences , it begins again after having stopped. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] He recommenced work on his novel. □�[V ] His course at Sheffield University will not recommence until next year.

rec|om|mend ◆◆◇ /re kəme nd/ (recommends , recommending , recommended )

1 VERB If someone recommends a person or thing to you, they suggest that you would find that person or thing good or useful. □�[V n +�to/for ] I have just spent a holiday there and would recommend it to anyone. □�[V n +�for/as ] 'You're a good worker, boy,' he told him. 'I'll recommend you for a promotion.'. □�[V n] Ask your doctor to recommend a suitable therapist. [Also V n +�as ] ●� rec|om|mend|ed ADJ □� Though ten years old, this book is highly recommended.

2 VERB If you recommend that something is done, you suggest that it should be done. □�[V that] The judge recommended that he serve 20 years in prison. □�[V n/v-ing] We strongly recommend reporting the incident to the police. □�[V -ed] The recommended daily dose is 12 to 24 grams. □�[V +�against ] Many financial planners now recommend against ever fully paying off your home loan. [Also V n to-inf]

3 VERB If something or someone has a particular quality to recommend them, that quality makes them attractive or gives them an advantage over similar things or people. □�[V n] The restaurant has much to recommend it. □�[V n +�to ] These qualities recommended him to Olivier. USAGE recommend

Don�t say that you �recommend someone� an action. Don�t say, for example, � I recommend you a visit to Paris �. Say �I recommend a visit to Paris�, �I recommend visiting Paris�, or �I recommend that you visit Paris�. □� We recommend that you pay in advance. SYNONYMS recommend VERB 1

advocate:Mr Williams is a conservative who advocates fewer government controls on business.

suggest:I suggest you ask him some specific questions about his past.

propose:Britain is about to propose changes to some institutions.

advise:would strongly advise against it.

rec|om|men|da|tion ◆◇◇ /re kəmende I ʃ ə n/ (recommendations )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] The recommendations of a person or a committee are their suggestions or advice on what is the best thing to do. □� The committee's recommendations are unlikely to be made public. □�[+�of ] The decision was made on the recommendation of the Interior Minister.

2 N‑VAR A recommendation of something is the suggestion that someone should have or use it because it is good. □� The best way of finding a solicitor is through personal recommendation. SYNONYMS recommendation NOUN 1

advice:Take my advice and stay away from him!

proposal:The President is to put forward new proposals for resolving the country's constitutional crisis.

suggestion:I have lots of suggestions for the park's future.

rec|om|pense /re kəmpens/ (recompenses , recompensing , recompensed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [in N ] If you are given something, usually money, inrecompense , you are given it as a reward or because you have suffered. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] He demands no financial recompense for his troubles. □� Substantial damages were paid in recompense.

2 VERB If you recompense someone for their efforts or their loss, you give them something, usually money, as a payment or reward. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�for ] The fees offered by the health service do not recompense dental surgeons for their professional time.

rec|on|cile /re kənsa I l/ (reconciles , reconciling , reconciled )

1 VERB If you reconcile two beliefs, facts, or demands that seem to be opposed or completely different, you find a way in which they can both be true or both be successful. □�[V n] It's difficult to reconcile the demands of my job and the desire to be a good father. □�[V n +�with ] She struggles to reconcile the demands and dangers of her work with her role as a mother and wife.

2 V-PASSIVE If you are reconciledwith someone, you become friendly with them again after a quarrel or disagreement. □�[be V -ed] He never believed he and Susan would be reconciled. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Devlin was reconciled with the Catholic Church in his last few days.

3 VERB If you reconcile two people, you make them become friends again after a quarrel or disagreement. □�[V n +�with ] �my attempt to reconcile him with Toby.

4 VERB If you reconcileyourselfto an unpleasant situation, you accept it, although it does not make you happy to do so. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] She had reconciled herself to never seeing him again. ●� rec|on|ciled ADJ □�[+�to ] She felt a little more reconciled to her lot.

rec|on|cilia|tion /re kəns I lie I ʃ ə n/ (reconciliations )

1 N‑VAR Reconciliation between two people or countries who have quarrelled is the process of their becoming friends again. A reconciliation is an instance of this. □�[+�between ] The film offers little hope of reconciliation between both sides. [Also +�with/of ]

2 N‑SING The reconciliation of two beliefs, facts, or demands that seem to be opposed is the process of finding a way in which they can both be true or both be successful. □�[+�of ] �the ideal of democracy based upon a reconciliation of the values of equality and liberty. [Also +�with/between ]

re|con|dite /r I kɒ nda I t, re kən-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Recondite areas of knowledge or learning are difficult to understand, and not many people know about them. [FORMAL ] □� Her poems are modishly experimental in style and recondite in subject-matter.

re|con|di|tion /riː kənd I ʃ ə n/ (reconditions , reconditioning , reconditioned ) VERB To recondition a machine or piece of equipment means to repair or replace all the parts that are damaged or broken. □�[V n] He made contact with someone with an idea for reconditioning laser copiers. □�[V -ed] They sell used and reconditioned motorcycle parts.

re|con|fig|ure /riː kənf I gə, [AM ] -f I gjər/ (reconfigures , reconfiguring , reconfigured ) VERB If you reconfigure a system, device, or computer application, you rearrange its elements or settings. [COMPUTING ] □� It should be simple to reconfigure the mail servers.

re|con|firm /riː kənfɜː r m/ (reconfirms , reconfirming , reconfirmed ) VERB Reconfirm means the same as confirm .

re|con|nais|sance /r I kɒ n I səns/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Reconnaissance is the activity of obtaining military information about a place by sending soldiers or planes there, or by the use of satellites. □� The helicopter was returning from a reconnaissance mission.

re|con|nect /riː kəne kt/ (reconnects , reconnecting , reconnected ) VERB If a company reconnects your electricity, water, gas, or phone after it has been stopped, they provide you with it once again. □�[V n] They charge a �66.10 fee for reconnecting cut-off customers.

rec|on|noi|tre /re kənɔ I tə r / (reconnoitres , reconnoitring , reconnoitred ) in AM, use reconnoiter VERB To reconnoitre an area means to obtain information about its geographical features or about the size and position of an army there. □�[V n] He was sent to Eritrea to reconnoitre the enemy position. □�[V ] I left a sergeant in command and rode forward to reconnoitre.

re|con|quer /riːkɒ ŋkə r / (reconquers , reconquering , reconquered ) VERB If an army reconquers a country or territory after having lost it, they win control over it again. □�[V n] A crusade left Europe in an attempt to reconquer the Holy City.

re|con|sid|er /riː kəns I də r / (reconsiders , reconsidering , reconsidered ) VERB If you reconsider a decision or opinion, you think about it and try to decide whether it should be changed. □�[V n] We want you to reconsider your decision to resign from the board. □�[V ] If at the end of two years you still feel the same, we will reconsider. ●� re|con|sid|era|tion /riː kəns I dəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The report urges reconsideration of the decision.

re|con|sti|tute /riː kɒ nst I tjuːt, [AM ] -tuːt/ (reconstitutes , reconstituting , reconstituted )

1 VERB [usu passive] If an organization or state is reconstituted , it is formed again in a different way. □�[be V -ed] What had been King's College, Durham was reconstituted to become the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

2 VERB To reconstitute dried food means to add water to it so that it can be eaten. □�[V n] To reconstitute dried tomatoes, simmer in plain water until they are tender. □�[V -ed] Try eating reconstituted dried prunes, figs or apricots.

re|con|struct /riː kənstrʌ kt/ (reconstructs , reconstructing , reconstructed )

1 VERB If you reconstruct something that has been destroyed or badly damaged, you build it and make it work again. □�[V n] The government must reconstruct the shattered economy. □�[be V -ed] Although this part of Normandy was badly bombed, it has been completely reconstructed.

2 VERB To reconstruct a system or policy means to change it so that it works in a different way. □�[V n] She actually wanted to reconstruct the state and transform society.

3 VERB If you reconstruct an event that happened in the past, you try to get a complete understanding of it by combining a lot of small pieces of information. □�[V n] He began to reconstruct the events of 21 December 1988, when flight 103 disappeared. □�[V wh] Elaborate efforts were made to reconstruct what had happened.

re|con|struc|tion /riː kənstrʌ kʃ ə n/ (reconstructions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Reconstruction is the process of making a country normal again after a war, for example by making the economy stronger and by replacing buildings that have been damaged. □�[+�of ] �America's part in the post-war reconstruction of Germany.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The reconstruction of a building, structure, or road is the activity of building it again, because it has been damaged. □�[+�of ] Work began on the reconstruction of the road.

3 N‑COUNT The reconstruction of a crime or event is when people try to understand or show exactly what happened, often by acting it out. □�[+�of ] Mrs Kerr was too upset to take part in a reconstruction of her ordeal.

re|con|struc|tive /riː kənstrʌ kt I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] Reconstructive surgery or treatment involves rebuilding a part of someone's body because it has been badly damaged, or because the person wants to change its shape. □� I needed reconstructive surgery to give me a new nose.

re|con|vene /riː kənviː n/ (reconvenes , reconvening , reconvened ) VERB If a parliament, court, or conference reconvenes or if someone reconvenes it, it meets again after a break. □�[V ] The conference might reconvene after its opening session. □�[V n] It was certainly serious enough for him to reconvene Parliament.

rec|ord ◆◆◆ (records , recording , recorded ) The noun is pronounced /re kɔː r d, [AM ] -kərd/. The verb is pronounced /r I kɔː r d/. 1 N‑COUNT If you keep a recordof something, you keep a written account or photographs of it so that it can be referred to later. □�[+�of ] Keep a record of all the payments. □� There's no record of them having any children. □� The result will go on your medical records.

2 VERB If you record a piece of information or an event, you write it down, photograph it, or put it into a computer so that in the future people can refer to it. □�[V n] �software packages which record the details of your photographs. □�[V -ed] �a place which has rarely suffered a famine in its recorded history.

3 VERB If you record something such as a speech or performance, you put it on tape or film so that it can be heard or seen again later. □�[V n] There is nothing to stop viewers recording the films at home. □�[V -ed] The call was answered by a recorded message saying the company had closed early.

4 VERB If a musician or performer records a piece of music or a television or radio show, they perform it so that it can be put online or onto CD or film. □�[V n] It took the musicians two and a half days to record their soundtrack for the film.

5 N‑COUNT A record is a round, flat piece of black plastic on which sound, especially music, is stored, and which can be played on a record player. You can also refer to the music stored on this piece of plastic as a record . □� This is one of my favourite records.

6 VERB If a dial or other measuring device records a certain measurement or value, it shows that measurement or value. □�[V n] The test records the electrical activity of the brain.

7 N‑COUNT A record is the best result that has ever been achieved in a particular sport or activity, for example the fastest time, the furthest distance, or the greatest number of victories. □�[+�of ] He set the world record of 12.92 seconds. □� �the 800 metres, where she is the world record holder.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] You use record to say that something is higher, lower, better, or worse than has ever been achieved before. □� Profits were at record levels. □� She won the race in record time.

9 N‑COUNT Someone's record is the facts that are known about their achievements or character. □� His record reveals a tough streak.

10 N‑COUNT If someone has a criminal record , it is officially known that they have committed crimes in the past. □� �a heroin addict with a criminal record going back 15 years.

11 →�see also recording , track record

12 PHRASE If you say that what you are going to say next is for the record , you mean that you are saying it publicly and officially and you want it to be written down and remembered. □� We're willing to state for the record that it has enormous value.

13 PHRASE If you give some information for the record , you give it in case people might find it useful at a later time, although it is not a very important part of what you are talking about. □� For the record, most Moscow girls leave school at about 18.

14 PHRASE If something that you say is off the record , you do not intend it to be considered as official, or published with your name attached to it. □� May I speak off the record?

15 PHRASE If you are on recordas saying something, you have said it publicly and officially and it has been written down. □� The Chancellor is on record as saying that the increase in unemployment is 'a price worth paying' to keep inflation down.

16 PHRASE If you keep information on record , you write it down or store it in a computer so that it can be used later. □� The practice is to keep on record any analysis of samples.

17 PHRASE If something is the best, worst, or biggest on record , it is the best, worst, or biggest thing of its kind that has been noticed and written down. □� It's the shortest election campaign on record.

18 PHRASE If you set the record straight or put the record straight , you show that something which has been regarded as true is in fact not true. □� Let me set the record straight on the misconceptions contained in your article.

re cord-breaker (record-breakers ) also record breaker N‑COUNT A record-breaker is someone or something that beats the previous best result in a sport or other activity. □� The movie became a box-office record breaker.

re cord-breaking ADJ [ADJ n] A record-breaking success, result, or performance is one that beats the previous best success, result, or performance. □� Australia's rugby union side enjoyed a record-breaking win over France.

rec|o rd|ed de|li v|ery N‑UNCOUNT If you send a letter or parcel recorded delivery , you send it using a Post Office service which gives you an official record of the fact that it has been posted and delivered. [BRIT ] □� Use recorded delivery for large cheques or money orders. in AM, usually use registered mail

re|cord|er /r I kɔː r də r / (recorders )

1 N‑VAR A recorder is a wooden or plastic musical instrument in the shape of a pipe. You play the recorder by blowing into the top of it and covering and uncovering the holes with your fingers.

2 N‑COUNT A recorder is a machine or instrument that keeps a record of something, for example in an experiment or on a vehicle. □� Data recorders also pin-point mechanical faults rapidly, reducing repair times.

3 N‑COUNT In the past, you could refer to a cassette recorder, a tape recorder, or a video recorder as a recorder . □� Rodney put the recorder on the desk top and pushed the play button.

4 →�see also flight recorder

re c|ord hold|er (record holders ) N‑COUNT Therecord holder in a particular sport or activity is the person or team that holds the record for doing it fastest or best. □�[+�for ] �the British record holder for the 200m backstroke.

re|cord|ing ◆◇◇ /r I kɔː r d I ŋ/ (recordings )

1 N‑COUNT A recordingof something is a record, CD, tape, or video of it. □�[+�of ] �a video recording of a police interview.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Recording is the process of making records, CDs, tapes, or videos. □� �the recording industry.

re c|ord play|er (record players ) also record-player N‑COUNT A record player is a machine on which you can play a record in order to listen to the music or other sounds on it.

re|count (recounts , recounting , recounted ) The verb is pronounced /r I kaʊ nt/. The noun is pronounced /riː kaʊnt/. 1 VERB If you recount a story or event, you tell or describe it to people. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He then recounted the story of the interview for his first job. □�[V wh] He recounted how heavily armed soldiers forced him from the presidential palace. [Also V that]

2 N‑COUNT A recount is a second count of votes in an election when the result is very close. □� She wanted a recount. She couldn't believe that I had got more votes than her.

re|coup /r I kuː p/ (recoups , recouping , recouped ) VERB If you recoup a sum of money that you have spent or lost, you get it back. □�[V n] Insurance companies are trying to recoup their losses by increasing premiums.

re|course /r I kɔː r s/ N‑UNCOUNT If you achieve something without recourseto a particular course of action, you succeed without carrying out that action. To have recourseto a particular course of action means to have to do that action in order to achieve something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] It enabled its members to settle their differences without recourse to war.

re|cov|er ◆◇◇ /r I kʌ və r / (recovers , recovering , recovered )

1 VERB When you recoverfrom an illness or an injury, you become well again. □�[V +�from ] He is recovering from a knee injury. □�[V ] A policeman was recovering in hospital last night after being stabbed.

2 VERB If you recoverfrom an unhappy or unpleasant experience, you stop being upset by it. □�[V +�from ] �a tragedy from which he never fully recovered. □�[V ] There was no time to recover from the defeat.

3 VERB If something recoversfrom a period of weakness or difficulty, it improves or gets stronger again. □�[V +�from ] He recovered from a 4-2 deficit to reach the quarter-finals. □�[V ] The stockmarket index fell by 80% before it began to recover.

4 VERB If you recover something that has been lost or stolen, you find it or get it back. □�[V n] Police raided five houses in south-east London and recovered stolen goods.

5 VERB If you recover a mental or physical state, it comes back again. For example, if you recover consciousness, you become conscious again. □�[V n] She had a severe attack of asthma and it took an hour to recover her breath.

6 VERB If you recover money that you have spent, invested, or lent to someone, you get the same amount back. □�[V n] Legal action is being taken to try to recover the money.

re|cov|er|able /r I kʌ vərəb ə l/ ADJ If something is recoverable , it is possible for you to get it back. □� If you decide not to buy, the money you have spent on the survey is not recoverable.

re|cov|ery ◆◇◇ /r I kʌ vəri/ (recoveries )

1 N‑VAR If a sick person makes a recovery , he or she becomes well again. □�[+�from ] He made a remarkable recovery from a shin injury.

2 N‑VAR When there is a recovery in a country's economy, it improves. □� Interest-rate cuts have failed to bring about economic recovery.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You talk about the recoveryof something when you get it back after it has been lost or stolen. □�[+�of ] A substantial reward is being offered for the recovery of a painting by Turner.

4 N‑UNCOUNT You talk about the recoveryof someone's physical or mental state when they return to this state. □�[+�of ] �the abrupt loss and recovery of consciousness.

5 PHRASE If someone is in recovery , they are being given a course of treatment to help them recover from something such as a drug habit or mental illness. □� �Carole, an addict in recovery. COLLOCATIONS recovery NOUN

1

adjective +�recovery : full, remarkable, speedy, slow

2

adjective +�recovery : economic, global, strong, sustained

noun +�recovery : market

re|cre|ate /riː krie I t/ (recreates , recreating , recreated ) VERB If you recreate something, you succeed in making it exist or seem to exist in a different time or place to its original time or place. □�[V n] I am trying to recreate family life far from home.

rec|rea|tion (recreations ) Pronounced /re krie I ʃ ə n/ for meaning 1 . Pronounced /riː krie I ʃ ə n/ and hyphenated re+crea+tion for meaning 2 . 1 N‑VAR Recreation consists of things that you do in your spare time to relax. □� Saturday afternoon is for recreation and outings.

2 N‑COUNT A recreationof something is the process of making it exist or seem to exist again in a different time or place. □�[+�of ] This show from Scorsese and Mick Jagger is a stunning recreation of 1970s New York.

rec|rea|tion|al /re krie I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Recreational means relating to things people do in their spare time to relax. □� �parks and other recreational facilities. □� �the recreational use of the countryside.

re c|rea |tion|al dru g (recreational drugs ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] Recreational drugs are drugs that people take occasionally for enjoyment, especially when they are spending time socially with other people. □� Society largely turns a blind eye to recreational drug use. □� �recreational drugs, such as marijuana.

rec|rea |tion|al ve |hi|cle (recreational vehicles ) N‑COUNT A recreational vehicle is a large vehicle that you can live in. The abbreviation RV is also used. [mainly AM ]

re|crimi|na|tion /r I kr I m I ne I ʃ ə n/ (recriminations ) N‑VAR Recriminations are accusations that two people or groups make about each other. □� The bitter rows and recriminations have finally ended the relationship.

re|cruit ◆◇◇ /r I kruː t/ (recruits , recruiting , recruited )

1 VERB If you recruit people for an organization, you select them and persuade them to join it or work for it. □�[V n] The police are trying to recruit more black and Asian officers. □�[V n +�to/for ] In recruiting students to Computer Systems Engineering, the University looks for evidence of all-round ability. □�[V n to-inf] The museum is now hoping to recruit volunteers to help with its running. ●� re|cruit|er (recruiters ) N‑COUNT □� �a Marine recruiter. ●� re|cruit|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� A bomb exploded at an army recruiting office.

2 N‑COUNT A recruit is a person who has recently joined an organization or an army.

re|cruit|ment /r I kruː tmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT The recruitment of workers, soldiers, or members is the act or process of selecting them for an organization or army and persuading them to join. □�[+�of ] �the examination system for the recruitment of civil servants.

re|crui t|ment con|su lt|ant (recruitment consultants ) N‑COUNT A recruitment consultant is a person or service that helps professional people to find work by introducing them to potential employers. [BUSINESS ]

rec|tal /re ktəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Rectal means relating to the rectum. [MEDICAL ] □� �rectal cancer.

rec|tan|gle /re kt�ŋg ə l/ (rectangles ) N‑COUNT A rectangle is a four-sided shape whose corners are all ninety degree angles. Each side of a rectangle is the same length as the one opposite to it.

rec|tan|gu|lar /rekt� ŋgjʊlə r / ADJ Something that is rectangular is shaped like a rectangle. □� �a rectangular table.

rec|ti|fi|ca|tion /re kt I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The rectification of something that is wrong is the act of changing it to make it correct or satisfactory. □�[+�of ] �the rectification of an injustice.

rec|ti|fy /re kt I fa I / (rectifies , rectifying , rectified ) VERB If you rectify something that is wrong, you change it so that it becomes correct or satisfactory. □�[V n] Only an act of Congress could rectify the situation.

rec|ti|tude /re kt I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Rectitude is a quality or attitude that is shown by people who behave honestly and morally according to accepted standards. [FORMAL ] □� �people of the utmost moral rectitude.

rec|tor /re ktə r / (rectors ) N‑COUNT A rector is a priest in the Church of England who is in charge of a particular area.

rec|tory /re ktəri/ (rectories ) N‑COUNT A rectory is a house in which a Church of England rector and his family live.

rec|tum /re ktəm/ (rectums ) N‑COUNT Someone's rectum is the bottom end of the tube down which waste food passes out of their body. [MEDICAL ]

re|cum|bent /r I kʌ mbənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A recumbent figure or person is lying down. [FORMAL ] □� He looked down at the recumbent figure.

re|cu|per|ate /r I kuː pəre I t/ (recuperates , recuperating , recuperated ) VERB When you recuperate , you recover your health or strength after you have been ill or injured. □�[V ] I went away to the country to recuperate. □�[V +�from ] He is recuperating from a serious back injury. ●� re|cu|pera|tion /r I kuː pəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Leonard was very pleased with his powers of recuperation.

re|cu|pera|tive /r I kuː pərət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is recuperative helps you to recover your health and strength after an illness or injury. □� Human beings have great recuperative powers.

re|cur /r I kɜː r / (recurs , recurring , recurred ) VERB If something recurs , it happens more than once. □�[V ] �a theme that was to recur frequently in his work. □�[V -ing] �a recurring nightmare she has had since childhood.

re|cur|rence /r I kʌ rəns, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (recurrences ) N‑VAR If there is a recurrenceof something, it happens again. □�[+�of ] Police are out in force to prevent a recurrence of the violence.

re|cur|rent /r I kʌ rənt, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A recurrent event or feeling happens or is experienced more than once. □� Race is a recurrent theme in the work.

re|cy|clable /riːsa I kələb ə l/ ADJ Recyclable waste or materials can be processed and used again. □� �a separate bin for recyclable waste products.

re|cy|cle /riː sa I k ə l/ (recycles , recycling , recycled ) VERB If you recycle things that have already been used, such as bottles or sheets of paper, you process them so that they can be used again. □�[V n] The objective would be to recycle 98 per cent of domestic waste. □�[V -ed] It is printed on recycled paper. ●� re|cy|cling N‑UNCOUNT □� �a recycling scheme.

red ◆◆◆ /re d/ (reds , redder , reddest )

1 COLOUR Something that is red is the colour of blood or fire. □� �a bunch of red roses.

2 ADJ If you say that someone's face is red , you mean that it is redder than its normal colour, because they are embarrassed, angry, or out of breath. □� With a bright red face I was forced to admit that I had no real idea.

3 ADJ You describe someone's hair as red when it is between red and brown in colour. □� �a girl with red hair.

4 N‑VAR You can refer to red wine as red . □� The spicy flavours in these dishes call for reds rather than whites.

5 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a red or a Red , you disapprove of the fact that they are a communist, a socialist, or have left-wing ideas. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

6 PHRASE If a person or company is in the red or if their bank account is in the red , they have spent more money than they have in their account and therefore they owe money to the bank. □� The theatre is �500,000 in the red.

7 PHRASE If you see red , you suddenly become very angry. □� I didn't mean to break his nose. I just saw red.

8like a red rag to a bull →�see rag

re d ale rt (red alerts ) N‑VAR If a hospital, a police force, or a military force is onred alert , they have been warned that there may be an emergency, so they can be ready to deal with it. □� All the Plymouth hospitals are on red alert.

re d-bloo ded ADJ [ADJ n] If a man is described as red-blooded , he is considered to be strong and healthy and have a strong interest in sex. [INFORMAL ] □� Hers is a body which every red-blooded male cannot fail to have noticed.

red|brick /re dbr I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, a redbrick university is one of the universities that were established in large cities outside London in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as opposed to much older universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

re d ca b|bage (red cabbages ) N‑VAR A red cabbage is a cabbage with dark red leaves.

re d ca rd (red cards ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In football or rugby, if a player is shown the red card , the referee holds up a red card to indicate that the player must leave the pitch for breaking the rules.

re d ca r|pet (red carpets ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thered carpet is special treatment given to an important or honoured guest, for example the laying of a strip of red carpet for them to walk on. □� We'll give her some VIP treatment and roll out the red carpet.

Re d Cre s|cent N‑PROPER The Red Crescent is an organization in Muslim countries that helps people who are suffering, for example as a result of war, floods, or disease.

Re d Cro ss N‑PROPER The Red Cross is an international organization that helps people who are suffering, for example as a result of war, floods, or disease.

red|cur|rant /re dkʌ rənt, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (redcurrants ) N‑COUNT Redcurrants are very small, bright red berries that grow in bunches on a bush and can be eaten as a fruit or cooked to make a sauce for meat. The bush on which they grow can also be called a redcurrant . [BRIT ]

red|den /re d ə n/ (reddens , reddening , reddened ) VERB If someone reddens or their face reddens , their face turns pink or red, often because they are embarrassed or angry. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] He was working himself up to a fury, his face reddening.

red|dish /re d I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Reddish means slightly red in colour. □� He had reddish brown hair.

re|deco|rate /riː de kəre I t/ (redecorates , redecorating , redecorated ) VERB If you redecorate a room or a building, you put new paint or wallpaper on it. □�[V n] Americans redecorate their houses and offices every few years. □�[V ] Our children have left home, and we now want to redecorate. ●� re|deco|ra|tion /riː de kəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The house is in desperate need of redecoration.

re|deem /r I diː m/ (redeems , redeeming , redeemed )

1 VERB If you redeemyourself or your reputation, you do something that makes people have a good opinion of you again after you have behaved or performed badly. □�[V n] He had realized the mistake he had made and wanted to redeem himself. □�[V -ing] The sole redeeming feature of your behaviour is that you're not denying it.

2 VERB When something redeems an unpleasant thing or situation, it prevents it from being completely bad. □�[V n] Work is the way that people seek to redeem their lives from futility. □�[V -ing] Does this institution have any redeeming features?

3 VERB If you redeem a debt or money that you have promised to someone, you pay money that you owe or that you promised to pay. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The amount required to redeem the mortgage was �358,587.

4 VERB If you redeem an object that belongs to you, you get it back from someone by repaying them money that you borrowed from them, after using the object as a guarantee. □�[V n] Make sure you know exactly what you will be paying back when you plan to redeem the item.

5 VERB In religions such as Christianity, to redeem someone means to save them by freeing them from sin and evil. □�[V n] �a new female spiritual force to redeem the world.

re|deem|able /r I diː məb ə l/ ADJ If something is redeemable , it can be exchanged for a particular sum of money or for goods worth a particular sum. □�[+�against ] Their full catalogue costs $5, redeemable against a first order. [Also +�for ]

Re|deem|er /r I diː mə r / N‑PROPER In the Christian religion, the Redeemer is Jesus Christ.

re|de|fine /riː d I fa I n/ (redefines , redefining , redefined ) VERB If you redefine something, you cause people to consider it in a new way. □�[V n] Feminists have redefined the role of women.

re|defi|ni|tion /riː def I n I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The redefinition of something is the act or process of causing people to consider it in a new way. □�[+�of ] �the redefinition of the role of the intellectual.

re|demp|tion /r I de mpʃ ə n/ (redemptions )

1 N‑VAR Redemption is the act of redeeming something or of being redeemed by something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �redemption of the loan. □� �regional differences in the frequency of cash redemptions and quota payment.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is beyond redemption , you mean that they are so bad it is unlikely that anything can be done to improve them. □� No man is beyond redemption.

re|demp|tive /r I de mpt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In Christianity, a redemptive act or quality is something which leads to freedom from the consequences of sin and evil. □� �the redemptive power of Christ.

re|deploy /riː d I plɔ I / (redeploys , redeploying , redeployed )

1 VERB If forces are redeployed or if they redeploy , they go to new positions so that they are ready for action. □�[V n] We were forced urgently to redeploy our forces. □�[V ] U.S. troops are redeploying to positions held earlier.

2 VERB If resources or workers are redeployed , they are used for a different purpose or task. □�[be V -ed] Some of the workers there will be redeployed to other sites. □�[V n] It would give us an opportunity to redeploy our resources.

re|deploy|ment /riː d I plɔ I mənt/ (redeployments ) N‑VAR The redeployment of forces, troops, workers, or resources involves putting them in a different place from where they were before, or using them for a different task or purpose. □�[+�of ] �a redeployment of troops in the border areas.

re|design /riː d I za I n/ (redesigns , redesigning , redesigned ) VERB If a building, vehicle, or system is redesigned , it is rebuilt according to a new design in order to improve it. □�[be V -ed] The hotel has recently been redesigned and redecorated. □�[V n] The second step is to redesign the school system so that it produces a well-educated population.

re|devel|op /riː d I ve ləp/ (redevelops , redeveloping , redeveloped ) VERB When an area is redeveloped , existing buildings and roads are removed and new ones are built in their place. □�[be V -ed] Birmingham is now going to be redeveloped again.

re|devel|op|ment /riː d I ve ləpmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT When redevelopment takes place, the buildings in one area of a town are knocked down and new ones are built in their place.

re d-eye (red-eyes ) The spelling redeye is also used in meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT A red-eye or a red-eye flight is a plane journey during the night. [INFORMAL ] □� She was running to catch a red-eye to New York.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] In photography, redeye is the unwanted effect that you sometimes get in photographs of people or animals where their eyes appear red because of the reflection of a camera flash or other light. □� The camera incorporates a redeye reduction facility.

re d-fa ced ADJ A red-faced person has a face that looks red, often because they are embarrassed or angry. □� A red-faced Mr Jones was led away by police.

re d fla g (red flags )

1 N‑COUNT A red flag is a flag that is red in colour and is used to indicate danger or as a sign that you should stop. □� Then the rain came and the red flag went up to signal a halt.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a red flag , you mean that it acts as a danger signal. □� The abnormal bleeding is your body's own red flag of danger.

re d-ha nded PHRASE If someone is caught red-handed , they are caught while they are in the act of doing something wrong. □� My boyfriend and I robbed a store and were caught red-handed.

red|head /re dhed/ (redheads ) N‑COUNT A redhead is person, especially a woman, whose hair is a colour that is between red and brown.

re d-hea ded also redheaded ADJ [usu ADJ n] A red-headed person is a person whose hair is between red and brown in colour.

re d he r|ring (red herrings ) N‑COUNT If you say that something is a red herring , you mean that it is not important and it takes your attention away from the main subject or problem you are considering. □� As Dr Smith left he said that the inquiry was something of a red herring.

re d-ho t

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Red-hot metal or rock has been heated to such a high temperature that it has turned red. □� �red-hot iron.

2 ADJ A red-hot object is too hot to be touched safely. □� In the main rooms red-hot radiators were left exposed.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Red-hot is used to describe a person or thing that is very popular, especially someone who is very good at what they do or something that is new and exciting. [JOURNALISM ] □� Some traders are already stacking the red-hot book on their shelves.

Re d I n|dian (Red Indians ) N‑COUNT Native Americans who were living in North America when Europeans arrived there used to be called Red Indians . [OFFENSIVE , OLD-FASHIONED ]

re|di|rect /riː d I re kt, -da I -/ (redirects , redirecting , redirected )

1 VERB If you redirect your energy, resources, or ability, you begin doing something different or trying to achieve something different. □�[V n] Controls were used to redistribute or redirect resources. ●� re|di|rec|tion /riː d I re kʃ ə n, -da I -/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] □�[+�of ] A redirection of resources would be required.

2 VERB If you redirect someone or something, you change their course or destination. □�[V n] She redirected them to the men's department.

re|dis|cov|er /riː d I skʌ və r / (rediscovers , rediscovering , rediscovered ) VERB If you rediscover something good or valuable that you had forgotten or lost, you become aware of it again or find it again. □�[V n] �a one-time rebel who had rediscovered his faith.

re|dis|cov|ery /riː d I skʌ vəri/ (rediscoveries ) N‑VAR The rediscovery of something good that you had forgotten or lost is the fact or process of becoming aware of it again or finding it again. □�[+�of ] �the rediscovery of his natural passion for making things.

re|dis|trib|ute /riː d I str I bjuːt/ (redistributes , redistributing , redistributed ) VERB If something such as money or property is redistributed , it is shared among people or organizations in a different way from the way that it was previously shared. □�[be V -ed] Wealth was redistributed more equitably among society. □�[V n] Taxes could be used to redistribute income. ●� re|dis|tri|bu|tion /riː d I str I bjuː ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �redistribution of income so that the better off can help to keep the worse off out of poverty.

re d-le tter day (red-letter days ) N‑COUNT A red-letter day is a day that you will always remember because something good happens to you then.

re d li ght (red lights )

1 N‑COUNT A red light is a traffic signal which shines red to indicate that drivers must stop.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The red-light district of a city is the area where prostitutes work.

re d mea t (red meats ) N‑VAR Red meat is meat such as beef or lamb, which is dark brown in colour after it has been cooked.

red|neck /re dnek/ (rednecks ) N‑COUNT If someone describes a white man, especially a lower class American from the countryside, as a redneck , they disapprove of him because they think he is uneducated and has strong, unreasonable opinions. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� A large Texan redneck was shouting obscenities at Ali.

red|ness /re dnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Redness is the quality of being red. □� Slowly the redness left Sophie's face.

redo /riː duː / (redoes , redoing , redid , redone ) VERB If you redo a piece of work, you do it again in order to improve it or change it. □�[V n] They had redone their sums.

redo|lent /re dələnt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is redolentof something else, it has features that make you think of that other thing. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �percussion instruments, redolent of Far Eastern cultures.

re|dou|ble /riː dʌ b ə l/ (redoubles , redoubling , redoubled ) VERB If you redouble your efforts, you try much harder to achieve something. If something redoubles , it increases in volume or intensity. □�[V n] The two nations redoubled their efforts to negotiate a trade agreement. □�[V ] The applause redoubled.

re|doubt /r I daʊ t/ (redoubts ) N‑COUNT A redoubt is a place or situation in which someone feels safe because they know that nobody can attack them or spoil their peace. [LITERARY ] □� �the last redoubt of hippy culture.

re|doubt|able /r I daʊ təb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as redoubtable , you respect them because they have a very strong character, even though you are slightly afraid of them. □� He is a redoubtable fighter.

re|dound /r I daʊ nd/ (redounds , redounding , redounded ) VERB If an action or situation redounds to your benefit or advantage, it gives people a good impression of you or brings you something that can improve your situation. □�[V +�to ] The success in the Middle East redounds to his benefit.

re d pe p|per (red peppers )

1 N‑VAR Red peppers are peppers which are sweet-tasting and can be used in cooking or eaten raw in salads.

2 N‑VAR Red pepper is a hot-tasting spicy powder made from the flesh and seeds of small, dried, red peppers. It is used for flavouring food.

re|draft /riː drɑː ft, -dr� ft/ (redrafts , redrafting , redrafted ) VERB If you redraft something you have written, you write it again in order to improve it or change it. □�[be V -ed] The speech had already been redrafted 22 times.

re|draw /riː drɔː / (redraws , redrawing , redrew , redrawn )

1 VERB If people in a position of authority redraw the boundaries or borders of a country or region, they change the borders so that the country or region covers a slightly different area than before. □�[V n] They have redrawn the country's boundaries along ethnic lines.

2 VERB If people redraw something, for example an arrangement or plan, they change it because circumstances have changed. □�[V n] With both countries experiencing economic revolutions, it is time to redraw the traditional relationship.

re|dress /r I dre s/ (redresses , redressing , redressed ) The noun is also pronounced /riː dres/ in American English. 1 VERB If you redress something such as a wrong or a complaint, you do something to correct it or to improve things for the person who has been badly treated. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] More and more victims turn to litigation to redress wrongs done to them.

2 VERB If you redress the balance or the imbalance between two things that have become unfair or unequal, you make them fair and equal again. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We're trying to redress the balance and show teachers that spoken and written language are equally important.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Redress is money that someone pays you because they have caused you harm or loss. [FORMAL ] □� They are continuing their legal battle to seek some redress from the government.

re d ta pe N‑UNCOUNT You refer to official rules and procedures as red tape when they seem unnecessary and cause delay. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The little money that was available was tied up in bureaucratic red tape.

re|duce ◆◆◇ /r I djuː s, [AM ] -duː s/ (reduces , reducing , reduced )

1 VERB If you reduce something, you make it smaller in size or amount, or less in degree. □�[V n] It reduces the risks of heart disease. □�[V -ed] The reduced consumer demand is also affecting company profits.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is reducedto a weaker or inferior state, they become weaker or inferior as a result of something that happens to them. □�[be V -ed +�to ] They were reduced to extreme poverty.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone is reducedto doing something, you mean that they have to do it, although it is unpleasant or embarrassing. □�[be V -ed +�to ] He was reduced to begging for a living.

4 VERB [usu passive] If something is changed to a different or less complicated form, you can say that it is reducedto that form. □�[be V -ed +�to ] All the buildings in the town have been reduced to rubble.

5 VERB If you reduce liquid when you are cooking, or if it reduces , it is boiled in order to make it less in quantity and thicker. □�[V n] Boil the liquid in a small saucepan to reduce it by half. □�[V ] Simmer until mixture reduces.

6 PHRASE If someone or something reduces you to tears , they make you feel so unhappy that you cry. □� The attentions of the media reduced her to tears. COLLOCATIONS reduce VERB 1

reduce+�noun : amount, cost, level, rate; crime, debt, deficit; chance, risk

reduce+�adverb : drastically, sharply, significantly, substantially

re|duc|ible /r I djuː s I b ə l, [AM ] -duː s-/ ADJ If you say that an idea, problem, or situation is not reducibleto something simple, you mean that it is complicated and cannot be described in a simple way. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] The structure of the universe may not be reducible to a problem in physics.

re|duc|tion ◆◇◇ /r I dʌ kʃ ə n/ (reductions )

1 N‑COUNT When there is a reductionin something, it is made smaller. □�[+�in ] �a future reduction in U.K. interest rates.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Reduction is the act of making something smaller in size or amount, or less in degree. □� �a new strategic arms reduction agreement. SYNONYMS reduction NOUN 1

decrease:�a decrease in the number of young people out of work.

cut:The economy needs an immediate 2 per cent cut in interest rates.

lowering:�a package of social measures which included the lowering of the retirement age.

re|duc|tion|ist /r I dʌ kʃən I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Reductionist describes a way of analysing problems and things by dividing them into simpler parts. □� �reductionist science.

re|duc|tive /r I dʌ kt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a theory or a work of art as reductive , you disapprove of it because it reduces complex things to simple elements. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a cynical, reductive interpretation.

re|dun|dan|cy /r I dʌ ndənsi/ (redundancies )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] When there are redundancies , an organization tells some of its employees to leave because their jobs are no longer necessary or because the organization can no longer afford to pay them. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� The ministry has said it hopes to avoid compulsory redundancies. in AM, use dismissal , layoff2 N‑UNCOUNT Redundancy means being made redundant. [BUSINESS ] □� Thousands of bank employees are facing redundancy as their employers cut costs.

re|dun|dant /r I dʌ ndənt/

1 ADJ If you are made redundant , your employer tells you to leave because your job is no longer necessary or because your employer cannot afford to keep paying you. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� My husband was made redundant late last year. □� �a redundant miner. in AM, use be dismissed2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is redundant is no longer needed because its job is being done by something else or because its job is no longer necessary or useful. □� Changes in technology may mean that once-valued skills are now redundant.

re|dux /riː dʌks/ ADJ [ADJ n, n ADJ ] If a work of art is redux , it is presented in a new way. □� She first hit our screens in Besson's brilliantly preposterous Pygmalion redux.

red|wood /re dwʊd/ (redwoods ) N‑VAR A redwood is an extremely tall tree which grows in California. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Redwood is the wood from this tree.

reed /riː d/ (reeds )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Reeds are tall plants that grow in large groups in shallow water or on ground that is always wet and soft. They have strong, hollow stems that can be used for making things such as mats or baskets.

2 N‑COUNT A reed is a small piece of cane or metal inserted into the mouthpiece of a woodwind instrument. The reed vibrates when you blow through it and makes a sound.

re -e ducate (re-educates , re-educating , re-educated ) in AM, also use reeducate VERB If an organization such as a government tries to re-educate a group of people, they try to make them adopt new attitudes, beliefs, or types of behaviour. □�[V n] The government should re-educate the public about the dangers of easy credit. ●� re-education N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a programme of punishment and re-education of political dissidents.

reedy /riː di/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has a reedy voice, you think their voice is unpleasant because it is high and unclear. □� The big man had a high-pitched reedy voice.

reef /riː f/ (reefs ) N‑COUNT A reef is a long line of rocks or sand, the top of which is just above or just below the surface of the sea. □� An unspoilt coral reef encloses the bay.

reef|er /riː fə r / (reefers )

1 N‑COUNT A reefer or reefer coat is a short thick coat which is often worn by sailors. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A reefer is a cigarette containing cannabis or marijuana. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

reek /riː k/ (reeks , reeking , reeked )

1 VERB To reekof something, usually something unpleasant, means to smell very strongly of it. □�[V +�of ] He came home reeking of fish. □�[V ] The entire house reeked for a long time. ●�N‑SING Reek is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the reek of bad drainage.

2 VERB If you say that something reeksof unpleasant ideas, feelings, or practices, you disapprove of it because it gives a strong impression that it involves those ideas, feelings, or practices. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�of ] The whole thing reeks of hypocrisy.

reel ◆◇◇ /riː l/ (reels , reeling , reeled )

1 N‑COUNT A reel is a cylindrical object around which you wrap something such as cinema film, magnetic tape, fishing line, or cotton thread. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �a 30m reel of cable. in AM, usually use spool2 VERB If someone reels , they move about in an unsteady way as if they are going to fall. □�[V ] He was reeling a little. He must be very drunk. □�[V adv/prep] He lost his balance and reeled back.

3 VERB [usu cont] If you arereeling from a shock, you are feeling extremely surprised or upset because of it. □�[V +�from ] I'm still reeling from the shock of hearing of it. □�[V prep] It left us reeling with disbelief.

4 VERB If you say that your brain or your mind is reeling , you mean that you are very confused because you have too many things to think about. □�[V +�at ] His mind reeled at the question.

▸� reel in PHRASAL VERB If you reel in something such as a fish, you pull it towards you by winding around a reel the wire or line that it is attached to. □�[V P n] Gleacher reeled in the first fish. [Also V n P ]

▸� reel off PHRASAL VERB If you reel off information, you repeat it from memory quickly and easily. □�[V P n] She reeled off the titles of a dozen or so of the novels. [Also V n P ]

re -ele ct (re-elects , re-electing , re-elected ) in AM, also use reelect VERB When someone such as a politician or an official who has been elected is re-elected , they win another election and are therefore able to continue in their position as, for example, president or an official in an organization. □�[be V -ed] The president will pursue lower taxes if he is re-elected. □�[be V -ed n] He was re-elected president for a third successive term. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He was overwhelmingly re-elected as party leader. ●� re -ele ction N‑UNCOUNT □� I would like to see him stand for re-election.

re -ena ct (re-enacts , re-enacting , re-enacted ) also reenact VERB If you re-enact a scene or incident, you repeat the actions that occurred in the scene or incident. □�[V n] He re-enacted scenes from his TV series.

re -ena ctment (re-enactments ) N‑COUNT When a re-enactment of a scene or incident takes place, people re-enact it.

re-e nter (re-enters , re-entering , re-entered ) in AM, also use reenter VERB If you re-enter a place, organization, or area of activity that you have left, you return to it. □�[V n] Ten minutes later he re-entered the hotel.

re-e ntry in AM, also use reentry1 N‑UNCOUNT Re-entry is the act of returning to a place, organization, or area of activity that you have left. □� The house has been barred and bolted to prevent re-entry.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Re-entry is used to refer to the moment when a spacecraft comes back into the Earth's atmosphere after being in space. □� The station would burn up on re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.

re -exa mine (re-examines , re-examining , re-examined ) in AM, also use reexamine VERB If a person or group of people re-examines their ideas, beliefs, or attitudes, they think about them carefully because they are no longer sure if they are correct. □�[V n] Her family will also have to re-examine their expectations. ●� re-examination (re-examinations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] It was time for a re-examination of the situation.

ref /re f/ (refs )

1Ref. is an abbreviation for reference . It is written in front of a code at the top of business letters and documents. The code refers to a file where all the letters and documents about the same matter are kept. [BUSINESS ] □� Our Ref: JAH/JW.

2 N‑COUNT The ref in a sports game, such as football or boxing, is the same as the referee . [INFORMAL ] □� The ref gave a penalty and Zidane scored.

re|fec|tory /r I fe ktəri/ (refectories ) N‑COUNT A refectory is a large room in a school, university, or other institution, where meals are served and eaten.

re|fer ◆◆◇ /r I fɜː r / (refers , referring , referred )

1 VERB If you referto a particular subject or person, you talk about them or mention them. □�[V +�to ] In his speech, he referred to a recent trip to Canada.

2 VERB If you referto someone or something as a particular thing, you use a particular word, expression, or name to mention or describe them. □�[V +�to ] Marcia had referred to him as a dear friend.

3 VERB If a word refersto a particular thing, situation, or idea, it describes it in some way. □�[V +�to ] The term electronics refers to electrically-induced action.

4 VERB [usu passive] If a person who is ill is referredto a hospital or a specialist, they are sent there by a doctor in order to be treated. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Patients are mostly referred to hospital by their general practitioners. □�[be V -ed] The patient should be referred for tests immediately.

5 VERB If you refer a task or a problem to a person or an organization, you formally tell them about it, so that they can deal with it. □�[V n +�to ] He could refer the matter to the high court.

6 VERB If you refer someone to a person or organization, you send them there for the help they need. □�[V n +�to ] Now and then I referred a client to him.

7 VERB If you referto a book or other source of information, you look at it in order to find something out. □�[V +�to ] He referred briefly to his notebook.

8 VERB If you refer someone to a source of information, you tell them the place where they will find the information which they need or which you think will interest them. □�[V n +�to ] Mr Bryan also referred me to a book by the American journalist Anthony Scaduto. SYNONYMS refer VERB 1

mention:She did not mention her mother's absence.

allude to:She also alluded to her rival's past marital troubles.

bring up:Why are you bringing it up now?

touch on:The film touches on these issues, but only superficially.

ref|eree /re fəriː / (referees , refereeing , refereed )

1 N‑COUNT The referee is the official who controls a sports event such as a football game or a boxing match.

2 VERB When someone referees a sports event or contest, they act as referee. □�[V ] Vautrot has refereed in two World Cups.

3 N‑COUNT A referee is a person who gives you a reference, for example when you are applying for a job. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use reference

ref|er|ence ◆◇◇ /re fərəns/ (references )

1 N‑VAR Referenceto someone or something is the act of talking about them or mentioning them. A reference is a particular example of this. □�[+�to ] He made no reference to any agreement.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Reference is the act of consulting someone or something in order to get information or advice. □� Please keep this sheet in a safe place for reference.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Reference books are ones that you look at when you need specific information or facts about a subject. □� �a useful reference work for teachers.

4 N‑COUNT A reference is a word, phrase, or idea which comes from something such as a book, poem, or play and which you use when making a point about something. □� �a reference from the Quran.

5 N‑COUNT A reference is something such as a number or a name that tells you where you can obtain the information you want. □� Make a note of the reference number shown on the form.

6 N‑COUNT A reference is a letter that is written by someone who knows you and which describes your character and abilities. When you apply for a job, an employer might ask for references . □� The firm offered to give her a reference.

7 N‑COUNT A reference is a person who gives you a reference, for example when you are applying for a job. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use referee

8 PHRASE If you keep information for future reference , you keep it because it might be useful in the future. □� Read these notes carefully and keep them for future reference.

9 PHRASE You use with reference to or in reference to in order to indicate what something relates to. □� I am writing with reference to your article on salaries for scientists.

10 →�see also cross-reference , frame of reference , point of reference , terms of reference SYNONYMS reference NOUN

1

allusion:The title is perhaps an allusion to AIDS.

comment:There's been no comment so far from police about the allegations.

mention:The statement made no mention of government casualties.

6

testimonial:She could hardly expect her employer to provide her with testimonials to her character and ability.

recommendation:The best way of finding a solicitor is through personal recommendation.

endorsement:This is a powerful endorsement for his softer style of government.

re f|er|ence li|brary (reference libraries ) N‑COUNT A reference library is a library that contains books which you can look at in the library itself but which you cannot borrow.

ref|er|en|dum ◆◇◇ /re fəre ndəm/ (referendums or referenda /re fəre ndə/) N‑COUNT If a country holds a referendum on a particular policy, they ask the people to vote on the policy and show whether or not they agree with it. □�[+�on ] Estonia said it too planned to hold a referendum on independence.

re|fer|ral /r I fɜː rəl/ (referrals ) N‑VAR Referral is the act of officially sending someone to a person or authority that is qualified to deal with them. A referral is an instance of this. □�[+�to ] Legal Aid can often provide referral to other types of agencies.

re|fill (refills , refilling , refilled ) The verb is pronounced /riː f I l/. The noun is pronounced /riː f I l/. 1 VERB If you refill something, you fill it again after it has been emptied. □�[V n] I refilled our glasses. ●�N‑COUNT Refill is also a noun. [INFORMAL ] □� Max held out his cup for a refill.

2 N‑COUNT A refill of a particular product, such as soap powder, is a quantity of that product sold in a cheaper container than the one it is usually sold in. You use a refill to fill the more permanent container when it is empty. □� Refill packs are cheaper and lighter.

re|fi|nance /riː fa I n�ns/ (refinances , refinancing , refinanced ) VERB If a person or a company refinances a debt or if they refinance , they borrow money in order to pay the debt. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] A loan was arranged to refinance existing debt. □�[V ] It can be costly to refinance.

re|fine /r I fa I n/ (refines , refining , refined )

1 VERB [usu passive] When a substance is refined , it is made pure by having all other substances removed from it. □�[be V -ed] Oil is refined to remove naturally occurring impurities. ●� re|fin|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �oil refining.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something such as a process, theory, or machine is refined , it is improved by having small changes made to it. □�[be V -ed] Surgical techniques are constantly being refined.

re|fined /r I fa I nd/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A refined substance has been made pure by having other substances removed from it. □� �refined sugar.

2 ADJ If you say that someone is refined , you mean that they are very polite and have good manners and good taste. □� �refined and well-dressed ladies.

3 ADJ If you describe a machine or a process as refined , you mean that it has been carefully developed and is therefore very efficient or elegant. □� This technique is becoming more refined and more acceptable all the time.

re|fine|ment /r I fa I nmənt/ (refinements )

1 N‑VAR Refinements are small changes or additions that you make to something in order to improve it. Refinement is the process of making refinements. □� Older cars inevitably lack the latest safety refinements.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Refinement is politeness and good manners. □� �a girl who possessed both dignity and refinement.

re|fin|er /r I fa I nə r / (refiners ) N‑COUNT Refiners are people or organizations that refine substances such as oil or sugar in order to sell them.

re|fin|ery /r I fa I nəri/ (refineries ) N‑COUNT A refinery is a factory where a substance such as oil or sugar is refined.

re|fit (refits , refitting , refitted ) The verb is pronounced /riː f I t/. The noun is pronounced /riː f I t/. VERB [usu passive] When a ship is refitted , it is repaired or is given new parts, equipment, or furniture. □�[be V -ed] During the war, Navy ships were refitted here. ●�N‑COUNT Refit is also a noun. □� The ship finished an extensive refit last year.

re|flate /riːfle I t/ (reflates , reflating , reflated ) VERB If a government tries to reflate its country's economy, it increases the amount of money that is available in order to encourage more economic activity. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The administration may try to reflate the economy next year. ●� re|fla|tion /riːfle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Ministers are again talking about reflation and price controls.

re|flect ◆◆◇ /r I fle kt/ (reflects , reflecting , reflected )

1 VERB If something reflects an attitude or situation, it shows that the attitude or situation exists or it shows what it is like. □�[V n] This conference with all of you here reflects the unity of our nation.

2 VERB When light, heat, or other rays reflect off a surface or when a surface reflects them, they are sent back from the surface and do not pass through it. □�[V prep] The sun reflected off the snow-covered mountains. □�[V n] The glass appears to reflect light naturally.

3 VERB [usu passive] When something is reflected in a mirror or in water, you can see its image in the mirror or in the water. □�[be V -ed] His image seemed to be reflected many times in the mirror.

4 VERB When you reflecton something, you think deeply about it. □�[V ] We should all give ourselves time to reflect. □�[V +�on/upon ] I reflected on the child's future.

5 VERB You can use reflect to indicate that a particular thought occurs to someone. □�[V that] Things were very much changed since before the war, he reflected.

6 VERB If an action or situation reflects in a particular way on someone or something, it gives people a good or bad impression of them. □�[V adv +�on ] The affair hardly reflected well on the British. □�[V +�on ] Your behavior as a teacher outside of school hours reflects on the school. SYNONYMS reflect VERB

1

show:These figures show an increase of over one million in unemployment.

reveal:A survey of the British diet has revealed that a growing number of people are overweight.

express:The anxiety of the separation often expresses itself as anger towards the child.

4

consider:Consider how much you can afford to pay for a course, and what is your upper limit.

contemplate:As he lay in his hospital bed that night, he cried as he contemplated his future.

deliberate:She deliberated over the decision for a long time before she made up her mind.

re|flec|tion /r I fle kʃ ə n/ (reflections )

1 N‑COUNT A reflection is an image that you can see in a mirror or in glass or water. □� Meg stared at her reflection in the bedroom mirror.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Reflection is the process by which light and heat are sent back from a surface and do not pass through it. □�[+�of ] �the reflection of a beam of light off a mirror.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that something is a reflectionof a particular person's attitude or of a situation, you mean that it is caused by that attitude or situation and therefore reveals something about it. □�[+�of ] Inhibition in adulthood is a reflection of a person's experiences as a child.

4 N‑SING If something is a reflection or a sad reflectionon a person or thing, it gives a bad impression of them. □�[+�on ] Infection with head lice is no reflection on personal hygiene. □�[+�on ] The break-up of the library would be a sad reflection on the value we place on our heritage.

5 N‑VAR Reflection is careful thought about a particular subject. Your reflections are your thoughts about a particular subject. □� After days of reflection she decided to write back. ●�PHRASE If someone admits or accepts something on reflection , they admit or accept it after having thought carefully about it. □� On reflection, he says, he very much regrets the comments.

re|flec|tive /r I fle kt I v/

1 ADJ If you are reflective , you are thinking deeply about something. [WRITTEN ] □� I walked on in a reflective mood to the car.

2 ADJ If something is reflectiveof a particular situation or attitude, it is typical of that situation or attitude, or is a consequence of it. □�[+�of ] The German government's support of the U.S. is not entirely reflective of German public opinion.

3 ADJ A reflective surface or material sends back light or heat. [FORMAL ] □� Avoid pans with a shiny, reflective base as the heat will be reflected back.

re|flec|tor /r I fle ktə r / (reflectors )

1 N‑COUNT A reflector is a small piece of specially patterned glass or plastic which is fitted to the back of a bicycle or car or to a post beside the road, and which glows when light shines on it.

2 N‑COUNT A reflector is a type of telescope which uses a mirror that is shaped like a ball.

re|flex /riː fleks/ (reflexes )

1 N‑COUNT A reflex or a reflex action is something that you do automatically and without thinking, as a habit or as a reaction to something. □� Walsh fumbled in his pocket, a reflex from his smoking days.

2 N‑COUNT A reflex or a reflex action is a normal, uncontrollable reaction of your body to something that you feel, see, or experience. □� �tests for reflexes, like tapping the knee or the heel with a rubber hammer.

3 N‑PLURAL Your reflexes are your ability to react quickly with your body when something unexpected happens, for example when you are involved in sport or when you are driving a car. □� It takes great skill, cool nerves and the reflexes of an athlete.

re|flex|ive /r I fle ks I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A reflexive reaction or movement occurs immediately in response to something that happens. [FORMAL ] □� �that reflexive urge for concealment. ●� re|flex|ive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He felt his head jerk reflexively.

re|fle x|ive pro |noun (reflexive pronouns ) N‑COUNT A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun such as 'myself' which refers back to the subject of a sentence or clause. For example, in the sentence 'He made himself a cup of tea', the reflexive pronoun 'himself' refers back to 'he'.

re|fle x|ive ve rb (reflexive verbs ) N‑COUNT A reflexive verb is a transitive verb whose subject and object always refer to the same person or thing, so the object is always a reflexive pronoun. An example is 'to enjoy yourself', as in 'Did you enjoy yourself?'.

re|flex|ol|ogy /riː fleksɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Reflexology is the practice of massaging particular areas of the body, especially the feet, in the belief that it can heal particular organs. ●� re|flex|olo|gist (reflexologists ) N‑COUNT □� By treating the body, via the feet, a reflexologist can unlock the tension in the mind.

re|for|est /riː fɒ r I st/ (reforests , reforesting , reforested ) VERB To reforest an area where there used to be a forest means to plant trees over it. □�[V n] This estate is being reforested and repopulated with wildlife to restore the balance of nature.

re|for|esta|tion /riː fɒr I ste I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Reforestation of an area where there used to be a forest is planting trees over it. □�[+�of ] �the reforestation of the Apennine Mountains.

re|form ◆◆◇ /r I fɔː r m/ (reforms , reforming , reformed )

1 N‑VAR Reform consists of changes and improvements to a law, social system, or institution. A reform is an instance of such a change or improvement. □� The party embarked on a programme of economic reform. □� The Socialists introduced fairly radical reforms.

2 VERB If someone reforms something such as a law, social system, or institution, they change or improve it. □�[V n] �his plans to reform the country's economy. □�[V -ed] A reformed party would have to win the approval of the people.

3 VERB When someone reforms or when something reforms them, they stop doing things that society does not approve of, such as breaking the law or drinking too much alcohol. □�[V ] When his court case was coming up, James promised to reform. □�[V n] We will try to reform him within the community. ●� re|formed ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �a reformed character.

4 →�see also re-form SYNONYMS reform NOUN 1

improvement:�the dramatic improvements in organ transplantation in recent years.

amendment:�a constitutional amendment.

correction:�legislation to require the correction of factual errors. VERB 2

improve:He improved their house.

better:He had dedicated his life to bettering the lives of the oppressed people of South Africa.

correct:He may need surgery to correct the problem.

re -fo rm (re-forms , re-forming , re-formed ) also reform VERB When an organization, group, or shape re-forms , or when someone re-forms it, it is created again after a period during which it did not exist or existed in a different form. □�[V ] The official trades union council voted to disband itself and re-form as a confederation. □�[V n] The 40-year-old singer reformed his band.

ref|or|ma|tion /re fə r me I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The reformation of something is the act or process of changing and improving it. □�[+�of ] He devoted his energies to the reformation of science.

2 N‑PROPER The Reformation is the movement to reform the Catholic Church in the sixteenth century, which led to the Protestant church being set up. □� �a famous statue of the Virgin which was destroyed during the Reformation.

re|form|er /r I fɔː r mə r / (reformers ) N‑COUNT A reformer is someone who tries to change and improve something such as a law or a social system.

re|form|ism /r I fɔː r m I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Reformism is the belief that a system or law should be reformed.

re|form|ist /r I fɔː r m I st/ (reformists ) ADJ Reformist groups or policies are trying to reform a system or law. □� �a strong supporter of reformist policies. ●�N‑COUNT A reformist is someone with reformist views.

re|fract /r I fr� kt/ (refracts , refracting , refracted ) VERB When a ray of light or a sound wave refracts or is refracted , the path it follows bends at a particular point, for example when it enters water or glass. □�[V n] As we age, the lenses of the eyes thicken, and thus refract light differently. □�[V ] �surfaces that cause the light to reflect and refract. ●� re|frac|tion /r I fr� kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the refraction of the light on the dancing waves.

re|frac|tory /r I fr� ktəri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Refractory people are difficult to deal with or control, for example because they are unwilling to obey orders. [FORMAL ] □� �the situation when a state is confronted by a refractory religious minority.

re|frain /r I fre I n/ (refrains , refraining , refrained )

1 VERB If you refrainfrom doing something, you deliberately do not do it. □�[V +�from ] Mrs Hardie refrained from making any comment.

2 N‑COUNT A refrain is a short, simple part of a song, which is repeated many times. □� �a refrain from an old song.

3 N‑COUNT A refrain is a comment or saying that people often repeat. □� Rosa's constant refrain is that she doesn't have a life.

re|fresh /r I fre ʃ/ (refreshes , refreshing , refreshed )

1 VERB If something refreshes you when you have become hot, tired, or thirsty, it makes you feel cooler or more energetic. □�[V n] The lotion cools and refreshes the skin. ●� re|freshed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� He awoke feeling completely refreshed.

2 VERB If you refresh something old or dull, you make it as good as it was when it was new. □�[V n] Many view these meetings as an occasion to share ideas and refresh friendship.

3 VERB If someone refreshes your memory, they tell you something that you had forgotten. □�[V n] He walked on the opposite side of the street to refresh his memory of the building.

4 VERB If you refresh a web page, you click a button in order to get the most recent version of the page. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] Press the 'reload' button on your web browser to refresh the site.

re|fre sh|er course (refresher courses ) N‑COUNT A refresher course is a training course in which people improve their knowledge or skills and learn about new developments that are related to the job that they do.

re|fresh|ing /r I fre ʃ I ŋ/

1 ADJ You say that something is refreshing when it is pleasantly different from what you are used to. □� It's refreshing to hear somebody speaking common sense. ●� re|fresh|ing|ly ADV □� He was refreshingly honest.

2 ADJ A refreshing bath or drink makes you feel energetic or cool again after you have been tired or hot. □� Herbs have been used for centuries to make refreshing drinks.

re|fresh|ment /r I fre ʃmənt/ (refreshments )

1 N‑PLURAL Refreshments are drinks and small amounts of food that are provided, for example, during a meeting or a journey.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to food and drink as refreshment . [FORMAL ] □� May I offer you some refreshment?

re|frig|er|ate /r I fr I dʒəre I t/ (refrigerates , refrigerating , refrigerated ) VERB If you refrigerate food, you make it cold, for example by putting it in a fridge, usually in order to preserve it. □�[V n] Refrigerate the dough overnight.

re|frig|era|tor /r I fr I dʒəre I tə r / (refrigerators ) N‑COUNT A refrigerator is a large container which is kept cool inside, usually by electricity, so that the food and drink in it stays fresh.

re|fu|el /riː fjuː əl/ (refuels , refuelling , refuelled ) in AM, use refueling , refueled VERB When an aircraft or other vehicle refuels or when someone refuels it, it is filled with more fuel so that it can continue its journey. □�[V ] His plane stopped in France to refuel. □�[V n] The airline's crew refuelled the plane. ●� re|fu|el|ling N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �in-flight refuelling of Tornados.

ref|uge /re fjuːdʒ/ (refuges )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you take refuge somewhere, you try to protect yourself from physical harm by going there. □� They took refuge in a bomb shelter. □� His home became a place of refuge for the believers.

2 N‑COUNT A refuge is a place where you go for safety and protection, for example from violence or from bad weather. □� �a refuge for battered women.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you take refugein a particular way of behaving or thinking, you try to protect yourself from unhappiness or unpleasantness by behaving or thinking in that way. □� With these restrictions on childhood it's no wonder kids seek refuge in consumerism.

refu|gee ◆◆◇ /re fjuːdʒiː / (refugees ) N‑COUNT Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their homes or their country, either because there is a war there or because of their political or religious beliefs.

re|fund (refunds , refunding , refunded ) The noun is pronounced /riː fʌnd/. The verb is pronounced /r I fʌ nd/. 1 N‑COUNT A refund is a sum of money which is returned to you, for example because you have paid too much or because you have returned goods to a shop.

2 VERB If someone refunds your money, they return it to you, for example because you have paid too much or because you have returned goods to a shop. □�[V n] We guarantee to refund your money if you're not delighted with your purchase.

re|fund|able /r I fʌ ndəb ə l/ ADJ A refundable payment will be paid back to you in certain circumstances. □� A refundable deposit is payable on arrival.

re|fur|bish /riːfɜː r b I ʃ/ (refurbishes , refurbishing , refurbished ) VERB To refurbish a building or room means to clean it and decorate it and make it more attractive or better equipped. □�[V n] We have spent money on refurbishing the offices.

re|fur|bish|ment /riːfɜː r b I ʃmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT The refurbishment of something is the act or process of cleaning it, decorating it, and providing it with new equipment or facilities.

re|fus|al /r I fjuː z ə l/ (refusals )

1 N‑VAR Someone's refusalto do something is the fact of them showing or saying that they will not do it, allow it, or accept it. □� �her refusal to accept change.

2 PHRASE If someone has first refusal on something that is being sold or offered, they have the right to decide whether or not to buy it or take it before it is offered to anyone else. □� A tenant may have a right of first refusal if a property is offered for sale.

re|fuse ◆◆◇ (refuses , refusing , refused ) The verb is pronounced /r I fjuː z/. The noun is pronounced /re fjuːs/ and is hyphenated ref|use. 1 VERB If you refuseto do something, you deliberately do not do it, or you say firmly that you will not do it. □�[V to-inf] He refused to comment after the trial. □�[V ] He expects me to stay on here and I can hardly refuse.

2 VERB If someone refuses you something, they do not give it to you or do not allow you to have it. □�[V n n] The United States has refused him a visa. □�[V n] The town council had refused permission for the march.

3 VERB If you refuse something that is offered to you, you do not accept it. □�[V n] The patient has the right to refuse treatment.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Refuse consists of the rubbish and all the things that are not wanted in a house, shop, or factory, and that are regularly thrown away; used mainly in official language. □� The District Council made a weekly collection of refuse. SYNONYMS refuse VERB 1

decline:The band declined to comment on the story.

demur:The doctor demurred, but Piercey was insistent.

reject:Seventeen publishers rejected the manuscript before Jenks saw its potential.

turn down:I thanked him for the offer but turned it down.

refu|ta|tion /re fjuːte I ʃ ə n/ (refutations ) N‑VAR A refutation of an argument, accusation, or theory is something that proves it is wrong or untrue. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He prepared a complete refutation of the Opposition's most serious charges.

re|fute /r I fjuː t/ (refutes , refuting , refuted )

1 VERB If you refute an argument, accusation, or theory, you prove that it is wrong or untrue. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] It was the kind of rumour that it is impossible to refute.

2 VERB If you refute an argument or accusation, you say that it is not true. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Isabelle is quick to refute any suggestion of intellectual snobbery.

re|gain /r I ge I n/ (regains , regaining , regained ) VERB If you regain something that you have lost, you get it back again. □�[V n] Troops have regained control of the city.

re|gal /riː g ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as regal , you mean that it is suitable for a king or queen, because it is very impressive or beautiful. □� He sat with such regal dignity. ●� re|gal|ly ADV □� He inclined his head regally.

re|gale /r I ge I l/ (regales , regaling , regaled ) VERB If someone regales you with stories or jokes, they tell you a lot of them, whether you want to hear them or not. □�[be V -ed +�with ] He was constantly regaled with tales of woe.

re|ga|lia /r I ge I liə/ N‑UNCOUNT Regalia consists of all the traditional clothes and items which someone such as a king or a judge wears and carries on official occasions. □� �officials in full regalia.

re|gard ◆◆◇ /r I gɑː r d/ (regards , regarding , regarded )

1 VERB If you regard someone or something as being a particular thing or as having a particular quality, you believe that they are that thing or have that quality. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He was regarded as the most successful Chancellor of modern times. □�[V n +�as ] I regard creativity both as a gift and as a skill.

2 VERB If you regard something or someone with a feeling such as dislike or respect, you have that feeling about them. □�[V n +�with ] They regarded him with a mixture of fondness and alarm.

3 VERB If you regard someone in a certain way, you look at them in that way. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] She regarded him curiously for a moment. □�[V n +�with ] The clerk regarded him with benevolent amusement.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you have regardfor someone or something, you respect them and care about them. If you hold someone in high regard , you have a lot of respect for them. □� I have a very high regard for him and what he has achieved. □� The Party ruled the country without regard for the people's views.

5 N‑PLURAL Regards are greetings. You use regards in expressions such as best regards and with kind regards as a way of expressing friendly feelings towards someone, especially in a letter or email. [FORMULAE ] □�[+�to ] Give my regards to your family.

6 PHRASE You can use as regards to indicate the subject that is being talked or written about. □� As regards the war, Haig believed in victory at any price.

7 PHRASE You can use with regard to or in regard to to indicate the subject that is being talked or written about. □� The department is reviewing its policy with regard to immunisation.

8 PHRASE You can use in this regard or in that regard to refer back to something that you have just said. □� In this regard nothing has changed. □� I may have made a mistake in that regard. SYNONYMS regard VERB

1

consider:I consider activities such as jogging and weightlifting as unnatural.

judge:I judged it to be one of the worst programmes ever screened.

deem:French and German were deemed essential.

view:Sectors in the economy can be viewed in a variety of ways.

3

look:She turned to look at him.

eye:Sally eyed Claire with interest.

observe:Our sniper teams observed them manning an anti-aircraft gun.

watch:The man was standing in his doorway watching him. NOUN 4

respect:I have tremendous respect for Dean.

esteem:Their public esteem has never been lower.

admiration:I have always had the greatest admiration for him.

re|gard|ing /r I gɑː r d I ŋ/ PREP You can use regarding to indicate the subject that is being talked or written about. □� He refused to divulge any information regarding the man's whereabouts.

re|gard|less /r I gɑː r dləs/

1 PHRASE If something happens regardless of something else, it is not affected or influenced at all by that other thing. □� It takes in anybody regardless of religion, colour, or creed.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you say that someone did something regardless , you mean that they did it even though there were problems or factors that could have stopped them, or perhaps should have stopped them. □� Despite her recent surgery she has been carrying on regardless.

re|gat|ta /r I g� tə/ (regattas ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A regatta is a sports event consisting of races between yachts or rowing boats.

re|gen|cy /riː dʒ ə nsi/ (regencies ) The spelling Regency is usually used for meaning 1 . 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Regency is used to refer to the period in Britain at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and to the style of architecture, literature, and furniture that was popular at the time. □� �a huge, six-bedroomed Regency house.

2 N‑COUNT A regency is a period of time when a country is governed by a regent, because the king or queen is unable to rule.

re|gen|er|ate /r I dʒe nəre I t/ (regenerates , regenerating , regenerated )

1 VERB To regenerate something means to develop and improve it to make it more active, successful, or important, especially after a period when it has been getting worse. □�[V n] The government will continue to try to regenerate inner city areas. ●� re|gen|era|tion /r I dʒe nəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the physical and economic regeneration of the area.

2 VERB If organs or tissues regenerate or if something regenerates them, they heal and grow again after they have been damaged. □�[V ] Nerve cells have limited ability to regenerate if destroyed. □�[V n] Newts can regenerate their limbs. ●� re|gen|era|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� Vitamin B assists in red-blood-cell regeneration.

re|gen|era|tive /r I dʒe nərət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Regenerative powers or processes cause something to heal or become active again after it has been damaged or inactive. □� �the regenerative power of nature.

re|gent /riː dʒ ə nt/ (regents ) N‑COUNT A regent is a person who rules a country when the king or queen is unable to rule, for example because they are too young or too ill.

reg|gae /re ge I / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Reggae is a kind of West Indian popular music with a very strong beat. □� Bob Marley provided them with their first taste of Reggae music.

regi|cide /re dʒ I sa I d/ (regicides )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Regicide is the act of killing a king. □� He had become czar through regicide.

2 N‑COUNT A regicide is a person who kills a king. □� Some of the regicides were sentenced to death.

re|gime ◆◇◇ /re I ʒiː m/ (regimes )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a government or system of running a country as a regime , you are critical of it because you think it is not democratic and uses unacceptable methods. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the collapse of the Fascist regime at the end of the war.

2 N‑COUNT A regime is the way that something such as an institution, company, or economy is run, especially when it involves tough or severe action. □� The authorities moved him to the less rigid regime of an open prison.

3 N‑COUNT A regime is a set of rules about food, exercise, or beauty that some people follow in order to stay healthy or attractive. □� He has a new fitness regime to strengthen his back. SYNONYMS regime NOUN 1

government:�democratic governments in countries like Britain and the U.S.

administration:O'Leary served in federal energy posts in both the Ford and Carter administrations.

leadership:He is expected to hold talks with both the Croatian and Slovenian leaderships.

regi|men /re dʒ I men/ (regimens ) N‑COUNT A regimen is a set of rules about food and exercise that some people follow in order to stay healthy. □� Whatever regimen has been prescribed should be rigorously followed.

regi|ment /re dʒ I mənt/ (regiments )

1 N‑COUNT A regiment is a large group of soldiers that is commanded by a colonel.

2 N‑COUNT A regiment of people is a large number of them. □�[+�of ] �robust food, good enough to satisfy a regiment of hungry customers.

regi|men|tal /re dʒ I me nt ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Regimental means belonging to a particular regiment. □� Mills was regimental colonel.

regi|men|ta|tion /re dʒ I mente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Regimentation is very strict control over the way a group of people behave or the way something is done. □�[+�of ] Democracy is incompatible with excessive, bureaucratic regimentation of social life.

regi|ment|ed /re dʒ I ment I d/ ADJ Something that is regimented is very strictly controlled. □� �the regimented atmosphere of the orphanage.

re|gion ◆◆◇ /riː dʒ ə n/ (regions )

1 N‑COUNT A region is a large area of land that is different from other areas of land, for example because it is one of the different parts of a country with its own customs and characteristics, or because it has a particular geographical feature. □� �a remote mountain region.

2 N‑PLURAL The regions are the parts of a country that are not the capital city and its surrounding area. [BRIT ] □� �London and the regions.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a part of your body as a region . □� �the pelvic region.

4 PHRASE You say in the region of to indicate that an amount that you are stating is approximate. [VAGUENESS ] □� The scheme will cost in the region of six million pounds. COLLOCATIONS region NOUN 1

noun +�region : border, mountain, wine

adjective +�region : eastern, northern, southern, western; central, coastal, mountainous, remote; autonomous, tribal

verb +�region : explore, visit; affect, destabilize

re|gion|al ◆◆◇ /riː dʒən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Regional is used to describe things which relate to a particular area of a country or of the world. □� �the autonomous regional government of Andalucia. ●� re|gion|al|ly ADV □� The impact of these trends has varied regionally. SYNONYMS regional ADJ 1

local:We'd better check on the match in the local paper.

provincial:�in Rasht, the provincial capital of Gilan province.

district:�the district health authority.

re|gion|al|ism /riː dʒənəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Regionalism is a strong feeling of pride or loyalty that people in a region have for that region, often including a desire to govern themselves. □� A grass-roots regionalism appears to be emerging.

reg|is|ter ◆◇◇ /re dʒ I stə r / (registers , registering , registered )

1 N‑COUNT A register is an official list or record of people or things. □� �registers of births, deaths and marriages. □� He signed the register at the hotel.

2 VERB If you register to do something, you put your name on an official list, in order to be able to do that thing or to receive a service. □�[V ] Have you come to register at the school? □�[V to-inf] Thousands lined up to register to vote. □�[V +�for ] Many students register for these courses to widen skills for use in their current job. □�[V -ed] About 26 million people are not registered with a dentist.

3 VERB If you register something, such as the name of a person who has just died or information about something you own, you have these facts recorded on an official list. □�[V n] The council said the car was not registered. □�[V -ed] �a registered charity.

4 VERB When something registerson a scale or measuring instrument, it shows on the scale or instrument. You can also say that something registers a certain amount or level on a scale or measuring instrument. □�[V +�on ] It will only register on sophisticated X-ray equipment. □�[V n] The earthquake registered 5.3 points on the Richter scale.

5 VERB If you register your feelings or opinions about something, you do something that makes them clear to other people. □�[V n] Voters wish to register their dissatisfaction with the ruling party.

6 VERB If a feeling registerson someone's face, their expression shows clearly that they have that feeling. □�[V +�on ] Surprise again registered on Rodney's face.

7 VERB If a piece of information does not register or if you do not register it, you do not really pay attention to it, and so you do not remember it or react to it. □�[V ] What I said sometimes didn't register in her brain. □�[V n] The sound was so familiar that she didn't register it. [Also V that]

8 N‑VAR In linguistics, the register of a piece of speech or writing is its level and style of language, which is usually appropriate to the situation or circumstances in which it is used. [TECHNICAL ]

9 →�see also cash register , electoral register SYNONYMS register NOUN 1

list:There were six names on the list.

roll:�the electoral roll.

catalogue:�the world's biggest seed catalogue. VERB 2

enlist:He enlisted as a private in the Mexican War.

sign up:He signed up as a steward with P&O Lines.

enrol:She enrolled on a local Women Into Management course.

reg|is|tered /re dʒ I stə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A registered letter or parcel is sent by a special postal service, for which you pay extra money for insurance in case it gets lost. □� He asked his mother to send it by registered mail.

re g|is|tered nu rse (registered nurses ) N‑COUNT A registered nurse is someone who is qualified to work as a nurse. [AM , AUSTRALIAN ]

re g|is|ter of|fice (register offices ) N‑COUNT A register office is a place where births, marriages, and deaths are officially recorded, and where people can get married without a religious ceremony. [BRIT ]

reg|is|trar /re dʒ I strɑː r , [AM ] -strɑːr/ (registrars )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a registrar is a person whose job is to keep official records, especially of births, marriages, and deaths.

2 N‑COUNT A registrar is a senior administrative official in a British college or university.

reg|is|tra|tion /re dʒ I stre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The registration of something such as a person's name or the details of an event is the recording of it in an official list. □�[+�of ] They have campaigned strongly for compulsory registration of dogs.

re g|is|tra |tion num|ber (registration numbers ) N‑COUNT The registration number or the registration of a car or other road vehicle is the series of letters and numbers that are shown at the front and back of it. [BRIT ] □� Another driver managed to get the registration number of the car. in AM, use license number

reg|is|try /re dʒ I stri/ (registries ) N‑COUNT A registry is a collection of all the official records relating to something, or the place where they are kept. □�[+�of ] It agreed to set up a central registry of arms sales.

re g|is|try of|fice (registry offices ) N‑COUNT A registry office is the same as a register office . [mainly BRIT ]

re|gress /r I gre s/ (regresses , regressing , regressed ) VERB When people or things regress , they return to an earlier and less advanced stage of development. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to/into ] �if your child regresses to babyish behaviour. □�[V ] Such countries are not 'developing' at all, but regressing. ●� re|gres|sion /r I gre ʃ ə n/ (regressions ) N‑VAR □� This can cause regression in a pupil's learning process.

re|gres|sive /r I gre s I v/ ADJ Regressive behaviour, activities, or processes involve a return to an earlier and less advanced stage of development. [FORMAL ] □� This regressive behaviour is more common in boys.

re|gret ◆◇◇ /r I gre t/ (regrets , regretting , regretted )

1 VERB If you regret something that you have done, you wish that you had not done it. □�[V n] I simply gave in to him, and I've regretted it ever since. □�[V that] Ellis seemed to be regretting that he had asked the question. □�[V v-ing] Five years later she regrets having given up her home.

2 N‑VAR Regret is a feeling of sadness or disappointment, which is caused by something that has happened or something that you have done or not done. □�[+�about ] Lillee said he had no regrets about retiring.

3 VERB You can say that you regret something as a polite way of saying that you are sorry about it. You use expressions such as I regret to say or I regret to inform you to show that you are sorry about something. [POLITENESS ] □�[V n] 'I very much regret the injuries he sustained,' he said. □�[V that] I regret that the United States has added its voice to such protests. □�[V to-inf] Her lack of co-operation is nothing new, I regret to say.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If someone expresses regret about something, they say that they are sorry about it. [FORMAL ] □� He expressed great regret and said that surgeons would attempt to reverse the operation. □� She has accepted his resignation with regret.

re|gret|ful /r I gre tfʊl/ ADJ [ADJ that] If you are regretful , you show that you regret something. □� Mr Griffin gave a regretful smile. [Also +�about ] ●� re|gret|ful|ly ADV □� He shook his head regretfully.

re|gret|table /r I gre təb ə l/ ADJ You describe something as regrettable when you think that it is bad and that it should not happen or have happened. [FORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� �an investigation into what the army described as a regrettable incident. ●� re|gret|tably ADV [ADV adj] □� Regrettably we could find no sign of the man and the search was terminated.

re|group /riː gruː p/ (regroups , regrouping , regrouped ) VERB When people, especially soldiers, regroup , or when someone regroups them, they form an organized group again, in order to continue fighting. □�[V ] Now the rebel army has regrouped and reorganised. □�[V n] The rebels may simply be using the truce to regroup their forces.

regu|lar ◆◆◇ /re gjʊlə r / (regulars )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Regular events have equal amounts of time between them, so that they happen, for example, at the same time each day or each week. □� Take regular exercise. □� We're going to be meeting there on a regular basis. □� The cartridge must be replaced at regular intervals. ●� regu|lar|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He also writes regularly for 'International Management' magazine. ●� regu|lar|ity /re gjʊl� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The system will provide details of loans, their size, regularity of payment and their status.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Regular events happen often. □� This condition usually clears up with regular shampooing. ●� regu|lar|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Fox, badger, weasel and stoat are regularly seen here. ●� regu|lar|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� Closures and job losses are again being announced with monotonous regularity.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are, for example, a regular customer at a shop or a regular visitor to a place, you go there often. □� She has become a regular visitor to Houghton Hall.

4 N‑COUNT The regulars at a place or in a team are the people who often go to the place or are often in the team. □� Regulars at his local pub have set up a fund to help out.

5 ADJ You use regular when referring to the thing, person, time, or place that is usually used by someone. For example, someone's regular place is the place where they usually sit. □� The man sat at his regular table near the window.

6 ADJ A regular rhythm consists of a series of sounds or movements with equal periods of time between them. □� �a very regular beat. ●� regu|lar|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Remember to breathe regularly. ●� regu|lar|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Experimenters have succeeded in controlling the rate and regularity of the heartbeat.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Regular is used to mean 'normal'. [mainly AM ] □� It looks and feels like a regular guitar.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] In some restaurants, a regular drink or quantity of food is of medium size. [mainly AM ] □� �a cheeseburger and regular fries.

9 ADJ A regular pattern or arrangement consists of a series of things with equal spaces between them. □� �sandy hillocks that look as if they've been scattered in a regular pattern on the ground.

10 ADJ If something has a regular shape, both halves are the same and it has straight edges or a smooth outline. □� �some regular geometrical shape. ●� regu|lar|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the chessboard regularity of their fields.

11 ADJ In grammar, a regular verb, noun, or adjective inflects in the same way as most verbs, nouns, or adjectives in the language.

regu|lar|ity /re gjʊl� r I ti/ (regularities )

1 N‑COUNT A regularity is the fact that the same thing always happens in the same circumstances. [FORMAL ] □� Children seek out regularities and rules in acquiring language.

2 →�see also regular

regu|lar|ize /re gjʊləra I z/ (regularizes , regularizing , regularized ) in BRIT, also use regularise VERB If someone regularizes a situation or system, they make it officially acceptable or put it under a system of rules. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Cohabiting couples would regularise their unions, they said.

regu|late /re gjʊle I t/ (regulates , regulating , regulated ) VERB To regulate an activity or process means to control it, especially by means of rules. □�[V n] Serious reform is needed to improve institutions that regulate competition. ●� regu|lat|ed ADJ □� �a planned, state-regulated economy.

regu|la|tion ◆◇◇ /re gjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (regulations )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Regulations are rules made by a government or other authority in order to control the way something is done or the way people behave. □� Employers are using the new regulations to force out people over 65.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Regulation is the controlling of an activity or process, usually by means of rules. □� Some in the market now want government regulation in order to reduce costs. COLLOCATIONS regulation NOUN 1

noun +�regulation : banking, building, safety, workplace

adjective +�regulation : financial, statutory; strict, stringent, tough

verb +�regulation : enforce, impose, tighten; breach, contravene, violate; comply with, meet

regu|la|tor ◆◇◇ /re gjʊle I tə r / (regulators ) N‑COUNT A regulator is a person or organization appointed by a government to regulate an area of activity such as banking or industry. □� An independent regulator will be appointed to ensure fair competition. ●� regu|la|tory /re gjʊle I təri, [AM ] -lətɔːri/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� �the U.K.'s financial regulatory system.

re|gur|gi|tate /r I gɜː r dʒ I te I t/ (regurgitates , regurgitating , regurgitated )

1 VERB If you say that someone is regurgitating ideas or facts, you mean that they are repeating them without understanding them properly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] You can get sick to death of a friend regurgitating her partner's opinions.

2 VERB If a person or animal regurgitates food, they bring it back up from their stomach before it has been digested. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Sometimes he regurgitates the food we give him because he cannot swallow.

re|hab /riː h�b/ N‑UNCOUNT Rehab is the process of helping someone to lead a normal life again after they have been ill, or when they have had a drug or alcohol problem. Rehab is short for rehabilitation . [INFORMAL ] □� He spent nearly four years in rehab.

re|ha|bili|tate /riː həb I l I te I t/ (rehabilitates , rehabilitating , rehabilitated )

1 VERB To rehabilitate someone who has been ill or in prison means to help them to live a normal life again. To rehabilitate someone who has a drug or alcohol problem means to help them stop using drugs or alcohol. □�[V n] Considerable efforts have been made to rehabilitate patients who have suffered in this way. ●� re|ha|bili|ta|tion /riː həb I l I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the rehabilitation of young offenders.

2 VERB If someone is rehabilitated , they begin to be considered acceptable again after a period during which they have been rejected or severely criticized. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Ten years later, Dreyfus was rehabilitated. □�[V n] His candidacy has divided the party; most scorned him but some sought to rehabilitate him.

re|hash (rehashes , rehashing , rehashed ) The noun is pronounced /riː h�ʃ/. The verb is pronounced /riːh� ʃ/. 1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe something as a rehash , you are criticizing it because it repeats old ideas, facts, or themes, though some things have been changed to make it appear new. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] The Observer found the play 'a feeble rehash of familiar Miller themes'.

2 VERB If you say that someone rehashes old ideas, facts, or accusations, you disapprove of the fact that they present them in a slightly different way so that they seem new or original. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] They've taken some of the best bits out of the best things and rehashed them.

re|hears|al /r I hɜː r s ə l/ (rehearsals )

1 N‑VAR A rehearsal of a play, dance, or piece of music is a practice of it in preparation for a performance. □�[+�for ] The band was scheduled to begin rehearsals for a concert tour. [Also +�of ]

2 →�see also dress rehearsal

3 N‑COUNT You can describe an event or object which is a preparation for a more important event or object as a rehearsal for it. □� Daydreams may seem to be rehearsals for real-life situations.

re|hearse /r I hɜː r s/ (rehearses , rehearsing , rehearsed )

1 VERB When people rehearse a play, dance, or piece of music, they practise it in order to prepare for a performance. □�[V n] A group of actors are rehearsing a play about Joan of Arc. □�[V +�for ] Thousands of people have been rehearsing for the opening ceremony. □�[V ] The cast and crew were only given three and a half weeks to rehearse.

2 VERB If you rehearse something that you are going to say or do, you silently practise it by imagining that you are saying or doing it. □�[V n] Anticipate any tough questions and rehearse your answers. □�[V wh] We encouraged them to rehearse what they were going to say.

re|house /riː haʊ z/ (rehouses , rehousing , rehoused ) VERB If someone is rehoused , their council, local government, or other authority provides them with a different house to live in. □�[be V -ed] Many of the families who lost their homes in the earthquake have still not been rehoused. □�[V n] The council has agreed to rehouse the family.

reign /re I n/ (reigns , reigning , reigned )

1 VERB If you say, for example, that silence reigns in a place or confusion reigns in a situation, you mean that the place is silent or the situation is confused. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] Confusion reigned about how the debate would end. □�[V +�over ] A relative calm reigned over the city.

2 VERB When a king or queen reigns , he or she rules a country. □�[V ] �Henry II, who reigned from 1154 to 1189. □�[V -ing] �George III, Britain's longest reigning monarch. ●�N‑COUNT [with poss] Reign is also a noun. □� �Queen Victoria's reign.

3 VERB If you say that a person reigns in a situation or area, you mean that they are very powerful or successful. □�[V ] He reigned as the male sex symbol of the 1950s. □�[V +�over ] �the girls that reigned over 1960s pop. ●�N‑COUNT [with poss] Reign is also a noun. □� �Klitschko's 11-year reign as a world champion.

4 PHRASE Someone or something that reigns supreme is the most important or powerful element in a situation or period of time. □� The bicycle reigned supreme as Britain's most popular mode of transport.

5 PHRASE A reign of terror is a period during which there is a lot of violence and killing, especially by people who are in a position of power. □� The commanders accused him of carrying out a reign of terror.

reign|ing /re I n I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] The reigning champion is the most recent winner of a contest or competition at the time you are talking about. □� �the reigning world champion.

re|im|burse /riː I mbɜː r s/ (reimburses , reimbursing , reimbursed ) VERB If you reimburse someone for something, you pay them back the money that they have spent or lost because of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�for ] I'll be happy to reimburse you for any expenses you might have incurred. □�[V n] The funds are supposed to reimburse policyholders in the event of insurer failure.

re|im|burse|ment /riː I mbɜː r smənt/ (reimbursements ) N‑VAR If you receive reimbursementfor money that you have spent, you get your money back, for example because the money should have been paid by someone else. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] She is demanding reimbursement for medical and other expenses.

rein /re I n/ (reins , reining , reined )

1 N‑PLURAL Reins are the thin leather straps attached round a horse's neck which are used to control the horse.

2 N‑PLURAL Journalists sometimes use the expression the reins or the reins of power to refer to the control of a country or organization. □� He was determined to see the party keep a hold on the reins of power.

3 PHRASE If you give free rein to someone, you give them a lot of freedom to do what they want. □� The government believed it should give free rein to the private sector in transport.

4 PHRASE If you keep a tight rein on someone, you control them firmly. □� Her parents had kept her on a tight rein with their narrow and inflexible views.

▸� rein back PHRASAL VERB To rein back something such as spending means to control it strictly. □�[V P n] The government would try to rein back inflation. [Also V n P ]

▸� rein in PHRASAL VERB To rein in something means to control it. □�[V P n] His administration's economic policy would focus on reining in inflation. □�[V n P ] Mary spoiled both her children, then tried too late to rein them in.

re|incar|nate /riː I ŋkɑː r ne I t/ (reincarnates , reincarnating , reincarnated ) VERB [usu passive] If people believe that they will be reincarnated when they die, they believe that their spirit will be born again and will live in the body of another person or animal. □�[be V -ed] �their belief that human souls were reincarnated in the bodies of turtles. [Also V ]

re|incar|na|tion /riː I ŋkɑː r ne I ʃ ə n/ (reincarnations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you believe in reincarnation , you believe that you will be reincarnated after you die. □� Many African tribes believe in reincarnation.

2 N‑COUNT A reincarnation is a person or animal whose body is believed to contain the spirit of a dead person.

rein|deer /re I nd I ə r / (reindeer ) N‑COUNT A reindeer is a deer with large horns called antlers that lives in northern areas of Europe, Asia, and America.

re|inforce /riː I nfɔː r s/ (reinforces , reinforcing , reinforced )

1 VERB If something reinforces a feeling, situation, or process, it makes it stronger or more intense. □�[V n] A stronger European Parliament would, they fear, only reinforce the power of the larger countries.

2 VERB If something reinforces an idea or point of view, it provides more evidence or support for it. □�[V n] The delegation hopes to reinforce the idea that human rights are not purely internal matters.

3 VERB To reinforce an object means to make it stronger or harder. □�[V n +�with ] Eventually, they had to reinforce the walls with exterior beams. ●� re|inforced ADJ □� Its windows were made of reinforced glass.

4 VERB To reinforce an army or a police force means to make it stronger by increasing its size or providing it with more weapons. To reinforce a position or place means to make it stronger by sending more soldiers or weapons. □�[V n] Both sides have been reinforcing their positions after yesterday's fierce fighting.

re |inforced co n|crete N‑UNCOUNT Reinforced concrete is concrete that is made with pieces of metal inside it to make it stronger.

re|inforce|ment /riː I nfɔː r smənt/ (reinforcements )

1 N‑PLURAL Reinforcements are soldiers or police officers who are sent to join an army or group of police in order to make it stronger. □� �the despatch of police and troop reinforcements.

2 N‑VAR The reinforcement of something is the process of making it stronger. □�[+�of ] This meeting will contribute to the reinforcement of security.

re|instate /riː I nste I t/ (reinstates , reinstating , reinstated )

1 VERB If you reinstate someone, you give them back a job or position which had been taken away from them. □�[V n] The governor is said to have agreed to reinstate five senior workers who were dismissed.

2 VERB To reinstate a law, facility, or practice means to start having it again. □�[V n] �the decision to reinstate the grant.

re|instate|ment /riː I nste I tmənt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Reinstatement is the act of giving someone back a job or position which has been taken away from them. □� Parents campaigned in vain for her reinstatement.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The reinstatement of a law, facility, or practice is the act of causing it to exist again. □�[+�of ] He welcomed the reinstatement of the 10 per cent bank base rate.

re|invent /riː I nve nt/ (reinvents , reinventing , reinvented )

1 VERB To reinvent something means to change it so that it seems different and new. □�[V n] They have tried to reinvent their retail stores. □�[V pron-refl] He was determined to reinvent himself as a poet and writer. ●� re|inven|tion /riː I nve nʃən/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a reinvention of the styles of the 1940s.

2 PHRASE If someone is trying to reinvent the wheel , they are trying to do something that has already been done successfully. □� Some of these ideas are worth pursuing, but there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

re|is|sue /riː I ʃuː/ (reissues , reissuing , reissued )

1 N‑COUNT A reissue is a book, CD, or film that has not been available for some time but is now published or produced again. □� �this welcome reissue of a 1955 Ingmar Bergman classic.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something such as a book, CD, or film is reissued after it has not been available for some time, it is published or produced again. □�[be V -ed] Her novels have just been reissued with eye-catching new covers.

re|it|er|ate /riː I təre I t/ (reiterates , reiterating , reiterated ) VERB If you reiterate something, you say it again, usually in order to emphasize it. [FORMAL , JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] He reiterated his opposition to the creation of a central bank. □�[V that] I want to reiterate that our conventional weapons are superior. [Also V quote] ●� re|it|era|tion /riː I təre I ʃ ə n/ (reiterations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] It was really a reiteration of the same old entrenched positions.

re|ject ◆◆◇ (rejects , rejecting , rejected ) The verb is pronounced /r I dʒe kt/. The noun is pronounced /riː dʒekt/. 1 VERB If you reject something such as a proposal, a request, or an offer, you do not accept it or you do not agree to it. □�[V n] The British government is expected to reject the idea of state subsidy for a new high speed railway. ●� re|jec|tion /r I dʒe kʃ ə n/ (rejections ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The rejection of such initiatives indicates that voters are unconcerned about the environment.

2 VERB If you reject a belief or a political system, you refuse to believe in it or to live by its rules. □�[V n] �the children of Eastern European immigrants who had rejected their parents' political and religious beliefs. ●� re|jec|tion N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �his rejection of our values.

3 VERB If someone is rejected for a job or course of study, it is not offered to them. □�[be V -ed] One of my most able students was rejected by another university. [Also V n] ●� re|jec|tion N‑COUNT □� Be prepared for lots of rejections before you land a job.

4 VERB If someone rejects another person who expects affection from them, they are cold and unfriendly towards them. □�[be V -ed] �people who had been rejected by their lovers. ●� re|jec|tion N‑VAR □� These feelings of rejection and hurt remain.

5 VERB If a person's body rejects something such as a new heart that has been transplanted into it, it tries to attack and destroy it. □�[V n] It was feared his body was rejecting a kidney he received in a transplant four years ago. ●� re|jec|tion N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �a special drug which stops rejection of transplanted organs.

6 VERB If a machine rejects a coin that you put in it, the coin comes out and the machine does not work.

7 N‑COUNT A reject is a product that has not been accepted for use or sale, because there is something wrong with it.

re|jig /riː dʒ I g/ (rejigs , rejigging , rejigged ) VERB If someone rejigs an organization or a piece of work, they arrange or organize it in a different way, in order to improve it. [BRIT ] □�[V n] �adjustments needed to rejig the industry. in AM, use rejigger

re|jig|ger /riː dʒ I gə r / (rejiggers , rejiggering , rejiggered ) VERB If someone rejiggers an organization or a piece of work, they arrange or organize it in a different way, in order to improve it. [AM ] □�[V n] The government is rejiggering some tax assessment methods. in BRIT, use rejig

re|joice /r I dʒɔ I s/ (rejoices , rejoicing , rejoiced ) VERB If you rejoice , you are very pleased about something and you show it in your behaviour. □�[V +�in/at ] Garbo plays the Queen, rejoicing in the love she has found with Antonio. □�[V that] Party activists rejoiced that the presidential campaign had finally started. [Also V ] ●� re|joic|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�at ] There was general rejoicing at the news.

re|join /riː dʒɔ I n/ (rejoins , rejoining , rejoined )

1 VERB If you rejoin a group, club, or organization, you become a member of it again after not being a member for a period of time. □�[V n] He rejoined the 12th Lancers on recovery from his wounds. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you rejoin someone, you go back to them after a short time away from them. □�[V n] Mimi and her family went off to Tunisia to rejoin her father.

3 VERB If you rejoin a route, you go back to it after travelling along a different route for a time. □�[V n] At Dorset Wharf go left to rejoin the river.

re|join|der /r I dʒɔ I ndə r / (rejoinders ) N‑COUNT A rejoinder is a reply, especially a quick, witty, or critical one, to a question or remark. [FORMAL ]

re|ju|venate /r I dʒuː vəne I t/ (rejuvenates , rejuvenating , rejuvenated )

1 VERB If something rejuvenates you, it makes you feel or look young again. □�[V n] Shelley was advised that the Italian climate would rejuvenate him. ●� re|ju|venat|ing ADJ □� The hotel's new Spa offers every kind of rejuvenating treatment and therapy.

2 VERB If you rejuvenate an organization or system, you make it more lively and more efficient, for example by introducing new ideas. □�[V n] The government pushed through schemes to rejuvenate the inner cities. ●� re|ju|vena|tion /r I dʒuː vəne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The way Britain organises its politics needs rejuvenation.

re|kin|dle /riː k I nd ə l/ (rekindles , rekindling , rekindled )

1 VERB If something rekindles an interest, feeling, or thought that you used to have, it makes you think about it or feel it again. □�[V n] Every return visit rekindles fantastic memories.

2 VERB If something rekindles an unpleasant situation, it makes the unpleasant situation happen again. □�[V n] There are fears that the series could rekindle animosity between the two countries.

re|lapse /r I l� ps/ (relapses , relapsing , relapsed ) The noun can be pronounced /r I l� ps/ or /riː l�ps/. 1 VERB If you say that someone relapses into a way of behaving that is undesirable, you mean that they start to behave in that way again. □�[V +�into ] 'I wish I did,' said Phil Jordan, relapsing into his usual gloom. ●�N‑COUNT Relapse is also a noun. □�[+�into ] �a relapse into the nationalism of the nineteenth century.

2 VERB If a sick person relapses , their health suddenly gets worse after it had been improving. □�[V ] In 90 per cent of cases the patient will relapse within six months. ●�N‑VAR Relapse is also a noun. □� The treatment is usually given to women with a high risk of relapse after surgery.

re|late ◆◇◇ /r I le I t/ (relates , relating , related )

1 VERB If something relates to a particular subject, it concerns that subject. □�[V +�to ] Other recommendations relate to the details of how such data is stored.

2 VERB The way that two things relate , or the way that one thing relatesto another, is the sort of connection that exists between them. □�[V +�to ] The course investigates how language relates to particular cultural codes. □�[V n +�to ] He felt the need to relate his experience to that of people from different cultures. □�[V n] �a paper in which the writer tries to relate his linguistic and political views. □�[V ] At the end, we have a sense of names, dates, and events but no sense of how they relate.

3 VERB If you can relateto someone, you can understand how they feel or behave so that you are able to communicate with them or deal with them easily. □�[V +�to ] He is unable to relate to other people. □�[V ] When people are cut off from contact with others, they lose all ability to relate.

4 VERB If you relate a story, you tell it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] There were officials to whom he could relate the whole story. □�[V n] She related her tale of living rough. SYNONYMS relate VERB

1

concern:The bulk of the book concerns Sandy's two middle-aged children.

refer to:The term electronics refers to electrically-induced action.

pertain to:I would much rather that you asked Mrs Zuckerman any questions pertaining to herself.

4

tell:He told his story to The Sunday Times and produced photographs.

recount:He then recounted the story of the interview for his first job.

describe:Just before his death he described seeing their son in a beautiful garden.

report:'He seems to be all right now,' reported a relieved Taylor.

re|lat|ed ◆◇◇ /r I le I t I d/

1 ADJ If two or more things are related , there is a connection between them. □� The philosophical problems of chance and of free will are closely related.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] People who are related belong to the same family. □�[+�to ] �people in countries like Bangladesh who have been able to show they are related to a spouse or parent living in Britain.

3 ADJ If you say that different types of things, such as languages, are related , you mean that they developed from the same language. □�[+�to ] Sanskrit is related very closely to Latin, Greek, and the Germanic and Celtic languages. □� �closely related species. SYNONYMS related ADJ 1

associated:Rap groups have been associated with vandalism.

linked:Liver cancer is linked to the hepatitis B virus.

connected:They are not connected with our company.

-related /-r I le I t I d/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -related combines with nouns to form adjectives with the meaning 'connected with the thing referred to by the noun'. □� �performance-related pay.

re|la|tion ◆◆◇ /r I le I ʃ ə n/ (relations )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Relations between people, groups, or countries are contacts between them and the way in which they behave towards each other. □� Greece has established full diplomatic relations with Israel.

2 →�see also industrial relations , public relations , race relations

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you talk about the relationof one thing to another, you are talking about the ways in which they are connected. □�[+�of ] It is a question of the relation of ethics to economics.

4 N‑COUNT Your relations are the members of your family. □� �visits to friends and relations.

5 →�see also poor relation

6 PHRASE You can talk about something in relation to something else when you want to compare the size, condition, or position of the two things. □� The money he'd been ordered to pay was minimal in relation to his salary.

7 PHRASE If something is said or done in relation to a subject, it is said or done in connection with that subject. □� �a question which has been asked many times in relation to Irish affairs. SYNONYMS relation NOUN

3

link:�the link between smoking and lung cancer.

similarity:She is also 25 and a native of Birmingham, but the similarity ends there.

connection:He has denied any connection to the bombing.

4

relative:Get a relative to look after the children.

family:Her family came to Los Angeles at the turn of the century.

re|la|tion|ship ◆◆◇ /r I le I ʃ ə nʃ I p/ (relationships )

1 N‑COUNT The relationship between two people or groups is the way in which they feel and behave towards each other. □� �the friendly relationship between France and Britain. □� �family relationships.

2 N‑COUNT A relationship is a close friendship between two people, especially one involving romantic or sexual feelings. □� Both of us felt the relationship wasn't really going anywhere.

3 N‑COUNT The relationship between two things is the way in which they are connected. □�[+�between/of ] There is a relationship between diet and cancer. [Also +�to ] SYNONYMS relationship NOUN

2

affair:She was having an affair with someone at work.

romance:�a holiday romance.

fling:She claims she had a brief fling with him 30 years ago.

liaison:She embarked on a series of liaisons with society figures.

3

connection:The police say he had no connection with the security forces.

bond:The experience created a very special bond between us.

association:The association between the two companies stretches back thirty years.

rela|tive ◆◇◇ /re lət I v/ (relatives )

1 N‑COUNT Your relatives are the members of your family. □� Get a relative to look after the children.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use relative to say that something is true to a certain degree, especially when compared with other things of the same kind. □� The fighting resumed after a period of relative calm.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use relative when you are comparing the quality or size of two things. □� They chatted about the relative merits of London and Paris as places to live.

4 PHRASE Relative to something means with reference to it or in comparison with it. □� Japanese interest rates rose relative to America's.

5 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is relative , you mean that it needs to be considered and judged in relation to other things. □� Fitness is relative; one must always ask 'Fit for what?'.

6 N‑COUNT If one animal, plant, language, or invention is a relativeof another, they have both developed from the same type of animal, plant, language, or invention. □�[+�of ] The pheasant is a close relative of the Guinea hen. SYNONYMS relative NOUN 1

relation:�visits to friends and relations.

kin:She has gone to live with her husband's kin.

family:Her family came to Los Angeles at the turn of the century.

re la|tive clau se (relative clauses ) N‑COUNT In grammar, a relative clause is a subordinate clause which specifies or gives information about a person or thing. Relative clauses come after a noun or pronoun and, in English, often begin with a relative pronoun such as 'who', 'which', or 'that'.

rela|tive|ly ◆◇◇ /re lət I vli/ ADV [ADV adj/adv] Relatively means to a certain degree, especially when compared with other things of the same kind. □� The sums needed are relatively small. SYNONYMS relatively ADV 1

comparatively:�a comparatively small nation.

rather:I grew up in rather unusual circumstances.

somewhat:He concluded that Oswald was somewhat abnormal.

re la|tive pro |noun (relative pronouns ) N‑COUNT A relative pronoun is a word such as 'who', 'that', or 'which' that is used to introduce a relative clause. 'Whose', 'when', 'where', and 'why' are generally called relative pronouns , though they are actually adverbs.

rela|tiv|ism /re lət I v I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Relativism is the belief that the truth is not always the same but varies according to circumstances. □� Traditionalists may howl, but in today's world, cultural relativism rules.

rela|tiv|ist /re lət I v I st/ (relativists ) ADJ A relativist position or argument is one according to which the truth is not always the same, but varies according to circumstances. □� He took a relativist position - what is considered immoral depends on the social structure.

rela|tiv|ity /re lət I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT The theory of relativity is Einstein's theory concerning space, time, and motion. [TECHNICAL ]

re|launch /ri ːlɔ ːntʃ/ (relaunches , relaunching , relaunched ) VERB To relaunch something such as a company, a product, or a scheme means to start it again or to produce it in a different way. □�[V n] He is hoping to relaunch his film career. ●�N‑COUNT Relaunch is also a noun. □� Football kit relaunches are simply a way of boosting sales.

re|lax ◆◇◇ /r I l� ks/ (relaxes , relaxing , relaxed )

1 VERB If you relax or if something relaxes you, you feel more calm and less worried or tense. □�[V ] I ought to relax and stop worrying about it. □�[V n] Do something that you know relaxes you.

2 VERB When a part of your body relaxes , or when you relax it, it becomes less stiff or firm. □�[V n] Massage is used to relax muscles, relieve stress and improve the circulation. □�[V ] His face relaxes into a contented smile.

3 VERB If you relax your grip or hold on something, you hold it less tightly than before. □�[V n] He gradually relaxed his grip on the arms of the chair.

4 VERB If you relax a rule or your control over something, or if it relaxes , it becomes less firm or strong. □�[V ] Rules governing student conduct relaxed somewhat in recent years. □�[V n] How much can the President relax his grip over the nation?

5 →�see also relaxed , relaxing

re|laxa|tion /riː l�kse I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Relaxation is a way of spending time in which you rest and feel comfortable. □� You should be able to find the odd moment for relaxation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If there is relaxation of a rule or control, it is made less firm or strong. □�[+�of/in ] �the relaxation of travel restrictions.

re|laxed /r I l� kst/

1 ADJ If you are relaxed , you are calm and not worried or tense. □� As soon as I had made the final decision, I felt a lot more relaxed.

2 ADJ If a place or situation is relaxed , it is calm and peaceful. □� The atmosphere at lunch was relaxed.

re|lax|ing /r I l� ks I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is relaxing is pleasant and helps you to relax. □� I find cooking very relaxing.

re|lay (relays , relaying , relayed ) The noun is pronounced /riː le I /. The verb is pronounced /r I le I /. 1 N‑COUNT A relay or a relay race is a race between two or more teams, for example teams of runners or swimmers. Each member of the team runs or swims one section of the race. □� Britain's prospects of beating the United States in the relay looked poor.

2 VERB To relay television or radio signals means to send them or broadcast them. □�[V n] The satellite will be used mainly to relay television programmes. □�[V n +�to/from ] This system monitors radiation levels and relays the information to a central computer.

3 VERB If you relay something that has been said to you, you repeat it to another person. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She relayed the message, then frowned.

re|lease ◆◆◆ /r I liː s/ (releases , releasing , released )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a person or animal is released from somewhere where they have been locked up or looked after, they are set free or allowed to go. □�[be V -ed +�from ] He was released from custody the next day. □�[be V -ed] He was released on bail.

2 N‑COUNT When someone is released, you refer to their release . □� He called for the immediate release of all political prisoners.

3 VERB If someone or something releases you from a duty, task, or feeling, they free you from it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�from ] The document released Mr Jackson from his obligations under the contract. □�[V n] This releases the teacher to work with individuals who are having extreme difficulty. ●�N‑VAR [oft a N ] Release is also a noun. □�[+�from ] �release from stored tensions, traumas and grief.

4 VERB To release feelings or abilities means to allow them to be expressed. □�[V n] Becoming your own person releases your creativity. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Release is also a noun. □�[+�of ] She felt the sudden sweet release of her own tears.

5 VERB If someone in authority releases something such as a document or information, they make it available. □�[V n] They're not releasing any more details yet. ●�N‑COUNT Release is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Action had been taken to speed up the release of cheques.

6 VERB If you release someone or something, you stop holding them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He stopped and faced her, releasing her wrist.

7 VERB If you release a device, you move it so that it stops holding something. □�[V n] Wade released the hand brake and pulled away from the curb.

8 VERB If something releases gas, heat, or a substance, it causes it to leave its container or the substance that it was part of and enter the surrounding atmosphere or area. □�[V n] �a weapon which releases toxic nerve gas. ●�N‑COUNT Release is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Under the agreement, releases of cancer-causing chemicals will be cut by about 80 per cent.

9 VERB When an entertainer or company releases a new CD, video, or film, it becomes available so that people can buy it or see it. □�[V n] He is releasing an album of love songs.

10 N‑COUNT A new release is a new CD, video, or film that has just become available for people to buy or see. □� Which of the new releases do you think are really good?

11 N‑UNCOUNT [on N ] If a film or video is on release or on general release , it is available for people to see in public cinemas or for people to buy. □� The film goes on release on February 1st.

12 →�see also day release , news release , press release SYNONYMS release VERB 1

free:They are set to free more prisoners.

set free:Most of the prisoners were set free.

let out:I'd better go and let the dog out.

liberate:The government is devising a plan to liberate prisoners held in detention camps.

rel|egate /re l I ge I t/ (relegates , relegating , relegated )

1 VERB If you relegate someone or something to a less important position, you give them this position. □�[V n +�to ] Military heroes were relegated to the status of ordinary citizens.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a sports team that competes in a league is relegated , it has to compete in a lower division in the next competition, because it was one of the least successful teams in the higher division. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] If Leigh lose, they'll be relegated. ●� rel|ega|tion /re l I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] Relegation to the Third Division would prove catastrophic.

re|lent /r I le nt/ (relents , relenting , relented )

1 VERB If you relent , you allow someone to do something that you had previously refused to allow them to do. □�[V ] Finally his mother relented and gave permission for her youngest son to marry.

2 VERB If bad weather relents , it improves. □�[V ] If the weather relents, the game will be finished today.

re|lent|less /r I le ntləs/

1 ADJ Something bad that is relentless never stops or never becomes less intense. □� The pressure now was relentless. ●� re|lent|less|ly ADV □� The sun is beating down relentlessly.

2 ADJ Someone who is relentless is determined to do something and refuses to give up, even if what they are doing is unpleasant or cruel. □� Relentless in his pursuit of quality, his technical ability was remarkable. ●� re|lent|less|ly ADV □� She always questioned me relentlessly.

rel|evance /re ləv ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Something's relevanceto a situation or person is its importance or significance in that situation or to that person. □�[+�to ] Politicians' private lives have no relevance to their public roles.

rel|evant /re ləv ə nt/

1 ADJ Something that is relevantto a situation or person is important or significant in that situation or to that person. □�[+�to ] Is socialism still relevant to people's lives?

2 ADJ The relevant thing of a particular kind is the one that is appropriate. □� Make sure you enclose all the relevant certificates.

re|li|able ◆◇◇ /r I la I əb ə l/

1 ADJ People or things that are reliable can be trusted to work well or to behave in the way that you want them to. □� She was efficient and reliable. □� Japanese cars are so reliable. ●� re|li|ably /r I la I əbli/ ADV □� It's been working reliably for years. ●� re|li|abil|ity /r I la I əb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He's not at all worried about his car's reliability.

2 ADJ Information that is reliable or that is from a reliable source is very likely to be correct. □� There is no reliable information about civilian casualties. ●� re|li|ably ADV □� Sonia, we are reliably informed, loves her family very much. ●� re|li|abil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Both questioned the reliability of recent opinion polls. SYNONYMS reliable ADJ 1

trustworthy:He is a trustworthy and level-headed leader.

dependable:He was a good friend, a dependable companion.

staunch:He's a staunch supporter of controls on government spending.

re|li|ance /r I la I əns/ N‑UNCOUNT A person's or thing's relianceon something is the fact that they need it and often cannot live or work without it. □�[+�on ] �the country's increasing reliance on foreign aid.

re|li|ant /r I la I ənt/

1 ADJ A person or thing that is relianton something needs it and often cannot live or work without it. □�[+�on/upon ] These people are not wholly reliant on Western charity.

2 →�see also self-reliant

rel|ic /re l I k/ (relics )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to something or someone as a relicof an earlier period, you mean that they belonged to that period but have survived into the present. □�[+�of ] �an old lady in her eighties, always dressed in black - a relic of a past age.

2 N‑COUNT A relic is something which was made or used a long time ago and which is kept for its historical significance. □� �a museum of war relics.

re|lief ◆◆◇ /r I liː f/ (reliefs )

1 N‑VAR [oft a N ] If you feel a sense of relief , you feel happy because something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening. □� I breathed a sigh of relief. □�[+�to ] The news will come as a great relief to the French authorities.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If something provides relieffrom pain or distress, it stops the pain or distress. □�[+�from ] �a self-help programme which can give lasting relief from the torment of hay fever.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n, n N ] Relief is money, food, or clothing that is provided for people who are very poor, or who have been affected by war or a natural disaster. □� Relief agencies are stepping up efforts to provide food, shelter and agricultural equipment.

4 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A relief worker is someone who does your work when you go home, or who is employed to do it instead of you when you are sick. □� No relief drivers were available.

5 →�see also bas-relief , tax relief COLLOCATIONS relief NOUN

1

adjective +�relief : blessed, great, huge, welcome; palpable

relief+�be +�adjective : short-lived

verb +�relief : bring, offer, provide; express, feel; seek

3

noun +�relief : disaster, emergency, famine, flood

adjective +�relief : humanitarian

verb +�relief : provide

re|lieve /r I liː v/ (relieves , relieving , relieved )

1 VERB If something relieves an unpleasant feeling or situation, it makes it less unpleasant or causes it to disappear completely. □�[V n] Meditation can relieve stress.

2 VERB If someone or something relieves you of an unpleasant feeling or difficult task, they take it from you. □�[V n +�of ] A bookkeeper will relieve you of the burden of chasing unpaid invoices.

3 VERB If someone relieves you of something, they take it away from you. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�of ] A porter relieved her of the three large cases.

4 VERB If you relieve someone, you take their place and continue to do the job or duty that they have been doing. □�[V n] At seven o'clock the night nurse came in to relieve her.

5 VERB [usu passive] If someone is relievedof their duties or is relievedof their post, they are told that they are no longer required to continue in their job. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�of ] The officer involved was relieved of his duties because he had violated strict guidelines.

6 VERB If an army relieves a town or another place which has been surrounded by enemy forces, it frees it. □�[V n] The offensive began several days ago as an attempt to relieve the town.

7 VERB If people or animals relievethemselves , they urinate or defecate. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V pron-refl] It is not difficult to train your dog to relieve itself on command.

re|lieved /r I liː vd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf/that] If you are relieved , you feel happy because something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening. □� We are all relieved to be back home.

re|li|gion ◆◇◇ /r I l I dʒ ə n/ (religions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Religion is belief in a god or gods and the activities that are connected with this belief, such as praying or worshipping in a building such as a church or temple. □� �his understanding of Indian philosophy and religion.

2 N‑COUNT A religion is a particular system of belief in a god or gods and the activities that are connected with this system. □� �the Christian religion. SYNONYMS religion NOUN 1

belief:He refuses to compete on Sundays because of his religious beliefs.

faith:England shifted officially from a Catholic to a Protestant faith in the 16th century.

creed:The centre is open to all, no matter what race or creed.

re|ligi|os|ity /r I l I dʒiɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to a person's religiosity , you are referring to the fact that they are religious in a way which seems exaggerated and insincere. [FORMAL ] □� �their hypocritical religiosity.

re|li|gious ◆◆◇ /r I l I dʒəs/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use religious to describe things that are connected with religion or with one particular religion. □� �religious groups. □� �different religious beliefs. ●� re|li|gious|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/adv, ADV -ed] □� India has always been one of the most religiously diverse countries.

2 ADJ Someone who is religious has a strong belief in a god or gods. □� They are both very religious and felt it was a gift from God.

3 →�see also religiously

re|li|gious|ly /r I l I dʒəsli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something religiously , you do it very regularly because you feel you have to. □� Do these exercises religiously every day.

2 →�see also religious

re|lin|quish /r I l I ŋkw I ʃ/ (relinquishes , relinquishing , relinquished ) VERB If you relinquish something such as power or control, you give it up. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He does not intend to relinquish power.

reli|quary /re l I kwəri, [AM ] -kweri/ (reliquaries ) N‑COUNT A reliquary is a container where religious objects connected with a saint are kept.

rel|ish /re l I ʃ/ (relishes , relishing , relished )

1 VERB If you relish something, you get a lot of enjoyment from it. □�[V n] I relish the challenge of doing jobs that others turn down. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Relish is also a noun. □� The three men ate with relish.

2 VERB If you relish the idea, thought, or prospect of something, you are looking forward to it very much. □�[V n] Jacqueline is not relishing the prospect of another spell in prison.

3 N‑VAR Relish is a sauce or pickle that you eat with other food in order to give the other food more flavour.

re|live /riː l I v/ (relives , reliving , relived ) VERB If you relive something that has happened to you in the past, you remember it and imagine that you are experiencing it again. □�[V n] There is no point in reliving the past.

re|load /riː loʊ d/ (reloads , reloading , reloaded ) VERB If someone reloads a gun, they load it again by putting in more bullets or explosive. If you reload a container, you fill it again. □�[V n] She reloaded the gun as quickly as she could. □�[V ] He reloaded and nodded to the gamekeeper.

re|lo|cate /riː loʊke I t, [AM ] -loʊ ke I t/ (relocates , relocating , relocated ) VERB If people or businesses relocate or if someone relocates them, they move to a different place. □�[V ] If the company was to relocate, most employees would move. □�[V n] There will be the problem of where to relocate the returning troops. ●� re|lo|ca|tion /riː loʊke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The company says the cost of relocation will be negligible.

re|lo|ca |tion ex|penses N‑PLURAL Relocation expenses are a sum of money that a company pays to someone who moves to a new area in order to work for the company. The money is to help them pay for moving house. [BUSINESS ] □� Relocation expenses were paid to encourage senior staff to move to the region.

re|luc|tant ◆◇◇ /r I lʌ ktənt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ to-inf] If you are reluctantto do something, you are unwilling to do it and hesitate before doing it, or do it slowly and without enthusiasm. □� Mr Spero was reluctant to ask for help. ●� re|luc|tant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� We have reluctantly agreed to let him go. ●� re|luc|tance N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to-inf] □� Ministers have shown extreme reluctance to explain their position to the media. SYNONYMS reluctant ADJ 1

unwilling:Initially the government was unwilling to accept the defeat.

grudging:He even earned his opponents' grudging respect.

hesitant:She was hesitant about coming forward with her story.

rely ◆◇◇ /r I la I / (relies , relying , relied )

1 VERB If you relyon someone or something, you need them and depend on them in order to live or work properly. □�[V +�on/upon ] They relied heavily on the advice of their professional advisers.

2 VERB If you can relyon someone to work well or to behave as you want them to, you can trust them to do this. □�[V +�on/upon ] I know I can rely on you to sort it out. □�[V +�on/upon ] The Red Cross are relying on us.

REM /ɑː r iː e m/ ADJ [ADJ n] REM sleep is a period of sleep that is very deep, during which your eyes and muscles make many small movements. It is the period during which most of your dreams occur. REM is an abbreviation for 'rapid eye movement'.

re|main ◆◆◆ /r I me I n/ (remains , remaining , remained )

1 V‑LINK If someone or something remains in a particular state or condition, they stay in that state or condition and do not change. □�[V adj] The three men remained silent. □�[V prep] The government remained in control. □�[V n] He remained a formidable opponent. □�[V adj] It remains possible that bad weather could tear more holes in the tanker's hull. [Also it V n that]

2 VERB If you remain in a place, you stay there and do not move away. □�[V prep] He will have to remain in hospital for at least 10 days. [Also V ]

3 VERB You can say that something remains when it still exists. □�[V ] The wider problem remains.

4 V‑LINK If something remainsto be done, it has not yet been done and still needs to be done. □� Major questions remain to be answered about his work.

5 N‑PLURAL Theremainsof something are the parts of it that are left after most of it has been taken away or destroyed. □�[+�of ] They were tidying up the remains of their picnic.

6 N‑PLURAL The remains of a person or animal are the parts of their body that are left after they have died, sometimes after they have been dead for a long time. □�[+�of ] The unrecognizable remains of a man had been found.

7 N‑PLURAL Historical remains are things that have been found from an earlier period of history, usually buried in the ground, for example parts of buildings and pieces of pottery. □� There are Roman remains all around us.

8 V‑LINK You can use remain in expressions such as the fact remains that or the question remains whether to introduce and emphasize something that you want to talk about. □�[V that] The fact remains that inflation is unacceptably high. □�[V wh] The question remains whether he was fully aware of the claims.

9 →�see also remaining

10 PHRASE If you say that it remains to be seen whether something will happen, you mean that nobody knows whether it will happen. [VAGUENESS ] □� It remains to be seen whether her parliamentary colleagues will agree. SYNONYMS remain VERB

1

continue:He insisted that the conflict would continue.

endure:Somehow the language endures and continues to survive.

persist:Contact your doctor if the cough persists.

go on:The population failed to understand the necessity for the war to go on.

2

stay:'Stay here,' Trish said.

stay put:Nigel says for the moment he is very happy to stay put in Lyon.

wait:Angus got out of the car to wait.

re|main|der /r I me I ndə r / QUANT The remainderof a group are the things or people that still remain after the other things or people have gone or have been dealt with. □�[+�of ] He gulped down the remainder of his coffee. ●�PRON Remainder is also a pronoun. □� Only 5.9 per cent of the area is covered in trees. Most of the remainder is farmland.

re|main|ing ◆◇◇ /r I me I n I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The remaining things or people out of a group are the things or people that still exist, are still present, or have not yet been dealt with. □� The three parties will meet next month to work out remaining differences.

2 →�see also remain

re|make (remakes , remaking , remade ) The noun is pronounced /riː me I k/. The verb is pronounced /riː me I k/. 1 N‑COUNT A remake is a film that has the same story, and often the same title, as a film that was made earlier. □�[+�of ] �a 1953 remake of the thirties musical 'Roberta'.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a film is remade , a new film is made that has the same story, and often the same title, as a film that was made earlier. □�[be V -ed] Kurosawa's Seven Samurai cried out to be remade as a western (hence The Magnificent Seven).

3 VERB If you have something remade , you ask someone to make it again, especially in a way that is better than before. □�[have n V -ed] He had all the window frames in the room remade. [Also V n]

re|mand /r I mɑː nd, -m� nd/ (remands , remanding , remanded )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a person who is accused of a crime is remanded in custody or on bail, they are told to return to the court at a later date, when their trial will take place. □�[be V -ed prep] Carter was remanded in custody for seven days.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n, on N ] Remand is used to refer to the process of remanding someone in custody or on bail, or to the period of time until their trial begins. □� The remand hearing is often over in three minutes.

re|ma nd cen|tre (remand centres ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a remand centre is an institution where people who are accused of a crime are sent until their trial begins or until a decision about their punishment has been made.

re|mark ◆◇◇ /r I mɑː r k/ (remarks , remarking , remarked )

1 VERB If you remark that something is the case, you say that it is the case. □�[V that] I remarked that I would go shopping that afternoon. □�[V with quote] 'Some people have more money than sense,' Winston had remarked. □�[V +�on/upon ] On several occasions she had remarked on the boy's improvement.

2 N‑COUNT If you make a remark about something, you say something about it. □�[+�about ] He made some remarks about the President for which he had to apologise. SYNONYMS remark NOUN 2

comment:She made her comments at a news conference in Amsterdam.

observation:Is that a criticism,' I said, 'or just an observation?'.

statement:Things are moving ahead.'� I found that statement vague and unclear.

re|mark|able ◆◇◇ /r I mɑː r kəb ə l/ ADJ Someone or something that is remarkable is unusual or special in a way that makes people notice them and be surprised or impressed. □� He was a remarkable man. □� It was a remarkable achievement. ●� re|mark|ably /r I mɑː r kəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] □� The food industry has been remarkably successful in satisfying customer demands.

re|mar|riage /riː m� r I dʒ/ (remarriages ) N‑VAR Remarriage is the act of remarrying. □� She resented her father's remarriage.

re|mar|ry /riː m� ri/ (remarries , remarrying , remarried ) VERB If someone remarries , they marry again after they have obtained a divorce from their previous husband or wife, or after their previous husband or wife has died. □�[V ] Her mother had never remarried. [Also V n]

re|mas|ter /riː mɑː stə r , -m� stə r / (remasters , remastering , remastered ) VERB If a film or musical recording is remastered , a new recording is made of the old version, using modern technology to improve the quality. □�[V -ed] A special remastered version of Casablanca is being released. [Also V n]

re|match /riː m�tʃ/ (rematches )

1 N‑COUNT A rematch is a second game that is played between two people or teams, for example because their first match was a draw or because there was a dispute about some aspect of it. [mainly BRIT ] □� Duff said he would be demanding a rematch.

2 N‑COUNT A rematch is a second game or contest between two people or teams who have already faced each other. [mainly AM ] □� Stanford will face UCLA in a rematch. in BRIT, usually use return match

re|medial /r I miː diəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Remedial education is intended to improve a person's ability to read, write, or do mathematics, especially when they find these things difficult. □� �children who required special remedial education.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Remedial activities are intended to improve a person's health when they are ill. [FORMAL ] □� He is already walking normally and doing remedial exercises.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Remedial action is intended to correct something that has been done wrong or that has not been successful. [FORMAL ] □� Some authorities are now having to take remedial action.

rem|edy /re mədi/ (remedies , remedying , remedied )

1 N‑COUNT A remedy is a successful way of dealing with a problem. □� The remedy lies in the hands of the government.

2 N‑COUNT A remedy is something that is intended to cure you when you are ill or in pain. □� �natural remedies to help overcome winter infections.

3 VERB If you remedy something that is wrong or harmful, you correct it or improve it. □�[V n] A great deal has been done internally to remedy the situation.

re|mem|ber ◆◆◆ /r I me mbə r / (remembers , remembering , remembered )

1 VERB If you remember people or events from the past, you still have an idea of them in your mind and you are able to think about them. □�[V n] You wouldn't remember me. I was in another group. □�[V v-ing] I certainly don't remember talking to you at all. □�[V that] I remembered that we had drunk the last of the coffee the week before. □�[V wh] I can remember where and when I bought each one. □�[V ] I used to do that when you were a little girl, remember?

2 VERB If you remember that something is the case, you become aware of it again after a time when you did not think about it. □�[V that] She remembered that she was going to the social club that evening. □�[V n] Then I remembered the cheque, which cheered me up.

3 VERB If you cannot remember something, you are not able to bring it back into your mind when you make an effort to do so. □�[V n] If you can't remember your number, write it in code in a diary. □�[V wh] I can't remember what I said. □�[V ] Don't tell me you can't remember. [Also V v-ing]

4 VERB If you rememberto do something, you do it when you intend to. □�[V to-inf] Please remember to enclose a stamped addressed envelope when writing.

5 VERB You tell someone to rememberthat something is the case when you want to emphasize its importance. It may be something that they already know about or a new piece of information. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V that] It is important to remember that each person reacts differently. □�[be V -ed that] It should be remembered that this loss of control can never be regained.

6 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone will be remembered for something that they have done, you mean that people will think of this whenever they think about the person. □�[be V -ed +�for ] At his grammar school he is remembered for being bad at games. □�[be V -ed +�as ] Lincoln is remembered as the man who abolished slavery in the US.

7 VERB [no cont, usu imper] If you ask someone to remember you to a person who you have not seen for a long time, you are asking them to pass your greetings on to that person. □�[V n +�to ] 'Remember me to Lyle, won't you?' I said.

8 VERB [only to-inf] If you make a celebration an occasion toremember , you make it very enjoyable for all the people involved. □�[V ] We'll give everyone a night to remember.

re|mem|brance /r I me mbrəns/ N‑UNCOUNT If you do something inremembranceof a dead person, you do it as a way of showing that you want to remember them and that you respect them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] They wore black in remembrance of those who had died.

Re|me m|brance Day N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In Britain, Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday is the Sunday nearest to the 11th of November, when people honour the memory of those who died in the two world wars. □� �a Remembrance Day service.

re|mind ◆◇◇ /r I ma I nd/ (reminds , reminding , reminded )

1 VERB If someone reminds you of a fact or event that you already know about, they say something which makes you think about it. □�[V n +�of ] So she simply welcomed him and reminded him of the last time they had met. □�[V n that] I had to remind myself that being confident is not the same as being perfect!

2 VERB You use remind in expressions such as Let me remind you that and May I remind you that to introduce a piece of information that you want to emphasize. It may be something that the hearer already knows about or a new piece of information. Sometimes these expressions can sound unfriendly. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □�[V n that] 'Let me remind you,' said Marianne, 'that Manchester is also my home town.' □�[V n wh] Need I remind you who the enemy is?

3 VERB If someone reminds you to do a particular thing, they say something which makes you remember to do it. □�[V n to-inf] Can you remind me to buy a bottle of Martini? □�[V n +�about ] The note was to remind him about something he had to explain to one of his students.

4 VERB If you say that someone or something reminds you of another person or thing, you mean that they are similar to the other person or thing and that they make you think about them. □�[V n +�of ] She reminds me of the woman who used to work for you.

re|mind|er /r I ma I ndə r / (reminders )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, N that] Something that serves as a reminderof another thing makes you think about the other thing. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] Some children keep attractive cards in an album as a constant reminder of their grandparents.

2 N‑COUNT A reminder is a letter or note that is sent to tell you that you have not done something such as pay a bill or return library books. [mainly BRIT ] □� �the final reminder for the gas bill.

remi|nisce /re m I n I s/ (reminisces , reminiscing , reminisced ) VERB If you reminisce about something from your past, you write or talk about it, often with pleasure. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] I don't like reminiscing because it makes me feel old. [Also V with quote]

remi|nis|cence /re m I n I səns/ (reminiscences ) N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Someone's reminiscences are things that they remember from the past, and which they talk or write about. Reminiscence is the process of remembering these things and talking or writing about them. [FORMAL ] □� Here I am boring you with my reminiscences. [Also +�of ]

remi|nis|cent /re m I n I sənt/ ADJ If you say that one thing is reminiscent of another, you mean that it reminds you of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The decor was reminiscent of a municipal arts-and-leisure centre.

re|miss /r I m I s/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is remiss , they are careless about doing things which ought to be done. [FORMAL ] □� I would be remiss if I did not do something about it. [Also +�in ]

re|mis|sion /r I m I ʃ ə n/ (remissions )

1 N‑VAR If someone who has had a serious disease such as cancer is inremission or if the disease is inremission , the disease has been controlled so that they are not as ill as they were. □� Brain scans have confirmed that the disease is in remission.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone in prison gets remission , their prison sentence is reduced, usually because they have behaved well. [BRIT ] □� With remission for good behaviour, she could be freed in a year.

re|mit (remits , remitting , remitted ) The noun is pronounced /riː m I t/. The verb is pronounced /r I m I t/. 1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] Someone's remit is the area of activity which they are expected to deal with, or which they have authority to deal with. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] That issue is not within the remit of the working group.

2 VERB If you remit money to someone, you send it to them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] Many immigrants regularly remit money to their families.

re|mit|tance /r I m I təns/ (remittances ) N‑VAR A remittance is a sum of money that you send to someone. [FORMAL ] □� Complete this coupon in block capitals and send it with your remittance to the address below.

re|mix (remixes , remixing , remixed ) The noun is pronounced /riː m I ks/. The verb is pronounced /riː m I ks/. 1 N‑COUNT A remix is a new version of a piece of music which has been created by putting together the individual instrumental and vocal parts in a different way. □� Their new album features remixes of some of their previous hits.

2 VERB To remix a piece of music means to make a new version of it by putting together the individual instrumental and vocal parts in a different way. □�[V n] The band are remixing some tracks.

rem|nant /re mnənt/ (remnants )

1 N‑COUNT The remnantsof something are small parts of it that are left over when the main part has disappeared or been destroyed. □�[+�of ] Beneath the present church were remnants of Roman flooring.

2 N‑COUNT A remnant is a small piece of cloth that is left over when most of the cloth has been sold. Shops usually sell remnants cheaply.

re|mod|el /riː mɒ d ə l/ (remodels , remodelling , remodelled ) in AM, use remodeling , remodeled VERB To remodel something such as a building or a room means to give it a different form or shape. □�[V n] Workmen were hired to remodel and enlarge the farm buildings.

re|mon|strate /re mənstre I t, [AM ] r I mɒ nstre I t/ (remonstrates , remonstrating , remonstrated ) VERB If you remonstratewith someone, you protest to them about something you do not approve of or agree with, and you try to get it changed or stopped. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] He remonstrated with the referee. □�[V ] I jumped in the car and went to remonstrate. [Also V prep]

re|morse /r I mɔː r s/ N‑UNCOUNT Remorse is a strong feeling of sadness and regret about something wrong that you have done. □� He was full of remorse.

re|morse|ful /r I mɔː r sfʊl/ ADJ If you are remorseful , you feel very guilty and sorry about something wrong that you have done. □� He was genuinely remorseful. ●� re|morse|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'My poor wife!' he said, remorsefully.

re|morse|less /r I mɔː r sləs/

1 ADJ If you describe something, especially something unpleasant, as remorseless , you mean that it goes on for a long time and cannot be stopped. □� �the remorseless pressure of recession and financial constraint. ●� re|morse|less|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� There have been record bankruptcies and remorselessly rising unemployment.

2 ADJ Someone who is remorseless is prepared to be cruel to other people and feels no pity for them. □� �the capacity for quick, remorseless violence. ●� re|morse|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They remorselessly beat up anyone they suspected of supporting the opposition.

re|mote ◆◇◇ /r I moʊ t/ (remoter , remotest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Remote areas are far away from cities and places where most people live, and are therefore difficult to get to. □� Landslides have cut off many villages in remote areas.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The remote past or remote future is a time that is many years distant from the present. □� Slabs of rock had slipped sideways in the remote past, and formed this hole.

3 ADJ If something is remotefrom a particular subject or area of experience, it is not relevant to it because it is very different. □�[+�from ] This government depends on the wishes of a few who are remote from the people.

4 ADJ If you say that there is a remote possibility or chance that something will happen, you are emphasizing that there is only a very small chance that it will happen. [EMPHASIS ] □� I use a sunscreen whenever there is even a remote possibility that I will be in the sun.

5 ADJ If you describe someone as remote , you mean that they behave as if they do not want to be friendly or closely involved with other people. □� She looked so beautiful, and at the same time so remote. SYNONYMS remote ADJ 1

distant:�the war in that distant land.

isolated:Many of the refugee villages are in isolated areas.

out-of-the-way:�an out-of-the-way spot.

re|mo te a c|cess N‑UNCOUNT Remote access is a system which allows you to gain access to a particular computer or network using a separate computer. [COMPUTING ] □� The diploma course would offer remote access to course materials via the internet.

re|mo te con|tro l (remote controls )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Remote control is a system of controlling a machine or a vehicle from a distance by using radio or electronic signals. □� The bomb was detonated by remote control.

2 N‑COUNT The remote control for a television or video recorder is the device that you use to control the machine from a distance, by pressing the buttons on it.

remo te-contro lled ADJ [usu ADJ n] A remote-controlled machine or device is controlled from a distance by the use of radio or electronic signals. □� �a remote-controlled bomb.

re|mote|ly /r I moʊ tli/

1 ADV [oft ADV adj/-ed] You use remotely with a negative statement to emphasize the statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� Nobody was remotely interested.

2 ADV [ADV -ed] If someone or something is remotely placed or situated, they are a long way from other people or places. □� �the remotely situated, five bedroom house.

re|mo te se ns|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Remote sensing is the gathering of information about something by observing it from space or from the air.

re|mould (remoulds , remoulding , remoulded ) The spelling remold is used in American English. The noun is pronounced /riː moʊld/. The verb is pronounced /riː moʊ ld/. 1 N‑COUNT A remould is an old tyre which has been given a new surface or tread and can be used again. [BRIT ] in AM, use retread2 VERB To remould something such as an idea or an economy means to change it so that it has a new structure or is based on new principles. □�[V n] �a new phase in the attempt to remould Labour's image.

re|mount /riː maʊ nt/ (remounts , remounting , remounted ) VERB When you remount a bicycle or horse, you get back on it after you have got off it or fallen off it. □�[V n] He was told to remount his horse and ride back to Lexington. □�[V ] The pony scrabbled up and waited for the rider, who remounted and carried on.

re|mov|able /r I muː vəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A removable part of something is a part that can easily be moved from its place or position. □� �a cake tin with a removable base.

re|mov|al /r I muː v ə l/ (removals )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The removal of something is the act of removing it. □� What they expected to be the removal of a small lump turned out to be major surgery.

2 N‑VAR [oft N n] Removal is the process of transporting furniture or equipment from one building to another. [mainly BRIT ] □� Home removals are best done in cool weather. in AM, use moving

re|mo v|al man (removal men ) N‑COUNT Removal men are men whose job is to move furniture or equipment from one building to another. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use movers

re|move ◆◆◇ /r I muː v/ (removes , removing , removed )

1 VERB If you remove something from a place, you take it away. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n +�from ] As soon as the cake is done, remove it from the oven. □�[V n] He went to the refrigerator and removed a bottle of milk.

2 VERB If you remove clothing, you take it off. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] He removed his jacket.

3 VERB If you remove a stain from something, you make the stain disappear by treating it with a chemical or by washing it. □�[V n] This treatment removes the most stubborn stains.

4 VERB If people remove someone from power or from something such as a committee, they stop them being in power or being a member of the committee. □�[V n +�from ] The student senate voted to remove Fuller from office.

5 VERB If you remove an obstacle, a restriction, or a problem, you get rid of it. □�[V n] The agreement removes the last serious obstacle to the signing of the arms treaty.

re|moved /r I muː vd/ ADJ If you say that an idea or situation is far removed from something, you mean that it is very different from it. □�[+�from ] He found it hard to concentrate on conversation so far removed from his present preoccupations.

re|mov|er /r I muː və r / (removers ) N‑VAR Remover is a substance that you use for removing an unwanted stain, mark, or coating from a surface. □� We got some paint remover and scrubbed it off.

re|mu|ner|ate /r I mjuː nəre I t/ (remunerates , remunerating , remunerated ) VERB [usu passive] If you are remunerated for work that you do, you are paid for it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] You will be remunerated and so will your staff.

re|mu|nera|tion /r I mjuː nəre I ʃ ə n/ (remunerations ) N‑VAR Someone's remuneration is the amount of money that they are paid for the work that they do. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the continuing marked increase in the remuneration of the company's directors.

re|mu|nera|tive /r I mjuː nərət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Remunerative work is work that you are paid for. [FORMAL ] □� A doctor advised her to seek remunerative employment.

re|nais|sance /r I ne I sɒns, [AM ] re n I sɑː ns/

1 N‑PROPER [oft N n] The Renaissance was the period in Europe, especially Italy, in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, when there was a new interest in art, literature, science, and learning. □� �the Renaissance masterpieces in London's galleries.

2 N‑SING If something experiences a renaissance , it becomes popular or successful again after a time when people were not interested in it. □� Popular art is experiencing a renaissance.

Re|nai s|sance man (Renaissance men ) N‑COUNT If you describe a man as a Renaissance man , you mean that he has a wide range of abilities and interests, especially in the arts and sciences. [APPROVAL ]

re|nal /riː n ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Renal describes things that concern or are related to the kidneys. [MEDICAL ] □� He collapsed from acute renal failure.

re|name /riː ne I m/ (renames , renaming , renamed ) VERB If you rename something, you change its name to a new name. □�[be V -ed n] Avenue Napoleon III in Paris was renamed Avenue de l'Op�ra after the empire fell.

rend /re nd/ (rends , rending , rent )

1 VERB To rend something means to tear it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] �pain that rends the heart. □�[V ] �a twisted urge to rend and tear.

2 VERB If a loud sound rends the air, it is sudden and violent. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] He bellows, rends the air with anguish.

3 →�see also heart-rending

ren|der /re ndə r / (renders , rendering , rendered )

1 VERB You can use render with an adjective that describes a particular state to say that someone or something is changed into that state. For example, if someone or something makes a thing harmless, you can say that they render it harmless. □�[V n adj] It contained so many errors as to render it worthless.

2 VERB If you render someone help or service, you help them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] He had a chance to render some service to his country. □�[V n n] Any assistance you can render him will be appreciated.

3 VERB To render something in a particular language or in a particular way means to translate it into that language or in that way. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�in ] All the signs and announcements were rendered in English and Spanish. [Also V n +�as/into/in ]

ren|der|ing /re ndər I ŋ/ (renderings )

1 N‑COUNT A renderingof a play, poem, or piece of music is a performance of it. □�[+�of ] �a rendering of Verdi's Requiem by the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

2 N‑COUNT A rendering of an expression or piece of writing or speech is a translation of it. □�[+�of ] This phrase may well have been a rendering of a popular Arabic expression.

ren|dez|vous /rɒ nde I vuː/ (rendezvousing , rendezvoused ) The form rendezvous is pronounced /rɒ nde I vuːz/ when it is the plural of the noun or the third person singular of the verb. 1 N‑COUNT A rendezvous is a meeting, often a secret one, that you have arranged with someone for a particular time and place. □�[+�with ] I had almost decided to keep my rendezvous with Tony.

2 N‑COUNT A rendezvous is the place where you have arranged to meet someone, often secretly. □� Their rendezvous would be the Penta Hotel at Heathrow Airport.

3 VERB If you rendezvouswith someone or if the two of you rendezvous , you meet them at a time and place that you have arranged. □�[V +�with ] The plan was to rendezvous with him on Sunday afternoon. □�[V ] She wondered where they were going to rendezvous afterwards.

ren|di|tion /rend I ʃ ə n/ (renditions ) N‑COUNT A renditionof a play, poem, or piece of music is a performance of it. □�[+�of ] The musicians burst into a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday'.

ren|egade /re n I ge I d/ (renegades )

1 N‑COUNT A renegade is a person who abandons the religious, political, or philosophical beliefs that he or she used to have, and accepts opposing or different beliefs.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Renegade is used to describe a member of a group or profession who behaves in a way that is opposed to the normal behaviour or beliefs of that group or profession. □� Three men were shot dead by a renegade policeman.

re|nege /r I niː g, r I ne I g, [AM ] -n I g/ (reneges , reneging , reneged ) VERB If someone renegeson a promise or an agreement, they do not do what they have promised or agreed to do. □�[V +�on ] If someone reneged on a deal, they could never trade here again. [Also V ]

re|new ◆◇◇ /r I njuː , [AM ] -nuː / (renews , renewing , renewed )

1 VERB If you renew an activity, you begin it again. □�[V n] He renewed his attack on government policy towards Europe. □�[V -ed] There was renewed fighting yesterday.

2 VERB If you renew a relationship with someone, you start it again after you have not seen them or have not been friendly with them for some time. □�[V n] When the two men met again after the war they renewed their friendship. □�[V n +�with ] In December 1989 Syria renewed diplomatic relations with Egypt.

3 VERB When you renew something such as a licence or a contract, you extend the period of time for which it is valid. □�[V n] Larry's landlord threatened not to renew his lease.

4 VERB [usu passive] You can say that something is renewed when it grows again or is replaced after it has been destroyed or lost. □�[be V -ed] Cells are being constantly renewed. □�[V -ed] �a renewed interest in public transport systems.

re|new|able /r I njuː əb ə l, [AM ] -nuː -/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Renewable resources are natural ones such as wind, water, and sunlight which are always available. □� �renewable energy sources.

2 ADJ If a contract or agreement is renewable , it can be extended when it reaches the end of a fixed period of time. □� A formal contract is signed which is renewable annually.

re|new|al /r I njuː əl, -nuː -/ (renewals )

1 N‑SING If there is a renewalof an activity or a situation, it starts again. □�[+�of ] They will discuss the possible renewal of diplomatic relations.

2 N‑VAR The renewal of a document such as a licence or a contract is an official increase in the period of time for which it remains valid. □� His contract came up for renewal.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Renewal of something lost, dead, or destroyed is the process of it growing again or being replaced. □� �urban renewal and regeneration.

re|nounce /r I naʊ ns/ (renounces , renouncing , renounced )

1 VERB If you renounce a belief or a way of behaving, you decide and declare publicly that you no longer have that belief or will no longer behave in that way. □�[V n] You must renounce your old ways of thinking.

2 VERB If you renounce a claim, rank, or title, you officially give it up. □�[V n] He renounced his claim to the French throne.

reno|vate /re nəve I t/ (renovates , renovating , renovated ) VERB If someone renovates an old building, they repair and improve it and get it back into good condition. □�[V n] The couple spent thousands renovating the house. ●� reno|va|tion /re nəve I ʃ ə n/ (renovations ) N‑VAR □� �a property which will need extensive renovation.

re|nown /r I naʊ n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft n of N ] A person ofrenown is well known, usually because they do or have done something good. □� She used to be a singer of some renown.

re|nowned /r I naʊ nd/ ADJ A person or place that is renownedfor something, usually something good, is well known because of it. □�[+�for ] The area is renowned for its Romanesque churches. [Also +�as ]

rent ◆◇◇ /re nt/ (rents , renting , rented )

1 VERB If you rent something, you regularly pay its owner a sum of money in order to be able to have it and use it yourself. □�[V n] She rents a house with three other girls. □�[V -ed] He left his hotel in a rented car.

2 VERB If you rent something to someone, you let them have it and use it in exchange for a sum of money which they pay you regularly. □�[V n +�to ] She rented rooms to university students. ●�PHRASAL VERB Rent out means the same as rent . □�[V P n] He rented out his house while he worked abroad. □�[V n P ] He repaired the boat, and rented it out for $150.

3 N‑VAR Rent is the amount of money that you pay regularly to use a house, flat, or piece of land. □� She worked to pay the rent while I went to college.

4Rent is the past tense and past participle of rend .

5 →�see also ground rent , peppercorn rent

▸� rent out →�see rent2

rent|al /re nt ə l/ (rentals )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The rental of something such as a car, property, or piece of equipment is the activity or process of renting it. □� We can organise car rental from Chicago O'Hare Airport.

2 N‑COUNT The rental is the amount of money that you pay when you rent something such as a car, property, or piece of equipment. □� It has been let at an annual rental of �393,000.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use rental to describe things that are connected with the renting out of goods, properties, and services. □� A friend drove her to Oxford, where she picked up a rental car.

re nt boy (rent boys ) N‑COUNT A rent boy is a boy or young man who has sex with men for money. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

re nt-free ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a rent-free house or office, you do not have to pay anything to use it. □� He was given a new rent-free apartment. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Rent-free is also an adverb. □� They told James he could no longer live rent-free.

re|nun|cia|tion /r I nʌ nsie I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The renunciation of a belief or a way of behaving is the public declaration that you reject it and have decided to stop having that belief or behaving in that way. □�[+�of ] The talks were dependent on a renunciation of violence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The renunciationof a claim, title, or privilege is the act of officially giving it up. □�[+�of ] �the renunciation of territory in the Mediterranean.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Renunciation is the act of not allowing yourself certain pleasures for moral or religious reasons. □� Gandhi exemplified the virtues of renunciation, asceticism and restraint.

re|open /rioʊ pən/ (reopens , reopening , reopened )

1 VERB If you reopen a public building such as a factory, airport, or school, or if it reopens , it opens and starts working again after it has been closed for some time. □�[V n] We have plenty of coal underground, but reopening mines takes years and costs billions. □�[V ] The Theatre Royal, Norwich, will reopen in November.

2 VERB If police or the courts reopen a legal case, they investigate it again because it has never been solved or because there was something wrong in the way it was investigated before. □�[V n] There was a call today to reopen the investigation into the bombing.

3 VERB If people or countries reopen talks or negotiations or if talks or negotiations reopen , they begin again after they have stopped for some time. □�[V n] But now high level delegations will reopen talks that broke up earlier this year. □�[V n +�with ] �the possibility of reopening negotiations with the government. □�[V ] Peace talks reopened between the rebels and the government.

4 VERB If people or countries reopen ties or relations, they start being friendly again after a time when they were not friendly. □�[V n +�with ] The President has been eager to reopen ties with western corporations. □�[V n] The two countries reopened diplomatic relations.

5 VERB If something reopens a question or debate, it makes the question or debate relevant again and causes people to start discussing it again. □�[V n] His results are likely to reopen the debate on race and education.

6 VERB If a country reopens a border or route, or if it reopens , it becomes possible to cross or travel along it again after it has been closed. □�[V n] �making peace with its neighbour by reopening its border. □�[V ] The important Beijing Shanghai route has reopened.

re|or|gan|ize /riɔː r gəna I z/ (reorganizes , reorganizing , reorganized ) in BRIT, also use reorganise VERB To reorganize something or to reorganize means to change the way in which something is organized, arranged, or done. □�[V n] It is the mother who is expected to reorganize her busy schedule. □�[be V -ed +�into ] Four thousand troops have been reorganized into a fighting force. □�[V ] They'll have to reorganise and that might cause them problems. ●� re|or|gani|za|tion /riɔː r gəna I ze I ʃ ə n/ (reorganizations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the reorganization of the legal system.

rep /re p/ (reps )

1 N‑COUNT A rep is a person whose job is to sell a company's products or services, especially by travelling round and visiting other companies. Rep is short for representative . □�[+�for ] I'd been working as a sales rep for a photographic company.

2 →�see also holiday rep

3 N‑COUNT A rep is a person who acts as a representative for a group of people, usually a group of people who work together. □� Contact the health and safety rep at your union.

4 N‑UNCOUNT In the theatre, rep is the same as repertory . □� A play is tested in rep before ever hitting a West End stage.

Rep.Rep. is a written abbreviation for representative . [AM ] □� �Rep. Barbara Boxer.

re|paid /r I pe I d/ Repaid is the past tense and past participle of repay .

re|pair ◆◇◇ /r I pe ə r / (repairs , repairing , repaired )

1 VERB If you repair something that has been damaged or is not working properly, you mend it. □�[V n] Goldsmith has repaired the roof to ensure the house is wind-proof. □�[have n V -ed] A woman drove her car to the garage to have it repaired. ●� re|pair|er (repairers ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] □� �TV repairers.

2 VERB If you repair a relationship or someone's reputation after it has been damaged, you do something to improve it. □�[V n] The government continued to try to repair the damage caused by the minister's interview.

3 N‑VAR A repair is something that you do to mend a machine, building, piece of clothing, or other thing that has been damaged or is not working properly. □� Many women know how to carry out repairs on their cars. □� There is no doubt now that her relationship is beyond repair.

4 VERB If someone repairs to a particular place, they go there. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] We then repaired to the pavilion for lunch.

5 PHRASE If something such as a building is in good repair , it is in good condition. If it is in bad repair , it is in bad condition. □� The monks of Ettal keep the abbey in good repair. SYNONYMS repair VERB 1

mend:They took a long time to mend the roof.

fix:If something is broken, we get it fixed.

restore:�the beautifully restored old town square.

re|pair|man /r I peə r mən/ (repairmen ) N‑COUNT A repairman is a man who mends broken machines such as televisions and phones. □� �a cheerful telephone repairman.

repa|ra|tion /re pəre I ʃ ə n/ (reparations )

1 N‑PLURAL Reparations are sums of money that are paid after a war by the defeated country for the damage and injuries it caused in other countries. □� Israel accepted billions of dollars in war reparations.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Reparation is help or payment that someone gives you for damage, loss, or suffering that they have caused you. □� There is a clear demand amongst victims for some sort of reparation from offenders.

rep|ar|tee /re pɑː r tiː , [AM ] -pərte I / N‑UNCOUNT Repartee is conversation that consists of quick, witty comments and replies. □� She was good at repartee.

re|past /r I pɑː st, -p� st/ (repasts ) N‑COUNT A repast is a meal. [LITERARY ]

re|pat|ri|ate /riː p� trie I t, [AM ] -pe I t-/ (repatriates , repatriating , repatriated ) VERB If a country repatriates someone, it sends them back to their home country. □�[V n] It was not the policy of the government to repatriate genuine refugees. ●� re|pat|ria|tion /riː p� trie I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -pe I t-/ (repatriations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the forced repatriation of Vietnamese boat people.

re|pay /r I pe I / (repays , repaying , repaid )

1 VERB If you repay a loan or a debt, you pay back the money that you owe to the person who you borrowed or took it from. □�[V n] He advanced funds of his own to his company, which was unable to repay him.

2 VERB If you repay a favour that someone did for you, you do something for them in return. □�[V n] It was very kind. I don't know how I can ever repay you.

re|pay|able /r I pe I əb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A loan that is repayable within a certain period of time must be paid back within that time. [mainly BRIT ] □� The loan is repayable over twenty years. in AM, usually use payable

re|pay|ment /r I pe I mənt/ (repayments )

1 N‑COUNT Repayments are amounts of money which you pay at regular intervals to a person or organization in order to repay a debt. □� They were unable to meet their mortgage repayments.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The repaymentof money is the act or process of paying it back to the person you owe it to. □�[+�of ] He failed to meet last Friday's deadline for repayment of a �114m loan.

re|peal /r I piː l/ (repeals , repealing , repealed ) VERB If the government repeals a law, it officially ends it, so that it is no longer valid. □�[V n] The government has just repealed the law segregating public facilities. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Repeal is also a noun. □�[+�of ] That year was the 60th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition.

re|peat ◆◆◇ /r I piː t/ (repeats , repeating , repeated )

1 VERB If you repeat something, you say or write it again. You can say I repeat to show that you feel strongly about what you are repeating. □�[V that] He repeated that he had been mis-quoted. □�[V n] The President repeated his call for the release of hostages. □�[V with quote] 'You fool,' she kept repeating.

2 VERB If you repeat something that someone else has said or written, you say or write the same thing, or tell it to another person. □�[V n] She had an irritating habit of repeating everything I said to her. □�[V n +�to ] I trust you not to repeat that to anyone else. □�[V +�after ] Repeat after me: 'Tomorrow is just another day.'

3 VERB If you repeatyourself , you say something which you have said before, usually by mistake. □�[V pron-refl] Then he started rambling and repeating himself.

4 VERB If you repeat an action, you do it again. □�[V n] The next day I repeated the procedure. □�[V ] Hold this position for 30 seconds, release and repeat on the other side.

5 VERB If an event or series of events repeatsitself , it happens again. □�[V pron-refl] The U.N. will have to work hard to stop history repeating itself. [Also V ]

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a repeatof an event, usually an undesirable event, it happens again. □�[+�of ] There were fears that there might be a repeat of last year's campaign of strikes.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] If a company gets repeat business or repeat customers, people who have bought their goods or services before buy them again. [BUSINESS ] □� Nearly 60% of our bookings come from repeat business and personal recommendation.

8 N‑COUNT A repeat is a television or radio programme that has been broadcast before. [BRIT ] □� There's nothing except sport and repeats on TV. in AM, use re-run

9 PHRASE If there is a repeat performance of something, usually something undesirable, it happens again. □� This year can only see a repeat performance of the decline. SYNONYMS repeat VERB 1

reiterate:He reiterated his opposition to the creation of a central bank.

restate:He continued throughout to restate his opposition to violence.

recapitulate:Let's just recapitulate the essential points.

re|peat|ed /r I piː t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Repeated actions or events are ones which happen many times. □� He did not return the money, despite repeated reminders.

re|peat|ed|ly /r I piː t I dli/ ADV [ADV with v] If you do something repeatedly , you do it many times. □� Both men have repeatedly denied the allegations.

re|pea t of|fe nd|er (repeat offenders ) N‑COUNT A repeat offender is someone who commits the same sort of crime more than once.

re|pea t pre|scri p|tion (repeat prescriptions ) N‑COUNT A repeat prescription is a prescription for a medicine that you have taken before or that you use regularly. [BRIT ]

re|pel /r I pe l/ (repels , repelling , repelled )

1 VERB When an army repels an attack, they successfully fight and drive back soldiers from another army who have attacked them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They have fifty thousand troops along the border ready to repel any attack.

2 VERB When a magnetic pole repels another magnetic pole, it gives out a force that pushes the other pole away. You can also say that two magnetic poles repel each other or that they repel . [TECHNICAL ] □�[V ] Like poles repel, unlike poles attract. □�[V n] As these electrons are negatively charged they will attempt to repel each other.

3 VERB [no cont] If something repels you, you find it horrible and disgusting. □�[V n] �a violent excitement that frightened and repelled her. ●� re|pelled ADJ □� She was very striking but in some way I felt repelled.

re|pel|lant /r I pe lənt/ →�see repellent

re|pel|lent /r I pe lənt/ (repellents ) The spelling repellant is also used for meaning 2 . 1 ADJ If you think that something is horrible and disgusting you can say that it is repellent . [FORMAL ] □� �a very large, very repellent toad.

2 N‑VAR [usu n N ] Insect repellent is a product containing chemicals that you spray into the air or on your body in order to keep insects away. □� �mosquito repellent.

re|pent /r I pe nt/ (repents , repenting , repented ) VERB If you repent , you show or say that you are sorry for something wrong you have done. □�[V ] Those who refuse to repent, he said, will be punished. □�[V +�of/for ] Did he repent of anything in his life? [Also V n]

re|pent|ance /r I pe ntəns/ N‑UNCOUNT If you show repentance for something wrong that you have done, you make it clear that you are sorry for doing it. □� They showed no repentance during their trial.

re|pent|ant /r I pe ntənt/ ADJ Someone who is repentant shows or says that they are sorry for something wrong they have done. □� He was feeling guilty and depressed, repentant and scared.

re|per|cus|sion /riː pə r kʌ ʃ ə n/ (repercussions ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If an action or event has repercussions , it causes unpleasant things to happen some time after the original action or event. [FORMAL ] □� It was an effort which was to have painful repercussions.

rep|er|toire /re pə r twɑː r / (repertoires )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A performer's repertoire is all the plays or pieces of music that he or she has learned and can perform. □� Meredith D'Ambrosio has thousands of songs in her repertoire.

2 N‑SING The repertoire of a person or thing is all the things of a particular kind that the person or thing is capable of doing. □�[+�of ] �Mike's impressive repertoire of funny stories.

rep|er|tory /re pə r tri, [AM ] -tɔːri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] A repertory company is a group of actors and actresses who perform a small number of plays for just a few weeks at a time. They work in a repertory theatre. □� �a well-known repertory company in Boston.

2 N‑SING [usu poss N ] A performer's repertory is all the plays or pieces of music that he or she has learned and can perform. □� Her repertory was vast and to her it seemed that each song told some part of her life.

rep|eti|tion /re p I t I ʃ ə n/ (repetitions )

1 N‑VAR If there is a repetitionof an event, usually an undesirable event, it happens again. □�[+�of ] The government has taken measures to prevent a repetition of last year's confrontation.

2 N‑VAR Repetition means using the same words again. □� He could also have cut out much of the repetition and thus saved many pages.

rep|eti|tious /re p I t I ʃəs/ ADJ Something that is repetitious involves actions or elements that are repeated many times and is therefore boring. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The manifesto is long-winded, repetitious and often ambiguous or poorly drafted.

re|peti|tive /r I pe t I t I v/

1 ADJ Something that is repetitive involves actions or elements that are repeated many times and is therefore boring. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �factory workers who do repetitive jobs.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Repetitive movements or sounds are repeated many times. □� �problems that occur as the result of repetitive movements.

re|pe ti|tive strai n in|ju|ry N‑UNCOUNT Repetitive strain injury is the same as RSI . □� �computer users suffering from repetitive strain injury.

re|phrase /riː fre I z/ (rephrases , rephrasing , rephrased ) VERB If you rephrase a question or statement, you ask it or say it again in a different way. □�[V n] Again, the executive rephrased the question.

re|place ◆◆◇ /r I ple I s/ (replaces , replacing , replaced )

1 VERB If one thing or person replaces another, the first is used or acts instead of the second. □�[V n] The council tax replaced the poll tax in 1993. □�[V n +�as ] �the city lawyer who replaced Bob as chairman of the company. □�[be V -ed +�with/by ] The smile disappeared to be replaced by a doleful frown.

2 VERB If you replace one thing or person with another, you put something or someone else in their place to do their job. □�[V n +�with ] I clean out all the grease and replace it with oil so it works better in very low temperatures. □�[V n] The BBC decided it could not replace her.

3 VERB If you replace something that is broken, damaged, or lost, you get a new one to use instead. □�[V n] The shower that we put in a few years back has broken and we cannot afford to replace it.

4 VERB If you replace something, you put it back where it was before. □�[V n] The line went dead. Whitlock replaced the receiver. □�[V n prep] Replace the caps on the bottles.

re|place|able /r I ple I səb ə l/

1 ADJ If something is replaceable , you can throw it away when it is finished and put a new one in its place. □� �replaceable butane gas cartridges.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is replaceable , you mean that they are not so important that someone else could not take their place. □� He would see I was not so easily replaceable.

re|place|ment ◆◇◇ /r I ple I smənt/ (replacements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the replacement of one thing by another, you mean that the second thing takes the place of the first. □�[+�of ] �the replacement of damaged or lost books.

2 →�see also hormone replacement therapy

3 N‑COUNT Someone who takes someone else's place in an organization, government, or team can be referred to as their replacement . □� Taylor has nominated Adams as his replacement. SYNONYMS replacement NOUN 1

substitution:In my experience a straight substitution of carob for chocolate doesn't work.

renewal:�urban renewal and regeneration.

re|pla ce|ment value N‑SING The replacement value of something that you own is the amount of money it would cost you to replace it, for example if it was stolen or damaged.

re|play (replays , replaying , replayed ) The verb is pronounced /riː ple I /. The noun is pronounced /riː ple I /. 1 VERB [usu passive] If a match between two sports teams is replayed , the two teams play it again, because neither team won the first time, or because the match was stopped because of bad weather. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] Drawn matches were replayed three or four days later. ●�N‑COUNT You can refer to a match that is replayed as a replay . □� If there has to be a replay we are confident of victory.

2 VERB If you replay something that you have recorded on film or tape, you play it again in order to watch it or listen to it. □�[V n] He stopped the machine and replayed the message. ●�N‑COUNT Replay is also a noun. □�[+�of ] I watched a slow-motion replay of his fall.

3 VERB If you replay an event in your mind, you think about it again and again. □�[V n] She spends her nights lying in bed, replaying the fire in her mind.

4 →�see also action replay , instant replay

re|plen|ish /r I ple n I ʃ/ (replenishes , replenishing , replenished ) VERB If you replenish something, you make it full or complete again. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Three hundred thousand tons of cereals are needed to replenish stocks.

re|plen|ish|ment /r I ple n I ʃmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Replenishment is the process by which something is made full or complete again. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] There is a concern about replenishment of the population.

re|plete /r I pliː t/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] To be replete with something means to be full of it. [FORMAL ] □� The Harbor was replete with boats.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are replete , you are pleasantly full of food and drink. [FORMAL ] □� Replete, guests can then retire to the modern conservatory for coffee.

rep|li|ca /re pl I kə/ (replicas ) N‑COUNT A replicaof something such as a statue, building, or weapon is an accurate copy of it. □�[+�of ] �a human-sized replica of the Statue of Liberty.

rep|li|cate /re pl I ke I t/ (replicates , replicating , replicated ) VERB If you replicate someone's experiment, work, or research, you do it yourself in exactly the same way. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He invited her to his laboratory to see if she could replicate the experiment.

re|ply ◆◆◇ /r I pla I / (replies , replying , replied )

1 VERB When you replyto something that someone has said or written to you, you say or write an answer to them. □�[V with quote] 'That's a nice dress,' said Michael. 'Thanks,' she replied solemnly. □�[V that] He replied that this was absolutely impossible. □�[V ] Grace was too terrified to reply. □�[V +�to ] To their surprise, hundreds replied to the advertisement.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A reply is something that you say or write when you answer someone or answer a letter or advertisement. □� I called out a challenge, but there was no reply. □�[+�to ] David has had 12 replies to his ad. □� He said in reply that the question was unfair. [Also +�from ]

3 VERB If you replyto something such as an attack with violence or with another action, you do something in response. □�[V +�with ] Farmers threw eggs and empty bottles at police, who replied with tear gas. □�[V +�to/with ] The National Salvation Front has already replied to this series of opposition moves with its own demonstrations. COLLOCATIONS reply VERB 1

reply+�adverb : calmly, coolly, curtly, tersely; individually, personally NOUN 2

adjective +�reply : immediate, instant, prompt, succinct; genuine, personal, standard; written

verb +�reply : receive; send

re|port ◆◆◆ /r I pɔː r t/ (reports , reporting , reported )

1 VERB If you report something that has happened, you tell people about it. □�[V n] They had been called in to clear drains after local people reported a foul smell. □�[V n +�to ] I reported the theft to the police. □�[V that] The RSPCA reported that 10,610 cats were abandoned last year. □�[V with quote] 'He seems to be all right now,' reported a relieved Taylor. □�[be V -ed +�as ] The foreign secretary is reported as saying that force will have to be used if diplomacy fails. □�[V n adj] She reported him missing the next day. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Between forty and fifty people are reported to have died in the fighting. [Also it be V -ed that, V ]

2 VERB If you reporton an event or subject, you tell people about it, because it is your job or duty to do so. □�[V +�on ] Many journalists enter the country to report on political affairs. □�[V +�to ] I'll report to you later.

3 N‑COUNT A report is a news article or broadcast which gives information about something that has just happened. □� �a report in London's Independent newspaper.

4 N‑COUNT A report is an official document which a group of people issue after investigating a situation or event. □� After an inspection, the inspectors must publish a report. [Also +�on/by ]

5 N‑COUNT If you give someone a report on something, you tell them what has been happening. □� She came back to give us a progress report on how the project is going.

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl, N that] If you say that there are reports that something has happened, you mean that some people say it has happened but you have no direct evidence of it. □� There were unconfirmed reports of several arrests. [Also +�of ]

7 VERB If someone reports you to a person in authority, they tell that person about something wrong that you have done. □�[V n +�to ] His daughter reported him to police a few days later. □�[be V -ed +�for ] She was reported for speeding twice on the same road within a week.

8 VERB If you reportto a person or place, you go to that person or place and say that you are ready to start work or say that you are present. □�[V +�to ] He has to surrender his passport and report to the police every five days. □�[V +�for ] None of the men had reported for duty.

9 VERB [no cont] If you say that one employee reportsto another, you mean that the first employee is told what to do by the second one and is responsible to them. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] He reported to a section chief, who reported to a division chief, and so on up the line.

10 N‑COUNT A school report is an official written account of how well or how badly a pupil has done during the term or year that has just finished. [BRIT ] □� And now she was getting bad school reports. in AM, use report card11 N‑COUNT A report is a sudden loud noise, for example the sound of a gun being fired or an explosion. [FORMAL ] □� Soon afterwards there was a loud report as the fuel tanks exploded.

12 →�see also reporting

▸� report back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you report backto someone, you tell them about something that they asked you to find out about. □�[V P +�to ] The teams are due to report back to the Prime Minister early next year. □�[V P ] I'll report back the moment I have located him. □�[V P +�on ] He would, of course, report back on all deliberations. □�[V P that] The repairman reported back that the computer had a virus. [Also V n P , V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you report backto a place, you go back there and say that you are ready to start work or say that you are present. □�[V P +�to ] The authorities have ordered all soldiers to report back to barracks. □�[V P ] They were sent home and told to report back in the afternoon. [Also V P +�for ]

re|port|age /r I pɔː r t I dʒ, re pɔː r tɑː ʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Reportage is the reporting of news and other events of general interest for newspapers, television, and radio. [FORMAL ] □� �the magazine's acclaimed mix of reportage and fashion.

re|po rt card (report cards )

1 N‑COUNT A report card is an official written account of how well or how badly a pupil has done during the term or year that has just finished. [AM ] □� The only time I got their attention was when I brought home straight A's on my report card. in BRIT, use report2 N‑COUNT A report card is a report on how well a person, organization, or country has been doing recently. [AM , JOURNALISM ] □� The President today issued his final report card on the state of the economy.

re|po rt|ed clause (reported clauses ) N‑COUNT A reported clause is a subordinate clause that indicates what someone said or thought. For example, in 'She said that she was hungry', 'she was hungry' is a reported clause. [BRIT ]

re|port|ed|ly /r I pɔː r t I dli/ ADV [ADV before v] If you say that something is reportedly true, you mean that someone has said that it is true, but you have no direct evidence of it. [FORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □� More than two hundred people have reportedly been killed in the past week's fighting.

re|po rt|ed que s|tion (reported questions ) N‑COUNT A reported question is a question which is reported using a clause beginning with a word such as 'why' or 'whether', as in 'I asked her why she'd done it'. [BRIT ]

re|po rt|ed spee ch N‑UNCOUNT Reported speech is speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person's actual words: for example, 'They said you didn't like it', 'I asked him what his plans were', and 'Citizens complained about the smoke'. [BRIT ] in AM, use indirect discourse

re|port|er ◆◆◇ /r I pɔː r tə r / (reporters ) N‑COUNT A reporter is someone who writes news articles or who broadcasts news reports. □� �a TV reporter. □� �a trainee sports reporter. COLLOCATIONS reporter NOUN 1

noun +�reporter : news, newspaper, television; crime, sports, war

adjective +�reporter : financial, foreign, local, political; intrepid, investigative, roving, undercover; freelance

verb +�reporter : brief, tell; assign

re|port|ing ◆◆◇ /r I pɔː r t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Reporting is the presenting of news in newspapers, on radio, and on television. □� �honest and impartial political reporting.

re|po rt|ing clause (reporting clauses ) N‑COUNT A reporting clause is a clause which indicates that you are talking about what someone said or thought. For example, in 'She said that she was hungry', 'She said' is a reporting clause. [BRIT ]

re|po rt struc|ture (report structures ) N‑COUNT A report structure is a structure containing a reporting clause and a reported clause or a quote. [BRIT ]

re|pose /r I poʊ z/ N‑UNCOUNT Repose is a state in which you are resting and feeling calm. [LITERARY ] □� He had a still, almost blank face in repose.

re|po|si|tion /riː pəz I ʃən/ (repositions , repositioning , repositioned )

1 VERB To reposition an object means to move it to another place or to change its position. □�[V n] It is not possible to reposition the carpet without damaging it.

2 VERB To reposition something such as a product or service means to try to interest more or different people in it, for example by changing certain things about it or the way it is marketed. □�[V n] The sell-off repositioned the company as a publisher of business information. □�[V pron-refl] Mazda needs to reposition itself if it is to boost its sales and reputation.

re|posi|tory /r I pɒ z I tri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (repositories ) N‑COUNT A repository is a place where something is kept safely. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] A church in Moscow became a repository for police files.

re|pos|sess /riː pəze s/ (repossesses , repossessing , repossessed ) VERB [usu passive] If your car or house is repossessed , the people who supplied it take it back because they are still owed money for it. □�[be V -ed] His car was repossessed by the company.

re|pos|ses|sion /riː pəze ʃ ə n/ (repossessions )

1 N‑VAR The repossession of someone's house is the act of repossessing it. □� �the problem of home repossessions.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a house or car that has been repossessed as a repossession . □� Many of the cars you will see at auction are repossessions.

re|pos|se s|sion or|der (repossession orders ) N‑COUNT If a bank or building society issues a repossession order , they officially tell someone that they are going to repossess their home. [BRIT ]

re|pot /riː pɒ t/ (repots , repotting , repotted ) VERB If you repot a plant, you take it out of its pot and put it in a larger one. □�[V n] As your plants flourish, you'll need to repot them in bigger pots.

rep|re|hen|sible /re pr I he ns I b ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you think that a type of behaviour or an idea is very bad and morally wrong, you can say that it is reprehensible . [FORMAL ] □� Mr Cramer said the violence by anti-government protestors was reprehensible.

rep|re|sent ◆◆◇ /re pr I ze nt/ (represents , representing , represented )

1 VERB If someone such as a lawyer or a politician represents a person or group of people, they act on behalf of that person or group. □�[V n] �the politicians we elect to represent us.

2 VERB If you represent a person or group at an official event, you go there on their behalf. □�[V n] The general secretary may represent the president at official ceremonies.

3 VERB If you represent your country or town in a competition or sports event, you take part in it on behalf of the country or town where you live. □�[V n] My only aim is to represent Britain at the Commonwealth Games.

4 V-PASSIVE If a group of people or things is well represented in a particular activity or in a particular place, a lot of them can be found there. □�[be adv V -ed] Sadly, women leaders are not well represented in our churches. □�[be V -ed] In New Mexico all kinds of cuisines are represented.

5 V‑LINK If you say that something represents a change, achievement, or victory, you mean that it is a change, achievement, or victory. [FORMAL or WRITTEN ] □�[V n] These developments represented a major change in the established order.

6 VERB [no cont] If a sign or symbol represents something, it is accepted as meaning that thing. □�[V n] A black dot in the middle of the circle is supposed to represent the source of the radiation.

7 VERB [no cont, no passive] To represent an idea or quality means to be a symbol or an expression of that idea or quality. □�[V n] We believe you represent everything British racing needs.

8 VERB If you represent a person or thing as a particular thing, you describe them as being that thing. □�[V n +�as ] The popular press tends to represent him as an environmental guru. SYNONYMS represent VERB

2

stand in:I had to stand in for her on Tuesday when she didn't show up.

substitute:He was substituting for the injured William Wales.

7

exemplify:The room's style exemplifies Conran's ideal of 'beauty and practicality'.

embody:Jack Kennedy embodied all the hopes of the 1960s.

symbolize:�the post-war world order symbolised by the United Nations.

epitomize:�the sleek lift that epitomized the hotel's glossy decor.

rep|re|sen|ta|tion /re pr I zente I ʃ ə n/ (representations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If a group or person has representation in a parliament or on a committee, someone in the parliament or on the committee supports them and makes decisions on their behalf. □� Independent shareholders who own about half the stock now have no representation on the board.

2 →�see also proportional representation

3 N‑COUNT You can describe a picture, model, or statue of a person or thing as a representationof them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a lifelike representation of Christ.

4 N‑PLURAL If you make representationsto a government or other official group, you make formal complaints or requests to them. □�[+�to ] We have made representations to ministers but they just don't seem to be listening. [Also +�from ]

rep|re|sen|ta|tion|al /re pr I zente I ʃən ə l/ ADJ In a representational painting, the artist attempts to show things as they really are. [FORMAL ] □� His painting went through both representational and abstract periods.

rep|re|senta|tive ◆◆◇ /re pr I ze ntət I v/ (representatives )

1 N‑COUNT A representative is a person who has been chosen to act or make decisions on behalf of another person or a group of people. □� �trade union representatives.

2 N‑COUNT A representative is a person whose job is to sell a company's products or services, especially by travelling round and visiting other companies. [FORMAL ] □� She had a stressful job as a sales representative.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A representative group consists of a small number of people who have been chosen to make decisions on behalf of a larger group. □� The new head of state should be chosen by an 87 member representative council.

4 ADJ Someone who is typical of the group to which they belong can be described as representative . □�[+�of ] He was in no way representative of dog-trainers in general. ●� rep|re|senta|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a process designed to ensure the representativeness of the sample interviewed.

5 N‑COUNT In the United States, a Representative is a member of the House of Representatives, the less powerful of the two parts of Congress.

6 →�see also House of Representatives SYNONYMS representative NOUN 1

delegate:She was elected as their delegate.

agent:You are buying direct, rather than through an agent.

deputy:�Jack Lang, France's minister for culture, and his deputy, Catherine Tasca.

proxy:Price differences are used as a proxy for differences in quality.

re|press /r I pre s/ (represses , repressing , repressed )

1 VERB If you repress a feeling, you make a deliberate effort not to show or have this feeling. □�[be V -ed] It is anger that is repressed that leads to violence and loss of control. □�[V -ed] �repressed aggression.

2 VERB If you repress a smile, sigh, or moan, you try hard not to smile, sigh, or moan. □�[V n] I couldn't repress a sigh of admiration.

3 VERB If a section of society is repressed , their freedom is restricted by the people who have authority over them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] �a U.N. resolution banning him from repressing his people.

re|pressed /r I pre st/ ADJ A repressed person is someone who does not allow themselves to have natural feelings and desires, especially sexual ones. □� Some have charged that the Puritans were sexually repressed and inhibited.

re|pres|sion /r I pre ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Repression is the use of force to restrict and control a society or other group of people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a society conditioned by violence and repression.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Repression of feelings, especially sexual ones, is a person's unwillingness to allow themselves to have natural feelings and desires. □�[+�of ] �the repression of his feelings about men.

re|pres|sive /r I pre s I v/ ADJ A repressive government is one that restricts people's freedom and controls them by using force. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The military regime in power was unpopular and repressive. ●� re|pres|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the country, which had been repressively ruled for ten years.

re|prieve /r I priː v/ (reprieves , reprieving , reprieved )

1 VERB [usu passive, no cont] If someone who has been sentenced in a court is reprieved , their punishment is officially delayed or cancelled. □�[be V -ed] Fourteen people on death row for murder have been reprieved. ●�N‑VAR Reprieve is also a noun □� A man awaiting death by lethal injection has been saved by a last minute reprieve.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A reprieve is a delay before a very unpleasant or difficult situation which may or may not take place. □� It looked as though the college would have to shut, but this week it was given a reprieve.

rep|ri|mand /re pr I mɑːnd, -m� nd/ (reprimands , reprimanding , reprimanded ) VERB If someone is reprimanded , they are spoken to angrily or seriously for doing something wrong, usually by a person in authority. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�for ] He was reprimanded by a teacher for talking in the corridor. □�[V n] Her attempts to reprimand him were quickly shouted down. ●�N‑VAR Reprimand is also a noun. □� He has been fined five thousand pounds and given a severe reprimand.

re|print (reprints , reprinting , reprinted ) The verb is pronounced /riː pr I nt/. The noun is pronounced /riː pr I nt/. 1 VERB [usu passive] If a book is reprinted , further copies of it are printed when all the other ones have been sold. □�[be V -ed] It remained an exceptionally rare book until it was reprinted in 1918.

2 N‑COUNT A reprint is a process in which new copies of a book or article are printed because all the other ones have been sold. □� Demand picked up and a reprint was required last November.

3 N‑COUNT A reprint is a new copy of a book or article, printed because all the other ones have been sold or because minor changes have been made to the original. □�[+�of ] �a reprint of a 1962 novel.

re|pris|al /r I pra I z ə l/ (reprisals ) N‑VAR If you do something to a person inreprisal , you hurt or punish them because they have done something violent or unpleasant to you. □� Witnesses are unwilling to testify through fear of reprisals.

re|prise /r I priː z/ (reprises , reprising , reprised ) N‑COUNT In music, if there is a reprise , an earlier section of music is repeated.

re|proach /r I proʊ tʃ/ (reproaches , reproaching , reproached )

1 VERB If you reproach someone, you say or show that you are disappointed, upset, or angry because they have done something wrong. □�[V n] She is quick to reproach anyone who doesn't live up to her own high standards. □�[V n +�for ] She had not even reproached him for breaking his promise.

2 N‑VAR If you look at or speak to someone with reproach , you show or say that you are disappointed, upset, or angry because they have done something wrong. □� He looked at her with reproach. □� Women in public life must be beyond reproach.

3 VERB If you reproachyourself , you think with regret about something you have done wrong. □�[V pron-refl] You've no reason to reproach yourself, no reason to feel shame. □�[V pron-refl +�for ] We begin to reproach ourselves for not having been more careful.

re|proach|ful /r I proʊ tʃfʊl/ ADJ Reproachful expressions or remarks show that you are disappointed, upset, or angry because someone has done something wrong. □� She gave Isabelle a reproachful look. ●� re|proach|ful|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Luke's mother stopped smiling and looked reproachfully at him.

rep|ro|bate /re prəbe I t/ (reprobates ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a reprobate , you mean that they behave in a way that is not respectable or morally correct. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a drunken reprobate.

re|pro|duce /riː prədjuː s, [AM ] -duː s/ (reproduces , reproducing , reproduced )

1 VERB If you try to reproduce something, you try to copy it. □�[V n] I shall not try to reproduce the policemen's English. □�[V n] The effect has proved hard to reproduce.

2 VERB If you reproduce a picture, speech, or a piece of writing, you make a photograph or printed copy of it. □�[V n] We are grateful to you for permission to reproduce this article.

3 VERB If you reproduce an action or an achievement, you repeat it. □�[V n] If we can reproduce the form we have shown in the last couple of months we will be successful.

4 VERB When people, animals, or plants reproduce , they produce young. □�[V ] �a society where women are defined by their ability to reproduce. □�[V pron-refl] We are not reproducing ourselves fast enough to pay for the welfare of our older citizens. ●� re|pro|duc|tion /riː prədʌ kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Genes are those tiny bits of biological information swapped in sexual reproduction.

re|pro|duc|tion /riː prədʌ kʃ ə n/ (reproductions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A reproduction is a copy of something such as a piece of furniture or a work of art. □�[+�of ] �a reproduction of a popular religious painting.

2 →�see also reproduce

3 N‑UNCOUNT Sound reproduction is the recording of sound onto tapes, CDs, or films so that it can be heard by a large number of people. □� �the increasingly high technology of music reproduction.

re|pro|duc|tive /riː prədʌ kt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Reproductive processes and organs are concerned with the reproduction of living things. □� �the female reproductive system.

re|proof /r I pruː f/ (reproofs ) N‑VAR If you say or do something in reproof , you say or do it to show that you disapprove of what someone has done or said. [FORMAL ] □� She raised her eyebrows in reproof. □� �a reproof that she responded to right away.

re|prove /r I pruː v/ (reproves , reproving , reproved ) VERB If you reprove someone, you speak angrily or seriously to them because they have behaved in a wrong or foolish way. [FORMAL ] □�[V with quote] 'There's no call for talk like that,' Mrs Evans reproved him. □�[be V -ed] Women were reproved if they did not wear hats in court.

re|prov|ing /r I pruː v I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you give someone a reproving look or speak in a reproving voice, you show or say that you think they have behaved in a wrong or foolish way. [FORMAL ] □� 'Flatterer,' she said giving him a mock reproving look. ●� reprov|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'I'm trying to sleep,' he lied, speaking reprovingly.

rep|tile /re pta I l, [AM ] -t I l/ (reptiles ) N‑COUNT Reptiles are a group of cold-blooded animals which have skins covered with small hard plates called scales and lay eggs. Snakes, lizards, and crocodiles are reptiles.

rep|til|ian /rept I liən/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A reptilian creature is a reptile. □� �a prehistoric jungle occupied by reptilian creatures.

2 ADJ You can also use the word reptilian to describe something that is characteristic of a reptile or that is like a reptile. □� The chick is ugly and almost reptilian in its appearance.

re|pub|lic ◆◆◇ /r I pʌ bl I k/ (republics )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A republic is a country where power is held by the people or the representatives that they elect. Republics have presidents who are elected, rather than kings or queens. □� �the Baltic republics. □�[+�of ] �the Republic of Ireland.

2 →�see also banana republic

re|pub|li|can ◆◆◇ /r I pʌ bl I kən/ (republicans )

1 ADJ Republican means relating to a republic. In republican systems of government, power is held by the people or the representatives that they elect. □� �the nations that had adopted the republican form of government.

2 ADJ In the United States, if someone is Republican , they belong to or support the Republican Party. □� �Republican voters. □� Some families have been Republican for generations. ●�N‑COUNT A Republican is someone who supports or belongs to the Republican Party. □� What made you decide to become a Republican?

3 ADJ In Northern Ireland, if someone is Republican , they believe that Northern Ireland should not be ruled by Britain but should become part of the Republic of Ireland. □� �a Republican paramilitary group. ●�N‑COUNT A Republican is someone who has Republican views. □� �a Northern Ireland Republican.

re|pub|li|can|ism /r I pʌ bl I kən I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Republicanism is the belief that the best system of government is a republic.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Republicanism is support for or membership of the Republican Party in the United States.

Re|pu b|li|can Par|ty N‑PROPER The Republican Party is one of the two main political parties in the United States. It is more right-wing or conservative than the Democratic Party.

re|pu|di|ate /r I pjuː die I t/ (repudiates , repudiating , repudiated ) VERB If you repudiate something or someone, you show that you strongly disagree with them and do not want to be connected with them in any way. [FORMAL or WRITTEN ] □�[V n] Leaders urged people to turn out in large numbers to repudiate the violence. ●� re|pu|dia|tion /r I pjuː die I ʃ ə n/ (repudiations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �his public repudiation of the conference decision.

re|pug|nant /r I pʌ gnənt/ ADJ If you think that something is horrible and disgusting, you can say that it is repugnant . [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] The odour is repugnant to insects. ●� re|pug|nance N‑UNCOUNT □� She felt a deep sense of shame and repugnance.

re|pulse /r I pʌ ls/ (repulses , repulsing , repulsed )

1 VERB [usu passive] If you are repulsed by something, you think that it is horrible and disgusting and you want to avoid it. □�[be V -ed] Evil has charisma. Though people are repulsed by it, they also are drawn to its power.

2 VERB If an army or other group repulses a group of people, they drive it back using force. □�[V n] The armed forces were prepared to repulse any attacks.

re|pul|sion /r I pʌ lʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Repulsion is an extremely strong feeling of disgust. □� She gave a dramatic shudder of repulsion.

re|pul|sive /r I pʌ ls I v/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as repulsive , you mean that they are horrible and disgusting and you want to avoid them. □� �repulsive fat white slugs. ●� re|pul|sive|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �a repulsively large rat.

repu|table /re pjʊtəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A reputable company or person is reliable and can be trusted. □� You are well advised to buy your car through a reputable dealer.

repu|ta|tion ◆◇◇ /re pjʊte I ʃ ə n/ (reputations )

1 N‑COUNT To have a reputation for something means to be known or remembered for it. □�[+�for ] Alice Munro has a reputation for being a very depressing writer.

2 N‑COUNT Something's or someone's reputation is the opinion that people have about how good they are. If they have a good reputation, people think they are good. □� The stories ruined his reputation.

3 PHRASE If you know someone by reputation , you have never met them but you have heard of their reputation. □� She was by reputation a good organiser.

re|pute /r I pjuː t/

1 PHRASE A person or thing of repute or of high repute is respected and known to be good. [FORMAL ] □� He was a writer of repute.

2 N‑UNCOUNT A person's or organization's repute is their reputation, especially when this is good. [FORMAL ] □� Under his stewardship, the U.N.'s repute has risen immeasurably.

re|put|ed /r I pjuː t I d/ V-PASSIVE If you say that something is reputedto be true, you mean that people say it is true, but you do not know if it is definitely true. [FORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] The monster is reputed to live in the deep dark water of a Scottish loch. ●� re|put|ed|ly /r I pjuː t I dli/ ADV [ADV before v] □� He reputedly earns two million pounds a year.

re|quest ◆◆◇ /r I kwe st/ (requests , requesting , requested )

1 VERB If you request something, you ask for it politely or formally. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Mr Dennis said he had requested access to a telephone. □�[V that] She had requested that the door to her room be left open.

2 VERB If you request someone to do something, you politely or formally ask them to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] Students are requested to park at the rear of the Department. [Also V with quote]

3 N‑COUNT [N that/to-inf] If you make a request , you politely or formally ask someone to do something. □�[+�for ] France had agreed to his request for political asylum.

4 N‑COUNT A request is a song or piece of music which someone has asked a performer or disc jockey to play. □� If you have any requests, I'd be happy to play them for you.

5 PHRASE If you do something at someone's request , you do it because they have asked you to. □� The girls were made wards of court at the request of a local authority.

6 PHRASE If something is given or done on request , it is given or done whenever you ask for it. □� Leaflets giving details are available on request. COLLOCATIONS request NOUN 3

noun +�request : extradition, interview, transfer

adjective +�request : formal, official, polite, special; repeated, written

verb +�request : make, submit; deny, decline, refuse, reject; consider, grant, receive VERB 1

request+�noun : access, anonymity, information, permission; hearing, meeting

request+�adverb : formally, specifically; politely, respectfully SYNONYMS request VERB 1

ask for:I decided to go to the next house and ask for food.

appeal for:The United Nations has appealed for help from the international community.

demand:Mr Byers last night demanded an immediate explanation from the Education Secretary. NOUN 3

appeal:Romania's government issued a last-minute appeal to him to call off his trip.

demand:There have been demands for services from tenants up there.

call:There have been calls for a new kind of security arrangement.

plea:Mr Nicholas made his emotional plea for help in solving the killing.

requi|em /re kwiem/ (requiems )

1 N‑COUNT A requiem or a requiem mass is a Catholic church service in memory of someone who has recently died.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A requiem is a piece of music for singers and musicians that can be performed either as part of a requiem mass or as part of a concert. □� �a performance of Verdi's Requiem.

re|quire ◆◆◇ /r I kwa I ə r / (requires , requiring , required )

1 VERB If you require something or if something is required , you need it or it is necessary. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] If you require further information, you should consult the registrar. □�[V n to-inf] This isn't the kind of crisis that requires us to drop everything else. □�[V -ed] Some of the materials required for this technique may be difficult to obtain.

2 VERB If a law or rule requires you to do something, you have to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n to-inf] The rules also require employers to provide safety training. □�[V n] At least 35 manufacturers have flouted a law requiring prompt reporting of such malfunctions. □�[V that] The law requires that employees are given the opportunity to improve their performance before they are dismissed. □�[be V -ed +�of ] Then he'll know exactly what's required of him.

3 PHRASE If you say that something is required reading for a particular group of people, you mean that you think it is essential for them to read it because it will give them information which they should have. □�[+�for ] It is an important report that should be required reading for every MP. SYNONYMS require VERB 1

need:He desperately needed money.

depend on:He depended on his writing for his income.

necessitate:Frank was carrying out fuel-system tests which necessitated turning the booster pumps off.

re|quire|ment ◆◇◇ /r I kwa I ə r mənt/ (requirements )

1 N‑COUNT A requirement is a quality or qualification that you must have in order to be allowed to do something or to be suitable for something. □� Its products met all legal requirements.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your requirements are the things that you need. [FORMAL ] □� Variations of this programme can be arranged to suit your requirements. SYNONYMS requirement NOUN 1

necessity:There is agreement on the necessity of reforms.

need:There's no need for you to stay.

requi|site /re kw I z I t/ (requisites )

1 ADJ You can use requisite to indicate that something is necessary for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □� She filled in the requisite paperwork.

2 N‑COUNT A requisite is something which is necessary for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] An understanding of accounting techniques is a major requisite for the work of the analysts.

requi|si|tion /re kw I z I ʃ ə n/ (requisitions , requisitioning , requisitioned )

1 VERB If people in authority requisition a vehicle, building, or food, they formally demand it and take it for official use. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Authorities requisitioned hotel rooms to lodge more than 3,000 stranded vacationers.

2 N‑COUNT A requisition is a written document which allows a person or organization to obtain goods. □�[+�for ] �a requisition for a replacement photocopier.

re -rou te (re-routes , re-routing , re-routed ) also reroute VERB If vehicles or planes are re-routed , they are directed along a different route because the usual route cannot be used. □�[be V -ed] The heavy traffic was re-routed past my front door. □�[V n] They rerouted the planes at La Guardia airport.

re-run (re-runs , re-running , re-ran ) The spelling rerun is also used. The form re-run is used in the present tense and is also the past participle of the verb. The noun is pronounced /riː rʌn/. The verb is pronounced /riː rʌ n/. 1 N‑SING If you say that something is are-run of a particular event or experience, you mean that what happens now is very similar to what happened in the past. □�[+�of ] It was the world's second worst air disaster, a horrific re-run of the runway collision in 1977.

2 VERB If someone re-runs a process or event, they do it or organize it again. □�[V n] Edit the input text and re-run the software. ●�N‑COUNT Re-run is also a noun. □� In the re-run he failed to make the final at all, finishing sixth.

3 VERB [usu passive] If an election is re-run , it is organized again, for example because the correct procedures were not followed or because no candidate got a large enough majority. □�[be V -ed] The ballot was re-run on Mr Todd's insistence after accusations of malpractice. ●�N‑COUNT Re-run is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The opposition has demanded a re-run of parliamentary elections held yesterday.

4 VERB To re-run a film, play, or television programme means to show it or put it on again. □�[V n] They re-ran the World Cup final on a big screen.

5 N‑COUNT A re-run is a film, play, or television programme that is shown or put on again. □� Viewers will have to make do with tired re-runs and second-rate movies. [Also +�of ]

re|sale /riː se I l/ N‑UNCOUNT [N n] The resale price of something that you own is the amount of money that you would get if you sold it. □� �a well-maintained used car with a good resale value.

re|sat /riː s� t/ Resat is the past tense and past participle of resit .

re|sched|ule /riː ʃe djuːl, [AM ] -ske dʒuːl/ (reschedules , rescheduling , rescheduled )

1 VERB If someone reschedules an event, they change the time at which it is supposed to happen. □�[V n] Since I'll be away, I'd like to reschedule the meeting. □�[V n +�for/to ] They've rescheduled the vigil for February 14th. ●� re|sched|ul|ing (reschedulings ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] All this could lead up to a rescheduling of the trip to Asia.

2 VERB To reschedule a debt means to arrange for the person, organization, or country that owes money to pay it back over a longer period because they are in financial difficulty. □�[V n] �companies that have gone bust or had to reschedule their debts. ●� re|sched|ul|ing N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The President is also expected to request a rescheduling of loan repayments.

re|scind /r I s I nd/ (rescinds , rescinding , rescinded ) VERB If a government or a group of people in power rescind a law or agreement, they officially withdraw it and state that it is no longer valid. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Trade Union leaders have demanded the government rescind the price rise.

res|cue ◆◇◇ /re skjuː/ (rescues , rescuing , rescued )

1 VERB If you rescue someone, you get them out of a dangerous or unpleasant situation. □�[V n] Helicopters rescued nearly 20 people from the roof of the burning building. ●� res|cu|er (rescuers ) N‑COUNT □� It took rescuers 90 minutes to reach the trapped men.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Rescue is help which gets someone out of a dangerous or unpleasant situation. □� A big rescue operation has been launched for a trawler missing at sea.

3 N‑COUNT A rescue is an attempt to save someone from a dangerous or unpleasant situation. □� A major air-sea rescue is under way.

4 PHRASE If you go to someone's rescue or come to their rescue , you help them when they are in danger or difficulty. □� The 23-year-old's screams alerted a passerby who went to her rescue.

re|search ◆◆◆ /r I sɜː r tʃ/ (researches , researching , researched )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Research is work that involves studying something and trying to discover facts about it. □� 65 percent of the 1987 budget went for nuclear weapons research and production.

2 VERB If you research something, you try to discover facts about it. □�[V n] She spent two years in South Florida researching and filming her documentary. □�[V ] So far we haven't been able to find anything, but we're still researching. ●� re|search|er (researchers ) N‑COUNT □� He chose to join the company as a market researcher. SYNONYMS research NOUN 1

study:�the use of maps and visual evidence in the study of local history.

investigation:He ordered an investigation into the affair.

analysis:The report is a result of careful analysis of the data.

experimentation:�the ethical aspects of animal experimentation. VERB 2

investigate:Police are still investigating how the accident happened.

study:I know that you've been studying chimpanzees for thirty years now.

examine:Forensic scientists are examining what police believe to have been the bombers' car.

experiment:In 1857 Mendel started experimenting with peas in his monastery garden.

re|sea rch fe l|low (research fellows ) N‑COUNT A research fellow is a member of an academic institution whose job is to do research.

re|sell /riː se l/ (resells , reselling , resold ) VERB If you resell something that you have bought, you sell it again. □�[V n] Shopkeepers buy them in bulk and resell them for �150 each. □�[V ] It makes sense to buy at dealer prices so you can maximize your profits if you resell.

re|sem|blance /r I ze mbləns/ (resemblances ) N‑VAR [oft adj N ] If there is a resemblance between two people or things, they are similar to each other. □�[+�between ] There was a remarkable resemblance between him and Pete. [Also +�to ]

re|sem|ble /r I ze mb ə l/ (resembles , resembling , resembled ) VERB [no cont] If one thing or person resembles another, they are similar to each other. □�[V n] The fish had white, firm flesh that resembled chicken.

re|sent /r I ze nt/ (resents , resenting , resented ) VERB If you resent someone or something, you feel bitter and angry about them. □�[V n] She resents her mother for being so tough on her.

re|sent|ful /r I ze ntfʊl/ ADJ If you are resentful , you feel resentment. □�[+�about ] At first I felt very resentful and angry about losing my job. ●� re|sent|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� For a moment she continued to look at him resentfully.

re|sent|ment /r I ze ntmənt/ (resentments ) N‑UNCOUNT Resentment is bitterness and anger that someone feels about something. □�[+�at ] She expressed resentment at being interviewed by a social worker.

res|er|va|tion /re zə r ve I ʃ ə n/ (reservations )

1 N‑VAR If you have reservationsabout something, you are not sure that it is entirely good or right. □�[+�about ] I told him my main reservation about his film was the ending.

2 N‑COUNT If you make a reservation , you arrange for something such as a table in a restaurant or a room in a hotel to be kept for you. □� He went to the desk to make a reservation.

3 N‑COUNT A reservation is an area of land that is kept separate for a particular group of people to live in. □� Seventeen thousand Native Americans live on this reservation.

4 →�see also central reservation

re|serve ◆◆◇ /r I zɜː r v/ (reserves , reserving , reserved )

1 VERB [usu passive] If something is reservedfor a particular person or purpose, it is kept specially for that person or purpose. □�[be V -ed +�for ] A double room with a balcony overlooking the sea had been reserved for him.

2 VERB If you reserve something such as a table, ticket, or magazine, you arrange for it to be kept specially for you, rather than sold or given to someone else. □�[V n] I'll reserve a table for five.

3 N‑COUNT A reserve is a supply of something that is available for use when it is needed. □� The Gulf has 65 per cent of the world's oil reserves.

4 N‑COUNT In sports, a reserve is someone who is available to play as part of a team if one of the members is ill or cannot play. [mainly BRIT ] □� He ended up as a reserve, but still qualified for a team gold medal. in AM, use substitute5 N‑COUNT A nature reserve is an area of land where the animals, birds, and plants are officially protected. □� Marine biologists are calling for Cardigan Bay to be created a marine nature reserve to protect the dolphins.

6 N‑UNCOUNT If someone shows reserve , they keep their feelings hidden. □� His natural reserve made him appear self-conscious.

7 PHRASE If you have something in reserve , you have it available for use when it is needed. □� The company needs to keep some cash in reserve.

8to reserve judgment →�see judgment

9to reserve the right →�see right ➌

re|served /r I zɜː r vd/

1 ADJ Someone who is reserved keeps their feelings hidden. □� He was unemotional, quite quiet, and reserved.

2 ADJ A table in a restaurant or a seat in a theatre that is reserved is being kept for someone rather than given or sold to anyone else. □� Seats, or sometimes entire tables, were reserved.

re|se rve price (reserve prices ) N‑COUNT A reserve price is the lowest price which is acceptable to the owner of property being auctioned or sold. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

re|serv|ist /r I zɜː r v I st/ (reservists ) N‑COUNT Reservists are soldiers who are not serving in the regular army of a country, but who can be called to serve whenever they are needed.

res|er|voir /re zə r vwɑː r / (reservoirs )

1 N‑COUNT A reservoir is a lake that is used for storing water before it is supplied to people.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] A reservoirof something is a large quantity of it that is available for use when needed. □� �the huge oil reservoir beneath the Kuwaiti desert. [Also +�of ]

re|set /riː se t/ (resets , resetting ) The form reset is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. VERB If you reset a machine or device, you adjust or set it, so that it is ready to work again or ready to perform a particular function. □�[V n] As soon as you arrive at your destination, step out of the aircraft and reset your wrist-watch.

re|set|tle /riːse t ə l/ (resettles , resettling , resettled ) VERB If people are resettled by a government or organization, or if people resettle , they move to a different place to live because they are no longer able or allowed to stay in the area where they used to live. □�[be V -ed] The refugees were put in camps in Italy before being resettled. □�[V ] In 1990, 200,000 Soviet Jews resettled on Israeli territory.

re|set|tle|ment /riːse t ə lmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Resettlement is the process of moving people to a different place to live, because they are no longer allowed to stay in the area where they used to live. □� Only refugees are eligible for resettlement abroad. [Also +�of ]

re|shape /riː ʃe I p/ (reshapes , reshaping , reshaped ) VERB To reshape something means to change its structure or organization. □�[V n] If they succeed on Europe, then they will have reshaped the political and economic map of the world. ●� re|shap|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] This thesis led to a radical reshaping of Labour policies.

re|shuf|fle (reshuffles , reshuffling , reshuffled ) The noun is pronounced /riː ʃʌf ə l/. The verb is pronounced /riː ʃʌ f ə l/. VERB When a political leader reshuffles the ministers in a government, he or she changes their jobs so that some of the ministers change their responsibilities. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] The prime minister told reporters this morning that he plans to reshuffle his entire cabinet. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Reshuffle is also a noun. □� He has carried out a partial cabinet reshuffle.

re|side /r I za I d/ (resides , residing , resided )

1 VERB If someone resides somewhere, they live there or are staying there. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] Margaret resides with her invalid mother in a London suburb.

2 VERB [no cont] If a quality residesin something, the thing has that quality. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�in ] Happiness does not reside in strength or money.

resi|dence /re z I dəns/ (residences )

1 N‑COUNT A residence is a house where people live. [FORMAL ] □� �hotels and private residences.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Your place of residence is the place where you live. [FORMAL ] □� �differences among women based on age, place of residence and educational levels.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's residence in a particular place is the fact that they live there or that they are officially allowed to live there. □� They had entered the country and had applied for permanent residence.

4 →�see also hall of residence

5 PHRASE If someone is in residence in a particular place, they are living there. □� Windsor is open to visitors when the Royal Family is not in residence.

6 PHRASE An artist or writer in residence is one who teaches in an institution such as a university or theatre company. □� Wakoski is writer in residence at Michigan State University.

resi|den|cy /re z I dənsi/ (residencies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's residency in a particular place, especially in a country, is the fact that they live there or that they are officially allowed to live there. □� He applied for British residency.

2 N‑COUNT A doctor's residency is the period of specialized training in a hospital that he or she receives after leaving university. [AM ] □� He completed his pediatric residency at Stanford University Hospital.

resi|dent ◆◆◇ /re z I dənt/ (residents )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The residents of a house or area are the people who live there. □� �building low-cost homes for local residents.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is residentin a country or a town lives there. □�[+�in ] He moved to Belgium to live with his son, who had been resident in Brussels since 1997.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A resident doctor or teacher lives in the place where he or she works. [BRIT ] □� The morning after your arrival, you meet with the resident physician.

4 N‑COUNT A resident or a resident doctor is a doctor who is receiving a period of specialized training in a hospital after leaving university. [AM ] SYNONYMS resident NOUN 1

inhabitant:�the inhabitants of Glasgow.

citizen:�American citizens.

native:Dr Aubin is a native of St Blaise.

householder:Millions of householders are eligible to claim council tax benefit.

resi|den|tial /re z I de nʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A residential area contains houses rather than offices or factories. □� �a smart residential area.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A residential institution is one where people live while they are studying there or being cared for there. □� Training involves a two-year residential course. □� �a residential home for children with disabilities.

re si|dents' as|so|cia|tion (residents' associations ) N‑COUNT A residents' association is an organization of people who live in a particular area. Residents' associations have meetings and take action to make the area more pleasant to live in.

re|sid|ual /r I z I dʒuəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Residual is used to describe what remains of something when most of it has gone. □� �residual radiation from nuclear weapons testing.

resi|due /re z I djuː, [AM ] -duː/ (residues ) N‑COUNT A residue of something is a small amount that remains after most of it has gone. □� Always using the same shampoo means that a residue can build up on the hair.

re|sign ◆◇◇ /r I za I n/ (resigns , resigning , resigned )

1 VERB If you resign from a job or position, you formally announce that you are leaving it. □�[V ] A hospital administrator has resigned over claims he lied to get the job. □�[V n] Mr Robb resigned his position last month.

2 VERB If you resignyourself to an unpleasant situation or fact, you accept it because you realize that you cannot change it. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] Pat and I resigned ourselves to yet another summer without a boat.

3 →�see also resigned

res|ig|na|tion ◆◇◇ /re z I gne I ʃ ə n/ (resignations )

1 N‑VAR [usu with poss] Your resignation is a formal statement of your intention to leave a job or position. □� Mr Morgan has offered his resignation and it has been accepted. □� �his letter of resignation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Resignation is the acceptance of an unpleasant situation or fact because you realize that you cannot change it. □� He sighed with profound resignation.

re|signed /r I za I nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are resignedto an unpleasant situation or fact, you accept it without complaining because you realize that you cannot change it. □�[+�to ] He is resigned to the noise and mess.

re|sili|ent /r I z I liənt/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is resilient is strong and not easily damaged by being hit, stretched, or squeezed. □� �an armchair of some resilient plastic material. ●� re|sili|ence N‑UNCOUNT □� Do your muscles have the strength and resilience that they should have?

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] People and things that are resilient are able to recover easily and quickly from unpleasant or damaging events. □� When the U.S. stock market collapsed in October 1987, the Japanese stock market was the most resilient. ●� re|sili|ence N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the resilience of human beings to fight after they've been attacked.

res|in /re z I n/ (resins )

1 N‑VAR Resin is a sticky substance that is produced by some trees. □� The resin from which the oil is extracted comes from a small, tough tree.

2 N‑VAR Resin is a substance that is produced chemically and used to make plastics.

res|in|ous /re z I nəs/ ADJ Something that is resinous is like resin or contains resin. □� Propolis is a hard resinous substance made by bees from the juices of plants.

re|sist ◆◇◇ /r I z I st/ (resists , resisting , resisted )

1 VERB If you resist something such as a change, you refuse to accept it and try to prevent it. □�[V n/v-ing] The Chancellor warned employers to resist demands for high pay increases. □�[V n] They resisted our attempts to modernize the distribution of books.

2 VERB If you resist someone or resist an attack by them, you fight back against them. □�[V n] The man was shot outside his house as he tried to resist arrest. □�[V ] When she had attempted to cut his nails he resisted.

3 VERB [oft with neg] If you resist doing something, or resist the temptation to do it, you stop yourself from doing it although you would like to do it. □�[V n] Students should resist the temptation to focus on exams alone. [Also V v-ing]

4 VERB If someone or something resists damage of some kind, they are not damaged. □�[V n] �bodies trained and toughened to resist the cold.

re|sist|ance ◆◇◇ /r I z I stəns/ (resistances )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Resistance to something such as a change or a new idea is a refusal to accept it. □� The U.S. wants big cuts in European agricultural export subsidies, but this is meeting resistance. [Also +�to ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Resistance to an attack consists of fighting back against the people who have attacked you. □� The troops are encountering stiff resistance. [Also +�to ]

3 N‑UNCOUNT The resistance of your body to germs or diseases is its power to remain unharmed or unaffected by them. □�[+�to ] This disease is surprisingly difficult to catch as most people have a natural resistance to it.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Wind or air resistance is a force which slows down a moving object or vehicle. □� The design of the bicycle has managed to reduce the effects of wind resistance and drag.

5 N‑VAR In electrical engineering or physics, resistance is the ability of a substance or an electrical circuit to stop the flow of an electrical current through it. □� �materials that lose all their electrical resistance.

6 N‑SING In a country which is occupied by the army of another country, or which has a very harsh and strict government, the resistance is an organized group of people who are involved in illegal activities against the people in power. □� They managed to escape after being arrested by the resistance.

7 PHRASE If you take theline of least resistance in a situation, you do what is easiest, even though you think that it may not be the right thing to do. In American English, you usually talk about thepath of least resistance . □� They would rather take the line of least resistance than become involved in arguments. SYNONYMS resistance NOUN 1

hostility:There is hostility among traditionalists to this method of teaching history.

opposition:Much of the opposition to this plan has come from the media.

aversion:Many people have a natural and emotional aversion to insects.

re|sist|ant /r I z I stənt/

1 ADJ Someone who is resistantto something is opposed to it and wants to prevent it. □�[+�to ] Some people are very resistant to the idea of exercise.

2 ADJ If something is resistantto a particular thing, it is not harmed by it. □�[+�to ] �how to improve plants to make them more resistant to disease.

-resistant /-r I z I stənt/ COMB -resistant is added to nouns to form adjectives that describe something as not being harmed or affected by the thing mentioned. □� Children's suncare products are normally water-resistant.

re|sis|tor /r I z I stə r / (resistors ) N‑COUNT A resistor is a device which is designed to increase the ability of an electric circuit to stop the flow of an electric current through it. [TECHNICAL ]

re|sit (resits , resitting , resat ) The verb is pronounced /riː s I t/. The noun is pronounced /riː s I t/. VERB If someone resits a test or examination, they take it again, usually because they failed the first time. [BRIT ] □�[V n] This year, Jim is resitting the exams he failed. □�[V ] If they fail, they can often resit the next year. ●�N‑COUNT Resit is also a noun. □� He failed his First Year exams and didn't bother about the resits. [in AM, use retake ]

re|skill /ri ːsk I l/ (reskills , reskilling , reskilled ) VERB If you reskill , or if someone reskills you, you learn new skills, so that you can do a different job or do your old job in a different way. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] We needed to reskill our workforce to cope with massive technological change. □�[V ] You must be willing to reskill. ●� re|skill|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Everyone knows that lifelong learning and reskilling are important.

re|sold /riː soʊ ld/ Resold is the past tense and past participle of resell .

reso|lute /re zəluːt/ ADJ If you describe someone as resolute , you approve of them because they are very determined not to change their mind or not to give up a course of action. [FORMAL ] □� Voters perceive him as a decisive and resolute international leader. ●� reso|lute|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� He resolutely refused to speak English unless forced to. □� The United States remains resolutely opposed to this.

reso|lu|tion ◆◆◇ /re zəluː ʃ ə n/ (resolutions )

1 N‑COUNT A resolution is a formal decision taken at a meeting by means of a vote. □� He replied that the U.N. had passed two major resolutions calling for a complete withdrawal.

2 N‑COUNT If you make a resolution , you decide to try very hard to do something. □� They made a resolution to lose all the weight gained during the Christmas period.

3 →�see also New Year's resolution

4 N‑UNCOUNT Resolution is determination to do something or not do something. □� 'I think I'll try a hypnotist,' I said with sudden resolution.

5 N‑SING The resolution of a problem or difficulty is the final solving of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to/of ] �the successful resolution of a dispute.

6 N‑UNCOUNT The resolution of an image is how clear the image is. [TECHNICAL ] □� Now this machine gives us such high resolution that we can see very small specks of calcium. SYNONYMS resolution NOUN 1

decision:The moment of decision cannot be delayed.

ruling:Goodwin tried to have the court ruling overturned.

judgment:The industry was awaiting a judgment from the European Court.

decree:He issued a decree ordering all unofficial armed groups in the country to disband.

re|solve ◆◇◇ /r I zɒ lv/ (resolves , resolving , resolved )

1 VERB To resolve a problem, argument, or difficulty means to find a solution to it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We must find a way to resolve these problems before it's too late.

2 VERB If you resolveto do something, you make a firm decision to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] She resolved to report the matter to the hospital's nursing manager. □�[V that] She resolved that, if her sister forgot this promise, she would remind her.

3 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] Resolve is determination to do what you have decided to do. [FORMAL ] □� This will strengthen the American public's resolve to go to war. SYNONYMS resolve VERB

1

work out:People involved in it think it's a nightmare, but I'm sure it will work itself out.

solve:Their domestic reforms did nothing to solve the problem of unemployment.

clear up:During dinner the confusion was cleared up: they had mistaken me for Kenny.

2

decide:She decided to do a secretarial course.

determine:The final wording had not yet been determined.

settle:They agreed to try to settle their dispute by negotiation.

make up your mind:Once he made up his mind to do something, there was no stopping him.

re|solved /r I zɒ lvd/ ADJ If you are resolvedto do something, you are determined to do it. [FORMAL ] □� Barnes was resolved to moving on when his contract expired.

reso|nance /re zənəns/ (resonances )

1 N‑VAR If something has a resonancefor someone, it has a special meaning or is particularly important to them. □�[+�for ] The ideas of order, security, family, religion and country had the same resonance for them as for Michael.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If a sound has resonance , it is deep, clear, and strong. □� His voice had lost its resonance; it was tense and strained.

reso|nant /re zənənt/

1 ADJ A sound that is resonant is deep and strong. □� His voice sounded oddly resonant in the empty room.

2 ADJ Something that is resonant has a special meaning or is particularly important to people. [LITERARY ] □�[+�with ] It is a country resonant with cinematic potential, from its architecture to its landscape.

reso|nate /re zəne I t/ (resonates , resonating , resonated )

1 VERB If something resonates , it vibrates and produces a deep, strong sound. □�[V ] The bass guitar began to thump so loudly that it resonated in my head.

2 VERB You say that something resonates when it has a special meaning or when it is particularly important to someone. □�[V +�with ] London is confident and alive, resonating with all the qualities of a civilised city.

re|sort ◆◇◇ /r I zɔː r t/ (resorts , resorting , resorted )

1 VERB If you resortto a course of action that you do not really approve of, you adopt it because you cannot see any other way of achieving what you want. □�[V +�to ] When all else failed, he resorted to violence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you achieve something without resortto a particular course of action, you succeed without carrying out that action. To have resortto a particular course of action means to have to do that action in order to achieve something. □�[+�to ] Congress must ensure that all peaceful options are exhausted before resort to war.

3 N‑COUNT A resort is a place where a lot of people spend their holidays. □� �the ski resorts.

4 PHRASE If you do something as a last resort , you do it because you can find no other way of getting out of a difficult situation or of solving a problem. □� Nuclear weapons should be used only as a last resort.

5 PHRASE You use in the last resort when stating the most basic or important fact that will still be true in a situation whatever else happens. □� They would in the last resort support their friends whatever they did. COLLOCATIONS resort NOUN 3

noun +�resort : golf, holiday, seaside, tourist

adjective +�resort : all-inclusive, coastal, five-star, popular

re|sound /r I zaʊ nd/ (resounds , resounding , resounded )

1 VERB When a noise resounds , it is heard very loudly and clearly. [LITERARY ] □�[V prep] A roar of approval resounded through the Ukrainian parliament.

2 VERB If a place resoundswith or to particular noises, it is filled with them. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�with ] The whole place resounded with music. □�[V +�to ] The mauve and meadow-green walls resound to reggae music.

re|sound|ing /r I zaʊ nd I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A resounding sound is loud and clear. □� There was a resounding slap as Andrew struck him violently across the face.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can refer to a very great success as a resounding success. [EMPHASIS ] □� The good weather helped to make the occasion a resounding success.

re|source ◆◆◇ /r I zɔː r s, [AM ] riː sɔːrs/ (resources )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The resources of an organization or person are the materials, money, and other things that they have and can use in order to function properly. □� Some families don't have the resources to feed themselves properly.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A country's resources are the things that it has and can use to increase its wealth, such as coal, oil, or land. □� �resources like coal, tungsten, oil and copper. COLLOCATIONS resource NOUN

1

noun +�resource : cash; police

adjective +�resource : educational, financial, online; limited, precious, valuable

verb +�resource : allocate, devote, divert, provide; lack, stretch

2

noun +�resource : energy, gas, mineral, oil

adjective +�resource : natural, renewable; dwindling, finite, scarce

verb +�resource : use, waste; conserve SYNONYMS resource NOUN 1

supply:The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen.

materials:We have plenty of raw materials.

fund:He is possessed of an extraordinary fund of energy.

re|sourced /r I zɔː r st, [AM ] riː sɔːrst/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If an organization is resourced , it has all the things, such as money and materials, that it needs to function properly. [BRIT ] □� The school is very well resourced�we have a language laboratory and use computers.

re|source|ful /r I zɔː r sfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is resourceful is good at finding ways of dealing with problems. □� He was amazingly inventive and resourceful, and played a major role in my career. ●� re|source|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Because of his adventures, he is a person of far greater experience and resourcefulness.

re|spect ◆◆◇ /r I spe kt/ (respects , respecting , respected )

1 VERB If you respect someone, you have a good opinion of their character or ideas. □�[V n] I want him to respect me as a career woman.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have respectfor someone, you have a good opinion of them. □�[+�for ] I have tremendous respect for Dean.

3 →�see also self-respect

4 VERB If you respect someone's wishes, rights, or customs, you avoid doing things that they would dislike or regard as wrong. □�[V n] Finally, trying to respect her wishes, I said I'd leave.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If you show respectfor someone's wishes, rights, or customs, you avoid doing anything they would dislike or regard as wrong. □�[+�for ] They will campaign for the return of traditional lands and respect for aboriginal rights and customs.

6 VERB If you respect a law or moral principle, you agree not to break it. □�[V n] It is about time tour operators respected the law and their own code of conduct. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Respect is also a noun. □�[+�for ] �respect for the law and the rejection of the use of violence.

7 PHRASE You can say with respect when you are politely disagreeing with someone or criticizing them. [POLITENESS ] □� With respect, I hardly think that's the point.

8 PHRASE If you pay your respectsto someone, you go to see them or speak to them. You usually do this to be polite, and not necessarily because you want to do it. [FORMAL ] □� Carl had asked him to visit the hospital and to pay his respects to Francis.

9 PHRASE If you pay your last respectsto someone who has just died, you show your respect or affection for them by coming to see their body or their grave. □� The son had nothing to do with arranging the funeral, but came along to pay his last respects.

10 PHRASE You use expressions like in this respect and in many respects to indicate that what you are saying applies to the feature you have just mentioned or to many features of something. □� The children are not unintelligent�in fact, they seem quite normal in this respect.

11 PHRASE You use with respect to to say what something relates to. In British English, you can also say in respect of . [FORMAL ] □� Parents often have little choice with respect to the way their child is medically treated.

12 →�see also respected COLLOCATIONS respect NOUN

2

adjective +�respect : mutual; grudging, healthy, utmost

verb +�respect : command, deserve, earn, gain; lose

5

verb +�respect : promote, show, teach VERB

1

respect+�adverb : greatly, highly

4

respect+�noun : privacy, right, view, wish

6

respect+�noun : law SYNONYMS respect VERB 1

honour:Those right-wing people who most honour their monarch see no reason for any apology.

admire:He admired the way she had coped with life.

esteem:I greatly esteem your message in the midst of our hard struggle.

look up to:You're a popular girl, Grace, and a lot of the younger ones look up to you. NOUN 2

regard:I have a very high regard for him and what he has achieved.

esteem:Their public esteem has never been lower.

admiration:I have always had the greatest admiration for him.

re|spect|able /r I spe ktəb ə l/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is respectable is approved of by society and considered to be morally correct. □� He came from a perfectly respectable middle-class family. ●� re|spect|ably /r I spe ktəbli/ ADV □� She's respectably dressed in jeans and sweatshirt. ●� re|spect|abil|ity /r I spe ktəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� This theory finally achieved respectability in the 20th century.

2 ADJ You can say that something is respectable when you mean that it is good enough or acceptable. □� �investments that offer respectable rates of return.

re|spect|ed /r I spe kt I d/ ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] Someone or something that is respected is admired and considered important by many people. □�[+�for ] He is highly respected for his novels and plays.

re|spect|er /r I spe ktə r / (respecters )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a respecterof something such as a belief or idea, you mean that they behave in a way which shows that they have a high opinion of it. □�[+�of ] Ford was a respecter of proprieties and liked to see things done properly.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is no respecter of a rule or tradition, you mean that the rule or tradition is not important to them. □� Accidents and sudden illnesses are no respecters of age.

re|spect|ful /r I spe ktfʊl/ ADJ If you are respectful , you show respect for someone. □� The children in our family are always respectful to their elders. ●� re|spect|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'You are an artist,' she said respectfully.

re|spec|tive /r I spe kt I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] Respective means relating or belonging separately to the individual people you have just mentioned. □� Steve and I were at very different stages in our respective careers.

re|spec|tive|ly /r I spe kt I vli/ ADV Respectively means in the same order as the items that you have just mentioned. □� Their sons, Ben and Jonathan, were three and six respectively.

res|pi|ra|tion /re sp I re I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Your respiration is your breathing. [MEDICAL ] □� His respiration grew fainter throughout the day.

2 →�see also artificial respiration

res|pi|ra|tor /re sp I re I tə r / (respirators )

1 N‑COUNT A respirator is a device that allows people to breathe when they cannot breathe naturally, for example because they are ill or have been injured. □� She was so ill that she was put on a respirator.

2 N‑COUNT A respirator is a device you wear over your mouth and nose in order to breathe when you are surrounded by smoke or poisonous gas.

res|pira|tory /re spərətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Respiratory means relating to breathing. [MEDICAL ] □� �people with severe respiratory problems.

res|pite /re spa I t, -p I t/

1 N‑SING A respite is a short period of rest from something unpleasant. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] It was some weeks now since they had had any respite from shellfire.

2 N‑SING A respite is a short delay before a very unpleasant or difficult situation which may or may not take place. [FORMAL ] □� Devaluation would only give the economy a brief respite.

re s|pite ca re N‑UNCOUNT Respite care is short-term care that is provided for very old or very sick people so that the person who usually cares for them can have a break. □� �respite care for their very ill child for short periods.

re|splend|ent /r I sple ndənt/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as resplendent , you mean that their appearance is very impressive and expensive-looking. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] Bessie, resplendent in royal blue velvet, was hovering beside the table.

re|spond ◆◆◇ /r I spɒ nd/ (responds , responding , responded )

1 VERB When you respond to something that is done or said, you react to it by doing or saying something yourself. □�[V +�to ] They are likely to respond positively to the President's request for aid. □�[V +�with ] The army responded with gunfire and tear gas. □�[V with quote] 'Are you well enough to carry on?'�'Of course,' she responded scornfully. □�[V that] The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs responded that the protection of refugees was a matter for an international organization.

2 VERB When you respondto a need, crisis, or challenge, you take the necessary or appropriate action. □�[V +�to ] This modest group size allows our teachers to respond to the needs of each student.

3 VERB If a patient or their injury or illness is respondingto treatment, the treatment is working and they are getting better. □�[V +�to ] I'm pleased to say that he is now doing well and responding to treatment. SYNONYMS respond VERB 1

answer:I knew Ben was lying when he answered me.

reply:Grace was too terrified to reply.

retort:Was he afraid, he was asked. 'Afraid of what?' he retorted.

re|spond|ent /r I spɒ ndənt/ (respondents ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A respondent is a person who replies to something such as a survey or set of questions. □� 60 percent of the respondents said they disapproved of the president's performance.

re|sponse ◆◆◇ /r I spɒ ns/ (responses ) N‑COUNT [oft in N ] Your response to an event or to something that is said is your reply or reaction to it. □�[+�to/from ] There has been no response to his remarks from the government. COLLOCATIONS response NOUN

adjective +�response : direct, immediate, overwhelming, swift; angry, emotional, lukewarm, positive; appropriate, immune, initial, official

verb +�response : draw, elicit, prompt, provoke; require SYNONYMS response NOUN

answer:I don't quite know what to say in answer to your question.

reply:He said in reply that the question was unfair.

retort:His sharp retort clearly made an impact.

re|spo nse time (response times ) N‑COUNT Response time is the time taken for a computer to do something after you have given an instruction. [COMPUTING ] □� The only flaw is the slightly slow response times when you press the buttons.

re|spon|sibil|ity ◆◆◇ /r I spɒ ns I b I l I ti/ (responsibilities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have responsibility for something or someone, or if they are your responsibility , it is your job or duty to deal with them and to take decisions relating to them. □�[+�for ] Each manager had responsibility for just under 600 properties.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you accept responsibilityfor something that has happened, you agree that you were to blame for it or you caused it. □�[+�for ] No one admitted responsibility for the attacks.

3 N‑PLURAL Your responsibilities are the duties that you have because of your job or position. □� He handled his responsibilities as a counselor in an intelligent and caring fashion.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is given responsibility , they are given the right or opportunity to make important decisions or to take action without having to get permission from anyone else. □� She would have loved to have a better-paying job with more responsibility.

5 N‑SING [usu N to-inf] If you think that you have a responsibilityto do something, you feel that you ought to do it because it is morally right to do it. □� The court feels it has a responsibility to ensure that customers are not misled.

6 N‑SING If you think that you have a responsibility to someone, you feel that it is your duty to take action that will protect their interests. □�[+�to/towards ] She had decided that as a doctor she had a responsibility to her fellow creatures. COLLOCATIONS responsibility NOUN

1

adjective +�responsibility : individual, overall, personal, sole; corporate, fiscal, legal; full, total

verb +�responsibility : assume, bear, shoulder, take; have, share

2

verb +�responsibility : accept, admit, claim; deny SYNONYMS responsibility NOUN 1

obligation:When teachers assign homework, students usually feel an obligation to do it.

duty:My duty is to look after the animals.

liability:They have admitted liability but dispute the amount of his claim.

re|spon|sible ◆◆◇ /r I spɒ ns I b ə l/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is responsiblefor a particular event or situation, they are the cause of it or they can be blamed for it. □�[+�for ] He still felt responsible for her death. □� I want you to do everything you can to find out who's responsible.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are responsiblefor something, it is your job or duty to deal with it and make decisions relating to it. □�[+�for ] �the minister responsible for the environment.

3 ADJ If you are responsible to a person or group, they have authority over you and you have to report to them about what you do. □�[+�to ] I'm responsible to my board of directors.

4 ADJ Responsible people behave properly and sensibly, without needing to be supervised. □� He feels that the media should be more responsible in what they report. ●� re|spon|sibly ADV [ADV with v] □� He urged everyone to act responsibly.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Responsible jobs involve making important decisions or carrying out important tasks. □� I work in a government office. It's a responsible position, I suppose, but not very exciting.

re|spon|sive /r I spɒ ns I v/

1 ADJ A responsive person is quick to react to people or events and to show emotions such as pleasure and affection. □� Harriet was an easy, responsive little girl. ●� re|spon|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� This condition decreases sexual desire and responsiveness.

2 ADJ If someone or something is responsive , they react quickly and favourably. □�[+�to ] Cinnamon is thought to make fat cells more responsive to insulin. ●� re|spon|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] Such responsiveness to public pressure is extraordinary.

rest

➊�QUANTIFIER USES

➋�VERB AND NOUN USES

➊ rest ◆◆◇ /re st/

1 QUANT The rest is used to refer to all the parts of something or all the things in a group that remain or that you have not already mentioned. □�[+�of ] It was an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. □�[+�of ] He was unable to travel to Barcelona with the rest of the team. ●�PRON Rest is also a pronoun. □� Only 55 per cent of the raw material is canned. The rest is thrown away.

2 PHRASE You can add and the rest or all the rest of it to the end of a statement or list when you want to refer in a vague way to other things that are associated with the ones you have already mentioned. [SPOKEN , VAGUENESS ] □� �a man with nice clothes, a Range Rover and the rest.

➋ rest ◆◆◇ /re st/ (rests , resting , rested )

→�Please look at categories 18 to 20 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you rest or if you rest your body, you do not do anything active for a time. □�[V ] He's tired and exhausted, and has been advised to rest for two weeks. □�[V n] Try to rest the injured limb as much as possible.

2 N‑VAR If you get some rest or have a rest , you do not do anything active for a time. □� 'You're worn out, Laura,' he said. 'Go home and get some rest.'.

3 VERB If something such as a theory or someone's success restson a particular thing, it depends on that thing. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�on/upon ] Such a view rests on a number of incorrect assumptions.

4 VERB If authority, a responsibility, or a decision restswith you, you have that authority or responsibility, or you are the one who will make that decision. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] The final decision rested with the President.

5 VERB If you rest something somewhere, you put it there so that its weight is supported. □�[V n prep] He rested his arms on the back of the chair.

6 VERB If something is resting somewhere, or if you are resting it there, it is in a position where its weight is supported. □�[V prep/adv] His head was resting on her shoulder. □�[V n prep/adv] He had been resting his head in his hands, deep in thought.

7 VERB If you rest on or against someone or something, you lean on them so that they support the weight of your body. □�[V prep] He rested on his pickaxe for a while.

8 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A rest is an object that is used to support something, especially your head, arms, or feet. □� When you are sitting, keep your elbow on the arm rest.

9 VERB If your eyes reston a particular person or object, you look directly at them, rather than somewhere else. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�on/upon ] As she spoke, her eyes rested on his face.

10 →�see also rested

11 PHRASE When an object that has been moving comes to rest , it finally stops. [FORMAL ] □� The plane had plowed a path through a patch of forest before coming to rest in a field.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone can rest easy , you mean that they don't need to worry about a particular situation. □� How can any woman rest easy now, knowing her breast cancer may be misdiagnosed?

13 PHRASE If someone tells you to give something a rest, they want you to stop doing it because it annoys them or because they think it is harming you. [INFORMAL ] □� Give it a rest, will you? We're trying to get some sleep.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone who has died is laid to rest , you mean that they are buried. □� His dying wish was to be laid to rest at the church near his home.

15 PHRASE If you lay something such as fears or rumours to rest or if you put them to rest , you succeed in proving that they are not true. □� His speech should lay those fears to rest.

16 PHRASE If someone refuses to let a subject rest , they refuse to stop talking about it, especially after they have been talking about it for a long time. □� I am not prepared to let this matter rest.

17 PHRASE To put someone's mind at rest or set their mind at rest means to tell them something that stops them worrying. □� A brain scan last Friday finally set his mind at rest.

18rest assured →�see assured

19to rest on your laurels →�see laurel

20to rest in peace →�see peace SYNONYMS rest VERB ➋1

relax:For the first time since his arrival he relaxed slightly.

sleep:I've not been able to sleep for the last few nights.

lie down:Why don't you go upstairs and lie down for a bit? COLLOCATIONS rest NOUN ➋2

adjective +�rest : adequate, complete, short, well-earned

verb +�rest : deserve, enjoy

re st area (rest areas ) N‑COUNT A rest area is a place beside a motorway or freeway where you can buy petrol and other things, or have a meal. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use services

re|start /riː stɑː r t/ (restarts , restarting , restarted ) VERB If you restart something that has been interrupted or stopped, or if it restarts , it starts to happen or function again. □�[V n] The commissioners agreed to restart talks as soon as possible. □�[V ] The trial will restart today with a new jury. ●�N‑COUNT Restart is also a noun. □� Four minutes after the restart Arsenal doubled their advantage with a wonderful goal.

re|state /riː ste I t/ (restates , restating , restated ) VERB If you restate something, you say it again in words or writing, usually in a slightly different way. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He continued throughout to restate his opposition to violence.

re|state|ment /riː ste I tmənt/ (restatements ) N‑COUNT A restatementof something that has been said or written is another statement that repeats it, usually in a slightly different form. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] I hope this book is not yet another restatement of the prevailing wisdom.

res|tau|rant ◆◆◇ /re stərɒnt, [AM ] -rənt/ (restaurants ) N‑COUNT A restaurant is a place where you can eat a meal and pay for it. In restaurants your food is usually served to you at your table by a waiter or waitress. □� They ate in an Italian restaurant in Forth Street. COLLOCATIONS restaurant NOUN

noun +�restaurant : fast food, fish, pizza, seafood; hotel, staff, theatre

adjective +�restaurant : fine, gourmet, posh; Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese

restaurant+�be +�adjective : open; closed

verb +�restaurant : open, own, run

re s|tau|rant car (restaurant cars ) N‑COUNT A restaurant car is a carriage on a train where passengers can have a meal. [BRIT ] in AM, use dining car

res|tau|ra|teur /re stərətɜː r / (restaurateurs ) N‑COUNT A restaurateur is a person who owns and manages a restaurant. [FORMAL ]

rest|ed /re st I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you feel rested , you feel more energetic because you have just had a rest. □� He looked tanned and well rested after his vacation.

rest|ful /re stfʊl/ ADJ Something that is restful helps you to feel calm and relaxed. □� Adjust the lighting so it is soft and restful.

re st home (rest homes ) N‑COUNT A rest home is the same as an old people's home .

re st|ing place (resting places )

1 N‑COUNT A resting place is a place where you can stay and rest, usually for a short period of time. □� The area was an important resting place for many types of migrant birds.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] You can refer to the place where a dead person is buried as their resting place or their final resting place . □�[+�of ] The hill is supposed to be the resting place of the legendary King Lud.

res|ti|tu|tion /re st I tjuː ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Restitution is the act of giving back to a person something that was lost or stolen, or of paying them money for the loss. [FORMAL ] □� The victims are demanding full restitution.

res|tive /re st I v/ ADJ If you are restive , you are impatient, bored, or dissatisfied. [FORMAL ] □� The audience grew restive. ●� res|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� There were signs of restiveness among the younger members.

rest|less /re stləs/

1 ADJ If you are restless , you are bored, impatient, or dissatisfied, and you want to do something else. □� By 1982, she was restless and needed a new impetus for her talent. ●� rest|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� From the audience came increasing sounds of restlessness.

2 ADJ If someone is restless , they keep moving around because they find it difficult to keep still. □� My father seemed very restless and excited. ●� rest|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Karen complained of hyperactivity and restlessness. ●� rest|less|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He paced up and down restlessly, trying to put his thoughts in order.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have a restless night, you do not sleep properly and when you wake up you feel tired and uncomfortable. □� The shocking revelations of the 700-page report had caused him several restless nights.

re|stock /riː stɒ k/ (restocks , restocking , restocked )

1 VERB If you restock something such as a shelf, fridge, or shop, you fill it with food or other goods to replace what you have used or sold. □�[V n] I have to restock the freezer. □�[V n +�with ] The storekeeper is busy restocking his shelves with cucumbers and coconuts. [Also V ]

2 VERB To restock a lake means to put more fish in it because there are very few left. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The lake was restocked with roach last year. [Also V n]

Res|to|ra|tion ◆◇◇ /re stəre I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑PROPER The Restoration was the event in 1660 when Charles the Second became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland after a period when there had been no King or Queen.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Restoration is used to refer to the style of drama and architecture that was popular during and just after the rule of Charles the Second in England. □� �a Restoration comedy.

re|stora|tive /r I stɔː rət I v/ (restoratives )

1 ADJ Something that is restorative makes you feel healthier, stronger, or more cheerful after you have been feeling tired, weak, or miserable. □� She opened the door to her bedroom, thinking how restorative a hot bath would feel tonight.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe something as a restorative , you mean that it makes you feel healthier, stronger, or more cheerful after you have been feeling tired, weak, or miserable. □� Seven days off could be a wonderful restorative.

re|store ◆◇◇ /r I stɔː r / (restores , restoring , restored )

1 VERB To restore a situation or practice means to cause it to exist again. □�[V n] The army has recently been brought in to restore order. ●� res|to|ra|tion /re stəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] His visit is expected to lead to the restoration of diplomatic relations.

2 VERB To restore someone or something to a previous condition means to cause them to be in that condition once again. □�[V n +�to ] We will restore her to health but it may take time. □�[V n] His country desperately needs Western aid to restore its ailing economy. ●� res|to|ra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] I owe the restoration of my hearing to this remarkable new technique.

3 VERB When someone restores something such as an old building, painting, or piece of furniture, they repair and clean it, so that it looks like it did when it was new. □�[V n] �experts who specialise in examining and restoring ancient parchments. ●� res|to|ra|tion (restorations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] I specialized in the restoration of old houses.

4 VERB [usu passive] If something that was lost or stolen is restoredto its owner, it is returned to them. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�to ] The following day their horses and goods were restored to them.

re|stor|er /r I stɔː rə r / (restorers ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A restorer is someone whose job it is to repair old buildings, paintings, and furniture so that they look like they did when they were new. □� �an antiques restorer.

re|strain /r I stre I n/ (restrains , restraining , restrained )

1 VERB If you restrain someone, you stop them from doing what they intended or wanted to do, usually by using your physical strength. □�[V n] Wally gripped my arm, partly to restrain me and partly to reassure me.

2 VERB If you restrain an emotion or you restrainyourself from doing something, you prevent yourself from showing that emotion or doing what you wanted or intended to do. □�[V n] She was unable to restrain her desperate anger. □�[V n +�from ] She wanted to ask, 'Aren't you angry with him?' But she restrained herself from doing so.

3 VERB To restrain something that is growing or increasing means to prevent it from getting too large. □�[V n] The radical 500-day plan was very clear on how it intended to try to restrain inflation.

re|strained /r I stre I nd/

1 ADJ Someone who is restrained is very calm and unemotional. □� In the circumstances he felt he'd been very restrained.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's clothes or the decorations in a house as restrained , you mean that you like them because they are simple and not too brightly-coloured. [APPROVAL ] □� Her black suit was restrained and expensive.

re|strai n|ing o r|der (restraining orders ) N‑COUNT A restraining order is an order by a court of law that someone should stop doing something until a court decides whether they are legally allowed to continue doing it. [mainly AM , LEGAL ] □� His estranged wife had taken out a restraining order against him.

re|straint /r I stre I nt/ (restraints )

1 N‑VAR Restraints are rules or conditions that limit or restrict someone or something. □�[+�on ] The Prime Minister is calling for new restraints on trade unions.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Restraint is calm, controlled, and unemotional behaviour. □� They behaved with more restraint than I'd expected.

re|strict /r I str I kt/ (restricts , restricting , restricted )

1 VERB If you restrict something, you put a limit on it in order to reduce it or prevent it becoming too great. □�[V n] There is talk of restricting the number of students on campus. □�[V n +�to ] �restricting imports to 0.6 billion pounds of sugar per year. ●� re|stric|tion /r I str I kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Some restriction on funding was necessary.

2 VERB To restrict the movement or actions of someone or something means to prevent them from moving or acting freely. □�[V n] The government imprisoned dissidents, forbade travel, and restricted the press. [Also V n from -ing] ●� re|stric|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the justification for this restriction of individual liberty.

3 VERB If you restrict someone or their activities to one thing, they can only do, have, or deal with that thing. If you restrict them to one place, they cannot go anywhere else. □�[be V -ed +�to ] For the first two weeks patients are restricted to the grounds. [Also V n +�to ]

4 VERB If you restrict something to a particular group, only that group can do it or have it. If you restrict something to a particular place, it is allowed only in that place. □�[V n +�to ] The hospital may restrict bookings to people living locally.

re|strict|ed /r I str I kt I d/

1 ADJ Something that is restricted is quite small or limited. □� �the monotony of a heavily restricted diet.

2 ADJ If something is restrictedto a particular group, only members of that group have it. If it is restrictedto a particular place, it exists only in that place. □�[+�to ] Discipline problems are by no means restricted to children in families dependent on benefits.

3 ADJ A restricted area is one that only people with special permission can enter. □� �a highly restricted area close to the old Khodinka airfield.

re|stric|tion ◆◇◇ /r I str I kʃ ə n/ (restrictions )

1 N‑COUNT A restriction is an official rule that limits what you can do or that limits the amount or size of something. □�[+�on ] �the lifting of restrictions on political parties and the news media.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to anything that limits what you can do as a restriction . □�[+�of ] His parents are trying to make up to him for the restrictions of urban living.

3 →�see also restrict SYNONYMS restriction NOUN 1

curb:He called for much stricter curbs on immigration.

limit:There is no limit to how much fresh fruit you can eat in a day.

control:Critics question whether price controls would do any good.

constraint:Water shortages in the area will be the main constraint on development.

re|stric|tive /r I str I kt I v/ ADJ Something that is restrictive prevents people from doing what they want to do, or from moving freely. □� Britain is to adopt a more restrictive policy on arms sales.

re|stri c|tive pra c|tice (restrictive practices ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Restrictive practices are ways in which people involved in an industry, trade, or profession protect their own interests, rather than having a system which is fair to the public, employers, and other workers. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� The Act was introduced to end restrictive practices in the docks.

re st room (rest rooms ) also restroom N‑COUNT In a restaurant, theatre, or other public place, a rest room is a room with a toilet for customers to use. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use toilet

re|struc|ture /riː strʌ ktʃə r / (restructures , restructuring , restructured ) VERB To restructure an organization or system means to change the way it is organized, usually in order to make it work more effectively. □�[V n] He has a wide range of business experience and helped me with restructuring the company. [Also V ] ●� re|struc|tur|ing (restructurings ) N‑VAR □� 1,520 workers were laid off as part of a restructuring.

re st stop (rest stops )

1 N‑COUNT On a long journey by road, a rest stop is a short period when you stop and leave your vehicle, for example to eat or go to the toilet.

2 N‑COUNT A rest stop is a place beside a motorway or freeway where you can buy petrol and other things, or have a meal. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use services

re|sult ◆◆◆ /r I zʌ lt/ (results , resulting , resulted )

1 N‑COUNT [oft as a N ] A result is something that happens or exists because of something else that has happened. □� Compensation is available for people who developed asthma as a direct result of their work.

2 VERB If something resultsin a particular situation or event, it causes that situation or event to happen. □�[V +�in ] Fifty per cent of road accidents result in head injuries.

3 VERB If something resultsfrom a particular event or action, it is caused by that event or action. □�[V +�from ] Many hair problems result from what you eat. □�[V ] Ignore the early warnings and illness could result.

4 N‑COUNT A result is the situation that exists at the end of a contest. □� The final election results will be announced on Friday.

5 N‑COUNT A result is the number that you get when you do a calculation. □� They found their computers producing different results from exactly the same calculation.

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your results are the marks or grades that you get for examinations you have taken. [mainly BRIT ] □� Kate's exam results were excellent. in AM, usually use scores

re|sult|ant /r I zʌ ltənt/ ADJ [ADJ n] Resultant means caused by the event just mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� At least a quarter of a million people have died in the fighting and the resultant famines.

r�|su|m� /re zjʊme I , [AM ] -zʊm-/ (r�sum�s ) also resum�

1 N‑COUNT A r�sum� is a short account, either spoken or written, of something that has happened or that someone has said or written. □� I will leave with you a resum� of his most recent speech.

2 N‑COUNT Your r�sum� is a brief account of your personal details, your education, and the jobs you have had. You are often asked to send a r�sum� when you are applying for a job. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use curriculum vitae

re|sume ◆◇◇ /r I zjuː m, [AM ] -zuː m/ (resumes , resuming , resumed )

1 VERB If you resume an activity or if it resumes , it begins again. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] After the war he resumed his duties at Emmanuel College. □�[V ] The search is expected to resume early today. ●� re|sump|tion /r I zʌ mpʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] It is premature to speculate about the resumption of negotiations.

2 VERB If you resume your seat or position, you return to the seat or position you were in before you moved. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] 'I changed my mind,' Blanche said, resuming her seat.

3 VERB If someone resumes , they begin speaking again after they have stopped for a short time. [WRITTEN ] □�[V with quote] 'Hey, Judith,' he resumed, 'tell me all about yourself.' SYNONYMS resume VERB 1

continue:I went up to my room to continue with my packing.

restart:The trial will restart today with a new jury.

carry on:Rachael Carr intends to carry on teaching.

re|sur|face /riː sɜː r f I s/ (resurfaces , resurfacing , resurfaced )

1 VERB If something such as an idea or problem resurfaces , it becomes important or noticeable again. □�[V ] These ideas resurfaced again in the American civil rights movement.

2 VERB If someone who has not been seen for a long time resurfaces , they suddenly appear again. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] They went into hiding for a few weeks, and resurfaced when the publicity had died down.

3 VERB If someone or something that has been under water resurfaces , they come back to the surface of the water again. □�[V ] George struggled wildly, going under and resurfacing at regular intervals.

4 VERB To resurface something such as a road means to put a new surface on it. □�[V n] Meanwhile the race is on to resurface the road before next Wednesday.

re|sur|gence /r I sɜː r dʒ ə ns/ N‑SING If there is a resurgenceof an attitude or activity, it reappears and grows. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Police say criminals are behind the resurgence of violence.

re|sur|gent /r I sɜː r dʒ ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use resurgent to say that something is becoming stronger and more popular after a period when it has been weak and unimportant. [FORMAL ] □� �the threat from the resurgent nationalist movement.

res|ur|rect /re zəre kt/ (resurrects , resurrecting , resurrected ) VERB If you resurrect something, you cause it to exist again after it had disappeared or ended. □�[V n] Attempts to resurrect the ceasefire have already failed once. ●� res|ur|rec|tion /re zəre kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] This is a resurrection of an old story from the mid-70s.

Res|ur|rec|tion /re zəre kʃ ə n/ N‑PROPER In Christian belief, the Resurrection is the event in which Jesus Christ came back to life after he had been killed.

re|sus|ci|tate /r I sʌ s I te I t/ (resuscitates , resuscitating , resuscitated )

1 VERB If you resuscitate someone who has stopped breathing, you cause them to start breathing again. □�[V n] A policeman and then a paramedic tried to resuscitate her. ●� re|sus|ci|ta|tion /r I sʌ s I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Despite attempts at resuscitation, Mr Lynch died a week later in hospital.

2 VERB If you resuscitate something, you cause it to become active or successful again. □�[V n] He has submitted a bid to resuscitate the struggling magazine. ●� re|sus|ci|ta|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� The economy needs vigorous resuscitation.

re|tail ◆◇◇ /riː te I l/ (retails , retailing , retailed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Retail is the activity of selling goods direct to the public, usually in small quantities. Compare wholesale . [BUSINESS ] □� �retail stores. □� Retail sales grew just 3.8 percent last year.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If something is sold retail , it is sold in ordinary shops direct to the public. [BUSINESS ]

3 VERB If an item in a shop retailsat or for a particular price, it is on sale at that price. [BUSINESS ] □�[V +�at/for ] It originally retailed at �23.50.

4 →�see also retailing

re|tail|er /riː te I lə r / (retailers ) N‑COUNT A retailer is a person or business that sells goods to the public. [BUSINESS ] □� Furniture and carpet retailers are among those reporting the sharpest annual decline in sales.

re|tail|ing /riː te I l I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Retailing is the activity of selling goods direct to the public, usually in small quantities. Compare wholesaling . [BUSINESS ] □� She spent fourteen years in retailing.

re |tail park (retail parks ) N‑COUNT A retail park is a large specially built area, usually at the edge of a town or city, where there are a lot of large shops and sometimes other facilities such as cinemas and restaurants.

re |tail pri ce in|dex N‑PROPER The retail price index is a list of the prices of typical goods which shows how much the cost of living changes from one month to the next. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� The retail price index for September showed inflation was up to about 10.8 per cent. in AM, use cost-of-living index

re |tail the r|apy N‑UNCOUNT Retail therapy is the activity of shopping for clothes and other things in order to make yourself feel happier. [HUMOROUS ] □� There's nothing better than a bit of retail therapy.

re|tain ◆◇◇ /r I te I n/ (retains , retaining , retained )

1 VERB To retain something means to continue to have that thing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The interior of the shop still retains a nineteenth-century atmosphere.

2 VERB If you retain a lawyer, you pay him or her a fee to make sure that he or she will represent you when your case comes before the court. [LEGAL ] □�[V n] He decided to retain him for the trial. SYNONYMS retain VERB 1

keep:'I like this dress,' she said. 'Keep it. You can have it,' said Daphne.

reserve:A double room with a balcony overlooking the sea had been reserved for him.

preserve:We will do everything to preserve peace.

maintain:Push yourself to make friends and to maintain the friendships.

re|tain|er /r I te I nə r / (retainers ) N‑COUNT A retainer is a fee that you pay to someone in order to make sure that they will be available to do work for you if you need them to. □� Liz was being paid a regular monthly retainer.

re|tai n|ing wa ll (retaining walls ) N‑COUNT A retaining wall is a wall that is built to prevent the earth behind it from moving.

re|take (retakes , retaking , retook , retaken ) The verb is pronounced /riːte I k/. The noun is pronounced /riː te I k/. 1 VERB If a military force retakes a place or building which it has lost in a war or battle, it captures it again. □�[V n] Residents were moved 30 miles away as the rebels retook the town.

2 N‑COUNT If during the making of a film there is a retake of a particular scene, that scene is filmed again because it needs to be changed or improved. □� The director was dissatisfied with her response even after several retakes.

3 VERB If you retake a course or an examination, you take it again because you failed it the first time. □�[V n] I had one year in the sixth form to retake my GCSEs. ●�N‑COUNT Retake is also a noun. □� Limits will be placed on the number of exam retakes students can sit.

re|tali|ate /r I t� lie I t/ (retaliates , retaliating , retaliated ) VERB If you retaliate when someone harms or annoys you, you do something which harms or annoys them in return. □�[V ] I was sorely tempted to retaliate. □�[V +�by ] The Labour leader retaliated by accusing Sturgeon of supporting the Tories. □�[V +�against ] The militia responded by saying it would retaliate against any attacks. □�[V +�with ] They may retaliate with sanctions on other products if the bans are disregarded. [Also +�for ] ●� re|talia|tion /r I t� lie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�for ] Police said they believed the attack was in retaliation for the death of a gang member.

re|talia|tory /r I t� liətəri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you take retaliatory action, you try to harm or annoy someone who has harmed or annoyed you. [FORMAL ] □� There's been talk of a retaliatory blockade to prevent supplies getting through.

re|tard (retards , retarding , retarded ) The verb is pronounced /r I tɑː r d/. The noun is pronounced /riː tɑː r d/. 1 VERB If something retards a process, or the development of something, it makes it happen more slowly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Continuing violence will retard negotiations over the country's future.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a retard , you mean that they have not developed normally, either mentally or socially. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� What the hell do I want with an emotional retard?

re|tar|da|tion /riː tɑː r de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Retardation is the process of making something happen or develop more slowly, or the fact of being less well developed than other people or things of the same kind. [FORMAL ] □� �other parents whose children had mental retardation.

re|tard|ed /r I tɑː r d I d/ ADJ Someone who is retarded is much less advanced mentally than most people of their age. [OFFENSIVE , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �a special school for mentally retarded children.

retch /re tʃ/ (retches , retching , retched ) VERB If you retch , your stomach moves as if you are vomiting. □�[V ] The smell made me retch.

retdretd is a written abbreviation for retired . It is used after someone's name to indicate that they have retired from the army, navy, or air force. □� �Commander J. R. Simpson, RN (retd).

re|tell /riː te l/ (retells , retelling , retold ) VERB If you retell a story, you write it, tell it, or present it again, often in a different way from its original form. □�[V n] Lucilla often asks her sisters to retell the story.

re|ten|tion /r I te nʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] The retentionof something is the keeping of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] They supported the retention of a strong central government.

re|ten|tive /r I te nt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a retentive memory, you are able to remember things very well. □� Luke had an amazingly retentive memory.

re|think /riː θ I ŋk/ (rethinks , rethinking , rethought )

1 VERB If you rethink something such as a problem, a plan, or a policy, you think about it again and change it. □�[V n] Both major political parties are having to rethink their policies. [Also V ] ●� re|think|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �some fundamental rethinking of the way in which pilots are trained.

2 N‑SING If you have a rethink of a problem, a plan, or a policy, you think about it again and change it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of/on ] There must be a rethink of government policy towards this vulnerable group.

re|thought /riː θɔː t/ Rethought is the past tense and past participle of rethink .

reti|cent /re t I sənt/ ADJ Someone who is reticent does not tell people about things. □�[+�about/on ] She is so reticent about her achievements. ●� reti|cence N‑UNCOUNT □� Pearl didn't mind his reticence; in fact she liked it.

reti|na /re t I nə/ (retinas ) N‑COUNT Your retina is the area at the back of your eye. It receives the image that you see and then sends the image to your brain.

reti|nal /re t I n ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Retinal means relating to a person's retina. [TECHNICAL ] □� �retinal cancer.

reti|nue /re t I njuː, [AM ] -nuː/ (retinues ) N‑COUNT An important person's retinue is the group of servants, friends, or assistants who go with them and look after their needs. □� Mind trainers are now part of a tennis star's retinue. [Also +�of ]

re|tire ◆◇◇ /r I ta I ə r / (retires , retiring , retired )

1 VERB When older people retire , they leave their job and usually stop working completely. □�[V ] At the age when most people retire, he is ready to face a new career. □�[V +�from ] In 1974 he retired from the museum.

2 VERB When a sports player retiresfrom their sport, they stop playing in competitions. When they retirefrom a race or a match, they stop competing in it. □�[V +�from ] I have decided to retire from Formula One racing at the end of the season. [Also V ]

3 VERB If you retireto another room or place, you go there. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] Eisenhower left the White House and retired to his farm in Gettysburg.

4 VERB When a jury in a court of law retires , the members of it leave the court in order to decide whether someone is guilty or innocent. □�[V to-inf] The jury will retire to consider its verdict today.

5 VERB When you retire , you go to bed. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] She retires early most nights, exhausted. □�[V +�to ] Some time after midnight, he retired to bed.

6 →�see also retired , retiring

re|tired /r I ta I ə r d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A retired person is an older person who has left his or her job and has usually stopped working completely. □� �a seventy-three-year-old retired teacher from Florida.

2 →�see also retire

re|tiree /r I ta I ə riː / (retirees ) N‑COUNT A retiree is a retired person. [mainly AM ] □� �retirees who have completely different expectations of what later life might bring.

re|tire|ment ◆◇◇ /r I ta I ə r mənt/ (retirements )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Retirement is the time when a worker retires. □� �the proportion of the population who are over retirement age.

2 N‑UNCOUNT A person's retirement is the period in their life after they have retired. □� �financial support for the elderly during retirement.

re|ti re|ment home (retirement homes ) N‑COUNT A retirement home is a place where old people live and are cared for when they are too old to look after themselves.

re|tir|ing /r I ta I ə r I ŋ/

1 ADJ Someone who is retiring is shy and avoids meeting other people. □� I'm still that shy, retiring little girl who was afraid to ask for sweets in the shop.

2 →�see also retire

re|told /riːtoʊ ld/ Retold is the past tense and past participle of retell .

re|took /riːtʊ k/ Retook is the past tense of retake .

re|tool /riː tuː l/ (retools , retooling , retooled ) VERB If the machines in a factory or the items of equipment used by a firm are retooled , they are replaced or changed so that they can do new tasks. □�[be V -ed] Each time the product changes, the machines have to be retooled. [Also V n, V ] ●� re|tool|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Retooling, or recasting new toy moulds, is a slow and expensive process.

re|tort /r I tɔː r t/ (retorts , retorting , retorted ) VERB To retort means to reply angrily to someone. [WRITTEN ] □�[V with quote] Was he afraid, he was asked. 'Afraid of what?' he retorted. □�[V that] Others retort that strong central power is a dangerous thing in Russia. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Retort is also a noun. □� His sharp retort clearly made an impact.

re|touch /riːtʌ tʃ/ (retouches , retouching , retouched ) VERB If someone retouches something such as a picture or a photograph, they improve it, for example by painting over parts of it. □�[be V -ed] He said the photographs had been retouched. □�[V n] She retouched her make-up.

re|trace /r I tre I s/ (retraces , retracing , retraced ) VERB If you retrace your steps or retrace your way, you return to the place you started from by going back along the same route. □�[V n] He retraced his steps to the spot where he'd left the case.

re|tract /r I tr� kt/ (retracts , retracting , retracted )

1 VERB If you retract something that you have said or written, you say that you did not mean it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Mr Smith hurriedly sought to retract the statement, but it had just been broadcast on national radio. □�[V ] He's hoping that if he makes me feel guilty, I'll retract. ●� re|trac|tion /r I tr� kʃ ə n/ (retractions ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] □�[+�of ] Miss Pearce said she expected an unqualified retraction of his comments within twenty four hours.

2 VERB When a part of a machine or a part of a person's body retracts or is retracted , it moves inwards or becomes shorter. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Torn muscles retract, and lose strength, structure, and tightness. [Also V n]

re|tract|able /r I tr� ktəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A retractable part of a machine or a building can be moved inwards or backwards. □� A 20,000-seat arena with a retractable roof is planned.

re|train /riː tre I n/ (retrains , retraining , retrained ) VERB If you retrain , or if someone retrains you, you learn new skills, especially in order to get a new job. □�[V ] Why not retrain for a job which will make you happier? □�[V n] Union leaders have called upon the government to help retrain workers. ●� re|train|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □�[+�of ] �measures such as the retraining of the workforce at their place of work.

re|tread /riː tred/ (retreads )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe something such as a book, film, or song as a retread , you mean that it contains ideas or elements that have been used before, and that it is not very interesting or original. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] His last book was a retread of tired material.

2 N‑COUNT A retread is an old tyre which has been given a new surface or tread and can be used again.

re|treat ◆◇◇ /r I triː t/ (retreats , retreating , retreated )

1 VERB If you retreat , you move away from something or someone. □�[V prep] 'I've already got a job,' I said quickly, and retreated from the room. [Also V ]

2 VERB When an army retreats , it moves away from enemy forces in order to avoid fighting them. □�[V ] The French, suddenly outnumbered, were forced to retreat. ●�N‑VAR Retreat is also a noun. □� In June 1942, the British 8th Army was in full retreat.

3 VERB If you retreatfrom something such as a plan or a way of life, you give it up, usually in order to do something safer or less extreme. □�[V +�from/into ] To save yourself, you sometimes need to retreat from the world. ●�N‑VAR Retreat is also a noun. □�[+�from/into ] Downing Street insisted that there would be no retreat from the �26,000 cap on the amount of benefits that any family could claim.

4 N‑COUNT A retreat is a quiet, isolated place that you go to in order to rest or to do things in private. □� He spent yesterday hidden away in his country retreat.

5 PHRASE If you beat a retreat , you leave a place quickly in order to avoid an embarrassing or dangerous situation. □� Cockburn decided it was time to beat a hasty retreat.

re|trench /r I tre ntʃ/ (retrenches , retrenching , retrenched ) VERB If a person or organization retrenches , they spend less money. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Shortly afterwards, cuts in defence spending forced the aerospace industry to retrench.

re|trench|ment /r I tre ntʃmənt/ (retrenchments ) N‑VAR Retrenchment means spending less money. [FORMAL ] □� Defense planners predict an extended period of retrenchment.

re|tri|al /riː tra I əl/ (retrials ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A retrial is a second trial of someone for the same offence. □� Judge Ian Starforth Hill said the jury's task was 'beyond the realms of possibility' and ordered a retrial.

ret|ri|bu|tion /re tr I bjuː ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Retribution is punishment for a crime, especially punishment which is carried out by someone other than the official authorities. [FORMAL ] □� He didn't want any further involvement for fear of retribution.

re|triev|al /r I triː v ə l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The retrieval of information from a computer is the process of getting it back. □� �electronic storage and retrieval systems.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The retrieval of something is the process of getting it back from a particular place, especially from a place where it should not be. □�[+�of ] Its real purpose is the launching and retrieval of small aeroplanes in flight.

re|trieve /r I triː v/ (retrieves , retrieving , retrieved )

1 VERB If you retrieve something, you get it back from the place where you left it. □�[V n] The men were trying to retrieve weapons left when the army abandoned the island.

2 VERB If you manage to retrieve a situation, you succeed in bringing it back into a more acceptable state. □�[V n] He is the one man who could retrieve that situation.

3 VERB To retrieve information from a computer or from your memory means to get it back. □�[V n] Computers can instantly retrieve millions of information bits.

re|triev|er /r I triː və r / (retrievers ) N‑COUNT A retriever is a kind of dog. Retrievers are traditionally used to bring back birds and animals which their owners have shot.

ret|ro /re troʊ/ ADJ Retro clothes, music, and objects are based on the styles of the past. [JOURNALISM ] □� �clothes shops where original versions of today's retro looks can be found.

PREFIX retro-

is used to form adjectives and nouns which indicate that something goes back or goes backwards. For example, a retrogressive step returns a situation to a state that is worse than the current one.

retro|ac|tive /re troʊ� kt I v/ ADJ If a decision or action is retroactive , it is intended to take effect from a date in the past. [FORMAL ] □� There are few precedents for this sort of retroactive legislation. ●� retro|ac|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� It isn't yet clear whether the new law can actually be applied retroactively.

retro|fit /re troʊf I t/ (retrofits , retrofitting , retrofitted ) VERB To retrofit a machine or a building means to put new parts or new equipment in it after it has been in use for some time, especially to improve its safety or make it work better. □�[V n] Much of this business involves retrofitting existing planes. ●�N‑COUNT Retrofit is also a noun. □� A retrofit may involve putting in new door jambs.

retro|grade /re trəgre I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A retrograde action is one that you think makes a situation worse rather than better. [FORMAL ] □� The Prime Minister described transferring education to central government funding as 'a retrograde step'.

retro|gres|sion /re trəgre ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Retrogression means moving back to an earlier and less efficient stage of development. [FORMAL ] □� There has been a retrogression in the field of human rights since 1975.

retro|gres|sive /re trəgre s I v/ ADJ If you describe an action or idea as retrogressive , you disapprove of it because it returns to old ideas or beliefs and does not take advantage of recent progress. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the retrogressive policies of the National parties.

retro|spect /re trəspekt/ PHRASE When you consider something in retrospect , you think about it afterwards, and often have a different opinion about it from the one that you had at the time. □� In retrospect, I wish that I had thought about alternative courses of action.

retro|spec|tive /re trəspe kt I v/ (retrospectives )

1 N‑COUNT A retrospective is an exhibition or showing of work done by an artist over many years, rather than his or her most recent work. □� The actress will preside over a retrospective of her films.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Retrospective feelings or opinions concern things that happened in the past. □� Afterwards, retrospective fear of the responsibility would make her feel almost faint. ●� retro|spec|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Retrospectively, it seems as if they probably were negligent.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Retrospective laws or legal actions take effect from a date before the date when they are officially approved. □� Bankers are quick to condemn retrospective tax legislation. ●� retro|spec|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� It will be almost impossible to apply the new law retrospectively, meaning that thousands of old cases may go unsolved.

re|tune /riː tjuː n, [AM ] -tuː n/ (retunes , retuning , retuned ) VERB To retune a piece of equipment such as a radio, television, or video means to adjust it so that it receives a different channel, or so that it receives the same channel on a different frequency. □�[V ] Listeners in cars should not have to retune as they drive across the country. □�[V n] The majority of viewers affected will only need to retune existing equipment.

re|turn ◆◆◆ /r I tɜː r n/ (returns , returning , returned )

1 VERB When you returnto a place, you go back there after you have been away. □�[V +�to/from ] The Prime Minister will return to London tonight. □�[V adv] So far more than 350,000 people have returned home. [Also V ]

2 N‑SING [with poss] Your return is your arrival back at a place where you had been before. □� Ryle explained the reason for his sudden return to London.

3 VERB If you return something that you have borrowed or taken, you give it back or put it back. □�[V n] I enjoyed the book and said so when I returned it. ●�N‑SING Return is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The main demand of the Indians is for the return of one-and-a-half-million acres of forest to their communities.

4 VERB If you return something somewhere, you put it back where it was. □�[V n +�to ] He returned the notebook to his jacket.

5 VERB If you return someone's action, you do the same thing to them as they have just done to you. If you return someone's feeling, you feel the same way towards them as they feel towards you. □�[V n] Back at the station the Chief Inspector returned the call.

6 VERB If a feeling or situation returns , it comes back or happens again after a period when it was not present. □�[V ] Calm is returning to the country. ●�N‑SING Return is also a noun. □� It was like the return of his youth.

7 VERB If you returnto a state that you were in before, you start being in that state again. □�[V +�to ] Life has improved and returned to normal. ●�N‑SING Return is also a noun. □�[+�to ] He made an uneventful return to normal health.

8 VERB If you returnto a subject that you have mentioned before, you begin talking about it again. □�[V +�to ] The power of the Church is one theme all these writers return to.

9 VERB If you returnto an activity that you were doing before, you start doing it again. □�[V +�to ] He is 52, young enough to return to politics if he wishes to do so. ●�N‑SING Return is also a noun. □�[+�to ] He has not ruled out the shock possibility of a return to football.

10 VERB When a judge or jury returns a verdict, they announce whether they think the person on trial is guilty or not. □�[V n] They returned a verdict of not guilty.

11 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A return ticket is a ticket for a journey from one place to another and then back again. [mainly BRIT ] □� He bought a return ticket and boarded the next train for home. ●�N‑COUNT Return is also a noun. □� That's enough Airmiles for two returns to Paris, Amsterdam or Brussels.

12 →�see also day return in AM, usually use round trip13 ADJ [ADJ n] The return trip or journey is the part of a journey that takes you back to where you started from. □� Buy an extra ticket for the return trip.

14 N‑COUNT The returnon an investment is the profit that you get from it. [BUSINESS ] □� Profits have picked up this year but the return on capital remains tiny.

15 N‑COUNT A tax return is an official form that you fill in with details about your income and personal situation, so that the income tax you owe can be calculated. □� He was convicted of filing false income tax returns. □� Anyone with complications in their tax affairs is asked to fill in a return.

16 →�see also tax return

17 CONVENTION When it is someone's birthday, people sometimes say ' Many happy returns ' to them as a way of greeting them. [FORMULAE ]

18 PHRASE If you do something in returnfor what someone else has done for you, you do it because they did that thing for you. □� The deal offers an increase in policy value in return for giving up guarantees.

19 PHRASE If you say that you have reached the point of no return , you mean that you now have to continue with what you are doing and it is too late to stop. □� The release of Mr Nelson Mandela marked the point of no return in South Africa's movement away from apartheid.

20to return fire →�see fire ➋ SYNONYMS return VERB

1

go back:I went back to bed.

retreat:The young nurse pulled a face at the Matron's retreating figure.

turn back:They were very nearly forced to turn back.

3

put back:Put it back in the freezer.

replace:Replace the caps on the bottles.

restore:We expect to restore the power supply within two hours.

give back:I gave the textbook back to him.

re|turn|able /r I tɜː r nəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Returnable containers are intended to be taken back to the place they came from so that they can be used again. □� All beverages must be sold in returnable containers.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something such as a sum of money or a document is returnable , it will eventually be given back to the person who provided it. □� Landlords can charge a returnable deposit.

re|turnee /r I tɜː r niː / (returnees ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A returnee is a person who returns to the country where they were born, usually after they have been away for a long time. □� The number of returnees could go as high as half a million.

re|turn|er /r I tɜː r nə r / (returners ) N‑COUNT A returner is someone who returns to work after a period when they did not work, especially a woman who returns after having children. [BRIT ] □� Many returners are far better at working with people than they were when they were younger.

re|tu rn|ing of|fic|er (returning officers ) N‑COUNT In Britain, the returning officer for a particular town or district is an official who is responsible for arranging an election and who formally announces the result.

re|tu rn match (return matches ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A return match is the second of two matches that are played by two sports teams or two players. [BRIT ] in AM, use rematch

re|tu rn vi s|it (return visits ) N‑COUNT If you make a return visit , you visit someone who has already visited you, or you go back to a place where you have already been once. □� He made a nostalgic return visit to Germany.

re|tweet /riːtwiː t/ (retweets , retweeting , retweeted ) VERB If you retweet something, you copy another user's comment on the Twitter website for your own followers to read. □�[V n] His comments were immediately retweeted by hundreds of people.

re|uni|fi|ca|tion /riː juːn I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The reunification of a country or city that has been divided into two or more parts for some time is the joining of it together again. □�[+�of ] �the reunification of East and West Beirut in 1991.

re|union /riːjuː niən/ (reunions )

1 N‑COUNT A reunion is a party attended by members of the same family, school, or other group who have not seen each other for a long time. □� The Association holds an annual reunion.

2 N‑VAR A reunion is a meeting between people who have been separated for some time. □� The children weren't allowed to see her for nearly a week. It was a very emotional reunion.

re|unite /riː juːna I t/ (reunites , reuniting , reunited )

1 VERB If people are reunited , or if they reunite , they meet each other again after they have been separated for some time. □�[be V -ed +�with ] She and her youngest son were finally allowed to be reunited with their family. □�[V n] She spent years trying to reunite father and son. □�[V ] The band will reunite for this show only.

2 VERB If a divided organization or country is reunited , or if it reunites , it becomes one united organization or country again. □�[be V -ed] �a federation under which the divided island would be reunited. □�[V n] His first job will be to reunite the army. □�[V ] In 1939 the northern and southern churches reunited as the Methodist Church.

re|us|able /riː juː zəb ə l/ also re-usable ADJ Things that are reusable can be used more than once. □� �re-usable plastic containers.

re|use (reuses , reusing , reused ) The verb is pronounced /riːjuː z/. The noun is pronounced /riːjuː s/. VERB When you reuse something, you use it again instead of throwing it away. □�[V n] Try where possible to reuse paper. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Reuse is also a noun. □� Copper, brass and aluminium are separated and remelted for reuse.

rev /re v/ (revs , revving , revved )

1 VERB When the engine of a vehicle revs , or when you rev it, the engine speed is increased as the accelerator is pressed. □�[V ] The engine started, revved and the car jerked away down the hill. □�[V n] The old bus was revving its engine, ready to start the journey. ●�PHRASAL VERB Rev up means the same as rev . □�[V P n] �drivers revving up their engines. □�[V P ] �the sound of a car revving up.

2 N‑PLURAL If you talk about the revs of an engine, you are referring to its speed, which is measured in revolutions per minute. □� The engine delivers instant acceleration whatever the revs.

Rev. The spelling Rev is also used. Rev. is a written abbreviation for Reverend . [AM ] □� �the Rev John Roberts. in BRIT, use Revd

re|value /riːv� ljuː/ (revalues , revaluing , revalued )

1 VERB When a country revalues its currency, it increases the currency's value so that it can buy more foreign currency than before. □�[V n] Countries enjoying surpluses will be under no pressure to revalue their currencies. ●� re|valua|tion /riːv� ljuːe I ʃ ə n/ (revaluations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] There was a general revaluation of other currencies but not the pound.

2 VERB To revalue something means to increase the amount that you calculate it is worth so that its value stays roughly the same in comparison with other things, even if there is inflation. □�[V n] It is now usual to revalue property assets on a more regular basis. ●� re|valua|tion N‑VAR □� Some banks have used doubtful property revaluations to improve their capital ratios. [Also +�of ]

re|vamp /riːv� mp/ (revamps , revamping , revamped ) VERB If someone revamps something, they make changes to it in order to try and improve it. □�[V n] All Italy's political parties have accepted that it is time to revamp the system. □�[V -ed] �the chef at the newly revamped Albion. ●�N‑SING Revamp is also a noun. □� The revamp includes replacing the old navy uniform with a crisp blue and white cotton outfit. ●� re|vamp|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] Expected changes include a revamping of the courts.

re v coun|ter N‑SING A rev counter is an instrument in a car or an aeroplane which shows the speed of the engine. [BRIT ]

RevdRevd is a written abbreviation for Reverend . [BRIT ] □� �the Revd Alfred Gatty. in AM, use Rev.

re|veal ◆◆◇ /r I viː l/ (reveals , revealing , revealed )

1 VERB To reveal something means to make people aware of it. □�[V n] She has refused to reveal the whereabouts of her daughter. □�[V that] A survey of the British diet has revealed that a growing number of people are overweight. □�[V wh] The X-rays reveal how the arrangement of atoms changes. [Also be V -ed as n]

2 VERB If you reveal something that has been out of sight, you uncover it so that people can see it. □�[V n] A grey carpet was removed to reveal the original pine floor. SYNONYMS reveal VERB

1

disclose:Neither side would disclose details of the transaction.

impart:I am about to impart knowledge to you that you will never forget.

divulge:Officials refuse to divulge details of the negotiations.

let on:She never let on that anything was wrong.

2

show:These figures show an increase of over one million in unemployment.

display:It was unlike Gordon to display his feelings.

exhibit:The economy continued to exhibit signs of decline in September.

re|veal|ing /r I viː l I ŋ/

1 ADJ A revealing statement, account, or action tells you something that you did not know, especially about the person doing it or making it. □� �a revealing interview. ●� re|veal|ing|ly ADV □� Even more revealingly, he says: 'There's no such thing as failure.'

2 ADJ Revealing clothes allow more of a person's body to be seen than is usual. □� She was wearing a tight and revealing gold dress.

re|veil|le /r I v� li, [AM ] re vəli/ N‑UNCOUNT Reveille is the time when soldiers have to get up in the morning. □� It must be nearly six; soon would be reveille and the end of the night's rest.

rev|el /re v ə l/ (revels , revelling , revelled ) in AM, use reveling , reveled1 VERB If you revelin a situation or experience, you enjoy it very much. □�[V +�in ] Revelling in her freedom, she took a hotel room and stayed for several days.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Revels are noisy celebrations. [LITERARY ]

rev|ela|tion /re vəle I ʃ ə n/ (revelations )

1 N‑COUNT A revelation is a surprising or interesting fact that is made known to people. □�[+�about ] �the seemingly everlasting revelations about his private life.

2 N‑VAR The revelationof something is the act of making it known. □�[+�of ] �following the revelation of his affair with a former secretary.

3 N‑SING If you say that something you experienced was arevelation , you are saying that it was very surprising or very good. □� Degas's work had been a revelation to her.

4 N‑VAR A divine revelation is a sign or explanation from God about his nature or purpose.

rev|ela|tory /re vələtəri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ A revelatory account or statement tells you a lot that you did not know. □� �Barbara Stoney's revelatory account of the author's life.

rev|el|ler /re vələ r / (revellers ) in AM, use reveler N‑COUNT [usu pl] Revellers are people who are enjoying themselves in a noisy way, often while they are drunk. [LITERARY ] □� Many of the revellers are tourists and British day-trippers.

rev|el|ry /re v ə lri/ (revelries ) N‑VAR Revelry is people enjoying themselves in a noisy way, often while they are drunk. [LITERARY ] □� �New Year revelries.

re|venge /r I ve ndʒ/ (revenges , revenging , revenged )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Revenge involves hurting or punishing someone who has hurt or harmed you. □�[+�on/against ] The attackers took revenge on the 14-year-old, claiming he was a school bully. [Also +�for ]

2 VERB If you revenge yourself on someone who has hurt you, you hurt them in return. [WRITTEN ] □�[V pron-refl +�on ] The Sunday Mercury accused her of trying to revenge herself on her former lover. □�[V n] �the relatives of murdered villagers wanting to revenge the dead.

rev|enue ◆◇◇ /re vənjuː/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Revenue is money that a company, organization, or government receives from people. [BUSINESS ] □� �a boom year at the cinema, with record advertising revenue and the highest ticket sales since 1980.

2 →�see also Inland Revenue SYNONYMS revenue NOUN 1

income:Over a third of their income comes from comedy videos.

profit:The bank made pre-tax profits of �3.5 million.

proceeds:The proceeds from the concert will go towards famine relief.

re v|enue stream (revenue streams ) N‑COUNT A company's revenue stream is the amount of money that it receives from selling a particular product or service. [BUSINESS ] □� The events business was crucial in that it provides a constant revenue stream.

re|verb /riː vɜː r b, r I vɜː r b/ N‑UNCOUNT Reverb is a shaking or echoing effect that is added to a sound, often by an electronic device. □� The unit includes built-in digital effects like reverb.

re|ver|ber|ate /r I vɜː r bəre I t/ (reverberates , reverberating , reverberated )

1 VERB When a loud sound reverberates through a place, it echoes through it. □�[V prep] The sound of the tank guns reverberated through the little Bavarian town. □�[V ] A woman's shrill laughter reverberated in the courtyard.

2 VERB You can say that an event or idea reverberates when it has a powerful effect which lasts a long time. □�[V prep] The controversy continued to reverberate around the television industry. □�[V ] The news sent shock waves through the community that reverberate to this day.

re|ver|bera|tion /r I vɜː r bəre I ʃ ə n/ (reverberations )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Reverberations are serious effects that follow a sudden, dramatic event. □� The move by these two colleges is sending reverberations through higher education.

2 N‑VAR A reverberation is the shaking and echoing effect that you hear after a loud sound has been made. □�[+�of ] Jason heard the reverberation of the slammed door.

re|vere /r I v I ə r / (reveres , revering , revered ) VERB If you revere someone or something, you respect and admire them greatly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The Chinese revered corn as a gift from heaven. ●� re|vered ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �some of the country's most revered institutions.

rev|er|ence /re vərəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Reverencefor someone or something is a feeling of great respect for them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] �showing a deep reverence for their religion.

Rev|er|end /re vərənd/ N‑TITLE Reverend is a title used before the name or rank of an officially appointed religious leader. The abbreviation Rev. or Revd is also used. □� The service was led by the Reverend Jim Simons.

rev|er|ent /re vərənt/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as reverent , you mean that they are showing great respect for a person or thing. □� �the reverent hush of a rapt audience. ●� rev|er|ent|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� He got up and took the book out almost reverently.

rev|er|en|tial /re vəre nʃ ə l/ ADJ Something that is reverential has the qualities of respect and admiration. [FORMAL ] □� 'That's the old foresters' garden,' she said in reverential tones. ●� rev|er|en|tial|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He reverentially returned the novel to a glass-fronted bookcase.

rev|erie /re vəri/ (reveries ) N‑COUNT A reverie is a state of imagining or thinking about pleasant things, as if you are dreaming. [FORMAL ] □� The announcer's voice brought Holden out of his reverie.

re|ver|sal /r I vɜː r s ə l/ (reversals )

1 N‑COUNT A reversalof a process, policy, or trend is a complete change in it. □�[+�of ] The Financial Times says the move represents a complete reversal of previous U.S. policy.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] When there is a role reversal or a reversal of roles, two people or groups exchange their positions or functions. □� When children end up taking care of their parents, it is a strange role reversal indeed. [Also +�of ]

re|verse ◆◇◇ /r I vɜː r s/ (reverses , reversing , reversed )

1 VERB When someone or something reverses a decision, policy, or trend, they change it to the opposite decision, policy, or trend. □�[V n] They have made it clear they will not reverse the decision to increase prices.

2 VERB If you reverse the order of a set of things, you arrange them in the opposite order, so that the first thing comes last. □�[be V -ed] The normal word order is reversed in passive sentences.

3 VERB If you reverse the positions or functions of two things, you change them so that each thing has the position or function that the other one had. □�[V n] He reversed the position of the two stamps.

4 VERB When a car reverses or when you reverse it, the car is driven backwards. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V ] Another car reversed out of the drive. □�[V n] He reversed his car straight at the policeman. in AM, usually use back up5 N‑UNCOUNT [usu in/into N ] If your car is inreverse , you have changed gear so that you can drive it backwards. □� He lurched the car in reverse along the ruts to the access road.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Reverse means opposite to what you expect or to what has just been described. □� The wrong attitude will have exactly the reverse effect.

7 N‑SING If you say that one thing is the reverse of another, you are emphasizing that the first thing is the complete opposite of the second thing. □� There is no evidence that spectators want longer cricket matches. Quite the reverse.

8 N‑COUNT A reverse is a serious failure or defeat. [FORMAL ] □� It's clear that the party of the former Prime Minister has suffered a major reverse.

9 N‑SING Thereverse or thereverseside of a flat object which has two sides is the less important or the other side. □� Write your address on the reverse of the cheque.

10 PHRASE If something happens in reverse or goes into reverse , things happen in the opposite way to what usually happens or to what has been happening. □� Amis tells the story in reverse, from the moment the man dies.

11 PHRASE If you reverse the charges when you make a phone call, the person who you are phoning pays the cost of the call and not you. [BRIT ] in AM, use call collect SYNONYMS reverse VERB 1

cancel:The Navy has decided to cancel its contract for the A-12 Stealth attack plane.

overturn:His nine-month sentence was overturned by Appeal Court judge Lord Justice Watkins.

undo:If Michael won, he would undo everything I have fought for.

rescind:Trade Union leaders have demanded the government rescind the price rise.

re|ve rse charge ca ll (reverse charge calls ) N‑COUNT A reverse charge call is a phone call which is paid for by the person who receives the call, rather than the person who makes the call. [BRIT ] in AM, use collect call

re|ve rse dis|crimi|na |tion N‑UNCOUNT Reverse discrimination is the same as positive discrimination . □� �a policy of reverse discrimination in favour of children from poor backgrounds.

re|ve rse e n|gi|nee r|ing N‑UNCOUNT Reverse engineering is a process in which a product or system is analysed in order to see how it works, so that a similar version of the product or system can be produced more cheaply. [BUSINESS ] □� Not only did the group acquire reverse engineering skills in the process, it also gained entry into the global market.

re|ve rse gea r (reverse gears ) N‑VAR The reverse gear of a vehicle is the gear which you use in order to make the vehicle go backwards.

re|ve rse vi deo N‑UNCOUNT Reverse video is the process of reversing the colours of normal characters and background on a computer screen, in order to highlight the display. [COMPUTING ]

re|vers|ible /r I vɜː r s I b ə l/

1 ADJ If a process or an action is reversible , its effects can be reversed so that the original situation returns. □� Heart disease is reversible in some cases, according to a study published last summer.

2 ADJ Reversible clothes or materials have been made so that either side can be worn or shown as the outside. □� �a reversible waistcoat.

re|ve rs|ing light (reversing lights ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Reversing lights are the white lights on the back of a motor vehicle which shine when the vehicle is in reverse gear. [BRIT ] in AM, use back-up lights

re|ver|sion /r I vɜː r ʃ ə n/ (reversions )

1 N‑SING A reversionto a previous state, system, or kind of behaviour is a change back to it. □�[+�to ] Most of us learnt to fish as children, and so going fishing is a reversion to a state of uncomplicatedness.

2 N‑VAR Thereversionof land or property to a person, family, or country is the return to them of the ownership or control of the land or property. [LEGAL ]

re|vert /r I vɜː r t/ (reverts , reverting , reverted )

1 VERB When people or things revertto a previous state, system, or type of behaviour, they go back to it. □�[V +�to ] Jackson said her boss became increasingly depressed and reverted to smoking heavily.

2 VERB When someone revertsto a previous topic, they start talking or thinking about it again. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�to ] In the car she reverted to the subject uppermost in her mind.

3 VERB If property, rights, or money revertto someone, they become that person's again after someone else has had them for a period of time. [LEGAL ] □�[V +�to ] When the lease ends, the property reverts to the freeholder.

re|view ◆◆◇ /r I vjuː / (reviews , reviewing , reviewed )

1 N‑COUNT A reviewof a situation or system is its formal examination by people in authority. This is usually done in order to see whether it can be improved or corrected. □�[+�of ] The president ordered a review of U.S. economic aid to Jordan.

2 VERB If you review a situation or system, you consider it carefully to see what is wrong with it or how it could be improved. □�[V n] The Prime Minister reviewed the situation with his Cabinet yesterday.

3 N‑COUNT A review is a report in the media in which someone gives their opinion of something such as a new book or film. □� We've never had a good review in the music press.

4 VERB If someone reviews something such as a new book or film, they write a report or give a talk on television or radio in which they express their opinion of it. □�[V n] Richard Coles reviews all of the latest film releases.

5 VERB When you reviewfor an examination, you read things again and make notes in order to be prepared for the examination. [AM ] □�[V +�for ] Reviewing for exams lets you bring together all the individual parts of the course. □�[V n] Review all the notes you need to cover for each course. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Review is also a noun. □� Begin by planning on three two-hour reviews with four chapters per session. [in BRIT, use revise ]

re|vie w board (review boards ) N‑COUNT A review board is a group of people in authority who examine a situation or system to see if it should be improved, corrected, or changed.

re|view|er /r I vjuː ə r / (reviewers ) N‑COUNT A reviewer is a person who reviews new books, films, television programmes, CDs, plays, or concerts. □� �the reviewer for the Times Literary Supplement.

re|vie w|ing stand (reviewing stands ) N‑COUNT A reviewing stand is a special raised platform from which military and political leaders watch military parades.

re|vile /r I va I l/ (reviles , reviling , reviled ) VERB If someone or something is reviled , people hate them intensely or show their hatred of them. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] He was just as feared and reviled as his tyrannical parents. □�[V n] What right had the crowd to revile the team for something they could not help? ●� re|viled ADJ □� He is probably the most reviled man in contemporary theatre.

re|vise /r I va I z/ (revises , revising , revised )

1 VERB If you revise the way you think about something, you adjust your thoughts, usually in order to make them better or more suited to how things are. □�[V n] He soon came to revise his opinion of the profession.

2 VERB If you revise a price, amount, or estimate, you change it to make it more fair, realistic, or accurate. □�[V n] Some of their prices were higher than their competitors' so they revised their prices accordingly.

3 VERB When you revise an article, a book, a law, or a piece of music, you change it in order to improve it, make it more modern, or make it more suitable for a particular purpose. □�[V n +�for ] Three editors handled the work of revising the articles for publication. □�[V n] The staff should work together to revise the school curriculum.

4 VERB When you revisefor an examination, you read things again and make notes in order to be prepared for the examination. [BRIT ] □�[V +�for ] I have to revise for maths. □�[V ] I'd better skip the party and stay at home to revise. in AM, use review

re|vi|sion /r I v I ʒ ə n/ (revisions )

1 N‑VAR To make a revisionof something that is written or something that has been decided means to make changes to it in order to improve it, make it more modern, or make it more suitable for a particular purpose. □� The phase of writing that is actually most important is revision. □�[+�of ] A major addition to the earlier revisions of the questionnaire is the job requirement exercise.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] When people who are studying do revision , they read things again and make notes in order to prepare for an examination. [BRIT ] □� Some girls prefer to do their revision at home. in AM, use review

re|vi|sion|ism /r I v I ʒən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Revisionism is a theory of socialism that is more moderate than normal Marxist theory, and is therefore considered unacceptable by most Marxists. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The reforms come after decades of hostility to revisionism.

re|vi|sion|ist /r I v I ʒən I st/ (revisionists )

1 ADJ If you describe a person or their views as revisionist , you mean that they reject traditionally held beliefs about a particular historical event or events. [FORMAL ] □� �the revisionist interpretation of the French Revolution. ●�N‑COUNT A revisionist is a person who has revisionist views. [FORMAL ] □� The reputation of the navigator is under assault from historical revisionists.

2 ADJ If a socialist describes another socialist's actions or opinions as revisionist , they mean that they are unacceptable because they are more moderate than normal Marxist theory allows. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� This revisionist thesis departs even further from Marxist assertions. ●�N‑COUNT A revisionist is a person who has revisionist views. [FORMAL ] □� �ferocious infighting between Stalinist hardliners and revisionists.

re|vis|it /riː v I z I t/ (revisits , revisiting , revisited ) VERB If you revisit a place, you return there for a visit after you have been away for a long time, often after the place has changed a lot. □�[V n] In the summer we revisited this lake at dawn.

re|vi|tal|ize /riː va I təla I z/ (revitalizes , revitalizing , revitalized ) in BRIT, also use revitalise VERB To revitalize something that has lost its activity or its health means to make it active or healthy again. □�[V n] This hair conditioner is excellent for revitalizing dry, lifeless hair.

re|viv|al /r I va I v ə l/ (revivals )

1 N‑COUNT When there is a revivalof something, it becomes active or popular again. □�[+�of ] This return to realism has produced a revival of interest in a number of artists.

2 N‑COUNT A revival is a new production of a play, an opera, or a ballet. □�[+�of ] �John Clement's revival of Chekhov's 'The Seagull'.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] A revival meeting is a public religious event that is intended to make people more interested in Christianity. □� He toured South Africa organizing revival meetings.

re|viv|al|ism /r I va I vəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] Revivalism is a movement whose aim is to make a religion more popular and more influential. □� �a time of intense religious revivalism.

re|viv|al|ist /r I va I vəl I st/ (revivalists ) ADJ [ADJ n] Revivalist people or activities are involved in trying to make a particular religion more popular and more influential. □� �the Hindu revivalist party. ●�N‑COUNT Revivalist is also a noun. □� Booth was a revivalist intent on his Christian vocation.

re|vive /r I va I v/ (revives , reviving , revived )

1 VERB When something such as the economy, a business, a trend, or a feeling is revived or when it revives , it becomes active, popular, or successful again. □�[V n] �an attempt to revive the British economy. □�[V ] There is no doubt that grades have improved and interest in education has revived.

2 VERB When someone revives a play, opera, or ballet, they present a new production of it. □�[V n] The Gaiety is reviving John B. Kean's comedy 'The Man from Clare'.

3 VERB If you manage to revive someone who has fainted or if they revive , they become conscious again. □�[V n] She and a neighbour tried in vain to revive him. □�[V ] With a glazed stare she revived for one last instant.

re|vivi|fy /riːv I v I fa I / (revivifies , revivifying , revivified ) VERB To revivify a situation, event, or activity means to make it more active, lively, or efficient. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They've revivified rhythm and blues singing by giving it dance beats.

re|voke /r I voʊ k/ (revokes , revoking , revoked ) VERB When people in authority revoke something such as a licence, a law, or an agreement, they cancel it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The government revoked her license to operate migrant labor crews. ●� revo|ca|tion /re vəke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The Montserrat government announced its revocation of 311 banking licences.

re|volt /r I voʊ lt/ (revolts , revolting , revolted )

1 N‑VAR A revolt is an illegal and often violent attempt by a group of people to change their country's political system. □� It was undeniably a revolt by ordinary people against their leaders.

2 VERB When people revolt , they make an illegal and often violent attempt to change their country's political system. □�[V ] In 1375 the townspeople revolted.

3 N‑VAR A revolt by a person or group against someone or something is a refusal to accept the authority of that person or thing. □� The prime minister is facing a revolt by party activists over his refusal to hold a referendum.

4 VERB When people revoltagainst someone or something, they reject the authority of that person or reject that thing. □�[V ] Three senior cabinet members revolted and resigned in protest on Friday night. □�[V +�against ] Caroline revolted against her ballet training at sixteen.

re|volt|ing /r I voʊ lt I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that something or someone is revolting , you mean you think they are horrible and disgusting. □� The smell in the cell was revolting.

revo|lu|tion ◆◇◇ /re vəluː ʃ ə n/ (revolutions )

1 N‑COUNT A revolution is a successful attempt by a large group of people to change the political system of their country by force. □� The period since the revolution has been one of political turmoil.

2 N‑COUNT A revolution in a particular area of human activity is an important change in that area. □�[+�in ] The nineteenth century witnessed a revolution in ship design and propulsion. SYNONYMS revolution NOUN 1

revolt:It was undeniably a revolt by ordinary people against their leaders.

uprising:�a popular uprising against the authoritarian government.

coup:�a military coup.

rebellion:The British soon put down the rebellion.

revo|lu|tion|ary ◆◇◇ /re vəluː ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ (revolutionaries )

1 ADJ Revolutionary activities, organizations, or people have the aim of causing a political revolution. □� Do you know anything about the revolutionary movement? □� �the Cuban revolutionary leader, Jose Marti.

2 N‑COUNT A revolutionary is a person who tries to cause a revolution or who takes an active part in one. □� The revolutionaries laid down their arms and their leaders went into voluntary exile.

3 ADJ Revolutionary ideas and developments involve great changes in the way that something is done or made. □� Invented in 1951, the rotary engine is a revolutionary concept in internal combustion. SYNONYMS revolutionary ADJ

1

radical:�threats by left-wing radical groups to disrupt the proceedings.

extremist:�a marked rise in extremist violence.

subversive:This courageous and subversive movie has attracted widespread critical support.

3

innovative:He was one of the most creative and innovative engineers of his generation.

novel:The very idea of a sixth form college was novel in 1962.

radical:The country needs a period of calm without more surges of radical change.

revo|lu|tion|ize /re vəluː ʃəna I z/ (revolutionizes , revolutionizing , revolutionized ) in BRIT, also use revolutionise VERB When something revolutionizes an activity, it causes great changes in the way that it is done. □�[V n] Over the past forty years plastics have revolutionised the way we live.

re|volve /r I vɒ lv/ (revolves , revolving , revolved )

1 VERB If you say that one thing revolvesaround another thing, you mean that the second thing is the main feature or focus of the first thing. □�[V +�around ] Since childhood, her life has revolved around tennis.

2 VERB If a discussion or conversation revolvesaround a particular topic, it is mainly about that topic. □�[V +�around ] The debate revolves around specific accounting techniques.

3 VERB If one object revolvesaround another object, the first object turns in a circle around the second object. □�[V +�around ] The satellite revolves around the Earth once every hundred minutes.

4 VERB When something revolves or when you revolve it, it moves or turns in a circle around a central point or line. □�[V ] Overhead, the fan revolved slowly. □�[V n] Monica picked up her pen and revolved it between her teeth.

re|volv|er /r I vɒ lvə r / (revolvers ) N‑COUNT A revolver is a kind of hand gun. Its bullets are kept in a revolving cylinder in the gun.

re|vo lv|ing doo r (revolving doors )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Some large buildings have revolving doors instead of an ordinary door. They consist of four glass doors which turn together in a circle around a vertical post. □� As he went through the revolving doors he felt his courage deserting him.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] When you talk about a revolving door , you mean a situation in which the employees or owners of an organization keep changing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They have accepted an offer from another firm with a busy revolving door.

re|vue /r I vjuː / (revues ) N‑COUNT A revue is a theatrical performance consisting of songs, dances, and jokes about recent events.

re|vul|sion /r I vʌ lʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Someone's revulsion at something is the strong feeling of disgust or disapproval they have towards it. □� �their revulsion at the act of desecration.

re vved u p ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is revved up , they are prepared for an important or exciting activity. [INFORMAL ] □� My people come to work and I get them all revved up.

re|ward ◆◇◇ /r I wɔː r d/ (rewards , rewarding , rewarded )

1 N‑COUNT A reward is something that you are given, for example because you have behaved well, worked hard, or provided a service to the community. □�[+�for ] He was given the job as a reward for running a successful leadership bid.

2 N‑COUNT A reward is a sum of money offered to anyone who can give information about lost or stolen property or about someone who is wanted by the police. □�[+�for ] The firm offered a �10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the robbers.

3 VERB If you do something and are rewarded with a particular benefit, you receive that benefit as a result of doing that thing. □�[be V -ed] Make the extra effort to impress the buyer and you will be rewarded with a quicker sale. [Also V n]

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The rewards of something are the benefits that you receive as a result of doing or having that thing. □�[+�of ] The company is only just starting to reap the rewards of long-term investments. COLLOCATIONS reward NOUN

2

adjective +�reward : generous

verb +�reward : offer, pay

4

adjective +�reward : immense, just, rich; financial

verb +�reward : reap VERB

3

reward+�adverb : amply, handsomely, richly; financially

5

reward+�noun : effort, loyalty, patience, persistence SYNONYMS reward NOUN 1

honour:He was showered with honours�among them an Oscar.

prize:You must claim your prize by phoning our claims line.

bonus:�a special bonus payment.

re|ward|ing /r I wɔː r d I ŋ/ ADJ An experience or action that is rewarding gives you satisfaction or brings you benefits. □� �a career which she found stimulating and rewarding.

re|wind (rewinds , rewinding , rewound ) The verb is pronounced /riː wa I nd/. The noun is pronounced /riː wa I nd/. 1 VERB When the tape in a video or tape recorder rewinds or when you rewind it, the tape goes backwards so that you can play it again. Compare fast forward . □�[V n] Waddington rewound the tape and played the message again. □�[V ] He switched the control to the answer-play mode and waited for the tape to rewind.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] If you put a video or cassette tape on rewind , you make the tape go backwards. Compare fast forward . □� Press the rewind button.

re|wire /riː wa I ə r / (rewires , rewiring , rewired ) VERB If someone rewires a building or an electrical appliance, a new system of electrical wiring is put into it. □�[V n] Their first job was to rewire the whole house and install central heating. □�[have n V -ed] I have had to spend a lot of money having my house replumbed and rewired. ●� re|wir|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The replumbing and rewiring of the flat ran very smoothly.

re|word /riː wɜː r d/ (rewords , rewording , reworded ) VERB When you reword something that is spoken or written, you try to express it in a way that is more accurate, more acceptable, or more easily understood. □�[V n] All right, I'll reword my question.

re|work /riː wɜː r k/ (reworks , reworking , reworked ) VERB If you rework something such as an idea or a piece of writing, you reorganize it and make changes to it in order to improve it or bring it up to date. □�[V n] See if you can rework your schedule and reduce the number of hours you're on call. ●� re|work|ing (reworkings ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] Her latest novel seems at first sight to be a reworking of similar themes.

re|wound /riː waʊ nd/ Rewound is the past tense and past participle of rewind .

re|write (rewrites , rewriting , rewrote , rewritten ) The verb is pronounced /riː ra I t/. The noun is pronounced /riː ra I t/. 1 VERB If someone rewrites a piece of writing such as a book, an article, or a law, they write it in a different way in order to improve it. □�[V n] Following this critique, students rewrite their papers and submit them for final evaluation.

2 VERB If you accuse a government of rewriting history, you are criticizing them for selecting and presenting particular historical events in a way that suits their own purposes. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] We have always been an independent people, no matter how they rewrite history.

3 VERB When journalists say that a sports player has rewritten the record books or the history books, they mean that the player has broken a record or several records. □�[V n] �the extraordinary West Country team that have rewritten all the record books in those three years.

4 N‑COUNT In the film and television industries, a rewrite is the writing of parts of a film again in order to improve it. □� Only after countless rewrites did John consider the script ready.

rhap|sod|ic /r�psɒ d I k/ ADJ Language and feelings that are rhapsodic are very powerful and full of delight in something. [FORMAL ] □� �a rhapsodic letter about the birth of her first baby.

rhap|so|dize /r� psəda I z/ (rhapsodizes , rhapsodizing , rhapsodized ) in BRIT, also use rhapsodise VERB If you rhapsodize about someone or something, you express great delight or enthusiasm about them. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�over/about ] The critics rhapsodized over her performance in 'Autumn Sonata'.

rhap|so|dy /r� psədi/ (rhapsodies ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A rhapsody is a piece of music which has an irregular form and is full of feeling. □� �George Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue.

rhe|sus fac|tor /riː səs f�ktə r / N‑SING The rhesus factor is something that is in the blood of most people. If someone's blood contains this factor, they are rhesus positive. If it does not, they are rhesus negative.

rheto|ric /re tər I k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to speech or writing as rhetoric , you disapprove of it because it is intended to convince and impress people but may not be sincere or honest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What is required is immediate action, not rhetoric.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Rhetoric is the skill or art of using language effectively. [FORMAL ] □� �the noble institutions of political life, such as political rhetoric and public service.

rhe|tori|cal /r I tɒ r I k ə l, [AM ] -tɔː r-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rhetorical question is one which is asked in order to make a statement rather than to get an answer. □� He grimaced slightly, obviously expecting no answer to his rhetorical question. ●� rhe|tori|cal|ly /r I tɒ r I kli, [AM ] -tɔː r-/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Do these kids know how lucky they are?' Jackson asked rhetorically.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Rhetorical language is intended to be grand and impressive. [FORMAL ] □� These arguments may have been used as a rhetorical device to argue for a perpetuation of a United Nations role. ●� rhe|tori|cal|ly ADV □� Suddenly, the narrator speaks in his most rhetorically elevated mode.

rhe|tori|cian /re tər I ʃ ə n/ (rhetoricians ) N‑COUNT A rhetorician is a person who is good at public speaking or who is trained in the art of rhetoric. □� �an able and fiercely contentious rhetorician.

rheu|mat|ic /ruːm� t I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Rheumatic is used to describe conditions and pains that are related to rheumatism. Rheumatic joints are swollen and painful because they are affected by rheumatism. □� �new treatments for a range of rheumatic diseases.

rheu|^mat|ic fe |ver N‑UNCOUNT Rheumatic fever is a disease which causes fever, and swelling and pain in your joints.

rheu|ma|tism /ruː mət I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Rheumatism is an illness that makes your joints or muscles stiff and painful. Older people, especially, suffer from rheumatism.

rheu|ma|toid ar|thri|tis /ruː mətɔ I d ɑː r θra I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting disease that causes your joints, for example your hands or knees, to swell up and become painful.

rheu|ma|tol|ogy /ruː mətɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Rheumatology is the area of medicine that is concerned with rheumatism, arthritis, and related diseases. ●� rheu|ma|tolo|gist (rheumatologists ) N‑COUNT □� He was consultant rheumatologist at the nearby hospital.

rheumy /ruː mi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has rheumy eyes, their eyes are red and watery, usually because they are very ill or old. [LITERARY ]

Rh fac|tor /ɑː r e I tʃ f�ktə r / N‑UNCOUNT The Rh factor is the same as the rhesus factor .

rhine|stone /ra I nstoʊn/ (rhinestones ) N‑COUNT Rhinestones are shiny, glass jewels that are used in cheap jewellery and to decorate clothes.

rhi|ni|tis /ra I na I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT If you suffer from rhinitis or allergic rhinitis , your nose is very sore and liquid keeps coming out of it. [MEDICAL ]

rhi|no /ra I noʊ/ (rhinos ) N‑COUNT A rhino is the same as a rhinoceros . [INFORMAL ]

rhi|noc|er|os /ra I nɒ sərəs/ (rhinoceroses ) N‑COUNT A rhinoceros is a large Asian or African animal with thick grey skin and a horn, or two horns, on its nose. WORD HISTORY rhinoceros

Rhinoceros came into English via Latin from Greek rhinokerōs , from rhino- , meaning 'of the nose', and keras , meaning 'horn'.

rhi|zome /ra I zoʊm/ (rhizomes ) N‑COUNT Rhizomes are the horizontal stems from which some plants, such as irises, grow. Rhizomes are found on or just under the surface of the earth.

rho|do|den|dron /roʊ dəde ndrən/ (rhododendrons ) N‑VAR A rhododendron is a large bush with large flowers which are usually pink, red, or purple.

rhom|bus /rɒ mbəs/ (rhombuses ) N‑COUNT A rhombus is a geometric shape which has four equal sides but is not a square. [TECHNICAL ]

rhu|barb /ruː bɑː r b/ N‑UNCOUNT Rhubarb is a plant with large leaves and long red stems. You can cook the stems with sugar to make jam or puddings.

rhyme /ra I m/ (rhymes , rhyming , rhymed )

1 VERB If one word rhymeswith another or if two words rhyme , they have a very similar sound. Words that rhyme with each other are often used in poems. □�[V +�with ] June always rhymes with moon in old love songs. □�[V ] I only write poetry that rhymes. □�[V n +�with ] �a singer rhyming 'eyes' with 'realise'. □�[V -ed] �rhymed couplets. [Also V n (non-recip)]

2 VERB If a poem or song rhymes , the lines end with words that have very similar sounds. □�[V ] To make it rhyme he seems to have chosen the first word that came into his head. □�[V -ing] �rhyming couplets.

3 N‑COUNT A rhyme is a word which rhymes with another word, or a set of lines which rhyme. □�[+�for ] The one rhyme for passion is fashion.

4 N‑COUNT A rhyme is a short poem which has rhyming words at the ends of its lines. □� He was teaching Helen a little rhyme.

5 →�see also nursery rhyme

6 N‑UNCOUNT Rhyme is the use of rhyming words as a technique in poetry. If something is written in rhyme , it is written as a poem in which the lines rhyme. □� The plays are in rhyme.

7 PHRASE If something happens or is done without rhyme or reason , there seems to be no logical reason for it to happen or be done. □� He picked people on a whim, without rhyme or reason.

rhy m|ing slang N‑UNCOUNT Rhyming slang is a spoken informal kind of language in which you do not use the normal word for something, but say a word or phrase that rhymes with it instead. In Cockney rhyming slang, for example, people say 'apples and pears' to mean 'stairs'.

rhythm ◆◇◇ /r I �əm/ (rhythms )

1 N‑VAR A rhythm is a regular series of sounds or movements. □� He had no sense of rhythm whatsoever.

2 N‑COUNT A rhythm is a regular pattern of changes, for example changes in your body, in the seasons, or in the tides. □� Begin to listen to your own body rhythms.

rhy thm and blue s N‑UNCOUNT Rhythm and blues is a style of popular music developed in the 1940's from blues music, but using electrically amplified instruments. The abbreviation R&B is also used.

rhyth|mic /r I �m I k/ or rhythmical /r I �m I k ə l/ ADJ A rhythmic movement or sound is repeated at regular intervals, forming a regular pattern or beat. □� Good breathing is slow, rhythmic and deep. ●� rhyth|mi|cal|ly /r I �m I kli/ ADV [ADV after v] □� She stood, swaying her hips, moving rhythmically.

rhy thm meth|od N‑SING The rhythm method is a practice in which a couple try to prevent pregnancy by having sex only at times when the woman is not likely to become pregnant.

rhy thm sec|tion N‑SING The rhythm section of a band is the musicians whose main job is to supply the rhythm. It usually consists of bass and drums, and sometimes keyboard instruments.

rib /r I b/ (ribs , ribbing , ribbed )

1 N‑COUNT Your ribs are the 12 pairs of curved bones that surround your chest. □� Her heart was thumping against her ribs.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A ribof meat such as beef or pork is a piece that has been cut to include one of the animal's ribs. □�[+�of ] �a rib of beef.

3 VERB If you rib someone about something, you tease them about it in a friendly way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] The guys in my local pub used to rib me about drinking 'girly' drinks.

4 →�see also ribbed , ribbing

rib|ald /r I b ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A ribald remark or sense of humour is rather rude and refers to sex in a humorous way. □� �her ribald comments about a fellow guest's body language.

ribbed /r I bd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A ribbed surface, material, or garment has a raised pattern of parallel lines on it. □� �ribbed cashmere sweaters.

rib|bing /r I b I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Ribbing is friendly teasing. [INFORMAL ] □� I got quite a lot of ribbing from my team-mates.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Ribbing is a method of knitting that makes a raised pattern of parallel lines. You use ribbing, for example, round the edge of sweaters so that the material can stretch without losing its shape.

rib|bon /r I bən/ (ribbons )

1 N‑VAR A ribbon is a long, narrow piece of cloth that you use for tying things together or as a decoration. □� She had tied back her hair with a peach satin ribbon.

2 N‑COUNT A typewriter or printer ribbon is a long, narrow piece of cloth containing ink and is used in a typewriter or printer.

3 N‑COUNT A ribbon is a small decorative strip of cloth which is given to someone to wear on their clothes as an award or to show that they are linked with a particular organization.

ri b cage (rib cages ) also ribcage N‑COUNT Your rib cage is the structure of ribs in your chest. It protects your lungs and other organs.

ri|bo|fla|vin /ra I boʊfle I v I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Riboflavin is a vitamin that occurs in green vegetables, milk, fish, eggs, liver, and kidney.

rice ◆◇◇ /ra I s/ (rices ) N‑VAR Rice consists of white or brown grains taken from a cereal plant. You cook rice and usually eat it with meat or vegetables. □� �a meal consisting of chicken, rice and vegetables.

ri ce pa|per N‑UNCOUNT Rice paper is very thin paper made from rice plants. It is used in cooking.

ri ce pu d|ding (rice puddings ) N‑VAR Rice pudding is a dessert which is made from rice, milk, and sugar.

rich ◆◆◇ /r I tʃ/ (richer , richest , riches )

1 ADJ A rich person has a lot of money or valuable possessions. □� Their one aim in life is to get rich. ●�N‑PLURAL The rich are rich people. □� This is a system in which the rich are cared for and the poor are left to suffer.

2 N‑PLURAL Riches are valuable possessions or large amounts of money. □� A gold medal can lead to untold riches for an athlete.

3 ADJ A rich country has a strong economy and produces a lot of wealth, so many people who live there have a high standard of living. □� There is hunger in many parts of the world, even in rich countries.

4 N‑PLURAL If you talk about the Earth's riches , you are referring to things that exist naturally in large quantities and that are useful and valuable, for example minerals, wood, and oil. □� �Russia's vast natural riches.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If something is rich in a useful or valuable substance or is a rich sourceof it, it contains a lot of it. □�[+�in ] Liver and kidney are particularly rich in vitamin A.

6 ADJ Rich food contains a lot of fat or oil. □� Additional cream would make it too rich. ●� rich|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The coffee flavour complemented the richness of the pudding.

7 ADJ Rich soil contains large amounts of substances that make it good for growing crops or flowers in. □� Farmers grow rice in the rich soil.

8 ADJ A rich deposit of a mineral or other substance is a large amount of it. □� �the country's rich deposits of the metal, lithium. ●� rich|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the richness of the country's mineral deposits.

9 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that something is a rich vein or source of something such as humour, ideas, or information, you mean that it can provide a lot of that thing. □� The director discovered a rich vein of sentimentality.

10 ADJ Rich smells are strong and very pleasant. Rich colours and sounds are deep and very pleasant. □� �a rich and luxuriously perfumed bath essence. ●� rich|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the richness of colour in Gauguin's paintings.

11 ADJ A rich life or history is one that is interesting because it is full of different events and activities. □� A rich and varied cultural life is essential for this couple. ●� rich|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] It all adds to the richness of human life.

12 ADJ A rich collection or mixture contains a wide and interesting variety of different things. □� Visitors can view a rich and colorful array of aquatic plants and animals. ●� rich|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a huge country, containing a richness of culture and diversity of landscape.

13 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that something a person says or does is rich , you are making fun of it because you think it is a surprising and inappropriate thing for them to say or do. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Gil says that women can't keep secrets. That's rich, coming from him, the professional sneak.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone is filthy rich or stinking rich , you disapprove of them because they have a lot of money. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's stinking rich, and with no more talent than he ever had before. SYNONYMS rich ADJ 1

affluent:Cigarette smoking used to be commoner among affluent people.

prosperous:�the youngest son of a relatively prosperous British family.

wealthy:�a wealthy international businessman.

well-off:My grandparents were quite well-off.

well-to-do:�two well educated girls from well-to-do homes.

-rich /-r I tʃ/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -rich combines with the names of useful or valuable substances to form adjectives that describe something as containing a lot of a particular substance. □� �Angola's northern oil-rich coastline.

rich|ly /r I tʃli/

1 ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj] If something is richly coloured, flavoured, or perfumed, it has a pleasantly strong colour, flavour, or perfume. □� �an opulent display of richly coloured fabrics.

2 ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj] If something is richly decorated, patterned, or furnished, it has a lot of elaborate and beautiful decoration, patterns, or furniture. □� Coffee steamed in the richly decorated silver pot.

3 ADV [ADV before v, ADV -ed] If you say that someone richly deserves an award, success, or victory, you approve of what they have done and feel very strongly that they deserve it. [FEELINGS ] □� He achieved the success he so richly deserved.

4 ADV [ADV before v, ADV -ed] If you are richly rewarded for doing something, you get something very valuable or pleasant in return for doing it. □� It is a difficult book to read, but it richly rewards the effort.

Richter scale /r I ktə r ske I l/ N‑SING The Richter scale is a scale which is used for measuring how severe an earthquake is. □� An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter Scale struck the city yesterday.

rick /r I k/ (ricks , ricking , ricked )

1 VERB If you rick your neck, you hurt it by pulling or twisting it in an unusual way. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Kernaghan missed the United game after he ricked his neck. □�[V -ed] He recovered from a ricked neck. in AM, use wrench2 N‑COUNT A rick is a large pile of dried grass or straw that is built in a regular shape and kept in a field until it is needed.

rick|ets /r I k I ts/ N‑UNCOUNT Rickets is a disease that children can get when their food does not contain enough Vitamin D. It makes their bones soft and causes their liver and spleen to become too large.

rick|ety /r I k I ti/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rickety structure or piece of furniture is not very strong or well made, and seems likely to collapse or break. □� Mona climbed the rickety wooden stairway.

rick|shaw /r I kʃɔː/ (rickshaws ) N‑COUNT A rickshaw is a simple vehicle that is used in Asia for carrying passengers. Some rickshaws are pulled by a man who walks or runs in front.

rico|chet /r I kəʃe I , [AM ] -ʃe I / (ricochets , ricocheting , ricocheted ) VERB When a bullet ricochets , it hits a surface and bounces away from it. □�[V prep/adv] The bullets ricocheted off the bonnet and windscreen. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Ricochet is also a noun. □� He was wounded in the shoulder by a ricochet.

rid ◆◇◇ /r I d/ (rids , ridding ) The form rid is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb.

1 PHRASE When you get rid of something that you do not want or do not like, you take action so that you no longer have it or suffer from it. □� The owner needs to get rid of the car for financial reasons.

2 PHRASE If you get rid of someone who is causing problems for you or who you do not like, you do something to prevent them affecting you any more, for example by making them leave. □� He believed that his manager wanted to get rid of him for personal reasons.

3 VERB If you rid a place or person of something undesirable or unwanted, you succeed in removing it completely from that place or person. □�[V n +�of ] The proposals are an attempt to rid the country of political corruption.

4 VERB If you ridyourselfof something you do not want, you take action so that you no longer have it or are no longer affected by it. □�[V pron-refl +�of ] Why couldn't he ever rid himself of those thoughts, those worries?

5 ADJ If you are rid of someone or something that you did not want or that caused problems for you, they are no longer with you or causing problems for you. □�[+�of ] The family had sought a way to be rid of her and the problems she had caused them.

rid|dance /r I d ə ns/ PHRASE You say ' good riddance ' to indicate that you are pleased that someone has left or that something has gone. [FEELINGS ] □� He's gone back to London in a huff and good riddance.

rid|den /r I d ə n/ Ridden is the past participle of ride .

-ridden /-r I d ə n/ COMB -ridden combines with nouns to form adjectives that describe something as having a lot of a particular undesirable thing or quality, or suffering very much because of it. □� He was embracing the cause of debt-ridden and credit-starved farmers.

rid|dle /r I d ə l/ (riddles , riddling , riddled )

1 N‑COUNT A riddle is a puzzle or joke in which you ask a question that seems to be nonsense but which has a clever or amusing answer.

2 N‑COUNT You can describe something as a riddle if people have been trying to understand or explain it but have not been able to. □�[+�of ] Hawking's equation is a clue to the riddle of black holes.

3 VERB If someone riddles something with bullets or bullet holes, they fire a lot of bullets into it. □�[V n +�with ] Unknown attackers riddled two homes with gunfire.

rid|dled /r I d ə ld/

1 ADJ If something is riddled with bullets or bullet holes, it is full of bullet holes. □�[+�with ] The bodies of four people were found riddled with bullets.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If something is riddled with undesirable qualities or features, it is full of them. □�[+�with ] They were the principal shareholders in a bank riddled with corruption.

-riddled /-r I d ə ld/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -riddled combines with nouns to form adjectives that describe something as being full of a particular undesirable thing or quality. □� She pushed the bullet-riddled door open.

ride ◆◆◇ /ra I d/ (rides , riding , rode , ridden )

1 VERB When you ride a horse, you sit on it and control its movements. □�[V n] I saw a girl riding a horse. □�[V ] Can you ride? □�[V +�on ] He was riding on his horse looking for the castle. □�[V adv/prep] They still ride around on horses.

2 VERB When you ride a bicycle or a motorcycle, you sit on it, control it, and travel along on it. □�[V n] Riding a bike is great exercise. □�[V +�on ] Two men riding on motorcycles opened fire on him. □�[V prep/adv] He rode to work on a bicycle.

3 VERB When you ridein a vehicle such as a car, you travel in it. □�[V +�in/on ] He prefers travelling on the Tube to riding in a limousine. □�[V adv/prep] I remember the village full of American servicemen riding around in jeeps.

4 N‑COUNT A ride is a journey on a horse or bicycle, or in a vehicle. □� Would you like to go for a ride?

5 N‑COUNT In a fairground, a ride is a large machine that people ride on for fun.

6 VERB [oft cont] If you say that one thing is riding on another, you mean that the first thing depends on the second thing. □�[V +�on ] Billions of pounds are riding on the outcome of the election.

7 →�see also riding

8 PHRASE [usu cont] If you say that someone or something is riding high , you mean that they are popular or successful at the present time. □� He was riding high in the public opinion polls.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone faces a rough ride , you mean that things are going to be difficult for them because people will criticize them a lot or treat them badly. [INFORMAL ] □� The Chancellor could face a rough ride unless the plan works.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone has been taken for a ride , you mean that they have been deceived or cheated. [INFORMAL ] □� When he didn't return with my money, I realized I had been taken for a ride.

11to ride roughshod over →�see roughshod

▸� ride out PHRASAL VERB If someone rides out a storm or a crisis, they manage to survive a difficult period without suffering serious harm. □�[V P n] The ruling party think they can ride out the political storm. □�[V n P ] He has to just ride this out and hope that it turns in his favor.

▸� ride up PHRASAL VERB If a garment rides up , it moves upwards, out of its proper position. □�[V P ] My underskirt had ridden up into a thick band around my hips.

rid|er ◆◇◇ /ra I də r / (riders )

1 N‑COUNT A rider is someone who rides a horse, a bicycle, or a motorcycle as a hobby or job. You can also refer to someone who is riding a horse, a bicycle, or a motorcycle as a rider. □� She is a very good and experienced rider.

2 N‑COUNT A rider is a statement that is added to another statement, especially one which contains a change, an explanation, or further information. □�[+�on ] He said he could see no necessity to add any rider on the use of firearms by police. □�[+�to ] America conventionally attaches a rider to any aid, to the effect that it must not be used in certain territories.

ridge /r I dʒ/ (ridges )

1 N‑COUNT A ridge is a long, narrow piece of raised land.

2 N‑COUNT A ridge is a raised line on a flat surface. □�[+�of ] �the bony ridge of the eye socket.

ridged /r I dʒd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A ridged surface has raised lines on it. □� �boots with thick, ridged soles for walking.

ridi|cule /r I d I kjuːl/ (ridicules , ridiculing , ridiculed )

1 VERB If you ridicule someone or ridicule their ideas or beliefs, you make fun of them in an unkind way. □�[V n] I admired her all the more for allowing them to ridicule her and never striking back.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone or something is an object of ridicule or is held up to ridicule , someone makes fun of them in an unkind way. □� As a heavy child, she became the object of ridicule from classmates.

ri|dicu|lous /r I d I kjʊləs/ ADJ If you say that something or someone is ridiculous , you mean that they are very foolish. □� It is ridiculous to suggest we are having a romance.

ri|dicu|lous|ly /r I d I kjʊləsli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] You use ridiculously to emphasize the fact that you think something is unreasonable or very surprising. [EMPHASIS ] □� Dena bought rolls of silk that seemed ridiculously cheap.

rid|ing /ra I d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Riding is the activity or sport of riding horses. □� The next morning we went riding again.

rife /ra I f/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that something, usually something bad, is rife in a place or that the place is rifewith it, you mean that it is very common. □� Speculation is rife that he will be sacked. □�[+�with ] Hollywood soon became rife with rumors.

riff /r I f/ (riffs )

1 N‑COUNT In jazz and rock music, a riff is a short repeated tune.

2 N‑COUNT A riff is a short piece of speech or writing that develops a particular theme or idea. □�[+�on ] Rowe does a very clever riff on the nature of prejudice.

rif|fle /r I f ə l/ (riffles , riffling , riffled ) VERB If you riffle through the pages of a book or riffle them, you turn them over quickly, without reading everything that is on them. □�[V +�through ] I riffled through the pages until I reached the index. [Also V n]

riff-raff /r I f r�f/ also riffraff N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to a group of people as riff-raff , you disapprove of them because you think they are not respectable. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ri|fle /ra I f ə l/ (rifles , rifling , rifled )

1 N‑COUNT A rifle is a gun with a long barrel. □� They shot him at point blank range with an automatic rifle.

2 VERB If you riflethrough things or rifle them, you make a quick search among them in order to find something or steal something. □�[V +�through ] I discovered him rifling through the filing cabinet. □�[V n] There were lockers by each seat and I quickly rifled the contents.

rifle|man /ra I f ə lm�n/ (riflemen ) N‑COUNT A rifleman is a person, especially a soldier, who is skilled in the use of a rifle.

ri |fle range (rifle ranges ) N‑COUNT A rifle range is a place where you can practise shooting with a rifle.

rift /r I ft/ (rifts )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A rift between people or countries is a serious quarrel or disagreement that stops them having a good relationship. □�[+�between ] The interview reflected a growing rift between the President and the government.

2 N‑COUNT A rift is a split that appears in something solid, especially in the ground.

rig /r I g/ (rigs , rigging , rigged )

1 VERB If someone rigs an election, a job appointment, or a game, they dishonestly arrange it to get the result they want or to give someone an unfair advantage. □�[V n] She accused her opponents of rigging the vote.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A rig is a large structure that is used for looking for oil or gas and for taking it out of the ground or the sea bed. □� �gas rigs in the North Sea.

3 N‑COUNT A rig is a truck or lorry that is made in two or more sections which are joined together by metal bars, so that the vehicle can turn more easily. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use articulated lorry4 →�see also rigging

▸� rig up PHRASAL VERB If you rig up a device or structure, you make it or fix it in place using any materials that are available. □�[V P n] Election officials have rigged up speakers to provide voters with music. [Also V n P ]

rig|ging /r I g I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Vote or ballot rigging is the act of dishonestly organizing an election to get a particular result. □� She was accused of corruption, of vote rigging on a massive scale.

2 N‑UNCOUNT On a ship, the rigging is the ropes which support the ship's masts and sails.

right

➊�CORRECT, APPROPRIATE, OR ACCEPTABLE

➋�DIRECTION AND POLITICAL GROUPINGS

➌�ENTITLEMENT

➍�DISCOURSE USES

➎�USED FOR EMPHASIS

➏�USED IN TITLES

➊ right ◆◆◆ /ra I t/ (rights , righting , righted )

→�Please look at categories 17 to 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADJ If something is right , it is correct and agrees with the facts. □� That's absolutely right. □� Clocks never told the right time. □� The barman tells me you saw Ann on Tuesday morning. Is that right? ●�ADV [ADV after v] Right is also an adverb. □� He guessed right about some things. ●� right|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She attended one meeting only, if I remember rightly.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you do something in the right way or in the right place, you do it as or where it should be done or was planned to be done. □� Walking, done in the right way, is a form of aerobic exercise. □� The chocolate is then melted down to exactly the right temperature. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Right is also an adverb. □� To make sure I did everything right, I bought a fat instruction book.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone is seen in all theright places or knows all theright people, you mean that they go to places which are socially acceptable or know people who are socially acceptable. □� He was always to be seen in the right places.

4 ADJ If someone is rightabout something, they are correct in what they say or think about it. □� Ron has been right about the result of every General Election but one. ●� right|ly ADV □� He rightly assumed that the boy was hiding.

5 ADJ If something such as a choice, action, or decision is the right one, it is the best or most suitable one. □� She'd made the right choice in leaving New York. □� The right decision was made, but probably for the wrong reasons. ●� right|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She hoped she'd decided rightly.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is notright , there is something unsatisfactory about the situation or thing that you are talking about. □� Ratatouille doesn't taste right with any other oil.

7 ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If you think that someone was rightto do something, you think that there were good moral reasons why they did it. □� You were right to do what you did, under the circumstances. ●� right|ly ADV [ADV before v] □� The crowd screamed for a penalty but the referee rightly ignored them.

8 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Right is used to refer to activities or actions that are considered to be morally good and acceptable. □� It's not right, leaving her like this. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Right is also a noun. □� At least he knew right from wrong. ●� right|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Many people have very strong opinions about the rightness or wrongness of abortion.

9 VERB If you right something or if it rightsitself , it returns to its normal or correct state, after being in an undesirable state. □�[V n] They recognise the urgency of righting the economy. □�[V pron-refl] Your eyesight rights itself very quickly.

10 VERB If you right a wrong, you do something to make up for a mistake or something bad that you did in the past. □�[V n] We've made progress in righting the wrongs of the past.

11 VERB If you right something that has fallen or rolled over, or if it rightsitself , it returns to its normal upright position. □�[V n] He righted the yacht and continued the race. □�[V pron-refl] The helicopter turned at an awful angle before righting itself.

12 ADJ [ADJ n] The right side of a material is the side that is intended to be seen and that faces outwards when it is made into something.

13 PHRASE If you say that things are going right , you mean that your life or a situation is developing as you intended or expected and you are pleased with it. □� I can't think of anything in my life that's going right.

14 PHRASE If someone has behaved in a way which is morally or legally right, you can say that they are in the right . You usually use this expression when the person is involved in an argument or dispute. □� She wasn't entirely in the right.

15 PHRASE If you put something right , you correct something that was wrong or that was causing problems. □� We've discovered what's gone wrong and are going to put it right.

16heart in the right place →�see heart

17it serves you right →�see serve

18on the right side of →�see side

➋ right ◆◆◆ /ra I t/ The spelling Right is also used for meaning 3 . 1 N‑SING The right is one of two opposite directions, sides, or positions. If you are facing north and you turn to the right, you will be facing east. In the word 'to', the 'o' is to the right of the 't'. □� Ahead of you on the right will be a lovely garden. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Right is also an adverb. □� Turn right into the street.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Your right arm, leg, or ear, for example, is the one which is on the right side of your body. Your right shoe or glove is the one which is intended to be worn on your right foot or hand.

3 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to people who support the political ideals of capitalism and conservatism as the right . They are often contrasted with the left , who support the political ideals of socialism. □� The Tory Right despise him.

4 N‑SING If you say that someone has moved tothe right , you mean that their political beliefs have become more right-wing. □� They see the shift to the right as a worldwide phenomenon.

5 PHRASE If someone is at a person's right hand , they work closely with that person so they can help and advise them. □� I think he ought to be at the right hand of the president.

➌ right ◆◆◆ /ra I t/ (rights )

1 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your rights are what you are morally or legally entitled to do or to have. □� They don't know their rights. □� You must stand up for your rights.

2 N‑SING [usu N to-inf] If you have a rightto do or to have something, you are morally or legally entitled to do it or to have it. □� �a woman's right to choose.

3 N‑PLURAL If someone has the rightsto a story or book, they are legally allowed to publish it or reproduce it in another form, and nobody else can do so without their permission. □� An agent bought the rights to his life. □� �the film rights of his story in 1957.

4 PHRASE If something is not the case but you think that it should be, you can say that by rights it should be the case. □� She did work which by rights should be done by someone else.

5 PHRASE If someone is a successful or respected person in their own right , they are successful or respected because of their own efforts and talents rather than those of the people they are closely connected with. □� Although now a celebrity in her own right, the actress knows the difficulties of living in the shadow of her famous older sister.

6 PHRASE If you say that you reserve the rightto do something, you mean that you will do it if you feel that it is necessary. □� He reserved the right to change his mind.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone is within their rightsto do something, you mean that they are morally or legally entitled to do it. □� You were quite within your rights to refuse to co-operate with him.

➍ right ◆◆◆ /ra I t/

1 ADV You use right in order to attract someone's attention or to indicate that you have dealt with one thing so you can go on to another. [SPOKEN ] □� Right, I'll be back in a minute.

2 CONVENTION You can use right to check whether what you have just said is correct. [SPOKEN ] □� They have a small plane, right?

3 ADV You can say ' right ' to show that you are listening to what someone is saying and that you accept it or understand it. [SPOKEN ] □� 'Your children may speak with a bit of a country accent'�'Right.'�'because they're mixing with country children.'

4 →�see also all right

➎ right ◆◆◆ /ra I t/

1 ADV [ADV adv/prep] You can use right to emphasize the precise place, position, or time of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� The back of a car appeared right in front of him. □� �a charming resort right on the Italian frontier.

2 ADV You can use right to emphasize how far something moves or extends or how long it continues. [EMPHASIS ] □� �the highway that runs right to the army positions. □� She was kept very busy right up to the moment of her departure.

3 ADV [ADV adv/prep] You can use right to emphasize that an action or state is complete. [EMPHASIS ] □� The candle had burned right down. □� The handle came right off in my hand.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use right to emphasize a noun, usually a noun referring to something bad. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He gave them a right telling off.

5 ADV If you say that something happened rightafter a particular time or event or rightbefore it, you mean that it happened immediately after or before it. [EMPHASIS ] □� All of a sudden, right after the summer, Mother gets married.

6 ADV [ADV adv] If you say I'll be right there or I'll be right back , you mean that you will get to a place or get back to it in a very short time. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm going to get some water. I'll be right back.

7 PHRASE If you do something right away or right off , you do it immediately. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He wants to see you right away. □� Right off I want to confess that I was wrong.

8 PHRASE You can use right now to emphasize that you are referring to the present moment. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I'm warning you; stop it right now!

➏ Right /ra I t/ ADV [ADV adj] Right is used in some British titles. It indicates high rank or status. □� �The Right Reverend John Baker. □� �the Right Honourable Lynn Jones MP.

ri ght an|gle (right angles ) also right-angle

1 N‑COUNT A right angle is an angle of ninety degrees. A square has four right angles.

2 PHRASE If two things are at right angles , they are situated so that they form an angle of 90� where they touch each other. You can also say that one thing is at right anglesto another. □� �two lasers at right angles.

ri ght-angled

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A right-angled triangle has one angle that is a right angle. [BRIT ] in AM, use right triangle2 ADJ [ADJ n] A right-angled bend is a sharp bend that turns through approximately ninety degrees.

ri ght-cli ck (right-clicks , right-clicking , right-clicked ) VERB To right-click or to right-clickon something means to press the right-hand button on a computer mouse. [COMPUTING ] □�[V +�on ] All you have to do is right-click on the desktop and select New Folder.

right|eous /ra I tʃəs/ ADJ If you think that someone behaves or lives in a way that is morally good, you can say that they are righteous . People sometimes use righteous to express their disapproval when they think someone is only behaving in this way so that others will admire or support them. [FORMAL ] □� Aren't you afraid of being seen as a righteous crusader? ●� right|eous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Both sides in the dispute have been adopting a tone of moral righteousness. ●� right|eous|ly ADV □� They righteously maintain that they do not practise rationing.

right|ful /ra I tfʊl/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone or something has returned to its rightful place or position, they have returned to the place or position that you think they should have. □� This certainly helped Spain take its rightful place in Europe. ●� right|ful|ly ADV □� Jealousy is the feeling that someone else has something that rightfully belongs to you.

ri ght-hand ADJ [ADJ n] If something is on the right-hand side of something, it is positioned on the right of it. □� �a church on the right-hand side of the road.

ri ght-hand dri ve ADJ [usu ADJ n] A right-hand drive vehicle has its steering wheel on the right side. It is designed to be driven in countries such as Britain, Japan, and Australia where people drive on the left side of the road.

ri ght-ha nded ADJ Someone who is right-handed uses their right hand rather than their left hand for activities such as writing and sports, and for picking things up. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Right-handed is also an adverb. □� I batted left-handed and bowled right-handed.

ri ght-ha nder (right-handers ) N‑COUNT You can describe someone as a right-hander if they use their right hand rather than their left hand for activities such as writing and sports and for picking things up.

ri ght-hand man (right-hand men ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's right-hand man is the person who acts as their chief assistant and helps and supports them a lot in their work. □� The platoon commander's right-hand man is his platoon sergeant.

right|ist /ra I t I st/ (rightists )

1 N‑COUNT If someone is described as a rightist , they are politically conservative and traditional. Rightists support the ideals of capitalism.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has rightist views or takes part in rightist activities, they are politically conservative and traditional and support the ideas of capitalism.

ri ght-ju stify (right-justifies , right-justifying , right-justified ) VERB If printed text is right-justified , each line finishes at the same distance from the right-hand edge of the page or column. □�[V n] Click this option to right-justify the selected text.

ri ght-minded ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you think that someone's opinions or beliefs are sensible and you agree with them, you can describe them as a right-minded person. [APPROVAL ] □� He is an able, right-minded, and religious man.

righto /ra I toʊ / also right oh EXCLAM Some people say righto to show that they agree with a suggestion that someone has made. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FORMULAE ] □� Righto, Harry. I'll put Russ Clements in charge.

ri ght-of-ce ntre in AM, use right-of-center ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe a person or political party as right-of-centre if they have political views which are closer to capitalism and conservatism than to socialism but which are not very extreme. □� �the new right-of-centre government.

ri ght of way (rights of way )

1 N‑COUNT A right of way is a public path across private land.

2 N‑UNCOUNT When someone who is driving or walking along a road has right of way or theright of way , they have the right to continue along a particular road or path, and other people must stop for them.

3 N‑COUNT A right of way is a strip of land that is used for a road, railway line, or power line. [AM ]

ri ght-on ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone as right-on if they have liberal or left-wing ideas, especially if you disagree with them or want to make fun of them. □� The people that come to watch the play are all those right-on left-wing sort of people.

ri ghts i s|sue (rights issues ) N‑COUNT A rights issue is when a company offers shares at a reduced price to people who already have shares in the company. [BUSINESS ]

ri ght-thinking ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you think that someone's opinions or beliefs are sensible and you agree with them, you can describe them as a right-thinking person. [APPROVAL ] □� Every right-thinking American would be proud of them.

ri ght to li fe N‑SING [oft N n] When people talk about an unborn baby's right to life , they mean that a baby has the right to be born, even if it has a severe disability or if its mother does not want it. □� �the Right to Life Campaign.

ri ght tri |an|gle (right triangles ) N‑COUNT A right triangle has one angle that is a right angle. [AM ] in BRIT, use right-angled triangle

right|ward /ra I twə r d/ also rightwards ADJ [ADJ n] If there is a rightward trend in the politics of a person or party, their views become more right-wing. □� The result reflects a modest rightward shift in opinion. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Rightward is also an adverb. □� He continued to urge the Conservative Party to tilt rightwards.

ri ght-wi ng ◆◇◇ The spelling right wing is used for meaning 2 . 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A right-wing person or group has conservative or capitalist views. □� �a right-wing government.

2 N‑SING The right wing of a political party consists of the members who have the most conservative or the most capitalist views. □�[+�of ] �the right wing of the Conservative Party. SYNONYMS right-wing ADJ 1

conservative:�counties whose citizens invariably support the most conservative candidate in any election.

Tory:�the constituency with the largest Tory majority in the country.

traditionalist:My father is a real traditionalist.

reactionary:Critics viewed him as a reactionary.

ri ght-winger (right-wingers ) N‑COUNT If you think someone has views which are more right-wing than most other members of their party, you can say they are a right-winger .

righty /ra I t I / (righties ) also rightie

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a righty , you mean that they have conservative or capitalist views. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Bob is a moderate Republican but he has to keep the righties happy.

2 N‑COUNT A righty is someone, especially a sports player, who is right-handed. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� I had a bit of trouble getting used to a serve coming from a righty.

rig|id /r I dʒ I d/

1 ADJ Laws, rules, or systems that are rigid cannot be changed or varied, and are therefore considered to be rather severe. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Several colleges in our study have rigid rules about student conduct. ●� ri|gid|ity /r I dʒ I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the rigidity of government policy. ●� rig|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The caste system was rigidly enforced.

2 ADJ If you disapprove of someone because you think they are not willing to change their way of thinking or behaving, you can describe them as rigid . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She was a fairly rigid person who had strong religious views.

3 ADJ A rigid substance or object is stiff and does not bend, stretch, or twist easily. □� �rigid plastic containers. ●� ri|gid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the strength and rigidity of glass.

rig|ma|role /r I gməroʊl/ (rigmaroles ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can describe a long and complicated process as a rigmarole . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Then the whole rigmarole starts over again.

ri|gor /r I gə r / →�see rigour

ri|gor mor|tis /r I gə r mɔː r t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT In a dead body, when rigor mortis sets in, the joints and muscles become very stiff.

rig|or|ous /r I gərəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A test, system, or procedure that is rigorous is very thorough and strict. □� The selection process is based on rigorous tests of competence and experience. ●� rig|or|ous|ly ADV □� �rigorously conducted research.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is rigorous in the way that they do something, they are very careful and thorough. □�[+�in ] He is rigorous in his control of expenditure.

rig|our /r I gə r / (rigours ) in AM, use rigor1 N‑PLURAL If you refer to therigoursof an activity or job, you mean the difficult, demanding, or unpleasant things that are associated with it. □�[+�of ] He found the rigours of the tour too demanding.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If something is done with rigour , it is done in a strict, thorough way. □� The new current affairs series addresses challenging issues with freshness and rigour.

rile /ra I l/ (riles , riling , riled ) VERB If something riles you, it makes you angry. □�[V n] Cancellations and late departures rarely rile him. ●� riled ADJ □� He saw I was riled.

Riley /ra I li/ also Reilly PHRASE If you say that someone is living the life of Riley , you mean that they have a very easy and comfortable life with few worries.

rim /r I m/ (rims )

1 N‑COUNT The rim of a container such as a cup or glass is the edge that goes all the way round the top. □�[+�of ] She looked at him over the rim of her glass.

2 N‑COUNT The rim of a circular object is its outside edge. □� �a round mirror with white metal rim.

3 →�see also rimmed , -rimmed

rim|less /r I mləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Rimless glasses are glasses which have no frame around the lenses or which have a frame only along the top of the lenses.

rimmed /r I md/

1 ADJ If something isrimmedwith a substance or colour, it has that substance or colour around its border. □� The plates and glassware were rimmed with gold.

2 →�see also rim , -rimmed

-rimmed /-r I md/

1 COMB -rimmed combines with nouns to form adjectives that describe something as having a border or frame made of a particular substance. □� �horn-rimmed spectacles.

2 →�see also rim , rimmed

rind /ra I nd/ (rinds )

1 N‑VAR The rind of a fruit such as a lemon or orange is its thick outer skin. □� �grated lemon rind.

2 N‑VAR The rind of cheese or bacon is the hard outer edge which you do not usually eat. □� Discard the bacon rind and cut each rasher in half.

ring

➊�TELEPHONING OR MAKING A SOUND

➋�SHAPES AND GROUPS

➊ ring ◆◆◇ /r I ŋ/ (rings , ringing , rang , rung )

→�Please look at category 12 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB When you ring someone, you phone them. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] He rang me at my mother's. □�[V ] I would ring when I got back to the hotel. □�[V adv] She has rung home just once. □�[V +�for ] Could someone ring for a taxi? ●�PHRASAL VERB Ring up means the same as ring . □�[V n P ] You can ring us up anytime. □�[V P ] John rang up and invited himself over for dinner. □�[V P +�about ] A few months ago I rang up about some housing problems. □�[V P n] Nobody rings up a doctor in the middle of the night for no reason. [in AM, usually use call ]

2 VERB When a phone rings , it makes a sound to let you know that someone is phoning you. □�[V ] As soon as he got home, the phone rang. ●�N‑COUNT Ring is also a noun. □� After at least eight rings, an ancient-sounding maid answered the phone. ●� ring|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] She was jolted out of her sleep by the ringing of the phone.

3 VERB When you ring a bell or when a bell rings , it makes a sound. □�[V ] He heard the school bell ring. □�[V n] The door was opened before she could ring the bell. ●�N‑COUNT Ring is also a noun. □� There was a ring at the bell. ●� ring|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the ringing of church bells.

4 VERB If you ringfor something, you ring a bell to call someone to bring it to you. If you ring for someone, you ring a bell so that they will come to you. □�[V +�for ] Shall I ring for a fresh pot of tea?

5 VERB If you say that a place is ringingwith sound, usually pleasant sound, you mean that the place is completely filled with that sound. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�with ] The whole place was ringing with music. [Also V ]

6 N‑SING You can use ring to describe a quality that something such as a statement, discussion, or argument seems to have. For example, if an argument has a familiar ring , it seems familiar. □� His proud boast of leading 'the party of low taxation' has a hollow ring.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone rings the changes , you mean that they make changes or improvements to the way something is organized or done. □� Ring the changes by adding spices, dried fruit or olives.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone's words ring in your ears or ring in your head , you mean that you remember them very clearly, usually when you would prefer to forget them. [LITERARY ] □� She shivered as the sound of that man's abuse rang in her ears.

9 PHRASE If you give someone a ring , you phone them. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� We'll give him a ring as soon as we get back. in AM, usually use call

10 PHRASE If a statement rings true , it seems to be true or genuine. If it rings hollow , it does not seem to be true or genuine. □� Joanna's denial rang true. □� The rumpus has made all the optimistic statements about unity and harmony ring a little hollow.

11 →�see also ringing

12to ring a bell →�see bell

▸� ring around →�see ring round

▸� ring back PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you ring someone back , you phone them either because they phoned you earlier and you were not there or because you did not finish an earlier phone conversation. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P ] Tell her I'll ring back in a few minutes. □�[V n P ] If there's any problem I'll ring you back. in AM, usually use call back

▸� ring in PHRASAL VERB If you ring in , you phone a place, such as the place where you work. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P ] Cecil wasn't there, having rung in to say he was taking the day off. in AM, usually use call in

▸� ring off PHRASAL VERB When you ring off , you put down the receiver at the end of a phone call. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P ] She had rung off before he could press her for an answer. in AM, usually use hang up

▸� ring out PHRASAL VERB If a sound rings out , it can be heard loudly and clearly. □�[V P ] A single shot rang out.

▸� ring round or ring around PHRASAL VERB If you ring round or ring around , you phone several people, usually when you are trying to organize something or to find some information. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P ] She'd ring around and get back to me. □�[V P n] She immediately started ringing round her friends and relatives. in AM, usually use call around

▸� ring up

1 →�see ring ➊ 1

2 PHRASAL VERB If a shop assistant rings up a sale on a cash register, he or she presses the keys in order to record the amount that is being spent. □�[V P n] She was ringing up her sale on an ancient cash register. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If a company rings up an amount of money, usually a large amount of money, it makes that amount of money in sales or profits. □�[V P n] The advertising agency rang up 1.4 billion dollars in yearly sales.

➋ ring ◆◇◇ /r I ŋ/ (rings , ringing , ringed )

1 N‑COUNT A ring is a small circle of metal or other substance that you wear on your finger as jewellery. □� �a gold wedding ring.

2 N‑COUNT An object or substance that is in the shape of a circle can be described as a ring . □�[+�of ] Frank took a large ring of keys from his pocket. □�[+�of ] �a ring of blue smoke.

3 N‑COUNT A group of people or things arranged in a circle can be described as a ring . □� They then formed a ring around the square.

4 N‑COUNT A gas or electric ring is one of the small flat areas on top of a stove which heat up and which you use for cooking. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use burner5 N‑COUNT At a boxing or wrestling match or a circus, the ring is the place where the contest or performance takes place. It consists of an enclosed space with seats round it. □� He will never again be allowed inside a British boxing ring.

6 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] You can refer to an organized group of people who are involved in an illegal activity as a ring . □� They exposed a smuggling ring trading in illegal elephants.

7 VERB [usu passive] If a building or place is ringedwith or by something, it is surrounded by it. □�[be V -ed] The areas are sealed off and ringed by troops.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone runs rings round you or runs rings around you, you mean that they are a lot better or a lot more successful than you at a particular activity. [INFORMAL ] □� Mentally, he can still run rings round men half his age!

ri ng bind|er (ring binders ) N‑COUNT A ring binder is a file with hard covers, which you can insert pages into. The pages are held in by metal rings on a bar attached to the inside of the file.

ring|er /r I ŋə r / (ringers )

1 PHRASE If you say that one person is a ringer or a dead ringer for another, you mean that they look exactly like each other. [INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A bell ringer is someone who rings church bells or hand bells as a hobby. [mainly BRIT ]

ri ng-fence (ring-fences , ring-fencing , ring-fenced ) VERB To ring-fence a grant or fund means to put restrictions on it, so that it can only be used for a particular purpose. [BRIT ] □�[V n] The Treasury has now agreed to ring-fence the money to ensure that it goes directly towards helping elderly people.

ri ng fin|ger (ring fingers ) N‑COUNT Your ring finger is the third finger of your left or right hand, without counting your thumb. In some countries, people wear a ring on this finger to show that they are engaged or married.

ring|ing /r I ŋ I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A ringing sound is loud and can be heard very clearly. □� He hit the metal steps with a ringing crash.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A ringing statement or declaration is one that is made forcefully and is intended to make a powerful impression. □� �the party's 14th Congress, which gave a ringing endorsement to capitalist-style economic reforms.

ring|leader /r I ŋliːdə r / (ringleaders ) N‑COUNT The ringleaders in a quarrel, disturbance, or illegal activity are the people who started it and who cause most of the trouble. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The soldiers were well informed about the ringleaders of the protest.

ring|let /r I ŋlət/ (ringlets ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Ringlets are long curls of hair that hang down.

ring|master /r I ŋmɑːstə r , -m�st-/ (ringmasters ) N‑COUNT A circus ringmaster is the person who introduces the performers and the animals.

ri ng-pull (ring-pulls ) N‑COUNT A ring-pull is a metal strip that you pull off the top of a can of drink in order to open it. [BRIT ] in AM, use tab

ri ng road (ring roads ) N‑COUNT A ring road is a road that goes round the edge of a town so that traffic does not have to go through the town centre. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use beltway

ring|side /r I ŋsa I d/

1 N‑SING The ringside is the area around the edge of a circus ring, boxing ring, or show jumping ring. □� Most of the top British trainers were at the ringside.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have a ringside seat or a ringside view, you are close to an event and can see it clearly. □� I had a ringside seat for the whole performance.

ri ng tone (ring tones ) N‑COUNT The ring tone is the sound made by a phone when it rings. □� They offer 70 hours' standby time, 2hr 50min talk time, and 15 ring tones.

ring|worm /r I ŋwɜː r m/ N‑UNCOUNT Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus. It produces itchy red patches on a person's or animal's skin, especially on their head and between their legs and toes. [MEDICAL ]

rink /r I ŋk/ (rinks ) N‑COUNT A rink is a large area covered with ice where people go to ice-skate, or a large area of concrete where people go to roller-skate. □� The other skaters were ordered off the rink.

rinse /r I ns/ (rinses , rinsing , rinsed )

1 VERB When you rinse something, you wash it in clean water in order to remove dirt or soap from it. □�[V n] It's important to rinse the rice to remove the starch. ●�N‑COUNT Rinse is also a noun. □� A quick rinse isn't sufficient. Use plenty of running water to wash away all traces of shampoo.

2 VERB If you rinse your mouth, you wash it by filling your mouth with water or with a liquid that kills germs, then spitting it out. □�[V n] Use a toothbrush on your tongue as well, and rinse your mouth frequently. ●�PHRASAL VERB Rinse out means the same as rinse . □�[V P n] After her meal she invariably rinsed out her mouth. □�[V n P ] You should rinse your mouth out after eating. ●�N‑VAR Rinse is also a noun. □� �mouth rinses with fluoride.

riot ◆◇◇ /ra I ət/ (riots , rioting , rioted )

1 N‑COUNT When there is a riot , a crowd of people behave violently in a public place, for example they fight, throw stones, or damage buildings and vehicles. □� Twelve inmates have been killed during a riot at the prison.

2 VERB If people riot , they behave violently in a public place. □�[V ] Last year 600 inmates rioted, starting fires and building barricades. ●� ri|ot|er (rioters ) N‑COUNT □� The militia dispersed the rioters. ●� ri|ot|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� At least fifteen people are now known to have died in three days of rioting.

3 N‑SING If you say that there is a riot of something pleasant such as colour, you mean that there is a large amount of various types of it. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] All the cacti were in flower, so that the desert was a riot of colour.

4 PHRASE If someone in authority reads you the riot act , they tell you that you will be punished unless you start behaving properly. □� I'm glad you read the riot act to Billy. He's still a kid and still needs to be told what to do.

5 PHRASE If people run riot , they behave in a wild and uncontrolled manner. □� Rampaging prisoners ran riot through the jail.

6 PHRASE If something such as your imagination runs riot , it is not limited or controlled, and produces ideas that are new or exciting, rather than sensible. □� A conservatory offers the perfect excuse to let your imagination run riot. SYNONYMS riot NOUN 1

disturbance:During the disturbance which followed, three people were hurt.

disorder:He called on the authorities to stop public disorder.

commotion:He heard a commotion outside.

ri ot gear N‑UNCOUNT Riot gear is the special clothing and equipment worn by police officers or soldiers when they have to deal with a riot.

ri|ot|ous /ra I ətəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has a riotous lifestyle, you mean that they frequently behave in a excessive and uncontrolled way, for example by eating or drinking too much. [FORMAL ] □� �aristocrats who wasted their inheritances in riotous living.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone's behaviour or an event as riotous when it is noisy and lively in a rather wild way. □� The dinner was often a riotous affair enlivened by superbly witty speeches. ●� ri|ot|ous|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� �a slapstick affair which I found riotously amusing.

ri ot po|lice N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] Theriot police is the section of the police force that is trained to deal with people who cause trouble in public places. □� After about 10 minutes the riot police arrived.

ri ot shield (riot shields ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Riot shields are pieces of equipment made of transparent plastic which are used by the police to protect themselves against angry crowds.

rip /r I p/ (rips , ripping , ripped )

1 VERB When something rips or when you rip it, you tear it forcefully with your hands or with a tool such as a knife. □�[V ] I felt the banner rip as we were pushed in opposite directions. □�[V n] I tried not to rip the paper as I unwrapped it.

2 N‑COUNT A rip is a long cut or split in something made of cloth or paper. □�[+�in ] Looking at the rip in her new dress, she flew into a rage.

3 VERB If you rip something away, you remove it quickly and forcefully. □�[V n with adv] He ripped away a wire that led to the alarm button. □�[V n prep] He ripped the phone from her hand.

4 VERB If something rips into someone or something or rips through them, it enters that person or thing so quickly and forcefully that it often goes completely through them. □�[V prep/adv] A volley of bullets ripped into the facing wall.

5 PHRASE If you let rip , you do something forcefully and without trying to control yourself. [INFORMAL ] □� Turn the guitars up full and let rip.

6 PHRASE If you let something rip , you do it as quickly or as forcefully as possible. You can say ' let it rip ' or ' let her rip ' to someone when you want them to make a vehicle go as fast as it possibly can. [INFORMAL ] □� The company let everything rip in order to increase production.

▸� rip off

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone rips you off , they cheat you by charging you too much money for something or by selling you something that is broken or damaged. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] The Consumer Federation claims banks are ripping you off by not passing along savings on interest rates. □�[V P n] The airlines have been accused of ripping off customers.

2 →�see also rip-off

▸� rip up PHRASAL VERB If you rip something up , you tear it into small pieces. □�[V P n] If we wrote I think he would rip up the letter. □�[V n P ] She took every photograph of me that was in our house and ripped it up.

R.I.P. /ɑː r a I piː / CONVENTION R.I.P. is written on gravestones and expresses the hope that the person buried there may rest in peace. R.I.P. is an abbreviation for the Latin expression 'requiescat in pace' or 'requiescant in pace'.

rip|cord /r I pkɔː r d/ (ripcords ) also rip cord N‑COUNT A ripcord is the cord that you pull to open a parachute.

ripe /ra I p/ (riper , ripest )

1 ADJ Ripe fruit or grain is fully grown and ready to eat. □� Always choose firm, but ripe fruit. □� �fields of ripe wheat. ●� ripe|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Test the figs for ripeness.

2 ADJ If a situation is ripe for a particular development or event, you mean that development or event is likely to happen soon. □�[+�for ] Conditions were ripe for an outbreak of cholera.

3 PHRASE If someone lives to a ripe old age , they live until they are very old. □� He lived to the ripe old age of 95.

rip|en /ra I pən/ (ripens , ripening , ripened ) VERB When crops ripen or when the sun ripens them, they become ripe. □�[V ] I'm waiting for the apples to ripen. □�[V n] You can ripen the tomatoes on a sunny windowsill.

ri p-off (rip-offs )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that something that you bought was a rip-off , you mean that you were charged too much money or that it was of very poor quality. [INFORMAL ] □� He adds 50 grand to the price of any property with a sniff of a Thames view. Yes, it's a rip-off.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that something is a rip-offof something else, you mean that it is a copy of that thing and has no original features of its own. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] In a rip-off of the hit movie Green Card, Billy marries one of his students so he can stay in the country.

ri|poste /r I pɒ st, [AM ] -poʊ st/ (ripostes , riposting , riposted )

1 N‑COUNT A riposte is a quick, clever reply to something that someone has said. [WRITTEN ] □� Laura glanced at Grace, expecting a cheeky riposte.

2 VERB If you riposte , you make a quick, clever response to something someone has said. [WRITTEN ] □�[V with quote] 'It's tough at the top,' he said. 'It's tougher at the bottom,' riposted the billionaire.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to an action as a riposteto something when it is a response to that thing. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�to ] The operation is being seen as a swift riposte to the killing of a senior army commander.

rip|ple /r I p ə l/ (ripples , rippling , rippled )

1 N‑COUNT Ripples are little waves on the surface of water caused by the wind or by something moving in or on the water.

2 VERB When the surface of an area of water ripples or when something ripples it, a number of little waves appear on it. □�[V ] You throw a pebble in a pool and it ripples. □�[V n] I could see the dawn breeze rippling the shining water.

3 VERB If something such as a feeling ripples over someone's body, it moves across it or through it. [LITERARY ] □�[V prep] A chill shiver rippled over his skin.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If an event causes ripples , its effects gradually spread, causing several other events to happen one after the other. □�[+�of ] The ripples of the credit crunch are reaching every nook and cranny of sport.

ri p|ple ef|fect (ripple effects ) N‑COUNT If an event or action has a ripple effect , it causes several other events to happen one after the other. □� Any slowdown could have a ripple effect on bonuses, house prices and tax receipts.

ri p-roaring ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as rip-roaring , you mean that it is very exciting and full of energy. [INFORMAL ] □� �a rip-roaring movie with a great array of special effects.

rip|tide /r I pta I d/ (riptides ) also rip-tide N‑COUNT A riptide is an area of sea where two different currents meet or where the water is extremely deep. Riptides make the water very rough and dangerous.

rise ◆◆◆ /ra I z/ (rises , rising , rose , risen )

1 VERB If something rises , it moves upwards. □�[V +�from/to ] He watched the smoke rise from the chimney. □�[V ] The powdery dust rose in a cloud around him. ●�PHRASAL VERB Rise up means the same as rise . □�[V P +�from/to ] Spray rose up from the surface of the water. □�[V P ] Black dense smoke rose up.

2 VERB When you rise , you stand up. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�from ] Luther rose slowly from the chair. □�[V ] He looked at Livy and Mark, who had risen to greet him. ●�PHRASAL VERB Rise up means the same as rise . □�[V P +�from ] The only thing I wanted was to rise up from the table and leave this house. [Also V P ]

3 VERB When you rise , you get out of bed. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Tony had risen early and gone to the cottage to work.

4 VERB When the sun or moon rises , it appears in the sky. □�[V ] He wanted to be over the line of the ridge before the sun had risen.

5 VERB You can say that something rises when it appears as a large tall shape. [LITERARY ] □�[V prep/adv] The building rose before him, tall and stately. ●�PHRASAL VERB Rise up means the same as rise . □�[V P prep/adv] The White Mountains rose up before me.

6 VERB If the level of something such as the water in a river rises , it becomes higher. □�[V ] The waters continue to rise as more than 1,000 people are evacuated.

7 VERB If land rises , it slopes upwards. □�[V prep/adv] He looked up the slope of land that rose from the house. □�[V ] The ground begins to rise some 20 yards away.

8 VERB If an amount rises , it increases. □�[V +�from/to ] Pre-tax profits rose from �842,000 to �1.82m. □�[V +�by ] Tourist trips of all kinds in Britain rose by 10.5% between 1977 and 1987. □�[V amount] Exports in June rose 1.5% to a record $30.91 billion. □�[V ] The number of business failures has risen. □�[V -ing] The increase is needed to meet rising costs.

9 N‑COUNT A rise in the amount of something is an increase in it. □�[+�in ] �the prospect of another rise in interest rates.

10 N‑COUNT A rise is an increase in your wages or your salary. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] He will get a pay rise of nearly �4,000. in AM, use raise11 N‑SING The rise of a movement or activity is an increase in its popularity or influence. □�[+�of ] �the rise of women's football.

12 VERB If the wind rises , it becomes stronger. □�[V ] The wind was still rising, approaching a force nine gale.

13 VERB If a sound rises or if someone's voice rises , it becomes louder or higher. □�[V ] 'Bernard?' Her voice rose hysterically. □�[V +�to ] His voice rose almost to a scream.

14 VERB When the people in a country rise , they try to defeat the government or army that is controlling them. □�[V +�against ] The National Convention has promised armed support to any people who wish to rise against armed oppression. [Also V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Rise up means the same as rise . □�[V P ] He warned that if the government moved against him the people would rise up. □�[V P +�against ] A woman called on the population to rise up against the government. ●� ris|ing (risings ) N‑COUNT □� �popular risings against tyrannical rulers.

15 VERB If someone risesto a higher position or status, they become more important, successful, or powerful. □�[V prep] She is a strong woman who has risen to the top of a deeply sexist organisation. ●�PHRASAL VERB Rise up means the same as rise . □�[V P prep] I started with Hoover 26 years ago in sales and rose up through the ranks.

16 N‑SING [with poss] The rise of someone is the process by which they become more important, successful, or powerful. □� Haig's rise was fuelled by an all-consuming sense of patriotic duty.

17 PHRASE If something gives rise to an event or situation, it causes that event or situation to happen. □� Low levels of choline in the body can give rise to high blood-pressure.

18to rise to the bait →�see bait

19to rise to the challenge →�see challenge

20to rise to the occasion →�see occasion

▸� rise above PHRASAL VERB If you rise above a difficulty or problem, you manage not to let it affect you. □�[V P n] It tells the story of an aspiring young man's attempt to rise above the squalor of the street.

▸� rise up →�see rise1 , rise2 , rise5

ris|en /r I z ə n/ Risen is the past participle of rise .

ris|er /ra I zə r / (risers )

1 N‑COUNT An early riser is someone who likes to get up early in the morning. A late riser is someone who likes to get up late. □� He was an early riser and he would be at the breakfast table at seven.

2 N‑COUNT A riser is the flat vertical part of a step or a stair. [TECHNICAL ]

ris|ible /r I z I b ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as risible , you mean that it is ridiculous and does not deserve to be taken seriously. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

ri s|ing da mp N‑UNCOUNT If a building has rising damp , moisture that has entered the bricks has moved upwards from the floor, causing damage to the walls. [BRIT ]

ri s|ing sta r (rising stars ) N‑COUNT A rising star in a particular sport, art, or area of business is someone who is starting to do very well and who people think will soon be very successful. [JOURNALISM ] □� Anna is a rising star in the world of modelling.

risk ◆◆◇ /r I sk/ (risks , risking , risked )

1 N‑VAR [N that] If there is a riskof something unpleasant, there is a possibility that it will happen. □�[+�of ] There is a small risk of brain damage from the procedure. □� In all the confusion, there's a serious risk that the main issues will be forgotten.

2 N‑COUNT If something that you do is a risk , it might have unpleasant or undesirable results. □� You're taking a big risk showing this to Kravis.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that something or someone is a risk , you mean they are likely to cause harm. □� It's being overfat that constitutes a health risk. □� The restaurant has been refurbished�it was found to be a fire risk.

4 N‑COUNT If you are considered a good risk , a bank or shop thinks that it is safe to lend you money or let you have goods without paying for them at the time. □� Before providing the cash, they will have to decide whether you are a good or bad risk.

5 VERB If you risk something unpleasant, you do something which might result in that thing happening or affecting you. □�[V n/v-ing] Those who fail to register risk severe penalties.

6 VERB If you risk doing something, you do it, even though you know that it might have undesirable consequences. □�[V v-ing/n] The captain was not willing to risk taking his ship through the straits in such bad weather.

7 VERB If you risk your life or something else important, you behave in a way that might result in it being lost or harmed. □�[V n] She risked her own life to help a disabled woman.

8 PHRASE To be at risk means to be in a situation where something unpleasant might happen. □� Up to 25,000 jobs are still at risk. [Also +�of ]

9 PHRASE If you do something at the risk of something unpleasant happening, you do it even though you know that the unpleasant thing might happen as a result. □� At the risk of being repetitive, I will say again that statistics are only a guide.

10 PHRASE If you tell someone that they are doing something at their own risk , you are warning them that, if they are harmed, it will be their own responsibility. □� Those who wish to come here will do so at their own risk.

11 PHRASE If you run the riskof doing or experiencing something undesirable, you do something knowing that the undesirable thing might happen as a result. □� The officers had run the risk of being dismissed.

12to risk your neck →�see neck SYNONYMS risk NOUN

1

danger:If there is a danger of famine, we should help.

chance:Do you think they have a chance of beating Australia?

threat:Some couples see single women as a threat to their relationships.

2

gamble:Yesterday, he named his cabinet and took a big gamble in the process.

chance:From then on, they were taking no chances.

venture:�his latest writing venture.

ri sk ma n|age|ment N‑UNCOUNT Risk management is the skill or job of deciding what the risks are in a particular situation and taking action to prevent or reduce them.

ri sk-taking N‑UNCOUNT Risk-taking means taking actions which might have unpleasant or undesirable results. □� �a more entrepreneurial climate, with positive encouragement of risk-taking and innovation.

risky /r I ski/ (riskier , riskiest ) ADJ If an activity or action is risky , it is dangerous or likely to fail. □� Investing in airlines is a very risky business.

ri|sot|to /r I zɒ toʊ/ (risottos ) N‑VAR Risotto is an Italian dish consisting of rice cooked with ingredients such as tomatoes, meat, or fish.

ris|qu� /r I ske I , [AM ] r I ske I / ADJ If you describe something as risqu� , you mean that it is slightly rude because it refers to sex. □� The script is incredibly risqu� - some marvellously crude lines.

ris|sole /r I soʊl, [AM ] r I soʊ l/ (rissoles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Rissoles are small balls of chopped meat or vegetables which are fried. [BRIT ]

Rita|lin /r I t ə l I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Ritalin is a drug that is used especially in the treatment of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. [TRADEMARK ]

rite /ra I t/ (rites )

1 N‑COUNT A rite is a traditional ceremony that is carried out by a particular group or within a particular society. □� Most traditional societies have transition rites at puberty.

2 →�see also last rites

ritu|al /r I tʃuəl/ (rituals )

1 N‑VAR A ritual is a religious service or other ceremony which involves a series of actions performed in a fixed order. □� This is the most ancient, and holiest of the Shinto rituals.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Ritual activities happen as part of a ritual or tradition. □� �fastings and ritual dancing. ●� ritu|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The statue was ritually bathed and purified.

3 N‑VAR A ritual is a way of behaving or a series of actions which people regularly carry out in a particular situation, because it is their custom to do so. □� The whole Italian culture revolves around the ritual of eating.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can describe something as a ritual action when it is done in exactly the same way whenever a particular situation occurs. □� I realized that here the conventions required me to make the ritual noises.

ritu|al|is|tic /r I tʃuəl I st I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ritualistic actions or behaviour follow a similar pattern every time they are used. □� Each evening she bursts into her apartment with a ritualistic shout of 'Honey I'm home!'

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ritualistic acts are the fixed patterns of behaviour that form part of a religious service or ceremony. □� �the meditative and ritualistic practices of Buddhism.

ritu|al|ized /r I tʃuəla I zd/ in BRIT, also use ritualised ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ritualized acts are carried out in a fixed, structured way rather than being natural. □� �highly ritualised courtship displays.

ritzy /r I tsi/ (ritzier , ritziest ) ADJ If you describe something as ritzy , you mean that it is fashionable or expensive. [INFORMAL ] □� Palm Springs has ritzy restaurants and glitzy nightlife.

ri|val ◆◆◇ /ra I v ə l/ (rivals , rivalling , rivalled ) in AM, use rivaling , rivaled1 N‑COUNT Your rival is a person, business, or organization who you are competing or fighting against in the same area or for the same things. □� The world champion finished more than two seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something has norivals or is withoutrival , you mean that it is the best of its type. □� As a time-honoured team contest, the Test match has no rival.

3 VERB If you say that one thing rivals another, you mean that they are both of the same standard or quality. □�[V n] London cannot rival the lifestyle and weather of Barcelona or Madrid. COLLOCATIONS rival NOUN 1

noun +�rival : leadership; love

adjective +�rival : arch, bitter, fierce, great; chief, close, main, nearest; local, old, political, traditional

verb +�rival : beat, crush, defeat, undercut; face

ri|val|ry /ra I v ə lri/ (rivalries ) N‑VAR Rivalry is competition or fighting between people, businesses, or organizations who are in the same area or want the same things. □�[+�between ] �the rivalry between the Inkatha and the ANC.

riv|en /r I v ə n/ ADJ If a country or organization is rivenby conflict, it is damaged or destroyed by violent disagreements. □�[+�by/with ] The four provinces are riven by deep family and tribal conflicts.

riv|er ◆◆◇ /r I və r / (rivers ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A river is a large amount of fresh water flowing continuously in a long line across the land. □� �a chemical works on the banks of the river. □� �boating on the River Danube.

ri v|er bank (river banks ) also riverbank N‑COUNT A river bank is the land along the edge of a river.

ri v|er ba|sin (river basins ) N‑COUNT A river basin is the area of land from which all the water flows into a particular river.

ri v|er bed (river beds ) also riverbed N‑COUNT A river bed is the ground which a river flows over.

river|boat /r I və r boʊt/ (riverboats ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A riverboat is a large boat that carries passengers along a river.

river|front /r I və r frʌnt/ N‑SING [N n] The riverfront is an area of land next to a river with buildings such as houses, shops, or restaurants on it.

river|side /r I və r sa I d/ N‑SING [N n] The riverside is the area of land by the banks of a river. □� They walked back along the riverside. □� �a riverside caf�.

riv|et /r I v I t/ (rivets , riveting , riveted )

1 VERB If you are riveted by something, it fascinates you and holds your interest completely. □�[be V -ed] As a child I remember being riveted by my grandfather's appearance. □�[be V -ed +�to ] He was riveted to the Matt Damon movie. □�[V n] The scar on her face had immediately riveted their attention.

2 N‑COUNT A rivet is a short metal pin with a flat head which is used to fasten flat pieces of metal together.

riv|et|ing /r I v I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as riveting , you mean that it is extremely interesting and exciting, and that it holds your attention completely. □� I find snooker riveting though I don't play myself.

rivu|let /r I vjʊl I t/ (rivulets ) N‑COUNT A rivulet is a small stream. [FORMAL ]

RM /ɑː r e m/ RM is written after someone's name to show that they are an officer of the Royal Marines, one of the units which make up the United Kingdom's armed forces. □� �Captain Alastair Rogers, RM.

RN /ɑː r e n/

1RN is a written abbreviation for Royal Navy , the navy of the United Kingdom. It is written after someone's name to show that they are an officer of the Royal Navy. [BRIT ] □� �RN Museum, Portsmouth. □� �Commander Richard Aylard RN.

2RN is an abbreviation for registered nurse . [AM ] □� �a pediatric nurse, Kathleen McAdam RN.

RNA /ɑː r en e I / N‑UNCOUNT RNA is an acid in the chromosomes of the cells of living things which plays an important part in passing information about protein structure between different cells. RNA is an abbreviation for 'ribonucleic acid'. [TECHNICAL ]

RNAS /ɑː r en ei e s/ RNAS is a written abbreviation for Royal Naval Air Services , one of the units which make up the United Kingdom's armed forces.

roach /roʊ tʃ/ (roaches ) N‑COUNT A roach is the same as a cockroach . [mainly AM ]

road ◆◆◆ /roʊ d/ (roads )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names, oft by N ] A road is a long piece of hard ground which is built between two places so that people can drive or ride easily from one place to the other. □� There was very little traffic on the roads. □� We just go straight up the Bristol Road. □� Buses carry 30 per cent of those travelling by road. □� �road accidents.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The roadto a particular result is the means of achieving it or the process of achieving it. □�[+�to ] We are bound to see some ups and downs along the road to recovery.

3 PHRASE If you hit the road , you set out on a journey. [INFORMAL ] □� I was relieved to get back in the car and hit the road again.

4 PHRASE If you are on the road , you are going on a long journey or a series of journeys by road. □� He hoped to get a new truck and go back on the road.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is on the roadto something, you mean that they are likely to achieve it. □� The government took another step on the road to political reform.

6the end of the road →�see end

road|block /roʊ dblɒk/ (roadblocks ) also road block N‑COUNT When the police or the army put a roadblock across a road, they stop all the traffic going through, for example because they are looking for a criminal. □� The city police set up roadblocks to check passing vehicles.

road|hog /roʊ dhɒg/ (roadhogs ) also road hog N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a roadhog , you mean that they drive too fast or in a way which is dangerous to other people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

road|holding /roʊ dhoʊld I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT A vehicle's roadholding is how easy it is to control safely in difficult driving conditions or when going round bends.

road|house /roʊ dhaʊs/ (roadhouses ) N‑COUNT A roadhouse is a bar or restaurant on a road outside a city.

road|ie /roʊ di/ (roadies ) N‑COUNT A roadie is a person who transports and sets up equipment for a pop band.

road|kill /roʊ dk I l/ also road kill N‑UNCOUNT Roadkill is the remains of an animal or animals that have been killed on the road by cars or other vehicles. [mainly AM ] □� I don't feel good about seeing roadkill.

roa d man|ag|er (road managers ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] The road manager of someone such as a singer or sports player is the person who organizes their travel and other arrangements during a tour.

roa d map (road maps )

1 N‑COUNT A road map is a map which shows the roads in a particular area in detail.

2 N‑COUNT A road map of something is a detailed account of it, often intended to help people use or understand it. □�[+�of ] The idea was to create a comprehensive road map of the internet.

3 N‑COUNT When politicians or journalists speak about a road mapto or for peace or democracy, they mean a set of general principles that can be used as a basis for achieving peace or democracy. □�[+�to/for ] He also raised doubts about the American road map to a peace settlement.

roa d pric|ing N‑UNCOUNT Road pricing is a system of making drivers pay money for driving on certain roads by electronically recording the movement of vehicles on those roads. [BRIT ]

roa d rage N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Road rage is anger or violent behaviour caused by someone else's bad driving or the stress of being in heavy traffic. □� �a road rage attack on a male motorist.

road|show /roʊ dʃoʊ/ (roadshows ) also road show

1 N‑COUNT A roadshow is a travelling show organized by a radio station, magazine, or company. □� The BBC Radio 2 Roadshow will broadcast live from the exhibition.

2 N‑COUNT A roadshow is a show presented by travelling actors. [AM ]

3 N‑COUNT A roadshow is a group of people who travel around a country, for example as part of an advertising or political campaign. [mainly AM ] □� The Democratic Presidential ticket plans another road show, this time through the industrial Midwest.

road|side /roʊ dsa I d/ (roadsides ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, N n] Theroadside is the area at the edge of a road. □� Bob was forced to leave the car at the roadside and run for help.

road|ster /roʊ dstə r / (roadsters ) N‑COUNT A roadster is a car with no roof and only two seats. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

roa d tax N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, road tax is a tax paid every year by the owners of every motor vehicle which is being used on the roads.

road|way /roʊ dwe I / (roadways ) N‑COUNT Theroadway is the part of a road that is used by traffic. □� Marks in the roadway seem to indicate that he skidded taking a sharp turn.

road|works /roʊ dwɜː r ks/ N‑PLURAL Roadworks are repairs or other work being done on a road.

roam /roʊ m/ (roams , roaming , roamed ) VERB If you roam an area or roam around it, you wander or travel around it without having a particular purpose. □�[V n] Barefoot children roamed the streets. □�[V prep/adv] They're roaming around the country shooting at anything that moves. □�[V ] Farmers were encouraged to keep their livestock in pens rather than letting them roam freely.

roam|ing /roʊ m I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Roaming refers to the service provided by a mobile phone company which makes it possible for you to use your mobile phone when you travel abroad.

roan /roʊ n/ (roans ) N‑COUNT A roan is a horse that is brown or black with some white hairs.

roar /rɔː r / (roars , roaring , roared )

1 VERB If something, usually a vehicle, roars somewhere, it goes there very fast, making a loud noise. [WRITTEN ] □�[V adv/prep] The plane roared down the runway for takeoff.

2 VERB If something roars , it makes a very loud noise. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] The engine roared, and the vehicle leapt forward. □�[V -ing] �the roaring waters of Niagara Falls. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Roar is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the roar of traffic.

3 VERB If someone roarswith laughter, they laugh in a very noisy way. □�[V +�with ] Max threw back his head and roared with laughter. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Roar is also a noun. □�[+�of ] There were roars of laughter as he stood up.

4 VERB If someone roars , they shout something in a very loud voice. [WRITTEN ] □�[V with quote] 'I'll kill you for that,' he roared. □�[V ] During the playing of the national anthem the crowd roared and whistled. □�[V n] The audience roared its approval. [Also V for n] ●�N‑COUNT Roar is also a noun. □�[+�of ] There was a roar of approval.

5 VERB When a lion roars , it makes the loud sound that lions typically make. □�[V ] The lion roared once, and sprang. ●�N‑COUNT Roar is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the roar of lions in the distance.

roar|ing /rɔː r I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A roaring fire has large flames and is sending out a lot of heat.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If something is a roaring success, it is very successful indeed. □� The government's first effort to privatize a company has been a roaring success.

3 →�see also roar

4 PHRASE If someone does a roaring trade in a type of goods, they sell a lot of them. □� Salesmen of unofficial souvenirs have also been doing a roaring trade.

roast /roʊ st/ (roasts , roasting , roasted )

1 VERB When you roast meat or other food, you cook it by dry heat in an oven or over a fire. □�[V n] I personally would rather roast a chicken whole.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Roast meat has been cooked by roasting. □� �roast chicken.

3 N‑COUNT A roast is a piece of meat that is cooked by roasting. □� Come into the kitchen. I've got to put the roast in.

roast|ing /roʊ st I ŋ/ N‑SING If someone gives you aroasting , they criticize you severely about something in a way that shows that they are very annoyed with you. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The team was given a roasting by the manager.

rob /rɒ b/ (robs , robbing , robbed )

1 VERB If someone is robbed , they have money or property stolen from them. □�[be V -ed +�of ] Mrs Yacoub was robbed of her �3,000 designer watch at her West London home. □�[V n] Police said Stefanovski had robbed a man just hours earlier. [Also V ]

2 VERB If someone is robbedof something that they deserve, have, or need, it is taken away from them. □�[be V -ed +�of ] She was robbed of a carefree childhood. □�[V n +�of ] I can't forgive Lewis for robbing me of a gold medal.

rob|ber /rɒ bə r / (robbers ) N‑COUNT A robber is someone who steals money or property from a bank, a shop, or a vehicle, often by using force or threats. □� Armed robbers broke into a jeweller's through a hole in the wall.

ro b|ber ba r|on (robber barons ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a robber baron , you mean that they have made a very large amount of money and have been prepared to act illegally or in an immoral way in order to do so.

rob|bery /rɒ bəri/ (robberies ) N‑VAR Robbery is the crime of stealing money or property from a bank, shop, or vehicle, often by using force or threats. □� The gang members committed dozens of armed robberies.

robe /roʊ b/ (robes )

1 N‑COUNT A robe is a loose piece of clothing which covers all of your body and reaches the ground. You can describe someone as wearing a robe or as wearing robes . [FORMAL ] □� The Pope knelt in his white robes before the simple altar.

2 N‑COUNT A robe is a piece of clothing, usually made of towelling, which people wear in the house, especially when they have just got up or had a bath. □� Ryle put on a robe and went down to the kitchen.

-robed /-roʊbd/ COMB [ADJ n] -robed combines with the names of colours to indicate that someone is wearing robes of a particular colour. □� �a brown-robed monk.

rob|in /rɒ b I n/ (robins )

1 N‑COUNT A robin is a small brown bird found in Europe. The male has an orangey-red neck and breast.

2 N‑COUNT A robin is a brown bird found in North America. The male has a reddish-brown breast. North American robins are larger than European ones, and are a completely different species of bird.

3 →�see also round-robin

ro|bot /roʊ bɒt, [AM ] -bət/ (robots ) N‑COUNT A robot is a machine which is programmed to move and perform certain tasks automatically. □� �very lightweight robots that we could send to the moon for planetary exploration.

ro|bot|ic /roʊbɒ t I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Robotic equipment can perform certain tasks automatically. □� The astronaut tried to latch the 15-foot robotic arm onto the satellite.

ro|bot|ics /roʊbɒ t I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Robotics is the science of designing and building robots. [TECHNICAL ]

ro|bust /roʊbʌ st, roʊ bʌst/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is robust is very strong or healthy. □� More women than men go to the doctor. Perhaps men are more robust or worry less? ●� ro|bust|ly ADV □� He became robustly healthy. ●� ro|bust|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the robustness of diesel engines.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Robust views or opinions are strongly held and forcefully expressed. □� A British Foreign Office minister has made a robust defence of the agreement. ●� ro|bust|ly ADV □� In the decisions we have to make about Europe, we have to defend our position very robustly indeed. ●� ro|bust|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a prominent industrialist renowned for the robustness of his right-wing views.

rock ◆◆◇ /rɒ k/ (rocks , rocking , rocked )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Rock is the hard substance which the Earth is made of. □� The hills above the valley are bare rock.

2 N‑COUNT A rock is a large piece of rock that sticks up out of the ground or the sea, or that has broken away from a mountain or a cliff. □� She sat cross-legged on the rock.

3 N‑COUNT A rock is a piece of rock that is small enough for you to pick up. □� She bent down, picked up a rock and threw it into the trees.

4 VERB When something rocks or when you rock it, it moves slowly and regularly backwards and forwards or from side to side. □�[V prep/adv] His body rocked from side to side with the train. □�[V n] She sat on the porch and rocked the baby. [Also V ]

5 VERB If an explosion or an earthquake rocks a building or an area, it causes the building or area to shake. You can also say that the building or area rocks . [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] Three people were injured yesterday when an explosion rocked one of Britain's best known film studios. □�[V ] As the buildings rocked under heavy shell-fire, he took refuge in the cellars.

6 VERB If an event or a piece of news rocks a group or society, it shocks them or makes them feel less secure. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] His death rocked the fashion business.

7 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Rock is loud music with a strong beat that is usually played and sung by a small group of people using instruments such as electric guitars and drums. □� �a rock concert. □� �famous rock stars.

8 N‑UNCOUNT Rock is a sweet that is made in long, hard sticks and is often sold in towns by the sea in Britain. □� �a stick of rock.

9 PHRASE If you have an alcoholic drink such as whisky on the rocks , you have it with ice cubes in it. □� �a Scotch on the rocks.

10 PHRASE If something such as a marriage or a business is on the rocks , it is experiencing very severe difficulties and looks likely to end very soon. □� She confided to her mother six months ago that her marriage was on the rocks.

11to rock the boat →�see boat SYNONYMS rock VERB 4

sway:The people swayed back and forth with arms linked.

pitch:The movement took him by surprise, and he pitched forward.

swing:The sail of the little boat swung crazily from one side to the other.

rocka|bil|ly /rɒ kəb I li/ N‑UNCOUNT Rockabilly is a kind of fast rock music which developed in the southern United States in the 1950s.

ro ck and ro ll also rock'n'roll N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Rock and roll is a kind of popular music developed in the 1950s which has a strong beat and is played on electrical instruments. □� �Elvis Presley�the King of Rock and Roll.

ro ck bo t|tom also rock-bottom

1 N‑UNCOUNT If something has reached rock bottom , it is at such a low level that it cannot go any lower. □� Morale in the armed forces was at rock bottom.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has reached rock bottom , they are in such a bad state or are so completely depressed that their situation could not get any worse. □� She was at rock bottom. Her long-term love affair was breaking up and so was she.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rock-bottom price or level is a very low one, mainly in advertisements. [APPROVAL ] □� What they do offer is a good product at a rock-bottom price.

ro ck climb|er (rock climbers ) N‑COUNT A rock climber is a person whose hobby or sport is climbing cliffs or large rocks.

ro ck climb|ing also rock-climbing N‑UNCOUNT Rock climbing is the activity of climbing cliffs or large rocks, as a hobby or sport.

rock|er /rɒ kə r / (rockers )

1 N‑COUNT A rocker is a chair that is built on two curved pieces of wood so that you can rock yourself backwards and forwards while you are sitting in it. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use rocking chair2 N‑COUNT A rocker is someone who performs rock music. □� The American rockers will play ten nights, starting in Glasgow.

rock|ery /rɒ kəri/ (rockeries ) N‑COUNT A rockery is a raised part of a garden which is built of rocks and soil, with small plants growing between the rocks.

rock|et ◆◇◇ /rɒ k I t/ (rockets , rocketing , rocketed )

1 N‑COUNT A rocket is a space vehicle that is shaped like a long tube.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A rocket is a missile containing explosive that is powered by gas. □� There has been a renewed rocket attack on the capital.

3 N‑COUNT A rocket is a firework that quickly goes high into the air and then explodes.

4 VERB If things such as prices or social problems rocket , they increase very quickly and suddenly. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] Fresh food is so scarce that prices have rocketed. □�[V -ing] The nation has experienced four years of rocketing crime.

5 VERB If something such as a vehicle rockets somewhere, it moves there very quickly. □�[V prep/adv] A train rocketed by, shaking the walls of the row houses.

ro ck|et launch|er (rocket launchers ) N‑COUNT A rocket launcher is a device that can be carried by soldiers and used for firing rockets.

ro ck|et sci |ence N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is notrocket science , you mean that you do not have to be clever in order to do it. □� Interviewing politicians may not be rocket science, but it does matter.

ro ck|et sci |en|tist (rocket scientists ) N‑COUNT If you say that it does not take a rocket scientist to do something, you mean that you do not have to be clever to do it. □� It doesn't take a rocket scientist to make a rock record.

ro ck gar|den (rock gardens ) N‑COUNT A rock garden is a garden which consists of rocks with small plants growing among them.

ro ck-ha rd also rock hard ADJ Something that is rock-hard is very hard indeed. □� During the dry season the land is rock hard.

ro ck|ing chair (rocking chairs ) N‑COUNT A rocking chair is a chair that is built on two curved pieces of wood so that you can rock yourself backwards and forwards when you are sitting in it.

ro ck|ing horse (rocking horses ) N‑COUNT A rocking horse is a toy horse which a child can sit on and which can be made to rock backwards and forwards.

ro ck-like ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is rock-like is very strong or firm, and is unlikely to change. □� �his rock-like integrity.

rock'n'roll /rɒ k ə nroʊ l/ →�see rock and roll

ro ck pool (rock pools ) N‑COUNT A rock pool is a small pool between rocks on the edge of the sea.

ro ck salt N‑UNCOUNT Rock salt is salt that is formed in the ground. It is obtained by mining.

ro ck-so lid also rock solid

1 ADJ Something that is rock-solid is extremely hard. □� Freeze it only until firm but not rock solid.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as rock-solid , you approve of them because they are extremely reliable or unlikely to change. [APPROVAL ] □� Mayhew is a man of rock-solid integrity.

ro ck stea dy also rock-steady ADJ Something that is rock steady is very firm and does not shake or move about. □� He could hold a camera rock steady.

rocky /rɒ ki/ (rockier , rockiest )

1 ADJ A rocky place is covered with rocks or consists of large areas of rock and has nothing growing on it. □� The paths are often very rocky so strong boots are advisable. □� �a rocky headland.

2 ADJ A rocky situation or relationship is unstable and full of difficulties. □� They had gone through some rocky times together when Ann was first married.

ro|co|co /rəkoʊ koʊ, [AM ] roʊ kəkoʊ / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Rococo is a decorative style that was popular in Europe in the eighteenth century. Rococo buildings, furniture, and works of art often include complicated curly decoration.

rod /rɒ d/ (rods )

1 N‑COUNT A rod is a long, thin metal or wooden bar. □� �a 15-foot thick roof that was reinforced with steel rods.

2 →�see also fishing rod , lightning rod

rode /roʊ d/ Rode is the past tense of ride .

ro|dent /roʊ d ə nt/ (rodents ) N‑COUNT Rodents are small mammals which have sharp front teeth. Rats, mice, and squirrels are rodents.

ro|deo /roʊ dioʊ, roʊde I oʊ/ (rodeos ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In the United States, a rodeo is a public entertainment event in which cowboys show different skills, including riding wild horses and catching cattle with ropes.

roe /roʊ / (roes ) N‑VAR Roe is the eggs or sperm of a fish, which is eaten as food. □� �cod's roe.

roe deer (roe deer ) N‑COUNT A roe deer is a small deer which lives in woods in Europe and Asia.

rogue /roʊ g/ (rogues )

1 N‑COUNT A rogue is a man who behaves in a dishonest or criminal way. □� Mr Ward wasn't a rogue at all.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If a man behaves in a way that you do not approve of but you still like him, you can refer to him as a rogue . [FEELINGS ] □� �Falstaff, the loveable rogue.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A rogue element is someone or something that behaves differently from others of its kind, often causing damage. □� Computer systems were affected by a series of rogue viruses.

ro gues' ga l|lery

1 N‑SING A rogues' gallery is a collection of photographs of criminals that is kept by the police and used when they want to identify someone. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] �a Rogues' Gallery of juvenile crime gangs.

2 N‑SING You can refer to a group of people or things that you consider undesirable as a rogues' gallery . [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] A rogues' gallery of lazy MPs was exposed by the newspaper.

ro gue state (rogue states ) N‑COUNT When politicians or journalists talk about a rogue state , they mean a country that they regard as a threat to their own country's security, for example because it supports terrorism. [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �possible missile attacks from rogue states.

ro gue trad|er (rogue traders ) N‑COUNT A rogue trader is an employee of a financial institution who carries out business without the knowledge or approval of his or her bosses. [BUSINESS , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the unauthorised dealings by this rogue trader which brought down the bank.

ro|guish /roʊ g I ʃ/ ADJ If someone has a roguish expression or manner, they look as though they are about to behave badly. □� She was a mature lady with dyed ginger hair and a roguish grin.

Ro|hyp|nol /roʊh I pnɒl/ N‑UNCOUNT Rohypnol is a powerful drug that makes a person semi-conscious. [TRADEMARK ]

roil /rɔ I l/ (roils , roiling , roiled )

1 VERB If water roils , it is rough and disturbed. [mainly AM ] □�[V ] The water roiled to his left as he climbed carefully at the edge of the waterfall.

2 VERB Something that roils a state or situation makes it disturbed and confused. □�[V n] Times of national turmoil generally roil a country's financial markets.

role ◆◆◆ /roʊ l/ (roles )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a role in a situation or in society, you have a particular position and function in it. □�[+�in ] �the drug's role in preventing more serious effects of infection. □� Both sides have roles to play. [Also +�of/as ]

2 N‑COUNT A role is one of the characters that an actor or singer can play in a film, play, or opera. □� She has just landed the lead role in The Young Vic's latest production.

ro le mod|el (role models ) N‑COUNT A role model is someone you admire and try to imitate. □�[+�for ] He thinks I'm a good role model for his teenage daughter.

ro le play (role plays , role playing , role played ) also role-play

1 N‑VAR Role play is the act of imitating the character and behaviour of someone who is different from yourself, for example as a training exercise. □� Group members have to communicate with each other through role-play.

2 VERB If people role play , they do a role play. □�[V n] Rehearse and role-play the interview with a friend beforehand. [Also V ] ●� role play|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� We did a lot of role playing.

ro le re|ver|sal (role reversals ) N‑VAR Role reversal is a situation in which two people have chosen or been forced to exchange their duties and responsibilities, so that each is now doing what the other used to do. □� Instead of being a helper, I needed help, and I struggled with this role reversal.

roll ◆◆◇ /roʊ l/ (rolls , rolling , rolled )

1 VERB When something rolls or when you roll it, it moves along a surface, turning over many times. □�[V prep/adv] The ball rolled into the net. □�[V n prep] I rolled a ball across the carpet.

2 VERB If you roll somewhere, you move on a surface while lying down, turning your body over and over, so that you are sometimes on your back, sometimes on your side, and sometimes on your front. □�[V prep/adv] When I was a little kid I rolled down a hill and broke my leg.

3 VERB When vehicles roll along, they move along slowly. □�[V prep/adv] The lorry quietly rolled forward.

4 VERB If a machine rolls , it is operating. □�[V ] He slipped and fell on an airplane gangway as the cameras rolled.

5 VERB If drops of liquid roll down a surface, they move quickly down it. □�[V +�down ] She looked at Ginny and tears rolled down her cheeks.

6 VERB If you roll something flexible into a cylinder or a ball, you form it into a cylinder or a ball by wrapping it several times around itself or by shaping it between your hands. □�[V n +�into ] He took off his sweater, rolled it into a pillow and lay down on the grass. □�[V n] He rolled a cigarette. ●�PHRASAL VERB Roll up means the same as roll . □�[V P n] Stein rolled up the paper bag with the money inside. [Also V n P ]

7 N‑COUNT A rollof paper, plastic, cloth, or wire is a long piece of it that has been wrapped many times around itself or around a tube. □�[+�of ] The photographers had already shot a dozen rolls of film.

8 →�see also toilet roll

9 VERB If you rollup something such as a car window or a blind, you cause it to move upwards by turning a handle. If you roll it down , you cause it to move downwards by turning a handle. □�[V n with adv] In mid-afternoon, shopkeepers began to roll down their shutters.

10 VERB If you roll your eyes or if your eyes roll , they move round and upwards. People sometimes roll their eyes when they are frightened, bored, or annoyed. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] People may roll their eyes and talk about overprotective, interfering grandmothers. □�[V ] His eyes rolled and he sobbed.

11 N‑COUNT A roll is a small piece of bread that is round or long and is made to be eaten by one person. Rolls can be eaten plain, with butter, or with a filling. □� He spread butter on a roll.

12 N‑COUNT A rollof drums is a long, low, fairly loud sound made by drums. □�[+�of ] As the town clock struck two, they heard the roll of drums.

13 →�see also drum roll

14 N‑COUNT A roll is an official list of people's names. □� �the electoral roll.

15 →�see also rolling , rock and roll , sausage roll

16 PHRASE If someone is on a roll , they are having great success which seems likely to continue. [INFORMAL ] □� I made a name for myself and I was on a roll, I couldn't see anything going wrong.

17 PHRASE If you say roll on something, you mean that you would like it to come soon, because you are looking forward to it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Roll on the day someone develops an effective vaccine against malaria.

18 PHRASE If something is several things rolled into one , it combines the main features or qualities of those things. □� This is our kitchen, sitting and dining room all rolled into one.

19to start the ball rolling →�see ball

20heads will roll →�see head

▸� roll back

1 PHRASAL VERB To roll back a change or the power of something means to gradually reduce it or end it. □�[V P n] The government taking advantage of the national mood to roll back environmental protection measures. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see also rollback

3 PHRASAL VERB To roll back prices, taxes, or benefits means to reduce them. [mainly AM ] □�[V P n] One provision of the law was to roll back taxes to the 1975 level.

▸� roll in or roll into

1 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If something such as money is rolling in , it is appearing or being received in large quantities. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Don't forget, I have always kept the money rolling in. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone rolls into a place or rolls in , they arrive in a casual way and often late. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P ] 'I've made you late.'�'No that's all right. I can roll in when I feel like it.' □�[V P n] The brothers usually roll into their studio around midday.

▸� roll up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you roll up your sleeves or trouser legs, you fold the ends back several times, making them shorter. □�[V P n] The jacket was too big for him so he rolled up the cuffs. □�[V n P ] Walking in the surf, she had to roll her pants up to her knees.

2 →�see also rolled-up

3 PHRASAL VERB If people roll up somewhere, they arrive there, especially in large numbers, to see something interesting. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Roll up, roll up, come and join The Greatest Show on Earth. □�[V P prep/adv] The first reporters rolled up to the laboratory within minutes.

4 →�see also roll6 , rolled-up

roll|back /roʊ lb�k/ (rollbacks ) N‑COUNT A rollback is a reduction in price or some other change that makes something like it was before. [mainly AM ] □� Silber says the tax rollback would decimate basic services for the needy.

ro ll call (roll calls ) also roll-call

1 N‑VAR If you take a roll call , you check which of the members of a group are present by reading their names out. □� We had to stand in the snow every morning for roll call.

2 N‑SING A roll call of a particular type of people or things is a list of them. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] Her list of pupils read like a roll-call of the great and good.

ro lled-u p

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Rolled-up objects have been folded or wrapped into a cylindrical shape. □� �a rolled-up newspaper.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Rolled-up sleeves or trouser legs have been made shorter by being folded over at the lower edge. □� �an open-necked shirt, with rolled-up sleeves.

roll|er /roʊ lə r / (rollers )

1 N‑COUNT A roller is a cylinder that turns round in a machine or device.

2 N‑COUNT Rollers are hollow tubes that women roll their hair round in order to make it curly.

Roll|er|blade /roʊ lə r ble I d/ (Rollerblades ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Rollerblades are a type of roller skates with a single line of wheels along the bottom. [TRADEMARK ] ●� roll|er|blader (rollerbladers ) N‑COUNT □� �a dedicated rollerblader. ●� roll|er|blad|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Rollerblading is great for all ages.

ro ller-coaster (roller-coasters ), rollercoaster

1 N‑COUNT A roller-coaster is a small railway at a fair that goes up and down steep slopes fast and that people ride on for pleasure or excitement. □� It's great to go on the rollercoaster five times and not be sick.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone or something is on a roller coaster , you mean that they go through many sudden or extreme changes in a short time. [JOURNALISM ] □� I've been on an emotional roller-coaster since I've been here.

ro ller-skate (roller-skates , roller-skating , roller-skated )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Roller-skates are shoes with four small wheels on the bottom. □� A boy of about ten came up on roller-skates.

2 VERB If you roller-skate , you move over a flat surface wearing roller-skates. □�[V ] On the day of the accident, my son Gary was roller-skating outside our house. ●� roller-skating N‑UNCOUNT □� The craze for roller skating spread throughout the U.S.

rol|lick|ing /rɒ l I k I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A rollicking occasion is cheerful and usually noisy. A rollicking book or film is entertaining and enjoyable, and not very serious. □� His diaries are a rollicking read. ●�ADV [ADV adj] Rollicking is also an adverb. □� I'm having a rollicking good time.

2 N‑SING If you give someone a rollicking , you tell them off in a very angry way. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� 'The boss gave us a rollicking,' said McGoldrick.

roll|ing /roʊ l I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Rolling hills are small hills with gentle slopes that extend a long way into the distance. □� �the rolling countryside of south western France.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is rolling in it or is rolling in money , you mean that they are very rich. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

ro ll|ing mill (rolling mills ) N‑COUNT A rolling mill is a machine or factory in which metal is rolled into sheets or bars.

ro ll|ing pin (rolling pins ) N‑COUNT A rolling pin is a cylinder that you roll backwards and forwards over uncooked pastry in order to make the pastry flat.

ro ll|ing stock N‑UNCOUNT Rolling stock is all the engines and carriages that are used on a railway. □� Many stations needed repairs or rebuilding and there was a shortage of rolling stock.

ro ll-neck (roll-necks )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A roll-neck sweater or a roll-necked sweater is a sweater with a high neck than can be rolled over. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A roll-neck is a roll-neck sweater. [mainly BRIT ]

ro ll of ho n|our N‑SING A roll of honour is a list of the names of people who are admired or respected for something they have done, such as doing very well in a sport or exam. [BRIT ] in AM, use honor roll

ro ll-on (roll-ons ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A roll-on is a deodorant or cosmetic that you apply to your body using a container with a ball which turns round in the neck of the container. □� I use unperfumed roll-on deodorant.

ro ll-on roll-o ff ADJ [ADJ n] A roll-on roll-off ship is designed so that cars and lorries can drive on at one end before the ship sails, and then drive off at the other end after the journey. [BRIT ] □� �roll-on roll-off ferries.

roll|over /roʊ loʊvə r / (rollovers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In a lottery draw, a rollover is a prize that includes the prize money from the previous draw, because nobody won it.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In finance, a rollover is when a loan or other financial arrangement is extended.

ro ll-top de sk (roll-top desks ) also rolltop desk N‑COUNT A roll-top desk is a desk which has a wooden cover which can be pulled down over the writing surface when the desk is not being used.

roll-up /roʊ lʌp/ (roll-ups ) N‑COUNT A roll-up is a cigarette that someone makes for themself, using tobacco and cigarette papers.

roly-poly /roʊ li poʊ li/ ADJ [ADJ n] Roly-poly people are pleasantly fat and round. [INFORMAL ] □� �a short, roly-poly man with laughing eyes.

ROM /rɒ m/

1 N‑UNCOUNT ROM is the permanent part of a computer's memory. The information stored there can be read but not changed. ROM is an abbreviation for 'read-only memory'. [COMPUTING ]

2 →�see also CD-ROM

Ro|man /roʊ mən/ (Romans )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Roman means related to or connected with ancient Rome and its empire. □� �the fall of the Roman Empire. ●�N‑COUNT A Roman was a citizen of ancient Rome or its empire. □� When they conquered Britain, the Romans brought this custom with them.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Roman means related to or connected with modern Rome. □� �a Roman hotel room. ●�N‑COUNT A Roman is someone who lives in or comes from Rome. □� �soccer-mad Romans.

Ro |man a l|pha|bet N‑SING The Roman alphabet is the alphabet that was used by the Romans in ancient times and that is used for writing most western European languages, including English.

Ro |man Ca tho|lic (Roman Catholics )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The Roman Catholic Church is the same as the Catholic Church. □� �a Roman Catholic priest.

2 N‑COUNT A Roman Catholic is the same as a Catholic . □� Like her, Maria was a Roman Catholic.

Ro |man Ca|tho li|cism N‑UNCOUNT Roman Catholicism is the same as Catholicism .

ro|mance /rəm� ns, roʊ m�ns/ (romances )

1 N‑COUNT A romance is a relationship between two people who are in love with each other but who are not married to each other. □� After a whirlwind romance the couple announced their engagement in July.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Romance refers to the actions and feelings of people who are in love, especially behaviour which is very caring or affectionate. □� He still finds time for romance by cooking candlelit dinners for his girlfriend.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the pleasure and excitement of doing something new or exciting as romance . □� We want to recreate the romance and excitement that used to be part of rail journeys.

4 N‑COUNT A romance is a novel or film about a love affair. □� Her taste in fiction was for chunky historical romances.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Romance is used to refer to novels about love affairs. □� Since taking up writing romance in 1967 she has brought out over fifty books.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Romance languages are languages such as French, Spanish, and Italian, which come from Latin. [TECHNICAL ]

Ro|man|esque /roʊ məne sk/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Romanesque architecture is in the style that was common in western Europe around the eleventh century. It is characterized by rounded arches and thick pillars.

Ro|ma|nian /ruːme I niən/ (Romanians ) also Rumanian

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Romanian means belonging or relating to Romania, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Romanian is a person who comes from Romania.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Romanian is the language spoken in Romania.

Ro|man nu |mer|al (Roman numerals ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Roman numerals are the letters used by the ancient Romans to represent numbers, for example I, IV, VIII, and XL, which represent 1, 4, 8, and 40. Roman numerals are still sometimes used today.

ro|man|tic ◆◇◇ /roʊm� nt I k/ (romantics )

1 ADJ Someone who is romantic or does romantic things says and does things that make their wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend feel special and loved. □� When we're together, all he talks about is business. I wish he were more romantic.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Romantic means connected with sexual love. □� He was not interested in a romantic relationship with Ingrid. ●� ro|man|ti|cal|ly ADV □� We are not romantically involved.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A romantic play, film, or story describes or represents a love affair. □� It is a lovely romantic comedy, well worth seeing. □� �romantic novels.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has a romantic view or idea of something, you are critical of them because their view of it is unrealistic and they think that thing is better or more exciting than it really is. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has a romantic view of rural society. ●�N‑COUNT A romantic is a person who has romantic views. □� You're a hopeless romantic.

5 ADJ Something that is romantic is beautiful in a way that strongly affects your feelings. □� Seacliff House is one of the most romantic ruins in Scotland. ●� ro|man|ti|cal|ly ADV □� �the romantically named weeping love grass.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Romantic means connected with the artistic movement of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries which was concerned with the expression of the individual's feelings and emotions. □� �the poems and prose of the English romantic poets.

ro|man|ti|cism /roʊm� nt I s I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Romanticism is attitudes, ideals and feelings which are romantic rather than realistic. □� Her determined romanticism was worrying me.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Romanticism is the artistic movement of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries which was concerned with the expression of the individual's feelings and emotions.

ro|man|ti|cize /roʊm� nt I sa I z/ (romanticizes , romanticizing , romanticized ) in BRIT, also use romanticise VERB If you romanticize someone or something, you think or talk about them in a way which is not at all realistic and which makes them seem better than they really are. □�[V n] He romanticized the past as he became disillusioned with his present. ●� ro|man|ti|cized ADJ □� The film takes a highly romanticized view of life on the streets.

Roma|ny /roʊ məni/ (Romanies )

1 N‑COUNT A Romany is a member of a race of people who travel from place to place, usually living in caravans, rather than living in one place.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Romany means related or connected to the Romany people. □� �the Romany community.

Romeo /roʊ mioʊ/ (Romeos ) N‑COUNT You can describe a man as a Romeo if you want to indicate that he is very much in love with a woman, or that he frequently has sexual relationships with different women. [JOURNALISM , HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □� �one of Hollywood's most notorious Romeos.

romp /rɒ mp/ (romps , romping , romped )

1 VERB Journalists use romp in expressions like romp home , romp in , or romp to victory , to say that a person or horse has won a race or competition very easily. □�[V adv/prep] Mr Foster romped home with 141 votes.

2 VERB When children or animals romp , they play noisily and happily. □�[V ] Dogs and little children romped happily in the garden.

roof ◆◇◇ /ruː f/ (roofs ) The plural can be pronounced /ruː fs/ or /ruː vz/. 1 N‑COUNT The roof of a building is the covering on top of it that protects the people and things inside from the weather. □� �a small stone cottage with a red slate roof.

2 N‑COUNT The roof of a car or other vehicle is the top part of it, which protects passengers or goods from the weather. □� The car rolled onto its roof, trapping him.

3 N‑COUNT The roof of your mouth is the highest part of the inside of your mouth. □�[+�of ] She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth.

4 PHRASE If the level of something such as the price of a product or the rate of inflation goes through the roof , it suddenly increases very rapidly indeed. [INFORMAL ] □� Prices for Korean art have gone through the roof.

5 PHRASE If you hit the roof or go through the roof , you become very angry indeed, and usually show your anger by shouting at someone. [INFORMAL ] □� Sergeant Long will hit the roof when I tell him you've gone off.

6 PHRASE If a group of people inside a building raise the roof , they make a very loud noise, for example by singing or shouting. □� He raised the roof when he sang his own version of the national anthem.

7 PHRASE If a number of things or people are under one roof or under the same roof , they are in the same building. □� The firms intend to open together under one roof.

roofed /ruː ft, ruː vd/ ADJ A roofed building or area is covered by a roof. □� �a roofed corridor. □� �a peasant hut roofed with branches.

-roofed /-ruː ft, -ruː vd/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -roofed combines with adjectives and nouns to form adjectives that describe what kind of roof a building has. □� �a huge flat-roofed concrete and glass building.

roof|er /ruː fə r / (roofers ) N‑COUNT A roofer is a person whose job is to put roofs on buildings and to repair damaged roofs.

roo f gar|den (roof gardens ) N‑COUNT A roof garden is a garden on the flat roof of a building.

roof|ing /ruː f I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Roofing is material used for making or covering roofs. □� A gust of wind pried loose a section of sheet-metal roofing.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Roofing is the work of putting new roofs on houses. □� �a roofing company.

roof|less /ruː fləs/ ADJ A roofless building has no roof, usually because the building has been damaged or has not been used for a long time.

roo f rack (roof racks ) also roof-rack N‑COUNT A roof rack is a metal frame that is fixed on top of a car and used for carrying large objects. [BRIT ] in AM, use luggage rack

roof|top /ruː ftɒp/ (rooftops ) also roof-top

1 N‑COUNT A rooftop is the outside part of the roof of a building. □� Below us you could glimpse the rooftops of a few small villages.

2 PHRASE If you shout something from the rooftops , you say it or announce it in a very public way. □� When we have something definite to say, we shall be shouting it from the rooftops.

rook /rʊ k/ (rooks )

1 N‑COUNT A rook is a large black bird. Rooks are members of the crow family.

2 N‑COUNT In chess, a rook is one of the chess pieces which stand in the corners of the board at the beginning of a game. Rooks can move forwards, backwards, or sideways, but not diagonally.

rookie /rʊ ki/ (rookies )

1 N‑COUNT A rookie is someone who has just started doing a job and does not have much experience, especially someone who has just joined the army or police force. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� I don't want to have another rookie to train.

2 N‑COUNT A rookie is a person who has been competing in a professional sport for less than a year. [AM ]

room ◆◆◆ /ruː m, rʊ m/ (rooms , rooming , roomed )

1 N‑COUNT A room is one of the separate sections or parts of the inside of a building. Rooms have their own walls, ceilings, floors, and doors, and are usually used for particular activities. You can refer to all the people who are in a room as the room . □� A minute later he excused himself and left the room. □� The whole room roared with laughter.

2 N‑COUNT If you talk about your room , you are referring to the room that you alone use, especially your bedroom at home or your office at work. □� If you're running upstairs, go to my room and bring down my sweater, please.

3 N‑COUNT A room is a bedroom in a hotel. □� Toni booked a room in an hotel not far from Arzfeld.

4 VERB If you roomwith someone, you share a rented room, apartment, or house with them, for example when you are a student. [AM ] □�[V +�with ] I had roomed with him in New Haven when we were both at Yale Law School. [Also V together ]

5 N‑UNCOUNT If there is room somewhere, there is enough empty space there for people or things to be fitted in, or for people to move freely or do what they want to. □� There is usually room to accommodate up to 80 visitors.

6 →�see also leg room , standing room

7 N‑UNCOUNT If there is roomfor a particular kind of behaviour or action, people are able to behave in that way or to take that action. □�[+�for ] The intensity of the work left little room for personal grief or anxiety.

8 PHRASE If you have room for manoeuvre , you have the opportunity to change your plans if it becomes necessary or desirable. □� With an election looming, he has little room for manoeuvre.

9 →�see also changing room , chat room , common room , consulting room , dining room , drawing room , dressing room , elbow room , emergency room , ladies' room , leg room , living room , locker room , men's room , morning room , powder room , reading room , reception room , rest room , spare room , standing room

10to give something houseroom →�see houseroom

-roomed /-ruːmd/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -roomed combines with numbers to form adjectives which tell you how many rooms a house or flat contains. □� They found a little two-roomed flat to rent.

room|ful /ruː mfʊl/ (roomfuls ) N‑COUNT A roomfulof things or people is a room that is full of them. You can also refer to the amount or number of things or people that a room can contain as a roomful . □�[+�of ] It was like a teacher disciplining a roomful of second-year pupils.

roo m|ing house (rooming houses ) N‑COUNT A rooming house is a building that is divided into small flats or single rooms which people rent to live in. [AM ]

room|mate /ruː mme I t, rʊ m-/ (roommates ) also room-mate

1 N‑COUNT Your roommate is the person you share a rented room, apartment, or house with, for example when you are at university. [AM ]

2 N‑COUNT Your roommate is the person you share a rented room with, for example when you are at university. [BRIT ]

roo m ser|vice N‑UNCOUNT Room service is a service in a hotel by which meals or drinks are provided for guests in their rooms. □� The hotel did not normally provide room service.

roomy /ruː mi/ (roomier , roomiest )

1 ADJ If you describe a place as roomy , you mean that you like it because it is large inside and you can move around freely and comfortably. [APPROVAL ] □� The car is roomy and a good choice for anyone who needs to carry equipment.

2 ADJ If you describe a piece of clothing as roomy , you mean that you like it because it is large and fits loosely. [APPROVAL ] □� �roomy jackets.

roost /ruː st/ (roosts , roosting , roosted )

1 N‑COUNT A roost is a place where birds or bats rest or sleep.

2 VERB When birds or bats roost somewhere, they rest or sleep there. □�[V prep/adv] The peacocks roost in nearby shrubs.

3 PHRASE If bad or wrong things that someone has done in the past have come home to roost , or if their chickens have come home to roost , they are now experiencing the unpleasant effects of these actions. □� Appeasement has come home to roost.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone rules the roost in a particular place, you mean that they have control and authority over the people there. [INFORMAL ] □� Today the country's nationalists rule the roost and hand out the jobs.

roost|er /ruː stə r / (roosters ) N‑COUNT A rooster is an adult male chicken. [AM ] in BRIT, use cock

root ◆◇◇ /ruː t/ (roots , rooting , rooted )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The roots of a plant are the parts of it that grow under the ground. □� �the twisted roots of an apple tree.

2 VERB If you root a plant or cutting or if it roots , roots form on the bottom of its stem and it starts to grow. □�[V ] Most plants will root in about six to eight weeks. □�[V n] Root the cuttings in a heated propagator.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Root vegetables or root crops are grown for their roots which are large and can be eaten. □� �root crops such as carrots and potatoes.

4 N‑COUNT The root of a hair or tooth is the part of it that is underneath the skin. □�[+�of ] �decay around the roots of teeth.

5 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] You can refer to the place or culture that a person or their family comes from as their roots . □� I am proud of my Brazilian roots.

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to the cause of a problem or of an unpleasant situation as therootof it or therootsof it. □�[+�of ] We got to the root of the problem.

7 N‑COUNT The root of a word is the part that contains its meaning and to which other parts can be added. [TECHNICAL ] □� The word 'secretary' comes from the same Latin root as the word 'secret'.

8 VERB If you rootthrough or in something, you search for something by moving other things around. □�[V prep] She rooted through the bag, found what she wanted, and headed toward the door.

9 →�see also rooted , cube root , grass roots , square root

10 PHRASE If something has been completely changed or destroyed, you can say that it has been changed or destroyed root and branch . [WRITTEN ] □� Abolitionists wanted to destroy slavery root and branch. □� Some prison practices are in need of root and branch reform.

11 PHRASE If someone puts down roots , they make a place their home, for example by taking part in activities there or by making a lot of friends there. □� When they got to Montana, they put down roots and built a life.

12 PHRASE If an idea, belief, or custom takes root , it becomes established among a group of people. □� Time would be needed for democracy to take root.

▸� root around in BRIT, also use root about PHRASAL VERB If you root around or root about in something, you look for something there, moving things around as you search. □�[V P prep] 'It's in here somewhere,' he said, rooting about in his desk. [Also V P ]

▸� root for PHRASAL VERB If you are rooting for someone, you are giving them your support while they are doing something difficult or trying to defeat another person. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Good luck, we'll be rooting for you.

▸� root out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you root out a person, you find them and force them from the place they are in, usually in order to punish them. □�[V P n] The generals have to root out traitors. □�[V n P ] It shouldn't take too long to root him out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you root out a problem or an unpleasant situation, you find out who or what is the cause of it and put an end to it. □�[V P n] There would be a major drive to root out corruption. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS root NOUN 7

source:This gave me a clue as to the source of the problem.

cause:The causes are a complex blend of local and national tensions.

germ:The germ of an idea took root in Rosemary's mind.

roo t beer (root beers ) N‑VAR Root beer is a fizzy non-alcoholic drink flavoured with the roots of various plants and herbs. It is popular in the United States. ●�N‑COUNT A glass, can, or bottle of root beer can be referred to as a root beer . □� Kevin buys a root beer.

root|ed /ruː t I d/

1 ADJ If you say that one thing is rooted in another, you mean that it is strongly influenced by it or has developed from it. □�[+�in ] The crisis is rooted in deep rivalries between the two groups.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n, usu adv ADJ ] If someone has deeply rooted opinions or feelings, they believe or feel something extremely strongly and are unlikely to change. □� Racism is a deeply rooted prejudice which has existed for thousands of years.

3 →�see also deep-rooted

4 PHRASE If you are rooted to the spot , you are unable to move because you are very frightened or shocked. □� We just stopped there, rooted to the spot.

roo t gi n|ger N‑UNCOUNT Root ginger is the stem of the ginger plant. It is often used in Chinese and Indian cooking.

root|less /ruː tləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has no permanent home or job and is not settled in any community, you can describe them as rootless . □� These rootless young people have nowhere else to go.

rope /roʊ p/ (ropes , roping , roped )

1 N‑VAR A rope is a thick cord or wire that is made by twisting together several thinner cords or wires. Ropes are used for jobs such as pulling cars, tying up boats, or tying things together. □� He tied the rope around his waist. □� �a piece of rope.

2 VERB If you rope one thing to another, you tie the two things together with a rope. □�[V n +�to ] I roped myself to the chimney. [Also V n together ]

3 PHRASE If you give someone enough rope to hangthemselves , you give them the freedom to do a job in their own way because you hope that their attempts will fail and that they will look foolish. □� The King has merely given the politicians enough rope to hang themselves.

4 PHRASE If you are learning the ropes , you are learning how a particular task or job is done. [INFORMAL ]

5 PHRASE If you know the ropes , you know how a particular job or task should be done. [INFORMAL ] □� The moment she got to know the ropes, there was no stopping her.

6 PHRASE If you describe a payment as money for old rope , you are emphasizing that it is earned very easily, for very little effort. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

7 PHRASE If you show someone the ropes , you show them how to do a particular job or task. [INFORMAL ]

▸� rope in PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you say that you were roped into do a particular task, you mean that someone persuaded you to help them do that task. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed P +�for ] Visitors were roped in for potato picking and harvesting. □�[get V -ed P to-inf] I got roped in to help with the timekeeping.

▸� rope off PHRASAL VERB If you rope off an area, you tie ropes between posts all around its edges so that people cannot enter it without permission. □�[V P n] You should rope off a big field and sell tickets. [Also V n P ]

ro pe lad|der (rope ladders ) also rope-ladder N‑COUNT A rope ladder is a ladder made of two long ropes connected by short pieces of rope, wood, or metal.

ropey /roʊ pi/ (ropier , ropiest ) ADJ If you say that something is ropey , you mean that its quality is poor or unsatisfactory. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Your spelling's a bit ropey.

ro|sary /roʊ zəri/ (rosaries ) N‑COUNT A rosary is a string of beads that members of certain religions, especially Catholics, use for counting prayers. A series of prayers counted in this way is also called a rosary .

rose ◆◇◇ /roʊ z/ (roses )

1Rose is the past tense of rise .

2 N‑COUNT A rose is a flower, often with a pleasant smell, which grows on a bush with stems that have sharp points called thorns on them. □� �a bunch of yellow roses.

3 N‑COUNT A rose is bush that roses grow on. □� Prune rambling roses when the flowers have faded.

4 COLOUR Something that is rose is reddish-pink in colour. [LITERARY ] □� �the rose and violet hues of a twilight sky.

5 PHRASE If you say that a situation is not abed of roses , you mean that it is not as pleasant as it seems, and that there are some unpleasant aspects to it. □� We all knew that life was unlikely to be a bed of roses back in England.

ros� /roʊ ze I , [AM ] roʊze I / (ros�s ) N‑VAR Ros� is wine which is pink in colour. □� The vast majority of wines produced in this area are reds or ros�s.

rose|bud /roʊ zbʌd/ (rosebuds ) N‑COUNT A rosebud is a young rose whose petals have not yet opened out fully.

ro se-coloured in AM, use rose-colored PHRASE If you look at a person or situation through rose-coloured glasses or rose-tinted glasses , you see only their good points and therefore your view of them is unrealistic. In British English, you can also say that someone is looking through rose-coloured spectacles . □� Its influence can make you view life through rose-coloured glasses.

rose|hip /roʊ zh I p/ (rosehips ) N‑COUNT A rosehip is a bright red or orange fruit that grows on some kinds of rose bushes.

rose|mary /roʊ zməri, [AM ] -meri/ N‑UNCOUNT Rosemary is a herb used in cooking. It comes from an evergreen plant with small narrow leaves. The plant is also called rosemary .

ro se-tinted →�see rose-coloured

ro|sette /roʊze t/ (rosettes ) N‑COUNT A rosette is a large circular decoration made from coloured ribbons which is given as a prize in a competition, or, especially in Britain, is worn to show support for a political party or sports team.

rose|water /roʊ zwɔtə r / N‑UNCOUNT Rosewater is a liquid which is made from roses and which has a pleasant smell. It is used as a perfume and in cooking.

ro se win|dow (rose windows ) N‑COUNT A rose window is a large round stained glass window in a church.

rose|wood /roʊ zwʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Rosewood is a hard dark-coloured wood that is used for making furniture. Rosewood comes from a species of tropical tree. □� �a heavy rosewood desk.

ros|ter /rɒ stə r / (rosters )

1 N‑COUNT A roster is a list which gives details of the order in which different people have to do a particular job. □� The next day he put himself first on the new roster for domestic chores.

2 N‑COUNT A roster is a list, especially of the people who work for a particular organization or are available to do a particular job. It can also be a list of the sports players who are available for a particular team, especially in American English. □�[+�of ] The Met endeavoured to provide a consistently fine roster of singers.

ros|trum /rɒ strəm/ (rostrums or rostra /rɒ strə/) N‑COUNT A rostrum is a raised platform on which someone stands when they are speaking to an audience, receiving a prize, or conducting an orchestra. □� As he stood on the winner's rostrum, he sang the words of the national anthem.

rosy /roʊ zi/ (rosier , rosiest )

1 ADJ If you say that someone has a rosy face, you mean that they have pink cheeks and look very healthy. □� Bethan's round, rosy face seemed hardly to have aged at all.

2 ADJ If you say that a situation looks rosy or that the picture looks rosy , you mean that the situation seems likely to be good or successful. □� The job prospects for engineering graduates are less rosy now than they used to be.

rot /rɒ t/ (rots , rotting , rotted )

1 VERB When food, wood, or another substance rots , or when something rots it, it becomes softer and is gradually destroyed. □�[V ] If we don't unload it soon, the grain will start rotting in the silos. □�[V n] Sugary canned drinks rot your teeth.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If there is rot in something, especially something that is made of wood, parts of it have decayed and fallen apart. □� Investigations had revealed extensive rot in the beams under the ground floor.

3 N‑SING You can use the rot to refer to the way something gradually gets worse. For example, if you are talking about the time when the rotset in , you are talking about the time when a situation began to get steadily worse and worse. □� In many schools, the rot is beginning to set in. Standards are falling all the time.

4 VERB If you say that someone is being left to rot in a particular place, especially in a prison, you mean that they are being left there and their physical and mental condition is being allowed to get worse and worse. □�[V prep] Most governments simply leave the long-term jobless to rot on the dole. [Also V ]

5 →�see also dry rot

rota /roʊ tə/ (rotas ) N‑COUNT A rota is a list which gives details of the order in which different people have to do a particular job. [mainly BRIT ] □� We have a rota which makes it clear who tidies the room on which day.

ro|ta|ry /roʊ təri/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Rotary means turning or able to turn round a fixed point. □� �turning linear into rotary motion.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Rotary is used in the names of some machines that have parts that turn round a fixed point. □� �a rotary engine.

ro|tate /roʊte I t, [AM ] roʊ te I t/ (rotates , rotating , rotated )

1 VERB When something rotates or when you rotate it, it turns with a circular movement. □�[V ] The Earth rotates round the sun. □�[V n] Take each foot in both your hands and rotate it to loosen and relax the ankle.

2 VERB If people or things rotate , or if someone rotates them, they take it in turns to do a particular job or serve a particular purpose. □�[V ] The members of the club can rotate and one person can do all the preparation for the evening. □�[V n] They will swap posts in a year's time to rotate the leadership. ●� ro|tat|ing ADJ [ADJ n] □� He had used his year in the G8's rotating presidency to put tax transparency at the heart of this year's summit.

ro|ta|tion /roʊte I ʃ ə n/ (rotations )

1 N‑VAR Rotation is circular movement. A rotation is the movement of something through one complete circle. □�[+�of ] �the daily rotation of the Earth upon its axis.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] The rotation of a group of things or people is the fact of them taking turns to do a particular job or serve a particular purpose. If people do something in rotation , they take turns to do it. □� Once a month we met for the whole day, and in rotation each one led the group.

rote /roʊ t/ N‑UNCOUNT [N n, by N ] Rote learning or learning by rote is learning things by repeating them without thinking about them or trying to understand them. □� He is very sceptical about the value of rote learning.

ro|tor /roʊ tə r / (rotors ) N‑COUNT The rotors or rotor blades of a helicopter are the four long, flat, thin pieces of metal on top of it which go round and lift it off the ground.

rot|ten /rɒ t ə n/

1 ADJ If food, wood, or another substance is rotten , it has decayed and can no longer be used. □� The smell outside this building is overwhelming�like rotten eggs.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as rotten , you think it is very unpleasant or of very poor quality. [INFORMAL ] □� I personally think it's a rotten idea.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as rotten , you are insulting them or criticizing them because you think that they are very unpleasant or unkind. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� You rotten swine! How dare you?

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel rotten , you feel bad, either because you are ill or because you are sorry about something. [INFORMAL ] □� I had glandular fever and spent that year feeling rotten.

ro t|ten a p|ple (rotten apples ) N‑COUNT You can use rotten apple to talk about a person who is dishonest and therefore causes a lot of problems for the group or organization they belong to. □� Police corruption is not just a few rotten apples.

rot|ter /rɒ tə r / (rotters ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a rotter , you are criticizing them because you think that they have behaved in a very unkind or mean way. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

Rott|wei|ler /rɒ tva I lə r / (Rottweilers ) in BRIT, also use rottweiler N‑COUNT A Rottweiler is a large black and brown breed of dog which is often used as a guard dog.

ro|tund /roʊtʌ nd/ ADJ If someone is rotund , they are round and fat. [FORMAL ] □� A rotund, smiling, red-faced gentleman appeared.

ro|tun|da /roʊtʌ ndə/ (rotundas ) N‑COUNT A rotunda is a round building or room, especially one with a round bowl-shaped roof.

rou|ble /ruː b ə l/ (roubles ) N‑COUNT The rouble is the unit of money that is used in Russia and some of the other republics that form the Commonwealth of Independent States.

rouge /ruː ʒ/ (rouges , rouging , rouged )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Rouge is a red powder or cream which women and actors can put on their cheeks in order to give them more colour. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 VERB If a woman or an actor rouges their cheeks or lips, they put red powder or cream on them to give them more colour. □�[V n] Florentine women rouged their earlobes. □�[V -ed] She had curly black hair and rouged cheeks.

rough ◆◇◇ /rʌ f/ (rougher , roughest , roughs , roughing , roughed )

1 ADJ If a surface is rough , it is uneven and not smooth. □� His hands were rough and calloused, from years of karate practice. ●� rough|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] She rested her cheek against the roughness of his jacket.

2 ADJ You say that people or their actions are rough when they use too much force and not enough care or gentleness. □� Rugby's a rough game at the best of times. ●� rough|ly ADV □� A hand roughly pushed him aside. ●� rough|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He regretted his roughness.

3 ADJ A rough area, city, school, or other place is unpleasant and dangerous because there is a lot of violence or crime there. □� It was quite a rough part of our town.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has had a rough time, you mean that they have had some difficult or unpleasant experiences. □� All women have a rough time in our society.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you feel rough , you feel ill. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The virus won't go away and the lad is still feeling a bit rough.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rough calculation or guess is approximately correct, but not exact. □� We were only able to make a rough estimate of how much fuel would be required. ●� rough|ly ADV □� Gambling and tourism pay roughly half the entire state budget.

7 ADJ If you give someone a rough idea, description, or drawing of something, you indicate only the most important features, without much detail. □� I've got a rough idea of what he looks like. ●� rough|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He knew roughly what was about to be said. □� Roughly speaking, a scientific humanist is somebody who believes in science and in humanity but not in God.

8 ADJ You can say that something is rough when it is not neat and well made. □� �a rough wooden table. ●� rough|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Roughly chop the tomatoes and add them to the casserole.

9 ADJ If the sea or the weather at sea is rough , the weather is windy or stormy and there are very big waves. □� A fishing vessel and a cargo ship collided in rough seas.

10 ADV [ADV after v] When people sleep or live rough , they sleep out of doors, usually because they have no home. [BRIT ] □� It makes me so sad when I see young people begging or sleeping rough on the streets.

11 VERB If you have to rough it, you have to live without the possessions and comforts that you normally have. □�[V it ] You won't be roughing it; each room comes equipped with a telephone and a 3-channel radio.

12rough justice →�see justice SYNONYMS rough ADJ

1

uneven:He staggered on the uneven surface of the car park.

rugged:�rugged mountainous terrain.

jagged:�jagged black cliffs.

bumpy:�bumpy cobbled streets.

coarse:�a jacket made of very coarse cloth.

2

brutal:He took an anguished breath. He had to be brutal and say it.

harsh:�the cold, harsh cruelty of her husband.

6

vague:�vague information.

crude:Birthplace data are only the crudest indicator of actual migration paths.

approximate:The approximate cost varies from around �150 to �250.

ballpark:I can't give you anything more than just a ballpark figure.

rough|age /rʌ f I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Roughage consists of the tough parts of vegetables and grains that help you to digest your food and help your bowels to work properly.

rou gh and rea dy also rough-and-ready

1 ADJ A rough and ready solution or method is one that is rather simple and not very exact because it has been thought of or done in a hurry. □� Here is a rough and ready measurement.

2 ADJ A rough and ready person is not very polite or gentle. □� �rough-and-ready soldiers.

rou gh and tu m|ble also rough-and-tumble

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use rough and tumble to refer to a situation in which the people involved try hard to get what they want, and do not worry about upsetting or harming others, and you think this is acceptable and normal. □� �the rough-and-tumble of political combat.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Rough and tumble is physical playing that involves noisy and slightly violent behaviour. □� He enjoys rough and tumble play.

rough|en /rʌ fən/ (roughens , roughening , roughened ) VERB [usu passive] If something has been roughened , its surface has become less smooth. □�[be V -ed] �complexions that have been roughened by long periods in the hot sun.

rou gh-hewn ADJ [usu ADJ n] Rough-hewn wood or stone has been cut into a shape but has not yet been smoothed or finished off. □� It is a rough-hewn carving of a cat's head.

rough|neck /rʌ fnek/ (roughnecks )

1 N‑COUNT A roughneck is a man who operates an oil well. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a man as a roughneck , you disapprove of him because you think he is not gentle or polite, and can be violent. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

rough|shod /rʌ fʃɒd/ PHRASE If you say that someone is riding roughshod over a person or their views, you disapprove of them because they are using their power or authority to do what they want, completely ignoring that person's wishes. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The security forces rode roughshod over the human rights of the people.

rou|lette /ruːle t/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Roulette is a gambling game in which a ball is dropped onto a wheel with numbered holes in it while the wheel is spinning round. The players bet on which hole the ball will be in when the wheel stops spinning.

2 →�see also Russian roulette

round

➊�PREPOSITION AND ADVERB USES

➋�NOUN USES

➌�ADJECTIVE USES

➍�VERB USES

➊ round ◆◆◇ /raʊ nd/ Round is an adverb and preposition that has the same meanings as 'around'. Round is often used with verbs of movement, such as 'walk' and 'drive', and also in phrasal verbs such as 'get round' and 'hand round'. Round is commoner in British English than American English, and it is slightly more informal. →�Please look at categories 20 and 21 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 PREP To be positioned round a place or object means to surround it or be on all sides of it. To move round a place means to go along its edge, back to the point where you started. □� They were sitting round the kitchen table. □� All round us was desert. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Round is also an adverb. □� Visibility was good all round. □� The goldfish swam round and round in their tiny bowls.

2 PREP If you move round a corner or obstacle, you move to the other side of it. If you look round a corner or obstacle, you look to see what is on the other side. □� Suddenly a car came round a corner on the opposite side. □� One of his men tapped and looked round the door.

3 PREP You use round to say that something happens in or relates to different parts of a place, or is near a place. □� He happens to own half the land round here. □� I think he has earned the respect of leaders all round the world. ●�ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] Round is also an adverb. □� Shirley found someone to show them round. □� So you're going to have a look round?

4 ADV [ADV after v] If a wheel or object spins round , it turns on its axis. □� Holes can be worn remarkably quickly by a wheel going round at 60mph.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If you turn round , you turn so that you are facing or going in the opposite direction. □� She paused, but did not turn round. □� The wind veered round to the east.

6 ADV [ADV after v] If you move things round , you move them so they are in different places. □� I've already moved things round a bit to make it easier for him.

7 ADV [ADV after v] If you hand or pass something round , it is passed from person to person in a group. □� John handed round the plate of sandwiches. ●�PREP Round is also a preposition. □� They started handing the microphone out round the girls at the front.

8 ADV [ADV after v] If you go round to someone's house, you visit them. □� I think we should go round and tell Kevin to turn his music down. □� He came round with a bottle of champagne. ●�PREP Round is also a preposition in non-standard English. □� I went round my friend's house.

9 ADV [ADV after v] You use round in informal expressions such as sit round or hang round when you are saying that someone is spending time in a place and is not doing anything very important. [BRIT ] □� As we sat round chatting, I began to think I'd made a mistake. ●�PREP Round is also a preposition. □� She would spend the day hanging round street corners.

10 PREP If something is built or based round a particular idea, that idea is the basis for it. □� That was for a design built round an existing American engine.

11 PREP If you get round a problem or difficulty, you find a way of dealing with it. □� Don't just immediately give up but think about ways round a problem.

12 ADV [ADV after v] If you win someone round , or if they come round , they change their mind about something and start agreeing with you. □� He did his best to talk me round, but I wouldn't speak to him.

13 ADV [n ADV , ADV after v] You use round in expressions such as this time round or to come round when you are describing something that has happened before or things that happen regularly. □� At least two directors were expected to vote to increase rates this time round .

14 PREP You can use round to give the measurement of the outside of something that is shaped like a circle or a cylinder. □� I'm about two inches larger round the waist. ●�ADV Round is also an adverb. □� It's six feet high and five feet round.

15 ADV You use round in front of times or amounts to indicate that they are approximate. [VAGUENESS ] □� I go to bed round 11:00 at night.

16 PHRASE In spoken English, round about means approximately. [mainly BRIT , VAGUENESS ] □� Round about one and a half million people died.

17 PHRASE You say all round to emphasize that something affects all parts of a situation or all members of a group. [mainly BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □� It ought to make life much easier all round.

18 PHRASE If you say that something is going round and round in your head, you mean that you can't stop thinking about it. □� It all keeps going round and round in my head till I don't know where I am.

19 PHRASE If something happens all year round , it happens throughout the year. □� Many of these plants are evergreen, so you can enjoy them all year round.

20round the corner →�see corner

21the other way round →�see way

➋ round ◆◆◇ /raʊ nd/ (rounds )

1 N‑COUNT A roundof events is a series of related events, especially one which comes after or before a similar series of events. □�[+�of ] This is the latest round of job cuts aimed at making the company more competitive.

2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] In sport, a round is a series of games in a competition. The winners of these games go on to play in the next round, and so on, until only one player or team is left. □�[+�of ] �in the third round of the Pilkington Cup. □� After round three, two Americans share the lead.

3 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] In a boxing or wrestling match, a round is one of the periods during which the boxers or wrestlers fight. □� He was declared the victor in the 11th round.

4 N‑COUNT A roundof golf is one game, usually including 18 holes. □�[+�of ] �two rounds of golf.

5 N‑COUNT If you do your rounds or your round , you make a series of visits to different places or people, for example as part of your job. [mainly BRIT ] □� The consultants still did their morning rounds.

6 N‑COUNT If you buy a roundof drinks, you buy a drink for each member of the group of people that you are with. □�[+�of ] They sat on the clubhouse terrace, downing a round of drinks.

7 N‑COUNT A roundof ammunition is the bullet or bullets released when a gun is fired. □�[+�of ] �firing 1650 rounds of ammunition during a period of ten minutes.

8 N‑COUNT If there is a roundof applause , everyone claps their hands to welcome someone or to show that they have enjoyed something. □�[+�of ] Sue got a sympathetic round of applause.

9 N‑COUNT In music, a round is a simple song sung by several people in which each person sings a different part of the song at the same time.

10 PHRASE If a story, idea, or joke is going the rounds or doing the rounds , a lot of people have heard it and are telling it to other people. □� This story was going the rounds 20 years ago.

11 PHRASE If you make the rounds or do the rounds , you visit a series of different places. □� After school, I had picked up Nick and Ted and made the rounds of the dry cleaner and the grocery store.

➌ round /raʊ nd/ (rounder , roundest )

1 ADJ Something that is round is shaped like a circle or ball. □� She had small feet and hands and a flat, round face. □� �the round church known as The New Temple.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A round number is a multiple of 10, 100, 1000, and so on. Round numbers are used instead of precise ones to give the general idea of a quantity or proportion. □� A million pounds seemed a suitably round number.

➍ round /raʊ nd/ (rounds , rounding , rounded )

1 VERB If you round a place or obstacle, you move in a curve past the edge or corner of it. □�[V n] The house disappeared from sight as we rounded a corner.

2 VERB If you round an amount up or down , or if you round it off , you change it to the nearest whole number or nearest multiple of 10, 100, 1000, and so on. □�[V n with adv] We needed to learn how to round up and round down numbers. □�[be V -ed +�to ] The fraction was then multiplied by 100 and rounded to the nearest half or whole number. □�[V n adv +�to ] I'll round it off to about �30.

3 →�see also rounded

▸� round off PHRASAL VERB If you round off an activity with something, you end the activity by doing something that provides a clear or satisfactory conclusion to it. □�[V P n] The Italian way is to round off a meal with an ice-cream. □�[V n P ] This rounded the afternoon off perfectly. □�[V P +�by ] He rounds off by proposing a toast to the attendants.

▸� round on PHRASAL VERB If someone rounds on you, they criticize you fiercely and attack you with aggressive words. □�[V P n] When she rounded on him furiously, he apologised.

▸� round up

1 PHRASAL VERB If the police or army round up a number of people, they arrest or capture them. □�[V P n] The police rounded up a number of suspects. □�[V n P ] She says the patrolmen rounded them up at the village school and beat them with rifle butts.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you round up animals or things, you gather them together. □�[V P n] He had sought work as a cowboy, rounding up cattle.

3 →�see also round ➍ 2 , roundup

round|about /raʊ ndəbaʊt/ (roundabouts )

1 N‑COUNT A roundabout is a circular structure in the road at a place where several roads meet. You drive round it until you come to the road that you want. [BRIT ] in AM, use traffic circle2 N‑COUNT A roundabout at a fair is a large, circular mechanical device with seats, often in the shape of animals or cars, on which children sit and go round and round. [BRIT ] in AM, use merry-go-round , carousel3 N‑COUNT A roundabout in a park or school play area is a circular platform that children sit or stand on. People push the platform to make it spin round. [BRIT ] in AM, use merry-go-round4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you go somewhere by a roundabout route, you do not go there by the shortest and quickest route. □� The party took a roundabout route overland.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you do or say something in a roundabout way, you do not do or say it in a simple, clear, and direct way. □� We made a bit of a fuss in a roundabout way.

6round about →�see round ➊

7swings and roundabouts →�see swing

round|ed /raʊ nd I d/

1 ADJ Something that is rounded is curved in shape, without any points or sharp edges. □� �a low rounded hill.

2 ADJ You describe something or someone as rounded or well-rounded when you are expressing approval of them because they have a personality which is fully developed in all aspects. [APPROVAL ] □� �his carefully organised narrative, full of rounded, believable and interesting characters.

roun|del /raʊ nd ə l/ (roundels ) N‑COUNT A roundel is a circular design, for example one painted on a military aircraft.

round|ers /raʊ ndə r z/ N‑UNCOUNT Rounders is a game played by two teams of children, in which a player scores points by hitting a ball thrown by a member of the other team and then running round all four sides of a square.

round|ly /raʊ ndli/ ADV If you are roundly condemned or criticized, you are condemned or criticized forcefully or by many people. If you are roundly defeated, you are defeated completely. □� Political leaders have roundly condemned the shooting.

rou nd-robin (round-robins ) also round robin N‑COUNT [usu N n] A round-robin is a sports competition in which each player or team plays against every other player or team. □� During the round-robin stage, teams often play twice in one day.

rou nd-shou ldered ADJ If someone is round-shouldered , they bend forward when they sit or stand, and their shoulders are curved rather than straight. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Cissie was round-shouldered and dumpy.

rou nd ta|ble (round tables ) also round-table , roundtable N‑COUNT [usu N n] A round table discussion is a meeting where experts gather together in order to discuss a particular topic. □� �a round-table conference of the leading heart specialists of America.

rou nd-the-clock →�see clock

rou nd tri p (round trips )

1 N‑COUNT If you make a round trip , you travel to a place and then back again. □� The train operates the 2,400-mile round trip once a week.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A round-trip ticket is a ticket for a train, bus, or plane that allows you to travel to a particular place and then back again. [AM ] □� The airline has announced cheaper round-trip tickets between Los Angeles and cities it serves in Mexico. in BRIT, use return

round|up /raʊ ndʌp/ (roundups ) also round-up

1 N‑COUNT [adj N ] In journalism, especially television or radio, a roundup of news is a summary of the main events that have happened. □�[+�of ] First, we have this roundup of the day's news.

2 N‑COUNT When there is a roundupof people, they are arrested or captured by the police or army and brought to one place. □�[+�of ] There are reports that roundups of westerners are still taking place.

3 N‑COUNT A roundup is an occasion when cattle, horses, or other animals are collected together so that they can be counted or sold. [AM ] □� What is it that keeps a cowboy looking strong, young and ready for another roundup?

round|worm /raʊ ndwɜː r m/ (roundworms ) N‑VAR A roundworm is a very small worm that lives in the intestines of people, pigs, and other animals.

rouse /raʊ z/ (rouses , rousing , roused )

1 VERB If someone rouses you when you are sleeping or if you rouse , you wake up. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] Hilton roused him at eight-thirty by rapping on the door. □�[V ] When I put my hand on his, he stirs but doesn't quite rouse.

2 VERB If you rouseyourself , you stop being inactive and start doing something. □�[V pron-refl to-inf] She seemed to be unable to rouse herself to do anything. □�[V pron-refl +�from ] He roused himself from his lazy contemplation of the scene beneath him.

3 VERB If something or someone rouses you, they make you very emotional or excited. □�[V n] He did more to rouse the crowd there than anybody else. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Ben says his father was good-natured, a man not quickly roused to anger or harsh opinions. ●� rous|ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �a rousing speech to the convention in support of the president.

4 VERB If something rouses a feeling in you, it causes you to have that feeling. □�[V n] It roused a feeling of rebellion in him.

roust /raʊ st/ (rousts , rousting , rousted ) VERB If you roust someone, you disturb, upset, or hit them, or make them move from their place. [AM ] □�[V n] Relax, kid, we're not about to roust you. We just want some information. □�[V n +�out ] Bruce had gone to bed, but they rousted him out. [Also V n +�from ]

roust|about /raʊ stəbaʊt/ (roustabouts ) N‑COUNT A roustabout is a unskilled worker, especially one who works in a port or at an oil well. [AM ]

rout /raʊ t/ (routs , routing , routed ) VERB If an army, sports team, or other group routs its opponents, it defeats them completely and easily. □�[V n] �the Battle of Hastings at which the Norman army routed the English opposition. ●�N‑COUNT Rout is also a noun. □� Zidane completed the rout with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.

route ◆◆◇ /ruː t/ (routes , routing , routed ) Pronounced /ruː t/ or /raʊ t/ in American English. 1 N‑COUNT A route is a way from one place to another. □� �the most direct route to the town centre. □� All escape routes were blocked by armed police.

2 N‑COUNT A bus, air, or shipping route is the way between two places along which buses, planes, or ships travel regularly. □� �the main shipping routes to Japan.

3 N‑COUNT In the United States, Route is used in front of a number in the names of main roads between major cities. □� �the Broadway-Webster exit on Route 580.

4 N‑COUNT Your route is the series of visits you make to different people or places, as part of your job. [mainly AM ] □� He began cracking open big blue tins of butter cookies and feeding the dogs on his route. in BRIT, usually use round , rounds5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a way of achieving something as a route . □� Researchers are trying to get at the same information through an indirect route.

6 VERB [usu passive] If vehicles, goods, or passengers are routed in a particular direction, they are made to travel in that direction. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Double-stack trains are taking a lot of freight that used to be routed via trucks. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Approaching cars will be routed into two lanes.

7 PHRASE En routeto a place means on the way to that place. En route is sometimes spelled on route in non-standard English. □�[+�to ] They have arrived in London en route to the United States. □� One of the bags was lost en route. [Also +�from/for ]

8 PHRASE Journalists sometimes use en route when they are mentioning an event that happened as part of a longer process or before another event. □�[+�to ] The German set three tournament records en route to grabbing golf's richest prize.

9 PHRASE If you go the route , you do something fully or continue with a task until you have completely finished. [AM ] □� Health enthusiasts like myself want to go the route of prevention rather than cure.

rou te map (route maps )

1 N‑COUNT A route map is a map that shows the main roads in a particular area or the main routes used by buses, trains, and other forms of transport in a particular area.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe one thing as a route map for another thing, you mean that it provides a model showing the best way to achieve or describe it. □�[+�of ] �a route map of human evolutionary history.

rout|er /ruː tə r / (routers ) N‑COUNT On a computer or network of computers, a router is a piece of equipment which allows access to other computers or networks, for example the internet. [COMPUTING ]

rou|tine ◆◇◇ /ruːtiː n/ (routines )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n, adj N ] A routine is the usual series of things that you do at a particular time. A routine is also the practice of regularly doing things in a fixed order. □� The players had to change their daily routine and lifestyle. □� He checked up on you as a matter of routine.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use routine to describe activities that are done as a normal part of a job or process. □� �a series of routine medical tests.

3 ADJ A routine situation, action, or event is one which seems completely ordinary, rather than interesting, exciting, or different. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� So many days are routine and uninteresting, especially in winter.

4 N‑VAR You use routine to refer to a way of life that is uninteresting and ordinary, or hardly ever changes. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the mundane routine of her life.

5 N‑COUNT A routine is a computer program, or part of a program, that performs a specific function. [COMPUTING ] □� � an installation routine.

6 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A routine is a short sequence of jokes, remarks, actions, or movements that forms part of a longer performance. □� �an athletic dance routine.

rou|tine|ly /ruːtiː nli/

1 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If something is routinely done, it is done as a normal part of a job or process. □� Vitamin K is routinely given in the first week of life to prevent bleeding.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If something happens routinely , it happens repeatedly and is not surprising, unnatural, or new. □� Any outside criticism is routinely dismissed as interference.

rove /roʊ v/ (roves , roving , roved )

1 VERB If someone rovesabout an area or roves an area, they wander around it. [LITERARY ] □�[V prep/adv] �roving about the town in the dead of night and seeing something peculiar. □�[V n] She became a photographer, roving the world with her camera in her hand.

2 →�see also roving

rov|ing /roʊ v I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use roving to describe a person who travels around, rather than staying in a fixed place. □� �a roving reporter.

row

➊�ARRANGEMENT OR SEQUENCE

➋�MAKING A BOAT MOVE

➌�DISAGREEMENT OR NOISE

➊ row ◆◇◇ /roʊ / (rows )

1 N‑COUNT A rowof things or people is a number of them arranged in a line. □�[+�of ] �a row of pretty little cottages. □� Several men are pushing school desks and chairs into neat rows.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] Row is sometimes used in the names of streets. □� �the house at 236 Larch Row.

3 →�see also death row , skid row

4 PHRASE If something happens several times in a row , it happens that number of times without a break. If something happens several days in a row , it happens on each of those days. □� They have won five championships in a row.

➋ row /roʊ / (rows , rowing , rowed )

1 VERB When you row , you sit in a boat and make it move through the water by using oars. If you row someone somewhere, you take them there in a boat, using oars. □�[V prep] He rowed as quickly as he could to the shore. □�[V n] We could all row a boat and swim almost before we could walk. □�[V n adv/prep] The boatman refused to row him back. ●�N‑COUNT Row is also a noun. □� I took Daniel for a row.

2 →�see also rowing

▸� row back PHRASAL VERB If you row backon something you have said or written, you express a different or contrary opinion about it. □�[V P +�from ] The administration has been steadily rowing back from its early opposition to his attendance in London. □�[V P +�on ] The government was forced to row back on an austerity plan that would have involved wage cuts.

➌ row ◆◇◇ /raʊ / (rows , rowing , rowed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A row is a serious disagreement between people or organizations. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� This is likely to provoke a further row about the bank's role in the affair.

2 VERB If two people row or if one person rowswith another, they have a noisy argument. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V ] They rowed all the time. □�[V +�with ] He had earlier rowed with his girlfriend.

3 N‑SING If you say that someone is making a row , you mean that they are making a loud, unpleasant noise. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� 'Whatever is that row?' she demanded. 'Pop festival,' he answered.

ro|wan /roʊ ən, raʊ ən/ (rowans ) N‑VAR A rowan or a rowan tree is a tree with a silvery trunk that has red berries in autumn. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Rowan is the wood of this tree.

row|boat /roʊ boʊt/ (rowboats ) N‑COUNT A rowboat is a small boat that you move through the water by using oars. [AM ] in BRIT, use rowing boat

row|dy /raʊ di/ (rowdier , rowdiest ) ADJ When people are rowdy , they are noisy, rough, and likely to cause trouble. □� He has complained to the police about rowdy neighbours. ●� row|di|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �adolescent behaviour like vandalism and rowdiness.

row|er /roʊ ə r / (rowers ) N‑COUNT A rower is a person who rows a boat, especially as a sport. □� �the first rower ever to win golds at four consecutive rowing championships.

row house /roʊ haʊs/ (row houses ) also rowhouse N‑COUNT A row house is one of a row of similar houses that are joined together by both of their side walls. [AM ] in BRIT, use terraced house

row|ing /roʊ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Rowing is a sport in which people or teams race against each other in boats with oars. □� �competitions in rowing, swimming and water skiing.

ro w|ing boat (rowing boats ) also rowing-boat N‑COUNT A rowing boat is a small boat that you move through the water by using oars. [BRIT ] in AM, use rowboat

ro w|ing ma|chine (rowing machines ) N‑COUNT A rowing machine is an exercise machine with moving parts which you move as if you were rowing a rowing boat.

row|lock /rɒ lək, roʊ lɒk/ (rowlocks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The rowlocks on a rowing boat are the U-shaped pieces of metal that keep the oars in position while you move them backwards and forwards. [BRIT ] in AM, use oarlock

roy|al ◆◆◇ /rɔ I əl/ (royals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Royal is used to indicate that something is connected with a king, queen, or emperor, or their family. A royal person is a king, queen, or emperor, or a member of their family. □� �an invitation to a royal garden party.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Royal is used in the names of institutions or organizations that are officially appointed or supported by a member of a royal family. □� �the Royal Academy of Music.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Members of the royal family are sometimes referred to as royals . [INFORMAL ] □� The royals have always been patrons of charities pulling in large donations.

ro y|al blue COLOUR Something that is royal blue is deep blue in colour.

ro y|al fa mi|ly (royal families ) N‑COUNT Theroyal family of a country is the king, queen, or emperor, and all the members of their family.

Ro y|al Hi gh|ness (Royal Highnesses ) N‑COUNT Expressions such as Your Royal Highness and Their Royal Highnesses are used to address or refer to members of royal families who are not kings or queens. [POLITENESS ]

roy|al|ist /rɔ I əl I st/ (royalists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A royalist is someone who supports their country's royal family or who believes that their country should have a king or queen. □� He was hated by the royalists.

ro y|al je l|ly N‑UNCOUNT Royal jelly is a substance that bees make in order to feed young bees and queen bees.

roy|al|ly /rɔ I əli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you say that something is done royally , you are emphasizing that it is done in an impressive or grand way, or that it is very great in degree. [EMPHASIS ] □� They were royally received in every aspect.

roy|al|ty /rɔ I əlti/ (royalties )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The members of royal families are sometimes referred to as royalty . □� Royalty and government leaders from all around the world are gathering together.

2 N‑PLURAL Royalties are payments made to authors and musicians when their work is sold or performed. They usually receive a fixed percentage of the profits from these sales or performances. □�[+�on ] I lived on the royalties on my book.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Payments made to someone whose invention, idea, or property is used by a commercial company can be referred to as royalties . □� The royalties enabled the inventor to re-establish himself in business.

RP /ɑː r piː / RP is a way of pronouncing British English that is often considered to be the standard accent. Pronunciations in this dictionary are given in RP. RP is an abbreviation for 'Received Pronunciation'.

rpm /ɑː r piː e m/ also r.p.m.rpm is used to indicate the speed of something by saying how many times per minute it will go round in a circle. rpm is an abbreviation for 'revolutions per minute'. □� Both engines were running at 2500 rpm.

RSI /ɑː r es a I / N‑UNCOUNT People who suffer from RSI have pain in their hands and arms as a result of repeating similar movements over a long period of time, usually as part of their job. RSI is an abbreviation for 'repetitive strain injury'. □� The women developed painful RSI because of poor working conditions.

RSS /ɑː r es e s/ N‑UNCOUNT RSS is a way of allowing internet users to receive the most recent news from particular websites as soon as it is published. □� RSS allows the delivery of news headlines directly to subscribers' PCs, cellphones or iPods, almost the instant they are published. □� �an RSS (news) feed.

RSVP /ɑː r es viː piː / also R.S.V.P.RSVP is an abbreviation for 'r�pondez s'il vous pla�t', which means 'please reply'. It is written on the bottom of a card inviting you to a party or special occasion. [FORMAL ]

Rt Hon. /ra I t ɒ n/ ADJ Rt Hon. is used in Britain as part of the formal title of some members of the Privy Council and some judges. Rt Hon. is an abbreviation for 'Right Honourable'. □� �the Rt Hon. the Lord Provost.

rub /rʌ b/ (rubs , rubbing , rubbed )

1 VERB If you rub a part of your body, you move your hand or fingers backwards and forwards over it while pressing firmly. □�[V n] He rubbed his arms and stiff legs. □�[V prep/adv] 'I fell in a ditch', he said, rubbing at a scrape on his hand.

2 VERB If you rubagainst a surface or rub a part of your body against a surface, you move it backwards and forwards while pressing it against the surface. □�[V prep] A cat was rubbing against my leg. □�[V n prep] He kept rubbing his leg against mine.

3 VERB If you rub an object or a surface, you move a cloth backward and forward over it in order to clean or dry it. □�[V n] She took off her glasses and rubbed them hard. □�[V ] He rubbed and rubbed but couldn't seem to get clean.

4 VERB If you rub a substance into a surface or rub something such as dirt from a surface, you spread it over the surface or remove it from the surface using your hand or something such as a cloth. □�[V n prep] He rubbed oil into my back.

5 VERB If you rub two things together or if they rubtogether , they move backwards and forwards, pressing against each other. □�[V n together ] He rubbed his hands together a few times. □�[V together ] �the 650-mile rift that separates the Pacific and North American geological plates as they rub together.

6 VERB If something you are wearing or holding rubs , it makes you sore because it keeps moving backwards and forwards against your skin. □�[V ] Smear cream on to your baby's skin at the edges of the plaster to prevent it from rubbing. [Also V n]

7 N‑SING Rub is used in expressions such as there's the rub and the rub is when you are mentioning a difficulty that makes something hard or impossible to achieve. [FORMAL ] □� 'What do you want to write about?'. And there was the rub, because I didn't yet know.

8 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A massage can be referred to as a rub . □� She sometimes asks if I want a back rub.

9 →�see also rubbing

10 PHRASE If you rub shoulders with famous people, you meet them and talk to them. You can also say that you rub elbows with someone, especially in American English. □� He regularly rubbed shoulders with the stars.

11 PHRASE If you rub someone up the wrong way in British English, or rub someone the wrong way in American English, you offend or annoy them without intending to. [INFORMAL ] □� What are you going to get out of him if you rub him up the wrong way?

12to rub someone's nose in it →�see nose

13to rub salt into the wound →�see salt

▸� rub down PHRASAL VERB If you rub down a rough surface, you make it smooth by rubbing it with something such as sandpaper. [Also V n P ]

▸� rub in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you rub a substance in , you press it into something by continuously moving it over its surface. □�[V P n] When hair is dry, rub in a little oil to make it smooth and glossy. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone keeps reminding you of something you would rather forget you can say that they are rubbingitin . □�[V n P ] Officials couldn't resist rubbing it in. □�[V P n] The home side rubbed in their superiority with a further goal.

▸� rub off PHRASAL VERB If someone's qualities or habits rub offon you, you develop some of their qualities or habits after spending time with them. □�[V P +�on ] He was a tremendously enthusiastic teacher and that rubbed off on all the children. □�[V P ] I was hoping some of his genius might rub off.

▸� rub out PHRASAL VERB If you rub out something that you have written on paper or a board, you remove it using a rubber or eraser. □�[V P n] She began rubbing out the pencilled marks in the margin. [Also V n P ]

rub|ber /rʌ bə r / (rubbers )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Rubber is a strong, waterproof, elastic substance made from the juice of a tropical tree or produced chemically. It is used for making tyres, boots, and other products. □� �the smell of burning rubber.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Rubber things are made of rubber. □� �rubber gloves.

3 N‑COUNT A rubber is a small piece of rubber or other material that is used to remove mistakes that you have made while writing or drawing. [BRIT ] in AM, use eraser4 N‑COUNT A rubber is a condom. [AM , INFORMAL ]

ru b|ber ba nd (rubber bands ) N‑COUNT A rubber band is a thin circle of very elastic rubber. You put it around things such as papers in order to keep them together.

ru b|ber boo t (rubber boots ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Rubber boots are long boots made of rubber that you wear to keep your feet dry. [AM ] in BRIT, use wellington

ru b|ber bu l|let (rubber bullets ) N‑COUNT A rubber bullet is a bullet made of a metal ball coated with rubber. It is intended to injure people rather than kill them, and is used by police or soldiers to control crowds during a riot. □� Rubber bullets were used to break up the demonstration.

rubber|neck /rʌ bə r nek/ (rubbernecks , rubbernecking , rubbernecked ) also rubber-neck VERB If someone is rubbernecking , they are staring at someone or something, especially in a rude or silly way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] The accident was caused by people slowing down to rubber-neck. ●� rubber|necker (rubberneckers ) N‑COUNT □� Pitt planted tall trees outside his home to block rubberneckers.

ru b|ber plant (rubber plants ) N‑COUNT A rubber plant is a type of plant with shiny leaves. It grows naturally in Asia but is also grown as a house plant in other parts of the world.

ru b|ber sta mp (rubber stamps , rubber stamping , rubber stamped ) also rubber-stamp

1 N‑COUNT A rubber stamp is a small device with a name, date, or symbol on it. You press it on to an ink pad and then on to a document in order to show that the document has been officially dealt with. □� In Post Offices, virtually every document that's passed across the counter is stamped with a rubber stamp.

2 VERB When someone in authority rubber-stamps a decision, plan, or law, they agree to it without thinking about it much. □�[V n] Parliament's job is to rubber-stamp his decisions.

rub|bery /rʌ bəri/

1 ADJ Something that is rubbery looks or feels soft or elastic like rubber. □� The mask is left on for about 15 minutes while it sets to a rubbery texture.

2 ADJ Food such as meat that is rubbery is difficult to chew.

rub|bing /rʌ b I ŋ/ (rubbings )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A rubbing is a picture that you make by putting a piece of paper over a carved surface and then rubbing wax or chalk over it. □� �a brass rubbing.

2 →�see also rub

ru b|bing a l|co|hol N‑UNCOUNT Rubbing alcohol is a liquid which is used to clean wounds or surgical instruments. [AM ] in BRIT, use surgical spirit

rub|bish /rʌ b I ʃ/ (rubbishes , rubbishing , rubbished )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Rubbish consists of unwanted things or waste material such as used paper, empty tins and bottles, and waste food. [mainly BRIT ] □� �unwanted household rubbish. in AM, usually use garbage , trash2 N‑UNCOUNT If you think that something is of very poor quality, you can say that it is rubbish . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He described her book as absolute rubbish.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you think that an idea or a statement is foolish or wrong, you can say that it is rubbish . [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He's talking rubbish. □� These reports are total and utter rubbish.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you think that someone is not very good at something, you can say that they are rubbishat it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�at ] He was rubbish at his job. □� I tried playing golf, but I was rubbish.

5 VERB If you rubbish a person, their ideas, or their work, you say they are of little value. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Five whole pages of script were devoted to rubbishing her political opponents. in AM, use trash

rub|bishy /rʌ b I ʃi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as rubbishy , you think it is of very poor quality. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �some old rubbishy cop movie.

rub|ble /rʌ b ə l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT When a building is destroyed, the pieces of brick, stone, or other materials that remain are referred to as rubble . □� Thousands of bodies are still buried under the rubble.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Rubble is used to refer to the small pieces of bricks and stones that are used as a bottom layer on which to build roads, paths, or houses. □� Brick rubble is useful as the base for paths and patios.

rube /ruː b/ (rubes ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a man or boy as a rube , you consider him stupid and uneducated because he comes from the countryside. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's no rube. He's a very smart guy.

ru|bel|la /ruːbe lə/ N‑UNCOUNT Rubella is a disease. The symptoms are a cough, a sore throat, and red spots on your skin. [MEDICAL ]

Ru|bi|con /ruː b I kɒn/ PHRASE If you say that someone has crossed the Rubicon , you mean that they have reached a point where they cannot change a decision or course of action. [JOURNALISM ] □� He's crossed the Rubicon with regard to the use of military force as an option.

ru|ble /ruː b ə l/ →�see rouble

ru|bric /ruː br I k/ (rubrics )

1 N‑COUNT A rubric is a set of rules or instructions, for example the rules at the beginning of an examination paper. [FORMAL ] □� Either she had been poorly prepared by her teachers or the exam rubric was unclear.

2 N‑COUNT A rubric is a title or heading under which something operates or is studied. [FORMAL ] □� The aid comes under the rubric of technical co-operation between governments.

ruby /ruː bi/ (rubies ) N‑COUNT A ruby is a dark red jewel. □� �a ruby and diamond ring.

ruched /ruː ʃt/ ADJ Ruched curtains or garments are gathered so that they hang in soft folds.

ruck /rʌ k/ (rucks , rucking , rucked )

1 N‑COUNT A ruck is a situation where a group of people are fighting or struggling. [BRIT ] □� There'll be a huge ruck with the cops as they try to take photographs.

2 N‑COUNT In the sport of rugby, a ruck is a situation where a group of players struggle for possession of the ball.

ruck|sack /rʌ ks�k/ (rucksacks ) N‑COUNT A rucksack is a bag with straps that go over your shoulders, so that you can carry things on your back, for example when you are walking or climbing. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use knapsack , pack , backpack

ruck|us /rʌ kəs/ N‑SING If someone or something causes a ruckus , they cause a great deal of noise, argument, or confusion. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� This caused such a ruckus all over Japan that they had to change their mind.

ruc|tion /rʌ kʃ ə n/ (ructions ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If someone or something causes ructions , they cause strong protests, quarrels, or other trouble. [INFORMAL ] □� Both activities have caused some ructions.

rud|der /rʌ də r / (rudders )

1 N‑COUNT A rudder is a device for steering a boat. It consists of a vertical piece of wood or metal at the back of the boat.

2 N‑COUNT An aeroplane's rudder is a vertical piece of metal at the back which is used to make the plane turn to the right or to the left.

rud|der|less /rʌ də r ləs/ ADJ A country or a person that is rudderless does not have a clear aim or a strong leader to follow. □� The country was politically rudderless for almost three months.

rud|dy /rʌ di/ (ruddier , ruddiest ) ADJ If you describe someone's face as ruddy , you mean that their face is a reddish colour, usually because they are healthy or have been working hard, or because they are angry or embarrassed. □� He had a naturally ruddy complexion.

rude /ruː d/ (ruder , rudest )

1 ADJ When people are rude , they act in an impolite way towards other people or say impolite things about them. □�[+�to/about ] He's rude to her friends and obsessively jealous. ●� rude|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� I could not understand why she felt compelled to behave so rudely to a friend. ●� rude|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □� She was angry at Steve's rudeness, but I could forgive it.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Rude is used to describe words and behaviour that are likely to embarrass or offend people, because they relate to sex or to body functions. [mainly BRIT ] □� Fred keeps cracking rude jokes with the guests. in AM, usually use dirty3 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone receives a rude shock, something unpleasant happens unexpectedly. □� It will come as a rude shock when their salary or income-tax refund cannot be cashed. ●� rude|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� People were awakened rudely by a siren just outside their window.

4rude awakening →�see awakening

ru|di|men|ta|ry /ruː d I me ntri/

1 ADJ Rudimentary things are very basic or simple and are therefore unsatisfactory. [FORMAL ] □� �a kind of rudimentary kitchen.

2 ADJ Rudimentary knowledge includes only the simplest and most basic facts. [FORMAL ] □� He had only a rudimentary knowledge of French.

ru|di|ments /ruː d I mənts/ N‑PLURAL When you learn therudimentsof something, you learn the simplest or most essential things about it. □�[+�of ] She helped to build a house, learning the rudiments of brick-laying as she went along.

rue /ruː / (rues , ruing , rued )

1 VERB If you rue something that you have done, you are sorry that you did it, because it has had unpleasant results. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] Tavare was probably ruing his decision.

2 PHRASE If you rue the day that you did something, you are sorry that you did it, because it has had unpleasant results. [LITERARY ] □� You'll live to rue the day you said that to me, my girl.

rue|ful /ruː fʊl/ ADJ If someone is rueful , they feel or express regret or sorrow in a quiet and gentle way. [LITERARY ] □� He shook his head and gave me a rueful smile. ●� rue|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He grinned at her ruefully.

ruff /rʌ f/ (ruffs )

1 N‑COUNT A ruff is a stiff strip of cloth or other material with many small folds in it, which some people wore round their neck in former times. □� �an Elizabethan ruff.

2 N‑COUNT A ruff is a thick band of feathers or fur round the neck of a bird or animal.

ruf|fian /rʌ fiən/ (ruffians ) N‑COUNT A ruffian is a man who behaves violently and is involved in crime. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �gangs of ruffians who lurk about intent on troublemaking.

ruf|fle /rʌ f ə l/ (ruffles , ruffling , ruffled )

1 VERB If you ruffle someone's hair, you move your hand backwards and forwards through it as a way of showing your affection towards them. □�[V n] 'Don't let that get you down,' he said ruffling Ben's dark curls.

2 VERB When the wind ruffles something such as the surface of the sea, it causes it to move gently in a wave-like motion. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] The evening breeze ruffled the pond.

3 VERB If something ruffles someone, it causes them to panic and lose their confidence or to become angry or upset. □�[V n] I could tell that my refusal to allow him to ruffle me infuriated him.

4 VERB If a bird ruffles its feathers or if its feathers ruffle , they stand out on its body, for example when it is cleaning itself or when it is frightened. □�[V n] Tame birds, when approached, will stretch out their necks and ruffle their neck feathering. □�[V ] Its body plumage suddenly began to ruffle and swell.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Ruffles are folds of cloth at the neck or the ends of the arms of a piece of clothing, or are sometimes sewn on things as a decoration. □� �a white blouse with ruffles at the neck and cuffs.

6 PHRASE To ruffle someone's feathers means to cause them to become very angry, nervous, or upset. □� His direct, often abrasive approach will doubtless ruffle a few feathers.

ruf|fled /rʌ f ə ld/

1 ADJ Something that is ruffled is no longer smooth or neat. □� Her short hair was oddly ruffled and then flattened around her head.

2 →�see also ruffle

rug /rʌ g/ (rugs )

1 N‑COUNT A rug is a piece of thick material that you put on a floor. It is like a carpet but covers a smaller area. □� A Persian rug covered the hardwood floors.

2 N‑COUNT A rug is a small blanket which you use to cover your shoulders or your knees to keep them warm. [mainly BRIT ] □� The old lady was seated in her chair at the window, a rug over her knees.

3 PHRASE If someone pulls the rug from under a person or thing or pulls the rug from under someone's feet , they stop giving their help or support. □� If the banks opt to pull the rug from under the ill-fated project, it will go into liquidation.

4to sweep something under the rug →�see sweep

rug|by ◆◇◇ /rʌ gbi/ N‑UNCOUNT Rugby or rugby football is a game played by two teams using an oval ball. Players try to score points by carrying the ball to their opponents' end of the field, or by kicking it over a bar fixed between two posts.

ru g|by ta ck|le (rugby tackles , rugby tackling , rugby tackled )

1 N‑COUNT A rugby tackle is a way of making someone fall over by throwing your arms around their legs or hips.

2 VERB To rugby tackle someone means to make them fall over by throwing your arms around their legs or hips. □�[V n] He rugby tackled her and stole her bag. □�[be V -ed] He was rugby tackled by a police officer after breaking through police lines.

rug|ged /rʌ g I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rugged area of land is uneven and covered with rocks, with few trees or plants. [LITERARY ] □� �rugged mountainous terrain. ●� rug|ged|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �a ruggedly beautiful wilderness. ●� rug|ged|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The island's ruggedness symbolises our history and the character of the people.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a man as rugged , you mean that he has strong, masculine features. [LITERARY , APPROVAL ] □� A look of pure disbelief crossed Shankly's rugged face. ●� rug|ged|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV -ed] □� He was six feet tall and ruggedly handsome.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's character as rugged , you mean that they are strong and determined, and have the ability to cope with difficult situations. [APPROVAL ] □� Rugged individualism forged America's frontier society.

4 ADJ A rugged piece of equipment is strong and is designed to last a long time, even if it is treated roughly. □� The camera combines rugged reliability with unequalled optical performance and speed. ●� rug|ged|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The body is 90% titanium for ruggedness.

rug|ger /rʌ gə r / N‑UNCOUNT Rugger is the same as rugby . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a rugger match.

ruin ◆◇◇ /ruː I n/ (ruins , ruining , ruined )

1 VERB To ruin something means to severely harm, damage, or spoil it. □�[V n] Olivia was ruining her health through worry.

2 VERB To ruin someone means to cause them to no longer have any money. □�[V n] She accused him of ruining her financially with his taste for the high life.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Ruin is the state of no longer having any money. □� The farmers say recent inflation has driven them to the brink of ruin.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Ruin is the state of being severely damaged or spoiled, or the process of reaching this state. □� The vineyards were falling into ruin.

5 N‑PLURAL The ruins of something are the parts of it that remain after it has been severely damaged or weakened. □�[+�of ] The new republic he helped to build emerged from the ruins of a great empire.

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Theruins of a building are the parts of it that remain after the rest has fallen down or been destroyed. □� One dead child was found in the ruins almost two hours after the explosion.

7 →�see also ruined

8 PHRASE If something is in ruins , it is completely spoiled. □� Its heavily-subsidized economy is in ruins.

9 PHRASE If a building or place is in ruins , most of it has been destroyed and only parts of it remain. □� The abbey was in ruins. SYNONYMS ruin VERB 1

harm:�a warning that the product may harm the environment.

damage:He maliciously damaged a car with a baseball bat.

destroy:The building was completely destroyed in the explosion.

spoil:Peaceful summer evenings can be spoilt by mosquitoes.

ru|ina|tion /ruː I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The ruination of someone or something is the act of ruining them or the process of being ruined. □�[+�of ] Money was the ruination of him.

ruined /ruː I nd/ ADJ [ADJ n] A ruined building or place has been very badly damaged or has gradually fallen down because no-one has taken care of it. □� �a ruined church.

ru|in|ous /ruː I nəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe the cost of something as ruinous , you mean that it costs far more money than you can afford or than is reasonable. □� Many Britons will still fear the potentially ruinous costs of their legal system. ●� ru|in|ous|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �a ruinously expensive court case.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A ruinous process or course of action is one that is likely to lead to ruin. □� The economy of the state is experiencing the ruinous effects of the conflict. ●� ru|in|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� �cities ruinously choked by uncontrolled traffic.

rule ◆◆◆ /ruː l/ (rules , ruling , ruled )

1 N‑COUNT Rules are instructions that tell you what you are allowed to do and what you are not allowed to do. □�[+�of ] �a thirty-two-page pamphlet explaining the rules of basketball. □� Strictly speaking, this was against the rules.

2 N‑COUNT A rule is a statement telling people what they should do in order to achieve success or a benefit of some kind. □� An important rule is to drink plenty of water during any flight. [Also +�for/of ]

3 N‑COUNT The rulesof something such as a language or a science are statements that describe the way that things usually happen in a particular situation. □�[+�of ] �according to the rules of quantum theory.

4 N‑SING If something is the rule , it is the normal state of affairs. □� However, for many Americans today, weekend work has unfortunately become the rule rather than the exception.

5 VERB The person or group that rules a country controls its affairs. □�[V n] Mongan ruled Ulster until his death in AD 625. □�[V ] He ruled for eight months. □�[V +�over ] �the long line of feudal lords who had ruled over this land. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Rule is also a noun. □� �demands for an end to one-party rule.

6 VERB If something rules your life, it influences or restricts your actions in a way that is not good for you. □�[V n] Scientists have always been aware of how fear can rule our lives and make us ill.

7 VERB When someone in authority rules that something is true or should happen, they state that they have officially decided that it is true or should happen. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] The court ruled that laws passed by the assembly remained valid. □�[V +�on ] The court has not yet ruled on the case. □�[V n adj/n] A provincial magistrates' court last week ruled it unconstitutional. □�[V +�against ] The committee ruled against all-night opening mainly on safety grounds. [Also V +�in favour of ]

8 VERB If you rule a straight line, you draw it using something that has a straight edge. □�[V -ed] �a ruled grid of horizontal and vertical lines. [Also V n]

9 →�see also golden rule , ground rule , ruling , slide rule

10 PHRASE If you say that something happens as a rule , you mean that it usually happens. □� As a rule, however, such attacks have been aimed at causing damage rather than taking life.

11 PHRASE If someone in authority bends the rules or stretches the rules , they do something even though it is against the rules. □� There is a particular urgency in this case, and it would help if you could bend the rules.

12 PHRASE A rule of thumb is a rule or principle that you follow which is not based on exact calculations, but rather on experience. □� A good rule of thumb is that a broker must generate sales of ten times his salary.

13 PHRASE If workers work to rule , they protest by working according to the rules of their job without doing any extra work or taking any new decisions. [BRIT ] □� Nurses are continuing to work to rule.

▸� rule in PHRASAL VERB If you say that you are not ruling in a particular course of action, you mean that you have not definitely decided to take that action. □�[V n P ] We have made no decisions yet. We are ruling nothing out and we are ruling nothing in. □�[V P n] We must take care not to rule in or rule out any one solution.

▸� rule out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you rule out a course of action, an idea, or a solution, you decide that it is impossible or unsuitable. □�[V P n] The Prime Minister is believed to have ruled out cuts in child benefit or pensions. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If something rules out a situation, it prevents it from happening or from being possible. □�[V P n] A serious car accident ruled out a permanent future for him in farming.

▸� rule out of PHRASAL VERB If someone rules you out of a contest or activity, they say that you cannot be involved in it. If something rules you out of a contest or activity, it prevents you from being involved in it. □�[V n P P n] He has ruled himself out of the world championships next year.

ru le book (rule books )

1 N‑COUNT A rule book is a book containing the official rules for a particular game, job, or organization. □� �one of the most serious offences mentioned in the Party rule book.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is doing something by the rule book , you mean that they are doing it in the normal, accepted way. □� This was not the time to take risks; he knew he should play it by the rule book.

ru le of la w N‑SING Therule of law refers to a situation in which the people in a society obey its laws and enable it to function properly. [FORMAL ] □� I am confident that we can restore peace, stability and respect for the rule of law.

rul|er /ruː lə r / (rulers )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The ruler of a country is the person who rules the country. □�[+�of ] �the former military ruler of Lesotho.

2 N‑COUNT A ruler is a long flat piece of wood, metal, or plastic with straight edges marked in centimetres or inches. Rulers are used to measure things and to draw straight lines.

rul|ing ◆◇◇ /ruː l I ŋ/ (rulings )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The ruling group of people in a country or organization is the group that controls its affairs. □� �the Mexican voters' growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party. □� �the sport's ruling body, the International Cricket Council.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A ruling is an official decision made by a judge or court. □� Goodwin tried to have the court ruling overturned.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone's ruling passion or emotion is the feeling they have most strongly, which influences their actions. □� Their ruling passion is that of carnal love. COLLOCATIONS ruling NOUN 2

noun +�ruling : court, landmark, trade, tribunal

adjective +�ruling : favourable, preliminary

verb +�ruling : issue, uphold; appeal, challenge, overturn

rum /rʌ m/ (rums ) N‑VAR Rum is an alcoholic drink made from sugar. □� �a bottle of rum.

Ru|ma|nian /ruːme I niən/ →�see Romanian

rum|ba /rʌ mbə/ (rumbas ) N‑COUNT The rumba is a popular dance that comes from Cuba, or the music that the dance is performed to.

rum|ble /rʌ mb ə l/ (rumbles , rumbling , rumbled )

1 N‑COUNT A rumble is a low continuous noise. □�[+�of ] The silence of the night was punctuated by the distant rumble of traffic.

2 VERB If a vehicle rumbles somewhere, it moves slowly forward while making a low continuous noise. □�[V adv/prep] A bus rumbled along the road at the top of the path.

3 VERB If something rumbles , it makes a low, continuous noise. □�[V ] The sky, swollen like a black bladder, rumbled and crackled.

4 VERB If your stomach rumbles , it makes a vibrating noise, usually because you are hungry. □�[V ] Her stomach rumbled. She hadn't eaten any breakfast.

5 VERB [usu passive] If someone is rumbled , the truth about them or something they were trying to hide is discovered. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] When his fraud was rumbled he had just �20.17 in the bank.

▸� rumble on PHRASAL VERB If you say that something such as an argument rumbles on , you mean that it continues for a long time after it should have been settled. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □�[V P ] And still the row rumbles on over who is to blame for the steadily surging crime statistics.

rum|bling /rʌ mbl I ŋ/ (rumblings )

1 N‑COUNT A rumbling is a low continuous noise. □�[+�of ] �the rumbling of an empty stomach.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Rumblings are signs that a bad situation is developing or that people are becoming annoyed or unhappy. □�[+�of ] There were rumblings of discontent within the ranks.

rum|bus|tious /rʌmbʌ stʃuəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rumbustious person is energetic in a cheerful, noisy way. [BRIT ] □� �the flamboyant and somewhat rumbustious prime minister. in AM, use rambunctious

ru|mi|nate /ruː m I ne I t/ (ruminates , ruminating , ruminated )

1 VERB If you ruminateon something, you think about it very carefully. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�on/about/over ] He ruminated on the terrible wastage that typified American life. [Also V ]

2 VERB When animals ruminate , they bring food back from their stomach into their mouth and chew it again. [TECHNICAL ]

ru|mi|na|tion /ruː m I ne I ʃ ə n/ (ruminations ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Your ruminations are your careful thoughts about something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�on ] His ruminations on the subject are not always to be believed.

ru|mi|na|tive /ruː m I nət I v, [AM ] -ne I t-/ ADJ If you are ruminative , you are thinking very deeply and carefully about something. [FORMAL ] □� He was uncharacteristically depressed and ruminative. ●� ru|mi|na|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He smiles and swirls the ice ruminatively around his almost empty glass.

rum|mage /rʌ m I dʒ/ (rummages , rummaging , rummaged ) VERB If you rummagethrough something, you search for something you want by moving things around in a careless or hurried way. □�[V prep] They rummage through piles of second-hand clothes for something that fits. [Also V ] ●�N‑SING Rummage is also a noun. □� A brief rummage will provide several pairs of gloves. ●�PHRASAL VERB Rummage about and rummage around mean the same as rummage . □�[V P ] I opened the fridge and rummaged about. □�[V P n] He rummaged around the post room and found the document.

ru m|mage sale (rummage sales ) N‑COUNT A rummage sale is a sale of cheap used goods that is usually held to raise money for charity. [AM ] in BRIT, use jumble sale

rum|my /rʌ mi/ N‑UNCOUNT Rummy is a card game in which players try to collect cards of the same value or cards in a sequence in the same suit.

ru|mor /ruː mər/ →�see rumour

ru|mour ◆◇◇ /ruː mə r / (rumours ) in AM, use rumor N‑VAR [oft N that] A rumour is a story or piece of information that may or may not be true, but that people are talking about. □� We have been denying rumours of a split since the first week we got together. [Also +�of/about ]

ru|moured /ruː mə r d/ in AM, use rumored V-PASSIVE If something is rumouredto be the case, people are suggesting that it is the case, but they do not know for certain. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Her parents are rumoured to be on the verge of splitting up. □�[be V -ed that] It was rumoured that he had been interned in an asylum for a while. [Also therebe V -ed to-inf, be V -ed]

ru |mour mi ll (rumour mills ) in AM, use rumor mill N‑COUNT You can refer to the people in a particular place or profession who spread rumours as the rumour mill . [mainly JOURNALISM ] □� The Washington rumour mill suggests that the President secured his narrow majority only by promising all sorts of concessions.

rumour-monger /ruː mə r mʌ ŋgə r / (rumour-mongers ) in AM, use rumormonger N‑COUNT If you call someone a rumour-monger , you disapprove of the fact that they spread rumours. [DISAPPROVAL ]

rump /rʌ mp/ (rumps )

1 N‑SING The rumpof a group, organization, or country consists of the members who remain in it after the rest have left. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] The rump of the party does in fact still have considerable assets.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] An animal's rump is its rear end. □� The cows' rumps were marked with a number.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Rump or rump steak is meat cut from the rear end of a cow.

rum|ple /rʌ mp ə l/ (rumples , rumpling , rumpled ) VERB If you rumple someone's hair, you move your hand backwards and forwards through it as your way of showing affection to them. □�[V n] I leaned forward to rumple his hair, but he jerked out of the way.

rum|pled /rʌ mp ə ld/ ADJ Rumpled means creased or untidy. □� I hurried to the tent and grabbed a few clean, if rumpled, clothes.

rum|pus /rʌ mpəs/ (rumpuses ) N‑COUNT If someone or something causes a rumpus , they cause a lot of noise or argument. □� He had actually left the company a year before the rumpus started.

run ◆◆◆ /rʌ n/ (runs , running , ran ) The form run is used in the present tense and is also the past participle of the verb. 1 VERB When you run , you move more quickly than when you walk, for example because you are in a hurry to get somewhere, or for exercise. □�[V adv/prep] I excused myself and ran back to the phone. □�[V n/amount] He ran the last block to the White House with two cases of gear. □�[V ] Antonia ran to meet them. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Run is also a noun. □� After a six-mile run, Jackie returns home for a substantial breakfast.

2 VERB When someone runs in a race, they run in competition with other people. □�[V ] �when I was running in the New York Marathon. □�[V n] The British sprinter ran a controlled race to qualify in 51.32 sec.

3 VERB When a horse runs in a race or when its owner runs it, it competes in a race. □�[V ] The owner insisted on Cool Ground running in the Gold Cup. □�[V n] If we have a wet spell, Cecil could also run Armiger in the Derby.

4 VERB If you say that something long, such as a road, runs in a particular direction, you are describing its course or position. You can also say that something runs the length or width of something else. □�[V prep/adv] �the sun-dappled trail which ran through the beech woods.

5 VERB If you run a wire or tube somewhere, you fix it or pull it from, to, or across a particular place. □�[V n prep/adv] Our host ran a long extension cord out from the house and set up a screen and a projector.

6 VERB If you run your hand or an object through something, you move your hand or the object through it. □�[V n prep] He laughed and ran his fingers through his hair.

7 VERB If you run something through a machine, process, or series of tests, you make it go through the machine, process, or tests. □�[V n +�through ] They have gathered the best statistics they can find and run them through their own computers.

8 VERB If someone runsfor office in an election, they take part as a candidate. □�[V +�for ] It was only last February that he announced he would run for president. □�[V +�against ] In 1864, McClellan ran against Lincoln as the Democratic candidate for president. □�[V ] Women are running in nearly all the contested seats in Los Angeles.

9 N‑SING A run for office is an attempt to be elected to office. [mainly AM ] □�[+�for ] He was already preparing his run for the presidency. in BRIT, usually use bid10 VERB If you run something such as a business or an activity, you are in charge of it or you organize it. □�[V n] His stepfather ran a prosperous paint business. □�[V n] Is this any way to run a country? □�[V -ed] �a well-run, profitable organisation.

11 VERB [usu cont] If you talk about how a system, an organization, or someone's life is running , you are saying how well it is operating or progressing. □�[V adv] Officials in charge of the camps say the system is now running extremely smoothly. □�[V ] �the staff who have kept the bank running.

12 VERB If you run an experiment, computer program, or other process, or start it running , you start it and let it continue. □�[V n] He ran a lot of tests and it turned out I had an infection called mycoplasma. □�[V ] You can check your program one command at a time while it's running.

13 VERB When you run a cassette or video tape or when it runs , it moves through the machine as the machine operates. □�[V n] He pushed the play button again and ran the tape. □�[V ] The tape had run to the end but recorded nothing.

14 VERB [usu cont] When a machine is running or when you are running it, it is switched on and is working. □�[V ] We told him to wait out front with the engine running. □�[V n] �with everybody running their appliances all at the same time.

15 VERB A machine or equipment that runson or off a particular source of energy functions using that source of energy. □�[V +�on/off ] Black cabs run on diesel.

16 VERB If you run a car or a piece of equipment, you have it and use it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] I ran a 1960 Rover 100 from 1977 until 1983.

17 VERB When you say that vehicles such as trains and buses run from one place to another, you mean they regularly travel along that route. □�[V prep] A shuttle bus runs frequently between the Inn and the Country Club. □�[V ] �a government which can't make the trains run on time.

18 VERB If you run someone somewhere in a car, you drive them there. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] Could you run me up to Baltimore?

19 VERB If you run over or down to a place that is quite near, you drive there. [INFORMAL ] □�[V adv] I'll run over to Short Mountain and check on Mrs Adams.

20 N‑COUNT A run is a journey somewhere. □� �doing the morning school run.

21 VERB If a liquid runs in a particular direction, it flows in that direction. □�[V prep/adv] Tears were running down her cheeks. □�[V adj] Wash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.

22 VERB If you run water, or if you run a tap or a bath, you cause water to flow from a tap. □�[V n] She went to the sink and ran water into her empty glass.

23 VERB [only cont] If a tap or a bath is running , water is coming out of a tap. □�[V ] You must have left a tap running in the bathroom.

24 VERB [usu cont] If your nose is running , liquid is flowing out of it, usually because you have a cold. □�[V ] Timothy was crying, mostly from exhaustion, and his nose was running.

25 VERB [usu cont] If a surface is runningwith a liquid, that liquid is flowing down it. □�[V +�with ] After an hour he realised he was completely running with sweat.

26 VERB If the dye in some cloth or the ink on some paper runs , it comes off or spreads when the cloth or paper gets wet. □�[V ] The ink had run on the wet paper.

27 VERB If a feeling runsthrough your body or a thought runsthrough your mind, you experience it or think it quickly. □�[V +�through ] She felt a surge of excitement run through her.

28 VERB If a feeling or noise runsthrough a group of people, it spreads among them. □�[V +�through ] A buzz of excitement ran through the crowd.

29 VERB If a theme or feature runsthrough something such as someone's actions or writing, it is present in all of it. □�[V +�through ] Another thread running through this series is the role of doctors. □�[V +�throughout ] There was something of this mood running throughout the Party's deliberations.

30 VERB When newspapers or magazines run a particular item or story or if it runs , it is published or printed. □�[V n] The newspaper ran a series of four editorials entitled 'The Choice of Our Lives.' □�[V ] �an editorial that ran this weekend entitled 'Mr. Cuomo Backs Out.'

31 VERB If an amount is running at a particular level, it is at that level. □�[V +�at ] Today's RPI figure shows inflation running at 10.9 per cent.

32 VERB If a play, event, or legal contract runs for a particular period of time, it lasts for that period of time. □�[V +�for ] It pleased critics but ran for only three years in the West End. □�[V prep] The contract was to run from 1992 to 2020. □�[V ] I predict it will run and run.

33 VERB [usu cont] If someone or something is running late, they have taken more time than had been planned. If they are running to time or ahead of time, they have taken the time planned or less than the time planned. □�[V adv/prep] Tell her I'll call her back later, I'm running late again.

34 VERB If you are running a temperature or a fever, you have a high temperature because you are ill. □�[V n] The little girl is running a fever and she needs help.

35 N‑COUNT A run of a play or television programme is the period of time during which performances are given or programmes are shown. □� The Globe begins a two-month run of the Bard of Avon's most famous and enduring love story.

36 N‑SING A runof successes or failures is a series of successes or failures. □�[+�of ] The England skipper is haunted by a run of low scores.

37 N‑COUNT A run of a product is the amount that a company or factory decides to produce at one time. □� Wayne plans to increase the print run to 1,000.

38 N‑COUNT In cricket or baseball, a run is a score of one, which is made by players running between marked places on the field after hitting the ball. □� At 20 he became the youngest player to score 2,000 runs in a season.

39 N‑SING If someone gives you the run of a place, they give you permission to go where you like in it and use it as you wish. □�[+�of ] He had the run of the house and the pool.

40 N‑SING If there is a run on something, a lot of people want to buy it or get it at the same time. □�[+�on ] A run on sterling has killed off hopes of a rate cut.

41 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A ski run or bobsleigh run is a course or route that has been designed for skiing or for riding in a bobsleigh.

42 →�see also running , dummy run , test run , trial run

43 PHRASE If something happens against the run of play or against the run of events, it is different from what is generally happening in a game or situation. [BRIT ] □� The decisive goal arrived against the run of play.

44 PHRASE If you run someone close , run them a close second , or run a close second , you almost beat them in a race or competition. □� We played a top side on Sunday and ran them close.

45 PHRASE If a river or well runs dry , it no longer has any water in it. If an oil well runs dry , it no longer produces any oil. □� Streams had run dry for the first time in memory.

46 PHRASE If a source of information or money runs dry , no more information or money can be obtained from it. □� Three days into production, the kitty had run dry.

47 PHRASE If a characteristic runs in someone's family , it often occurs in members of that family, in different generations. □� The insanity which ran in his family haunted him.

48 PHRASE If you make a run for it or if you run for it , you run away in order to escape from someone or something. □� A helicopter hovered overhead as one of the gang made a run for it.

49 PHRASE If people's feelings are running high , they are very angry, concerned, or excited. □� Feelings there have been running high in the wake of last week's killing.

50 PHRASE If you talk about what will happen in the long run , you are saying what you think will happen over a long period of time in the future. If you talk about what will happen in the short run , you are saying what you think will happen in the near future. □� Sometimes expensive drugs or other treatments can be economical in the long run. □� In fact, things could get worse in the short run.

51 PHRASE If you say that someone would run a mile if faced with something, you mean that they are very frightened of it and would try to avoid it. □� Yasmin admits she would run a mile if Mark asked her out.

52 PHRASE If you say that someone could give someone else a run for their money , you mean you think they are almost as good as the other person. □� If he's my chief opposition, I can give him a run for his money.

53 PHRASE If someone is on the run , they are trying to escape or hide from someone such as the police or an enemy. □� Fifteen-year-old Danny is on the run from a local authority home.

54 PHRASE If someone is on the run , they are being severely defeated in a contest or competition. □� His opponents believe he is definitely on the run.

55 PHRASE If you say that a person or group is running scared , you mean that they are frightened of what someone might do to them or what might happen. □� The administration is running scared.

56 PHRASE If you are running shortof something or running lowon something, you do not have much of it left. If a supply of something is running short or running low , there is not much of it left. □� Government forces are running short of ammunition and fuel. □� We are running low on drinking water.

57to run amok →�see amok

58to make your blood run cold →�see blood

59to run counter to something →�see counter

60to run its course →�see course

61to run deep →�see deep

62to run an errand →�see errand

63to run the gamut of something →�see gamut

64to run the gauntlet →�see gauntlet

65to run rings around someone →�see ring ➋

66to run riot →�see riot

67to run a risk →�see risk

68to run to seed →�see seed

69to run wild →�see wild

▸� run across PHRASAL VERB If you run across someone or something, you meet them or find them unexpectedly. □�[V P n] We ran across some old friends in the village.

▸� run after PHRASAL VERB If you are running after someone, you are trying to start a relationship with them, usually a sexual relationship. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P n] By the time she was fifteen she was already running after men twice her age.

▸� run around PHRASAL VERB If you run around , you go to a lot of places and do a lot of things, often in a rushed or disorganized way. □�[V P ] No one noticed we had been running around emptying bins and cleaning up. □�[V P +�after ] I spend all day running around after the family. □�[V P n] I will not have you running around the countryside without my authority. [Also V P +�with ]

▸� run away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you run away from a place, you leave it because you are unhappy there. □�[V P +�from ] I ran away from home when I was sixteen. □�[V P ] After his beating Colin ran away and hasn't been heard of since. □�[V P +�to ] Three years ago I ran away to Mexico to live with a circus.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you run away with someone, you secretly go away with them in order to live with them or marry them. □�[V P +�with ] She ran away with a man called McTavish last year. □�[V P together ] He and I were always planning to run away together.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you run awayfrom something unpleasant or new, you try to avoid dealing with it or thinking about it. □�[V P +�from ] They run away from the problem, hoping it will disappear of its own accord. □�[V P ] You can't run away for ever.

4 →�see also runaway

▸� run away with PHRASAL VERB If you let your imagination or your emotions run away with you, you fail to control them and cannot think sensibly. □�[V P P n] You're letting your imagination run away with you.

▸� run by PHRASAL VERB If you run something by someone, you tell them about it or mention it, to see if they think it is a good idea, or can understand it. □�[V n P n] Run that by me again.

▸� run down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you run people or things down , you criticize them strongly. □�[V n P ] He last night denounced the British 'genius for running ourselves down'. □�[V P n] �that chap who was running down state schools.

2 PHRASAL VERB If people run down an industry or an organization, they deliberately reduce its size or the amount of work that it does. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] The government is cynically running down the welfare system.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone runs down an amount of something, they reduce it or allow it to decrease. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] But the survey also revealed firms were running down stocks instead of making new products.

4 PHRASAL VERB If a vehicle or its driver runs someone down , the vehicle hits them and injures them. □�[V n P ] Lozano claimed that motorcycle driver Clement Lloyd was trying to run him down.

5 PHRASAL VERB If a machine or device runs down , it gradually loses power or works more slowly. □�[V P ] The batteries are running down.

6 →�see also run-down

▸� run into

1 PHRASAL VERB If you run into problems or difficulties, you unexpectedly begin to experience them. □�[V P n] They agreed to sell last year after they ran into financial problems.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you run into someone, you meet them unexpectedly. □�[V P n] He ran into Krettner in the corridor a few minutes later.

3 PHRASAL VERB If a vehicle runs into something, it accidentally hits it. □�[V P n] The driver failed to negotiate a bend and ran into a tree.

4 PHRASAL VERB You use run into when indicating that the cost or amount of something is very great. □�[V P amount] He said companies should face punitive civil penalties running into millions of pounds.

▸� run off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you run off with someone, you secretly go away with them in order to live with them or marry them. □�[V P +�with ] The last thing I'm going to do is run off with somebody's husband. □�[V P together ] We could run off together, but neither of us wants to live the rest of our lives abroad.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you run off copies of a piece of writing, you produce them using a machine. □�[V P n] If you want to run off a copy sometime today, you're welcome to. [Also V n P n]

▸� run out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you run outof something, you have no more of it left. □�[V P +�of ] They have run out of ideas. □�[V P ] We had lots before but now we've run out.

2to run out of steam →�see steam

3 PHRASAL VERB If something runs out , it becomes used up so that there is no more left. □�[V P ] Conditions are getting worse and supplies are running out.

4 PHRASAL VERB When a legal document runs out , it stops being valid. □�[V P ] When the lease ran out the family moved to Campigny.

▸� run over PHRASAL VERB If a vehicle or its driver runs a person or animal over , it knocks them down or drives over them. □�[V n P ] You can always run him over and make it look like an accident. □�[V P n] He ran over a six-year-old child as he was driving back from a party.

▸� run past PHRASAL VERB To run something past someone means the same as to run it by them. □�[V n P n] Before agreeing, he ran the idea past Johnson.

▸� run through

1 PHRASAL VERB If you run through a list of items, you read or mention all the items quickly. □�[V P n] I ran through the options with him.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you run through a performance or a series of actions, you practise it. □�[V P n] Doug stood still while I ran through the handover procedure.

3 →�see also run-through

▸� run to

1 PHRASAL VERB If you run to someone, you go to them for help or to tell them something. □�[V P n] If you were at a party and somebody was getting high, you didn't go running to a cop.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something runs to a particular amount or size, it is that amount or size. □�[V P n] The finished manuscript ran to the best part of fifty double-sided pages.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you cannot run to a particular item, you cannot afford to buy it or pay for it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] Radio, unlike movies, did not run to chauffeurs and limousines.

▸� run up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone runs up bills or debts, they acquire them by buying a lot of things or borrowing money. □�[V P n] He ran up a �1,400 bill at the Britannia Adelphi Hotel.

2 →�see also run-up

▸� run up against PHRASAL VERB If you run up against problems, you suddenly begin to experience them. □�[V P P n] I ran up against the problem of getting taken seriously long before I became a writer.

run|about /rʌ nəbaʊt/ (runabouts )

1 N‑COUNT A runabout is a small car used mainly for short journeys. In American English, runabout is used of cars with open tops. □� �a small 1-litre runabout.

2 N‑COUNT A runabout is a small, light boat with a motor. [AM ]

run|around /rʌ nəraʊnd/ also run-around PHRASE If someone gives you the runaround , they deliberately do not give you all the information or help that you want, and send you to another person or place to get it. [INFORMAL ]

run|away /rʌ nəwe I / (runaways )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use runaway to describe a situation in which something increases or develops very quickly and cannot be controlled. □� Our Grand Sale in June was a runaway success. □� �a runaway best-seller.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A runaway is someone, especially a child, who leaves home without telling anyone or without permission. □� �a teenage runaway.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A runaway vehicle or animal is moving forward quickly, and its driver or rider has lost control of it. □� The runaway car careered into a bench, hitting an elderly couple.

run-down also rundown The adjective is pronounced /rʌ n daʊ n/. The noun is pronounced /rʌ n daʊn/. 1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is run-down , they are tired or slightly ill. [INFORMAL ] □� �times when you are feeling tired and run-down.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A run-down building or area is in very poor condition. □� �one of the most run-down areas in Scotland. □� �a run-down block of flats.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A run-down place of business is not as active as it used to be or does not have many customers. □� �a run-down slate quarry.

4 N‑SING When therun-down of an industry or organization takes place, its size or the amount of work that it does is reduced. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �the impetus behind the rundown of the coal industry.

5 N‑SING If you give someone a run-downof a group of things or a run-downon something, you give them details about it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of/on ] Here's a rundown of the options.

rune /ruː n/ (runes ) N‑COUNT Runes are letters from an alphabet that was used by people in Northern Europe in former times. They were carved on wood or stone and were believed to have magical powers.

rung /rʌ ŋ/ (rungs )

1Rung is the past participle of ring .

2 N‑COUNT The rungs on a ladder are the wooden or metal bars that form the steps. □� I swung myself onto the ladder and felt for the next rung.

3 N‑COUNT If you reach a particular rung in your career, in an organization, or in a process, you reach that level in it. □�[+�of ] I first worked with him in 1971 when we were both on the lowest rung of our careers.

ru n-in (run-ins ) N‑COUNT A run-in is an argument or quarrel with someone. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] I had a monumental run-in with him a couple of years ago.

run|ner ◆◇◇ /rʌ nə r / (runners )

1 N‑COUNT A runner is a person who runs, especially for sport or pleasure. □� �a marathon runner. □� I am a very keen runner and am out training most days.

2 N‑COUNT The runners in a horse race are the horses taking part. □� There are 18 runners in the top race of the day.

3 N‑COUNT [n N ] A drug runner or gun runner is someone who illegally takes drugs or guns into a country.

4 N‑COUNT Someone who is a runner for a particular person or company is employed to take messages, collect money, or do other small tasks for them. □� �a bookie's runner.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Runners are thin strips of wood or metal underneath something which help it to move smoothly. □�[+�of ] �the runners of his sled.

6 PHRASE If someone does a runner , they leave a place in a hurry, for example in order to escape arrest or to avoid paying for something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� At this point, the accountant did a runner�with all my bank statements, expenses and receipts.

ru n|ner bean (runner beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Runner beans are long green beans that are eaten as a vegetable. They grow on a tall climbing plant and are the cases that contain the seeds of the plant. [BRIT ] in AM, use pole beans , scarlet runners

ru nner-u p (runners-up ) N‑COUNT A runner-up is someone who has finished in second place in a race or competition. □� The ten runners-up will receive a book token.

run|ning ◆◆◇ /rʌ n I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Running is the activity of moving fast on foot, especially as a sport. □� We chose to do cross-country running. □� �running shoes.

2 N‑SING The running of something such as a business is the managing or organizing of it. □�[+�of ] �the committee in charge of the day-to-day running of the party.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use running to describe things that continue or keep occurring over a period of time. □� He also began a running feud with Dean Acheson.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A running total is a total which changes because numbers keep being added to it as something progresses. □� He kept a running tally of who had called him, who had visited, who had sent flowers.

5 ADV [n ADV ] You can use running when indicating that something keeps happening. For example, if something has happened every day for three days, you can say that it has happened for the third day running or for three days running . □� He said drought had led to severe crop failure for the second year running.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Running water is water that is flowing rather than standing still. □� The forest was filled with the sound of running water.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] If a house has running water, water is supplied to the house through pipes and taps. □� �a house without electricity or running water in a tiny African village.

8 PHRASE If someone is in the runningfor something, they have a good chance of winning or obtaining it. If they are out of the runningfor something, they have no chance of winning or obtaining it. □� Until this week he appeared to have ruled himself out of the running because of his age.

9 PHRASE If someone is making the running in a situation, they are more active than the other people involved. [mainly BRIT ] □� Republicans are furious that the Democrats currently seem to be making all the running.

10 PHRASE If something such as a system or place is up and running , it is operating normally. □� We're trying to get the medical facilities up and running again.

-running /-rʌn I ŋ/ COMB -running combines with nouns to form nouns which refer to the illegal importing of drugs or guns. □� �a serviceman suspected of gun-running.

ru n|ning ba t|tle (running battles ) N‑COUNT When two groups of people fight a running battle , they keep attacking each other in various parts of a place. □� They fought running battles in the narrow streets with police.

ru n|ning co m|men|tary (running commentaries ) N‑COUNT If someone provides a running commentary on an event, they give a continuous description of it while it is taking place. □�[+�on ] For the first time, the film can be watched with a running commentary by the director.

ru n|ning costs

1 N‑PLURAL The running costs of a business are the amount of money that is regularly spent on things such as salaries, heating, lighting, and rent. [BUSINESS ] □� The aim is to cut running costs by �90 million per year.

2 N‑PLURAL The running costs of a device such as a heater or a fridge are the amount of money that you spend on the gas, electricity, or other type of energy that it uses. □� Always buy a heater with thermostat control to save on running costs.

ru n|ning mate (running mates ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] In an election campaign, a candidate's running mate is the person that they have chosen to help them in the election. If the candidate wins, the running mate will become the second most important person after the winner. [mainly AM ] □� His name is being touted widely as a vice-presidential running mate.

ru n|ning or|der N‑SING Therunning order of the items in a broadcast, concert, or show is the order in which the items will come. □� We had reversed the running order.

ru n|ning time (running times ) N‑COUNT The running time of something such as a film, video, or CD is the time it takes to play from start to finish.

run|ny /rʌ ni/ (runnier , runniest )

1 ADJ Something that is runny is more liquid than usual or than was intended. □� Warm the honey until it becomes runny.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a runny nose or runny eyes, liquid is flowing from their nose or eyes. □� Symptoms are streaming eyes, a runny nose, headache and a cough.

ru n-off (run-offs ) also runoff N‑COUNT [usu sing] A run-off is an extra vote or contest which is held in order to decide the winner of an election or competition, because no-one has yet clearly won. □�[+�between ] There will be a run-off between these two candidates on December 9th.

ru n-of-the-mi ll also run of the mill ADJ [usu ADJ n] A run-of-the-mill person or thing is very ordinary, with no special or interesting features. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I was just a very average run-of-the-mill kind of student.

runt /rʌ nt/ (runts ) N‑COUNT The runt of a group of animals born to the same mother at the same time is the smallest and weakest of them. □�[+�of ] Animals reject the runt of the litter.

ru n-through (run-throughs ) N‑COUNT A run-through for a show or event is a practice for it. □� The band are getting ready for their final run-through before the evening's recording.

ru n time (run times ) N‑COUNT Run time is the time during which a computer program is running. [COMPUTING ]

ru n-up (run-ups )

1 N‑SING Therun-upto an event is the period of time just before it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�to ] The company believes the products will sell well in the run-up to Christmas.

2 N‑COUNT In sport, a run-up is the run made by a player or athlete, for example before throwing a ball or a javelin, or before jumping. □� When I began to compete again, I was struggling with my run-up.

run|way /rʌ nwe I / (runways ) N‑COUNT At an airport, the runway is the long strip of ground with a hard surface which an aeroplane takes off from or lands on. □� The plane started taxiing down the runway.

ru|pee /ruːpiː / (rupees ) N‑COUNT A rupee is a unit of money that is used in India, Pakistan, and some other countries. □� He earns 20 rupees a day.

rup|ture /rʌ ptʃə r / (ruptures , rupturing , ruptured )

1 N‑COUNT A rupture is a severe injury in which an internal part of your body tears or bursts open, especially the part between the bowels and the abdomen.

2 VERB If a person or animal ruptures a part of their body or if it ruptures , it tears or bursts open. □�[V ] His stomach might rupture from all the acid. □�[V n] Whilst playing badminton, I ruptured my Achilles tendon. □�[V -ed] �a ruptured appendix.

3 VERB If you ruptureyourself , you rupture a part of your body, usually because you have lifted something heavy. □�[V pron-refl] He ruptured himself playing football.

4 VERB If an object ruptures or if something ruptures it, it bursts open. □�[V ] Certain truck gasoline tanks can rupture and burn in a collision. □�[V n] Sloshing liquids can rupture the walls of their containers.

5 N‑COUNT If there is a rupture between people, relations between them get much worse or end completely. □�[+�in ] The incidents have not yet caused a major rupture in the political ties between countries.

6 VERB If someone or something ruptures relations between people, they damage them, causing them to become worse or to end. □�[V n] The incident ruptures a recent and fragile cease-fire.

ru|ral ◆◇◇ /rʊə rəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Rural places are far away from large towns or cities. □� These plants have a tendency to grow in the more rural areas.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Rural means having features which are typical of areas that are far away from large towns or cities. □� �the old rural way of life. SYNONYMS rural ADJ 1

rustic:�the rustic charm of a country lifestyle.

agricultural:�agricultural land.

country:I was a simple country boy from Norfolk.

pastoral:�the pastoral beauty of a park.

ruse /ruː z, [AM ] ruː s/ (ruses ) N‑COUNT A ruse is an action or plan which is intended to deceive someone. [FORMAL ] □� It is now clear that this was a ruse to divide them.

rush ◆◇◇ /rʌ ʃ/ (rushes , rushing , rushed )

1 VERB If you rush somewhere, you go there quickly. □�[V prep/adv] A schoolgirl rushed into a burning flat to save a man's life. □�[V ] I've got to rush. Got a meeting in a few minutes. □�[V to-inf] Shop staff rushed to get help.

2 VERB If people rushto do something, they do it as soon as they can, because they are very eager to do it. □�[V to-inf] Russian banks rushed to buy as many dollars as they could.

3 N‑SING A rush is a situation in which you need to go somewhere or do something very quickly. □� The men left in a rush. □� It was all rather a rush.

4 N‑SING If there is a rushfor something, many people suddenly try to get it or do it. □�[+�for ] Record stores are expecting a huge rush for the single.

5 N‑SING Therush is a period of time when many people go somewhere or do something. □� The shop's opening coincided with the Christmas rush.

6 VERB If you rush something, you do it in a hurry, often too quickly and without much care. □�[V n] You can't rush a search. □�[V +�at ] Instead of rushing at life, I wanted something more meaningful. ●� rushed ADJ □� The report had all the hallmarks of a rushed job.

7 VERB If you rush someone or something to a place, you take them there quickly. □�[V n prep] We got an ambulance and rushed her to hospital. □�[V n with adv] We'll rush it round today if possible.

8 VERB If you rushinto something or are rushedinto it, you do it without thinking about it for long enough. □�[V +�into ] He will not rush into any decisions. □�[V in ] They had rushed in without adequate appreciation of the task. □�[be V -ed +�into ] Ministers won't be rushed into a response. □�[V n] Don't rush him or he'll become confused. ●� rushed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� At no time did I feel rushed or under pressure.

9 VERB If you rush something or someone, you move quickly and forcefully at them, often in order to attack them. □�[V n] They rushed the entrance and forced their way in. □�[V +�at ] Tom came rushing at him from another direction.

10 VERB If air or liquid rushes somewhere, it flows there suddenly and quickly. □�[V prep/adv] Water rushes out of huge tunnels. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Rush is also a noun. □�[+�of ] A rush of air on my face woke me.

11 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you experience a rushof a feeling, you suddenly experience it very strongly. □�[+�of ] A rush of pure affection swept over him.

12 PHRASE If you are rushed off your feet , you are extremely busy. [INFORMAL ] □� We used to be rushed off our feet at lunchtimes.

▸� rush out PHRASAL VERB If a document or product is rushed out , it is produced very quickly. □�[be V -ed P ] A statement was rushed out. □�[V P n] The Treasury was determined not to rush out a new deposit protection scheme. [Also V n P ]

▸� rush through PHRASAL VERB If you rush something through , you deal with it quickly so that it is ready in a shorter time than usual. □�[V P n] The government rushed through legislation aimed at Mafia leaders. □�[V n P ] They rushed the burial through so no evidence would show up. SYNONYMS rush VERB 1

hurry:Claire hurried along the road.

race:He raced across town to the State House building.

dash:Suddenly she dashed down to the cellar.

bolt:I made an excuse and bolted for the exit. COLLOCATIONS rush NOUN

3

adjective +�rush : last-minute; frantic, mad

4

noun +�rush : evening, morning

rush+�noun : hour

verb +�rush : avoid, beat

ru sh hour (rush hours ) also rush-hour N‑VAR [oft at/during N ] The rush hour is one of the periods of the day when most people are travelling to or from work. □� During the evening rush hour it was often solid with vehicles. □� Try to avoid rush-hour traffic.

rusk /rʌ sk/ (rusks ) N‑VAR Rusks are hard, dry biscuits that are given to babies and young children. [mainly BRIT ]

rus|set /rʌ s I t/ (russets ) COLOUR Russet is used to describe things that are reddish-brown in colour. □� �a russet apple.

Rus|sian /rʌ ʃ ə n/ (Russians )

1 ADJ Russian means belonging or relating to Russia, or to its people, language, or culture. □� �the Russian parliament.

2 N‑COUNT A Russian is a person who comes from Russia. □� Three-quarters of Russians live in cities.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Russian is the language spoken in Russia, and other countries such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgystan.

Ru s|sian do ll (Russian dolls ) N‑COUNT A Russian doll is a hollow wooden doll that is made in two halves. Inside it are a series of similar wooden dolls, each smaller than the last, placed one inside the other.

Ru s|sian rou|le tte

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone is playing Russian roulette , or that what they are doing is like playing Russian roulette , you mean that what they are doing is very dangerous because it involves unpredictable risks. □� You are playing Russian roulette every time you have unprotected sex.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone plays Russian roulette , they fire a gun with only one bullet at their head without knowing whether it will shoot them.

rust /rʌ st/ (rusts , rusting , rusted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Rust is a brown substance that forms on iron or steel, for example when it comes into contact with water. □� �a decaying tractor, red with rust.

2 VERB When a metal object rusts , it becomes covered in rust and often loses its strength. □�[V ] Copper nails are better than iron nails because the iron rusts.

3 COLOUR Rust is sometimes used to describe things that are reddish-brown in colour. □� �turquoise woodwork with accent colours of rust and ochre.

Ru st Belt also rust belt N‑SING In the United States and some other countries, the Rust Belt is a region which used to have a lot of manufacturing industry, but whose economy is now in difficulty. □� �in the rust belt of the mid-west.

rus|tic /rʌ st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use rustic to describe things or people that you approve of because they are simple or unsophisticated in a way that is typical of the countryside. [APPROVAL ] □� �the rustic charm of a country lifestyle.

rus|tic|ity /rʌ st I s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the simple, peaceful character of life in the countryside as rusticity . [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □� It pleases me to think of young Tyndale growing up here in deep rusticity.

rus|tle /rʌ s ə l/ (rustles , rustling , rustled )

1 VERB When something thin and dry rustles or when you rustle it, it makes soft sounds as it moves. □�[V ] The leaves rustled in the wind. □�[V n] She rustled her papers impatiently. □�[V prep] A snake rustled through the dry grass. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Rustle is also a noun. □�[+�of ] She sat perfectly still, without even a rustle of her frilled petticoats. ●� rus|tling (rustlings ) N‑VAR □� �a rustling sound coming from beneath one of the seats.

2 →�see also rustling

▸� rustle up PHRASAL VERB If you rustle up something to eat or drink, you make or prepare it quickly, with very little planning. □�[V P n] Let's see if somebody can rustle up a cup of coffee.

rus|tler /rʌ slə r / (rustlers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft n N ] Rustlers are people who steal farm animals, especially cattle, horses, and sheep. [mainly AM ] □� �the old Wyoming Trail once used by cattle rustlers and outlaws.

rus|tling /rʌ səl I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] Rustling is the activity of stealing farm animals, especially cattle. [mainly AM ] □� �cattle rustling and horse stealing.

2 →�see also rustle

rusty /rʌ sti/ (rustier , rustiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A rusty metal object such as a car or a machine is covered with rust, which is a brown substance that forms on iron or steel when it comes into contact with water. □� �a rusty iron gate.

2 ADJ If a skill that you have or your knowledge of something is rusty , it is not as good as it used to be, because you have not used it for a long time. □� You may be a little rusty, but past experience and teaching skills won't have been lost.

3 ADJ Rusty is sometimes used to describe things that are reddish-brown in colour.

rut /rʌ t/ (ruts )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu in a N ] If you say that someone is in arut , you disapprove of the fact that they have become fixed in their way of thinking and doing things, and find it difficult to change. You can also say that someone's life or career is in arut . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I don't like being in a rut�I like to keep moving on.

2 N‑COUNT A rut is a deep, narrow mark made in the ground by the wheels of a vehicle. □�[+�in ] Our driver slowed up as we approached the ruts in the road.

3 →�see also rutted , rutting

ru|ta|ba|ga /ruː təbe I gə/ (rutabagas ) N‑VAR A rutabaga is a round yellow root vegetable with a brown or purple skin. [AM ] in BRIT, use swede

ruth|less /ruː θləs/

1 ADJ If you say that someone is ruthless , you mean that you disapprove of them because they are very harsh or cruel, and will do anything that is necessary to achieve what they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�in ] The President was ruthless in dealing with any hint of internal political dissent. ●� ruth|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The Party has ruthlessly crushed any sign of organised opposition. ●� ruth|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �a powerful political figure with a reputation for ruthlessness.

2 ADJ A ruthless action or activity is done forcefully and thoroughly, without much concern for its effects on other people. □�[+�in ] Her lawyers have been ruthless in thrashing out a settlement. ●� ruth|less|ly ADV □� �a ruthlessly efficient woman. ●� ruth|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �a woman with a brain and business acumen and a certain healthy ruthlessness.

rut|ted /rʌ t I d/

1 ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] A rutted road or track is very uneven because it has long, deep, narrow marks in it made by the wheels of vehicles. □� �an uncomfortable ride along deeply rutted roads.

2 →�see also rut

rut|ting /rʌ t I ŋ/

1 ADJ Rutting male animals such as deer are in a period of sexual excitement and activity. □� �jokes about bitches in heat and rutting stags. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Rutting is also a noun. □� During the rutting season the big boars have the most terrible mating battles.

2 →�see also rut

RV /ɑː r viː / (RVs ) N‑COUNT An RV is a van which is equipped with such things as beds and cooking equipment, so that people can live in it, usually while they are on holiday. RV is an abbreviation for 'recreational vehicle'. [mainly AM ] □� �a group of RVs pulled over on the side of the highway. in BRIT, usually use camper , camper van

rye /ra I /

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Rye is a cereal grown in cold countries. Its grains can be used to make flour, bread, or other foods. □� One of the first crops that I grew when we came here was rye.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu on N ] Rye is bread made from rye. [AM ] □� I was eating ham and Swiss cheese on rye.

rye bread N‑UNCOUNT Rye bread is brown bread made with rye flour. □� �two slices of rye bread.

rye grass also ryegrass N‑UNCOUNT Rye grass is a type of grass that is grown for animals such as cows to eat.

Ss

S , s /e s/ (S's, s's )

1 N‑VAR S is the nineteenth letter of the English alphabet.

2S or s is an abbreviation for words beginning with s, such as 'south', 'seconds', and 'son'.

SUFFIX -s

1 is added to a verb to form the third person singular, present tense. For example, in 'he never thinks about it', the letter s at the end of the word ' thinks ' shows that the verb agrees with the third person pronoun ' he '.

2 is also added to a noun to form a plural. For example, in 'her beloved cats ', the letter s at the end of the word ' cats ' shows that there is more than one cat.

-'s Pronounced /-s/ after the consonant sounds /p, t, k, f/ or /θ/, and /- I z/ after the consonant sounds /s, z, ʃ, ʒ, tʃ/ or /dʒ/. After other sounds -'s is pronounced /-z/. A final -s' is pronounced in the same way as a final -s . 1-'s is added to nouns to form possessives. However, with plural nouns ending in '-s', and sometimes with names ending in '-s', you form the possessive by adding -'. □� �the chairman's son. □� �women's rights. □� �a boys' boarding-school. □� �Sir Charles' car.

2-'s is the usual spoken form of 'is'. It is added to the end of the pronoun or noun which is the subject of the verb. For example, 'he is' and 'she is' can be shortened to 'he's' and 'she's'.

3-'s is the usual spoken form of 'has', especially where 'has' is an auxiliary verb. It is added to the end of the pronoun or noun which is the subject of the verb. For example, 'It has gone' can be shortened to 'It's gone'.

4-'s is sometimes added to numbers, letters, and abbreviations to form plurals, although many people think you should just add '-s'. □� �new strategies for the 1990's. □� �p's and q's.

Sab|bath /s� bəθ/ N‑PROPER [oft N n] TheSabbath is the day of the week when members of some religious groups do not work. The Jewish Sabbath is on Saturday and the Christian Sabbath is on Sunday. □� �a religious man who kept the Sabbath.

sab|bati|cal /səb� t I k ə l/ (sabbaticals ) N‑COUNT [oft on N ] A sabbatical is a period of time during which someone such as a university teacher can leave their ordinary work and travel or study. □� He took a year's sabbatical from the Foreign Office. □� He's been on sabbatical writing a novel.

sa|ber /se I bə r / →�see sabre

sa|ble /se I b ə l/ (sables ) N‑COUNT A sable is a small furry animal with valued fur. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Sable is the fur of a sable. □� �a full-length sable coat.

sabo|tage /s� bətɑːʒ/ (sabotages , sabotaging , sabotaged )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a machine, railway line, or bridge is sabotaged , it is deliberately damaged or destroyed, for example in a war or as a protest. □�[be V -ed] The main pipeline supplying water was sabotaged by rebels. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Sabotage is also a noun. □� The bombing was a spectacular act of sabotage.

2 VERB If someone sabotages a plan or a meeting, they deliberately prevent it from being successful. □�[V n] He accused the opposition of trying to sabotage the election.

sabo|teur /s� bətɜː r / (saboteurs ) N‑COUNT A saboteur is a person who deliberately damages or destroys things such as machines, railway lines, and bridges in order to weaken an enemy or to make a protest. In Britain, people who try to stop blood sports such as fox hunting are also referred to as saboteurs . □� The saboteurs had planned to bomb buses and offices.

sa|bre /se I bə r / (sabres ) in AM, use saber N‑COUNT A sabre is a heavy sword with a curved blade that was used in the past by soldiers on horseback.

sa bre-rattling in AM, use saber-rattling N‑UNCOUNT If you describe a threat, especially a threat of military action, as sabre-rattling , you do not believe that the threat will actually be carried out. □� It is too early to say whether the threats are mere sabre-rattling.

sac /s� k/ (sacs ) N‑COUNT A sac is a small part of an animal's body, shaped like a little bag. It contains air, liquid, or some other substance. □� The lungs consist of millions of tiny air sacs.

sac|cha|rin /s� kər I n/ also saccharine N‑UNCOUNT Saccharin is a very sweet chemical substance that some people use instead of sugar, especially when they are trying to lose weight.

sac|cha|rine /s� kər I n, -riːn/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You describe something as saccharine when you find it unpleasantly sweet and sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a saccharine sequel to the Peter Pan story.

sa|chet /s� ʃe I , [AM ] s�ʃe I / (sachets ) N‑COUNT A sachet is a small closed plastic or paper bag, containing a small quantity of something. □�[+�of ] �individual sachets of instant coffee.

sack ◆◇◇ /s� k/ (sacks , sacking , sacked )

1 N‑COUNT A sack is a large bag made of rough woven material. Sacks are used to carry or store things such as vegetables or coal. □�[+�of ] �a sack of potatoes.

2 VERB If your employers sack you, they tell you that you can no longer work for them because you have done something that they did not like or because your work was not good enough. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] He had sacked the teacher as soon as he heard of her misconduct. ●�N‑SING Sack is also a noun. □� People who make mistakes can be given the sack the same day.

3 N‑SING Some people refer to bed as the sack . [INFORMAL ]

sack|cloth /s� kklɒθ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sackcloth is rough woven material that is used to make sacks. □� He kept the club wrapped in sackcloth.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about sackcloth or sackcloth and ashes you are referring to an exaggerated attempt by someone to show that they are sorry for doing something wrong.

sack|ful /s� kfʊl/ (sackfuls ) N‑COUNT A sackful is the amount of something that a sack contains or could contain. □�[+�of ] �a sackful of presents.

sack|ing /s� k I ŋ/ (sackings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sacking is rough woven material that is used to make sacks.

2 N‑COUNT A sacking is when an employer tells a worker to leave their job. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] �the sacking of twenty-three thousand miners.

sac|ra|ment /s� krəmənt/ (sacraments )

1 N‑COUNT A sacrament is a Christian religious ceremony such as communion, baptism, or marriage. □�[+�of ] �the holy sacrament of baptism.

2 N‑SING In the Roman Catholic church, the Sacrament is the holy bread eaten at the Eucharist. In the Anglican church, the Sacrament is the holy bread and wine taken at Holy Communion.

sac|ra|men|tal /s� krəme nt ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is sacramental is connected with a Christian religious ceremony. □� �the sacramental wine.

2 ADJ Sacramental is used to describe something that is considered holy or religious. □� �her view that music is a sacramental art.

sa|cred /se I kr I d/

1 ADJ Something that is sacred is believed to be holy and to have a special connection with God. □� The owl is sacred for many Californian Indian people.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Something connected with religion or used in religious ceremonies is described as sacred . □� �sacred songs or music.

3 ADJ You can describe something as sacred when it is regarded as too important to be changed or interfered with. □� My memories are sacred.

sa |cred co w (sacred cows ) N‑COUNT If you describe a belief, custom, or institution as a sacred cow , you disapprove of people treating it with too much respect and being afraid to criticize or question it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �the sacred cow of monetarism.

sac|ri|fice ◆◇◇ /s� kr I fa I s/ (sacrifices , sacrificing , sacrificed )

1 VERB If you sacrifice something that is valuable or important, you give it up, usually to obtain something else for yourself or for other people. □�[V n +�to/for ] She sacrificed family life to her career. □�[V n] Kitty Aldridge has sacrificed all for her first film. □�[V pron-refl] He sacrificed himself and so saved his country. ●�N‑VAR Sacrifice is also a noun. □� She made many sacrifices to get Anita a good education.

2 →�see also self-sacrifice

3 VERB To sacrifice an animal or person means to kill them in a special religious ceremony as an offering to a god. □�[V n] The priest sacrificed a chicken. [Also V n to n] ●�N‑COUNT Sacrifice is also a noun. □�[+�to ] �animal sacrifices to the gods.

sac|ri|fi|cial /s� kr I f I ʃ ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sacrificial means connected with or used in a sacrifice. □� �the sacrificial altar.

sa c|ri|fi|cial la mb (sacrificial lambs ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a sacrificial lamb , you mean that they have been blamed unfairly for something they did not do, usually in order to protect another more powerful person or group. □� He was a sacrificial lamb to a system that destroyed him.

sac|ri|lege /s� kr I l I dʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Sacrilege is behaviour that shows great disrespect for a holy place or object. □� Stealing from a place of worship was regarded as sacrilege.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] You can use sacrilege to refer to disrespect that is shown for someone who is widely admired or for a belief that is widely accepted. □� It is a sacrilege to offend democracy.

sac|ri|legious /s� kr I l I dʒəs/ ADJ If someone's behaviour or actions are sacrilegious , they show great disrespect towards something holy or towards something that people think should be respected. □� A number of churches were sacked and sacrilegious acts committed.

sac|ris|ty /s� kr I sti/ (sacristies ) N‑COUNT A sacristy is the room in a church where the priest or minister changes into their official clothes and where holy objects are kept.

sac|ro|sanct /s� kroʊs�ŋkt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something as sacrosanct , you consider it to be special and are unwilling to see it criticized or changed. □� Freedom of the press is sacrosanct.

sad ◆◆◇ /s� d/ (sadder , saddest )

1 ADJ [oft ADJ that/to-inf] If you are sad , you feel unhappy, usually because something has happened that you do not like. □� The relationship had been important to me and its loss left me feeling sad and empty. □� I'm sad that Julie's marriage is on the verge of splitting up. □� I'd grown fond of our little house and felt sad to leave it. □�[+�about ] I'm sad about my toys getting burned in the fire. ●� sad|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Judy said sadly, 'He has abandoned me.' ●� sad|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that I say farewell.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sad stories and sad news make you feel sad. □� I received the sad news that he had been killed in a motor-cycle accident.

3 ADJ A sad event or situation is unfortunate or undesirable. □� It's a sad truth that children are the biggest victims of passive smoking. ●� sad|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Sadly, bamboo plants die after flowering.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as sad , you do not have any respect for them and think their behaviour or ideas are ridiculous. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the obsessive rantings of sad old petrolheads.

SAD /s� d/ N‑UNCOUNT SAD is an abbreviation for seasonal affective disorder .

sad|den /s� d ə n/ (saddens , saddened ) VERB [no cont] If something saddens you, it makes you feel sad. □�[V n] The cruelty in the world saddens me incredibly. ●� sad|dened ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� He was disappointed and saddened that legal argument had stopped the trial. ●� sad|den|ing ADJ □� �a saddening experience.

sad|dle /s� d ə l/ (saddles , saddling , saddled )

1 N‑COUNT A saddle is a leather seat that you put on the back of an animal so that you can ride the animal.

2 →�see also side-saddle

3 VERB If you saddle a horse, you put a saddle on it so that you can ride it. □�[V n] Why don't we saddle a couple of horses and go for a ride? ●�PHRASAL VERB Saddle up means the same as saddle . □�[V P ] I want to be gone from here as soon as we can saddle up. □�[V P n] She saddled up a horse.

4 N‑COUNT A saddle is a seat on a bicycle or motorcycle.

5 VERB If you saddle someone with a problem or with a responsibility, you put them in a position where they have to deal with it. □�[V n +�with ] The war devastated the economy and saddled the country with a huge foreign debt.

saddle|bag /s� d ə lb�g/ (saddlebags ) also saddle-bag N‑COUNT A saddlebag is a bag fastened to the saddle of a bicycle or motorcycle, or the saddle of a horse.

sad|dler /s� dlə r / (saddlers ) N‑COUNT A saddler is a person who makes, repairs, and sells saddles and other equipment for riding horses.

sad|dlery /s� dləri/ N‑UNCOUNT Saddles and other leather goods made by a saddler can be referred to as saddlery .

saddo /s� doʊ/ (saddos ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you say that someone is a saddo , you do not have any respect for them and think their behaviour or ideas are ridiculous. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

sad|ism /se I d I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sadism is a type of behaviour in which a person obtains pleasure from hurting other people and making them suffer physically or mentally. □� Psychoanalysts tend to regard both sadism and masochism as arising from childhood deprivation. ●� sad|ist /se I d I st/ (sadists ) N‑COUNT □� The man was a sadist who tortured animals and people.

sa|dis|tic /səd I st I k/ ADJ A sadistic person obtains pleasure from hurting other people and making them suffer physically or mentally. □� The prisoners rioted against mistreatment by sadistic guards.

sado-masochism /se I doʊ m� sək I zəm/ also sadomasochism N‑UNCOUNT Sado-masochism is the enjoyment of hurting people and being hurt. □�[+�of ] �the sado-masochism of the Marquis de Sade. ●� sado-masochist (sado-masochists ) N‑COUNT □� �an island resort where sado-masochists can act out their sexual fantasies.

sado-masochistic /se I doʊ m�sək I st I k/ also sadomasochistic ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is sado-masochistic is connected with the practice of sado-masochism. □� �a sado-masochistic relationship.

s.a.e. /e s e I iː / (s.a.e.s ) N‑COUNT An s.a.e. is an envelope on which you have stuck a stamp and written your own name and address. You send it to an organization so that they can reply to you in it. s.a.e. is an abbreviation for 'stamped addressed envelope' or 'self addressed envelope'. [BRIT ] □� Send an s.a.e. for a free information pack. in AM, use SASE

sa|fa|ri /səfɑː ri/ (safaris ) N‑COUNT [oft on N ] A safari is a trip to observe or hunt wild animals, especially in East Africa. □� He'd like to go on safari to photograph snakes and tigers.

sa|fa |ri park (safari parks ) N‑COUNT A safari park is a large enclosed area of land where wild animals, such as lions and elephants, live freely. People can pay to drive through the park and look at the animals. [BRIT ]

sa|fa |ri suit (safari suits ) N‑COUNT A safari suit is a casual suit made from a light-coloured material such as linen or cotton. Safari suits are usually worn in hot weather.

safe ◆◆◇ /se I f/ (safer , safest , safes )

1 ADJ Something that is safe does not cause physical harm or danger. □� Officials arrived to assess whether it is safe to bring emergency food supplies into the city. □� Most foods that we eat are safe for birds. □� �a safe and reliable birth control option.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a person or thing is safefrom something, they cannot be harmed or damaged by it. □�[+�from ] In the future people can go to a football match knowing that they are safe from hooliganism.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are safe , you have not been harmed, or you are not in danger of being harmed. □� Where is Sophy? Is she safe? ●� safe|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� All 140 guests were brought out of the building safely by firefighters.

4 ADJ A safe place is one where it is unlikely that any harm, damage, or unpleasant things will happen to the people or things that are there. □� Many refugees have fled to safer areas. ●� safe|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The banker keeps the money tucked safely under his bed.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If people or things have a safe journey, they reach their destination without harm, damage, or unpleasant things happening to them. □� �the U.N. plan to deploy 500 troops to ensure the safe delivery of food and other supplies. ●� safe|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adv] □� The space shuttle returned safely today from a 10-day mission.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are at a safe distance from something or someone, you are far enough away from them to avoid any danger, harm, or unpleasant effects. □� I shall conceal myself at a safe distance from the battlefield.

7 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something you have or expect to obtain is safe , you cannot lose it or be prevented from having it. □� We as consumers need to feel confident that our jobs are safe before we will spend spare cash.

8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A safe course of action is one in which there is very little risk of loss or failure. □� Electricity shares are still a safe investment. ●� safe|ly ADV □� We reveal only as much information as we can safely risk at a given time.

9 ADJ If you disapprove of something because you think it is not very exciting or original, you can describe it as safe . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �frustrated artists who became lawyers at an early age because it seemed a safe option. □� Rock'n'roll has become so commercialised and safe since punk.

10 ADJ If it issafeto say or assume something, you can say it with very little risk of being wrong. □� It is safe to say that very few students make an effort to do quality work in school. ●� safe|ly ADV [ADV before v] □� I think you can safely say she will not be appearing in another of my films.

11 N‑COUNT A safe is a strong metal cupboard with special locks, in which you keep money, jewellery, or other valuable things. □� The files are now in a safe to which only he has the key.

12 →�see also safely

13 PHRASE If you say that a person or thing is in safe hands , or is safe in someone's hands , you mean that they are being looked after by a reliable person and will not be harmed. □� I had a huge responsibility to ensure these packets remained in safe hands.

14 PHRASE If you play safe or play it safe , you do not take any risks. □� If you want to play safe, cut down on the amount of salt you eat.

15 PHRASE If you say you are doing something to be on the safe side , you mean that you are doing it in case something undesirable happens, even though this may be unnecessary. □� You might still want to go for an X-ray, however, just to be on the safe side.

16 PHRASE If you say ' it's better to be safe than sorry ', you are advising someone to take action in order to avoid possible unpleasant consequences later, even if this seems unnecessary. □� Don't be afraid to have this checked by a doctor�better safe than sorry!

17 PHRASE You say that someone is safe and sound when they are still alive or unharmed after being in danger. □� All I'm hoping for is that wherever my son is he will come home safe and sound.

18a safe pair of hands →�see pair

19safe in the knowledge →�see knowledge USAGE safe

When safe is used to describe people, it is never used in front of a noun. Don�t say, for example, � the safe children �. You can say that you are safe from something or someone to mean that you cannot be harmed by them. □� They want to keep their families safe from crime.

sa fe area (safe areas ) N‑COUNT If part of a country that is involved in a war is declared to be a safe area , neutral forces will try to keep peace there so that it is safe for people. □� The U.N. declared it a safe area.

sa fe co n|duct also safe-conduct N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If you are given safe conduct , the authorities officially allow you to travel somewhere, guaranteeing that you will not be arrested or harmed while doing so. □�[+�to/from ] Her family was given safe conduct to Britain when civil war broke out.

sa fe de|po s|it box (safe deposit boxes ) N‑COUNT A safe deposit box is a small box, usually kept in a special room in a bank, in which you can store valuable objects.

safe|guard /se I fgɑː r d/ (safeguards , safeguarding , safeguarded )

1 VERB To safeguard something or someone means to protect them from being harmed, lost, or badly treated. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They will press for international action to safeguard the ozone layer. □�[V n +�from ] �new guidelines to safeguard bill payers from future price rises.

2 N‑COUNT A safeguard is a law, rule, or measure intended to prevent someone or something from being harmed. □�[+�against ] Many people took second jobs as a safeguard against unemployment.

sa fe ha |ven (safe havens )

1 N‑COUNT If part of a country is declared a safe haven , people who need to escape from a dangerous situation such as a war can go there and be protected. □� Countries overwhelmed by the human tide of refugees want safe havens set up at once.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If a country provides safe haven for people from another country who have been in danger, it allows them to stay there under its official protection. [AM ] □� He tried to rescue his ship after being refused safe haven in a Spanish port.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A safe haven is a place, a situation, or an activity which provides people with an opportunity to escape from things that they find unpleasant or worrying. □�[+�from ] �the idea of the family as a safe haven from the brutal outside world.

sa fe house (safe houses ) also safe-house N‑COUNT You can refer to a building as a safe house when it is used as a place where someone can stay and be protected. Safe houses are often used by spies, criminals, or the police. □�[+�for ] �a farm which operates as a safe house for criminals on the run.

safe|keeping /se I fkiː p I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu for N ] If something is given to you forsafekeeping , it is given to you so that you will make sure that it is not harmed or stolen. □� Hampton had been given the bills for safekeeping by a business partner.

safe|ly /se I fli/

1 ADV [usu ADV with v] If something is done safely , it is done in a way that makes it unlikely that anyone will be harmed. □� The waste is safely locked away until it is no longer radioactive. □� 'Drive safely,' he said and waved goodbye.

2 ADV [usu ADV with v] You also use safely to say that there is no risk of a situation being changed. □� Once events are safely in the past, this idea seems to become less alarming.

3 →�see also safe

sa fe pa s|sage N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If someone is given safe passage , they are allowed to go somewhere safely, without being attacked or arrested. □�[+�from/to ] They were unwilling, or unable, to guarantee safe passage from the city to the aircraft.

sa fe sea t (safe seats ) N‑COUNT In politics, a safe seat is an area in which the candidate from one particular party nearly always wins by a large number of votes. [BRIT ] □� The constituency I live in is a safe Labour seat.

sa fe se x also safer sex N‑UNCOUNT Safe sex is sexual activity in which people protect themselves against the risk of AIDS and other diseases, usually by using condoms.

safe|ty ◆◆◇ /se I fti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Safety is the state of being safe from harm or danger. □� The report goes on to make a number of recommendations to improve safety on aircraft.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] If you reach safety , you reach a place where you are safe from danger. □� He stumbled through smoke and fumes given off from her burning sofa to pull her to safety. □� Guests ran for safety as the device went off in a ground-floor men's toilet. □� The refugees were groping their way through the dark, trying to reach safety. □�[+�of ] �the safety of one's own home.

3 N‑SING [with poss] If you are concerned about the safety of something, you are concerned that it might be harmful or dangerous. □�[+�of ] �consumers are showing growing concern about the safety of the food they buy.

4 N‑SING [with poss] If you are concerned for someone's safety , you are concerned that they might be in danger. □� The two youths today declined to testify because they said they feared for their safety.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Safety features or measures are intended to make something less dangerous. □� The built-in safety device compensates for a fall in water pressure.

6 PHRASE If you say that there is safety in numbers , you mean that you are safer doing something if there are a lot of people doing it rather than doing it alone. □� Many people still feel there is safety in numbers when belonging to a union.

sa fe|ty belt (safety belts ) also safety-belt N‑COUNT A safety belt is a strap attached to a seat in a car or aeroplane. You fasten it round your body and it stops you being thrown forward if there is an accident.

sa fe|ty catch (safety catches ) N‑COUNT The safety catch on a gun is a device that stops you firing the gun accidentally. □� Eddie slipped the safety catch on his automatic back into place.

sa fe|ty glass N‑UNCOUNT Safety glass is very strong glass that does not break into sharp pieces if it is hit.

sa fe|ty net (safety nets )

1 N‑COUNT A safety net is something that you can rely on to help you if you get into a difficult situation. □�[+�for ] Welfare is the only real safety net for low-income workers.

2 N‑COUNT In a circus, a safety net is a large net that is placed below performers on a high wire or trapeze in order to catch them and prevent them being injured if they fall off.

sa fe|ty of|fic|er (safety officers ) N‑COUNT The safety officer in a company or an organization is the person who is responsible for the safety of the people who work or visit there.

sa fe|ty pin (safety pins ) N‑COUNT A safety pin is a bent metal pin used for fastening things together. The point of the pin has a cover so that when the pin is closed it cannot hurt anyone. □� �trousers which were held together with safety pins.

sa fe|ty valve (safety valves )

1 N‑COUNT A safety valve is a device which allows liquids or gases to escape from a machine when the pressure inside it becomes too great. □� Residents heard an enormous bang as a safety valve on the boiler failed.

2 N‑COUNT A safety valve is something that allows you to release strong feelings without hurting yourself or others. □� �crying is a natural safety valve.

sa fe|ty zone (safety zones ) also safety island N‑COUNT A safety zone is a place in the middle of a road crossing where you can wait before you cross the other half of the road. [AM ]

saf|fron /s� frɒn/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Saffron is a yellowish-orange powder obtained from a flower and used to give flavour and colouring to some foods. □� �saffron rice.

2 COLOUR Saffron is a yellowish-orange colour. □� �a Buddhist in saffron robes.

sag /s� g/ (sags , sagging , sagged )

1 VERB When something sags , it hangs down loosely or sinks downwards in the middle. □�[V ] The shirt's cuffs won't sag and lose their shape after washing. □�[V -ing] He sat down in the sagging armchair.

2 VERB When part of someone's body begins to sag , it starts to become less firm and hang down. □�[V ] He is heavily built, but beginning to sag.

3 VERB To sag means to become weaker. □�[V ] The pound continued to sag despite four interventions by the Bank of England.

saga /sɑː gə/ (sagas )

1 N‑COUNT A saga is a long story, account, or sequence of events. □� �a 600-page saga about 18th-century slavery. □�[+�of ] �the continuing saga of unexpected failures by leading companies.

2 N‑COUNT A saga is a long story composed in medieval times in Norway or Iceland. □�[+�of ] �a Nordic saga of giants and trolls.

sa|ga|cious /səge I ʃəs/ ADJ A sagacious person is intelligent and has the ability to make good decisions. [FORMAL ] □� �a sagacious leader.

sa|gac|ity /səg� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Sagacity is the quality of being sagacious. [FORMAL ] □� �a man of great sagacity and immense experience.

sage /se I dʒ/ (sages )

1 N‑COUNT A sage is a person who is regarded as being very wise. [LITERARY ] □� �ancient Chinese sages.

2 ADJ Sage means wise and knowledgeable, especially as the result of a lot of experience. [LITERARY ] □� He was famous for his sage advice to younger painters. ●� sage|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Susan nodded sagely as if what I had said was profoundly significant.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Sage is a herb used in cooking.

4 N‑VAR Sage is a plant with grey-green leaves and purple, blue, or white flowers.

sag|gy /s� gi/ (saggier , saggiest ) ADJ If you describe something as saggy , you mean that it has become less firm over a period of time and become unattractive. □� Is the mattress lumpy and saggy?

Sag|it|ta|rius /s�dʒ I teə riəs/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sagittarius is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a creature that is half horse, half man, shooting an arrow. People who are born approximately between the 22nd of November and the 21st of December come under this sign.

2 N‑SING A Sagittarius is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Sagittarius.

sago /se I goʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Sago is a white substance obtained from the trunk of some palm trees. Sago is used for making sweet puddings.

sa|hib /sɑː b, sɑː h I b/ (sahibs ) N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT Sahib is a term used by some people in India to address or to refer to a man in a position of authority. Sahib was used especially of white government officials in the period of British rule. [POLITENESS ]

said /se d/ Said is the past tense and past participle of say .

sail ◆◇◇ /se I l/ (sails , sailing , sailed )

1 N‑COUNT Sails are large pieces of material attached to the mast of a ship. The wind blows against the sails and pushes the ship along. □� The white sails billow with the breezes they catch.

2 VERB You say a ship sails when it moves over the sea. □�[V prep/adv] The trawler had sailed from the port of Zeebrugge.

3 VERB If you sail a boat or if a boat sails , it moves across water using its sails. □�[V n prep] I shall get myself a little boat and sail her around the world. □�[V adv/prep] For nearly two hundred miles she sailed on, her sails hard with ice.

4 VERB If a person or thing sails somewhere, they move there smoothly and fairly quickly. □�[V prep/adv] We got into the lift and sailed to the top floor.

5 →�see also sailing

6 PHRASE When a ship sets sail , it leaves a port. □�[+�for ] Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World in the Santa Maria.

7to sail close to the wind →�see wind ➊

▸� sail through PHRASAL VERB If someone or something sails through a difficult situation or experience, they deal with it easily and successfully. □�[V P n] While she sailed through her maths exams, he struggled. [Also V P ]

sail|boat /se I lboʊt/ (sailboats ) N‑COUNT A sailboat is the same as a sailing boat . [mainly AM ]

sail|cloth /se I lklɒθ, [AM ] -klɔːθ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sailcloth is a strong heavy cloth that is used for making things such as sails or tents. □� The mainsails are hand-cut and sewn from real sailcloth.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sailcloth is a light canvas material that is used for making clothes. □� �red sailcloth trousers.

sail|ing /se I l I ŋ/ (sailings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sailing is the activity or sport of sailing boats. □� There was swimming and sailing down on the lake.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sailings are trips made by a ship carrying passengers. □� Ferry companies are providing extra sailings from Calais.

3 PHRASE If you say that a task was not all plain sailing , you mean that it was not very easy. □� Pregnancy wasn't all plain sailing and once again there were problems.

sai l|ing boat (sailing boats ) also sailing-boat N‑COUNT A sailing boat is a boat with sails. [BRIT ] in AM, use sailboat

sai l|ing ship (sailing ships ) N‑COUNT A sailing ship is a large ship with sails, especially of the kind that was used to carry passengers or cargo. □� American clippers were the ultimate sailing ships.

sail|or /se I lə r / (sailors ) N‑COUNT A sailor is someone who works on a ship or sails a boat.

saint ◆◇◇ /se I nt/ (saints ) The title is usually pronounced /sənt/. 1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A saint is someone who has died and been officially recognized and honoured by the Christian church because his or her life was a perfect example of the way Christians should live. □� Every parish was named after a saint. □� �Saint John.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a living person as a saint , you mean that they are extremely kind, patient, and unselfish. [APPROVAL ] □� My girlfriend is a saint to put up with me.

saint|hood /se I nthʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Sainthood is the state of being a saint. □� His elevation to sainthood is entirely justified.

saint|ly /se I ntli/ ADJ A saintly person behaves in a very good or very holy way. [APPROVAL ] □� She has been saintly in her self-restraint.

sake ◆◇◇ /se I k/ (sakes )

1 PHRASE If you do something for the sake of something, you do it for that purpose or in order to achieve that result. You can also say that you do it for something's sake . □� For the sake of historical accuracy, please permit us to state the true facts. □� For safety's sake, never stand directly behind a horse.

2 PHRASE If you do something for its own sake , you do it because you want to, or because you enjoy it, and not for any other reason. You can also talk about, for example, art for art's sake or sport for sport's sake . □� Economic change for its own sake did not appeal to him.

3 PHRASE When you do something for someone's sake , you do it in order to help them or make them happy. □� I trust you to do a good job for Stan's sake. □� Linda knew that for both their sakes she must take drastic action.

4 PHRASE Some people use expressions such as for God's sake , for heaven's sake , for goodness sake , or for Pete's sake in order to express annoyance or impatience, or to add force to a question or request. The expressions 'for God's sake' and 'for Christ's sake' could cause offence. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� For goodness sake, why didn't you ring me?

sak� /sɑː ki, -ke I / also sake N‑UNCOUNT Sak� is a Japanese alcoholic drink that is made from rice.

sa|laam /səlɑː m/ (salaams , salaaming , salaamed )

1 VERB When someone salaams , they bow with their right hand on their forehead. This is used as a formal and respectful way of greeting someone in India and Muslim countries. □�[V ] He looked from one to the other of them, then salaamed and left.

2 CONVENTION Some Muslims greet people by saying ' Salaam '.

sa|la|cious /səle I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a book or joke as salacious , you think that it deals with sexual matters in an unnecessarily detailed way. □� The newspapers once again filled their columns with salacious details.

sal|ad /s� ləd/ (salads )

1 N‑VAR A salad is a mixture of raw or cold foods such as lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes. It is often served with other food as part of a meal. □�[+�of ] �a salad of tomato, onion and cucumber. □� �potato salad.

2 →�see also fruit salad

3 PHRASE If you refer to your salad days , you are referring to a period of your life when you were young and inexperienced. [LITERARY ] □� The Grand Hotel did not seem to have changed since her salad days.

sa l|ad bowl (salad bowls ) N‑COUNT A salad bowl is a large bowl from which salad is served at a meal.

sa l|ad cream (salad creams ) N‑VAR Salad cream is a pale-yellow creamy sauce that you eat with salad.

sa l|ad dre ss|ing (salad dressings ) N‑VAR Salad dressing is a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, and other flavourings, which you pour over a salad. □� �low-calorie salad dressings.

sala|man|der /s� ləm�ndə r / (salamanders ) N‑COUNT A salamander is an animal that looks rather like a lizard, and that can live both on land and in water.

sa|la|mi /səlɑː mi/ (salamis ) N‑VAR Salami is a type of strong-flavoured sausage. It is usually thinly sliced and eaten cold.

sala|ried /s� lərid/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Salaried people receive a salary from their job. □� �salaried employees. □� James accepted the generously salaried job at the bank.

sala|ry ◆◇◇ /s� ləri/ (salaries ) N‑VAR A salary is the money that someone is paid each month by their employer, especially when they are in a profession such as teaching, law, or medicine. □� �the lawyer was paid a huge salary. □� The government has decided to increase salaries for all civil servants. COLLOCATIONS salary NOUN

noun +�salary : base; executive, graduate

adjective +�salary : annual, average, basic, monthly; final, starting; competitive, decent, six-figure, top

verb +�salary : draw, earn, receive; increase, negotiate, pay SYNONYMS salary NOUN

pay:�their complaints about their pay and conditions.

income:Many families on low incomes will be unable to afford to buy their own home.

wage:His wages have gone up.

earnings:Average weekly earnings rose by 1.5% in July.

sale ◆◆◆ /se I l/ (sales )

1 N‑SING The sale of goods is the act of selling them for money. □�[+�of ] Efforts were made to limit the sale of sugary drinks. □�[+�to ] �a proposed arms sale to Saudi Arabia.

2 N‑PLURAL The sales of a product are the quantity of it that is sold. □�[+�of ] The newspaper has sales of 1.72 million. □� �retail sales figures.

3 N‑PLURAL The part of a company that deals with sales deals with selling the company's products. □� Until 1983 he worked in sales and marketing.

4 N‑COUNT A sale is an occasion when a shop sells things at less than their normal price. □� �a pair of jeans bought half-price in a sale.

5 N‑COUNT A sale is an event when goods are sold to the person who offers the highest price. □� The painting was bought by dealers at the Christie's sale.

6 →�see also car boot sale , jumble sale

7 PHRASE If something is for sale , it is being offered to people to buy. □�[+�at ] His former home is for sale at �495,000.

8 PHRASE Products that are on sale can be bought in shops. [mainly BRIT ] □� English textbooks and dictionaries are on sale everywhere.

9 PHRASE If products in a shop are on sale , they can be bought for less than their normal price. [AM ] □� He bought a sports jacket on sale at the store.

10 PHRASE If a property or company is up for sale , its owner is trying to sell it. □� The castle has been put up for sale.

sale|able /se I ləb ə l/ also salable ADJ Something that is saleable is easy to sell to people. □� The Oxfam shops depend on regular supplies of saleable items.

sale|room /se I lruːm/ (salerooms ) N‑COUNT A saleroom is a place where things are sold by auction. [BRIT ] in AM, use salesroom

sa les clerk (sales clerks ) also salesclerk N‑COUNT A sales clerk is a person who works in a shop selling things to customers and helping them to find what they want. [AM ] in BRIT, use shop assistant

sa les force (sales forces ) also salesforce N‑COUNT A company's sales force is all the people that work for that company selling its products.

sales|girl /se I lzgɜː r l/ (salesgirls ) N‑COUNT A salesgirl is a young woman who sells things, especially in a shop. Many women prefer to be called a saleswoman or a salesperson rather than a salesgirl.

sales|man /se I lzmən/ (salesmen ) N‑COUNT A salesman is a man whose job is to sell things, especially directly to shops or other businesses on behalf of a company. □� �an insurance salesman.

sales|man|ship /se I lzmənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Salesmanship is the skill of persuading people to buy things. □� I was captured by his brilliant salesmanship.

sales|person /se I lzpɜː r s ə n/ (salespeople or salespersons ) N‑COUNT A salesperson is a person who sells things, either in a shop or directly to customers on behalf of a company.

sa les pitch (sales pitches ) N‑COUNT A salesperson's sales pitch is what they say in order to persuade someone to buy something from them. □� His sales pitch was smooth and convincing.

sales|room /se I lzruːm/ (salesrooms ) N‑COUNT A salesroom is a place where things are sold by auction. [AM ] in BRIT, use saleroom

sa les slip (sales slips ) N‑COUNT A sales slip is a piece of paper that you are given when you buy something in a shop, which shows when you bought it and how much you paid. [AM ] in BRIT, use receipt

sa les tax (sales taxes ) N‑VAR The sales tax on things that you buy is the amount of money that you pay to the national government, or, in the United States, to the local or state government.

sales|wom|an /se I lzwʊmən/ (saleswomen ) N‑COUNT A saleswoman is a woman who sells things, either in a shop or directly to customers on behalf of a company.

sa|li|ent /se I liənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] The salient points or facts of a situation are the most important ones. [FORMAL ] □� He read the salient facts quickly.

sa|line /se I la I n, [AM ] -liːn/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A saline substance or liquid contains salt. □� �a saline solution.

sa|li|va /səla I və/ N‑UNCOUNT Saliva is the watery liquid that forms in your mouth and helps you to chew and digest food.

sali|vary gland /səla I vəri gl�nd, [AM ] s� l I veri -/ (salivary glands ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your salivary glands are the glands that produce saliva in your mouth.

sali|vate /s� l I ve I t/ (salivates , salivating , salivated ) VERB When people or animals salivate , they produce a lot of saliva in their mouth, often as a result of seeing or smelling food. □�[V ] Any dog will salivate when presented with food.

sal|low /s� loʊ/ ADJ If a person has sallow skin, their skin, especially on their face, is a pale-yellowish colour and looks unhealthy. □� She had lank hair and sallow skin.

sal|ly /s� li/ (sallies , sallying , sallied )

1 N‑COUNT Sallies are clever and amusing remarks. [LITERARY ] □� He had thus far succeeded in fending off my conversational sallies.

2 VERB If someone salliesforth or sallies somewhere, they go out into a rather difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant situation in a brave or confident way. [LITERARY ] □�[V prep/adv] �worrying about her when she sallies forth on her first date. □�[V prep/adv] Tamara would sally out on bitterly cold nights. ●�N‑COUNT Sally is also a noun. □� �their first sallies outside the student world.

salm|on /s� mən/ (salmon ) N‑COUNT A salmon is a large silver-coloured fish. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Salmon is the pink flesh of this fish which is eaten as food. It is often smoked and eaten raw. □� � a splendid lunch of smoked salmon.

sal|mo|nel|la /s� lməne lə/ N‑UNCOUNT Salmonella is a disease caused by bacteria in food. You can also refer to the bacteria itself as salmonella . □� �salmonella poisoning.

sa lm|on pi nk COLOUR Something that is salmon pink or salmon is the orangey-pink colour of a salmon's flesh.

sa|lon /s� lɒn, [AM ] səlɑː n/ (salons )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A salon is a place where people have their hair cut or coloured, or have beauty treatments. □� �a new hair salon. □� �a beauty salon.

2 N‑COUNT A salon is a shop where smart, expensive clothes are sold.

3 N‑COUNT A salon is a sitting room in a large, grand house.

sa|loon /səluː n/ (saloons )

1 N‑COUNT A saloon or a saloon car is a car with seats for four or more people, a fixed roof, and a boot that is separated from the rear seats. [BRIT ] in AM, use sedan2 N‑COUNT A saloon is a place where alcoholic drinks are sold and drunk. [AM ]

sal|sa /s� lsə, [AM ] sɑː lsə/ (salsas )

1 N‑VAR Salsa is a hot, spicy sauce made from onions and tomatoes, usually eaten with Mexican or Spanish food.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Salsa is a type of dance music especially popular in Latin America. □� A band played salsa, and spectators danced wildly.

salt ◆◇◇ /sɔː lt/ (salts , salting , salted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Salt is a strong-tasting substance, in the form of white powder or crystals, which is used to improve the flavour of food or to preserve it. Salt occurs naturally in sea water. □� Season lightly with salt and pepper. □� �a pinch of salt.

2 VERB When you salt food, you add salt to it. □�[V n] Salt the stock to your taste and leave it simmering very gently. ●� salt|ed ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� Put a pan of salted water on to boil.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Salts are substances that are formed when an acid reacts with an alkali. □� The rock is rich in mineral salts.

4 →�see also Epsom salts , smelling salts

5 PHRASE If you take something with a pinch of salt , you do not believe that it is completely accurate or true. □� The more miraculous parts of this account should be taken with a pinch of salt.

6 PHRASE If you say, for example, that any doctor worth his or her salt would do something, you mean that any doctor who was good at his or her job or who deserved respect would do it. □� Any coach worth his salt would do exactly as I did.

7 PHRASE If someone or something rubs salt into the wound , they make the unpleasant situation that you are in even worse, often by reminding you of your failures or faults. □� To rub salt in the wounds, the bankers got big bonuses as the rest of us struggled to make ends meet.

sa lt cel|lar (salt cellars ) N‑COUNT A salt cellar is a small container for salt with a hole or holes in the top for shaking salt onto food. [BRIT ] in AM, use salt shaker

sa lt|ed ca ra|mel (salted caramels ) N‑VAR Salted caramel is a soft sweet food made from heated sugar and butter or cream, with salt added as a flavouring. □� He makes shortbread topped with salted caramel. □� �chocolate souffl� with salted caramel sauce. □� �a box of salted caramels.

salt|ine /sɔːltiː n/ (saltines ) N‑COUNT A saltine is a thin square biscuit with salt baked into its surface. [AM ]

sa lt marsh (salt marshes ) N‑VAR A salt marsh is an area of flat, wet ground which is sometimes covered by salt water or contains areas of salt water.

sa lt shak|er (salt shakers ) N‑COUNT A salt shaker is the same as a salt cellar . [mainly AM ]

sa lt wa |ter also saltwater N‑UNCOUNT Salt water is water from the sea, which has salt in it.

salty /sɔː lti/ (saltier , saltiest ) ADJ Something that is salty contains salt or tastes of salt. □� �a cool salty sea breeze. ●� salti|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The saltiness of the cheese is balanced by the sweetness of the red peppers.

sa|lu|bri|ous /səluː briəs/

1 ADJ A place that is salubrious is pleasant and healthy. [FORMAL ] □� �your salubrious lochside hotel.

2 ADJ Something that is described as salubrious is respectable or socially desirable. [FORMAL ] □� �London's less salubrious quarters.

salu|tary /s� ljʊtəri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A salutary experience is good for you, even though it may seem difficult or unpleasant at first. [FORMAL ] □� It was a salutary experience to be in the minority.

salu|ta|tion /s� ljʊte I ʃ ə n/ (salutations ) N‑COUNT [oft in/of N ] Salutation or a salutation is a greeting to someone. [FORMAL ] □� Jackson nodded a salutation. □� The old man moved away, raising his hand in salutation.

sa|lute /səluː t/ (salutes , saluting , saluted )

1 VERB If you salute someone, you greet them or show your respect with a formal sign. Soldiers usually salute officers by raising their right hand so that their fingers touch their forehead. □�[V n] One of the company stepped out and saluted the General. □�[V ] I stood to attention and saluted. ●�N‑COUNT [oft in N ] Salute is also a noun. □� The soldier gave the clenched-fist salute. □� He raised his hand in salute.

2 VERB To salute a person or their achievements means to publicly show or state your admiration for them. □�[V n] I salute him for the leadership role that he is taking.

sal|vage /s� lv I dʒ/ (salvages , salvaging , salvaged )

1 VERB [usu passive] If something is salvaged , someone manages to save it, for example from a ship that has sunk, or from a building that has been damaged. □�[be V -ed] The team's first task was to decide what equipment could be salvaged. □�[V -ed] The investigators studied flight recorders salvaged from the wreckage.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Salvage is the act of salvaging things from somewhere such as a damaged ship or building. □� The salvage operation went on. □� �the cost of salvage.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The salvage from somewhere such as a damaged ship or building is the things that are saved from it. □� They climbed up on the rock with their salvage.

4 VERB If you manage to salvage a difficult situation, you manage to get something useful from it so that it is not a complete failure. □�[V n] Officials tried to salvage the situation.

5 VERB If you salvage something such as your pride or your reputation, you manage to keep it even though it seems likely you will lose it, or you get it back after losing it. □�[V n] We definitely wanted to salvage some pride for British tennis.

sal|va|tion /s�lve I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT In Christianity, salvation is the fact that Christ has saved a person from evil. □� The church's message of salvation has changed the lives of many.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The salvation of someone or something is the act of saving them from harm, destruction, or an unpleasant situation. □� It became clear that the situation was beyond salvation.

3 N‑SING [with poss] If someone or something is your salvation , they are responsible for saving you from harm, destruction, or an unpleasant situation. □� The country's salvation lies in forcing through democratic reforms.

Sal|va |tion A rmy N‑PROPER [oft N n] TheSalvation Army is a Christian organization that aims to spread Christianity and care for the poor. Its members wear military-style uniforms. □� �a Salvation Army hostel.

salve /s� lv, [AM ] s� v/ (salves , salving , salved )

1 VERB If you do something to salve your conscience, you do it in order to feel less guilty. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] I give myself treats and justify them to salve my conscience.

2 N‑VAR Salve is an oily substance that is put on sore skin or a wound to help it heal. □� �a soothing salve for sore, dry lips.

sal|ver /s� lvə r / (salvers ) N‑COUNT A salver is a flat object, usually made of silver, on which things are carried. □� �silver salvers laden with flutes of champagne.

sal|vo /s� lvoʊ/ (salvoes )

1 N‑COUNT A salvo is the firing of several guns or missiles at the same time in a battle or ceremony. □�[+�of ] They were to fire a salvo of blanks, after the national anthem.

2 N‑COUNT A salvoof angry words is a lot of them spoken or written at about the same time. □�[+�of ] His testimony, however, was only one in a salvo of new attacks.

Sa|mari|tan /səm� r I tən/ (Samaritans ) N‑COUNT You refer to someone as a Samaritan if they help you when you are in difficulty. □� A good Samaritan offered us a room in his house.

sam|ba /s� mbə/ (sambas ) N‑COUNT A samba is a lively Brazilian dance.

same ◆◆◆ /se I m/

1 ADJ [the ADJ ] If two or more things, actions, or qualities are the same , or if one is the sameas another, they are very like each other in some way. □� In essence, all computers are the same. □� People with the same experience in the job should be paid the same. □� Driving a boat is not the same as driving a car. □� I want my son to wear the same clothes as everyone else at the school.

2 PHRASE If something is happening the same as something else, the two things are happening in a way that is similar or exactly the same. □� I mean, it's a relationship, the same as a marriage is a relationship. □� He just wanted the war to end, the same as Wally did.

3 ADJ [the ADJ , oft ADJ n as n] You use same to indicate that you are referring to only one place, time, or thing, and not to different ones. □� Bernard works at the same institution as Arlette. □� It's impossible to get everybody together at the same time. □� John just told me that your birthday is on the same day as mine.

4 ADJ [the ADJ ] Something that is still the same has not changed in any way. □� It has been rare for the environment to stay the same for very long. □� Only 17% said the economy would improve, but 25% believed it would stay the same.

5 PRON You use the same to refer to something that has previously been mentioned or suggested. □� We made the decision which was right for us. Other parents must do the same. □� We like him very much and he says the same about us. ●�ADJ [the ADJ ] Same is also an adjective. □� Tom Wood is a player I admire because he is so honest, and Chris Robshaw has that same quality.

6 CONVENTION You say ' same here ' in order to suggest that you feel the same way about something as the person who has just spoken to you, or that you have done the same thing. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'Nice to meet you,' said Michael. 'Same here,' said Mary Ann.

7 CONVENTION You say ' same to you ' in response to someone who wishes you well with something. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'Have a nice Easter.'�'And the same to you Bridie.'

8 PHRASE You say ' same again ' when you want to order another drink of the same kind as the one you have just had. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� Give Roger another pint, Imogen, and I'll have the same again.

9 PHRASE You can say all the same or just the same to introduce a statement which indicates that a situation or your opinion has not changed, in spite of what has happened or what has just been said. □� �jokes that she did not understand but laughed at just the same.

10 PHRASE If you say ' It's all the same to me ', you mean that you do not care which of several things happens or is chosen. [mainly SPOKEN ] □� Whether I've got a moustache or not; it's all the same to me.

11 PHRASE When two or more people or things are thought to be separate and you say that they are one and the same , you mean that they are in fact one single person or thing. □� Luckily, Nancy's father and her attorney were one and the same person. □� I'm willing to work for the party because its interests and my interests are one and the same.

12at the same time →�see time USAGE same

Don�t use 'like' after the same . Don�t say, for example, � He was not the same like the other boys �. You can put a noun between the same and as . You can say, for example, �She goes to the same school as her sister�. □� Her dress was the same colour as her eyes.

same|ness /se I mnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT The sameness of something is its lack of variety. □�[+�of ] He grew bored by the sameness of the speeches.

sa me-se x ADJ [usu ADJ n] Same-sex people are the same sex as each other, or the same sex as a particular person. □� �women's same-sex friends.

samey /se I mi/ ADJ If you describe a set of things as samey , you mean that they are all very similar, and it would be more interesting if they were different from each other. □� He has written a batch of very samey tunes.

Sami /s� mi/ (Sami ) N‑COUNT A Sami is a member of a people living mainly in northern Scandinavia. □� The Sami have strong views on environmental matters.

sa|miz|dat /s� m I zd�t, [AM ] sɑː m-/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Samizdat referred to a system in the former USSR and Eastern Europe by which books and magazines forbidden by the state were illegally printed by groups who opposed the state. [FORMAL ] □� �a publisher specialising in samizdat literature.

sa|mo|sa /səmoʊ sə/ (samosas ) N‑COUNT A samosa is an Indian food consisting of vegetables, spices, and sometimes meat, wrapped in pastry and fried.

samo|var /s� məvɑː r / (samovars ) N‑COUNT A samovar is a large decorated container for heating water, traditionally used in Russia for making tea.

sam|ple ◆◇◇ /sɑː mp ə l, s� m-/ (samples , sampling , sampled )

1 N‑COUNT A sample of a substance or product is a small quantity of it that shows you what it is like. □�[+�of ] You'll receive samples of paint, curtains and upholstery. □� We're giving away 2000 free samples. □� They asked me to do some sample drawings.

2 N‑COUNT A sample of a substance is a small amount of it that is examined and analysed scientifically. □�[+�of ] They took samples of my blood. □� �urine samples.

3 N‑COUNT A sample of people or things is a number of them chosen out of a larger group and then used in tests or used to provide information about the whole group. □�[+�of ] We based our analysis on a random sample of more than 200 males.

4 VERB If you sample food or drink, you taste a small amount of it in order to find out if you like it. □�[V n] We sampled a selection of different bottled waters.

5 VERB If you sample a place or situation, you experience it for a short time in order to find out about it. □�[V n] �the chance to sample a different way of life. COLLOCATIONS sample NOUN

2

noun +�sample : blood, DNA, saliva, urine; soil

verb +�sample : collect, obtain, take; analyse, test; provide

3

adjective +�sample : random, representative, small, statistical

verb +�sample : analyse, interview, study SYNONYMS sample NOUN 1

specimen:Job applicants have to submit a specimen of handwriting.

example:The plaque illustrated in Figure 1 is an example of his work at this time.

model:�a working scale model of the whole Bay Area.

sam|pler /sɑː mplə r , s� m-/ (samplers )

1 N‑COUNT A sampler is a piece of cloth with words and patterns sewn on it, which is intended to show the skill of the person who made it.

2 N‑COUNT A sampler is a piece of equipment that is used for copying a piece of music and using it to make a new piece of music.

samu|rai /s� mjʊra I , [AM ] -mʊr-/ (samurai ) N‑COUNT In former times, a samurai was a member of a powerful class of fighters in Japan.

sana|to|rium /s� nətɔː riəm/ (sanatoriums or sanatoria /s� nətɔː riə/) in AM, also use sanitarium N‑COUNT A sanatorium is an institution that provides medical treatment and rest, often in a healthy climate, for people who have been ill for a long time.

sanc|ti|fy /s� ŋkt I fa I / (sanctifies , sanctifying , sanctified ) VERB [usu passive] If something is sanctified by a priest or other holy person, the priest or holy person officially approves of it, or declares it to be holy. □�[be V -ed] She is trying to make amends for her marriage not being sanctified.

sanc|ti|mo|ni|ous /s� ŋkt I moʊ niəs/ ADJ If you say that someone is sanctimonious , you disapprove of them because you think that they are trying to appear morally better than other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He writes smug, sanctimonious rubbish.

sanc|tion ◆◆◇ /s� ŋkʃ ə n/ (sanctions , sanctioning , sanctioned )

1 VERB If someone in authority sanctions an action or practice, they officially approve of it and allow it to be done. □�[V n] He may now be ready to sanction the use of force. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Sanction is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The king could not enact laws without the sanction of Parliament.

2 N‑PLURAL Sanctions are measures taken by countries to restrict trade and official contact with a country that has broken international law. □�[+�against/on ] The continued abuse of human rights has now led the United States to impose sanctions against the regime.

3 N‑COUNT A sanction is a severe course of action which is intended to make people obey instructions, customs, or laws. □� As an ultimate sanction, they can sell their shares.

4 VERB If a country or an authority sanctions another country or a person for doing something, it declares that the country or person is guilty of doing it and imposes sanctions on them. □�[V n] �their failure to sanction the country for butchering whales in violation of international conservation treaties. SYNONYMS sanction VERB 1

permit:He can let the court's decision stand and permit the execution.

allow:Smoking will not be allowed.

back:The Prime Minister is backed by the civic movement, Public Against Violence.

support:The vice president insisted that he supported the hard-working people of New York. NOUN 2

ban:The General also lifted a ban on political parties.

restriction:The relaxation of travel restrictions means they are free to travel and work.

boycott:Opposition leaders had called for a boycott of the vote.

embargo:He has called on the government to lift its trade embargo.

sanc|tity /s� ŋkt I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about thesanctityof something, you mean that it is very important and must be treated with respect. □�[+�of ] �the sanctity of human life.

sanc|tu|ary /s� ŋktʃuəri, [AM ] -tʃueri/ (sanctuaries )

1 N‑COUNT A sanctuary is a place where people who are in danger from other people can go to be safe. □�[+�for ] His church became a sanctuary for thousands of people who fled the civil war.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sanctuary is the safety provided in a sanctuary. □� Some of them have sought sanctuary in the church.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A sanctuary is a place where birds or animals are protected and allowed to live freely. □� �a bird sanctuary. □� �a wildlife sanctuary.

sanc|tum /s� ŋtəm/ (sanctums )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to someone's innersanctum , you mean a room which is private and sometimes secret, where they can be quiet and alone. □� His bedroom's his inner sanctum.

2 N‑COUNT A sanctum is the holiest place inside a holy building such as a temple or mosque.

sand ◆◇◇ /s� nd/ (sands , sanding , sanded )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sand is a substance that looks like powder, and consists of extremely small pieces of stone. Some deserts and many beaches are made up of sand. □� They all walked barefoot across the damp sand to the water's edge. □� �grains of sand.

2 N‑PLURAL Sands are a large area of sand, for example a beach. □� �miles of golden sands.

3 VERB If you sand a wood or metal surface, you rub sandpaper over it in order to make it smooth or clean. □�[V n] Sand the surface softly and carefully. ●�PHRASAL VERB Sand down means the same as sand . □�[V P n] I was going to sand down the chairs and repaint them. □�[V n P ] Simply sand them down with a fine grade of sandpaper.

san|dal /s� nd ə l/ (sandals ) N‑COUNT Sandals are light shoes that you wear in warm weather, which have straps instead of a solid part over the top of your foot.

sandal|wood /s� nd ə lwʊd/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sandalwood is the sweet-smelling wood of a tree that is found in South Asia and Australia. It is also the name of the tree itself.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sandalwood is the oil extracted from the wood of the tree. It is used to make perfume.

sand|bag /s� ndb�g/ (sandbags , sandbagging , sandbagged )

1 N‑COUNT A sandbag is a cloth bag filled with sand. Sandbags are usually used to build walls for protection against floods or explosions.

2 VERB To sandbag something means to protect or strengthen it using sandbags. □�[V n] They sandbagged their homes to keep out floods.

sand|bank /s� ndb�ŋk/ (sandbanks ) N‑COUNT A sandbank is a bank of sand below the surface of the sea or a river. □� The ship hit a sandbank.

sand|bar /s� ndbɑː r / (sandbars ) also sand bar N‑COUNT A sandbar is a sandbank which is found especially at the mouth of a river or harbour.

sand|box /s� ndbɒks/ (sandboxes ) N‑COUNT A sandbox is the same as a sandpit . [AM ]

sa nd cas|tle (sand castles ) N‑COUNT A sand castle is a pile of sand, usually shaped like a castle, which children make when they are playing on the beach.

sa nd dune (sand dunes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A sand dune is a hill of sand near the sea or in a sand desert.

sand|er /s� ndə r / (sanders ) N‑COUNT A sander is a machine for making wood or metal surfaces smoother.

S & L /e s ən e l/ (S & Ls ) N‑COUNT S & L is an abbreviation for savings and loan . [BUSINESS ]

S & M /e s ən e m/ N‑UNCOUNT S & M is an abbreviation for sado-masochism .

sand|paper /s� ndpe I pə r / N‑UNCOUNT Sandpaper is strong paper that has a coating of sand on it. It is used for rubbing wood or metal surfaces to make them smoother.

sand|pit /s� ndp I t/ (sandpits ) also sand-pit N‑COUNT A sandpit is a shallow hole or box in the ground with sand in it where small children can play. [BRIT ] in AM, use sandbox

sand|stone /s� ndstoʊn/ (sandstones ) N‑VAR Sandstone is a type of rock which contains a lot of sand. It is often used for building houses and walls. □� �sandstone cliffs.

sand|storm /s� ndstɔː r m/ (sandstorms ) N‑COUNT A sandstorm is a strong wind in a desert area, which carries sand through the air.

sand|wich /s� nw I dʒ, -w I tʃ/ (sandwiches , sandwiching , sandwiched )

1 N‑COUNT A sandwich usually consists of two slices of bread with a layer of food such as cheese or meat between them. □� �a ham sandwich.

2 VERB If you sandwich two things together with something else, you put that other thing between them. If you sandwich one thing between two other things, you put it between them. □�[V n together ] Sandwich the two halves of the sponge together with cream.

3 →�see also sandwiched WORD HISTORY sandwich

This popular snack takes its name from John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich in the 18th century. A keen card player, he used to ask for beef served between two slices of bread, the idea being that he wouldn't get grease on the cards from his hands. His fellow players then began asking for 'the same as Sandwich', which gradually became, simply 'a sandwich'.

sa nd|wich course (sandwich courses ) N‑COUNT A sandwich course is an educational course in which you have periods of study between periods of being at work. [BRIT ]

sand|wiched /s� nw I dʒd, -w I tʃt/

1 ADJ If something is sandwiched between two other things, it is in a narrow space between them. □�[+�between ] The original kitchen was sandwiched between the breakfast room and the toilet.

2 →�see also sandwich

sandy /s� ndi/ (sandier , sandiest )

1 ADJ A sandy area is covered with sand. □� �long, sandy beaches.

2 ADJ Sandy hair is light orangey-brown in colour.

sane /se I n/ (saner , sanest )

1 ADJ Someone who is sane is able to think and behave normally and reasonably, and is not mentally ill. □� He seemed perfectly sane. □� It wasn't the act of a sane person.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to a sane person, action, or system, you mean one that you think is reasonable and sensible. □� No sane person wishes to see conflict or casualties.

sang /s� ŋ/ Sang is the past tense of sing .

sang-froid /sɒ ŋ frwɑː / also sangfroid N‑UNCOUNT A person's sang-froid is their ability to remain calm in a dangerous or difficult situation. [FORMAL ] □� He behaves throughout with a certain sang-froid.

san|gria /s�ŋgriː ə/ N‑UNCOUNT Sangria is a Spanish drink made of red wine, orange or lemon juice, soda, and brandy.

san|guine /s� ŋgw I n/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are sanguineabout something, you are cheerful and confident that things will happen in the way you want them to. □�[+�about ] He's remarkably sanguine about the problems involved.

sani|ta|rium /s� n I teə riəm/ (sanitariums ) →�see sanatorium

sani|tary /s� n I tri, [AM ] -teri/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Sanitary means concerned with keeping things clean and healthy, especially by providing a sewage system and a clean water supply. □� Sanitary conditions are appalling.

2 ADJ If you say that a place is not sanitary , you mean that it is not very clean. □� It's not the most sanitary place one could swim.

sa ni|tary nap|kin (sanitary napkins ) N‑COUNT A sanitary napkin is the same as a sanitary towel . [AM ]

sa ni|tary pro|te c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Sanitary protection is sanitary towels or tampons.

sa ni|tary tow|el (sanitary towels ) N‑COUNT A sanitary towel is a pad of thick soft material which women wear to absorb the blood during their periods. [BRIT ] in AM, use sanitary napkin

sani|ta|tion /s� n I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Sanitation is the process of keeping places clean and healthy, especially by providing a sewage system and a clean water supply. □� �the hazards of contaminated water and poor sanitation.

sani|tize /s� n I ta I z/ (sanitizes , sanitizing , sanitized ) in BRIT, also use sanitise VERB To sanitize an activity or a situation that is unpleasant or unacceptable means to describe it in a way that makes it seem more pleasant or more acceptable. □�[V n] �crime writers who sanitise violence and make it respectable.

san|ity /s� n I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT A person's sanity is their ability to think and behave normally and reasonably. □� He sold the company for $2.5 billion to preserve his sanity.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If there is sanity in a situation or activity, there is a purpose and a regular pattern, rather than confusion and worry. □� We must find ways of introducing some sanity into the currency market.

sank /s� ŋk/ Sank is the past tense of sink .

San|skrit /s� nskr I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Sanskrit is an ancient language which used to be spoken in India and is now used only in religious writings and ceremonies.

Santa Claus /s� ntə klɔː z, [AM ] - klɔːz/ N‑PROPER Santa Claus or Santa is an imaginary old man with a long white beard and a red coat. Traditionally, young children in many countries are told that he brings their Christmas presents.

sap /s� p/ (saps , sapping , sapped )

1 VERB If something saps your strength or confidence, it gradually weakens or destroys it. □�[V n] I was afraid the sickness had sapped my strength.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sap is the watery liquid in plants and trees. □� The leaves, bark and sap are also common ingredients of local herbal remedies.

sa|pi|ens /s� pienz/ →�see homo sapiens

sap|ling /s� pl I ŋ/ (saplings ) N‑COUNT A sapling is a young tree.

sap|per /s� pə r / (sappers ) N‑COUNT A sapper is a soldier whose job is to do building, digging, and similar work. □� They requested sappers to mend bridges or remove mines.

sap|phire /s� fa I ə r / (sapphires )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] A sapphire is a precious stone which is blue in colour. □� �a sapphire engagement ring.

2 COLOUR Something that is sapphire is bright blue in colour. [LITERARY ] □� �white snow and sapphire skies.

sap|py /s� pi/

1 ADJ Sappy stems or leaves contain a lot of liquid.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as sappy , you think they are foolish. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I wrote this sappy love song.

Sa|ran wrap /sər� n r�p/ N‑UNCOUNT Saran wrap is a thin, clear, stretchy plastic which you use to cover food to keep it fresh. [AM , TRADEMARK ] in BRIT, use clingfilm

sar|casm /sɑː r k�zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sarcasm is speech or writing which actually means the opposite of what it seems to say. Sarcasm is usually intended to mock or insult someone. □� 'What a pity,' Graham said with a hint of sarcasm.

sar|cas|tic /sɑː r k� st I k/ ADJ Someone who is sarcastic says or does the opposite of what they really mean in order to mock or insult someone. □� She poked fun at people's shortcomings with sarcastic remarks. ●� sar|cas|ti|cal|ly /sɑː r k� st I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� 'What a surprise!' Caroline murmured sarcastically.

sar|co|ma /sɑː r koʊ mə/ (sarcomas ) N‑VAR Sarcoma is one of the two main forms of cancer. It affects tissues such as muscle and bone.

sar|copha|gus /sɑː r kɒ fəgəs/ (sarcophagi or sarcophaguses ) N‑COUNT A sarcophagus is a large decorative container in which a dead body was placed in ancient times. □� �an Egyptian sarcophagus.

sar|dine /sɑː r diː n/ (sardines )

1 N‑COUNT Sardines are a kind of small sea fish, often eaten as food. □� They opened a tin of sardines.

2 PHRASE If you say that a crowd of people are packed like sardines , you are emphasizing that they are sitting or standing so close together that they cannot move easily. [EMPHASIS ] □� The refugees were packed like sardines.

sar|don|ic /sɑː r dɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as sardonic , you mean their attitude to people or things is humorous but rather critical. □� �a big, sardonic man, who intimidated his students.

sarge /sɑː r dʒ/ N‑COUNT ; N‑SING A sergeant is sometimes addressed as sarge or referred to as the sarge . [INFORMAL ] □� 'Good luck, sarge,' he said.

sari /sɑː ri/ (saris ) N‑COUNT A sari is a piece of clothing worn especially by Indian women. It consists of a long piece of thin material that is wrapped around the body.

sar|in /sɑː r I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Sarin is an extremely poisonous gas that is used in chemical weapons.

sar|nie /sɑː r ni/ (sarnies ) N‑COUNT A sarnie is a sandwich. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �cheese sarnies and tinned tomato soup.

sa|rong /sərɒ ŋ, [AM ] -rɔːŋ/ (sarongs ) N‑COUNT A sarong is a piece of clothing that is worn especially by Malaysian men and women. It consists of a long piece of cloth wrapped round the waist or body.

SARS /sɑː r z/ N‑UNCOUNT SARS is a serious disease which affects your ability to breathe. SARS is an abbreviation for 'severe acute respiratory syndrome'.

sar|to|rial /sɑː r tɔː riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sartorial means relating to clothes and to the way they are made or worn. [FORMAL ] □� �Sebastian's sartorial elegance.

SAS /e s e I e s/ N‑PROPER The SAS is a group of highly trained British soldiers who work on secret or very difficult military operations. SAS is an abbreviation for 'Special Air Service'. [BRIT ]

SASE /e s e I es iː / (SASEs ) N‑SING An SASE is an envelope on which you have stuck a stamp and written your own name and address. You send it to a person or organization so that they can reply to you in it. SASE is an abbreviation for 'self-addressed stamped envelope'. [AM ] in BRIT, use s.a.e.

sash /s� ʃ/ (sashes ) N‑COUNT A sash is a long piece of cloth which people wear round their waist or over one shoulder, especially with formal or official clothes. □� She wore a white dress with a thin blue sash.

sash|ay /s� ʃe I , [AM ] s�ʃe I / (sashays , sashaying , sashayed ) VERB If someone sashays , they walk in a graceful but rather noticeable way. □�[V prep/adv] The models sashayed down the catwalk.

sa sh wi n|dow (sash windows ) N‑COUNT A sash window is a window which consists of two frames placed one above the other. The window can be opened by sliding one frame over the other.

sas|sy /s� si/

1 ADJ If an older person describes a younger person as sassy , they mean that they are disrespectful in a lively, confident way. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� Are you that sassy with your parents, young lady?

2 ADJ Sassy is used to describe things that are smart and stylish. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� �colourful and sassy fashion accessories.

sat /s� t/ Sat is the past tense and past participle of sit .

SAT /e s e I tiː / (SATs ) N‑PROPER The SAT is an examination which is often taken by students who wish to enter a college or university. SAT is an abbreviation for 'Scholastic Aptitude Test'. [AM ]

Sat.Sat. is a written abbreviation for Saturday .

Satan /se I t ə n/ N‑PROPER In the Christian religion, Satan is the Devil, a powerful evil being who is the chief opponent of God.

sa|tan|ic /sət� n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is satanic is considered to be caused by or influenced by Satan. □� �satanic cults. □� �satanic ritual.

Sa|tan|ism /se I tən I zəm/ also satanism N‑UNCOUNT Satanism is worship of Satan. □� �black magic and satanism. ●� Sa|tan|ist /se I tən I st/ (Satanists ) N‑COUNT □� �a Satanist accused of fire attacks on churches.

sa|tay /s� te I , [AM ] sɑː te I / N‑UNCOUNT Satay is pieces of meat cooked on thin sticks and served with a peanut sauce. □� �chicken satay.

satch|el /s� tʃəl/ (satchels ) N‑COUNT A satchel is a bag with a long strap that schoolchildren use for carrying books.

sat|ed /se I t I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are satedwith something, you have had more of it than you can enjoy at one time. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] �children happily sated with ice cream.

sat|el|lite ◆◇◇ /s� təla I t/ (satellites )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A satellite is an object which has been sent into space in order to collect information or to be part of a communications system. Satellites move continually round the Earth or around another planet. □� The rocket launched two communications satellites. □� The signals are sent by satellite link.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Satellite television is broadcast using a satellite. □� They have four satellite channels.

3 N‑COUNT A satellite is a natural object in space that moves round a planet or star. □� �the satellites of Jupiter.

4 N‑COUNT [oft N n] You can refer to a country, area, or organization as a satellite when it is controlled by or depends on a larger and more powerful one. □� Italy became a satellite state of Germany by the end of the 1930s.

sa t|el|lite dish (satellite dishes ) N‑COUNT A satellite dish is a piece of equipment which people need to have on their house in order to receive satellite television.

sa|ti|ate /se I ʃie I t/ (satiates , satiating , satiated ) VERB If something such as food or pleasure satiates you, you have all that you need or all that you want of it, often so much that you become tired of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The dinner was enough to satiate the gourmets.

sat|in /s� t I n, [AM ] -t ə n/ (satins )

1 N‑VAR Satin is a smooth, shiny kind of cloth, usually made from silk. □� �a peach satin ribbon.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If something such as a paint, wax, or cosmetic gives something a satin finish, it reflects light to some extent but is not very shiny.

satin|wood /s� t I nwʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Satinwood is a smooth hard wood which comes from an East Indian tree and is used to make furniture.

sat|ire /s� ta I ə r / (satires )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Satire is the use of humour or exaggeration in order to show how foolish or wicked some people's behaviour or ideas are. □� The commercial side of the Christmas season is an easy target for satire.

2 N‑COUNT A satire is a play, film, or novel in which humour or exaggeration is used to criticize something. □�[+�on ] �a sharp satire on the American political process.

sa|tir|ic /sət I r I k/ ADJ Satiric means the same as satirical . □� �Ibsen's satiric attack on bourgeois convention.

sa|tiri|cal /sət I r I k ə l/ ADJ A satirical drawing, piece of writing, or comedy show is one in which humour or exaggeration is used to criticize something. □� �a satirical novel about city life in the late 80s.

sati|rist /s� t I r I st/ (satirists ) N‑COUNT A satirist is someone who writes or uses satire. □� He built a reputation in the 1970s as a social satirist.

sati|rize /s� t I ra I z/ (satirizes , satirizing , satirized ) in BRIT, also use satirise VERB If you satirize a person or group of people, you use satire to criticize them or make fun of them in a play, film, or novel. □�[V n] The newspaper came out weekly. It satirized political leaders.

sat|is|fac|tion /s� t I sf� kʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Satisfaction is the pleasure that you feel when you do something or get something that you wanted or needed to do or get. □� She felt a small glow of satisfaction. □�[+�with ] Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress so far.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you get satisfaction from someone, you get money or an apology from them because you have been treated badly. □� If you can't get any satisfaction, complain to the park owner.

3 PHRASE If you do something to someone's satisfaction , they are happy with the way that you have done it. □� It is hard to see how the issue can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction.

sat|is|fac|tory /s� t I sf� ktəri/ ADJ Something that is satisfactory is acceptable to you or fulfils a particular need or purpose. □� I never got a satisfactory answer.

sat|is|fied /s� t I sfa I d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are satisfiedwith something, you are happy because you have got what you wanted or needed. □�[+�with ] We are not satisfied with these results. □� �satisfied customers.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If you are satisfiedthat something is true or has been done properly, you are convinced about this after checking it. □� People must be satisfied that the treatment is safe.

sat|is|fy /s� t I sfa I / (satisfies , satisfying , satisfied )

1 VERB If someone or something satisfies you, they give you enough of what you want or need to make you pleased or contented. □�[V n] The pace of change has not been quick enough to satisfy everyone. □�[V n] We just can't find enough good second-hand cars to satisfy demand.

2 VERB To satisfy someone that something is true or has been done properly means to convince them by giving them more information or by showing them what has been done. □�[V n that] He has to satisfy the environmental lobby that real progress will be made to cut emissions.

3 VERB If you satisfy the requirements for something, you are good enough or have the right qualities to fulfil these requirements. □�[V n] The procedures should satisfy certain basic requirements.

sat|is|fy|ing /s� t I sfa I I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is satisfying makes you feel happy, especially because you feel you have achieved something. □� I found wood carving satisfying.

sat|nav /s� tn� v/ N‑UNCOUNT Satnav is a system that uses information from satellites to find the best way of getting to a place. It is often found in cars. Satnav is an abbreviation for 'satellite navigation'. □� We didn't have satnav, so the traditional map and compass took over.

sat|su|ma /s�tsuː mə/ (satsumas ) N‑COUNT A satsuma is a fruit that looks like a small orange.

satu|rate /s� tʃʊre I t/ (saturates , saturating , saturated )

1 VERB If people or things saturate a place or object, they fill it completely so that no more can be added. □�[V n] In the last days before the vote, both sides are saturating the airwaves. □�[be V -ed +�with ] As the market was saturated with goods and the economy became more balanced, inflation went down.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone or something is saturated , they become extremely wet. □�[be V -ed] If the filter has been saturated with motor oil, it should be discarded and replaced. [Also V n]

satu|rat|ed /s� tʃʊre I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Saturated fats are types of fat that are found in some foods, especially meat, eggs, and things such as butter and cheese. They are believed to cause heart disease and some other illnesses if eaten too often. □� �foods rich in cholesterol and saturated fats.

satu|ra|tion /s� tʃʊre I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Saturation is the process or state that occurs when a place or thing is filled completely with people or things, so that no more can be added. □�[+�of ] Reforms have led to the saturation of the market with goods. □� Road traffic has reached saturation point.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Saturation is used to describe a campaign or other activity that is carried out very thoroughly, so that nothing is missed. □� Newspapers, television and radio are all providing saturation coverage.

Sat|ur|day /s� tə r de I , -di/ (Saturdays ) N‑VAR Saturday is the day after Friday and before Sunday. □� She had a call from him on Saturday morning at the studio. □� They had a 3-1 win against Liverpool last Saturday. □� The overnight train runs only on Saturdays. □� It was Saturday evening and I was getting ready to go out.

sat|ur|nine /s� tə r na I n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is saturnine is serious and unfriendly. [LITERARY ] □� He had a rather forbidding, saturnine manner.

sa|tyr /s� tə r / (satyrs ) N‑COUNT In classical mythology a satyr is a creature that is half man and half goat.

sauce ◆◇◇ /sɔː s/ (sauces ) N‑VAR A sauce is a thick liquid which is served with other food. □�[+�of ] �pasta cooked in a sauce of garlic, tomatoes, and cheese. □� �vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

sauce|pan /sɔː spən, [AM ] -p�n/ (saucepans ) N‑COUNT A saucepan is a deep metal cooking pot, usually with a long handle and a lid. □� Cook the potatoes and turnips in a large saucepan.

sau|cer /sɔː sə r / (saucers )

1 N‑COUNT A saucer is a small curved plate on which you stand a cup.

2 →�see also flying saucer

saucy /sɔː si/ (saucier , sauciest ) ADJ Someone or something that is saucy refers to sex in a light-hearted, amusing way. □� �a saucy joke.

Sau|di /saʊ di/ (Saudis )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Saudi or Saudi Arabian means belonging or relating to Saudi Arabia or to its people, language, or culture. □� Saudi officials have dismissed such reports as rumours.

2 N‑COUNT The Saudis or Saudi Arabians are the people who come from Saudi Arabia.

sau|er|kraut /saʊə r kraʊt/ N‑UNCOUNT Sauerkraut is cabbage which has been cut into very small pieces and pickled. It is eaten mainly in Germany.

sau|na /sɔː nə/ (saunas )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a sauna , you sit or lie in a room that is so hot that it makes you sweat. People have saunas in order to relax and to clean their skin thoroughly.

2 N‑COUNT A sauna is a room or building where you can have a sauna.

saun|ter /sɔː ntə r / (saunters , sauntering , sauntered ) VERB If you saunter somewhere, you walk there in a slow, casual way. □�[V prep/adv] We watched our fellow students saunter into the building.

sau|sage /sɒ s I dʒ, [AM ] sɔː s-/ (sausages ) N‑VAR A sausage consists of minced meat, usually pork, mixed with other ingredients and is contained in a tube made of skin or a similar material. □� �sausages and chips.

sau |sage mea t N‑UNCOUNT Sausage meat is minced meat, usually pork, mixed with other ingredients and used to make sausages.

sau |sage ro ll (sausage rolls ) N‑COUNT A sausage roll is a small amount of sausage meat which is covered with pastry and cooked. [BRIT ]

sau|t� /soʊ te I , [AM ] sɔːte I / (saut�s , saut�ing , saut�ed ) VERB When you saut� food, you fry it quickly in hot oil or butter. □�[V n] Saut� the chicken until golden brown. □�[V -ed] �saut�ed mushrooms.

sav|age /s� v I dʒ/ (savages , savaging , savaged )

1 ADJ Someone or something that is savage is extremely cruel, violent, and uncontrolled. □� This was a savage attack on a defenceless young girl. □� �a savage dog lunging at the end of a chain. ●� sav|age|ly ADV □� He was savagely beaten.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you refer to people as savages , you dislike them because you think that they do not have an advanced society and are violent. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �their conviction that the area was a frozen desert peopled with uncouth savages.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is savaged by a dog or other animal, the animal attacks them violently. □�[be V -ed] The animal then turned on him and he was savaged to death.

4 VERB If someone or something that they have done is savaged by another person, that person criticizes them severely. □�[be V -ed] The show had already been savaged by critics. □�[V n] Speakers called for clearer direction and savaged the Chancellor.

sav|age|ry /s� v I dʒri/ N‑UNCOUNT Savagery is extremely cruel and violent behaviour. □�[+�of ] �the sheer savagery of war.

sa|van|nah /səv� nə/ (savannahs ) also savanna N‑VAR A savannah is a large area of flat, grassy land, usually in Africa.

sa|vant /s� v ə nt, [AM ] s�vɑː nt/ (savants )

1 N‑COUNT A savant is a person of great learning or natural ability. [FORMAL ] □� The opinion of savants on the composition of the lunar surface.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone as an idiot savant if they seem to be less intelligent than normal people but are unusually good at doing one particular thing. □� �an idiot savant, an autistic with a gift for numbers.

save ◆◆◇ /se I v/ (saves , saving , saved )

1 VERB If you save someone or something, you help them to avoid harm or to escape from a dangerous or unpleasant situation. □�[V n] �a final attempt to save 40,000 jobs in the troubled aero industry. □�[V n +�from ] A new machine no bigger than a 10p piece could help save babies from cot death. □�[V n +�from ] The performance may have saved him from being eliminated. ●� -saving COMB □� His boxing career was ended after two sight-saving operations.

2 VERB If you save , you gradually collect money by spending less than you get, usually in order to buy something that you want. □�[V ] Most people intend to save, but find that by the end of the month there is nothing left. □�[V +�for ] Tim and Barbara are now saving for a house in the suburbs. □�[V n] They could not find any way to save money. ●�PHRASAL VERB Save up means the same as save . □�[V P +�for ] Julie wanted to save up something for a holiday. □�[V P n] People often put money aside to save up enough to make one major expenditure. [Also V n P ]

3 VERB If you save something such as time or money, you prevent the loss or waste of it. □�[V n] It saves time in the kitchen to have things you use a lot within reach. □�[V n n] I'll try to save him the expense of a flight from Perth. □�[V +�on ] I got the fishmonger to skin the fish which helped save on the preparation time. [Also V n on n] ●� -saving COMB □� �labor-saving devices.

4 VERB If you save something, you keep it because it will be needed later. □�[V n] Drain the beans thoroughly and save the stock for soup. [Also V n n]

5 VERB If someone or something saves you from an unpleasant action or experience, they change the situation so that you do not have to do it or experience it. □�[V n] The scanner will save risk and pain for patients. □�[V n +�from ] She was hoping that something might save her from having to make a decision. □�[V n n] He arranges to collect the payment from the customer, thus saving the client the paperwork.

6 VERB If you save data in a computer, you give the computer an instruction to store the data on a tape or disk. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] Try to get into the habit of saving your work regularly. □�[V +�as ] Import your scanned images from the scanner and save as a JPG file.

7 VERB If a goalkeeper saves , or saves a shot, they succeed in preventing the ball from going into the goal. □�[V n] He saved one shot when the ball hit him on the head. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Save is also a noun. □� Their keeper made an unbelievable save at the end.

8 PREP You can use save to introduce the only things, people, or ideas that your main statement does not apply to. [FORMAL ] □� There is almost no water at all in the area save that brought up from bore holes. ●�PHRASE Save for means the same as save . □� The parking lot was virtually empty save for a few cars clustered to one side.

9to save the day →�see day

10to save face →�see face ➊

▸� save up →�see save2 SYNONYMS save VERB 1

rescue:He had rescued her from a horrible life.

recover:Police raided five houses in south-east London and recovered stolen goods.

extricate:�extricate the survivors.

sav|er /se I və r / (savers ) N‑COUNT A saver is a person who regularly saves money by paying it into a bank account or a building society. □� Low interest rates are bad news for savers.

-saver /-se I və r / (-savers ) COMB -saver combines with words such as 'time' and 'energy' to indicate that something prevents the thing mentioned from being wasted. □� These zip-top bags are great space-savers if storage is limited.

sav|ing ◆◇◇ /se I v I ŋ/ (savings )

1 N‑COUNT A saving is a reduction in the amount of time or money that is used or needed. □�[+�of ] Fill in the form below and you will be making a saving of �6.60 on a one-year subscription.

2 N‑PLURAL Your savings are the money that you have saved, especially in a bank or a building society. □� Her savings were in the Post Office Savings Bank.

sa v|ing gra ce (saving graces ) N‑COUNT A saving grace is a good quality or feature in a person or thing that prevents them from being completely bad or worthless. □� Ageing's one saving grace is you worry less about what people think.

sa v|ings and loa n also savings and loans N‑SING [usu N n] A savings and loan association is a business where people save money to earn interest, and which lends money to savers to buy houses. Compare building society . [mainly AM , BUSINESS ]

sav|iour /se I vjə r / (saviours ) in AM, use savior N‑COUNT A saviour is a person who saves someone or something from danger, ruin, or defeat. □�[+�of ] �the saviour of his country.

savoir-faire /s� vwɑː r feə r / N‑UNCOUNT Savoir-faire is the confidence and ability to do the appropriate thing in a social situation. [FORMAL ] □� He was full of jocularity and savoir-faire.

sa|vour /se I və r / (savours , savouring , savoured ) in AM, use savor1 VERB If you savour an experience, you enjoy it as much as you can. □�[V n] She savored her newfound freedom.

2 VERB If you savour food or drink, you eat or drink it slowly in order to taste its full flavour and to enjoy it properly. □�[V n] Savour the flavour of each mouthful, and chew your food well.

sa|voury /se I vəri/ (savouries ) in AM, use savory1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Savoury food has a salty or spicy flavour rather than a sweet one. □� Italian cooking is best known for savoury dishes.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Savouries are small items of savoury food that are usually eaten as a snack, for example with alcoholic drinks at a party or before a meal. [BRIT ]

sav|vy /s� vi/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone as having savvy , you think that they have a good understanding and practical knowledge of something. [INFORMAL ] □� He is known for his political savvy and strong management skills.

saw /sɔː / (saws , sawing , sawed , sawn )

1Saw is the past tense of see .

2 N‑COUNT A saw is a tool for cutting wood, which has a blade with sharp teeth along one edge. Some saws are pushed backwards and forwards by hand, and others are powered by electricity.

3 →�see also chain saw

4 VERB If you saw something, you cut it with a saw. □�[V prep/adv] He escaped by sawing through the bars of his cell. □�[V n] Your father is sawing wood.

saw|dust /sɔː dʌst/ N‑UNCOUNT Sawdust is dust and very small pieces of wood which are produced when you saw wood. □� �a layer of sawdust.

sa wed-off sho t|gun (sawed-off shotguns ) N‑COUNT A sawed-off shotgun is the same as a sawn-off shotgun . [AM ]

saw|mill /sɔː m I l/ (sawmills ) N‑COUNT A sawmill is a factory in which wood from trees is sawn into long flat pieces.

sawn /sɔː n/ Sawn is the past participle of saw .

sa wn-off sho t|gun (sawn-off shotguns ) N‑COUNT A sawn-off shotgun is a shotgun on which the barrel has been cut short. Guns like this are often used by criminals because they can be easily hidden. [BRIT ] □� The men burst in wearing balaclavas and brandishing sawn-off shotguns. in AM, use sawed-off shotgun

sax /s� ks/ (saxes ) N‑COUNT A sax is the same as a saxophone . [INFORMAL ]

Sax|on /s� ks ə n/ (Saxons )

1 N‑COUNT In former times, Saxons were members of a West Germanic tribe. Some members of this tribe settled in Britain and were known as Anglo-Saxons .

2 ADJ Something that is Saxon is related to or characteristic of the ancient Saxons, the Anglo-Saxons, or their descendants. □� �a seventh-century Saxon church.

saxo|phone /s� ksəfoʊn/ (saxophones ) N‑VAR A saxophone is a musical instrument in the shape of a curved metal tube with a narrower part that you blow into and keys that you press.

sax|opho|nist /s�ksɒ fən I st, [AM ] s� ksəfoʊn-/ (saxophonists ) N‑COUNT A saxophonist is someone who plays the saxophone.

say ◆◆◆ /se I / (says /se z/, saying , said /se d/)

1 VERB When you say something, you speak words. □�[V with quote] 'I'm sorry,' he said. □�[V that] She said they were very impressed. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Forty-one people are said to have been seriously hurt. □�[V n +�to ] I packed and said goodbye to Charlie. □�[V n] I hope you didn't say anything about Gretchen. □�[V wh] Did he say where he was going? □�[V so ] It doesn't sound exactly orthodox, if I may say so. [Also V to-inf]

2 VERB You use say in expressions such as I would just like to say to introduce what you are actually saying, or to indicate that you are expressing an opinion or admitting a fact. If you state that you can't say something or you wouldn't say something, you are indicating in a polite or indirect way that it is not the case. □�[V that] I would just like to say that this is the most hypocritical thing I have ever heard in my life. □�[V that] I must say that rather shocked me, too. □�[V that] Dead? Well, I can't say I'm sorry.

3 VERB You can mention the contents of a piece of writing by mentioning what it says or what someone says in it. □�[V that] The report says there is widespread and routine torture of political prisoners in the country. □�[V with quote] You can't have one without the other, as the song says. □�[V with quote] 'Highly inflammable,' it says on the spare canister. □�[V so ] It is a pervasively religious school and believes whatever the Bible says is so.

4 VERB If you say something to yourself , you think it. □�[V +�to ] Perhaps I'm still dreaming, I said to myself.

5 N‑SING [oft more/some N ] If you have asayin something, you have the right to give your opinion and influence decisions relating to it. □�[+�in ] The students wanted more say in the government of the university.

6 VERB You indicate the information given by something such as a clock, dial, or map by mentioning what it says . □�[V n] The clock said four minutes past eleven. □�[V that] The map says there's six of them.

7 VERB If something says something about a person, situation, or thing, it gives important information about them. □�[V amount +�about ] I think that says a lot about how well she is playing. □�[V n +�about ] The appearance of the place says something about the importance of the project.

8 VERB If something says a lot for a person or thing, it shows that this person or thing is very good or has a lot of good qualities. □�[V amount +�for ] It says a lot for him that he has raised his game to the level required. □�[V n +�for ] It says much for the author's skill that the book is sad, but never depressing.

9 VERB You use say in expressions such as I'll say that for them and you can say this for them after or before you mention a good quality that someone has, usually when you think they do not have many good qualities. □�[V n +�for ] He's usually smartly-dressed, I'll say that for him. □�[V n] At the very least, he is devastatingly sure of himself, you can say that.

10 VERB You can use say when you want to discuss something that might possibly happen or be true. □�[V that] Say you could change anything about the world we live in, what would it be?

11 PHRASE You can use say or let's say when you mention something as an example. □� If funds start arriving in January, construction can begin in, say, June.

12 PHRASE If you say that something says it all , you mean that it shows you very clearly the truth about a situation or someone's feelings. □� This is my third visit in a week, which says it all.

13 CONVENTION You can use ' You don't say ' to express surprise at what someone has told you. People often use this expression to indicate that in fact they are not surprised. [FEELINGS ] □� 'I'm a writer.'�'You don't say. What kind of book are you writing?'

14 PHRASE If you say there is a lot to be said for something, you mean you think it has a lot of good qualities or aspects. □� There's a lot to be said for being based in the country.

15 PHRASE If someone asks what you have to say foryourself , they are asking what excuse you have for what you have done. □� 'Well,' she said eventually, 'what have you to say for yourself?'

16 PHRASE If something goes without saying , it is obvious. □� It goes without saying that anything fried is going to be high in oil and thus calories.

17 PHRASE When one of the people or groups involved in a discussion has their say , they give their opinion. □� The Football Association have had their say.

18 CONVENTION You use ' I wouldn't say no ' to indicate that you would like something, especially something that has just been offered to you. [INFORMAL , FORMULAE ] □�[+�to ] I wouldn't say no to a drink.

19 PHRASE You use to say nothing of when you mention an additional thing which gives even more strength to the point you are making. □� Unemployment leads to a sense of uselessness, to say nothing of financial problems.

20 PHRASE You use that is to say or that's to say to indicate that you are about to express the same idea more clearly or precisely. [FORMAL ] □� All the B Vitamins work synergistically. That is to say, they are more potent when taken together than when used separately.

21 CONVENTION You can use ' You can say that again ' to express strong agreement with what someone has just said. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� 'Must have been a fiddly job.'�'You can say that again.'

22to say the least →�see least

23needless to say →�see needless USAGE say

Don�t put a word such as �me� or �her� directly after say . For example, don�t say � The woman said me that Tom had left .� Say �The woman said that Tom had left.� □� She said (that) they were very pleased.

say|ing /se I I ŋ/ (sayings )

1 N‑COUNT A saying is a sentence that people often say and that gives advice or information about human life and experience. □� We also realize the truth of that old saying: Charity begins at home.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The sayings of a person, especially a religious or political leader, are important things that they said or pieces of advice that they gave. □�[+�of ] The sayings of Confucius offer guidance on this matter.

sa y-so N‑SING [oft with poss] If you do something on someone's say-so , they tell you to do it or they give you permission to do it. [INFORMAL ] □� Directors call the shots and nothing happens on set without their say-so.

scab /sk� b/ (scabs )

1 N‑COUNT A scab is a hard, dry covering that forms over the surface of a wound. □� The area can be very painful until scabs form after about ten days.

2 N‑COUNT People who continue to work during a strike are called scabs by the people who are on strike. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He hired scabs to replace strikers. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Scab is also an adjective. □� The mill was started up with scab labor.

scab|bard /sk� bə r d/ (scabbards ) N‑COUNT A scabbard is a container for a sword and can hang from a belt.

scab|by /sk� bi/ ADJ If a person, an animal, or a part of their body is scabby , it has scabs on it. □� He had short trousers and scabby knees.

sca|bies /ske I biːz/ N‑UNCOUNT Scabies is a very infectious skin disease caused by very small creatures and makes you want to scratch a lot.

sca|brous /ske I brəs, sk� b-/ ADJ If you describe something as scabrous , you mean that it deals with sex or describes sex in a shocking way. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the scabrous lower reaches of the film business.

scaf|fold /sk� foʊld/ (scaffolds )

1 N‑COUNT A scaffold was a raised platform on which criminals were hanged or had their heads cut off. □� Moore ascended the scaffold and addressed the executioner.

2 N‑COUNT A scaffold is a temporary raised platform on which workers stand to paint, repair, or build high parts of a building.

scaf|fold|ing /sk� fəld I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Scaffolding consists of poles and boards made into a temporary framework that is used by workers when they are painting, repairing, or building high parts of a building, usually outside.

scald /skɔː ld/ (scalds , scalding , scalded )

1 VERB If you scaldyourself , you burn yourself with very hot liquid or steam. □�[V pron-refl] A patient scalded herself in a hot bath. □�[V -ed] �a child with a scalded hand.

2 N‑COUNT A scald is a burn caused by very hot liquid or steam.

scald|ing /skɔː ld I ŋ/ ADJ Scalding or scalding hot liquids are extremely hot. □� I tried to sip the tea but it was scalding. □� �scalding hot water.

scale ◆◆◇ /ske I l/ (scales , scaling , scaled )

1 N‑SING If you refer to the scale of something, you are referring to its size or extent, especially when it is very big. □�[+�of ] However, he underestimates the scale of the problem. □� The break-down of law and order could result in killing on a massive scale.

2 →�see also full-scale , large-scale , small-scale

3 N‑COUNT A scale is a set of levels or numbers which are used in a particular system of measuring things or are used when comparing things. □� �an earthquake measuring five-point-five on the Richter scale. □� The higher up the social scale they are, the more the men have to lose.

4 →�see also sliding scale , timescale

5 N‑COUNT A pay scale or scaleof fees is a list that shows how much someone should be paid, depending, for example, on their age or what work they do. [BRIT ] □� �those on the high end of the pay scale.

6 N‑COUNT The scale of a map, plan, or model is the relationship between the size of something in the map, plan, or model and its size in the real world. □�[+�of ] The map, on a scale of 1:10,000, shows over 5,000 individual paths.

7 →�see also full-scale , large-scale

8 ADJ [ADJ n] A scale model or scale replica of a building or object is a model of it which is smaller than the real thing but has all the same parts and features. □� Franklin made his mother an intricately detailed scale model of the house.

9 N‑COUNT In music, a scale is a fixed sequence of musical notes, each one higher than the next, which begins at a particular note. □�[+�of ] �the scale of C major.

10 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The scales of a fish or reptile are the small, flat pieces of hard skin that cover its body.

11 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Scales are a piece of equipment used for weighing things, for example for weighing amounts of food that you need in order to make a particular meal. □� �a pair of kitchen scales. □� �bathroom scales.

12 VERB If you scale something such as a mountain or a wall, you climb up it or over it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] �Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to scale Everest.

13 PHRASE If something is out of scalewith the things near it, it is too big or too small in relation to them. □�[+�with ] The tower was surmounted by an enormous statue, utterly out of scale with the building.

14 PHRASE If the different parts of a map, drawing, or model are to scale , they are the right size in relation to each other. □� �a miniature garden, with little pagodas and bridges all to scale.

▸� scale back PHRASAL VERB To scale back means the same as to scale down . [mainly AM ] □�[V P n] Despite current price advantage, U.K. manufacturers are still having to scale back production. [Also V n P ]

▸� scale down PHRASAL VERB If you scale down something, you make it smaller in size, amount, or extent than it used to be. □�[V P n] One factory has had to scale down its workforce from six hundred to only six. □�[V -ed P ] The Romanian government yesterday unveiled a new, scaled-down security force. [Also V n P ]

▸� scale up PHRASAL VERB If you scale up something, you make it greater in size, amount, or extent than it used to be. □�[V P n] Since then, Wellcome has been scaling up production to prepare for clinical trials. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS scale NOUN 1

degree:Politicians have used television with varying degrees of success.

size:He knows the size of the task.

extent:The full extent of the losses was disclosed yesterday.

magnitude:No one seems to realise the magnitude of this problem.

scal|lion /sk� ljən/ (scallions ) N‑COUNT A scallion is a small onion with long green leaves. [AM ] in BRIT, use spring onion

scal|lop /skɒ ləp, sk� l-/ (scallops ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Scallops are large shellfish with two flat fan-shaped shells. Scallops can be eaten.

scal|loped /skɒ ləpt, sk� l-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scalloped objects are decorated with a series of small curves along the edges. □� The quilt has pretty, scalloped edges and intricate quilting.

scal|ly|wag /sk� liw�g/ (scallywags ) N‑COUNT If you call a boy or a man a scallywag , you mean that he behaves badly but you like him, so you find it difficult to be really angry with him. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� It's his idea of a joke, I suppose, the scallywag.

scalp /sk� lp/ (scalps , scalping , scalped )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your scalp is the skin under the hair on your head. □� He smoothed his hair back over his scalp.

2 VERB To scalp someone means to remove the skin and hair from the top of their head. □�[V n] He pretended to scalp me with his sword.

3 N‑COUNT A scalp is the piece of skin and hair that is removed when someone is scalped.

4 VERB If someone scalps tickets, they sell them outside a sports ground or theatre, usually for more than their original value. [AM ] □�[V n] He was trying to pick up some cash scalping tickets. in BRIT, use tout

scal|pel /sk� lp ə l/ (scalpels ) N‑COUNT A scalpel is a knife with a short, thin, sharp blade. Scalpels are used by surgeons during operations.

scalp|er /sk� lpə r / (scalpers ) N‑COUNT A scalper is someone who sells tickets outside a sports ground or theatre, usually for more than their original value. [AM ] □� Another scalper said he'd charge $1000 for a $125 ticket. in BRIT, use tout

scaly /ske I li/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scaly animal has small pieces of hard skin covering its body. □� The brown rat has prominent ears and a long scaly tail.

2 ADJ If someone's skin is scaly , it has dry areas and small pieces of it come off. □� If your skin becomes red, sore or very scaly, consult your doctor.

scam /sk� m/ (scams ) N‑COUNT A scam is an illegal trick, usually with the purpose of getting money from people or avoiding paying tax. [INFORMAL ] □� They believed they were participating in an insurance scam, not a murder.

scamp /sk� mp/ (scamps ) N‑COUNT If you call a boy a scamp , you mean that he is naughty or disrespectful but you like him, so you find it difficult to be angry with him. [INFORMAL ] □� Have some respect for me, you scamp!

scamp|er /sk� mpə r / (scampers , scampering , scampered ) VERB When people or small animals scamper somewhere, they move there quickly with small, light steps. □�[V prep/adv] Children scampered off the yellow school bus and into the playground.

scam|pi /sk� mpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Scampi are large prawns, often served fried in breadcrumbs. [mainly BRIT ]

scan /sk� n/ (scans , scanning , scanned )

1 VERB When you scan written material, you look through it quickly in order to find important or interesting information. □�[V n] She scanned the advertisement pages of the newspapers. □�[V +�through ] I haven't read much into it as yet. I've only just scanned through it. ●�N‑SING Scan is also a noun. □�[+�through ] I just had a quick scan through your book again.

2 VERB [no passive] When you scan a place or group of people, you look at it carefully, usually because you are looking for something or someone. □�[V n] The officer scanned the room. □�[V n +�for ] She was nervous and kept scanning the crowd for Paul. □�[V prep] He raised the binoculars to his eye again, scanning across the scene.

3 VERB If people scan something such as luggage, they examine it using a machine that can show or find things inside it that cannot be seen from the outside. □�[V n] Their approach is to scan every checked-in bag with a bomb detector. [Also V , V for n] ●� scan|ning N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �routine scanning of luggage.

4 VERB If a computer disk is scanned , a program on the computer checks the disk to make sure that it does not contain a virus. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] The disk has no viruses�I've scanned it already.

5 VERB [usu passive] If a picture or document is scanned into a computer, a machine passes a beam of light over it to make a copy of it in the computer. [COMPUTING ] □�[be V -ed +�into/onto ] The entire paper contents of all libraries will eventually be scanned into computers. □�[be V -ed +�in/on ] Designs can also be scanned in from paper.

6 VERB If a radar or sonar machine scans an area, it examines or searches it by sending radar or sonar beams over it. □�[V n] The ship's radar scanned the sea ahead.

7 N‑COUNT A scan is a medical test in which a machine sends a beam of X-rays over a part of your body in order to check that it is healthy. □� He was rushed to hospital for a brain scan.

8 N‑COUNT If a pregnant woman has a scan , a machine using sound waves produces an image of her womb on a screen so that a doctor can see if her baby is developing normally.

9 VERB If a line of a poem does not scan , it is not the right length or does not have emphasis in the right places to match the rest of the poem. □�[V ] He had written a few poems. Sid told him they didn't scan.

scan|dal ◆◇◇ /sk� nd ə l/ (scandals )

1 N‑COUNT A scandal is a situation or event that is thought to be shocking and immoral and that everyone knows about. □� �a financial scandal.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Scandal is talk about the shocking and immoral aspects of someone's behaviour or something that has happened. □� He loved gossip and scandal.

3 N‑SING [oft N that] If you say that something is a scandal , you are angry about it and think that the people responsible for it should be ashamed. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is a scandal that a person can be stopped for no reason by the police. COLLOCATIONS scandal NOUN 1

noun +�scandal : accounting, corruption, drugs, sex

adjective +�scandal : corporate, financial, political, public

verb +�scandal : expose, uncover; investigate; cause

scan|dal|ize /sk� ndəla I z/ (scandalizes , scandalizing , scandalized ) in BRIT, also use scandalise VERB If something scandalizes people, they are shocked or offended by it. □�[V n] She scandalised her family by falling in love with a married man.

scan|dal|ous /sk� ndələs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scandalous behaviour or activity is considered immoral and shocking. □� He spoke of scandalous corruption and incompetence. ●� scan|dal|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He asked only that Ingrid stop behaving so scandalously.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scandalous stories or remarks are concerned with the immoral and shocking aspects of someone's behaviour or something that has happened. □� Newspaper columns were full of scandalous tales.

3 ADJ You can describe something as scandalous if it makes you very angry and you think the people responsible for it should be ashamed. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is absolutely scandalous that a fantastic building like this is just left to rot away. □� �a scandalous waste of money.

sca n|dal sheet (scandal sheets ) N‑COUNT You can refer to newspapers and magazines which print mainly stories about sex and crime as scandal sheets . [AM ] in BRIT, use gutter press

Scan|di|na|vian /sk� nd I ne I viən/ (Scandinavians )

1 ADJ Scandinavian means belonging or relating to a group of northern European countries that includes Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, or to the people, languages, or culture of those countries. □� The school starting age in many Scandinavian countries is 7.

2 N‑COUNT Scandinavians are people from Scandinavian countries.

scan|ner /sk� nə r / (scanners )

1 N‑COUNT A scanner is a machine which is used to examine, identify, or record things, for example by using a beam of light, sound, or X-rays. □� �brain scanners. □� �a security scanner that can see through clothes.

2 N‑COUNT A scanner is a piece of computer equipment that you use for copying a picture or document onto a computer. [COMPUTING ]

scant /sk� nt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use scant to indicate that there is very little of something or not as much of something as there should be. □� She began to berate the police for paying scant attention to the theft from her car.

2 ADJ If you describe an amount as scant , you are emphasizing that it is small. [EMPHASIS ] □� This hole was a scant .23 inches in diameter.

scanty /sk� nti/ (scantier , scantiest )

1 ADJ You describe something as scanty when there is less of it than you think there should be. □� So far, what scanty evidence we have points to two suspects.

2 ADJ If someone is wearing scanty clothing, he or she is wearing clothes which are sexually revealing. □� �a model in scanty clothing. ●� scanti|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □� �a troupe of scantily-clad dancers.

scape|goat /ske I pgoʊt/ (scapegoats , scapegoating , scapegoated )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is made a scapegoatfor something bad that has happened, you mean that people blame them and may punish them for it although it may not be their fault. □�[+�for ] I don't deserve to be made the scapegoat for a couple of bad results.

2 VERB To scapegoat someone means to blame them publicly for something bad that has happened, even though it was not their fault. □�[be V -ed] Ethnic minorities are continually scapegoated for the lack of jobs.

scapu|la /sk� pjʊlə/ (scapulae ) N‑COUNT Your scapula is your shoulder blade. [MEDICAL ]

scar /skɑː r / (scars , scarring , scarred )

1 N‑COUNT A scar is a mark on the skin which is left after a wound has healed. □�[+�on ] He had a scar on his forehead. □� �facial injuries which have left permanent scars.

2 VERB [usu passive] If your skin is scarred , it is badly marked as a result of a wound. □�[be V -ed] He was scarred for life during a pub fight. □�[V -ed] His scarred face crumpled with pleasure.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a surface is scarred , it is damaged and there are ugly marks on it. □�[be V -ed] The arena was scarred by deep muddy ruts. □�[V -ed] �scarred wooden table tops.

4 N‑COUNT If an unpleasant physical or emotional experience leaves a scar on someone, it has a permanent effect on their mind. □�[+�on ] The early years of fear and the hostility left a deep scar on the young boy.

5 VERB If an unpleasant physical or emotional experience scars you, it has a permanent effect on your mind. □�[V n] This is something that's going to scar him forever.

scarce /skeə r s/ (scarcer , scarcest )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is scarce , there is not enough of it. □� Food was scarce and expensive. □� �the allocation of scarce resources.

2 PHRASE If you makeyourselfscarce , you quickly leave the place you are in, usually in order to avoid a difficult or embarrassing situation. [INFORMAL ] □� It probably would be a good idea if you made yourself scarce.

scarce|ly /skeə r sli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use scarcely to emphasize that something is only just true or only just the case. [EMPHASIS ] □� He could scarcely breathe. □� I scarcely knew him. □� He was scarcely more than a boy.

2 ADV [ADV before v] You can use scarcely to say that something is not true or is not the case, in a humorous or critical way. □� It can scarcely be coincidence.

3 ADV [ADV before v] If you say scarcelyhad one thing happened when something else happened, you mean that the first event was followed immediately by the second. □� Scarcely had they left before soldiers arrived armed with rifles.

scar|city /skeə r s I ti/ (scarcities ) N‑VAR If there is a scarcityof something, there is not enough of it for the people who need it or want it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �an ever-increasing scarcity of water.

scare /skeə r / (scares , scaring , scared )

1 VERB If something scares you, it frightens or worries you. □�[V n] You're scaring me. □�[V n adj] The prospect of failure scares me rigid. □�[V n to-inf] It scared him to realise how close he had come to losing everything. ●�PHRASE If you want to emphasize that something scares you a lot, you can say that it scares the hell out of you or scares the life out of you. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

2 N‑SING If a sudden unpleasant experience gives you a scare , it frightens you. □� Don't you realize what a scare you've given us all? □� We got a bit of a scare.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A scare is a situation in which many people are afraid or worried because they think something dangerous is happening which will affect them all. □� He's had a prostate cancer scare.

4 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A bomb scare or a security scare is a situation in which there is believed to be a bomb in a place. □� Despite many recent bomb scares, no one has yet been hurt.

5 →�see also scared

▸� scare away →�see scare off1

▸� scare off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you scare off or scare away a person or animal, you frighten them so that they go away. □�[V P n] �an alarm to scare off an attacker. □�[V n P ] �the problem of scaring birds away from airport runways.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you scare someone off , you accidentally make them unwilling to become involved with you. □�[V n P ] I don't think that revealing your past to your boyfriend scared him off. □�[V P n] The new Democratic Party is not likely to scare off voters.

▸� scare up PHRASAL VERB If you scare up something, you provide, produce, or obtain it, often when it is difficult to do so or when you do not have many resources. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] An all-star game might scare up a little interest.

scare|crow /skeə r kroʊ/ (scarecrows ) N‑COUNT A scarecrow is an object in the shape of a person, which is put in a field where crops are growing in order to frighten birds away.

scared /skeə r d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are scaredof someone or something, you are frightened of them. □�[+�of ] I'm certainly not scared of him. □� I was too scared to move. □� Why are you so scared?

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If you are scaredthat something unpleasant might happen, you are nervous and worried because you think that it might happen. □� I was scared that I might be sick. □�[+�of ] He was scared of letting us down.

scare|monger|ing /skeə r mʌŋgər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If one person or group accuses another person or group of scaremongering , they accuse them of deliberately spreading worrying stories to try and frighten people. □� The Government yesterday accused Greenpeace of scaremongering.

sca re sto|ry (scare stories ) N‑COUNT A scare story is something that is said or written to make people feel frightened and think that a situation is much more unpleasant or dangerous than it really is. □� He described talk of sackings as scare stories.

scarf /skɑː r f/ (scarfs or scarves ) N‑COUNT A scarf is a piece of cloth that you wear round your neck or head, usually to keep yourself warm. □� He reached up to loosen the scarf around his neck.

scar|let /skɑː r lət/ (scarlets ) COLOUR Something that is scarlet is bright red. □� �her scarlet lipstick.

sca r|let fe |ver N‑UNCOUNT Scarlet fever is an infectious disease which gives you a painful throat, a high temperature, and red spots on your skin.

scarp|er /skɑː r pə r / (scarpers , scarpering , scarpered ) VERB If someone scarpers , they leave a place quickly. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V ] Onlookers called 999 but the group had scarpered by the time cops arrived.

-scarred /-skɑː r d/

1 COMB [ADJ n] -scarred is used after nouns such as 'bullet' and 'fire' to form adjectives which indicate that something has been damaged or marked by the thing mentioned. □� �a bullet-scarred bus. □� �a lightning-scarred tree.

2 COMB [usu ADJ n] -scarred is used after nouns such as 'battle' or 'drug' to form adjectives which indicate that the thing mentioned has had a permanent effect on someone's mind. □� �battle-scarred soldiers.

3 →�see also scar

scarves /skɑː r vz/ Scarves is a plural of scarf .

scary /skeə ri/ (scarier , scariest ) ADJ Something that is scary is rather frightening. [INFORMAL ] □� I think prison is going to be a scary thing for Harry. □�[+�about ] There's something very scary about him. ●� scari|ly /skeə r I li/ ADV [usu ADV adj] □� �the scarily unstable new world order.

scat /sk� t/ N‑UNCOUNT Scat is a type of jazz singing in which the singer sings sounds rather than complete words.

scath|ing /ske I � I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that someone is being scathing about something, you mean that they are being very critical of it. □�[+�about ] His report was scathing about all terror groups.

scato|logi|cal /sk� təlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as scatological , you mean that it deliberately refers to or represents faeces in some way. [FORMAL ] □� �scatological anecdotes.

scat|ter /sk� tə r / (scatters , scattering , scattered )

1 VERB If you scatter things over an area, you throw or drop them so that they spread all over the area. □�[V n prep/adv] She tore the rose apart and scattered the petals over the grave. □�[V n] He began by scattering seed and putting in plants.

2 VERB If a group of people scatter or if you scatter them, they suddenly separate and move in different directions. □�[V ] After dinner, everyone scattered. □�[V n] The cavalry scattered them and chased them off the field.

3 →�see also scattered , scattering

scatter|brained /sk� tə r bre I nd/ also scatter-brained ADJ If you describe someone as scatterbrained , you mean that they often forget things and are unable to organize their thoughts properly.

sca t|ter cush|ion (scatter cushions ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Scatter cushions are small cushions for use on sofas and chairs.

scat|tered /sk� tə r d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Scattered things are spread over an area in an untidy or irregular way. □� He picked up the scattered toys. □�[+�across/on/over ] The fridge door was open and food was scattered across the floor.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If something is scattered with a lot of small things, they are spread all over it. □�[+�with ] Every surface is scattered with photographs.

sca tter|gun /sk� tə r gʌn/ (scatterguns ) also scatter-gun

1 N‑COUNT A scattergun is a gun that fires a lot of small metal balls at the same time. [AM ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Scattergun means the same as scattershot . □� They advocated a scattergun approach of posting dozens of letters.

scat|ter|ing /sk� tər I ŋ/ (scatterings ) N‑COUNT A scatteringof things or people is a small number of them spread over an area. □�[+�of ] �the scattering of houses east of the village.

scatter|shot /sk� tə r ʃɒt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scattershot approach or method involves doing something to a lot of things or people in disorganized way, rather than focusing on particular things or people. □� The report condemns America's scattershot approach to training workers.

scat|ty /sk� ti/ ADJ If you describe someone as scatty , you mean that they often forget things or behave in a silly way. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Her mother is scatty and absent-minded.

scav|enge /sk� v I ndʒ/ (scavenges , scavenging , scavenged ) VERB If people or animals scavengefor things, they collect them by searching among waste or unwanted objects. □�[V +�for ] Many are orphans, their parents killed as they scavenged for food. □�[V prep/adv] Children scavenge through garbage. □�[V n] Cruz had to scavenge information from newspapers and journals. [Also V ] ●� scav|en|ger (scavengers ) N‑COUNT □� �scavengers such as rats.

sce|nario /s I nɑː rioʊ, [AM ] -ne r-/ (scenarios )

1 N‑COUNT If you talk about a likely or possible scenario , you are talking about the way in which a situation may develop. □�[+�of ] �the nightmare scenario of a divided and irrelevant Royal Family.

2 N‑COUNT The scenario of a film is a piece of writing that gives an outline of the story.

scene ◆◆◇ /siː n/ (scenes )

1 N‑COUNT A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place. □� I found the proposal scene tremendously poignant. □� �the opening scene of 'A Christmas Carol'.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You refer to a place as a scene when you are describing its appearance and indicating what impression it makes on you. □�[+�of ] It's a scene of complete devastation. □� Thick black smoke billowed over the scene.

3 N‑COUNT You can describe an event that you see, or that is broadcast or shown in a picture, as a scene of a particular kind. □� There were emotional scenes as the refugees enjoyed their first breath of freedom. □�[+�of ] Television broadcasters were warned to exercise caution over depicting scenes of violence.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The sceneof an event is the place where it happened. □�[+�of ] The area has been the scene of fierce fighting for three months. □� Fire and police crews rushed to the scene, but the couple were already dead.

5 N‑SING You can refer to an area of activity as a particular type of scene . □� Sandman is a cult figure on the local music scene.

6 N‑COUNT Paintings and drawings of places are sometimes called scenes . □� �James Lynch's country scenes.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you make a scene , you embarrass people by publicly showing your anger about something. □� I'm sorry I made such a scene.

8 PHRASE If something is done behind the scenes , it is done secretly rather than publicly. □� Behind the scenes he will be working quietly to try to get a deal done.

9 PHRASE If you refer to what happens behind the scenes , you are referring to what happens during the making of a film, play, or radio or television programme. □� It's an exciting opportunity to learn what goes on behind the scenes.

10 PHRASE If you have a change of scene , you go somewhere different after being in a particular place for a long time. □� What you need is a change of scene. Why not go on a cruise?

11 PHRASE If you set the scene for someone, you tell them what they need to know in order to understand what is going to happen or be said next. □� But first to set the scene: I was having a drink with my ex-boyfriend.

12 PHRASE Something that sets the scene for a particular event creates the conditions in which the event is likely to happen. □� Gillespie's goal set the scene for an exciting second half.

13 PHRASE When a person or thing appears on the scene , they come into being or become involved in something. When they disappear from the scene , they are no longer there or are no longer involved. □� He could react rather jealously if another child comes on the scene. COLLOCATIONS scene NOUN

1

noun +�scene : action, fight, love, sex; crowd, street

adjective +�scene : dramatic, explicit, funny, graphic

verb +�scene : film, rehearse, shoot; delete

3

adjective +�scene : chaotic, horrific, ugly; angry, emotional, violent

verb +�scene : depict, describe

5

noun +�scene : art, dance, music, party

adjective +�scene : international, literary, political, social

verb +�scene : dominate

scen|ery /siː nəri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The scenery in a country area is the land, water, or plants that you can see around you. □� Sometimes they just drive slowly down the lane enjoying the scenery.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In a theatre, the scenery consists of the structures and painted backgrounds that show where the action in the play takes place.

3 PHRASE If you have a change of scenery , you go somewhere different after being in a particular place for a long time. □� A change of scenery might do you the power of good.

sce|nic /siː n I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scenic place has attractive scenery. □� This is an extremely scenic part of America.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scenic route goes through attractive scenery and has nice views. □� It was even marked on the map as a scenic route.

scent /se nt/ (scents , scenting , scented )

1 N‑COUNT The scent of something is the pleasant smell that it has. □� Flowers are chosen for their scent as well as their look.

2 VERB If something scents a place or thing, it makes it smell pleasant. □�[V n] Jasmine flowers scent the air. □�[V n +�with ] Scent your drawers and wardrobe with your favourite aromas.

3 N‑VAR Scent is a liquid which women put on their necks and wrists to make themselves smell nice. [BRIT ] □� She dabbed herself with scent. in AM, use perfume4 N‑VAR The scent of a person or animal is the smell that they leave and that other people sometimes follow when looking for them. □� A police dog picked up the murderer's scent.

5 VERB [no cont] When an animal scents something, it becomes aware of it by smelling it. □�[V n] �dogs which scent the hidden birds.

scent|ed /se nt I d/ ADJ Scented things have a pleasant smell, either naturally or because perfume has been added to them. □� The white flowers are pleasantly scented. □� �scented body lotion.

scep|ter /se ptə r / (scepters ) →�see sceptre

scep|tic /ske pt I k/ (sceptics ) in AM, use skeptic N‑COUNT A sceptic is a person who has doubts about things that other people believe. □� But he now has to convince sceptics that he has a serious plan.

scep|ti|cal /ske pt I k ə l/ in AM, use skeptical ADJ If you are scepticalabout something, you have doubts about it. □�[+�about ] Other archaeologists are sceptical about his findings. ●� scep|ti|cal|ly /ske pt I kli/ ADV [ADV after v] □� I looked at him skeptically, sure he was exaggerating.

scep|ti|cism /ske pt I s I zəm/ in AM, use skepticism N‑UNCOUNT Scepticism is great doubt about whether something is true or useful. □� There is considerable scepticism about climate change.

scep|tre /se ptə r / (sceptres ) in AM, use scepter N‑COUNT A sceptre is an ornamental rod that a king or queen carries on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of his or her power.

sched|ule ◆◆◇ /ʃe djuːl, [AM ] ske dʒuːl/ (schedules , scheduling , scheduled )

1 N‑COUNT A schedule is a plan that gives a list of events or tasks and the times at which each one should happen or be done. □� He has been forced to adjust his schedule. □� We both have such hectic schedules.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use schedule to refer to the time or way something is planned to be done. For example, if something is completed on schedule , it is completed at the time planned. □� The jet arrived in Johannesburg two minutes ahead of schedule. □� Everything went according to schedule.

3 VERB [usu passive] If something is scheduled to happen at a particular time, arrangements are made for it to happen at that time. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The space shuttle had been scheduled to blast off at 04:38. □�[be V -ed +�for ] A presidential election was scheduled for last December. □�[be V -ed] No new talks are scheduled.

4 N‑COUNT A schedule is a written list of things, for example a list of prices, details, or conditions.

5 N‑COUNT A schedule is a list of all the times when trains, boats, buses, or aircraft are supposed to arrive at or leave a particular place. [mainly AM ] □� �a bus schedule. in BRIT, usually use timetable6 N‑COUNT In a school or college, a schedule is a diagram that shows the times in the week at which particular subjects are taught. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use timetable SYNONYMS schedule NOUN 1

plan:�a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group.

programme:The programme of sell-offs has been implemented by the new chief executive.

agenda:Please find attached the agenda for tomorrow's meeting.

timetable:The timetable was hopelessly optimistic.

sche|ma /skiː mə/ (schemas or schemata /skiː mətə/) N‑COUNT A schema is an outline of a plan or theory. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a definite position in the schema of the economic process.

sche|mat|ic /skiːm� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A schematic diagram or picture shows something in a simple way. □� This is represented in the schematic diagram below.

scheme ◆◆◇ /skiː m/ (schemes , scheming , schemed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf, n N ] A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or other organization. [mainly BRIT ] □� �schemes to help combat unemployment. □� �a private pension scheme. in AM, use program2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A scheme is someone's plan for achieving something. □� �a quick money-making scheme to get us through the summer. [Also +�for ]

3 VERB [oft cont] If you say that people are scheming , you mean that they are making secret plans in order to gain something for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] Everyone's always scheming and plotting. □�[V to-inf] The bride's family were scheming to prevent a wedding. □�[V +�against ] They claimed that their opponents were scheming against them. □�[V -ing] You're a scheming little devil, aren't you? ●� schem|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �their favourite pastimes of scheming and gossiping.

4 →�see also colour scheme , pension scheme

5 PHRASE When people talk about the scheme of things or the grand scheme of things , they are referring to the way that everything in the world seems to be organized. □� We realize that we are infinitely small within the scheme of things. SYNONYMS scheme NOUN 1

plan:�a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group.

programme:The programme of sell-offs has been implemented by the new chief executive.

strategy:What should our marketing strategy have achieved?

system:�a flexible and relatively efficient filing system.

schem|er /skiː mə r / (schemers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a schemer , you mean that they make secret plans in order to get some benefit for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �office schemers who think of nothing but their own advancement.

scher|zo /skeə r tsoʊ/ (scherzos ) N‑COUNT A scherzo is a short, lively piece of classical music which is usually part of a longer piece of music.

schism /sk I zəm, s I z-/ (schisms ) N‑VAR When there is a schism , a group or organization divides into two groups as a result of differences in thinking and beliefs. [FORMAL ] □� The church seems to be on the brink of schism.

schiz|oid /sk I tsɔ I d/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as schizoid , you mean that they seem to have very different opinions and purposes at different times. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a rather schizoid fellow.

2 ADJ Someone who is schizoid suffers from schizophrenia. □� �a schizoid personality.

schizo|phre|nia /sk I tsəfriː niə/ N‑UNCOUNT Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. People who suffer from it are unable to relate their thoughts and feelings to what is happening around them and often withdraw from society.

schizo|phren|ic /sk I tsəfre n I k/ (schizophrenics )

1 N‑COUNT A schizophrenic is a person who is suffering from schizophrenia. □� He was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic. ●�ADJ Schizophrenic is also an adjective. □� �a schizophrenic patient. □� �schizophrenic tendencies.

2 ADJ Someone's attitude or behaviour can be described as schizophrenic when they seem to have very different opinions or purposes at different times. □� �the schizophrenic mood of the American public.

schlep /ʃle p/ (schleps , schlepping , schlepped ) also schlepp

1 VERB If you schlep something somewhere, you take it there although this is difficult or inconvenient. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n adv/prep] You didn't just schlep your guitar around from folk club to folk club.

2 VERB If you schlep somewhere, you go there. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] It's too cold to schlepp around looking at property.

3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a schlep , you mean that they are stupid or clumsy. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

schlock /ʃlɒ k/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to films, pop songs, or books as schlock , you mean that they have no artistic or social value. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a showman with a good eye for marketable schlock.

schmaltz /ʃm� lts, [AM ] ʃmɑː lts/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe a play, film, or book as schmaltz , you do not like it because it is too sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ]

schmaltzy /ʃm� ltsi, [AM ] ʃmɑː ltsi/ ADJ If you describe songs, films, or books as schmaltzy , you do not like them because they are too sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ]

schmooze /ʃmuː z/ (schmoozes , schmoozing , schmoozed ) VERB If you schmooze , you talk casually and socially with someone. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V ] �those coffee houses where you can schmooze for hours.

schnapps /ʃn� ps/ N‑UNCOUNT Schnapps is a strong alcoholic drink made from potatoes. ●�N‑SING A schnapps is a glass of schnapps.

schol|ar /skɒ lə r / (scholars ) N‑COUNT A scholar is a person who studies an academic subject and knows a lot about it. [FORMAL ] □� The library attracts thousands of scholars and researchers.

schol|ar|ly /skɒ lə r li/

1 ADJ A scholarly person spends a lot of time studying and knows a lot about academic subjects. □� He was an intellectual, scholarly man.

2 ADJ A scholarly book or article contains a lot of academic information and is intended for academic readers. □� �the more scholarly academic journals.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scholarly matters and activities involve people who do academic research. □� This has been the subject of intense scholarly debate.

schol|ar|ship /skɒ lə r ʃ I p/ (scholarships )

1 N‑COUNT If you get a scholarship to a school or university, your studies are paid for by the school or university or by some other organization. □�[+�to ] He got a scholarship to the Pratt Institute of Art.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Scholarship is serious academic study and the knowledge that is obtained from it. □� I want to take advantage of your lifetime of scholarship.

scho|las|tic /skəl� st I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Your scholastic achievement or ability is your academic achievement or ability while you are at school. [FORMAL ] □� �the values which encouraged her scholastic achievement.

school ◆◆◆ /skuː l/ (schools , schooling , schooled )

1 N‑VAR A school is a place where children are educated. You usually refer to this place as school when you are talking about the time that children spend there and the activities that they do there. □� �a boy who was in my class at school. □� Even the good students say homework is what they most dislike about school. □� I took the kids for a picnic in the park after school. □� �a school built in the Sixties. □� �two boys wearing school uniform.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A school is the pupils or staff at a school. □� Deirdre, the whole school's going to hate you.

3 N‑COUNT A privately-run place where a particular skill or subject is taught can be referred to as a school . □� �a riding school and equestrian centre near Chepstow.

4 N‑VAR ; N‑COUNT A university, college, or university department specializing in a particular type of subject can be referred to as a school . □� �a lecturer in the School of Veterinary Medicine. □� Stella, 21, is at art school training to be a fashion designer.

5 N‑UNCOUNT School is used to refer to university or college. [AM ] □� Moving rapidly through school, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Kentucky at age 18.

6 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A particular schoolof writers, artists, or thinkers is a group of them whose work, opinions, or theories are similar. □�[+�of ] �the Chicago school of economists.

7 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A school of fish or dolphins is a large group of them moving through water together.

8 VERB If you school someone in something, you train or educate them to have a certain skill, type of behaviour, or way of thinking. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n +�in ] Many mothers schooled their daughters in the myth of female inferiority. □�[be V -ed to-inf] He is schooled to spot trouble. [Also V n to-inf]

9 VERB To school a child means to educate him or her. [AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ] □�[V n] She's been schooling her kids herself.

10 VERB If you school a horse, you train it so that it can be ridden in races or competitions. □�[V n] She bought him as a �1,000 colt of six months and schooled him.

11 →�see also after-school , approved school , boarding school , church school , convent school , driving school , finishing school , grade school , graduate school , grammar school , high school , infant school , junior school , middle school , night school , nursery school , prep school , pre-school , primary school , private school , public school , schooled , schooling , special school , state school , summer school , Sunday school

schoo l age N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] When a child reaches school age , he or she is old enough to go to school. □� Most of them have young children below school age. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] School age is also an adjective. □� �families with school-age children.

school|bag /skuː lb�g/ (schoolbags ) also school bag N‑COUNT A schoolbag is a bag that children use to carry books and other things to and from school.

schoo l board (school boards ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A school board is a committee in charge of education in a particular city or area, or in a particular school, especially in the United States. [AM ] □� Colonel Richard Nelson served on the school board until this year.

schoo l boo k (school books ) also schoolbook N‑COUNT [usu pl] School books are books giving information about a particular subject, which children use at school.

school|boy /skuː lbɔ I / (schoolboys ) N‑COUNT A schoolboy is a boy who goes to school. □� �a group of ten-year-old schoolboys.

schoo l bus (school buses ) N‑COUNT A school bus is a special bus which takes children to and from school.

school|child /skuː ltʃa I ld/ (schoolchildren ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Schoolchildren are children who go to school. □� Last year I had an audience of schoolchildren and they laughed at everything.

school|days /skuː lde I z/ also school days N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your schooldays are the period of your life when you were at school. □� He was happily married to a girl he had known since his schooldays.

schoo l di n|ner (school dinners ) N‑VAR School dinners are midday meals provided for children at a school. [BRIT ] □� Overcooked greens are my most vivid recollection of school dinners. in AM, use school lunch

schooled /skuː ld/

1 ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] If you are schooledin something, you have learned about it as the result of training or experience. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�in ] They were both well schooled in the ways of the Army.

2 →�see also school

schoo l friend (school friends ) also schoolfriend N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A school friend is a friend of yours who is at the same school as you, or who used to be at the same school when you were children. □� I spent the evening with an old school friend.

school|girl /skuː lgɜː r l/ (schoolgirls ) N‑COUNT A schoolgirl is a girl who goes to school. □� �half a dozen giggling schoolgirls.

school|house /skuː lhaʊs/ (schoolhouses ) N‑COUNT A schoolhouse is a small building used as a school. [AM ] □� McCreary lives in a converted schoolhouse outside Charlottesville.

school|ing /skuː l I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Schooling is education that children receive at school. □� He had little formal schooling.

schoo l kid (school kids ) also schoolkid N‑COUNT [usu pl] School kids are schoolchildren . [INFORMAL ] □� �young school kids in short pants.

schoo l lea v|er (school leavers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] School leavers are young people who have just left school, because they have completed their time there. [BRIT ] □� �the lack of job opportunities, particularly for school leavers. in AM, use high school graduate

schoo l lu nch (school lunches ) N‑VAR School lunches are midday meals provided for children at a school.

school|master /skuː lmɑːstə r , -m�st-/ (schoolmasters ) N‑COUNT A schoolmaster is a man who teaches children in a school. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

school|mate /skuː lme I t/ (schoolmates ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A schoolmate is a child who goes to the same school as you, especially one who is your friend. □� He started the magazine with a schoolmate.

school|mistress /skuː lm I strəs/ (schoolmistresses ) N‑COUNT A schoolmistress is a woman who teaches children in a school. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

school|room /skuː lruːm/ (schoolrooms ) N‑COUNT A schoolroom is a classroom, especially the only classroom in a small school.

schoo l run (school runs ) N‑COUNT The school run is the journey that parents make each day when they take their children to school and bring them home from school. [BRIT ] □� �the local caf� favoured by parents on the school run.

school|teacher /skuː ltiːtʃə r / (schoolteachers ) N‑COUNT A schoolteacher is a teacher in a school.

schoo l teach|ing N‑UNCOUNT School teaching is the work done by teachers in a school. [FORMAL ] □� He returned to school teaching.

school|work /skuː lwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Schoolwork is the work that a child does at school or is given at school to do at home. □� My mother would help me with my schoolwork.

school|yard /skuː ljɑː r d/ (schoolyards ) also school yard N‑COUNT Theschoolyard is the large open area with a hard surface just outside a school building, where the schoolchildren can play and do other activities. □� �the sound of the kids in the schoolyard.

schoon|er /skuː nə r / (schooners )

1 N‑COUNT A schooner is a medium-sized sailing ship.

2 N‑COUNT A schooner is a large glass used for drinking sherry. [BRIT ]

3 N‑COUNT A schooner is a tall glass for beer. [AM ]

schtick /ʃt I k/ (schticks ) also shtick N‑VAR An entertainer's schtick is a series of funny or entertaining things that they say or do. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

schwa /ʃwɑː / (schwas ) N‑VAR In the study of language, schwa is the name of the neutral vowel sound represented by the symbol ə in this dictionary.

sci|ati|ca /sa I � t I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Sciatica is a severe pain in the nerve in your legs or the lower part of your back. [MEDICAL ]

sci|ence ◆◆◇ /sa I əns/ (sciences )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Science is the study of the nature and behaviour of natural things and the knowledge that we obtain about them. □� The best discoveries in science are very simple. □� �science and technology.

2 N‑COUNT A science is a particular branch of science such as physics, chemistry, or biology. □� Physics is the best example of a science which has developed strong, abstract theories.

3 N‑COUNT A science is the study of some aspect of human behaviour, for example sociology or anthropology. □� �the modern science of psychology.

4 →�see also domestic science , exact science , Master of Science , political science , social science

sci |ence fi c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Science fiction consists of stories in books, magazines, and films about events that take place in the future or in other parts of the universe.

sci |ence park (science parks ) N‑COUNT A science park is an area, usually linked to a university, where there are a lot of private companies, especially ones concerned with high technology. [BRIT ]

sci|en|tif|ic ◆◇◇ /sa I ənt I f I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scientific is used to describe things that relate to science or to a particular science. □� �federal financing of basic scientific research, especially in the fields of health and national security. □� �the use of animals in scientific experiments. ●� sci|en|tifi|cal|ly /sa I ənt I f I kli/ ADV □� �scientifically advanced countries.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you do something in a scientific way, you do it carefully and thoroughly, using experiments or tests. □� It's not a scientific way to test their opinions. ●� sci|en|tifi|cal|ly ADV □� Efforts are being made to research it scientifically.

sci|en|tist ◆◆◇ /sa I ənt I st/ (scientists )

1 N‑COUNT A scientist is someone who has studied science and whose job is to teach or do research in science. □� Scientists have collected more data than expected.

2 →�see also social scientist

sci-fi /sa I fa I / N‑UNCOUNT Sci-fi is short for science fiction . [INFORMAL ] □� �a sci-fi film.

scimi|tar /s I m I tə r / (scimitars ) N‑COUNT A scimitar is a sword with a curved blade that was used in former times in some Eastern countries.

scin|til|la /s I nt I lə/ QUANT If you say that there is not a scintilla of evidence, hope, or doubt about something, you are emphasizing that there is none at all. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] He says there is 'not a scintilla of evidence' to link him to any controversy.

scin|til|lat|ing /s I nt I le I t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scintillating conversation or performance is very lively and interesting. □� You can hardly expect scintillating conversation from a kid that age.

sci|on /sa I ən/ (scions ) N‑COUNT A scionof a rich or famous family is one of its younger or more recent members. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] Nabokov was the scion of an aristocratic family.

scis|sors /s I zə r z/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Scissors are a small cutting tool with two sharp blades that are screwed together. You use scissors for cutting things such as paper and cloth. □� He told me to get some scissors. □� She picked up a pair of scissors from the windowsill.

scle|ro|sis /skləroʊ s I s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sclerosis is a medical condition in which a part inside your body becomes hard. [MEDICAL ]

2 →�see also multiple sclerosis

scoff /skɒ f/ (scoffs , scoffing , scoffed )

1 VERB If you scoffat something, you speak about it in a way that shows you think it is ridiculous or inadequate. □�[V +�at ] At first I scoffed at the notion. □�[V ] You may scoff but I honestly feel I'm being cruel only to be kind.

2 VERB If you scoff food, you eat it quickly and greedily. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] The pancakes were so good that I scoffed the lot.

scold /skoʊ ld/ (scolds , scolding , scolded ) VERB If you scold someone, you speak angrily to them because they have done something wrong. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] If he finds out, he'll scold me. □�[V n +�for ] Later she scolded her daughter for having talked to her father like that. □�[V with quote] 'You should be at school,' he scolded. [Also V ]

sconce /skɒ ns/ (sconces ) N‑COUNT A sconce is a decorated object that holds candles or an electric light, and that is attached to the wall of a room.

scone /skɒ n, skoʊ n/ (scones ) N‑COUNT A scone is a small cake made from flour and fat, usually eaten with butter. [mainly BRIT ]

scoop /skuː p/ (scoops , scooping , scooped )

1 VERB If you scoop a person or thing somewhere, you put your hands or arms under or round them and quickly move them there. □�[V n prep/adv] Michael knelt next to her and scooped her into his arms. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you scoop something from a container, you remove it with something such as a spoon. □�[V n prep/adv] �the sound of a spoon scooping dog food out of a can.

3 N‑COUNT A scoop is an object like a spoon which is used for picking up a quantity of a food such as ice cream or an ingredient such as flour. □� �a small ice-cream scoop.

4 N‑COUNT You can use scoop to refer to an exciting news story which is reported in one newspaper or on one television programme before it appears anywhere else. □� �one of the biggest scoops in the history of newspapers.

5 VERB If a newspaper scoops other newspapers, it succeeds in printing an exciting or important story before they do. □�[V n] All the newspapers really want to do is scoop the opposition.

6 VERB If you scoop a prize or award, you win it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] �films which scooped awards around the world.

▸� scoop up PHRASAL VERB If you scoop something up , you put your hands or arms under it and lift it in a quick movement. □�[V P n] Use both hands to scoop up the leaves. □�[V n P ] He began to scoop his things up frantically.

scoot /skuː t/ (scoots , scooting , scooted ) VERB If you scoot somewhere, you go there very quickly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] Sam said, 'I'm going to hide,' and scooted up the stairs. [Also V ]

scoot|er /skuː tə r / (scooters )

1 N‑COUNT A scooter is a small light motorcycle which has a low seat.

2 N‑COUNT A scooter is a type of child's bicycle which has two wheels joined by a wooden board and a handle on a long pole attached to the front wheel. The child stands on the board with one foot, and uses the other foot to move forwards.

scope /skoʊ p/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [N to-inf] If there is scopefor a particular kind of behaviour or activity, people have the opportunity to behave in this way or do that activity. □�[+�for ] He believed in giving his staff scope for initiative. □� Banks had increased scope to develop new financial products.

2 N‑SING The scopeof an activity, topic, or piece of work is the whole area which it deals with or includes. □�[+�of ] Mr Dobson promised to widen the organisation's scope of activity.

scorch /skɔː r tʃ/ (scorches , scorching , scorched )

1 VERB To scorch something means to burn it slightly. □�[V n] The bomb scorched the side of the building. ●� scorched ADJ □� �scorched black earth.

2 VERB If something scorches or is scorched , it becomes marked or changes colour because it is affected by too much heat or by a chemical. □�[V ] The leaves are inclined to scorch in hot sunshine. □�[V n] If any of the spray goes onto the lawn it will scorch the grass.

sco rched ea rth N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] A scorched earth policy is the deliberate burning, destruction, and removal by an army of everything that would be useful to an enemy coming into the area. □� He employed a scorched-earth policy, destroying villages and burning crops.

scorch|ing /skɔː r tʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scorching or scorching hot weather or temperatures are very hot indeed. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� That race was run in scorching weather.

score ◆◆◇ /skɔː r / (scores , scoring , scored ) In meaning 10 , the plural form is score . 1 VERB In a sport or game, if a player scores a goal or a point, they gain a goal or point. □�[V n] He scored three goals in the first three minutes. □�[V n] England scored 282 in their first innings. □�[V ] Gascoigne almost scored in the opening minute.

2 VERB If you score a particular number or amount, for example as a mark in a test, you achieve that number or amount. □�[V n] Kelly had scored an average of 147 on three separate IQ tests. □�[V adv] Congress as an institution scores low in public opinion polls.

3 N‑COUNT Someone's score in a game or test is a number, for example, a number of points or runs, which shows what they have achieved or what level they have reached. □�[+�of ] The 26-year-old finished ninth with a score of 100.985. □� There was a strong link between parents' numeracy and children's maths scores.

4 N‑COUNT The score in a game is the result of it or the current situation, as indicated by the number of goals, runs, or points obtained by the two teams or players. □� 4-1 was the final score. □�[+�of ] They beat the Giants by a score of 7 to 3.

5 VERB If you score a success, a victory, or a hit, you are successful in what you are doing. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] In recent months, the rebels have scored some significant victories.

6 N‑COUNT The score of a film, play, or similar production is the music which is written or used for it. □� The dance is accompanied by an original score by Henry Torgue.

7 N‑COUNT The score of a piece of music is the written version of it. □� He recognizes enough notation to be able to follow a score.

8 QUANT If you refer to scores of things or people, you are emphasizing that there are very many of them. [WRITTEN , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] Campaigners lit scores of bonfires in ceremonies to mark the anniversary.

9 NUM A score is twenty or approximately twenty. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] A score of countries may be producing or planning to obtain chemical weapons.

10 VERB If you score a surface with something sharp, you cut a line or number of lines in it. □�[V n] Lightly score the surface of the steaks with a knife.

11 PHRASE If you keep score of the number of things that are happening in a certain situation, you count them and record them. □�[+�of ] You can keep score of your baby's movements before birth by recording them on a kick chart.

12 PHRASE If you know the score , you know what the real facts of a situation are and how they affect you, even though you may not like them. [SPOKEN ] □� He knew the score; he knew what he had to do and couldn't do it.

13 PHRASE You can use on that score or on this score to refer to something that has just been mentioned, especially an area of difficulty or concern. □� I became pregnant easily. At least I've had no problems on that score.

14 PHRASE If you score a point over someone, or score points off them, you gain an advantage over them, usually by saying something clever or making a better argument. □� The Prime Minister was trying to score a political point over his rivals. □� The politicians might have to address real issues rather than scoring points off each other.

15 PHRASE If you settle a score or settle an old scorewith someone, you take revenge on them for something they have done in the past. □� The groups had historic scores to settle with each other.

score|board /skɔː r bɔː r d/ (scoreboards ) N‑COUNT A scoreboard is a large board, for example at a sports ground or stadium, which shows the score in a match or competition. □� The figures flash up on the scoreboard.

score|card /skɔː r kɑː r d/ (scorecards ) also score card

1 N‑COUNT A scorecard is a printed card that tells you who is taking part in a match, and on which officials, players, or people watching can record each player's score.

2 N‑COUNT A scorecard is a system or procedure that is used for checking or testing something. [AM ] □� This commission would keep environmental scorecards on U.N. member nations.

sco re draw (score draws ) N‑COUNT A score draw is the result of a football match in which both teams score at least one goal, and they score the same number of goals. [BRIT ]

score|less /skɔː r ləs/ ADJ In football, baseball, and some other sports, a scoreless game is one in which neither team has scored any goals or points. [JOURNALISM ] □� Norway had held Holland to a scoreless draw in Rotterdam.

score|line /skɔː r la I n/ (scorelines ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thescoreline of a football, rugby, or tennis match is the score or the final result of it. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� �the excitingly close scoreline of 2-1.

scor|er /skɔː rə r / (scorers )

1 N‑COUNT In football, cricket, and many other sports and games, a scorer is a player who scores a goal, runs, or points. □� �the scorer of 11 goals this season.

2 N‑COUNT A scorer is an official who writes down the score of a game or competition as it is being played.

score|sheet /skɔː r ʃiːt/ also score sheet PHRASE In football, rugby, and some other sports, if a player gets on the scoresheet , he or she scores one or more goals, tries, or points. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ]

scorn /skɔː r n/ (scorns , scorning , scorned )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] If you treat someone or something withscorn , you show contempt for them. □� Researchers greeted the proposal with scorn. [Also +�for ]

2 VERB If you scorn someone or something, you feel or show contempt for them. □�[V n] Several leading officers have quite openly scorned the peace talks.

3 VERB If you scorn something, you refuse to have it or accept it because you think it is not good enough or suitable for you. □�[V n] �people who scorned traditional methods.

4 PHRASE If you pour scorn on someone or something or heap scorn on them, you say that you think they are stupid and worthless. □� It is fashionable these days to pour scorn on those in public life. □� He used to heap scorn on Dr Vazquez's socialist ideas.

scorn|ful /skɔː r nf ə l/ ADJ If you are scornfulof someone or something, you show contempt for them. □�[+�of ] He is deeply scornful of politicians. □� �a scornful simile.

Scor|pio /skɔː r pioʊ/ (Scorpios )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Scorpio is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a scorpion. People who are born approximately between the 23rd of October and the 21st of November come under this sign.

2 N‑COUNT A Scorpio is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Scorpio.

scor|pi|on /skɔː r piən/ (scorpions ) N‑COUNT A scorpion is a small creature which looks like a large insect. Scorpions have a long curved tail, and some of them are poisonous.

Scot /skɒ t/ (Scots )

1 N‑COUNT A Scot is a person of Scottish origin.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Scots is a dialect of the English language that is spoken in Scotland. □� There are things you can express in Scots that you can't say in English.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scots means the same as Scottish . □� �his guttural Scots accent.

scotch /skɒ tʃ/ (scotches , scotching , scotched ) VERB If you scotch a rumour, plan, or idea, you put an end to it before it can develop any further. □�[V n] They have scotched rumours that they are planning a special London show.

Scotch /skɒ tʃ/ (Scotches )

1 N‑VAR Scotch or Scotch whisky is whisky made in Scotland. □� �a bottle of Scotch. ●�N‑COUNT A Scotch is a glass of Scotch. □� He poured himself a Scotch.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scotch means the same as Scottish . This use is considered incorrect by many people.

Sco tch e gg (Scotch eggs ) N‑COUNT A Scotch egg is a hard-boiled egg that is covered with sausage meat and breadcrumbs, then fried. [mainly BRIT ]

Sco tch-I rish ADJ If someone, especially an American, is Scotch-Irish , they are descended from both Scottish and Irish people, especially from Scottish people who had settled in Northern Ireland. [mainly AM ] ●�N‑PLURAL Scotch-Irish is also a noun. □� The first great wave of Scotch-Irish emigration began with the failed harvest of 1717.

Sco tch ta pe N‑UNCOUNT Scotch tape is a clear sticky tape that is sold in rolls and that you use to stick paper or card together or onto a wall. [TRADEMARK ]

sco t-free ADV [ADV after v] If you say that someone got away scot-free , you are emphasizing that they escaped punishment for something that you believe they should have been punished for. [EMPHASIS ] □� Others who were guilty were being allowed to get off scot-free.

Scots|man /skɒ tsmən/ (Scotsmen ) N‑COUNT A Scotsman is a man of Scottish origin.

Scots|woman /skɒ tswʊmən/ (Scotswomen ) N‑COUNT A Scotswoman is a woman of Scottish origin.

Scot|tish /skɒ t I ʃ/ ADJ Scottish means belonging or relating to Scotland, its people, language, or culture.

scoun|drel /skaʊ ndrəl/ (scoundrels ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a man as a scoundrel , you mean that he behaves very badly towards other people, especially by cheating them or deceiving them. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is a lying scoundrel!

scour /skaʊə r / (scours , scouring , scoured )

1 VERB If you scour something such as a place or a book, you make a thorough search of it to try to find what you are looking for. □�[V n] Rescue crews had scoured an area of 30 square miles. □�[V n +�for ] We scoured the telephone directory for clues.

2 VERB If you scour something such as a sink, floor, or pan, you clean its surface by rubbing it hard with something rough. □�[V n] He decided to scour the sink.

scourge /skɜː r dʒ/ (scourges , scourging , scourged )

1 N‑COUNT A scourge is something that causes a lot of trouble or suffering to a group of people. □�[+�of ] Union chiefs demanded more urgent action to stop the scourge of unemployment.

2 VERB If something scourges a place or group of people, it causes great pain and suffering to people. □�[V n] Economic anarchy scourged the post-war world.

scout /skaʊ t/ (scouts , scouting , scouted )

1 N‑COUNT A scout is someone who is sent to an area of countryside to find out the position of an enemy army. □� They sent two men out in front as scouts.

2 VERB If you scout somewhere for something, you go through that area searching for it. □�[V n +�for ] I wouldn't have time to scout the area for junk. □�[V +�for ] A team of four was sent to scout for a nuclear test site. □�[V n] I have people scouting the hills already.

▸� scout around in BRIT, also use scout round PHRASAL VERB If you scout around or scout roundfor something, you go to different places looking for it. □�[V P +�for ] They scouted around for more fuel. □�[V P ] I scouted round in the bushes.

Scout /skaʊ t/ (Scouts )

1 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Scouts is an organization for children and young people which teaches them to be practical, sensible, and helpful.

2 N‑COUNT A Scout is a member of the Scouts. □� �a party of seven Scouts and three leaders on a camping trip.

scout|master /skaʊ tmɑːstə r , -m�s-/ (scoutmasters ) N‑COUNT A scoutmaster is a man who is in charge of a troop of Scouts.

scowl /skaʊ l/ (scowls , scowling , scowled ) VERB When someone scowls , an angry or hostile expression appears on their face. □�[V ] He scowled, and slammed the door behind him. □�[V +�at ] She scowled at the two men as they entered the room. ●�N‑COUNT Scowl is also a noun. □� Chris met the remark with a scowl.

scrab|ble /skr� b ə l/ (scrabbles , scrabbling , scrabbled )

1 VERB If you scrabblefor something, especially something that you cannot see, you move your hands or your feet about quickly and hurriedly in order to find it. □�[V +�for ] He grabbed his jacket and scrabbled in his desk drawer for some loose change. □�[V to-inf] I hung there, scrabbling with my feet to find a foothold. ●�PHRASAL VERB Scrabble around or scrabble about means the same as scrabble . □�[V P +�for ] Alberg scrabbled around for pen and paper. □�[V P ] Gleb scrabbled about in the hay, pulled out a book and opened it.

2 VERB If you say that someone is scrabblingto do something, you mean that they are having difficulty because they are in too much of a hurry, or because the task is almost impossible. □�[V to-inf] The banks are now desperately scrabbling to recover their costs. □�[V +�for ] The opportunity had gone. His mind scrabbled for alternatives. ●�PHRASAL VERB Scrabble around means the same as scrabble . □�[V P +�for ] You get a six-month contract, and then you have to scrabble around for the next job. [Also V P to-inf]

scrag|gly /skr� gli/ (scragglier , scraggliest ) ADJ Scraggly hair or plants are thin and untidy. [mainly AM ] □� �a scraggly mustache.

scrag|gy /skr� gi/ (scraggier , scraggiest ) ADJ If you describe a person or animal as scraggy , you mean that they look unattractive because they are so thin. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �his scraggy neck. □� �a flock of scraggy sheep.

scram|ble /skr� mb ə l/ (scrambles , scrambling , scrambled )

1 VERB If you scramble over rocks or up a hill, you move quickly over them or up it using your hands to help you. □�[V prep/adv] Tourists were scrambling over the rocks looking for the perfect camera angle.

2 VERB If you scramble to a different place or position, you move there in a hurried, awkward way. □�[V prep/adv] Ann threw back the covers and scrambled out of bed.

3 VERB If a number of people scramblefor something, they compete energetically with each other for it. □�[V +�for ] More than three million fans are expected to scramble for tickets. □�[V to-inf] Business is booming and foreigners are scrambling to invest. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing, N to-inf] Scramble is also a noun. □� �a scramble to get a seat on the early-morning flight.

4 VERB If you scramble eggs, you break them, mix them together and then heat and stir the mixture in a pan. □�[V n] Make the toast and scramble the eggs. ●� scram|bled ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �scrambled eggs on toast.

5 VERB If a device scrambles a radio or telephone message, it interferes with the sound so that the message can only be understood by someone with special equipment. □�[V n] The machine scrambles messages so that the conversations cannot be intercepted.

scram|bler /skr� mblə r / (scramblers ) N‑COUNT A scrambler is an electronic device which alters the sound of a radio or telephone message so that it can only be understood by someone who has special equipment.

scrap /skr� p/ (scraps , scrapping , scrapped )

1 N‑COUNT A scrapof something is a very small piece or amount of it. □�[+�of ] A crumpled scrap of paper was found in her handbag. □�[+�of ] They need every scrap of information they can get.

2 N‑PLURAL Scraps are pieces of unwanted food which are thrown away or given to animals. □� �the scraps from the Sunday dinner table.

3 VERB If you scrap something, you get rid of it or cancel it. [INFORMAL , JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] President Hussein called on all countries in the Middle East to scrap nuclear or chemical weapons.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Scrap metal or paper is no longer wanted for its original purpose, but may have some other use. □� There's always tons of scrap paper in Dad's office.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Scrap is metal from old or damaged machinery or cars. □� Thousands of tanks, artillery pieces and armored vehicles will be cut up for scrap.

scrap|book /skr� pbʊk/ (scrapbooks ) N‑COUNT A scrapbook is a book with empty pages on which you can stick things such as pictures or newspaper articles in order to keep them.

scrape /skre I p/ (scrapes , scraping , scraped )

1 VERB If you scrape something from a surface, you remove it, especially by pulling a sharp object over the surface. □�[V n with adv] She went round the car scraping the frost off the windows.

2 VERB If something scrapes against something else or if someone or something scrapes something else, it rubs against it, making a noise or causing slight damage. □�[V prep] The only sound is that of knives and forks scraping against china. □�[V n] The car hurtled past us, scraping the wall and screeching to a halt. □�[V -ing] There was a scraping sound as she dragged the heels of her shoes along the pavement.

3 VERB If you scrape a part of your body, you accidentally rub it against something hard and rough, and damage it slightly. □�[V n] She stumbled and fell, scraping her palms and knees.

4to scrape the barrel →�see barrel

▸� scrape by PHRASAL VERB If someone scrapes by , they earn just enough money to live on with difficulty. □�[V P ] We're barely scraping by on my salary.

▸� scrape through PHRASAL VERB If you scrape through an examination, you just succeed in passing it. If you scrape through a competition or a vote, you just succeed in winning it. □�[V P n] Both my brothers have university degrees. I just scraped through a couple of A-levels. □�[V P ] If we can get a draw, we might scrape through.

▸� scrape together PHRASAL VERB If you scrape together an amount of money or a number of things, you succeed in obtaining it with difficulty. □�[V n P ] They only just managed to scrape the money together. □�[V P n] It's possible the Congress Party will scrape together a majority.

scrap|er /skre I pə r / (scrapers ) N‑COUNT A scraper is a tool that has a small handle and a metal or plastic blade and can be used for scraping a particular surface clean.

scrap|heap /skr� phiːp/ also scrap heap

1 N‑SING If you say that someone has been thrown on thescrapheap , you mean that they have been forced to leave their job by an uncaring employer and are unlikely to get other work. □� Miners have been thrown on the scrapheap with no prospects.

2 N‑SING If things such as machines or weapons are thrown on thescrapheap , they are thrown away because they are no longer needed. □� Thousands of Europe's tanks and guns are going to the scrap heap.

scrap|ings /skre I p I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Scrapings are small amounts or pieces that have been scraped off something. □� There might be scrapings under his fingernails.

scrap|py /skr� pi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as scrappy , you disapprove of it because it seems to be badly planned or untidy. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The final chapter is no more than a scrappy addition.

scrap|yard /skr� pjɑː r d/ (scrapyards ) also scrap yard N‑COUNT A scrapyard is a place where old machines such as cars or ships are destroyed and where useful parts are saved. [BRIT ] in AM, use junkyard

scratch /skr� tʃ/ (scratches , scratching , scratched )

1 VERB If you scratchyourself , you rub your fingernails against your skin because it is itching. □�[V pron-refl] He scratched himself under his arm. □�[V n] The old man lifted his cardigan to scratch his side. □�[V ] I had to wear long sleeves to stop myself scratching.

2 VERB If a sharp object scratches someone or something, it makes small shallow cuts on their skin or surface. □�[V n] The branches tore at my jacket and scratched my hands and face. □�[V n] Knives will scratch the worktop.

3 N‑COUNT Scratches on someone or something are small shallow cuts. □�[+�on/to ] The seven-year-old was found crying with scratches on his face and neck.

4 PHRASE If you do something from scratch , you do it without making use of anything that has been done before. □� Building a home from scratch can be both exciting and challenging.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is scratching their head , you mean that they are thinking hard and trying to solve a problem or puzzle. □� The Institute spends a lot of time scratching its head about how to boost American productivity.

6 PHRASE If you only scratch the surfaceof a subject or problem, you find out or do a small amount, but not enough to understand or solve it. □�[+�of ] We have barely begun to scratch the surface of the possibilities of new technology. □� We had only two weeks to tour the country, which was hardly enough time to scratch the surface.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is not up to scratch , you mean that they are not good enough. □� My mother always made me feel I wasn't coming up to scratch.

scra tch card (scratch cards ) also scratchcard N‑COUNT A scratch card is a card with hidden words or symbols on it. You scratch the surface off to reveal the words or symbols and find out if you have won a prize.

scra tch file (scratch files ) N‑COUNT A scratch file is a temporary computer file which you use as a work area or as a store while a program is operating. [COMPUTING ]

scra tch pad (scratch pads ) N‑COUNT A scratch pad is a temporary storage memory in a computer. [COMPUTING ]

scratchy /skr� tʃi/

1 ADJ Scratchy sounds are thin and harsh. □� Listening to the scratchy recording, I recognized Walt Whitman immediately.

2 ADJ Scratchy clothes or fabrics are rough and uncomfortable to wear next to your skin. □� Wool is so scratchy that it irritates the skin.

scrawl /skrɔː l/ (scrawls , scrawling , scrawled )

1 VERB If you scrawl something, you write it in a careless and untidy way. □�[V n] He scrawled a hasty note to his daughter. □�[V with quote] Someone had scrawled 'Scum' on his car. □�[V -ed] �racist graffiti scrawled on school walls. [Also V n]

2 N‑VAR You can refer to writing that looks careless and untidy as a scrawl . □� The letter was handwritten, in a hasty, barely decipherable scrawl.

scrawny /skrɔː ni/ (scrawnier , scrawniest ) ADJ If you describe a person or animal as scrawny , you mean that they look unattractive because they are so thin. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a scrawny woman with dyed black hair.

scream ◆◇◇ /skriː m/ (screams , screaming , screamed )

1 VERB When someone screams , they make a very loud, high-pitched cry, for example because they are in pain or are very frightened. □�[V ] Women were screaming; some of the houses nearest the bridge were on fire. □�[V +�in ] He staggered around the playground, screaming in agony. ●�N‑COUNT Scream is also a noun. □� Hilda let out a scream. □�[+�of ] �screams of terror.

2 VERB If you scream something, you shout it in a loud, high-pitched voice. □�[V with quote] 'Brigid!' she screamed. 'Get up!' □�[V n] They started screaming abuse at us.

3 VERB When something makes a loud, high-pitched noise, you can say that it screams . [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] She slammed the car into gear, the tyres screaming as her foot jammed against the accelerator. □�[V prep/adv] As he talked, an airforce jet screamed over the town. ●�N‑COUNT Scream is also a noun. □�[+�of ] There was a scream of brakes from the carriageway outside. COLLOCATIONS scream NOUN 1

adjective +�scream : blood-curdling, guttural, high-pitched, piercing; muffled VERB 1

noun +�scream : audience, crowd, fans; baby

scream+�adverb : loudly, hysterically

scream|ing|ly /skriː m I ŋli/ ADV [ADV adj] If you say that something is, for example, screamingly funny or screamingly boring, you mean that it is extremely funny or extremely boring. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a screamingly funny joke.

scree /skriː / (screes ) N‑VAR Scree is a mass of loose stones on the side of a mountain. □� Occasionally scree fell in a shower of dust and noise.

screech /skriː tʃ/ (screeches , screeching , screeched )

1 VERB If a vehicle screeches somewhere or if its tyres screech , its tyres make an unpleasant high-pitched noise on the road. □�[V prep/adv] A black Mercedes screeched to a halt beside the helicopter. □�[V ] The car wheels screeched as they curved and bounced over the rough broken ground.

2 VERB When you screech something, you shout it in a loud, unpleasant, high-pitched voice. □�[V with quote] 'Get me some water, Jeremy!' I screeched. □�[V +�at ] �a player who screeches at you on the field. [Also V , V n] ●�N‑COUNT Screech is also a noun. □� The figure gave a screech.

3 VERB When a bird, animal, or thing screeches , it makes a loud, unpleasant, high-pitched noise. □�[V +�at ] A macaw screeched at him from its perch. ●�N‑COUNT Screech is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He heard the screech of brakes.

screen ◆◆◇ /skriː n/ (screens , screening , screened )

1 N‑COUNT A screen is a flat vertical surface on which pictures or words are shown. Television sets and computers have screens, and films are shown on a screen in cinemas.

2 →�see also big screen , small screen , widescreen

3 N‑SING [oft on/off N ] You can refer to film or television as the screen . □� Many viewers have strong opinions about violence on the screen. □� She was the ideal American teenager, both on and off screen.

4 VERB When a film or a television programme is screened , it is shown in the cinema or broadcast on television. □�[be V -ed] The series is likely to be screened in January. □�[V n] TV firms were later banned from screening any pictures of the demo. ●� screen|ing (screenings ) N‑COUNT □� The film-makers will be present at the screenings to introduce their works.

5 N‑COUNT A screen is a vertical panel which can be moved around. It is used to keep cold air away from part of a room, or to create a smaller area within a room. □� They put a screen in front of me so I couldn't see what was going on.

6 VERB [usu passive] If something is screenedby another thing, it is behind it and hidden by it. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Most of the road behind the hotel was screened by a block of flats.

7 VERB To screenfor a disease means to examine people to make sure that they do not have it. □�[V +�for ] �a quick saliva test that would screen for people at risk of tooth decay. [Also V n] ●� screen|ing N‑VAR □�[+�for ] Britain has an enviable record on breast screening for cancer.

8 VERB When an organization screens people who apply to join it, it investigates them to make sure that they are not likely to cause problems. □�[V n] They will screen all their candidates. □�[V -ing] �screening procedures for the regiment.

9 VERB To screen people or luggage means to check them using special equipment to make sure they are not carrying a weapon or a bomb. □�[V n] The airline had been screening baggage on X-ray machines.

10 VERB If you screen your phone calls, calls made to you are connected to an answering machine or are answered by someone else, so that you can choose whether or not to speak to the people phoning you. □�[V n] I employ a secretary to screen my calls.

▸� screen out PHRASAL VERB If an organization or country screens out certain people, it keeps them out because it thinks they may cause problems. □�[V P n] The company screened out applicants motivated only by money. SYNONYMS screen VERB 4

broadcast:The concert will be broadcast live on television and radio.

show:The BBC World Service Television news showed the same film clip.

air:Tonight PBS will air a documentary called 'Democracy In Action'.

televise:The Grand Prix will be televised by the BBC.

scree n door (screen doors ) N‑COUNT A screen door is a door made of fine netting which is on the outside of the main door of a house. It is used to keep insects out when the main door is open.

scree n grab (screen grabs ) N‑COUNT A screen grab is an image that you create by capturing and copying part or all of a television or computer display at a particular moment. □� Her manager had taken screen grabs of the tweets before they were deleted.

scree n name (screen names ) N‑COUNT Someone's screen name is a name that they use when communicating with other people on the internet. [COMPUTING ] □� �someone with the screen name of nirvanakcf. [of ]

screen|play /skriː nple I / (screenplays ) N‑COUNT A screenplay is the words to be spoken in a film, and instructions about what will be seen in it.

screen|saver /skriː nse I və r / (screensavers ) also screen saver N‑COUNT A screensaver is a picture which appears or is put on a computer or phone screen when the computer or phone is not used for a while. [COMPUTING ]

screen|shot /skriː nʃɒt/ (screenshots ) N‑COUNT A screenshot is an image that you create by copying part or all of the display on a computer or phone screen at a particular moment. [COMPUTING ]

scree n test (screen tests ) N‑COUNT When a film studio gives an actor a screen test , they film a short scene in order to test how good he or she would be in films.

screen|writer /skriː nra I tə r / (screenwriters ) N‑COUNT A screenwriter is a person who writes screenplays.

screen|writing /skriː nra I t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Screenwriting is the process of writing screenplays.

screw /skruː / (screws , screwing , screwed )

1 N‑COUNT A screw is a metal object similar to a nail, with a raised spiral line around it. You turn a screw using a screwdriver so that it goes through two things, for example two pieces of wood, and fastens them together. □� Each bracket is fixed to the wall with just three screws.

2 VERB If you screw something somewhere or if it screws somewhere, you fix it in place by means of a screw or screws. □�[V n prep] I had screwed the shelf on the wall myself. □�[V n with adv] Screw down any loose floorboards. □�[V prep/adv] I particularly like the type of shelving that screws to the wall.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A screw lid or fitting is one that has a raised spiral line on the inside or outside of it, so that it can be fixed in place by twisting. □� �an ordinary jam jar with a screw lid.

4 VERB If you screw something somewhere or if it screws somewhere, you fix it in place by twisting it round and round. □�[V n prep] Kelly screwed the silencer onto the pistol. □�[V n with adv] Screw down the lid fairly tightly. □�[V prep/adv] �several aluminium poles that screw together to give a maximum length of 10 yards.

5 VERB If you screw something such as a piece of paper into a ball, you squeeze it or twist it tightly so that it is in the shape of a ball. [BRIT ] □�[V n +�into ] He screwed the paper into a ball and tossed it into the fire. in AM, use crush6 VERB If you screw your face or your eyes into a particular expression, you tighten the muscles of your face to form that expression, for example because you are in pain or because the light is too bright. □�[V n +�into ] He screwed his face into an expression of mock pain.

7 VERB If someone screws someone else or if two people screw , they have sex together. [RUDE ]

8 VERB Some people use screw in expressions such as screw you or screw that to show that they are not concerned about someone or something or that they feel contempt for them. [RUDE , FEELINGS ]

9 VERB [usu passive] If someone says that they have been screwed , they mean that someone else has cheated them, especially by getting money from them dishonestly. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □�[be V -ed] They haven't given us accurate information. We've been screwed.

10 VERB If someone screws something, especially money, out of you, they get it from you by putting pressure on you. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�out of ] For decades rich nations have been screwing money out of poor nations.

11 PHRASE If you turn or tighten the screwon someone, you increase the pressure which is already on them, for example by using threats, in order to force them to do a particular thing. □� Parisian taxi drivers are threatening to mount a blockade to turn the screw on the government.

▸� screw up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you screw up your eyes or your face, you tighten your eye or face muscles, for example because you are in pain or because the light is too bright. □�[V P n] She had screwed up her eyes, as if she found the sunshine too bright. □�[V n P ] Close your eyes and screw them up tight. □�[V P ] His face screwed up in agony.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you screw up a piece of paper, you squeeze it tightly so that it becomes very creased and no longer flat, usually when you are throwing it away. [BRIT ] □�[V n P ] He would start writing to his family and would screw the letter up in frustration. □�[V P n] He screwed up his first three efforts after only a line or two. in AM, use crush3 PHRASAL VERB To screw something up , or to screw up , means to cause something to fail or be spoiled. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] You can't open the window because it screws up the air conditioning. □�[V n P ] Get out. Haven't you screwed things up enough already! □�[V P ] Somebody had screwed up; they weren't there.

screw|ball /skruː bɔːl/ (screwballs )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Screwball comedy is silly and eccentric in an amusing and harmless way. [INFORMAL ] □� �a remake of a '50s classic screwball comedy.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a screwball , you mean that they do strange or crazy things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

screw|driver /skruː dra I və r / (screwdrivers ) N‑COUNT A screwdriver is a tool that is used for turning screws. It consists of a metal rod with a flat or cross-shaped end that fits into the top of the screw.

scre wed u p ADJ If you say that someone is screwed up , you mean that they are very confused or worried, or that they have psychological problems. [INFORMAL ] □� He was really screwed up with his emotional problems.

scre w-top ADJ [ADJ n] A screw-top bottle or jar has a lid that is secured by being twisted on.

scrib|ble /skr I b ə l/ (scribbles , scribbling , scribbled )

1 VERB If you scribble something, you write it quickly and roughly. □�[V n] She scribbled a note to tell Mum she'd gone out. □�[V prep/adv] As I scribbled in my diary the light went out.

2 VERB To scribble means to make meaningless marks or rough drawings using a pencil or pen. □�[V prep/adv] When Caroline was five she scribbled on a wall. [Also V ]

3 N‑VAR Scribble is something that has been written or drawn quickly and roughly. □� I'm sorry what I wrote was such a scribble.

▸� scribble down PHRASAL VERB If you scribble down something, you write it quickly or roughly. □�[V P n] I attempted to scribble down the names. □�[V n P ] He took my name and address, scribbling it down in his notebook.

scrib|bler /skr I bələ r / (scribblers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] People sometimes refer to writers as scribblers when they think they are not very good writers. [mainly JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ]

scribe /skra I b/ (scribes ) N‑COUNT In the days before printing was common, a scribe was a person who wrote copies of things such as letters or documents.

scrimp /skr I mp/ (scrimps , scrimping , scrimped ) VERB If you scrimpon things, you live cheaply and spend as little money as possible. □�[V +�on ] Scrimping on safety measures can be a false economy.

scrip /skr I p/ (scrips ) N‑COUNT A scrip is a certificate which shows that an investor owns part of a share or stock. [BUSINESS ] □� The cash or scrip would be offered as part of a pro rata return of capital to shareholders.

script ◆◇◇ /skr I pt/ (scripts , scripting , scripted )

1 N‑COUNT The script of a play, film, or television programme is the written version of it. □� Jenny's writing a film script.

2 VERB The person who scripts a film or a radio or television play writes it. □�[V n] The film is scripted and directed by Chris McQuarrie.

3 N‑VAR [usu adj N ] You can refer to a particular system of writing as a particular script . □� �a text in the Malay language but written in Arabic script.

4 N‑SING If you say that something which has happened is not in the script , or that someone has not followed the script , you mean that something has happened which was not expected or intended to happen. □� Losing was not in the script. □� The game plan was right. We just didn't follow the script.

script|ed /skr I pt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scripted speech has been written in advance, although the speaker may pretend that it is spoken without preparation. □� He had prepared scripted answers.

scrip|tur|al /skr I ptʃərəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Scriptural is used to describe things that are written in or based on the Christian Bible. □� �scriptural accounts of the process of salvation.

scrip|ture /skr I ptʃə r / (scriptures ) N‑VAR Scripture or the scriptures refers to writings that are regarded as holy in a particular religion, for example the Bible in Christianity. □� �a quote from scripture. □� �the Holy Scriptures.

script|writer /skr I ptra I tə r / (scriptwriters ) N‑COUNT A scriptwriter is a person who writes scripts for films or for radio or television programmes.

scroll /skroʊ l/ (scrolls , scrolling , scrolled )

1 N‑COUNT A scroll is a long roll of paper or a similar material with writing on it. □� Ancient scrolls were found in caves by the Dead Sea.

2 N‑COUNT A scroll is a painted or carved decoration made to look like a scroll. □� �a handsome suite of chairs incised with Grecian scrolls.

3 VERB If you scroll through text on a computer or phone screen, you move the text up or down to find the information that you need. [COMPUTING ] □�[V prep/adv] I scrolled down to find 'United States of America'.

scro ll bar (scroll bars ) N‑COUNT On a computer screen, a scroll bar is a long thin box along one edge of a window, which you click on with the mouse to move the text up, down, or across the window. [COMPUTING ]

Scrooge /skruː dʒ/ (Scrooges ) N‑VAR If you call someone a Scrooge , you disapprove of them because they are very mean and hate spending money. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What a bunch of Scrooges.

scro|tum /skroʊ təm/ (scrotums ) N‑COUNT A man's scrotum is the bag of skin that contains his testicles.

scrounge /skraʊ ndʒ/ (scrounges , scrounging , scrounged ) VERB If you say that someone scrounges something such as food or money, you disapprove of them because they get it by asking for it, rather than by buying it or earning it. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Williams had to scrounge enough money to get his car out of the car park. □�[V +�for ] The government did not give them money, forcing them to scrounge for food.

scrub /skrʌ b/ (scrubs , scrubbing , scrubbed )

1 VERB If you scrub something, you rub it hard in order to clean it, using a stiff brush and water. □�[V n] Surgeons began to scrub their hands and arms with soap and water before operating. □�[be V -ed] The corridors are scrubbed clean. ●�N‑SING Scrub is also a noun. □� The walls needed a good scrub.

2 VERB If you scrub dirt or stains off something, you remove them by rubbing hard. □�[V n with off/away ] I started to scrub off the dirt. □�[V n prep] Matthew scrubbed the coal dust from his face.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Scrub consists of low trees and bushes, especially in an area that has very little rain. □� �an area of scrub and woodland.

scrub|ber /skrʌ bə r / (scrubbers ) N‑COUNT If someone refers to a woman as a scrubber , they are suggesting in a very rude way that she has had sex with a lot of men. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

scrub|by /skrʌ bi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scrubby land is rough and dry and covered with scrub. □� �the hot, scrubby hills of western Eritrea.

scrub|land /skrʌ bl�nd/ (scrublands ) N‑VAR Scrubland is an area of land which is covered with low trees and bushes. □� Thousands of acres of forests and scrubland have been burnt.

scruff /skrʌ f/ PHRASE If someone takes you by the scruff of the neck , they take hold of the back of your neck or collar suddenly and roughly. □� He picked the dog up by the scruff of the neck.

scruffy /skrʌ fi/ (scruffier , scruffiest ) ADJ Someone or something that is scruffy is dirty and untidy. □� �a young man, pale, scruffy and unshaven. □� �a scruffy basement flat in London.

scrum /skrʌ m/ (scrums )

1 N‑COUNT In rugby, a scrum is a tight group formed by players from both sides pushing against each other with their heads down in an attempt to get the ball.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A scrum is a group of people who are close together and pushing against each other. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] She pushed through the scrum of photographers. □�[+�of ] �the scrum of shoppers.

scrum|mage /skrʌ m I dʒ/ (scrummages ) N‑COUNT In rugby, a scrummage is the same as a scrum .

scrump|tious /skrʌ mpʃəs/ ADJ If you describe food as scrumptious , you mean that it tastes extremely good. [INFORMAL ] □� �a scrumptious apple pie.

scrumpy /skrʌ mpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Scrumpy is a strong alcoholic drink made from apples. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a pint of scrumpy.

scrunch /skrʌ ntʃ/ (scrunches , scrunching , scrunched ) VERB If you scrunch something, you squeeze it or bend it so that it is no longer in its natural shape and is often crushed. □�[V n] Her father scrunched his nose. □�[V n +�into ] Her mother was sitting bolt upright, scrunching her white cotton gloves into a ball. ●�PHRASAL VERB Scrunch up means the same as scrunch . □�[V P n] She scrunched up three pages of notes and threw them in the bin. □�[V n P ] I scrunched my hat up in my pocket.

scru|ple /skruː p ə l/ (scruples ) N‑VAR [usu pl] Scruples are moral principles or beliefs that make you unwilling to do something that seems wrong. □� �a man with no moral scruples.

scru|pu|lous /skruː pjʊləs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is scrupulous takes great care to do what is fair, honest, or morally right. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] I have been scrupulous about telling them the dangers. □�[+�in ] The Board is scrupulous in its consideration of all applications for licences.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scrupulous means thorough, exact, and careful about details. □� Both readers commend Knutson for his scrupulous attention to detail.

scru|ti|neer /skruː t I n I ə r / (scrutineers ) N‑COUNT A scrutineer is a person who checks that an election or a race is carried out according to the rules. [BRIT ]

scru|ti|nize /skruː t I na I z/ (scrutinizes , scrutinizing , scrutinized ) in BRIT, also use scrutinise VERB If you scrutinize something, you examine it very carefully, often to find out some information from it or about it. □�[V n] Her purpose was to scrutinize his features to see if he was an honest man.

scru|ti|ny /skruː t I ni/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] If a person or thing is under scrutiny , they are being studied or observed very carefully. □� His private life came under media scrutiny.

scu|ba div|ing /skuː bə da I v I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Scuba diving is the activity of swimming underwater using special breathing equipment. The equipment consists of cylinders of air which you carry on your back and which are connected to your mouth by rubber tubes. ●� scu|ba dive VERB □�[V ] I signed up to learn how to scuba dive.

scud /skʌ d/ (scuds , scudding , scudded ) VERB If clouds scud along, they move quickly and smoothly through the sky. [LITERARY ] □�[V adv/prep] �heavy, rain-laden clouds scudding across from the south-west.

scuff /skʌ f/ (scuffs , scuffing , scuffed )

1 VERB If you scuff something or if it scuffs , you mark the surface by scraping it against other things or by scraping other things against it. □�[V n] Constant wheelchair use will scuff almost any floor surface. □�[V adv] Molded plastic is almost indestructible, but scuffs easily. ●� scuffed ADJ □� �scuffed brown shoes.

2 VERB If you scuff your feet, you pull them along the ground as you walk. □�[V n] Polly, bewildered and embarrassed, dropped her head and scuffed her feet.

scuf|fle /skʌ f ə l/ (scuffles , scuffling , scuffled )

1 N‑COUNT A scuffle is a short, disorganized fight or struggle. □� Violent scuffles broke out between rival groups demonstrating for and against independence.

2 VERB If people scuffle , they fight for a short time in a disorganized way. □�[V +�with ] Police scuffled with some of the protesters. □�[V ] He and Hannah had been scuffling in the yard outside his house.

scuf|fling /skʌ fəl I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A scuffling noise is a noise made by a person or animal moving about, usually one that you cannot see. □� There was a scuffling noise in the background.

scu ff mark (scuff marks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Scuff marks are marks made on a smooth surface when something is rubbed against it. □� Scuff marks from shoes are difficult to remove.

scull /skʌ l/ (sculls )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sculls are small oars which are held by one person and used to move a boat through water.

2 N‑COUNT A scull is a small light racing boat which is rowed with two sculls.

scul|lery /skʌ ləri/ (sculleries ) N‑COUNT A scullery is a small room next to a kitchen where washing and other household tasks are done. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

sculpt /skʌ lpt/ (sculpts , sculpting , sculpted )

1 VERB When an artist sculpts something, they carve or shape it out of a material such as stone or clay. □�[V n] An artist sculpted a full-size replica of her head. □�[V ] When I sculpt, my style is expressionistic.

2 VERB If something is sculpted , it is made into a particular shape. □�[be V -ed] More familiar landscapes have been sculpted by surface erosion. □�[V n +�into ] Michael smoothed and sculpted Jane's hair into shape.

sculp|tor /skʌ lptə r / (sculptors ) N‑COUNT A sculptor is someone who creates sculptures.

sculp|tur|al /skʌ lptʃərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sculptural means relating to sculpture. □� He enjoyed working with clay as a sculptural form.

sculp|ture /skʌ lptʃə r / (sculptures )

1 N‑VAR A sculpture is a work of art that is produced by carving or shaping stone, wood, clay, or other materials. □�[+�of ] �stone sculptures of figures and animals. □� �a collection of 20th-century art and sculpture.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sculpture is the art of creating sculptures. □� Both studied sculpture.

sculp|tured /skʌ lptʃə r d/ ADJ Sculptured objects have been carved or shaped from something. □� �a beautifully sculptured bronze horse.

scum /skʌ m/

1 N‑PLURAL If you refer to people as scum , you are expressing your feelings of dislike and disgust for them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Scum is a layer of a dirty or unpleasant-looking substance on the surface of a liquid. □� �scum marks around the bath.

scum|bag /skʌ mb�g/ (scumbags ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a scumbag , you are expressing your feelings of dislike and disgust for them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

scup|per /skʌ pə r / (scuppers , scuppering , scuppered ) VERB To scupper a plan or attempt means to spoil it completely. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] If Schneider had seen him that would have scuppered all his plans.

scur|ril|ous /skʌ r I ləs, [AM ] skɜː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scurrilous accusations or stories are untrue and unfair, and are likely to damage the reputation of the person that they relate to. □� Scurrilous and untrue stories were being invented.

scur|ry /skʌ ri, [AM ] skɜː ri/ (scurries , scurrying , scurried )

1 VERB When people or small animals scurry somewhere, they move there quickly and hurriedly, especially because they are frightened. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�for ] The attack began, sending residents scurrying for cover. [Also V prep/adv]

2 VERB If people scurryto do something, they do it as soon as they can. [WRITTEN ] □�[V to-inf] Pictures of starving children have sent many people scurrying to donate money.

scur|vy /skɜː r vi/ N‑UNCOUNT Scurvy is a disease that is caused by a lack of vitamin C.

scut|tle /skʌ t ə l/ (scuttles , scuttling , scuttled )

1 VERB When people or small animals scuttle somewhere, they run there with short quick steps. □�[V adv/prep] Two very small children scuttled away in front of them.

2 VERB To scuttle a plan or a proposal means to make it fail or cause it to stop. □�[V n] Such threats could scuttle the peace conference.

3 VERB To scuttle a ship means to sink it deliberately by making holes in the bottom. □�[V n] He personally had received orders from the commander to scuttle the ship. [Also V ]

scuz|zy /skʌ zi/ (scuzzier , scuzziest ) ADJ Something that is scuzzy is dirty or disgusting. [INFORMAL ] □� It's a long way from the scuzzy bedsits he inhabited when he first came to London.

scythe /sa I �/ (scythes , scything , scythed )

1 N‑COUNT A scythe is a tool with a long curved blade at right angles to a long handle. It is used to cut long grass or grain.

2 VERB If you scythe grass or grain, you cut it with a scythe. □�[V n] Two men were attempting to scythe the long grass.

SE in AM, also use S.E.SE is a written abbreviation for south-east .

sea ◆◆◇ /siː / (seas )

1 N‑SING [oft by N ] Thesea is the salty water that covers about three-quarters of the Earth's surface. □� Most of the kids have never seen the sea. □� All transport operations, whether by sea, rail or road, are closely monitored at all times.

2 N‑PLURAL You use seas when you are describing the sea at a particular time or in a particular area. [LITERARY ] □� He drowned after 30 minutes in the rough seas.

3 N‑COUNT A sea is a large area of salty water that is part of an ocean or is surrounded by land. □� �the North Sea. □� �the huge inland sea of Turkana.

4 PHRASE At sea means on or under the sea, far away from land. □� The boats remain at sea for an average of ten days at a time.

5 PHRASE If you go or look out to sea , you go or look across the sea. □� �fishermen who go to sea for two weeks at a time. □� He pointed out to sea. COLLOCATIONS sea

1

adjective +�sea : calm, rough; azure, blue, turquoise; deep, open

sea+�be+�adjective : calm, cold, warm; choppy

verb +�sea : cross, sail

2

adjective +�sea : high, tropical; choppy, heavy, rough, stormy; calm

sea ai r N‑UNCOUNT The sea air is the air at the seaside, which is regarded as being good for people's health. □� I took a deep breath of the fresh sea air.

sea|bed /siː bed/ also sea bed N‑SING Theseabed is the ground under the sea.

sea|bird /siː bɜː r d/ (seabirds ) also sea bird N‑COUNT Seabirds are birds that live near the sea and get their food from it. □� The island is covered with seabirds.

sea|board /siː bɔː r d/ (seaboards ) N‑COUNT Theseaboard is the part of a country that is next to the sea; used especially of the coasts of North America. □� �the Eastern seaboard of the U.S.A.

sea|borne /siː bɔː r n/ also sea-borne ADJ [ADJ n] Seaborne actions or events take place on the sea in ships. □� �a seaborne invasion.

sea bree ze (sea breezes ) N‑COUNT A sea breeze is a light wind blowing from the sea towards the land.

sea cap|tain (sea captains ) N‑COUNT A sea captain is a person in command of a ship, usually a ship that carries goods for trade.

sea change (sea changes ) N‑COUNT A sea change in someone's attitudes or behaviour is a complete change. □� A sea change has taken place in young people's attitudes to their parents.

sea dog (sea dogs ) also seadog N‑COUNT A sea dog is a sailor is who has spent many years at sea. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

sea|farer /siː feərə r / (seafarers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Seafarers are people who work on ships or people who travel regularly on the sea. [WRITTEN ] □� The Estonians have always been seafarers.

sea|faring /siː feər I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Seafaring means working as a sailor or travelling regularly on the sea. □� The Lebanese were a seafaring people.

sea|floor /siː flɔː r / N‑SING Theseafloor is the ground under the sea.

sea|food /siː fuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Seafood is shellfish such as lobsters, mussels, and crabs, and sometimes other sea creatures that you can eat. □� �a seafood restaurant.

sea|front /siː frʌnt/ (seafronts ) N‑COUNT Theseafront is the part of a seaside town that is nearest to the sea. It usually consists of a road with buildings that face the sea. □� They decided to meet on the seafront.

sea|going /siː goʊ I ŋ/ also sea-going ADJ [ADJ n] Seagoing boats and ships are designed for travelling on the sea, rather than on lakes, rivers, or canals.

sea -gree n also sea green COLOUR Something that is sea-green is a bluish-green colour like the colour of the sea. □� �her sea-green eyes.

sea|gull /siː gʌl/ (seagulls ) N‑COUNT A seagull is a common kind of bird with white or grey feathers.

sea|horse /siː hɔː r s/ (seahorses ) also sea horse N‑COUNT A seahorse is a type of small fish which appears to swim in a vertical position and whose head looks a little like the head of a horse.

seal

➊�CLOSING

➋�ANIMAL

➊ seal ◆◇◇ /siː l/ (seals , sealing , sealed )

→�Please look at categories 11 to 14 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB When you seal an envelope, you close it by folding part of it over and sticking it down, so that it cannot be opened without being torn. □�[V n] He sealed the envelope and put on a stamp. □�[V n +�in ] Write your letter and seal it in a blank envelope. □�[V -ed] A courier was despatched with two sealed envelopes.

2 VERB If you seal a container or an opening, you cover it with something in order to prevent air, liquid, or other material getting in or out. If you seal something in a container, you put it inside and then close the container tightly. □�[V n] She merely filled the containers, sealed them with a cork, and pasted on labels. □�[V n with in ] �a lid to seal in heat and keep food moist. □�[V -ed] �a hermetically sealed, leak-proof packet.

3 N‑COUNT The seal on a container or opening is the part where it has been sealed. □� When assembling the pie, wet the edges where the two crusts join, to form a seal.

4 N‑COUNT A seal is a device or a piece of material, for example in a machine, which closes an opening tightly so that air, liquid, or other substances cannot get in or out. □�[+�on ] Check seals on fridges and freezers regularly.

5 N‑COUNT A seal is something such as a piece of sticky paper or wax that is fixed to a container or door and must be broken before the container or door can be opened. □�[+�on ] The seal on the box broke when it fell from its hiding-place.

6 N‑COUNT A seal is a special mark or design, for example on a document, representing someone or something. It may be used to show that something is genuine or officially approved. □� �a supply of note paper bearing the Presidential seal.

7 VERB If someone in authority seals an area, they stop people entering or passing through it, for example by placing barriers in the way. □�[V n] The soldiers were deployed to help police seal the border. □�[V -ed] A wide area round the building is sealed to all traffic except the emergency services. ●�PHRASAL VERB Seal off means the same as seal . □�[V P n] Police and troops sealed off the area after the attack. □�[V n P ] Soldiers there are going to seal the airport off.

8 VERB To seal something means to make it definite or confirm how it is going to be. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] McLaren are close to sealing a deal with Renault. □�[be V -ed] His artistic character was sealed by his experiences of the First World War.

9 PHRASE If something sets or puts the seal on something, it makes it definite or confirms how it is going to be. [WRITTEN ] □� Such a visit may set the seal on a new relationship between the two governments.

10 PHRASE If a document is under seal , it is in a sealed envelope and cannot be looked at, for example because it is private. [FORMAL ] □� Because the transcript is still under seal, I am precluded by law from discussing the evidence.

11to seal someone's fate →�see fate

▸� seal in PHRASAL VERB If something seals in a smell or liquid, it prevents it from getting out of a food. □�[V P n] The coffee is freeze-dried to seal in all the flavour. [Also V n P ]

▸� seal off

1 PHRASAL VERB If one object or area is sealed off from another, there is a physical barrier between them, so that nothing can pass between them. □�[be V -ed P ] Windows are usually sealed off. □�[V P n] �the anti-personnel door that sealed off the chamber. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see seal ➊ 7

▸� seal up PHRASAL VERB If you seal something up , you close it completely so that nothing can get in or out. □�[V P n] The paper was used for sealing up holes in walls and roofs. [Also V n P ]

➋ seal /siː l/ (seals ) N‑COUNT A seal is a large animal with a rounded body and flat legs called flippers. Seals eat fish and live in and near the sea, usually in cold parts of the world. COLLOCATIONS seal NOUN ➊3

adjective +�seal : airtight, waterproof; faulty

verb +�seal : break, form VERB ➊8

seal+�noun : deal, fate, victory, win

sea lane (sea lanes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sea lanes are particular routes which ships regularly use in order to cross a sea or ocean.

seal|ant /siː lənt/ (sealants ) N‑VAR A sealant is a substance that is used to seal holes, cracks, or gaps.

seal|er /siː lə r / (sealers ) N‑VAR A sealer is the same as a sealant .

sea lev|el also sea-level N‑UNCOUNT Sea level is the average level of the sea with respect to the land. The height of mountains or other areas is calculated in relation to sea level . □� The stadium was 2275 metres above sea level.

sea l|ing wax N‑UNCOUNT Sealing wax is a hard, usually red, substance that melts quickly and is used for putting seals on documents or letters.

sea lion (sea lions ) also sea-lion N‑COUNT A sea lion is a type of large seal.

seal|skin /siː lsk I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Sealskin is the fur of a seal, used to make coats and other clothing. □� �waterproof sealskin boots.

seam /siː m/ (seams )

1 N‑COUNT A seam is a line of stitches which joins two pieces of cloth together.

2 N‑COUNT A seam of coal is a long, narrow layer of it underneath the ground. □� The average U.K. coal seam is one metre thick.

3 PHRASE If something is coming apart at the seams or is falling apart at the seams , it is no longer working properly and may soon stop working completely. □� Britain's university system is in danger of falling apart at the seams.

4 PHRASE If a place is very full, you can say that it is bursting at the seams . □� The hotels of Warsaw, Prague and Budapest were bursting at the seams.

sea|man /siː mən/ (seamen ) N‑COUNT A seaman is a sailor, especially one who is not an officer. □� The men emigrate to work as seamen.

sea|man|ship /siː mənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Seamanship is skill in managing a boat and controlling its movement through the sea. □� �the art of seamanship and navigation.

seam|less /siː mləs/ ADJ You use seamless to describe something that has no breaks or gaps in it or which continues without stopping. □� It was a seamless procession of wonderful electronic music. ●� seam|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He has moved seamlessly from theory to practice.

seam|stress /siː mstrəs, se m-/ (seamstresses ) N‑COUNT A seamstress is a woman who sews and makes clothes as her job. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

seamy /siː mi/ (seamier , seamiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as seamy , you mean that it involves unpleasant aspects of life such as crime, sex, or violence. □� �Hamburg's seamy St Pauli's district.

se|ance /se I ɑːns/ (seances ) also s�ance N‑COUNT A seance is a meeting in which people try to make contact with people who have died.

sea|plane /siː ple I n/ (seaplanes ) N‑COUNT A seaplane is a type of aeroplane that can take off from or land on water.

sea|port /siː pɔː r t/ (seaports ) N‑COUNT A seaport is a town with a large harbour that is used by ships. □� �the Baltic seaport of Rostock.

sea pow|er (sea powers )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sea power is the size and strength of a country's navy. □� The transformation of American sea power began in 1940.

2 N‑COUNT A sea power is a country that has a large navy.

sear /s I ə r / (sears , searing , seared )

1 VERB To sear something means to burn its surface with a sudden intense heat. □�[V n] Grass fires have seared the land near the farming village of Basekhai.

2 VERB If something sears a part of your body, it causes a painful burning feeling there. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] I distinctly felt the heat start to sear my throat.

3 →�see also searing

search ◆◆◇ /sɜː r tʃ/ (searches , searching , searched )

1 VERB If you searchfor something or someone, you look carefully for them. □�[V +�for ] The Turkish security forces have started searching for the missing men. □�[V +�for ] Nonetheless there are signs that both sides may be searching for a compromise. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you search a place, you look carefully for something or someone there. □�[V n] Armed troops searched the hospital yesterday. □�[V n +�for ] She searched her desk for the necessary information. □�[V prep] Relief workers are still searching through collapsed buildings looking for victims.

3 N‑COUNT A search is an attempt to find something or someone by looking for them carefully. □� There was no chance of him being found alive and the search was abandoned. □�[+�for ] Egypt has said there is no time to lose in the search for a Middle East settlement.

4 VERB If a police officer or someone else in authority searches you, they look carefully to see whether you have something hidden on you. □�[V n] The man took her suitcase from her and then searched her. □�[V n +�for ] His first task was to search them for weapons.

5 VERB If you searchfor information on a computer, you give the computer an instruction to find that information. [COMPUTING ] □�[V +�for ] You can use a directory service to search for people on the internet. ●�N‑COUNT Search is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He was doing a computer search of local news articles.

6 →�see also searching , strip-search

7 PHRASE If you go in search of something or someone, you try to find them. □� Miserable, and unexpectedly lonely, she went in search of Jean-Paul. □� The law already denies entry to people in search of better economic opportunities.

8 CONVENTION You say ' search me ' when someone asks you a question and you want to emphasize that you do not know the answer. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

▸� search out PHRASAL VERB If you search something out , you keep looking for it until you find it. □�[V P n] Traditional Spanish food is delicious and its specialities are worth searching out. □�[V n P ] Many people want jobs. They try to search them out every day.

sea rch en|gine (search engines ) N‑COUNT A search engine is a computer program that searches for documents containing a particular word or words on the internet. [COMPUTING ]

search|er /sɜː r tʃə r / (searchers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Searchers are people who are looking for someone or something that is missing. □� Searchers have found three mountain climbers missing since Saturday.

2 N‑COUNT A searcher is someone who is trying to find something such as the truth or the answer to a problem. □�[+�after/for ] He's not a real searcher after truth.

search|ing /sɜː r tʃ I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A searching question or look is intended to discover the truth about something. □� They asked her some searching questions on moral philosophy and logic.

2 →�see also soul-searching

search|light /sɜː r tʃla I t/ (searchlights ) N‑COUNT A searchlight is a large powerful light that can be turned to shine a long way in any direction.

sea rch par|ty (search parties ) N‑COUNT A search party is an organized group of people who are searching for someone who is missing.

sea rch war|rant (search warrants ) N‑COUNT A search warrant is a special document that gives the police permission to search a house or other building. □� Officers armed with a search warrant entered the flat.

sear|ing /s I ə r I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Searing is used to indicate that something such as pain or heat is very intense. □� She woke to feel a searing pain in her feet.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A searing speech or piece of writing is very critical. □� �searing criticism.

sea|scape /siː ske I p/ (seascapes ) N‑COUNT A seascape is a painting or photograph of a scene at sea.

sea|shell /siː ʃel/ (seashells ) also sea shell N‑COUNT [usu pl] Seashells are the empty shells of small sea creatures.

sea|shore /siː ʃɔː r / (seashores ) N‑COUNT Theseashore is the part of a coast where the land slopes down into the sea. □� She takes her inspiration from shells and stones she finds on the seashore.

sea|sick /siː s I k/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is seasick when they are travelling in a boat, they vomit or feel sick because of the way the boat is moving. □� It was quite rough at times, and she was seasick. ●� sea|sick|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He was very prone to seasickness and already felt queasy.

sea|side /siː sa I d/ N‑SING [N n] You can refer to an area that is close to the sea, especially one where people go for their holidays, as the seaside . □� I went to spend a few days at the seaside. □� The town was Redcar, a seaside resort on the Cleveland coast.

sea|son ◆◆◆ /siː z ə n/ (seasons , seasoning , seasoned )

1 N‑COUNT The seasons are the main periods into which a year can be divided and which each have their own typical weather conditions. □� Autumn's my favourite season. □� �the only region of Brazil where all four seasons are clearly defined. □� �the rainy season.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use season to refer to the period during each year when a particular activity or event takes place. For example, the planting season is the period when a particular plant or crop is planted. □� �birds arriving for the breeding season.

3 N‑COUNT [n N , oft in/out of N ] You can use season to refer to the period when a particular fruit, vegetable, or other food is ready for eating and is widely available. □� The plum season is about to begin. □� Now British asparagus is in season.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use season to refer to a fixed period during each year when a particular sport is played. □� �the baseball season. □� It is his first race this season.

5 N‑COUNT A season is a period in which a play or show, or a series of plays or shows, is performed in one place. □� �a season of three new plays.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A seasonof films is several of them shown as a series because they are connected in some way. □�[+�of ] �a season of films by America's preeminent documentary maker, Ken Burns.

7 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in/out of N ] The holiday or vacation season is the time when most people have their holiday. □� �the peak holiday season. □� There are discos and clubs but these are often closed out of season.

8 VERB If you season food with salt, pepper, or spices, you add them to it in order to improve its flavour. □�[V n +�with ] Season the meat with salt and pepper. □�[V n] I believe in seasoning food before putting it on the table.

9 VERB [usu passive] If wood is seasoned , it is made suitable for making into furniture or for burning, usually by being allowed to dry out gradually. □�[be V -ed] Ensure that new wood has been seasoned.

10 →�see also seasoned , seasoning

11 PHRASE If a female animal is in season , she is in a state where she is ready to have sex. SYNONYMS season NOUN 2

period:This crisis might last for a long period of time.

time:It was a time of terrible uncertainty.

spell:There has been a long spell of dry weather.

sea|son|al /siː zən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] A seasonal factor, event, or change occurs during one particular time of the year. □� Seasonal variations need to be taken into account. ●� sea|son|al|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� The seasonally adjusted unemployment figures show a rise of twelve-hundred.

sea |son|al af|fe c|tive dis|or|der N‑UNCOUNT Seasonal affective disorder is a feeling of tiredness and sadness that some people have during the autumn and winter when there is very little sunshine. The abbreviation SAD is often used.

sea|soned /siː z ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use seasoned to describe a person who has a lot of experience of something. For example, a seasoned traveller is a person who has travelled a lot. □� He began acting with the confidence of a seasoned performer.

sea|son|ing /siː zən I ŋ/ (seasonings ) N‑VAR Seasoning is salt, pepper, or other spices that are added to food to improve its flavour. □� Mix the meat with the onion, carrot, and some seasoning.

sea |son tick|et (season tickets ) N‑COUNT A season ticket is a ticket that you can use repeatedly during a certain period, without having to pay each time. You can buy season tickets for things such as buses, trains, regular sporting events, or theatre performances. □� We went to renew our monthly season ticket.

seat ◆◆◇ /siː t/ (seats , seating , seated )

1 N‑COUNT A seat is an object that you can sit on, for example a chair. □� Stephen returned to his seat. □� Ann could remember sitting in the back seat of their car.

2 N‑COUNT The seat of a chair is the part that you sit on. □� The stool had a torn, red plastic seat.

3 VERB If you seatyourself somewhere, you sit down. [WRITTEN ] □�[V pron-refl] He waved towards a chair, and seated himself at the desk. □�[V -ed] �a portrait of one of his favourite models seated on an elegant sofa.

4 VERB A building or vehicle that seats a particular number of people has enough seats for that number. □�[V amount] The theatre seats 570.

5 N‑SING Theseatof a piece of clothing is the part that covers your bottom. □�[+�of ] Then he got up and brushed off the seat of his jeans.

6 N‑COUNT When someone is elected to a parliament, congress, or senate, you can say that they, or their party, have won a seat . □� Independent candidates won the majority of seats on the local council. □� �a Maryland Republican who lost his seat.

7 N‑COUNT If someone has a seat on the board of a company or on a committee, they are a member of it. □�[+�on ] He has been unsuccessful in his attempt to win a seat on the board of the company.

8 N‑COUNT The seat of an organization, a wealthy family, or an activity is its base. □�[+�of ] Gunfire broke out early this morning around the seat of government.

9 →�see also deep-seated , hot seat

10 PHRASE If you take a back seat , you allow other people to have all the power and to make all the decisions. □� You need to take a back seat and think about both past and future.

11 PHRASE If you take a seat , you sit down. [FORMAL ] □� 'Take a seat,' he said in a bored tone. □� Rachel smiled at him as they took their seats on opposite sides of the table.

12in the driving seat →�see driving seat

13by the seat of your pants →�see pants

sea t belt (seat belts ) also seatbelt N‑COUNT A seat belt is a strap attached to a seat in a car or an aircraft. You fasten it across your body in order to prevent yourself being thrown out of the seat if there is a sudden movement. □� The fact I was wearing a seat belt saved my life.

-seater /-siː tə r / (-seaters )

1 COMB -seater combines with numbers to form adjectives and nouns which indicate how many people something such as a car has seats for. □� �a three-seater sofa. □� The plane is an eight-seater with twin propellers.

2 →�see also all-seater

seat|ing /siː t I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the seats in a place as the seating . □�[+�for ] The stadium has been fitted with seating for over eighty thousand spectators.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] The seating at a public place or a formal occasion is the arrangement of where people will sit. □� She checked the seating arrangements before the guests filed into the dining-room.

sea t of lea rn|ing (seats of learning ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a university or a similar institution as a seat of learning . [WRITTEN ] □� �one department of that great seat of learning.

sea tur|tle (sea turtles ) N‑COUNT A sea turtle is a large reptile which has a thick shell covering its body and which lives in the sea most of the time. [AM ] in BRIT, use turtle

sea ur|chin (sea urchins ) N‑COUNT A sea urchin is a small round sea creature that has a hard shell covered with sharp points.

sea wall (sea walls ) N‑COUNT A sea wall is a wall built along the edge of the sea to stop the sea flowing over the land or destroying it. □� Cherbourg had a splendid harbour enclosed by a long sea wall.

sea|ward /siː wə r d/ The form seawards can also be used for meaning 1 . 1 ADV [ADV after v] Something that moves or faces seaward or seawards moves or faces in the direction of the sea or further out to sea. □� A barge was about a hundred yards away, waiting to return seaward. □� It faced seawards to the north.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The seaward side of something faces in the direction of the sea or further out to sea. □� The houses on the seaward side of the road were all in ruins.

sea wa|ter also seawater N‑UNCOUNT Sea water is salt water from the sea.

sea|weed /siː wiːd/ (seaweeds ) N‑VAR Seaweed is a plant that grows in the sea. There are many kinds of seaweed. □� �seaweed washed up on a beach.

sea|worthy /siː wɜː r �i/ ADJ A ship or boat which is seaworthy is fit to travel at sea. □� The ship was completely seaworthy. ●� sea|worthiness N‑UNCOUNT □� It didn't reach required standards of safety and seaworthiness.

se|bum /siː bəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sebum is an oily substance produced by glands in your skin.

sec /se k/ (secs ) N‑COUNT If you ask someone to wait a sec , you are asking them to wait for a very short time. [INFORMAL ] □� Can you just hang on a sec? □� Be with you in a sec.

sec. /se k/ (secs ) Sec. is a written abbreviation for second or seconds . □� Grete Waitz finished with a time of 2 hrs, 29 min., 30 sec.

seca|teurs /se kətɜː r z/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Secateurs are a gardening tool that look like a pair of strong, heavy scissors. Secateurs are used for cutting the stems of plants. [BRIT ] in AM, use pruning shears

se|cede /s I siː d/ (secedes , seceding , seceded ) VERB If a region or group secedesfrom the country or larger group to which it belongs, it formally becomes a separate country or stops being a member of the larger group. □�[V +�from ] Sectors of the Basque and Catalan populations would like to secede from Spain. □�[V ] On 20 August 1960 Senegal seceded.

se|ces|sion /s I se ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The secession of a region or group from the country or larger group to which it belongs is the action of formally becoming separate. □�[+�from ] Quebecers voted against secession from Canada.

se|ces|sion|ist /s I se ʃən I st/ (secessionists ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, N n] Secessionists are people who want their region or group to become separate from the country or larger group to which it belongs. □� �Lithuanian secessionists.

se|clud|ed /s I kluː d I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A secluded place is quiet and private. □� We were tucked away in a secluded corner of the room. □� We found a secluded beach a few miles further on.

se|clu|sion /s I kluː ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you are living inseclusion , you are in a quiet place away from other people. □� She lived in seclusion with her husband on their farm in Panama. □�[+�of ] They love the seclusion of their garden.

second

➊�PART OF A MINUTE

➋�COMING AFTER SOMETHING ELSE

➌�SENDING SOMEONE TO DO A JOB

➊ sec|ond ◆◆◆ /se kənd/ (seconds ) N‑COUNT A second is one of the sixty parts that a minute is divided into. People often say ' a second ' or ' seconds ' when they simply mean a very short time. □� For a few seconds nobody said anything. □� It only takes forty seconds. □� Her orbital speed must be a few hundred meters per second. □� Within seconds the other soldiers began firing too.

➋ sec|ond ◆◆◆ /se kənd/ (seconds , seconding , seconded )

→�Please look at categories 14 and 15 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ORD The second item in a series is the one that you count as number two. □� �the second day of his visit to Delhi. □� �their second child. □� My son just got married for the second time. □� She was the second of nine children. □� �King Charles the Second. □� Britain came second in the Prix St Georges Derby.

2 ORD Second is used before superlative adjectives to indicate that there is only one thing better or larger than the thing you are referring to. □� The party is still the second strongest in Italy. □� �the second-largest city in the United States.

3 ADV You say second when you want to make a second point or give a second reason for something. □� The soil is depleted first by crops grown in it and second by bacterial action.

4 N‑COUNT In Britain, an uppersecond is a good honours degree and a lowersecond is an average honours degree. □� I then went up to Lancaster University and got an upper second.

5 N‑PLURAL If you have seconds , you have a second helping of food. [INFORMAL ] □� There's seconds if you want them.

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Seconds are goods that are sold cheaply in shops because they have slight faults. □� It's a new shop selling discounted lines and seconds.

7 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The seconds of someone who is taking part in a boxing match or chess tournament are the people who assist and encourage them. □� He shouted to his seconds, 'I did it! I did it!'

8 VERB If you second a proposal in a meeting or debate, you formally express your agreement with it so that it can then be discussed or voted on. □�[V n] �Bryan Sutton, who seconded the motion against fox hunting. ●� sec|ond|er (seconders ) N‑COUNT □� Candidates need a proposer and seconder whose names are kept secret.

9 VERB If you second what someone has said, you say that you agree with them or say the same thing yourself. □�[V n] The Prime Minister seconded the call for discipline in a speech last week.

10 PHRASE If you experience something at second hand , you are told about it by other people rather than experiencing it yourself. □� Most of them had only heard of the massacre at second hand.

11 →�see also second-hand

12 PHRASE If you say that something is second to none , you are emphasizing that it is very good indeed or the best that there is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Our scientific research is second to none.

13 PHRASE If you say that something is second only to something else, you mean that only that thing is better or greater than it. □� As a major health risk, hepatitis is second only to tobacco.

14second nature →�see nature

15in the second place →�see place

➌ se|cond /s I kɒ nd/ (seconds , seconding , seconded ) VERB [usu passive] If you are seconded somewhere, you are sent there temporarily by your employer in order to do special duties. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed +�to ] Edwards was seconded to a radar research and training school near Holyhead. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Several hundred soldiers have been seconded to help farmers.

sec|ond|ary /se kəndri, [AM ] -deri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n, Also v-link ADJ to n] If you describe something as secondary , you mean that it is less important than something else. □� The street erupted in a huge explosion, with secondary explosions in the adjoining buildings. □� The actual damage to the brain cells is secondary to the damage caused to the blood supply.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Secondary diseases or infections happen as a result of another disease or infection that has already happened. □� He had kidney cancer, with secondary tumours in the brain and lungs.

3 ADJ Secondary education is given to pupils between the ages of 11 or 12 and 17 or 18. □� She went to a 'very minor' private school for the whole of her secondary education.

se c|ond|ary mo d|ern (secondary moderns ) N‑COUNT Secondary moderns were schools which existed until recently in Britain for children aged between about 11 and 16, where more attention was paid to practical skills and less to academic study than in a grammar school.

se c|ond|ary school (secondary schools ) N‑VAR A secondary school is a school for pupils between the ages of 11 or 12 and 17 or 18. □� She taught history at a secondary school.

se c|ond be st also second-best

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Second best is used to describe something that is not as good as the best thing of its kind but is better than all the other things of that kind. □� He put on his second-best suit.

2 ADJ You can use second best to describe something that you have to accept even though you would have preferred something else. □� He refused to settle for anything that was second best. ●�N‑SING Second best is also a noun. □� Oatmeal is a good second best.

se c|ond cha m|ber N‑SING The second chamber is one of the two groups that a parliament is divided into. In Britain, the second chamber is the House of Lords. In the United States, the second chamber can be either the Senate or the House of Representatives.

se c|ond chi ld|hood N‑SING If you say that an old person is in their second childhood , you mean that their mind is becoming weaker and that their behaviour is similar to that of a young child.

se cond-cla ss also second class

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone treats you as a second-class citizen, they treat you as if you are less valuable and less important than other people. □� Too many airlines treat our children as second-class citizens.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as second-class , you mean that it is of poor quality. □� It is unacceptable for any children to have to settle for a second-class education.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The second-class accommodation on a train or ship is the ordinary accommodation, which is cheaper and less comfortable than the first-class accommodation. □� He sat in the corner of a second-class carriage. □� �a second-class ticket. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Second class is also an adverb. □� I recently travelled second class from Pisa to Ventimiglia. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Second-class is second-class accommodation on a train or ship. □� In second class the fare is �85 one-way.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, second-class postage is the slower and cheaper type of postage. In the United States, second-class postage is the type of postage that is used for sending newspapers and magazines. □� �a second-class stamp. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Second class is also an adverb. □� They're going to send it second class.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, a second-class degree is a good university degree, but not as good as a first-class degree. □� A second-class honours degree is the minimum requirement.

se c|ond co m|ing N‑SING When Christians refer to the second coming , they mean the expected return to Earth of Jesus Christ.

se c|ond cou s|in (second cousins ) N‑COUNT Your second cousins are the children of your parents' first cousins. Compare first cousin .

se cond-degree

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In the United States, second-degree is used to describe crimes that are considered to be less serious than first-degree crimes. □� The judge reduced the charge to second-degree murder.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A second-degree burn is more severe than a first-degree burn but less severe than a third-degree burn. □� James Bell suffered second-degree burns in an explosion.

se cond-gue ss (second-guesses , second-guessing , second-guessed ) VERB If you try to second-guess something, you try to guess in advance what someone will do or what will happen. □�[V n] Editors and contributors are trying to second-guess the future. [Also V ]

se cond-ha nd

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Second-hand things are not new and have been owned by someone else. □� Buying a second-hand car can be a risky business. □� �a stack of second-hand books. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Second-hand is also an adverb. □� Far more boats are bought second-hand than are bought brand new.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A second-hand shop sells second-hand goods.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Second-hand stories, information, or opinions are those you learn about from other people rather than directly or from your own experience. □� The denunciation was made on the basis of second-hand information.

4at second hand →�see second ➋

se cond-in-comma nd also second in command N‑SING A second-in-command is someone who is next in rank to the leader of a group, and who has authority to give orders when the leader is not there. □� He was posted to Hong Kong as second-in-command of C Squadron.

se c|ond la n|guage (second languages ) N‑COUNT Someone's second language is a language which is not their native language but which they use at work or at school. □� Lucy teaches English as a second language.

se c|ond lieu|te n|ant (second lieutenants )

1 N‑COUNT A second lieutenant is an officer of low rank in the army. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A second lieutenant is an officer in the army, air force, or marines who ranks directly below a first lieutenant. [AM ]

sec|ond|ly /se kəndli/ ADV You say secondly when you want to make a second point or give a second reason for something. □� You need, firstly, a strong board of directors and secondly, an experienced staff.

se|cond|ment /s I kɒ ndmənt/ (secondments ) N‑VAR [oft on N ] Someone who is onsecondment from their normal employer has been sent somewhere else temporarily in order to do special duties. [BRIT ] □�[+�from/to ] We have two full-time secretaries, one of whom is on secondment from the navy.

se c|ond na me (second names ) N‑COUNT Someone's second name is their family name, or the name that comes after their first name and before their family name.

se c|ond opi n|ion (second opinions ) N‑COUNT If you get a second opinion , you ask another qualified person for their opinion about something such as your health. □� I would like a second opinion on my doctor's diagnosis.

se c|ond pe r|son N‑SING A statement in the second person is a statement about the person or people you are talking to. The subject of a statement like this is 'you'.

se cond-ra te ADJ If you describe something as second-rate , you mean that it is of poor quality. □� �second-rate restaurants. □� �another second-rate politician.

se c|ond si ght N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has second sight , you mean that they seem to have the ability to know or see things that are going to happen in the future, or are happening in a different place.

se c|ond stri ng also second-string N‑SING [oft N n] If you describe a person or thing as someone's second string , you mean that they are only used if another person or thing is not available. □� �a second-string team.

se c|ond thou ght (second thoughts )

1 N‑SING If you do something without a second thought , you do it without thinking about it carefully, usually because you do not have enough time or you do not care very much. □� This murderous lunatic could kill them both without a second thought. □� Roberto didn't give a second thought to borrowing $2,000 from him.

2 N‑PLURAL If you have second thoughtsabout a decision that you have made, you begin to doubt whether it was the best thing to do. □�[+�about ] I had never had second thoughts about my decision to leave the company.

3 PHRASE You can say on second thoughts or on second thought when you suddenly change your mind about something that you are saying or something that you have decided to do. □� 'Wait there!' Kathryn rose. 'No, on second thought, follow me.'

se c|ond wi nd N‑SING When you get your second wind , you become able to continue doing something difficult or energetic after you have been tired or out of breath. □� Finding a second wind, he rode away from his pursuers.

Se c|ond World Wa r N‑PROPER The Second World War is the major war that was fought between 1939 and 1945.

se|cre|cy /siː krəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] Secrecy is the act of keeping something secret, or the state of being kept secret. □� He shrouds his business dealings in secrecy.

se|cret ◆◆◇ /siː kr I t/ (secrets )

1 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If something is secret , it is known about by only a small number of people, and is not told or shown to anyone else. □� Soldiers have been training at a secret location. □� The police have been trying to keep the documents secret. ●� se|cret|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He wore a hidden microphone to secretly record conversations.

2 →�see also top secret

3 N‑COUNT A secret is a fact that is known by only a small number of people, and is not told to anyone else. □� I think he enjoyed keeping our love a secret.

4 N‑SING If you say that a particular way of doing things is the secretof achieving something, you mean that it is the best or only way to achieve it. □�[+�of ] The secret of success is honesty and fair dealing.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft with poss] Something's secrets are the things about it which have never been fully explained. □�[+�of ] We have an opportunity now to really unlock the secrets of the universe.

6 PHRASE If you do something in secret , you do it without anyone else knowing. □� Dan found out that I had been meeting my ex-boyfriend in secret.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone can keep a secret , you mean that they can be trusted not to tell other people a secret that you have told them. □� Tom was utterly indiscreet, and could never keep a secret.

8 PHRASE If you make no secret of something, you tell others about it openly and clearly. □�[+�of ] He made no secret of his ambition to have a great career . COLLOCATIONS secret NOUN

3

noun +�secret : family, state

adjective +�secret : guilty, shameful, terrible; innermost, intimate; official

verb +�secret : guard, harbour, hide, keep; betray, discover, reveal, share

5

adjective +�secret : dark, hidden

verb +�secret : learn, uncover, unlock

se |cret a gent (secret agents ) N‑COUNT A secret agent is a person who is employed by a government to find out the secrets of other governments.

sec|re|tar|ial /se krəteə riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Secretarial work is the work done by a secretary in an office. □� I was doing temporary secretarial work.

sec|re|tari|at /se krəteə ri�t/ (secretariats ) N‑COUNT A secretariat is a department that is responsible for the administration of an international political organization. □� �the U.N. secretariat.

sec|re|tary ◆◆◆ /se krətri, [AM ] -teri/ (secretaries )

1 N‑COUNT A secretary is a person who is employed to do office work, such as typing letters, answering phone calls, and arranging meetings.

2 N‑COUNT The secretary of an organization such as a trade union, a political party, or a club is its official manager. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] My grandfather was secretary of the Scottish Miners' Union.

3 N‑COUNT The secretary of a company is the person who has the legal duty of keeping the company's records.

4 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Secretary is used in the titles of ministers and officials who are in charge of main government departments. □� �the British Foreign Secretary. □� �the former US Defense Secretary.

se cretary-ge neral ◆◇◇ (secretaries-general ) also Secretary General N‑COUNT Thesecretary-general of an international political organization is the person in charge of its administration. □� �the United Nations Secretary-General.

Se c|re|tary of Sta te ◆◇◇ (Secretaries of State )

1 N‑COUNT In the United States, the Secretary of State is the head of the government department which deals with foreign affairs.

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, the Secretary of State for a particular government department is the head of that department. □�[+�for ] �the Secretary of State for Education.

se|crete /s I kriː t/ (secretes , secreting , secreted )

1 VERB If part of a plant, animal, or human secretes a liquid, it produces it. □�[V n] The sweat glands secrete water.

2 VERB If you secrete something somewhere, you hide it there so that nobody will find it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n prep/adv] She secreted the gun in the kitchen cabinet.

se|cre|tion /s I kriː ʃ ə n/ (secretions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Secretion is the process by which certain liquid substances are produced by parts of plants or from the bodies of people or animals. □�[+�of ] �the secretion of adrenaline. □� �insulin secretion.

2 N‑PLURAL Secretions are liquid substances produced by parts of plants or bodies. □� �gastric secretions.

se|cre|tive /siː krət I v, s I kriː t-/ ADJ If you are secretive , you like to have secrets and to keep your knowledge, feelings, or intentions hidden. □�[+�about ] Billionaires are usually fairly secretive about the exact amount that they're worth. ●� se|cre|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� �a banknote handed over secretively in the entrance to a building. ●� se|cre|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He was evasive, to the point of secretiveness.

se |cret po|li ce N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Thesecret police is a police force in some countries that works secretly and deals with political crimes committed against the government.

se |cret se r|vice (secret services )

1 N‑COUNT A country's secret service is a secret government department whose job is to find out enemy secrets and to prevent its own government's secrets from being discovered.

2 N‑COUNT Thesecret service is the government department in the United States which protects the president. [AM ]

se |cret wea p|on (secret weapons ) N‑COUNT Someone's secret weapon is a thing or person which they believe will help them achieve something and which other people do not know about. □� Discipline was the new coach's secret weapon.

sect /se kt/ (sects ) N‑COUNT A sect is a group of people that has separated from a larger group and has a particular set of religious or political beliefs.

sec|tar|ian /sekteə riən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sectarian means resulting from the differences between different religions. □� He was the fifth person to be killed in sectarian violence.

sec|tari|an|ism /sekteə riən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sectarianism is strong support for the religious or political group you belong to, and often involves conflict with other groups. □� �political rivalry and sectarianism within our movement.

sec|tion ◆◆◇ /se kʃ ə n/ (sections , sectioning , sectioned )

1 N‑COUNT A section of something is one of the parts into which it is divided or from which it is formed. □�[+�of ] He acknowledged that his family belonged to a section of society known as 'the idle rich'. □� They moulded a complete new bow section for the boat. □� �a large orchestra, with a vast percussion section. □� �the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C.

2 →�see also cross-section

3 VERB [usu passive] If something is sectioned , it is divided into sections. □�[be V -ed] It holds vegetables in place while they are being peeled or sectioned.

4 N‑COUNT A section of an official document such as a report, law, or constitution is one of the parts into which it is divided. □�[+�of ] �section 14 of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

5 N‑COUNT A section is a diagram of something such as a building or a part of the body. It shows how the object would appear to you if it were cut from top to bottom and looked at from the side. □� For some buildings a vertical section is more informative than a plan.

6Caesarean section →�see Caesarean

▸� section off PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If an area is sectioned off , it is separated by a wall, fence, or other barrier from the surrounding area. □�[be V -ed P ] The kitchen is sectioned off from the rest of the room by a half wall. [Also V n P , V P n]

sec|tion|al /se kʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sectional interests are those of a particular group within a community or country. □� He criticized the selfish attitude of certain sectional interests.

sec|tor ◆◆◇ /se ktə r / (sectors )

1 N‑COUNT A particular sector of a country's economy is the part connected with that specified type of industry. □� �the nation's manufacturing sector.

2 →�see also private sector , public sector

3 N‑COUNT A sector of a large group is a smaller group which is part of it. □�[+�of ] The pitfalls of mass immigration disproportionately affect the poorest sector of the population.

4 N‑COUNT A sector is an area of a city or country which is controlled by a military force. □�[+�of ] Officers were going to retake sectors of the city.

5 N‑COUNT A sector is a part of a circle which is formed when you draw two straight lines from the centre of the circle to the edge. [TECHNICAL ]

sec|tor|al /se ktər ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sectoral means relating to the various economic sectors of a society or to a particular economic sector. [TECHNICAL ] □� �sectoral differences within social classes.

secu|lar /se kjʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use secular to describe things that have no connection with religion. □� He spoke about preserving the country as a secular state.

secu|lar|ism /se kjʊlər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Secularism is a system of social organization and education where religion is not allowed to play a part in civil affairs. ●� secu|lar|ist (secularists ) N‑COUNT □� The country is being torn to pieces by conflict between fundamentalists and secularists.

secu|lar|ized /se kjʊləra I zd/ in BRIT, also use secularised ADJ Secularized societies are no longer under the control or influence of religion. □� The Pope had no great sympathy for the secularized West.

se|cure ◆◆◇ /s I kjʊə r / (secures , securing , secured )

1 VERB If you secure something that you want or need, you obtain it, often after a lot of effort. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Federal leaders continued their efforts to secure a ceasefire. □�[V n n] Graham's achievements helped secure him the job. [Also V n +�for ]

2 VERB If you secure a place, you make it safe from harm or attack. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Staff withdrew from the main part of the prison but secured the perimeter.

3 ADJ A secure place is tightly locked or well protected, so that people cannot enter it or leave it. □� We shall make sure our home is as secure as possible from now on. ●� se|cure|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He locked the heavy door securely and kept the key in his pocket.

4 VERB If you secure an object, you fasten it firmly to another object. □�[V n] He helped her close the cases up, and then he secured the canvas straps.

5 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If an object is secure , it is fixed firmly in position. □� Check joints are secure and the wood is sound. ●� se|cure|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Ensure that the frame is securely fixed to the ground with bolts.

6 ADJ If you describe something such as a job as secure , it is certain not to change or end. □� �trade union demands for secure wages and employment. □� �the failure of financial institutions once thought to be secure.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A secure base or foundation is strong and reliable. □� He was determined to give his family a secure and solid base.

8 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel secure , you feel safe and happy and are not worried about life. □� She felt secure and protected when she was with him.

9 VERB [usu passive] If a loan is secured , the person who lends the money may take property such as a house from the person who borrows the money if they fail to repay it. [BUSINESS ] □�[be V -ed adv/prep] The loan is secured against your home. □�[V -ed] His main task is to raise enough finance to repay secured loans. SYNONYMS secure VERB

1

obtain:Evans was trying to obtain a false passport and other documents.

get:I got a job at the sawmill.

acquire:I recently acquired some wood from a holly tree.

4

attach:We attach labels to things before we file them away.

stick:Don't forget to clip the token and stick it on your card.

fix:The cupboard is fixed on the wall.

fasten:There were no instructions on how to fasten the carrying strap to the box.

se|cu re u nit (secure units ) N‑COUNT A secure unit is a building or part of a building where dangerous prisoners or violent psychiatric patients are kept. □� �the secure unit at Cane Hill hospital.

se|cu|rity ◆◆◆ /s I kjʊə r I ti/ (securities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Security refers to all the measures that are taken to protect a place, or to ensure that only people with permission enter it or leave it. □� They are now under a great deal of pressure to tighten their airport security. □� Strict security measures are in force in the capital.

2 N‑UNCOUNT A feeling of security is a feeling of being safe and free from worry. □�[+�of ] He loves the security of a happy home life. ●�PHRASE If something gives you a false sense of security , it makes you believe that you are safe when you are not. □� Wearing helmets gave cyclists a false sense of security and encouraged them to take risks.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If something is security for a loan, you promise to give that thing to the person who lends you money, if you fail to pay the money back. [BUSINESS ] □� The central bank will provide special loans, and the banks will pledge the land as security.

4 N‑PLURAL Securities are stocks, shares, bonds, or other certificates that you buy in order to earn regular interest from them or to sell them later for a profit. [BUSINESS ] □� �U.S. government securities and bonds.

5 →�see also social security COLLOCATIONS security NOUN 1

noun +�security : airport, border, state

adjective +�security : national, maximum, top; lax, tight

verb +�security : guarantee, improve, tighten

se|cu |rity blan|ket (security blankets )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a security blanket , you mean that it provides someone with a feeling of safety and comfort when they are in a situation that worries them or makes them feel nervous. □�[+�of ] Alan sings with shy intensity, hiding behind the security blanket of his guitar.

2 N‑COUNT A baby's security blanket is a piece of cloth or clothing which the baby holds and chews in order to feel comforted.

se|cu |rity cam|era (security cameras ) N‑COUNT A security camera is a video camera that records people's activities in order to detect and prevent crime.

Se|cu |rity Coun|cil ◆◇◇ N‑PROPER The Security Council is the committee which governs the United Nations. It has permanent representatives from the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, and temporary representatives from some other countries.

se|cu |rity guard (security guards ) N‑COUNT A security guard is someone whose job is to protect a building or to collect and deliver large amounts of money.

se|cu |rity risk (security risks ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a security risk , you mean that they may be a threat to the safety of a country or organization.

se|dan /s I d� n/ (sedans ) N‑COUNT A sedan is a car with seats for four or more people, a fixed roof, and a boot that is separate from the part of the car that you sit in. [AM ] in BRIT, use saloon

se|da n chai r (sedan chairs ) N‑COUNT A sedan chair is an enclosed chair for one person carried on two poles by two men, one in front and one behind. Sedan chairs were used in the 17th and 18th centuries.

se|date /s I de I t/ (sedates , sedating , sedated )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as sedate , you mean that they are quiet and rather dignified, though perhaps a bit dull. □� She took them to visit her sedate, elderly cousins. ●� se|date|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �sedately dressed in business suit with waistcoat.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you move along at a sedate pace, you move slowly, in a controlled way. □� We set off again at a more sedate pace. ●� se|date|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He pulled sedately out of the short driveway.

3 VERB If someone is sedated , they are given a drug to calm them or to make them sleep. □�[be V -ed] The patient is sedated with intravenous use of sedative drugs. □�[V n] Doctors sedated me and I fell into a deep sleep. ●� se|dat|ed ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� Grace was asleep, lightly sedated.

se|da|tion /s I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft under N ] If someone is undersedation , they have been given medicine or drugs in order to calm them or make them sleep. □� His mother was under sedation after the boy's body was brought back home.

seda|tive /se dət I v/ (sedatives )

1 N‑COUNT A sedative is a medicine or drug that calms you or makes you sleep. □� They use opium as a sedative, rather than as a narcotic.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that has a sedative effect calms you or makes you sleep. □� Amber bath oil has a sedative effect.

sed|en|tary /se dəntəri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has a sedentary lifestyle or job sits down a lot of the time and does not take much exercise. □� Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease.

sedge /se dʒ/ (sedges ) N‑VAR Sedge is a plant that looks like grass and grows in wet ground.

sedi|ment /se d I mənt/ (sediments ) N‑VAR Sediment is solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid, especially earth and pieces of rock that have been carried along and then left somewhere by water, ice, or wind. □� Many organisms that die in the sea are soon buried by sediment.

sedi|men|tary /se d I me ntəri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sedimentary rocks are formed from sediment left by water, ice, or wind.

se|di|tion /s I d I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Sedition is speech, writing, or behaviour intended to encourage people to fight against or oppose the government. □� Government officials charged him with sedition.

se|di|tious /s I d I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A seditious act, speech, or piece of writing encourages people to fight against or oppose the government. □� He fell under suspicion for distributing seditious pamphlets.

se|duce /s I djuː s, [AM ] -duː s/ (seduces , seducing , seduced )

1 VERB If something seduces you, it is so attractive that it makes you do something that you would not otherwise do. □�[V n] The view of lake and plunging cliffs seduces visitors. □�[V n +�into ] Clever advertising would seduce more people into smoking. ●� se|duc|tion /s I dʌ kʃ ə n/ (seductions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The country had resisted the seductions of mass tourism.

2 VERB If someone seduces another person, they use their charm to persuade that person to have sex with them. □�[V n] She has set out to seduce Stephen. ●� se|duc|tion N‑VAR □� Her methods of seduction are subtle.

se|duc|er /s I djuː sə r , [AM ] -duː s-/ (seducers ) N‑COUNT A seducer is someone, usually a man, who seduces someone else. □�[+�of ] He is proud of his reputation as a seducer of young women.

se|duc|tive /s I dʌ kt I v/

1 ADJ Something that is seductive is very attractive or makes you want to do something that you would not otherwise do. □� It's a seductive argument. ●� se|duc|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� �his seductively simple assertion.

2 ADJ A person who is seductive is very attractive sexually. □� �a seductive woman. ●� se|duc|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� She was looking seductively over her shoulder.

se|duc|tress /s I dʌ ktrəs/ (seductresses ) N‑COUNT A seductress is a woman who seduces someone. □� Few males can resist a self-confident seductress.

see ◆◆◆ /siː / (sees , seeing , saw , seen )

1 VERB [no cont] When you see something, you notice it using your eyes. □�[V n] You can't see colours at night. □�[V n v-ing] I saw a man making his way towards me. □�[V ] She can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. □�[V that] As he neared the farm, he saw that a police car was parked outside it. □�[V wh] Did you see what happened?

2 VERB If you see someone, you visit them or meet them. □�[V n] Mick wants to see you in his office right away. □�[V n] You need to see a doctor.

3 VERB [no cont] If you see an entertainment such as a play, film, concert, or sports game, you watch it. □�[V n] He had been to see a Semi-Final of the FA Cup. □�[V n] It was one of the most amazing films I've ever seen.

4 VERB [no cont] If you see that something is true or exists, you realize by observing it that it is true or exists. □�[V that] I could see she was lonely. □�[V wh] A lot of people saw what was happening but did nothing about it. □�[V n v-ing] You see young people going to school inadequately dressed for the weather. □�[V ] My taste has changed a bit over the years as you can see. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The army must be seen to be taking firm action.

5 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you see what someone means or see why something happened, you understand what they mean or understand why it happened. □�[V wh] Oh, I see what you're saying. □�[V n] I really don't see any reason for changing it. □�[V that] Now I see that I was wrong.

6 VERB If you see someone or something as a certain thing, you have the opinion that they are that thing. □�[V n +�as ] She saw him as a visionary, but her father saw him as a man who couldn't make a living. □�[V n +�as ] Others saw it as a betrayal. □�[V n +�as ] I don't see it as my duty to take sides. □�[V it ] As I see it, Llewelyn has three choices open to him. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Women are sometimes seen to be less effective as managers.

7 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you see a particular quality in someone, you believe they have that quality. If you ask what someone seesin a particular person or thing, you want to know what they find attractive about that person or thing. □�[V n +�in ] Frankly, I don't know what Paul sees in her. □�[V +�in ] Young and old saw in him an implacable opponent of apartheid.

8 VERB [no cont] If you see something happening in the future, you imagine it, or predict that it will happen. □�[V n v-ing] A good idea, but can you see Taylor trying it? □�[V n] We can see a day where all people live side by side.

9 VERB [no passive] If a period of time or a person sees a particular change or event, it takes place during that period of time or while that person is alive. □�[V n] Yesterday saw the resignation of the acting Interior Minister. □�[V n inf] He had worked with the consultant for three years and was sorry to see him go. □�[V n -ed] Mr Frank has seen the economy of his town slashed by the uprising.

10 VERB You can use see in expressions to do with finding out information. For example, if you say ' I'll see what's happening ', you mean that you intend to find out what is happening. □�[V wh] Let me just see what the next song is. □�[V if] Shake him gently to see if he responds.

11 VERB You can use see to promise to try and help someone. For example, if you say ' I'll see if I can do it ', you mean that you will try to do the thing concerned. □�[V if] I'll see if I can call her for you. □�[V wh] We'll see what we can do, miss.

12 VERB If you seethat something is done or if you seeto it that it is done, you make sure that it is done. □�[V that] See that you take care of him. □�[V to it that] Catherine saw to it that the information went directly to Walter.

13 VERB If you see someone to a particular place, you accompany them to make sure that they get there safely, or to show politeness. □�[V n prep/adv] He didn't offer to see her to her car. □�[V n prep/adv] 'Goodnight.'�'I'll see you out.'

14 VERB If you see a lot of someone, you often meet each other or visit each other. □�[V amount +�of ] We used to see quite a lot of his wife, Carolyn.

15 VERB If you are seeing someone, you spend time with them socially, and are having a romantic or sexual relationship. □�[V n] I was seeing her but I wasn't her committed boyfriend.

16 VERB Some writers use see in expressions such as we saw and as we have seen to refer to something that has already been explained or described. □�[V wh] We saw in Chapter 16 how annual cash budgets are produced. □�[V that] Using the figures given above, it can be seen that machine A pays back the initial investment in two years.

17 VERB See is used in books to indicate to readers that they should look at another part of the book, or at another book, because more information is given there. □�[V n] See Chapter 7 below for further comments on the textile industry.

18 PHRASE You can use seeing that or seeing as to introduce a reason for what you are saying. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� Seeing as this man is a doctor, I would assume he has a modicum of intelligence.

19 CONVENTION You can say ' I see ' to indicate that you understand what someone is telling you. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'He came home in my car.'�'I see.'

20 CONVENTION People say ' I'll see ' or ' We'll see ' to indicate that they do not intend to make a decision immediately, and will decide later. □� We'll see. It's a possibility.

21 CONVENTION People say ' let me see ' or ' let's see ' when they are trying to remember something, or are trying to find something. □� Let's see, they're six�no, make that five�hours ahead of us. □� Now let me see, who's the man we want?

22 PHRASE If you try to make someone see sense or see reason , you try to make them realize that they are wrong or are being stupid. □� He was hopeful that by sitting together they could both see sense and live as good neighbours.

23 CONVENTION You can say ' you see ' when you are explaining something to someone, to encourage them to listen and understand. [SPOKEN ] □� Well, you see, you shouldn't really feel that way about it.

24 CONVENTION ' See you ', ' be seeing you ', and ' see you later ' are ways of saying goodbye to someone when you expect to meet them again soon. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'Talk to you later.'�'All right. See you love.'

25 CONVENTION You can say ' You'll see ' to someone if they do not agree with you about what you think will happen in the future, and you believe that you will be proved right. □� The thrill wears off after a few years of marriage. You'll see.

26to have seen better days →�see day

27to be seen dead →�see dead

28as far as the eye can see →�see eye

29to see eye to eye →�see eye

30as far as I can see →�see far

31to see fit →�see fit ➊

32to see red →�see red

33it remains to be seen →�see remain

34wait and see →�see wait

▸� see about PHRASAL VERB When you see about something, you arrange for it to be done or provided. □�[V P n] Tony announced it was time to see about lunch. □�[V P v-ing] I must see about selling the house.

▸� see off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you see off an opponent, you defeat them. [BRIT ] □�[V P n] There is no reason why they cannot see off the Republican challenge. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB When you see someone off , you go with them to the station, airport, or port that they are leaving from, and say goodbye to them there. □�[V n P ] Dad had planned a steak dinner for himself after seeing Mum off on her plane. [Also V P n (not pron)]

▸� see through

1 PHRASAL VERB If you see through someone or their behaviour, you realize what their intentions are, even though they are trying to hide them. □�[V P n] I saw through your little ruse from the start.

2 →�see also see-through

▸� see to PHRASAL VERB If you see to something that needs attention, you deal with it. □�[V P n] While Franklin saw to the luggage, Sara took Eleanor home. USAGE see

If you are talking about the present, you usually use can see . Don�t say � I see the sea �. Also, don�t use see in progressive forms. Don�t say � I am seeing the sea �. Say �I can see the sea�. □� I could see someone approaching in the distance.

seed ◆◆◇ /siː d/ (seeds , seeding , seeded )

1 N‑VAR A seed is the small, hard part of a plant from which a new plant grows. □� I sow the seed in pots of soil-based compost. □� �sunflower seeds.

2 VERB If you seed a piece of land, you plant seeds in it. □�[V n] Men mowed the wide lawns and seeded them. □�[V pron-refl] The primroses should begin to seed themselves down the steep hillside. □�[V -ed] �his newly seeded lawns.

3 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the seeds of something when you want to talk about the beginning of a feeling or process that gradually develops and becomes stronger or more important. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] He raised questions meant to plant seeds of doubts in the minds of jurors.

4 N‑COUNT In sports such as tennis or badminton, a seed is a player who has been ranked according to his or her ability. □� �He is Wimbledon's top seed and the world No.1.

5 VERB [usu passive] When a player or a team is seeded in a sports competition, they are ranked according to their ability. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] In the UEFA Cup the top 16 sides are seeded for the first round. □�[V -ed ord] He could be seeded second at the French Open. □�[V -ed] The top four seeded nations are through to the semi-finals.

6 PHRASE If vegetable plants go to seed or run to seed , they produce flowers and seeds as well as leaves. □� If unused, winter radishes run to seed in spring.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone or something has gone to seed or has run to seed , you mean that they have become much less attractive, healthy, or efficient. □� He was a big man in his forties; once he had a lot of muscle but now he was running to seed.

seed|bed /siː dbed/ (seedbeds ) also seed-bed

1 N‑COUNT A seedbed is an area of ground, usually with specially prepared earth, where young plants are grown from seed.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a place or a situation as a seedbed when it seems likely that a particular type of thing or person will develop in that place or situation. □�[+�for/of ] TV is using radio as a seedbed for ideas.

see d capi|tal N‑UNCOUNT Seed capital is an amount of money that a new company needs to pay for the costs of producing a business plan so that they can raise further capital to develop the company. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�for ] I am negotiating with financiers to raise seed capital for my latest venture.

see d corn N‑UNCOUNT Seed corn is money that businesses spend at the beginning of a project in the hope that it will eventually produce profits. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� The scheme offers seed corn finance with loans at only 4% interest.

seed|less /siː dləs/ ADJ A seedless fruit has no seeds in it. □� �seedless grapes.

seed|ling /siː dl I ŋ/ (seedlings ) N‑COUNT A seedling is a young plant that has been grown from a seed.

see d mon|ey N‑UNCOUNT Seed money is money that is given to someone to help them start a new business or project. [BUSINESS ]

seedy /siː di/ (seedier , seediest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or place as seedy , you disapprove of them because they look dirty and untidy, or they have a bad reputation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Frank ran dodgy errands for a seedy local villain. □� We were staying in a seedy hotel close to the red light district. ●� seedi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the atmosphere of seediness and decay about the city.

see ing-e ye dog (seeing-eye dogs ) also Seeing Eye dog , seeing eye dog N‑COUNT A seeing-eye dog is a dog that has been trained to lead a blind person. [AM ] in BRIT, use guide dog

seek ◆◇◇ /siː k/ (seeks , seeking , sought )

1 VERB If you seek something such as a job or a place to live, you try to find one. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They have had to seek work as labourers. □�[V n] Four people who sought refuge in the Italian embassy have left voluntarily. □�[be V -ed +�for ] Candidates are urgently sought for the post of Conservative Party chairman.

2 VERB When someone seeks something, they try to obtain it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The prosecutors have warned they will seek the death penalty. □�[V n] Haemophiliacs are seeking compensation for being given contaminated blood.

3 VERB If you seek someone's help or advice, you contact them in order to ask for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Always seek professional legal advice before entering into any agreement. □�[V n +�from ] The couple have sought help from marriage guidance counsellors.

4 VERB If you seekto do something, you try to do it. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] He also denied that he would seek to annex the country.

▸� seek out PHRASAL VERB If you seek out someone or something or seek them out , you keep looking for them until you find them. □�[V P n] Now is the time for local companies to seek out business opportunities overseas. □�[V n P ] Ellen spent the day in the hills and sought me out when she returned. SYNONYMS seek VERB 1

look:I had gone to Maine looking for a place to work.

search:They searched for a spot where they could sit on the floor.

hunt:A forensic team was hunting for clues.

seek|er /siː kə r / (seekers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu n N ] A seeker is someone who is looking for or trying to get something. □� I am a seeker after truth. □� The beaches draw sun-seekers from all over Europe.

2 →�see also asylum seeker , job seeker

seem ◆◆◆ /siː m/ (seems , seeming , seemed )

1 V‑LINK [no cont] You use seem to say that someone or something gives the impression of having a particular quality, or of happening in the way you describe. □�[V adj] We heard a series of explosions. They seemed quite close by. □�[V adj] Everyone seems busy except us. □�[V n] To everyone who knew them, they seemed an ideal couple. □�[V n] �50 seems a lot to pay. □�[V to-inf] The calming effect seemed to last for about ten minutes. □�[V prep] It was a record that seemed beyond reach. □�[V -ed] The proposal seems designed to break opposition to the government's economic programme. □�[V that] It seems that the attack this morning was very carefully planned to cause few casualties. □�[V adj that] It seems clear that he has no reasonable alternative. □�[V as if] It seemed as if she'd been gone forever. □�[V to-inf] There seems to be a lot of support in Congress for this move. □�[V n] There seems no possibility that such action can be averted. □�[V ] This phenomenon is not as outrageous as it seems.

2 V‑LINK [no cont] You use seem when you are describing your own feelings or thoughts, or describing something that has happened to you, in order to make your statement less forceful. [VAGUENESS ] □�[V to-inf] I seem to have lost all my self-confidence. □�[V to-inf] I seem to remember giving you very precise instructions. □�[V to-inf] Excuse me, I seem to be a little bit lost.

3 PHRASE If you say that you cannot seem or could not seemto do something, you mean that you have tried to do it and were unable to. □� No matter how hard I try I cannot seem to catch up on all the bills.

4 →�see also seeming SYNONYMS seem VERB 1

appear:The aircraft appears to have crashed near Katmandu.

look:They look like stars to the naked eye.

come across:When sober he can come across as an extremely pleasant young man.

seem|ing /siː m I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Seeming means appearing to be the case, but not necessarily the case. For example, if you talk about someone's seeming ability to do something, you mean that they appear to be able to do it, but you are not certain. [FORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □� Wall Street analysts have been highly critical of the company's seeming inability to control costs.

seem|ing|ly /siː m I ŋli/

1 ADV [ADV adj/adv] If something is seemingly the case, you mean that it appears to be the case, even though it may not really be so. □� A seemingly endless line of trucks waits in vain to load up.

2 ADV [ADV before v] You use seemingly when you want to say that something seems to be true. [VAGUENESS ] □� He has moved to Spain, seemingly to enjoy a slower style of life.

seem|ly /siː mli/ ADJ Seemly behaviour or dress is appropriate in the particular circumstances. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Self-assertion was not thought seemly in a woman.

seen /siː n/ Seen is the past participle of see .

seep /siː p/ (seeps , seeping , seeped )

1 VERB If something such as liquid or gas seeps somewhere, it flows slowly and in small amounts into a place where it should not go. □�[V prep/adv] Radioactive water had seeped into underground reservoirs. □�[V prep/adv] The gas is seeping out of the rocks. ●�N‑COUNT Seep is also a noun. □� �an oil seep.

2 VERB If something such as secret information or an unpleasant emotion seeps somewhere, it comes out gradually. □�[V prep/adv] �the tide of racism which is sweeping Europe seeps into Britain.

seep|age /siː p I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Seepage is the slow flow of a liquid through something. □� Chemical seepage has caused untold damage.

seer /siː ə r / (seers ) N‑COUNT A seer is a person who tells people what will happen in the future. [LITERARY ] □� �the writings of the 16th-century French seer, Nostradamus.

see|saw /siː sɔː/ (seesaws , seesawing , seesawed ) also see-saw

1 N‑COUNT A seesaw is a long board which is balanced on a fixed part in the middle. To play on it, a child sits on each end, and when one end goes up, the other goes down. □� There was a sandpit, a seesaw and a swing in the playground.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In a seesaw situation, something continually changes from one state to another and back again. □� �a seesaw price situation. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Seesaw is also a noun. □� Marriage, however, is an emotional seesaw.

3 VERB If someone's emotions see-saw , or a particular situation see-saws , they continually change from one state to another and back again. □�[V ] The Tokyo stock market see-sawed up and down.

seethe /siː �/ (seethes , seething , seethed )

1 VERB When you are seething , you are very angry about something but do not express your feelings about it. □�[V ] She took it calmly at first but under the surface was seething. □�[V +�with ] She grinned derisively while I seethed with rage. □�[V at ] He is seething at all the bad press he is getting. □�[V -ing] �a seething anger fuelled by decades of political oppression.

2 VERB If you say that a place is seethingwith people or things, you are emphasizing that it is very full of them and that they are all moving about. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�with ] The forest below him seethed and teemed with life. □�[V -ing] Madrigueras station was a seething mass of soldiers. [Also V ]

see -through ADJ [usu ADJ n] See-through clothes are made of thin cloth, so that you can see a person's body or underwear through them.

seg|ment ◆◇◇ (segments , segmenting , segmented ) The noun is pronounced /se gmənt/. The verb is pronounced /segme nt/. 1 N‑COUNT A segment of something is one part of it, considered separately from the rest. □�[+�of ] �the poorer segments of society. □�[+�of ] �the third segment of his journey.

2 N‑COUNT A segment of fruit such as an orange or grapefruit is one of the sections into which it is easily divided.

3 N‑COUNT A segment of a circle is one of the two parts into which it is divided when you draw a straight line through it.

4 N‑COUNT A segment of a market is one part of it, considered separately from the rest. □�[+�of ] Three-to-five day cruises are the fastest-growing segment of the market. □� Women's tennis is the market leader in a growing market segment�women's sports.

5 VERB If a company segments a market, it divides it into separate parts, usually in order to improve marketing opportunities. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n +�into ] The big multinational companies can segment the world markets into national ones. SYNONYMS segment NOUN 1

section:�a geological section of a rock.

part:It was a very severe accident and he lost part of his foot.

piece:�a piece of cake.

seg|men|ta|tion /se gmente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Segmentation is the dividing of something into parts which are loosely connected. [TECHNICAL ]

seg|ment|ed /segme nt I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Segmented means divided into parts that are loosely connected to each other. □� �segmented oranges.

seg|re|gate /se gr I ge I t/ (segregates , segregating , segregated ) VERB To segregate two groups of people or things means to keep them physically apart from each other. □�[V n] Police segregated the two rival camps of protesters. □�[V n prep] They segregate you from the rest of the community.

seg|re|gat|ed /se gr I ge I t I d/ ADJ Segregated buildings or areas are kept for the use of one group of people who are the same race, sex, or religion, and no other group is allowed to use them. □� �racially segregated schools. □� John grew up in Baltimore when that city was segregated.

seg|re|ga|tion /se gr I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Segregation is the official practice of keeping people apart, usually people of different sexes, races, or religions. □� Racial segregation in schools was ruled unconstitutional.

seg|re|ga|tion|ist /se gr I ge I ʃən I st/ (segregationists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A segregationist is someone who thinks people of different races should be kept apart. □� �a segregationist on the far Right.

segue /se gwe I / (segues , segueing , segued ) VERB If something such as a piece of music or conversation segues into another piece of music or conversation, it changes into it or is followed by it without a break. □�[V +�into ] The piece segues into his solo with the strings. [Also V from n, V ] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Segue is also a noun. □�[+�into ] �a neat segue into an arrangement of 'Eleanor Rigby'.

seis|mic /sa I zm I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Seismic means caused by or relating to an earthquake. □� Earthquakes produce two types of seismic waves.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A seismic shift or change is a very sudden or dramatic change. □� I have never seen such a seismic shift in public opinion in such a short period of time.

seis|mo|graph /sa I zməgrɑːf, -gr�f/ (seismographs ) N‑COUNT A seismograph is an instrument for recording and measuring the strength of earthquakes.

seis|mol|ogy /sa I zmɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes. ●� seis|mo|logi|cal ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �the Seismological Society of America. ●� seis|molo|gist (seismologists ) N‑COUNT □� Peter Ward is a seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey.

seize ◆◇◇ /siː z/ (seizes , seizing , seized )

1 VERB If you seize something, you take hold of it quickly, firmly, and forcefully. □�[V n] 'Leigh,' he said, seizing my arm to hold me back. □�[V n] �an otter seizing a fish.

2 VERB When a group of people seize a place or seize control of it, they take control of it quickly and suddenly, using force. □�[V n] Troops have seized the airport and railroad terminals. □�[V n] Army officers plotted a failed attempt yesterday to seize power.

3 VERB If a government or other authority seize someone's property, they take it from them, often by force. □�[V n] Police were reported to have seized all copies of this morning's edition of the newspaper.

4 VERB When someone is seized , they are arrested or captured. □�[be V -ed] Two military observers were seized by enemy troops yesterday. □�[V n] Men carrying sub-machine guns seized the five soldiers and drove them away.

5 VERB When you seize an opportunity, you take advantage of it and do something that you want to do. □�[V n] During the riots hundreds of people seized the opportunity to steal property.

▸� seize on PHRASAL VERB If you seize on something or seize upon it, you show great interest in it, often because it is useful to you. □�[V P n] Newspapers seized on the results as proof that global warming wasn't really happening.

▸� seize up

1 PHRASAL VERB If a part of your body seizes up , it suddenly stops working, because you have strained it or because you are getting old. □�[V P ] We are all born flexible but as we grow older, we tend to seize up a little.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as an engine seizes up , it stops working, because it has not been properly cared for. □�[V P ] She put diesel fuel, instead of petrol, into the tank causing the motor to seize up. SYNONYMS seize VERB 1

grab:I managed to grab her sleeve.

grasp:He grasped both my hands.

snatch:Mick snatched the cards from Archie's hand.

sei|zure /siː ʒə r / (seizures )

1 N‑COUNT If someone has a seizure , they have a sudden violent attack of an illness, especially one that affects their heart or brain. □� �a mild cardiac seizure. □� I was prescribed drugs to control seizures.

2 N‑COUNT If there is a seizureof power or a seizureof an area of land, a group of people suddenly take control of the place, using force. □�[+�of ] �the seizure of territory through force.

3 N‑COUNT When an organization such as the police or customs service makes a seizureof illegal goods, they find them and take them away. □�[+�of ] Police have made one of the biggest seizures of heroin there's ever been in Britain. □� �arms seizures.

4 N‑COUNT If a financial institution or a government makes a seizureof someone's assets, they take their money or property from them because they have not paid money that they owe. □�[+�of ] A court ordered the seizure of two ships for non-payment of the debt.

sel|dom /se ldəm/ ADV [ADV before v] If something seldom happens, it happens only occasionally. □� They seldom speak. □� We were seldom at home.

se|lect ◆◇◇ /s I le kt/ (selects , selecting , selected )

1 VERB If you select something, you choose it from a number of things of the same kind. □�[V n] Voters are selecting candidates for both U.S. Senate seats and for 52 congressional seats. □�[V -ed] The movie is being shown in selected cities. [Also V n +�for/from ]

2 VERB If you select a file or a piece of text on a computer screen, you click on it so that it is marked in a different colour, usually in order for you to give the computer an instruction relating to that file or piece of text. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] I selected a file and pressed the Delete key.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A select group is a small group of some of the best people or things of their kind. □� �a select group of French cheeses.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as select , you mean it has many desirable features, but is available only to people who have a lot of money or who belong to a high social class. □� The couturier is throwing a very lavish and very select party. SYNONYMS select VERB 1

choose:They will be able to choose their own leaders in democratic elections.

pick:I had deliberately picked a city with a tropical climate.

opt for:Depending on your circumstances you may wish to opt for one method or the other.

se|le ct com|mi t|tee (select committees ) N‑COUNT A select committee is a committee of members of a parliament which is set up to investigate and report on a particular matter.

se|lec|tion ◆◇◇ /s I le kʃ ə n/ (selections )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Selection is the act of selecting one or more people or things from a group. □� �Darwin's principles of natural selection. □� Dr. Sullivan's selection to head the Department of Health was greeted with satisfaction.

2 N‑COUNT A selectionof people or things is a set of them that have been selected from a larger group. □�[+�of ] �this selection of popular songs.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The selectionof goods in a shop is the particular range of goods that it has available and from which you can choose what you want. □�[+�of ] It offers the widest selection of antiques of every description in a one-day market. SYNONYMS selection NOUN 1

choice:It's available in a choice of colours.

pick:We had the pick of suits from the shop.

option:What other options do you have?

preference:Parents can express a preference for the school their child attends.

se|lec|tive /s I le kt I v/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A selective process applies only to a few things or people. □� Selective breeding may result in a greyhound running faster. ●� se|lec|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Within the project, trees are selectively cut on a 25-year rotation. ●� se|lec|tiv|ity /s I le kt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The emphasis on selectivity of audience by advertisers has created problems for the industry.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When someone is selective , they choose things carefully, for example the things that they buy or do. □� Sales still happen, but buyers are more selective. ●� se|lec|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �people on small incomes who wanted to shop selectively.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has a selective memory, you disapprove of the fact that they remember certain facts about something and deliberately forget others, often because it is convenient for them to do so. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We seem to have a selective memory for the best bits of the past. ●� se|lec|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� There was something dubious about selectively forgetting a bad performance.

se|le c|tive se r|vice N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, selective service is a system of selecting and ordering young men to serve in the armed forces for a limited period of time.

se|lec|tor /s I le ktə/ (selectors ) N‑COUNT A selector is someone whose job is to choose which people will be in a particular sports team or will take part in a particular sports contest. □� �the England cricket selectors.

self ◆◇◇ /se lf/ (selves )

1 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] Your self is your basic personality or nature, especially considered in terms of what you are really like as a person. □� You're looking more like your usual self. □� She was back to her old self again.

2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A person's self is the essential part of their nature which makes them different from everyone and everything else. □� I want to explore and get in touch with my inner self.

self- /se lf-/

1 COMB Self- is used to form words which indicate that you do something to yourself or by yourself. □� He is a self-proclaimed racist. □� �self-destructive behaviour.

2 COMB Self- is used to form words which describe something such as a device that does something automatically by itself. □� �a self-loading pistol.

se lf-abso rbed ADJ Someone who is self-absorbed thinks so much about things concerning themselves that they do not notice other people or the things around them.

se lf-a ccess ADJ In a school or college, a self-access centre is a place where students can choose and use books, tapes, or other materials. [BRIT ] □� �a self-access study centre.

se lf-addre ssed ADJ [usu ADJ n] A self-addressed envelope is an envelope which you have written your address on and which you send to someone in another envelope so that they can send something back to you. □� Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope.

se lf-adhe sive ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is self-adhesive is covered on one side with a sticky substance like glue, so that it will stick to surfaces. □� �self-adhesive labels.

self-aggrandizement /se lf əgr� nd I zmənt/ in BRIT, also use self-aggrandisement N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone is guilty of self-aggrandizement , you mean that they do certain things in order to make themselves more powerful, wealthy, or important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was interested in service, not self-aggrandisement.

se lf-appoi nted ADJ [usu ADJ n] A self-appointed leader or ruler has taken the position of leader or ruler without anyone else asking them or choosing them to have it. □� �the new self-appointed leaders of the movement.

se lf-asse mbly ADJ [usu ADJ n] Self-assembly is used to refer to furniture and other goods that you buy in parts and that you have to put together yourself. □� �a range of self-assembly bedroom furniture.

se lf-asse rtion N‑UNCOUNT Self-assertion is confidence that you have in speaking firmly about your opinions and demanding the rights that you believe you should have. □� �her silence and lack of self-assertion.

se lf-asse rtive ADJ Someone who is self-assertive acts in a confident way, speaking firmly about their opinions and demanding the rights that they believe they should have. □� If you want good relationships, you must have the confidence to be self-assertive when required.

se lf-asse ssment N‑SING In Britain, self-assessment refers to a system for paying tax in which people have to fill in an official form giving details of how much money they have earned in the previous year.

se lf-assu rance N‑UNCOUNT Someone who has self-assurance shows confidence in the things that they say and do because they are sure of their abilities.

se lf-assu red ADJ Someone who is self-assured shows confidence in what they say and do because they are sure of their own abilities. □� He's a self-assured, confident negotiator.

se lf-awa re ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is self-aware knows and judges their own character well. □� Doing a degree has increased my confidence and I feel much more self-aware. ●� self-awareness N‑UNCOUNT □� It is assumed that you are interested in achieving greater self-awareness.

se lf-belie f N‑UNCOUNT Self-belief is confidence in your own abilities or judgment.

se lf-ca tering N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] If you go on a self-catering holiday or you stay in self-catering accommodation, you stay in a place where you have to make your own meals. [BRIT ] □� The self-catering flats are usually reserved for postgraduate students.

se lf-ce ntred in AM, use self-centered ADJ Someone who is self-centred is only concerned with their own wants and needs and never thinks about other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was self-centred, but he wasn't cruel.

se lf-confe ssed ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as a self-confessed murderer or a self-confessed romantic, for example, you mean that they admit openly that they are a murderer or a romantic. □� Lewis has made millions out of a being a self-confessed financial geek.

se lf-co nfidence N‑UNCOUNT If you have self-confidence , you behave confidently because you feel sure of your abilities or value. □� With the end of my love affair, I lost all the self-confidence I once had.

se lf-co nfident ADJ Someone who is self-confident behaves confidently because they feel sure of their abilities or value. □� She'd blossomed into a self-confident young woman.

se lf-congratula tion N‑UNCOUNT If someone keeps emphasizing how well they have done or how good they are, you can refer to their behaviour as self-congratulation . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� This is not a matter for self-congratulation.

se lf-congratula tory ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as self-congratulatory , you mean that they keep emphasizing how well they have done or how good they are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Officials were self-congratulatory about how well the day had gone.

se lf-co nscious

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is self-conscious is easily embarrassed and nervous because they feel that everyone is looking at them and judging them. □� I felt a bit self-conscious in my swimming costume. □�[+�about ] Bess was self-conscious about being shorter than her two friends. ●� self-consciously ADV [ADV with v] □� She was fiddling self-consciously with her wedding ring. ●� self-consciousness N‑UNCOUNT □� �her painful self-consciousness.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as self-conscious , you mean that they are strongly aware of who or what they are. [FORMAL ] □� Putting the work together is a very self-conscious process. ●� self-consciously ADV [ADV adj] □� The world which the book inhabits seems too self-consciously literary, too introverted.

se lf-contai ned

1 ADJ You can describe someone or something as self-contained when they are complete and separate and do not need help or resources from outside. □� He seems completely self-contained and he doesn't miss you when you're not there. □� �self-contained economic blocs.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Self-contained accommodation such as a flat has all its own facilities, so that a person living there does not have to share rooms such as a kitchen or bathroom with other people.

se lf-contradi ctory ADJ If you say or write something that is self-contradictory , you make two statements which cannot both be true. □� He is notorious for making unexpected, often self-contradictory, comments.

se lf-contro l N‑UNCOUNT Self-control is the ability to not show your feelings or not do the things that your feelings make you want to do. □� I began to wish I'd shown more self-control.

se lf-contro lled ADJ Someone who is self-controlled is able to not show their feelings or not do the things that their feelings make them want to do. □� My father, who had always been very self-controlled, became bad-tempered.

se lf-dece ption N‑UNCOUNT Self-deception involves allowing yourself to believe something about yourself that is not true, because the truth is more unpleasant. □� Human beings have an infinite capacity for self-deception.

se lf-decla red ADJ [ADJ n] Self-declared means the same as self-proclaimed . □� �the self-declared interim president. □� He is a self-declared populist.

se lf-defea ting ADJ A plan or action that is self-defeating is likely to cause problems or difficulties instead of producing useful results. □� Dishonesty is ultimately self-defeating.

se lf-defe nce in AM, use self-defense1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/of N ] Self-defence is the use of force to protect yourself against someone who is attacking you. □� He acted in self-defence when a gang of burglars stormed his home with a machete. □� �courses in karate or some other means of self-defence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Self-defence is the action of protecting yourself against something bad. □� Jokes can be a form of self-defence.

se lf-delu sion N‑UNCOUNT Self-delusion is the state of having a false idea about yourself or the situation you are in. □� �the grandiose self-delusion of the addict.

se lf-deni al N‑UNCOUNT Self-denial is the habit of refusing to do or have things that you would like, either because you cannot afford them, or because you believe it is morally good for you not to do them or have them. □� Should motherhood necessarily mean sacrifice and self-denial?

se lf-deny ing ADJ Someone who is self-denying refuses to do or have things that they would like, either because they cannot afford them, or because they believe it is morally good for them not to do them or have them. □� They believed that good parents should be self-sacrificing and self-denying.

se lf-de precating ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour as self-deprecating , you mean that they criticize themselves or represent themselves as foolish in a light-hearted way. □� Sharon tells the story of that night with self-deprecating humour.

se lf-destru ct (self-destructs , self-destructing , self-destructed ) VERB If someone self-destructs , they do something that seriously damages their chances of success. □�[V ] They're going to be famous, but unless something happens, they're going to self-destruct.

se lf-destru ctive ADJ Self-destructive behaviour is harmful to the person who behaves in that way. □� He had a reckless, self-destructive streak.

se lf-determina tion N‑UNCOUNT Self-determination is the right of a country to be independent, instead of being controlled by a foreign country, and to choose its own form of government.

se lf-di scipline N‑UNCOUNT Self-discipline is the ability to control yourself and to make yourself work hard or behave in a particular way without needing anyone else to tell you what to do. □� Exercising at home alone requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline.

se lf-di sciplined ADJ Someone who is self-disciplined has the ability to control themselves and to make themselves work hard or behave in a particular way without needing anyone else to tell them what to do. □� Most religions teach you to be truthful and self-disciplined.

se lf-dou bt N‑UNCOUNT Self-doubt is a lack of confidence in yourself and your abilities.

se lf-drive

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A self-drive car is one which you hire and drive yourself. [BRIT ] □� Any holiday in the U.S.A. and Canada is enhanced by renting a self-drive car. in AM, use rental car2 ADJ [ADJ n] A self-drive holiday is one where you drive yourself to the place where you are staying, rather than being taken there by plane or coach. [BRIT ] □� �the growth in popularity of self-drive camping holidays.

se lf-e ducated ADJ People who are self-educated have acquired knowledge or a skill by themselves, rather than being taught it by someone else such as a teacher at school. □� �a self-educated man from a working-class background.

se lf-effa cement N‑UNCOUNT Someone's self-effacement is their unwillingness to talk about themselves or draw attention to themselves. □� He was modest to the point of self-effacement.

se lf-effa cing ADJ Someone who is self-effacing does not like talking about themselves or drawing attention to themselves. □� As women we tend to be self-effacing and make light of what we have achieved.

se lf-emplo yed ADJ If you are self-employed , you organize your own work and taxes and are paid by people for a service you provide, rather than being paid a regular salary by a person or a firm. [BUSINESS ] □� There are no paid holidays or sick leave if you are self-employed. □� �a self-employed builder. ●�N‑PLURAL The self-employed are people who are self-employed. □� We want more support for the self-employed.

se lf-estee m N‑UNCOUNT Your self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. For example, if you have low self-esteem , you do not like yourself, you do not think that you are a valuable person, and therefore you do not behave confidently. □� Poor self-esteem is at the centre of many of the difficulties we experience.

se lf-e vident ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A fact or situation that is self-evident is so obvious that there is no need for proof or explanation. □� It is self-evident that we will never have enough resources to meet the demand. ●� self-evidently ADV [ADV adj] □� The task was self-evidently impossible.

se lf-examina tion

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Self-examination is thought that you give to your own character and actions, for example in order to judge whether you have been behaving in a way that is acceptable to your own set of values. □� The events in Los Angeles have sparked a new national self-examination.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Self-examination is the act of examining your own body to check whether or not you have any signs of a particular disease or illness. □� Breast self-examination is invaluable for detecting cancer in its very early stages.

se lf-expla natory ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is self-explanatory is clear and easy to understand without needing any extra information or explanation. □� I hope the graphs on the following pages are self-explanatory.

se lf-expre ssion N‑UNCOUNT Self-expression is the expression of your personality, feelings, or opinions, for example through an artistic activity such as drawing or dancing. □� Clothes are a fundamental form of self-expression.

se lf-fulfi lling ADJ If you describe a statement or belief about the future as self-fulfilling , you mean that what is said or believed comes true because people expect it to come true. □� Fear of failure can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

se lf-go verning ADJ A self-governing region or organization is governed or run by its own people rather than by the people of another region or organization. □� �a self-governing province.

se lf-go vernment N‑UNCOUNT Self-government is government of a country or region by its own people rather than by others.

self-ha rm (self-harms , self-harming , self-harmed ) VERB If you self-harm , you deliberately hurt yourself, for example by cutting yourself, because of mental illness. □�[V ] Her parents discovered that she had been self-harming.

se lf-he lp

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Self-help consists of people providing support and help for each other in an informal way, rather than relying on the government, authorities, or other official organizations. □� She set up a self-help group for parents with over-weight children.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Self-help consists of doing things yourself to try and solve your own problems without depending on other people. □� �a society that encourages competitiveness and self-help among the very young. □� �a self-help book.

self|ie /se lfiː/ (selfies ) N‑COUNT A selfie is a photograph that you take of yourself, especially using a mobile phone. [INFORMAL ] □� He took a selfie in front of the Taj Mahal.

se lf|ie stick (selfie sticks ) N‑COUNT A selfie stick is a long device with a holder for your phone at one end and a button at the other that you can press to take a photograph of yourself. [INFORMAL ] □� The square is full of tourists with selfie sticks.

se lf-i mage (self-images ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your self-image is the set of ideas you have about your own qualities and abilities. □� �children who have a positive self-image.

se lf-impo rtant ADJ If you say that someone is self-important , you disapprove of them because they behave as if they are more important than they really are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was self-important, vain and ignorant. ●� self-importance N‑UNCOUNT □� �his bad manners and self-importance.

se lf-impo sed ADJ [usu ADJ n] A self-imposed restriction, task, or situation is one that you have deliberately created or accepted for yourself. □� He returned home in the summer of 1974 after eleven years of self-imposed exile.

se lf-indu lgence (self-indulgences ) N‑VAR Self-indulgence is the act of allowing yourself to have or do the things that you enjoy very much. □� Going to the movies in the afternoon is one of my big self-indulgences.

se lf-indu lgent ADJ If you say that someone is self-indulgent , you mean that they allow themselves to have or do the things that they enjoy very much. □� To buy flowers for myself seems wildly self-indulgent.

se lf-infli cted ADJ A self-inflicted wound or injury is one that you do to yourself deliberately. □� He is being treated for a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

se lf-i nterest N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of self-interest , you disapprove of them because they always want to do what is best for themselves rather than for anyone else. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Their current protests are motivated purely by self-interest.

se lf-i nterested ADJ If you describe someone as self-interested , you disapprove of them because they always want to do what is best for themselves rather than for other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �self-interested behaviour.

self|ish /se lf I ʃ/ ADJ If you say that someone is selfish , you mean that he or she cares only about himself or herself, and not about other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I think I've been very selfish. I've been mainly concerned with myself. □� �the selfish interests of a few people. ●� self|ish|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Cabinet Ministers are selfishly pursuing their own vested interests. ●� self|ish|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The arrogance and selfishness of different interest groups never ceases to amaze me.

se lf-kno wledge N‑UNCOUNT Self-knowledge is knowledge that you have about your own character and nature. □� The more self-knowledge we have, the more control we can exert over our feelings and behaviour.

self|less /se lfləs/ ADJ If you say that someone is selfless , you approve of them because they care about other people more than themselves. [APPROVAL ] □� �the selfless love of a mother for her child. ●� self|less|ly ADV □� I've never known anyone who cared so selflessly about children. ●� self|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I have enormous regard for his selflessness on behalf of his fellow man.

se lf-loa thing N‑UNCOUNT If someone feels self-loathing , they feel great dislike and disgust for themselves.

se lf-ma de ADJ [usu ADJ n] Self-made is used to describe people who have become successful and rich through their own efforts, especially if they started life without money, education, or high social status. □� He is a self-made man. □� �a self-made millionaire.

se lf-obse ssed ADJ If you describe someone as self-obsessed , you are criticizing them for spending too much time thinking about themselves or their own problems. [DISAPPROVAL ]

se lf-pa rody (self-parodies ) N‑VAR Self-parody is a way of performing or behaving in which you exaggerate and make fun of the way you normally perform or behave. □� By the end of his life, his vocals often descended close to self-parody.

se lf-pi ty N‑UNCOUNT Self-pity is a feeling of unhappiness that you have about yourself and your problems, especially when this is unnecessary or greatly exaggerated. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Throughout, he showed no trace of self-pity.

se lf-pi tying ADJ Someone who is self-pitying is full of self-pity. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� At the risk of sounding self-pitying, I'd say it has been harder on me than it has on my sister.

se lf-po rtrait (self-portraits ) N‑COUNT A self-portrait is a drawing, painting, or written description that you do of yourself.

se lf-posse ssed ADJ Someone who is self-possessed is calm and confident and in control of their emotions. □� She is clearly the most articulate and self-possessed member of her family.

se lf-posse ssion N‑UNCOUNT Self-possession is the quality of being self-possessed. □� She found her customary self-possession had deserted her.

se lf-preserva tion N‑UNCOUNT Self-preservation is the action of keeping yourself safe or alive in a dangerous situation, often without thinking about what you are doing. □� The police have the same human urge for self-preservation as the rest of us.

se lf-proclai med

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Self-proclaimed is used to show that someone has given themselves a particular title or status rather than being given it by other people. □� �a self-proclaimed expert. □� He is President of his own self-proclaimed republic.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Self-proclaimed is used to show that someone says themselves that they are a type of person which most people would be embarrassed or ashamed to be. □� One of the prisoners is a self-proclaimed racist who opened fire on a crowd four years ago.

se lf-promo tion N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of self-promotion , you disapprove of them because they are trying to make themselves seem more important than they actually are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Simpson's ruthless ambition and weakness for self-promotion has not made him the most popular journalist in the BBC.

se lf-rai sing flour N‑UNCOUNT Self-raising flour is flour that makes cakes rise when they are cooked because it has chemicals added to it. [BRIT ] in AM, use self-rising flour

self-referential /se lf re fəre nʃ ə l/ ADJ If you describe something such as a book or film as self-referential , you mean that it is concerned with things such as its own composition or with other similar books or films. □� �self-referential novels about writer's block.

se lf-regula tion N‑UNCOUNT Self-regulation is the controlling of a process or activity by the people or organizations that are involved in it rather than by an outside organization such as the government. □� Competition between companies is too fierce for self-regulation to work.

se lf-regula tory also self-regulating ADJ [usu ADJ n] Self-regulatory systems, organizations, or activities are controlled by the people involved in them, rather than by outside organizations or rules. □� For a self-regulatory system to work, the consent of all those involved is required.

se lf-reli ance N‑UNCOUNT Self-reliance is the ability to do things and make decisions by yourself, without needing other people to help you. □� People learned self-reliance because they had to.

se lf-reli ant ADJ If you are self-reliant , you are able to do things and make decisions by yourself, without needing other people to help you. □� She is intelligent and self-reliant, speaking her mind and not suffering fools gladly.

se lf-respe ct N‑UNCOUNT Self-respect is a feeling of confidence and pride in your own ability and worth. □� They have lost not only their jobs, but their homes and their self-respect.

se lf-respe cting ADJ [ADJ n] You can use self-respecting with a noun describing a particular type of person to indicate that something is typical of, or necessary for, that type of person. □� He died as any self-respecting gangster should�in a hail of bullets.

se lf-restrai nt N‑UNCOUNT If you show self-restraint , you do not do something even though you would like to do it, because you think it would be better not to.

se lf-ri ghteous ADJ If you describe someone as self-righteous , you disapprove of them because they are convinced that they are right in their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour and that other people are wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is critical of the monks, whom he considers narrow-minded and self-righteous. ●� self-righteousness N‑UNCOUNT □� �her smug self-righteousness.

se lf-ri sing flour N‑UNCOUNT Self-rising flour is flour that makes cakes rise when they are cooked because it has chemicals added to it. [AM ] in BRIT, use self-raising flour

se lf-ru le N‑UNCOUNT Self-rule is the same as self-government . □� The agreement gives the territory limited self-rule.

se lf-sa crifice N‑UNCOUNT Self-sacrifice is the giving up of what you want so that other people can have what they need or want. □� I thanked my parents for all their self-sacrifice on my behalf.

se lf-sa crificing ADJ Someone who is self-sacrificing gives up what they want so that other people can have what they need or want. □� He was a generous self-sacrificing man.

se lf-same also selfsame ADJ [ADJ n] You use self-same when you want to emphasize that the person or thing mentioned is exactly the same as the one mentioned previously. [EMPHASIS ] □� You find yourself worshipped by the self-same people who beat you up at school.

se lf-sa tisfaction N‑UNCOUNT Self-satisfaction is the feeling you have when you are self-satisfied. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He tried hard not to smile in smug self-satisfaction.

se lf-sa tisfied ADJ If you describe someone as self-satisfied , you mean that they are too pleased with themselves about their achievements or their situation and they think that nothing better is possible. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She handed the cigar back to Jason with a self-satisfied smile.

se lf-see king ADJ If you describe someone as self-seeking , you disapprove of them because they are interested only in doing things which give them an advantage over other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He said that democracy would open the way for self-seeking politicians to abuse the situation.

se lf-se rvice ADJ A self-service shop, restaurant, or garage is one where you get things for yourself rather than being served by another person.

se lf-se rving ADJ If you describe someone as self-serving , you are critical of them because they are only interested in what they can get for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �corrupt, self-serving politicians.

se lf-sta nding

1 ADJ An object or structure that is self-standing is not supported by other objects or structures. □� �self-standing plastic cases.

2 ADJ A company or organization that is self-standing is independent of other companies or organizations. [BUSINESS ] □� Five separate companies, all operating as self-standing units, are now one.

se lf-stu dy N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Self-study is study that you do on your own, without a teacher. □� Individuals can enrol on self-study courses in the university's language institute.

se lf-sty led ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as a self-styled leader or expert, you disapprove of them because they claim to be a leader or expert but they do not actually have the right to call themselves this. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Two of those arrested are said to be self-styled area commanders.

se lf-suffi ciency N‑UNCOUNT Self-sufficiency is the state of being self-sufficient.

se lf-suffi cient

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a country or group is self-sufficient , it is able to produce or make everything that it needs. □�[+�in ] This enabled the country to become self-sufficient in sugar. □� Using traditional methods poor farmers can be virtually self-sufficient.

2 ADJ Someone who is self-sufficient is able to live happily without anyone else. □� Although she had various boyfriends, she was, and remains, fiercely self-sufficient.

se lf-suppo rting ADJ Self-supporting is used to describe organizations, schemes, and people who earn enough money to not need financial help from anyone else. □� The income from visitors makes the museum self-supporting.

se lf-sustai ning ADJ A self-sustaining process or system is able to continue by itself without anyone or anything else becoming involved. □� Asia's emerging economies will be on a self-sustaining cycle of growth.

se lf-tau ght ADJ If you are self-taught , you have learned a skill by yourself rather than being taught it by someone else such as a teacher at school. □� �a self-taught musician.

se lf-wi ll N‑UNCOUNT Someone's self-will is their determination to do what they want without caring what other people think. □� She had a little core of self-will.

se lf-wi lled ADJ Someone who is self-willed is determined to do the things that they want to do and will not take advice from other people. □� He was very independent and self-willed.

se lf-wo rth N‑UNCOUNT Self-worth is the feeling that you have good qualities and have achieved good things. □� Try not to link your sense of self-worth to the opinions of others.

sell ◆◆◆ /se l/ (sells , selling , sold )

1 VERB If you sell something that you own, you let someone have it in return for money. □�[V n] I sold everything I owned except for my car and my books. □�[V n +�to ] His heir sold the painting to the London art dealer Agnews. □�[V n +�for ] The directors sold the business for �14.8 million. □�[V ] It's not a very good time to sell at the moment. [Also V n n, V to n]

2 VERB If a shop sells a particular thing, it is available for people to buy there. □�[V n] It sells everything from hair ribbons to oriental rugs. □�[be V -ed] Bean sprouts are also sold in cans. [Also V n n]

3 VERB If something sellsfor a particular price, that price is paid for it. □�[V +�for/at ] Unmodernised property can sell for up to 40 per cent of its modernised market value.

4 VERB If something sells , it is bought by the public, usually in fairly large quantities. □�[V ] Even if this album doesn't sell and the critics don't like it, we wouldn't ever change. □�[V adv] The company believes the products will sell well in the run-up to Christmas.

5 VERB Something that sells a product makes people want to buy the product. □�[V n] It is only the sensational that sells news magazines. □�[V ] �car manufacturers' long-held maxim that safety doesn't sell.

6 VERB If you sell someone an idea or proposal, or sell someone on an idea, you convince them that it is a good one. □�[V n n] She tried to sell me the idea of buying my own paper shredder. □�[V n +�to ] She is hoping she can sell the idea to clients. □�[V n +�on ] An employee sold him on the notion that cable was the medium of the future. □�[V -ed] You know, I wasn't sold on this trip in the beginning.

7 PHRASE If someone sells their body , they have sex for money. □� 85 per cent said they would rather not sell their bodies for a living.

8 PHRASE If someone sells you down the river , they betray you for some personal profit or advantage. □� He has been sold down the river by the people who were supposed to protect him.

9 PHRASE If you sell someone short , you do not point out their good qualities as much as you should or do as much for them as you should. □� They need to improve their image�they are selling themselves short.

10 PHRASE If you talk about someone selling their soul in order to get something, you are criticizing them for abandoning their principles. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a man who would sell his soul for political viability.

▸� sell off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you sell something off , you sell it because you need the money. □�[V P n] The company is selling off some sites and concentrating on cutting debts. □�[V n P ] We had to sell things off to pay the brewery bill.

2 →�see also sell-off

▸� sell on PHRASAL VERB If you buy something and then sell it on , you sell it to someone else soon after buying it, usually in order to make a profit. □�[V n P ] Mr Farrier bought cars at auctions and sold them on. □�[V n P +�to ] The arms had been sold to a businessman; he sold them on to paramilitary groups.

▸� sell out

1 PHRASAL VERB If a shop sells out of something, it sells all its stocks of it, so that there is no longer any left for people to buy. □�[V P +�of ] Hardware stores have sold out of water pumps and tarpaulins. □�[V P ] The next day the bookshops sold out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a performance, sports event, or other entertainment sells out , all the tickets for it are sold. □�[V P ] Football games often sell out well in advance.

3 PHRASAL VERB When things sell out , all of them that are available are sold. □�[V P ] Tickets for the show sold out in 70 minutes.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you accuse someone of selling out , you disapprove of the fact that they do something which used to be against their principles, or give in to an opposing group. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] The young see him as a politician who will not sell out or make compromises. □�[V P +�to ] �a new play about an ageing British punk band tempted to sell out to corporate capitalism.

5 PHRASAL VERB Sell out means the same as sell up . [AM ] □�[V P ] I hear she's going to sell out and move to the city.

6 →�see also sell-out , sold out

▸� sell up PHRASAL VERB If you sell up , you sell everything you have, such as your house or your business, because you need the money. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] �all these farmers going out of business and having to sell up. □�[V P n] He advised Evans to sell up his flat and move away to the country. in AM, use sell out

se ll-by date (sell-by dates )

1 N‑COUNT The sell-by date on a food container is the date by which the food should be sold or eaten before it starts to decay. [BRIT ] □� �a piece of cheese four weeks past its sell-by date. in AM, use expiration date

2 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is past their sell-by date , you mean they are no longer effective, interesting, or useful. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� As a sportsman, he is long past his sell-by date.

sell|er /se lə r / (sellers )

1 N‑COUNT [n N ] A seller of a type of thing is a person or company that sells that type of thing. □� �a flower seller. □�[+�of ] �the world's largest seller of organic food.

2 N‑COUNT In a business deal, the seller is the person who is selling something to someone else. □� In theory, the buyer could ask the seller to have a test carried out.

3 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you describe a product as, for example, a big seller , you mean that large numbers of it are being sold. □� Our biggest seller is a heavy jersey tailored dress.

4 →�see also best seller

se l|ler's ma r|ket N‑SING When there is a seller's market for a particular product, there are fewer of the products for sale than people who want to buy them, so buyers have little choice and prices go up. Compare buyer's market . [BUSINESS ]

se ll|ing point (selling points ) N‑COUNT A selling point is a desirable quality or feature that something has which makes it likely that people will want to buy it. [BUSINESS ]

se ll|ing price (selling prices ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The selling price of something is the price for which it is sold. [BUSINESS ]

se ll-off (sell-offs ) also selloff N‑COUNT The sell-off of something, for example an industry owned by the state or a company's shares, is the selling of it. [BUSINESS ] □� The privatisation of the electricity industry�the biggest sell-off of them all.

Sel|lo|tape /se ləte I p/ (Sellotapes , Sellotaping , Sellotaped )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sellotape is a clear sticky tape that you use to stick paper or card together or onto a wall. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, use Scotch tape2 VERB If you Sellotape one thing to another, you stick them together using Sellotape. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] □�[V n adv/prep] I sellotaped the note to his door. in AM, use tape

se ll-out (sell-outs ) also sellout

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] If a play, sports event, or other entertainment is a sell-out , all the tickets for it are sold. □� Their concert there was a sell-out.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe someone's behaviour as a sell-out , you disapprove of the fact that they have done something which used to be against their principles, or given in to an opposing group. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� For some, his decision to become a Socialist candidate at Sunday's election was simply a sell-out.

se ll-through ADJ [ADJ n] A sell-through video is a film on video that you can buy.

selves /se lvz/ Selves is the plural of self .

se|man|tic /s I m� nt I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Semantic is used to describe things that deal with the meanings of words and sentences. □� He did not want to enter into a semantic debate.

se|man|tics /s I m� nt I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Semantics is the branch of linguistics that deals with the meanings of words and sentences.

sema|phore /se məfɔː r / N‑UNCOUNT Semaphore is a system of sending messages by using two flags. You hold a flag in each hand and move your arms to various positions representing different letters of the alphabet.

sem|blance /se mbləns/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is a semblance of a particular condition or quality, it appears to exist, even though this may be a false impression. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] At least a semblance of normality has been restored to parts of the country.

se|men /siː men/ N‑UNCOUNT Semen is the liquid containing sperm that is produced by the sex organs of men and male animals.

se|mes|ter /s I me stə r / (semesters ) N‑COUNT In colleges and universities in some countries, a semester is one of the two main periods into which the year is divided.

semi /se mi/ (semis )

1 N‑COUNT A semi is a semi-detached house. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In a sporting competition, thesemis are the semi-finals. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He reached the semis after beating Lendl in the quarterfinal.

PREFIX semi-

forms nouns and adjectives that refer to people and things that are partly, but not completely, in a particular state. For example, if you are semiconscious , you are partly, but not completely, conscious.

se mi-a nnual ADJ [usu ADJ n] A semi-annual event happens twice a year. [AM ] □� �the semi-annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund. in BRIT, usually use biannual

semi|breve /se mibriːv/ (semibreves ) N‑COUNT A semibreve is a musical note that has a time value equal to two half notes. [BRIT ] in AM, use whole note

se mi-circle (semi-circles ) also semicircle N‑COUNT A semi-circle is one half of a circle, or something having the shape of half a circle. □� They stood in a semi-circle round the teacher's chair and answered questions.

se mi-ci rcular also semicircular ADJ Something that is semi-circular has the shape of half a circle. □� �a semi-circular amphitheatre.

se mi-co lon (semi-colons ) in AM, usually use semicolon N‑COUNT A semi-colon is the punctuation mark; which is used in writing to separate different parts of a sentence or list or to indicate a pause.

semi|con|duc|tor /se mikəndʌ ktə r / (semiconductors ) also semi-conductor N‑COUNT A semiconductor is a substance used in electronics whose ability to conduct electricity increases with greater heat.

se mi-deta ched ADJ A semi-detached house is a house that is joined to another house on one side by a shared wall. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a semi-detached house in Highgate. ●�N‑SING Semi-detached is also a noun. □� It was an ordinary, post-war semi-detached.

se mi-final (semi-finals ) in AM, usually use semifinal N‑COUNT A semi-final is one of the two matches or races in a competition that are held to decide who will compete in the final. □� The Canadian canoeist won the first semi-final in 35.595 sec. ●�N‑PLURAL Thesemi-finals is the round of a competition in which these two matches or races are held. □� He was beaten in the semi-finals by Chris Dittmar.

se mi-fi nalist (semi-finalists ) in AM, usually use semifinalist N‑COUNT A semi-finalist is a player, athlete, or team that is competing in a semi-final.

semi|nal /se m I n ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Seminal is used to describe things such as books, works, events, and experiences that have a great influence in a particular field. [FORMAL ] □� �author of the seminal book 'Animal Liberation'.

semi|nar /se m I nɑː r / (seminars )

1 N‑COUNT A seminar is a meeting where a group of people discuss a problem or topic. □� �courses and seminars on nutrition and natural health.

2 N‑COUNT A seminar is a class at a college or university in which the teacher and a small group of students discuss a topic. □� Students are asked to prepare material in advance of each weekly seminar.

semi|nar|ian /se m I neə riən/ (seminarians ) N‑COUNT A seminarian is a student at a seminary.

semi|nary /se m I nəri, [AM ] -neri/ (seminaries ) N‑COUNT A seminary is a college where priests, ministers, or rabbis are trained.

se|mi|ot|ics /se miɒ t I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Semiotics is the academic study of the relationship of language and other signs to their meanings.

se mi-pre cious in AM, also use semiprecious ADJ [usu ADJ n] Semi-precious stones are stones such as turquoises and amethysts that are used in jewellery but are less valuable than precious stones such as diamonds and rubies.

se mi-profe ssional in AM, also use semiprofessional ADJ Semi-professional sports players, musicians, and singers receive some money for playing their sport or for performing but they also have an ordinary job as well. □� �a semi-professional country musician.

se mi-ski lled also semiskilled ADJ [usu ADJ n] A semi-skilled worker has some training and skills, but not enough to do specialized work. [BUSINESS ]

se mi-skimmed mi lk N‑UNCOUNT Semi-skimmed milk or semi-skimmed is milk from which some of the cream has been removed. [BRIT ] in AM, use one percent milk , two percent milk

Se|mit|ic /s I m I t I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Semitic languages are a group of languages that include Arabic and Hebrew.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Semitic people belong to one of the groups of people who speak a Semitic language. □� �the Semitic races.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Semitic is sometimes used to mean Jewish.

4 →�see also anti-Semitic

semi|tone /se mitoʊn/ (semitones ) N‑COUNT In Western music, a semitone is the smallest interval between two musical notes. Two semitones are equal to one tone.

se mi-trai ler (semi-trailers ) also semitrailer N‑COUNT A semi-trailer is the long rear section of a truck or lorry that can bend when it turns. [AM ] in BRIT, use trailer

se mi-tro pical also semitropical

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Semi-tropical places have warm, wet air. □� �a semi-tropical island.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Semi-tropical plants and trees grow in places where the air is warm and wet. □� The inn has a garden of semi-tropical vegetation.

semo|li|na /se məliː nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Semolina consists of small hard grains of wheat that are used for making sweet puddings with milk and for making pasta.

Sen|ate ◆◆◇ /se n I t/ (Senates )

1 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Senate is the smaller and more important of the two parts of the parliament in some countries, for example the United States and Australia. □� The Senate is expected to pass the bill shortly. □� �a Senate committee.

2 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] Senate or the Senate is the governing council at some universities. □� The new bill would remove student representation from the university Senate.

sena|tor ◆◇◇ /se n I tə r / (senators ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A senator is a member of a political Senate, for example in the United States or Australia.

sena|to|rial /se n I tɔː riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Senatorial means belonging to or relating to a Senate. [FORMAL ] □� He has senatorial experience in defence and foreign policy.

send ◆◆◆ /se nd/ (sends , sending , sent )

1 VERB When you send someone something, you arrange for it to be taken and delivered to them, for example by post. □�[V n n] Myra Cunningham sent me a note thanking me for dinner. □�[V n +�to ] I sent a copy to the minister for transport. □�[V n] He sent a basket of exotic fruit and a card. □�[V n with adv] Sir Denis took one look and sent it back. □�[be V -ed +�from ] A huge shipment of grain had been sent from Argentina to Peru.

2 VERB If you send someone somewhere, you tell them to go there. □�[V n with adv] Inspector Banbury came up to see her, but she sent him away. □�[V n +�to ] �the government's decision to send troops to the region. □�[V n +�for ] I suggested that he rest, and sent him for an X-ray. □�[be V -ed +�from ] Reinforcements were being sent from the neighbouring region�

3 VERB If you send someone to an institution such as a school or a prison, you arrange for them to stay there for a period of time. □�[V n +�to ] It's his parents' choice to send him to a boarding school, rather than a convenient day school.

4 VERB To send a signal means to cause it to go to a place by means of radio waves or electricity. □�[V n +�to ] The transmitters will send a signal automatically to a local base station. □�[V n with adv] �in 1989, after a 12-year journey to Neptune, the space probe Voyager sent back pictures of Triton, its moon. [Also V n, V n n]

5 VERB If something sends things or people in a particular direction, it causes them to move in that direction. □�[V n v-ing] The explosion sent shrapnel flying through the sides of cars on the crowded highway. □�[V n prep] The slight back and forth motion sent a pounding surge of pain into his skull.

6 VERB To send someone or something into a particular state means to cause them to go into or be in that state. □�[V n +�into ] My attempt to fix it sent Lawrence into fits of laughter. □�[V n v-ing] �before civil war and famine sent the country plunging into anarchy. □�[V n adj] An obsessive search for our inner selves, far from saving the world, could send us all mad.

7to send someone to Coventry →�see Coventry

8to send someone packing →�see pack

▸� send away for →�see send for2

▸� send down

1 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a student is sent down from their university or college, they are made to leave because they have behaved very badly. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed P ] She wondered if he had been sent down for gambling. in AM, use be expelled2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone who is on trial is sent down , they are found guilty and sent to prison. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed P ] The two rapists were sent down for life in 1983. in AM, use send up

▸� send for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you send for someone, you send them a message asking them to come and see you. □�[V P n] I've sent for the doctor.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you send for something, you write and ask for it to be sent to you. □�[V P n] Send for your free catalogue today.

▸� send in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you send in something such as a competition entry or a letter applying for a job, you post it to the organization concerned. □�[V P n] Applicants are asked to send in a CV and a covering letter. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB When a government sends in troops or police officers, it orders them to deal with a crisis or problem somewhere. □�[V P n] He has asked the government to send in troops to end the fighting. [Also V n P ]

▸� send off

1 PHRASAL VERB When you send off a letter or package, you send it somewhere by post. □�[V P n] He sent off copies to various people for them to read and make comments. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a football player is sent off , the referee makes them leave the field during a game, as a punishment for seriously breaking the rules. □�[be V -ed P ] The player was sent off for arguing with a linesman.

3 →�see also sending-off

▸� send off for →�see send for2

▸� send on PHRASAL VERB If you send on something you have received, especially a document, you send it to another place or person. □�[V n P ] We coordinate the reports from the overseas divisions, and send them on to headquarters in Athens. [Also V P n]

▸� send out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you send out things such as letters or bills, you send them to a large number of people at the same time. □�[V P n] She had sent out well over four hundred invitations that afternoon. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB To send out a signal, sound, light, or heat means to produce it. □�[V P n] The crew did not send out any distress signals. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB When a plant sends out roots or shoots, they grow. □�[V P n] If you cut your rubber plant back, it should send out new side shoots. [Also V n P ]

▸� send out for PHRASAL VERB If you send out for food, for example pizzas or sandwiches, you phone and ask for it to be delivered to you. □�[V P P n] Let's send out for a pizza and watch a film.

▸� send up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you send someone or something up , you imitate them in an amusing way that makes them appear foolish. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] You sense he's sending himself up as well as everything else. □�[V P n] �a spoof that sends up the macho world of fighter pilots.

2 →�see also send-up

3 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone who is on trial is sent up , they are found guilty and sent to prison. [AM ] □�[be V -ed P ] If I'm going to be sent up for killing one guy, then I might as well kill three more. in BRIT, use send down

send|er /se ndə r / (senders ) N‑COUNT The senderof a letter, package, or radio message is the person who sent it. □�[+�of ] The sender of the best letter every week will win a cheque for �20.

se nding-o ff (sendings-off ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] If there is a sending-off during a game of football, a player is told to leave the field by the referee, as a punishment for seriously breaking the rules. □� He is about to begin a three-match ban after his third sending-off of the season.

se nd-off (send-offs ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If a group of people give someone who is going away a send-off , they come together to say goodbye to them. [INFORMAL ] □� All the people in the buildings came to give me a rousing send-off.

se nd-up (send-ups ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A send-up is a piece of writing or acting in which someone or something is imitated in an amusing way that makes them appear foolish. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The film was a send-up of Airport and other disaster movies.

Sen|ega|lese /se n I gəliː z/ (Senegalese )

1 ADJ Senegalese means belonging or relating to Senegal, or to its people or culture. □� �the Senegalese navy.

2 N‑COUNT A Senegalese is a Senegalese citizen, or a person of Senegalese origin.

se|nile /siː na I l/ ADJ If old people become senile , they become confused, can no longer remember things, and are unable to look after themselves. ●� se|nil|ity /s I n I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The old man was showing unmistakable signs of senility.

se |nile de|me n|tia N‑UNCOUNT Senile dementia is a mental illness that affects some old people and that causes them to become confused and to forget things. □� She is suffering from senile dementia.

sen|ior ◆◆◇ /siː njə r / (seniors )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The senior people in an organization or profession have the highest and most important jobs. □� �senior officials in the Israeli government. □� �the company's senior management. □� Television and radio needed many more women in senior jobs.

2 ADJ If someone is seniorto you in an organization or profession, they have a higher and more important job than you or they are considered to be superior to you because they have worked there for longer and have more experience. □�[+�to ] The position had to be filled by an officer senior to Haig. ●�N‑PLURAL Your seniors are the people who are senior to you. □� He was described by his seniors as a model officer.

3 N‑SING Senior is used when indicating how much older one person is than another. For example, if someone is ten years your senior , they are ten years older than you. □� She became involved with a married man many years her senior.

4 N‑COUNT Seniors are students in a high school, university, or college who are the oldest and who have reached an advanced level in their studies. [AM ]

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If you take part in a sport at senior level, you take part in competitions with adults and people who have reached a high degree of achievement in that sport. □� This will be his fifth international championship and his third at senior level. SYNONYMS senior ADJ 2

superior:�negotiations between the mutineers and their superior officers.

better:The train's average speed was no better than that of our bicycles.

se n|ior ci ti|zen (senior citizens ) N‑COUNT A senior citizen is an older person who has retired or receives an old age pension.

sen|ior|ity /siː niɒ r I ti, [AM ] -ɔː r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT A person's seniority in an organization is the importance and power that they have compared with others, or the fact that they have worked there for a long time. □� He has said he will fire editorial employees without regard to seniority.

sen|sa|tion /sense I ʃ ə n/ (sensations )

1 N‑COUNT A sensation is a physical feeling. □� Floating can be a very pleasant sensation. □�[+�of ] A sensation of burning or tingling may be experienced in the hands.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sensation is your ability to feel things physically, especially through your sense of touch. □� The pain was so bad that she lost all sensation.

3 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You can use sensation to refer to the general feeling or impression caused by a particular experience. □� It's a funny sensation to know someone's talking about you in a language you don't understand.

4 N‑COUNT If a person, event, or situation is a sensation , it causes great excitement or interest. □� �the film that turned her into an overnight sensation.

5 N‑SING If a person, event, or situation causes a sensation , they cause great interest or excitement. □� She was just 14 when she caused a sensation in Montreal.

sen|sa|tion|al /sense I ʃən ə l/

1 ADJ A sensational result, event, or situation is so remarkable that it causes great excitement and interest. □� The world champions suffered a sensational defeat. ●� sen|sa|tion|al|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The rape trial was sensationally halted yesterday.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe stories or reports as sensational if you disapprove of them because they present facts in a way that is intended to cause feelings of shock, anger, or excitement. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �sensational tabloid newspaper reports.

3 ADJ You can describe something as sensational when you think that it is extremely good. □� Her voice is sensational. □� Experts agreed that this was a truly sensational performance. ●� sen|sa|tion|al|ly ADV □� �sensationally good food.

sen|sa|tion|al|ism /sense I ʃənəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sensationalism is the presenting of facts or stories in a way that is intended to produce strong feelings of shock, anger, or excitement. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The report criticises the newspaper for sensationalism.

sen|sa|tion|al|ist /sense I ʃənəl I st/ ADJ Sensationalist news reports and television and radio programmes present the facts in a way that makes them seem worse or more shocking than they really are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �sensationalist headlines.

sen|sa|tion|al|ize /sense I ʃənəla I z/ (sensationalizes , sensationalizing , sensationalized ) in BRIT, also use sensationalise VERB If someone sensationalizes a situation or event, they make it seem worse or more shocking than it really is. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Local news organizations are being criticized for sensationalizing the story.

sense ◆◆◆ /se ns/ (senses , sensing , sensed )

1 N‑COUNT Your senses are the physical abilities of sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. □� She stared at him again, unable to believe the evidence of her senses. □�[+�of ] �a keen sense of smell.

2 →�see also sixth sense

3 VERB If you sense something, you become aware of it or you realize it, although it is not very obvious. □�[V that] She probably sensed that I wasn't telling her the whole story. □�[V n] He looks about him, sensing danger. □�[V wh] Prost had sensed what might happen.

4 N‑SING [N that] If you have a sensethat something is the case, you think that it is the case, although you may not have firm, clear evidence for this belief. □� Suddenly you got this sense that people were drawing themselves away from each other. □�[+�of ] There is no sense of urgency on either side.

5 →�see also sense of occasion

6 N‑SING If you have a sense of guilt or relief, for example, you feel guilty or relieved. □�[+�of ] When your child is struggling for life, you feel this overwhelming sense of guilt.

7 N‑SING If you have a sense of something such as duty or justice, you are aware of it and believe it is important. □�[+�of ] We must keep a sense of proportion about all this. □�[+�of ] She needs to regain a sense of her own worth.

8 N‑SING [oft n N ] Someone who has a senseof timing or style has a natural ability with regard to timing or style. You can also say that someone has a bad senseof timing or style. □�[+�of ] He has an impeccable sense of timing. □� Her dress sense is appalling.

9 →�see also sense of humour

10 N‑UNCOUNT Sense is the ability to make good judgments and to behave sensibly. □� �when he was younger and had a bit more sense. □� When that doesn't work they sometimes have the sense to seek help.

11 →�see also common sense

12 N‑SING [with neg, N in v-ing] If you say that there is no sense or little sensein doing something, you mean that it is not a sensible thing to do because nothing useful would be gained by doing it. □�[+�in ] There's no sense in pretending this doesn't happen.

13 N‑COUNT A sense of a word or expression is one of its possible meanings. □� �a noun which has two senses. □�[+�of ] Then she remembered that they had no mind in any real sense of that word.

14 PHRASE Sense is used in several expressions to indicate how true your statement is. For example, if you say that something is true in a sense , you mean that it is partly true, or true in one way. If you say that something is true in a general sense , you mean that it is true in a general way. □� In a sense, both were right. □� In one sense, the fact that few new commercial buildings can be financed does not matter. □� He's not the leader in a political sense. □� Though his background was modest, it was in no sense deprived.

15 PHRASE If something makes sense , you can understand it. □� He was sitting there saying, 'Yes, the figures make sense.'

16 PHRASE When you make sense of something, you succeed in understanding it. □� This is to help her make sense of past experiences.

17 PHRASE If a course of action makes sense , it seems sensible. □� It makes sense to look after yourself. □� The project should be re-appraised to see whether it made sound economic sense.

18 PHRASE If you say that someone has come to their senses or has been brought to their senses , you mean that they have stopped being foolish and are being sensible again. □� Eventually the world will come to its senses and get rid of them.

19 PHRASE If you say that someone seems to have taken leave of their senses , you mean that they have done or said something very foolish. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� They looked at me as if I had taken leave of my senses.

20 PHRASE If you say that someone talks sense , you mean that what they say is sensible.

21 PHRASE If you have a sense that something is true or get a sense that something is true, you think that it is true. [mainly SPOKEN ] □� Do you have the sense that you are loved by the public?

22to see sense →�see see

sense|less /se nsləs/

1 ADJ If you describe an action as senseless , you think it is wrong because it has no purpose and produces no benefit. □� �people whose lives have been destroyed by acts of senseless violence.

2 ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone is senseless , they are unconscious. □� They were knocked to the ground, beaten senseless and robbed of their wallets.

se nse of di|re c|tion

1 N‑SING Your sense of direction is your ability to know roughly where you are, or which way to go, even when you are in an unfamiliar place. □� He had a poor sense of direction and soon got lost.

2 N‑SING If you say that someone has a sense of direction , you mean that they seem to have clear ideas about what they want to do or achieve. [APPROVAL ] □� The country now had a sense of direction again.

se nse of hu |mour in AM, use sense of humor N‑SING Someone who has a sense of humour often finds things amusing, rather than being serious all the time. □� He had enormous charm and a great sense of humour.

se nse of oc|ca |sion N‑SING If there is a sense of occasion when a planned event takes place, people feel that something special and important is happening. □� There is a great sense of occasion and a terrific standard of musicianship.

se nse or|gan (sense organs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your sense organs are the parts of your body, for example your eyes and your ears, which enable you to be aware of things around you. [FORMAL ]

sen|sibil|ity /se ns I b I l I ti/ (sensibilities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sensibility is the ability to experience deep feelings. □� Everything he writes demonstrates the depth of his sensibility.

2 N‑VAR [usu poss N ] Someone's sensibility is their tendency to be influenced or offended by things. □� The challenge offended their sensibilities.

sen|sible ◆◇◇ /se ns I b ə l/

1 ADJ Sensible actions or decisions are good because they are based on reasons rather than emotions. □� It might be sensible to get a solicitor. □� The sensible thing is to leave them alone. □� �sensible advice. ●� sen|sibly /se ns I bli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� He sensibly decided to lie low for a while.

2 ADJ Sensible people behave in a sensible way. □� She was a sensible girl and did not panic. □�[+�about ] Oh come on, let's be sensible about this.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sensible shoes or clothes are practical and strong rather than fashionable and attractive. □� Wear loose clothing and sensible footwear. ●� sen|sibly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� They were not sensibly dressed.

sen|si|tive ◆◇◇ /se ns I t I v/

1 ADJ If you are sensitiveto other people's needs, problems, or feelings, you show understanding and awareness of them. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] The classroom teacher must be sensitive to a child's needs. □� He was always so sensitive and caring. ●� sen|si|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The abuse of women needs to be treated seriously and sensitively. ●� sen|si|tiv|ity /se ns I t I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�for ] A good relationship involves concern and sensitivity for each other's feelings.

2 ADJ If you are sensitiveabout something, you are easily worried and offended when people talk about it. □�[+�about ] Young people are very sensitive about their appearance. □� Take it easy. Don't be so sensitive. ●� sen|si|tiv|ity (sensitivities ) N‑VAR □�[+�about ] �people who suffer extreme sensitivity about what others think.

3 ADJ A sensitive subject or issue needs to be dealt with carefully because it is likely to cause disagreement or make people angry or upset. □� Employment is a very sensitive issue. □� �politically sensitive matters. ●� sen|si|tiv|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Due to the obvious sensitivity of the issue he would not divulge any details.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sensitive documents or reports contain information that needs to be kept secret and dealt with carefully. □� He instructed staff to shred sensitive documents.

5 ADJ Something that is sensitiveto a physical force, substance, or treatment is easily affected by it and often harmed by it. □�[+�to ] �a chemical which is sensitive to light. □� �gentle cosmetics for sensitive skin. ●� sen|si|tiv|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of/to ] �the sensitivity of cells to damage by chemotherapy.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sensitive piece of scientific equipment is capable of measuring or recording very small changes. □� �an extremely sensitive microscope. ●� sen|si|tiv|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the sensitivity of the detector.

sen|si|tize /se ns I ta I z/ (sensitizes , sensitizing , sensitized ) in BRIT, also use sensitise1 VERB If you sensitize people to a particular problem or situation, you make them aware of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] It seems important to sensitize people to the fact that depression is more than the blues. □�[be V -ed] How many judges in our male-dominated courts are sensitized to women's issues? [Also V n]

2 VERB [usu passive] If a substance is sensitizedto something such as light or touch, it is made sensitive to it. □�[be V -ed] Skin is easily irritated, chapped, chafed, and sensitized. □�[V -ed] �sensitised nerve endings.

sen|sor /se nsə r / (sensors ) N‑COUNT A sensor is an instrument which reacts to certain physical conditions or impressions such as heat or light, and which is used to provide information. □� The latest Japanese vacuum cleaners contain sensors that detect the amount of dust and type of floor.

sen|so|ry /se nsəri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sensory means relating to the physical senses. [FORMAL ] □� �sensory information passing through the spinal cord.

sen|sual /se nʃuəl/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is sensual shows or suggests a great liking for physical pleasures, especially sexual pleasures. □� He was a very sensual person. □� �a wide, sensual mouth. ●� sen|su|al|ity /se nʃu� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The wave and curl of her blonde hair gave her sensuality and youth.

2 ADJ Something that is sensual gives pleasure to your physical senses rather than to your mind. □� �sensual dance rhythms. ●� sen|su|al|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� These perfumes have warmth and sensuality.

sen|su|ous /se nʃuəs/

1 ADJ Something that is sensuous gives pleasure to the mind or body through the senses. □� The film is ravishing to look at and boasts a sensuous musical score. ●� sen|su|ous|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� She lay in the deep bath for a long time, enjoying its sensuously perfumed water.

2 ADJ Someone or something that is sensuous shows or suggests a great liking for sexual pleasure. □� �his sensuous young mistress, Marie-Therese. ●� sen|su|ous|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The nose was straight, the mouth sensuously wide and full.

sent /se nt/ Sent is the past tense and past participle of send .

sen|tence ◆◆◇ /se ntəns/ (sentences , sentencing , sentenced )

1 N‑COUNT A sentence is a group of words which, when they are written down, begin with a capital letter and end with a full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark. Most sentences contain a subject and a verb.

2 N‑VAR In a law court, a sentence is the punishment that a person receives after they have been found guilty of a crime. □� They are already serving prison sentences for their part in the assassination. □� He was given a four-year sentence. □� The offences carry a maximum sentence of 10 years. □� �demands for tougher sentences. □� The court is expected to pass sentence later today.

3 →�see also death sentence , life sentence , suspended sentence

4 VERB When a judge sentences someone, he or she states in court what their punishment will be. □�[V n +�to ] A military court sentenced him to death in his absence. □�[be V -ed] He has admitted the charge and will be sentenced later. [Also V n to-inf] SYNONYMS sentence NOUN 2

punishment:The usual punishment is a fine.

verdict:Three judges will deliver their verdict in October.

judgment:The Court is expected to give its judgement within the next ten days. VERB 4

convict:There was insufficient evidence to convict him.

condemn:He was condemned to life imprisonment.

penalize:Use of the car is penalized by increasing the fares of parking lots.

se n|tence ad|verb (sentence adverbs ) N‑COUNT Adverbs such as 'fortunately' and 'perhaps' which apply to the whole clause, rather than to part of it, are sometimes called sentence adverbs .

sen|ti|ent /se ntiənt, -ʃ ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sentient being is capable of experiencing things through its senses. [FORMAL ]

sen|ti|ment /se nt I mənt/ (sentiments )

1 N‑VAR A sentiment that people have is an attitude which is based on their thoughts and feelings. □� Public sentiment rapidly turned anti-American. □� �nationalist sentiments that threaten to split the country.

2 N‑COUNT A sentiment is an idea or feeling that someone expresses in words. □� I must agree with the sentiments expressed by the previous speaker. □� The Foreign Secretary echoed this sentiment.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Sentiment is feelings such as pity or love, especially for things in the past, and may be considered exaggerated and foolish. □� Laura kept that letter out of sentiment.

sen|ti|ment|al /se nt I me nt ə l/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is sentimental feels or shows pity or love, sometimes to an extent that is considered exaggerated and foolish. □�[+�about ] I'm trying not to be sentimental about the past. ●� sen|ti|men|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Childhood had less freedom and joy than we sentimentally attribute to it. ●� sen|ti|men|tal|ity /se nt I ment� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� In this book there is no sentimentality.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sentimental means relating to or involving feelings such as pity or love, especially for things in the past. □� Our paintings and photographs are of sentimental value only.

sen|ti|men|tal|ist /se nt I me ntəl I st/ (sentimentalists ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a sentimentalist , you believe that they are sentimental about things.

sen|ti|men|tal|ize /se nt I me ntəla I z/ (sentimentalizes , sentimentalizing , sentimentalized ) in BRIT, also use sentimentalise VERB If you sentimentalize something, you make it seem sentimental or think about it in a sentimental way. □�[V n] He seems either to fear women or to sentimentalize them. □�[V ] He's the kind of filmmaker who doesn't hesitate to over-sentimentalize. □�[V -ed] �Rupert Brooke's sentimentalised glorification of war.

sen|ti|nel /se nt I n ə l/ (sentinels ) N‑COUNT A sentinel is a sentry. [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ]

sen|try /se ntri/ (sentries ) N‑COUNT A sentry is a soldier who guards a camp or a building. □� The sentry would not let her enter.

se n|try box (sentry boxes ) also sentry-box N‑COUNT A sentry box is a narrow shelter with an open front in which a sentry can stand while on duty.

Sep.Sep. is a written abbreviation for September . The more usual abbreviation is Sept. □� �Friday Sep. 21, 1990.

sepa|rable /se pərəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If things are separable , they can be separated from each other. □�[+�from ] Character is not separable from physical form but is governed by it.

sepa|rate ◆◆◇ (separates , separating , separated ) The adjective and noun are pronounced /se pərət/. The verb is pronounced /se pəre I t/. 1 ADJ If one thing is separatefrom another, there is a barrier, space, or division between them, so that they are clearly two things. □� Each villa has a separate sitting-room. □� They are now making plans to form their own separate party. □�[+�from ] Business bank accounts were kept separate from personal ones. ●� sepa|rate|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�from ] �establishing Australia's cultural separateness from Britain.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to separate things, you mean several different things, rather than just one thing. □� Use separate chopping boards for raw meats, cooked meats, vegetables and salads. □� Men and women have separate exercise rooms. □� The authorities say six civilians have been killed in two separate attacks.

3 VERB If you separate people or things that are together, or if they separate , they move apart. □�[V n] Police moved in to separate the two groups. □�[V n +�from ] The pans were held in both hands and swirled around to separate gold particles from the dirt. □�[V +�from ] The front end of the car separated from the rest of the vehicle. □�[V ] They separated. Stephen returned to the square. □�[be V -ed +�from ] They're separated from the adult inmates.

4 VERB If you separate people or things that have been connected, or if one separatesfrom another, the connection between them is ended. □�[V n +�from ] They want to separate teaching from research. □�[V n] It's very possible that we may see a movement to separate the two parts of the country. □�[V +�from ] �Catalan parties vowing to separate from Spain. [Also pl-n V ]

5 VERB If a couple who are married or living together separate , they decide to live apart. □�[V ] Her parents separated when she was very young. □�[V +�from ] Since I separated from my husband I have gone a long way.

6 VERB An object, obstacle, distance, or period of time which separates two people, groups, or things exists between them. □�[V n +�from ] �the white-railed fence that separated the yard from the paddock. □�[V n] They had undoubtedly made progress in the six years that separated the two periods. □�[get V -ed] But a group of six women and 23 children got separated from the others.

7 VERB If you separate one idea or fact from another, you clearly see or show the difference between them. □�[V n +�from ] It is difficult to separate legend from truth. □�[V n] It is difficult to separate the two aims. ●�PHRASAL VERB Separate out means the same as separate . □�[V P n +�from ] How can one ever separate out the act from the attitudes that surround it?

8 VERB A quality or factor that separates one thing from another is the reason why the two things are different from each other. □�[V n +�from ] The single most important factor that separates ordinary photographs from good photographs is the lighting.

9 VERB If a particular number of points separate two teams or competitors, one of them is winning or has won by that number of points. □�[V n] In the end only three points separated the two teams.

10 VERB If you separate a group of people or things into smaller elements, or if a group separates , it is divided into smaller elements. □�[V n +�into ] The police wanted to separate them into smaller groups. □�[V +�into ] Let's separate into smaller groups. □�[V ] So all the colours that make up white light are sent in different directions and they separate. ●�PHRASAL VERB Separate out means the same as separate . □�[V P ] If prepared many hours ahead, the mixture may separate out.

11 N‑PLURAL Separates are clothes such as skirts, trousers, and shirts which cover just the top half or the bottom half of your body.

12 →�see also separated

13 PHRASE When two or more people who have been together for some time go their separate ways , they go to different places or end their relationship. □� Sue and her husband decided to go their separate ways.

▸� separate out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you separate out something from the other things it is with, you take it out. □�[V P n +�from ] The ability to separate out reusable elements from other waste is crucial. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see also separate7 , separate10

sepa|rat|ed /se pəre I t I d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is separated from their wife or husband lives apart from them, but is not divorced. □� Most single parents are either divorced or separated. □�[+�from ] Tristan had been separated from his partner for two years.

2 ADJ If you are separated from someone, for example your family, you are not able to be with them. □�[+�from ] The idea of being separated from him, even for a few hours, was torture.

sepa|rate|ly /se pərətli/ ADV [ADV with v] If people or things are dealt with separately or do something separately , they are dealt with or do something at different times or places, rather than together. □� Cook each vegetable separately until just tender. [Also +�from ]

sepa|ra|tion /se pəre I ʃ ə n/ (separations )

1 N‑VAR The separationof two or more things or groups is the fact that they are separate or become separate, and are not linked. □�[+�between ] �a 'Christian republic' in which there was a clear separation between church and state.

2 N‑VAR During a separation , people who usually live together are not together. □�[+�from ] All children will tend to suffer from separation from their parents and siblings.

3 N‑VAR If a couple who are married or living together have a separation , they decide to live apart. □� They agreed to a trial separation.

sepa|ra|tism /se pərət I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Separatism is the beliefs and activities of separatists.

sepa|ra|tist /se pərət I st/ (separatists )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Separatist organizations and activities within a country involve members of a group of people who want to establish their own separate government or are trying to do so. □� �the Basque separatist movement.

2 N‑COUNT Separatists are people who want their own separate government or are involved in separatist activities. □� The army has come under attack by separatists.

se|pia /siː piə/ COLOUR Something that is sepia is deep brown in colour, like the colour of very old photographs. □� The walls are hung with sepia photographs of old school heroes.

Sept. or Sep.Sept. is a written abbreviation for September . □� I've booked it for Thurs. 8th Sept.

Sep|tem|ber /septe mbə r / (Septembers ) N‑VAR September is the ninth month of the year in the Western calendar. □� Her son, Jerome, was born in September. □� They returned to Moscow on 22 September 1930. □� They spent a couple of nights here last September.

sep|tic /se pt I k/ ADJ If a wound or a part of your body becomes septic , it becomes infected. □� �a septic toe.

sep|ti|cae|mia /se pt I siː miə/ in AM, use septicemia N‑UNCOUNT Septicaemia is blood poisoning. [MEDICAL ]

se p|tic ta nk (septic tanks ) N‑COUNT A septic tank is an underground tank where faeces, urine, and other waste matter is made harmless using bacteria.

sep|tua|genar|ian /se ptʃuədʒ I ne əriən/ (septuagenarians ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A septuagenarian is a person between 70 and 79 years old. [FORMAL ] □� �septuagenarian author Mary Wesley.

se|pul|chral /s I pʌ lkrəl/

1 ADJ Something that is sepulchral is serious or sad and rather frightening. [LITERARY ] □� 'He's gone,' Rory whispered in sepulchral tones.

2 ADJ A sepulchral place is dark, quiet, and empty. [LITERARY ] □� He made his way along the sepulchral corridors.

sep|ul|chre /se p ə lkə r / (sepulchres ) in AM, use sepulcher N‑COUNT A sepulchre is a building or room in which a dead person is buried. [LITERARY ]

se|quel /siː kw ə l/ (sequels )

1 N‑COUNT A book or film which is a sequelto an earlier one continues the story of the earlier one. □�[+�to ] She is currently writing a sequel to her first novel.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The sequelto something that has happened is an event or situation that happens after it or as a result of it. □�[+�to ] The police said the clash was a sequel to yesterday's nationwide strike.

se|quence /siː kwəns/ (sequences )

1 N‑COUNT A sequenceof events or things is a number of events or things that come one after another in a particular order. □�[+�of ] �the sequence of events which led to the murder. □�[+�of ] �a dazzling sequence of novels by John Updike.

2 N‑COUNT A particular sequence is a particular order in which things happen or are arranged. □� �the colour sequence yellow, orange, purple, blue, green and white. □� The chronological sequence gives the book an element of structure.

3 N‑COUNT A film sequence is a part of a film that shows a single set of actions. □� The best sequence in the film occurs when Roth stops at a house he used to live in.

4 N‑COUNT A gene sequence or a DNA sequence is the order in which the elements making up a particular gene are combined. □� The project is nothing less than mapping every gene sequence in the human body. □�[+�of ] �the complete DNA sequence of the human genome.

5 VERB To sequence genes is to determine the order in which the elements that make them up are combined. □�[V n] The technique offers a means of sequencing the human genome much more quickly. ●� se|quenc|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� DNA sequencing has become more advanced.

se|quenc|er /siː kwənsə r / (sequencers ) N‑COUNT A sequencer is an electronic instrument that can be used for recording and storing sounds so that they can be replayed as part of a new piece of music.

se|quenc|ing /siː kwəns I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Gene sequencing or DNA sequencing involves identifying the order in which the elements making up a particular gene are combined. □� �the U.S. government's own gene sequencing programme.

se|quen|tial /s I kwe nʃ ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is sequential follows a fixed order. [FORMAL ] □� �the sequential story of the universe. ●� se|quen|tial|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The pages are numbered sequentially.

se|ques|ter /s I kwe stə r / (sequesters , sequestering , sequestered )

1 VERB Sequester means the same as sequestrate . [LEGAL ] □�[be V -ed] Everything he owned was sequestered. [Also V n]

2 VERB If someone is sequestered somewhere, they are isolated from other people. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] This jury is expected to be sequestered for at least two months.

se|ques|tered /s I kwe stə r d/ ADJ A sequestered place is quiet and far away from busy places. [LITERARY ]

se|ques|trate /siː kwestre I t/ (sequestrates , sequestrating , sequestrated ) VERB [usu passive] When property is sequestrated , it is taken officially from someone who has debts, usually after a decision in a court of law. If the debts are paid off, the property is returned to its owner. [LEGAL ] □�[be V -ed] He tried to prevent union money from being sequestrated by the courts. ●� se|ques|tra|tion /siː kwestre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the sequestration of large areas of land.

se|quin /siː kw I n/ (sequins ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sequins are small, shiny discs that are sewn on clothes to decorate them. □� The frocks were covered in sequins, thousands of them.

se|quinned /siː kw I nd/ also sequined ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sequinned piece of clothing is decorated or covered with sequins. □� �a strapless sequinned evening gown.

ser|aph /se rəf/ (seraphim /se rəf I m/ or seraphs ) N‑COUNT In the Bible, a seraph is a kind of angel.

Serbo-Croat /sɜː r boʊ kroʊ �t/ N‑UNCOUNT Serbo-Croat is one of the languages spoken in the former Yugoslavia.

ser|enade /se r I ne I d/ (serenades , serenading , serenaded )

1 VERB If one person serenades another, they sing or play a piece of music for them. Traditionally men did this outside the window of the woman they loved. □�[V n] In the interval a blond boy dressed in white serenaded the company on the flute. ●�N‑COUNT Serenade is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The tenor sang his serenade of love.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] In classical music, a serenade is a piece in several parts written for a small orchestra. □� �Vaughan Williams's Serenade to Music.

ser|en|dipi|tous /se rend I p I təs/ ADJ A serendipitous event is one that is not planned but has a good result. [LITERARY ] □� �a serendipitous discovery.

ser|en|dip|ity /se rend I p I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Serendipity is the luck some people have in finding or creating interesting or valuable things by chance. [LITERARY ] □� Some of the best effects in my garden have been the result of serendipity.

se|rene /s I riː n/ ADJ Someone or something that is serene is calm and quiet. □� She looked as calm and serene as she always did. ●� se|rene|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� We sailed serenely down the river. ●� se|ren|ity /s I re n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� I had a wonderful feeling of peace and serenity when I saw my husband.

serf /sɜː r f/ (serfs ) N‑COUNT In former times, serfs were a class of people who had to work on a particular person's land and could not leave without that person's permission.

serf|dom /sɜː r fdəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The system of serfdom was the social and economic system by which the owners of land had serfs.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone was in a state of serfdom , they were a serf.

serge /sɜː r dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Serge is a type of strong woollen cloth used to make clothes such as skirts, coats, and trousers. □� He wore a blue serge suit.

ser|geant /sɑː r dʒ ə nt/ (sergeants )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A sergeant is a non-commissioned officer of middle rank in the army, marines, or air force. □� A sergeant with a detail of four men came into view. □� �Sergeant Black.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the British police force, a sergeant is an officer with the next to lowest rank. In American police forces, a sergeant is an officer with the rank immediately below a captain. □� The unit headed by Sergeant Bell.

se r|geant ma|jor (sergeant majors ) also sergeant-major N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A sergeant major is the most senior non-commissioned officer in the army and the marines.

se|rial /s I ə riəl/ (serials )

1 N‑COUNT A serial is a story which is broadcast on television or radio or is published in a magazine or newspaper in a number of parts over a period of time. □� �one of BBC television's most popular serials, Eastenders. □� Maupin's novels have all appeared originally as serials.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Serial killings or attacks are a series of killings or attacks committed by the same person. This person is known as a serial killer or attacker. □� The serial killer claimed to have killed 400 people.

se|riali|za|tion /s I ə riəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (serializations ) in BRIT, also use serialisation1 N‑UNCOUNT Serialization is the act of serializing a book.

2 N‑COUNT A serialization is a story, originally written as a book, which is being published or broadcast in a number of parts. □�[+�of ] �in the serialisation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

se|rial|ize /s I ə riəla I z/ (serializes , serializing , serialized ) in BRIT, also use serialise VERB [usu passive] If a book is serialized , it is broadcast on the radio or television or is published in a magazine or newspaper in a number of parts over a period of time. □�[be V -ed] A few years ago Tom Brown's Schooldays was serialised on television.

se |rial num|ber (serial numbers )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The serial number of an object is a number on that object which identifies it. □� �the gun's serial number. □� �your bike's serial number.

2 N‑COUNT The serial number of a member of the United States military forces is a number which identifies them.

se |rial po rt (serial ports ) N‑COUNT A serial port on a computer is a place where you can connect the computer to a device such as a modem or a mouse. [COMPUTING ]

se|ries ◆◆◇ /s I ə riːz/ (series )

1 N‑COUNT A seriesof things or events is a number of them that come one after the other. □�[+�of ] �a series of meetings with students and political leaders. □�[+�of ] �a series of explosions.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A radio or television series is a set of programmes of a particular kind which have the same title. □� Lisa Kudrow became famous for her role as Phoebe in the world's most popular TV series, Friends.

se|ri|ous ◆◆◆ /s I ə riəs/

1 ADJ Serious problems or situations are very bad and cause people to be worried or afraid. □� Crime is an increasingly serious problem in modern society. □� The government still face very serious difficulties. □� Doctors said his condition was serious but stable. ●� se|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV with v] □� If this ban was to come in it would seriously damage my business. □� They are not thought to be seriously hurt. ●� se|ri|ous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the seriousness of the crisis.

2 ADJ Serious matters are important and deserve careful and thoughtful consideration. □� I regard this as a serious matter. □� Don't laugh boy. This is serious.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] When important matters are dealt with in a serious way, they are given careful and thoughtful consideration. □� We had never discussed marriage in any serious way. □� It was a question which deserved serious consideration. ●� se|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The management will have to think seriously about their positions.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Serious music or literature requires concentration to understand or appreciate it. □� There is no point reviewing a blockbuster as you might review a serious novel.

5 ADJ If someone is seriousabout something, they are sincere about what they are saying, doing, or intending to do. □�[+�about ] You really are serious about this, aren't you? □� I hope you're not serious. ●� se|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV with v] □� Are you seriously jealous of Erica? ●� se|ri|ous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� In all seriousness, there is nothing else I can do. [Also +�of ]

6 ADJ Serious people are thoughtful and quiet, and do not laugh very often. □� He's quite a serious person. ●� se|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They spoke to me very seriously but politely.

se|ri|ous|ly ◆◇◇ /s I ə riəsli/

1 ADV You use seriously to indicate that you are not joking and that you really mean what you say. □� But seriously, we've had really positive feedback from all sorts of people.

2 CONVENTION You say ' seriously ' when you are surprised by what someone has said, as a way of asking them if they really mean it. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� 'I tried to chat him up at the general store.' He laughed. 'Seriously?'

3 →�see also serious

4 PHRASE If you take someone or something seriously , you believe that they are important and deserve attention. □� It's hard to take them seriously in their pretty grey uniforms.

ser|mon /sɜː r mən/ (sermons ) N‑COUNT A sermon is a talk on a religious or moral subject that is given by a member of the clergy as part of a church service.

sero|to|nin /se roʊtoʊ n I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Serotonin is a chemical produced naturally in your brain that affects the way you feel, for example making you feel happier, calmer, or less hungry.

ser|pent /sɜː r pənt/ (serpents ) N‑COUNT A serpent is a snake. [LITERARY ] □� �the serpent in the Garden of Eden.

ser|pen|tine /sɜː r pənta I n/ ADJ Something that is serpentine is curving and winding in shape, like a snake when it moves. [LITERARY ] □� �serpentine woodland pathways.

ser|rat|ed /sere I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A serrated object such as a knife or blade has a row of V-shaped points along the edge. □� Bread knives should have a serrated edge.

ser|ried /se rid/ ADJ [ADJ n] Serried things or people are closely crowded together in rows. [LITERARY ] □� �serried rows of law books and law reports. □� �the serried ranks of fans.

se|rum /s I ə rəm/ (serums )

1 N‑VAR A serum is a liquid that is injected into someone's blood to protect them against a poison or disease.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Serum is the watery, pale yellow part of blood.

serv|ant ◆◇◇ /sɜː r v ə nt/ (servants )

1 N‑COUNT A servant is someone who is employed to work at another person's home, for example as a cleaner or a gardener.

2 N‑COUNT You can use servant to refer to someone or something that provides a service for people or can be used by them. □� The question is whether technology is going to be our servant or our master.

3 →�see also civil servant

serve ◆◆◇ /sɜː r v/ (serves , serving , served )

1 VERB If you serve your country, an organization, or a person, you do useful work for them. □�[V n] It is unfair to soldiers who have served their country well for many years. □�[V n] I have always said that I would serve the Party in any way it felt appropriate.

2 VERB If you serve in a particular place or as a particular official, you perform official duties, especially in the armed forces, as a civil servant, or as a politician. □�[V prep/adv] During the second world war he served with RAF Coastal Command. □�[V prep/adv] For seven years until 1991 he served as a district councillor in Solihull.

3 VERB If something servesas a particular thing or serves a particular purpose, it performs a particular function, which is often not its intended function. □�[V +�as/for ] She ushered me into the front room, which served as her office. □�[V n] I really do not think that an inquiry would serve any useful purpose. □�[V to-inf] Their brief visit has served to underline the deep differences between the two countries. □�[V n +�as/for ] The old drawing room serves her as both sitting room and study.

4 VERB If something serves people or an area, it provides them with something that they need. □�[V n] This could mean the closure of thousands of small businesses which serve the community. □�[be V -ed +�by ] Cuba is well served by motorways.

5 VERB Something that serves someone's interests benefits them. □�[V n] The economy should be organized to serve the interests of all the people.

6 VERB When you serve food and drink, you give people food and drink. □�[V n prep] Serve it with French bread. □�[V n adj] Serve the cakes warm. □�[V n] Prepare the garnishes shortly before you are ready to serve the soup. □�[V n n] �the pleasure of having someone serve you champagne and caviar in bed. □�[V ] They are expected to baby-sit, run errands, and help serve at cocktail parties. [Also V n +�to ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Serve up means the same as serve . □�[V P n] After all, it is no use serving up TV dinners if the kids won't eat them. □�[V n P ] He served it up on delicate white plates.

7 VERB [no cont] Serve is used to indicate how much food a recipe produces. For example, a recipe that serves six provides enough food for six people. □�[V n] Garnish with fresh herbs. Serves 4.

8 VERB Someone who serves customers in a shop or a bar helps them and provides them with what they want to buy. □�[V n] They wouldn't serve me in any pubs 'cos I looked too young. □�[V ] Auntie and Uncle suggested she serve in the shop.

9 VERB When the police or other officials serve someone with a legal order or serve an order on them, they give or send the legal order to them. [LEGAL ] □�[V n +�with ] Immigration officers tried to serve her with a deportation order. □�[V n +�on ] Police said they had been unable to serve a summons on 25-year-old Lee Jones. [Also V n]

10 VERB If you serve something such as a prison sentence or an apprenticeship, you spend a period of time doing it. □�[V n] �Leo, who is currently serving a life sentence for murder.

11 VERB When you serve in games such as tennis and badminton, you throw up the ball or shuttlecock and hit it to start play. □�[V n] He served 17 double faults. □�[V ] If you serve like this nobody can beat you. ●�N‑COUNT Serve is also a noun. □� His second serve clipped the net.

12 N‑COUNT When you describe someone's serve , you are indicating how well or how fast they serve a ball or shuttlecock. □� His powerful serve was too much for the defending champion.

13 →�see also serving

14 PHRASE If you say it serves someone right when something unpleasant happens to them, you mean that it is their own fault and you have no sympathy for them. [FEELINGS ] □�[+�for ] Serves her right for being so stubborn.

▸� serve out PHRASAL VERB If someone serves out their term of office, contract, or prison sentence, they do not leave before the end of the agreed period of time. □�[V P n] The governor has declared his innocence and says he plans to serve out his term. [Also V n P ]

▸� serve up →�see serve6

serv|er /sɜː r və r / (servers )

1 N‑COUNT In computing, a server is part of a computer network which does a particular task, for example storing or processing information, for all or part of the network. [COMPUTING ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] In tennis and badminton, the server is the player whose turn it is to hit the ball or shuttlecock to start play. □� �a brilliant server and volleyer.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A server is something such as a fork or spoon that is used for serving food. □� �salad servers.

ser|vice ◆◆◆ /sɜː r v I s/ (services , servicing , serviced ) For meaning 14 , services is both the singular and the plural form. 1 N‑COUNT A service is something that the public needs, such as transport, communications facilities, hospitals, or energy supplies, which is provided in a planned and organized way by the government or an official body. □� Britain still boasts the cheapest postal service. □� We have started a campaign for better nursery and school services. □� The authorities have said they will attempt to maintain essential services.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] You can sometimes refer to an organization or private company as a particular service when it provides something for the public or acts on behalf of the government. □� �the BBC World Service. □� �Careers Advisory Services.

3 N‑COUNT If an organization or company provides a particular service , they can do a particular job or a type of work for you. □� The kitchen maintains a twenty-four-hour service and can be contacted via Reception. □� The larger firm was capable of providing a better range of services.

4 N‑PLURAL Services are activities such as tourism, banking, and selling things which are part of a country's economy, but are not concerned with producing or manufacturing goods. □� Mining rose by 9.1%, manufacturing by 9.4% and services by 4.3%.

5 N‑UNCOUNT The level or standard of service provided by an organization or company is the amount or quality of the work it can do for you. □� Taking risks is the only way employees can provide effective and efficient customer service.

6 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A bus or train service is a route or regular journey that is part of a transport system. □� A bus service operates between Bolton and Salford.

7 N‑PLURAL [with poss] Your services are the things that you do or the skills that you use in your job, which other people find useful and are usually willing to pay you for. □�[+�of ] I have obtained the services of a top photographer to take our pictures.

8 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's service or servicesto a particular organization or activity, you mean that they have done a lot of work for it or spent a lot of their time on it. □�[+�to ] You've given a lifetime of service to athletics. □� �the two policemen, who have a total of 31 years' service between them.

9 N‑COUNT [usu pl] TheServices are the army, the navy, and the air force. □� In June 1945, Britain still had forty-five per cent of its workforce in the Services and munitions industries.

10 N‑UNCOUNT Service is the work done by people or equipment in the army, navy, or air force, for example during a war. □� The regiment was recruited from the Highlands specifically for service in India.

11 N‑UNCOUNT When you receive service in a restaurant, hotel, or shop, an employee asks you what you want or gives you what you have ordered. □� Bill was �68 including service and a couple of bar drinks and wine.

12 N‑COUNT A service is a religious ceremony that takes place in a church. □� After the hour-long service, his body was taken to a cemetery in the south of the city.

13 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A dinnerservice or a teaservice is a complete set of plates, cups, saucers, and other pieces of china. □� �a 60-piece dinner service.

14 N‑COUNT A services is a place beside a motorway where you can buy petrol and other things, or have a meal. [BRIT ] □� They had to pull up, possibly go to a motorway services or somewhere like that. in AM, use rest area15 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] In tennis, badminton, and some other sports, when it is your service , it is your turn to serve. □� She conceded just three points on her service during the first set.

16 ADJ [ADJ n] Service is used to describe the parts of a building or structure that are used by the staff who clean, repair, or look after it, and are not usually used by the public. □� He wheeled the trolley down the corridor and disappeared with it into the service lift.

17 VERB If you have a vehicle or machine serviced , you arrange for someone to examine, adjust, and clean it so that it will keep working efficiently and safely. □�[have n V -ed] I had my car serviced at the local garage. □�[be V -ed] Make sure that all gas fires and central heating boilers are serviced annually. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] Service is also a noun. □� The car needs a service. □� The company sends a service engineer to fix the disk drive before it fails.

18 VERB If a country or organization services its debts, it pays the interest on them. □�[V n] Almost a quarter of the country's export earnings go to service a foreign debt of $29 billion.

19 VERB If someone or something services an organization, a project, or a group of people, they provide it with the things that it needs in order to function properly or effectively. □�[V n] Fossil fuels such as oil and gas will service our needs for some considerable time to come.

20 →�see also active service , Civil Service , community service , emergency services , in-service , National Health Service , national service , public service , room service

21 PHRASE To be at the service of a person or organization means to be available to help or be used by that person or organization. □� The intellectual and moral potential of the world's culture must be put at the service of politics.

22 CONVENTION You can use ' at your service ' after your name as a formal way of introducing yourself to someone and saying that you are willing to help them in any way you can. [FORMULAE ] □� She bowed dramatically. 'Anastasia Krupnik, at your service,' she said.

23 PHRASE If you do someone a service , you do something that helps or benefits them. □� You are doing me a great service, and I'm very grateful to you.

24 PHRASE If a piece of equipment or type of vehicle is in service , it is being used or is able to be used. If it is out of service , it is not being used, usually because it is not working properly. □� Cuts in funding have meant that equipment has been kept in service longer.

25 PHRASE If someone or something is of serviceto you, they help you or are useful to you. □� That is, after all, the primary reason we live�to be of service to others.

ser|vice|able /sɜː r v I səb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as serviceable , you mean that it is good enough to be used and to perform its function. □� His Arabic was not as good as his English, but serviceable enough.

se r|vice area (service areas ) N‑COUNT A service area is a place beside a motorway where you can buy petrol and other things, or have a meal. [BRIT ] in AM, use rest area

se r|vice charge (service charges ) N‑COUNT A service charge is an amount that is added to your bill in a restaurant to pay for the work of the person who comes and serves you. □� Most restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge.

se r|vice in|dus|try (service industries ) N‑COUNT A service industry is an industry such as banking or insurance that provides a service but does not produce anything.

ser|vice|man /sɜː r v I smən/ (servicemen ) N‑COUNT A serviceman is a man who is in the army, navy, or air force.

se r|vice pro|vi d|er (service providers ) N‑COUNT A service provider is a company that provides a service, especially an internet service. [COMPUTING ]

se r|vice sta|tion (service stations )

1 N‑COUNT A service station is a place that sells things such as petrol, oil, and spare parts. Service stations often sell food, drink, and other goods.

2 N‑COUNT A service station is a place beside a motorway where you can buy petrol and other things, or have a meal. [BRIT ] in AM, use rest area

ser|vice|woman /sɜː r v I swʊmən/ (servicewomen ) N‑COUNT A servicewoman is a woman who is in the army, navy, or air force.

ser|vi|ette /sɜː r vie t/ (serviettes ) N‑COUNT A serviette is a square of cloth or paper that you use to protect your clothes or to wipe your mouth when you are eating. [BRIT ] in AM, use napkin

ser|vile /sɜː r va I l, [AM ] -v ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone is servile , you disapprove of them because they are too eager to obey someone or do things for them. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was subservient and servile. ●� ser|vil|ity /sɜː r v I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� She's a curious mixture of stubbornness and servility.

serv|ing /sɜː r v I ŋ/ (servings )

1 N‑COUNT A serving is an amount of food that is given to one person at a meal. □�[+�of ] Quantities will vary according to how many servings of soup you want to prepare. □� Each serving contains 240 calories.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A serving spoon or dish is used for giving out food at a meal. □� Pile the potatoes into a warm serving dish.

ser|vi|tude /sɜː r v I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Servitude is the condition of being a slave or of being completely under the control of someone else. □� �a life of servitude.

2 →�see also penal servitude

sesa|me /se səmi/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Sesame is a plant grown for its seeds and oil, which are used in cooking. □� �sesame seeds.

ses|sion ◆◆◇ /se ʃ ə n/ (sessions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A session is a meeting of a court, parliament, or other official group. □�[+�of ] �an emergency session of parliament. □� After two late night sessions, the Security Council has failed to reach agreement. □� The court was in session.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A session is a period during which the meetings of a court, parliament, or other official group are regularly held. □� The parliamentary session ends on October 4th.

3 N‑COUNT A session of a particular activity is a period of that activity. □� The two leaders emerged for a photo session. □� �group therapy sessions.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Session musicians are employed to play backing music in recording studios. □� He established himself as a session musician. COLLOCATIONS session NOUN 3

noun +�session : coaching, gym, practice, training; counselling, therapy; bonding, drinking, recording

verb +�session : attend, run

set

➊�NOUN USES

➋�VERB AND ADJECTIVE USES

➊ set ◆◆◆ /se t/ (sets )

1 N‑COUNT A setof things is a number of things that belong together or that are thought of as a group. □�[+�of ] There must be one set of laws for the whole of the country. □�[+�of ] I might need a spare set of clothes. □�[+�of ] The computer repeats a set of calculations. □�[+�of ] Only she and Mr Cohen had complete sets of keys to the shop. □� The mattress and base are normally bought as a set. □� �a chess set.

2 N‑COUNT In tennis, a set is one of the groups of six or more games that form part of a match. □� Graf was leading 5-1 in the first set.

3 N‑COUNT In mathematics, a set is a group of mathematical quantities that have some characteristic in common.

4 N‑COUNT A band's or musician's set is the group of songs or tunes that they perform at a concert. □� The band continued with their set after a short break.

5 N‑SING You can refer to a group of people as a set if they meet together socially or have the same interests and lifestyle. □� He belonged to what the press called 'The Chelsea Set'.

6 →�see also jet set

7 N‑COUNT [oft on/off N ] The set for a play, film, or television show is the furniture and scenery that is on the stage when the play is being performed or in the studio where filming takes place. □� From the first moment he got on the set, he wanted to be a director too. □�[+�for ] �his stage sets for the Folies Bergeres.

8 N‑SING Thesetof someone's face or part of their body is the way that it is fixed in a particular expression or position, especially one that shows determination. □�[+�of ] Isabelle opened her mouth but stopped when she saw the set of his shoulders and the look in his eyes.

9 N‑COUNT A set is an appliance. For example, a television set is a television. □� Children spend so much time in front of the television set.

➋ set ◆◆◆ /se t/ (sets , setting ) The form set is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb. →�Please look at categories 25 to 31 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you set something somewhere, you put it there, especially in a careful or deliberate way. □�[V n prep] He took the case out of her hand and set it on the floor. □�[V n with adv] When he set his glass down he spilled a little drink.

2 ADJ If something is set in a particular place or position, it is in that place or position. □�[+�in ] The castle is set in 25 acres of beautiful grounds.

3 ADJ If something is setinto a surface, it is fixed there and does not stick out. □�[+�in ] The man unlocked a gate set in a high wall and let me through.

4 VERB You can use set to say that a person or thing causes another person or thing to be in a particular condition or situation. For example, to set someone free means to cause them to be free, and to set something going means to cause it to start working. □�[V n v-ing] Set the kitchen timer going. □�[V n v-ing] A phrase from the conference floor set my mind wandering. □�[be V -ed adj/adv] Dozens of people have been injured and many vehicles set on fire. □�[V n with prep] Churchill immediately set into motion a daring plan.

5 VERB When you set a clock or control, you adjust it to a particular point or level. □�[V n adv/prep] Set the volume as high as possible. □�[V n] I forgot to set my alarm and I overslept.

6 VERB If you set a date, price, goal, or level, you decide what it will be. □�[V n] The conference chairman has set a deadline of noon tomorrow. □�[be V -ed +�for ] A date will be set for a future meeting.

7 VERB If you set a certain value on something, you think it has that value. □�[V n +�on ] She sets a high value on autonomy.

8 VERB If you set something such as a record, an example, or a precedent, you do something that people will want to copy or try to achieve. □�[V n] The outcome could set a precedent for other businesses with similar objections. □�[be V -ed] The previous record of 128,100ft was set by Felix Baumgartner.

9 VERB If someone sets you a task or aim or if you setyourself a task or aim, you need to succeed in doing it. □�[V n n] I have to plan my academic work very rigidly and set myself clear objectives.

10 VERB To set an examination or a question paper means to decide what questions will be asked in it. [BRIT ] □�[V n] He broke with the tradition of setting examinations in Latin. in AM, usually use make up11 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use set to describe something which is fixed and cannot be changed. □� Investors can apply for a package of shares at a set price.

12 ADJ [ADJ n] A set book must be studied by students taking a particular course. [BRIT ] □� One of the set books is Jane Austen's Emma. in AM, use required13 ADJ If a play, film, or story is set in a particular place or period of time, the events in it take place in that place or period. □�[+�in ] The play is set in a small Midwestern town.

14 ADJ If you are setto do something, you are ready to do it or are likely to do it. If something is setto happen, it is about to happen or likely to happen. □� Cristiano Ronaldo was set to become one of the greatest players of all time.

15 ADJ If you are set on something, you are strongly determined to do or have it. If you are set against something, you are strongly determined not to do or have it. □�[+�on/against ] She was set on going to an all-girls school.

16 VERB If you set your face or jaw, you put on a fixed expression of determination. □�[V n] Instead, she set her jaw grimly and waited in silence.

17 VERB When something such as jelly, melted plastic, or cement sets , it becomes firm or hard. □�[V ] You can add ingredients to these desserts as they begin to set.

18 VERB When the sun sets , it goes below the horizon. □�[V ] They watched the sun set behind the distant dales. □�[V -ing] �the red glow of the setting sun.

19 VERB To set a trap means to prepare it to catch someone or something. □�[V n +�for ] He seemed to think I was setting some sort of trap for him.

20 VERB When someone sets the table, they prepare it for a meal by putting plates and cutlery on it.

21 VERB If someone sets a poem or a piece of writing to music, they write music for the words to be sung to. □�[V n +�to ] He has attracted much interest by setting ancient religious texts to music.

22 →�see also setting , set-to

23 PHRASE If someone sets the scene or sets the stagefor an event to take place, they make preparations so that it can take place. □� The convention set the scene for a ferocious election campaign.

24 PHRASE If you say that someone is set in their ways , you are being critical of the fact that they have fixed habits and ideas which they will not easily change, even though they may be old-fashioned. [DISAPPROVAL ]

25to set eyes on something →�see eye

26to set fire to something →�see fire ➊

27to set foot somewhere →�see foot

28to set your heart on something →�see heart

29to set sail →�see sail

30to set great store by or on something →�see store

31to set to work →�see work

▸� set against

1 PHRASAL VERB If one argument or fact is set against another, it is considered in relation to it. □�[be V -ed P n] These are relatively small points when set against her expertise on so many other issues. [Also V n P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB To set one person against another means to cause them to become enemies or rivals. □�[V n P n] The case has set neighbour against neighbour in the village.

▸� set apart PHRASAL VERB If a characteristic sets you apartfrom other people, it makes you different from the others in a noticeable way. □�[V n P +�from ] What sets it apart from hundreds of similar small French towns is the huge factory. □�[V n P ] Li blends right into the crowd of teenagers. Only his accent sets him apart.

▸� set aside

1 PHRASAL VERB If you set something asidefor a special use or purpose, you keep it available for that use or purpose. □�[V P n] Some doctors advise setting aside a certain hour each day for worry. □�[be V -ed P +�for ] �130 million would be set aside for repairs to schools. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you set aside a belief, principle, or feeling, you decide that you will not be influenced by it. □�[V P n] He urged them to set aside minor differences for the sake of peace. [Also V n P ]

▸� set back

1 PHRASAL VERB If something sets you back or sets back a project or scheme, it causes a delay. □�[V n P ] It has set us back so far that I'm not sure if we can catch up. □�[V P n] There will be a risk of public protest that could set back reforms.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something sets you back a certain amount of money, it costs you that much money. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P amount] In 1981 dinner for two in New York would set you back �5.

3 →�see also setback

▸� set down

1 PHRASAL VERB If a committee or organization sets down rules for doing something, it decides what they should be and officially records them. □�[V P n] The Safety at Sea Bill set down regulations to improve safety on fishing vessels. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you set down your thoughts or experiences, you write them all down. □�[V P n] Old Walter is setting down his memories of village life. [Also V n P ]

▸� set forth PHRASAL VERB If you set forth a number of facts, beliefs, or arguments, you explain them in writing or speech in a clear, organized way. [FORMAL ] □�[V P n] Dr. Mesibov set forth the basis of his approach to teaching students.

▸� set in PHRASAL VERB If something unpleasant sets in , it begins and seems likely to continue or develop. □�[V P ] Then disappointment sets in as they see the magic is no longer there. □�[V P ] Winter is setting in and the population is facing food and fuel shortages.

▸� set off

1 PHRASAL VERB When you set off , you start a journey. □�[V P prep/adv] Nichols set off for his remote farmhouse in Connecticut. □�[V P ] I set off, full of optimism.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something sets off something such as an alarm or a bomb, it makes it start working so that, for example, the alarm rings or the bomb explodes. □�[V P n] Any escape, once it's detected, sets off the alarm. □�[V n P ] It could take months before evidence emerges on how the bomb was made, and who set it off.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something sets off an event or a series of events, it causes it to start happening. □�[V P n] The arrival of the charity van set off a minor riot as villagers scrambled for a share of the aid. [Also V n P ]

▸� set on PHRASAL VERB To set animals on someone means to cause the animals to attack them. □�[V n P n] They brought the young men in and set the dogs on them.

▸� set out

1 PHRASAL VERB When you set out , you start a journey. □�[V P prep/adv] When setting out on a long walk, always wear suitable boots. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you set outto do something, you start trying to do it. □�[V P to-inf] He has achieved what he set out to do three years ago.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you set things out , you arrange or display them somewhere. □�[V P n] Set out the cakes attractively, using lacy doilies. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you set out a number of facts, beliefs, or arguments, you explain them in writing or speech in a clear, organized way. □�[V P n] He has written a letter to The Times setting out his views. [Also V n P ]

▸� set up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you set something up , you create or arrange it. □�[V P n] The two sides agreed to set up a commission to investigate claims. □�[V n P ] Tell us when and why you started your business and how you went about setting it up. ●� set|ting up N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The British government announced the setting up of a special fund.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you set up a temporary structure, you place it or build it somewhere. □�[V P n] They took to the streets, setting up roadblocks of burning tyres. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you set up a device or piece of machinery, you do the things that are necessary for it to be able to start working. □�[V P n] I set up the computer so that they could work from home. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you set up somewhere or setyourselfup somewhere, you establish yourself in a new business or new area. □�[V P prep/adv] The mayor's scheme offers incentives to firms setting up in lower Manhattan. □�[V pron-refl P ] He set himself up in business and became a successful agent. □�[V n P prep/adv] Grandfather set them up in a liquor business.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you set up home or set up shop, you buy a house or business of your own and start living or working there. □�[V P n] They married, and set up home in Ramsgate.

6 PHRASAL VERB If something sets up something such as a process, it creates it or causes it to begin. □�[V P n] The secondary current sets up a magnetic field inside the tube. [Also V n P ]

7 PHRASAL VERB If you are set up by someone, they make it seem that you have done something wrong when you have not. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed P ] Both men deny any involvement and claim they were set up by the British secret service. □�[V n P ] Maybe Angelo tried to set us up. [Also V P n (not pron)]

8 →�see also set-up

▸� set upon PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you are set upon by people, they make a sudden and unexpected physical attack on you. □�[be V -ed P ] We were set upon by about twelve youths and I was kicked unconscious.

se t-aside N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In the European Union, set-aside is a scheme in which some areas of farmland are not used for a period of time, either because too much is being produced already, or so that a crop does not become too cheap. □� The farm is paid �87 per acre for the 1,700 acres it has in set-aside.

set|back /se tb�k/ (setbacks ) also set-back N‑COUNT A setback is an event that delays your progress or reverses some of the progress that you have made. □�[+�for/in/to ] The move represents a setback for the peace process.

se t pie ce (set pieces ) also set-piece

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A set piece is an occasion such as a battle or a move in a game of football that is planned and carried out in an ordered way. □� Guerrillas avoid fighting set-piece battles.

2 N‑COUNT A set piece is a part of a film, novel, or piece of music which has a strong dramatic effect and which is often not an essential part of the main story. □� �the film's martial arts set pieces.

sett /se t/ (setts ) N‑COUNT A sett is the place where a badger lives.

set|tee /setiː / (settees ) N‑COUNT A settee is a long comfortable seat with a back and arms, which two or more people can sit on.

set|ter /se tə r / (setters ) N‑COUNT A setter is a long-haired dog that can be trained to show hunters where birds and animals are.

set|ting /se t I ŋ/ (settings )

1 N‑COUNT A particular setting is a particular place or type of surroundings where something is or takes place. □�[+�for ] Rome is the perfect setting for romance.

2 N‑COUNT A setting is one of the positions to which the controls of a device such as a cooker, stove, or heater can be adjusted. □� You can boil the fish fillets on a high setting.

3 N‑COUNT A table setting is the complete set of equipment that one person needs to eat a meal, including knives, forks, spoons, and glasses.

set|tle ◆◆◇ /se t ə l/ (settles , settling , settled )

1 VERB If people settle an argument or problem, or if something settles it, they solve it, for example by making a decision about who is right or about what to do. □�[V n] They agreed to try to settle their dispute by negotiation. □�[V n] Tomorrow's vote is unlikely to settle the question of who will replace their leader.

2 VERB If people settle a legal dispute or if they settle , they agree to end the dispute without going to a court of law, for example by paying some money or by apologizing. □�[V n] In an attempt to settle the case, Molken has agreed to pay restitution. □�[V ] She got much less than she would have done if she had settled out of court. □�[V +�with ] His company settled with the authorities by paying a $200 million fine.

3 VERB If you settle a bill or debt, you pay the amount that you owe. □�[V n] I settled the bill for my coffee. □�[V +�with ] They settled with Colin at the end of the evening.

4 VERB [usu passive] If something is settled , it has all been decided and arranged. □�[be V -ed] As far as we're concerned, the matter is settled.

5 VERB When people settle a place or in a place, or when a government settles them there, they start living there permanently. □�[V prep/adv] Refugees settling in Britain suffer from a number of problems. □�[V n] Thirty-thousand-million dollars is needed to settle the refugees. [Also V n prep/adv, V ]

6 VERB If you settleyourself somewhere or settle somewhere, you sit down or make yourself comfortable. □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] Albert settled himself on the sofa. □�[V prep/adv] Jessica settled into her chair with a small sigh of relief.

7 VERB If something settles or if you settle it, it sinks slowly down and becomes still. □�[V prep/adv] A black dust settled on the walls. □�[V ] Once its impurities had settled, the oil could be graded. □�[V n] Tap each one firmly on your work surface to settle the mixture.

8 VERB If your eyes settleon or upon something, you stop looking around and look at that thing for some time. □�[V +�on/upon ] The man let his eyes settle upon Cross's face.

9 VERB When birds or insects settle on something, they land on it from above. □�[V +�on ] Moths flew in front of it, eventually settling on the rough painted metal.

10 →�see also settled

11when the dust settles →�see dust

12to settle a score →�see score

▸� settle down

1 PHRASAL VERB When someone settles down , they start living a quiet life in one place, especially when they get married or buy a house. □�[V P ] One day I'll want to settle down and have a family. □�[V P prep/adv] As a southerner, he did not want to move north, fearing that he 'might never settle down in the provinces'.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a situation or a person that has been going through a lot of problems or changes settles down , they become calm. □�[V P ] Though previously troubled by civil strife, Kashmir has settled down.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you settle downto do something or to something, you prepare to do it and concentrate on it. □�[V P to-inf] He got his coffee, came back and settled down to listen. □�[V P +�to ] They settled down to some serious work.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you settle down for the night, you get ready to lie down and sleep. □�[V P ] They put up their tents and settled down for the night.

▸� settle for PHRASAL VERB If you settle for something, you choose or accept it, especially when it is not what you really want but there is nothing else available. □�[V P n] Virginia was a perfectionist. She was just not prepared to settle for anything mediocre.

▸� settle in PHRASAL VERB If you settle in , you become used to living in a new place, doing a new job, or going to a new school. □�[V P ] I enjoyed King Edward's School enormously once I'd settled in.

▸� settle on PHRASAL VERB If you settle on a particular thing, you choose it after considering other possible choices. □�[V P n] I finally settled on a Mercedes estate.

▸� settle up PHRASAL VERB When you settle up , you pay a bill or a debt. □�[V P ] When we approached the till to settle up, he reduced our bill by 50 per cent.

set|tled /se t ə ld/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a settled way of life, you stay in one place, in one job, or with one person, rather than moving around or changing. □� He decided to lead a more settled life with his partner.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A settled situation or system stays the same all the time. □� There has been a period of settled weather.

set|tle|ment ◆◆◇ /se t ə lmənt/ (settlements )

1 N‑COUNT A settlement is an official agreement between two sides who were involved in a conflict or argument. □� Our objective must be to secure a peace settlement. □�[+�of ] They are not optimistic about a settlement of the eleven-year conflict.

2 N‑COUNT A settlement is an agreement to end a disagreement or dispute without going to a court of law, for example by offering someone money. □� She accepted an out-of-court settlement of �4,000.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The settlementof a debt is the act of paying back money that you owe. □�[+�of ] �ways to delay the settlement of debts.

4 N‑COUNT A settlement is a place where people have come to live and have built homes. □�[+�of ] The village is a settlement of just fifty houses. COLLOCATIONS settlement NOUN

1

noun +�settlement : dispute, divorce, pay, peace

adjective +�settlement : amicable; political

verb +�settlement : achieve, announce, reach, secure; negotiate, propose

2

noun +�settlement : cash; lawsuit, libel

adjective +�settlement : confidential, out-of-court

verb +�settlement : accept, agree, negotiate

set|tler /se tələ r / (settlers ) N‑COUNT Settlers are people who go to live in a new country. □�[+�from ] The village was founded by settlers from the Volga region.

se t-to (set-tos ) N‑COUNT A set-to is a dispute or fight. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�between ] This was the subject of a bit of a set-to between Smith and his record company.

se t-top bo x (set-top boxes ) N‑COUNT A set-top box is a piece of equipment that rests on top of your television and receives digital television signals.

se t-up ◆◆◇ (set-ups ) also setup

1 N‑COUNT A particular set-up is a particular system or way of organizing something. [INFORMAL ] □� It appears to be an idyllic domestic set-up. □�[+�of ] I gradually got rather disillusioned with the whole setup of the university.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a situation as a set-up , you mean that people have planned it in order to deceive you or to make it look as if you have done something wrong. [INFORMAL ] □� He was asked to pick somebody up and bring them to a party, not realizing it was a setup.

3 N‑SING The set-up of computer hardware or software is the process of installing it and making it ready to use. [COMPUTING ] □� The worst part of the set-up is the poor instruction manual.

sev|en ◆◆◆ /se v ə n/ (sevens ) NUM Seven is the number 7. □� Sarah and Ella have been friends for seven years.

sev|en|teen ◆◆◆ /se v ə ntiː n/ (seventeens ) NUM Seventeen is the number 17. □� Jenny is seventeen years old.

sev|en|teenth ◆◆◇ /se v ə ntiː nθ/ (seventeenths )

1 ORD The seventeenth item in a series is the one that you count as number seventeen. □� She gave birth to her daughter just after her seventeenth birthday.

2 FRACTION A seventeenth is one of seventeen equal parts of something.

sev|enth ◆◆◇ /se v ə nθ/ (sevenths )

1 ORD The seventh item in a series is the one that you count as number seven. □� I was the seventh child in a family of 11.

2 FRACTION A seventh is one of seven equal parts of something. □� A million people died, a seventh of the population.

Sev|enth Day Ad|vent|ist /se v ə nθ de I �dve nt I st/ (Seventh Day Adventists )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Seventh Day Adventist churches are churches that believe that Jesus Christ will return very soon, and that have Saturday as their holy day.

2 N‑COUNT A Seventh Day Adventist is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church.

se v|enth hea v|en N‑UNCOUNT [in N ] If you say that you are in seventh heaven , you mean that you are in a state of complete happiness. [INFORMAL ]

sev|en|ti|eth ◆◆◇ /se v ə ntiəθ/ ORD The seventieth item in a series is the one that you count as number seventy. □� Richard Wagner died at Venice, in his seventieth year.

sev|en|ty ◆◆◆ /se v ə nti/ (seventies )

1 NUM Seventy is the number 70. □� Seventy people were killed.

2 N‑PLURAL When you talk about the seventies , you are referring to numbers between 70 and 79. For example, if you are in your seventies , you are aged between 70 and 79. If the temperature is in the seventies , it is between 70 and 79. □� It's a long way to go for two people in their seventies.

3 N‑PLURAL The seventies is the decade between 1970 and 1979. □� In the late Seventies, things had to be new, modern, revolutionary.

sev|er /se və r / (severs , severing , severed )

1 VERB To sever something means to cut completely through it or to cut it completely off. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Richardson severed his right foot in a motorbike accident. □�[V -ed] �oil still gushing from a severed fuel line.

2 VERB If you sever a relationship or connection that you have with someone, you end it suddenly and completely. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] She severed her ties with England.

sev|er|al ◆◆◆ /se vrəl/ DET Several is used to refer to an imprecise number of people or things that is not large but is greater than two. □� I had lived two doors away from this family for several years. □� Several blue plastic boxes under the window were filled with record albums. □� Several hundred students gathered on campus. ●�QUANT Several is also a quantifier. □�[+�of ] Several of the delays were caused by the new high-tech baggage system. ●�PRON Several is also a pronoun. □� No one drug will suit or work for everyone and sometimes several may have to be tried. SYNONYMS several DET

some:He went to fetch some books.

a few:I gave a dinner party for a few close friends.

a handful:One spring morning a handful of potential investors assembled in Quincy.

sev|er|ance /se vərəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Severancefrom a person or group, or the severanceof a connection, involves the ending of a relationship or connection. [FORMAL ] □�[+�from ] �his bitter sense of severance from his family. □�[+�of ] �the complete severance of diplomatic relations.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Severance pay is a sum of money that a company gives to its employees when it has to stop employing them. [BUSINESS ] □� We were offered 13 weeks' severance pay.

se|vere ◆◆◇ /s I v I ə r / (severer , severest )

1 ADJ You use severe to indicate that something bad or undesirable is great or intense. □� �a business with severe cash flow problems. □� Steve passed out on the floor and woke up blinded and in severe pain. □� Shortages of professional staff are very severe in some places. ●� se|vere|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Much of Britain was severely affected by blizzards. □� An aircraft overshot the runway and was severely damaged. ●� se|ver|ity /s I ve r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Several treatments are used to lessen the severity of the symptoms.

2 ADJ Severe punishments or criticisms are very strong or harsh. □� This was a dreadful crime and a severe sentence is necessary. ●� se|vere|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �a campaign to try to change the law to punish dangerous drivers more severely. ●� se|ver|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The Bishop said he was sickened by the severity of the sentence. SYNONYMS severe ADJ

1

serious:The government still face very serious difficulties.

critical:Its day-to-day finances are in a critical state.

terrible:Tens of thousands of people suffered terrible injuries.

grave:I have grave doubts that the documents tell the whole story.

2

strict:My parents were very strict.

harsh:�the cold, harsh cruelty of her husband.

cruel:�struggling to survive in a cruel world with which they cannot cope.

sew /soʊ / (sews , sewing , sewed , sewn )

1 VERB When you sew something such as clothes, you make them or repair them by joining pieces of cloth together by passing thread through them with a needle. □�[V n] She sewed the dresses on the sewing machine. □�[V n with on ] Anyone can sew on a button, including you. □�[V ] Mrs Roberts was a dressmaker, and she taught her daughter to sew. [Also V n prep]

2 VERB When something such as a hand or finger is sewnback by a doctor, it is joined with the patient's body using a needle and thread. □�[be V -ed adv] The hand was preserved in ice by neighbours and sewn back on in hospital.

3 →�see also sewing

▸� sew up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you sew up pieces of cloth or tears in cloth or skin, you join them together using a needle and thread. □�[V P n] Next day, Miss Stone decided to sew up the rip. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone sews up something such as a business deal, an election, or a game, they make sure that they will get the result they want. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] If they didn't move fast, Johnson could sew this deal up within days. □�[V -ed P ] The Italians think they've got it all sewn up. [Also V P n]

sew|age /suː I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Sewage is waste matter such as faeces or dirty water from homes and factories, which flows away through sewers. □� �the MPs' call for more treatment of raw sewage.

sew|er /suː ə r / (sewers ) N‑COUNT A sewer is a large underground channel that carries waste matter and rain water away, usually to a place where it is treated and made harmless. □� �the city's sewer system. □� �open sewers.

sew|er|age /suː ər I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Sewerage is the system by which waste matter is carried away in sewers and made harmless. □� �without access to any services such as water or sewerage.

sew|ing /soʊ I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sewing is the activity of making or mending clothes or other things using a needle and thread. □� Her mother had always done all the sewing.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sewing is clothes or other things that are being sewn. □� We all got out our own sewing and sat in front of the log fire.

se w|ing ma|chine (sewing machines ) N‑COUNT A sewing machine is a machine that you use for sewing.

sewn /soʊ n/ Sewn is the past participle of sew .

sex ◆◆◇ /se ks/ (sexes , sexing , sexed )

1 N‑COUNT The two sexes are the two groups, male and female, into which people and animals are divided according to the function they have in producing young. □� �an entertainment star who appeals to all ages and both sexes. □� �differences between the sexes.

2 →�see also fair sex , opposite sex , same-sex , single-sex

3 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The sex of a person or animal is their characteristic of being either male or female. □� She continually failed to gain promotion because of her sex. □�[+�of ] The new technique has been used to identify the sex of foetuses.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Sex is the physical activity by which people can produce young. □� He was very open in his attitudes about sex. □� We have a very active sex life.

5 PHRASE If two people have sex , they perform the act of sex. □�[+�with ] Have you ever thought about having sex with someone other than your partner?

▸� sex up PHRASAL VERB To sex something up means to make it more interesting and exciting. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] They wanted to modernise the programme, sex it up. [Also V P n, V -ed P ]

se x aid (sex aids ) N‑COUNT A sex aid is an object or piece of equipment that is designed to make sex easier or better.

se x ap|peal N‑UNCOUNT Someone's sex appeal is their sexual attractiveness. □� She still has the energy and sex appeal of a woman less than half her age.

-sexed /-se kst/ COMB -sexed is used after adverbs such as 'over' and 'under' to form adjectives which indicate that someone wants to have sex too often or not often enough. □� My husband has always been a bit over-sexed.

se x edu|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT Sex education is education in schools on the subject of sexual activity and sexual relationships.

se x god|dess (sex goddesses ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a woman, especially a film star, as a sex goddess , you mean that many people consider her to be sexually attractive. [JOURNALISM ] □� The actress was at the height of her popularity as a sex goddess.

sex|ism /se ks I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sexism is the belief that the members of one sex, usually women, are less intelligent or less capable than those of the other sex and need not be treated equally. It is also the behaviour which is the result of this belief. □� Groups like ours are committed to eradicating homophobia, racism and sexism.

sex|ist /se ks I st/ (sexists ) ADJ If you describe people or their behaviour as sexist , you mean that they are influenced by the belief that the members of one sex, usually women, are less intelligent or less capable than those of the other sex and need not be treated equally. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Old-fashioned sexist attitudes are still common. ●�N‑COUNT A sexist is someone with sexist views or behaviour.

sex|less /se ksləs/ ADJ If you describe a person as sexless , you mean that they have no sexual feelings or that they are not sexually active. A sexless relationship does not involve sex. □� �a neurotic and sexless woman.

se x life (sex lives ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] If you refer to someone's sex life , you are referring to their sexual relationships and sexual activity.

se x ob|ject (sex objects ) N‑COUNT If someone is described as a sex object , he or she is considered only in terms of their physical attractiveness and not their character or abilities. □� He cared for her as a whole person rather than just a sex object.

sex|olo|gist /seksɒ lədʒ I st/ (sexologists ) N‑COUNT A sexologist is a person who studies sexual relationships and gives advice or makes reports. □� �Alfred Kinsey, the pioneering sexologist.

sex|pot /se kspɒt/ (sexpots ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a sexpot , you mean that they are sexually very attractive. [INFORMAL ]

se x shop (sex shops ) N‑COUNT A sex shop is a shop that sells products associated with sex, for example magazines, videos, and special clothing or equipment.

se x sym|bol (sex symbols ) N‑COUNT A sex symbol is a famous person, especially an actor or a singer, who is considered by many people to be sexually attractive. □� �Hollywood sex symbols of the Forties.

sex|tant /se kstənt/ (sextants ) N‑COUNT A sextant is an instrument used for measuring angles, for example between the sun and the horizon, so that the position of a ship or aeroplane can be calculated.

sex|tet /se kste t/ (sextets )

1 N‑COUNT A sextet is a group of six musicians or singers who play or sing together. □� �the Paul Rogers Sextet.

2 N‑COUNT A sextet is a piece of music written for six performers.

sext|ing /se kst I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Sexting is the activity of using a mobile phone to send text messages that are about sex or to send sexual photographs. □� He was expelled from school for sexting.

se x toy (sex toys ) N‑COUNT A sex toy is an object that some people use to give sexual pleasure.

sex|ual ◆◆◇ /se kʃuəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sexual feelings or activities are connected with the act of sex or with people's desire for sex. □� This was the first sexual relationship I had had. □� Men's sexual fantasies often have little to do with their sexual desire. ●� sex|ual|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �sexually transmitted diseases. □� How many kids in this school are sexually active?

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sexual means relating to the differences between male and female people. □� Women's groups denounced sexual discrimination. ●� sex|ual|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� If you're sexually harassed, you ought to do something about it.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sexual means relating to the differences between heterosexuals and homosexuals. □� �couples of all sexual persuasions.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sexual means relating to the biological process by which people and animals produce young. □� Girls generally reach sexual maturity two years earlier than boys. ●� sex|ual|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The first organisms that reproduced sexually were free-floating plankton.

se x|ual abu se N‑UNCOUNT If a child or other person suffers sexual abuse , someone forces them to take part in sexual activity with them, often regularly over a period of time.

se x|ual ha r|ass|ment N‑UNCOUNT Sexual harassment is repeated and unwelcome sexual comments, looks, or physical contact at work, usually a man's actions that offend a woman.

se x|ual i nter|course N‑UNCOUNT Sexual intercourse is the physical act of sex between two people. [FORMAL ]

sexu|al|ity /se kʃu� l I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] A person's sexuality is their sexual feelings. □� �the growing discussion of women's sexuality.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] You can refer to a person's sexuality when you are talking about whether they are sexually attracted to people of the same sex or a different sex. □� He believes he has been discriminated against because of his sexuality.

sex|ual|ize /se kʃuəla I z/ (sexualizes , sexualizing , sexualized ) in BRIT, also use sexualise VERB To sexualize something or someone means to make them sexual or consider them in a sexual way. □�[V n] Referring to children's friends as girlfriends and boyfriends sexualizes them. □�[V -ed] Rape is sexualised violence.

se x|ual ori|en|ta |tion (sexual orientations ) N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Someone's sexual orientation is whether they are sexually attracted to people of the same sex, people of the opposite sex, or both.

se x|ual pre f|er|ence (sexual preferences ) N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Someone's sexual preference is the same as their sexual orientation .

sexy /se ksi/ (sexier , sexiest ) ADJ You can describe people and things as sexy if you think they are sexually exciting or sexually attractive. □� Women found his voice incredibly sexy.

SF /e s e f/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] SF is the same as science fiction . □� There must be aliens out there, said the SF writers, and the scientists now, on the whole, agree.

sfxSfx is an abbreviation for special effects . [WRITTEN ]

SGML /e s dʒiː em e l/ N‑UNCOUNT SGML is a computer language for creating files using a system of codes. SGML is an abbreviation for 'standard generalized mark-up language'.

Sgt in AM, use Sgt. N‑TITLE Sgt is the written abbreviation for sergeant when it is used as a title. □� �Sgt Johnston.

sh /ʃ/ also shh CONVENTION You can say ' Sh! ' to tell someone to be quiet. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ]

shab|by /ʃ� bi/ (shabbier , shabbiest )

1 ADJ Shabby things or places look old and in bad condition. □� His clothes were old and shabby. □� He walked past her into a tiny, shabby room.

2 ADJ A person who is shabby is wearing old, worn clothes. □� �a shabby, tall man with dark eyes.

3 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as shabby , you think they behave in an unfair or unacceptable way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It was hard to say why the man deserved such shabby treatment. □�[+�of ] I knew it was shabby of me, but I couldn't help feeling slightly disappointed.

Sha b|by Chi c N‑UNCOUNT Shabby Chic is a style of decorating the inside of a house in which the furniture and house look slightly used or old in a way that is attractive. [TRADEMARK ] □� Her apartment is the ultimate in Shabby Chic.

shack /ʃ� k/ (shacks , shacking , shacked ) N‑COUNT A shack is a simple hut built from tin, wood, or other materials.

▸� shack up PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone has shacked upwith someone else or that two people have shacked up together, you disapprove of the fact that they have started living together as lovers. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P +�with ] �the deserters who had shacked up with local women. □�[V P ] The Government was keen for people to get married rather than shack up. □�[be V -ed P ] It turned out she was shacked up with a lawyer in New York.

shack|le /ʃ� k ə l/ (shackles , shackling , shackled )

1 VERB [usu passive] If you are shackledby something, it prevents you from doing what you want to do. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�by ] The trade unions are shackled by the law. □�[be V -ed +�to ] �people who find themselves shackled to a high-stress job.

2 N‑PLURAL If you throw off the shacklesof something, you reject it or free yourself from it because it was preventing you from doing what you wanted to do. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �a country ready to throw off the shackles of its colonial past.

3 N‑PLURAL Shackles are two metal rings joined by a chain which are fastened around someone's wrists or ankles in order to prevent them from moving or escaping. □� He unbolted the shackles on Billy's hands.

4 VERB To shackle someone means to put shackles on them. □�[V n] �the chains that were shackling his legs.

shade ◆◇◇ /ʃe I d/ (shades , shading , shaded )

1 N‑COUNT [in N ] A shadeof a particular colour is one of its different forms. For example, emerald green and olive green are shades of green. □�[+�of ] The walls were painted in two shades of green. □� �new eyeshadows in a choice of 80 shades.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in the N ] Shade is an area of darkness under or next to an object such as a tree, where sunlight does not reach. □� Temperatures in the shade can reach forty-eight degrees Celsius at this time of year. □� �exotic trees provide welcome shade.

3 VERB If you say that a place or person is shaded by objects such as trees, you mean that the place or person cannot be reached, harmed, or bothered by strong sunlight because those objects are in the way. □�[be V -ed] �a health resort whose beaches are shaded by palm trees. □�[V n] Umbrellas shade outdoor cafes along winding cobblestone streets.

4 VERB If you shade your eyes, you put your hand or an object partly in front of your face in order to prevent a bright light from shining into your eyes. □�[V n] You can't look directly into it; you've got to shade your eyes or close them altogether.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Shade is darkness or shadows as they are shown in a picture. □� �Rembrandt's skilful use of light and shade to create the atmosphere of movement.

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The shadesof something abstract are its many, slightly different forms. □�[+�of ] �the capacity to convey subtle shades of meaning.

7 VERB If something shadesinto something else, there is no clear division between the two things, so that you cannot tell where or when the first thing ends and the second thing begins. □�[V +�into ] As the dusk shaded into night, we drove slowly through narrow alleys.

8 N‑PLURAL Shades are sunglasses . [INFORMAL ]

9 N‑COUNT A shade is the same as a lampshade .

10 N‑COUNT A shade is a piece of stiff cloth or heavy paper that you can pull down over a window as a covering. [AM ] □� Nancy left the shades down and the lights off. in BRIT, use blind11 →�see also shaded , shading

12 PHRASE To put someone or something in the shade means to be so impressive that the person or thing seems unimportant by comparison. □� �a run that put every other hurdler's performance in the shade.

shad|ed /ʃe I d I d/ ADJ A shaded area on something such as a map is one that is coloured darker than the surrounding areas, so that it can be distinguished from them.

-shaded /-ʃe I d I d/ COMB -shaded combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that sunlight is prevented from reaching a certain place by the thing mentioned. □� �a winding, tree-shaded driveway.

shad|ing /ʃe I d I ŋ/ (shadings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Shading is material such as nets or dark paint that provide shade, especially for plants. □� The conservatory will get very hot in summer unless shading is used.

2 →�see also shade

shad|ow ◆◇◇ /ʃ� doʊ/ (shadows , shadowing , shadowed )

1 N‑COUNT A shadow is a dark shape on a surface that is made when something stands between a light and the surface. □� An oak tree cast its shadow over a tiny round pool. □�[+�of ] Nothing would grow in the shadow of the grey wall. □� All he could see was his shadow.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Shadow is darkness in a place caused by something preventing light from reaching it. □� Most of the lake was in shadow.

3 VERB If something shadows a thing or place, it covers it with a shadow. □�[V n] The hood shadowed her face.

4 VERB If someone shadows you, they follow you very closely wherever you go. □�[be V -ed] The supporters are being shadowed by a large and highly visible body of police.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A British Member of Parliament who is a member of the shadow cabinet or who is a shadow cabinet minister belongs to the main opposition party and takes a special interest in matters which are the responsibility of a particular government minister. □� �the shadow chancellor. ●�N‑COUNT Shadow is also a noun. □� Clarke swung at his shadow the accusation that he was 'a tabloid politician'.

6 PHRASE If you say that something is true withouta shadow of a doubt or withouta shadow of doubt , you are emphasizing that there is no doubt at all that it is true. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was without a shadow of a doubt the best we've played.

7 PHRASE If you live in the shadow of someone or in their shadow , their achievements and abilities are so great that you are not noticed or valued. □� He has always lived in the shadow of his brother.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone is a shadow of their former self , you mean that they are much less strong or capable than they used to be. □� Johnson returned to the track after his ban but was a shadow of his former self.

sha d|ow box|ing

1 N‑UNCOUNT Shadow boxing is a form of physical exercise or training in which you move your hands and feet as if you are boxing someone.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe what two people or groups are doing as shadow boxing , you mean that they seem to be taking action against each other but in fact are not serious about the dispute. □� �the tedious shadow boxing that we normally see between bosses and unions.

shad|owy /ʃ� doʊi/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A shadowy place is dark or full of shadows. □� I watched him from a shadowy corner.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A shadowy figure or shape is someone or something that you can hardly see because they are in a dark place. □� �a tall, shadowy figure silhouetted against the pale wall.

3 ADJ You describe activities and people as shadowy when very little is known about them. □� �the shadowy world of spies.

shady /ʃe I di/ (shadier , shadiest )

1 ADJ You can describe a place as shady when you like the fact that it is sheltered from bright sunlight, for example by trees or buildings. □� After flowering, place the pot in a shady spot in the garden.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Shady trees provide a lot of shade. □� Clara had been reading in a lounge chair under a shady tree.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe activities as shady when you think that they might be dishonest or illegal. You can also use shady to describe people who are involved in such activities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The company was notorious for shady deals.

shaft /ʃɑː ft, ʃ� ft/ (shafts )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A shaft is a long vertical passage, for example for a lift. □� He was found dead at the bottom of a lift shaft. □� �old mine shafts.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] In a machine, a shaft is a rod that turns round continually in order to transfer movement in the machine. □� �a drive shaft. □� �the propeller shaft.

3 N‑COUNT A shaft is a long thin piece of wood or metal that forms part of a spear, axe, golf club, or other object. □� �golf clubs with steel shafts.

4 N‑COUNT A shaftof light is a beam of light, for example sunlight shining through an opening. □�[+�of ] A brilliant shaft of sunlight burst through the doorway.

shag /ʃ� g/ (shags , shagging , shagged ) VERB If someone shags another person, or if two people shag , they have sex together. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Shag is also a noun. □� �a spy movie with car chases, a murder, a shag and a happy ending.

shag|gy /ʃ� gi/ (shaggier , shaggiest ) ADJ Shaggy hair or fur is long and untidy. □� Tim has longish, shaggy hair.

Shah /ʃɑː / (Shahs ) N‑PROPER In former times, the Shah of Iran was its ruler.

shaikh /ʃe I k/ (shaikhs ) →�see sheikh

shake ◆◆◇ /ʃe I k/ (shakes , shaking , shook , shaken )

1 VERB If you shake something, you hold it and move it quickly backwards and forwards or up and down. You can also shake a person, for example, because you are angry with them or because you want them to wake up. □�[V n] The nurse shook the thermometer and put it under my armpit. □�[V n] Shake the rugs well and hang them for a few hours before replacing on the floor. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Shake is also a noun. □� She picked up the bag of salad and gave it a shake.

2 VERB If you shakeyourself or your body, you make a lot of quick, small, repeated movements without moving from the place where you are. □�[V pron-refl] As soon as he got inside, the dog shook himself. □�[V n] He shook his hands to warm them up. ●�N‑COUNT Shake is also a noun. □� Take some slow, deep breaths and give your body a bit of a shake.

3 VERB If you shake your head , you turn it from side to side in order to say 'no' or to show disbelief or sadness. □�[V n] 'Anything else?' Colum asked. Kathryn shook her head wearily. ●�N‑COUNT Shake is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Palmer gave a sad shake of his head.

4 VERB If you are shaking , or a part of your body is shaking , you are making quick, small movements that you cannot control, for example because you are cold or afraid. □�[V ] My hand shook so much that I could hardly hold the microphone. □�[V +�with ] I stood there, crying and shaking with fear.

5 VERB If you shake your fist or an object such as a stick at someone, you wave it in the air in front of them because you are angry with them. □�[V n +�at ] The colonel rushed up to Earle, shaking his gun at him.

6 VERB If a force shakes something, or if something shakes , it moves from side to side or up and down with quick, small, but sometimes violent movements. □�[V n] �an explosion that shook buildings several kilometers away. □�[V ] The breeze grew in strength, the flags shook, plastic bunting creaked.

7 VERB To shake something into a certain place or state means to bring it into that place or state by moving it quickly up and down or from side to side. □�[V n prep] Small insects can be collected by shaking them into a jar. □�[V n with adv] Shake off any excess flour before putting the liver in the pan.

8 VERB If your voice is shaking , you cannot control it properly and it sounds very unsteady, for example because you are nervous or angry. □�[V +�with ] His voice shaking with rage, he asked why the report was kept from the public. [Also V ]

9 VERB If an event or a piece of news shakes you, or shakes your confidence, it makes you feel upset and unable to think calmly. □�[V n] The news of Tandy's escape had shaken them all. ●� shak|en ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� Unhurt, but a bit shaken, she was trying not to cry.

10 VERB If an event shakes a group of people or their beliefs, it causes great uncertainty and makes them question their beliefs. □�[V n] It won't shake the football world if we beat Torquay.

11 N‑COUNT A shake is the same as a milkshake . □� He sent his driver to fetch him a strawberry shake.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is no great shakes , you mean that they are not very skilful or effective. [INFORMAL ] □� I'm no great shakes as a detective. □� The protests have failed partly because the opposition politicians are no great shakes.

13 PHRASE If you shake someone's hand or shake someone by the hand , you shake hands with them. □� I said congratulations and walked over to him and shook his hand.

14 PHRASE If you shake handswith someone, you take their right hand in your own for a few moments, often moving it up and down slightly, when you are saying hello or goodbye to them, congratulating them, or agreeing on something. You can also say that two people shake hands . □�[+�with ] He shook hands with his admirers as he made his way to the front.

15to shake the foundations of something →�see foundation

▸� shake down PHRASAL VERB If someone shakes you down , they use threats or search you physically in order to obtain something from you. [AM ] □�[V P n] Former police checkpoints on highways were being used to shake down motorists for bribes. [Also V n P ]

▸� shake off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you shake off something that you do not want such as an illness or a bad habit, you manage to recover from it or get rid of it. □�[V P n] Businessmen are trying to shake off habits learned under six decades of a protected economy. □�[V n P ] He was generally feeling bad. He just couldn't shake it off.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you shake off someone who is following you, you manage to get away from them, for example by running faster than them. □�[V n P ] I caught him a lap later, and although I could pass him I could not shake him off. □�[V P n] He was unaware that they had shaken off their pursuers.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you shake off someone who is touching you, you move your arm or body sharply so that they are no longer touching you. □�[V n P ] He grabbed my arm. I shook him off. □�[V P n] She shook off his restraining hand.

▸� shake out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you shake out a cloth or a piece of clothing, you hold it by one of its edges and move it up and down one or more times, in order to open it out, make it flat, or remove dust. □�[V P n] While the water was heating she decided to shake out the carpet. □�[V n P ] I took off my poncho, shook it out, and hung it on a peg.

2 →�see also shake-out

▸� shake up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone shakes up something such as an organization, an institution, or a profession, they make major changes to it. □�[V P n] The government wanted to reform the institutions, to shake up the country. □�[V n P ] Shareholders are preparing to shake things up in the boardrooms.

2 →�see also shake-up

3 PHRASAL VERB If you are shaken up or shook up by an unpleasant experience, it makes you feel shocked and upset, and unable to think calmly or clearly. □�[be V -ed P ] The jockey was shaken up when he was thrown twice from his horse yesterday. □�[V n P ] He was in the car when those people died. That really shook him up. [Also V P n (not pron)]

shake|down /ʃe I kdaʊn/ (shakedowns )

1 N‑COUNT If an organization or system is given a shakedown , it is thoroughly reorganized in order to make it more efficient.

2 N‑COUNT A shakedown of a boat, plane, or car is its final test before it starts to be used.

shak|en /ʃe I kən/ Shaken is the past participle of shake .

sha ke-out (shake-outs ) in AM, use shakeout N‑COUNT [usu sing] A shake-out is a major set of changes in a system or an organization which results in a large number of companies closing or a large number of people losing their jobs. [JOURNALISM ] □� This should be the year of a big shake-out in Italian banking.

Shak|er /ʃe I kə r / (Shakers )

1 N‑COUNT A Shaker is a member of an American religious group whose members live in communities and have a very simple life.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Shaker furniture is usually made of wood and has a very simple design.

sha ke-up (shake-ups ) in AM, use shakeup N‑COUNT A shake-up is a major set of changes in an organization or a system. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of/in ] �a radical shake-up of the secondary education system.

shaky /ʃe I ki/ (shakier , shakiest )

1 ADJ If you describe a situation as shaky , you mean that it is weak or unstable, and seems unlikely to last long or be successful. □� A shaky ceasefire is holding after three days of fighting between rival groups. □� I'm afraid that this school year is off to a shaky start.

2 ADJ If your body or your voice is shaky , you cannot control it properly and it shakes, for example because you are ill or nervous. □� We have all had a shaky hand and a dry mouth before speaking in public.

shale /ʃe I l/ (shales ) N‑VAR Shale is smooth soft rock that breaks easily into thin layers.

sha le gas N‑UNCOUNT Shale gas is a natural gas that is removed from rock by forcing liquid and sand into the rock. □� This area has huge deposits of shale gas.

shall ◆◆◇ /ʃəl, STRONG ʃ�l/ Shall is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. 1 MODAL You use shall with 'I' and 'we' in questions in order to make offers or suggestions, or to ask for advice. □� Shall I get the keys? □� Shall I call her and ask her to come here? □� Well, shall we go? □� Let's have a nice little stroll, shall we? □� What shall I do?

2 MODAL You use shall , usually with 'I' and 'we', when you are referring to something that you intend to do, or when you are referring to something that you are sure will happen to you in the future. □� We shall be landing in Paris in sixteen minutes, exactly on time. □� I shall know more next month, I hope. □� I shall miss him terribly.

3 MODAL You use shall with 'I' or 'we' during a speech or piece of writing to say what you are going to discuss or explain later. [FORMAL ] □� In Chapter 3, I shall describe some of the documentation that I gathered.

4 MODAL You use shall to indicate that something must happen, usually because of a rule or law. You use shall not to indicate that something must not happen. □� The president shall hold office for five years.

5 MODAL You use shall , usually with 'you', when you are telling someone that they will be able to do or have something they want. □� 'I want to hear all the gossip, all the scandal.'�'You shall, dearie, you shall!'

6 MODAL You use shall with verbs such as 'look forward to' and 'hope' to say politely that you are looking forward to something or hoping to do something. [FORMAL , POLITENESS ] □� Well, we shall look forward to seeing him tomorrow.

7 MODAL You use shall when you are referring to the likely result or consequence of a particular action or situation. □� When large finance companies cut down on their entertainments, we shall know that times really are hard.

shal|lot /ʃəlɒ t/ (shallots ) N‑VAR [usu pl] Shallots are small round vegetables that are the roots of a crop and are similar to onions. They have a strong taste and are used for flavouring other food.

shal|low /ʃ� loʊ/ (shallower , shallowest )

1 ADJ A shallow container, hole, or area of water measures only a short distance from the top to the bottom. □� Put the milk in a shallow dish. □� The water is quite shallow for some distance.

2 ADJ If you describe a person, piece of work, or idea as shallow , you disapprove of them because they do not show or involve any serious or careful thought. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I think he is shallow, vain and untrustworthy.

3 ADJ If your breathing is shallow , you take only a very small amount of air into your lungs at each breath. □� She began to hear her own taut, shallow breathing.

shal|lows /ʃ� loʊz/ N‑PLURAL The shallows are the shallow part of an area of water. □� At dusk more fish come into the shallows.

shalt /ʃəlt, STRONG ʃ�lt/ MODAL Shalt is an old-fashioned form of shall . □� Thou shalt not kill.

sham /ʃ� m/ (shams ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a sham is not real or is not really what it seems to be. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The government's promises were exposed as a hollow sham.

sham|an /ʃe I mən/ (shamans )

1 N‑COUNT A shaman is a priest or priestess in shamanism.

2 N‑COUNT Among some Native American peoples, a shaman is a person who is believed to have powers to heal sick people or to remove evil spirits from them.

sham|an|ism /ʃe I məm I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Shamanism is a religion which is based on the belief that the world is controlled by good and evil spirits, and that these spirits can be directed by people with special powers.

sham|bles /ʃ� mb ə lz/ N‑SING If a place, event, or situation is ashambles or is in a shambles , everything is in disorder. □� The ship's interior was an utter shambles. □� The economy is in a shambles.

sham|bo|lic /ʃ�mbɒ l I k/ ADJ If you describe a situation, person, or place as shambolic , you mean that they are very disorganized. [BRIT ] □� �a shambolic public relations disaster.

shame ◆◇◇ /ʃe I m/ (shames , shaming , shamed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Shame is an uncomfortable feeling that you get when you have done something wrong or embarrassing, or when someone close to you has. □� She felt a deep sense of shame. □� I was, to my shame, a coward.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone brings shameon you, they make other people lose their respect for you. □� I don't want to bring shame on the family name.

3 VERB If something shames you, it causes you to feel shame. □�[V n] Her son's affair had humiliated and shamed her.

4 VERB If you shame someone into doing something, you force them to do it by making them feel ashamed not to. □�[V n +�into/out of ] He would not let neighbours shame him into silence.

5 N‑SING If you say that something is ashame , you are expressing your regret about it and indicating that you wish it had happened differently. [FEELINGS ] □� It's a crying shame that police have to put up with these mindless attacks.

6 CONVENTION You can use shame in expressions such as shame on you and shame on him to indicate that someone ought to feel shame for something they have said or done. [FEELINGS ] □� He tried to deny it. Shame on him!

7 PHRASE If someone puts you to shame , they make you feel ashamed because they do something much better than you do. □� His playing really put me to shame.

shame|faced /ʃe I mfe I st, [AM ] -fe I st/ ADJ If you are shamefaced , you feel embarrassed because you have done something that you know you should not have done. [FORMAL ] □� There was a long silence, and my father looked shamefaced.

shame|ful /ʃe I mfʊl/ ADJ If you describe a person's action or attitude as shameful , you think that it is so bad that the person ought to be ashamed. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the most shameful episode in U.S. naval history. ●� shame|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� At times they have been shamefully neglected.

shame|less /ʃe I mləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as shameless , you mean that they should be ashamed of their behaviour, which is unacceptable to other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a shameless attempt to stifle democratic debate. ●� shame|less|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� �a shamelessly lazy week-long trip.

sham|poo /ʃ�mpuː / (shampoos , shampooing , shampooed )

1 N‑VAR Shampoo is a soapy liquid that you use for washing your hair. □� �a bottle of shampoo. □� �bubble baths, soaps and shampoos.

2 VERB When you shampoo your hair, you wash it using shampoo. □�[V n] Shampoo your hair and dry it. WORD HISTORY shampoo

A shampoo was originally a massage rather than a wash. The word 'shampoo' comes from the Hindi verb chāmpnā , meaning 'press', 'knead', or 'massage'.

sham|rock /ʃ� mrɒk/ (shamrocks ) N‑COUNT A shamrock is a small plant with three round leaves on each stem. The shamrock is the national symbol of Ireland.

shan|dy /ʃ� ndi/ (shandies ) N‑UNCOUNT Shandy is a drink which is made by mixing beer and lemonade. [BRIT ] □� �half a pint of shandy. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of shandy can be referred to as a shandy .

shank /ʃ� ŋk/ (shanks )

1 N‑COUNT The shank of an object is the long, thin, straight part of the object. □� These hooks are sharp with long shanks.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Shanks are the lower parts of the legs; used especially with reference to meat. □� Turn the shanks and baste them once or twice as they cook.

shan't /ʃɑː nt, ʃ� nt/ Shan't is the usual spoken form of 'shall not'.

shan|ty /ʃ� nti/ (shanties )

1 N‑COUNT A shanty is a small rough hut which poor people live in, built from tin, cardboard, or other materials that are not very strong.

2 N‑COUNT A shanty is a song which sailors used to sing while they were doing work on a ship.

sha n|ty town (shanty towns ) also shantytown N‑COUNT A shanty town is a collection of rough huts which poor people live in, usually in or near a large city.

shape ◆◆◇ /ʃe I p/ (shapes , shaping , shaped )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] The shapeof an object, a person, or an area is the appearance of their outside edges or surfaces, for example whether they are round, square, curved, or fat. □� Each mirror is made to order and can be designed to almost any shape or size. □�[+�of ] �little pens in the shape of baseball bats. □� �sofas and chairs of contrasting shapes and colours. □� The buds are conical or pyramidal in shape. □� These bras should be handwashed to help them keep their shape.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to something that you can see as a shape if you cannot see it clearly, or if its outline is the clearest or most striking aspect of it. □�[+�of ] Lying in bed we often see dark shapes of herons silhouetted against the moon.

3 N‑COUNT A shape is a space enclosed by an outline, for example a circle, a square, or a triangle. □� He suggested that the shapes represented a map of Britain and Ireland.

4 N‑SING The shapeof something that is planned or organized is its structure and character. □�[+�of ] The last two weeks have seen a lot of talk about the future shape of Europe.

5 VERB Someone or something that shapes a situation or an activity has a very great influence on the way it develops. □�[V n] Like it or not, our families shape our lives and make us what we are.

6 VERB If you shape an object, you give it a particular shape, using your hands or a tool. □�[V n +�into ] Cut the dough in half and shape each half into a loaf.

7 →�see also shaped

8 PHRASE If you say that something is the shape of things to come , you mean that it is the start of a new trend or development, and in future things will be like this. □� The new railway station is said to be the shape of things to come.

9 PHRASE If you say, for example, that you will not accept something in any shape or form , or in any way, shape or form , you are emphasizing that you will not accept it in any circumstances. [EMPHASIS ] □� I don't condone violence in any shape or form.

10 PHRASE If someone or something is in shape , or in good shape , they are in a good state of health or in a good condition. If they are in bad shape , they are in a bad state of health or in a bad condition. □� He was still in better shape than many young men. □� The trees were in bad shape from dry rot.

11 PHRASE You can use in the shape of to state exactly who or what you are referring to, immediately after referring to them in a general way. □� The Prime Minister found a surprise ally today in the shape of Jacques Delors, the Commission President.

12 PHRASE If you lick , knock, or whip someone or something into shape , you use whatever methods are necessary to change or improve them so that they are in the condition that you want them to be in. □� You'll have four months in which to lick the recruits into shape.

13 PHRASE If something is out of shape , it is no longer in its proper or original shape, for example because it has been damaged or wrongly handled. □� Once most wires are bent out of shape, they don't return to the original position.

14 PHRASE If you are out of shape , you are unhealthy and unable to do a lot of physical activity without getting tired.

15 PHRASE When something takes shape , it develops or starts to appear in such a way that it becomes fairly clear what its final form will be. □� By Friday night, when we held our regular board meeting, a plan was taking shape.

▸� shape up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something is shaping up , it is starting to develop or seems likely to happen. □�[V P ] There are also indications that a major tank battle may be shaping up for tonight. □�[V P +�as ] The accident is already shaping up as a significant environmental disaster. □�[V P to-inf] It's shaping up to be a terrible winter. [Also V P +�into ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you ask how someone or something is shaping up , you want to know how well they are doing in a particular situation or activity. □�[V P +�as ] I did have a few worries about how Hugh and I would shape up as parents. □�[V P adv] Girls are being recruited now. I heard they are shaping up very well.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone to shape up , you are telling them to start behaving in a sensible and responsible way. □�[V P ] It is no use simply to tell adolescents to shape up and do something useful.

shaped ◆◇◇ /ʃe I pt/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] Something that is shaped like a particular object or in a particular way has the shape of that object or a shape of that type. □�[+�like ] A new perfume from Russia came in a bottle shaped like a tank. □� �oddly shaped little packages.

-shaped /-ʃe I pt/ COMB -shaped combines with nouns to form adjectives that describe the shape of an object. □� �large, heart-shaped leaves. □� �an L-shaped settee.

shape|less /ʃe I pləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is shapeless does not have a distinct or attractive shape. □� Aunt Mary wore shapeless black dresses.

shape|ly /ʃe I pli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a woman as shapely , you mean that she has an attractive shape. [APPROVAL ] □� �her shapely legs.

shard /ʃɑː r d/ (shards ) N‑COUNT Shards are pieces of broken glass, pottery, or metal. □�[+�of ] Eyewitnesses spoke of rocks and shards of glass flying in the air.

share ◆◆◆ /ʃeə r / (shares , sharing , shared )

1 N‑COUNT A company's shares are the many equal parts into which its ownership is divided. Shares can be bought by people as an investment. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�in ] This is why Sir Colin Marshall, British Airways' chairman, has been so keen to buy shares in U.S.-AIR. □� For some months the share price remained fairly static.

2 VERB If you share something with another person, you both have it, use it, or occupy it. You can also say that two people share something. □�[V n +�with ] �the small income he had shared with his brother from his father's estate. □�[V n] Two Americans will share this year's Nobel Prize for Medicine. □�[be V -ed +�between ] Scarce water resources are shared between states who cannot trust each other. □�[V -ed] Most hostel tenants would prefer single to shared rooms.

3 VERB If you share a task, duty, or responsibility with someone, you each carry out or accept part of it. You can also say that two people share something. □�[V n +�with ] You can find out whether they are prepared to share the cost of the flowers with you. □�[V n] The republics have worked out a plan for sharing control of nuclear weapons.

4 VERB If you share an experience with someone, you have the same experience, often because you are with them at the time. You can also say that two people share something. □�[V n +�with ] Yes, I want to share my life with you. □�[V n] I felt we both shared the same sense of loss, felt the same pain.

5 VERB [no cont] If you share someone's opinion, you agree with them. □�[V n] We share his view that business can be a positive force for change. □�[V -ed] Prosperity and economic success remain popular and broadly shared goals.

6 VERB [no cont] If one person or thing shares a quality or characteristic with another, they have the same quality or characteristic. You can also say that two people or things share something. □�[V n +�with ] �newspapers which share similar characteristics with certain British newspapers. □�[V n] �two groups who share a common language.

7 VERB If you share something that you have with someone, you give some of it to them or let them use it. □�[V n +�with ] The village tribe is friendly and they share their water supply with you. □�[V n +�among ] Scientists now have to compete for funding, and do not share information among themselves. □�[V n] Toddlers are notoriously antisocial when it comes to sharing toys. [Also V ]

8 VERB If you share something personal such as a thought or a piece of news with someone, you tell them about it. □�[V n +�with ] It can be beneficial to share your feelings with someone you trust. □�[V n] The renowned film critic shares his thoughts on the week's new movies.

9 VERB If you share something such as a message, photograph, or link, you post it on social media so that other people can see it. □�[V n] With your phone you can take great pictures and share them instantly.

10 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is divided or distributed among a number of different people or things, each of them has, or is responsible for, a shareof it. □�[+�of ] Sara also pays a share of the gas, electricity and phone bills. [Also +�in ]

11 N‑COUNT If you have or do your shareof something, you have or do an amount that seems reasonable to you, or to other people. □�[+�of ] Women must receive their fair share of training for good-paying jobs.

12 →�see also lion's share , market share , power-sharing

▸� share in PHRASAL VERB If you share in something such as a success or a responsibility, you are one of a number of people who achieve or accept it. □�[V P n] The company is offering you the chance to share in its success.

▸� share out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you share out an amount of something, you give each person in a group an equal or fair part of it. □�[V n P ] I drain the pasta, then I share it out between two plates. □�[V P n] The company will share out $1.3 billion among 500,000 policyholders.

2 →�see also share-out

sha re capi|tal N‑UNCOUNT A company's share capital is the money that shareholders invest in order to start or expand the business. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] The bank has a share capital of almost 100 million dollars.

share|crop|per /ʃeə r krɒpə r / (sharecroppers ) N‑COUNT A sharecropper is a farmer who pays the rent for his land with some of the crops they produce.

share|holder ◆◇◇ /ʃeə r hoʊldə r / (shareholders ) N‑COUNT A shareholder is a person who owns shares in a company. [BUSINESS ] □� �a shareholders' meeting.

share|holding /ʃeə r hoʊld I ŋ/ (shareholdings ) N‑COUNT If you have a shareholding in a company, you own some of its shares. [BUSINESS ]

sha re in|dex (share indices or share indexes ) N‑COUNT A share index is a number that indicates the state of a stock market. It is based on the combined share prices of a set of companies. [BUSINESS ] □� The FT 30 share index was up 16.4 points to 1,599.6.

sha re is|sue (share issues ) N‑COUNT When there is a share issue , shares in a company are made available for people to buy. [BUSINESS ]

sha re op|tion (share options ) N‑COUNT A share option is an opportunity for the employees of a company to buy shares at a special price. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� Only a handful of firms offer share option schemes to all their employees. in AM use stock option

sha re-out (share-outs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a share-outof something, several people are given equal or fair parts of it. □�[+�of ] �the share-out of seats in the transitional government.

sha re shop (share shops ) N‑COUNT A share shop is a shop or internet website where members of the public can buy shares in companies. [BUSINESS ]

share|ware /ʃeə r weə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Shareware is computer software that you can try before deciding whether or not to buy the legal right to use it. [COMPUTING ] □� �a shareware program.

sha r|ing eco no|my N‑SING The sharing economy is a system in which people offer the use of their skills or things they own, using the internet. □� The sharing economy allows people to make money from their possessions by renting them out when they aren't using them.

shark /ʃɑː r k/ (sharks ) The form shark can also be used as the plural form for meaning 1 . 1 N‑VAR A shark is a very large fish. Some sharks have very sharp teeth and may attack people.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a person as a shark , you disapprove of them because they trick people out of their money by giving bad advice about buying, selling, or investments. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Beware the sharks when you are making up your mind how to invest.

3 →�see also loan shark

sharp ◆◆◇ /ʃɑː r p/ (sharps , sharper , sharpest )

1 ADJ A sharp point or edge is very thin and can cut through things very easily. A sharp knife, tool, or other object has a point or edge of this kind. □� The other end of the twig is sharpened into a sharp point to use as a toothpick. □� Using a sharp knife, cut away the pith and peel from both fruits.

2 ADJ You can describe a shape or an object as sharp if part of it or one end of it comes to a point or forms an angle. □� His nose was thin and sharp.

3 ADJ A sharp bend or turn is one that changes direction suddenly. □� I was approaching a fairly sharp bend that swept downhill to the left. ●�ADV [ADV adv] Sharp is also an adverb. □� Do not cross the bridge but turn sharp left to go down on to the towpath. ●� sharp|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Room number nine was at the far end of the corridor where it turned sharply to the right.

4 ADJ If you describe someone as sharp , you are praising them because they are quick to notice, hear, understand, or react to things. [APPROVAL ] □� He is very sharp, a quick thinker and swift with repartee.

5 ADJ If someone says something in a sharp way, they say it suddenly and rather firmly or angrily, for example because they are warning or criticizing you. □� That ruling had drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups. ●� sharp|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� 'You've known,' she said sharply, 'and you didn't tell me?'

6 ADJ A sharp change, movement, or feeling occurs suddenly, and is great in amount, force, or degree. □� There's been a sharp rise in the rate of inflation. □� He felt a sharp pain in the abductor muscle in his right thigh. ●� sharp|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Unemployment among the over-forties has risen sharply in recent years.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sharp difference, image, or sound is very easy to see, hear, or distinguish. □� Many people make a sharp distinction between humans and other animals. □� We heard a voice sing out in a clear, sharp tone. ●� sharp|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Opinions on this are sharply divided.

8 ADJ A sharp taste or smell is rather strong or bitter, but is often also clear and fresh. □� �a colourless, almost odourless liquid with a sharp, sweetish taste.

9 ADV [n ADV ] Sharp is used after stating a particular time to show that something happens at exactly the time stated. □� She planned to unlock the store at 8.00 sharp this morning.

10 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] Sharp is used after a letter representing a musical note to show that the note should be played or sung half a tone higher. Sharp is often represented by the symbol ♯. □� A solitary viola plucks a lonely, soft F sharp.

11 →�see also razor-sharp

sharp|en /ʃɑː r pən/ (sharpens , sharpening , sharpened )

1 VERB If your senses, understanding, or skills sharpen or are sharpened , you become better at noticing things, thinking, or doing something. □�[V ] Her gaze sharpened, as if she had seen something unusual. □�[V n] You can sharpen your skills with rehearsal.

2 VERB If you sharpen an object, you make its edge very thin or you make its end pointed. □�[V n] He started to sharpen his knife. □�[V -ed] �sharpened pencils.

3 VERB If disagreements or differences between people sharpen , or if they are sharpened , they become bigger or more important. □�[V ] With urbanisation the antagonism between rich and poor sharpened. □�[V n] The case of Harris has sharpened the debate over capital punishment.

sharp|en|er /ʃɑː r pnə r / (sharpeners ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A sharpener is a tool or machine used for sharpening pencils or knives. □� �a pencil sharpener.

sha rp-eyed ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sharp-eyed person is good at noticing and observing things. □� A sharp-eyed shop assistant spotted the fake.

sharp|ish /ʃɑː r p I ʃ/ ADV [ADV after v] If you do something sharpish , you do it quickly, without any delay. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� She was asked to leave, sharpish.

sha rp pra c|tice N‑UNCOUNT You can use sharp practice to refer to an action or a way of behaving, especially in business or professional matters, that you think is clever but dishonest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He accused some solicitors of sharp practice.

sharp|shooter /ʃɑː r pʃuːtə r / (sharpshooters ) N‑COUNT A sharpshooter is a person who can fire a gun very accurately. [AM ]

sharp to ngue (sharp tongues ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone has a sharp tongue , you are critical of the fact that they say things which are unkind though often clever. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Despite her sharp tongue, she inspires loyalty from her friends.

sha rp-to ngued ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as sharp-tongued , you are being critical of them for speaking in a way which is unkind though often clever. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Julia was a very tough, sharp-tongued woman.

shat /ʃ� t/ Shat is the past tense and past participle of shit .

shat|ter /ʃ� tə r / (shatters , shattering , shattered )

1 VERB If something shatters or is shattered , it breaks into a lot of small pieces. □�[V ] �safety glass that won't shatter if it's broken. □�[V +�into ] The car shattered into a thousand burning pieces in a 200mph crash. □�[V n] One bullet shattered his skull. [Also V n into n] ●� shat|ter|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the shattering of glass.

2 VERB If something shatters your dreams, hopes, or beliefs, it completely destroys them. □�[V n] A failure would shatter the hopes of many people. □�[V n] Something like that really shatters your confidence.

3 VERB If someone is shattered by an event, it shocks and upsets them very much. □�[be V -ed] He had been shattered by his son's death. □�[V n] �the tragedy which had shattered his life.

4 →�see also shattered , shattering

shat|tered /ʃ� tə r d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are shattered by something, you are extremely shocked and upset about it. □� It is desperately sad news and I am absolutely shattered to hear it.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say you are shattered , you mean you are extremely tired and have no energy left. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He was shattered and too tired to concentrate on schoolwork.

shat|ter|ing /ʃ� tər I ŋ/

1 ADJ Something that is shattering shocks and upsets you very much. □� The experience of their daughter's death had been absolutely shattering.

2 →�see also earth-shattering , shatter

shave /ʃe I v/ (shaves , shaving , shaved )

1 VERB When a man shaves , he removes the hair from his face using a razor or shaver so that his face is smooth. □�[V ] He took a bath and shaved before dinner. □�[V n] He had shaved his face until it was smooth. □�[V n with off ] It's a pity you shaved your moustache off. ●�N‑COUNT Shave is also a noun. □� He never seemed to need a shave. ●� shav|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �a range of shaving products.

2 VERB If someone shaves a part of their body, they remove the hair from it so that it is smooth. □�[V n] Many women shave their legs. □�[V n with off ] If you have long curly hair, don't shave it off.

3 VERB If you shave someone, you remove the hair from their face or another part of their body so that it is smooth. □�[V n] The doctors shaved his head. □�[V n] She had to call a barber to shave him.

4 VERB If you shave off part of a piece of wood or other material, you cut very thin pieces from it. □�[V n with off ] I set the log on the ground and shaved off the bark. □�[V n +�off ] She was shaving thin slices off a courgette.

5 VERB If you shave a small amount off something such as a record, cost, or price, you reduce it by that amount. □�[V n +�off/from ] She's already shaved four seconds off the national record for the mile. □�[V n] Supermarket chains have shaved prices.

6 →�see also shaving

7 PHRASE If you describe a situation as aclose shave , you mean that there was nearly an accident or a disaster but it was avoided. □� I can't quite believe the close shaves I've had just recently. USAGE shave

Shave is not usually a reflexive verb. Don�t say � He had a bath and shaved himself �. Say �He had a bath and shaved �.

shav|en /ʃe I v ə n/

1 ADJ If a part of someone's body is shaven , it has been shaved. □� �a small boy with a shaven head.

2 →�see also clean-shaven

shav|er /ʃe I və r / (shavers ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A shaver is an electric device, used for shaving hair from the face and body. □� �men's electric shavers.

shav|ing /ʃe I v I ŋ/ (shavings )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Shavings are small very thin pieces of wood or other material which have been cut from a larger piece. □� The floor was covered with shavings from his wood carvings. □� �metal shavings.

2 →�see also shave

sha v|ing cream (shaving creams ) also shaving foam N‑VAR Shaving cream is a soft soapy substance which men put on their face before they shave. □� �a tube of shaving cream.

shawl /ʃɔː l/ (shawls ) N‑COUNT A shawl is a large piece of woollen cloth which a woman wears over her shoulders or head, or which is wrapped around a baby to keep it warm.

she ◆◆◆ /ʃi, STRONG ʃiː/ She is a third person singular pronoun. She is used as the subject of a verb. 1 PRON You use she to refer to a woman, girl, or female animal who has already been mentioned or whose identity is clear. □� When Ann arrived home that night, she found Brian in the house watching TV. □� She was seventeen and she had no education or employment.

2 PRON Some writers may use she to refer to a person who is not identified as either male or female. They do this because they wish to avoid using the pronoun 'he' all the time. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use 'he or she' or 'they'. □� The student may show signs of feeling the strain of responsibility and she may give up.

3 PRON She is sometimes used to refer to a country or nation. □� Our country needs new leadership if she is to help shape the future of the world.

4 PRON Some people use she to refer to a car or a machine. People who sail often use she to refer to a ship or boat. □� Hundreds of small boats clustered round the yacht as she sailed into Southampton docks.

s/he PRON Some writers use s/he instead of either 'he' or 'she' when they are referring to someone who might exist but who has not been identified. By using s/he , the writer does not need to say whether the person is male or female. □� Talk to your doctor and see if s/he knows of any local groups.

sheaf /ʃiː f/ (sheaves )

1 N‑COUNT A sheafof papers is a number of them held or fastened together. □�[+�of ] He took out a sheaf of papers and leafed through them.

2 N‑COUNT A sheafof corn or wheat is a number of corn or wheat plants that have been cut down and tied together.

shear /ʃ I ə r / (shears , shearing , sheared , shorn )

1 VERB To shear a sheep means to cut its wool off. □�[V n] In the Hebrides they shear their sheep later than anywhere else. ●� shear|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �a display of sheep shearing.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] A pair of shears is a garden tool like a very large pair of scissors. Shears are used especially for cutting hedges. □� Trim the shrubs with shears.

sheath /ʃiː θ/ (sheaths )

1 N‑COUNT A sheath is a covering for the blade of a knife.

2 N‑COUNT A sheath is a rubber covering for a man's penis and is used during sex as a contraceptive or as a protection against disease. [BRIT ]

sheathe /ʃiː �/ (sheathes , sheathing , sheathed )

1 VERB [usu passive] If something is sheathedin a material or other covering, it is closely covered with it. [LITERARY ] □�[be V -ed +�in ] The television was sheathed in a snug coverlet. □�[V -ed] �her long legs, sheathed in sheer black tights.

2 VERB When someone sheathes a knife, they put it in its sheath. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] He sheathed the knife and strapped it to his shin.

sheaves /ʃiː vz/ Sheaves is the plural of sheaf .

she|bang /ʃ I b� ŋ/ PHRASE The whole shebang is the whole situation or business that you are describing. [INFORMAL ]

shed ◆◇◇ /ʃe d/ (sheds , shedding ) The form shed is used in the present tense and in the past tense and past participle of the verb. 1 N‑COUNT A shed is a small building that is used for storing things such as garden tools. □� �a garden shed.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A shed is a large shelter or building, for example at a railway station, port, or factory. □� �disused railway sheds.

3 VERB When a tree sheds its leaves, its leaves fall off in the autumn. When an animal sheds hair or skin, some of its hair or skin drops off. □�[V n] Some of the trees were already beginning to shed their leaves.

4 VERB To shed something means to get rid of it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The firm is to shed 700 jobs.

5 VERB If a lorry sheds its load, the goods that it is carrying accidentally fall onto the road. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] A lorry piled with scrap metal had shed its load.

6 VERB If you shed tears, you cry. □�[V n] They will shed a few tears at their daughter's wedding.

7 VERB To shed blood means to kill people in a violent way. If someone sheds their blood, they are killed in a violent way, usually when they are fighting in a war. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They bear responsibility for shedding the blood of innocent civilians.

8to shed light on something →�see light ➊

she'd /ʃiːd, ʃ I d/

1She'd is the usual spoken form of 'she had', especially when 'had' is an auxiliary verb. □� She'd rung up to discuss the party.

2She'd is a spoken form of 'she would'. □� She'd do anything for a bit of money.

sheen /ʃiː n/ N‑SING [oft adj N ] If something has a sheen , it has a smooth and gentle brightness on its surface. □� The carpet had a silvery sheen to it.

sheep /ʃiː p/ (sheep )

1 N‑COUNT A sheep is a farm animal which is covered with thick curly hair called wool. Sheep are kept for their wool or for their meat. □� �grassland on which a flock of sheep were grazing.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu like N ] If you say that a group of people are like sheep , you disapprove of them because if one person does something, all the others copy that person. [DISAPPROVAL ]

3 →�see also black sheep

sheep|dog /ʃiː pdɒg/ (sheepdogs ) N‑COUNT A sheepdog is a breed of dog. Some sheepdogs are used for controlling sheep.

sheep|ish /ʃiː p I ʃ/ ADJ If you look sheepish , you look slightly embarrassed because you feel foolish or you have done something silly. □� The couple leapt apart when she walked in on them and later came downstairs looking sheepish.

sheep|skin /ʃiː psk I n/ (sheepskins ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Sheepskin is the skin of a sheep with the wool still attached to it, used especially for making coats and rugs. □� �a sheepskin coat.

sheer /ʃ I ə r / (sheerer , sheerest )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use sheer to emphasize that a state or situation is complete and does not involve or is not mixed with anything else. [EMPHASIS ] □� His music is sheer delight. □� Sheer chance quite often plays an important part in sparking off an idea.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sheer cliff or drop is extremely steep or completely vertical. □� There was a sheer drop just outside my window.

3 ADJ Sheer material is very thin, light, and delicate. □� �sheer black tights.

sheet ◆◇◇ /ʃiː t/ (sheets )

1 N‑COUNT A sheet is a large rectangular piece of cotton or other cloth that you sleep on or cover yourself with in a bed. □� Once a week, a maid changes the sheets.

2 N‑COUNT A sheetof paper is a rectangular piece of paper. □�[+�of ] �a sheet of newspaper. □� I was able to fit it all on one sheet.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] You can use sheet to refer to a piece of paper which gives information about something. □�[+�on ] �information sheets on each country in the world.

4 N‑COUNT A sheetof glass, metal, or wood is a large, flat, thin piece of it. □�[+�of ] �a cracked sheet of glass. □�[+�of ] Overhead, cranes were lifting giant sheets of steel.

5 N‑COUNT A sheetof something is a thin wide layer of it over the surface of something else. □�[+�of ] �a sheet of ice. □�[+�of ] �a blue-grey sheet of dust.

6 →�see also balance sheet , broadsheet , dust sheet , fact sheet , groundsheet , news-sheet , scoresheet , spreadsheet , worksheet

7as white as a sheet →�see white

sheet|ing /ʃiː t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] Sheeting is metal, plastic, or other material that is made in the form of sheets. □� They put plastic sheeting on the insides of our windows.

shee t met|al N‑UNCOUNT Sheet metal is metal which has been made into thin sheets.

shee t mu|sic N‑UNCOUNT Sheet music is music that is printed on sheets of paper without a hard cover. □� We were forbidden to bring sheet music, so I played from memory.

sheikh /ʃe I k, [AM ] ʃiː k/ (sheikhs ) N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT A sheikh is a male Arab chief or ruler. □� �Sheikh Khalifa. □� �the sheik's role in global oil affairs.

sheikh|dom /ʃe I kdəm, [AM ] ʃiː k-/ (sheikhdoms ) also sheikdom N‑COUNT A sheikhdom is a country or region that is ruled by a sheikh.

shelf /ʃe lf/ (shelves )

1 N‑COUNT A shelf is a flat piece of wood, metal, or glass which is attached to a wall or to the sides of a cupboard. Shelves are used for keeping things on. □� He took a book from the shelf. □� �the middle shelf of the oven.

2 N‑COUNT A shelf is a section of rock on a cliff or mountain or underwater that sticks out like a shelf. □�[+�of ] The house stands on a shelf of rock among pines.

3 →�see also continental shelf

4 PHRASE If you buy something off the shelf , you buy something that is not specially made for you. [BRIT ] □� �off-the-shelf software.

she lf life (shelf lives ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The shelf life of a product, especially food, is the length of time that it can be kept in a shop or at home before it becomes too old to sell or use. □� Mature flour has a longer shelf life.

shell ◆◇◇ /ʃe l/ (shells , shelling , shelled )

1 N‑COUNT The shell of a nut or egg is the hard covering which surrounds it. □� They cracked the nuts and removed their shells. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Shell is the substance that a shell is made of. □� �beads made from ostrich egg shell.

2 N‑COUNT The shell of an animal such as a tortoise, snail, or crab is the hard protective covering that it has around its body or on its back.

3 N‑COUNT Shells are hard objects found on beaches. They are usually pink, white, or brown and are the coverings which used to surround small sea creatures. □� I collect shells and interesting seaside items. □� �sea shells.

4 VERB If you shell nuts, peas, prawns, or other food, you remove their natural outer covering. □�[V n] She shelled and ate a few nuts. □�[V -ed] �shelled prawns.

5 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If someone comes out of their shell , they become more friendly and interested in other people and less quiet, shy, and reserved. □� Her normally shy son had come out of his shell.

6 N‑COUNT The shell of a building, boat, car, or other structure is the outside frame of it. □�[+�of ] �the shells of burned buildings.

7 N‑COUNT A shell is a weapon consisting of a metal container filled with explosives that can be fired from a large gun over long distances.

8 VERB To shell a place means to fire explosive shells at it. □�[V n] The rebels shelled the densely-populated suburbs near the port. ●� shell|ing (shellings ) N‑VAR □� Out on the streets, the shelling continued.

▸� shell out PHRASAL VERB If you shell outfor something, you spend a lot of money on it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n +�for/on ] You won't have to shell out a fortune for it. □�[V P +�for/on ] �an insurance premium which saves you from having to shell out for repairs. [Also V P to-inf]

she'll /ʃiːl, ʃ I l/ She'll is the usual spoken form of 'she will'. □� Sharon was a wonderful lady and I know she'll be greatly missed.

shel|lac /ʃəl� k/ N‑UNCOUNT Shellac is a kind of natural varnish which you paint on to wood to give it a shiny surface.

she ll com|pa|ny (shell companies ) N‑COUNT A shell company is a company that another company takes over in order to use its name to gain an advantage. [BUSINESS ]

shell|fire /ʃe lfa I ə r / N‑UNCOUNT Shellfire is the firing of large military guns. □� The radio said other parts of the capital also came under shellfire.

shell|fish /ʃe lf I ʃ/ (shellfish ) N‑VAR [usu pl] Shellfish are small creatures that live in the sea and have a shell. □� Fish and shellfish are the specialities.

she ll pro|gram (shell programs ) N‑COUNT A shell program is a basic computer program that provides a framework within which the user can develop the program to suit their own needs. [COMPUTING ]

she ll shock also shell-shock N‑UNCOUNT Shell shock is the confused or nervous mental condition of people who have been under fire in a war. □� The men were suffering from shell shock.

she ll-shocked also shell shocked

1 ADJ If you say that someone is shell-shocked , you mean that they are very shocked, usually because something bad has happened. [INFORMAL ] □� We were shell-shocked when Chelsea took the lead. □� �shell-shocked investors.

2 ADJ If someone is shell-shocked , they have a confused or nervous mental condition as a result of a shocking experience such as being in a war or an accident. □� �a shell-shocked war veteran.

she ll suit (shell suits ) also shell-suit N‑COUNT A shell suit is a casual suit which is made of thin nylon. □� �someone in a shell suit from Stirchley.

shel|ter ◆◇◇ /ʃe ltə r / (shelters , sheltering , sheltered )

1 N‑COUNT A shelter is a small building or covered place which is made to protect people from bad weather or danger. □� The city's bomb shelters were being prepared for possible air raids. □� �a bus shelter.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If a place provides shelter , it provides you with a place to stay or live, especially when you need protection from bad weather or danger. □� The number of families seeking shelter rose by 17 percent. □� �the hut where they were given food and shelter.

3 N‑COUNT A shelter is a building where homeless people can sleep and get food. □�[+�for ] �a shelter for homeless women.

4 VERB If you shelter in a place, you stay there and are protected from bad weather or danger. □�[V prep/adv] �a man sheltering in a doorway.

5 VERB [usu passive] If a place or thing is sheltered by something, it is protected by that thing from wind and rain. □�[V -ed] �a wooden house, sheltered by a low pointed roof.

6 VERB If you shelter someone, usually someone who is being hunted by police or other people, you provide them with a place to stay or live. □�[V n] A neighbor sheltered the boy for seven days.

7 →�see also sheltered

shel|tered /ʃe ltə r d/

1 ADJ A sheltered place is protected from wind and rain. □� �a shallow-sloping beach next to a sheltered bay.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has led a sheltered life, you mean that they have been protected from difficult or unpleasant experiences. □� Perhaps I've just led a really sheltered life.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Sheltered accommodation or work is designed people who are old or who have a disability. It allows them to be independent but also allows them to get help when they need it. □� For the last few years I have been living in sheltered accommodation.

4 →�see also shelter

shelve /ʃe lv/ (shelves , shelving , shelved )

1 VERB If someone shelves a plan or project, they decide not to continue with it, either for a while or permanently. □�[V n] Atlanta has shelved plans to include golf in the 1996 Games. □�[be V -ed] Sadly, the project has now been shelved.

2 VERB If an area of ground next to or under the sea shelves , it slopes downwards. □�[V adv/prep] The shoreline shelves away steeply. □�[V -ing] �a gently shelving beach.

3Shelves is the plural of shelf .

shelv|ing /ʃe lv I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Shelving is a set of shelves, or material which is used for making shelves. □� �the shelving on the long, windowless wall.

she|nani|gans /ʃ I n� n I gənz/ N‑PLURAL You can use shenanigans to refer to rather dishonest or immoral behaviour, especially when you think it is amusing or interesting. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the private shenanigans of public figures.

shep|herd /ʃe pə r d/ (shepherds , shepherding , shepherded )

1 N‑COUNT A shepherd is a person, especially a man, whose job is to look after sheep.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are shepherded somewhere, someone takes you there to make sure that you arrive at the right place safely. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] She was shepherded by her guards up the rear ramp of the aircraft.

shep|herd|ess /ʃe pə r des/ (shepherdesses ) N‑COUNT A shepherdess is a woman whose job is to look after sheep.

she p|herd's pie (shepherd's pies ) N‑VAR Shepherd's pie is a dish consisting of minced meat, usually lamb, covered with a layer of mashed potato. [BRIT ]

sher|bet /ʃɜː r bət/ (sherbets )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Sherbet is a sweet dry powder that tastes fizzy and is eaten as a sweet. [BRIT ] □� �sherbet dips.

2 N‑VAR Sherbet is like ice cream but made with fruit juice, sugar, and water. [AM ] □� �lemon sherbet. in BRIT, use sorbet

sher|iff /ʃe r I f/ (sheriffs )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the United States, a sheriff is a person who is elected to make sure that the law is obeyed in a particular county. □� �the local sheriff.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Scotland, a sheriff is a legal officer whose chief duty is to act as judge in a Sheriff Court. These courts deal with all but the most serious crimes and with most civil actions. □� �the presiding judge, Sheriff John Mowatt.

3 N‑COUNT In England and Wales, the Sheriffof a city or county is a person who is elected or appointed to carry out mainly ceremonial duties. □�[+�of ] �the Sheriff of Oxford.

sher|ry /ʃe ri/ (sherries ) N‑VAR Sherry is a type of strong wine that is made in south-western Spain. It is usually drunk before a meal. □� I poured us a glass of sherry. □� �some of the world's finest sherries. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of sherry can be referred to as a sherry . □� I'll have a sherry please.

she's /ʃiːz, ʃ I z/

1She's is the usual spoken form of 'she is'. □� She's an exceptionally good cook. □� She's having a baby in October.

2She's is a spoken form of 'she has', especially when 'has' is an auxiliary verb. □� She's been married for seven years and has two daughters.

shh /ʃ/ →�see sh

shi|at|su /ʃiː� tsuː/ N‑UNCOUNT Shiatsu is a form of massage that is used to cure illness and reduce pain.

shib|bo|leth /ʃ I bəleθ/ (shibboleths ) N‑COUNT If you describe an idea or belief as a shibboleth , you mean that it is thought important by a group of people but may be old-fashioned or wrong. [FORMAL ] □� It is time to go beyond the shibboleth that conventional forces cannot deter.

shield /ʃiː ld/ (shields , shielding , shielded )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something or someone which is a shield against a particular danger or risk provides protection from it. □� He used his left hand as a shield against the reflecting sunlight.

2 VERB If something or someone shields you from a danger or risk, they protect you from it. □�[V n +�from ] He shielded his head from the sun with an old sack.

3 VERB If you shield your eyes, you put your hand above your eyes to protect them from direct sunlight. □�[V n] He squinted and shielded his eyes.

4 N‑COUNT A shield is a large piece of metal or leather which soldiers used to carry to protect their bodies while they were fighting.

5 N‑COUNT A shield is a sports prize or badge that is shaped like a shield.

shift ◆◇◇ /ʃ I ft/ (shifts , shifting , shifted )

1 VERB If you shift something or if it shifts , it moves slightly. □�[V n prep/adv] He stopped, shifting his cane to his left hand. □�[V prep/adv] He shifted from foot to foot. □�[V ] The entire pile shifted and slid, thumping onto the floor. □�[V n] �the squeak of his boots in the snow as he shifted his weight.

2 VERB If someone's opinion, a situation, or a policy shifts or is shifted , it changes slightly. □�[V ] Attitudes to mental illness have shifted in recent years. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] The emphasis should be shifted more towards Parliament. [Also V adv] ●�N‑COUNT Shift is also a noun. □�[+�in ] �a shift in government policy.

3 VERB If someone shifts the responsibility or blame for something onto you, they unfairly make you responsible or make people blame you for it, instead of them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n prep] It was a vain attempt to shift the responsibility for the murder to somebody else.

4 VERB If a shop or company shifts goods, they sell goods that are difficult to sell. [BRIT ] □�[V n] Some suppliers were selling at a loss to shift stock.

5 VERB If you shift gears in a car, you put the car into a different gear. [AM ] in BRIT, use change6 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] If a group of factory workers, nurses, or other people work shifts , they work for a set period before being replaced by another group, so that there is always a group working. Each of these set periods is called a shift . You can also use shift to refer to a group of workers who work together on a particular shift. □� His father worked shifts in a steel mill.

7 →�see also shifting

▸� shift down PHRASAL VERB When you shift down , you move the gear lever in the vehicle you are driving in order to use a lower gear. [AM ] in BRIT, use change down

▸� shift up PHRASAL VERB When you shift up , you move the gear lever in the vehicle you are driving in order to use a higher gear. [AM ] in BRIT, use change up SYNONYMS shift VERB

1

move:She moved the sheaf of papers into position.

budge:The window refused to budge.

2

change:In the union office, the mood gradually changed from resignation to rage.

alter:They have never altered their programmes by a single day.

revise:He soon came to revise his opinion of the profession.

shift|ing /ʃ I ft I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Shifting is used to describe something which is made up of parts that are continuously moving and changing position in relation to other parts. □� The Croatian town of Ilok is a classic case of shifting populations.

2 →�see also shift

shift|less /ʃ I ftləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as shiftless , you mean that they are lazy and have no desire to achieve anything. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the lives of two shiftless, violent ex-convicts in 1950s America.

shifty /ʃ I fti/ ADJ Someone who looks shifty gives the impression of being dishonest. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He had a shifty face and previous convictions.

shih-tzu /ʃ I tsuː / (shih-tzus ) also Shih Tzu N‑COUNT A shih-tzu is a breed of small dog with short legs and long silky hair.

shil|ling /ʃ I l I ŋ/ (shillings ) N‑COUNT A shilling was a unit of money that was used in Britain until 1971 which was the equivalent of 5p. There were twenty shillings in a pound.

shilly-shally /ʃ I li ʃ� li/ (shilly-shallies , shilly-shallying , shilly-shallied ) VERB [usu cont] If you say that someone is shilly-shallying , you disapprove of the fact that they are hesitating when they should make a decision. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] It's time for Brooke to stop shilly-shallying.

shim|mer /ʃ I mə r / (shimmers , shimmering , shimmered ) VERB If something shimmers , it shines with a faint, unsteady light or has an unclear, unsteady appearance. □�[V ] The lights shimmered on the water. ●�N‑SING Shimmer is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �a shimmer of starlight.

shim|my /ʃ I mi/ (shimmies , shimmying , shimmied ) VERB If you shimmy , you dance or move in a way that involves shaking your hips and shoulders from side to side. □�[V ] Dancers shimmied in the streets of New Orleans.

shin /ʃ I n/ (shins ) N‑COUNT Your shins are the front parts of your legs between your knees and your ankles. □� She punched him on the nose and kicked him in the shins.

shin|dig /ʃ I nd I g/ (shindigs ) N‑COUNT A shindig is a large, noisy, enjoyable party. [INFORMAL ]

shine /ʃa I n/ (shines , shining , shined , shone )

1 VERB When the sun or a light shines , it gives out bright light. □�[V ] It is a mild morning and the sun is shining. □�[V ] A few scattered lights shone on the horizon.

2 VERB If you shine a torch or other light somewhere, you point it there, so that you can see something when it is dark. □�[V n prep] One of the men shone a torch in his face. □�[V n] The man walked slowly towards her, shining the flashlight.

3 VERB Something that shines is very bright and clear because it is reflecting light. □�[V ] Her blue eyes shone and caught the light. □�[V -ing] �shining aluminum machines.

4 N‑SING Something that has a shine is bright and clear because it is reflecting light. □� This gel gives a beautiful shine to the hair.

5 VERB If you shine a wooden, leather, or metal object, you make it bright by rubbing or polishing it. □�[V n] Let him dust and shine the furniture.

6 VERB Someone who shines at a skill or activity does it extremely well. □�[V ] Did you shine at school?

7 →�see also shining

8 PHRASE If you say that someone has taken a shine to another person, you mean that he or she liked them very much at their first meeting. [INFORMAL ] □� Seems to me you've taken quite a shine to Miss Richmond.

9rain or shine →�see rain

shin|gle /ʃ I ŋg ə l/ (shingles )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Shingle is a mass of small rough pieces of stone on the shore of a sea or a river. □� �a beach of sand and shingle.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Shingles is a disease in which painful red spots spread in bands over a person's body, especially around their waist.

shin|ing /ʃa I n I ŋ/

1 ADJ A shining achievement or quality is a very good one which should be greatly admired. □� She is a shining example to us all.

2 →�see also shine

shi n pa d (shin pads ) or shi n gua rd (shin guards ) N‑COUNT A shin pad is a thick piece of material that you wear inside your socks to protect the lower part of your leg when you are playing a game such as football or rugby.

Shin|to /ʃ I ntoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Shinto is the traditional religion of Japan.

shiny /ʃa I ni/ (shinier , shiniest ) ADJ Shiny things are bright and reflect light. □� Her blonde hair was shiny and clean. □� �a shiny new sports car.

ship ◆◆◇ /ʃ I p/ (ships , shipping , shipped )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A ship is a large boat which carries passengers or cargo. □� Within ninety minutes the ship was ready for departure. □� We went by ship over to America. □� �merchant ships.

2 VERB [usu passive] If people or things are shipped somewhere, they are sent there on a ship or by some other means of transport. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] The siblings were shipped to a local orphanage.

3 →�see also shipping

▸� ship out PHRASAL VERB If someone ships out , they leave a place, especially by ship. □�[V P ] Sailors hung about while they waited to ship out.

ship|board /ʃ I pbɔː r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Shipboard means taking place on a ship. □� �a shipboard romance.

ship|builder /ʃ I pb I ldə r / (shipbuilders ) N‑COUNT A shipbuilder is a company or a person that builds ships.

ship|building /ʃ I pb I ld I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Shipbuilding is the industry of building ships.

ship|load /ʃ I ploʊd/ (shiploads ) N‑COUNT A shiploadof people or goods is as many people or goods as a ship can carry. □�[+�of ] �a shipload of refugees.

ship|mate /ʃ I pme I t/ (shipmates ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Sailors who work together on the same ship are shipmates . □� His shipmates stayed at their stations.

ship|ment /ʃ I pmənt/ (shipments )

1 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A shipment is an amount of a particular kind of cargo that is sent to another country on a ship, train, aeroplane, or other vehicle. □� Food shipments could begin in a matter of weeks. □�[+�of ] �a shipment of weapons.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The shipment of a cargo somewhere is the sending of it there by ship, train, aeroplane, or some other vehicle. □� Bananas are packed before being transported to the docks for shipment overseas.

ship|owner /ʃ I poʊnə r / (shipowners ) N‑COUNT A shipowner is someone who owns a ship or ships or who has shares in a shipping company.

ship|per /ʃ I pə r / (shippers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Shippers are people or companies who ship cargo as a business.

ship|ping /ʃ I p I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Shipping is the transport of cargo as a business, especially on ships. □� �the international shipping industry. □� The Greeks are still powerful players in world shipping.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the amount of money that you pay to a company to transport cargo as shipping . □� It is $39.95 plus $3 shipping.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to ships as shipping when considering them as a group. □� They sent naval forces to protect merchant shipping.

ship|shape /ʃ I pʃe I p/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is shipshape , it looks tidy, neat, and in good condition. □� The house only needs an occasional coat of paint to keep it shipshape.

ship|wreck /ʃ I prek/ (shipwrecks , shipwrecked )

1 N‑VAR If there is a shipwreck , a ship is destroyed in an accident at sea. □� He was drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Spain.

2 N‑COUNT A shipwreck is a ship which has been destroyed in an accident at sea.

3 V-PASSIVE If someone is shipwrecked , their ship is destroyed in an accident at sea but they survive and manage to reach land. □�[be V -ed] He was shipwrecked after visiting the island.

ship|wright /ʃ I pra I t/ (shipwrights ) N‑COUNT A shipwright is a person who builds or repairs ships as a job.

ship|yard /ʃ I pjɑː r d/ (shipyards ) N‑COUNT A shipyard is a place where ships are built and repaired.

shire /ʃa I ə r / (shires )

1 N‑COUNT The Shires or the shire counties are the counties of England that have a lot of countryside and farms. □� Smart country people are fleeing back to the shires.

2 N‑COUNT A shire or shire horse is a large heavy horse used for pulling loads. [BRIT ]

shirk /ʃɜː r k/ (shirks , shirking , shirked ) VERB [usu with neg] If someone does not shirk their responsibility or duty, they do what they have a responsibility to do. □�[V n] We in the Congress can't shirk our responsibility. □�[V +�from ] The Government will not shirk from considering the need for further action. [Also V ]

shirt ◆◇◇ /ʃɜː r t/ (shirts )

1 N‑COUNT A shirt is a piece of clothing that you wear on the upper part of your body. Shirts have a collar, sleeves, and buttons down the front.

2 →�see also dress shirt , stuffed shirt , sweatshirt , T-shirt

-shirted /-ʃɜː r t I d/ COMB -shirted is used to form adjectives which indicate what colour or type of shirt someone is wearing. □� �white-shirted men.

shirt|sleeve /ʃɜː r tsliːv/ (shirtsleeves ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Shirtsleeves are the sleeves of a shirt. If a man is in shirtsleeves or in his shirtsleeves , he is wearing a shirt but not a jacket. □� He rolled up his shirtsleeves.

shi rt-tail (shirt-tails ) also shirttail N‑COUNT Shirt-tails are the long parts of a shirt below the waist. □� He wore sandals and old jeans and his shirt-tails weren't tucked in.

shirty /ʃɜː r ti/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone gets shirty , they behave in a bad-tempered and rude way because they are annoyed about something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] He got quite shirty with me.

shit /ʃ I t/ (shits , shitting , shat )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Some people use shit to refer to solid waste matter from the body of a human being or animal. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

2 VERB To shit means to get rid of solid waste matter from the body. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

3 N‑SING To have ashit means to get rid of solid waste matter from the body. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

4 N‑PLURAL If someone has the shits , liquid waste matter keeps coming out of their body because they are ill or afraid. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

5 N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes refer to things that they do not like as shit . [INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� This is a load of shit.

6 N‑COUNT People sometimes insult someone they do not like by referring to them as a shit . [INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

7 EXCLAM Shit is used to express anger, impatience, or disgust. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

8 PHRASE To beat or kick the shit out of someone means to beat or kick them so violently that they are badly injured. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

9 PHRASE If someone says that the shit hit the fan , they mean that there was suddenly a lot of trouble or angry arguments. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

10 PHRASE If someone says that they do not give a shit about something, they mean that they do not care about it at all. [INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ]

shite /ʃa I t/ ADJ If someone describes something as shite , they do not like it or think that it is very poor quality. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

shit|less /ʃ I tləs/ ADV [adj ADV ] If someone says that they are scared shitless or bored shitless , they are emphasizing that they are extremely scared or bored. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

shit|ty /ʃ I ti/ (shittier , shittiest ) ADJ If someone describes something as shitty , they do not like it or think that it is of poor quality. [INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

shiv|er /ʃ I və r / (shivers , shivering , shivered ) VERB When you shiver , your body shakes slightly because you are cold or frightened. □�[V ] He shivered in the cold. □�[V +�with ] I was sitting on the floor shivering with fear. ●�N‑COUNT Shiver is also a noun. □� The emptiness here sent shivers down my spine.

shiv|ery /ʃ I vəri/ ADJ If you are shivery , you cannot stop shivering because you feel cold, frightened, or ill. □� She felt shivery and a little sick.

shoal /ʃoʊ l/ (shoals ) N‑COUNT A shoalof fish is a large group of them swimming together. □�[+�of ] Among them swam shoals of fish. □� �tuna shoals.

shock ◆◆◇ /ʃɒ k/ (shocks , shocking , shocked )

1 N‑COUNT If you have a shock , something suddenly happens which is unpleasant, upsetting, or very surprising. □� The extent of the violence came as a shock. □�[+�of ] He has never recovered from the shock of your brother's death.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Shock is a person's emotional and physical condition when something very frightening or upsetting has happened to them. □� She's still in a state of shock.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If someone is inshock , they are suffering from a serious physical condition in which their blood is not flowing round their body properly, for example because they have had a bad injury. □� They escaped the blaze but were rushed to hospital suffering from shock.

4 VERB If something shocks you, it makes you feel very upset, because it involves death or suffering and because you had not expected it. □�[V n] After forty years in the police force nothing much shocks me. ●� shocked ADJ □� This was a nasty attack and the woman is still very shocked.

5 VERB If someone or something shocks you, it upsets or offends you because you think it is rude or morally wrong. □�[V n] You can't shock me. □�[be V -ed] They were easily shocked in those days. □�[V ] We were always trying to be creative and to shock. ●� shocked ADJ □� Don't look so shocked.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A shock announcement or event is one which shocks people because it is unexpected. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the shock announcement that she is to resign. □� �a shock defeat.

7 N‑VAR A shock is the force of something suddenly hitting or pulling something else. □� Steel barriers can bend and absorb the shock.

8 N‑COUNT A shock is the same as an electric shock .

9 N‑COUNT A shock of hair is a very thick mass of hair on a person's head. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] �a very old priest with a shock of white hair.

10 →�see also shocking , culture shock , electric shock , shell shock COLLOCATIONS shock NOUN 1

adjective +�shock : complete, nasty, sudden, terrible

verb +�shock : spring; receive, suffer

sho ck ab|sorb|er (shock absorbers ) also shock-absorber N‑COUNT A shock absorber is a device fitted near the wheels of a car or other vehicle to reduce the effects of travelling over uneven ground. □� �a pair of rear shock absorbers.

shock|er /ʃɒ kə r / (shockers ) N‑COUNT A shocker is something such as a story, a piece of news, or a film that shocks people or that is intended to shock them. [INFORMAL ] □� The hospital which let a patient starve to death and left an elderly woman unwashed for 11 weeks is a shocker.

sho ck ho r|ror

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A shock horror story is presented in a way that is intended to cause great shock or anger. [INFORMAL ] □� The media is full of shock-horror headlines about under-age crime.

2 EXCLAM You can say shock horror! in reaction to something that other people may find shocking or surprising, to indicate that you do not find it shocking or surprising at all. [HUMOROUS , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� I felt intellectually superior despite�shock horror�my lack of qualifications.

shock|ing /ʃɒ k I ŋ/

1 ADJ You can say that something is shocking if you think that it is very bad. [INFORMAL ] □� The media coverage was shocking. ●� shock|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� His memory was becoming shockingly bad.

2 ADJ You can say that something is shocking if you think that it is morally wrong. □� It is shocking that nothing was said. ●� shock|ing|ly ADV □� Shockingly, this useless and dangerous surgery did not end until the 1930s.

3 →�see also shock

sho ck|ing pi nk COLOUR Something that is shocking pink is very bright pink. □� �a shocking-pink T-shirt.

sho ck jo ck (shock jocks ) N‑COUNT A shock jock is a radio disc jockey who deliberately uses language or expresses opinions that many people find offensive. [INFORMAL ]

sho ck tac|tic (shock tactics ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Shock tactics are a way of trying to influence people's attitudes to a particular matter by shocking them. □� We must use shock tactics if we are to stop Aids becoming another accepted modern disease.

sho ck thera|py

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the use of extreme policies or actions to solve a particular problem quickly as shock therapy . □� �Prague's policy of economic shock therapy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Shock therapy is a way of treating mentally ill patients by passing an electric current through their brain.

sho ck treat|ment N‑UNCOUNT Shock treatment is the same as shock therapy .

sho ck troops N‑PLURAL Shock troops are soldiers who are specially trained to carry out a quick attack.

sho ck wave (shock waves ) also shockwave

1 N‑COUNT A shock wave is an area of very high pressure moving through the air, earth, or water. It is caused by an explosion or an earthquake, or by an object travelling faster than sound. □� The shock waves yesterday were felt from Las Vegas to San Diego.

2 N‑COUNT A shock wave is the effect of something surprising, such as a piece of unpleasant news, that causes strong reactions when it spreads through a place. □� The crime sent shock waves throughout the country.

shod /ʃɒ d/

1 ADJ [adv ADJ ] You can use shod when you are describing the kind of shoes that a person is wearing. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in/with ] He has demonstrated a strong preference for being shod in running shoes.

2Shod is the past participle of shoe .

shod|dy /ʃɒ di/ (shoddier , shoddiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Shoddy work or a shoddy product has been done or made carelessly or badly. □� I'm normally quick to complain about shoddy service. ●� shod|di|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� These products are shoddily produced.

shoe ◆◇◇ /ʃuː / (shoes )

1 N‑COUNT Shoes are objects which you wear on your feet. They cover most of your foot and you wear them over socks or stockings. □� �a pair of shoes. □� You don't mind if I take my shoes off, do you?

2 →�see also snowshoe , training shoe

3 N‑COUNT A shoe is the same as a horseshoe .

4 VERB When a blacksmith shoes a horse, they fix horseshoes onto its feet. □�[V n] Blacksmiths spent most of their time repairing tools and shoeing horses.

5 →�see also shod

6 PHRASE If you fill someone's shoes or step into their shoes , you take their place by doing the job they were doing. □� No one has been able to fill his shoes.

7 PHRASE If you talk about being in someone's shoes , you talk about what you would do or how you would feel if you were in their situation. □� I wouldn't want to be in his shoes.

shoe|horn /ʃuː hɔː r n/ (shoehorns , shoehorning , shoehorned )

1 N‑COUNT A shoehorn is a piece of metal or plastic with a slight curve that you put in the back of your shoe so that your heel will go into the shoe easily.

2 VERB If you shoehorn something into a tight place, you manage to get it in there even though it is difficult. □�[be V -ed +�into ] Their cars are shoehorned into tiny spaces. □�[V n +�into ] I was shoehorning myself into my skin-tight ball gown.

shoe|lace /ʃuː le I s/ (shoelaces ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Shoelaces are long, narrow pieces of material like pieces of string that you use to fasten your shoes. [BRIT ] □� He began to tie his shoelaces. in AM, use shoestrings

shoe|maker /ʃuː me I kə r / (shoemakers ) N‑COUNT A shoemaker is a person whose job is making shoes and boots.

shoe|string /ʃuː str I ŋ/ (shoestrings )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Shoestrings are long, narrow pieces of material like pieces of string that you use to fasten your shoes. [AM ] in BRIT, use shoelaces2 ADJ [ADJ n] A shoestring budget is one where you have very little money to spend. □� The British-produced film was made on a shoestring budget.

3 PHRASE If you do something or make something on a shoestring , you do it using very little money. □� The theatre will be run on a shoestring.

shone /ʃɒ n, [AM ] ʃoʊ n/ Shone is the past tense and past participle of shine .

shoo /ʃuː / (shoos , shooing , shooed )

1 VERB If you shoo an animal or a person away , you make them go away by waving your hands or arms at them. □�[V n with adv] You'd better shoo him away. □�[V n prep] I shooed him out of the room.

2 EXCLAM You say ' shoo! ' to an animal when you want it to go away. □� Shoo, bird, shoo.

shoo -in (shoo-ins ) N‑COUNT A shoo-in is a person or thing that seems sure to succeed. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� Ms Brown is still no shoo-in for the November election.

shook /ʃʊ k/ Shook is the past tense of shake .

shoot ◆◆◇ /ʃuː t/ (shoots , shooting , shot )

1 VERB If someone shoots a person or an animal, they kill them or injure them by firing a bullet or arrow at them. □�[V n] The police had orders to shoot anyone who attacked them. □�[be V -ed with adj] The man was shot dead by the police during a raid on his house. □�[V n +�in ] Her father shot himself in the head with a shotgun.

2 VERB To shoot means to fire a bullet from a weapon such as a gun. □�[V ] He taunted armed officers by pointing to his head, as if inviting them to shoot. □�[V +�at ] The police came around the corner and they started shooting at us. □�[V adv/prep] She had never been able to shoot straight.

3 VERB If someone or something shoots in a particular direction, they move in that direction quickly and suddenly. □�[V adv/prep] They had almost reached the boat when a figure shot past them.

4 VERB If you shoot something somewhere or if it shoots somewhere, it moves there quickly and suddenly. □�[V n prep/adv] Masters shot a hand across the table and gripped his wrist. □�[V adv/prep] You'd turn on the water, and it would shoot straight up in the air.

5 VERB If you shoot a look at someone, you look at them quickly and briefly, often in a way that expresses your feelings. □�[V n n] Mary Ann shot him a rueful look. □�[V n +�at ] The man in the black overcoat shot a penetrating look at the other man.

6 VERB If someone shootsto fame, they become famous or successful very quickly. □�[V +�to ] She shot to fame a few years ago with her extraordinary first novel.

7 VERB When people shoot a film or shoot photographs, they make a film or take photographs using a camera. □�[V n] He'd love to shoot his film in Cuba. ●�N‑COUNT Shoot is also a noun. □� �a barn presently being used for a video shoot.

8 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Shoots are plants that are beginning to grow, or new parts growing from a plant or tree.

9 VERB In sports such as football or basketball, when someone shoots , they try to score by kicking, throwing, or hitting the ball towards the goal. □�[V adv/prep] Spencer scuttled away from Young to shoot wide when he should have scored. [Also V , V n]

10 →�see also shooting , shot

11 PHRASE If you shoot the breeze or shoot the bullwith someone, you talk to them about things which are not very serious or important. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] They expected me to sit up and shoot the breeze with them till one or two in the morning. □� I also met with Pollack again to kind of shoot the bull.

12to shoot from the hip →�see hip

▸� shoot down

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone shoots down an aeroplane, a helicopter, or a missile, they make it fall to the ground by hitting it with a bullet or missile. □�[V P n] They claimed to have shot down one incoming missile. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If one person shoots down another, they shoot them with a gun. □�[V P n] He was prepared to suppress rebellion by shooting down protesters. □�[V n P ] They shot him down in cold blood.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you shoot someone down or shoot down their ideas, you say or show that they are completely wrong. □�[V n P ] She was able to shoot the rumour down in flames with ample documentary evidence. [Also V P n]

▸� shoot up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something shoots up , it grows or increases very quickly. □�[V P +�by ] Sales shot up by 9% last month. □�[V P ] The fair market value of the property shot up. [Also V P +�to ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If a drug addict shoots up , they inject a quantity of drugs into their body. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Drug addicts shoot up in the back alleys. □�[V P n] We shot up heroin in the playground.

shoo t-em-up (shoot-em-ups ) N‑COUNT A shoot-em-up is a computer game that involves shooting and killing characters. [INFORMAL ]

shoot|er /ʃuː tə r / (shooters )

1 N‑COUNT A shooter is a person who shoots a gun. □� An eyewitness identified him as the shooter.

2 N‑COUNT A shooter is a gun. [INFORMAL ]

shoot|ing /ʃuː t I ŋ/ (shootings )

1 N‑COUNT A shooting is an occasion when someone is killed or injured by being shot with a gun. □� A gang war led to a series of shootings in the city.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Shooting is hunting animals with a gun as a leisure activity. [BRIT ] □� Grouse shooting begins in August. in AM, use hunting3 N‑UNCOUNT The shooting of a film is the act of filming it. □� Ingrid was busy learning her lines for the next day's shooting.

shoo t|ing gal|lery (shooting galleries ) N‑COUNT A shooting gallery is a place where people use rifles to shoot at targets, especially in order to win prizes.

shoo t|ing star (shooting stars ) N‑COUNT A shooting star is a piece of rock or metal that burns very brightly when it enters the Earth's atmosphere from space, and is seen from Earth as a bright star travelling very fast across the sky.

shoo t|ing war (shooting wars ) N‑COUNT When two countries in conflict engage in a shooting war , they fight each other with weapons rather than opposing each other by diplomatic or other means. [JOURNALISM ]

shoo t-out (shoot-outs )

1 N‑COUNT A shoot-out is a fight in which people shoot at each other with guns. □� Three men were killed in the shoot-out.

2 N‑COUNT In games such as football, a shoot-out or a penaltyshoot-out is a way of deciding the result of a game that has ended in a draw. Players from each team try to score a goal in turn until one player fails to score and their team loses the game. □� The Danes won that UEFA tie in a shoot-out.

shop ◆◆◇ /ʃɒ p/ (shops , shopping , shopped )

1 N‑COUNT A shop is a building or part of a building where things are sold. [mainly BRIT ] □� �health-food shops. □� �a record shop. □� It's not available in the shops. in AM, usually use store2 VERB When you shop , you go to shops and buy things. □�[V prep/adv] He always shopped at the Co-op. □�[V prep/adv] �some advice that's worth bearing in mind when shopping for a new carpet. □�[V ] �customers who shop once a week. ●� shop|per (shoppers ) N‑COUNT □� �crowds of Christmas shoppers.

3 N‑COUNT [n N ] You can refer to a place where a particular service is offered as a particular type of shop . □� �the barber shop where Rodney sometimes had his hair cut. □� �your local pet shop.

4 VERB If you shop someone, you report them to the police for doing something illegal. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] His appalled family shopped him to the police. □�[be V -ed] Fraudsters are often shopped by honest friends and neighbours.

5 →�see also shopping , chip shop , coffee shop , corner shop , paper shop , pawn shop , print shop , sex shop , talking shop , tea shop , thrift shop

6 PHRASE If something is happening all over the shop , it is happening in many different places or throughout a wide area. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� This gave them the freedom to make trouble all over the shop without fear of retribution.

7 PHRASE If you set up shop , you start a business. □� He set up shop as an independent PR consultant.

8 PHRASE If you shop till you drop , you do a large amount of shopping. □� You can use your card in cash machines, or to shop till you drop.

9 PHRASE If you say that people are talking shop , you mean that they are talking about their work, and this is boring for other people who do not do the same work. □� If you hang around with colleagues all the time you just end up talking shop.

▸� shop around PHRASAL VERB If you shop around , you go to different shops or companies in order to compare the prices and quality of goods or services before you decide to buy them. □�[V P ] Prices may vary so it's well worth shopping around before you buy. □�[V P +�for ] He shopped around for a firm that would be flexible.

shopa|hol|ic /ʃɒ pəhɒ l I k/ (shopaholics ) N‑COUNT A shopaholic is someone who greatly enjoys going shopping and buying things, or who cannot stop themselves doing this. [INFORMAL ]

sho p as|sis|tant (shop assistants ) N‑COUNT A shop assistant is a person who works in a shop selling things to customers. [BRIT ] in AM, use sales clerk

sho p floo r also shop-floor , shopfloor N‑SING [oft N n] The shop floor is used to refer to all the ordinary workers in a factory or the area where they work, especially in contrast to the people who are in charge. [BRIT ] □� Cost must be controlled, not just on the shop floor but in the boardroom too.

sho p front (shop fronts ) also shopfront N‑COUNT A shop front is the outside part of a shop which faces the street, including the door and windows. [BRIT ] in AM, use storefront

shop|keeper /ʃɒ pkiːpə r / (shopkeepers ) N‑COUNT A shopkeeper is a person who owns or manages a small shop. [BRIT ] in AM, use storekeeper , merchant

shop|lift /ʃɒ pl I ft/ (shoplifts , shoplifting , shoplifted ) VERB If someone shoplifts , they steal goods from a shop by hiding them in a bag or in their clothes. □�[V ] He openly shoplifted from a supermarket. □�[V n] They had shoplifted thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise. ●� shop|lifter (shoplifters ) N‑COUNT □� �a shoplifter in court for stealing a bottle of perfume.

shop|lifting /ʃɒ pl I ft I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Shoplifting is stealing from a shop by hiding things in a bag or in your clothes. □� The grocer accused her of shoplifting and demanded to look in her bag.

shop|ping ◆◇◇ /ʃɒ p I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT When you do theshopping , you go to shops and buy things. □� I'll do the shopping this afternoon.

2 →�see also window shopping

3 N‑UNCOUNT Your shopping is the things that you have bought from shops, especially food. □� We put the shopping away.

sho p|ping cart (shopping carts ) N‑COUNT A shopping cart is the same as a shopping trolley . [AM ]

sho p|ping cen|tre (shopping centres ) in AM, use shopping center N‑COUNT A shopping centre is a specially built area containing a lot of different shops. □� The new shopping centre was constructed at a cost of 1.1 million.

sho p|ping chan|nel (shopping channels ) N‑COUNT A shopping channel is a television channel that broadcasts programmes showing products that you can phone the channel and buy.

sho p|ping list (shopping lists ) N‑COUNT A shopping list is a list of the things that you want to buy when you go shopping, which you write on a piece of paper.

sho p|ping mall (shopping malls ) N‑COUNT A shopping mall is a specially built covered area containing shops and restaurants which people can walk between, and where cars are not allowed.

sho p|ping trol|ley (shopping trolleys ) N‑COUNT A shopping trolley is a large metal basket on wheels which is provided by shops such as supermarkets for customers to use while they are in the shop. [BRIT ] in AM, use shopping cart

sho p ste w|ard (shop stewards ) N‑COUNT A shop steward is a trade union member who is elected by the other members in a factory or office to speak for them at official meetings. [BRIT ]

shore ◆◇◇ /ʃɔː r / (shores , shoring , shored ) N‑COUNT The shores or the shore of a sea, lake, or wide river is the land along the edge of it. Someone who is on shore is on the land rather than on a ship. □� They walked down to the shore. □�[+�of ] �elephants living on the shores of Lake Kariba. □� I have spent less time on shore than most men.

▸� shore up PHRASAL VERB If you shore up something that is weak or about to fail, you do something in order to strengthen it or support it. □�[V P n] The democracies of the West may find it hard to shore up their defences. [Also V n P ]

shore|line /ʃɔː r la I n/ (shorelines ) N‑COUNT A shoreline is the edge of a sea, lake, or wide river.

shorn /ʃɔː r n/

1 ADJ If grass or hair is shorn , it has been cut very short. [LITERARY ] □� �his shorn hair.

2 ADJ If a person or thing is shornof something that was an important part of them, it has been removed from them. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] She looks terrible, shorn of all her beauty and dignity.

3Shorn is the past participle of shear .

short

➊�ADJECTIVE AND ADVERB USES

➋�NOUN USES

➊ short ◆◆◆ /ʃɔː r t/ (shorter , shortest )

→�Please look at categories 25 to 32 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADJ If something is short or lasts for a short time, it does not last very long. □� The announcement was made a short time ago. □� How could you do it in such a short period of time? □� Kemp gave a short laugh. □� We had a short meeting.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you talk about a short hour, day, or year, you mean that it seems to have passed very quickly or will seem to pass very quickly. □� For a few short weeks there was peace.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A short speech, letter, or book does not have many words or pages in it. □� �short extracts from the Bible.

4 ADJ Someone who is short is not as tall as most people are. □� I'm tall and thin and he's short and fat. □� �a short, elderly woman with grey hair.

5 ADJ Something that is short measures only a small amount from one end to the other. □� The city centre and shops are only a short distance away. □� His black hair was very short.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are short of something or if it is short , you do not have enough of it. If you are running short of something or if it is running short , you do not have much of it left. □�[+�of ] Her father's illness left the family short of money. □� Supplies of everything are unreliable; food is short.

7 ADJ If someone or something is or stops short of a place, they have not quite reached it. If they are or fall short of an amount, they have not quite achieved it. □�[+�of ] He stopped a hundred yards short of the building.

8 PHRASE Short of a particular thing means except for that thing or without actually doing that thing. □� Short of climbing railings four metres high, there was no way into the garden from this road.

9 ADV [ADV after v] If something is cutshort or stopsshort , it is stopped before people expect it to or before it has finished. □� His glittering career was cut short by a heart attack.

10 ADJ If a name or abbreviation is short for another name, it is the short version of that name. □�[+�for ] Her friend Kes (short for Kesewa) was in tears. □�[+�for ] 'O.O.B.E.' is short for 'Out Of Body Experience'.

11 ADJ If you have a short temper, you get angry very easily. □� �an awkward, self-conscious woman with a short temper.

12 →�see also short-tempered

13 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are short with someone, you speak briefly and rather rudely to them, because you are impatient or angry. □�[+�with ] She seemed nervous or tense, and she was definitely short with me.

14 PHRASE If a person or thing is called something for short , that is the short version of their name. □� Opposite me was a woman called Jasminder (Jazzy for short).

15 PHRASE If you go shortof something, especially food, you do not have as much of it as you want or need. □�[+�of ] Some people may manage their finances badly and therefore have to go short of essentials.

16 PHRASE You use in short when you have been giving a lot of details and you want to give a conclusion or summary. □� Try tennis, badminton or windsurfing. In short, anything challenging.

17 PHRASE You use nothing short of or little short of to emphasize how great or extreme something is. For example, if you say that something is nothing short of a miracle or nothing short of disastrous, you are emphasizing that it is a miracle or it is disastrous. [EMPHASIS ] □� The results are nothing short of magnificent.

18 PHRASE If you say that someone is, for example, several cards short of a full deck or one sandwich short of a picnic , you think they are stupid, foolish, or crazy. [INFORMAL ]

19 PHRASE If someone or something is short on a particular good quality, they do not have as much of it as you think they should have. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The proposals were short on detail.

20 PHRASE If someone stops short of doing something, they come close to doing it but do not actually do it. □� He stopped short of explicitly criticizing the government.

21 PHRASE If workers are put on short time , they are asked to work fewer hours than the normal working week, because their employer can not afford to pay them a full-time wage. □� Workers across the country have been put on short time because of the slump in demand. □� Most manufacturers have had to introduce short-time working.

22 PHRASE If something pulls you up short or brings you up short , it makes you suddenly stop what you are doing. □� The name on the gate pulled me up short.

23 PHRASE If you make short work of someone or something, you deal with them or defeat them very quickly. [INFORMAL ] □� Agassi made short work of his opponent.

24short of breath →�see breath

25at short notice →�see notice

26to sell someone short →�see sell

27to get short shrift →�see shrift

28to cut a long story short →�see story

29to draw the short straw →�see straw

30in short supply →�see supply

31in the short term →�see term

➋ short /ʃɔː r t/ (shorts )

1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Shorts are trousers with very short legs, that people wear in hot weather or for taking part in sports. □� �two women in bright cotton shorts and tee shirts.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Shorts are men's underpants with short legs. [mainly AM ]

3 N‑COUNT A short is a small amount of a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky, gin, or vodka, rather than a weaker alcoholic drink that you can drink in larger quantities. [mainly BRIT ]

4 N‑COUNT A short is a short film, especially one that is shown before the main film at the cinema.

short|age ◆◇◇ /ʃɔː r t I dʒ/ (shortages ) N‑VAR [n N ] If there is a shortageof something, there is not enough of it. □�[+�of ] A shortage of funds is preventing the U.N. from monitoring relief. □� Vietnam is suffering from a food shortage. COLLOCATIONS shortage NOUN

noun +�shortage : food, housing, staff, water; skill

adjective +�shortage : acute, chronic, critical, severe; global, nationwide, widespread, worldwide

verb +�shortage : address, experience, face; ease, overcome; cause, create SYNONYMS shortage NOUN

deficiency:They did blood tests on him for signs of vitamin deficiency.

lack:Despite his lack of experience, he got the job.

shortfall:The government has refused to make up a �30,000 shortfall in funding.

scarcity:�an ever-increasing scarcity of water.

want:�a want of manners and charm.

sho rt back and si des also short-back-and-sides N‑SING If a man has a short back and sides , his hair is cut very short at the back and sides with slightly thicker, longer hair on the top of the head. [BRIT ]

short|bread /ʃɔː r tbred/ (shortbreads ) N‑VAR Shortbread is a kind of biscuit made from flour, sugar, and butter.

short|cake /ʃɔː r tke I k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Shortcake is the same as shortbread . [BRIT ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Shortcake is a cake or dessert which consists of a crisp cake with layers of fruit and cream. [mainly AM ] □� �desserts like strawberry shortcake.

sho rt-cha nge (short-changes , short-changing , short-changed )

1 VERB If someone short-changes you, they do not give you enough change after you have bought something from them. □�[V n] The cashier made a mistake and short-changed him.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are short-changed , you are treated unfairly or dishonestly, often because you are given less of something than you deserve. □�[be V -ed] Women are in fact still being short-changed in the press.

sho rt-ci rcuit (short-circuits , short-circuiting , short-circuited )

1 VERB If an electrical device short-circuits or if someone or something short-circuits it, a wrong connection or damaged wire causes electricity to travel along the wrong route and damage the device. □�[V ] Carbon dust and oil build up in large motors and cause them to short-circuit. □�[V n] Once inside they short-circuited the electronic security. ●�N‑COUNT Short-circuit is also a noun. □� The fire was started by an electrical short-circuit.

2 VERB If someone or something short-circuits a process or system, they avoid long or difficult parts of it and use a quicker, more direct method to achieve their aim. □�[V n] The approach was intended to short-circuit normal complaints procedures.

short|coming /ʃɔː r tkʌm I ŋ/ (shortcomings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft with poss] Someone's or something's shortcomings are the faults or weaknesses which they have. □�[+�of ] Marriages usually break down as a result of the shortcomings of both partners.

short|crust /ʃɔː r tkrʌst/ ADJ [ADJ n] Shortcrust pastry is a kind of pastry that is used to make pies and tarts. [BRIT ]

sho rt cu t (short cuts ) also short-cut , shortcut

1 N‑COUNT A short cut is a quicker way of getting somewhere than the usual route. □� I tried to take a short cut and got lost.

2 N‑COUNT A short cut is a method of achieving something more quickly or more easily than if you use the usual methods. □�[+�to ] Fame can be a shortcut to love and money.

3 N‑COUNT On a computer, a shortcut is an icon on the desktop that allows you to go immediately to a program, document and so on. [COMPUTING ] □� �ways to move or copy icons or create shortcuts in Windows.

4 N‑COUNT On a computer, a shortcut is a keystroke or a combination of keystrokes that allows you to give commands without using the mouse. [COMPUTING ] □� �a handy keyboard shortcut that takes you to the top of the screen.

short|en /ʃɔː r t ə n/ (shortens , shortening , shortened )

1 VERB If you shorten an event or the length of time that something lasts, or if it shortens , it does not last as long as it would otherwise do or as it used to do. □�[V n] Smoking can shorten your life. □�[V ] When the days shorten in winter some people suffer depression.

2 VERB If you shorten an object or if it shortens , it becomes smaller in length. □�[V n] Her father paid �1,000 for an operation to shorten her nose. □�[V ] As they shorten, cells become more prone to disease and death.

3 VERB If you shorten a name or other word, you change it by removing some of the letters. □�[V n] Originally called Lili, she eventually shortened her name to Lee.

4to shorten the odds →�see odds

short|en|ing /ʃɔː r tn I ŋ/ (shortenings ) N‑VAR Shortening is cooking fat that you use with flour in order to make pastry or dough. [mainly AM ]

short|fall /ʃɔː r tfɔːl/ (shortfalls ) N‑COUNT If there is a shortfallin something, there is less of it than you need. □�[+�in ] The government has refused to make up a �30,000 shortfall in funding.

short|hand /ʃɔː r th�nd/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Shorthand is a quick way of writing and uses signs to represent words or syllables. Shorthand is used by secretaries and journalists to write down what someone is saying. □� Ben took notes in shorthand.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] You can use shorthand to mean a quick or simple way of referring to something. □� We've been friends so long we have a kind of shorthand. We don't really need to speak.

sho rt-ha nded also shorthanded ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a company, organization, or group is short-handed , it does not have enough people to work on a particular job or for a particular purpose. □� We're actually a bit short-handed at the moment.

sho rt|hand ty p|ist (shorthand typists ) N‑COUNT A shorthand typist is a person who types and writes shorthand, usually in an office. [BRIT ] in AM, use stenographer

sho rt-haul ADJ [ADJ n] Short-haul is used to describe things that involve transporting passengers or goods over short distances. Compare long-haul . □� Short-haul flights operate from Heathrow and Gatwick.

short|ish /ʃɔː r t I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Shortish means fairly short. □� �a shortish man, with graying hair.

short|list /ʃɔː r tl I st/ (shortlists , shortlisting , shortlisted ) The spelling short list is used in American English and sometimes in British English for the noun. 1 N‑COUNT If someone is on a shortlist , for example for a job or a prize, they are one of a small group of people who have been chosen from a larger group. The successful person is then chosen from the small group. □�[+�of ] If you've been asked for an interview you are probably on a shortlist of no more than six.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone or something is shortlistedfor a job or a prize, they are put on a shortlist. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed +�for ] He was shortlisted for the Nobel Prize for literature several times. [Also be V -ed +�as ]

sho rt-li ved ADJ Something that is short-lived does not last very long. □� Any hope that the speech would end the war was short-lived.

short|ly ◆◇◇ /ʃɔː r tli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adv] If something happens shortly after or before something else, it happens not long after or before it. If something is going to happen shortly , it is going to happen soon. □� Their trial will shortly begin. □� The work will be completed very shortly. □�[+�after ] Shortly after moving into her apartment, she found a job. [Also +�before ]

sho rt me s|sage sy s|tem (short message systems ) also short message service N‑COUNT A short message system is a way of sending short written messages from one mobile phone to another. The abbreviation SMS is also used.

sho rt-ra nge ADJ [ADJ n] Short-range weapons or missiles are designed to be fired across short distances.

sho rt-si ghted also shortsighted

1 ADJ If you are short-sighted , you cannot see things properly when they are far away, because there is something wrong with your eyes. [mainly BRIT ] □� Testing showed her to be very short-sighted. in AM, usually use near-sighted ●� short-sightedness N‑UNCOUNT □� Radical eye surgery promises to cure short-sightedness.

2 ADJ If someone is short-sighted about something, or if their ideas are short-sighted , they do not make proper or careful judgments about the future. □� Environmentalists fear that this is a short-sighted approach to the problem of global warming. ●� short-sightedness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The government now recognises the short-sightedness of this approach.

sho rt-sta ffed ADJ A company or place that is short-staffed does not have enough people working there. [mainly BRIT ] □� The hospital is desperately short-staffed. in AM, use short-handed

short|stop /ʃɔː r tstɒp/ (shortstops ) N‑COUNT In baseball, a shortstop is a player who tries to stop balls that go between second and third base.

sho rt sto |ry (short stories ) N‑COUNT A short story is a written story about imaginary events that is only a few pages long. □� He published a collection of short stories.

sho rt-te mpered ADJ Someone who is short-tempered gets angry very quickly. □� I'm a bit short-tempered sometimes.

sho rt-term ◆◇◇ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Short-term is used to describe things that will last for a short time, or things that will have an effect soon rather than in the distant future. □� Investors weren't concerned about short-term profits over the next few years. □� This is a cynical manipulation of the situation for short-term political gain. □� The company has 90 staff, almost all on short-term contracts.

sho rt-te rmism N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse people of short-termism , you mean that they make decisions that produce benefits now or soon, rather than making better decisions that will produce benefits in the future. [DISAPPROVAL ]

sho rt-time →�see short ➊

sho rt-wave also short wave , shortwave N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Short-wave is a range of short radio wavelengths used for broadcasting. □� I use the short-wave radio to get the latest war news.

shot ◆◆◇ /ʃɒ t/ (shots )

1Shot is the past tense and past participle of shoot .

2 N‑COUNT A shot is an act of firing a gun. □� He had murdered Perceval at point blank range with a single shot. □� They fired a volley of shots at the target.

3 N‑COUNT [adj N ] Someone who is a good shot can shoot well. Someone who is a bad shot cannot shoot well. □� He was not a particularly good shot because of his eyesight.

4 N‑COUNT In sports such as football, golf, or tennis, a shot is an act of kicking, hitting, or throwing the ball, especially in an attempt to score a point. □�[+�at ] He had only one shot at goal.

5 N‑COUNT A shot is a photograph or a particular sequence of pictures in a film. □�[+�of ] �a shot of a fox peering from the bushes.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have a shot at something, you attempt to do it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�at ] The heavyweight champion will be given a shot at Holyfield's world title.

7 N‑COUNT A shotof a drug is an injection of it. □�[+�of ] He administered a shot of Nembutal.

8 N‑COUNT A shotof a strong alcoholic drink is a small glass of it. [AM ] □�[+�of ] �a shot of vodka.

9 PHRASE If you give something your best shot , you do it as well as you possibly can. [INFORMAL ] □� I don't expect to win. But I am going to give it my best shot.

10 PHRASE The person who calls the shots is in a position to tell others what to do. □� The directors call the shots and nothing happens without their say-so.

11 PHRASE If you do something like a shot , you do it without any delay or hesitation. [INFORMAL ] □� I heard the key turn in the front door and I was out of bed like a shot.

12 PHRASE If you describe something as along shot , you mean that it is unlikely to succeed, but is worth trying. □� The deal was a long shot, but Bagley had little to lose.

13 PHRASE People sometimes use the expression by a long shot to emphasize the opinion they are giving. [EMPHASIS ] □� The missile-reduction treaty makes sweeping cuts, but the arms race isn't over by a long shot.

14 PHRASE If something is shot through with an element or feature, it contains a lot of that element or feature. □� This is an argument shot through with inconsistency.

15a shot in the dark →�see dark

shot|gun /ʃɒ tgʌn/ (shotguns ) N‑COUNT A shotgun is a gun used for shooting birds and animals which fires a lot of small metal balls at one time.

sho t|gun we d|ding (shotgun weddings )

1 N‑COUNT A shotgun wedding is a wedding that has to take place quickly, often because the woman is pregnant.

2 N‑COUNT A shotgun wedding is a merger between two companies which takes place in a hurry because one or both of the companies is having difficulties. [BUSINESS ]

sho t put N‑SING In athletics, theshot put is a competition in which people throw a heavy metal ball as far as possible. ●� shot put|ter (shot putters ) N‑COUNT □� �muscle-bound 6ft 6in shotputters.

should ◆◆◆ /ʃəd, STRONG ʃʊd/ Should is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. 1 MODAL You use should when you are saying what would be the right thing to do or the right state for something to be in. □� I should exercise more. □� The diet should be maintained unchanged for about a year. □� He's never going to be able to forget it. And I don't think he should. □� Sometimes I am not as brave as I should be. □� Should our children be taught to swim at school?

2 MODAL You use should to give someone an order to do something, or to report an official order. □� All visitors should register with the British Embassy. □� The European Commission ruled that British Aerospace should pay back tens of millions of pounds.

3 MODAL If you say that something should have happened, you mean that it did not happen, but that you wish it had. If you say that something should not have happened, you mean that it did happen, but that you wish it had not. □� I should have gone this morning but I was feeling a bit ill. □� You should have written to the area manager again. □� I shouldn't have said what I did.

4 MODAL You use should when you are saying that something is probably the case or will probably happen in the way you are describing. If you say that something should have happened by a particular time, you mean that it will probably have happened by that time. □� You should have no problem with reading this language. □� The doctor said it will take six weeks and I should be fine by then.

5 MODAL You use should in questions when you are asking someone for advice, permission, or information. □� Should I or shouldn't I go to university? □� Please could you advise me what I should do? □� Should I go back to the motel and wait for you to phone?

6 MODAL You say ' I should ', usually with the expression 'if I were you', when you are giving someone advice by telling them what you would do if you were in their position. [FORMAL ] □� I should look out if I were you!

7 MODAL You use should in conditional clauses when you are talking about things that might happen. [FORMAL ] □� If you should be fired, your health and pension benefits will not be automatically cut off. □� Should you buy a home from Lovell, the company promises to buy it back at the same price after three years.

8 MODAL You use should in 'that' clauses after certain verbs, nouns, and adjectives when you are talking about a future event or situation. □� He raised his glass and indicated that I should do the same. □� My father was very keen that I should fulfill my potential.

9 MODAL You use should in expressions such as I should think and I should imagine to indicate that you think something is true but you are not sure. [VAGUENESS ] □� I should think it's going to rain soon.

10 MODAL You use should in expressions such as I should like and I should be happy to show politeness when you are saying what you want to do, or when you are requesting, offering, or accepting something. [POLITENESS ] □� I should be happy if you would bring them this evening.

11 MODAL You use should in expressions such as You should have seen us and You should have heard him to emphasize how funny, shocking, or impressive something that you experienced was. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� You should have heard him last night!

shoul|der ◆◆◇ /ʃoʊ ldə r / (shoulders , shouldering , shouldered )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your shoulders are between your neck and the tops of your arms. □� She led him to an armchair, with her arm round his shoulder. □� He glanced over his shoulder and saw me watching him.

2 N‑COUNT The shoulders of a piece of clothing are the parts that cover your shoulders. □� �extravagant fashions with padded shoulders.

3 N‑PLURAL When you talk about someone's problems or responsibilities, you can say that they carry them on their shoulders . □� No one suspected the anguish he carried on his shoulders.

4 VERB If you shoulder the responsibility or the blame for something, you accept it. □�[V n] He has had to shoulder the responsibility of his father's mistakes.

5 VERB If you shoulder something heavy, you put it across one of your shoulders so that you can carry it more easily. □�[V n] The rest of the group shouldered their bags, gritted their teeth and set off.

6 VERB If you shoulder someone aside or if you shoulder your way somewhere, you push past people roughly using your shoulder. □�[V n with aside ] The policemen rushed past him, shouldering him aside. □�[V n prep/adv] She could do nothing to stop him as he shouldered his way into the house. □�[V +�past ] He shouldered past Harlech and opened the door. [Also V +�through ]

7 N‑VAR A shoulder is a joint of meat from the upper part of the front leg of an animal. □� �shoulder of lamb.

8 →�see also cold shoulder , hard shoulder

9 PHRASE If someone offers you a shoulder to cry on or is a shoulder to cry on , they listen sympathetically as you talk about your troubles. □� Roland sometimes saw me as a shoulder to cry on.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone or something stands head and shouldersabove other people or things, you mean that they are a lot better than them. □� The two candidates stood head and shoulders above the rest.

11 PHRASE If two or more people stand shoulder to shoulder , they are standing next to each other, with their shoulders touching. □� They fell into step, walking shoulder to shoulder with their heads bent against the rain.

12 PHRASE If people work or stand shoulder to shoulder , they work together in order to achieve something, or support each other. □� They could fight shoulder-to-shoulder against a common enemy.

13a chip on one's shoulder →�see chip

14to rub shoulders with →�see rub

shou lder-bag (shoulder-bags ) N‑COUNT A shoulder-bag is a bag that has a long strap so that it can be carried on a person's shoulder.

shou l|der blade (shoulder blades ) N‑COUNT Your shoulder blades are the two large, flat, triangular bones that you have in the upper part of your back, below your shoulders.

shou lder-hi gh ADJ [usu ADJ n] A shoulder-high object is as high as your shoulders. □� �a shoulder-high hedge. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Shoulder-high is also an adverb. □� They picked up Oliver and carried him shoulder high into the garage.

shou lder-length ADJ [usu ADJ n] Shoulder-length hair is long enough to reach your shoulders.

shou l|der pad (shoulder pads ) N‑COUNT Shoulder pads are small pads that are put inside the shoulders of a jacket, coat, or other article of clothing in order to raise them.

shou l|der strap (shoulder straps )

1 N‑COUNT The shoulder straps on a piece of clothing such as a dress are two narrow straps that go over the shoulders.

2 N‑COUNT A shoulder strap on a bag is a long strap that you put over your shoulder to carry the bag.

shouldn't /ʃʊ d ə nt/ Shouldn't is the usual spoken form of 'should not'.

should've /ʃʊdəv/ Should've is the usual spoken form of 'should have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb.

shout ◆◇◇ /ʃaʊ t/ (shouts , shouting , shouted )

1 VERB If you shout , you say something very loudly, usually because you want people a long distance away to hear you or because you are angry. □�[V ] He had to shout to make himself heard above the near gale-force wind. □�[V with quote] 'She's alive!' he shouted triumphantly. □�[V +�for ] Andrew rushed out of the house, shouting for help. □�[V +�at ] You don't have to shout at me. □�[V +�at ] I shouted at mother to get the police. □�[V n] The driver managed to escape from the vehicle and shout a warning. [Also V that] ●�N‑COUNT Shout is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The decision was greeted with shouts of protest from opposition MPs. □� I heard a distant shout.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is in with a shout of achieving or winning something, you mean that they have a chance of achieving or winning it. [INFORMAL ] □� He knew he was in with a shout of making Craig Brown's squad for Japan.

▸� shout down PHRASAL VERB If people shout down someone who is trying to speak, they prevent that person from being heard by shouting at them. □�[V n P ] They shouted him down when he tried to explain his point of view. □�[V P n] There were scuffles when hecklers began to shout down the speakers.

▸� shout out PHRASAL VERB If you shout something out , you say it very loudly so that people can hear you clearly. □�[V P n] They shouted out the names of those detained. □�[V P with quote] I shouted out 'I'm OK'. □�[V n P ] I wanted to shout it out, let her know what I had overheard. [Also V P ]

shou t|ing match (shouting matches ) N‑COUNT A shouting match is an angry quarrel in which people shout at each other. □�[+�with ] We had a real shouting match with each other. [Also +�between ]

shout|out /ʃaʊ taʊt/ (shoutouts ) N‑COUNT A shoutout is a public greeting to a named person, especially on the radio or on television. □� I just want to give a shoutout to my friends Bill and Jack.

shove /ʃʌ v/ (shoves , shoving , shoved )

1 VERB If you shove someone or something, you push them with a quick, violent movement. □�[V n prep/adv] He shoved her out of the way. □�[V n] He's the one who shoved me. □�[V ] She shoved as hard as she could. ●�N‑COUNT Shove is also a noun. □� She gave Gracie a shove towards the house.

2 VERB If you shove something somewhere, you push it there quickly and carelessly. □�[V n prep/adv] We shoved a copy of the newsletter beneath their door.

3 PHRASE If you talk about what you think will happen ifpush comes to shove , you are talking about what you think will happen if a situation becomes very bad or difficult. [INFORMAL ] □� If push comes to shove, if you should lose your case in the court, what will you do?

shov|el /ʃʌ v ə l/ (shovels , shovelling , shovelled ) in AM, use shoveling , shoveled1 N‑COUNT A shovel is a tool with a long handle that is used for lifting and moving earth, coal, or snow. □� �a coal shovel. □� She dug the foundation with a pick and shovel.

2 VERB If you shovel earth, coal, or snow, you lift and move it with a shovel. □�[V n] He has to get out and shovel snow. □�[V n prep/adv] Pendergood had shovelled the sand out of the caravan.

3 VERB If you shovel something somewhere, you push a lot of it quickly into that place. □�[V n prep/adv] Randall was shoveling food into his mouth.

show ◆◆◆ /ʃoʊ / (shows , showing , showed , shown )

1 VERB If something showsthat a state of affairs exists, it gives information that proves it or makes it clear to people. □�[V that] Research shows that a high-fibre diet may protect you from bowel cancer. □�[V n] These figures show an increase of over one million in unemployment. □�[be V -ed to-inf] New airline technology was shown to be improving fuel consumption. □�[V wh] You'll be given regular blood tests to show whether you have been infected.

2 VERB If a picture, chart, film, or piece of writing shows something, it represents it or gives information about it. □�[V n] Figure 4.1 shows the respiratory system. □�[V -ed] The cushions, shown left, measure 20 x 12 inches and cost $39.95. □�[V n v-ing] Much of the film shows the painter simply going about his task. □�[V wh] Our photograph shows how the plants will turn out.

3 VERB If you show someone something, you give it to them, take them to it, or point to it, so that they can see it or know what you are referring to. □�[V n +�to ] Cut out this article and show it to your bank manager. □�[V n n] He showed me the flat he shares with Esther. □�[V n wh] I showed them where the gun was.

4 VERB If you show someone to a room or seat, you lead them there. □�[V n prep/adv] Let me show you to my study. □�[V n n] I'll show you the way.

5 VERB If you show someone how to do something, you do it yourself so that they can watch you and learn how to do it. □�[V n wh] Claire showed us how to make a chocolate roulade. □�[V n n] Dr. Reichert has shown us a new way to look at those behavior problems.

6 VERB If something shows or if you show it, it is visible or noticeable. □�[V n] His beard was just beginning to show signs of grey. □�[V ] Faint glimmers of daylight were showing through the treetops.

7 VERB If you show a particular attitude, quality, or feeling, or if it shows , you behave in a way that makes this attitude, quality, or feeling clear to other people. □�[V n] She showed no interest in her children. □�[V ] Ferguson was unhappy and it showed. □�[V n n] You show me respect. □�[V pron-refl to-inf] Mr Clarke has shown himself to be resolutely opposed to compromise. □�[V that] The baby was tugging at his coat to show that he wanted to be picked up.

8 VERB If something shows a quality or characteristic or if that quality or characteristic showsitself , it can be noticed or observed. □�[V n] The story shows a strong narrative gift and a vivid eye for detail. □�[V pron-refl] How else did his hostility to women show itself?

9 N‑COUNT [usu a N of n] Ashowof a feeling or quality is an attempt by someone to make it clear that they have that feeling or quality. □�[+�of ] Miners gathered in the city centre in a show of support for the government.

10 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is forshow , you mean that it has no real purpose and is done just to give a good impression. □� The change in government is more for show than for real.

11 VERB If a company shows a profit or a loss, its accounts indicate that it has made a profit or a loss. □�[V n] It is the only one of the three companies expected to show a profit for the quarter.

12 VERB If a person you are expecting to meet does not show , they do not arrive at the place where you expect to meet them. [mainly AM ] □�[V ] There was always a chance he wouldn't show. ●�PHRASAL VERB Show up means the same as show . □�[V P ] We waited until five o'clock, but he did not show up.

13 N‑COUNT A television or radio show is a programme on television or radio. □� I had my own TV show. □� This is the show in which the presenter visits the houses of the famous. □� �a popular talk show on a Cuban radio station.

14 N‑COUNT A show in a theatre is an entertainment or concert, especially one that includes different items such as music, dancing, and comedy. □� How about going shopping and seeing a show in London?

15 VERB If someone shows a film or television programme, it is broadcast or appears on television or in the cinema. □�[V n] The BBC World Service Television news showed the same film clip. □�[V ] At its peak, the film showed in 93 theaters nationwide in its third weekend. ●� show|ing (showings ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] I gave him a private showing of the film.

16 N‑COUNT [oft on N ] A show is a public exhibition of things, such as works of art, fashionable clothes, or things that have been entered in a competition. □� The venue for the show is the city's exhibition centre. □� Two complementary exhibitions are on show at the Africa Centre.

17 VERB To show things such as works of art means to put them in an exhibition where they can be seen by the public. □�[V n] 50 dealers will show oils, watercolours, drawings and prints from 1900 to 1992.

18 ADJ [ADJ n] A show home, house, or flat is one of a group of new homes. The building company decorates it and puts furniture in it, and people who want to buy one of the homes come and look round it.

19 PHRASE If a question is decided by a show of hands , people vote on it by raising their hands to indicate whether they vote yes or no. □� Parliamentary leaders agreed to take all such decisions by a show of hands. □� Russell then asked for a show of hands concerning each of the targets.

20 PHRASE If you have something to show for your efforts, you have achieved something as a result of what you have done. □� I'm nearly 31 and it's about time I had something to show for my time in my job.

21 PHRASE You can say ' I'll show you ' to threaten or warn someone that you are going to make them admit that they are wrong. □� She shook her fist. 'I'll show you,' she said.

22 PHRASE If you say it just goes to show or it just showsthat something is the case, you mean that what you have just said or experienced demonstrates that it is the case. □� This just goes to show that getting good grades in school doesn't mean you're clever.

23 PHRASE If you say that someone steals the show , you mean that they get a lot of attention or praise because they perform better than anyone else in a show or other event. □� Brad Pitt steals the show as the young man doomed by his zest for life.

24to show someone the door →�see door

25to show your face →�see face ➊

▸� show around in BRIT, also use show round PHRASAL VERB If you show someone around or show them round , you go with them to show them all the interesting, useful, or important features of a place when they first visit it. □�[V n P ] Would you show me around? □�[V n P n] Spear showed him around the flat.

▸� show off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone isshowing off , you are criticizing them for trying to impress people by showing in a very obvious way what they can do or what they own. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] All right, there's no need to show off.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you show off something that you have, you show it to a lot of people or make it obvious that you have it, because you are proud of it. □�[V P n] Naomi was showing off her engagement ring. □�[V n P ] He actually enjoys his new hair-style and has decided to start showing it off.

3 →�see also show-off

▸� show up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something shows up or if something shows it up , it can be clearly seen or noticed. □�[V P ] You may have some strange disease that may not show up for 10 or 15 years. □�[V P n] �a telescope so powerful that it can show up galaxies billions of light years away.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something shows you up , they make you feel embarrassed or ashamed of them. □�[V n P ] He wanted to teach her a lesson for showing him up in front of Leonov.

3 →�see show12

show|biz /ʃoʊ b I z/ N‑UNCOUNT Showbiz is the same as show business . [INFORMAL ]

sho w busi|ness N‑UNCOUNT Show business is the entertainment industry of film, theatre, and television. □� He started his career in show business by playing the saxophone and singing.

show|case /ʃoʊ ke I s/ (showcases , showcasing , showcased )

1 N‑COUNT A showcase is a glass container with valuable objects inside it, for example at an exhibition or in a museum.

2 N‑COUNT You use showcase to refer to a situation or setting in which something is displayed or presented to its best advantage. □�[+�for ] The festival remains a valuable showcase for new talent.

3 VERB [usu passive] If something is showcased , it is displayed or presented to its best advantage. [JOURNALISM ] □�[be V -ed] Restored films are being showcased this month at a festival in Paris.

show|down /ʃoʊ daʊn/ (showdowns ) also show-down N‑COUNT [usu sing] A showdown is a big argument or conflict which is intended to settle a dispute that has lasted for a long time. □�[+�with ] The Prime Minister is preparing for a showdown with Ministers.

show|er /ʃaʊ ə r / (showers , showering , showered )

1 N‑COUNT A shower is a device for washing yourself. It consists of a pipe which ends in a flat cover with a lot of holes in it so that water comes out in a spray. □� She heard him turn on the shower.

2 N‑COUNT A shower is a small enclosed area containing a shower.

3 N‑COUNT Theshowers or theshower in a place such as a sports centre is the area containing showers. □� The showers are a mess. □� We all stood in the women's shower.

4 N‑COUNT If you have a shower , you wash yourself by standing under a spray of water from a shower. □� I think I'll have a shower before dinner. □� She took two showers a day.

5 VERB If you shower , you wash yourself by standing under a spray of water from a shower. □�[V ] There wasn't time to shower or change clothes.

6 N‑COUNT A shower is a short period of rain, especially light rain. □� There'll be bright or sunny spells and scattered showers this afternoon.

7 N‑COUNT You can refer to a lot of things that are falling as a showerof them. □�[+�of ] Showers of sparks flew in all directions.

8 VERB [usu passive] If you are showered with a lot of small objects or pieces, they are scattered over you. □�[be V -ed +�with ] They were showered with rice in the traditional manner.

9 VERB If you shower a person with presents or kisses, you give them a lot of presents or kisses in a very generous and extravagant way. □�[V n +�with ] He showered her with emeralds and furs. □�[V n +�with ] Her parents showered her with kisses.

10 N‑COUNT A shower is a party or celebration at which the guests bring gifts. [mainly AM ] □� �a baby shower.

11 N‑SING [usu sing] If you refer to a group of people as a particular kind of shower , you disapprove of them. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �a shower of wasters.

sho w|er gel (shower gels ) N‑VAR Shower gel is a type of liquid soap designed for use in the shower.

show|ery /ʃaʊ əri/ ADJ If the weather is showery , there are showers of rain but it does not rain all the time.

show|girl /ʃoʊ gɜː r l/ (showgirls ) N‑COUNT A showgirl is a young woman who sings and dances as part of a group in a musical show.

show|ground /ʃoʊ graʊnd/ (showgrounds ) N‑COUNT A showground is a large area of land where events such as farming shows or horse riding competitions are held.

sho w jump|er (show jumpers ) N‑COUNT A show jumper is a person who takes part in the sport of show jumping. □� I loved horses as a child and was a junior show jumper.

sho w jump|ing also showjumping N‑UNCOUNT Show jumping is a sport in which horses are ridden in competitions to demonstrate their skill in jumping over fences and walls.

show|man /ʃoʊ m�n/ (showmen ) N‑COUNT A showman is a person who is very entertaining and dramatic in the way that they perform, or the way that they present things.

show|man|ship /ʃoʊ mənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Showmanship is a person's skill at performing or presenting things in an entertaining and dramatic way.

shown /ʃoʊ n/ Shown is the past participle of show .

sho w-off (show-offs ) also showoff N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a show-off , you are criticizing them for trying to impress people by showing in a very obvious way what they can do or what they own. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

show|piece /ʃoʊ piːs/ (showpieces ) also show-piece N‑COUNT A showpiece is something that is admired because it is the best thing of its type, especially something that is intended to be impressive. □�[+�of ] The factory was to be a showpiece of Western investment in the East.

show|room /ʃoʊ ruːm/ (showrooms ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A showroom is a shop in which goods are displayed for sale, especially goods such as cars or electrical or gas appliances. □� �a car showroom.

show|stopper /ʃoʊ stɒpə r / (showstoppers ) also show-stopper N‑COUNT If something is a showstopper , it is very impressive. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� Her natural creativity and artistic talent make her home a real showstopper.

sho w-stopping also showstopping ADJ [ADJ n] A show-stopping performance or product is very impressive. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ]

show|time /ʃoʊ ta I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Showtime is the time when a particular stage or television show starts. □� It's close to showtime now, so you retire into the dressing room.

sho w tri|al (show trials ) N‑COUNT People describe a trial as a show trial if they believe that the trial is unfair and is held for political reasons rather than in order to find out the truth. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �the show trials of political dissidents.

showy /ʃoʊ i/ (showier , showiest ) ADJ Something that is showy is very noticeable because it is large, colourful, or bright. □� Since he was color blind, he favored large, showy flowers.

shrank /ʃr� ŋk/ Shrank is the past tense of shrink .

shrap|nel /ʃr� pn ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Shrapnel consists of small pieces of metal which are scattered from exploding bombs and shells. □� He was hit by shrapnel from a grenade.

shred /ʃre d/ (shreds , shredding , shredded )

1 VERB If you shred something such as food or paper, you cut it or tear it into very small, narrow pieces. □�[V n] They may be shredding documents. □�[V n] Finely shred the carrots, cabbage and cored apples.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you cut or tear food or paper intoshreds , you cut or tear it into small, narrow pieces. □� Cut the cabbage into fine long shreds.

3 N‑COUNT If there is not a shredof something, there is not even a small amount of it. □�[+�of ] He said there was not a shred of evidence to support such remarks. □�[+�of ] There is not a shred of truth in the story.

shred|der /ʃre də r / (shredders ) N‑COUNT A shredder is a machine for shredding things such as documents or parts of bushes that have been cut off. □� �a document shredder.

shrew /ʃruː / (shrews ) N‑COUNT A shrew is a small brown animal like a mouse with a long pointed nose.

shrewd /ʃruː d/ (shrewder , shrewdest ) ADJ A shrewd person is able to understand and judge a situation quickly and to use this understanding to their own advantage. □� She's a shrewd businesswoman.

shriek /ʃriː k/ (shrieks , shrieking , shrieked )

1 VERB When someone shrieks , they make a short, very loud cry, for example because they are suddenly surprised, are in pain, or are laughing. □�[V ] She shrieked and leapt from the bed. □�[V +�with ] Miranda shrieked with laughter. ●�N‑COUNT Shriek is also a noun. □� Sue let out a terrific shriek and leapt out of the way.

2 VERB If you shriek something, you shout it in a loud, high-pitched voice. □�[V with quote] 'Stop it! Stop it!' shrieked Jane. □�[V n] He was shrieking obscenities and weeping.

shrift /ʃr I ft/ PHRASE If someone or something gets short shrift , they are paid very little attention. □� The idea has been given short shrift by philosophers.

shrill /ʃr I l/ (shriller , shrillest )

1 ADJ A shrill sound is high-pitched and unpleasant. □� Shrill cries and startled oaths flew up around us as pandemonium broke out. □� Mary Ann's voice grew shrill. ●� shril|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'What are you doing?' she demanded shrilly. ●� shrill|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �that ugly shrillness in her voice.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a demand, protest, or statement as shrill , you disapprove of it and do not like the strong, forceful way it is said. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Shrill voices on both sides of the Atlantic are advocating protectionism.

shrimp /ʃr I mp/ (shrimps or shrimp ) N‑COUNT Shrimps are small shellfish with long tails and many legs. □� Add the shrimp and cook for 30 seconds.

shri mp co ck|tail (shrimp cocktails ) N‑VAR A shrimp cocktail is a dish that consists of shrimp, salad, and a sauce. It is usually eaten at the beginning of a meal. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use prawn cocktail

shrine /ʃra I n/ (shrines )

1 N‑COUNT A shrine is a place of worship which is associated with a particular holy person or object. □�[+�of ] �the holy shrine of Mecca.

2 N‑COUNT A shrine is a place that people visit and treat with respect because it is connected with a dead person or with dead people that they want to remember. □�[+�to ] The monument has been turned into a shrine to the dead and the missing.

shrink /ʃr I ŋk/ (shrinks , shrinking , shrank , shrunk )

1 VERB If cloth or clothing shrinks , it becomes smaller in size, usually as a result of being washed. □�[V ] All my jumpers have shrunk.

2 VERB If something shrinks or something else shrinks it, it becomes smaller. □�[V ] The vast forests of West Africa have shrunk. □�[V n] Hungary may have to lower its hopes of shrinking its state sector.

3 VERB If you shrinkaway from someone or something, you move away from them because you are frightened, shocked, or disgusted by them. □�[V prep/adv] One child shrinks away from me when I try to talk to him.

4 VERB [usu with neg] If you do not shrinkfrom a task or duty, you do it even though it is unpleasant or dangerous. □�[V +�from ] We must not shrink from the legitimate use of force if we are to remain credible.

5 N‑COUNT A shrink is a psychiatrist. [INFORMAL ] □� I've seen a shrink already.

6no shrinking violet →�see violet

shrink|age /ʃr I ŋk I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Shrinkage is a decrease in the size or amount of something. □� Allow for some shrinkage in both length and width.

shri nk-wrapped ADJ [usu ADJ n] A shrink-wrapped product is sold in a tight covering of thin plastic. □� �a shrink-wrapped chicken breast.

shriv|el /ʃr I v ə l/ (shrivels , shrivelling , shrivelled ) in AM, use shriveling , shriveled VERB When something shrivels or when something shrivels it, it becomes dryer and smaller, often with lines in its surface, as a result of losing the water it contains. □�[V ] The plant shrivels and dies. □�[V n] �dry weather that shrivelled this summer's crops. ●�PHRASAL VERB Shrivel up means the same as shrivel . □�[V P ] The leaves started to shrivel up. ●� shriv|elled ADJ □� It looked old and shrivelled.

shroud /ʃraʊ d/ (shrouds , shrouding , shrouded )

1 N‑COUNT A shroud is a cloth which is used for wrapping a dead body.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to something that surrounds an object or situation as a shroud of something. □�[+�of ] �a parked car huddled under a shroud of grey snow. □�[+�of ] Ministers are as keen as ever to wrap their activities in a shroud of secrecy.

3 VERB If something has been shroudedin mystery or secrecy, very little information about it has been made available. □�[be V -ed +�in ] For years the teaching of acting has been shrouded in mystery. □�[V n] �the secrecy which has shrouded the whole affair.

4 VERB If darkness, fog, or smoke shrouds an area, it covers it so that it is difficult to see. □�[V n] Mist shrouded the outline of Buckingham Palace.

Shrove Tues|day /ʃroʊ v tjuː zde I , [AM ] tuː z-/ N‑UNCOUNT Shrove Tuesday is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. People traditionally eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.

shrub /ʃrʌ b/ (shrubs ) N‑COUNT Shrubs are plants that have several woody stems. □� �flowering shrubs.

shrub|bery /ʃrʌ bəri/ (shrubberies )

1 N‑COUNT A shrubbery is a part of a garden where a lot of shrubs are growing. [BRIT ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to a lot of shrubs or to shrubs in general as shrubbery .

shrub|by /ʃrʌ bi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A shrubby plant is like a shrub. □� �a shrubby tree.

shrug /ʃrʌ g/ (shrugs , shrugging , shrugged ) VERB If you shrug , you raise your shoulders to show that you are not interested in something or that you do not know or care about something. □�[V ] I shrugged, as if to say, 'Why not?' □�[V n] The man shrugged his shoulders. ●�N‑COUNT Shrug is also a noun. □� 'I suppose so,' said Anna with a shrug.

▸� shrug off PHRASAL VERB If you shrug something off , you ignore it or treat it as if it is not really important or serious. □�[V P n] He shrugged off the criticism. □�[V n P ] He just laughed and shrugged it off.

shrunk /ʃrʌ ŋk/ Shrunk is the past participle of shrink .

shrunk|en /ʃrʌ ŋkən/ ADJ Someone or something that is shrunken has become smaller than they used to be. □� She now looked small, shrunken and pathetic.

shtick /ʃt I k/ →�see schtick

shuck /ʃʌ k/ (shucks , shucking , shucked )

1 N‑COUNT The shuck of something is its outer covering, for example the leaves round an ear of corn, or the shell of a shellfish. [AM ] □� �corn shucks.

2 VERB If you shuck something such as corn or shellfish, you remove it from its outer covering. [AM ] □�[V n] On a good day, each employee will shuck 3,500 oysters.

3 VERB If you shuck something that you are wearing, you take it off. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He shucked his coat and set to work.

4 EXCLAM Shucks is an exclamation that is used to express embarrassment, disappointment, or annoyance. [AM , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Terry actually says 'Oh, shucks!' when complimented on her singing.

shud|der /ʃʌ də r / (shudders , shuddering , shuddered )

1 VERB If you shudder , you shake with fear, horror, or disgust, or because you are cold. □�[V prep/adv] Lloyd had urged her to eat caviar. She had shuddered at the thought. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Shudder is also a noun. □� She recoiled with a shudder.

2 VERB If something such as a machine or vehicle shudders , it shakes suddenly and violently. □�[V prep/adv] The train began to pull out of the station�then suddenly shuddered to a halt. □�[V ] The whole ship shuddered and trembled at the sudden strain.

3 N‑COUNT If something sends a shudder or shudders through a group of people, it makes them worried or afraid. □�[+�of ] The next crisis sent a shudder of fear through the U.N. community.

4 PHRASE If you say that you shudder to thinkwhat would happen in a particular situation, you mean that you expect it to be so bad that you do not really want to think about it. [FEELINGS ] □� I shudder to think what would have happened if he hadn't acted as quickly as he did.

shuf|fle /ʃʌ f ə l/ (shuffles , shuffling , shuffled )

1 VERB If you shuffle somewhere, you walk there without lifting your feet properly off the ground. □�[V prep/adv] Moira shuffled across the kitchen. ●�N‑SING Shuffle is also a noun. □� She noticed her own proud walk had become a shuffle.

2 VERB If you shufflearound , you move your feet about while standing or you move your bottom about while sitting, often because you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. □�[V prep/adv] He shuffles around in his chair. □�[V n] He grinned and shuffled his feet.

3 VERB If you shuffle playing cards, you mix them up before you begin a game. □�[V n] There are various ways of shuffling and dealing the cards. [Also V ]

4 VERB If you shuffle things such as pieces of paper, you move them around so that they are in a different order. □�[V n] The silence lengthened as Thorne unnecessarily shuffled some papers.

shun /ʃʌ n/ (shuns , shunning , shunned ) VERB If you shun someone or something, you deliberately avoid them or keep away from them. □�[V n] From that time forward everybody shunned him. □�[V n] He has always shunned publicity.

shunt /ʃʌ nt/ (shunts , shunting , shunted )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a person or thing is shunted somewhere, they are moved or sent there, usually because someone finds them inconvenient. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed prep/adv] He has spent most of his life being shunted between various foster families.

2 VERB When railway engines shunt wagons or carriages, they push or pull them from one railway line to another. □�[V n prep/adv] The GM diesel engine shunted the coaches to Platform 4.

shush /ʃʊ ʃ, ʃʌ ʃ/ (shushes , shushing , shushed )

1 CONVENTION You say shush when you are telling someone to be quiet. □� Shush! Here he comes. I'll talk to you later.

2 VERB If you shush someone, you tell them to be quiet by saying 'shush' or 'sh', or by indicating in some other way that you want them to be quiet. □�[V n] Frannie shushed her with a forefinger to the lips. [Also V ]

shut ◆◇◇ /ʃʌ t/ (shuts , shutting ) The form shut is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you shut something such as a door or if it shuts , it moves so that it fills a hole or a space. □�[V n] Just make sure you shut the gate after you. □�[V ] The screen door shut gently. ●�ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Shut is also an adjective. □� They have warned residents to stay inside and keep their doors and windows shut.

2 VERB If you shut your eyes, you lower your eyelids so that you cannot see anything. □�[V n] Lucy shut her eyes so she wouldn't see it happen. ●�ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Shut is also an adjective. □� His eyes were shut and he seemed to have fallen asleep.

3 VERB If your mouth shuts or if you shut your mouth, you place your lips firmly together. □�[V ] Daniel's mouth opened, and then shut again. □�[V n] He opened and shut his mouth, unspeaking. ●�ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Shut is also an adjective. □� She was silent for a moment, lips tight shut, eyes distant.

4 VERB When a store, bar, or other public building shuts or when someone shuts it, it is closed and you cannot use it until it is open again. □�[V n] There is a tendency to shut museums or shops at a moment's notice. □�[V ] What time do the pubs shut? ●�ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Shut is also an adjective. □� Make sure you have food to tide you over when the local shop may be shut.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone shuts their eyes to something, you mean that they deliberately ignore something which they should deal with. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We shut our eyes to the plainest facts, refusing to admit the truth.

6 PHRASE If someone tells you to keep your mouth shut about something, they are telling you not to let anyone else know about it.

7 PHRASE If you keep your mouth shut , you do not express your opinions about something, even though you would like to. □� If she had kept her mouth shut she would still have her job now.

▸� shut down

1 PHRASAL VERB If a factory or business shuts down or if someone shuts it down , work there stops or it no longer trades as a business. □�[V P ] Smaller contractors had been forced to shut down. □�[V P n] It is required by law to shut down banks which it regards as chronically short of capital. □�[V n P ] Mr Buzetta sold the newspaper's assets to its competitor and shut it down.

2 →�see also shutdown

▸� shut in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you shut someone or something in a room, you close the door so that they cannot leave it. □�[V n P n] The door enables us to shut the birds in the shelter in bad weather.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you shutyourselfin a room, you stay in there and make sure nobody else can get in. □�[V pron-refl P n] After one particular bad result, he shut himself in the shower room for an hour.

3 →�see also shut-in

▸� shut off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you shut off something such as an engine or an electrical item, you turn it off to stop it working. □�[V P n] They pulled over and shut off the engine. □�[V n P ] Will somebody please shut that alarm off.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you shutyourselfoff , you avoid seeing other people, usually because you are feeling depressed. □�[V pron-refl P ] Billy tends to keep things to himself more and shut himself off.

3 PHRASAL VERB If an official organization shuts off the supply of something, they no longer send it to the people they supplied in the past. □�[V P n] The State Water Project has shut off all supplies to farmers. [Also V n P ]

▸� shut out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you shut something or someone out , you prevent them from getting into a place, for example by closing the doors. □�[V n P +�of ] 'I shut him out of the bedroom,' says Maureen. □�[V P n] I was set to shut out anyone else who came knocking. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you shut out a thought or a feeling, you prevent yourself from thinking or feeling it. □�[V P n] I shut out the memory which was too painful to dwell on. □�[V n P ] The figures represent such overwhelming human misery that the mind wants to shut it out.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you shut someone out of something, you prevent them from having anything to do with it. □�[V n P +�of ] She is very reclusive, to the point of shutting me out of her life. □�[V n P ] She had effectively shut him out by refusing to listen.

▸� shut up PHRASAL VERB If someone shuts up or if someone shuts them up , they stop talking. You can say 'shut up' as an impolite way to tell a person to stop talking. □�[V P ] Just shut up, will you? □�[V n P ] A sharp put-down was the only way to shut her up. SYNONYMS shut VERB 1

close:If you are cold, close the window.

secure:The shed was secured by a hasp and staple fastener.

fasten:�the dress, which fastens with a long back zip.

lock:Are you sure you locked the front door?

shut|down /ʃʌ tdaʊn/ (shutdowns ) N‑COUNT A shutdown is the closing of a factory, shop, or other business, either for a short time or for ever. □� The shutdown is the latest in a series of painful budget measures.

shu t-eye also shuteye N‑UNCOUNT Shut-eye is sleep. [INFORMAL ] □� Go home and get some shut-eye.

shu t-in (shut-ins ) N‑COUNT A shut-in is someone who is ill for a long time, and has to stay in bed or at home. [AM ] □� �Meals on Wheels or similar programs that bring outside life to shut-ins.

shut|ter /ʃʌ tə r / (shutters )

1 N‑COUNT The shutter in a camera is the part which opens to allow light through the lens when a photograph is taken. □� There are a few things you should check before pressing the shutter release.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Shutters are wooden or metal covers fitted on the outside of a window. They can be opened to let in the light, or closed to keep out the sun or the cold. □� She opened the shutters and gazed out over village roofs.

shut|tered /ʃʌ tə r d/

1 ADJ A shuttered window, room, or building has its shutters closed. □� I opened a shuttered window.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A shuttered window, room, or building has shutters fitted to it. □� �green-shuttered colonial villas.

shut|tle /ʃʌ t ə l/ (shuttles , shuttling , shuttled )

1 N‑COUNT A shuttle is the same as a space shuttle .

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A shuttle is a plane, bus, or train which makes frequent journeys between two places. □� �shuttle flights between London and Manchester.

3 VERB If someone or something shuttles or is shuttled from one place to another place, they frequently go from one place to the other. □�[V prep/adv] He and colleagues have shuttled back and forth between the three capitals. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Machine parts were also being shuttled across the border without authorisation. [Also V n prep/adv]

shuttle|cock /ʃʌ t ə lkɒk/ (shuttlecocks ) N‑COUNT A shuttlecock is the small object that you hit over the net in a game of badminton. It is rounded at one end and has real or artificial feathers fixed in the other end.

shu t|tle di|plo |ma|cy N‑UNCOUNT Shuttle diplomacy is the movement of diplomats between countries whose leaders refuse to talk directly to each other, in order to try to settle the argument between them. □�[+�between ] U.N. mediators are conducting shuttle diplomacy between the two sides.

shy /ʃa I / (shyer , shyest , shies , shying , shied )

1 ADJ A shy person is nervous and uncomfortable in the company of other people. □� She was a shy and retiring person off-stage. □�[+�of ] He is painfully shy of women. ●� shy|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The children smiled shyly. ●� shy|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Eventually he overcame his shyness.

2 ADJ If you are shyof doing something, you are unwilling to do it because you are afraid of what might happen. □�[+�of ] You should not be shy of having your say in the running of the school.

3 VERB When a horse shies , it moves away suddenly, because something has frightened it. □�[V ] Llewelyn's stallion shied as the wind sent sparks flying.

4 PHRASE A number or amount that is just shy of another number or amount is just under it. □� �a high-school dropout rate just shy of 53%.

▸� shy away from PHRASAL VERB If you shy away from doing something, you avoid doing it, often because you are afraid or not confident enough. □�[V P P v-ing/n] We frequently shy away from making decisions.

-shy /-ʃa I / COMB -shy is added to nouns to form adjectives which indicate that someone does not like a particular thing, and tries to avoid it. For example, someone who is camera-shy does not like having their photograph taken. □� �camera-shy red deer.

shy|ster /ʃa I stə r / (shysters ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone, especially a lawyer or politician, as a shyster , you mean that they are dishonest and immoral. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

Sia|mese cat /sa I əmiːz k� t/ (Siamese cats ) N‑COUNT A Siamese cat is a type of cat with short cream and brown fur, blue eyes, dark ears, and a dark tail.

Sia|mese twin /sa I əmiːz tw I n/ (Siamese twins ) N‑COUNT Siamese twins are twins who are born with their bodies joined.

sibi|lant /s I b I lənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sibilant sounds are soft 's' sounds. [FORMAL ] □� A sibilant murmuring briefly pervaded the room.

sib|ling /s I bl I ŋ/ (siblings ) N‑COUNT Your siblings are your brothers and sisters. [FORMAL ] □� His siblings are mostly in their early twenties.

sic You write sic in brackets after a word or expression when you want to indicate to the reader that although the word looks odd or wrong, you intended to write it like that or the original writer wrote it like that. □� The latest school jobs page advertises a 'wide range (sic) of 6th-form courses.'

Si|cil|ian /s I s I liən/ (Sicilians )

1 ADJ Sicilian means belonging or relating to Sicily, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Sicilian is a person who comes from Sicily.

sick ◆◇◇ /s I k/ (sicker , sickest )

1 ADJ If you are sick , you are ill. Sick usually means physically ill, but it can sometimes be used to mean mentally ill. □� He's very sick. He needs medication. □� She found herself with two small children, a sick husband, and no money. ●�N‑PLURAL The sick are people who are sick. □� There were no doctors to treat the sick.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are sick , the food that you have eaten comes up from your stomach and out of your mouth. If you feelsick , you feel as if you are going to be sick. □� She got up and was sick in the handbasin. □� The very thought of food made him feel sick.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Sick is vomit. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

4 ADJ If you say that you are sick of something or sick and tired of it, you are emphasizing that you are very annoyed by it and want it to stop. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] I am sick and tired of hearing all these people moaning.

5 ADJ If you describe something such as a joke or story as sick , you mean that it deals with death or suffering in an unpleasantly humorous way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a sick joke about a cat.

6 PHRASE If you say that something or someone makes you sick , you mean that they make you feel angry or disgusted. [INFORMAL ] □� It makes me sick that people commit offences and never get punished.

7 PHRASE If you are off sick , you are not at work because you are ill. □� When we are off sick, we only receive half pay.

8 PHRASE If you say that you are worried sick , you are emphasizing that you are extremely worried. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�about ] He was worried sick about what our mothers would say.

si ck bay (sick bays ) also sick-bay N‑COUNT A sick bay is an area, especially on a ship or navy base, or in Britain in a school or university, where medical treatment is given and where beds are provided for people who are ill. □� �a free 16-bed sick bay for students needing continuous care.

sick|bed /s I kbed/ (sickbeds ) also sick-bed N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your sickbed is the bed that you are lying in while you are ill. □� Michael left his sickbed to entertain his house guests.

sick bui ld|ing syn|drome N‑UNCOUNT Sick building syndrome is a group of conditions, including headaches, sore eyes, and tiredness, which people who work in offices may experience because the air there is not healthy to breathe.

sick|en /s I kən/ (sickens , sickening , sickened ) VERB If something sickens you, it makes you feel disgusted. □�[V n] The notion that art should be controlled by intellectuals sickened him.

sick|en|ing /s I kən I ŋ/ ADJ You describe something as sickening when it gives you feelings of horror or disgust, or makes you feel sick in your stomach. □� This was a sickening attack on a pregnant and defenceless woman.

sickie /s I ki/ (sickies ) N‑COUNT If someone takes a sickie , they take a day off work saying that they are ill, especially when they are not actually ill. [INFORMAL ] □� Broughton took a sickie on Monday to paint his fence.

sick|le /s I k ə l/ (sickles ) N‑COUNT A sickle is a tool that is used for cutting grass and grain crops. It has a short handle and a long curved blade.

si ck leave N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Sick leave is the time that a person spends away from work because of illness or injury. [BUSINESS ] □� I have been on sick leave for seven months with depression.

si ckle-cell anae mia in AM, use sickle-cell anemia N‑UNCOUNT Sickle-cell anaemia is an inherited illness in which the red blood cells become curved, causing a number of health problems.

sick|ly /s I kli/ (sicklier , sickliest )

1 ADJ A sickly person or animal is weak, unhealthy, and often ill. □� He had been a sickly child.

2 ADJ A sickly smell or taste is unpleasant and makes you feel slightly sick, often because it is extremely sweet. □� �the sickly smell of rum.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sickly colour or light is unpleasantly pale or weak. □� Wallpapers for children too often come only in sickly pastel shades.

sick|ness /s I knəs/ (sicknesses )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sickness is the state of being ill or unhealthy. □� In fifty-two years of working he had one week of sickness. □� There appears to be another outbreak of sickness among seals in the North Sea.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sickness is the uncomfortable feeling that you are going to vomit. □� After a while, the sickness gradually passed and she struggled to the mirror.

3 →�see also morning sickness , travel sickness

4 N‑VAR A sickness is a particular illness. □� �radiation sickness.

si ck|ness ben|efit N‑UNCOUNT Sickness benefit is money that you receive regularly from the government when you are unable to work because of illness. [BRIT ]

si ck note (sick notes ) N‑COUNT A sick note is an official note signed by a doctor which states that someone is ill and needs to stay off work for a particular period of time.

si ck pay N‑UNCOUNT When you are ill and unable to work, sick pay is the money that you get from your employer instead of your normal wages. [BUSINESS ] □� They are not eligible for sick pay.

sick|room /s I kruːm/ (sickrooms ) also sick room N‑COUNT A sickroom is a room in which a sick person is lying in bed. □� Close friends were allowed into the sickroom.

side ◆◆◆ /sa I d/ (sides , siding , sided )

1 N‑COUNT The sideof something is a position to the left or right of it, rather than in front of it, behind it, or on it. □� On one side of the main entrance there's a red plaque. □� �a photograph with me in the centre and Joe and Ken on each side of me. □� �the nations on either side of the Pacific. □� There's nothing but woods on the other side of the highway. □� There has been a build-up of troops on both sides of the border. □� PC Dacre knocked on Webb's door and, opening it, stood to one side.

2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The side of an object, building, or vehicle is any of its flat surfaces which is not considered to be its front, its back, its top, or its bottom. □� We put a notice on the side of the box. □� �a van bearing on its side the name of a company. □�[+�of ] There was a stone staircase against the side of the house. □� A carton of milk lay on its side.

3 N‑COUNT The sides of a hollow or a container are its inside vertical surfaces. □�[+�of ] The rough rock walls were like the sides of a deep canal. □� Line the base of the dish with greaseproof paper and lightly grease the sides.

4 N‑COUNT The sidesof an area or surface are its edges. □� Park on the side of the road. □� �a small beach on the north side of the peninsula.

5 N‑COUNT The two sidesof an area, surface, or object are its two halves. □� She turned over on her stomach on the other side of the bed. □� The major centre for language is in the left side of the brain.

6 N‑COUNT The two sides of a road are its two halves on which traffic travels in opposite directions. □�[+�of ] It had gone on to the wrong side of the road and hit a car coming in the other direction.

7 N‑COUNT If you talk about the other side of a town or of the world, you mean a part of the town or of the world that is very far from where you are. □�[+�of ] He saw the ship that was to transport them to the other side of the world. □�[+�of ] Are you working on this side of the city?

8 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your sides are the parts of your body between your front and your back, from under your arms to your hips. □� His arms were limp at his sides. □� They had laid him on his side.

9 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone is by your side or at your side , they stay near you and give you comfort or support. □� He was constantly at his mother's side.

10 N‑COUNT The two sides of something flat, for example a piece of paper, are its two flat surfaces. You can also refer to one side of a piece of paper filled with writing as one side of writing. □�[+�of ] The new copiers only copy onto one side of the paper. □� Fry the chops until brown on both sides.

11 N‑COUNT One side of a tape or record is what you can hear or record if you play the tape or record from beginning to end without turning it over. □� We want to hear side A.

12 ADJ [ADJ n] Side is used to describe things that are not the main or most important ones of their kind. □� She slipped in and out of the theatre by a side door. □� �a prawn curry with a lentil side dish.

13 N‑COUNT The different sides in a war, argument, or negotiation are the groups of people who are opposing each other. □� Both sides appealed for a new ceasefire. □� �the elections which his side lost.

14 N‑COUNT The different sidesof an argument or deal are the different points of view or positions involved in it. □� �those with the ability to see all sides of a question.

15 VERB If one person or country sideswith another, they support them in an argument or a war. If people or countries sideagainst another person or country, they support each other against them. □�[V +�with/against ] There has been much speculation that America might be siding with the rebels.

16 N‑COUNT In sport, a side is a team. [BRIT ] □� Italy were definitely a better side than Germany. in AM, use team17 N‑COUNT A particular side of something such as a situation or someone's character is one aspect of it. □�[+�of ] He is in charge of the civilian side of the U.N. mission. □�[+�of ] It shows that your child can now see the funny side of things.

18 N‑COUNT The mother's side and the father's side of your family are your mother's relatives and your father's relatives. □� So was your father's side more well off?

19 →�see also -sided , siding

20 PHRASE If two people or things are side by side , they are next to each other. □� We sat side by side on two wicker seats.

21 PHRASE If people work or live side by side , they work or live closely together in a friendly way. □� �areas where different nationalities have lived side by side for centuries.

22 PHRASE If you say that someone has let the side down , you mean that they have embarrassed their family or friends by behaving badly or not doing well at something. [BRIT ] □� Brown was constantly letting the side down.

23 PHRASE If something moves from side to side , it moves repeatedly to the left and to the right. □� She was shaking her head from side to side.

24 PHRASE If you are on someone's side , you are supporting them in an argument or a war. □� He has the Democrats on his side. □�[+�of ] Some of the younger people seem to be on the side of reform.

25 PHRASE If something is on your side or if you have it on your side , it helps you when you are trying to achieve something. □� The law is not on their side.

26 PHRASE If you get on the wrong side of someone, you do something to annoy them and make them dislike you. If you stay on the right side of someone, you try to please them and avoid annoying them. □� I wouldn't like to get on the wrong side of him.

27 PHRASE If you say that something is on the small side , you are saying politely that you think it is slightly too small. If you say that someone is on the young side , you are saying politely that you think they are slightly too young. [POLITENESS ] □� He's quiet and a bit on the shy side.

28 PHRASE If someone does something on the side , they do it in addition to their main work. □� �ways of making a little bit of money on the side.

29 PHRASE If you put something to one side or put it on one side , you temporarily ignore it in order to concentrate on something else. □� In order to maintain profit margins, health and safety regulations are often put to one side.

30 PHRASE If you take someone to one side or draw them to one side , you speak to them privately, usually in order to give them advice or a warning. □� He took Sabrina to one side and told her about the safe.

31 PHRASE If you take sides or take someone's side in an argument or war, you support one of the sides against the other. □� We cannot take sides in a civil war.

32to look on the bright side →�see bright

33the other side of the coin →�see coin

34to err on the side of something →�see err

35to be on the safe side →�see safe

36someone's side of the story →�see story

side|arm /sa I dɑː r m/ (sidearms ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sidearms are weapons, usually small guns, that you can wear on a belt. □� Two guards with sidearms patrolled the wall.

side|bar /sa I dbɑː r / (sidebars )

1 N‑COUNT A sidebar is a short article that is placed beside a longer one in a newspaper or on a website, and provides other relevant information.

2 N‑COUNT A sidebar is an additional or less important thing. □� A small sidebar exhibition showcases some of the best of these works.

side|board /sa I dbɔː r d/ (sideboards )

1 N‑COUNT A sideboard is a long cupboard which is about the same height as a table. Sideboards are usually kept in dining rooms to put plates and glasses in.

2 N‑PLURAL Sideboards are the same as sideburns . [BRIT ]

side|burns /sa I dbɜː r nz/ N‑PLURAL If a man has sideburns , he has a strip of hair growing down the side of each cheek. □� �a young man with long sideburns.

side|car /sa I dkɑː r / (sidecars ) N‑COUNT A sidecar is a kind of box with wheels which you can attach to the side of a motorcycle so that you can carry a passenger in it.

-sided /-sa I d I d/

1 COMB [usu ADJ n] -sided combines with numbers or adjectives to describe how many sides something has, or what kind of sides something has. □� �a three-sided pyramid. □� We drove up a steep-sided valley.

2 →�see also one-sided

si de dish (side dishes ) N‑COUNT A side dish is an amount of a particular food that is served at the same time as the main dish. □� These mushrooms would make a delicious side dish.

si de-effect (side-effects ) also side effect

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The side-effects of a drug are the effects, usually bad ones, that the drug has on you in addition to its function of curing illness or pain. □� The treatment has some unpleasant side-effects including skin rashes and headaches. □� Most patients suffer no side-effects.

2 N‑COUNT A side-effectof a situation is something unplanned and usually unpleasant that happens in addition to the main effects of that situation. □�[+�of ] One side effect of modern life is stress.

si de-foot (side-foots , side-footing , side-footed ) also sidefoot VERB In football, if a player side-foots the ball, they kick it with the side of their foot. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] Currie sidefooted his first goal of the season. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Side-foot is also a noun. □� Anthony scored with a simple side-foot.

si de is|sue (side issues ) N‑COUNT A side issue is an issue or subject that is not considered to be as important as the main one. □� I must forget these side issues and remember my mission.

side|kick /sa I dk I k/ (sidekicks ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's sidekick is a person who accompanies them and helps them, and who you consider to be less intelligent or less important than the other person. [INFORMAL ] □� His sons, brother and nephews were his armed sidekicks.

side|light /sa I dla I t/ (sidelights )

1 N‑COUNT The sidelights on a vehicle are the small lights at the front that help other drivers to notice the vehicle and to judge its width. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use parking lights2 N‑COUNT The sidelights on a vehicle are lights on its sides. [AM ]

3 N‑COUNT A sidelighton a particular situation is a piece of information about that situation which is interesting but which is not particularly important. □�[+�on ] The book is full of amusing sidelights on his family background.

side|line /sa I dla I n/ (sidelines , sidelining , sidelined )

1 N‑COUNT A sideline is something that you do in addition to your main job in order to earn extra money. □� Charlie sold second-hand cars from the arches at Brighton station and trained horses as a sideline.

2 N‑PLURAL The sidelines are the lines marking the long sides of the playing area, for example on a football field or tennis court.

3 N‑PLURAL [usu on/from N ] If you are onthe sidelines in a situation, you do not influence events at all, either because you have chosen not to be involved, or because other people have not involved you. □� France no longer wants to be left on the sidelines when critical decisions are taken.

4 VERB [usu passive] If someone or something is sidelined, they are made to seem unimportant and not included in what people are doing. □�[be V -ed] He was under pressure to resign and was about to be sidelined.

side|long /sa I dlɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you give someone a sidelong look, you look at them out of the corner of your eyes. □� She gave him a quick sidelong glance.

si de-o n ADJ A side-on collision or view is a collision or view from the side of an object. □� �steel beams built into the doors for protection against a side-on crash.

si de or|der (side orders ) N‑COUNT A side order is an amount of a food that you order in a restaurant to be served at the same time as the main dish. □�[+�of ] �a side order of potato salad.

si de road (side roads ) N‑COUNT A side road is a road which leads off a busier, more important road.

si de-saddle ADV [ADV after v] When you ride a horse side-saddle , you sit on a special saddle with both your legs on one side rather than one leg on each side of the horse. □� Naomi was given a pony and taught to ride side-saddle.

si de sal|ad (side salads ) N‑COUNT A side salad is a bowl of salad for one person which is served with a main meal.

side|show /sa I dʃoʊ/ (sideshows ) also side-show

1 N‑COUNT A sideshow is a less important or less significant event or situation related to a larger, more important one that is happening at the same time. □�[+�to ] In the end, the meeting was a sideshow to a political storm that broke Thursday.

2 N‑COUNT At a circus or fair, a sideshow is a performance that you watch or a game of skill that you play, that is provided in addition to the main entertainment.

si de-splitting ADJ Something that is side-splitting is very funny and makes you laugh a lot. [INFORMAL ] □� �a side-splitting joke.

side|step /sa I dstep/ (sidesteps , sidestepping , sidestepped ) also side-step

1 VERB If you sidestep a problem, you avoid discussing it or dealing with it. □�[V n] Rarely, if ever, does he sidestep a question. □�[V n] He was trying to sidestep responsibility. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you sidestep , you step sideways in order to avoid something or someone that is coming towards you or going to hit you. □�[V ] As I sidestepped, the bottle hit me on the left hip. □�[V n] He made a grab for her but she sidestepped him.

si de street (side streets ) N‑COUNT A side street is a quiet, often narrow street which leads off a busier street.

side|swipe /sa I dswa I p/ (sideswipes ) also side-swipe N‑COUNT If you take a sideswipeat someone, you make an unexpected critical remark about them while you are talking about something else. □�[+�at ] He sulks at setbacks, can't accept blame for failure, and makes gratuitous sideswipes at other golfers.

side|track /sa I dtr�k/ (sidetracks , sidetracking , sidetracked ) also side-track VERB If you are sidetracked by something, it makes you forget what you intended to do or say, and start instead doing or talking about a different thing. □�[be V -ed] He'd managed to avoid being sidetracked by Schneider's problems. □�[V n] The leadership moved to sidetrack the proposal. □�[V n +�from ] They have a tendency to try to sidetrack you from your task.

side|walk /sa I dwɔːk/ (sidewalks ) N‑COUNT A sidewalk is a path with a hard surface by the side of a road. [AM ] □� Two men and a woman were walking briskly down the sidewalk toward him. in BRIT, use pavement

side|ways /sa I dwe I z/

1 ADV [ADV after v] Sideways means from or towards the side of something or someone. □� Piercey glanced sideways at her. □� The ladder blew sideways. □� He was facing sideways. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Sideways is also an adjective. □� Alfred shot him a sideways glance.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you are moved sideways at work, you move to another job at the same level as your old job. □� He would be moved sideways, rather than demoted. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Sideways is also an adjective. □� �her recent sideways move.

sid|ing /sa I d I ŋ/ (sidings )

1 N‑COUNT A siding is a short railway track beside the main tracks, where engines and carriages are left when they are not being used.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Siding is a wooden or metal covering on the outside walls of a building. [AM ]

si|dle /sa I d ə l/ (sidles , sidling , sidled ) VERB If you sidle somewhere, you walk there in a quiet or cautious way, as if you do not want anyone to notice you. □�[V prep/adv] A young man sidled up to me and said, 'May I help you?'

SIDS /s I dz/ N‑UNCOUNT SIDS is used to talk about the sudden death of a baby while it is asleep, when it had not previously been ill. SIDS is an abbreviation for 'sudden infant death syndrome'.

si�|cle →�see fin de si�cle

siege /siː dʒ/ (sieges )

1 N‑COUNT [oft under N ] A siege is a military or police operation in which soldiers or police surround a place in order to force the people there to come out or give up control of the place. □� We must do everything possible to lift the siege. □� The journalists found a city virtually under siege.

2 →�see also state of siege

3 PHRASE If police, soldiers, or journalists lay siegeto a place, they surround it in order to force the people there to come out or give up control of the place. □� The rebels laid siege to the governor's residence.

sie ge men|tal|ity N‑SING If a group of people have a siege mentality , they think that other people are constantly trying to harm or defeat them, and so they care only about protecting themselves. □� Police officers had a siege mentality that isolated them from the people they served.

si|es|ta /sie stə/ (siestas ) N‑COUNT A siesta is a short sleep or rest which you have in the early afternoon, especially in hot countries. □� They have a siesta during the hottest part of the day.

sieve /s I v/ (sieves , sieving , sieved )

1 N‑COUNT A sieve is a tool used for separating solids from liquids or larger pieces of something from smaller pieces. It consists of a metal or plastic ring with a wire or plastic net underneath, which the liquid or smaller pieces pass through. □� Press the raspberries through a fine sieve to form a puree.

2 VERB When you sieve a substance, you put it through a sieve. □�[V n] Cream the margarine in a small bowl, then sieve the icing sugar into it.

sift /s I ft/ (sifts , sifting , sifted )

1 VERB If you sift a powder such as flour or sand, you put it through a sieve in order to remove large pieces or lumps. □�[V n] Sift the flour and baking powder into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

2 VERB If you siftthrough something such as evidence, you examine it thoroughly. □�[V +�through ] Police officers have continued to sift through the wreckage following yesterday's bomb attack. □�[V n] Brook has sifted the evidence and summarises it clearly.

sigh ◆◇◇ /sa I / (sighs , sighing , sighed )

1 VERB When you sigh , you let out a deep breath, as a way of expressing feelings such as disappointment, tiredness, or pleasure. □�[V prep/adv] Michael sighed wearily. □�[V ] Dad sighed and stood up. ●�N‑COUNT Sigh is also a noun. □� She kicked off her shoes with a sigh.

2 VERB If you sigh something, you say it with a sigh. □�[V with quote] 'Oh, sorry. I forgot.'�'Everyone forgets,' the girl sighed.

3 PHRASE If people breathe or heave a sigh of relief , they feel happy that something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening. □� There was a big sigh of relief once the economic reform plan was agreed. COLLOCATIONS sigh NOUN 1

adjective +�sigh : audible, deep, long, weary; collective

verb +�sigh : breathe, emit, heave; hear VERB 2

sigh+�adverb : audibly, deeply, heavily, loudly; inwardly, wearily, wistfully

sight ◆◆◇ /sa I t/ (sights , sighting , sighted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's sight is their ability to see. □� My sight is failing, and I can't see to read any more. □� I use the sense of sound much more than the sense of sight.

2 N‑SING The sight of something is the act of seeing it or an occasion on which you see it. □�[+�of ] I faint at the sight of blood. □�[+�of ] The sight of him entering a room could flood her with desire.

3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A sight is something that you see. □�[+�of ] We encountered the pathetic sight of a family packing up its home.

4 VERB If you sight someone or something, you suddenly see them, often briefly. □�[V n] The security forces sighted a group of young men that had crossed the border.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The sights of a weapon such as a rifle are the part which helps you aim it more accurately.

6 N‑PLURAL Thesights are the places that are interesting to see and that are often visited by tourists. □�[+�of ] I am going to show you the sights of our wonderful city.

7 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use a sight to mean a lot. For example, if you say that something is a sight worse than it was before, you are emphasizing that it is much worse than it was. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� She's been no more difficult than most daughters and a sight better than some I could mention.

8 →�see also sighted , sighting

9 PHRASE If you catch sight of someone, you suddenly see them, often briefly. □� Then he caught sight of her small black velvet hat in the crowd.

10 PHRASE If you say that something seems to have certain characteristics at first sight , you mean that it appears to have the features you describe when you first see it but later it is found to be different. □� It promised to be a more difficult undertaking than might appear at first sight.

11 PHRASE If something is in sight or within sight , you can see it. If it is out of sight , you cannot see it. □�[+�of ] The Atlantic coast is within sight of the hotel. □�[+�of ] We parked out of sight of passing traffic to avoid attracting attention.

12 PHRASE If a result or a decision is in sight or within sight , it is likely to happen within a short time. □� An agreement on many aspects of trade policy was in sight.

13 PHRASE If you lose sight of an important aspect of something, you no longer pay attention to it because you are worrying about less important things. □� In some cases, U.S. industry has lost sight of customer needs in designing products.

14 PHRASE If someone is ordered to do something on sight , they have to do it without delay, as soon as a person or thing is seen. □� Troops shot anyone suspicious on sight.

15 PHRASE If you set your sights on something, you decide that you want it and try hard to get it. □� They have set their sights on the world record. COLLOCATIONS sight NOUN 3

adjective +�sight : familiar; depressing, not a pretty, sad, sorry; welcome; common, rare; awesome, spectacular SYNONYMS sight NOUN

1

vision:It causes blindness or serious loss of vision.

eyesight:He suffered from poor eyesight and could no longer read properly.

2

view:He stood up to get a better view of the blackboard.

sighting:�the sighting of a rare sea bird at Lundy island.

glimpse:They had waited 24 hours to catch a glimpse of their heroine.

sight|ed /sa I t I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Sighted people have the ability to see. This word is usually used to contrast people who can see with people who are blind. □� Blind children tend to be more passive in this area of motor development than sighted children.

2 →�see also clear-sighted , far-sighted , long-sighted , near-sighted , short-sighted

sight|ing /sa I t I ŋ/ (sightings ) N‑COUNT A sightingof something, especially something unusual or unexpected is an occasion on which it is seen. □�[+�of ] �the sighting of a rare sea bird at Lundy island.

sight|less /sa I tləs/ ADJ Someone who is sightless is blind. [LITERARY ] □� He wiped a tear from his sightless eyes.

sight-read (sight-reads , sight-reading ) The form sight-read is used in the present tense, where it is pronounced /sa I t riːd/, and is the past tense and past participle, pronounced /sa I t red/. VERB Someone who can sight-read can play or sing music from a printed sheet the first time they see it, without practising it beforehand. □�[V ] Symphony musicians cannot necessarily sight-read. [Also V n]

sight|see|ing /sa I tsiː I ŋ/ also sight-seeing N‑UNCOUNT If you go sightseeing or do some sightseeing , you travel around visiting the interesting places that tourists usually visit. □� �a day's sight-seeing in Venice. □� �a sightseeing tour.

sight|seer /sa I tsiːə r / (sightseers ) N‑COUNT A sightseer is someone who is travelling around visiting the interesting places that tourists usually visit. □� �coachloads of sightseers.

sign ◆◆◆ /sa I n/ (signs , signing , signed )

1 N‑COUNT A sign is a mark or shape that always has a particular meaning, for example in mathematics or music. □� Equations are generally written with a two-bar equals sign.

2 N‑COUNT A sign is a movement of your arms, hands, or head which is intended to have a particular meaning. □� They gave Lavalle the thumbs-up sign. □�[+�of ] He made a sign of assent.

3 VERB If you sign , you communicate with someone using sign language. If a programme or performance is signed , someone uses sign language so that deaf people can understand it. □�[be V -ed] All programmes will be either 'signed' or subtitled. [Also V , V n]

4 N‑COUNT A sign is a piece of wood, metal, or plastic with words or pictures on it. Signs give you information about something, or give you a warning or an instruction. □� �a sign saying that the highway was closed because of snow.

5 N‑VAR If there is a signof something, there is something which shows that it exists or is happening. □�[+�of ] They are prepared to hand back a hundred prisoners of war a day as a sign of good will. □�[+�of ] Your blood would have been checked for any sign of kidney failure.

6 VERB When you sign a document, you write your name on it, usually at the end or in a special space. You do this to indicate that you have written the document, that you agree with what is written, or that you were present as a witness. □�[V n] World leaders are expected to sign a treaty pledging to increase environmental protection.

7 VERB If an organization signs someone or if someone signs for an organization, they sign a contract agreeing to work for that organization for a specified period of time. □�[V n] The Blues' boss planned to sign a big-name striker in January. □�[V +�to ] The band then signed to Slash Records. [Also V ] [Also V +�for ]

8 N‑COUNT In astrology, a sign or a signof the zodiac is one of the twelve areas into which the heavens are divided. □� The New Moon takes place in your opposite sign of Libra on the 15th.

9 →�see also signing , call sign

10 PHRASE If you say that there is no sign of someone, you mean that they have not yet arrived, although you are expecting them to come. □� The London train was on time, but there was no sign of my Finnish friend.

11to sign one's own death warrant →�see death warrant

▸� sign away PHRASAL VERB If you sign something away , you sign official documents that mean that you no longer own it or have a right to it. □�[V P n] The Duke signed away his inheritance. □�[V n P ] They signed the rights away when they sold their idea to DC Comics.

▸� sign for PHRASAL VERB If you sign for something, you officially state that you have received it, by signing a form or book. □�[V P n] When the postal clerk delivers your order, check the carton before signing for it.

▸� sign in PHRASAL VERB If you sign in , you officially indicate that you have arrived at a hotel or club by signing a book or form. □�[V P ] I signed in and crunched across the gravel to my room.

▸� sign off

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone signs off , they write a final message at the end of a letter or they say a final message at the end of a phone conversation. You can say that people such as entertainers sign off when they finish a broadcast. □�[V P ] O.K. I'll sign off. We'll talk at the beginning of the week.

2 PHRASAL VERB When someone who has been unemployed signs off , they officially inform the authorities that they have found a job, so that they no longer receive money from the government. [BRIT ] □�[V P n] If you work without signing off the dole, you are breaking the law. [Also V P ]

▸� sign on PHRASAL VERB When an unemployed person signs on , they officially inform the authorities that they are unemployed, so that they can receive money from the government in order to live. [BRIT ] □�[V P prep] He has signed on at the job centre. □�[V P n] I had to sign on the dole on Monday.

▸� sign over PHRASAL VERB If you sign something over , you sign documents that give someone else property, possessions, or rights that were previously yours. □�[V P n] Two years ago, he signed over his art collection to the city's art museum. □�[V n P ] Last June, he closed his business voluntarily and signed his assets over to someone else.

▸� sign up PHRASAL VERB If you sign up for an organization or if an organization signs you up , you sign a contract officially agreeing to do a job or course of study. □�[V P +�as ] He signed up as a steward with P&O Lines. □�[V n P ] He saw the song's potential, and persuaded the company to sign her up. [Also V P +�for ]

sign|age /sa I n I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Signage is signs, especially road signs and advertising signs, considered collectively. □� They don't allow signage around the stadium.

sig|nal ◆◇◇ /s I gnəl/ (signals , signalling , signalled ) in AM, use signaling , signaled1 N‑COUNT A signal is a gesture, sound, or action which is intended to give a particular message to the person who sees or hears it. □� They fired three distress signals. □� As soon as it was dark, Mrs Evans gave the signal. □� You mustn't fire without my signal.

2 VERB If you signalto someone, you make a gesture or sound in order to send them a particular message. □�[V prep/adv] The United manager was to be seen frantically signalling to McClair. □�[V that] He stood up, signalling to the officer that he had finished with his client. □�[V n] She signalled a passing taxi and ordered him to take her to the rue Marengo. [Also V ]

3 N‑COUNT If an event or action is a signalof something, it suggests that this thing exists or is going to happen. □�[+�of ] Kurdish leaders saw the visit as an important signal of support.

4 VERB If someone or something signals an event, they suggest that the event is happening or likely to happen. □�[V n] She will be signalling massive changes in energy policy. □�[V wh] The outcome of the meeting could signal whether there is a political will to begin negotiating.

5 N‑COUNT A signal is a piece of equipment beside a railway, which indicates to train drivers whether they should stop the train or not.

6 N‑COUNT A signal is a series of radio waves, light waves, or changes in electrical current which may carry information. □� �high-frequency radio signals.

si g|nal box (signal boxes ) N‑COUNT A signal box is a small building near a railway, which contains the switches used to control the signals.

signal|man /s I gnəlm�n/ (signalmen ) N‑COUNT A signalman is a person whose job is to control the signals on a particular section of a railway.

sig|na|tory /s I gnətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (signatories ) N‑COUNT The signatories of an official document are the people, organizations, or countries that have signed it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of/to ] Both countries are signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

sig|na|ture /s I gnətʃə r / (signatures )

1 N‑COUNT Your signature is your name, written in your own characteristic way, often at the end of a document to indicate that you wrote the document or that you agree with what it says. □� I was writing my signature at the bottom of the page.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A signature item is typical of or associated with a particular person. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □� Rabbit stew is one of chef Giancarlo Moeri's signature dishes.

si g|na|ture tune (signature tunes ) N‑COUNT A signature tune is the tune which is always played at the beginning or end of a particular television or radio programme, or which people associate with a particular performer. [mainly BRIT ] □� Doesn't that sound like the signature tune from Doctor Who? in AM, usually use theme song

sign|board /sa I nbɔː r d/ (signboards ) N‑COUNT A signboard is a piece of wood which has been painted with pictures or words and which gives some information about a particular place, product, or event. □� The signboard outside the factory read 'baby milk plant'.

sign|er /sa I nə r / (signers ) N‑COUNT A signer is someone who communicates information to deaf people using sign language. □� I'm keen on providing signers for deaf people and readers for the blind.

sig|net ring /s I gnət r I ŋ/ (signet rings ) N‑COUNT A signet ring is a ring which has a flat oval or circular section at the front with a pattern or letters carved into it.

sig|nifi|cance /s I gn I f I kəns/ N‑UNCOUNT The significance of something is the importance that it has, usually because it will have an effect on a situation or shows something about a situation. □�[+�of ] Ideas about the social significance of religion have changed over time.

sig|nifi|cant ◆◆◇ /s I gn I f I kənt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A significant amount or effect is large enough to be important or affect a situation to a noticeable degree. □� A small but significant number of 11-year-olds are illiterate. □� �foods that offer a significant amount of protein. ●� sig|nifi|cant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The number of MPs now supporting him had increased significantly.

2 ADJ A significant fact, event, or thing is one that is important or shows something. □� I think it was significant that he never knew his own father. ●� sig|nifi|cant|ly ADV □� Significantly, the company recently opened a huge store in Atlanta. SYNONYMS significant ADJ 1

important:This project is every bit as important to me as it is to you.

marked:There has been a marked increase in crimes against property.

notable:The proposed new structure is notable not only for its height, but for its shape.

considerable:To be without Pearce would be a considerable blow.

sig|ni fi|cant o th|er (significant others ) N‑COUNT If you refer to your significant other , you are referring to your wife, husband, or the person you are having a relationship with.

sig|ni|fy /s I gn I fa I / (signifies , signifying , signified )

1 VERB If an event, a sign, or a symbol signifies something, it is a sign of that thing or represents that thing. □�[V n] Fever accompanied by a runny nose usually signifies a cold. □�[V that] The symbol displayed outside a restaurant signifies there's excellent cuisine inside.

2 VERB If you signify something, you make a sign or gesture in order to communicate a particular meaning. □�[V n] Two jurors signified their dissent. □�[V that] The U.N. flag was raised at the airport to signify that control had passed into its hands.

sign|ing /sa I n I ŋ/ (signings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The signing of a document is the act of writing your name to indicate that you agree with what it says or to say that you have been present to witness other people writing their signature. □�[+�of ] The agreement provided for the signing of a treaty within 3 months.

2 N‑COUNT A signing is someone who has recently signed a contract agreeing to play for a sports team or work for a record company. □� �the salary paid to the club's latest signing.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The signing of a player by a sports team or a group by a record company is the act of drawing up a legal document setting out the length and terms of the association between them. □�[+�of ] �Barcelona's signing of Brazilian Neymar.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Signing is the use of sign language to communicate with someone who is deaf. □� The two deaf actors converse solely in signing.

si gn lan|guage (sign languages ) N‑VAR Sign language is movements of your hands and arms used to communicate. There are several official systems of sign language, used for example by deaf people. Movements are also sometimes invented by people when they want to communicate with someone who does not speak the same language. □� Her son used sign language to tell her what happened.

sign|post /sa I npoʊst/ (signposts ) N‑COUNT A signpost is a sign where roads meet that tells you which direction to go in to reach a particular place or different places. □�[+�for ] Turn off at the signpost for Attlebridge.

sign|post|ed /sa I npoʊst I d/ ADJ A place or route that is signposted has signposts beside the road to show the way. □� The entrance is well signposted and is in Marbury Road.

Sikh /siː k/ (Sikhs ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A Sikh is a person who follows the Indian religion of Sikhism. □� The rise of racism concerns Sikhs because they are such a visible minority. □� �Sikh festivals.

Sikh|ism /siː k I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sikhism is an Indian religion which separated from Hinduism in the sixteenth century and which teaches that there is only one God.

si|lage /sa I l I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Silage is food for cattle that is made by cutting a crop such as grass or corn when it is green and then keeping it covered.

si|lence ◆◇◇ /sa I ləns/ (silences , silencing , silenced )

1 N‑VAR [oft in/of N ] If there is silence , nobody is speaking. □� They stood in silence. □� He never lets those long silences develop during dinner. □� Then he bellowed 'Silence!'

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thesilenceof a place is the extreme quietness there. □� She breathed deeply, savouring the silence.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's silence about something is their failure or refusal to speak to other people about it. □� The district court ruled that Popper's silence in court today should be entered as a plea of not guilty. ●�PHRASE If someone breaks their silence about something, they talk about something that they have not talked about before or for a long time. □�[+�about ] Gary decided to break his silence about his son's suffering in the hope of helping other families.

4 VERB To silence someone or something means to stop them speaking or making a noise. □�[V n] A ringing phone silenced her.

5 VERB If someone silences you, they stop you expressing opinions that they do not agree with. □�[V n] Like other tyrants, he tried to silence anyone who spoke out against him. SYNONYMS silence NOUN 1

quiet:Jeremy wants some peace and quiet before his big match.

peace:One more question and I'll leave you in peace.

hush:A hush suddenly fell over the crowd.

calm:�the rural calm of Grand Rapids, Michigan. COLLOCATIONS silence NOUN

1

adjective +�silence : awkward, embarrassed, stunned, uncomfortable; long, two-minute; stony, sullen

verb +�silence : maintain, observe; break, interrupt

2

adjective +�silence : deathly, eerie

verb +�silence : shatter

si|lenc|er /sa I lənsə r / (silencers )

1 N‑COUNT A silencer is a device that is fitted onto a gun to make it very quiet when it is fired. □� �a pistol that was equipped with a silencer.

2 N‑COUNT A silencer is a device on a car exhaust that makes it quieter. [BRIT ] in AM, use muffler

si|lent ◆◇◇ /sa I lənt/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is silent is not speaking. □� Trish was silent because she was reluctant to put her thoughts into words. □� He spoke no English and was completely silent during the visit. □� They both fell silent. ●� si|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She and Ned sat silently for a moment, absorbing the peace of the lake.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as a silent person, you mean that they do not talk to people very much, and sometimes give the impression of being unfriendly. □� He was a serious, silent man.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A place that is silent is completely quiet, with no sound at all. Something that is silent makes no sound at all. □� The room was silent except for John's crunching. ●� si|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Strange shadows moved silently in the almost permanent darkness.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A silent emotion or action is not expressed in speech. □� The attacker still stood there, watching her with silent contempt.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A silent film has pictures usually accompanied by music but does not have the actors' voices or any other sounds. □� �one of the famous silent films of Charlie Chaplin.

si |lent ma|jo r|ity N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] If you believe that, in society or in a particular group, the opinions of most people are very different from the opinions that are most often heard in public, you can refer to these people as the silent majority . □�[+�of ] The silent majority of supportive parents and teachers should make their views known.

si |lent pa rt|ner (silent partners ) N‑COUNT A silent partner is a person who provides some of the capital for a business but who does not take an active part in managing the business. [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use sleeping partner

sil|hou|ette /s I lue t/ (silhouettes )

1 N‑COUNT A silhouette is the solid dark shape that you see when someone or something has a bright light or pale background behind them. □�[+�of ] The dark silhouette of the castle ruins stood out boldly against the fading light.

2 N‑COUNT The silhouette of something is the outline that it has, which often helps you to recognize it. □�[+�of ] �the distinctive silhouette of his ears.

sil|hou|ett|ed /s I lue t I d/ ADJ If someone or something is silhouettedagainst a background, you can see their silhouette. □�[+�against ] Silhouetted against the sun stood the figure of a man.

sili|ca /s I l I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Silica is silicon dioxide, a compound of silicon which is found in sand, quartz, and flint, and which is used to make glass.

sili|cate /s I l I kət/ (silicates ) N‑VAR A silicate is a compound of silica which does not dissolve. There are many different kinds of silicate. □� �large amounts of aluminum silicate.

sili|con /s I l I kən/ N‑UNCOUNT Silicon is an element that is found in sand and in minerals such as quartz and granite. Silicon is used to make parts of computers and other electronic equipment. □� A chip is a piece of silicon about the size of a postage stamp.

si li|con chi p (silicon chips ) N‑COUNT A silicon chip is a very small piece of silicon inside a computer. It has electronic circuits on it and can hold large quantities of information or perform mathematical or logical operations.

sili|cone /s I l I koʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Silicone is a tough artificial substance made from silicon, which is used to make polishes, and also used in cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery. □� �silicone breast implants.

silk /s I lk/ (silks ) N‑VAR Silk is a substance which is made into smooth fine cloth and sewing thread. You can also refer to this cloth or thread as silk . □� They continued to get their silks from China. □� Pauline wore a silk dress with a strand of pearls.

silk|en /s I lkən/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Silken is used to describe things that are very pleasantly smooth and soft. [LITERARY ] □� �her long silken hair.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A silken garment, fabric, or rope is made of silk or a material that looks like silk. [LITERARY ] □� �silken cushions.

si lk-screen also silkscreen ADJ [ADJ n] Silk-screen printing is a method of printing patterns onto cloth by forcing paint or dyes through silk or similar material. □� �silk-screen prints.

silk|worm /s I lkwɜː r m/ (silkworms ) N‑COUNT A silkworm is the young form of a Chinese moth and it produces silk.

silky /s I lki/ (silkier , silkiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something has a silky texture, it is smooth, soft, and shiny, like silk. □� �dresses in seductively silky fabrics.

sill /s I l/ (sills ) N‑COUNT A sill is a shelf along the bottom edge of a window, either inside or outside a building. □�[+�of ] Whitlock was perched on the sill of the room's only window.

sil|ly /s I li/ (sillier , silliest ) ADJ If you say that someone or something is silly , you mean that they are foolish, childish, or ridiculous. □� My best friend tells me that I am silly to be upset about this. □� That's a silly question.

si l|ly sea|son N‑PROPER The silly season is the time around August when the newspapers are full of unimportant or silly news stories because there is not much political news to report. [BRIT ]

silo /sa I loʊ/ (silos )

1 N‑COUNT A silo is a tall round metal tower on a farm, in which grass, grain, or some other substance is stored. □� The land is flat, a chequerboard of fertile cornfields and grain silos. □� �a grain silo.

2 N‑COUNT A silo is a specially built place underground where a nuclear missile is kept. □� �underground nuclear missile silos.

silt /s I lt/ N‑UNCOUNT Silt is fine sand, soil, or mud which is carried along by a river. □� The lake was almost solid with silt and vegetation.

sil|ver ◆◇◇ /s I lvə r / (silvers )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Silver is a valuable pale-grey metal that is used for making jewellery and ornaments. □� �a hand-crafted brooch made from silver. □� �silver teaspoons.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Silver consists of coins that are made from silver or that look like silver. □� �the basement where �150,000 in silver was buried.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] You can use silver to refer to all the things in a house that are made of silver, especially the cutlery and dishes. □� He beat the rugs and polished the silver.

4 COLOUR Silver is used to describe things that are shiny and pale grey in colour. □� He had thick silver hair which needed cutting.

5 N‑VAR A silver is the same as a silver medal . □� The British sprinter won silver in the women's 100m.

6born with a silver spoon in your mouth →�see spoon

si l|ver bi rch (silver birches or silver birch ) N‑VAR A silver birch is a tree with a greyish-white trunk and branches.

sil|vered /s I lvə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe something as silvered when it has become silver in colour. [LITERARY ] □� He had a magnificent head of silvered hair.

si l|ver ju |bi|lee (silver jubilees ) N‑COUNT A silver jubilee is the 25th anniversary of an important event such as a person becoming king or queen, or an organization being started. □� Channel 4's silver jubilee is celebrated with a brace of quizzes.

si l|ver li n|ing

1 PHRASE If you say that every cloud has a silver lining , you mean that every sad or unpleasant situation has a positive side to it. □� As they say, every cloud has a silver lining. We have drawn lessons from the decisions taken.

2 N‑SING If you talk about a silver lining , you are talking about something positive that comes out of a sad or unpleasant situation. □�[+�of ] The fall in inflation is the silver lining of the prolonged recession.

si l|ver me d|al (silver medals ) N‑COUNT If you win a silver medal , you come second in a competition, especially a sports contest, and are given a medal made of silver as a prize. □� Gillingham won the silver medal in the 200 metres at Seoul.

si l|ver pla te

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Silver plate is metal that has been coated with a thin layer of silver. □� �silver-plate cutlery.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Silver plate is dishes, bowls, and cups that are made of silver. [BRIT ] □� �gold and silver plate, jewellery, and roomfuls of antique furniture. in AM, use silver , solid silver

si lver-pla ted ADJ Something that is silver-plated is covered with a very thin layer of silver. □� �silver-plated cutlery.

si l|ver scree n N‑SING People sometimes refer to the films that are shown in cinemas as the silver screen . □� Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen, and James Dean are now legends of the silver screen.

silver|smith /s I lvə r sm I θ/ (silversmiths ) N‑COUNT A silversmith is a person who makes things out of silver.

si lver-to ngued ADJ [usu ADJ n] A silver-tongued person is very skilful at persuading people to believe what they say or to do what they want them to do. □� �a silver-tongued lawyer.

silver|ware /s I lvə r weə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use silverware to refer to all the things in a house that are made of silver, especially the cutlery and dishes. □� There was a serving spoon missing when Nina put the silverware back in its box.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Journalists sometimes use silverware to refer to silver cups and other prizes won by sports teams or players. □� Everton paraded their recently acquired silverware.

si l|ver we d|ding (silver weddings ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A married couple's silver wedding or silver wedding anniversary is the 25th anniversary of their wedding. □� He and Helen celebrated their silver wedding last year.

sil|very /s I lvəri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Silvery things look like silver or are the colour of silver. □� �a small, intense man with silvery hair.

sim /s I m/ (sims ) N‑COUNT A sim is a computer game that simulates an activity such as playing a sport or flying an aircraft. [COMPUTING ] □� The game is a simple sports sim.

SIM card /s I m kɑː r d/ (SIM cards ) N‑COUNT A SIM card is a microchip in a mobile phone that connects it to a particular phone network. SIM is an abbreviation for 'Subscriber Identity Module'.

sim|ian /s I miən/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a simian face, they look rather like a monkey. [FORMAL ] □� Ada had a wrinkled, simian face.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Simian is used to describe things relating to monkeys or apes. [TECHNICAL ] □� �a simian virus.

simi|lar ◆◆◇ /s I m I lə r / ADJ If one thing is similar to another, or if two things are similar , they have features that are the same. □�[+�to ] �a savoury cake with a texture similar to that of carrot cake. □�[+�to ] The accident was similar to one that happened in 1973. □� �a group of similar pictures. SYNONYMS similar ADJ

comparable:In other comparable countries real wages increased much more rapidly.

alike:We looked very alike.

simi|lar|ity /s I m I l� r I ti/ (similarities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If there is a similaritybetween two or more things, they are similar to each other. □�[+�between ] The astonishing similarity between my brother and my first-born son. □� She is also 25 and a native of Birmingham, but the similarity ends there. [Also +�in/with ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Similarities are features that things have which make them similar to each other. □�[+�between ] There were significant similarities between mother and son. [Also +�in/with ]

simi|lar|ly /s I m I lə r li/

1 ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV with v] You use similarly to say that something is similar to something else. □� Most of the men who now gathered round him again were similarly dressed.

2 ADV You use similarly when mentioning a fact or situation that is similar to the one you have just mentioned. □� A mother recognises the feel of her child's skin when blindfolded. Similarly, she can instantly identify her baby's cry.

simi|le /s I m I li/ (similes ) N‑COUNT A simile is an expression which describes a person or thing as being similar to someone or something else. For example, the sentences 'She runs like a deer' and 'He's as white as a sheet' contain similes.

sim|mer /s I mə r / (simmers , simmering , simmered )

1 VERB When you simmer food or when it simmers , you cook it by keeping it at boiling point or just below boiling point. □�[V n] Make an infusion by boiling and simmering the rhubarb and camomile together. □�[V ] Turn the heat down so the sauce simmers gently. ●�N‑SING Simmer is also a noun. □� Combine the stock, whole onion and peppercorns in a pan and bring to a simmer.

2 VERB If a conflict or a quarrel simmers , it does not actually happen for a period of time, but eventually builds up to the point where it does. □�[V ] �bitter divisions that have simmered for more than half a century. □�[V -ing] The province was attacked a month ago after weeks of simmering tension.

sim|per /s I mpə r / (simpers , simpering , simpered ) VERB When someone simpers , they smile in a rather silly way. □�[V ] The maid lowered her chin and simpered. ●�N‑COUNT Simper is also a noun. □� 'Thank you doctor,' said the nurse with a simper.

sim|ple ◆◆◇ /s I mp ə l/ (simpler , simplest )

1 ADJ If you describe something as simple , you mean that it is not complicated, and is therefore easy to understand. □� �simple pictures and diagrams. □� �pages of simple advice on filling in your tax form. □� Buddhist ethics are simple but its practices are very complex to a western mind. ●� simp|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� When applying for a visa, state simply and clearly the reasons why you need it.

2 ADJ If you describe people or things as simple , you mean that they have all the basic or necessary things they require, but nothing extra. □� He ate a simple dinner of rice and beans. □� �the simple pleasures of childhood. □� Nothing is simpler than a cool white shirt. ●� simp|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The living room is furnished simply with wicker furniture.

3 ADJ If a problem is simple or if its solution is simple , the problem can be solved easily. □� Some puzzles look difficult but once the solution is known are actually quite simple. □� I cut my purchases dramatically by the simple expedient of destroying my credit cards.

4 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] A simple task is easy to do. □� The simplest way to install a shower is to fit one over the bath. ●� simp|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Simply dial the number and tell us your area.

5 ADJ If you say that someone is simple , you mean that they are not very intelligent and have difficulty learning things. □� He was simple as a child.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You use simple to emphasize that the thing you are referring to is the only important or relevant reason for something. [EMPHASIS ] □� His refusal to talk was simple stubbornness.

7 ADJ In grammar, simple tenses are ones which are formed without an auxiliary verb 'be', for example 'I dressed and went for a walk' and 'This tastes nice'. Simple verb groups are used especially to refer to completed actions, regular actions, and situations. Compare continuous .

8 ADJ In English grammar, a simple sentence consists of one main clause. Compare compound , complex .

9 →�see also simply SYNONYMS simple ADJ 1

uncomplicated:�good, fresh British cooking with its uncomplicated, direct flavours.

clear:The book is clear, readable and adequately illustrated.

plain:It was a plain, grey stone house.

straightforward:�simple straightforward language.

si m|ple i n|ter|est N‑UNCOUNT Simple interest is interest that is calculated on an original sum of money and not also on interest which has previously been added to the sum. Compare compound interest . [BUSINESS ]

si mple-mi nded ADJ If you describe someone as simple-minded , you believe that they interpret things in a way that is too simple and do not understand how complicated things are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Sylvie was a simple-minded romantic.

sim|ple|ton /s I mp ə ltən/ (simpletons ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a simpleton , you think they are easily deceived or not very intelligent. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� 'But Ian's such a simpleton', she laughed.

sim|plic|ity /s I mpl I s I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The simplicity of something is the fact that it is not complicated and can be understood or done easily. □�[+�of ] The apparent simplicity of his plot is deceptive.

2 N‑UNCOUNT When you talk about something's simplicity , you approve of it because it has no unnecessary parts or complicated details. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �fussy details that ruin the simplicity of the design.

sim|pli|fi|ca|tion /s I mpl I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (simplifications )

1 N‑COUNT You can use simplification to refer to the thing that is produced when you make something simpler or when you reduce it to its basic elements. □� Like any such diagram, it is a simplification.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Simplification is the act or process of making something simpler. □�[+�of ] Everyone favours the simplification of court procedures.

sim|pli|fy /s I mpl I fa I / (simplifies , simplifying , simplified ) VERB If you simplify something, you make it easier to understand or you remove the things which make it complex. □�[V n] �a plan to simplify the complex social security system.

sim|plis|tic /s I mpl I st I k/ ADJ A simplistic view or interpretation of something makes it seem much simpler than it really is. □� He has a simplistic view of the treatment of eczema.

simp|ly ◆◆◇ /s I mpli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use simply to emphasize that something consists of only one thing, happens for only one reason, or is done in only one way. [EMPHASIS ] □� The table is simply a chipboard circle on a base. □� Most of the damage that's occurred was simply because of fallen trees.

2 ADV [ADV before v, ADV adj] You use simply to emphasize what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� This sort of increase simply cannot be justified. □� So many of these questions simply don't have answers.

3 →�see also simple SYNONYMS simply ADV 1

just:It's just a suggestion.

merely:Michael is now merely a good friend.

purely:It is a racing machine, designed purely for speed.

only:At the moment it is only a theory.

simu|late /s I mjʊle I t/ (simulates , simulating , simulated )

1 VERB If you simulate an action or a feeling, you pretend that you are doing it or feeling it. □�[V n] They rolled about on the Gilligan Road, simulating a bloodthirsty fight. □�[V -ed] He performed a simulated striptease.

2 VERB If you simulate an object, a substance, or a noise, you produce something that looks or sounds like it. □�[V n] The wood had been painted to simulate stone.

3 VERB If you simulate a set of conditions, you create them artificially, for example in order to conduct an experiment. □�[V n] The scientist developed one model to simulate a full year of the globe's climate. □�[V -ed] Cars are tested to see how much damage they suffer in simulated crashes.

simu|la|tion /s I mjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (simulations ) N‑VAR Simulation is the process of simulating something or the result of simulating it. □�[+�of ] Training includes realistic simulation of casualty procedures.

simu|la|tor /s I mjʊle I tə r / (simulators ) N‑COUNT A simulator is a device which artificially creates the effect of being in conditions of some kind. Simulators are used in training people such as pilots or astronauts. □� �pilots practising a difficult landing in a flight simulator.

sim|ul|cast /s I məlkɑːst, -k�st/ (simulcasts , simulcasting ) The form simulcast is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb. 1 N‑COUNT A simulcast is a programme which is broadcast at the same time on radio and television, or on more than one channel. □�[+�of ] �tonight's simulcast of Verdi's Aida.

2 VERB To simulcast a programme means to broadcast it at the same time on radio and television, or on more than one channel. □�[be V -ed] The show will be simulcast on NBC, Fox and a number of cable networks. [Also V n]

sim|ul|ta|neous /s I məlte I niəs, [AM ] sa I m-/ ADJ Things which are simultaneous happen or exist at the same time. □� �the simultaneous release of the book and the album. □� The theatre will provide simultaneous translation in both English and Chinese. ●� sim|ul|ta|neous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The two guns fired almost simultaneously.

sin /s I n/ (sins , sinning , sinned )

1 N‑VAR Sin or a sin is an action or type of behaviour which is believed to break the laws of God. □� The Vatican's teaching on abortion is clear: it is a sin.

2 →�see also cardinal sin , mortal sin

3 VERB If you sin , you do something that is believed to break the laws of God. □�[V +�against ] The Spanish Inquisition charged him with sinning against God and man. □�[V ] You have sinned and must repent your ways. ●� sin|ner /s I nə r / (sinners ) N‑COUNT □� I am a sinner and I need to repent of my sins.

4 N‑COUNT A sin is any action or behaviour that people disapprove of or consider morally wrong. □� The ultimate sin was not infidelity, but public mention which led to scandal.

5 PHRASE If you say that a man and a woman are living in sin , you mean that they are living together as a couple although they are not married. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� She was living in sin with her boyfriend.

6a multitude of sins →�see multitude

si n-bin also sin bin N‑SING In the sports of ice hockey and rugby league, if a player is sent to the sin-bin , they are ordered to leave the playing area for a short period of time because they have done something that is against the rules.

since ◆◆◆ /s I ns/

1 PREP You use since when you are mentioning a time or event in the past and indicating that a situation has continued from then until now. □� Jacques Arnold has been a Member of Parliament since 1987. □� She had a sort of breakdown some years ago, and since then she has been very shy. □� I've been here since the end of June. ●�ADV [ADV with v] Since is also an adverb. □� When we first met, we had a row, and we have rowed frequently ever since. ●�CONJ Since is also a conjunction. □� I've earned my own living since I was seven, doing all kinds of jobs.

2 PREP You use since to mention a time or event in the past when you are describing an event or situation that has happened after that time. □� The percentage increase in reported crime in England and Wales this year is the highest since the war. □� They were the first band since the Beatles to reach No 1 with each of their first four albums. ●�CONJ Since is also a conjunction. □� So much has changed in the sport since I was a teenager. □� Since I have become a mother, the sound of children's voices has lost its charm.

3 ADV [ADV with v] When you are talking about an event or situation in the past, you use since to indicate that another event happened at some point later in time. □� About six thousand people were arrested, several hundred of whom have since been released.

4 PHRASE If you say that something has long since happened, you mean that it happened a long time ago. □� Even though her parents have long since died, she still talks about them in the present tense.

5 CONJ You use since to introduce reasons or explanations. □� I'm forever on a diet, since I put on weight easily.

sin|cere /s I ns I ə r / ADJ If you say that someone is sincere , you approve of them because they really mean the things they say. You can also describe someone's behaviour and beliefs as sincere . [APPROVAL ] □�[+�in ] He's sincere in his views. □� There was a sincere expression of friendliness on both their faces. ●� sin|cer|ity /s I nse r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� I was impressed with his deep sincerity.

sin|cere|ly /s I ns I ə r li/

1 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you say or feel something sincerely , you really mean or feel it, and are not pretending. □� 'Congratulations,' he said sincerely. □� 'I sincerely hope we shall meet again', he said. □� He sincerely believed he was acting in both women's best interests.

2 CONVENTION In Britain, people write ' Yours sincerely ' before their signature at the end of a formal letter when they have addressed it to someone by name. In the United States, people usually write ' Sincerely yours ' or ' Sincerely ' instead. □� Yours sincerely, James Brown.

si|necure /s I n I kjʊə r , sa I n-/ (sinecures ) N‑COUNT A sinecure is a job for which you receive payment but which does not involve much work or responsibility. □� She found him an exalted sinecure as a Fellow of the Library of Congress.

sine qua non /s I ni kwɑː noʊ n, [AM ] - nɑː n/ N‑SING A sine qua non is something that is essential if you want to achieve a particular thing. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Successful agricultural reform is also a sine qua non of Mexico's modernisation.

sin|ew /s I njuː/ (sinews ) N‑COUNT A sinew is a cord in your body that connects a muscle to a bone. □�[+�of ] �the sinews of the neck.

sin|ewy /s I njuːi/ ADJ Someone who is sinewy has a lean body with strong muscles. □� A short, sinewy young man.

sin|ful /s I nfʊl/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as sinful , you mean that they are wicked or immoral. □� 'I am a sinful man,' he said. ●� sin|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the sinfulness of apartheid.

sing ◆◆◇ /s I ŋ/ (sings , singing , sang , sung )

1 VERB When you sing , you make musical sounds with your voice, usually producing words that fit a tune. □�[V ] I can't sing. □�[V +�about ] I sing about love most of the time. □�[V n] They were all singing the same song. □�[V n n] Go on, then, sing us a song! □�[V with quote] 'You're getting to be a habit with me,' sang Eddie.

2 VERB When birds or insects sing , they make pleasant high-pitched sounds. □�[V ] Birds were already singing in the garden.

3 →�see also singing

▸� sing along

1 PHRASAL VERB If you sing alongwith a piece of music, you sing it while you are listening to someone else perform it. □�[V P +�with ] We listen to children's shows on the radio, and my little girl can sing along with all the tunes. □�[V P +�to ] You can sing along to your favourite Elvis hits. □�[V P ] �fifteen hundred people all singing along and dancing.

2 →�see also singalong

sing.Sing. is a written abbreviation for singular .

sing|along /s I nəlɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ (singalongs ) also sing-along N‑COUNT A singalong is an occasion when a group of people sing songs together for pleasure. □� How about a nice sing-along around the piano?

Sin|ga|po|rean /s I ŋgəpɔː riən/ (Singaporeans )

1 ADJ Singaporean means belonging or relating to Singapore, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Singaporean is a person who comes from Singapore.

singe /s I ndʒ/ (singes , singeing , singed ) VERB If you singe something or if it singes , it burns very slightly and changes colour but does not catch fire. □�[V n] The electric fire had begun to singe the bottoms of his trousers. □�[V ] Toast the dried chillies in a hot pan until they start to singe.

sing|er ◆◇◇ /s I ŋə r / (singers ) N‑COUNT A singer is a person who sings, especially as a job. □� My mother was a singer in a dance band. □� She was one of the great opera singers of the century.

si nger-so ngwriter (singer-songwriters ) N‑COUNT A singer-songwriter is someone who writes and performs their own songs, especially popular songs. □� Twenty years ago this singer-songwriter released his first album.

sing|ing /s I ŋ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Singing is the activity of making musical sounds with your voice. □� �a people's carnival, with singing and dancing in the streets. □�[+�of ] �the singing of a traditional hymn. □� She's having singing lessons.

sin|gle ◆◆◆ /s I ŋg ə l/ (singles , singling , singled )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use single to emphasize that you are referring to one thing, and no more than one thing. [EMPHASIS ] □� A single shot rang out. □� Over six hundred people were wounded in a single day. □� She hadn't uttered a single word.

2 ADJ You use single to indicate that you are considering something on its own and separately from other things like it. [EMPHASIS ] □� Every single house in town had been damaged. □� The Middle East is the world's single most important source of oil.

3 ADJ Someone who is single is not married. You can also use single to describe someone who does not have a girlfriend or boyfriend. □� Is it difficult being a single mother? □� Gay men are now eligible to become foster parents whether they are single or have partners.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A single room is a room intended for one person to stay or live in. □� A single room at the Astir Hotel costs �56 a night. ●�N‑COUNT Single is also a noun. □� It's �65 for a single, �98 for a double and �120 for an entire suite.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A single bed is wide enough for one person to sleep in.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A single ticket is a ticket for a journey from one place to another but not back again. [BRIT ] □� The price of a single ticket is thirty-nine pounds. ●�N‑COUNT Single is also a noun. □�[+�to ] �a Club Class single to Los Angeles. [in AM, use one-way ]

7 N‑COUNT A single or a CD single is a CD which has a few short songs on it. You can also refer to the main song on a CD as a single . □� The winners will get a chance to release their own single.

8 N‑UNCOUNT Singles is a game of tennis or badminton in which one player plays another. The plural singles can be used to refer to one or more of these matches. □� The British player won the men's singles.

9 →�see also single-

10in single file →�see file

▸� single out PHRASAL VERB If you single someone out from a group, you choose them and give them special attention or treatment. □�[V n P ] The gunman had singled Debilly out and waited for him. □�[V n P +�for ] His immediate superior has singled him out for a special mention. □�[V P n] We wanted to single out the main threat to civilisation. [Also V P n (not pron) for/as n] [Also V n P +�as ] SYNONYMS single ADJ 1

sole:Their sole aim is to destabilize the government.

solitary:�the occasional solitary figure making a study of wildflowers.

lone:He was shot by a lone gunman.

single- /s I ŋg ə l-/ COMB single- is used to form words which describe something that has one part or feature, rather than having two or more of them. □� The single-engine plane landed in western Arizona. □� �a single-track road.

si ngle-brea sted ADJ A single-breasted coat, jacket, or suit fastens in the centre of the chest and has only one row of buttons.

si n|gle crea m N‑UNCOUNT Single cream is thin cream that does not have a lot of fat in it. [BRIT ] in AM, use light cream

si ngle-de cker (single-deckers ) N‑COUNT A single-decker or a single-decker bus is a bus with only one deck. [BRIT ]

si ngle-ha nded ADV [ADV after v] If you do something single-handed , you do it on your own, without help from anyone else. □� I brought up my seven children single-handed.

si ngle-mi nded ADJ Someone who is single-minded has only one aim or purpose and is determined to achieve it. □� �a single-minded determination to win.

si n|gle pa r|ent (single parents ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A single parent is someone who is bringing up a child on their own, because the other parent is not living with them. □� I was bringing up my three children as a single parent. □� �a single-parent household.

si n|gles bar (singles bars ) N‑COUNT In North America, a singles bar is a bar where single people can go in order to drink and meet other single people.

si ngle-se x ADJ [usu ADJ n] At a single-sex school, the pupils are either all boys or all girls. □� Is single-sex education good for girls?

si n|gle su p|plement (single supplements ) also single person supplement N‑COUNT A single supplement is an additional sum of money that a hotel charges for one person to stay in a room meant for two people. □� You can avoid the single supplement by agreeing to share a twin room.

sin|glet /s I ŋglət/ (singlets )

1 N‑COUNT A singlet is a sleeveless sports shirt worn by athletes and boxers. [BRIT ] □� �a grubby running singlet.

2 N‑COUNT A singlet is a plain sleeveless piece of underwear which is worn on the upper half of the body. [BRIT ] □� He was wearing a blue silk singlet and boxer shorts.

sin|gle|ton /s I ŋg ə ltən/ (singletons ) N‑COUNT A singleton is someone who is neither married nor in a long-term relationship. □� Bank is a 38-year-old singleton who grew up in Philadelphia.

sin|gly /s I ŋgli/ ADV [ADV with v] If people do something singly , they each do it on their own, or do it one by one. □� They marched out singly or in pairs.

si ng-song (sing-songs ) also singsong

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A sing-song voice repeatedly rises and falls in pitch. □� He started to speak in a nasal sing-song voice.

2 N‑COUNT A sing-song is an occasion on which a group of people sing songs together for pleasure. [BRIT ]

sin|gu|lar /s I ŋgjʊlə r /

1 ADJ The singular form of a word is the form that is used when referring to one person or thing. □� �the fifteen case endings of the singular form of the Finnish noun. □� The word 'you' can be singular or plural.

2 N‑SING The singular of a noun is the form of it that is used to refer to one person or thing. □�[+�of ] The singular of Inuit is Inuk.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Singular means very great and remarkable. [FORMAL ] □� �a smile of singular sweetness. ●� sin|gu|lar|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� It seemed a singularly ill-judged enterprise for him to undertake.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as singular , you mean that they are strange or unusual. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Cardinal Meschia was without doubt a singular character. □� Where he got that singular notion I just can't think. ●� sin|gu|lar|ity /s I ŋgjʊl� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �his abrupt, turbulent style and the singularity of his appearance.

si n|gu|lar nou n (singular nouns ) N‑COUNT A singular noun is a noun such as 'standstill' or 'vicinity' that does not have a plural form and always has a determiner such as 'a' or 'the' in front of it.

sin|is|ter /s I n I stə r / ADJ Something that is sinister seems evil or harmful. □� There was something sinister about him that she found disturbing. WORD HISTORY sinister

In Latin sinister means 'left' or 'on the left-hand side'. The word came to have its 'sinister' meaning because the left side was considered unlucky.

sink ◆◇◇ /s I ŋk/ (sinks , sinking , sank , sunk )

1 N‑COUNT A sink is a large fixed container in a kitchen, with taps to supply water. It is mainly used for washing dishes. □� The sink was full of dirty dishes. □� �the kitchen sink.

2 N‑COUNT A sink is the same as a washbasin or basin . □� The bathroom is furnished with 2 toilets, 2 showers, and 2 sinks.

3 VERB If a boat sinks or if someone or something sinks it, it disappears below the surface of a mass of water. □�[V n] In a naval battle your aim is to sink the enemy's ship. □�[V ] The boat was beginning to sink fast. □�[V -ing] The lifeboat crashed against the side of the sinking ship. ●� sink|ing (sinkings ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �the sinking of the Titanic.

4 VERB If something sinks , it disappears below the surface of a mass of water. □�[V ] A fresh egg will sink and an old egg will float.

5 VERB If something sinks , it moves slowly downwards. □�[V ] Far off to the west the sun was sinking.

6 VERB If something sinksto a lower level or standard, it falls to that level or standard. □�[V ] Share prices would have sunk�hurting small and big investors. □�[V +�to/from/by ] Pay increases have sunk to around seven per cent. □�[V amount] The pound sank by nearly one per cent against the US dollar.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] People use sink school or sink estate to refer to a school or housing estate that is in a very poor area with few resources. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� �unemployed teenagers from sink estates.

8 VERB If your heart or your spirits sink , you become depressed or lose hope. □�[V ] My heart sank because I thought he was going to dump me for another girl.

9 VERB If something sharp sinks or is sunkinto something solid, it goes deeply into it. □�[V n +�into ] I sank my teeth into a peppermint cream. □�[V +�into ] The spade sank into a clump of overgrown bushes.

10 VERB If someone sinks a well, mine, or other large hole, they make a deep hole in the ground, usually by digging or drilling. □�[V n] �the site where Stephenson sank his first mineshaft.

11 VERB If you sink money into a business or project, you spend money on it in the hope of making more money. □�[V n +�into ] He has already sunk $25million into the project.

12 →�see also sinking , sunk

13 PHRASE If you say that someone will have to sink or swim , you mean that they will have to succeed through their own efforts, or fail. □� The government doesn't want to force inefficient firms to sink or swim too quickly.

14to sink without trace →�see trace

▸� sink in PHRASAL VERB When a statement or fact sinks in , you finally understand or realize it fully. □�[V P ] The implication took a while to sink in.

sink|er /s I ŋkə r / PHRASE You can use hook, line, and sinker to emphasize that someone is tricked or forced into a situation completely. [EMPHASIS ] □� We fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

sink|ing /s I ŋk I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have a sinking feeling, you suddenly become depressed or lose hope. □� I began to have a sinking feeling that I was not going to get rid of her.

2 →�see also sink

Sino- /sa I noʊ-/ COMB [ADJ n] Sino- is added to adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe relations between China and another country. □� �Sino-Vietnamese friendship.

sinu|ous /s I njʊəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is sinuous moves with smooth twists and turns. [LITERARY ] □� �the silent, sinuous approach of a snake through the long grass.

si|nus /sa I nəs/ (sinuses ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your sinuses are the spaces in the bone behind your nose. □� I still suffer from catarrh and sinus problems.

si|nusi|tis /sa I nəsa I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT If you have sinusitis , the layer of flesh inside your sinuses is swollen and painful, which can cause headaches and a blocked nose.

SUFFIX -sion

forms nouns that refer to a state or process, or to an instance of that process. For example, expansion is the process of expanding.

sip /s I p/ (sips , sipping , sipped )

1 VERB If you sip a drink or sip at it, you drink by taking just a small amount at a time. □�[V n] Jessica sipped her drink thoughtfully. □�[V +�at/from ] He sipped at the glass and then put it down. □�[V ] He lifted the water-bottle to his lips and sipped.

2 N‑COUNT A sip is a small amount of drink that you take into your mouth. □�[+�of ] Harry took a sip of bourbon.

si|phon /sa I f ə n/ (siphons , siphoning , siphoned ) also syphon

1 VERB If you siphon liquid from a container, you make it come out through a tube and down into a lower container by enabling gravity to push it out. □�[V n prep] She puts a piece of plastic tubing in her mouth and starts siphoning gas from a huge metal drum. [Also V n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Siphon off means the same as siphon . □�[V P n] Surgeons siphoned off fluid from his left lung. [Also V n P ]

2 N‑COUNT A siphon is a tube that you use for siphoning liquid.

3 VERB If you siphon money or resources from something, you cause them to be used for a purpose for which they were not intended. □�[V n prep] He had siphoned thousands of pounds a week from the failing business. ●�PHRASAL VERB Siphon off means the same as siphon . □�[V P n] He had siphoned off a small fortune in aid money from the United Nations. [Also V n P ]

sir ◆◆◇ /sɜː r / (sirs )

1 N‑COUNT People sometimes say sir as a very formal and polite way of addressing a man whose name they do not know or a man of superior rank. For example, a shop assistant might address a male customer as sir . [POLITENESS ] □� Excuse me sir, but would you mind telling me what sort of car that is? □� Good afternoon to you, sir.

2 N‑TITLE Sir is the title used in front of the name of a knight or baronet. □� She introduced me to Sir Tobias and Lady Clarke.

3 CONVENTION You use the expression Dear sir at the beginning of a formal letter or a business letter when you are writing to a man. You use Dear sirs when you are writing to an organization. □� Dear Sir, Your letter of the 9th October has been referred to us.

sire /sa I ə r / (sires , siring , sired ) VERB When a male animal, especially a horse, sires a young animal, he makes a female pregnant so that she gives birth to it. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] Comet also sired the champion foal out of Spinway Harvest.

si|ren /sa I ə rən/ (sirens )

1 N‑COUNT A siren is a warning device which makes a long, loud noise. Most fire engines, ambulances, and police cars have sirens. □� It sounds like an air raid siren.

2 N‑COUNT Some people refer to a woman as a siren when they think that she is attractive to men but dangerous in some way. [LITERARY ] □� He depicts her as a siren who has drawn him to his ruin. WORD HISTORY siren

The Sirens in Greek mythology were female sea spirits with beautiful voices who sang to tempt sailors to their deaths on the rocks where they lived.

sir|loin /sɜː r lɔ I n/ (sirloins ) N‑VAR A sirloin is a piece of beef which is cut from the bottom and side parts of a cow's back. □� �sirloin steaks.

si|sal /sa I z ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Sisal is the fibre from the leaves of a plant that is grown in the West Indies, South America, and Africa. Sisal is used to make rope, cord, and mats.

sis|sy /s I si/ (sissies ) also cissy N‑COUNT Some people, especially men, describe a boy as a sissy when they disapprove of him because he does not like rough, physical activities or is afraid to do things which might be dangerous. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They were rough kids, and thought we were sissies.

sis|ter ◆◆◆ /s I stə r / (sisters )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your sister is a girl or woman who has the same parents as you. □� His sister Sarah helped him. □�[+�of ] �Vanessa Bell, the sister of Virginia Woolf. □� I didn't know you had a sister.

2 →�see also half-sister , stepsister

3 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Sister is a title given to a woman who belongs to a religious community. □� Sister Francesca entered the chapel. □�[+�of ] �the Hospice of the Sisters of Charity at Lourdes.

4 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A sister is a senior female nurse who supervises part of a hospital. [BRIT ] □� Ask to speak to the sister on the ward. □� Sister Middleton followed the coffee trolley.

5 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can describe a woman as your sister if you feel a connection with her, for example because she belongs to the same race, religion, country, or profession. □� Modern woman has been freed from many of the duties that befell her sisters in times past.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use sister to describe something that is of the same type or is connected in some way to another thing you have mentioned. For example, if a company has a sister company, they are connected. □� �the International Monetary Fund and its sister organisation, the World Bank.

sis|ter|hood /s I stə r hʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Sisterhood is the affection and loyalty that women feel for other women who they have something in common with. □� There was a degree of solidarity and sisterhood among the women.

si ster-in-law (sisters-in-law ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's sister-in-law is the sister of their husband or wife, or the woman who is married to one of their siblings.

sis|ter|ly /s I stə r li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A woman's sisterly feelings are the feelings of love and loyalty which you expect a sister to show. □� Bernadette gave him a shy, sisterly kiss.

sit ◆◆◆ /s I t/ (sits , sitting , sat )

1 VERB If you are sitting somewhere, for example in a chair, your bottom is resting on the chair and the upper part of your body is upright. □�[V prep/adv] Mother was sitting in her chair in the kitchen. □�[V prep/adv] They sat there in shock and disbelief. □�[V ] They had been sitting watching television. □�[V adj] He was unable to sit still for longer than a few minutes. [Also V ]

2 VERB When you sit somewhere, you lower your body until you are sitting on something. □�[V prep/adv] He set the cases against a wall and sat on them. □�[V ] When you stand, they stand; when you sit, they sit. ●�PHRASAL VERB Sit down means the same as sit . □�[V P ] I sat down, stunned. □�[V P prep/adv] Hughes beckoned him to sit down on the sofa.

3 VERB If you sit someone somewhere, you tell them to sit there or put them in a sitting position. □�[V n prep/adv] He used to sit me on his lap. ●�PHRASAL VERB To sit someone down somewhere means to sit them there. □�[V n P prep/adv] She helped him out of the water and sat him down on the rock. □�[V n P ] They sat me down and had a serious discussion about sex. [Also V P n (not pron)]

4 VERB If you sit an examination, you do it. [BRIT ] □�[V n] June and July are the traditional months for sitting exams. in AM, use take5 VERB [no cont] If you siton a committee or other official group, you are a member of it. □�[V +�on ] He was asked to sit on numerous committees.

6 VERB When a parliament, legislature, court, or other official body sits , it officially carries out its work. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] Parliament sits for only 28 weeks out of 52.

7 VERB If a building or object sits in a particular place, it is in that place. [WRITTEN ] □�[V prep/adv] Our new house sat next to a stream. □�[V prep/adv] On the table sat a box decorated with little pearl triangles.

8 →�see also sitting

9 PHRASE If you sit tight , you remain in the same place or situation and do not take any action, usually because you are waiting for something to happen. □� Sit tight. I'll be right back.

10to sit on the fence →�see fence

▸� sit around in BRIT, also use sit about PHRASAL VERB If you sit around or sit about , you spend time doing nothing useful or interesting. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Eve isn't the type to sit around doing nothing.

▸� sit back PHRASAL VERB If you sit back while something is happening, you relax and do not become involved in it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] They didn't have to do anything except sit back and enjoy life.

▸� sit by PHRASAL VERB If you sit by while something wrong or illegal is happening, you allow it to happen and do not do anything about it. □�[V P ] We can't just sit by and watch you throw your life away.

▸� sit down

1 →�see sit2 , sit3

2 PHRASAL VERB If you sit down and do something, you spend time and effort doing it in order to try to achieve something. □�[V P ] Have you both sat down and worked out a budget together?

3 →�see also sit-down

▸� sit in on PHRASAL VERB If you sit in on a lesson, meeting, or discussion, you are present while it is taking place but do not take part in it. □�[V P P n] Will they permit you to sit in on a few classes?

▸� sit on PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is sitting on something, you mean that they are delaying dealing with it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] He had been sitting on the document for at least two months.

▸� sit out PHRASAL VERB If you sit something out , you wait for it to finish, without taking any action. □�[V n P ] The only thing I can do is keep quiet and sit this one out. □�[V P n] He can afford to sit out the property slump.

▸� sit through PHRASAL VERB If you sit through something such as a film, lecture, or meeting, you stay until it is finished although you are not enjoying it. □�[V P n] �movies so bad you can hardly bear to sit through them.

▸� sit up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you sit up , you move into a sitting position when you have been leaning back or lying down. □�[V P ] Her head spins dizzily as soon as she sits up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you sit someone up , you move them into a sitting position when they have been leaning back or lying down. □�[V n P ] She sat him up and made him comfortable. [Also V P n (not pron)]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you sit up , you do not go to bed although it is very late. □�[V P ] We sat up drinking and talking.

4 →�see also sit-up COLLOCATIONS sit VERB 1

sit+�adverb : comfortably, idly, patiently, quietly; uneasily

si|tar /s I tɑː r / (sitars ) N‑VAR A sitar is an Indian musical instrument with two layers of strings, a long neck, and a round body.

sit|com /s I tkɒm/ (sitcoms ) N‑COUNT A sitcom is an amusing television drama series about a set of characters. Sitcom is an abbreviation for 'situation comedy'.

si t-down

1 N‑SING If you have a sit-down , you sit down and rest for a short time. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� All he wanted was a cup of tea and a sit-down.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A sit-down meal is served to people sitting at tables. □� A sit-down dinner was followed by a disco.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In a sit-down protest, people refuse to leave a place until they get what they want. □� Teachers staged a sit-down protest in front of the president's office.

site ◆◆◇ /sa I t/ (sites , siting , sited )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A site is a piece of ground that is used for a particular purpose or where a particular thing happens. □� He became a hod carrier on a building site. □� �a bat sanctuary with special nesting sites.

2 N‑COUNT Thesiteof an important event is the place where it happened. □�[+�of ] �the site of the worst ecological disaster on Earth.

3 N‑COUNT A site is a piece of ground where something such as a statue or building stands or used to stand. □�[+�of ] �the site of Moses' tomb.

4 N‑COUNT A site is the same as a website .

5 VERB [usu passive] If something is sited in a particular place or position, it is put there or built there. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] He said chemical weapons had never been sited in this country. □�[V -ed] �a damp, old castle, romantically sited on a river estuary. ●� sit|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] �controls on the siting of gas storage vessels.

6 PHRASE If someone or something is on site , they are in a particular area or group of buildings where people work, study, or stay. □� It is cheaper to have extra building work done when the builder is on site.

7 PHRASE If someone or something is off site , they are away from a particular area or group of buildings where people work, study, or stay. □� There is ample car parking off site. SYNONYMS site NOUN

1

area:�a picnic area.

plot:I thought I'd buy myself a small plot of land and build a house on it.

ground:�a stretch of waste ground.

patch:�a patch of land covered in forest.

2

location:The first thing he looked at was his office's location.

place:�Temple Mount, the place where the Temple actually stood.

setting:The house is in a lovely setting in the Malvern hills.

spot:They stayed at several of the island's top tourist spots.

si te map (site maps ) N‑COUNT A site map is a plan of a website showing what is on it and providing links to the different sections. [COMPUTING ]

si t-in (sit-ins ) N‑COUNT A sit-in is a protest in which people go to a public place and stay there for a long time. [BUSINESS ] □� The campaigners held a sit-in outside the Supreme Court.

sit|ter /s I tə r / (sitters ) N‑COUNT A sitter is the same as a babysit .

sit|ting /s I t I ŋ/ (sittings )

1 N‑COUNT A sitting is one of the periods when a meal is served when there is not enough space for everyone to eat at the same time. □� Dinner was in two sittings.

2 N‑COUNT Asitting of a parliament, legislature, court, or other official body is one of the occasions when it meets in order to carry out its work. □�[+�of ] �the recent emergency sittings of the U.N. Security Council.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A sitting president or member of parliament is a present one, not a future or past one. □� �the greatest clash in our history between a sitting president and an ex-president.

4 →�see also sit

si t|ting du ck (sitting ducks ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a sitting duck , you mean that they are easy to attack, cheat, or take advantage of. [INFORMAL ] □� Nancy knew she'd be a sitting duck when she raised the trap door.

si t|ting room (sitting rooms ) also sitting-room N‑COUNT A sitting room is a room in a house where people sit and relax. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use living room

si t|ting ta r|get (sitting targets ) N‑COUNT A sitting target is the same as a sitting duck . □�[+�for ] They know they are a sitting target for the press.

si t|ting te n|ant (sitting tenants ) N‑COUNT A sitting tenant is a person who rents a house or flat as their home and has a legal right to live there. [BRIT ] □� 1.4 million council homes have been sold, mostly to sitting tenants.

situ|ate /s I tʃue I t/ (situates , situating , situated ) VERB If you situate something such as an idea or fact in a particular context, you relate it to that context, especially in order to understand it better. [FORMAL ] □�[V n adv/prep] She situates Autumn Sequel in the context of post-war disillusionment.

situ|at|ed /s I tʃue I t I d/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If something is situated in a particular place or position, it is in that place or position. □�[+�in ] His hotel is situated in one of the loveliest places on the Loire.

situa|tion ◆◆◆ /s I tʃue I ʃ ə n/ (situations )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] You use situation to refer generally to what is happening in a particular place at a particular time, or to refer to what is happening to you. □� Army officers said the situation was under control. □� She's in a hopeless situation.

2 N‑COUNT The situation of a building or town is the kind of surroundings that it has. [FORMAL ] □� The garden is in a beautiful situation.

3 PHRASE Situations Vacant is the title of a column or page in a newspaper where jobs are advertised. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use Employment

si tua|tion co m|edy (situation comedies ) N‑VAR A situation comedy is an amusing television drama series about a set of characters. The abbreviation sitcom is also used. □� �a situation comedy that was set in an acupuncture clinic.

si t-up (sit-ups ) in AM, also use situp N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sit-ups are exercises that you do to strengthen your stomach muscles. They involve sitting up from a lying position while keeping your legs straight on the floor.

six ◆◆◆ /s I ks/ (sixes ) NUM Six is the number 6. □� �a glorious career spanning more than six decades.

si x-foo ter (six-footers ) N‑COUNT Someone who is six foot tall can be called a six-footer . [INFORMAL ]

si x-pack (six-packs )

1 N‑COUNT A six-pack is a pack containing six bottles or cans sold together. □�[+�of ] He picked up a six-pack of Coke.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If a man has a six-pack , his stomach muscles are very well developed. □� He has a six-pack stomach and is extremely well-proportioned.

six|pence /s I kspəns/ (sixpences ) N‑COUNT A sixpence is a small silver coin which was used in Britain before the decimal money system was introduced in 1971. It was the equivalent of 2.5 pence. [BRIT ]

si x-shooter (six-shooters ) N‑COUNT A six-shooter is a small gun that holds six bullets.

six|teen ◆◆◆ /s I kstiː n/ (sixteens ) NUM Sixteen is the number 16. □� �exams taken at the age of sixteen. □� He worked sixteen hours a day.

six|teenth ◆◆◇ /s I kstiː nθ/ (sixteenths )

1 ORD The sixteenth item in a series is the one that you count as number sixteen. □� �the sixteenth century AD.

2 FRACTION A sixteenth is one of sixteen equal parts of something. □� �a sixteenth of a second.

sixth ◆◆◇ /s I ksθ/ (sixths )

1 ORD The sixth item in a series is the one that you count as number six. □� �the sixth round of the World Cup. □� �the sixth of December.

2 FRACTION A sixth is one of six equal parts of something. □� The company yesterday shed a sixth of its workforce. □� �five-sixths of a mile.

si xth form (sixth forms ) also sixth-form N‑COUNT [usu sing] The sixth form in a British school consists of the classes that pupils go to from 16 to 18 years of age, usually in order to study for A levels. □� She was offered her first modelling job while she was still in the sixth-form.

si xth for|mer (sixth formers ) also sixth-former N‑COUNT A sixth former is a pupil who is in the sixth form at a British school.

si xth se nse N‑SING If you say that someone has a sixth sense , you mean that they seem to have a natural ability to know about things before other people, or to know things that other people do not know. □�[+�for ] The interesting thing about O'Reilly is his sixth sense for finding people who have good ideas.

six|ti|eth ◆◆◇ /s I kstiəθ/ ORD The sixtieth item in a series is the one that you count as number sixty. □� He is to retire on his sixtieth birthday.

six|ty ◆◆◆ /s I ksti/ (sixties )

1 NUM Sixty is the number 60. □� �the sunniest April in Britain for more than sixty years.

2 N‑PLURAL When you talk about the sixties , you are referring to numbers between 60 and 69. For example, if you are in your sixties , you are aged between 60 and 69. If the temperature is in the sixties , it is between 60 and 69 degrees. □� �a lively widow in her sixties.

3 N‑PLURAL The sixties is the decade between 1960 and 1969. □� Fewer couples marry now than did in the Sixties and early Seventies.

si x-ya rd bo x N‑SING On a football pitch, thesix-yard box is the rectangular area marked in front of the goal.

siz|able /sa I zəb ə l/ →�see sizeable

size ◆◆◇ /sa I z/ (sizes , sizing , sized )

1 N‑VAR Thesizeof something is how big or small it is. Something's size is determined by comparing it to other things, counting it, or measuring it. □�[+�of ] Scientists have found the bones of a hoofed grazing animal about the size of a small horse. □�[+�of ] In 1970 the average size of a French farm was 19 hectares. □� �shelves containing books of various sizes.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thesizeof something is the fact that it is very large. □�[+�of ] He knows the size of the task. □� Jack walked around the hotel and was mesmerized by its sheer size.

3 N‑COUNT A size is one of a series of graded measurements, especially for things such as clothes or shoes. □� My sister is the same height but only a size 12. □� I tried them on and they were the right size.

▸� size up PHRASAL VERB If you size up a person or situation, you carefully look at the person or think about the situation, so that you can decide how to act. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Some U.S. manufacturers have been sizing up the U.K. as a possible market for their clothes. □�[V n P ] He spent the evening sizing me up intellectually.

-size /-sa I z/ or -sized

1 COMB You can use -size or -sized in combination with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that something is the same size as something else. □� �golfball-sized lumps of coarse black rock.

2 COMB You can use -size or -sized in combination with adjectives to form adjectives which describe the size of something. □� �full-size gymnasiums. □� �a medium-sized college.

3 COMB You can use -size or -sized in combination with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that something is big enough or small enough to be suitable for a particular job or purpose. □� �a small passport-size photograph. □� �a child-sized knife.

size|able /sa I zəb ə l/ also sizable ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sizeable means fairly large. □� Harry inherited the house and a sizeable chunk of land.

-sized /-sa I zd/ →�see -size

siz|zle /s I z ə l/ (sizzles , sizzling , sizzled ) VERB If something such as hot oil or fat sizzles , it makes hissing sounds. □�[V ] The sausages and burgers sizzled on the barbecue. □�[V -ing] �a frying pan of sizzling oil.

skate /ske I t/ (skates , skating , skated )

1 N‑COUNT Skates are ice-skates.

2 N‑COUNT Skates are roller-skates.

3 VERB If you skate , you move about wearing ice-skates or roller-skates. □�[V ] I actually skated, and despite some teetering I did not fall on the ice. □�[V adv/prep] Dan skated up to him. [Also V n] ●� skat|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� They all went skating together in the winter. ●� skat|er (skaters ) N‑COUNT □� West Lake, an outdoor ice-skating rink, attracts skaters during the day and night.

4 N‑COUNT A skate is a kind of flat sea fish. □� Boats had plenty of mackerel and a few skate. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Skate is this fish eaten as food.

5 VERB If you skateover or round a difficult subject, you avoid discussing it. □�[V +�over ] Scientists have tended to skate over the difficulties of explaining dreams. □�[V +�round/around ] When pressed, he skates around the subject of those women who he met as a 19-year-old.

skate|board /ske I tbɔː r d/ (skateboards ) N‑COUNT A skateboard is a narrow board with wheels at each end, which people stand on and ride for pleasure.

skate|board|er /ske I tbɔː r də r / (skateboarders ) N‑COUNT A skateboarder is someone who rides on a skateboard.

skate|board|ing /ske I tbɔː r d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Skateboarding is the activity of riding on a skateboard.

skate|park /ske I tpɑː r k/ (skateparks ) N‑COUNT A skatepark is an area that is designed for people to practise skateboarding.

ska t|ing rink (skating rinks ) N‑COUNT A skating rink is the same as a rink .

skein /ske I n/ (skeins ) N‑COUNT A skein is a length of thread, especially wool or silk, wound loosely round on itself. □�[+�of ] �a skein of wool.

skel|etal /ske l I t ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Skeletal means relating to the bones in your body. □� �the skeletal remains of seven adults. □� �the skeletal system.

2 ADJ A skeletal person is so thin that you can see their bones through their skin. □� �a hospital filled with skeletal children.

3 ADJ Something that is skeletal has been reduced to its basic structure. □� Passenger services can best be described as skeletal.

skel|eton /ske l I t ə n/ (skeletons )

1 N‑COUNT Your skeleton is the framework of bones in your body. □� �a human skeleton.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A skeleton staff is the smallest number of staff necessary in order to run an organization or service. □� Only a skeleton staff remains to show anyone interested around the site.

3 N‑COUNT The skeleton of something such as a building or a plan is its basic framework. □�[+�of ] Only skeletons of buildings remained.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone has a skeleton in the closet , or in British English a skeleton in the cupboard , you mean that they are keeping secret a bad or embarrassing fact about themselves. □� On accepting the job, Maya assured her employers that she had no skeletons in the cupboard.

ske l|eton key (skeleton keys ) N‑COUNT A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.

skep|tic /ske pt I k/ →�see sceptic

skep|ti|cal /ske pt I k ə l/ →�see sceptical

skep|ti|cism /ske pt I s I zəm/ →�see scepticism

sketch /ske tʃ/ (sketches , sketching , sketched )

1 N‑COUNT A sketch is a drawing that is done quickly without a lot of details. Artists often use sketches as a preparation for a more detailed painting or drawing. □�[+�of ] �a sketch of a soldier by Orpen.

2 VERB If you sketch something, you make a quick, rough drawing of it. □�[V n] Clare and David Astor are sketching a view of far Spanish hills. □�[V ] I always sketch with pen and paper.

3 N‑COUNT A sketchof a situation, person, or incident is a brief description of it without many details. □�[+�of ] �thumbnail sketches of heads of state and political figures.

4 VERB If you sketch a situation or incident, you give a short description of it, including only the most important facts. □�[V n] Cross sketched the story briefly, telling the facts just as they had happened. ●�PHRASAL VERB Sketch out means the same as sketch . □�[V P n] Initially you only need to submit a proposal which briefly sketches out your ideas.

5 N‑COUNT A sketch is a short humorous piece of acting, usually forming part of a comedy show. □�[+�about ] �a five-minute sketch about a folk singer.

sketch|book /ske tʃbʊk/ (sketchbooks ) also sketch-book N‑COUNT A sketchbook is a book of plain paper for drawing on.

sketch|pad /ske tʃp�d/ (sketchpads ) also sketch-pad N‑COUNT A sketchpad is the same as a sketchbook .

sketchy /ske tʃi/ (sketchier , sketchiest ) ADJ Sketchy information about something does not include many details and is therefore incomplete or inadequate. □� Details of what actually happened are still sketchy.

skew /skjuː / (skews , skewing , skewed ) VERB If something is skewed , it is changed or affected to some extent by a new or unusual factor, and so is not correct or normal. □�[be V -ed] The arithmetic of nuclear running costs has been skewed by the fall in the cost of other fuels. □�[V n] Today's election will skew the results in favor of the northern end of the county.

skew|er /skjuː ə r / (skewers , skewering , skewered )

1 N‑COUNT A skewer is a long metal pin which is used to hold pieces of food together during cooking.

2 VERB If you skewer something, you push a long, thin, pointed object through it. □�[V n prep] He skewered his victim through the neck. □�[V -ed] �skewered chicken with vegetables.

ski ◆◇◇ /skiː / (skis , skiing , skied )

1 N‑COUNT Skis are long, flat, narrow pieces of wood, metal, or plastic that are fastened to boots so that you can move easily on snow or water. □� �a pair of skis.

2 VERB When people ski , they move over snow or water on skis. □�[V ] They surf, ski and ride. □�[V adv/prep] The whole party then skied off. ●� ski|er /skiː ə r / (skiers ) N‑COUNT □� He is an enthusiastic skier. ●� ski|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □� My hobbies were skiing and scuba diving. □� �a skiing holiday.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ski to refer to things that are concerned with skiing. □� �the Swiss ski resort of Klosters. □� �a private ski instructor.

4 →�see also water-ski

skid /sk I d/ (skids , skidding , skidded ) VERB If a vehicle skids , it slides sideways or forwards while moving, for example when you are trying to stop it suddenly on a wet road. □�[V ] The car pulled up too fast and skidded on the dusty shoulder of the road. □�[V prep] The plane skidded off the runway while taking off in a snow storm. ●�N‑COUNT Skid is also a noun. □� I slammed the brakes on and went into a skid.

skid row /sk I d roʊ / also Skid Row N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] You can refer to the poorest part of town, where drunks and homeless people live, as skid row . [mainly AM ] □� He became a skid row type of drunkard.

skiff /sk I f/ (skiffs ) N‑COUNT A skiff is a small light rowing boat or sailing boat, which usually has room for only one person.

skif|fle /sk I f ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Skiffle is a type of music, popular in the 1950s, played by a small group using household objects as well as guitars and drums.

ski jump (ski jumps ) N‑COUNT A ski jump is a specially-built steep slope covered in snow whose lower end curves upwards. People ski down it and go into the air at the end.

skil|ful /sk I lfʊl/ in AM, use skillful ADJ Someone who is skilful at something does it very well. □� He is widely regarded as Hungary's most skilful politician. ●� skil|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He had a clear idea of his company's strengths and skilfully exploited them.

ski lift (ski lifts ) also ski-lift N‑COUNT A ski lift is a machine for taking people to the top of a slope so that they can ski down it. It consists of a series of seats hanging down from a moving wire.

skill ◆◆◇ /sk I l/ (skills )

1 N‑COUNT A skill is a type of work or activity which requires special training and knowledge. □� Most of us will know someone who is always learning new skills, or studying new fields.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Skill is the knowledge and ability that enables you to do something well. □�[+�of ] The cut of a diamond depends on the skill of its craftsman.

skilled /sk I ld/

1 ADJ Someone who is skilled has the knowledge and ability to do something well. □�[+�in/at ] Not all doctors are skilled in helping their patients make choices.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Skilled work can only be done by people who have had some training. □� New industries demanded skilled labour not available locally.

skil|let /sk I l I t/ (skillets ) N‑COUNT A skillet is a shallow iron pan which is used for frying.

skill|ful /sk I lfʊl/ →�see skilful

skim /sk I m/ (skims , skimming , skimmed )

1 VERB If you skim something from the surface of a liquid, you remove it. □�[V n +�off/from ] Rough seas today prevented specially equipped ships from skimming oil off the water's surface. □�[V n with off ] Skim off the fat.

2 VERB If something skims a surface, it moves quickly along just above it. □�[V n] �seagulls skimming the waves. □�[V +�over/across ] The little boat was skimming across the sunlit surface of the bay.

3 VERB If you skim a piece of writing, you read through it quickly. □�[V n] He skimmed the pages quickly, then read them again more carefully. □�[V +�through ] I only had time to skim through the script before I flew over here.

▸� skim off PHRASAL VERB If someone skims off the best part of something, or money which belongs to other people, they take it for themselves. □�[V n P n] He has been accused of skimming the cream off the economy. □�[V P n] Rich football clubs such cannot simply skim off all the big stars.

ski mmed mi lk in AM, usually use skim milk N‑UNCOUNT Skimmed milk is milk from which the cream has been removed.

skimp /sk I mp/ (skimps , skimping , skimped ) VERB If you skimp on something, you use less time, money, or material for it than you really need, so that the result is not good enough. □�[V +�on ] Many families must skimp on their food and other necessities just to meet the monthly rent.

skimpy /sk I mpi/ (skimpier , skimpiest ) ADJ Something that is skimpy is too small in size or quantity. □� �skimpy underwear.

skin ◆◆◇ /sk I n/ (skins , skinning , skinned )

1 N‑VAR Your skin is the natural covering of your body. □� His skin is clear and smooth. □� There are three major types of skin cancer. □� The only difference between us is the colour of our skins.

2 N‑VAR An animal skin is skin which has been removed from a dead animal. Skins are used to make things such as coats and rugs. □� That was real crocodile skin.

3 N‑VAR The skin of a fruit or vegetable is its outer layer or covering. □�[+�of ] The outer skin of the orange is called the 'zest'. □� �banana skins.

4 N‑SING If a skin forms on the surface of a liquid, a thin, fairly solid layer forms on it. □� Stir the custard occasionally to prevent a skin forming.

5 VERB If you skin a dead animal, you remove its skin. □�[V n] �with the expertise of a chef skinning a rabbit.

6 →�see also -skinned , banana skin

7 PHRASE If you do something by the skin of your teeth , you just manage to do it. □� He won, but only by the skin of his teeth.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone has a thick skin , you mean that they are able to listen to criticism about themselves without becoming offended. □� You need a thick skin to be a headmaster.

9to make your skin crawl →�see crawl

ski n care also skincare N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Skin care involves keeping your skin clean, healthy-looking, and attractive. □� �a unique range of natural skincare products.

ski n dee p also skin-deep ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is only skin deep is not a major or important feature of something, although it may appear to be. □� Beauty is only skin deep.

skin|flint /sk I nfl I nt/ (skinflints ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a skinflint , you are saying that they are a mean person who hates spending money. [DISAPPROVAL ]

skin|head /sk I nhed/ (skinheads ) N‑COUNT A skinhead is a young person whose hair is shaved or cut very short. Skinheads are usually regarded as violent and aggressive. [BRIT ]

skin|less /sk I nləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Skinless meat has had its skin removed. □� �skinless chicken breast fillets.

-skinned /-sk I nd/ COMB -skinned is used after adjectives such as 'dark' and 'clear' to form adjectives that indicate what kind of skin someone has. □� Dark-skinned people rarely develop skin cancer. □� She was smooth-skinned and pretty.

skin|ny /sk I ni/ (skinnier , skinniest ) ADJ A skinny person is extremely thin, often in a way that you find unattractive. [INFORMAL ] □� He was quite a skinny little boy.

ski nny-dip (skinny-dips , skinny-dipping , skinny-dipped ) also skinny dip VERB If you skinny-dip , you go swimming with no clothes on. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] They used to take off their clothes and go skinny dipping in the creek.

skint /sk I nt/ ADJ If you say that you are skint , you mean that you have no money. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I'm skint! Lend us a tenner.

ski n-ti ght also skintight ADJ [usu ADJ n] Skin-tight clothes fit very tightly so that they show the shape of your body. □� �the youth with the slicked down hair and skin-tight trousers.

skip /sk I p/ (skips , skipping , skipped )

1 VERB If you skip along, you move almost as if you are dancing, with a series of little jumps from one foot to the other. □�[V adv/prep] They saw the man with a little girl skipping along behind him. □�[V ] She was skipping to keep up with him. ●�N‑COUNT Skip is also a noun. □� The boxer gave a little skip as he came out of his corner.

2 VERB When someone skips , they jump up and down over a rope which they or two other people are holding at each end and turning round and round. In American English, you say that someone skips rope . [mainly BRIT ] □�[V ] Outside, children were skipping and singing a rhyme. □�[V n] They skip rope and play catch, waiting for the bell. ●� skip|ping N‑UNCOUNT □� Skipping is one of the most enjoyable aerobic activities.

3 VERB If you skip something that you usually do or something that most people do, you decide not to do it. □�[V n] It is important not to skip meals. □�[V n] Her daughter started skipping school.

4 VERB If you skip or skip over a part of something you are reading or a story you are telling, you miss it out or pass over it quickly and move on to something else. □�[V n] You might want to skip the exercises in this chapter. □�[V +�over ] Here it must be noted that Cook skips over the ravages inflicted by the conquistadors. [Also V +�to ]

5 VERB If you skipfrom one subject or activity to another, you move quickly from one to the other although there is no obvious connection between them. □�[V from n to n] She kept up a continuous chatter, skipping from one subject to the next.

6 N‑COUNT A skip is a large, open, metal container which is used to hold and take away large unwanted items and rubbish. [BRIT ] in AM, use dumpster

skip|per /sk I pə r / (skippers , skippering , skippered )

1 N‑COUNT You can use skipper to refer to the captain of a ship or boat. □�[+�of ] �the skipper of an English fishing boat. □� Gunfire, skipper!

2 N‑COUNT You can use skipper to refer to the captain of a sports team. □� The England skipper is confident.

3 VERB To skipper a team or a boat means to be the captain of it. □�[V n] He skippered the second Rugby XV.

ski p|ping rope (skipping ropes ) in AM, use skip rope N‑COUNT A skipping rope or skip rope is a piece of rope, usually with handles at each end. You exercise or play with it by turning it round and round and jumping over it.

skir|mish /skɜː r m I ʃ/ (skirmishes , skirmishing , skirmished )

1 N‑COUNT A skirmish is a minor battle. □�[+�between ] Border skirmishes between the two countries were common. [Also +�with ]

2 VERB If people skirmish , they fight. □�[V ] They were skirmishing close to the minefield now. □�[V +�with ] Police skirmished with youths on the estate last Friday.

skirt /skɜː r t/ (skirts , skirting , skirted )

1 N‑COUNT A skirt is a piece of clothing worn by women and girls. It fastens at the waist and hangs down around the legs.

2 VERB Something that skirts an area is situated around the edge of it. □�[V n] We raced across a large field that skirted the slope of a hill.

3 VERB If you skirt something, you go around the edge of it. □�[V n] We shall be skirting the island on our way. □�[V +�round/around ] She skirted round the edge of the room to the door.

4 VERB If you skirt a problem or question, you avoid dealing with it. □�[V n] He skirted the hardest issues, concentrating on areas of possible agreement. □�[V +�round/around ] He skirted round his main differences with her.

ski rt|ing board (skirting boards ) N‑VAR Skirting board or skirting is a narrow length of wood which goes along the bottom of a wall in a room and makes a border between the walls and the floor. [BRIT ] in AM, use baseboard

ski slope (ski slopes ) N‑COUNT A ski slope is a sloping surface which you can ski down, either on a snow-covered mountain or on a specially made structure.

skit /sk I t/ (skits ) N‑COUNT A skit is a short performance in which the actors make fun of people, events, and types of literature by imitating them. □�[+�on ] �clever skits on popular songs.

skit|ter /sk I tə r / (skitters , skittering , skittered ) VERB If something skitters , it moves about very lightly and quickly. □�[V adv/prep] The rats skittered around them in the drains and under the floorboards.

skit|tish /sk I t I ʃ/

1 ADJ If you describe a person or animal as skittish , you mean they are easily made frightened or excited. □� The declining dollar gave heart to skittish investors.

2 ADJ Someone who is skittish does not concentrate on anything or take life very seriously. □� �his relentlessly skittish sense of humour.

skit|tle /sk I t ə l/ (skittles )

1 N‑COUNT A skittle is a wooden object used as a target in the game of skittles. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Skittles is a game in which players try to knock over as many skittles as they can out of a group of nine by rolling a ball at them. [mainly BRIT ]

skive /ska I v/ (skives , skiving , skived ) VERB If you skive , you avoid working, especially by staying away from the place where you should be working. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V ] The company treated me as though I were skiving. ●�PHRASAL VERB Skive off means the same as skive . □�[V P ] 'I absolutely hated school,' Rachel says. 'I skived off all the time.' □�[V P n] Almost everybody's kids skive off school.

skul|dug|gery /skʌldʌ gəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Skulduggery is behaviour in which someone acts in a dishonest way in order to achieve their aim. [WRITTEN ] □� �accusations of political skulduggery.

skulk /skʌ lk/ (skulks , skulking , skulked ) VERB If you skulk somewhere, you hide or move around quietly because you do not want to be seen. □�[V prep/adv] You, meanwhile, will be skulking in the safety of the car.

skull /skʌ l/ (skulls ) N‑COUNT Your skull is the bony part of your head which encloses your brain. □� Her husband was later treated for a fractured skull.

sku ll and cro ss|bones N‑SING A skull and crossbones is a picture of a human skull above a pair of crossed bones which warns of death or danger. It used to appear on the flags of pirate ships and is now sometimes found on containers holding poisonous substances. □� Skull and crossbones stickers on the drums aroused the suspicion of the customs officers.

sku ll cap (skull caps ) also skullcap N‑COUNT A skull cap is a small close-fitting cap.

skunk /skʌ ŋk/ (skunks )

1 N‑COUNT A skunk is a small black and white animal which releases an unpleasant smelling liquid if it is frightened or attacked. Skunks live in America.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Skunk is a type of powerful, strong-smelling marijuana. [INFORMAL ]

sky ◆◇◇ /ska I / (skies )

1 N‑VAR Thesky is the space around the Earth which you can see when you stand outside and look upwards. □� The sun is already high in the sky. □� �warm sunshine and clear blue skies.

2pie in the sky →�see pie

sky -blue COLOUR Something that is sky-blue is a very pale blue in colour. □� Her silk shirtdress was sky-blue, the colour of her eyes.

sky|div|er /ska I da I və r / (skydivers ) also sky diver N‑COUNT A skydiver is someone who goes skydiving.

sky|div|ing /ska I da I v I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Skydiving is the sport of jumping out of an aeroplane and falling freely through the air before opening your parachute.

sky -hi gh ADJ If you say that prices or confidence are sky-high , you are emphasizing that they are at a very high level. [EMPHASIS ] □� Christie said: 'My confidence is sky high.' □� �the effect of falling house prices and sky-high interest rates. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Sky high is also an adverb. □� Their prestige went sky high.

sky|lark /ska I lɑː r k/ (skylarks ) N‑COUNT A skylark is a small brown bird that sings while flying high above the ground.

sky|light /ska I la I t/ (skylights ) N‑COUNT A skylight is a window in a roof.

sky|line /ska I la I n/ (skylines ) N‑COUNT Theskyline is the line or shape that is formed where the sky meets buildings or the land. □� The village church dominates the skyline.

sky mar|shal (sky marshals ) N‑COUNT A sky marshal is an armed security guard who travels on passenger flights. [mainly AM ]

Skype /ska I p/ (Skypes , Skyping , Skyped ) N‑UNCOUNT Skype is a computer program that you can use to make voice calls or video calls on the internet. [TRADEMARK ] □� Catch up with your American cousins or chat to your friend on her travels around India, on Skype. ●�VERB Skype is also a verb. □�[V n] I Skyped Emma while she was in LA. □�[V with ] My parents and I Skype with my sister, who is living in the UK. □�[V ] Since then we've Skyped and emailed loads.

sky|rocket /ska I rɒk I t/ (skyrockets , skyrocketing , skyrocketed ) VERB If prices or amounts skyrocket , they suddenly increase by a very large amount. □�[V ] Production has dropped while prices and unemployment have skyrocketed. □�[V -ing] �the skyrocketing costs of health care.

sky|scraper /ska I skre I pə r / (skyscrapers ) N‑COUNT A skyscraper is a very tall building in a city.

sky|ward /ska I wə r d/ also skywards ADV [ADV after v] If you look skyward or skywards , you look up towards the sky. [LITERARY ] □� He pointed skywards.

slab /sl� b/ (slabs ) N‑COUNT A slabof something is a thick, flat piece of it. □�[+�of ] �slabs of stone. □� �huge concrete paving slabs.

slack /sl� k/ (slacker , slackest , slacks , slacking , slacked )

1 ADJ Something that is slack is loose and not firmly stretched or tightly in position. □� The boy's jaw went slack.

2 ADJ A slack period is one in which there is not much work or activity. □� The workload can be evened out, instead of the shop having busy times and slack periods.

3 ADJ Someone who is slack in their work does not do it properly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Many publishers have simply become far too slack. ●� slack|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He accused the government of slackness and complacency.

4 VERB [only cont] If someone is slacking , they are not working as hard as they should. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] He had never let a foreman see him slacking. ●�PHRASAL VERB Slack off means the same as slack . □�[V P ] If someone slacks off, Bill comes down hard.

5 PHRASE To take up the slack or pick up the slack means to do or provide something that another person or organization is no longer doing or providing. □� As major airlines give up less-traveled routes, smaller planes are picking up the slack.

slack|en /sl� kən/ (slackens , slackening , slackened )

1 VERB If something slackens or if you slacken it, it becomes slower, less active, or less intense. □�[V ] Inflationary pressures continued to slacken last month. □�[V n] The Conservative government will not slacken the pace of radical reform. ●� slack|en|ing N‑SING □�[+�of ] There was a slackening of western output during the 1930s.

2 VERB If your grip or a part of your body slackens or if you slacken your grip, it becomes looser or more relaxed. □�[V ] Her grip slackened on Arnold's arm. [Also V n]

▸� slacken off PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If something slackens off , it becomes slower, less active, or less intense. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P ] At about five o'clock, business slackened off.

slack|er /sl� kə r / (slackers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a slacker , you mean that they are lazy and do less work than they should. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's not a slacker; he's the best worker they've got.

sla ck-jawed ADJ If you say that someone is slack-jawed , you mean that their mouth is hanging open, often because they are surprised. □� He just gazed at me slack-jawed.

slacks /sl� ks/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Slacks are casual trousers. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� She was wearing black slacks and a white sweater.

slag /sl� g/ (slags , slagging , slagged ) N‑COUNT Slag is used by some people to refer to a woman who they disapprove of because they think she is sexually immoral. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

▸� slag off PHRASAL VERB To slag someone off means to criticize them in an unpleasant way. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] All bands slag off their record companies. It's just the way it is. □�[V n P ] People have been slagging me off.

sla g heap (slag heaps ) also slagheap N‑COUNT A slag heap is a hill made from waste material, such as rock and mud, left over from mining. [mainly BRIT ]

slain /sle I n/ Slain is the past participle of slay .

slake /sle I k/ (slakes , slaking , slaked ) VERB If you slake your thirst, you drink something that stops you being thirsty.

sla|lom /slɑː ləm/ (slaloms ) N‑COUNT A slalom is a race on skis or in canoes in which the competitors have to avoid a series of obstacles in a very twisting and difficult course.

slam /sl� m/ (slams , slamming , slammed )

1 VERB If you slam a door or window or if it slams , it shuts noisily and with great force. □�[V n] She slammed the door and locked it behind her. □�[V ] I was relieved to hear the front door slam. □�[V n adj] He slammed the gate shut behind him.

2 VERB If you slam something down , you put it there quickly and with great force. □�[V n with adv] She listened in a mixture of shock and anger before slamming the phone down.

3 VERB To slam someone or something means to criticize them very severely. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The famed film-maker slammed the claims as 'an outrageous lie'.

4 VERB If one thing slams into or against another, it crashes into it with great force. □�[V +�into/against ] The plane slammed into the building after losing an engine shortly after take-off. □�[V n +�into/against ] He slammed me against the ground.

5 →�see also Grand Slam

slam|mer /sl� mə r / N‑SING The slammer is prison. [INFORMAL ]

slan|der /slɑː ndə r , sl� n-/ (slanders , slandering , slandered )

1 N‑VAR Slander is an untrue spoken statement about someone which is intended to damage their reputation. Compare libel . □� Dr. Bach is now suing the company for slander.

2 VERB To slander someone means to say untrue things about them in order to damage their reputation. □�[V n] He has been questioned on suspicion of slandering the Prime Minister.

slan|der|ous /slɑː ndərəs, sl� n-/ ADJ A spoken statement that is slanderous is untrue and intended to damage the reputation of the person that it refers to. □� He wanted an explanation for what he described as 'slanderous' remarks.

slang /sl� ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Slang consists of words, expressions, and meanings that are informal and are used by people who know each other very well or who have the same interests. □� Archie liked to think he kept up with current slang.

slang|ing match /sl� ŋ I ŋ m�tʃ/ (slanging matches ) N‑COUNT A slanging match is an angry quarrel in which people insult each other. [BRIT ] □� They conducted a public slanging match.

slangy /sl� ŋi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Slangy speech or writing has a lot of slang in it. □� The play was full of slangy dialogue.

slant /slɑː nt, sl� nt/ (slants , slanting , slanted )

1 VERB Something that slants is sloping, rather than horizontal or vertical. □�[V adv/prep] The morning sun slanted through the glass roof. □�[V -ing] �slanting green eyes.

2 N‑SING If something is on a slant , it is in a slanting position. □� You're slightly above the garden because the house is on a slant. □� �long pockets cut on the slant.

3 VERB [usu passive] If information or a system is slanted , it is made to show favour towards a particular group or opinion. □�[be V -ed] The programme was deliberately slanted to make the home team look good. [Also be V -ed prep]

4 N‑SING A particular slant on a subject is a particular way of thinking about it, especially one that is unfair. □� The political slant at Focus can be described as centre-right.

slap /sl� p/ (slaps , slapping , slapped )

1 VERB If you slap someone, you hit them with the palm of your hand. □�[V n] He would push or slap her once in a while. □�[V n adv/prep] I slapped him hard across the face. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Slap is also a noun. □� He reached forward and gave her a slap.

2 VERB If you slap something onto a surface, you put it there quickly, roughly, or carelessly. □�[V n +�on/onto ] The barman slapped the cup on to the waiting saucer.

3 VERB If journalists say that the authorities slap something such as a tax or a ban on something, they think it is unreasonable or put on without careful thought. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n +�on ] The government slapped a ban on the export of unprocessed logs.

4 PHRASE If you describe something that someone does as a slap in the face , you mean that it shocks or upsets you because it shows that they do not support you or respect you. □�[+�for ] 'The Sun' calls it a massive slap in the face for the United States government. □� Britons persist in treating any pay rise of less than 5% as a slap in the face.

sla p ba ng also slap-bang ADV Slap bang is used in expressions such as slap bang in the middle of somewhere to mean exactly in that place. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Of course, slap-bang in the middle of town the rents are high.

slap|dash /sl� pd�ʃ/ also slap-dash ADJ If you describe someone as slapdash , you mean that they do things carelessly without much thinking or planning. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Malcolm's work methods appear amazingly slapdash.

sla p-happy ADJ If you describe someone as slap-happy , you believe they are irresponsible and careless. □� �a slap-happy kind of cook.

slap|stick /sl� pst I k/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Slapstick is a simple type of comedy in which the actors behave in a rough and foolish way. □� �slapstick comedy.

sla p-up ADJ [ADJ n] A slap-up meal is a large enjoyable meal. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� We usually had one slap-up meal a day.

slash /sl� ʃ/ (slashes , slashing , slashed )

1 VERB If you slash something, you make a long, deep cut in it. □�[V n] He came within two minutes of bleeding to death after slashing his wrists. ●�N‑COUNT Slash is also a noun. □�[+�in ] Make deep slashes in the meat and push in the spice paste.

2 VERB If you slashat a person or thing, you quickly hit at them with something such as a knife. □�[V +�at ] He slashed at her, aiming carefully.

3 VERB To slash something such as costs or jobs means to reduce them by a large amount. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] Car makers could be forced to slash prices after being accused of overcharging yesterday.

4 You say slash to refer to a sloping line that separates letters, words, or numbers. For example, if you are giving the number 340/2/K you say 'Three four zero, slash two, slash K.' [SPOKEN ]

sla sh and bu rn also slash-and-burn N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Slash and burn is a method of farming that involves clearing land by destroying and burning all the trees and plants on it, farming there for a short time, and then moving on to clear a new piece of land. □� Traditional slash and burn farming methods have exhausted the soil.

slat /sl� t/ (slats ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Slats are narrow pieces of wood, metal, or plastic, usually with spaces between them, that are part of things such as Venetian blinds or cupboard doors.

slate /sle I t/ (slates , slating , slated )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Slate is a dark-grey rock that can be easily split into thin layers. Slate is often used for covering roofs. □� � a stone-built cottage, with a traditional slate roof.

2 N‑COUNT A slate is one of the small flat pieces of slate that are used for covering roofs.

3 N‑COUNT A slate is a list of candidates for an election, usually from the same party. □�[+�of ] The leadership want to present a single slate of candidates to be approved in an open vote.

4 V-PASSIVE If something is slatedto happen, it is planned to happen at a particular time or on a particular occasion. [mainly AM ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] He was slated to become U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. □�[be V -ed +�for ] Controversial energy measures are slated for Senate debate within days.

5 VERB [usu passive] If something is slated , it is criticized very severely. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □�[be V -ed] His new restaurant has been slated by a top food critic.

6 PHRASE If you start witha clean slate , you do not take account of previous mistakes or failures and make a fresh start. □� The proposal is to pay everything you owe, so that you can start with a clean slate.

7 PHRASE If you wipe the slate clean , you decide to forget previous mistakes, failures, or debts and to start again. □� Why not wipe the slate clean and start all over again?

slath|er /sl� �ə r / (slathers , slathering , slathered ) VERB If you slather something with a substance, or slather a substance onto something, you put the substance on in a thick layer. □�[V n with adv] If your skin is dry, you have to slather on moisturiser to soften it. □�[be V -ed prep] �pieces of toast slathered with butter and marmalade. [Also V n prep]

slat|ted /sl� t I d/ ADJ Something that is slatted is made with slats. □� �slatted window blinds.

slaugh|ter /slɔː tə r / (slaughters , slaughtering , slaughtered )

1 VERB [usu passive] If large numbers of people or animals are slaughtered , they are killed in a way that is cruel or unnecessary. □�[be V -ed] Thirty four people were slaughtered while queuing up to cast their votes. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Slaughter is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �a war where the slaughter of civilians was commonplace.

2 VERB To slaughter animals such as cows and sheep means to kill them for their meat. □�[V n] Lack of chicken feed means that chicken farms are having to slaughter their stock. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Slaughter is also a noun. □� More than 491,000 sheep were exported for slaughter last year.

slaughter|house /slɔː tə r haʊs/ (slaughterhouses ) N‑COUNT A slaughterhouse is a place where animals are killed for their meat.

Slav /slɑː v/ (Slavs ) N‑COUNT A Slav is a member of any of the peoples of Eastern Europe who speak a Slavonic language.

slave /sle I v/ (slaves , slaving , slaved )

1 N‑COUNT A slave is someone who is the property of another person and has to work for that person. □� The state of Liberia was formed a century and a half ago by freed slaves from the United States.

2 N‑COUNT You can describe someone as a slave when they are completely under the control of another person or of a powerful influence. □�[+�to ] Movie stars used to be slaves to the studio system.

3 VERB If you say that a person is slavingover something or is slavingfor someone, you mean that they are working very hard. □�[V +�over ] When you're busy all day the last thing you want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. [Also V , V prep] ●�PHRASAL VERB Slave away means the same as slave . □�[V P ] He stares at the hundreds of workers slaving away in the intense sun.

▸� slave away →�see slave3

sla ve la |bour in AM, use slave labor1 N‑UNCOUNT Slave labour refers to slaves or to work done by slaves. □� The children were used as slave labour in gold mines in the jungle.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If people work very hard for long hours for very little money, you can refer to it as slave labour . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He's been forced into slave labour at burger bars to earn a bit of cash.

slav|er /sl� və r / (slavers , slavering , slavered ) VERB If an animal slavers , liquid comes from its mouth, for example because it is about to attack and eat something. □�[V ] Mad guard dogs slavered at the end of their chains. □�[V -ing] �the wolf's slavering jaws.

slav|ery /sle I vəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Slavery is the system by which people are owned by other people as slaves. □� My people have survived 400 years of slavery.

sla ve trade N‑SING The slave trade is the buying and selling of slaves, especially Black Africans, from the 16th to the 19th centuries. □� �profits from the slave trade.

Slav|ic /sl� v I k, slɑː v-/ ADJ Something that is Slavic belongs or relates to Slavs. □� �Americans of Slavic descent.

slav|ish /sle I v I ʃ/ ADJ You use slavish to describe things that copy or imitate something exactly, without any attempt to be original. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She herself insists she is no slavish follower of fashion. ●� slav|ish|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Your camera can be as useful as a sketchbook, but don't slavishly copy your photographs.

Sla|von|ic /sləvɒ n I k/ ADJ Something that is Slavonic relates to East European languages such as Russian, Czech, and Serbo-Croat, or to the people who speak them. □� The Ukrainians speak a Slavonic language similar to Russian.

slaw /slɔː / N‑UNCOUNT Slaw is a salad of chopped raw carrot, onions, cabbage and other vegetables in mayonnaise. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use coleslaw

slay /sle I / (slays , slaying , slew , slayed , slain )

1 VERB If someone slays an animal, they kill it in a violent way. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �the hill where St George slew the dragon.

2 V-PASSIVE If someone has been slain , they have been murdered. [mainly AM ] □�[be V -ed] Two Australian tourists were slain.

slay|ing /sle I I ŋ/ (slayings ) N‑COUNT A slaying is a murder. [mainly AM ] □� �a trail of motiveless slayings. in BRIT, usually use killing

sleaze /sliː z/ N‑UNCOUNT You use sleaze to describe activities that you consider immoral, dishonest, or not respectable, especially in politics, business, journalism, or entertainment. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They have made it easy for Sven to fill his expensive boots while allowing an atmosphere of sleaze to develop.

slea|zy /sliː zi/ (sleazier , sleaziest )

1 ADJ If you describe a place as sleazy , you dislike it because it looks dirty and badly cared for, and not respectable. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �sleazy bars.

2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as sleazy , you disapprove of them because you think they are not respectable and are rather disgusting. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The accusations are making the government's conduct appear increasingly sleazy.

sled /sle d/ (sleds , sledding , sledded )

1 N‑COUNT A sled is the same as a sledge . [AM ]

2 VERB If you go sledding , you ride on a sled. [AM ] □�[V -ing] We got home and went sledding on the small hill in our back yard. [Also V ]

sledge /sle dʒ/ (sledges , sledging , sledged )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A sledge is an object used for travelling over snow. It consists of a framework which slides on two strips of wood or metal. [BRIT ] □� She travelled 14,000 miles by sledge across Siberia to Kamchatka.

2 VERB If you sledge or go sledging , you ride on a sledge. [BRIT ] □�[V -ing] Our hill is marvellous for sledging and we always have snow in January. [Also V prep]

sledge|hammer /sle dʒh�mə r / (sledgehammers ) also sledge-hammer N‑COUNT A sledgehammer is a large, heavy hammer with a long handle, used for breaking up rocks and concrete.

sleek /sliː k/ (sleeker , sleekest )

1 ADJ Sleek hair or fur is smooth and shiny and looks healthy. □� �sleek black hair. □� The horse's sleek body gleamed.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as sleek , you mean that they look rich and stylish. □� She works an array of different looks - from rock chick to sleek and sophisticated - in the stunning photo collection.

3 ADJ Sleek vehicles, furniture, or other objects look smooth, shiny, and expensive. □� � a sleek white BMW. □� �sleek modern furniture.

sleep ◆◆◇ /sliː p/ (sleeps , sleeping , slept )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sleep is the natural state of rest in which your eyes are closed, your body is inactive, and your mind does not think. □� They were exhausted from lack of sleep. □� Try and get some sleep. □� Be quiet and go to sleep. □� Often he would have bad dreams and cry out in his sleep.

2 VERB When you sleep , you rest with your eyes closed and your mind and body inactive. □�[V ] During the car journey, the baby slept. □�[V -ing] �a pool surrounded by sleeping sunbathers.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A sleep is a period of sleeping. □� I think he may be ready for a sleep soon.

4 VERB [no cont, no passive] If a building or room sleeps a particular number of people, it has beds for that number of people. □�[V amount] The villa sleeps 10 and costs �530 per person for two weeks.

5 →�see also sleeping

6 PHRASE If you cannot get to sleep , you are unable to sleep. □� I can't get to sleep with all that singing.

7 PHRASE If you say that you didn't lose any sleepover something, you mean that you did not worry about it at all. □� I didn't lose too much sleep over that investigation.

8 PHRASE If you are trying to make a decision and you say that you will sleep on it , you mean that you will delay making a decision on it until the following day, so you have time to think about it.

9 PHRASE If a sick or injured animal is put to sleep , it is killed by a vet in a way that does not cause it pain. □� I'm going take the dog down to the vet's and have her put to sleep.

10to sleep rough →�see rough

▸� sleep around PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone sleeps around , you disapprove of them because they have sex with a lot of different people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] I don't sleep around. □�[V P +�with ] For me, it's not cool to go out and sleep around with multiple partners.

▸� sleep off PHRASAL VERB If you sleep off the effects of too much travelling, drink, or food, you recover from it by sleeping. □�[V P n] It's a good idea to spend the first night of your holiday sleeping off the jet lag. □�[V n P ] They had been up all night and were sleeping it off.

▸� sleep over PHRASAL VERB If someone, especially a child, sleeps over in a place such as a friend's home, they stay there for one night. □�[V P ] She said his friends could sleep over in the big room downstairs.

▸� sleep together PHRASAL VERB If two people are sleeping together , they are having a sexual relationship, but are not usually married to each other. □�[V P ] I'm pretty sure they slept together before they were married.

▸� sleep with PHRASAL VERB If you sleep with someone, you have sex with them. □�[V P n] He was old enough to sleep with a girl and make her pregnant.

sleep|er /sliː pə r / (sleepers )

1 N‑COUNT [adj N ] You can use sleeper to indicate how well someone sleeps. For example, if someone is a light sleeper , they are easily woken up. □� I'm a very light sleeper and I can hardly get any sleep at all.

2 N‑COUNT In British English, a sleeper is a carriage on a train containing beds for passengers to sleep in at night, or a section of such a carriage. The usual American words are sleeping car for the carriage and roomette for the section.

3 N‑COUNT A sleeper is a train with beds for its passengers to sleep in at night. [BRIT ]

4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] Railway sleepers are large heavy beams that support the rails of a railway track. [BRIT ] in AM, use ties

sleep|ing /sliː p I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use sleeping to describe places where people sleep or things concerned with where people sleep. □� On the top floor we have sleeping quarters for women and children.

2 →�see also sleep USAGE sleeping or asleep?

Don�t use asleep in front of a noun. Don�t, for example, talk about an � asleep child �. Instead, you can say a �sleeping child �.

slee p|ing bag (sleeping bags ) N‑COUNT A sleeping bag is a large deep bag with a warm lining, used for sleeping in, especially when you are camping.

slee p|ing car (sleeping cars ) N‑COUNT A sleeping car is a railway carriage containing beds for passengers to sleep in at night.

slee p|ing gi ant (sleeping giants ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone or something as a sleeping giant , you mean that they are powerful but they have not yet shown the full extent of their power. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] The trust, which has 2.3 million members, is a sleeping giant of the environment movement.

slee p|ing pa rt|ner (sleeping partners ) N‑COUNT A sleeping partner is a person who provides some of the capital for a business but who does not take an active part in managing the business. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] in AM, use silent partner

slee p|ing pill (sleeping pills ) N‑COUNT A sleeping pill is a pill that you can take to help you sleep.

slee p|ing sick|ness N‑UNCOUNT Sleeping sickness is a serious tropical disease which causes great tiredness and often leads to death.

slee p|ing tab|let (sleeping tablets ) N‑COUNT A sleeping tablet is the same as a sleeping pill .

sleep|less /sliː pləs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sleepless night is one during which you do not sleep. □� I have sleepless nights worrying about her.

2 ADJ Someone who is sleepless is unable to sleep. □� A sleepless baby can seem to bring little reward.

sleep|over /sliː poʊvə r / (sleepovers ) also sleep-over N‑COUNT A sleepover is an occasion when someone, especially a child, sleeps for one night in a place such as a friend's home.

sleep|walk /sliː pwɔːk/ (sleepwalks , sleepwalking , sleepwalked ) VERB If someone is sleepwalking , they are walking around while they are asleep. □�[V ] He once sleepwalked to the middle of the road outside his home at 1 a.m.

sleepy /sliː pi/ (sleepier , sleepiest )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are sleepy , you are very tired and are almost asleep. □� I was beginning to feel amazingly sleepy. ●� sleepi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Joanna sat up, blinking sleepily. ●� sleepi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He tried to fight the sleepiness that overwhelmed him.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sleepy place is quiet and does not have much activity or excitement. □� Valence is a sleepy little town just south of Lyon.

sleet /sliː t/ N‑UNCOUNT Sleet is rain that is partly frozen. □� �blinding snow, driving sleet and wind.

sleeve /sliː v/ (sleeves )

1 N‑COUNT The sleeves of a coat, shirt, or other item of clothing are the parts that cover your arms. □� His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. □�[+�of ] He wore a black band on the left sleeve of his jacket.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A record sleeve is the stiff envelope in which a record is kept. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] There are to be no pictures of him on the sleeve of the new record. in AM, usually use jacket

3 PHRASE If you have something up your sleeve , you have an idea or plan which you have not told anyone about. You can also say that someone has an ace, card, or trick up their sleeve . □� He wondered what Shearson had up his sleeve.

-sleeved /-sliːvd/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -sleeved is added to adjectives such as 'long' and 'short' to form adjectives which indicate that an item of clothing has long or short sleeves. □� �a short-sleeved blue shirt.

sleeve|less /sliː vləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sleeveless dress, top, or other item of clothing has no sleeves. □� She wore a sleeveless silk dress.

slee ve note (sleeve notes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The sleeve notes are short pieces of writing on the covers of records, which tell you something about the music or the musicians. [BRIT ] in AM, use liner note

sleigh /sle I / (sleighs ) N‑COUNT A sleigh is a vehicle which can slide over snow. Sleighs are usually pulled by horses.

sleight of hand /sla I t əv h� nd/ (sleights of hand ) N‑VAR Sleight of hand is the deceiving of someone in a skilful way. □� He accused Mr MacGregor of 'sleight of hand'.

slen|der /sle ndə r /

1 ADJ A slender person is attractively thin and graceful. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □� She was slender, with delicate wrists and ankles. □� �a tall, slender figure in a straw hat.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use slender to describe a situation which exists but only to a very small degree. [WRITTEN ] □� The United States held a slender lead.

slept /sle pt/ Slept is the past tense and past participle of sleep .

sleuth /sluː θ/ (sleuths ) N‑COUNT A sleuth is a detective. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

sleuth|ing /sluː θ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Sleuthing is the investigation of a crime or mystery by someone who is not a police officer. [LITERARY ] □� I did a little sleuthing to see if I could find any footprints.

slew /sluː / (slews , slewing , slewed )

1Slew is the past tense of slay .

2 VERB If a vehicle slews or is slewed across a road, it slides across it. □�[V adv/prep] The bus slewed sideways. □�[V n prep/adv] He slewed the car against the side of the building.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A slewof things is a large number of them. [mainly AM ] □�[+�of ] There have been a whole slew of shooting incidents.

slice ◆◇◇ /sla I s/ (slices , slicing , sliced )

1 N‑COUNT A sliceof bread, meat, fruit, or other food is a thin piece that has been cut from a larger piece. □�[+�of ] Try to eat at least four slices of bread a day. □�[+�of ] �water flavoured with a slice of lemon.

2 VERB If you slice bread, meat, fruit, or other food, you cut it into thin pieces. □�[V n] Helen sliced the cake. □�[V n +�into ] Slice the steak into long thin slices. ●�PHRASAL VERB Slice up means the same as slice . □�[V P n] I sliced up an onion. □�[V n P ] He began slicing the pie up.

3 N‑COUNT You can use slice to refer to a part of a situation or activity. □�[+�of ] Fiction takes up a large slice of the publishing market.

4 →�see also sliced , fish slice

5a slice of the action →�see action

▸� slice up →�see slice2 SYNONYMS slice VERB 2

cut:Theo was cutting himself a piece of the pink cake.

carve:Carve the beef into slices.

chop:Chop the onions very finely.

sliced /sla I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sliced bread has been cut into slices before being wrapped and sold. □� �a sliced white loaf.

slick /sl I k/ (slicker , slickest , slicks )

1 ADJ A slick performance, production, or advertisement is skilful and impressive. □� There's a big difference between an amateur movie and a slick Hollywood production. ●� slick|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� These actors and directors brought a new sophistication and slickness to modern theatre.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A slick action is done quickly and smoothly, and without any obvious effort. □� The goal that sealed the points was an exhibition of slick passing football.

3 ADJ A slick person speaks easily in a way that is likely to convince people, but is not sincere. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Don't be fooled by slick politicians.

4 N‑COUNT A slick is the same as an oil slick . □� Experts are trying to devise ways to clean up the huge slick.

slick|er /sl I kə r / (slickers )

1 N‑COUNT A slicker is a long loose waterproof coat. [AM ] in BRIT, use oilskins2 →�see also slick

slide ◆◇◇ /sla I d/ (slides , sliding , slid )

1 VERB When something slides somewhere or when you slide it there, it moves there smoothly over or against something. □�[V n with adj] She slid the door open. □�[V n prep/adv] I slid the wallet into his pocket. □�[V prep/adv] Tears were sliding down his cheeks. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you slide somewhere, you move there smoothly and quietly. □�[V prep/adv] He slid into the driver's seat.

3 VERB To slide into a particular mood, attitude, or situation means to gradually start to have that mood, attitude, or situation often without intending to. □�[V +�into ] She had slid into a depression.

4 VERB If currencies or prices slide , they gradually become worse or lower in value. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] The U.S. dollar continued to slide. □�[V amount] Shares slid 11p to 293p after brokers downgraded their profit estimates. ●�N‑COUNT Slide is also a noun. □�[+�in ] �the dangerous slide in oil prices.

5 N‑COUNT A slide is a small piece of photographic film which you project onto a screen so that you can see the picture. □� �a slide show.

6 N‑COUNT A slide is a single page of an electronic presentation which you usually view on a computer or on a larger screen. □� He shows slides revealing that most people think the Government is doing poorly.

7 N‑COUNT A slide is a piece of glass on which you put something that you want to examine through a microscope.

8 N‑COUNT A slide is a piece of playground equipment that has a steep slope for children to go down for fun.

9 PHRASE If you let something slide , you allow it to get into a worse state or condition by not attending to it. □� The company had let environmental standards slide. SYNONYMS slide VERB 1

slip:He had slipped on an icy pavement.

glide:Waiters glide between tightly packed tables bearing trays of pasta.

slither:Robert lost his footing and slithered down the bank.

sli de rule (slide rules ) N‑COUNT A slide rule is an instrument that you use for calculating numbers. It looks like a ruler and has a middle part that slides backwards and forwards.

sli d|ing doo r (sliding doors ) N‑COUNT Sliding doors are doors which slide together rather than swinging on hinges.

sli d|ing sca le (sliding scales ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Payments such as wages or taxes that are calculated on asliding scale are higher or lower depending on various different factors. □�[+�of ] Many practitioners have a sliding scale of fees.

slight ◆◇◇ /sla I t/ (slighter , slightest , slights , slighting , slighted )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is slight is very small in degree or quantity. □� Doctors say he has made a slight improvement. □� We have a slight problem. □� He's not the slightest bit worried.

2 ADJ A slight person has a fairly thin and delicate looking body. □� She is smaller and slighter than Christie. ●� slight|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� �a slightly built man.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are slighted , someone does or says something that insults you by treating you as if your views or feelings are not important. □�[feel V -ed] They felt slighted by not being adequately consulted. ●�N‑COUNT Slight is also a noun. □�[+�on ] It isn't a slight on my husband that I enjoy my evening class.

4 PHRASE You use in the slightest to emphasize a negative statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� That doesn't interest me in the slightest. SYNONYMS slight ADJ 1

minor:Western officials say it's a minor problem, and should be quickly overcome.

insignificant:In 1949 Bonn was a small, insignificant city.

negligible:The pay that the soldiers received was negligible.

meagre:The bank's staff were already angered by a meagre 3.1% pay rise. VERB 3

snub:He snubbed her in public and made her feel an idiot.

insult:I did not mean to insult you.

ignore:She said her husband ignored her.

slight|ly ◆◆◇ /sla I tli/ ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] Slightly means to some degree but not to a very large degree. □� His family then moved to a slightly larger house. □� They will be slightly more expensive but they last a lot longer. □� You can adjust it slightly. SYNONYMS slightly ADV

rather:I grew up in rather unusual circumstances.

somewhat:He concluded that Oswald was somewhat odd.

quite:I felt quite bitter about it at the time.

fairly:Both ships are fairly new.

slim ◆◇◇ /sl I m/ (slimmer , slimmest , slims , slimming , slimmed )

1 ADJ A slim person has an attractively thin and well-shaped body. [APPROVAL ] □� The young woman was tall and slim. □� Jean is pretty, of slim build, with blue eyes.

2 VERB If you are slimming , you are trying to make yourself thinner and lighter by eating less food. □�[V ] Some people will gain weight, no matter how hard they try to slim. [Also V n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Slim down means the same as slim . □�[V P ] Doctors have told Benny to slim down. □�[V P n] �salon treatments that claim to slim down thighs.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A slim book, wallet, or other object is thinner than usual. □� The slim booklets describe a range of services and facilities.

4 ADJ A slim chance or possibility is a very small one. □� There's still a slim chance that he may become Prime Minister.

5 VERB If an organization slims its products or workers, it reduces the number of them that it has. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The company recently slimmed its product line.

▸� slim down

1 PHRASAL VERB If a company or other organization slims down or is slimmed down , it employs fewer people, in order to save money or become more efficient. [BUSINESS ] □�[V P ] Many firms have had little choice but to slim down. □�[V P n] �the plan to slim down the coal industry. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see slim2 SYNONYMS slim ADJ 1

thin:He was a tall, thin man with grey hair.

slender:She was slender, with delicate wrists and ankles.

slight:She is smaller and slighter than Christie.

lean:Like most athletes, she was lean and muscular.

slime /sla I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Slime is a thick, wet substance which covers a surface or comes from the bodies of animals such as snails. □� There was an unappealing film of slime on top of the pond.

slim|line /sl I mla I n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Slimline objects are thinner or narrower than normal ones. □� The slimline diary fits easily into a handbag.

slimy /sla I mi/ (slimier , slimiest )

1 ADJ Slimy substances are thick, wet, and unpleasant. Slimy objects are covered in a slimy substance. □� His feet slipped in the slimy mud.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as slimy , you dislike them because they are friendly and pleasant in an insincere way. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I've worked hard for what I have and I don't want it taken away by some slimy business partner.

sling /sl I ŋ/ (slings , slinging , slung )

1 VERB If you sling something somewhere, you throw it there carelessly. □�[V n prep/adv] I saw him take off his anorak and sling it into the back seat.

2 VERB If you sling something over your shoulder or over something such as a chair, you hang it there loosely. □�[V n prep] She slung her coat over her desk chair. □�[V -ed prep] He had a small green rucksack slung over one shoulder.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a rope, blanket, or other object is slung between two points, someone has hung it loosely between them. □�[be V -ed prep] �two long poles with a blanket slung between them.

4 N‑COUNT A sling is an object made of ropes, straps, or cloth that is used for carrying things. □�[+�of ] They used slings of rope to lower us from one set of arms to another.

5 N‑COUNT A sling is a piece of cloth which supports someone's broken or injured arm and is tied round their neck. □� She was back at work with her arm in a sling.

6 →�see also mud-slinging

sling|shot /sl I ŋʃɒt/ (slingshots ) N‑COUNT A slingshot is a catapult . [AM ]

slink /sl I ŋk/ (slinks , slinking , slunk ) VERB If you slink somewhere, you move there quietly because you do not want to be seen. □�[V adv/prep] He decided that he couldn't just slink away, so he went and sat next to his wife.

slinky /sl I ŋki/ (slinkier , slinkiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Slinky clothes fit very closely to a woman's body in a way that makes her look sexually attractive. □� She's wearing a slinky black mini-skirt.

slip ◆◆◇ /sl I p/ (slips , slipping , slipped )

1 VERB If you slip , you accidentally slide and lose your balance. □�[V ] He had slipped on an icy pavement. □�[V ] Be careful not to slip.

2 VERB If something slips , it slides out of place or out of your hand. □�[V ] His glasses had slipped. □�[V prep/adv] The hammer slipped out of her grasp.

3 VERB If you slip somewhere, you go there quickly and quietly. □�[V adv/prep] Amy slipped downstairs and out of the house.

4 VERB If you slip something somewhere, you put it there quickly in a way that does not attract attention. □�[V n prep] I slipped a note under Louise's door. □�[V n with adv] Just slip in a piece of paper.

5 VERB If you slip something to someone, you give it to them secretly. □�[V n n] Robert had slipped her a note in school. □�[V n +�to ] She looked round before pulling out a package and slipping it to the man.

6 VERB To slip into a particular state or situation means to pass gradually into it, in a way that is hardly noticed. □�[V +�into ] It amazed him how easily one could slip into a routine.

7 VERB If something slipsto a lower level or standard, it falls to that level or standard. □�[V +�to/from/by ] Shares slipped to 117p. □�[V amount] In June, producer prices slipped 0.1% from May. □�[V ] Overall business activity is slipping. ●�N‑SING Slip is also a noun. □�[+�in ] �a slip in consumer confidence.

8 VERB If you slipinto or out of clothes or shoes, you put them on or take them off quickly and easily. □�[V +�into/out of ] She slipped out of the jacket and tossed it on the couch. □�[V n with on/off ] I slipped off my woollen gloves.

9 N‑COUNT A slip is a small or unimportant mistake. □� We must be well prepared, there must be no slips.

10 N‑COUNT A slipof paper is a small piece of paper. □�[+�of ] �little slips of paper he had torn from a notebook. □� I put her name on the slip.

11 N‑COUNT A slip is a thin piece of clothing that a woman wears under her dress or skirt.

12 →�see also Freudian slip

13 PHRASE If you give someone the slip , you escape from them when they are following you or watching you. [INFORMAL ] □� He gave reporters the slip by leaving at midnight.

14 PHRASE If you let slip information, you accidentally tell it to someone, when you wanted to keep it secret. □� I bet he let slip that I'd gone to America.

15 PHRASE If something slips your mind , you forget about it. □� The reason for my visit had obviously slipped his mind.

16to slip through your fingers →�see finger

17slip of the tongue →�see tongue

▸� slip in PHRASAL VERB If you slip in a question or comment, you ask or make it without interrupting the flow of the conversation. □�[V P n] Slip in a few questions about other things. [Also V n P ]

▸� slip through PHRASAL VERB If something or something slips through a set of checks or rules, they are accepted when in fact they should not be. □�[V P n] �hardened trouble-makers who have slipped through the security checks. □�[V P ] The slightest little bit of inattention can let something slip through.

▸� slip up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you slip up , you make a small or unimportant mistake. □�[V P ] There were occasions when we slipped up.

2 →�see also slip-up

sli p-on (slip-ons ) ADJ [ADJ n] Slip-on shoes have nothing fastening them. □� �slip-on boat shoes. ●�N‑COUNT Slip-on is also a noun. □� He removed his brown slip-ons.

slip|page /sl I p I dʒ/ (slippages ) N‑VAR Slippage is a failure to maintain a steady position or rate of progress, so that a particular target or standard is not achieved. □�[+�in ] �a substantial slippage in the value of sterling.

sli pped di sc (slipped discs ) N‑COUNT If you have a slipped disc , you have a bad back because one of the discs in your spine has moved out of its proper position.

slip|per /sl I pə r / (slippers ) N‑COUNT Slippers are loose, soft shoes that you wear at home.

slip|pery /sl I pəri/

1 ADJ Something that is slippery is smooth, wet, or oily and is therefore difficult to walk on or to hold. □� The tiled floor was wet and slippery. □� Motorists were warned to beware of slippery conditions.

2 ADJ You can describe someone as slippery if you think that they are dishonest in a clever way and cannot be trusted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is a slippery customer, and should be carefully watched.

3 PHRASE If someone is on a slippery slope , they are involved in a course of action that is difficult to stop and that will eventually lead to failure or trouble. □� The company started down the slippery slope of believing that they knew better than the customer.

sli p road (slip roads ) N‑COUNT A slip road is a road which cars use to drive on and off a motorway. [BRIT ] in AM, use entrance ramp , exit ramp

slip|shod /sl I pʃɒd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is slipshod , it has been done in a careless way. □� The hotel had always been run in a slipshod way.

slip|stream /sl I pstriːm/ (slipstreams ) N‑COUNT Theslipstream of a fast-moving object such as a car, plane, or boat is the flow of air directly behind it. □� He left a host of other riders trailing in his slipstream.

sli p-up (slip-ups ) N‑COUNT A slip-up is a small or unimportant mistake. [INFORMAL ] □� There's been a slip-up somewhere.

slip|way /sl I pwe I / (slipways ) N‑COUNT A slipway is a large platform that slopes down into the sea, from which boats are put into the water.

slit /sl I t/ (slits , slitting ) The form slit is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you slit something, you make a long narrow cut in it. □�[V n] They say somebody slit her throat. □�[V n with open ] He began to slit open each envelope. □�[V -ed +�to/from ] She was wearing a white dress slit to the thigh.

2 N‑COUNT A slit is a long narrow cut. □�[+�in ] Make a slit in the stem about half an inch long.

3 N‑COUNT A slit is a long narrow opening in something. □�[+�in ] She watched them through a slit in the curtains.

slith|er /sl I �ə r / (slithers , slithering , slithered )

1 VERB If you slither somewhere, you slide along in an uneven way. □�[V prep/adv] Robert lost his footing and slithered down the bank.

2 VERB If an animal such as a snake slithers , it moves along in a curving way. □�[V prep/adv] The snake slithered into the water. [Also V ]

slith|ery /sl I �əri/ ADJ Something that is slithery is wet or smooth, and so slides easily over things or is easy to slip on. □� �slithery rice noodles.

sliv|er /sl I və r / (slivers ) N‑COUNT A sliverof something is a small thin piece or amount of it. □�[+�of ] Not a sliver of glass remains where the windows were.

Sloane /sloʊ n/ (Sloanes ) N‑COUNT Rich young people from upper middle class backgrounds in London are sometimes called Sloanes . [BRIT ]

slob /slɒ b/ (slobs ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a slob , you mean that they are very lazy and untidy. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� My boyfriend used to call me a fat slob.

slob|ber /slɒ bə r / (slobbers , slobbering , slobbered ) VERB If a person or an animal slobbers , they let liquid fall from their mouth. □�[V prep] The dog tried to slobber all over me in the park. [Also V ]

sloe /sloʊ / (sloes ) N‑VAR A sloe is a small, sour fruit that has a dark purple skin. It is often used to flavour gin.

slog /slɒ g/ (slogs , slogging , slogged )

1 VERB If you slogthrough something, you work hard and steadily through it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V prep] They secure their degrees by slogging through an intensive 11-month course. □�[V +�way through ] She has slogged her way through ballet classes since the age of six. ●�PHRASAL VERB Slog away means the same as slog . □�[V P ] Edward slogged away, always learning.

2 N‑SING If you describe a task as a slog , you mean that it is tiring and requires a lot of effort. [INFORMAL ] □� There is little to show for the two years of hard slog.

slo|gan /sloʊ gən/ (slogans ) N‑COUNT A slogan is a short phrase that is easy to remember. Slogans are used in advertisements and by political parties and other organizations who want people to remember what they are saying or selling. □� They could campaign on the slogan 'We'll take less of your money'. WORD HISTORY slogan

Slogan comes from Gaelic sluaghghairm , which means 'war cry'.

slo|gan|eer|ing /sloʊ gən I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Sloganeering is the use of slogans by people such as politicians or advertising agencies. □�[+�of ] �the sloganeering of the marketing department.

sloop /sluː p/ (sloops ) N‑COUNT A sloop is a small sailing boat with one mast.

slop /slɒ p/ (slops , slopping , slopped )

1 VERB If liquid slops from a container or if you slop liquid somewhere, it comes out over the edge of the container, usually accidentally. □�[V adv/prep] A little cognac slopped over the edge of the glass. □�[V n adv/prep] Refilling his cup, she slopped some tea into the saucer. [Also V , V n]

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use slop or slops to refer to liquid waste containing the remains of food. □� Breakfast plates were collected and the slops emptied.

slope /sloʊ p/ (slopes , sloping , sloped )

1 N‑COUNT A slope is the side of a mountain, hill, or valley. □� Saint-Christo is perched on a mountain slope. □�[+�of ] �the lower slopes of the Himalayas.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A slope is a surface that is at an angle, so that one end is higher than the other. □� The street must have been on a slope.

3 VERB If a surface slopes , it is at an angle, so that one end is higher than the other. □�[V adv/prep] The bank sloped down sharply to the river. □�[V ] The garden sloped quite steeply. ●� slop|ing ADJ □� �a brick building, with a sloping roof. □� �the gently sloping beach.

4 VERB If something slopes , it leans to the right or to the left rather than being upright. □�[V adv/prep] The writing sloped backwards.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The slope of something is the angle at which it slopes. □� The slope increases as you go up the curve. □�[+�of ] �a slope of ten degrees.

6 →�see also ski slope

7slippery slope →�see slippery

slo p|ping ou t also slopping-out N‑UNCOUNT In prisons where prisoners have to use buckets as toilets, slopping out is the practice in which they empty the buckets. [BRIT ]

slop|py /slɒ pi/ (sloppier , sloppiest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone's work or activities as sloppy , you mean they have been done in a careless and lazy way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has little patience for sloppy work from colleagues.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as sloppy , you mean that they are sentimental and romantic. □� It's ideal for people who like a sloppy movie.

slosh /slɒ ʃ/ (sloshes , sloshing , sloshed )

1 VERB If a liquid sloshesaround or if you slosh it around , it moves around in different directions. □�[V adv/prep] The water sloshed around the bridge. □�[V n adv/prep] The label recommends sloshing the mouthwash around in the mouth for 30 seconds. □�[V ] The champagne sloshed and spilt. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you sloshthrough mud or water, you walk through it in an energetic way, so that the mud or water makes sounds as you walk. □�[V adv/prep] The two girls joined arms and sloshed through the mud together.

sloshed /slɒ ʃt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is sloshed , they have drunk too much alcohol. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Everyone else was getting sloshed.

slot /slɒ t/ (slots , slotting , slotted )

1 N‑COUNT A slot is a narrow opening in a machine or container, for example a hole that you put coins in to make a machine work. □� He dropped a coin into the slot and dialed.

2 VERB If you slot something into something else, or if it slots into it, you put it into a space where it fits. □�[V n +�into/in/onto ] The seatbelt buckle has red LED lights to indicate where to slot the belt in. □�[V +�into/in/onto ] The car seat belt slotted into place easily. □�[V n with adv] She slotted in a fresh filter.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A slot in a schedule or scheme is a place in it where an activity can take place. □� Visitors can book a time slot a week or more in advance.

sloth /sloʊ θ/ (sloths )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sloth is laziness, especially with regard to work. [FORMAL ] □� He admitted a lack of motivation and a feeling of sloth.

2 N‑COUNT A sloth is an animal from Central and South America. Sloths live in trees and move very slowly.

sloth|ful /sloʊ θfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is slothful is lazy and unwilling to make an effort to work. [FORMAL ] □� He was not slothful: he had been busy all night.

slo t ma|chine (slot machines ) N‑COUNT A slot machine is a machine from which you can get food or cigarettes or on which you can gamble. You make it work by putting coins into a slot.

slo t|ted spoo n (slotted spoons ) N‑COUNT A slotted spoon is a large plastic or metal spoon with holes in it. It is used to take food out of a liquid.

slouch /slaʊ tʃ/ (slouches , slouching , slouched )

1 VERB If someone slouches , they sit or stand with their shoulders and head bent so they look lazy and unattractive. □�[V ] Try not to slouch when you are sitting down. □�[V prep/adv] She has recently begun to slouch over her typewriter.

2 VERB If someone slouches somewhere, they walk around slowly with their shoulders and head bent looking lazy or bored. □�[V adv/prep] Most of the time, they slouch around in the fields.

slough /slʌ f/ (sloughs , sloughing , sloughed ) VERB When a plant sloughs its leaves, or an animal such as a snake sloughs its skin, the leaves or skin come off naturally. □�[V n] All reptiles have to slough their skin to grow. [Also V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Slough off means the same as slough . □�[V P n] Our bodies slough off dead cells. [Also V n P ]

slov|en|ly /slʌ v ə nli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Slovenly people are careless, untidy, or inefficient. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Lisa was irritated by the slovenly attitude of her boyfriend Sean.

slow ◆◆◇ /sloʊ / (slower , slowest , slows , slowing , slowed )

1 ADJ Something that is slow moves, happens, or is done without much speed. □� The traffic is heavy and slow. □� Electric whisks should be used on a slow speed. □� �slow, regular breathing. ●� slow|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He spoke slowly and deliberately. □� Christian backed slowly away. ●� slow|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� She lowered the glass with calculated slowness.

2 ADV [ADV after v] In informal English, slower is used to mean 'at a slower speed' and slowest is used to mean 'at the slowest speed'. In non-standard English, slow is used to mean 'with little speed'. □� I began to walk slower and slower. □� We got there by driving slow all the way.

3 ADJ Something that is slow takes a long time. □� The distribution of passports has been a slow process. ●� slow|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� My resentment of her slowly began to fade. ●� slow|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the slowness of political and economic progress.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If someone is slow to do something, they do it after a delay. □� The world community has been slow to respond to the crisis. [Also +�in ]

5 VERB If something slows or if you slow it, it starts to move or happen more slowly. □�[V ] The rate of bombing has slowed considerably. □�[V n] She slowed the car and began driving up a narrow road.

6 ADJ Someone who is slow is not very clever and takes a long time to understand things. □� Sorry, I can be a bit slow at times.

7 ADJ If you describe a situation, place, or activity as slow , you mean that it is not very exciting. □� The island is too slow for her liking.

8 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a clock or watch is slow , it shows a time that is earlier than the correct time.

9 →�see also slow-

10slow off the mark →�see mark

11slowly but surely →�see surely

12slow on the uptake →�see uptake

▸� slow down

1 PHRASAL VERB If something slows down or is if something slows it down , it starts to move or happen more slowly. □�[V P ] The car slowed down as they passed Customs. □�[V P n] There is no cure for the disease, although drugs can slow down its rate of development. □�[V n P ] Damage to the turbine slowed the work down.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone slows down or if something slows them down , they become less active. □�[V P ] You will need to slow down for a while. □�[V n P ] He was still taking some medication which slowed him down. [Also V P n]

3 →�see also slowdown

▸� slow up PHRASAL VERB Slow up means the same as slow down 1. □�[V P ] Sales are slowing up. □�[V P n] The introduction of a new code of criminal procedure has also slowed up the system. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS slow ADJ 3

protracted:The struggle would be bitter and protracted.

lengthy:�the lengthy process of filling out passport application forms.

long drawn out:�a long drawn out election campaign. COLLOCATIONS slow VERB 5

slow+�noun : economy, growth, progress, recovery; decline, pace, rate, spread; process, traffic

noun +�slow : economy, growth, inflation, recovery; decline, pace, rate; activity, metabolism, traffic

slow+�adverb : dramatically, markedly, sharply, significantly

slow- /sloʊ -/ COMB slow- is used to form words which describe something that happens slowly. □� He was stuck in a line of slow-moving traffic. □� �a slow-burning fuse.

slow|down /sloʊ daʊn/ (slowdowns )

1 N‑COUNT A slowdown is a reduction in speed or activity. □�[+�in ] There has been a sharp slowdown in economic growth.

2 N‑COUNT A slowdown is a protest in which workers deliberately work slowly and cause problems for their employers. [AM , BUSINESS ] □� It's impossible to assess how many officers are participating in the slowdown. in BRIT, use go-slow

slo w lane (slow lanes )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] On a motorway or freeway, theslow lane is the lane for vehicles which are moving more slowly than the other vehicles.

2 N‑SING If you say that a person, country, or company is in theslow lane , you mean that they are not progressing as fast as other people, countries, or companies in a particular area of activity. □� Meanwhile, the economy plods along on two tracks - the express lane for big companies, the slow lane for smaller ones.

slo w mo |tion also slow-motion N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] When film or television pictures are shown inslow motion , they are shown much more slowly than normal. □� It seemed almost as if he were falling in slow motion.

slo w-wi tted ADJ Someone who is slow-witted is slow to understand things.

sludge /slʌ dʒ/ (sludges ) N‑VAR Sludge is thick mud, sewage, or industrial waste. □� All dumping of sludge was banned.

slug /slʌ g/ (slugs , slugging , slugged )

1 N‑COUNT A slug is a small slow-moving creature with a long soft body and no legs, like a snail without a shell.

2 N‑COUNT If you take a slugof an alcoholic drink, you take a large mouthful of it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Edgar took a slug of his drink.

3 VERB If you slug someone, you hit them hard. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] She slugged her right in the face.

4 N‑COUNT A slug is a bullet. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

slug|ger /slʌ gə r / (sluggers ) N‑COUNT In baseball, a slugger is a player who hits the ball very hard. [AM ]

slug|gish /slʌ g I ʃ/ ADJ You can describe something as sluggish if it moves, works, or reacts much slower than you would like or is normal. □� The economy remains sluggish. □� Circulation is much more sluggish in the feet than in the hands.

sluice /sluː s/ (sluices , sluicing , sluiced )

1 N‑COUNT A sluice is a passage that carries a current of water and has a barrier, called a sluice gate, which can be opened and closed to control the flow of water.

2 VERB If you sluice something or sluice it down or out, you wash it with a stream of water. □�[V n] He sluiced the bath and filled it.

slum /slʌ m/ (slums ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A slum is an area of a city where living conditions are very bad and where the houses are in bad condition. □� �inner-city slums in the old cities of the north and east.

slum|ber /slʌ mbə r / (slumbers , slumbering , slumbered ) N‑VAR Slumber is sleep. [LITERARY ] □� He had fallen into exhausted slumber. □� He roused Charles from his slumbers. ●�VERB Slumber is also a verb. □�[V ] The older three girls are still slumbering peacefully.

slu m|ber par|ty (slumber parties ) N‑COUNT A slumber party is an occasion when a group of young friends spend the night together at the home of one of the group. [mainly AM ]

slump /slʌ mp/ (slumps , slumping , slumped )

1 VERB If something such as the value of something slumps , it falls suddenly and by a large amount. □�[V prep] Net profits slumped by 41%. □�[V prep] Government popularity in Scotland has slumped to its lowest level since the 1970s. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Slump is also a noun. □�[+�in ] �a slump in property prices.

2 N‑COUNT A slump is a time when many people in a country are unemployed and poor. □�[+�of ] �the slump of the early 1980s.

3 VERB If you slump somewhere, you fall or sit down there heavily, for example because you are very tired or you feel ill. □�[V prep/adv] She slumped into a chair. □�[V -ed] He saw the driver slumped over the wheel.

slung /slʌ ŋ/ Slung is the past tense and past participle of sling .

slunk /slʌ ŋk/ Slunk is the past tense and past participle of slink .

slur /slɜː r / (slurs , slurring , slurred )

1 N‑COUNT A slur is an insulting remark which could damage someone's reputation. □�[+�on ] This is yet another slur on the integrity of the Metropolitan Police.

2 VERB If someone slurs their speech or if their speech slurs , they do not pronounce each word clearly, because they are drunk, ill, or sleepy. □�[V n] He repeated himself and slurred his words more than usual. □�[V ] The newscaster's speech began to slur.

slurp /slɜː r p/ (slurps , slurping , slurped )

1 VERB If you slurp a liquid, you drink it noisily. □�[V n +�from/off ] He blew on his soup before slurping it off the spoon. □�[V adv n] He slurped down a cup of sweet, black coffee. [Also V n, V ]

2 N‑COUNT A slurp is a noise that you make with your mouth when you drink noisily, or a mouthful of liquid that you drink noisily. □� He takes a slurp from a cup of black coffee.

slur|ry /slʌ ri, [AM ] slɜː ri/ (slurries ) N‑VAR Slurry is a watery mixture of something such as mud, animal waste, or dust. □� �farm slurry and industrial waste.

slush /slʌ ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Slush is snow that has begun to melt and is therefore very wet and dirty. □� Becker's eyes were as cold and grey as the slush on the pavements outside.

slu sh fund (slush funds ) N‑COUNT A slush fund is a sum of money collected to pay for an illegal activity, especially in politics or business. □� He's accused of misusing $17.5 million from a secret government slush fund.

slushy /slʌ ʃi/ (slushier , slushiest )

1 ADJ Slushy ground is covered in dirty, wet snow. □� Here and there a drift across the road was wet and slushy.

2 ADJ If you describe a story or idea as slushy , you mean you dislike it because it is extremely romantic and sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ]

slut /slʌ t/ (sluts ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a woman as a slut when they consider her to be very immoral in her sexual behaviour. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

sly /sla I /

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sly look, expression, or remark shows that you know something that other people do not know or that was meant to be a secret. □� His lips were spread in a sly smile. ●� sly|ly ADV □� Anna grinned slyly.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as sly , you disapprove of them because they keep their feelings or intentions hidden and are clever at deceiving people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She is devious and sly and manipulative.

smack /sm� k/ (smacks , smacking , smacked )

1 VERB If you smack someone, you hit them with your hand. □�[V n] She smacked me on the side of the head. ●�N‑COUNT Smack is also a noun. □� Sometimes he just doesn't listen and I end up shouting at him or giving him a smack.

2 VERB If you smack something somewhere, you put it or throw it there so that it makes a loud, sharp noise. □�[V n adv/prep] He smacked his hands down on his knees. □�[V n adv/prep] The midfielder smacked the ball against a post.

3 VERB If one thing smacks of another thing that you consider bad, it reminds you of it or is like it. □�[V +�of ] The engineers' union was unhappy with the motion, saying it smacked of racism.

4 ADV Something that is smack in a particular place is exactly in that place. [INFORMAL ] □� In part that's because industry is smack in the middle of the city.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Smack is heroin. [INFORMAL ]

6 PHRASE If you smack your lips , you open and close your mouth noisily, especially before or after eating, to show that you are eager to eat or enjoyed eating. □� 'I really want some dessert,' Keaton says, smacking his lips.

small ◆◆◆ /smɔː l/ (smaller , smallest )

1 ADJ A small person, thing, or amount of something is not large in physical size. □�[+�for ] She is small for her age. □� The window was far too small for him to get through. □� Stick them on using a small amount of glue. ●� small|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Amy had not mentioned the smallness and bareness of Luis's home.

2 ADJ A small group or quantity consists of only a few people or things. □� A small group of students meets regularly to learn Japanese. □� Guns continued to be produced in small numbers.

3 ADJ A small child is a very young child. □� I have a wife and two small children. □� What were you like when you were small?

4 ADJ You use small to describe something that is not significant or great in degree. □� It's quite easy to make quite small changes to the way that you work. □� No detail was too small to escape her attention.

5 ADJ Small businesses or companies employ a small number of people and do business with a small number of clients. □� �shops, restaurants and other small businesses.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone makes you look or feel small , they make you look or feel stupid or ashamed. □� This may just be another of her schemes to make me look small.

7 N‑SING The small of your back is the bottom part of your back that curves in slightly. □�[+�of ] Place your hands on the small of your back and breathe in.

8 →�see also smalls

9the small hours →�see hour

10small wonder →�see wonder

sma ll ad (small ads ) N‑COUNT Thesmall ads in a newspaper are short advertisements in which you can advertise something such as an object for sale or a room to let. □� Prospective buyers should study the small ads in the daily newspaper.

sma ll arms N‑PLURAL Small arms are guns that are light and easy to carry. □� The two sides exchanged small arms fire for about three hours.

sma ll bee r N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is small beer , you mean that it is unimportant in comparison with something else. [BRIT ] □� Such roles are small beer compared with the fame she once enjoyed.

sma ll cha nge N‑UNCOUNT Small change is coins of low value. □� She was counting out 30p, mostly in small change, into my hand.

sma ll fry N‑UNCOUNT Small fry is used to refer to someone or something that is considered to be unimportant. □� What they owe to the tax people is small fry compared to the overall �1.2 million debt.

small|holder /smɔː lhoʊldə r / (smallholders ) N‑COUNT A smallholder is someone who has a smallholding. [BRIT ]

small|holding /smɔː lhoʊld I ŋ/ (smallholdings ) N‑COUNT A smallholding is a piece of land that is used for farming and is smaller than a normal farm. [BRIT ] □� A smallholding in the hills could not support a large family.

sma ll hou rs N‑PLURAL If something happens in thesmall hours , it happens soon after midnight, in the very early morning. □�[+�of ] They were arrested in the small hours of Saturday morning.

small|ish /smɔː l I ʃ/ ADJ Something that is smallish is fairly small. □� Some smallish firms may close.

sma ll-mi nded ADJ If you say that someone is small-minded , you are critical of them because they have fixed opinions and are unwilling to change them or to think about more general subjects. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �their small-minded preoccupation with making money.

small|pox /smɔː lpɒks/ N‑UNCOUNT Smallpox is a serious infectious disease that causes spots which leave deep marks on the skin.

sma ll pri nt N‑UNCOUNT Thesmall print of a contract or agreement is the part of it that is written in very small print. You refer to it as thesmall print especially when you think that it might include unfavourable conditions which someone might not notice or understand. □� Read the small print in your contract to find out exactly what you are insured for.

smalls /smɔː lz/ N‑PLURAL Your smalls are your underwear. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

sma ll-sca le ADJ [usu ADJ n] A small-scale activity or organization is small in size and limited in extent. □� �the small-scale production of farmhouse cheeses in Devon.

sma ll scree n N‑SING When people talk about the small screen , they are referring to television, in contrast to films that are made for the cinema. □� Now he is also to become a star of the small screen.

sma ll talk N‑UNCOUNT Small talk is polite conversation about unimportant things that people make at social occasions. □� Smiling for the cameras, the two men strained to make small talk.

sma ll-time ADJ If you refer to workers or businesses as small-time , you think they are not very important because their work is limited in extent or not very successful. □� �a small time crook.

sma ll to wn in BRIT, also use smalltown ADJ [usu ADJ n] Small town is used when referring to small places, usually in the United States, where people are friendly, honest, and polite, or to the people there. Small town is also sometimes used to suggest that someone has old-fashioned ideas. [mainly AM ] □� �an idealized small-town America of neat, middle-class homes.

smarmy /smɑː r mi/ (smarmier , smarmiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as smarmy , you dislike them because they are unpleasantly polite and flattering, usually because they want you to like them or to do something for them. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Rick is slightly smarmy and eager to impress.

smart ◆◇◇ /smɑː r t/ (smarter , smartest , smarts , smarting , smarted )

1 ADJ Smart people and things are pleasantly neat and clean in appearance. [mainly BRIT ] □� He was smart and well groomed but not good looking. □� I was dressed in a smart navy blue suit. □� �smart new offices. ●� smart|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He dressed very smartly which was important in those days. □� �a smartly-painted door. ●� smart|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The jumper strikes the perfect balance between comfort and smartness.

2 ADJ You can describe someone who is clever as smart . □� He thinks he's smarter than Sarah is. □� Buying expensive furniture is not necessarily the smartest move to make.

3 →�see also smartly , street smart

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A smart place or event is connected with wealthy and fashionable people. □� �smart London dinner parties. □� �a smart residential district.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Smart bombs and weapons are guided by computers and lasers so that they hit their targets accurately.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A smart device is able to do many of the things that a computer does, for example to connect to the internet and use software. □� Wirelessly linked to an internet-connected smart TV, the phone becomes a remote control.

7 VERB If a part of your body or a wound smarts , you feel a sharp stinging pain in it. □�[V ] My eyes smarted from the smoke.

8 VERB [usu cont] If you are smartingfrom something such as criticism or failure, you feel upset about it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�from ] Wilder is still smarting from a 3-0 defeat the last time the teams met.

9the smart money →�see money

sma rt a lec (smart alecs ) also smart aleck N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you describe someone as a smart alec , you dislike the fact that they think they are very clever and always have an answer for everything. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a fortyish smart-alec TV reporter.

sma rt a rse (smart arses ) The spellings smartarse in British English and smartass or smart-ass in American English are also used. N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you describe someone as a smart arse , you dislike the fact that they think they are very clever and like to show everyone this. [INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �smartass comments.

sma rt card (smart cards ) N‑COUNT A smart card is a plastic card which looks like a credit card and can store and process computer data.

sma rt dru g (smart drugs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Smart drugs are drugs which some people think can improve your memory and intelligence.

smart|en /smɑː r t ə n/ (smartens , smartening , smartened )

▸� smarten up PHRASAL VERB If you smartenyourself or a place up , you make yourself or the place look neater and tidier. □�[V P n] Russell, Bloomsbury and Bedford Squares have been very much smartened up. □�[V n P ] She had wisely smartened herself up. □�[V P ] �a medical student who refused to smarten up.

smart|ly /smɑː r tli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If someone moves or does something smartly , they do it quickly and neatly. [WRITTEN ] □� The housekeeper moved smartly to the desk to answer the call.

2 →�see also smart

sma rt phone (smart phones ) also smartphone N‑COUNT A smart phone is a type of mobile phone that can perform many of the operations that a computer does, such as accessing the internet.

smash ◆◇◇ /sm� ʃ/ (smashes , smashing , smashed )

1 VERB If you smash something or if it smashes , it breaks into many pieces, for example when it is hit or dropped. □�[V n] Someone smashed a bottle. □�[V +�into ] Two or three glasses fell off and smashed into pieces.

2 VERB If you smash through a wall, gate, or door, you get through it by hitting and breaking it. □�[V +�through ] The demonstrators used trucks to smash through the embassy gates. □�[V n +�into ] Soldiers smashed their way into his office.

3 VERB If something smashes or is smashed against something solid, it moves very fast and with great force against it. □�[V prep/adv] The bottle smashed against a wall. □�[V n prep] He smashed his fist into Anthony's face.

4 VERB To smash a political group or system means to deliberately destroy it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Their attempts to clean up politics and smash the power of party machines failed.

5 VERB If you smash something, you do it extremely well or successfully. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] We're really going to smash this task. □�[V it ] I didn't know she could sing like that. She smashed it.

6 →�see also smashed , smashing

▸� smash down PHRASAL VERB If you smash down a door, building, or other large heavy object, you hit it hard and break it until it falls on the ground. □�[V P n] The crowd tried to smash down the door of the police station. [Also V n P ]

▸� smash up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you smash something up , you completely destroy it by hitting it and breaking it into many pieces. □�[V P n] She took revenge on her ex-boyfriend by smashing up his home. □�[V n P ] You could smash the drawer up with a hammer.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you smash up your car, you damage it by crashing it into something. □�[V P n] All you told me was that he'd smashed up yet another car. [Also V n P ]

sma sh-and-gra b (smash-and-grabs ) also smash and grab N‑COUNT [oft N n] A smash-and-grab is a robbery in which a person breaks a shop window, takes the things that are on display there, and runs away with them. □� �a smash-and-grab raid.

smashed /sm� ʃt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is smashed is extremely drunk. [INFORMAL ]

sma sh hi t (smash hits ) N‑COUNT A smash hit or a smash is a very popular show, play, or song. □� The show was a smash hit.

smash|ing /sm� ʃ I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as smashing , you mean that you like them very much. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� She's a smashing girl.

smat|ter|ing /sm� tər I ŋ/ N‑SING [usu a N of n] Asmatteringof something is a very small amount of it. □�[+�of ] I had acquired a smattering of Greek.

smear /sm I ə r / (smears , smearing , smeared )

1 VERB If you smear a surface with an oily or sticky substance or smear the substance onto the surface, you spread a layer of the substance over the surface. □�[V n +�with ] My sister smeared herself with suntan oil and slept by the swimming pool. □�[V n prep] Smear a little olive oil over the inside of the salad bowl.

2 N‑COUNT A smear is a dirty or oily mark. □�[+�of ] There was a smear of gravy on his chin.

3 VERB To smear someone means to spread unpleasant and untrue rumours or accusations about them in order to damage their reputation. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] �an attempt to smear the Director-General of the BBC.

4 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A smear is an unpleasant and untrue rumour or accusation that is intended to damage someone's reputation. [JOURNALISM ] □� He puts all the accusations down to a smear campaign by his political opponents.

5 N‑COUNT A smear or a smear test is a medical test in which a few cells are taken from a woman's cervix and examined to see if any cancer cells are present. [BRIT ] in AM, use pap smear , pap test

smeared /sm I ə r d/ ADJ If something is smeared , it has dirty or oily marks on it. □�[+�with ] The other child's face was smeared with dirt.

smell ◆◇◇ /sme l/ (smells , smelling , smelled , smelt ) American English usually uses the form smelled as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either smelled or smelt . 1 N‑COUNT The smell of something is a quality it has which you become aware of when you breathe in through your nose. □�[+�of ] �the smell of freshly baked bread. □� �horrible smells.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Your sense of smell is the ability that your nose has to detect things. □� �people who lose their sense of smell.

3 V‑LINK If something smells in a particular way, it has a quality which you become aware of through your nose. □�[V +�of ] The room smelled of lemons. □�[V adj] It smells delicious. □�[V +�like ] �a crumbly black substance that smells like fresh soil. [Also V as if]

4 VERB If you say that something smells , you mean that it smells unpleasant. □�[V ] Ma threw that out. She said it smelled. □�[V ] Do my feet smell?

5 VERB If you smell something, you become aware of it when you breathe in through your nose. □�[V n] As soon as we opened the front door we could smell the gas.

6 VERB If you smell something, you put your nose near it and breathe in, so that you can discover its smell. □�[V n] I took a fresh rose out of the vase on our table, and smelled it.

7to smell a rat →�see rat

-smelling /-smel I ŋ/ COMB -smelling combines with adjectives to form adjectives which indicate how something smells. □� �sweet-smelling dried flowers. □� The city is covered by a foul-smelling cloud of smoke.

sme ll|ing salts N‑PLURAL A bottle of smelling salts contains a chemical with a strong smell which is used to help someone recover after they have fainted.

smelly /sme li/ (smellier , smelliest ) ADJ Something that is smelly has an unpleasant smell. □� He had extremely smelly feet.

smelt /sme lt/ (smelts , smelting , smelted )

1Smelt is a past tense and past participle of smell . [mainly BRIT ]

2 VERB To smelt a substance containing metal means to process it by heating it until it melts, so that the metal is extracted and changed chemically. □�[V n] Darby improved iron by smelting it with coke instead of charcoal.

smel|ter /sme ltə r / (smelters ) N‑COUNT A smelter is a container for smelting metal.

smid|gen /sm I dʒ I n/ (smidgens ) also smidgeon , smidgin N‑COUNT A smidgen is a small amount of something. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a smidgen of tobacco. □�[+�of ] �a smidgeon of luck.

smile ◆◆◇ /sma I l/ (smiles , smiling , smiled )

1 VERB When you smile , the corners of your mouth curve up and you sometimes show your teeth. People smile when they are pleased or amused, or when they are being friendly. □�[V ] When he saw me, he smiled and waved. □�[V +�at ] He rubbed the back of his neck and smiled ruefully at me. □�[V -ing] His smiling face appears on T-shirts, billboards, and posters.

2 N‑COUNT A smile is the expression that you have on your face when you smile. □� She gave a wry smile. □� 'There are some sandwiches if you're hungry,' she said with a smile.

3 VERB If you say that something such as fortune smileson someone, you mean that they are lucky or successful. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�on/upon ] When fortune smiled on him, he made the most of it.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone is all smiles , you mean that they look very happy, often when they have previously been worried or upset about something. SYNONYMS smile VERB 1

grin:He grins, delighted at the memory.

beam:Frances beamed at her friend with undisguised admiration.

smirk:Two men looked at me, nudged each other and smirked.

smi|ley /sma I li/ (smileys )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A smiley person smiles a lot or is smiling. [INFORMAL ] □� Two smiley babies are waiting for their lunch.

2 N‑COUNT A smiley is a symbol used in an email or a text to show how someone is feeling. :-) is a smiley showing happiness. [COMPUTING ]

smil|ing|ly /sma I l I ŋli/ ADV [ADV with v] If someone does something smilingly , they smile as they do it. [WRITTEN ] □� He opened the gate and smilingly welcomed the travellers home.

smirk /smɜː r k/ (smirks , smirking , smirked ) VERB If you smirk , you smile in an unpleasant way, often because you believe that you have gained an advantage over someone else or know something that they do not know. □�[V ] Two men looked at me, nudged each other and smirked.

smite /sma I t/ (smites , smiting , smote , smitten )

1 VERB To smite something means to hit it hard. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] �the heroic leader charging into battle, sword held high, ready to smite the enemy.

2 →�see also smitten

smith|er|eens /sm I �əriː nz/ N‑PLURAL [usu to N ] If something is smashed or blown tosmithereens , it breaks into very small pieces. □� She dropped the vase and smashed it to smithereens.

smithy /sm I �i/ (smithies ) N‑COUNT A smithy is a place where a blacksmith works.

smit|ten /sm I t ə n/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are smitten , you find someone so attractive that you are or seem to be in love with them. □�[+�with/by ] They were totally smitten with each other.

2Smitten is the past participle of smite .

smock /smɒ k/ (smocks )

1 N‑COUNT A smock is a loose garment, rather like a long blouse, usually worn by women. □� She was wearing wool slacks and a paisley smock.

2 N‑COUNT A smock is a loose garment worn by people such as artists to protect their clothing.

smocked /smɒ kt/ ADJ A smocked dress or top is decorated with smocking. □� She was pretty and young, in a loose smocked sundress.

smock|ing /smɒ k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Smocking is a decoration on tops and dresses which is made by gathering the material into folds using small stitches.

smog /smɒ g/ (smogs ) N‑VAR Smog is a mixture of fog and smoke which occurs in some busy industrial cities. □� Cars cause pollution, both smog and acid rain.

smog|gy /smɒ gi/ (smoggier , smoggiest ) ADJ A smoggy city or town is badly affected by smog. □� �the smoggy sprawl of Los Angeles.

smoke ◆◆◇ /smoʊ k/ (smokes , smoking , smoked )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Smoke consists of gas and small bits of solid material that are sent into the air when something burns. □� A cloud of black smoke blew over the city. □� The air was thick with smoke.

2 VERB If something is smoking , smoke is coming from it. □�[V ] The chimney was smoking fiercely. □�[V -ing] �a pile of smoking rubble.

3 VERB When someone smokes a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, they suck the smoke from it into their mouth and blow it out again. If you smoke , you regularly smoke cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe. □�[V n] He was sitting alone, smoking a big cigar. □�[V ] Do you smoke? ●�N‑SING Smoke is also a noun. □� Someone came out for a smoke. ●� smok|er (smokers ) N‑COUNT □� He was not a heavy smoker.

4 VERB [usu passive] If fish or meat is smoked , it is hung over burning wood so that the smoke preserves it and gives it a special flavour. □�[be V -ed] �the grid where the fish were being smoked. □�[V -ed] �smoked bacon.

5 →�see also smoked , smoking

6 PHRASE If someone says there's no smoke without fire or where there's smoke there's fire , they mean that there are rumours or signs that something is true so it must be at least partly true.

7 PHRASE If something goes up in smoke , it is destroyed by fire. □� More than 900 years of British history went up in smoke in the Great Fire of Windsor.

8 PHRASE If something that is very important to you goes up in smoke , it fails or ends without anything being achieved. □� Their dreams went up in smoke after the collapse of their travel agency.

▸� smoke out PHRASAL VERB If you smoke out someone who is hiding, you discover them and make them publicly known. □�[V n P ] The committee have tried dozens of different ways to smoke him out. □�[V P n] �technology to smoke out tax evaders.

smo ke alarm (smoke alarms ) also smoke detector N‑COUNT A smoke alarm or a smoke detector is a device fixed to the ceiling of a room which makes a loud noise if there is smoke in the air, to warn people.

smo ke bomb (smoke bombs ) N‑COUNT A smoke bomb is a bomb that produces clouds of smoke when it explodes.

smoked /smoʊ kt/

1 ADJ Smoked glass has been made darker by being treated with smoke. □� �a white van with smoked-glass windows.

2 →�see also smoke

smo ked sa lm|on N‑UNCOUNT Smoked salmon is the flesh of a salmon which is smoked and eaten raw.

smo ke-filled roo m (smoke-filled rooms ) N‑COUNT If you talk about a decision being made in a smoke-filled room , you mean that it is made by a small group of people in a private meeting, rather than in a more democratic or open way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �long discussions in smoke-filled rooms.

smoke|less /smoʊ kləs/ ADJ Smokeless fuel burns without producing smoke.

smoke|screen /smoʊ kskriːn/ (smokescreens ) also smoke screen N‑COUNT If something that you do or say is a smokescreen , it is intended to hide the truth about your activities or intentions. □� He was accused of putting up a smokescreen to hide poor standards in schools.

smo ke sig|nal (smoke signals ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If someone such as a politician or businessman sends out smoke signals , they give an indication of their views and intentions. This indication is often not clear and needs to be worked out. □�[+�from ] The smoke signals from the central bank suggest further cuts are coming.

smoke|stack /smoʊ kst�k/ (smokestacks ) N‑COUNT A smokestack is a very tall chimney that carries smoke away from a factory.

smo ke|stack in|dus|try (smokestack industries ) N‑COUNT A smokestack industry is a traditional industry such as heavy engineering or manufacturing, rather than a modern industry such as electronics. □� There has been a shift from smokestack industries into high-tech ones.

smok|ing ◆◇◇ /smoʊ k I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Smoking is the act or habit of smoking cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe. □� Smoking is now banned in many places of work. □� �a no-smoking area.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A smoking area is intended for people who want to smoke. □� �the decision to scrap smoking compartments on trains.

3 →�see also smoke , passive smoking

smo k|ing gu n (smoking guns ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A smoking gun is a piece of evidence that proves that something is true or that someone is responsible for a crime. [mainly AM , JOURNALISM ] □� The search for other kinds of evidence tying him to trafficking has not produced a smoking gun.

smoky /smoʊ ki/ (smokier , smokiest ) also smokey

1 ADJ A place that is smoky has a lot of smoke in the air. □� His main problem was the extremely smoky atmosphere at work.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use smoky to describe something that looks like smoke, for example because it is slightly blue or grey or because it is not clear. □� At the center of the dial is a piece of smoky glass.

3 ADJ Something that has a smoky flavour tastes as if it has been smoked. □� Cooking with the lid on gives the food that distinctive smoky flavour.

smol|der /smoʊ ldə r / →�see smoulder

smooch /smuː tʃ/ (smooches , smooching , smooched ) VERB If two people smooch , they kiss and hold each other closely. People sometimes smooch while they are dancing. □�[V +�with ] I smooched with him on the dance floor. □�[V ] The customers smooch and chat.

smooth ◆◇◇ /smuː �/ (smoother , smoothest , smooths , smoothing , smoothed )

1 ADJ A smooth surface has no roughness, lumps, or holes. □� �a rich cream that keeps skin soft and smooth. □� �a smooth surface such as glass. □� The flagstones beneath their feet were worn smooth by centuries of use.

2 ADJ A smooth liquid or mixture has been mixed well so that it has no lumps. □� Continue whisking until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

3 ADJ If you describe a drink such as wine, whisky, or coffee as smooth , you mean that it is not bitter and is pleasant to drink. □� This makes the coffee much smoother.

4 ADJ A smooth line or movement has no sudden breaks or changes in direction or speed. □� This exercise is done in one smooth motion. ●� smooth|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Make sure that you execute all movements smoothly and without jerking.

5 ADJ A smooth ride, flight, or sea crossing is very comfortable because there are no unpleasant movements. □� The active suspension system gives the car a very smooth ride.

6 ADJ You use smooth to describe something that is going well and is free of problems or trouble. □� Political hopes for a swift and smooth transition to democracy have been dashed. ●� smooth|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� So far, talks at GM have gone smoothly.

7 ADJ If you describe a man as smooth , you mean that he is extremely smart, confident, and polite, often in a way that you find rather unpleasant. □� Twelve extremely good-looking, smooth young men have been picked as finalists.

8 VERB If you smooth something, you move your hands over its surface to make it smooth and flat. □�[V n with adv] She stood up and smoothed down her frock. □�[V n] Bardo smoothed his moustache.

▸� smooth out PHRASAL VERB If you smooth out a problem or difficulty, you solve it, especially by talking to the people concerned. □�[V P n] Baker was smoothing out differences with European allies. □�[V n P ] It's O.K. I smoothed things out.

▸� smooth over PHRASAL VERB If you smooth over a problem or difficulty, you make it less serious and easier to deal with, especially by talking to the people concerned. □�[V P n] �an attempt to smooth over the violent splits that have occurred. □�[V n P ] The Chancellor is trying to smooth things over.

smoothie /smuː �i/ (smoothies )

1 N‑VAR A smoothie is a thick drink made from crushed fruit, sometimes with yogurt or ice cream added.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a man as a smoothie , you mean that he is extremely smart, confident, and polite, often in a way that you find rather unpleasant. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

smoo th-ta lking ADJ A smooth-talking man talks very confidently in a way that is likely to persuade people, but may not be sincere or honest. □� �the smooth-talking conman who has wrecked their lives.

smor|gas|bord /smɔː r gəsbɔː r d/

1 N‑SING Smorgasbord is a meal with a variety of hot and cold savoury dishes, from which people serve themselves.

2 N‑SING A smorgasbordof things is a number of different things that are combined together as a whole. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] �a smorgasbord of paintings and sculpture.

smote /smoʊ t/ Smote is the past tense of smite .

smoth|er /smʌ �ə r / (smothers , smothering , smothered )

1 VERB If you smother a fire, you cover it with something in order to put it out. □�[V n] The girl's parents were also burned as they tried to smother the flames.

2 VERB To smother someone means to kill them by covering their face with something so that they cannot breathe. □�[V n] A father was secretly filmed as he tried to smother his six-week-old son in hospital.

3 VERB Things that smother something cover it completely. □�[V n] Once the shrubs begin to smother the little plants, we have to move them.

4 VERB If you smother someone, you show your love for them too much and protect them too much. □�[V n] She loved her own children, almost smothering them with love.

5 VERB If you smother an emotion or a reaction, you control it so that people do not notice it. □�[V n] She summoned up all her pity for him, to smother her self-pity. □�[V -ed] �smothered giggles.

6 VERB If an activity or process is smothered , it is prevented from continuing or developing. □�[be V -ed] Intellectual life in France was smothered by the Occupation. □�[V n] The wrong structure aborts results and smothers even the best-directed efforts.

smoul|der /smoʊ ldə r / (smoulders , smouldering , smouldered ) in AM, use smolder1 VERB If something smoulders , it burns slowly, producing smoke but not flames. □�[V ] A number of buildings around the Parliament were still smouldering today.

2 VERB If a feeling such as anger or hatred smoulders inside you, you continue to feel it but do not show it. □�[V ] Baxter smouldered as he drove home for lunch.

3 VERB If you say that someone smoulders , you mean that they are sexually attractive, usually in a mysterious or very intense way. □�[V +�with ] The actress seems to smoulder with sexuality.

SMS /e s em e s/ N‑UNCOUNT SMS is a way of sending short written messages from one mobile phone to another. SMS is an abbreviation for 'short message system'.

smudge /smʌ dʒ/ (smudges , smudging , smudged )

1 N‑COUNT A smudge is a dirty mark. □� There was a dark smudge on his forehead. □� �smudges of blood.

2 VERB If you smudge a substance such as ink, paint, or make-up that has been put on a surface, you make it less neat by touching or rubbing it. □�[V n] Smudge the outline using a cotton-wool bud. □�[V -ed] Her lipstick was smudged. [Also V ]

3 VERB If you smudge a surface, you make it dirty by touching it and leaving a substance on it. □�[V n] She kissed me, careful not to smudge me with her fresh lipstick.

smudgy /smʌ dʒi/ (smudgier , smudgiest ) ADJ If something is smudgy , its outline is unclear. □� The hand-writing is smudgy. □� �smudgy photos.

smug /smʌ g/ ADJ If you say that someone is smug , you are criticizing the fact they seem very pleased with how good, clever, or lucky they are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Thomas and his wife looked at each other in smug satisfaction.

smug|gle /smʌ g ə l/ (smuggles , smuggling , smuggled ) VERB If someone smuggles things or people into a place or out of it, they take them there illegally or secretly. □�[V n] �speculation that the Arctic Sea is being used for smuggling weapons. □�[V n prep] The gang was allegedly smuggling migrants from Calais to Britain. □�[V n with adv] Had it really been impossible to find someone who could smuggle out a letter? ●� smug|gling N‑UNCOUNT □� An air hostess was arrested and charged with drug smuggling.

smug|gler /smʌ gələ r / (smugglers ) N‑COUNT Smugglers are people who take goods into or out of a country illegally. □� �drug smugglers. □� �people smugglers.

smut /smʌ t/ (smuts )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to words or pictures that are related to sex as smut , you disapprove of them because you think they are rude and unpleasant and have been said or published just to shock or excite people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �schoolboy smut.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Smut or smuts is dirt such as soot which makes a dirty mark on something.

smut|ty /smʌ ti/ (smuttier , smuttiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a joke, book, or film as smutty , you disapprove of it because it shows naked people or refers to sex in a rude or unpleasant way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �smutty jokes.

snack /sn� k/ (snacks , snacking , snacked )

1 N‑COUNT A snack is a simple meal that is quick to cook and to eat. □� Lunch was a snack in the fields.

2 N‑COUNT A snack is something such as a chocolate bar that you eat between meals. □� Do you eat sweets, cakes or sugary snacks?

3 VERB If you snack , you eat snacks between meals. □�[V +�on ] Instead of snacking on crisps and chocolate, nibble on celery or carrot.

sna ck bar (snack bars ) N‑COUNT A snack bar is a place where you can buy drinks and simple meals such as sandwiches.

snaf|fle /sn� f ə l/ (snaffles , snaffling , snaffled )

1 N‑COUNT A snaffle is an object consisting of two short joined bars of metal that is put in a horse's mouth and attached to the straps that the rider uses to control the horse.

2 VERB If you snaffle something, you take it for yourself. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Michael Stich then proceeded to snaffle the $2 million first prize.

snag /sn� g/ (snags , snagging , snagged )

1 N‑COUNT A snag is a small problem or disadvantage. □� A police clampdown on car thieves hit a snag when villains stole one of their cars.

2 VERB If you snag part of your clothing on a sharp or rough object or if it snags , it gets caught on the object and tears. □�[V n +�on ] She snagged a heel on a root and tumbled to the ground. □�[V n] Brambles snagged his suit. □�[V +�on ] Local fishermen's nets kept snagging on underwater objects.

snail /sne I l/ (snails )

1 N‑COUNT A snail is a small animal with a long, soft body, no legs, and a spiral-shaped shell. Snails move very slowly.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone does something at a snail's pace , you are emphasizing that they are doing it very slowly, usually when you think it would be better if they did it much more quickly. [EMPHASIS ] □� The train was moving now at a snail's pace.

snai l mail N‑UNCOUNT Some computer users refer to the postal system as snail mail , because it is very slow in comparison with email.

snake /sne I k/ (snakes , snaking , snaked )

1 N‑COUNT A snake is a long, thin reptile without legs.

2 VERB Something that snakes in a particular direction goes in that direction in a line with a lot of bends. [LITERARY ] □�[V prep/adv] The road snaked through forested mountains.

snake|bite /sne I kba I t/ (snakebites ) also snake bite N‑VAR A snakebite is the bite of a snake, especially a poisonous one.

sna ke charm|er (snake charmers ) also snake-charmers N‑COUNT A snake charmer is a person who entertains people by controlling the behaviour of a snake, for example by playing music and causing the snake to rise out of a basket and drop back in again.

sna kes and la d|ders N‑UNCOUNT Snakes and ladders is a British children's game played with a board and dice. When you go up a ladder, you progress quickly. When you go down a snake, you go backwards.

snake|skin /sne I ksk I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Snakeskin is the skin of snakes used to make shoes and clothes.

snap ◆◇◇ /sn� p/ (snaps , snapping , snapped )

1 VERB If something snaps or if you snap it, it breaks suddenly, usually with a sharp cracking noise. □�[V ] He shifted his weight and a twig snapped. □�[V adv/prep] The brake pedal had just snapped off. □�[V n adv/prep] She gripped the pipe with both hands, trying to snap it in half. [Also V n] ●�N‑SING Snap is also a noun. □� Every minute or so I could hear a snap, a crack and a crash as another tree went down.

2 VERB If you snap something into a particular position, or if it snaps into that position, it moves quickly into that position, with a sharp sound. □�[V n adv/prep] He snapped the notebook shut. □�[V adv] The bag snapped open. ●�N‑SING Snap is also a noun. □� He shut the book with a snap and stood up.

3 VERB If you snap your fingers , you make a sharp sound by moving your middle finger quickly across your thumb, for example in order to accompany music or to order someone to do something. □�[V n] She had millions of listeners snapping their fingers to her first single. ●�N‑SING Snap is also a noun. □�[+�of ] I could obtain with the snap of my fingers anything I chose.

4 VERB If someone snapsat you, they speak to you in a sharp, unfriendly way. □�[V with quote] 'Of course I don't know her,' Roger snapped. □�[V +�at ] I'm sorry, Casey, I didn't mean to snap at you like that.

5 VERB If someone snaps , or if something snaps inside them, they suddenly stop being calm and become very angry because the situation has become too tense or too difficult for them. □�[V ] He finally snapped when she prevented their children from visiting him one weekend.

6 VERB If an animal such as a dog snapsat you, it opens and shuts its jaws quickly near you, as if it were going to bite you. □�[V +�at ] His teeth clicked as he snapped at my ankle. □�[V ] The poodle yapped and snapped.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] A snap decision or action is one that is taken suddenly, often without careful thought. □� I think this is too important for a snap decision.

8 N‑COUNT A snap is a photograph. [INFORMAL ] □� �a snap my mother took last year.

9 VERB If you snap someone or something, you take a photograph of them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He was the first ever non-British photographer to be invited to snap a royal.

10 →�see also cold snap

▸� snap out of PHRASAL VERB If someone who is depressed snaps out of it or snaps out of their depression, they suddenly become more cheerful, especially by making an effort. □�[V P P n] Come on, snap out of it! □�[V P P n] Often a patient cannot snap out of their negativity that easily.

▸� snap up PHRASAL VERB If you snap something up , you buy it quickly because it is cheap or is just what you want. □�[V n P ] Every time we get a new delivery of clothes, people are queuing to snap them up. □�[V P n] One eagle-eyed collector snapped up a pair of designer earrings for just �6.

snap|dragon /sn� pdr�gən/ (snapdragons ) N‑COUNT A snapdragon is a common garden plant with small colourful flowers that can open and shut like a mouth.

sna p fas|ten|er (snap fasteners ) N‑COUNT A snap fastener is a small metal object used to fasten clothes, made up of two parts which can be pressed together. [AM ] in BRIT, use press stud , popper

snap|per /sn� pə r / (snappers or snapper ) N‑COUNT A snapper is a fish that has sharp teeth and lives in warm seas. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Snapper is this fish eaten as food.

snap|pish /sn� p I ʃ/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is snappish , they speak to people in a sharp, unfriendly manner. □� 'That is beautiful, Tony,' Momma said, no longer sounding at all snappish. ●� snap|pish|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She said snappishly, 'I'm not pregnant, Brian.'

snap|py /sn� pi/ (snappier , snappiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a snappy style of speaking, they speak in a quick, clever, brief, and often funny way. □� Each film gets a snappy two-line summary.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone is a snappy dresser or if they wear snappy clothes, they wear smart, stylish clothes. □� She has already made a name for herself as a snappy dresser.

snap|shot /sn� pʃɒt/ (snapshots )

1 N‑COUNT A snapshot is a photograph that is taken quickly and casually.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something provides you with a snapshotof a place or situation, it gives you a brief idea of what that place or situation is like. □�[+�of ] The interviews present a remarkable snapshot of our country in these dark days of recession.

snare /sneə r / (snares , snaring , snared )

1 N‑COUNT A snare is a trap for catching birds or small animals. It consists of a loop of wire or rope which pulls tight around the animal.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a situation as a snare , you mean that it is a trap from which it is difficult to escape. [FORMAL ] □� Given data which are free from bias there are further snares to avoid in statistical work.

3 VERB If someone snares an animal, they catch it using a snare. □�[V n] He'd snared a rabbit earlier in the day.

sna re drum (snare drums ) N‑COUNT A snare drum is a small drum used in orchestras and bands. Snare drums are usually played with wooden sticks, and make a continuous sound.

snarl /snɑː r l/ (snarls , snarling , snarled )

1 VERB When an animal snarls , it makes a fierce, rough sound in its throat while showing its teeth. □�[V ] He raced ahead up into the bush, barking and snarling. □�[V +�at ] The dogs snarled at the intruders. ●�N‑COUNT Snarl is also a noun. □� With a snarl, the second dog made a dive for his heel.

2 VERB If you snarl something, you say it in a fierce, angry way. □�[V with quote] 'Let go of me,' he snarled. □�[V +�at ] I vaguely remember snarling at someone who stepped on my foot. □�[V n] 'Aubrey.' Hyde seemed almost to snarl the name. ●�N‑COUNT Snarl is also a noun. □� His eyes flashed, and his lips were drawn back in a furious snarl.

3 N‑COUNT A snarl is a disorganized mass of things. □�[+�of ] She was tangled in a snarl of logs and branches.

sna rl-up (snarl-ups ) N‑COUNT A snarl-up is a disorganized situation such as a traffic jam, in which things are unable to move or work normally. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

snatch /sn� tʃ/ (snatches , snatching , snatched )

1 VERB If you snatch something or snatchat something, you take it or pull it away quickly. □�[V n prep] Mick snatched the cards from Archie's hand. □�[V n with adv] He snatched up the phone. □�[V +�at ] The thin wind snatched at her skirt.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is snatched from you, it is stolen, usually using force. If a person is snatched , they are taken away by force. □�[be V -ed] If your bag is snatched, let it go.

3 VERB If you snatch an opportunity, you take it quickly. If you snatch something to eat or a rest, you have it quickly in between doing other things. □�[V n] I snatched a glance at the mirror. □�[V n] You can even snatch a few hours off.

4 VERB If you snatch victory in a competition, you defeat your opponent by a small amount or just before the end of the contest. □�[V n] The American came from behind to snatch victory by a mere eight seconds.

5 N‑COUNT A snatchof a conversation or a song is a very small piece of it. □�[+�of ] I heard snatches of the conversation.

snaz|zy /sn� zi/ (snazzier , snazziest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is snazzy is stylish and attractive, often in a rather bright or noticeable way. [INFORMAL ] □� �a snazzy new Porsche.

sneak /sniː k/ (sneaks , sneaking , sneaked ) The form snuck is also used in American English for the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you sneak somewhere, you go there very quietly on foot, trying to avoid being seen or heard. □�[V adv/prep] Sometimes he would sneak out of his house late at night to be with me.

2 VERB If you sneak something somewhere, you take it there secretly. □�[V n prep/adv] He smuggled papers out each day, photocopied them, and snuck them back. □�[V n n] He reckons he can sneak you some free nachos.

3 VERB If you sneak a look at someone or something, you secretly have a quick look at them. □�[V n prep] You sneak a look at your watch to see how long you've got to wait.

4 →�see also sneaking

▸� sneak up on

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone sneaks up on you, they try and approach you without being seen or heard, perhaps to surprise you or do you harm. □�[V P P n] I managed to sneak up on him when you knocked on the door.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something sneaks up on you, it happens or occurs when you are not expecting it. □�[V P P n] Sometimes our expectations sneak up on us unawares.

sneak|er /sniː kə r / (sneakers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sneakers are casual shoes with rubber soles. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use trainers

sneak|ing /sniː k I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A sneaking feeling is a slight or vague feeling, especially one that you are unwilling to accept. □� I have a sneaking suspicion that they are going to succeed.

snea k pre |view (sneak previews ) N‑COUNT A sneak previewof something is an unofficial opportunity to have a look at it before it is officially published or shown to the public.

sneaky /sniː ki/ (sneakier , sneakiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as sneaky , you disapprove of them because they do things secretly rather than openly. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is a sneaky and underhand way of doing business.

sneer /sn I ə r / (sneers , sneering , sneered ) VERB If you sneerat someone or something, you express your contempt for them by the expression on your face or by what you say. □�[V +�at ] There is too great a readiness to sneer at anything the Opposition does. □�[V with quote] 'Hypocrite,' he sneered. [Also V that] ●�N‑COUNT Sneer is also a noun. □� Canete's mouth twisted in a contemptuous sneer.

sneer|ing|ly /sn I ə r I ŋli/ ADV To refer sneeringly to someone or something means to refer to them in a way that shows your contempt for them. [WRITTEN ] □� They were sneeringly dismissive.

sneeze /sniː z/ (sneezes , sneezing , sneezed )

1 VERB When you sneeze , you suddenly take in your breath and then blow it down your nose noisily without being able to stop yourself, for example because you have a cold. □�[V ] What exactly happens when we sneeze? ●�N‑COUNT Sneeze is also a noun. □� Coughs and sneezes spread infections.

2 PHRASE If you say that something is not to be sneezed at , you mean that it is worth having. [INFORMAL ] □� The money's not to be sneezed at.

snick|er /sn I kə r / (snickers , snickering , snickered ) VERB If you snicker , you laugh quietly in a disrespectful way, for example at something rude or embarrassing. □�[V +�at ] We all snickered at Mrs. Swenson. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Snicker is also a noun. □� �a chorus of jeers and snickers.

snide /sna I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A snide comment or remark is one which criticizes someone in an unkind and often indirect way. □� He made a snide comment about her weight.

sniff /sn I f/ (sniffs , sniffing , sniffed )

1 VERB When you sniff , you breathe in air through your nose hard enough to make a sound, for example when you are trying not to cry, or in order to show disapproval. □�[V ] She wiped her face and sniffed loudly. □�[V ] Then he sniffed. There was a smell of burning. □�[V n with adv] He sniffed back the tears. ●�N‑COUNT Sniff is also a noun. □� At last the sobs ceased, to be replaced by sniffs.

2 VERB If you sniff something or sniff at it, you smell it by sniffing. □�[V n] Suddenly, he stopped and sniffed the air. □�[V +�at ] She sniffed at it suspiciously.

3 VERB You can use sniff to indicate that someone says something in a way that shows their disapproval or contempt. □�[V with quote] 'Tourists!' she sniffed.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you say that something is not to be sniffed at , you think it is very good or worth having. If someone sniffs at something, they do not think it is good enough, or they express their contempt for it. □�[be V -ed +�at ] The salary was not to be sniffed at either. □�[V +�at ] Foreign Office sources sniffed at reports that British troops might be sent.

5 VERB If someone sniffs a substance such as glue, they deliberately breathe in the substance or the gases from it as a drug. □�[V n] He felt light-headed, as if he'd sniffed glue. ●� sniff|er (sniffers ) N‑COUNT □� �teenage glue sniffers.

6 N‑SING If you get a sniffof something, you learn or guess that it might be happening or might be near. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] You know what they'll be like if they get a sniff of a murder investigation. □� Have the Press got a sniff yet? □�[+�of ] Then, at the first sniff of danger, he was back at his post.

▸� sniff around in BRIT, also use sniff about , sniff round1 PHRASAL VERB If a person is sniffing around , they are trying to find out information about something, especially information that someone else does not want known. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] But really, what harm could it possibly do to pop down there and just sniff around? □�[V P n] A couple of plain-clothes men had been sniffing round his apartment.

2 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If a person or organization is sniffing around someone, they are trying to get them, for example as a lover, employee, or client. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] When I went away, I was convinced that other men would be sniffing round her.

▸� sniff out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you sniff out something, you discover it after some searching. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] �journalists who are trained to sniff out sensation or scandal. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB When a dog used by a group such as the police sniffs out hidden explosives or drugs, it finds them using its sense of smell. □�[V P n] A police dog, trained to sniff out explosives, found evidence of a bomb in the apartment. [Also V n P ]

▸� sniff round →�see sniff around

sni ff|er dog (sniffer dogs ) N‑COUNT A sniffer dog is a dog used by the police or army to find explosives or drugs by their smell.

snif|fle /sn I f ə l/ (sniffles , sniffling , sniffled )

1 VERB If you sniffle , you keep sniffing, usually because you are crying or have a cold. □�[V ] 'Please don't yell at me.' She began to sniffle.

2 N‑COUNT A sniffle is a slight cold. You can also say that someone has the sniffles . [INFORMAL ]

snif|fy /sn I fi/ (sniffier , sniffiest ) ADJ Someone who is sniffyabout something does not think it is of high quality, perhaps unfairly. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] Some people are a bit sniffy about television.

snif|ter /sn I ftə r / (snifters )

1 N‑COUNT A snifter is a small amount of an alcoholic drink. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A snifter is a bowl-shaped glass used for drinking brandy. [AM ]

snig|ger /sn I gə r / (sniggers , sniggering , sniggered ) VERB If someone sniggers , they laugh quietly in a disrespectful way, for example at something rude or unkind. □�[V ] Suddenly, three schoolkids sitting near me started sniggering. [Also V about n] ●�N‑COUNT Snigger is also a noun. □� �trying to suppress a snigger.

snip /sn I p/ (snips , snipping , snipped )

1 VERB If you snip something, or if you snip at or through something, you cut it quickly using sharp scissors. □�[V adv/prep] He has now begun to snip away at the piece of paper. □�[V n] He snipped a length of new bandage and placed it around Peter's chest.

2 N‑SING If you say that something is a snip , you mean that it is very good value. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The beautifully made briefcase is a snip at �74.25.

snipe /sna I p/ (snipes , sniping , sniped )

1 VERB If someone snipesat you, they criticize you. □�[V +�at ] The Spanish media were still sniping at the British press yesterday. ●� snip|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� This leaves him vulnerable to sniping from within his own party.

2 VERB To snipeat someone means to shoot at them from a hidden position. □�[V +�at ] Gunmen have repeatedly sniped at U.S. Army positions. □�[V -ing] A member of the security forces was killed in a sniping incident.

snip|er /sna I pə r / (snipers ) N‑COUNT A sniper is someone who shoots at people from a hidden position.

snip|pet /sn I p I t/ (snippets ) N‑COUNT A snippetof something is a small piece of it. □�[+�of ] �snippets of popular classical music.

snitch /sn I tʃ/ (snitches , snitching , snitched )

1 VERB To snitchon a person means to tell someone in authority that the person has done something bad or wrong. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�on ] She felt like a fifth-grader who had snitched on a classmate. [Also V ]

2 N‑COUNT A snitch is a person who snitches on other people. [INFORMAL ]

sniv|el /sn I v ə l/ (snivels , snivelling , snivelled ) in AM, use sniveling , sniveled VERB If someone is snivelling , they are crying or sniffing in a way that irritates you. □�[V ] Billy started to snivel. His mother smacked his hand.

snob /snɒ b/ (snobs )

1 N‑COUNT If you call someone a snob , you disapprove of them because they admire upper-class people and have a low opinion of lower-class people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Going to a private school had made her a snob.

2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a snob , you disapprove of them because they behave as if they are superior to other people because of their intelligence or taste. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� She was an intellectual snob.

snob|bery /snɒ bəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Snobbery is the attitude of a snob.

snob|bish /snɒ b I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe someone as snobbish , you disapprove of them because they are too proud of their social status, intelligence, or taste. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They had a snobbish dislike for their intellectual and social inferiors.

snob|by /snɒ bi/ (snobbier , snobbiest ) ADJ Snobby means the same as snobbish .

snog /snɒ g/ (snogs , snogging , snogged ) VERB If one person snogs another, they kiss and hold that person for a period of time. You can also say that two people are snogging . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I'm 15 and I've never snogged a girl. □�[V ] They were snogging under a bridge. ●�N‑COUNT Snog is also a noun. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� They went for a quick snog behind the bike sheds.

snook /snuː k/ PHRASE If you cock a snook at someone in authority or at an organization, you do something that they cannot punish you for, but which insults them or expresses your contempt. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� Tories cocked a snook at their prime minister over this legislation.

snook|er /snuː kə r , [AM ] snʊ k-/ (snookers , snookering , snookered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Snooker is a game involving balls on a large table. The players use a long stick to hit a white ball, and score points by knocking coloured balls into the pockets at the sides of the table. □� �a game of snooker. □� They were playing snooker.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are snookered by something, it is difficult or impossible for you to take action or do what you want to do. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The President has been snookered on this issue.

snoop /snuː p/ (snoops , snooping , snooped )

1 VERB If someone snoops around a place, they secretly look around it in order to find out things. □�[V adv/prep] Ricardo was the one she'd seen snooping around Kim's hotel room. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Snoop is also a noun. □� The second house that he had a snoop around contained 'strong simple furniture'. ●� snoop|er (snoopers ) N‑COUNT □� The island's strange lack of street names is meant to dissuade journalistic snoopers.

2 VERB If someone snoops on a person, they watch them secretly in order to find out things about their life. □�[V +�on ] Governments have been known to snoop on innocent citizens.

snooty /snuː ti/ (snootier , snootiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is snooty , you disapprove of them because they behave as if they are superior to other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �snooty intellectuals.

snooze /snuː z/ (snoozes , snoozing , snoozed )

1 N‑COUNT A snooze is a short, light sleep, especially during the day. [INFORMAL ]

2 VERB If you snooze , you sleep lightly for a short period of time. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] Mark snoozed in front of the television.

snore /snɔː r / (snores , snoring , snored ) VERB When someone who is asleep snores , they make a loud noise each time they breathe. □�[V ] His mouth was open, and he was snoring. ●�N‑COUNT Snore is also a noun. □� Uncle Arthur, after a loud snore, woke suddenly.

snor|kel /snɔː r k ə l/ (snorkels , snorkelling , snorkelled ) in AM, use snorkeling , snorkeled1 N‑COUNT A snorkel is a tube through which a person swimming just under the surface of the sea can breathe.

2 VERB When someone snorkels , they swim under water using a snorkel. □�[V ] We went snorkelling, and then returned for lunch.

snort /snɔː r t/ (snorts , snorting , snorted )

1 VERB When people or animals snort , they breathe air noisily out through their noses. People sometimes snort in order to express disapproval or amusement. □�[V +�with ] Harrell snorted with laughter. □�[V ] He snorted loudly and shook his head. ●�N‑COUNT Snort is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �snorts of laughter. □� He turned away with a snort.

2 VERB If someone snorts something, they say it in a way that shows contempt. □�[V with quote] 'Reports,' he snorted. 'Anyone can write reports.'

3 VERB To snort a drug such as cocaine means to breathe it in quickly through your nose. □�[V n] He died of cardiac arrest after snorting cocaine.

snot /snɒ t/ N‑UNCOUNT Snot is the substance that is produced inside your nose. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

snot|ty /snɒ ti/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is snotty produces or is covered in snot. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □� He suffered from a snotty nose, runny eyes and a slight cough.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as snotty , you disapprove of them because they have a very proud and superior attitude to other people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �snotty college kids.

snout /snaʊ t/ (snouts ) N‑COUNT The snout of an animal such as a pig is its long nose. □� Two alligators rest their snouts on the water's surface.

snow ◆◇◇ /snoʊ / (snows , snowing , snowed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Snow consists of a lot of soft white bits of frozen water that fall from the sky in cold weather. □� In Mid-Wales six inches of snow blocked roads. □� They tramped through the falling snow.

2 N‑PLURAL You can refer to a great deal of snow in an area as the snows . □� �the first snows of winter.

3 VERB When it snows , snow falls from the sky. □�[V ] It had been snowing all night.

4 VERB If someone snows you, they persuade you to do something or convince you of something by flattering or deceiving you. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I'd been a fool letting him snow me with his big ideas.

5 →�see also snowed in , snowed under

snow|ball /snoʊ bɔːl/ (snowballs , snowballing , snowballed )

1 N‑COUNT A snowball is a ball of snow. Children often throw snowballs at each other.

2 VERB If something such as a project or campaign snowballs , it rapidly increases and grows. □�[V ] From those early days the business has snowballed.

snow|board /snoʊ bɔː r d/ (snowboards ) N‑COUNT A snowboard is a narrow board that you stand on in order to slide quickly down snowy slopes as a sport or for fun.

snow|board|ing /snoʊ bɔː r d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Snowboarding is the sport or activity of travelling down snowy slopes using a snowboard. □� New snowboarding facilities should attract more people.

snow|bound /snoʊ baʊnd/ ADJ If people or vehicles are snowbound , they cannot go anywhere because of heavy snow. □� The village became snowbound.

sno w-capped ADJ [ADJ n] A snow-capped mountain is covered with snow at the top. [LITERARY ] □� �the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

sno w-covered ADJ [usu ADJ n] Snow-covered places and things are covered over with snow. □� �a Swiss chalet set in the snow-covered hills.

snow|drift /snoʊ dr I ft/ (snowdrifts ) N‑COUNT A snowdrift is a deep pile of snow formed by the wind.

snow|drop /snoʊ drɒp/ (snowdrops ) N‑COUNT A snowdrop is a small white flower which appears in the early spring.

sno wed i n ADJ If you are snowed in , you cannot go anywhere because of heavy snow. □� We may all be snowed in here together for days.

sno wed u n|der ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are snowed under , you are emphasizing that you have a lot of work or other things to deal with. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�with ] Ed was snowed under with fan mail when he was doing his television show.

snow|fall /snoʊ fɔːl/ (snowfalls )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The snowfall in an area or country is the amount of snow that falls there during a particular period. □� The total rain and snowfall amounted to 50mm.

2 N‑COUNT A snowfall is a fall of snow.

snow|field /snoʊ fiːld/ (snowfields ) N‑COUNT A snowfield is a large area which is always covered in snow.

snow|flake /snoʊ fle I k/ (snowflakes ) N‑COUNT A snowflake is one of the soft, white bits of frozen water that fall as snow.

snow|man /snoʊ m�n/ (snowmen ) N‑COUNT A snowman is a large shape which is made out of snow, especially by children, and is supposed to look like a person.

snow|mobile /snoʊ məbiːl/ (snowmobiles ) N‑COUNT A snowmobile is a small vehicle built to move across snow and ice.

sno w pea (snow peas ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Snow peas are a type of pea whose pods are eaten as well as the peas inside them. [AM , AUSTRALIAN ] in BRIT, use mangetout

snow|plough /snoʊ plaʊ/ (snowploughs ) in AM, use snowplow N‑COUNT A snowplough is a vehicle which is used to push snow off roads or railway lines.

snow|shoe /snoʊ ʃuː/ (snowshoes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Snowshoes are oval frames which have a strong net stretched across them and which you fasten to your feet so that you can walk on deep snow.

snow|storm /snoʊ stɔː r m/ (snowstorms ) N‑COUNT A snowstorm is a very heavy fall of snow, usually when there is also a strong wind blowing at the same time.

sno w-whi te ADJ Something that is snow-white is of a bright white colour. □� His hair was snow white like an old man's.

snowy /snoʊ i/ (snowier , snowiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A snowy place is covered in snow. A snowy day is a day when a lot of snow has fallen. □� �the snowy peaks of the Bighorn Mountains.

SnrSnr is the written abbreviation for senior . It is used after someone's name to distinguish them from a younger member of their family who has the same name. [mainly BRIT ] □� �Robert Trent Jones, Snr. in AM, use Sr.

snub /snʌ b/ (snubs , snubbing , snubbed )

1 VERB If you snub someone, you deliberately insult them by ignoring them or by behaving or speaking rudely towards them. □�[V n] He snubbed her in public and made her feel an idiot.

2 N‑COUNT If you snub someone, your behaviour or your remarks can be referred to as a snub . □� His decision not to attend the opening was seen as a snub to the club's hierarchy.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone who has a snub nose has a short nose which points slightly upwards.

snuck /snʌ k/ Snuck is a past tense and past participle of sneak in American English.

snuff /snʌ f/ (snuffs , snuffing , snuffed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Snuff is powdered tobacco which people take by breathing it in quickly through their nose.

2 VERB If someone snuffs it , they die. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V it ] He thought he was about to snuff it.

▸� snuff out

1 PHRASAL VERB To snuff out something such as a disagreement means to stop it, usually in a forceful or sudden way. □�[V n P ] Every time a new flicker of resistance appeared, the government snuffed it out. □�[V P n] The recent rebound in mortgage rates could snuff out the housing recovery.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you snuff out a small flame, you stop it burning, usually by using your fingers or by covering it with something for a few seconds. □�[V P n] Tenzin snuffed out the candle. [Also V n P ]

snuf|fle /snʌ f ə l/ (snuffles , snuffling , snuffled ) VERB If a person or an animal snuffles , they breathe in noisily through their nose, for example because they have a cold. □�[V ] She snuffled and wiped her nose on the back of her hand.

snug /snʌ g/ (snugger , snuggest )

1 ADJ If you feel snug or are in a snug place, you are very warm and comfortable, especially because you are protected from cold weather. □� They lay snug and warm amid the blankets. □� �a snug log cabin.

2 ADJ Something such as a piece of clothing that is snug fits very closely or tightly. □� �a snug black T-shirt and skin-tight black jeans.

3 N‑COUNT A snug is a small room in a pub.

snug|gle /snʌ g ə l/ (snuggles , snuggling , snuggled ) VERB If you snuggle somewhere, you settle yourself into a warm, comfortable position, especially by moving closer to another person. □�[V adv/prep] Jane snuggled up against his shoulder.

so ◆◆◆ /soʊ / Usually pronounced /soʊ/ for meanings 1 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 16 and 17 . 1 ADV [ADV after v] You use so to refer back to something that has just been mentioned. □� 'Do you think that made much of a difference to the family?'�'I think so.' □� If you can't play straight, then say so. □� 'Is he the kind of man who can be as flexible as he needs to be?'�' Well, I hope so.'

2 ADV You use so when you are saying that something which has just been said about one person or thing is also true of another one. □� I enjoy Ann's company and so does Martin. □� They had a wonderful time and so did I.

3 CONJ You use the structures as�so and just as�so when you want to indicate that two events or situations are similar in some way. □� As computer systems become more sophisticated, so too do the methods of those who exploit the technology. □� Just as John has changed, so has his wife.

4 ADV [v-link ADV ] If you say that a state of affairs is so , you mean that it is the way it has been described. □� Gold has been a poor investment over the past 20 years, and will continue to be so. □� It is strange to think that he held strong views, but it must have been so.

5 ADV [ADV after v] You can use so with actions and gestures to show a person how to do something, or to indicate the size, height, or length of something. □� Clasp the chain like so.

6 CONJ You use so and so that to introduce the result of the situation you have just mentioned. □� I am not an emotional type and so cannot bring myself to tell him I love him. □� Duvet covers are usually made from cotton, so they can be easily washed. □� There was snow everywhere, so that the shape of things was difficult to identify.

7 CONJ You use so , so that , and so as to introduce the reason for doing the thing that you have just mentioned. □� Come to my suite so I can tell you all about this wonderful play I saw in Boston. □� He took her arm and hurried her upstairs so that they wouldn't be overheard. □� I was beginning to feel alarm, but kept it to myself so as not to worry our two friends.

8 ADV You can use so in stories and accounts to introduce the next event in a series of events or to suggest a connection between two events. □� The woman asked if he could perhaps mend her fences, and so he stayed. □� I thought, 'Here's someone who'll understand me.' So I wrote to her. □� And so Christmas passed.

9 ADV You can use so in conversations to introduce a new topic, or to introduce a question or comment about something that has been said. □� So how was your day? □� So you're a runner, huh? □� So, as I said to you, natural medicine is also known as holistic medicine. □� And so, to answer your question, that's why your mother is disappointed. □� 'I didn't find him funny at all.'�'So you won't watch the show again then?'

10 ADV You can use so in conversations to show that you are accepting what someone has just said. □� 'It makes me feel, well, important.'�'And so you are.' □� 'You know who Diana was, Grandfather.'�'So I do!' □� 'Why, this is nothing but common vegetable soup!'�'So it is, madam.'

11 CONVENTION You say ' So? ' and ' So what? ' to indicate that you think that something that someone has said is unimportant. [INFORMAL ] □� 'My name's Bruno.'�'So?' □� 'You take a chance on the weather if you holiday in the U.K.'�'So what?'

12 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use so in front of adjectives and adverbs to emphasize the quality that they are describing. [EMPHASIS ] □� He was surprised they had married�they had seemed so different. □� What is so compromising about being an employee of the state?

13 ADV [ADV adj that] You can use so�that and so�as to emphasize the degree of something by mentioning the result or consequence of it. [EMPHASIS ] □� The tears were streaming so fast she could not see. □� The deal seems so attractive it would be ridiculous to say no. □� He's not so daft as to listen to rumours.

14 →�see also insofar as

15 PHRASE You use and so on or and so forth at the end of a list to indicate that there are other items that you could also mention. □� �subjective ideas of happiness, such as health, wealth, being loved and so on.

16 PHRASE You use so much and so many when you are saying that there is a definite limit to something but you are not saying what this limit is. □� There is only so much time in the day for answering letters. □� Even the greatest city can support only so many lawyers.

17 PHRASE You use the structures not�so much and not so much�as to say that something is one kind of thing rather than another kind. □� I did not really object to Will's behaviour so much as his personality.

18 PHRASE You use or so when you are giving an approximate amount. [VAGUENESS ] □� Though rates are heading down, they still offer real returns of 8% or so. □� Matt got me a room there for a week or so when I first came here.

19so much the better →�see better

20ever so →�see ever

21so far so good →�see far

22so long →�see long ➌

23so much for →�see much

24so much so →�see much

25every so often →�see often

26so there →�see there

soak /soʊ k/ (soaks , soaking , soaked )

1 VERB If you soak something or leave it tosoak , you put it into a liquid and leave it there. □�[V n] Soak the beans for 2 hours. □�[V ] He turned off the water and left the dishes to soak.

2 VERB If a liquid soaks something or if you soak something with a liquid, the liquid makes the thing very wet. □�[V n] The water had soaked his jacket and shirt. □�[V n +�with ] Soak the soil around each bush with at least 4 gallons of water.

3 VERB If a liquid soaksthrough something, it passes through it. □�[V prep/adv] There was so much blood it had soaked through my boxer shorts.

4 VERB If someone soaks , they spend a long time in a hot bath, because they enjoy it. □�[V ] What I need is to soak in a hot tub. ●�N‑COUNT Soak is also a noun. □� I was having a long soak in the bath.

5 →�see also soaked , soaking

▸� soak up

1 PHRASAL VERB If a soft or dry material soaks up a liquid, the liquid goes into the substance. □�[V P n] The cells will promptly start to soak up moisture. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you soak up the atmosphere in a place that you are visiting, you observe or get involved in the way of life there, because you enjoy it or are interested in it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Keaton comes here once or twice a year to soak up the atmosphere. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If something soaks up something such as money or other resources, it uses a great deal of money or other resources. □�[V P n] Defence soaks up forty per cent of the budget. [Also V n P ]

soaked /soʊ kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone or something gets soaked or soaked through , water or some other liquid makes them extremely wet. □� I have to check my tent�it got soaked last night in the storm. □� We got soaked to the skin.

-soaked /-soʊkt/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -soaked combines with nouns such as 'rain' and 'blood' to form adjectives which describe someone or something that is extremely wet or extremely damp because of the thing mentioned. □� He trudged through the rain-soaked woods. □� �blood-soaked clothes.

soak|ing /soʊ k I ŋ/ ADJ If something is soaking or soaking wet , it is very wet. □� My face and raincoat were soaking wet.

so -and-so

1 PRON You use so-and-so instead of a word, expression, or name when you are talking generally rather than giving a specific example of a particular thing. [INFORMAL ] □� It would be a case of 'just do so-and-so and here's your cash'. □� In those days, the boss was respectfully addressed as Mr so-and-so.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to another person as a so-and-so when they are annoyed with them or think that they are foolish. People often use so-and-so in order to avoid using a swear word. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� All her fault, the wicked little so-and-so.

soap /soʊ p/ (soaps , soaping , soaped )

1 N‑VAR Soap is a substance that you use with water for washing yourself or sometimes for washing clothes. □� �a bar of lavender soap. □� �a large packet of soap powder. □� �a soap bubble.

2 VERB If you soapyourself , you rub soap on your body in order to wash yourself. □�[V pron-refl] She soaped herself all over.

3 N‑COUNT A soap is the same as a soap opera . [INFORMAL ]

soap|box /soʊ pbɒks/ (soapboxes )

1 N‑COUNT A soapbox is a small temporary platform on which a person stands when he or she is making a speech outdoors. □� He climbed aboard a soapbox to declaim against the evils of modern society.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is on their soapbox , you mean that they are speaking or writing about something they have strong feelings about. □� We were interested in pushing forward certain issues and getting up on our soapbox about them.

soa p op|era (soap operas ) N‑COUNT A soap opera is a popular television drama series about the daily lives and problems of a group of people who live in a particular place.

soapy /soʊ pi/ (soapier , soapiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is soapy is full of soap or covered with soap. □� Wash your hands thoroughly with hot soapy water before handling any food.

soar /sɔː r / (soars , soaring , soared )

1 VERB If the amount, value, level, or volume of something soars , it quickly increases by a great deal. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V ] Insurance claims are expected to soar. □�[V prep/adv] Figures showed customer complaints had soared to record levels and profits were falling.

2 VERB If something such as a bird soars into the air, it goes quickly up into the air. [LITERARY ] □�[V prep/adv] If you're lucky, a splendid golden eagle may soar into view. □�[V n] The two sheets of flame clashed, soaring hundreds of feet high.

3 VERB If your spirits soar , you suddenly start to feel very happy. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] For the first time in months, my spirits soared.

soar|away /sɔː rəwe I / ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as a soaraway success, you mean that its success has suddenly increased. [BRIT , JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □� �soaraway sales.

sob /sɒ b/ (sobs , sobbing , sobbed )

1 VERB When someone sobs , they cry in a noisy way, breathing in short breaths. □�[V ] She began to sob again, burying her face in the pillow. □�[V ] Her sister broke down, sobbing into her handkerchief. ●� sob|bing N‑UNCOUNT □� The room was silent except for her sobbing.

2 VERB If you sob something, you say it while you are crying. □�[V with quote] 'Everything's my fault,' she sobbed.

3 N‑COUNT A sob is one of the noises that you make when you are crying.

so|ber /soʊ bə r / (sobers , sobering , sobered )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When you are sober , you are not drunk. □� When Dad was sober he was a good father.

2 ADJ A sober person is serious and thoughtful. □� We are now far more sober and realistic. □� The euphoria is giving way to a more sober assessment of the situation. ●� so|ber|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'There's a new development,' he said soberly.

3 ADJ Sober colours and clothes are plain and rather dull. □� He dresses in sober grey suits. □� �sober-suited middle-aged men. ●� so|ber|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She saw Ellis, soberly dressed in a well-cut dark suit.

4 →�see also sobering

5stone-cold sober →�see stone-cold

▸� sober up PHRASAL VERB If someone sobers up , or if something sobers them up , they become sober after being drunk. □�[V P ] He was left to sober up in a police cell. □�[V n P ] �the idea that a cup of strong black coffee sobers you up.

so|ber|ing /soʊ bər I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You say that something is a sobering thought or has a sobering effect when a situation seems serious and makes you become serious and thoughtful. □� Statistics paint a sobering picture�unemployment, tight credit, lower home values.

so|bri|ety /səbra I I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sobriety is the state of being sober rather than drunk. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sobriety is serious and thoughtful behaviour. [FORMAL ] □� �the values society depends upon, such as honesty, sobriety and trust.

so|bri|quet /soʊ br I ke I / (sobriquets ) also soubriquet N‑COUNT [usu sing] A sobriquet is a humorous name that people give someone or something. [WRITTEN ] □� From his staff he earned the sobriquet 'Mumbles'.

so b sto|ry (sob stories ) N‑COUNT You describe what someone tells you about their own or someone else's difficulties as a sob story when you think that they have told you about it in order to get your sympathy. □� Any sob story moved Jarvis to generosity.

Soc. /sɒ k/ Soc. is the written abbreviation for society .

so -ca lled ◆◇◇ also so called

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use so-called to indicate that you think a word or expression used to describe someone or something is in fact wrong. □� These are the facts that explode their so-called economic miracle.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use so-called to indicate that something is generally referred to by the name that you are about to use. □� �a summit of the world's seven leading market economies, the so-called G-7.

soc|cer ◆◇◇ /sɒ kə r / N‑UNCOUNT Soccer is a game played by two teams of eleven players using a round ball. Players kick the ball to each other and try to score goals by kicking the ball into a large net. Outside the USA, this game is also referred to as football .

so|cia|ble /soʊ ʃəb ə l/ ADJ Sociable people are friendly and enjoy talking to other people. □� She was, and remained, extremely sociable, enjoying dancing, golf and bicycling.

so|cial ◆◆◆ /soʊ ʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Social means relating to society or to the way society is organized. □� �the worst effects of unemployment, low pay and other social problems. □� �long-term social change. □� �changing social attitudes. □� �the tightly woven social fabric of small towns. □� �research into housing and social policy. ●� so|cial|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� Let's face it�drinking is a socially acceptable habit. □� �one of the most socially deprived areas in Britain.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Social means relating to the status or rank that someone has in society. □� Higher education is unequally distributed across social classes. □� The guests came from all social backgrounds. ●� so|cial|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� For socially ambitious couples this is a problem. □� �socially disadvantaged children.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Social means relating to leisure activities that involve meeting other people. □� We ought to organize more social events. ●� so|cial|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� We have known each other socially for a long time. □� The two groups rarely meet socially.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Social animals live in groups and do things together. □� �social insects like bees and ants.

so |cial cha p|ter N‑SING Thesocial chapter is an agreement between countries in the European Union concerning workers' rights and working conditions.

so |cial cli mb|er (social climbers ) N‑COUNT You describe someone as a social climber when they try to get accepted into a higher social class by becoming friendly with people who belong to that class. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� That Rous was a snob and a social climber could scarcely be denied.

so |cial cli mb|ing also social-climbing N‑UNCOUNT You describe someone's behaviour as social climbing when they try to get accepted into a higher social class by becoming friendly with people who belong to that class. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� All that vulgar social-climbing! ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Social climbing is also an adjective. □� She was offered the role of the social climbing sister-in-law Debbie.

so |cial club (social clubs ) N‑COUNT A social club is a club where members go in order to meet each other and enjoy leisure activities.

so |cial de|mo c|ra|cy (social democracies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Social democracy is a political system according to which social justice and equality can be achieved within the framework of a market economy. □� �western-style social democracy.

2 N‑COUNT A social democracy is a country where there is social democracy.

so |cial demo|cra t|ic ADJ [ADJ n] A social democratic party is a political party whose principles are based on social democracy. □� �modest social democratic moves to alleviate child poverty.

so |cial ex|clu |sion N‑UNCOUNT Social exclusion is the act of making certain groups of people within a society feel isolated and unimportant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �projects aimed at tackling unemployment and social exclusion.

so |cial ga m|ing N‑UNCOUNT Social gaming is the activity of playing online games with other members of the same online group. □� The company plans to move into the social gaming market.

so |cial hou s|ing N‑UNCOUNT Social housing is housing which is provided for rent or sale at a fairly low cost by housing associations and local councils. [BRIT ]

so |cial in|clu |sion N‑UNCOUNT Social inclusion is the act of making all groups of people within a society feel valued and important. [APPROVAL ] □� This will cost money, but if social inclusion is to succeed, it must be spent.

so|ciali|sa|tion /soʊ ʃəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ →�see socialization

so|cial|ise /soʊ ʃəla I z/ →�see socialize

so|cial|ism /soʊ ʃəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Socialism is a set of left-wing political principles whose general aim is to create a system in which everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from a country's wealth. Under socialism, the country's main industries are usually owned by the state.

so|cial|ist ◆◇◇ /soʊ ʃəl I st/ (socialists )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Socialist means based on socialism or relating to socialism. □� �members of the ruling Socialist party.

2 N‑COUNT A socialist is a person who believes in socialism or who is a member of a socialist party. □� The French electorate voted out the socialists. SYNONYMS socialist ADJ 1

left-wing:They said they would not be voting for him because he was too left-wing.

communist:�a communist party

Marxist:�Marxist ideology.

so|cial|is|tic /soʊ ʃəl I st I k/ ADJ If you describe a policy or organization as socialistic , you mean that it has some of the features of socialism. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Conservatives denounced it as socialistic.

so|cial|ite /soʊ ʃəla I t/ (socialites ) N‑COUNT A socialite is a person who attends many fashionable upper-class social events and who is well known because of this. [JOURNALISM ]

so|ciali|za|tion /soʊ ʃəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ in BRIT, also use socialisation1 N‑UNCOUNT Socialization is the process by which people, especially children, are made to behave in a way which is acceptable in their culture or society. [TECHNICAL ] □� Female socialization emphasizes getting along with others.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Socialization is the process by which something is made to operate on socialist principles. [TECHNICAL ]

so|cial|ize /soʊ ʃəla I z/ (socializes , socializing , socialized ) in BRIT, also use socialise1 VERB If you socialize , you meet other people socially, for example at parties. □�[V ] �an open meeting, where members socialized and welcomed any new members. □�[V +�with ] It distressed her that she no longer socialized with old friends. ●� so|cial|iz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The hours were terrible, so socialising was difficult.

2 VERB [usu passive] When people, especially children, are socialized , they are made to behave in a way which is acceptable in their culture or society. [TECHNICAL ] □�[be V -ed] You may have been socialized to do as you are told.

so |cial life (social lives ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Your social life involves spending time with your friends, for example at parties or in pubs or bars.

so |cial me |dia N‑UNCOUNT Social media refers to websites and computer programs that make communication possible with the use of computers or mobile phones. Social media can take the singular or plural form of the verb. □� Politicians are increasingly using social media to get their message across.

so|cial ne t|work|ing N‑UNCOUNT Social networking is the activity of using a particular website to contact other people and share information. □� Social networking is part of everyday life, both for consumer and business-to-business applications. □� �a social networking site.

so |cial o r|der (social orders ) N‑VAR The social order in a place is the way that society is organized there. □� �the threat to social order posed by right-wing extremists.

so |cial sci |ence (social sciences )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Social science is the scientific study of society.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The social sciences are the various types of social science, for example sociology and politics.

so |cial sci |en|tist (social scientists ) N‑COUNT A social scientist is a person who studies or teaches social science.

so |cial se|cu |rity N‑UNCOUNT Social security is a system under which a government pays money regularly to certain groups of people, for example the sick, the unemployed, or those with no other income. □� �women who did not have jobs and were on social security.

so |cial se r|vices N‑PLURAL The social services in a district are the services provided by the local authority or government to help people who have serious family or financial problems. □� I have asked the social services for help, but they have not done anything.

so |cial stu d|ies

1 N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, social studies is a subject that is taught in schools and colleges, and includes sociology, politics, and economics.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, social studies is a subject that is taught in schools, and that includes history, geography, sociology, and politics.

so |cial work N‑UNCOUNT Social work is work which involves giving help and advice to people with serious family problems or financial problems.

so |cial work|er (social workers ) N‑COUNT A social worker is a person whose job is to do social work.

so|ci|etal /səsa I I t ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Societal means relating to society or to the way society is organized. [FORMAL ] □� �societal changes □� �societal norms.

so|ci|ety ◆◆◆ /səsa I I ti/ (societies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Society is people in general, thought of as a large organized group. □� This reflects attitudes and values prevailing in society. □� He maintains Islam must adapt to modern society.

2 N‑VAR A society is the people who live in a country or region, their organizations, and their way of life. □� We live in a capitalist society.

3 N‑COUNT A society is an organization for people who have the same interest or aim. □� �the North of England Horticultural Society. □� �the historical society.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Society is the rich, fashionable people in a particular place who meet on social occasions. □� �the high season for society weddings.

5 →�see also building society

PREFIX socio-

is used to form adjectives and nouns which describe or refer to things relating to or involving social factors. For example, someone's socioeconomic background relates to the social aspects of the family or culture they come from.

so cio-econo mic also socioeconomic ADJ [ADJ n] Socio-economic circumstances or developments involve a combination of social and economic factors. □� Suicide is often connected with socio-economic deprivation.

so|ci|ol|ogy /soʊ siɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Sociology is the study of society or of the way society is organized. ●� so|cio|logi|cal /soʊ siəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� Psychological and sociological studies were emphasizing the importance of the family. ●� so|ci|olo|gist (sociologists ) N‑COUNT □� All sociologists are engaged in an attempt to understand the links across and within societies.

so|cio|path /soʊ siəp�θ/ (sociopaths ) N‑COUNT A sociopath is the same as a psychopath .

so cio-poli tical also sociopolitical ADJ [ADJ n] Socio-political systems and problems involve a combination of social and political factors. □� �sociopolitical issues such as ecology and human rights.

sock /sɒ k/ (socks ) N‑COUNT Socks are pieces of clothing which cover your foot and ankle and are worn inside shoes. □� �a pair of knee-length socks.

sock|et /sɒ k I t/ (sockets )

1 N‑COUNT A socket is a device on a piece of electrical equipment into which you can put a bulb or plug.

2 N‑COUNT A socket is a device or point in a wall where you can connect electrical equipment to the power supply. [BRIT ] in AM, use outlet3 N‑COUNT You can refer to any hollow part or opening in a structure which another part fits into as a socket . □� Her eyes were sunk deep into their sockets.

sod /sɒ d/ (sods )

1 N‑COUNT If someone calls another person or something such as a job a sod , they are expressing anger or annoyance towards that person or thing. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

2 EXCLAM If someone uses an expression such as sod it , sod you , or sod that , they are expressing anger or showing that they do not care about something. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ]

3 PHRASE Sod all means 'nothing at all'. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

4 PHRASE Sod's Law or sod's law is the idea that if something can go wrong, it will go wrong. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

▸� sod off PHRASAL VERB If someone tells someone else to sod off , they are telling them in a very rude way to go away or leave them alone. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

soda /soʊ də/ (sodas )

1 N‑VAR Soda is the same as soda water .

2 N‑VAR Soda is a sweet fizzy drink. [AM ] □� �a glass of diet soda. ●�N‑COUNT A soda is a bottle of soda. □� They had liquor for the adults and sodas for the children.

3 →�see also bicarbonate of soda , caustic soda

so da crack|er (soda crackers ) N‑COUNT A soda cracker is a thin, square, salty biscuit. [AM ]

so da foun|tain (soda fountains ) N‑COUNT A soda fountain is a counter in a drugstore or caf�, where snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are prepared and sold. [AM ]

so da pop (soda pops ) N‑UNCOUNT Soda pop is a sweet fizzy drink. [AM ] ●�N‑COUNT A soda pop is a bottle or a glass of soda pop.

so da si|phon (soda siphons ) also soda syphon N‑COUNT A soda siphon is a special bottle for putting soda water in a drink.

so da wa|ter also soda-water N‑VAR Soda water is fizzy water used for mixing with alcoholic drinks and fruit juice. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of soda water can be referred to as a soda water .

sod|den /sɒ d ə n/ ADJ Something that is sodden is extremely wet. □� We stripped off our sodden clothes.

-sodden /-sɒd ə n/

1 COMB [usu ADJ n] -sodden combines with 'drink' and with the names of alcoholic drinks to form adjectives which describe someone who has drunk too much alcohol and is in a bad state as a result. □� He portrays a drink-sodden reporter.

2 COMB [usu ADJ n] -sodden combines with words such as 'rain' to form adjectives which describe someone or something that has become extremely wet as a result of the thing that is mentioned. □� The porter put our scruffy rain-sodden luggage on a trolley.

sod|ding /sɒ d I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sodding is used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are angry or annoyed. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

so|dium /soʊ diəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sodium is a silvery-white chemical element which combines with other chemicals. Salt is a sodium compound. □� The fish or seafood is heavily salted with pure sodium chloride. □� �one level teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate powder.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Sodium lighting gives out a strong orange light. □� �the orange glow of the sodium streetlamps.

sodo|my /sɒ dəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Sodomy is anal sexual intercourse.

sofa /soʊ fə/ (sofas ) N‑COUNT A sofa is a long, comfortable seat with a back and usually with arms, which two or three people can sit on.

so fa bed (sofa beds ) also sofa-bed N‑COUNT A sofa bed is a type of sofa whose seat folds out so that it can also be used as a bed.

soft ◆◆◇ /sɒ ft, [AM ] sɔː ft/ (softer , softest )

1 ADJ Something that is soft is pleasant to touch, and not rough or hard. □� Regular use of a body lotion will keep the skin soft and supple. □� �warm, soft, white towels. ●� soft|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The sea air robbed her hair of its softness.

2 ADJ Something that is soft changes shape or bends easily when you press it. □� She lay down on the soft, comfortable bed. □� Add enough milk to form a soft dough. □� �soft cheese.

3 ADJ Something that has a soft appearance has smooth curves rather than sharp or distinct edges. □� This is a smart, yet soft and feminine look. □� �the soft curves of her body. ●� soft|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She wore a softly tailored suit. □� �a fresh, modern hairstyle which has long layers falling softly on the neck.

4 ADJ Something that is soft is very gentle and has no force. For example, a soft sound or voice is quiet and not harsh. A soft light or colour is pleasant to look at because it is not bright. □� There was a soft tapping on my door. □� When he woke again he could hear soft music. ●� soft|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She crossed the softly lit room. □� She bent forward and kissed him softly.

5 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are softon someone, you do not treat them as strictly or severely as you should do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�on ] The president says the measure is soft and weak on criminals.

6 ADJ If you say that someone has a softheart , you mean that they are sensitive and sympathetic towards other people. [APPROVAL ] □� Her rather tough and worldly exterior hides a very soft and sensitive heart.

7 ADJ You use soft to describe a way of life that is easy and involves very little work. □� The regime at Latchmere could be seen as a soft option.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Soft drugs are drugs, such as cannabis, which are illegal but which many people do not consider to be strong or harmful.

9 ADJ A soft target is a place or person that can easily be attacked. □� Women who carry cash about in the streets, as they very often have to, are a very soft target.

10 ADJ Soft water does not contain much of the mineral calcium and so makes bubbles easily when you use soap.

11 PHRASE If you have a soft spot for someone or something, you feel a great deal of affection for them or like them a lot. □� Terry had a soft spot for me.

12a soft touch →�see touch SYNONYMS soft ADJ

1

silky:Claire smoothed Katy's silky hair.

velvety:The grass grew thick and velvety.

smooth:�a rich cream that keeps skin soft and smooth.

2

pliable:As your baby grows bigger, his bones become less pliable.

flexible:�brushes with long, flexible bristles.

spongy:The earth was spongy from rain.

soft|back /sɒ ftb�k/ N‑SING [oft in N ] A softback is a book with a thin cardboard, paper, or plastic cover. [BRIT ] □� This title was a best seller and is now available in softback. in AM, use softcover

soft|ball /sɒ ftbɔːl, [AM ] sɔː ft-/ (softballs )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Softball is a game similar to baseball, but played with a larger, softer ball.

2 N‑COUNT A softball is the ball used in the game of softball.

so ft-boi led ADJ A soft-boiled egg is one that has been boiled for only a few minutes, so that the yellow part is still liquid.

so ft-core also softcore ADJ [ADJ n] Soft-core pornography shows or describes sex, but not very violent or unpleasant sex, or not in a very detailed way. Compare hard-core .

soft|cover /sɒ ftkʌvə r / (softcovers ) also soft-cover N‑COUNT [oft N n, in N ] A softcover is a book with a thin cardboard, paper, or plastic cover. Compare hardcover . [AM ] □� �this set of 6 softcover books. in BRIT, use softback

so ft dri nk (soft drinks ) N‑COUNT A soft drink is a cold, non-alcoholic drink such as lemonade or fruit juice, or a fizzy drink.

sof|ten /sɒ f ə n, [AM ] sɔː f-/ (softens , softening , softened )

1 VERB If you soften something or if it softens , it becomes less hard, stiff, or firm. □�[V n] Soften the butter mixture in a small saucepan. □�[V ] Fry for about 4 minutes, until the onion has softened.

2 VERB If one thing softens the damaging effect of another thing, it makes the effect less severe. □�[V n] There were also pledges to soften the impact of the subsidy cuts on the poorer regions. □�[V n] He could not think how to soften the blow of what he had to tell her.

3 VERB If you soften your position, if your position softens , or if you soften , you become more sympathetic and less hostile or critical towards someone or something. □�[V n] The letter shows no sign that the Americans have softened their position. □�[V ] His party's policy has softened a lot in recent years. □�[V ] Livy felt herself soften towards Caroline.

4 VERB If your voice or expression softens or if you soften it, it becomes much more gentle and friendly. □�[V ] All at once, Mick's serious expression softened into a grin. □�[V n] She did not smile or soften her voice.

5 VERB If you soften something such as light, a colour, or a sound, you make it less bright or harsh. □�[V n] Stark concrete walls have been softened by a show of fresh flowers.

6 VERB Something that softens your skin makes it very smooth and pleasant to touch. □�[V n] �products designed to moisturize and soften the skin.

▸� soften up PHRASAL VERB If you soften someone up, you put them into a good mood before asking them to do something. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] If they'd treated you well it was just to soften you up. [Also V P n]

sof|ten|er /sɒ fənə r , [AM ] sɔː f-/ (softeners )

1 N‑COUNT A water softener is a device or substance which removes certain minerals, for example calcium, from water, so that it makes bubbles easily when you use soap to wash things.

2 N‑VAR A fabric softener is a chemical substance that you add to water when you wash clothes in order to make the clothes feel softer.

so ft fo |cus N‑UNCOUNT If something in a photograph or film is insoft focus , it has been made slightly unclear to give it a more romantic effect. □� The photo of her in the magazine was taken in soft focus and flattering light.

so ft frui t (soft fruits ) N‑VAR Soft fruits are small fruits with soft skins, such as strawberries and currants. [BRIT ] in AM, use berries

so ft fu r|nish|ings N‑PLURAL Soft furnishings are cushions, curtains, and furniture covers. [BRIT ] in AM, use soft goods

so ft goo ds N‑PLURAL Soft goods are the same as soft furnishings . [AM ]

so ft-hea rted ADJ Someone who is soft-hearted has a very sympathetic and kind nature.

softie /sɒ fti/ (softies ) also softy N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a softie , you mean that they are very emotional or that they can easily be made to feel sympathy towards other people. [INFORMAL ] □� He's just a big softie.

so ft la nd|ing (soft landings ) N‑COUNT In economics, a soft landing is a situation in which the economy stops growing but this does not produce a recession.

so ft loa n (soft loans ) N‑COUNT A soft loan is a loan with a very low interest rate. Soft loans are usually made to developing countries or to businesses in developing countries. [BUSINESS ]

so ftly-so ftly also softly, softly ADJ [ADJ n] A softly-softly approach to something is cautious and patient and avoids direct action or force. [BRIT ] □� �the government's softly, softly approach to the prison protest.

so ft-pe dal (soft-pedals , soft-pedalling , soft-pedalled ) in AM, use soft-pedaling , soft-pedaled VERB If you soft-pedal something, you deliberately reduce the amount of activity or pressure that you have been using to get something done or seen. □�[V n] He refused to soft-pedal an investigation into the scandal. [Also V +�on ]

so ft po rn N‑UNCOUNT Soft porn is pornography that shows or describes sex, but not very violent or unpleasant sex, or not in a very detailed way.

so ft se ll also soft-sell N‑SING A soft sell is a method of selling or advertising that involves persuading people in a gentle way rather than putting a lot of pressure on people to buy things. [BUSINESS ] □� I think more customers probably prefer a soft sell.

so ft shou l|der (soft shoulders ) N‑COUNT On a busy road such as a freeway, thesoft shoulder is the area at the side of the road where vehicles are allowed to stop in an emergency. [AM ] in BRIT, use hard shoulder

so ft ski lls N‑PLURAL Soft skills are interpersonal skills such as the ability to communicate well with other people and to work in a team.

so ft-soa p (soft-soaps , soft-soaping , soft-soaped ) VERB If you soft-soap someone, you flatter them or tell them what you think they want to hear in order to try and persuade them to do something. □�[V n] The government is not soft-soaping the voters here.

so ft-spo ken ADJ Someone who is soft-spoken has a quiet, gentle voice. □� He was a gentle, soft-spoken intelligent man.

so ft to y (soft toys ) N‑COUNT Soft toys are toys that are made of cloth filled with a soft material and which look like animals. [BRIT ] in AM, use stuffed animal , stuffed toy

soft|ware ◆◇◇ /sɒ ftweə r , [AM ] sɔː f-/ N‑UNCOUNT Computer programs are referred to as software . Compare hardware . [COMPUTING ] □� �the people who write the software for big computer projects. COLLOCATIONS software NOUN

verb +�software : download, install, load; develop; update

adjective +�software : antivirus; malicious; sophisticated

noun +�software : computer; gaming; proprietary; open-source

soft|wood /sɒ ftwʊd, [AM ] sɔː ft-/ (softwoods ) N‑VAR Softwood is the wood from trees such as pines, that grow quickly and can be cut easily.

softy /sɒ fti, [AM ] sɔː fti/ →�see softie

sog|gy /sɒ gi/ (soggier , soggiest ) ADJ Something that is soggy is unpleasantly wet. □� �soggy cheese sandwiches.

soi|gn�e /swɑː nje I , [AM ] -je I / The spelling soign� is also used when referring to a man. ADJ If you describe a person as soign�e , you mean that they are very elegant. [FORMAL ] □� �looking very soign�e in black.

soil ◆◇◇ /sɔ I l/ (soils , soiling , soiled )

1 N‑VAR Soil is the substance on the surface of the earth in which plants grow. □� We have the most fertile soil in Europe. □� �regions with sandy soils.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use soil in expressions like British soil to refer to a country's territory. □� The issue of foreign troops on Turkish soil is a sensitive one.

3 VERB If you soil something, you make it dirty. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Young people don't want to do things that soil their hands. □�[V n] He raised his eyes slightly as though her words might somehow soil him. ●� soiled ADJ □� �a soiled white apron.

soi|ree /swɑː re I , [AM ] swɑːre I / (soirees ) also soir�e N‑COUNT A soiree is a social gathering held in the evening. [FORMAL ]

so|journ /sɒ dʒɜː r n, [AM ] soʊ dʒ-/ (sojourns ) N‑COUNT A sojourn is a short stay in a place that is not your home. [LITERARY ]

sol|ace /sɒ l I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Solace is a feeling of comfort that makes you feel less sad. [FORMAL ] □� I found solace in writing when my father died three years ago.

so|lar /soʊ lə r /

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Solar is used to describe things relating to the sun. □� A total solar eclipse is due to take place some time tomorrow.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Solar power is obtained from the sun's light and heat.

so |lar ce ll (solar cells ) N‑COUNT A solar cell is a device that produces electricity from the sun's rays.

so|lar|ium /soʊleə riəm/ (solariums ) N‑COUNT A solarium is a place equipped with special lamps, where you can go to get an artificial suntan.

so|lar plex|us /soʊ lə r ple ksəs/ N‑SING Your solar plexus is the part of your stomach, below your ribs, where it is painful if you are hit hard.

so |lar sys|tem (solar systems ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Thesolar system is the sun and all the planets that go round it.

sold /soʊ ld/ Sold is the past tense and past participle of sell .

sol|der /soʊ ldə r , [AM ] sɑː də r / (solders , soldering , soldered )

1 VERB If you solder two pieces of metal together, you join them by melting a small piece of soft metal and putting it between them so that it holds them together after it has cooled. □�[V n] Fewer workers are needed to solder circuit boards. [Also V ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Solder is the soft metal used for soldering.

so l|der|ing iron (soldering irons ) N‑COUNT A soldering iron is a tool used to solder things together.

sol|dier ◆◆◇ /soʊ ldʒə r / (soldiers , soldiering , soldiered ) N‑COUNT A soldier is a person who works in an army, especially a person who is not an officer.

▸� soldier on PHRASAL VERB If you soldier on at something, you continue to do it although it is difficult or unpleasant. □�[V P ] The government has soldiered on as if nothing were wrong. COLLOCATIONS soldier NOUN 1

noun +�soldier : rebel; toy

adjective +�soldier : dead, injured, wounded; brave, loyal

verb +�soldier : injure, kill, shoot, wound; capture

sol|dier|ly /soʊ ldʒə r li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you act in a soldierly way, you behave like a good or brave soldier. [FORMAL ] □� There was a great deal of soldierly good fellowship.

sol|diery /soʊ ldʒəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Soldiery is a group or body of soldiers. [LITERARY ] □� �the distant shouts and songs of the drunken soldiery.

so ld ou t

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a performance, sports event, or other entertainment is sold out , all the tickets for it have been sold. □� The premiere on Monday is sold out.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a shop is sold outof something, it has sold all of it that it had. □�[+�of ] The stores are sometimes sold out of certain groceries.

3 →�see also sell out

sole /soʊ l/ (soles )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The sole thing or person of a particular type is the only one of that type. □� Their sole aim is to destabilize the Indian government.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have sole charge or ownership of something, you are the only person in charge of it or who owns it. □� Many women are left as the sole providers in families after their husband has died. □� Chief Hart had sole control over that fund.

3 N‑COUNT The sole of your foot or of a shoe or sock is the underneath surface of it. □� �shoes with rubber soles. □� He had burned the sole of his foot.

4 N‑COUNT A sole is a kind of flat fish that you can eat. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Sole is this fish eaten as food.

-soled /-soʊld/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -soled combines with adjectives and nouns to form adjectives which describe shoes with a particular kind of sole. □� The lad was wearing rubber-soled shoes.

sole|ly /soʊ lli/ ADV [ADV with v] If something involves solely one thing, it involves only this thing and no others. □� She insisted that she was solely responsible for what had happened.

sol|emn /sɒ ləm/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is solemn is very serious rather than cheerful or humorous. □� His solemn little face broke into smiles. □� He looked solemn. ●� so|lem|nity /səle mn I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The setting for this morning's signing ceremony matched the solemnity of the occasion.

2 ADJ A solemn promise or agreement is one that you make in a very formal, sincere way. □� �a solemn pledge that he would never remarry.

so le pro|pri |etor (sole proprietors ) N‑COUNT The sole proprietor of a business is the owner of the business, when it is owned by only one person. [BUSINESS ] □� �a firm of solicitors of which he was the sole proprietor.

so le tra d|er (sole traders ) N‑COUNT A sole trader is a person who owns their own business and does not have a partner or any shareholders. [BUSINESS ] □� Finance for a sole trader usually comes from the individual's own savings.

so|lic|it /səl I s I t/ (solicits , soliciting , solicited )

1 VERB If you solicit money, help, support, or an opinion from someone, you ask them for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He's already solicited their support on health care reform. □�[V n +�from ] No tuition was charged by the school, which solicited contributions from the society's members.

2 VERB When prostitutes solicit , they offer to have sex with people in return for money. □�[V ] Prostitutes were forbidden to solicit on public roads and in public places. ●� so|lic|it|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Girls could get very heavy sentences for soliciting�nine months or more.

so|lici|ta|tion /səl I s I te I ʃ ə n/ (solicitations ) N‑VAR Solicitation is the act of asking someone for money, help, support, or an opinion. [mainly AM ] □�[+�of ] Republican leaders are making open solicitation of the Italian-American vote.

so|lici|tor ◆◇◇ /səl I s I tə r / (solicitors )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a solicitor is a lawyer who gives legal advice, prepares legal documents and cases, and represents clients in the lower courts of law. Compare barrister .

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a solicitor is the chief lawyer in a government or city department.

So|li ci|tor Ge n|er|al also solicitor-general N‑SING ; N‑TITLE TheSolicitor General in Britain or the United States, or in an American state, is the second most important legal officer, next in rank below an Attorney General.

so|lici|tous /səl I s I təs/ ADJ A person who is solicitous shows anxious concern for someone or something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He was so solicitous of his guests. ●� so|lici|tous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He took her hand in greeting and asked solicitously how everything was.

so|lici|tude /səl I s I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Solicitude is anxious concern for someone. [FORMAL ] □� He is full of tender solicitude towards my sister.

sol|id ◆◇◇ /sɒ l I d/ (solids )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A solid substance or object stays the same shape whether it is in a container or not. □� �the potential of greatly reducing our solid waste problem. □� He did not eat solid food for several weeks.

2 N‑COUNT A solid is a substance that stays the same shape whether it is in a container or not. □� Solids turn to liquids at certain temperatures. □� �the decomposition of solids.

3 ADJ A substance that is solid is very hard or firm. □� The snow had melted, but the lake was still frozen solid. □� The concrete will stay as solid as a rock.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A solid object or mass does not have a space inside it, or holes or gaps in it. □� �a tunnel carved through 50ft of solid rock. □� �a solid mass of colour. □� The car park was absolutely packed solid with people.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If an object is made of solid gold or solid wood, for example, it is made of gold or wood all the way through, rather than just on the outside. □� �solid wood doors. □� �solid pine furniture.

6 ADJ A structure that is solid is strong and is not likely to collapse or fall over. □� Banks are built to look solid to reassure their customers. □� The car feels very solid. ●� sol|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Their house, which was solidly built, resisted the main shock. ●� so|lid|ity /səl I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the solidity of walls and floors.

7 ADJ If you describe someone as solid , you mean that they are very reliable and respectable. [APPROVAL ] □� Mr Zuma had a solid reputation as a grass roots organiser. ●� sol|id|ly ADV □� Graham is so solidly consistent. ●� so|lid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� He had the proverbial solidity of the English.

8 ADJ Solid evidence or information is reliable because it is based on facts. □� We don't have good solid information on where the people are. □� He has a solid alibi.

9 ADJ You use solid to describe something such as advice or a piece of work which is useful and reliable. □� The CIU provides churches with solid advice on a wide range of subjects. □� All I am looking for is a good solid performance. ●� sol|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She's played solidly throughout the spring.

10 ADJ You use solid to describe something such as the basis for a policy or support for an organization when it is strong, because it has been developed carefully and slowly. □� �Washington's attempt to build a solid international coalition. ●� sol|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� This district is solidly Republican. □� So far, majority public opinion is solidly behind the government. ●� so|lid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �doubts over the solidity of European backing for the American approach.

11 ADJ [ADJ n, -ed ADJ ] If you do something for a solid period of time, you do it without any pause or interruption throughout that time. □� We had worked together for two solid years. ●� sol|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Dan has worked solidly at his music since his teens.

12 →�see also rock-solid SYNONYMS solid ADJ 4

firm:Fruit should be firm and in excellent condition.

hard:He shuffled his feet on the hard wooden floor.

compact:He looked physically very powerful, athletic in a compact way.

dense:�a small dense star.

soli|dar|ity /sɒ l I d� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If a group of people show solidarity , they show support for each other or for another group, especially in political or international affairs. □�[+�with ] Supporters want to march tomorrow to show solidarity with their leaders.

so l|id fu el (solid fuels ) N‑VAR Solid fuel is fuel such as coal or wood, that is solid rather than liquid or gas. [BRIT ]

so|lidi|fy /səl I d I fa I / (solidifies , solidifying , solidified )

1 VERB When a liquid solidifies or is solidified , it changes into a solid. □�[V ] The thicker lava would have taken two weeks to solidify. □�[V n] They plan to solidify the waste in a high-tech factory. □�[V -ed] �a frying-pan full of solidified fat.

2 VERB If something such as a position or opinion solidifies , or if something solidifies it, it becomes firmer and more definite and unlikely to change. □�[V ] Her attitudes solidified through privilege and habit. □�[V n] �his attempt to solidify his position as chairman.

so lid-sta te ADJ [ADJ n] Solid-state electronic equipment is made using transistors or silicon chips, instead of valves or other mechanical parts. [TECHNICAL ]

so|lilo|quy /səl I ləkwi/ (soliloquies ) N‑COUNT A soliloquy is a speech in a play in which an actor or actress speaks to himself or herself and to the audience, rather than to another actor.

soli|taire /sɒ l I teə r / (solitaires )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Solitaire is a game for one person in which you move and remove objects on a board, with the aim of having one object left at the end of the game.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Solitaire is a card game for only one player. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use patience3 N‑COUNT A solitaire is a diamond or other jewel that is set on its own in a ring or other piece of jewellery.

soli|tary /sɒ l I tri, [AM ] -teri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A person or animal that is solitary spends a lot of time alone. □� Paul was a shy, pleasant, solitary man. □� They often have a lonely and solitary life to lead.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A solitary activity is one that you do alone. □� His evenings were spent in solitary drinking.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A solitary person or object is alone, with no others near them. □� �the occasional solitary figure making a study of wildflowers or grasses.

so li|tary con|fi ne|ment N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] A prisoner who is insolitary confinement is being kept alone away from all other prisoners, usually as a punishment. □� Last night he was being held in solitary confinement in Douglas jail.

soli|tude /sɒ l I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Solitude is the state of being alone, especially when this is peaceful and pleasant. □� He enjoyed his moments of solitude before the pressures of the day began.

solo /soʊ loʊ/ (solos )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use solo to indicate that someone does something alone rather than with other people. □� He had just completed his final solo album. □� She had long since quit the band for a solo career. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Solo is also an adverb. □� Charles Lindbergh became the very first person to fly solo across the Atlantic.

2 N‑COUNT A solo is a piece of music or a dance performed by one person. □� The original version featured a guitar solo.

so|lo|ist /soʊ loʊ I st/ (soloists ) N‑COUNT A soloist is a musician or dancer who performs a solo.

sol|stice /sɒ lst I s/ (solstices ) N‑COUNT Thesummer solstice is the day of the year with the most hours of daylight, and thewinter solstice is the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight.

sol|uble /sɒ ljʊb ə l/

1 ADJ A substance that is soluble will dissolve in a liquid. □� Uranium is soluble in sea water.

2 COMB If something is water-soluble or fat-soluble , it will dissolve in water or in fat. □� The red dye on the leather is water-soluble. □� �fat-soluble vitamins.

so|lu|tion ◆◆◇ /səluː ʃ ə n/ (solutions )

1 N‑COUNT A solutionto a problem or difficult situation is a way of dealing with it so that the difficulty is removed. □� Although he has sought to find a peaceful solution, he is facing pressure to use military force. □�[+�to ] �the ability to sort out simple, effective solutions to practical problems.

2 N‑COUNT The solutionto a puzzle is the answer to it. □�[+�to ] �the solution to crossword No. 19721.

3 N‑COUNT A solution is a liquid in which a solid substance has been dissolved. □� �a warm solution of liquid detergent. COLLOCATIONS solution NOUN 1

adjective +�solution : ideal, obvious, possible, simple; long-term, peaceful, practical

verb +�solution : find, need, seek; offer, propose, provide SYNONYMS solution NOUN 1

resolution:�in order to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

answer:Prison is not the answer for most young offenders.

key:The key to success is to be ready from the start.

solve ◆◇◇ /sɒ lv/ (solves , solving , solved ) VERB If you solve a problem or a question, you find a solution or an answer to it. □�[V n] Their domestic reforms did nothing to solve the problem of unemployment.

sol|ven|cy /sɒ lv ə nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT A person or organization's solvency is their ability to pay their debts. [BUSINESS ]

sol|vent /sɒ lv ə nt/ (solvents )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a person or a company is solvent , they have enough money to pay all their debts. [BUSINESS ] □� They're going to have to show that the company is now solvent.

2 N‑VAR A solvent is a liquid that can dissolve other substances. □� �a small amount of cleaning solvent. □� �industrial solvents.

so l|vent abuse N‑UNCOUNT Solvent abuse is the dangerous practice of breathing in the gases from substances such as glue in order to feel as if you are drunk. [BRIT , FORMAL ]

som|bre /sɒ mbə r / in AM, use somber1 ADJ If someone is sombre , they are serious or sad. □� The pair were in sombre mood. □� His expression became increasingly sombre.

2 ADJ Sombre colours and places are dark and dull. □� �a worried official in sombre black.

som|brero /sɒmbreə roʊ/ (sombreros ) N‑COUNT A sombrero is a hat with a very wide brim which is worn especially in Mexico.

some ◆◆◆ /səm, STRONG sʌm/

1 DET You use some to refer to a quantity of something or to a number of people or things, when you are not stating the quantity or number precisely. □� Robin opened some champagne. □� He went to fetch some books. □� Some children refuse to eat at all and others overeat. ●�PRON Some is also a pronoun. □� Our apples are ripe. We're going out this morning with step-ladders to pick some.

2 DET You use some to emphasize that a quantity or number is fairly large. For example, if an activity takes some time, it takes quite a lot of time. [EMPHASIS ] □� The question of local government finance has been the subject of debate for some years. □� I have discussed this topic in some detail. □� He remained silent for some time. □� It took some effort to conceal her relief.

3 DET You use some to emphasize that a quantity or number is fairly small. For example, if something happens to some extent, it happens a little. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Isn't there some chance that William might lead a normal life?' asked Jill. □� All mothers share to some extent in the tension of a wedding. □� Some fishing is still allowed, but limits have been imposed on the size of the catch.

4 QUANT If you refer to some of the people or things in a group, you mean a few of them but not all of them. If you refer to some of a particular thing, you mean a part of it but not all of it. □� Some of the people already in work will lose their jobs. □� Remove the cover and spoon some of the sauce into a bowl. □� Some of us are sensitive to smells, others find colours easier to remember. ●�PRON Some is also a pronoun. □� When the chicken is cooked I'll freeze some.

5 DET If you refer to some person or thing, you are referring to that person or thing but in a vague way, without stating precisely which person or thing you mean. [VAGUENESS ] □� If you are worried about some aspect of your child's health, call us. □� She always thinks some guy is going to come along and fix her life.

6 ADV You can use some in front of a number to indicate that it is approximate. [VAGUENESS ] □� I have kept birds for some 30 years. □� He waited some 80 to 100 yards from the big pink villa.

7 ADV [ADV after v] Some is used to mean to a small extent or degree. [AM ] □� If Susanne is off somewhere, I'll kill time by looking around some.

8 DET You can use some in front of a noun in order to express your approval or disapproval of the person or thing you are mentioning. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� 'Some party!'�'Yep. One hell of a party.' USAGE some

Don�t use �some� in negative sentences. Use any . You can use any in front of a plural or uncountable noun. For example, don't say ' We made this without some help .' Say 'We made this without any help.' □� I don�t have any plans for the summer holidays.

some|body ◆◆◇ /sʌ mbədi, [AM ] -bɑːdi/ PRON Somebody means the same as someone .

so me day also someday ADV [ADV with v] Some day means at a date in the future that is unknown or that has not yet been decided. □� Some day I'll be a pilot.

some|how ◆◇◇ /sʌ mhaʊ/

1 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] You use somehow to say that you do not know or cannot say how something was done or will be done. □� We'll manage somehow, you and me. I know we will. □� Somehow Karin managed to cope with the demands of her career. □� Somehow I knew he would tell me the truth.

2somehow or other →�see other

some|one ◆◆◇ /sʌ mwʌn/ or somebody

1 PRON You use someone or somebody to refer to a person without saying exactly who you mean. □� Her father was shot by someone trying to rob his small retail store. □� I need someone to help me. □� If somebody asks me how my diet is going, I say, 'Fine'.

2 PRON If you say that a person is someone or somebodyin a particular kind of work or in a particular place, you mean that they are considered to be important in that kind of work or in that place. □� 'Before she came around,' she says, 'I was somebody in this town'. USAGE someone

You don�t usually use �someone� or �somebody� as part of the object of a negative sentence. Don�t say, for example, ' I don�t know someone who lives in York �. You say �I don�t know anyone who lives in York�. □� There wasn�t anyone there.

some|place /sʌ mple I s/ ADV [ADV after v] Someplace means the same as somewhere . [AM ] □� Maybe if we could go someplace together, just you and I.

som|er|sault /sʌ mə r sɔːlt/ (somersaults , somersaulting , somersaulted )

1 N‑COUNT If someone or something does a somersault , they turn over completely in the air.

2 VERB If someone or something somersaults , they perform one or more somersaults. □�[V prep] I hit him back and he somersaulted down the stairs.

some|thing ◆◆◆ /sʌ mθ I ŋ/

1 PRON You use something to refer to a thing, situation, event, or idea, without saying exactly what it is. □� He realized right away that there was something wrong. □� There was something vaguely familiar about him. □� The garden was something special. □� 'You said there was something you wanted to ask me,' he said politely. □� There was something in her attitude that bothered him.

2 PRON You can use something to say that the description or amount that you are giving is not exact. □� Clive made a noise, something like a grunt. □� There was something around a thousand dollars in the office strong box. □� Their membership seems to have risen to something over 10,000.

3 PRON If you say that a person or thing is something or is really something , you mean that you are very impressed by them. [INFORMAL ] □� The doors here are really something, all made of good wood like mahogany.

4 PRON You can use something in expressions like ' that's something ' when you think that a situation is not very good but is better that it might have been. □� Well, at least he was in town. That was something.

5 PRON If you say that a thing is something of a disappointment, you mean that it is quite disappointing. If you say that a person is something of an artist, you mean that they are quite good at art. □� The city proved to be something of a disappointment. □� It was something of a surprise that he was in New York.

6 PRON If you say that there is something in an idea or suggestion, you mean that it is quite good and should be considered seriously. □� Christianity has stood the test of time, so there must be something in it. □� Could there be something in what he said?

7 PRON You use something in expressions such as ' or something ' and ' or something like that ' to indicate that you are referring to something similar to what you have just mentioned but you are not being exact. [VAGUENESS ] □� This guy, his name was Briarly or Beardly or something. □� The air fare was about a hundred and ninety-nine pounds or something like that.

8something like →�see like ➌ USAGE something

Don�t use �something� in negative sentences. Instead, use anything . □� He never seemed to do anything at all.

-something /-sʌmθ I ŋ/ (-somethings ) COMB -something is combined with numbers such as twenty and thirty to form adjectives which indicate an approximate amount, especially someone's age. For example, if you say that someone is thirty-something , you mean they are between thirty and forty years old.

some|time /sʌ mta I m/ ADV [ADV with v] You use sometime to refer to a time in the future or the past that is unknown or that has not yet been decided. □� The sales figures won't be released until sometime next month. □� Why don't you come and see me sometime?

some|times ◆◆◇ /sʌ mta I mz/ ADV [ADV with v] You use sometimes to say that something happens on some occasions rather than all the time. □� During the summer, my skin sometimes gets greasy. □� Sometimes I think he dislikes me. □� You must have noticed how tired he sometimes looks. □� Other people's jobs were exactly the same�sometimes good, sometimes bad.

some|what ◆◇◇ /sʌ m h wɒt/ ADV You use somewhat to indicate that something is the case to a limited extent or degree. [FORMAL ] □� He explained somewhat unconvincingly that the company was paying for everything. □� Although his relationship with his mother had improved somewhat, he was still depressed. SYNONYMS somewhat ADV

rather:The reality is rather more complex.

quite:I felt quite bitter about it at the time.

fairly:Both ships are fairly new.

pretty:Pretty soon after my arrival I found lodgings.

some|where ◆◇◇ /sʌ m h weə r /

1 ADV [ADV after v, ADV with be , from ADV ] You use somewhere to refer to a place without saying exactly where you mean. □� I've got a feeling I've seen him before somewhere. □� I'm not going home yet. I have to go somewhere else first. □� 'Perhaps we can talk somewhere privately,' said Kesler. □� Somewhere in Ian's room were some of the letters that she had sent him. □� I needed somewhere to live in London.

2 ADV You use somewhere when giving an approximate amount, number, or time. □� Caray is somewhere between 73 and 80 years of age. □� The W.H.O. safety standard for ozone levels is somewhere about a hundred.

3 PHRASE If you say that you are getting somewhere , you mean that you are making progress towards achieving something. □� At last they were agreeing, at last they were getting somewhere. USAGE somewhere

Don�t use �somewhere� in negative sentences. Use anywhere . □� I haven�t got anywhere to live.

som|no|lent /sɒ mnəl ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you are somnolent , you feel sleepy. [FORMAL ] □� The sedative makes people very somnolent.

son ◆◆◆ /sʌ n/ (sons )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's son is their male child. □� He shared a pizza with his son Laurence. □� Sam is the seven-year-old son of Eric Davies. □� They have a son.

2 N‑COUNT [with poss] A man, especially a famous man, can be described as a son of the place he comes from. [JOURNALISM ] □� �New Orleans's most famous son, Louis Armstrong. □� �sons of Africa.

3 N‑COUNT Some people use son as a form of address when they are showing kindness or affection to a boy or a man who is younger than them. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Don't be frightened by failure, son.

so|nar /soʊ nɑː r / (sonars ) N‑VAR Sonar is equipment on a ship which can calculate the depth of the sea or the position of an underwater object using sound waves.

so|na|ta /sənɑː tə/ (sonatas ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A sonata is a piece of classical music written either for a single instrument, or for one instrument and a piano.

son et lu|mi|�re /sɒ n e I luː mieə r / N‑SING Son et lumi�re is an entertainment which is held at night in an old building such as a castle. A person describes the history of the place, and at the same time different parts of the building are brightly lit and music is played.

song ◆◆◇ /sɒ ŋ, [AM ] sɔː ŋ/ (songs )

1 N‑COUNT A song is words sung to a tune. □� �a voice singing a Spanish song. □� �a love song.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Song is the art of singing. □� �dance, music, mime and song. □� �the history of American popular song.

3 N‑COUNT A bird's song is the pleasant, musical sounds that it makes. □� It's been a long time since I heard a blackbird's song in the evening.

4 →�see also birdsong , song and dance , songbird , swan song

5 PHRASE If someone bursts into song or breaks into song , they start singing. □� I feel as if I should break into song. COLLOCATIONS song NOUN 1

noun +�song : hit, love, pop, protest

adjective +�song : catchy, favourite; classic, popular, traditional

verb +�song : play, perform, sing; record, release, write

so ng and da nce

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] A song and dance act is a performance in which a person or group of people sing and dance.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is making a song and danceabout something, you mean they are making an unnecessary fuss about it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He used his money to help others�but he never made a song and dance about it.

song|bird /sɒ ŋbɜː r d, [AM ] sɔː ŋ-/ (songbirds ) also song bird N‑COUNT A songbird is a bird that produces musical sounds which are like singing. There are many different kinds of songbird.

so ng sheet (song sheets ) also songsheet N‑COUNT A song sheet is a piece of paper with the words to one or more songs printed on it. Song sheets are given to groups of people at occasions when they are expected to sing together.

song|ster /sɒ ŋstə r , [AM ] sɔː ŋ-/ (songsters ) N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes refer to a popular singer, especially a male singer, as a songster .

song|stress /sɒ ŋstrəs, [AM ] sɔː ŋ-/ (songstresses ) N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes refer to a female popular singer as a songstress .

song|writer /sɒ ŋra I tə r , [AM ] sɔː ŋ-/ (songwriters )

1 N‑COUNT A songwriter is someone who writes the words or the music, or both, for popular songs. □� �one of rock'n'roll's greatest songwriters.

2 →�see also singer-songwriter

son|ic /sɒ n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sonic is used to describe things related to sound. [TECHNICAL ] □� He activated the door with the miniature sonic transmitter.

so n-in-law (sons-in-law ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's son-in-law is the husband of one of their children.

son|net /sɒ n I t/ (sonnets ) N‑COUNT A sonnet is a poem that has 14 lines. Each line has 10 syllables, and the poem has a fixed pattern of rhymes.

son|ny /sʌ ni/ N‑COUNT Some people address a boy or young man as sonny . [INFORMAL ] □� Well, sonny, I'll give you a bit of advice.

so n of a bi tch (sons of bitches ) also son-of-a-bitch N‑COUNT If someone is very angry with another person, or if they want to insult them, they sometimes call them a son of a bitch . [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

so|nor|ity /sənɒ r I ti, [AM ] -nɔː r-/ (sonorities ) N‑UNCOUNT The sonority of a sound is its deep, rich quality. [FORMAL ] □� The lower strings contribute a splendid richness of sonority.

so|no|rous /sɒ nərəs, [AM ] sənɔː rəs/ ADJ A sonorous sound is deep and rich. [LITERARY ] □� 'Doctor McKee?' the man called in an even, sonorous voice.

soon ◆◆◆ /suː n/ (sooner , soonest )

1 ADV [ADV with v] If something is going to happen soon , it will happen after a short time. If something happened soon after a particular time or event, it happened a short time after it. □� You'll be hearing from us very soon. □� This chance has come sooner than I expected. □� The plane was returning to the airport soon after takeoff when it burst into flames. □� Soon afterwards he left his job.

2 PHRASE If you say that something happens as soon as something else happens, you mean that it happens immediately after the other thing. □� As soon as relations improve they will be allowed to go. □� You'll never guess what happened as soon as I left my room.

3 PHRASE If you say that you would just as soon do something or you 'd just as soon do it, you mean that you would prefer to do it. □� They'd just as soon I didn't know the truth. □� I'd just as soon not have to make this public. □� I'd just as soon you put that thing away. □� She'd just as soon throw your plate in your face as serve you.

soon|er /suː nə r /

1Sooner is the comparative of soon .

2 PHRASE You say the sooner the better when you think something should be done as soon as possible. □� The kidnapper is a man we must catch and the sooner the better.

3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen sooner or later , you mean that it will happen at some time in the future, even though it might take a long time. □� Sooner or later she would be caught by the police.

4 PHRASE If you say that no sooner has one thing happened than another thing happens, you mean that the second thing happens immediately after the first thing. □� No sooner had he arrived in Rome than he was kidnapped.

5 PHRASE If you say that you would sooner do something or you 'd sooner do it, you mean that you would prefer to do it. □� Ford vowed that he would sooner burn his factory to the ground than build a single vehicle for war purposes. □� I'd sooner not talk about it. □� I'd sooner he didn't know till I've talked to Pete. □� I would sooner give up sleep than miss my evening class. □�[MODAL not ] I'd sooner not, if you don't mind.

soot /sʊ t/ N‑UNCOUNT Soot is black powder which rises in the smoke from a fire and collects on the inside of chimneys. □� � a wall blackened by soot.

soothe /suː �/ (soothes , soothing , soothed )

1 VERB If you soothe someone who is angry or upset, you make them feel calmer. □�[V n] He would take her in his arms and soothe her. □�[V n] It did not take long for the central bank to soothe investors' fears. ●� sooth|ing ADJ □� Put on some nice soothing music.

2 VERB Something that soothes a part of your body where there is pain or discomfort makes the pain or discomfort less severe. □�[V n] �body lotion to soothe dry skin. ●� sooth|ing ADJ □� Cold tea is very soothing for burns.

sooth|say|er /suː θse I ə r / (soothsayers ) N‑COUNT In former times, soothsayers were people who believed they could see into the future and say what was going to happen.

sooty /sʊ ti/ ADJ Something that is sooty is covered with soot. □� Their uniforms are torn and sooty.

sop /sɒ p/ (sops ) N‑COUNT You describe something as a sopto a person when they are offered something small or unimportant in order to prevent them from getting angry or causing trouble. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] This is an obvious sop to the large Irish-American audience.

so|phis|ti|cate /səf I st I ke I t/ (sophisticates ) N‑COUNT A sophisticate is someone who knows about culture, fashion, and other matters that are considered socially important.

so|phis|ti|cat|ed ◆◇◇ /səf I st I ke I t I d/

1 ADJ A sophisticated machine, device, or method is more advanced or complex than others. □� Honeybees use one of the most sophisticated communication systems of any insect. □� �a large and sophisticated new British telescope.

2 ADJ Someone who is sophisticated is comfortable in social situations and knows about culture, fashion, and other matters that are considered socially important. □� Claude was a charming, sophisticated companion.

3 ADJ A sophisticated person is intelligent and knows a lot, so that they are able to understand complicated situations. □� These people are very sophisticated observers of the foreign policy scene.

so|phis|ti|ca|tion /səf I st I ke I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The sophistication of machines or methods is their quality of being more advanced or complex than others. □�[+�of ] Given the sophistication of modern machines, there is little that cannot be washed at home.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sophistication is the quality of being comfortable in social situations and knowing about culture, fashion, and other matters that are considered socially important. □� James Bond is known for his sophistication, his style and his sense of class.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Sophistication is the quality of being intelligent and knowing a lot, so that you are able to understand complicated situations. □� Growing sophistication among biotech investors presented an opportunity for a more specialist investment fund.

soph|ist|ries /sɒ f I striz/ N‑PLURAL Sophistries are clever arguments that sound convincing but are in fact false. [FORMAL ] □� They refuted the 'sophistries of the economists'.

soph|ist|ry /sɒ f I stri/ N‑UNCOUNT Sophistry is the practice of using clever arguments that sound convincing but are in fact false. [FORMAL ] □� Political selection is more dependent on sophistry and less on economic literacy.

sopho|more /sɒ fəmɔː r / (sophomores ) N‑COUNT A sophomore is a student in the second year of college or high school. [AM ]

sopo|rif|ic /sɒ pər I f I k/ ADJ Something that is soporific makes you feel sleepy. [FORMAL ] □� �the soothing, soporific effects of sitting by an open fire .

sop|ping /sɒ p I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is sopping or sopping wet is extremely wet. [INFORMAL ] □� They came back sopping wet.

sop|py /sɒ pi/ (soppier , soppiest ) ADJ If you describe someone or something as soppy , you mean that they are foolishly sentimental. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� He's constantly on the phone to his girlfriend being soppy.

so|pra|no /səprɑː noʊ, -pr� n-/ (sopranos ) N‑COUNT A soprano is a woman, girl, or boy with a high singing voice. □� She was the main soprano at the Bolshoi theatre. □� �a pretty girl with a sweet soprano voice.

sor|bet /sɔː r be I , [AM ] -b I t/ (sorbets ) N‑VAR Sorbet is a frozen dessert made with fruit juice, sugar, and water. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a light lemon sorbet. in AM, use sherbet

sor|cer|er /sɔː r sərə r / (sorcerers ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories, a sorcerer is a person who performs magic by using the power of evil spirits.

sor|cer|ess /sɔː r sər I s/ (sorceresses ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories, a sorceress is a woman who performs magic by using the power of evil spirits.

sor|cery /sɔː r səri/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorcery is magic performed by using the power of evil spirits.

sor|did /sɔː r d I d/

1 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as sordid , you mean that it is immoral or dishonest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I don't want to hear the sordid details of your relationship with Sandra.

2 ADJ If you describe a place as sordid , you mean that it is dirty, unpleasant, or depressing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the attic windows of their sordid little rooms.

sore /sɔː r / (sorer , sorest , sores )

1 ADJ If part of your body is sore , it causes you pain and discomfort. □� It's years since I've had a sore throat like I did last night. □� My chest is still sore from the surgery. ●� sore|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The soreness lasted for about six weeks.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are sore about something, you are angry and upset about it. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[+�at/about ] The result is that they are now all feeling very sore at you.

3 N‑COUNT A sore is a painful place on the body where the skin is infected.

4 →�see also cold sore

5 PHRASE If something is a sore pointwith someone, it is likely to make them angry or embarrassed if you try to discuss it. □�[+�with/for/between ] The continuing presence of American troops on Korean soil remains a very sore point with these students.

6to stick out like a sore thumb →�see thumb

sore|ly /sɔː r li/ ADV [ADV before v] Sorely is used to emphasize that a feeling such as disappointment or need is very strong. [EMPHASIS ] □� I for one was sorely disappointed. □� The new wing of the church provided sorely needed classroom space. □� He will be sorely missed.

sor|ghum /sɔː r gəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorghum is a type of corn that is grown in warm countries. Its grain can be made into flour or syrup.

so|ror|ity /sɒrɔː r I ti/ (sororities ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a sorority is a society of female university or college students.

sor|rel /sɒ rəl, [AM ] sɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorrel is a plant whose leaves have a bitter taste and are sometimes used in salads and sauces.

sor|row /sɒ roʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorrow is a feeling of deep sadness or regret. □� It was a time of great sorrow. □� Words cannot express my sorrow.

sor|row|ful /sɒ roʊfʊl/ ADJ Sorrowful means very sad. [LITERARY ] □� His father's face looked suddenly soft and sorrowful.

sor|rows /sɒ roʊz/

1 N‑PLURAL Sorrows are events or situations that cause deep sadness. □� �the joys and sorrows of everyday living.

2to drown one's sorrows →�see drown

sor|ry ◆◆◇ /sɒ ri/ (sorrier , sorriest )

1 CONVENTION You say ' Sorry ' or ' I'm sorry ' as a way of apologizing to someone for something that you have done which has upset them or caused them difficulties, or when you bump into them accidentally. [FORMULAE ] □� 'We're all talking at the same time.'�'Yeah. Sorry.' □� Sorry I took so long. □� Sorry for barging in like this. □� I'm really sorry if I said anything wrong. □� I'm sorry to call so late, but I need a favour. □� The next morning she came into my room and said she was sorry.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that/to-inf] If you are sorry about a situation, you feel regret, sadness, or disappointment about it. □�[+�about ] She was very sorry about all the trouble she'd caused. □�[+�about ] I'm sorry about what's happened. □� I'm sorry he's gone. □� He was sorry to see them go.

3 CONVENTION You use I'm sorry or sorry as an introduction when you are telling a person something that you do not think they will want to hear, for example when you are disagreeing with them or giving them bad news. □� No, I'm sorry, I can't agree with you. □� 'I'm sorry,' he told the real estate agent, 'but we really must go now.' □� Sorry�no baths after ten o'clock. □� I'm sorry to have to tell you that Janet West is dead.

4 PHRASE You use the expression I'm sorry to say to express regret together with disappointment or disapproval. [FEELINGS ] □� I've only done half of it, I'm sorry to say. □� This, I am sorry to say, is almost entirely wishful thinking.

5 CONVENTION You say ' I'm sorry ' to express your regret and sadness when you hear sad or unpleasant news. [FEELINGS ] □� I've heard about Mollie�I'm so sorry. □� 'I'm afraid he's ill.'�'I'm sorry to hear that.'

6 ADJ If you feel sorry for someone who is unhappy or in an unpleasant situation, you feel sympathy and sadness for them. □�[+�for ] I felt sorry for him and his colleagues�it must have been so frustrating for them. □�[+�for ] I am very sorry for the family.

7 ADJ You say that someone is feeling sorry forthemselves when you disapprove of the fact that they keep thinking unhappily about their problems, rather than trying to be cheerful and positive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�for ] What he must not do is to sit around at home feeling sorry for himself.

8 CONVENTION You say ' Sorry? ' when you have not heard something that someone has said and you want them to repeat it. [FORMULAE ]

9 CONVENTION You use sorry when you correct yourself and use different words to say what you have just said, especially when what you say the second time does not use the words you would normally choose to use. □� Barcelona will be hoping to bring the trophy back to Spain�sorry, Catalonia�for the first time.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone or something is in a sorry state, they are in a bad state, mentally or physically. □� The fire left Kuwait's oil industry in a sorry state.

11better safe than sorry →�see safe

sort ◆◆◆ /sɔː r t/ (sorts , sorting , sorted )

1 N‑COUNT If you talk about a particular sortof something, you are talking about a class of things that have particular features in common and that belong to a larger group of related things. □�[+�of ] What sort of school did you go to? □�[+�of ] There are so many different sorts of mushrooms available these days. □�[+�of ] He had a nice, serious sort of smile. □�[+�of ] That's just the sort of abuse that he will be investigating. □� Eddie was playing a game of some sort.

2 N‑SING You describe someone as a particular sort when you are describing their character. □� He seemed to be just the right sort for the job. □�[+�of ] She was a very vigorous sort of person. □�[+�of ] What sort of men were they?

3 VERB If you sort things, you separate them into different classes, groups, or places, for example so that you can do different things with them. □�[be V -ed +�into ] The students are sorted into three ability groups. □�[V +�through ] He unlatched the box and sorted through the papers. □�[V n] I sorted the laundry.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you get a problem or the details of something sorted , you do what is necessary to solve the problem or organize the details. [INFORMAL ] □�[get V -ed] I'm trying to get my script sorted.

5 PHRASE All sortsof things or people means a large number of different things or people. □� There are all sorts of animals, including bears, kangaroos, and penguins. □� Self-help groups of all sorts have been running for more than 20 years.

6 PHRASE If you describe something as a thing of sorts or as a thing of a sort , you are suggesting that the thing is of a rather poor quality or standard. □� He made a living of sorts selling pancakes from a van.

7 PHRASE You use sort of when you want to say that your description of something is not very accurate. [INFORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □� You could even order windows from a catalogue�a sort of mail order stained glass service.

8to sort the wheat from the chaff →�see chaff

9nothing of the sort →�see nothing

▸� sort out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you sort out a group of things, you separate them into different classes, groups, or places, for example so that you can do different things with them. □�[V P n] Sort out all your bills, receipts, invoices and expenses and keep detailed accounts. □�[V P n] Davina was sorting out scraps of material. □�[V P n +�from ] How do we sort out fact from fiction? [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you sort out a problem or the details of something, you do what is necessary to solve the problem or organize the details. □�[V P n] The two countries have sorted out their trade and security dispute. □�[V n P ] Have you sorted something out for tomorrow night?

3 PHRASAL VERB If you sort someone out , you make them realize that they have behaved wrongly, for example by talking to them or by punishing them. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P ] It was the older women and young mothers who sorted all the troublemakers out. □�[V P n] The crucial skill you need to develop is sorting out the parents.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you sortyourselfout , you organize yourself or calm yourself so that you can act effectively and reasonably. □�[V pron-refl P ] We're in a state of complete chaos here and I need a little time to sort myself out.

sor|tie /sɔː r ti/ (sorties )

1 N‑COUNT A sortie is a brief trip away from your home base, especially a trip to an unfamiliar place. [FORMAL ] □� From here we plan several sorties into the countryside on foot.

2 N‑COUNT If a military force makes a sortie , it leaves its own position and goes briefly into enemy territory to make an attack. [FORMAL ] □� His men made a sortie to Guazatan and took a prisoner.

so rt|ing of|fice (sorting offices ) N‑COUNT A sorting office is a place where letters and parcels that have been posted are taken and sorted according to where they are being sent. [BRIT ]

SOS /e s oʊ e s/ N‑SING An SOS is a signal which indicates to other people that you are in danger and need help quickly. □� The ferry did not even have time to send out an SOS.

so -so ADJ If you say that something is so-so , you mean that it is average in quality, rather than being very good or very bad. [INFORMAL ] □� Their lunch was only so-so.

sot|to voce /sɒ toʊ voʊ tʃe I / ADV [usu ADV after v] If you say something sotto voce , you say it in a soft voice. [LITERARY ]

sou|bri|quet /soʊ br I ke I / (soubriquets ) →�see sobriquet

souf|fl� /suː fle I , [AM ] suːfle I / (souffl�s ) also souffle N‑VAR A souffl� is a light food made from a mixture of beaten egg whites and other ingredients that is baked in the oven. It can be either sweet or savoury. □� �a superb cheese souffl�.

sought /sɔː t/ Sought is the past tense and past participle of seek .

sou ght-after ADJ Something that is sought-after is in great demand, usually because it is rare or of very good quality. □� A gold medal is the most sought-after prize in world sport.

souk /suː k/ (souks ) also suq N‑COUNT A souk is an outdoor market in a Muslim country, especially in North Africa and the Middle East.

soul ◆◇◇ /soʊ l/ (souls )

1 N‑COUNT Your soul is the part of you that consists of your mind, character, thoughts, and feelings. Many people believe that your soul continues existing after your body is dead. □� She went to pray for the soul of her late husband. □� 'I will put my heart and soul into the job,' he promises.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] You can refer to someone as a particular kind of soul when you are describing their character or condition. □� He's a jolly soul.

3 N‑SING You use soul in negative statements like not a soul to mean nobody at all. □� I've never harmed a soul in my life. □� There was not a soul there.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Soul or soul music is a type of pop music performed mainly by black American musicians. It developed from gospel and blues music and often expresses deep emotions. □� He is regarded by critics as the greatest soul singer of his generation.

5the life and soul of the party →�see life

sou l-destroying ADJ Activities or situations that are soul-destroying make you depressed, because they are boring or because there is no hope of improvement. □� Believing yourself to be in the wrong job can be soul-destroying.

sou l food N‑UNCOUNT Soul food is used to refer to the kind of food, for example corn bread, ham, and greens, that was popular with black Americans in the southern United States and is considered typical of them. [mainly AM ]

soul|ful /soʊ lfʊl/ ADJ Something that is soulful expresses deep feelings, especially sadness or love. □� �his great, soulful, brown eyes. □� �soulful music. ●� soul|ful|ly ADV □� She gazed at him soulfully.

soul|less /soʊ lləs/ ADJ If you describe a thing or person as soulless , you mean that they lack human qualities and the ability to feel or produce deep feelings. □� �a clean and soulless hotel. □� �a grey and soulless existence.

sou l mate (soul mates ) also soulmate N‑COUNT A soul mate is someone with whom you share a close friendship and deep personal understanding. □� Steve and I became soul mates, near-constant companions.

sou l mu|sic N‑UNCOUNT Soul music or soul is a type of pop music performed mainly by black American musicians. It developed from gospel and blues music and often expresses deep emotions.

sou l-searching N‑UNCOUNT Soul-searching is a long and careful examination of your thoughts and feelings, especially when you are trying to make a difficult moral decision or thinking about something that has gone wrong. □� I did a lot of soul-searching, trying to find out what had gone wrong in my life.

sound

➊�NOUN AND VERB USES

➋�ADJECTIVE USES

➊ sound ◆◆◆ /saʊ nd/ (sounds , sounding , sounded )

→�Please look at categories 12 to 14 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑COUNT A sound is something that you hear. □� Peter heard the sound of gunfire. □� Liza was so frightened she couldn't make a sound. □� There was a splintering sound as the railing gave way. □� �the sounds of children playing.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sound is energy that travels in waves through air, water, or other substances, and can be heard. □� The aeroplane will travel at twice the speed of sound.

3 N‑SING Thesound on a television, radio, or CD player is what you hear coming from the machine. Its loudness can be controlled. □� She went and turned the sound down. □� Compact discs have brought about a vast improvement in recorded sound quality.

4 N‑COUNT A singer's or band's sound is the distinctive quality of their music. □� He's got a unique sound and a unique style.

5 VERB If something such as a horn or a bell sounds or if you sound it, it makes a noise. □�[V ] The buzzer sounded in Daniel's office. □�[V n] A young man sounds the bell to start the Sunday service.

6 VERB If you sound a warning, you publicly give it. If you sound a note of caution or optimism, you say publicly that you are cautious or optimistic. □�[V n] The markets sounded a warning over a slowdown in the global economy.

7 V‑LINK When you are describing a noise, you can talk about the way it sounds . □�[V +�like ] They heard what sounded like a huge explosion. □�[V adj] The creaking of the hinges sounded very loud in that silence. □�[V as if] It sounded as if he were trying to say something.

8 V‑LINK When you talk about the way someone sounds , you are describing the impression you have of them when they speak. □�[V adj] She sounded a bit worried. □�[V +�like ] Murphy sounds like a child. □�[V as if] She sounded as if she really cared. □�[V n] I thought she sounded a genuinely caring and helpful person.

9 V‑LINK When you are describing your impression or opinion of something you have heard about or read about, you can talk about the way it sounds . □�[V +�like ] It sounds like a wonderful idea to me, does it really work? □�[V as if] It sounds as if they might have made a dreadful mistake. □�[V adj] She decided that her doctor's advice sounded pretty good. □�[V adj] The book is not as morbid as it sounds. □�[V n] I know this sounds a crazy thing for me to ask you.

10 N‑SING You can describe your impression of something you have heard about or read about by talking about the sound of it. □� Here's a new idea we liked the sound of. □� From the sound of things, he might well be the same man.

11 →�see also -sounding , sounding

12to sound the alarm →�see alarm

13to sound the death knell →�see death knell

14safe and sound →�see safe

▸� sound off PHRASAL VERB If someone sounds off , they express their opinions strongly and rather rudely without being asked. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P +�about/on ] Some people sound off about something without really deciding what they think about it. [Also V P ]

▸� sound out PHRASAL VERB If you sound someone out , you question them in order to find out what their opinion is about something. □�[V P n] He is sounding out governments in the region on ways to resolve the conflict. □�[V n P ] Sound him out gradually. Make sure it is what he really wants.

➋ sound /saʊ nd/ (sounder , soundest )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft adv ADJ ] If a structure, part of someone's body, or someone's mind is sound , it is in good condition or healthy. □� When we bought the house, it was structurally sound. □� Although the car is basically sound, I was worried about certain areas.

2 ADJ Sound advice, reasoning, or evidence is reliable and sensible. □� They are trained nutritionists who can give sound advice on diets. □� Buy a policy only from an insurance company that is financially sound. □� His reasoning is perfectly sound, but he misses the point.

3 ADJ If you describe someone's ideas as sound , you mean that you approve of them and think they are correct. [APPROVAL ] □� I am not sure that this is sound democratic practice. □� I think the idea of secularism is a very sound one.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone is in a sound sleep, they are sleeping very deeply. □� She had woken me out of a sound sleep. ●�ADV [ADV adj] Sound is also an adverb. □� He was lying in bed, sound asleep.

5 →�see also soundly

sound|alike /saʊ ndəla I k/ (soundalikes ) also sound-alike N‑COUNT A soundalike is someone, especially a singer, whose voice resembles that of a famous person. □� �an Elvis-soundalike.

sou nd bar|ri|er N‑SING If an aircraft breaks thesound barrier , it reaches a speed that is faster than the speed of sound.

sound|bite /saʊ ndba I t/ (soundbites ) also sound bite , sound-bite N‑COUNT A soundbite is a short sentence or phrase, usually from a politician's speech, which is broadcast during a news programme.

sound|card /saʊ ndkɑː r d/ (soundcards ) N‑COUNT A soundcard is a piece of equipment which can be put into a computer so that the computer can produce music or other sounds. [COMPUTING ]

sou nd ef|fect (sound effects ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sound effects are the sounds that are created artificially to make a play more realistic, especially a radio play.

sou nd en|gi|neer (sound engineers ) N‑COUNT A sound engineer is a person who works in a recording studio or for a radio or television company, and whose job it is to alter and balance the levels of different sounds as they are recorded. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use sound mixer

sound|ing /saʊ nd I ŋ/ (soundings )

1 N‑SING The sounding of a bell or a horn is the act of causing it to make a sound. □� There were 15 minutes between the first air raid alert and the sounding of the all-clear signal.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you take soundings , you try to find out people's opinions on a subject. □�[+�of ] She will take soundings of the people's wishes before deciding on a course of action.

-sounding /-saʊnd I ŋ/

1 COMB -sounding combines with adjectives to indicate a quality that a word, phrase, or name seems to have. □� Many literary academics simply parrot a set of impressive-sounding phrases. □� �faraway places with strange-sounding names.

2 →�see also high-sounding

sou nd|ing board (sounding boards ) N‑COUNT If you use someone as a sounding board , you discuss your ideas with them in order to get another opinion. □� He needed a sounding board rather than thinking alone.

sound|less /saʊ ndləs/ ADJ Something that is soundless does not make a sound. [LITERARY ] □� My bare feet were soundless over the carpet. ●� sound|less|ly ADV □� Joe's lips moved soundlessly.

sound|ly /saʊ ndli/

1 ADV [ADV -ed] If someone is soundly defeated or beaten, they are severely defeated or beaten. □� Duke was soundly defeated in this month's Louisiana governor's race.

2 ADV [ADV -ed] If a decision, opinion, or statement is soundly based, there are sensible or reliable reasons behind it. [APPROVAL ] □� Changes must be soundly based in economic reality.

3 ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] If you sleep soundly , you sleep deeply and do not wake during your sleep. □� How can he sleep soundly at night? □� She was too soundly asleep to hear Stefano's return.

sou nd mix|er (sound mixers ) N‑COUNT A sound mixer is a person who works in a recording studio or for a radio or television company, and whose job it is to alter and balance the levels of different sounds as they are recorded.

sound|proof /saʊ ndpruːf/ (soundproofs , soundproofing , soundproofed ) also sound-proof

1 ADJ A soundproof room, door, or window is designed to prevent all sound from getting in or out. □� The studio isn't soundproof.

2 VERB If you soundproof a room, you line it with special materials to stop all sound from getting in or out. □�[V n] We've soundproofed our home studio.

sou nd stage (sound stages ) also sound-stage , soundstage N‑COUNT A sound stage is a stage or set which is suitable for recording sound, especially for a film.

sou nd sys|tem (sound systems ) N‑COUNT A sound system is a set of equipment for playing recorded music, or for making a band's music able to be heard by everyone at a concert.

sound|track /saʊ ndtr�k/ (soundtracks ) also sound track N‑COUNT The soundtrack of a film is its sound, speech, and music. It is used especially to refer to the music.

sou nd wave (sound waves ) also soundwave N‑COUNT Sound waves are the waves of energy that we hear as sound.

soup /suː p/ (soups ) N‑VAR Soup is liquid food made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables in water. □� �home-made chicken soup.

sou p kitch|en (soup kitchens ) also soup-kitchen N‑COUNT A soup kitchen is a place where homeless people or very poor people are provided with free food.

sou p plate (soup plates ) N‑COUNT A soup plate is a deep plate with a wide edge in which soup is served.

sou p spoon (soup spoons ) N‑COUNT A soup spoon is a spoon used for eating soup. The bowl-like part at the end of it is round.

soupy /suː pi/ ADJ Soupy things are like soup or look like soup. □� �swirling soupy water.

sour /saʊə r / (sours , souring , soured )

1 ADJ Something that is sour has a sharp, unpleasant taste like the taste of a lemon. □� The stewed apple was sour even with honey.

2 →�see also sweet and sour

3 ADJ Sour milk is milk that has an unpleasant taste because it is no longer fresh.

4 ADJ Someone who is sour is bad-tempered and unfriendly. □� She made a sour face in his direction. ●� sour|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'Leave my mother out of it,' he said sourly.

5 ADJ If a situation or relationship turnssour or goessour , it stops being enjoyable or satisfactory. □� Even the European dream is beginning to turn sour. □� Their songs are filled with tales of love gone sour.

6 VERB If a friendship, situation, or attitude sours or if something sours it, it becomes less friendly, enjoyable, or hopeful. □�[V n] If anything sours the relationship, it is likely to be real differences in their world-views. □�[V ] Her mood soured a little.

7 PHRASE If you refer to someone's attitude as sour grapes , you mean that they say that something is worthless or undesirable because they want it themselves but cannot have it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He should take recent criticisms seriously, not treat them as sour grapes.

source ◆◆◇ /sɔː r s/ (sources , sourcing , sourced )

1 N‑COUNT The sourceof something is the person, place, or thing which you get it from. □� Renewable sources of energy must be used where practical. □� Tourism, which is a major source of income for the city, may be seriously affected.

2 VERB In business, if a person or firm sources a product or a raw material, they find someone who will supply it. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] Together they travel the world, sourcing clothes for the small, privately owned company. □�[V n] About 60 per cent of an average car is sourced from outside of the manufacturer. [Also V from n]

3 N‑COUNT A source is a person or book that provides information for a news story or for a piece of research. □� Military sources say the boat was heading south at high speed.

4 N‑COUNT The source of a difficulty is its cause. □�[+�of ] This gave me a clue as to the source of the problem.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The source of a river or stream is the place where it begins. □�[+�of ] �the source of the Tiber. SYNONYMS source VERB 2

obtain:Evans was trying to obtain a false passport and other documents.

get:We get all our ingredients from local suppliers.

acquire:I recently acquired some wood from a holly tree. NOUN 4

cause:Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of death and disease.

sou rce code (source codes ) N‑VAR Source code is the original form of a computer program as it is written by a programmer. It is then converted into code that the computer can understand. [COMPUTING ]

sou r crea m also soured cream N‑UNCOUNT Sour cream is cream that has been artificially made sour by being mixed with bacteria. It is used in cooking.

sourdough /saʊə doʊ/ (sourdoughs )

1 N‑VAR Sourdough or sourdough bread is bread made using fermenting dough, that has a slightly sour taste. □� Mashed avocado is delicious on toasted sourdough. □� �an artisan bakery selling ryes and sourdoughs, fruit and olive breads.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sourdough is fermenting dough used as an ingredient to make bread rise. □� The bread was made with coarser flour and raised with sourdough.

south ◆◆◆ /saʊ θ/ also South

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Thesouth is the direction which is on your right when you are looking towards the direction where the sun rises. □�[+�of ] The town lies ten miles to the south of here. □� All around him, from east to west, north to south, the stars glittered in the heavens.

2 N‑SING Thesouthof a place, country, or region is the part which is in the south. □�[+�of ] �holidays in the south of France.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go south , you travel towards the south. □� We did an extremely fast U-turn and shot south up the Boulevard St. Michel. □� He went south to climb Taishan, a mountain sacred to the Chinese.

4 ADV Something that is southof a place is positioned to the south of it. □�[+�of ] They now own and operate a farm 50 miles south of Rochester. □�[+�of ] I was living in a house just south of Market Street.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The south edge, corner, or part of a place or country is the part which is towards the south. □� �the south coast of Alderney.

6 ADJ ' South ' is used in the names of some countries, states, and regions in the south of a larger area. □� Next week the President will visit five South American countries in six days. □� �the states of Mississippi and South Carolina.

7 ADJ A south wind is a wind that blows from the south.

8 N‑SING The South is used to refer to the poorer, less developed countries of the world. □� The South is poorer than the North, and the divide is growing.

south|bound /saʊ θbaʊnd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Southbound roads or vehicles lead or are travelling towards the south. □� �the southbound train from the Scottish Highlands. □� �the southbound carriageway of the M61.

sou th-ea st ◆◆◇ also southeast

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The south-east is the direction which is halfway between south and east. □� The city of Ch'eng Tu lies some seven hundred miles to the South-East.

2 N‑SING Thesouth-eastof a place, country, or region is the part which is in the south-east. □�[+�of ] �the South-east of England. □� The heaviest snowfalls today are expected in the south east.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go south-east , you travel towards the south-east. □� We turned south-east, making for Portoferraio.

4 ADV Something that is south-east of a place is positioned to the south-east of it. □�[+�of ] �the potteries of Iznik, some 120km south-east of Istanbul.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The south-east part of a place, country, or region is the part which is towards the south-east. □� �South-East Asia. □� �an island just off Shetland's south-east coast.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A south-east wind is a wind that blows from the south-east.

sou th-ea sterly also southeasterly ADJ [usu ADJ n] A south-easterly point, area, or direction is to the south-east or towards the south-east.

sou th-ea stern also south eastern ADJ [usu ADJ n] South-eastern means in or from the south-east of a region or country. □� �this city on the south-eastern edge of the United States.

south|er|ly /sʌ �ə r li/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A southerly point, area, or direction is to the south or towards the south. □� We set off in a southerly direction. □� �the most southerly areas of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A southerly wind is a wind that blows from the south.

south|ern ◆◆◇ /sʌ �ə r n/ ADJ [ADJ n] Southern means in or from the south of a region, state, or country. □� The Everglades National Park stretches across the southern tip of Florida. □� �a place where you can sample southern cuisine.

south|ern|er /sʌ �ə r nə r / (southerners ) N‑COUNT A southerner is a person who was born in or lives in the south of a place or country. □� Bob Wilson is a Southerner, from Texas. □� Just one in five southerners has visited Liverpool.

south|ern|most /sʌ �ə r nmoʊst/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] The southernmost part of an area or the southernmost place is the one that is farthest towards the south. □� �the southernmost part of the island. □� �Aswan, Egypt's southernmost city.

Sou th Po le N‑PROPER The South Pole is the place on the surface of the earth which is farthest towards the south.

south|ward /saʊ θwə r d/ also southwards ADV [usu ADV after v, oft n ADV ] Southward or southwards means towards the south. □� They drove southward. □� It was a visit that took him to Mogadishu and southwards to Kismayo. ●�ADJ Southward is also an adjective. □� Ducks gathered on the lakes before their southward flight.

sou th-we st ◆◆◇ also southwest

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Thesouth-west is the direction which is halfway between south and west. □� �the village of Popplewell, some six miles to the south-west.

2 N‑SING Thesouth-westof a place, country, or region is the part which is towards the south-west. □�[+�of ] �the mountains in the south west of the U.S.A.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go south-west , you travel towards the south-west. □� We took a plane south-west.

4 ADV Something that is south-west of a place is positioned to the south-west of it. □�[+�of ] �a gold mine at Orkney, south-west of Johannesburg.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The south-west part of a place, country, or region is the part which is towards the south-west. □� �a light aircraft crash near Stranraer in South-West Scotland. □� �in the south-west corner of my garden.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A south-west wind is a wind that blows from the south-west.

sou th-we sterly also southwesterly ADJ [usu ADJ n] A south-westerly point, area, or direction is to the south-west or towards the south-west. □� �the most south-westerly tip of Scotland.

sou th-we stern also south western ADJ [usu ADJ n] South-western means in or from the south-west of a region or country. □� �towns and villages in south-western Azerbaijan.

sou|venir /suː vən I ə r , [AM ] -n I r/ (souvenirs ) N‑COUNT A souvenir is something which you buy or keep to remind you of a holiday, place, or event. □�[+�of ] �a souvenir of the summer of 1992.

sou'|west|er /saʊ we stə r / (sou'westers ) N‑COUNT A sou'wester is a waterproof hat that is worn especially by sailors in stormy weather. It has a wide brim at the back to keep your neck dry.

sov|er|eign /sɒ vr I n/ (sovereigns )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sovereign state or country is independent and not under the authority of any other country. □� The Federation declared itself to be a sovereign republic.

2 ADJ Sovereign is used to describe the person or institution that has the highest power in a country. □� Sovereign power will continue to lie with the Supreme People's Assembly.

3 N‑COUNT A sovereign is a king, queen, or other royal ruler of a country. □� The British sovereign is also the head of the Church of England.

sov|er|eign|ty /sɒ vr I nti/ N‑UNCOUNT Sovereignty is the power that a country has to govern itself or another country or state. □� Britain's concern to protect national sovereignty is far from new.

So|vi|et /soʊ viət, sɒ v-/ (Soviets )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Soviet is used to describe something that belonged or related to the former Soviet Union. □� �the former Soviet empire.

2 N‑PLURAL The Soviets were the people of the former Soviet Union. □� In 1957, the Soviets launched Sputnik 1 into outer space.

3 N‑COUNT A soviet was an elected local, regional, or national council in the former Soviet Union.

sow

➊�VERB USES

➋�NOUN USE

➊ sow /soʊ / (sows , sowing , sowed , sown )

1 VERB If you sow seeds or sow an area of land with seeds, you plant the seeds in the ground. □�[V n] Sow the seed in a warm place in February/March. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Yesterday the field opposite was sown with maize.

2 VERB If someone sows an undesirable feeling or situation, they cause it to begin and develop. □�[V n] He cleverly sowed doubts into the minds of his rivals.

3 PHRASE If one thing sows the seeds of another, it starts the process which leads eventually to the other thing. □� Rich industrialised countries have sown the seeds of global warming.

➋ sow /saʊ / (sows ) N‑COUNT A sow is an adult female pig.

sown /soʊ n/ Sown is the past participle of sow .

soy /sɔ I / N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Soy flour, butter, or other food is made from soybeans. [AM ] in BRIT, use soya

soya /sɔ I ə/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Soya flour, butter, or other food is made from soya beans. [BRIT ] in AM, use soy

so ya bean (soya beans ) N‑COUNT Soya beans are beans that can be eaten or used to make flour, oil, or soy sauce. [BRIT ] in AM, use soybeans

soy|bean /sɔ I biːn/ (soybeans ) also soy bean N‑COUNT Soybeans are the same as soya beans . [AM ]

soy sauce /sɔ I sɔː s/ also soya sauce N‑UNCOUNT Soy sauce is a dark brown liquid made from soya beans and used as a flavouring, especially in Chinese cooking.

spa /spɑː / (spas )

1 N‑COUNT A spa is a place where water with minerals in it comes out of the ground. People drink the water or go in it in order to improve their health. □� �Fiuggi, a spa town famous for its water.

2 N‑COUNT A health spa is a kind of hotel where people go to do exercise and have special treatments in order to improve their health.

space ◆◆◇ /spe I s/ (spaces , spacing , spaced )

1 N‑VAR You use space to refer to an area that is empty or available. The area can be any size. For example, you can refer to a large area outside as a large open space or to a small area between two objects as a small space . □� �bits of open space such as fields and small parks. □� �cutting down yet more trees to make space for houses. □� I had plenty of space to write and sew. □� The space underneath could be used as a storage area. □� List in the spaces below the specific changes you have made.

2 N‑VAR A particular kind of space is the area that is available for a particular activity or for putting a particular kind of thing in. □� �the high cost of office space. □� Finding a parking space in the summer months is still a virtual impossibility.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft n of N ] If a place gives a feeling of space , it gives an impression of being large and open. □� Large paintings can enhance the feeling of space in small rooms.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you give someone space to think about something or to develop as a person, you allow them the time and freedom to do this. □� You need space to think everything over.

5 N‑UNCOUNT The amount of space for a topic to be discussed in a document is the number of pages available to discuss the topic. □� We can't promise to publish a reply as space is limited.

6 N‑SING A space of time is a period of time. □�[+�of ] They've come a long way in a short space of time.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Space is the area beyond the Earth's atmosphere, where the stars and planets are. □� The six astronauts on board will spend ten days in space. □� �launching satellites into space. □� �outer space.

8 N‑UNCOUNT Space is the whole area within which everything exists. □� The physical universe is finite in space and time.

9 VERB If you space a series of things, you arrange them so that they are not all together but have gaps or intervals of time between them. □�[V n adv/prep] Women once again are having fewer children and spacing them further apart. □�[V n] His voice was angry and he spaced the words for emphasis. ●�PHRASAL VERB Space out means the same as space . □�[V n P ] He talks quite slowly and spaces his words out. □�[V P n] I was spacing out the seedlings into divided trays. ●� spac|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Generous spacing gives healthier trees and better crops.

10 →�see also spacing , airspace , breathing space , outer space , personal space

11 PHRASE If you are staring into space , you are looking straight in front of you, without actually looking at anything in particular, for example because you are thinking or because you are feeling shocked. □� He just sat in the dressing-room staring into space.

spa ce age also space-age

1 N‑SING The space age is the present period in the history of the world, when travel in space has become possible.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use space-age to describe something that is very modern and makes you think of the technology of the space age. □� �a space-age tower of steel and glass.

space|craft /spe I skrɑːft, -kr�ft/ (spacecraft ) N‑COUNT A spacecraft is a rocket or other vehicle that can travel in space.

spa ced-ou t also spaced out ADJ Someone who is spaced-out feels as if nothing around them is real, usually because they have taken drugs or because they are very tired. [INFORMAL ] □� He's got this spaced-out look.

spa ce flight (space flights ) N‑VAR A space flight is a trip into space. □� She made her first and only space flight last September.

space|man /spe I sm�n/ (spacemen ) N‑COUNT A spaceman is a male astronaut; used mainly by children.

spa ce probe (space probes ) N‑COUNT A space probe is a spacecraft with no people in it which is sent into space in order to study the planets and send information about them back to earth.

space|ship /spe I sʃ I p/ (spaceships ) N‑COUNT A spaceship is a spacecraft that carries people through space.

spa ce shut|tle (space shuttles ) N‑COUNT A space shuttle or a shuttle is a spacecraft that is designed to travel into space and back to earth several times.

spa ce sta|tion (space stations ) N‑COUNT A space station is a place built for astronauts to live and work in, which is sent into space and then keeps going around the earth.

spa ce suit (space suits ) also spacesuit N‑COUNT A space suit is a special protective suit that is worn by astronauts in space.

spa ce walk (space walks ) N‑COUNT When an astronaut goes on a space walk , he or she leaves the spacecraft and works outside it while floating in space.

spacey /spe I si/ (spacier , spaciest ) also spacy ADJ You can use spacey to describe things, especially music, which seem strange, especially because they are very modern or like things in a dream. [INFORMAL ] □� �brilliant, spacey guitar sounds.

spac|ing /spe I s I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Spacing refers to the way that typing or printing is arranged on a page, especially in relation to the amount of space that is left between words or lines. □� Please type or write clearly in double spacing on one side of A4 paper only.

2 →�see also space

spa|cious /spe I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spacious room or other place is large in size or area, so that you can move around freely in it. □� The house has a spacious kitchen and dining area.

spacy /spe I si/ →�see spacey

spade /spe I d/ (spades )

1 N‑COUNT A spade is a tool used for digging, with a flat metal blade and a long handle. □� � a garden spade. □� The girls happily played in the sand with buckets and spades.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Spades is one of the four suits in a pack of playing cards. Each card in the suit is marked with one or more black symbols: ♠. □� �the ace of spades. ●�N‑COUNT A spade is a playing card of this suit.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone calls a spade a spade , you mean that they speak clearly and directly about things, even embarrassing or unpleasant things. [APPROVAL ] □� I'm not at all secretive, and I'm pretty good at calling a spade a spade.

spade|work /spe I dwɜː r k/ N‑SING Thespadework is the uninteresting work that has to be done as preparation before you can start a project or activity. □� It is now that the spadework has to be done to lay firm foundations for later success.

spa|ghet|ti /spəge ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Spaghetti is a type of pasta. It looks like long pieces of string and is usually served with a sauce.

spa|ghe t|ti we st|ern (spaghetti westerns ) N‑COUNT A spaghetti western is a film made in Europe, usually by an Italian director, about life in the American Wild West.

spake /spe I k/ Spake is the very old-fashioned form of the past tense of speak .

spam /sp� m/ (spams , spamming , spammed ) The form Spam can also be used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑UNCOUNT Spam is a cooked meat product made from pork and ham. [TRADEMARK ]

2 VERB In computing, to spam people or organizations means to send unwanted emails to a large number of them, usually as advertising. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] �programs that let you spam the newspapers. ●�N‑VAR Spam is also a noun. □� �a small group of people fighting the spam plague. ●� spam|ming N‑UNCOUNT □� The consultant who suggested using spamming to raise the company's profile has been fired. ●� spam|mer (spammers ) N‑COUNT □� The real culprits are the spammers.

span /sp� n/ (spans , spanning , spanned )

1 N‑COUNT A span is the period of time between two dates or events during which something exists, functions, or happens. □�[+�of ] The batteries had a life span of six hours. □� Gradually the time span between sessions will increase.

2 N‑COUNT Your concentration span or your attention span is the length of time you are able to concentrate on something or be interested in it. □� His ability to absorb information was astonishing, but his concentration span was short.

3 VERB [no passive] If something spans a long period of time, it lasts throughout that period of time or relates to that whole period of time. □�[V n] His professional career spanned 16 years. □�[V n] The film spans almost a quarter-century.

4 VERB [no passive] If something spans a range of things, all those things are included in it. □�[V n] Bernstein's compositions spanned all aspects of music, from symphonies to musicals.

5 N‑COUNT The span of something that extends or is spread out sideways is the total width of it from one end to the other. □� It is a very pretty butterfly, with a 2 inch wing span.

6 VERB A bridge or other structure that spans something such as a river or a valley stretches right across it. □�[V n] Travellers cross a footbridge that spans a little stream.

7 →�see also spick and span

span|gle /sp� ŋg ə l/ (spangles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spangles are small pieces of shiny metal or plastic which are used to decorate clothing or hair. □� �robes that glittered with spangles.

span|gled /sp� ŋg ə ld/ ADJ Something that is spangled is covered with small shiny objects. □� �spangled, backless dresses.

span|gly /sp� ŋgli/ ADJ Spangly clothes are decorated with a lot of small shiny objects. □� He certainly liked spangly jackets.

Span|iard /sp� njə r d/ (Spaniards ) N‑COUNT A Spaniard is a Spanish citizen, or a person of Spanish origin.

span|iel /sp� njəl/ (spaniels ) N‑COUNT A spaniel is a type of dog with long ears that hang down.

Span|ish /sp� n I ʃ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Spanish means belonging or relating to Spain, or to its people, language, or culture. □� �a Spanish sherry. □� �the Spanish Ambassador.

2 N‑PLURAL The Spanish are the people of Spain.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Spanish is the main language spoken in Spain, and in many countries in South and Central America.

spank /sp� ŋk/ (spanks , spanking , spanked ) VERB If someone spanks a child, they punish them by hitting them on the bottom several times with their hand. □�[V n] When I used to do that when I was a kid, my mom would spank me.

spank|ing /sp� ŋk I ŋ/ (spankings )

1 N‑COUNT If someone gives a child a spanking , they punish them by hitting them on the bottom several times with their hand. □� Andrea gave her son a sound spanking.

2 ADV [ADV adj] If you describe something as spanking new, spanking clean, or spanking white, you mean that it is very new, very clean, or very white. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� �a spanking new Mercedes.

span|ner /sp� nə r / (spanners )

1 N‑COUNT A spanner is a metal tool whose end fits round a nut so that you can turn it to loosen or tighten it. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use wrench , monkey wrench

2 PHRASE If someone throws a spanner in the works , they prevent something happening smoothly in the way that it was planned, by causing a problem or difficulty. [BRIT ] □� A bad result is sure to throw a spanner in the works. in AM, use throw a wrench , throw a monkey wrench

spar /spɑː r / (spars , sparring , sparred )

1 VERB If you sparwith someone, you box using fairly gentle blows instead of hitting your opponent hard, either when you are training or when you want to test how quickly your opponent reacts. □�[V +�with ] With protective gear on you can spar with a partner. □�[V ] They sparred for a moment, on the brink of a full fight.

2 VERB If you sparwith someone, you argue with them but not in an aggressive or serious way. □�[V +�with ] Over the years he sparred with his friend over political tactics. □�[V ] They had always gotten along, even when they sparred.

spare ◆◇◇ /speə r / (spares , sparing , spared )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use spare to describe something that is the same as things that you are already using, but that you do not need yet and are keeping ready in case another one is needed. □� Don't forget to take a few spare batteries. □� He could have taken a spare key. □� The wagons carried spare ammunition. ●�N‑COUNT Spare is also a noun. □� Give me the trunk key and I'll get the spare.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use spare to describe something that is not being used by anyone, and is therefore available for someone to use. □� The spare bedroom is on the second floor. □� There was hardly a spare inch of space to be found.

3 VERB [only to-inf] If you have something such as time, money, or space to spare , you have some extra time, money, or space that you have not used or which you do not need. □�[V ] You got here with ninety seconds to spare. □�[V ] It's not as if he has money to spare.

4 VERB If you spare time or another resource for a particular purpose, you make it available for that purpose. □�[V n] She said that she could only spare 35 minutes for our meeting. □�[V n] He suggested that his country could not spare the troops for such an operation.

5 VERB [usu passive] If a person or a place is spared , they are not harmed, even though other people or places have been. [LITERARY ] □�[be V -ed] We have lost everything, but thank God, our lives have been spared.

6 VERB If you spare someone an unpleasant experience, you prevent them from suffering it. □�[V n n] I wanted to spare Frances the embarrassment of discussing this subject. □�[V n] She's just trying to spare Shawna's feelings.

7 →�see also sparing

8 PHRASE If you spare a thought for an unfortunate person, you make an effort to think sympathetically about them and their bad luck. □� Spare a thought for the nation's shopkeepers�consumer sales slid again in May. SYNONYMS spare ADJ 2

extra:There's an extra blanket in the bottom drawer of the cupboard.

surplus:Few people have large sums of surplus cash.

leftover:�leftover pieces of wallpaper.

spa re pa rt (spare parts ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spare parts are parts that you can buy separately to replace old or broken parts in a piece of equipment. They are usually parts that are designed to be easily removed or fitted.

spa re roo m (spare rooms ) N‑COUNT A spare room is a bedroom which is kept especially for visitors to sleep in.

spa re ti me N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Your spare time is the time during which you do not have to work and you can do whatever you like. □� In her spare time she read books on cooking.

spa re ty re (spare tyres ) in AM, use spare tire1 N‑COUNT A spare tyre is a wheel with a tyre on it that you keep in your car in case you get a flat tyre and need to replace one of your wheels.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as having a spare tyre , you mean that they are fat around the waist. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

spa re whee l (spare wheels ) N‑COUNT A spare wheel is a wheel with a tyre on it that you keep in your car in case you get a flat tyre and need to replace one of your wheels. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use spare tire

spar|ing /speə r I ŋ/ ADJ Someone who is sparingwith something uses it or gives it only in very small quantities. □� Her sparing use of make-up only seemed to enhance her classically beautiful features. ●� spar|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Medication is used sparingly.

spark ◆◇◇ /spɑː r k/ (sparks , sparking , sparked )

1 N‑COUNT A spark is a tiny bright piece of burning material that flies up from something that is burning. □� The fire gradually got bigger and bigger. Sparks flew off in all directions.

2 N‑COUNT A spark is a flash of light caused by electricity. It often makes a loud sound. □� He passed an electric spark through a mixture of gases.

3 VERB If something sparks , sparks of fire or light come from it. □�[V ] The wires were sparking above me. □�[V prep] I stared into the flames of the fire as it sparked to life.

4 VERB If a burning object or electricity sparks a fire, it causes a fire. □�[V n] A dropped cigarette may have sparked the fire.

5 N‑COUNT A spark of a quality or feeling, especially a desirable one, is a small but noticeable amount of it. □�[+�of ] His music lacked that vital spark of imagination.

6 VERB If one thing sparks another, the first thing causes the second thing to start happening. □�[V n] What was it that sparked your interest in motoring? □�[V -ed] �a row sparked by a comment about his sister. ●�PHRASAL VERB Spark off means the same as spark . □�[V n P ] That incident sparked it off. □�[V P n] His book sparked off a revolution in the way we think about animals.

7 →�see also bright spark

8 PHRASE If sparks fly between people, they discuss something in an excited or angry way. □� They are not afraid to tackle the issues or let the sparks fly when necessary.

▸� spark off →�see spark6 COLLOCATIONS spark NOUN 5

adjective +�spark : creative, definite, vital; missing

verb +�spark : ignite, rekindle, provide; lack VERB 6

spark+�noun : controversy, debate, interest, speculation; fury, outrage, protest, row

noun +�spark : claim, comment, death, incident

spar|kle /spɑː r k ə l/ (sparkles , sparkling , sparkled )

1 VERB If something sparkles , it is clear and bright and shines with a lot of very small points of light. □�[V ] The jewels on her fingers sparkled. □�[V ] His bright eyes sparkled. □�[V -ing] �the sparkling blue waters of the ocean. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Sparkle is also a noun. □� �the sparkle of coloured glass.

2 N‑COUNT Sparkles are small points of light caused by light reflecting off a clear bright surface. □� �sparkles of light. □� There was a sparkle in her eye that could not be hidden.

3 VERB Someone who sparkles is lively, intelligent, and witty. [APPROVAL ] □�[V ] She sparkles, and has as much zest as a person half her age. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Sparkle is also a noun. □� There was little sparkle in their performance. ●� spar|kling ADJ □� He is sparkling and versatile in front of the camera.

4 →�see also sparkling

spar|kler /spɑː r klə r / (sparklers ) N‑COUNT A sparkler is a small firework that you can hold as it burns. It looks like a piece of thick wire and burns with a lot of small bright sparks.

spar|kling /spɑː r kl I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sparkling drinks are slightly fizzy. □� �a glass of sparkling wine. □� �a new lightly sparkling drink.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a company is described as having sparkling figures or sparkling results, it has performed very well and made a lot of money. [JOURNALISM ] □� Top retailer Marks & Spencer has romped in with another set of sparkling results.

3 →�see also sparkle

spar|kly /spɑː r kli/ ADJ Sparkly things sparkle. [INFORMAL ] □� �a sparkly toy necklace. □� Her eyes were sparkly.

spa rk plug (spark plugs ) N‑COUNT A spark plug is a device in the engine of a motor vehicle, which produces electric sparks to make the petrol burn.

sparky /spɑː r ki/ (sparkier , sparkiest ) ADJ Sparky people or events are lively and entertaining. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� She's a terrific, sparky girl.

spa r|ring part|ner (sparring partners )

1 N‑COUNT A boxer's sparring partner is another boxer who he or she fights regularly in training.

2 N‑COUNT Your sparring partner is a person with whom you regularly have friendly arguments.

spar|row /sp� roʊ/ (sparrows ) N‑COUNT A sparrow is a small brown bird that is very common in Britain.

sparse /spɑː r s/ (sparser , sparsest ) ADJ Something that is sparse is small in number or amount and spread out over an area. □� Many slopes are rock fields with sparse vegetation. □� Traffic was sparse on the highway. ●� sparse|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� �the sparsely populated interior region, where there are few roads.

spar|tan /spɑː r t ə n/ ADJ A spartan lifestyle or existence is very simple or strict, with no luxuries. □� Their spartan lifestyle prohibits a fridge or a phone.

spasm /sp� zəm/ (spasms )

1 N‑VAR [oft into N ] A spasm is a sudden tightening of your muscles, which you cannot control. □� A muscular spasm in the coronary artery can cause a heart attack. □� A lack of magnesium causes muscles to go into spasm.

2 N‑COUNT A spasm is a sudden strong pain or unpleasant emotion which lasts for a short period of time. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] A spasm of pain brought his thoughts back to the present.

spas|mod|ic /sp�zmɒ d I k/ ADJ Something that is spasmodic happens suddenly, for short periods of time, and at irregular intervals. □� He managed to stifle the spasmodic sobs of panic rising in his throat.

spas|tic /sp� st I k/ (spastics ) ADJ Someone who is spastic is born with a disability which makes it difficult for them to control their muscles, especially in their arms and legs. People now refer to someone with this disability as having cerebral palsy . [OFFENSIVE ] ●�N‑COUNT A spastic is someone who is spastic. [OFFENSIVE ]

spat /sp� t/ (spats )

1Spat is the past tense and past participle of spit .

2 N‑COUNT A spat between people, countries, or organizations is a disagreement between them. □� �a spat between America and Germany over interest rates and currencies.

spate /spe I t/ (spates ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A spateof things, especially unpleasant things, is a large number of them that happen or appear within a short period of time. □�[+�of ] �the recent spate of attacks on horses.

spa|tial /spe I ʃ ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Spatial is used to describe things relating to areas. □� �the spatial distribution of employment and population in the country. □� �spatial constraints.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Your spatial ability is your ability to see and understand the relationships between shapes, spaces, and areas. □� His manual dexterity and fine spatial skills were wasted on routine tasks. □� �spatial awareness.

spat|ter /sp� tə r / (spatters , spattering , spattered ) VERB If a liquid spatters a surface or you spatter a liquid over a surface, drops of the liquid fall on an area of the surface. □�[V prep] He stared at the rain spattering on the glass. □�[V n prep] Gently turn the fish, being careful not to spatter any hot butter on yourself. □�[V n] Blood spattered the dark concrete.

-spattered /-sp�tə r d/ COMB -spattered is added to nouns to form adjectives which indicate that a liquid has spattered onto something. □� �the blood-spattered body.

spatu|la /sp� tʃʊlə/ (spatulas ) N‑COUNT A spatula is an object like a knife with a wide, flat blade. Spatulas are used in cooking. □� Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing over the top with a spatula.

spawn /spɔː n/ (spawns , spawning , spawned )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] Spawn is a soft, jelly-like substance containing the eggs of fish, or of animals such as frogs. □� �her passion for collecting frog spawn.

2 VERB When fish or animals such as frogs spawn , they lay their eggs. □�[V ] �fish species like salmon and trout which go upstream, spawn and then die.

3 VERB If something spawns something else, it causes it to happen or to be created. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] Tyndall's inspired work spawned a whole new branch of science.

spay /spe I / (spays , spaying , spayed ) VERB [usu passive] When a female animal is spayed , it has its ovaries removed so that it cannot become pregnant. □�[be V -ed] All bitches should be spayed unless being used for breeding.

speak ◆◆◆ /spiː k/ (speaks , speaking , spoke , spoken )

1 VERB When you speak , you use your voice in order to say something. □�[V ] He tried to speak, but for once, his voice had left him. □�[V +�to ] I rang the hotel and spoke to Louie. □�[V +�with ] She says she must speak with you at once. □�[V +�of/about ] She cried when she spoke of Oliver. □�[V n] �as I spoke these idiotic words. ●� spo|ken ADJ [ADJ n] □� �a marked decline in the standards of written and spoken English.

2 VERB When someone speaksto a group of people, they make a speech. □�[V +�to ] When speaking to the seminar Mr Franklin spoke of his experience, gained on a recent visit to Trinidad. □�[V ] He's determined to speak at the Democratic Convention. □�[V +�of ] The President spoke of the need for territorial compromise.

3 VERB If you speak for a group of people, you make their views and demands known, or represent them. □�[V +�for ] He said it was the job of the Church to speak for the underprivileged. □�[V +�for ] I speak for all 7,000 members of our organization.

4 VERB If you speak a foreign language, you know the language and are able to have a conversation in it. □�[V n] He doesn't speak English.

5 VERB People sometimes mention something that has been written by saying what the author speaks of . □�[V +�of ] Throughout the book Liu speaks of the abuse of Party power. □�[V +�as ] St Paul speaks of the body as the 'temple of the Holy Spirit'.

6 VERB [with neg] If two people arenotspeaking , they no longer talk to each other because they have quarrelled. □�[V +�to ] He is not speaking to his mother because of her friendship with his ex-wife. □�[V ] The co-stars are still not speaking.

7 VERB [no cont] If you say that something speaks foritself , you mean that its meaning or quality is so obvious that it does not need explaining or pointing out. □�[V +�for ] Mrs Turner has worked here for 25 years. Her record speaks for itself.

8 →�see also speaking

9 CONVENTION If you say ' Speak for yourself ' when someone has said something, you mean that what they have said is only their opinion or applies only to them. [INFORMAL ] □� 'We're not blaming you,' Kate said. 'Speak for yourself,' Boris muttered.

10 PHRASE If a person or thing is spoken for or has been spoken for , someone has claimed them or asked for them, so no-one else can have them. □� Maybe they simply don't fancy you, or maybe they're already spoken for.

11 PHRASE Nothing to speak of means 'hardly anything' or 'only unimportant things'. □� They have no weaponry to speak of. □� 'Any fresh developments?'�'Nothing to speak of.'

12 PHRASE If you speak well of someone or speak highly of someone, you say good things about them. If you speak ill of someone, you criticize them. □� Both spoke highly of the Russian president. □� It seemed she found it difficult to speak ill of anyone.

13 PHRASE You use so to speak to draw attention to the fact that you are describing or referring to something in a way that may be amusing or unusual rather than completely accurate. □� I ought not to tell you but I will, since you're in the family, so to speak.

14 PHRASE If you are on speaking termswith someone, you are quite friendly with them and often talk to them. □� For a long time her mother and her grandmother had hardly been on speaking terms. [Also +�with ]

15to speak your mind →�see mind ➊

16to speak volumes →�see volume

▸� speak out PHRASAL VERB If you speak out against something or in favour of something, you say publicly that you think it is bad or good. □�[V P prep] He spoke out strongly against selling off state-owned property. □�[V P ] Even then, she continued to speak out at rallies around the country.

▸� speak up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you speak up , you say something, especially to defend a person or protest about something, rather than just saying nothing. □�[V P +�for ] Uncle Herbert never argued, never spoke up for himself.

2 PHRASAL VERB [no cont] If you ask someone to speak up , you are asking them to speak more loudly. □�[V P ] I'm quite deaf�you'll have to speak up. COLLOCATIONS speak VERB

2

speak+�adverb : briefly, eloquently, exclusively, movingly; directly

4

speak+�noun : English, French, language

speak+�adverb : fluently, well

-speak /-spiːk/ COMB -speak is used to form nouns which refer to the kind of language used by a particular person or by people involved in a particular activity. You use -speak when you disapprove of this kind of language because it is difficult for other people to understand. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Unfortunately, the message is almost lost within his constant management-speak.

speak|easy /spiː kiːzi/ (speakeasies ) N‑COUNT A speakeasy was a place where people could buy alcoholic drinks illegally in the United States between 1920 and 1933, when alcohol was forbidden.

speak|er ◆◇◇ /spiː kə r / (speakers )

1 N‑COUNT A speaker at a meeting, conference, or other gathering is a person who is making a speech or giving a talk. □� Among the speakers at the gathering was the Treasury Secretary. □� He was not a good speaker.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A speakerof a particular language is a person who speaks it, especially one who speaks it as their first language. □� Most viewers are not native English speakers. □�[+�of ] She teaches English to speakers of other languages.

3 →�see also native speaker

4 N‑PROPER ; N‑COUNT In the parliament or legislature of many countries, the Speaker is the person who is in charge of meetings. □� �the Speaker of the Polish Parliament. □� Mr. Speaker, our message to the president is simple.

5 N‑COUNT A speaker is a person who is speaking. □� From a simple gesture or the speaker's tone of voice, the Japanese listener gleans the whole meaning.

6 N‑COUNT A speaker is a piece of electrical equipment, for example part of a radio or set of equipment for playing CDs or tapes, through which sound comes out. □� For a good stereo effect, the speakers should not be too wide apart. COLLOCATIONS speaker NOUN 1

noun +�speaker : guest, keynote

adjective +�speaker : after-dinner, motivational, public; inspirational, interesting

verb +�speaker : invite; feature

speak|er|phone /spiː kə r fɔʊ n/ (speakerphones ) N‑VAR A speakerphone is a phone that has a microphone and a loudspeaker, allowing you to talk to someone without putting the phone to your ear, as well as allowing other people to hear the person you are talking to. □� �a 10-channel cordless speakerphone with 13-number memory. □� She put me on speakerphone and he heard me talking.

speak|ing /spiː k I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Speaking is the activity of giving speeches and talks. □� His work schedule still includes speaking engagements and other public appearances.

2 PHRASE You can say ' speaking as a parent' or ' speaking as a teacher', for example, to indicate that the opinion you are giving is based on your experience as a parent or as a teacher. □�[+�as ] Speaking as a journalist I'm dismayed by the pressure for pictures of combat.

3 PHRASE You can say speaking of something that has just been mentioned as a way of introducing a new topic which has some connection with that thing. □�[+�of ] There's plenty of time to drop hints for Christmas presents! And speaking of presents, we have 100 exclusive fragrance collections to give away.

4 PHRASE You use speaking in expressions such as generally speaking and technically speaking to indicate which things or which particular aspect of something you are talking about. □� Generally speaking there was no resistance to the idea. □� Politically speaking, do you think that these moves have been effective?

-speaking /-spiːk I ŋ/ COMB [ADJ n] -speaking combines with nouns referring to languages to form adjectives which indicate what language someone speaks, or what language is spoken in a particular region. □� Lessons with English-speaking instructors can be booked and paid for in the resort. □� �in the mainly French-speaking province of Quebec.

spear /sp I ə r / (spears , spearing , speared )

1 N‑COUNT A spear is a weapon consisting of a long pole with a sharp metal point attached to the end.

2 VERB If you spear something, you push or throw a pointed object into it. □�[V n] Spear a piece of fish with a carving fork and dip it in the batter.

3 N‑COUNT Asparagus or broccoli spears are individual stalks of asparagus or broccoli.

spear|head /sp I ə r hed/ (spearheads , spearheading , spearheaded ) VERB If someone spearheads a campaign or an attack, they lead it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] She is spearheading a national campaign against bullying.

spear|mint /sp I ə r m I nt/ N‑UNCOUNT Spearmint is a plant whose leaves have a strong smell and taste. It is often used for flavouring foods, especially sweets.

spec /spe k/ (specs )

1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Someone's specs are their glasses. [INFORMAL ] □� �a young businessman in his specs and suit.

2 N‑COUNT The spec for something, especially a machine or vehicle, is its design and the features included in it. [INFORMAL ] □� The standard spec includes stainless steel holding tanks.

3 PHRASE If you do something on spec , you do it hoping to get something that you want, but without being asked or without being certain to get it. [INFORMAL ] □� When searching for a job Adrian favours networking and writing letters on spec.

spe|cial ◆◆◆ /spe ʃ ə l/ (specials )

1 ADJ Someone or something that is special is better or more important than other people or things. □� You're very special to me, darling. □� There are strong arguments for holidays at Easter and Christmas because these are special occasions. □� The famous author was going to be a special guest lecturer on the campus.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Special means different from normal. □� The committee can waive this three-year rule in special cases. □� So you didn't notice anything special about him?

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use special to describe someone who is officially appointed or who has a particular position specially created for them. □� He is a special correspondent for Newsweek magazine.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Special institutions are for people who have serious physical or mental problems. □� Police are still searching for a convicted rapist, who escaped from Broadmoor special hospital yesterday.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You use special to describe something that relates to one particular person, group, or place. □� Every anxious person will have his or her own special problems or fears. □� �it requires a very special brand of courage to fight dictators.

6 N‑COUNT A special is a product, programme, or meal which is not normally available, or which is made for a particular purpose. □� �complaints about the BBC's Hallowe'en special, 'Ghostwatch'. □� Grocery stores have to offer enough specials to bring people into the store. SYNONYMS special ADJ 1

extraordinary:Rozhdestvensky is an extraordinary musician.

exceptional:�children with exceptional ability.

out of the ordinary:The boy's knowledge was out of the ordinary.

Spe |cial Branch N‑PROPER The Special Branch is the department of the British police that is concerned with political security and deals with things such as terrorism and visits by foreign leaders.

spe |cial edu|ca |tion N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Special education is teaching for pupils who need extra help with their studies. □� The school has a special education unit.

spe |cial ef|fe ct (special effects ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] In film, special effects are unusual pictures or sounds that are created by using special techniques. □� �a Hollywood horror film with special effects that are not for the nervous.

spe|cial|ise /spe ʃəla I z/ →�see specialize

spe|cial|ism /spe ʃəl I zəm/ (specialisms )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's specialism is a particular subject or skill which they study and know a lot about. □� �a teacher with a specialism in mathematics.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Specialism is the act of specializing in a particular subject. □� The needs of children may not be best met by an over-emphasis on subject specialism.

spe|cial|ist ◆◇◇ /spe ʃəl I st/ (specialists ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A specialist is a person who has a particular skill or knows a lot about a particular subject. □� �a specialist in diseases of the nervous system.

spe|ci|al|ity /speʃi� l I ti/ (specialities )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's speciality is a particular type of work that they do most or do best, or a subject that they know a lot about. [mainly BRIT ] □� My father was a historian of repute. His speciality was the history of Germany. in AM, usually use specialty2 N‑COUNT A speciality of a particular place is a special food or product that is always very good there. [mainly BRIT ] □� Rhineland dishes are a speciality of the restaurant. in AM, usually use specialty

spe|cial|ize ◆◇◇ /spe ʃəla I z/ (specializes , specializing , specialized ) in BRIT, also use specialise VERB If you specialize in a thing, you know a lot about it and concentrate a great deal of your time and energy on it, especially in your work or when you are studying or training. You also use specialize to talk about a restaurant which concentrates on a particular type of food. □�[V +�in ] �a University professor who specializes in the history of the Russian empire. □�[V +�in ] �a Portuguese restaurant which specializes in seafood. ●� spe|ciali|za|tion /spe ʃəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (specializations ) N‑VAR □�[+�in ] This degree offers a major specialisation in Social Policy alongside a course in Sociology.

spe|cial|ized /spe ʃəla I zd/ in BRIT, also use specialised ADJ Someone or something that is specialized is trained or developed for a particular purpose or area of knowledge. □� Psychiatric patients get specialized support from knowledgeable staff. □� �a specialized knowledge of American History.

spe|cial|ly /spe ʃəli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If something has been done speciallyfor a particular person or purpose, it has been done only for that person or purpose. □� �a soap specially designed for those with sensitive skins. □�[+�for ] The school is specially for children whose schooling has been disrupted by illness.

2 ADV [ADV adj] Specially is used to mean more than usually or more than other things. [INFORMAL ] □� What was specially enjoyable about that job?

spe |cial nee ds N‑PLURAL [oft N n] People with special needs are people who need special help or care, for example because they have a disability. [BRIT ] □� �a school for children with special needs.

spe |cial o f|fer (special offers ) N‑COUNT A special offer is a product, service, or programme that is offered at reduced prices or rates. □� Ask about special offers on our new 2-week holidays.

spe |cial plea d|ing N‑UNCOUNT If someone is using special pleading , they are trying to persuade you to do something by only telling you the facts that support their case. □� The Secretary of State has given in to special pleading.

spe |cial school (special schools ) N‑COUNT A special school is a school for children who have some kind of serious physical or mental problem. [BRIT ]

spe|cial|ty /spe ʃ ə lti/ (specialties )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's specialty is a particular type of work that they do most or do best, or a subject that they know a lot about. [AM ] □� His specialty is international law. in BRIT, use speciality2 N‑COUNT A specialty of a particular place is a special food or product that is always very good there. [AM ] □� �seafood, paella, empanadas and other specialties. in BRIT, use speciality

spe|cies ◆◇◇ /spiː ʃiz/ (species ) N‑COUNT A species is a class of plants or animals whose members have the same main characteristics and are able to breed with each other. □� Pandas are an endangered species. □� There are several thousand species of trees here. SYNONYMS species NOUN

breed:Certain breeds are more dangerous than others.

variety:She has 12 varieties of old-fashioned roses.

class:�the division of the stars into six classes of brightness.

spe|cif|ic ◆◆◇ /sp I s I f I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use specific to refer to a particular fixed area, problem, or subject. □� Massage may help to increase blood flow to specific areas of the body. □� There are several specific problems to be dealt with. □� �the specific needs of the individual.

2 ADJ If someone is specific , they give a description that is precise and exact. You can also use specific to describe their description. □� She's from the USA, Boston to be more specific. □� This report offered the most specific and accurate description of the problems. ●� speci|fic|ity /spe s I f I s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the kind of extreme specificity normally associated only with computer programmes.

3 ADJ Something that is specificto a particular thing is connected with that thing only. □�[+�to ] Send your resume with a cover letter that is specific to that particular job. ●�COMB Specific is also used after nouns. □� Most studies of trade have been country-specific. □� �a job-specific course. SYNONYMS specific ADJ

1

particular:�if there are particular things you're interested in.

special:�it requires a very special brand of courage to fight dictators.

2

precise:He was not clear on the precise nature of his mission.

exact:I don't remember the exact words.

explicit:�explicit references to age in recruitment advertising.

spe|cifi|cal|ly ◆◇◇ /sp I s I f I kli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use specifically to emphasize that something is given special attention and considered separately from other things of the same kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� Our service is designed specifically for college students. □� We haven't specifically targeted school children. □� �the only book specifically about that event.

2 ADV You use specifically to add something more precise or exact to what you have already said. □� �the Christian, and specifically Protestant, religion. □� �brain cells, or more specifically, neurons.

3 ADV [ADV adj] You use specifically to indicate that something has a restricted nature, as opposed to being more general in nature. □� �a specifically female audience. □� He has created a specifically British menu using only British ingredients.

4 ADV [ADV with v] If you state or describe something specifically , you state or describe it precisely and clearly. □� I specifically asked for this steak rare. SYNONYMS specifically ADV

1

particularly:Keep your office space looking good, particularly your desk.

peculiarly:Cricket is so peculiarly English.

uniquely:The problem isn't uniquely American.

2

precisely:We don't yet know precisely how many people were involved.

exactly:Exactly what are you looking for?

explicitly:The contract states explicitly that all content remains the property of the author.

speci|fi|ca|tion /spe s I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (specifications ) N‑COUNT A specification is a requirement which is clearly stated, for example about the necessary features in the design of something. □� Troll's exclusive, personalized luggage is made to our own exacting specifications in heavy-duty PVC/nylon. □� Legislation will require U.K. petrol companies to meet an E.U. specification for petrol.

spe|cif|ics /sp I s I f I ks/ N‑PLURAL The specifics of a subject are the details of it that need to be considered. □� Things improved when we got down to the specifics.

speci|fy /spe s I fa I / (specifies , specifying , specified )

1 VERB If you specify something, you give information about what is required or should happen in a certain situation. □�[V n] They specified a spacious entrance hall. □�[V wh] He has not specified what action he would like them to take.

2 VERB If you specify what should happen or be done, you explain it in an exact and detailed way. □�[V n] Each recipe specifies the size of egg to be used. □�[V that] One rule specifies that learner drivers must be supervised by adults. □�[V -ed] Patients eat together at a specified time.

speci|men /spe s I m I n/ (specimens )

1 N‑COUNT A specimen is a single plant or animal which is an example of a particular species or type and is examined by scientists. □� 200,000 specimens of fungus are kept at the Komarov Botanical Institute. □� �North American fossil specimens.

2 N‑COUNT A specimenof something is an example of it which gives an idea of what the whole of it is like. □�[+�of ] Job applicants have to submit a specimen of handwriting. □� �a specimen bank note.

3 N‑COUNT A specimen is a small quantity of someone's urine, blood, or other body fluid which is examined in a medical laboratory, in order to find out if they are ill or if they have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. □� He refused to provide a specimen.

spe|cious /spiː ʃəs/ ADJ Something that is specious seems to exist or be true, but is not real or true. [FORMAL ] □� It is unlikely that the Duke was convinced by such specious arguments.

speck /spe k/ (specks )

1 N‑COUNT A speck is a very small stain, mark, or shape. □�[+�of ] �a speck of blood.

2 N‑COUNT A speck is a very small piece of a powdery substance. □�[+�of ] Billy leaned forward and brushed a speck of dust off his shoe.

speck|led /spe k ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A speckled surface is covered with small marks, spots, or shapes. □� �a large brown speckled egg. □� The sky was speckled with stars.

specs /spe ks/ →�see spec

spec|ta|cle /spe ktək ə l/ (spectacles )

1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Glasses are sometimes referred to as spectacles . [FORMAL ] □� He looked at me over the tops of his spectacles. □� �thick spectacle frames.

2 N‑COUNT A spectacle is a strange or interesting sight. □� It was a spectacle not to be missed.

3 N‑VAR A spectacle is a grand and impressive event or performance. □� 94,000 people turned up for the spectacle. □� �a director passionate about music and spectacle.

4rose-coloured spectacles →�see rose-coloured

spec|tacu|lar ◆◇◇ /spekt� kjʊlə r / (spectaculars )

1 ADJ Something that is spectacular is very impressive or dramatic. □� �spectacular views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. □� The results have been spectacular. ●� spec|tacu|lar|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� My turnover increased spectacularly.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A spectacular is a show or performance which is very grand and impressive. □� �a television spectacular.

spec|ta|tor /spekte I tə r , [AM ] spe kte I tər/ (spectators ) N‑COUNT A spectator is someone who watches something, especially a sporting event. □� Thirty thousand spectators watched the final game.

spec|ta |tor sport (spectator sports ) N‑COUNT A spectator sport is a sport that is interesting and entertaining to watch. □� The most popular spectator sport is football.

spec|tra /spe ktrə/ Spectra is a plural form of spectrum .

spec|tral /spe ktrəl/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as spectral , you mean that they look like a ghost. [LITERARY ] □� She is compelling, spectral, fascinating, an unforgettably unique performer.

spec|tre /spe ktə r / (spectres ) in AM, use specter1 N‑COUNT If you refer to the spectreof something unpleasant, you are referring to something that you are frightened might occur. □� Failure to arrive at a consensus over the issue raised the spectre of legal action.

2 N‑COUNT A spectre is a ghost . [LITERARY ]

spec|trum /spe ktrəm/ (spectra or spectrums )

1 N‑SING The spectrum is the range of different colours which is produced when light passes through a glass prism or through a drop of water. A rainbow shows the colours in the spectrum.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A spectrum is a range of a particular type of thing. □� Politicians across the political spectrum have denounced the act. □� The term 'special needs' covers a wide spectrum of problems.

3 N‑COUNT A spectrum is a range of light waves or radio waves within particular frequencies. □� �from X-rays right through the spectrum down to radio waves.

specu|late ◆◇◇ /spe kjʊle I t/ (speculates , speculating , speculated )

1 VERB If you speculate about something, you make guesses about its nature or identity, or about what might happen. □�[V prep] It would be unfair to speculate on the reasons for her resignation. □�[V that] The doctors speculate that he died of a cerebral haemorrhage caused by a blow on the head. □�[V wh] The reader can speculate what will happen next. [Also V , V with quote] ●� specu|la|tion /spe kjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (speculations ) N‑VAR □� The President has gone out of his way to dismiss speculation over the future of the economy minister.

2 VERB If someone speculates financially, they buy property, stocks, or shares, in the hope of being able to sell them again at a higher price and make a profit. □�[V prep/adv] The banks speculated in property whose value has now dropped. [Also V ] SYNONYMS speculate VERB 1

guess:You can only guess at what mental suffering they endure.

surmise:There's so little to go on, we can only surmise what happened.

imagine:'Was he meeting someone?'�'I imagine so.'

specu|la|tive /spe kjʊlət I v, [AM ] -le I t-/

1 ADJ A piece of information that is speculative is based on guesses rather than knowledge. □� The papers ran speculative stories about his mysterious disappearance.

2 ADJ Someone who has a speculative expression seems to be trying to guess something about a person or thing. □� His mother regarded him with a speculative eye.

3 ADJ Speculative is used to describe activities which involve buying goods or shares, or buildings and properties, in the hope of being able to sell them again at a higher price and make a profit. □� Thousands of pensioners were persuaded to mortgage their homes to invest in speculative bonds.

specu|la|tor /spe kjʊle I tə r / (speculators ) N‑COUNT A speculator is a person who speculates financially.

sped /spe d/ Sped is a past tense and past participle of speed .

speech ◆◆◇ /spiː tʃ/ (speeches )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Speech is the ability to speak or the act of speaking. □� �the development of speech in children. □� �a speech therapist specialising in stammering.

2 N‑SING [usu poss N ] Your speech is the way in which you speak. □� His speech became increasingly thick and nasal. □� I'd make fun of her dress and imitate her speech.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Speech is spoken language. □� �the way common letter clusters are usually pronounced in speech.

4 N‑COUNT A speech is a formal talk which someone gives to an audience. □� She is due to make a speech on the economy next week. □� He delivered his speech in French. □� �a dramatic resignation speech.

5 N‑COUNT A speech is a group of lines spoken by a character in a play. □� �a great actor delivering a key speech from Hamlet.

6 →�see also direct speech , figure of speech , indirect speech , maiden speech , part of speech , reported speech COLLOCATIONS speech NOUN

2

adjective +�speech : slurred; clear, fluent

4

noun +�speech : acceptance, conference, keynote, victory

adjective +�speech : impassioned, motivational, rousing; inaugural, televised

verb +�speech : deliver, give, make

spee ch day (speech days ) N‑VAR In some British schools, speech day is a day, usually at the end of the school year, when prizes are presented to pupils and speeches are made by guest speakers and the head teacher. [BRIT ]

speechi|fy|ing /spiː tʃ I fa I I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Speechifying is the making of speeches, especially because you want to appear important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �five tedious days of speechifying and punditing.

speech|less /spiː tʃləs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are speechless , you are temporarily unable to speak, usually because something has shocked you. □�[+�with ] Alex was almost speechless with rage and despair.

spee ch the ra|pist (speech therapists ) N‑COUNT A speech therapist is a person whose job is to help people to overcome speech and language problems.

spee ch the ra|py N‑UNCOUNT Speech therapy is the treatment of people who have speech and language problems. □� A stammering child can benefit from speech therapy.

speech|writ|er /spiː tʃra I tə r / (speechwriters ) N‑COUNT A speechwriter is a person who writes speeches for important people such as politicians.

speed ◆◆◇ /spiː d/ (speeds , speeding , sped , speeded ) The form of the past tense and past participle is sped in meaning 5 but speeded for the phrasal verb. 1 N‑VAR The speed of something is the rate at which it moves or travels. □� He drove off at high speed. □� With this type of camera, the shutter speed is fixed. □� An electrical pulse in a wire travels close to the speed of light. □� Wind speeds reached force five.

2 N‑COUNT The speed of something is the rate at which it happens or is done. □� In the late 1850s the speed of technological change quickened. □� Each learner can proceed at his own speed.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Speed is very fast movement or travel. □� Speed is the essential ingredient of all athletics. □� He put on a burst of speed. □� The car is quite noisy at speed.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Speed is a very fast rate at which something happens or is done. □�[+�of ] I was amazed at his speed of working. □�[+�of ] �the sheer speed of the unification process.

5 VERB If you speed somewhere, you move or travel there quickly, usually in a vehicle. □�[V prep/adv] Cars continue to speed through our beautiful village. □�[V prep/adv] The engine noise rises only slightly as I speed along.

6 VERB [usu cont] Someone who is speeding is driving a vehicle faster than the legal speed limit. □�[V ] This man was not qualified to drive and was speeding. ●� speed|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He was fined for speeding last year.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Speed is an illegal drug such as amphetamine which some people take to increase their energy and excitement. [INFORMAL ]

8 →�see also -speed

9pick up speed →�see pick

10 PHRASE If you are up to speed , you have all the most recent information that you need about something. □� A day has been set aside to bring all councillors up to speed on the proposal. □� Those in charge deluded themselves they were up to speed.

▸� speed up

1 PHRASAL VERB When something speeds up or when you speed it up , it moves or travels faster. □�[V P ] You notice that your breathing has speeded up a bit. □�[V P n] He pushed a lever that speeded up the car. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB When a process or activity speeds up or when something speeds it up , it happens at a faster rate. □�[V P ] Job losses are speeding up. □�[V P n] I had already taken steps to speed up a solution to the problem. □�[V n P ] I kept praying that the DJ would speed the music up.

-speed /-spiːd/ COMB -speed is used after numbers to form adjectives that indicate that a bicycle or car has a particular number of gears. □� �a 10-speed bicycle.

speed|boat /spiː dboʊt/ (speedboats ) N‑COUNT A speedboat is a boat that can go very fast because it has a powerful engine.

spee d cam|era (speed cameras ) N‑COUNT A speed camera is a camera positioned at the side of a road which automatically photographs vehicles that are going faster than is allowed. The photographs can be used as evidence in a court of law.

spee d da |ting N‑UNCOUNT Speed dating is a method of introducing unattached people to potential partners by arranging for them to meet a series of people on a single occasion. □� If you're a busy person, speed dating could be for you.

spee d dial (speed dials ) N‑VAR Speed dial is a facility on a phone that allows you to call a number by pressing a single button rather than by dialling the full number.

spee d lim|it (speed limits ) N‑COUNT The speed limit on a road is the maximum speed at which you are legally allowed to drive.

speed|om|eter /spiːdɒ m I tə r / (speedometers ) N‑COUNT A speedometer is the instrument in a vehicle which shows how fast the vehicle is moving.

speed|way /spiː dwe I / (speedways )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Speedway is the sport of racing motorcycles on special tracks.

2 N‑COUNT A speedway is a special track for car or motorcycle racing. [AM ]

speedy /spiː di/ (speedier , speediest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A speedy process, event, or action happens or is done very quickly. □� We wish Bill a speedy recovery.

spell ◆◇◇ /spe l/ (spells , spelling , spelled , spelt ) American English uses the form spelled as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either spelled or spelt . 1 VERB When you spell a word, you write or speak each letter in the word in the correct order. □�[V n] He gave his name and then helpfully spelt it. □�[V n] How do you spell 'potato'? □�[V -ed] 'Tang' is 'Gnat' spelt backwards. ●�PHRASAL VERB Spell out means the same as spell . □�[V n P ] If I don't know a word, I ask them to spell it out for me. □�[V P n] I never have to spell out my first name.

2 VERB [no cont] Someone who can spell knows the correct order of letters in words. □�[V ] It's shocking how students can't spell these days. □�[V n] You accused me of inaccuracy yet you can't spell 'Middlesex'.

3 VERB [no cont] If something spells a particular result, often an unpleasant one, it suggests that this will be the result. □�[V n] If the irrigation plan goes ahead, it could spell disaster for the birds.

4 N‑COUNT A spellof a particular type of weather or a particular activity is a short period of time during which this type of weather or activity occurs. □�[+�of ] There has been a long spell of dry weather. □�[+�of ] You join a barrister for two six-month spells of practical experience.

5 N‑COUNT A spell is a situation in which events are controlled by a magical power. □� They say she died after a witch cast a spell on her. □� �the kiss that will break the spell.

6 →�see also spelling

▸� spell out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you spell something out , you explain it in detail or in a very clear way. □�[V P n] Be assertive and spell out exactly how you feel. □�[V n P ] How many times do I have to spell it out?

2 →�see spell1

spell|bind|ing /spe lba I nd I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spellbinding image or sound is one that is so fascinating that you can think about nothing else. □� Gray describes in dramatic and spellbinding detail the lives of these five ladies.

spell|bound /spe lbaʊnd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are spellboundby something or someone, you are so fascinated that you cannot think about anything else. □�[+�by ] His audience had listened like children, spellbound by his words.

spell|check /spe ltʃek/ (spellchecks , spellchecking , spellchecked ) also spell check

1 VERB If you spellcheck something you have written on a computer, you use a special program to check whether you have made any spelling mistakes. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] This model allows you to spellcheck over 100,000 different words.

2 N‑COUNT If you run a spellcheck over something you have written on a computer, you use a special program to check whether you have made any spelling mistakes. [COMPUTING ]

spell|check|er /spe ltʃekə r / (spellcheckers ) also spell checker N‑COUNT A spellchecker is a special program on a computer which you can use to check whether something you have written contains any spelling mistakes. [COMPUTING ]

spell|er /spe lə r / (spellers ) N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you describe someone as a good or bad speller , you mean that they find it easy or difficult to spell words correctly. □� I am an absolutely appalling speller.

spell|ing /spe l I ŋ/ (spellings )

1 N‑COUNT A spelling is the correct order of the letters in a word. □� In most languages adjectives have slightly different spellings for masculine and feminine.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Spelling is the ability to spell words in the correct way. It is also an attempt to spell a word in the correct way. □� His spelling is very bad. □� Spelling mistakes are often just the result of haste.

3 →�see also spell

spelt /spe lt/

1Spelt is a past tense and past participle form of spell . [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Spelt is a type of wheat that was widely grown hundreds of years ago and is now popular as a health food.

spe|lunk|er /sp I lʌ ŋkə r / (spelunkers ) N‑COUNT A spelunker is someone who goes into underground caves and tunnels as a leisure activity. [AM ] in BRIT, use potholer

spe|lunk|ing /sp I lʌ ŋk I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Spelunking is the leisure activity of going into underground caves and tunnels. [AM ] in BRIT, use potholing

spend ◆◆◆ /spe nd/ (spends , spending , spent )

1 VERB When you spend money, you pay money for things that you want. □�[V n] By the end of the holiday I had spent all my money. □�[V n v-ing] Businessmen spend enormous amounts advertising their products. □�[V amount/n +�on ] Juventus have spent �23m on new players. □�[V -ed] The survey may cost at least �100 but is money well spent. ●� spend|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Government spending is expected to fall.

2 VERB If you spend time or energy doing something, you use your time or effort doing it. □�[V n v-ing] Engineers spend much time and energy developing brilliant solutions. □�[V n v-ing] This energy could be much better spent taking some positive action.

3 VERB If you spend a period of time in a place, you stay there for a period of time. □�[V n adv/prep] We spent the night in a hotel.

4 N‑COUNT The spend on a particular thing is the amount of money that is spent on it, or will be spent. [BUSINESS ] □� �the marketing and advertising spend.

spend|er /spe ndə r / (spenders ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If a person or organization is a big spender or a compulsive spender , for example, they spend a lot of money or are unable to stop themselves spending money. □� The Swiss are Europe's biggest spenders on food.

spe nd|ing mon|ey N‑UNCOUNT Spending money is money that you have or are given to spend on personal things for pleasure, especially when you are on holiday. □� You can rapidly use up your spending money buying drinks.

spend|thrift /spe ndθr I ft/ (spendthrifts ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a spendthrift , you mean that they spend too much money. [DISAPPROVAL ] ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Spendthrift is also an adjective. □� �his father's spendthrift ways.

spent /spe nt/

1Spent is the past tense and past participle of spend .

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Spent substances or containers have been used and cannot be used again. □� Radioactive waste is simply spent fuel.

spe nt fo rce N‑SING If you refer to someone who used to be powerful as a spent force , you mean that they no longer have any power or influence. □� As a political leader he was something of a spent force.

sperm /spɜː r m/ (sperms or sperm )

1 N‑COUNT A sperm is a cell which is produced in the sex organs of a male animal and can enter a female animal's egg and fertilize it. □� Any disease which undermines a man's general health will interfere with his sperm production. □� Doctor believed that his low sperm count was the problem.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sperm is used to refer to the liquid that contains sperm when it is produced. □� �a sperm donor.

sper|ma|to|zo|on /spɜː r mətəzoʊ ɒn/ (spermatozoa /spɜː r mətəzoʊ ə/) N‑COUNT A spermatozoon is a sperm. [TECHNICAL ]

sper|mi|ci|dal /spɜː r m I sa I d ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] A spermicidal cream or jelly contains spermicide.

sper|mi|cide /spɜː r m I sa I d/ (spermicides ) N‑VAR Spermicide is a substance that kills sperm. □� Although most condoms contain spermicide, there are some manufactured without.

spe rm whale (sperm whales ) N‑COUNT A sperm whale is a large whale with a large head that has a section in it which contains oil.

spew /spjuː / (spews , spewing , spewed )

1 VERB When something spews out a substance or when a substance spews from something, the substance flows out quickly in large quantities. □�[V n with adv] The volcano spewed out more scorching volcanic ashes, gases and rocks. □�[V prep] Leaking oil spewed from the tanker.

2 VERB If someone spews or spews up , they vomit. [INFORMAL ]

sphere /sf I ə r / (spheres )

1 N‑COUNT A sphere is an object that is completely round in shape like a ball.

2 N‑COUNT A sphereof activity or interest is a particular area of activity or interest. □�[+�of ] �the sphere of international politics. □�[+�of ] �nurses, working in all spheres of the health service.

3 N‑COUNT A sphereof people is a group of them who are similar in social status or who have the same interests. □�[+�of ] �the realities of life outside the government and academic spheres of society.

spheri|cal /sfe r I k ə l, [AM ] sf I r-/ ADJ Something that is spherical is round like a ball. [FORMAL ] □� �purple and gold spherical earrings.

sphinc|ter /sf I ŋktə r / (sphincters ) N‑COUNT A sphincter is a ring of muscle that surrounds an opening to the body and that can tighten to close this opening. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the anal sphincter.

sphinx /sf I ŋks/ (sphinxes ) also Sphinx N‑COUNT TheSphinx is a large ancient statue of a creature with a human head and a lion's body that stands near the pyramids in Egypt. In mythology, sphinxes gave people puzzles to solve, and so a person who is mysterious or puzzling is sometimes referred to as a sphinx .

spice /spa I s/ (spices , spicing , spiced )

1 N‑VAR A spice is a part of a plant, or a powder made from that part, which you put in food to give it flavour. Cinnamon, ginger, and paprika are spices. □� �herbs and spices. □� �a row of spice jars.

2 VERB If you spice something that you say or do, you add excitement or interest to it. □�[V n +�with ] They spiced their conversations and discussions with intrigue. ●�PHRASAL VERB Spice up means the same as spice . □�[V P n] Her publisher wants her to spice up her stories with sex. □�[V n P ] �a discovery which spiced the conversation up quite a bit.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Spice is something which makes life more exciting. □� To add spice to the debate, they disagreed about method and ideology.

▸� spice up →�see spice2

spiced /spa I st/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] Food that is spiced has had spices or other strong-tasting foods added to it. □� �delicately spiced sauces.

spick and span /sp I k ənd sp� n/ also spick-and-span ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A place that is spick and span is very clean and tidy. □� The apartment was spick and span.

spicy /spa I si/ (spicier , spiciest ) ADJ Spicy food is strongly flavoured with spices. □� Thai food is hot and spicy. □� �a spicy tomato and coriander sauce.

spi|der /spa I də r / (spiders ) N‑COUNT A spider is a small creature with eight legs. Most types of spider make structures called webs in which they catch insects for food.

spi|dery /spa I dəri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as handwriting as spidery , you mean that it consists of thin, dark, pointed lines. □� He saw her spidery writing on the envelope.

spiel /ʃpiː l, [AM ] spiː l/ (spiels ) N‑COUNT Someone's spiel is a well-prepared speech that they make, and that they have usually made many times before, often in order to persuade you to buy something. [INFORMAL ]

spif|fing /sp I f I ŋ/ ADJ If someone describes something such as news or an event as spiffing , they mean that it is very good. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� I came to give your mother a piece of perfectly spiffing news.

spig|ot /sp I gət/ (spigots ) N‑COUNT A spigot is a faucet or tap. [AM ]

spike /spa I k/ (spikes )

1 N‑COUNT A spike is a long piece of metal with a sharp point. □� �a 15-foot wall topped with iron spikes. □� Yellowing receipts had been impaled on a metal spike.

2 N‑COUNT Any long pointed object can be referred to as a spike . □� Her hair stood out in spikes. □�[+�of ] �a long spike of white flowers.

3 N‑COUNT If there is a spike in the price, volume, or amount of something, the price, volume, or amount of it suddenly increases. □�[+�in ] During the war, there was a small spike in interest.

4 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Spikes are a pair of sports shoes with pointed pieces of metal attached to the soles. They help runners' feet to grip the ground when they are running.

5 →�see also spiked

spiked /spa I kt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is spiked has one or more spikes on it. □� �spiked railings.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has spiked hair, their hair is short and sticks up all over their head.

3 →�see also spike

spi ke hee ls N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Spike heels are women's shoes with very high narrow heels. [AM ] in BRIT, use stilettos

spiky /spa I ki/ ADJ Something that is spiky has one or more sharp points. □� Her short spiky hair is damp with sweat. □� �tall, spiky evergreen trees.

spill /sp I l/ (spills , spilling , spilled , spilt ) American English uses the form spilled as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either spilled or spilt . 1 VERB If a liquid spills or if you spill it, it accidentally flows over the edge of a container. □�[V adv/prep] 70,000 tonnes of oil spilled from the tanker. □�[V n] He always spilled the drinks. □�[V n adv/prep] Don't spill water on your suit. [Also V ]

2 N‑COUNT A spill is an amount of liquid that has spilled from a container. □� She wiped a spill of milkshake off the counter. □� An oil spill could be devastating for wildlife.

3 VERB If the contents of a bag, box, or other container spill or are spilled , they come out of the container onto a surface. □�[V n] A number of bags had split and were spilling their contents. □�[V adv/prep] He carefully balanced the satchel so that its contents would not spill out onto the floor.

4 VERB If people or things spill out of a place, they come out of it in large numbers. □�[V adv/prep] Tears began to spill out of the boy's eyes.

5to spill the beans →�see bean

6thrills and spills →�see thrill

▸� spill out PHRASAL VERB If you spill out information or if it spills out , you tell someone about it in a hurried way, because you cannot or do not want to keep it secret. □�[V P ] The words spilled out in a rush. □�[V P n] He was tempted to spill out his problems to Philip. [Also V n P ]

spill|age /sp I l I dʒ/ (spillages ) N‑VAR If there is a spillage , a substance such as oil escapes from its container. Spillage is also used to refer to the substance that escapes. □� �an oil spillage off the coast of Texas. □� �an accident in the workplace involving blood spillage.

spill|over /sp I loʊvə r / (spillovers ) N‑COUNT A spillover is a situation or feeling that starts in one place but then begins to happen or have an effect somewhere else. □� Some jobs are quite likely to have a negative spillover into family life.

spilt /sp I lt/ Spilt is a past tense and past participle form of spill . [mainly BRIT ]

spin ◆◇◇ /sp I n/ (spins , spinning , spun )

1 VERB If something spins or if you spin it, it turns quickly around a central point. □�[V ] The latest discs, used for small portable computers, spin 3600 times a minute. □�[V n] He spun the wheel sharply and made a U turn in the middle of the road. □�[V n round /around ] He spun his car round and went after them. ●�N‑VAR Spin is also a noun. □� This driving mode allows you to move off in third gear to reduce wheel-spin in icy conditions.

2 VERB When you spin washing, it is turned round and round quickly in a spin drier or a washing machine to get the water out. □�[V n] Just spin the washing and it's nearly dry. ●�N‑SING Spin is also a noun. □� Set on a cool wash and finish with a short spin.

3 VERB If your head is spinning , you feel unsteady or confused, for example because you are drunk, ill, or excited. □�[V ] His head was spinning and he could barely stand.

4 N‑SING If someone puts a certain spin on an event or situation, they interpret it and try to present it in a particular way. [INFORMAL ] □� He interpreted the vote as support and that is the spin his supporters are putting on the results today.

5 →�see also spin doctor

6 N‑UNCOUNT In politics, spin is the way in which political parties try to present everything they do in a positive way to the public and the media. □� The public is sick of spin and tired of promises. It's time for politicians to act.

7 N‑SING If you go for a spin or take a car for a spin , you make a short journey in a car just to enjoy yourself.

8 VERB If someone spins a story, they give you an account of something that is untrue or only partly true. □�[V n] She had spun a story which was too good to be condemned as a simple lie. [Also V n n]

9 VERB When people spin , they make thread by twisting together pieces of a fibre such as wool or cotton using a device or machine. □�[V n] Michelle will also spin a customer's wool fleece to specification at a cost of $2.25 an ounce. [Also V ] ●� spin|ning N‑UNCOUNT □� They do their own cooking, spinning, and woodworking.

10 N‑UNCOUNT In a game such as tennis or cricket, if you put spin on a ball, you deliberately make it spin rapidly when you hit it or throw it.

▸� spin off or spin out PHRASAL VERB To spin off or spin off something such as a company means to create a new company that is separate from the original organization. [BUSINESS ] □�[V P n] He rescued the company and later spun off its textile division into a separate company. □�[V P n] Corven plans to help large companies spin out smaller, entrepreneurial firms. [Also V n P ]

▸� spin out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you spin something out , you make it last longer than it normally would. □�[V n P ] My wife's solicitor was anxious to spin things out for as long as possible. □�[V P n] The Government will try to spin out the conference into next autumn.

2 →�see also spin off SYNONYMS spin VERB 1

revolve:Overhead, the fan revolved slowly.

turn:As the wheel turned, the potter shaped the clay.

rotate:Take each foot in both hands and rotate it to relax the ankle.

spi|na bi|fi|da /spa I nə b I f I də/ N‑UNCOUNT Spina bifida is a condition of the spine that some people are born with. It often makes them unable to use their legs.

spin|ach /sp I n I dʒ, - I tʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Spinach is a vegetable with large dark green leaves that you chop up and boil in water before eating.

spi|nal /spa I n ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Spinal means relating to your spine. □� �spinal fluid. □� �spinal injuries.

spi |nal col|umn (spinal columns ) N‑COUNT Your spinal column is your spine.

spi |nal co rd (spinal cords ) N‑COUNT Your spinal cord is a thick cord of nerves inside your spine which connects your brain to nerves in all parts of your body.

spin|dle /sp I nd ə l/ (spindles )

1 N‑COUNT A spindle is a rod in a machine, around which another part of the machine turns.

2 N‑COUNT A spindle is a pointed rod which you use when you are spinning wool by hand. You twist the wool with the spindle to make it into a thread.

spin|dly /sp I ndli/ (spindlier , spindliest ) ADJ Something that is spindly is long and thin and looks very weak. □� I did have rather spindly legs.

spi n doc|tor (spin doctors ) N‑COUNT In politics, a spin doctor is someone who is skilled in public relations and who advises political parties on how to present their policies and actions. [INFORMAL ]

spine /spa I n/ (spines )

1 N‑COUNT Your spine is the row of bones down your back.

2 N‑COUNT The spine of a book is the narrow stiff part which the pages and covers are attached to.

3 N‑COUNT Spines are also long, sharp points on an animal's body or on a plant.

spi ne-chilling ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spine-chilling film or story makes you feel very frightened.

spine|less /spa I nləs/ ADJ If you say that someone is spineless , you mean that they are afraid to take action or oppose people when they should. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �bureaucrats and spineless politicians.

spi ne-tingling ADJ A spine-tingling film or piece of music is enjoyable because it causes you to feel a strong emotion such as excitement or fear. □� It was a spine-tingling and stylish thriller.

spin|na|ker /sp I nəkə r / (spinnakers ) N‑COUNT A spinnaker is a large, light, triangular sail that is attached to the front mast of a boat.

spin|ner /sp I nə r / (spinners )

1 N‑COUNT A spinner is a cricketer who makes the ball spin when he or she bowls it so that it changes direction when it hits the ground or the bat.

2 N‑COUNT A spinner is a person who makes thread by spinning.

spin|ney /sp I ni/ (spinneys ) N‑COUNT A spinney is a small area covered with trees. [BRIT ] in AM, use copse

spi n|ning wheel (spinning wheels ) also spinning-wheel N‑COUNT A spinning wheel is a wooden machine that people used in their homes to make thread from wool, in former times.

spi n-off (spin-offs )

1 N‑COUNT A spin-off is an unexpected but useful or valuable result of an activity that was designed to achieve something else. □�[+�from/of ] The company put out a report on commercial spin-offs from its research.

2 N‑COUNT A spin-off is a book, film, or television series that comes after and is related to a successful book, film, or television series.

spin|ster /sp I nstə r / (spinsters ) N‑COUNT A spinster is a woman who has never been married; used especially when talking about an old or middle-aged woman. [OLD-FASHIONED ] WORD HISTORY spinster

A spinster was originally a spinner , that is, a person � not necessarily a woman � whose occupation was spinning. It is said that a young woman was not considered fit to be a wife until she had spun a certain amount of household linen. Hence, the word came to designate an unmarried woman.

spiny /spa I ni/ ADJ A spiny plant or animal is covered with long sharp points. □� �a spiny lobster. □� �a spiny cactus.

spi|ral /spa I ə rəl/ (spirals , spiralling , spiralled ) in AM, use spiraling , spiraled1 N‑COUNT A spiral is a shape which winds round and round, with each curve above or outside the previous one. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Spiral is also an adjective. □� �a spiral staircase.

2 VERB If something spirals or is spiralled somewhere, it grows or moves in a spiral curve. □�[V adv/prep] Vines spiraled upward toward the roof. □�[be V -ed] Did you notice whether the roots were spiralled round the pot? [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Spiral is also a noun. □� Larks were rising in spirals from the ridge.

3 VERB If an amount or level spirals , it rises quickly and at an increasing rate. □�[V ] Production costs began to spiral. □�[V -ing] �a spiralling trend of violence. □�[V adv/prep] The unemployment rate is spiralling upwards. ●�N‑SING Spiral is also a noun. □� �an inflationary spiral. □� �a spiral of debt.

4 VERB If an amount or level spirals downwards, it falls quickly and at an increasing rate. □�[V adv/prep] House prices will continue to spiral downwards.

spire /spa I ə r / (spires ) N‑COUNT The spire of a building such as a church is the tall pointed structure on the top.

spir|it ◆◆◇ /sp I r I t/ (spirits , spiriting , spirited )

1 N‑SING Your spirit is the part of you that is not physical and that consists of your character and feelings. □� The human spirit is virtually indestructible.

2 →�see also kindred spirit

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A person's spirit is the non-physical part of them that is believed to remain alive after their death. □� His spirit has left him and all that remains is the shell of his body.

4 N‑COUNT A spirit is a ghost or supernatural being. □� �protection against evil spirits.

5 →�see also Holy Spirit

6 N‑UNCOUNT Spirit is the courage and determination that helps people to survive in difficult times and to keep their way of life and their beliefs. □� She was a very brave girl and everyone who knew her admired her spirit.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Spirit is the liveliness and energy that someone shows in what they do. □� They played with spirit.

8 N‑SING The spirit in which you do something is the attitude you have when you are doing it. □�[+�of ] Their problem can only be solved in a spirit of compromise.

9 N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] A particular kind of spirit is the feeling of loyalty to a group that is shared by the people who belong to the group. □� There is a great sense of team spirit among the British squad.

10 N‑SING A particular kind of spirit is the set of ideas, beliefs, and aims that are held by a group of people. □� �the real spirit of the Labour movement.

11 N‑SING The spirit of something such as a law or an agreement is the way that it was intended to be interpreted or applied. □�[+�of ] The requirement for work permits violates the spirit of the 1950 treaty.

12 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You can refer to a person as a particular kind of spirit if they show a certain characteristic or if they show a lot of enthusiasm in what they are doing. □� I like to think of myself as a free spirit.

13 N‑PLURAL Your spirits are your feelings at a particular time, especially feelings of happiness or unhappiness. □� At supper, everyone was in high spirits.

14 VERB If someone or something is spiritedaway , or if they are spiritedout of somewhere, they are taken from a place quickly and secretly without anyone noticing. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed +�away ] He was spirited away and probably murdered. □�[V n +�away ] His parents had spirited him away to the country. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] It is possible that he has been spirited out of the country.

15 N‑PLURAL Spirits are strong alcoholic drinks such as whisky and gin.

16 N‑UNCOUNT Spirit or spirits is an alcoholic liquid that is used as a fuel, for cleaning things, or for other purposes. There are many kinds of spirit.

17 →�see also methylated spirits , surgical spirit COLLOCATIONS spirit NOUN

8

adjective +�spirit : adventurous, competitive, entrepreneurial

9

noun +�spirit : community, team

verb +�spirit : embody, enter into, foster

13

adjective +�spirit : good, high, low

verb +�spirit : dampen, lift, raise

spir|it|ed /sp I r I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spirited action shows great energy and courage. □� This television program provoked a spirited debate in the United Kingdom.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spirited person is very active, lively, and confident. □� He was by nature a spirited little boy.

-spirited /-sp I r I t I d/

1 COMB -spirited combines with adjectives to describe a person's character, attitude, or behaviour. For example, a mean-spirited person behaves in a way that is unkind to other people; a free-spirited person behaves freely and does as they please. □� That's a mean-spirited thing for a mother to say. □� Murray was an affable, free-spirited man.

2 →�see also high-spirited , public-spirited

spir|it|less /sp I r I tləs/ ADJ If someone is spiritless , they lack energy, courage, and liveliness. □� They were too spiritless even to resist.

spi r|it lev|el (spirit levels ) also spirit-level N‑COUNT A spirit level is a device for testing to see if a surface is level. It consists of a plastic, wood, or metal frame containing a glass tube of liquid with an air bubble in it.

spir|itu|al ◆◇◇ /sp I r I tʃuəl/ (spirituals )

1 ADJ Spiritual means relating to people's thoughts and beliefs, rather than to their bodies and physical surroundings. □� She lived entirely by spiritual values, in a world of poetry and imagination. ●� spir|itu|al|ly ADV □� Our whole programme is spiritually oriented but not religious. ●� spir|itu|al|ity /sp I r I tʃu� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the peaceful spirituality of Japanese culture.

2 ADJ Spiritual means relating to people's religious beliefs. □� The spiritual leader of Ireland's 3.7 million Catholics.

3 N‑COUNT A spiritual is a religious song of the type originally sung by black slaves in America.

spir|itu|al|ism /sp I r I tʃuəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Spiritualism is the belief that the spirits of people who are dead can communicate with people who are still alive. ●� spir|itu|al|ist (spiritualists ) N‑COUNT □� He was a poet and an ardent spiritualist.

spit /sp I t/ (spits , spitting , spat ) In American English, the form spit is used as the past tense and past participle. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Spit is the watery liquid produced in your mouth. You usually use spit to refer to an amount of it that has been forced out of someone's mouth.

2 VERB If someone spits , they force an amount of liquid out of their mouth, often to show hatred or contempt. □�[V ] The gang thought of hitting him too, but decided just to spit. □�[V prep] They spat at me and taunted me. □�[V prep] She spit into the little tray of mascara and brushed it on her lashes.

3 VERB If you spit liquid or food somewhere, you force a small amount of it out of your mouth. □�[V n with out ] Spit out that gum and pay attention. □�[V n prep] He felt as if a serpent had spat venom into his eyes.

4 VERB [usu cont] If itis spitting , it is raining very lightly. [BRIT ] □�[V ] It will stop in a minute�it's only spitting. in AM, use sprinkle5 N‑COUNT A spit is a long rod which is pushed through a piece of meat and hung over an open fire to cook the meat. □� She roasted the meat on a spit.

6 N‑COUNT A spit of land is a long, flat, narrow piece of land that sticks out into the sea.

7 PHRASE If one place is within spitting distanceof another, they are very close to each other. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a restaurant within spitting distance of the Tower of London.

8 PHRASE If you say that one person is the spitting image of another, you mean that they look very similar. [INFORMAL ] □� Nina looks the spitting image of her mother.

spite ◆◇◇ /spa I t/

1 PHRASE You use in spite of to introduce a fact which makes the rest of the statement you are making seem surprising. □� Their love of life comes in spite of, almost in defiance of, considerable hardship.

2 PHRASE If you do something in spite ofyourself , you do it although you did not really intend to or expect to. □� The blunt comment made Richard laugh in spite of himself.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you do something cruel out of spite , you do it because you want to hurt or upset someone. □� He thinks Dan has vandalised the car out of spite.

4 VERB [only to-inf] If you do something cruel tospite someone, you do it in order to hurt or upset them. □�[V n] You don't want to come because you want to spite me in front of my neighbours.

5to cut off your nose to spite your face →�see nose USAGE in spite of

Don�t use �in spite of � as a conjunction. Don�t say, for example, � In spite of we protested, they took him away �. Say �Although we protested, they took him away�. □� Although he was late, he stopped to buy a sandwich.

spite|ful /spa I tfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is spiteful does cruel things to hurt people they dislike. □� He could be spiteful. □� �a stream of spiteful telephone calls. ●� spite|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� We crept into our little sister's bedroom and spitefully defaced her pop posters.

spit|tle /sp I t ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Spittle is the watery liquid which is produced in your mouth. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Spittle oozed down his jaw.

spiv /sp I v/ (spivs ) N‑COUNT A spiv is a man who does not have a regular job and who makes money by business deals which are usually illegal. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

splash /spl� ʃ/ (splashes , splashing , splashed )

1 VERB If you splash about or splash around in water, you hit or disturb the water in a noisy way, causing some of it to fly up into the air. □�[V about/around ] A lot of people were in the water, swimming or simply splashing about. □�[V ] She could hear the voices of her friends as they splashed in a nearby rock pool. □�[V +�into ] The gliders and their pilots splashed into the lake and had to be fished out.

2 VERB If you splash a liquid somewhere or if it splashes , it hits someone or something and scatters in a lot of small drops. □�[V n prep] He closed his eyes tight, and splashed the water on his face. □�[V prep/adv] A little wave, the first of many, splashed in my face. □�[V n] Coffee splashed the carpet. □�[V n +�with ] Lorries rumbled past them, splashing them with filthy water from the potholes in the road.

3 N‑SING A splash is the sound made when something hits water or falls into it. □� There was a splash and something fell clumsily into the water.

4 N‑COUNT A splash of a liquid is a small quantity of it that falls on something or is added to something. □� Wallcoverings and floors should be able to withstand steam and splashes.

5 N‑COUNT A splashof colour is an area of a bright colour which contrasts strongly with the colours around it. □�[+�of ] Anne left the walls white, but added splashes of colour with the paintings.

6 VERB If a magazine or newspaper splashes a story, it prints it in such a way that it is very noticeable. □�[V n] The newspapers splashed the story all over their front pages.

7 PHRASE If you make a splash , you become noticed or become popular because of something that you have done. □� Now she's made a splash in a top American television show.

▸� splash out PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you splash outon something, especially on a luxury, you buy it even though it costs a lot of money. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] He wanted to splash out on a new car.

splash|down /spl� ʃdaʊn/ (splashdowns ) N‑COUNT A splashdown is the landing of a spacecraft in the sea after a flight.

splat /spl� t/ N‑SING ; N‑COUNT Splat is used to describe the sound of something wet hitting a surface with a lot of force. □� The egg landed on my cheek with a splat.

splat|ter /spl� tə r / (splatters , splattering , splattered ) VERB If a thick wet substance splatters on something or is splattered on it, it drops or is thrown over it. □�[V adv/prep] The rain splattered against the french windows. □�[V n] 'Sorry Edward,' I said, splattering the cloth with jam. □�[V -ed] �a mud-splattered white shirt.

splay /sple I / (splays , splaying , splayed ) VERB If things splay or are splayed , their ends are spread out away from each other. □�[V n] He splayed his fingers across his face. □�[V adv/prep] His fingers splay out in a star shape. □�[V -ed] He was on his stomach, his legs splayed apart.

spleen /spliː n/ (spleens )

1 N‑COUNT Your spleen is an organ near your stomach that controls the quality of your blood.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Spleen is great and bitter anger. [FORMAL ] □� His latest book vents his spleen against everything he hates about his country.

splen|did /sple nd I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something is splendid , you mean that it is very good. □� Our house has got a splendid view across to the Cotswolds. ●� splen|did|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I have heard him tell people that we get along splendidly.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a building or work of art as splendid , you mean that it is beautiful, impressive, and extremely well made. □� �a splendid Victorian mansion. ●� splen|did|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The young women are splendidly dressed, some in floor-length ball gowns.

splen|dour /sple ndə r / (splendours ) in AM, use splendor1 N‑UNCOUNT The splendour of something is its beautiful and impressive appearance. □� The foreign ministers are meeting in the splendour of the Royal Palace.

2 N‑PLURAL The splendoursof a place or way of life are its beautiful and impressive features. □�[+�of ] Montagu was extremely impressed by the splendours of the French court.

sple|net|ic /spl I ne t I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as splenetic , you mean that they easily become very angry about things. [FORMAL ] □� �retired military men with splenetic opinions.

splice /spla I s/ (splices , splicing , spliced ) VERB If you splice two pieces of rope, film, or tape together, you join them neatly at the ends so that they make one continuous piece. □�[V n] He taught me to edit and splice film.

spliff /spl I f/ (spliffs ) N‑COUNT A spliff is a cigarette which contains cannabis or marijuana. [INFORMAL ]

splint /spl I nt/ (splints ) N‑COUNT A splint is a long piece of wood or metal that is fastened to a broken arm, leg, or back to keep it still.

splin|ter /spl I ntə r / (splinters , splintering , splintered )

1 N‑COUNT A splinter is a very thin, sharp piece of wood, glass, or other hard substance, which has broken off from a larger piece. □�[+�of ] �splinters of glass. □� �a splinter in the finger.

2 VERB If something splinters or is splintered , it breaks into thin, sharp pieces. □�[V prep/adv] The ruler cracked and splintered into pieces. □�[V n] The stone rocketed into the glass, splintering it.

spli n|ter group (splinter groups ) N‑COUNT A splinter group is a group of people who break away from a larger group and form a separate organization, usually because they no longer agree with the views of the larger group.

split ◆◆◇ /spl I t/ (splits , splitting ) The form split is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb. 1 VERB If something splits or if you split it, it is divided into two or more parts. □�[V +�in/into ] In a severe gale the ship split in two. □�[V n +�in/into ] If the chicken is fairly small, you may simply split it in half. □�[V n] �uniting families split by the war.

2 VERB If an organization splits or is split , one group of members disagrees strongly with the other members, and may form a group of their own. □�[V ] Yet it is feared the Republican leadership could split over the agreement. □�[V n] A leadership contest now would split the party. ●�ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Split is also an adjective. □� The Kremlin is deeply split in its approach to foreign policy.

3 N‑COUNT A splitin an organization is a disagreement between its members. □� They accused both radicals and conservatives of trying to provoke a split in the party.

4 N‑SING A splitbetween two things is a division or difference between them. □�[+�between ] �a split between what is thought and what is felt.

5 VERB If something such as wood or a piece of clothing splits or is split , a long crack or tear appears in it. □�[V ] The seat of his short grey trousers split. □�[V n] Twist the mixture into individual sausages without splitting the skins.

6 N‑COUNT A split is a long crack or tear. □� The plastic-covered seat has a few small splits around the corners.

7 VERB If two or more people split something, they share it between them. □�[V n] I would rather pay for a meal than watch nine friends pick over and split a bill. □�[be V -ed +�between ] All exhibits are for sale, the proceeds being split between Oxfam and the artist.

8 →�see also splitting

▸� split off PHRASAL VERB If people split offfrom a group, they stop being part of the group and become separated from it. □�[V P ] Somehow, Quentin split off from his comrades. □�[V P n] �the Youth Wing which split off the National Liberal party earlier this year.

▸� split up

1 PHRASAL VERB If two people split up , or if someone or something splits them up , they end their relationship or marriage. □�[V P ] My parents split up when I was 16. □�[V n P ] I was beginning to think that nothing could ever split us up. □�[V P +�with ] I split up with my boyfriend last year.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a group of people split up or are split up , they go away in different directions. □�[V P ] Did the two of you split up in the woods? □�[V P n] This situation has split up the family. □�[V n P ] Touring the album temporarily split the band up.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you split something up , or if it splits up , you divide it so that it is in a number of smaller separate sections. □�[V P n] Any thought of splitting up the company was unthinkable, they said. □�[V n P ] Even though museums have begged to borrow her collection, she could never split it up. □�[V P ] Her company has had to split up and work from two locations.

spli t e nds N‑PLURAL If you have split ends , some of your hairs are split at the ends because they are dry or damaged.

spli t in|fi ni|tive (split infinitives ) N‑COUNT A split infinitive is a structure in which an adverb is put between 'to' and the infinitive of a verb, as in 'to really experience it'. Some people think it is incorrect to use split infinitives.

spli t-le vel ADJ [usu ADJ n] A split-level house or room has part of the ground floor at a different level from another part, usually because the house has been built on ground that slopes.

spli t per|son|a l|ity (split personalities ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone has a split personality , you mean that their moods can change so much that they seem to have two separate personalities.

spli t-scree n (split-screens )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Split-screen is used to describe the technique in making films and television programmes in which two different pieces of film are shown at the same time. □� �split-screen movies.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] On a computer screen, a split-screen is a display of two different things in separate parts of the screen. [COMPUTING ]

spli t se |cond also split-second N‑SING A split second is an extremely short period of time. □� Her gaze met Michael's for a split second.

split|ting /spl I t I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A splitting headache is a very severe and painful one.

splodge /splɒ dʒ/ (splodges ) N‑COUNT A splodge is a large uneven mark or stain, especially one that has been caused by a liquid. [BRIT ] in AM, use splotch

splotch /splɒ tʃ/ (splotches ) N‑COUNT A splotch is a large uneven mark or stain, especially one that has been caused by a liquid.

splurge /splɜː r dʒ/ (splurges , splurging , splurged ) VERB If you splurge on something, you spend a lot of money, usually on things that you do not need. □�[V +�on ] We splurged on Bohemian glass for gifts, and for ourselves.

splut|ter /splʌ tə r / (splutters , spluttering , spluttered )

1 VERB If someone splutters , they make short sounds and have difficulty speaking clearly, for example because they are embarrassed or angry. □�[V with quote] 'But it cannot be,' he spluttered. □�[V ] Molly leapt to her feet, spluttering and howling with rage.

2 VERB If something splutters , it makes a series of short, sharp sounds. □�[V ] Suddenly the engine coughed, spluttered and died.

spoil /spɔ I l/ (spoils , spoiling , spoiled , spoilt ) American English uses the form spoiled as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either spoiled or spoilt . 1 VERB If you spoil something, you prevent it from being successful or satisfactory. □�[V n] It's important not to let mistakes spoil your life. □�[be V -ed] Peaceful summer evenings can be spoilt by mosquitoes.

2 VERB If you spoil children, you give them everything they want or ask for. This is considered to have a bad effect on a child's character. □�[V n] Grandparents are often tempted to spoil their grandchildren whenever they come to visit. ●� spoilt, spoiled ADJ □� A spoilt child is rarely popular with other children. □� Oh, that child. He's so spoiled.

3 VERB If you spoilyourself or spoil another person, you give yourself or them something nice as a treat or do something special for them. □�[V pron-refl] Spoil yourself with a new perfume this summer. □�[V n] Perhaps I could employ someone to iron his shirts, but I wanted to spoil him. He was my man.

4 VERB If food spoils or if it is spoilt , it is no longer fit to be eaten. □�[V ] We all know that fats spoil by becoming rancid. □�[V n] Some organisms are responsible for spoiling food and cause food poisoning.

5 VERB If someone spoils their vote, they write something illegal on their voting paper, usually as a protest about the election, and their vote is not accepted. [BRIT ] □�[V n] They had broadcast calls for voters to spoil their ballot papers.

6 N‑PLURAL The spoilsof something are things that people get as a result of winning a battle or of doing something successfully. □� True to military tradition, the victors are now treating themselves to the spoils of war.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone is spoilt for choice or spoiled for choice , you mean that they have a great many things of the same type to choose from. □� At lunchtime, MPs are spoilt for choice in 26 restaurants and bars.

▸� spoil for PHRASAL VERB [only cont] If you are spoiling for a fight, you are very eager for it to happen. □�[V P n] A mob armed with guns was at the border between the two republics, spoiling for a fight.

spoil|age /spɔ I l I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT When spoilage occurs, something, usually food, decays or is harmed, so that it is no longer fit to be used. [TECHNICAL ]

spoil|er /spɔ I lə r / (spoilers )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone or something as a spoiler , you mean that they try to spoil the performance of other people or things. □� I was a talentless spoiler. If I couldn't be good, why should they?

2 N‑COUNT A spoiler is an object which forms part of an aircraft's wings or part of the body of a car. It changes the flow of air around the vehicle, allowing an aircraft to change direction or making a car's forward movement more efficient.

spoil|sport /spɔ I lspɔː r t/ (spoilsports ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a spoilsport , you mean that they are behaving in a way that ruins other people's pleasure or enjoyment. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

spoilt /spɔ I lt/ Spoilt is a past participle and past tense of spoil .

spoke /spoʊ k/ (spokes )

1Spoke is the past tense of speak .

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.

spo|ken /spoʊ kən/ Spoken is the past participle of speak .

-spoken /-spoʊ kən/ COMB -spoken combines with adverbs and adjectives to form adjectives which indicate how someone speaks. □� The woman was smartly dressed and well-spoken. □� �a soft-spoken man in his early thirties.

spo |ken wo rd N‑SING Thespoken word is used to refer to language expressed in speech, for example in contrast to written texts or music. □� The spoken word has more impact than the written word.

spokes|man ◆◇◇ /spoʊ ksmən/ (spokesmen ) N‑COUNT A spokesman is a male spokesperson. □� A U.N. spokesman said that the mission will carry 20 tons of relief supplies.

spokes|person ◆◇◇ /spoʊ kspɜː r s ə n/ (spokespersons or spokespeople ) N‑COUNT A spokesperson is a person who speaks as the representative of a group or organization. □� A spokesperson for Amnesty, Norma Johnston, describes some cases.

spokes|woman ◆◇◇ /spoʊ kswʊmən/ (spokeswomen ) N‑COUNT A spokeswoman is a female spokesperson. □� A United Nations spokeswoman in New York said the request would be considered.

sponge /spʌ ndʒ/ (sponges , sponging , sponged )

1 N‑COUNT Sponge is a very light soft substance with lots of little holes in it, which can be either artificial or natural. It is used to clean things or as a soft layer. □� �a sponge mattress.

2 N‑COUNT A sponge is a sea animal with a soft round body made of natural sponge.

3 N‑COUNT A sponge is a piece of sponge that you use for washing yourself or for cleaning things. □� He wiped off the table with a sponge.

4 VERB If you sponge something, you clean it by wiping it with a wet sponge. □�[V n] Fill a bowl with water and gently sponge your face and body. ●�PHRASAL VERB Sponge down means the same as sponge . □�[V n P ] If your child's temperature rises, sponge her down gently with tepid water. [Also V P n (not pron)]

5 N‑VAR A sponge is a light cake or pudding made from flour, eggs, sugar, and sometimes fat. □� It makes a superb filling for cakes and sponges.

6 VERB If you say that someone sponges off other people or sponges on them, you mean that they regularly get money from other people when they should be trying to support themselves. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�off ] He should just get an honest job and stop sponging off the rest of us! □�[V +�on ] He spent his life grumbling about missed opportunities and sponging on his father for money.

sponge|bag /spʌ ndʒb�g/ (spongebags ) also sponge bag N‑COUNT A spongebag is a small bag in which you keep things such as soap and a toothbrush when you are travelling. [BRIT ]

spo nge cake (sponge cakes ) N‑VAR A sponge cake is a very light cake made from flour, eggs, and sometimes fat.

spong|er /spʌ ndʒə r / (spongers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a sponger , you mean that they sponge off other people or organizations. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

spon|gy /spʌ ndʒi/ ADJ Something that is spongy is soft and can be pressed in, like a sponge. □� The earth was spongy from rain.

spon|sor ◆◇◇ /spɒ nsə r / (sponsors , sponsoring , sponsored )

1 VERB If an organization or an individual sponsors something such as an event or someone's training, they pay some or all of the expenses connected with it, often in order to get publicity for themselves. □�[be V -ed] The competition was sponsored by Ruinart Champagne.

2 VERB In Britain, if you sponsor someone who is doing something to raise money for charity, for example trying to walk a certain distance, you agree to give them a sum of money for the charity if they succeed in doing it. □�[V n] Please could you sponsor me for my school's campaign for Help the Aged?

3 VERB If you sponsor a proposal or suggestion, you officially put it forward and support it. □�[V n] Eight senators sponsored legislation to stop the military funding.

4 VERB When a country or an organization such as the United Nations sponsors negotiations between countries, it suggests holding the negotiations and organizes them. □�[V n] The superpowers may well have difficulties sponsoring negotiations.

5 VERB If one country accuses another of sponsoring attacks on it, they mean that the other country does not do anything to prevent the attacks, and may even encourage them. □�[V n] We have to make the states that sponsor terrorism pay a price.

6 VERB If a company or organization sponsors a television programme, they pay to have a special advertisement shown at the beginning and end of the programme, and at each commercial break. □�[V n] Companies will now be able to sponsor programmes on ITV and Channel 4.

7 N‑COUNT A sponsor is a person or organization that sponsors something or someone. □�[+�of ] I understand they are to be named as the new sponsors of the League Cup. COLLOCATIONS sponsor VERB 1

sponsor+�noun : competition, event, exhibition; programme, project, scheme

noun +�sponsor : company, firm

sponsor+�adverb : jointly, proudly NOUN 7

noun +�sponsor : club, company, event

adjective +�sponsor : major, main, potential, principal; corporate, official; proud

verb +�sponsor : attract, find, need, seek; name, thank

spon|sored /spɒ nsə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, a sponsored event is an event in which people try to do something such as walk or run a particular distance in order to raise money for charity. □� The sponsored walk will raise money for AIDS care.

spon|sor|ship /spɒ nsə r ʃ I p/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sponsorship is financial support given by a sponsor. □� Campbell is one of an ever-growing number of skiers in need of sponsorship.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Sponsorship of something is the act of sponsoring it. □� When it is done properly, arts sponsorship can be more effective than advertising.

spon|ta|neity /spɒ ntəne I I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Spontaneity is spontaneous, natural behaviour. □� He had the spontaneity of a child.

spon|ta|neous /spɒnte I niəs/

1 ADJ Spontaneous acts are not planned or arranged, but are done because someone suddenly wants to do them. □� Their spontaneous outbursts of song were accompanied by lively music. ●� spon|ta|neous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� As soon as the tremor passed, many people spontaneously arose and cheered.

2 ADJ A spontaneous event happens because of processes within something rather than being caused by things outside it. □� I had another spontaneous miscarriage at around the 16th to 18th week. ●� spon|ta|neous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Usually a woman's breasts produce milk spontaneously after the birth.

spoof /spuː f/ (spoofs ) N‑COUNT A spoof is something such as an article or television programme that seems to be about a serious matter but is actually a joke. □� �a spoof on Hollywood life.

spook /spuː k/ (spooks , spooking , spooked )

1 N‑COUNT A spook is a ghost. [INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A spook is a spy. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� �as a U.S. intelligence spook said yesterday.

3 VERB If people are spooked , something has scared them or made them nervous. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] But was it the wind that spooked her? □�[be V -ed] Investors were spooked by slowing economies. ●� spooked ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� He was so spooked that he began to believe he heard strange clicks on the telephone.

spooky /spuː ki/ (spookier , spookiest ) ADJ A place that is spooky has a frightening atmosphere, and makes you feel that there are ghosts around. [INFORMAL ] □� The whole place has a slightly spooky atmosphere.

spool /spuː l/ (spools ) N‑COUNT A spool is a round object onto which thread, tape, or film can be wound, especially before it is put into a machine.

spoon /spuː n/ (spoons , spooning , spooned )

1 N‑COUNT A spoon is an object used for eating, stirring, and serving food. One end of it is shaped like a shallow bowl and it has a long handle. □� He stirred his coffee with a spoon.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food resting on a spoon as a spoonof food. □�[+�of ] �tea with two spoons of sugar.

3 VERB If you spoon food into something, you put it there with a spoon. □�[V n prep] He spooned instant coffee into two of the mugs.

4 →�see also greasy spoon , slotted spoon , soup spoon , wooden spoon

5 PHRASE If you think that someone has a lot of advantages because they have a rich or influential family, you can say that they have been born with a silver spoon in their mouth . □� She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and everything has been done for her.

spoon|er|ism /spuː nər I zəm/ (spoonerisms ) N‑COUNT A spoonerism is a mistake made by a speaker in which the first sounds of two words are changed over, often with a humorous result, for example when someone says 'wrong load' instead of 'long road'.

spoo n-feed (spoon-feeds , spoon-feeding , spoon-fed )

1 VERB [usu passive] If you think that someone is being given too much help with something and is not making enough effort themselves, you can say they are being spoon-fed . [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed] Students are unwilling to really work. They want to be spoon-fed.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone is spoon-fed ideas or information, you mean that they are told about them and are expected to accept them without questioning them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[be V -ed n] They were less willing to be spoon-fed doctrines from Japan.

3 VERB If you spoon-feed a small child or a sick person, you feed them using a spoon. □�[V n] Until I got better, he spoon-fed me and did everything around the house.

spoon|ful /spuː nfʊl/ (spoonfuls ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food resting on a spoon as a spoonfulof food. □�[+�of ] He took a spoonful of the stew and ate it.

spoor /spʊə r / N‑SING The spoor of an animal is the marks or substances that it leaves behind as it moves along, which hunters can follow.

spo|rad|ic /spər� d I k/ ADJ Sporadic occurrences of something happen at irregular intervals. □� �a year of sporadic fighting over northern France. ●� spo|radi|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The distant thunder from the coast continued sporadically.

spore /spɔː r / (spores ) N‑COUNT Spores are cells produced by bacteria and fungi which can develop into new bacteria or fungi.

spor|ran /spɒ r ə n, [AM ] spɔː rən/ (sporrans ) N‑COUNT A sporran is a flat bag made out of leather or fur, which a Scotsman wears on a belt around his waist when he is wearing a skirt called a kilt.

sport ◆◆◇ /spɔː r t/ (sports )

1 N‑VAR Sports are games such as football and basketball and other competitive leisure activities which need physical effort and skill. □� I'd say football is my favourite sport. □� She excels at sport. □� Billy turned on a radio to get the sports news.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a sport or a good sport , you mean that they cope with a difficult situation or teasing in a cheerful way. [OLD-FASHIONED , APPROVAL ] □� He was accused of having no sense of humor, of not being a good sport. COLLOCATIONS sport NOUN 1

noun +�sport : contact, spectator, team; motor, water, winter

adjective +�sport : competitive, elite, extreme, professional

verb +�sport : enjoy, play, pursue, quit; dominate, promote; watch

sport|ing /spɔː r t I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Sporting means relating to sports or used for sports. □� �major sporting events, such as Wimbledon and the World Cup finals. □� �a huge sporting goods store.

2 PHRASE If you have a sporting chance of doing something, it is quite likely that you will do that thing. □� There was a sporting chance they would meet, but not necessarily at the party.

spo rts car (sports cars ) N‑COUNT A sports car is a low, fast car, usually with room for only two people.

sports|cast /spɔː r tskɑːst, -k�st/ (sportscasts ) N‑COUNT A sportscast is a radio or television broadcast of a sporting event. [mainly AM ]

sports|caster /spɔː r tskɑːstə r , -k�st-/ (sportscasters ) N‑COUNT A sportscaster is a radio or television broadcaster who describes or comments on sporting events. [mainly AM ]

spo rts day (sports days ) N‑VAR In British schools, sports day is a day or an afternoon when pupils compete in athletics contests such as races and the high jump. Parents are often invited to come and watch the events.

spo rts jack|et (sports jackets ) N‑COUNT A sports jacket is a man's jacket, usually made of a woollen material called tweed. It is worn on informal occasions with trousers of a different material.

sports|man /spɔː r tsmən/ (sportsmen ) N‑COUNT A sportsman is a man who takes part in sports.

sports|man|ship /spɔː r tsmənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Sportsmanship is behaviour and attitudes that show respect for the rules of a game and for the other players.

sports|wear /spɔː r tsweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Sportswear is the special clothing worn for playing sports or for informal leisure activities.

sports|woman /spɔː r tswʊmən/ (sportswomen ) N‑COUNT A sportswoman is a woman who takes part in sports.

spo rts writ|er (sports writers ) N‑COUNT A sports writer is a journalist who writes about sport.

spo rt uti l|ity ve |hi|cle (sport utility vehicles ) also sports utility vehicle N‑COUNT A sport utility vehicle is a powerful vehicle with four-wheel drive that can be driven over rough ground. The abbreviation SUV is often used.

sporty /spɔː r ti/ (sportier , sportiest )

1 ADJ You can describe a car as sporty when it performs like a racing car but can be driven on normal roads. □� The steering and braking are exactly what you want from a sporty car.

2 ADJ Someone who is sporty likes playing sports.

spot ◆◆◇ /spɒ t/ (spots , spotting , spotted )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spots are small, round, coloured areas on a surface. □� The leaves have yellow areas on the top and underneath are powdery orange spots. □� The swimsuit comes in navy with white spots or blue with green spots.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spots on a person's skin are small lumps or marks. □� Never squeeze blackheads, spots or pimples.

3 N‑COUNT A spot of a liquid is a small amount of it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] Spots of rain had begun to fall.

4 QUANT If you have a spot of something, you have a small amount of it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] Mr Brooke is undoubtedly in a spot of bother. □�[+�of ] We've given all the club members tea, coffee and a spot of lunch.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a particular place as a spot . □� They stayed at several of the island's top tourist spots. □� They all stood there staring, as if frozen to the spot.

6 N‑COUNT A spot in a television or radio show is a part of it that is regularly reserved for a particular performer or type of entertainment. □� Unsuccessful at screen writing, he got a spot on a CNN film show.

7 VERB If you spot something or someone, you notice them. □�[V n] Vicenzo failed to spot the error.

8 →�see also spotted , black spot , blind spot

9 PHRASE If you are on the spot , you are at the actual place where something is happening. □� �areas where troops are on the spot and protecting civilians.

10 PHRASE If you do something on the spot , you do it immediately. □� James was called to see the producer and got the job on the spot.

11 PHRASE If you put someone on the spot , you cause them to have to answer a difficult question or make a difficult decision. □� He put me on the spot because he invited me in front of his mum and I didn't want to go. □� Even clever people are not terribly clever when put on the spot.

12rooted to the spot →�see rooted

13to have a soft spot for someone →�see soft

spo t che ck (spot checks ) also spot-check N‑COUNT If someone carries out a spot check , they examine one thing from a group in order to make sure that it is satisfactory.

spot|less /spɒ tləs/ ADJ Something that is spotless is completely clean. □� Each morning cleaners make sure everything is spotless. ●� spot|less|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� The house had huge, spotlessly clean rooms.

spot|light /spɒ tla I t/ (spotlights , spotlighting , spotlighted )

1 N‑COUNT A spotlight is a powerful light, for example in a theatre, which can be directed so that it lights up a small area.

2 VERB If something spotlights a particular problem or situation, it makes people notice it and think about it. □�[V n] �a new book spotlighting female entrepreneurs.

3 PHRASE Someone or something that is in the spotlight is getting a great deal of public attention. □� Webb is back in the spotlight.

spot|lit /spɒ tl I t/ ADJ Something that is spotlit is brightly lit up by one or more spotlights. □� She caught a clear view upwards of the spotlit temple.

spo t-o n also spot on ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Spot-on means exactly correct or accurate. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Schools were told their exam information had to be spot-on and accurate.

spot|ted /spɒ t I d/

1 ADJ Something that is spotted has a pattern of spots on it. □� �hand-painted spotted cups and saucers in green and blue. □�[+�with ] His cheeks were spotted with blackheads.

2 →�see also spot

spot|ter /spɒ tə r / (spotters ) N‑COUNT [n N ] A spotter of something such as trains or aeroplanes is someone whose hobby is watching and finding out about them. [BRIT ] □� I was a devoted train spotter.

-spotting /-spɒt I ŋ/ COMB -spotting combines with nouns to form nouns which describe the activity of looking out for things such as birds or trains as a hobby. □� �train-spotting. □� �bird-spotting.

spot|ty /spɒ ti/ (spottier , spottiest ) ADJ Someone who is spotty has spots on their face. □� She was rather fat, and her complexion was muddy and spotty.

spous|al /spaʊ zəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Spousal rights and duties are ones which you gain if you are married. [AM , FORMAL ]

spouse /spaʊ s/ (spouses ) N‑COUNT Someone's spouse is the person they are married to.

spout /spaʊ t/ (spouts , spouting , spouted )

1 VERB If something spouts liquid or fire, or if liquid or fire spout out of something, it comes out very quickly with a lot of force. □�[V n] He replaced the boiler when the last one began to spout flames. □�[V n prep] The main square has a fountain that spouts water 40 feet into the air. □�[V adv/prep] In a storm, water spouts out of the blowhole just like a whale.

2 N‑COUNT A spoutof liquid is a long stream of it which is coming out of something very forcefully.

3 VERB If you say that a person spouts something, you disapprove of them because they say something which you do not agree with or which you think they do not honestly feel. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] He used his column to spout ill-informed criticism of the Scots rugby team. ●�PHRASAL VERB Spout forth and spout off mean the same as spout . □�[V P +�about ] �an estate agent spouting forth about houses.

4 N‑COUNT A spout is a long, hollow part of a container through which liquids can be poured out easily.

sprain /spre I n/ (sprains , spraining , sprained )

1 VERB If you sprain a joint such as your ankle or wrist, you accidentally damage it by twisting it or bending it violently. □�[V n] He fell and sprained his ankle. ●� sprained ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �a badly sprained ankle. □� His wrist was sprained.

2 N‑COUNT A sprain is the injury caused by spraining a joint.

sprang /spr� ŋ/ Sprang is the past tense of spring .

sprat /spr� t/ (sprats ) N‑COUNT Sprats are very small European sea fish which can be eaten.

sprawl /sprɔː l/ (sprawls , sprawling , sprawled )

1 VERB If you sprawl somewhere, you sit or lie down with your legs and arms spread out in a careless way. □�[V prep/adv] She sprawled on the bed as he had left her, not even moving to cover herself up. ●�PHRASAL VERB Sprawl out means the same as sprawl . □�[V P prep] He would take two aspirin and sprawl out on his bed.

2 →�see also sprawled

3 VERB If you say that a place sprawls , you mean that it covers a large area of land. □�[V prep] The State Recreation Area sprawls over 900 acres.

4 N‑UNCOUNT You can use sprawl to refer to an area where a city has grown outwards in an uncontrolled way. □� The whole urban sprawl of Ankara contains over 2.6m people.

sprawled /sprɔː ld/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If you are sprawled somewhere, you are sitting or lying with your legs and arms spread out in a careless way. □� People are sprawled on makeshift beds in the cafeteria.

spray ◆◇◇ /spre I / (sprays , spraying , sprayed )

1 N‑VAR Spray is a lot of small drops of water which are being thrown into the air. □�[+�from/of ] The moon was casting a rainbow through the spray from the waterfall.

2 N‑VAR A spray is a liquid kept under pressure in a can or other container, which you can force out in very small drops. □� �hair spray. □� �a can of insect spray.

3 VERB If you spray a liquid somewhere or if it sprays somewhere, drops of the liquid cover a place or shower someone. □�[V n prep/adv] A sprayer hooked to a tractor can spray five gallons onto ten acres. □�[V n +�with ] Two inmates hurled slates at prison officers spraying them with a hose. □�[V prep] Drops of blood sprayed across the room.

4 VERB If a lot of small things spray somewhere or if something sprays them, they are scattered somewhere with a lot of force. □�[V prep] A shower of mustard seeds sprayed into the air and fell into the grass. □�[V n prep] The intensity of the blaze shattered windows, spraying glass on the streets below. □�[V n +�with ] The bullet slammed into the ceiling, spraying them with bits of plaster.

5 VERB If someone sprays bullets somewhere, they fire a lot of bullets at a group of people or things. □�[V n prep/adv] He ran to the top of the building spraying bullets into shoppers below. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The army lorries were sprayed with machine gun fire from guerrillas in the woods. [Also V n]

6 VERB [usu passive] If something is sprayed , it is painted using paint kept under pressure in a container. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The bare metal was sprayed with several coats of primer.

7 VERB When someone sprays against insects, they cover plants or crops with a chemical which prevents insects feeding on them. □�[V +�against ] He doesn't spray against pests or diseases. □�[V n] Confine the use of insecticides to the evening and do not spray plants that are in flower. □�[V ] Because of the immunity of the immature insects, it's important to spray regularly. [Also V n prep]

8 N‑COUNT A spray is a piece of equipment for spraying water or another liquid, especially over growing plants.

9 N‑COUNT A spray of flowers or leaves is a number of flowers or leaves on one stem or branch. □�[+�of ] �a small spray of freesias. SYNONYMS spray VERB 3

squirt:Norman cut open his pie and squirted tomato sauce into it.

splash:He closed his eyes tight, and splashed the water on his face.

sprinkle:At the festival, candles are blessed and sprinkled with holy water.

spra y can (spray cans ) also spray-can N‑COUNT A spray can is a small metal container containing liquid such as paint under pressure so that it can be sprayed.

spray|er /spre I ə r / (sprayers ) N‑COUNT A sprayer is a piece of equipment used for spraying liquid somewhere.

spra y gun (spray guns ) also spray-gun N‑COUNT A spray gun is a piece of equipment which you use to spray paint under pressure onto a surface.

spra y paint (spray paints , spray painting , spray painted ) also spray-paint

1 N‑VAR Spray paint is paint bought in a special can which you spray on a surface by pressing a button on the top of the can. □� The walls have been horribly vandalized with spray paint.

2 VERB If you spray paint a surface, you paint it using spray paint. If you spray paint something on a surface, you paint it on that surface using spray paint. □�[V n] The youths are taught how to spray paint cars and mend fences. □�[V n +�on ] He spray-painted his name on the wall.

spread ◆◆◇ /spre d/ (spreads , spreading , spread )

1 VERB If you spread something somewhere, you open it out or arrange it over a place or surface, so that all of it can be seen or used easily. □�[V n prep] She spread a towel on the sand and lay on it. ●�PHRASAL VERB Spread out means the same as spread . □�[V n P ] He extracted several glossy prints and spread them out on a low coffee table. □�[V P n] In his room, Tom was spreading out a map of Scandinavia on the bed.

2 VERB If you spread your arms, hands, fingers, or legs, you stretch them out until they are far apart. □�[V n adv] Sitting on the floor, spread your legs as far as they will go without overstretching. □�[V n adj] He stepped back and spread his hands wide. 'You are most welcome to our home.' [Also V n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Spread out means the same as spread . □�[V P n] David spread out his hands as if showing that he had no explanation. □�[V n P ] You need a bed that's large enough to let you spread yourself out.

3 VERB If you spread a substance on a surface or spread the surface with the substance, you put a thin layer of the substance over the surface. □�[V n prep] Spread the mixture in the cake tin and bake for 30 minutes. □�[V n +�with ] Spread the bread with the cheese.

4 N‑VAR Spread is a soft food which is put on bread. □� �a wholemeal salad roll with low fat spread.

5 VERB If something spreads or is spread by people, it gradually reaches or affects a larger and larger area or more and more people. □�[V prep/adv] The industrial revolution which started a couple of hundred years ago in Europe is now spreading across the world. □�[V ] �the sense of fear spreading in residential neighborhoods. □�[be V -ed] He was fed-up with the lies being spread about him. ●�N‑SING Spread is also a noun. □� The greatest hope for reform is the gradual spread of information.

6 VERB If something such as a liquid, gas, or smoke spreads or is spread , it moves outwards in all directions so that it covers a larger area. □�[V ] Fire spread rapidly after a chemical truck exploded. □�[V prep] A dark red stain was spreading across his shirt. □�[V n prep] In Northern California, a wildfire has spread a haze of smoke over 200 miles. ●�N‑SING Spread is also a noun. □� The situation was complicated by the spread of a serious forest fire.

7 VERB If you spread something over a period of time, it takes place regularly or continuously over that period, rather than happening at one time. □�[V n +�over ] You can eat all your calorie allowance in one go, or spread it over the day.

8 VERB If you spread something such as wealth or work, you distribute it evenly or equally. □�[V n] �policies that spread the state's wealth more evenly. ●�N‑SING Spread is also a noun. □�[+�of ] There are easier ways to encourage the even spread of wealth.

9 N‑SING A spreadof ideas, interests, or other things is a wide variety of them. □�[+�of ] �primary schools with a typical spread of ability.

10 N‑COUNT A spread is a large meal, especially one that has been prepared for a special occasion.

11 N‑COUNT A spread is two pages of a book, magazine, or newspaper that are opposite each other when you open it at a particular place. □� There was a double-page spread of a dinner for 46 people.

12 N‑SING Spread is used to refer to the difference between the price that a seller wants someone to pay for a particular stock or share and the price that the buyer is willing to pay. [BUSINESS ] □� Market makers earn their livings from the spread between buying and selling prices.

13to spread your wings →�see wing

▸� spread out

1 PHRASAL VERB If people, animals, or vehicles spread out , they move apart from each other. □�[V P ] Felix watched his men move like soldiers, spreading out into two teams.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a city or forest spreads out , it gets larger and gradually begins to covers a larger area. □�[V P ] Cities such as Tokyo are spreading out.

3 →�see spread1 , spread2 SYNONYMS spread VERB

1

open out:�oval tables which open out to become circular.

extend:� a table which extends to accommodate extra guests.

stretch:Ease the pastry into the corners of the tin, making sure you don't stretch it.

unfold:The bird's wings unfold to an impressive six-foot span.

3

coat:Coat the fish with seasoned flour.

smear:Smear a little olive oil over the inside of the salad bowl.

smooth:She smoothed the lotion across his shoulder blades.

plaster:She plastered herself from head to toe in high-factor sun lotion.

sprea d bet|ting N‑UNCOUNT Spread betting is a form of gambling that involves predicting a range of possible scores or results rather than one particular score or result.

spread|eagled /spre diːg ə ld/ also spread-eagled ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is spreadeagled is lying with their arms and legs spread out. □� They lay spreadeagled on the floor.

sprea d ou t ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If people or things are spread out , they are a long way apart. □� The Kurds are spread out across five nations.

spread|sheet /spre dʃiːt/ (spreadsheets ) N‑COUNT A spreadsheet is a computer program that is used for displaying and dealing with numbers. Spreadsheets are used mainly for financial planning. [COMPUTING ]

spree /spriː / (sprees ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If you spend a period of time doing something in an excessive way, you can say that you are going on a particular kind of spree . □� Some Americans went on a spending spree in December to beat the new tax.

sprig /spr I g/ (sprigs ) N‑COUNT A sprig is a small stem with leaves on it which has been picked from a bush or plant, especially so that it can be used in cooking or as a decoration.

sprigged /spr I gd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sprigged material or paper has a pattern of small leaves or flowers on it. □� �a sprigged cotton dress.

spright|ly /spra I tli/ (sprightlier , sprightliest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sprightly person, especially an old person, is lively and active. □� �the sprightly 85-year-old President.

spring ◆◆◇ /spr I ŋ/ (springs , springing , sprang , sprung )

1 N‑VAR Spring is the season between winter and summer when the weather becomes warmer and plants start to grow again. □� We planted bulbs to flower in spring. □� The Labor government of Western Australia has an election due next spring. □� We met again in the spring of 1977. □� The apricot plant provides delicate, white spring flowers.

2 N‑COUNT A spring is a spiral of wire which returns to its original shape after it is pressed or pulled. □� Both springs in the fuel pump were broken.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A spring is a place where water comes up through the ground. It is also the water that comes from that place. □� To the north are the hot springs of Banyas de Sant Loan.

4 VERB When a person or animal springs , they jump upwards or forwards suddenly or quickly. □�[V prep] He sprang to his feet, grabbing his keys off the coffee table. □�[V prep] Throwing back the sheet, he sprang from the bed. □�[V ] The lion roared once and sprang.

5 VERB If something springs in a particular direction, it moves suddenly and quickly. □�[V adj] Sadly when the lid of the boot sprang open, it was empty.

6 VERB If one thing springs from another thing, it is the result of it. □�[V +�from ] Ethiopia's art springs from her early Christian as well as her Muslim heritage.

7 VERB If a boat or container springs a leak , water or some other liquid starts coming in or out through a crack. □�[V n] The yacht has sprung a leak in the hull.

8 VERB If you spring some news or a surprise on someone, you tell them something that they did not expect to hear, without warning them. □�[V n +�on ] Mclaren sprang a new idea on him.

9to spring to mind →�see mind ➊

▸� spring up PHRASAL VERB If something springs up , it suddenly appears or begins to exist. □�[V P ] New theatres and arts centres sprang up all over the country.

spring|board /spr I ŋbɔː r d/ (springboards )

1 N‑COUNT If something is a springboardfor something else, it makes it possible for that thing to happen or start. □�[+�for/to ] The 1981 budget was the springboard for an economic miracle.

2 N‑COUNT A springboard is a flexible board from which you jump into a swimming pool or onto a piece of gymnastic equipment.

spri ng chi ck|en (spring chickens ) PHRASE If you say that someone is no spring chicken , you are saying that they are not young. [HUMOROUS ] □� At 85, he is no spring chicken, but Henry Cook is busier than ever.

spri ng-clea n (spring-cleans , spring-cleaning , spring-cleaned ) VERB When you spring-clean a house, you thoroughly clean everything in it. □�[V n] It's almost as easy to give your rooms a new coat of paint as to spring-clean them.

spri ng o n|ion (spring onions ) N‑VAR [usu pl] Spring onions are small onions with long green leaves. They are often eaten raw in salads. [BRIT ] in AM, use scallion

spri ng ro ll (spring rolls ) N‑COUNT A spring roll is a Chinese food consisting of a small roll of thin pastry filled with vegetables and sometimes meat, and then fried.

spri ng tide (spring tides ) N‑COUNT A spring tide is an unusually high tide that happens at the time of a new moon or a full moon.

spring|time /spr I ŋta I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Springtime is the period of time during which spring lasts.

springy /spr I ŋi/ ADJ If something is springy , it returns quickly to its original shape after you press it. □� Steam for about 12 mins until the cake is risen and springy to touch in the centre.

sprin|kle /spr I ŋk ə l/ (sprinkles , sprinkling , sprinkled )

1 VERB If you sprinkle a thing with something such as a liquid or powder, you scatter the liquid or powder over it. □�[V n +�with ] Sprinkle the meat with salt and place in the pan. □�[be V -ed +�on ] Cheese can be sprinkled on egg or vegetable dishes.

2 VERB If something is sprinkledwith particular things, it has a few of them throughout it and they are far apart from each other. □�[be V -ed +�with ] Unfortunately, the text is sprinkled with errors. □�[be V -ed prep] Men in green army uniforms are sprinkled throughout the huge auditorium.

3 VERB If itis sprinkling , it is raining very lightly. [AM ] in BRIT, use spit

sprin|kler /spr I ŋklə r / (sprinklers ) N‑COUNT A sprinkler is a device used to spray water. Sprinklers are used to water plants or grass, or to put out fires in buildings.

sprin|kling /spr I ŋkl I ŋ/ N‑SING A sprinklingof something is a small quantity or amount of it, especially if it is spread over a large area. □�[+�of ] �a light sprinkling of snow.

sprint /spr I nt/ (sprints , sprinting , sprinted )

1 N‑SING The sprint is a short, fast running race. □� Rob Harmeling won the sprint in Bordeaux. □� �the women's 100-metres sprint.

2 N‑COUNT A sprint is a short race in which the competitors run, drive, ride, or swim very fast. □� Lewis will compete in both sprints in Stuttgart.

3 N‑SING A sprint is a fast run that someone does, either at the end of a race or because they are in a hurry. □� I broke into a sprint.

4 VERB If you sprint , you run or ride as fast as you can over a short distance. □�[V adv/prep] Sergeant Horne sprinted to the car.

sprint|er /spr I ntə r / (sprinters ) N‑COUNT A sprinter is a person who takes part in short, fast races.

sprite /spra I t/ (sprites ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories and legends, a sprite is a small, magic creature which lives near water.

spritz|er /spr I tsə r / (spritzers ) N‑COUNT A spritzer is a drink consisting of white wine and soda water.

sprock|et /sprɒ k I t/ (sprockets ) N‑COUNT A sprocket is a wheel with teeth around the outer edge that fit into the holes in a chain or a length of film or tape in order to move it round.

sprog /sprɒ g/ (sprogs ) N‑COUNT A sprog is a baby or child. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

sprout /spraʊ t/ (sprouts , sprouting , sprouted )

1 VERB When plants, vegetables, or seeds sprout , they produce new shoots or leaves. □�[V ] It only takes a few days for beans to sprout.

2 VERB When leaves, shoots, or plants sprout somewhere, they grow there. □�[V prep] Leaf-shoots were beginning to sprout on the hawthorn.

3 VERB [no passive] If a garden or other area of land sprouts plants, they start to grow there. □�[V n] �the garden, which had had time to sprout a shocking collection of weeds.

4 VERB [no passive] If something such as hair sprouts from a person or animal, or if they sprout it, it grows on them. □�[V prep] She has little wire-rimmed glasses and whiskers sprouting from her chin. □�[V n] Kevin is sprouting a few grey hairs.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sprouts are vegetables that look like tiny cabbages. They are also called brussels sprouts .

6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sprouts are new shoots on plants. □� After eleven days of growth the number of sprouts was counted.

spruce /spruː s/ (spruce , spruces , sprucing , spruced )

1 N‑VAR A spruce is a kind of evergreen tree. □� Trees such as spruce, pine and oak have been planted. □� �a young blue spruce. □� �80-year-old spruces. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Spruce is the wood from this tree. □� Early settlers built frames of spruce, maple and pine.

2 ADJ Someone who is spruce is very neat and smart in appearance. □� Chris was looking spruce in his stiff-collared black shirt and new short hair cut.

▸� spruce up PHRASAL VERB If something is spruced up , its appearance is improved. If someone is spruced up , they have made themselves look very smart. □�[be V -ed P ] Many buildings have been spruced up. □�[V n P ] In the evening we spruced ourselves up a bit and went out for dinner.

sprung /sprʌ ŋ/ Sprung is the past participle of spring .

spry /spra I / ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone, especially an old person, who is spry , is lively and active. □� The old gentleman was as spry as ever.

spud /spʌ d/ (spuds ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spuds are potatoes. [INFORMAL ]

spun /spʌ n/ Spun is the past tense and past participle of spin .

spunk /spʌ ŋk/ N‑UNCOUNT Spunk is courage. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� I admired her independence and her spunk.

spunky /spʌ ŋki/ (spunkier , spunkiest ) ADJ A spunky person shows courage. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� She's so spunky and spirited.

spur ◆◇◇ /spɜː r / (spurs , spurring , spurred )

1 VERB If one thing spurs you to do another, it encourages you to do it. □�[V n to-inf] It's the money that spurs these fishermen to risk a long ocean journey in their flimsy boats. □�[V n +�to/into ] His friend's plight had spurred him into taking part. ●�PHRASAL VERB Spur on means the same as spur . □�[V n P ] Their attitude, rather than reining him back, only seemed to spur Philip on. □�[V n P +�to ] We may not like criticism, but it can spur us on to greater things. [Also V P n (not pron), V n P to-inf]

2 VERB If something spurs a change or event, it makes it happen faster or sooner. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The administration may put more emphasis on spurring economic growth.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that acts as a spurto something else encourages a person or organization to do that thing or makes it happen more quickly. □�[+�to ] �a belief in competition as a spur to efficiency.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spurs are small metal wheels with sharp points that are attached to the heels of a rider's boots. The rider uses them to make their horse go faster.

5 N‑COUNT The spur of a hill or mountain is a piece of ground which sticks out from its side.

6 PHRASE If you do something on the spur of the moment , you do it suddenly, without planning it beforehand. □� They admitted they had taken a vehicle on the spur of the moment.

spu|ri|ous /spjʊə riəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is spurious seems to be genuine, but is false. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was arrested in 1979 on spurious corruption charges.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spurious argument or way of reasoning is incorrect, and so the conclusion is probably incorrect. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a spurious framework for analysis.

spurn /spɜː r n/ (spurns , spurning , spurned ) VERB If you spurn someone or something, you reject them. □�[V n] He spurned the advice of management consultants. □�[V -ed] �a spurned lover.

spu r-of-the-mo ment →�see spur

spurt /spɜː r t/ (spurts , spurting , spurted )

1 VERB When liquid or fire spurts from somewhere, or when something spurts liquid or fire, it comes out quickly in a thin, powerful stream. □�[V n] They spurted blood all over me. I nearly passed out. □�[V n] �a fountain that spurts water nine stories high. □�[V prep] I saw flames spurt from the roof. [Also V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Spurt out means the same as spurt . □�[V P n] When the washing machine spurts out water at least we can mop it up. □�[V P ] Wear eye protection when opening the container, since it's so easy for contents to spurt out.

2 N‑COUNT A spurtof liquid is a stream of it which comes out of something very forcefully. □�[+�of ] A spurt of diesel came from one valve and none from the other.

3 N‑COUNT A spurtof activity, effort, or emotion is a sudden, brief period of intense activity, effort, or emotion. □� At adolescence, muscles go through a growth spurt.

4 VERB If someone or something spurts somewhere, they suddenly increase their speed for a short while in order to get there. □�[V prep/adv] The back wheels spun and the van spurted up the last few feet.

5 PHRASE If something happens in spurts , there are periods of activity followed by periods in which it does not happen. □� The deals came in spurts: three in 1977, none in 1978, three more in 1979.

sput|ter /spʌ tə r / (sputters , sputtering , sputtered ) VERB If something such as an engine or a flame sputters , it works or burns in an uneven way and makes a series of soft popping sounds. □�[V ] The truck sputtered and stopped. □�[V prep/adv] The flame sputters out.

spu|tum /spjuː təm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sputum is the wet substance which is coughed up from someone's lungs. [MEDICAL ]

spy /spa I / (spies , spying , spied )

1 N‑COUNT A spy is a person whose job is to find out secret information about another country or organization. □� He was jailed for five years as an alleged British spy.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A spy satellite or spy plane obtains secret information about another country by taking photographs from the sky.

3 VERB Someone who spiesfor a country or organization tries to find out secret information about another country or organization. □�[V +�for ] The agent spied for the government for more than twenty years. □�[V +�on ] East and West are still spying on one another. □�[V +�against ] I never agreed to spy against the United States. ●� spy|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �a ten-year sentence for spying.

4 VERB If you spy on someone, you watch them secretly. □�[V +�on n] That day he spied on her while pretending to work on the shrubs.

5 VERB If you spy someone or something, you notice them. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] He was walking down the street when he spied an old friend.

spy|master /spa I mɑːstə r , -m�s-/ (spymasters ) N‑COUNT A spymaster is a spy who is in charge of a group of spies.

spy|ware /spa I weə r / N‑UNCOUNT Spyware is computer software that secretly records information about which websites you visit. [COMPUTING ] □� The publishers promise not to use spyware to grab your personal information.

sq also sq.sq is used as a written abbreviation for square when you are giving the measurement of an area. □� The building provides about 25,500 sq ft of air-conditioned offices.

squab|ble /skwɒ b ə l/ (squabbles , squabbling , squabbled ) VERB When people squabble , they quarrel about something that is not really important. □�[V ] They are devoted to each other although they squabble all the time. □�[V +�with ] My four-year-old squabbles with his friends. ●� squab|bling N‑UNCOUNT □� In recent months its government has been paralysed by political squabbling.

squad ◆◇◇ /skwɒ d/ (squads )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A squad is a section of a police force that is responsible for dealing with a particular type of crime. □� The building was evacuated and the bomb squad called. □� The club is under investigation by the fraud squad.

2 N‑COUNT A squad is a group of players from which a sports team will be chosen. □� She has been named in the England squad for the tour.

3 N‑COUNT A squadof soldiers is a small group of them. □�[+�of ] �a squad of commandos.

4 →�see also death squad , firing squad , Flying Squad , vice squad

squa d car (squad cars ) N‑COUNT A squad car is a car used by the police. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use patrol car , police car

squad|die /skwɒ di/ (squaddies ) N‑COUNT A squaddie is a soldier of the lowest rank in the army. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

squad|ron /skwɒ drən/ (squadrons ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A squadron is a section of one of the armed forces, especially the air force. □� He commanded a squadron of six warships.

squa d|ron lea d|er (squadron leaders ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A squadron leader is an officer of middle rank in the British air force.

squal|id /skwɒ l I d/

1 ADJ A squalid place is dirty, untidy, and in bad condition. □� He followed her up a rickety staircase to a squalid bedsit.

2 ADJ Squalid activities are unpleasant and often dishonest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They called the bill 'a squalid measure'.

squall /skwɔː l/ (squalls , squalling , squalled )

1 N‑COUNT A squall is a sudden strong wind which often causes a brief, violent rain storm or snow storm. □� The boat was hit by a squall north of the island.

2 VERB If a person or animal squalls , they make a loud unpleasant noise like the noise made by a crying baby. □�[V ] There was an infant squalling in the back of the church. □�[V -ing] �squalling guitars.

squal|ly /skwɔː li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In squally weather, there are sudden strong winds which often cause brief, violent storms. □� The competitors had to contend with squally weather conditions.

squal|or /skwɒ lə r / N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to very dirty, unpleasant conditions as squalor . □� He was out of work and living in squalor.

squan|der /skwɒ ndə r / (squanders , squandering , squandered ) VERB If you squander money, resources, or opportunities, you waste them. □�[V n +�on ] Hooker didn't squander his money on flashy cars or other vices. □�[V n] He had squandered his chances to win.

square ◆◆◇ /skweə r / (squares , squaring , squared )

1 N‑COUNT A square is a shape with four sides that are all the same length and four corners that are all right angles. □� Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, cut in squares. □� Most of the rugs are simple cotton squares.

2 N‑COUNT In a town or city, a square is a flat open place, often in the shape of a square. □� The house is located in one of Pimlico's prettiest garden squares. □� �St Mark's Square.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is square has a shape the same as a square or similar to a square. □� Round tables seat more people in the same space as a square table. □� His finger nails were square and cut neatly across.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Square is used before units of length when referring to the area of something. For example, if something is three metres long and two metres wide, its area is six square metres. □� Canary Wharf was set to provide 10 million square feet of office space. □� The Philippines has just 6,000 square kilometres of forest left.

5 ADJ Square is used after units of length when you are giving the length of each side of something that is square in shape. □� �a linen cushion cover, 45 cm square. □� �two pieces of wood 4 inches square.

6 VERB To square a number means to multiply it by itself. For example, 3 squared is 3 x 3, or 9. 3 squared is usually written as 3�. □�[V n] Take the time in seconds, square it, and multiply by 5.12. □�[V -ed] A squared plus B squared equals C squared.

7 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The squareof a number is the number produced when you multiply that number by itself. For example, the square of 3 is 9. □� �the square of the speed of light, an exceedingly large number.

8 VERB If you square two different ideas or actions with each other or if they square with each other, they fit or match each other. □�[V +�with ] That explanation squares with the facts, doesn't it. □�[V n +�with ] He set out to square his dreams with reality.

9 VERB If you square something with someone, you ask their permission or check with them that what you are doing is acceptable to them. □�[V n +�with ] She should have squared things with Jay before she went into this business with Walker.

10 →�see also squared , squarely

11 PHRASE If you say that someone squares the circle , you mean that they bring together two things which are normally thought to be so different that they cannot exist together. □� He has squared the circle of keeping the City happy and doing something to improve business cash flow. □� 'Nirvana' squared the circle by making a record that was pop and rock at the same time.

12 PHRASE If you are back to square one , you have to start dealing with something from the beginning again because the way you were dealing with it has failed. □� If your complaint is not upheld, you may feel you are back to square one.

13fair and square →�see fair

▸� square off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you square something off , you alter it so that it has the shape of a square. □�[V P n] Peel a thick-skinned orange and square off the ends with a sharp knife. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If one group or person squares offagainst or with another, they prepare to fight them. [mainly AM ] □�[V P against ] In Florida, farmers are squaring off against cities for rights to groundwater.

▸� square up PHRASAL VERB If you square upto a problem, person, or situation, you accept that you have to deal with them and take action to do so. □�[V P ] The world's most prestigious insurance company was last night squaring up to take on MPs who have accused it of being riddled with corruption.

squared /skweə r d/

1 ADJ Something that is squared has the shape of a square, or has a pattern of squares on it. □� Draw up a scale floor plan on squared paper, marking in the door opening and windows.

2 →�see also square

squa re dance (square dances )

1 N‑COUNT A square dance is a traditional American dance in which sets of four couples dance together, forming a square at the beginning of the dance.

2 N‑COUNT A square dance is a social event where people dance square dances.

square|ly /skweə r li/

1 ADV [ADV with v] Squarely means directly or in the middle, rather than indirectly or at an angle. □� I kept the gun aimed squarely at his eyes.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If something such as blame or responsibility lies squarely with someone, they are definitely the person responsible. □� Responsibility for success or failure lies squarely with the Nigerians.

3 ADV [ADV with v] If you face something squarely , you face it directly, without trying to avoid it. □� The management committee have faced the situation squarely.

squa re mea l (square meals ) N‑COUNT A square meal is a meal which is big enough to satisfy you. □� They haven't had a square meal for four or five days.

Squa re Mi le

1 N‑PROPER The Square Mile is the part of London where many important financial institutions have their main offices.

2 →�see also City

squa re roo t (square roots ) N‑COUNT The square rootof a number is another number which produces the first number when it is multiplied by itself. For example, the square root of 16 is 4.

squash /skwɒ ʃ/ (squashes , squashing , squashed )

1 VERB If someone or something is squashed , they are pressed or crushed with such force that they become injured or lose their shape. □�[be V -ed +�against , be V -ed prep] Robert was hurt when he was squashed against a fence by a car. □� Whole neighbourhoods have been squashed flat by shelling. □�[V n adj] She made clay models and squashed them flat again. [Also V n]

2 ADJ If people or things are squashed into a place, they are put or pushed into a place where there is not enough room for them to be. □� The stage is squashed into a small corner of the field.

3 N‑SING If you say that getting a number of people into a small space is a squash , you mean that it is only just possible for them all to get into it. [INFORMAL ] □� It all looked a bit of a squash as they squeezed inside the small hatchback.

4 VERB If you squash something that is causing you trouble, you put a stop to it, often by force. □�[V n] The troops would stay in position to squash the first murmur of trouble.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Squash is a game in which two players hit a small rubber ball against the walls of a court using rackets.

6 N‑VAR Squash is a drink made from fruit juice, sugar, and water. Squash is sold in bottles in a concentrated form to which you add water. [BRIT ] □� �a glass of orange squash.

7 N‑VAR A squash is one of a family of vegetables that have thick skin and soft or firm flesh inside.

squashy /skwɒ ʃi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Squashy things are soft and able to be squashed easily. □� �deep, squashy sofas.

squat /skwɒ t/ (squats , squatting , squatted )

1 VERB If you squat , you lower yourself towards the ground, balancing on your feet with your legs bent. □�[V ] We squatted beside the pool and watched the diver sink slowly down. □�[V +�on ] He came over and squatted on his heels, looking up at the boys. ●�PHRASAL VERB Squat down means the same as squat . □�[V P ] Albert squatted down and examined it. □�[V P prep] She had squatted down on her heels. ●�N‑SING Squat is also a noun. □� He bent to a squat and gathered the puppies on his lap.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as squat , you mean they are short and thick, usually in an unattractive way. □� Eddie was a short squat fellow in his forties with thinning hair.

3 VERB People who squat occupy an unused building or unused land without having a legal right to do so. □�[V ] You can't simply wander around squatting on other people's property. □�[V n] They earn their living by squatting the land and sharecropping.

4 N‑COUNT A squat is an empty building that people are living in illegally, without paying any rent or any property tax. □� After returning from Paris, David moved to a squat in Brixton.

squat|ter /skwɒ tə r / (squatters ) N‑COUNT A squatter is someone who lives in an unused building without having a legal right to do so and without paying any rent or any property tax.

squaw /skwɔː / (squaws ) N‑COUNT In the past, people sometimes referred to a Native American Indian woman as a squaw . [OFFENSIVE ]

squawk /skwɔː k/ (squawks , squawking , squawked )

1 VERB When a bird squawks , it makes a loud harsh noise. □�[V ] I threw pebbles at the hens, and that made them jump and squawk. ●�N‑COUNT Squawk is also a noun. □� A mallard suddenly took wing, rising steeply into the air with an angry squawk.

2 VERB If a person squawks , they complain loudly, often in a high-pitched, harsh tone. [INFORMAL ] □�[V that] Mr Arbor squawked that the deal was a double-cross. [Also V ]

squeak /skwiː k/ (squeaks , squeaking , squeaked )

1 VERB If something or someone squeaks , they make a short, high-pitched sound. □�[V ] My boots squeaked a little as I walked. □�[V adj] The door squeaked open. □�[V +�with ] She squeaked with delight. ●�N‑COUNT Squeak is also a noun. □� He gave an outraged squeak.

2 VERB To squeakthrough or squeakby means to only just manage to get accepted, get included in something, or win something. □�[V prep/adv] The President's economic package squeaked through the House of Representatives by 219 votes to 213.

3 →�see also bubble and squeak

squeaky /skwiː ki/ ADJ Something that is squeaky makes high-pitched sounds. □� �squeaky floorboards. □� He had a squeaky voice.

squea ky clea n also squeaky-clean ADJ If you say that someone is squeaky clean , you mean that they live a very moral life and have never done anything wrong. [INFORMAL ] □� Maybe this guy isn't so squeaky clean after all.

squeal /skwiː l/ (squeals , squealing , squealed ) VERB If someone or something squeals , they make a long, high-pitched sound. □�[V +�with ] Jennifer squealed with delight and hugged me. □�[V ] The car's tires squealed again as it sped around the corner. [Also V with quote] ●�N‑COUNT Squeal is also a noun. □� At that moment there was a squeal of brakes and the angry blowing of a car horn.

squeam|ish /skwiː m I ʃ/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are squeamish , you are easily upset by unpleasant sights or situations. □� I am not squeamish about blood.

squeeze ◆◇◇ /skwiː z/ (squeezes , squeezing , squeezed )

1 VERB If you squeeze something, you press it firmly, usually with your hands. □�[V n] He squeezed her arm reassuringly. □�[V n adj] Dip the bread briefly in water, then squeeze it dry. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Squeeze is also a noun. □�[+�of ] I liked her way of reassuring you with a squeeze of the hand.

2 VERB If you squeeze a liquid or a soft substance out of an object, you get the liquid or substance out by pressing the object. □�[V n prep] Joe put the plug in the sink and squeezed some detergent over the dishes. □�[V -ed] �freshly squeezed lemon juice.

3 VERB If you squeeze your eyes shut or if your eyes squeeze shut, you close them tightly, usually because you are frightened or to protect your eyes from something such as strong sunlight. □�[V n adj] Nancy squeezed her eyes shut and prayed. □�[V adj] If you keep your eyes squeezed shut, you'll miss the show.

4 VERB If you squeeze a person or thing somewhere or if they squeeze there, they manage to get through or into a small space. □�[V n prep/adv] Somehow they squeezed him into the cockpit, and strapped him in. □�[V prep/adv] Many break-ins are carried out by youngsters who can squeeze through tiny windows.

5 N‑SING If you say that getting a number of people into a small space is a squeeze , you mean that it is only just possible for them all to get into it. [INFORMAL ] □� It was a squeeze in the car with five of them.

6 VERB If you squeeze something out of someone, you persuade them to give it to you, although they may be unwilling to do this. □�[V n +�from/out of ] The investigators complained about the difficulties of squeezing information out of residents.

7 VERB If a government squeezes the economy, they put strict controls on people's ability to borrow money or on their own departments' freedom to spend money, in order to control the country's rate of inflation. □�[V n] The government will squeeze the economy into a severe recession to force inflation down. ●�N‑SING Squeeze is also a noun. □� The CBI also says the squeeze is slowing down inflation.

8 N‑COUNT Someone's squeeze is their boyfriend or girlfriend. [INFORMAL , JOURNALISM ] □� Jack showed off his latest squeeze at the weekend.

▸� squeeze out PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a person or thing is squeezed out , they are no longer included in something that they were previously involved in. □�[be V -ed P ] Other directors appear happy that Lord Hollick has been squeezed out. □�[be V -ed P +�of ] Arts subjects will be squeezed out of school timetables. SYNONYMS squeeze VERB 1

press:They pressed the silver knife into the cake.

squash:She made clay models and squashed them flat again.

crush:Andrew crushed his empty can.

pinch:She pinched his arm as hard as she could.

squelch /skwe ltʃ/ (squelches , squelching , squelched ) VERB To squelch means to make a wet, sucking sound, like the sound you make when you are walking on wet, muddy ground. □�[V prep/adv] He squelched across the turf.

squib /skw I b/ (squibs ) PHRASE You can describe something such as an event or a performance as a damp squib when it is expected to be interesting, exciting, or impressive, but fails to be any of these things. [BRIT ] □� The all-party meeting was a damp squib.

squid /skw I d/ (squids or squid ) N‑COUNT A squid is a sea creature with a long soft body and many soft arms called tentacles. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Squid is pieces of this creature eaten as food. □� Add the prawns and squid and cook for 2 minutes.

squidgy /skw I dʒi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is squidgy is soft and can be squashed easily. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �the squidgy end of a melon. □� �a squidgy sofa.

squig|gle /skw I g ə l/ (squiggles ) N‑COUNT A squiggle is a line that bends and curls in an irregular way.

squig|gly /skw I gəli/ ADJ Squiggly lines are lines that bend and curl in an irregular way. □� He drew three squiggly lines.

squint /skw I nt/ (squints , squinting , squinted )

1 VERB If you squintat something, you look at it with your eyes partly closed. □�[V prep/adv] The girl squinted at the photograph. □�[V ] The bright sunlight made me squint. □�[V n] He squinted his eyes and looked at the floor.

2 N‑COUNT If someone has a squint , their eyes look in different directions from each other.

squire /skwa I ə r / (squires ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In former times, the squire of an English village was the man who owned most of the land in it.

squirm /skwɜː r m/ (squirms , squirming , squirmed )

1 VERB If you squirm , you move your body from side to side, usually because you are nervous or uncomfortable. □�[V ] He had squirmed and wriggled and screeched when his father had washed his face. □�[V adj] He gave a feeble shrug and tried to squirm free. □�[V adv/prep] He squirmed out of the straps of his backpack.

2 VERB If you squirm , you are very embarrassed or ashamed. □�[V ] Mentioning religion is a sure way to make him squirm.

squir|rel /skw I rəl, [AM ] skwɜː rəl/ (squirrels ) N‑COUNT A squirrel is a small animal with a long furry tail. Squirrels live mainly in trees.

squirt /skwɜː r t/ (squirts , squirting , squirted )

1 VERB If you squirt a liquid somewhere or if it squirts somewhere, the liquid comes out of a narrow opening in a thin fast stream. □�[V n prep/adv] Norman cut open his pie and squirted tomato sauce into it. □�[V prep/adv] The water squirted from its throat. ●�N‑COUNT Squirt is also a noun. □�[+�of ] It just needs a little squirt of oil.

2 VERB If you squirt something with a liquid, you squirt the liquid at it. □�[V n +�with ] I squirted him with water.

squishy /skw I ʃi/ (squishier , squishiest ) ADJ Something that is squishy is soft and easy to squash. □� �squishy pink leather chairs.

Sr in AM, use Sr.Sr is a written abbreviation for senior , and is written after a man's name. It is used in order to distinguish a man from his son when they both have the same name. □� �Donald Cunningham, Sr.

stst is used as a written abbreviation for stone when you are mentioning someone's weight. [BRIT ] □� He weighs 11st 8lb.

St also st. The form SS or SS. is used as the plural for meaning 2 . 1St is a written abbreviation for street . □� �116 Princess St.

2St is a written abbreviation for saint . □� �St Thomas. □� �the Church of SS Cornelius and Cyprian.

SUFFIX -st

You add -st to numbers written in figures and ending in 1 � but not 11 � in order to form ordinal numbers. For example, ' 1st August' is day number 1 in the month of August.

stab /st� b/ (stabs , stabbing , stabbed )

1 VERB If someone stabs you, they push a knife or sharp object into your body. □�[V n] Somebody stabbed him in the stomach. □�[V +�to ] Stephen was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack nearly five months ago.

2 VERB If you stab something or stab at it, you push at it with your finger or with something pointed that you are holding. □�[V n] Bess stabbed a slice of cucumber. □�[V n +�at ] Goldstone flipped through the pages and stabbed his thumb at the paragraph he was looking for. □�[V +�at ] He stabbed at the omelette with his fork.

3 N‑SING If you have a stab at something, you try to do it. [INFORMAL ] □� Several tennis stars have had a stab at acting.

4 N‑SING You can refer to a sudden, usually unpleasant feeling as a stab of that feeling. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] �a stab of pain just above his eye. □�[+�of ] She felt a stab of pity for him.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone has stabbed you in the back , you mean that they have done something very harmful to you when you thought that you could trust them. You can refer to an action of this kind as a stab in the back . □� She felt betrayed, as though her daughter had stabbed her in the back.

6a stab in the dark →�see dark

stab|bing /st� b I ŋ/ (stabbings )

1 N‑COUNT A stabbing is an incident in which someone stabs someone else with a knife.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A stabbing pain is a sudden sharp pain. □� He was struck by a stabbing pain in his midriff.

sta|bil|ity /stəb I l I ti/ →�see stable

sta|bi|lize /ste I b I la I z/ (stabilizes , stabilizing , stabilized ) in BRIT, also use stabilise VERB If something stabilizes , or is stabilized , it becomes stable. □�[V ] Although her illness is serious, her condition is beginning to stabilize. □�[V n] Officials hope the move will stabilize exchange rates. ●� sta|bi|li|za|tion /ste I b I la I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the stabilisation of property prices.

sta|bi|li|zer /ste I b I la I zə r / (stabilizers ) in BRIT, also use stabiliser N‑COUNT A stabilizer is a device, mechanism, or chemical that makes something stable.

sta|ble ◆◆◇ /ste I b ə l/ (stabler , stablest , stables )

1 ADJ If something is stable , it is not likely to change or come to an end suddenly. □� The price of oil should remain stable for the rest of the year. □� �a stable marriage. ●� sta|bil|ity /stəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� It was a time of political stability and progress.

2 ADJ If someone has a stable personality, they are calm and reasonable and their mood does not change suddenly. □� Their characters are fully formed and they are both very stable children.

3 ADJ You can describe someone who is seriously ill as stable when their condition has stopped getting worse. □� The injured man was in a stable condition.

4 ADJ Chemical substances are described as stable when they tend to remain in the same chemical or atomic state. [TECHNICAL ] □� Cordite was a particularly stable compound.

5 ADJ If an object is stable , it is firmly fixed in position and is not likely to move or fall. □� This structure must be stable.

6 N‑COUNT A stable or stables is a building in which horses are kept.

7 N‑COUNT A stable or stables is an organization that breeds and trains horses for racing. □� Miss Curling won on two horses from Mick Trickey's stable.

8 VERB [usu passive] When horses are stabled , they are put into a stable. □�[be V -ed] The animals had been fed and stabled. SYNONYMS stable ADJ

1

secure:�trade union demands for secure wages and employment.

lasting:We are well on our way to a lasting peace.

strong:He felt he had a relationship strong enough to talk frankly to Sarah.

sound:When we bought the house, it was structurally sound.

2

well-balanced:�a fun-loving, well-balanced individual.

sensible:She was a sensible girl and did not panic.

reasonable:He's a reasonable sort of chap. ADJ 5

solid:Banks are built to look solid to reassure their customers.

firm:If you have to climb up, use a firm platform or a sturdy ladder.

secure:Shelves are only as secure as their fixings.

sta |ble boy (stable boys ) also stableboy N‑COUNT A stable boy is a young man who works in a stable looking after the horses.

sta |ble lad (stable lads ) also stable-lad N‑COUNT A stable lad is the same as a stable boy . [BRIT ] in AM, use stable boy

stable|mate /ste I b ə lme I t/ (stablemates ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Stablemates are race horses that come from the same stables and often compete against each other. □� The head groom is responsible for looking after Milton and his stablemates.

sta b wound (stab wounds ) N‑COUNT A stab wound is a wound that someone has when they have been stabbed with a knife.

stac|ca|to /stəkɑː toʊ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A staccato noise consists of a series of short, sharp, separate sounds. □� He spoke in Arabic, a short staccato burst.

stack /st� k/ (stacks , stacking , stacked )

1 N‑COUNT A stackof things is a pile of them. □�[+�of ] There were stacks of books on the bedside table and floor.

2 VERB If you stack a number of things, you arrange them in neat piles. □�[V n] Mme Cathiard was stacking the clean bottles in crates. □�[V -ed] They are stacked neatly in piles of three. ●�PHRASAL VERB Stack up means the same as stack . □�[V P n] He ordered them to stack up pillows behind his back. □�[V -ed P ] �plates of delicious food stacked up on the counters. [Also V n P ]

3 N‑PLURAL If you say that someone has stacks of something, you mean that they have a lot of it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] If the job's that good, you'll have stacks of money.

4 VERB If someone in authority stacks an organization or body, they fill it with their own supporters so that the decisions it makes will be the ones they want it to make. [mainly AM ] □�[V n +�with ] They said they were going to stack the court with anti-abortion judges. [Also V n]

5 →�see also stacked , chimney stack

6 PHRASE If you say that the odds are stacked against someone, or that particular factors are stacked against them, you mean that they are unlikely to succeed in what they want to do because the conditions are not favourable. □� The odds are stacked against civilians getting a fair trial. □� Everything seems to be stacked against us.

▸� stack up

1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you ask how one person or thing stacks upagainst other people or things, you are asking how the one compares with the others. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] How does this final presidential debate stack up and compare to the others, do you think?

2 PHRASAL VERB If facts or figures do not stack up , they do not make sense or give the results you expect. □�[V P ] There have been a number of explanations, but none of them stack up.

3 →�see stack2

stacked /st� kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a place or surface is stacked with objects, it is filled with piles of them. □�[+�with ] Shops in Ho Chi Minh City are stacked with goods.

sta|dium ◆◇◇ /ste I diəm/ (stadiums or stadia /ste I diə/) N‑COUNT A stadium is a large sports ground with rows of seats all round it. □� �a baseball stadium. □� �Wembley Stadium.

staff ◆◆◆ /stɑː f, st� f/ (staffs , staffing , staffed )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The staff of an organization are the people who work for it. □� The staff were very good. □� He thanked his staff. □� �members of staff. □� Many employers seek diversity in their staffs.

2 →�see also Chief of Staff

3 N‑PLURAL People who are part of a particular staff are often referred to as staff . □� 10 staff were allocated to the task. □� He had the complete support of hospital staff.

4 VERB [usu passive] If an organization is staffedby particular people, they are the people who work for it. □�[be V -ed +�by/with ] They are staffed by volunteers. □�[be V -ed] The centre is staffed at all times. ●� staffed ADJ [adv ADJ ] □� The house allocated to them was pleasant and spacious, and well-staffed.

5 →�see also short-staffed

6 N‑COUNT A staff is a strong stick or pole.

7 A staff is the five lines that music is written on. [AM ] in BRIT, use stave SYNONYMS staff NOUN 1

workers:�office workers.

employees:They are all employees of Fuji Bank.

personnel:There has been very little renewal of personnel in higher education.

workforce:�a country where half the workforce is unemployed.

staff|er /stɑː fə r , st� f-/ (staffers ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A staffer is a member of staff, especially in political organizations or in journalism. [mainly AM ] □� The newspaper has a small nucleus of full-time staffers.

staff|ing /stɑː f I ŋ, st� f-/ N‑UNCOUNT Staffing refers to the number of workers employed to work in a particular organization or building. [BUSINESS ] □� Staffing levels in prisons are too low.

sta ff nurse (staff nurses ) N‑COUNT A staff nurse is a hospital nurse whose rank is just below that of a sister or charge nurse. [BRIT ]

sta ff of|fic|er (staff officers ) N‑COUNT In the army and air force, a staff officer is an officer who works for a commander or in the headquarters.

sta ff ser|geant (staff sergeants ) also Staff Sergeant N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A staff sergeant is a person of middle rank in the British army or the United States army, marines, or air force. □� His father is a staff sergeant in the army. □� �Staff Sergeant Robert Daily.

stag /st� g/ (stags ) N‑COUNT A stag is an adult male deer belonging to one of the larger species of deer. Stags usually have large branch-like horns called antlers.

stage ◆◆◆ /ste I dʒ/ (stages , staging , staged )

1 N‑COUNT A stageof an activity, process, or period is one part of it. □� The way children express their feelings depends on their stage of development. □� Mr Cook has arrived in Greece on the final stage of a tour which also included Egypt and Israel.

2 N‑COUNT [oft on N ] In a theatre, the stage is an area where actors or other entertainers perform. □� I went on stage and did my show.

3 N‑SING You can refer to acting and the production of plays in a theatre as the stage . □� He was the first comedian I ever saw on the stage.

4 VERB If someone stages a play or other show, they organize and present a performance of it. □�[V n] Maya Angelou first staged the play 'And I Still Rise' in the late 1970s.

5 VERB If you stage an event or ceremony, you organize it and usually take part in it. □�[V n] Workers have staged a number of strikes in protest.

6 N‑SING You can refer to a particular area of activity as a particular stage , especially when you are talking about politics. □� He was finally forced off the political stage by the deterioration of his health.

7to set the stage →�see set ➋

stage|coach /ste I dʒkoʊtʃ/ (stagecoaches ) also stage-coach N‑COUNT [oft by N ] Stagecoaches were large carriages pulled by horses which carried passengers and mail.

stage|craft /ste I dʒkrɑːft, -kr�ft/ N‑UNCOUNT Stagecraft is skill in writing or producing or directing plays in the theatre.

sta ge di|rec|tion (stage directions ) N‑COUNT Stage directions are the notes in the text of a play which say what the actors should do.

sta ge doo r (stage doors ) N‑COUNT Thestage door of a theatre is the entrance used by actors and actresses and by employees of the theatre.

sta ge fright also stage-fright N‑UNCOUNT Stage fright is a feeling of fear or nervousness that some people have just before they appear in front of an audience.

stage|hand /ste I dʒh�nd/ (stagehands ) also stage hand N‑COUNT A stagehand is a person whose job is to move the scenery and equipment on the stage in a theatre.

sta ge le ft ADV [usu ADV after v] Stage left is the left side of the stage for an actor who is standing facing the audience. □� He entered stage left.

sta ge-manage (stage-manages , stage-managing , stage-managed ) VERB If someone stage-manages an event, they carefully organize and control it, rather than letting it happen in a natural way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Some may protest at the attempt by his supporters to stage-manage the congress.

sta ge man|ag|er (stage managers ) also stage-manager N‑COUNT At a theatre, a stage manager is the person who is responsible for the scenery and lights and for the way that actors or other performers move about and use the stage during a performance.

sta ge name (stage names ) N‑COUNT A stage name is a name that an actor or entertainer uses instead of his or her real name when they work. □� She performed under the stage name Princess.

sta ge ri ght ADV [usu ADV after v] Stage right is the right side of the stage for an actor who is standing facing the audience.

sta ge-struck also stagestruck ADJ Someone who is stage-struck is fascinated by the theatre and wants to become an actor or actress.

sta ge whi s|per (stage whispers ) also stage-whisper N‑COUNT If someone says something in a stage whisper , they say it as if they are speaking privately to one person, although it is actually loud enough to be heard by other people.

stag|fla|tion /st� gfle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If an economy is suffering from stagflation , inflation is high but there is no increase in the demand for goods or in the number of people who have jobs. [BUSINESS ]

stag|ger /st� gə r / (staggers , staggering , staggered )

1 VERB If you stagger , you walk very unsteadily, for example because you are ill or drunk. □�[V adv/prep] He lost his balance, staggered back against the rail and toppled over. □�[V ] He was staggering and had to lean on the bar.

2 VERB If you say that someone or something staggerson , you mean that it is only just succeeds in continuing. □�[V adv/prep] Truman allowed him to stagger on for nearly another two years.

3 VERB If something staggers you, it surprises you very much. □�[V n] The whole thing staggers me. ●� stag|gered ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� I was simply staggered by the heat of the Argentinian high-summer.

4 VERB To stagger things such as people's holidays or hours of work means to arrange them so that they do not all happen at the same time. □�[V n] During the past few years the government has staggered summer vacation periods.

5 →�see also staggering

stag|ger|ing /st� gər I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is staggering is very surprising. □� The results have been quite staggering.

sta g|ing post (staging posts ) also staging-post

1 N‑COUNT A staging post on a long journey is a place where people who are making that journey usually stop, for example to rest or to get new supplies. [BRIT ] □� The island is a staging-post for many visiting yachts on their way south.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe an action or achievement as a staging post , you mean that it helps you reach a particular goal that you have. [BRIT ] □� Privatisation is a necessary staging post to an open market.

stag|nant /st� gnənt/

1 ADJ If something such as a business or society is stagnant , there is little activity or change. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is seeking advice on how to revive the stagnant economy. □� Mass movements are often a factor in the awakening and renovation of stagnant societies.

2 ADJ Stagnant water is not flowing, and therefore often smells unpleasant and is dirty.

stag|nate /st�gne I t, [AM ] st� gne I t/ (stagnates , stagnating , stagnated ) VERB If something such as a business or society stagnates , it stops changing or progressing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] Industrial production is stagnating. ●� stag|na|tion /st�gne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the stagnation of the steel industry.

sta g night (stag nights ) N‑COUNT A stag night is a party for a man who is getting married very soon, to which only men are invited.

sta g par|ty (stag parties ) N‑COUNT A stag party is the same as a stag night .

staid /ste I d/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is staid , you mean that they are serious, dull, and rather old-fashioned. □� �a staid seaside resort.

stain /ste I n/ (stains , staining , stained )

1 N‑COUNT A stain is a mark on something that is difficult to remove. □� Remove stains by soaking in a mild solution of bleach. □� �a black stain.

2 VERB If a liquid stains something, the thing becomes coloured or marked by the liquid. □�[V n] Some foods can stain the teeth, as of course can smoking. ●� stained ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� His clothing was stained with mud. ●� -stained COMB □� �ink-stained fingers.

stai ned gla ss also stained-glass N‑UNCOUNT Stained glass consists of pieces of glass of different colours which are fixed together to make decorative windows or other objects.

stain|less steel /ste I nləs stiː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Stainless steel is a metal made from steel and chromium which does not rust. □� �a stainless steel sink.

stair /steə r / (stairs )

1 N‑PLURAL Stairs are a set of steps inside a building which go from one floor to another. □� Nancy began to climb the stairs. □� We walked up a flight of stairs. □� He stopped at the top of the stairs. □� �a stair carpet.

2 N‑COUNT A stair is one of the steps in a flight of stairs. □� Terry was sitting on the bottom stair.

stair|case /steə r ke I s/ (staircases ) N‑COUNT A staircase is a set of stairs inside a building. □� They walked down the staircase together.

stair|lift /steə r l I ft/ also stair lift (stairlifts ) N‑COUNT A stairlift is a device that is fitted to a staircase in a house in order to allow an elderly or sick person to go upstairs.

stair|way /steə r we I / (stairways ) N‑COUNT A stairway is a staircase or a flight of steps, inside or outside a building.

stair|well /steə r wel/ (stairwells ) N‑COUNT The stairwell is the part of a building that contains the staircase.

stake ◆◆◇ /ste I k/ (stakes , staking , staked )

1 PHRASE If something is at stake , it is being risked and might be lost or damaged if you are not successful. □� The tension was naturally high for a game with so much at stake. □� At stake is the success or failure of world trade talks.

2 N‑PLURAL The stakes involved in a contest or a risky action are the things that can be gained or lost. □� By arresting the organisation's leaders the government has raised the stakes.

3 VERB If you stake something such as your money or your reputation on the result of something, you risk your money or reputation on it. □�[V n +�on ] He has staked his political future on an election victory.

4 N‑COUNT If you have a stake in something such as a business, it matters to you, for example because you own part of it or because its success or failure will affect you. □�[+�in ] He enjoyed an entrepreneurial role where he had a big financial stake in his own efforts.

5 N‑PLURAL You can use stakes to refer to something that is like a contest. For example, you can refer to the choosing of a leader as the leadership stakes . □� She won hands down in the glamour stakes.

6 N‑COUNT A stake is a pointed wooden post which is pushed into the ground, for example in order to support a young tree.

7 PHRASE If you stake a claim , you say that something is yours or that you have a right to it. □� Jane is determined to stake her claim as an actress.

▸� stake out PHRASAL VERB If you stake out a position that you are stating or a claim that you are making, you are defending the boundaries or limits of the position or claim. □�[V P n] I am trying to stake out a position between extremes. COLLOCATIONS stake NOUN 4

noun +�stake : equity, majority, minority

adjective +�stake : high, large, significant; controlling

verb +�stake : acquire, buy, take; sell; hold, own, retain

stake|hold|er /ste I khoʊldə r / (stakeholders ) N‑COUNT Stakeholders are people who have an interest in a company's or organization's affairs. [BUSINESS ]

sta ke|hold|er pe n|sion (stakeholder pensions ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a stakeholder pension is a flexible pension scheme with low charges. Both employees and the state contribute to the scheme, which is optional, and is in addition to the basic state pension. [BUSINESS ]

stake|out /ste I aʊt/ (stakeouts ) also stake-out N‑COUNT If police officers are on a stakeout , they are secretly watching a building for evidence of criminal activity.

stal|ac|tite /st� ləkta I t, [AM ] stəl� k-/ (stalactites ) N‑COUNT A stalactite is a long piece of rock which hangs down from the roof of a cave. Stalactites are formed by the slow dropping of water containing the mineral lime.

stal|ag|mite /st� ləgma I t, [AM ] stəl� g-/ (stalagmites ) N‑COUNT A stalagmite is a long piece of rock which sticks up from the floor of a cave. Stalagmites are formed by the slow dropping of water containing the mineral lime.

stale /ste I l/ (staler , stalest )

1 ADJ Stale food is no longer fresh or good to eat. □� Their daily diet consisted of a lump of stale bread, a bowl of rice and stale water.

2 ADJ Stale air or a stale smells is unpleasant because it is no longer fresh. □� A layer of smoke hung low in the stale air. □� �the smell of stale sweat.

3 ADJ If you say that a place, an activity, or an idea is stale , you mean that it has become boring because it is always the same. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Her relationship with Mark has become stale.

stale|mate /ste I lme I t/ (stalemates )

1 N‑VAR Stalemate is a situation in which neither side in an argument or contest can win or in which no progress is possible. □� The President has ended the stalemate over cutting the country's budget deficit.

2 N‑VAR In chess, stalemate is a position in which a player cannot make any move which is allowed by the rules, so that the game ends and no one wins.

stalk /stɔː k/ (stalks , stalking , stalked )

1 N‑COUNT The stalk of a flower, leaf, or fruit is the thin part that joins it to the plant or tree. □� A single pale blue flower grows up from each joint on a long stalk. □� �corn stalks.

2 VERB If you stalk a person or a wild animal, you follow them quietly in order to kill them, catch them, or observe them carefully. □�[V n] He stalks his victims like a hunter after a deer.

3 VERB If someone stalks someone else, especially a famous person or a person they used to have a relationship with, they keep following them or contacting them in an annoying and frightening way. □�[V n] Even after their divorce he continued to stalk and threaten her. ●� stalk|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The Home Secretary is considering a new law against stalking.

4 VERB If you stalk somewhere, you walk there in a stiff, proud, or angry way. □�[V adv/prep] If his patience is tried at meetings he has been known to stalk out.

stalk|er /stɔː kə r / (stalkers ) N‑COUNT A stalker is someone who keeps following or contacting someone else, especially a famous person or a person they used to have a relationship with, in an annoying and frightening way.

sta lk|ing horse (stalking horses )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe a person or thing as a stalking horse , you mean that it is being used to obtain a temporary advantage so that someone can get what they really want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I think the development is a stalking horse for exploitation of the surrounding countryside.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] In politics, a stalking horse is someone who stands against a leader in order to see how strong the opposition is. The stalking horse then withdraws in favour of a stronger challenger. □� The possibility of another stalking horse challenge this autumn cannot be ruled out.

stall /stɔː l/ (stalls , stalling , stalled )

1 VERB If a process stalls , or if someone or something stalls it, the process stops but may continue at a later time. □�[V n] They will try to stall the bill until the current session ends. □�[V ] �but the peace process stalled. □�[V -ed] Negotiations remained stalled yesterday in New York.

2 VERB If you stall , you try to avoid doing something until later. □�[V ] Some parties have accused the governor of stalling. □�[V +�over/on ] Thomas had spent all week stalling over his decision.

3 VERB If you stall someone, you prevent them from doing something until a later time. □�[V n] Shop manager Brian Steel stalled the man until the police arrived.

4 VERB If a vehicle stalls or if you accidentally stall it, the engine stops suddenly. □�[V ] The engine stalled. □�[V n] Your foot falls off the pedal and you stall the car.

5 N‑COUNT A stall is a large table on which you put goods that you want to sell, or information that you want to give people. □� �market stalls selling local fruits.

6 N‑PLURAL The stalls in a theatre or concert hall are the seats on the ground floor directly in front of the stage. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use orchestra7 N‑COUNT A stall is a small enclosed area in a room which is used for a particular purpose, for example a shower. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use cubicle

stall|holder /stɔː lhoʊldə r / (stallholders ) N‑COUNT A stallholder is a person who sells goods at a stall in a market.

stal|lion /st� liən/ (stallions ) N‑COUNT A stallion is a male horse, especially one kept for breeding.

stal|wart /stɔː lwə r t/ (stalwarts )

1 N‑COUNT A stalwart is a loyal worker or supporter of an organization, especially a political party. □� His free-trade policies aroused suspicion among Tory stalwarts.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stalwart supporter or worker is loyal, steady, and completely reliable. □� �a stalwart supporter of the colonial government.

sta|men /ste I men/ (stamens ) N‑COUNT The stamens of a flower are the small, delicate stalks which grow at the flower's centre and produce pollen. [TECHNICAL ]

stami|na /st� m I nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Stamina is the physical or mental energy needed to do a tiring activity for a long time. □� You have to have a lot of stamina to be a top-class dancer.

stam|mer /st� mə r / (stammers , stammering , stammered )

1 VERB If you stammer , you speak with difficulty, hesitating and repeating words or sounds. □�[V ] Five per cent of children stammer at some point. □�[V with quote] 'Forgive me,' I stammered. □�[V n] People cursed and stammered apologies. ●� stam|mer|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Of all speech impediments stammering is probably the most embarrassing.

2 N‑SING Someone who has a stammer tends to stammer when they speak. □� A speech-therapist cured his stammer.

stamp ◆◇◇ /st� mp/ (stamps , stamping , stamped )

1 N‑COUNT A stamp or a postage stamp is a small piece of paper which you stick on an envelope or package before you post it to pay for the cost of the postage. □� �a book of stamps. □� �two first class stamps.

2 →�see also food stamp

3 N‑COUNT A stamp is a small block of wood or metal which has a pattern or a group of letters on one side. You press it onto an pad of ink and then onto a piece of paper in order to produce a mark on the paper. The mark that you produce is also called a stamp . □� �a date stamp and an ink pad. □� You may live only where the stamp in your passport says you may.

4 VERB If you stamp a mark or word on an object, you press the mark or word onto the object using a stamp or other device. □�[V n prep] Car manufacturers stamp a vehicle identification number in several places. □�[be V -ed prep] 'Eat before JULY 14' was stamped on the label.

5 VERB If you stamp or stamp your foot , you lift your foot and put it down very hard on the ground, for example because you are angry or because your feet are cold. □�[V ] Often he teased me till my temper went and I stamped and screamed. □�[V adv/prep] His foot stamped down on the accelerator. □�[V n prep/adv] She stamped her feet on the pavement to keep out the cold. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Stamp is also a noun. □� �hearing the creak of a door and the stamp of cold feet.

6 VERB If you stamp somewhere, you walk there putting your feet down very hard on the ground because you are angry. □�[V prep/adv] 'I'm going before things get any worse!' he shouted as he stamped out of the bedroom.

7 VERB If you stamp on something, you put your foot down on it very hard. □�[V +�on ] He received the original ban last week after stamping on the referee's foot during the supercup final.

8 N‑SING If something bears thestampof a particular quality or person, it clearly has that quality or was done by that person. □�[+�of ] Most of us want to put the stamp of our personality on our home.

9 →�see also rubber stamp

▸� stamp on PHRASAL VERB If someone stamps on a dishonest or undesirable activity, they act immediately to stop it happening or spreading. □�[V P n] The tone of her voice was designed to stamp on this topic of conversation once and for all.

▸� stamp out PHRASAL VERB If you stamp out something bad that is happening, you make it stop. □�[V n P ] Dr Muffett stressed that he was opposed to bullying in schools and that action would be taken to stamp it out. [Also V P n (not pron)]

sta mp col|lect|ing N‑UNCOUNT Stamp collecting is the hobby of building up a collection of stamps.

sta mp duty N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, stamp duty is a tax that you pay to the government when you buy a house.

stamped /st� mpt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stamped envelope or package has a stamp stuck on it.

sta mped ad|dressed e n|velope (stamped addressed envelopes ) N‑COUNT A stamped addressed envelope is an envelope with a stamp on it and your own name and address, which you send to someone so that something can be sent back to you. The abbreviation s.a.e. is also used. [BRIT ] in AM, use SASE

stam|pede /st�mpiː d/ (stampedes , stampeding , stampeded )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a stampede , a group of people or animals run in a wild, uncontrolled way. □� There was a stampede for the exit.

2 VERB If a group of animals or people stampede or if something stampedes them, they run in a wild, uncontrolled way. □�[V ] The crowd stampeded and many were crushed or trampled underfoot. □�[V n] They stampede cattle to distract farmers before raiding their homes. □�[V -ing] �a herd of stampeding cattle.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a lot of people all do the same thing at the same time, you can describe it as a stampede . □� Generous redundancy terms had triggered a stampede of staff wanting to leave.

sta mp|ing ground (stamping grounds ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's stamping ground is a place where they like to go often.

stance /st� ns/ (stances )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your stance on a particular matter is your attitude to it. □� The Congress had agreed to reconsider its stance on the armed struggle.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your stance is the way that you are standing. [FORMAL ] □� Take a comfortably wide stance and flex your knees a little.

stan|chion /st� ntʃ ə n/ (stanchions ) N‑COUNT A stanchion is a pole or bar that stands upright and is used as a support. [FORMAL ]

stand ◆◆◆ /str� nd/ (stands , standing , stood )

1 VERB When you are standing , your body is upright, your legs are straight, and your weight is supported by your feet. □�[V prep] She was standing beside my bed staring down at me. □�[V adj] They told me to stand still and not to turn round. □�[V ] Overcrowding is so bad that prisoners have to sleep in shifts, while others have to stand. ●�PHRASAL VERB Stand up means the same as stand . □�[V P ] We waited, standing up, for an hour.

2 VERB When someone who is sitting stands , they change their position so that they are upright and on their feet. □�[V ] Becker stood and shook hands with Ben. ●�PHRASAL VERB Stand up means the same as stand . □�[V P ] When I walked in, they all stood up and started clapping.

3 VERB If you standaside or standback , you move a short distance sideways or backwards, so that you are standing in a different place. □�[V adv/prep] I stood aside to let her pass me. □�[V adv/prep] The police officers stood back. Could it be a bomb?

4 VERB If something such as a building or a piece of furniture stands somewhere, it is in that position, and is upright. [WRITTEN ] □�[V prep/adv] The house stands alone on top of a small hill.

5 VERB You can say that a building is standing when it remains after other buildings around it have fallen down or been destroyed. □�[V ] There are very few buildings left standing.

6 VERB If you stand something somewhere, you put it there in an upright position. □�[V n prep/adv] Stand the plant in the open in a sunny, sheltered place.

7 VERB If you leave food or a mixture of something tostand , you leave it without disturbing it for some time. □�[V ] The salad improves if made in advance and left to stand.

8 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you take or make a stand , you do something or say something in order to make it clear what your attitude to a particular thing is. □�[+�against ] He felt the need to make a stand against racism. □� They must take a stand and cast their votes. [Also +�on ]

9 VERB If you ask someone where or how they standon a particular issue, you are asking them what their attitude or view is. □�[V +�on ] The amendment will force senators to show where they stand on the issue of sexual harassment. □�[V ] So far, the bishop hasn't said where he stands.

10 VERB If you do not know where you standwith someone, you do not know exactly what their attitude to you is. □�[V +�with ] No-one knows where they stand with him; he is utterly unpredictable.

11 V‑LINK You can use stand instead of 'be' when you are describing the present state or condition of something or someone. □�[V adj] The alliance stands ready to do what is necessary. □�[V ] The peace plan as it stands violates basic human rights.

12 VERB If a decision, law, or offer stands , it still exists and has not been changed or cancelled. □�[V ] Although exceptions could be made, the rule still stands.

13 VERB If something that can be measured stands at a particular level, it is at that level. □�[V +�at ] The inflation rate now stands at 3.6 per cent.

14 VERB You can describe how tall or high someone or something is by saying that they stand a particular height. □�[V amount adj] She stood five feet five inches tall and weighed 120 pounds. □�[V adj] She stood tall and aloof.

15 VERB If something can stand a situation or a test, it is good enough or strong enough to experience it without being damaged, harmed, or shown to be inadequate. □�[V n] These are the first machines that can stand the wear and tear of continuously crushing glass.

16 VERB If you cannot stand something, you cannot bear it or tolerate it. □�[V n/v-ing] I can't stand any more. I'm going to run away. □�[V n/v-ing] How does he stand the pain?

17 VERB If you cannot stand someone or something, you dislike them very strongly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n/v-ing] He can't stand smoking.

18 VERB If you stand to gain something, you are likely to gain it. If you stand to lose something, you are likely to lose it. □�[V to-inf] The management group would stand to gain millions of dollars if the company were sold.

19 VERB If you standin an election, you are a candidate in it. [BRIT ] □�[V +�in ] He has not yet announced whether he will stand in the election. in AM, use run20 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A stand is a small shop or stall, outdoors or in a large public building. □� She bought a hot dog from a stand on a street corner.

21 →�see also newsstand

22 N‑COUNT A stand at a sports ground is a large structure where people sit or stand to watch what is happening. [BRIT ] ●�N‑PLURAL In American English, stands is used with same meaning. □� The people in the stands are cheering with all their might.

23 N‑COUNT A stand is an object or piece of furniture that is designed for supporting or holding a particular kind of thing. □� The teapot came with a stand to catch the drips.

24 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A stand is an area where taxis or buses can wait to pick up passengers. □� Luckily there was a taxi stand nearby.

25 N‑SING In a law court, the stand is the place where a witness stands to answer questions. □� When the father took the stand today, he contradicted his son's testimony.

26 →�see also standing

27 PHRASE If you say itstands to reasonthat something is true or likely to happen, you mean that it is obvious. □� It stands to reason that if you are friendly to people you will get more back.

28 PHRASE If you stand in the way of something or stand in a person's way , you prevent that thing from happening or prevent that person from doing something. □� The British government would not stand in the way of such a proposal.

29to stand a chance →�see chance

30to stand up and be counted →�see count

31to stand firm →�see firm

32to stand on your own two feet →�see foot

33to stand your ground →�see ground

34to stand someone in good stead →�see stead

35to stand trial →�see trial

▸� stand aside PHRASAL VERB If someone stands aside , they resign from an important job or position, often in order to let someone else take their place. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] The President said he was willing to stand aside if that would stop the killing. in AM, use stand down

▸� stand back PHRASAL VERB If you stand back and think about a situation, you think about it as if you were not involved in it. □�[V P ] Stand back and look objectively at the problem.

▸� stand by

1 PHRASAL VERB If you are standing by , you are ready and waiting to provide help or to take action. □�[V P to-inf] British and American warships are standing by to evacuate their citizens if necessary. □�[V P +�for ] We will be holding the auditions from nine o'clock tomorrow night so stand by for details. [Also V P ]

2 →�see also standby

3 PHRASAL VERB If you stand by and let something bad happen, you do not do anything to stop it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P ] I will not stand by and let democracy be undermined.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you stand by someone, you continue to give them support, especially when they are in trouble. [APPROVAL ] □�[V P n] I wouldn't break the law for a friend, but I would stand by her if she did.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you stand by an earlier decision, promise, or statement, you continue to support it or keep it. □�[V P n] The decision has been made and I have got to stand by it.

▸� stand down PHRASAL VERB If someone stands down , they resign from an important job or position, often in order to let someone else take their place. □�[V P ] Four days later, the despised leader finally stood down, just 17 days after taking office. □�[V P +�as ] Profits plunged and he stood down as chairman last January.

▸� stand for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that a letter stands for a particular word, you mean that it is an abbreviation for that word. □�[V P n] What does E.U. stand for?

2 PHRASAL VERB The ideas or attitudes that someone or something stands for are the ones that they support or represent. □�[V P n] The party is trying to give the impression that it alone stands for democracy.

3 PHRASAL VERB [with neg] If you will not stand for something, you will not allow it to happen or continue. □�[V P n] It's outrageous, and we won't stand for it any more.

▸� stand in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you stand infor someone, you take their place or do their job, because they are ill or away. □�[V P +�for ] I had to stand in for her on Tuesday when she didn't show up. □�[V P ] �the acting president, who's standing in while she's out of the country.

2 →�see also stand-in

▸� stand out

1 PHRASAL VERB If something stands out , it is very noticeable. □�[V P ] Every tree, wall and fence stood out against dazzling white fields.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something stands out , it is much better or much more important than other things of the same kind. □�[V P +�from ] He played the violin, and he stood out from all the other musicians.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something stands out from a surface, it rises up from it. □�[V P ] His tendons stood out like rope beneath his skin.

▸� stand up

1 →�see stand1 , stand2

2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a claim or a piece of evidence stands up , it is accepted as true or satisfactory after being carefully examined. □�[V P ] He made wild accusations that did not stand up. □�[V P +�to ] How well does this thesis stand up to close examination?

3 PHRASAL VERB If a boyfriend or girlfriend stands you up , they fail to keep an arrangement to meet you. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] We were to have had dinner together yesterday evening, but he stood me up. [Also V P n (not pron)]

▸� stand up for PHRASAL VERB If you stand up for someone or something, you defend them and make your feelings or opinions very clear. [APPROVAL ] □�[V P P n] They stood up for what they believed to be right.

▸� stand up to

1 PHRASAL VERB If something stands up to bad conditions, it is not damaged or harmed by them. □�[V P P n/v-ing] Is this building going to stand up to the strongest gales?

2 PHRASAL VERB If you stand up to someone, especially someone more powerful than you are, you defend yourself against their attacks or demands. □�[V P P n] He hit me, so I hit him back�the first time in my life I'd stood up to him.

sta nd-alone

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A stand-alone business or organization is independent and does not receive financial support from another organization. [BUSINESS ] □� They plan to relaunch it as a stand-alone company.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A stand-alone computer is one that can operate on its own and does not have to be part of a network. [COMPUTING ] □� �an operating system that can work on networks and stand-alone machines.

stand|ard ◆◆◇ /st� ndə r d/ (standards )

1 N‑COUNT A standard is a level of quality or achievement, especially a level that is thought to be acceptable. □� The standard of professional cricket has never been lower. □� There will be new national standards for hospital cleanliness.

2 N‑COUNT A standard is something that you use in order to judge the quality of something else. □� �systems that were by later standards absurdly primitive.

3 N‑PLURAL Standards are moral principles which affect people's attitudes and behaviour. □� My father has always had high moral standards.

4 →�see also double standard

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use standard to describe things which are usual and normal. □� It was standard practice for untrained clerks to advise in serious cases such as murder.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A standard work or text on a particular subject is one that is widely read and often recommended. SYNONYMS standard NOUN

1

level:The exercises are marked according to their level of difficulty.

grade:�a good grade of plywood.

quality:�high-quality paper and plywood.

calibre:I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts.

3

principle:�moral principles.

ideal:The party has drifted too far from its socialist ideals.

moral:�Western ideas and morals. ADJ 5

usual:She's smiling her usual friendly smile.

normal:The two countries resumed normal diplomatic relations.

customary:The king carried himself with his customary elegance.

typical:Cheney is everyone's image of a typical cop.

sta nd|ard bear|er (standard bearers ) also standard-bearer N‑COUNT If you describe someone as the standard bearer of a group, you mean that they act as the leader or public representative of a group of people who have the same aims or interests. □� Farrakhan was a poor standard-bearer for the causes of African-Americans.

stand|ard|ize /st� ndə r da I z/ (standardizes , standardizing , standardized ) in BRIT, also use standardise VERB To standardize things means to change them so that they all have the same features. □�[V n] There is a drive both to standardise components and to reduce the number of models on offer. ●� stand|ardi|za|tion /st� ndə r da I ze I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -d I z-/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the standardisation of working hours.

sta nd|ard lamp (standard lamps ) N‑COUNT A standard lamp is a tall electric light which stands on the floor in a living room. [BRIT ] in AM, use floor lamp

sta nd|ard of li v|ing (standards of living ) N‑COUNT Your standard of living is the level of comfort and wealth which you have. □� We'll continue to fight for a decent standard of living for our members.

sta nd|ard time N‑UNCOUNT Standard time is the official local time of a region or country. □� French standard time is GMT plus 1 hr.

stand|by /st� ndba I / (standbys ) also stand-by

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A standby is something or someone that is always ready to be used if they are needed. □� He sat through the trial as a standby juror.

2 PHRASE If someone or something is on standby , they are ready to be used if they are needed. □� Security forces have been put on standby in case of violence.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A standby ticket for something such as the theatre or a plane journey is a cheap ticket that you buy just before the performance starts or the plane takes off, if there are still some seats left. □� Access International books standby flights from New York to Europe. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Standby is also an adverb. □� Magda was going to fly standby.

sta nd-in (stand-ins ) N‑COUNT A stand-in is a person who takes someone else's place or does someone else's job for a while, for example because the other person is ill or away. □� He was a stand-in for my regular doctor.

stand|ing /st� nd I ŋ/ (standings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N , with poss] Someone's standing is their reputation or status. □� �an artist of international standing. □� He has improved his country's standing abroad.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, with poss] A party's or person's standing is their popularity. □� The opinion poll shows the party's standing has never been so low.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use standing to describe something which is permanently in existence. □� Israel has a relatively small standing army and its strength is based on its reserves. □� Elizabeth had a standing invitation to stay with her.

4 →�see also free-standing , long-standing

5 PHRASE You can use the expression of many years' standing to say that something has had a particular function or someone has had a particular role for many years. For example, if a place is your home of ten years' standing , it has been your home for ten years. [WRITTEN ] □� �a Congressman of 24 years' standing. □� My girlfriend of long standing left me.

sta nd|ing jo ke (standing jokes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is a standing joke among a group of people, they often make jokes about it. □� Her precision became a standing joke with colleagues.

sta nd|ing o r|der (standing orders ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A standing order is an instruction to your bank to pay a fixed amount of money to someone at regular times. [BRIT ]

sta nd|ing ova |tion (standing ovations ) N‑COUNT If a speaker or performer gets a standing ovation when they have finished speaking or performing, the audience stands up to clap in order to show its admiration or support.

sta nd|ing room N‑UNCOUNT Standing room is space in a room or bus, where people can stand when all the seats have been occupied. □� The place quickly fills up so it's soon standing room only.

sta nd-off (stand-offs ) also standoff

1 N‑COUNT A stand-off is a situation in which neither of two opposing groups or forces will make a move until the other one does something, so nothing can happen until one of them gives way. □� This situation could lead to another diplomatic stand-off.

2 →�see also Mexican stand-off

sta nd-o ffish also standoffish ADJ If you say that someone is stand-offish , you mean that they behave in a formal and rather unfriendly way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He can be quite stand-offish and rude, even to his friends.

stand|out /st� ndaʊt/ (standouts ) also stand-out N‑COUNT Journalists use standout to refer to a person or thing that is much better than the other people or things involved in something. [AM , AUSTRALIAN ] □� In the earlier rounds, Ferguson and Dickinson were the standouts.

stand|pipe /st� ndpa I p/ (standpipes ) N‑COUNT A standpipe is a vertical pipe that is connected to a water supply and stands in a street or other public place.

stand|point /st� ndpɔ I nt/ (standpoints ) N‑COUNT [usu from N ] From a particular standpoint means looking at an event, situation, or idea in a particular way. □� He believes that from a military standpoint, the situation is under control. □� From my standpoint, you know, this thing is just ridiculous.

stand|still /st� ndst I l/ N‑SING [usu to/at N ] If movement or activity comes to or is brought to a standstill , it stops completely. □� Abruptly the group ahead of us came to a standstill. □� Production is more or less at a standstill.

sta nd-up also standup (stand-ups )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A stand-up comic or comedian stands alone in front of an audience and tells jokes. □� Women do not normally break into the big time by doing stand-up comedy. ●�N‑COUNT Stand-up is also a noun. □� �one of the worst stand-ups alive.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Stand-up is stand-up comedy. □� �getting by on likeability, professionalism and the kind of nerve you need to do stand-up.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If people have a stand-up argument or fight, they stand up and shout at each other or hit each other violently.

stank /st� ŋk/ Stank is the past tense of stink .

Stanley knife /st� nli na I f/ (Stanley knives ) N‑COUNT A Stanley knife is a very sharp knife that is used to cut materials such as carpet and paper. It consists of a small blade fixed in the end of a handle. [TRADEMARK ]

stan|za /st� nzə/ (stanzas ) N‑COUNT A stanza is one of the parts into which a poem is divided. [TECHNICAL ]

sta|ple /ste I p ə l/ (staples , stapling , stapled )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A staple food, product, or activity is one that is basic and important in people's everyday lives. □� The Chinese also eat a type of pasta as part of their staple diet. □� Staple goods are disappearing from the shops. ●�N‑COUNT Staple is also a noun. □� Fish is a staple in the diet of many Africans.

2 N‑COUNT A staple is something that forms an important part of something else. □�[+�of ] Political reporting has become a staple of American journalism.

3 N‑COUNT Staples are small pieces of bent wire that are used mainly for holding sheets of paper together firmly. You put the staples into the paper using a device called a stapler.

4 VERB If you staple something, you fasten it to something else or fix it in place using staples. □�[V n with adv] Staple some sheets of paper together into a book. □�[V -ed] �polythene bags stapled to an illustrated card. [Also V n prep]

sta |ple gun (staple guns ) N‑COUNT A staple gun is a small machine used for forcing staples into wood or brick.

sta|pler /ste I plə r / (staplers ) N‑COUNT A stapler is a device used for putting staples into sheets of paper.

star ◆◆◆ /stɑː r / (stars , starring , starred )

1 N‑COUNT A star is a large ball of burning gas in space. Stars appear to us as small points of light in the sky on clear nights. □� The night was dark, the stars hidden behind cloud.

2 →�see also morning star , shooting star

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a shape or an object as a star when it has four, five, or more points sticking out of it in a regular pattern. □� Children at school receive coloured stars for work well done.

4 N‑COUNT You can say how many stars something such as a hotel or restaurant has as a way of talking about its quality, which is often indicated by a number of star-shaped symbols. The more stars something has, the better it is. □� �five star hotels.

5 N‑COUNT Famous actors, musicians, and sports players are often referred to as stars . □� �Gemma, 41, star of the TV series Pennies From Heaven. □� By now Murphy is Hollywood's top male comedy star. □� Not all football stars are ill-behaved louts.

6 VERB If an actor or actress stars in a play or film, he or she has one of the most important parts in it. □�[V +�in ] I starred in a pantomime called Puss in Boots.

7 VERB If a play or film stars a famous actor or actress, he or she has one of the most important parts in it. □�[V n] �a Hollywood film, The Secret of Santa Vittoria, directed by Stanley Kramer and starring Anthony Quinn.

8 N‑PLURAL Predictions about people's lives which are based on astrology and appear regularly in a newspaper or magazine are sometimes referred to as thestars . □� There was nothing in my stars to say I'd have travel problems!

star|board /stɑː r bə r d/ ADJ In sailing, the starboard side of a ship is the right side when you are on it and facing towards the front. [TECHNICAL ] □� He detected a ship moving down the starboard side of the submarine. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [usu to N ] Starboard is also a noun. □� I could see the fishing boat to starboard.

star|burst /stɑː r bɜː r st/ (starbursts ) N‑COUNT A starburst is a bright light with rays coming from it, or a patch of bright colour with points extending from it. [LITERARY ] □� �a starburst of multi-coloured smoke.

starch /stɑː r tʃ/ (starches )

1 N‑VAR Starch is a substance that is found in foods such as bread, potatoes, pasta, and rice and gives you energy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Starch is a substance that is used for making cloth stiffer, especially cotton and linen.

starched /stɑː r tʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A starched garment or piece of cloth has been made stiffer using starch. □� �a starched white shirt. □� �starched napkins.

starchy /stɑː r tʃi/ (starchier , starchiest ) ADJ Starchy foods contain a lot of starch. □� �starchy and sticky glutinous rices.

sta r-crossed ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone is star-crossed , they keep having bad luck. [LITERARY ] □� �star-crossed lovers parted by war and conflict.

star|dom /stɑː r dəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Stardom is the state of being very famous, usually as an actor, musician, or sports player. □� In 1929 she shot to stardom on Broadway in a Noel Coward play.

stare ◆◇◇ /steə r / (stares , staring , stared )

1 VERB If you stareat someone or something, you look at them for a long time. □�[V prep/adv] Tamara stared at him in disbelief, shaking her head. □�[V ] Mahoney tried not to stare. ●�N‑COUNT Stare is also a noun. □� Hlasek gave him a long, cold stare.

2 PHRASE If a situation or the answer to a problem is staring you in the face , it is very obvious, although you may not be immediately aware of it. [INFORMAL ] □� Then the answer hit me. It had been staring me in the face ever since Lullington.

▸� stare out PHRASAL VERB If you stare someone out , you look steadily into their eyes for such a long time that they feel that they have to turn their eyes away from you. □�[V n P ] She stared him out with hard, pebble-like eyes. COLLOCATIONS stare NOUN 1

adjective +�stare : blank, glassy, unblinking, unwavering; disapproving, icy, stony; curious, incredulous, wide-eyed

verb +�stare : draw; meet, return VERB 1

stare+�adverb : blankly, vacantly; fixedly, intently; dreamily, longingly

star|fish /stɑː r f I ʃ/ (starfish ) N‑COUNT A starfish is a flat, star-shaped creature with five arms that lives in the sea.

sta r-gazer (star-gazers ) also stargazer N‑COUNT A star-gazer is someone who studies the stars as an astronomer or astrologer. [INFORMAL ]

sta r-gazing also stargazing N‑UNCOUNT Star-gazing is the activity of studying the stars as an astronomer or astrologer. [INFORMAL ]

stark /stɑː r k/ (starker , starkest )

1 ADJ Stark choices or statements are harsh and unpleasant. □� U.K. companies face a stark choice if they want to stay competitive. □� The conviction should send out a stark warning to other motorists. ●� stark|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The point is a starkly simple one.

2 ADJ If two things are in stark contrast to one another, they are very different from each other in a way that is very obvious. □� �secret cooperation between London and Washington that was in stark contrast to official policy. ●� stark|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The outlook now is starkly different.

3 ADJ Something that is stark is very plain in appearance. □� �the stark white, characterless fireplace in the drawing room. ●� stark|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The desert was luminous, starkly beautiful.

sta rk na |ked ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] Someone who is stark naked is completely naked. [EMPHASIS ] □� All contestants were stark naked.

star|let /stɑː r l I t/ (starlets ) N‑COUNT A starlet is a young actress who is expected to become a film star in the future. [JOURNALISM ]

star|light /stɑː r la I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Starlight is the light that comes from the stars at night.

star|ling /stɑː r l I ŋ/ (starlings ) N‑COUNT A starling is a very common bird with greenish-black feathers covered in pale spots which is found in Europe and North America. Starlings often fly around in large groups.

star|lit /stɑː r l I t/ ADJ [ADJ n] Starlit means made lighter or brighter by the stars. □� �a clear starlit sky. □� �this cold, starlit night.

sta r pri ze (star prizes ) N‑COUNT The star prize in a competition is the most valuable prize.

star|ry /stɑː ri/ ADJ [ADJ n] A starry night or sky is one in which a lot of stars are visible. □� She stared up at the starry sky.

sta rry-eyed ADJ If you say that someone is starry-eyed , you mean that they have such a positive or hopeful view of a situation that they do not see what it is really like. □� I'm not starry-eyed about Europe. □� �a starry-eyed young couple.

Sta rs and Stri pes N‑PROPER The Stars and Stripes is the name of the national flag of the United States of America.

sta r sign (star signs ) N‑COUNT Your star sign is the sign of the zodiac under which you were born.

star|struck /stɑː r strʌk/ ADJ If you describe someone as starstruck , you mean that they are very interested in and impressed by famous performers, or that they want to be a performer themselves. □� �a starstruck teenager who auditions for a TV dance show.

sta r-studded ADJ [ADJ n] A star-studded show, event, or cast is one that includes a large number of famous performers. [JOURNALISM ] □� �a star-studded production of Hamlet.

start ◆◆◆ /stɑː r t/ (starts , starting , started )

1 VERB If you startto do something, you do something that you were not doing before and you continue doing it. □�[V to-inf] John then unlocked the front door and I started to follow him up the stairs. □�[V n/v-ing] It was 1956 when Susanna started the work on the garden. □�[V n/v-ing] She started cleaning the kitchen. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Start is also a noun. □� After several starts, she read the report properly.

2 VERB When something starts , or if someone starts it, it takes place from a particular time. □�[V prep] The fire is thought to have started in an upstairs room. □�[V prep] The Great War started in August of that year. □�[V n] All of the passengers started the day with a swim. ●�N‑SING Start is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �1918, four years after the start of the Great War. □� She demanded to know why she had not been told from the start.

3 VERB If you start by doing something, or if you start with something, you do that thing first in a series of actions. □�[V +�by ] I started by asking about day-care centers. □�[V +�with ] He started with a good holiday in Key West, Florida.

4 VERB You use start to say what someone's first job was. For example, if their first job was that of a factory worker, you can say that they started as a factory worker. □�[V +�as ] Betty started as a shipping clerk at the clothes factory. ●�PHRASAL VERB Start off means the same as start . □�[V P +�as ] Mr. Dambar had started off as an assistant to Mrs. Spear's husband.

5 VERB When someone starts something such as a new business, they create it or cause it to begin. □�[V n] Now is probably as good a time as any to start a business. ●�PHRASAL VERB Start up means the same as start . □�[V P n] The cost of starting up a day care center for children ranges from $150,000 to $300,000. □�[V n P ] He said what a good idea it would be to start a community magazine up.

6 →�see also start-up

7 VERB If you start an engine, car, or machine, or if it starts , it begins to work. □�[V n] He started the car, which hummed smoothly. □�[V ] We were just passing one of the parking bays when a car's engine started. ●�PHRASAL VERB Start up means the same as start . □�[V P n] He waited until they went inside the building before starting up the car and driving off. □�[V n P ] Put the key in the ignition and turn it to start the car up. □�[V P ] The engine of the seaplane started up.

8 VERB If you start , your body suddenly moves slightly as a result of surprise or fear. □�[V ] She put the bottle on the table, banging it down hard. He started at the sound. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Start is also a noun. □� Sylvia woke with a start. □� He gave a start of surprise and astonishment.

9 →�see also head start , false start

10 PHRASE You use for a start or to start with to introduce the first of a number of things or reasons that you want to mention or could mention. □� You must get her name and address, and that can be a problem for a start.

11 PHRASE If you get off to a good start , you are successful in the early stages of doing something. If you get off to a bad start , you are not successful in the early stages of doing something. □� The new Prime Minister has got off to a good start, but he still has to demonstrate what manner of leader he is going to be.

12 PHRASE To start with means at the very first stage of an event or process. □� To start with, the pressure on her was very heavy, but it's eased off a bit now.

13in fits and starts →�see fit ➌

14to get off to a flying start →�see flying

▸� start off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you start offby doing something, you do it as the first part of an activity. □�[V P +�by ] She started off by accusing him of blackmail but he more or less ignored her. □�[V P v-ing] He started off playing piano background music for silent films.

2 PHRASAL VERB To start someone off means to cause them to begin doing something. □�[V n P ] Her mother started her off acting in children's theatre.

3 PHRASAL VERB To start something off means to cause it to begin. □�[V n P ] Best results are obtained by starting the plants off in a warm greenhouse.

4 →�see start4

▸� start on PHRASAL VERB If you start on something that needs to be done, you start dealing with it. □�[V P n] No need for you to start on the washing-up yet.

▸� start out

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something starts out as a particular thing, they are that thing at the beginning although they change later. □�[V P +�as ] Daly was a fast-talking Irish-American who had started out as a salesman. □�[V P +�as ] What started out as fun quickly became hard work. [Also V P n as n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you start out by doing something, you do it at the beginning of an activity. □�[V P +�by ] We started out by looking at ways in which big projects could be financed by the private sector.

▸� start over PHRASAL VERB If you start over or start something over , you begin something again from the beginning. [mainly AM ] □�[V P ] �moving the kids to some other schools, closing them down and starting over with a new staff. □�[V n P ] It's just not enough money to start life over. in BRIT, use start again

▸� start up →�see start5 , start6 SYNONYMS start VERB 1

begin:He stood up and began to move around the room.

proceed:He proceeded to tell me of my birth.

embark on:He's embarking on a new career as a writer.

launch:The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

start|er /stɑː r tə r / (starters )

1 N‑COUNT A starter is a small quantity of food that is served as the first course of a meal. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use appetizer2 N‑COUNT The starter of a car is the device that starts the engine.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The starters in a race are the people or animals who take part at the beginning even if they do not finish. □� Of the 10 starters, four were eliminated or retired.

sta rt|er home (starter homes ) N‑COUNT A starter home is a small, new house or flat which is cheap enough for people who are buying their first home to afford.

sta rt|ing block (starting blocks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Starting blocks are blocks which runners put their feet against to help them move quickly forward at the start of a race.

sta rt|ing point (starting points ) also starting-point

1 N‑COUNT Something that is a starting pointfor a discussion or process can be used to begin it or act as a basis for it. □�[+�for ] These proposals represent a realistic starting point for negotiation.

2 N‑COUNT When you make a journey, your starting point is the place from which you start. □� They had already walked a couple of miles or more from their starting point.

star|tle /stɑː r t ə l/ (startles , startling , startled ) VERB If something sudden and unexpected startles you, it surprises and frightens you slightly. □�[V n] The telephone startled him. □�[V n] The news will startle the City. ●� star|tled ADJ □� Martha gave her a startled look.

star|tling /stɑː r təl I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is startling is so different, unexpected, or remarkable that people react to it with surprise. □� �startling new evidence.

sta rt-up (start-ups )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The start-up costs of something such as a new business or new product are the costs of starting to run or produce it. [BUSINESS ] □� What is the minimum start-up capital for a Pizza franchise?

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A start-up company is a small business that has recently been started by someone. [BUSINESS ] □� Thousands and thousands of start-up firms have poured into the computer market. ●�N‑COUNT Start-up is also a noun. □� For now the only bright spots in the labor market are small businesses and high-tech start-ups.

sta r tu rn (star turns ) N‑COUNT Thestar turn of a performance or show is the main item, or the one that is considered to be the most interesting or exciting. [mainly BRIT ]

star|va|tion /stɑː r ve I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu of/from N ] Starvation is extreme suffering or death, caused by lack of food. □� Over three hundred people have died of starvation since the beginning of the year.

starve /stɑː r v/ (starves , starving , starved )

1 VERB If people starve , they suffer greatly from lack of food which sometimes leads to their death. □�[V ] A number of the prisoners we saw are starving. □�[V +�to ] In the 1930s, millions of Ukrainians starved to death or were deported. □�[V -ing] Getting food to starving people does nothing to stop the war.

2 VERB To starve someone means not to give them any food. □�[V n] They harassed and starved the Native people. □�[V pron-refl] Judy decided I was starving myself.

3 VERB If a person or thing is starvedof something that they need, they are suffering because they are not getting enough of it. □�[be V -ed +�of ] The electricity industry is not the only one to have been starved of investment.

starv|ing /stɑː r v I ŋ/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are starving , you mean that you are very hungry. [INFORMAL ] □� Apart from anything else I was starving.

stash /st� ʃ/ (stashes , stashing , stashed )

1 VERB If you stash something valuable in a secret place, you store it there to keep it safe. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep] He had stashed cash in two safes in his office. [Also V n]

2 N‑COUNT A stashof something valuable is a secret store of it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Police found a stash of guns hidden in a cleaner's cupboard.

sta|sis /st� s I s, [AM ] ste I -/ N‑UNCOUNT Stasis is a state in which something remains the same, and does not change or develop. [FORMAL ] □� Rock'n'roll had entered a period of stasis.

state ◆◆◆ /ste I t/ (states , stating , stated )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to countries as states , particularly when you are discussing politics. □� Some weeks ago I recommended to E.U. member states that we should have discussions with the Americans.

2 N‑COUNT Some large countries such as the USA are divided into smaller areas called states . □� Leaders of the Southern states are meeting in Louisville.

3 N‑PROPER The USA is sometimes referred to as the States . [INFORMAL ]

4 N‑SING You can refer to the government of a country as the state . □� The state does not collect enough revenue to cover its expenditure.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] State industries or organizations are financed and organized by the government rather than private companies. □� �reform of the state social-security system.

6 →�see state school

7 ADJ [ADJ n] A state occasion is a formal one involving the head of a country. □� The president arrived in Britain last night for his official state visit.

8 N‑COUNT [usu sing] When you talk about the stateof someone or something, you are referring to the condition they are in or what they are like at a particular time. □�[+�of ] For the first few months after Daniel died, I was in a state of clinical depression. □�[+�of ] Look at the state of my car!

9 VERB If you state something, you say or write it in a formal or definite way. □�[V n] Clearly state your address and telephone number. □�[V that] The police report stated that he was arrested for allegedly assaulting an officer. □�[V with quote] 'Our relationship is totally platonic,' she stated. □�[V -ed] Buyers who do not apply within the stated period can lose their deposits.

10 →�see also head of state , nation-state , police state , welfare state

11 PHRASE If you say that someone is not in a fit stateto do something, you mean that they are too upset or ill to do it. □� When you left our place, you weren't in a fit state to drive.

12 PHRASE If you are in a state or if you get into a state , you are very upset or nervous about something. □� I was in a terrible state because nobody could understand why I had this illness.

13 PHRASE If the dead body of an important person lies in state , it is publicly displayed for a few days before it is buried. SYNONYMS state NOUN

1

country:�that disputed boundary between the two countries.

nation:The Arab nations agreed to meet in Baghdad.

kingdom:The kingdom's power declined.

2

region:�a remote mountainous region.

province:�the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost province.

district:�the home of the governor of the district. VERB 9

say:Did he say where he was going?

report:He seems to be all right now,' reported a relieved Taylor.

declare:He declared his intention to become the best golfer in the world.

express:He expressed grave concern at American attitudes.

Sta te De|part|ment ◆◇◇ N‑PROPER In the United States, the State Department is the government department that is concerned with foreign affairs. □� Officials at the State Department say the issue is urgent. □� �a senior State Department official.

state|hood /ste I thʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Statehood is the condition of being an independent state or nation.

state|house /ste I thaʊs/ (statehouses ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a statehouse is where the governor of a state has his or her offices, and where the state legislature meets.

state|less /ste I tləs/ ADJ A person who is stateless is not a citizen of any country and therefore has no nationality. □� If I went back I'd be a stateless person.

state|let /ste I tlət/ (statelets ) N‑COUNT A statelet is a small independent state, especially one that until recently was part of a larger country. [JOURNALISM ]

state|ly /ste I tli/ ADJ Something or someone that is stately is impressive and graceful or dignified. □� Instead of moving at his usual stately pace, he was almost running.

sta te|ly ho me (stately homes ) N‑COUNT A stately home is a very large old house, especially one that people can pay to visit. [mainly BRIT ]

state|ment ◆◆◇ /ste I tmənt/ (statements )

1 N‑COUNT A statement is something that you say or write which gives information in a formal or definite way. □� 'Things are moving ahead.'� I found that statement vague and unclear.

2 N‑COUNT A statement is an official or formal announcement that is issued on a particular occasion. □� The statement by the military denied any involvement in last night's attack.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to the official account of events which a suspect or a witness gives to the police as a statement . □� The 350-page report was based on statements from witnesses to the events.

4 N‑COUNT If you describe an action or thing as a statement , you mean that it clearly expresses a particular opinion or idea that you have. □� The following recipe is a statement of another kind�food is fun!

5 N‑COUNT A printed document showing how much money has been paid into and taken out of a bank or building society account is called a statement . COLLOCATIONS statement NOUN

1

adjective +�statement : clear, simple; bold, sweeping; opening

statement+�be +�adjective : false, true

2

noun +�statement : government, policy, press

adjective +�statement : formal, official, political, public; brief, joint

verb +�statement : make, issue, publish, release; read; withdraw

sta te of af|fai rs N‑SING If you refer to a particular state of affairs , you mean the general situation and circumstances connected with someone or something. □� This state of affairs cannot continue for too long, if parliament is to recover.

sta te of mind (states of mind ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your state of mind is your mood or mental state at a particular time. □� I want you to get into a whole new state of mind.

sta te of siege N‑SING A state of siege is a situation in which a government or other authority puts restrictions on the movement of people into or out of a country, town, or building. □� Under the state of siege, the police could arrest suspects without charges or warrants.

sta te-of-the-a rt ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as state-of-the-art , you mean that it is the best available because it has been made using the most modern techniques and technology. □� �the production of state-of-the-art military equipment.

state|room /ste I truːm/ (staterooms )

1 N‑COUNT On a passenger ship, a stateroom is a private room, especially one that is large and comfortable. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT In a palace or other impressive building, a stateroom is a large room for use on formal occasions. [mainly BRIT ]

sta te school (state schools ) N‑COUNT A state school is a school that is controlled and funded by the government or a local authority, and which children can attend without having to pay. [BRIT ] in AM, use public school

state|side /ste I tsa I d/ also Stateside ADJ Stateside means in, from, or to the United States. [JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □� The band are currently planning a series of Stateside gigs. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Stateside is also an adverb. □� His debut album was hugely successful Stateside.

states|man /ste I tsmən/ (statesmen )

1 N‑COUNT A statesman is an important and experienced politician, especially one who is widely known and respected. □� Hamilton is a great statesman and political thinker.

2 →�see also elder statesman

states|man|like /ste I tsmənla I k/ ADJ If you describe someone, especially a political leader, as statesmanlike , you approve of them because they give the impression of being very able and experienced. [APPROVAL ] □� He was widely respected as a wise and statesmanlike governor.

states|man|ship /ste I tsmənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Statesmanship is the skill and activities of a statesman. □� He praised the two leaders warmly for their statesmanship.

state|wide /ste I twa I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Statewide means across or throughout the whole of one of the states of the United States. □� These voters often determine the outcome of statewide elections. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Statewide is also an adverb. □� In the weeks since flooding began, 16 people have died statewide.

stat|ic /st� t I k/

1 ADJ Something that is static does not move or change. □� The number of young people obtaining qualifications has remained static or decreased.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Static or static electricity is electricity which can be caused by things rubbing against each other and which collects on things such as your body or metal objects.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If there is static on the radio or television, you hear a series of loud noises which spoils the sound.

sta|tion ◆◆◇ /ste I ʃ ə n/ (stations , stationing , stationed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A station is a building by a railway line where trains stop so that people can get on or off. □� Ingrid went with him to the railway station to see him off.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A bus station is a building, usually in a town or city, where buses stop, usually for a while, so that people can get on or off.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] If you talk about a particular radio or television station , you are referring to the programmes broadcast by a particular radio or television company. □� �an independent local radio station. □� It claims to be the most popular television station in the U.K.

4 V-PASSIVE If soldiers or officials are stationed in a place, they are sent there to do a job or to work for a period of time. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Reports from the capital, Lome, say troops are stationed on the streets.

5 VERB If you stationyourself somewhere, you go there and wait, usually for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl prep/adv] The musicians stationed themselves quickly on either side of the stairs.

6 →�see also fire station , gas station , petrol station , police station , power station , service station , space station , way station

sta|tion|ary /ste I ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is stationary is not moving. □� Stationary cars in traffic jams cause a great deal of pollution.

sta|tion|er /ste I ʃənə r / (stationers ) N‑COUNT A stationer is a person who sells paper, envelopes, pens, and other equipment used for writing.

sta|tion|ery /ste I ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ N‑UNCOUNT Stationery is paper, envelopes, and other materials or equipment used for writing.

station|master /ste I ʃ ə nmɑːstə r , -m�stə r / (stationmasters ) also station master N‑COUNT A stationmaster is the official who is in charge of a railway station.

sta |tion wag|on (station wagons ) N‑COUNT A station wagon is a car with a long body, a door at the rear, and space behind the back seats. [AM ] in BRIT, use estate car

stat|ist /ste I t I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] When a country has statist policies, the state has a lot of control over the economy. □� �statist economic controls.

sta|tis|tic ◆◇◇ /stət I st I k/ (statistics )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Statistics are facts which are obtained from analysing information expressed in numbers, for example information about the number of times that something happens. □� Official statistics show real wages declining by 24%. □� There are no reliable statistics for the number of deaths in the battle.

2 →�see also vital statistics

3 N‑UNCOUNT Statistics is a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of information that is expressed in numbers. □� �a professor of Mathematical Statistics.

sta|tis|ti|cal /stət I st I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Statistical means relating to the use of statistics. □� The report contains a great deal of statistical information. ●� sta|tis|ti|cal|ly /stət I st I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� The results are not statistically significant.

stat|is|ti|cian /st� t I st I ʃ ə n/ (statisticians ) N‑COUNT A statistician is a person who studies statistics or who works using statistics.

stats /st� ts/

1 N‑PLURAL Stats are facts which are obtained from analysing information expressed in numbers. Stats is an abbreviation for 'statistics'. [INFORMAL ] □� �a fall in April's retail sales stats.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Stats is a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of information that is expressed in numbers. [INFORMAL ]

statu|ary /st� tʃuəri, [AM ] -ueri/ N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the statuary in a place, you are referring to all the statues and sculpture there. [FORMAL ]

statue /st� tʃuː/ (statues ) N‑COUNT A statue is a large sculpture of a person or an animal, made of stone or metal.

statu|esque /st� tʃue sk/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A statuesque woman is big and tall, and stands straight. [WRITTEN ] □� She was a statuesque brunette.

statu|ette /st� tʃue t/ (statuettes ) N‑COUNT A statuette is a very small sculpture of a person or an animal which is often displayed on a shelf or stand.

stat|ure /st� tʃə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss, in N ] Someone's stature is their height. □� It's more than his physical stature that makes him remarkable. □� She was a little short in stature.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss, oft in N ] The stature of a person is the importance and reputation that they have. □� Who can deny his stature as the world's greatest cellist?

sta|tus ◆◆◇ /ste I təs/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Your status is your social or professional position. □� The fact that the burial involved an expensive coffin signifies that the person was of high status. □� �women and men of wealth and status. □� � her former status as a vice-president of the Spanish Athletics Federation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Status is the importance and respect that someone has among the public or a particular group. □� Nurses are undervalued, and they never enjoy the same status as doctors.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The status of something is the importance that people give it. □� Those things that can be assessed by external tests are being given unduly high status.

4 N‑UNCOUNT A particular status is an official description that says what category a person, organization, or place belongs to, and gives them particular rights or advantages. □�[+�as ] Bristol regained its status as a city in the local government reorganisation. □�[+�as ] �his status as a British citizen.

5 N‑UNCOUNT The status of something is its state of affairs at a particular time. □� What is your current financial status?

sta|tus quo /ste I təs kwoʊ / N‑SING Thestatus quo is the state of affairs that exists at a particular time, especially in contrast to a different possible state of affairs. □� They have no wish for any change in the status quo.

sta |tus sym|bol (status symbols ) N‑COUNT A status symbol is something that a person has or owns that shows they have money or importance in society.

stat|ute /st� tʃuːt/ (statutes ) N‑VAR A statute is a rule or law which has been made by a government or other organization and formally written down. □� The new statute covers the care for, bringing up and protection of children.

sta t|ute book (statute books ) N‑COUNT Thestatute book is a record of all the laws made by the government. [mainly BRIT ] □� The Bill could reach the statute book by the summer if it attracts the support of Home Office ministers.

statu|tory /st� tʃʊtəri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Statutory means relating to rules or laws which have been formally written down. [FORMAL ] □� We had a statutory duty to report to Parliament.

sta tu|tory ra pe N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, statutory rape is the crime committed by an adult when they have sex with someone who is under the age when they can legally agree to have sex.

staunch /stɔː ntʃ/ (stauncher , staunchest , staunches , staunching , staunched )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A staunch supporter or believer is very loyal to a person, organization, or set of beliefs, and supports them strongly. □� He's a staunch supporter of controls on government spending. ●� staunch|ly ADV □� He was staunchly opposed to a public confession.

2 VERB To staunch the flow of something means to stop it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The government claims this is the only way to staunch the annual flow to Germany of hundreds of thousands of refugees.

3 VERB To staunch a wound, or to staunch the blood from a wound, means to stop the wound from bleeding. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Tom tried to staunch the blood with his handkerchief.

stave /ste I v/ (staves , staving , staved )

1 N‑COUNT A stave is a strong stick, especially one that is used as a weapon. □� Many of the men had armed themselves with staves and pieces of iron.

2 N‑COUNT A stave is the five lines that music is written on. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use staff

▸� stave off PHRASAL VERB If you stave off something bad, or if you stave it off , you succeed in stopping it happening for a while. □�[V P n] The reforms were a desperate attempt to stave off defeat. □�[V n P ] But the reality of discovery was a different matter, and he did all he could to stave it off.

stay ◆◆◆ /ste I / (stays , staying , stayed )

1 VERB If you stay where you are, you continue to be there and do not leave. □�[V adv/prep] 'Stay here,' Trish said. 'I'll bring the car down the drive to take you back.'. □�[V adv/prep] In the old days the woman stayed at home and the man earned the money.

2 VERB If you stay in a town, or hotel, or at someone's house, you live there for a short time. □�[V prep/adv] Gordon stayed at The Park Hotel, Milan. □�[V n] He tried to stay a few months every year in Scotland. ●�N‑COUNT Stay is also a noun. □� An experienced Indian guide is provided during your stay.

3 V‑LINK If someone or something stays in a particular state or situation, they continue to be in it. □�[V adv/prep] The Republican candidate said he would 'work like crazy to stay ahead'. □�[V adj] �community care networks that offer classes on how to stay healthy. [Also V n]

4 VERB If you stayaway from a place, you do not go there. □�[V +�from ] Government employers and officers also stayed away from work during the strike. □� Every single employee turned up at the meeting, even people who usually stayed away.

5 VERB If you stay out of something, you do not get involved in it. □�[V +�of ] In the past, the U.N. has stayed out of the internal affairs of countries unless invited in.

6 PHRASE If you stay put , you remain somewhere. □� Nigel says for the moment he is very happy to stay put in Lyon.

7 PHRASE If you stay the night in a place, you sleep there for one night. □� They had invited me to come to supper and stay the night.

▸� stay in PHRASAL VERB If you stay in during the evening, you remain at home and do not go out. □�[V P ] Before we had our child the idea of staying in every night would have been horrific.

▸� stay on PHRASAL VERB If you stay on somewhere, you remain there after other people have left or after the time when you were going to leave. □�[V P ] He had managed to arrange to stay on in Adelaide. □�[V P ] �an allowance for poorer pupils who want to stay on at school.

▸� stay out PHRASAL VERB If you stay out at night, you remain away from home, especially when you are expected to be there. □�[V P ] That was the first time Elliot stayed out all night.

▸� stay up PHRASAL VERB If you stay up , you remain out of bed at a time when most people have gone to bed or at a time when you are normally in bed yourself. □�[V P adv/prep] I used to stay up late with my mom and watch movies.

sta y-at-home (stay-at-homes ) N‑COUNT [usu N n] If you describe someone as a stay-at-home , you mean that they stay at home rather than going out to work or travelling. □� 71 percent of households do not include a stay-at-home parent.

stay|ca|tion /ste I ke I ʃən/ (staycations ) also stacation N‑COUNT A staycation is a holiday that you spend in your own home or your own country, relaxing and enjoying leisure activities there. [INFORMAL ] □� The great British staycation is back in fashion with more British holidaymakers choosing not to jet off to the sun but to stay at home instead.

sta y|ing pow|er also staying-power N‑UNCOUNT If you have staying power , you have the strength or determination to keep going until you reach the end of what you are doing. □� Someone who lacks staying power and persistence is unlikely to make a good researcher.

sta y of ex|ecu |tion (stays of execution ) N‑COUNT If you are given a stay of execution , you are legally allowed to delay obeying an order of a court of law. [LEGAL ]

STD /e s tiː diː / (STDs ) N‑COUNT [usu N n] STD is an abbreviation for 'sexually transmitted disease'. [MEDICAL ] □� �an STD clinic.

stead /ste d/

1 PHRASE If you do something in someone's stead , you replace them and do it instead of them. [FORMAL ] □� We hope you will consent to act in his stead.

2 PHRASE If you say that something will stand someone in good stead , you mean that it will be very useful to them in the future. □� My years of teaching stood me in good stead.

stead|fast /ste dfɑːst, -f�st/ ADJ If someone is steadfastin something that they are doing, they are convinced that what they are doing is right and they refuse to change it or to give up. □�[+�in ] He remained steadfast in his belief that he had done the right thing.

steady ◆◇◇ /ste di/ (steadier , steadiest , steadies , steadying , steadied )

1 ADJ A steady situation continues or develops gradually without any interruptions and is not likely to change quickly. □� Despite the steady progress of building work, the campaign against it is still going strong. □� The improvement in standards has been steady and persistent. □� A student doesn't have a steady income. ●� steadi|ly /ste d I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Relax as much as possible and keep breathing steadily.

2 ADJ If an object is steady , it is firm and does not shake or move about. □� Get as close to the subject as you can and hold the camera steady.

3 ADJ If you look at someone or speak to them in a steady way, you look or speak in a calm, controlled way. □� 'Well, go on,' said Camilla, her voice fairly steady. ●� steadi|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He moved back a little and stared steadily at Elaine.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe a person as steady , you mean that they are sensible and reliable. □� He was firm and steady unlike other men she knew.

5 VERB If you steady something or if it steadies , it stops shaking or moving about. □�[V n] Two men were on the bridge-deck, steadying a ladder. □�[V ] Lovelock eased back the throttles and the ship steadied.

6 VERB If you steadyyourself , you control your voice or expression, so that people will think that you are calm and not nervous. □�[V pron-refl] Her face turned away, and he saw she was trying to steady herself. □�[V n] She breathed in to steady her voice.

7 EXCLAM You say ' steady on ' to someone to tell them to calm down or to be careful about what they are saying. □� 'What if there's another murder?'�'Steady on!'

steak /ste I k/ (steaks )

1 N‑VAR A steak is a large flat piece of beef without much fat on it. You cook it by grilling or frying it.

2 →�see also rump steak , T-bone steak

3 N‑UNCOUNT Steak is beef that is used for making stews. It is often cut into cubes to be sold. □� �steak and kidney pie.

4 →�see also stewing steak

5 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A fish steak is a large piece of fish that contains few bones. □� �fresh salmon steaks.

stea k house (steak houses ) also steakhouse N‑COUNT A steak house is a restaurant that serves mainly steaks.

steal ◆◇◇ /stiː l/ (steals , stealing , stole , stolen )

1 VERB If you steal something from someone, you take it away from them without their permission and without intending to return it. □�[V n] He was accused of stealing a small boy's bicycle. □�[V n +�from ] Bridge stole the money from clients' accounts. □�[V ] Sometimes she had to steal to eat. □�[V -ing] She has since been jailed for six months for stealing from the tills. ●� sto|len ADJ □� We have now found the stolen car.

2 VERB If you steal someone else's ideas, you pretend that they are your own. □�[V n] A writer is suing the director for allegedly stealing his film idea.

3 VERB If someone steals somewhere, they move there quietly, in a secret way. [LITERARY ] □�[V adv/prep] They can steal away at night and join us. □�[V adv/prep] Leroy stole up the hall to the parlor.

4to steal a glance →�see glance

5to steal a march on someone →�see march

6to steal the show →�see show

7to steal someone's thunder →�see thunder

stealth /ste lθ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft by N ] If you use stealth when you do something, you do it quietly and carefully so that no one will notice what you are doing. □� Health policy is being changed by stealth without consultation.

stea lth tax (stealth taxes ) N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes refer to indirect taxes as stealth taxes . [DISAPPROVAL , BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� It's good that he used direct taxation rather than stealth taxes to raise the money.

stealthy /ste lθi/ (stealthier , stealthiest ) ADJ Stealthy actions or movements are performed quietly and carefully, so that no one will notice what you are doing. □� I would creep in and with stealthy footsteps explore the second-floor. ●� stealthi|ly /ste lθ I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� Slowly and stealthily, someone was creeping up the stairs.

steam ◆◇◇ /stiː m/ (steams , steaming , steamed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Steam is the hot mist that forms when water boils. Steam vehicles and machines are operated using steam as a means of power. □� In an electric power plant the heat converts water into high-pressure steam. □� �the invention of the steam engine.

2 VERB If something steams , it gives off steam. □�[V ] �restaurants where coffee pots steamed on their burners. □�[V -ing] �a basket of steaming bread rolls.

3 VERB If you steam food or if it steams , you cook it in steam rather than in water. □�[V n] Steam the carrots until they are just beginning to be tender. □�[V ] Leave the vegetables to steam over the rice for the 20 minutes cooking time. □�[V -ed] �steamed clams and broiled chicken.

4 PHRASE If something such as a plan or a project goes full steam ahead , it progresses quickly. □� The Government is going full steam ahead with its privatisation programme.

5 PHRASE If you let off steam , you get rid of your energy, anger, or strong emotions with physical activity or by behaving in a noisy or violent way. [INFORMAL ] □� Exercise is a good way of relaxing or letting off steam.

6 PHRASE If you run out of steam , you stop doing something because you have no more energy or enthusiasm left. [INFORMAL ] □� I decided to paint the bathroom ceiling but ran out of steam halfway through.

▸� steam ahead PHRASAL VERB If an economy or company steams ahead , it becomes stronger and more successful. □�[V P ] The latest figures show industrial production steaming ahead at an 8.8 per cent annual rate.

▸� steam up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone gets steamed upabout something, they are very annoyed about it. □�[get V -ed P +�about ] The general manager may have got steamed up about nothing.

2 PHRASAL VERB When a window, mirror, or pair of glasses steams up , it becomes covered with steam or mist. □�[V P ] �the irritation of living with lenses that steam up when you come in from the cold.

steam|boat /stiː mboʊt/ (steamboats ) N‑COUNT A steamboat is a boat or ship that has an engine powered by steam.

steam|er /stiː mə r / (steamers )

1 N‑COUNT A steamer is a ship that has an engine powered by steam.

2 N‑COUNT A steamer is a special container used for steaming food such as vegetables and fish.

stea m iron (steam irons ) N‑COUNT A steam iron is an electric iron that produces steam from water that you put into it. The steam makes it easier to get the creases out of your clothes.

steam|roller /stiː mroʊlə r / (steamrollers , steamrollering , steamrollered )

1 N‑COUNT A steamroller is a large, heavy vehicle with wide, solid metal wheels, which is used to make the surface of a road flat. In the past steamrollers were powered by steam.

2 VERB If you steamroller someone who disagrees with you or opposes you, you defeat them or you force them to do what you want by using your power or by putting a lot of pressure on them. □�[V n] They could simply steamroller all opposition.

steam|ship /stiː mʃ I p/ (steamships ) N‑COUNT A steamship is a ship that has an engine powered by steam.

steamy /stiː mi/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Steamy means involving exciting sex. [INFORMAL ] □� He'd had a steamy affair with an office colleague.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A steamy place has hot, wet air. □� �a steamy cafe.

steed /stiː d/ (steeds ) N‑COUNT A steed is a large strong horse used for riding. [LITERARY ]

steel ◆◇◇ /stiː l/ (steels , steeling , steeled )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Steel is a very strong metal which is made mainly from iron. Steel is used for making many things, for example bridges, buildings, vehicles, and cutlery. □� �steel pipes. □� �the iron and steel industry. □� The front wall is made of corrugated steel.

2 →�see also stainless steel

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Steel is used to refer to the industry that produces steel and items made of steel. □� �a three-month study of European steel.

4 VERB If you steelyourself , you prepare to deal with something unpleasant. □�[V pron-refl +�for/against ] Those involved are steeling themselves for the coming battle. □�[V pron-refl to-inf] I was steeling myself to call round when Simon arrived.

stee l band (steel bands ) N‑COUNT A steel band is a band of people who play music on special metal drums. Steel bands started in the West Indies.

steel|maker /stiː lme I ke r / (steelmakers ) N‑COUNT A steelmaker is a company that makes steel.

stee l woo l N‑UNCOUNT Steel wool is a mass of fine steel threads twisted together into a small ball and used for cleaning hard surfaces or removing paint.

steel|worker /stiː lwɜː r kə r / (steelworkers ) also steel worker N‑COUNT A steelworker is a person who works in a factory where steel is made.

steel|works /stiː lwɜː r ks/ (steelworks ) N‑COUNT A steelworks is a factory where steel is made.

steely /stiː li/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Steely is used to emphasize that a person is hard, strong, and determined. [EMPHASIS ] □� Their indecision has been replaced by confidence and steely determination.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use steely to describe something that has the grey colour of steel. □� �steely grey hair.

steep /stiː p/ (steeper , steepest )

1 ADJ A steep slope rises at a very sharp angle and is difficult to go up. □� San Francisco is built on 40 hills and some are very steep. □� �a narrow, steep-sided valley. ●� steep|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The road climbs steeply, with good views of Orvieto through the trees. □� �steeply terraced valleys. □� �houses with steeply sloping roofs.

2 ADJ A steep increase or decrease in something is a very big increase or decrease. □� Consumers are rebelling at steep price increases. ●� steep|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Unemployment is rising steeply.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that the price of something is steep , you mean that it is expensive. [INFORMAL ] □� The annual premium can be a little steep, but will be well worth it if your dog is injured.

steeped /stiː pt/ ADJ If a place or person is steeped in a quality or characteristic, they are surrounded by it or deeply influenced by it. □�[+�in ] The castle is steeped in history and legend.

steep|en /stiː pən/ (steepens , steepening , steepened ) VERB If a slope or an angle steepens , it becomes steeper. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] The road steepened and then levelled out suddenly.

stee|ple /stiː p ə l/ (steeples ) N‑COUNT A steeple is a tall pointed structure on top of the tower of a church.

steeple|chase /stiː p ə ltʃe I s/ (steeplechases )

1 N‑COUNT A steeplechase is a long horse race in which the horses have to jump over obstacles such as hedges and water jumps.

2 N‑COUNT A steeplechase is a 3000 metres race around a track, during which people jump over obstacles and water jumps.

steer /st I ə r / (steers , steering , steered )

1 VERB When you steer a car, boat, or plane, you control it so that it goes in the direction that you want. □�[V n] What is it like to steer a ship this size? □�[V n prep] When I was a kid, about six or seven, she would often let me steer the car along our driveway. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you steer people towards a particular course of action or attitude, you try to lead them gently in that direction. □�[V n prep] The new government is seen as one that will steer the country in the right direction.

3 VERB If you steer someone in a particular direction, you guide them there. □�[V n prep] Nick steered them into the nearest seats.

4 VERB If you steer a particular course , you take a particular line of action. □�[V n prep] The Prime Minister has sought to steer a course between the two groups.

5 →�see also steering

6 PHRASE If you steer clearof someone or something, you deliberately avoid them. □� I think a lot of people, women in particular, steer clear of these sensitive issues.

steer|ing /st I ə r I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The steering in a car or other vehicle is the mechanical parts of it which make it possible to steer.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A steering committee or a steering group is a group of people that organizes the early stages of a project, and makes sure it progresses in a satisfactory way. □� There will be an economic steering committee with representatives of each of the republics.

stee r|ing col|umn (steering columns ) N‑COUNT In a car or other vehicle, the steering column is the rod on which the steering wheel is fixed.

stee r|ing wheel (steering wheels ) N‑COUNT In a car or other vehicle, the steering wheel is the wheel which the driver holds when he or she is driving.

stel|lar /ste lə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Stellar is used to describe anything connected with stars. □� A stellar wind streams outward from the star.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stellar person or thing is considered to be very good. □� The French companies are registering stellar profits.

stem ◆◇◇ /ste m/ (stems , stemming , stemmed )

1 VERB If a condition or problem stems from something, it was caused originally by that thing. □�[V +�from ] Much of the instability stems from the economic effects of the war.

2 VERB If you stem something, you stop it spreading, increasing, or continuing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Austria has sent three army battalions to its border with Hungary to stem the flow of illegal immigrants.

3 N‑COUNT The stem of a plant is the thin, upright part on which the flowers and leaves grow. □� He stooped down, cut the stem for her with his knife and handed her the flower.

4 N‑COUNT The stem of a wine glass is the long thin part which connects the bowl to the base.

5 N‑COUNT The stem of a pipe is the long thin part through which smoke is sucked.

6 N‑COUNT In grammar, the stem of a word is the main part of it, which does not change when the ending changes. COLLOCATIONS stem VERB

1

noun +�stem : dispute, problem

stem+�adverb : directly, largely, partly

2

stem+�noun : flood, flow, spread, tide; loss, violence SYNONYMS stem VERB 1

originate:All carbohydrates originate from plants.

derive:Anna's strength is derived from her parents and her sisters.

arise:�an overwhelming sense of guilt arising from my actions.

flow:Undesirable consequences flow from these misconceptions.

ste m cell (stem cells ) N‑COUNT A stem cell is a type of cell that can produce other cells which are able to develop into any kind of cell in the body.

-stemmed /-stemd/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -stemmed is added to adjectives to form adjectives which indicate what the stem of something is like. □� �an enormous bouquet of long-stemmed roses.

stench /ste ntʃ/ (stenches ) N‑COUNT A stench is a strong and very unpleasant smell. □�[+�of ] The stench of burning rubber was overpowering.

sten|cil /ste ns ə l/ (stencils , stencilling , stencilled ) in AM, use stenciling , stenciled1 N‑COUNT A stencil is a piece of paper, plastic, or metal which has a design cut out of it. You place the stencil on a surface and paint it so that paint goes through the holes and leaves a design on the surface.

2 VERB If you stencil a design or if you stencil a surface with a design, you put a design on a surface using a stencil. □�[V n +�with ] He then stencilled the ceiling with a moon and stars motif. [Also V n]

ste|nog|ra|pher /stənɒ grəfə r / (stenographers ) N‑COUNT A stenographer is a person who types and writes shorthand, usually in an office. [AM ] in BRIT, use shorthand typist

sten|to|rian /stentɔː riən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stentorian voice is very loud and strong. [FORMAL ] □� He bellowed in a stentorian voice.

step ◆◆◆ /ste p/ (steps , stepping , stepped )

1 N‑COUNT If you take a step , you lift your foot and put it down in a different place, for example when you are walking. □� I took a step towards him. □� She walked on a few steps. □� He heard steps in the corridor.

2 VERB If you stepon something or step in a particular direction, you put your foot on the thing or move your foot in that direction. □�[V prep/adv] This was the moment when Neil Armstrong became the first man to step on the Moon. □�[V prep/adv] She accidentally stepped on his foot on a crowded commuter train.

3 N‑COUNT Steps are a series of surfaces at increasing or decreasing heights, on which you put your feet in order to walk up or down to a different level. □� This little room was along a passage and down some steps. □� A flight of stone steps leads to the terrace.

4 N‑COUNT A step is a raised flat surface in front of a door. □� A little girl was sitting on the step of the end house.

5 →�see also doorstep

6 N‑COUNT A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something. □� He greeted the agreement as the first step towards peace. □� She is not content with her present lot and wishes to take steps to improve it.

7 N‑COUNT A step in a process is one of a series of stages. □� The next step is to put the theory into practice.

8 N‑COUNT The steps of a dance are the sequences of foot movements which make it up.

9 N‑SING Someone's step is the way they walk. □� He quickened his step.

10 PHRASE If you stay one step ahead of someone or something, you manage to achieve more than they do or avoid competition or danger from them. □� Successful travel is partly a matter of keeping one step ahead of the crowd.

11 PHRASE If people who are walking or dancing are in step , they are moving their feet forward at exactly the same time as each other. If they are out of step , their feet are moving forward at different times. □� They were almost the same height and they moved perfectly in step.

12 PHRASE If people are in stepwith each other, their ideas or opinions are the same. If they are out of stepwith each other, their ideas or opinions are different. □� Moscow is anxious to stay in step with Washington.

13 PHRASE If you tell someone to step on it , you are telling them to go faster or hurry up. [INFORMAL ] □� We've only got thirty-five minutes so step on it.

14 PHRASE If you do something step by step , you do it by progressing gradually from one stage to the next. □� I am not rushing things and I'm taking it step by step. □� Follow our simple step-by-step instructions.

15 PHRASE If someone tells you to watch your step , they are warning you to be careful about how you behave or what you say so that you do not get into trouble.

▸� step aside →�see step down

▸� step back PHRASAL VERB If you step back and think about a situation, you think about it as if you were not involved in it. □�[V P ] I stepped back and analysed the situation. □�[V P +�from ] It was necessary to step back from the project and look at it as a whole.

▸� step down or step aside PHRASAL VERB If someone steps down or steps aside , they resign from an important job or position, often in order to let someone else take their place. □�[V P +�as ] Judge Ito said that he would step down as trial judge. □�[V P ] Many would prefer to see him step aside in favour of a younger man.

▸� step in PHRASAL VERB If you step in , you get involved in a difficult situation because you think you can or should help with it. □�[V P ] There are circumstances in which the State must step in to protect children.

▸� step out PHRASAL VERB If someone steps outof a role or situation, they leave it. □�[V P +�of ] I've had to step out of the role of president because I can't do the job. [Also V P ]

▸� step up PHRASAL VERB If you step up something, you increase it or increase its intensity. □�[V P n] He urged donors to step up their efforts to send aid to the region. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS step NOUN 1

pace:Take three paces forwards.

stride:He walked with long strides.

footstep:I heard footsteps outside. VERB 2

walk:She turned and walked away.

tread:She trod casually, enjoying the touch of the damp grass on her feet.

pace:He found John pacing around the flat, unable to sleep.

stride:He turned abruptly and strode off down the corridor.

step|brother /ste pbrʌ�ə r / (stepbrothers ) also step-brother N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's stepbrother is the son of their stepfather or stepmother.

ste p-by-ste p →�see step

ste p change (step changes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A step change is a sudden or major change in the way that something happens or the way that someone behaves. □�[+�in ] We now need a step change in our secondary schools to match that achieved in our primaries.

step|child /ste ptʃa I ld/ (stepchildren ) also step-child N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's stepchild is a child that was born to their husband or wife during a previous relationship.

step|daughter /ste pdɔːtə r / (stepdaughters ) also step-daughter N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's stepdaughter is a daughter that was born to their husband or wife during a previous relationship.

step|father /ste pfɑː�ə r / (stepfathers ) also step-father N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's stepfather is the man who has married their mother after the death or divorce of their father.

step|ladder /ste pl�də r / (stepladders ) N‑COUNT A stepladder is a portable ladder that is made of two sloping parts that are hinged together at the top so that it will stand up on its own.

step|mother /ste pmʌ�ə r / (stepmothers ) also step-mother N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's stepmother is the woman who has married their father after the death or divorce of their mother.

step|parent /ste ppeərənt/ (stepparents ) also step-parent N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's stepparent is their stepmother or stepfather.

steppe /ste p/ (steppes ) N‑UNCOUNT Steppes are large areas of flat grassy land where there are no trees, especially the area that stretches from Eastern Europe across the south of the former Soviet Union to Siberia.

ste p|ping stone (stepping stones ) also stepping-stone

1 N‑COUNT You can describe a job or event as a stepping stone when it helps you to make progress, especially in your career. □�[+�to ] Many students now see university as a stepping stone to a good job.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Stepping stones are a line of large stones which you can walk on in order to cross a shallow stream or river.

step|sister /ste ps I stə r / (stepsisters ) also step-sister N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's stepsister is the daughter of their stepfather or stepmother.

step|son /ste psʌn/ (stepsons ) also step-son N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's stepson is a son born to their husband or wife during a previous relationship.

ste|reo /ste rioʊ/ (stereos )

1 ADJ Stereo is used to describe a sound system in which the sound is played through two speakers. Compare mono . □� �loudspeakers that give all-around stereo sound.

2 N‑COUNT A stereo is a cassette or CD player with two speakers.

ste|reo|type /ste riəta I p/ (stereotypes , stereotyping , stereotyped )

1 N‑COUNT A stereotype is a fixed general image or set of characteristics that a lot of people believe represent a particular type of person or thing. □� Many men feel their body shape doesn't live up to the stereotype of the ideal man.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is stereotyped as something, people form a fixed general idea or image of them, so that it is assumed that they will behave in a particular way. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He was stereotyped by some as a rebel. □�[be V -ed] I get very worked up about the way women are stereotyped in a lot of mainstream films.

ste|reo|typi|cal /ste rioʊt I p I k ə l/ ADJ A stereotypical idea of a type of person or thing is a fixed general idea that a lot of people have about it, that may be false in many cases. □� Dara challenges our stereotypical ideas about gender and femininity.

ster|ile /ste ra I l, [AM ] -rəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is sterile is completely clean and free from germs. □� He always made sure that any cuts were protected by sterile dressings. ●� ste|ril|ity /stər I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the antiseptic sterility of the hospital.

2 ADJ A person or animal that is sterile is unable to have or produce babies. □� George was sterile. □� �a sterile male. ●� ste|ril|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� This disease causes sterility in both males and females.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sterile situation is lacking in energy and new ideas. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Too much time has been wasted in sterile debate. ●� ste|ril|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the sterility of Dorothea's life in industry.

steri|lize /ste r I la I z/ (sterilizes , sterilizing , sterilized ) in BRIT, also use sterilise1 VERB If you sterilize a thing or a place, you make it completely clean and free from germs. □�[V n] Sulphur is also used to sterilize equipment. ●� steri|li|za|tion /ste r I la I ze I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -l I z-/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the pasteurization and sterilization of milk.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a person or an animal is sterilized , they have a medical operation that makes it impossible for them to have or produce babies. □�[be V -ed] My wife was sterilized after the birth of her fourth child. ●� steri|li|za|tion (sterilizations ) N‑VAR □� In some cases, a sterilization is performed through the vaginal wall.

ster|ling ◆◆◇ /stɜː r l I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sterling is the money system of Great Britain. □� The stamps had to be paid for in sterling.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sterling means very good in quality; used to describe someone's work or character. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� Those are sterling qualities to be admired in anyone.

stern /stɜː r n/ (sterner , sternest , sterns )

1 ADJ Stern words or actions are very severe. □� She issued a stern warning to those who persist in violence. ●� stern|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� 'We will take the necessary steps,' she said sternly.

2 ADJ Someone who is stern is very serious and strict. □� Her father was stern and hard to please.

3 N‑COUNT The stern of a boat is the back part of it.

ster|num /stɜː r nəm/ (sternums ) N‑COUNT Your sternum is the long flat bone which goes from your throat to the bottom of your ribs and to which your ribs are attached. [MEDICAL ]

ster|oid /ste rɔ I d, [AM ] st I r-/ (steroids ) N‑COUNT A steroid is a type of chemical substance found in your body. Steroids can be artificially introduced into the bodies of athletes to improve their strength.

stetho|scope /ste θəskoʊp/ (stethoscopes ) N‑COUNT A stethoscope is an instrument that a doctor uses to listen to your heart and breathing. It consists of a small disc that is placed on your body, connected to a hollow tube with two pieces that the doctor puts in his or her ears.

Stet|son /ste ts ə n/ (Stetsons ) N‑COUNT A Stetson is a type of hat with a wide brim that is traditionally worn by cowboys. [TRADEMARK ]

ste|via /stiː viə/ N‑UNCOUNT Stevia is a substance taken from a plant which is used to make food taste sweet without adding any calories. □� We sweeten our cookies with stevia.

stew /stjuː , [AM ] stuː / (stews , stewing , stewed )

1 N‑VAR A stew is a meal which you make by cooking meat and vegetables in liquid at a low temperature. □� She served him a bowl of lamb stew. □� They made a stew.

2 VERB When you stew meat, vegetables, or fruit, you cook them slowly in liquid in a closed dish. □�[V n] Stew the apple and blackberries to make a thick pulp.

stew|ard /stjuː ə r d, [AM ] stuː -/ (stewards )

1 N‑COUNT A steward is a man who works on a ship, plane, or train, looking after passengers and serving meals to them.

2 N‑COUNT A steward is a man or woman who helps to organize a race, march, or other public event.

3 →�see also shop steward

stew|ard|ess /stjuː ə r de s, stuː -/ (stewardesses ) N‑COUNT A stewardess is a woman who works on a ship, plane, or train, looking after passengers and serving meals to them.

stew|ard|ship /stjuː ə r dʃ I p, [AM ] stuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Stewardship is the responsibility of looking after property. [FORMAL ]

ste w|ing steak N‑UNCOUNT Stewing steak is beef which is suitable for cooking slowly in a stew. [BRIT ] in AM, use stew meat

ste w meat N‑UNCOUNT Stew meat is the same as stewing steak . [AM ]

stick

➊�NOUN USES

➋�VERB USES

➊ stick ◆◇◇ /st I k/ (sticks )

1 N‑COUNT A stick is a thin branch which has fallen off a tree. □� �people carrying bundles of dried sticks to sell for firewood.

2 N‑COUNT A stick is a long thin piece of wood which is used for supporting someone's weight or for hitting people or animals. □� He looks old and walks with a stick. □� Crowds armed with sticks and stones took to the streets.

3 →�see also carrot and stick

4 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A stick is a long thin piece of wood which is used for a particular purpose. □� �kebab sticks. □� �lolly sticks. □� �drum sticks.

5 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] Some long thin objects that are used in sports are called sticks . □� �lacrosse sticks. □� �hockey sticks. □� �ski-sticks.

6 N‑COUNT [n N ] A stickof something is a long thin piece of it. □�[+�of ] �a stick of celery. □� �cinnamon sticks.

7 N‑UNCOUNT If you give someone some stick , you criticize them or tease them roughly. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� It's not motorists who give you the most stick, it's the general public. □� I get some stick from the lads because of my faith but I don't mind.

8 N‑PLURAL If you say that someone lives in the sticks , you mean that they live a long way from any large cities. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He lived out in the sticks somewhere.

9 PHRASE If someone gets the wrong end of the stick or gets hold of the wrong end of the stick , they do not understand something correctly and get the wrong idea about it. [INFORMAL ]

➋ stick ◆◆◇ /st I k/ (sticks , sticking , stuck )

→�Please look at category 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you stick something somewhere, you put it there in a rather casual way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] He folded the papers and stuck them in his desk drawer. □�[V n prep/adv] Jack opened his door and stuck his head out.

2 VERB If you stick a pointed object in something, or if it sticksin something, it goes into it or through it by making a cut or hole. □�[V n +�in/into/through ] Some punk stuck a knife in her last night. □�[V n +�in/into/through ] The soldiers went at once to the mound and began to stick their bayonets through it. □�[V +�in ] The knife stuck in the ground at his feet.

3 VERB If something is sticking out from a surface or object, it extends up or away from it. If something is sticking into a surface or object, it is partly in it. □�[V adv/prep] They lay where they had fallen from the crane, sticking out of the water. □�[V adv/prep] His hair sticks up in half a dozen directions. □�[V adv/prep] �when we see her with lots of tubes and needles sticking into her little body.

4 VERB If you stick one thing to another, you attach it using glue, sticky tape, or another sticky substance. □�[V n prep] We just stuck it to the window. □�[V n with adv] He has nowhere to stick up his posters. □�[V n with adv] Stick down any loose bits of flooring.

5 VERB If one thing sticksto another, it becomes attached to it and is difficult to remove. □�[V +�to ] Peel away the waxed paper if it has stuck to the bottom of the cake. □�[V together ] If left to stand, cooked pasta sticks together.

6 VERB If something sticks in your mind, you remember it for a long time. □�[V +�in ] There was one journey that particularly sticks in my mind.

7 VERB If something which can usually be moved sticks , it becomes fixed in one position. □�[V ] The needle on the dial went right round to fifty, and there it stuck.

8 →�see also stuck

9to stick in your throat →�see throat

▸� stick around PHRASAL VERB If you stick around , you stay where you are, often because you are waiting for something. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Stick around a while and see what develops. [Also V P n]

▸� stick at PHRASAL VERB If you stick at a task or activity, you continue doing it, even if it is difficult. □�[V P n] You will find it hard at first, but stick at it.

▸� stick by

1 PHRASAL VERB If you stick by someone, you continue to give them help or support. □�[V P n] �friends who stuck by me during the difficult times as Council Leader.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you stick by a promise, agreement, decision, or principle, you do what you said you would do, or do not change your mind. □�[V P n] But I made my decision then and stuck by it.

▸� stick out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you stick out part of your body, you extend it away from your body. □�[V P n] She made a face and stuck out her tongue at him. □�[V n P ] He stuck his hand out and he said, 'Good evening.'

2to stick your neck out →�see neck

3 PHRASAL VERB If something sticks out , it is very noticeable because it is unusual. □�[V P +�from ] What had Cutter done to make him stick out from the crowd?

4to stick out a mile →�see mile

5to stick out like a sore thumb →�see thumb

6 PHRASE If someone in an unpleasant or difficult situation sticks it out , they do not leave or give up. □� I really didn't like New York, but I wanted to stick it out a little bit longer.

▸� stick to

1 PHRASAL VERB If you stick to something or someone when you are travelling, you stay close to them. □�[V P n] There are interesting hikes inland, but most ramblers stick to the clifftops.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you stick to something, you continue doing, using, saying, or talking about it, rather than changing to something else. □�[V P n] Perhaps he should have stuck to writing.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you stick to a promise, agreement, decision, or principle, you do what you said you would do, or do not change your mind. □�[V P n] Immigrant support groups are waiting to see if he sticks to his word. □�[V P n] But one problem is that few people can stick to a diet for long.

4to stick to your guns →�see gun

5 PHRASAL VERB If you stick to rules, you do what they say you must do. □�[V P n] Obviously we are disappointed but the committee could do nothing less than stick to the rules. □�[V P n] Police must stick to the highest standards if they are to win back public confidence.

▸� stick together PHRASAL VERB If people stick together , they stay with each other and support each other. □�[V P ] If we all stick together, we ought to be okay.

▸� stick up for PHRASAL VERB If you stick up for a person or a principle, you support or defend them forcefully. □�[V P P n] I can stick up for myself.

▸� stick with

1 PHRASAL VERB If you stick with something, you do not change to something else. □�[V P n] They prefer, in the end, to stick with what they know.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you stick with someone, you stay close to them. □�[V P n] She pulled the woman to her side saying: 'You just stick with me, dear.'

stick|er /st I kə r / (stickers )

1 N‑COUNT A sticker is a small piece of paper or plastic, with writing or a picture on one side, which you can stick onto a surface.

2 →�see also bumper sticker

sti ck|ing plas|ter (sticking plasters ) N‑VAR Sticking plaster is material that you can stick over a cut or wound in order to protect it. A sticking plaster is a piece of this material. [BRIT ] in AM, use Band-Aid

sti ck|ing point (sticking points ) also sticking-point N‑COUNT [usu sing] A sticking point in a discussion or series of negotiations is a point on which the people involved cannot agree and which may delay or stop the talks. A sticking point is also one aspect of a problem which you have trouble dealing with. □� The main sticking point was the question of taxes.

sti ck in|sect (stick insects ) also stick-insect N‑COUNT A stick insect is an insect with a long body and thin legs. It looks like a small stick.

sti ck-in-the-mud (stick-in-the-muds ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a stick-in-the-mud , you disapprove of them because they do not like doing anything that is new or fun. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

stickle|back /st I k ə lb�k/ (sticklebacks ) N‑COUNT A stickleback is a small fish which has sharp points along its back.

stick|ler /st I klə r / (sticklers ) N‑COUNT If you are a sticklerfor something, you always demand or require it. □�[+�for ] Lucy was a stickler for perfection, and everything had to be exactly right.

sti ck-on ADJ [ADJ n] Stick-on labels, shapes, and objects have a sticky material on one side so that they will stick to things.

sti ck shift (stick shifts ) N‑COUNT A stick shift is the lever that you use to change gear in a car or other vehicle. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use gear lever

sticky /st I ki/ (stickier , stickiest )

1 ADJ A sticky substance is soft, or thick and liquid, and can stick to other things. Sticky things are covered with a sticky substance. □� �sticky toffee. □� If the dough is sticky, add more flour. □� Peel away the sticky paper.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sticky situation involves problems or is embarrassing. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Inevitably the transition will yield some sticky moments.

3 ADJ Sticky weather is unpleasantly hot and damp. □� �four desperately hot, sticky days in the middle of August.

sti cky ta pe N‑UNCOUNT Sticky tape is clear sticky tape that is sold in rolls and that you use, for example, to stick paper or card together, or to stick things onto a wall. [BRIT ] in AM, use Scotch tape

stiff /st I f/ (stiffer , stiffest )

1 ADJ Something that is stiff is firm or does not bend easily. □� His waterproof trousers were brand new and stiff. □� Clean the mussels with a stiff brush under cold running water. ●� stiff|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� Moira sat stiffly upright in her straight-backed chair.

2 ADJ Something such as a door or drawer that is stiff does not move as easily as it should. □� Train door handles are stiff so that they cannot be opened accidentally.

3 ADJ If you are stiff , your muscles or joints hurt when you move, because of illness or because of too much exercise. □� Massage will relieve tension and stiff muscles. □� I'm stiff all over right now�I hope I can recover for tomorrow's race. ●� stiff|ly ADV □� He climbed stiffly from the Volkswagen.

4 ADJ Stiff behaviour is rather formal and not very friendly or relaxed. □� They always seemed a little awkward with each other, a bit stiff and formal. ●� stiff|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� 'Why don't you borrow your sister's car?' said Cassandra stiffly. □� �a stiffly worded letter of complaint.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Stiff can be used to mean difficult or severe. □� The film faces stiff competition for the Best Film nomination. □� Under the country's stiff anti-corruption laws they could face twenty years in jail.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] A stiff drink is a large amount of a strong alcoholic drink. □� �a stiff whisky.

7 ADV [adj ADV ] If you are bored stiff , worried stiff , or scared stiff , you are extremely bored, worried, or scared. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Anna tried to look interested. Actually, she was bored stiff.

stiff|en /st I f ə n/ (stiffens , stiffening , stiffened )

1 VERB If you stiffen , you stop moving and stand or sit with muscles that are suddenly tense, for example because you feel afraid or angry. □�[V ] Ada stiffened at the sound of his voice.

2 VERB If your muscles or joints stiffen , or if something stiffens them, they become difficult to bend or move. □�[V ] The blood supply to the skin is reduced when muscles stiffen. [Also V n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Stiffen up means the same as stiffen . □�[V P n] These clothes restrict your freedom of movement and stiffen up the whole body. [Also V n P ]

3 VERB [usu passive] If something such as cloth is stiffened , it is made firm so that it does not bend easily. □�[be V -ed] This special paper was actually thin, soft Sugiwara paper that had been stiffened with a kind of paste.

▸� stiffen up →�see stiffen2

sti ff-ne cked also stiffnecked ADJ If you say that someone is stiff-necked , you mean that they are proud and unwilling to do what other people want. [DISAPPROVAL ]

sti|fle /sta I f ə l/ (stifles , stifling , stifled )

1 VERB If someone stifles something you consider to be a good thing, they prevent it from continuing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Critics have accused the U.S. of trying to stifle debate.

2 VERB If you stifle a yawn or laugh, you prevent yourself from yawning or laughing. □�[V n] She makes no attempt to stifle a yawn.

3 VERB If you stifle your natural feelings or behaviour, you prevent yourself from having those feelings or behaving in that way. □�[V n] It is best to stifle curiosity and leave birds' nests alone.

sti|fling /sta I fəl I ŋ/

1 ADJ Stifling heat is so intense that it makes you feel uncomfortable. You can also use stifling to describe a place that is extremely hot. □� The stifling heat of the little room was beginning to make me nauseous.

2 ADJ If a situation is stifling , it makes you feel uncomfortable because you cannot do what you want. □� Life at home with her parents and two sisters was stifling. □� �a stifling bureaucracy.

3 →�see also stifle

stig|ma /st I gmə/ (stigmas )

1 N‑VAR If something has a stigma attached to it, people think it is something to be ashamed of. □� There's no stigma attached to being an unmarried mother any more.

2 N‑COUNT The stigma of a flower is the top of the centre part which takes in pollen. [TECHNICAL ]

stig|ma|ta /st I gmɑː tə/ N‑PLURAL Stigmata are marks that appear on a person's body in the same places where Christ was wounded when he was nailed to the cross. Some Christians believe that these marks are a sign of holiness.

stig|ma|tize /st I gməta I z/ (stigmatizes , stigmatizing , stigmatized ) in BRIT, also use stigmatise VERB If someone or something is stigmatized , they are unfairly regarded by many people as being bad or having something to be ashamed of. □�[be V -ed] Children in single-parent families must not be stigmatised. □�[V n] People may feel stigmatized by any psychiatric diagnosis.

stile /sta I l/ (stiles ) N‑COUNT A stile is an entrance to a field or path consisting of a step on either side of a fence or wall to help people climb over it.

sti|let|to /st I le toʊ/ (stilettos ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Stilettos are women's shoes that have high, very narrow heels. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use spike heels

still

➊�ADVERB USES

➋�NOT MOVING OR MAKING A NOISE

➌�EQUIPMENT

➊ still ◆◆◆ /st I l/

1 ADV [ADV before v] If a situation that used to exist still exists, it has continued and exists now. □� I still dream of home. □� Brian's toe is still badly swollen and he cannot put on his shoe. □� If you don't like the job, why are you still there?

2 ADV [ADV before v] If something that has not yet happened could still happen, it is possible that it will happen. If something that has not yet happened is stillto happen, it will happen at a later time. □� Big money could still be made if the crisis keeps oil prices high. □� The details have still to be worked out.

3 ADV If you say that there is still an amount of something left, you are emphasizing that there is that amount left. □� There are still some outstanding problems. □� There's still time to catch up with them.

4 ADV [ADV before v] You use still to emphasize that something remains the case or is true in spite of what you have just said. □� I'm average for my height. But I still feel I'm fatter than I should be. □� Despite the ruling, Boreham was still found guilty.

5 ADV You use still to indicate that a problem or difficulty is not really worth worrying about. □� 'Any idea who is going to be here this weekend?'�'No. Still, who cares?'

6 ADV You use still in expressions such as still further , still another , and still more to show that you find the number or quantity of things you are referring to surprising or excessive. [EMPHASIS ] □� We look forward to strengthening still further our already close co-operation.

7 ADV You use still with comparatives to indicate that something has even more of a quality than something else. [EMPHASIS ] □� Formula One motor car racing is supposed to be dangerous. 'Indycar' racing is supposed to be more dangerous still.

➋ still ◆◆◆ /st I l/ (stiller , stillest , stills )

1 ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you stay still , you stay in the same position and do not move. □� Suddenly he stood still and looked at Brad. □� He played the recording through once, then sat very still for several minutes. □� Gladys was still, then she shook her head slowly.

2 ADJ If air or water is still , it is not moving. □� The night air was very still. □� He watched the still water over the side of the boat.

3 ADJ Drinks that are still do not contain any bubbles of carbon dioxide. □� �a glass of still orange.

4 ADJ If a place is still , it is quiet and shows no sign of activity. □� In the room it was very still. ●� still|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Four deafening explosions shattered the stillness of the night air.

5 N‑COUNT A still is a photograph taken from a cinema film which is used for publicity purposes.

➌ still /st I l/ (stills ) N‑COUNT A still is a piece of equipment used to make strong alcoholic drinks by a process called distilling. SYNONYMS still ADJ ➋1

stationary:Stationary cars in traffic jams cause a great deal of pollution.

motionless:Her hands were motionless.

inert:He covered the inert body with a blanket.

static:Both your pictures are of static subjects.

still|birth /st I lbɜː r θ/ (stillbirths ) N‑VAR A stillbirth is the birth of a dead baby.

still|born /st I lbɔː r n/

1 ADJ A stillborn baby is dead when it is born. □� It was a miracle that she survived the birth of her stillborn baby.

2 ADJ An idea, action, or attempt which is stillborn is completely ineffective or unsuccessful. □� The ceasefire itself could prove stillborn if rebel units in the bush keep on fighting.

sti ll li fe (still lifes ) N‑VAR A still life is a painting or drawing of an arrangement of objects such as flowers or fruit. It also refers to this type of painting or drawing.

stilt /st I lt/ (stilts )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft on N ] Stilts are long upright pieces of wood or metal on which some buildings are built, especially where the ground is wet or very soft. □� They inhabit reed huts built on stilts above the water.

2 N‑COUNT Stilts are two long pieces of wood with pieces for the feet fixed high up on the sides so that people can stand on them and walk high above the ground.

stilt|ed /st I lt I d/ ADJ If someone speaks in a stilted way, they speak in a formal or unnatural way, for example because they are not relaxed. □� We made polite, stilted conversation.

stimu|lant /st I mjʊlənt/ (stimulants ) N‑COUNT A stimulant is a drug that makes your body work faster, often increasing your heart rate and making you less likely to sleep.

stimu|late ◆◇◇ /st I mjʊle I t/ (stimulates , stimulating , stimulated )

1 VERB To stimulate something means to encourage it to begin or develop further. □�[V n] America's priority is rightly to stimulate its economy. □�[V n] The Commonwealth Games have stimulated public interest in doing sport. ●� stimu|la|tion /st I mjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �an economy in need of stimulation.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you arestimulatedby something, it makes you feel full of ideas and enthusiasm. □�[be V -ed] Bill was stimulated by the challenge. □�[be V -ed to-inf] I was stimulated to examine my deepest thoughts. ●� stimu|lat|ing ADJ □� It is a complex yet stimulating book. □� The atmosphere was always stimulating. ●� stimu|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Many enjoy the mental stimulation of a challenging job.

3 VERB If something stimulates a part of a person's body, it causes it to move or start working. □�[V n] Exercise stimulates the digestive and excretory systems. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The body is stimulated to build up resistance. ●� stimu|lat|ing ADJ □� �the stimulating effect of adrenaline. ●� stimu|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� �physical stimulation. □�[+�of ] The stimulation of the nerves in the feet stimulates the whole central nervous system.

stimu|la|tive /st I mjʊlət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a government policy has a stimulative effect on the economy, it encourages the economy to grow. □� It is possible that a tax cut might have some stimulative effect.

stimu|lus /st I mjʊləs/ (stimuli /st I mjʊla I /) N‑VAR A stimulus is something that encourages activity in people or things. □� Interest rates could fall soon and be a stimulus to the U.S. economy.

sting /st I ŋ/ (stings , stinging , stung )

1 VERB If a plant, animal, or insect stings you, a sharp part of it, usually covered with poison, is pushed into your skin so that you feel a sharp pain. □�[V n] The nettles stung their legs. □�[V ] This type of bee rarely stings.

2 N‑COUNT The sting of an insect or animal is the part that stings you. □� Remove the bee sting with tweezers.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you feel a sting , you feel a sharp pain in your skin or other part of your body. □� This won't hurt�you will just feel a little sting.

4 VERB If a part of your body stings , or if a substance stings it, you feel a sharp pain there. □�[V ] His cheeks were stinging from the icy wind. □�[V n] Sprays can sting sensitive skin.

5 VERB [no cont] If someone's remarks sting you, they make you feel hurt and annoyed. □�[V n] He's a sensitive lad and some of the criticism has stung him.

sting|ray /st I ŋre I / (stingrays ) N‑COUNT A stingray is a type of large flat fish with a long tail which it can use as a weapon.

stin|gy /st I ndʒi/ (stingier , stingiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as stingy , you are criticizing them for being unwilling to spend money. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Winston was not a stingy man.

stink /st I ŋk/ (stinks , stinking , stank , stunk )

1 VERB To stink means to smell extremely unpleasant. □�[V ] Get away from me�your breath stinks. □�[V +�of ] The place stinks of fried onions. □�[V +�like ] The pond stank like a sewer. ●�N‑SING Stink is also a noun. □�[+�of ] I was met with the stink of smoke and burnt plastic. ●� stink|ing ADJ □� They were locked up in a stinking cell.

2 VERB If you say that something stinks , you mean that you disapprove of it because it involves ideas, feelings, or practices that you do not like. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] I think their methods stink. □�[V +�of ] The whole thing stinks of political corruption.

3 N‑SING If someone causes a stink about something they are angry about, they show their anger in order to make people take notice. [INFORMAL ] □� The tabloid press kicked up a stink about his seven-day visit.

stink|er /st I ŋkə r / (stinkers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone or something as a stinker , you mean that you think they are very unpleasant or bad. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I think he's an absolute stinker to do that to her.

stink|ing /st I ŋk I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use stinking to describe something that is unpleasant or bad. [INFORMAL ] □� I had a stinking cold.

2 →�see also stink

stinky /st I ŋki/ (stinkier , stinkiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is stinky , it smells extremely unpleasant. □� �sweaty, stinky socks.

stint /st I nt/ (stints ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A stint is a period of time which you spend doing a particular job or activity or working in a particular place. □� He is returning to this country after a five-year stint in Hong Kong.

sti|pend /sta I pend/ (stipends )

1 N‑COUNT A stipend is a sum of money that is paid regularly, especially to a magistrate or a member of the clergy, as a salary or for their living expenses. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A stipend is a sum of money that is paid to a student for their living expenses. [mainly AM ]

sti|pen|di|ary /sta I pe ndiəri, [AM ] -dieri/ ADJ [ADJ n] A stipendiary magistrate or member of the clergy receives a stipend.

stip|pled /st I p ə ld/ ADJ A surface that is stippled is covered with tiny spots. □� The room remains simple with bare, stippled green walls.

stipu|late /st I pjʊle I t/ (stipulates , stipulating , stipulated ) VERB If you stipulate a condition or stipulatethat something must be done, you say clearly that it must be done. □�[V that/wh] She could have stipulated that she would pay when she collected the computer. □�[V n] International rules stipulate the number of foreign entrants. ●� stipu|la|tion /st I pjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (stipulations ) N‑COUNT □� Clifford's only stipulation is that his clients obey his advice.

stir ◆◇◇ /stɜː r / (stirs , stirring , stirred )

1 VERB If you stir a liquid or other substance, you move it around or mix it in a container using something such as a spoon. □�[V n] Stir the soup for a few seconds. □�[V n +�into ] There was Mrs Bellingham, stirring sugar into her tea. □�[V n with in ] You don't add the peanut butter until after you've stirred in the honey.

2 VERB If you stir , you move slightly, for example because you are uncomfortable or beginning to wake up. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] Eileen shook him, and he started to stir. □�[V ] The two women lay on their backs, not stirring.

3 VERB If you do not stirfrom a place, you do not move from it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�from ] She had not stirred from the house that evening.

4 VERB If something stirs or if the wind stirs it, it moves gently in the wind. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] Palm trees stir in the soft Pacific breeze. □�[V n] Not a breath of fresh air stirred the long white curtains.

5 VERB If a particular memory, feeling, or mood stirs or is stirredin you, you begin to think about it or feel it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�in ] Then a memory stirs in you and you start feeling anxious. □�[V n +�in ] Amy remembered the anger he had stirred in her. □�[V ] Deep inside the awareness was stirring that something was about to happen.

6 N‑SING If an event causes a stir , it causes great excitement, shock, or anger among people. □� His film has caused a stir in America.

7 →�see also stirring

▸� stir up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something stirs up dust or stirs up mud in water, it causes it to rise up and move around. □�[V n P ] They saw first a cloud of dust and then the car that was stirring it up. [Also V P n (not pron)]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you stir up a particular mood or situation, usually a bad one, you cause it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P n] As usual, Harriet is trying to stir up trouble. □�[V n P ] I thought at first that Jay had been stirring things up. SYNONYMS stir VERB 1

mix:Mix the ingredients together slowly.

blend:Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth cream.

whisk:In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar and the yolks.

beat:Beat the eggs and sugar until they start to thicken. COLLOCATIONS stir VERB

1

stir+�adverb : constantly, continuously, well; gently, occasionally

7

stir+�noun : anger, controversy, emotion, unrest; imagination, memory, soul

sti r-fry (stir-fries , stir-frying , stir-fried )

1 VERB If you stir-fry vegetables, meat, or fish, you cook small pieces of them quickly by stirring them in a small quantity of very hot oil. This method is often used in Chinese cookery. □�[V n] Stir-fry the vegetables until crisp. □�[V -ed] �stir-fried vegetables.

2 N‑COUNT A stir-fry is a Chinese dish consisting of small pieces of vegetables, meat, or fish which have been stir-fried. □� Serve the stir-fry with 'instant' noodles.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Stir-fry vegetables, meat, or fish or stir-fry dishes are cooked by the stir-fry method.

stir|rer /stɜː rə r / (stirrers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a stirrer , you disapprove of them because they often try to cause trouble. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

stir|ring /stɜː r I ŋ/ (stirrings )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stirring event, performance, or account of something makes people very excited or enthusiastic. □� The Prime Minister made a stirring speech. □� Stowe gives a stirring performance as a strong spirited female.

2 N‑COUNT A stirringof a feeling or thought is the beginning of one. □�[+�of ] I feel a stirring of curiosity.

stir|rup /st I rəp, [AM ] stɜː r-/ (stirrups ) N‑COUNT Stirrups are the two metal loops which are attached to a horse's saddle by long pieces of leather. You place your feet in the stirrups when riding a horse.

stitch /st I tʃ/ (stitches , stitching , stitched )

1 VERB If you stitch cloth, you use a needle and thread to join two pieces together or to make a decoration. □�[V n adv/prep] Fold the fabric and stitch the two layers together. □�[V ] We stitched incessantly. □�[V n] �those patient ladies who stitched the magnificent medieval tapestries.

2 N‑COUNT Stitches are the short pieces of thread that have been sewn in a piece of cloth. □� �a row of straight stitches.

3 N‑COUNT In knitting and crochet, a stitch is a loop made by one turn of wool around a knitting needle or crochet hook. □� Her mother counted the stitches on her knitting needles.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] If you sew or knit something in a particular stitch , you sew or knit in a way that produces a particular pattern. □� The design can be worked in cross stitch.

5 VERB When doctors stitch a wound, they use a special needle and thread to sew the skin together. □�[V n] Jill washed and stitched the wound. ●�PHRASAL VERB Stitch up means the same as stitch . □�[V P n] Dr Armonson stitched up her wrist wounds. □�[V n P ] They've taken him off to hospital to stitch him up.

6 N‑COUNT A stitch is a piece of thread that has been used to sew the skin of a wound together. □� He had six stitches in a head wound.

7 N‑SING A stitch is a sharp pain in your side, usually caused by running or laughing a lot.

8 PHRASE If you are in stitches , you cannot stop laughing. [INFORMAL ] □� Here's a book that will have you in stitches.

▸� stitch up

1 PHRASAL VERB To stitch someone up means to trick them so that they are put in a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially one where they are blamed for something they have not done. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] He claimed that a police officer had threatened to stitch him up and send him to prison. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB To stitch up an agreement, especially a complicated agreement between several people, means to arrange it. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Shiraz has stitched up major deals all over the world to boost sales.

3 →�see stitch5

stitch|ing /st I tʃ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Stitching is a row of stitches that have been sewn in a piece of cloth. □� The stitching had begun to fray at the edges.

sti tch-up (stitch-ups ) also stitch up N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a situation as a stitch-up , you mean that it has been arranged in a way that makes it unfair. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� My view is that this is a stitch up.

stoat /stoʊ t/ (stoats ) N‑COUNT A stoat is a small, thin, wild animal that has brown fur. Some stoats that live in northern Europe have fur that turns white in winter.

stock ◆◆◇ /stɒ k/ (stocks , stocking , stocked )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Stocks are shares in the ownership of a company, or investments on which a fixed amount of interest will be paid. [BUSINESS ] □� �the buying and selling of stocks and shares.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] A company's stock is the amount of money which the company has through selling shares. [BUSINESS ] □� The stock was valued in the market at $460 million.

3 VERB [no cont] If a shop stocks particular goods, it keeps a supply of them to sell. □�[V n] The shop stocks everything from chocolate to recycled loo paper.

4 N‑UNCOUNT A shop's stock is the total amount of goods which it has available to sell. □� We took the decision to withdraw a quantity of stock from sale.

5 VERB If you stock something such as a cupboard, shelf, or room, you fill it with food or other things. □�[V n] I worked stocking shelves in a grocery store. □�[V n +�with ] Some families stocked their cellars with food and water. □�[be V -ed] The kitchen cupboard was stocked with tins of soup. ●�PHRASAL VERB Stock up means the same as stock . □�[V n P +�with ] I had to stock the boat up with food. □�[V P n +�with ] You can stock up the freezer with ice cream ready for the next sunny day [Also V n P ]

6 N‑COUNT If you have a stockof things, you have a supply of them stored in a place ready to be used. □� Stocks of ammunition were running low.

7 N‑SING The stock of something is the total amount of it that is available in a particular area. [mainly BRIT ] □� �the stock of accommodation available to be rented.

8 N‑UNCOUNT If you are from a particular stock , you are descended from a particular group of people. [FORMAL ] □� We are both from working class stock.

9 N‑PLURAL Stock are cattle, sheep, pigs, or other animals which are kept by a farmer, usually ones which have been specially bred. □� I am carefully selecting the breeding stock.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] A stock answer, expression, or way of doing something is one that is very commonly used, especially because people cannot be bothered to think of something new. □� My boss had a stock response�'If it ain't broke, don't fix it!'.

11 N‑VAR Stock is a liquid, usually made by boiling meat, bones, or vegetables in water, that is used to give flavour to soups and sauces.

12 →�see also stocking , laughing stock , rolling stock

13 PHRASE If goods are in stock , a shop has them available to sell. If they are out of stock , it does not. □� Check that your size is in stock. □� Lemon and lime juice were both temporarily out of stock.

14 PHRASE If you take stock , you pause to think about all the aspects of a situation or event before deciding what to do next. □� It was time to take stock of the situation.

15lock, stock, and barrel →�see barrel

▸� stock up

1 →�see stock5

2 PHRASAL VERB If you stock upon something, you buy a lot of it, in case you cannot get it later. □�[V P +�on/with ] The authorities have urged people to stock up on fuel.

stock|ade /stɒke I d/ (stockades ) N‑COUNT A stockade is a wall of large wooden posts built around an area to keep out enemies or wild animals. □� �the inner stockade.

stock|broker /stɒ kbroʊkə r / (stockbrokers ) N‑COUNT A stockbroker is a person whose job is to buy and sell stocks and shares for people who want to invest money. [BUSINESS ]

sto ck|broker belt (stockbroker belts ) N‑COUNT Thestockbroker belt is an area outside a city, especially London, where rich people who travel to work in the city live. [BRIT ] □� He grew up in the comfort of the Surrey stockbroker belt.

stock|broking /stɒ kbroʊk I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Stockbroking is the professional activity of buying and selling stocks and shares for clients. [BUSINESS ] □� His stockbroking firm was hit by the 1987 crash.

sto ck car (stock cars ) N‑COUNT A stock car is an old car which has had changes made to it so that it is suitable for races in which the cars often crash into each other. □� He acted as grand marshal of a stock car race.

sto ck con|trol N‑UNCOUNT Stock control is the activity of making sure that a company always has exactly the right amount of goods available to sell. [BUSINESS ]

sto ck cube (stock cubes ) N‑COUNT A stock cube is a solid cube made from dried meat or vegetable juices and other flavourings. Stock cubes are used to add flavour to dishes such as stews and soups.

sto ck ex|change ◆◇◇ (stock exchanges ) N‑COUNT A stock exchange is a place where people buy and sell stocks and shares. Thestock exchange is also the trading activity that goes on there and the trading organization itself. [BUSINESS ] □� The shortage of good stock has kept some investors away from the stock exchange. □� �the New York Stock Exchange.

stock|holder /stɒ khoʊldə r / (stockholders ) N‑COUNT A stockholder is a person who owns shares in a company. [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use shareholder

stock|ing /stɒ k I ŋ/ (stockings )

1 N‑COUNT Stockings are items of women's clothing which fit closely over their feet and legs. Stockings are usually made of nylon or silk and are held in place by suspenders. □� �a pair of nylon stockings.

2 N‑COUNT A stocking is the same as a Christmas stocking .

3 →�see also stock , body stocking

stock|inged /stɒ k I ŋd/ ADJ [ADJ n] If someone is in their stockinged feet, they are wearing socks, tights, or stockings, but no shoes. [LITERARY ] □� He tip-toed to the door in his stockinged feet.

sto ck|ing fill|er (stocking fillers ) also stocking-filler N‑COUNT A stocking filler is a small present that is suitable for putting in a Christmas stocking. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use stocking stuffer

sto ck|ing stuff|er (stocking stuffers ) N‑COUNT A stocking stuffer is the same as a stocking filler . [mainly AM ]

sto ck-in-tra de also stock in trade N‑SING [with poss] If you say that something is someone's stock-in-trade , you mean that it is a usual part of their behaviour or work. □� Patriotism is every politician's stock-in-trade.

stock|ist /stɒ k I st/ (stockists ) N‑COUNT A stockist of a particular product is someone who sells this product in their shop. [BRIT ] □� The name of your nearest stockist is available from the company.

sto ck mar|ket ◆◇◇ (stock markets ) N‑COUNT The stock market consists of the general activity of buying stocks and shares, and the people and institutions that organize it. [BUSINESS ] □� The company's shares promptly fell by 300 lire on the stock market.

sto ck op|tion (stock options ) N‑COUNT A stock option is an opportunity for the employees of a company to buy shares at a special price. [AM , BUSINESS ] □� He made a huge profit from shares purchased under the company's stock option program. in BRIT use share option

stock|pile /stɒ kpa I l/ (stockpiles , stockpiling , stockpiled )

1 VERB If people stockpile things such as food or weapons, they store large quantities of them for future use. □�[V n] People are stockpiling food for the coming winter.

2 N‑COUNT A stockpileof things is a large quantity of them that have been stored for future use. □�[+�of ] The two leaders also approved treaties to cut stockpiles of chemical weapons.

stock|room /stɒ kruːm/ (stockrooms ) also stock-room N‑COUNT A stockroom is a room, especially in a shop or a factory, where a stock of goods is kept.

sto ck-sti ll ADJ [ADJ after v] If someone stands or sits stock-still , they do not move at all. □� The lieutenant stopped and stood stock-still.

stock|taking /stɒ kte I k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Stocktaking is the activity of counting and checking all the goods that a shop or business has. [BUSINESS ]

stocky /stɒ ki/ (stockier , stockiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stocky person has a body that is broad, solid, and often short.

stodgy /stɒ dʒi/ (stodgier , stodgiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Stodgy food is very solid and heavy. It makes you feel very full, and is difficult to digest. □� He was disgusted with the stodgy pizzas on sale in London.

sto|gie /stoʊ gi/ (stogies ) N‑COUNT A stogie is a long thin cigar. [AM ]

sto|ic /stoʊ I k/ (stoics )

1 ADJ Stoic means the same as stoical . [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� They tried to be as stoic as their parents in this tragic situation.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a stoic , you approve of them because they do not complain or show they are upset in bad situations. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ]

stoi|cal /stoʊ I k ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone behaves in a stoical way, you approve of them because they do not complain or show they are upset in bad situations. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� He never made excuses, maintaining a stoical silence. ●� stoi|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She put up with it all stoically.

stoi|cism /stoʊ I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Stoicism is stoical behaviour. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� They bore their plight with stoicism and fortitude.

stoke /stoʊ k/ (stokes , stoking , stoked )

1 VERB If you stoke a fire, you add coal or wood to it to keep it burning. □�[V n] She was stoking the stove with sticks of maple. ●�PHRASAL VERB Stoke up means the same as stoke . □�[V P n] He stoked up the fire in the hearth.

2 VERB If you stoke something such as a feeling, you cause it to be felt more strongly. □�[V n] These demands are helping to stoke fears of civil war. ●�PHRASAL VERB Stoke up means the same as stoke . □�[V P n] He has sent his proposals in the hope of stoking up interest for the idea.

stok|er /stoʊ kə r / (stokers ) N‑COUNT In former times a stoker was a person whose job was to stoke fires, especially on a ship or a steam train.

stole /stoʊ l/ (stoles ) Stole is the past tense of steal .

sto|len /stoʊ l ə n/ Stolen is the past participle of steal .

stol|id /stɒ l I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as stolid , you mean that they do not show much emotion or are not very exciting or interesting. □� He glanced furtively at the stolid faces of the two detectives.

stom|ach ◆◇◇ /stʌ mək/ (stomachs , stomaching , stomached )

1 N‑COUNT Your stomach is the organ inside your body where food is digested before it moves into the intestines. □� He had an upset stomach. □� My stomach is completely full.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] You can refer to the front part of your body below your waist as your stomach . □� The children lay down on their stomachs. □� �stomach muscles.

3 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] If the front part of your body below your waist feels uncomfortable because you are feeling worried or frightened, you can refer to it as your stomach . □� His stomach was in knots.

4 N‑COUNT If you say that someone has a strong stomach , you mean that they are not disgusted by things that disgust most other people. □� Surgery often demands actual physical strength, as well as the possession of a strong stomach.

5 VERB If you cannot stomach something, you cannot accept it because you dislike it or disapprove of it. □�[V n/v-ing] I could never stomach the cruelty involved in the wounding of animals.

6 PHRASE If you do something on an empty stomach , you do it without having eaten. □� Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.

7 PHRASE If you say that something turns your stomach or makes your stomach turn , you mean that it is so unpleasant or offensive that it makes you feel sick. □� The true facts will turn your stomach.

8butterflies in your stomach →�see butterfly COLLOCATIONS stomach NOUN

1

adjective +�stomach : bloated, distended; empty; queasy, upset; cast-iron

stomach+�verb : growl, rumble

verb +�stomach : upset

2

adjective +�stomach : flat; six-pack, washboard; bloated, distended, swollen

3

stomach+�verb : churn, flip, lurch

sto m|ach ache (stomach aches ) also stomachache N‑VAR If you have a stomach-ache , you have a pain in your stomach.

sto mach-churning ADJ If you describe something as stomach-churning , you mean that it is so unpleasant that it makes you feel physically sick. □� The stench from rotting food is stomach-churning.

sto |mach sta |pling N‑UNCOUNT Stomach stapling is an operation in which part of the stomach is removed in order to help a person to eat less and lose weight. [MEDICAL ] □� The most popular method of surgical weight loss is the stomach stapling operation.

stomp /stɒ mp/ (stomps , stomping , stomped ) VERB If you stomp somewhere, you walk there with very heavy steps, often because you are angry. □�[V prep/adv] He stomped out of the room.

stone ◆◆◇ /stoʊ n/ (stones , stoning , stoned ) The plural is usually stone in meaning 10 . 1 N‑VAR Stone is a hard solid substance found in the ground and often used for building houses. □� He could not tell whether the floor was wood or stone. □� �stone walls.

2 N‑COUNT A stone is a small piece of rock that is found on the ground. □� He removed a stone from his shoe.

3 N‑COUNT A stone is a large piece of stone put somewhere in memory of a person or event, or as a religious symbol. □� The monument consists of a circle of gigantic stones.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Stone is used in expressions such as set in stone and tablets of stone to suggest that an idea or rule is firm and fixed, and cannot be changed. □� Scientific opinions are not carved on tablets of stone; they change over the years.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a jewel as a stone . □� �a diamond ring with three stones.

6 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A stone is a small hard ball of minerals and other substances which sometimes forms in a person's kidneys or gall bladder. □� He had kidney stones.

7 N‑COUNT The stone in a plum, cherry, or other fruit is the large hard seed in the middle of it. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use pit8 VERB If you stone a fruit, you remove its stone. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] Then stone the fruit and process the plums to a puree. in AM, usually use pit9 VERB If people stone someone or something, they throw stones at them. □�[be V -ed] A post office was set on fire and vehicles were stoned by looters.

10 N‑COUNT A stone is a measurement of weight, especially the weight of a person, equal to 14 pounds or 6.35 kilograms. [BRIT ] □� I weighed around 16 stone.

11 →�see also stoned , foundation stone , paving stone , precious stone , stepping stone

12 PHRASE If you say that one place is a stone's throwfrom another, you mean that the places are close to each other. □� �a two-bedroom apartment just a stone's throw from the beach. □� Just a stone's throw away is the City Art Gallery.

13 PHRASE If you say that you will leave no stone unturned , you are emphasizing that you will try every way you can think of in order to achieve what you want. [EMPHASIS ] □� He said he would leave no stone unturned in the search for peace.

14to kill two birds with one stone →�see bird

Sto ne Age N‑PROPER The Stone Age is a very early period of human history, when people used tools and weapons made of stone, not metal.

sto ne-co ld

1 ADJ If something that should be warm is stone-cold , it is very cold. □� Hillsden took a sip of tea, but it was stone cold.

2 PHRASE If someone is stone-cold sober , they are not drunk at all. [INFORMAL ]

stoned /stoʊ nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is stoned , their mind is greatly affected by a drug such as cannabis. [INFORMAL ]

sto ne-dea d PHRASE If you kill something such as an idea or emotion stone-dead , you completely destroy it. [EMPHASIS ] □� Any idea of saving money had been killed stone dead.

sto ne dea f also stone-deaf ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is stone deaf cannot hear at all.

sto ne-ground also stoneground ADJ [usu ADJ n] Stone-ground flour or bread is made from grain that has been crushed between two large, heavy pieces of stone.

stone|mason /stoʊ nme I s ə n/ (stonemasons ) N‑COUNT A stonemason is a person who is skilled at cutting and preparing stone so that it can be used for walls and buildings.

stone|wall /stoʊ nwɔː l, [AM ] -wɔːl/ (stonewalls , stonewalling , stonewalled ) VERB If you say that someone stonewalls , you disapprove of them because they delay giving a clear answer or making a clear decision, often because there is something that they want to hide or avoid doing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] The administration is just stonewalling in an attempt to hide their political embarrassment. [Also V on n] ●� stone|wall|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� After 18 days of stonewalling, he at last came out and faced the issue.

stone|ware /stoʊ nweə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Stoneware is hard clay pottery which is baked at a high temperature. □� �hand-painted blue-and-white stoneware.

sto ne-washed also stonewashed ADJ Stone-washed jeans are jeans which have been specially washed with small pieces of stone so that when you buy them they are fairly pale and soft.

stone|work /stoʊ nwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Stonework consists of objects or parts of a building that are made of stone. □� �the crumbling stonework of the derelict church.

stony /stoʊ ni/ (stonier , stoniest )

1 ADJ Stony ground is rough and contains a lot of stones. □� The steep, stony ground is well drained. □� �a stony track.

2 ADJ A stony expression or attitude does not show any sympathy or friendliness. □� He drove us home in stony silence.

stood /stʊ d/ Stood is the past tense and past participle of stand .

stooge /stuː dʒ/ (stooges ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a stooge , you are criticizing them because they are used by someone else to do unpleasant or dishonest tasks. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He has vehemently rejected claims that he is a government stooge.

stool /stuː l/ (stools )

1 N‑COUNT A stool is a seat with legs but no support for your arms or back. □� O'Brien sat on a bar stool and leaned his elbows on the counter.

2 PHRASE If someone has fallen between two stools , they are unable to decide which of two courses of action to take and as a result they have not done either of them successfully.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Stools are the pieces of solid waste matter that are passed out of a person's body through their bowels. [mainly MEDICAL ]

stoop /stuː p/ (stoops , stooping , stooped )

1 VERB If you stoop , you stand or walk with your shoulders bent forwards. □�[V ] She was taller than he was and stooped slightly. ●�N‑SING Stoop is also a noun. □� He was a tall, thin fellow with a slight stoop. ●� stoop|ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �a slender slightly stooping American.

2 VERB If you stoop , you bend your body forwards and downwards. □�[V ] He stooped to pick up the carrier bag of groceries. □�[V +�over ] Two men in shirt sleeves stooped over the car. □�[V down/over ] Stooping down, he picked up a big stone and hurled it.

3 VERB If you say that a person stoopsto doing something, you are criticizing them because they do something wrong or immoral that they would not normally do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�to ] He had not, until recently, stooped to personal abuse. □�[V adj] How could anyone stoop so low?

4 N‑COUNT A stoop is a small platform at the door of a building, with steps leading up to it. [AM ] □� They stood together on the stoop and rang the bell.

stop ◆◆◆ /stɒ p/ (stops , stopping , stopped )

1 VERB If you have been doing something and then you stop doing it, you no longer do it. □�[V v-ing] He can't stop thinking about it. □�[V v-ing] I've been told to lose weight and stop smoking. □�[V v-ing] I stopped working last year to have a baby. □�[V n] Does either of the parties want to stop the fighting? □�[V ] She stopped in mid-sentence.

2 VERB If you stop something happening, you prevent it from happening or prevent it from continuing. □�[V n] He proposed a new diplomatic initiative to try to stop the war. □�[be V -ed] If the fire isn't stopped, it could spread to 25,000 acres. □�[V n v-ing] I think she really would have liked to stop us seeing each other. □�[V n +�from ] Motherhood won't stop me from pursuing my acting career.

3 VERB If an activity or process stops , it is no longer happening. □�[V ] The rain had stopped and a star or two was visible over the mountains. □�[V ] The system overheated and filming had to stop.

4 VERB If something such as machine stops or is stopped , it is no longer moving or working. □�[V ] The clock had stopped at 2.12 a.m. □�[V n] Arnold stopped the engine and got out of the car.

5 VERB When a moving person or vehicle stops or is stopped , they no longer move and they remain in the same place. □�[V ] The car failed to stop at an army checkpoint. □�[V ] He stopped and let her catch up with him. □�[V n] The event literally stopped the traffic.

6 N‑SING If something that is moving comes to a stop or is brought to a stop , it slows down and no longer moves. □� People often wrongly open doors before the train has come to a stop. □� He slowed the car almost to a stop.

7 VERB If someone does not stopto think or to explain, they continue with what they are doing without taking any time to think about or explain it. □�[V to-inf] She doesn't stop to think about what she's saying. □�[V to-inf] There is something rather strange about all this if one stops to consider it. □�[V ] People who lead busy lives have no time to stop and reflect.

8 VERB If you say that a quality or state stops somewhere, you mean that it exists or is true up to that point, but no further. □�[V adv] The cafe owner has put up 'no smoking' signs, but thinks his responsibility stops there.

9 N‑COUNT A stop is a place where buses or trains regularly stop so that people can get on and off. □� They waited at a bus stop.

10 VERB If you stop somewhere on a journey, you stay there for a short while. □�[V prep/adv] He insisted we stop at a small restaurant just outside of Atlanta.

11 N‑COUNT A stop is a time or place at which you stop during a journey. □� The last stop in Mr Cook's lengthy tour was Paris.

12 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In music, organ stops are the knobs at the side of the organ, which you pull or push in order to control the type of sound that comes out of the pipes.

13 PHRASE If you say that someone will stop at nothingto get something, you are emphasizing that they are willing to do things that are extreme, wrong, or dangerous in order to get it. [EMPHASIS ] □� Their motive is money, and they will stop at nothing to get it.

14 PHRASE If you pull out all the stops , you do everything you can to make something happen or succeed. □� New Zealand police vowed yesterday to pull out all the stops to find the killer.

15 PHRASE If you put a stop to something that you do not like or approve of, you prevent it from happening or continuing. □� His daughter should have stood up and put a stop to all these rumours.

16 PHRASE If you say that someone does not know when to stop , you mean that they do not control their own behaviour very well and so they often annoy or upset other people. □� Like many politicians before him, Mr Bentley did not know when to stop.

17to stop dead →�see dead

18to stop short of →�see short ➊

19to stop someone in their tracks →�see track

▸� stop by PHRASAL VERB If you stop by somewhere, you make a short visit to a person or place. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Perhaps I'll stop by the hospital. □�[V P ] I'll stop by to see Leigh before going home.

▸� stop off PHRASAL VERB If you stop off somewhere, you stop for a short time in the middle of a journey. □�[V P ] She stopped off in Poland on her way to Munich.

stop|cock /stɒ pkɒk/ (stopcocks ) N‑COUNT A stopcock is a tap on a pipe, which you turn in order to allow something to pass through the pipe or to stop it from passing through.

stop|gap /stɒ pg�p/ (stopgaps ) N‑COUNT A stopgap is something that serves a purpose for a short time, but is replaced as soon as possible. □� Gone are the days when work was just a stopgap between leaving school and getting married.

sto p-go in AM, also use stop-and-go ADJ [usu ADJ n] Stop-go is used to describe processes in which there are periods of inactivity between periods of activity. □� �stop-go economic cycles.

stop|light /stɒ pla I t/ (stoplights ) also stop light

1 N‑COUNT A stoplight is a set of coloured lights which controls the flow of traffic on a road. [AM ] in BRIT, use traffic light2 N‑COUNT The stoplights on a car or other vehicle are the two red lights at the back. [AM ] in BRIT, use tail-lights

stop|over /stɒ poʊvə r / (stopovers ) N‑COUNT A stopover is a short stay in a place in between parts of a journey. □� The Sunday flights will make a stopover in Paris.

stop|page /stɒ p I dʒ/ (stoppages )

1 N‑COUNT When there is a stoppage , people stop working because of a disagreement with their employers. [BUSINESS ] □� Mineworkers in the Ukraine have voted for a one-day stoppage next month.

2 N‑COUNT In football and some other sports, when there is a stoppage , the game stops for a short time, for example because a player is injured. The referee may add some extra time at the end of the game because of this. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use time out

stop|per /stɒ pə r / (stoppers )

1 N‑COUNT A stopper is a piece of glass, plastic, or cork that fits into the top of a bottle or jar to close it. □� �a bottle of colourless liquid sealed with a cork stopper.

2 →�see also showstopper

sto p pre ssStop press is sometimes printed next to an article in a newspaper to indicate that this is very recent news and was added after the rest of the newspaper had been printed. [BRIT ] □� STOP PRESS: The Government has called a snap election.

stop|watch /stɒ pwɒtʃ/ (stopwatches ) also stop-watch N‑COUNT A stopwatch is a watch with buttons which you press at the beginning and end of an event, so that you can measure exactly how long it takes.

stor|age /stɔː r I dʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the storage of something, you mean that it is kept in a special place until it is needed. □�[+�of ] �the storage of toxic waste. □� Some of the space will at first be used for storage. □� The collection has been in storage for decades.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Storage is the process of storing data in a computer. □�[+�of ] His task is to ensure the fair use and storage of personal information held on computer.

3 →�see also cold storage

store ◆◆◇ /stɔː r / (stores , storing , stored )

1 N‑COUNT A store is a building or part of a building where things are sold. In British English, store is used mainly to refer to a large shop selling a variety of goods, but in American English a store can be any size of shop. □� �grocery stores. □� �a record store.

2 VERB When you store things, you put them in a container or other place and leave them there until they are needed. □�[V n prep/adv] Store the cookies in an airtight tin. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Some types of garden furniture must be stored inside in the winter. [Also V n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Store away means the same as store . □�[V n P ] I took a photograph of the plaque and stored it away. □�[V P n] He's stored away nearly one ton of potatoes.

3 VERB When you store information, you keep it in your memory, in a file, or in a computer. □�[V n] Where in the brain do we store information about colours? □�[V n] �chips for storing data in electronic equipment.

4 N‑COUNT A storeof things is a supply of them that you keep somewhere until you need them. □�[+�of ] I handed over my secret store of chocolate biscuits.

5 N‑COUNT A store is a place where things are kept while they are not being used. □�[+�for ] �a decision taken in 1982 to build a store for spent fuel from submarines. □� �a grain store.

6 N‑COUNT If you have a storeof knowledge, jokes, or stories, you have a large amount of them ready to be used. □�[+�of ] He possessed a vast store of knowledge.

7 →�see also chain store , cold store , department store

8 PHRASE If something is in storefor you, it is going to happen at some time in the future. □� There were also surprises in store for me. □� Who knows what lies in store for the President?

9 PHRASE If you set great store by something, you think that it is extremely important or necessary. [FORMAL ] □� �a retail group which sets great store by traditional values.

▸� store away →�see store2

▸� store up PHRASAL VERB If you store something up , you keep it until you think that the time is right to use it. □�[V P n] Investors were storing up a lot of cash in anticipation of disaster. [Also V n P ]

store|card /stɔː r kɑː r d/ (storecards ) also store card N‑COUNT A storecard is a plastic card that you use to buy goods on credit from a particular store or group of stores. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use charge card

sto re de|te c|tive (store detectives ) N‑COUNT A store detective is someone who is employed by a shop to walk around the shop looking for people who are secretly stealing goods.

store|front /stɔː r frʌnt/ (storefronts )

1 N‑COUNT A storefront is the outside part of a shop which faces the street, including the door and windows. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use shop front2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A storefront is a small shop or office that opens onto the street and is part of a row of shops or offices. [AM ] □� �a tiny storefront office on the main street.

store|house /stɔː r haʊs/ (storehouses ) N‑COUNT A storehouse is a building in which things, usually food, are stored.

store|keeper /stɔː r kiːpə r / (storekeepers ) N‑COUNT A storekeeper is a shopkeeper. [mainly AM ]

store|room /stɔː ruːm/ (storerooms ) N‑COUNT A storeroom is a room in which you keep things until they are needed. □� �a storeroom filled with massive old furniture covered with dust.

sto|rey /stɔː ri/ (storeys ) in AM, use story N‑COUNT A storey of a building is one of its different levels, which is situated above or below other levels. □� �the upper storeys of the Empire State Building.

-storey /-stɔː ri/ in AM, use -story1 COMB -storey is used after numbers to form adjectives that indicate that a building has a particular number of floors or levels. □� �a modern three-storey building.

2 →�see also multi-storey

-storeyed /-stɔː rid/ in AM, use -storied COMB -storeyed means the same as -storey . □� The streets were lined with two-storeyed houses.

stork /stɔː r k/ (storks ) N‑COUNT A stork is a large bird with a long beak and long legs, which lives near water.

storm ◆◇◇ /stɔː r m/ (storms , storming , stormed )

1 N‑COUNT A storm is very bad weather, with heavy rain, strong winds, and often thunder and lightning. □� �the violent storms which whipped America's East Coast.

2 N‑COUNT If something causes a storm , it causes an angry or excited reaction from a large number of people. □� The photos caused a storm when they were first published. □�[+�of ] �the storm of publicity that Richard's book had generated.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A stormof applause or other noise is a sudden loud amount of it made by an audience or other group of people in reaction to something. □�[+�of ] His speech was greeted with a storm of applause.

4 VERB If you storminto or out of a place, you enter or leave it quickly and noisily, because you are angry. □�[V adv/prep] He stormed into an office, demanding to know where the head of department was.

5 VERB If a place that is being defended is stormed , a group of people attack it, usually in order to get inside it. □�[be V -ed] Government buildings have been stormed and looted. □�[V n] The refugees decided to storm the embassy. ●� storm|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the storming of the Bastille.

6 →�see also firestorm

7 PHRASE If someone or something takes a place by storm , they are extremely successful. □� Kenya's long distance runners have taken the athletics world by storm.

8 PHRASE If someone weathers the storm , they succeed in reaching the end of a very difficult period without much harm or damage. □� He insists he will not resign and will weather the storm.

9a storm in a teacup →�see teacup

sto rm cloud (storm clouds ) also stormcloud

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Storm clouds are the dark clouds which are seen before a storm.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can use storm clouds to refer to a sign that something very unpleasant is going to happen. [FORMAL ] □� Over the past three weeks, the storm clouds have gathered again over the government.

sto rm troop|er (storm troopers ) also stormtrooper N‑COUNT Storm troopers were members of a private Nazi army who were well-known for being violent.

stormy /stɔː r mi/ (stormier , stormiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is stormy weather, there are strong winds and heavy rain. □� It had been a night of stormy weather, with torrential rain and high winds.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Stormy seas have very large strong waves because there are strong winds. □� They make the treacherous journey across stormy seas.

3 ADJ If you describe a situation as stormy , you mean it involves a lot of angry argument or criticism. □� The letter was read at a stormy meeting.

sto|ry ◆◆◆ /stɔː ri/ (stories )

1 N‑COUNT A story is a description of imaginary people and events, which is written or told in order to entertain. □� I shall tell you a story about four little rabbits. □� �a popular love story with a happy ending.

2 N‑COUNT A story is a description of an event or something that happened to someone, especially a spoken description of it. □� The parents all shared interesting stories about their children. □� Isak's story is typical of a child who has a specific learning disability.

3 N‑COUNT The storyof something is a description of all the important things that have happened to it since it began. □�[+�of ] �the story of the women's movement in Ireland.

4 N‑COUNT If someone invents a story , they give a false explanation or account of something. □� He invented some story about a cousin.

5 N‑COUNT A news story is a piece of news in a newspaper or in a news broadcast. □� Those are some of the top stories in the news. □� They'll do anything for a story. □� �front-page news stories.

6 →�see storey , -storey

7 →�see also cock-and-bull story , short story , sob story , success story , tall story

8 PHRASE In British English, you use to cut a long story short to indicate that you are going to state the final result of an event and not give any more details. In American English, you say to make a long story short . □� To cut a long story short, I ended up as managing director.

9 PHRASE You use a different story to refer to a situation, usually a bad one, which exists in one set of circumstances when you have mentioned that it does not exist in another set of circumstances. □� Where Marcella lives, rents are cheap, but further north it's a different story.

10 PHRASE If you say it's the same old story or it's the old story , you mean that something unpleasant or undesirable seems to happen again and again. □� It's the same old story. They want one person to do three people's jobs.

11 PHRASE If you say that something is only part of the story or is not the whole story , you mean that the explanation or information given is not enough for a situation to be fully understood. □� This may be true but it is only part of the story. □� Jane goes to great lengths to explain that this is not the whole story.

12 PHRASE If someone tells you their side of the story , they tell you why they behaved in a particular way and why they think they were right, when other people think that person behaved wrongly. □� He had already made up his mind before even hearing her side of the story.

story|board /stɔː ribɔː r d/ (storyboards ) N‑COUNT A storyboard is a set of pictures which show what will happen in something such as a film or advertisement that is being planned.

story|book /stɔː ribʊk/ (storybooks ) N‑COUNT A storybook is a book of stories for children.

story|line /stɔː rila I n/ (storylines ) N‑COUNT The storyline of a book, film, or play is its story and the way in which it develops. □� The surprise twists in the storyline are the film's greatest strength.

story|teller /stɔː ritelə r / (storytellers ) also story-teller N‑COUNT A storyteller is someone who tells or writes stories. □� He was the one who first set down the stories of the Celtic storytellers.

story|telling /stɔː ritel I ŋ/ also story-telling N‑UNCOUNT Storytelling is the activity of telling or writing stories. □� The programme is 90 minutes of dynamic Indian folk dance, live music and storytelling.

stout /staʊ t/ (stouter , stoutest )

1 ADJ A stout person is rather fat. □� He was a tall, stout man with gray hair.

2 ADJ Stout shoes, branches, or other objects are thick and strong. □� I hope you've both got stout shoes. □� �a stout oak door.

3 ADJ If you use stout to describe someone's actions, attitudes, or beliefs, you approve of them because they are strong and determined. [APPROVAL ] □� He produced a stout defence of the car business. ●� stout|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� She stoutly defended her boss during the trial. □� �stoutly anti-imperialist nations.

stove /stoʊ v/ (stoves ) N‑COUNT A stove is a piece of equipment which provides heat, either for cooking or for heating a room. □� She put the kettle on the gas stove.

stow /stoʊ / (stows , stowing , stowed ) VERB If you stow something somewhere, you carefully put it there until it is needed. □�[V n prep/adv] I helped her stow her bags in the boot of the car. [Also V n]

▸� stow away PHRASAL VERB If someone stows away , they hide in a ship, aeroplane, or other vehicle in order to make a journey secretly or without paying. □�[V P ] He stowed away on a ferry and landed in North Shields.

stow|age /stoʊ I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Stowage is the space that is available for stowing things on a ship or aeroplane. □� Stowage is provided in lined lockers beneath the berths.

stow|away /stoʊ əwe I / (stowaways ) N‑COUNT A stowaway is a person who hides in a ship, aeroplane, or other vehicle in order to make a journey secretly or without paying. □� The crew discovered the stowaway about two days into their voyage.

strad|dle /str� d ə l/ (straddles , straddling , straddled )

1 VERB If you straddle something, you put or have one leg on either side of it. □�[V n] He sat down, straddling the chair.

2 VERB If something straddles a river, road, border, or other place, it stretches across it or exists on both sides of it. □�[V n] A small wooden bridge straddled the dike. □�[V n] Salcey Forest straddles the Buckingham-Northamptonshire border.

3 VERB Someone or something that straddles different periods, groups, or fields of activity exists in, belongs to, or takes elements from them all. □�[V n] She's a writer who straddles two genres - she writes online games as well as literary novels.

strafe /stre I f/ (strafes , strafing , strafed ) VERB To strafe an enemy means to attack them with a lot of bombs or bullets from a low-flying aircraft. □�[V n] It seemed that the plane was going to swoop down and strafe the town, so we dived for cover.

strag|gle /str� g ə l/ (straggles , straggling , straggled )

1 VERB If people straggle somewhere, they move there slowly, in small groups with large, irregular gaps between them. □�[V prep/adv] They came straggling up the cliff road.

2 VERB If a small quantity of things straggle over an area, they cover it in an uneven or untidy way. □�[V prep] Her grey hair straggled in wisps about her face. □�[V -ing] They were beyond the last straggling suburbs now.

strag|gler /str� gələ r / (stragglers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The stragglers are the people in a group who are moving more slowly or making less progress than the others. □� There were two stragglers twenty yards back.

strag|gly /str� gəli/ ADJ Straggly hair or a straggly plant is thin and grows or spreads out untidily in different directions. □� Her long fair hair was knotted and straggly.

straight ◆◆◇ /stre I t/ (straighter , straightest , straights )

1 ADJ A straight line or edge continues in the same direction and does not bend or curve. □� Keep the boat in a straight line. □� Using the straight edge as a guide, trim the cloth to size. □� There wasn't a single straight wall in the building. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Straight is also an adverb. □� Stand straight and stretch the left hand to the right foot.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Straight hair has no curls or waves in it. □� Grace had long straight dark hair which she wore in a bun.

3 ADV You use straight to indicate that the way from one place to another is very direct, with no changes of direction. □� The ball fell straight to the feet of the striker. □� He finished his conversation and stood up, looking straight at me. □� Straight ahead were the low cabins of the motel.

4 ADV If you go straight to a place, you go there immediately. □� As always, we went straight to the experts for advice.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] If you give someone a straight answer, you answer them clearly and honestly. □� What a shifty arguer he is, refusing ever to give a straight answer. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Straight is also an adverb. □� I lost my temper and told him straight that I hadn't been looking for any job.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] Straight means following one after the other, with no gaps or intervals. □� They'd won 12 straight games before they lost. ●�ADV [n ADV ] Straight is also an adverb. □� He called from Weddington, having been there for 31 hours straight.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] A straight choice or a straight fight involves only two people or things. □� It's a straight choice between low-paid jobs and no jobs.

8 ADJ If you describe someone as straight , you mean that they are normal and conventional, for example in their opinions and in the way they live. □� Dorothy was described as a very straight woman, a very strict Christian who was married to her job.

9 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as straight , you mean that they are heterosexual rather than homosexual. [INFORMAL ] □� His sexual orientation was a lot more gay than straight. ●�N‑COUNT Straight is also a noun. □� �a standard of sexual conduct that applies equally to gays and straights.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] A straight drink, especially an alcoholic drink, has not had another liquid such as water added to it. □� �a large straight whiskey without ice.

11 N‑COUNT On a racetrack, a straight is a section of the track that is straight, rather than curved. □� I went to overtake him on the back straight on the last lap.

12 →�see also home stretch

13 PHRASE If you get something straight , you make sure that you understand it properly or that someone else does. [SPOKEN ] □� Let's get things straight. I didn't lunch with her.

14 PHRASE If a criminal is going straight , they are no longer involved in crime.

15 PHRASE If something keeps people on the straight and narrow , it helps to keep them living an honest or healthy life. □� All her efforts to keep him on the straight and narrow have been rewarded.

16a straight face →�see face ➊

17to set the record straight →�see record

strai ght a r|row (straight arrows ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A straight arrow is someone who is very traditional, honest, and moral. [mainly AM ] □� �a well-scrubbed, straight-arrow group of young people.

strai ght awa y also straightaway ADV [ADV with v] If you do something straight away , you do it immediately and without delay. □� I should go and see a doctor straight away.

straight|en /stre I t ə n/ (straightens , straightening , straightened )

1 VERB If you straighten something, you make it tidy or put it in its proper position. □�[V n] She sipped her coffee and straightened a picture on the wall. □�[V n] �tidying, straightening cushions and organising magazines.

2 VERB If you are standing in a relaxed or slightly bent position and then you straighten , you make your back or body straight and upright. □�[V ] The three men straightened and stood waiting. ●�PHRASAL VERB Straighten up means the same as straighten . □�[V P ] He straightened up and slipped his hands in his pockets.

3 VERB If you straighten something, or it straightens , it becomes straight. □�[V n] Straighten both legs until they are fully extended. □�[V ] The road straightened and we were on a plateau. ●�PHRASAL VERB Straighten out means the same as straighten . □�[V P n] No one would dream of straightening out the knobbly spire at Empingham Church. □�[V P ] The road twisted its way up the mountain then straightened out for the last two hundred yards. [Also V n P ]

▸� straighten out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you straighten out a confused situation, you succeed in getting it organized and tidied up. □�[V P n] He would make an appointment with him to straighten out a couple of things. □�[V n P ] My sister had come in with her calm common sense and straightened them out.

2 →�see straighten3

▸� straighten up →�see straighten2

strai ght-fa ced ADJ [usu ADJ n, ADJ after v] A straight-faced person appears not to be amused in a funny situation. □� �a straight-faced, humourless character. □� 'Whatever gives you that idea?' she replied straight-faced.

straight|forward /stre I tfɔː r wə r d/

1 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you describe something as straightforward , you approve of it because it is easy to do or understand. [APPROVAL ] □� Disposable nappies are fairly straightforward to put on. □� The question seemed straightforward enough.

2 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as straightforward , you approve of them because they are honest and direct, and do not try to hide their feelings. [APPROVAL ] □� She is very blunt, very straightforward and very honest.

strai ght-la ced →�see strait-laced

strain ◆◇◇ /stre I n/ (strains , straining , strained )

1 N‑VAR [oft under N ] If strain is put on an organization or system, it has to do more than it is able to do. □� The prison service is already under considerable strain. □�[+�on ] The vast expansion in secondary education is putting an enormous strain on the system.

2 VERB To strain something means to make it do more than it is able to do. □�[V n] The volume of scheduled flights is straining the air traffic control system.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Strain is a state of worry and tension caused by a difficult situation. □� She was tired and under great strain. □� �the stresses and strains of a busy and demanding career.

4 N‑SING If you say that a situation is a strain , you mean that it makes you worried and tense. □� I sometimes find it a strain to be responsible for the mortgage.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Strain is a force that pushes, pulls, or stretches something in a way that may damage it. □� Place your hands under your buttocks to take some of the strain off your back.

6 N‑VAR [usu n N ] Strain is an injury to a muscle in your body, caused by using the muscle too much or twisting it. □� Avoid muscle strain by warming up with slow jogging.

7 VERB If you strain a muscle, you injure it by using it too much or twisting it. □�[V n] He strained his back during a practice session.

8 VERB If you strainto do something, you make a great effort to do it when it is difficult to do. □�[V to-inf] I had to strain to hear. □�[V n] They strained their eyes, but saw nothing.

9 VERB When you strain food, you separate the liquid part of it from the solid parts. □�[V n] Strain the stock and put it back into the pan.

10 N‑SING You can use strain to refer to a particular quality in someone's character, remarks, or work. □� There was a strain of bitterness in his voice. □� �this cynical strain in the book.

11 N‑COUNT A strainof a germ, plant, or other organism is a particular type of it. □�[+�of ] Every year new strains of influenza develop.

12 →�see also eye strain , repetitive strain injury

strained /stre I nd/

1 ADJ If someone's appearance, voice, or behaviour is strained , they seem worried and nervous. □� Gil sensed something wrong from her father's strained voice.

2 ADJ If relations between people are strained , those people do not like or trust each other. □� �a period of strained relations between the prime minister and his deputy.

strain|er /stre I nə r / (strainers ) N‑COUNT A strainer is an object with holes which you pour a liquid through in order to separate the liquid from the solids in it. □� Pour the broth through a strainer. □� �a tea strainer.

strait /stre I t/ (straits )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a narrow strip of sea which joins two large areas of sea as a strait or thestraits . □� An estimated 1600 vessels pass through the strait annually. □� �the Straits of Gibraltar.

2 N‑PLURAL [adj N ] If someone is in dire or desperate straits , they are in a very difficult situation, usually because they do not have much money. □� The company's closure has left many small businessmen in desperate financial straits.

strait|ened /stre I t ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone is living in straitened circumstances, they do not have as much money as they used to, and are finding it very hard to buy or pay for everything that they need. [FORMAL ] □� His father died when he was ten, leaving the family in straitened circumstances.

strait|jacket /stre I tdʒ�k I t/ (straitjackets )

1 N‑COUNT A straitjacket is a special jacket used to tie the arms of a violent person tightly around their body.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe an idea or a situation as a straitjacket , you mean that it is very limited and restricting. □� The national curriculum must be a guide, not a straitjacket.

strai t-la ced also straight-laced , straitlaced ADJ If you describe someone as strait-laced , you disapprove of them because they have very strict views about what kind of behaviour is moral or acceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was criticised for being boring, strait-laced and narrow-minded.

strand /str� nd/ (strands , stranding , stranded )

1 N‑COUNT A strandof something such as hair, wire, or thread is a single thin piece of it. □�[+�of ] She tried to blow a gray strand of hair from her eyes. □�[+�of ] �high fences, topped by strands of barbed-wire.

2 N‑COUNT A strand of a plan or theory is a part of it. □� There had been two strands to his tactics. □� He's trying to bring together various strands of radical philosophic thought.

3 VERB If you are stranded , you are prevented from leaving a place, for example because of bad weather. □�[be V -ed] The climbers had been stranded by a storm.

strange ◆◆◇ /stre I ndʒ/ (stranger , strangest )

1 ADJ Something that is strange is unusual or unexpected, and makes you feel slightly nervous or afraid. □� Then a strange thing happened. □� There was something strange about the flickering blue light. □� It's strange how things turn out. ●� strange|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� She noticed he was acting strangely. □� The hut suddenly seemed strangely silent. ●� strange|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the breathy strangeness of the music.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A strange place is one that you have never been to before. A strange person is someone that you have never met before. □� I ended up alone in a strange city. □� She was faced with a new job, in unfamiliar surroundings with strange people.

3 →�see also stranger

strange|ly /stre I ndʒli/

1 ADV You use strangely to emphasize that what you are saying is surprising. [EMPHASIS ] □� Strangely, the race didn't start until 8.15pm. □� No, strangely enough, this is not the case.

2 →�see also strange

stran|ger /stre I ndʒə r / (strangers )

1 N‑COUNT A stranger is someone you have never met before. □� Telling a complete stranger about your life is difficult. □� Sometimes I feel like I'm living with a stranger.

2 N‑PLURAL If two people are strangers , they do not know each other. □� The women knew nothing of the dead girl. They were strangers.

3 N‑COUNT If you are a stranger in a place, you do not know the place well. □� 'You don't know much about our town, do you?'�'No, I'm a stranger here.'

4 N‑COUNT If you are a strangerto something, you have had no experience of it or do not understand it. □�[+�to ] He is no stranger to controversy. □�[+�to ] We were both strangers to diplomatic life.

5 →�see also strange

stran|gle /str� ŋg ə l/ (strangles , strangling , strangled )

1 VERB To strangle someone means to kill them by squeezing their throat tightly so that they cannot breathe. □�[V n] He tried to strangle a border policeman and steal his gun.

2 VERB To strangle something means to prevent it from succeeding or developing. □�[V n] The country's economic plight is strangling its scientific institutions.

stran|gled /str� ŋg ə ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] A strangled voice or cry sounds unclear because the throat muscles of the person speaking or crying are tight. [LITERARY ] □� In a strangled voice he said, 'This place is going to be unthinkable without you.'

strangle|hold /str� ŋg ə lhoʊld/ N‑SING To have a strangleholdon something means to have control over it and prevent it from being free or from developing. □� These companies are determined to keep a stranglehold on the banana industry.

stran|gu|la|tion /str� ŋgjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Strangulation is the act of killing someone by squeezing their throat tightly so that they cannot breathe. □�[+�of ] He is charged with the strangulation of two students.

strap /str� p/ (straps , strapping , strapped )

1 N‑COUNT A strap is a narrow piece of leather, cloth, or other material. Straps are used to carry things, fasten things together, or to hold a piece of clothing in place. □�[+�of ] Nancy gripped the strap of her beach bag. □�[+�of ] She pulled the strap of her nightgown onto her shoulder. □� I undid my watch strap.

2 VERB If you strap something somewhere, you fasten it there with a strap. □�[V n prep] We strapped the skis onto the roof of the car. □�[V n with on/in/down ] Through the basement window I saw him strap on his pink cycling helmet.

strap|less /str� pləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A strapless dress or bra does not have the usual narrow bands of material over the shoulders. □� �a black, strapless evening dress.

strapped /str� pt/

1 ADJ [adv ADJ ] If someone is strappedfor money, they do not have enough money to buy or pay for the things they want or need. □�[+�for ] My husband and I are really strapped for cash.

2 →�see also cash-strapped

strap|ping /str� p I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as strapping , you mean that they are tall and strong, and look healthy. [APPROVAL ] □� He was a bricklayer�a big, strapping fellow.

strap|py /str� p I /

1 ADJ A strappy dress or top has thin shoulder straps.

2 ADJ Strappy shoes have thin straps over the feet. □� �strappy sandals.

stra|ta /strɑː tə, [AM ] stre I tə/ Strata is the plural of stratum .

strata|gem /str� tədʒəm/ (stratagems ) N‑COUNT A stratagem is a plan that is intended to achieve a particular effect, often by deceiving people. [FORMAL ] □� Trade discounts may be used as a competitive stratagem to secure customer loyalty.

stra|tegic ◆◇◇ /strətiː dʒ I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Strategic means relating to the most important, general aspects of something such as a military operation or political policy, especially when these are decided in advance. □� �the new strategic thinking at the recent London summit. □� The island is of strategic importance to France. ●� stra|tegi|cal|ly /strətiː dʒ I kli/ ADV □� �strategically important roads, bridges and buildings.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Strategic weapons are very powerful missiles that can be fired only after a decision to use them has been made by a political leader. □� �strategic nuclear weapons.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you put something in a strategic position, you place it cleverly in a position where it will be most useful or have the most effect. □� �the marble benches Eve had placed at strategic points throughout the gardens, where the views were spectacular. ●� stra|tegi|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □� We had kept its presence hidden with a strategically placed chair. SYNONYMS strategic ADJ 1

tactical:The security forces had made a tactical withdrawal from the area.

calculated:The President took a calculated political risk in throwing his full support behind the rebels.

deliberate:It has a deliberate policy to introduce world art to Britain.

strat|egist /str� tədʒ I st/ (strategists ) N‑COUNT A strategist is someone who is skilled in planning the best way to gain an advantage or to achieve success, especially in war. □� Military strategists had devised a plan that guaranteed a series of stunning victories.

strat|egy ◆◆◇ /str� tədʒi/ (strategies )

1 N‑VAR A strategy is a general plan or set of plans intended to achieve something, especially over a long period. □� The group hope to agree a strategy for policing the area. □� What should our marketing strategy have achieved?

2 N‑UNCOUNT Strategy is the art of planning the best way to gain an advantage or achieve success, especially in war. □� I've just been explaining the basic principles of strategy to my generals. COLLOCATIONS strategy NOUN 1

noun +�strategy : business, growth, investment, marketing

adjective +�strategy : clear, coherent, effective, long-term; high-risk, risky; corporate, economic, global, military

verb +�strategy : adopt, devise, implement, pursue SYNONYMS strategy NOUN 2

policy:�the government's policy on repatriation.

procedure:The White House said there would be no change in procedure.

strati|fi|ca|tion /str� t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Stratification is the division of something, especially society, into different classes or layers. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] She was concerned about the stratification of American society.

strati|fied /str� t I fa I d/ ADJ A stratified society is one that is divided into different classes or social layers. [FORMAL ] □� �a highly stratified, unequal and class-divided society.

strato|sphere /str� təsf I ə r /

1 N‑SING The stratosphere is the layer of the earth's atmosphere which lies between 10 and 50 kilometres above the earth.

2 N‑SING If you say that someone or something climbs or is sent into the stratosphere , you mean that they reach a very high level. [JOURNALISM ] □� This was enough to launch their careers into the stratosphere.

strato|spher|ic /str� təsfe r I k, [AM ] -f I r I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Stratospheric means found in or related to the stratosphere. □� �stratospheric ozone.

stra|tum /strɑː təm, [AM ] stre I təm/ (strata )

1 N‑COUNT A stratum of society is a group of people in it who are similar in their education, income, or social status. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] It was an enormous task that affected every stratum of society.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Strata are different layers of rock. [TECHNICAL ] □� Shale gas is methane trapped in rock strata.

straw /strɔː / (straws )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Straw consists of the dried, yellowish stalks from crops such as wheat or barley. □� The barn was full of bales of straw. □� �a wide-brimmed straw hat.

2 N‑COUNT A straw is a thin tube of paper or plastic, which you use to suck a drink into your mouth. □� �a bottle of lemonade with a straw in it.

3 PHRASE If you are clutching at straws or grasping at straws , you are trying unusual or extreme ideas or methods because other ideas or methods have failed. □� �a badly thought-out scheme from a Government clutching at straws.

4 PHRASE If an event is the last straw or the straw that broke the camel's back , it is the latest in a series of unpleasant or undesirable events, and makes you feel that you cannot tolerate a situation any longer. □� The crisis could be the last straw for many of the world's poorest people.

5 PHRASE If you draw the short straw , you are chosen from a number of people to perform a job or duty that you will not enjoy. □� A few guests have drawn the short straw and agreed to drive others home.

straw|berry /strɔː bri, [AM ] -beri/ (strawberries ) N‑COUNT A strawberry is a small red fruit which is soft and juicy and has tiny yellow seeds on its skin. □� �strawberries and cream. □� �homemade strawberry jam.

stra w|berry blo nde (strawberry blondes ) also strawberry blond

1 ADJ Strawberry blonde hair is reddish blonde.

2 N‑COUNT A strawberry blonde is a person, especially a woman, who has strawberry blonde hair.

stra w po ll (straw polls ) N‑COUNT A straw poll is the unofficial questioning of a group of people to find out their opinion about something. □� A straw poll conducted at the end of the meeting found most people agreed with Mr Forth.

stray /stre I / (strays , straying , strayed )

1 VERB If someone strays somewhere, they wander away from where they are supposed to be. □�[V prep/adv] Tourists often get lost and stray into dangerous areas. □�[V ] A railway line crosses the park so children must not be allowed to stray.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A stray dog or cat has wandered away from its owner's home. □� �a refuge for stray cats. ●�N‑COUNT Stray is also a noun. □� The dog was a stray which had been adopted.

3 VERB If your mind or your eyes stray , you do not concentrate on or look at one particular subject, but start thinking about or looking at other things. □�[V ] Even with the simplest cases I find my mind straying.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use stray to describe something that exists separated from other similar things. □� An 8-year-old boy was killed by a stray bullet. □� She shrugged a stray lock of hair out of her eyes.

streak /striː k/ (streaks , streaking , streaked )

1 N‑COUNT A streak is a long stripe or mark on a surface which contrasts with the surface because it is a different colour. □� There are these dark streaks on the surface of the moon. □� The flames begin as a few streaks of red against the pale brown of the walls.

2 VERB If something streaks a surface, it makes long stripes or marks on the surface. □�[V n] Rain had begun to streak the window-panes. □�[be V -ed +�with ] His face was pale and streaked with dirt.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone has a streak of a particular type of behaviour, they sometimes behave in that way. □� He's still got a mean streak.

4 VERB If something or someone streaks somewhere, they move there very quickly. □�[V prep/adv] A meteorite streaked across the sky.

5 N‑COUNT [adj N ] A winning streak or a lucky streak is a continuous series of successes, for example in gambling or sport. A losing streak or an unlucky streak is a series of failures or losses. □� The casinos had better watch out since I'm obviously on a lucky streak!

streak|er /striː kə r / (streakers ) N‑COUNT A streaker is someone who runs quickly through a public place wearing no clothes, as a joke.

streaky /striː ki/ (streakier , streakiest ) ADJ Something that is streaky is marked with long stripes that are a different colour to the rest of it. □� She has streaky fair hair and blue eyes. □� �the empty house with its streaky windows.

strea ky ba|con N‑UNCOUNT Streaky bacon is bacon which has stripes of fat between stripes of meat. [BRIT ]

stream ◆◇◇ /striː m/ (streams , streaming , streamed )

1 N‑COUNT A stream is a small narrow river. □� There was a small stream at the end of the garden. □� �a mountain stream.

2 N‑COUNT A stream of smoke, air, or liquid is a narrow moving mass of it. □�[+�of ] The window was open, letting in streams of cold sea air. □� Add the oil in a slow, steady stream.

3 N‑COUNT A stream of vehicles or people is a long moving line of them. □�[+�of ] There was a stream of traffic behind him.

4 N‑COUNT A streamof things is a large number of them occurring one after another. □�[+�of ] We had a constant stream of visitors.

5 VERB If a liquid streams somewhere, it flows or comes out in large amounts. □�[V prep/adv] Tears streamed down their faces. □�[V prep/adv] She came in, rain streaming from her clothes and hair.

6 VERB [usu cont] If your eyes are streaming , liquid is coming from them, for example because you have a cold. You can also say that your nose is streaming . □�[V ] Her eyes were streaming now from the wind. □�[V -ing] A cold usually starts with a streaming nose and dry throat.

7 VERB If people or vehicles stream somewhere, they move there quickly and in large numbers. □�[V prep/adv] Hundreds of people were streaming into the banquet room.

8 VERB When light streams into or out of a place, it shines strongly into or out of it. □�[V prep/adv] Sunlight was streaming into the courtyard.

9 VERB If you stream music, films, or television programmes, you play them directly from the internet. □�[V n] A smart TV gives you the ability to stream TV shows and movies on demand. □�[V n to n] You can stream music to your stereo system from your mobile phone.

10 PHRASE If something such as a new factory or a new system comes on stream or is brought on stream , it begins to operate or becomes available. □� 20 big projects will come on stream over the next three years.

11 →�see also jet stream COLLOCATIONS stream NOUN

1

noun +�stream : mountain

adjective +�stream : shallow, small; freshwater, tidal

verb +�stream : cross

4

adjective +�stream : constant, continuous, endless, never-ending VERB 5

noun +�stream : blood, tears, water

stream+�adverb : down

stream|er /striː mə r / (streamers ) N‑COUNT Streamers are long rolls of coloured paper used for decorating rooms at parties.

stream|ing /striː m I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Streaming is a method of transmitting data from the internet directly to a user's computer or phone screen without the need to download it. [COMPUTING ] □� �web sites that feature streaming media.

2 →�see also stream

stream|line /striː mla I n/ (streamlines , streamlining , streamlined ) VERB To streamline an organization or process means to make it more efficient by removing unnecessary parts of it. □�[V n] They're making efforts to streamline their normally cumbersome bureaucracy.

stream|lined /striː mla I nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A streamlined vehicle, animal, or object has a shape that allows it to move quickly or efficiently through air or water. □� �these beautifully streamlined and efficient cars.

strea m of co n|scious|ness (streams of consciousness ) also stream-of-consciousness N‑VAR If you describe what someone writes or says as a stream of consciousness , you mean that it expresses their thoughts as they occur, rather than in a structured way. [FORMAL ] □� The novel is an intensely lyrical stream-of-consciousness.

street ◆◆◆ /striː t/ (streets )

1 N‑COUNT A street is a road in a city, town, or village, usually with houses along it. □� He lived at 66 Bingfield Street. □� Boppard is a small, quaint town with narrow streets.

2 N‑COUNT [usu on/off N ] You can use street or streets when talking about activities that happen out of doors in a town rather than inside a building. □� Changing money on the street is illegal-always use a bank. □� Their aim is to raise a million pounds to get the homeless off the streets. □� �a New York street gang.

3 →�see also back street , civvy street , Downing Street , Fleet Street , high street , Wall Street

4 PHRASE If someone is streets aheadof you, they are much better at something than you are. □�[+�of ] He was streets ahead of the other contestants.

5 PHRASE If you talk about the man in the street or the man or woman in the street , you mean ordinary people in general. □� The average man or woman in the street doesn't know very much about immune disorders.

6 PHRASE If a job or activity is up your street , it is the kind of job or activity that you are very interested in. [BRIT ] □� She loved it, this was just up her street. in AM, use up your alley

street|car /striː tkɑː r / (streetcars ) N‑COUNT A streetcar is an electric vehicle for carrying people which travels on rails in the streets of a town. [AM ] in BRIT, use tram

stree t child (street children ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Street children are homeless children who live outdoors in a city and live by begging or stealing.

stree t cred also street-cred N‑UNCOUNT If someone says that you have street cred , they mean that ordinary young people would approve of you and consider you to be part of their culture, usually because you share their sense of fashion or their views. [BRIT , INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� Having children was the quickest way to lose your street cred.

stree t cred|ibi l|ity N‑UNCOUNT Street credibility is the same as street cred . [mainly BRIT ]

stree t crime N‑UNCOUNT Street crime refers to crime such as vandalism, car theft and mugging that are usually committed outdoors.

street|lamp /striː tl�mp/ (streetlamps ) also street-lamp N‑COUNT A streetlamp is the same as a streetlight . □� He paused under a streetlamp and looked across at the cafe.

street|light /striː tla I t/ (streetlights ) also street light N‑COUNT A streetlight is a tall post with a light at the top, which stands by the side of a road to light it up, usually in a town. □� As the day darkened the streetlights came on.

stree t map (street maps ) N‑COUNT A street map is a map of a town or city, showing the positions and names of all the streets.

stree t peo|ple N‑PLURAL Street people are homeless people who live outdoors in a town or city.

stree t sma rt also street-smart ADJ Someone who is street smart knows how to deal with difficult or dangerous situations, especially in big cities. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� He is street smart and is not afraid of this neighborhood.

stree t sma rts N‑PLURAL You can use street smarts to refer to the skills and intelligence people need to be successful in difficult situations, especially in a city. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� The boys learned their street smarts early.

stree t value N‑SING The street value of a drug is the price that is paid for it when it is sold illegally to drug users. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�of ] �cocaine with a street value of two million pounds.

street|walker /striː twɔːkə r / (streetwalkers ) N‑COUNT A streetwalker is a prostitute who stands or walks in the streets in order to get customers. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

street|wise /striː twa I z/ ADJ Someone who is streetwise knows how to deal with difficult or dangerous situations in big cities. [INFORMAL ] □� The experience did make us tough and streetwise.

strength ◆◆◇ /stre ŋθ/ (strengths )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Your strength is the physical energy that you have, which gives you the ability to perform various actions, such as lifting or moving things. □�[+�of ] She has always been encouraged to swim to build up the strength of her muscles. □� He threw it forward with all his strength. □� He leant against the wall, fighting for strength to continue.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's strength in a difficult situation is their confidence or courage. □� Something gave me the strength to overcome the difficulty. □� His strength is an inspiration to me in my life. □�[+�of ] You need strength of mind to stand up for yourself.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The strength of an object or material is its ability to be treated roughly, or to carry heavy weights, without being damaged or destroyed. □�[+�of ] He checked the strength of the cables. □� �the properties of a material, such as strength or electrical conductivity.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The strength of a person, organization, or country is the power or influence that they have. □� America values its economic leadership, and the political and military strength that goes with it. □� He urged followers to mass for a decisive show of strength the next day. □� They have their own independence movement which is gathering strength.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the strengthof a feeling, opinion, or belief, you are talking about how deeply it is felt or believed by people, or how much they are influenced by it. □�[+�of ] He was surprised at the strength of his own feeling. □�[+�of ] What makes a mayor successful in Los Angeles is the strength of his public support.

6 N‑VAR Someone's strengths are the qualities and abilities that they have which are an advantage to them, or which make them successful. □� Take into account your own strengths and weaknesses. □� Tact was never Mr Moore's strength. □�[+�of ] Organisation is the strength of any good army.

7 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the strength of a currency, economy, or industry, you mean that its value or success is steady or increasing. □�[+�of ] �the long-term competitive strength of the economy. □� The drop was caused partly by the pound's strength against the dollar.

8 N‑UNCOUNT The strength of a group of people is the total number of people in it. □�[+�of ] �elite forces, comprising about one-tenth of the strength of the army.

9 N‑UNCOUNT The strength of a wind, current, or other force is its power or speed. □� A tropical storm is gaining strength in the eastern Atlantic.

10 N‑UNCOUNT The strength of a drink, chemical, or drug is the amount of the particular substance in it that gives it its particular effect. □�[+�of ] Each capsule contains 30 -100 mg according to the strength of dose required.

11 N‑UNCOUNT You can talk about the strength of a flavour, smell, colour, sound, or light to describe how intense or easily noticed it is. □�[+�of ] The cheese is matured for 5-12 months depending on the strength of flavour required.

12 PHRASE If a person or organization goes from strength to strength , they become more and more successful or confident. □� A decade later, the company has gone from strength to strength.

13 PHRASE If a team or army is at full strength , all the members that it needs or usually has are present. □� He needed more time to bring U.S. forces there up to full strength. □� �a full-strength team.

14 PHRASE If a group turns out in strength , they arrive in large numbers. □� She called on voters and party workers to turn out in strength. □� Security forces have been out in strength.

15 PHRASE If one thing is done on the strength of another, it is done because of the influence of that other thing. □� He was elected to power on the strength of his charisma.

16 PHRASE If an army or team is under strength or below strength , it does not have all the members that it needs or usually has. □� His regiments were considerably under strength. □� They had been beaten by a below-strength side.

strength|en ◆◇◇ /stre ŋθ ə n/ (strengthens , strengthening , strengthened )

1 VERB If something strengthens a person or group or if they strengthen their position, they become more powerful and secure, or more likely to succeed. □�[V n] The new constitution strengthens the government. □�[V n] He hoped to strengthen the position of the sciences in the leading universities.

2 VERB If something strengthens a case or argument, it supports it by providing more reasons or evidence for it. □�[V n] He does not seem to be familiar with research which might have strengthened his own arguments.

3 VERB If a currency, economy, or industry strengthens , or if something strengthens it, it increases in value or becomes more successful. □�[V ] The dollar strengthened against most other currencies. □�[V n] The Government should start by strengthening the economy.

4 VERB If a government strengthens laws or measures or if they strengthen , they are made more severe. □�[V n] I am also looking urgently at how we can strengthen the law. □�[V n] Community leaders want to strengthen controls at external frontiers. □�[V ] Because of the war, security procedures have strengthened.

5 VERB If something strengthens you or strengthens your resolve or character, it makes you more confident and determined. □�[V n] Any experience can teach and strengthen you, but particularly the more difficult ones. □�[V n] This merely strengthens our resolve to win the league.

6 VERB If something strengthens a relationship or link, or if a relationship or link strengthens , it makes it closer and more likely to last for a long time. □�[V n] His visit is intended to strengthen ties between the two countries. □�[V ] In a strange way, his affair caused our relationship to strengthen.

7 VERB If something strengthens an impression, feeling, or belief, or if it strengthens , it becomes greater or affects more people. □�[V n] His speech strengthens the impression he is the main power in the organization. □�[V n] Every day of sunshine strengthens the feelings of optimism. □�[V ] Amy's own Republican sympathies strengthened as the days passed.

8 VERB If something strengthens your body or a part of your body, it makes it healthier, often in such a way that you can move or carry heavier things. □�[V n] Cycling is good exercise. It strengthens all the muscles of the body.

9 VERB If something strengthens an object or structure, it makes it able to be treated roughly or able to support heavy weights, without being damaged or destroyed. □�[V n] The builders will have to strengthen the existing joists with additional timber.

strenu|ous /stre njuəs/ ADJ A strenuous activity or action involves a lot of energy or effort. □� Avoid strenuous exercise in the evening. □� Strenuous efforts had been made to improve conditions in the jail.

stress ◆◆◇ /stre s/ (stresses , stressing , stressed )

1 VERB If you stress a point in a discussion, you put extra emphasis on it because you think it is important. □�[V that] The spokesman stressed that the measures did not amount to an overall ban. □�[V n] They stress the need for improved employment opportunities. □�[V with quote] 'We're not saying we're outside and above all this,' he stresses. ●�N‑VAR Stress is also a noun. □�[+�on ] They laid heavy stress on the need for education.

2 N‑VAR [oft under N ] If you feel under stress , you feel worried and tense because of difficulties in your life. □� Katy could think clearly when not under stress. □� �a wide range of stress-related problems.

3 N‑VAR Stresses are strong physical pressures applied to an object. □� Earthquakes happen when stresses in rock are suddenly released as the rocks fracture.

4 VERB If you stress a word or part of a word when you say it, you put emphasis on it so that it sounds slightly louder. □�[V n] 'Sit down,' she replied, stressing each word. ●�N‑VAR Stress is also a noun. □� �the misplaced stress on the first syllable of this last word.

stressed /stre st/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are stressed , you feel tense and anxious because of difficulties in your life. □� Work out what situations or people make you feel stressed and avoid them.

2 ADJ If a word or part of a word is stressed , it is pronounced with emphasis.

stre ssed ou t ADJ If someone is stressed out , they are very tense and anxious because of difficulties in their lives. [INFORMAL ]

stress|ful /stre sfʊl/ ADJ If a situation or experience is stressful , it causes the person involved to feel stress. □� I think I've got one of the most stressful jobs there is.

stretch ◆◇◇ /stre tʃ/ (stretches , stretching , stretched )

1 VERB [no cont] Something that stretches over an area or distance covers or exists in the whole of that area or distance. □�[V prep/adv] The procession stretched for several miles. □�[V n] �an artificial reef stretching the length of the coast.

2 N‑COUNT A stretchof road, water, or land is a length or area of it. □�[+�of ] It's a very dangerous stretch of road.

3 VERB When you stretch , you put your arms or legs out straight and tighten your muscles. □�[V ] He yawned and stretched. □�[V n] Try stretching your legs and pulling your toes upwards. □�[V n] She arched her back and stretched herself. ●�N‑COUNT Stretch is also a noun. □� At the end of a workout spend time cooling down with some slow stretches. ●� stretch|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Make sure no awkward stretching is required.

4 N‑COUNT A stretchof time is a period of time. □� �after an 18-month stretch in the army. □� He would study for eight to ten hours at a stretch.

5 VERB If something stretchesfrom one time to another, it begins at the first time and ends at the second, which is longer than expected. □�[V from n to n] �a working day that stretches from seven in the morning to eight at night.

6 VERB If a group of things stretchfrom one type of thing to another, the group includes a wide range of things. □�[V from n to n] �a trading empire, with interests that stretched from chemicals to sugar.

7 VERB When something soft or elastic stretches or is stretched , it becomes longer or bigger as well as thinner, usually because it is pulled. □�[V ] The cables are designed not to stretch. □�[V n] Ease the pastry into the corners of the tin, making sure you don't stretch it.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Stretch fabric is soft and elastic and stretches easily. □� �stretch fabrics such as Lycra. □� �stretch cotton swimsuits.

9 VERB If you stretch an amount of something or if it stretches , you make it last longer than it usually would by being careful and not wasting any of it. □�[V n] They're used to stretching their budgets. □�[V ] During his senior year his earnings stretched far enough to buy an old car.

10 VERB [no cont] If your resources can stretch to something, you can just afford to do it. □�[V +�to ] She suggested to me that I might like to start regular savings and I said 'Well, I don't know whether I can stretch to that.'

11 VERB If something stretches your money or resources, it uses them up so you have hardly enough for your needs. □�[V n] The drought there is stretching American resources. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Public expenditure was being stretched to the limit.

12 VERB If you say that a job or task stretches you, you mean that you like it because it makes you work hard and use all your energy and skills so that you do not become bored or achieve less than you should. [APPROVAL ] □�[V pron-refl] I'm trying to move on and stretch myself with something different. □�[be V -ed] They criticised the quality of teaching, claiming pupils were not stretched enough.

13 PHRASE If you are at full stretch , you are using the maximum amount of effort or energy. □� Everyone would be working at full stretch.

14 PHRASE If you say that something is not true or possible by any stretch of the imagination , you are emphasizing that it is completely untrue or absolutely impossible. [EMPHASIS ] □� We're not a great football side by any stretch of the imagination.

15 PHRASE If you stretch your legs , you go for a short walk, usually after you have been sitting down for a long time. □� I stopped at the square and got out to stretch my legs.

▸� stretch out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you stretch out or stretchyourselfout , you lie with your legs and body in a straight line. □�[V P adv/prep] The jacuzzi was too small to stretch out in. □� Moira stretched herself out on the lower bench. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you stretch out a part of your body, you hold it out straight. □�[V P n] He was about to stretch out his hand to grab me. [Also V n P ]

stretch|er /stre tʃə r / (stretchers , stretchered )

1 N‑COUNT A stretcher is a long piece of canvas with a pole along each side, which is used to carry an injured or sick person. □� The two ambulance attendants quickly put Plover on a stretcher and got him into the ambulance.

2 V-PASSIVE If someone is stretchered somewhere, they are carried there on a stretcher. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] I was close by as Lester was stretchered into the ambulance.

stre tch li mo (stretch limos ) N‑COUNT A stretch limo is a very long and luxurious car in which a rich, famous, or important person is driven somewhere.

stre tch marks N‑PLURAL Stretch marks are lines or marks on someone's skin caused by the skin stretching after the person's weight has changed rapidly. Women who have had children often have stretch marks.

stretchy /stre tʃi/ (stretchier , stretchiest ) ADJ Stretchy material is slightly elastic and stretches easily.

strew /struː / (strews , strewing , strewed , strewn ) VERB To strew things somewhere, or to strew a place with things, means to scatter them there. □�[V n prep/adv] The racoons knock over rubbish bins and strew the contents all over the ground. □�[V n +�with ] A woman was strewing the floor with chalk so that the dancing shoes would not slip. □�[be V -ed] By the end, bodies were strewn all round the building.

strewn /struː n/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If a place is strewn with things, they are lying scattered there. □� The front room was strewn with books and clothes. □� The riverbed was strewn with big boulders. ●�COMB Strewn is also a combining form. □� �a litter-strewn street. □� �a rock-strewn hillside.

2Strewn is the past participle of strew .

strick|en /str I kən/

1Stricken is the past participle of some meanings of strike .

2 ADJ If a person or place is strickenby something such as an unpleasant feeling, an illness, or a natural disaster, they are severely affected by it. □�[+�by ] �a family stricken by genetically inherited cancer. □� Foreign aid workers will not be allowed into the stricken areas. [Also +�with ] ●�COMB Stricken is also a combining form. □� He was panic-stricken at the thought he might never play again. □� �drought-stricken areas.

strict ◆◇◇ /str I kt/ (stricter , strictest )

1 ADJ A strict rule or order is very clear and precise or severe and must always be obeyed completely. □� The officials had issued strict instructions that we were not to get out of the jeep. □� French privacy laws are very strict. □� All your replies will be treated in the strictest confidence. ●� strict|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The acceptance of new members is strictly controlled.

2 ADJ If a parent or other person in authority is strict , they regard many actions as unacceptable and do not allow them. □� My parents were very strict. □� �a few schools selected for their high standards and their strict discipline. ●� strict|ly ADV □� My own mother was brought up very strictly and correctly.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you talk about the strict meaning of something, you mean the precise meaning of it. □� It's not quite peace in the strictest sense of the word, rather the absence of war. ●� strict|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� Actually, that is not strictly true. □� Strictly speaking, it is not one house at all, but three houses joined together.

4 →�see also strict

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You use strict to describe someone who never does things that are against their beliefs. □� Many people in the country are now strict vegetarians.

strict|ly /str I ktli/ ADV You use strictly to emphasize that something is of one particular type, or intended for one particular thing or person, rather than any other. [EMPHASIS ] □� This session was strictly for the boys.

stric|ture /str I ktʃə r / (strictures )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can use strictures to refer to severe criticism or disapproval of something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�on/against ] �the Church's strictures on lending money at exorbitant interest.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to things that limit what you can do as strictures of a particular kind. [mainly FORMAL ] □� Your goals are hindered by financial strictures.

stride /stra I d/ (strides , striding , strode )

1 VERB If you stride somewhere, you walk there with quick, long steps. □�[V prep/adv] They were joined by a newcomer who came striding across a field. □�[V prep/adv] He turned abruptly and strode off down the corridor.

2 N‑COUNT A stride is a long step which you take when you are walking or running. □� With every stride, runners hit the ground with up to five times their body-weight. □� He walked with long strides.

3 N‑SING [usu poss N ] Someone's stride is their way of walking with long steps. □� He lengthened his stride to keep up with her.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu adj N ] If you makestrides in something that you are doing, you make rapid progress in it. □� The country has made enormous strides politically but not economically.

5 PHRASE If you get into your stride or hit your stride , you start to do something easily and confidently, after being slow and uncertain. □� The campaign is just getting into its stride.

6 PHRASE In British English, if you take a problem or difficulty in your stride , you deal with it calmly and easily. The American expression is take something in stride . □� Beth was struck by how Naomi took the mistake in her stride.

stri|den|cy /stra I d ə nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Stridency is the quality of being strident. □� Many employees were alarmed by the director's new stridency.

stri|dent /stra I d ə nt/

1 ADJ If you use strident to describe someone or the way they express themselves, you mean that they make their feelings or opinions known in a very strong way that perhaps makes people uncomfortable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the unnecessarily strident tone of the Prime Minister's remarks.

2 ADJ If a voice or sound is strident , it is loud, harsh, and unpleasant to listen to. □� She tried to laugh, and the sound was harsh and strident.

strife /stra I f/ N‑UNCOUNT Strife is strong disagreement or fighting. [FORMAL ] □� Money is a major cause of strife in many marriages.

strike ◆◆◇ /stra I k/ (strikes , striking , struck , stricken ) The form struck is the past tense and past participle. The form stricken can also be used as the past participle for meanings 6 and 17 . 1 N‑COUNT [oft on N ] When there is a strike , workers stop doing their work for a period of time, usually in order to try to get better pay or conditions for themselves. [BUSINESS ] □� French air traffic controllers have begun a three-day strike in a dispute over pay. □� Staff at the hospital went on strike in protest at the incidents. □� �a call for strike action.

2 VERB When workers strike , they go on strike. [BUSINESS ] □�[V ] �their recognition of the workers' right to strike. □�[V +�for ] They shouldn't be striking for more money. □�[V -ing] The government agreed not to sack any of the striking workers. ●� strik|er (strikers ) N‑COUNT □� The strikers want higher wages, which state governments say they can't afford.

3 VERB If you strike someone or something, you deliberately hit them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] She took two quick steps forward and struck him across the mouth. □�[V n] It is impossible to say who struck the fatal blow.

4 VERB If something that is falling or moving strikes something, it hits it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] His head struck the bottom when he dived into the 6ft end of the pool. □�[V n] One 16-inch shell struck the control tower.

5 VERB If you strike one thing against another, or if one thing strikes against another, the first thing hits the second thing. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�on/against ] Wilde fell and struck his head on the stone floor. □�[V +�against ] My right toe struck against a submerged rock.

6 VERB If something such as an illness or disaster strikes , it suddenly happens. □�[V ] Bank of England officials continued to insist that the pound would soon return to stability but disaster struck. □�[V n] A powerful earthquake struck the island early this morning.

7 VERB To strike means to attack someone or something quickly and violently. □�[V ] The attacker struck as she was walking near the town centre.

8 N‑COUNT A military strike is a military attack, especially an air attack. □� �a punitive air strike. □� �a nuclear strike. [Also +�against ]

9 VERB If something strikes at the heart or root of something, it attacks or conflicts with the basic elements or principles of that thing. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�at ] �a rejection of her core beliefs and values, which strikes at the very heart of her being.

10 VERB [no cont] If an idea or thought strikes you, it suddenly comes into your mind. □�[V n] A thought struck her. Was she jealous of her mother, then? □�[V n that] At this point, it suddenly struck me that I was wasting my time.

11 VERB If something strikes you as being a particular thing, it gives you the impression of being that thing. □�[V n +�as ] He struck me as a very serious but friendly person. □�[V n +�as ] You've always struck me as being an angry man.

12 VERB If you are struck by something, you think it is very impressive, noticeable, or interesting. □�[be V -ed +�by/with ] She was struck by his simple, spellbinding eloquence. □�[V n] What struck me about the firm is how genuinely friendly and informal it is.

13 VERB If you strike a deal or a bargain with someone, you come to an agreement with them. □�[V n +�with ] They struck a deal with their paper supplier, getting two years of newsprint on credit. □�[V n] The two struck a deal in which Rendell took half of what a manager would. □�[V n] He insists he has struck no bargains for their release.

14 VERB If you strike a balance, you do something that is halfway between two extremes. □�[V n] At times like that you have to strike a balance between sleep and homework.

15 VERB If you strike a pose or attitude, you put yourself in a particular position, for example when someone is taking your photograph. □�[V n] She struck a pose, one hand on her hip.

16 VERB If something strikes fear into people, it makes them very frightened or anxious. [LITERARY ] □�[V n +�in/into ] His name strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents .

17 VERB [usu passive] If you are struck dumb or blind, you suddenly become unable to speak or to see. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed] I was struck dumb by this and had to think it over for a moment.

18 VERB When a clock strikes , its bells make a sound to indicate what the time is. □�[V n] The clock struck nine. □�[V ] Finally, the clock strikes.

19 VERB If you strike words from a document or an official record, you remove them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�from ] Strike that from the minutes. [Also V n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Strike out means the same as strike . □�[V P n] The censor struck out the next two lines. [Also V n P ]

20 VERB When you strike a match, you make it produce a flame by moving it quickly against something rough. □�[V n] Robina struck a match and held it to the crumpled newspaper in the grate.

21 VERB If someone strikes oil or gold, they discover it in the ground as a result of mining or drilling. □�[V n] Hamilton Oil announced that it had struck oil in the Liverpool Bay area of the Irish Sea.

22 VERB [usu passive] When a coin or medal is struck , it is made. □�[be V -ed] Another medal was specially struck for him.

23 →�see also stricken , striking , hunger strike

24 PHRASE If you strike gold , you find, do, or produce something that brings you a lot of money or success. [JOURNALISM ] □� The company has struck gold with its new holiday development.

25 PHRASE If you strike it rich , you make a lot of money, especially in a short time. [INFORMAL ] □� He hoped to strike it rich by investing in ginseng.

26to strike a chord →�see chord

27to strike home →�see home ➊

28to strike it lucky →�see lucky

29to strike a happy medium →�see medium

▸� strike back PHRASAL VERB If you strike back , you harm or criticize someone who has harmed or criticized you. □�[V P ] Our instinctive reaction when someone causes us pain is to strike back. □�[V P +�at ] Sometimes, Kappy got angry and struck back at him in whatever way she could.

▸� strike down PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone is struck down , especially by an illness, they are killed or severely harmed by it. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed P ] Frank had been struck down by a massive heart attack.

▸� strike off PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone such as a doctor or lawyer is struck off , their name is removed from the official register and they are not allowed to do medical or legal work any more. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed P ] �a company lawyer who had been struck off for dishonest practices. □�[be V -ed P ] He could be struck off the medical register.

▸� strike out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you strike out , you begin to do something different, often because you want to become more independent. □�[V P ] She wanted me to strike out on my own, buy a business. □�[V P ] �a desire to make changes and to strike out in new directions.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you strike outat someone, you hit, attack, or speak angrily to them. □�[V P +�at ] He seemed always ready to strike out at anyone and for any cause. □�[V P ] Frampton struck out blindly, hitting not Waddington, but an elderly man.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone strikes out , they fail. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] He was the firm's second lawyer. The first one had struck out completely.

4 →�see also strike19

▸� strike up

1 PHRASAL VERB When you strike up a conversation or friendship with someone, you begin one. [WRITTEN ] □�[V P n] I trailed her into Penney's and struck up a conversation.

2 PHRASAL VERB When musicians strike up a piece of music, or when music strikes up , the music begins. □�[V P n] And then the orchestra struck up the National Anthem. □�[V P ] The band struck up, and riders paraded round the ring. SYNONYMS strike NOUN 1

walkout:They organized a walkout.

industrial action:Prison officers have decided to take industrial action.

mutiny:They were shot yesterday after being convicted of mutiny and high treason. VERB 3

hit:She hit him hard across his left arm.

smack:She smacked me on the side of the head.

thump:He thumped my shoulder affectionately, nearly knocking me over.

slap:I slapped him hard across the face.

stri ke-breaker (strike-breakers ) also strikebreaker N‑COUNT A strike-breaker is a person who continues to work during a strike, or someone who takes over the work of a person who is on strike.

strik|er /stra I kə r / (strikers )

1 N‑COUNT In football and some other team sports, a striker is a player who mainly attacks and scores goals, rather than defends. □� �and the England striker scored his sixth goal of the season.

2 →�see also strike

strik|ing ◆◇◇ /stra I k I ŋ/

1 ADJ Something that is striking is very noticeable or unusual. □� The most striking feature of those statistics is the high proportion of suicides. □� He bears a striking resemblance to Lenin. ●� strik|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� In one respect, however, the men really were strikingly similar. □� �a strikingly handsome man.

2 ADJ Someone who is striking is very attractive, in a noticeable way. □� She was a striking woman with long blonde hair.

3 →�see also strike

Strim|mer /str I mə r / (Strimmers ) N‑COUNT A Strimmer is an electric tool used for cutting long grass or grass at the edge of a lawn. It cuts the grass with a piece of plastic cord which goes round very fast. [TRADEMARK ]

string ◆◇◇ /str I ŋ/ (strings , stringing , strung )

1 N‑VAR String is thin rope made of twisted threads, used for tying things together or tying up parcels. □� He held out a small bag tied with string. □� �a shiny metallic coin on a string.

2 N‑COUNT A stringof things is a number of them on a piece of string, thread, or wire. □�[+�of ] She wore a string of pearls around her neck. □�[+�of ] �a string of fairy lights.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A stringof places or objects is a number of them that form a line. □�[+�of ] The landscape is broken only by a string of villages. □�[+�of ] A string of five rowing boats set out from the opposite bank.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A stringof similar events is a series of them that happen one after the other. □�[+�of ] The incident was the latest in a string of attacks.

5 N‑COUNT The strings on a musical instrument such as a violin or guitar are the thin pieces of wire or nylon stretched across it that make sounds when the instrument is played. □� He went off to change a guitar string. □� �a twenty-one-string harp.

6 N‑PLURAL [oft N n] Thestrings are the section of an orchestra which consists of stringed instruments played with a bow. □� The strings provided a melodic background to the passages played by the soloist. □� There was a 20-member string section.

7 N‑COUNT In computing, a string is a particular series of letters, numbers, symbols, or spaces, for example a word or phrase that you want to search for in a document.

8 VERB If you string something somewhere, you hang it up between two or more objects. □�[V n prep/adv] He had strung a banner across the wall. ●�PHRASAL VERB String up means the same as string . □�[V P n] People were stringing up decorations on the fronts of their homes. [Also V n P ]

9 →�see also highly strung , purse strings , second string , strung out

10 PHRASE If something is offered to you with no strings attached or with no strings , it is offered without any special conditions. □� Aid should be given to developing countries with no strings attached. □� �no-strings grants that last for five years.

11 PHRASE If you pull strings , you use your influence with other people in order to get something done, often unfairly.

▸� string along PHRASAL VERB If you string someone along , you deceive them by letting them believe you have the same desires, beliefs, or hopes as them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] The longer you string him along, the more hurt he will be when you dump him.

▸� string together PHRASAL VERB If you string things together , you form something from them by adding them to each other, one at a time. □�[V n P ] As speech develops, the child starts to string more words together. □�[V P n] The speaker strung together a series of jokes.

▸� string up PHRASAL VERB To string someone up means to kill them by hanging them. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] Guards rushed into his cell and strung him up. [Also V P n]

stri ng bea n (string beans )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] String beans are long, very narrow green vegetables consisting of the cases that contain the seeds of a climbing plant. [AM ] in BRIT, use French beans2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] String beans are vegetables similar to French beans, but thicker. [BRIT ]

stri nged i n|stru|ment (stringed instruments ) N‑COUNT A stringed instrument is a musical instrument that has strings, such as a violin or a guitar.

strin|gent /str I ndʒ ə nt/ ADJ Stringent laws, rules, or conditions are very severe or are strictly controlled. [FORMAL ] □� He announced that there would be more stringent controls on the possession of weapons. □� Its drug-testing procedures are the most stringent in the world. ●� strin|gent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He is determined to see the Act enforced more stringently.Stringent financial conditions are difficult and strictly controlled because there is not much money. [FORMAL ] □� More stringent financial regulations were approved and introduced in September. ●� strin|gen|cy N‑UNCOUNT □� �times of financial stringency

string|er /str I ŋə r / (stringers ) N‑COUNT A stringer is a journalist who is employed part-time by a newspaper or news service in order to report on a particular area. [JOURNALISM ] □� He picked up extra money as a local stringer for the New York Herald.

stri ng quar|te t (string quartets )

1 N‑COUNT A string quartet is a group of four musicians who play stringed instruments together. The instruments are two violins, a viola, and a cello. □� �a recital by the Borodin String Quartet.

2 N‑COUNT A string quartet is a piece of music played on two violins, a viola, and a cello. □� �Dvorak's String Quartet Opus 34.

stringy /str I ŋi/ (stringier , stringiest ) ADJ Stringy food contains long, thin pieces that are difficult or unpleasant to eat. □� The meat was stringy.

strip ◆◇◇ /str I p/ (strips , stripping , stripped )

1 N‑COUNT A stripof something such as paper, cloth, or food is a long, narrow piece of it. □�[+�of ] �a new kind of manufactured wood made by pressing strips of wood together and baking them. □�[+�of ] Serve dish with strips of fresh raw vegetables.

2 N‑COUNT A stripof land or water is a long narrow area of it. □�[+�of ] The coastal cities of Liguria sit on narrow strips of land lying under steep mountains. □�[+�of ] �a short boat ride across a narrow strip of water.

3 N‑COUNT A strip is a long street in a city or town, where there are a lot of stores, restaurants, and hotels. [AM ] □� She owns a hotel-restaurant in the commercial strip on the mainland.

4 VERB If you strip , you take off your clothes. □�[V ] They stripped completely, and lay in the damp grass. □�[V adj] Women residents stripped naked in protest. ●�PHRASAL VERB Strip off means the same as strip . □�[V P ] The children were brazenly stripping off and leaping into the sea.

5 VERB [usu passive] If someone is stripped , their clothes are taken off by another person, for example in order to search for hidden or illegal things. □�[be V -ed] One prisoner claimed he'd been dragged to a cell, stripped and beaten.

6 →�see also strip-search

7 VERB To strip something means to remove everything that covers it. □�[V n] After Mike left for work I stripped the beds and vacuumed the carpets. □�[be V -ed] The floorboards in both this room and the dining room have been stripped, sanded and sealed.

8 VERB If you strip an engine or a piece of equipment, you take it to pieces so that it can be cleaned or repaired. □�[V n] Volvo's three-man team stripped the car and restored it. ●�PHRASAL VERB Strip down means the same as strip . □�[V n P ] In five years I had to strip the water pump down four times. □�[V P n] I stripped down the carburettors, cleaned and polished the pieces and rebuilt the units.

9 VERB To strip someone of their property, rights, or titles means to take those things away from them. □�[be V -ed +�of ] A senior official was stripped of all his privileges for publicly criticising his employer. [Also V n +�of ]

10 N‑COUNT In a newspaper or magazine, a strip is a series of drawings which tell a story. The words spoken by the characters are often written on the drawings. [AM ] □� �the Doonesbury strip.

11 →�see also landing strip

▸� strip away

1 PHRASAL VERB To strip away something, especially something that hides the true nature of a thing, means to remove it completely. □�[V P n] Altman strips away the pretence to expose the film industry as a business like any other.

2 PHRASAL VERB To strip away a layer of something means to remove it completely. □�[V P n] Sensitive Cream will not strip away the skin's protective layer. □�[V n P +�from ] She'd managed to strip the bloodied rags away from Nellie's body.

▸� strip down →�see strip8

▸� strip off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you strip off your clothes, you take them off. □�[V P n] He stripped off his wet clothes and stepped into the shower. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see also strip4

stri p car|too n (strip cartoons ) N‑COUNT A strip cartoon is the same as a comic strip . [BRIT ]

stri p club (strip clubs ) N‑COUNT A strip club is a club which people go to in order to see striptease.

stripe /stra I p/ (stripes )

1 N‑COUNT A stripe is a long line which is a different colour from the areas next to it. □� She wore a bright green jogging suit with a white stripe down the sides. □� The walls in the front bedroom are painted with broad, pale blue and white stripes.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In the armed forces or the police, stripes are V-shaped bands of material sewn onto a uniform to indicate the rank of corporal or sergeant. In the United States, stripes can also show the length of time that a person has served in an organization. □� �a soldier with a corporal's stripes on his arms.

striped /stra I pt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is striped has stripes on it. □� �a bottle green and maroon striped tie. □� �striped wallpaper.

strip|ey /stra I pi/ →�see stripy

stri p joint (strip joints ) N‑COUNT A strip joint is the same as a strip club . [INFORMAL ]

stri p light (strip lights ) also strip-light N‑COUNT A strip light is an electric light in the form of a long tube. [BRIT ]

stri p light|ing also strip-lighting N‑UNCOUNT Strip lighting is a method of lighting which uses long tubes rather than light bulbs. [BRIT ] □� Other causes of migraine are VDU screens and strip-lighting.

strip|ling /str I pl I ŋ/ (striplings ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a young man as a stripling when they want to indicate in a slightly humorous way that although he is no longer a boy, he is not yet really a man. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �a stripling of 20.

stri p mine (strip mines ) N‑COUNT A strip mine is a mine in which the coal, metal, or mineral is near the surface, and so underground passages are not needed. [AM ] in BRIT, use opencast mine

stri p min|ing also strip-mining N‑UNCOUNT Strip mining is a method of mining that is used when a mineral is near the surface and underground passages are not needed. [AM ] in BRIT, use opencast mining

strip|per /str I pə r / (strippers ) N‑COUNT A stripper is a person who earns money by taking their clothes off in public, especially as part of a show. □� She worked as a stripper and did some acting. □� �a male stripper.

stri p-search (strip-searches , strip-searching , strip-searched ) also strip search VERB [usu passive] If a person is strip-searched , someone such as a police officer makes them take off all their clothes and searches them, usually to see if they are carrying drugs or weapons. Compare body search . □�[be V -ed ] I was strip-searched at the airport. [Also be V -ed +�for ]

strip|tease /str I ptiː z, [AM ] -tiːz/ (stripteases ) also strip-tease N‑VAR Striptease is a form of entertainment in which someone slowly takes off their clothes in a sexually exciting way, usually while music is played.

stripy /stra I pi/ also stripey ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is stripy has stripes on it. [INFORMAL ] □� He was wearing a stripy shirt and baggy blue trousers.

strive /stra I v/ (strives , striving ) The past tense is either strove or strived , and the past participle is either striven or strived . VERB If you striveto do something or strivefor something, you make a great effort to do it or get it. □�[V to-inf] He strives hard to keep himself very fit. □�[V +�for ] The region must now strive for economic development as well as peace. [Also V ]

strobe /stroʊ b/ (strobes ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A strobe or a strobe light is a very bright light which flashes on and off very quickly.

strode /stroʊ d/ Strode is the past tense and past participle of stride .

stroke ◆◇◇ /stroʊ k/ (strokes , stroking , stroked )

1 VERB If you stroke someone or something, you move your hand slowly and gently over them. □�[V n] Carla, curled up on the sofa, was stroking her cat. □�[V n] She walked forward and embraced him and stroked his tousled white hair.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone has a stroke , a blood vessel in their brain bursts or becomes blocked, which may kill them or make them unable to move one side of their body. □� He had a minor stroke in 1987, which left him partly paralysed.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The strokes of a pen or brush are the movements or marks that you make with it when you are writing or painting. □� Fill in gaps by using short, upward strokes of the pencil.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] When you are swimming or rowing, your strokes are the repeated movements that you make with your arms or the oars. □� I turned and swam a few strokes further out to sea.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A swimming stroke is a particular style or method of swimming. □� She spent hours practising the breast stroke.

6 N‑COUNT The strokes of a clock are the sounds that indicate each hour. □� On the stroke of 12, fireworks suddenly exploded into the night.

7 N‑COUNT In sports such as tennis, baseball, cricket, and golf, a stroke is the action of hitting the ball. □� Compton was sending the ball here, there, and everywhere with each stroke.

8 N‑SING A stroke of luck or good fortune is something lucky that happens. □�[+�of ] It didn't rain, which turned out to be a stroke of luck.

9 N‑SING A stroke of genius or inspiration is a very good idea that someone suddenly has. □�[+�of ] At the time, his appointment seemed a stroke of genius.

10 PHRASE If something happens at a stroke or in one stroke , it happens suddenly and completely because of one single action. □� The disease wiped out 40 million rabbits at a stroke. □� How can Britain reduce its prison population in one stroke?

11 PHRASE If someone does not do a strokeof work, they are very lazy and do no work at all. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I never did a stroke of work at college. SYNONYMS stroke VERB 1

rub:He rubbed his arms and stiff legs.

pet:I petted and smoothed her hair.

pat:Don't you worry,' she said patting me on the knee.

stroll /stroʊ l/ (strolls , strolling , strolled ) VERB If you stroll somewhere, you walk there in a slow, relaxed way. □�[V prep/adv] A young couple stroll past me hand in hand. ●�N‑COUNT Stroll is also a noun. □� After dinner, I took a stroll round the city.

stroll|er /stroʊ lə r / (strollers ) N‑COUNT A stroller is a small chair on wheels, in which a baby or small child can sit and be wheeled around. [AM ] in BRIT, use pushchair

strong ◆◆◆ /strɒ ŋ, [AM ] strɔː ŋ/ (stronger /strɒ ŋgə r , [AM ] strɔː ŋgər/, strongest /strɒ ŋg I st, [AM ] strɔː ŋg I st/)

1 ADJ Someone who is strong is healthy with good muscles and can move or carry heavy things, or do hard physical work. □� I'm not strong enough to carry him. □� I feared I wouldn't be able to control such a strong horse.

2 ADJ Someone who is strong is confident and determined, and is not easily influenced or worried by other people. □� He is sharp and manipulative with a strong personality. □� It's up to managers to be strong and do what they believe is right.

3 ADJ Strong objects or materials are not easily broken and can support a lot of weight or resist a lot of strain. □� The vacuum flask has a strong casing, which won't crack or chip. □� Glue the mirror in with a strong adhesive. ●� strong|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� The fence was very strongly built, with very large posts.

4 ADJ A strong wind, current, or other force has a lot of power or speed, and can cause heavy things to move. □� Strong winds and torrential rain combined to make conditions terrible for golfers in the Scottish Open. □� A fairly strong current seemed to be moving the whole boat. ●� strong|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The metal is strongly attracted to the surface.

5 ADJ A strong impression or influence has a great effect on someone. □� We're glad if our music makes a strong impression, even if it's a negative one. □� Teenage idols have a strong influence on our children. ●� strong|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He is strongly influenced by Spanish painters such as Goya and El Greco.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have strong opinions on something or express them using strong words, you have extreme or very definite opinions which you are willing to express or defend. □� It was hard to find a jury who did not already hold strong views on the tragedy. □� There has been strong criticism of the military regime. □� The newspaper condemned the campaign in extremely strong language. ●� strong|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Obviously you feel very strongly about this. □� We are strongly opposed to the presence of troops in this region.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone in authority takes strong action, they act firmly and severely. □� The government has said it will take strong action against any further strikes.

8 ADJ If there is a strong case or argument for something, it is supported by a lot of evidence. □� The testimony presented offered a strong case for acquitting her on grounds of self-defense. □� The evidence that such investment promotes growth is strong. ●� strong|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� He argues strongly for retention of NATO as a guarantee of peace. □� These are conditions said by doctors to be strongly indicative of heart failure.

9 ADJ If there is a strong possibility or chance that something is true or will happen, it is very likely to be true or to happen. □� There is a strong possibility that the cat ate contaminated pet food.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] Your strong points are your best qualities or talents, or the things you are good at. □� Discretion is not Jeremy's strong point. □�[+�on ] Cynics argue that the E.U. is stronger on rhetoric than on concrete action.

11 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A strong competitor, candidate, or team is good or likely to succeed. □� She was a strong contender for Britain's rowing team.

12 ADJ If a relationship or link is strong , it is close and likely to last for a long time. □� He felt he had a relationship strong enough to talk frankly to Sarah. □� It is fairly easy for executive directors to develop strong ties with investors.

13 ADJ A strong currency, economy, or industry has a high value or is very successful. □� Investment performance was strong across the board last year. □� The local economy is strong and the population is growing.

14 ADJ If something is a strong element or part of something else, it is an important or large part of it. □� We are especially encouraged by the strong representation of women in technology.

15 ADJ You can use strong when you are saying how many people there are in a group. For example, if a group is twenty strong, there are twenty people in it. □� Ukraine indicated that it would establish its own army, 400,000 strong. □� �a 1,000-strong crowd.

16 ADJ A strong drink, chemical, or drug contains a lot of the particular substance which makes it effective. □� Strong coffee or tea late at night may cause sleeplessness.

17 ADJ A strong colour, flavour, smell, sound, or light is intense and easily noticed. □� As she went past there was a gust of strong perfume. □� Munster is among the strongest cheeses in France. ●� strong|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He leaned over her, smelling strongly of sweat.

18 ADJ If someone has a strong accent, they speak in a distinctive way that shows very clearly what country or region they come from. □� 'Good, Mr Ryle,' he said in English with a strong French accent.

19 ADJ You can say that someone has strong features or a strong face if their face has large, distinctive features. □� He had a strong nose and olive-black eyes.

20 PHRASE If someone or something is still going strong , they are still alive, in good condition, or popular after a long time. [INFORMAL ] □� The old machinery was still going strong.

stro ng-arm ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to someone's behaviour as strong-arm tactics or methods, you disapprove of it because it consists of using threats or force in order to achieve something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The money has been recovered without resorting to verbal abuse or strong-arm tactics.

strong|hold /strɒ ŋhoʊld, [AM ] strɔː ŋ-/ (strongholds ) N‑COUNT If you say that a place or region is a strongholdof a particular attitude or belief, you mean that most people there share this attitude or belief. □� The seat was a stronghold of the Labour party.

strong|man /strɒ ŋgm�n, [AM ] strɔː ŋ-/ (strongmen ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a male political leader as a strongman , you mean that he has great power and control over his country, although his methods may sometimes be violent or morally wrong. [JOURNALISM ] □� He was a military strongman who ruled the country after a coup.

stro ng-mi nded ADJ If you describe someone, especially a woman, as strong-minded , you approve of them because they have their own firm attitudes and opinions, and are not easily influenced by other people. [APPROVAL ] □� She is a strong-minded, independent woman.

stro ng-wi lled ADJ Someone who is strong-willed has a lot of determination and always tries to do what they want, even though other people may advise them not to. □� He is a very determined and strong-willed person.

strop|py /strɒ pi/ (stroppier , stroppiest ) ADJ Someone who is stroppy is bad-tempered and gets angry or upset with people. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The gas people haven't called to repair the cooker so I shall have to get stroppy with them.

strove /stroʊ v/ Strove is a past tense of strive .

struck /strʌ k/ Struck is the past tense and past participle of strike .

struc|tur|al /strʌ ktʃərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Structural means relating to or affecting the structure of something. □� The explosion caused little structural damage to the office towers themselves. ●� struc|tur|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� When we bought the house, it was structurally sound, but I decided to redecorate throughout.

stru c|tur|al en|gi|nee r (structural engineers ) N‑COUNT A structural engineer is an engineer who works on large structures such as roads, bridges, and large buildings.

struc|tur|al|ism /strʌ ktʃərəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Structuralism is a method of interpreting and analysing such things as language, literature, and society, which focuses on contrasting ideas or elements of structure and attempts to show how they relate to the whole structure. [TECHNICAL ]

struc|tur|al|ist /strʌ ktʃərəl I st/ (structuralists )

1 N‑COUNT A structuralist is someone whose work is based on structuralism.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Structuralist is used to refer to people and things that are connected with structuralism. □� There are two main structuralist techniques incorporated into critical social research.

struc|ture ◆◆◇ /strʌ ktʃə r / (structures , structuring , structured )

1 N‑VAR The structureof something is the way in which it is made, built, or organized. □�[+�of ] The typical family structure of Freud's patients involved two parents and two children. □�[+�of ] The chemical structure of this particular molecule is very unusual.

2 N‑COUNT A structure is something that consists of parts connected together in an ordered way. □� The feet are highly specialised structures made up of 26 small delicate bones.

3 N‑COUNT A structure is something that has been built. □� About half of those funds has gone to repair public roads, structures and bridges.

4 VERB If you structure something, you arrange it in a careful, organized pattern or system. □�[V n] By structuring the course this way, we produce something companies think is valuable.

5 →�see also report structure

strug|gle ◆◆◇ /strʌ g ə l/ (struggles , struggling , struggled )

1 VERB If you struggleto do something, you try hard to do it, even though other people or things may be making it difficult for you to succeed. □�[V prep] They had to struggle against all kinds of adversity. □�[V to-inf] Those who have lost their jobs struggle to pay their supermarket bills. [Also V ]

2 N‑VAR [N to-inf] A struggle is a long and difficult attempt to achieve something such as freedom or political rights. □�[+�for ] Life became a struggle for survival. □� �a young lad's struggle to support his poverty-stricken family. □�[+�with ] He is currently locked in a power struggle with his Prime Minister.

3 VERB If you struggle when you are being held, you twist, kick, and move violently in order to get free. □�[V ] I struggled, but he was a tall man, well-built.

4 VERB If two people strugglewith each other, they fight. □�[V ] She screamed at him to 'stop it' as they struggled on the ground. □�[V +�with ] There were signs that she struggled with her attacker. ●�N‑COUNT Struggle is also a noun. □� He died in a struggle with prison officers.

5 VERB If you struggleto move yourself or to move a heavy object, you try to do it, but it is difficult. □�[V to-inf] I could see the young boy struggling to free himself. □�[V prep] I struggled with my bags, desperately looking for a porter.

6 VERB [only cont] If a person or organization is struggling , they are likely to fail in what they are doing, even though they might be trying very hard. □�[V to-inf] The company is struggling to find buyers for its new product. □�[V prep] One in five young adults was struggling with everyday mathematics. □�[V ] By the 1960s, many shipyards were struggling.

7 N‑SING An action or activity that is a struggle is very difficult to do. □� Losing weight was a terrible struggle.

▸� struggle on PHRASAL VERB If you struggle on , you continue doing something rather than stopping, even though it is difficult. □�[V P ] Why should I struggle on to please my parents? □�[V P +�with ] The rest of the world struggles on with its perpetual problems, poverty and debt. SYNONYMS struggle VERB 1

strive:He strives hard to keep himself very fit.

strain:I had to strain to hear.

battle:He was battling against the wind and rain.

endeavour:They are endeavouring to protect trade union rights. NOUN 2

effort:With an effort she contained her irritation.

battle:�the eternal battle between good and evil in the world.

strain:I sometimes find it a strain to be responsible for the mortgage.

strum /strʌ m/ (strums , strumming , strummed ) VERB If you strum a stringed instrument such as a guitar, you play it by moving your fingers backwards and forwards across the strings. □�[V n] In the corner, one youth sat alone, softly strumming a guitar. □�[V prep/adv] Vaska strummed away on his guitar. ●�N‑SING Strum is also a noun. □�[+�of ] A little while later, I heard the strum of my father's guitar as he began to sing.

strung /strʌ ŋ/ Strung is the past tense and past participle of string .

stru ng ou t

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If things are strung out somewhere, they are spread out in a line. □� Buildings were strung out on the north side of the river.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is strung outon drugs, they are heavily affected by drugs. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�on ] He was permanently strung out on heroin.

strut /strʌ t/ (struts , strutting , strutted )

1 VERB Someone who struts walks in a proud way, with their head held high and their chest out, as if they are very important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V prep/adv] He struts around town like he owns the place.

2 N‑COUNT A strut is a piece of wood or metal which holds the weight of other pieces in a building or other structure. □� �the struts of a suspension bridge.

strych|nine /str I kniːn, [AM ] -na I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Strychnine is a very poisonous drug which is sometimes used in very small amounts as a medicine.

stub /stʌ b/ (stubs , stubbing , stubbed )

1 N‑COUNT The stub of a cigarette or a pencil is the last short piece of it which remains when the rest has been used. □�[+�of ] He pulled the stub of a pencil from behind his ear. □� �an ashtray of cigarette stubs.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A ticket stub is the part that you keep when you go in to watch a performance. □� She keeps all her gig ticket stubs at home in a frame.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A cheque stub is the small part that you keep as a record of what you have paid.

4 VERB If you stub your toe , you hurt it by accidentally kicking something. □�[V n] I stubbed my toes against a table leg.

▸� stub out PHRASAL VERB When someone stubs out a cigarette, they put it out by pressing it against something hard. □�[V P n] Signs across the entrances warn all visitors to stub out their cigarettes. [Also V n P ]

stub|ble /stʌ b ə l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Stubble is the short stalks which are left standing in fields after corn or wheat has been cut. □� The stubble was burning in the fields.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The very short hairs on a man's face when he has not shaved recently are referred to as stubble . □� His face was covered with the stubble of several nights.

stub|bly /stʌ bəli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a man has not shaved recently, he has a stubbly chin. □� He had long unkempt hair and a stubbly chin.

stub|born /stʌ bə r n/

1 ADJ Someone who is stubborn or who behaves in a stubborn way is determined to do what they want and is very unwilling to change their mind. □� He is a stubborn character used to getting his own way. ●� stub|born|ly ADV □� He stubbornly refused to tell her how he had come to be in such a state. ●� stub|born|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I couldn't tell if his refusal to talk was simple stubbornness.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stubborn stain or problem is difficult to remove or to deal with. □� This treatment removes the most stubborn stains. ●� stub|born|ly ADV □� Some interest rates have remained stubbornly high.

stub|by /stʌ bi/ ADJ An object that is stubby is shorter and thicker than usual. □� He pointed a stubby finger at a wooden chair opposite him.

stuc|co /stʌ koʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Stucco is a type of plaster used for covering walls and decorating ceilings.

stuck /stʌ k/

1Stuck is the past tense and past participle of stick .

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is stuck in a particular position, it is fixed tightly in this position and is unable to move. □� He said his car had got stuck in the snow. □� She had got something stuck between her teeth.

3 ADJ If you are stuck in a place, you want to get away from it, but are unable to. □� I was stuck at home with flu.

4 ADJ If you are stuck in a boring or unpleasant situation, you are unable to change it or get away from it. □� I don't want to get stuck in another job like that.

5 ADJ If something is stuck at a particular level or stage, it is not progressing or changing. □� The negotiations have got stuck on a number of key issues. □� U.S. unemployment figures for March showed the jobless rate stuck at 7 per cent.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you are stuck with something that you do not want, you cannot get rid of it. □� Many people are now stuck with expensive fixed-rate mortgages.

7 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you get stuck when you are trying to do something, you are unable to continue doing it because it is too difficult. □� They will be there to help if you get stuck.

8 PHRASE If you get stuck in , you do something with enthusiasm and determination. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� We're bottom of the league and we have to get stuck in.

stu ck-u p ADJ If you say that someone is stuck-up , you mean that are very proud and unfriendly because they think they are very important. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� She was a famous actress, but she wasn't a bit stuck-up.

stud /stʌ d/ (studs )

1 N‑COUNT A studs are small pieces of metal which are attached to a surface for decoration. □� You see studs on lots of London front doors.

2 N‑COUNT A stud is an earring consisting of a small shape attached to a bar which goes through a hole in your ear. □� �plain gold studs.

3 N‑COUNT Studs are small round objects attached to the bottom of boots, especially sports boots, so that the person wearing them does not slip. [BRIT ] in AM, use cleats4 N‑UNCOUNT Horses or other animals that are kept for stud are kept to be used for breeding. □� He was voted horse of the year and then was retired to stud.

5 →�see also press stud

stu d book (stud books ) also studbook N‑COUNT A stud book is a written record of the breeding of a particular horse, especially a racehorse.

stud|ded /stʌ d I d/

1 ADJ Something that is studded is decorated with studs or things that look like studs. □� �studded leather jackets. [Also +�with ]

2 →�see also star-studded

stu|dent ◆◆◆ /stjuː d ə nt, stuː -/ (students )

1 N‑COUNT A student is a person who is studying at a university or college. □� Warren's eldest son is an art student, at St Martin's. □� �a 23-year-old medical student.

2 →�see also mature student

3 N‑COUNT A student is a child who is studying at a secondary school.

4 N‑COUNT Someone who is a student of a particular subject is interested in the subject and spends time learning about it. □�[+�of ] �a passionate student of nineteenth century history.

stu |dents' u n|ion (students' unions ) or student union

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] Thestudents' union is the students' organization in a university or college which organizes leisure activities, provides welfare services, and represents students' political interests. [BRIT ]

2 N‑SING The students' union is the building where the students' union organization has its offices and which usually has a shop, a coffee bar, and a meeting place.

stu d farm (stud farms ) N‑COUNT A stud farm is a place where horses are bred.

stud|ied /stʌ did/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A studied action is deliberate or planned. □� The newsletter he sent to investors was full of studied understatement.

2 →�see also study

stu|dio ◆◆◇ /stjuː dioʊ, stuː -/ (studios )

1 N‑COUNT A studio is a room where a painter, photographer, or designer works. □� She was in her studio again, painting onto a large canvas.

2 N‑COUNT A studio is a room where radio or television programmes are recorded, CDs are produced, or films are made. □� She's much happier performing live than in a recording studio.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can also refer to film-making or recording companies as studios . □� She wrote to Paramount Studios and asked if they would audition her.

4 N‑COUNT A studio is a small flat with one room for living and sleeping in, a kitchen, and a bathroom. You can also talk about a studio flat in British English or a studio apartment in American English. □� I live on my own in a studio flat.

stu |dio au di|ence (studio audiences ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A studio audience is a group of people who are in a television or radio studio watching while a programme is being made, so that their clapping, laughter, or questions are recorded on the programme.

stu|di|ous /stjuː diəs, stuː -/ ADJ Someone who is studious spends a lot of time reading and studying books. □� I was a very quiet, studious little girl.

stu|di|ous|ly /stjuː diəsli, stuː -/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you do something studiously , you do it carefully and deliberately. □� When I looked at Clive, he studiously avoided my eyes.

study ◆◆◆ /stʌ di/ (studies , studying , studied )

1 VERB If you study , you spend time learning about a particular subject or subjects. □�[V ] �a relaxed and happy atmosphere that will allow you to study to your full potential. □�[V n] He went to Hull University, where he studied History and Economics. □�[V +�for ] The rehearsals make it difficult for her to study for law school exams.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Study is the activity of studying. □� �the use of maps and visual evidence in the study of local history. □� She gave up her studies to take a job with the company.

3 N‑COUNT A study of a subject is a piece of research on it. □� Recent studies suggest that as many as 5 in 1000 new mothers are likely to have this problem.

4 N‑PLURAL You can refer to educational subjects or courses that contain several elements as studies of a particular kind. □� �a new centre for Islamic studies. □� She is currently doing a business studies course at Leeds.

5 VERB If you study something, you look at it or watch it very carefully, in order to find something out. □�[V n] Debbie studied her friend's face for a moment.

6 VERB If you study something, you consider it or observe it carefully in order to be able to understand it fully. □�[V n] I know that you've been studying chimpanzees for thirty years now. □�[V n] I invite every citizen to carefully study the document.

7 N‑COUNT A study by an artist is a drawing which is done in preparation for a larger picture.

8 N‑COUNT A study is a room in a house which is used for reading, writing, and studying.

9 →�see also studied , case study SYNONYMS study VERB 1

learn:Their children were going to learn English.

cram:She was cramming for her Economics exam.

revise:I have to revise for maths. NOUN

2

examination:The proposal requires careful examination and consideration.

3

investigation:He ordered an investigation into the affair.

analysis:We did an analysis of the way that government money has been spent in the past.

stuff ◆◆◇ /stʌ f/ (stuffs , stuffing , stuffed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use stuff to refer to things such as a substance, a collection of things, events, or ideas, or the contents of something in a general way without mentioning the thing itself by name. [INFORMAL ] □� I'd like some coffee, and I don't object to the powdered stuff if it's all you've got. □� 'What do you want to know?'�'About life and stuff.' □� He pointed to a duffle bag.'That's my stuff.'

2 VERB If you stuff something somewhere, you push it there quickly and roughly. □�[V n prep/adv] I stuffed my hands in my pockets. □�[V n prep/adv] He stuffed the newspapers into a litter bin and headed down the street.

3 VERB If you stuff a container or space with something, you fill it with something or with a quantity of things until it is full. □�[V n adj] He grabbed my purse, opened it and stuffed it full, then gave it back to me. □�[V n +�with ] He still stood behind his cash register stuffing his mouth with popcorn.

4 VERB If you stuffyourself , you eat a lot of food. [INFORMAL ] □�[V pron-refl prep] I could stuff myself with ten chocolate bars and half an hour later eat a big meal. ●� stuffed ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� But you're just so stuffed you won't be able to drink anything.

5 VERB If you stuff a bird such as a chicken or a vegetable such as a pepper, you put a mixture of food inside it before cooking it. □�[V n] Will you stuff the turkey and shove it in the oven for me? □�[V -ed] �stuffed tomatoes.

6 VERB [usu passive] If a dead animal is stuffed , it is filled with a substance so that it can be preserved and displayed.

7 VERB Stuff is used in front of nouns to emphasize that you do not care about something, or do not want it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[V n] Ultimately my attitude was: stuff them. □�[V n] Stuff your money. We don't want a handout.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone knows their stuff , you mean that they are good at doing something because they know a lot about it. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� These chaps know their stuff after seven years of war.

stu ffed a ni|mal (stuffed animals ) N‑COUNT Stuffed animals are toys that are made of cloth filled with a soft material and which look like animals. [AM ] in BRIT, use soft toy

stu ffed shi rt (stuffed shirts ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone, especially someone with an important position, as a stuffed shirt , you mean that they are extremely formal and old-fashioned. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� In a pinstriped suit he instantly looked like a stuffed shirt.

stu ffed to y (stuffed toys ) N‑COUNT A stuffed toy is the same as a stuffed animal . [AM ] in BRIT, use soft toy

stuff|ing /stʌ f I ŋ/ (stuffings )

1 N‑VAR Stuffing is a mixture of food that is put inside a bird such as a chicken, or a vegetable such as a pepper, before it is cooked. □� Chestnuts can be used at Christmas time, as a stuffing for turkey, guinea fowl or chicken.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Stuffing is material that is used to fill things such as cushions or toys in order to make them firm or solid.

stuffy /stʌ fi/ (stuffier , stuffiest )

1 ADJ Stuffy people or institutions are formal and old-fashioned. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Why were grown-ups always so stuffy and slow to recognize good ideas? □� �a firm of lawyers in Lincoln's Inn, immensely stuffy and respectable.

2 ADJ If it is stuffy in a place, it is unpleasantly warm and there is not enough fresh air. □� It was hot and stuffy in the classroom.

stul|ti|fy /stʌ lt I fa I / (stultifies , stultifying , stultified ) VERB If something stultifies you, it makes you feel empty or dull in your mind, because it is so boring. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] This attitude stultifies scientific progress. ●� stul|ti|fy|ing ADJ □� A rigid routine can be stultifying and boring.

stum|ble /stʌ mb ə l/ (stumbles , stumbling , stumbled )

1 VERB If you stumble , you put your foot down awkwardly while you are walking or running and nearly fall over. □�[V ] He stumbled and almost fell. □�[V prep/adv] I stumbled into the phone box and dialled 999. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Stumble is also a noun. □� I make it into the darkness with only one stumble.

2 VERB If you stumble while you are reading aloud or speaking, you make a mistake, and have to pause before saying the words properly. □�[V +�over ] �his voice wavered and he stumbled over the words at one point. [Also V ]

▸� stumble across or stumble on PHRASAL VERB If you stumble across something or stumble on it, you find it or discover it unexpectedly. □�[V P n] I stumbled across a simple method for understanding where my money went. □�[V P n] History relates that they stumbled on a magnificent waterfall.

stu m|bling block (stumbling blocks ) N‑COUNT A stumbling block is a problem which stops you from achieving something. □�[+�to/in ] His lack of speed is a major stumbling block to a Premiership return.

stump /stʌ mp/ (stumps , stumping , stumped )

1 N‑COUNT A stump is a small part of something that remains when the rest of it has been removed or broken off. □� If you have a tree stump, check it for fungus. □�[+�of ] The tramp produced a stump of candle from his deep pockets.

2 N‑COUNT In cricket, the stumps are the three wooden sticks that are placed upright in the ground to form the wicket.

3 VERB If you are stumped by a question or problem, you cannot think of any solution or answer to it. □�[be V -ed] John is stumped by an unexpected question. □�[V n] Well, maybe I stumped you on that one.

4 VERB If politicians stump the country or stumpfor a candidate, they travel around making campaign speeches before an election. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] He stumped the country for reform of Parliament. □�[V +�for ] This week she's been stumping for candidates in the American midterm elections. [Also V ]

5 PHRASE If politicians are on the stump , they are campaigning for an election. [mainly AM ] □� The presidential candidates are on the stump today.

▸� stump up PHRASAL VERB If you stump up a sum of money, you pay it, often unwillingly. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Customers do not have to stump up any cash for at least four weeks. [Also V P ]

stumpy /stʌ mpi/ ADJ Stumpy things are short and thick. □� Does this dress make my legs look too stumpy?

stun /stʌ n/ (stuns , stunning , stunned )

1 VERB [usu passive] If you are stunned by something, you are extremely shocked or surprised by it and are therefore unable to speak or do anything. □�[be V -ed] Many cinema-goers were stunned by the film's violent and tragic end. ●� stunned ADJ □� When they told me she had gone missing I was totally stunned.

2 VERB If something such as a blow on the head stuns you, it makes you unconscious or confused and unsteady. □�[V n] Sam stood his ground and got a blow that stunned him.

3 →�see also stunning

stung /stʌ ŋ/ Stung is the past tense and past participle of sting .

stu n gun (stun guns ) N‑COUNT A stun gun is a device that can immobilize a person or animal for a short time without causing them serious injury.

stunk /stʌ ŋk/ Stunk is the past participle of stink .

stun|ner /stʌ nə r / (stunners ) N‑COUNT A stunner is an extremely attractive woman. [INFORMAL ] □� One of the girls was an absolute stunner.

stun|ning /stʌ n I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stunning person or thing is extremely beautiful or impressive. □� She was 55 and still a stunning woman.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stunning event is extremely unusual or unexpected. □� The minister resigned last night after a stunning defeat in Sunday's vote.

stunt /stʌ nt/ (stunts , stunting , stunted )

1 N‑COUNT A stunt is something interesting that is done in order to attract attention and get publicity for the person or company responsible for it. □� In a bold promotional stunt for the movie, he smashed his car into a passing truck.

2 N‑COUNT A stunt is a dangerous and exciting piece of action in a film. □� In his new film he performs his own stunts.

3 VERB If something stunts the growth or development of a person or thing, it prevents it from growing or developing as much as it should. □�[V n] The heart condition had stunted his growth a bit. □�[V n] High interest rates have stunted economic growth. ●� stunt|ed ADJ □� Damage may result in stunted growth and sometimes death of the plant.

stu nt man (stunt men ) also stuntman N‑COUNT A stunt man is a man whose job is to do dangerous things, either for publicity, or in a film instead of an actor so that the actor does not risk being injured.

stu nt wom|an (stunt women ) also stuntwoman N‑COUNT A stunt woman is a woman whose job is to do dangerous things, either for publicity, or in a film instead of an actor so that the actor does not risk being injured.

stu|pefy /stjuː p I fa I , stuː -/ (stupefies , stupefying , stupefied ) VERB If something stupefies you, it shocks or surprises you so much that you cannot think properly for a while. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �a violent slap on the side of the head, which stunned and stupefied him.

stu|pen|dous /stjuːpe ndəs, [AM ] stuː-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is stupendous is surprisingly impressive or large. □� He was a man of stupendous stamina and energy. □� This stupendous novel keeps you gripped to the end.

stu|pid ◆◇◇ /stjuː p I d, [AM ] stuː -/ (stupider , stupidest )

1 ADJ If you say that someone or something is stupid , you mean that they show a lack of good judgment or intelligence and they are not at all sensible. □� I'll never do anything so stupid again. □� I made a stupid mistake. □� Your father wouldn't have asked such a stupid question. ●� stu|pid|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� We had stupidly been looking at the wrong column of figures. ●� stu|pid|ity /stjuːp I d I ti, [AM ] stuː-/ (stupidities ) N‑VAR [usu with poss] □� I stared at him, astonished by his stupidity.

2 ADJ You say that something is stupid to indicate that you do not like it or care about it, or that it annoys you. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I wouldn't call it art. It's just stupid and tasteless. □� Friendship is much more important to me than a stupid old ring!

stu|por /stjuː pə r , [AM ] stuː -/ (stupors ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in/into a N ] Someone who is in a stupor is almost unconscious and is unable to act or think normally, especially as a result of drink or drugs. □� He fell back onto the sofa in a drunken stupor.

stur|dy /stɜː r di/ (sturdier , sturdiest ) ADJ Someone or something that is sturdy looks strong and is unlikely to be easily injured or damaged. □� The camera was mounted on a sturdy tripod. ●� stur|di|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� It was a good table too, sturdily constructed of elm.

stur|geon /stɜː r dʒ ə n/ (sturgeon ) N‑VAR A sturgeon is a large fish which lives in northern parts of the world. Sturgeon are usually caught for their eggs, which are known as caviar.

stut|ter /stʌ tə r / (stutters , stuttering , stuttered )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone has a stutter , they find it difficult to say the first sound of a word, and so they often hesitate or repeat it two or three times. □� He spoke with a pronounced stutter.

2 VERB If someone stutters , they have difficulty speaking because they find it hard to say the first sound of a word. □�[V ] I was trembling so hard, I thought I would stutter when I spoke. ●� stut|ter|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He had to stop talking because if he'd kept on, the stuttering would have started.

3 VERB If something stutters along, it progresses slowly and unevenly. □�[V prep/adv] The old truck stuttered along the winding road. □�[V prep/adv] The political debate stutters on.

sty /sta I / (sties ) N‑COUNT A sty is the same as a pigsty .

stye /sta I / (styes ) also sty N‑COUNT If you have a stye , your eyelid is red and swollen because part of it is infected.

style ◆◆◇ /sta I l/ (styles , styling , styled )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in adj N ] The style of something is the general way in which it is done or presented, which often shows the attitudes of the people involved. □� Our children's different needs and learning styles created many problems. □� Belmont Park is a broad sweeping track which will suit the European style of running.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If people or places have style , they are smart and elegant. □� Bournemouth, you have to admit, has style. □� Both love doing things in style. □� She had not lost her grace and style.

3 N‑VAR The style of a product is its design. □� His 50 years of experience have given him strong convictions about style. □� Several styles of hat were available.

4 N‑COUNT In the arts, a particular style is characteristic of a particular period or group of people. □� �six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy. □� �a mixture of musical styles.

5 VERB [usu passive] If something such as a piece of clothing, a vehicle, or someone's hair is styled in a particular way, it is designed or shaped in that way. □�[be V -ed] His thick blond hair had just been styled before his trip.

6 →�see also old-style , self-styled , styling

7to cramp someone's style →�see cramp

-style /-sta I l/

1 COMB [usu ADJ n] -style combines with nouns and adjectives to form adjectives which describe the style or characteristics of something. □� �the development of a Western-style political system. □� �a hearty country-style dinner.

2 COMB [ADV after v] -style combines with adjectives and nouns to form adverbs which describe how something is done. □� Guests have been asked to dress 1920s-style.

styl|ing /sta I l I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The styling of an object is the design and appearance of it. □� The car neatly blends classic styling into a smooth modern package.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] The styling of someone's hair is the way in which it is cut and arranged. □� �shampoos and styling products.

3 →�see also style

styl|ised /sta I la I zd/ →�see stylized

styl|ish /sta I l I ʃ/ ADJ Someone or something that is stylish is smart, elegant, and fashionable. □� �a very attractive and very stylish woman of 27. □� �a varied choice of stylish designs. ●� styl|ish|ly ADV □� �stylishly dressed middle-aged women.

styl|ist /sta I l I st/ (stylists )

1 N‑COUNT A stylist is a person whose job is to cut and arrange people's hair. □� Choose a stylist recommended by someone whose hair you like.

2 N‑COUNT A stylist is someone whose job is to create the style of something such as an advertisement or the image of people such as pop singers. □� She is now a writer and fashion stylist.

sty|lis|tic /sta I l I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Stylistic describes things relating to the methods and techniques used in creating a piece of writing, music, or art. □� There are some stylistic elements in the statue that just don't make sense.

styl|ized /sta I la I zd/ in BRIT, also use stylised ADJ Something that is stylized is shown or done in a way that is not natural in order to create an artistic effect. □� Some of it has to do with recent stage musicals, which have been very, very stylised.

sty|lus /sta I ləs/ (styluses )

1 N‑COUNT The stylus on a record player is the small needle that picks up the sound signals on the records.

2 N‑COUNT A stylus is a device like a pen with which you can input written text or drawing directly into a computer. [COMPUTING ] □� It has a stylus-operated on-screen keyboard that takes great skill to master.

sty|mie /sta I mi/ (stymies , stymieing , stymied ) VERB [usu passive] If you are stymiedby something, you find it very difficult to take action or to continue what you are doing. [INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] Companies have been stymied by the length of time it takes to reach an agreement.

styro|foam /sta I ə rəfoʊm/ N‑UNCOUNT Styrofoam is a very light, plastic substance, used especially to make containers. [AM ] in BRIT, use polystyrene

suave /swɑː v/ (suaver , suavest ) ADJ Someone who is suave is charming, polite, and elegant, but may be insincere. □� He is a suave, cool and cultured man. ●� suave|ly ADV □� �the skills needed to deal suavely with a company's senior managers.

sub /sʌ b/ (subs )

1 N‑COUNT In team games such as football, a sub is a player who is brought into a match to replace another player. [INFORMAL ] □� We had a few injuries and had to use youth team kids as subs.

2 N‑COUNT A sub is the same as a submarine . [INFORMAL ]

3 N‑PLURAL A fixed amount of money that you pay regularly in order to be a member of a club or society is called your subs . [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Subs will be raised as from next year.

PREFIX sub-

forms nouns that refer to things that are part of a larger thing. For example, a subculture is the culture of a group of people within a society.

sub|al|tern /sʌ b ə ltə r n/ (subalterns ) N‑COUNT A subaltern is an officer of middle rank in the British army. [BRIT ]

sub|atom|ic /sʌ bətɒ m I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] A subatomic particle is a particle which is part of an atom, for example an electron, a proton, or a neutron. [TECHNICAL ]

sub|com|mit|tee /sʌ bkəm I ti/ (subcommittees ) also sub-committee N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A subcommittee is a small committee made up of members of a larger committee.

sub|con|scious /sʌ bkɒ nʃəs/

1 N‑SING Your subconscious is the part of your mind that can influence you or affect your behaviour even though you are not aware of it. □� �the hidden power of the subconscious. □� The memory of it all was locked deep in my subconscious.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A subconscious feeling or action exists in or is influenced by your subconscious. □� He caught her arm in a subconscious attempt to detain her. □� �a subconscious cry for affection. ●� sub|con|scious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Subconsciously I had known that I would not be in personal danger.

sub|con|ti|nent /sʌ bkɒ nt I nənt/ (subcontinents ) also sub-continent N‑COUNT [usu sing] A subcontinent is part of a larger continent, made up of a number of countries that form a large mass of land. The subcontinent is often used to refer to the area that contains India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

sub|con|tract (subcontracts , subcontracting , subcontracted ) The verb is pronounced /sʌ bkəntr� kt/. The noun is pronounced /sʌbkɒ ntr�kt/. 1 VERB If one firm subcontracts part of its work to another firm, it pays the other firm to do part of the work that it has been employed to do. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The company is subcontracting production of most of the parts. □�[V n +�to ] They are cutting costs by subcontracting work out to other local firms.

2 N‑COUNT A subcontract is a contract between a firm which is being employed to do a job and another firm which agrees to do part of that job.

sub|con|trac|tor /sʌ bkəntr� ktə r , [AM ] -kɑː ntr�k-/ (subcontractors ) also sub-contractor N‑COUNT A subcontractor is a person or firm that has a contract to do part of a job which another firm is responsible for. [BUSINESS ] □� The company was considered as a possible subcontractor to build the aeroplane.

sub|cul|ture /sʌ bkʌltʃə r / (subcultures ) also sub-culture N‑COUNT A subculture is the ideas, art, and way of life of a group of people within a society, which are different from the ideas, art, and way of life of the rest of the society. □� �the latest American subculture.

sub|cu|ta|neous /sʌ bkjute I niəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] Subcutaneous is used to indicate that something is situated, used, or put under your skin. □� �subcutaneous fat.

sub|di|vide /sʌ bd I va I d/ (subdivides , subdividing , subdivided ) also sub-divide VERB [usu passive] If something is subdivided , it is divided into several smaller areas, parts, or groups. □�[be V -ed +�into ] The verbs were subdivided into transitive and intransitive categories.

sub|di|vi|sion /sʌ bd I v I ʒ ə n/ (subdivisions ) also sub-division

1 N‑COUNT A subdivision is an area, part, or section of something which is itself a part of something larger. □� Months are a conventional subdivision of the year.

2 N‑COUNT A subdivision is an area of land for building houses on. [AM ] □� Rammick lives high on a ridge in a 400-home subdivision.

sub|due /səbdjuː , [AM ] -duː / (subdues , subduing , subdued )

1 VERB If soldiers or the police subdue a group of people, they defeat them or bring them under control by using force. □�[V n] Senior government officials admit they have not been able to subdue the rebels.

2 VERB To subdue feelings means to make them less strong. □�[V n] He forced himself to subdue and overcome his fears.

sub|dued /səbdjuː d, [AM ] -duː d/

1 ADJ Someone who is subdued is very quiet, often because they are sad or worried about something. □� The audience are strangely subdued, clapping politely after each song.

2 ADJ Subdued sounds are not very loud. □� The conversation around them was resumed, but in subdued tones.

3 ADJ Subdued lights or colours are not very bright. □� The lighting was subdued.

su b-e ditor (sub-editors ) also subeditor N‑COUNT A sub-editor is a person whose job it is to check and correct articles in newspapers or magazines before they are printed. [BRIT ] in AM, use copy editor

sub|group /sʌ bgruːp/ (subgroups ) also sub-group N‑COUNT A subgroup is a group that is part of a larger group. □� The Action Group worked by dividing its tasks among a large number of subgroups.

sub|head|ing /sʌ bhed I ŋ/ (subheadings ) also sub-heading N‑COUNT Subheadings are titles that divide part of a piece of writing into shorter sections.

sub|hu|man /sʌ bhjuː mən/ also sub-human ADJ If you describe someone or their situation as subhuman , you mean that they behave or live in a much worse way than human beings normally do. □� Defining people as subhuman made it easier to justify their ill treatment.

sub|ject ◆◆◇ (subjects , subjecting , subjected ) The noun and adjective are pronounced /sʌ bdʒ I kt/. The verb is pronounced /səbdʒe kt/. 1 N‑COUNT The subject of something such as a conversation, letter, or book is the thing that is being discussed or written about. □� It was I who first raised the subject of plastic surgery. □� �the president's own views on the subject.

2 N‑COUNT Someone or something that is the subject of criticism, study, or an investigation is being criticized, studied, or investigated. □�[+�of ] Over the past few years, some of the positions Mr. Meredith has adopted have made him the subject of criticism. □�[+�of ] He's now the subject of an official inquiry.

3 N‑COUNT A subject is an area of knowledge or study, especially one that you study at school, college, or university. □� �a tutor in maths and science subjects.

4 N‑COUNT In an experiment or piece of research, the subject is the person or animal that is being tested or studied. [FORMAL ] □� 'White noise' was played into the subject's ears through headphones.

5 N‑COUNT An artist's subjects are the people, animals, or objects that he or she paints, models, or photographs. □� Her favourite subjects are shells spotted on beach walks.

6 N‑COUNT In grammar, the subject of a clause is the noun group that refers to the person or thing that is doing the action expressed by the verb. For example, in 'My cat keeps catching birds', 'my cat' is the subject.

7 ADJ To be subject to something means to be affected by it or to be likely to be affected by it. □�[+�to ] Prices may be subject to alteration. □�[+�to ] Foreign wine was subject to an import tax.

8 ADJ If someone is subject to a particular set of rules or laws, they have to obey those rules or laws. □�[+�to ] The tribunal is unique because Mr Jones is not subject to the normal police discipline code.

9 VERB If you subject someone to something unpleasant, you make them experience it. □�[V n +�to ] �the man who had subjected her to four years of beatings and abuse.

10 N‑COUNT The people who live in or belong to a particular country, usually one ruled by a monarch, are the subjects of that monarch or country. □� Roughly half of them are British subjects.

11 PHRASE When someone involved in a conversation changes the subject , they start talking about something else, often because the previous subject was embarrassing. □� He tried to change the subject, but she wasn't to be put off.

12 PHRASE If an event will take place subject to a condition, it will take place only if that thing happens. □� They had agreed to a summit, subject to certain conditions. COLLOCATIONS subject NOUN

1

adjective +�subject : controversial, difficult, sensitive, taboo

verb +�subject : address, broach, discuss, raise

3

noun +�subject : degree; arts, science

adjective +�subject : academic, compulsory, core, vocational; favourite, specialist

verb +�subject : research, study, teach SYNONYMS subject NOUN 1

topic:The main topic for discussion is political union.

question:But the whole question of aid is a tricky political one.

issue:Is it right for the Church to express a view on political issues?

matter:It was clear that she wanted to discuss some private matter.

sub|jec|tion /səbdʒe kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to/of n] Subjectionto someone involves being completely controlled by them. □�[+�to ] �their complete subjection to their captors. □� �the worst forms of economic subjection and drudgery.

sub|jec|tive /səbdʒe kt I v/ ADJ Something that is subjective is based on personal opinions and feelings rather than on facts. □� We know that taste in art is a subjective matter. □� The way they interpreted their past was highly subjective. ●� sub|jec|tive|ly ADV □� Our preliminary results suggest that people do subjectively find the speech clearer. ●� sub|jec|tiv|ity /sʌ bdʒəkt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� They accused her of flippancy and subjectivity in her reporting of events in their country.

su b|ject mat|ter also subject-matter N‑UNCOUNT The subject matter of something such as a book, lecture, film, or painting is the thing that is being written about, discussed, or shown. □� Artists were given greater freedom in their choice of subject matter. □� Her subject matter is herself.

sub ju|di|ce /sʌ b dʒuː d I si/ also sub-judice ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When something is sub judice , it is the subject of a trial in a court of law. In Britain, this means that people are not allowed to discuss it in the media. [LEGAL ] □� He declined further comment on the grounds that the case was sub judice.

sub|ju|gate /sʌ bdʒʊge I t/ (subjugates , subjugating , subjugated )

1 VERB If someone subjugates a group of people, they take complete control of them, especially by defeating them in a war. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] People in the region are fiercely independent and resist all attempts to subjugate them. ●� sub|ju|ga|tion /sʌ bdʒʊge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the brutal subjugation of native tribes.

2 VERB [usu passive] If your wishes or desires are subjugatedto something, they are treated as less important than that thing. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�to ] Health, common sense, and self-respect are subjugated to the cause of looking 'hot'. [Also be V -ed]

sub|junc|tive /səbdʒʌ ŋkt I v/ N‑SING In English, a clause expressing a wish or suggestion can be put in the subjunctive , or in the subjunctive mood, by using the base form of a verb or 'were'. Examples are 'He asked that they be removed' and 'I wish I were somewhere else'. These structures are formal. [TECHNICAL ]

sub|let /sʌ ble t/ (sublets , subletting ) The form sublet is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb. VERB If you sublet a building or part of a building, you allow someone to use it and you take rent from them, although you are not the owner and pay rent for it yourself. □�[V n] The company rented the building, occupied part and sublet the rest.

sub|li|mate /sʌ bl I me I t/ (sublimates , sublimating , sublimated ) VERB If you sublimate a strong desire or feeling, you express it in a way that is socially acceptable. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □�[V n] He could try to sublimate the problem by writing, in detail, about it.

sub|lime /səbla I m/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as sublime , you mean that it has a wonderful quality that affects you deeply. [LITERARY , APPROVAL ] □� Sublime music floats on a scented summer breeze to the spot where you lie. ●�N‑SING You can refer to sublime things as the sublime . □� She elevated every rare small success to the sublime. ●� sub|lime|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� �the most sublimely beautiful of all living things. ●�PHRASE If you describe something as going from the sublime to the ridiculous , you mean that it involves a change from something very good or serious to something silly or unimportant. □� At times the show veered from the sublime to the ridiculous.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use sublime to emphasize a quality that someone or something has, usually a quality that is undesirable or negative. [FORMAL or LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □� The administration's sublime incompetence is probably temporary. □� He displayed a sublime indifference to the distinction between right and wrong. ●� sub|lime|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� Mrs Trollope was sublimely uninterested in what she herself wore.

sub|limi|nal /sʌbl I m I n ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Subliminal influences or messages affect your mind without you being aware of it. □� Colour has a profound, though often subliminal influence on our senses and moods. □� �subliminal advertising.

su b-machi ne gun (sub-machine guns ) also sub-machine-gun , submachine gun N‑COUNT A sub-machine gun is a light portable type of machine gun.

sub|ma|rine /sʌ bməriː n, [AM ] -riːn/ (submarines )

1 N‑COUNT A submarine is a type of ship that can travel both above and below the surface of the sea. The abbreviation sub is also used. □� �a nuclear submarine.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Submarine means existing below the surface of the sea. [FORMAL ] □� �submarine caves. □� �submarine plants.

3 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A submarine sandwich is a long soft bread roll filled with a combination of things such as meat, cheese, eggs, and salad. The abbreviation sub is also used. [AM ]

sub|ma|rin|er /sʌbm� r I nə r , [AM ALSO ] sʌ bməriː nə r / (submariners ) N‑COUNT A submariner is a sailor or other person who goes in a submarine.

sub|merge /səbmɜː r dʒ/ (submerges , submerging , submerged )

1 VERB If something submerges or if you submerge it, it goes below the surface of some water or another liquid. □�[V ] Hippos are unable to submerge in the few remaining water holes. □�[V n] The river burst its banks, submerging an entire village.

2 VERB If you submergeyourself in an activity, you give all your attention to it and do not think about anything else. □�[V pron-refl +�in ] He submerges himself in the world of his imagination.

sub|merged /səbmɜː r dʒd/ ADJ If something is submerged , it is below the surface of some water. □� My right toe struck against a submerged rock.

sub|mers|ible /səbmɜː r s I b ə l/ ADJ If something is submersible , it can go or operate under water. □� �a submersible pump.

sub|mis|sion /səbm I ʃ ə n/ (submissions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft into N ] Submission is a state in which people can no longer do what they want to do because they have been brought under the control of someone else. □� The army intends to take the city or simply starve it into submission.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thesubmissionof a proposal, report, or other document is the act of formally sending it to someone, so that they can consider it or decide about it. [FORMAL ] □� Diploma and certificate courses do not normally require the submission of a dissertation.

3 N‑COUNT A submission is a proposal, report, or other document that is formally sent or presented to someone, so that they can consider or decide about it. □� A written submission has to be prepared.

sub|mis|sive /səbm I s I v/ ADJ If you are submissive , you obey someone without arguing. □� Most doctors want their patients to be submissive. ●� sub|mis|sive|ly ADV □� The troops submissively laid down their weapons.

sub|mit /səbm I t/ (submits , submitting , submitted )

1 VERB If you submitto something, you unwillingly allow something to be done to you, or you do what someone wants, for example because you are not powerful enough to resist. □�[V +�to ] In desperation, Mrs. Jones submitted to an operation on her right knee to relieve the pain. □�[V +�to ] If I submitted to their demands, they would not press the allegations. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you submit a proposal, report, or request to someone, you formally send it to them so that they can consider it or decide about it. □�[V n +�to ] They submitted their reports to the Chancellor yesterday. □�[V n] Head teachers yesterday submitted a claim for a 9 per cent pay rise.

sub|nor|mal /sʌ bnɔː r m ə l/ also sub-normal ADJ If someone is subnormal , they have less ability or intelligence than a normal person of their age. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �educationally subnormal children. ●�N‑PLURAL The subnormal are people who are subnormal. □� She attended a school for the educationally subnormal.

sub|or|di|nate (subordinates , subordinating , subordinated ) The noun and adjective are pronounced /səbɔː r d I nət/. The verb is pronounced /səbɔː r d I ne I t/. 1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] If someone is your subordinate , they have a less important position than you in the organization that you both work for. □� Haig tended not to seek guidance from subordinates.

2 ADJ Someone who is subordinateto you has a less important position than you and has to obey you. □� Sixty of his subordinate officers followed his example. □�[+�to ] Women were regarded as subordinate to free men.

3 ADJ Something that is subordinateto something else is less important than the other thing. □�[+�to ] It was an art in which words were subordinate to images.

4 VERB If you subordinate something to another thing, you regard it or treat it as less important than the other thing. □�[V n +�to ] He was both willing and able to subordinate all else to this aim. ●� sub|or|di|na|tion /səbɔː r d I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the social subordination of women. [Also +�to ]

sub|o r|di|nate clau se (subordinate clauses ) N‑COUNT A subordinate clause is a clause in a sentence which adds to or completes the information given in the main clause. It cannot usually stand alone as a sentence. Compare main clause . [TECHNICAL ]

sub|o r|di|nat|ing con|ju nc|tion (subordinating conjunctions ) N‑COUNT A subordinating conjunction is a word such as 'although', 'because', or 'when' which begins a subordinate clause. Compare co-ordinating conjunction . [TECHNICAL ]

su b-plot (sub-plots ) also subplot N‑COUNT The sub-plot in a play, film, or novel is a story that is separate from and less important than the main story. □� �a fascinating sub-plot to the main drama.

sub|poe|na /səpiː nə/ (subpoenas , subpoenaing , subpoenaed )

1 N‑COUNT A subpoena is a legal document telling someone that they must attend a court of law and give evidence as a witness. □� He has been served with a subpoena to answer the charges in court.

2 VERB If someone subpoenas a person, they give them a legal document telling them to attend a court of law and give evidence. If someone subpoenas a piece of evidence, the evidence must be produced in a court of law. □�[V n] Select committees have the power to subpoena witnesses. □�[V n] The investigation will rely on existing powers to subpoena documents.

sub|prime /sʌ bpra I m/ ADJ A subprime loan is a loan that is made to a borrower who has been unable to pay back loans in the past, usually with a high interest rate. □� Billions of dollars worth of subprime loans were issued in the US.

sub|scribe /səbskra I b/ (subscribes , subscribing , subscribed )

1 VERB If you subscribe to an opinion or belief, you are one of a number of people who have this opinion or belief. □�[V +�to ] I've personally never subscribed to the view that either sex is superior to the other.

2 VERB If you subscribe to a service, especially online, you agree to regularly receive it or receive information from it. [COMPUTING ] □�[V +�to ] Viewers must subscribe to a broadband service for �17.99 a month.

3 VERB If you subscribe to a magazine or a newspaper, you pay to receive copies of it regularly. □�[V +�to ] I subscribe to New Scientist to keep abreast of advances in science.

4 VERB If you subscribefor shares in a company, you apply to buy shares in that company. [BUSINESS ] □�[V +�for ] Employees subscribed for far more shares than were available. [Also V n]

sub|scrib|er /səbskra I bə r / (subscribers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A magazine's or a newspaper's subscribers are the people who pay to receive copies of it regularly. □�[+�to ] I have been a subscriber to Railway Magazine for many years.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Subscribersto a service are the people who pay to receive the service. □�[+�to ] China has almost 15 million subscribers to satellite and cable television.

sub|scrip|tion /səbskr I pʃ ə n/ (subscriptions )

1 N‑COUNT A subscription is an amount of money that you pay regularly in order to belong to an organization, to help a charity or campaign, or to receive copies of a magazine or newspaper. □� You can become a member by paying the yearly subscription.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Subscription television is television that you can watch only if you pay a subscription. A subscription channel is a channel that you can watch only if you pay a subscription.

sub|sec|tion /sʌ bsekʃ ə n/ (subsections ) also sub-section N‑COUNT A subsection of a text or a document such as a law is one of the smaller parts into which its main parts are divided.

sub|se|quent ◆◇◇ /sʌ bs I kwənt/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use subsequent to describe something that happened or existed after the time or event that has just been referred to. [FORMAL ] □� �the increase of population in subsequent years. ●� sub|se|quent|ly ADV □� She subsequently became the Faculty's President.

2 PHRASE If something happened subsequent to something else, it happened after that thing. [FORMAL ] □� They won only one more game subsequent to their Cup semi-final win last year. SYNONYMS subsequent ADJ 1

following:We went to dinner the following Monday evening.

next:I got up early the next morning.

ensuing:The ensuing argument had been bitter.

later:At a later news conference, he said differences should not be dramatized.

sub|ser|vi|ent /səbsɜː r viənt/

1 ADJ If you are subservient , you do whatever someone wants you to do. □�[+�to ] She is expected to be subservient to her uncle. ●� sub|ser|vi|ence /səbsɜː r viəns/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] �an austere regime stressing obedience and subservience to authority.

2 ADJ If you treat one thing as subservient to another, you treat it as less important than the other thing. □�[+�to ] The woman's needs are seen as subservient to the group interest.

sub|set /sʌ bset/ (subsets ) N‑COUNT A subsetof a group of things is a smaller number of things that belong together within that group. □�[+�of ] �subsets of the population such as men, women, ethnic groups, etc.

sub|side /səbsa I d/ (subsides , subsiding , subsided )

1 VERB If a feeling or noise subsides , it becomes less strong or loud. □�[V ] The pain had subsided during the night.

2 VERB If fighting subsides , it becomes less intense or general. □�[V ] Violence has subsided following two days of riots.

3 VERB If the ground or a building is subsiding , it is very slowly sinking to a lower level. □�[V ] Does that mean the whole house is subsiding?

4 VERB If a level of water, especially flood water, subsides , it goes down. □�[V ] Local officials say the flood waters have subsided.

sub|sid|ence /səbsa I d ə ns, sʌ bs I d ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT When there is subsidence in a place, the ground there sinks to a lower level.

sub|sid|iari|ty /səbs I di� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Subsidiarity is the principle of allowing the individual members of a large organization to make decisions on issues that affect them, rather than leaving those decisions to be made by the whole group. [TECHNICAL ] □� The chancellor knows that the principle of subsidiarity must be guaranteed and shown to work.

sub|sidi|ary /səbs I diəri, [AM ] -dieri/ (subsidiaries )

1 N‑COUNT [N n] A subsidiary or a subsidiary company is a company which is part of a larger and more important company. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] Offshore banks are often formed as a subsidiary of an international bank.

2 ADJ If something is subsidiary , it is less important than something else with which it is connected. □� The economics ministry has increasingly played a subsidiary role to the finance ministry.

sub|si|dize /sʌ bs I da I z/ (subsidizes , subsidizing , subsidized ) in BRIT, also use subsidise VERB If a government or other authority subsidizes something, they pay part of the cost of it. □�[be V -ed] At the moment they are existing on pensions that are subsidised by the government. ●� sub|si|dized ADJ □� �heavily subsidized prices for housing, bread, and meat. ●� sub|si|diz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the subsidising of alternative energy sources. ●� sub|si|di|za|tion /sʌ bs I da I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the federal government's subsidisation of poorer parts of the country.

sub|si|dy ◆◇◇ /sʌ bs I di/ (subsidies ) N‑COUNT A subsidy is money that is paid by a government or other authority in order to help an industry or business, or to pay for a public service. □� European farmers are planning a massive demonstration against farm subsidy cuts. SYNONYMS subsidy NOUN

aid:They have already pledged billions of dollars in aid.

support:�the government's proposal to cut agricultural support by only about 15%.

grant:They'd got a special grant to encourage research.

contribution:This list ranked companies that make charitable contributions of a half million dollars or more.

sub|sist /səbs I st/ (subsists , subsisting , subsisted ) VERB If people subsist , they are just able to obtain the food or money that they need in order to stay alive. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�on ] The prisoners subsisted on one mug of the worst quality porridge three times a day.

sub|sist|ence /səbs I stəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Subsistence is the condition of just having enough food or money to stay alive. □� �below the subsistence level. □� The standard of living today is on the edge of subsistence.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In subsistence farming or subsistence agriculture, farmers produce food to eat themselves rather than to sell. □� Many black Namibians are subsistence farmers who live in the arid borderlands.

sub|soil /sʌ bsɔ I l/ N‑UNCOUNT The subsoil is a layer of earth that is just below the surface soil but above hard rock. □� �the chalk subsoil on the site.

sub|son|ic /sʌ bsɒ n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Subsonic speeds or aeroplanes are very fast but slower than the speed of sound. □� This is 20,000 feet higher than most subsonic airliners.

su b-species (sub-species ) also subspecies N‑COUNT A sub-speciesof a plant or animal is one of the types that a particular species is divided into. □�[+�of ] Several other sub-species of gull are found in the region.

sub|stance ◆◇◇ /sʌ bstəns/ (substances )

1 N‑COUNT A substance is a solid, powder, liquid, or gas with particular properties. □� Ethylene glycol is a poisonous substance found in antifreeze. □� The substance that's causing the problem comes from the barley.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Substance is the quality of being important or significant. [FORMAL ] □� It's questionable whether anything of substance has been achieved. □� Syria will attend only if the negotiations deal with issues of substance.

3 N‑SING The substance of what someone says or writes is the main thing that they are trying to say. □�[+�of ] The substance of his discussions doesn't really matter.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something has no substance , you mean that it is not true. [FORMAL ] □� There is no substance in any of these allegations.

su b-sta ndard also substandard ADJ A sub-standard service or product is unacceptable because it is below a required standard. □� Residents in general are poor and undereducated, and live in sub-standard housing.

sub|stan|tial ◆◇◇ /səbst� nʃ ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Substantial means large in amount or degree. [FORMAL ] □� The party has just lost office and with it a substantial number of seats. SYNONYMS substantial ADJ

large:The gang finally fled with a large amount of cash and jewellery.

significant:�foods that offer a significant amount of protein.

considerable:To be without Pearce would be a considerable blow.

ample:The design of the ground floor created ample space for a good-sized kitchen.

sub|stan|tial|ly /səbst� nʃəli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If something changes substantially or is substantially different, it changes a lot or is very different. [FORMAL ] □� The percentage of girls in engineering has increased substantially. □� The price was substantially higher than had been expected.

2 ADV [ADV adj] If you say that something is substantially correct or unchanged, you mean that it is mostly correct or mostly unchanged. [FORMAL ] □� He checked the details given and found them substantially correct.

sub|stan|ti|ate /səbst� nʃie I t/ (substantiates , substantiating , substantiated ) VERB To substantiate a statement or a story means to supply evidence which proves that it is true. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] There is little scientific evidence to substantiate the claims. ●� sub|stan|tia|tion /səbst� nʃie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� There may be alternative methods of substantiation other than written records.

sub|stan|tive /səbst� nt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Substantive negotiations or issues deal with the most important and central aspects of a subject. [FORMAL ] □� They plan to meet again in Rome very soon to begin substantive negotiations.

sub|sta|tion /sʌ bste I ʃ ə n/ (substations ) also sub-station N‑COUNT A substation is a place where high-voltage electricity from power plants is converted to lower-voltage electricity for homes or factories.

sub|sti|tute ◆◇◇ /sʌ bst I tjuːt, [AM ] -tuːt/ (substitutes , substituting , substituted )

1 VERB If you substitute one thing for another, or if one thing substitutesfor another, it takes the place or performs the function of the other thing. □�[V n +�for ] They were substituting violence for dialogue. □�[V n] You could always substitute a low-fat soft cheese. □�[V +�for ] Would phone conversations substitute for cosy chats over lunch or in the pub after work? □�[V +�for ] He was substituting for the injured William Wales. [Also V ] ●� sub|sti|tu|tion /sʌ bst I tjuː ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ (substitutions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] In my experience a straight substitution of carob for chocolate doesn't work.

2 N‑COUNT A substitute is something that you have or use instead of something else. □� �tests on humans to find a blood substitute made from animal blood.

3 N‑COUNT [with neg, usu sing] If you say that one thing is no substitutefor another, you mean that it does not have certain desirable features that the other thing has, and is therefore unsatisfactory. If you say that there is no substitutefor something, you mean that it is the only thing which is really satisfactory. □�[+�for ] The printed word is no substitute for personal discussion with a great thinker. □�[+�for ] There is no substitute for practical experience.

4 N‑COUNT In team games such as football, a substitute is a player who is brought into a match to replace another player. □� Coming on as a substitute, he scored four crucial goals.

su b|sti|tute tea ch|er (substitute teachers ) N‑COUNT A substitute teacher is a teacher whose job is to take the place of other teachers at different schools when they are unable to be there. [AM ] in BRIT, use supply teacher

sub|stra|tum /sʌ bstrɑːtəm, [AM ] -stre I t-/ (substrata ) N‑COUNT A substratumof something is a layer that lies under the surface of another layer, or a feature that is less obvious than other features. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �its deep substratum of chalk.

sub|sume /səbsjuː m, [AM ] -suː m/ (subsumes , subsuming , subsumed ) VERB If something is subsumed within a larger group or class, it is included within it, rather than being considered as something separate. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed prep] Small family firms were subsumed into the huge investment banks. □�[be V -ed] �years of repression in which civil society was subsumed by the State. [Also V n, V n prep]

sub|ter|fuge /sʌ btə r fjuːdʒ/ (subterfuges ) N‑VAR Subterfuge is a trick or a dishonest way of getting what you want. □� Most people can see right through that type of subterfuge.

sub|ter|ra|nean /sʌ btəre I niən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A subterranean river or tunnel is under the ground. [FORMAL ] □� London has 9 miles of such subterranean passages.

sub|text /sʌ btekst/ (subtexts ) N‑VAR The subtext is the implied message or subject of something that is said or written. □� It isn't difficult to work out the subtext of this story.

sub|ti|tle /sʌ bta I t ə l/ (subtitles )

1 N‑COUNT The subtitle of a piece of writing is a second title which is often longer and explains more than the main title. □� 'Kathleen' was, as its 1892 subtitle asserted, 'An Irish Drama'.

2 N‑PLURAL Subtitles are a printed translation of the words of a foreign film that are shown at the bottom of the picture. □� The dialogue is in Spanish, with English subtitles.

sub|ti|tled /sʌ bta I t ə ld/

1 V-PASSIVE If you say how a book or play is subtitled , you say what its subtitle is. □�[be V -ed with quote] 'Lorna Doone' is subtitled 'a Romance of Exmoor'.

2 ADJ If a foreign film is subtitled , a printed translation of the words is shown at the bottom of the picture. □� Much of the film is subtitled. □� �subtitled films.

sub|tle /sʌ t ə l/ (subtler , subtlest )

1 ADJ Something that is subtle is not immediately obvious or noticeable. □� �the slow and subtle changes that take place in all living things. □� Intolerance can take subtler forms too. ●� sub|tly ADV □� The truth is subtly different.

2 ADJ A subtle person cleverly uses indirect methods to achieve something. □� I even began to exploit him in subtle ways. ●� sub|tly ADV [ADV with v] □� What I've tried very subtly to do is to reclaim language.

3 ADJ Subtle smells, tastes, sounds, or colours are pleasantly complex and delicate. □� �subtle shades of brown. □� �delightfully subtle scents. ●� sub|tly ADV □� �a white sofa teamed with subtly coloured rugs.

sub|tle|ty /sʌ t ə lti/ (subtleties )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Subtleties are very small details or differences which are not obvious. □�[+�of ] His fascination with the subtleties of human behaviour makes him a good storyteller. □� When a book goes into translation, all those linguistic subtleties get lost.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Subtlety is the quality of being not immediately obvious or noticeable, and therefore difficult to describe. □�[+�of ] English lamb does not have the subtlety of flavour of Pyrennean lamb.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Subtlety is the ability to notice and recognize things which are not obvious, especially small differences between things. □� She analyses herself with great subtlety.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Subtlety is the ability to use indirect methods to achieve something, rather than doing something that is obvious. □� They had obviously been hoping to approach the topic with more subtlety.

sub|to|tal /sʌ btoʊt ə l/ (subtotals ) also sub-total N‑COUNT A subtotal is a figure that is the result of adding some numbers together but is not the final total.

sub|tract /səbtr� kt/ (subtracts , subtracting , subtracted ) VERB If you subtract one number from another, you do a calculation in which you take it away from the other number. For example, if you subtract 3 from 5, you get 2. □�[V n +�from ] Mandy subtracted the date of birth from the date of death. □�[V n] We have subtracted $25 per adult to arrive at a basic room rate. ●� sub|trac|tion /səbtr� kʃ ə n/ (subtractions ) N‑VAR □� She's ready to learn simple addition and subtraction. □� I looked at what he'd given me and did a quick subtraction.

su b-tro pical also subtropical ADJ Sub-tropical places have a climate that is warm and wet, and are often near tropical regions. □� �the sub-tropical region of the Chapare.

sub|urb /sʌ bɜː r b/ (suburbs )

1 N‑COUNT A suburbof a city or large town is a smaller area which is part of the city or large town but is outside its centre. □�[+�of ] Anna was born in 1923 in Ardwick, a suburb of Manchester.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft in the N ] If you live in thesuburbs , you live in an area of houses outside the centre of a large town or city. □� His family lived in the suburbs. □� �Bombay's suburbs.

sub|ur|ban /səbɜː r bən/ ADJ [ADJ n] Suburban means relating to a suburb. □� �a suburban shopping centre in Sydney.

sub|ur|bia /səbɜː r biə/ N‑UNCOUNT Journalists often use suburbia to refer to the suburbs of cities and large towns considered as a whole. □� �images of bright summer mornings in leafy suburbia.

sub|ver|sion /səbvɜː r ʃ ə n, [AM ] -ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Subversion is the attempt to weaken or destroy a political system or a government. □� He was arrested in parliament on charges of subversion for organizing the demonstration.

sub|ver|sive /səbvɜː r s I v/ (subversives )

1 ADJ Something that is subversive is intended to weaken or destroy a political system or government. □� This courageous and subversive movie has attracted widespread critical support.

2 N‑COUNT Subversives are people who attempt to weaken or destroy a political system or government. □� Agents regularly rounded up suspected subversives.

sub|vert /səbvɜː r t/ (subverts , subverting , subverted ) VERB To subvert something means to destroy its power and influence. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �an alleged plot to subvert the state.

sub|way /sʌ bwe I / (subways )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n, oft by N ] A subway is an underground railway. [mainly AM ] □� �the Bay Area Rapid Transit subway system. □� I don't ride the subway late at night. in BRIT, use underground , tube2 N‑COUNT A subway is a passage underneath a busy road or a railway track for people to walk through. [BRIT ] in AM, use underpass

su b-ze ro also subzero ADJ Sub-zero temperatures are below 0� centigrade or, in the United States, below 0� Fahrenheit. □� �passengers stranded in sub-zero temperatures.

suc|ceed ◆◆◇ /səksiː d/ (succeeds , succeeding , succeeded )

1 VERB If you succeedin doing something, you manage to do it. □�[V +�in ] We have already succeeded in working out ground rules with the Department of Defense. □�[V +�in ] Some people will succeed in their efforts to stop smoking.

2 VERB If something succeeds , it works in a satisfactory way or has the result that is intended. □�[V ] �a move which would make any future talks even more unlikely to succeed.

3 VERB Someone who succeeds gains a high position in what they do, for example in business or politics. □�[V ] �the skills and qualities needed to succeed in small and medium-sized businesses.

4 VERB If you succeed another person, you are the next person to have their job or position. □�[V n] David is almost certain to succeed him as chairman on January 1. □�[V +�to ] George III succeeded to the throne in 1760.

5 VERB [usu passive] If one thing is succeededby another thing, the other thing happens or comes after it. □�[be V -ed] All political systems will collapse eventually and be succeeded by others.

suc|cess ◆◆◇ /səkse s/ (successes )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Success is the achievement of something that you have been trying to do. □� It's important for the long-term success of any diet that you vary your meals. □�[+�of ] �the success of European business in building a stronger partnership between management and workers.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Success is the achievement of a high position in a particular field, for example in business or politics. □� Nearly all of the young people interviewed believed that work was the key to success.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The success of something is the fact that it works in a satisfactory way or has the result that is intended. □� Most of the cast was amazed by the play's success.

4 N‑COUNT Someone or something that is a success achieves a high position, makes a lot of money, or is admired a great deal. □� We hope it will be a commercial success. COLLOCATIONS success NOUN

1

verb +�success : achieve, enjoy, ensure; judge, measure

4

adjective +�success : commercial, instant, runaway; huge, notable, phenomenal

suc|cess|ful ◆◆◇ /səkse sfʊl/

1 ADJ Something that is successful achieves what it was intended to achieve. Someone who is successful achieves what they intended to achieve. □� How successful will this new treatment be? □� I am looking forward to a long and successful partnership with him. □�[+�in ] She has been comparatively successful in maintaining her privacy. ●� suc|cess|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The doctors have successfully concluded preliminary tests.

2 ADJ Something that is successful is popular or makes a lot of money. □� �the hugely successful movie that brought Robert Redford an Oscar for his directing. □� One of the keys to successful business is careful planning.

3 ADJ Someone who is successful achieves a high position in what they do, for example in business or politics. □�[+�in ] Women do not necessarily have to imitate men to be successful in business. □� She is a successful lawyer.

suc|ces|sion /səkse ʃ ə n/ (successions )

1 N‑SING [oft in N ] A successionof things of the same kind is a number of them that exist or happen one after the other. □�[+�of ] Adams took a succession of jobs which have stood him in good stead. □� Scoring three goals in quick succession, he made it 10-8.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Succession is the fact or right of being the next person to have an important job or position. □� She is now seventh in line of succession to the throne.

suc|ces|sive /səkse s I v/ ADJ Successive means happening or existing one after another without a break. □� Jackson was the winner for a second successive year.

suc|ces|sor /səkse sə r / (successors ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's successor is the person who takes their job after they have left. □� He set out several principles that he hopes will guide his successors. [Also +�to ]

suc|ce ss sto|ry (success stories ) N‑COUNT Someone or something that is a success story is very successful, often unexpectedly or in spite of unfavourable conditions. □� The book is one of the publishing success stories of recent years

suc|cinct /səks I ŋkt/ ADJ Something that is succinct expresses facts or ideas clearly and in few words. [APPROVAL ] □� The book gives an admirably succinct account of the technology and its history. ●� suc|cinct|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He succinctly summed up his manifesto as 'Work hard, train hard and play hard'.

suc|cor /sʌ kə r / →�see succour

suc|cour /sʌ kə r / (succours , succouring , succoured ) in AM, use succor1 N‑UNCOUNT Succour is help given to people who are suffering or in difficulties. [FORMAL ] □� �a commitment to give succour to populations involved in the conflict.

2 VERB If you succour someone who is suffering or in difficulties, you help them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Helicopters fly in appalling weather to succour shipwrecked mariners.

suc|cu|lent /sʌ kjʊlənt/ (succulents )

1 ADJ Succulent food, especially meat or vegetables, is juicy and good to eat. [APPROVAL ] □� Cook pieces of succulent chicken with ample garlic and a little sherry.

2 N‑COUNT Succulents or succulent plants are types of plants which have thick, fleshy leaves.

suc|cumb /səkʌ m/ (succumbs , succumbing , succumbed ) VERB If you succumb to temptation or pressure, you do something that you want to do, or that other people want you to do, although you feel it might be wrong. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] Don't succumb to the temptation to have just one biscuit. □�[V +�to ] The Minister said his country would never succumb to pressure.

such ◆◆◆ /sʌ tʃ/ When such is used as a predeterminer, it is followed by 'a' and a count noun in the singular. When it is used as a determiner, it is followed by a count noun in the plural or by an uncount noun. 1 DET You use such to refer back to the thing or person that you have just mentioned, or a thing or person like the one that you have just mentioned. You use such as and such�as to introduce a reference to the person or thing that has just been mentioned. □� There have been previous attempts at coups. We regard such methods as entirely unacceptable. □� There'd be no telling how John would react to such news as this. ●�PREDET Such is also a predeterminer. □� If your request is for information about a child, please contact the Registrar to find out how to make such a request. □� How can we make sense of such a story as this? ●� Such is also used before be . □� We are scared because we are being watched�such is the atmosphere in Pristina and other cities in Kosovo. ●� As such is also used. □� There should be a law ensuring products tested on animals have to be labelled as such. ●� Such as is also used. □� Issues such as these were not really his concern.

2 DET You use such�as to link something or someone with a clause in which you give a description of the kind of thing or person that you mean. □� Each member of the alliance agrees to take such action as it deems necessary. □� Britain is not enjoying such prosperity as it was in the mid-1980s. ●� Such as is also used. □� Children do not use inflections such as are used in mature adult speech.

3 DET You use such�as to introduce one or more examples of the kind of thing or person that you have just mentioned. □� �such careers as teaching, nursing, hairdressing and catering. □� �delays caused by such things as bad weather or industrial disputes. ●� Such as is also used. □� �serious offences, such as assault on a police officer.

4 DET You use such before noun groups to emphasize the extent of something or to emphasize that something is remarkable. [EMPHASIS ] □� I think most of us don't want to read what's in the newspaper anyway in such detail. □� The economy was not in such bad shape, he says. ●�PREDET Such is also a predeterminer. □� You know the health service is in such a state and it's getting desperate now. □� It was such a pleasant surprise.

5 PREDET You use such�that in order to emphasize the degree of something by mentioning the result or consequence of it. [EMPHASIS ] □� His tongue swelled up to such a size that he could no longer speak clearly. □� These changes take place over such a long time that we don't see them happening. □� He was in such a hurry that he almost pushed me over on the stairs. ●�DET Such is also a determiner. □� She looked at him in such distress that he had to look away. ●� Such is also used after be . □� Though Vivaldi had earned a great deal in his lifetime, his extravagance was such that he died in poverty.

6 DET You use such�that or such�as in order to say what the result or consequence of something that you have just mentioned is. □� The operation uncovered such dealing in stolen property that police pressed for changes in the law. ●�PREDET Such is also a predeterminer. □� He could put an idea in such a way that Alan would believe it was his own. ●� Such is also used after be . □� OFSTED's brief is such that it can conduct any inquiry or provide any advice which the Secretary of State requires.

7 PHRASE You use such and such to refer to a thing or person when you do not want to be exact or precise. [SPOKEN , VAGUENESS ] □� I said, 'Well what time'll I get to Leeds?' and he said such and such a time but I missed my connection.

8 PHRASE You use such as it is or such as they are to suggest that the thing you have just mentioned is not very good, important, or useful. □� The plot, such as it is, revolves around Poole's attempts to save humanity from extinction.

9 PHRASE You use as such with a negative to indicate that a word or expression is not a very accurate description of the actual situation. □� I am not a learner as such�I used to ride a bike years ago.

10 PHRASE You use as such after a noun to indicate that you are considering that thing on its own, separately from other things or factors. □� Mr Simon said he was not against taxes as such, 'but I do object when taxation is justified on spurious or dishonest grounds,' he says.

11no such thing →�see thing

such|like /sʌ tʃla I k/ PRON You use suchlike to refer to other things that are like the ones you have already mentioned. □� �objets d'art, gold, silver, and ivory assortments, ceramics, and suchlike. ●�DET [DET pl-n/n-uncount] Suchlike is also a determiner. □� The prices of polymers and suchlike materials will decrease.

suck /sʌ k/ (sucks , sucking , sucked )

1 VERB If you suck something, you hold it in your mouth and pull at it with the muscles in your cheeks and tongue, for example in order to get liquid out of it. □�[V n] They waited in silence and sucked their sweets. □�[V +�on/at ] He sucked on his straw. □�[V ] Doran was clutching the bottle with both hands and sucking intently.

2 VERB If something sucks a liquid, gas, or object in a particular direction, it draws it there with a powerful force. □�[V n with adv] The pollution-control team is at the scene and is due to start sucking up oil any time now. □�[be V -ed prep] The pilot was almost sucked from the cockpit when a window shattered. [Also V n prep]

3 V-PASSIVE If you are suckedinto a bad situation, you are unable to prevent yourself from becoming involved in it. □�[be V -ed +�into ] �the extent to which they have been sucked into the cycle of violence.

4 VERB [no cont] If someone says that something sucks , they are indicating that they think it is very bad. [INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ] □�[V ] The system sucks.

5to suck someone dry →�see dry

▸� suck up PHRASAL VERB You say that someone is sucking upto a person in authority when you do not like the fact that they are trying to please the person because of the person's position. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P +�to ] She kept sucking up to the teachers, especially Mrs Clements. [Also V P ]

suck|er /sʌ kə r / (suckers )

1 N‑COUNT If you call someone a sucker , you mean that it is very easy to cheat them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� But that is what the suckers want so you give it them.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a sucker for something, you mean that they find it very difficult to resist it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�for ] I'm such a sucker for romance.

3 N‑COUNT The suckers on some animals and insects are the parts on the outside of their body which they use in order to stick to a surface.

4 N‑COUNT A sucker is a small device used for attaching things to surfaces. It consists of a cup-shaped piece of rubber that sticks to a surface when it is pressed flat. □� �sucker pads.

suck|le /sʌ k ə l/ (suckles , suckling , suckled )

1 VERB When a mother suckles her baby, she feeds it by letting it suck milk from her breast. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] A young woman suckling a baby is one of life's most natural and delightful scenes.

2 VERB When a baby suckles , it sucks milk from its mother's breast. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] As the baby suckles, a further supply of milk is generated.

su|crose /suː kroʊs/ N‑UNCOUNT Sucrose is a common type of sugar. [TECHNICAL ]

suc|tion /sʌ kʃ ə n/ (suctions , suctioning , suctioned )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Suction is the process by which liquids, gases, or other substances are drawn out of somewhere. □� Dustbags act as a filter and suction will be reduced if they are too full.

2 VERB If a doctor or nurse suctions a liquid, they remove it by using a machine which sucks it away. □�[V n] Michael was showing the nurse how to suction his saliva.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Suction is the process by which two surfaces stick together when the air between them is removed. □� �their pneumatic robot which uses air to move and sticks to surfaces by suction.

Su|da|nese /suː dəniː z/ (Sudanese )

1 ADJ Sudanese means belonging or relating to Sudan, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑PLURAL The Sudanese are the people of Sudan.

sud|den ◆◇◇ /sʌ d ə n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sudden means happening quickly and unexpectedly. □� He had been deeply affected by the sudden death of his father-in-law. □� She started to thank him, but a sudden movement behind him caught her attention. □� It was all very sudden. ●� sud|den|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The enemy seemed stunned by the suddenness of the attack.

2 PHRASE If something happens all of a sudden , it happens quickly and unexpectedly. □� All of a sudden she didn't look sleepy any more. SYNONYMS sudden ADJ 1

hasty:They have airplane tickets in case they need to make a hasty escape.

rapid:�the rapid decline in the birth rate in Western Europe.

abrupt:His abrupt departure is bound to raise questions.

su d|den dea th N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Sudden death is a way of quickly deciding the winner of something such as a football or basketball game or a golf tournament when there are equal scores at the time when it would normally end. In a sudden-death situation, the first team to score a goal or the first golfer to win a hole is the winner.

sud|den|ly ◆◆◇ /sʌ d ə nli/ ADV [ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If something happens suddenly , it happens quickly and unexpectedly. □� Suddenly, she looked ten years older. □� Her expression suddenly altered. □� He sat down suddenly.

su|do|ku /sudəʊ kuː/ (sudokus ) N‑VAR Sudoku is a type of puzzle in which certain numbers must be arranged within a grid. The aim is to avoid repeating any number in the same row or column.

suds /sʌ dz/ N‑PLURAL Suds are the bubbles that are produced when a substance such as soap is mixed with water. □� He had soap suds in his ears.

sue /suː / (sues , suing , sued ) VERB If you sue someone, you start a legal case against them, usually in order to claim money from them because they have harmed you in some way. □�[V n +�for ] She sued him for libel over the remarks. □�[V ] One former patient has already indicated his intention to sue. [Also V n]

suede /swe I d/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Suede is leather with a soft, slightly rough surface. □� Albert wore a brown suede jacket and jeans.

suet /suː I t/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Suet is hard animal fat that is used in cooking.

suf|fer ◆◆◇ /sʌ fə r / (suffers , suffering , suffered )

1 VERB If you suffer pain, you feel it in your body or in your mind. □�[V n] Within a few days she had become seriously ill, suffering great pain and discomfort. □�[V ] Can you assure me that my father is not suffering?

2 VERB If you suffer from an illness or from some other bad condition, you are badly affected by it. □�[V +�from ] He was eventually diagnosed as suffering from terminal cancer. □�[V +�from ] I realized he was suffering from shock.

3 VERB If you suffer something bad, you are in a situation in which something painful, harmful, or very unpleasant happens to you. □�[V n] The peace process has suffered a serious blow now. □�[V n] Romania suffered another setback in its efforts to obtain financial support for its reforms.

4 VERB If you suffer , you are badly affected by an event or situation. □�[V ] There are few who have not suffered. □�[V +�from ] It is obvious that poor people will suffer most from this change of heart.

5 VERB If something suffers , it does not succeed because it has not been given enough attention or is in a bad situation. □�[V ] I'm not surprised that your studies are suffering. □�[V ] Without a major boost in tourism, the economy will suffer even further.

6 →�see also suffering SYNONYMS suffer VERB 3

undergo:He underwent an agonising 48-hour wait for the results of tests.

go through:He was going through a very difficult time.

endure:The company endured heavy financial losses.

suf|fer|ance /sʌ frəns/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu on N ] If you are allowed to do something onsufferance , you can do it, although you know that the person who gave you permission would prefer that you did not do it. □� His party held office on sufferance.

suf|fer|er /sʌ fərə r / (sufferers ) N‑COUNT [n N ] A suffererfrom an illness or some other bad condition is a person who is affected by the illness or condition. □�[+�of ] Frequently sufferers of this kind of allergy are also sufferers of asthma. □� �hay-fever sufferers.

suf|fer|ing /sʌ fər I ŋ/ (sufferings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Suffering is serious pain which someone feels in their body or their mind. □� It has caused terrible suffering to animals. □� His many novels have portrayed the sufferings of his race.

2 →�see also long-suffering

suf|fice /səfa I s/ (suffices , sufficing , sufficed )

1 VERB [no cont] If you say that something will suffice , you mean it will be enough to achieve a purpose or to fulfil a need. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] A cover letter should never exceed one page; often a far shorter letter will suffice. [Also V to-inf]

2 PHRASE Suffice it to say or suffice to say is used at the beginning of a statement to indicate that what you are saying is obvious, or that you will only give a short explanation. □� Suffice it to say that afterwards we never met again.

suf|fi|cien|cy /səf I ʃ ə nsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Sufficiencyof something is enough of that thing to achieve a purpose or to fulfil a need. [FORMAL ] □� There's a sufficiency of drama in these lives to sustain your interest.

2 →�see also self-sufficiency

suf|fi|cient ◆◇◇ /səf I ʃ ə nt/ ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ n to-inf] If something is sufficientfor a particular purpose, there is enough of it for the purpose. □� One metre of fabric is sufficient to cover the exterior of an 18-in-diameter hatbox. □� There was not sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. [Also +�for ] ●� suf|fi|cient|ly ADV □� She recovered sufficiently to accompany him on his tour of Africa. SYNONYMS sufficient ADJ

adequate:The old methods weren't adequate to meet current needs.

enough:They had enough cash for a one-way ticket.

ample:There'll be ample opportunity to relax, swim and soak up some sun.

suf|fix /sʌ f I ks/ (suffixes )

1 N‑COUNT A suffix is a letter or group of letters, for example '-ly' or '-ness', which is added to the end of a word in order to form a different word, often of a different word class. For example, the suffix '-ly' is added to 'quick' to form 'quickly'. Compare affix and prefix .

2 N‑COUNT A suffix is one or more numbers or letters added to the end of a code number to indicate, for example, what area something belongs to. □� These ships were all numbered with the suffix LBK.

suf|fo|cate /sʌ fəke I t/ (suffocates , suffocating , suffocated )

1 VERB If someone suffocates or is suffocated , they die because there is no air for them to breathe. □�[V ] He either suffocated, or froze to death. □�[be V -ed] They were suffocated as they slept. ●� suf|fo|ca|tion /sʌ fəke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Many of the victims died of suffocation.

2 VERB If you say that you are suffocating or that something is suffocating you, you mean that you feel very uncomfortable because there is not enough fresh air and it is difficult to breathe. □�[V ] That's better. I was suffocating in that cell of a room. □�[V n] The airlessness of the room suffocated her.

3 VERB You say that a person or thing is suffocating , or that something is suffocating them, when the situation that they are in does not allow them to act freely or to develop. □�[V ] After a few weeks with her parents, she felt she was suffocating. □�[V n] The governor's proposals would actually cost millions of jobs and suffocate the economy.

suf|frage /sʌ fr I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Suffrage is the right of people to vote for a government or national leader. [FORMAL ] □� �the women's suffrage movement.

suf|fra|gette /sʌ frədʒe t/ (suffragettes ) N‑COUNT In the early twentieth century in Britain, a suffragette was a woman who was involved in the campaign for women to have the right to vote. □� She was a suffragette and a birth control pioneer.

suf|fra|gist /sʌ frədʒ I st/ (suffragists ) N‑COUNT A suffragist is a person who is in favour of women having the right to vote, especially in societies where women are not allowed to vote. [mainly AM ]

suf|fuse /səfjuː z/ (suffuses , suffusing , suffused )

1 VERB If something, especially a colour or feeling, suffuses a person or thing, it gradually spreads over or through them. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] A dull red flush suffused Selby's face.

2 VERB If something such as a book, film, or piece of music is suffusedwith a quality, it is full of that quality. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] This book is suffused with Shaw's characteristic wry Irish humour.

Sufi /suː fi/ (Sufis ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A Sufi is a member of a very spiritual group of Muslims. □� �the teachings of the Sufi mystics.

sug|ar ◆◇◇ /ʃʊ gə r / (sugars , sugaring , sugared )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sugar is a sweet substance that is used to make food and drinks sweet. It is usually in the form of small white or brown crystals. □� �bags of sugar. □� Ice cream is high in fat and sugar.

2 →�see also caster sugar , confectioners' sugar , demerara sugar , granulated sugar , icing sugar

3 N‑COUNT If someone has one sugar in their tea or coffee, they have one small spoon of sugar or one sugar lump in it. □� How many sugars do you take? □� �a mug of tea with two sugars.

4 VERB If you sugar food or drink, you add sugar to it. □�[V n] He sat down and sugared and stirred his coffee.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sugars are substances that occur naturally in food. When you eat them, the body converts them into energy. □� Plants produce sugars and starch to provide themselves with energy.

6to sugar the pill →�see pill

su g|ar beet (sugar beets ) N‑VAR Sugar beet is a crop with a large round root. It is grown for the sugar which can be obtained from this root.

su g|ar bowl (sugar bowls ) N‑COUNT A sugar bowl is a small bowl in which sugar is kept.

su g|ar cane also sugarcane N‑UNCOUNT Sugar cane is a tall tropical plant. It is grown for the sugar that can be obtained from its thick stems.

su gar-coa ted

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sugar-coated food is covered with a sweet substance made of sugar. □� Some sugar-coated cereals are 50% sugar.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a story as sugar-coated , you disapprove of it because it appears to be pleasant or attractive but in fact describes something very unpleasant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a sugar-coated view of a boy's introduction to sex.

su g|ar dad|dy (sugar daddies ) also sugar-daddy N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A woman's sugar daddy is a rich older man who gives her money and presents in return for her company, affection, and usually sexual intercourse. [INFORMAL ] □� Actor John Goodman played Melanie Griffith's sugar daddy in the film.

su g|ared a l|mond (sugared almonds ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sugared almonds are nuts which have been covered with a hard sweet coating.

su g|ar lump (sugar lumps ) also sugar-lump N‑COUNT Sugar lumps are small cubes of sugar. You put them in cups of tea and coffee.

sug|ary /ʃʊ gəri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sugary food or drink contains a lot of sugar. □� Sugary canned drinks rot your teeth. □� �sugary tea.

sug|gest ◆◆◆ /sədʒe st, [AM ] səgdʒ-/ (suggests , suggesting , suggested )

1 VERB If you suggest something, you put forward a plan or idea for someone to think about. □�[V n] He suggested a link between class size and test results of seven-year-olds. □�[V that] I suggest you ask him some specific questions about his past. □�[V +�to ] I suggested to Mike that we go out for a meal with his colleagues. □�[V wh] No one has suggested how this might occur. □�[V with quote] 'Could he be suffering from amnesia?' I suggested. □�[V v-ing] So instead I suggested taking her out to dinner for a change.

2 VERB If you suggest the name of a person or place, you recommend them to someone. □�[V n] Could you suggest someone to advise me how to do this? □�[V wh to-inf] They can suggest where to buy one.

3 VERB If you suggestthat something is the case, you say something which you believe is the case. □�[V that] I'm not suggesting that is what is happening. □�[V that] It is wrong to suggest that there are easy alternatives. □�[V that] Their success is conditional, I suggest, on this restriction.

4 VERB If one thing suggests another, it implies it or makes you think that it might be the case. □�[V that] Earlier reports suggested that a meeting would take place on Sunday. □�[V n] Its hairy body suggests a mammal.

5 VERB If one thing suggests another, it brings it to your mind through an association of ideas. □�[V n] This onomatopoeic word suggests to me the sound a mousetrap makes when it snaps shut. USAGE suggest

Don�t use the name of a person directly after suggest . If you want to say who the suggestion is for, use to . Don�t say, for example ' John suggested me the idea .� Say �John suggested the idea to me �.

sug|gest|ible /sədʒe st I b ə l, [AM ] səgdʒ-/ ADJ Someone who is suggestible can be easily influenced by other people. □� �highly suggestible and compliant individuals.

sug|ges|tion ◆◇◇ /sədʒe stʃ ə n, [AM ] səgdʒ-/ (suggestions )

1 N‑COUNT If you make a suggestion , you put forward an idea or plan for someone to think about. □� The dietitian was helpful, making suggestions as to how I could improve my diet. □�[+�of ] Perhaps he'd followed her suggestion of a stroll to the river. [Also +�for ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A suggestion is something that a person says which implies that something is the case. □� We reject any suggestion that the law needs amending. □� There are suggestions that he might be supported by the Socialists.

3 N‑SING [N that] If there is no suggestionthat something is the case, there is no reason to think that it is the case. □� There is no suggestion whatsoever that the two sides are any closer to agreeing. [Also +�of ]

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a suggestionof something, there is a slight amount or sign of it. □�[+�of ] �that fashionably faint suggestion of a tan. □�[+�of ] �a firm, well-sprung mattress with not one suggestion of a sag.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Suggestion means giving people a particular idea by associating it with other ideas. □� The power of suggestion is very strong.

sug|ges|tive /sədʒe st I v, [AM ] səgdʒ-/

1 ADJ Something that is suggestive of something else is quite like it or may be a sign of it. □�[+�of ] The fingers were gnarled, lumpy, with long, curving nails suggestive of animal claws.

2 ADJ Suggestive remarks or looks cause people to think about sex, often in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. □� �another former employee who claims Thomas made suggestive remarks to her.

sui|cid|al /suː I sa I d ə l/

1 ADJ People who are suicidal want to kill themselves. □� I was suicidal and just couldn't stop crying.

2 ADJ If you describe an action or behaviour as suicidal , you mean that it is very dangerous. □� They realized it would be suicidal to resist in the face of overwhelming military superiority.

sui|cide ◆◇◇ /suː I sa I d/ (suicides )

1 N‑VAR People who commit suicide deliberately kill themselves because they do not want to continue living. □� She tried to commit suicide on several occasions. □� �a growing number of suicides in the community.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You say that people commit suicide when they deliberately do something which ruins their career or position in society. □� They say it would be political suicide for the party to abstain.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The people involved in a suicide attack, mission, or bombing do not expect to survive. □� According to the army, the teenager said he was on a 'suicide mission' for the movement. COLLOCATIONS suicide NOUN 1

noun +�suicide : copycat; mass

adjective +�suicide : apparent, suspected; assisted

verb +�suicide : attempt, commit, contemplate, consider; prevent

su i|cide bo mber (suicide bombers ) N‑COUNT A suicide bomber is a terrorist who carries out a bomb attack, knowing that he or she will be killed in the explosion. □� The blast was caused by a suicide bomber.

su i|cide note (suicide notes ) N‑COUNT A suicide note is a note written by someone who intends to kill themselves saying that this is what they are going to do and sometimes explaining why.

su i|cide pact (suicide pacts ) N‑COUNT A suicide pact is an arrangement that two or more people make to kill themselves at the same time and usually in the same place. □� Police refused to say if the couple died in a suicide pact.

sui gen|eris /suː i dʒe nər I s/ ADJ If you describe a person or thing as sui generis , you mean that there is no-one else or nothing else of the same kind and so you cannot make judgments about them based on other things. [FORMAL ] □� Japanese politics are sui generis.

suit ◆◆◇ /suː t/ (suits , suiting , suited )

1 N‑COUNT A man's suit consists of a jacket, trousers, and sometimes a waistcoat, all made from the same fabric. □� �a dark pin-striped business suit. □� �a smart suit and tie.

2 N‑COUNT A woman's suit consists of a jacket and skirt, or sometimes trousers, made from the same fabric. □� I was wearing my tweed suit.

3 N‑COUNT [n N ] A particular type of suit is a piece of clothing that you wear for a particular activity. □� �a completely revolutionary atmospheric diving suit.

4 VERB [no cont] If something suits you, it is convenient for you or is the best thing for you in the circumstances. □�[V n] They will only release information if it suits them. □�[V n] They should be able to find you the best package to suit your needs.

5 VERB [no cont] If something suits you, you like it. □�[V n] I don't think a sedentary life would altogether suit me.

6 VERB [no cont] If a piece of clothing or a particular style or colour suits you, it makes you look attractive. □�[V n] Green suits you.

7 VERB If you suityourself , you do something just because you want to do it, without bothering to consider other people. □�[V pron-refl] These large institutions make�and change�the rules to suit themselves. □�[V pron-refl] He made a dismissive gesture. 'Suit yourself.'

8 N‑COUNT In a court of law, a suit is a case in which someone tries to get a legal decision against a person or company, often so that the person or company will have to pay them money for having done something wrong to them. □� Up to 2,000 former employees have filed personal injury suits against the company. ●�N‑UNCOUNT In American English, you can say that someone files or bringssuitagainst another person. □� The insurance company filed suit against the two girls.

9 N‑COUNT A suit is one of the four types of card in a set of playing cards. These are hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.

10 →�see also bathing suit , birthday suit , boiler suit , trouser suit

11 PHRASE If people follow suit , they do the same thing that someone else has just done. □� Efforts to persuade the remainder to follow suit have continued.

suit|able ◆◇◇ /suː təb ə l/ ADJ Someone or something that is suitablefor a particular purpose or occasion is right or acceptable for it. □�[+�for ] Employers usually decide within five minutes whether someone is suitable for the job. □� The authority must make suitable accommodation available to the family. ●� suit|abil|ity /suː təb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �information on the suitability of a product for use in the home.

suit|ably /suː təbli/

1 ADV [ADV adj/-ed] You use suitably to indicate that someone or something has the right qualities or things for a particular activity, purpose, or situation. □� There are problems in recruiting suitably qualified scientific officers for NHS laboratories. □� Unfortunately I'm not suitably dressed for gardening.

2 ADV [ADV adj] If you say that someone or something is, for example, suitably impressed or suitably dramatic, you mean that they have as much of that quality as you would expect in that situation. □� She flicked her eyes up to make certain I was suitably impressed. □� Her exit seemed suitably dramatic.

suit|case /suː tke I s/ (suitcases ) N‑COUNT A suitcase is a box or bag with a handle and a hard frame in which you carry your clothes when you are travelling. □� It did not take Andrew long to pack a suitcase.

suite /swiː t/ (suites )

1 N‑COUNT A suite is a set of rooms in a hotel or other building. □� They had a fabulous time during their week in a suite at the Paris Hilton. □� �a new suite of offices.

2 →�see also en suite

3 N‑COUNT A suite is a set of matching armchairs and a sofa. □� �a three-piece suite.

4 N‑COUNT A bathroom suite is a matching bath, washbasin, and toilet.

suit|ed /suː t I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If something is well suitedto a particular purpose, it is right or appropriate for that purpose. If someone is well suitedto a particular job, they are right or appropriate for that job. □�[+�to ] The area is well suited to road cycling as well as off-road riding. □�[+�to ] Satellites are uniquely suited to provide this information.

suit|ing /suː t I ŋ/ (suitings ) N‑VAR Suiting is cloth from which trousers, jackets, skirts, and men's suits are made.

suit|or /suː tə r / (suitors )

1 N‑COUNT A woman's suitor is a man who wants to marry her. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� My mother had a suitor who adored her.

2 N‑COUNT A suitor is a company or organization that wants to buy another company. [BUSINESS ] □� The company was making little progress in trying to find a suitor.

sul|fate /sʌ lfe I t/ →�see sulphate

sul|fide /sʌ lfa I d/ →�see sulphide

sul|fur /sʌ lfə r / →�see sulphur

sul|fu|ric acid /sʌlfjʊə r I k � s I d/ →�see sulphuric acid

sul|fur|ous /sʌ lfərəs/ →�see sulphurous

sulk /sʌ lk/ (sulks , sulking , sulked ) VERB If you sulk , you are silent and bad-tempered for a while because you are annoyed about something. □�[V ] He turned his back and sulked. ●�N‑COUNT [oft in/intoa N ] Sulk is also a noun. □� He went off in a sulk. □� Now she must be tired of my sulks.

sulky /sʌ lki/ ADJ Someone who is sulky is sulking or is unwilling to enjoy themselves. □� I was quite sulky, so I didn't take part in much. □� �a sulky adolescent.

sul|len /sʌ l ə n/ ADJ Someone who is sullen is bad-tempered and does not speak much. □� The offenders lapsed into a sullen silence.

sul|ly /sʌ li/ (sullies , sullying , sullied )

1 VERB If something is sulliedby something else, it is damaged so that it is no longer pure or of such high value. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The City's reputation has been sullied by these scandals. □�[V n] She claimed they were sullying her good name.

2 VERB If someone sullies something, they make it dirty. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] I felt loath to sully the gleaming brass knocker by handling it.

sul|phate /sʌ lfe I t/ (sulphates ) in AM, use sulfate N‑VAR [oft n N ] A sulphate is a salt of sulphuric acid. □� �copper sulphate. □�[+�of ] �sulphate of potash.

sul|phide /sʌ lfa I d/ (sulphides ) in AM, use sulfide N‑VAR [oft n N ] A sulphide is a compound of sulphur with some other chemical elements. □� �hydrogen sulphide.

sul|phur /sʌ lfə r / in AM, use sulfur N‑UNCOUNT Sulphur is a yellow chemical which has a strong smell. □� The air reeks of sulphur.

sul|phu|ric acid /sʌlfjʊə r I k � s I d/ in AM, use sulfuric acid N‑UNCOUNT Sulphuric acid is a colourless, oily, and very powerful acid.

sul|phur|ous /sʌ lfərəs/ in AM, use sulfurous ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sulphurous air or places contain sulphur or smell of sulphur. □� �sulphurous volcanic gases.

sul|tan /sʌ ltən/ (sultans ) N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT A sultan is a ruler in some Muslim countries. □� He was forty-two when he became sultan.

sul|tana /sʌltɑː nə, -t� n-/ (sultanas ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sultanas are dried white grapes. [BRIT ]

sul|try /sʌ ltri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sultry weather is hot and damp. [WRITTEN ] □� The climax came one sultry August evening.

2 ADJ Someone who is sultry is attractive in a way that suggests hidden passion. [WRITTEN ] □� �a dark-haired sultry woman.

sum ◆◇◇ /sʌ m/ (sums , summing , summed )

1 N‑COUNT A sumof money is an amount of money. □�[+�of ] Large sums of money were lost. □�[+�of ] Even the relatively modest sum of �50,000 now seems beyond his reach.

2 N‑COUNT A sum is a simple calculation in arithmetic. □� I can't do my sums.

3 N‑SING In mathematics, the sum of two numbers is the number that is obtained when they are added together. □�[+�of ] The sum of all the angles of a triangle is 180 degrees.

4 N‑SING The sum of something is all of it. □�[+�of ] 'Public opinion' is only the sum of the views of thousands of people like yourself.

5 →�see also lump sum

6 PHRASE If you say that something is more than the sum of its parts or greater than the sum of its parts , you mean that it is better than you would expect from the individual parts, because the way they combine adds a different quality. □� As individual members' solo careers have proved, each band was greater than the sum of its parts.

▸� sum up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you sum something up , you describe it as briefly as possible. □�[V P n] One voter summed up the mood�'Politicians have lost credibility,' he complained. □�[V n P ] Obree summed his weekend up in one word: 'Disastrous.'

2 PHRASAL VERB If something sums a person or situation up , it represents their most typical characteristics. □�[V n P ] 'I love my wife, my horse and my dog,' he said, and that summed him up. □�[V P n] Sadly, the feud sums up the relationship between the two men.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you sum up after a speech or at the end of a piece of writing, you briefly state the main points again. When a judge sums up after a trial, he reminds the jury of the evidence and the main arguments of the case they have heard. □�[V P ] When the judge summed up, it was clear he wanted a guilty verdict.

4 →�see also summing-up COLLOCATIONS sum NOUN 1

adjective +�sum : princely, substantial, tiny, vast; fixed, six-figure, undisclosed

verb +�sum : invest, pay, spend; borrow, owe; raise, receive SYNONYMS sum NOUN

1

amount:He needs that amount of money to survive.

quantity:�a small quantity of water.

volume:Senior officials will be discussing how the volume of sales might be reduced.

3

total:The companies have a total of 1,776 employees.

aggregate:�society viewed as an aggregate of individuals.

tally:The final tally was 817 votes for her and 731 for Mr Lee.

sum|ma|rize /sʌ məra I z/ (summarizes , summarizing , summarized ) in BRIT, also use summarise VERB If you summarize something, you give a summary of it. □�[V n] Table 3.1 summarizes the information given above. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Basically, the article can be summarized in three sentences. □�[V ] To summarise, this is a clever approach to a common problem. [Also V with quote]

sum|mary /sʌ məri/ (summaries )

1 N‑COUNT A summaryof something is a short account of it, which gives the main points but not the details. □�[+�of ] What follows is a brief summary of the process. □�[+�of ] Here's a summary of the day's news. ●�PHRASE You use in summary to indicate that what you are about to say is a summary of what has just been said. □� In summary, it is my opinion that this complete treatment process was very successful.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Summary actions are done without delay, often when something else should have been done first or done instead. [FORMAL ] □� It says torture and summary execution are common.

sum|mat /sʌ mət/ Summat is a British dialect form of the word 'something'. □� Are we going to write a story or summat?

sum|ma|tion /sʌme I ʃ ə n/ (summations ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A summation is a summary of what someone has said or done. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Her introduction is a model of fairness, a lively summation of Irish history.

sum|mer ◆◆◇ /sʌ mə r / (summers )

1 N‑VAR Summer is the season between spring and autumn when the weather is usually warm or hot. □� In summer I like to go sailing in Long Island. □� I escaped the heatwave in London earlier this summer and flew to Cork. □� It was a perfect summer's day. □� �in the summer of 1987. □� �the summer holidays. □� He used to spend childhood summers with his grandparents.

2 →�see also high summer , Indian summer

su m|mer camp (summer camps ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a summer camp is a place in the country where parents can pay to send their children during the school summer holidays. The children staying there can take part in many outdoor and social activities.

su m|mer house (summer houses ) also summerhouse

1 N‑COUNT A summer house is a small building in a garden. It contains seats, and people can sit there in the summer.

2 N‑COUNT Someone's summer house is a house in the country or by the sea where they spend the summer. □� He visited relatives at their summer house on the river.

su m|mer school (summer schools )

1 N‑VAR A summer school is an educational course on a particular subject that is run during the summer. The students usually stay at the place where the summer school is being held. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a summer school for young professional singers.

2 N‑VAR Summer school is a summer term at a school, college, or university, for example for students who need extra teaching or who want to take extra courses. [mainly AM ]

su m|mer time also summertime

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Summer time is the period of time during which the summer lasts. □� It's a very beautiful place in the summertime.

2 →�see also British Summer Time

sum|mery /sʌ məri/ ADJ Something that is summery is suitable for summer or characteristic of summer. □� �light summery fruit salads.

su mming-u p (summings-up ) also summing up N‑COUNT In a trial, the judge's summing-up is the speech the judge makes at the end of the trial to remind the jury of the evidence and the main arguments of the case they have heard. □� There was pandemonium in court as the judge gave his summing-up.

sum|mit ◆◆◇ /sʌ m I t/ (summits )

1 N‑COUNT A summit is a meeting at which the leaders of two or more countries discuss important matters. □� �next week's Washington summit. □� �the NATO summit meeting in Rome.

2 N‑COUNT The summit of a mountain is the top of it. □� �the first man to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

sum|mon /sʌ mən/ (summons , summoning , summoned )

1 VERB If you summon someone, you order them to come to you. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Howe summoned a doctor and hurried over. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Suddenly we were summoned to the interview room. □�[be V -ed to-inf] He has been summoned to appear in court on charges of incitement to law-breaking.

2 VERB If you summon a quality, you make a great effort to have it. For example, if you summon the courage or strength to do something, you make a great effort to be brave or strong, so that you will be able to do it. □�[V n] It took her a full month to summon the courage to tell her mother. ●�PHRASAL VERB Summon up means the same as summon . □�[V P n] Painfully shy, he finally summoned up courage to ask her to a game.

▸� summon up PHRASAL VERB If something summons up a memory or thought, it causes it to come to your mind. [LITERARY ] □�[V P n] The oddest events will summon up memories.

sum|mons /sʌ mənz/ (summonses , summonsing , summonsed )

1 N‑COUNT A summons is an order to come and see someone. □� I received a summons to the Palace.

2 N‑COUNT A summons is an official order to appear in court. □� She had received a summons to appear in court.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is summonsed , they are officially ordered to appear in court. □�[be V -ed] The men were summonsed and last week 30 appeared before Hove magistrates.

sumo /suː moʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Sumo is the Japanese style of wrestling. □� �a sumo wrestler.

sump /sʌ mp/ (sumps )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] The sump is the place under an engine which holds the engine oil. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use oil pan2 N‑COUNT A sump is a deep cave which is often filled with water.

sump|tu|ous /sʌ mptʃuəs/ ADJ Something that is sumptuous is grand and obviously very expensive. □� She produces elegant wedding gowns in a variety of sumptuous fabrics.

su m to |tal N‑SING The sum totalof a number of things is all the things added or considered together. You often use this expression to indicate that you are disappointed because the total amount is rather small. □�[+�of ] That small room contained the sum total of the family's possessions.

sun ◆◆◇ /sʌ n/ (suns )

1 N‑SING Thesun is the ball of fire in the sky that the Earth goes round, and that gives us heat and light. □� The sun was now high in the southern sky. □� The sun came out, briefly. □� �the sun's rays. □� The sun was shining.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You refer to the light and heat that reach us from the sun as thesun . □� Dena took them into the courtyard to sit in the sun.

3 N‑COUNT A sun is any star which has planets going around it.

4 PHRASE Everything under the sun means a very great number of things. Anything under the sun means anything at all. □� We sat there for hours talking about everything under the sun.

5a place in the sun →�see place

Sun.Sun. is a written abbreviation for Sunday . □� The Palace is open Mon-Sun.

su n-baked ADJ [ADJ n] Sun-baked land or earth has been made hard and dry by the sun shining on it. □� �a dry, sun-baked lawn.

sun|bathe /sʌ nbe I θ/ (sunbathes , sunbathing , sunbathed ) VERB When people sunbathe , they sit or lie in a place where the sun shines on them, so that their skin becomes browner. □�[V ] Franklin swam and sunbathed at the pool every morning. ●� sun|bather (sunbathers ) N‑COUNT □� A week ago Bournemouth beach was thronged with sunbathers soaking up the 80 degrees heat. ●� sun|bath|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Nearby there is a stretch of white sand beach perfect for sunbathing.

sun|beam /sʌ nbiːm/ (sunbeams ) N‑COUNT A sunbeam is a ray of sunlight. □� A sunbeam slants through the west window.

sun|bed /sʌ nbed/ (sunbeds ) N‑COUNT A sunbed is a piece of equipment with ultraviolet lights. You lie on it to make your skin browner.

sun|belt /sʌ nbelt/ N‑SING The warmer, sunnier parts of a country or continent, especially the southern United States, are sometimes referred to as thesunbelt . □� During the last recession, migration to the sunbelt accelerated.

sun|block /sʌ nblɒk/ (sunblocks ) N‑VAR Sunblock is a cream which you put on your skin to protect it completely from the sun.

sun|burn /sʌ nbɜː r n/ (sunburns ) N‑VAR If someone has sunburn , their skin is bright pink and sore because they have spent too much time in hot sunshine. □� The risk and severity of sunburn depend on the body's natural skin colour. □� I was concerned that I was not protected and would get a sunburn.

sun|burnt /sʌ nbɜː r nt/ also sunburned

1 ADJ Someone who is sunburnt has sore bright pink skin because they have spent too much time in hot sunshine. □� A badly sunburned face or back is extremely painful.

2 ADJ Someone who is sunburnt has very brown skin because they have spent a lot of time in the sunshine. □� He was wearing his usual holiday gear and looking sunburnt.

sun|burst /sʌ nbɜː r st/ (sunbursts ) N‑COUNT A sunburst is a pattern or design that resembles the sun with rays coming from it. □� �a bronze sunburst pendant.

sun|dae /sʌ nde I , -di/ (sundaes ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A sundae is a tall glass of ice cream with whipped cream and nuts or fruit on top. □� �a chocolate sundae.

Sun|day /sʌ nde I , -di/ (Sundays ) N‑VAR Sunday is the day after Saturday and before Monday. □� I thought we might go for a drive on Sunday. □� Naomi went to church in Granville last Sunday. □� The buses run every 10 minutes even on Sundays. □� It was Sunday afternoon when I got a call from Rob.

Su n|day be st N‑SING If you are in your Sunday best , you are wearing your best clothes, which you only wear for special occasions.

Su n|day school (Sunday schools ) N‑VAR Sunday school is a class organized by a church that some children go to on Sundays in order to learn about Christianity. □� �a Sunday School teacher.

sun|der /sʌ ndə r / (sunders , sundering , sundered ) VERB [usu passive] If people or things are sundered , they are separated or split by something. [LITERARY ] □�[be V -ed] The city is being sundered by racial tension. □�[V -ed] Police moved in to separate the two groups, already sundered by distrust.

sun|dial /sʌ nda I əl/ (sundials ) N‑COUNT A sundial is a device used for telling the time when the sun is shining. The shadow of an upright rod falls onto a flat surface that is marked with the hours, and points to the correct hour.

sun|down /sʌ ndaʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT Sundown is the time when the sun sets. [AM ] □� The fighting broke out about two hours after sundown. in BRIT, usually use sunset

su n-drenched also sundrenched ADJ [ADJ n] Sun-drenched places have a lot of hot sunshine. □� He sat on the terrace of his sun-drenched villa in the South of France.

sun|dries /sʌ ndriz/ N‑PLURAL When someone is making a list of things, items that are not important enough to be listed separately are sometimes referred to together as sundries . [FORMAL ] □� The inn gift shop stocks quality Indian crafts and sundries.

sun|dry /sʌ ndri/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone refers to sundry people or things, they are referring to several people or things that are all different from each other. [FORMAL ] □� Scientists, business people, and sundry others gathered on Monday for the official opening.

2 PHRASE All and sundry means everyone. □� He was well known to all and sundry.

sun|flower /sʌ nflaʊə r / (sunflowers ) N‑COUNT A sunflower is a very tall plant with large yellow flowers. Oil from sunflower seeds is used in cooking and to make margarine.

sung /sʌ ŋ/ Sung is the past participle of sing .

sun|glasses /sʌ nglɑːs I z, -gl�s-/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Sunglasses are glasses with dark lenses which you wear to protect your eyes from bright sunlight. □� She slipped on a pair of sunglasses.

su n hat (sun hats ) also sunhat N‑COUNT A sun hat is a wide-brimmed hat that protects your head from the sun.

sunk /sʌ ŋk/

1Sunk is the past participle of sink .

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is sunk , you mean that they have no hope of avoiding trouble or failure. [INFORMAL ] □� Without him we'd be well and truly sunk.

sunk|en /sʌ ŋkən/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Sunken ships have sunk to the bottom of a sea, ocean, or lake. □� The sunken sailing-boat was a glimmer of white on the bottom. □� Try diving for sunken treasure.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Sunken gardens, roads, or other features are below the level of their surrounding area. □� The room was dominated by a sunken bath.

3 ADJ Sunken eyes, cheeks, or other parts of the body curve inwards and make you look thin and unwell. □� Her eyes were sunken and black-ringed.

su n lamp (sun lamps ) also sunlamp N‑COUNT A sun lamp is a lamp that produces ultraviolet light. People use sun lamps to make their skin browner.

sun|less /sʌ nləs/

1 ADJ On sunless days, the sun does not shine. □� The day dawned sunless and with a low cloud base.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Sunless places are not lit by the sun. □� Carmen stayed behind in the dark, sunless room.

sun|light /sʌ nla I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Sunlight is the light that comes from the sun during the day. □� I saw her sitting at a window table, bathed in sunlight.

sun|lit /sʌ nl I t/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sunlit places are brightly lit by the sun. □� Her house has two big sunlit rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

sun|ny /sʌ ni/ (sunnier , sunniest )

1 ADJ When it is sunny , the sun is shining brightly. □� The weather was surprisingly warm and sunny. □� There is a chance of sunny spells in the West.

2 ADJ Sunny places are brightly lit by the sun. □� Most roses like a sunny position in a fairly fertile soil.

3 ADJ Someone who has a sunny disposition is usually cheerful and happy. □� He was a nice lad�bright and with a sunny disposition. □� The staff wear big sunny smiles.

sun|rise /sʌ nra I z/ (sunrises )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sunrise is the time in the morning when the sun first appears in the sky. □� The rain began before sunrise.

2 N‑COUNT A sunrise is the colours and light that you see in the eastern part of the sky when the sun first appears. □� There was a spectacular sunrise yesterday.

sun|roof /sʌ nruːf/ (sunroofs ) N‑COUNT A sunroof is a panel in the roof of a car that opens to let sunshine and air enter the car.

sun|screen /sʌ nskriːn/ (sunscreens ) N‑VAR A sunscreen is a cream that protects your skin from the sun's rays, especially in hot weather.

sun|set /sʌ nset/ (sunsets )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sunset is the time in the evening when the sun disappears out of sight from the sky. □� The dance ends at sunset.

2 N‑COUNT A sunset is the colours and light that you see in the western part of the sky when the sun disappears in the evening. □� There was a red sunset over Paris.

sun|shine /sʌ nʃa I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Sunshine is the light and heat that comes from the sun. □� She was sitting outside a cafe in bright sunshine. □� I awoke next morning to brilliant sunshine streaming into my room.

sun|spot /sʌ nspot/ (sunspots ) N‑COUNT Sunspots are dark cool patches that appear on the surface of the sun and last for about a week.

sun|stroke /sʌ nstroʊk/ N‑UNCOUNT Sunstroke is an illness caused by spending too much time in hot sunshine.

sun|tan /sʌ nt�n/ (suntans ) also sun-tan

1 N‑COUNT If you have a suntan , the sun has turned your skin an attractive brown colour.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Suntan lotion, oil, or cream protects your skin from the sun. □� She playfully rubs suntan lotion on his neck.

sun|tanned /sʌ nt�nd/ ADJ Someone who is suntanned has an attractive brown colour from being in the sun. □� He is always suntanned and incredibly fit.

su n-up also sunup N‑UNCOUNT Sun-up is the time of day when the sun rises. [AM ] □� We worked from sunup to sunset. in BRIT, use sunrise

sup /sʌ p/ (sups , supping , supped )

1 VERB If you sup something, you drink it, especially by taking small amounts. □�[V n] He supped water from a polystyrene cup.

2 VERB If you sup , you eat dinner in the evening. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V ] He had been invited to sup with a colleague and his wife.

su|per ◆◇◇ /suː pə r /

1 ADJ Some people use super to mean very nice or very good. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� We had a super time. □� That's a super idea. □� 'I think I could find you something.'�'That would be super.'

2 ADV [ADV adj] Super is used before adjectives to indicate that something has a lot of a quality. □� He's super excited about being a grandad.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Super is used before nouns to indicate that something is larger, better, or more advanced than similar things. □� �super nutrients believed to have cancer-fighting properties. □� �a chance to test-drive a stunning Lotus super-car.

PREFIX super-

forms nouns and adjectives that refer to people and things that are larger, better, or more advanced than others. For example, a super-fit athlete is extremely fit.

super|an|nu|at|ed /suː pər� njue I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as superannuated , you mean that it is old and no longer used for its original purpose. [FORMAL ] □� �the superannuated idealism of the Sixties.

super|an|nua|tion /suː pər�njue I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Superannuation is money which people pay regularly into a special fund so that when they retire from their job they will receive money regularly as a pension. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� The union pressed for a superannuation scheme.

su|perb ◆◇◇ /suːpɜː r b/

1 ADJ If something is superb , its quality is very good indeed. □� There is a superb 18-hole golf course 6 miles away. □� The waters are crystal clear and offer a superb opportunity for swimming. ●� su|perb|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The orchestra played superbly.

2 ADJ If you say that someone has superb confidence, control, or skill, you mean that they have very great confidence, control, or skill. □� With superb skill he managed to make a perfect landing. ●� su|perb|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� �his superbly disciplined opponent. SYNONYMS superb ADJ 1

excellent:The recording quality is excellent.

wonderful:I've always thought she was a wonderful singer.

marvellous:He certainly is a marvellous actor.

su|per|bug /suː pə r bʌg/ (superbugs ) N‑COUNT Journalists refer to a type of bacteria as a superbug when it cannot be killed by antibiotics.

super|charged /suː pə r tʃɑː r dʒd/ ADJ If a car engine is supercharged , it has more air than normal forced into it so that the petrol burns more quickly and the car has more power.

super|cili|ous /suː pə r s I liəs/ ADJ If you say that someone is supercilious , you disapprove of them because they behave in a way that shows they think they are better than other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His manner is supercilious and arrogant.

super|com|put|er /suː pə r kəmpjuː tə r / (supercomputers ) N‑COUNT A supercomputer is a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data very quickly.

super|con|duc|tiv|ity /suː pə r kɒndʌkt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Superconductivity is the ability of certain metals to allow electricity to pass through them without any resistance at very low temperatures. [TECHNICAL ]

super|con|duc|tor /suː pə r kəndʌ ktə r / (superconductors ) N‑COUNT A superconductor is a metal that allows electricity to pass through it without resistance at very low temperatures. [TECHNICAL ]

su per-e go (super-egos ) also superego N‑COUNT Your super-ego is the part of your mind which makes you aware of what is right and wrong, and which causes you to feel guilty when you have done something wrong. [TECHNICAL ]

super|fi|cial /suː pə r f I ʃ ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as superficial , you disapprove of them because they do not think deeply, and have little understanding of anything serious or important. [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 ADJ If you describe something such as an action, feeling, or relationship as superficial , you mean that it includes only the simplest and most obvious aspects of that thing, and not those aspects which require more effort to deal with or understand. □� Their arguments do not withstand the most superficial scrutiny. □� His roommate had been pleasant on a superficial level.

3 ADJ Superficial is used to describe the appearance of something or the impression that it gives, especially if its real nature is very different. □� Despite these superficial resemblances, this is a darker work than her earlier novels.

4 ADJ Superficial injuries are not very serious, and affect only the surface of the body. You can also describe damage to an object as superficial . □� The 69-year-old clergyman escaped with superficial wounds.

super|flu|ity /suː pə r fluː I ti/ (superfluities ) N‑COUNT If there is a superfluity of something, there is more of it than is needed. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The city has a superfluity of five-star hotels.

super|flu|ous /suːpɜː r fluəs/ ADJ Something that is superfluous is unnecessary or is no longer needed. □� My presence at the afternoon's proceedings was superfluous.

su|per|food /suː pə r fuːd/ (superfoods ) N‑COUNT A superfood is a food that contains many vitamins and other substances that are considered to be very good for your health. □� The article recommends eating more superfoods, such as pomegranates and broccoli.

super|grass /suː pə r grɑːs, -gr� s/ (supergrasses ) N‑COUNT A supergrass is a person who gives the police information about a large group of criminals. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

super|group /suː pə r gruːp/ (supergroups ) N‑COUNT A supergroup is a pop group that has become very popular and famous. □� The extraordinary supergroup continue their debut tour.

super|heat|ed /suː pə r hiː təd/ ADJ If a liquid is superheated , it has been heated to a temperature that is higher than its boiling point without being allowed to boil. [TECHNICAL ]

super|he|ro /suː pə r h I ə roʊ/ (superheroes ) N‑COUNT A superhero is a character in a cartoon or film who has special powers and fights against evil. □� �superheroes like Batman and Superman.

super|high|way /suː pə r ha I we I / (superhighways ) N‑COUNT A superhighway is a large, fast motorway or freeway with several lanes. [AM ] □� He took off for the city on the eight-lane superhighway.

super|hu|man /suː pə r hjuː mən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a quality that someone has as superhuman , you mean that it seems to be much greater than that of ordinary people. □� Officers were terrified of his superhuman strength.

super|im|pose /suː pər I mpoʊ z/ (superimposes , superimposing , superimposed )

1 VERB [usu passive] If one image is superimposedon another, it is put on top of it so that you can see the second image through it. □�[be V -ed +�on/over ] His picture was superimposed on a muscular body. □�[V n +�onto ] You can superimpose the lettering directly onto one of your pictures.

2 VERB [usu passive] If features or characteristics from one situation are superimposedonto or on another, they are transferred onto or used in the second situation, though they may not fit. □�[be V -ed +�on ] Patterns of public administration and government are superimposed on traditional societies.

super|in|tend /suː pər I nte nd/ (superintends , superintending , superintended ) VERB If you superintend something, you have responsibility for ensuring that it is carried out properly. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] During the interval, Linton superintended a prize draw.

super|in|ten|dent /suː pər I nte ndənt/ (superintendents )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Britain, a superintendent is a senior police officer of the rank above an inspector. In the United States, a superintendent is the head of a police department. □� He was stopped at the airport by an assistant superintendent of police. □� �Detective Superintendent Kirby.

2 N‑COUNT A superintendent is a person who is responsible for a particular thing or the work done in a particular department. □�[+�of ] He became superintendent of the bank's East African branches.

3 N‑COUNT A superintendent is a person whose job is to look after a large building such as a school or a block of flats and deal with small repairs to it. [AM ] in BRIT, use caretaker

su|peri|or ◆◇◇ /suːp I ə riə r / (superiors )

1 ADJ If one thing or person is superiorto another, the first is better than the second. □�[+�to ] We have a relationship infinitely superior to those of many of our friends. □� Long-term stock market investments have produced superior returns compared with cash deposits. ●� su|peri|or|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�over/to ] He asserts the superiority of free enterprise over other economic systems.

2 ADJ If you describe something as superior , you mean that it is good, and better than other things of the same kind. □� A few years ago it was virtually impossible to find superior quality coffee in local shops. □� Lulu was said to be of very superior intelligence.

3 ADJ A superior person or thing is more important than another person or thing in the same organization or system. □� �negotiations between the mutineers and their superior officers. [Also +�to ]

4 N‑COUNT Your superior in an organization that you work for is a person who has a higher rank than you. □� Other army units are completely surrounded and cut-off from communication with their superiors.

5 ADJ If you describe someone as superior , you disapprove of them because they behave as if they are better, more important, or more intelligent than other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Finch gave a superior smile. ●� su|peri|or|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�over ] �a false sense of his superiority over mere journalists.

6 ADJ If one group of people has superior numbers to another group, the first has more people than the second, and therefore has an advantage over it. [FORMAL ] □� The demonstrators fled when they saw the authorities' superior numbers. SYNONYMS superior ADJ 2

first-rate:People who used his service knew they were dealing with a first-rate professional.

exclusive:He is already a member of Britain's most exclusive club.

exceptional:Her translation is exceptional in its poetic quality.

world-class:He was determined to become a world-class player.

outstanding:He was outstanding at tennis and golf.

su|peri|or|ity /suːp I ə riɒ r I ti, [AM ] -ɔː r I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If one side in a war or conflict has superiority , it has an advantage over its enemy, for example because it has more soldiers or better equipment. [FORMAL ] □� The U.S. will need a three-to-one superiority in forces to be sure of a successful attack. □� We have air superiority. [Also +�over/in ]

2 →�see also superior

super|la|tive /suːpɜː r lət I v/ (superlatives )

1 ADJ If you describe something as superlative , you mean that it is extremely good. □� Some superlative cheeses are made in this region. □� The Regent hotel has a superlative view of Hong Kong island.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If someone uses superlatives to describe something, they use adjectives and expressions which indicate that it is extremely good. □� �a spectacle which has critics world-wide reaching for superlatives.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, the superlative form of an adjective or adverb is the form that indicates that something has more of a quality than anything else in a group. For example, 'biggest' is the superlative form of 'big'. Compare comparative . ●�N‑COUNT Superlative is also a noun. □� �his tendency towards superlatives and exaggeration.

super|man /suː pə r m�n/ (supermen ) N‑COUNT A superman is a man who has very great physical or mental abilities. □� Collor nurtured the idea that he was a superman, who single-handedly could resolve Brazil's crisis.

super|mar|ket ◆◇◇ /suː pə r mɑː r k I t/ (supermarkets ) N‑COUNT A supermarket is a large shop which sells all kinds of food and some household goods. □� Most of us do our food shopping in the supermarket.

super|mini /suː pə r m I ni/ (superminis ) also super-mini N‑COUNT A supermini is a small car which has been designed to be comfortable and easy to drive.

super|model /suː pə r mɒd ə l/ (supermodels ) N‑COUNT A supermodel is a very famous fashion model.

super|natu|ral /suː pə r n� tʃrəl/ ADJ Supernatural creatures, forces, and events are believed by some people to exist or happen, although they are impossible according to scientific laws. □� The Nakani were evil spirits who looked like humans and possessed supernatural powers. □� �supernatural beings. ●�N‑SING The supernatural is things that are supernatural. □� He writes short stories with a touch of the supernatural.

super|no|va /suː pə r noʊ və/ (supernovas or supernovae /suː pə r noʊ viː/) N‑COUNT A supernova is an exploding star. □� At least one supernova occurs per decade in our galaxy.

super|pow|er /suː pə r paʊə r / (superpowers ) N‑COUNT A superpower is a very powerful and influential country, usually one that is rich and has nuclear weapons. □� The country could claim to be both a military and an economic superpower.

super|sede /suː pə r siː d/ (supersedes , superseding , superseded ) VERB [usu passive] If something is supersededby something newer, it is replaced because it has become old-fashioned or unacceptable. □�[be V -ed] Hand tools are relics of the past that have now been superseded by the machine. [Also V n]

super|size /suː pə r sa I z/ ADJ Supersize things are very large. □� �a supersize portion of fries.

super|son|ic /suː pə r sɒ n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Supersonic aircraft travel faster than the speed of sound. □� There was a huge bang; it sounded like a supersonic jet.

super|star /suː pə r stɑː r / (superstars ) N‑COUNT A superstar is a very famous entertainer or sports player. [INFORMAL ] □� �a Hollywood superstar.

su|per|state /suː pə r ste I t/ (superstates ) N‑COUNT A superstate is a group of several countries that are very closely linked politically. □� At the height of his power Charlemagne ruled over a veritable superstate.

super|sti|tion /suː pə r st I ʃ ə n/ (superstitions ) N‑VAR Superstition is belief in things that are not real or possible, for example magic. □� Fortune-telling is a very much debased art surrounded by superstition.

super|sti|tious /suː pə r st I ʃəs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] People who are superstitious believe in things that are not real or possible, for example magic. □� Jean was extremely superstitious and believed the colour green brought bad luck.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Superstitious fears or beliefs are irrational and not based on fact. □� A wave of superstitious fear spread among the townspeople.

super|store /suː pə r stɔː r / (superstores ) N‑COUNT Superstores are very large supermarkets or shops selling household goods and equipment. Superstores are usually built outside city centres away from other shops. □� �a Do-It-Yourself superstore.

super|struc|ture /suː pə r strʌktʃə r / (superstructures ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The superstructure of a ship is the part of it that is above its main deck. □� We might try to clear up some of the cabins in the superstructure.

super|tank|er /suː pə r t�ŋkə r / (supertankers ) N‑COUNT A supertanker is an extremely large ship that is used for transporting oil.

super|vise /suː pə r va I z/ (supervises , supervising , supervised )

1 VERB If you supervise an activity or a person, you make sure that the activity is done correctly or that the person is doing a task or behaving correctly. □�[V n] University teachers have refused to supervise students' examinations.

2 VERB If you supervise a place where work is done, you ensure that the work there is done properly. □�[V n] He will be supervising the site.

super|vi|sion /suː pə r v I ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft under N ] Supervision is the supervising of people, activities, or places. □� A toddler requires close supervision and firm control at all times. □�[+�of ] The plan calls for a cease-fire and U.N. supervision of the country.

super|vi|sor /suː pə r va I zə r / (supervisors ) N‑COUNT A supervisor is a person who supervises activities or people, especially workers or students. □� �a full-time job as a supervisor at a factory. □� Each student has a supervisor to advise on the writing of the dissertation.

super|vi|sory /suː pə r va I zəri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Supervisory means involved in supervising people, activities, or places. □� Most supervisory boards meet only twice a year. □� �staff with a minor supervisory role.

super|woman /suː pə r wʊmən/ (superwomen ) N‑VAR Superwoman is used to refer to a type of ideal woman who is able to do many things in her life successfully at the same time, such as have a job, bring up children, care for her home, and be attractive. □� Superwoman exists only in the minds of journalists and Hollywood producers.

su|pine /suː pa I n/ ADJ If you are supine , you are lying flat on your back. [FORMAL ] □� �bedridden persons confined to the supine position. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Supine is also an adverb. □� I lay supine on the poolside grass.

sup|per /sʌ pə r / (suppers )

1 N‑VAR Some people refer to the main meal eaten in the early part of the evening as supper . □� Some guests like to dress for supper.

2 N‑VAR Supper is a simple meal eaten just before you go to bed at night. □� She gives the children their supper, then puts them to bed.

su p|per club (supper clubs ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a supper club is a small expensive nightclub.

sup|per|time /sʌ pə r ta I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Suppertime is the period of the day when people have their supper. It can be in the early part of the evening or just before they go to bed at night. □� They'll be back by suppertime.

sup|plant /səplɑː nt, -pl� nt/ (supplants , supplanting , supplanted ) VERB If a person or thing is supplanted , another person or thing takes their place. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] He may be supplanted by a younger man. □�[V n] By the 1930s the wristwatch had almost completely supplanted the pocket watch.

sup|ple /sʌ p ə l/ (suppler , supplest )

1 ADJ A supple object or material bends or changes shape easily without cracking or breaking. □� The leather is supple and sturdy enough to last for years.

2 ADJ A supple person can move and bend their body very easily. □� Try these simple exercises to keep your feet supple.

sup|plement /sʌ pl I mənt/ (supplements , supplementing , supplemented )

1 VERB If you supplement something, you add something to it in order to improve it. □�[V n] �people doing extra jobs outside their regular jobs to supplement their incomes. □�[V n +�with ] I suggest supplementing your diet with vitamins E and A. ●�N‑COUNT Supplement is also a noun. □�[+�to ] Business sponsorship must be a supplement to, not a substitute for, public funding.

2 N‑COUNT A supplement is a pill that you take or a special kind of food that you eat in order to improve your health. □� �a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement.

3 N‑COUNT A supplement is a separate part of a magazine or newspaper, often dealing with a particular topic. □� �a special supplement to a monthly financial magazine.

4 →�see also colour supplement

5 N‑COUNT A supplementto a book is an additional section, written some time after the main text and published either at the end of the book or separately. □�[+�to ] �the supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica.

6 N‑COUNT A supplement is an extra amount of money that you pay in order to obtain special facilities or services, for example when you are travelling or staying at a hotel. □� If you are travelling alone, the single room supplement is �11 a night.

7 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A supplement is an extra amount of money that is paid to someone, in addition to their normal pension or income. □� Some people may be entitled to a housing benefit supplement. □�[+�to ] �people who need a supplement to their basic pension.

sup|plemen|tal /sʌ pl I me nt ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Supplemental means the same as supplementary . [mainly AM , FORMAL ] □� You'll probably be able to buy supplemental insurance at an extra cost.

sup|plemen|ta|ry /sʌ pl I me ntri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Supplementary things are added to something in order to improve it. □� �the question of whether or not we need to take supplementary vitamins. □� Provide them with additional background or with supplementary information.

sup|plemen|ta|tion /sʌ pl I mənte I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Supplementation is the use of pills or special types of food in order to improve your health. [MEDICAL ] □� The product provided inadequate vitamin and mineral supplementation.

sup|pli|cant /sʌ pl I kənt/ (supplicants ) N‑COUNT A supplicant is a person who prays to God or respectfully asks an important person to help them or to give them something that they want very much. [FORMAL ] □� He flung himself down in the flat submissive posture of a mere supplicant.

sup|pli|ca|tion /sʌ pl I ke I ʃ ə n/ (supplications ) N‑VAR A supplication is a prayer to God or a respectful request to someone in authority for help. [FORMAL ] □� He raised his arms in a gesture of supplication.

sup|plied /səpla I d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you say that a person or place is well supplied with particular things, you mean that they have a large number of them. □� France is abundantly supplied with excellent family-run hotels.

2 →�see also supply

sup|pli|er /səpla I ə r / (suppliers ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A supplier is a person, company, or organization that sells or supplies something such as goods or equipment to customers. [BUSINESS ] □� �one of the U.K.'s biggest food suppliers. [Also +�of ]

sup|ply ◆◆◇ /səpla I / (supplies , supplying , supplied )

1 VERB If you supply someone with something that they want or need, you give them a quantity of it. □�[V n] �an agreement not to produce or supply chemical weapons. □�[V n +�with ] Tourist offices will supply you with a free basic street map. □�[V n +�to ] �the blood vessels supplying oxygen to the brain.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft n N ] You can use supplies to refer to food, equipment, and other essential things that people need, especially when these are provided in large quantities. □� What happens when food and gasoline supplies run low? □� The country's only supplies are those it can import by lorry from Vietnam.

3 N‑VAR [n N ] A supplyof something is an amount of it which someone has or which is available for them to use. □�[+�of ] The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen. □� Most urban water supplies in the country now contain fluoride.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Supply is the quantity of goods and services that can be made available for people to buy. [BUSINESS ] □� Prices change according to supply and demand.

5 PHRASE If something is in short supply , there is very little of it available and it is difficult to find or obtain. □� Food is in short supply all over the country. SYNONYMS supply VERB 1

provide:The government was not in a position to provide them with food.

equip:They did not possess the modern guns to equip the army properly.

furnish:They'll be able to furnish you with the rest of the details.

sup|ply line (supply lines ) N‑COUNT A supply line is a route along which goods and equipment are transported to an army during a war. □� The bombing campaign appears aimed at cutting the supply lines between Germany and its army in occupied France.

sup|ply teach|er (supply teachers ) N‑COUNT A supply teacher is a teacher whose job is to take the place of other teachers at different schools when they are unable to be there. [BRIT ] in AM, use substitute teacher

sup|port ◆◆◆ /səpɔː r t/ (supports , supporting , supported )

1 VERB If you support someone or their ideas or aims, you agree with them, and perhaps help them because you want them to succeed. □�[V n] The vice president insisted that he supported the hard-working people of New York. □�[V n] They pressed the party to support a total ban on pesticides. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Support is also a noun. □� The Prime Minister gave his full support to the government's reforms.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you give support to someone during a difficult or unhappy time, you are kind to them and help them. □� We campaign for the rights of sufferers and provide support for the patient and family.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Financial support is money provided to enable an organization to continue. This money is usually provided by the government. □� �the government's proposal to cut agricultural support by only about 15%.

4 VERB If you support someone, you provide them with money or the things that they need. □�[V n] I have children to support, money to be earned, and a home to be maintained. □�[V pron-refl] She sold everything she'd ever bought in order to support herself through art school.

5 VERB If a fact supports a statement or a theory, it helps to show that it is true or correct. □�[V n] The Freudian theory about daughters falling in love with their father has little evidence to support it. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Support is also a noun. □�[+�for ] He offers no factual support for these assertions.

6 VERB If something supports an object, it is underneath the object and holding it up. □�[V n] �the thick wooden posts that supported the ceiling.

7 N‑COUNT A support is a bar or other object that supports something.

8 VERB If you supportyourself , you prevent yourself from falling by holding onto something or by leaning on something. □�[V pron-refl] He supported himself by means of a nearby post. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Support is also a noun. □� Alice, very pale, was leaning against him as if for support.

9 VERB If you support a sports team, you always want them to win and perhaps go regularly to their games. □�[V n] Tim, 17, supports Manchester United.

10 →�see also supporting USAGE support

Don�t use �support� to say that someone accepts pain or an unpleasant situation. Say that they bear it or put up with it. If you do not like something at all, don�t say that you � can�t support � it. Say that you can�t bear it or can�t stand it. □� He can't bear the pain. COLLOCATIONS support NOUN

1

adjective +�support : full, overwhelming, strong, widespread; public

verb +�support : express, give, lend, show; enjoy, gain, rally, win

2

noun +�support : community

adjective +�support : emotional, moral; invaluable

verb +�support : offer, provide; receive

3

noun +�support : government, income

adjective +�support : financial, generous

verb +�support : provide, receive; need, seek SYNONYMS support VERB 1

back:The Prime Minister is backed by the civic movement, Public Against Violence.

champion:He passionately championed the poor.

encourage:When things aren't going well, he encourages me, telling me not to give up.

defend:Matt defended all of Clarence's decisions, right or wrong.

stand up for:Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. NOUN

2

help:Thanks very much for your help.

backing:Mr Bach set up his own consulting business with the backing of his old boss.

assistance:She can still come downstairs with assistance but she's very weak.

encouragement:I also had friends who gave me a great deal of encouragement.

3

aid:�regular flights carrying humanitarian aid to Cambodia.

help:Thanks very much for your help.

benefit:The very poorest parents are not in work, they are living on benefit.

relief:�famine relief. VERB 4

provide for:Elaine wouldn't let him provide for her.

fund:The airport is being privately funded by a construction group.

keep:She could just about afford to keep her five kids.

finance:The fund has been used largely to finance the construction of federal prisons.

sup|port|er ◆◆◇ /səpɔː r tə r / (supporters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Supporters are people who support someone or something, for example a political leader or a sports team. □� The fourth night of violence in the German city of Rostock was triggered by football supporters. □� Bradley was a major supporter of the 1986 tax reform plan. SYNONYMS supporter NOUN

follower:�the Democratic Party's most loyal followers.

fan:As a boy he was a Manchester United fan.

advocate:He was a strong advocate of free market policies and a multi-party system.

champion:He received acclaim as a champion of the oppressed.

defender:�the most ardent defenders of conventional family values.

sup|po rt group (support groups ) N‑COUNT A support group is an organization run by and for people who have a particular problem or medical condition. □� She attended a cancer support group at her local hospital.

sup|port|ing /səpɔː r t I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In a film or play, a supporting actor or actress is one who has an important part, but not the most important part. □� �the winner of the best supporting actress award.

2 →�see also support

sup|port|ive /səpɔː r t I v/ ADJ If you are supportive , you are kind and helpful to someone at a difficult or unhappy time in their life. □�[+�of ] They were always supportive of each other.

sup|pose ◆◆◇ /səpoʊ z/ (supposes , supposing , supposed )

1 VERB You can use suppose or supposing before mentioning a possible situation or action. You usually then go on to consider the effects that this situation or action might have. □�[V that] Suppose someone gave you an egg and asked you to describe exactly what was inside. □�[V that] Supposing he's right and I do die tomorrow? Maybe I should take out an extra insurance policy.

2 VERB If you supposethat something is true, you believe that it is probably true, because of other things that you know. □�[V that] The policy is perfectly clear and I see no reason to suppose that it isn't working. □�[be V -ed that] It had been supposed that by then Peter would be married. [Also V n]

3 PHRASE You can say ' I suppose ' when you want to express slight uncertainty. [SPOKEN , VAGUENESS ] □�[PHR that] I get a bit uptight these days. Hormones, I suppose. □� I suppose I'd better do some homework. □� Is that the right way up?�Yeah. I suppose so. □� There's nothing to keep us here, is there?�I suppose not.

4 PHRASE You can say ' I suppose ' or ' I don't suppose ' before describing someone's probable thoughts or attitude, when you are impatient or slightly angry with them. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □� I suppose you think you're funny.

5 PHRASE You can say ' I don't suppose ' as a way of introducing a polite request. [SPOKEN , POLITENESS ] □� I don't suppose you could tell me where James Street is could you?

6 PHRASE You can use ' do you suppose ' to introduce a question when you want someone to give their opinion about something, although you know that they are unlikely to have any more knowledge or information about it than you. [SPOKEN ] □� Do you suppose he was telling the truth?

7 PHRASE You can use ' do you suppose ' as a polite way of suggesting or requesting that someone does something. [POLITENESS ] □� Do you suppose we could get together for a little chat sometime soon? SYNONYMS suppose VERB 2

imagine:I imagine you're referring to Jean-Paul Sartre.

assume:If the package is wrapped well, we assume the contents are also wonderful.

presume:Dido's told you the whole sad story, I presume?

sup|posed ◆◆◇ Pronounced /səpoʊ zd/ or /səpoʊ st/ for meanings 1 to 4 , and /səpoʊ z I d/ for meaning 5 . 1 PHRASE If you say that something is supposed to happen, you mean that it is planned or expected. Sometimes this use suggests that the thing does not really happen in this way. □� He produced a hand-written list of nine men he was supposed to kill. □� Public spending is supposed to fall, not rise, in the next few years.

2 PHRASE If something was supposed to happen, it was planned or intended to happen, but did not in fact happen. □� He was supposed to go back to Bergen on the last bus, but of course the accident prevented him.

3 PHRASE If you say that something is supposed to be true, you mean that people say it is true but you do not know for certain that it is true. □� 'The Whipping Block' has never been published, but it's supposed to be a really good poem. □� 'The President cannot be disturbed,' his son is supposed to have told an early morning caller.

4 PHRASE You can use ' be supposed to ' to express annoyance at someone's ideas, or because something is not happening in the proper way. [FEELINGS ] □� You're supposed to be my friend! □� What am I supposed to have done wrong now?

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use supposed to suggest that something that people talk about or believe in may not in fact exist, happen, or be as it is described. □� I am no longer fooled by the supposed benefits of a phoneless existence. ●� sup|pos|ed|ly /səpoʊ z I dli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� He was more of a victim than any of the women he supposedly offended.

sup|po|si|tion /sʌpəz I ʃ ə n/ (suppositions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A supposition is an idea or statement which someone believes or assumes to be true, although they may have no evidence for it. [FORMAL ] □� There's a popular supposition that we're publicly funded.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can describe someone's ideas or statements as supposition if you disapprove of the fact that they have no evidence to support them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The authorities said much of the report was based on supposition or inaccuracy.

sup|posi|tory /səpɒ z I tri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (suppositories ) N‑COUNT A suppository is a solid block of medicine that is put into the rectum, where it gradually dissolves.

sup|press /səpre s/ (suppresses , suppressing , suppressed )

1 VERB If someone in authority suppresses an activity, they prevent it from continuing, by using force or making it illegal. □�[V n] Maritime security patrols protect busy trade routes and suppress illegal activity. □�[V -ed] �nationwide demonstrations for democracy, suppressed after 7 weeks by the army. ●� sup|pres|sion /səpre ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Many were imprisoned after the violent suppression of pro-democracy protests.

2 VERB If a natural function or reaction of your body is suppressed , it is stopped, for example by drugs or illness. □�[be V -ed] The reproduction and growth of cancerous cells can be suppressed by radiation. ●� sup|pres|sion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The infection leads to suppression of the immune response.

3 VERB If you suppress your feelings or reactions, you do not express them, even though you might want to. □�[V n] Liz thought of Barry and suppressed a smile. □�[V -ed] The Professor said that deep sleep allowed suppressed anxieties to surface. ●� sup|pres|sion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] A mother's suppression of her own feelings can cause problems.

4 VERB If someone suppresses a piece of information, they prevent other people from learning it. □�[V n] At no time did they try to persuade me to suppress the information. ●� sup|pres|sion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The inspectors found no evidence of suppression of official documents.

5 VERB If someone or something suppresses a process or activity, they stop it continuing or developing. □�[V n] Technology helps to suppress inflation by boosting efficiency and lowering costs.

sup|pres|sant /səpre sənt/ (suppressants ) N‑COUNT [n N ] A suppressant is a drug which is used to stop one of the natural functions of the body. [MEDICAL ] □� Nicotine is a powerful appetite suppressant.

sup|pres|sor /səpre sə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Suppressor cells or genes are ones that prevent a cancer from developing or spreading. [MEDICAL ]

supra|na|tion|al /suː prən� ʃənəl/ also supra-national ADJ [ADJ n] A supranational organization or authority involves or relates to more than one country. □� The liberal position holds that supranational bodies are as important as nation states.

su|prema|cist /suːpre məs I st/ (supremacists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A supremacist is someone who believes that one group of people, usually white people, should be more powerful and have more influence than another group. □� �a white supremacist group.

su|prema|cy /suːpre məsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If one group of people has supremacy over another group, they have more political or military power than the other group. □� The conservative old guard had re-established its political supremacy. [Also +�over ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If someone or something has supremacy over another person or thing, they are better. □� In the United States Open final, she retained overall supremacy. [Also +�over ]

su|preme ◆◆◇ /suːpriː m/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Supreme is used in the title of a person or an official group to indicate that they are at the highest level in a particular organization or system. □� MacArthur was Supreme Commander for the allied powers in the Pacific. □� �the Supreme Court.

2 ADJ You use supreme to emphasize that a quality or thing is very great. [EMPHASIS ] □� Her approval was of supreme importance. ●� su|preme|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� She gets on with her job and does it supremely well.

su|pre|mo /suːpriː moʊ/ (supremos ) N‑COUNT A supremo is someone who is considered to have the most authority or skill in a particular organization, situation, or area of activity. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� Her new role as fashion supremo is something she can really get her teeth into.

Supt in AM, use Supt.Supt is a written abbreviation for superintendent when it is part of the title of someone in the police force. □� Det Supt Bassett was in charge of the murder enquiry.

sur|charge /sɜː r tʃɑː r dʒ/ (surcharges ) N‑COUNT A surcharge is an extra payment of money in addition to the usual payment for something. It is added for a specific reason, for example by a company because costs have risen or by a government as a tax. □� The prices of overseas holidays are subject to surcharges.

sure ◆◆◆ /ʃʊə r / (surer , surest )

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that, ADJ wh] If you are sure that something is true, you are certain that it is true. If you are not sure about something, you do not know for certain what the true situation is. □� He'd never been in a class before and he was not even sure that he should have been teaching. □� The president has never been sure which direction he wanted to go in on this issue. □�[+�about ] It is impossible to be sure about the value of land. [Also +�of ]

2 ADJ If someone is sure of getting something, they will definitely get it or they think they will definitely get it. □�[+�of ] It's better to pay so that you can be sure of getting quality.

3 PHRASE If you say that something is sure to happen, you are emphasizing your belief that it will happen. [EMPHASIS ] □� With over 80 beaches to choose from, you are sure to find a place to lay your towel.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Sure is used to emphasize that something such as a sign or ability is reliable or accurate. [EMPHASIS ] □� Sharpe's leg and shoulder began to ache, a sure sign of rain. □� She has a sure grasp of social issues such as literacy, poverty and child care.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf, ADJ that] If you tell someone to be sureto do something, you mean that they must not forget to do it. [EMPHASIS ] □� Be sure to read about how mozzarella is made, on page 65. □� Be sure you get your daily quota of calcium.

6 CONVENTION Sure is an informal way of saying 'yes' or 'all right'. [FORMULAE ] □� 'He rang you?'�'Sure. Last night.' □� 'I'd like to be alone, O.K?'�'Sure. O.K.'

7 ADV [ADV before v] You can use sure in order to emphasize what you are saying. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� 'Has the whole world just gone crazy?'�'Sure looks that way, doesn't it.'

8 PHRASE You say sure enough , especially when telling a story, to confirm that something was really true or was actually happening. □� We found the English treacle pudding too good to resist. Sure enough, it was delicious.

9 PHRASE If you say that something is for sure or that you know it for sure , you mean that it is definitely true. □� One thing's for sure, his vocal style hasn't changed much over the years.

10 PHRASE If you make surethat something is done, you take action so that it is done. □� Make sure that you follow the instructions carefully.

11 PHRASE If you make surethat something is the way that you want or expect it to be, you check that it is that way. □� He looked in the bathroom to make sure that he was alone.

12 PHRASE If you say that something is a sure thing , you mean that you are certain that it will happen or be successful. [INFORMAL ] □� This proposal is by no means a sure thing.

13 PHRASE If you are sure of yourself , you are very confident about your own abilities or opinions. □� I'd never seen him like this, so sure of himself, so in command. SYNONYMS sure ADJ 1

certain:It wasn't a balloon�I'm certain of that.

positive:'She's never late. You sure she said eight?'�'Positive.'

definite:Mary is very definite about this.

convinced:He was convinced that I was part of the problem.

su re-fire also surefire ADJ [ADJ n] A sure-fire thing is something that is certain to succeed or win. [INFORMAL ] □� �a surefire best seller.

su re-foo ted also surefooted

1 ADJ A person or animal that is sure-footed can move easily over steep or uneven ground without falling. □� My horse is small but wiry and sure-footed.

2 ADJ If someone is sure-footed , they are confident in what they are doing. □� The party was growing increasingly sure-footed.

sure|ly ◆◇◇ /ʃʊə r li/

1 ADV You use surely to emphasize that you think something should be true, and you would be surprised if it was not true. [EMPHASIS ] □� You're an intelligent woman, surely you realize by now that I'm helping you. □� If I can accept this situation, surely you can.

2 ADV [ADV before v] If something will surely happen or is surely the case, it will definitely happen or is definitely the case. [FORMAL ] □� He knew that under the surgeon's knife he would surely die. □� He is an artist, just as surely as Rembrandt or any other first-rate portrait painter is one.

3 PHRASE If you say that something is happening slowly but surely , you mean that it is happening gradually but it is definitely happening. □� Slowly but surely she started to fall in love with him.

sure|ty /ʃʊə r I ti/ (sureties ) N‑VAR A surety is money or something valuable which you give to someone to show that you will do what you have promised. □� The insurance company will take warehouse stocks or treasury bonds as surety.

surf /sɜː r f/ (surfs , surfing , surfed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Surf is the mass of white bubbles that is formed by waves as they fall upon the shore. □� �surf rolling onto white sand beaches.

2 VERB If you surf , you ride on big waves in the sea on a special board. □�[V ] I'm going to buy a surfboard and learn to surf. □�[V n] I'm going to be surfing bigger waves when I get to Australia! ●� surf|er (surfers ) N‑COUNT □� �this small fishing village, which continues to attract painters and surfers.

3 VERB If you surf the internet, you spend time finding and looking at things on the internet. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] No one knows how many people currently surf the Net. ●� surf|er (surfers ) N‑COUNT □� Net surfers can use their credit cards to pay for anything from toys to train tickets.

sur|face ◆◆◇ /sɜː r f I s/ (surfaces , surfacing , surfaced )

1 N‑COUNT The surface of something is the flat top part of it or the outside of it. □� 97% of all the water on the Earth's surface is salt. □� �tiny little waves on the surface of the water. □� Its total surface area was seven thousand square feet.

2 N‑COUNT A work surface is a flat area, for example the top of a table, desk, or kitchen cupboard, on which you can work. □� It can simply be left on the work surface.

3 N‑SING When you refer to thesurface of a situation, you are talking about what can be seen easily rather than what is hidden or not immediately obvious. □� Back in Britain, things appear, on the surface, simpler. □� Social unrest is never far below the surface in the capital.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Surface is used to describe the parts of the armed forces which travel by ship or by land rather than underwater or in the air. □� In contrast with its surface fleet, Britain's submarine force was relatively small.

5 VERB If someone or something under water surfaces , they come up to the surface of the water. □�[V ] He surfaced, gasping for air.

6 VERB When something such as a piece of news, a feeling, or a problem surfaces , it becomes known or becomes obvious. □�[V ] The paper says the evidence, when it surfaces, is certain to cause uproar.

7 VERB When someone surfaces , they appear after not being seen for some time, for example because they have been asleep. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] What time do you surface? SYNONYMS surface NOUN 1

exterior:In one ad the viewer scarcely sees the car's exterior.

outside:�the outside of the building.

face:�the north face of the Eiger.

covering:Sawdust was used as a hygienic floor covering.

su r|face mail N‑UNCOUNT Surface mail is the system of sending letters and parcels by road, rail, or sea, not by air.

su rface-to-ai r ADJ [ADJ n] Surface-to-air missiles are fired from the ground or a boat and aimed at aircraft or at other missiles.

su rface-to-su rface ADJ [ADJ n] Surface-to-surface missiles are fired from the ground or a boat and aimed at targets on the ground or at other boats. □� The surface-to-surface missiles were fired from the west of the capital.

surf|board /sɜː r fbɔː r d/ (surfboards ) N‑COUNT A surfboard is a long narrow board that is used for surfing.

sur|feit /sɜː r f I t/ N‑SING A surfeitof something is an amount which is too large. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Rationing had put an end to a surfeit of biscuits long ago.

surf|ing /sɜː r f I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Surfing is the sport of riding on the top of a wave while standing or lying on a special board.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Surfing is the activity of looking at different sites on the internet, especially when you are not looking for anything in particular. [COMPUTING ] □� The trend reflects that more surfing is happening on smartphones and tablet computers.

surge /sɜː r dʒ/ (surges , surging , surged )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A surge is a sudden large increase in something that has previously been steady, or has only increased or developed slowly. □�[+�in ] Specialists see various reasons for the recent surge in inflation. □�[+�of ] The anniversary is bound to bring a new surge of interest in the poet's work.

2 VERB If something surges , it increases suddenly and greatly, after being steady or developing only slowly. □�[V +�from/to/by ] The party's electoral support surged from just under 10 per cent to nearly 17 per cent. □�[V -ing] Surging imports will add to the demand for hard currency. [Also V , V amount]

3 VERB If a crowd of people surge forward, they suddenly move forward together. □�[V adv/prep] The photographers and cameramen surged forward. □�[V adv/prep] �the crowd surging out from the church.

4 N‑COUNT A surge is a sudden powerful movement of a physical force such as wind or water. □�[+�of ] The whole car shuddered with an almost frightening surge of power.

5 VERB If a physical force such as water or electricity surges through something, it moves through it suddenly and powerfully. □�[V adv/prep] A paraglider crashed into power lines and survived 11,000 volts surging through his body. [Also V ]

sur|geon /sɜː r dʒ ə n/ (surgeons )

1 N‑COUNT A surgeon is a doctor who is specially trained to perform surgery. □� �a heart surgeon.

2 →�see also plastic surgeon

sur|gery ◆◇◇ /sɜː r dʒəri/ (surgeries )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Surgery is medical treatment in which someone's body is cut open so that a doctor can repair, remove, or replace a diseased or damaged part. □� His father has just recovered from heart surgery. □� Mr Clark underwent five hours of emergency surgery.

2 →�see also cosmetic surgery , keyhole surgery , plastic surgery

3 N‑COUNT A surgery is the room or house where a doctor or dentist works. [BRIT ] □� Bill was in the doctor's surgery demanding to know what was wrong with him. in AM, use doctor's office , dentist's office4 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A doctor's surgery is the period of time each day when a doctor sees patients at his or her surgery. [BRIT ] □� His surgery always ends at eleven. in AM, use office hours5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In Britain, when someone such as an MP or a local councillor holds a surgery , they go to an office where members of the public can come and talk to them about problems or issues that concern them.

6 N‑COUNT A surgery is the room in a hospital where surgeons operate on their patients. [AM ] in BRIT, use theatre , operating theatre

sur|gi|cal /sɜː r dʒ I k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Surgical equipment and clothing is used in surgery. □� �an array of surgical instruments. □� �a pair of surgical gloves.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Surgical treatment involves surgery. □� A biopsy is usually a minor surgical procedure. □� �surgical removal of a tumor. ●� sur|gi|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� In very severe cases, bunions may be surgically removed.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Surgical military actions are designed to destroy a particular target without harming other people or damaging other buildings near it. □� The government claim to have achieved a surgical strike against military targets.

su r|gi|cal spi r|it N‑UNCOUNT Surgical spirit is a liquid which is used to clean wounds or surgical instruments. It consists mainly of alcohol. [BRIT ] in AM, use rubbing alcohol

sur|ly /sɜː r li/ (surlier , surliest ) ADJ Someone who is surly behaves in a rude bad-tempered way. [WRITTEN ] □� He became surly and rude towards me.

sur|mise /sə r ma I z/ (surmises , surmising , surmised )

1 VERB If you surmise that something is true, you guess it from the available evidence, although you do not know for certain. [FORMAL ] □�[V wh] There's so little to go on, we can only surmise what happened. □�[V that] He surmised that he had discovered one of the illegal streets. [Also V , V n]

2 N‑VAR If you say that a particular conclusion is surmise , you mean that it is a guess based on the available evidence and you do not know for certain that it is true. [FORMAL ] □� It is mere surmise that Bosch had Brant's poem in mind when doing this painting. □� His surmise proved correct.

sur|mount /sə r maʊ nt/ (surmounts , surmounting , surmounted ) VERB If you surmount a problem or difficulty, you deal successfully with it. □�[V n] I realized I had to surmount the language barrier.

sur|name /sɜː r ne I m/ (surnames ) N‑COUNT Your surname is the name that you share with other members of your family. In English speaking countries and many other countries it is your last name. □� She'd never known his surname.

sur|pass /sə r pɑː s, -p� s/ (surpasses , surpassing , surpassed )

1 VERB If one person or thing surpasses another, the first is better than, or has more of a particular quality than, the second. □�[V n] He was determined to surpass the achievements of his older brothers. □�[V -ed] Warwick Arts Centre is the second largest Arts Centre in Britain, surpassed in size only by London's Barbican.

2 VERB If something surpasses expectations, it is much better than it was expected to be. □�[V n] Conrad Black gave an excellent party that surpassed expectations.

sur|plice /sɜː r pl I s/ (surplices ) N‑COUNT A surplice is a loose white knee-length garment which is worn over a longer garment by priests and members of the choir in some churches. □� �the priest and choir in their lace surplices.

sur|plus ◆◇◇ /sɜː r pləs/ (surpluses )

1 N‑VAR If there is a surplusof something, there is more than is needed. □�[+�of ] Germany suffers from a surplus of teachers.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n, Also v-link ADJ to n] Surplus is used to describe something that is extra or that is more than is needed. □� Few people have large sums of surplus cash. □� The houses are being sold because they are surplus to requirements.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If a country has a trade surplus , it exports more than it imports. □� Japan's annual trade surplus is in the region of 100 billion dollars.

4 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If a government has a budget surplus , it has spent less than it received in taxes. □� The Government also runs a modest budget surplus.

sur|prise ◆◆◇ /sə r pra I z/ (surprises , surprising , surprised )

1 N‑COUNT A surprise is an unexpected event, fact, or piece of news. □� I have a surprise for you: We are moving to Switzerland! □�[+�to ] It may come as a surprise to some that a child is born with many skills. □� It is perhaps no surprise to see another 80s singing star attempting a comeback. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Surprise is also an adjective. □� Baxter arrived here this afternoon, on a surprise visit.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Surprise is the feeling that you have when something unexpected happens. □� The Foreign Office in London has expressed surprise at these allegations. □� 'You mean he's going to vote against her?' Scobie asked in surprise. □� I started working hard for the first time in my life. To my surprise, I liked it.

3 VERB If something surprises you, it gives you a feeling of surprise. □�[V n] We'll solve the case ourselves and surprise everyone. □�[V n that] It surprised me that someone of her experience should make those mistakes. □�[V n if] It wouldn't surprise me if there was such chaos after this election that another had to be held. □�[V pron-refl] They were served lamb and she surprised herself by eating greedily.

4 VERB If you surprise someone, you give them, tell them, or do something pleasant that they are not expecting. □�[V n +�with ] Surprise a new neighbour with one of your favourite home-made dishes. [Also V n]

5 N‑COUNT If you describe someone or something as a surprise , you mean that they are very good or pleasant although you were not expecting this. □� She was one of the surprises of the World Championships three months ago.

6 VERB If you surprise someone, you attack, capture, or find them when they are not expecting it. □�[V n] Marlborough surprised the French and Bavarian armies near the village of Blenheim.

7 →�see also surprised , surprising

8 PHRASE If something takes you by surprise , it happens when you are not expecting it or when you are not prepared for it. □� His question took his two companions by surprise. COLLOCATIONS surprise NOUN

1

adjective +�surprise : nasty, unpleasant, unwelcome; pleasant, wonderful; complete

verb +�surprise : deliver, pull, spring

2

verb +�surprise : express, feign, register

sur|prised ◆◇◇ /sə r pra I zd/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf, ADJ that/how] If you are surprised at something, you have a feeling of surprise, because it is unexpected or unusual. □�[+�at/by ] This lady was genuinely surprised at what happened to her pet. □� Chang seemed surprised to find the big living-room empty.

2 →�see also surprise SYNONYMS surprised ADJ

amazed:I was amazed to learn she was still writing her stories.

astonished:They were astonished to find the driver was a six-year-old boy.

startled:Martha gave her a startled look.

sur|pris|ing ◆◇◇ /sə r pra I z I ŋ/

1 ADJ Something that is surprising is unexpected or unusual and makes you feel surprised. □� It is not surprising that children learn to read at different rates. □� A surprising number of customers order the same sandwich every day. ●� sur|pris|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □� They did surprisingly well in the general election last year.

2 →�see also surprise SYNONYMS surprising ADJ

amazing:It's amazing what we can remember with a little prompting.

astonishing:�an astonishing display of physical strength.

incredible:It seemed incredible that people would play football during a war.

sur|re|al /səriː əl/ ADJ If you describe something as surreal , you mean that the elements in it are combined in a strange way that you would not normally expect, like in a dream. □� 'Performance' is undoubtedly one of the most surreal movies ever made.

sur|re|al|ism /səriː əl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Surrealism is a style in art and literature in which ideas, images, and objects are combined in a strange way, like in a dream.

sur|re|al|ist /səriː əl I st/ (surrealists )

1 ADJ Surrealist means related to or in the style of surrealism. □� Dali's shoe hat was undoubtedly the most surrealist idea he ever worked on with Schiaparelli.

2 N‑COUNT A surrealist is an artist or writer whose work is based on the ideas of surrealism.

sur|re|al|is|tic /səriː əl I st I k/

1 ADJ Surrealistic means the same as surreal . □� �the surrealistic way the movie plays with time.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Surrealistic means related to or in the style of surrealism. □� �Man Ray's surrealistic study of a woman's face with glass teardrops.

sur|ren|der ◆◇◇ /səre ndə r / (surrenders , surrendering , surrendered )

1 VERB If you surrender , you stop fighting or resisting someone and agree that you have been beaten. □�[V ] He called on the rebels to surrender. □�[V +�to ] She surrendered to the police in London last December. ●�N‑VAR Surrender is also a noun. □�[+�to ] �the government's apparent surrender to demands made by the religious militants.

2 VERB If you surrender something you would rather keep, you give it up or let someone else have it, for example after a struggle. □�[V n] Nadja had to fill out forms surrendering all rights to her property. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Surrender is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the sixteen-day deadline for the surrender of weapons and ammunition.

3 VERB If you surrender something such as a ticket or your passport, you give it to someone in authority when they ask you to. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They have been ordered to surrender their passports.

sur|re n|der value (surrender values ) N‑COUNT The surrender value of a life insurance policy is the amount of money you receive if you decide that you no longer wish to continue with the policy. [BUSINESS ]

sur|rep|ti|tious /sʌ rəpt I ʃəs, [AM ] sɜː r-/ ADJ A surreptitious action is done secretly. □� He made a surreptitious entrance to the club through the little door in the brick wall. ●� sur|rep|ti|tious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Surreptitiously Mark looked at his watch.

sur|ro|ga|cy /sʌ rəgəsi, [AM ] sɜː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Surrogacy is an arrangement by which a woman gives birth to a baby on behalf of a woman who is physically unable to have babies herself, and then gives the baby to her. □� In this country it is illegal to pay for surrogacy.

sur|ro|gate /sʌ rəge I t, [AM ] sɜː r-/ (surrogates ) ADJ [ADJ n] You use surrogate to describe a person or thing that is given a particular role because the person or thing that should have the role is not available. □� Martin had become Howard Cosell's surrogate son. ●�N‑COUNT Surrogate is also a noun. □� Arms control should not be made into a surrogate for peace.

su r|ro|gate mo th|er (surrogate mothers ) N‑COUNT A surrogate mother is a woman who has agreed to give birth to a baby on behalf of another woman.

sur|round ◆◆◇ /səraʊ nd/ (surrounds , surrounding , surrounded )

1 VERB If a person or thing is surrounded by something, that thing is situated all around them. □�[be V -ed] The small churchyard was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence. □�[V n] The shell surrounding the egg has many important functions. □�[V -ing] �the snipers and artillerymen in the surrounding hills.

2 VERB If you are surrounded by soldiers or police, they spread out so that they are in positions all the way around you. □�[be V -ed] When the car stopped in the town square it was surrounded by soldiers and militiamen. □�[V -ed] He tried to run away but gave up when he found himself surrounded.

3 VERB The circumstances, feelings, or ideas which surround something are those that are closely associated with it. □�[V n] The decision had been agreed in principle, but some controversy surrounded it.

4 VERB If you surroundyourselfwith certain people or things, you make sure that you have a lot of them near you all the time. □�[V n +�with/by ] He surrounded himself with a hand-picked group of bright young officers. □�[be V -ed +�with/by ] They love being surrounded by familiar possessions.

sur|round|ings /səraʊ nd I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] When you are describing the place where you are at the moment, or the place where you live, you can refer to it as your surroundings . □� Schumacher adapted effortlessly to his new surroundings.

sur|tax /sɜː r t�ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Surtax is an additional tax on incomes higher than the level at which ordinary tax is paid. [BUSINESS ] □� �a surtax on holiday home sales.

sur|ti|tle /sɜː r ta I t ə l/ (surtitles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] At an opera or play that is being performed in a foreign language, surtitles are a translation or summary of the words, which appear on a screen above the stage.

sur|veil|lance /sə r ve I ləns/ N‑UNCOUNT Surveillance is the careful watching of someone, especially by an organization such as the police or the army. □� He was arrested after being kept under constant surveillance. □� Police keep track of the kidnapper using electronic surveillance equipment.

sur|vey ◆◆◇ (surveys , surveying , surveyed ) The noun is pronounced /sɜː r ve I /. The verb is pronounced /sə r ve I /, and can also be pronounced /sɜː r ve I / in meanings 2 and 6 . 1 N‑COUNT If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions. □� According to the survey, overall world trade has also slackened.

2 VERB If you survey a number of people, companies, or organizations, you try to find out information about their opinions or behaviour, usually by asking them a series of questions. □�[V n] Business Development Advisers surveyed 211 companies for the report. □�[V -ed] Only 18 percent of those surveyed opposed the idea.

3 VERB If you survey something, you look at or consider the whole of it carefully. □�[V n] He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room.

4 N‑COUNT If someone carries out a survey of an area of land, they examine it and measure it, usually in order to make a map of it. □� �the organizer of the geological survey of India.

5 VERB If someone surveys an area of land, they examine it and measure it, usually in order to make a map of it. □�[V n] The council commissioned geological experts to survey the cliffs.

6 N‑COUNT A survey is a careful examination of the condition and structure of a house, usually carried out in order to give information to a person who wants to buy it. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a structural survey undertaken by a qualified surveyor. in AM, use inspection7 VERB If someone surveys a house, they examine it carefully and report on its structure, usually in order to give advice to a person who is thinking of buying it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] �the people who surveyed the house for the mortgage. in AM, use inspect COLLOCATIONS survey NOUN

1

noun +�survey : consumer, employee, household; opinion; crime

adjective +�survey : comprehensive, detailed; national, nationwide, online; annual, recent

verb +�survey : carry out, conduct, undertake; commission; publish, release

4

adjective +�survey : brief

sur|vey|or /sə r ve I ə r / (surveyors )

1 N‑COUNT A surveyor is a person whose job is to survey land. □� �the surveyor's maps of the Queen Alexandra Range.

2 N‑COUNT A surveyor is a person whose job is to survey buildings. [BRIT ] □� Our surveyor warned us that the house needed totally rebuilding. in AM, use structural engineer , inspector3 →�see also quantity surveyor

sur|viv|al ◆◇◇ /sə r va I v ə l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the survival of something or someone, you mean that they manage to continue or exist in spite of difficult circumstances. □� �companies which have been struggling for survival in the advancing recession. □� Ask for the free booklet 'Debt: a Survival Guide'.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the survival of a person or living thing, you mean that they live through a dangerous situation in which it was possible that they might die. □� If cancers are spotted early there's a high chance of survival. □� An animal's sense of smell is still crucial to its survival.

3 PHRASE You can use the survival of the fittest to refer to a situation in which only the strongest people or things continue to live or be successful, while the others die or fail.

sur|vive ◆◆◇ /sə r va I v/ (survives , surviving , survived )

1 VERB If a person or living thing survives in a dangerous situation such as an accident or an illness, they do not die. □�[V ] They battled to survive in icy seas for over four hours. □�[V ] Those organisms that are that are most suited to the environment will survive. □�[V n] Drugs that dissolve blood clots can help people survive heart attacks.

2 VERB If you survive in difficult circumstances, you manage to live or continue in spite of them and do not let them affect you very much. □�[V ] �people who are struggling to survive without jobs. □�[V n] �a man who had survived his share of boardroom coups.

3 VERB If something survives , it continues to exist even after being in a dangerous situation or existing for a long time. □�[V ] When the market economy is introduced, many factories will not survive. □�[V n] The chances of a planet surviving a supernova always looked terribly slim.

4 VERB If you survive someone, you continue to live after they have died. □�[V n] Most women will survive their spouses. SYNONYMS survive VERB 1

pull through:Everyone was very concerned whether he would pull through or not.

live:He's got a terrible disease and will not live long.

last:The marriage had lasted for less than two years.

sur|vi|vor /sə r va I və r / (survivors )

1 N‑COUNT A survivorof a disaster, accident, or illness is someone who continues to live afterwards in spite of coming close to death. □�[+�of ] Officials said there were no survivors of the plane crash.

2 N‑COUNT A survivorof a very unpleasant experience is a person who has had such an experience, and who is still affected by it. □�[+�of ] This book is written with survivors of child sexual abuse in mind.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu poss N ] A person's survivors are the members of their family who continue to live after they have died. [AM ] □� The compensation bill offers the miners or their survivors as much as $100,000 apiece. [Also +�of ]

4 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a survivor , you approve of the fact that they are able to carry on with their life even though they experience many difficulties. [APPROVAL ] □� Above all Susie is a great survivor, with a bright, indomitable spirit.

sus|cep|tibil|ity /səse pt I b I l I ti/ (susceptibilities )

1 N‑VAR If you have a susceptibilityto something unpleasant, you are likely to be affected by it. □�[+�to ] �his increased susceptibility to infections.

2 N‑PLURAL A person's susceptibilities are feelings which can be easily hurt. [FORMAL ] □� I am well aware that in saying this I shall outrage a few susceptibilities.

sus|cep|tible /səse pt I b ə l/

1 ADJ If you are susceptible to something or someone, you are very likely to be influenced by them. □�[+�to ] Young people are the most susceptible to advertisements. □�[+�to ] James was extremely susceptible to flattery.

2 ADJ If you are susceptible to a disease or injury, you are very likely to be affected by it. □�[+�to ] Walking with weights makes the shoulders very susceptible to injury.

su|shi /suː ʃi/ N‑UNCOUNT Sushi is a Japanese dish of rice with sweet vinegar, often served with raw fish.

sus|pect ◆◆◇ (suspects , suspecting , suspected ) The verb is pronounced /səspe kt/. The noun and adjective are pronounced /sʌ spekt/. 1 VERB You use suspect when you are stating something that you believe is probably true, in order to make it sound less strong or direct. [VAGUENESS ] □�[V that] I suspect they were right. □�[V that] The above complaints are, I suspect, just the tip of the iceberg. □�[V not/so ] Do women really share such stupid jokes? We suspect not.

2 VERB If you suspect that something dishonest or unpleasant has been done, you believe that it has probably been done. If you suspect someone of doing an action of this kind, you believe that they probably did it. □�[V that] He suspected that the woman staying in the flat above was using heroin. □�[V n +�of ] It was perfectly all right, he said, because the police had not suspected him of anything. □�[V n] You don't really think Webb suspects you? □�[V -ed] Frears was rushed to hospital with a suspected heart attack. [Also V wh]

3 N‑COUNT A suspect is a person who the police or authorities think may be guilty of a crime. □� Police have arrested a suspect in a series of killings and sexual assaults in the city.

4 ADJ Suspect things or people are ones that you think may be dangerous or may be less good or genuine than they appear. □� Delegates evacuated the building when a suspect package was found. COLLOCATIONS suspect NOUN 3

noun +�suspect : murder, terror, terrorist

adjective +�suspect : key, likely, prime, usual

verb +�suspect : arrest, charge, detain, hold; describe, identify

sus|pend ◆◇◇ /səspe nd/ (suspends , suspending , suspended )

1 VERB If you suspend something, you delay it or stop it from happening for a while or until a decision is made about it. □�[V n] Aid programs will be suspended until there's adequate protection for relief convoys.

2 VERB If someone is suspended , they are prevented from holding a particular job or position for a fixed length of time or until a decision is made about them. □�[be V -ed] Julie was suspended from her job shortly after the incident. □�[V n] The Lawn Tennis Association suspended him from the British team.

3 VERB [usu passive] If something is suspended from a high place, it is hanging from that place. □�[be V -ed] �a mobile of birds or nursery rhyme characters which could be suspended over the cot. SYNONYMS suspend VERB 1

postpone:He decided to postpone the expedition until the following day.

delay:For sentimental reasons I wanted to delay my departure until June.

put off:They put off having a baby until they were in their late 30s.

defer:Customers often defer payment for as long as possible.

sus|pe nd|ed ani|ma |tion

1 N‑UNCOUNT Suspended animation is a state in which an animal is unconscious, with its body functioning very slowly, for example so that the animal can survive the winter.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone as being in a state of suspended animation , you mean that they have become inactive and are doing nothing. □� She lay in a state of suspended animation, waiting for dawnlight, when she would rise.

sus|pe nd|ed se n|tence (suspended sentences ) N‑COUNT If a criminal is given a suspended sentence , they are given a prison sentence which they have to serve if they commit another crime within a specified period of time. □� John was given a four-month suspended sentence.

sus|pend|er /səspe ndə r / (suspenders )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Suspenders are the fastenings which hold up a woman's stockings. [BRIT ] in AM, use garters2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Suspenders are a pair of straps that go over someone's shoulders and are fastened to their trousers at the front and back to prevent the trousers from falling down. [AM ] in BRIT, use braces

sus|pe nd|er belt (suspender belts ) N‑COUNT A suspender belt is a piece of underwear for women that is used for holding up stockings. [BRIT ] in AM, use garter belt

sus|pense /səspe ns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Suspense is a state of excitement or anxiety about something that is going to happen very soon, for example about some news that you are waiting to hear. □� The England manager will end the suspense at a team meeting tomorrow.

2 PHRASE If you keep or leave someone in suspense , you deliberately delay telling them something that they are very eager to know about. □� Keppler kept all his men in suspense until that morning.

sus|pense|ful /səspe nsfʊl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A suspenseful story makes you feel excited or anxious about what is going to happen in the story next. □� �a suspenseful and sinister tale.

sus|pen|sion /səspe nʃ ə n/ (suspensions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The suspension of something is the act of delaying or stopping it for a while or until a decision is made about it. □�[+�of ] A strike by British Airways ground staff has led to the suspension of flights between London and Manchester.

2 N‑VAR Someone's suspension is their removal from a job or position for a period of time or until a decision is made about them. □� The minister warned that any civil servant not at his desk faced immediate suspension.

3 N‑VAR A vehicle's suspension consists of the springs and other devices attached to the wheels, which give a smooth ride over uneven ground.

sus|pe n|sion bridge (suspension bridges ) N‑COUNT A suspension bridge is a type of bridge that is supported from above by cables.

sus|pi|cion ◆◇◇ /səsp I ʃ ə n/ (suspicions )

1 N‑VAR [oft N that, under N ] Suspicion or a suspicion is a belief or feeling that someone has committed a crime or done something wrong. □� There was a suspicion that this runner attempted to avoid the procedures for dope testing. □� The police said their suspicions were aroused because Mr Owens had other marks on his body. □� Scotland Yard had assured him he was not under suspicion. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑VAR If there is suspicionof someone or something, people do not trust them or consider them to be reliable. □�[+�of ] �the traditional British suspicion of psychotherapy. □�[+�of ] He may have had some suspicions of Michael Foster, the editor of the journal.

3 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A suspicion is a feeling that something is probably true or is likely to happen. □� I have a sneaking suspicion that they are going to succeed.

4 N‑SING A suspicionof something is a very small amount of it. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] �large blooms of white with a suspicion of pale pink.

sus|pi|cious /səsp I ʃəs/

1 ADJ If you are suspiciousof someone or something, you do not trust them, and are careful when dealing with them. □�[+�of ] He was rightly suspicious of meeting me until I reassured him I was not writing about him. □� He has his father's suspicious nature. ●� sus|pi|cious|ly ADJ [ADV after v] □� 'What is it you want me to do?' Adams asked suspiciously.

2 ADJ If you are suspiciousof someone or something, you believe that they are probably involved in a crime or some dishonest activity. □�[+�of ] Two officers on patrol became suspicious of two men in a car. □� A woman kept prisoner in a basement was rescued after suspicious neighbours tipped off police.

3 ADJ If you describe someone or something as suspicious , you mean that there is some aspect of them which makes you think that they are involved in a crime or a dishonest activity. □� He reported that two suspicious-looking characters had approached Callendar. ●� sus|pi|cious|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� They'll ask whether anyone was seen acting suspiciously in the area. □� Police were told to arrest voters found with suspiciously large sums of money in their pockets.

4 →�see also suspiciously

sus|pi|cious|ly /səsp I ʃəsli/

1 ADV If you say that one thing looks or sounds suspiciously like another thing, you mean that it probably is that thing, or something very similar to it, although it may be intended to seem different. □� The tan-coloured dog looks suspiciously like an American pit bull terrier.

2 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use suspiciously when you are describing something that you think is slightly strange or not as it should be. □� He lives alone in a suspiciously tidy flat in Notting Hill Gate.

3 →�see also suspicious

suss /sʌ s/ (susses , sussing , sussed ) VERB If you suss a person or situation, you realize or work out what their real character or nature is. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I think I've sussed the reason for it. □�[V that] The women began to suss that there was no reason why they should be impressed by him. □�[get n V -ed] We're getting the problem sussed. [Also V wh] ●�PHRASAL VERB Suss out means the same as suss . □�[V P n] They're sussing out the area to see how strong the police presence is. □�[V n P ] He susses his colleagues out and he knows who he can trust. □�[V P wh] I'd had the training to suss out what he was up to. [Also V that]

sussed /sʌ st/ ADJ If someone is sussed , they are clever and know a lot about something such as clothes, pop music, or politics. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

sus|tain ◆◇◇ /səste I n/ (sustains , sustaining , sustained )

1 VERB If you sustain something, you continue it or maintain it for a period of time. □�[V n] But he has sustained his fierce social conscience from young adulthood through old age. □�[V -ed] �a period of sustained economic growth throughout 1995.

2 VERB If you sustain something such as a defeat, loss, or injury, it happens to you. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Every aircraft in there has sustained some damage. □�[V -ed] A tourist died of injuries sustained in the bomb blast.

3 VERB If something sustains you, it supports you by giving you help, strength, or encouragement. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The cash dividends they get from the cash crop would sustain them during the lean season. SYNONYMS sustain VERB

1

maintain:Push yourself to make friends and to maintain the friendships.

continue:Outside the building people continue their vigil, huddling around bonfires.

keep up:I was so hungry all the time that I could not keep the diet up for longer than a month.

prolong:The actual action of the drug can be prolonged significantly.

2

suffer:The peace process has suffered a serious blow now.

undergo:He underwent an agonising 48-hour wait for the results of tests.

experience:British business is now experiencing a severe recession.

sus|tain|able /səste I nəb ə l/

1 ADJ You use sustainable to describe the use of natural resources when this use is kept at a steady level that is not likely to damage the environment. □� Try to buy wood that you know has come from a sustainable source. ●� sus|tain|abil|ity /səste I nəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �the growing concern about environmental sustainability.

2 ADJ A sustainable plan, method, or system is designed to continue at the same rate or level of activity without any problems. □� The creation of an efficient and sustainable transport system is critical to the long-term future of London. ●� sus|tain|abil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �doubts about the sustainability of the current economic expansion.

sus|te|nance /sʌ st I nəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Sustenance is food or drink which a person, animal, or plant needs to remain alive and healthy. [FORMAL ] □� The state provided a basic quantity of food for daily sustenance, but little else.

su|ture /suː tʃə r / (sutures ) N‑COUNT A suture is a stitch made to join together the open parts of a wound, especially one made after a patient has been operated on. [MEDICAL ]

SUV /e s juː viː / (SUVs ) N‑COUNT An SUV is a powerful vehicle with four-wheel drive that can be driven over rough ground. SUV is an abbreviation for 'sport utility vehicle'.

svelte /sve lt, sfe lt/ ADJ Someone who is svelte is slim and looks attractive and elegant. [APPROVAL ]

SW in AM, also use S.W.SW is a written abbreviation for south-west . □� �King's Road, London SW 3.

swab /swɒ b/ (swabs , swabbing , swabbed )

1 N‑COUNT A swab is a small piece of cotton wool used by a doctor or nurse for cleaning a wound or putting a substance on it.

2 VERB If you swab something, you clean it using a wet cloth or a tool called a mop. □�[V n] I noticed a lone man in the cafeteria swabbing the floor as I passed.

swad|dle /swɒ d ə l/ (swaddles , swaddling , swaddled ) VERB If you swaddle a baby, you wrap cloth around it in order to keep it warm or to prevent it from moving. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] Swaddle your newborn baby so that she feels secure. □�[V -ed] �a baby swaddled in silk brocade.

swag /sw� g/ (swags )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Swag is stolen goods, or money obtained illegally. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT A swag is a piece of material that is put above a window and hangs down in a decorative way.

swag|ger /sw� gə r / (swaggers , swaggering , swaggered ) VERB If you swagger , you walk in a very proud, confident way, holding your body upright and swinging your hips. □�[V prep/adv] A broad-shouldered man wearing a dinner jacket swaggered confidently up to the bar. □�[V -ing] He was an arrogant, swaggering young man. [Also V ] ●�N‑SING Swagger is also a noun. □� He walked with something of a swagger.

swain /swe I n/ (swains ) N‑COUNT A swain is a young man who is in love. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

swal|low /swɒ loʊ/ (swallows , swallowing , swallowed )

1 VERB If you swallow something, you cause it to go from your mouth down into your stomach. □�[V n] You are asked to swallow a capsule containing vitamin B. □�[V ] Polly took a bite of the apple, chewed and swallowed. ●�N‑COUNT Swallow is also a noun. □� Jan lifted her glass and took a quick swallow.

2 VERB If you swallow , you make a movement in your throat as if you are swallowing something, often because you are nervous or frightened. □�[V ] Nancy swallowed hard and shook her head.

3 VERB If someone swallows a story or a statement, they believe it completely. □�[V n] It was vital that he swallowed the story about Juanita being in that motel room that night.

4 N‑COUNT A swallow is a kind of small bird with pointed wings and a forked tail.

5a bitter pill to swallow →�see pill

▸� swallow up

1 PHRASAL VERB If one thing is swallowed up by another, it becomes part of the first thing and no longer has a separate identity of its own. □�[V P n] During the 1980s monster publishing houses started to swallow up smaller companies. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If something swallows up money or resources, it uses them entirely while giving very little in return. □�[V P n] The 20 per cent deposit will swallow up most of the 20,000 he has set aside. □�[V -ed P ] Farmers could see a quarter of their income swallowed up by the interest rate rise. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If a person or thing is swallowed up by something, they disappear into it so that you cannot see them any more. □�[be V -ed P ] He headed back towards the flea market and was quickly swallowed up in the crowd. □�[V P n] Weeds had swallowed up the garden. [Also V n P ]

swam /sw� m/ Swam is the past tense of swim .

swamp /swɒ mp/ (swamps , swamping , swamped )

1 N‑VAR A swamp is an area of very wet land with wild plants growing in it.

2 VERB If something swamps a place or object, it fills it with water. □�[V n] A rogue wave swamped the boat.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are swamped by things or people, you have more of them than you can deal with. □�[be V -ed] He is swamped with work.

swamp|land /swɒ mpl�nd/ (swamplands ) N‑VAR Swampland is an area of land that is always very wet.

swampy /swɒ mpi/ (swampier , swampiest ) ADJ A swampy area of land is always very wet.

swan /swɒ n/ (swans , swanning , swanned )

1 N‑COUNT A swan is a large bird with a very long neck. Swans live on rivers and lakes and are usually white.

2 VERB If you describe someone as swanning around or swanning off , you mean that they go and have fun, rather than working or taking care of their responsibilities. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] She spends her time swanning around the world.

swank /sw� ŋk/ (swanks , swanking , swanked ) VERB If someone is swanking , they are speaking about things they own or things they have achieved, in order to impress other people. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�about ] I have always been against swanking about all the things I have been lucky enough to win. [Also V ]

swanky /sw� ŋki/ (swankier , swankiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as swanky , you mean that it is fashionable and expensive. [INFORMAL ] □� �one of the swanky hotels that line the Pacific shore at Acapulco.

swa n song also swan-song N‑SING Someone's swan song is the last time that they do something for which they are famous, for example the last time that an actor gives a performance in the theatre. □� I competed in the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, which was my swan song.

swap /swɒ p/ (swaps , swapping , swapped ) also swop

1 VERB If you swap something with someone, you give it to them and receive a different thing in exchange. □�[V n] Next week they will swap places and will repeat the switch weekly. □�[V n +�with ] I'd gladly swap places with mummy any day. □�[V n +�for/with ] I know a sculptor who swaps her pieces for drawings by a well-known artist. □�[be V -ed +�for/with ] Some hostages were swapped for convicted prisoners. ●�N‑COUNT [oft n N ] Swap is also a noun. □� If she ever fancies a job swap, I could be interested.

2 VERB If you swap one thing for another, you remove the first thing and replace it with the second, or you stop doing the first thing and start doing the second. □�[V n +�for ] Despite the heat, he'd swapped his overalls for a suit and tie. □�[V n] Both sides swapped their goalies in the 30th minute.

swarm /swɔː r m/ (swarms , swarming , swarmed )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A swarmof bees or other insects is a large group of them flying together.

2 VERB When bees or other insects swarm , they move or fly in a large group. □�[V prep/adv] A dark cloud of bees comes swarming out of the hive. [Also V ]

3 VERB When people swarm somewhere, they move there quickly in a large group. □�[V prep/adv] People swarmed to the shops, buying up everything in sight. [Also V n]

4 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A swarmof people is a large group of them moving about quickly. □� Today at the crossing there were swarms of tourists taking photographs.

5 VERB [usu cont] If a place is swarmingwith people, it is full of people moving about in a busy way. □�[V +�with ] Within minutes the area was swarming with officers who began searching a nearby wood.

swarthy /swɔː r �i/ ADJ A swarthy person has a dark face. □� He had a broad swarthy face.

swash|buck|ling /swɒ ʃbʌkl I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as swashbuckling , you mean that they are connected with adventure and excitement. □� �a swashbuckling adventure story.

swas|ti|ka /swɒ st I kə/ (swastikas ) N‑COUNT A swastika is a symbol in the shape of a cross with each arm bent over at right angles. It is used in India as a good luck sign, but it was also used by the Nazis in Germany as their official symbol.

swat /swɒ t/ (swats , swatting , swatted ) VERB If you swat something such as an insect, you hit it with a quick, swinging movement, using your hand or a flat object. □�[V n] Hundreds of flies buzz around us, and the workman keeps swatting them.

swathe /swe I �, [AM ] swɑː �/ (swathes , swathing , swathed ) The noun is also spelled swath . 1 N‑COUNT A swatheof land is a long strip of land. □� Year by year great swathes of this small nation's countryside disappear.

2 N‑COUNT A swatheof cloth is a long strip of cloth, especially one that is wrapped around someone or something. □�[+�of ] �swathes of white silk.

3 VERB To swathe someone or something in cloth means to wrap them in it completely. □�[V n +�in ] She swathed her enormous body in thin black fabrics. □�[be V -ed] His head was swathed in bandages made from a torn sheet.

SWAT team /swɒ t tiːm/ (SWAT teams ) N‑COUNT A SWAT team is a group of police officers who have been specially trained to deal with very dangerous or violent situations. SWAT is an abbreviation for 'Special Weapons and Tactics'. [mainly AM ]

sway /swe I / (sways , swaying , swayed )

1 VERB When people or things sway , they lean or swing slowly from one side to the other. □�[V adv/prep] The people swayed back and forth with arms linked. □�[V ] The whole boat swayed and tipped. □�[V -ing] �a coastal highway lined with tall, swaying palm trees.

2 VERB If you are swayedby someone or something, you are influenced by them. □�[be V -ed] Don't ever be swayed by fashion. □�[V n] �last minute efforts to sway the voters in tomorrow's local elections.

3 PHRASE If someone or something holds sway , they have great power or influence over a particular place or activity. □� South of the Usk, a completely different approach seems to hold sway. [Also +�over ]

4 PHRASE If you are under the swayof someone or something, they have great influence over you. □� How mothers keep daughters under their sway is the subject of the next five sections.

swear /sweə r / (swears , swearing , swore , sworn )

1 VERB If someone swears , they use language that is considered to be rude or offensive, usually because they are angry. □�[V ] It's wrong to swear and shout. □�[V +�at ] They swore at them and ran off.

2 VERB If you swearto do something, you promise in a serious way that you will do it. □�[V that] Alan swore that he would do everything in his power to help us. □�[V to-inf] We have sworn to fight cruelty wherever we find it. □�[V n] The police are the only civil servants who have to swear allegiance to the Crown. □�[V n] I have sworn an oath to defend her.

3 VERB If you say that you swear that something is true or that you can swear to it, you are saying very firmly that it is true. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V that] I swear I've told you all I know. □�[V +�on/by ] I swear on all I hold dear that I had nothing to do with this. □�[V +�to ] Behind them was a confusion of noise, perhaps even a shot, but he couldn't swear to it.

4 VERB [usu passive] If someone is swornto secrecy or is swornto silence, they promise another person that they will not reveal a secret. □�[be V -ed +�to ] She was bursting to announce the news but was sworn to secrecy.

5 →�see also sworn

▸� swear by PHRASAL VERB If you swear by something, you believe that it can be relied on to have a particular effect. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Many people swear by vitamin C's ability to ward off colds.

▸� swear in PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] When someone is sworn in , they formally promise to fulfil the duties of a new job or appointment. □�[be V -ed P ] Soon after the New Year, the new Congress will come to Washington to be sworn in.

swea ring-i n N‑SING The swearing-in at the beginning of a trial or official appointment is the act of making formal promises to fulfil the duties it involves.

swea r word (swear words ) also swearword N‑COUNT A swear word is a word which is considered to be rude or offensive. Swear words are usually used when people are angry.

sweat /swe t/ (sweats , sweating , sweated )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Sweat is the salty colourless liquid which comes through your skin when you are hot, ill, or afraid. □� Both horse and rider were dripping with sweat within five minutes.

2 VERB When you sweat , sweat comes through your skin. □�[V ] Already they were sweating as the sun beat down upon them. ●� sweat|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �symptoms such as sweating, irritability, anxiety and depression.

3 N‑COUNT If someone is in a sweat , they are sweating a lot. □� Every morning I would break out in a sweat. □� I really don't feel a bit sick, no night sweats, no fevers.

4 PHRASE [v-link ADJ ] If someone is in a cold sweat or in a sweat , they feel frightened or embarrassed. □� The very thought brought me out in a cold sweat.

5to sweat blood →�see blood

sweat|er /swe tə r / (sweaters ) N‑COUNT A sweater is a warm knitted piece of clothing which covers the upper part of your body and your arms.

sweat|pants /swe tp�nts/ also sweat pants N‑PLURAL Sweatpants are the part of a sweatsuit that covers your legs.

sweat|shirt /swe tʃɜː r t/ (sweatshirts ) also sweat shirt N‑COUNT A sweatshirt is a loose warm piece of casual clothing, usually made of thick stretchy cotton, which covers the upper part of your body and your arms.

sweat|shop /swe tʃɒp/ (sweatshops ) also sweat shop N‑COUNT If you describe a small factory as a sweatshop , you mean that many people work there in poor conditions for low pay. [DISAPPROVAL ]

sweat|suit /swe tsuːt/ (sweatsuits ) also sweat suit N‑COUNT A sweatsuit is a loose, warm, stretchy suit consisting of long trousers and a top which people wear to relax and do exercise.

sweaty /swe ti/ (sweatier , sweatiest )

1 ADJ If parts of your body or your clothes are sweaty , they are soaked or covered with sweat. □� �sweaty hands. □� She was hot and sweaty.

2 ADJ A sweaty place or activity makes you sweat because it is hot or tiring. □� �a sweaty nightclub.

swede /swiː d/ (swedes ) N‑VAR A swede is a round yellow root vegetable with a brown or purple skin. [BRIT ] in AM, use rutabaga

Swede /swiː d/ (Swedes ) N‑COUNT A Swede is a person who comes from Sweden.

Swe|dish /swiː d I ʃ/

1 ADJ Swedish means belonging or relating to Sweden, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Swedish is the language spoken in Sweden.

sweep ◆◇◇ /swiː p/ (sweeps , sweeping , swept )

1 VERB If you sweep an area of floor or ground, you push dirt or rubbish off it using a brush with a long handle. □�[V n] The owner of the store was sweeping his floor when I walked in. □�[V n prep/adv] She was in the kitchen sweeping crumbs into a dust pan. □�[V ] Norma picked up the broom and began sweeping.

2 VERB If you sweep things off something, you push them off with a quick smooth movement of your arm. □�[V n prep/adv] With a gesture of frustration, she swept the cards from the table. □�[V n prep/adv] 'Thanks friend,' he said, while sweeping the money into his pocket.

3 VERB If someone with long hair sweeps their hair into a particular style, they put it into that style. □�[V n prep/adv] �stylish ways of sweeping your hair off your face. □�[be V -ed] Her long, fine hair was swept back in a ponytail.

4 VERB If your arm or hand sweeps in a particular direction, or if you sweep it there, it moves quickly and smoothly in that direction. □�[V prep/adv] His arm swept around the room. □�[V n prep/adv] Daniels swept his arm over his friend's shoulder. □�[V -ing] �the long sweeping arm movements of a violinist. ●�N‑COUNT Sweep is also a noun. □� With one sweep of her hand she threw back the sheets.

5 VERB If wind, a stormy sea, or another strong force sweeps someone or something along, it moves them quickly along. □�[V n prep/adv] �landslides that buried homes and swept cars into the sea. □�[V n prep/adv] Suddenly, she was swept along by the crowd.

6 VERB If you are swept somewhere, you are taken there very quickly. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] The visitors were swept past various monuments. □�[V n prep/adv] A limousine swept her along the busy freeway to the airport.

7 VERB If something sweeps from one place to another, it moves there extremely quickly. [WRITTEN ] □�[V prep/adv] An icy wind swept through the streets. □�[V prep/adv] The car swept past the gate house.

8 VERB If events, ideas, or beliefs sweep through a place, they spread quickly through it. □�[V +�through/across ] A flu epidemic is sweeping through Moscow. □�[V n] �the wave of patriotism sweeping the country.

9 VERB If someone sweeps into a place, they walk into it in a proud, confident way, often when they are angry. [WRITTEN ] □�[V prep/adv] She swept into the conference room. □�[V prep/adv] Scarlet with rage, she swept past her employer and stormed up the stairs. □�[V prep/adv] The Chief turned and swept out.

10 VERB If a person or group sweeps an election or sweepsto victory, they win the election easily. □�[V n] �a man who's promised to make radical changes to benefit the poor has swept the election. □�[V +�to ] In both republics, centre-right parties swept to power.

11 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone makes a sweepof a place, they search it, usually because they are looking for people who are hiding or for an illegal activity. □� Two of the soldiers swiftly began making a sweep of the premises.

12 →�see also sweeping , chimney sweep

13 PHRASE If someone sweeps something bad or wrong under the carpet , or if they sweep it under the rug , they try to prevent people from hearing about it. □� For a long time this problem has been swept under the carpet.

14 PHRASE If you makea clean sweepof something such as a series of games or tournaments, you win them all. □� �the first club to make a clean sweep of all three trophies.

15to sweep the board →�see board

▸� sweep up PHRASAL VERB If you sweep up rubbish or dirt, you push it together with a brush and then remove it. □�[V P n] Get a broom and sweep up that glass will you? □�[V P ] He started working for a gallery sweeping up and making the tea. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS sweep VERB 1

brush:Using a small brush, he brushed away the fine sawdust.

wipe:I'll just wipe the table.

vacuum:I vacuumed the carpets today. COLLOCATIONS sweep NOUN 4

adjective +�sweep : broad, grand, majestic, panoramic; downward

sweep|er /swiː pə r / (sweepers ) N‑COUNT In football, a sweeper is a player whose position is behind the main defenders but in front of the goalkeeper.

sweep|ing /swiː p I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A sweeping curve is a long wide curve. □� �the long sweeping curve of Rio's Guanabara Bay.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone makes a sweeping statement or generalization, they make a statement which applies to all things of a particular kind, although they have not considered all the relevant facts carefully. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is far too early to make sweeping statements about gene therapy.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sweeping changes are large and very important or significant. □� The new government has started to make sweeping changes in the economy.

4 →�see also sweep

sweep|stake /swiː pste I k/ (sweepstakes ) N‑COUNT A sweepstake is a method of gambling in which each person pays a small amount of money and is given the name of a competitor before a race or contest. The person who has the name of the winner receives all the money.

sweet ◆◇◇ /swiː t/ (sweeter , sweetest , sweets )

1 ADJ Sweet food and drink contains a lot of sugar. □� �a mug of sweet tea. □� If the sauce seems too sweet, add a dash of vinegar. ●� sweet|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Florida oranges have a natural sweetness.

2 N‑COUNT Sweets are small sweet things such as toffees, chocolates, and mints. [BRIT ] in AM, use candy3 N‑VAR A sweet is something sweet, such as fruit or a pudding, that you eat at the end of a meal, especially in a restaurant. [BRIT ] □� The sweet was a mousse flavoured with coffee. in AM, use dessert4 ADJ A sweet smell is a pleasant one, for example the smell of a flower. □� She'd baked some bread which made the air smell sweet.

5 ADJ If you describe something such as air or water as sweet , you mean that it smells or tastes pleasantly fresh and clean. □� I gulped a breath of sweet air.

6 ADJ A sweet sound is pleasant, smooth, and gentle. □� Her voice was as soft and sweet as a young girl's. □� �the sweet sounds of Mozart. ●� sweet|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He sang much more sweetly than he has before.

7 ADJ If you describe something as sweet , you mean that it gives you great pleasure and satisfaction. [WRITTEN ] □� There are few things quite as sweet as revenge.

8 ADJ If you describe someone as sweet , you mean that they are pleasant, kind, and gentle towards other people. □� How sweet of you to think of me! ●� sweet|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� I just smiled sweetly and said no.

9 ADJ If you describe a small person or thing as sweet , you mean that they are attractive in a simple or unsophisticated way. [INFORMAL ] □� �a sweet little baby girl. □� The house was really sweet.

10 →�see also sweetly , sweetness

11a sweet tooth →�see tooth

swee t and sou r also sweet-and-sour ADJ [ADJ n] Sweet and sour is used to describe Chinese food that contains both a sweet flavour and something sharp or sour such as lemon or vinegar.

sweet|bread /swiː tbred/ (sweetbreads ) N‑COUNT Sweetbreads are meat obtained from the pancreas of a calf or a lamb.

sweet|corn /swiː tkɔ r n/ also sweet corn N‑UNCOUNT Sweetcorn is a long rounded vegetable covered in small yellow seeds. It is part of the maize plant. The seeds themselves can also be referred to as sweetcorn .

sweet|en /swiː t ə n/ (sweetens , sweetening , sweetened )

1 VERB If you sweeten food or drink, you add sugar, honey, or another sweet substance to it. □�[V n] He liberally sweetened his coffee. □�[V n +�with ] The Australians fry their bananas and sweeten them with honey.

2 VERB If you sweeten something such as an offer or a business deal, you try to make someone want it more by improving it or by increasing the amount you are willing to pay. □�[V n] They may have to sweeten the deal to keep investors on board.

sweet|en|er /swiː tənə r / (sweeteners )

1 N‑VAR Sweetener is an artificial substance that can be used in drinks instead of sugar.

2 N‑COUNT A sweetener is something that you give or offer someone in order to persuade them to accept an offer or business deal.

sweet|heart /swiː thɑː r t/ (sweethearts )

1 N‑COUNT You call someone sweetheart if you are very fond of them. □� Happy birthday, sweetheart.

2 N‑COUNT Your sweetheart is your boyfriend or your girlfriend. [JOURNALISM , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� I married Shurla, my childhood sweetheart, in Liverpool.

sweetie /swiː ti/ (sweeties )

1 N‑COUNT You can call someone sweetie if you are fond of them, especially if they are younger than you. [INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a sweetie , you mean that they are kind and nice. [INFORMAL ]

3 N‑COUNT Sweets are sometimes referred to as sweeties by children or by adults speaking to children. [BRIT ]

sweet|ish /swiː t I ʃ/ ADJ A sweetish smell or taste is fairly sweet.

sweet|ly /swiː tli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If an engine or machine is running sweetly , it is working smoothly and efficiently. □� He heard the car engine running sweetly beyond the open door.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If you kick or hit a ball sweetly , you kick or hit it in the very middle of it so that it goes firmly and accurately to the place you are aiming for. □� He could strike the ball as sweetly as when he was 28 years younger.

3 →�see also sweet

sweet|meat /swiː tmiːt/ (sweetmeats ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sweetmeats are sweet items of food, especially ones that are considered special. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

sweet|ness /swiː tnəs/

1 PHRASE If you say that a relationship or situation is not all sweetness and light , you mean that it is not as pleasant as it appears to be. □� It has not all been sweetness and light between him and the Prime Minister.

2 →�see also sweet

swee t no th|ings N‑PLURAL If someone whispers sweet nothings to you, they quietly say nice, loving, and flattering things to you.

swee t pea (sweet peas ) also sweetpea N‑COUNT A sweet pea is a climbing plant which has delicate, sweet-smelling flowers.

swee t pe p|per (sweet peppers ) N‑COUNT A sweet pepper is a hollow green, red, or yellow vegetable.

swee t po|ta |to (sweet potatoes ) N‑VAR Sweet potatoes are vegetables that look like large ordinary potatoes but taste sweet. They have pinkish-brown skins and yellow flesh.

swee t shop (sweet shops ) also sweetshop N‑COUNT A sweet shop is a small shop that sells sweets and cigarettes, and sometimes newspapers and magazines. [BRIT ] in AM, use candy store

swee t talk (sweet talks , sweet talking , sweet talked ) also sweet-talk VERB If you sweet talk someone, you talk to them very nicely so that they will do what you want. □�[V n +�into ] She could always sweet-talk Pamela into letting her stay up late. □�[V n] He even tried to sweet-talk the policewoman who arrested him.

swell /swe l/ (swells , swelling , swelled , swollen ) The forms swelled and swollen are both used as the past participle. 1 VERB If the amount or size of something swells or if something swells it, it becomes larger than it was before. □�[V ] The human population swelled, at least temporarily, as migrants moved south. □�[V +�to/by ] His bank balance has swelled by �222,000 in the last three weeks. □�[V n +�to ] Offers from other countries should swell the force to 35,000. [Also V n]

2 VERB If something such as a part of your body swells , it becomes larger and rounder than normal. □�[V ] Do your ankles swell at night? □�[V +�to ] The limbs swell to an enormous size. ●�PHRASAL VERB Swell up means the same as swell . □�[V P ] When you develop a throat infection or catch a cold the glands in the neck swell up.

3 VERB If you swellwith a feeling, you are suddenly full of that feeling. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�with ] She could see her two sons swell with pride.

4 ADJ You can describe something as swell if you think it is really nice. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� I've had a swell time.

5 →�see also swelling , swollen , groundswell

▸� swell up →�see swell2

swell|ing /swe l I ŋ/ (swellings ) N‑VAR A swelling is a raised, curved shape on the surface of your body which appears as a result of an injury or an illness. □� His eye was partly closed, and there was a swelling over his lid.

swel|ter /swe ltə r / (swelters , sweltering , sweltered ) VERB If you swelter , you are very uncomfortable because the weather is extremely hot. □�[V ] They sweltered in temperatures rising to a hundred degrees.

swel|ter|ing /swe ltər I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe the weather as sweltering , you mean that it is extremely hot and makes you feel uncomfortable.

swept /swe pt/ Swept is the past tense and past participle of sweep .

swerve /swɜː r v/ (swerves , swerving , swerved ) VERB If a vehicle or other moving thing swerves or if you swerve it, it suddenly changes direction, often in order to avoid hitting something. □�[V ] Drivers coming in the opposite direction swerved to avoid the bodies. □�[V prep/adv] Her car swerved off the road into a 6ft high brick wall. □�[V n] Suddenly Ned swerved the truck, narrowly missing a blond teenager on a skateboard. ●�N‑COUNT Swerve is also a noun. □� He swung the car to the left and that swerve saved Malone's life.

swift /sw I ft/ (swifter , swiftest , swifts )

1 ADJ A swift event or process happens very quickly or without delay. □� Our task is to challenge the U.N. to make a swift decision. □� The police were swift to act. ●� swift|ly ADV □� They have acted swiftly and decisively to protect their industries.

2 ADJ Something that is swift moves very quickly. □� With a swift movement, Matthew Jerrold sat upright. ●� swift|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Lenny moved swiftly and silently across the front lawn.

3 N‑COUNT A swift is a small bird with long curved wings.

swig /sw I g/ (swigs , swigging , swigged ) VERB If you swig a drink, you drink it from a bottle or cup quickly and in large amounts. □�[V n with down/back ] He swigs down four cans of fizzy orange drink a day. □�[V n] He was still hanging around, swigging the Coke out of the can. ●�N‑COUNT Swig is also a noun. □� Brian took a swig of his drink.

swill /sw I l/ (swills , swilling , swilled )

1 VERB If you swill an alcoholic drink, you drink a lot of it. □�[V n] A crowd of men were standing around swilling beer.

2 VERB If a liquid swillsaround , or if you swill it around , it moves around the area that it is contained in. □�[V around/about ] Gallons of sea water had rushed into the cabin and were now swilling about in the bilges. □�[V n around/about ] She swilled the drink around in her glass.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Swill is a liquid mixture containing waste food that is given to pigs to eat.

swim ◆◇◇ /sw I m/ (swims , swimming , swam , swum )

1 VERB When you swim , you move through water by making movements with your arms and legs. □�[V ] She learned to swim when she was really tiny. □�[V ] I went round to Jonathan's to see if he wanted to go swimming. □�[V adv/prep] He was rescued only when an exhausted friend swam ashore. □�[V amount/n] I swim a mile a day. ●�N‑SING Swim is also a noun. □� When can we go for a swim, Mam?

2 VERB If you swim a race, you take part in a swimming race. □�[V n] She swam the 200 metres semi-finals and came second. [Also V ]

3 VERB If you swim a stretch of water, you keep swimming until you have crossed it. □�[V n] In 1875, Captain Matthew Webb became the first man to swim the English Channel.

4 VERB When a fish swims , it moves through water by moving its body. □�[V adv/prep] The barriers are lethal to fish trying to swim upstream. [Also V ]

5 VERB If objects swim , they seem to be moving backwards and forwards, usually because you are ill. □�[V ] Alexis suddenly could take no more: he felt too hot, he couldn't breathe, the room swam.

6 VERB If your head is swimming , you feel unsteady and slightly ill. □�[V ] The musty aroma of incense made her head swim.

7sink or swim →�see sink

swim|mer /sw I mə r / (swimmers ) N‑COUNT A swimmer is a person who swims, especially for sport or pleasure, or a person who is swimming. □� You don't have to worry about me. I'm a good swimmer.

swim|ming /sw I m I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Swimming is the activity of swimming, especially as a sport or for pleasure. □� �swimming lessons.

swi m|ming bath (swimming baths )

1 N‑COUNT A swimming baths or swimming bath is a building that contains an indoor public swimming pool. The plural swimming baths can be used to refer to one or more than one of these places. [BRIT ] □� It had been two years since I had been to the swimming baths. in AM, use pool , swimming pool2 N‑COUNT A swimming bath is a public swimming pool, especially an indoor one. [BRIT ] in AM, use pool , swimming pool

swi m|ming cap (swimming caps ) N‑COUNT A swimming cap is a rubber cap which you wear to keep your hair dry when you are swimming. [BRIT ] in AM, use bathing cap

swi m|ming cos|tume (swimming costumes ) N‑COUNT A swimming costume is the same as a swimsuit . [BRIT ]

swim|ming|ly /sw I m I ŋli/ PHRASE If you say that something is going swimmingly , you mean that everything is happening in a satisfactory way, without any problems. [INFORMAL ] □� The work has been going swimmingly.

swi m|ming pool (swimming pools ) N‑COUNT A swimming pool is a large hole in the ground that has been made and filled with water so that people can swim in it.

swi m|ming trunks N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Swimming trunks are the shorts that a man wears when he goes swimming. [BRIT ] in AM, use trunks

swim|suit /sw I msuːt/ (swimsuits ) N‑COUNT A swimsuit is a piece of clothing that is worn for swimming, especially by women and girls.

swim|wear /sw I mweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Swimwear is the things people wear for swimming.

swin|dle /sw I nd ə l/ (swindles , swindling , swindled ) VERB If someone swindles a person or an organization, they deceive them in order to get something valuable from them, especially money. □�[V n +�out of ] A City businessman swindled investors out of millions of pounds. ●�N‑COUNT Swindle is also a noun. □� He was jailed for running a �4.5 million international investment swindle.

swine /swa I n/ (swines ) The form swines is used as the plural for meaning 1 ; swine is used as both the singular and plural for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT If you call someone a swine , you dislike them or think that they are a bad person, usually because they have behaved unpleasantly towards you. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A swine is a pig. [TECHNICAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �imports of live swine from Canada.

swing ◆◇◇ /sw I ŋ/ (swings , swinging , swung )

1 VERB If something swings or if you swing it, it moves repeatedly backwards and forwards or from side to side from a fixed point. □�[V adv/prep] The sail of the little boat swung crazily from one side to the other. □�[V n] She was swinging a bag containing a new dress. □�[V -ing] Ian sat on the end of the table, one leg swinging. ●�N‑COUNT Swing is also a noun. □� �a woman walking with a slight swing to her hips.

2 VERB If something swings in a particular direction or if you swing it in that direction, it moves in that direction with a smooth, curving movement. □�[V prep/adv] The torchlight swung across the little beach and out over the water, searching. □�[V prep/adv] The canoe found the current and swung around. □�[V n prep/adv] Roy swung his legs carefully off the couch and sat up. ●�N‑COUNT Swing is also a noun. □� When he's not on the tennis court, you'll find him practising his golf swing.

3 VERB If a vehicle swings in a particular direction, or if the driver swings it in a particular direction, they turn suddenly in that direction. □�[V adv/prep] Joanna swung back on to the main approach and headed for the airport. □�[V n prep/adv] The tyres dug into the grit as he swung the car off the road.

4 VERB If someone swingsaround , they turn around quickly, usually because they are surprised. □�[V adv] She swung around to him, spilling her tea without noticing it.

5 VERB If you swingat a person or thing, you try to hit them with your arm or with something that you are holding. □�[V +�at ] Blanche swung at her but she moved her head back and Blanche missed. □�[V +�at ] I picked up his baseball bat and swung at the man's head. [Also V n at n] ●�N‑COUNT Swing is also a noun. □� I often want to take a swing at someone to relieve my feelings.

6 N‑COUNT A swing is a seat hanging by two ropes or chains from a metal frame or from the branch of a tree. You can sit on the seat and move forwards and backwards through the air.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Swing is a style of jazz dance music that was popular in the 1930's. It was played by big bands.

8 N‑COUNT A swing in people's opinions, attitudes, or feelings is a change in them, especially a sudden or big change. □� There was a massive swing away from the governing party in the election. □� Dieters suffer from violent mood swings.

9 VERB If people's opinions, attitudes, or feelings swing , they change, especially in a sudden or extreme way. □�[V ] In two years' time there is a presidential election, and the voters could swing again. □�[V adv/prep] The mood amongst Tory MPs seems to be swinging away from their leader.

10 PHRASE If something is in full swing , it is operating fully and is no longer in its early stages. □� When we returned, the party was in full swing and the dance floor was crowded.

11 PHRASE If you get into the swing of something, you become very involved in it and enjoy what you are doing. □� It was hard to get back into the swing of things after such a long absence.

12 PHRASE If you say that a situation is swings and roundabouts , you mean that there are as many gains as there are losses. [BRIT ]

13no room to swing a cat →�see cat COLLOCATIONS swing NOUN 8

noun +�swing : mood

adjective +�swing : dramatic, sharp, sudden, violent; political

verb +�swing : experience, suffer; achieve, gain, record VERB 8

noun +�swing : momentum, mood, opinion

swing+�adverb : decisively, dramatically, sharply, violently; back

swi ng bri dge (swing bridges ) N‑COUNT A swing bridge is a low bridge that can be opened either in the middle or on one side in order to let ships pass through.

swi ng doo r (swing doors ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Swing doors are doors that can open both towards you and away from you. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use swinging door

swinge|ing /sw I ndʒ I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A swingeing action, such as an attack or cut, is very great or severe. [BRIT , mainly JOURNALISM ] □� The book mounted a swingeing attack on the economics of the day.

swing|er /sw I ŋə r / (swingers )

1 N‑COUNT A swinger is a person who is lively and fashionable. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT Swingers are people who are married or in a long-term relationship and who like to have sex with other couples.

swing|ing /sw I ŋ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something or someone as swinging , you mean that they are lively and fashionable. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� The stuffy '50s gave way to the swinging '60s.

swi ng|ing doo r (swinging doors ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Swinging doors are doors that can open both towards you and away from you. [AM ] in BRIT, use swing door

swi ng vo te (swing votes ) N‑COUNT In a situation when people are about to vote, the swing vote is used to talk about the vote of a person or group which is difficult to predict and which will be important in deciding the result. [mainly AM , JOURNALISM ] □� �a Democrat who holds the swing vote on the committee.

swi ng vo t|er (swing voters ) N‑COUNT A swing voter is a person who is not a firm supporter of any political party, and whose vote in an election is difficult to predict. [AM ] in BRIT, use floating voter

swipe /swa I p/ (swipes , swiping , swiped )

1 VERB If you swipeat a person or thing, you try to hit them with a stick or other object, making a swinging movement with your arm. □�[V +�at ] She swiped at Rusty as though he was a fly. □�[V n] He swiped me across the shoulder with the poker. ●�N‑COUNT Swipe is also a noun. □� He took a swipe at Andrew that deposited him on the floor.

2 VERB If you swipe something, you steal it quickly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Five soldiers were each fined �140 for swiping a wheelchair from a disabled tourist.

3 N‑COUNT If you take a swipe at a person or an organization, you criticize them, usually in an indirect way. □� In a swipe at the President, he called for an end to 'begging for aid around the world'.

4 VERB If you swipe a credit card or swipe card through a machine, you pass it through a narrow space in the machine so that the machine can read information on the card's magnetic strip. □�[V n +�through ] Swipe your card through the phone, then dial. [Also V n]

5 VERB If you swipe , you move your finger across the screen of a phone or computer in order to give it an instruction. □�[V adv] Swipe right to answer the call, or swipe left to dismiss the call. □�[V n] Swipe the screen to unlock.

swi pe card (swipe cards ) also swipecard N‑COUNT A swipe card is a plastic card with a magnetic strip on it which contains information that can be read or transferred by passing the card through a special machine. □� They use a swipe card to go in and out of their offices.

swirl /swɜː r l/ (swirls , swirling , swirled ) VERB If you swirl something liquid or flowing, or if it swirls , it moves round and round quickly. □�[V n] She smiled, swirling the drink in her glass. □�[V prep/adv] The black water swirled around his legs, reaching almost to his knees. □�[V n prep] She swirled the ice-cold liquid around her mouth. □�[V -ing] �Carmen with her swirling gypsy skirts. [Also V n with adv, V ] ●�N‑COUNT Swirl is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �small swirls of chocolate cream. □�[+�of ] The helicopter landed in a swirl of dust.

swish /sw I ʃ/ (swishes , swishing , swished , swisher , swishest )

1 VERB If something swishes or if you swish it, it moves quickly through the air, making a soft sound. □�[V adv/prep] A car swished by heading for the coast. □�[V n prep/adv] He swished his cape around his shoulders. □�[V -ing] He heard a swishing sound. ●�N‑COUNT Swish is also a noun. □�[+�of ] She turned with a swish of her skirt.

2 ADJ If you describe something as swish , you mean that it is smart and fashionable. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �a swish cocktail bar.

Swiss /sw I s/ (Swiss )

1 ADJ Swiss means belonging or relating to Switzerland, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] TheSwiss are the people of Switzerland.

Swi ss chee se (Swiss cheeses ) N‑VAR Swiss cheese is hard cheese with holes in it.

swi ss ro ll (swiss rolls ) also swiss-roll N‑VAR A swiss roll is a cylindrical cake made from a thin flat sponge which is covered with jam or cream on one side, then rolled up. [BRIT ] in AM, use jelly roll

switch ◆◇◇ /sw I tʃ/ (switches , switching , switched )

1 N‑COUNT A switch is a small control for an electrical device which you use to turn the device on or off. □� Leona put some detergent into the dishwasher, shut the door and pressed the switch. □� �a light switch.

2 VERB If you switchto something different, for example to a different system, task, or subject of conversation, you change to it from what you were doing or saying before. □�[V +�to ] Estonia is switching to a market economy. □�[V from n to n] The law would encourage companies to switch from coal to cleaner fuels. □�[V n] The encouragement of a friend spurred Chris into switching jobs. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Switch is also a noun. □� New technology made a switch to oil possible. □� The spokesman implicitly condemned the government's policy switch. ●�PHRASAL VERB Switch over means the same as switch . □�[V P +�to ] �a professional man who started out in law but switched over to medicine. [Also V P ]

3 VERB If you switch your attention from one thing to another or if your attention switches , you stop paying attention to the first thing and start paying attention to the second. □�[V +�to ] My mother's interest had switched to my health. □�[V n +�to ] As the era wore on, she switched her attention to films.

4 VERB If you switch two things, you replace one with the other. □�[V n] In half an hour, they'd switched the tags on every cable. □�[be V -ed] The ballot boxes have been switched.

▸� switch off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you switch off a light or other electrical device, you stop it working by operating a switch. □�[V P n] She switched off the coffee-machine. □�[V n P ] Glass parked the car and switched the engine off. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you switch off , you stop paying attention or stop thinking or worrying about something. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] You may find you've got so many things to think about that it's difficult to switch off.

▸� switch on PHRASAL VERB If you switch on a light or other electrical device, you make it start working by operating a switch. □�[V P n] She emptied both their mugs and switched on the electric kettle. □�[V n P ] He pointed the light at his feet and tried to switch it on. [Also V P ]

▸� switch over

1 PHRASAL VERB If you switch over when you are watching television, you change to another channel. □�[V P ] I just happened to switch over although I haven't been watching the tennis. □�[V P +�to ] Let's switch over to Channel 4.

2 →�see switch2 SYNONYMS switch VERB 4

exchange:We exchanged addresses and Christmas cards.

trade:Kids used to trade baseball cards.

swap:Next week they will swap places and will repeat the switch weekly.

switch|back /sw I tʃb�k/ (switchbacks )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A switchback is a road which rises and falls sharply many times, or a sharp rise and fall in a road. [BRIT ] □� �a dizzy bus ride over a switchback road.

2 N‑COUNT A switchback is a road which goes up a steep hill in a series of sharp bends, or a sharp bend in a road. [AM ]

switch|blade /sw I tʃble I d/ (switchblades ) N‑COUNT A switchblade is a knife with a blade that is hidden in the handle and that springs out when a button is pressed. [AM ] in BRIT, use flick-knife

switch|board /sw I tʃbɔː r d/ (switchboards ) N‑COUNT A switchboard is a place in a large office or business where all the phone calls are connected. □� He asked to be connected to the central switchboard at London University.

swi tched-o n ADJ If you describe someone as switched-on , you mean that they are aware of the latest developments in a particular area or activity. [INFORMAL ] □� I am very impressed with Brian Hanlon, who seems a switched-on sort of guy.

swiv|el /sw I v ə l/ (swivels , swivelling , swivelled ) in AM, use swiveling , swiveled1 VERB If something swivels or if you swivel it, it turns around a central point so that it is facing in a different direction. □�[V n adv/prep] She swivelled her chair round and stared out across the back lawn. □�[V ] His chairs can swivel, but they can't move up or down. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you swivel in a particular direction, you turn suddenly in that direction. □�[V adv/prep] He swivelled round to face Sarah.

swi v|el chair (swivel chairs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A swivel chair is a chair whose seat can be turned around a central point to face in a different direction without moving the legs.

swol|len /swoʊ l ə n/

1 ADJ If a part of your body is swollen , it is larger and rounder than normal, usually as a result of injury or illness. □� My eyes were so swollen I could hardly see.

2 ADJ A swollen river has more water in it and flows faster than normal, usually because of heavy rain.

3Swollen is the past participle of swell .

swoon /swuː n/ (swoons , swooning , swooned ) VERB If you swoon , you are strongly affected by your feelings for someone you love or admire very much. □�[V +�over ] Virtually every woman in the '20s swooned over Valentino. □�[V ] The ladies shriek and swoon at his every word. [Also V adv]

swoop /swuː p/ (swoops , swooping , swooped )

1 VERB If police or soldiers swoopon a place, they go there suddenly and quickly, usually in order to arrest someone or to attack the place. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�on ] The terror ended when armed police swooped on the car. □�[V ] When police swooped, 37 people were arrested. ●�N‑COUNT Swoop is also a noun. □� The pair were arrested in a swoop on a house in Aberdeen.

2 VERB When a bird or aeroplane swoops , it suddenly moves downwards through the air in a smooth curving movement. □�[V adv/prep] More than 20 helicopters began swooping in low over the ocean. □�[V ] The hawk swooped and soared away carrying something.

3 PHRASE If something is done in one fell swoop or at one fell swoop , it is done on a single occasion or by a single action. □� In one fell swoop the bank wiped away the tentative benefits of this policy.

swop /swɒ p/ →�see swap

sword /sɔː r d/ (swords )

1 N‑COUNT A sword is a weapon with a handle and a long sharp blade.

2 PHRASE If you cross swordswith someone, you disagree with them and argue with them about something. □�[+�with ] She was a prominent member of the council and frequently crossed swords with the local MP.

3 PHRASE If you say that something is a double-edged sword or a two-edged sword , you mean that it has negative effects as well as positive effects.

4sword of damocles →�see Damocles

sword|fish /sɔː r df I ʃ/ (swordfish ) N‑VAR A swordfish is a large sea fish with a very long upper jaw. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Swordfish is this fish eaten as food. □� �grilled swordfish with a yogurt dressing.

swords|man /sɔː r dzmən/ (swordsmen ) N‑COUNT A swordsman is a man who is skilled at fighting with a sword.

swore /swɔː r / Swore is the past tense of swear .

sworn /swɔː r n/

1Sworn is the past participle of swear .

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you make a sworn statement or declaration, you swear that everything that you have said in it is true. □� The allegations against them were made in sworn evidence to the inquiry.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If two people or two groups of people are sworn enemies, they dislike each other very much. □� It somehow seems hardly surprising that Ms Player is now his sworn enemy.

swot /swɒ t/ (swots , swotting , swotted )

1 VERB If you swot , you study very hard, especially when you are preparing for an examination. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V +�for ] They swotted for their A levels. [Also V ]

2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a swot , you disapprove of the fact that they study extremely hard and are not interested in other things. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

swum /swʌ m/ Swum is the past participle of swim .

swung /swʌ ŋ/ Swung is the past tense and past participle of swing .

syba|rit|ic /s I bər I t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has a sybaritic way of life spends a lot of time relaxing in a luxurious way. [FORMAL ]

syca|more /s I kəmɔː r / (sycamores ) N‑VAR A sycamore or a sycamore tree is a tree that has yellow flowers and large leaves with five points. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Sycamore is the wood of this tree. □� The furniture is made of sycamore, beech and leather.

syco|phan|cy /s I kəf�nsi, [AM ] -fənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Sycophancy is the quality or action of being sycophantic. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

syco|phant /s I kəf�nt, [AM ] -fənt/ (sycophants ) N‑COUNT A sycophant is a person who behaves in a sycophantic way. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a dictator surrounded by sycophants, frightened to tell him what he may not like.

syco|phan|tic /s I kəf� nt I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as sycophantic , you disapprove of them because they flatter people who are more important and powerful than they are in order to gain an advantage for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �his clique of sycophantic friends.

syl|la|ble /s I ləb ə l/ (syllables ) N‑COUNT A syllable is a part of a word that contains a single vowel sound and that is pronounced as a unit. So, for example, 'book' has one syllable, and 'reading' has two syllables. □� We children called her Oma, accenting both syllables.

syl|la|bus /s I ləbəs/ (syllabuses )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to the subjects that are studied in a particular course as the syllabus . [mainly BRIT ] □� �the GCSE history syllabus.

2 N‑COUNT A syllabus is an outline or summary of the subjects to be covered in a course. [mainly AM ]

syl|van /s I lvən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sylvan is used to describe things that have an association with woods and trees. [LITERARY ]

sym|bio|sis /s I mbioʊ s I s, -ba I -/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Symbiosis is a close relationship between two organisms of different kinds which benefits both organisms. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the link between bacteria, symbiosis, and the evolution of plants and animals.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Symbiosis is any relationship between different things, people, or groups that benefits all the things or people concerned. □�[+�of ] �the cosy symbiosis of the traditional political parties.

sym|bi|ot|ic /s I mbiɒ t I k, -ba I -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A symbiotic relationship is one in which organisms, people, or things exist together in a way that benefits them all. □� �fungi that have a symbiotic relationship with the trees of these northwestern forests.

sym|bol ◆◇◇ /s I mb ə l/ (symbols )

1 N‑COUNT Something that is a symbolof a society or an aspect of life seems to represent it because it is very typical of it. □� To them, the monarchy is the special symbol of nationhood. □� She was put under house arrest but remained a powerful symbol in the election.

2 N‑COUNT A symbolof something such as an idea is a shape or design that is used to represent it. □� I frequently use sunflowers as symbols of strength.

3 N‑COUNT A symbolfor an item in a calculation or scientific formula is a number, letter, or shape that represents that item. □� What's the chemical symbol for mercury?

4 →�see also sex symbol , status symbol

sym|bol|ic /s I mbɒ l I k/

1 ADJ If you describe an event, action, or procedure as symbolic , you mean that it represents an important change, although it has little practical effect. □� A lot of Latin-American officials are stressing the symbolic importance of the trip. □� The move today was largely symbolic. ●� sym|boli|cal|ly /s I mbɒ l I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� It was a simple enough gesture, but symbolically important.

2 ADJ Something that is symbolic of a person or thing is regarded or used as a symbol of them. □�[+�of ] Yellow clothes are worn as symbolic of spring. ●� sym|boli|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Each circle symbolically represents the whole of humanity.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Symbolic is used to describe things involving or relating to symbols. □� �symbolic representations of landscape.

sym|bol|ise /s I mbəla I z/ →�see symbolize

sym|bol|ism /s I mbəl I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Symbolism is the use of symbols in order to represent something. □� The scene is so rich in symbolism that any explanation risks spoiling the effect.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the symbolism of an event or action when it seems to show something important about a situation. □�[+�of ] The symbolism of every gesture will be of vital importance during the short state visit.

sym|bol|ize /s I mbəla I z/ (symbolizes , symbolizing , symbolized ) in BRIT, also use symbolise VERB If one thing symbolizes another, it is used or regarded as a symbol of it. □�[V n] A cherry twig is placed in water to symbolize the hope of new life to come. □�[V -ed] �the post-war world order symbolised by the United Nations.

sym|met|ri|cal /s I me tr I k ə l/ ADJ If something is symmetrical , it has two halves which are exactly the same, except that one half is the mirror image of the other. □� �the neat rows of perfectly symmetrical windows. ●� sym|met|ri|cal|ly /s I me tr I kl/ ADV [ADV with v] □� The south garden at Sissinghurst was composed symmetrically.

sym|me|try /s I m I tri/ (symmetries )

1 N‑VAR Something that has symmetry is symmetrical in shape, design, or structure. □� �the incredible beauty and symmetry of a snowflake. □� I loved the house because it had perfect symmetry.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Symmetry in a relationship or agreement is the fact of both sides giving and receiving an equal amount. □� The superpowers pledged to maintain symmetry in their arms shipments.

sym|pa|thet|ic /s I mpəθe t I k/

1 ADJ If you are sympathetic to someone who is in a bad situation, you are kind to them and show that you understand their feelings. □�[+�to ] She was very sympathetic to the problems of adult students. □� It may be that he sees you only as a sympathetic friend. ●� sym|pa|theti|cal|ly /s I mpəθe t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� She nodded sympathetically.

2 ADJ If you are sympatheticto a proposal or action, you approve of it and are willing to support it. □�[+�to ] She met people in London who were sympathetic to her cause. ●� sym|pa|theti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� After a year we will sympathetically consider an application for reinstatement.

3 ADJ You describe someone as sympathetic when you like them and approve of the way that they behave. □� She sounds a most sympathetic character.

sym|pa|thize /s I mpəθa I z/ (sympathizes , sympathizing , sympathized ) in BRIT, also use sympathise1 VERB If you sympathize with someone who is in a bad situation, you show that you are sorry for them. □�[V +�with ] I must tell you how much I sympathize with you for your loss, Professor. □�[V ] He would sympathize but he wouldn't understand.

2 VERB If you sympathizewith someone's feelings, you understand them and are not critical of them. □�[V +�with ] He sympathised with her over her frustration at not being chosen for the team. □�[V +�with ] He liked Max, and sympathized with his ambitions. [Also V ]

3 VERB If you sympathizewith a proposal or action, you approve of it and are willing to support it. □�[V +�with ] Most of the people living there sympathized with the guerrillas.

sym|pa|thiz|er /s I mpəθa I zə r / (sympathizers ) in BRIT, also use sympathiser N‑COUNT [usu pl] The sympathizers of an organization or cause are the people who approve of it and support it. □� These villagers are guerrilla sympathizers.

sym|pa|thy ◆◇◇ /s I mpəθi/ (sympathies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have sympathy for someone who is in a bad situation, you are sorry for them, and show this in the way you behave towards them. □� I have had very little help from doctors and no sympathy whatsoever. □� I wanted to express my sympathies on your resignation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have sympathy with someone's ideas or opinions, you agree with them. □�[+�with ] I have some sympathy with this point of view. □�[+�for ] Lithuania still commands considerable international sympathy for its cause. □� He had strong left-wing sympathies.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you take some action insympathywith someone else, you do it in order to show that you support them. □� Milne resigned in sympathy because of the way Donald had been treated.

sym|phon|ic /s I mfɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Symphonic means relating to or like a symphony.

sym|pho|ny /s I mfəni/ (symphonies ) N‑COUNT A symphony is a piece of music written to be played by an orchestra. Symphonies are usually made up of four separate sections called movements.

sy m|pho|ny or|ches|tra (symphony orchestras ) N‑COUNT A symphony orchestra is a large orchestra that plays classical music.

sym|po|sium /s I mpoʊ ziəm/ (symposia /s I mpoʊ ziə/ or symposiums ) N‑COUNT A symposium is a conference in which experts or academics discuss a particular subject. □�[+�on ] He had been taking part in an international symposium on population.

symp|tom ◆◇◇ /s I mptəm/ (symptoms )

1 N‑COUNT A symptom of an illness is something wrong with your body or mind that is a sign of the illness. □� One of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia is hearing imaginary voices. □� �patients with flu symptoms.

2 N‑COUNT A symptomof a bad situation is something that happens which is considered to be a sign of this situation. □�[+�of ] With some people lateness is a symptom of general unreliability. SYNONYMS symptom NOUN 1

sign:Your blood would have been checked for any sign of kidney failure.

indication:He gave no indication that he was ready to compromise.

signal:The first warning signals came in March.

symp|to|mat|ic /s I mptəm� t I k/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is symptomaticof something else, especially something bad, it is a sign of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The city's problems are symptomatic of the crisis that is spreading throughout the country.

syna|gogue /s I nəgɒg/ (synagogues ) N‑COUNT A synagogue is a building where Jewish people meet to worship or to study their religion.

syn|apse /sa I n�ps, [AM ] s I n� ps/ (synapses ) N‑COUNT A synapse is one of the points in the nervous system at which a signal passes from one nerve cell to another. [TECHNICAL ]

sync /s I ŋk/ also synch PHRASE If two things are out of sync , they do not match or do not happen together as they should. If two things are in sync , they match or happen together as they should. [INFORMAL ] □� When demand and supply are out of sync, you either increase the supply or adjust the price. [Also +�with ]

synch /s I ŋk/ →�see sync

syn|chro|nize /s I ŋkrəna I z/ (synchronizes , synchronizing , synchronized ) in BRIT, also use synchronise VERB If you synchronize two activities, processes, or movements, or if you synchronize one activity, process, or movement with another, you cause them to happen at the same time and speed as each other. □�[V n] It was virtually impossible to synchronise our lives so as to take holidays together. □�[V n +�with ] Synchronise the score with the film action. □�[V -ed] �a series of unexpected, synchronized attacks. [Also V with n, pl-n V ]

sy n|chro|nized swi m|ming in BRIT, also use synchronised swimming N‑UNCOUNT Synchronized swimming is a sport in which two or more people perform complicated and carefully planned movements in water in time to music.

syn|co|pat|ed /s I ŋkəpe I t I d/ ADJ In syncopated music, the weak beats in the bar are stressed instead of the strong beats. □� Some spirituals are based on syncopated rhythms.

syn|co|pa|tion /s I ŋkəpe I ʃ ə n/ (syncopations ) N‑VAR Syncopation is the quality that music has when the weak beats in a bar are stressed instead of the strong ones.

syn|di|cate (syndicates , syndicating , syndicated ) The noun is pronounced /s I nd I kət/. The verb is pronounced /s I nd I ke I t/. 1 N‑COUNT A syndicate is an association of people or organizations that is formed for business purposes or in order to carry out a project. □� �a syndicate of 152 banks. □� �a major crime syndicate.

2 VERB [usu passive] When newspaper articles or television programmes are syndicated , they are sold to several different newspapers or television stations, who then publish the articles or broadcast the programmes. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Today his programme is syndicated to 500 stations. [Also be V -ed] ●� syn|di|ca|tion /s I nd I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The show was ready for syndication in early 1987.

3 N‑COUNT A press syndicate is a group of newspapers or magazines that are all owned by the same person or company.

syn|drome /s I ndroʊm/ (syndromes )

1 N‑COUNT A syndrome is a medical condition that is characterized by a particular group of signs and symptoms. □� Irritable bowel syndrome seems to affect more women than men.

2 →�see also Down's syndrome , premenstrual syndrome

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to an undesirable condition that is characterized by a particular type of activity or behaviour as a syndrome . □� Avoid sweep-it-under-the-carpet syndrome where you ignore problems.

syn|er|gy /s I nə r dʒi/ (synergies ) N‑VAR If there is synergy between two or more organizations or groups, they are more successful when they work together than when they work separately. [BUSINESS ] □� Of course, there's quite obviously a lot of synergy between the two companies. □� The synergies gained from the merger, Pirelli claimed, would create savings of about �130m over four years.

syn|od /s I nɒd/ (synods ) N‑COUNT A synod is a special council of members of a Church, which meets regularly to discuss religious issues.

syno|nym /s I nən I m/ (synonyms ) N‑COUNT A synonym is a word or expression which means the same as another word or expression. □�[+�for ] The term 'industrial democracy' is often used as a synonym for worker participation.

syn|ony|mous /s I nɒ n I məs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that one thing is synonymouswith another, you mean that the two things are very closely associated with each other so that one suggests the other or one cannot exist without the other. □�[+�with ] Paris has always been synonymous with elegance, luxury and style.

syn|op|sis /s I nɒ ps I s/ (synopses /s I nɒ psiːz/) N‑COUNT A synopsis is a summary of a longer piece of writing or work. □� For each title there is a brief synopsis of the book.

syn|tac|tic /s I nt� kt I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Syntactic means relating to syntax. [TECHNICAL ] □� �three common syntactic devices in English.

syn|tax /s I nt�ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Syntax is the ways that words can be put together, or are put together, in order to make sentences. [TECHNICAL ] □� His grammar and syntax, both in oral and written expression, were much better than the average.

synth /s I nθ/ (synths ) N‑COUNT A synth is the same as a synthesizer . [INFORMAL ]

syn|the|sis /s I nθ I s I s/ (syntheses /s I nθ I siːz/)

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A synthesisof different ideas or styles is a mixture or combination of these ideas or styles. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] His novels are a rich synthesis of Balkan history and mythology.

2 N‑VAR The synthesis of a substance is the production of it by means of chemical or biological reactions. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the genes that regulate the synthesis of these compounds.

syn|the|size /s I nθ I sa I z/ (synthesizes , synthesizing , synthesized ) in BRIT, also use synthesise1 VERB To synthesize a substance means to produce it by means of chemical or biological reactions. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V n] After extensive research, Albert Hoffman first succeeded in synthesizing the acid in 1938.

2 VERB If you synthesize different ideas, facts, or experiences, you combine them to form a single idea or impression. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The movement synthesised elements of modern art that hadn't been brought together before, such as Cubism and Surrealism.

syn|the|sized /s I nθ I sa I zd/ in BRIT, also use synthesised ADJ [ADJ n] Synthesized sounds are produced electronically using a synthesizer. □� �synthesised dance music.

syn|the|siz|er /s I nθ I sa I zə r / (synthesizers ) in BRIT, also use synthesiser N‑COUNT A synthesizer is an electronic machine that produces speech, music, or other sounds, usually by combining individual syllables or sounds that have been previously recorded. □� Now he can only communicate through a voice synthesiser.

syn|thet|ic /s I nθe t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Synthetic products are made from chemicals or artificial substances rather than from natural ones. □� Boots made from synthetic materials can usually be washed in a machine. □� �synthetic rubber. ●� syn|theti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the therapeutic use of natural and synthetically produced hormones.

syn|thet|ics /s I nθe t I ks/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to synthetic clothing, fabric, or materials as synthetics . □� Natural fabrics like silk and wool are better insulators than synthetics.

syphi|lis /s I f I l I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Syphilis is a serious disease which is passed on through sexual intercourse.

sy|phon /sa I f ə n/ →�see siphon

Syr|ian /s I riən/ (Syrians )

1 ADJ Syrian means belonging or relating to Syria, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Syrian is a Syrian citizen, or a person of Syrian origin.

sy|ringe /s I r I ndʒ/ (syringes ) N‑COUNT A syringe is a small tube with a thin hollow needle at the end. Syringes are used for putting liquids into things and for taking liquids out, for example for injecting drugs or for taking blood from someone's body.

syr|up /s I rəp/ (syrups )

1 N‑VAR Syrup is a sweet liquid made by cooking sugar with water, and sometimes with fruit juice as well. □� �canned fruit with sugary syrup.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Syrup is a very sweet thick liquid made from sugar. □� �a heavy syrup pudding.

3 →�see also golden syrup , maple syrup

4 N‑VAR Syrup is a medicine in the form of a thick, sweet liquid. □� �cough syrup.

syr|upy /s I rəpi/

1 ADJ Liquid that is syrupy is sweet or thick like syrup.

2 ADJ If you describe something as syrupy , you dislike it because it is too sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �this syrupy film version of Conroy's novel.

sys|tem ◆◆◆ /s I stəm/ (systems )

1 N‑COUNT A system is a way of working, organizing, or doing something which follows a fixed plan or set of rules. You can use system to refer to an organization or institution that is organized in this way. □� �a flexible and relatively efficient filing system. □�[+�of ] �a multi-party system of government.

2 N‑COUNT A system is a set of devices powered by electricity, for example a computer or an alarm. □� Viruses tend to be good at surviving when a computer system crashes.

3 N‑COUNT A system is a set of equipment or parts such as water pipes or electrical wiring, which is used to supply water, heat, or electricity. □� �a central heating system.

4 N‑COUNT A system is a network of things that are linked together so that people or things can travel from one place to another or communicate. □� �Australia's road and rail system. □� �a news channel on a local cable system.

5 N‑COUNT Your system is your body's organs and other parts that together perform particular functions. □� These gases would seriously damage the patient's respiratory system.

6 N‑COUNT A system is a particular set of rules, especially in mathematics or science, which is used to count or measure things. □�[+�of ] �the decimal system of metric weights and measures.

7 N‑SING People sometimes refer to the government or administration of a country as the system . □� These feelings are likely to make people attempt to overthrow the system.

8 →�see also central nervous system , digestive system , ecosystem , immune system , metric system , nervous system , public address system , solar system , sound system

9 PHRASE If you get something out of your system , you take some action so that you no longer want to do it or no longer have strong feelings about it. □� I want to get boxing out of my system and settle down to enjoy family life.

sys|tem|at|ic /s I stəm� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is done in a systematic way is done according to a fixed plan, in a thorough and efficient way. □� They had not found any evidence of a systematic attempt to rig the ballot. ●� sys|tem|ati|cal|ly /s I stəm� t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� The army has systematically violated human rights. □� She began applying systematically to colleges.

sys|tema|tize /s I stəməta I z/ (systematizes , systematizing , systematized ) in BRIT, also use systematise VERB If you systematize things, you make them organized. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] You need to systematize your approach to problem solving. [Also V ] ●� sys|tema|ti|za|tion /s I stəməta I ze I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -t I z-/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a systematization of management practice.

sys|tem|ic /s I stiː m I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Systemic means affecting the whole of something. [FORMAL ] □� The economy is locked in a systemic crisis.

2 ADJ Systemic chemicals or drugs are absorbed into the whole of an organism such as a plant or person, rather than being applied to one area. [TECHNICAL ]

sy s|tems a na|lyst (systems analysts ) N‑COUNT A systems analyst is someone whose job is to decide what computer equipment and software a company needs, and to provide it.

Tt

T , t /tiː / (T's, t's ) N‑VAR T is the twentieth letter of the English alphabet.

ta /tɑː / CONVENTION Ta means 'thank you'. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FORMULAE ]

tab /t� b/ (tabs )

1 N‑COUNT A tab is a small piece of cloth or paper that is attached to something, usually with information about that thing written on it. □� A stupid medical clerk had slipped the wrong tab on his X-ray.

2 N‑COUNT A tab is the total cost of goods or services that you have to pay, or the bill for those goods or services. [mainly AM ] □� At least one estimate puts the total tab at $7 million.

3 N‑COUNT A tab is a metal strip that you pull off the top of a can of drink in order to open it.

4 N‑COUNT A tab is a drug, especially one that is sold illegally, which is in tablet form. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He was prosecuted for possessing a hundred tabs of ecstasy

5 PHRASE If someone keeps tabs on you, they make sure that they always know where you are and what you are doing, often in order to control you. [INFORMAL ]

6 PHRASE If you pick up the tab , you pay a bill on behalf of a group of people or provide the money that is needed for something. [INFORMAL ] □� Pollard picked up the tab for dinner that night.

Ta|bas|co /t�b� skoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Tabasco is a hot spicy sauce made from peppers. [TRADEMARK ]

tab|by /t� bi/ (tabbies ) N‑COUNT A tabby or a tabby cat is a cat whose fur has dark stripes on a lighter background.

tab|er|nac|le /t� bə r n�k ə l/ (tabernacles )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A tabernacle is a church used by certain Christian Protestant groups and by Mormons.

2 N‑PROPER The Tabernacle was a small tent which contained the most holy writings of the ancient Jews and which they took with them when they were travelling.

ta|ble ◆◆◇ /te I b ə l/ (tables , tabling , tabled )

1 N‑COUNT A table is a piece of furniture with a flat top that you put things on or sit at. □� She was sitting at the kitchen table eating a currant bun. □� I placed his drink on the small table at his elbow.

2 VERB If someone tables a proposal, they say formally that they want it to be discussed at a meeting. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] They've tabled a motion criticising the Government for doing nothing about the problem.

3 VERB If someone tables a proposal or plan which has been put forward, they decide to discuss it or deal with it at a later date, rather than straight away. [AM ] □�[V n] We will table that for later.

4 N‑COUNT A table is a written set of facts and figures arranged in columns and rows. □� Consult the table on page 104. □� Other research supports the figures in Table 3.3.

5 →�see also coffee table , dressing table , negotiating table , round table , tea table

6 PHRASE If you put something on the table , you present it at a meeting for it to be discussed. □� This is one of the best packages we've put on the table in years.

7 PHRASE If you turn the tableson someone, you change the situation completely, so that instead of them causing problems for you, you are causing problems for them. □� The only question is whether the President can use his extraordinary political skills to turn the tables on his opponents.

8to put your cards on the table →�see card SYNONYMS table NOUN 1

counter:We were sitting on stools at the counter having coffee.

bench:�the laboratory bench.

stand:She bought a hot dog from a stand on a street corner.

tab|leau /t� bloʊ/ (tableaux )

1 N‑COUNT A tableau is a scene, for example from the Bible, history, or mythology, that consists of a group of people in costumes who do not speak or move. The people are sometimes on a float in a procession. □� �tableaux depicting the foundation of Barcelona.

2 N‑COUNT A tableau is a piece of art such as a sculpture or painting that shows a scene, especially one from the Bible, history, or mythology. □� �Gaudi's luxuriant stone tableau of the Nativity on the cathedral's east face.

table|cloth /te I b ə lklɒθ, [AM ] -klɔːθ/ (tablecloths ) N‑COUNT A tablecloth is a cloth used to cover a table.

ta |ble danc|ing N‑UNCOUNT Table dancing is a type of entertainment in a bar or club in which a woman who is wearing very few clothes dances in a sexy way close to a customer or group of customers.

ta |ble lamp (table lamps ) N‑COUNT A table lamp is a small electric lamp which stands on a table or other piece of furniture.

ta |ble man|ners N‑PLURAL You can use table manners to refer to the way you behave when you are eating a meal at a table. □� He attacked the food as quickly as decent table manners allowed.

table|spoon /te I b ə lspuːn/ (tablespoons )

1 N‑COUNT A tablespoon is a fairly large spoon used for serving food and in cooking.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food resting on a tablespoon as a tablespoon of food. □�[+�of ] �a tablespoon of sugar.

table|spoon|ful /te I b ə lspuːnfʊl/ (tablespoonfuls or tablespoonsful ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food resting on a tablespoon as a tablespoonful of food. □�[+�of ] Grate a tablespoonful of fresh ginger into a pan.

tab|let /t� blət/ (tablets )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A tablet is a small solid round mass of medicine which you swallow. □� It is never a good idea to take sleeping tablets regularly.

2 N‑COUNT A tablet is a small flat computer that you operate by touching the screen. [COMPUTING ] □� �a free guide to the best tablets on the market.

3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] Clay tablets or stone tablets are the flat pieces of clay or stone which people used to write on before paper was invented.

4tablets of stone →�see stone

ta |ble ten|nis also table-tennis N‑UNCOUNT Table tennis is a game played inside by two or four people. The players stand at each end of a table which has a low net across the middle and hit a small light ball over the net, using small bats.

ta |ble top (table tops ) also tabletop N‑COUNT A table top is the flat surface on a table.

table|ware /te I b ə lweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Tableware consists of the objects used on the table at meals, for example plates, glasses, or cutlery. [FORMAL ]

ta |ble wine (table wines ) N‑VAR Table wine is fairly cheap wine that is drunk with meals.

tab|loid /t� blɔ I d/ (tabloids ) N‑COUNT A tabloid is a newspaper that has small pages, short articles, and lots of photographs. Tabloids are often considered to be less serious than other newspapers. Compare broadsheet .

ta|boo /t�buː / (taboos ) N‑COUNT If there is a taboo on a subject or activity, it is a social custom to avoid doing that activity or talking about that subject, because people find them embarrassing or offensive. □� The topic of addiction remains something of a taboo. ●�ADJ Taboo is also an adjective. □� Cancer is a taboo subject and people are frightened to talk openly about it.

tabu|late /t� bjʊle I t/ (tabulates , tabulating , tabulated ) VERB To tabulate information means to arrange it in columns on a page so that it can be analysed. □�[be V -ed] Results for the test program haven't been tabulated.

tacho|graph /t� kəgrɑːf, -gr�f/ (tachographs ) N‑COUNT A tachograph is a device that is put in vehicles such as lorries and coaches in order to record information such as how fast the vehicle goes, how far it travels, and the number of breaks the driver takes. [BRIT ]

tac|it /t� s I t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to someone's tacit agreement or approval, you mean they are agreeing to something or approving it without actually saying so, often because they are unwilling to admit to doing so. □� The question was a tacit admission that a mistake had indeed been made. ●� tac|it|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He tacitly admitted that the government had breached regulations.

taci|turn /t� s I tɜː r n/ ADJ A taciturn person does not say very much and can seem unfriendly. □� A taciturn man, he replied to my questions in monosyllables.

tack /t� k/ (tacks , tacking , tacked )

1 N‑COUNT A tack is a short nail with a broad, flat head, especially one that is used for fastening carpets to the floor.

2 →�see also thumbtack

3to get down to brass tacks →�see brass

4 VERB If you tack something to a surface, you pin it there with tacks or drawing pins. □�[V n +�to ] He had tacked this note to her door. □�[V n with adv] She had recently taken a poster from the theatre and tacked it up on the wall.

5 N‑SING If you change tack or try a different tack , you try a different method for dealing with a situation. □� In desperation I changed tack. □� This report takes a different tack from the 20 that have come before.

6 VERB If a sailing boat is tacking or if the people in it tack it, it is sailing towards a particular point in a series of sideways movements rather than in a straight line. □�[V ] We were tacking fairly close inshore. □�[V n] The helmsman could tack the boat singlehanded. [Also V n prep/adv]

7 VERB If you tack pieces of material together, you sew them together with big, loose stitches in order to hold them firmly or check that they fit, before sewing them properly. □�[V n with together ] Tack them together with a 1.5 cm seam. □�[V n prep/adv] Tack the cord around the cushion.

▸� tack on PHRASAL VERB If you say that something is tacked on to something else, you think that it is added in a hurry and in an unsatisfactory way. □�[be V -ed P +�to ] The child-care bill is to be tacked on to the budget plan. [Also V n P ]

tack|le ◆◇◇ /t� k ə l/ (tackles , tackling , tackled )

1 VERB If you tackle a difficult problem or task, you deal with it in a very determined or efficient way. □�[V n] The first reason to tackle these problems is to save children's lives.

2 VERB If you tackle someone in a game such as hockey or football, you try to take the ball away from them. If you tackle someone in rugby or American football, you knock them to the ground. □�[V n] Foley tackled the quarterback. ●�N‑COUNT Tackle is also a noun. □�[+�by ] �a tackle by full-back Brian Burrows.

3 VERB If you tackle someone about a particular matter, you speak to them honestly about it, usually in order to get it changed or done. □�[V n +�about ] I tackled him about how anyone could live amidst so much poverty.

4 VERB If you tackle someone, you attack them and fight them. □�[V n] He claims his attacker overtook and tackled him, pushing him into the dirt.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Tackle is the equipment that you need for a sport or activity, especially fishing. □� �fishing tackle.

tacky /t� ki/ (tackier , tackiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as tacky , you dislike it because it is cheap and badly made or vulgar. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a woman in a fake leopard-skin coat and tacky red sunglasses.

2 ADJ If something such as paint or glue is tacky , it is slightly sticky and not yet dry. □� Test to see if the finish is tacky, and if it is, leave it to harden.

taco /t� koʊ/ (tacos ) N‑COUNT A taco is a crispy Mexican pancake made from corn and eggs, which is folded and filled with meat, vegetables, and a spicy sauce.

tact /t� kt/ N‑UNCOUNT Tact is the ability to avoid upsetting or offending people by being careful not to say or do things that would hurt their feelings. □� On this occasion the press have not been intrusive and they have shown great tact.

tact|ful /t� ktfʊl/ ADJ If you describe a person or what they say as tactful you approve of them because they are careful not to offend or upset another person. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�in ] He had been extremely tactful in dealing with the financial question. ●� tact|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Alex tactfully refrained from further comment.

tac|tic ◆◇◇ /t� kt I k/ (tactics ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Tactics are the methods that you choose to use in order to achieve what you want in a particular situation. □� What sort of tactics will the President use to rally the people behind him? SYNONYMS tactics NOUN 1

approach:We will be exploring different approaches to gathering information.

strategy:What should our marketing strategy have achieved?

method:This is the usual method of getting through the Amsterdam traffic.

tac|ti|cal /t� kt I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use tactical to describe an action or plan which is intended to help someone achieve what they want in a particular situation. □� It's not yet clear whether the Prime Minister's resignation offer is a serious one, or whether it's simply a tactical move. ●� tac|ti|cal|ly /t� kt I kli/ ADV [ADV after v, oft ADV adj] □� The electorate is astute enough to vote tactically against the Government.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Tactical weapons or forces are those which a military leader can decide for themselves to use in a battle, rather than waiting for a decision by a political leader. □� They refused to talk about their own strategy on tactical weapons.

ta c|ti|cal vo t|ing N‑UNCOUNT Tactical voting is the act of voting for a particular person or political party in order to prevent someone else from winning, rather than because you support that person or party. [BRIT ]

tac|ti|cian /t�kt I ʃ ə n/ (tacticians ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a good tactician , you mean that they are skilful at choosing the best methods in order to achieve what they want. □� He is an extremely astute political tactician.

tac|tile /t� kta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as tactile , you mean that they tend to touch other people a lot when talking to them. □� The children are very tactile, with warm, loving natures.

2 ADJ Something such as fabric which is tactile is pleasant or interesting to touch. □� Tweed is timeless, tactile and tough.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tactile experiences or sensations are received or felt by touch. [FORMAL ] □� The baby responds to outside tactile and auditory stimuli.

tact|less /t� ktləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as tactless , you think what they say or do is likely to offend other people. □� He had alienated many people with his tactless remarks.

tad /t� d/ PHRASE You can use a tad in expressions such as a tad big or a tad small when you mean that it is slightly too big or slightly too small. [INFORMAL ] □� It was a tad confusing.

tad|pole /t� dpoʊl/ (tadpoles ) N‑COUNT Tadpoles are small water creatures which grow into frogs or toads.

taf|fe|ta /t� f I tə/ N‑UNCOUNT Taffeta is shiny stiff material made of silk or nylon that is used mainly for making women's clothes.

taf|fy /t� fi/ N‑UNCOUNT Taffy is a sticky sweet that you chew. It is made by boiling sugar and butter together with water. [AM ] in BRIT, use toffee

tag /t� g/ (tags , tagging , tagged )

1 N‑COUNT A tag is a small piece of card or cloth which is attached to an object or person and has information about that object or person on it. □� Staff wore name tags. □� �baggage tags.

2 →�see also dog tag , price tag

3 N‑COUNT An electronic tag is a device that is firmly attached to someone or something and sets off an alarm if that person or thing moves away or is removed. □� A hospital is to fit new-born babies with electronic tags to foil kidnappers.

4 →�see also electronic tagging

5 VERB If you tag something, you attach something to it or mark it so that it can be identified later. □�[V n] Professor Orr has developed interesting ways of tagging chemical molecules using existing laboratory lasers.

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to a phrase that is used to describe someone or something as a tag . [JOURNALISM ] □� Jazz was losing its elitist tag and gaining a much broader audience.

7 VERB If you tag someone in a particular way, you keep describing them using a particular phrase or thinking of them as a particular thing. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n +�with ] �the pundits were still tagging him with that age-old label, 'best of a bad bunch'. □�[be V -ed n] She has always lived in John's house and is still tagged 'Dad's girlfriend' by his children. [Also V n +�as , V n]

8 →�see also question tag

▸� tag along PHRASAL VERB If someone goes somewhere and you tag along , you go with them, especially when they have not asked you to. □�[V P ] I let him tag along because he had not been too well recently. □�[V P +�with ] She seems quite happy to tag along with them.

▸� tag on PHRASAL VERB If you tag something on , you add it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] It is also worth tagging on an extra day or two to see the capital. [Also V n P ]

ta g line (tag lines ) also tag-line N‑COUNT The tag line of something such as a television commercial or a joke is the phrase that comes at the end and is meant to be amusing or easy to remember.

Tai Chi /ta I tʃiː / also tai chi N‑UNCOUNT Tai Chi is a type of Chinese physical exercise in which you make slow, controlled movements.

tai|ga /ta I gə/ (taigas ) N‑VAR Taiga is the coniferous forest located in the northern regions of the world. It is just south of the tundra.

tail ◆◇◇ /te I l/ (tails , tailing , tailed )

1 N‑COUNT The tail of an animal, bird, or fish is the part extending beyond the end of its body. □� �a black dog with a long tail. ●� -tailed COMB □� �white-tailed deer.

2 N‑COUNT You can use tail to refer to the end or back of something, especially something long and thin. □� �the horizontal stabilizer bar on the plane's tail.

3 N‑PLURAL If a man is wearing tails , he is wearing a formal jacket which has two long pieces hanging down at the back.

4 VERB To tail someone means to follow close behind them and watch where they go and what they do. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Officers had tailed the gang from London during a major undercover inquiry. □�[have n V -ed] He trusted her so little that he had her tailed.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If you toss a coin and it comes down tails , you can see the side of it that does not have a picture of a head on it.

6 PHRASE If you say that you have your tail between your legs , you are emphasizing that you feel defeated and ashamed. [EMPHASIS ] □� His team retreated last night with tails tucked firmly between their legs.

7cannot make head or tail of something →�see head

▸� tail away or tail off PHRASAL VERB When a person's voice tails away or tails off , it gradually becomes quieter and then silent. □�[V P ] His voice tailed away in the bitter cold air.

▸� tail off

1 PHRASAL VERB When something tails off , it gradually becomes less in amount or value, often before coming to an end completely. □�[V P ] Last year, economic growth tailed off to below four percent.

2 →�see also tail away

tail|back /te I lb�k/ (tailbacks ) N‑COUNT A tailback is a long line of traffic stretching back along a road, which moves very slowly or not at all, for example because of road works or an accident. [BRIT ] □� The flooding led to six-mile tailbacks between west London and Heathrow Airport. in AM, use backup

tail|coat /te I lkoʊt/ (tailcoats ) also tail coat N‑COUNT A tailcoat is a man's coat which is short at the front with long pieces at the back. Tailcoats were popular in the 19th century and are now worn only for very formal occasions, such as weddings.

tai l e nd also tail-end N‑SING The tail end of an event, situation, or period of time is the last part of it. □�[+�of ] Barry had obviously come in on the tail-end of the conversation.

tail|gate /te I lge I t/ (tailgates , tailgating , tailgated )

1 N‑COUNT A tailgate is a door at the back of a truck or car, that is hinged at the bottom so that it opens downwards.

2 VERB If you tailgate someone, you drive very closely behind them. □�[V n] Perhaps the fact that the car was tailgating him made him accelerate. □�[V ] Police pulled him over doing 120km/h, making rapid changes and tailgating.

tai l-light (tail-lights ) also taillight N‑COUNT The tail-lights on a car or other vehicle are the two red lights at the back.

tai|lor /te I lə r / (tailors , tailoring , tailored )

1 N‑COUNT A tailor is a person whose job is to make men's clothes.

2 VERB If you tailor something such as a plan or system to someone's needs, you make it suitable for a particular person or purpose by changing the details of it. □�[V n +�to ] We can tailor the program to the patient's needs. [Also V n]

tai|lored /te I lə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tailored clothes are designed to fit close to the body, rather than being loose. □� �a white tailored shirt.

tai lor-ma de

1 ADJ If something is tailor-made , it has been specially designed for a particular person or purpose. □� Each client's portfolio is tailor-made.

2 ADJ If you say that someone or something is tailor-madefor a particular task, purpose, or need, you are emphasizing that they are perfectly suitable for it. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�for ] He was tailor-made, it was said, for the task ahead.

3 ADJ Tailor-made clothes have been specially made to fit a particular person. □� He was wearing a tweed suit that looked tailor-made.

tai lor-ma ke (tailor-makes , tailor-making , tailor-made )

1 VERB If someone tailor-makes something for you, they make or design it to suit your requirements. □�[V n] The company can tailor-make your entire holiday.

2 →�see also tailor-made

tail|pipe /te I pa I p/ (tailpipes ) N‑COUNT A tailpipe is the end pipe of a car's exhaust system. [AM ]

tail|wind /te I lw I nd/ (tailwinds ) also tail wind N‑COUNT A tailwind is a wind that is blowing from behind an aeroplane, boat, or other vehicle, making it move faster.

taint /te I nt/ (taints , tainting , tainted )

1 VERB If a person or thing is taintedby something bad or undesirable, their status or reputation is harmed because they are associated with it. □�[be V -ed] Opposition leaders said that the elections had been tainted by corruption. □�[V n] �a series of political scandals that has tainted the political stars of a generation. ●� taint|ed ADJ □� This is a world where the word 'liberty' has become a little tainted.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A taint is an undesirable quality which spoils the status or reputation of someone or something. □�[+�of ] Her government never really shook off the taint of corruption.

3 VERB If an unpleasant substance taints food or medicine, the food or medicine is spoiled or damaged by it. □�[V n] Rancid oil will taint the flavour. □�[V -ed +�with ] The water was so tainted with chemicals that it gave off noxious gases.

take

➊�USED WITH NOUNS DESCRIBING ACTIONS

➋�OTHER USES

➊ take ◆◆◆ /te I k, te I k/ (takes , taking , took , taken ) Take is used in combination with a wide range of nouns, where the meaning of the combination is mostly given by the noun. Many of these combinations are common idiomatic expressions whose meanings can be found at the appropriate nouns. For example, the expression take care is explained at care . 1 VERB You can use take followed by a noun to talk about an action or event, when it would also be possible to use the verb that is related to that noun. For example, you can say ' she took a shower ' instead of 'she showered'. □�[V n] Betty took a photograph of us. □�[V n] I've never taken a holiday since starting this job. □�[V n] There's not enough people willing to take the risk.

2 VERB In ordinary spoken or written English, people use take with a range of nouns instead of using a more specific verb. For example people often say ' he took control ' or ' she took a positive attitude ' instead of 'he assumed control' or 'she adopted a positive attitude'. □�[V n] They took power after a three-month civil war. □�[V n] I felt it was important for women to join and take a leading role.

➋ take ◆◆◆ /te I k/ (takes , taking , took , taken )

→�Please look at categories 51 to 61 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you take something, you reach out for it and hold it. □�[V n] Here, let me take your coat. □�[V n +�by ] Colette took her by the shoulders and shook her. □�[V n prep] She took her in her arms and tried to comfort her.

2 VERB If you take something with you when you go somewhere, you carry it or have it with you. □�[V n prep/adv] Mark often took his books to Bess's house to study. □�[V n +�with ] You should take your passport with you when changing money. □�[V n] Don't forget to take your camera.

3 VERB If a person, vehicle, or path takes someone somewhere, they transport or lead them there. □�[V n prep/adv] The school bus takes them to school and brings them back.

4 VERB If something such as a job or interest takes you to a place, it is the reason for you going there. □�[V n prep/adv] He was a poor student from Madras whose genius took him to Cambridge.

5 VERB If you take something such as your problems or your business to someone, you go to that person when you have problems you want to discuss or things you want to buy. □�[V n +�to] You need to take your problems to a trained counsellor.

6 VERB If one thing takes another to a particular level, condition, or state, it causes it to reach that level or condition. □�[V n prep/adv] Her latest research takes her point further.

7 VERB If you take something from a place, you remove it from there. □�[V n with prep/adv] He took a handkerchief from his pocket and lightly wiped his mouth. □�[V n with prep/adv] Opening a drawer, she took out a letter.

8 VERB If you take something from someone who owns it, you steal it or go away with it without their permission. □�[V n] He has taken my money, and I have no chance of getting it back.

9 VERB If an army or political party takes something or someone, they win them from their enemy or opponent. □�[V n] Marines went in, taking 15 prisoners.

10 VERB If you take one number or amount from another, you subtract it or deduct it. □�[V n +�off ] Take off the price of the house, that's another hundred thousand.

11 VERB [no passive] If you cannot take something difficult, painful, or annoying, you cannot tolerate it without becoming upset, ill, or angry. □�[V n] Don't ever ask me to look after those kids again. I just can't take it!

12 VERB If you take something such as damage or loss, you suffer it, especially in war or in a battle. □�[V n] They have taken heavy casualties.

13 VERB [no passive] If something takes a certain amount of time, that amount of time is needed in order to do it. □�[V n n] Since the roads are very bad, the journey took us a long time. □�[V n] I had heard an appeal could take years. □�[V n to-inf] The sauce takes 25 minutes to prepare and cook. □�[V n n to-inf] The game took her less than an hour to finish. □�[V n v-ing] You must beware of those traps�you could take all day getting out of them. □�[V n to-inf] It takes 15 minutes to convert the plane into a car by removing the wings and the tail. □�[V n n to-inf] It had taken Masters about twenty hours to reach the house. □�[V n for n to-inf] It took thirty-five seconds for the hour to strike.

14 VERB [no passive] If something takes a particular quality or thing, that quality or thing is needed in order to do it. □�[V n] At one time, walking across the room took all her strength. □�[V n to-inf] It takes courage to say what you think. □�[V n] It takes a pretty bad level of performance before the teachers will criticize the students.

15 VERB If you take something that is given or offered to you, you agree to accept it. □�[V n] His sons took his advice.

16 VERB If you take a feeling such as pleasure, pride, or delight in a particular thing or activity, the thing or activity gives you that feeling. □�[V n +�in ] They take great pride in their heritage. □�[V n +�from ] The government will take comfort from the latest opinion poll.

17 VERB If a shop, restaurant, theatre, or other business takes a certain amount of money, they get that amount from people buying goods or services. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □�[V amount] The firm took �100,000 in bookings. in AM, usually use take in18 N‑SING You can use take to refer to the amount of money that a business such as a store or theatre gets from selling its goods or tickets during a particular period. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] □� It added another $11.8 million to the take, for a grand total of $43 million. in BRIT, usually use takings19 VERB If you take a prize or medal, you win it. □�[V n] The film took first prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

20 VERB If you take the blame, responsibility, or credit for something, you agree to accept it. □�[V n] He took the blame for getting it wrong.

21 VERB If you take patients or clients, you accept them as your patients or clients. □�[V n] Some universities would be forced to take more students than they wanted.

22 VERB If you take a phone call, you speak to someone who is phoning you. □�[V n] Douglas phoned Catherine at her office. She refused to take his calls.

23 VERB If you take something in a particular way, you react in the way mentioned to a situation or to someone's beliefs or behaviour. □�[V n adv/prep] Unfortunately, no one took my messages seriously.

24 VERB [usu imper] You use take when you are discussing or explaining a particular question, in order to introduce an example or to say how the question is being considered. □�[V n] There's confusion and resentment. Take this office, for example.

25 VERB If you take someone's meaning or point, you understand and accept what they are saying. □�[V n] They've turned sensible, if you take my meaning.

26 VERB If you take someone for something, you believe wrongly that they are that thing. □�[V n +�for ] She had taken him for a journalist. □�[V n to-inf] I naturally took him to be the owner of the estate.

27 VERB If you take something from among a number of things, you choose to have or buy it. □�[V n] 'I'll take the grilled tuna,' Mary Ann told the waiter.

28 VERB If you take a road or route, you choose to travel along it. □�[V n prep/adv] From Wrexham centre take the Chester Road to the outskirts of town. □�[V n] The road forked in two directions. He had obviously taken the wrong fork.

29 VERB If you take a car, train, bus, or plane, you use it to go from one place to another. □�[V n] It's the other end of the High Street. We'll take the car, shall we? □�[V n prep/adv] She took the train to New York every weekend.

30 VERB If you take a subject or course at school or university, you choose to study it. □�[V n] Students are allowed to take European history and American history.

31 VERB If you take a test or examination, you do it in order to obtain a qualification. □�[V n] She took her driving test in Greenford.

32 VERB If you take someone for a subject, you give them lessons in that subject. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n +�for ] The teacher who took us for economics was Miss Humphrey.

33 VERB If someone takes drugs, pills, or other medicines, they take them into their body, for example by swallowing them. □�[V n] She's been taking sleeping pills.

34 VERB If you take a note or a letter, you write down something you want to remember or the words that someone says. □�[V n] She sat expressionless, carefully taking notes.

35 VERB If you take a particular measurement, you use special equipment to find out what something measures. □�[V n] If he feels hotter than normal, take his temperature.

36 VERB [no passive] If a place or container takes a particular amount or number, there is enough space for that amount or number. □�[V amount] The place could just about take 2,000 people.

37 VERB If you take a particular size in shoes or clothes, that size fits you. □�[V n] 47 per cent of women in the U.K. take a size 16 or above.

38 N‑COUNT A take is a short piece of action which is filmed in one continuous process for a cinema or television film. □� She couldn't get it right�she never knew the lines and we had to do several takes.

39 N‑SING Someone's takeon a particular situation or fact is their attitude to it or their interpretation of it. □�[+�on ] What's your take on the new government? Do you think it can work?

40 PHRASE You can say ' I take it ' to check with someone that what you believe to be the case or what you understand them to mean is in fact the case, or is in fact what they mean. □� I take it you're a friend of the Kellings, Mr Burr.

41 PHRASE You can say ' take it from me ' to tell someone that you are absolutely sure that what you are saying is correct, and that they should believe you. □� Take it from me�this is the greatest achievement by any Formula One driver ever.

42 CONVENTION If you say to someone ' take it or leave it ', you are telling them that they can accept something or not accept it, but that you are not prepared to discuss any other alternatives. □� A 72-hour week, 12 hours a day, six days a week, take it or leave it.

43 PHRASE If someone takes an insult or attack lying down , they accept it without protesting. □� The government is not taking such criticism lying down.

44 PHRASE If something takes a lot out of you or takes it out of you, it requires a lot of energy or effort and makes you feel very tired and weak afterwards. □� He looked tired, as if the argument had taken a lot out of him.

45 PHRASE If someone tells you to take five or to take ten , they are telling you to have a five- or ten-minute break from what you are doing. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

46to be taken aback →�see aback

47to take up arms →�see arm ➋

48to take the biscuit →�see biscuit

49to take the bull by the horns →�see bull

50to take your hat off to someone →�see hat

51to take the mickey →�see mickey

52to take the piss out of someone →�see piss

53to take something as read →�see read

54to be taken for a ride →�see ride

55to take someone by surprise →�see surprise

56take my word for it →�see word

▸� take after PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you take after a member of your family, you resemble them in your appearance, your behaviour, or your character. □�[V P n] Ted's always been difficult, Mr Kemp�he takes after his dad.

▸� take apart

1 PHRASAL VERB If you take something apart , you separate it into the different parts that it is made of. □�[V n P ] When the clock stopped, he took it apart and found what was wrong. [Also V P n (not pron)]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you take apart something such as an argument or an idea, you show what its weaknesses are, usually by analysing it carefully. □�[V n P ] They will take that problem apart and analyse it in great detail. □�[V P n] He proceeds to take apart every preconception anyone might have ever had about him.

▸� take away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you take something awayfrom someone, you remove it from them, so that they no longer possess it or have it with them. □�[V n P ] They're going to take my citizenship away. □�[V n P +�from ] 'Give me the knife,' he said softly, 'or I'll take it away from you.' □�[V P n] In prison they'd taken away his watch and everything he possessed.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you take one number or amount awayfrom another, you subtract one number from the other. □�[V n P +�from ] Add up the bills for each month. Take this away from the income. [Also V P n, V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB To take someone away means to bring them from their home to an institution such as a prison or hospital. □�[V n P ] Two men claiming to be police officers called at the pastor's house and took him away. □�[V P n] Soldiers took away four people, one of whom was later released.

4 →�see also takeaway

▸� take away from PHRASAL VERB If something takes away from an achievement, success, or quality, or takes something away from it, it makes it seem lower in value or worth than it should be. □�[V P P n] 'It's starting to rain again.'�'Not enough to take away from the charm of the scene.' □�[V n P P n] The victory looks rather hollow. That takes nothing away from the courage of the fighting forces.

▸� take back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you take something back , you return it to the place where you bought it or where you borrowed it from, because it is unsuitable or broken, or because you have finished with it. □�[V n P ] If I buy something and he doesn't like it, I'll take it back. □�[V P n] I once took back a pair of shoes that fell apart after a week.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you take something back , you admit that something that you said or thought is wrong. □�[V n P ] I take it back, I think perhaps I am an extrovert. □�[V P n] Take back what you said about Jeremy!

3 PHRASAL VERB If you take someone back , you allow them to come home again, after they have gone away because of a quarrel or other problem. □�[V n P ] Why did she take him back? □�[V P n] The government has agreed to take back some of the refugees.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you say that something takes you back , you mean that it reminds you of a period of your past life and makes you think about it again. □�[V n P +�to ] I enjoyed experimenting with colours�it took me back to being five years old. □�[V n P ] This takes me back.

▸� take down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you take something down , you reach up and get it from a high place such as a shelf. □�[V n P ] Alberg took the portrait down from the wall. □�[V P n] Gil rose and went to his bookcase and took down a volume.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you take down a structure, you remove each piece of it. □�[V P n] The army took down the barricades erected by the rebels. □�[V n P ] They put up the bird table, but it got in everyone else's way so Les tried to take it down.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you take down a piece of information or a statement, you write it down. □�[V n P ] We've been trying to get back to you, Tom, but we think we took your number down incorrectly. □�[V P n] I took down his comments in shorthand.

▸� take in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you take someone in , you allow them to stay in your house or your country, especially when they do not have anywhere to stay or are in trouble. □�[V n P ] He persuaded Jo to take him in. □�[V P n] The monastery has taken in 26 refugees.

2 PHRASAL VERB If the police take someone in , they remove them from their home in order to question them. □�[V n P ] The police have taken him in for questioning in connection with the murder of a girl. [Also V P n]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you are taken inby someone or something, you are deceived by them, so that you get a false impression of them. □�[be V -ed P ] I married in my late teens and was taken in by his charm�which soon vanished. □�[V n P ] I know I was a naive fool to trust him but he is a real charmer who totally took me in. [Also V P n (not pron)]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you take something in , you pay attention to it and understand it when you hear it or read it. □�[V n P ] Lesley explains possible treatments but you can tell she's not taking it in. □�[V P n] Gazing up into his eyes, she seemed to take in all he said.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you take something in , you see all of it at the same time or with just one look. □�[V P n] The eyes behind the lenses were dark and quick-moving, taking in everything at a glance. [Also V n P ]

6 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you take in something such as a film or a museum, you go to see it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] I was wondering if you might want to take in a movie with me this evening. [Also V n P ]

7 PHRASAL VERB If people, animals, or plants take in air, drink, or food, they allow it to enter their body, usually by breathing or swallowing. □�[V P n] They will certainly need to take in plenty of liquid. [Also V n P ]

8 PHRASAL VERB If you take in a dress, jacket, or other item of clothing, you make it smaller and tighter. □�[V P n] She had taken in the grey dress so that it hugged her thin body. [Also V n P ]

9 PHRASAL VERB If a store, restaurant, theatre, or other business takes in a certain amount of money, they get that amount from people buying goods or services. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] □�[V P amount] They plan to take in $1.6 billion. in BRIT, usually use take

▸� take off

1 PHRASAL VERB When an aeroplane takes off , it leaves the ground and starts flying. □�[V P ] We eventually took off at 11 o'clock and arrived in Venice at 1.30.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a product, an activity, or someone's career takes off , it suddenly becomes very successful. □�[V P ] In 1944, he met Edith Piaf, and his career took off.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you take off or takeyourselfoff , you go away, often suddenly and unexpectedly. □�[V P ] He took off at once and headed back to the motel. □�[V pron-refl P ] He took himself off to Mexico.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you take a garment off , you remove it. □�[V n P ] He wouldn't take his hat off. □�[V P n] She took off her spectacles.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you take time off , you obtain permission not to go to work for a short period of time. □�[V n P ] Mitchel's schedule had not permitted him to take time off. □�[V n P n] She took two days off work.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you take someone off , you make them go with you to a particular place, especially when they do not want to go there. □�[V n P prep/adv] The police stopped her and took her off to a police station.

7 PHRASAL VERB If you take someone off , you imitate them and the things that they do and say, in such a way that you make other people laugh. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] Mike can take off his father to perfection. [Also V n P ]

8 →�see also takeoff

▸� take on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you take on a job or responsibility, especially a difficult one, you accept it. □�[V P n] No other organisation was able or willing to take on the job. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If something takes on a new appearance or quality, it develops that appearance or quality. □�[V P n] Believing he had only a year to live, his writing took on a feverish intensity. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If a vehicle such as a bus or ship takes on passengers, goods, or fuel, it stops in order to allow them to get on or to be loaded on. □�[V P n] This is a brief stop to take on passengers and water. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you take someone on , you employ them to do a job. □�[V n P ] He's spoken to a publishing firm. They're going to take him on. □�[V P n] The party has been taking on staff, including temporary organisers.

5 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you take someone on , you fight them or compete against them, especially when they are bigger or more powerful than you are. □�[V P n] Democrats were reluctant to take on a president whose popularity ratings were so high. □�[V n P ] I knew I couldn't take him on.

6 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you take something on or uponyourself , you decide to do it without asking anyone for permission or approval. □�[V n P pron-refl] Knox had taken it on himself to choose the menu. □�[V P pron-refl] He took upon himself the responsibility for protecting her. □�[V n P pron-refl] The President absolved his officers and took the blame upon himself.

▸� take out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you take something out , you remove it permanently from its place. □�[V n P ] I got an abscess so he took the tooth out. □�[V P n] When you edit the recording you can take out the giggles.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you take out something such as a loan, a licence, or an insurance policy, you obtain it by fulfilling the conditions and paying the money that is necessary. □�[V P n] They find a house, agree a price, and take out a mortgage through their building society. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you take someone out , they go somewhere such as a restaurant or theatre with you after you have invited them, and usually you pay for them. □�[V n P ] Jessica's grandparents took her out for the day. □�[V n P +�to ] Reichel took me out to lunch. □�[V P n] �a father taking out his daughter for a celebratory dinner.

▸� take out on PHRASAL VERB If you take something out on someone, you behave in an unpleasant way towards them because you feel angry or upset, even though this is not their fault. □�[V n P P n] Jane's always annoying her and she takes it out on me sometimes.

▸� take over

1 PHRASAL VERB If you take over a company, you get control of it, for example by buying its shares. [BUSINESS ] □�[V P n] �their plan to take over the company's main electric vehicles division. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone takes over a country or building, they get control of it by force, for example with the help of the army. □�[V P n] They organised a coup and once more took over the country. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you take over a job or role or if you take over , you become responsible for the job after someone else has stopped doing it. □�[V P n] His widow has taken over the running of his empire, including six London theatres. □�[V P +�from ] He took over from his uncle as governing mayor. □�[V P +�as ] She took over as chief executive of the trust.

4 PHRASAL VERB If one thing takes over from something else, it becomes more important, successful, or powerful than the other thing, and eventually replaces it. □�[V P +�from ] Cars gradually took over from horses. □�[V P ] When the final vote came, rationality took over.

5 →�see also takeover

▸� take to

1 PHRASAL VERB If you take to someone or something, you like them, especially after knowing them or thinking about them for only a short time. □�[V P n] Did the children take to him?

2 PHRASAL VERB If you take to doing something, you begin to do it as a regular habit. □�[V P v-ing] They had taken to wandering through the streets arm-in-arm.

▸� take up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you take up an activity or a subject, you become interested in it and spend time doing it, either as a hobby or as a career. □�[V P n] He did not particularly want to take up a competitive sport. □�[V n P ] Angela used to be a model and has decided to take it up again.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you take up a question, problem, or cause, you act on it or discuss how you are going to act on it. □�[V P n] Scientists present evidence of an environmental threat and a pressure group will take up the issue. □�[V P n +�with ] Dr Mahathir intends to take up the proposal with the prime minister. □�[V n P +�with ] If the bank is unhelpful, take it up with the Ombudsman. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you take up a job, you begin to work at it. □�[V P n] He will take up his post as the head of the civil courts at the end of next month. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you take up an offer or a challenge, you accept it. □�[V P n] Increasingly, more farmers are taking up the challenge of growing asparagus. [Also V n P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB If something takes up a particular amount of time, space, or effort, it uses that amount. □�[V P n] I know how busy you must be and naturally I wouldn't want to take up too much of your time. □�[be V -ed P +�with ] A good deal of my time is taken up with reading critical essays and reviews. □�[V P n +�with ] The aim was not to take up valuable time with the usual boring pictures.

6 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you take up a particular position, you get into a particular place in relation to something else. □�[V P n] He had taken up a position in the centre of the room. [Also V n P ]

7 PHRASAL VERB If you take up something such as a task or a story, you begin doing it after it has been interrupted or after someone else has begun it. □�[V P n] Gerry's partner Jo takes up the story. □�[V P wh] 'No, no, no,' says Damon, taking up where Dave left off. [Also V n P ]

8 →�see also take-up

▸� take up on PHRASAL VERB If you take someone up on their offer or invitation, you accept it. □�[V n P P n] Since she'd offered to babysit, I took her up on it.

▸� take upon →�see take on6

▸� take up with PHRASAL VERB If you are taken up with something, it keeps you busy or fully occupied. □�[be V -ed P ] His mind was wholly taken up with the question.

take|away /te I kəwe I / (takeaways )

1 N‑COUNT A takeaway is a shop or restaurant which sells hot cooked food that you eat somewhere else. [BRIT ] in AM, use takeout2 N‑COUNT A takeaway is hot cooked food that you buy from a shop or restaurant and eat somewhere else. [BRIT ] □� �a Chinese takeaway. in AM, use takeout

ta ke-home pa y N‑UNCOUNT Your take-home pay is the amount of your wages or salary that is left after income tax and other payments have been subtracted. [BUSINESS ] □� He was earning �215 a week before tax: take-home pay, �170.

tak|en /te I kən/

1Taken is the past participle of take .

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are takenwith something or someone, you are very interested in them or attracted to them. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] She seems very taken with the idea.

take|off /te I kɒf, [AM ] -ɔːf/ (takeoffs ) also take-off

1 N‑VAR Takeoff is the beginning of a flight, when an aircraft leaves the ground.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A takeoffof someone is a humorous imitation of the way in which they behave. □�[+�of ] The programme was worth watching for an inspired takeoff of the Collins sisters.

take|out /te I koʊt/ (takeouts )

1 N‑COUNT A takeout is a store or restaurant which sells hot cooked food that you eat somewhere else. [AM ] in BRIT, use takeaway2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A takeout or takeout food is hot cooked food which you buy from a store or restaurant and eat somewhere else. [AM ] in BRIT, use takeaway

take|over ◆◇◇ /te I koʊvə r / (takeovers )

1 N‑COUNT A takeover is the act of gaining control of a company by buying more of its shares than anyone else. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] �the government's takeover of the corporation.

2 N‑COUNT A takeover is the act of taking control of a country, political party, or movement by force. □� There's been a military takeover of some kind. SYNONYMS takeover NOUN 1

merger:�the proposed merger of two Japanese banks.

coup:�a military coup.

incorporation:�the incorporation of Piedmont Airlines and PSA into U.S. Air.

tak|er /te I kə r / (takers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If there are no takersfor something such as an investment or a challenge, nobody is willing to accept it. □� Over 100 buyers or investors were approached, but there were no takers. [Also +�for ]

-taker /-te I kə r / (-takers ) COMB -taker combines with nouns to form other nouns which refer to people who take things, for example decisions or notes. □� Of these, 40% told census-takers they were Muslims. □� They've got some terrific penalty-takers.

ta ke-up N‑UNCOUNT Take-up is the rate at which people apply for or buy something which is offered, for example financial help from the government or shares in a company. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �a major campaign to increase the take-up of welfare benefits.

tak|ings /te I k I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL You can use takings to refer to the amount of money that a business such as a shop or a cinema gets from selling its goods or tickets during a particular period. [BUSINESS ] □� The pub said that their takings were fifteen to twenty thousand pounds a week.

talc /t� lk/ N‑UNCOUNT Talc is the same as talcum powder . [INFORMAL ]

tal|cum pow|der /t� lkəm paʊ də r / N‑UNCOUNT Talcum powder is fine powder with a pleasant smell which people put on their bodies after they have had a bath or a shower.

tale ◆◇◇ /te I l/ (tales )

1 N‑COUNT A tale is a story, often involving magic or exciting events. □� �a collection of stories, poems and folk tales.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an interesting, exciting, or dramatic account of a real event as a tale . □�[+�of ] The media have been filled with tales of horror and loss resulting from Monday's earthquake.

3 →�see also fairy tale , old wives' tale , tall tale

4 PHRASE If you survive a dangerous or frightening experience and so are able to tell people about it afterwards, you can say that you lived to tell the tale . □� You lived to tell the tale this time but who knows how far you can push your luck.

5 PHRASE If someone tells talesabout you, they tell other people things about you which are untrue or which you wanted to be kept secret. □� I hesitated, not wanting to tell tales about my colleague.

6 →�see also tell-tale SYNONYMS tale NOUN 1

story:The second story in the book is titled 'The Scholar'.

account:He gave a detailed account of what happened on the fateful night.

narrative:Sloan began his narrative with the day of the murder.

anecdote:Pete was telling them an anecdote about their mother.

tal|ent ◆◇◇ /t� lənt/ (talents )

1 N‑VAR Talent is the natural ability to do something well. □� The player was given hardly any opportunities to show off his talents. □� He's got lots of talent.

2 →�see also talent show COLLOCATIONS talent NOUN

adjective +�talent : exceptional, outstanding, prodigious; artistic, creative, musical, vocal; emerging, home-grown, natural

verb +�talent : develop, display; nurture, spot

tal|ent|ed /t� lənt I d/ ADJ Someone who is talented has a natural ability to do something well. □� Howard is a talented pianist.

ta l|ent scout (talent scouts ) N‑COUNT A talent scout is someone whose job is to find people who have talent, for example as actors, footballers, or musicians, so that they can be offered work.

ta l|ent show (talent shows ) N‑COUNT A talent show , talent competition , or talent contest is a show where ordinary people perform an act on stage, usually in order to try to win a prize for the best performance.

tal|is|man /t� l I zmən/ (talismans ) N‑COUNT A talisman is an object which you believe has magic powers to protect you or bring you luck.

talk ◆◆◆ /tɔː k/ (talks , talking , talked )

1 VERB When you talk , you use spoken language to express your thoughts, ideas, or feelings. □�[V ] He was too distressed to talk. □�[V ] The boys all began to talk at once. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Talk is also a noun. □� That's not the kind of talk one usually hears from accountants.

2 VERB If you talkto someone, you have a conversation with them. You can also say that two people talk . □�[V ] We talked and laughed a great deal. □�[V +�to/with ] I talked to him yesterday. □�[V +�about ] When she came back, they were talking about American food. □�[V ] Can't you see I'm talking? Don't interrupt. ●�N‑COUNT Talk is also a noun. □�[+�about ] We had a long talk about her father, Tony, who was a friend of mine.

3 VERB If you talkto someone, you tell them about the things that are worrying you. You can also say that two people talk . □�[V +�to ] Your first step should be to talk to a teacher or school counselor. □�[V ] We need to talk alone. □�[V +�about ] Do ring if you want to talk about it. □�[V ] I have to sort some things out. We really needed to talk. ●�N‑COUNT Talk is also a noun. □� I think it's time we had a talk.

4 VERB If you talkon or about something, you make an informal speech telling people what you know or think about it. □�[V +�on/about ] She will talk on the issues she cares passionately about including education and nursery care. □�[V +�to ] He intends to talk to young people about the dangers of chatrooms. ●�N‑COUNT Talk is also a noun. □�[+�on/about ] A guide gives a brief talk on the history of the site.

5 N‑PLURAL Talks are formal discussions intended to produce an agreement, usually between different countries or between employers and employees. □�[+�between ] Talks between striking workers and the government have broken down.

6 VERB If one group of people talksto another, or if two groups talk , they have formal discussions in order to do a deal or produce an agreement. □�[V +�to ] We're talking to some people about opening an office in London. □�[V +�with/to ] The company talked with many potential investors. □�[V ] It triggered broad speculation that the two companies might be talking.

7 VERB When different countries or different sides in a dispute talk , or talkto each other, they discuss their differences in order to try and settle the dispute. □�[V +�to ] The Foreign Minister said he was ready to talk to any country that had no hostile intentions. □�[V ] The two sides need to sit down and talk. □�[V +�to/with ] He has to find a way to make both sides talk to each other.

8 VERB If people are talkingabout another person or are talking , they are discussing that person. □�[V +�about/of ] Everyone is talking about him. □�[V ] People will talk, but you have to get on with your life. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [N that] Talk is also a noun. □�[+�about/of ] There has been a lot of talk about me getting married.

9 VERB If someone talks when they are being held by police or soldiers, they reveal important or secret information, usually unwillingly. □�[V ] They'll talk, they'll implicate me.

10 VERB [no passive] If you talk a particular language or talk with a particular accent, you use that language or have that accent when you speak. □�[V n] You don't sound like a foreigner talking English. □�[V prep/adv] They were amazed that I was talking in an Irish accent.

11 VERB [no passive] If you talk something such as politics or sport, you discuss it. □�[V n] The guests were mostly middle-aged men talking business.

12 VERB You can use talk to say what you think of the ideas that someone is expressing. For example, if you say that someone istalking sense , you mean that you think the opinions they are expressing are sensible. □�[V n] You must admit George, you're talking absolute rubbish.

13 VERB [no passive] You can say that you are talking a particular thing to draw attention to your topic or to point out a characteristic of what you are discussing. [SPOKEN ] □�[V n] We're talking megabucks this time.

14 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something such as an idea or threat is just talk , or all talk , you mean that it does not mean or matter much, because people are exaggerating about it or do not really intend to do anything about it. □� Has much of this actually been tried here? Or is it just talk?

15 PHRASE You can say talk about before mentioning a particular expression or situation, when you mean that something is a very striking or clear example of that expression or situation. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Took us quite a while to get here, didn't it? Talk about Fate moving in a mysterious way!

16 PHRASE You can use the expression talking of to introduce a new topic that you want to discuss, and to link it to something that has already been mentioned. □� Belvoir Farms produce a delicious elderflower tea. Talking of elderflower, you might wish to try Elderflower Champagne.

17to talk shop →�see shop

▸� talk around →�see talk round

▸� talk back PHRASAL VERB If you talk back to someone in authority such as a parent or teacher, you answer them in a rude way. □�[V P +�to ] How dare you talk back to me! □�[V P ] I talked back and asked questions.

▸� talk down

1 PHRASAL VERB To talk down someone who is flying an aircraft in an emergency means to give them instructions so that they can land safely. □�[V n P ] The pilot began to talk him down by giving instructions over the radio.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone talks down a particular thing, they make it less interesting, valuable, or likely than it originally seemed. □�[V P n] They even blame the government for talking down the nation's fourth-biggest industry. □�[V n P ] Businessmen are tired of politicians talking the economy down.

▸� talk down to PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone talks down to you, you disapprove of the way they talk to you, treating you as if you are not very intelligent or not very important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P P n] She was a gifted teacher who never talked down to her students.

▸� talk into PHRASAL VERB If you talk a person into doing something they do not want to do, especially something wrong or stupid, you persuade them to do it. □�[V n P v-ing] He talked me into marrying him. He also talked me into having a baby. [Also V n P n]

▸� talk out PHRASAL VERB If you talk out something such as a problem, you discuss it thoroughly in order to settle it. □�[V n P ] Talking things out with someone else can be helpful. □�[V P n] Talk out your problems. Do not keep them bottled up.

▸� talk out of PHRASAL VERB If you talk someone out of doing something they want or intend to do, you persuade them not to do it. □�[V n P P -ing/n] My mother tried to talk me out of getting a dog.

▸� talk over PHRASAL VERB If you talk something over , you discuss it thoroughly and honestly. □�[V n P +�with ] He always talked things over with his friends. □�[V n P ] We should go somewhere quiet, and talk it over. □�[V P n] Talk over problems, don't bottle them up inside.

▸� talk round in AM, usually use talk around PHRASAL VERB If you talk someone round , you persuade them to change their mind so that they agree with you, or agree to do what you want them to do □�[V n P ] He went to the house to try to talk her round. □�[V P n] It advises salesmen to talk round reluctant customers over a cup of tea.

▸� talk through

1 PHRASAL VERB If you talk something through with someone, you discuss it with them thoroughly. □�[V P n] He and I have talked through this whole tricky problem. □�[V P +�with ] Now her children are grown-up and she has talked through with them what happened. □�[V n P ] It had all seemed so simple when they'd talked it through, so logical. □�[V n P +�with ] He had talked it through with Judith.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone talks you through something that you do not know, they explain it to you carefully. □�[V n P n] Now she must talk her sister through the process a step at a time.

▸� talk up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone talks up a particular thing, they make it sound more interesting, valuable, or likely than it originally seemed. □�[V P n] Politicians accuse the media of talking up the possibility of a riot. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB To talk someone or something up in negotiations means to persuade someone to pay more money than they originally offered or wanted to. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P ] Clarke kept talking the price up, while Wilkinson kept knocking it down. [Also V P n] SYNONYMS talk VERB 1

chat:The women were chatting.

chatter:Everyone's chattering away in different languages.

speak:I rang the hotel and spoke to Louie.

converse:Luke sat directly behind the pilot and conversed with him. NOUN 4

speech:She is due to make a speech on the economy next week.

presentation:�a business presentation.

seminar:�a series of half-day seminars on the subject.

lecture:In his lecture, Riemann covered an enormous variety of topics.

talka|tive /tɔː kət I v/ ADJ Someone who is talkative talks a lot. □� He suddenly became very talkative, his face slightly flushed, his eyes much brighter.

talk|er /tɔː kə r / (talkers ) N‑COUNT You can use talker to refer to someone when you are considering how much they talk, or how good they are at talking to people. □� �a fluent talker.

talkie /tɔː ki/ (talkies ) N‑COUNT A talkie is a cinema film made with sound, as opposed to a silent film. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

ta lk|ing hea d (talking heads ) N‑COUNT Talking heads are people who appear in television discussion programmes and interviews to give their opinions about a topic. [JOURNALISM ]

ta lk|ing point (talking points ) N‑COUNT A talking point is an interesting subject for discussion or argument. □� It's bound to be the main talking point during discussions between the Prime Minister and the President.

ta lk|ing shop (talking shops ) N‑COUNT If you say that a conference or a committee is just a talking shop , you disapprove of it because nothing is achieved as a result of what is discussed. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ]

ta lking-to N‑SING If you give someone a talking-to , you speak to them severely, usually about something unacceptable that they have done, in order to show them they were wrong. [INFORMAL ]

ta lk show (talk shows ) also talk-show N‑COUNT A talk show is a television or radio show in which famous people talk to each other in an informal way and are asked questions about different topics.

tall ◆◇◇ /tɔː l/ (taller , tallest )

1 ADJ Someone or something that is tall has a greater height than is normal or average. □� Being tall can make you feel incredibly self-confident. □� The windows overlooked a lawn of tall waving grass.

2 ADJ [as ADJ as ] You use tall to ask or talk about the height of someone or something. □� How tall are you? □� I'm only 5ft tall, and I look younger than my age.

3 PHRASE If something is a tall order , it is very difficult. □� Financing your studies may seem like a tall order, but there is plenty of help available.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone walks tall , you mean that they behave in a way that shows that they have pride in themselves and in what they are doing.

tal|low /t� loʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Tallow is hard animal fat that is used for making candles and soap.

ta ll shi p (tall ships ) N‑COUNT A tall ship is a sailing ship which has very tall masts and square sails.

ta ll sto |ry (tall stories ) N‑COUNT A tall story is the same as a tall tale .

ta ll ta le (tall tales ) N‑COUNT A tall tale is a long and complicated story that is difficult to believe because most of the events it describes seem unlikely or impossible. □� �the imaginative tall tales of sailors.

tal|ly /t� li/ (tallies , tallying , tallied )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A tally is a record of amounts or numbers which you keep changing and adding to as the activity which affects it progresses. □�[+�of ] They do not keep a tally of visitors to the palace, but it is very popular.

2 VERB If one number or statement tallieswith another, they agree with each other or are exactly the same. You can also say that two numbers or statements tally . □�[V +�with ] Its own estimate of three hundred tallies with that of another survey. □�[V ] The figures didn't seem to tally.

3 VERB If you tally numbers, items, or totals, you count them. □�[V n] �as we tally the number of workers who have been laid off this year. ●�PHRASAL VERB Tally up means the same as tally . □�[V P n] Bookkeepers haven't yet tallied up the total cost. [Also V n P ]

Tal|mud /t� lmʊd/ N‑PROPER The Talmud is the collection of ancient Jewish laws which governs the religious and non-religious life of Orthodox Jews.

tal|on /t� lən/ (talons ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The talons of a bird of prey are its hooked claws.

tama|rind /t� mər I nd/ (tamarinds ) N‑VAR A tamarind is a fruit which grows on a tropical evergreen tree which has pleasant-smelling flowers. You can also refer to the tree on which this fruit grows as a tamarind .

tama|risk /t� mər I sk/ (tamarisks ) N‑COUNT A tamarisk is a bush or small tree which grows mainly around the Mediterranean and in Asia, and has pink or white flowers.

tam|bou|rine /t� mbəriː n/ (tambourines ) N‑COUNT A tambourine is a musical instrument which you shake or hit with your hand. It consists of a drum skin on a circular frame with pairs of small round pieces of metal all around the edge.

tame /te I m/ (tamer , tamest , tames , taming , tamed )

1 ADJ A tame animal or bird is one that is not afraid of humans. □� The deer never became tame; they would run away if you approached them.

2 ADJ If you say that something or someone is tame , you are criticizing them for being weak and uninteresting, rather than forceful or shocking. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Some of today's political demonstrations look rather tame. ●� tame|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� There was no excuse though when Thomas shot tamely wide from eight yards.

3 VERB If someone tames a wild animal or bird, they train it not to be afraid of humans and to do what they say. □�[V n] The Amazons were believed to have been the first to tame horses.

ta|moxi|fen /təmɒ ks I fen/ N‑UNCOUNT Tamoxifen is a drug that is used for treating women who have breast cancer.

tamp /t� mp/ (tamps , tamping , tamped ) VERB If you tamp something, you press it down by tapping it several times so that it becomes flatter and more solid. □�[V n with adv] Then I tamp down the soil with the back of a rake. □�[V n prep/adv] Philpott tamped a wad of tobacco into his pipe. [Also V n]

tam|per /t� mpə r / (tampers , tampering , tampered ) VERB If someone tamperswith something, they interfere with it or try to change it when they have no right to do so. □�[V +�with ] I don't want to be accused of tampering with the evidence.

tam|pon /t� mpɒn/ (tampons ) N‑COUNT A tampon is a tube made of cotton wool that a woman puts inside her vagina in order to absorb blood during menstruation.

tan /t� n/ (tans , tanning , tanned )

1 N‑SING If you have a tan , your skin has become darker than usual because you have been in the sun. □� She is tall and blonde, with a permanent tan.

2 VERB If a part of your body tans or if you tan it, your skin becomes darker than usual because you spend a lot of time in the sun. □�[V ] I have very pale skin that never tans. □�[V n] Leigh rolled over on her stomach to tan her back. ●� tanned ADJ □� Their skin was tanned and glowing from their weeks at the seaside.

3 COLOUR Something that is tan is a light brown colour. □� �a tan leather jacket.

4 VERB To tan animal skins means to make them into leather by treating them with tannin or other chemicals. □�[V n] �the process of tanning animal hides.

tan|dem /t� ndəm/ (tandems )

1 N‑COUNT A tandem is a bicycle designed for two riders, on which one rider sits behind the other.

2 PHRASE If one thing happens or is done in tandemwith another thing, the two things happen at the same time. □�[+�with ] Malcolm's contract will run in tandem with his existing one.

3 PHRASE If one person does something in tandemwith another person, the two people do it by working together. □�[+�with ] He is working in tandem with officials of the Serious Fraud Office.

tan|doori /t� ndʊə ri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tandoori dishes are Indian meat dishes which are cooked in a clay oven.

tang /t� ŋ/ N‑SING A tang is a strong, sharp smell or taste. □�[+�of ] She could smell the salty tang of the sea.

tan|gent /t� ndʒ ə nt/ (tangents )

1 N‑COUNT A tangent is a line that touches the edge of a curve or circle at one point, but does not cross it.

2 PHRASE If someone goes off at a tangent , they start saying or doing something that is not directly connected with what they were saying or doing before. □� The conversation went off at a tangent.

tan|gen|tial /t�ndʒe nʃ ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe something as tangential , you mean that it has only a slight or indirect connection with the thing you are concerned with, and is therefore not worth considering seriously. [FORMAL ] □� Too much time was spent discussing tangential issues.

2 ADJ If something is tangentialto something else, it is at a tangent to it. □�[+�to ] �point T, where the demand curve is tangential to the straight line L.

tan|ge|rine /t� ndʒəriː n/ (tangerines ) N‑COUNT A tangerine is a small sweet orange.

tan|gible /t� ndʒ I b ə l/ ADJ If something is tangible , it is clear enough or definite enough to be easily seen, felt, or noticed. □� There should be some tangible evidence that the economy is starting to recover. ●� tan|gibly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� This tangibly demonstrated that the world situation could be improved.

tan|gle /t� ŋg ə l/ (tangles , tangling , tangled )

1 N‑COUNT A tangleof something is a mass of it twisted together in an untidy way. □�[+�of ] A tangle of wires is all that remains of the computer and phone systems.

2 VERB If something is tangled or tangles , it becomes twisted together in an untidy way. □�[get/be V -ed +�in ] Animals get tangled in fishing nets and drown. □�[V -ed] She tried to kick the pajamas loose, but they were tangled in the satin sheet. □�[V ] Her hair tends to tangle. □�[V n] He suggested that tangling fishing gear should be made a criminal offence. [Also get/be V -ed]

3 N‑SING You can refer to a confusing or complicated situation as a tangle . □� I was thinking what a tangle we had got ourselves into. [Also +�of ]

4 VERB [usu passive] If ideas or situations are tangled , they become confused and complicated. □�[get/be V -ed] The themes get tangled in Mr Mahfouz's epic storytelling. □�[V -ed] You are currently in a muddle where financial and emotional concerns are tangled together. ●� tan|gled ADJ □� His personal life has become more tangled than ever.

▸� tangle up

1 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a person or thing is tangled upin something such as wire or ropes, they are caught or trapped in it. □�[get/be V -ed P +�in ] Sheep kept getting tangled up in it and eventually the wire was removed. □�[get/be V -ed P ] The teeth are like razors. Once you get tangled up it will never let you go.

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you are tangled upin a complicated or unpleasant situation, you are involved in it and cannot get free of it. □�[get/be V -ed P +�in/with ] The heroine gets tangled up in a murky murder case. ●� tan|gled up ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □�[+�in ] Buddy and Joe appeared to be more and more tangled up in secrets.

tan|go /t� ŋgoʊ/ (tangos , tangoing , tangoed )

1 N‑SING The tango is a South American dance in which two people hold each other closely, walk quickly in one direction, then walk quickly back again.

2 N‑VAR A tango is a piece of music intended for tango dancing. □� A tango was playing on the jukebox. □� The sounds of tango filled the air.

3 VERB If you tango , you dance the tango. □�[V ] They can rock and roll, they can tango, but they can't bop.

4it takes two to tango →�see two

tangy /t� ŋi/ (tangier , tangiest ) ADJ A tangy flavour or smell is one that is sharp, especially a flavour like that of lemon juice or a smell like that of sea air.

tank ◆◇◇ /t� ŋk/ (tanks )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A tank is a large container for holding liquid or gas. □� �an empty fuel tank. □� Two water tanks provide a total capacity of 400 litres.

2 N‑COUNT A tank is a large military vehicle that is equipped with weapons and moves along on metal tracks that are fitted over the wheels.

3 →�see also septic tank , think-tank COLLOCATIONS tank NOUN

1

noun +�tank : fuel, oxygen, petrol, water; fish; storage

adjective +�tank : empty, full

verb +�tank : drain, empty; fill; install

2

noun +�tank : army

verb +�tank : deploy; destroy

tank|ard /t� ŋkə r d/ (tankards ) N‑COUNT A tankard is a large metal cup with a handle, which you can drink beer from. ●�N‑COUNT A tankard of beer is an amount of it contained in a tankard. □�[+�of ] �a tankard of ale.

tanked /t� ŋkt/ in BRIT, also use tanked up ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is tanked or tanked up , they are drunk. [INFORMAL ]

tank|er /t� ŋkə r / (tankers )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A tanker is a very large ship used for transporting large quantities of gas or liquid, especially oil. □� An oil tanker has run aground.

2 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A tanker is a large truck, railway vehicle, or aircraft used for transporting large quantities of a substance.

ta nk top (tank tops )

1 N‑COUNT A tank top is a knitted piece of clothing that covers the upper part of your body and has no sleeves. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A tank top is a soft cotton shirt with no sleeves, collar, or buttons. [AM ]

tan|ner /t� nə r / (tanners ) N‑COUNT A tanner is someone whose job is making leather from animal skins.

tan|nin /t� n I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Tannin is a yellow or brown chemical that is found in plants such as tea. It is used in the process of making leather and in dyeing.

Tan|noy /t� nɔ I / N‑SING [oft over N ] A Tannoy is a system of loudspeakers used to make public announcements, for example at a fair or at a sports stadium. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, use public address system

tan|ta|lize /t� ntəla I z/ (tantalizes , tantalizing , tantalized ) in BRIT, also use tantalise VERB If someone or something tantalizes you, they make you feel hopeful and excited about getting what you want, usually before disappointing you by not letting you have what they appeared to offer. □�[V n] �the dreams of democracy that have so tantalized them. [Also V ] ●� tan|ta|liz|ing ADJ □� A tantalising aroma of roast chicken fills the air. ●� tan|ta|liz|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� She went away disappointed after getting tantalisingly close to breaking the record.

tan|ta|mount /t� ntəmaʊnt/ ADJ If you say that one thing is tantamount to a second, more serious thing, you are emphasizing how bad, unacceptable, or unfortunate the first thing is by comparing it to the second. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�to ] What Bracey is saying is tantamount to heresy.

tan|tric /t� ntr I k/ also Tantric ADJ [ADJ n] Tantric is used to describe things relating to or connected with a particular movement in Buddhism and Hinduism. □� �tantric yoga.

tan|trum /t� ntrəm/ (tantrums ) N‑COUNT If a child has a tantrum , they lose their temper in a noisy and uncontrolled way. If you say that an adult is throwing a tantrum , you are criticizing them for losing their temper and acting in a childish way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He immediately threw a tantrum, screaming and stomping up and down like a child.

Taoi|seach /tiː ʃək/ N‑SING The prime minister of the Republic of Ireland is called the Taoiseach .

Tao|ism /taʊ I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Taoism is a Chinese religious philosophy which believes that people should lead a simple honest life and not interfere with the course of natural events.

tap ◆◇◇ /t� p/ (taps , tapping , tapped )

1 N‑COUNT A tap is a device that controls the flow of a liquid or gas from a pipe or container, for example on a sink. [mainly BRIT ] □� She turned on the taps. □� �a cold-water tap. in AM, use faucet2 VERB If you tap something, you hit it with a quick light blow or a series of quick light blows. □�[V n] He tapped the table to still the shouts of protest. □�[V adv/prep] Grace tapped on the bedroom door and went in. ●�N‑COUNT Tap is also a noun. □�[+�on/at ] A tap on the door interrupted him and Sally Pierce came in.

3 VERB If you tap your fingers or feet, you make a regular pattern of sound by hitting a surface lightly and repeatedly with them, especially while you are listening to music. □�[V n] The song's so catchy it makes you bounce round the living room or tap your feet.

4 VERB If you tap a resource or situation, you make use of it by getting from it something that you need or want. □�[V n] He owes his election to having tapped deep public disillusion with professional politicians. □�[V n +�for ] The company is tapping shareholders for �15.8 million. □�[V +�into ] The utility group has launched the company in an attempt to tap into the market for green energy.

5 VERB If someone taps your phone, they attach a special device to the line so that they can secretly listen to your conversations. □�[V n] The government passed laws allowing the police to tap phones. ●�N‑COUNT [oft n N ] Tap is also a noun. □� He assured MPs that they were not subjected to phone taps.

6 →�see also phone-tapping , wiretap

7 PHRASE If drinks are on tap , they come from a tap rather than from a bottle. □� Filtered water is always on tap, making it very convenient to use.

8 PHRASE If something is on tap , you can have as much of it as you want whenever you want. [INFORMAL ] □� The advantage of group holidays is company on tap but time alone if you want it.

tap|as /t� p�s/ N‑PLURAL In Spain, tapas are small plates of food that are served with drinks or before a main meal.

ta p danc|er (tap dancers ) N‑COUNT A tap dancer is a dancer who does tap dancing.

ta p danc|ing also tap-dancing N‑UNCOUNT Tap dancing is a style of dancing in which the dancers wear special shoes with pieces of metal on the heels and toes. The shoes make loud sharp sounds as the dancers move their feet.

tape ◆◆◇ /te I p/ (tapes , taping , taped )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Tape is a narrow plastic strip covered with a magnetic substance. It is used to record sounds, pictures, and computer information. □� Many students declined to be interviewed on tape.

2 N‑COUNT A tape is a cassette or spool with magnetic tape wound round it. □� Her brother once found an old tape of her music hidden in the back of a drawer.

3 VERB If you tape music, sounds, or television pictures, you record them so that you can watch or listen to them later. □�[V n] She has just taped an interview. □�[V ] He shouldn't be taping without the singer's permission. □�[V -ed] �taped evidence from prisoners.

4 N‑VAR A tape is a strip of cloth used to tie things together or to identify who a piece of clothing belongs to. □� The books were all tied up with tape.

5 N‑COUNT A tape is a ribbon that is stretched across the finishing line of a race. □� �the finishing tape.

6 N‑UNCOUNT Tape is a sticky strip of plastic used for sticking things together.

7 VERB If you tape one thing to another, you attach it using sticky tape. □�[V n +�onto/to ] I taped the base of the feather onto the velvet. □�[be V -ed adj] The envelope has been tampered with and then taped shut again.

8 →�see also magnetic tape , masking tape , red tape , sticky tape , videotape

ta pe meas|ure (tape measures ) N‑COUNT A tape measure is a strip of metal, plastic, or cloth which has numbers marked on it and is used for measuring.

ta|per /te I pə r / (tapers , tapering , tapered )

1 VERB If something tapers , or if you taper it, it becomes gradually thinner at one end. □�[V ] Unlike other trees, it doesn't taper very much. It stays fat all the way up. □�[V n] Taper the shape of your eyebrows towards the outer corners. [Also V prep] ●� ta|pered ADJ □� �the elegantly tapered legs of the dressing-table.

2 VERB If something tapers or is tapered , it gradually becomes reduced in amount, number, or size until it is greatly reduced. □�[V ] There are signs that inflation is tapering. □�[be V -ed] If you take this medicine continuously, withdrawal must be tapered. ●�PHRASAL VERB Taper off means the same as taper . □�[V P ] Immigration is expected to taper off. □�[V P n] I suggested that we start to taper off the counseling sessions. [Also V n P ]

3 N‑COUNT A taper is a long, thin candle or a thin wooden strip that is used for lighting fires.

▸� taper off →�see taper2

ta pe re|cord|er (tape recorders ) also tape-recorder N‑COUNT A tape recorder is a machine used for recording and playing music, speech, or other sounds.

tap|es|try /t� p I stri/ (tapestries )

1 N‑VAR A tapestry is a large piece of heavy cloth with a picture sewn on it using coloured threads.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to something as a tapestry when it is made up of many varied types of people or things. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] Hedgerows and meadows are thick with a tapestry of wild flowers.

tape|worm /te I pwɜː r m/ (tapeworms ) N‑COUNT A tapeworm is a long, flat parasite which lives in the stomach and intestines of animals or people.

tapio|ca /t� pioʊ kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Tapioca is a food consisting of white grains, rather like rice, which come from the cassava plant.

ta p wa|ter N‑UNCOUNT Tap water is the water that comes out of a tap in a building such as a house or a hotel.

tar /tɑː r / (tars , tarring , tarred )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tar is a thick black sticky substance that is used especially for making roads.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Tar is one of the poisonous substances contained in tobacco.

3 PHRASE If some people in a group behave badly and if people then wrongly think that all of the group is equally bad, you can say that the whole group is tarred with the same brush . □� Football supporters all get tarred with the same brush when there's trouble.

4 →�see also tarred

ta|ra|ma|sa|la|ta /t� rəməsəlɑː tə/ N‑UNCOUNT Taramasalata is a pink creamy food made from the eggs of a fish such as cod or mullet. It is usually eaten at the beginning of a meal.

ta|ran|tu|la /tər� ntʃʊlə/ (tarantulas ) N‑COUNT A tarantula is a large hairy spider which has a poisonous bite.

tar|dy /tɑː r di/ (tardier , tardiest )

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as tardy , you think that they are later than they should be or later than expected. [LITERARY ] □� He wept for the loss of his mother and his tardy recognition of her affection. ●� tar|di|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� His legendary tardiness left audiences waiting for hours.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as tardy , you are criticizing them because they are slow to act. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�in ] �companies who are tardy in paying bills. ●� tar|di|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�in ] �England's tardiness in giving talented young players greater international experience.

tar|get ◆◆◇ /tɑː r g I t/ (targets , targeting or targetting , targeted or targetted )

1 N‑COUNT A target is something at which someone is aiming a weapon or other object. □� The missiles missed their target.

2 N‑COUNT A target is a result that you are trying to achieve. □�[+�of ] He's won back his place too late to achieve his target of 20 goals this season.

3 VERB To target a particular person or thing means to decide to attack or criticize them. □�[V n] He targets the economy as the root cause of the deteriorating law and order situation. ●�N‑COUNT Target is also a noun. □�[+�of ] In the past, they have been the target of racist abuse. [Also +�for ]

4 VERB If you target a particular group of people, you try to appeal to those people or affect them. □�[V n] The campaign will target insurance companies. ●�N‑COUNT Target is also a noun. □� Students are a prime target group for marketing strategies.

5 PHRASE If someone or something is on target , they are making good progress and are likely to achieve the result that is wanted. □�[+�for ] We were still right on target for our deadline. SYNONYMS target NOUN 2

goal:The goal is to raise as much money as possible.

aim:�a research programme that has largely failed to achieve its principal aims.

objective:Our main objective was the recovery of the child safe and well.

ta r|get ma r|ket (target markets ) N‑COUNT A target market is a market in which a company is trying to sell its products or services. [BUSINESS ] □� We decided that we needed to change our target market from the over-45s to the 35-45s.

tar|iff /t� r I f/ (tariffs )

1 N‑COUNT A tariff is a tax that a government collects on goods coming into a country. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�on ] America wants to eliminate tariffs on items such as electronics.

2 N‑COUNT A tariff is the rate at which you are charged for public services such as gas and electricity, or for accommodation and services in a hotel. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □� The daily tariff includes accommodation and unlimited use of the pool and gymnasium.

tar|mac /tɑː r m�k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tarmac is a material used for making road surfaces, consisting of crushed stones mixed with tar. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] □� �a strip of tarmac. □� �tarmac paths. in AM, usually use blacktop2 N‑SING The tarmac is an area with a surface made of tarmac, especially the area from which planes take off at an airport. □� Standing on the tarmac were two American planes.

tarn /tɑː r n/ (tarns ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A tarn is a small lake in an area of mountains.

tar|nish /tɑː r n I ʃ/ (tarnishes , tarnishing , tarnished )

1 VERB If you say that something tarnishes someone's reputation or image, you mean that it causes people to have a worse opinion of them than they would otherwise have had. □�[V n] The affair could tarnish the reputation of the prime minister. ●� tar|nished ADJ □� He says he wants to improve the tarnished image of his country.

2 VERB If a metal tarnishes or if something tarnishes it, it becomes stained and loses its brightness. □�[V ] It never rusts or tarnishes. □�[V n] Wear cotton gloves when cleaning silver, because the acid in your skin can tarnish the metal. ●� tar|nished ADJ □� �its brown surfaces of tarnished brass.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Tarnish is a substance which forms on the surface of some metals and which stains them or causes them to lose their brightness.

Ta|rot /t� roʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N , oft N n] TheTarot is a pack of cards with pictures on them that is used to predict what will happen to people in the future. Tarot is also used to refer to the system of predicting people's futures using these cards. □� �tarot cards.

tarp /tɑː r p/ (tarps ) N‑COUNT A tarp is a sheet of heavy waterproof material that is used as a protective cover. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use tarpaulin

tar|pau|lin /tɑː r pɔː l I n/ (tarpaulins )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Tarpaulin is a fabric made of canvas or similar material coated with tar, wax, paint, or some other waterproof substance. □� �a piece of tarpaulin. □� �tarpaulin covers.

2 N‑COUNT A tarpaulin is a sheet of heavy waterproof material that is used as a protective cover.

tar|ra|gon /t� rəgɒn/ N‑UNCOUNT Tarragon is a European herb with narrow leaves which are used to add flavour to food.

tarred /tɑː r d/ ADJ A tarred road or roof has a surface of tar.

tar|ry (tarries , tarrying , tarried ) The verb is pronounced /t� ri/. The adjective is pronounced /tɑː ri/. 1 VERB If you tarry somewhere, you stay there longer than you meant to and delay leaving. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V ] Two old boys tarried on the street corner, discussing cattle.

2 ADJ If you describe something as tarry , you mean that it has a lot of tar in it or is like tar. □� I smelled tarry melted asphalt. □� �cups of tarry coffee.

tart /tɑː r t/ (tarts , tarting , tarted )

1 N‑VAR A tart is a shallow pastry case with a filling of food, especially sweet food. □� �jam tarts. □� �a slice of home-made tart.

2 ADJ If something such as fruit is tart , it has a sharp taste. □� The blackberries were a bit too tart on their own, so we stewed them gently with some apples.

3 ADJ A tart remark or way of speaking is sharp and unpleasant, often in a way that is rather cruel. □� The words were more tart than she had intended. ●� tart|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'There are other patients on the ward, Lovell,' the staff nurse reminded her tartly.

4 N‑COUNT If someone refers to a woman or girl as a tart , they are criticizing her because they think she is sexually immoral or dresses in a way that makes her look sexually immoral. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

▸� tart up PHRASAL VERB If someone tarts up a room or building, they try to improve its appearance, often with the result that it looks vulgar. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P n] 'Have you ever wondered why London Underground would rather tart up their stations than improve services?' he asked. □�[V -ed P ] �tarted-up pubs. [Also V n P ]

tar|tan /tɑː r t ə n/ (tartans ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Tartan is a design for cloth traditionally associated with Scotland, and which has a number of distinctive types. The design is made up of lines of different widths and colours crossing each other at right angles. Tartan is also used to refer to cloth which has this pattern.

tar|tar /tɑː r tə r / (tartars )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tartar is a hard yellowish substance that forms on your teeth and causes them to decay if it is not removed.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone, especially a woman in a position of authority, as a tartar , you mean that they are fierce, bad-tempered, and strict. [INFORMAL ] □� She can be quite a tartar.

3 →�see also cream of tartar

ta r|tar sau ce also tartare sauce N‑UNCOUNT Tartar sauce is a thick cold sauce, usually eaten with fish, consisting of chopped onions and capers mixed with mayonnaise.

tarty /tɑː r ti/ (tartier , tartiest ) ADJ If you describe a woman or her clothes as tarty , you are critical of her because she tries to make herself look sexually attractive in a vulgar way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� That coat made her look so tarty.

task ◆◆◇ /tɑː sk, t� sk/ (tasks , tasking , tasked )

1 N‑COUNT A task is an activity or piece of work which you have to do, usually as part of a larger project. □� She used the day to catch up with administrative tasks.

2 VERB If you are taskedwith doing a particular activity or piece of work, someone in authority asks you to do it. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The minister was tasked with checking that aid money was being spent wisely.

3 PHRASE If you take someone to task , you criticize them or tell them off because of something bad or wrong that they have done. □� The country's intellectuals are being taken to task for their failure to speak out against the regime.

ta sk force ◆◇◇ (task forces ) also taskforce

1 N‑COUNT A task force is a small section of an army, navy, or air force that is sent to a particular place to deal with a military crisis. □� They are sending a naval task force to the area to evacuate civilians.

2 N‑COUNT A task force is a group of people working together on a particular task. □� We have set up a task force to look at the question of women returning to work.

task|master /tɑː skmɑːstə r , t� skm�stə r / (taskmasters ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you refer to someone as a hard taskmaster , you mean that they expect the people they supervise to work very hard.

tas|sel /t� s ə l/ (tassels ) N‑COUNT Tassels are bunches of short pieces of wool or other material tied together at one end and attached as decorations to something such as a piece of clothing or a lampshade.

tas|selled /t� s ə ld/ in AM, use tasseled ADJ Tasselled means decorated with tassels. □� �tasselled cushions.

taste ◆◆◇ /te I st/ (tastes , tasting , tasted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Taste is one of the five senses that people have. When you have food or drink in your mouth, your sense of taste makes it possible for you to recognize what it is. □� �a keen sense of taste.

2 N‑COUNT The taste of something is the individual quality which it has when you put it in your mouth and which distinguishes it from other things. For example, something may have a sweet, bitter, sour, or salty taste. □�[+�of ] I like the taste of fast food too much to give it up.

3 N‑SING If you have a taste of some food or drink, you try a small amount of it in order to see what the flavour is like. □�[+�of ] Let them have a taste of cold food but I prefer mine hot.

4 VERB [no cont] If food or drink tastesof something, it has that particular flavour, which you notice when you eat or drink it. □�[V +�of/like ] It tastes like chocolate. □�[V adj] The pizza tastes delicious without any cheese at all.

5 VERB If you taste some food or drink, you eat or drink a small amount of it in order to try its flavour, for example to see if you like it or not. □�[V n] We tasted the water just to see how salty it was.

6 VERB [no passive] If you can taste something that you are eating or drinking, you are aware of its flavour. □�[V n] You can taste the chilli in the dish but it is a little sweet.

7 N‑SING If you have a taste of a particular way of life or activity, you have a brief experience of it. □�[+�of ] This voyage was his first taste of freedom.

8 VERB [no passive] If you taste something such as a way of life or a pleasure, you experience it for a short period of time. □�[V n] Anyone who has tasted this life wants it to carry on for as long as possible.

9 N‑SING If you have a taste for something, you have a liking or preference for it. □�[+�for ] That gave me a taste for reading.

10 N‑UNCOUNT A person's taste is their choice in the things that they like or buy, for example their clothes, possessions, or music. If you say that someone has good taste , you mean that you approve of their choices. If you say that they have poor taste , you disapprove of their choices. □�[+�in ] His taste in clothes is extremely good. □� Oxford's social circle was far too liberal for her taste.

11 PHRASE If you say that something that is said or done is in bad taste or in poor taste , you mean that it is offensive, often because it concerns death or sex and is inappropriate for the situation. If you say that something is in good taste , you mean that it is not offensive and that it is appropriate for the situation. □� He rejects the idea that his film is in bad taste.

12 PHRASE When a recipe tells you to add a particular spice or other flavouring to taste , it means that you can add as much of that ingredient as you like. □� Add tomato paste, salt and pepper to taste.

ta ste bud (taste buds ) also tastebud N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] Your taste buds are the little points on the surface of your tongue which enable you to recognize the flavour of a food or drink.

taste|ful /te I stfʊl/ ADJ If you say that something is tasteful , you consider it to be attractive, elegant, and in good taste. □� The decor is tasteful and restrained. ●� taste|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� �a large and tastefully decorated home.

taste|less /te I stləs/

1 ADJ If you describe something such as furniture, clothing, or the way that a house is decorated as tasteless , you consider it to be vulgar and unattractive. □� �a flat crammed with spectacularly tasteless objets d'art.

2 ADJ If you describe something such as a remark or joke as tasteless , you mean that it is offensive. □� I think that is the most vulgar and tasteless remark I ever heard in my life.

3 ADJ If you describe food or drink as tasteless , you mean that it has very little or no flavour. □� The fish was mushy and tasteless.

tast|er /te I stə r / (tasters )

1 N‑COUNT A taster is someone whose job is to taste different wines, teas, or other foods or drinks, in order to test their quality. □� The world's best job is being advertised - chief chocolate taster .

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to something as atasterof something greater, or of something that will come later, you mean that it gives you an idea what that thing is like, and often makes you interested in it or want more of it. [mainly BRIT ] □� The book is essentially a taster for those unfamiliar with the subject. in AM, usually use taste

tast|ing /te I st I ŋ/ (tastings ) N‑COUNT Tasting is used in expressions such as wine tasting to refer to a social event at which people try different kinds of the specified drink or food in small amounts.

tasty /te I sti/ (tastier , tastiest ) ADJ If you say that food, especially savoury food, is tasty , you mean that it has a fairly strong and pleasant flavour which makes it good to eat. □� Try this tasty dish for supper with a crispy salad.

tat /t� t/ N‑UNCOUNT You can use tat to refer to ornaments, used goods, cheap clothes, or other items which you think are cheap and of bad quality. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �souvenir shops selling an astounding variety of tat.

ta-ta /t� tɑː / also ta ta CONVENTION Ta-ta is used to say goodbye. [BRIT , INFORMAL or DIALECT , FORMULAE ] □� Okay John. See you again. Ta-ta. □� Ta-ta for now.

tat|tered /t� tə r d/

1 ADJ If something such as clothing or a book is tattered , it is damaged or torn, especially because it has been used a lot over a long period of time. □� He fled wearing only a sarong and a tattered shirt.

2 ADJ If you describe something as tattered , you mean that it has been badly damaged or has failed completely. □� But, two-and-a-half years later, things haven't quite gone to plan and Stanley's dreams of fame and fortune lie tattered and torn.

tat|ters /t� tə r z/

1 N‑PLURAL [usu in N ] Clothes that are intatters are badly torn in several places, so that pieces can easily come off. □� His jersey was left in tatters.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu in N ] If you say that something such as a plan or a person's state of mind is intatters , you are emphasizing that it is weak, has suffered a lot of damage, and is likely to fail completely. [EMPHASIS ] □� The economy is in tatters.

tat|tle /t� t ə l/ →�see tittle-tattle

tat|too /t�tuː / (tattoos , tattooing , tattooed )

1 N‑COUNT A tattoo is a design that is drawn on someone's skin using needles to make little holes and filling them with coloured dye.

2 VERB If someone tattoos you, they give you a tattoo. □�[V n] In the old days, they would paint and tattoo their bodies for ceremonies. □�[V -ed] He had the words 'Angie loves Ian' tattooed on his left shin.

3 N‑COUNT A military tattoo is a public display of exercises and music given by members of the armed forces. [BRIT ]

tat|ty /t� ti/ ADJ If you describe something as tatty , you think it is untidy, rather dirty, and looks as if it has not been cared for. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a very tatty old bathrobe.

taught /tɔː t/ Taught is the past tense and past participle of teach .

taunt /tɔː nt/ (taunts , taunting , taunted ) VERB If someone taunts you, they say unkind or insulting things to you, especially about your weaknesses or failures. □�[V n] A gang taunted a disabled man. □�[V n +�about ] Other youths taunted him about his clothes. ●�N‑COUNT Taunt is also a noun. □� For years they suffered racist taunts.

taupe /toʊ p/ COLOUR Something that is taupe is a pale brownish-grey colour.

Tau|rus /tɔː rəs/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Taurus is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a bull. People who are born approximately between the 20th of April and the 20th of May come under this sign.

2 N‑SING A Taurus is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Taurus.

taut /tɔː t/ (tauter , tautest )

1 ADJ Something that is taut is stretched very tight. □� The clothes line is pulled taut and secured.

2 ADJ If someone has a taut expression, they look very worried and tense. □� Ben sat up quickly, his face taut and terrified.

taut|en /tɔː t ə n/ (tautens , tautening , tautened ) VERB If a part of your body tautens or if you tauten it, it becomes stiff or firm. □�[V ] Her whole body tautened violently. □�[V n] There are exercises that tauten facial muscles.

tau|to|logi|cal /tɔː təlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ A tautological statement involves tautology.

tau|tol|ogy /tɔːtɒ lədʒi/ (tautologies ) N‑VAR Tautology is the use of different words to say the same thing twice in the same statement. 'The money should be adequate enough' is an example of tautology.

tav|ern /t� və r n/ (taverns ) N‑COUNT A tavern is a bar or pub. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

taw|dry /tɔː dri/ (tawdrier , tawdriest )

1 ADJ If you describe something such as clothes or decorations as tawdry , you mean that they are cheap and show a lack of taste. □� �tawdry jewellery.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a story or an event as tawdry , you mean that it is unpleasant or immoral. □� �the yawning gulf between her fantasies and the tawdry reality.

taw|ny /tɔː ni/ COLOUR Tawny hair, fur, or skin is a pale brown colour. □� She had tawny hair.

tax ◆◆◆ /t� ks/ (taxes , taxing , taxed )

1 N‑VAR Tax is an amount of money that you have to pay to the government so that it can pay for public services. □� They are calling for large spending cuts and tax increases. □� �a pledge not to raise taxes on people below a certain income.

2 VERB When a person or company is taxed , they have to pay a part of their income or profits to the government. When goods are taxed , a percentage of their price has to be paid to the government. □�[be V -ed] Husband and wife are now taxed separately on their incomes. □�[V n] The Bonn government taxes profits of corporations at a rate that is among the highest in Europe. [Also V ]

3 VERB If something taxes your strength, your patience, or your resources, it uses nearly all of them, so that you have great difficulty in carrying out what you are trying to do. □�[V n] Overcrowding has taxed the city's ability to deal with waste.

4 →�see also council tax , income tax , taxing , value-added tax SYNONYMS tax NOUN 1

duty:Import duties still average 30%.

levy:�an annual motorway levy on all drivers.

tariff:America wants to eliminate tariffs on items such as electronics.

tax|able /t� ksəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Taxable income is income on which you have to pay tax.

taxa|tion /t�kse I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Taxation is the system by which a government takes money from people and spends it on things such as education, health, and defence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Taxation is the amount of money that people have to pay in taxes. □� The result will be higher taxation.

ta x avoid|ance N‑UNCOUNT Tax avoidance is the use of legal methods to pay the smallest possible amount of tax.

ta x break (tax breaks ) N‑COUNT If the government gives a tax break to a particular group of people or type of organization, it reduces the amount of tax they have to pay or changes the tax system in a way that benefits them. [mainly AM ] □�[+�for ] Today they'll consider tax breaks for businesses that create jobs in inner cities.

ta x cred|it (tax credits ) N‑COUNT A tax credit is an amount of money on which you do not have to pay tax.

tax-deductible /t� ks d I dʌ kt I b ə l/ ADJ If an expense is tax-deductible , it can be paid out of the part of your income on which you do not pay tax, so that the amount of tax you pay is reduced. □� Keep track of tax-deductible expenses, such as the supplies and equipment you buy.

ta x eva|sion N‑UNCOUNT Tax evasion is the crime of not paying the full amount of tax that you should pay.

ta x-free ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] Tax-free is used to describe income on which you do not have to pay tax. □� �a tax-free investment plan.

ta x ha|ven (tax havens ) N‑COUNT A tax haven is a country or place which has a low rate of tax so that people choose to live there or register companies there in order to avoid paying higher tax in their own countries.

taxi /t� ksi/ (taxis , taxiing , taxied )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A taxi is a car driven by a person whose job is to take people where they want to go in return for money. □� The taxi drew up in front of the Riviera Club. □� He set off by taxi.

2 VERB When an aircraft taxis along the ground, or when a pilot taxis a plane somewhere, it moves slowly along the ground. □�[V prep/adv] She gave permission to the plane to taxi into position and hold for takeoff. □�[V n prep/adv] The pilot taxied the plane to the end of the runway. [Also V , V n]

taxi|cab /t� ksik�b/ (taxicabs ) also taxi-cab N‑COUNT A taxicab is the same as a taxi . [mainly AM ]

taxi|der|mist /t� ksidɜː r m I st/ (taxidermists ) N‑COUNT A taxidermist is a person whose job is to prepare the skins of dead animals and birds and fill them with a special material to make them look as if they are alive.

taxi|der|my /t� ksidɜː r mi/ N‑UNCOUNT Taxidermy is the craft of preparing the skins of dead animals and birds and filling them with a special material to make them look as if they are alive.

tax|ing /t� ks I ŋ/ ADJ A taxing task or problem is one that requires a lot of mental or physical effort. □� It's unlikely that you'll be asked to do anything too taxing.

ta xi rank (taxi ranks ) N‑COUNT A taxi rank is a place where taxis wait for passengers, for example at an airport or outside a station. [BRIT ] in AM, use taxi stand

ta xi stand (taxi stands ) N‑COUNT A taxi stand is the same as a taxi rank . [mainly AM ]

tax|ono|my /t�ksɒ nəmi/ (taxonomies ) N‑VAR Taxonomy is the process of naming and classifying things such as animals and plants into groups within a larger system, according to their similarities and differences. [TECHNICAL ]

tax|payer /t� kspe I ə r / (taxpayers ) N‑COUNT Taxpayers are people who pay a percentage of their income to the government as tax.

ta x re|lief N‑UNCOUNT Tax relief is a reduction in the amount of tax that a person or company has to pay, for example because of expenses associated with their business or property. □� �mortgage interest tax relief.

ta x re|turn (tax returns ) N‑COUNT A tax return is an official form that you fill in with details about your income and personal situation, so that the tax you owe can be calculated.

ta x shel|ter (tax shelters ) N‑COUNT A tax shelter is a way of arranging the finances of a business or a person so that they have to pay less tax.

ta x year (tax years ) N‑COUNT A tax year is a particular period of twelve months which is used by the government as a basis for calculating taxes and for organizing its finances and accounts. In Britain, the tax year begins on April 6th and ends on April 5th. In the United States, the tax year begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st.

TB /tiː biː / N‑UNCOUNT TB is an extremely serious infectious disease that affects someone's lungs and other parts of their body. TB is an abbreviation for 'tuberculosis'.

tba also TBAtba is sometimes written in announcements to indicate that something such as the place where something will happen or the people who will take part is not yet known and will be announced at a later date. tba is an abbreviation for 'to be announced'. □� The two teams will play next Saturday at Wembley (time TBA).

tbc also TBCtbc is sometimes written in announcements about future events to indicate that details of the event are not yet certain and will be confirmed later. tbc is an abbreviation for 'to be confirmed'.

T -bone stea k (T-bone steaks ) N‑VAR A T-bone steak is a thick piece of beef that contains a T-shaped bone.

tbs. In recipes, tbs. is a written abbreviation for tablespoonful .

tbsp. (tbsps ) N‑COUNT In recipes, tbsp. is a written abbreviation for tablespoonful .

T -cell (T-cells ) N‑COUNT A T-cell is a type of white blood cell.

tea ◆◆◇ /tiː / (teas )

1 N‑VAR Tea is a drink made by adding hot water to tea leaves or tea bags. Many people add milk to the drink and some add sugar. □� �a cup of tea. □� Would you like some tea? □� Four or five men were drinking tea from flasks. ●�N‑COUNT A cup of tea can be referred to as a tea . □� Would anybody like a tea or coffee?

2 N‑VAR The chopped dried leaves of the plant that tea is made from is referred to as tea . □� �a packet of tea.

3 N‑VAR Tea is a meal some people eat in the late afternoon. It consists of food such as sandwiches and cakes, with tea to drink. [BRIT ] □� I'm doing the sandwiches for tea.

4 →�see also afternoon tea , high tea

5 N‑VAR Some people refer to the main meal that they eat in the early part of the evening as tea . [BRIT ] □� At five o'clock he comes back for his tea.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is not your cup of tea , you mean that they are not the kind of person or thing that you like. □� Politics was not his cup of tea.

tea bag (tea bags ) also teabag N‑COUNT Tea bags are small paper bags with tea leaves in them. You put them into hot water to make tea.

tea break (tea breaks ) N‑COUNT If you have a tea break , you stop working and have a cup of tea or coffee. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use coffee break

tea cad|dy (tea caddies ) N‑COUNT A tea caddy is a small tin in which you keep tea. [mainly BRIT ]

tea|cake /tiː ke I k/ (teacakes ) N‑COUNT Teacakes are round flat bread cakes. They usually contain raisins and are often toasted and eaten with butter. [BRIT ]

teach ◆◆◇ /tiː tʃ/ (teaches , teaching , taught )

1 VERB If you teach someone something, you give them instructions so that they know about it or how to do it. □�[V n n] The trainers have a programme to teach them vocational skills. □�[V n wh] George had taught him how to ride a horse. □�[V n to-inf] She taught Julie to read. □�[V n +�to ] The computer has simplified the difficult task of teaching reading to the deaf.

2 VERB To teach someone something means to make them think, feel, or act in a new or different way. □�[V n n] Their daughter's death had taught him humility. □�[V n that] He taught his followers that they could all be members of the kingdom of God. □�[V n to-inf] Teach them to voice their feelings. [Also V n +�about ]

3 VERB If you teach or teach a subject, you help students to learn about it by explaining it or showing them how to do it, usually as a job at a school, college, or university. □�[V n] Ingrid is currently teaching Mathematics at Shimla Public School. □�[V n +�to ] She taught English to Japanese business people. □�[V ] She has taught for 34 years. □�[V n n] She taught children French. □�[V -ed] �this twelve month taught course.

4 →�see also teaching

5to teach someone a lesson →�see lesson

teach|er ◆◆◇ /tiː tʃə r / (teachers )

1 N‑COUNT A teacher is a person who teaches, usually as a job at a school or similar institution. □� �her chemistry teacher.

2 →�see also supply teacher SYNONYMS teacher NOUN 1

instructor:�tuition from an approved driving instructor.

coach:What you need is a drama coach.

tutor:He is course tutor in archaeology at the University of Southampton.

educator:She is an educator.

tea chest (tea chests ) N‑COUNT A tea chest is a large wooden box in which tea is packed when it is exported. People also use tea chests for putting things in when they move from one house to another. [BRIT ]

tea ch-in (teach-ins ) N‑COUNT A teach-in is a meeting, usually between students and teachers, with discussions on important and interesting topics. Teach-ins are not usually part of a formal academic course.

teach|ing ◆◇◇ /tiː tʃ I ŋ/ (teachings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Teaching is the work that a teacher does in helping students to learn. □� The Government funds university teaching. □�[+�of ] �the teaching of English in schools.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl, with poss] The teachings of a particular person, group of people, or religion are all the ideas and principles that they teach. □�[+�on ] I assumed that the traditional teaching on marriage was outdated.

tea ch|ing hos|pi|tal (teaching hospitals ) N‑COUNT A teaching hospital is a hospital that is linked with a medical school, where medical students and newly qualified doctors receive practical training.

tea ch|ing prac|tice N‑UNCOUNT Teaching practice is a period that a student teacher spends teaching at a school as part of his or her training. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use practice teaching

tea cloth (tea cloths ) also tea-cloth N‑COUNT A tea cloth is the same as a tea towel . [BRIT ]

tea cosy (tea cosies ) also tea-cosy N‑COUNT A tea cosy is a soft knitted or fabric cover which you put over a teapot in order to keep the tea hot. [BRIT ] in AM, use tea cozy

tea|cup /tiː kʌp/ (teacups ) also tea-cup

1 N‑COUNT A teacup is a cup that you use for drinking tea.

2 PHRASE If you describe a situation as a storm in a teacup , you think that a lot of fuss is being made about something that is not important. [BRIT ] □� Both are trying to present the disagreement as a storm in a teacup. in AM, use a tempest in a teapot

tea dance (tea dances ) N‑COUNT A tea dance is a social event that takes place in the afternoon, where people meet to dance and have tea. Tea dances are especially popular with older people.

teak /tiː k/ N‑UNCOUNT Teak is the wood of a tall tree with very hard, light-coloured wood which grows in South-East Asia. □� The door is beautifully made in solid teak.

tea|kettle /tiː ket ə l/ (teakettles ) also tea kettle N‑COUNT A teakettle is a kettle that is used for boiling water to make tea. [mainly AM ]

teal /tiː l/ (teals or teal ) N‑COUNT A teal is a small duck found in Europe and Asia.

tea leaf (tea leaves ) also tea-leaf N‑COUNT [usu pl] Tea leaves are the small pieces of dried leaves that you use to make tea.

team ◆◆◆ /tiː m/ (teams , teaming , teamed )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A team is a group of people who play a particular sport or game together against other similar groups of people. □� The team failed to qualify for the African Nations Cup finals. □� He had lost his place in the England team.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to any group of people who work together as a team . □�[+�of ] Each specialist consultant has a team of doctors under him.

▸� team up PHRASAL VERB If you team upwith someone, you join them in order to work together for a particular purpose. You can also say that two people or groups team up . □�[V P +�with ] I teamed up with a photographer who took me round central London for a two-hour picture session. □�[V P ] Recently a friend suggested that we team up for a working holiday in Europe in the summer. SYNONYMS team NOUN 1

side:Italy were definitely a better side than Germany.

squad:Sean O'Leary has been named in the England squad to tour Argentina.

line-up:Ryan Giggs is likely to be in Wales's starting line-up for their World Cup qualifying match.

tea m-mate (team-mates ) also teammate N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] In a game or sport, your team-mates are the other members of your team.

tea m play |er (team players ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a team player , you mean that they work well with other people in order to achieve things. [APPROVAL ]

tea m spi r|it N‑UNCOUNT Team spirit is the feeling of pride and loyalty that exists among the members of a team and that makes them want their team to do well or to be the best.

team|ster /tiː mstə r / (teamsters ) N‑COUNT A teamster is a person who drives a truck. [AM ] in BRIT, use lorry driver

team|work /tiː mwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Teamwork is the ability a group of people have to work well together. □� Today's complex buildings require close teamwork between the architect and the builders.

tea par|ty (tea parties ) also tea-party N‑COUNT A tea party is a social gathering in the afternoon at which tea, cakes, and sandwiches are served. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

Tea Party N‑PROPER The Tea Party is a right-wing political movement in the United States that wants taxes and government spending to be reduced. □� The Tea Party has become an umbrella group for many different causes and angry protesters, making it hard to pin down.

tea|pot /tiː pɒt/ (teapots ) also tea pot

1 N‑COUNT A teapot is a container with a lid, a handle, and a spout, used for making and serving tea.

2 PHRASE If you describe a situation as a tempest in a teapot , you think that a lot of fuss is being made about something that is not important. [AM ] □� On Capitol Hill, senators today appear to view the matter as something of a tempest in a teapot. in BRIT, use a storm in a teacup

tear

➊�CRYING

➋�DAMAGING OR MOVING

➊ tear ◆◇◇ /t I ə r / (tears )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Tears are the drops of salty liquid that come out of your eyes when you are crying. □� Her eyes filled with tears. □� I didn't shed a single tear.

2 N‑PLURAL You can use tears in expressions such as in tears , burst into tears , and close to tears to indicate that someone is crying or is almost crying. □� He was in floods of tears on the phone. □� She burst into tears.

3 →�see also crocodile tears

➋ tear ◆◆◇ /teə r / (tears , tearing , tore , torn )

1 VERB If you tear paper, cloth, or another material, or if it tears , you pull it into two pieces or you pull it so that a hole appears in it. □�[V n] She very nearly tore my overcoat. □�[V n prep] Mary Ann tore the edge off her napkin. □�[V n with adv] He took a small notebook from his jacket pocket and tore out a page. □�[V ] Too fine a material may tear. □�[V n with adj] Nancy quickly tore open the envelope. □�[V prep/adv] He noticed that fabric was tearing away from the plane's wing. □�[V -ed] He went ashore leaving me to start repairing the torn sail. ●�PHRASAL VERB Tear up means the same as tear . □�[V n P ] She tore the letter up. □�[V P n] Don't you dare tear up her ticket. □�[V -ed P ] �a torn up photograph.

2 N‑COUNT A tear in paper, cloth, or another material is a hole that has been made in it. □�[+�in ] I peered through a tear in the van's curtains.

3 VERB If you tear one of your muscles or ligaments, or if it tears , you injure it by accidentally moving it in the wrong way. □�[V n] He tore a muscle in his right thigh. □�[V ] If the muscle is stretched again, it could even tear. □�[V -ed] �torn ligaments.

4 VERB To tear something from somewhere means to remove it roughly and violently. □�[V n prep] She tore the windscreen wipers from his car. □�[V n with adv] He tore down the girl's photograph, and crumpled it into a ball.

5 VERB If a person or animal tears at something, they pull it violently and try to break it into pieces. □�[V +�at ] Female fans fought their way past bodyguards and tore at his clothes.

6 VERB If you tear somewhere, you move there very quickly, often in an uncontrolled or dangerous way. □�[V prep/adv] The door flew open and Miranda tore into the room.

7 V-PASSIVE If you say that a place is tornby particular events, you mean that unpleasant events which cause suffering and division among people are happening there. □�[be V -ed +�by ] �a country that has been torn by civil war and foreign invasion since its independence. ●� -torn COMB □� �the riot-torn areas of the city.

8 →�see also torn , wear and tear

▸� tear apart

1 PHRASAL VERB If something tears people apart , it causes them to quarrel or to leave each other. □�[V n P ] War and revolution have torn families apart.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something tears you apart , it makes you feel very upset, worried, and unhappy. □�[V n P ] Don't think it hasn't torn me apart to be away from you.

▸� tear away PHRASAL VERB If you tear someone awayfrom a place or activity, you force them to leave the place or stop doing the activity, even though they want to remain there or carry on. □�[V n P +�from ] Fame hasn't torn her away from her beloved Liverpool. □�[V pron-refl P +�from ] We want to encourage students to tear themselves away from textbooks. □�[V n P ] I stared at the man, couldn't tear my eyes away. [Also V pron-refl P ]

▸� tear down PHRASAL VERB If you tear something down , you destroy it or remove it completely. □�[V P n] Angry citizens have torn down the statue of the politician. □�[V n P ] I imagine they'll be tearing the building down sooner or later.

▸� tear into PHRASAL VERB If you tear into someone, you criticize them very angrily and strongly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] I had a real row with him. I tore into him.

▸� tear off PHRASAL VERB If you tear off your clothes, you take them off in a rough and violent way. □�[V n P ] Totally exhausted, he tore his clothes off and fell into bed. □�[V P n] Fuentes tore off his hat and flung it to the ground.

▸� tear up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a road, railway, or area of land is torn up , it is completely removed or destroyed. □�[be V -ed P ] Dozens of miles of railway track have been torn up. □�[V P n] The company came under furious attack from environmentalists for tearing up the forests.

2 →�see tear ➋ 1

tear|away /teə rəwe I / (tearaways ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a young person as a tearaway , you mean that they behave in a wild and uncontrolled way. [BRIT ] □� He blamed lack of parental control for the young tearaways' behaviour.

tear|drop /t I ə r drɒp/ (teardrops ) N‑COUNT A teardrop is a large tear that comes from your eye when you are crying quietly.

tear|ful /t I ə r fʊl/ ADJ If someone is tearful , their face or voice shows signs that they have been crying or that they want to cry. □� She became very tearful when pressed to talk about it. ●� tear|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Gwendolen smiled tearfully.

tear gas /t I ə r g�s/ N‑UNCOUNT Tear gas is a gas that causes your eyes to sting and fill with tears so that you cannot see. It is sometimes used by the police or army to control crowds. □� Police used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

tear-jerker /t I ə r dʒɜː r kə r / (tear-jerkers ) also tearjerker N‑COUNT If you refer to a play, film, or book as a tear-jerker , you are indicating that it is very sad or sentimental. [INFORMAL ]

tea room (tea rooms ) also tearoom N‑COUNT A tea room is the same as a tea shop .

tease /tiː z/ (teases , teasing , teased )

1 VERB To tease someone means to laugh at them or make jokes about them in order to embarrass, annoy, or upset them. □�[V n] He told her how the boys in East Poldown had set on him, teasing him. □�[V n +�about ] He teased me mercilessly about going Hollywood. □�[V with quote] 'You must be expecting a young man,' she teased. ●�N‑COUNT Tease is also a noun. □� Calling her by her real name had always been one of his teases. ●� teas|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] □� She tolerated the teasing, until the fourth grade.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to someone as a tease , you mean that they like laughing at people or making jokes about them. □� My brother's such a tease.

3 VERB If you say that someone is teasing , you mean that they are pretending to offer you something that you want, especially sex, but then not giving it to you. □�[V ] I thought she was teasing, playing the innocent, but looking back, I'm not so sure. □�[V n] When did you last flirt with him or tease him?

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to someone as a tease , you mean that they pretend to offer someone what they want, especially sex, but then do not give it to them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Later she heard he had told one of her friends she was a tease.

5 →�see also striptease , teasing

▸� tease out PHRASAL VERB If you tease out information or a solution, you succeed in obtaining it even though this is difficult. □�[V P n] They try to tease out the answers without appearing to ask. □�[V n P ] There had to be an answer�he was sure he could tease it out if only he had time. [Also V n P +�of ]

teas|er /tiː zə r / (teasers )

1 N‑COUNT A teaser is a difficult question, especially one in a competition. [INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A teaser is someone who makes fun of people in a slightly cruel way.

tea ser|vice (tea services ) N‑COUNT A tea service is the same as a tea set .

tea set (tea sets ) N‑COUNT A tea set is a set of cups, saucers, and plates, with a milk jug, sugar bowl, and teapot.

tea shop (tea shops ) also teashop N‑COUNT A tea shop is a small restaurant where tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and light meals are served. [BRIT ]

teas|ing /tiː z I ŋ/ ADJ A teasing expression or manner shows that the person is not completely serious about what they are saying or doing. □� 'But we're having such fun, aren't we?' he protested with a teasing smile.

tea|spoon /tiː spuːn/ (teaspoons )

1 N‑COUNT A teaspoon is a small spoon that you use to put sugar into tea or coffee.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food resting on a teaspoon as a teaspoon of food. □�[+�of ] He wants three teaspoons of sugar in his coffee.

tea|spoon|ful /tiː spuːnfʊl/ (teaspoonfuls or teaspoonsful ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food resting on a teaspoon as a teaspoonful of food. □�[+�of ] �a heaped teaspoonful of salt.

teat /tiː t/ (teats )

1 N‑COUNT A teat is a pointed part on the body of a female animal which her babies suck in order to get milk.

2 N‑COUNT A teat is a piece of rubber or plastic that is shaped like a teat, especially one that is fitted to a bottle so that a baby can drink from it. [mainly BRIT ]

tea ta|ble also tea-table N‑SING You refer to a table as the tea table when it is being used for a meal eaten in the late afternoon or early evening. [mainly BRIT ] □� �cakes and sandwiches on the tea-table.

tea|time /tiː ta I m/ (teatimes ) N‑VAR Teatime is the period of the day when people have their tea. It can be eaten in the late afternoon or in the early part of the evening. [BRIT ]

tea tow|el (tea towels ) N‑COUNT A tea towel is a cloth used to dry dishes after they have been washed. [BRIT ] in AM, use dish towel

tech /te k/ (techs ) N‑COUNT [oft at N ] A tech is the same as a technical college . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

techie /te ki/ (techies ) N‑COUNT Some people refer to someone who works in a technological industry, especially computing, as a techie . [INFORMAL ]

tech|ni|cal ◆◇◇ /te kn I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Technical means involving the sorts of machines, processes, and materials that are used in industry, transport, and communications. □� �jobs that require technical knowledge. ●� tech|ni|cal|ly /te kn I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� �the largest and most technically advanced furnace company in the world.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use technical to describe the practical skills and methods used to do an activity such as an art, a craft, or a sport. □� Their technical ability is exceptional. ●� tech|ni|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� While her voice isn't technically brilliant, it has a quality which is unmistakable.

3 ADJ Technical language involves using special words to describe the details of a specialized activity. □� The technical term for sunburn is erythema.

4 →�see also technically SYNONYMS technical ADJ 1

scientific:�scientific instruments.

technological:�an era of very rapid technological change.

te ch|ni|cal col|lege (technical colleges ) N‑VAR [oft in names] In Britain, a technical college is a college where you can study arts and technical subjects, often as part of the qualifications and training required for a particular job.

tech|ni|cal|ity /te kn I k� l I ti/ (technicalities )

1 N‑PLURAL The technicalities of a process or activity are the detailed methods used to do it or to carry it out. □�[+�of ] �the technicalities of classroom teaching.

2 N‑COUNT A technicality is a point, especially a legal one, that is based on a strict interpretation of the law or of a set of rules. □� The earlier verdict was overturned on a legal technicality.

tech|ni|cal|ly /te kn I kli/

1 ADV [ADV adj] If something is technically the case, it is the case according to a strict interpretation of facts, laws, or rules, but may not be important or relevant in a particular situation. □� Wild camping is technically illegal in England, Wales and Ireland.

2 →�see also technical

te ch|ni|cal sup|po rt N‑UNCOUNT Technical support is a repair and advice service that some companies such as computer companies provide for their customers, usually by phone, fax, or email.

tech|ni|cian /tekn I ʃ ə n/ (technicians )

1 N‑COUNT A technician is someone whose job involves skilled practical work with scientific equipment, for example in a laboratory. □� �a laboratory technician.

2 N‑COUNT A technician is someone who is very good at the detailed technical aspects of an activity. □� �a versatile, veteran player, a superb technician.

Tech|ni|col|or /te kn I kʌlə r / The spelling technicolour is also used in British English for meaning 2 . 1 N‑UNCOUNT Technicolor is a system of colour photography used in making cinema films. [TRADEMARK ] □� �films in Technicolor.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use technicolor to describe real or imagined scenes when you want to emphasize that they are very colourful, especially in an exaggerated way. [INFORMAL ] □� I was seeing it all in glorious technicolour: mountains, valleys, lakes, summer sunshine. □� �technicolor dreams.

tech|nique ◆◆◇ /tekniː k/ (techniques )

1 N‑COUNT A technique is a particular method of doing an activity, usually a method that involves practical skills. □� �tests performed using a new technique.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Technique is skill and ability in an artistic, sporting, or other practical activity that you develop through training and practice. □� He went off to the Amsterdam Academy to improve his technique. SYNONYMS technique NOUN 1

method:�new teaching methods.

way:Freezing isn't a bad way of preserving food.

system:�a flexible and relatively efficient filing system.

approach:We will be exploring different approaches to gathering information.

procedure:A biopsy is usually a minor surgical procedure.

tech|no /te knoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Techno is a form of modern electronic music with a very fast beat.

PREFIX techno-

is used at the beginning of words that refer to technology. For example, a technophobe is someone who does not like new technology.

tech|noc|ra|cy /teknɒ krəsi/ (technocracies )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A technocracy is a group of scientists, engineers, and other experts who have political power as well as technical knowledge. □� �the power of the leading technocracy.

2 N‑COUNT A technocracy is a country or society that is controlled by scientists, engineers, and other experts. □� �a centralised technocracy.

tech|no|crat /te knəkr�t/ (technocrats ) N‑COUNT A technocrat is a scientist, engineer, or other expert who is one of a group of similar people who have political power as well as technical knowledge.

tech|no|crat|ic /te knəkr� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Technocratic means consisting of or influenced by technocrats. □� �the current technocratic administration.

tech|no|logi|cal /te knəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Technological means relating to or associated with technology. □� �an era of very rapid technological change. ●� tech|no|logi|cal|ly /te knəlɒ dʒ I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj] □� �technologically advanced aircraft.

tech|nol|ogy ◆◆◇ /teknɒ lədʒi/ (technologies ) N‑VAR Technology refers to methods, systems, and devices which are the result of scientific knowledge being used for practical purposes. □� Technology is changing fast. □� They should be allowed to wait for cheaper technologies to be developed. ●� tech|nolo|gist /teknɒ lədʒ I st/ (technologists ) N‑COUNT □� �the scientists and technologists that we will need for the future. COLLOCATIONS technology NOUN

noun +�technology : communications, computer, internet, mobile

adjective +�technology : advanced, cutting-edge, emerging, modern; digital, medical, nuclear, wireless; green, renewable

verb +�technology : develop, embrace, introduce, use

tech|no|phobe /te knoʊfoʊb/ (technophobes ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a technophobe , you mean that they do not like new technology, such as computers or mobile phones, and are afraid to use it.

tec|ton|ic /tektɒ n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Tectonic means relating to the structure of the Earth's surface or crust. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the tectonic plates of the Pacific region.

tec|ton|ics /tektɒ n I ks/ →�see plate tectonics

Ted /te d/ (Teds ) N‑COUNT A Ted is the same as a Teddy boy . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

ted|dy /te di/ (teddies ) N‑COUNT A teddy is the same as a teddy bear . Children often call their teddies 'Teddy' when they are talking to them or about them. WORD HISTORY teddy

Teddy bears are named after the American president Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt (1859-1919), who was keen on bear-hunting.

te d|dy bear (teddy bears ) also teddy-bear N‑COUNT A teddy bear is a children's toy, made from soft or furry material, which looks like a friendly bear.

Te ddy boy (Teddy boys ) N‑COUNT A Teddy boy is a man who dresses in a style that became popular in the 1950s. Teddy boys were associated with early rock and roll music, and often regarded as bad or violent. [BRIT ]

te|di|ous /tiː diəs/ ADJ If you describe something such as a job, task, or situation as tedious , you mean it is boring and rather frustrating. □� Such lists are long and tedious to read. ●� te|di|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� �the most tediously boring aspects of international relations.

te|dium /tiː diəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about thetediumof a job, task, or situation, you think it is boring and rather frustrating. □�[+�of ] She began to wonder whether she wouldn't go mad with the tedium of the job.

tee /tiː / (tees , teeing , teed )

1 N‑COUNT In golf, a tee is a small piece of wood or plastic which is used to support the ball before it is hit at the start of each hole.

2 N‑COUNT On a golf course, a tee is one of the small flat areas of ground from which people hit the ball at the start of each hole.

▸� tee off

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something tees you off , they make you angry or annoyed. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] Something the boy said to him teed him off. □�[V P n] That really teed off the old boy.

2 PHRASAL VERB In golf, when you tee off , you hit the ball from a tee at the start of a hole. □�[V P ] In a few hours' time most of the world's top golfers tee off in the U.S. Masters.

teem /tiː m/ (teems , teeming , teemed ) VERB [usu cont] If you say that a place is teemingwith people or animals, you mean that it is crowded and the people and animals are moving around a lot. □�[V +�with ] For most of the year, the area is teeming with tourists.

teen /tiː n/ (teens )

1 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] If you are in your teens , you are between thirteen and nineteen years old. □� Amazingly, all the performers are still in their teens.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Teen is used to describe things such as films, magazines, bands, or activities that are aimed at or are done by people who are in their teens. □� She rose to fame in several US teen movie classics.

teen|age ◆◇◇ /tiː ne I dʒ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Teenage children are aged between thirteen and nineteen years old. □� I was on my way home when two teenage girls joined me at the bus stop.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Teenage is used to describe things such as films, magazines, bands, or activities that are aimed at or are done by teenage children. □� The ad was soliciting romantic stories for an all-colour teenage magazine.

teen|aged /tiː ne I dʒd/ ADJ [ADJ n] Teenaged people are aged between thirteen and nineteen. □� She is the mother of two teenaged daughters.

teen|ager ◆◇◇ /tiː ne I dʒə r / (teenagers ) N‑COUNT A teenager is someone who is between thirteen and nineteen years old. □� As a teenager he attended Tulse Hill Senior High School.

tee|ny /tiː ni/ (teenier , teeniest ) ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as teeny , you are emphasizing that it is very small. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� �little teeny bugs.

teeny|bopper /tiː nibɒpə r / (teenyboppers ) also teeny-bopper N‑COUNT A teenybopper is a teenager, usually a girl, who is very interested in pop music. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

tee|pee /tiː piː/ →�see tepee

tee -shirt →�see T-shirt

tee|ter /tiː tə r / (teeters , teetering , teetered )

1 VERB Teeter is used in expressions such as teeter on the brink and teeter on the edge to emphasize that something seems to be in a very unstable situation or position. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V +�on ] Three of the hotels are in receivership, and others are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. □�[V +�on ] His voice teetered on the edge of hysteria.

2 VERB If someone or something teeters , they shake in an unsteady way, and seem to be about to lose their balance and fall over. □�[V adv/prep] Hyde shifted his weight and felt himself teeter forward, beginning to overbalance. [Also V ]

teeth /tiː θ/ Teeth is the plural of tooth .

teeth|ing /tiː � I ŋ/ VERB [only cont] When babies are teething , their teeth are starting to appear through their gums, often causing them pain. □�[V ] Emma broke off a bit of rusk and gave it to Jacinta, who was teething. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Teething is also a noun. □� Teething can be painful and make your baby irritable.

tee th|ing prob|lems N‑PLURAL If a project or new product has teething problems , it has problems in its early stages or when it first becomes available. [BRIT ] □� There are bound to be teething problems with something so new.

tee th|ing trou|bles N‑PLURAL Teething troubles are the same as teething problems . [BRIT ] □� As the director of the project explains, there are still a few teething troubles to overcome.

tee|to|tal /tiːtoʊ t ə l, [AM ] tiː toʊt ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is teetotal does not drink alcohol.

tee|to|tal|ler /tiːtoʊ tələ r / (teetotallers ) N‑COUNT A teetotaller is someone who does not drink alcohol.

TEFL /te f ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT TEFL is the teaching of English to people whose first language is not English, especially people from a country where English is not spoken. TEFL is an abbreviation for 'teaching English as a foreign language'.

Tef|lon /te flɒn/ N‑UNCOUNT Teflon is a type of plastic which is often used to coat pans. Teflon provides a very smooth surface which food does not stick to, so the pan can be cleaned easily. [TRADEMARK ]

tel.Tel. is a written abbreviation for telephone number .

tele|cast /te l I kɑːst, -k�st/ (telecasts ) N‑COUNT A telecast is a programme that is broadcast on television, especially a programme that is broadcast live. [AM ]

tele|com|mu|ni|ca|tions /te l I kəmjuːn I ke I ʃ ə nz/ The form telecommunication is used as a modifier. N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Telecommunications is the technology of sending signals and messages over long distances using electronic equipment, for example by radio and telephone. □� �a Japanese telecommunication company.

tele|com|mut|er /te l I kəmjuː tə r / (telecommuters ) N‑COUNT Telecommuters are the same as teleworkers . [BUSINESS ]

tele|com|mut|ing /te l I kəmjuː t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Telecommuting is the same as teleworking . [BUSINESS ]

tele|con|fer|ence /te l I kɒnfrəns/ (teleconferences ) N‑COUNT A teleconference is a meeting involving people in various places around the world who use telephones or video links to communicate with each other. [BUSINESS ] ●� tele|con|fer|enc|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �teleconferencing facilities.

tele|gen|ic /te l I dʒe n I k/ ADJ Someone who is telegenic behaves confidently and looks attractive when they are on the television. □� The bright and telegenic Miss Foster is being paid around �90,000 a year for her exclusive deal.

tele|gram /te l I gr�m/ (telegrams ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A telegram is a message that is sent electronically and then printed and delivered to someone's home or office. In the past, telegrams were sent by telegraph. □� She received a briefing by telegram.

tele|graph /te l I grɑːf, -gr�f/ (telegraphs , telegraphing , telegraphed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Telegraph is a system of sending messages over long distances, either by means of electricity or by radio signals. Telegraph was used more often before the invention of telephones and computers.

2 VERB In the past, to telegraph someone meant to send them a message by telegraph. □�[V n +�to ] Churchill telegraphed an urgent message to Wavell. [Also V n, V ]

3 VERB If someone telegraphs something that they are planning or intending to do, they make it obvious, either deliberately or accidentally, that they are going to do it. □�[V n] He explicitly telegraphed his voting intentions at the next meeting.

te le|graph pole (telegraph poles ) N‑COUNT A telegraph pole is a tall wooden pole with telephone wires attached to it, connecting several different buildings to the telephone system. [BRIT ] in AM, use telephone pole

tele|mar|ket|ing /te l I mɑː r k I t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Telemarketing is a method of selling in which someone employed by a company telephones people to try and persuade them to buy the company's products or services. [BUSINESS ]

te|lem|etry /təle m I tri/ N‑UNCOUNT Telemetry is the science of using automatic equipment to make scientific measurements and transmit them by radio to a receiving station. [TECHNICAL ]

tele|path|ic /te l I p� θ I k/ ADJ If you believe that someone is telepathic , you believe that they have mental powers which cannot be explained by science, such as being able to communicate with other people's minds, and know what other people are thinking. □� I could not know that. I'm not telepathic. ●� tele|pathi|cal|ly /te l I p� θ I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� I used to communicate with her telepathically.

te|lepa|thy /t I le pəθi/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft by N ] If you refer to telepathy , you mean the direct communication of thoughts and feelings between people's minds, without the need to use speech, writing, or any other normal signals. □� We sometimes expect people to know by telepathy what we are feeling.

tele|phone ◆◆◇ /te l I foʊn/ (telephones , telephoning , telephoned )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The telephone is the electrical system of communication that you use to talk directly to someone else in a different place. You use the telephone by dialling a number on a piece of equipment and speaking into it. □� They usually exchanged messages by telephone. □� I dread to think what our telephone bill is going to be. □� She was wanted on the telephone.

2 N‑COUNT A telephone is the piece of equipment that you use when you talk to someone by telephone. □� He got up and answered the telephone.

3 VERB If you telephone someone, you dial their telephone number and speak to them by telephone. □�[V n] I felt so badly I had to telephone Owen to say I was sorry. □�[V ] They usually telephone first to see if she is at home.

4 PHRASE If you are on the telephone , you are speaking to someone by telephone. □� Linda remained on the telephone to the police for three hours.

te le|phone book (telephone books ) N‑COUNT The telephone book is a book that contains an alphabetical list of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the people in a particular area.

te le|phone booth (telephone booths ) N‑COUNT A telephone booth is a place in a public building where there is a telephone that can be used by the public. [FORMAL ]

te le|phone box (telephone boxes ) N‑COUNT A telephone box is a small shelter in the street in which there commonly used to be a public telephone. [BRIT ] in AM, use phone booth

te le|phone di|rec|tory (telephone directories ) N‑COUNT A telephone directory is the same as a telephone book .

te le|phone ex|change (telephone exchanges ) N‑COUNT A telephone exchange is a building where connections are made between telephone lines. [mainly BRIT ]

te le|phone num|ber (telephone numbers ) N‑COUNT Your telephone number is the number that other people dial when they want to talk to you on the telephone.

te le|phone pole (telephone poles ) N‑COUNT A telephone pole is a tall wooden pole with telephone wires attached to it, connecting several different buildings to the telephone system. [AM ] in BRIT, use telegraph pole

te|lepho|nist /t I le fən I st/ (telephonists ) N‑COUNT A telephonist is someone who works at a telephone exchange or whose job is to answer the telephone for a business or other organization. [BRIT ]

te|lepho|ny /t I le fəni/ N‑UNCOUNT Telephony is a system of sending voice signals using electronic equipment. □� These optical fibres may be used for new sorts of telephony.

tele|photo lens /te l I foʊtoʊ le nz/ (telephoto lenses ) N‑COUNT A telephoto lens is a powerful camera lens which allows you to take close-up pictures of something that is far away.

Tele|prompt|er /te l I prɒ mptə r / (Teleprompters ) N‑COUNT A Teleprompter is a device used by people speaking on television or at a public event, which displays words for them to read. [mainly AM , TRADEMARK ] in BRIT, usually use Autocue

tele|sales /te l I se I lz/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Telesales is the selling of a company's products or services by telephone, either by phoning possible customers or by answering calls from customers. [BUSINESS ]

tele|scope /te l I skoʊp/ (telescopes ) N‑COUNT A telescope is a long instrument shaped like a tube. It has lenses inside it that make distant things seem larger and nearer when you look through it.

tele|scop|ic /te l I skɒ p I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Telescopic lenses and instruments are used to make things seem larger and nearer, and are usually longer than others of the same type. □� �a sporting rifle fitted with a telescopic sight.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A telescopic object is made of cylindrical sections that fit or slide into each other, so that it can be made longer or shorter, for example to save space when it is not being used. □� �this new lightweight telescopic ladder.

tele|van|gelist /tel I v� ndʒəl I st/ (televangelists ) N‑COUNT A televangelist is someone who makes regular television broadcasts to promote a particular form of Christianity and raise money for particular Christian groups or projects.

tele|vise /te l I va I z/ (televises , televising , televised ) VERB [usu passive] If an event or programme is televised , it is broadcast so that it can be seen on television. □�[be V -ed] The race will be televised by the BBC.

tele|vi|sion ◆◆◇ /te l I v I ʒ ə n, -v I ʒ-/ (televisions )

1 N‑COUNT A television or television set is a piece of electrical equipment consisting of a box with a glass screen on it on which you can watch programmes with pictures and sounds. □� She turned the television on and flicked around between news programmes.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Television is the system of sending pictures and sounds by electrical signals over a distance so that people can receive them on a television in their home. □� Toy manufacturers began promoting some of their products on television.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Television refers to all the programmes that you can watch. □� I don't have time to watch very much television.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Television is the business or industry concerned with making programmes and broadcasting them on television. □� British commercial television has been steadily losing its lead as the most advanced sector of the industry in Europe.

tele|vis|ual /te ləv I ʒuəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Televisual means broadcast on or related to television. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a televisual masterpiece.

tele|work|er /te liwɜː r kə r / (teleworkers ) N‑COUNT Teleworkers are people who work from home using equipment such as telephones, fax machines, and modems to contact the people they work with and their customers. [BUSINESS ]

tele|work|ing /te liwɜː r k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Teleworking is working from home using equipment such as telephones, fax machines, and modems to contact people. [BUSINESS ]

tel|ex /te leks/ (telexes , telexing , telexed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Telex is an international system used especially in the past for sending written messages. Messages are converted into signals which are transmitted, either by electricity or by radio signals, and then printed out by a machine in another place.

2 N‑COUNT A telex is a machine that transmits and receives telex messages.

3 N‑COUNT A telex is a message that you send or that has been received and printed by telex.

4 VERB If you telex a message to someone, you send it to them by telex. □�[V n +�to ] The embassy says it has telexed their demands to the foreign ministry. □�[V n] They telexed their parents.

tell ◆◆◆ /te l/ (tells , telling , told )

1 VERB If you tell someone something, you give them information. □�[V n that] In the evening I returned to tell Phyllis our relationship was over. □�[V n wh] I called Andie to tell her how spectacular the stuff looked. □�[V n n] Claire had made me promise to tell her the truth. □�[V n +�to ] I only told the truth to the press when the single was released. □�[V n +�about ] Tell us about your moment on the summit. □�[V with quote] Her voice breaking with emotion, she told him: 'It doesn't seem fair.' [Also V of n]

2 VERB If you tell something such as a joke, a story, or your personal experiences, you communicate it to other people using speech. □�[V n] His friends say he was always quick to tell a joke. □�[V n +�to ] He told his story to The Sunday Times and produced photographs. □�[V n n] Will you tell me a story?

3 VERB If you tell someone to do something, you order or advise them to do it. □�[V n to-inf] A passer-by told the driver to move his car so that it was not causing an obstruction.

4 VERB If you tellyourself something, you put it into words in your own mind because you need to encourage or persuade yourself about something. □�[V pron-refl with quote] 'Come on,' she told herself. □�[V pron-refl that] I told myself that I would be satisfied with whatever I could get.

5 VERB [no cont] If you can tell what is happening or what is true, you are able to judge correctly what is happening or what is true. □�[V wh] It was already impossible to tell where the bullet had entered. □�[V that] You can tell he's joking.

6 VERB [no cont] If you can tell one thing from another, you are able to recognize the difference between it and other similar things. □�[V n +�between ] I can't really tell the difference between their policies and ours. □�[V n +�from ] How do you tell one from another? □�[V wh] I had to look twice to tell which was Martin; the twins were almost identical.

7 VERB If you tell , you reveal or give away a secret. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] Many of the children know who they are but are not telling.

8 VERB If facts or events tell you something, they reveal certain information to you through ways other than speech. □�[V n that] The facts tell us that this is not true. □�[V n amount] I don't think the unemployment rate ever tells us much about the future. □�[V n n] The evidence of our eyes tells us a different story. □�[V n] While most of us feel complacent about our diets, the facts tell a very different story.

9 VERB If an unpleasant or tiring experience begins to tell , it begins to have a serious effect. □�[V ] The pressure began to tell as rain closed in after 20 laps.

10 →�see also kiss-and-tell , telling

11 PHRASE You use as far as I can tell or so far as I could tell to indicate that what you are saying is based on the information you have, but that there may be things you do not know. [VAGUENESS ] □� As far as I can tell, Jason is basically a nice guy.

12 CONVENTION You can say ' I tell you ', ' I can tell you ', or ' I can't tell you ' to add emphasis to what you are saying. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I tell you this, I will not rest until that day has come. □� This little letter gave us a few chuckles, I can tell you.

13 CONVENTION If you say ' You never can tell ', you mean that the future is always uncertain and it is never possible to know exactly what will happen. □� You never can tell what life is going to bring you.

14 CONVENTION If someone disagrees with you or refuses to do what you suggest and you are eventually proved to be right, you can say ' I told you so '. [INFORMAL ] □� If she failed, her mother would say, 'I told you so.'

15 CONVENTION You use I'll tell you what or I tell you what to introduce a suggestion or a new topic of conversation. [SPOKEN ] □� I tell you what, I'll bring the water in a separate glass.

16to tell the time →�see time

17time will tell →�see time

▸� tell apart PHRASAL VERB If you can tell people or things apart , you are able to recognize the differences between them and can therefore identify each of them. □�[V n P ] The almost universal use of flavourings makes it hard to tell the products apart.

▸� tell off PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone off , you speak to them angrily or seriously because they have done something wrong. □�[V n P ] He never listened to us when we told him off. □�[be V -ed +�for ] I'm always being told off for being so awkward. □�[V P n] Dutch police told off two of the gang, aged 10 and 11.

▸� tell on PHRASAL VERB If you tell on someone, you give information about them to a person in authority, especially if they have done something wrong. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Never mind, I won't tell on you. □�[V n P n] I'll tell my mummy on you. USAGE tell

Don�t use �to� after tell . Don�t say, for example � He told to me that he was sorry .� □� He told me that he was sorry.

tell|er /te lə r / (tellers ) N‑COUNT A teller is someone who works in a bank and who customers pay money to or get money from. [mainly AM or SCOTTISH ]

tell|ing /te l I ŋ/ (tellings )

1 N‑VAR The telling of a story or of something that has happened is the reporting of it to other people. □�[+�of ] Herbert sat quietly through the telling of this saga.

2 ADJ If something is telling , it shows the true nature of a person or situation. □� How a man shaves may be a telling clue to his age. ●� tell|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The house received nearly 300 'customers' a year, as he tellingly called them.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A telling argument or criticism is a very effective one. □� The most telling condemnation of the system was that it failed to fulfil its function.

4 PHRASE You use there's no telling to introduce a statement when you want to say that it is impossible to know what will happen in a situation. □� There's no telling how long the talks could drag on.

te lling-o ff (tellings-off ) also telling off N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you give someone a telling-off , you tell them that you are very angry with them about something they have done. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�for ] I got a severe telling off for not phoning him.

te ll-tale also telltale ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is described as telltale gives away information, often about something bad that would otherwise not be noticed. □� Only occasionally did the telltale redness around his eyes betray the fatigue he was suffering.

tel|ly /te li/ (tellies ) N‑VAR A telly is a television. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� After a hard day's work most people want to relax in front of the telly. in AM, use TV

te|maze|pam /t I m� z I p�m/ N‑UNCOUNT Temazepam is a drug that is used to make people feel calmer or less anxious.

te|mer|ity /t I me r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N to-inf] If you say that a person has the temerityto do something, you are annoyed about something they have done which you think showed a lack of respect. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �'difficult' patients who have the temerity to challenge their doctors' decisions.

temp /te mp/ (temps , temping , temped )

1 N‑COUNT A temp is a person who is employed by an agency that sends them to work in different offices for short periods of time, for example to replace someone who is ill or on holiday.

2 VERB [only cont] If someone is temping , they are working as a temp. □�[V ] Mrs Reynolds has been temping since losing her job.

tem|per /te mpə r / (tempers , tempering , tempered )

1 N‑VAR If you refer to someone's temper or say that they have a temper , you mean that they become angry very easily. □� He had a temper and could be nasty. □� I hope he can control his temper.

2 N‑VAR [oft adj N , oft in N ] Your temper is the way you are feeling at a particular time. If you are in a good temper , you feel cheerful. If you are in a bad temper , you feel angry and impatient. □� I was in a bad temper last night.

3 VERB To temper something means to make it less extreme. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�with ] For others, especially the young and foolish, the state will temper justice with mercy. □�[V n] He had to learn to temper his enthusiasm.

4 PHRASE If someone is in a temper or gets into a temper , the way that they are behaving shows that they are feeling angry and impatient. □� She was still in a temper when Colin arrived. □� When I try to explain how I feel he just flies into a temper.

5 PHRASE If you lose your temper , you become so angry that you shout at someone or show in some other way that you are no longer in control of yourself. □� I've never seen him get cross or lose his temper.

tem|pera|ment /te mprəmənt/ (temperaments )

1 N‑VAR Your temperament is your basic nature, especially as it is shown in the way that you react to situations or to other people. □� His impulsive temperament regularly got him into difficulties. □� She was furtive and vicious by temperament.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Temperament is the tendency to behave in an uncontrolled, bad-tempered, or unreasonable way. □� Some of the models were given to fits of temperament.

tem|pera|men|tal /te mprəme nt ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that someone is temperamental , you are criticizing them for not being calm or quiet by nature, but having moods that change often and suddenly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He is very temperamental and critical.

2 ADJ If you describe something such as a machine or car as temperamental , you mean that it often does not work properly. □� I first started cruising in yachts with temperamental petrol engines.

tem|pera|men|tal|ly /te mprəme ntəli/ ADV [ADV after v] Temperamentally means because of someone's basic nature or related to someone's basic nature. □� He is a quitter who is temperamentally unsuited to remaining a champion.

tem|per|ance /te mpərəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you believe in temperance , you disapprove of drinking alcohol. □� �a reformed alcoholic extolling the joys of temperance.

2 N‑UNCOUNT A person who shows temperance has a strong mind and does not eat too much, drink too much, or do too much of anything. [FORMAL ] □� The age of hedonism is being ushered out by a new era of temperance.

tem|per|ate /te mpər I t/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Temperate is used to describe a climate or a place which is never extremely hot or extremely cold. □� The Nile Valley keeps a temperate climate throughout the year.

2 ADJ If a person's behaviour is temperate , it is calm and reasonable, so that they do not get angry or lose their temper easily. [FORMAL ] □� His final report to the President was far more temperate and balanced than the earlier memorandum.

tem|pera|ture ◆◇◇ /te mprətʃə r / (temperatures )

1 N‑VAR The temperature of something is a measure of how hot or cold it is. □� The temperature soared to above 100 degrees in the shade. □� Coping with severe drops in temperature can be very difficult.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Your temperature is the temperature of your body. A normal temperature is about 37� centigrade. □� His temperature continued to rise alarmingly.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use temperature to talk about the feelings and emotions that people have in particular situations. □� There's also been a noticeable rise in the political temperature.

4 PHRASE If something is at room temperature , its temperature is neither hot nor cold. □� Stir the parsley into the potatoes and serve at room temperature.

5 PHRASE If you are running a temperature or if you have a temperature , your temperature is higher than it usually is. □� He began to run an extremely high temperature.

6 PHRASE If you take someone's temperature you use an instrument called a thermometer to measure the temperature of their body in order to see if they are ill. □� He will probably take your child's temperature too. COLLOCATIONS temperature NOUN 1

noun +�temperature : air, body, daytime, oven

adjective +�temperature : ambient, average; cool, freezing, low, subzero; high, rising, soaring, scorching

verb +�temperature : control, lower, raise; brave

tem|pest /te mp I st/ (tempests )

1 N‑COUNT A tempest is a very violent storm. [LITERARY ]

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a situation in which people are very angry or excited as a tempest . [LITERARY ] □� I hadn't foreseen the tempest my request would cause.

3a tempest in a teapot →�see teapot

tem|pes|tu|ous /tempe stʃuəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a relationship or a situation as tempestuous , you mean that very strong and intense emotions, especially anger, are involved. □� For years, the couple's tempestuous relationship made the headlines.

tem|pi /te mpi/ Tempi is a plural of tempo .

tem|plate /te mple I t, [AM ] -pl I t/ (templates )

1 N‑COUNT A template is a thin piece of metal or plastic which is cut into a particular shape. It is used to help you cut wood, paper, metal, or other materials accurately, or to reproduce the same shape many times. □� Trace around your template and transfer the design onto a sheet of card.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If one thing is a templatefor something else, the second thing is based on the first thing. □�[+�for ] The deal is likely to provide a template for other agreements.

tem|ple ◆◇◇ /te mp ə l/ (temples )

1 N‑COUNT A temple is a building used for the worship of a god or gods, especially in the Buddhist and Hindu religions, and in ancient Greek and Roman times. □� �a small Hindu temple. □�[+�of ] �the Temple of Diana at Ephesus.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your temples are the flat parts on each side of the front part of your head, near your forehead. □� Threads of silver ran through his beard and the hair at his temples.

tem|po /te mpoʊ/ (tempos or tempi )

1 N‑SING The tempo of an event is the speed at which it happens. □�[+�of ] �owing to the slow tempo of change in an overwhelmingly rural country.

2 N‑VAR The tempo of a piece of music is the speed at which it is played. □� In a new recording, the Boston Philharmonic tried the original tempo.

tem|po|ral /te mpərəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Temporal powers or matters relate to ordinary institutions and activities rather than to religious or spiritual ones. [FORMAL ] □� �their spiritual and temporal leader.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Temporal means relating to time. [FORMAL ] □� One is also able to see how specific acts are related to a temporal and spatial context.

tem|po|rary ◆◇◇ /te mpərəri, [AM ] -reri/ ADJ Something that is temporary lasts for only a limited time. □� His job here is only temporary. □� �a temporary loss of memory. ●� tem|po|rari|ly /te mpəreə r I li/ ADV [ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� The peace agreement has at least temporarily halted the civil war. SYNONYMS temporary ADJ

impermanent:We are reminded just how small and how impermanent we are.

passing:Hamnett does not believe environmental concern is a passing fad.

transitory:Most teenage romances are transitory.

fleeting:The girls caught only a fleeting glimpse of the driver.

ephemeral:These paintings are in some ways a reminder that earthly pleasures are ephemeral.

tem|po|rize /te mpəra I z/ (temporizes , temporizing , temporized ) in BRIT, also use temporise VERB If you say that someone is temporizing , you mean that they keep doing unimportant things in order to delay something important such as making a decision or stating their real opinion. [FORMAL ] □�[V ] They are still temporizing in the face of what can only be described as a disaster. □�[V with quote] 'Not exactly, sir,' temporized Sloan.

tempt /te mpt/ (tempts , tempting , tempted )

1 VERB Something that tempts you attracts you and makes you want it, even though it may be wrong or harmful. □�[V n +�into ] Reducing income could tempt an offender into further crime. □�[V n] It is the fresh fruit that tempts me at this time of year. □�[V n +�with ] Can I tempt you with a little puff pastry? □�[V n to-inf] The fact that she had become wealthy did not tempt her to alter her frugal way of life.

2 VERB If you tempt someone, you offer them something they want in order to encourage them to do what you want them to do. □�[V n prep/adv] �a million dollar marketing campaign to tempt American tourists back to Britain. □�[V n to-inf] Don't let credit tempt you to buy something you can't afford. □�[V n +�into ] The bank will offer a current account and try to tempt customers into switching.

3 →�see also tempted

4 PHRASE If someone says that something they say or do is tempting fate or is tempting providence , they mean they are worried that it may cause the good luck they have had so far to end. □� As soon as you start to talk about never having played on a losing side, it is tempting fate.

temp|ta|tion /tempte I ʃ ə n/ (temptations ) N‑VAR If you feel you want to do something or have something, even though you know you really should avoid it, you can refer to this feeling as temptation . You can also refer to the thing you want to do or have as a temptation . □� Will they be able to resist the temptation to buy?

tempt|ed /te mpt I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If you say that you are temptedto do something, you mean that you would like to do it. □� I'm very tempted to sell my house.

tempt|ing /te mpt I ŋ/ ADJ If something is tempting , it makes you want to do it or have it. □� In the end, I turned down Raoul's tempting offer of the Palm Beach trip. ●� tempt|ing|ly ADV □� The good news is that prices are still temptingly low.

tempt|ress /te mptrəs/ (temptresses ) N‑COUNT If you describe a woman as a temptress , you mean that she uses her female charm to encourage men to have sexual relations with her.

ten ◆◆◆ /te n/ (tens )

1 NUM Ten is the number 10. □� Over the past ten years things have changed.

2 →�see also Number Ten

3ten a penny →�see penny

ten|able /te nəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that an argument, point of view, or situation is tenable , you believe that it is reasonable and could be successfully defended against criticism. □� This argument is simply not tenable.

te|na|cious /t I ne I ʃəs/

1 ADJ If you are tenacious , you are very determined and do not give up easily. □� He is regarded at the BBC as a tenacious and persistent interviewer. ●� te|na|cious|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� In spite of his illness, he clung tenaciously to his job.

2 ADJ If you describe something such as an idea or belief as tenacious , you mean that it has a strong influence on people and is difficult to change or remove. □� �a remarkably tenacious belief that was to dominate future theories of military strategy.

te|nac|ity /t I n� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you have tenacity , you are very determined and do not give up easily. □� Talent, hard work and sheer tenacity are all crucial to career success.

ten|an|cy /te nənsi/ (tenancies ) N‑VAR Tenancy is the use that you have of land or property belonging to someone else, for which you pay rent. □�[+�of ] His father took over the tenancy of the farm 40 years ago.

ten|ant /te nənt/ (tenants )

1 N‑COUNT A tenant is someone who pays rent for the place they live in, or for land or buildings that they use.

2 →�see also sitting tenant

tench /te ntʃ/ (tench ) N‑VAR Tench are dark green European fish that live in lakes and rivers.

tend ◆◆◇ /te nd/ (tends , tending , tended )

1 VERB If something tendsto happen, it usually happens or it often happens. □�[V to-inf] A problem for manufacturers is that lighter cars tend to be noisy.

2 VERB If you tendtowards a particular characteristic, you often display that characteristic. □�[V +�towards ] Artistic and intellectual people tend towards left-wing views. [Also V +�to ]

3 VERB You can say that you tendto think something when you want to give your opinion, but do not want it to seem too forceful or definite. [VAGUENESS ] □�[V to-inf] I tend to think that Members of Parliament by and large do a good job.

4 VERB If you tend someone or something, you do what is necessary to keep them in a good condition or to improve their condition. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] For years he tended her in her painful illness.

5 VERB If you tend to someone or something, you pay attention to them and deal with their problems and needs. □�[V +�to ] In our culture, girls are brought up to tend to the needs of others.

ten|den|cy ◆◇◇ /te ndənsi/ (tendencies )

1 N‑COUNT A tendency is a typical or repeated habit, action or belief. □�[+�to ] She has a tendency to glance around to see if there's someone more important to talk to. □�[+�towards ] �the government's tendency towards secrecy in recent years.

2 N‑COUNT A tendency is a part of your character that makes you behave in an unpleasant or worrying way. □�[+�to ] He is spoiled, arrogant and has a tendency towards snobbery. SYNONYMS tendency NOUN 2

inclination:He set out to follow his artistic inclinations.

bent:His bent for natural history directed him towards his first job.

leaning:Many companies are wary of their socialist leanings.

penchant:He had a penchant for playing jokes on people.

propensity:She hasn't reckoned on his propensity for violence.

ten|den|tious /tende nʃəs/ ADJ Something that is tendentious expresses a particular opinion or point of view very strongly, especially one that many people disagree with. [FORMAL ] □� His analysis was rooted in a somewhat tendentious reading of French history.

tender

➊�ADJECTIVE USES

➋�NOUN AND VERB USES

➊ ten|der /te ndə r / (tenderer , tenderest )

1 ADJ Someone or something that is tender expresses gentle and caring feelings. □� Her voice was tender, full of pity. ●� ten|der|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Mr. White tenderly embraced his wife. ●� ten|der|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� She smiled, politely rather than with tenderness or gratitude.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone does something at a tender age, you mean that they do it when they are still young and have not had much experience. □� He had become attracted to the game at the tender age of seven.

3 ADJ Meat or other food that is tender is easy to cut or chew. □� Cook for a minimum of 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.

4 ADJ If part of your body is tender , it is sensitive and painful when it is touched. □� My tummy felt very tender. ●� ten|der|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� There is still some tenderness in her tummy.

➋ ten|der /te ndə r / (tenders , tendering , tendered )

1 N‑VAR A tender is a formal offer to supply goods or to do a particular job, and a statement of the price that you or your company will charge. If a contract is put out to tender , formal offers are invited. If a company wins a tender , their offer is accepted. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�for ] Builders will then be sent the specifications and asked to submit a tender for the work.

2 VERB If a company tenders for something, it makes a formal offer to supply goods or do a job for a particular price. [BUSINESS ] □�[V +�for ] The staff are forbidden to tender for private-sector work.

3 VERB If you tender something such as a suggestion, your resignation, or money, you formally offer or present it. □�[V n] She quickly tendered her resignation.

4 →�see also legal tender

te nder-hea rted ADJ If you are tender-hearted , you have a gentle and caring nature.

ten|der|ize /te ndəra I z/ (tenderizes , tenderizing , tenderized ) in BRIT, also use tenderise VERB If you tenderize meat, you make it softer by preparing it in a particular way. □�[V n] Vinegar tenderises meat.

ten|din|itis /te ndəna I t I s/ also tendonitis N‑UNCOUNT Tendinitis is a medical condition in which a tendon becomes swollen and painful. [MEDICAL ] □� Tendinitis can usually be relieved with rest and ice massage.

ten|don /te ndən/ (tendons )

1 N‑COUNT A tendon is a strong cord in a person's or animal's body which joins a muscle to a bone.

2 →�see also Achilles tendon

ten|dril /te ndr I l/ (tendrils )

1 N‑COUNT A tendril is something light and thin, for example a piece of hair which hangs loose and is away from the main part. □�[+�of ] Tendrils of hair strayed to the edge of her pillow.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Tendrils are thin stems which grow on some plants so that they can attach themselves to supports such as walls or other plants.

ten|ement /te nəmənt/ (tenements )

1 N‑COUNT A tenement is a large, old building which is divided into a number of individual flats. □� �elegant tenement buildings.

2 N‑COUNT A tenement is one of the flats in a tenement.

ten|et /te n I t/ (tenets ) N‑COUNT The tenets of a theory or belief are the main principles on which it is based. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Non-violence and patience are the central tenets of their faith.

ten|ner /te nə r / (tenners ) N‑COUNT A tenner is ten pounds or a ten-pound note. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

ten|nis ◆◇◇ /te n I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Tennis is a game played by two or four players on a rectangular court. The players use an oval racket with strings across it to hit a ball over a net across the middle of the court.

ten|or /te nə r / (tenors )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A tenor is a male singer whose voice is fairly high.

2 ADJ A tenor saxophone or other musical instrument has a range of notes that are of a fairly low pitch.

3 N‑SING [with poss] The tenor of something is the general meaning or mood that it expresses. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The whole tenor of discussions has changed.

te n-pin bo wl|ing also tenpin bowling N‑UNCOUNT Ten-pin bowling is a game in which you try to knock down ten objects shaped like bottles by rolling a heavy ball towards them. It is usually played in a place called a bowling alley. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use bowling

tense /te ns/ (tenser , tensest , tenses , tensing , tensed )

1 ADJ A tense situation or period of time is one that makes people anxious, because they do not know what is going to happen next. □� This gesture of goodwill did little to improve the tense atmosphere at the talks. □� After three very tense weeks he phoned again.

2 ADJ If you are tense , you are anxious and nervous and cannot relax. □� Dart, who had at first been very tense, at last relaxed. ●� tense|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She waited tensely for the next bulletin. ●� tense|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� McKay walked slowly toward this screen, feeling a growing tenseness.

3 ADJ If your body is tense , your muscles are tight and not relaxed. □� A bath can relax tense muscles. ●� tense|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� If you feel a tenseness around the eyes, relax your muscles.

4 VERB If your muscles tense , if you tense , or if you tense your muscles, your muscles become tight and stiff, often because you are anxious or frightened. □�[V ] Newman's stomach muscles tensed. □�[V n] Jane tensed her muscles to stop them from shaking. ●�PHRASAL VERB Tense up means the same as tense . □�[V P ] When we are under stress our bodies tend to tense up. □�[V P n] Tense up the muscles in both of your legs. [Also V n P ]

5 N‑COUNT The tense of a verb group is its form, which usually shows whether you are referring to past, present, or future time. Compare aspect .

▸� tense up →�see tense4

ten|sile /te nsa I l, [AM ] -s I l/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use tensile when you are talking about the amount of stress that materials such as wire, rope, and concrete can take without breaking; a technical term in engineering. □� Certain materials can be manufactured with a high tensile strength.

ten|sion ◆◇◇ /te nʃ ə n/ (tensions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tension is the feeling that is produced in a situation when people are anxious and do not trust each other, and when there is a possibility of sudden violence or conflict. □�[+�between ] The tension between the two countries is likely to remain.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Tension is a feeling of worry and anxiety which makes it difficult for you to relax. □� Smiling and laughing has actually been shown to relieve tension and stress.

3 N‑VAR If there is a tension between forces, arguments, or influences, there are differences between them that cause difficulties. □�[+�between ] The film explored the tension between public duty and personal affections.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The tension in something such as a rope or wire is the extent to which it is stretched tight. SYNONYMS tension NOUN

1

friction:The plan is likely only to aggravate ethnic frictions.

hostility:There is a lot of hostility between them.

antagonism:There is still much antagonism between trades unions and the oil companies.

2

stress:Katy could think clearly when not under stress.

worry:His last years were overshadowed by financial worry.

anxiety:Her voice was full of anxiety.

strain:She was tired and under great strain.

tent /te nt/ (tents ) N‑COUNT A tent is a shelter made of canvas or nylon which is held up by poles and ropes, and is used mainly by people who are camping.

ten|ta|cle /te ntək ə l/ (tentacles )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The tentacles of an animal such as an octopus are the long thin parts that are used for feeling and holding things, for getting food, and for moving.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you talk about the tentacles of a political, commercial, or social organization, you are referring to the power and influence that it has in the outside community. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] Free speech is being gradually eroded year after year by new tentacles of government control.

ten|ta|tive /te ntət I v/

1 ADJ Tentative agreements, plans, or arrangements are not definite or certain, but have been made as a first step. □� Political leaders have reached a tentative agreement. ●� ten|ta|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The next round of talks is tentatively scheduled to begin in October.

2 ADJ If someone is tentative , they are cautious and not very confident because they are uncertain or afraid. □� My first attempts at complaining were rather tentative. ●� ten|ta|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Perhaps, he suggested tentatively, they should send for Dr Band.

tent|ed /te nt I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tented field or a tented camp is an area where a number of people are living in tents.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tented room has long pieces of material hanging down from the centre of the ceiling to the walls, so that the room has the appearance of the inside of a large tent. □� �a tented dining area.

tenter|hooks /te ntə r hʊks/ PHRASE If you are on tenterhooks , you are very nervous and excited because you are wondering what is going to happen in a particular situation. □� He was still on tenterhooks waiting for his directors' decision about the job.

tenth ◆◆◇ /te nθ/ (tenths )

1 ORD The tenth item in a series is the one that you count as number ten.

2 FRACTION A tenth is one of ten equal parts of something. □� We received only two tenths of an inch of rain during the entire month of June.

tenu|ous /te njuəs/ ADJ If you describe something such as a connection, a reason, or someone's position as tenuous , you mean that it is very uncertain or weak. □� The cultural and historical links between the many provinces were seen to be very tenuous. ●� tenu|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The sub-plots are only tenuously interconnected.

ten|ure /te njə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tenure is the legal right to live in a particular building or to use a particular piece of land during a fixed period of time. □� Lack of security of tenure was a reason for many families becoming homeless.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Tenure is the period of time during which someone holds an important job. □�[+�of ] �the three-year tenure of the President.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you have tenure in your job, you have the right to keep it until you retire.

te|pee /tiː piː/ (tepees ) also teepee N‑COUNT A tepee is a round tent. Tepees were first made by Native American peoples from animal skins or the outer covering of trees.

tep|id /te p I d/

1 ADJ Water or another liquid that is tepid is slightly warm. □� She bent her mouth to the tap and drank the tepid water.

2 ADJ If you describe something such as a feeling or reaction as tepid , you mean that it lacks enthusiasm. □� His nomination, while strongly backed by the President, has received tepid support in the Senate.

te|qui|la /t I kiː lə/ (tequilas ) N‑VAR Tequila is a strong alcoholic drink made in Mexico from a type of cactus plant.

ter|cen|te|nary /tɜː r sentiː nəri, [AM ] -te n-/ N‑SING A tercentenary is a day or a year which is exactly three hundred years after an important event such as the birth of a famous person. □�[+�of ] �the tercentenary of the composer's death.

term ◆◆◆ /tɜː r m/ (terms , terming , termed )

1 PHRASE If you talk about something in terms of something or in particular terms , you are specifying which aspect of it you are discussing or from what point of view you are considering it. □�[+�of ] Our goods compete in terms of product quality, reliability and above all variety. □� Paris has played a dominant role in France, not just in political terms but also in economic power.

2 PHRASE If you say something in particular terms , you say it using a particular type or level of language or using language which clearly shows your attitude. □� The video explains in simple terms how the new tax works.

3 N‑COUNT A term is a word or expression with a specific meaning, especially one which is used in relation to a particular subject. □�[+�for ] Myocardial infarction is the medical term for a heart attack.

4 VERB If you say that something is termed a particular thing, you mean that that is what people call it or that is their opinion of it. □�[be V -ed n] He had been termed a temporary employee. □�[V n n] He termed the war a humanitarian nightmare. [Also V n as n]

5 N‑VAR A term is one of the periods of time that a school, college, or university divides the year into. □� �the summer term. □� �the last day of term.

6 N‑COUNT A term is a period of time between two elections during which a particular party or government is in power. □� He won a fourth term of office in the election.

7 N‑COUNT A term is a period of time that someone spends doing a particular job or in a particular place. □�[+�of ] �a 12 month term of service. □� Offenders will be liable to a seven-year prison term.

8 N‑COUNT A term is the period for which a legal contract or insurance policy is valid. □�[+�of ] Premiums are guaranteed throughout the term of the policy.

9 N‑UNCOUNT The term of a woman's pregnancy is the nine month period that it lasts. Term is also used to refer to the end of the nine month period. □� Women over 40 seem to be just as capable of carrying a baby to term as younger women.

10 N‑PLURAL The terms of an agreement, treaty, or other arrangement are the conditions that must be accepted by the people involved in it. □�[+�of ] They are discussing the terms of the peace agreement.

11 PHRASE If you come to terms with something difficult or unpleasant, you learn to accept and deal with it. □� My dad needed to come to terms with the fact that I had become an adult.

12 PHRASE If two people or groups compete on equal terms or on the same terms , neither of them has an advantage over the other. □�[+�with ] I had at last found a sport where I could compete on equal terms with able-bodied people.

13 PHRASE If two people are on good terms or on friendly terms , they are friendly with each other. □�[+�with ] Madeleine is on good terms with Sarah.

14 PHRASE You use the expressions in the long term , in the short term , and in the medium term to talk about what will happen over a long period of time, over a short period of time, and over a medium period of time. □� The agreement should have very positive results in the long term.

15 →�see also long-term , medium-term , short-term

16 PHRASE If you do something on your terms , you do it under conditions that you decide because you are in a position of power. □� They will sign the union treaty only on their terms.

17 PHRASE If you say that you are thinking in terms of doing a particular thing, you mean that you are considering it. □� United should be thinking in terms of winning the European Cup.

18in no uncertain terms →�see uncertain

19in real terms →�see real

20on speaking terms →�see speak SYNONYMS term NOUN 3

word:The word 'ginseng' comes from the Chinese word 'Shen-seng'.

name:They changed the name of the street.

expression:She spoke in a quiet voice but used remarkably coarse expressions.

phrase:He used a phrase I hate: 'You have to be cruel to be kind.' VERB 4

call:Everybody called each other by their surnames.

label:Certain estates are labelled as undesirable.

name:�a man named John T. Benson.

ter|mi|nal /tɜː r m I n ə l/ (terminals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A terminal illness or disease causes death, often slowly, and cannot be cured. □� �terminal cancer. □� His illness was terminal. ●� ter|mi|nal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� The patient is terminally ill.

2 N‑COUNT A terminal is a place where vehicles, passengers, or goods begin or end a journey. □� Plans are underway for a third terminal at the airport.

3 N‑COUNT A computer terminal is a piece of equipment consisting of a keyboard and a screen that is used for putting information into a computer or getting information from it. [COMPUTING ] □� Carl sits at a computer terminal 40 hours a week.

4 N‑COUNT On a piece of electrical equipment, a terminal is one of the points where electricity enters or leaves it. □�[+�of ] �the positive terminal of the battery.

ter|mi|nate /tɜː r m I ne I t/ (terminates , terminating , terminated )

1 VERB When you terminate something or when it terminates , it ends completely. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Her next remark abruptly terminated the conversation. □�[V ] His contract terminates at the end of the season. ●� ter|mi|na|tion /tɜː r m I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a dispute which led to the abrupt termination of trade.

2 VERB To terminate a pregnancy means to end it. [MEDICAL ] □�[V n] After a lot of agonizing, she decided to terminate the pregnancy. ●� ter|mi|na|tion (terminations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] You should also have a medical check-up after the termination of a pregnancy.

3 VERB When a train or bus terminates somewhere, it ends its journey there. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] This train will terminate at Taunton.

ter|mi|ni /tɜː r m I na I / Termini is a plural of terminus .

ter|mi|nol|ogy /tɜː r m I nɒ lədʒi/ (terminologies ) N‑VAR The terminology of a subject is the set of special words and expressions used in connection with it. □� �gastritis, which in medical terminology means an inflammation of the stomach.

ter|mi|nus /tɜː r m I nəs/ (termini ) N‑COUNT On a bus or train route, the terminus is the last stop, where the bus or train turns round or starts a journey in the opposite direction.

ter|mite /tɜː r ma I t/ (termites ) N‑COUNT Termites are small white insects which live in hot countries in homes made of earth. Termites do a lot of damage by eating wood.

te rm pa|per (term papers ) N‑COUNT A term paper is an essay or report which a student writes on a subject that he or she has studied during a term at a school, college, or university. [AM ]

te rms of re f|er|ence N‑PLURAL Terms of reference are the instructions given to someone when they are asked to consider or investigate a particular subject, telling them what they must deal with and what they can ignore. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The government has announced the terms of reference for its proposed committee of inquiry.

tern /tɜː r n/ (terns ) N‑COUNT A tern is a small black and white seabird with long wings and a forked tail.

ter|race /te r I s/ (terraces )

1 N‑COUNT A terrace is a row of similar houses joined together by their side walls. [BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �a terrace of stylish Victorian houses. □� �3 Queensborough Terrace.

2 N‑COUNT A terrace is a flat area of stone or grass next to a building where people can sit.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Terraces are a series of flat areas built like steps on the side of a hill so that crops can be grown there. □�[+�of ] �massive terraces of maize and millet carved into the mountainside like giant steps.

4 N‑PLURAL The terraces at a football ground are wide steps that people can stand on when they are watching a game. [BRIT ]

ter|raced /te r I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A terraced slope or side of a hill has flat areas like steps cut into it, where crops or other plants can be grown.

te r|raced hou se (terraced houses ) N‑COUNT A terraced house or a terrace house is one of a row of similar houses joined together by their side walls. [BRIT ] in AM, use row house

ter|rac|ing /te rəs I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Terracing is a sloping piece of land that has had flat areas like steps built on it, for example so that people can grow crops there.

terra|cotta /te rəkɒ tə/ also terra-cotta

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Terracotta is a brownish-red clay that has been baked and is used for making things such as flower pots, small statues, and tiles. □� �plants in terracotta pots.

2 COLOUR Terracotta is used to describe things that are brownish-red in colour. □� �the soft tones of blue, cream and terracotta.

ter|ra fir|ma /te rə fɜː r mə/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe the ground as terra firma , you mean that it feels safe in contrast to being in the air or at sea. □� �his relief on finding himself once more on terra firma.

ter|rain /təre I n/ (terrains ) N‑VAR Terrain is used to refer to an area of land or a type of land when you are considering its physical features. □� The terrain changed quickly from arable land to desert.

ter|ra|pin /te rəp I n/ (terrapins ) N‑COUNT A terrapin is a reptile which has a thick shell covering its body and which lives partly in water and partly on land.

ter|res|trial /t I re striəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Terrestrial means relating to the planet Earth rather than to some other part of the universe. □� �terrestrial life forms.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Terrestrial television channels are transmitted using equipment situated at ground level, and not by satellite. [BRIT ]

ter|ri|ble ◆◆◇ /te r I b ə l/

1 ADJ A terrible experience or situation is very serious or very unpleasant. □� Tens of thousands more suffered terrible injuries in the world's worst industrial disaster. □� I often have the most terrible nightmares. ●� ter|ri|bly ADV [ADV after v] □� My son has suffered terribly. He has lost his best friend.

2 ADJ If something is terrible , it is very bad or of very poor quality. □� She admits her French is terrible.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use terrible to emphasize the great extent or degree of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� I was a terrible fool, you know. I remember that now. ●� ter|ri|bly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� I'm terribly sorry to bother you at this hour. SYNONYMS terrible ADJ 1

awful:Even if the weather's awful there's lots to do.

appalling:They have been living under the most appalling conditions.

dreadful:They told us the dreadful news.

horrendous:He described it as the most horrendous experience of his life.

ter|ri|er /te riə r / (terriers )

1 N‑COUNT A terrier is a small breed of dog. There are many different types of terrier.

2 →�see also bull terrier , pit bull terrier

ter|rif|ic /tər I f I k/

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as terrific , you are very pleased with them or very impressed by them. [INFORMAL ] □� What a terrific idea! □� Everybody there was having a terrific time.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Terrific means very great in amount, degree, or intensity. [EMPHASIS ] □� All of a sudden there was a terrific bang and a flash of smoke. ●� ter|rifi|cal|ly /tər I f I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� �the only child of terrifically repressed parents.

ter|ri|fy /te r I fa I / (terrifies , terrifying , terrified ) VERB If something terrifies you, it makes you feel extremely frightened. □�[V n] Flying terrifies him. ●� ter|ri|fied ADJ [ADJ that, ADJ to-inf] □�[+�of ] He was terrified of heights. □� She was terrified that Ronnie would kidnap Sam.

ter|ri|fy|ing /te r I fa I I ŋ/ ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If something is terrifying , it makes you very frightened. □� I still find it terrifying to find myself surrounded by large numbers of horses.

ter|ri|to|rial /te r I tɔː riəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Territorial means concerned with the ownership of a particular area of land or water. □� It is the only republic which has no territorial disputes with the others.

2 ADJ If you describe an animal or its behaviour as territorial , you mean that it has an area which it regards as its own, and which it defends when other animals try to enter it. □� Two cats or more in one house will also exhibit territorial behaviour.

Te r|ri|to|rial A rmy N‑PROPER The Territorial Army is a British armed force whose members are not professional soldiers but train as soldiers in their spare time.

te r|ri|to|rial wa |ters N‑PLURAL A country's territorial waters are the parts of the sea close to its coast which are recognized by international agreement to be under its control, especially with regard to fishing rights.

ter|ri|tory ◆◆◇ /te rətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (territories )

1 N‑VAR Territory is land which is controlled by a particular country or ruler. □� The government denies that any of its territory is under rebel control. □� �Russian territory.

2 N‑COUNT A territory is a country or region that is controlled by another country. □� He toured some of the disputed territories now under U.N. control.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You can use territory to refer to an area of knowledge or experience. □� Following the futuristic The Handmaid's Tale, her next novel returned to more familiar territory.

4virgin territory →�see virgin

5 N‑VAR An animal's territory is an area which it regards as its own and which it defends when other animals try to enter it.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] Territory is land with a particular character. □� �mountainous territory. □� �a vast and uninhabited territory.

7 PHRASE If you say that something comes with the territory , you mean that you accept it as a natural result of the situation you are in. □� You can't expect not to have a debate; that's what comes with the territory in a democracy. SYNONYMS territory NOUN 1

district:�the home of the governor of the district.

area:If there is an election in your area, you should go and vote.

land:�this land of free speech.

region:�a remote mountain region.

ter|ror /te rə r / (terrors )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Terror is very great fear. □� I shook with terror whenever I was about to fly in an aeroplane.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Terror is violence or the threat of violence, especially when it is used for political reasons. □� The bomb attack on the capital could signal the start of a pre-election terror campaign.

3 N‑COUNT A terror is something that makes you very frightened. □�[+�of ] As a boy, he had a real terror of facing people. □�[+�of ] �the terrors of violence.

4 N‑COUNT If someone describes a child as a terror , they think that he or she is naughty and difficult to control. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was a terror. He had been a difficult child for as long as his parents could remember.

5reign of terror →�see reign

ter|ror|ise /te rəra I z/ →�see terrorize

ter|ror|ism /te rər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Terrorism is the use of violence, especially murder and bombing, in order to achieve political aims or to force a government to do something. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ter|ror|ist ◆◇◇ /te rər I st/ (terrorists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A terrorist is a person who uses violence, especially murder and bombing, in order to achieve political aims. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� One person was killed and three were wounded in terrorist attacks. SYNONYMS terrorist NOUN

freedom fighter:He calls himself a freedom fighter.

bomber:Detectives hunting the London bombers will be keen to interview him.

revolutionary:The revolutionaries laid down their arms and their leaders went into voluntary exile.

guerrilla:The guerrillas threatened to kill their hostages.

ter|ror|ize /te rəra I z/ (terrorizes , terrorizing , terrorized ) in BRIT, also use terrorise VERB If someone terrorizes you, they keep you in a state of fear by making it seem likely that they will attack you. □�[V n] Bands of gunmen have hijacked food shipments and terrorized relief workers.

ter|ry /te ri/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Terry or terry cloth is a type of fabric which has a lot of very small loops covering both sides. It is used especially for making things like towels and babies' nappies. □� �a terry nappy.

terse /tɜː r s/ (terser , tersest ) ADJ A terse statement or comment is brief and unfriendly. □� He issued a terse statement. ●� terse|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'It's too late,' he said tersely.

ter|tiary /tɜː r ʃəri, [AM ] -ʃieri/

1 ADJ Tertiary means third in order, third in importance, or at a third stage of development. [FORMAL ] □� He must have come to know those philosophers through secondary or tertiary sources.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Tertiary education is education at university or college level. [BRIT ] □� �institutions of tertiary education. in AM, use higher education

te r|tiary se c|tor (tertiary sectors ) N‑COUNT The tertiary sector consists of industries which provide a service, such as transport and finance. [BUSINESS ] □� The proportion of the labour force in the tertiary sector is increasing.

TESL /te s ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT TESL is the teaching of English to people who live in an English-speaking country, but whose first language is not English. TESL is an abbreviation for 'teaching English as a second language'.

TESOL /tiː sɒl/ N‑UNCOUNT TESOL is the teaching of English to people whose first language is not English. TESOL is an abbreviation for 'teaching English to speakers of other languages'.

test ◆◆◆ /te st/ (tests , testing , tested )

1 VERB When you test something, you try it, for example by touching it or using it for a short time, in order to find out what it is, what condition it is in, or how well it works. □�[be V -ed] The drug must first be tested in clinical trials to see if it works on other cancers.

2 N‑COUNT A test is a deliberate action or experiment to find out how well something works. □� �the banning of nuclear tests.

3 VERB If you test someone, you ask them questions or tell them to perform certain actions in order to find out how much they know about a subject or how well they are able to do something. □�[V n] They are not really testing pupils; they are testing the teachers. □�[V pron-refl] She decided to test herself with a training run in London.

4 N‑COUNT A test is a series of questions that you must answer or actions that you must perform in order to show how much you know about a subject or how well you are able to do something. □� Out of a total of 2,602 pupils, only 922 passed the test. □� She had sold her bike, taken a driving test and bought a car.

5 VERB If you test someone, you deliberately make things difficult for them in order to see how they react. □�[V n] She may be testing her mother to see how much she can take before she throws her out.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If an event or situation is a testof a person or thing, it reveals their qualities or effectiveness. □�[+�of ] It is a commonplace fact that holidays are a major test of any relationship.

7 VERB [usu passive] If you are testedfor a particular disease or medical condition, you are examined or go through various procedures in order to find out whether you have that disease or condition. □�[be V -ed +�for ] My doctor wants me to be tested for diabetes. □�[be V -ed] Girls in an affected family can also be tested to see if they carry the defective gene.

8 N‑COUNT A medical test is an examination of a part of your body in order to check that you are healthy or to find out what is wrong with you. □� If necessary, X-rays and blood tests will also be used to aid diagnosis.

9 N‑COUNT A test is a sports match between two international teams, usually in cricket, rugby union, or rugby league. [BRIT ]

10 →�see also acid test , breath test , litmus test , means test , testing , test match

11 PHRASE If you put something to the test , you find out how useful or effective it is by using it. □� The Liverpool team are now putting their theory to the test.

12 PHRASE If new circumstances or events put something to the test , they put a strain on it and indicate how strong or stable it really is. □� Sooner or later, life will put the relationship to the test.

13 PHRASE If you say that something will stand the test of time , you mean that it is strong or effective enough to last for a very long time. □� It says a lot for her culinary skills that so many of her recipes have stood the test of time.

14to test the waters →�see water SYNONYMS test VERB 1

check:It's worth checking each item for obvious flaws.

try out:London Transport hopes to try out the system in September.

assess:It would be a matter of assessing whether she was well enough to travel. NOUN 2

trial:They have been treated with this drug in clinical trials.

check:He is being constantly monitored with regular checks on his blood pressure.

assessment:Heggie was sent to a psychiatric hospital for an assessment.

experiment:�a proposed new law on animal experiments.

tes|ta|ment /te stəmənt/ (testaments )

1 N‑VAR If one thing is a testamentto another, it shows that the other thing exists or is true. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Braka's house, just off Sloane Square, is a testament to his Gothic tastes.

2 PHRASE [usu with poss] Someone's last will and testament is the most recent will that they have made, especially the last will that they make before they die. [LEGAL ]

3 →�see also New Testament , Old Testament

te st bed (test beds ) N‑COUNT A test bed is a piece of equipment used for testing new machines.

te st ca se (test cases ) N‑COUNT A test case is a legal case which becomes an example for deciding other similar cases.

test|er /te stə r / (testers )

1 N‑COUNT A tester is a person who has been asked to test a particular thing.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A tester is a machine or device that you use to test whether another machine or device is working properly. □� I have a battery tester in my garage.

tes|ti|cle /te st I k ə l/ (testicles ) N‑COUNT A man's testicles are the two sex glands between his legs that produce sperm.

tes|ticu|lar /test I kjʊlə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Testicular means relating to or involving the testicles. □� �testicular cancer.

tes|ti|fy /te st I fa I / (testifies , testifying , testified )

1 VERB When someone testifies in a court of law, they give a statement of what they saw someone do or what they know of a situation, after having promised to tell the truth. □�[V that] Several eyewitnesses testified that they saw him run from the scene. □�[V +�to ] Eva testified to having seen Herndon with his gun on the stairs. □�[V +�against/for/about ] He hopes to have his 12-year prison term reduced by testifying against his former colleagues. [Also V ]

2 VERB If one thing testifiesto another, it supports the belief that the second thing is true. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] Recent excavations testify to the presence of cultivated inhabitants on the hill during the Arthurian period.

tes|ti|mo|nial /te st I moʊ niəl/ (testimonials )

1 N‑COUNT A testimonial is a written statement about a person's character and abilities, often written by their employer. □�[+�to ] Her employer could provide testimonials to her character and ability.

2 N‑COUNT A testimonial is a sports match which is specially arranged so that part of the profit from the tickets sold can be given to a particular player or to a particular player's family.

tes|ti|mo|ny /te st I məni, [AM ] -moʊni/ (testimonies )

1 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] In a court of law, someone's testimony is a formal statement that they make about what they saw someone do or what they know of a situation, after having promised to tell the truth. □� His testimony was an important element of the Prosecution case.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If you say that one thing is testimonyto another, you mean that it shows clearly that the second thing has a particular quality. □�[+�to ] This book is testimony to a very individual kind of courage.

test|ing ◆◇◇ /te st I ŋ/

1 ADJ A testing problem or situation is very difficult to deal with and shows a lot about the character of the person who is dealing with it. □� The most testing time is undoubtedly in the early months of your return to work.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Testing is the activity of testing something or someone in order to find out information. □� The National Collegiate Athletic Association introduced drug testing in the mid-1980s.

tes|tis /te st I s/ (testes /te stiːz/) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A man's testes are his testicles . [MEDICAL ]

te st match (test matches ) N‑COUNT In cricket and rugby, a test match is a one of a series of matches played between teams representing two countries. [BRIT ]

tes|tos|ter|one /testɒ stəroʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT Testosterone is a hormone found in men and male animals, which can also be produced artificially. It is thought to be responsible for the male sexual instinct and other male characteristics.

te st pi|lot (test pilots ) N‑COUNT A test pilot is a pilot who flies aircraft of a new design in order to test their performance.

te st ru n (test runs ) N‑COUNT If you give a machine or system a test run , you try it out to see if it will work properly when it is actually in use.

te st tube (test tubes ) also test-tube N‑COUNT A test tube is a small tube-shaped container made from glass. Test tubes are used in laboratories.

te st-tube ba by (test-tube babies ) also test tube baby N‑COUNT A test-tube baby is a baby that develops from an egg which has been removed from the mother's body, fertilized, and then replaced in her womb in order that it can continue developing.

tes|ty /te sti/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as testy , you mean that they easily become impatient or angry. [mainly LITERARY ] □� Ben's getting a little testy in his old age. ●� tes|ti|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He reacted testily to reports that he'd opposed military involvement.

teta|nus /te tənəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Tetanus is a serious painful disease caused by bacteria getting into wounds. It makes your muscles, especially your jaw muscles, go stiff.

tetchy /te tʃi/ (tetchier , tetchiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is tetchy , you mean they are bad-tempered and likely to get angry suddenly without an obvious reason. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� You always get tetchy when you're hungry. □� He was in a particularly tetchy mood yesterday.

teth|er /te �ə r / (tethers , tethering , tethered )

1 PHRASE If you say that you are atthe end of your tether , you mean that you are so worried, tired, and unhappy because of your problems that you feel you cannot cope. □� She was jealous, humiliated, and emotionally at the end of her tether.

2 N‑COUNT A tether is a rope or chain which is used to tie an animal to a post or fence so that it can only move around within a small area.

3 VERB If you tether an animal or object to something, you attach it there with a rope or chain so that it cannot move very far. □�[V n +�to ] The officer dismounted, tethering his horse to a tree. [Also V n]

Teu|ton|ic /tjuːtɒ n I k, [AM ] tuː-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Teutonic means typical of or relating to German people. [FORMAL ] □� The coach was a masterpiece of Teutonic engineering.

Tex-Mex /te ksme ks/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use Tex-Mex to describe things such as food or music that combine typical elements from Mexico and the south-western United States. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� �Tex-Mex restaurants.

text ◆◇◇ /te kst/ (texts , texting , texted )

1 N‑SING The text of a book is the main part of it, rather than the introduction, pictures, or notes. □� The text is precise and informative.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Text is any written material. □� The manuscript consisted of 500 pages of typed text.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The text of a speech, broadcast, or recording is the written version of it. □�[+�of ] A text of his speech had been circulated to all of the bishops.

4 N‑COUNT A text is a book or other piece of writing, especially one connected with science or learning. □� Her text is believed to be the oldest surviving manuscript by a female physician.

5 N‑COUNT A text is a written or spoken passage, especially one that is used in a school or university for discussion or in an examination. □� His early plays are set texts in universities.

6 N‑COUNT A text is the same as a text message . □� He sent a text to his boss insisting that he had done nothing wrong.

7 VERB If you text someone, you send them a text message on a mobile phone. □�[V n] Mary texted me when she got home. SYNONYMS text NOUN

2

words:Can you hear the words on the album?

wording:The wording is so vague that no one actually knows what it means.

content:The letter's contents were not disclosed.

5

passage:He reads a passage from Milton.

extract:Read this extract from an information booklet about the work of an airline cabin crew.

excerpt:�an excerpt from her new novel.

text|book /te kstbʊk/ (textbooks ) also text book

1 N‑COUNT A textbook is a book containing facts about a particular subject that is used by people studying that subject. □� �a chemistry textbook.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that something is a textbook case or example, you are emphasizing that it provides a clear example of a type of situation or event. [EMPHASIS ] □� The house is a textbook example of medieval domestic architecture.

tex|tile /te ksta I l/ (textiles )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Textiles are types of cloth or fabric, especially ones that have been woven. □� �the Scottish textile industry.

2 N‑PLURAL [no det] Textiles are the industries concerned with the manufacture of cloth. □� Another 75,000 jobs will be lost in textiles and clothing.

text|ing /te kst I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Texting is the same as text messaging .

te xt mes|sage (text messages ) N‑COUNT A text message is a written message that you send using a mobile phone.

te xt mes|sag|ing N‑UNCOUNT Text messaging is sending written messages using a mobile phone.

text|phone /te kstfoʊn/ (textphones ) N‑COUNT A textphone is a telephone with a screen and a keyboard, designed for people with hearing problems.

tex|tu|al /te kstʃuəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Textual means relating to written texts, especially literary texts. □� �close textual analysis of Shakespeare.

tex|ture /te kstʃə r / (textures )

1 N‑VAR The texture of something is the way that it feels when you touch it, for example how smooth or rough it is. □� Aloe Vera is used in moisturisers to give them a wonderfully silky texture.

2 N‑VAR The texture of something, especially food or soil, is its structure, for example whether it is light with lots of holes, or very heavy and solid. □� This cheese has an open, crumbly texture with a strong flavour.

tex|tured /te kstʃə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A textured surface is not smooth, but has a particular texture, for example, it feels rough. □� The shoe's sole had a slightly textured surface.

SUFFIX -th

You add -th to numbers written in figures and ending in 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 in order to form ordinal numbers. These numbers are pronounced as if they were written as words. For example, 7th is pronounced the same as 'seventh', and 5th is pronounced the same as 'fifth'. For example, ' 10th May' is day number 10 in the month of May.

Thai /ta I / (Thais )

1 ADJ Thai means belonging or relating to Thailand, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Thai is a person who comes from Thailand.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Thai is the language spoken in Thailand.

tha|lido|mide /θəl I dəma I d/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Thalidomide is a drug which used to be given to pregnant women, before it was discovered that it resulted in babies being born with wrongly shaped arms and legs.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Thalidomide is used to describe someone whose arms and legs are wrongly shaped because their mother took thalidomide when she was pregnant. □� �the special needs of thalidomide children.

than ◆◆◆ /�ən, STRONG ��n/

1 PREP You use than after a comparative adjective or adverb in order to link two parts of a comparison. □� The radio only weighs a few ounces and is smaller than a mobile phone. □� She walks far more slowly than we do. ●�CONJ Than is also a conjunction. □� He wished he could have helped her more than he did. □� Sometimes patients are more depressed six months later than when they first hear the bad news.

2 PREP You use than when you are stating a number, quantity, or value approximately by saying that it is above or below another number, quantity, or value. □� They talked on the phone for more than an hour. □� The tournament starts in less than two months' time.

3 CONJ You use than in order to link two parts of a contrast, for example in order to state a preference. □� The arrangement was more a formality than a genuine partnership of two nations.

4less than →�see less

5more than →�see more

6more often than not →�see often

7other than →�see other

8rather than →�see rather

thank ◆◆◆ /θ� ŋk/ (thanks , thanking , thanked )

1 CONVENTION You use thank you or, in more informal English, thanks to express your gratitude when someone does something for you or gives you what you want. [FORMULAE ] □� Thank you very much for your call. □�[+�for ] Thanks for the information. □� Thanks a lot, Suzie. You've been great.

2 CONVENTION You use thank you or, in more informal English, thanks to politely accept or refuse something that has just been offered to you. [FORMULAE ] □� 'You'd like a cup as well, would you, Mr Secombe?'�'Thank you, Jane, I'd love one.' □� 'Would you like a biscuit?'�'No thank you.'

3 CONVENTION You use thank you or, in more informal English, thanks to politely acknowledge what someone has said to you, especially when they have answered your question or said something nice to you. [FORMULAE ] □� The policeman smiled at her. 'Pretty dog.'�'Oh well, thank you.' □� 'It's great to see you.'�'Thanks. Same to you.'

4 CONVENTION You use thank you or thank you very much in order to say firmly that you do not want someone's help or to tell them that you do not like the way that they are behaving towards you. [EMPHASIS ] □� I can stir my own tea, thank you. □� We know where we can get it, thank you very much.

5 VERB When you thank someone for something, you express your gratitude to them for it. □�[V n +�for ] I thanked them for their long and loyal service. □�[V n] When the decision was read out Mrs Gardner thanked the judges.

6 N‑PLURAL When you express your thanks to someone, you express your gratitude to them for something. □� They accepted their certificates with words of thanks.

7 →�see also thankyou

8 PHRASE You say ' Thank God ', ' Thank Goodness ', or ' Thank heavens ' when you are very relieved about something. [FEELINGS ] □� I was wrong, thank God. □� Thank heavens we have you here.

9 PHRASE If you say that you have someone to thankfor something, you mean that you are grateful to them because they caused it to happen. □�[+�for ] I have her to thank for my life.

10 PHRASE If you say that something happens thanks to a particular person or thing, you mean that they are responsible for it happening or caused it to happen. □�[+�to ] It is thanks to this committee that many new sponsors have come forward.

11 PHRASE If you say that something happens no thanks to a particular person or thing, you mean that they did not help it to happen, or that it happened in spite of them. □�[+�to ] It is no thanks to the Government that net assets did rise.

thank|ful /θ� ŋkfʊl/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] When you are thankful , you are very happy and relieved that something has happened. □� Most of the time I'm just thankful that I've got a job. [Also +�for ]

thank|ful|ly /θ� ŋkfʊli/ ADV You use thankfully in order to express approval or happiness about a statement that you are making. □� Thankfully, she was not injured.

thank|less /θ� ŋkləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a job or task as thankless , you mean that it is hard work and brings very few rewards. □� Soccer referees have a thankless task.

thanks|giving /θ� ŋksg I v I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Thanksgiving is the giving of thanks to God, especially in a religious ceremony. □� The Prince's unexpected recovery was celebrated with a thanksgiving service in St Paul's.

Thanks|giving (Thanksgivings ) N‑VAR In the United States, Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. It was originally a day when people celebrated the end of the harvest and thanked God for it.

thank|you /θ� ŋkjuː/ (thankyous ) also thank-you

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you refer to something as a thankyou for what someone has done for you, you mean that it is intended as a way of thanking them. □� The surprise gift is a thankyou for our help. □� �a thank-you note.

2 →�see also thank

that

➊�DEMONSTRATIVE USES

➋�CONJUNCTION AND RELATIVE PRONOUN USES

➊ that ◆◆◆ /�� t/

→�Please look at categories 20 to 22 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 PRON You use that to refer back to an idea or situation expressed in a previous sentence or sentences. □� They said you particularly wanted to talk to me. Why was that? □� Some feared Germany might raise its interest rates. That could have set the scene for a confrontation with the U.S. ●�DET That is also a determiner. □� Their main aim is to support you when making a claim for medical treatment. For that reason the claims procedure is as simple and helpful as possible.

2 DET You use that to refer to someone or something already mentioned. □� The Commissioners get between �50,000 and �60,000 a year in various allowances. But that amount can soar to �90,000 a year.

3 DET When you have been talking about a particular period of time, you use that to indicate that you are still referring to the same period. You use expressions such as that morning or that afternoon to indicate that you are referring to an earlier period of the same day. □� The story was published in a Sunday newspaper later that week.

4 PRON You use that in expressions such as that of and that which to introduce more information about something already mentioned, instead of repeating the noun which refers to it. [FORMAL ] □� The cool air and green light made the atmosphere curiously like that of an aquarium.

5 PRON You use that in front of words or expressions which express agreement, responses, or reactions to what has just been said. □� 'She said she'd met you in England.'�'That's true.' □� 'I've never been to Paris.'�'That's a pity. You should go one day.'

6 DET You use that to introduce a person or thing that you are going to give details or information about. [FORMAL ] □� In my case I chose that course which I considered right.

7 DET You use that when you are referring to someone or something which is a distance away from you in position or time, especially when you indicate or point to them. When there are two or more things near you, that refers to the more distant one. □� Look at that guy. He's got red socks. □� Where did you get that hat? ●�PRON That is also a pronoun. □� That looks heavy. May I carry it for you?

8 PRON You use that when you are identifying someone or asking about their identity. □� That's my wife you were talking to. □� I answered the phone and this voice went, 'Hello? Is that Alison?'

9 DET You can use that when you expect the person you are talking to to know what or who you are referring to, without needing to identify the particular person or thing fully. [SPOKEN ] □� Did you get that cheque I sent? ●�PRON That is also a pronoun. □� That was a terrible case of blackmail in the paper today.

10 ADV [ADV adj/adv] If something is notthat bad, funny, or expensive for example, it is not as bad, funny, or expensive as it might be or as has been suggested. □� Not even Gary, he said, was that stupid.

11 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use that to emphasize the degree of a feeling or quality. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I would have walked out, I was that angry.

12 →�see also those

13 PHRASE You use and all that or and that to refer generally to everything else which is associated with what you have just mentioned. [INFORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □� I'm not a cook myself but I am interested in nutrition and that.

14 PHRASE You use at that after a statement which modifies or emphasizes what you have just said. [EMPHASIS ] □� Success never seems to come but through hard work, often physically demanding work at that.

15 PHRASE You use that is or that is to say to indicate that you are about to express the same idea more clearly or precisely. □� I am a disappointing, though generally dutiful, student. That is, I do as I'm told.

16 PHRASE You use that's it to indicate that nothing more needs to be done or that the end has been reached. □� When he left the office, that was it, the workday was over.

17 CONVENTION You use that's it to express agreement with or approval of what has just been said or done. [FORMULAE ] □� 'You got married, right?'�'Yeah, that's it.'

18 PHRASE You use just like that to emphasize that something happens or is done immediately or in a very simple way, often without much thought or discussion. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Just like that, I was in love.

19 PHRASE You use that's that to say there is nothing more you can do or say about a particular matter. [SPOKEN ] □� 'Well, if that's the way you want it,' he replied, tears in his eyes, 'I guess that's that.'

20like that →�see like ➌

21this and that →�see this

22this, that and the other →�see this

➋ that ◆◆◆ /�ət, STRONG ��t/

1 CONJ You can use that after many verbs, adjectives, nouns, and expressions to introduce a clause in which you report what someone has said, or what they think or feel. □� He called her up one day and said that he and his family were coming to New York. □� We were worried that she was going to die.

2 CONJ You use that after 'it' and a link verb and an adjective to comment on a situation or fact. □� I've made up my mind, but it's obvious that you need more time to think.

3 PRON You use that to introduce a clause which gives more information to help identify the person or thing you are talking about. □� �pills that will make the problem disappear. □� �a car that won't start.

4 CONJ You use that after expressions with 'so' and 'such' in order to introduce the result or effect of something. □� She became so nervous that she shook violently.

thatch /θ� tʃ/ (thatches )

1 N‑COUNT A thatch or a thatch roof is a roof made from straw or reeds. □� They would live in a small house with a green door and a new thatch.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thatch is straw or reeds used to make a roof.

3 N‑SING You can refer to someone's hair as their thatchof hair, especially when it is very thick and untidy. □�[+�of ] Teddy ran thick fingers through his unruly thatch of hair.

thatched /θ� tʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A thatched house or a house with a thatched roof has a roof made of straw or reeds.

thatch|er /θ� tʃə r / (thatchers ) N‑COUNT A thatcher is a person whose job is making roofs from straw or reeds.

thatch|ing /θ� tʃ I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Thatching is straw or reeds used to make a roof.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thatching is the skill or activity of making roofs from straw or reeds.

that'd /�� t ə d/ That'd is a spoken form of 'that would', or of 'that had' when 'had' is an auxiliary verb.

that'll /�� t ə l/ That'll is a spoken form of 'that will'.

that's /�� ts/ That's is a spoken form of 'that is'.

thaw /θɔː / (thaws , thawing , thawed )

1 VERB When ice, snow, or something else that is frozen thaws , it melts. □�[V ] It's so cold the snow doesn't get a chance to thaw.

2 N‑COUNT A thaw is a period of warmer weather when snow and ice melt, usually at the end of winter. □� We slogged through the mud of an early spring thaw.

3 VERB When you thaw frozen food or when it thaws , you leave it in a place where it can reach room temperature so that it is ready for use. □�[V n] Always thaw pastry thoroughly. □�[V ] The food in the freezer had thawed during a power cut. ●�PHRASAL VERB Thaw out means the same as thaw . □�[V n P ] Thaw it out completely before reheating in a saucepan. □�[V P n] I remember to thaw out the chicken before I leave home. [Also V P ]

4 VERB If something thaws relations between people or if relations thaw , they become friendly again after a period of being unfriendly. □�[V n] At least this second meeting had helped to thaw the atmosphere. □�[V ] It took up to Christmas for political relations to thaw. ●�N‑SING Thaw is also a noun. □�[+�in ] His visit is one of the most striking results of the thaw in relations between the two countries.

▸� thaw out →�see thaw3

the ◆◆◆ The is the definite article. It is used at the beginning of noun groups. The is usually pronounced /�ə/ before a consonant and /�i/ before a vowel, but pronounced /�iː/ when you are emphasizing it. 1 DET You use the at the beginning of noun groups to refer to someone or something that you have already mentioned or identified. □� We both got up and, ignoring the waiter, made our way to the buffet. □� Six of the 38 people were Russian citizens.

2 DET You use the at the beginning of a noun group when the first noun is followed by an 'of' phrase or a clause which identifies the person or thing. □� There has been a slight increase in the consumption of meat. □� Of the 9,660 cases processed last year, only 10 per cent were totally rejected.

3 DET You use the in front of some nouns that refer to something in our general experience of the world. □� It's always hard to speculate about the future. □� Amy sat outside in the sun.

4 DET You use the in front of nouns that refer to people, things, services, or institutions that are associated with everyday life. □� The doctor's on his way. □� Who was that on the phone?

5 DET You use the instead of a possessive determiner, especially when you are talking about a part of someone's body or a member of their family. □� 'How's the family?'�'Just fine, thank you.' □� I patted him on the head.

6 DET You use the in front of a singular noun when you want to make a general statement about things or people of that type. □� The mobile phone has become integral to most people's lives. □� After dogs, the horse has had the closest relationship with man.

7 DET You use the with the name of a musical instrument when you are talking about someone's ability to play the instrument. □� She was trying to teach him to play the guitar.

8 DET You use the with nationality adjectives and nouns to talk about the people who live in a country. □� Shiatsu works by stimulating the body's vital energy flow (termed "chi" by the Chinese).

9 DET You use the with words such as 'rich', 'poor', or 'unemployed' to refer to all people of a particular type. □� �support for the unemployed.

10 DET If you want to refer to a whole family or to a married couple, you can make their surname into a plural and use the in front of it. □� The Taylors decided that they would employ an architect to do the work.

11 DET You use the in front of an adjective when you are referring to a particular thing that is described by that adjective. □� He knows he's wishing for the impossible. □� I thought you might like to read the enclosed.

12 DET You use the to indicate that you have enough of the thing mentioned for a particular purpose. □� She may not have the money to maintain or restore her property. □� We must have the patience to continue to work until we will find a peaceful solution.

13 DET You use the with some titles, place names, and other names. □� The company was alleged to have leaked the news to the Daily Mail. □� �the Albert Hall.

14 DET You use the in front of numbers such as first, second, and third. □� The meeting should take place on the fifth of May. □� Marco Polo is said to have sailed on the Pacific on his way to Java in the thirteenth century.

15 DET You use the in front of numbers when they refer to decades. □� It's sometimes hard to imagine how bad things were in the thirties.

16 DET You use the in front of superlative adjectives and adverbs. □� Brisk daily walks are still the best exercise for young and old alike.

17 DET You use the in front of each of two comparative adjectives or adverbs when you are describing how one amount or quality changes in relation to another. □� The longer you have been in shape in the past, the quicker you will regain fitness in future.

18 DET When you express rates, prices, and measurements, you can use the to say how many units apply to each of the items being measured. □� Cars do fewer miles to the litre on LPG fuel. □� Some analysts predicted that the exchange rate would soon be $2 to the pound.

19 DET You use the to indicate that something or someone is the most famous, important, or best thing of its kind. In spoken English, you put more stress on it, and in written English, you often underline it or write it in capitals or italics. □� Camden Market is the place to be on a Saturday or Sunday.

thea|tre ◆◆◇ /θiː ətə r / (theatres ) in AM, use theater1 N‑COUNT A theatre is a building with a stage in it, on which plays, shows, and other performances take place. □� I worked at the Grand Theatre.

2 N‑SING You can refer to work in the theatre such as acting or writing plays as the theatre . □� You can move up to work in films and the theatre.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Theatre is entertainment that involves the performance of plays.

4 N‑COUNT A theater or a movie theater is a place where people go to watch films for entertainment. [AM ] in BRIT, use cinema5 N‑COUNT In a hospital, a theatre is a special room where surgeons carry out medical operations. □� She is back from theatre and her condition is comfortable.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A theatreof war or other conflict is the area or region in which the war or conflict is happening. □�[+�of ] �the Prussian army's battle to join up with Wellington, away from the main theatre of war. SYNONYMS theatre NOUN 1

playhouse:The Theatre Royal is one of the oldest playhouses in Britain.

auditorium:The Albert Hall is a huge auditorium.

amphitheatre:We visited the amphitheatre.

thea tre-goer (theatre-goers ) in AM, use theatergoer N‑COUNT Theatre-goers are people who are at the theatre to see a play, or who regularly go to the theatre to see plays.

the|at|ri|cal /θi� tr I k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Theatrical means relating to the theatre. □� These are the prizes given for the most outstanding British theatrical performances of the year. ●� the|at|ri|cal|ly /θi� tr I kli/ ADV □� Shaffer's great gift lies in his ability to animate ideas theatrically.

2 ADJ Theatrical behaviour is exaggerated and unnatural, and intended to create an effect. □� In a theatrical gesture, Glass clamped his hand over his eyes. ●� the|at|ri|cal|ly ADV □� He looked theatrically at his watch.

3 ADJ Theatrical can be used to describe something that is grand and dramatic, as if it is part of a performance in a theatre. □� There was a theatrical air about the whole scene which had a great appeal for me. ●� the|at|ri|cal|ly ADV □� �a white hotel theatrically set along a ridge.

thee /�iː/ PRON Thee is an old-fashioned, poetic, or religious word for 'you' when you are talking to only one person. It is used as the object of a verb or preposition. □� I miss thee, beloved father.

theft /θe ft/ (thefts ) N‑VAR [oft n N ] Theft is the crime of stealing. □� Art theft is now part of organised crime. [Also +�of ]

their ◆◆◆ /�eə r / Their is the third person plural possessive determiner. 1 DET You use their to indicate that something belongs or relates to the group of people, animals, or things that you are talking about. □� Janis and Kurt have announced their engagement. □� Horses were poking their heads over their stall doors.

2 DET You use their instead of 'his or her' to indicate that something belongs or relates to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people think this use is incorrect. □� Every member will receive their own 'Welcome to Labour' brochure.

theirs /�eə r z/ Theirs is the third person plural possessive pronoun. 1 PRON You use theirs to indicate that something belongs or relates to the group of people, animals, or things that you are talking about. □� There was a big group of a dozen people at the table next to theirs. □� It would cost about �3000 to install a new heating system in a flat such as theirs.

2 PRON You use theirs instead of 'his or hers' to indicate that something belongs or relates to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people think this use is incorrect. □� If someone wanted it, it would be theirs for the taking.

them ◆◆◆ /�əm, STRONG �em/ Them is a third person plural pronoun. Them is used as the object of a verb or preposition. 1 PRON You use them to refer to a group of people, animals, or things. □� Kids these days have no one to tell them what's right and wrong. □� His dark socks, I could see, had a stripe on them.

2 PRON You use them instead of 'him or her' to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people think this use is incorrect. □� It takes great courage to face your child and tell them the truth.

3 DET In non-standard spoken English, them is sometimes used instead of 'those'. □� 'Our Billy doesn't eat them ones,' Helen said.

the|mat|ic /θiːm� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Thematic means concerned with the subject or theme of something, or with themes and topics in general. [FORMAL ] □� �assembling this material into thematic groups. ●� the|mati|cal|ly /θiːm� t I kli/ ADV □� �a thematically-linked threesome of songs.

theme ◆◇◇ /θiː m/ (themes )

1 N‑COUNT A theme in a piece of writing, a talk, or a discussion is an important idea or subject that runs through it. □�[+�of ] The theme of the summit was women as 'agents of change'.

2 N‑COUNT A theme in an artist's work or in a work of literature is an idea in it that the artist or writer develops or repeats. □� The novel's central theme is the perennial conflict between men and women.

3 N‑COUNT A theme is a short simple tune on which a piece of music is based. □� �variations on themes from Mozart's The Magic Flute.

4 N‑COUNT [usu N n] Theme music or a theme song is a piece of music that is played at the beginning and end of a film or of a television or radio programme. □�[+�from ] �the theme from Dr Zhivago. SYNONYMS theme NOUN 1

subject:�steering the conversation round to his favourite subject.

topic:The main topic for discussion is political union.

motif:The motif of these volumes is that 'solitude is the richness of the soul, loneliness is its poverty.'

themed /θiː md/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A themed place or event has been created so that it shows a particular historical time or way of life, or tells a well-known story. [mainly BRIT ] □� �themed restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

the me park (theme parks ) N‑COUNT A theme park is a large outdoor area where people pay to go to enjoy themselves. All the different activities in a theme park are usually based on a particular idea or theme.

the me pub (theme pubs ) N‑COUNT A theme pub is a pub that has been decorated and furnished in a style that is often based on a particular country or type of activity. [mainly BRIT ] □� �Irish theme pubs.

them|self /�əmse lf/ PRON Themself is sometimes used instead of 'themselves' when it clearly refers to a singular subject. Some people consider this use to be incorrect. □� No one perceived themself to be in a position to hire such a man.

them|selves ◆◆◆ /�əmse lvz/ Themselves is the third person plural reflexive pronoun. 1 PRON You use themselves to refer to people, animals, or things when the object of a verb or preposition refers to the same people or things as the subject of the verb. □� They all seemed to be enjoying themselves. □� The men talked amongst themselves.

2 PRON You use themselves to emphasize the people or things that you are referring to. Themselves is also sometimes used instead of 'them' as the object of a verb or preposition. [EMPHASIS ] □� Many mentally ill people are themselves unhappy about the idea of community care.

3 PRON You use themselves instead of 'himself or herself' to refer back to the person who is the subject of a sentence without saying whether it is a man or a woman. Some people think this use is incorrect. □� What can a patient with emphysema do to help themselves?

4 PRON You use themselves instead of 'himself or herself' to emphasize the person you are referring to without saying whether it is a man or a woman. Themselves is also sometimes used as the object of a verb or preposition. Some people think this use is incorrect. [EMPHASIS ] □� Each student makes only one item themselves.

then ◆◆◆ /�e n/

1 ADV Then means at a particular time in the past or in the future. □� He wanted an income after his retirement; until then, he wouldn't require additional money. □� The clinic opened for business last October and since then has treated more than 200 people.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Then is used when you refer to something which was true at a particular time in the past but is not true now. □� The bill was enacted by the then Labour Government. ●�ADV Then is also an adverb. □� Richard Strauss, then 76 years old, suffered through the war years in silence.

3 ADV [ADV before v] You use then to say that one thing happens after another, or is after another on a list. □� Add the oil and then the scallops to the pan, leaving a little space for the garlic.

4 ADV You use then in conversation to indicate that what you are about to say follows logically in some way from what has just been said or implied. □� 'I wasn't a very good scholar at school.'�'What did you like doing best then?'

5 ADV You use then at the end of a topic or at the end of a conversation. □� 'I'll talk to you on Friday anyway.'�'Yep. Okay then.'

6 ADV [adv ADV ] You use then with words like 'now', 'well', and 'okay', to introduce a new topic or a new point of view. □� Now then, you say you walk on the fields out the back?

7 ADV You use then to introduce the second part of a sentence which begins with 'if'. The first part of the sentence describes a possible situation, and then introduces the result of the situation. □� If the answer is 'yes', then we must decide on an appropriate course of action.

8 ADV You use then at the beginning of a sentence or after 'and' or 'but' to introduce a comment or an extra piece of information to what you have already said. □� He sounded sincere, but then, he always did.

9now and then →�see now

10there and then →�see there

thence /�e ns/

1 ADV [oft ADV before v] Thence means from a particular place, especially when you are giving directions about how to get somewhere. [FORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� I ran straight up to Columbia County, then turned East, came down the Harlem Valley and thence home.

2 ADV [oft ADV before v] Thence is used to say that something changes from one state or condition to another. [FORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �the conversion of sunlight into heat and thence into electricity.

thence|forth /�e nsfɔː r θ/ ADV Thenceforth means starting from a particular time in the past that you have mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� My life was totally different thenceforth.

the|oc|ra|cy /θiɒ krəsi/ (theocracies ) N‑VAR A theocracy is a society which is ruled by priests who represent a god. [TECHNICAL ]

theo|crat|ic /θiː əkr� t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A theocratic society is ruled by priests who represent a god. [TECHNICAL ]

theo|lo|gian /θiː əloʊ dʒ ə n/ (theologians ) N‑COUNT A theologian is someone who studies the nature of God, religion, and religious beliefs.

the|ol|ogy /θiɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Theology is the study of the nature of God and of religion and religious beliefs. □� �questions of theology. ●� theo|logi|cal /θiː əlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �theological books.

theo|rem /θiː ərəm/ (theorems ) N‑COUNT A theorem is a statement in mathematics or logic that can be proved to be true by reasoning.

theo|reti|cal /θiː əre t I k ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A theoretical study or explanation is based on or uses the ideas and abstract principles that relate to a particular subject, rather than the practical aspects or uses of it. □� �theoretical physics.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation as a theoretical one, you mean that although it is supposed to be true or to exist in the way stated, it may not in fact be true or exist in that way. □� This is certainly a theoretical risk but in practice there is seldom a problem.

theo|reti|cal|ly /θiː əre t I kəli/ ADV You use theoretically to say that although something is supposed to be true or to happen in the way stated, it may not in fact be true or happen in that way. □� Theoretically, the price is supposed to be marked on the shelf.

theo|reti|cian /θ I ə rət I ʃ ə n/ (theoreticians ) N‑COUNT A theoretician is the same as a theorist .

theo|rist /θiː ər I st/ (theorists ) N‑COUNT A theorist is someone who develops an abstract idea or set of ideas about a particular subject in order to explain it.

theo|rize /θiː əra I z/ (theorizes , theorizing , theorized ) in BRIT, also use theorise VERB If you theorize that something is true or theorize about it, you develop an abstract idea or set of ideas about something in order to explain it. □�[V that] Police are theorizing that the killers may be posing as hitchhikers. □�[V +�about ] By studying the way people behave, we can theorize about what is going on in their mind. [Also V ] ●� theo|riz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� This was no time for theorizing.

theo|ry ◆◆◇ /θ I ə ri/ (theories )

1 N‑VAR A theory is a formal idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain something. □�[+�of ] Einstein formulated the Theory of Relativity in 1905.

2 N‑COUNT If you have a theory about something, you have your own opinion about it which you cannot prove but which you think is true. □� There was a theory that he wanted to marry her.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The theory of a practical subject or skill is the set of rules and principles that form the basis of it. □� He taught us music theory. [Also +�of ]

4 PHRASE You use in theory to say that although something is supposed to be true or to happen in the way stated, it may not in fact be true or happen in that way. □� A school dental service exists in theory, but in practice, there are few dentists to work in it. COLLOCATIONS theory NOUN 1

noun +�theory : chaos, quantum, relativity; management

adjective +�theory : economic, evolutionary, Marxist, political; classical, linguistic, literary, scientific

verb +�theory : apply, develop, formulate, test; challenge, dismiss, disprove, reject; prove, support

thera|peu|tic /θe rəpjuː t I k/

1 ADJ If something is therapeutic , it helps you to relax or to feel better about things, especially about a situation that made you unhappy. □� Astanga Yoga is a therapeutic physical exercise that focuses on breathing and relaxation.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Therapeutic treatment is designed to treat an illness or to improve a person's health, rather than to prevent an illness. [MEDICAL ] □� �therapeutic drugs.

thera|pist /θe rəp I st/ (therapists ) N‑COUNT A therapist is a person who is skilled in a particular type of therapy.

thera|py ◆◇◇ /θe rəpi/ (therapies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Therapy is the treatment of someone with mental or physical illness without the use of drugs or operations. □� He is having therapy to conquer his phobia.

2 N‑VAR A therapy is a particular treatment of someone with a particular illness. [MEDICAL ] □� �hormonal therapies. □� �conventional drug therapy. SYNONYMS therapy NOUN 2

remedy:�natural remedies to help overcome winter infections.

treatment:Many patients are not getting the medical treatment they need.

cure:There is still no cure for a cold.

there ◆◆◆ Pronounced /�ə r , STRONG �eə r / for meanings 1 and 2 , and /�eə r / for meanings 3 to 20 . 1 PRON There is used as the subject of the verb 'be' to say that something exists or does not exist, or to draw attention to it. □� There are roadworks between the two towns. □� Are there some countries that have been able to tackle these problems successfully? □� There were differences of opinion, he added, on very basic issues.

2 PRON You use there in front of certain verbs when you are saying that something exists, develops, or can be seen. Whether the verb is singular or plural depends on the noun which follows the verb. □� There remains considerable doubt over when the intended high-speed rail link will be complete. □� There appeared no imminent danger.

3 CONVENTION There is used after 'hello' or 'hi' when you are greeting someone. □� Oh, hi there. You must be Sidney.

4 ADV [be ADV , ADV to-inf] If something is there , it exists or is available. □� The group of old buildings on the corner by the main road is still there today. □�[+�for ] The book is there for people to read and make up their own mind.

5 ADV [be ADV , ADV with v, n ADV ] You use there to refer to a place which has already been mentioned. □� The next day we drove the 33 miles to Siena (the Villa Arceno is a great place to stay while you are there) for the Palio. □� 'Come on over, if you want.'�'How do I get there?' □� It's an amazing train trip, about five days there and back.

6 ADV [ADV with be , ADV after v] You use there to indicate a place that you are pointing to or looking at, in order to draw someone's attention to it. □� There it is, on the corner over there. □� There she is on the left up there. □� The toilets are over there, dear.

7 ADV You use there in expressions such as ' there he was ' or ' there we were ' to sum up part of a story or to slow a story down for dramatic effect. [SPOKEN ] □� So there we were with Amy and she was driving us crazy.

8 ADV [ADV with be ] You use there when speaking on the phone to ask if someone is available to speak to you. □� Hello, is Gordon there please?

9 ADV [ADV after v] You use there to refer to a point that someone has made in a conversation. □� I think you're right there John.

10 ADV You use there to refer to a stage that has been reached in an activity or process. □� We are making further investigations and will take the matter from there.

11 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] You use there to indicate that something has reached a point or level which is completely successful. □� We had hoped to fill the back page with extra news; we're not quite there yet. □� Life has not yet returned to normal but we are getting there.

12 ADV You can use there in expressions such as there you go or there we are when accepting that an unsatisfactory situation cannot be changed. [SPOKEN ] □� I'm the oldest and, according to all the books, should be the achiever, but there you go.

13 ADV You can use there in expressions such as there you go and there we are when emphasizing that something proves that you were right. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� There you go. I knew you'd take it the wrong way.

14 PHRASE You use there again to introduce an extra piece of information which either contradicts what has been said or gives an alternative to it. □� At 18 stone, I can't run around the way I used to. There again, some people say I never did.

15 PHRASE Phrases such as there you go again are used to show annoyance at someone who is repeating something that has annoyed you in the past. [SPOKEN ] □� 'There you go again, upsetting the child!' said Shirley.

16 PHRASE You can add ' so there ' to what you are saying to show that you will not change your mind about a decision you have made, even though the person you are talking to disagrees with you. [INFORMAL ] □� I think that's sweet, so there.

17 PHRASE If something happens there and then or then and there , it happens immediately. □� Many felt that he should have resigned there and then.

18 CONVENTION You say ' there there ' to someone who is very upset, especially a small child, in order to comfort them. [SPOKEN ] □� 'There, there,' said Mum. 'You've been having a really bad dream.'

19 CONVENTION You say ' there you are ' or ' there you go ' when you are offering something to someone. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� Nora picked up the boy, and gave him a biscuit. 'There you are, Lennie, you take the nice biscuit.'

20 PHRASE If someone is there for you, they help and support you, especially when you have problems. [INFORMAL ] □� Despite what happened in the past I want her to know I am there for her. USAGE there

1 Don�t use �there is� or �there are� with since to say how long ago something happened. Don�t say, for example, � There are four days since she arrived in London �. Say �It�s four days since she arrived in London� or �She arrived in London four days ago �. □� It�s three months since you were here last.

2 Don�t use �to� in front of there . Don�t say, for example, � I like going to there �. Say �I like going there �. □� My family live in India. I still go there often.

there|abouts /�eə rəbaʊ ts/ PHRASE You add or thereabouts after a number or date to indicate that it is approximate. □� He told us that her age was forty-eight or thereabouts.

there|after /�eə rɑː ftə r , -� ftə r / ADV Thereafter means after the event or date mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� It was the only time she had ever discouraged him and she regretted it thereafter.

there|by /�eə r ba I / ADV You use thereby to introduce an important result or consequence of the event or action you have just mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� Our bodies can sweat, thereby losing heat by evaporation.

there|fore ◆◆◇ /�eə r fɔː r / ADV You use therefore to introduce a logical result or conclusion. □� Muscle cells need lots of fuel and therefore burn lots of calories. SYNONYMS therefore ADV

consequently:Relations between the two companies had, consequently, never been close.

thus:�women's access to the basic means of production and thus to political power.

so:I was an only child, and so had no experience of large families.

hence:The Socialist Party was profoundly divided and hence very weak.

there|in /�eə r I n/

1 ADV [n ADV ] Therein means contained in the place that has been mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� Burning pine branches not only warms your house but improves the smell therein.

2 ADV [n ADV ] Therein means relating to something that has just been mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� Afternoon groups relate to the specific addictions and problems therein.

3 PHRASE When you say therein lies a situation or problem, you mean that an existing situation has caused that situation or problem. [FORMAL or OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Santa Maria di Castellabate is barely mentioned in guidebooks; therein lies its charm.

there|of /�eərɒ v/ ADV [n ADV ] Thereof is used after a noun to relate that noun to a situation or thing that you have just mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� �his belief in God�or the lack thereof.

there|on /�eərɒ n/

1 ADV [ADV after v] Thereon means on the object or surface just mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� There was a card on each door with a guest's name inscribed thereon.

2 ADV [n ADV , ADV after v] Thereon can be used to refer back to a thing that has previously been mentioned to show that the word just used relates to that thing. [FORMAL ] □� You will, in addition, pay to the Bank any losses, costs, expenses or legal fees (including VAT thereon).

there|upon /�eə rəpɒ n/ ADV Thereupon means happening immediately after something else has happened and usually as a result of it. [FORMAL ] □� Ursula had refused to marry Attila the Hun, who thereupon ordered one of his archers to shoot her.

therm /θɜː r m/ (therms ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A therm is a measurement of heat.

ther|mal /θɜː r m ə l/ (thermals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Thermal means relating to or caused by heat or by changes in temperature. □� �thermal power stations.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Thermal streams or baths contain water which is naturally hot or warm. □� Volcanic activity has created thermal springs and boiling mud pools.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Thermal clothes are specially designed to keep you warm in cold weather. □� My feet were like blocks of ice despite the thermal socks. ●�N‑PLURAL Thermals are thermal clothes. □� Have you got your thermals on?

4 N‑COUNT A thermal is a movement of rising warm air. □� Birds use thermals to lift them through the air.

the r|mal i m|ag|ing N‑UNCOUNT Thermal imaging is the use of special equipment that can detect the heat produced by people or things and use it to produce images of them. □� He was found by a police helicopter using thermal imaging equipment.

ther|mo /θɜː r moʊ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Thermo means using or relating to heat. □� The main thermo power station in the area has been damaged. ●�COMB Thermo is also a combining form. □� �the dangers of thermo-nuclear war.

2 COMB Thermo also combines to form nouns. □� The body is made of mineral-reinforced thermo-plastic.

ther|mo|dy|nam|ics /θɜː r moʊda I n� m I ks/ The form thermodynamic is used as a modifier. N‑UNCOUNT Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that is concerned with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy.

ther|mom|eter /θə r mɒ m I tə r / (thermometers ) N‑COUNT A thermometer is an instrument for measuring temperature. It usually consists of a narrow glass tube containing a thin column of a liquid which rises and falls as the temperature rises and falls.

ther|mo|nu|clear /θɜː r moʊnjuː kliə r , [AM ] -nuː k-/ also thermo-nuclear ADJ [ADJ n] A thermonuclear weapon or device is one which uses the high temperatures that result from a nuclear reaction in order to cause it to explode.

ther|mo|plas|tic /θɜː r moʊpl�st I k/ (thermoplastics ) N‑COUNT [usu N n] Thermoplastic materials are types of plastic which become soft when they are heated and hard when they cool down.

Ther|mos /θɜː r mɒs/ (Thermoses ) N‑COUNT A Thermos , Thermos flask , or in American English Thermos bottle , is a container which is used to keep hot drinks hot or cold drinks cold. It has two thin shiny glass walls with no air between them. [TRADEMARK ]

ther|mo|stat /θɜː r məst�t/ (thermostats ) N‑COUNT A thermostat is a device that switches a system or motor on or off according to the temperature. Thermostats are used, for example, in central heating systems and fridges.

the|sau|rus /θ I sɔː rəs/ (thesauruses ) N‑COUNT A thesaurus is a reference book in which words with similar meanings are grouped together.

these ◆◆◆ The determiner is pronounced /�iːz/. The pronoun is pronounced /�iː z/. 1 DET You use these at the beginning of noun groups to refer to someone or something that you have already mentioned or identified. □� Switch to an interest-paying current account. Most banks now offer these accounts. □� A steering committee has been formed. These people can make decisions much more quickly. ●�PRON These is also a pronoun. □� AIDS kills mostly young people. These are the people who contribute most to a country's economic development.

2 DET You use these to introduce people or things that you are going to talk about. □� Look for an account with these features: simple fees; online or phone access to account information. ●�PRON These is also a pronoun. □� These are some of the things you can do for yourself.

3 DET In spoken English, people use these to introduce people or things into a story. □� I was on my own and these fellows came along towards me.

4 PRON You use these when you are identifying someone or asking about their identity. □� These are my children.

5 DET You use these to refer to people or things that are near you, especially when you touch them or point to them. □� These scissors are awfully heavy. ●�PRON These is also a pronoun. □� These are the people who are doing our loft conversion for us.

6 DET You use these when you refer to something which you expect the person you are talking to to know about, or when you are checking that you are both thinking of the same person or thing. □� You know these last few months when we've been expecting it to warm up a little bit?

7 DET You use these in the expression these days to mean 'at the present time'. □� Living in Bootham these days can be depressing.

the|sis /θiː s I s/ (theses /θiː siːz/)

1 N‑COUNT A thesis is an idea or theory that is expressed as a statement and is discussed in a logical way. □� This thesis does not stand up to close inspection.

2 N‑COUNT A thesis is a long piece of writing based on your own ideas and research that you do as part of a university degree, especially a higher degree such as a PhD.

thes|pian /θe spiən/ (thespians )

1 N‑COUNT A thespian is an actor or actress. [HUMOROUS or OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Thespian means relating to drama and the theatre. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

they ◆◆◆ /�e I / They is a third person plural pronoun. They is used as the subject of a verb. 1 PRON You use they to refer to a group of people, animals, or things. □� The two men were far more alike than they would ever admit. □� People matter because of what they are, not what they have.

2 PRON You use they instead of 'he or she' to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people think this use is incorrect. □� The teacher is not responsible for this. They are only there to help the student learn.

3 PRON You use they in expressions such as 'they say' or 'they call it' to refer to people in general when you are making general statements about what people say, think, or do. [VAGUENESS ] □� They say there are plenty of opportunities out there. USAGE they

Don�t use �they� with are to say that a number of things exist or are in a particular place. Don�t say, for example, � They are two bottles of juice in the fridge �. Say �There are two bottles of juice in the fridge�. □� There are always plenty of jobs to be done.

they'd /�e I d/

1They'd is a spoken form of 'they had', especially when 'had' is an auxiliary verb. □� They'd both lived in this road all their lives.

2They'd is a spoken form of 'they would'. □� He agreed that they'd visit her after they stopped at Jan's for coffee.

they'll /�e I əl/ They'll is the usual spoken form of 'they will'. □� They'll probably be here Monday and Tuesday.

they're /�eə r , �e I ə r / They're is the usual spoken form of 'they are'. □� People eat when they're depressed.

they've /�e I v/ They've is the usual spoken form of 'they have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb. □� The worst thing is when you call friends and they've gone out.

thick ◆◇◇ /θ I k/ (thicker , thickest )

1 ADJ Something that is thick has a large distance between its two opposite sides. □� For breakfast I had a thick slice of bread and syrup. □� This material is very thick and this needle is not strong enough to go through it. ●� thick|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Slice the meat thickly.

2 ADJ [n ADJ ] [as ADJ as ] You can use thick to talk or ask about how wide or deep something is. □� The folder was two inches thick. □� How thick are these walls? ●�COMB [ADJ n] Thick is also a combining form. □� His life was saved by a quarter-inch-thick bullet-proof steel screen. ●� thick|ness (thicknesses ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The size of the fish will determine the thickness of the steaks.

3 ADJ If something that consists of several things is thick , it has a large number of them very close together. □� She inherited our father's thick, wavy hair. □� They walked through thick forest. ●� thick|ly ADV [ADV after v, oft ADV -ed] □� I rounded a bend where the trees and brush grew thickly.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If something is thick with another thing, the first thing is full of or covered with the second. □�[+�with ] The air is thick with acrid smoke from the fires.

5 ADJ Thick clothes are made from heavy cloth, so that they will keep you warm in cold weather. □� In the winter she wears thick socks, Wellington boots and gloves.

6 ADJ Thick smoke, fog, or cloud is difficult to see through. □� The smoke was bluish-black and thick.

7 ADJ Thick liquids are fairly stiff and solid and do not flow easily. □� They had to battle through thick mud to reach construction workers.

8 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone's voice is thick , they are not speaking clearly, for example because they are ill, upset, or drunk. □�[+�with ] When he spoke his voice was thick with bitterness. ●� thick|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'It's all my fault,' he mumbled thickly.

9 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A thick accent is very obvious and easy to identify. □� He answered our questions in English but with a thick accent.

10 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as thick , you think they are stupid. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� How could she have been so thick?

11 PHRASE If things happen thick and fast , they happen very quickly and in large numbers. □� The rumours have been coming thick and fast.

12 PHRASE If you are in the thick of an activity or situation, you are very involved in it. □� I enjoy being in the thick of things.

13 PHRASE If you do something through thick and thin , you do it although the conditions or circumstances are very bad. □� She'd stuck by Bob through thick and thin.

14a thick skin →�see skin

thick|en /θ I kən/ (thickens , thickening , thickened )

1 VERB When you thicken a liquid or when it thickens , it becomes stiffer and more solid. □�[V n] Thicken the broth with the cornflour. □�[V ] Keep stirring until the sauce thickens.

2 VERB If something thickens , it becomes more closely grouped together or more solid than it was before. □�[V ] The crowds around him began to thicken.

3 PHRASE People sometimes say ' the plot thickens ' when a situation or series of events is getting more and more complicated and mysterious. □� 'Find anything?' he asked. 'Yeah. The plot thickens,' I said.

thick|en|er /θ I kənə r / (thickeners ) N‑VAR A thickener is a substance that is added to a liquid in order to make it stiffer and more solid. □� �cornstarch, used as a thickener. □� How much thickener is used?

thick|et /θ I k I t/ (thickets ) N‑COUNT A thicket is a small group of trees or bushes which are growing closely together.

thick|set /θ I kse t/ also thick-set ADJ A man who is thickset is broad and heavy, with a solid-looking body. □� He was of middle height, thick-set. □� �his stout, thickset figure.

thi ck-ski nned ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is thick-skinned , you mean that they are not easily upset by criticism or unpleasantness. □� He was thick-skinned enough to cope with her taunts.

thief /θiː f/ (thieves /θiː vz/) N‑COUNT A thief is a person who steals something from another person. □� The thieves snatched the camera. □� �car thieves.

thiev|ing /θiː v I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Thieving is the act of stealing things from people. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �an ex-con who says he's given up thieving.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Thieving means involved in stealing things or intending to steal something. □� A thieving postman has been jailed for ripping open parcels.

thigh /θa I / (thighs ) N‑COUNT Your thighs are the top parts of your legs, between your knees and your hips.

thim|ble /θ I mb ə l/ (thimbles ) N‑COUNT A thimble is a small metal or plastic object which you use to protect your finger when you are sewing.

thin ◆◇◇ /θ I n/ (thinner , thinnest , thins , thinning , thinned )

1 ADJ Something that is thin is much narrower than it is long. □� A thin cable carries the signal to a computer. □� James's face was thin, finely boned, and sensitive.

2 ADJ A person or animal that is thin has no extra fat on their body . □� He was a tall, thin man with grey hair. ●� thin|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� There was something familiar about him, his fawn raincoat, his thinness, the way he moved.

3 ADJ Something such as paper or cloth that is thin is flat and has only a very small distance between its two opposite surfaces. □� �a small, blue-bound book printed in fine type on thin paper. ●� thin|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Peel and thinly slice the onion.

4 ADJ Liquids that are thin are weak and watery. □� The soup was thin and clear, yet mysteriously rich.

5 ADJ A crowd or audience that is thin does not have many people in it. □� The crowd, which had been thin for the first half of the race, had now grown considerably. ●� thin|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □� The island is thinly populated.

6 ADJ Thin clothes are made from light cloth and are not warm to wear. □� Her gown was thin, and she shivered, partly from cold. ●� thin|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� Mrs Brown wrapped the thinly clad man in her coat.

7 ADJ If you describe an argument or explanation as thin , you mean that it is weak and difficult to believe. □� However, the evidence is thin and, to some extent, ambiguous. ●� thin|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed, oft ADV before v] □� Much of the speech was a thinly disguised attack on the management of the company.

8 ADJ If someone's hair is described as thin , they do not have a lot of hair. □� She had pale thin yellow hair she pulled back into a bun.

9 VERB When you thin something or when it thins , it becomes less crowded because people or things have been removed from it. □�[V n] Reduce the wind resistance by thinning the tree's canopy. □�[V ] By midnight the crowd had thinned. ●�PHRASAL VERB Thin out means the same as thin . □�[V P n] NATO will continue to thin out its forces. □�[V P ] When the crowd began to thin out, I realized that most of the food was still there. [Also V n P ]

10 VERB To thin a sauce or liquid means to make it weaker and more watery by adding another liquid to it. □�[V n] It may be necessary to thin the sauce slightly. ●�PHRASAL VERB Thin down means the same as thin . □�[V P n] Thin down your mayonnaise with soured cream or natural yoghurt.

11 VERB If a man's hair is thinning , it has begun to fall out. □�[V ] His hair is thinning and his skin has lost all hint of youth.

12 PHRASE If someone's patience, for example, is wearing thin , they are beginning to become impatient or angry with someone. □� Parliament has not tackled the economic crisis, and public patience is wearing thin.

13on thin ice →�see ice

14thin air →�see air

▸� thin down →�see thin12

▸� thin out →�see thin11

thine /�a I n/ PRON Thine is an old-fashioned, poetic, or religious word for 'yours' when you are talking to only one person. □� I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice.

thing ◆◆◆ /θ I ŋ/ (things )

1 N‑COUNT You can use thing to refer to any object, feature, or event when you cannot, need not, or do not want to refer to it more precisely. □� 'What's that thing in the middle of the fountain?'�'Some kind of statue, I guess.' □� She was in the middle of clearing the breakfast things. □� If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? □� A strange thing happened.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Thing is used in lists and descriptions to give examples or to increase the range of what you are referring to. □� These are genetic disorders. They are things like muscular dystrophy and haemophilia. □� The Earth is made mainly of iron and silicon and things like that.

3 N‑COUNT [adj N ] Thing is often used after an adjective, where it would also be possible just to use the adjective. For example, you can say it's a different thing instead of it's different . □� To be a parent is a terribly difficult thing.

4 N‑SING Thing is often used instead of the pronouns 'anything,' or 'everything' in order to emphasize what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� It isn't going to solve a single thing. □� Don't you worry about a thing.

5 N‑COUNT Thing is used in expressions such as such a thing or things like that , especially in negative statements, in order to emphasize the bad or difficult situation you are referring back to. [EMPHASIS ] □� I don't believe he would tell Leo such a thing.

6 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] You can use thing to refer in a vague way to a situation, activity, or idea, especially when you want to suggest that it is not very important. [INFORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □� I'm a bit unsettled tonight. This war thing's upsetting me.

7 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] You often use thing to indicate to the person you are addressing that you are about to mention something important, or something that you particularly want them to know. □� One thing I am sure of was that she was scared. □� The funny thing is that the rest of us have known that for years.

8 N‑COUNT Thing is often used to refer back to something that has just been mentioned, either to emphasize it or to give more information about it. □� I never wanted to be normal. It was not a thing I ever thought desirable.

9 N‑COUNT A thing is a physical object that is considered as having no life of its own. □� It's not a thing, Beauchamp. It's a human being!

10 N‑COUNT Thing is used to refer to something, especially a physical object, when you want to express contempt or anger towards it. [SPOKEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Turn that thing off!

11 N‑COUNT [adj N ] You can call a person or an animal a particular thing when you want to mention a particular quality that they have and express your feelings towards them, usually affectionate feelings. [INFORMAL ] □� You really are quite a clever little thing.

12 N‑PLURAL Your things are your clothes or possessions. □� Sara told him to take all his things and not to return.

13 N‑PLURAL Things can refer to the situation or life in general and the way it is changing or affecting you. □� Everyone agrees things are getting better.

14 N‑SING [oft N to-inf] If you say that something is the thing , you mean that it is fashionable or popular. □� I feel under pressure to go out and get drunk because it's the thing to do.

15 PHRASE If, for example, you do the right thing or do the decent thing in a situation, you do something which is considered correct or socially acceptable in that situation. □� People want to do the right thing and buy 'green'. □� Carrington did the honourable thing and resigned.

16 PHRASE If you say that something is the done thing , you mean it is the most socially acceptable way to behave. [BRIT ] □� It was not the done thing. In those days the man was supposed to be the provider.

17 PHRASE If you do something first thing , you do it at the beginning of the day, before you do anything else. If you do it last thing , you do it at the end of the day, before you go to bed or go to sleep. □� I'll go see her, first thing. □� I always do it last thing on a Saturday.

18 PHRASE If you have a thing about someone or something, you have very strong feelings about them. [INFORMAL ] □� I had always had a thing about red hair. □� He's got this thing about ties.

19 PHRASE You say it is a good thing to do something to introduce a piece of advice or a comment on a situation or activity. □� Can you tell me whether it is a good thing to prune an apple tree?

20 PHRASE If you make a thing of something or make a thing about it, you talk about it or do it in an exaggerated way, so that it seems much more important than it really is. [INFORMAL ] □� Gossips made a big thing about him going on shopping trips with her.

21 PHRASE You can say that the first of two ideas, actions, or situations is one thing when you want to contrast it with a second idea, action, or situation and emphasize that the second one is much more difficult, important, or extreme. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was one thing to talk about leaving; it was another to physically walk out the door.

22 PHRASE You can say for one thing when you are explaining a statement or answering a question, to suggest that you are not giving the whole explanation or answer, and that there are other points that you could add to it. □� She was a monster. For one thing, she really enjoyed cruelty.

23 PHRASE You can use the expression ' one thing and another ' to suggest that there are several reasons for something or several items on a list, but you are not going to explain or mention them all. [SPOKEN ] □� What with one thing and another, it was fairly late in the day when we returned to Shrewsbury.

24 PHRASE If you say it is just one of those things you mean that you cannot explain something because it seems to happen by chance. □� 'I wonder why.' Mr. Dambar shrugged. 'It must be just one of those things, I guess.'

25 PHRASE You say one thing led to another when you are explaining how something happened, but you do not really want to give the details or you think people will be able to imagine the details. □� He came by to see if she was lonely. One thing led to another and he stayed the night.

26 PHRASE If you do your own thing , you live, act, or behave in the way you want to, without paying attention to convention or depending on other people. [INFORMAL ] □� We accept the right of all men and women to do their own thing, however bizarre.

27 PHRASE If something is a thing of the past , it no longer exists or happens, or is being replaced by something new.

28 PHRASE [usu cont] If you say that someone is seeing or hearing things , you mean that they believe they are seeing or hearing something that is not really there. □� Dr Payne led Lana back into the examination room and told her she was seeing things.

29 PHRASE You can say there is no such thingas something to emphasize that it does not exist or is not possible. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�as ] There really is no such thing as a totally risk-free industry.

30 PHRASE You say the thing is to introduce an explanation, comment, or opinion, that relates to something that has just been said. The thing is is often used to identify a problem relating to what has just been said. [SPOKEN ] □� 'What does your market research consist of?'�'Well, the thing is, it depends on our target age group.'

31 PHRASE If you say that something is just the thing or is the very thing , you are emphasizing that it is exactly what is wanted or needed. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�for ] Kiwi fruit are just the thing for a healthy snack.

32 PHRASE If you say that a person knows a thing or two about something or could teach someone a thing or two about it, you mean that they know a lot about it or are good at it. □�[+�about ] Patricia Hewitt knows a thing or two about how to be well-organised. □� The peace movement has learnt a thing or two from Vietnam.

33other things being equal →�see equal

34first things first →�see first

35the real thing →�see real

36the shape of things to come →�see shape

thingum|my /θ I ŋəmi/ (thingummies ) N‑COUNT You refer to something or someone as thingummy , thingummyjig or thingummybob when you do not know or cannot be bothered to use the proper word or name for them. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� I once bought a thingummy out of one of those catalogues. □� I must say, I mean, it sounded like er thingummyjig all over again without the politics.

thingy /θ I ŋi/ (thingies ) N‑COUNT You refer to something or someone as thingy when you do not know or cannot be bothered to use the proper word or name for them. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� �the new phone thingy. □� �what's his name, Sir Jack Thingy.

think ◆◆◆ /θ I ŋk/ (thinks , thinking , thought )

1 VERB [no cont] If you think that something is the case, you have the opinion that it is the case. □�[V that] I certainly think there should be a ban on tobacco advertising. □�[be V -ed that] A generation ago, it was thought that babies born this small could not survive. □�[V +�of/about ] Tell me, what do you think of my theory? □�[V ] Peter is useless, far worse than I thought. □�[V adj] He manages a good deal better than I thought possible. □�[V so ] 'It ought to be stopped.'�'Yes, I think so.' [Also V n to-inf]

2 VERB [no cont] If you say that you think that something is true or will happen, you mean that you have the impression that it is true or will happen, although you are not certain of the facts. □�[V that] Nora thought he was seventeen years old. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The storm is thought to be responsible for as many as four deaths. □�[V so ] 'Did Mr Stevens ever mention her to you?'�'No, I don't think so.'

3 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you think in a particular way, you have those general opinions or attitudes. □�[V +�like ] You were probably brought up to think like that. □�[V +�as/like ] If you think as I do, vote as I do. □�[V n] I don't blame you for thinking that way.

4 VERB When you think about ideas or problems, you make a mental effort to consider them. □�[V ] She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to think. □�[V +�about ] I have often thought about this problem. □�[V wh] Let's think what we can do. □�[V wh-to-inf] We had to think what to do next. ●�N‑SING Think is also a noun. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�about ] I'll have a think about that.

5 VERB [no passive] If you think in a particular way, you consider things, solve problems, or make decisions in this way, for example because of your job or your background. □�[V prep] To make the computer work at full capacity, the programmer has to think like the machine. □�[V n] The referee has to think the way the players do.

6 VERB [no cont] If you thinkof something, it comes into your mind or you remember it. □�[V +�of ] Nobody could think of anything to say. □�[V wh] I was trying to think what else we had to do.

7 VERB If you think of an idea, you make a mental effort and use your imagination and intelligence to create it or develop it. □�[V +�of ] He thought of another way of getting out of the agreement.

8 VERB [no passive] If you are thinking something at a particular moment, you have words or ideas in your mind without saying them out loud. □�[V with quote] She must be ill, Tatiana thought. □�[V wh] I remember thinking how lovely he looked. □�[V n] I'm trying to think positive thoughts. [Also V that]

9 VERB [no cont] If you think of someone or something as having a particular quality or purpose, you regard them as having this quality or purpose. □�[V +�of ] We all thought of him as a father. □�[V n adj] Nobody had thought him capable of that kind of thing.

10 VERB [no cont] If you think a lot of someone or something, you admire them very much or think they are very good. □�[V amount +�of ] To tell the truth, I don't think much of psychiatrists. □�[V adv +�of ] People at the club think very highly of him.

11 VERB If you thinkof someone, you show consideration for them and pay attention to their needs. □�[V +�of ] I'm only thinking of you. □�[V +�about ] You don't have to think about me and Hugh.

12 VERB If you are thinking of taking a particular course of action, you are considering it as a possible course of action. □�[V +�of ] Martin was thinking of taking legal action against Zuckerman.

13 VERB [usu cont] You can say that you are thinking of a particular aspect or subject, in order to introduce an example or explain more exactly what you are talking about. □�[V +�of ] I'm primarily thinking of the first year.

14 VERB [only interrogative] You use think in questions where you are expressing your anger or shock at someone's behaviour. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�of ] What were you thinking of? You shouldn't steal.

15 VERB [no cont, no passive] You use think when you are commenting on something which you did or experienced in the past and which now seems surprising, foolish, or shocking to you. □�[V that] To think I left you alone in a place with a madman at large! □�[V +�of ] When I think of how you've behaved and the trouble you've got into!

16 VERB [no cont] You can use think in expressions such as you would think or I would have thought when you are criticizing someone because they ought to or could be expected to do something, but have not done it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V that] You'd think you'd remember to wash your ears. □�[V so ] 'Surely to God she should have been given some proper help.'�'Well I would have thought so.' [Also V ]

17 VERB [no cont] You can use think in expressions such as anyone would think and you would think to express your surprise or disapproval at the way someone is behaving. □�[V that] Anyone would think you were in love with the girl.

18 →�see also thinking , thought

19 PHRASE You use expressions such as come to think of it , when you think about it , or thinking about it , when you mention something that you have suddenly remembered or realized. □� He was her distant relative, as was everyone else on the island, come to think of it.

20 PHRASE You use ' I think ' as a way of being polite when you are explaining or suggesting to someone what you want to do, or when you are accepting or refusing an offer. [POLITENESS ] □� I think I'll go home and have a shower. □� We need a job, and I thought we could go around and ask if people need odd jobs done.

21 PHRASE You use ' I think ' in conversations or speeches to make your statements and opinions sound less forceful, rude, or direct. [VAGUENESS ] □� I think he means 'at' rather than 'to'. □� Thanks, but I think I can handle it.

22 PHRASE You say just think when you feel excited, fascinated, or shocked by something, and you want the person to whom you are talking to feel the same. □� Just think; tomorrow we shall walk out of this place and leave it all behind us forever.

23 PHRASE If you think againabout an action or decision, you consider it very carefully, often with the result that you change your mind and decide to do things differently. □�[+�about ] It has forced politicians to think again about the wisdom of trying to evacuate refugees.

24 PHRASE If you think nothing of doing something that other people might consider difficult, strange, or wrong, you consider it to be easy or normal, and you do it often or would be quite willing to do it. □� I thought nothing of betting �1,000 on a horse.

25 PHRASE If something happens and you think nothing of it , you do not pay much attention to it or think of it as strange or important, although later you realize that it is. □� When she went off to see her parents for the weekend I thought nothing of it.

26you can't hear yourself think →�see hear

27to shudder to think →�see shudder

28to think better of it →�see better

29to think big →�see big

30to think twice →�see twice

31to think the world of someone →�see world

▸� think back PHRASAL VERB If you think back , you make an effort to remember things that happened to you in the past. □�[V P prep] I thought back to the time in 1975 when my son was desperately ill. □�[V P ] Thinking back, I don't know how I had the courage.

▸� think out PHRASAL VERB If you think something out , you consider all the aspects and details of it before doing anything or making a decision. □�[V n P ] I need time alone to think things out. □�[V -ed P ] The book is detailed and well thought out. □�[V P n] He chewed at the end of his pencil, thinking out the next problem.

▸� think over PHRASAL VERB If you think something over , you consider it carefully before making a decision. □�[V n P ] She said she needs time to think it over. □�[V P n] I suggest you think over your position very carefully.

▸� think through PHRASAL VERB If you think a situation through , you consider it thoroughly, together with all its possible effects or consequences. □�[V P n] I didn't think through the consequences of promotion. □�[V n P ] It was the first time she'd had a chance to think it through.

▸� think up PHRASAL VERB If you think something up , for example an idea or plan, you invent it using mental effort. □�[V P n] Julian has been thinking up new ways of raising money. □�[V n P ] 'Where do you get that idea about the piano?'�'Well, I just thought it up.' SYNONYMS think VERB 2

consider:I consider activities such as jogging and weightlifting as unnatural.

reckon:He reckoned he was still fond of her.

believe:Experts believe that the coming drought will be extensive.

imagine:I imagine you're referring to Jean-Paul Sartre.

think|er /θ I ŋkə r / (thinkers ) N‑COUNT A thinker is a person who spends a lot of time thinking deeply about important things, especially someone who is famous for thinking of new or interesting ideas.

think|ing ◆◆◇ /θ I ŋk I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] The general ideas or opinions of a person or group can be referred to as their thinking . □� There was undeniably a strong theoretical dimension to his thinking.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thinking is the activity of using your brain by considering a problem or possibility or creating an idea. □� This is a time of decisive action and quick thinking.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as a thinking man or woman, you mean that they are intelligent and take an interest in important events and issues, and you approve of this. [APPROVAL ] □� Thinking people on both sides will applaud this book. □� A newspaper called him 'the thinking man's Tory'.

4 →�see also wishful thinking

5 PHRASE Blue-sky thinking is the activity of trying to find completely new ideas. □� Some consultants are good at blue-sky thinking but cannot translate that into practical change.

thi nk piece (think pieces ) also think-piece N‑COUNT A think piece is an article in a newspaper or magazine that discusses a particular subject in a serious and thoughtful way.

thi nk-tank (think-tanks ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A think-tank is a group of experts who are gathered together by an organization, especially by a government, in order to consider various problems and try and work out ways to solve them. □� �Moscow's leading foreign policy think-tank.

thi n-ski nned ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is thin-skinned , you mean that they are easily upset by criticism or unpleasantness. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Some fear he is too thin-skinned to survive the rough-and-tumble of a presidential campaign.

third ◆◆◇ /θɜː r d/ (thirds )

1 ORD The third item in a series is the one that you count as number three. □� I sleep on the third floor. □� It was the third time one of his cars had gone up in flames.

2 FRACTION A third is one of three equal parts of something. □� A third of the cost went into technology and services.

3 ADV You say third when you want to make a third point or give a third reason for something. □� First, interest rates may take longer to fall. Second, lending may fall. Third, bad loans could wipe out any improvement.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A third is the lowest honours degree that can be obtained from a British university.

thi rd-cla ss ADJ [ADJ n] A third-class degree is the lowest honours degree that can be obtained from a British university.

thi rd-degree

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Third-degree burns are very severe, destroying tissue under the skin. □� He suffered third-degree burns over 98 per cent of his body.

2 N‑SING If you say that someone has been given thethird degree , you mean that they have been questioned or criticized severely. [INFORMAL ] □� She's phoned to complain and you're suddenly being given the third degree.

third|ly /θɜː r dli/ ADV You use thirdly when you want to make a third point or give a third reason for something. □� First of all, there are not many of them, and secondly, they have little money and, thirdly, they have few big businesses.

thi rd pa r|ty (third parties )

1 N‑COUNT A third party is someone who is not one of the main people involved in a business agreement or legal case, but who is involved in it in a minor role. □� You can instruct your bank to allow a third party to remove money from your account.

2 ADJ Third-party insurance is a type of insurance that pays money to people who are hurt or whose property is damaged as a result of something you have done. It does not pay you any money for damage you suffer as a result of your own actions. [BRIT ] □� Premiums for third-party cover are set to rise by up to 25 per cent.

thi rd pe r|son N‑SING In grammar, a statement in the third person is a statement about another person or thing, and not directly about yourself or about the person you are talking to. The subject of a statement like this is 'he', 'she', 'it', or a name or noun.

thi rd-ra te ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as third-rate , you mean that it is of a very poor quality or standard. □� �a third-rate movie.

Thi rd Wa y N‑SING The Third Way is used to refer to a set of political beliefs and principles that is neither extremely right-wing nor extremely left-wing.

Thi rd Wo rld ◆◇◇ N‑PROPER [N n] The countries of Africa, Asia, and South America are sometimes referred to all together as the Third World , especially those parts that are poor, do not have much power, and are not considered to be highly developed. Compare First World . □� �development in the Third World. □� �Third World debt.

thirst /θɜː r st/ (thirsts , thirsting , thirsted )

1 N‑VAR Thirst is the feeling that you need to drink something. □� Instead of tea or coffee, drink water to quench your thirst. □� I had such a thirst.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thirst is the condition of not having enough to drink. □� They died of thirst on the voyage.

3 N‑SING A thirstfor something is a very strong desire for that thing. □�[+�for ] Children show a real thirst for learning.

4 VERB If you say that someone thirstsfor something, you mean that they have a strong desire for it. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�for/after ] We all thirst for the same things.

thirsty /θɜː r sti/ (thirstier , thirstiest )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are thirsty , you feel a need to drink something. □� Drink whenever you feel thirsty during exercise. ●� thirsti|ly /θɜː r st I li/ ADV [ADV after v] □� The child nodded, drinking her milk thirstily.

2 ADJ If you are thirsty for something, you have a strong desire for it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�for ] People should understand how thirsty for revenge they are.

thir|teen ◆◆◆ /θɜː r tiː n/ (thirteens ) NUM Thirteen is the number 13. □� Thirteen people died in the accident.

thir|teenth ◆◆◇ /θɜː r tiː nθ/ (thirteenths )

1 ORD The thirteenth item in a series is the one that you count as number thirteen. □� His efforts were rewarded with his thirteenth goal of the seaon.

2 FRACTION A thirteenth is one of thirteen equal parts of something.

thir|ti|eth ◆◆◇ /θɜː r tiəθ/ ORD The thirtieth item in a series is the one that you count as number thirty. □� �her thirtieth birthday.

thir|ty ◆◆◆ /θɜː r ti/ (thirties )

1 NUM Thirty is the number 30. □� The building was built about thirty years ago.

2 N‑PLURAL When you talk about the thirties , you are referring to numbers between 30 and 39. For example, if you are in your thirties , you are aged between 30 and 39. If the temperature is in the thirties , the temperature is between 30 and 39 degrees.

3 N‑PLURAL The thirties is the decade between 1930 and 1939. □� She became quite a notable director in the thirties and forties.

this ◆◆◆ The determiner is pronounced /� I s/. In other cases, this is pronounced /� I s/. 1 DET You use this to refer back to a particular person or thing that has been mentioned or implied. □� Food should be left to stand. During this delay the centre carries on cooking. □� The U.S. suspended a proposed $574 million aid package. Of this amount, $250 million is for military purchases. ●�PRON This is also a pronoun. □� I don't know how bad the injury is, because I have never had one like this before.

2 PRON You use this to introduce someone or something that you are going to talk about. □� This is what I will do. I will phone Anna and explain. ●�DET This is also a determiner. □� This report is from David Cook of our Science Unit: 'Why did the dinosaurs become extinct?'

3 PRON You use this to refer back to an idea or situation expressed in a previous sentence or sentences. □� You feel that it's uneconomic to insist that people work together in groups. Why is this? ●�DET This is also a determiner. □� There have been demands for action to put an end to this situation.

4 DET In spoken English, people use this to introduce a person or thing into a story. □� I came here by chance and was just watching what was going on, when this girl attacked me.

5 PRON You use this to refer to a person or thing that is near you, especially when you touch them or point to them. When there are two or more people or things near you, this refers to the nearest one. □� 'If you'd prefer something else I'll gladly have it changed for you.'�'No, this is great.' □� 'Is this what you were looking for?' Bradley produced the handkerchief. ●�DET This is also a determiner. □� This church was built in the eleventh century.

6 PRON You use this when you refer to a general situation, activity, or event which is happening or has just happened and which you feel involved in. □� I thought, this is why I've travelled thousands of miles. □� Tim, this is awful. I know what you must think, but it's not so.

7 DET You use this when you refer to the place you are in now or to the present time. □� We've stopped transporting weapons to this country by train. □� I think coffee is probably the best thing at this point. ●�PRON This is also a pronoun. □� This is the worst place I've come across.

8 DET You use this to refer to the next occurrence in the future of a particular day, month, season, or festival. □� We're getting married this June.

9 ADV [ADV adj] You use this when you are indicating the size or shape of something with your hands. □� They'd said the wound was only about this big you see and he showed me with his fingers.

10 ADV [ADV adv] You use this when you are going to specify how much you know or how much you can tell someone. □� I am not going to reveal my plan, but I will tell you this much: if it works out, the next few years will be very interesting.

11 CONVENTION If you say this is it , you are agreeing with what someone else has just said. [FORMULAE ] □� 'You know, people conveniently forget the things they say.'�'Well this is it.'

12 PRON You use this in order to say who you are or what organization you are representing, when you are speaking on the phone, radio, or television. □� Hello, this is John Thompson.

13 DET You use this to refer to the medium of communication that you are using at the time of speaking or writing. □� What I'm going to do in this lecture is focus on something very specific.

14 →�see also these

15 PHRASE If you say that you are doing or talking about this and that , or this, that, and the other you mean that you are doing or talking about a variety of things that you do not want to specify. □� 'And what are you doing now?'�'Oh this and that.'

this|tle /θ I s ə l/ (thistles ) N‑COUNT A thistle is a wild plant which has leaves with sharp points and purple flowers.

thith|er /� I �ə r /

1 ADV [ADV after v] Thither means to the place that has already been mentioned. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� They have dragged themselves thither for shelter.

2hither and thither →�see hither

tho' also thoTho' and tho are very informal written forms of though .

thong /θɒ ŋ, [AM ] θɔː ŋ/ (thongs )

1 N‑COUNT A thong is a long thin strip of leather, plastic, or rubber.

2 N‑COUNT A thong is a narrow band of cloth that is worn between a person's legs to cover up his or her sexual organs, and that is held up by a piece of string around the waist.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Thongs are open shoes which are held on your foot by a V-shaped strap that goes between your big toe and the toe next to it. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use flip-flops

tho|rac|ic /θɔːr� s I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Thoracic means relating to or affecting your thorax. [MEDICAL ] □� �diseases of the thoracic area.

thor|ax /θɔː r�ks/ (thoraxes or thoraces /θɔː rəsiːz/)

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your thorax is the part of your body between your neck and your waist. [MEDICAL ]

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An insect's thorax is the central part of its body to which the legs and wings are attached. [TECHNICAL ]

thorn /θɔː r n/ (thorns )

1 N‑COUNT Thorns are the sharp points on some plants and trees, for example on a rose bush.

2 N‑VAR A thorn or a thorn bush or a thorn tree is a bush or tree which has a lot of thorns on it. □� �the shade of a thorn bush.

3 PHRASE If you describe someone or something as a thorn in your side or a thorn in your flesh , you mean that they are a continuous problem to you or annoy you. □� The Party was a thorn in the flesh of his coalition.

thorny /θɔː r ni/ (thornier , thorniest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A thorny plant or tree is covered with thorns. □� �thorny hawthorn trees.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a problem as thorny , you mean that it is very complicated and difficult to solve, and that people are often unwilling to discuss it. □� �the thorny issue of immigration policy.

thor|ough ◆◇◇ /θʌ rə, [AM ] θɜː roʊ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A thorough action or activity is one that is done very carefully and in a detailed way so that nothing is forgotten. □� We are making a thorough investigation. □� How thorough is the assessment? ●� thor|ough|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Food that is being offered hot must be reheated thoroughly. ●� thor|ough|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The thoroughness of the evaluation process we went through was impressive.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is thorough is always very careful in their work, so that nothing is forgotten. □� Martin would be a good judge, I thought. He was calm and thorough. ●� thor|ough|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� His thoroughness and attention to detail is legendary.

3 ADJ Thorough is used to emphasize the great degree or extent of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� We regard the band as a thorough shambles. ●� thor|ough|ly ADV [ADV before v, ADV adj] □� I thoroughly enjoy your programme. SYNONYMS thorough ADJ

1

comprehensive:The Rough Guide to Nepal is a comprehensive guide to the region.

full:We should conserve oil and gas by making full use of other energy sources.

complete:The rebels had taken complete control.

exhaustive:The author's treatment of the subject is exhaustive.

2

conscientious:We are generally very conscientious about our work.

painstaking:Forensic experts carried out a painstaking search of the debris.

meticulous:The painting had been executed with meticulous attention to detail.

thorough|bred /θʌ rəbred, [AM ] θɜː roʊ-/ (thoroughbreds )

1 N‑COUNT A thoroughbred is a horse that has parents that are of the same high quality breed.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A thoroughbred is a particular breed of racing horse. □� �a thoroughbred stallion.

thorough|fare /θʌ rəfeə r , [AM ] θɜː roʊ-/ (thoroughfares ) N‑COUNT A thoroughfare is a main road in a town or city which usually has shops along it and a lot of traffic. [FORMAL ] □� �a busy thoroughfare.

thorough|going /θʌ rəgoʊ I ŋ, [AM ] θɜː roʊ-/ also thorough-going

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use thoroughgoing to emphasize that someone or something is fully or completely the type of person or thing specified. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a thoroughgoing conservative. □� �readers who are unhappy with such thoroughgoing materialism.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a piece of work as thoroughgoing , you approve of it because it has been carefully and thoroughly put together. [APPROVAL ] □� �a thoroughgoing review of prison conditions.

those ◆◆◆ The determiner is pronounced /�oʊz/. The pronoun is pronounced /�oʊ z/. 1 DET You use those to refer to people or things which have already been mentioned. □� Theoretically he had control over more than $400 million in U.S. accounts. But, in fact, it was the U.S. Treasury and State Department who controlled those accounts. □� I was helped by people who cared and I shall never be able to thank those people enough. ●�PRON Those is also a pronoun. □� I understand there are several projects going on. Could you tell us a bit about those?

2 DET You use those when you are referring to people or things that are a distance away from you in position or time, especially when you indicate or point to them. □� What are those buildings? □� Oh, those books! I meant to put them away before this afternoon. ●�PRON Those is also a pronoun. □� Those are nice shoes. Where'd you get them?

3 DET You use those to refer to someone or something when you are going to give details or information about them. [FORMAL ] □� Those people who took up weapons to defend themselves are political prisoners.

4 PRON You use those to introduce more information about something already mentioned, instead of repeating the noun which refers to it. [FORMAL ] □� The interests he enjoys most are those which enable him to show off his talents.

5 PRON You use those to mean 'people'. □� A little selfish behaviour is unlikely to cause real damage to those around us.

6 DET You use those when you refer to things that you expect the person you are talking to to know about or when you are checking that you are both thinking of the same people or things. □� He did buy me those daffodils a week or so ago.

thou /�aʊ/

1 PRON Thou is an old-fashioned, poetic, or religious word for 'you' when you are talking to only one person. It is used as the subject of a verb.

2 →�see also holier-than-thou

though ◆◆◆ Pronounced /�oʊ/ for meanings 1 and 2 , and /�oʊ / for meanings 3 to 6 . 1 CONJ You use though to introduce a statement in a subordinate clause which contrasts with the statement in the main clause. You often use though to introduce a fact which you regard as less important than the fact in the main clause. □� The film was exactly how I had pictured it, though I think Gale should have had a bigger part. □� After this news Ford broke down again, though he blamed the breakdown on his work.

2 CONJ You use though to introduce a subordinate clause which gives some information that is relevant to the main clause and weakens the force of what it is saying. □� I look back on it as the bloodiest (though not literally) winter of the war.

3 ADV You use though to indicate that the information in a clause contrasts with or modifies information given in a previous sentence or sentences. □� I like him. Though he makes me angry sometimes.

4 PHRASE You can say though I say so myself or even though I say it myself when you are praising yourself or something you have done, but do not want to sound too proud. [mainly SPOKEN ] □� I'm a good cook, though I say it myself.

5as though →�see as ➋

6even though →�see even ➊

thought ◆◆◆ /θɔː t/ (thoughts )

1Thought is the past tense and past participle of think .

2 N‑COUNT [N that] A thought is an idea that you have in your mind. □�[+�of ] The thought of Nick made her throat tighten. □� He pushed the thought from his mind. □� I've just had a thought.

3 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] A person's thoughts are their mind, or all the ideas in their mind when they are concentrating on one particular thing. □� I jumped to my feet so my thoughts wouldn't start to wander. □� If he wasn't there physically, he was always in her thoughts.

4 N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] A person's thoughts are their opinions on a particular subject. □�[+�on ] Many of you have written to us to express your thoughts on the conflict. □�[+�on ] Mr Goodman, do you have any thoughts on that? [Also +�about ]

5 N‑UNCOUNT Thought is the activity of thinking, especially deeply, carefully, or logically. □� Alice had been so deep in thought that she had walked past her car without even seeing it. □� He had given some thought to what she had told him.

6 N‑COUNT A thought is an intention, hope, or reason for doing something. □� Sarah's first thought was to run back and get Max. □�[+�of ] They had no thought of surrender.

7 N‑SING [oft adj N ] A thought is an act of kindness or an offer of help; used especially when you are thanking someone, or expressing admiration of someone. □� 'Would you like to move into the ward?'�'A kind thought, but no, thank you.'

8 N‑UNCOUNT Thought is the group of ideas and beliefs which belongs, for example, to a particular religion, philosophy, science, or political party. □� Aristotle's scientific theories dominated Western thought for fifteen hundred years.

9 →�see also second thought

thought|ful /θɔː tfʊl/

1 ADJ If you are thoughtful , you are quiet and serious because you are thinking about something. □� Nancy, who had been thoughtful for some time, suddenly spoke. ●� thought|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Daniel nodded thoughtfully.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as thoughtful , you approve of them because they remember what other people want, need, or feel, and try not to upset them. [APPROVAL ] □� �a thoughtful and caring man. □�[+�of ] Thank you. That's very thoughtful of you. ●� thought|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the bouquet of flowers he had thoughtfully purchased for the celebrations. ●� thought|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I can't tell you how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

3 ADJ If you describe something such as a book, film, or speech as thoughtful , you mean that it is serious and well thought out. □� �a thoughtful and scholarly book. ●� thought|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �these thoughtfully designed machines.

thought|less /θɔː tləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as thoughtless , you are critical of them because they forget or ignore other people's wants, needs, or feelings. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] It was thoughtless of her to mention it. ●� thought|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They thoughtlessly planned a picnic without him.

thou ght-provo king ADJ If something such as a book or a film is thought-provoking , it contains interesting ideas that make people think seriously. □� This is an entertaining yet thought-provoking film.

thou|sand ◆◆◆ /θaʊ z ə nd/ (thousands ) The plural form is thousand after a number, or after a word or expression referring to a number, such as 'several' or 'a few'. 1 NUM Athousand or onethousand is the number 1,000. □� �five thousand acres. □� Visitors can expect to pay about a thousand pounds a day.

2 QUANT If you refer to thousands of things or people, you are emphasizing that there are very many of them. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] Thousands of refugees are packed into over-crowded towns and villages. ●�PRON You can also use thousands as a pronoun. □� Hundreds have been killed in the fighting and thousands made homeless.

3a thousand and one →�see one

thou|sandth /θaʊ z ə nθ/ (thousandths )

1 ORD The thousandth item in a series is the one that you count as number one thousand. □� The magazine has just published its six thousandth edition. ●�ORD If you say that something has happened for the thousandth time, you are emphasizing that it has happened again and that it has already happened a great many times. [EMPHASIS ] □� The phone rings for the thousandth time.

2 FRACTION A thousandth is one of a thousand equal parts of something. □� �a dust particle weighing only a thousandth of a gram.

thrall /θrɔː l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone is inthrallto a person or thing, you mean that they are completely in their power or are greatly influenced by them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] He is not in thrall to the media. □�[+�of ] Tomorrow's children will be even more in the thrall of the silicon chip.

thrash /θr� ʃ/ (thrashes , thrashing , thrashed )

1 VERB If one player or team thrashes another in a game or contest, they defeat them easily or by a large score. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n amount] The team thrashed their opponents 5-nil. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you thrash someone, you hit them several times as a punishment. □�[V n] The school has dismissed the teacher, who is said to have thrashed pupils with sticks.

3 VERB If someone thrashesabout , or thrashes their arms or legs about , they move in a wild or violent way, often hitting against something. You can also say that someone's arms or legs thrashabout . □�[V adv/prep] Many of the crew died a terrible death as they thrashed about in shark-infested waters. □�[V n adv/prep] Jimmy collapsed on the floor, thrashing his legs about like an injured racehorse.

4 VERB If a person or thing thrashes something, or thrashesat something, they hit it continually in a violent or noisy way. □�[V n] �a magnificent paddle-steamer on the mighty Mississippi, her huge wheel thrashing the muddy water. □�[V +�at ] Three shaggy-haired men thrash tunelessly at their guitars.

5 →�see also thrashing

▸� thrash out

1 PHRASAL VERB If people thrash out something such as a plan or an agreement, they decide on it after a great deal of discussion. □�[V P n] The foreign ministers have thrashed out a suitable compromise formula. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If people thrash out a problem or a dispute, they discuss it thoroughly until they reach an agreement. □�[V P n] �a sincere effort by two people to thrash out differences. [Also V n P ]

thrash|ing /θr� ʃ I ŋ/ (thrashings )

1 N‑COUNT If one player or team gives another one a thrashing , they defeat them easily or by a large score. [INFORMAL ] □� Can the New Zealand bowlers fight back after their thrashing at Christchurch?

2 N‑COUNT If someone gives someone else a thrashing , they hit them several times as a punishment. □� If Sarah caught her, she would get a thrashing.

3 →�see also thrash

thread /θre d/ (threads , threading , threaded )

1 N‑VAR Thread or a thread is a long very thin piece of a material such as cotton, nylon, or silk, especially one that is used in sewing. □� �a tiny Nepalese hat embroidered with golden threads.

2 N‑COUNT The thread of an argument, a story, or a situation is an aspect of it that connects all the different parts together. □� The thread running through many of these proposals was the theme of opportunity.

3 N‑COUNT A threadof something such as liquid, light, or colour is a long thin line or piece of it. □�[+�of ] A thin, glistening thread of moisture ran along the rough concrete sill.

4 N‑COUNT The thread on a screw, or on something such as a lid or a pipe, is the raised spiral line of metal or plastic around it which allows it to be fixed in place by twisting. □� The screw threads will be able to get a good grip.

5 N‑COUNT On the internet, a thread is a series of messages from different people about a particular subject. □� I saw the post but I didn't read the thread below it.

6 VERB If you thread your way through a group of people or things, or threadthrough it, you move through it carefully or slowly, changing direction frequently as you move. □�[V n prep] Slowly, she threaded her way back through the moving mass of bodies. □�[V prep] We threaded through a network of back streets.

7 VERB If you thread a long thin object through something, you pass it through one or more holes or narrow spaces. □�[V n +�through ] �threading the laces through the eyelets of his shoes. □�[V n +�into ] These instruments allow doctors to thread microscopic telescopes into the digestive tract.

8 VERB If you thread small objects such as beads onto a string or thread, you join them together by pushing the string through them. □�[V n prep] Wipe the mushrooms clean and thread them on a string.

9 VERB When you thread a needle, you put a piece of thread through the hole in the top of the needle in order to sew with it. □�[V n] I sit down, thread a needle, snip off an old button.

10 PHRASE If you say that something is hanging by a thread , you mean that it is in a very uncertain state and is unlikely to survive or succeed. □� The fragile peace was hanging by a thread as thousands of hardliners took to the streets.

11 PHRASE If you pick up the threads of an activity, you start it again after an interruption. If you pick up the threads of your life , you become more active again after a period of failure or bad luck. □� Many women have been able to pick up the threads of their former career.

thread|bare /θre dbeə r /

1 ADJ Threadbare clothes, carpets, and other pieces of cloth look old, dull, and very thin, because they have been worn or used too much. □� She sat cross-legged on a square of threadbare carpet.

2 ADJ If you describe an activity, an idea, or an argument as threadbare , you mean that it is very weak, or inadequate, or old and no longer interesting. □� �the government's threadbare domestic policies.

threat ◆◆◇ /θre t/ (threats )

1 N‑VAR A threatto a person or thing is a danger that something unpleasant might happen to them. A threat is also the cause of this danger. □�[+�to ] Some couples see single women as a threat to their relationships. □�[+�of ] The Hurricane Center warns people not to take the threat of tropical storms lightly. [Also +�from ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A threat is a statement by someone that they will do something unpleasant, especially if you do not do what they want. □� He may be forced to carry out his threat to resign. □�[+�by ] The writer remains in hiding after threats by former officials of the ousted dictatorship.

3 PHRASE If a person or thing is under threat , there is a danger that something unpleasant might be done to them, or that they might cease to exist. □� His position as leader will be under threat at a party congress due next month. □�[+�of ] She lives daily under threat of violence. [Also +�from ] SYNONYMS threat NOUN 1

danger:�the dangers of smoking.

risk:There is a small risk of brain damage from the procedure.

hazard:A new report suggests that chewing-gum may be a health hazard.

threat|en ◆◆◇ /θre t ə n/ (threatens , threatening , threatened )

1 VERB If a person threatensto do something unpleasant to you, or if they threaten you, they say or imply that they will do something unpleasant to you, especially if you do not do what they want. □�[V to-inf] He said army officers had threatened to destroy the town. □�[V n +�with ] He tied her up and threatened her with a six-inch knife. □�[V n] If you threaten me or use any force, I shall inform the police. [Also V that]

2 VERB If something or someone threatens a person or thing, they are likely to harm that person or thing. □�[V n] The newcomers directly threaten the livelihood of the established workers. □�[be V -ed +�with ] 30 percent of reptiles, birds, and fish are currently threatened with extinction.

3 VERB If something unpleasant threatensto happen, it seems likely to happen. □�[V to-inf] The fighting is threatening to turn into full-scale war.

4 →�see also threatened , threatening

threat|ened /θre t ə nd/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you feel threatened , you feel as if someone is trying to harm you. □� Anger is the natural reaction we experience when we feel threatened or frustrated. [Also +�by ]

2 →�see also threaten

threat|en|ing ◆◇◇ /θre tən I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone's behaviour as threatening when you think that they are trying to harm you. □� The police could have charged them with threatening behaviour. ●� threat|en|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'This ain't no affair of yours, boy!' McClosky said threateningly.

2 →�see also life-threatening , threaten

three ◆◆◆ /θriː / (threes ) NUM Three is the number 3. □� We waited three months before going back to see the specialist.

three -co rnered ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a disagreement, competition, or game as three-cornered , you mean that it involves three people, groups, or teams. [mainly BRIT ] □� �the three-cornered struggle between employers and male and female workers.

three -dime nsional

1 ADJ A three-dimensional object is solid rather than flat, because it can be measured in three different directions, usually the height, length, and width. The abbreviation 3-D can also be used. □� �a three-dimensional model.

2 ADJ A three-dimensional picture, image, or film looks as though it is deep or solid rather than flat. The abbreviation 3-D can also be used. □� �new software, which generates both two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional images.

3 ADJ If you describe fictional characters as three-dimensional you mean that they seem real and natural. [APPROVAL ] □� She is a full, three-dimensional character in a way that is unusual for the horror genre.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Three-dimensional art or design is produced by carving or shaping stone, wood, clay, or other materials. The abbreviation 3-D can also be used. □� �a degree in three-dimensional art.

three -fou rths QUANT In American English, people sometimes use three-fourths to mean three-quarters . □� Three-fourths of the apartments in the ghetto had no heat. ●�PRON Three-fourths is also a pronoun. □� He has just under 1,600 delegates, about three-fourths what he needs to win the Democratic presidential nomination.

three -line whi p (three-line whips ) N‑COUNT A three-line whip is a situation where the MPs in a political party are ordered to attend parliament and vote in a particular way on a particular issue. [BRIT ]

three -pie ce

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A three-piece suit is a set of three pieces of matching clothing, usually a man's jacket, waistcoat, and trousers.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A three-piece suite is a sofa and two matching armchairs. [mainly BRIT ]

three -point tu rn (three-point turns ) N‑COUNT When the driver of a vehicle does a three-point turn , he or she turns the vehicle by driving forwards in a curve, then backwards in a curve, and then forwards in a curve.

three -qua rter also three quarter ADJ [ADJ n] You can use three-quarter to describe something which is three fourths of the usual size or three fourths of a standard measurement. □� Choose short or three-quarter sleeves for summer. □� �a session which lasted one and three-quarter hours.

three -qua rters QUANT Three-quarters is an amount that is three out of four equal parts of something. □�[+�of ] Three-quarters of the country's workers took part in the strike. □�[+�of ] It took him about three-quarters of an hour. ●�PRON Three-quarters is also a pronoun. □� Road deaths have increased by three-quarters. ●�ADV [ADV adj/-ed] Three-quarters is also an adverb. □� We were left with an open bottle of champagne three-quarters full.

three R s N‑PLURAL When talking about children's education, the three Rs are the basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic.

three|some /θriː səm/ (threesomes ) N‑COUNT A threesome is a group of three people.

three -whee ler (three-wheelers ) N‑COUNT A three-wheeler is a bicycle or car with three wheels.

thresh /θre ʃ/ (threshes , threshing , threshed ) VERB [usu passive] When a cereal such as corn, wheat, or rice is threshed , it is beaten in order to separate the grains from the rest of the plant. □�[be V -ed] The corn was still sown, cut and threshed as it was a hundred years ago. [Also V ]

thresh|old /θre ʃhoʊld/ (thresholds )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The threshold of a building or room is the floor in the doorway, or the doorway itself. □�[+�of ] He stopped at the threshold of the bedroom.

2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A threshold is an amount, level, or limit on a scale. When the threshold is reached, something else happens or changes. □�[+�of ] She has a low threshold of boredom and needs the constant stimulation of physical activity. □� Fewer than forty per cent voted�the threshold for results to be valid.

3 PHRASE If you are on the threshold of something exciting or new, you are about to experience it. □� We are on the threshold of a new era in astronomy.

threw /θruː / Threw is the past tense of throw .

thrice /θra I s/

1 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adv, ADV n] Something that happens thrice happens three times. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� They should think not twice, but thrice, before ignoring such advice. □� She plays tennis thrice weekly.

2 ADV [ADV n] You can use thrice to indicate that something is three times the size, value, or intensity of something else. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �moving at thrice the speed of sound.

thrift /θr I ft/ (thrifts )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Thrift is the quality and practice of being careful with money and not wasting things. [APPROVAL ] □� They were rightly praised for their thrift and enterprise.

2 N‑COUNT A thrift or a thrift institution is a kind of savings bank. [AM , BUSINESS ]

thri ft shop (thrift shops ) N‑COUNT A thrift shop or thrift store is a shop that sells used goods cheaply and gives its profits to a charity. [AM ] in BRIT, use charity shop

thrifty /θr I fti/ (thriftier , thriftiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is thrifty , you are praising them for saving money, not buying unnecessary things, and not wasting things. [APPROVAL ] □� My mother taught me to be thrifty. □� �thrifty shoppers.

thrill /θr I l/ (thrills , thrilling , thrilled )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something gives you a thrill , it gives you a sudden feeling of great excitement, pleasure, or fear. □�[+�of ] I can remember the thrill of not knowing what I would get on Christmas morning. □�[+�for ] It's a great thrill for a cricket-lover like me to play at the home of cricket.

2 VERB If something thrills you, or if you thrillat it, it gives you a feeling of great pleasure and excitement. □�[V n] The electric atmosphere both terrified and thrilled him. □�[V +�at/to ] The children will thrill at all their favourite characters.

3 →�see also thrilled , thrilling

4 PHRASE If you refer to thrills and spills , you are referring to an experience which is exciting and full of surprises. □� Its prime audience lies in the 17 to 24 age group, and they want instant thrills and spills.

thrilled /θr I ld/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ that] If someone is thrilled , they are extremely pleased about something. □� I was so thrilled to get a good report from him. □�[+�with ] Sue and John were especially thrilled with this award.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is thrilled to bits , you are emphasizing the fact that they are extremely pleased about something. You can also say thrilled to pieces , especially in American English. [EMPHASIS ] □� I'm thrilled to bits to have won the cash. [Also +�at/with ]

3 →�see also thrill

thrill|er /θr I lə r / (thrillers ) N‑COUNT A thriller is a book, film, or play that tells an exciting fictional story about something such as criminal activities or spying. □� �a tense psychological thriller.

thrill|ing /θr I l I ŋ/

1 ADJ Something that is thrilling is very exciting and enjoyable. □� Our wildlife trips offer a thrilling encounter with wildlife in its natural state. ●� thrill|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� Watson has a wonderful voice, with thrillingly clear top notes.

2 →�see also thrill

thrive /θra I v/ (thrives , thriving , thrived )

1 VERB If someone or something thrives , they do well and are successful, healthy, or strong. □�[V ] Today his company continues to thrive. □�[V -ing] �the river's thriving population of kingfishers.

2 VERB If you say that someone thrives on a particular situation, you mean that they enjoy it or that they can deal with it very well, especially when other people find it unpleasant or difficult. □�[V +�on ] Many people thrive on a stressful lifestyle.

thro' also throThro' is sometimes used as a written abbreviation for through .

throat ◆◇◇ /θroʊ t/ (throats )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your throat is the back of your mouth and the top part of the tubes that go down into your stomach and your lungs. □� She had a sore throat. □� As she stared at him, she felt her throat go dry.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your throat is the front part of your neck. □� His striped tie was loosened at his throat.

3 PHRASE If you clear your throat , you cough once in order to make it easier to speak or to attract people's attention. □� Cross cleared his throat and spoke in low, polite tones.

4 PHRASE If you ram something down someone's throat or force it down their throat , you keep mentioning a situation or idea in order to make them accept it or believe it. □� I've always been close to my dad but he's never rammed his career down my throat.

5 PHRASE If two people or groups are at each other's throats , they are quarrelling or fighting violently with each other. □� The idea that Billy and I are at each other's throats couldn't be further from the truth.

6 PHRASE If something sticks in your throat , you find it unacceptable. □� What sticks in my throat is that I wasn't able to win the trophy.

7a lump in your throat →�see lump

throaty /θroʊ ti/ ADJ A throaty voice or laugh is low and rather rough.

throb /θrɒ b/ (throbs , throbbing , throbbed )

1 VERB If part of your body throbs , you feel a series of strong and usually painful beats there. □�[V ] His head throbbed. ●�N‑SING Throb is also a noun. □� The bruise on his stomach ached with a steady throb.

2 VERB If something throbs , it vibrates and makes a steady noise. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] The engines throbbed. ●�N‑SING Throb is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Jake's head jerked up at the throb of the engine.

throes /θroʊ z/

1 N‑PLURAL If someone is experiencing something very unpleasant or emotionally painful, you can say that they are in the throes of it, especially when it is in its final stages. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �when the country was going through the final throes of civil war.

2 PHRASE If you are in the throes of doing or experiencing something, especially something difficult, you are busy doing it or are deeply involved in it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The country is in the throes of a general election.

3 →�see also death throes

throm|bo|sis /θrɒmboʊ s I s/ (thromboses /θrɒmboʊ siːz/)

1 N‑VAR Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a person's heart or in one of their blood vessels, which can cause death. [MEDICAL ]

2 →�see also coronary thrombosis , deep vein thrombosis

throne /θroʊ n/ (thrones )

1 N‑COUNT A throne is a decorative chair used by a king, queen, or emperor on important official occasions.

2 N‑SING You can talk about the throne as a way of referring to the position of being king, queen, or emperor. □� When Queen Victoria was on the throne, the horse was the main form of transport.

throng /θrɒ ŋ, [AM ] θrɔː ŋ/ (throngs , thronging , thronged )

1 N‑COUNT A throng is a large crowd of people. [LITERARY ] □� An official pushed through the throng.

2 VERB When people throng somewhere, they go there in great numbers. [LITERARY ] □�[V +�to/into/around ] The crowds thronged into the mall.

3 VERB If people throng a place, they are present there in great numbers. □�[V n] They throng the beaches between late June and early August. ●� thronged ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] □�[+�with ] The streets are thronged with people.

throt|tle /θrɒ t ə l/ (throttles , throttling , throttled )

1 VERB To throttle someone means to kill or injure them by squeezing their throat or tightening something around it and preventing them from breathing. □�[V n] The attacker then tried to throttle her with wire.

2 VERB If you say that something or someone is throttling a process, institution, or group, you mean that they are restricting it severely or destroying it. □�[V n] He said the over-valuation of sterling was throttling industry.

3 N‑COUNT The throttle of a motor vehicle or aircraft is the device, lever, or pedal that controls the quantity of fuel entering the engine and is used to control the vehicle's speed. □� He gently opened the throttle, and the ship began to ease forward.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Throttle is the power that is obtained by using a throttle. □� �motor bikes revving at full throttle.

5 PHRASE If you say that something is done at full throttle , you mean that it is done with great speed and enthusiasm. □� He lived his life at full throttle.

through ◆◆◆ The preposition is pronounced /θruː/. In other cases, through is pronounced /θruː / In addition to the uses shown below, through is used in phrasal verbs such as 'see through', 'think through', and 'win through'. 1 PREP To move through something such as a hole, opening, or pipe means to move directly from one side or end of it to the other. □� The theatre was evacuated when rain poured through the roof at the Liverpool Playhouse. □� Go straight through that door under the EXIT sign. □� Visitors enter through a side entrance. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Through is also an adverb. □� He went straight through to the kitchen and took a can of cola from the fridge. □� She opened the door and stood back to allow the man to pass through.

2 PREP To cut through something means to cut it in two pieces or to make a hole in it. □� A fish knife is designed to cut through the flesh but not the bones. □� Some rabbits have even taken to gnawing through the metal. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Through is also an adverb. □� Score deeper each time until the board is cut through.

3 PREP To go through a town, area, or country means to travel across it or in it. □� Go up to Ramsgate, cross into France, go through Andorra and into Spain. □� �travelling through pathless woods. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Through is also an adverb. □� Few know that the tribe was just passing through.

4 PREP If you move through a group of things or a mass of something, it is on either side of you or all around you. □� We made our way through the crowd to the river. □� Sybil's fingers ran through the water. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Through is also an adverb. □� He pushed his way through to the edge of the crowd where he waited.

5 PREP To get through a barrier or obstacle means to get from one side of it to the other. □� Allow twenty-five minutes to get through Passport Control and Customs. □� He was one of the last of the crowd to pass through the barrier. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Through is also an adverb. □� �a maze of barriers, designed to prevent vehicles driving straight through.

6 PREP If a driver goes through a red light, they keep driving even though they should stop. □� He was killed at a road junction by a van driver who went through a red light.

7 PREP If something goes into an object and comes out of the other side, you can say that it passes through the object. □� The ends of the net pass through a wooden bar at each end. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Through is also an adverb. □� I bored a hole so that the fixing bolt would pass through.

8 PREP To go through a system means to move around it or to pass from one end of it to the other. □� �electric currents travelling through copper wires. □� What a lot of cards you've got through the post! ●�ADV [ADV after v] Through is also an adverb. □� �a resolution which would allow food aid to go through with fewer restrictions.

9 PREP If you see, hear, or feel something through a particular thing, that thing is between you and the thing you can see, hear, or feel. □� Alice gazed pensively through the wet glass.

10 PREP If something such as a feeling, attitude, or quality, happens through an area, organization, or a person's body, it happens everywhere in it or affects all of it. □� An atmosphere of anticipation vibrated through the crowd. □� What was going through his mind when he spoke those amazing words?

11 PREP If something happens or exists through a period of time, it happens or exists from the beginning until the end. □� She kept quiet all through breakfast. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Through is also an adverb. □� We've got a tough programme, hard work right through to the summer.

12 PREP If something happens from a particular period of time through another, it starts at the first period and continues until the end of the second period. [AM ] □� �open Monday through Sunday from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. in BRIT, use to13 PREP If you go through a particular experience or event, you experience it, and if you behave in a particular way through it, you behave in that way while it is happening. □� Men go through a change of life emotionally just like women.

14 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are throughwith something or if it is through , you have finished doing it and will never do it again. If you are throughwith someone, you do not want to have anything to do with them again. □�[+�with ] I'm through with the explaining.

15 PREP You use through in expressions such as half-way through and all the way through to indicate to what extent an action or task is completed. □� A competitor collapsed half-way through the marathon. ●�ADV [n ADV ] Through is also an adverb. □� Stir the meat about until it turns white all the way through.

16 PREP If something happens because of something else, you can say that it happens through it. □� They are understood to have retired through age or ill health.

17 PREP You use through when stating the means by which a particular thing is achieved. □� Those who seek to grab power through violence deserve punishment.

18 PREP If you do something through someone else, they take the necessary action for you. □� Do I need to go through my doctor or can I make an appointment direct?

19 ADV [ADV after v] If something such as a proposal or idea goes through , it is accepted by people in authority and is made legal or official. □� It is possible that the present Governor General will be made interim President, if the proposals go through. ●�PREP Through is also a preposition. □� They want to get the plan through Congress as quickly as possible.

20 PREP If someone gets through an examination or a round of a competition, they succeed or win. □� She was bright, learned languages quickly, and sailed through her exams. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Through is also an adverb. □� Nigeria also go through from that group.

21 ADV [ADV after v] When you get through while making a phone call, the call is connected and you can speak to the person you are phoning. □� He may find the line cut on the phone so that he can't get through.

22 PREP If you look or go through a lot of things, you look at them or deal with them one after the other. □� Let's go through the numbers together and see if a workable deal is possible.

23 PREP If you read through something, you read it from beginning to end. □� She read through pages and pages of the music I had brought her. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Through is also an adverb. □� He read the article straight through.

24 ADJ [ADJ n] A through train goes directly to a particular place, so that the people who want to go there do not have to change trains. □� �Britain's longest through train journey, 685 miles.

25 ADV [adj ADV ] If you say that someone or something is wet through , you are emphasizing how wet they are. [EMPHASIS ] □� I returned to the inn cold and wet, soaked through by the drizzling rain.

26 PHRASE Through and through means completely and to the greatest extent possible. □� I've gotten my feet thoroughly soaked and feel frozen through and through.

through|out ◆◆◇ /θruːaʊ t/

1 PREP If you say that something happens throughout a particular period of time, you mean that it happens during the whole of that period. □� The national tragedy of rival groups killing each other continued throughout 1990. □� Movie music can be made memorable because its themes are repeated throughout the film. ●�ADV Throughout is also an adverb. □� The first song, 'Blue Moon', didn't go too badly except that everyone talked throughout.

2 PREP If you say that something happens or exists throughout a place, you mean that it happens or exists in all parts of that place. □� 'Sight Savers', founded in 1950, now runs projects throughout Africa, the Caribbean and South East Asia. ●�ADV Throughout is also an adverb. □� The route is well sign-posted throughout. SYNONYMS throughout PREP 2

everywhere:I saw her picture everywhere.

all over:�the letters she received from people all over the world.

through|put /θruː pʊt/ N‑UNCOUNT The throughput of an organization or system is the amount of things it can do or deal with in a particular period of time. □� �technologies which will allow us to get much higher throughput.

through|way /θruː we I / →�see thruway

throw ◆◆◇ /θroʊ / (throws , throwing , threw , thrown )

1 VERB When you throw an object that you are holding, you move your hand or arm quickly and let go of the object, so that it moves through the air. □�[V n prep/adv] He spent hours throwing a tennis ball against a wall. □�[V n] The crowd began throwing stones. □�[V n with adv] Sophia jumps up and throws down her knitting. □�[V n n] He threw Brian a rope. ●�N‑COUNT Throw is also a noun. □� One of the judges thought it was a foul throw. □�[+�of ] A throw of the dice allows a player to move himself forward. ●� throw|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He didn't really know very much about javelin throwing.

2 VERB If you throw your body or part of your body into a particular position or place, you move it there suddenly and with a lot of force. □�[V n prep] She threw her arms around his shoulders. □�[V pron-refl] She threatened to throw herself in front of a train. □�[V n with adv] He set his skinny legs apart and threw back his shoulders.

3 VERB If you throw something into a particular place or position, you put it there in a quick and careless way. □�[V n prep/adv] He struggled out of his bulky jacket and threw it on to the back seat.

4 VERB To throw someone into a particular place or position means to force them roughly into that place or position. □�[V n prep/adv] He threw me to the ground and started to kick. □�[V n prep/adv] The device exploded, throwing Mr Taylor from his car.

5 VERB If you say that someone is throwninto prison, you mean that they are put there by the authorities, especially if this seems unfair or cruel. □�[be V -ed +�in/into ] Those two should have been thrown in jail. □�[V n +�in/into ] They will throw us into prison on some pretext.

6 VERB If a horse throws its rider, it makes him or her fall off, by suddenly jumping or moving violently. □�[V n] The horse reared, throwing its rider and knocking down a youth standing beside it.

7 VERB If a person or thing is throwninto an unpleasant situation or state, something causes them to be in that situation or state. □�[be V -ed prep] Abidjan was thrown into turmoil because of a protest by taxi drivers. □�[V n prep] Economic recession had thrown millions out of work.

8 VERB If something throws light or a shadow on a surface, it causes that surface to have light or a shadow on it. □�[V n +�on/onto ] The sunlight is white and blinding, throwing hard-edged shadows on the ground.

9 VERB If something throws doubt on a person or thing, it causes people to doubt or suspect them. □�[V n +�on/upon ] This new information does throw doubt on their choice.

10 VERB [no cont] If you throw a look or smile at someone or something, you look or smile at them quickly and suddenly. □�[V n n] Emily turned and threw her a suggestive grin. [Also V n +�at ]

11 VERB If you throw yourself, your energy, or your money into a particular job or activity, you become involved in it very actively or enthusiastically. □�[V pron-refl +�into ] She threw herself into a modelling career. □�[V n +�into ] They threw all their military resources into the battle.

12 VERB If you throw a fit or a tantrum, you suddenly start to behave in an uncontrolled way. □�[V n] I used to get very upset and scream and swear, throwing tantrums all over the place.

13 VERB If something such as a remark or an experience throws you, it surprises you or confuses you because it is unexpected. □�[V n] The professor rather threw me by asking if I went in for martial arts.

14 VERB If you throw a punch, you punch someone. □�[V n] Everything was fine until someone threw a punch.

15 VERB When someone throws a party, they organize one, usually in their own home. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Why not throw a party for your friends?

16 VERB In sports, if a player throws a game or contest, they lose it as a result of a deliberate action or intention. □�[V n] �offering him a bribe to throw the game.

17 N‑COUNT A throw is a light rug, blanket, or cover for a sofa or bed.

18 PHRASE If things cost a particular amount of money a throw , they cost that amount each. [INFORMAL ] □� Most applications software for personal computers cost over $500 a throw.

19 PHRASE If someone throws themselves at you, they make it very obvious that they want to begin a relationship with you, by behaving as though they are sexually attracted to you. □� I'll say you started it, that you threw yourself at me.

20to throw someone in at the deep end →�see end

21to throw down the gauntlet →�see gauntlet

22to throw light on something →�see light ➊

23to throw in your lot with someone →�see lot

24to throw money at something →�see money

25to throw good money after bad →�see money

26to throw a spanner in the works →�see spanner

27a stone's throw →�see stone

28to throw in the towel →�see towel

29to throw a wrench →�see wrench

▸� throw away or throw out

1 PHRASAL VERB When you throw away or throw out something that you do not want, you get rid of it, for example by putting it in a rubbish container. □�[V n P ] I never throw anything away. □�[V P n] I'm not advising you to throw away your makeup or forget about your appearance.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you throw away an opportunity, advantage, or benefit, you waste it, rather than using it sensibly. □�[V P n] Failing to tackle the deficit would be throwing away an opportunity. □�[V n P ] We should have won. We threw it away.

3 →�see also throwaway

▸� throw back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you throw something backat a person, you remind them of something bad they did in the past, in order to upset them. □�[V n P +�at ] I should never have told you that. I knew you'd throw it back at me. [Also V +�at ]

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone is thrown backon their own powers or resources, they have to use them, because there is nothing else they can use. □�[be V -ed P +�on ] We are constantly thrown back on our own resources.

▸� throw down PHRASAL VERB If you throw down a challenge to someone, you do something new or unexpected in a bold or forceful manner that will probably cause them to reply or react equally strongly. □�[V P n] The regional parliament threw down a new challenge to central government. □�[V -ed P ] The team have responded to the challenge thrown down by their boss.

▸� throw in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you throw in a remark when having a conversation, you add it in a casual or unexpected way. □�[V P n] Occasionally Farling threw in a question. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If a person who is selling something throws in something extra, they give you the extra thing and only ask you to pay for the first thing. □�[V P n] Pay �4.80 for larger prints and they throw in a free photo album. □�[V -ed P ] They were offering me a weekend break in Paris�with free meals thrown in. [Also V n P ]

▸� throw off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you throw off something that is restricting you or making you unhappy, you get rid of it. □�[V P n] �a country ready to throw off the shackles of its colonial past. □�[V n P ] Depression descended upon him, and he could never throw it off.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something throws off a substance, it produces it and releases it into the air. □�[V P n] The belt may make a squealing noise and throw off sooty black particles of rubber.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you throw off people who are chasing you or trying to find you, you do something unexpected that makes them unable to catch you or find you. □�[V P n] He is said to have thrown off pursuers by pedaling across the Wisconsin state line. □�[V n P n] He tried to throw police off the track of his lover. [Also V n P ]

▸� throw out

1 →�see throw away1

2 PHRASAL VERB If a judge throws out a case, he or she rejects it and the accused person does not have to stand trial. □�[V P n] The defense wants the district Judge to throw out the case. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you throw someone out , you force them to leave a place or group. □�[be/get V -ed P +�of ] He was thrown out of 14 schools in 11 years. □�[V n P +�of ] I wanted to kill him, but instead I just threw him out of the house. □�[V P n] Directors at the Italian insurer threw out the chief executive in a boardroom coup. [Also V n P ]

▸� throw together

1 PHRASAL VERB If you throw something together , for example a meal or a costume, you make it quickly and not very carefully. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] She throws together meals on the kitchen table. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If people are thrown together by a situation or event, it causes them to get to know each other, even though they may not want to. □�[be V -ed P ] The cast and crew were thrown together for 12 hours a day, six days a week. □�[V -ed P ] At school these two found themselves thrown together quite regularly. □�[be V -ed P +�with ] My brother is constantly thrown together with young people through his work. [V n P +�with ]

▸� throw up

1 PHRASAL VERB When someone throws up , they vomit. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] She said she had thrown up after reading reports of the trial.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something throws up dust, stones, or water, when it moves or hits the ground, it causes them to rise up into the air. □�[V P n] If it had hit the Earth, it would have made a crater 100 miles across and thrown up an immense cloud of dust. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB To throw up a particular person or thing means to produce them or cause them to become noticeable. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] The political struggle threw up a strong leader. [Also V n P ]

throw|away /θroʊ əwe I /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A throwaway product is intended to be used only for a short time, and then to be thrown away. □� Now they are producing throwaway razors.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone makes a throwaway remark or gesture, you mean that they make it in a casual way, although it may be important, or have some serious or humorous effect. □� �a throwaway remark she later regretted.

throw|back /θroʊ b�k/ (throwbacks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that something is a throwback to a former time, you mean that it is like something that existed a long time ago. □�[+�to ] The hall is a throwback to another era with its old prints and stained-glass.

thro w-in (throw-ins ) N‑COUNT When there is a throw-in in a football or rugby match, the ball is thrown back onto the field after it has been kicked off it.

thrown /θroʊ n/ Thrown is the past participle of throw .

thru' also thruThru' is sometimes used a written abbreviation for through . [mainly AM ]

thrum /θrʌ m/ (thrums , thrumming , thrummed ) VERB When something such as a machine or engine thrums , it makes a low beating sound. □�[V ] The air-conditioner thrummed. ●�N‑COUNT Thrum is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the thrum of refrigeration motors. □� My head was going thrum thrum thrum.

thrush /θrʌ ʃ/ (thrushes )

1 N‑COUNT A thrush is a fairly small bird with a brown back and a spotted breast.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Thrush is a medical condition caused by a fungus. It most often occurs in a baby's mouth or in a woman's vagina.

thrust /θrʌ st/ (thrusts , thrusting , thrust )

1 VERB If you thrust something or someone somewhere, you push or move them there quickly with a lot of force. □�[V n prep/adv] They thrust him into the back of a jeep. ●�N‑COUNT Thrust is also a noun. □� Two of the knife thrusts were fatal.

2 VERB If you thrust your way somewhere, you move there, pushing between people or things which are in your way. □�[V n prep/adv] She thrust her way into the crowd.

3 VERB If something thrusts up or out of something else, it sticks up or sticks out in a noticeable way. [LITERARY ] □�[V adv/prep] An aerial thrust up from the grass verge. □�[V adv/prep] A ray of sunlight thrust out through the clouds.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Thrust is the power or force that is required to make a vehicle move in a particular direction. □� It provides the thrust that makes the craft move forward.

5 N‑SING [adj N ] The thrust of an activity or of an idea is the main or essential things it expresses. □�[+�of ] The main thrust of the research will be the study of the early Universe and galaxy formation.

6cut and thrust →�see cut

▸� thrust upon PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If something is thrust upon you, you are forced to have it, deal with it, or experience it. □�[be V -ed P ] Why has such sadness been thrust upon us? □�[have n V -ed P n] Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.

thru|way /θruː we I / (thruways ) also throughway N‑COUNT A thruway is a wide road that is specially designed so that a lot of traffic can move along it very quickly. It is usually divided along the middle, so that traffic travelling in one direction is separated from the traffic travelling in the opposite direction. [AM ]

Thu. →�see Thurs.

thud /θʌ d/ (thuds , thudding , thudded )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A thud is a dull sound, such as that which a heavy object makes when it hits something soft. □� She tripped and fell with a sickening thud.

2 VERB If something thuds somewhere, it makes a dull sound, usually when it falls onto or hits something else. □�[V prep/adv] She ran up the stairs, her bare feet thudding on the wood. □�[V -ing] There was a heavy thudding noise against the bedroom door. [Also V ] ●� thud|ding N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the thudding of the bombs beyond the hotel.

3 VERB When your heart thuds , it beats strongly and rather quickly, for example because you are very frightened or very happy. □�[V ] My heart had started to thud, and my mouth was dry.

thug /θʌ g/ (thugs ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a violent person or criminal as a thug . [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the cowardly thugs who mug old people.

thug|gery /θʌ gəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Thuggery is rough, violent behaviour.

thug|gish /θʌ g I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as thuggish , you mean they behave in a violent, rough, or threatening way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The owner of the stall, a large, thuggish man, grabbed Dai by the collar.

thumb /θʌ m/ (thumbs , thumbing , thumbed )

1 N‑COUNT Your thumb is the short thick part on the side of your hand next to your four fingers. □� She bit the tip of her left thumb, not looking at me.

2 VERB If you thumb a lift or thumb a ride, you stand by the side of the road holding out your thumb until a driver stops and gives you a lift. □�[V n +�to ] It may interest you to know that a boy answering Rory's description thumbed a ride to Howth. □�[V n] Thumbing a lift had once a carefree, easy-going image.

3 →�see also well-thumbed

4 PHRASE If you say that someone or something sticks out like a sore thumb or stands out like a sore thumb , you are emphasizing that they are very noticeable, usually because they are unusual or inappropriate. [EMPHASIS ] □� Does the new housing stick out like a sore thumb or blend into its surroundings?

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is twiddling their thumbs , you mean that they do not have anything to do and are waiting for something to happen. □� The prospect of waiting around just twiddling his thumbs was appalling.

6 PHRASE If you are under someone's thumb , you are under their control, or very heavily influenced by them. □� I cannot tell you what pain I feel when I see how much my mother is under my father's thumb.

7green thumb →�see green

8to thumb your nose at someone →�see nose

9rule of thumb →�see rule

▸� thumb through PHRASAL VERB If you thumb through something such as a book or magazine, you turn the pages quickly rather than reading each page carefully. □�[V P n] He had the drawer open and was thumbing through the files.

thumb|nail /θʌ mne I l/ (thumbnails ) also thumb-nail

1 N‑COUNT Your thumbnail is the nail on your thumb.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A thumbnail sketch or account is a very short description of an event, idea, or plan which gives only the main details.

thumb|print /θʌ mpr I nt/ (thumbprints ) also thumb print

1 N‑COUNT A thumbprint is a mark made by a person's thumb which shows the pattern of lines on its surface.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that something such as a project has someone's thumbprint on it, you mean that it has features that make it obvious that they have been involved with it. □� It's got your thumbprint all over it.

thumb|screw /θʌ mskruː/ (thumbscrews ) also thumb screw

1 N‑COUNT A thumbscrew is an object that was used in the past to torture people by crushing their thumbs.

2 N‑COUNT If someone puts the thumbscrews on you, they start to put you under extreme pressure in order to force you to do something.

thu mbs-do wn also thumbs down N‑SING If you say that someone gives a plan, idea, or suggestion the thumbs-down , you are indicating that they do not approve of it and refuse to accept it. [INFORMAL ]

thu mbs-u p also thumbs up

1 N‑SING A thumbs-up or a thumbs-up sign is a sign that you make by raising your thumb to show that you agree with someone, that you are happy with an idea or situation, or that everything is all right. □� She checked the hall, then gave the others a thumbs-up sign.

2 N‑SING If you give a plan, idea, or suggestion the thumbs-up , you indicate that you approve of it and are willing to accept it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�to ] The financial markets have given the thumbs up to the new policy.

thumb|tack /θʌ mt�k/ (thumbtacks ) N‑COUNT A thumbtack is a short pin with a broad flat top which is used for fastening papers or pictures to a board, wall, or other surface. [AM ] in BRIT, use drawing pin

thump /θʌ mp/ (thumps , thumping , thumped )

1 VERB If you thump something, you hit it hard, usually with your fist. □�[V n] He thumped my shoulder affectionately, nearly knocking me over. □�[V +�on ] I heard you thumping on the door. ●�N‑COUNT Thump is also a noun. □�[+�on ] He felt a thump on his shoulder.

2 VERB If you thump someone, you attack them and hit them with your fist. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Don't say it serves me right or I'll thump you.

3 VERB If you thump something somewhere or if it thumps there, it makes a loud, dull sound by hitting something else. □�[V n prep] She thumped her hand on the witness box. □�[V n with adv] Waiters went scurrying down the aisles, thumping down tureens of soup. □�[V prep/adv] �paving stones and bricks which have been thumping down on police shields and helmets. ●�N‑COUNT Thump is also a noun. □� There was a loud thump as the horse crashed into the van.

4 VERB When your heart thumps , it beats strongly and quickly, usually because you are afraid or excited. □�[V ] My heart was thumping wildly but I didn't let my face show any emotion.

5 →�see also thumping

thump|ing /θʌ mp I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Thumping is used to emphasize that something is very great or severe. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The Right has a thumping majority.

2 →�see also thump

thun|der /θʌ ndə r / (thunders , thundering , thundered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Thunder is the loud noise that you hear from the sky after a flash of lightning, especially during a storm. □� �a distant clap of thunder.

2 VERB When itthunders , a loud noise comes from the sky after a flash of lightning. □�[V ] The day was heavy and still. It would probably thunder later.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The thunder of something that is moving or making a sound is the loud deep noise it makes. □�[+�of ] The thunder of the sea on the rocks seemed to blank out other thoughts.

4 VERB If something or someone thunders somewhere, they move there quickly and with a lot of noise. □�[V prep/adv] A lorry thundered by.

5 VERB If something thunders , it makes a very loud noise, usually continuously. □�[V ] She heard the sound of the guns thundering in the fog. □�[V -ing] �thundering applause.

6 VERB If you thunder something, you say it loudly and forcefully, especially because you are angry. [WRITTEN ] □�[V with quote] 'It's your money. Ask for it!' she thundered. □�[V n] The Prosecutor looked toward Napoleon, waiting for him to thunder an objection.

7 PHRASE If you steal someone's thunder , you get the attention or praise that they thought they would get, usually by saying or doing what they had intended to say or do. □� He had no intention of letting the Foreign Secretary steal any of his thunder.

thunder|bolt /θʌ ndə r boʊlt/ (thunderbolts ) N‑COUNT A thunderbolt is a flash of lightning, accompanied by thunder, which strikes something such as a building or a tree.

thunder|clap /θʌ ndə r kl�p/ (thunderclaps ) N‑COUNT A thunderclap is a short loud noise that you hear in the sky just after you see a flash of lightning.

thunder|cloud /θʌ ndə r klaʊd/ (thunderclouds ) N‑COUNT A thundercloud is a large dark cloud that is likely to produce thunder and lightning.

thun|der|ous /θʌ ndərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a noise as thunderous , you mean that it is very loud and deep. □� The audience responded with thunderous applause.

thunder|storm /θʌ ndə r stɔː r m/ (thunderstorms ) N‑COUNT A thunderstorm is a storm in which there is thunder and lightning and a lot of heavy rain.

thunder|struck /θʌ ndə r strʌk/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is thunderstruck , you mean that they are extremely surprised or shocked. [FORMAL ]

thun|dery /θʌ ndəri/ ADJ When the weather is thundery , there is a lot of thunder, or there are heavy clouds which make you think that there will be thunder soon. □� Heavy thundery rain fell throughout Thursday.

Thurs. also Thur. , Thu.Thurs. is a written abbreviation for Thursday .

Thurs|day /θɜː r zde I , -di/ (Thursdays ) N‑VAR Thursday is the day after Wednesday and before Friday. □� On Thursday Barrett invited me for a drink. □� The local elections will be held this Thursday. □� I'm always terribly busy on Thursdays. □� We go and do the weekly shopping every Thursday morning.

thus ◆◆◇ /�ʌ s/

1 ADV You use thus to show that what you are about to mention is the result or consequence of something else that you have just mentioned. [FORMAL ] □� Some people will be more capable and thus better paid than others.

2 ADV [ADV with v] If you say that something is thus or happens thus you mean that it is, or happens, as you have just described or as you are just about to describe. [FORMAL ] □� He stormed four bunkers, completely destroying them. While thus engaged he was seriously wounded. SYNONYMS thus ADV 1

consequently:Relations between the two companies had, consequently, never been close.

therefore:Muscle cells need lots of fuel and therefore burn lots of calories.

so:I was an only child, and so had no experience of large families.

hence:The Socialist Party was profoundly divided and hence very weak.

thwack /θw� k/ (thwacks ) N‑COUNT A thwack is a sound made when two solid objects hit each other hard. □�[+�of ] I listened to the thwack of the metal balls. □� Then the woodcutter let his axe fly�Thwack! Everyone heard it.

thwart /θwɔː r t/ (thwarts , thwarting , thwarted ) VERB If you thwart someone or thwart their plans, you prevent them from doing or getting what they want. □�[V n] The accounting firm deliberately destroyed documents to thwart government investigators.

thy /�a I / DET Thy is an old-fashioned, poetic, or religious word for 'your' when you are talking to one person. □� Honour thy father and thy mother.

thyme /ta I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Thyme is a type of herb used in cooking.

thy|roid /θa I rɔ I d/ (thyroids ) N‑COUNT Your thyroid or your thyroid gland is a gland in your neck that produces chemicals which control the way your body grows and functions.

thy|self /�a I se lf/ PRON Thyself is an old-fashioned, poetic, or religious word for 'yourself' when you are talking to only one person. □� Love thy neighbour as thyself.

ti|ara /tiɑː rə/ (tiaras ) N‑COUNT A tiara is a metal band shaped like half a circle and decorated with jewels which a woman of very high social rank wears on her head at formal social occasions; also used of similar ornaments that girls or women wear on their heads.

tibia /t I biə/ (tibias ) N‑COUNT Your tibia is the inner bone of the two bones in the lower part of your leg. [MEDICAL ]

tic /t I k/ (tics ) N‑COUNT If someone has a tic , a part of their face or body keeps making a small uncontrollable movement, for example because they are tired or have a nervous illness. □� �people with nervous tics.

tick /t I k/ (ticks , ticking , ticked )

1 N‑COUNT A tick is a written mark like a V: ✓. It is used to show that something is correct or has been selected or dealt with. [mainly BRIT ] □� Place a tick in the appropriate box. in AM, usually use check2 VERB If you tick something that is written on a piece of paper, you put a tick next to it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive such mailings. in AM, usually use check3 VERB When a clock or watch ticks , it makes a regular series of short sounds as it works. □�[V ] A wind-up clock ticked busily from the kitchen counter. ●�PHRASAL VERB Tick away means the same as tick . □�[V P ] A grandfather clock ticked away in a corner. ●� tick|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the endless ticking of clocks.

4 N‑COUNT The tick of a clock or watch is the series of short sounds it makes when it is working, or one of those sounds. □�[+�of ] He sat listening to the tick of the grandfather clock.

5 N‑COUNT You can use tick to refer to a very short period of time. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I'll be back in a tick.

6 VERB If you talk about what makes someone tick , you are talking about the beliefs, wishes, and feelings that make them behave in the way that they do. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] He wanted to find out what made them tick.

7 N‑COUNT A tick is a small creature which lives on the bodies of people or animals and uses their blood as food. □� �chemicals that destroy ticks and mites.

▸� tick away or tick by , tick on PHRASAL VERB If you say that the clock or time is ticking away , ticking by , or ticking on , you mean that time is passing, especially when there is something that needs to be done or when you are waiting for something to happen. □�[V P ] The clock ticks away, leaving little time for talks.

▸� tick by →�see tick away

▸� tick off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you tick off items on a list, you write a tick or other mark next to them, in order to show that they have been dealt with. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] He ticked off my name on a piece of paper. □�[V n P ] Tick it off in the box. in AM, usually use check off2 PHRASAL VERB If you tick someone off , you speak angrily to them because they have done something wrong. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] His mum ticked him off at home. □�[V n P +�for ] Abdel felt free to tick him off for smoking too much. □�[V P n +�for ] Traffic police ticked off a pensioner for jumping a red light. [Also V P n]

3 →�see also ticking off

4 PHRASAL VERB If you say that something ticks you off , you mean that it annoys you. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] I just think it's rude and it's ticking me off. □�[V -ed P +�at ] She's still ticked off at him for brushing her off and going out with you instead.

▸� tick on →�see tick away

▸� tick over

1 PHRASAL VERB If an engine is ticking over , it is running at a low speed or rate, for example when it is switched on but you are not actually using it. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] Very slowly he moved forward, the engine ticking over.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a person, system, or business is ticking over , they are working steadily, but not producing very much or making much progress. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] The market is at least ticking over.

ti ck box (tick boxes ) N‑COUNT A tick box is a small square on a form, questionnaire, or test in which you put a tick to show that you agree with a statement.

tick|er /t I kə r / (tickers ) N‑COUNT Your ticker is your heart. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

ti ck|er tape N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Ticker tape consists of long narrow strips of paper on which information such as stock exchange prices is printed by a machine. In American cities, people sometimes throw ticker tape from high windows as a way of celebrating and honouring someone in public. □� A half million people watched the troops march in New York's ticker tape parade.

tick|et ◆◆◇ /t I k I t/ (tickets )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A ticket is a small, official piece of paper or card which shows that you have paid to enter a place such as a theatre or a sports ground, or shows that you have paid for a journey. □� I queued for two hours to get a ticket to see the football game. □�[+�for ] I love opera and last year I got tickets for Covent Garden. □� Entrance is free, but by ticket only.

2 N‑COUNT A ticket is an official piece of paper which orders you to pay a fine or to appear in court because you have committed a driving or parking offence. □� I want to know at what point I break the speed limit and get a ticket.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A ticket for a game of chance such as a raffle or a lottery is a piece of paper with a number on it. If the number on your ticket matches the number chosen, you win a prize. □� She bought a lottery ticket and won more than $33 million.

4 N‑SING The particular ticket on which a person fights an election is the party they represent or the policies they support. [BRIT ] □� He first ran for president on a far-left ticket.

5 N‑COUNT [usu ADJ n] A ticket is the list of candidates who are representing a particular political party or group in an election. [AM ] □� He plans to remain on the Republican ticket for the November election.

6 PHRASE If you say that something is just the ticket , you mean that it is exactly what is needed. [INFORMAL ] □� Young kids need all the energy and protein they can get and whole milk is just the ticket.

7 →�see also big-ticket , dream ticket , meal ticket , parking ticket , season ticket , ticketing

tick|et|ing /t I k I t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Ticketing is the act or activity of selling tickets. □� �automatic ticketing machines.

ti ck|ing o ff (tickings off ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you give someone a ticking off , you speak angrily to them because they have done something wrong. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�from ] They got a ticking off from the police.

tick|le /t I k ə l/ (tickles , tickling , tickled )

1 VERB When you tickle someone, you move your fingers lightly over a sensitive part of their body, often in order to make them laugh. □�[V n] I was tickling him, and he was laughing and giggling.

2 VERB If something tickles you or tickles , it causes an irritating feeling by lightly touching a part of your body. □�[V n] �a yellow hat with a great feather that tickled her ear. □�[V ] A beard doesn't scratch, it just tickles.

3 VERB If a fact or a situation tickles you, it amuses you or gives you pleasure. □�[V n to-inf] It tickles me to see him riled. □�[V n] The story was really funny�it tickled me. ●� tick|led ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� They all sounded just as tickled.

tick|lish /t I kəl I ʃ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A ticklish problem, situation, or task is difficult and needs to be dealt with carefully. □� So car makers are faced with the ticklish problem of how to project products at new buyers.

2 ADJ Someone who is ticklish is sensitive to being tickled, and laughs as soon as you tickle them. □� This massage method is not recommended for anyone who is very ticklish.

tid|al /ta I d ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tidal means relating to or produced by tides. □� The tidal stream or current gradually decreases in the shallows.

ti d|al wave (tidal waves )

1 N‑COUNT A tidal wave is a very large wave, often caused by an earthquake, that flows onto the land and destroys things. □� �a massive tidal wave swept the ship up and away.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a very large number of emotions, things, or people as a tidal wave , you mean that they all occur at the same time. □�[+�of ] The trade union movement was swept along by a tidal wave of patriotism.

tid|bit /t I db I t/ →�see titbit

tid|dler /t I dlə r / (tiddlers )

1 N‑COUNT A tiddler is a very small fish of any kind. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a person or thing as a tiddler , you mean that they are very unimportant or small, especially when compared to other people or things of the same type. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� On a world scale, the earthquake was a tiddler.

tid|dly /t I dəli/

1 ADJ If someone is tiddly , they are slightly drunk. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 ADJ If you describe a thing as tiddly , you mean that it is very small. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a tiddly picture.

tiddly|wink /t I dəliw I ŋk/ (tiddlywinks )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tiddlywinks is a game in which the players try to make small round pieces of plastic jump into a container, by pressing their edges with a larger piece of plastic.

2 N‑COUNT Tiddlywinks are the small round piece of plastic used in the game of tiddlywinks.

tide ◆◇◇ /ta I d/ (tides , tiding , tided )

1 N‑COUNT Thetide is the regular change in the level of the sea on the shore. □� The tide was at its highest. □� The tide was going out, and the sand was smooth and glittering.

2 N‑COUNT A tide is a current in the sea that is caused by the regular and continuous movement of large areas of water towards and away from the shore. □� Roman vessels used to sail with the tide from Boulogne to Richborough.

3 N‑SING The tide of opinion, for example, is what the majority of people think at a particular time. □�[+�of ] The tide of opinion seems overwhelmingly in his favour.

4 N‑SING People sometimes refer to events or forces that are difficult or impossible to control as the tide of history, for example. □�[+�of ] They talked of reversing the tide of history.

5 N‑SING You can talk about a tide of something, especially something which is unpleasant, when there is a large and increasing amount of it. □�[+�of ] �an ever increasing tide of crime.

6 →�see also high tide , low tide

▸� tide over PHRASAL VERB If you do something for someone to tide them over , you help them through a period when they are having difficulties, especially by lending them money. □�[V n P ] He wanted money to tide him over. □�[V P n] The banks were prepared to put up 50 million euros to tide over the company. SYNONYMS tide NOUN 2

current:The couple were swept away by the strong current.

flow:It works only in the veins, where the blood flow is slower.

tid|ings /ta I d I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL [usu adj N ] You can use tidings to refer to news that someone tells you. [FORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� He hated always to be the bearer of bad tidings. [Also +�of ]

tidy /ta I di/ (tidier , tidiest , tidies , tidying , tidied )

1 ADJ Something that is tidy is neat and is arranged in an organized way. □� Having a tidy desk can seem impossible if you have a busy, demanding job. ●� tidi|ly /ta I d I li/ ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� �books and magazines stacked tidily on shelves. ●� tidi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Employees are expected to maintain a high standard of tidiness in their dress and appearance.

2 ADJ Someone who is tidy likes everything to be neat and arranged in an organized way. □� She's obsessively tidy, always hoovering and polishing. ●� tidi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I'm very impressed by your tidiness and order.

3 VERB When you tidy a place such as a room or cupboard, you make it neat by putting things in their proper places. □�[V n] She made her bed, and tidied her room.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A tidy amount of money is a large amount. [INFORMAL ] □� The opportunities are there to make a tidy profit.

▸� tidy away PHRASAL VERB When you tidy something away , you put it in something else so that it is not in the way. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P ] The large log basket can be used to tidy toys away. □�[V P n] When they'd gone, McMinn tidied away the glasses and tea-cups.

▸� tidy up PHRASAL VERB When you tidy up or tidy a place up , you put things back in their proper places so that everything is neat. □�[V n P ] I really must start tidying the place up. □�[V P ] He tried to tidy up, not wanting the maid to see the disarray. □�[V P n] Anne made the beds and tidied up the nursery.

tie ◆◆◇ /ta I / (ties , tying , tied )

1 VERB If you tie two things together or tie them, you fasten them together with a knot. □�[V n adv/prep] He tied the ends of the plastic bag together. □�[V n] Mr Saunders tied her hands and feet.

2 VERB If you tie something or someone in a particular place or position, you put them there and fasten them using rope or string. □�[V n +�to ] He had tied the dog to one of the trees near the canal. □�[V n prep/adv] He tied her hands behind her back.

3 VERB If you tie a piece of string or cloth around something or tie something with a piece of string or cloth, you put the piece of string or cloth around it and fasten the ends together. □�[V n prep/adv] She tied her scarf over her head. □�[V n +�with ] Roll the meat and tie it with string. □�[V -ed +�with ] Dad handed me a big box wrapped in gold foil and tied with a red ribbon.

4 VERB If you tie a knot or bow in something or tie something in a knot or bow, you fasten the ends together. □�[V n] He took a short length of rope and swiftly tied a slip knot. □�[V n +�in ] She tied a knot in her scarf. □�[V -ed] She wore a checked shirt tied in a knot above the navel.

5 VERB When you tie something or when something ties , you close or fasten it using a bow or knot. □�[V n] He pulled on his heavy suede shoes and tied the laces. □�[V ] �a long white thing around his neck that tied in front in a floppy bow.

6 N‑COUNT A tie is a long narrow piece of cloth that is worn round the neck under a shirt collar and tied in a knot at the front. Ties are worn mainly by men. □� Jason had taken off his jacket and loosened his tie.

7 VERB [usu passive] If one thing is tiedto another or two things are tied , the two things have a close connection or link. □�[be V -ed +�to ] Their cancers are not so clearly tied to radiation exposure. □�[be V -ed] My social life and business life are closely tied.

8 VERB [usu passive] If you are tiedto a particular place or situation, you are forced to accept it and cannot change it. □�[be V -ed +�to ] They had children and were consequently tied to the school holidays.

9 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Ties are the connections you have with people or a place. □�[+�to ] Quebec has always had particularly close ties to France.

10 N‑COUNT Railroad ties are large heavy beams that support the rails of a railway track. [AM ] in BRIT, use sleepers11 VERB If two people tie in a competition or game or if they tiewith each other, they have the same number of points or the same degree of success. □�[V ] Both teams had tied on points and goal difference. □�[V +�with ] We tied with Spain in fifth place. ●�N‑COUNT Tie is also a noun. □� The first game ended in a tie.

12 N‑COUNT In sport, a tie is a match that is part of a competition. The losers leave the competition and the winners go on to the next round. [mainly BRIT ] □� They'll meet the winners of the first round tie.

13 →�see also black tie , bow tie , old school tie , tied

14your hands are tied →�see hand ➊

15to tie the knot →�see knot

16to tie yourself in knots →�see knot

▸� tie down PHRASAL VERB A person or thing that ties you down restricts your freedom in some way. □�[V n P ] We'd agreed from the beginning not to tie each other down. □�[be V -ed P ] The reason he didn't have a family was that he didn't want to be tied down.

▸� tie in with or tie up with PHRASAL VERB If something such as an idea or fact ties in with or ties up with something else, it is consistent with it or connected with it. □�[V P P n] Our wedding had to tie in with David leaving the army. □�[be V -ed P P n] I've got a feeling that the death may be tied up with his visit in some way.

▸� tie up

1 PHRASAL VERB When you tie something up , you fasten string or rope round it so that it is firm or secure. □�[V P n] He tied up the bag and took it outside. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone ties another person up , they fasten ropes or chains around them so that they cannot move or escape. □�[V n P ] Masked robbers broke in, tied him up, and made off with $8,000. □�[V P n] At about 5 a.m. they struck again in Fetcham, tying up a couple and ransacking their house.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you tie an animal up , you fasten it to a fixed object with a piece of rope so that it cannot run away. □�[V n P ] Would you go and tie your horse up please. □�[V P n] They dismounted, tied up their horses and gave them the grain they had brought.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you tie up an issue or problem, you deal with it in a way that gives definite conclusions or answers. □�[V P n] Kingfisher confirmed that it hopes to tie up a deal within the next two weeks. □�[V n P ] We could have tied the whole case up without getting you and Smith shot at.

5 →�see also tied up , tie-up

▸� tie up with →�see tie in with

tie -break (tie-breaks ) N‑COUNT A tie-break is an extra game which is played in a tennis match when the score in a set is 6-6. The player who wins the tie-break wins the set. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use tie-breaker

tie -breaker (tie-breakers ) N‑COUNT A tie-breaker is an extra question or round that decides the winner of a competition or game when two or more people have the same score at the end.

tied /ta I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tied cottage or house belongs to a farmer or other employer and is rented to someone who works for him or her. [BRIT ] □� He lives with his family in a tied cottage in Hamsey.

2 →�see also tie

tie d u p ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is tied up , they are busy or being used, with the result that they are not available for anything else. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�with ] He's tied up with his new book. He's working hard, you know. [Also +�in ]

tie -dye (tie-dyes , tie-dyeing , tie-dyed )

1 VERB [usu passive] If a piece of cloth or a garment is tie-dyed , it is tied in knots and then put into dye, so that some parts become more deeply coloured than others. □�[be V -ed] He wore a T-shirt that had been tie-dyed in bright colours. □�[V -ed] I bought a great tie-dyed silk scarf.

2 N‑VAR [usu N n] A tie-dye is a garment or piece of cloth that has been tie-dyed. □� They wore tie-dyes and ponchos. □� �a hideous tie-dye shirt.

tie -pin (tie-pins ) also tiepin N‑COUNT A tie-pin is a thin narrow object with a pin on it which is used to pin a person's tie to their shirt.

tier /t I ə r / (tiers )

1 N‑COUNT A tier is a row or layer of something that has other layers above or below it. □�[+�of ] �the auditorium with the tiers of seats around and above it. ●�COMB Tier is also a combining form. □� �a three-tier wedding cake.

2 N‑COUNT A tier is a level in an organization or system. □�[+�of ] Islanders have campaigned for the abolition of one of the three tiers of municipal power. ●�COMB Tier is also a combining form. □� �the possibility of a two-tier system of universities.

tie -up (tie-ups )

1 N‑COUNT A tie-up or a traffic tie-up is a long line of vehicles that cannot move forward because there is too much traffic, or because the road is blocked by something. [AM ] □� In some cities this morning, there were traffic tie-ups up to 40 miles long. in BRIT, use traffic jam2 N‑COUNT A tie-up between two organizations is a business connection that has been arranged between them. □�[+�between ] �tie-ups between big media companies and telecommunications operators. [Also +�with ]

tiff /t I f/ (tiffs ) N‑COUNT A tiff is a small unimportant quarrel, especially between two close friends or between people in a romantic relationship.

ti|ger /ta I gə r / (tigers )

1 N‑COUNT A tiger is a large fierce animal belonging to the cat family. Tigers are orange with black stripes.

2 →�see also paper tiger

tight ◆◇◇ /ta I t/ (tighter , tightest )

1 ADJ Tight clothes or shoes are rather small and fit closely to your body. □� His jeans were too tight. ●� tight|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He buttoned his collar tightly round his thick neck.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you hold someone or something tight , you hold them firmly and securely. □� She just fell into my arms, clutching me tight for a moment. □� Hold on tight! ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tight is also an adjective. □� As he and Henrietta passed through the gate he kept a tight hold of her arm. ●� tight|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� She climbed back into bed and wrapped her arms tightly round her body.

3 ADJ Tight controls or rules are very strict. □� The measures include tight control of media coverage. □� Security is tight this week at the polling sites. ●� tight|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� The internal media was tightly controlled by the government during the war.

4 ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] Something that is shut tight is shut very firmly. □� I keep the flour and sugar in individual jars, sealed tight with their glass lids. □� She kept her eyes tight closed. ●� tight|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� Pemberton frowned and closed his eyes tightly.

5 ADJ Skin, cloth, or string that is tight is stretched or pulled so that it is smooth or straight. □� My skin feels tight and lacking in moisture. ●� tight|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Her sallow skin was drawn tightly across the bones of her face.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tight is used to describe a group of things or an amount of something that is closely packed together. □� She curled up in a tight ball, with her knees tucked up at her chin. □� The men came in a tight group. ●�ADV Tight is also an adverb. □� The people sleep on sun loungers packed tight, end to end. ●� tight|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� Many animals travel in tightly packed lorries and are deprived of food, water and rest.

7 ADJ If a part of your body is tight , it feels rather uncomfortable and painful, for example because you are ill, anxious, or angry. □� It is better to stretch the tight muscles first. ●� tight|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Heart disease often shows itself first as pain or tightness in the chest.

8 ADJ A tight group of people is one whose members are closely linked by beliefs, feelings, or interests. □� We're a tight group, so we do keep in touch.

9 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tight bend or corner is one that changes direction very quickly so that you cannot see very far round it. □� They collided on a tight bend and both cars were extensively damaged.

10 ADJ A tight schedule or budget allows very little time or money for unexpected events or expenses. □� It's difficult to cram everything into a tight schedule. □� Financially things are a bit tight.

11 ADJ A tight contest is one where none of the competitors has a clear advantage or looks likely to win, so that it is difficult to say who the winner will be. □� It was a very tight match.

12 ADJ If you say that someone is tight , you disapprove of them because they are unwilling to spend their money. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The theatre was too tight to pay for any champagne for its stars.

13 →�see also airtight , skin-tight

14 PHRASE If you are in a tight corner or in a tight spot , you are in a difficult situation. [INFORMAL ] □� That puts the president in a tight spot if the vote is not a resounding 'yes'.

15 CONVENTION You can say ' sleep tight ' to someone when they are going to bed as an affectionate way of saying that you hope they will sleep well. □� Good night, Davey. Sleep tight.

16to keep a tight rein on →�see rein

17to sit tight →�see sit

tight|en /ta I t ə n/ (tightens , tightening , tightened )

1 VERB If you tighten your grip on something, or if your grip tightens , you hold the thing more firmly or securely. □�[V n] Luke answered by tightening his grip on her shoulder. □�[V prep] Her arms tightened about his neck in gratitude. □�[V ] Stefano's grip tightened and his tone became colder.

2 VERB If you tighten a rope or chain, or if it tightens , it is stretched or pulled hard until it is straight. □�[V n] The anchorman flung his whole weight back, tightening the rope. □�[V ] The cables tightened and he was lifted gradually from the deck.

3 VERB If a government or organization tightens its grip on a group of people or an activity, or if its grip tightens , it begins to have more control over it. □�[V n] He plans to tighten his grip on the machinery of central government. □�[V ] As the regime's grip on the mainland tightened, hundreds of thousands of people fled.

4 VERB When you tighten a screw, nut, or other device, you turn it or move it so that it is more firmly in place or holds something more firmly. □�[V n] I used my thumbnail to tighten the screw on my lamp. ●�PHRASAL VERB Tighten up means the same as tighten . □�[V P n] It's important to tighten up the wheels properly, otherwise they vibrate loose and fall off. [Also V n P ]

5 VERB If a part of your body tightens , the muscles in it become tense and stiff, for example because you are angry or afraid. □�[V ] Sofia's throat had tightened and she couldn't speak. ●� tight|en|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �a headache caused by tension which results in tightening of the muscles in the neck.

6 VERB If someone in authority tightens a rule, a policy, or a system, they make it stricter or more efficient. □�[V n] The Government plans to tighten the economic sanctions currently in place. □�[be V -ed] Take-off and landing procedures have been tightened after two jets narrowly escaped disaster. ●�PHRASAL VERB Tighten up means the same as tighten . □�[V P n] Until this week, every attempt to tighten up the law had failed. □�[V P +�on ] He accused ministers of breaking election pledges to tighten up on immigration. [Also V n P ] ●� tight|en|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the tightening of state control over press and broadcasting.

7to tighten your belt →�see belt

8to tighten the screw →�see screw

▸� tighten up

1 PHRASAL VERB If a group, team, or organization tightens up , they make an effort to control what they are doing more closely, in order to become more efficient and successful. □�[V P ] I want us to be a bit more sensible this time and tighten up.

2 →�see also tighten4 , tighten6

ti ght-fi sted ADJ If you describe someone as tight-fisted , you disapprove of them because they are unwilling to spend money. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He had the reputation of being one of the most tight-fisted and demanding of employers.

ti ght-li pped

1 ADJ If you describe someone as tight-lipped , you mean that they are unwilling to give any information about something. □�[+�about ] She's always been famously tight-lipped about her love life.

2 ADJ Someone who is tight-lipped has their lips pressed tightly together, especially because they are angry or disapproving. □� He was sitting at the other end of the table, tight-lipped and angry.

tight|rope /ta I troʊp/ (tightropes )

1 N‑COUNT A tightrope is a tightly stretched piece of rope on which someone balances and performs tricks in a circus.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use tightrope in expressions such as walk a tightrope and live on a tightrope to indicate that someone is in a difficult situation and has to be very careful about what they say or do. □� They're walking a tightrope between being overprotective and not caring enough.

tights /ta I ts/

1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Tights are a piece of clothing, usually worn by women and girls. They are usually made of nylon and cover the hips, legs, and feet. [BRIT ] □� �a new pair of tights. in AM, use pantyhose2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Tights are a piece of tight clothing, usually worn by dancers, acrobats, or people in exercise classes, and covering the hips and each leg.

ti|gress /ta I gr I s/ (tigresses ) N‑COUNT A tigress is a female tiger .

til|de /t I ldə/ (tildes ) N‑COUNT A tilde is a symbol that is written over the letter 'n' in Spanish (�) and the letters 'o' (�) and 'a' (�) in Portuguese to indicate the way in which they should be pronounced.

tile /ta I l/ (tiles , tiling , tiled )

1 N‑VAR Tiles are flat, square pieces of baked clay, carpet, cork, or other substance, which are fixed as a covering onto a floor or wall. □� Amy's shoes squeaked on the tiles as she walked down the corridor. □� The cabins had linoleum tile floors.

2 N‑VAR Tiles are flat pieces of baked clay which are used for covering roofs. □� �a fine building, with a neat little porch and ornamental tiles on the roof.

3 VERB When someone tiles a surface such as a roof or floor, they cover it with tiles. □�[V n] He wants to tile the bathroom.

4 →�see also tiling

til|ing /ta I l I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to a surface that is covered by tiles as tiling . □� The kitchen has smart black tiling, worksurfaces and cupboards.

2 →�see also tile

till ◆◇◇ /t I l/ (tills )

1 PREP In spoken English and informal written English, till is often used instead of until . □� They had to wait till Monday to ring the bank manager. □� I've survived till now, and will go on doing so without help from you. ●�CONJ Till is also a conjunction. □� They slept till the alarm bleeper woke them at four.

2 N‑COUNT In a shop or other place of business, a till is a counter or cash register where money is kept, and where customers pay for what they have bought. [BRIT ] □� �long queues at tills that make customers angry. in AM, use cash register3 N‑COUNT A till is the drawer of a cash register, in which the money is kept. [AM ] □� He checked the register. There was money in the till.

till|er /t I lə r / (tillers ) N‑COUNT The tiller of a boat is a handle that is fixed to the rudder. It is used to turn the rudder, which then steers the boat.

tilt /t I lt/ (tilts , tilting , tilted )

1 VERB If you tilt an object or if it tilts , it moves into a sloping position with one end or side higher than the other. □�[V n] She tilted the mirror and began to comb her hair. □�[V n adv/prep] Leonard tilted his chair back on two legs and stretched his long body. □�[V ] The boat instantly tilted, filled and sank. [Also V adv/prep]

2 VERB If you tilt part of your body, usually your head, you move it slightly upwards or to one side. □�[V n with adv] Mari tilted her head back so that she could look at him. □�[V n prep] The nurse tilted his head to the side and inspected the wound. □�[V n] She tilted her face to kiss me quickly on the chin. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Tilt is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He opened the rear door for me with an apologetic tilt of his head.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The tilt of something is the fact that it tilts or slopes, or the angle at which it tilts or slopes. □�[+�of ] �calculations based on our understanding of the tilt of the Earth's axis. □� The 3-metre-square slabs are on a tilt.

4 VERB If a person or thing tiltstowards a particular opinion or if something tilts them towards it, they change slightly so that they become more in agreement with that opinion or position. □�[V prep/adv] When the political climate tilted towards fundamentalism, he was threatened. □�[V n prep/adv] The paper has done much to tilt American public opinion in favour of intervention.

5 N‑SING If there is a tilt towards a particular opinion or position, that opinion or position is favoured or begins to be favoured. □�[+�towards ] The chairman criticised the plan for its tilt towards higher taxes rather than lower spending.

6 N‑COUNT A tilt at something is an attempt to win or obtain it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�at ] His first tilt at Parliament came in the same year but he failed to win the seat.

7 PHRASE To move full tilt or at full tilt means to move with as much speed, energy, or force as possible. □� As John approached at full tilt, he saw a queue of traffic blocking the road.

ti lt|ing trai n (tilting trains ) N‑COUNT A tilting train is a type of train that can travel faster than ordinary trains because it tilts when the track curves.

tim|ber /t I mbə r / N‑UNCOUNT Timber is wood that is used for building houses and making furniture. You can also refer to trees that are grown for this purpose as timber . □� These Severn Valley woods have been exploited for timber since Saxon times.

tim|bered /t I mbə r d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A timbered building has a wooden frame or wooden beams showing on the outside.

2 →�see also half-timbered

ti m|ber yard (timber yards ) N‑COUNT A timber yard is a place where timber is stored and sold. [BRIT ] in AM, use lumberyard

tim|bre /t� mbə r / (timbres ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The timbre of someone's voice or of a musical instrument is the particular quality of sound that it has. [FORMAL ] □� His voice had a deep timbre. □�[+�of ] The timbre of the violin is far richer than that of the mouth organ.

time ◆◆◆ /ta I m/ (times , timing , timed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Time is what we measure in minutes, hours, days, and years. □� �a two-week period of time. □� Time passed, and still Ma did not appear. □� The social significance of religion has changed over time.

2 N‑SING [wh/the N ] You use time to ask or talk about a specific point in the day, which can be stated in hours and minutes and is shown on clocks. □� 'What time is it?'�'Eight o'clock.' □� He asked me the time. □� What time did he leave? □� The time is now 19 minutes past the hour.

3 N‑COUNT The time when something happens is the point in the day when it happens or is supposed to happen. □� Departure times are 08:15 from St Quay, and 18:15 from St Helier.

4 →�see also opening time

5 N‑UNCOUNT You use time to refer to the system of expressing time and counting hours that is used in a particular part of the world. □� The incident happened just after ten o'clock local time.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] You use time to refer to the period that you spend doing something or when something has been happening. □� Adam spent a lot of time in his grandfather's office. □� He wouldn't have the time or money to take care of me. □� Listen to me, I haven't got much time. □� The route was blocked for some time. □� For a long time I didn't tell anyone. □� A short time later they sat down to eat.

7 N‑SING If you say that something has been happening for a time , you mean that it has been happening for a fairly long period of time. □� He stayed for quite a time. □� After a time they came to a pond.

8 N‑COUNT [oft prep N ] You use time to refer to a period of time or a point in time, when you are describing what is happening then. For example, if something happened at a particular time , that is when it happened. If it happens at all times , it always happens. □� We were in the same college, which was male-only at that time. □� By this time he was thirty. □� It was a time of terrible uncertainty. □� Homes are more affordable than at any time in the past five years. □� It seemed like a good time to tell her.

9 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You use time or times to talk about a particular period in history or in your life. □� We'll be alone together, quite like old times. □� We are in one of the most severe recessions in modern times.

10 N‑PLURAL You can use the times to refer to the present time and to modern fashions, tastes, and developments. For example, if you say that someone keeps up with the times , you mean they are fashionable or aware of modern developments. If you say they are behind the times , you mean they are unfashionable or not aware of them. □� This approach is now seriously out of step with the times. □� Johnny has changed his image to fit the times.

11 N‑COUNT [adj N ] When you describe the time that you had on a particular occasion or during a particular part of your life, you are describing the sort of experience that you had then. □� Sarah and I had a great time while the kids were away. □� She's had a really tough time the last year and a half.

12 N‑SING Your time is the amount of time that you have to live, or to do a particular thing. □� The hunt for a solution is on, and time is running out.

13 N‑UNCOUNT [N to-inf, N that] If you say it is timefor something, timeto do something, or time you did something, you mean that this thing ought to happen or be done now. □�[+�for ] Opinion polls indicated a feeling among the public that it was time for a change. □�[+�for ] It was time for him to go to work. □� This was no time to make a speech.

14 N‑COUNT When you talk about a time when something happens, you are referring to a specific occasion when it happens. □� Every time she travels on the bus, it's delayed by at least three hours. □� The last time I saw her was about sixteen years ago.

15 N‑COUNT You use time after numbers to say how often something happens. □� It was her job to make tea three times a day.

16 N‑PLURAL You use times after numbers when comparing one thing to another and saying, for example, how much bigger, smaller, better, or worse it is. □� Its profits are rising four times faster than the average company. □� �an area five times the size of Britain.

17 CONJ You use times in arithmetic to link numbers or amounts that are multiplied together to reach a total. □� Four times six is 24.

18 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's time in a race is the amount of time it takes them to finish the race. □� He was over a second faster than his previous best time. [Also +�of ]

19 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] The time of a piece of music is the number of beats that the piece has in each bar. □� A reel is in four-four time, and a jig is in six-eight time.

20 VERB If you time something for a particular time, you plan or decide to do it or cause it to happen at this time. □�[V n to-inf] He timed the election to coincide with new measures to boost the economy. □�[V n +�for ] We had timed our visit for March 7. □�[V n adv] He had timed his intervention well. □�[V -ed to-inf] Operation Amazon is timed to coincide with the start of the dry season. [Also V n]

21 VERB If you time an action or activity, you measure how long someone takes to do it or how long it lasts. □�[V n] He timed each performance with a stop-watch.

22 →�see also timing

23 PHRASE If you say it is about time that something was done, you are saying in an emphatic way that it should happen or be done now, and really should have happened or been done sooner. [EMPHASIS ] □� It's about time a few movie makers with original ideas were given a chance.

24 PHRASE If you do something ahead of time , you do it before a particular event or before you need to, in order to be well prepared. □� Find out ahead of time what regulations apply to your situation.

25 PHRASE If someone is ahead of their time or before their time , they have new ideas a long time before other people start to think in the same way. □� My mother was ahead of her time. She surrounded me with culture and art.

26 PHRASE If something happens or is done all the time , it happens or is done continually. □� We can't be together all the time.

27 PHRASE You say at a time after an amount to say how many things or how much of something is involved in one action, place, or group. □� Beat in the eggs, one at a time.

28 PHRASE If something could happen at any time , it is possible that it will happen very soon, though nobody can predict exactly when. □� Conditions are still very tense and the fighting could escalate at any time.

29 PHRASE You say at the best of times when you are making a negative or critical comment to emphasize that it is true even when the circumstances are as favourable as possible. [EMPHASIS ] □� A trade war would be bad at the best of times, but in the current climate it would be a disaster.

30 PHRASE If you say that something was the case at one time , you mean that it was the case during a particular period in the past. □� At one time 400 men, women and children lived in the village.

31 PHRASE If two or more things exist, happen, or are true at the same time , they exist, happen, or are true together although they seem to contradict each other. □� I was afraid of her, but at the same time I really liked her.

32 PHRASE At the same time is used to introduce a statement that slightly changes or contradicts the previous statement. □� I could not be seen to be weak, but at the same time I could not give signs of hostility.

33 PHRASE You use at times to say that something happens or is true on some occasions or at some moments. □� The debate was highly emotional at times.

34 PHRASE If you say that something was before your time , you mean that it happened or existed before you were born or before you were able to know about it or remember it. □� 'You've never seen the Marilyn Monroe film?'�'No, I think it was a bit before my time.'

35 PHRASE If someone has reached a particular stage in life before their time , they have reached it at a younger age than is normal. □� The small print has forced me, years before my time, to buy spectacles.

36 PHRASE If you say not before time after a statement has been made about something that has been done, you are saying in an emphatic way that you think it should have been done sooner. [BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □� The virus is getting more and more attention, and not before time.

37 PHRASE If you call time on something, you end it. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □�[+�on ] He has called time on his international career by cutting short his contract.

38 PHRASE Someone who is doing time is in prison. [INFORMAL ] □� He is serving 11 years for robbery, and did time for a similar offence before that.

39 PHRASE If you say that something will be the case for all time , you mean that it will always be the case. □� No referendum will settle anything for all time.

40 PHRASE If something is the case or will happen for the time being , it is the case or will happen now, but only until something else becomes possible or happens. □� For the time being, however, immunotherapy is still in its experimental stages.

41 PHRASE If you do something from time to time , you do it occasionally but not regularly. □� Her daughters visited him from time to time when he was ill.

42 PHRASE If you say that something is the case half the time you mean that it often is the case. [INFORMAL ] □� Half the time, I don't have the slightest idea what he's talking about.

43 PHRASE If you say that you have no time for a person or thing, you mean you do not like them or approve of them, and if you say that you have a lot of time for a person or thing, you mean you like them or approve of them very much. □� When I think of what he's done to my mother and me, I've just got no time for him.

44 PHRASE If you say that it is high time that something happened or was done, you are saying in an emphatic way that it should happen or be done now, and really should have happened or been done sooner. [EMPHASIS ] □� It is high time the Government displayed a more humanitarian approach towards victims of the recession.

45 PHRASE If you are in timefor a particular event, you are not too late for it. □�[+�for ] I arrived just in time for my flight to London.

46 PHRASE If you say that something will happen in time or given time , you mean that it will happen eventually, when a lot of time has passed. □� He would sort out his own problems, in time. □� Tina believed that, given time, her business would become profitable.

47 PHRASE If you are playing, singing, or dancing in time with a piece of music, you are following the rhythm and speed of the music correctly. If you are out of time with it, you are not following the rhythm and speed of the music correctly. □�[+�with ] Her body swayed in time with the music. □� We were standing onstage playing completely out of time.

48 PHRASE If you say that something will happen, for example, in a week 's time or in two years ' time , you mean that it will happen a week from now or two years from now. □� Presidential elections are due to be held in ten days' time.

49 PHRASE If you arrive somewhere in good time , you arrive early so that there is time to spare before a particular event. □�[+�for ] If we're out, we always make sure we're home in good time for the programme.

50 PHRASE If you tell someone that something will happen in good time or all in good time , you are telling them to be patient because it will happen eventually. □� There will be exercises that you can't do at first. You will get to them in good time.

51 PHRASE If something happens in no time or in next to no time , it happens almost immediately or very quickly. □� He expects to be out of prison in next to no time.

52 PHRASE If you do something in your own time , you do it at the speed that you choose, rather than allowing anyone to hurry you. □� Now, in your own time, tell me what happened.

53 PHRASE If you do something such as work in your own time in British English, or on your own time in American English, you do it in your free time rather than, for example, at work or school. □� If I choose to work on other projects in my own time, then I say that is my business.

54 PHRASE If you keep time when playing or singing music, you follow or play the beat, without going too fast or too slowly. □� As he sang, he kept time on a small drum.

55 PHRASE When you talk about how well a watch or clock keeps time , you are talking about how accurately it measures time. □� Some pulsars keep time better than the Earth's most accurate clocks.

56 PHRASE If you make timefor a particular activity or person, you arrange to have some free time so that you can do the activity or spend time with the person. □�[+�for ] Before leaving the city, be sure to make time for a shopping trip.

57 PHRASE If you say that you made good time on a journey, you mean it did not take you very long compared to the length of time you expected it to take. □� They had left early in the morning, on quiet roads, and made good time.

58 PHRASE If someone ismaking up for lost time , they are doing something actively and with enthusiasm because they have not had the opportunity to do it before or when they were younger. □� Older than most officers of his rank, he was determined to make up for lost time.

59 PHRASE If you are marking time , you are doing something that is not particularly useful or interesting while you wait for something more important or interesting to happen. □� He's really just marking time until he's old enough to leave.

60 PHRASE If you say that something happens or is the case nine times out of ten or ninety-nine times out of a hundred , you mean that it happens on nearly every occasion or is almost always the case. □� When they want something, nine times out of ten they get it.

61 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is, for example, the best writer of all time , or the most successful film of all time , you mean that they are the best or most successful that there has ever been. □� 'Monopoly' is one of the best-selling games of all time.

62 PHRASE If you are on time , you are not late. □� Don't worry, she'll be on time.

63 PHRASE If you say that it is only a matter of time or only a question of time before something happens, you mean that it cannot be avoided and will definitely happen at some future date. □� It now seems only a matter of time before they resign.

64 PHRASE When you refer to our time or our times you are referring to the present period in the history of the world. □� It would be wrong to say that the Church doesn't enter the great moral debates of our time.

65 PHRASE If you do something to pass the time you do it because you have some time available and not because you really want to do it. □� Without particular interest and just to pass the time, I read a story.

66 PHRASE If you play for time , you try to make something happen more slowly, because you do not want it to happen or because you need time to think about what to do if it happens. □� The president's decision is being seen as an attempt to play for time.

67 PHRASE If you say that something will take time , you mean that it will take a long time. □� Change will come, but it will take time.

68 PHRASE If you take your time doing something, you do it quite slowly and do not hurry. □� 'Take your time,' Cross told him. 'I'm in no hurry.'

69 PHRASE If a child can tell the time , they are able to find out what the time is by looking at a clock or watch. □� My four-year-old daughter cannot quite tell the time.

70 PHRASE If something happens time after time , it happens in a similar way on many occasions. □� Burns had escaped from jail time after time.

71 PHRASE If you say that time flies , you mean that it seems to pass very quickly. □� Time flies when you're having fun.

72 PHRASE If you have the time of your life , you enjoy yourself very much indeed. □� We're taking our little grandchild away with us. We'll make sure he has the time of his life.

73 PHRASE If you say there is no time to lose or no time to be lost , you mean you must hurry as fast as you can to do something. □� He rushed home, realising there was no time to lose.

74 PHRASE If you say that time will tell whether something is true or correct, you mean that it will not be known until some time in the future whether it is true or correct. □� Only time will tell whether Broughton's optimism is justified.

75 PHRASE If you waste no timein doing something, you take the opportunity to do it immediately or quickly. □� Tom wasted no time in telling me why he had come.

76time and again →�see again

77in the fullness of time →�see fullness USAGE time

1Time is usually an uncountable noun, so don�t use �a� with it. Don�t say, for example, � I haven�t got a time to go shopping �. Say �I haven�t got time to go shopping�. □� Have you got time for tea?

2 You don�t usually use �time� when you are saying how long something takes or lasts. Don�t say, for example, � Each song lasts ten minutes� time �. Say �Each song lasts ten minutes �. □� The whole process takes twenty-five years .

ti me and mo |tion N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] A time and motion study is a study of the way that people do a particular job, or the way they work in a particular place in order to discover the most efficient methods of working.

ti me bomb (time bombs ) also time-bomb

1 N‑COUNT A time bomb is a bomb with a mechanism that causes it to explode at a particular time.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If you describe something as a time bomb , you mean that it is likely to have a serious effect on a person or situation at a later date, especially if you think it will cause a lot of damage. □� This proposal is a political time bomb that could cost the government the next election.

ti me-consuming also time consuming ADJ If something is time-consuming , it takes a lot of time. □� It's just very time consuming to get such a large quantity of data.

ti me frame (time frames ) N‑COUNT The time frame of an event is the length of time during which it happens or develops. [FORMAL ] □� The time frame within which all this occurred was from September 1985 to March 1986.

ti me-honoured ADJ [ADJ n] A time-honoured tradition or way of doing something is one that has been used and respected for a very long time. □� There is a time-honoured tradition of British actors moving to the US.

time|keeper /ta I mkiːpə r / (timekeepers ) also time-keeper

1 N‑COUNT A timekeeper is a person or an instrument that records or checks the time.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a good timekeeper , you mean that they usually arrive on time for things. If you say that they are a poor timekeeper , you mean that they are often late. [BRIT ]

time|keeping /ta I mkiːp I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [adj N ] If you talk about someone's timekeeping , you are talking about how good they are at arriving in time for things. [BRIT ] □� I am trying to improve my timekeeping.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Timekeeping is the process or activity of timing an event or series of events. □� Who did the timekeeping?

ti me lag (time lags ) also time-lag N‑COUNT [usu sing] A time lag is a fairly long interval of time between one event and another related event that happens after it. □�[+�between ] �the time-lag between theoretical research and practical applications.

time|less /ta I mləs/ ADJ If you describe something as timeless , you mean that it is so good or beautiful that it cannot be affected by changes in society or fashion. □� There is a timeless quality to his best work. ●� time|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Maybe it was the trees that gave this place its atmosphere of mystery and timelessness.

ti me lim|it (time limits ) N‑COUNT A time limit is a date before which a particular task must be completed. □�[+�for ] We have extended the time limit for claims until July 30.

time|line /ta I mla I n/ (timelines ) also time line

1 N‑COUNT A timeline is a visual representation of a sequence of events, especially historical events.

2 N‑COUNT A timeline is the length of time that a project is expected to take. □�[+�for ] Use your deadlines to establish the timeline for your research plan.

time|ly /ta I mli/ ADJ A timely event happens at a moment when it is useful, effective, or relevant. [APPROVAL ] □� The recent outbreak is a timely reminder that this disease is a serious health hazard.

ti me ma n|age|ment N‑UNCOUNT Time management is the process of deciding on the order in which you will do tasks, and making sure that they are done on schedule. [BUSINESS ]

ti me ou t (time outs ) also time-out

1 N‑VAR In basketball, American football, ice hockey, and some other sports, when a team calls a time out , they call a stop to the game for a few minutes in order to rest and discuss how they are going to play.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [N to-inf] If you take time outfrom a job or activity, you have a break from it and do something different instead. □�[+�from ] He took time out from campaigning to accompany his mother to dinner.

time|piece /ta I mpiːs/ (timepieces ) also time piece N‑COUNT A timepiece is a clock, watch, or other device that measures and shows time. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

ti me-poo r ADJ Someone who is time-poor has very little spare time or leisure time.

tim|er /ta I mə r / (timers )

1 N‑COUNT A timer is a device that measures time, especially one that is part of a machine and causes it to start or stop working at specific times. □� �electronic timers that automatically switch on the lights when it gets dark.

2 →�see also egg timer

time|scale /ta I mske I l/ (timescales ) also time scale N‑COUNT The timescale of an event is the length of time during which it happens or develops. □�[+�for ] He gave no timescale for these steps.

ti me-server (time-servers ) also timeserver N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a time-server , you disapprove of them because they are making very little effort at work and are just waiting until they retire or leave for a new job. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ti me-share (time-shares ) also time share N‑VAR If you have a time-share , you have the right to use a particular property as holiday accommodation for a specific amount of time each year.

ti me sig|nal (time signals ) N‑COUNT The time signal is the series of high-pitched sounds that are broadcast at certain times on the radio, for example at exactly one o'clock or exactly six o'clock. [BRIT ]

ti me sig|na|ture (time signatures ) N‑COUNT The time signature of a piece of music consists of two numbers written at the beginning that show how many beats there are in each bar.

ti me slot (time slots ) N‑COUNT A television or radio programme's time slot is the time when it is broadcast. □� 90 per cent of listeners had stayed with the programme when it changed its time slot.

ti me switch (time switches ) N‑COUNT A time switch is a device that causes a machine to start or stop working at specific times.

time|table /ta I mte I b ə l/ (timetables , timetabling , timetabled )

1 N‑COUNT A timetable is a plan of the times when particular events are to take place. □� Don't you realize we're working to a timetable? We have to have results. □�[+�for ] The two countries are to try to agree a timetable for formal talks.

2 N‑COUNT In a school or college, a timetable is a list that shows the times in the week at which particular subjects are taught. You can also refer to the range of subjects that a student learns or the classes that a teacher teaches as their timetable . [BRIT ] □� Options are offered subject to staff availability and the constraints of the timetable. in AM, usually use class schedule3 N‑COUNT A timetable is a list of the times when trains, boats, buses, or aeroplanes are supposed to arrive at or leave from a particular place. [mainly BRIT ] □� For a local bus timetable, contact Dyfed County Council. in AM, usually use schedule4 VERB [usu passive] If something is timetabled , it is scheduled to happen or do something at a particular time. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] On both days, three very different trains will be timetabled. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Opie is timetabled to work a four-day week.

ti me tri|al (time trials ) N‑COUNT In cycling and some other sports, a time trial is a contest in which competitors race along a course individually, in as fast a time as possible, instead of racing directly against each other.

ti me wast|er (time wasters ) also time-waster N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something is a time waster , you mean that they cause you to spend a lot of time doing something that is unnecessary or does not produce any benefit. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Surfing the Internet is fun, but it's also a time waster.

ti me-worn also timeworn ADJ Something that is time-worn is old or has been used a lot over a long period of time. □� Even in the dim light the equipment looked old and time-worn.

ti me zone (time zones ) also time-zone N‑COUNT A time zone is one of the areas into which the world is divided where the time is calculated as being a particular number of hours behind or ahead of GMT.

tim|id /t I m I d/

1 ADJ Timid people are shy, nervous, and have no courage or confidence in themselves. □� A timid child, Isabella had learned obedience at an early age. ●� ti|mid|ity /t I m I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� She doesn't ridicule my timidity. ●� tim|id|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� The little boy stepped forward timidly and shook Leo's hand.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's attitudes or actions as timid , you are criticizing them for being too cautious or slow to act, because they are nervous about the possible consequences of their actions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The President's critics say he has been too timid in responding to changing international developments. ●� ti|mid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� He was soon disillusioned by the government's timidity on social reform. ●� tim|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� A number of these states are moving timidly towards multi-party democracy.

tim|ing /ta I m I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Timing is the skill or action of judging the right moment in a situation or activity at which to do something. □� His photo is a wonderful happy moment, caught with perfect timing.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Timing is used to refer to the time at which something happens or is planned to happen, or to the length of time that something takes. □�[+�of ] The timing of this meeting was extremely important.

3 →�see also time

tim|or|ous /t I mərəs/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as timorous , you mean that they are frightened and nervous of other people and situations. [LITERARY ] □� He is a reclusive, timorous creature.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's actions or decisions as timorous , you are criticizing them for being too cautious or weak, because the person is not very confident and is worried about the possible consequences of their actions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Some delegates believe the final declaration is likely to be too timorous.

tim|pa|ni /t I mpəni/ N‑PLURAL Timpani are large drums that are played in an orchestra.

tin /t I n/ (tins )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tin is a soft silvery-white metal. □� �a factory that turns scrap metal into tin cans. □� �a tin-roofed hut.

2 N‑COUNT A tin is a metal container which is filled with food and sealed in order to preserve the food for long periods of time. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] She popped out to buy a tin of soup. ●�N‑COUNT A tinof food is the amount of food contained in a tin. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] He had survived by eating a small tin of fruit every day. in AM, use can3 N‑COUNT A tin is a metal container with a lid in which things such as biscuits, cakes, or tobacco can be kept. □� Store the cookies in an airtight tin. [Also +�of ] ●�N‑COUNT A tinof something is the amount contained in a tin. □�[+�of ] They emptied out the remains of the tin of paint and smeared it on the inside of the van.

4 N‑COUNT A baking tin is a metal container used for baking things such as cakes and bread in an oven. [BRIT ] □� Pour the mixture into the cake tin and bake for 45 minutes. in AM, use pan , baking pan

tinc|ture /t I ŋktʃə r / (tinctures ) N‑VAR A tincture is a medicine consisting of alcohol and a small amount of a drug. □�[+�of ] �a few drops of tincture of iodine.

tin|der /t I ndə r / N‑UNCOUNT Tinder consists of small pieces of something dry, especially wood or grass, that burns easily and can be used for lighting a fire.

tinder|box /t I ndə r bɒks/ (tinderboxes ) also tinder box N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that a situation is a tinderbox , you mean that it is very tense and something dangerous or unpleasant is likely to happen very soon.

tine /ta I n/ (tines ) N‑COUNT The tines of something such as a fork are the long pointed parts. [FORMAL ]

tin|foil /t I nfɔ I l/ also tin foil N‑UNCOUNT Tinfoil consists of shiny metal in the form of a thin sheet which is used for wrapping food.

tinge /t I ndʒ/ (tinges ) N‑COUNT A tinge of a colour, feeling, or quality is a small amount of it. □� His skin had an unhealthy greyish tinge. □�[+�of ] Could there have been a slight tinge of envy in Eva's voice?

tinged /t I ndʒd/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is tingedwith a particular colour, it has a small amount of that colour in it. □�[+�with ] His dark hair was just tinged with grey.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is tinged with a particular feeling or quality, it has or shows a small amount of that feeling or quality. □�[+�with ] Her homecoming was tinged with sadness.

tin|gle /t I ŋg ə l/ (tingles , tingling , tingled )

1 VERB When a part of your body tingles , you have a slight stinging feeling there. □�[V ] The backs of his thighs tingled. ●� tin|gling N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�in ] Its effects include tingling in the hands and feet.

2 VERB If you tinglewith a feeling such as excitement, you feel it very strongly. □�[V +�with ] She tingled with excitement. □�[V ] When I look over and see Terry, I tingle all over. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Tingle is also a noun. □�[+�of ] I felt a sudden tingle of excitement.

tin|gly /t I ŋgli/

1 ADJ If something makes your body feel tingly , it gives you a slight stinging feeling. □� These lotions tend to give the skin a tingly sensation.

2 ADJ If something pleasant or exciting makes you feel tingly , it gives you a pleasant warm feeling. □� He had a way of sounding so sincere. It made me warm and tingly.

tink|er /t I ŋkə r / (tinkers , tinkering , tinkered ) VERB If you tinker with something, you make some small changes to it, in an attempt to improve it or repair it. □�[V +�with ] Instead of the Government admitting its error, it just tinkered with the problem. □�[V ] It is not enough to tinker at the edges; we must reconstruct the entire system. ●� tink|er|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� No amount of tinkering is going to improve matters.

tin|kle /t I ŋk ə l/ (tinkles , tinkling , tinkled )

1 VERB If something tinkles , it makes a clear, high-pitched, ringing noise, especially as small parts of it strike a surface. □�[V prep/adv] A fresh cascade of splintered glass tinkled to the floor. □�[V -ing] We strolled past tinkling fountains and perfumed gardens. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Tinkle is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �a tinkle of broken glass.

2 VERB If a bell tinkles or if you tinkle it, it makes a quiet ringing noise as you shake it. □�[V ] An old-fashioned bell tinkled as he pushed open the door. □�[V n] Miss Peel tinkled her desk bell and they all sat down again. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Tinkle is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the tinkle of goat bells.

tinned /t I nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tinned food is food that has been preserved by being sealed in a tin. [mainly BRIT ] □� �tinned tomatoes. □� �tinned salmon. in AM, usually use canned

tin|ny /t I ni/

1 ADJ If you describe a sound as tinny , you mean that it has an irritating, high-pitched quality. □� He could hear the tinny sound of a radio playing a pop song.

2 ADJ If you use tinny to describe something such as a cheap car, you mean that it is made of thin metal and is of poor quality. □� It is one of the cheapest cars on the market, with tinny bodywork.

ti n open|er (tin openers ) also tin-opener N‑COUNT A tin opener is a tool that is used for opening tins of food. [BRIT ] in AM, use can opener

tin|pot /t I npɒt/ also tin-pot ADJ [ADJ n] You can use tinpot to describe a leader, country, or government that you consider to be unimportant and inferior to most others. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a tinpot dictator.

tin|sel /t I ns ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Tinsel consists of small strips of shiny paper attached to long pieces of thread. People use tinsel as a decoration at Christmas.

Tin|sel|town /t I ns ə ltaʊn/ N‑PROPER People sometimes refer to Hollywood as Tinseltown , especially when they want to show that they disapprove of it or when they are making fun of it.

tint /t I nt/ (tints , tinting , tinted )

1 N‑COUNT A tint is a small amount of colour. □� Its large leaves often show a delicate purple tint.

2 N‑COUNT If you put a tint on your hair, you dye it a slightly different colour. □� You've had a tint on your hair.

3 VERB [usu passive] If something is tinted , it has a small amount of a particular colour or dye in it. □�[be V -ed] Eyebrows can be tinted with the same dye. □�[V -ed] Most of the dirt was on the outside of the tinted glass. ●� -tinted COMB □� He wore green-tinted glasses.

ti n whi s|tle (tin whistles ) N‑COUNT A tin whistle is a simple musical instrument in the shape of a metal pipe with holes. You play the tin whistle by blowing into it. Tin whistles make a high sound and are often used in folk music, for example Irish music.

tiny ◆◇◇ /ta I ni/ (tinier , tiniest ) ADJ Something or someone that is tiny is extremely small. □� The living room is tiny. □� Though she was tiny, she had a very loud voice.

SUFFIX -tion

forms nouns that refer to a state or process, or to an instance of that process. For example, the protection of something is the act of protecting it.

tip ◆◇◇ /t I p/ (tips , tipping , tipped )

1 N‑COUNT The tip of something long and narrow is the end of it. □�[+�of ] The sleeves covered his hands to the tips of his fingers. □�[+�of ] She poked and shifted things with the tip of her walking stick.

2 VERB If you tip an object or part of your body or if it tips , it moves into a sloping position with one end or side higher than the other. □�[V n adv/prep] He leaned away from her, and she had to tip her head back to see him. □�[V ] A young boy is standing on a stool, reaching for a cookie jar, and the stool is about to tip.

3 VERB If you tip something somewhere, you pour it there. □�[V n prep] Tip the vegetables into a bowl. □�[V n with adv] Tip away the salt and wipe the pan.

4 VERB To tip rubbish means to get rid of it by leaving it somewhere. [BRIT ] □�[V n] �the costs of tipping rubbish in landfills. □�[V ] How do you stop people tipping? □�[V -ed] We live in a street off Soho Road and there's rubbish tipped everywhere. in AM, use dump5 N‑COUNT A tip is a place where rubbish is left. [BRIT ] in AM, use garbage dump6 N‑COUNT If you describe a place as atip , you mean it is very untidy. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The flat is an absolute tip.

7 VERB If you tip someone such as a waiter in a restaurant, you give them some money in order to thank them for their services. □�[V n] Do you really think it's customary to tip the waiters? □�[V n amount] She tipped the barmen 10 dollars and bought drinks all round. [Also V ] ●� tip|ping N‑UNCOUNT □� A 10 percent service charge is added in lieu of tipping.

8 N‑COUNT If you give a tip to someone such as a waiter in a restaurant, you give them some money to thank them for their services. □� I gave the barber a tip.

9 N‑COUNT A tip is a useful piece of advice. □�[+�on ] It shows how to prepare a CV, and gives tips on applying for jobs. [Also +�for ]

10 VERB [usu passive] If a person is tipped to do something or is tipped for success at something, experts or journalists believe that they will do that thing or achieve that success. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed to-inf] He is tipped to be the country's next foreign minister. □�[be V -ed +�for ] He was widely tipped for success.

11 N‑COUNT Someone's tip for a race or competition is their advice on its likely result, especially to someone who wants to bet money on the result. □�[+�for ] United are still my tip for the Title.

12 PHRASE If you say that a problem is the tip of the iceberg , you mean that it is one small part of a much larger problem. □� The people who have died so far could be just the tip of the iceberg.

13 PHRASE If something tips the scales or tips the balance , it gives someone a slight advantage. □� Today's slightly shorter race could well help to tip the scales in his favour.

14 PHRASE If a comment or question is on the tip of your tongue , you really want to say it or ask it, but you decide not to say it. □� It was on the tip of Mahoney's tongue to say the boss was out.

▸� tip off PHRASAL VERB If someone tips you off , they give you information about something that has happened or is going to happen. □�[V n P ] Greg tipped police off on his car phone about a suspect drunk driver. □�[V P n] He was arrested two days later after a friend tipped off the FBI.

▸� tip over PHRASAL VERB If you tip something over or if it tips over , it falls over or turns over. □�[V n P ] He tipped the table over in front of him. □�[V P n] She tipped over the chair and collapsed into the corner with a splintering crash. □�[V P ] We grabbed it just as it was about to tip over.

▸� tip up PHRASAL VERB If you tip something up or if it tips up , it moves into a sloping position with one end or side higher than the other. □�[V P n] We had to tip up the bed and the model was in grave danger of falling off it! □�[V n P ] Tip the bottle up so it's in the same position as it would be when feeding the baby. □�[V P ] The aircraft levelled out, and tipped up again for its climb to 20,000 feet. COLLOCATIONS tip NOUN 9

noun +�tip : insider, style, travel

adjective +�tip : handy, hot, top, useful

verb +�tip : offer, provide, share

ti p-off (tip-offs ) N‑COUNT A tip-off is a piece of information or a warning that you give to someone, often privately or secretly. □� The man was arrested at his home after a tip-off to police from a member of the public.

-tipped /-t I pt/ COMB -tipped combines with nouns to form adjectives that describe something as having a tip made of a particular substance or covered with a particular material. □� In his hand, he carried a gold-tipped crook. □� �poison-tipped arrows.

tip|ple /t I p ə l/ (tipples ) N‑COUNT A person's tipple is the alcoholic drink that they usually drink. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� My favourite tipple is a glass of port.

tip|ster /t I pstə r / (tipsters ) N‑COUNT A tipster is someone who tells you, usually in exchange for money, which horses they think will win particular races, so that you can bet money on the horses.

tip|sy /t I psi/ ADJ If someone is tipsy , they are slightly drunk. □� I'm feeling a bit tipsy.

tip|toe /t I ptoʊ/ (tiptoes , tiptoeing , tiptoed )

1 VERB If you tiptoe somewhere, you walk there very quietly without putting your heels on the floor when you walk. □�[V prep/adv] She slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the window. [Also V ]

2 PHRASE If you do something on tiptoe or on tiptoes , you do it standing or walking on the front part of your foot, without putting your heels on the ground. □� She leaned her bike against the stone wall and stood on tiptoe to peer over it.

ti p-to p also tiptop ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use tip-top to indicate that something is extremely good. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Her hair was thick, glossy and in tip-top condition.

ti|rade /ta I re I d/ (tirades ) N‑COUNT A tirade is a long angry speech in which someone criticizes a person or thing. □�[+�against ] She launched into a tirade against the policies that ruined her business.

tire /ta I ə r / (tires , tiring , tired )

1 VERB If something tires you or if you tire , you feel that you have used a lot of energy and you want to rest or sleep. □�[V n] If driving tires you, take the train. □�[V ] He tired easily, though he was unable to sleep well at night.

2 VERB [no passive] If you tire of something, you no longer wish to do it, because you have become bored of it or unhappy with it. □�[V +�of ] He felt he would never tire of international cricket.

3 N‑COUNT A tire is the same as a tyre . [AM ]

▸� tire out PHRASAL VERB If something tires you out , it makes you exhausted. □�[V n P ] The oppressive afternoon heat had quite tired him out. □�[V P n] His objective was to tire out the climbers. ●� tired out ADJ □� He was obviously tired out.

tired ◆◇◇ /ta I ə r d/

1 ADJ If you are tired , you feel that you want to rest or sleep. □� Michael is tired and he has to rest after his long trip. ●� tired|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He had to cancel some engagements because of tiredness.

2 ADJ You can describe a part of your body as tired if it looks or feels as if you need to rest it or to sleep. □� My arms are tired, and my back is tense.

3 ADJ If you are tired of something, you do not want it to continue because you are bored of it or unhappy with it. □�[+�of ] I am tired of all the speculation. □�[+�of ] I was tired of being a bookkeeper.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as tired , you are critical of it because you have heard it or seen it many times. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I didn't want to hear another one of his tired excuses. SYNONYMS tired ADJ 1

exhausted:She was too exhausted and distressed to talk about the tragedy.

weary:Rachel looked pale and weary.

drained:United left the pitch looking stunned and drained.

worn out:Before the race, he is fine. But afterwards he is worn out.

tire|less /ta I ə r ləs/ ADJ If you describe someone or their efforts as tireless , you approve of the fact that they put a lot of hard work into something, and refuse to give up or take a rest. [APPROVAL ] □� �the charity's tireless efforts to help the poor. ●� tire|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He worked tirelessly for the cause of health and safety.

tire|some /ta I ə r səm/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as tiresome , you mean that you find them irritating or boring. □� �the tiresome old lady next door.

tir|ing /ta I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as tiring , you mean that it makes you tired so that you want to rest or sleep. □� It had been a long and tiring day. □� Travelling is tiring.

tis|sue ◆◇◇ /t I ʃuː, t I sjuː/ (tissues )

1 N‑UNCOUNT In animals and plants, tissue consists of cells that are similar to each other in appearance and that have the same function. □� As we age we lose muscle tissue.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Tissue or tissue paper is thin paper that is used for wrapping things that are easily damaged, such as objects made of glass or china.

3 N‑COUNT A tissue is a piece of thin soft paper that you use to blow your nose. □� �a box of tissues. COLLOCATIONS tissue NOUN 1

noun +�tissue : brain, breast, muscle, scar; animal, plant

adjective +�tissue : cancerous, damaged, healthy; connective, fatty, ovarian, soft

verb +�tissue : regenerate, repair; destroy, remove

tit /t I t/ (tits )

1 N‑COUNT A tit is a small European bird that eats insects and seeds. There are several kinds of tit.

2 →�see also blue tit

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A woman's tits are her breasts. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

4 N‑COUNT If you call someone a tit , you are insulting them and saying that they are stupid. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

ti|tan /ta I t ə n/ (titans ) N‑COUNT [usu N n] If you describe someone as a titan of a particular field, you mean that they are very important and powerful or successful in that field. □� �the country's two richest business titans. [Also +�of ]

ti|tan|ic /ta I t� n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as titanic , you mean that it is very big or important, and usually that it involves very powerful forces. □� The world had witnessed a titanic struggle between two visions of the future.

ti|ta|nium /ta I te I niəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Titanium is a light strong white metal.

tit|bit /t I tb I t/ (titbits ) in AM, use tidbit1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a small piece of information about someone's private affairs as a titbit , especially when it is interesting and shocking. □�[+�of ] �titbits of gossip gleaned from the corridors of power.

2 N‑COUNT A titbit is a small piece of food.

ti t-for-ta t ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tit-for-tat action is one where someone takes revenge on another person for what they have done by doing something similar to them. □� The two countries have each expelled another diplomat in a round of tit-for-tat expulsions.

tithe /ta I �/ (tithes ) N‑COUNT A tithe is a fixed amount of money or goods that is given regularly in order to support a church, a priest, or a charity.

tit|il|late /t I t I le I t/ (titillates , titillating , titillated ) VERB If something titillates someone, it pleases and excites them, especially in a sexual way. □�[V n] The pictures were not meant to titillate audiences. ●� tit|il|lat|ing ADJ □� �deliberately titillating lyrics.

ti|tle ◆◆◇ /ta I t ə l/ (titles , titling , titled )

1 N‑COUNT The title of a book, play, film, or piece of music is its name. □� 'Patience and Sarah' was first published in 1969 under the title 'A Place for Us'.

2 VERB When a writer, composer, or artist titles a work, they give it a title. □�[V n n] Pirandello titled his play 'Six Characters in Search of an Author'. □�[be V -ed n] The painting is titled 'The Dream'. □�[V -ed] Their story is the subject of a new book titled 'The Golden Thirteen'. ●� -titled COMB □� �his aptly titled autobiography, Life is Meeting.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Publishers and booksellers often refer to books or magazines as titles . □� It has become the biggest publisher of new poetry in Britain, with 50 new titles a year.

4 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A person's title is a word such as 'Sir', 'Lord', or 'Lady' that is used in front of their name, or a phrase that is used instead of their name, and indicates that they have a high rank in society. □� She relinquished everything but her title as Queen of Scots.

5 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's title is a word such as 'Mr', 'Mrs', or 'Doctor', that is used before their own name in order to show their status or profession. □� She has been awarded the title Professor.

6 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's title is a name that describes their job or status in an organization. □� 'Could you tell me your official job title?'�'It's Operations Manager.'

7 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] If a person or team wins a particular title , they win a sports competition that is held regularly. Usually a person keeps a title until someone else defeats them. □� He became Jamaica's first gold medallist when he won the 400m title in 1948.

ti|tled ◆◇◇ /ta I t ə ld/ ADJ Someone who is titled has a title such as 'Lord', 'Lady', 'Sir', or 'Princess' before their name, showing that they have a high rank in society. □� Her mother was a titled lady.

ti tle-holder (title-holders ) also title holder N‑COUNT The title-holder is the person who most recently won a sports competition that is held regularly. □� Kasparov became the youngest world title-holder at 22.

ti |tle ro le (title roles ) N‑COUNT The title role in a play or film is the role referred to in the name of the play or film. □� Her performance of the title role in Strauss's Salome created a sensation.

ti |tle track (title tracks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The title track on a CD or record is a song or piece of music that has the same title as the CD or record. □�[+�of ] They come from Tuam, a place they refer to on the title track of their album, 'All the Way From Tuam'.

tit|ter /t I tə r / (titters , tittering , tittered ) VERB If someone titters , they give a short nervous laugh, especially when they are embarrassed about something. □�[V ] Mention sex therapy and most people will titter in embarrassment. ●�N‑COUNT Titter is also a noun. □� Mollie gave an uneasy little titter. ●� tit|ter|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� There was nervous tittering in the studio audience.

tittle-tattle /t I t ə l t�t ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to something that a group of people talk about as tittle-tattle , you mean that you disapprove of it because it is not important, and there is no real evidence that it is true. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] �tittle-tattle about the private lives of minor celebrities.

titu|lar /t I tʃʊlə r / ADJ [ADJ n] A titular job or position has a name that makes it seem important, although the person who has it is not really important or powerful. □� He is titular head, and merely signs laws occasionally.

tiz|zy /t I zi/ PHRASE If you get in a tizzy or into a tizzy , you get excited, worried, or nervous about something, especially something that is not important. [INFORMAL ] □� He was in a right tizzy, muttering and swearing. □� Male journalists have been sent into a tizzy by the idea of female fighter pilots.

T -junction (T-junctions ) N‑COUNT If you arrive at a T-junction , the road that you are on joins at right angles to another road, so that you have to turn either left or right to continue. [BRIT ]

TM /tiː e m/

1 N‑UNCOUNT TM is a kind of meditation, in which people mentally relax by silently repeating special words over and over again. TM is an abbreviation for 'transcendental meditation'.

2TM is a written abbreviation for trademark .

TNT /tiː en tiː / N‑UNCOUNT TNT is a powerful explosive substance. TNT is an abbreviation for 'trinitrotoluene'.

to

➊�PREPOSITION AND ADVERB USES

➋�USED BEFORE THE BASE FORM OF A VERB

➊ to ◆◆◆ Usually ppronounced /tə/ before a consonant and /tu/ before a vowel, but pronounced /tuː/ when you are emphasizing it. In addition to the uses shown below, to is used in phrasal verbs such as 'see to' and 'come to'. It is also used with some verbs that have two objects in order to introduce the second object. 1 PREP You use to when indicating the place that someone or something visits, moves towards, or points at. □� Two friends and I drove to Florida during college spring break. □� �a five-day road and rail journey to Paris. □� She went to the window and looked out. □� He pointed to a chair, signalling for her to sit.

2 PREP If you go to an event, you go where it is taking place. □� We went to a party at the leisure centre. □� He came to dinner.

3 PREP If something is attached to something larger or fixed to it, the two things are joined together. □� There was a piece of cloth tied to the dog's collar. □� Scrape off all the meat juices stuck to the bottom of the pan.

4 PREP You use to when indicating the position of something. For example, if something is to your left, it is nearer your left side than your right side. □� Hemingway's studio is to the right. □� Atlanta was only an hour's drive to the north.

5 PREP When you give something to someone, they receive it. □� He picked up the knife and gave it to me. □� Firms should be allowed to offer jobs to the long-term unemployed at a lower wage.

6 PREP You use to to indicate who or what an action or a feeling is directed towards. □� Marcus has been most unkind to me today. □� I have had to pay for repairs to the house.

7 PREP You use to with certain nouns and adjectives to show that a following noun is related to them. □� He is a witty man, and an inspiration to all of us. □� Money is not the answer to everything.

8 PREP If you say something to someone, you want that person to listen and understand what you are saying. □� I'm going to have to explain to them that I can't pay them.

9 PREP You use to when indicating someone's reaction to something or their feelings about a situation or event. For example, if you say that something happens to someone's surprise you mean that they are surprised when it happens. □� He survived, to the amazement of surgeons.

10 PREP You use to when indicating the person whose opinion you are stating. □� It was clear to me that he respected his boss. □� Everyone seemed to her to be amazingly kind.

11 PREP You use to when indicating what something or someone is becoming, or the state or situation that they are progressing towards. □� The shouts changed to screams of terror. □� �an old ranch house that has been converted to a nature centre.

12 PREP To can be used as a way of introducing the person or organization you are employed by, when you perform some service for them. □� She worked as a dresser to the Duchess of York for nine years. □� He was an official interpreter to the government of Nepal.

13 PREP You use to to indicate that something happens until the time or amount mentioned is reached. □� The company aimed to double foreign exports from 2012 to 2020 □� The annual rate of inflation has risen to its highest level for eight years.

14 PREP You use to when indicating the last thing in a range of things, usually when you are giving two extreme examples of something. □� I read everything from fiction to history.

15 PREP If someone goes from place to place or from job to job, they go to several places, or work in several jobs, and spend only a short time in each one. □� Larry and Andy had drifted from place to place, worked at this and that.

16 PHRASE If someone moves to and fro , they move repeatedly from one place to another and back again, or from side to side. □� She stood up and began to pace to and fro.

17 PREP You use to when you are stating a time which is less than thirty minutes before an hour. For example, if it is 'five to eight', it is five minutes before eight o'clock. □� At twenty to six I was waiting by the entrance to the station. □� At exactly five minutes to nine, Ann left her car and entered the building.

18 PREP You use to when giving ratios and rates. □� �engines that can run at 60 miles to the gallon.

19 PREP You use to when indicating that two things happen at the same time. For example, if something is done to music, it is done at the same time as music is being played. □� Romeo left the stage, to enthusiastic applause. □� Amy woke up to the sound of her doorbell ringing.

20 CONVENTION If you say ' There's nothing to it ', ' There's not much to it ', or ' That's all there is to it ', you are emphasizing how simple you think something is. [EMPHASIS ] □� Once they have tried growing orchids, they will see there is really nothing to it.

21 ADV [ADV after v] If you push or shut a door to , you close it but may not shut it completely. □� He slipped out, pulling the door to.

22 →�see also according to

➋ to ◆◆◆ Pronounced /tə/ before a consonant and /tu/ before a vowel. 1 [to inf] You use to before the base form of a verb to form the to-infinitive. You use the to-infinitive after certain verbs, nouns, and adjectives, and after words such as 'how', 'which', and 'where'. □� The management wanted to know what I was doing there. □� She told ministers of her decision to resign.

2 [to inf] You use to before the base form of a verb to indicate the purpose or intention of an action. □� �using the experience of big companies to help small businesses. □� He was doing this to make me more relaxed.

3to order →�see order ➋

4 [to inf] You use to before the base form of a verb when you are commenting on a statement that you are making, for example when saying that you are being honest or brief, or that you are summing up or giving an example. □� I'm disappointed, to be honest. □� Well, to sum up, what is the message that you are trying to get across?

5 [to inf] You use to before the base form of a verb when indicating what situation follows a particular action. □� From the garden you walk down to discover a large and beautiful lake. □� He awoke to find Charlie standing near the bed.

6 You use to with 'too' and 'enough' in expressions like too much to and old enough to . □� At last he was old enough to drive.

toad /toʊ d/ (toads ) N‑COUNT A toad is a creature which is similar to a frog but which has a drier skin and spends less time in water.

toad|stool /toʊ dstuːl/ (toadstools ) N‑COUNT A toadstool is a fungus that you cannot eat because it is poisonous.

toady /toʊ di/ (toadies , toadying , toadied )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a toady , you disapprove of them because they flatter or are pleasant towards an important or powerful person in the hope of getting some advantage from them. [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 VERB If you say that someone is toadyingto an important or powerful person, you disapprove of them because they are flattering or being pleasant towards that person in the hope of getting some advantage from them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�to ] They came backstage afterward, cooing and toadying to him. [Also V ]

toast /toʊ st/ (toasts , toasting , toasted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Toast is bread which has been cut into slices and made brown and crisp by cooking at a high temperature. □� �a piece of toast.

2 VERB When you toast something such as bread, you cook it at a high temperature so that it becomes brown and crisp. □�[V n] Toast the bread lightly on both sides. □�[V -ed] �a toasted sandwich.

3 N‑COUNT When you drink a toastto someone or something, you drink some wine or another alcoholic drink as a symbolic gesture, in order to show your appreciation of them or to wish them success. □�[+�to ] The host drank a toast to each guest in turn.

4 VERB When you toast someone or something, you drink a toast to them. □�[V n] Party officials and generals toasted his health.

5 N‑SING If someone is the toast of a place, they are very popular and greatly admired there, because they have done something very successfully or well. □�[+�of ] She was the toast of Paris.

toast|er /toʊ stə r / (toasters ) N‑COUNT A toaster is a piece of electrical equipment used to toast bread.

toastie /toʊ sti/ (toasties ) N‑COUNT A toastie is a toasted sandwich. [BRIT ]

toast|master /toʊ stmɑːstə r , -m�s-/ (toastmasters ) N‑COUNT At a special ceremony or formal dinner, the toastmaster is the person who proposes toasts and introduces the speakers.

toa st rack (toast racks ) N‑COUNT A toast rack is an object that is designed to hold pieces of toast in an upright position and separate from each other, ready for people to eat.

toasty /toʊ sti/ (toastier , toastiest ) ADJ If something is toasty , it is comfortably warm. [INFORMAL ] □� The room was toasty. The sun was streaming through the windows.

to|bac|co /təb� koʊ/ (tobaccos )

1 N‑VAR Tobacco is dried leaves which people smoke in pipes, cigars, and cigarettes. You can also refer to pipes, cigars, and cigarettes as a whole as tobacco . □� Try to do without tobacco and alcohol.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Tobacco is the plant from which tobacco is obtained.

to|bac|co|nist /təb� kən I st/ (tobacconists ) N‑COUNT A tobacconist or a tobacconist's is a shop that sells things such as tobacco, cigarettes, and cigars.

to|bog|gan /təbɒ gən/ (toboggans ) N‑COUNT A toboggan is a light wooden board with a curved front, used for travelling down hills on snow or ice.

toc|ca|ta /təkɑː tə/ (toccatas ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A toccata is a fast piece of music for the piano, organ, or other keyboard instrument.

to|day ◆◆◆ /təde I /

1 ADV You use today to refer to the day on which you are speaking or writing. □� How are you feeling today? □� I wanted him to come with us today, but he couldn't. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Today is also a noun. □� The Prime Minister remains the main story in today's newspapers.

2 ADV [n ADV ] You can refer to the present period of history as today . □� He thinks pop music today is as exciting as it's ever been. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Today is also a noun. □� Living in today's world we are exposed to pollution, traffic, and overcrowding. USAGE today

Don�t use �today� in front of morning , afternoon , or evening . Instead, use this . □� His plane left this morning .

tod|dle /tɒ d ə l/ (toddles , toddling , toddled ) VERB When a child toddles , it walks unsteadily with short quick steps. □�[V ] �once your baby starts toddling. □�[V adv/prep] She fell while toddling around.

tod|dler /tɒ dlə r / (toddlers ) N‑COUNT A toddler is a young child who has only just learned to walk or who still walks unsteadily with small, quick steps.

tod|dy /tɒ di/ (toddies ) N‑VAR A toddy is a drink that is made by adding hot water and sugar to a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky, rum, or brandy. □� �a hot toddy.

to-do /tə duː / N‑SING When there is a to-do , people are very excited, confused, or angry about something. [INFORMAL ]

toe /toʊ / (toes , toeing , toed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your toes are the five movable parts at the end of each foot.

2 PHRASE If you dip your toes into something or dip your toes into the waters of something, you start doing that thing slowly and carefully, because you are not sure whether it will be successful or whether you will like it. □� This may encourage gold traders to dip their toes back into the markets.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone or something keeps you on your toes , you mean that they cause you to remain alert and ready for anything that might happen. □� His fiery campaign rhetoric has kept opposition parties on their toes for months.

4 PHRASE If you toe the line , you behave in the way that people in authority expect you to. □� �attempts to persuade the rebel members to toe the line.

5 PHRASE If you tread on someone's toes , you offend them by criticizing the way that they do something or by interfering in their affairs. [INFORMAL ] □� I must be careful not to tread on their toes. My job is to challenge, but not threaten them.

toe|cap /toʊ k�p/ (toecaps ) also toe-cap N‑COUNT A toecap is a piece of leather or metal which is fitted over the end of a shoe or boot in order to protect or strengthen it.

toe -curling ADJ If you describe something as toe-curling , you mean that it makes you feel very embarrassed. □� They showed the most toe-curling photos.

TOEFL /toʊ f ə l/ N‑PROPER TOEFL is an English language examination which is often taken by foreign students who want to study at universities in English-speaking countries. TOEFL is an abbreviation of 'Test of English as a Foreign Language'.

toe|hold /toʊ hoʊld/ (toeholds ) also toe-hold N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have a toeholdin a situation, you have managed to gain an uncertain position or a small amount of power in it, which you hope will give you the opportunity to get a better or more powerful position. □�[+�in ] The company was anxious to get a toehold in the European market. [Also +�on ]

toe|nail /toʊ ne I l/ (toenails ) also toe nail N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your toenails are the thin hard areas at the end of each of your toes.

toff /tɒ f/ (toffs ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a toff , you are saying in an unkind way that they come from the upper classes or are very rich. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

tof|fee /tɒ fi, [AM ] tɔː fi/ (toffees )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Toffee is a sticky sweet that you chew. It is made by boiling sugar and butter together with water. [BRIT ] in AM, use taffy2 N‑COUNT A toffee is an individual piece of toffee.

to ffee-nosed ADJ If you say that someone is toffee-nosed , you disapprove of them because they have a high opinion of themselves and a low opinion of other people. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

tog /tɒ g/ (togs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu N n, num N ] A tog is an official measurement that shows how warm a blanket or quilt is. [BRIT ] □� The range of tog values has been extended to 15 togs. ●�COMB Tog is also a combining form. □� �a snug 13.5-tog winter duvet.

2 N‑PLURAL Togs are clothes, especially ones for a particular purpose. [INFORMAL ] □� The photograph showed him wearing football togs.

toga /toʊ gə/ (togas ) N‑COUNT A toga is a piece of clothing which was worn by the ancient Romans.

to|geth|er ◆◆◆ /təge �ə r / In addition to the uses shown below, together is used in phrasal verbs such as 'piece together', 'pull together', and 'sleep together'. 1 ADV [usu ADV after v] If people do something together , they do it with each other. □� We went on long bicycle rides together. □� They all live together in a three-bedroom house. □� Together they swam to the ship.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If things are joined together , they are joined with each other so that they touch or form one whole. □� Mix the ingredients together thoroughly. □� She clasped her hands together on her lap.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If things or people are situated together , they are in the same place and very near to each other. □� The trees grew close together. □� Ginette and I gathered our things together.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If a group of people are held or kept together , they are united with each other in some way. □� He has done enough to pull the party together. ●�ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Together is also an adjective. □� We are together in the way we're looking at this situation.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ , n ADJ ] If two people are together , they are married or having a sexual relationship with each other. □� We were together for five years.

6 ADV [ADV after v] If two things happen or are done together , they happen or are done at the same time. □� Three horses crossed the finish line together. □� 'Yes,' they said together.

7 ADV [ADV before v, n ADV ] You use together when you are adding two or more amounts or things to each other in order to consider a total amount or effect. □� Together they account for less than five per cent of the population.

8 PHRASE If you say that two things go together , or that one thing goes togetherwith another, you mean that they go well with each other or cannot be separated from each other. □� I can see that some colours go together and some don't. [Also +�with ]

9 ADJ If you describe someone as together , you admire them because they are very confident, organized, and know what they want. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� She was very headstrong, and very together.

10 PHRASE You use together with to mention someone or something else that is also involved in an action or situation. □�[+�with ] Every month we'll deliver the best articles, together with the latest fashion news.

11to get your act together →�see act

12to put your heads together →�see head

to|geth|er|ness /təge �ə r nəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Togetherness is a happy feeling of affection and closeness to other people, especially your friends and family. □� Nothing can ever take the place of real love and family togetherness.

tog|gle /tɒ g ə l/ (toggles ) N‑COUNT A toggle is a small piece of wood or plastic which is sewn to something such as a coat or bag, and which is pushed through a loop or hole to fasten it.

toil /tɔ I l/ (toils , toiling , toiled )

1 VERB When people toil , they work very hard doing unpleasant or tiring tasks. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] People who toiled in dim, dank factories were too exhausted to enjoy their family life. □�[V n] Workers toiled long hours. [Also V at/on n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Toil away means the same as toil . □�[V P +�at/on ] She has toiled away at the violin for years. □�[V P ] Nora toils away serving burgers at the local cafe.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Toil is unpleasant work that is very tiring physically. [LITERARY ]

toi|let /tɔ I lət/ (toilets )

1 N‑COUNT A toilet is a large bowl with a seat, or a platform with a hole, which is connected to a water system and which you use when you want to get rid of urine or faeces from your body.

2 N‑COUNT A toilet is a room in a house or public building that contains a toilet. [BRIT ] □� Annette ran and locked herself in the toilet. □� Fred never uses public toilets. in AM, use bathroom , rest room

3 PHRASE You can say that someone goes to the toilet to mean that they get rid of waste substances from their body, especially when you want to avoid using words that you think may offend people. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use go to the bathroom

toi |let bag (toilet bags ) N‑COUNT A toilet bag is a small bag in which you keep things such as soap, a flannel, and a toothbrush when you are travelling.

toi |let pa|per N‑UNCOUNT Toilet paper is thin soft paper that people use to clean themselves after they have got rid of urine or faeces from their body.

toi|let|ries /tɔ I lətriz/ N‑PLURAL Toiletries are things that you use when washing or taking care of your body, for example soap and toothpaste.

toi |let roll (toilet rolls ) N‑VAR A toilet roll is a long narrow strip of toilet paper that is wound around a small cardboard tube.

toi |let trained ADJ If a child is toilet trained , he or she has learned to use the toilet.

toi |let train|ing N‑UNCOUNT Toilet training is the process of teaching a child to use the toilet.

toi |let wa|ter (toilet waters ) N‑VAR Toilet water is fairly weak and inexpensive perfume.

to -ing and fro -ing N‑UNCOUNT If you say that there is a lot of to-ing and fro-ing , you mean that the same actions or movements or the same arguments are being repeated many times. [mainly BRIT ] □� After some to-ing and fro-ing, Elsie and the children moved back to London.

to|ken /toʊ kən/ (tokens )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use token to describe things or actions which are small or unimportant, but are meant to show particular intentions or feelings which may not be sincere. □� The announcement was widely seen as a token gesture.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A token is a piece of paper or card that can be exchanged for goods, either in a particular shop or as part of a special offer. [BRIT ] □� Here is the fifth token towards our offer. You need six of these tokens. in AM, use coupon3 N‑COUNT A token is a round flat piece of metal or plastic that is sometimes used instead of money. □� Some of the older telephones still only accept tokens.

4 N‑COUNT If you give something to a person or do something for them as a tokenof your feelings, you give it or do it as a way of expressing those feelings. □�[+�of ] As a token of goodwill, I'm going to write another letter.

5 PHRASE You use by the same token to introduce a statement that you think is true for the same reasons that were given for a previous statement. □� If you give up exercise, your fat increases. By the same token, if you expend more energy you will lose fat.

to|ken|ism /toʊ kən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to an action as tokenism , you disapprove of it because you think it is just done for effect, in order to show a particular intention or to impress a particular type of person. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Is his promotion evidence of the minorities' advance, or mere tokenism?

told /toʊ ld/

1Told is the past tense and past participle of tell .

2 PHRASE You can use all told to introduce or follow a summary, general statement, or total. □� All told there were 104 people on the payroll.

tol|er|able /tɒ lərəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe something as tolerable , you mean that you can bear it, even though it is unpleasant or painful. □� He described their living conditions as tolerable. ●� tol|er|ably /tɒ lərəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/adv, oft ADV after v] □� Their captors treated them tolerably well. □� �tolerably hot water.

2 ADJ If you describe something as tolerable , you mean that it is fairly good and reasonably satisfactory, but not of the highest quality or standard. [FORMAL ] □� He fell asleep just past midnight with tolerable ease. ●� tol|er|ably ADV □� He can see tolerably well and he can read.

tol|er|ance /tɒ lərəns/ (tolerances )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tolerance is the quality of allowing other people to say and do as they like, even if you do not agree or approve of it. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �his tolerance and understanding of diverse human nature.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] Tolerance is the ability to bear something painful or unpleasant. □� There is lowered pain tolerance, lowered resistance to infection. □�[+�of ] �a low tolerance of errors.

3 N‑VAR If someone or something has a tolerance to a substance, they are exposed to it so often that it does not have very much effect on them. □�[+�to ] People can develop tolerances to allergens.

tol|er|ant /tɒ lərənt/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as tolerant , you approve of the fact that they allow other people to say and do as they like, even if they do not agree with or like it. [APPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] They need to be tolerant of different points of view. ●� tol|er|ant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She had listened tolerantly to his jumbled account.

2 ADJ If a plant, animal, or machine is tolerant of particular conditions or types of treatment, it is able to bear them without being damaged or hurt. □�[+�of ] �plants which are more tolerant of dry conditions.

tol|er|ate /tɒ ləre I t/ (tolerates , tolerating , tolerated )

1 VERB If you tolerate a situation or person, you accept them although you do not particularly like them. □�[V n] She can no longer tolerate the position that she's in.

2 VERB If you can tolerate something unpleasant or painful, you are able to bear it. □�[V n] The ability to tolerate pain varies from person to person.

toll /toʊ l/ (tolls , tolling , tolled )

1 VERB When a bell tolls or when someone tolls it, it rings slowly and repeatedly, often as a sign that someone has died. □�[V ] Church bells tolled and black flags fluttered. □�[V n] The pilgrims tolled the bell.

2 N‑COUNT A toll is a small sum of money that you have to pay in order to use a particular bridge or road.

3 N‑COUNT [N n] A toll road or toll bridge is a road or bridge where you have to pay in order to use it.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A toll is a total number of deaths, accidents, or disasters that occur in a particular period of time. [JOURNALISM ] □� There are fears that the casualty toll may be higher.

5 →�see also death toll

6 PHRASE If you say that something takes its toll or takes a heavy toll , you mean that it has a bad effect or causes a lot of suffering. □�[+�on ] Winter takes its toll on your health.

to ll-free ADJ [usu ADJ n] A toll-free phone number is one which you can dial without having to pay for the call. [AM ] ●�ADV [ADV after v] Toll-free is also an adverb. □� Call our customer-service staff toll-free. [in BRIT, use freefone ]

tom /tɒ m/ (toms ) N‑COUNT A tom is a male cat.

toma|hawk /tɒ məhɔːk/ (tomahawks ) N‑COUNT A tomahawk is a small light axe that is used by Native American peoples.

to|ma|to /təmɑː toʊ, [AM ] -me I -/ (tomatoes ) N‑VAR Tomatoes are small, soft, red fruit that you can eat raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable.

tomb /tuː m/ (tombs ) N‑COUNT A tomb is a large grave that is above ground and that usually has a sculpture or other decoration on it.

tom|boy /tɒ mbɔ I / (tomboys ) N‑COUNT If you say that a girl is a tomboy , you mean that she likes playing rough or noisy games, or doing things that were traditionally considered to be things that boys enjoy.

tomb|stone /tuː mstoʊn/ (tombstones ) N‑COUNT A tombstone is a large stone with words carved into it, which is placed on a grave.

to m cat (tomcats ) also tomcat N‑COUNT A tom cat is a male cat.

tome /toʊ m/ (tomes ) N‑COUNT A tome is a very large, heavy book. [FORMAL ]

tom|fool|ery /tɒmfuː ləri/ N‑UNCOUNT Tomfoolery is playful behaviour, usually of a rather silly, noisy, or rough kind. □� Were you serious, or was that a bit of tomfoolery?

to|mor|row ◆◆◇ /təmɒ roʊ, [AM ] -mɔː r-/

1 ADV You use tomorrow to refer to the day after today. □� Bye, see you tomorrow. □� The first official results will be announced tomorrow. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Tomorrow is also a noun. □� He will play for the team in tomorrow's match against England.

2 ADV You can refer to the future, especially the near future, as tomorrow . □� What is education going to look like tomorrow? ●�N‑UNCOUNT Tomorrow is also a noun. □� �tomorrow's computer industry.

to m-tom (tom-toms ) N‑COUNT A tom-tom is a tall narrow drum that is usually played with the hands.

ton ◆◇◇ /tʌ n/ (tons )

1 N‑COUNT [num N ] A ton is a unit of weight that is equal to 2240 pounds in Britain and to 2000 pounds in the United States. □�[+�of ] Hundreds of tons of oil spilled into the sea. □� Getting rid of rubbish can cost $100 a ton.

2 N‑COUNT A ton is the same as a tonne .

3 PHRASE If someone comes down on you like a ton of bricks , they are extremely angry with you and tell you off because of something wrong that you have done. [INFORMAL ] □� If you do something awful they all come down on you like a ton of bricks.

4 PHRASE If you say that something weighs a ton , you mean that it is extremely heavy. [INFORMAL ]

to|nal /toʊ n ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tonal means relating to the qualities or pitch of a sound or to the tonality of a piece of music. □� There is little tonal variety in his voice. □� �tonal music.

to|nal|ity /toʊn� l I ti/ (tonalities ) N‑VAR Tonality is the presence of a musical key in a piece of music. [TECHNICAL ]

tone ◆◇◇ /toʊ n/ (tones , toning , toned )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The tone of a sound is its particular quality. □� Cross could hear him speaking in low tones to Sarah. □�[+�of ] �the clear tone of the bell.

2 N‑COUNT Someone's tone is a quality in their voice which shows what they are feeling or thinking. □�[+�of ] I still didn't like his tone of voice. □� Her tone implied that her patience was limited.

3 N‑SING [oft in N ] The tone of a speech or piece of writing is its style and the opinions or ideas expressed in it. □�[+�of ] The spokesman said the tone of the letter was very friendly. □� His comments to reporters were conciliatory in tone.

4 N‑SING The tone of a place or an event is its general atmosphere. □� The front desk, with its friendly, helpful staff, sets the tone for the rest of the store.

5 N‑UNCOUNT The tone of someone's body, especially their muscles, is its degree of firmness and strength. □� �stretch exercises that aim to improve muscle tone.

6 VERB Something that tones your body makes it firm and strong. □�[V n] This movement lengthens your spine and tones the spinal nerves. □�[V -ing] Try these toning exercises before you start the day. □�[V -ed] �finely toned muscular bodies. ●�PHRASAL VERB Tone up means the same as tone . □�[V P n] Exercise tones up your body. □�[V -ed P ] Although it's not strenuous exercise, you feel toned-up, supple and relaxed. [Also V n P ]

7 N‑VAR A tone is one of the lighter, darker, or brighter shades of the same colour. □� Each brick also varies slightly in tone, texture and size.

8 N‑SING A tone is one of the sounds that you hear when you are using a phone, for example the sound that tells you that a number is engaged or busy, or no longer exists.

9 →�see also dialling tone , ring tone

10 PHRASE If you say that something lowers the toneof a place or event, you mean that it is not appropriate and makes the place or event seem less respectable. □� Councillors say plastic-framed windows lower the tone of the neighbourhood.

▸� tone down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you tone down something that you have written or said, you make it less forceful, severe, or offensive. □�[V P n] The fiery right-wing leader toned down his militant statements after the meeting. □�[V n P ] We have had to ask the agency and their client to tone their ads down.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you tone down a colour or a flavour, you make it less bright or strong. □�[V P n] When Ken Hom wrote his first book for the BBC he was asked to tone down the spices and garlic in his recipes. [Also V n P ]

▸� tone up →�see tone6

-toned /-toʊ nd/ COMB -toned combines with adjectives to indicate that something has a particular kind of tone. □� �soft, pastel-toned drawings.

to ne-dea f ADJ If you say that someone is tone-deaf , you mean that they cannot sing in tune or recognize different tunes.

tone|less /toʊ nləs/ ADJ A toneless voice is dull and does not express any feeling. [WRITTEN ] ●� tone|less|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� 'That's most kind of him,' Eleanor said tonelessly.

ton|er /toʊ nə r / (toners ) N‑VAR A toner is a substance which you can put on your skin, for example to clean it or make it less oily.

tongs /tɒ ŋz, [AM ] tɔː ŋz/

1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Tongs are a tool that you use to grip and pick up objects that you do not want to touch. They consist of two long narrow pieces of metal joined together at one end.

2hammer and tongs →�see hammer

tongue /tʌ ŋ/ (tongues )

1 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your tongue is the soft movable part inside your mouth which you use for tasting, eating, and speaking. □� I walked over to the mirror and stuck my tongue out. □� She ran her tongue around her lips.

2 N‑COUNT You can use tongue to refer to the kind of things that a person says. □� She had a nasty tongue, but I liked her.

3 N‑COUNT A tongue is a language. [LITERARY ] □� The French feel passionately about their native tongue.

4 →�see also mother tongue

5 N‑VAR Tongue is the cooked tongue of an ox or sheep. It is usually eaten cold.

6 N‑COUNT The tongue of a shoe or boot is the piece of leather which is underneath the laces.

7 N‑COUNT A tongue of something such as fire or land is a long thin piece of it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] A yellow tongue of flame shot upwards.

8 PHRASE A tongue-in-cheek remark or attitude is not serious, although it may seem to be. □� �a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek approach.

9 PHRASE If you hold your tongue , you do not say anything even though you might want to or be expected to, because it is the wrong time to say it. □� Douglas held his tongue, preferring not to speak out on a politically sensitive issue.

10 PHRASE If you describe something you said as a slip of the tongue , you mean that you said it by mistake. □� At one stage he referred to Anna as John's fianc�e, but later said that was a slip of the tongue.

11to bite your tongue →�see bite

to ngue-in-chee k →�see tongue

to ngue-lashing (tongue-lashings ) also tongue lashing N‑COUNT If someone gives you a tongue-lashing , they shout at you or criticize you in a very forceful way. [INFORMAL ] □� After a cruel tongue lashing, he threw the girl out of the group.

to ngue-tied ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is tongue-tied , they are unable to say anything because they feel shy or nervous. □� In their presence I became self-conscious and tongue-tied.

to ngue-twister (tongue-twisters ) also tongue twister N‑COUNT A tongue-twister is a sentence or expression which is very difficult to say properly, especially when you try to say it quickly. An example of a tongue-twister is 'Red leather, yellow leather'.

ton|ic /tɒ n I k/ (tonics )

1 N‑VAR Tonic or tonic water is a colourless fizzy drink that has a slightly bitter flavour and is often mixed with alcoholic drinks, especially gin. □� Keeler sipped at his gin and tonic. □� �low-calorie tonics.

2 N‑VAR A tonic is a medicine that makes you feel stronger, healthier, and less tired. □� Britons are spending twice as much on health tonics as they were five years ago.

3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A tonic is anything that makes you feel stronger, more cheerful, or more enthusiastic. □� Seeing Marcus at that moment was a great tonic. [Also +�for ]

to|night ◆◆◇ /təna I t/ ADV [n ADV ] Tonight is used to refer to the evening of today or the night that follows today. □� I'm at home tonight. □� Tonight, I think he proved to everybody what a great player he was. □� There they will stay until 11 o'clock tonight. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Tonight is also a noun. □� �tonight's flight to London.

ton|nage /tʌ n I dʒ/ (tonnages )

1 N‑VAR The tonnage of a ship is its size or the amount of space that it has inside it for cargo. [TECHNICAL ]

2 N‑VAR Tonnage is the total number of tons that something weighs, or the total amount that there is of it.

tonne /tʌ n/ (tonnes ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A tonne is a metric unit of weight that is equal to 1000 kilograms. □�[+�of ] �65.5 million tonnes of coal.

ton|sil|li|tis /tɒ ns I la I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Tonsillitis is a painful swelling of your tonsils caused by an infection.

ton|sils /tɒ ns I lz/ The form tonsil is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Your tonsils are the two small soft lumps in your throat at the back of your mouth.

tony /toʊ ni/ (tonier , toniest ) ADJ If you describe something as tony , you mean it is stylish and sophisticated. [AM ] □� �a tony dance club in Manhattan.

too

➊�ADDING SOMETHING OR RESPONDING

➋�INDICATING EXCESS

➊ too ◆◆◆ /tuː /

1 ADV You use too after mentioning another person, thing, or aspect that a previous statement applies to or includes. □� 'Nice to talk to you.'�'Nice to talk to you too.' □� 'I've got a great feeling about it.'�'Me too.' □� He doesn't want to meet me. I, too, have been afraid to talk to him. □� We talked to her agent. He's your agent, too, right?

2 ADV You use too after adding a piece of information or a comment to a statement, in order to emphasize that it is surprising or important. [EMPHASIS ] □� We did learn to read, and quickly too. □� People usually think of it as a 'boys' book', which of course it is, and a very good one too.

3 ADV You use too at the end of a sentence to emphasize an opinion that you have added after a statement made by you or by another person. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'That money's mine.'�'Of course it is, and quite right too.' □� 'Oh excuse me.'�'I should think so too.'

➋ too ◆◆◆ /tuː /

→�Please look at categories 6 to 8 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use too in order to indicate that there is a greater amount or degree of something than is desirable, necessary, or acceptable. □� Leather jeans that are too big will make you look larger. □� Eggs shouldn't be kept in the fridge, it's too cold. □� She was eating too much and having too many late nights.

2 ADV [ADV adj] You use too with a negative to make what you are saying sound less forceful or more polite or cautious. [VAGUENESS ] □� I wasn't too happy with what I'd written so far. □� He won't be too pleased to see you.

3 PHRASE You use all too or only too to emphasize that something happens to a greater extent or degree than is pleasant or desirable. [EMPHASIS ] □� She remembered it all too well. □� The letter spoke only too clearly of his anxiety for her.

4too bad →�see bad

5none too →�see none

took /tʊ k/ Took is the past tense of take .

tool ◆◇◇ /tuː l/ (tools )

1 N‑COUNT A tool is any instrument or simple piece of equipment that you hold in your hands and use to do a particular kind of work. For example, spades, hammers, and knives are all tools. □� I find the best tool for the purpose is a pair of shears.

2 →�see also machine tool

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to anything that you use for a particular purpose as a particular type of tool . □� The computer has become an invaluable teaching tool.

4 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a tool of a particular person, group, or system, you mean that they are controlled and used by that person, group, or system, especially to do unpleasant or dishonest things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] He became the tool of the security services.

5 PHRASE If you say that workers down tools , you mean that they stop working suddenly in order to strike or to make a protest of some kind. [BRIT ]

6 PHRASE The tools of your trade or the tools of the trade are the skills, instruments, and other equipment that you need in order to do your job properly. □� These organisations use bugging and tapping as everyday tools of their trade. COLLOCATIONS tool NOUN 3

noun +�tool : bargaining, management, marketing, propaganda; software

adjective +�tool : diagnostic, educational, motivational, online; effective, powerful, useful

tool|bar /tuː lbɑː r / (toolbars ) N‑COUNT A toolbar is a narrow grey strip across a computer screen containing pictures, called icons, which represent different computer functions. When you want to use a particular function, you move the cursor onto its icon using a mouse. [COMPUTING ]

too l box (tool boxes ) N‑COUNT A tool box is a metal or plastic box which contains general tools that you need at home, for example to do repairs in your house or car.

too l kit (tool kits ) or toolkit

1 N‑COUNT A tool kit is a special set of tools that are kept together and that are often used for a particular purpose.

2 N‑COUNT A tool kit is the set of skills, abilities, knowledge, or other things needed in order to do a particular task or job. □� Nerves are an important part of the comedian's tool kit. □� The course provides a comprehensive toolkit for negotiating situations.

toot /tuː t/ (toots , tooting , tooted ) VERB If someone toots their car horn or if a car horn toots , it produces a short sound or series of sounds. □�[V n] People set off fireworks and tooted their car horns. □�[V ] Car horns toot as cyclists dart precariously through the traffic. ●�N‑SING Toot is also a noun. □� The driver gave me a wave and a toot.

tooth ◆◇◇ /tuː θ/ (teeth )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your teeth are the hard white objects in your mouth, which you use for biting and chewing. □� If a tooth feels very loose, your dentist may recommend that it's taken out.

2 N‑PLURAL The teeth of something such as a comb, saw, cog, or zip are the parts that stick out in a row on its edge.

3 N‑PLURAL If you say that something such as an official group or a law has teeth , you mean that it has power and is able to be effective. □� The opposition argues that the new council will be unconstitutional and without teeth. □� The law must have teeth, and it must be enforced.

4 →�see also wisdom tooth

5 PHRASE If you say that someone cut their teeth doing a particular thing, at a particular time, or in a particular place, you mean that that is how, when, or where they began their career and learned some of their skills. □� �director John Glen, who cut his teeth on Bond movies.

6 PHRASE If you say that something sets your teeth on edge , you mean that you find it extremely unpleasant or irritating. □� Their voices set your teeth on edge.

7 PHRASE If you fight tooth and nail to do something, you do everything you can in order to achieve it. If you fight something tooth and nail , you do everything you can in order to prevent it. □� He fought tooth and nail to keep his job.

8 PHRASE If you describe a task or activity as something you can get your teeth into , you mean that you like it because it is interesting, complex, and makes you think hard. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □� This role gave her something to get her teeth into.

9 PHRASE If you do something in the teeth of a difficulty or danger, you do it in spite of the difficulty or danger. □� I was battling my way along the promenade in the teeth of a force ten gale. □� In the teeth of the longest recession since the 1930s, the company continues to perform well.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone is lying through their teeth , you are emphasizing that they are telling lies. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

11 PHRASE If you describe someone as long in the tooth , you are saying unkindly or humorously that they are old or getting old. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Aren't I a bit long in the tooth to start being an undergraduate?

12 PHRASE If you have a sweet tooth , you like sweet food very much.

13to get the bit between your teeth →�see bit

14to give one's eye teeth for something →�see eye

15to gnash one's teeth →�see gnash

16to grit your teeth →�see grit

17a kick in the teeth →�see kick

18by the skin of your teeth →�see skin

tooth|ache /tuː θe I k/ N‑UNCOUNT Toothache is pain in one of your teeth.

tooth|brush /tuː θbrʌʃ/ (toothbrushes ) N‑COUNT A toothbrush is a small brush that you use for cleaning your teeth.

too th de|cay N‑UNCOUNT If you have tooth decay , one or more of your teeth has become decayed.

too th fairy (tooth fairies ) N‑COUNT The tooth fairy is an imaginary creature. Children are told that if they put a tooth that comes out under their pillow, the tooth fairy will take it away while they are sleeping and leave a coin in its place.

tooth|less /tuː θləs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use toothless to describe a person or their smile when they have no teeth.

2 ADJ If you describe something such as an official group or a law as toothless , you mean it has no real power and is not effective. □� In his view, the Commission remains a toothless and ineffectual body.

tooth|paste /tuː θpe I st/ (toothpastes ) N‑VAR Toothpaste is a thick substance which you put on your toothbrush and use to clean your teeth.

tooth|pick /tuː θp I k/ (toothpicks ) N‑COUNT A toothpick is a small stick which you use to remove food from between your teeth.

tooth|some /tuː θsəm/ ADJ If you describe food as toothsome , you mean that it tastes very good. □� �the toothsome honey-sweetened gingerbread.

toothy /tuː θi/ ADJ [ADJ n] A toothy smile is one in which a person shows a lot of teeth.

too|tle /tuː t ə l/ (tootles , tootling , tootled )

1 VERB If you tootle somewhere, you travel or go there without rushing or without any particular aim. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] I'm sure Ted is tootling down the motorway at this very moment.

2 VERB If you tootle a tune on an instrument, you play it quietly, without concentrating or taking it seriously. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] McCann tootled a tune on the piano. [Also V ]

top ◆◆◆ /tɒ p/ (tops , topping , topped )

1 N‑COUNT The top of something is its highest point or part. □�[+�of ] I waited at the top of the stairs. □�[+�of ] �the picture at the top of the page. □� Bake the biscuits for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Top is also an adjective. □� �the top corner of his newspaper.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The top thing or layer in a series of things or layers is the highest one. □� I can't reach the top shelf. □� Our new flat was on the top floor.

3 N‑COUNT The top of something such as a bottle, jar, or tube is a cap, lid, or other device that fits or screws onto one end of it. □� �the plastic tops from aerosol containers. □� �a bottle top.

4 N‑SING The top of a street, garden, bed, or table is the end of it that is farthest away from where you usually enter it or from where you are. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] �a little shop at the top of the street. □�[+�of ] He moved to the empty chair at the top of the table. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Top is also an adjective. □� �the hill near the top end of the garden. □� �the top corridor of the main building.

5 N‑COUNT A top is a piece of clothing that you wear on the upper half of your body, for example a blouse or shirt. [INFORMAL ] □� Look at my new top.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use top to indicate that something or someone is at the highest level of a scale or measurement. □� The vehicles have a top speed of 80 kilometres per hour. □� �a top-ranking Saudi officer.

7 N‑SING The top of an organization or career structure is the highest level in it. □� We started from the bottom and we had to work our way up to the top. □�[+�of ] �his dramatic rise to the top of the military hierarchy. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Top is also an adjective. □� I need to have the top people in this company pull together.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use top to describe the most important or famous people or things in a particular area of work or activity. □� The President met this afternoon with his top military advisers.

9 N‑SING If someone is at the topof a table or league or is the topof the table or league, their performance is better than that of all the other people involved. □�[+�of ] The United States will be at the top of the medal table. □�[+�of ] Labour was top of the poll with forty-six percent. ●�ADJ Top is also an adjective. □� I usually came top in English.

10 ADJ You can use top to indicate that something is the first thing you are going to do, because you consider it to be the most important. □� Cleaning up the water supply is their top priority. □�[+�of ] On arrival, a six-course meal was top of the agenda.

11 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use top to indicate that someone does a particular thing more times than anyone else or that something is chosen more times than anything else. □� He was Italy's top scorer during the World Cup matches.

12 VERB To top a list means to be mentioned or chosen more times than anyone or anything else. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] Tourists from Southern Europe topped the list of visitors, representing 47 per cent of arrivals.

13 VERB If something tops a particular amount, it is larger than that amount. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] Imports topped �10 billion last month.

14 VERB If something is toppedwith something, it has that thing as its highest part. □�[be V -ed +�with/by ] The holiest of their chapels are topped with gilded roofs. □�[V n +�with ] To serve, top the fish with the cooked leeks. [Also V n] ●� -topped COMB □� �the glass-topped table.

15 VERB If you top a story, remark, or action, you follow it with a better or more impressive one. □�[V n] How are you going to top that?

16 ADV You can use tops after mentioning a quantity, to say that it is the maximum possible. [INFORMAL ] □� The publisher expected the book to sell 1,500 copies, tops.

17 →�see also topping

18 PHRASE If someone blows their top , they become very angry about something. [INFORMAL ] □� He blew his top after airport officials refused to let him on a plane.

19 PHRASE If a person, organization, or country comes out on top , they are more successful than the others that they have been competing with. □� The only way to come out on top is to adopt a different approach.

20 PHRASE If someone pays top dollar for something, they pay the highest possible price for it. [INFORMAL ] □� People will always pay top dollar for something exclusive.

21 PHRASE If you say that you clean, tidy, or examine something from top to bottom , you are emphasizing that you do it completely and thoroughly. [EMPHASIS ] □� She would clean the house from top to bottom.

22 PHRASE You can use from top to toe to emphasize that the whole of someone's body is covered or dressed in a particular thing or type of clothing. [EMPHASIS ] □� They were sensibly dressed from top to toe in rain gear.

23 PHRASE When something gets on top of you, it makes you feel unhappy or depressed because it is very difficult or worrying, or because it involves more work than you can manage. □� Things have been getting on top of me lately.

24 PHRASE If you say something off the top of your head , you say it without thinking about it much before you speak, especially because you do not have enough time. □� It was the best I could think of off the top of my head.

25 PHRASE If one thing is on top of another, it is placed over it or on its highest part. □�[+�of ] �the vacuum flask that was resting on top of the stove.

26 PHRASE You can use on top or on top of to indicate that a particular problem exists in addition to a number of other problems. □� An extra 700 jobs are being cut on top of the 2,000 that were lost last year.

27 PHRASE You say that someone is on top when they have reached the most important position in an organization or business. □� How does he stay on top, 17 years after becoming foreign minister?

28 PHRASE If you are on top of or get on top of something that you are doing, you are dealing with it successfully. □� �the government's inability to get on top of the situation.

29 PHRASE If you say that you feel on top of the world , you are emphasizing that you feel extremely happy and healthy. [EMPHASIS ] □� Two months before she gave birth to Jason she left work feeling on top of the world.

30 PHRASE If one thing is over the top of another, it is placed over it so that it is completely covering it. □�[+�of ] I have overcome this problem by placing a sheet of polythene over the top of the container.

31 PHRASE You describe something as over the top when you think that it is exaggerated, and therefore unacceptable. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The special effects are a bit over the top but I enjoyed it.

32 PHRASE If you say something at the top of your voice , you say it very loudly. □� 'Stephen!' shouted Marcia at the top of her voice.

33at the top of the heap →�see heap

▸� top off PHRASAL VERB If you top off an event or period with a particular thing, you end it in an especially satisfactory, dramatic, or annoying way by doing that thing. □�[V P n] He topped off his career with a gold medal. □�[V n P ] To top it all off one of the catering staff managed to slice their finger cutting cheese.

▸� top up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you top something up , you make it full again when part of it has been used. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] We topped up the water tanks. □�[V n P ] He topped her glass up after complaining she was a slow drinker.

2 →�see also top-up

to|paz /toʊ p�z/ (topazes ) N‑VAR A topaz is a precious stone which is usually yellowish-brown in colour.

to p bra ss N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] In the army or in other organizations, thetop brass are the people in the highest positions. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �a reshuffle of the army's top brass.

to p-cla ss also top class ADJ Top-class means among the finest of its kind. □� We think he'll turn into a top-class player.

top|coat /tɒ pkoʊt/ (topcoats ) also top coat

1 N‑COUNT A topcoat is a coat that you wear over your other clothes.

2 N‑VAR A topcoat is the final layer of paint or varnish that is put on something. Topcoat is the type of paint or varnish that you use for the final layer. Compare undercoat .

to p do g (top dogs ) N‑COUNT If a person or organization is top dog , they are the most successful or powerful one in a particular group. [INFORMAL ] □� Reynolds has never concealed his ambition to be the top dog.

to p-do llar →�see top

to p-dra wer ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as top-drawer , you are saying, often in a humorous way, that they have a high social standing or are of very good quality.

to p-e nd ADJ Top-end products are expensive and of extremely high quality. [BUSINESS ] □� �top-end luxury products such as smoked salmon and champagne.

to p ha t (top hats ) N‑COUNT A top hat is a man's tall hat with a narrow brim. Top hats are now worn only on special occasions, for example at some weddings.

to p-hea vy

1 ADJ Something that is top-heavy is larger or heavier at the top than at the bottom, and might therefore fall over. □� �top-heavy flowers such as sunflowers.

2 ADJ If you describe a business or other organization as top-heavy , you mean that it has too many senior managers in relation to the number of junior managers or workers. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �top-heavy bureaucratic structures.

to|pi|ary /toʊ piəri, [AM ] -eri/ N‑UNCOUNT Topiary is the art of cutting trees and bushes into different shapes, for example into the shapes of birds or animals.

top|ic /tɒ p I k/ (topics ) N‑COUNT A topic is a particular subject that you discuss or write about. □� The main topic for discussion is political union.

topi|cal /tɒ p I k ə l/ ADJ Topical is used to describe something that concerns or relates to events that are happening at the present time. □� The magazine's aim is to discuss topical issues within a Christian framework. ●� topi|cal|ity /tɒ p I k� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The book has all the lively topicality of first-rate journalism.

top|knot /tɒ pnɒt/ (topknots ) also top-knot N‑COUNT If someone, especially a woman, has her hair in a topknot , her hair is arranged in a small neat pile on top of her head.

top|less /tɒ pləs/

1 ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If a woman goes topless , she does not wear anything to cover her breasts. □� I wouldn't sunbathe topless if I thought I might offend anyone.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A topless show or bar is one in which the female entertainers or staff do not wear anything to cover their breasts.

to p-le vel ADJ [ADJ n] A top-level discussion or activity is one that involves the people with the greatest amount of power and authority in an organization or country. □� �a top-level meeting of American generals at the Pentagon.

top|most /tɒ pmoʊst/ ADJ [ADJ n] The topmost thing in a number of things is the one that is highest or nearest the top. □� �the topmost branches of a gigantic oak tree.

to p-no tch also top notch ADJ If you describe someone or something as top-notch , you mean that they are of a very high standard or quality. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

topo|graphi|cal /tɒ pəgr� f I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A topographical survey or map relates to or shows the physical features of an area of land, for example its hills, valleys, and rivers.

to|pog|ra|phy /təpɒ grəfi/ (topographies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Topography is the study and description of the physical features of an area, for example its hills, valleys, or rivers, or the representation of these features on maps.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, with poss] The topography of a particular area is its physical shape, including its hills, valleys, and rivers. □�[+�of ] The topography of the river's basin has changed significantly since the floods.

top|ping /tɒ p I ŋ/ (toppings )

1 N‑VAR A topping is food, such as cream or cheese, that is poured or put on top of other food in order to decorate it or add to its flavour.

2 →�see also top

top|ple /tɒ p ə l/ (topples , toppling , toppled )

1 VERB If someone or something topples somewhere or if you topple them, they become unsteady or unstable and fall over. □�[V adv/prep] He just released his hold and toppled slowly backwards. □�[V n] Winds and rain toppled trees and electricity lines. [Also V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Topple over means the same as topple . □�[V P ] The tree is so badly damaged they are worried it might topple over.

2 VERB To topple a government or leader, especially one that is not elected by the people, means to cause them to lose power. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] �the revolution which toppled the regime.

to p-ra nked ADJ [ADJ n] A top-ranked sports player or team is the most successful player or team in a particular sport. [JOURNALISM ]

to p-ra nking ADJ [ADJ n] A top-ranking person is someone who has a very high rank or status in a particular organization or field of activity. □� �400 of Germany's top-ranking military officials.

to p-ra ted ADJ [ADJ n] A top-rated show or service is the most successful or highly regarded of its kind. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the top-rated American television series.

to p rou nd N‑UNCOUNT Top round is a joint of beef that is cut from the upper part of the cow's leg. It is usually cooked by roasting or stewing. [AM ] in BRIT, use topside

to p se |cret ADJ [usu ADJ n] Top secret information or activity is intended to be kept completely secret, for example in order to prevent a country's enemies from finding out about it. □� The top secret documents had to do with the most advanced military equipment.

top|side /tɒ psa I d/ (topsides )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Topside is a joint of beef that is cut from the upper part of the cow's leg. It is usually cooked by roasting or stewing. [BRIT ] in AM, use top round2 ADV [ADV after v] On a ship, if you go topside , you go up onto the top deck. [TECHNICAL ] □� He left the control station and went topside.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The topside or topsides of a ship or boat are the top deck or the parts which you can see above the water. [TECHNICAL ]

top|soil /tɒ psɔ I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Topsoil is the layer of soil nearest the surface of the ground.

topsy-turvy /tɒ psi tɜː r vi/ ADJ Something that is topsy-turvy is in a confused or disorganized state. [INFORMAL ] □� The world has turned topsy-turvy in my lifetime.

to p-up (top-ups )

1 N‑COUNT A top-up is another serving of a drink in the same glass that you have just used. [BRIT ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A top-up loan or payment is added to an amount of money in order to bring it up to a required level. [BRIT ] □� Student grants will be frozen at existing levels and top-up loans made available.

torch /tɔː r tʃ/ (torches , torching , torched )

1 N‑COUNT A torch is a small electric light which is powered by batteries and which you can carry in your hand. [BRIT ] in AM, use flashlight2 N‑COUNT A torch is a long stick with burning material at one end, used to provide light or to set things on fire. □� They lit a torch and set fire to the chapel's thatch.

3 N‑COUNT A torch is a device that produces a hot flame and is used for tasks such as cutting or joining pieces of metal. □� The gang worked for up to ten hours with acetylene torches to open the vault.

4 →�see also blowtorch

5 VERB If someone torches a building or vehicle, they set fire to it deliberately. □�[V n] The rioters torched the local library.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is carrying a torch for someone else, you mean that they secretly admire them or love them. □� He has always carried a torch for Barbara.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone is carrying the torch of a particular belief or movement, you mean that they are working hard to ensure that it is not forgotten and continues to grow stronger. □�[+�for/of ] This group aims to carry the torch for the thousands who died.

torch|light /tɔː r tʃla I t/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft by N , N n] If you do something bytorchlight , you do it using the light that is produced by a torch or torches. □� Surgeons are performing operations in tents by torchlight.

to rch song (torch songs ) N‑COUNT A torch song is a sentimental popular song about love, usually sung by a woman.

tore /tɔː r / Tore is the past tense of tear .

tor|ment (torments , tormenting , tormented ) The noun is pronounced /tɔː r ment/. The verb is pronounced /tɔː r me nt/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Torment is extreme suffering, usually mental suffering. □�[+�of ] The torment of having her baby kidnapped is written all over her face.

2 N‑COUNT A torment is something that causes extreme suffering, usually mental suffering. □�[+�of ] Sooner or later most writers end up making books about the torments of being a writer.

3 VERB If something torments you, it causes you extreme mental suffering. □�[V n] At times the memories returned to torment her.

4 VERB If you torment a person or animal, you annoy them in a playful, rather cruel way for your own amusement. □�[V n] My older brother and sister used to torment me by singing it to me.

tor|men|tor /tɔː r me ntə r / (tormentors ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's tormentor is a person who deliberately causes them physical or mental pain. □� �cases where women subjected to years of brutality lose control and kill their tormentors.

torn /tɔː r n/

1Torn is the past participle of tear .

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are tornbetween two or more things, you cannot decide which to choose, and so you feel anxious or troubled. □�[+�between ] Robb is torn between becoming a doctor and a career in athletics.

tor|na|do /tɔː r ne I doʊ/ (tornadoes or tornados ) N‑COUNT A tornado is a violent wind storm consisting of a tall column of air which spins round very fast and causes a lot of damage.

tor|pe|do /tɔː r piː doʊ/ (torpedoes , torpedoing , torpedoed )

1 N‑COUNT A torpedo is bomb that is shaped like a tube and that travels under water.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a ship is torpedoed , it is hit, and usually sunk, by a torpedo or torpedoes. □�[be V -ed] More than a thousand people died when the Lusitania was torpedoed.

3 VERB If someone torpedoes negotiations or plans, they deliberately prevent them from being completed or from being successful. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] These attacks are seen as an effort to torpedo the talks.

tor|pid /tɔː r p I d/ ADJ If you are torpid , you are mentally or physically inactive, especially because you are feeling lazy or sleepy. [FORMAL ]

tor|por /tɔː r pə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Torpor is the state of being completely inactive mentally or physically, for example because of illness or laziness. [FORMAL ] □� He had slumped into a state of torpor from which nothing could rouse him. □� The sick person gradually falls into a torpor.

torque /tɔː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Torque is a force that causes something to spin around a central point such as an axle. [TECHNICAL ]

tor|rent /tɒ rənt, [AM ] tɔː r-/ (torrents )

1 N‑COUNT A torrent is a lot of water falling or flowing rapidly or violently. □�[+�of ] Torrents of water gushed into the reservoir.

2 N‑COUNT A torrentof abuse or questions is a lot of abuse or questions directed continuously at someone. □�[+�of ] He turned round and directed a torrent of abuse at me.

tor|ren|tial /təre nʃ ə l, [AM ] tɔːr-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Torrential rain pours down very rapidly and in great quantities.

tor|rid /tɒ r I d, [AM ] tɔː r I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Torrid weather is extremely hot and dry. [LITERARY ] □� �the torrid heat of a Spanish summer.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A torrid relationship or incident involves very strong emotions connected with love and sex. □� She began a torrid love affair with a theatrical designer.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone or something has a torrid time, they experience a lot of difficulties. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� Seles, the victim of a death threat earlier this week, has had a torrid time during the Championships.

tor|sion /tɔː r ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Torsion is a twisting effect on something such as a piece of metal or an organ of the body. [TECHNICAL ]

tor|so /tɔː r soʊ/ (torsos ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your torso is the main part of your body, and does not include your head, arms, and legs. [FORMAL ]

tort /tɔː r t/ (torts ) N‑VAR A tort is something that you do or fail to do which harms someone else and for which you can be sued for damages. [LEGAL ]

tor|til|la /tɔː r tiː jə/ (tortillas ) N‑VAR A tortilla is a piece of thin flat bread that first came from Mexico, and is made from corn and eggs.

tor|ti l|la chi p (tortilla chips ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Tortilla chips are thick crisps made from corn which are often served with dips such as salsa.

tor|toise /tɔː r təs/ (tortoises ) N‑COUNT A tortoise is a slow-moving animal with a shell into which it can pull its head and legs for protection.

tortoise|shell /tɔː r təsʃel/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tortoiseshell is the hard shell of a kind of sea turtle. It is brown and yellow in colour and is often polished and used to make jewellery and ornaments.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tortoiseshell means made of tortoiseshell or made of a material which resembles tortoiseshell. □� He wears huge spectacles with thick tortoiseshell frames.

tor|tu|ous /tɔː r tʃuəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tortuous road is full of bends and twists. □� The only road access is a tortuous mountain route.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tortuous process or piece of writing is very long and complicated. □� �these long and tortuous negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

tor|ture ◆◇◇ /tɔː r tʃə r / (tortures , torturing , tortured )

1 VERB If someone is tortured , another person deliberately causes them great pain over a period of time, in order to punish them or to make them reveal information. □�[be V -ed] French police are convinced that she was tortured and killed. □�[V n] They never again tortured a prisoner in his presence. ●�N‑VAR Torture is also a noun. □� �alleged cases of torture and murder by the security forces.

2 VERB To torture someone means to cause them to suffer mental pain or anxiety. □�[V n] He would not torture her further by trying to argue with her. □�[V pron-refl +�with ] She tortured herself with fantasies of Bob and his new girlfriend.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If you say that something is torture or a torture , you mean that it causes you great mental or physical suffering. [INFORMAL ] □� Waiting for the result was torture.

tor|tur|er /tɔː r tʃərə r / (torturers ) N‑COUNT A torturer is someone who tortures people.

tor|tur|ous /tɔː r tʃərəs/ ADJ Something that is torturous is extremely painful and causes great suffering. □� This is a torturous, agonizing way to kill someone.

Tory ◆◆◇ /tɔː ri/ (Tories ) ADJ In Britain, a Tory politician or voter is a member of or votes for the Conservative Party. □� �the former Tory Party chairman. ●�N‑COUNT Tory is also a noun. □� The Tories have launched their election campaign.

toss /tɒ s, [AM ] tɔː s/ (tosses , tossing , tossed )

1 VERB If you toss something somewhere, you throw it there lightly, often in a rather careless way. □�[V n prep/adv] He screwed the paper into a ball and tossed it into the fire. □�[V n n] He tossed Malone a bottle of water, and took one himself.

2 VERB If you toss your head or toss your hair, you move your head backwards, quickly and suddenly, often as a way of expressing an emotion such as anger or contempt. □�[V n] 'I'm sure I don't know.' Cook tossed her head. □�[V n prep/adv] Gasping, she tossed her hair out of her face. ●�N‑COUNT Toss is also a noun. □�[+�of ] With a toss of his head and a few hard gulps, Bob finished the last of his coffee.

3 VERB In sports and informal situations, if you decide something by tossing a coin, you spin a coin into the air and guess which side of the coin will face upwards when it lands. □�[V n] We tossed a coin to decide who would go out and buy the buns. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Toss is also a noun. □�[+�of ] It would be better to decide it on the toss of a coin.

4 N‑SING The toss is a way of deciding something, such as who is going to go first in a game, that consists of spinning a coin into the air and guessing which side of the coin will face upwards when it lands. □� Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first.

5 VERB If something such as the wind or sea tosses an object, it causes it to move from side to side or up and down. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] The seas grew turbulent, tossing the small boat like a cork. □�[be V -ed adv/prep] As the plane was tossed up and down, the pilot tried to stabilise it.

6 VERB If you toss food while preparing it, you put pieces of it into a liquid and lightly shake them so that they become covered with the liquid. □�[V n] Do not toss the salad until you're ready to serve. □�[V n +�in ] Add the grated orange rind and toss the apple slices in the mixture. □�[V -ed] Serve straight from the dish with a tossed green salad.

7 →�see also toss-up

8 PHRASE If you say that someone argues the toss , you are criticizing them for continuing to argue for longer than is necessary about something that is not very important. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] They were still arguing the toss about the first goal.

9 PHRASE If you say that you do not give a toss about someone or something, you are emphasizing that you do not care about them at all. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�about ] Well, who gives a toss about sophistication anyway?

10 PHRASE If you toss and turn , you keep moving around in bed and cannot sleep properly, for example because you are ill or worried.

to ss-up (toss-ups ) N‑COUNT If you say that it is a toss-up whether one thing will happen or another thing will happen, you mean that either result seems equally likely. □� It's a toss-up whether oil prices will go up or down over the days ahead. [Also +�between ]

tot /tɒ t/ (tots , totting , totted )

1 N‑COUNT A tot is a very young child. [INFORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A totof a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky or brandy is a small amount of it in a glass. [mainly BRIT ]

▸� tot up PHRASAL VERB To tot up a total or a list of numbers means to add up several numbers in order to reach a total. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n +�of , V P n] I finally sat down to tot up the full extent of my debt. [Also V n P ]

to|tal ◆◆◆ /toʊ t ə l/ (totals , totalling , totalled )

1 N‑COUNT A total is the number that you get when you add several numbers together or when you count how many things there are in a group. □�[+�of ] The companies have a total of 1,776 employees.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The total number or cost of something is the number or cost that you get when you add together or count all the parts in it. □� The total cost of the project would be more than $240 million.

3 PHRASE If there are a number of things in total , there are that number when you count or add them all together. □� I was with my partner for eight years in total.

4 VERB If several numbers or things total a certain figure, that figure is the total of all the numbers or all the things. □�[V amount] The unit's exports will total $85 million this year.

5 VERB When you total a set of numbers or objects, you add them all together. □�[V n] They haven't totalled the exact figures.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use total to emphasize that something is as great in extent, degree, or amount as it possibly can be. [EMPHASIS ] □� Why should we trust a total stranger? ●� to|tal|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV with v] □� Young people want something totally different from the old ways.

to|tali|tar|ian /toʊ t�l I teə riən/ ADJ A totalitarian political system is one in which there is only one political party which controls everything and does not allow any opposition parties. [DISAPPROVAL ]

to|tali|tari|an|ism /toʊ t�l I teə riən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Totalitarianism is the ideas, principles, and practices of totalitarian political systems.

to|tal|ity /toʊt� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT The totalityof something is the whole of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a process of change which involves the totality of human experience.

to |tal qua l|ity ma n|age|ment N‑UNCOUNT Total quality management is a set of management principles aimed at improving performance throughout a company, especially by involving employees in decision-making. The abbreviation TQM is also used. [BUSINESS ] □� He is a firm believer in total quality management.

tote /toʊ t/ (totes , toting , toted )

1 N‑SING The Tote is a system of betting money on horses in races. [BRIT ] in AM, use parimutuel2 VERB To tote something, especially a gun, means to carry it with you in such a way that people can see it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The demonstrators fled when soldiers toting machine guns advanced on the crowd. ●� -toting COMB □� They are too frightened to speak out against the gun-toting thugs.

to|tem /toʊ təm/ (totems )

1 N‑COUNT In some societies, a family's totem is the particular animal, plant, or natural object which they regard as a special symbol and which they believe has spiritual significance.

2 N‑COUNT Something that is a totemof another thing is a symbol of it. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] This opera is one of the cultural totems of Western civilisation.

to |tem pole (totem poles ) N‑COUNT A totem pole is a long wooden pole with symbols and pictures carved and painted on it. Totem poles are made by some Native American peoples and placed outside their homes.

totes /toʊ ts/ ADV Totes is a written and spoken abbreviation for 'totally'. [INFORMAL ] □� You are, like, totes amazing!

tot|ter /tɒ tə r / (totters , tottering , tottered )

1 VERB If someone totters somewhere, they walk there in an unsteady way, for example because they are ill or drunk. □�[V prep/adv] He tottered to the fridge, got a drink and slumped at the table.

2 VERB If something such as a market or government is tottering , it is weak and likely to collapse or fail completely. □�[V ] The property market is tottering. □�[V -ing] �further criticism of the tottering government.

tou|can /tuː kən, [AM ] -k�n/ (toucans ) N‑COUNT A toucan is a South American bird with a large brightly-coloured beak.

touch ◆◆◇ /tʌ tʃ/ (touches , touching , touched )

1 VERB If you touch something, you put your hand onto it in order to feel it or to make contact with it. □�[V n] Her tiny hands gently touched my face. □�[V -ing] The virus is not passed on through touching or shaking hands. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Touch is also a noun. □� Sometimes even a light touch on the face is enough to trigger off this pain.

2 VERB If two things are touching , or if one thing touches another, or if you touch two things, their surfaces come into contact with each other. □�[V ] Their knees were touching. □�[V n +�with ] A cyclist crashed when he touched wheels with another rider. □�[V n] If my arm touches the wall, it has to be washed again. □�[V n] In some countries people stand close enough to touch elbows. □�[V n +�with ] He touched the cow's side with his stick.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Your sense of touch is your ability to tell what something is like when you feel it with your hands. □� The evidence suggests that our sense of touch is programmed to diminish with age.

4 VERB To touch something means to strike it, usually quite gently. □�[V n] As the aeroplane went down the runway, the wing touched a pile of rubble.

5 VERB [usu passive] If something has not been touched , nobody has dealt with it or taken care of it. □�[be V -ed] When John began to restore the house, nothing had been touched for 40 years.

6 VERB If you say that you did not touch someone or something, you are emphasizing that you did not attack, harm, or destroy them, especially when you have been accused of doing so. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V n] Pearce remained adamant, saying 'I didn't touch him'. □�[V n] I was in the garden. I never touched the sandwiches.

7 VERB [no passive] You say that you never touch something or that you have not touched something for a long time to emphasize that you never use it, or you have not used it for a long time. [EMPHASIS ] □�[V n] I never touch chocolate, it gives me spots.

8 VERB If you touch on a particular subject or problem, you mention it or write briefly about it. □�[V +�on/upon ] The film touches on these issues, but only superficially.

9 VERB If something touches you, it affects you in some way for a short time. □�[V n] �a guilt that in some sense touches everyone.

10 VERB If something that someone says or does touches you, it affects you emotionally, often because you see that they are suffering a lot or that they are being very kind. □�[V n to-inf] It has touched me deeply to see how these people live. □�[V n] Her enthusiasm touched me. ●� touched ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □� I was touched to find that he regards me as engaging.

11 VERB [usu passive] If something is touched with a particular quality, it has a certain amount of that quality. [WRITTEN ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] His crinkly hair was touched with grey. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The boy was touched with genius.

12 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say about someone that nobody can touch him or her for a particular thing, you mean that he or she is much better at it than anyone else. □�[V n +�for ] No one can touch these girls for professionalism. [Also V n]

13 VERB [no passive] To touch a particular level, amount, or score, especially a high one, means to reach it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] By the third lap he had touched 289 m.p.h.

14 N‑COUNT A touch is a detail which is added to something to improve it. □� They called the event 'a tribute to heroes', which was a nice touch.

15 N‑SING If someone has a particular kind of touch , they have a particular way of doing something. □� The dishes he produces all have a personal touch.

16 QUANT A touch of something is a very small amount of it. □�[+�of ] She thought she just had a touch of flu.

17 PHRASE You can use a touch to mean slightly or to a small extent, especially in order to make something you say seem less extreme. For example, if you say that something is a touch expensive, you might really think that it is very expensive. [mainly BRIT , VAGUENESS ] □� We were all a touch uneasy, I think. □� I found it a touch distasteful.

18 →�see also touching

19 PHRASE You use at the touch of in expressions such as at the touch of a button and at the touch of a key to indicate that something is possible by simply touching a switch or one of the keys of a keyboard. □� Staff will be able to trace calls at the touch of a button.

20 PHRASE If you say that someone has the common touch , you mean that they have the natural ability to have a good relationship with ordinary people and be popular with them. [APPROVAL ]

21 PHRASE If you get in touchwith someone, you contact them by writing to them or phoning them. If you are, keep, or stay in touchwith them, you write, phone, or visit each other regularly. □� The organisation would be in touch with him tomorrow.

22 PHRASE If you are in touchwith a subject or situation, or if someone keeps you in touchwith it, you know the latest news or information about it. If you are out of touchwith it, you do not know the latest news or information about it. □� �keeping the unemployed in touch with the labour market. □� Mr Cavazos' problem was that he was out of touch.

23 PHRASE If you lose touchwith someone, you gradually stop writing, phoning, or visiting them. □�[+�with ] In my job one tends to lose touch with friends.

24 PHRASE If you lose touchwith something, you no longer have the latest news or information about it. □� Their leaders have lost touch with what is happening in the country.

25 PHRASE If you say that something is touch and go , you mean that you are uncertain whether it will happen or succeed. □� It was touch and go whether we'd go bankrupt.

26 PHRASE If you say that someone is a soft touch or an easy touch , you mean that they can easily be persuaded to lend you money or to do things for you. [INFORMAL ] □� Pamela was an easy touch when she needed some cash.

27would not touch someone or something with a barge pole →�see barge pole

28the finishing touch →�see finish

29touch wood →�see wood

▸� touch down PHRASAL VERB When an aircraft touches down , it lands. □�[V P ] When we touched down at Heathrow we were all relieved just to get home.

▸� touch off PHRASAL VERB If something touches off a situation or series of events, it causes it to start happening. □�[V P n] Is the massacre likely to touch off a new round of violence? [Also V n P ]

touch|down /tʌ tʃdaʊn/ (touchdowns )

1 N‑VAR Touchdown is the landing of an aircraft or spacecraft. □� The astronauts are preparing for touchdown tomorrow morning.

2 N‑COUNT In rugby and American football, a touchdown is when a team scores points by taking the ball over the opposition's goal line.

tou|ch� /tuːʃe I / CONVENTION You say ' touch� ' when you want to admit that the other person in an argument has won a point, usually with a short and witty remark.

touch|ing /tʌ tʃ I ŋ/

1 ADJ If something is touching , it causes feelings of sadness or sympathy. □� This is a touching tale of adolescent friendship.

2 →�see also touch

touch|less /tʌ tʃləs/ ADJ A touchless device is controlled by movements or sounds and does not require the user to touch a keypad or screen. □� The phone has a touchless display and is controlled by voice.

touch|line /tʌ tʃla I n/ N‑SING In sports such as rugby and football, thetouchline is one of the two lines which mark the side of the playing area. [mainly BRIT ]

tou ch pa|per also touchpaper PHRASE If someone lights the touch paper or lights the blue touch paper , they do something which causes anger or excitement. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� This kind of remark is guaranteed to light the blue touch paper with some Labour politicians.

tou ch-scree n (touch-screens ) also touchscreen N‑COUNT [oft N n] A touch-screen is a computer screen that allows the user to give commands to the computer by touching parts of the screen rather than by using the keyboard or mouse. [COMPUTING ]

tou ch-se n|si|tive ADJ Touch-sensitive equipment is operated by the user touching it. [COMPUTING ] □� The touch-sensitive controls are easy to operate.

touch|stone /tʌ tʃstoʊn/ (touchstones ) N‑COUNT If you use one thing as a touchstone of another, you use it as a test or standard by which you judge the second thing. □�[+�of/for ] Job security has become the touchstone of a good job for many employees.

tou ch-to ne ADJ [ADJ n] A touch-tone phone has numbered buttons that make different sounds when you press them. Some automatic phone services can only be used with this kind of telephone.

touchy /tʌ tʃi/ (touchier , touchiest )

1 ADJ If you describe someone as touchy , you mean that they are easily upset, offended, or irritated. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�about ] She is very touchy about her past.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something is a touchy subject, you mean that it is a subject that needs to be dealt with carefully and in a sensitive way, because it might upset or offend people. □� �the touchy question of political reform.

touchy-feely /tʌ tʃi fiː li/ ADJ If you describe something as touchy-feely , you mean that it involves people expressing emotions such as love and affection openly in a way which you find embarrassing and silly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a touchy-feely song about making your life worth living.

tough ◆◆◇ /tʌ f/ (tougher , toughest , toughs )

1 ADJ A tough person is strong and determined, and can tolerate difficulty or suffering. □� He built up a reputation as a tough businessman. □� She is tough and ambitious. ●� tough|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Mrs Potter has a reputation for toughness and determination.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as tough , you mean that they are rough and violent. □� He had shot three people dead, earning himself a reputation as a tough guy. ●�N‑COUNT A tough is a tough person. □� Three burly toughs elbowed their way to the front.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tough place or area is considered to have a lot of crime and violence. □� She doesn't seem cut out for this tough neighbourhood.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tough way of life or period of time is difficult or full of suffering. □� He was having a really tough time at work.

5 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] A tough task or problem is difficult to do or solve. □� It was a very tough decision but we feel we made the right one.

6 ADJ Tough policies or actions are strict and firm. □� He is known for taking a tough line on security.

7 ADJ A tough substance is strong, and difficult to break, cut, or tear. □� In industry, diamond can form a tough, non-corrosive coating for tools.

8 ADJ Tough meat is difficult to cut and chew. □� The steak was tough and the peas were like bullets.

9 PHRASE If someone who is trying to achieve something hangs tough , they remain determined and do not give up, even when there are difficulties or problems. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� The White House is hanging tough for a good agreement to be reached.

tou gh coo kie (tough cookies ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a tough cookie , you mean that they are unemotional and are not easily hurt by what people say or do.

tough|en /tʌ f ə n/ (toughens , toughening , toughened )

1 VERB If you toughen something or if it toughens , you make it stronger so that it will not break easily. □�[V n] Do not add salt to beans when cooking as this tends to toughen the skins. [Also V ]

2 VERB If a person, institution, or law toughens its policies, regulations, or punishments, it makes them firmer or stricter. □�[V n] Talks are under way to toughen trade restrictions. ●�PHRASAL VERB Toughen up means the same as toughen . □�[V P n] The new law toughens up penalties for those that misuse guns. [Also V n P ]

3 VERB If an experience toughens you, it makes you stronger and more independent in character. □�[V n] They believe that participating in fights toughens boys and shows them how to be men. ●�PHRASAL VERB Toughen up means the same as toughen . □�[V n P ] He thinks boxing is good for kids, that it toughens them up. □�[V P ] My father tried to teach me to toughen up. [Also V P n (not pron)]

tou gh lo ve N‑UNCOUNT Tough love is the practice of being very strict with someone in order to help them overcome a problem with their behaviour. □� The warden runs the prison with his personal brand of tough love.

tou|pee /tuː pe I , [AM ] tuːpe I / (toupees ) N‑COUNT A toupee is a piece of artificial hair worn by a man to cover a patch on his head where he has lost his hair.

tour ◆◆◇ /tʊə r / (tours , touring , toured )

1 N‑COUNT A tour is an organized trip that people such as musicians, politicians, or theatre companies go on to several different places, stopping to meet people or perform. □� The band are currently on a two-month tour of Europe. □� �a presidential campaign tour in Illinois. ●�PHRASE When people are travelling on a tour, you can say that they are on tour . □� The band will be going on tour.

2 VERB When people such as musicians, politicians, or theatre companies tour , they go on a tour, for example in order to perform or to meet people. □�[V n] A few years ago they toured the country in a roadshow. □�[V ] He toured for nearly two years and played 500 sell-out shows.

3 N‑COUNT A tour is a journey during which you visit several places that interest you. □�[+�of ] It was week five of my tour of the major cities of Europe.

4 N‑COUNT A tour is a short trip that you make round a place, for example round a historical building, so that you can look at it. □�[+�of ] �a guided tour of a ruined Scottish castle.

5 VERB If you tour a place, you go on a journey or trip round it. □�[V n] You can also tour the site on modern coaches equipped with air conditioning.

tour de force /tʊə r də fɔː r s/ (tours de force ) also tour-de-force N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you call something such as a performance, speech, or production a tour de force , you are emphasizing that it is extremely good or extremely well done or made. [EMPHASIS ] □� Stevenson's deeply felt performance is a tour-de-force.

Tourette's syn|drome /tʊə r e ts s I ndroʊm/ or Tourette syndrome , Tourette's N‑UNCOUNT Tourette's syndrome is a brain disorder that causes the sufferer to make sudden uncontrolled movements and sometimes swear and spit. □� �a Tourette's sufferer

tour|ism ◆◇◇ /tʊə r I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Tourism is the business of providing services for people on holiday, for example hotels, restaurants, and trips.

tour|ist ◆◇◇ /tʊə r I st/ (tourists ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A tourist is a person who is visiting a place for pleasure and interest, especially when they are on holiday. □� �foreign tourists. □� It is a top tourist attraction that is visited by thousands of people each day. SYNONYMS tourist NOUN

traveller:Many air travellers suffer puffy ankles and feet during long flights.

sightseer:�coachloads of sightseers.

globetrotter:He's a bit of a globetrotter.

tour|isty /tʊə r I sti/ ADJ If you describe a place as touristy , you do not like it because it is full of tourists or full of things for tourists to buy and do. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Visit some of the less touristy islands.

tour|na|ment ◆◇◇ /tʊə r nəmənt/ (tournaments ) N‑COUNT A tournament is a sports competition in which players who win a match continue to play further matches in the competition until just one person or team is left. SYNONYMS tournament NOUN

contest:Few contests in the history of British boxing have been as thrilling.

competition:�a surfing competition.

game:He regularly watched our games from the stands.

match:He was watching a football match.

tour|ni|quet /tʊə r n I ke I / (tourniquets ) N‑COUNT A tourniquet is a strip of cloth that is tied tightly round an injured arm or leg in order to stop it bleeding.

tou r op|era|tor (tour operators ) N‑COUNT A tour operator is a company that provides holidays in which your travel and accommodation are booked for you.

tou r rep (tour reps ) N‑COUNT A tour rep is the same as a holiday rep . [BRIT ]

tou|sled /taʊ z ə ld/ ADJ If you have tousled hair, it is untidy and looks as if it has not been brushed or combed.

tout /taʊ t/ (touts , touting , touted )

1 VERB If someone touts something, they try to sell it or convince people that it is good. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] It has the trappings of an election campaign in the United States, with slick television ads touting the candidates.

2 VERB If someone touts for business or custom, they try to obtain it. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V +�for ] He visited Thailand and Singapore to tout for investment.

3 VERB If someone touts tickets, they sell them outside a sports ground or theatre, usually for more than their original value. [BRIT ] □�[V n] �a man who made his money touting tickets. in AM, use scalp4 N‑COUNT A tout is someone who sells things such as tickets unofficially, usually at prices which are higher than the official ones. [BRIT ] in AM, use scalper

tow /toʊ / (tows , towing , towed )

1 VERB If one vehicle tows another, it pulls it along behind it. □�[V n] He had been using the vehicle to tow his work trailer. □�[V n with adv] They threatened to tow away my car. □�[V n prep] A lifeboat towed the 28ft boat to a nearby quay.

2 PHRASE If you have someone in tow , they are following you closely because you are looking after them or you are leading them somewhere. [INFORMAL ] □� There she was on my doorstep with child in tow.

to|wards ◆◆◆ /təwɔː r dz, [AM ] tɔː rdz/ or toward In addition to the uses shown below, towards is used in phrasal verbs such as 'count towards' and 'lean towards'. 1 PREP If you move, look, or point towards something or someone, you move, look, or point in their direction. □� Caroline leant across the table towards him. □� Anne left Artie and walked down the corridor towards the foyer. □� When he looked towards me, I smiled and waved.

2 PREP If things develop towards a particular situation, that situation becomes nearer in time or more likely to happen. □� The talks made little evident progress towards agreement.

3 PREP If you have a particular attitude towards something or someone, you have that attitude when you think about them or deal with them. □� It's the business of the individual to determine his own attitude towards religion. □� Not everyone in the world will be kind and caring towards you.

4 PREP If something happens towards a particular time, it happens just before that time. □� The factory was due to open towards the end of the year.

5 PREP If something is towards part of a place or thing, it is near that part. □� The home of the Morgan family was up Gloucester Road, towards the top of the hill.

6 PREP If you give money towards something, you give it to help pay for that thing. □� He gave them �50,000 towards a house.

tow|el /taʊ əl/ (towels , towelling , towelled ) in AM, use toweling , toweled1 N‑COUNT A towel is a piece of thick soft cloth that you use to dry yourself. □� �a bath towel.

2 VERB If you towel something or towel it dry, you dry it with a towel. □�[V n] James came out of his bedroom, toweling his wet hair. □�[V n adj] I towelled myself dry. □�[V n +�down/off ] He stepped out of the shower and began towelling himself down.

3 PHRASE If you throw in the towel , you stop trying to do something because you realize that you cannot succeed. [INFORMAL ] □� It seemed as if the police had thrown in the towel and were abandoning the investigation.

4 →�see also sanitary towel , tea towel

tow|el|ling /taʊ əl I ŋ/ in AM, use toweling N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Towelling is a kind of fairly thick soft cloth that is used especially for making towels. □� �a towelling bathrobe.

tow|er ◆◇◇ /taʊ ə r / (towers , towering , towered )

1 N‑COUNT A tower is a tall, narrow building, that either stands alone or forms part of another building such as a church or castle. □� �an eleventh century castle with 120-foot high towers. □� �the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

2 VERB Someone or something that towersover surrounding people or things is a lot taller than they are. □�[V +�over/above ] He stood up and towered over her.

3 N‑COUNT A tower is a tall structure that is used for sending radio or television signals. □� Troops are still in control of the television and radio tower.

4 N‑COUNT A tower is the same as a tower block . □� �his design for a new office tower in Frankfurt.

5 N‑COUNT A tower is a tall box that contains the main parts of a computer, such as the hard disk and the drives. [COMPUTING ]

6 →�see also clock tower , control tower , ivory tower

7 PHRASE If you refer to someone as atower of strength , you appreciate them because they give you a lot of help, support, and encouragement when you have problems or are in a difficult situation. [APPROVAL ] □� Pat was a tower of strength to our whole family.

to w|er block (tower blocks ) N‑COUNT A tower block is a tall building divided into flats or offices. [BRIT ] □� �a 23-storey tower block. in AM, use high-rise , high-rise building

tow|er|ing /taʊ ər I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something such as a mountain or cliff as towering , you mean that it is very tall and therefore impressive. [LITERARY ] □� �towering cliffs of black granite which rise straight out of the sea.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as towering , you are emphasizing that they are impressive because of their importance, skill, or intensity. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □� He remains a towering figure in modern British politics.

town ◆◆◆ /taʊ n/ (towns )

1 N‑COUNT A town is a place with many streets and buildings, where people live and work. Towns are larger than villages and smaller than cities. Many places that are called towns in Britain would be called cities in the United States. □�[+�of ] �Saturday night in the small town of Braintree, Essex. □� Parking can be tricky in the town centre. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use the town to refer to the people of a town. □� The town takes immense pride in recent achievements.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You use town in order to refer to the town where you live. □� He admits he doesn't even know when his brother is in town. □� She left town.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You use town in order to refer to the central area of a town where most of the shops and offices are. □� I walked around town. □� I caught a bus into town.

4 →�see also ghost town , hometown , new town

5 PHRASE If you say that someone goes to town on something, you mean that they deal with it with a lot of enthusiasm or intensity. □�[+�on ] We really went to town on it, turning it into a full, three-day show.

6 PHRASE If you go out on the town or go for a night on the town , you enjoy yourself by going to a town centre in the evening and spending a long time there visiting several places of entertainment. □� I used to love going out on the town and coming back in the early hours of the morning.

to wn cou n|cil (town councils ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, oft in names] A town council is a group of people who have been elected to govern a British town.

to wn cri |er (town criers ) N‑COUNT In former times, a town crier was a man whose job was to walk through the streets of a town shouting out news and official announcements.

to wn ha ll (town halls ) also Town Hall

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a town hall in a town is a large building owned and used by the town council, often as its main office. You can also use town hall to refer to the town council that uses this building.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, especially in New England, a town hall is a building or hall used for local government business.

to wn house (town houses )

1 N‑COUNT A town house is a tall narrow house in a town, usually in a row of similar houses.

2 N‑COUNT [with poss] The town house of a wealthy person is the house that they own in a town or city, rather than another house that they own in the country.

townie /taʊ ni/ (townies ) N‑COUNT If someone who lives in the countryside refers to someone from a town or city as a townie , they disapprove of that person because they think they have no knowledge of the countryside or country life. [DISAPPROVAL ]

to wn pla n|ning N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Town planning is the planning and design of all the new buildings, roads, and parks in a place in order to make them attractive and convenient for the people who live there.

towns|folk /taʊ nzfoʊk/ N‑PLURAL The townsfolk of a town or city are the people who live there. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

town|ship /taʊ nʃ I p/ (townships )

1 N‑COUNT In South Africa, a township was a town where only black people lived. □�[+�of ] �the South African township of Soweto.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States and Canada, a township is an area of land, especially a part of a county which is organized as a unit of local government.

towns|people /taʊ nzpiːp ə l/ N‑PLURAL The townspeople of a town or city are the people who live there. □� Food shortages forced many townspeople into the country to grow their own food.

tow|path /toʊ pɑːθ, -p�θ/ (towpaths ) N‑COUNT A towpath is a path along the side of a canal or river, which horses used to walk on when they pulled boats.

tow|rope /toʊ roʊp/ (towropes ) also tow rope N‑COUNT A towrope is a strong rope that is used for pulling vehicles.

to w truck (tow trucks ) N‑COUNT A tow truck is a motor vehicle which is used to pull broken or damaged vehicles.

tox|ic /tɒ ks I k/ ADJ A toxic substance is poisonous. □� �the cost of cleaning up toxic waste. □�[+�to ] These products are not toxic to humans. ●� tox|ic|ity /tɒks I s I ti/ (toxicities ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �data on the toxicity of chemicals.

toxi|col|ogy /tɒ ks I kɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Toxicology is the study of poisons. [TECHNICAL ] ●� toxi|co|logi|cal /tɒ ks I kəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] □� There were no adverse toxicological effects. ●� toxi|colo|gist (toxicologists ) N‑COUNT □� Toxicologists attempt to identify and understand toxic hazards.

tox|in /tɒ ks I n/ (toxins ) N‑VAR A toxin is any poisonous substance produced by bacteria, animals, or plants. □� Tests showed increased levels of toxin in shellfish.

toy ◆◇◇ /tɔ I / (toys , toying , toyed )

1 N‑COUNT A toy is an object that children play with, for example a doll or a model car. □� He was really too old for children's toys. □� �a toy telephone.

2 →�see also soft toy

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to objects that adults use for fun rather than for a serious purpose as toys . □� Computers have become household toys.

▸� toy with

1 PHRASAL VERB If you toy with an idea, you consider it casually without making any decisions about it. □�[V P n] He toyed with the idea of going to China.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you toy with food or drink, you do not eat or drink it with any enthusiasm, but only take a bite or a little drink from time to time. □�[V P n] She had no appetite, and merely toyed with the bread and cheese.

toy|boy /tɔ I bɔ I / (toyboys ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a woman's lover as her toyboy when he is much younger than she is. [BRIT , HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ]

toy|town /tɔ I taʊn/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use toytown to show that you think something is silly, childish, or worthless. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He denounced what he called toytown revolutionaries advocating non-payment of taxes.

TQM /tiː kjuː e m/ N‑UNCOUNT TQM is a set of management principles aimed at improving performance throughout a company, especially by involving employees in decision-making. TQM is an abbreviation for 'total quality management'. [BUSINESS ] □� One of the main themes of TQM is employee involvement. □� Under TQM principles the search for quality is continuous.

trace ◆◇◇ /tre I s/ (traces , tracing , traced )

1 VERB If you trace the origin or development of something, you find out or describe how it started or developed. □�[V n] The exhibition traces the history of graphic design in America from the 19th century to the present. □�[V n +�to ] The psychiatrist successfully traced some of her problems to severe childhood traumas. ●�PHRASAL VERB Trace back means the same as trace . □�[V n P +�to ] Britain's Parliament can trace its history back to the English Parliament of the 13th century. □�[V P n] She has never traced back her lineage, but believes her grandparents were from Aberdeenshire.

2 VERB If you trace someone or something, you find them after looking for them. □�[V n] Police are anxious to trace two men seen leaving the house just before 8am.

3 VERB If you trace something such as a pattern or a shape, for example with your finger or toe, you mark its outline on a surface. □�[V n] I traced the course of the river on the map.

4 VERB If you trace a picture, you copy it by covering it with a piece of transparent paper and drawing over the lines underneath. □�[V n] She learned to draw by tracing pictures out of old storybooks.

5 N‑COUNT A traceof something is a very small amount of it. □�[+�of ] Wash them in cold water to remove all traces of sand.

6 N‑COUNT [oft without N ] A trace is a sign which shows you that someone or something has been in a place. □�[+�of ] There's been no trace of my aunt and uncle. □� Finally, and mysteriously, she disappeared without trace.

7 PHRASE If you say that someone or something sinks without trace or sinks without a trace , you mean that they stop existing or stop being successful very suddenly and completely. □� His party has sunk without trace at these elections.

▸� trace back →�see trace1 SYNONYMS trace VERB 2

find:The police also found a pistol.

track down:She had spent years trying to track down her parents.

discover:A few days later his badly beaten body was discovered on a roadside outside the city.

unearth:�the unearthing of a plot to assassinate the President.

trace|able /tre I səb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing is traceableto another, there is evidence to suggest that the first thing was caused by or is connected to the second thing. □�[+�to ] The probable cause of his death is traceable to an incident in 1724.

tra ce el|ement (trace elements )

1 N‑COUNT A trace element is a chemical element such as iron or zinc that occurs in very small amounts in living things and is necessary for normal growth and development.

2 N‑COUNT A trace element is a very small amount of a chemical element that is found in a metal or other substance.

tra|chea /trəkiː ə, [AM ] tre I kiə/ (tracheas or tracheae /trəkiː i, [AM ] tre I kiiː/) N‑COUNT Your trachea is your windpipe . [MEDICAL ]

tra c|ing pa|per N‑UNCOUNT Tracing paper is transparent paper which you put over a picture so that you can draw over its lines in order to produce a copy of it.

track ◆◆◇ /tr� k/ (tracks , tracking , tracked )

1 N‑COUNT A track is a narrow road or path. □� We set off once more, over a rough mountain track.

2 N‑COUNT A track is a piece of ground, often oval-shaped, that is used for races involving athletes, cars, bicycles, horses, or dogs called greyhounds. □� The two men turned to watch the horses going round the track. □� �the athletics track.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Railway tracks are the rails that a train travels along. □� A woman fell on to the tracks.

4 N‑COUNT A track is one of the songs or pieces of music on a recording.

5 N‑PLURAL Tracks are marks left in the ground by the feet of animals or people. □� The only evidence of pandas was their tracks in the snow.

6 VERB If you track animals or people, you try to follow them by looking for the signs that they have left behind, for example the marks left by their feet. □�[V n] He thought he had better track this wolf and kill it.

7 VERB To track someone or something means to follow their movements by means of a special device, such as a satellite or radar. □�[V n] Our radar began tracking the jets.

8 VERB If you track someone or something, you investigate them, because you are interested in finding out more about them. □�[V n] If it's possible, track the rumour back to its origin.

9 N‑COUNT In a school, a track is a group of children of the same age and ability who are taught together. [AM ] in BRIT, use stream10 VERB To track students means to divide them into groups according to their ability. [AM ] □�[be V -ed] Students are already being tracked. [Also V n] in BRIT, use stream ●� track|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Tracking assigns some students to college prep and others to vocational programs.

11 →�see also backtrack , fast track , racetrack , sidetrack , soundtrack , title track

12 PHRASE If someone covers their tracks , they hide or destroy evidence of their identity or their actions, because they want to keep them secret. □� He covered his tracks, burnt letters and diaries.

13 PHRASE If you say that someone has the inside track , you mean that they have an advantage, for example special knowledge about something. [mainly AM , JOURNALISM ] □� Denver has the inside track among 10 sites being considered.

14 PHRASE If you keep track of a situation or a person, you make sure that you have the newest and most accurate information about them all the time. □� With eleven thousand employees, it's very difficult to keep track of them all.

15 PHRASE If you lose track of someone or something, you no longer know where they are or what is happening. □� You become so deeply absorbed in an activity that you lose track of time.

16 PHRASE If you make tracks , you leave the place where you are, especially when you are in a hurry. [INFORMAL ] □� We'd better make tracks soon, hadn't we?

17 PHRASE If someone or something is on track , they are acting or progressing in a way that is likely to result in success. □� It may take some time to get the economy back on track.

18 PHRASE If you are on the track of someone or something, you are trying to find them, or find information about them. □� He was on the track of an escaped criminal.

19 PHRASE If you are on the right track , you are acting or progressing in a way that is likely to result in success. If you are on the wrong track , you are acting or progressing in a way that is likely to result in failure. □� Guests are returning in increasing numbers�a sure sign that we are on the right track. □� The country was headed on the wrong track, economically.

20 PHRASE If someone or something stops you in your tracks , or if you stop dead in your tracks , you suddenly stop moving because you are very surprised, impressed, or frightened. □� The thought almost stopped me dead in my tracks.

21 PHRASE If someone or something stops a process or activity in its tracks , or if it stops dead in its tracks , they prevent the process or activity from continuing. □� U.S. manufacturers may find the export boom stopping dead in its tracks.

22off the beaten track →�see beaten

▸� track down PHRASAL VERB If you track down someone or something, you find them, or find information about them, after a difficult or long search. □�[V P n] She had spent years trying to track down her parents. □�[V n P ] I don't know where that old story came from, I've never been able to track it down. SYNONYMS track NOUN 1

path:We followed the path along the clifftops.

way:�the well-trodden 250-mile Pennine Way.

trail:He was following a broad trail through the trees.

pathway:�a pathway leading towards the nearby river.

tra ck and fie ld N‑UNCOUNT Track and field refers to athletics as opposed to other sports.

track|ball /tr� kbɔːl/ (trackballs ) also track ball , tracker ball N‑COUNT A trackball is a ball on some computers that you turn in order to move the cursor. [COMPUTING ]

track|er /tr� kə r / (trackers ) N‑COUNT A tracker is a person or animal that finds other people or animals by following the marks left by their feet and other signs that show where they have been.

track|er fund /tr� kə r fʌ nd/ (tracker funds ) N‑COUNT A tracker fund is an investment in which shares in different companies are bought and sold so that the value of the shares held always matches the average value of shares in all or part of a stock market. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ]

tra ck event (track events ) N‑COUNT A track event is an event in athletics which involves running or walking around a racetrack, in contrast to events that involve only jumping or throwing.

track|pad /tr� kp�d/ (trackpads ) N‑COUNT A trackpad is a flat pad on some computers that you slide your finger over in order to move the cursor. [COMPUTING ] □� �with features like a trackpad instead of a trackball.

tra ck re c|ord (track records ) N‑COUNT If you talk about the track record of a person, company, or product, you are referring to their past performance, achievements, or failures in it. □�[+�in ] The job needs someone with a good track record in investment. [Also +�of ]

track|suit /tr� ksuːt/ (tracksuits ) also track suit N‑COUNT A tracksuit is a loose, warm suit consisting of trousers and a top which people wear to relax and to do exercise. [BRIT ] in AM, use sweatsuit

tract /tr� kt/ (tracts )

1 N‑COUNT A tractof land is a very large area of land. □�[+�of ] A vast tract of land is ready for development.

2 N‑COUNT A tract is a short article expressing a strong opinion on a religious, moral, or political subject in order to try to influence people's attitudes. □� She produced a feminist tract, 'Comments on Birth-Control', in 1930.

3 N‑COUNT A tract is a system of organs and tubes in an animal's or person's body that has a particular function, especially the function of processing a substance in the body. [MEDICAL ] □� Foods are broken down in the digestive tract. □� �urinary tract infections.

trac|table /tr� ktəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that a person, problem, or device is tractable , you mean that they can be easily controlled or dealt with. [FORMAL ] □� �the country's least tractable social problems.

trac|tion /tr� kʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Traction is a form of medical treatment, in which weights and pulleys are used to gently pull or stretch an injured part of the body for a period of time. You say that a person who is having this treatment is in traction . □� Isabelle's legs were in traction for about two and a half weeks.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Traction is a particular form of power that makes a vehicle move.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Traction is the grip that something has on the ground, especially the wheels of a vehicle.

trac|tor /tr� ktə r / (tractors ) N‑COUNT A tractor is a farm vehicle that is used to pull farm machinery and to provide the energy needed for the machinery to work.

trad /tr� d/ N‑UNCOUNT Trad or trad jazz is a kind of jazz based on the jazz that was played in the 1920s. [BRIT ]

trade ◆◆◆ /tre I d/ (trades , trading , traded )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Trade is the activity of buying, selling, or exchanging goods or services between people, firms, or countries. □� The ministry had direct control over every aspect of foreign trade. □� �negotiations on a new international trade agreement. □�[+�with ] Texas has a long history of trade with Mexico.

2 VERB When people, firms, or countries trade , they buy, sell, or exchange goods or services between themselves. □�[V ] They may refuse to trade, even when offered attractive prices. □�[V +�with ] Australia and New Zealand trade extensively with each other. □�[V +�in ] He has been trading in antique furniture for 25 years. ●� trad|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Trading on the stock exchange may be suspended.

3 N‑COUNT A trade is a particular area of business or industry. □� They've completely ruined the tourist trade for the next few years. □� �the arms trade.

4 N‑COUNT [oft poss N , oft by N ] Someone's trade is the kind of work that they do, especially when they have been trained to do it over a period of time. □� He learnt his trade as a diver in the North Sea. □� Allyn was a jeweller by trade.

5 VERB If someone trades one thing for another or if two people trade things, they agree to exchange one thing for the other thing. [mainly AM ] □�[V n +�for ] They traded land for goods and money. □�[V n] Kids used to trade baseball cards. □�[V n +�with ] They suspected that Neville had traded secret information with Mr Foster. ●�N‑COUNT Trade is also a noun. □�[+�with ] I am willing to make a trade with you. [in BRIT, use exchange ]

6 VERB If you trade places with someone or if the two of you trade places, you move into the other person's position or situation, and they move into yours. [mainly AM ] □�[V n +�with ] Mike asked George to trade places with him so he could ride with Tod. □�[V n] The receiver and the quarterback are going to trade positions.

7 VERB In professional sports, for example football or baseball, if a player is traded from one team to another, they leave one team and begin playing for another. [AM ] □�[be V -ed] He was traded from the Giants to the Yankees. □�[V n] The A's have not won a game since they traded him. in BRIT, use transfer8 VERB If two people or groups trade something such as blows, insults, or jokes, they hit each other, insult each other, or tell each other jokes. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] Children would settle disputes by trading punches or insults in the schoolyard. □�[V n +�with ] They traded artillery fire with government forces inside the city.

▸� trade down PHRASAL VERB If someone trades down , they sell something such as their car or house and buy a less expensive one. □�[V P +�to ] They are selling their five-bedroom house and trading down to a two-bedroom cottage.

▸� trade in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you trade in an old car or appliance, you give it to the person you are buying a new one from so that you pay less. □�[V n P ] For his birthday he was given a trumpet, but he traded it in for a guitar. □�[V P n] She's decided to trade in her Volvo for a Volkswagen.

2 →�see also trade-in

▸� trade off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you trade off one thing against another, you exchange all or part of one thing for another, as part of a negotiation or compromise. □�[V P n +�against ] Economic policy is about trading off costs against benefits. □�[V P n +�for ] I get up early and trade off sleep for exercise.

2 →�see also trade-off

▸� trade up PHRASAL VERB If someone trades up , they sell something such as their car or their house and buy a more expensive one. □�[V P +�to ] Mini-car owners are trading up to 'real' cars. □�[V P ] Homeowners will feel more comfortable and they may feel ready to trade up.

tra de as|so |cia |tion (trade associations ) N‑COUNT A trade association is a body representing organizations within the same trade. It aims to protect their collective interests, especially in negotiations with governments and trade unions. □� �one of the two main trade associations for antiques dealers.

Tra de De|scri p|tions A ct also Trades Descriptions Act N‑SING In Britain, theTrade Descriptions Act or theTrades Descriptions Act is a law designed to prevent companies from presenting their goods or services in a dishonest or misleading way. □� Last year it was convicted and fined under the Trades Descriptions Act for placing For Sale boards on empty homes in the area.

tra de fair (trade fairs ) N‑COUNT A trade fair is an exhibition where manufacturers show their products to other people in industry and try to get business.

tra de gap (trade gaps ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a country imports goods worth more than the value of the goods that it exports, this is referred to as a trade gap . [BUSINESS ]

tra de-in (trade-ins ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A trade-in is an arrangement in which someone buys something such as a new car or washing machine at a reduced price by giving their old one, as well as money, in payment. □� �the trade-in value of the car.

trade|mark /tre I dmɑː r k/ (trademarks ) also trade mark

1 N‑COUNT A trademark is a name or symbol that a company uses on its products and that cannot legally be used by another company.

2 N‑COUNT [with poss] If you say that something is the trademark of a particular person or place, you mean that it is characteristic of them or typically associated with them. □� �the spiky punk hairdo that became his trademark.

tra de name (trade names ) N‑COUNT A trade name is the name which manufacturers give to a product or to a range of products. □� It's marketed under the trade name 'Tattle'.

tra de-off (trade-offs ) also tradeoff N‑COUNT A trade-off is a situation where you make a compromise between two things, or where you exchange all or part of one thing for another. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�between ] �the trade-off between inflation and unemployment.

trad|er ◆◇◇ /tre I də r / (traders ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A trader is a person whose job is to trade in goods or stocks. □� Market traders display an exotic selection of the island's produce.

tra de route (trade routes ) N‑COUNT A trade route is a route, often covering long distances, that is used by traders.

tra de se |cret (trade secrets )

1 N‑COUNT A trade secret is information that is known, used, and kept secret by a particular firm, for example about a method of production or a chemical process. □� The nature of the polymer is currently a trade secret.

2 N‑COUNT A trade secret is a piece of knowledge that you have, especially about how to do something, that you are not willing to tell other people. □� I'd rather not talk about it too much because I don't like giving trade secrets away.

trades|man /tre I dzmən/ (tradesmen ) N‑COUNT A tradesman is a person, usually a man, who sells goods or services, especially one who owns and runs a shop.

tra des u n|ion (trades unions ) →�see trade union

Tra des Un|ion Co n|gress N‑PROPER The Trades Union Congress in Britain is the same as the TUC .

tra de sur|plus (trade surpluses ) N‑COUNT If a country has a trade surplus , it exports more than it imports. [BUSINESS ] □� The country's trade surplus widened to 16.5 billion dollars.

tra de u n|ion (trade unions ) also trades union N‑COUNT [oft N n] A trade union is an organization that has been formed by workers in order to represent their rights and interests to their employers, for example in order to improve working conditions or wages. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use labor union

tra de u n|ion|ism N‑UNCOUNT Trade unionism is the system, practices, and beliefs of trade unions.

tra de u n|ion|ist (trade unionists ) also trades unionist N‑COUNT A trade unionist is an active member of a trade union. [BRIT ]

tra d|ing es|tate (trading estates ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A trading estate is the same as an industrial estate . [BRIT ]

tra|di|tion ◆◇◇ /trəd I ʃ ə n/ (traditions )

1 N‑VAR A tradition is a custom or belief that has existed for a long time. □�[+�of ] �the rich traditions of Afro-Cuban music, and dance. □�[+�of ] Mary has carried on the family tradition of giving away plants.

2 PHRASE If you say that something or someone is in the tradition of a person or thing from the past, you mean that they have many features that remind you of that person or thing. □�[+�of ] They're marvellous pictures in the tradition of Gainsborough.

tra|di|tion|al ◆◆◇ /trəd I ʃən ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Traditional customs, beliefs, or methods are ones that have existed for a long time without changing. □� �traditional teaching methods. □� �traditional Indian music. ●� tra|di|tion|al|ly ADV □� Although meat is traditionally regarded as a good protein food, it does have drawbacks.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A traditional organization or person prefers older methods and ideas to modern ones. □� We're still a traditional school in a lot of ways. ●� tra|di|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV adj] □� He is loathed by some of the more traditionally minded officers. SYNONYMS traditional ADJ 2

old-fashioned:There are some traditional farmers left who still make cheese the old-fashioned way.

conventional:�a respectable married woman with conventional opinions.

orthodox:Payne gained a reputation for sound, if orthodox, views.

tra|di|tion|al|ism /trəd I ʃənəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Traditionalism is behaviour and ideas that support established customs and beliefs, rather than modern ones.

tra|di|tion|al|ist /trəd I ʃənəl I st/ (traditionalists )

1 N‑COUNT A traditionalist is a person who supports the established customs and beliefs of his or her society or group, and does not want to change them.

2 ADJ A traditionalist idea, argument, or organization supports the established customs and beliefs of a society or group, rather than modern ones.

tra|duce /trədjuː s, [AM ] -duː s/ (traduces , traducing , traduced ) VERB [usu passive] If someone has been traduced , unpleasant and untrue things have deliberately been said about them. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] We have been traduced in the press as xenophobic bigots.

traf|fic ◆◇◇ /tr� f I k/ (traffics , trafficking , trafficked )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Traffic refers to all the vehicles that are moving along the roads in a particular area. □� There was heavy traffic on the roads. □� �the problems of city life, such as traffic congestion.

2 →�see also traffic jam

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] Traffic refers to the movement of ships, trains, or aircraft between one place and another. Traffic also refers to the people and goods that are being transported. □� Air traffic had returned to normal. □� The railways will carry a far higher proportion of freight traffic.

4 →�see also air traffic control

5 N‑UNCOUNT Trafficin something such as drugs or stolen goods is an illegal trade in them. □�[+�in ] He condemned the ruthless illegal traffic in endangered animals.

6 VERB Someone who trafficsin something such as drugs or stolen goods buys and sells them even though it is illegal to do so. □�[V +�in ] The president said anyone who traffics in illegal drugs should be brought to justice. ●� traf|fick|ing N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] □� �a documentary film to raise awareness of child trafficking in Europe.

7 N‑UNCOUNT The amount of traffic that a website gets is the number of visitors to that website. [COMPUTING ] □� Traffic to the site had increased threefold. SYNONYMS traffic NOUN 1

transport:Which type of transport do you prefer?

vehicles:There were too many vehicles on the road.

transportation:The company will provide transportation.

tra f|fic calm|ing also traffic-calming N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Traffic calming consists of measures designed to make roads safer, for example making them narrower or placing obstacles in them, so that drivers are forced to slow down. □� �traffic calming schemes.

tra f|fic cir|cle (traffic circles ) N‑COUNT A traffic circle is a circular structure in the road at a place where several roads meet. You drive round it until you come to the road that you want. [AM ] in BRIT, use roundabout

tra f|fic cone (traffic cones ) N‑COUNT A traffic cone is a plastic object with a pointed top that is placed on a road to prevent people from driving or parking there.

tra f|fic jam (traffic jams ) N‑COUNT A traffic jam is a long line of vehicles that cannot move forward because there is too much traffic, or because the road is blocked by something.

traf|fick|er /tr� f I kə r / (traffickers ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A trafficker in particular goods, especially drugs, is a person who illegally buys or sells these goods. □� �a mission that would target the boats used by people traffickers.

tra f|fic light (traffic lights ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Traffic lights are sets of red, amber, and green lights at the places where roads meet. They control the traffic by signalling when vehicles have to stop and when they can go. Traffic lights can also be referred to as a traffic light .

tra f|fic war|den (traffic wardens ) N‑COUNT A traffic warden is a person whose job is to make sure that cars are not parked illegally. [mainly BRIT ]

trag|edy ◆◇◇ /tr� dʒ I di/ (tragedies )

1 N‑VAR A tragedy is an extremely sad event or situation. □� They have suffered an enormous personal tragedy. □� Maskell's life had not been without tragedy.

2 N‑VAR Tragedy is a type of literature, especially drama, that is serious and sad, and often ends with the death of the main character. □� The story has elements of tragedy and farce. SYNONYMS tragedy NOUN 1

catastrophe:From all points of view, war would be a catastrophe.

misfortune:He had his full share of misfortune.

disaster:Many had lost all in the disaster and were destitute.

trag|ic /tr� dʒ I k/

1 ADJ A tragic event or situation is extremely sad, usually because it involves death or suffering. □� It was just a tragic accident. □� The circumstances are tragic but we have to act within the law. ●� tragi|cal|ly /tr� dʒ I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □� Tragically, she never saw the completed building because she died before it was finished.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Tragic is used to refer to tragedy as a type of literature. □� �Michael Henchard, the tragic hero of 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'.

tragi-comedy /tr� dʒi kɒ mədi/ (tragi-comedies ) also tragicomedy N‑COUNT A tragi-comedy is a play or other written work that is both sad and amusing.

tragi-comic /tr� dʒi kɒ m I k/ also tragicomic ADJ Something that is tragi-comic is both sad and amusing at the same time.

trail ◆◇◇ /tre I l/ (trails , trailing , trailed )

1 N‑COUNT A trail is a rough path across open country or through forests. □� He was following a broad trail through the trees.

2 N‑COUNT A trail is a route along a series of paths or roads, often one that has been planned and marked out for a particular purpose. □� �a large area of woodland with hiking and walking trails.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A trail is a series of marks or other signs of movement or other activities left by someone or something. □�[+�of ] Everywhere in the house was a sticky trail of orange juice.

4 VERB If you trail someone or something, you follow them secretly, often by finding the marks or signs that they have left. □�[V n] Two detectives were trailing him. □�[V n prep/adv] I trailed her to a shop in Kensington.

5 N‑COUNT [n N ] You can refer to all the places that a politician visits in the period before an election as their campaign trail . □� During a recent speech on the campaign trail, he was interrupted by hecklers.

6 VERB If you trail something or it trails , it hangs down loosely behind you as you move along. □�[V n] She came down the stairs slowly, trailing the coat behind her. □�[V prep] He let his fingers trail in the water.

7 VERB If someone trails somewhere, they move there slowly, without any energy or enthusiasm, often following someone else. □�[V adv/prep] He trailed through the wet Manhattan streets.

8 VERB [usu cont] If a person or team in a sports match or other contest is trailing , they have a lower score than their opponents. □�[V amount] He scored again, leaving Dartford trailing 3-0 at the break. □�[V +�behind ] She took over as chief executive of the company when it was trailing behind its competitors.

9 PHRASE If you are on the trail of a person or thing, you are trying hard to find them or find out about them. □� The police were hot on his trail.

10 →�see also nature trail , paper trail

11to blaze a trail →�see blaze

▸� trail off or trail away PHRASAL VERB If a speaker's voice or a speaker trails off or trails away , their voice becomes quieter and they hesitate until they stop speaking completely. □�[V P ] 'But he had no reason. He of all men�' Kate's voice trailed off. COLLOCATIONS trail NOUN 2

noun +�trail : hiking, nature, walking; forest, mountain

adjective +�trail : scenic, waymarked

trail|blazer /tre I lble I zə r / (trailblazers ) N‑COUNT A trailblazer is a person who is the leader in a particular field, especially who does a particular thing before anyone else does. □� He has been the trailblazer and given British sprinters the belief that we are able to take on and beat the world's best.

trai l-blazing also trailblazing ADJ [ADJ n] A trail-blazing idea, event, or organization is new, exciting, and original. □� �a trail-blazing agreement that could lead to a global ban on nuclear weapons.

trail|er /tre I lə r / (trailers )

1 N‑COUNT A trailer is a container on wheels which is pulled by a car or other vehicle and which is used for transporting large or heavy items.

2 N‑COUNT A trailer is the long rear section of a lorry or truck, in which the goods are carried.

3 N‑COUNT A trailer is a long vehicle without an engine which people use as a home or as an office and which can be pulled behind a car. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use caravan4 N‑COUNT A trailer for a film or television programme is a set of short extracts which are shown to advertise it.

trai l|er park (trailer parks ) also trailer court N‑COUNT A trailer park is an area where people can pay to park their trailers and live in them. [AM ] in BRIT, use caravan site

trai l|er trash N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Some people use trailer trash to refer to poor people who live in trailer parks and who they think are vulgar or worthless. This use could cause offence. [AM , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

trai l|er truck (trailer trucks ) N‑COUNT A trailer truck is a truck or lorry that is made in two or more sections which are joined together by metal bars, so that the vehicle can turn more easily. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use articulated lorry

train

➊�NOUN USES

➋�VERB USES

➊ train ◆◆◇ /tre I n/ (trains )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A train is a number of carriages, cars, or trucks which are all connected together and which are pulled by an engine along a railway. Trains carry people and goods from one place to another. □� The train pulled into a station. □� We can catch the early morning train. □� He arrived in Shenyang by train yesterday.

2 N‑COUNT A trainof vehicles, people, or animals is a long line of them travelling slowly in the same direction. □�[+�of ] �a long train of oil tankers.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A trainof thought or a trainof events is a connected sequence, in which each thought or event seems to occur naturally or logically as a result of the previous one. □�[+�of ] He lost his train of thought for a moment, then recovered it. □�[+�of ] Giles set in motion a train of events which would culminate in tragedy.

4 N‑COUNT The train of a woman's formal dress or wedding dress is the long part at the back of it which flows along the floor behind her.

5 PHRASE If a process or event is in train or has been set in train , it is happening or starting to happen. [mainly BRIT ] □� He praised the economic reforms set in train by the government. in AM, usually use in motion

➋ train ◆◆◇ /tre I n/ (trains , training , trained )

1 VERB If someone trains you to do something, they teach you the skills that you need in order to do it. If you trainto do something, you learn the skills that you need in order to do it. □�[V n to-inf] The U.S. was ready to train its troops to participate. □�[V to-inf] Stavros was training to be a teacher. □�[V +�as ] Psychiatrists initially train as doctors. □�[V n +�in ] We don't train them only in bricklaying, but also in other building techniques. □�[V ] Companies tend to favour the lawyer who has trained with a good quality City firm. □�[V -ed] I'm a trained nurse. [Also V n] ●� -trained COMB □� Mr. Koutab is an American-trained lawyer. ●� train|er (trainers ) N‑COUNT □� �a book for both teachers and teacher trainers.

2 VERB To train a natural quality or talent that someone has, for example their voice or musical ability, means to help them to develop it. □�[V n] I see my degree as something which will train my mind and improve my chances of getting a job.

3 VERB If you trainfor a physical activity such as a race or if someone trains you for it, you prepare for it by doing particular physical exercises. □�[V +�for ] Strachan is training for the new season. □�[V n +�for ] He has spent a year training crews for next month's round the world race. [Also V , V n] ●� train|er N‑COUNT □� She went to the gym with her trainer.

4 VERB If an animal or bird is trainedto do particular things, it is taught to do them, for example in order to be able to work for someone or to be a good pet. □�[be V -ed to-inf] Sniffer dogs could be trained to track them down. □�[V n] �a man who trained hundreds of dogs. [Also V n to-inf] ●� train|er N‑COUNT □� The horse made a winning start for his new trainer.

5 VERB If you train something such as a gun, a camera, or a light on a person or thing, you aim it at them and keep it towards them. □�[V n +�on ] She trained her binoculars on the horizon.

6 VERB If you train a tree, bush, or plant in a particular direction, you tie it and cut it so that it grows in that direction. □�[V n prep] Instead of training the shoots up the fence, lay them flat in both directions alongside it. □�[V n to-inf] You could even put a trellis on your walls and train plants to grow up it.

7 →�see also training

▸� train up PHRASAL VERB If someone trains you up , they teach you new skills or give you the necessary preparation so that you will reach the standard required for a particular job or activity. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] The company has a policy of employing recent graduates and training them up. □�[V P n] He usually preferred to train up a crew of enthusiastic young sailors from scratch. SYNONYMS train VERB ➋1

teach:She taught Julie to read.

instruct:He instructed family members in nursing techniques.

coach:I had coached the Alliance team for some time.

drill:He drills the choir to a high standard.

trainee /tre I niː / (trainees ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A trainee is someone who is employed at a low level in a particular job in order to learn the skills needed for that job. □� He is a 24-year-old trainee reporter.

train|er /tre I nə r / (trainers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Trainers are shoes that people wear, especially for running and other sports. [BRIT ]

2 →�see also train ➋

train|ing ◆◇◇ /tre I n I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Training is the process of learning the skills that you need for a particular job or activity. □� He called for much higher spending on education and training. □� �a one-day training course.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Training is physical exercise that you do regularly in order to keep fit or to prepare for an activity such as a race. □� The emphasis is on developing fitness through exercises and training. □� �her busy training schedule. ●�PHRASE If you are in training , you are preparing yourself for a physical activity such as a race, by taking a lot of exercise and eating special food. □� He will soon be back in training for next year's National.

3 →�see also circuit training , potty training COLLOCATIONS training NOUN

1

noun +�training : management, skills, staff; driver, officer, teacher

adjective +�training : basic, full, intensive, rigorous; formal, special, vocational; military

verb +�training : complete, receive, start, undergo; offer, provide; require

2

noun +�training : fitness, weight

adjective +�training : physical, pre-season; hard, tough

verb +�training : begin, resume, start; miss SYNONYMS training NOUN 1

instruction:Each candidate is given instruction in safety.

practice:She was taking all three of her daughters to basketball practice every day.

schooling:He had little formal schooling.

grounding:The degree provides a thorough grounding in both mathematics and statistics.

trai n|ing camp (training camps ) N‑COUNT A training camp for soldiers or sports players is an organized period of training at a particular place.

trai n|ing shoe (training shoes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Training shoes are the same as trainers .

train|spotter /tre I nspɒtə r / (trainspotters ) also train spotter , train-spotter N‑COUNT A trainspotter is someone who is very interested in trains and spends time going to stations and recording the numbers of the trains that they see. [BRIT ]

train|spot|ting /tre I nspɒt I ŋ/ also train spotting , train-spotting N‑UNCOUNT Trainspotting is the hobby of going to railway stations and recording the numbers of the trains that you see. [BRIT ]

traipse /tre I ps/ (traipses , traipsing , traipsed )

1 VERB If you traipse somewhere, you go there unwillingly, often because you are tired or unhappy. □�[V prep/adv] If traipsing around shops does not appeal to you, perhaps using a catalogue will.

2 VERB If you talk about people traipsing somewhere, you mean that they are going there or moving about there in a way that annoys someone or gets in their way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V prep/adv] You will have to get used to a lot of people traipsing in and out of your home.

trait /tre I t, tre I / (traits ) N‑COUNT A trait is a particular characteristic, quality, or tendency that someone or something has. □� Many of our personality traits are developed during those early months.

trai|tor /tre I tə r / (traitors )

1 N‑COUNT If you call someone a traitor , you mean that they have betrayed beliefs that they used to hold, or that their friends hold, by their words or actions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�to ] Some say he's a traitor to the working class.

2 N‑COUNT If someone is a traitor , they betray their country or a group of which they are a member by helping its enemies, especially during time of war. □� �rumours that there were traitors among us who were sending messages to the enemy.

trai|tor|ous /tre I tərəs/ ADJ A traitorous action will betray or bring danger to a country or to the group of people that someone belongs to. □� �the monstrous betrayal of men by their most traitorous companions. □� �the movement could be labeled as divisive, even traitorous.

tra|jec|tory /trədʒe ktəri/ (trajectories )

1 N‑COUNT The trajectory of a moving object is the path that it follows as it moves. □�[+�of ] �the trajectory of an artillery shell.

2 N‑COUNT The trajectory of something such as a person's career is the course that it follows over time. □� �a relentlessly upward career trajectory.

tram /tr� m/ (trams ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A tram is a public transport vehicle, usually powered by electricity from wires above it, which travels along rails laid in the surface of a street. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use streetcar

tram|line /tr� mla I n/ (tramlines ) N‑COUNT A tramline is one of the rails laid in the surface of a road that trams travel along. [BRIT ] in AM, use streetcar line

tramp /tr� mp/ (tramps , tramping , tramped )

1 N‑COUNT A tramp is a person who has no home or job, and very little money. Tramps go from place to place, and get food or money by asking people or by doing casual work.

2 VERB If you tramp somewhere, you walk there slowly and with regular, heavy steps, for a long time. □�[V prep/adv] They put on their coats and tramped through the falling snow. □�[V n] She spent all day yesterday tramping the streets, gathering evidence.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The tramp of people is the sound of their heavy, regular walking. □�[+�of ] He heard the slow, heavy tramp of feet on the stairs.

4 N‑COUNT If someone refers to a woman as a tramp , they are insulting her, because they think that she is immoral in her sexual behaviour. [mainly AM , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

tram|ple /tr� mp ə l/ (tramples , trampling , trampled )

1 VERB To trampleon someone's rights or values or to trample them means to deliberately ignore or destroy them. □�[V +�on ] They say loggers are destroying rain forests and trampling on the rights of natives. □�[V n] Diplomats denounced the leaders for trampling their citizens' civil rights.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is trampled , they are injured or killed by being stepped on by animals or by other people. □�[be V -ed] Many people were trampled in the panic that followed.

3 VERB If someone tramples something or trampleson it, they step heavily and carelessly on it and damage it. □�[V n] They don't want people trampling the grass, pitching tents or building fires. □�[V +�on ] Please don't trample on the azaleas.

tram|po|line /tr� mpəliːn/ (trampolines ) N‑COUNT A trampoline is a piece of equipment on which you jump up and down as a sport. It consists of a large piece of strong cloth held by springs in a frame.

tram|way /tr� mwe I / (tramways ) N‑COUNT A tramway is a set of rails laid in the surface of a road for trams to travel along. [mainly BRIT ]

trance /trɑː ns, tr� ns/ (trances ) N‑COUNT [oft prep N ] A trance is a state of mind in which someone seems to be asleep and to have no conscious control over their thoughts or actions, but in which they can see and hear things and respond to commands given by other people. □� Like a man in a trance, Blake found his way back to his rooms.

tranche /trɑː nʃ/ (tranches )

1 N‑COUNT In economics, a tranche of shares in a company, or a tranche of a company, is a number of shares in that company. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] On February 12th he put up for sale a second tranche of 32 state-owned companies.

2 N‑COUNT A tranche of something is a piece, section, or part of it. A tranche of things is a group of them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] They risk losing the next tranche of funding.

tran|quil /tr� ŋkw I l/ ADJ Something that is tranquil is calm and peaceful. □� The tranquil atmosphere of The Connaught allows guests to feel totally at home. ●� tran|quil|lity /tr�ŋkw I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The hotel is a haven of peace and tranquillity.

tran|quil|lize /tr� ŋkw I la I z/ (tranquillizes , tranquillizing , tranquillized ) The spellings tranquilize in American English, and tranquillise in British English, are also used. VERB To tranquillize a person or an animal means to make them become calm, sleepy, or unconscious by means of a drug. □�[V n] This powerful drug is used to tranquilize patients undergoing surgery.

tran|quil|liz|er /tr� ŋkw I la I zə r / (tranquillizers ) The spellings tranquilizer in American English, and tranquilliser in British English, are also used. N‑COUNT A tranquillizer is a drug that makes people feel calmer or less anxious. Tranquillizers are sometimes used to make people or animals become sleepy or unconscious.

trans /tr� nz/ ADJ Someone who is trans has a gender identity which does not fully correspond to the sex assigned to them at birth. □� Christine Burns is a trans woman who led the campaign for the legal right to change gender.

trans.trans. is a written abbreviation for 'translated by'.

PREFIX trans-

is used to form adjectives which indicate that something involves or enables travel from one side of an area to the other. For example, a trans-continental journey is a journey across a continent.

trans|act /tr�nz� kt/ (transacts , transacting , transacted ) VERB If you transact business, you enter into a deal with someone, for example by buying or selling something. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] This would free them to transact business across state lines.

trans|ac|tion ◆◇◇ /tr�nz� kʃ ə n/ (transactions ) N‑COUNT A transaction is a piece of business, for example an act of buying or selling something. [FORMAL ]

trans|at|lan|tic /tr� nzətl� nt I k/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Transatlantic flights or signals go across the Atlantic Ocean, usually between the United States and Britain. □� Many transatlantic flights land there.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Transatlantic is used to refer to something that happens, exists, or begins in the United States. [BRIT ] □� �transatlantic fashions.

trans|cend /tr�nse nd/ (transcends , transcending , transcended ) VERB Something that transcends normal limits or boundaries goes beyond them, because it is more significant than them. □�[V n] �issues like humanitarian aid that transcend party loyalty.

tran|scend|ence /tr�nse ndəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Transcendence is the quality of being able to go beyond normal limits or boundaries. □�[+�of ] �the transcendence of class differences.

trans|cend|ent /tr�nse ndənt/ ADJ Something that is transcendent goes beyond normal limits or boundaries, because it is more significant than them. □� �the idea of a transcendent God who stood apart from mankind.

tran|scen|den|tal /tr� nsende nt ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Transcendental refers to things that lie beyond the practical experience of ordinary people, and cannot be discovered or understood by ordinary reasoning. □� �the transcendental nature of God.

tra n|scen|den|tal medi|ta |tion N‑UNCOUNT Transcendental meditation is a kind of meditation in which people mentally relax by silently repeating special words over and over again. The abbreviation TM is also used.

trans|con|ti|nen|tal /tr� nskɒnt I ne nt ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A transcontinental journey or route goes from one side of a continent to the other. In American English, transcontinental usually means from one side of the United States to the other. □� �in mid-nineteenth-century America, before the transcontinental railroad was built.

tran|scribe /tr�nskra I b/ (transcribes , transcribing , transcribed )

1 VERB If you transcribe a speech or text, you write it out in a different form from the one in which it exists, for example by writing it out in full from notes or from a tape recording. □�[V n] She is transcribing, from his dictation, the diaries of Simon Forman.

2 VERB If you transcribe a piece of music for an instrument which is not the one for which it was originally written, you rewrite it so that it can be played on that instrument. □�[V n +�for ] He gave up trying to write for the guitar and decided to transcribe the work for piano. [Also V n]

tran|script /tr� nskr I pt/ (transcripts ) N‑COUNT A transcriptof a conversation or speech is a written text of it, based on a recording or notes.

tran|scrip|tion /tr�nskr I pʃ ə n/ (transcriptions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Transcription of speech or text is the process of transcribing it.

2 N‑COUNT A transcription of a conversation or speech is a written text of it, based on a recording or notes.

trans|der|mal /tr� nzdɜː r m ə l/ ADJ Transdermal medicine is absorbed through the skin, for example by means of a skin patch. □� �a transdermal cream.

tran|sept /tr� nsept/ (transepts ) N‑COUNT In a cathedral or church, the transept is the part which projects to the north or south of the main part of the building.

trans|fer ◆◆◇ (transfers , transferring , transferred ) The verb is pronounced /tr�nsfɜː r /. The noun is pronounced /tr� nsfɜː r /. 1 VERB If you transfer something or someone from one place to another, or they transferfrom one place to another, they go from the first place to the second. □�[V n +�from/to ] Remove the wafers with a spoon and transfer them to a plate. □�[V +�from/to ] The person can transfer from wheelchair to seat with relative ease. ●�N‑VAR Transfer is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Arrange for the transfer of medical records to your new doctor.

2 VERB If something is transferred , or transfers , from one person or group of people to another, the second person or group gets it instead of the first. □�[V n +�from/to ] I realized she'd transferred all her love from me to you. □�[V +�from/to ] On 1 December the presidency of the Security Council automatically transfers from the U.S. to Yemen. ●�N‑VAR Transfer is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the transfer of power from the old to the new regimes.

3 N‑VAR Technology transfer is the process or act by which a country or organization which has developed new technology enables another country or organization to use the technology. □� These countries need capital and technology transfer. [Also +�of ]

4 VERB In professional sports, if a player transfers or is transferred from one club to another, they leave one club and begin playing for another. [BRIT ] □�[V +�from/to ] He transferred from Spurs to Middlesbrough. □�[be V -ed +�from/to ] He was transferred from Crystal Palace to Arsenal. [Also V n +�from/to ] ●�N‑COUNT Transfer is also a noun. □�[+�to ] Nobody was expecting his transfer to the Italian club. [in AM, use trade ]

5 VERB If you are transferred , or if you transfer , to a different job or place, you move to a different job or start working in a different place. □�[be V -ed +�from/to ] I was transferred to the book department. □�[be V -ed] I suspect that she is going to be transferred. □�[V +�from/to ] Anton was able to transfer from Lavine's to an American company. [Also V n, V n +�from/to ] ●�N‑VAR Transfer is also a noun. □�[+�to ] They will be offered transfers to other locations.

6 VERB When information is transferredonto a different medium, it is copied from one medium to another. □�[be V -ed +�onto/to ] Such information is easily transferred onto microfilm. □�[V n +�onto/to ] �systems to create film-quality computer effects and then transfer them to film. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] Transfer is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He has been charged with unauthorised transfer of information from military computers. □� �data transfer.

7 VERB When property or land is transferred , it stops being owned by one person or institution and becomes owned by another. [LEGAL ] □�[V n +�from/to ] He has already transferred ownership of most of the works to a British foundation. □�[be V -ed] Certain kinds of property are transferred automatically at death. [Also V n] ●�N‑VAR Transfer is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �an outright transfer of property.

8 VERB If you transfer or are transferred when you are on a journey, you change from one vehicle to another. □�[V +�from/to ] He likes to transfer from the bus to the Blue Line at 103rd Street in Watts. □�[be V -ed +�from/to ] 1,654 passengers were transferred at sea to a Norwegian cruise ship.

9 N‑COUNT Transfers are pieces of paper with a design on one side. The design can be transferred by heat or pressure onto material, paper, or china for decoration. □� �gold letter transfers. COLLOCATIONS transfer NOUN 1

noun +�transfer : balance, money; airport, coach, luggage, prisoner; heat

verb +�transfer : arrange, authorize, complete, facilitate VERB 1

transfer+�noun : asset, fund, money; heat

transfer+�adverb : electronically SYNONYMS transfer VERB 1

move:She moved the sheaf of papers into position.

carry:She carried her son to the car.

transport:The troops were transported to Moscow.

shift:He stopped, shifting his cane to his left hand.

trans|fer|able /tr�nsfɜː rəb ə l/ ADJ If something is transferable , it can be passed or moved from one person or organization to another and used by them. □�[+�to ] Your Railcard is not transferable to anyone else.

trans|fer|ence /tr� nsfərəns/ N‑UNCOUNT The transference of something such as power, information, or affection from one person or place to another is the action of transferring it. □�[+�of ] It is a struggle for a transference of power.

tra ns|fer list (transfer lists ) N‑COUNT In football, a transfer list is a list of players at a club who may be sold to other clubs. [BRIT ]

trans|fig|ure /tr�nsf I gə r , [AM ] -f I gjər/ (transfigures , transfiguring , transfigured ) VERB To be transfigured means to be changed into something great or beautiful. [LITERARY ] □�[be V -ed] They are transfigured by the healing powers of art. □�[V n] He smiled back, which for an instant transfigured his unrevealing features.

trans|fix /tr�nsf I ks/ (transfixes , transfixing , transfixed ) VERB If you are transfixed by something, it captures all of your interest or attention, so that you are unable to think of anything else or unable to act. □�[be V -ed] We were all transfixed by the images of the war. ●� trans|fixed ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] □� Her eyes were transfixed with terror. □� For hours he stood transfixed.

trans|form ◆◇◇ /tr�nsfɔː r m/ (transforms , transforming , transformed )

1 VERB To transform something into something else means to change or convert it into that thing. □�[V n +�into ] Your metabolic rate is the speed at which your body transforms food into energy. □�[V n +�from/into ] Delegates also discussed transforming them from a guerrilla force into a regular army. [Also V n] ●� trans|for|ma|tion /tr� nsfə r me I ʃ ə n/ (transformations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] Norah made plans for the transformation of an attic room into a study. □� Chemical transformations occur.

2 VERB To transform something or someone means to change them completely and suddenly so that they are much better or more attractive. □�[V n] The high-speed rail link is transforming the area. □�[V n +�from/into ] A love of rugby transformed him from a podgy child into a trophy winner. [Also V n +�into ] ●� trans|for|ma|tion N‑VAR □� In the last five years he's undergone a personal transformation. SYNONYMS transform VERB

1

change:She has now changed into a happy, self-confident woman.

convert:The signal will be converted into digital code.

alter:Little had altered in the village.

2

overhaul:The study says there must be a complete overhaul of air traffic control systems.

revamp:Ricardo Bofill, the Catalan architect, has designed the revamped airport.

renovate:The couple spent thousands renovating the house.

trans|form|er /tr�nsfɔː r mə r / (transformers ) N‑COUNT A transformer is a piece of electrical equipment which changes a voltage to a higher or lower voltage.

trans|fu|sion /tr�nsfjuː ʒ ə n/ (transfusions ) N‑VAR A transfusion is the same as a blood transfusion .

trans|gen|der /tr� nzdʒe ndə r / ADJ Someone who is transgender has a gender identity which does not fully correspond to the sex assigned to them at birth. □� �a project designed to overcome prejudice towards gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

trans|gen|ic /tr�nzdʒe n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Transgenic plants or animals contain genetic material that has been added to them from another species. [TECHNICAL ] □� �transgenic sheep that secrete a human protein into their milk.

trans|gress /tr�nzgre s/ (transgresses , transgressing , transgressed ) VERB If someone transgresses , they break a moral law or a rule of behaviour. □�[V ] If a politician transgresses, that is not the fault of the media. □�[V +�against ] �a monk who had transgressed against the law of celibacy. □�[V n] It seemed to me that he had transgressed the boundaries of good taste. ●� trans|gres|sion /tr�nzgre ʃ ə n/ (transgressions ) N‑VAR □� Tales of the candidate's alleged past transgressions have begun springing up.

trans|gres|sive /tr�nzgre s I v/ ADJ Transgressive is used to describe actions that break a moral law or a rule of behaviour. [FORMAL ] □� To write and publish this poem was a daring, transgressive act.

trans|gres|sor /tr� nzgre sə r / (transgressors ) N‑COUNT A transgressor is someone who has broken a particular rule or law or has done something that is generally considered unacceptable. [FORMAL ]

tran|si|ence /tr� nziəns, [AM ] -nʃəns/ N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the transience of a situation, you mean that it lasts only a short time or is constantly changing. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the superficiality and transience of the club scene.

tran|si|ent /tr� nziənt, [AM ] -nʃənt/ ADJ Transient is used to describe a situation that lasts only a short time or is constantly changing. [FORMAL ] □� �the transient nature of high fashion.

tran|sis|tor /tr�nz I stə r / (transistors )

1 N‑COUNT A transistor is a small electronic part in something such as a television or radio, which controls the flow of electricity.

2 N‑COUNT A transistor or a transistor radio is a small portable radio. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

trans|it /tr� nz I t/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Transit is the carrying of goods or people by vehicle from one place to another. □�[+�of ] The two presidents discussed the transit of goods between their countries. ●�PHRASE If people or things are in transit , they are travelling or being taken from one place to another. □� They were in transit to Bombay.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A transit area is an area where people wait or where goods are kept between different stages of a journey. □� �refugees arriving at the two transit camps.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] A transit system is a system for moving people or goods from one place to another, for example using buses or trains. [AM ] in BRIT, use transport system

tran|si|tion ◆◇◇ /tr�nz I ʃ ə n/ (transitions , transitioning , transitioned )

1 N‑VAR Transition is the process in which something changes from one state to another. □�[+�to ] The transition to a multi-party democracy is proving to be difficult. □� �a period of transition.

2 VERB To transitionfrom one state or activity to another means to move gradually from one to the other. □�[V +�from/to ] The country has begun transitioning from a military dictatorship to a budding democracy. □�[V +�to ] The company transitioned to an intellectual property company. [Also V n]

3 VERB To transition means to start living your life as a person of a different gender. □�[V +�to ] He confirmed in an interview with ABC that he is transitioning to life as a woman.

4 N‑VAR Transition is the process of starting to live your life as a person of a different gender. □� She has made a TV series about her gender transition and how she is adjusting to her new life. □� He started gender transition treatment last year. SYNONYMS transition NOUN 1

change:In my country political change is on its way.

shift:�a shift in government policy.

conversion:�the conversion of disused rail lines into cycle routes.

tran|si|tion|al /tr�nz I ʃən ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A transitional period is one in which things are changing from one state to another. □� �a transitional period following more than a decade of civil war.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Transitional is used to describe something that happens or exists during a transitional period. □� The main rebel groups have agreed to join in a meeting to set up a transitional government.

tran|si|tive /tr� nz I t I v/ ADJ A transitive verb has a direct object.

tran|si|tiv|ity /tr� nz I t I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT The transitivity of a verb is whether or not it is used with a direct object.

tran|si|tory /tr� nz I təri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ If you say that something is transitory , you mean that it lasts only for a short time. □� Most teenage romances are transitory.

Tra ns|it van (Transit vans ) N‑COUNT A Transit van is a type of van that is used for carrying goods. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ]

trans|late /tr�nzle I t/ (translates , translating , translated )

1 VERB If something that someone has said or written is translatedfrom one language into another, it is said or written again in the second language. □�[be V -ed +�into/from ] Only a small number of her books have been translated into English. □�[V n +�into/from ] Martin Luther translated the Bible into German. □�[be V -ed +�as ] The Celtic word 'geis' is usually translated as 'taboo'. □�[V ] The girls waited for Mr Esch to translate. □�[V -ed] �Mr Mani by Yehoshua, translated from Hebrew by Hillel Halkin. [Also V n, V n +�as ] ●� trans|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� The papers have been sent to Saudi Arabia for translation.

2 VERB If a name, a word, or an expression translatesas something in a different language, that is what it means in that language. □�[V +�as ] His family's Cantonese nickname for him translates as Never Sits Still.

3 VERB If one thing translates or is translatedinto another, the second happens or is done as a result of the first. □�[V +�into ] Reforming Warsaw's stagnant economy requires harsh measures that would translate into job losses. □�[be V -ed +�into ] Your decision must be translated into specific, concrete actions.

4 VERB If you say that a remark, a gesture, or an action translatesas something, or that you translate it as something, you decide that this is what its significance is. □�[V +�as ] 'I love him' often translates as 'He's better than nothing'. □�[V n +�as ] Your body translates this physical sensation as the onset of panic.

5 →�see also translation

trans|la|tion /tr�nzle I ʃ ə n/ (translations ) N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A translation is a piece of writing or speech that has been translated from a different language. □�[+�of ] �MacNiece's excellent English translation of 'Faust'. □� I've only read Solzhenitsyn in translation.

trans|la|tor /tr�nzle I tə r / (translators ) N‑COUNT A translator is a person whose job is translating writing or speech from one language to another.

trans|lu|cent /tr�nzluː s ə nt/

1 ADJ If a material is translucent , some light can pass through it. □� The building is roofed entirely with translucent corrugated plastic.

2 ADJ You use translucent to describe something that has a glowing appearance, as if light is passing through it. □� She had fair hair, blue eyes and translucent skin.

trans|mis|sion /tr�nzm I ʃ ə n/ (transmissions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] The transmission of something is the passing or sending of it to a different person or place. □� �the possible risk for blood-borne disease transmission. □�[+�of ] �the transmission of knowledge and skills.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The transmission of television or radio programmes is the broadcasting of them.

3 N‑COUNT A transmission is a broadcast.

4 N‑VAR The transmission on a car or other vehicle is the system of gears and shafts by which the power from the engine reaches and turns the wheels. □� The car was fitted with automatic transmission. □� �a four-speed manual transmission.

trans|mit /tr�nzm I t/ (transmits , transmitting , transmitted )

1 VERB When radio and television programmes, computer data, or other electronic messages are transmitted , they are sent from one place to another, using wires, radio waves, or satellites. □�[be V -ed] The game was transmitted live in Spain and Italy. □�[V n] This is currently the most efficient way to transmit certain types of data. □�[V +�to ] The device is not designed to transmit to satellites.

2 VERB If one person or animal transmits a disease to another, they have the disease and cause the other person or animal to have it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n +�to ] �mosquitoes that transmit disease to humans. □�[V n] There was no danger of transmitting the infection through operations.

3 VERB If you transmit an idea or feeling to someone else, you make them understand and share the idea or feeling. [LITERARY ] □�[V n +�to ] He transmitted his keen enjoyment of singing to the audience.

4 VERB If an object or substance transmits something such as sound or electrical signals, the sound or signals are able to pass through it. □�[V n] These thin crystals transmit much of the power.

trans|mit|ter /tr�nzm I tə r / (transmitters ) N‑COUNT A transmitter is a piece of equipment that is used for broadcasting television or radio programmes.

trans|mute /tr�nzmjuː t/ (transmutes , transmuting , transmuted ) VERB If something transmutes or is transmutedinto a different form, it is changed into that form. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�into ] She ceased to think, as anger transmuted into passion. □�[V n +�into ] Scientists transmuted matter into pure energy and exploded the first atomic bomb. [Also V n] ●� trans|mu|ta|tion (transmutations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the transmutation of food into energy.

trans|par|en|cy /tr�nsp� rənsi, [AM ] -pe r-/ (transparencies )

1 N‑COUNT A transparency is a small piece of photographic film with a frame around it which can be projected onto a screen so that you can see the picture.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Transparency is the quality that an object or substance has when you can see through it. □�[+�of ] Cataracts is a condition that affects the transparency of the lenses.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The transparency of a process, situation, or statement is its quality of being easily understood or recognized, for example because there are no secrets connected with it, or because it is expressed in a clear way. □�[+�in ] The Chancellor emphasised his determination to promote openness and transparency in the Government's economic decision-making.

trans|par|ent /tr�nsp� rənt, [AM ] -pe r-/

1 ADJ If an object or substance is transparent , you can see through it. □� �a sheet of transparent coloured plastic.

2 ADJ If a situation, system, or activity is transparent , it is easily understood or recognized. □� The company has to make its accounts and operations as transparent as possible. ●� trans|par|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� The system was clearly not functioning smoothly or transparently.

3 ADJ You use transparent to describe a statement or action that is obviously dishonest or wrong, and that you think will not deceive people. □� He thought he could fool people with transparent deceptions. ●� trans|par|ent|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� To force this agreement on the nation is transparently wrong.

tran|spi|ra|tion /trɑ nsp I re I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Transpiration is the evaporation of water from a plant's leaves, stem, or flowers. □� Plants release water through their leaves by transpiration.

tran|spire /tr�nspa I ə r / (transpires , transpiring , transpired )

1 VERB When ittranspiresthat something is the case, people discover that it is the case. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] It transpired that Paolo had left his driving licence at home. □�[V ] As it transpired, the Labour government did not dare go against the pressures exerted by the City.

2 VERB When something transpires , it happens. Some speakers of English consider this use to be incorrect. □�[V ] Nothing is known as yet about what transpired at the meeting.

trans|plant (transplants , transplanting , transplanted ) The noun is pronounced /tr� nsplɑːnt, -pl�nt/. The verb is pronounced /tr�nsplɑː nt, -pl� nt/. 1 N‑VAR A transplant is a medical operation in which a part of a person's body is replaced because it is diseased. □� He was recovering from a heart transplant operation. □� �the controversy over the sale of human organs for transplant.

2 VERB If doctors transplant an organ such as a heart or a kidney, they use it to replace a patient's diseased organ. □�[V n] The operation to transplant a kidney is now fairly routine. □�[V -ed] �transplanted organs such as hearts and kidneys. ●� trans|plan|ta|tion /tr� nzpl�nte I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �a shortage of kidneys for transplantation.

3 VERB To transplant someone or something means to move them to a different place. □�[V n +�from/to/into ] 15 years later I also transplanted myself to Scotland from England. □�[V n] Farmers will be able to seed it directly, rather than having to transplant seedlings.

trans|port ◆◆◇ (transports , transporting , transported ) The noun is pronounced /tr� nspɔː r t/. The verb is pronounced /tr�nspɔː r t/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Transport refers to any vehicle that you can travel in or carry goods in. [mainly BRIT ] □� Have you got your own transport? in AM, usually use transportation2 N‑UNCOUNT Transport is a system for taking people or goods from one place to another, for example using buses or trains. [mainly BRIT ] □� The extra money could be spent on improving public transport. in AM, usually use transportation3 N‑UNCOUNT Transport is the activity of taking goods or people from one place to another in a vehicle. [mainly BRIT ] □� Local production virtually eliminates transport costs. in AM, usually use transportation4 VERB To transport people or goods somewhere is to take them from one place to another in a vehicle. □�[V n] There's no petrol, so it's very difficult to transport goods. □�[V n prep/adv] They use tankers to transport the oil to Los Angeles.

5 VERB If you say that you are transported to another place or time, you mean that something causes you to feel that you are living in the other place or at the other time. [mainly LITERARY ] □�[be V -ed prep/adv] Dr Drummond felt that he had been transported into a world that rivalled the Arabian Nights. □�[V n prep/adv] This delightful musical comedy transports the audience to the innocent days of 1950s America.

trans|por|ta|tion /tr� nspɔː r te I ʃ ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Transportation refers to any type of vehicle that you can travel in or carry goods in. [mainly AM ] □� The company will provide transportation. in BRIT, usually use transport2 N‑UNCOUNT Transportation is a system for taking people or goods from one place to another, for example using buses or trains. [mainly AM ] □� Campuses are usually accessible by public transportation. in BRIT, usually use transport3 N‑UNCOUNT Transportation is the activity of taking goods or people from one place to another in a vehicle. [mainly AM ] □�[+�of ] Oxfam may also help with the transportation of refugees. in BRIT, usually use transport

trans|port|er /tr�nspɔː r tə r / (transporters ) N‑COUNT A transporter is a large vehicle or an aeroplane that is used for carrying very large or heavy objects, for example cars. [mainly BRIT ]

trans|pose /tr�nspoʊ z/ (transposes , transposing , transposed )

1 VERB If you transpose something from one place or situation to another, you move it there. □�[V n to n] He has taken the idea of skiing, and transposed it to a Cornish beach, with surfing. [Also V n] ●� trans|po|si|tion /tr� nspəz I ʃ ə n/ (transpositions ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �a transposition of 'Macbeth' to third century BC China.

2 VERB If you transpose two things, you reverse them or put them in each other's place. □�[V n] Many people inadvertently transpose digits of the ZIP code. ●� trans|po|si|tion N‑VAR □�[+�of ] His pen name represented the transposition of his initials and his middle name.

trans|put|er /tr�nspju ːtə r / (transputers ) N‑COUNT A transputer is a type of fast powerful microchip. [COMPUTING ]

trans|sex|ual /tr� nse kʃuəl/ (transsexuals ) N‑COUNT A transsexual is a person who has decided that they want to live as a person of the opposite sex, and so has changed their name and appearance in order to do this. Transsexuals sometimes have an operation to change their sex.

trans|verse /tr�nzvɜː r s/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Transverse is used to describe something that is at right angles to something else.

trans|ves|tism /tr�nzve st I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Transvestism is the practice of wearing clothes normally worn by a person of the opposite sex, usually for pleasure.

trans|ves|tite /tr�nzve sta I t/ (transvestites ) N‑COUNT A transvestite is a person, usually a man, who enjoys wearing clothes normally worn by people of the opposite sex.

trap ◆◇◇ /tr� p/ (traps , trapping , trapped )

1 N‑COUNT A trap is a device which is placed somewhere or a hole which is dug somewhere in order to catch animals or birds.

2 VERB If a person traps animals or birds, he or she catches them using traps. □�[V n] The locals were encouraged to trap and kill the birds.

3 N‑COUNT A trap is a trick that is intended to catch or deceive someone. □� He was trying to decide whether the question was some sort of a trap.

4 VERB If you trap someone into doing or saying something, you trick them so that they do or say it, although they did not want to. □�[V n +�into ] Were you just trying to trap her into making some admission? □�[V n] She had trapped him so neatly that he wanted to slap her.

5 VERB To trap someone, especially a criminal, means to capture them. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V n] The police knew that to trap the killer they had to play him at his own game.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A trap is an unpleasant situation that you cannot easily escape from. □� The Government has found it's caught in a trap of its own making.

7 VERB If you are trapped somewhere, something falls onto you or blocks your way and prevents you from moving or escaping. □�[be V -ed] The train was trapped underground by a fire. □�[V n] The light aircraft then cartwheeled, trapping both men. □�[V -ed] He saw trapped wagons and animals.

8 VERB When something traps gas, water, or energy, it prevents it from escaping. □�[V n] Wool traps your body heat, keeping the chill at bay. □�[V -ed] The volume of gas trapped on these surfaces can be considerable.

9 →�see also booby-trap , death trap , poverty trap , trapped

10 PHRASE If someone falls into the trapof doing something, they think or behave in a way which is not wise or sensible. □� He never fell into the trap of making friends with his employees.

11 PHRASE If someone tells you to shut your trap or keep your trap shut , they are telling you rudely that you should be quiet and not say anything. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

trap|door /tr� pdɔː r / (trapdoors ) also trap door N‑COUNT A trapdoor is a small horizontal door in a floor or a ceiling.

tra|peze /trəpiː z/ (trapezes ) N‑COUNT A trapeze is a bar of wood or metal hanging from two ropes on which people in a circus swing and perform skilful movements.

trapped /tr� pt/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel trapped , you are in an unpleasant situation in which you lack freedom, and you feel you cannot escape from it. □�[+�in ] �people who think of themselves as trapped in mundane jobs.

2 →�see also trap

trap|per /tr� pə r / (trappers ) N‑COUNT A trapper is a person who traps animals, especially for their fur.

trap|pings /tr� p I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL The trappings of power, wealth, or a particular job are the extra things, such as decorations and luxury items, that go with it. [DISAPPROVAL ]

trash /tr� ʃ/ (trashes , trashing , trashed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Trash consists of unwanted things or waste material such as used paper, empty containers and bottles, and waste food. [AM ] in BRIT, use rubbish2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something such as a book, painting, or film is trash , you mean that it is of very poor quality. [INFORMAL ] □� Pop music doesn't have to be trash; it can be art.

3 VERB If someone trashes a place or vehicle, they deliberately destroy it or make it very dirty. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Would they trash the place when the party was over?

4 VERB If you trash people or their ideas, you criticize them very strongly and say that they are worthless. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] People asked why the candidates spent so much time trashing each other.

5 →�see also white trash

tra sh can (trash cans ) N‑COUNT A trash can is a large round container which people put their rubbish in and which is usually kept outside their house. [AM ] in BRIT, use dustbin

trashy /tr� ʃi/ (trashier , trashiest ) ADJ If you describe something as trashy , you think it is of very poor quality. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I was reading some trashy romance novel.

trat|to|ria /tr� təriː ə/ (trattorias ) N‑COUNT A trattoria is an Italian restaurant.

trau|ma /trɔː mə, [AM ] traʊ mə/ (traumas ) N‑VAR Trauma is a very severe shock or very upsetting experience, which may cause psychological damage. □�[+�of ] I'd been through the trauma of losing a house. □� The officers are claiming compensation for trauma after the disaster.

trau|mat|ic /trɔːm� t I k, [AM ] traʊ-/ ADJ A traumatic experience is very shocking and upsetting, and may cause psychological damage. □� I suffered a nervous breakdown. It was a traumatic experience.

trau|ma|tize /trɔː məta I z, [AM ] traʊ -/ (traumatizes , traumatizing , traumatized ) in BRIT, also use traumatise VERB If someone is traumatized by an event or situation, it shocks or upsets them very much, and may cause them psychological damage. □�[be V -ed] I was traumatized by the experience. □�[V n] Did his parents traumatize him? □�[V n +�with ] Traumatising a child with an abnormal fear of strangers probably won't do much good. □�[V -ed] �young children traumatised by their parents' deaths. ●� trau|ma|tized ADJ □� He left her in the middle of the road, shaking and deeply traumatized.

trav|ail /tr� ve I l, [AM ] trəve I l/ (travails ) N‑VAR You can refer to unpleasant hard work or difficult problems as travail . [LITERARY ] □� He did whatever he could to ease their travail. □� The team, despite their recent travails, are still in the game.

trav|el ◆◆◇ /tr� v ə l/ (travels , travelling , travelled ) in AM, use traveling , traveled1 VERB If you travel , you go from one place to another, often to a place that is far away. □�[V prep/adv] You had better travel to Helsinki tomorrow. □�[V ] I've been traveling all day. □�[V amount/n] Students often travel hundreds of miles to get here. □�[V +�at ] I had been travelling at 150 kilometres an hour. □�[V -ing] He was a charming travelling companion. ●� trav|el|ling N‑UNCOUNT □� I love travelling.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Travel is the activity of travelling. □� He detested air travel. □� �a writer of travel books.

3 VERB If you travel the world, the country, or the area, you go to many different places in the world or in a particular country or area. □�[V n] Dr Ryan travelled the world gathering material for his book.

4 VERB When light or sound from one place reaches another, you say that it travels to the other place. □�[V prep/adv] When sound travels through water, strange things can happen. □�[V +�at ] Light travels at around 300,000,000 metres per second.

5 VERB When news becomes known by people in different places, you can say that it travels to them. □�[V adv/prep] News of his work traveled all the way to Asia.

6 N‑PLURAL [with poss, usu poss N ] Someone's travels are the journeys that they make to places a long way from their home. □� He also collects things for the house on his travels abroad.

7 →�see also much-travelled , travelling , well-travelled

8 PHRASE If you travel light , you travel without taking much luggage.

tra v|el agen|cy (travel agencies ) N‑COUNT A travel agency is a business which makes arrangements for people's holidays and journeys.

tra v|el agent (travel agents )

1 N‑COUNT A travel agent or travel agent's is a shop or office where you can go to arrange a holiday or journey. □� He worked in a travel agent's.

2 N‑COUNT A travel agent is a person or business that arranges people's holidays and journeys.

trav|el|ler ◆◇◇ /tr� vələ r / (travellers ) in AM, use traveler1 N‑COUNT A traveller is a person who is making a journey or a person who travels a lot. □� Many air travellers suffer puffy ankles and feet during long flights.

2 N‑COUNT A traveller is a person who travels from place to place, often living in a van or other vehicle, rather than living in one place. [BRIT ]

3 →�see also New Age traveller COLLOCATIONS traveller NOUN 1

adjective +�traveller : frequent, seasoned; intrepid; inveterate, keen; discerning, savvy; weary; solo

verb +�traveller : strand; entice, lure, woo

noun +�traveller : armchair; business, leisure; air, rail, train; budget

tra v|el|ler's cheque (traveller's cheques ) in AM, use traveler's check N‑COUNT [usu pl] Traveller's cheques are cheques that you could buy in the past at a bank and take with you when you travelled, for example so that you could exchange them for the currency of the country that you were in.

trav|el|ling /tr� vəl I ŋ/ in AM, use traveling ADJ [ADJ n] A travelling actor or musician, for example, is one who travels around an area or country performing in different places. □� �travelling entertainers.

tra v|el|ling sa les|man (travelling salesmen ) in AM, use traveling salesman N‑COUNT A travelling salesman is a salesman who travels to different places and meets people in order to sell goods or take orders.

trav|elogue /tr� vəlɒg, -lɔːg/ (travelogues ) N‑COUNT A travelogue is a talk or film about travel or about a particular person's travels.

tra v|el rep (travel reps ) N‑COUNT A travel rep is the same as a holiday rep . [BRIT ]

tra v|el sick|ness N‑UNCOUNT If someone has travel sickness , they feel sick as a result of travelling in a vehicle.

trav|erse /tr� vɜː r s, trəvɜː r s/ (traverses , traversing , traversed ) VERB If someone or something traverses an area of land or water, they go across it. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] I traversed the narrow pedestrian bridge.

trav|es|ty /tr� vəsti/ (travesties ) N‑COUNT If you describe something as a travestyof another thing, you mean that it is a very bad representation of that other thing. □�[+�of ] Her research suggests that Smith's reputation today is a travesty of what he really stood for.

trawl /trɔː l/ (trawls , trawling , trawled )

1 VERB If you trawlthrough a large number of similar things, you search through them looking for something that you want or something that is suitable for a particular purpose. [BRIT ] □�[V +�through ] A team of officers is trawling through the records of thousands of petty thieves. □�[V n] Her private secretary has carefully trawled the West End for a suitable show.

2 VERB When fishermen trawlfor fish, they pull a wide net behind their ship in order to catch fish. □�[V ] They had seen him trawling and therefore knew that there were fish. □�[V +�for ] We came upon a fishing boat trawling for Dover sole. [Also V n]

trawl|er /trɔː lə r / (trawlers ) N‑COUNT A trawler is a fishing boat that is used for trawling.

tray /tre I / (trays ) N‑COUNT A tray is a flat piece of wood, plastic, or metal, which usually has raised edges and which is used for carrying things, especially food and drinks.

treach|er|ous /tre tʃərəs/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as treacherous , you mean that they are likely to betray you and cannot be trusted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He publicly left the party and denounced its treacherous leaders.

2 ADJ If you say that something is treacherous , you mean that it is very dangerous and unpredictable. □� The current of the river is fast flowing and treacherous.

treach|ery /tre tʃəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Treachery is behaviour or an action in which someone betrays their country or betrays a person who trusts them.

trea|cle /triː k ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Treacle is a thick, sweet, sticky liquid that is obtained when sugar is processed. It is used in making cakes and puddings. [BRIT ] in AM, use molasses

tread /tre d/ (treads , treading , trod , trodden )

1 VERB If you tread on something, you put your foot on it when you are walking or standing. □�[V +�on ] Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to tread on your foot.

2 VERB If you tread in a particular way, you walk that way. [LITERARY ] □�[V adv] She trod casually, enjoying the touch of the damp grass on her feet.

3 N‑SING A person's tread is the sound that they make with their feet as they walk. [WRITTEN ] □� We could now very plainly hear their heavy tread. [Also +�of ]

4 VERB If you tread carefully, you behave in a careful or cautious way. □�[V adv] If you are hoping to form a new relationship tread carefully and slowly to begin with.

5 N‑COUNT The tread of a step or stair is its flat upper surface. □� He walked up the stairs. The treads were covered with a kind of rubber and very quiet.

6 N‑VAR The tread of a tyre or shoe is the pattern of thin lines cut into its surface that stops it slipping. □� The fat, broad tyres had a good depth of tread.

7 PHRASE If someone is treading a fine line or path , they are acting carefully because they have to avoid making a serious mistake, especially in a situation where they have to deal with two opposing demands. □�[+�between ] They have to tread the delicate path between informing children and boring them.

8 PHRASE If you tread a particular path , you take a particular course of action or do something in a particular way. □� He continues to tread an unconventional path.

9 PHRASE If someone who is in deep water treads water , they float in an upright position by moving their legs slightly.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone is treading water , you mean that they are in an unsatisfactory situation where they are not progressing, but are just continuing doing the same things. □� I could either tread water until I was promoted, or I could change what I was doing.

11to tread on someone's toes →�see toe

trea|dle /tre d ə l/ (treadles ) N‑COUNT The treadle on a spinning wheel or sewing machine is a lever that you operate with your foot in order to turn a wheel in the machine.

tread|mill /tre dm I l/ (treadmills )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a task or a job as a treadmill when you have to keep doing it although it is unpleasant and exhausting. □� Mr Stocks can expect a gruelling week on the publicity treadmill.

2 N‑COUNT A treadmill is a piece of equipment, for example an exercise machine, consisting of a wheel with steps around its edge or a continuous moving belt. The weight of a person or animal walking on it causes the wheel or belt to turn.

trea|son /triː z ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Treason is the crime of betraying your country, for example by helping its enemies or by trying to remove its government using violence.

trea|son|able /triː zənəb ə l/ ADJ Treasonable activities are criminal activities which someone carries out with the intention of helping their country's enemies or removing its government using violence. □� They were brought to trial for treasonable conspiracy.

treas|ure /tre ʒə r / (treasures , treasuring , treasured )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Treasure is a collection of valuable old objects such as gold coins and jewels that has been hidden or lost. [LITERARY ] □� It was here, the buried treasure, she knew it was.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Treasures are valuable objects, especially works of art and items of historical value. □� The house was large and full of art treasures.

3 VERB If you treasure something that you have, you keep it or care for it carefully because it gives you great pleasure and you think it is very special. □�[V n] She treasures her memories of those joyous days. ●�N‑COUNT Treasure is also a noun. □� His greatest treasure is his collection of rock records. ●� treas|ured ADJ [ADJ n] □� These books are still among my most treasured possessions.

4 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a treasure , you mean that they are very helpful and useful to you. [INFORMAL ] □� Charlie? Oh, he's a treasure, loves children.

trea s|ure chest (treasure chests )

1 N‑COUNT A treasure chest is a box containing treasure.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe something as a treasure chestof a particular thing, you mean that it is very good source of that thing. □�[+�of ] This book is a treasure chest of information.

treas|ur|er /tre ʒərə r / (treasurers ) N‑COUNT The treasurer of a society or organization is the person who is in charge of its finances and keeps its accounts.

trea s|ure trove (treasure troves )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe something or someone as a treasure trove of a particular thing, you mean that they are a very good or rich source of that thing. □�[+�of ] The dictionary is a vast treasure trove of information.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a collection of valuable objects as a treasure trove .

treas|ury ◆◇◇ /tre ʒəri/ (treasuries ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] In Britain, the United States, and some other countries, theTreasury is the government department that deals with the country's finances.

treat ◆◆◇ /triː t/ (treats , treating , treated )

1 VERB If you treat someone or something in a particular way, you behave towards them or deal with them in that way. □�[V n +�with ] Artie treated most women with indifference. □�[V n +�as ] Police say they're treating it as a case of attempted murder. □�[V n adv] He felt the press had never treated him fairly. [Also V n like ]

2 VERB When a doctor or nurse treats a patient or an illness, he or she tries to make the patient well again. □�[V n +�with ] Doctors treated her with aspirin. □�[V n +�for ] The boy was treated for a minor head wound. □�[V n] An experienced nurse treats all minor injuries.

3 VERB If something is treatedwith a particular substance, the substance is put onto or into it in order to clean it, to protect it, or to give it special properties. □�[be V -ed +�with ] About 70% of the cocoa acreage is treated with insecticide. □�[V n] It was many years before the city began to treat its sewage.

4 VERB If you treat someone to something special which they will enjoy, you buy it or arrange it for them. □�[V n +�to ] She was always treating him to ice cream. □�[V pron-refl +�to ] Tomorrow I'll treat myself to a day's gardening. □�[V pron-refl] If you want to treat yourself, the Malta Hilton offers high international standards. [Also V n]

5 N‑COUNT If you give someone a treat , you buy or arrange something special for them which they will enjoy. □�[+�for ] Lettie had never yet failed to return from town without some special treat for him.

6 N‑SING If you say that something is your treat , you mean that you are paying for it as a treat for someone else. [SPOKEN ]

7 PHRASE If you say, for example, that something looks or works a treat , you mean that it looks very good or works very well. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The first part of the plan works a treat.

8to treat someone like dirt →�see dirt SYNONYMS treat VERB

1

deal with:�the way that building societies deal with complaints.

handle:You must learn how to handle your feelings.

2

minister:For 44 years he had ministered to the poor, the sick, the neglected and the deprived.

cure:An operation finally cured his shin injury.

heal:No doctor has ever healed a broken bone: he or she sets them. NOUN 5

luxury:A week by the sea is a luxury they can no longer afford.

indulgence:The car is one of my few indulgences.

treat|able /triː təb ə l/ ADJ A treatable disease is one which can be cured or controlled, usually by the use of drugs. □� This is a treatable condition. □� Depression is treatable.

trea|tise /triː t I z, [AM ] -t I s/ (treatises ) N‑COUNT A treatise is a long, formal piece of writing about a particular subject. □�[+�on ] �Locke's Treatise on Civil Government.

treat|ment ◆◆◇ /triː tmənt/ (treatments )

1 N‑VAR Treatment is medical attention given to a sick or injured person or animal. □� Many patients are not getting the medical treatment they need. □�[+�for ] �an effective treatment for eczema. [Also +�of ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Your treatment of someone is the way you behave towards them or deal with them. □� We don't want any special treatment. [Also +�of ]

3 N‑VAR Treatment of something involves putting a particular substance onto or into it, in order to clean it, to protect it, or to give it special properties. □�[+�of ] There should be greater treatment of sewage before it is discharged. □� As with all oily hair treatments, shampoo needs to be applied first.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone is given the full treatment , you mean either that they are treated extremely well or that they are treated extremely severely. [INFORMAL ] □� Make their stay really special by giving them the full treatment. SYNONYMS treatment NOUN 1

medicine:�herbal medicines.

remedy:�natural remedies to help overcome winter infections.

cure:There is still no cure for a cold.

medication:She stopped taking the prescribed medications.

trea|ty ◆◆◇ /triː ti/ (treaties ) N‑COUNT A treaty is a written agreement between countries in which they agree to do a particular thing or to help each other. □�[+�on ] �a global treaty on cutting emissions. SYNONYMS treaty NOUN 1

agreement:The two countries signed an agreement to jointly launch satellites.

pact:Last month he signed a new non-aggression pact with Germany.

contract:The company won a prestigious contract for work on Europe's tallest building.

tre|ble /tre b ə l/ (trebles , trebling , trebled )

1 VERB If something trebles or if you treble it, it becomes three times greater in number or amount than it was. □�[V ] They will have to pay much more when rents treble in January. □�[V n] The city has trebled the number of its prisoners to 21,000. ●� tre|bling N‑SING □�[+�of ] A new threat to Bulgaria's stability is the week-old miners' strike for a trebling of minimum pay.

2 PREDET If one thing is treble the size or amount of another thing, it is three times greater in size or amount. □� More than 7 million shares changed hands, treble the normal daily average.

3 N‑COUNT A treble is a boy with a very high singing voice.

4 N‑COUNT In sport, a treble is three successes one after the other, for example winning three horse races on the same day, or winning three competitions in the same season. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� The win completed a treble for them�they already claimed a league and cup double this year.

tree ◆◆◇ /triː / (trees )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A tree is a tall plant that has a hard trunk, branches, and leaves. □� I planted those apple trees. □� �a variety of shrubs and trees.

2 →�see also Christmas tree , family tree

3 PHRASE [usu cont] If you say that someone is barking up the wrong tree , you mean that they are following the wrong course of action because their beliefs or ideas about something are incorrect. [INFORMAL ] □� Scientists in Switzerland realised that most other researchers had been barking up the wrong tree.

4 PHRASE If someone can't see the wood for the trees in British English, or can't see the forest for the trees in American English, they are very involved in the details of something and so they do not notice what is important about the thing as a whole.

tree|house /triː haʊs/ (treehouses ) N‑COUNT A treehouse is a shelter that is built in a tree, usually for children to play in. □� I wanted to build a treehouse for my children but I couldn't because of the lack of branches.

tree|less /triː ləs/ ADJ A treeless area or place has no trees in it.

tree -lined ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tree-lined road or street has trees on either side. □� �the broad, tree-lined avenues.

tree|top /triː tɒp/ (treetops ) also tree tops N‑COUNT [usu pl] The treetops are the top branches of the trees in a wood or forest.

tree trunk (tree trunks ) N‑COUNT A tree trunk is the wide central part of a tree, from which the branches grow.

trek /tre k/ (treks , trekking , trekked )

1 VERB If you trek somewhere, you go on a journey across difficult country, usually on foot. □�[V prep/adv] �trekking through the jungles. □�[V -ing] This year we're going trekking in Nepal. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Trek is also a noun. □�[+�through ] He is on a trek through the South Gobi desert.

2 VERB If you trek somewhere, you go there rather slowly and unwillingly, usually because you are tired. □�[V prep/adv] They trekked from shop to shop in search of white knee-length socks.

trel|lis /tre l I s/ (trellises ) N‑VAR A trellis is a frame which supports climbing plants.

trem|ble /tre mb ə l/ (trembles , trembling , trembled )

1 VERB If you tremble , you shake slightly because you are frightened or cold. □�[V ] His mouth became dry, his eyes widened, and he began to tremble all over. □�[V +�with ] Gil was white and trembling with anger. □�[V -ing] With trembling fingers, he removed the camera from his pocket. ●�N‑SING Tremble is also a noun. □�[+�in/of ] I will never forget the look on the patient's face, the tremble in his hand.

2 VERB If something trembles , it shakes slightly. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] He felt the earth tremble under him.

3 VERB If your voice trembles , it sounds unsteady and uncertain, usually because you are upset or nervous. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] His voice trembled, on the verge of tears. ●�N‑SING Tremble is also a noun. □�[+�in ] 'Please understand this,' she began, a tremble in her voice. [Also +�of ]

tre|men|dous ◆◇◇ /tr I me ndəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use tremendous to emphasize how strong a feeling or quality is, or how large an amount is. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I felt a tremendous pressure on my chest. ●� tre|men|dous|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� The business is tremendously profitable.

2 ADJ You can describe someone or something as tremendous when you think they are very good or very impressive. [INFORMAL ] □� I thought it was absolutely tremendous. ●� tre|men|dous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� I thought they played tremendously well, didn't you? SYNONYMS tremendous ADJ 1

great:I'll take great care of it.

immense:With immense relief I stopped running.

enormous:It was an enormous disappointment.

tremo|lo /tre məloʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If someone's singing or speaking voice has a tremolo in it, it moves up and down instead of staying on the same note.

trem|or /tre mə r / (tremors )

1 N‑COUNT A tremor is a small earthquake.

2 N‑COUNT If an event causes a tremor in a group or organization, it threatens to make the group or organization less strong or stable. □� News of 160 redundancies had sent tremors through the community.

3 N‑COUNT A tremor is a shaking of your body or voice that you cannot control. □�[+�in ] He felt a tremor in his arms.

tremu|lous /tre mjʊləs/ ADJ If someone's voice, smile, or actions are tremulous , they are unsteady because the person is uncertain, afraid, or upset. [LITERARY ] □� She fidgeted in her chair as she took a deep, tremulous breath. ●� tremu|lous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'He was so good to me,' she said tremulously.

trench /tre ntʃ/ (trenches )

1 N‑COUNT A trench is a long narrow channel that is cut into the ground, for example in order to lay pipes or get rid of water.

2 N‑COUNT [N n] A trench is a long narrow channel in the ground used by soldiers in order to protect themselves from the enemy. People often refer to the battle grounds of the First World War in Northern France and Belgium as the trenches . □� We fought with them in the trenches. □� �trench warfare.

trench|ant /tre ntʃənt/ ADJ You can use trenchant to describe something such as a criticism or comment that is very clear, effective, and forceful. [FORMAL ] □� He was shattered and bewildered by this trenchant criticism. □� His comment was trenchant and perceptive.

tre nch coat (trench coats ) also trenchcoat N‑COUNT A trench coat is a type of raincoat with pockets and a belt. Trench coats are often similar in design to military coats.

trend ◆◇◇ /tre nd/ (trends , trending , trended )

1 N‑COUNT A trend is a change or development towards something new or different. □� This is a growing trend. □�[+�towards ] �a trend towards part-time employment.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] To set a trend means to do something that becomes accepted or fashionable, and that a lot of other people copy. □� The record has already proved a success and may well start a trend.

3 VERB If something such as a topic or name is trending , a lot of people are discussing or mentioning it on social media. □�[V ] Minutes after the announcement, Heidi was trending on Twitter. □�[V -ing] The hashtag #RoyalBaby became the world's number 1 trending topic. SYNONYMS trend NOUN 1

inclination:He set out to follow his artistic inclinations.

tendency:�the government's tendency towards secrecy in recent years.

fashion:He stayed at the top through all changes and fashions in pop music.

craze:�the craze for Mutant Ninja Turtles.

fad:Hamnett does not believe environmental concern is a passing fad.

tre nd-setter (trend-setters ) also trendsetter N‑COUNT A trend-setter is a person or institution that starts a new fashion or trend.

trendy /tre ndi/ (trendier , trendiest )

1 ADJ If you say that something or someone is trendy , you mean that they are very fashionable and modern. [INFORMAL ] □� �a trendy London night club.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone who follows new ideas as trendy , you disapprove of them because they are more interested in being fashionable than in thinking seriously about these ideas. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Trendy teachers are denying children the opportunity to study classic texts.

trepi|da|tion /tre p I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] Trepidation is fear or anxiety about something that you are going to do or experience. [FORMAL ] □� It was with some trepidation that I viewed the prospect of cycling across Uganda.

tres|pass /tre spəs/ (trespasses , trespassing , trespassed )

1 VERB If someone trespasses , they go onto someone else's land without their permission. □�[V prep] They were trespassing on private property. □�[V ] You're trespassing! ●�N‑VAR Trespass is the act of trespassing. □� You could be prosecuted for trespass. ●� tres|pass|er (trespassers ) N‑COUNT □� Trespassers will be prosecuted.

2 VERB If you say that someone is trespassing on something, you mean that they are involving themselves in something that is not their concern. □�[V prep] They were acting to prevent the state from trespassing on family matters such as sex education. [Also V ]

tress /tre s/ (tresses ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A woman's tresses are her long flowing hair. [LITERARY ]

tres|tle /tre s ə l/ (trestles ) N‑COUNT A trestle is a wooden or metal structure that is used, for example, as one of the supports for a table. It has two pairs of sloping legs which are joined by a flat piece across the top.

tre s|tle ta|ble (trestle tables ) N‑COUNT A trestle table is a table made of a long board that is supported on trestles.

PREFIX tri-

is used at the beginning of nouns and adjectives that have 'three' as part of their meaning. For example, a tri-partite meeting takes place between representatives from three organizations.

tri|ad /tra I �d/ (triads ) The spelling Triad is also used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft N n] The Triads were Chinese secret societies in old China.

2 N‑COUNT A triad is a group of three similar things. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] For the faculty, there exists the triad of responsibilities: teaching, research, and service.

tri|age /triː ɑːʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Triage is the process of quickly examining sick or injured people, for example after an accident or a battle, so that those who are in the most serious condition can be treated first. [MEDICAL ] □� �the triage process.

tri|al ◆◆◇ /tra I əl/ (trials )

1 N‑VAR A trial is a formal meeting in a law court, at which a judge and jury listen to evidence and decide whether a person is guilty of a crime. □� New evidence showed the police lied at the trial. □� He's awaiting trial in a military court on charges of plotting against the state. □� They believed that his case would never come to trial.

2 N‑VAR A trial is an experiment in which you test something by using it or doing it for a period of time to see how well it works. If something is on trial , it is being tested in this way. □� They have been treated with this drug in clinical trials. □� The robots have been on trial for the past year.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft on N ] If someone gives you a trial for a job, or if you are on trial , you do the job for a short period of time to see if you are suitable for it. □� He had just given a trial to a young woman who said she had previous experience.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you refer to the trialsof a situation, you mean the unpleasant things that you experience in it. □�[+�of ] �the trials of adolescence.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In some sports or outdoor activities, trials are a series of contests that test a competitor's skill and ability. □� He has been riding in horse trials for less than a year. □� �Dovedale Sheepdog Trials.

6 PHRASE If you do something bytrial and error , you try several different methods of doing it until you find the method that works properly. □� Many medical discoveries were made by trial and error.

7 PHRASE If someone is on trial , they are being tried in a court of law. □� He is currently on trial accused of serious assault.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is on trial , you mean that they are in a situation where people are observing them to see whether they succeed or fail. □� The President will be drawn into a damaging battle in which his credentials will be on trial.

9 PHRASE If someone stands trial , they are tried in court for a crime they are accused of. SYNONYMS trial NOUN

1

hearing:The judge adjourned the hearing until next Tuesday.

case:It can be difficult for public figures to win a libel case.

tribunal:His case comes before an industrial tribunal in March.

2

test:�the banning of nuclear tests.

experiment:�a proposed new law on animal experiments.

pilot:�a ten-year pilot project backed by the trade and industry department.

tri |al bal|loo n (trial balloons ) N‑COUNT A trial balloon is a proposal that you mention or an action that you try in order to find out other people's reactions to it, especially if you think they are likely to oppose it. [mainly AM ] □�[+�of ] They floated the trial balloon of allowing sixteen-year-olds to vote.

tri |al ru n (trial runs ) N‑COUNT A trial run is a first attempt at doing something to make sure you can do it properly.

tri|an|gle /tra I �ŋg ə l/ (triangles )

1 N‑COUNT A triangle is an object, arrangement, or flat shape with three straight sides and three angles. □� Its outline roughly forms an equilateral triangle. □�[+�of ] �triangles of fried bread.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The triangle is a musical instrument that consists of a piece of metal shaped like a triangle. You play it by hitting it with a short metal bar.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a group of three people as a triangle , you mean that they are all connected with each other in a particular situation, but often have different interests. □� She plays a French woman in a love triangle with her two best friends.

4 →�see also eternal triangle

tri|an|gu|lar /tra I � ŋgjʊlə r /

1 ADJ Something that is triangular is in the shape of a triangle. □� �cottages around a triangular green.

2 ADJ You can describe a relationship or situation as triangular if it involves three people or things. □� One particular triangular relationship became the model of Simone's first novel.

tri|ath|lete /tra I � θliːt/ (triathletes ) N‑COUNT A triathlete is someone who takes part in a triathlon .

tri|ath|lon /tra I � θlɒn/ (triathlons ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A triathlon is an athletics competition in which each competitor takes part in three events: swimming, cycling, and running.

trib|al /tra I b ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tribal is used to describe things relating to or belonging to tribes and the way that they are organized. □� They would go back to their tribal lands.

trib|al|ism /tra I bəl I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tribalism is the state of existing as a tribe. □� Apartheid used tribalism as the basis of its 'divide-and-rule' homeland policies.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use tribalism to refer to the loyalties that people feel towards particular social groups and to the way these loyalties affect their behaviour and their attitudes towards others. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His argument was that multi-party systems encourage tribalism.

tribe /tra I b/ (tribes )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] Tribe is sometimes used to refer to a group of people of the same race, language, and customs, especially in a developing country. Some people disapprove of this use. □� �three-hundred members of the Xhosa tribe.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, adj N ] You can use tribe to refer to a group of people who are all doing the same thing or who all behave in the same way. [mainly HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �tribes of talented young people.

tribes|man /tra I bzmən/ (tribesmen ) N‑COUNT A tribesman is a man who belongs to a tribe.

tribu|la|tion /tr I bjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (tribulations ) N‑VAR You can refer to the suffering or difficulty that you experience in a particular situation as tribulations . [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

tri|bu|nal /tra I bjuː n ə l/ (tribunals ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A tribunal is a special court or committee that is appointed to deal with particular problems. □� His case comes before an industrial tribunal in March.

tribu|tary /tr I bjʊtəri, [AM ] -teri/ (tributaries ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A tributary is a stream or river that flows into a larger one. □�[+�of ] �the Napo river, a tributary of the Amazon.

trib|ute /tr I bjuːt/ (tributes )

1 N‑VAR A tribute is something that you say, do, or make to show your admiration and respect for someone. □�[+�to ] The song is a tribute to Roy Orbison. □�[+�to ] He paid tribute to the organising committee.

2 N‑SING If one thing is atributeto another, the first thing is the result of the second and shows how good it is. □�[+�to ] His success has been a tribute to hard work, to professionalism.

tri b|ute band (tribute bands ) N‑COUNT A tribute band is a pop group that plays the music and copies the style of another, much more famous, pop group. □� We booked a Beatles tribute band for the wedding.

trice /tra I s/ PHRASE If someone does something in a trice , they do it very quickly. □� He will sew it up in a trice. □� She was back in a trice.

tri|ceps /tra I seps/ (triceps ) N‑COUNT Your triceps is the muscle in the back part of your upper arm.

trick ◆◇◇ /tr I k/ (tricks , tricking , tricked )

1 N‑COUNT A trick is an action that is intended to deceive someone. □� We are playing a trick on a man who keeps bothering me.

2 VERB If someone tricks you, they deceive you, often in order to make you do something. □�[V n] Stephen is going to be pretty upset when he finds out how you tricked him. □�[V n +�into ] She was said to have tricked him into going to a warehouse at night in the hope of securing a lucrative deal. □�[V n prep/adv] His real purpose is to trick his way into your home to see what he can steal.

3 N‑COUNT A trick is a clever or skilful action that someone does in order to entertain people. □� He shows me card tricks.

4 N‑COUNT A trick is a clever way of doing something. □� Tiffany revamped her sitting room with simple decorative tricks.

5 →�see also confidence trick , conjuring trick , hat-trick

6 PHRASE If something does the trick , it achieves what you wanted. [INFORMAL ] □� Sometimes a few choice words will do the trick.

7 PHRASE If someone tries every trick in the book , they try every possible thing that they can think of in order to achieve something. [INFORMAL ] □� Companies are using every trick in the book to stay one step in front of their competitors.

8 PHRASE If you say that something is a trick of the light , you mean that what you are seeing is an effect caused by the way that the light falls on things, and does not really exist in the way that it appears. □� Her head appears to be on fire but that is only a trick of the light.

9 PHRASE If you say that someone does not miss a trick , you mean that they always know what is happening and take advantage of every situation. [INFORMAL ]

10 PHRASE The tricks of the trade are the quick and clever ways of doing something that are known by people who regularly do a particular activity.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone is up to their tricks or up to their old tricks , you disapprove of them because they are behaving in the dishonest or deceitful way in which they typically behave. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� I have no respect for my father who, having remarried, is still up to his old tricks.

trick|ery /tr I kəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Trickery is the use of dishonest methods in order to achieve something.

trick|le /tr I k ə l/ (trickles , trickling , trickled )

1 VERB When a liquid trickles , or when you trickle it, it flows slowly in very small amounts. □�[V prep/adv] A tear trickled down the old man's cheek. □�[V n] Trickle water gently over the back of your baby's head. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Trickle is also a noun. □�[+�of ] There was not so much as a trickle of water.

2 VERB When people or things trickle in a particular direction, they move there slowly in small groups or amounts, rather than all together. □�[V adv/prep] Some donations are already trickling in. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Trickle is also a noun. □� The flood of cars has now slowed to a trickle.

tri ckle-down ADJ [ADJ n] The trickle-down theory is the theory that benefits given to people at the top of a system will eventually be passed on to people lower down the system. For example, if the rich receive tax cuts, they will pass these benefits on to the poor by creating jobs. □� The government is not simply relying on trickle-down economics to tackle poverty.

tri ck or trea t N‑UNCOUNT Trick or treat is an activity in which children knock on the doors of houses at Halloween and shout 'trick or treat'. If the person who answers the door does not give the children a treat, such as sweets or candy, they play a trick on him or her.

tri ck que s|tion (trick questions ) N‑COUNT If someone asks you a trick question , they ask you a question which is very difficult to answer, for example because there is a hidden difficulty or because the answer that seems obvious is not the correct one.

trick|ster /tr I kstə r / (tricksters ) N‑COUNT A trickster is a person who deceives or cheats people, often in order to get money from them. [INFORMAL ]

tricky /tr I ki/ (trickier , trickiest )

1 ADJ If you describe a task or problem as tricky , you mean that it is difficult to do or deal with. □� Parking can be tricky in the town centre.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person as tricky , you mean that they are likely to deceive you or cheat you.

tri|col|our /tr I kələ r / (tricolours ) also tricolor N‑COUNT A tricolour is a flag which is made up of blocks of three different colours.

tri|cy|cle /tra I s I k ə l/ (tricycles ) N‑COUNT A tricycle is a cycle with three wheels, two at the back and one at the front. Tricycles are usually ridden by children.

tried /tra I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ and adj] Tried is used in the expressions tried and tested , tried and trusted , and tried and true , which describe a product or method that has already been used and has been found to be successful. □� �over 1000 tried-and-tested recipes.

2 →�see also try , well-tried

tri|er /tra I ə r / (triers ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a trier , you approve of them because they try very hard at things that they do, although they are not often successful. [BRIT , APPROVAL ] □� He may not always achieve greatness but at least he's a trier.

tri|fle /tra I f ə l/ (trifles , trifling , trifled )

1 PHRASE You can use a trifle to mean slightly or to a small extent, especially in order to make something you say seem less extreme. [VAGUENESS ] □� As a photographer, he'd found both locations just a trifle disappointing.

2 N‑COUNT A trifle is something that is considered to have little importance, value, or significance. □� He had no money to spare on trifles.

3 N‑VAR Trifle is a cold dessert made of layers of sponge cake, jelly, fruit, and custard, and usually covered with cream.

▸� trifle with PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is not a person tobe trifled with , you are indicating to other people that they must treat that person with respect. □�[be V -ed P ] He was not someone to be trifled with. □�[V P n] No man in Tabriz trifled with the executioner.

tri|fling /tra I fəl I ŋ/ ADJ A trifling matter is small and unimportant. □� Outside California these difficulties may seem fairly trifling. □� �a comparatively trifling 360 yards.

trig|ger ◆◇◇ /tr I gə r / (triggers , triggering , triggered )

1 N‑COUNT The trigger of a gun is a small lever which you pull to fire it. □� A man pointed a gun at them and pulled the trigger.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] The trigger of a bomb is the device which causes it to explode. □� �trigger devices for nuclear weapons.

3 VERB To trigger a bomb or system means to cause it to work. □�[V n] The thieves must have deliberately triggered the alarm and hidden inside the house.

4 VERB If something triggers an event or situation, it causes it to begin to happen or exist. □�[V n] �the incident which triggered the outbreak of the First World War. ●�PHRASAL VERB Trigger off means the same as trigger . □�[V P n] It is still not clear what events triggered off the demonstrations. [Also V n P ]

5 N‑COUNT If something acts as a triggerfor another thing such as an illness, event, or situation, the first thing causes the second thing to begin to happen or exist. □�[+�for ] Stress may act as a trigger for these illnesses. SYNONYMS trigger VERB

3

set off:Any escape, once it's detected, sets off the alarm.

activate:Video cameras with night vision can be activated by movement.

4

bring about:The only way they can bring about political change is by putting pressure on the country.

provoke:His election success has provoked a shocked reaction.

spark:What was it that sparked your interest in motoring?

tri gger-ha ppy also trigger happy ADJ If you describe someone as trigger-happy , you disapprove of them because they are too ready and willing to use violence and weapons, especially guns. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Some of them are a bit trigger-happy�they'll shoot at anything that moves.

trigo|nom|etry /tr I gənɒ m I tri/ N‑UNCOUNT Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics that is concerned with calculating the angles of triangles or the lengths of their sides.

trike /tra I k/ (trikes ) N‑COUNT A trike is a child's tricycle . [INFORMAL ]

tril|by /tr I lbi/ (trilbies ) N‑COUNT A trilby or a trilby hat is a man's hat which is made of felt and has a groove along the top from front to back. [BRIT ]

trill /tr I l/ (trills , trilling , trilled )

1 VERB If a bird trills , it sings with short, high-pitched, repeated notes. □�[V ] At one point a bird trilled in the Conservatory.

2 VERB If you say that a woman trills , you mean that she talks or laughs in a high-pitched voice which sounds rather musical but which also sounds rather irritating. □�[V with quote] 'How adorable!' she trills.

3 N‑COUNT A trill is the playing of two musical notes repeatedly and quickly one after the other. [TECHNICAL ]

tril|lion /tr I ljən/ (trillions ) The plural form is trillion after a number, or after a word or expression referring to a number, such as 'several' or 'a few'. NUM A trillion is a million million. □� Between July 1st and October 1st, the central bank printed over 2 trillion roubles.

tril|ogy /tr I lədʒi/ (trilogies ) N‑COUNT A trilogy is a series of three books, plays, or films that have the same subject or the same characters.

trim /tr I m/ (trimmer , trimmest , trims , trimming , trimmed )

1 ADJ Something that is trim is neat, tidy, and attractive. □� The neighbours' gardens were trim and neat.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's figure as trim , you mean that it is attractive because there is no extra fat on their body. [APPROVAL ] □� The driver was a trim young woman of perhaps thirty.

3 VERB If you trim something, for example someone's hair, you cut off small amounts of it in order to make it look neater and tidier. □�[V n] My friend trims my hair every eight weeks. ●�N‑SING Trim is also a noun. □� His hair needed a trim.

4 VERB If a government or other organization trims something such as a plan, policy, or amount, they reduce it slightly in extent or size. □�[V n] American companies looked at ways they could trim these costs.

5 VERB [usu passive] If something such as a piece of clothing is trimmedwith a type of material or design, it is decorated with it, usually along its edges. □�[be V -ed +�with ] �jackets, which are then trimmed with crocheted flowers. ●� -trimmed COMB □� He wears a fur-trimmed coat.

6 N‑VAR The trim on something such as a piece of clothing is a decoration, for example along its edges, that is in a different colour or material. □� �a white satin scarf with black trim.

7 PHRASE When people are in trim or in good trim , they are in good physical condition. □� He is already getting in trim for the big day.

tri|ma|ran /tra I mər�n/ (trimarans ) N‑COUNT A trimaran is a fast sailing boat similar to a catamaran, but with three hulls instead of two.

trim|ming /tr I m I ŋ/ (trimmings )

1 N‑VAR The trimming on something such as a piece of clothing is the decoration, for example along its edges, that is in a different colour or material. □�[+�on ] �the lace trimming on her satin nightgown.

2 N‑PLURAL Trimmings are pieces of something, usually food, which are left over after you have cut what you need. □� Use any pastry trimmings to decorate the apples.

3 PHRASE If you say that something comes with all the trimmings , you mean that it has many extra things added to it to make it more special. □� They were married with all the trimmings, soon after graduation.

Trini|ty /tr I n I ti/ N‑PROPER In the Christian religion, the Trinity or the Holy Trinity is the union of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in one God.

trin|ket /tr I ŋk I t/ (trinkets ) N‑COUNT A trinket is a pretty piece of jewellery or small ornament that is inexpensive.

trio /triː oʊ/ (trios ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A trio is a group of three people together, especially musicians or singers, or a group of three things that have something in common.

trip ◆◆◇ /tr I p/ (trips , tripping , tripped )

1 N‑COUNT A trip is a journey that you make to a particular place. □� On the Thursday we went out on a day trip. □� Mark was sent to the Far East on a business trip.

2 →�see also round trip

3 VERB If you trip when you are walking, you knock your foot against something and fall or nearly fall. □�[V ] She tripped and fell last night and broke her hip. □�[V +�on/over ] He tried to follow Jack's footsteps in the snow and tripped on a rock. ●�PHRASAL VERB Trip up means the same as trip . □�[V P ] I tripped up and hurt my foot. □�[V P +�on/over ] Make sure trailing flexes are kept out of the way so you don't trip up over them.

4 VERB If you trip someone who is walking or running, you put your foot or something else in front of them, so that they knock their own foot against it and fall or nearly fall. □�[V n] One guy stuck his foot out and tried to trip me. ●�PHRASAL VERB Trip up means the same as trip . □�[V n P ] He made a sudden dive for Uncle Jim's legs to try to trip him up.

5 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is, for example, on a power trip , a guilt trip , or a nostalgia trip , you mean that their behaviour is motivated by power, guilt, or nostalgia. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� There's such pressure to be happy in Hawaii, if you're unhappy you're on a guilt trip. □� The biggest star perk, and the biggest power trip, must be the private plane.

6 N‑COUNT A trip is an experience that someone has when their mind is affected by a drug such as LSD. [INFORMAL ]

7 VERB [usu cont] If someone is tripping , they are having an experience in which their mind is affected by a drug such as LSD. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�on ] One night I was tripping on acid. [Also V ]

8 VERB If someone trips somewhere, they walk there with light, quick steps. [LITERARY ] □�[V prep/adv] A girl in a red smock tripped down the hill.

▸� trip up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something trips a person up , or if they trip up , they fail or make a mistake. □�[V n P ] Your own lies will trip you up. □�[V P n] He will do all he can to trip up the new right-wing government. □�[V P ] The two occasions she tripped up tell you nothing about how often she got away with it.

2 →�see also trip3 , trip4 COLLOCATIONS trip NOUN 1

noun +�trip : boat, fishing, shopping; business, school; road, return

adjective +�trip : long, quick, short; recent, regular; foreign, overseas

verb +�trip : book, organize, plan; cancel

tri|par|tite /tra I pɑː r ta I t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use tripartite to describe something that has three parts or that involves three groups of people. [FORMAL ] □� �tripartite meetings between Government ministers, trades union leaders and industrialists.

tripe /tra I p/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Tripe is the stomach of a pig, cow, or ox which is eaten as food.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You refer to something that someone has said or written as tripe when you think that it is silly and worthless. [INFORMAL ] □� I've never heard such a load of tripe in all my life.

tri|ple /tr I p ə l/ (triples , tripling , tripled )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Triple means consisting of three things or parts. □� �a triple somersault. □� In 1882 Germany, Austria, and Italy formed the Triple Alliance.

2 VERB If something triples or if you triple it, it becomes three times as large in size or number. □�[V ] I got a fantastic new job and my salary tripled. □�[V +�in ] The Exhibition has tripled in size from last year. □�[V n] The merger puts the firm in a position to triple its earnings.

3 PREDET If something is triple the amount or size of another thing, it is three times as large. □� The mine reportedly had an accident rate triple the national average.

tri |ple jump N‑SING Thetriple jump is an athletic event in which competitors have to jump as far as they can, and are allowed to touch the ground once with each foot in the course of the jump.

tri|plet /tr I plət/ (triplets ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Triplets are three children born at the same time to the same mother.

tri|pod /tra I pɒd/ (tripods ) N‑COUNT A tripod is a stand with three legs that is used to support something such as a camera or a telescope.

trip|per /tr I pə r / (trippers )

1 N‑COUNT A tripper is a person who is on a trip or on holiday. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �when the shops shut and the trippers go home.

2 →�see also day-tripper

trip|tych /tr I pt I k/ (triptychs ) N‑COUNT A triptych is a painting or a carving on three panels that are usually joined together by hinges.

trip|wire /tr I pwa I ə r / (tripwires ) also trip wire N‑COUNT A tripwire is a wire stretched just above the ground, which sets off something such as a trap or an explosion if someone touches it.

trite /tra I t/ ADJ If you say that something such as an idea, remark, or story is trite , you mean that it is dull and boring because it has been said or told too many times. □� The movie is teeming with obvious and trite ideas.

tri|umph ◆◇◇ /tra I ʌmf/ (triumphs , triumphing , triumphed )

1 N‑VAR A triumph is a great success or achievement, often one that has been gained with a lot of skill or effort. □�[+�for ] The championships proved to be a personal triumph for the coach. □�[+�of ] Cataract operations are a triumph of modern surgery.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Triumph is a feeling of great satisfaction and pride resulting from a success or victory. □� Her sense of triumph was short-lived.

3 VERB If someone or something triumphs , they gain complete success, control, or victory, often after a long or difficult struggle. □�[V ] All her life, Kelly had stuck with difficult tasks and challenges, and triumphed. □�[V +�over ] The whole world looked to her as a symbol of good triumphing over evil. SYNONYMS triumph NOUN 1

victory:Union leaders are heading for victory in their battle over workplace rights.

success:�the success of European business.

achievement:Reaching this agreement so quickly was a great achievement.

tri|um|phal /tra I ʌ mf ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Triumphal is used to describe things that are done or made to celebrate a victory or great success. □� He made a triumphal entry into the city.

tri|um|phal|ism /tra I ʌ mfəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes refer to behaviour which celebrates a great victory or success as triumphalism , especially when this behaviour is intended to upset the people they have defeated. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� There was a touch of triumphalism about the occasion.

tri|umph|al|ist /tra I ʌ mfəl I st/ ADJ [ADJ n] Triumphalist behaviour is behaviour in which politicians or organizations celebrate a victory or a great success, especially when this is intended to upset the people they have defeated. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □� �a triumphalist celebration of their supremacy.

tri|um|phant /tra I ʌ mfənt/ ADJ Someone who is triumphant has gained a victory or succeeded in something and feels very happy about it. □� The captain's voice was triumphant. □� This trip was not like his first triumphant return home in 1990. ●� tri|um|phant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They marched triumphantly into the capital.

tri|um|vi|rate /tra I ʌ mv I rət/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] A triumvirate is a group of three people who work together, especially when they are in charge of something. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the triumvirate of women who worked together on the TV dramatisation of the novel.

trivia /tr I viə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Trivia is unimportant facts or details that are considered to be amusing rather than serious or useful. □� The two men chatted about such trivia as their favourite kinds of fast food.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A trivia game or competition is one where the competitors are asked questions about interesting but unimportant facts in many subjects. □� �a pub trivia game.

triv|ial /tr I viəl/ ADJ If you describe something as trivial , you think that it is unimportant and not serious. □� The director tried to wave aside these issues as trivial details that could be settled later.

trivi|al|ity /tr I vi� l I ti/ (trivialities ) N‑VAR If you refer to something as a triviality , you think that it is unimportant and not serious. □� He accused me of making a great fuss about trivialities. □� Interviews with politicians were juxtaposed with news items of quite astonishing triviality.

trivi|al|ize /tr I viəla I z/ (trivializes , trivializing , trivialized ) in BRIT, also use trivialise VERB If you say that someone trivializes something important, you disapprove of them because they make it seem less important, serious, and complex than it is. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] People continue to trivialize the world's environmental problems.

trod /trɒ d/ Trod is the past tense of tread .

trod|den /trɒ d ə n/ Trodden is the past participle of tread .

trog|lo|dyte /trɒ gləda I t/ (troglodytes )

1 N‑COUNT A troglodyte is someone who lives in a cave. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a troglodyte , you mean that they are unsophisticated and do not know very much about anything. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He dismissed advocates of a completely free market as economic troglodytes.

troi|ka /trɔ I kə/ (troikas ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Journalists sometimes refer to a group of three powerful politicians or states as a troika . □�[+�of ] �leader of the troika of past, present and future presidents.

tro|jan /troʊ dʒən/ (trojans ) N‑COUNT A trojan is a computer program that gets access to a computer or system by appearing to be harmless, but is designed to do something damaging. [COMPUTING ] □� Spammers gain control of your computer by infecting it with a trojan.

Tro|jan horse /troʊ dʒən hɔː r s/ (Trojan horses )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a person or thing as a Trojan horse , you mean that they are being used to hide someone's true purpose or intentions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� They claim he is a Trojan horse being used by the party bosses attempting to steal the nomination. [Also +�for/of ]

2 N‑COUNT A Trojan horse the same as a trojan . [COMPUTING ]

troll /trɒ l, troʊ l/ (trolls , trolling , trolled )

1 N‑COUNT In Scandinavian mythology, trolls are creatures who look like ugly people. They live in caves or on mountains and steal children.

2 VERB If you troll somewhere, you go there in a casual and unhurried way. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] I trolled along to see Michael Frayn's play, 'Noises Off'.

3 VERB If you trollthrough papers or files, you look through them in a fairly casual way. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V +�through ] Trolling through the files revealed a photograph of me drinking coffee in the office.

4 N‑COUNT A troll is someone who posts unkind or offensive messages on social media sites, and often tries to start arguments with other users. [COMPUTING ]

trol|ley /trɒ li/ (trolleys )

1 N‑COUNT A trolley is an object with wheels that you use to transport heavy things such as shopping or luggage. [BRIT ] □� A porter relieved her of the three large cases she had been pushing on a trolley. □� �supermarket trolleys. in AM, use cart2 N‑COUNT A trolley is a small table on wheels which is used for serving drinks or food. [BRIT ] in AM, use cart3 N‑COUNT A trolley is a bed on wheels for moving patients in hospital. [BRIT ] in AM, use gurney4 N‑COUNT A trolley or trolley car is an electric vehicle for carrying people which travels on rails in the streets of a town. [AM ] □� He took a northbound trolley on State Street. in BRIT, use tram

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is off their trolley , you mean that their ideas or behaviour are very strange. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

tro l|ley bus (trolley buses ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A trolley bus is a bus that is driven by electric power taken from cables above the street.

trom|bone /trɒmboʊ n/ (trombones ) N‑VAR A trombone is a large musical instrument of the brass family. It consists of two long oval tubes, one of which can be pushed backwards and forwards to play different notes.

trom|bon|ist /trɒmboʊ n I st/ (trombonists ) N‑COUNT A trombonist is someone who plays the trombone.

trompe l'oeil /trɒ mp lɔ I / (trompe l'oeils )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Trompe l'oeil is a technique used in art in which objects are painted their normal size in a very realistic way, to make people think that the objects are solid and real. □� �a trompe l'oeil painting.

2 N‑COUNT A trompe l'oeil is a trompe l'oeil painting.

troop ◆◆◇ /truː p/ (troops , trooping , trooped )

1 N‑PLURAL Troops are soldiers, especially when they are in a large organized group doing a particular task. □� The operation will involve more than 35,000 troops from a dozen countries.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A troop is a group of soldiers within a cavalry or armoured regiment. □�[+�of ] �a troop of enemy cavalry trotting towards the Dutch right flank.

3 N‑COUNT A troop of people or animals is a group of them. □�[+�of ] Amy was aware of the little troop of travellers watching the two of them.

4 VERB If people troop somewhere, they walk there in a group, often in a sad or tired way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] They all trooped back to the house for a rest.

troop|er /truː pə r / (troopers )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A trooper is a soldier of low rank in the cavalry or in an armoured regiment in the army. □� �a trooper from the 7th Cavalry.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a trooper is a police officer in a state police force. □� Once long ago, he had considered becoming a state trooper.

3 →�see also storm trooper

troop|ship /truː pʃ I p/ (troopships ) also troop ship N‑COUNT A troopship is a ship on which large numbers of soldiers are taken from one place to another.

tro|phy /troʊ fi/ (trophies )

1 N‑COUNT A trophy is a prize, for example a silver cup, that is given to the winner of a competition or race.

2 N‑COUNT Trophy is used in the names of some competitions and races in which the winner receives a trophy. □� He finished third in the Tote Gold Trophy.

3 N‑COUNT A trophy is something that you keep in order to show that you have done something very difficult. □�[+�of ] His office was lined with animal heads, trophies of his hunting hobby.

tropi|cal /trɒ p I k ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Tropical means belonging to or typical of the tropics. □� �tropical diseases. □� �a plan to preserve the world's tropical forests.

2 ADJ Tropical weather is hot and damp weather that people believe to be typical of the tropics.

Trop|ic of Can|cer /trɒ p I k əv k� nsə r / N‑PROPER The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line around the Earth 23� 26′ north of the equator.

Trop|ic of Cap|ri|corn /trɒ p I k əv k� pr I kɔː r n/ N‑PROPER The Tropic of Capricorn is an imaginary line around the Earth 23� 26′ south of the equator.

trop|ics /trɒ p I ks/ N‑PLURAL The tropics are the parts of the world that lie between two lines of latitude, the Tropic of Cancer, 23�� north of the equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn, 23�� south of the equator.

trot /trɒ t/ (trots , trotting , trotted )

1 VERB If you trot somewhere, you move fairly fast at a speed between walking and running, taking small quick steps. □�[V prep/adv] I trotted down the steps and out to the shed. □�[V ] A small shabby man was trotting beside Bardi trying to get his attention. ●�N‑SING Trot is also a noun. □� He walked briskly, but without breaking into a trot.

2 VERB When an animal such as a horse trots , it moves fairly fast, taking quick small steps. You can also say that the rider of the animal is trotting . □�[V ] Alan took the reins and the small horse started trotting. □�[V prep/adv] Pete got on his horse and started trotting across the field. ●�N‑SING Trot is also a noun. □� As they started up again, the horse broke into a brisk trot.

3 PHRASE If something happens several times on the trot , it happens that number of times without a break. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� She lost five games on the trot.

▸� trot out PHRASAL VERB If you say that a person trots out old ideas or information, you are criticizing him or her for repeating them in a way that is not new or interesting. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P n] Was it really necessary to trot out the same old stereotypes about Ireland? [Also V n P ]

Trot|sky|ist /trɒ tski I st/ (Trotskyists ) N‑COUNT A Trotskyist is someone who supports the revolutionary left-wing ideas of Leon Trotsky.

trot|ter /trɒ tə r / (trotters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Trotters are a pig's feet which you can cook and eat. [BRIT ]

trou|ba|dour /truː bədɔː r / (troubadours )

1 N‑COUNT Troubadours were poets and singers who used to travel around and perform to noble families in Italy and France in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to popular singers as troubadours , especially when the words of their songs are an important part of their music.

trou|ble ◆◆◇ /trʌ b ə l/ (troubles , troubling , troubled )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] You can refer to problems or difficulties as trouble . □� I had trouble parking. □� You've caused us a lot of trouble. □� The plane developed engine trouble soon after taking off. □� The crew are in serious trouble in 50-knot winds and huge seas. □� The Sullivans continued to have financial troubles.

2 N‑SING If you say that one aspect of a situation is thetrouble , you mean that it is the aspect which is causing problems or making the situation unsatisfactory. □� The trouble is that these restrictions have remained while other things have changed. □� Your trouble is that you can't take rejection.

3 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your troubles are the things that you are worried about. □� She kept her troubles to herself.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] If you have kidney trouble or back trouble , for example, there is something wrong with your kidneys or your back. □� Simon had never before had any heart trouble. □�[+�with ] He began to have trouble with his right knee.

5 N‑UNCOUNT If there is trouble somewhere, especially in a public place, there is fighting or rioting there. □� Riot police are being deployed throughout the city to prevent any trouble. □� Police sources admitted that the potential for trouble on the streets remained high.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to-inf] If you tell someone that it is notrouble to do something for them, you are saying politely that you can or will do it, because it is easy or convenient for you. [POLITENESS ] □� It's no trouble at all; on the contrary, it will be a great pleasure to help you.

7 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that a person or animal is notrouble , you mean that they are very easy to look after. □� My little grandson is no trouble at all, but his 6-year-old elder sister is rude and selfish.

8 VERB If something troubles you, it makes you feel rather worried. □�[V n] Is anything troubling you? □�[be V -ed] He was troubled by the lifestyle of his son. ●� trou|bling ADJ □� But most troubling of all was the simple fact that nobody knew what was going on.

9 VERB If a part of your body troubles you, it causes you physical pain or discomfort. □�[V n] The ulcer had been troubling her for several years.

10 VERB If you say that someone does nottroubleto do something, you are critical of them because they do not behave in the way that they should do, and you think that this would require very little effort. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V to-inf] He yawns, not troubling to cover his mouth. □�[V pron-refl to-inf] He hadn't troubled himself to check his mirrors.

11 VERB You use trouble in expressions such as I'm sorry to trouble you when you are apologizing to someone for disturbing them in order to ask them something. [FORMULAE ] □�[V n] I'm sorry to trouble you, but I wondered if by any chance you know where he is.

12 PHRASE If someone is in trouble , they are in a situation in which a person in authority is angry with them or is likely to punish them because they have done something wrong. □�[+�with ] He was in trouble with his teachers.

13 PHRASE If you take the troubleto do something, you do something which requires a small amount of additional effort. □� He did not take the trouble to see the film before he attacked it.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is more trouble than they are worth , you mean that they cause you a lot of problems or take a lot of time and effort and you do not achieve or gain very much in return. □� Some grumbled that Johnson was more trouble than he was worth. COLLOCATIONS trouble NOUN

1

adjective +�trouble : deep, real, serious; financial, marital

verb +�trouble : cause, invite, spell, strike

5

verb +�trouble : foment, make, spark, stir up; avoid, prevent

trou|bled /trʌ b ə ld/

1 ADJ Someone who is troubled is worried because they have problems. □� Rose sounded deeply troubled.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A troubled place, situation, organization, or time has many problems or conflicts. □� There is much we can do to help this troubled country.

trou ble-free ADJ Something that is trouble-free does not cause any problems or difficulties. □� The carnival got off to a virtually trouble-free start with only one arrest.

trouble|maker /trʌ b ə lme I kə r / (troublemakers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a troublemaker , you mean that they cause unpleasantness, quarrels, or fights, especially by encouraging people to oppose authority. [DISAPPROVAL ]

trouble|shooter /trʌ b ə lʃuːtə r / (troubleshooters ) also trouble-shooter N‑COUNT A troubleshooter is a person whose job is to solve major problems or difficulties that occur in a company or government.

trouble|shooting /trʌ b ə lʃuːt I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Troubleshooting is the activity or process of solving major problems or difficulties that occur in a company or government.

trou|ble|some /trʌ b ə lsəm/

1 ADJ You use troublesome to describe something or someone that causes annoying problems or difficulties. □� He needed surgery to cure a troublesome back injury.

2 ADJ A troublesome situation or issue is full of complicated problems or difficulties. □� The economy has become a troublesome issue for the Government.

trou |ble spot (trouble spots ) also trouble-spot N‑COUNT A trouble spot is a country or an area of a country where there is repeated fighting between two or more groups of people.

trough /trɒ f, [AM ] trɔː f/ (troughs )

1 N‑COUNT A trough is a long narrow container from which farm animals drink or eat.

2 N‑COUNT A trough is a low area between two big waves on the sea. □�[+�between ] The boat rolled heavily in the troughs between the waves.

3 N‑COUNT A trough is a low point in a process that has regular high and low points, for example a period in business when people do not produce as much as usual. □�[+�in ] Looking back afterwards you will see that this was not a terminal trough in your career.

4 N‑COUNT A troughof low pressure is a long narrow area of low air pressure between two areas of higher pressure. [TECHNICAL ]

trounce /traʊ ns/ (trounces , trouncing , trounced ) VERB If you trounce someone in a competition or contest, you defeat them easily or by a large score. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] His team were trounced by Arsenal last Tuesday.

troupe /truː p/ (troupes ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A troupe is a group of actors, singers, or dancers who work together and often travel around together, performing in different places. □�[+�of ] �troupes of travelling actors.

troup|er /truː pə r / (troupers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an actor or other performer as a trouper , especially when you want to suggest that they have a lot of experience and can deal with difficult situations in a professional way. □� Like the old trouper he is, he timed his entry to perfection.

trou|ser /traʊ zə r / (trousers , trousering , trousered ) VERB If you say that someone trousers a sum of money, you mean that they receive it, usually when they do not deserve it or should not take it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Ex-ministers are trousering �25,000 in fees simply for going to a few board meetings.

trou|sers /traʊ zə r z/ The form trouser is used as a modifier. 1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Trousers are a piece of clothing that you wear over your body from the waist downwards, and that cover each leg separately. [mainly BRIT ] □� He was smartly dressed in a shirt, dark trousers and boots. □� Alexander rolled up his trouser legs. in AM, usually use pants2to wear the trousers →�see wear USAGE trousers

Don�t talk about � a trousers �. Say trousers or a pair of trousers . □� Claud was wearing a pair of black trousers .

trou |ser suit (trouser suits ) N‑COUNT A trouser suit is women's clothing consisting of a pair of trousers and a jacket which are made from the same material. [BRIT ] in AM, use pantsuit , pants suit

trous|seau /truː soʊ/ (trousseaux ) N‑COUNT A trousseau is a collection of clothes and other possessions that a bride brings with her when she gets married. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

trout /traʊ t/ (trout or trouts ) N‑VAR A trout is a fairly large fish that lives in rivers and streams. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Trout is this fish eaten as food.

trove /troʊ v/ →�see treasure trove

trow|el /traʊ əl/ (trowels )

1 N‑COUNT A trowel is a small garden tool which you use for digging small holes or removing weeds.

2 N‑COUNT A trowel is a small tool with a flat blade that you use for spreading things such as cement and plaster onto walls and other surfaces.

tru|an|cy /truː ənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Truancy is when children stay away from school without permission.

tru|ant /truː ənt/ (truants , truanting , truanted )

1 N‑COUNT A truant is a pupil who stays away from school without permission.

2 VERB If a pupil truants , he or she stays away from school without permission. □�[V ] In his fourth year he was truanting regularly. ●� tru|ant|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Truanting is a small but growing problem in primary schools.

3 PHRASE If a pupil plays truant , he or she stays away from school without permission. □�[+�from ] She was getting into trouble over playing truant from school.

truce /truː s/ (truces ) N‑COUNT A truce is an agreement between two people or groups of people to stop fighting or quarrelling for a short time. □�[+�between ] The fighting of recent days has given way to an uneasy truce between the two sides. □� Let's call a truce.

truck ◆◇◇ /trʌ k/ (trucks , trucking , trucked )

1 N‑COUNT A truck is a large vehicle that is used to transport goods by road. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use lorry2 N‑COUNT A truck is an open vehicle used for carrying goods on a railway. [BRIT ] □� They were loaded on the railway trucks to go to Liverpool. in AM, use freight car3 VERB [usu passive] When something or someone is trucked somewhere, they are driven there in a lorry. [mainly AM ] □�[be V -ed prep/adv] The liquor was sold legally and trucked out of the state.

4 PHRASE If you say that you will have no truck with someone or something, you are refusing to be involved with them in any way. □� He would have no truck with deceit.

truck|er /trʌ kə r / (truckers ) N‑COUNT A trucker is someone who drives a truck as their job. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use lorry driver

truck|ing /trʌ k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Trucking is the activity of transporting goods from one place to another using trucks. [mainly AM ] □� �the deregulation of the trucking industry. in BRIT, use haulage

truck|load /trʌ kloʊd/ (truckloads ) also truck load N‑COUNT A truckload of goods or people is the amount of them that a truck can carry. □�[+�of ] Truckloads of food, blankets, and other necessities reached the city.

tru ck stop (truck stops ) N‑COUNT A truck stop is a place where drivers, especially truck or lorry drivers, can stop, for example to rest or to get something to eat. [mainly AM ]

trucu|lent /trʌ kjʊlənt/ ADJ If you say that someone is truculent , you mean that they are bad-tempered and aggressive. ●� trucu|lence /trʌ kjʊləns/ N‑UNCOUNT □� 'Your secretary said you'd be wanting a cleaner,' she announced with her usual truculence.

trudge /trʌ dʒ/ (trudges , trudging , trudged ) VERB If you trudge somewhere, you walk there slowly and with heavy steps, especially because you are tired or unhappy. □�[V prep/adv] We had to trudge up the track back to the station. ●�N‑SING Trudge is also a noun. □� We were reluctant to start the long trudge home.

true ◆◆◇ /truː / (truer , truest )

1 ADJ If something is true , it is based on facts rather than being invented or imagined, and is accurate and reliable. □� Everything I had heard about him was true. □� The play follows the true story of the couple whose daughter has an extreme form of Asperger's syndrome.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use true to emphasize that a person or thing is sincere or genuine, often in contrast to something that is pretended or hidden. [EMPHASIS ] □� I allowed myself to acknowledge my true feelings. □� The true cost often differs from that which had first been projected.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you use true to describe something or someone, you approve of them because they have all the characteristics or qualities that such a person or thing typically has. [APPROVAL ] □� Maybe one day you'll find true love. □� The ability to work collaboratively is a true test of leadership. □� I think he's a true genius.

4 ADJ If you say that a fact is trueof a particular person or situation, you mean that it is valid or relevant for them. □�[+�of ] The romance may have gone out of the marriage, but this is true of many couples. □�[+�for ] Expenditure on health has gone down, and the same is true for education.

5 ADJ If you are true to someone, you remain committed and loyal to them. If you are true to an idea or promise, you remain committed to it and continue to act according to it. □�[+�to ] Many consumers remain true to their favourite brand. □�[+�to ] India has remained true to democracy. □�[+�to ] She's been true to her word from day one.

6 PHRASE If a dream, wish, or prediction comes true , it actually happens. □� Owning a place of their own is a dream come true for the couple.

7 PHRASE If a general statement holds true in particular circumstances, or if your previous statement holds true in different circumstances, it is true or valid in those circumstances. [FORMAL ] □�[+�for ] One thing holds true for all of us: there are no rights without duties.

8 PHRASE If you say that something seems too good to be true , you are suspicious of it because it seems better than you had expected, and you think there may something wrong with it that you have not noticed. □� The celebrations were remarkably peaceful. Indeed, it seemed almost too good to be true.

9 PHRASE If you say that something such as a story or a film is true to life , you approve of it because it seems real. [APPROVAL ] □� The opening scenes of this movie are just not true to life.

10true colours →�see colour

11true to form →�see form

12to ring true →�see ring ➊

13tried and true →�see tried

true -blue also true blue

1 ADJ If you describe someone as true-blue , you mean that they are right-wing in their ideas and opinions. [BRIT ] □� Her mother is a true blue Tory.

2 ADJ A true-blue supporter of something is someone who is very loyal and reliable. [AM ]

truf|fle /trʌ f ə l/ (truffles )

1 N‑COUNT A truffle is a soft round sweet made with chocolate and usually flavoured with rum.

2 N‑COUNT A truffle is a round type of fungus which is expensive and considered very good to eat.

trug /trʌ g/ (trugs ) N‑COUNT A trug is a wide, shallow, oval basket used for carrying garden tools, flowers, or plants. [BRIT ]

tru|ism /truː I zəm/ (truisms ) N‑COUNT A truism is a statement that is generally accepted as obviously true and is repeated so often that it has become boring. □� Orpington seems an example of the truism that nothing succeeds like success.

tru|ly ◆◇◇ /truː li/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use truly to emphasize that something has all the features or qualities of a particular thing, or is the case to the fullest possible extent. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a truly democratic system. □� Not all doctors truly understand the reproductive cycle.

2 ADV [ADV adj] You can use truly in order to emphasize your description of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a truly splendid man. □� They were truly appalling.

3 ADV [ADV adj, ADV before v] You use truly to emphasize that feelings are genuine and sincere. [EMPHASIS ] □� Believe me, Susan, I am truly sorry.

4well and truly →�see well ➌

5 CONVENTION You write Yours truly at the end of a formal letter to someone you do not know very well. You write your signature after the words 'Yours truly'. □� Yours truly, Phil Turner.

6 PHRASE You can say yours truly as a way of referring to yourself. [HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □� Yours truly was awoken by a shout: 'Ahoy there!'

trump /trʌ mp/ (trumps , trumping , trumped )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] In a game of cards, trumps is the suit which is chosen to have the highest value in one particular game. □� Hearts are trumps.

2 N‑COUNT In a game of cards, a trump is a playing card which belongs to the suit which has been chosen as trumps. □� He played a trump.

3 VERB If you trump what someone has said or done, you beat it by saying or doing something else that seems better. □�[V n] The Socialists tried to trump this with their slogan.

4 PHRASE Your trump card is something powerful that you can use or do, which gives you an advantage over someone. □� In the end, the Ten took their appeal to the Supreme Court; this, they had believed from the outset, would be their trump card.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone came up trumps , you mean that they did something successfully, often when they were not expected to. [BRIT ] □� Dwayne has come up trumps with a goal worthy of winning any match.

tru mped-u p ADJ [usu ADJ n] Trumped-up charges are untrue, and made up in order to punish someone unfairly.

trum|pet /trʌ mp I t/ (trumpets , trumpeting , trumpeted )

1 N‑VAR A trumpet is a musical instrument of the brass family which plays quite high notes. You play the trumpet by blowing into it.

2 VERB If someone trumpets something that they are proud of or that they think is important, they speak about it publicly in a very forceful way. □�[V n +�as ] The government has been trumpeting tourism as a growth industry. □�[V +�about ] Nobody should be trumpeting about chemical weapons. □�[be V -ed that] It was trumpeted that the nation's health was improving. [Also V n]

trum|pet|er /trʌ mp I tə r / (trumpeters ) N‑COUNT A trumpeter is someone who plays a trumpet.

trun|cat|ed /trʌŋke I t I d, [AM ] trʌ ŋke I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A truncated version of something is one that has been shortened. □� The review body has produced a truncated version of its annual report.

trun|cheon /trʌ ntʃən/ (truncheons ) N‑COUNT A truncheon is a short, thick stick that is carried as a weapon by a police officer. [BRIT ] in AM, use billy

trun|dle /trʌ nd ə l/ (trundles , trundling , trundled )

1 VERB If a vehicle trundles somewhere, it moves there slowly, often with difficulty or an irregular movement. □�[V prep/adv] The train eventually trundled in at 7.54.

2 VERB If you trundle something somewhere, especially a small, heavy object with wheels, you move or roll it along slowly. □�[V n adv/prep] The old man lifted the barrow and trundled it away.

3 VERB If you say that someone is trundling somewhere, you mean that they are walking slowly, often in a tired way or with heavy steps. □�[V adv/prep] Girls trundle in carrying heavy book bags.

trunk /trʌ ŋk/ (trunks )

1 N‑COUNT [n N ] The trunk of a tree is the large main stem from which the branches grow. □�[+�of ] �the gnarled trunk of a birch tree.

2 N‑COUNT A trunk is a large, strong case or box used for storing things or for taking on a journey.

3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] An elephant's trunk is its very long nose that it uses to lift food and water to its mouth.

4 N‑COUNT The trunk of a car is a covered space at the back or front in which you put luggage or other things. [AM ] in BRIT, use boot5 N‑PLURAL Trunks are shorts that a man wears when he goes swimming.

6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your trunk is the central part of your body, from your neck to your waist. [FORMAL ]

tru nk road (trunk roads ) N‑COUNT A trunk road is a major road that has been specially built for travelling long distances. A trunk road is not as wide or as fast as a motorway. [BRIT ]

truss /trʌ s/ (trusses , trussing , trussed )

1 VERB To truss someone means to tie them up very tightly so that they cannot move. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n] She trussed him quickly with stolen bandage, and gagged his mouth. ●�PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] Truss up means the same as truss . □�[be V -ed P +�with ] She was trussed up with yellow nylon rope. [Also V n P ]

2 N‑COUNT A truss is a special belt with a pad that a man wears when he has a hernia in order to prevent it from getting worse.

▸� truss up →�see truss1

trust ◆◆◇ /trʌ st/ (trusts , trusting , trusted )

1 VERB If you trust someone, you believe that they are honest and sincere and will not deliberately do anything to harm you. □�[V n] 'I trust you completely,' he said. □�[V n] He did argue in a general way that the president can't be trusted. [Also V ] ●� trust|ed ADJ [ADJ n] □� After speaking to a group of her most trusted advisers, she turned her anger into action.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Your trustin someone is your belief that they are honest and sincere and will not deliberately do anything to harm you. □�[+�in ] He destroyed me and my trust in men. □� You've betrayed their trust. □� There's a feeling of warmth and trust here.

3 VERB If you trust someone to do something, you believe that they will do it. □�[V n to-inf] That's why I must trust you to keep this secret.

4 VERB If you trust someone with something important or valuable, you allow them to look after it or deal with it. □�[V n +�with ] This could make your superiors hesitate to trust you with major responsibilities. □�[V n +�with ] I'd trust him with my life. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Trust is also a noun. □� �a care home where you were working in a position of trust.

5 VERB If you do not trust something, you feel that it is not safe or reliable. □�[V n] She nodded, not trusting her own voice. □�[V n to-inf] For one thing, he didn't trust his legs to hold him up. □�[V pron-refl to-inf] I still can't trust myself to remain composed in their presence.

6 VERB If you trust someone's judgment or advice, you believe that it is good or right. □�[V n] I blame myself and will never be able to trust my instinct again.

7 VERB If you say you trust that something is true, you mean you hope and expect that it is true. [FORMAL ] □�[V that] I trust you will take the earliest opportunity to make a full apology.

8 VERB If you trust in someone or something, you believe strongly in them, and do not doubt their powers or their good intentions. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�in ] He was a pastor who trusted in the Lord and who lived to preach.

9 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A trust is a financial arrangement in which a group of people or an organization keeps and invests money for someone. □� The money will be put in trust until she is 18.

10 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A trust is a group of people or an organization that has control of an amount of money or property and invests it on behalf of other people or as a charity. □� He had set up two charitable trusts.

11 N‑COUNT [N n] In Britain, a trust or a trust hospital is a public hospital that receives its funding directly from the national government. It has its own board of governors and is not controlled by the local health authority.

12 →�see also trusting , unit trust

13 PHRASE If something valuable is kept in trust , it is held and protected by a group of people or an organization on behalf of other people. □�[+�for ] The British Library holds its collection in trust for the nation.

14 PHRASE If you take something on trust after having heard or read it, you believe it completely without checking it. □� He was adamant that the allegations were untrue, so I took him on trust.

15tried and trusted →�see tried

▸� trust to PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you trust to luck or instinct, you hope that it will enable you to achieve what you are trying to do, because you have nothing else to help you. □�[V P n] I set off for the valley, trusting to luck. □�[V P n] Gardiner is simply trusting to instinct and experience. SYNONYMS trust NOUN 2

confidence:The events have contributed to the lack of confidence in the police.

belief:�a belief in personal liberty.

faith:She had placed a great deal of faith in Mr Penleigh.

trus|tee /trʌstiː / (trustees ) N‑COUNT A trustee is someone with legal control of money or property that is kept or invested for another person, company, or organization.

tru st fund (trust funds ) N‑COUNT A trust fund is an amount of money or property that someone owns, usually after inheriting it, but which is kept and invested for them.

trust|ing /trʌ st I ŋ/ ADJ A trusting person believes that people are honest and sincere and do not intend to harm him or her. □� She has an open, trusting nature.

trust|worthy /trʌ stwɜː r �i/ ADJ A trustworthy person is reliable, responsible, and can be trusted completely. □� He is a trustworthy and level-headed leader. ●� trust|worthi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He wrote a reference describing his reliability and trustworthiness.

trusty /trʌ sti/ ADJ [ADJ n] Trusty things, animals, or people are reliable and have always worked well in the past. □� She still drives her trusty black Corvette.

truth ◆◆◇ /truː θ/ (truths )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Thetruth about something is all the facts about it, rather than things that are imagined or invented. □�[+�about ] I must tell you the truth about this business. □�[+�of ] The truth of the matter is that we had no other choice. □� In the town very few know the whole truth.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that there is some truthin a statement or story, you mean that it is true, or at least partly true. □�[+�in ] There is no truth in this story. □�[+�to ] Is there any truth to the rumors?

3 N‑COUNT A truth is something that is believed to be true. □� It is still a basic truth that women have to work harder than men to get to the same level.

4 →�see also home truth , moment of truth

5 PHRASE You say in truth in order to indicate that you are giving your honest opinion about something. □� In truth, we were both unhappy.

6 PHRASE You say to tell you the truth or truth to tell in order to indicate that you are telling someone something in an open and honest way, without trying to hide anything. □� To tell you the truth, I was afraid to see him.

truth|ful /truː θfʊl/ ADJ If a person or their comments are truthful , they are honest and do not tell any lies. □�[+�about ] We've all learnt to be fairly truthful about our personal lives. □� She could not give him a truthful answer. ●� truth|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� I answered all their questions truthfully. ●� truth|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� I can say, with absolute truthfulness, that I did not injure her.

try ◆◆◆ /tra I / (tries , trying , tried )

1 VERB If you try to do something, you want to do it, and you take action which you hope will help you to do it. □�[V to-inf] He secretly tried to block her advancement in the Party. □�[V adv] Does it annoy you if others don't seem to try hard enough? □�[V v-ing] I tried calling him when I got here but he wasn't at home. □�[V ] No matter how bad you feel, keep trying. ●�N‑COUNT Try is also a noun. □� She didn't really expect to get any money out of him, but it seemed worth a try.

2 VERB To tryand do something means to try to do it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V and inf] I must try and see him.

3 VERB If you try for something, you make an effort to get it or achieve it. □�[V +�for ] My partner and I have been trying for a baby for two years. □�[V +�for ] He said he was going to try for first place next year.

4 VERB If you try something new or different, you use it, do it, or experience it in order to discover its qualities or effects. □�[V n] It's best not to try a new recipe for the first time on such an important occasion. □�[V v-ing] I have tried painting the young shoots with weed poisoner, but this does not kill them off. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Try is also a noun. □� If you're still sceptical about exercising, we can only ask you to trust us and give it a try.

5 VERB If you try a particular place or person, you go to that place or person because you think that they may be able to provide you with what you want. □�[V n] Have you tried the local music shops?

6 VERB If you try a door or window, you try to open it. □�[V n] Bob tried the door. To his surprise, it opened.

7 VERB When a person is tried , he or she has to appear in a law court and is found innocent or guilty after the judge and jury have heard the evidence. When a legal case is tried , it is considered in a court of law. □�[be V -ed +�for ] He suggested that those responsible should be tried for crimes against humanity. □�[be V -ed] Whether he is guilty is a decision that will be made when the case is tried in court. □�[V n] The military court which tried him excluded two of his lawyers.

8 N‑COUNT In the game of rugby, a try is the action of scoring by putting the ball down behind the goal line of the opposing team. □� The French, who led 21-3 at half time, scored eight tries.

9 →�see also tried , trying

10 PHRASE [with neg] If you say that something fails but not for want of trying or not for lack of trying , you mean that everything possible was done to make it succeed. □� Not all is perfect, but it isn't for want of trying.

11to try your best →�see best

12to try your hand →�see hand ➊

13to try your luck →�see luck

14to try someone's patience →�see patience

▸� try on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you try on a piece of clothing, you put it on to see if it fits you or if it looks nice. □�[V P n] Try on clothing and shoes to make sure they fit. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If you say that a person is trying it on , you mean that they are trying to obtain something or to impress someone, often in a slightly dishonest way and without much hope of success. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] They're just trying it on�I don't believe they'll go this far.

▸� try out PHRASAL VERB If you try something out , you test it in order to find out how useful or effective it is or what it is like. □�[V n P ] She knew I wanted to try the boat out at the weekend. □�[V P n] The school hopes to try out the system in September.

try|ing /tra I I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as trying , you mean that they are difficult to deal with and make you feel impatient or annoyed. □� Support from those closest to you is vital in these trying times.

2 →�see also try

try|out /tra I aʊt/ (tryouts ) also try-out N‑COUNT If you give something a tryout , you try it or test it to see how useful it is. □� The recycling scheme gets its first try-out in rural parts of the county.

tryst /tr I st/ (trysts ) N‑COUNT A tryst is a meeting between lovers in a quiet secret place. [LITERARY ]

tsar /zɑː r / (tsars ) also czar

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In former times, the tsar was the king of Russia.

2 N‑COUNT A particular kind of tsar is a person who has been appointed by the government to deal with a particular problem that is affecting the country. □� She was appointed as the government's first mental health tsar for schools.

tsa|ri|na /zɑːriː nə/ (tsarinas ) also czarina N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In former times, a tsarina was the queen of Russia or the wife of the tsar.

tsar|ist /zɑː r I st/ also czarist ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tsarist means belonging to or supporting the system of government by a tsar, especially in Russia before 1917.

tset|se fly /tse tsi fla I / (tsetse flies ) also tsetse N‑VAR A tsetse fly or a tsetse is an African fly that feeds on blood and can cause serious diseases in the people and animals that it bites.

T -shirt (T-shirts ) also tee-shirt N‑COUNT A T-shirt is a cotton shirt with no collar or buttons. T-shirts usually have short sleeves.

tsp. (tsps ) In a recipe, tsp. is a written abbreviation for teaspoonful .

tsu|na|mi /tsʊnɑː mi/ (tsunamis ) N‑COUNT A tsunami is a very large wave, often caused by an earthquake, that flows onto the land and destroys things.

tub /tʌ b/ (tubs )

1 N‑COUNT A tub is a deep container of any size. □� He peeled the paper top off a little white tub and poured the cream into his coffee. ●�N‑COUNT A tubof something is the amount of it contained in a tub. □�[+�of ] She would eat four tubs of ice cream in one sitting.

2 N‑COUNT A tub is the same as a bathtub . [AM ] □� She lay back in the tub.

3 →�see also hot tub

tuba /tjuː bə, [AM ] tuː -/ (tubas ) N‑VAR A tuba is a large musical instrument of the brass family which produces very low notes. It consists of a long metal tube folded round several times with a wide opening at the end. You play the tuba by blowing into it.

tub|by /tʌ bi/ (tubbier , tubbiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as tubby , you mean that they are rather fat. [INFORMAL ]

tube ◆◇◇ /tjuː b, [AM ] tuː b/ (tubes )

1 N‑COUNT A tube is a long hollow object that is usually round, like a pipe. □� He is fed by a tube that enters his nose. □� �a cardboard tube.

2 N‑COUNT A tubeof something such as paste is a long, thin container which you squeeze in order to force the paste out. □�[+�of ] �a tube of toothpaste. □�[+�of ] �a small tube of moisturizer.

3 N‑COUNT Some long, thin, hollow parts in your body are referred to as tubes . □� The lungs are in fact constructed of thousands of tiny tubes.

4 N‑SING [oft by N ] The tube is the underground railway system in London. [BRIT ] □� I took the tube then the train and came straight here.

5 N‑COUNT You can refer to the television as the tube . [AM , INFORMAL ] □� The only baseball he saw was on the tube. in BRIT, use the box

6 PHRASE If a business, economy, or institution goes down the tubes or goes down the tube , it fails or collapses completely. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� The country was going down the tubes economically.

7 →�see also bronchial tube , cathode-ray tube , fallopian tube , inner tube , test tube COLLOCATIONS tube NOUN 1

noun +�tube : breathing, feeding; cardboard, metal, plastic, rubber

adjective +�tube : fluorescent, hollow; flexible, long, narrow, thin

verb +�tube : connect, insert, remove

tu|ber /tjuː bə r , [AM ] tuː -/ (tubers ) N‑COUNT A tuber is the swollen underground stem of particular types of plants.

tu|ber|cu|lar /tjuːbɜː r kjʊlə r , [AM ] tuː-/ ADJ Tubercular means suffering from, relating to, or causing tuberculosis. □� �tubercular patients. □� He died of tubercular meningitis. □� �tubercular bacteria.

tu|ber|cu|lo|sis /tjuːbɜː r kjʊloʊ s I s, [AM ] tuː-/ N‑UNCOUNT Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that affects someone's lungs and other parts of their body. The abbreviation TB is also used.

tu be top (tube tops ) N‑COUNT A tube top is a piece of women's clothing that is made of stretchy material and covers her chest but leaves her shoulders bare. [AM ] in BRIT, use boob tube

tub|ing /tjuː b I ŋ, [AM ] tuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Tubing is plastic, rubber, or another material in the shape of a tube. □� �metres of plastic tubing.

tubu|lar /tjuː bjʊlə r , [AM ] tuː -/ ADJ Something that is tubular is long, round, and hollow in shape, like a tube. □� �a modern table with chrome tubular legs.

TUC /tiː juː siː / N‑PROPER In Britain, theTUC is an organization which represents trade unions, and to which most trade unions belong. TUC is an abbreviation for 'Trades Union Congress'.

tuck /tʌ k/ (tucks , tucking , tucked )

1 VERB If you tuck something somewhere, you put it there so that it is safe, comfortable, or neat. □�[V n prep] He tried to tuck his flapping shirt inside his trousers. □�[V -ed] She found a rose tucked under the windscreen wiper of her car one morning.

2 N‑COUNT You can use tuck to refer to a form of plastic surgery which involves reducing the size of a part of someone's body. □� She'd undergone 13 operations, including a tummy tuck.

▸� tuck away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you tuck away something such as money, you store it in a safe place. □�[V P n] The extra income has meant Phillippa can tuck away the rent. □�[V n P ] I tucked the box away in the linen drawer.

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone or something is tucked away , they are well hidden in a quiet place where very few people go. □�[be V -ed P ] We were tucked away in a secluded corner of the room.

▸� tuck in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you tuck in a piece of material, you keep it in position by placing one edge or end of it behind or under something else. For example, if you tuck in your shirt, you place the bottom part of it inside your trousers or skirt. □�[V P n] 'Probably,' I said, tucking in my shirt. □�[V n P ] Tuck the sheets in firmly.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you tuck a child in bed or tuck them in , you make them comfortable by straightening the sheets and blankets and pushing the loose ends under the mattress. □�[V n P n] I read Lili a story and tucked her in her own bed. □�[V n P ] My mother would tuck me in, turn out the lights and tiptoe out.

▸� tuck into or tuck in PHRASAL VERB If someone tucks into a meal or tucks in , they start eating enthusiastically or hungrily. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] She tucked into a breakfast of scrambled eggs. □�[V P ] Tuck in, it's the last hot food you'll get for a while.

▸� tuck up PHRASAL VERB If you tuck a child up in bed, you tuck them in. [BRIT ] □�[V n P ] She tucked them up in bed. □�[V P n] He mostly stayed at home tucking up the children. □�[V -ed P ] She had gone to work believing Helen was safely tucked up in bed.

tuck|er /tʌ kə r / N‑UNCOUNT Tucker is food. [mainly AUSTRALIAN , INFORMAL ] □� �a man who knows what constitutes decent tucker and how to go about serving it up.

tuck|ered out /tʌ kə r d aʊ t/ or tuckered ADJ If you are tuckered or tuckered out , you are extremely tired. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

Tues. also Tue.Tues. is a written abbreviation for Tuesday .

Tues|day /tjuː zde I , -di, [AM ] tuː z-/ (Tuesdays ) N‑VAR Tuesday is the day after Monday and before Wednesday. □� He phoned on Tuesday, just before you came. □� On Tuesdays and Saturdays the market comes to town. □� They left Zeebrugge on Tuesday evening.

tuft /tʌ ft/ (tufts ) N‑COUNT A tuftof something such as hair or grass is a small amount of it which is growing together in one place or is held together at the bottom. □�[+�of ] He had a small tuft of hair on his chin.

tuft|ed /tʌ ft I d/ ADJ Something that is tufted has a tuft or tufts on it.

tug /tʌ g/ (tugs , tugging , tugged )

1 VERB If you tug something or tugat it, you give it a quick and usually strong pull. □�[V +�at ] A little boy came running up and tugged at his sleeve excitedly. □�[V n] She kicked him, tugging his thick hair. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Tug is also a noun. □�[+�at ] I felt a tug at my sleeve.

2 N‑COUNT A tug or a tug boat is a small powerful boat which pulls large ships, usually when they come into a port.

tu g-of-lo ve N‑SING [usu N n] Journalists sometimes use tug-of-love to refer to a situation in which the parents of a child are divorced and one of the parents tries to get the child from the other, for example by taking him or her illegally. [BRIT ] □� A mother yesterday won a tug-of-love battle for custody of her twin daughters.

tu g-of-wa r (tugs-of-war ) also tug of war

1 N‑VAR A tug-of-war is a sports event in which two teams test their strength by pulling against each other on opposite ends of a rope.

2 N‑VAR You can use tug-of-war to refer to a situation in which two people or groups both want the same thing and are fairly equally matched in their struggle to get it. □� The team's No 8 was at the centre of a tug-of-war for his services between England and Wales.

tui|tion /tju I ʃ ə n, [AM ] tu-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you are given tuition in a particular subject, you are taught about that subject. □�[+�in ] The courses will give the beginner personal tuition in all types of outdoor photography.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use tuition to refer to the amount of money that you have to pay for being taught particular subjects, especially in a university, college, or private school. □� Angela's tuition at University this year will be paid for with scholarships.

tu|lip /tjuː l I p, [AM ] tuː -/ (tulips ) N‑COUNT Tulips are brightly coloured flowers that grow in the spring, and have oval or pointed petals packed closely together. WORD HISTORY tulip

Tulip comes from Turkish tulbend , meaning 'turban', because of the shape of the flowers.

tulle /tjuː l, [AM ] tuː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Tulle is a soft nylon or silk cloth similar to net, that is used for making evening dresses.

tum /tʌ m/ (tums ) N‑COUNT Your tum is your stomach. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

tum|ble /tʌ mb ə l/ (tumbles , tumbling , tumbled )

1 VERB If someone or something tumbles somewhere, they fall there with a rolling or bouncing movement. □�[V prep/adv] A small boy tumbled off a third floor fire escape. □�[V prep/adv] He fell to the ground, and the gun tumbled out of his hand. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Tumble is also a noun. □�[+�from ] He injured his ribs in a tumble from his horse.

2 VERB If prices or levels of something are tumbling , they are decreasing rapidly. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�by/from/to ] House prices have tumbled by almost 30 per cent in real terms since mid-1989. □�[V ] Share prices continued to tumble today on the stock market. □�[V -ing] �tumbling inflation. [Also V amount] ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Tumble is also a noun. □� Oil prices took a tumble yesterday.

3 VERB If water tumbles , it flows quickly over an uneven surface. □�[V prep] Waterfalls crash and tumble over rocks. □�[V -ing] �the aromatic pines and tumbling streams of the Zonba Plateau. [Also V ]

4 VERB If you say that someone tumblesinto a situation or place, you mean that they get into it without being fully in control of themselves or knowing what they are doing. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V +�into ] The whole region seemed to be tumbling into crisis.

5 →�see also rough and tumble

▸� tumble down PHRASAL VERB If a building tumbles down , it collapses or parts of it fall off, usually because it is old and no-one has taken care of it. □�[V P ] The outer walls looked likely to tumble down in a stiff wind.

tumble|down /tʌ mb ə ldaʊn/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tumbledown building is in such a bad condition that it is partly falling down or has holes in it.

tu m|ble dry |er (tumble dryers ) also tumble drier N‑COUNT A tumble dryer is an electric machine which dries washing by turning it over and over and blowing warm air onto it. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use dryer

tum|bler /tʌ mblə r / (tumblers ) N‑COUNT A tumbler is a drinking glass with straight sides.

tumble|weed /tʌ mb ə lwiːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Tumbleweed is a plant that grows in desert areas in North America. It breaks off from its roots at the end of its life and then blows around on the ground. [AM ]

tum|my /tʌ mi/ (tummies )

1 N‑COUNT Your tummy is the part of the front of your body below your waist. Tummy is often used by children or by adults talking to children. □� Your baby's tummy should feel warm, but not hot.

2 N‑COUNT You can use tummy to refer to the parts inside your body where food is digested. Tummy is often used by children or by adults talking to children. □� It's easy to get a tummy upset from river water.

tu|mour /tjuː mə r , [AM ] tuː -/ (tumours ) in AM, use tumor N‑COUNT A tumour is a mass of diseased or abnormal cells that has grown in a person's or animal's body.

tu|mult /tjuː mʌlt, [AM ] tuː -/

1 N‑SING A tumult is a state of great confusion or excitement. □�[+�of ] A tumult of feelings inside her fought for supremacy. □� �the recent tumult in global financial markets.

2 N‑SING A tumult is a lot of noise made by a crowd of people. □�[+�of ] Round one ends, to a tumult of whistles, screams and shouts.

tu|mul|tu|ous /tjuːmʌ ltʃuəs, [AM ] tuː-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tumultuous event or period of time involves many exciting and confusing events or feelings. □� �the tumultuous changes in the war-torn region. □� Shares were 1 per cent down after another tumultuous day at the bank.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tumultuous reaction to something is very noisy, because the people involved are very happy or excited. □� Delegates greeted the news with tumultuous applause.

tuna /tjuː nə, [AM ] tuː nə/ (tuna or tunas ) N‑VAR Tuna or tuna fish are large fish that live in warm seas and are caught for food. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Tuna or tuna fish is this fish eaten as food. □� She began opening a tin of tuna.

tun|dra /tʌ ndrə/ (tundras ) N‑VAR Tundra is one of the large flat areas of land in the north of Europe, Asia, and America. The ground below the top layer of soil is always frozen and no trees grow there.

tune ◆◇◇ /tjuː n, [AM ] tuː n/ (tunes , tuning , tuned )

1 N‑COUNT A tune is a series of musical notes that is pleasant and easy to remember. □� She was humming a merry little tune.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a song or a short piece of music as a tune . □� She'll also be playing your favourite pop tunes.

3 VERB When someone tunes a musical instrument, they adjust it so that it produces the right notes. □�[V n] 'We do tune our guitars before we go on,' he insisted. ●�PHRASAL VERB Tune up means the same as tune . □�[V P n] Others were quietly tuning up their instruments.

4 VERB [usu passive] When an engine or machine is tuned , it is adjusted so that it works well. □�[be V -ed] Drivers are urged to make sure that car engines are properly tuned. ●�PHRASAL VERB Tune up means the same as tune . □�[V P n] How much do they charge to tune up a Porsche?

5 VERB [usu passive] If your radio or television is tunedto a particular broadcasting station, you are listening to or watching the programmes being broadcast by that station. □�[be V -ed +�to ] A small television was tuned to an afternoon soap opera.

6 →�see also fine-tune , signature tune , tuning fork

7 PHRASE If you say that a person or organization is calling the tune , you mean that they are in a position of power or control in a particular situation. □� Who would then be calling the tune in Parliament?

8 PHRASE If you say that someone has changed their tune , you are criticizing them because they have changed their opinion or way of doing things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� You've changed your tune since this morning, haven't you?

9 PHRASE If you say that someone is dancing to someone else's tune , you mean that they are allowing themselves to be controlled by the other person. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Supermarkets buy meat at the lowest price and farmers have been forced to dance to their tune.

10 PHRASE A person or musical instrument that is in tune produces exactly the right notes. A person or musical instrument that is out of tune does not produce exactly the right notes. □� It was just an ordinary voice, but he sang in tune. □� Many of the notes are out of tune.

11 PHRASE If you are in tune with a group of people, you are in agreement or sympathy with them. If you are out of tune with them, you are not in agreement or sympathy with them. □� Today, his change of direction seems more in tune with the times. □� The peace campaigners were probably out of tune with most Britons.

12 PHRASE To the tune of a particular amount of money means to the extent of that amount. □� The company was in debt to the tune of �3 million.

13he who pays the piper calls the tune →�see piper

▸� tune in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you tune in to a particular television or radio station or programme, you watch or listen to it. □�[V P +�to ] More than six million youngsters tune in to the show every day. □�[V P ] The idea that people plan their radio listening is nonsense; most tune in impulsively.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you tune into something such as your own or other people's feelings, you become aware of them. □�[V P +�to ] You can start now to tune in to your own physical, social and spiritual needs.

3 →�see also tuned in

▸� tune up

1 PHRASAL VERB When a group of musicians tune up , they adjust their instruments so that they produce the right notes. □�[V P ] I could hear the sound of a band tuning up.

2 →�see also tune3 , tune4

tu ned i n ADJ If someone is tuned into something, they are aware of it and concentrating on it. □�[+�to ] He's just not tuned in to the child's feelings.

tune|ful /tjuː nfʊl, [AM ] tuː n-/ ADJ A piece of music that is tuneful has a pleasant tune.

tune|less /tjuː nləs, [AM ] tuː n-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tuneless music and voices do not sound pleasant. □� Someone walked by, singing a tuneless song. ●� tune|less|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� My dad whistled tunelessly through his teeth.

tun|er /tjuː nə r , [AM ] tuː n-/ (tuners ) N‑COUNT The tuner in a radio or television set is the part which you adjust to receive different radio or television signals, so that you can watch or listen to the programme that you want.

tung|sten /tʌ ŋstən/ N‑UNCOUNT Tungsten is a greyish-white metal.

tu|nic /tjuː n I k, [AM ] tuː -/ (tunics ) N‑COUNT A tunic is a sleeveless garment that is worn on the top part of your body.

tu n|ing fork (tuning forks ) N‑COUNT A tuning fork is a small steel instrument which is used to tune instruments by striking it against something to produce a note of fixed musical pitch.

Tu|ni|sian /tjuːn I ziən, [AM ] tuːn-/ (Tunisians )

1 ADJ Tunisian means belonging to or relating to Tunisia, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Tunisian is a person who comes from Tunisia.

tun|nel ◆◇◇ /tʌ n ə l/ (tunnels , tunnelling , tunnelled ) in AM, use tunneling , tunneled1 N‑COUNT A tunnel is a long passage which has been made under the ground, usually through a hill or under the sea. □�[+�through ] �two new railway tunnels through the Alps.

2 VERB To tunnel somewhere means to make a tunnel there. □�[V prep/adv] The rebels tunnelled out of a maximum security jail. [Also V ]

3 →�see also wind tunnel

tu n|nel vi |sion

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you suffer from tunnel vision , you are unable to see things that are not straight in front of you.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has tunnel vision , you disapprove of them because they are concentrating completely on achieving a particular aim, and do not notice or consider all the different aspects of what they are doing. [DISAPPROVAL ]

tup|pence /tʌ pəns/ N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, tuppence was two old pence. [INFORMAL ]

Tup|per|ware /tʌ pə r weə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Tupperware is a range of plastic containers with tight-fitting lids that are used for storing food. [TRADEMARK ] □� �a Tupperware box.

tur|ban /tɜː r bən/ (turbans ) N‑COUNT A turban is a long piece of cloth that is wound round the head. It is worn by Sikh men and by some Hindu and Muslim men.

tur|bine /tɜː r ba I n, [AM ] -b I n/ (turbines ) N‑COUNT A turbine is a machine or engine which uses a stream of air, gas, water, or steam to turn a wheel and produce power.

turbo /tɜː r boʊ/ (turbos ) N‑COUNT A turbo is a fan in the engine of a car or plane that improves its performance by using exhaust gases to blow fuel vapour into the engine.

tu rbo-charged also turbocharged ADJ [usu ADJ n] A turbo-charged engine or vehicle is fitted with a turbo.

tur|bo|prop /tɜː r boʊprɒp/ (turboprops ) also turbo-prop

1 N‑COUNT A turboprop is a turbine engine that makes an aircraft propeller go round.

2 N‑COUNT A turboprop is an aircraft with one or more turboprops.

tur|bot /tɜː r bət/ (turbot ) N‑VAR Turbot are a type of edible flat fish that live in European seas. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Turbot is this fish eaten as food.

tur|bu|lence /tɜː r bjʊləns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Turbulence is a state of confusion and disorganized change. □� The 1960s and early 1970s were a time of change and turbulence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Turbulence is violent and uneven movement within a particular area of air, liquid, or gas. □� His plane encountered severe turbulence and winds of nearly two-hundred miles an hour.

tur|bu|lent /tɜː r bjʊlənt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A turbulent time, place, or relationship is one in which there is a lot of change, confusion, and disorder. □� They had been together for five or six turbulent years of rows and reconciliations.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Turbulent water or air contains strong currents which change direction suddenly. □� I had to have a boat that could handle turbulent seas.

turd /tɜː r d/ (turds ) N‑COUNT A turd is a lump of faeces. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

tu|reen /tjʊəriː n, [AM ] tʊr-/ (tureens ) N‑COUNT A tureen is a large bowl with a lid from which you can serve soup or vegetables.

turf /tɜː r f/ (turfs , turfing , turfed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Turf is short, thick, even grass. □� They shuffled slowly down the turf towards the cliff's edge.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's turf is the area which is most familiar to them or where they feel most confident. □� Their turf was Paris: its streets, theaters, homes, and parks.

▸� turf out PHRASAL VERB If someone is turfed out of a place or position, they are forced to leave. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[be V -ed P ] We hear stories of people being turfed out and ending up on the streets. □�[be V -ed P +�of ] The party was turfed out of office after 15 years. □�[V P n] �the right wing landslide which has turfed out the government. [Also V n P ]

tu rf war (turf wars ) or turf battle

1 N‑COUNT A turf war is a struggle between criminals or gangs over who controls a particular area. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □�[+�between ] The estate is at the centre of a bitter turf war between rival gangs. [Also +�over ]

2 N‑COUNT A turf war is a struggle between people over who controls a particular activity. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □�[+�between ] Both sides say this is more than just a turf war between big and small banks. [Also +�over ]

tur|gid /tɜː r dʒ I d/ ADJ If you describe something such as a piece of writing or a film as turgid , you think it is boring and difficult to understand. □� He used to make extremely dull, turgid and frankly boring speeches.

Turk /tɜː r k/ (Turks ) N‑COUNT A Turk is a person who comes from Turkey.

tur|key /tɜː r ki/ (turkeys )

1 N‑COUNT A turkey is a large bird that is kept on a farm for its meat. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Turkey is the flesh of this bird eaten as food. □� It's a proper Christmas dinner, with turkey and bread sauce.

2 →�see also cold turkey

Turk|ish /tɜː r k I ʃ/

1 ADJ Turkish means belonging or relating to Turkey, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Turkish is the main language spoken in Turkey.

Tu rk|ish ba th (Turkish baths )

1 N‑COUNT A Turkish bath is a type of bath in which you sit in a very hot steamy room, then wash, have a massage, and finally swim or shower in very cold water.

2 N‑COUNT A Turkish bath is a place where you can have a Turkish bath.

Tu rk|ish de|li ght (Turkish delights ) N‑VAR Turkish delight is a jelly-like sweet that is covered with powdered sugar or chocolate.

tur|mer|ic /tɜː r mər I k/ N‑UNCOUNT Turmeric is a yellow spice that is used to flavour food such as curry.

tur|moil /tɜː r mɔ I l/ (turmoils ) N‑VAR [oft in N ] Turmoil is a state of confusion, disorder, uncertainty, or great anxiety. □�[+�of ] �the political turmoil of 1989. □� Her life was in turmoil.

turn ◆◆◆ /tɜː r n/ (turns , turning , turned ) Turn is used in a large number of other expressions which are explained under other words in the dictionary. For example, the expression 'turn over a new leaf' is explained at leaf . 1 VERB When you turn or when you turn part of your body, you move your body or part of your body so that it is facing in a different or opposite direction. □�[V ] He turned abruptly and walked away. □�[V prep/adv] He sighed, turning away and surveying the sea. □�[V n adv/prep] He turned his head left and right. [Also V n] ●�PHRASAL VERB Turn around or turn round means the same as turn . □�[V P ] I felt a tapping on my shoulder and I turned around. □�[V n P ] Turn your upper body round so that your shoulders are facing to the side.

2 VERB When you turn something, you move it so that it is facing in a different or opposite direction, or is in a very different position. □�[V n prep/adv] They turned their telescopes towards other nearby galaxies. □�[V n to-inf] She had turned the bedside chair to face the door. □�[V -ed] The lid, turned upside down, served as a coffee table.

3 VERB When something such as a wheel turns , or when you turn it, it continually moves around in a particular direction. □�[V ] As the wheel turned, the potter shaped the clay. □�[V n] The engine turned a propeller.

4 VERB When you turn something such as a key, knob, or switch, or when it turns , you hold it and twist your hand, in order to open something or make it start working. □�[V n] Turn a special key, press the brake pedal, and your car's brakes lock. □�[V n prep/adv] Turn the heat to very low and cook for 20 minutes. □�[V ] I tried the doorknob and it turned.

5 VERB When you turn in a particular direction or turn a corner, you change the direction in which you are moving or travelling. □�[V prep/adv] Now turn right to follow West Ferry Road. □�[V n] The man with the umbrella turned the corner again. ●�N‑COUNT Turn is also a noun. □� You can't do a right-hand turn here.

6 VERB The point where a road, path, or river turns , is the point where it has a bend or curve in it. □�[V prep/adv] �the corner where Tenterfield Road turned into the main road. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Turn is also a noun. □�[+�in ] �a sharp turn in the road.

7 VERB When the tide turns , it starts coming in or going out. □�[V ] There was not much time before the tide turned.

8 VERB When you turn a page of a book or magazine, you move it so that is flat against the previous page, and you can read the next page. □�[V n] He turned the pages of a file in front of him.

9 VERB If you turn a weapon or an aggressive feeling on someone, you point it at them or direct it at them. □�[V n +�on ] He tried to turn the gun on me. □�[V n +�on ] The crowd than turned their anger on the Prime Minister.

10 VERB If you turn to a particular page in a book or magazine, you open it at that page. □�[V +�to ] To order, turn to page 236.

11 VERB If you turn your attention or thoughts to a particular subject or if you turn to it, you start thinking about it or discussing it. □�[V n +�to ] We turned our attention to the practical matters relating to forming a company. □�[V +�to ] We turn now to the British news.

12 VERB If you turn to someone, you ask for their help or advice. □�[V +�to ] For assistance, they turned to one of the city's most innovative museums.

13 VERB If you turnto a particular activity, job, or way of doing something, you start doing or using it. □�[V +�to/from ] These communities are now turning to recycling in large numbers.

14 VERB To turn or be turnedinto something means to become that thing. □�[V +�into/to ] A prince turns into a frog in this cartoon fairytale. □�[V n +�into ] �an ambitious programme to turn the country into a functioning democracy. [Also V n +�to ]

15 V‑LINK You can use turn before an adjective to indicate that something or someone changes by acquiring the quality described by the adjective. □�[V adj] If the bailiff thinks that things could turn nasty, he will enlist the help of the police.

16 V‑LINK If something turns a particular colour or if something turns it a particular colour, it becomes that colour. □�[V colour] The sea would turn pale pink and the sky blood red. □�[V n colour] Her contact lenses turned her eyes green.

17 V‑LINK You can use turn to indicate that there is a change to a particular kind of weather. For example, if it turns cold, the weather starts being cold. □�[V adj] If it turns cold, cover plants.

18 N‑COUNT If a situation or trend takes a particular kind of turn , it changes so that it starts developing in a different or opposite way. □� The scandal took a new turn over the weekend. [Also +�in ]

19 VERB [no passive] If a business turns a profit, it earns more money than it spends. [AM , BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The firm will be able to service debt and still turn a modest profit. in BRIT, use make , return20 VERB When someone turns a particular age, they pass that age. When it turns a particular time, it passes that time. □�[V n] It was his ambition to accumulate a million dollars before he turned thirty.

21 N‑SING Turn is used in expressions such as the turn of the century and the turn of the year to refer to a period of time when one century or year is ending and the next one is beginning. □�[+�of ] They fled to South America around the turn of the century.

22 VERB When someone turns a wooden or metal object that they are making, they shape it using a special tool. □�[V n] �the joys of making a living from turning wood.

23 N‑COUNT [usu with poss, oft N to-inf, N -ing] If it is your turnto do something, you now have the duty, chance, or right to do it, when other people have done it before you or will do it after you. □� Tonight it's my turn to cook. □�[+�at ] Let each child have a turn at fishing.

24 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is having a turn , you mean they feel suddenly very unwell for a short period of time. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

25 →�see also turning

26 PHRASE You can use by turns to indicate that someone has two particular emotions or qualities, one after the other. □� His tone was by turns angry and aggrieved.

27 PHRASE If there is a particular turn of events , a particular series of things happen. □� They were horrified at this unexpected turn of events.

28 PHRASE If you say that something happens at every turn , you are emphasizing that it happens frequently or all the time, usually so that it prevents you from achieving what you want. [EMPHASIS ] □� Its operations were hampered at every turn by inadequate numbers of trained staff.

29 PHRASE If you do someone a good turn , you do something that helps or benefits them. □� He did you a good turn by resigning.

30 PHRASE If someone turns a place inside out or upside down , they search it very thoroughly and usually make it very untidy. □� They hadn't found a scrap of evidence though they had turned his flat inside out.

31 PHRASE If something such as a system or way of life is turned inside out or upside down , it is changed completely, making people confused or upset. □� He felt too shocked to move. His world had been turned upside down.

32 PHRASE You use in turn to refer to actions or events that are in a sequence one after the other, for example because one causes the other. □� One of the team members leaked the story to a colleague who, in turn, told a reporter.

33 PHRASE If each person in a group does something in turn , they do it one after the other in a fixed or agreed order. □� There were cheers for each of the women as they spoke in turn.

34 PHRASE If you speak out of turn or talk out of turn , you say something that you do not have the right or authority to say. □� I hope I haven't spoken out of turn.

35 PHRASE If two or more people take turnsto do something, or in British English take it in turnsto do something, they do it one after the other several times, rather than doing it together. □� We took turns to drive the car.

36 PHRASE If a situation takes a turn for the worse , it suddenly becomes worse. If a situation takes a turn for the better , it suddenly becomes better. □� Her condition took a sharp turn for the worse.

▸� turn against PHRASAL VERB If you turn against someone or something, or if you are turned against them, you stop supporting them, trusting them, or liking them. □�[V P n] A kid I used to be friends with turned against me after being told that I'd been insulting him. □�[V n P n] Working with the police has turned me against the use of violent scenes as entertainment.

▸� turn around or turn round

1 →�see turn1

2 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something around , or if it turns around , it is moved so that it faces the opposite direction. □�[V n P ] Bud turned the truck around, and started back for Dalton Pond. □�[V P n] He had reached over to turn round a bottle of champagne so that the label didn't show. □�[V P ] There was enough room for a wheelchair to get in but not to turn round.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a business or economy turns around , or if someone turns it around , it becomes successful, after being unsuccessful for a period of time. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n P ] Turning the company around won't be easy. □�[V P n] In his long career at BP, Horton turned around two entire divisions. □�[V P ] If the economy turned round the government's authority would quickly increase.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you turn around a question, sentence, or idea, you change the way in which it is expressed, in order to consider it differently. □�[V n P ] What's the point of history? Let's turn the question around: imagine a world with the history written out. □�[V P n] It's an example of how you can turn around the sentence and create a whole new meaning.

5 →�see also turnaround

6 PHRASE If you say that someone turns around and says something, you are indicating that they say it unexpectedly or angrily, especially in order to criticize another person or to defend themselves. [INFORMAL ] □� I feel that if I say how tired I get, David will turn around and say, 'I told you so'.

▸� turn away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you turn someone away , you do not allow them to enter your country, home, or other place. □�[V n P ] Turning refugees away would be an inhumane action. □�[V P n] Hard times are forcing community colleges to turn away students.

2 PHRASAL VERB To turn awayfrom something such as a method or an idea means to stop using it or to become different from it. □�[V P +�from ] Japanese corporations have been turning away from production into finance.

▸� turn back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you turn back or if someone turns you back when you are going somewhere, you change direction and go towards where you started from. □�[V P prep/adv] She turned back towards the crossroads. □�[V P ] They were very nearly forced to turn back. □�[V P n] Police attempted to turn back protesters marching towards parliament. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you cannotturn back , you cannot change your plans and decide not to do something, because the action you have already taken makes it impossible. □�[V P ] The administration has now endorsed the bill and can't turn back.

▸� turn down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you turn down a person or their request or offer, you refuse their request or offer. □�[V n P ] Before this I'd have smiled and turned her down. □�[V P n] Would you turn down $7,000,000 to appear nude in a magazine?

2 PHRASAL VERB When you turn down a radio, heater, or other piece of equipment, you reduce the amount of sound or heat being produced, by adjusting the controls. □�[V n P ] He kept turning the central heating down. □�[V P n] She could not bear the relentless music and turned down the volume.

▸� turn in

1 PHRASAL VERB When you turn in , you go to bed. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] Would you like some tea before you turn in?

2 PHRASAL VERB If you turn someone in , you take them to the police or tell the police where they are because they are suspected of committing a crime. If you turn yourself in , you go to the police because you have been involved in a crime. □�[V n P +�to ] He has been given until noon today to turn himself in to the authorities. □�[V n P ] There would be strong incentives to turn someone in. □�[V P n] I might today hesitate to turn in a burglar.

3 PHRASAL VERB When you turn in a completed piece of work, especially written work, you give it to the person who asked you to do it. □�[V P n] Now we wait for them to turn in their essays. □�[V n P ] I want everybody to turn a report in.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something in , you return it to the place or person you borrowed it from. [mainly AM ] □�[V P n] I went back to the station-house to turn in my badge and gun. [Also V n P ]

▸� turn off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you turn off the road or path you are going along, you start going along a different road or path which leads away from it. □�[V P n] The truck turned off the main road along the gravelly track which led to the farm. □�[V P ] He turned off only to find he was trapped in a town square with no easy exit.

2 →�see also turn-off

3 PHRASAL VERB When you turn off a piece of equipment or a supply of something, you stop heat, sound, or water being produced by adjusting the controls. □�[V n P ] The light's a bit too harsh. You can turn it off. □�[V P n] I have to get up and turn off the radio.

4 PHRASAL VERB If something turns you off a particular subject or activity, it makes you have no interest in it. □�[V n P n] What turns teenagers off science and technology? □�[V n P ] Teaching off a blackboard is boring, and undoubtedly turns people off. [Also V P n]

5 PHRASAL VERB If something or someone turns you off , you do not find them sexually attractive or they stop you feeling sexually excited. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] Aggressive men turn me off completely. [Also V P n]

6 →�see also turn-off

▸� turn on

1 PHRASAL VERB When you turn on a piece of equipment or a supply of something, you cause heat, sound, or water to be produced by adjusting the controls. □�[V P n] I want to turn on the television. □�[V n P ] She asked them why they hadn't turned the lights on.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something turns you on , they attract you and make you feel sexually excited. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] The body that turns men on doesn't have to be perfect. [Also V P n (not pron)]

3 →�see also turn-on

4 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone turns on a particular way of behaving, you mean that they suddenly start behaving in that way, and you are often also suggesting that this is insincere. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] He could also turn on the style when the occasion demanded. [Also V n P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB If someone turns on you, they attack you or speak angrily to you. □�[V P n] Demonstrators turned on police, overturning vehicles and setting fire to them.

6 PHRASAL VERB If something turns on a particular thing, its success or truth depends on that thing. □�[V P n] The plot turns on an encounter with a boyhood friend.

▸� turn out

1 PHRASAL VERB If something turns out a particular way, it happens in that way or has the result or degree of success indicated. □�[V P prep] If I had known my life was going to turn out like this, I would have let them kill me. □�[V P n] Sometimes things don't turn out the way we think they're going to. □�[V P adj] I was positive things were going to turn out fine.

2 PHRASAL VERB When you are commenting on pleasant weather, you can say that is has turned out nice or fine, especially if this is unexpected. [BRIT , SPOKEN ] □�[V P adj] It's turned out nice again.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something turns outto be a particular thing, it is discovered to be that thing. □�[V P to-inf] Cosgrave's forecast turned out to be quite wrong. □�[V -ed P that] It turned out that I knew the person who got shot.

4 PHRASAL VERB When you turn out something such as a light or gas, you move the switch or knob that controls it so that it stops giving out light or heat. □�[V n P ] I'll just play until the janitor comes round to turn the lights out. [Also V P n]

5 PHRASAL VERB If a business or other organization turns out something, it produces it. □�[V P n] They have been turning out great blades for 400 years. [Also V n P ]

6 PHRASAL VERB If you turn someone outof a place, especially the place where they have been living, you force them to leave that place. □�[V n P +�of/from ] Surely nobody would suggest turning him out of the house. □�[V n P ] It was previously a small monastery but the authorities turned all the monks out. [Also V P n]

7 PHRASAL VERB If you turn out the contents of a container, you empty it by removing them or letting them fall out. □�[V P n] Turn out the dough on to a floured surface. □�[V n P +�of/from ] Turn the plants out of their pots. [Also V n P ]

8 PHRASAL VERB If people turn outfor a particular event or activity, they go and take part in it or watch it. □�[V P +�for ] Thousands of people turned out for the funeral. □�[V P ] It was no wonder the fans turned out. The matches yielded 259 goals.

9 →�see also turned out , turnout

▸� turn over

1 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something over , or if it turns over , it is moved so that the top part is now facing downwards. □�[V n P ] Liz picked up the blue envelope and turned it over curiously. □�[V P n] She sat down and turned over the test paper □�[V P ] The buggy turned over and Nancy was thrown out.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you turn over , for example when you are lying in bed, you move your body so that you are lying in a different position. □�[V P ] Ann turned over in her bed once more.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something overin your mind, you think carefully about it. □�[V n P +�in ] Even when she didn't say anything you could see her turning things over in her mind.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something overto someone, you give it to them when they ask for it, because they have a right to it. □�[V n P +�to ] I would, indeed, turn the evidence over to the police. □�[V P n] The lawyer turned over the release papers. [Also V n P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you turn over a job or responsibility that you have, you give it to someone else, so that you no longer have it. □�[V P n +�to ] The King may turn over some of his official posts to his son. [Also V n P ]

6 PHRASAL VERB If you turn over when you are watching television, you change to another channel. □�[V P ] Whenever he's on TV, I turn over.

7 →�see also turnover

▸� turn over to PHRASAL VERB If you turn something over to a different function or use, you change its function or use. □�[V n P P n] When he first leased the land in the late 1970s, he planned to turn it over to cereal production.

▸� turn round →�see turn around

▸� turn up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone or something turns up , you mean that they arrive, often unexpectedly or after you have been waiting a long time. □�[V P ] Richard had turned up on Christmas Eve with Tony.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something up or if it turns up , you find, discover, or notice it. □�[V P n] Investigations have never turned up any evidence. □�[V P ] �a very rare 15th-century spoon, which turned up in an old house in Devon. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB When you turn up a radio, heater, or other piece of equipment, you increase the amount of sound, heat, or power being produced, by adjusting the controls. □�[V P n] Bill would turn up the TV in the other room. □�[V n P ] I turned the volume up. □�[V n P adj] Turn the heat up high.

turn|about /tɜː r nəbaʊt/ N‑SING A turnabout is a complete change in opinion, attitude, or method. □�[+�in ] As her confidence grows you may well see a considerable turnabout in her attitude.

turn|around /tɜː r nəraʊnd/ (turnarounds )

1 N‑COUNT A turnaround is a complete change in opinion, attitude, or method. □�[+�in ] I have personally never done such a complete turnaround in my opinion of a person.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A turnaround is a sudden improvement, especially in the success of a business or a country's economy. □�[+�in ] The deal marks a turnaround in the company's fortunes.

3 N‑VAR The turnaround or turnaround time of a task, for example the unloading of an aircraft or ship, is the amount of time that it takes. □� It is possible to produce a result within 34 hours but the standard turnaround is 12 days. □� The agency should reduce turnaround time by 11 per cent.

turn|coat /tɜː r nkoʊt/ (turncoats ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a turncoat , you think they are disloyal or deceitful, because they have left their party or organization and joined an opposing one. [DISAPPROVAL ]

tu rned ou t ◆◇◇ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you are well turned out or smartly turned out , you are dressed smartly. □� �a well-turned-out young chap in a black suit.

turn|ing /tɜː r n I ŋ/ (turnings )

1 N‑COUNT If you take a particular turning , you go along a road which leads away from the side of another road. □� Take the next turning on the right.

2 →�see also turn

tu rn|ing point (turning points ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A turning point is a time at which an important change takes place which affects the future of a person or thing. □�[+�in/for ] The vote yesterday appears to mark something of a turning point in the war.

tur|nip /tɜː r n I p/ (turnips ) N‑VAR A turnip is a round vegetable with a greenish-white skin that is the root of a crop.

tu rn-off (turn-offs )

1 N‑COUNT A turn-off is a road leading away from a major road or a motorway.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a turn-off causes you to lose interest or sexual excitement. [INFORMAL ]

tu rn-on (turn-ons ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something or someone that is a turn-on is sexually exciting. [INFORMAL ]

turn|out /tɜː r naʊt/ (turnouts ) also turn-out

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The turnout at an event is the number of people who go to it or take part in it. □� On the big night there was a massive turnout.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The turnout in an election is the number of people who vote in it, as a proportion of the number of people who have the right to vote in it. □�[+�of ] Election officials said the turnout of voters was low. □� A high turnout was reported at the polling booths.

turn|over /tɜː r noʊvə r / (turnovers )

1 N‑VAR The turnover of a company is the value of the goods or services sold during a particular period of time. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�of ] The company had a turnover of �3.8 million.

2 N‑VAR The turnover of people in an organization or place is the rate at which people leave and are replaced. [BUSINESS ] □� Short-term contracts increase staff turnover. [Also +�of ]

turn|pike /tɜː r npa I k/ (turnpikes ) N‑COUNT A turnpike is a road, especially an expressway, which people have to pay to drive on. [mainly AM ]

turn|round /tɜː r nraʊnd/ N‑SING A turnround is the same as a turnaround .

tu rn sig|nal (turn signals ) N‑COUNT A car's turn signals are the flashing lights that tell you it is going to turn left or right. [AM ] in BRIT, use indicators

turn|stile /tɜː r nsta I l/ (turnstiles ) N‑COUNT A turnstile is a mechanical barrier at the entrance to a place such as a museum or a football ground. Turnstiles have metal arms that you push round as you go through them and enter the building or area.

turn|table /tɜː r nte I b ə l/ (turntables ) N‑COUNT A turntable is the flat, round part of a record player on which a record is put when it is played.

tu rn-up (turn-ups ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The turn-ups on a pair of trousers are the parts which are folded over at the ends of the legs. [BRIT ] in AM, use cuffs

tur|pen|tine /tɜː r pənta I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Turpentine is a colourless liquid used, for example, for cleaning paint off brushes.

tur|pi|tude /tɜː r p I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Turpitude is very immoral behaviour. [FORMAL ]

tur|quoise /tɜː r kwɔ I z/ (turquoises ) COLOUR Turquoise or turquoise blue is used to describe things that are of a light greenish-blue colour. □� �a clear turquoise sea.

tur|ret /tʌ r I t, [AM ] tɜː r-/ (turrets )

1 N‑COUNT A turret is a small narrow tower on top of a building or a larger tower.

2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] The turret on a tank or warship is the part where the guns are fixed, which can be turned in any direction.

tur|tle /tɜː r t ə l/ (turtles )

1 N‑COUNT A turtle is a large reptile which has a thick shell covering its body and which lives in the sea most of the time. [BRIT ] in AM, use sea turtle2 N‑COUNT A turtle is any reptile that has a thick shell around its body, for example a tortoise or terrapin. [AM ]

turtle|neck /tɜː r t ə lnek/ (turtlenecks )

1 N‑COUNT A turtleneck or turtleneck sweater is a sweater with a short round collar that fits closely around your neck. [BRIT ] in AM, use mock turtleneck2 N‑COUNT A turtleneck or turtleneck sweater is a sweater with a high neck which folds over. [AM ] in BRIT, use polo neck

tusk /tʌ sk/ (tusks ) N‑COUNT The tusks of an elephant, wild boar, or walrus are its two very long, curved, pointed teeth.

tus|sle /tʌ s ə l/ (tussles , tussling , tussled )

1 VERB If one person tussleswith another, or if they tussle , they get hold of each other and struggle or fight. □�[V +�with ] They ended up ripping down perimeter fencing and tussling with the security staff. □�[V +�over ] He grabbed my microphone and we tussled over that. □�[V ] James and Elliott tussled. ●�N‑COUNT Tussle is also a noun. □�[+�with ] The referee booked him for a tussle with the goalie.

2 VERB If one person tussleswith another for something, or if they tussle for it, they try to beat each other in order to get it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V with ] The two athletes tussled with each other for fourth place. □�[V +�for/over ] Officials tussled over who had responsibility for the newly fashionable unemployment agenda. ●�N‑COUNT Tussle is also a noun. □�[+�over ] �a legal tussle over who gets custody of the children.

3 VERB If someone tussles with a difficult problem or issue, they try hard to solve it. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�with ] He is tussling with the problem of what to do about inflation.

tus|sock /tʌ sək/ (tussocks ) N‑COUNT A tussock is a small piece of grass which is much longer and thicker than the grass around it.

tut /tʌ t/ (tuts , tutting , tutted )

1Tut is used in writing to represent the sound that you make with your tongue touching the top of your mouth when you want to indicate disapproval, annoyance, or sympathy.

2 VERB If you tut , you make a sound with your tongue touching the top of your mouth when you want to indicate disapproval, annoyance, or sympathy. □�[V ] He tutted and shook his head.

tu|telage /tjuː t I l I dʒ, [AM ] tuː t-/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu under N ] If one person, group, or country does something under the tutelage of another, they do it while they are being taught or guided by them. [FORMAL ]

tu|tor /tjuː tə r , [AM ] tuː t-/ (tutors , tutoring , tutored )

1 N‑COUNT A tutor is a teacher at a British university or college. In some American universities or colleges, a tutor is a teacher of the lowest rank. □�[+�in ] He is course tutor in archaeology at the University of Southampton.

2 N‑COUNT A tutor is someone who gives private lessons to one pupil or a very small group of pupils.

3 VERB If someone tutors a person or a subject, they teach that person or subject. □�[V n +�in ] The old man was tutoring her in the stringed instruments. □�[V n] �at the college where I tutored a two-day Introduction to Chairmaking course. □�[V +�in ] I tutored in economics. [Also V ]

tu|to|rial /tjuːtɔː riəl, [AM ] tuː t-/ (tutorials )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] In a university or college, a tutorial is a regular meeting between a tutor and one or several students, for discussion of a subject that is being studied. □� �teaching in small tutorial groups.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Tutorial means relating to a tutor or tutors, especially one at a university or college. □� �the tutorial staff.

tu t-tu t (tut-tuts , tut-tutting , tut-tutted ) also tut tut

1 CONVENTION Tut-tut is used in writing to represent the sound that you make with your tongue touching the top of your mouth when you want to indicate disapproval, annoyance, or sympathy. [FEELINGS ]

2 VERB If you tut-tutabout something, you express your disapproval of it, especially by making a sound with your tongue touching the top of your mouth. □�[V +�about ] We all spent a lot of time tut-tutting about Angie and her lifestyle. □�[V ] The doctor tut-tutted, dismissing my words as excuses.

tutu /tuː tuː/ (tutus ) N‑COUNT A tutu is a costume worn by female ballet dancers. It has a very short stiff skirt made of many layers of material that sticks out from the waist.

tux /tʌ ks/ (tuxes ) N‑COUNT A tux is the same as a tuxedo . [INFORMAL ]

tux|edo /tʌksiː doʊ/ (tuxedos ) N‑COUNT A tuxedo is a black or white jacket worn by men for formal social events. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use dinner jacket

TV ◆◆◇ /tiː viː / (TVs ) N‑VAR TV means the same as television . □� The TV was on. □� I prefer going to the cinema to watching TV. □� �a TV commercial.

T V di n|ner (TV dinners ) N‑COUNT A TV dinner is a complete meal that is sold in a single container. It can be heated up quickly and eaten from the container it is cooked in.

twad|dle /twɒ d ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to something that someone says as twaddle , you mean that it is silly or untrue. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

twang /tw� ŋ/ (twangs , twanging , twanged )

1 VERB If you twang something such as a tight string or elastic band, or if it twangs , it makes a fairly loud, ringing sound because it has been pulled and then released. □�[V n] �people who sat at the back of class and twanged an elastic band. □�[V -ing] The song is a fiery mix of twanging guitar with relentless drumming. □�[V ] The fiddle began to twang. ●�N‑COUNT Twang is also a noun. □� Something gave a loud discordant twang.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A twang is a quality in someone's way of speaking in which sound seems to be coming through the nose. □� �her broad Australian twang.

twat /twɒ t/ (twats ) N‑COUNT If someone calls another person a twat , they are insulting them and showing that they do not like or respect them. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

tweak /twiː k/ (tweaks , tweaking , tweaked )

1 VERB If you tweak something, especially part of someone's body, you hold it between your finger and thumb and twist it or pull it. □�[V n] He tweaked Guy's ear roughly.

2 VERB If you tweak something such as a system or a design, you improve it by making a slight change. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] He expects the system to get even better as the engineers tweak its performance. ●�N‑COUNT Tweak is also a noun. □� The camera has undergone only two minor tweaks since its introduction.

twee /twiː / ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is twee , it is pretty or sentimental in a way that you think is excessive or silly. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ]

tweed /twiː d/ (tweeds )

1 N‑VAR Tweed is a thick woollen cloth, often woven from different coloured threads.

2 N‑PLURAL Someone who is wearing tweeds is wearing a tweed suit. □� �an academic, dressed in tweeds and smoking a pipe.

tweedy /twiː di/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as tweedy , you mean that they have an upper-class but plain appearance, and look as if they live in the country, for example because they are wearing tweed. □� An older woman, pink-cheeked and tweedy, appeared in the doorway.

2 ADJ Tweedy clothes are made from tweed.

tweet /twiː t/ (tweets , tweeting , tweeted )

1 N‑COUNT A tweet is a short, high-pitched sound made by a small bird.

2 N‑COUNT A tweet is a short message from someone on the Twitter website. □� She regretted posting that tweet. □� At the end of the show he responded to listener calls, emails and tweets.

3 VERB If you tweet or tweet something, you send a short message on the Twitter website. □� Thousands of people tweeted their disapproval. [also V ]

twee|zers /twiː zə r z/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Tweezers are a small tool that you use for tasks such as picking up small objects or pulling out hairs. Tweezers consist of two strips of metal or plastic joined together at one end.

twelfth ◆◆◇ /twe lfθ/ (twelfths )

1 ORD The twelfth item in a series is the one that you count as number twelve. □� �the twelfth anniversary of the April revolution. □� �a twelfth-century church.

2 FRACTION A twelfth is one of twelve equal parts of something. □� She is entitled to a twelfth of the cash.

twelve ◆◆◆ /twe lv/ (twelves ) NUM Twelve is the number 12. □� Twelve days later Duffy lost his job.

twen|ti|eth ◆◆◇ /twe ntiəθ/ (twentieths )

1 ORD The twentieth item in a series is the one that you count as number twenty. □� �the twentieth century.

2 FRACTION A twentieth is one of twenty equal parts of something. □� A few twentieths of a gram can be critical.

twen|ty ◆◆◆ /twe nti/ (twenties )

1 NUM Twenty is the number 20. □� He spent twenty years in India.

2 N‑PLURAL When you talk about the twenties , you are referring to numbers between 20 and 29. For example, if you are in your twenties , you are aged between 20 and 29. If the temperature is in the twenties , the temperature is between 20 and 29 degrees. □� They're both in their twenties and both married with children of their own.

3 N‑PLURAL The twenties is the decade between 1920 and 1929. □� It was written in the Twenties, but it still really stands out.

24-7 /twe ntifɔː r se v ə n/ also twenty-four seven ADV [ADV after v] If something happens 24-7 , it happens all the time without ever stopping. 24-7 means twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� I feel like sleeping 24-7. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] 24-7 is also an adjective. □� �a 24-7 radio station.

twerp /twɜː r p/ (twerps ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a twerp , you are insulting them and saying that they are silly or stupid. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

twice ◆◆◆ /twa I s/

1 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adv, ADV n] If something happens twice , there are two actions or events of the same kind. □� He visited me twice that fall. □� Brush teeth and gums twice daily.

2 ADV You use twice in expressions such as twice a day and twice a week to indicate that two events or actions of the same kind happen in each day or week. □� I phoned twice a day, leaving messages with his secretary.

3 ADV [ADV as adj/adv] If one thing is, for example, twice as big or old as another, the first thing is two times as big or old as the second. People sometimes say that one thing is twice as good or hard as another when they want to emphasize that the first thing is much better or harder than the second. □� The figure of seventy-million pounds was twice as big as expected. ●�PREDET Twice is also a predeterminer. □� The barn was twice the size of her father's.

4 PHRASE If you think twice about doing something, you consider it again and decide not to do it, or decide to do it differently. □� She'd better shut her mouth and from now on think twice before saying stupid things.

5once or twice →�see once

6twice over →�see over ➋

twid|dle /tw I d ə l/ (twiddles , twiddling , twiddled )

1 VERB If you twiddle something, you twist it or turn it quickly with your fingers. □�[V n] He twiddled a knob on the dashboard. □�[V +�with ] She had sat there twiddling nervously with the clasp of her handbag.

2to twiddle your thumbs →�see thumb

twig /tw I g/ (twigs , twigging , twigged )

1 N‑COUNT A twig is a very small thin branch that grows out from a main branch of a tree or bush.

2 VERB If you twig , you suddenly realize or understand something. [INFORMAL ] □�[V that] Then I twigged that they were illegal immigrants. □�[V wh] By the time she'd twigged what it was all about, it was too late. [Also V ]

twi|light /twa I la I t/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Twilight is the time just before night when the daylight has almost gone but when it is not completely dark.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Twilight is the small amount of light that there is outside just after the sun has gone down. □� �the deepening autumn twilight.

3 N‑SING [N n] The twilight of a particular period of time is the final stages of it, when the most important events have already happened. □�[+�of ] Now both men are in the twilight of their careers.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A twilight state or a twilight zone is a situation of confusion or uncertainty, which seems to exist between two different states or categories. □�[+�between ] They fell into that twilight zone between military personnel and civilian employees.

twill /tw I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Twill is cloth, usually cotton, woven in a way which produces parallel sloping lines across it.

twin ◆◇◇ /tw I n/ (twins , twinning , twinned )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If two people are twins , they have the same mother and were born on the same day. □� Sarah was looking after the twins. □� She had a twin brother and a younger brother.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Twin is used to describe a pair of things that look the same and are close together. □� �the twin spires of the cathedral. □� �the world's largest twin-engined aircraft.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Twin is used to describe two things or ideas that are similar or connected in some way. □� �the twin concepts of liberty and equality.

4 VERB [usu passive] When a place or organization in one country is twinnedwith a place or organization in another country, a special relationship is formally established between them. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed +�with ] My son's state primary school is twinned with a school near Johannesburg. □�[V -ed +�with ] The busy commercial town is twinned with Truro.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Twin towns or cities are twinned with each other. [BRIT ] □� The thirty Germans were visiting their UK twin town. in AM, use sister cities6 →�see also identical twin , Siamese twin

twi n be d (twin beds ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Twin beds are two single beds in one bedroom.

twi n-be dded also twin bedded ADJ [ADJ n] A twin-bedded room has two single beds. [mainly BRIT ]

twine /twa I n/ (twines , twining , twined )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Twine is strong string used especially in gardening and farming.

2 VERB If you twine one thing around another, or if one thing twines around another, the first thing is twisted or wound around the second. □�[V n prep] He had twined his chubby arms around Vincent's neck. □�[V prep] These strands of molecules twine around each other to form cable-like structures.

twinge /tw I ndʒ/ (twinges )

1 N‑COUNT A twinge is a sudden sharp feeling or emotion, usually an unpleasant one. □�[+�of ] For a moment, Arnold felt a twinge of sympathy for Mr Wilson.

2 N‑COUNT A twinge is a sudden sharp pain. □�[+�in ] He felt a slight twinge in his damaged hamstring.

twin|kle /tw I ŋk ə l/ (twinkles , twinkling , twinkled )

1 VERB If a star or a light twinkles , it shines with an unsteady light which rapidly and constantly changes from bright to faint. □�[V ] At night, lights twinkle in distant villages across the valleys. □�[V -ing] �a band of twinkling diamonds.

2 VERB If you say that someone's eyes twinkle , you mean that their face expresses good humour or amusement. □�[+�with , V ] She saw her mother's eyes twinkle with amusement. ●�N‑SING Twinkle is also a noun. □� A kindly twinkle came into her eyes.

twin|set /tw I nset/ (twinsets ) also twin set , twin-set N‑COUNT A twinset is a set of women's clothing, consisting of a cardigan and sweater of the same colour. [BRIT ]

twirl /twɜː r l/ (twirls , twirling , twirled )

1 VERB If you twirl something or if it twirls , it turns around and around with a smooth, fairly fast movement. □�[V n] Bonnie twirled her empty glass in her fingers. □�[V prep/adv] All around me leaves twirl to the ground. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you twirl , you turn around and around quickly, for example when you are dancing. □�[V prep/adv] Several hundred people twirl around the ballroom dance floor.

3 VERB If you twirl something such as your hair, you twist it around your finger. □�[V n] Sarah lifted her hand and started twirling a strand of hair.

twist ◆◇◇ /tw I st/ (twists , twisting , twisted )

1 VERB If you twist something, you turn it to make a spiral shape, for example by turning the two ends of it in opposite directions. □�[V n] Her hands began to twist the handles of the bag she carried. □�[V n adv/prep] Twist the string carefully around the second stem with the other hand.

2 VERB If you twist something, especially a part of your body, or if it twists , it moves into an unusual, uncomfortable, or bent position, for example because of being hit or pushed, or because you are upset. □�[V n prep] He twisted her arms behind her back and clipped a pair of handcuffs on her wrists. □�[V ] Sophia's face twisted in pain. □�[V -ed] The body was twisted, its legs at an awkward angle.

3 VERB If you twist part of your body such as your head or your shoulders, you turn that part while keeping the rest of your body still. □�[V n adv] She twisted her head sideways and looked towards the door. □�[V adv/prep] Susan twisted round in her seat until she could see Graham and Sabrina behind her.

4 VERB If you twist a part of your body such as your ankle or wrist, you injure it by turning it too sharply, or in an unusual direction. □�[V n] He fell and twisted his ankle. □�[V -ed] Rupert is out of today's session with a twisted knee.

5 VERB If you twist something, you turn it so that it moves around in a circular direction. □�[V n] She was staring down at her hands, twisting the ring on her finger. □�[V n with adv] Reaching up to a cupboard he takes out a jar and twists the lid off. ●�N‑COUNT Twist is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The bag is resealed with a simple twist of the valve.

6 VERB If a road or river twists , it has a lot of sudden changes of direction in it. □�[V prep] The roads twist round hairpin bends. □�[V ] The lane twists and turns between pleasant but unspectacular cottages. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Twist is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The train maintains a constant speed through the twists and turns of track.

7 VERB If you say that someone has twisted something that you have said, you disapprove of them because they have repeated it in a way that changes its meaning, in order to harm you or benefit themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] It's a shame the way that the media can twist your words and misrepresent you.

8 N‑COUNT A twist in something is an unexpected and significant development. □� The battle of the sexes also took a new twist.

9 N‑COUNT A twist is the shape that something has when it has been twisted. □�[+�of ] �bunches of violets in twists of paper.

10 PHRASE If something happens by a twist of fate , it happens by chance, and it is strange, interesting, or unfortunate in some way. □� By a curious twist of fate, cricket was also my favourite sport.

11 →�see also twisted

12to twist someone's arm →�see arm ➊

13to get your knickers in a twist →�see knickers

14to twist the knife →�see knife

twist|ed /tw I st I d/ ADJ If you describe a person as twisted , you dislike them because you think they are strange in an unpleasant way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a twisted man who shot at the president.

twist|er /tw I stə r / (twisters ) N‑COUNT A twister is the same as a tornado . [AM ]

twisty /tw I sti/ ADJ A twisty road, track, or river has a lot of sharp bends and corners.

twit /tw I t/ (twits ) N‑COUNT If you call someone as a twit , you are insulting them and saying that they are silly or stupid. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

twitch /tw I tʃ/ (twitches , twitching , twitched ) VERB If something, especially a part of your body, twitches or if you twitch it, it makes a little jumping movement. □�[V ] When I stood up to her, her right cheek would begin to twitch. □�[V n] Stern twitched his shoulders. ●�N‑COUNT Twitch is also a noun. □� He developed a nervous twitch and began to blink constantly.

twitch|er /tw I tʃə r / (twitchers ) N‑COUNT A twitcher is an enthusiastic bird-watcher. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

twitchy /tw I tʃi/ ADJ If you are twitchy , you are behaving in a rather nervous way that shows you feel anxious and cannot relax. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] Afraid of bad publicity, the department had suddenly become very twitchy about journalists.

twit|ter /tw I tə r / (twitters , twittering , twittered )

1 VERB When birds twitter , they make a lot of short high-pitched sounds. □�[V ] There were birds twittering in the eucalyptus trees. □�[V -ing] �a tree filled with twittering birds. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Twitter is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Naomi would waken to the twitter of birds.

2 VERB If you say that someone is twitteringabout something, you mean that they are speaking about silly or unimportant things, usually rather fast or in a high-pitched voice. □�[V +�about ] �debutantes twittering excitedly about Christian Dior dresses. □�[V with quote] She laughs, blushes and twitters: 'Oh, doesn't Giles have just the most charming sense of humour?' [Also V ]

two ◆◆◆ /tuː / (twos )

1 NUM Two is the number 2. □� He is now married with two children.

2 PHRASE If you say it takes two or it takes two to tango , you mean that a situation or argument involves two people and they are both therefore responsible for it. □� Divorce is never the fault of one partner; it takes two. □� It takes two to tango and so far our relationship has been one-sided.

3 PHRASE If you put two and two together , you work out the truth about something for yourself, by using the information that is available to you. □� Putting two and two together, I assume that this was the car he used.

4to kill two birds with one stone →�see bird

5two a penny →�see penny

two -bit ADJ [ADJ n] You use two-bit to describe someone or something that you have no respect for or that you think is inferior. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �some two-bit little dictator. □� That may be two-bit psychology, but it's the only explanation I have.

two -dime nsional also two dimensional

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A two-dimensional object or figure is flat rather than solid so that only its length and width can be measured. □� �new software, which generates both two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional images.

2 ADJ If you describe fictional characters as two-dimensional , you are critical of them because they are very simple and not realistic enough to be taken seriously. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I found the characters very two-dimensional, not to say dull.

two -fa ced ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as two-faced , you are critical of them because they say they do or believe one thing when their behaviour or words show that they do not do it or do not believe it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He had been devious and two-faced.

two|fold /tuː foʊld/ also two-fold ADJ You can use twofold to introduce a topic that has two equally important parts. [FORMAL ] □� The case against is twofold: too risky and too expensive.

two -ha nded ADJ [usu ADJ n, oft ADJ after v] A two-handed blow or catch is done using both hands.

two -ho rse ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a contest as a two-horse race, you mean that only two of the people or things taking part have any chance of winning. □� The election may not be the traditional two-horse race between the preferred Democrat and Republican party candidates.

two -perce nt milk N‑UNCOUNT Two-percent milk is milk from which some of the cream has been removed. [AM ] in BRIT, use semi-skimmed milk

two -piece (two-pieces ) also two piece

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use two-piece to describe something, especially a set of clothing, that is in two parts. □� �a two-piece bathing suit.

2 N‑COUNT A two-piece is a woman's suit which consists of a jacket and a skirt or pair of trousers.

two|some /tuː səm/ (twosomes ) N‑COUNT A twosome is a group of two people.

two -thi rds also two thirds QUANT Two-thirds of something is an amount that is two out of three equal parts of it. □�[+�of ] Two-thirds of householders in this country live in a mortgaged home. ●�PRON Two-thirds is also a pronoun. □� The United States and Russia hope to conclude a treaty to cut their nuclear arsenals by two-thirds. ●�ADV [ADV adj/-ed] Two-thirds is also an adverb. □� Do not fill the container more than two-thirds full. □� A second book has already been commissioned and is two-thirds finished. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Two-thirds is also an adjective. □� �the two thirds majority in parliament needed to make constitutional changes.

two -wa y

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Two-way means moving or working in two opposite directions or allowing something to move or work in two opposite directions. □� The bridge is now open to two-way traffic.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A two-way radio can send and receive signals.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If there is two-way help or learning, two people or groups are both helping each other or both learning from each other. □� Trust is a two way thing.

ty|coon /ta I kuː n/ (tycoons ) N‑COUNT A tycoon is a person who is successful in business and so has become rich and powerful.

tyke /ta I k/ (tykes ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a child, especially a naughty or playful one, as a tyke when you want to show affection for them. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ]

type

➊�SORT OR KIND

➋�WRITING AND PRINTING

➊ type ◆◆◇ /ta I p/ (types )

1 N‑COUNT A typeof something is a group of those things that have particular features in common. □�[+�of ] There are various types of the disease. □� In 1990, 25% of households were of this type.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to a particular thing or person as a typeof something more general, you are considering that thing or person as an example of that more general group. □�[+�of ] Have you done this type of work before? □�[+�of ] Rates of interest for this type of borrowing can be high. □�[+�of ] I am a very determined type of person.

3 N‑COUNT If you refer to a person as a particular type , you mean that they have that particular appearance, character, or way of behaving. □� It's the first time I, a fair-skinned, freckly type, have sailed in the sun without burning.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone is not your type , you mean that they are not the sort of person who you usually find attractive. [INFORMAL ] □� At first I thought he was rather ordinary looking, a little chubby, not my type.

5 →�see also blood type

➋ type ◆◆◇ /ta I p/ (types , typing , typed )

1 VERB If you type something, you use a computer keyboard, typewriter or word processor to write it. □�[V n] I can type your essays for you. □�[V ] I had never really learnt to type properly. □�[V -ed] The letter consists of six closely typed pages.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Type is printed text as it appears in a book or newspaper, or the small pieces of metal that are used to create this. □� The correction had already been set in type.

3 →�see also typing

▸� type in or type into PHRASAL VERB If you type information into a computer or type it in , you press keys on the keyboard so that the computer stores or processes the information. □�[V n P n] Officials type each passport number into a computer. □�[V P n] You have to type in commands, such as 'help' and 'print'. □�[V n P ] You type things in, and it responds.

▸� type out PHRASAL VERB If you type something out , you write it in full using a typewriter or word processor. □�[V P n] The two of us stood by while two typists typed out the whole document again. □�[V n P ] I read it down the phone to a man called Dave, who typed it out.

▸� type up PHRASAL VERB If you type up a text that has been written by hand, you produce a typed copy of it. □�[V P n] They didn't get around to typing up the letter. □�[V n P ] When the first draft was completed, Nichols typed it up. SYNONYMS type NOUN ➊1

kind:I'm not the kind of person to get married.

sort:What sort of school did you go to?

variety:I'm always pleased to try out a new variety.

type|cast /ta I pkɑːst, -k�st/ (typecasts , typecasting ) The form typecast is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. VERB [usu passive] If an actor is typecast , they play the same type of character in every play or film that they are in. □�[be V -ed] I didn't want to be typecast and I've maintained a large variety in the roles I've played. □�[be V -ed +�as ] He was quickly typecast as a Latin lover.

type|face /ta I pfe I s/ (typefaces ) N‑COUNT In printing, a typeface is a set of alphabetical characters, numbers, and other characters that all have the same design. There are many different typefaces.

type|script /ta I pskr I pt/ (typescripts ) N‑VAR A typescript is a typed copy of an article or literary work.

type|writ|er /ta I pra I tə r / (typewriters ) N‑COUNT A typewriter is a machine that was commonly used in the past and which has keys that are pressed in order to print letters, numbers, or other characters onto paper.

type|writ|ten /ta I pr I t ə n/ ADJ A typewritten document has been typed on a typewriter or word processor.

ty|phoid /ta I fɔ I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Typhoid or typhoid fever is a serious infectious disease that produces fever and diarrhoea and can cause death. It is spread by dirty water or food.

ty|phoon /ta I fuː n/ (typhoons ) N‑COUNT A typhoon is a very violent tropical storm.

ty|phus /ta I fəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Typhus is a serious infectious disease that produces spots on the skin, a high fever, and a severe headache.

typi|cal ◆◇◇ /t I p I k ə l/

1 ADJ You use typical to describe someone or something that shows the most usual characteristics of a particular type of person or thing, and is therefore a good example of that type. □� Cheney is everyone's image of a typical cop: a big white guy, six foot, 220 pounds.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a particular action or feature is typicalof someone or something, it shows their usual qualities or characteristics. □�[+�of ] This reluctance to move towards a democratic state is typical of totalitarian regimes. □� With typical energy he found new journalistic outlets.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is typicalof a person, situation, or thing, you are criticizing them or complaining about them and saying that they are just as bad or disappointing as you expected them to be. [FEELINGS ] □�[+�of ] She threw her hands into the air. 'That is just typical of you, isn't it?'

typi|cal|ly /t I p I kəli/

1 ADV You use typically to say that something usually happens in the way that you are describing. □� It typically takes a day or two, depending on size.

2 ADV [ADV adj] You use typically to say that something shows all the most usual characteristics of a particular type of person or thing. □� Philip paced the floor, a typically nervous expectant father.

3 ADV [ADV adj] You use typically to indicate that someone has behaved in the way that they normally do. □� Typically, the Norwegians were on the mountain two hours before anyone else.

typi|fy /t I p I fa I / (typifies , typifying , typified ) VERB If something or someone typifies a situation or type of thing or person, they have all the usual characteristics of it and are a typical example of it. □�[V n] These two buildings typify the rich extremes of Irish architecture.

typ|ing /ta I p I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Typing is the work or activity of typing something by means of a typewriter or word processor. □� She didn't do any typing till the evening.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Typing is the skill of using a typewriter or keyboard quickly and accurately. □� My typing is quite dreadful.

typ|ist /ta I p I st/ (typists ) N‑COUNT A typist is someone who works in an office typing letters and other documents.

ty|po|graphi|cal /ta I pəgr� f I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Typographical relates to the way in which printed material is presented. □� Owing to a typographical error, the town of Longridge was spelt as Longbridge.

ty|pog|ra|phy /ta I pɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Typography is the way in which written material is arranged and prepared for printing.

ty|pol|ogy /ta I pɒ lədʒi/ (typologies ) N‑COUNT A typology is a system for dividing things into different types, especially in science and the social sciences. [FORMAL ]

ty|ran|ni|cal /t I r� n I k ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as tyrannical , you mean that they are severe or unfair towards the people that they have authority over. □� He killed his tyrannical father with a blow to the head.

2 ADJ If you describe a government or organization as tyrannical , you mean that it acts without considering the wishes of its people and treats them cruelly or unfairly. □� �one of the world's most oppressive and tyrannical regimes.

tyr|an|nize /t I rəna I z/ (tyrannizes , tyrannizing , tyrannized ) in BRIT, also use tyrannise VERB If you say that one person tyrannizes another, you mean that the first person uses their power over the second person in order to treat them very cruelly and unfairly. □�[V n] �fathers who tyrannize their families. □�[V +�over ] Armed groups use their power to tyrannise over civilians. [Also V ]

tyr|an|ny /t I rəni/ (tyrannies )

1 N‑VAR A tyranny is a cruel, harsh, and unfair government in which a person or small group of people have power over everyone else. □� Self-expression and individuality are the greatest weapons against tyranny.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone's behaviour and treatment of others that they have authority over as tyranny , you mean that they are severe with them or unfair to them. □� I'm the sole victim of Mother's tyranny.

3 N‑COUNT You can describe something that you have to use or have as a tyranny if you think it is undesirable or unpleasant. □�[+�of ] The telephone is one of the great tyrannies of modern life.

ty|rant /ta I ə rənt/ (tyrants ) N‑COUNT You can use tyrant to refer to someone who treats the people they have authority over in a cruel and unfair way. □� �households where the father was a tyrant.

tyre /ta I ə r / (tyres ) in AM, use tire1 N‑COUNT A tyre is a thick piece of rubber which is fitted onto the wheels of vehicles such as cars, buses, and bicycles.

2 →�see also spare tyre

tyro /ta I roʊ/ (tyros ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A tyro is a person who is just beginning to learn something or who has very little experience of something. [JOURNALISM ] □� �a tyro journalist.

Uu

U , u /juː / (U's, u's ) N‑VAR U is the twenty-first letter of the English alphabet.

uber- /uː bə r -/ COMB Uber combines with nouns and adjectives to form nouns and adjectives that refer to a great or extreme example of something. [JOURNALISM ] □� She became the internet's first uberbabe. □� McNally now owns a clutch of uberchic downtown celebrity hang-outs.

ubiqui|tous /juːb I kw I təs/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as ubiquitous , you mean that they seem to be everywhere. [FORMAL ] □� Sugar is ubiquitous in the diet. □� She is one of the wealthiest, most ubiquitous media personalities around.

ubiquity /juːb I kw I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about theubiquityof something, you mean that it seems to be everywhere. [FORMAL ]

ud|der /ʌ də r / (udders ) N‑COUNT A cow's udder is the organ that hangs below its body and produces milk.

UFO /juː ef oʊ , juː foʊ/ (UFOs ) N‑COUNT A UFO is an object seen in the sky or landing on Earth which cannot be identified and which is often believed to be from another planet. UFO is an abbreviation for 'unidentified flying object'. □� There has been a surge of UFO sightings in America.

Ugan|dan /juːg� ndən/ (Ugandans )

1 ADJ Ugandan means belonging or relating to Uganda or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Ugandan is a Ugandan citizen, or a person of Ugandan origin.

ugh EXCLAM Ugh is used in writing to represent the sound that people make if they think something is unpleasant, horrible, or disgusting. □� Ugh�it was horrible.

ugly /ʌ gli/ (uglier , ugliest )

1 ADJ If you say that someone or something is ugly , you mean that they are very unattractive and unpleasant to look at. □� �an ugly little hat. □� She makes me feel dowdy and ugly. ●� ug|li|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the raw ugliness of his native city.

2 ADJ If you refer to an event or situation as ugly , you mean that it is very unpleasant, usually because it involves violent or aggressive behaviour. □� There have been some ugly scenes. □� The confrontation turned ugly. ●� ug|li|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the subtlety and ugliness of sexual harassment.

3to rear its ugly head →�see rear

u gly du ck|ling (ugly ducklings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone, especially a child, is an ugly duckling , you mean that they are unattractive or awkward now, but will probably develop into an attractive and successful person.

UHF /juː e I tʃ e f/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] UHF is a range of radio waves which allows a radio or television receiver to produce a good quality of sound. UHF is an abbreviation for 'ultra-high frequency'. □� �Boston UHF channels.

uh huh also uh-huh CONVENTION Uh huh is used in writing to represent a sound that people make when they are agreeing with you, when they want to show that they understand what you are saying, or when they are answering 'yes' to a question. [INFORMAL ] □� 'Did she?'�'Uh huh.'

UHT /juː e I tʃ tiː / ADJ [usu ADJ n] UHT is used to describe milk which has been treated at a very high temperature so that it can be kept for a long time if the container is not opened. UHT is an abbreviation for 'ultra-heat-treated'. [BRIT ]

UK ◆◇◇ /juː ke I / N‑PROPER The UK is Great Britain and Northern Ireland. UK is an abbreviation for 'United Kingdom'.

uku|lele /juː kəle I li/ (ukuleles ) also ukelele N‑COUNT A ukulele is a small guitar with four strings.

ul|cer /ʌ lsə r / (ulcers ) N‑COUNT An ulcer is a sore area on the outside or inside of your body which is very painful and may bleed or produce an unpleasant poisonous substance. □� �stomach ulcers.

ul|cer|at|ed /ʌ lsəre I t I d/ ADJ If a part of someone's body is ulcerated , ulcers have developed on it. □� �ulcerated mouths. □� Every inch of his arms and legs was ulcerated.

ul|te|ri|or /ʌlt I ə riə r / ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone has an ulterior motive for doing something, you believe that they have a hidden reason for doing it. □�[+�for ] Sheila had an ulterior motive for trying to help Stan.

ul|ti|mate ◆◇◇ /ʌ lt I mət/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ultimate to describe the final result or aim of a long series of events. □� He said it is still not possible to predict the ultimate outcome. □� The ultimate aim is to expand the network further.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ultimate to describe the original source or cause of something. □� Plants are the ultimate source of all foodstuffs. □� The ultimate cause of what's happened seems to have been the advertising campaign.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ultimate to describe the most important or powerful thing of a particular kind. □� �the ultimate power of the central government. □� Of course, the ultimate authority remained the presidency.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ultimate to describe the most extreme and unpleasant example of a particular thing. □� Bringing back the death penalty would be the ultimate abuse of human rights.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ultimate to describe the best possible example of a particular thing. □� Caviar and oysters on ice are generally considered the ultimate luxury foods.

6 PHRASE The ultimate in something is the best or most advanced example of it. □�[+�in ] This hotel is the ultimate in luxury. SYNONYMS ultimate ADJ 1

final:Astronauts will make a final attempt today to rescue a communications satellite.

eventual:The eventual aim is reunification.

last:This is his last chance as prime minister.

ul|ti|mate|ly ◆◇◇ /ʌ lt I mətli/

1 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] Ultimately means finally, after a long and often complicated series of events. □� �a tough but ultimately worthwhile struggle.

2 ADV You use ultimately to indicate that what you are saying is the most important point in a discussion. □� Ultimately, Bismarck's revisionism scarcely affected or damaged British interests at all. SYNONYMS ultimately ADV

1

finally:The word was finally given for us to get on board.

eventually:The flight eventually got away six hours late.

in the end:I toyed with the idea of calling the police, but in the end I didn't.

2

fundamentally:He can be very charming, but he is fundamentally a bully.

essentially:Essentially, vines and grapes need water, heat and light.

basically:Battery charging systems remain basically the same as those in use half a century ago.

primarily:Public order is primarily an urban problem.

ul|ti|ma|tum /ʌ lt I me I təm/ (ultimatums or ultimata ) N‑COUNT An ultimatum is a warning to someone that unless they act in a particular way, action will be taken against them. □�[+�to ] I was given an ultimatum to lose weight or lose my place on the team.

PREFIX ultra-

forms adjectives that refer to people and things that possess a quality to a very large degree. For example, an ultra-light fabric is extremely light.

ultra|ma|rine /ʌ ltrəməriː n/ COLOUR Ultramarine is used to describe things that are very bright blue in colour. □� �an ultramarine sky.

ultra|son|ic /ʌ ltrəsɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ultrasonic sounds have very high frequencies, which human beings cannot hear.

ultra|sound /ʌ ltrəsaʊnd/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Ultrasound is sound waves which travel at such a high frequency that they cannot be heard by humans. Ultrasound is used in medicine to get pictures of the inside of people's bodies. □� I had an ultrasound scan to see how the pregnancy was progressing.

ultra|vio|let /ʌ ltrəva I ələt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ultraviolet light or radiation is what causes your skin to become darker in colour after you have been in sunlight. In large amounts ultraviolet light is harmful. □� The sun's ultraviolet rays are responsible for both tanning and burning.

ulu|late /juː ljʊle I t, [AM ] ʌ l-/ (ululates , ululating , ululated ) VERB If someone ululates , they make quickly repeated loud sounds, often to express sorrow or happiness. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] At Hamid's daughter's school, teachers ululated in celebration. □�[V -ing] He let out this long ululating moan.

umUm is used in writing to represent a sound that people make when they are hesitating, usually while deciding what they want to say next. □� She felt her face going red�'I'm sorry Rob, it's just that I'm, um, overwhelmed.'

um|ber /ʌ mbə r / COLOUR Umber is used to describe things that are yellowish or reddish brown in colour. □� �umber paint.

um|bili|cal cord /ʌmb I l I k ə l kɔː r d/ (umbilical cords ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The umbilical cord is the tube that connects an unborn baby to its mother, through which it receives oxygen and food.

um|brage /ʌ mbr I dʒ/ PHRASE If you say that a person takes umbrage , you mean that they are upset or offended by something that someone says or does to them, often without much reason. [FORMAL ] □� He takes umbrage against anyone who criticises him.

um|brel|la /ʌmbre lə/ (umbrellas )

1 N‑COUNT An umbrella is an object which you use to protect yourself from the rain or hot sun. It consists of a long stick with a folding frame covered in cloth. □� Harry held an umbrella over Dawn.

2 N‑SING [N n] Umbrella is used to refer to a single group or description that includes a lot of different organizations or ideas. □�[+�of ] Does coincidence come under the umbrella of the paranormal? □� Within the umbrella term 'dementia' there are many different kinds of disease.

3 N‑SING Umbrella is used to refer to a system or agreement which protects a country or group of people. □�[+�of ] As regulated investments, they come under the umbrella of the country's financial compensation scheme.

um|laut /ʊ mlaʊt/ (umlauts ) N‑COUNT An umlaut is a symbol that is written over vowels in German and some other languages to indicate the way in which they should be pronounced. For example, the word 'f�r' has an umlaut over the 'u'.

um|pire /ʌ mpa I ə r / (umpires , umpiring , umpired )

1 N‑COUNT An umpire is a person whose job is to make sure that a sports match or contest is played fairly and that the rules are not broken. □� The umpire's decision is final.

2 VERB To umpire means to be the umpire in a sports match or contest. □�[V n] He umpired baseball games. □�[+�for , V ] He umpired for school football matches until he was in his late 50s.

ump|teen /ʌ mptiː n/ DET Umpteen can be used to refer to an extremely large number of things or people. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He was interrupted by applause umpteen times. □� He has produced umpteen books, plays and television series.

ump|teenth /ʌ mptiː nθ/ ORD You use umpteenth to indicate that an occasion, thing, or person happens or comes after many others. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He checked his watch for the umpteenth time. □� She was now on her umpteenth gin.

UN ◆◆◇ /juː e n/ N‑PROPER The UN is the same as the United Nations . □� �a U.N. peacekeeping mission.

PREFIX un-

can be added to some words to form words that have the opposite meaning. For example, if something is unacceptable , it is not acceptable.

un|abashed /ʌ nəb� ʃt/ ADJ If you describe someone as unabashed , you mean that they are not ashamed, embarrassed, or shy about something, especially when you think most people would be. □�[+�by ] He seems unabashed by his recent defeat. □� He's an unabashed, old-fashioned romantic.

un|abat|ed /ʌ nəbe I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v, oft ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If something continues unabated , it continues without any reduction in intensity or amount. □�[+�for ] The fighting has continued unabated for over 24 hours. □� �his unabated enthusiasm for cinema.

un|able ◆◇◇ /ʌne I b ə l/ ADJ If you are unableto do something, it is impossible for you to do it, for example because you do not have the necessary skill or knowledge, or because you do not have enough time or money. □� She felt unable to concentrate on anything but the pain.

un|abridged /ʌ nəbr I dʒd/ ADJ An unabridged piece of writing, for example a book or article, is complete and not shortened in any way.

un|ac|cep|table /ʌ nəkse ptəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unacceptable , you strongly disapprove of it or object to it and feel that it should not be allowed to continue. □�[+�for ] It is totally unacceptable for children to swear. □� Joanna left her job because of her colleague's unacceptable behaviour. ●� un|ac|cept|ably /ʌ nəkse ptəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] □� The reform program has brought unacceptably high unemployment and falling wages.

un|ac|com|pa|nied /ʌ nəkʌ mpənid/

1 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone is unaccompanied , they are alone. □� The council must care for unaccompanied minors. □� Kelly's too young to go unaccompanied.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Unaccompanied luggage or goods are being sent or transported separately from their owner. □� Unaccompanied bags are either searched or removed.

3 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v] An unaccompanied voice or instrument sings or plays alone, with no other instruments playing at the same time. □� �an unaccompanied flute. □� The piece is most often sung unaccompanied.

un|ac|count|able /ʌ nəkaʊ ntəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is unaccountable does not seem to have any sensible explanation. □� For some unaccountable reason, it struck me as extremely funny. ●� un|ac|count|ably /ʌ nəkaʊ ntəbli/ ADV □� And then, unaccountably, she giggled.

2 ADJ If you describe a person or organization as unaccountable , you are critical of them because they are not responsible to anyone for their actions, or do not feel they have to explain their actions to anyone. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Economic policy in Europe should not be run by an unaccountable committee of governors of central banks.

un|ac|count|ed for /ʌ nəkaʊ nt I d fɔː r / ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If people or things are unaccounted for , you do not know where they are or what has happened to them. □� 5,000 servicemen are still unaccounted for. □� About �50 million from the robbery five years ago is unaccounted for.

un|ac|cus|tomed /ʌ nəkʌ stəmd/

1 ADJ If you are unaccustomed to something, you do not know it very well or have not experienced it very often. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�to ] They were unaccustomed to such military setbacks. □�[+�to ] It is a part of Britain as yet largely unaccustomed to tourists.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour or experiences as unaccustomed , you mean that they do not usually behave like this or have experiences of this kind. [WRITTEN ] □� He began to comfort me with unaccustomed gentleness.

un|ac|knowl|edged /ʌ n�knɒ l I dʒd/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something or someone as unacknowledged , you mean that people ignore their existence or presence, or are not aware of it. □� Unresolved or unacknowledged fears can trigger sleepwalking.

2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as unacknowledged , you mean that their existence or importance is not recognized officially or publicly. □� This tradition goes totally unacknowledged in official guidebooks.

un|ac|quaint|ed /ʌ nəkwe I nt I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you are unacquainted with something, you do not know about it or do not have not any experience of it. □�[+�with ] I was then totally unacquainted with his poems.

un|adorned /ʌ nədɔː r nd/ ADJ Something that is unadorned is plain, rather than having decoration on it. □� The room is typically simple and unadorned, with white walls and a tiled floor.

un|adul|ter|at|ed /ʌ nədʌ ltəre I t I d/

1 ADJ Something that is unadulterated is completely pure and has had nothing added to it. □� Organic food is unadulterated food produced without artificial chemicals or pesticides.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can also use unadulterated to emphasize a particular quality, often a bad quality. [EMPHASIS ] □� Sheer unadulterated greed should never be part of any system.

un|af|fect|ed /ʌ nəfe kt I d/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is unaffectedby an event or occurrence, they are not changed by it in any way. □�[+�by ] She seemed totally unaffected by what she'd drunk. □� The strike shut down 50 airports, but most international flights were unaffected.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as unaffected , you mean that they are natural and genuine in their behaviour, and do not act as though they are more important than other people. [APPROVAL ] □� �this unaffected, charming couple.

un|afraid /ʌ nəfre I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ to-inf] If you are unafraidto do something, you are confident and not at all nervous about doing it. □�[+�of ] He is a man with a reputation for being tough and unafraid of unpopular decisions. □� She was a forceful intellectual unafraid to speak her mind.

un|aid|ed /ʌ ne I d I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v, oft ADJ n] If you do something unaided , you do it without help from anyone or anything else. □� There had been at least thirteen previous attempts to reach the North Pole unaided.

un|al|loyed /ʌ nəlɔ I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a feeling such as happiness or relief as unalloyed , you are emphasizing that it is a strong feeling and no other feeling is involved. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □� �an occasion of unalloyed joy.

un|al|ter|able /ʌ nɔː ltərəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is unalterable cannot be changed. □� �an unalterable fact of life.

un|al|tered /ʌ nɔː ltə r d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] Something that remains unaltered has not changed or been changed. □� The rest of the apartment had fortunately remained unaltered since that time. □� These were my opinions, and they continue unaltered.

un|am|bigu|ous /ʌ n�mb I gjuəs/ ADJ If you describe a message or comment as unambiguous , you mean that it is clear and cannot be understood wrongly. □� �an election result that sent the party an unambiguous message. ●� un|am|bigu|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He has failed to dissociate himself clearly and unambiguously from the attack.

un|am|bi|tious /ʌ n�mb I ʃəs/

1 ADJ An unambitious person is not particularly interested in improving their position in life or in being successful, rich, or powerful.

2 ADJ An unambitious idea or plan is not very complicated, risky, or new, and is easy to carry out successfully.

una|nim|ity /juː nən I m I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT When there is unanimity among a group of people, they all agree about something or all vote for the same thing. □� All decisions would require unanimity.

unani|mous /juːn� n I məs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] When a group of people are unanimous , they all agree about something or all vote for the same thing. □�[+�in ] Editors were unanimous in their condemnation of the proposals. □� They were unanimous that Chortlesby Manor must be preserved. ●� unani|mous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Today its executive committee voted unanimously to reject the proposals. □� The board of ministers unanimously approved the project last week.

2 ADJ A unanimous vote, decision, or agreement is one in which all the people involved agree. □� �the unanimous vote for Petra as President. □� Their decision was unanimous.

un|an|nounced /ʌ nənaʊ nst/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v, ADJ n, oft v-link ADJ ] If someone arrives or does something unannounced , they do it unexpectedly and without anyone having being told about it beforehand. □� He had just arrived unannounced from South America. □� My first night in Saigon I paid an unannounced visit to my father's cousins.

un|an|swer|able /ʌ nɑː nsərəb ə l, -� ns-/

1 ADJ If you describe a question as unanswerable , you mean that it has no possible answer or that a particular person cannot possibly answer it. □� They would ask their mother unanswerable questions.

2 ADJ If you describe a case or argument as unanswerable , you think that it is obviously true or correct and that nobody could disagree with it. □� The argument for recruiting McGregor was unanswerable.

un|an|swered /ʌ nɑː nsə r d, -� ns-/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] Something such as a question or letter that is unanswered has not been answered. □� Some of the most important questions remain unanswered. □� He had always had difficulty leaving questions unanswered.

un|ap|peal|ing /ʌ nəpiː l I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unappealing , you find them unpleasant and unattractive. □� He's wearing a deeply unappealing baseball hat. □� The town is scruffy and unappealing.

un|ap|pe|tiz|ing /ʌ n� p I ta I z I ŋ/ in BRIT, also use unappetising ADJ If you describe food as unappetizing , you think it will be unpleasant to eat because of its appearance. □� �cold and unappetizing chicken.

un|ap|proach|able /ʌ nəproʊ tʃəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as unapproachable , you mean that they seem to be difficult to talk to and not very friendly.

un|ar|gu|able /ʌ nɑː r gjuəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe a statement or opinion as unarguable , you think that it is obviously true or correct and that nobody could disagree with it. □� He is making the unarguable point that our desires and preferences have a social component. ●� un|ar|gu|ably /ʌ nɑː r gjuəbli/ ADV □� He is unarguably an outstanding man.

un|armed /ʌ nɑː r md/ ADJ If a person or vehicle is unarmed , they are not carrying any weapons. □� The soldiers concerned were unarmed at the time. □� Thirteen unarmed civilians died in that attack. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Unarmed is also an adverb. □� He says he walks inside the prison without guards, unarmed.

un|ashamed /ʌ nəʃe I md/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or attitude as unashamed , you mean that they are open and honest about things that other people might find embarrassing or shocking. □� I grinned at him in unashamed delight. □�[+�of ] �a man rightly unashamed of his own talent. ●� un|asham|ed|ly /ʌ nəʃe I m I dli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� He hugged the man and wept unashamedly.

un|asked /ʌ nɑː skt, -� skt/

1 ADJ An unasked question is one that has not been asked, although people are wondering what the answer is. □� She was undernourished, an observation that prompted yet another unasked question. □� Significant questions will go unasked.

2 ADJ [ADJ after v] If someone says or does something unasked , they say or do it without being asked to do it. □� His advice, offered to her unasked, was to stay home and make the best of things.

un|as|sail|able /ʌ nəse I ləb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as unassailable , you mean that nothing can alter, destroy, or challenge them. □� That was enough to give her an unassailable lead. □� His legal position is unassailable.

un|as|sist|ed /ʌ nəs I st I d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n] If you do something unassisted , you do it on your own and no-one helps you. □� At other times, he'd force her to walk totally unassisted. □� �a mother who has had an unassisted delivery.

un|as|sum|ing /ʌ nəsjuː m I ŋ, [AM ] -suː m-/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as unassuming , you approve of them because they are quiet and do not try to appear important. [APPROVAL ] □� He's a man of few words, very polite and unassuming.

un|at|tached /ʌ nət� tʃt/ ADJ Someone who is unattached is not married or does not have a girlfriend or boyfriend. □� I knew only two or three unattached men.

un|at|tain|able /ʌ nəte I nəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is unattainable , you mean that it cannot be achieved or is not available. □� There are those who argue that true independent advice is unattainable. □� �an unattainable dream.

un|at|tend|ed /ʌ nəte nd I d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] When people or things are left unattended , they are not being watched or looked after. □� Never leave young children unattended near any pool or water tank. □� An unattended bag was spotted near the platform.

un|at|trac|tive /ʌ nətr� kt I v/

1 ADJ Unattractive people and things are unpleasant in appearance. □� I'm 27, have a nice flat, a good job and I'm not unattractive. □� �an unattractive and uninteresting city.

2 ADJ If you describe something as unattractive , you mean that people do not like it and do not want to be involved with it. □�[+�to ] The market is still unattractive to many insurers. □� It is not an unattractive option to make programmes for other companies.

un|author|ized /ʌ nɔː θəra I zd/ in BRIT, also use unauthorised ADJ If something is unauthorized , it has been produced or is happening without official permission. □� �the unauthorized use of a military vehicle. □� It has also been made quite clear that the trip was unauthorised.

un|avail|able /ʌ nəve I ləb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When things or people are unavailable , you cannot obtain them, meet them, or talk to them. □� Mr Hicks is out of the country and so unavailable for comment. □� Basic food products are frequently unavailable in the state shops.

un|avail|ing /ʌ nəve I l I ŋ/ ADJ An unavailing attempt to do something does not succeed. □� Efforts to reach the people named in the report proved unavailing. □� He died after a brave but unavailing fight against a terminal illness.

un|avoid|able /ʌ nəvɔ I dəb ə l/ ADJ If something is unavoidable , it cannot be avoided or prevented. □� Managers said the job losses were unavoidable. □� The recession has resulted in an unavoidable increase in spending on unemployment benefit. ●� un|avoid|ably /ʌ nəvɔ I dəbli/ ADV □� Prince Khalid was unavoidably detained in Saudi Arabia.

un|aware /ʌ nəweə r / ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If you are unawareof something, you do not know about it. □�[+�of ] Many people are unaware of just how much food and drink they consume. □� She was unaware that she was being filmed.

un|awares /ʌ nəweə r z/ PHRASE If something catches you unawares or takes you unawares , it happens when you are not expecting it. □� Many were caught unawares by the health secretary's announcement. □� The suspect was taken unawares, without the chance to dispose of the evidence.

un|bal|ance /ʌ nb� ləns/ (unbalances , unbalancing , unbalanced )

1 VERB If something unbalances a relationship, system, or group, it disturbs or upsets it so that it is no longer successful or functioning properly. □�[V n] The interplay between the new politics and the modern media will unbalance the political process.

2 VERB To unbalance something means to make it unsteady and likely to tip over. □�[V n] Her whole body began to buckle, unbalancing the ladder. □�[V n] Don't lean in�you're unbalancing the horse.

un|bal|anced /ʌ nb� lənst/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as unbalanced , you mean that they appear disturbed and upset or they seem to be slightly mad. □� I knew how unbalanced Paula had been since my uncle Peter died.

2 ADJ If you describe something such as a report or argument as unbalanced , you think that it is unfair or inaccurate because it emphasizes some things and ignores others. □� U.N. officials argued that the report was unbalanced. □� �unbalanced and unfair reporting.

un|bear|able /ʌ nbeə rəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unbearable , you mean that it is so unpleasant, painful, or upsetting that you feel unable to accept it or deal with it. □�[+�for ] War has made life almost unbearable for the civilians remaining in the capital. □� I was in terrible, unbearable pain. ●� un|bear|ably /ʌ nbeə rəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □� By the evening it had become unbearably hot.

un|beat|able /ʌ nbiː təb ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe something as unbeatable , you mean that it is the best thing of its kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� These resorts remain unbeatable in terms of price. □� �unbeatable Italian cars.

2 ADJ In a game or competition, if you describe a person or team as unbeatable , you mean that they win so often, or perform so well that they are unlikely to be beaten by anyone. □� The opposition was unbeatable. □� With two more days of competition to go she is in an unbeatable position.

un|beat|en /ʌ nbiː t ə n/ ADJ In sport, if a person or their performance is unbeaten , nobody else has performed well enough to beat them. □� He's unbeaten in 20 fights. □� They lost their unbeaten record with a 2-1 home defeat.

un|be|com|ing /ʌ nb I kʌ m I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you describe things such as clothes as unbecoming , you mean that they look unattractive. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 ADJ If you describe a person's behaviour or remarks as unbecoming , you mean that they are shocking and unsuitable for that person. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] His conduct was totally unbecoming to an officer in the British armed services. □�[+�of ] Those involved had performed acts unbecoming of university students.

un|be|known /ʌ nb I noʊ n/ The form unbeknownst /ʌ nb I noʊ nst/ is also used. PHRASE If something happens unbeknown to you or unbeknownst to you, you do not know about it. □�[+�to ] I am appalled that children can mount up debts unbeknown to their parents. □�[+�to ] Unbeknownst to her father, she began taking dancing lessons.

un|be|liev|able /ʌ nb I liː vəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that something is unbelievable , you are emphasizing that it is very good, impressive, intense, or extreme. [EMPHASIS ] □� His guitar solos are just unbelievable. □� It was an unbelievable moment when Chris won the gold medal. ●� un|be|liev|ably /ʌ nb I liː vəbli/ ADV □� Our car was still going unbelievably well. □� He beamed: 'Unbelievably, we have now made it to the final twice.'

2 ADJ You can use unbelievable to emphasize that you think something is very bad or shocking. [EMPHASIS ] □� I find it unbelievable that people can accept this sort of behaviour. ●� un|be|liev|ably ADV □� What you did was unbelievably stupid. □� Unbelievably, our Government are now planning to close this magnificent institution.

3 ADJ If an idea or statement is unbelievable , it seems so unlikely to be true that you cannot believe it. □� I still find this story both fascinating and unbelievable. □� I know it sounds unbelievable but I never wanted to cheat. ●� un|be|liev|ably ADV □� Lainey was, unbelievably, pregnant again.

un|be|liev|er /ʌ nb I liː və r / (unbelievers ) N‑COUNT People who do not believe in a particular religion are sometimes referred to as unbelievers .

un|be|liev|ing /ʌ nb I liː v I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as unbelieving , you mean that they do not believe something that they have been told. □� He looked at me with unbelieving eyes.

un|bend /ʌ nbe nd/ (unbends , unbending , unbent ) VERB If someone unbends , their attitude becomes less strict than it was. □�[V ] In her dying days the old Queen unbent a little.

un|bend|ing /ʌ nbe nd I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as unbending , you mean that they have very strict beliefs and attitudes, which they are unwilling to change. □� He was rigid and unbending. □� �her unbending opposition to the old regime.

un|bi|ased /ʌ nba I əst/ also unbiassed ADJ If you describe someone or something as unbiased , you mean they are fair and not likely to support one particular person or group involved in something. □� There is no clear and unbiased information available for consumers. □� The researchers were expected to be unbiased. □� �an unbiased jury.

un|bid|den /ʌ nb I d ə n/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If something happens unbidden , it happens without you expecting or wanting it to happen. [LITERARY ] □� The name came unbidden to Cook's mind�Ashley Stoker.

un|bind /ʌ nba I nd/ (unbinds , unbinding , unbound ) VERB If you unbind something or someone, you take off a piece of cloth, string, or rope that has been tied round them. □�[V n] She unbound her hair and let it flow loose in the wind. □�[V -ed] Many cultures still have fairly strict rules about women displaying unbound hair.

un|blem|ished /ʌ nble m I ʃt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as someone's record, reputation, or character as unblemished , you mean it has not been harmed or spoiled. □� �Lee's unblemished reputation as a man of honor and principle.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unblemished , you mean that it has no marks or holes on its surface. □� Be sure to select firm, unblemished fruit.

un|blink|ing /ʌ nbl I ŋk I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone's eyes or expression as unblinking , you mean that they are looking steadily at something without blinking. [LITERARY ] □� He stared into Leo's unblinking eyes. ●� un|blink|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� She looked at him unblinkingly.

un|born /ʌ nbɔː r n/ ADJ An unborn child has not yet been born and is still inside its mother's womb. □� �her unborn baby. □� They will affect generations of Britons still unborn. ●�N‑PLURAL The unborn are children who are not born yet.

un|bound /ʌ nbaʊ nd/ Unbound is the past tense and past participle of unbind .

un|bound|ed /ʌ nbaʊ nd I d/ ADJ If you describe something as unbounded , you mean that it has, or seems to have, no limits. □� �an unbounded capacity to imitate and adopt the new. □� His advice was always sensible and his energy unbounded.

un|break|able /ʌ nbre I kəb ə l/

1 ADJ Unbreakable objects cannot be broken, usually because they are made of a very strong material. □� Tableware for outdoor use should ideally be unbreakable.

2 ADJ An unbreakable rule or limit must be obeyed. □� One unbreakable rule in our school is that no child can be tested without parental permission.

un|bridge|able /ʌ nbr I dʒəb ə l/ ADJ An unbridgeable gap or divide between two sides in an argument is so great that the two sides seem unlikely ever to agree. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the apparently unbridgeable gulf between the SIS and the Security Service. □� The gap between the President and his opponents is unbridgeable.

un|bri|dled /ʌ nbra I d ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe behaviour or feelings as unbridled , you mean that they are not controlled or limited in any way. □� �a tale of lust and unbridled passion.

un|bro|ken /ʌ nbroʊ kən/ ADJ If something is unbroken , it is continuous or complete and has not been interrupted or broken. □� �an unbroken run of 38 match wins. □� We've had ten days of almost unbroken sunshine.

un|buck|le /ʌ nbʌ k ə l/ (unbuckles , unbuckling , unbuckled ) VERB If you unbuckle something such as a belt or a shoe, you undo the buckle fastening it. □�[V n] He unbuckled his seat belt.

un|bur|den /ʌ nbɜː r d ə n/ (unburdens , unburdening , unburdened ) VERB If you unburdenyourself or your problems to someone, you tell them about something which you have been secretly worrying about. □�[V pron-refl] I could see that it was doing him good to unburden himself. □�[V n +�to ] Somehow he had to unburden his soul to somebody, and it couldn't be to Laura. □�[V pron-refl +�of ] These women are keen to unburden themselves of guilty secrets. [Also V pron-refl, V n]

un|but|ton /ʌ nbʌ t ə n/ (unbuttons , unbuttoning , unbuttoned ) VERB If you unbutton an item of clothing, you undo the buttons fastening it. □�[V n] She had begun to unbutton her blouse. □�[V -ed] �his unbuttoned blue coat.

un|called for /ʌ nkɔː ld fɔː r / also uncalled-for ADJ If you describe a remark or criticism as uncalled for , you mean that it should not have been made, because it was unkind or unfair. □� I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. □� �Leo's uncalled-for remarks about her cousin.

un|can|ny /ʌ nk� ni/ ADJ If you describe something as uncanny , you mean that it is strange and difficult to explain. □� �proudly holding his new baby, who bears an uncanny resemblance to him. □� I had this uncanny feeling that Alice was warning me. ●� un|can|ni|ly /ʌ nk� n I li/ ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] □� They have uncannily similar voices.

un|cared for /ʌ nkeə r d fɔː r / ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe people or animals as uncared for , you mean that they have not been looked after properly and as a result are hungry, dirty, or ill. □� �people who feel unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.

un|caring /ʌ nkeə r I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as uncaring , you are critical of them for not caring about other people, especially people who are in a bad situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It portrays him as cold and uncaring. □� �this uncaring attitude towards the less well off.

un|ceas|ing /ʌnsiː s I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unceasing , you are emphasizing that it continues without stopping. [EMPHASIS ] □� �his unceasing labours. ●� un|ceas|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Paul talked unceasingly from dawn to dusk.

un|cer|emo|ni|ous|ly /ʌ nser I moʊ niəsli/ ADV [ADV with v] If someone or something is removed, left, or put somewhere unceremoniously , this is done in a sudden or rude way that shows they are not thought to be important. □� She was unceremoniously dumped to be replaced by a leader who could win the election. □� He had to be bundled unceremoniously out of the way.

un|cer|tain /ʌnsɜː r t ə n/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ wh/that] If you are uncertainabout something, you do not know what you should do, what is going to happen, or what the truth is about something. □�[+�about ] He was uncertain about his brother's intentions. □�[+�of ] They were uncertain of the total value of the transaction. □� He stopped, uncertain how to put the question tactfully. □� With some hesitation and an uncertain smile, she held out her hand. ●� un|cer|tain|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� He entered the hallway and stood uncertainly.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is uncertain , it is not known or definite. □� How far the republics can give practical help, however, is uncertain. □� It's uncertain whether they will accept the plan. □� Students all over the country are facing an uncertain future.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone tells a person something in no uncertain terms , you are emphasizing that they say it strongly and clearly so that there is no doubt about what they mean. [EMPHASIS ] □� She told him in no uncertain terms to go away.

un|cer|tain|ty /ʌnsɜː r t ə nti/ (uncertainties ) N‑VAR Uncertainty is a state of doubt about the future or about what is the right thing to do. □� �a period of political uncertainty. □�[+�of ] �the uncertainties of life on the West Coast.

un|chal|lenged /ʌ ntʃ� l I ndʒd/

1 ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] When something goes unchallenged or is unchallenged , people accept it without asking questions about whether it is right or wrong. □� These views have not gone unchallenged. □� �the unchallenged principle of parliamentary sovereignty.

2 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone's position of authority is unchallenged , you mean that it is strong and no one tries to replace them. □� He is the unchallenged leader of the strongest republic. □� �the man who has led his party unchallenged for over thirty years.

3 ADJ [ADJ after v] If you do something unchallenged , nobody stops you and asks you questions, for example about who you are or why you are doing it. □� I managed to walk around unchallenged for 10 minutes before an alert nurse spotted me.

un|change|able /ʌ ntʃe I ndʒəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is unchangeable cannot be changed at all. □� The doctrine is unchangeable. □� �a thoroughly organised and almost unchangeable system of laws and customs.

un|changed /ʌ ntʃe I ndʒd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is unchanged , it has stayed the same for a particular period of time. □� For many years prices have remained virtually unchanged.

un|chang|ing /ʌ ntʃe I ndʒ I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is unchanging always stays the same. □� �eternal and unchanging truths.

un|char|ac|ter|is|tic /ʌ nk�r I ktər I st I k/ ADJ If you describe something as uncharacteristicof someone, you mean that it is not typical of them. □�[+�of ] It was uncharacteristic of her father to disappear like this. □� �an uncharacteristic lack of modesty. ●� un|char|ac|ter|is|ti|cal|ly /ʌ nk�r I ktər I st I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� Owen has been uncharacteristically silent. □� Uncharacteristically for him, he decided to have a snooze.

un|chari|table /ʌ ntʃ� r I təb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's remarks, thoughts, or behaviour as uncharitable , you think they are being unkind or unfair to someone. □� This was an uncharitable assessment of the reasons for the failure.

un|chart|ed /ʌ ntʃɑː r t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation, experience, or activity as uncharted territory or waters, you mean that it is new or unfamiliar. □� Carter's fourth album definitely moves into uncharted territory. □� �a largely uncharted area of medical science.

un|checked /ʌ ntʃe kt/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If something harmful or undesirable is left unchecked , nobody controls it or prevents it from growing or developing. □� If left unchecked, weeds will flourish. □� �a world in which brutality and lawlessness are allowed to go unchecked.

un|civi|lized /ʌ ns I v I la I zd/ in BRIT, also use uncivilised ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as uncivilized , you find it unacceptable, for example because it is very cruel or very rude. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The campaign has abounded in mutual accusations of uncivilised behaviour. □� I think sport involving animals is barbaric and uncivilized.

un|claimed /ʌ nkle I md/ ADJ If something is unclaimed , nobody has claimed it or said that it belongs to them. □� Her luggage remained unclaimed at Frankfurt Departures. □� �unclaimed prizes.

un|clas|si|fied /ʌ nkl� s I fa I d/

1 ADJ If information or a document is unclassified , it is not secret and is available to the general public.

2 ADJ If something is unclassified , it has not been given a grade or put into a category, for example because it is of a low or basic standard. □� �an unclassified honours degree.

un|cle ◆◆◇ /ʌ ŋk ə l/ (uncles ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Someone's uncle is the brother of their mother or father, or the husband of their aunt. □� My uncle was the mayor of Memphis. □� A text from Uncle Fred arrived.

un|clean /ʌ nkliː n/

1 ADJ Something that is unclean is dirty and likely to cause disease. □� �the Western attitude to insects as being dirty and unclean. □� By bathing in unclean water, they expose themselves to contamination.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as unclean , you consider them to be spiritually or morally bad. □� They felt as though they had done something discreditable and unclean. □� �unclean thoughts.

un|clear /ʌ nkl I ə r /

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is unclear , it is not known or not certain. □� It is unclear how much popular support they have among the island's population. □� Just what the soldier was doing in Bireij is unclear.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ as to wh/n, ADJ wh] If you are unclear about something, you do not understand it properly or are not sure about it. □�[+�about ] He is still unclear about his own future.

Uncle Sam /ʌ ŋk ə l s� m/ N‑PROPER Some people refer to the United States of America or its government as Uncle Sam . [mainly AM , JOURNALISM ] □� They are ready to defend themselves against Uncle Sam's imperialist policies.

Uncle Tom (Uncle Toms ) N‑COUNT In the past, some black people used Uncle Tom to refer to a black man when they disapproved of him because he was too respectful or friendly towards white people. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They had earlier caused yet deeper offence when referring to him as an Uncle Tom.

un|clothed /ʌ nkloʊ �d/ ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If someone is unclothed , they are not wearing any clothes. [FORMAL ] □� He learned how to draw the unclothed human frame. □� It's considered improper to be unclothed in public.

un|clut|tered /ʌ nklʌ tə r d/ ADJ If you describe something as uncluttered , you mean that it is simple and does not contain or consist of a lot of unnecessary things. □� If you keep a room uncluttered it makes it seem lighter and bigger. □� The portraits are simple, uncluttered compositions.

un|coil /ʌ nkɔ I l/ (uncoils , uncoiling , uncoiled ) VERB If something uncoils or if you uncoil it, it becomes straight after it has been wound or curled up. If someone who is curled up uncoils , they move so that their body becomes straight. □�[V n] He uncoiled the hose and gave them a thorough drenching. □�[V ] Dan played with the tangerine peel, letting it uncoil and then coil again. □�[V ] Mack seemed to uncoil slowly up into a standing position.

un|combed /ʌ nkoʊ md/ ADJ If someone's hair is uncombed , it is untidy because it has not been brushed or combed.

un|com|fort|able /ʌ nkʌ mftəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ -ing] If you are uncomfortable , you are slightly worried or embarrassed, and not relaxed and confident. □� The request for money made them feel uncomfortable. □�[+�with ] If you are uncomfortable with your counsellor or therapist, you must discuss it. □� I feel uncomfortable lying. [Also +�about ] ●� un|com|fort|ably /ʌ nkʌ mftəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, oft ADV after v] □� Sandy leaned across the table, his face uncomfortably close to Brad's. □� He smiled uncomfortably.

2 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Something that is uncomfortable makes you feel slight pain or physical discomfort when you experience it or use it. □� Wigs are hot and uncomfortable to wear constantly. □� �an uncomfortable chair. ●� un|com|fort|ably ADV [ADV adj] □� The water was uncomfortably cold.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are uncomfortable , you are not physically content and relaxed, and feel slight pain or discomfort. □� I sometimes feel uncomfortable after eating in the evening. □� You may find it uncomfortable to look at bright lights. ●� un|com|fort|ably ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □� He felt uncomfortably hot. □� He awoke to find himself lying uncomfortably on a pile of firewood.

4 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] You can describe a situation or fact as uncomfortable when it is difficult to deal with and causes problems and worries. □� It is uncomfortable to think of our own death, but we need to. □� The decree put the president in an uncomfortable position.

un|com|mit|ted /ʌ nkəm I t I d/

1 ADJ If you are uncommitted , you have not yet decided to support a particular idea, belief, group, or person, or you are unwilling to show your support. □� The allegiance of uncommitted voters will be crucial. □�[+�to ] I was still uncommitted to the venture when we reached Kanpur. ●�N‑PLURAL The uncommitted are people who are uncommitted. □� It was the uncommitted that Labour needed to reach.

2 ADJ If resources are uncommitted , it has not yet been decided what to use them for. □� ��32.3m of uncommitted loans.

un|com|mon /ʌ nkɒ mən/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something as uncommon , you mean that it does not happen often or is not often seen. □� Cancer of the breast in young women is uncommon. □� A 15-year lifespan is not uncommon for a dog.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a quality, usually a good quality, as uncommon , you mean that it is unusually great in degree or amount. [LITERARY ] □� Both are blessed with an uncommon ability to fix things. □� She read Cecelia's last letter with uncommon interest. ●� un|com|mon|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] □� Mary was uncommonly good at tennis.

un|com|mu|ni|ca|tive /ʌ nkəmjuː n I kət I v/ ADJ If you describe someone as uncommunicative , you are critical of them because they do not talk to other people very much and are unwilling to express opinions or give information. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� My daughter is very difficult, uncommunicative and moody.

un|com|plain|ing /ʌ nkəmple I n I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as uncomplaining , you approve of them because they do difficult or unpleasant things and do not complain about them. [APPROVAL ] □� He was a cheerful and uncomplaining travel companion.

un|com|pli|cat|ed /ʌ nkɒ mpl I ke I t I d/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as uncomplicated , you approve of them because they are easy to deal with or understand. [APPROVAL ] □� She is a beautiful, uncomplicated girl. □� �good, fresh British cooking with its uncomplicated, direct flavours.

un|com|pre|hend|ing /ʌ nkɒmpr I he nd I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as uncomprehending , you mean that they do not understand what is happening or what someone has said. □� He gave the bottle a long, uncomprehending look.

un|com|pro|mis|ing /ʌ nkɒ mprəma I z I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as uncompromising , you mean that they are determined not to change their opinions or aims in any way. □� She was a tough and uncompromising politician. ●� un|com|pro|mis|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] □� The company had once been uncompromisingly socialist. □� He states uncompromisingly that he is opposed to any practices which oppress animals.

2 ADJ If you describe something as uncompromising , you mean that it does not attempt to make something that is shocking or unpleasant any more acceptable to people. □� �a film of uncompromising brutality. ●� un|com|pro|mis|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �the uncompromisingly modern decor.

un|con|cealed /ʌ nkənsiː ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unconcealed emotion is one that someone has made no attempt to hide. □� His message was received with unconcealed anger.

un|con|cern /ʌ nkənsɜː r n/ N‑UNCOUNT A person's unconcern is their lack of interest in or anxiety about something, often something that most people would be concerned about. □� She'd mentioned it casually once, surprising him by her unconcern.

un|con|cerned /ʌ nkənsɜː r nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a person is unconcernedabout something, usually something that most people would care about, they are not interested in it or worried about it. □�[+�about ] Paul was unconcerned about what he had done. □�[+�by ] He seems totally unconcerned by real dangers.

un|con|di|tion|al /ʌ nkənd I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unconditional , you mean that the person doing or giving it does not require anything to be done by other people in exchange. □� Children need unconditional love. □� The leader of the revolt made an unconditional surrender early this morning. ●� un|con|di|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The hostages were released unconditionally.

un|con|firmed /ʌ nkənfɜː r md/ ADJ If a report or a rumour is unconfirmed , there is no definite proof as to whether it is true or not. □� There are unconfirmed reports of several small villages buried by mudslides.

un|con|gen|ial /ʌ nkəndʒiː niəl/ ADJ If you describe a person or place as uncongenial , you mean that they are unfriendly and unpleasant. □� He continued to find the Simpsons uncongenial bores. □� Hollywood was an uncongenial place to work.

un|con|nect|ed /ʌ nkəne kt I d/ ADJ If one thing is unconnectedwith another or the two things are unconnected , the things are not related to each other in any way. □�[+�with ] She was known to have had personal problems unconnected with her job. □� I can't believe that those two murders are unconnected. [Also +�to ]

un|con|scion|able /ʌnkɒ nʃənəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unconscionable , you mean that the person responsible for it ought to be ashamed of it, especially because its effects are so great or severe. [LITERARY ] □�[+�for ] � speech that it would be unconscionable for a democratic society to suppress.

un|con|scious /ʌ nkɒ nʃəs/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] Someone who is unconscious is in a state similar to sleep, usually as the result of a serious injury or a lack of oxygen. □� By the time ambulancemen arrived he was unconscious. ●� un|con|scious|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He knew that he might soon lapse into unconsciousness.

2 ADJ If you are unconscious of something, you are unaware of it. □�[+�of ] He himself seemed totally unconscious of his failure. ●� un|con|scious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He watched the game very intently and often unconsciously swung his right leg.

3 ADJ If feelings or attitudes are unconscious , you are not aware that you have them, but they show in the way that you behave. □� Unconscious envy manifests itself very often as this kind of arrogance. ●� un|con|scious|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� I think racism is unconsciously inherent in practically everyone.

4 N‑SING Your unconscious is the part of your mind that contains feelings and ideas that you do not know about or cannot control. □� In examining the content of the unconscious, Freud called into question some deeply-held beliefs.

un|con|sti|tu|tion|al /ʌ nkɒnst I tjuː ʃən ə l, [AM ] -tuː -/ ADJ If something is unconstitutional , it breaks the rules of a political system. □� Parliament has declared the elections unconstitutional. □� Women's rights groups argue that the ban is unconstitutional .

un|con|trol|lable /ʌ nkəntroʊ ləb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a feeling or physical action as uncontrollable , you mean that you cannot control it or prevent yourself from feeling or doing it. □� It had been a time of almost uncontrollable excitement. □� He burst into uncontrollable laughter at something I'd said. ●� un|con|trol|lably /ʌ nkəntroʊ ləbli/ ADV [usu ADV after v] □� I started shaking uncontrollably and began to cry.

2 ADJ If you describe a person as uncontrollable , you mean that their behaviour is bad and that nobody can make them behave more sensibly. □� Mark was withdrawn and uncontrollable. □� Uncontrollable children grow into young criminals.

3 ADJ If you describe a situation or series of events as uncontrollable , you believe that nothing can be done to control them or to prevent things from getting worse. □� If political and ethnic problems are not resolved, the situation could become uncontrollable.

un|con|trolled /ʌ nkəntroʊ ld/

1 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone's behaviour as uncontrolled , you mean they appear unable to stop it or to make it less extreme. □� His uncontrolled behaviour disturbed the entire class. □� Julia blows her nose, but her sobbing goes on uncontrolled.

2 ADJ If a situation or activity is uncontrolled , no-one is controlling it or preventing it from continuing or growing. □� �the central bank's uncontrolled printing of money.

un|con|ven|tion|al /ʌ nkənve nʃən ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe a person or their attitude or behaviour as unconventional , you mean that they do not behave in the same way as most other people in their society. □� Linus Pauling is an unconventional genius. □� He had rather unconventional work habits, preferring to work through the night.

2 ADJ An unconventional way of doing something is not the usual way of doing it, and may be rather surprising. □� The vaccine had been produced by an unconventional technique. □� Despite his unconventional methods, he has inspired pupils more than anyone else.

un|con|vinced /ʌ nkənv I nst/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If you are unconvinced that something is true or right, you are not at all certain that it is true or right. □� Most consumers seem unconvinced that the recession is over.

un|con|vinc|ing /ʌ nkənv I ns I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you describe something such as an argument or explanation as unconvincing , you find it difficult to believe because it does not seem real. □� Mr Patel phoned the University for an explanation, and he was given the usual unconvincing excuses. □� To many readers it sounded unconvincing. ●� un|con|vinc|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'It's not that I don't believe you, Meg,' Jack said, unconvincingly.

2 ADJ If you describe a story or a character in a story as unconvincing , you think they do not seem likely or real. □� �an unconvincing love story.

un|cooked /ʌ nkʊ kt/ ADJ Uncooked food has not yet been cooked.

un|co|opera|tive /ʌ nkoʊɒ pərət I v/ also unco-operative ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as uncooperative , you mean that they make no effort at all to help other people or to make other people's lives easier. □� She became uncooperative: unwilling to do her homework or help with any household chores. □� �a bunch of stupid, cranky, uncooperative old fools.

un|co|ordi|nat|ed /ʌ nkoʊɔː r d I ne I t I d/ also unco-ordinated

1 ADJ If you describe someone as uncoordinated you mean that their movements are not smooth or controlled. □� They were unsteady on their feet and rather uncoordinated. □� �an uncoordinated toddler.

2 ADJ If you describe actions or plans as uncoordinated , you mean they are not well-organized. □� Government action has been half-hearted and uncoordinated. □� �late, uncoordinated and piecemeal enemy responses.

un|cork /ʌ nkɔː r k/ (uncorks , uncorking , uncorked ) VERB When you uncork a bottle, you open it by pulling the cork out of it. □�[V n] Steve uncorked bottles of champagne to toast the achievement.

un|cor|robo|rat|ed /ʌ nkərɒ bəre I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An uncorroborated statement or claim is not supported by any evidence or information. □� Uncorroborated confessions should no longer be accepted by courts.

un|count|able noun /ʌ nkaʊntəb ə l naʊ n/ (uncountable nouns ) N‑COUNT An uncountable noun is the same as an uncount noun .

un|count noun /ʌ nkaʊnt naʊ n/ (uncount nouns ) N‑COUNT An uncount noun is a noun such as 'gold', 'information', or 'furniture' which has only one form and can be used without a determiner.

un|couth /ʌ nkuː θ/ ADJ If you describe a person as uncouth , you mean that their behaviour is rude, noisy, and unpleasant. [DISAPPROVAL ]

un|cov|er /ʌ nkʌ və r / (uncovers , uncovering , uncovered )

1 VERB If you uncover something, especially something that has been kept secret, you discover or find out about it. □�[V n] Auditors said they had uncovered evidence of fraud.

2 VERB When people who are digging somewhere uncover something, they find a thing or a place that has been under the ground for a long time. □�[V n] Archaeologists have uncovered an 11,700-year-old hunting camp in Alaska.

3 VERB To uncover something means to remove something that is covering it. □�[V n] When the seedlings sprout, uncover the tray.

un|cov|ered /ʌ nkʌ və r d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] Something that is left uncovered does not have anything covering it. □� Minor cuts and grazes can usually be left uncovered to heal by themselves. □� The uncovered bucket in the corner stank.

un|criti|cal /ʌ nkr I t I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as uncritical , you mean that they do not judge whether someone or something is good or bad, right or wrong, before supporting or believing them. □� �the conventional notion of women as uncritical purchasers of heavily advertised products. ●� un|criti|cal|ly /ʌ nkr I t I kli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Politicians want a lap-dog press which will uncritically report their propaganda.

unc|tu|ous /ʌ ŋktʃuəs/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as unctuous , you are critical of them because they seem to be full of praise, kindness, or interest, but are obviously insincere. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the kind of unctuous tone that I've heard often at diplomatic parties.

2 ADJ If you describe food or drink as unctuous , you mean that it is creamy or oily. [FORMAL ]

un|cul|ti|vat|ed /ʌ nkʌ lt I ve I t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If land is uncultivated , there are no crops growing on it. □� �the flat, largely uncultivated plains. □� �an area left uncultivated to attract insects and small animals.

un|cul|tured /ʌ nkʌ ltʃə r d/ ADJ If you describe someone as uncultured , you are critical of them because they do not seem to know much about art, literature, and other cultural topics. [DISAPPROVAL ]

un|cut /ʌ nkʌ t/

1 ADJ Something that is uncut has not been cut. □� �a patch of uncut grass. □� Trees were to be left uncut, roads unpaved.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An uncut book, play, or film has not had parts removed. □� We saw the uncut version of 'Caligula' when we were in Europe.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Uncut diamonds and other precious stones have not been cut into a regular shape.

un|dam|aged /ʌ nd� m I dʒd/ ADJ Something that is undamaged has not been damaged or spoilt in any way. □� The Korean ship was apparently undamaged. □� Choose a golden-orange-coloured pineapple with undamaged leaves.

un|dat|ed /ʌ nde I t I d/ ADJ Something that is undated does not have a date written on it. □� In each packet there are batches of letters, most of which are undated.

un|daunt|ed /ʌ ndɔː nt I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are undaunted , you are not at all afraid or worried about dealing with something, especially something that would frighten or worry most people. □�[+�by ] Undaunted by the scale of the job, Lesley set about planning how each room should look.

un|de|cid|ed /ʌ nd I sa I d I d/ ADJ If someone is undecided , they cannot decide about something or have not yet decided about it. □� After university she was still undecided as to what career she wanted to pursue. □� He says he's counting on undecided voters to help him win next week's election.

un|de|feat|ed /ʌ nd I fiː t I d/ ADJ If a sports player or team is undefeated , nobody has beaten them over a particular period of time. □� She was undefeated for 13 years.

un|de|mand|ing /ʌ nd I mɑː nd I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a job as undemanding , you mean that it does not require you to work very hard or to think a great deal about it. □� Over a tenth of the population have secure, undemanding jobs. □� The book is an enjoyable and undemanding read.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as undemanding , you mean they are easy to be with and do not ask other people to do a great deal for them. □� �an undemanding companion.

un|demo|crat|ic /ʌ ndeməkr� t I k/ ADJ A system, process, or decision that is undemocratic is one that is controlled or made by one person or a small number of people, rather than by all the people involved. □� �the undemocratic rule of the former political establishment. □� Opponents denounced the decree as undemocratic and unconstitutional.

un|de|mon|stra|tive /ʌ nd I mɒ nstrət I v/ ADJ Someone who is undemonstrative does not often show affection. □� Lady Ainslie is an undemonstrative woman who rarely touches even her own son.

un|de|ni|able /ʌ nd I na I əb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is undeniable , you mean that it is definitely true. □� Her charm is undeniable. □� The undeniable fact is that almost everyone will pay less tax. ●� un|de|ni|ably /ʌ nd I na I əbli/ ADV □� Bringing up a baby is undeniably hard work.

un|der ◆◆◆ /ʌ ndə r / In addition to the uses shown below, under is also used in phrasal verbs such as 'go under' and 'knuckle under'. 1 PREP If a person or thing is under something, they are at a lower level than that thing, and may be covered or hidden by it. □� �swimming in the pool or lying under an umbrella. □� Under a wide shelf that holds coffee jars stands a pile of magazines. □� She buried her head under the covers, pretending to be asleep. □� A path runs under the trees.

2 PREP In a place such as a sea, river, or swimming pool, if someone or something is under the water, they are fully in the water and covered by it. □� They said he'd been held under the water and drowned. □� Goldfish were swimming lazily in a group just under the surface. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Under is also an adverb. □� When the water was up to his neck, a hand came from behind and pushed his head under.

3 PREP If you go under something, you move from one side to the other of something that is at a higher level than you. □� He went under a brick arch. □� A river boat passed under the bridge.

4 PREP Something that is under a layer of something, especially clothing, is covered by that layer. □� I was wearing two sweaters under the green army jacket. □� It was hard to see the colours under the layer of dust.

5 PREP You can use under before a noun to indicate that a person or thing is being affected by something or is going through a particular process. □� �fishermen whose livelihoods are under threat. □� I'm rarely under pressure and my co-workers are always nice to me. □� Firefighters said they had the blaze under control. □� He was rushed to court yesterday under armed guard.

6 PREP If something happens under particular circumstances or conditions, it happens when those circumstances or conditions exist. □� His best friend was killed by police under extremely questionable circumstances. □� Under normal conditions, only about 20 to 40 per cent of vitamin E is absorbed.

7 PREP If something happens under a law, agreement, or system, it happens because that law, agreement, or system says that it should happen. □� Under law, your employer has the right to hire a temporary worker to replace you. □� Under the Constitution, you cannot be tried twice for the same crime.

8 PREP If something happens under a particular person or government, it happens when that person or government is in power. □� There would be no new taxes under his leadership. □� �the realities of life under a brutal dictatorship.

9 PREP If you study or work under a particular person, that person teaches you or tells you what to do. □� Kiefer was just one of the artists who had studied under Beuys in the early Sixties. □� I am the new manager and you will be working under me.

10 PREP If you do something under a particular name, you use that name instead of your real name. □� Were any of your books published under the name Amanda Fairchild? □� The patient was registered under a false name.

11 PREP You use under to say which section of a list, book, or system something is in. □� This study is described under 'General Diseases of the Eye'. □� 'Where would it be?'�'Filed under C, second drawer down.'

12 PREP If something or someone is under a particular age or amount, they are less than that age or amount. □� �jobs for those under 65. □� Expenditure this year should be just under 15 billion pounds. ●�ADV Under is also an adverb. □� �free childminding service for 5's and under.

13under wraps →�see wrap

PREFIX under-

forms words that refer to an amount or value being too low or not enough. For example, if someone is underweight , their weight is lower than it should be.

under|achieve /ʌ ndərətʃiː v/ (underachieves , underachieving , underachieved ) VERB If someone underachieves in something such as school work or a job, they do not perform as well as they could. □�[V ] Some people might think I've underachieved in my job. ●� under|achiev|er (underachievers ) N‑COUNT □� He just wanted people to stop calling him disadvantaged, an underachiever.

u n|der a ge also underage

1 ADJ A person who is under age is legally too young to do something, for example to drink alcohol, have sex, or vote. □� Police questioned the owners over how the underage youngster was let in. □� �girls who have babies when they are under age.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Under age activities such as drinking or smoking are carried out by people who are legally too young to do them. □� The town has the top rate of underage pregnancies in Britain.

under|arm /ʌ ndərɑː r m/ (underarms )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Underarm means in or for the areas under your arms, where they are joined to your body. □� �underarm deodorants. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Underarm is also a noun. □� Wash the feet, underarms and body surface using soap.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use underarm to describe actions, such as throwing a ball, in which you do not raise your arm above your shoulder. [BRIT ] □� �an underarm throw. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Underarm is also an adverb. □� Practise throwing a ball underarm. [in AM, use underhand , underhanded ]

under|belly /ʌ ndə r beli/ (underbellies )

1 N‑COUNT The underbelly of something is the part of it that can be most easily attacked or criticized. □�[+�of ] In his view, small and medium-sized companies are the soft underbelly of the economy.

2 N‑COUNT The underbelly of an animal or a vehicle is the underneath part of it. □�[+�of ] The missiles emerge from the underbelly of the transport plane.

under|brush /ʌ ndə r brʌʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Underbrush consists of bushes and plants growing close together under trees in a forest. [AM ] □� �the cool underbrush of the rain forest. in BRIT, use undergrowth

under|carriage /ʌ ndə r k�r I dʒ/ (undercarriages ) N‑COUNT Theundercarriage of an aeroplane is the part, including the wheels, which supports the aeroplane when it is on the ground and when it is landing or taking off. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use landing gear

under|class /ʌ ndə r klɑːs, -kl�s/ (underclasses ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A country's underclass consists of those members of its population who are poor, and who have little chance of improving their situation. □� The basic problems of the inner-city underclass are inadequate housing and lack of jobs.

under|clothes /ʌ ndə r kloʊ�z/ N‑PLURAL Your underclothes are the items of clothing that you wear next to your skin and under your other clothes. □� �from multi-patterned sweaters to attractive underclothes.

under|cloth|ing /ʌ ndə r kloʊ� I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Underclothing is the same as underclothes . □� �a common brand of men's underclothing.

under|coat /ʌ ndə r koʊt/ (undercoats ) N‑VAR An undercoat is a covering of paint or varnish put onto a surface as a base for a final covering of paint or varnish. Compare topcoat .

under|cov|er /ʌ ndə r kʌ və r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Undercover work involves secretly obtaining information for the government or the police. □� �an undercover operation designed to catch people smugglers. □� �undercover reporters. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Undercover is also an adverb. □� Swanson persuaded Hubley to work undercover to capture the killer.

under|cur|rent /ʌ ndə r kʌrənt, -kɜːr-/ (undercurrents )

1 N‑COUNT If there is an undercurrentof a feeling, you are hardly aware of the feeling, but it influences the way you think or behave. □�[+�of ] We have become quite accustomed to an undercurrent of criticism of our large grocery chains.

2 N‑COUNT An undercurrent is a strong current of water that is moving below the surface current and in a different direction to it. □� Colin tried to swim after him but the strong undercurrent swept them apart.

under|cut /ʌ ndə r kʌ t/ (undercuts , undercutting ) The form undercut is used in the present tense and is also the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you undercut someone or undercut their prices, you sell a product more cheaply than they do. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The firm will be able to undercut its competitors whilst still making a profit. □�[V n] �promises to undercut air fares on some routes by 40 per cent.

2 VERB [usu passive] If your attempts to achieve something are undercut by something, that thing prevents your attempts from being effective. □�[be V -ed] Popular support would be undercut by political developments.

under|de|vel|oped /ʌ ndə r d I ve ləpt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An underdeveloped country or region does not have modern industries and usually has a low standard of living. Some people prefer to use the term developing . □� Underdeveloped countries should be assisted by allowing them access to modern technology. □� �public-health problems in the underdeveloped world.

under|dog /ʌ ndə r dɒg, [AM ] -dɔːg/ (underdogs ) N‑COUNT Theunderdog in a competition or situation is the person who seems least likely to succeed or win. □� Most of the crowd were cheering for the underdog to win just this one time.

under|done /ʌ ndə r dʌ n/ ADJ Underdone food has been cooked for less time than necessary, and so is not pleasant to eat. □� The second batch of bread came out underdone. □� �underdone meat.

under|em|ployed /ʌ ndər I mplɔ I d/ ADJ If someone is underemployed , they have not got enough work to do, or their work does not make full use of their skills or abilities.

under|es|ti|mate /ʌ ndəre st I me I t/ (underestimates , underestimating , underestimated )

1 VERB If you underestimate something, you do not realize how large or great it is or will be. □�[V n] None of us should ever underestimate the degree of difficulty women face in career advancement. □�[V wh] Never underestimate what you can learn from a group of like-minded people. ●� under|es|ti|ma|tion /ʌ ndərest I me I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] □�[+�of ] �a serious underestimation of harm to the environment.

2 VERB If you underestimate someone, you do not realize what they are capable of doing. □�[V n] The first lesson I learnt as a soldier was never to underestimate the enemy.

under|ex|posed /ʌ ndər I kspoʊ zd/ ADJ If a photograph is underexposed , it is darker than it should be because the film was not exposed to enough light.

under|fed /ʌ ndə r fe d/ ADJ People who are underfed do not get enough food to eat. □� Kate still looks pale and underfed. □� �ill-trained and underfed young soldiers.

under|fi|nanced /ʌ ndə r fa I n�nst/ also under-financed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Underfinanced means the same as underfunded . □� From the beginning, the project was underfinanced.

under|foot /ʌ ndə r fʊ t/

1 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] You describe something as being underfoot when you are standing or walking on it. □� �a room, high and square with carpet underfoot and tapestries on the walls. □� It was still wet underfoot.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you trample or crush something underfoot , you spoil or destroy it by stepping on it. □� �a mobile phone that has been crushed underfoot.

under|fund|ed /ʌ ndə r fʌ nd I d/ also under-funded ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] An organization or institution that is underfunded does not have enough money to spend, and so it cannot function properly. □� For years we have argued that the health service is underfunded. □� �underfunded pensions.

under|gar|ment /ʌ ndə r gɑː r mənt/ (undergarments ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Undergarments are items of clothing that you wear next to your skin and under your other clothes. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

under|go /ʌ ndə r goʊ / (undergoes , undergoing , underwent , undergone ) VERB If you undergo something necessary or unpleasant, it happens to you. □�[V n] New recruits have been undergoing training in recent weeks. □�[V n] He underwent an agonising 48-hour wait for the results of tests.

under|grad /ʌ ndə r gr�d/ (undergrads ) N‑COUNT An undergrad is the same as an undergraduate . [INFORMAL ]

under|gradu|ate /ʌ ndə r gr� dʒuət/ (undergraduates ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An undergraduate is a student at a university or college who is studying for his or her first degree. □� Economics undergraduates are probably the brightest in the university. □� �undergraduate degree programmes.

under|ground ◆◇◇ The adverb is pronounced /ʌ ndə r graʊ nd/. The noun and adjective are pronounced /ʌ ndə r graʊnd/. 1 ADV [ADV after v] Something that is underground is below the surface of the ground. □� Solid low-level waste will be disposed of deep underground. □� The plane hit so hard that one engine was buried 16 feet underground. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Underground is also an adjective. □� �a run-down shopping area with an underground car park. □� �underground water pipes.

2 N‑SING [oft by N ] Theunderground in a city is the railway system in which electric trains travel below the ground in tunnels. [BRIT ] □� �a woman alone in the underground waiting for a train. □� He crossed London by underground. in AM, use subway3 N‑SING In a country which is controlled by an enemy or has a harsh government, the underground is an organized group of people who are involved in illegal activities against the people in power. □� These U.S. dollars were smuggled into the country during the war, to aid the underground.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Underground groups and activities are secret because their purpose is to oppose the government and they are illegal. □� They are accused of organising and financing an underground youth movement.

5 ADV [ADV after v] If you go underground , you hide from the authorities or the police because your political ideas or activities are illegal. □� After the violent clashes of 1981 they either went underground or left the country.

under|growth /ʌ ndə r groʊθ/ N‑UNCOUNT Undergrowth consists of bushes and plants growing together under the trees in a forest. [BRIT ] □� �plunging through the undergrowth. in AM, use underbrush

under|hand /ʌ ndə r h� nd/ or underhanded /ʌ ndə r h� ndid/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If an action is underhand or if it is done in an underhand way, it is done secretly and dishonestly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �underhand financial deals. □� �a list of the underhanded ways in which their influence operates in the United States. □� She accused the government of being underhand.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use underhand or underhanded to describe actions, such as throwing a ball, in which you do not raise your arm above your shoulder. [AM ] □� �an underhanded pitch. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Underhand is also an adverb. □� In softball, pitches are tossed underhand. [in BRIT, use underarm ]

under|lay (underlays ) The noun is pronounced /ʌ ndə r le I /. The verb is pronounced /ʌ ndə r le I /. 1 N‑VAR Underlay is a layer of thick material that you place between a carpet and the floor to protect the carpet and make it feel warmer and softer. [BRIT ]

2Underlay is the past tense of underlie .

under|lie /ʌ ndə r la I / (underlies , underlying , underlay , underlain )

1 VERB If something underlies a feeling or situation, it is the cause or basis of it. □�[V n] Try to figure out what feeling underlies your anger.

2 →�see also underlying

under|line /ʌ ndə r la I n/ (underlines , underlining , underlined )

1 VERB If one thing, for example an action or an event, underlines another, it draws attention to it and emphasizes its importance. □�[V n] The report underlined his concern that standards were at risk. □�[V wh] But the incident underlines how easily things can go wrong. [Also V that]

2 VERB If you underline something such as a word or a sentence, you draw a line underneath it in order to make people notice it or to give it extra importance. □�[V n] Take two coloured pens and underline the positive and negative words.

under|ling /ʌ ndə r l I ŋ/ (underlings ) N‑COUNT You refer to someone as an underling when they are inferior in rank or status to someone else and take orders from them. You use this word to show that you do not respect someone. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �underlings who do the dirty work.

under|ly|ing /ʌ ndə r la I I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] The underlying features of an object, event, or situation are not obvious, and it may be difficult to discover or reveal them. □� To stop a problem you have to understand its underlying causes. □� I think that the underlying problem is education, unemployment and bad housing.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You describe something as underlying when it is below the surface of something else. □� �hills with the hard underlying rock poking through the turf.

3 →�see also underlie

under|manned /ʌ ndə r m� nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If an organization is undermanned , it does not have enough employees to function properly. □� In some stores we were undermanned and customer service was suffering.

under|mine ◆◇◇ /ʌ ndə r ma I n/ (undermines , undermining , undermined )

1 VERB If you undermine something such as a feeling or a system, you make it less strong or less secure than it was before, often by a gradual process or by repeated efforts. □�[V n] Offering advice on each and every problem will undermine her feeling of being adult. □�[V n] Western intelligence agencies are accused of trying to undermine the government.

2 VERB If you undermine someone or undermine their position or authority, you make their authority or position less secure, often by indirect methods. □�[V n] She undermined him and destroyed his confidence in his own talent. □�[V n] The conversations were designed to undermine her authority.

3 VERB If you undermine someone's efforts or undermine their chances of achieving something, you behave in a way that makes them less likely to succeed. □�[V n] The continued fighting threatens to undermine efforts to negotiate an agreement.

under|neath /ʌ ndə r niː θ/

1 PREP If one thing is underneath another, it is directly under it, and may be covered or hidden by it. □� The device exploded underneath a van. □� �using dogs to locate people trapped underneath collapsed buildings. □� �a table for two underneath the olive trees. □� Her apartment was underneath a bar, called 'The Lift'. ●�ADV [n ADV , ADV after v, be ADV , from ADV ] Underneath is also an adverb. □� He has on a denim shirt with a T-shirt underneath. □� �if we could maybe pull back a bit of this carpet to see what's underneath.

2 ADV [ADV after v] The part of something which is underneath is the part which normally touches the ground or faces towards the ground. □� Check the actual construction of the chair by looking underneath. □� His bare feet were smooth on top and rough-skinned underneath. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Underneath is also an adjective. □� Some objects had got entangled with the underneath mechanism of the engine. ●�N‑SING Underneath is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Now I know what the underneath of a car looks like.

3 ADV You use underneath when talking about feelings and emotions that people do not show in their behaviour. □� He was as violent as Nick underneath. ●�PREP Underneath is also a preposition. □� Underneath his outgoing behaviour Luke was shy.

under|nour|ished /ʌ ndə r nʌ r I ʃt, [AM ] -nɜː r-/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is undernourished , they are weak and unhealthy because they have not been eating enough food or the right kind of food. □� �undernourished children.

under|nour|ish|ment /ʌ ndə r nʌ r I ʃmənt, [AM ] -nɜː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is suffering from undernourishment , they have poor health because they have not been eating enough food or are eating the wrong kind of food.

under|paid /ʌ ndə r pe I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] People who are underpaid are not paid enough money for the job that they do. □� Women are frequently underpaid for the work that they do. □� �underpaid factory workers.

under|pants /ʌ ndə r p�nts/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Underpants are a piece of underwear which have two holes to put your legs through and elastic around the top to hold them up round your waist or hips. In British English, underpants refers to only men's underwear, but in American English it refers to both men's and women's.

under|pass /ʌ ndə r pɑːs, -p�s/ (underpasses ) N‑COUNT An underpass is a road or path that goes underneath a railway or another road. □� The Hanger Lane underpass was closed through flooding.

under|pin /ʌ ndə r p I n/ (underpins , underpinning , underpinned ) VERB If one thing underpins another, it helps the other thing to continue or succeed by supporting and strengthening it. □�[V n] �mystical themes that underpin all religions. ●� under|pin|ning (underpinnings ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �the economic underpinning of ancient Mexican society. □�[+�of ] Many questioned the moral underpinnings of our financial dealings with each other.

under|play /ʌ ndə r ple I / (underplays , underplaying , underplayed ) VERB If you underplay something, you make it seem less important than it really is. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] We often underplay the skills we have. □�[V n] The problem of corruption was, and still is, often underplayed. in AM, usually use play down

under|popu|lat|ed /ʌ ndə r pɒ pjʊle I t I d/ ADJ You describe a country or region as underpopulated when it could support a much larger population than it has. □� Many of the islands are mainly wild and underpopulated.

under|privi|leged /ʌ ndə r pr I v I l I dʒd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Underprivileged people have less money and fewer possessions and opportunities than other people in their society. □� �helping underprivileged children to learn to read. □� �the hideous effects of government cuts on underprivileged families. ●�N‑PLURAL The underprivileged are people who are underprivileged. □� �government plans to make more jobs available to the underprivileged.

under|rate /ʌ ndə r re I t/ (underrates , underrating , underrated ) VERB If you underrate someone or something, you do not recognize how clever, important, or significant they are. □�[V n] We women have a lot of good business skills, although we tend to underrate ourselves. □�[V n] He underrated the seriousness of William's head injury. ●� under|rat|ed ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� He is a very underrated poet.

under|score /ʌ ndə r skɔː r / (underscores , underscoring , underscored )

1 VERB If something such as an action or an event underscores another, it draws attention to the other thing and emphasizes its importance. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] The Labor Department figures underscore the shaky state of the economic recovery. [Also V that] in BRIT, usually use underline2 VERB If you underscore something such as a word or a sentence, you draw a line underneath it in order to make people notice it or give it extra importance. [mainly AM ] □�[V n] He heavily underscored his note to Shelley. in BRIT, usually use underline

under|sea /ʌ ndə r siː/ ADJ [ADJ n] Undersea things or activities exist or happen below the surface of the sea. □� �an undersea pipeline running to Europe. □� �undersea exploration.

u nder-se cretary (under-secretaries ) also undersecretary N‑COUNT An under-secretary is a senior official with an important post in a government department. □� She served as under-secretary of state for health and social care.

under|shirt /ʌ ndə r ʃɜː r t/ (undershirts ) N‑COUNT An undershirt is a piece of clothing that you wear on the top half of your body next to your skin in order to keep warm. [AM ] □� He put on a pair of short pants and an undershirt. in BRIT, use vest

under|side /ʌ ndə r sa I d/ (undersides ) N‑COUNT The underside of something is the part of it which normally faces towards the ground. □�[+�of ] �the underside of the car.

under|signed /ʌ ndə r sa I nd/ ADJ [ADJ n] On a legal document, the undersigned people are the ones who have signed their names at the bottom of the document. [LEGAL ] □� The undersigned buyers agree to pay a 5,000 pound deposit. ●�N‑PLURAL The undersigned are the people who have signed a legal document. □� �we the undersigned, all prominent doctors in our fields.

under|sized /ʌ ndə r sa I zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Undersized people or things are smaller than usual, or smaller than they should be. □� �undersized and underweight babies. □� They squashed into an undersized reception room. □� He was undersized, as were all the local children I was to meet.

under|spend /ʌ ndə r spend/ (underspends , underspending , underspent ) VERB If an organization or country underspends , it spends less money than it plans to or less money than it can afford. □�[V +�on ] �a country that underspends on health and overspends on statisticians. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT Underspend is also a noun. □�[+�in ] There has been an underspend in the department's budget. [Also +�on ]

under|staffed /ʌ ndə r stɑː ft, -st� ft/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If an organization is understaffed , it does not have enough employees to do its work properly. □� Many institutions offering child care are understaffed and underequipped. □� �an understaffed police force.

under|stand ◆◆◆ /ʌ ndə r st� nd/ (understands , understanding , understood )

1 VERB [no cont] If you understand someone or understand what they are saying, you know what they mean. □�[V n] Rusty nodded as though she understood the old woman. □�[V wh] I don't understand what you are talking about. □�[make pron-refl V -ed] He was speaking poor English, trying to make himself understood.

2 VERB [no cont] If you understand a language, you know what someone is saying when they are speaking that language. □�[V n] I couldn't read or understand a word of Yiddish, so I asked him to translate.

3 VERB [no cont] To understand someone means to know how they feel and why they behave in the way that they do. □�[V n] It would be nice to have someone who really understood me, a friend. □�[V n] Trish had not exactly understood his feelings. □�[V wh] She understands why I get tired and grumpy.

4 VERB [no cont] You say that you understand something when you know why or how it happens. □�[V wh] They are too young to understand what is going on. □�[V n] It is worth making the effort to understand how investment trusts work.

5 VERB [no cont] If you understand that something is the case, you think it is true because you have heard or read that it is. You can say that something is understood to be the case to mean that people generally think it is true. □�[V that] We understand that she's in the studio recording her second album. □�[V it ] The idea, as I understand it, is to make science more relevant. □�[be V -ed to-inf] The management is understood to be very unwilling to agree to this request. □�[be V -ed that] It is understood that the veteran reporter had a heart attack.

6 PHRASE If someone is given to understand that something is the case, it is communicated to them that it is the case, usually without them being told directly. □� I am given to understand that he was swearing throughout the game at our fans.

7 CONVENTION You can use understand in expressions like do you understand? or is that understood? after you have told someone what you want, to make sure that they have understood you and will obey you. □� You do not criticize my grandchildren, do you understand? □� I don't need it, understand? □� I don't want to hear another word about it. Is that understood, Emma?

under|stand|able /ʌ ndə r st� ndəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or feelings as understandable , you think that they have reacted to a situation in a natural way or in the way you would expect. □� His unhappiness was understandable. ●� under|stand|ably /ʌ ndə r st� ndəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� The duke is understandably proud of Lady Helen and her achievements. □� Most organizations are, quite understandably, suspicious of new ideas.

2 ADJ If you say that something such as a statement or theory is understandable , you mean that people can easily understand it. □� She writes in a simple and understandable way.

under|stand|ing ◆◇◇ /ʌ ndə r st� nd I ŋ/ (understandings )

1 N‑VAR If you have an understanding of something, you know how it works or know what it means. □�[+�of ] They have to have a basic understanding of computers in order to use the advanced technology.

2 ADJ If you are understanding towards someone, you are kind and forgiving. □� Her boss, who was very understanding, gave her time off. □� Fortunately for John, he had an understanding partner.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you show understanding , you show that you realize how someone feels or why they did something, and are not hostile towards them. □� We would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If there is understandingbetween people, they are friendly towards each other and trust each other. □�[+�between ] There was complete understanding between Wilson and myself.

5 N‑COUNT An understanding is an informal agreement about something. □�[+�between ] We had not set a date for marriage but there was an understanding between us.

6 N‑SING [oft N that] If you say that it is your understandingthat something is the case, you mean that you believe it to be the case because you have heard or read that it is. □� It is my understanding that this torture has been going on for many years.

7 PHRASE If you agree to do something on the understanding that something is true, you do it because you have been told that the other thing is definitely true. □� We paid �1,000 on the understanding that the price included all of the above.

under|state /ʌ ndə r ste I t/ (understates , understating , understated ) VERB If you understate something, you describe it in a way that suggests that it is less important or serious than it really is. □�[V n] The government chooses deliberately to understate the increase in prices.

under|stat|ed /ʌ ndə r ste I t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a style, colour, or effect as understated , you mean that it is not obvious. □� I have always liked understated clothes. □� �his typically understated humour.

under|state|ment /ʌ ndə r ste I tmənt/ (understatements )

1 N‑COUNT If you say that a statement is an understatement , you mean that it does not fully express the extent to which something is true. □� To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. □�[+�of ] He was getting very hard to live with, and that's the understatement of the year.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Understatement is the practice of suggesting that things have much less of a particular quality than they really have. □� He informed us with massive understatement that he was feeling disappointed. □� �typical British understatement.

under|stood /ʌ ndə r stʊ d/ Understood is the past tense and past participle of understand .

under|study /ʌ ndə r stʌdi/ (understudies ) N‑COUNT An actor's or actress's understudy is the person who has learned their part in a play and can act the part if the actor or actress is ill. □�[+�to ] He was an understudy to Charlie Chaplin on a tour of the U.S.A�

under|take /ʌ ndə r te I k/ (undertakes , undertaking , undertook , undertaken )

1 VERB When you undertake a task or job, you start doing it and accept responsibility for it. □�[V n] She undertook the arduous task of monitoring the elections.

2 VERB If you undertaketo do something, you promise that you will do it. □�[V to-inf] He undertook to edit the text himself.

under|tak|er /ʌ ndə r te I kə r / (undertakers ) N‑COUNT An undertaker is a person whose job is to deal with the bodies of people who have died and to arrange funerals.

under|tak|ing /ʌ ndə r te I k I ŋ/ (undertakings )

1 N‑COUNT An undertaking is a task or job, especially a large or difficult one. □� Organizing the show has been a massive undertaking.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] If you give an undertaking to do something, you formally promise to do it. □� When he delivered his budget he gave an undertaking to increase spending on health.

under|tone /ʌ ndə r toʊn/ (undertones )

1 N‑COUNT [in N ] If you say something in an undertone , you say it very quietly. □� 'What d'you think?' she asked in an undertone. □� Well-dressed clients were talking in polite undertones as they ate.

2 N‑COUNT If something has undertones of a particular kind, it suggests ideas or attitudes of this kind without expressing them directly. □� �a witty, racy story with surprisingly serious undertones.

under|took /ʌ ndə r tʊ k/ Undertook is the past tense of undertake .

under|tow /ʌ ndə r toʊ/ (undertows )

1 N‑COUNT If there is an undertow of a feeling, that feeling exists in such a weak form that you are hardly aware of it, but it influences the way you think or behave. □�[+�of ] �an undertow of sadness.

2 N‑COUNT An undertow is a strong current of water that is moving below the surface current and in a different direction to it.

under|used /ʌ ndə r juː zd/ also under-used ADJ Something useful that is underused is not used as much for people's benefit as it could be. □� At present many schools' sports grounds are grossly underused. □� �areas where muscles are underused and underdeveloped. □� �underused land.

under|uti|lized /ʌ ndə r juː t I la I zd/ in BRIT, also use underutilised ADJ [usu ADJ n] Underutilized is a more formal word for underused . □� They had to sell off 10 percent of all underutilized farmland.

under|value /ʌ ndə r v� ljuː/ (undervalues , undervaluing , undervalued ) VERB If you undervalue something or someone, you fail to recognize how valuable or important they are. □�[V n] We must never undervalue freedom. ●� under|val|ued ADJ □� Even the best teacher can feel undervalued.

under|wa|ter /ʌ ndə r wɔː tə r /

1 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] Something that exists or happens underwater exists or happens below the surface of the sea, a river, or a lake. □� �giant submarines able to travel at high speeds underwater. □� Some stretches of beach are completely underwater at high tide. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Underwater is also an adjective. □� �underwater exploration. □� �a retired underwater photographer.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Underwater devices are specially made so that they can work in water. □� �underwater camera equipment. □� �a pool of clear water lit by underwater lights.

u n|der wa y also underway ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If an activity is under way , it has already started. If an activity gets under way , it starts. □� An investigation is underway to find out how the disaster happened. □� The conference gets under way later today with a debate on the family.

under|wear /ʌ ndə r weə r / N‑UNCOUNT Underwear is clothing such as vests and pants which you wear next to your skin under your other clothes. □� �a couple who went for a late-night swim in their underwear. □� �a change of underwear.

under|weight /ʌ ndəwe I t/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is underweight , they are too thin, and therefore not healthy. □� Nearly a third of the children were severely underweight.

under|went /ʌ ndə r we nt/ Underwent is the past tense of undergo .

under|whelmed /ʌ ndə r h we lmd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are underwhelmedby something, you are not impressed or excited by it. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�by ] He was underwhelmed by the prospect of meeting the Queen.

under|whelm|ing /ʌ ndə r h we lm I ŋ/ ADJ If you use underwhelming to describe the response or reaction to something, you mean that people were not very impressed or excited by it. [INFORMAL ] □� �the distinctly underwhelming response to their second album.

under|world /ʌ ndə r wɜː r ld/

1 N‑SING [oft N n, n N ] The underworld in a city is the organized crime there and the people who are involved in it. □� Some claim that she still has connections to the criminal underworld. □� �a wealthy businessman with underworld connections.

2 N‑SING In many ancient religions and legends, the underworld is a place under the earth's surface where people go after they die. □� �Persephone, goddess of the underworld.

under|write /ʌ ndə r ra I t/ (underwrites , underwriting , underwrote , underwritten ) VERB If an institution or company underwrites an activity or underwrites the cost of it, they agree to provide any money that is needed to cover losses or buy special equipment, often for an agreed fee. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] The government will have to create a special agency to underwrite small business loans.

under|writ|er /ʌ ndə r ra I tə r / (underwriters )

1 N‑COUNT An underwriter is someone whose job involves agreeing to provide money for a particular activity or to pay for any losses that are made. [BUSINESS ] □� If the market will not buy the shares, the underwriter buys them.

2 N‑COUNT An underwriter is someone whose job is to judge the risks involved in certain activities and decide how much to charge for insurance. [BUSINESS ]

un|de|served /ʌ nd I zɜː r vd/ ADJ If you describe something such as a reaction, treatment, or result as undeserved , you mean that the person who experiences it has not earned it and should not really have it. □� Douglas has an undeserved reputation for being dull and dry. □� Jim's treatment was harsh and undeserved.

un|de|sir|able /ʌ nd I za I ə rəb ə l/ (undesirables )

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as undesirable , you do not want them or you think they are harmful. □� We have come to view sweating as an undesirable and socially unacceptable activity. □� A large group of undesirable strangers crashed her party.

2 N‑COUNT Undesirables are people who a particular government considers to be dangerous or a threat to society, and therefore wants to get rid of. □� Police were on hand to prevent undesirables from entering.

un|de|tect|ed /ʌ nd I te kt I d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If you are undetected or if you do something undetected , people do not find out where you are or what you are doing. □� �the spy ring had a fifth member as yet still undetected. □� They managed to get away from the coast undetected. □� �an undetected cancer.

un|de|vel|oped /ʌ nd I ve ləpt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An undeveloped country or region does not have modern industries and usually has a low standard of living. □� The big losers will be the undeveloped countries.

2 ADJ Undeveloped land has not been built on or used for activities such as mining and farming. □� Vast tracts of the country are wild and undeveloped. □� �the world's largest undeveloped gold deposit outside of South Africa.

un|did /ʌ nd I d/ Undid is the past tense of undo .

un|dies /ʌ ndiz/ N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] You can refer to a woman's or girl's underwear as their undies . [INFORMAL ]

un|dig|ni|fied /ʌnd I gn I fa I d/ ADJ If you describe someone's actions as undignified , you mean they are foolish or embarrassing. □� It is sad to see a county confine its activities to undignified public bickering. □� All this public outpouring is so undignified.

un|di|lut|ed /ʌ nda I luː t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's feelings or characteristics as undiluted , you are emphasizing that they are very strong and not mixed with any other feeling or quality. □� I will look back at this one with undiluted pleasure. □� Her Irish accent, after thirty-odd years in London, is undiluted.

2 ADJ A liquid that is undiluted has not been made weak by mixing it with water.

un|dis|ci|plined /ʌ nd I s I pl I nd/ ADJ If you describe someone as undisciplined , you mean that they behave badly or in a disorganized way. □� �a noisy and undisciplined group of students. □� Teachers often view youth workers as undisciplined and ineffectual.

un|dis|closed /ʌnd I skloʊ zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Undisclosed information is not revealed to the public. □� The company has been sold for an undisclosed amount.

un|dis|cov|ered /ʌ nd I skʌ və r d/ ADJ Something that is undiscovered has not been discovered or noticed. □� Some of the islands in the western Pacific Ocean are an undiscovered gem. □� This site remained undiscovered, though long sought, until recent times.

un|dis|guised /ʌ nd I sga I zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's feelings as undisguised , you mean that they show them openly and do not make any attempt to hide them. □� Hean looked down at Bauer in undisguised disgust. □� By mid-season the hostility between the two was undisguised.

un|dis|mayed /ʌ nd I sme I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is undismayed by something unpleasant or unexpected, you mean that they do not feel any fear, worry, or sadness about it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�by ] He was undismayed by the prospect of failure.

un|dis|put|ed /ʌ nd I spjuː t I d/

1 ADJ If you describe a fact or opinion as undisputed , you are trying to persuade someone that it is generally accepted as true or correct. □� �the undisputed fact that he had broken the law. □� �his undisputed genius.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as the undisputed leader or champion, you mean that everyone accepts their position as leader or champion. □� At 78 years of age, he's still undisputed leader of his country. □� �after 10 years of undisputed power.

un|dis|tin|guished /ʌ nd I st I ŋgw I ʃt/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as undistinguished , you mean they are not attractive, interesting, or successful. □� �his short and undistinguished career as an art student.

un|dis|turbed /ʌ nd I stɜː r bd/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] Something that remains undisturbed is not touched, moved, or used by anyone. □� The desk looked undisturbed. □� Peonies react badly to being moved and are best left undisturbed.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] A place that is undisturbed is peaceful and has not been affected by changes that have happened in other places. □� In the Balearics, pockets of rural life and inland villages are undisturbed. □� The war had not left Bargate undisturbed.

3 ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If you are undisturbed in something that you are doing, you are able to continue doing it and are not affected by something that is happening. □� I can spend the whole day undisturbed at the warehouse. □� There was a small restaurant on Sullivan Street where we could talk undisturbed. □� They want undisturbed rest.

4 ADJ If someone is undisturbedby something, it does not affect, bother, or upset them. □�[+�by ] Victoria was strangely undisturbed by this symptom.

un|di|vid|ed /ʌ nd I va I d I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you give someone or something your undivided attention, you concentrate on them fully and do not think about anything else. □� Eldest children are the only ones to have experienced the undivided attention of their parents. □� �any task that requires undivided concentration.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Undivided feelings are ones that are very strong and not mixed with other feelings. □� The paintings she produced in those months won undivided admiration. □� He has my undivided loyalty.

3 ADJ An undivided country or organization is one that is not separated into smaller parts or groups. □� Many feel this should be a single, undivided country of its own. □� �the goal of an undivided Church.

undo /ʌ nduː / (undoes , undoing , undid , undone )

1 VERB If you undo something that is closed, tied, or held together, or if you undo the thing holding it, you loosen or remove the thing holding it. □�[V n] I managed secretly to undo a corner of the parcel. □�[V -ed] Some clamps that had held the device together came undone.

2 VERB To undo something that has been done means to reverse its effect. □�[V n] She knew it would be difficult to undo the damage that had been done. □�[V n] If Michael won, he would undo everything I have fought for.

3 →�see also undoing , undone

un|do|ing /ʌ nduː I ŋ/

1 N‑SING [with poss] If something is someone's undoing , it is the cause of their failure. □� His lack of experience may prove to be his undoing.

2 →�see also undo

un|done /ʌ ndʌ n/

1 ADJ [ADJ after v] Work that is undone has not yet been done. □� He left nothing undone that needed attention.

2 →�see also undo

un|doubt|ed /ʌndaʊ t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use undoubted to emphasize that something exists or is true. [EMPHASIS ] □� The event was an undoubted success. □� �a man of your undoubted ability. ●� un|doubt|ed|ly ADV [ADV before v] □� Undoubtedly, political and economic factors have played their part. □� Hanley is undoubtedly a great player.

un|dreamed of /ʌ ndriː md ɒv, [AM ] - ʌv/ also undreamed-of in BRIT, also use undreamt-of ADJ If you describe something as undreamed of , you are emphasizing that it is much better, worse, or more unusual than you thought was possible. [EMPHASIS ] □� This new design will offer undreamed-of levels of comfort, safety and speed. □� They have freedoms that were undreamed-of even ten years ago.

un|dress /ʌ ndre s/ (undresses , undressing , undressed ) VERB When you undress or undress someone, you take off your clothes or someone else's clothes. □�[V ] She went out, leaving Rachel to undress and have her shower. □�[V n] She undressed the child before putting her in the tin bath.

un|dressed /ʌ ndre st/ ADJ If you are undressed , you are wearing no clothes or your night clothes. If you get undressed , you take off your clothes. □� Fifteen minutes later he was undressed and in bed. □� He got undressed in the bathroom.

un|due /ʌ ndjuː , [AM ] -duː / ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something bad as undue , you mean that it is greater or more extreme than you think is reasonable or appropriate. □� This would help the families to survive the drought without undue suffering. □� It is unrealistic to put undue pressure on ourselves by saying we are the best.

un|du|late /ʌ ndʒʊle I t/ (undulates , undulating , undulated ) VERB Something that undulates has gentle curves or slopes, or moves gently and slowly up and down or from side to side in an attractive manner. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] As we travel south, the countryside begins to undulate. □�[V ] His body slowly undulated in time to the music. [Also V n] ●� un|du|lat|ing ADJ □� �gently undulating hills.

un|du|ly /ʌ ndjuː li, [AM ] -duː li/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] If you say that something does not happen or is not done unduly , you mean that it does not happen or is not done to an excessive or unnecessary extent. □� 'But you're not unduly worried about doing this report?'�'No.' □� He appealed to firms not to increase their prices unduly.

un|dy|ing /ʌnda I I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to someone's undying feelings, you mean that the feelings are very strong and are unlikely to change. [LITERARY ] □� Dianne declared her undying love for Sam. □� He had won her undying gratitude.

un|earned in|come /ʌ nɜː r nd I ŋkʌm/ N‑UNCOUNT Unearned income is money that people gain from interest or profit from property or investment, rather than money that they earn from a job. □� Reduction in the tax on unearned income could be a boost for small businesses.

un|earth /ʌ nɜː r θ/ (unearths , unearthing , unearthed )

1 VERB If someone unearths facts or evidence about something bad, they discover them with difficulty, usually because they were being kept secret or were being lied about. □�[V n] Researchers have unearthed documents linking her to the forced adoption of children.

2 VERB If someone unearths something that is buried, they find it by digging in the ground. □�[V n] Fossil hunters have unearthed the bones of an elephant believed to be 500,000 years old.

3 VERB If you say that someone has unearthed something, you mean that they have found it after it had been hidden or lost for some time. □�[V n] From somewhere, he had unearthed a black silk suit.

un|earth|ly /ʌnɜː r θli/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use unearthly to describe something that seems very strange and unnatural. □� For a few seconds we watched the unearthly lights on the water. □� The sound was so serene that it seemed unearthly.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to a time as an unearthly hour, you are emphasizing that it is very early in the morning. [EMPHASIS ] □� They arranged to meet in Riverside Park at the unearthly hour of seven in the morning.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unearthly noise is unpleasant because it sounds frightening and unnatural. □� She heard the sirens scream their unearthly wail.

un|ease /ʌ niː z/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If you have a feeling of unease , you feel rather anxious or afraid, because you think that something is wrong. □�[+�about ] Tommy began to feel deep unease about Gabe's story. □� We left with a deep sense of unease, because we knew something was being hidden from us.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that there is unease in a situation, you mean that people are dissatisfied or angry, but have not yet started to take any action. □�[+�among ] He faces growing unease among ministers about the likelihood of war. □�[+�about ] �the depth of public unease about the economy.

un|easy /ʌniː zi/

1 ADJ If you are uneasy , you feel anxious, afraid, or embarrassed, because you think that something is wrong or that there is danger. □� He looked uneasy and refused to answer questions. □� I had an uneasy feeling that he was going to spoil it. ●� un|easi|ly /ʌniː z I li/ ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV adj] □� Meg shifted uneasily on her chair. □� He laughed uneasily. ●� un|easi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� With a small degree of uneasiness, he pushed it open and stuck his head inside.

2 ADJ If you are uneasyabout doing something, you are not sure that it is correct or wise. □�[+�about ] Richard was uneasy about how best to approach his elderly mother. ●� un|easi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�about ] I felt a great uneasiness about meeting her again.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation or relationship as uneasy , you mean that the situation is not settled and may not last. [JOURNALISM ] □� An uneasy calm has settled over the city. □� The uneasy alliance between these two men offered a glimmer of hope. ●� un|easi|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV adj] □� �a country whose component parts fit uneasily together.

un|eco|nom|ic /ʌ niːkənɒ m I k, -ek-/

1 ADJ If you describe something such as an industry or business as uneconomic , you mean that it does not produce enough profit. [BUSINESS ] □� �the closure of uneconomic factories. □� The company said the service was uneconomic.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that an action or plan is uneconomic , you think it will cost a lot of money and not be successful or not be worth the expense. □� It would be uneconomic to try and repair it.

un|eco|nomi|cal /ʌ niːkənɒ m I k ə l, -ek-/ ADJ If you say that an action, a method, or a product is uneconomical , you mean that it does not make a profit. [BUSINESS ] □� It would be uneconomical to send a brand new book. □� The methods employed are old-fashioned and uneconomical. □� Even the successful flying boats proved, in the end, uneconomical.

un|edu|cat|ed /ʌ ne dʒʊke I t I d/ ADJ Someone who is uneducated has not received much education. □� Though an uneducated man, Chavez was not a stupid one. ●�N‑PLURAL The uneducated are people who are uneducated. □� The poor and uneducated did worst under these reforms.

un|emo|tion|al /ʌ n I moʊ ʃən ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as unemotional , you mean that they do not show any feelings. □� British men are often seen as being reserved and unemotional. □� She began to read in a brisk, unemotional voice. ●� un|emo|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� McKinnon looked at him unemotionally.

un|em|ploya|ble /ʌ n I mplɔ I əb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is unemployable does not have a job and is unlikely to get a job, because they do not have the skills or abilities that an employer might want. □� He freely admits he is unemployable and will probably never find a job.

un|em|ployed /ʌ n I mplɔ I d/ ADJ Someone who is unemployed does not have a job. □� This workshop helps young unemployed people in Grimsby. □� Have you been unemployed for over six months? ●�N‑PLURAL The unemployed are people who are unemployed. □� We want to create jobs for the unemployed.

un|em|ploy|ment ◆◇◇ /ʌ n I mplɔ I mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Unemployment is the fact that people who want jobs cannot get them. □� �an area that had the highest unemployment rate in the country. □� Unemployment is so damaging both to individuals and to communities.

u n|em|plo y|ment ben|efit N‑UNCOUNT Unemployment benefit is money that some people receive from the state when they do not have a job and are unable to find one. □� In 1986 more than three million were receiving unemployment benefit.

u n|em|plo y|ment line (unemployment lines ) N‑COUNT When people talk about theunemployment line , they are talking about the state of being unemployed, especially when saying how many people are unemployed. [AM ] □� Many white-collar workers find themselves in the unemployment lines.

un|end|ing /ʌne nd I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unending , you mean that it continues without stopping for a very long time. □� �the country's seemingly unending cycle of political violence.

un|en|dur|able /ʌ n I ndjʊə rəb ə l, [AM ] -dʊ r-/ ADJ If you describe a bad situation as unendurable , you mean that it is so extremely unpleasant that you have to end it. [FORMAL ] □� Isaac had found the work unendurable and walked out of the job. □� It has placed an almost unendurable strain on their relationship.

un|en|vi|able /ʌne nviəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation or task as unenviable , you mean that nobody would enjoy dealing with it because it is very difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant. □� She had the unenviable task of making the first few phone calls. □� It put me in the unenviable position of having to lie.

un|equal /ʌ niː kwəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unequal system or situation is unfair because it gives more power or privileges to one person or group of people than to others. □� This country still had a deeply oppressive, unequal and divisive political system. □� �the unequal power relationships between men and women. □� �unequal pay. ●� un|equal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �unequally distributed assets. □� The victims were treated unequally.

2 ADJ If someone is unequal to a task they have to do, they do not have the abilities needed to do it well. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] He felt unequal to the job and wished there were someone he could go to for advice.

3 ADJ Unequal means being different in size, strength, or amount. □� The Egyptians probably measured their day in twenty-four hours of unequal length.

un|equalled /ʌ niː kwəld/ in AM, use unequaled ADJ If you describe something as unequalled , you mean that it is greater, better, or more extreme than anything else of the same kind. □� This record figure was unequalled for 13 years. □� �an unequalled level of service. □� �a feat unequaled in the history of polar exploration.

un|equivo|cal /ʌ n I kw I vək ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's attitude as unequivocal , you mean that it is completely clear and very firm. [FORMAL ] □� �Richardson's unequivocal commitment to fair play. □� Yesterday, the message to him was unequivocal: 'Get out.' ●� un|equivo|cal|ly /ʌ n I kw I vəkli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Temperature records have unequivocally confirmed the existence of global warming.

un|err|ing /ʌ nɜː r I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's judgment or ability as unerring , you mean that they are always correct and never mistaken. □� She has an unerring instinct for people's weak spots. ●� un|err|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� It was wonderful to watch her fingers moving deftly and unerringly.

un|escort|ed /ʌ n I skɔː t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is unescorted , they are not protected or supervised. □� Unescorted children are not allowed beyond this point. □� They advise against foreign delegates wandering unescorted in various parts of town.

un|ethi|cal /ʌ ne θ I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as unethical , you think it is wrong and unacceptable according to a society's rules or people's beliefs. □� It's simply unethical to promote and advertise such a dangerous product.

un|even /ʌ niː v ə n/

1 ADJ An uneven surface or edge is not smooth, flat, or straight. □� He staggered on the uneven surface of the car park. □� �uneven teeth. ●� un|even|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �wearing dresses that pinched at the armholes, that hung as unevenly as flags.

2 ADJ Something that is uneven is not regular or consistent. □� He could hear that her breathing was uneven. ●� un|even|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The steaks were unevenly cooked.

3 ADJ If you describe something as uneven , you think it is not very good because it is not consistent in quality. □� This was, for him, an oddly uneven performance.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An uneven system or situation is unfairly arranged or organized. □� Some of the victims are complaining loudly about the uneven distribution of emergency aid. □� It was an uneven contest. ●� un|even|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Within a free enterprise capitalist society, resources are very unevenly distributed.

un|event|ful /ʌ n I ve ntfʊl/ ADJ If you describe a period of time as uneventful , you mean that nothing interesting, exciting, or important happened during it. □� The return journey was uneventful, the car running perfectly. □� It was rare for her to have an opportunity to discuss her dull, uneventful life. ●� un|event|ful|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� The five years at that school passed fairly uneventfully.

un|ex|cep|tion|able /ʌ n I kse pʃənəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unexceptionable , you mean that they are unlikely to be criticized or objected to, but are not new or exciting, and may have some hidden bad qualities. [FORMAL ] □� The candidate was quite unexceptionable, a well-known travel writer and TV personality. □� The school's unexceptionable purpose is to involve parents in the education of their children.

un|ex|cep|tion|al /ʌ n I kse pʃən ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unexceptional , you mean that it is ordinary, not very interesting, and often disappointing. □� Since then, Michael has lived an unexceptional life. □� The rest of the summer was unexceptional.

un|ex|cit|ing /ʌ n I ksa I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unexciting , you think they are rather boring, and not likely to shock or surprise you in any way. □� He is regarded as very capable but unexciting. □� It was a methodical, unexciting chore.

un|ex|pec|ted ◆◇◇ /ʌ n I kspe kt I d/ ADJ If an event or someone's behaviour is unexpected , it surprises you because you did not think that it was likely to happen. □� His death was totally unexpected. □� He made a brief, unexpected appearance at the office. ●� un|ex|pect|ed|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� Moss had clamped an unexpectedly strong grip on his arm. SYNONYMS unexpected ADJ

unforeseen:Ring regularly to check that no unforeseen problems have arisen.

surprise:Baxter arrived here this afternoon, on a surprise visit.

sudden:He had been deeply affected by the sudden death of his father-in-law.

un|ex|plained /ʌ n I ksple I nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unexplained , you mean that the reason for it or cause of it is unclear or is not known. □� The demonstrations were provoked by the unexplained death of an opposition leader. □� Soon after leaving Margate, for some unexplained reason, the train was brought to a standstill.

un|fail|ing /ʌnfe I l I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's good qualities or behaviour as unfailing , you mean that they never change. □� He had the unfailing care and support of Erica, his wife. □� He continued to appear in the office with unfailing regularity thereafter. ●� un|fail|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� He was unfailingly polite to customers. □� Foreigners unfailingly fall in love with the place.

un|fair ◆◇◇ /ʌ nfeə r /

1 ADJ An unfair action is not right or fair. □� America decided that imported steel had an unfair advantage over steel made at home. □� It was unfair that he should suffer so much. □� The union said it was unfair to ask workers to adopt a policy of wage restraint. ●� un|fair|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The tribunal found that she was unfairly dismissed. □� He unfairly blamed Frances for the failure.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unfair system or situation does not give equal treatment or equal opportunities to everyone involved. □� The band is suing the show for unfair competition. □� Some have been sentenced to long prison terms after unfair trials. ●� un|fair|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] What about the unfairness of life? Why do bad things happen to good people?

u n|fai r di s|mi s|sal N‑UNCOUNT If an employee claims unfair dismissal , they begin a legal action against their employer in which they claim that they were dismissed from their job unfairly. [BUSINESS ] □� His former chauffeur is claiming unfair dismissal on the grounds of racial discrimination.

un|faith|ful /ʌ nfe I θfʊl/ ADJ If someone is unfaithfulto their lover or to the person they are married to, they have a sexual relationship with someone else. □�[+�to ] James had been unfaithful to Christine for the entire four years they'd been together. □� �her unfaithful partner.

un|fa|mil|iar /ʌ nfəm I l I ə r /

1 ADJ If something is unfamiliarto you, you know nothing or very little about it, because you have not seen or experienced it before. □�[+�to ] She grew many wonderful plants that were unfamiliar to me. □� I was alone in an unfamiliar city. ●� un|fa|mili|ar|ity /ʌ nfəm I li� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □�[+�to ] �problems which arise from the newness of the approach and its unfamiliarity to prisoners.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you are unfamiliar with something, it is unfamiliar to you. □�[+�with ] She speaks no Japanese and is unfamiliar with Japanese culture. ●� un|fa|mili|ar|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�with ] �her unfamiliarity with the politics of the region.

un|fash|ion|able /ʌ nf� ʃənəb ə l/

1 ADJ If something is unfashionable , it is not approved of or done by most people. □� Wearing fur has become deeply unfashionable. □� She knew that her views were unfashionable. ●� un|fash|ion|ably ADV [usu ADV adj] □� He wears his blonde hair unfashionably long.

2 ADJ Clothes that are unfashionable , are not in fashion. □� �a short woman in a full, unfashionable skirt.

un|fas|ten /ʌ nfɑː s ə n, -f� s ə n/ (unfastens , unfastening , unfastened ) VERB If you unfasten something that is closed, tied, or held together, or if you unfasten the thing holding it, you loosen or remove the thing holding it. □�[V n] When Ted was six we decided that he needed to know how to fasten and unfasten his seat belt. □�[V n] Reaching down, he unfastened the latch on the gate. □�[V -ed] He once emerged from the toilets with his flies unfastened.

un|fath|om|able /ʌnf� �əməb ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe something as unfathomable , you mean that it cannot be understood or explained, usually because it is very strange or complicated. □� For some unfathomable reason, there are no stairs where there should be. □� How odd life was, how unfathomable, how profoundly unjust.

2 ADJ If you use unfathomable to describe a person or the expression on their face, you mean that you cannot tell what they are thinking or what they intend to do. [LITERARY ] □� �a strange, unfathomable and unpredictable individual. □� �the dark eyes that right now seemed opaque and unfathomable.

un|fa|vour|able /ʌ nfe I vərəb ə l/ in AM, use unfavorable1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unfavourable conditions or circumstances cause problems for you and reduce your chances of success. □� Unfavourable economic conditions were blocking a recovery of the insurance market. □� Unfavourable weather has had damaging effects on this year's harvest. □�[+�for ] The whole international economic situation is very unfavourable for the countries in the south.

2 ADJ If you have an unfavourable reaction to something, you do not like it. □� A more unfavourable response was given today by the Prime Minister. □� First reactions have been distinctly unfavourable. ●� un|fa|vour|ably /ʌ nfe I vərəbli/ ADV [ADV after v] □� When the body reacts unfavourably to food, the pulse rate will go up.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you make an unfavourable comparison between two things, you say that one thing seems worse than the other. □� He makes unfavourable comparisons between British and French cooking. ●� un|fa|vour|ably ADV [ADV with v] □� Boys tend to compare unfavourably with girls in social and language development.

un|fea|sible /ʌnfiː z I b ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is unfeasible , you mean that you do not think it can be done, made, or achieved. □� The weather made it unfeasible to be outdoors. □� The board said the idea was unfeasible.

un|feel|ing /ʌnfiː l I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as unfeeling , you are criticizing them for their lack of kindness or sympathy for other people. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was branded an unfeeling bully. □� There's no way anyone could accuse this woman of being cold and unfeeling.

un|fet|tered /ʌ nfe tə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If you describe something as unfettered , you mean that it is not controlled or limited by anyone or anything. [FORMAL ] □� �unfettered free trade. □�[+�by ] Unfettered by the bounds of reality, my imagination flourished. □� He demanded unfettered access to a new nuclear facility.

un|fin|ished /ʌ nf I n I ʃt/ ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If you describe something such as a work of art or a piece of work as unfinished , you mean that it is not complete, for example because it was abandoned or there was no time to complete it. □� �Jane Austen's unfinished novel. □� The cathedral was eventually completed in 1490, though the Gothic facade remains unfinished.

un|fit /ʌ nf I t/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are unfit , your body is not in good condition because you have not been taking regular exercise. □� Many children are so unfit they are unable to do even basic exercises.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If someone is unfit for something, he or she is unable to do it because of injury or illness. □�[+�for ] He had a third examination and was declared unfit for duty. □� Mr Abel's doctor has said he is unfit to travel.

3 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] If you say that someone or something is unfit for a particular purpose or job, you are criticizing them because they are not good enough for that purpose or job. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�for ] Existing houses are becoming totally unfit for human habitation. □� They were utterly unfit to govern America. □� She is an unfit mother.

un|flag|ging /ʌ nfl� g I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something such as support, effort, or enthusiasm as unflagging , you mean that it does not stop or get less as time passes. [APPROVAL ] □� He was sustained by the unflagging support of his family. □� The book is not one word too long and its narrative pace is unflagging.

un|flap|pable /ʌ nfl� pəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is unflappable is always calm and never panics or gets upset or angry. □� His unflappable calm gave me confidence under pressure.

un|flat|ter|ing /ʌnfl� tər I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as unflattering , you mean that it makes a person or thing seem less attractive than they really are. □� He depicted the town's respectable families in an unflattering light. □� The knee-length dresses were unflattering and ugly.

un|flinch|ing /ʌ nfl I ntʃ I ŋ/ ADJ You can use unflinching in expressions such as unflinching honesty and unflinching support to indicate that a good quality which someone has is strong and steady, and never weakens. □� The battalions continued to advance with unflinching courage. ●� un|flinch|ing|ly ADV □� They were unflinchingly loyal to their friends.

un|fo|cused /ʌ nfoʊ kəst/ also unfocussed

1 ADJ If someone's eyes are unfocused , they are open, but not looking at anything. □� Her eyes were unfocused, as if she were staring inside at her memories of the day. □� �his unfocused gaze.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's feelings or plans as unfocused , you are criticizing them because they do not seem to be clearly formed or have any clear purpose. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� But for now, she is in the grip of a blind, unfocused anger. □� It is not perhaps surprising that the administration now appears so indecisive and unfocused.

un|fold /ʌ nfoʊ ld/ (unfolds , unfolding , unfolded )

1 VERB If a situation unfolds , it develops and becomes known or understood. □�[V ] The outcome depends on conditions as well as how events unfold.

2 VERB If a story unfolds or if someone unfolds it, it is told to someone else. □�[V ] Don's story unfolded as the cruise got under way. □�[V n] Mr Wills unfolds his story with evident enjoyment.

3 VERB If someone unfolds something which has been folded or if it unfolds , it is opened out and becomes flat. □�[V n] He quickly unfolded the blankets and spread them on the mattress. □�[V ] When the bird lifts off into flight, its wings unfold to an impressive six-foot span.

un|fol|low /ʌ nfɒ loʊ/ (unfollows , unfollowing , unfollowed ) VERB If you unfollow someone, you choose to stop seeing messages and pictures that they post on a social media website. □�[V n +�on ] The first step in erasing him from her life was to unfollow him on Instagram. □�[V n] If you don't like my tweets, just unfollow me.

un|fore|see|able /ʌ nfɔː r siː əb ə l/ ADJ An unforeseeable problem or unpleasant event is one which you did not expect and could not have predicted. □� This is such an unforeseeable situation that anything could happen.

un|fore|seen /ʌ nfə r siː n/ ADJ If something that has happened was unforeseen , it was not expected to happen or known about beforehand. □� Radiation may damage cells in a way that was previously unforeseen. □� Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this year's show has been cancelled.

un|for|get|table /ʌ nfə r ge təb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unforgettable , you mean that it is, for example, extremely beautiful, enjoyable, or unusual, so that you remember it for a long time. You can also refer to extremely unpleasant things as unforgettable . □� A visit to the Museum is an unforgettable experience. □� �the leisure activities that will make your holiday unforgettable. ●� un|for|get|tably /ʌ nfə r ge təbli/ ADV □� �an unforgettably unique performer.

un|for|giv|able /ʌ nfə r g I vəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is unforgivable , you mean that it is very bad, cruel, or socially unacceptable. □� What they did was unforgivable.

un|for|giv|ing /ʌ nfə r g I v I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as unforgiving , you mean that they are unwilling to forgive other people. [FORMAL ] □� He was an unforgiving man who never forgot a slight. □�[+�of ] He finds human foibles endearing, but is unforgiving of pretension.

2 ADJ If you describe a situation or activity as unforgiving , you mean that it causes a lot of people to experience great difficulty or failure, even people who deserve to succeed. □� Business is a competitive activity. It is very fierce and very unforgiving.

un|formed /ʌ nfɔː r md/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unformed , you mean that they are in an early stage of development and are not fully formed or matured. [FORMAL ] □� The market for which they are competing is still unformed. □� �the unformed minds of children.

un|for|tu|nate /ʌnfɔː r tʃʊnət/ (unfortunates )

1 ADJ If you describe someone as unfortunate , you mean that something unpleasant or unlucky has happened to them. You can also describe the unpleasant things that happen to them as unfortunate . □� Some unfortunate person passing below could all too easily be seriously injured. □� Apparently he had been unfortunate enough to fall victim to a gang of thugs. □� Through some unfortunate accident, the information reached me a day late. □�[+�for ] It was unfortunate for Davey that his teacher did not take kindly to him.

2 ADJ If you describe something that has happened as unfortunate , you think that it is inappropriate, embarrassing, awkward, or wrong. □� It really is desperately unfortunate that this should have happened just now. □� �the unfortunate incident of the upside-down Canadian flag.

3 ADJ You can describe someone as unfortunate when they are poor or have a difficult life. □� Every year we have charity days to raise money for unfortunate people. ●�N‑COUNT An unfortunate is someone who is unfortunate. □� Dorothy was another of life's unfortunates.

un|for|tu|nate|ly ◆◇◇ /ʌnfɔː r tʃʊnətli/ ADV You can use unfortunately to introduce or refer to a statement when you consider that it is sad or disappointing, or when you want to express regret. [FEELINGS ] □� Unfortunately, my time is limited. □�[+�for ] Unfortunately for the Prince, his title brought obligations as well as privileges. SYNONYMS unfortunately ADV

sadly:Sadly, bamboo plants die after flowering.

unluckily:Unluckily for him, the fraud officers were watching this flight too.

regrettably:The incidents are regrettably true.

un|found|ed /ʌ nfaʊ nd I d/ ADJ If you describe a rumour, belief, or feeling as unfounded , you mean that it is wrong and is not based on facts or evidence. □� �unfounded rumours that a police car had injured a young boy. □� The allegations were totally unfounded.

un|friend /ʌ nfre nd/ (unfriends , unfriending , unfriended ) VERB If you unfriend someone, you stop being their friend on a social media website. □�[V n] My 16-year-old has now unfriended me.

un|friend|ly /ʌ nfre ndli/ ADJ If you describe a person, organization, or their behaviour as unfriendly , you mean that they behave towards you in an unkind or rather hostile way. □�[+�to ] It is not fair for him to be permanently unfriendly to someone who has hurt him. □� People always complain that the big banks and big companies are unfriendly and unhelpful. □� Judy spoke in a loud, rather unfriendly voice.

-unfriendly /-ʌnfre ndli/ COMB -unfriendly combines with nouns, and sometimes adverbs, to form adjectives which describe something which is bad for a particular thing. □� It's couched in such very user-unfriendly terminology. □� �this harsh, and environmentally-unfriendly, action.

un|ful|filled /ʌ nfʊlf I ld/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use unfulfilled to describe something such as a promise, ambition, or need, you mean that what was promised, hoped for, or needed has not happened. □� �angry at unfulfilled promises of jobs and decent housing. □� The election had raised hopes that remain unfulfilled.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as unfulfilled , you mean that they feel dissatisfied with life or with what they have done. □� You must let go of the idea that to be single is to be unhappy and unfulfilled.

un|fun|ny /ʌ nfʌ ni/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as unfunny , you mean that they do not make you laugh, although this was their intention or purpose. □� We became increasingly fed up with his increasingly unfunny and unintelligent comments.

un|furl /ʌ nfɜː r l/ (unfurls , unfurling , unfurled )

1 VERB If you unfurl something rolled or folded such as an umbrella, sail, or flag, you open it, so that it is spread out. You can also say that it unfurls . □�[V n] Once outside the inner breakwater, we began to unfurl all the sails. □�[V ] �two weeks later when the leaves unfurl.

2 VERB If you say that events, stories, or scenes unfurl before you, you mean that you are aware of them or can see them as they happen or develop. □�[V ] �as the dramatic changes in the region continue to unfurl.

un|fur|nished /ʌ nfɜː r n I ʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n, oft ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you rent an unfurnished house, flat, or apartment, no furniture is provided by the owner.

un|gain|ly /ʌnge I nli/ ADJ If you describe a person, animal, or vehicle as ungainly , you mean that they look awkward or clumsy, often because they are big. □� The dog, an ungainly mongrel pup, was loping about the road. □� Paul swam in his ungainly way to the side of the pool.

un|gen|er|ous /ʌ ndʒe nərəs/

1 ADJ If you describe someone's remarks, thoughts, or actions as ungenerous , you mean that they are unfair or unkind. [FORMAL ] □� This was a typically ungenerous response.

2 ADJ You can use ungenerous when you are describing a person or organization that is unwilling to give much money to other people. [FORMAL ] □� Financial provision for the unemployed is ungenerous.

un|glued /ʌngluː d/

1 PHRASE If something comes unglued , it becomes separated from the thing that it was attached to. □� I wear my old shoes every day. One sole has come unglued.

2 PHRASE To come unglued means to fail. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� Their marriage finally came unglued. in BRIT, usually use come unstuck

3 PHRASE If someone comes unglued , they become very upset and emotional, and perhaps confused or mentally ill. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� If she hears what you're saying, she's going to come unglued.

un|god|ly /ʌ ngɒ dli/

1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as ungodly , you mean that they are morally bad or are opposed to religion.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to a time as an ungodly hour, you are emphasizing that it is very early in the morning. [EMPHASIS ] □� �at the ungodly hour of 4.00am.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to the amount or volume of something as ungodly , you mean that it is excessive or unreasonable. □� �a power struggle of ungodly proportions.

un|gov|ern|able /ʌ ngʌ və r nəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe a country or region as ungovernable , you mean that it seems impossible to control or govern it effectively, for example because of violence or conflict among the population. □� The country has become virtually ungovernable.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe feelings as ungovernable , you mean that they are so strong that they cannot be controlled. □� He was filled with an ungovernable rage.

un|gra|cious /ʌ ngre I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as ungracious , you mean that they are not polite or friendly in their speech or behaviour. [FORMAL ] □� �his ungracious behaviour during the Queen's recent visit. □�[+�in ] I was often rude and ungracious in refusing help.

un|grate|ful /ʌngre I tfʊl/ ADJ If you describe someone as ungrateful , you are criticizing them for not showing thanks or for being unkind to someone who has helped them or done them a favour. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I thought it was rather ungrateful. □� You ungrateful brat.

un|guard|ed /ʌ ngɑː r d I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If something is unguarded , nobody is protecting it or looking after it. □� I should not leave my briefcase and camera bag unguarded.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you do or say something in an unguarded moment, you do or say it carelessly and without thinking, especially when it is something that you did not want anyone to see or know. □� The photographers managed to capture Jane in an unguarded moment.

un|ham|pered /ʌ nh� mpə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v] If you are unhamperedby a problem or obstacle, you are free from it, and so you are able to do what you want to. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�by ] She believes people should be allowed to make money unhampered by regulations.

un|hap|pi|ly /ʌnh� p I li/ ADV You use unhappily to introduce or refer to a statement when you consider it is sad and wish that it was different. □� On May 23rd, unhappily, the little boy died. □� Unhappily for him, he never got a penny.

un|hap|py ◆◇◇ /ʌnh� pi/ (unhappier , unhappiest )

1 ADJ If you are unhappy , you are sad and depressed. □� Her marriage is in trouble and she is desperately unhappy. □� He was a shy, sometimes unhappy man. ●� un|hap|pi|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'I don't have your imagination,' King said unhappily. □� �an unhappily married couple. ●� un|hap|pi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� There was a lot of unhappiness in my adolescence.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If you are unhappyabout something, you are not pleased about it or not satisfied with it. □�[+�with ] He has been unhappy with his son's political leanings. □�[+�about ] I suspect he isn't altogether unhappy about my absence. □�[+�that ] A lot of Republicans are unhappy that the government isn't doing more. [Also +�at ] ●� un|hap|pi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�with ] He has, by resigning, signalled his unhappiness with the government's decision. [Also +�about , +�that ]

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An unhappy situation or choice is not satisfactory or desirable. □� �this unhappy chapter in the history of relations between our two countries. □� �unhappy experiences of writing for television. SYNONYMS unhappy ADJ 1

sad:I'd grown fond of our little house and felt sad to leave it.

depressed:He seemed somewhat depressed.

miserable:She went to bed, miserable and humiliated.

gloomy:Miller is gloomy about the fate of the serious playwright in America.

un|harmed /ʌ nhɑː r md/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is unharmed after an accident or violent incident, they are not hurt or damaged in any way. □� The car was a write-off, but everyone escaped unharmed.

un|healthy /ʌnhe lθi/ (unhealthier , unhealthiest )

1 ADJ Something that is unhealthy is likely to cause illness or poor health. □� Avoid unhealthy foods such as hamburger and chips. □� He worked in the notoriously unhealthy environment of a coal mine.

2 ADJ If you are unhealthy , you are not very fit or well. □� I'm quite unhealthy really. □� �a poorly dressed, unhealthy looking fellow with a poor complexion.

3 ADJ An unhealthy economy or company is financially weak and unsuccessful. [BUSINESS ] □� The redundancy of skilled and experienced workers is a clear sign of an unhealthy economy.

4 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or interests as unhealthy , you do not consider them to be normal and think they may involve mental problems. □� Frank has developed what I would term an unhealthy relationship with these people. □� MacGregor believes it is unhealthy to lead a life with no interests beyond politics.

un|heard /ʌ nhɜː r d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, oft ADJ n] If you say that a person or their words go unheard , you are expressing criticism because someone refuses to pay attention to what is said or take it into consideration. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □� His impassioned pleas went unheard.

2 ADJ If you describe spoken comments or pieces of music as unheard , you mean that most people are not familiar with them because they have not been expressed or performed in public. □� �a country where social criticism was largely unheard until this year. □� �a previously unheard piece by Ottawa composer Deirdre Piper.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone's words or cries go unheard , nobody can hear them, or a particular person cannot hear them. [WRITTEN ] □� Martin's weak cries for help went unheard until 6.40pm yesterday.

u n|hea rd of

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] You can say that an event or situation is unheard of when it never happens. □� Meals are taken communally. Private bathrooms and toilets are unheard of. □� It is unheard of for a professional golfer to take such action.

2 ADJ You can say that an event or situation is unheard of when it happens for the first time and is very surprising or shocking. □� Mom announced that she was going away, which was absolutely unheard of.

un|heed|ed /ʌ nhiː d I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ n, ADJ after v] If you say that something such as a warning or danger goes unheeded , you mean that it has not been taken seriously or dealt with. [WRITTEN ] □� The advice of experts went unheeded. □� �a damning picture of lax banking standards and unheeded warnings.

un|help|ful /ʌ nhe lpfʊl/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is unhelpful , you mean that they do not help you or improve a situation, and may even make things worse. □� The criticism is both unfair and unhelpful. □� �unhelpful hotel staff.

un|her|ald|ed /ʌ nhe rəld I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an artist or sports player as unheralded , you mean that people have not recognized their talent or ability. [JOURNALISM ] □� They are inviting talented, but unheralded film-makers to submit examples of their work.

2 ADJ If you describe something that happens as unheralded , you mean that you did not expect it, because nobody mentioned it beforehand. [WRITTEN ] □� �Sandi's unheralded arrival on her doorstep. □� The complete reversal of this policy was unheralded.

un|hesi|tat|ing|ly /ʌnhe z I te I t I ŋli/ ADV [usu ADV with v] If you say that someone does something unhesitatingly , you mean that they do it immediately and confidently, without any doubt or anxiety. □� I would unhesitatingly choose the latter option. □� So is there any taboo she wouldn't touch? Unhesitatingly she replies, 'Politics.'

un|hinge /ʌ nh I ndʒ/ (unhinges , unhinging , unhinged ) VERB If you say that an experience has unhinged someone, you mean that it has affected them so deeply that they have become mentally ill. □�[V n] The stress of war temporarily unhinged him. ●� un|hinged ADJ □� �feelings that make you feel completely unhinged and crazy.

un|hinged /ʌ nh I ndʒd/

1 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or performance as unhinged , you are critical of it because it seems wild and uncontrollable. [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� The phrase 'yeah yeah yeah' can rarely have been delivered with so much unhinged passion.

2 →�see also unhinge

un|hip /ʌ nh I p/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unhip , you mean that they are not at all fashionable or modern. [INFORMAL ] □� �two rather stiff, unhip, middle-aged men.

un|ho|ly /ʌ nhoʊ li/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use unholy to emphasize how unreasonable or unpleasant you think something is. [EMPHASIS ] □� She protested that it wasn't traditional jazz at all, but an unholy row. □� The economy is still an unholy mess.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to two or more people or groups working together as an unholy alliance, you mean that this arrangement is unusual because the people usually oppose each other. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There has been this unholy alliance between the far right and the left. □� The party was run by an unholy coalition between North and South.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unholy , you mean that it is wicked or bad. □� 'This ought to be fun,' he told Alex, eyes gleaming with an almost unholy relish.

un|hook /ʌ nhʊ k/ (unhooks , unhooking , unhooked )

1 VERB If you unhook a piece of clothing that is fastened with hooks, you undo the hooks. □�[V n] She unhooked her dress.

2 VERB If you unhook something that is held in place by hooks, you open it or remove it by undoing the hooks. □�[V n] Chris unhooked the shutters and went out on the balcony.

un|hur|ried /ʌ nhʌ r I d/ ADJ If you describe something as unhurried , you approve of it because it is relaxed and slow, and is not rushed or anxious. [APPROVAL ] □� �an unhurried pace of life.

un|hurt /ʌ nhɜː r t/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone who has been attacked, or involved in an accident, is unhurt , they are not injured. □� The lorry driver escaped unhurt, but a pedestrian was injured. □� The two girls suddenly emerged from among the trees. Both seemed to be calm and unhurt.

un|hy|gien|ic /ʌ nha I dʒiː n I k, [AM ] -dʒie n I k/ ADJ If you describe something as unhygienic , you mean that it is dirty and likely to cause infection or disease. □� Parts of the shop were very dirty, unhygienic, and an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. □� �unhygienic conditions.

uni /juː ni/ (unis ) N‑VAR Uni is short for university . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� I scraped by at uni with the minimum grades. □� The uni is based on two main campuses.

uni|corn /juː n I kɔː r n/ (unicorns ) N‑COUNT In stories and legends, a unicorn is an imaginary animal that looks like a white horse and has a horn growing from its forehead.

un|iden|ti|fi|able /ʌ na I dent I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ If something or someone is unidentifiable , you are not able to say exactly what it is or who they are. □� �unidentifiable howling noises. □� All the bodies were totally unidentifiable.

un|iden|ti|fied ◆◇◇ /ʌ na I de nt I fa I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as unidentified , you mean that nobody knows who or what they are. □� He was shot this morning by unidentified intruders at his house. □� �unidentified cancer-causing substances in the environment.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use unidentified to describe people, groups, and organizations, you do not want to give their names. [JOURNALISM ] □� �his claims, which were based on the comments of anonymous and unidentified sources.

uni|fi|ca|tion /juː n I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Unification is the process by which two or more countries join together and become one country. □� The political unification of Spain began in 1469 with the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella.

uni|form ◆◇◇ /juː n I fɔː r m/ (uniforms )

1 N‑VAR A uniform is a special set of clothes which some people, for example soldiers or the police, wear to work in and which some children wear at school. □� The town police wear dark blue uniforms and flat caps. □� Philippe was in uniform, wearing a pistol holster on his belt. □� She will probably take great pride in wearing school uniform.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to the particular style of clothing which a group of people wear to show they belong to a group or a movement as their uniform . □� Mark's is the uniform of the young male traveller�green army trousers, T-shirt and shirt.

3 ADJ If something is uniform , it does not vary, but is even and regular throughout. □� Chips should be cut into uniform size and thickness. □� The price rises will not be uniform across the country. ●� uni|form|ity /juː n I fɔː r m I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the caramel that was used to maintain uniformity of color in the brandy. ●� uni|form|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� Beyond the windows, a November midday was uniformly grey. □� Microwaves heat water uniformly.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a number of things as uniform , you mean that they are all the same. □� Along each wall stretched uniform green metal filing cabinets. ●� uni|form|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the dull uniformity of the houses. ●� uni|form|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The natives uniformly agreed on this important point. SYNONYMS uniform ADJ

3

consistent:�his consistent support of free trade.

even:How important is it to have an even temperature when you're working?

unvarying:�her unvarying refusal to make public appearances.

regular:�regular rows of wooden huts.

4

alike:We looked very alike.

similar:�a group of similar pictures.

identical:Nearly all the houses were identical.

uni|formed /juː n I fɔː r md/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use uniformed to describe someone who does a particular job, you mean that they are wearing a uniform. □� �uniformed police officers.

uni|form|ity /juː n I fɔː r m I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If there is uniformity in something such as a system, organization, or group of countries, the same rules, ideas, or methods are applied in all parts of it. □� Spanish liberals sought to create linguistic as well as administrative uniformity.

2 →�see also uniform

uni|fy /juː n I fa I / (unifies , unifying , unified ) VERB If someone unifies different things or parts, or if the things or parts unify , they are brought together to form one thing. □�[V n] A flexible retirement age is being considered by Ministers to unify men's and women's pension rights. □�[V n] He said he would seek to unify the party and win the next general election. □�[V ] The plan has been for the rival armies to unify, and then to hold elections. □�[V +�with ] The former British colony unified with the north after the British withdrawal. ●� uni|fied ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� The ultimate objective was a unified democratic country. □� �a unified system of taxation.

uni|lat|er|al /juː n I l� tər ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A unilateral decision or action is taken by only one of the groups, organizations, or countries that are involved in a particular situation, without the agreement of the others. □� �unilateral nuclear disarmament. ●� uni|lat|er|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The British Government was careful not to act unilaterally.

uni|lat|er|al|ism /juː n I l� tərəl I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Unilateralism is the belief that one country should get rid of all its own nuclear weapons, without waiting for other countries to do the same.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Unilateralism is used to refer to a policy in which one country or group involved in a situation takes a decision or action on its own, without the agreement of the other countries or groups involved. □� They pursued a policy of aggressive unilateralism on trade.

un|im|agi|nable /ʌ n I m� dʒ I nəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unimaginable , you are emphasizing that it is difficult to imagine or understand properly, because it is not part of people's normal experience. [EMPHASIS ] □� The scale of the fighting is almost unimaginable. □� The children here have lived through unimaginable horrors. ●� un|im|agi|nably /ʌ n I m� dʒ I nəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □� Conditions in prisons out there are unimaginably bad.

un|im|agi|na|tive /ʌ n I m� dʒ I nət I v/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as unimaginative , you are criticizing them because they do not think of new methods or things to do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Her father was a steady, unimaginative, corporate lawyer. □� �unimaginative teachers.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unimaginative , you mean that it is boring or unattractive because very little imagination or effort has been used on it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �unimaginative food.

un|im|paired /ʌ n I mpeə r d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] If something is unimpaired after something bad or unpleasant has happened to it, it is not damaged or made worse. [FORMAL ] □�[+�by ] His health and vigour were unimpaired by a stroke. □� Queen Milena possessed great beauty, which she retained unimpaired in advancing years.

un|im|peach|able /ʌ n I mpiː tʃəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as unimpeachable , you mean that they are completely honest and reliable. [FORMAL ] □� He said all five were men of unimpeachable character. □� �an unimpeachable source.

un|im|ped|ed /ʌ n I mpiː d I d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If something moves or happens unimpeded , it continues without being stopped or interrupted by anything. [FORMAL ] □� We drove, unimpeded by anyone, to Arras. □� He promised to allow justice to run its course unimpeded. □� U.N. aid convoys have unimpeded access to the city.

un|im|por|tant /ʌ n I mpɔː r t ə nt/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as unimportant , you mean that they do not have much influence, effect, or value, and are therefore not worth serious consideration. □� It was an unimportant job, and paid very little. □� When they had married, six years before, the difference in their ages had seemed unimportant.

un|im|pressed /ʌ n I mpre st/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are unimpressedby something or someone, you do not think they are very good, clever, or useful. □�[+�by ] He was also very unimpressed by his teachers. □�[+�with ] Graham Fletcher was unimpressed with the idea of filling in a lengthy questionnaire.

un|im|pres|sive /ʌ n I mpre s I v/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unimpressive , you mean they appear very ordinary, without any special or exciting qualities. □� The team have looked unimpressive over recent weeks. □� Rainey was an unimpressive, rather dull lecturer.

un|in|formed /ʌ n I nfɔː r md/ ADJ If you describe someone as uninformed , you mean that they have very little knowledge or information about a particular situation or subject. □�[+�about ] He could not complain that he was uninformed about the true nature of the regime. □� Cases of child abuse often go unreported or ignored by uninformed citizens.

un|in|hab|it|able /ʌ n I nh� b I təb ə l/ ADJ If a place is uninhabitable , it is impossible for people to live there, for example because it is dangerous or unhealthy. □� As parts of the world become uninhabitable, millions of people will try to migrate. □� �a young couple turning an uninhabitable wreck into their first home.

un|in|hab|it|ed /ʌ n I nh� b I t I d/ ADJ An uninhabited place is one where nobody lives. □� �an uninhabited island in the North Pacific. □� The area is largely uninhabited.

un|in|hib|it|ed /ʌ n I nh I b I t I d/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as uninhibited , you mean that they express their opinions and feelings openly, and behave as they want to, without worrying what other people think. □� �a commanding and uninhibited entertainer. □� The dancing is uninhibited and as frenzied as an aerobics class.

un|ini|ti|at|ed /ʌ n I n I ʃie I t I d/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to people who have no knowledge or experience of a particular subject or activity as the uninitiated . □� For the uninitiated, Western Swing is a fusion of jazz, rhythm & blues, rock & roll and country music. ●�ADJ Uninitiated is also an adjective. □�[+�in ] For those uninitiated in scientific ocean drilling, the previous record was a little over 4 km.

un|in|jured /ʌ n I ndʒə r d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone is uninjured after an accident or attack, they are not hurt, even though you would expect them to be. □� A passenger in the van was uninjured in the accident.

un|in|spired /ʌ n I nspa I ə r d/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as uninspired , you are criticizing them because they do not seem to have any original or exciting qualities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The script was singularly uninspired. □� Food in the dining car was adequate, if uninspired.

un|in|spir|ing /ʌ n I nspa I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as uninspiring , you are criticizing them because they have no special or exciting qualities, and make you feel bored. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The series of speeches on the economy was uninspiring and a rehash of old subjects. □� The house had a tiny kitchen with an uninspiring view.

un|in|stall /ʌn I nstɔ ːl/ (uninstalls , uninstalling , uninstalled ) VERB If you uninstall a computer program, you remove it permanently from your computer. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] If you don't like the program, just uninstall it and forget it.

un|in|tel|li|gent /ʌ n I nte l I dʒ ə nt/ ADJ If you describe a person as unintelligent , you mean that they are stupid, or do not show any sensible ideas or thoughts. □� He believes him to be a weak and unintelligent man. □� He certainly was not unintelligent.

un|in|tel|li|gible /ʌ n I nte l I dʒ I b ə l/ ADJ Unintelligible language is impossible to understand, for example because it is not written or pronounced clearly, or because its meaning is confused or complicated. □� He muttered something unintelligible. □� �the unintelligible phrases and images of his earlier poems.

un|in|tend|ed /ʌ n I nte nd I d/ ADJ Unintended results were not planned to happen, although they happened. □� �the unintended consequences of human action. □� �unintended pregnancies.

un|in|ten|tion|al /ʌ n I nte nʃən ə l/ ADJ Something that is unintentional is not done deliberately, but happens by accident. □� Perhaps he had slightly misled them, but it was quite unintentional. □� There are moments of unintentional humour. ●� un|in|ten|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� �an overblown and unintentionally funny adaptation of 'Dracula'. □� I unintentionally hurt some wonderful people.

un|in|ter|est|ed /ʌ n I ntrəst I d, -tərestid/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are uninterestedin something or someone, you do not want to know any more about them, because you think they have no special or exciting qualities. □�[+�in ] I was so uninterested in the result that I didn't even bother to look at it. □� �unhelpful and uninterested shop staff.

un|in|ter|est|ing /ʌ n I ntrəst I ŋ, -tərestiŋ/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as uninteresting , you mean they have no special or exciting qualities. □� Their media has earned the reputation for being rather dull and uninteresting.

un|in|ter|rupt|ed /ʌ n I ntərʌ pt I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If something is uninterrupted , it is continuous and has no breaks or interruptions in it. □� This enables the healing process to continue uninterrupted. □� �five years of rapid and uninterrupted growth.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An uninterrupted view of something is a clear view of it, without any obstacles in the way. □� Diners can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the garden.

un|in|vit|ed /ʌ n I nva I t I d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If someone does something or goes somewhere uninvited , they do it or go there without being asked, often when their action or presence is not wanted. □� He came uninvited to one of Stein's parties. □� �a hundred invited guests and many more who were uninvited. □� �an uninvited question from a reporter.

un|ion ◆◆◆ /juː njən/ (unions )

1 N‑COUNT A union is a workers' organization which represents its members and which aims to improve things such as their working conditions and pay. □� I feel that women in all types of employment can benefit from joining a union. □� �union officials.

2 N‑UNCOUNT When the union of two or more things occurs, they are joined together and become one thing. □�[+�with ] Long before union with England, Scotland had a vibrant musical tradition. [Also +�of ]

3 N‑SING When two or more things, for example countries or organizations, have been joined together to form one thing, you can refer to them as a union . □�[+�of ] �the union of African states. □� �the question of which countries should join the currency union.

4 N‑COUNT Union is used in the name of some clubs, societies, and organizations. □� The naming of stars is at the discretion of the International Astronomical Union. SYNONYMS union NOUN

2

unification:�the process of general European unification.

combination:�the combination of science and art.

integration:They see progress towards integration.

3

alliance:The two parties were still too much apart to form an alliance.

league:�the League of Nations.

association:�the Association of British Travel Agents.

coalition:Since June the country has had a coalition government.

un|ion|ism /juː njən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Unionism is any set of political principles based on the idea that two or more political or national units should be joined or remain together, for example that Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom. ●� un|ion|ist (unionists ) N‑COUNT □� �traditional unionists fearful of home rule.

un|ioni|za|tion /juː njəna I ze I ʃ ə n/ in BRIT, also use unionisation N‑UNCOUNT The unionization of workers or industries is the process of workers becoming members of trade unions. □� Increasing unionization led to demands for higher wages and shorter hours.

un|ion|ized /juː njəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use unionised ADJ Unionized workers belong to trade unions. If a company or place is unionized , most of the workers there belong to trade unions.

U n|ion Ja ck (Union Jacks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] TheUnion Jack is the national flag of the United Kingdom. It consists of a blue background with red and white crosses on it.

u n|ion suit (union suits ) N‑COUNT A union suit is a piece of underwear, worn by men or boys, that covers the body and legs. [AM ]

unique ◆◇◇ /juːniː k/

1 ADJ Something that is unique is the only one of its kind. □� Each person's signature is unique. □� The area has its own unique language, Catalan. ●� unique|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Because of the extreme cold, the Antarctic is a uniquely fragile environment. □� Uniquely among the great world religions, Buddhism is rooted only in the universal experience of suffering known to all human beings. ●� unique|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Each time I returned I was struck by the uniqueness of Australia and its people.

2 ADJ You can use unique to describe things that you admire because they are very unusual and special. [APPROVAL ] □� Brett's vocals are just unique. □� Kauffman was a woman of unique talent and determination. ●� unique|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �people who consider themselves uniquely qualified to be president of the United States.

3 ADJ If something is unique to one thing, person, group, or place, it concerns or belongs only to that thing, person, group, or place. □�[+�to ] No one knows for sure why adolescence is unique to humans. □�[+�to ] This interesting and charming creature is unique to Borneo. ●� unique|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� The problem isn't uniquely American.

uni|sex /juː n I seks/ ADJ Unisex is used to describe things, usually clothes or places, which are designed for use by both men and women rather than by only one sex. □� �the classic unisex hair salon.

uni|son /juː n I sən, -zən/

1 PHRASE If two or more people do something in unison , they do it together at the same time. □� The students gave him a rapturous welcome, chanting in unison: 'We want the king!'. □� Michael and the landlady nodded in unison.

2 PHRASE If people or organizations act in unison , they act the same way because they agree with each other or because they want to achieve the same aims. □� The international community is ready to work in unison against him.

unit ◆◆◇ /juː n I t/ (units )

1 N‑COUNT If you consider something as a unit , you consider it as a single, complete thing. □� Agriculture was based in the past on the family as a unit.

2 N‑COUNT A unit is a group of people who work together at a specific job, often in a particular place. □� �the health services research unit.

3 N‑COUNT A unit is a group within an armed force or police force, whose members fight or work together or carry out a particular task. □� One secret military unit tried to contaminate the drinking water of the refugees. □� Two small Marine units are trapped inside the city.

4 N‑COUNT A unit is a small machine which has a particular function, often part of a larger machine. □� The unit plugs into any TV set.

5 N‑COUNT A unit of measurement is a fixed standard quantity, length, or weight that is used for measuring things. The litre, the centimetre, and the ounce are all units.

6 N‑COUNT A unit is one of the parts that a textbook is divided into.

uni|tary /juː n I tri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ [ADJ n] A unitary country or organization is one in which two or more areas or groups have joined together, have the same aims, and are controlled by a single government. □� �a call for the creation of a single unitary state.

u nit co st (unit costs ) N‑COUNT The unit cost is the amount of money that it costs a company to produce one article. [BUSINESS ] □� They aim to reduce unit costs through extra sales.

unite ◆◇◇ /juːna I t/ (unites , uniting , united ) VERB If a group of people or things unite or if something unites them, they join together and act as a group. □�[V ] The two parties have been trying to unite since the New Year. □�[V n] The vast majority of nations have agreed to unite their efforts to bring peace.

unit|ed ◆◇◇ /juːna I t I d/

1 ADJ When people are united about something, they agree about it and act together. □�[+�on ] Every party is united on the need for parliamentary democracy. □� A united effort is always more effective than an isolated complaint.

2 ADJ United is used to describe a country which has been formed from two or more states or countries. □� �Bismarck, the first Chancellor of a united Germany.

3 ADJ [ADJ n, in names] United is used in the names of countries which are made up from several states or smaller countries. □� �the United States of America.

Uni t|ed Ki ng|dom ◆◇◇ N‑PROPER The United Kingdom is the official name for the country consisting of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Uni t|ed Na |tions ◆◆◇ N‑PROPER The United Nations is an organization which most countries belong to. Its role is to encourage international peace, co-operation, and friendship.

u nit sa les N‑PLURAL Unit sales refers to the number of individual items that a company sells. [BUSINESS ] □� Unit sales of T-shirts increased 6%.

u nit tru st (unit trusts ) N‑COUNT A unit trust is an organization which invests money in many different types of business and which offers units for sale to the public as an investment. You can also refer to an investment of this type as a unit trust . [BRIT , BUSINESS ] in AM, use mutual fund

unity ◆◇◇ /juː n I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Unity is the state of different areas or groups being joined together to form a single country or organization. □� There is support for economic unity in trade and industry to promote growth and prosperity. □� �German unity.

2 N‑UNCOUNT When there is unity , people are in agreement and act together for a particular purpose. □�[+�of ] �a renewed unity of purpose. □� Speakers at the rally mouthed sentiments of unity. □� The choice was meant to create an impression of party unity.

Univ also Univ.Univ is a written abbreviation for university which is used especially in the names of universities. □� �the Wharton School, Univ. of Pennsylvania.

uni|ver|sal /juː n I vɜː r s ə l/ (universals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is universal relates to everyone in the world or everyone in a particular group or society. □� The insurance industry has produced its own proposals for universal health care. □� The desire to look attractive is universal. ●� uni|ver|sal|ity /juː n I vɜː r s� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] I have been amazed at the universality of our experiences, whatever our sex or age.

2 ADJ Something that is universal affects or relates to every part of the world or the universe. □� �universal diseases.

3 N‑COUNT A universal is a principle that applies in all cases or a characteristic that is present in all members of a particular class. □� There are no economic universals.

u ni|ve r|sal ba nk (universal banks ) N‑COUNT A universal bank is a bank that offers both banking and stockbroking services to its clients. [BUSINESS ] □� �universal banks offering a wide range of services.

uni|ver|sal|ly /juː n I vɜː r səli/

1 ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj] If something is universally believed or accepted, it is believed or accepted by everyone with no disagreement. □� �a universally accepted point of view. □� The scale of the problem is now universally recognised.

2 ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] If something is universally true or available, it is true or available everywhere in the world or in all situations. □� The disadvantage is that it is not universally available.

uni|verse ◆◇◇ /juː n I vɜː r s/ (universes )

1 N‑COUNT Theuniverse is the whole of space and all the stars, planets, and other forms of matter and energy in it. □� Early astronomers thought that our planet was the centre of the universe.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft with poss] If you talk about someone's universe , you are referring to the whole of their experience or an important part of it. □� Good writers suck in what they see of the world, re-creating their own universe on the page.

uni|ver|sity ◆◆◆ /juː n I vɜː r s I ti/ (universities ) N‑VAR ; N‑COUNT A university is an institution where students study for degrees and where academic research is done. □� Patrick is now at London University. □� They want their daughter to go to university, but they are also keen that she get a summer job. □� The university refused to let the controversial politician speak on campus.

un|just /ʌ ndʒʌ st/ ADJ If you describe an action, system, or law as unjust , you think that it treats a person or group badly in a way that they do not deserve. □� The attack on Charles was deeply unjust. □� He spent 25 years campaigning against racist and unjust immigration laws. ●� un|just|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She was unjustly accused of stealing money and then given the sack.

un|jus|ti|fi|able /ʌ ndʒʌst I fa I əb ə l, ʌndʒʌ st I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ If you describe an action, especially one that harms someone, as unjustifiable , you mean there is no good reason for it. □� Using these missiles to down civilian aircraft is simply immoral and totally unjustifiable. ●� un|jus|ti|fi|ably ADV □� The press invade people's privacy unfairly and unjustifiably every day.

un|jus|ti|fied /ʌ ndʒʌ st I fa I d/ ADJ If you describe a belief or action as unjustified , you think that there is no good reason for having it or doing it. □� Your report was based upon wholly unfounded and totally unjustified allegations. □� The commission concluded that the police action was unjustified.

un|kempt /ʌ nke mpt/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as unkempt , you mean that they are untidy, and not looked after carefully or kept neat. □� His hair was unkempt and filthy. □� �the unkempt grass. □� �an unkempt old man.

un|kind /ʌnka I nd/ (unkinder , unkindest )

1 ADJ If someone is unkind , they behave in an unpleasant, unfriendly, or slightly cruel way. You can also describe someone's words or actions as unkind . □�[+�to ] All last summer he'd been unkind to her. □� No one has an unkind word to say about him. □� Without wishing to be unkind, she's not the most interesting company. ●� un|kind|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Several viewers commented unkindly on her dress sense. □� 'He's a bit of an eccentric old fatty,' Thomas thought, unkindly. ●� un|kind|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] He realized the unkindness of the remark and immediately regretted having hurt her with it.

2 ADJ If you describe something bad that happens to someone as unkind , you mean that they do not deserve it. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�to ] The weather was unkind to those pipers who played in the morning. □� �a shared conviction that some unkind fate or chance is keeping them apart.

un|know|able /ʌ nnoʊ əb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unknowable , you mean that it is impossible for human beings to know anything about it. [WRITTEN ] □� Any investment in shares is a bet on an unknowable future flow of profits. □� The specific impact of the greenhouse effect is unknowable.

un|know|ing /ʌ nnoʊ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person as unknowing , you mean that they are not aware of what is happening or of what they are doing. □� Some governments have been victims and perhaps unknowing accomplices in the bank's activities.

un|know|ing|ly /ʌ nnoʊ I ŋli/ ADV [ADV with v] If someone does something unknowingly , they do it without being aware of it. □� �if people unknowingly move into more contaminated areas of the river. □� You may be contributing unknowingly to the suffering of animals.

un|known ◆◇◇ /ʌ nnoʊ n/ (unknowns )

1 ADJ If something is unknown to you, you have no knowledge of it. □� An unknown number of demonstrators were arrested. □� How did you expect us to proceed on such a perilous expedition, through unknown terrain? □� The motive for the killing is unknown. ●�N‑COUNT An unknown is something that is unknown. □� The length of the war is one of the biggest unknowns.

2 ADJ An unknown person is someone whose name you do not know or whose character you do not know anything about. □� Unknown thieves had forced their way into the apartment. □�[+�to ] I could not understand how someone with so many awards could be unknown to me.

3 ADJ An unknown person is not famous or publicly recognized. □� He was an unknown writer. □� �a popular environment where both established and unknown artists can meet, talk and drink. ●�N‑COUNT An unknown is a person who is unknown. □� How had he, a complete unknown, achieved this transformation?

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that a particular problem or situation is unknown , you mean that it never occurs. □� Diabetes is virtually unknown in poorer countries.

5 N‑SING The unknown refers generally to things or places that people do not know about or understand. □� Ignorance of people brings fear, fear of the unknown.

un|law|ful /ʌ nlɔː fʊl/ ADJ If something is unlawful , the law does not allow you to do it. [FORMAL ] □� �employees who believe their dismissal was unlawful. □� A pushed-in window indicated unlawful entry. ●� un|law|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the councils' assertion that the government acted unlawfully in imposing the restrictions.

u n|law|ful ki ll|ing (unlawful killings ) N‑VAR Unlawful killing is used to refer to crimes which involve one person killing another. [LEGAL ]

un|lead|ed /ʌ nle d I d/ ADJ Unleaded fuel contains a smaller amount of lead than most fuels so that it produces fewer harmful substances when it is burned. □� This model is designed to run on unleaded fuel. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Unleaded is also a noun. □� All its engines will run happily on unleaded.

un|learn /ʌ nlɜː r n/ (unlearns , unlearning , unlearned ) in BRIT, also use unlearnt VERB If you unlearn something that you have learned, you try to forget it or ignore it, often because it is wrong or it is having a bad influence on you. □�[V n] They learn new roles and unlearn old ones. □�[V n] Before you know it, you will have unlearned the debt habit.

un|leash /ʌ nliː ʃ/ (unleashes , unleashing , unleashed ) VERB If you say that someone or something unleashes a powerful force, feeling, activity, or group, you mean that they suddenly start it or send it somewhere. □�[V n] Then he unleashed his own, unstoppable, attack. □�[V n] The officers were still reluctant to unleash their troops in pursuit of a defeated enemy.

un|leav|ened /ʌ nle v ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unleavened bread or dough is made without any yeast.

un|less ◆◆◇ /ʌnle s/ CONJ You use unless to introduce the only circumstances in which an event you are mentioning will not take place or in which a statement you are making is not true. □� Unless you are trying to lose weight to please yourself, it's hard to stay motivated. □� We cannot understand disease unless we understand the person who has the disease.

un|like ◆◇◇ /ʌ nla I k/

1 PREP If one thing is unlike another thing, the two things have different qualities or characteristics from each other. □� This was a foreign country, so unlike San Jose. □� She was unlike him in every way except for her coal black eyes.

2 PREP You can use unlike to contrast two people, things, or situations, and show how they are different. □� Unlike aerobics, walking entails no expensive fees for classes or clubs.

3 PREP If you describe something that a particular person has done as being unlike them, you mean that you are surprised by it because it is not typical of their character or normal behaviour. □� It was so unlike him to say something like that, with such intensity, that I was astonished. □� 'We'll all be arrested!' Thomas yelled, which was most unlike him.

un|like|ly ◆◆◇ /ʌnla I kli/ (unlikelier , unlikeliest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] If you say that something is unlikely to happen or unlikely to be true, you believe that it will not happen or that it is not true, although you are not completely sure. □� A military coup seems unlikely. □� As with many technological revolutions, you are unlikely to be aware of it. □� It's now unlikely that future parliaments will bring back the death penalty. □� In the unlikely event of anybody phoning, could you just scribble a message down?

un|lim|it|ed /ʌnl I m I t I d/ ADJ If there is an unlimited quantity of something, you can have as much or as many of that thing as you want. □� An unlimited number of copies can still be made from the original. □� You'll also have unlimited access to the swimming pool.

un|list|ed /ʌ nl I st I d/

1 ADJ If a person or their phone number is unlisted , the number is not listed in the phone book, and the phone company will refuse to give it to people who ask for it. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use ex-directory2 ADJ An unlisted company or unlisted stock is not listed officially on a stock exchange. [BUSINESS ] □� Its shares are traded on the Unlisted Securities Market.

un|lis|ten|able /ʌ nl I s ə nəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe music as unlistenable , you mean that is very poor in quality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The early stuff is mostly unlistenable.

un|lit /ʌ nl I t/

1 ADJ An unlit fire or cigarette has not been made to start burning.

2 ADJ An unlit street or building is dark because there are no lights switched on in it.

un|load /ʌ nloʊ d/ (unloads , unloading , unloaded )

1 VERB If you unload goods from a vehicle, or you unload a vehicle, you remove the goods from the vehicle, usually after they have been transported from one place to another. □�[V n +�from ] Unload everything from the boat and clean it thoroughly. □�[V n] They were reported to be unloading trucks filled with looted furniture.

2 VERB If someone unloads investments, they get rid of them or sell them. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] Since March, he has unloaded 1.3 million shares.

un|lock /ʌ nlɒ k/ (unlocks , unlocking , unlocked )

1 VERB If you unlock something such as a door, a room, or a container that has a lock, you open it using a key. □�[V n] He unlocked the car and threw the coat on to the back seat.

2 VERB If you unlock the potential or the secrets of something or someone, you release them. □�[V n] Education and training is the key that will unlock our nation's potential.

un|lov|able /ʌ nlʌ vəb ə l/ ADJ If someone is unlovable , they are not likely to be loved by anyone, because they do not have any attractive qualities.

un|loved /ʌ nlʌ vd/ ADJ If someone feels unloved , they feel that nobody loves them. □� I think she feels desperately wounded and unloved at the moment. □� �a lonely, unloved child.

un|love|ly /ʌ nlʌ vli/ ADJ If you describe something as unlovely , you mean that it is unattractive or unpleasant in some way. [WRITTEN ] □� She found a small, inexpensive motel on the outskirts of the town; it was barren and unlovely.

un|lov|ing /ʌ nlʌ v I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe a person as unloving , you believe that they do not love, or show love to, the people they ought to love. □� The overworked, overextended parent may be seen as unloving, but may simply be exhausted.

un|lucki|ly /ʌnlʌ k I li/ ADV [ADV with v] You use unluckily as a comment on something bad or unpleasant that happens to someone, in order to suggest sympathy for them or that it was not their fault. □�[+�for ] Unluckily for him, the fraud officers were watching this flight too.

un|lucky /ʌnlʌ ki/ (unluckier , unluckiest )

1 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If someone is unlucky , they have bad luck. □� Owen was unlucky not to score on two occasions. □� Others were unlucky victims of falling debris.

2 ADJ You can use unlucky to describe unpleasant things which happen to someone, especially when you feel that the person does not deserve them. □� �our team's unlucky defeat by the Rovers.

3 ADJ Unlucky is used to describe something that is thought to cause bad luck. □� Some people think it is unlucky to look at a new moon through glass.

un|made /ʌ nme I d/ ADJ An unmade bed has not had the sheets and covers neatly arranged after it was last slept in.

un|man|age|able /ʌnm� n I dʒəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe something as unmanageable , you mean that it is difficult to use, deal with, or control. □� People were visiting the house every day, sometimes in unmanageable numbers. □� �her freckles and unmanageable hair.

2 ADJ If you describe someone, especially a young person, as unmanageable , you mean that they behave in an unacceptable way and are difficult to control. □� The signs are that indulged children tend to become unmanageable when they reach their teens.

un|man|ly /ʌ nm� nli/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe a boy's or man's behaviour as unmanly , you are critical of the fact that they are behaving in a way that you think is inappropriate for a man. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Your partner can feel the loss as acutely as you, but may feel that it is unmanly to cry.

un|manned /ʌ nm� nd/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unmanned vehicles such as spacecraft do not have any people in them and operate automatically or are controlled from a distance. □� �a special unmanned spacecraft. □� �unmanned rockets.

2 ADJ If a place is unmanned , there is nobody working there. □� Unmanned post offices meant millions of letters went unsorted.

un|marked /ʌ nmɑː r kt/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is unmarked has no marks on it. □� Her shoes are still white and unmarked.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is unmarked has no marking on it which identifies what it is or whose it is. □� He had seen them come out and get into the unmarked police car. □� He lies in an unmarked grave at Elmton.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ after v] In a sport such as football, hockey, or basketball, if a player is unmarked , there are no players from the opposing team who are watching them in order to challenge them when they have control of the ball. [BRIT ] □� The striker was unmarked when he headed his second goal.

un|mar|ried /ʌ nm� rid/ ADJ Someone who is unmarried is not married. □� They refused to rent an apartment to an unmarried couple.

un|mask /ʌ nmɑː sk, -m� sk/ (unmasks , unmasking , unmasked ) VERB If you unmask someone or something bad, you show or make known their true nature or character, when they had previously been thought to be good. □�[V n] Elliott unmasked and confronted the master spy.

un|matched /ʌ nm� tʃt/ ADJ If you describe something as unmatched , you are emphasizing that it is better or greater than all other things of the same kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a landscape of unmatched beauty. □�[+�for ] Brian's old-fashioned cuisine was unmatched for flavour.

un|men|tion|able /ʌnme nʃənəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unmentionable , you mean that it is too embarrassing or unpleasant to talk about. □� Has he got some unmentionable disease?

un|mer|ci|ful|ly /ʌnmɜː r s I fʊli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you do something unmercifully , you do it a lot, showing no pity. □� Uncle Sebastian used to tease Mother and Daddy unmercifully that all they could produce was girls.

un|met /ʌnme t/ ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] Unmet needs or demands are not satisfied. □� �the unmet demand for quality family planning services. □� This need routinely goes unmet.

un|me|tered /ʌnmi ːtə r d/ ADJ An unmetered service for something such as water supply or telephone access is one that allows you to use as much as you want for a basic cost, rather than paying for the amount you use. □� Clients are not charged by the minute but given unmetered access to the internet for a fixed fee.

un|miss|able /ʌ nm I səb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something such as an event or a film is unmissable , you are emphasizing that it is so good that everyone should try to go to it or see it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� His new show is unmissable.

un|mis|tak|able /ʌ nm I ste I kəb ə l/ also unmistakeable ADJ If you describe something as unmistakable , you mean that it is so obvious that it cannot be mistaken for anything else. □� He didn't give his name, but the voice was unmistakable. □� �the unmistakable smell of marijuana drifted down. ●� un|mis|tak|ably /ʌ nm I ste I kəbli/ ADV [usu ADV group, oft ADV with v] □� It's still unmistakably a Minnelli movie. □� She's unmistakably Scandinavian.

un|miti|gat|ed /ʌnm I t I ge I t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use unmitigated to emphasize that a bad situation or quality is totally bad. [EMPHASIS ] □� Last year's cotton crop was an unmitigated disaster. □� She leads a life of unmitigated misery.

un|mo|lest|ed /ʌ nməle st I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v, oft v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If someone does something unmolested , they do it without being stopped or interfered with. □� Like many fugitives, he lived unmolested for many years. □� We now have a community where kids and adults can go to the park unmolested.

un|moved /ʌ nmuː vd/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are unmovedby something, you are not emotionally affected by it. □� Mr Bird remained unmoved by the corruption allegations. □� His face was unmoved, but on his lips there was a trace of displeasure.

un|mu|si|cal /ʌ nmjuː z I k ə l/

1 ADJ An unmusical sound is unpleasant to listen to. □� Lainey had a terrible voice, unmusical and sharp.

2 ADJ An unmusical person cannot play or appreciate music. □� They're completely unmusical.

un|named /ʌ nne I md/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unnamed people or things are talked about but their names are not mentioned. □� An unnamed man collapsed and died while he was walking near Dundonald. □� The cash comes from an unnamed source.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unnamed things have not been given a name. □� �unnamed comets and asteroids.

un|natu|ral /ʌnn� tʃər ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe something as unnatural , you mean that it is strange and often frightening, because it is different from what you normally expect. □� The aircraft rose with unnatural speed on take-off. □� The altered landscape looks unnatural and weird. ●� un|natu|ral|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� The house was unnaturally silent. □� �unnaturally cold conditions.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Behaviour that is unnatural seems artificial and not normal or genuine. □� She gave him a bright, determined smile which seemed unnatural. ●� un|natu|ral|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Try to avoid shouting or speaking unnaturally.

un|natu|ral|ly /ʌnn� tʃərəli/

1 PHRASE You can use not unnaturally to indicate that the situation you are describing is exactly as you would expect in the circumstances. □� It was a question that Roy not unnaturally found impossible to answer.

2 →�see also unnatural

un|nec|es|sary /ʌnne səsri, [AM ] -seri/ ADJ If you describe something as unnecessary , you mean that it is not needed or does not have to be done, and is undesirable. □� The slaughter of whales is unnecessary and inhuman. □� He accused Diana of making an unnecessary fuss. ●� un|nec|es|sari|ly /ʌ nnesəse r I li/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� I didn't want to upset my daughter unnecessarily. □� A bad keyboard can make life unnecessarily difficult.

un|nerve /ʌ nnɜː r v/ (unnerves , unnerving , unnerved ) VERB If you say that something unnerves you, you mean that it worries or troubles you. □�[V n] The news about Dermot had unnerved me.

un|nerv|ing /ʌ nnɜː r v I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as unnerving , you mean that it makes you feel worried or uncomfortable. □� It must have been unnerving to see money disappearing from your account.

un|no|ticed /ʌ nnoʊ t I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v, oft v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If something happens or passes unnoticed , it is not seen or noticed by anyone. □� I tried to slip up the stairs unnoticed. □�[+�by ] Her forty-fourth birthday had just passed, unnoticed by all but herself.

un|ob|served /ʌ nəbzɜː r vd/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] If you do something unobserved , you do it without being seen by other people. □� Looking round to make sure he was unobserved, he slipped through the door. □� John had been sitting, unobserved, in the darkness.

un|ob|tain|able /ʌ nəbte I nəb ə l/ ADJ If something or someone is unobtainable , you cannot get them. □� Fish was unobtainable in certain sections of Tokyo.

un|ob|tru|sive /ʌ nəbtruː s I v/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as unobtrusive , you mean that they are not easily noticed or do not draw attention to themselves. [FORMAL ] □� The coffee table is glass, to be as unobtrusive as possible. ●� un|ob|tru|sive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� They slipped away unobtrusively.

un|oc|cu|pied /ʌ nɒ kjʊpa I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] If a building is unoccupied , there is nobody in it. □� The house was unoccupied at the time of the explosion. □� The fire broke out in two unoccupied cabins.

un|of|fi|cial /ʌ nəf I ʃ ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unofficial action or statement is not organized or approved by a person or group in authority. □� Staff voted to continue an unofficial strike. □� Official reports put the death toll at under one hundred. ●� un|of|fi|cial|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Some workers are legally employed, but the majority work unofficially.

un|opened /ʌ noʊ pənd/ ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If something is unopened , it has not been opened yet. □� �unopened bottles of olive oil. □� The letter lay unopened in the travel firm's pigeonhole. □� Catherine put all the envelopes aside unopened.

un|op|posed /ʌ nəpoʊ zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v, oft v-link ADJ , ADJ n] In something such as an election or a war, if someone is unopposed , there are no opponents competing or fighting against them. □� The council re-elected him unopposed as party leader.

un|ortho|dox /ʌ nɔː r θədɒks/

1 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour, beliefs, or customs as unorthodox , you mean that they are different from what is generally accepted. □� She spent an unorthodox girlhood travelling with her father throughout Europe. □� His methods were unorthodox, and his lifestyle eccentric.

2 ADJ If you describe ways of doing things as unorthodox , you are criticizing them because they are unusual or illegal. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Journalists appear to have obtained confidential documents in an unorthodox manner.

un|pack /ʌ np� k/ (unpacks , unpacking , unpacked )

1 VERB When you unpack a suitcase, box, or similar container, or you unpack the things inside it, you take the things out of the container. □�[V n] He unpacked his bag. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you unpack an idea or problem, you analyse it and consider it in detail. □�[V n] Let's unpack this model a bit more and see just how "illogical" it really is.

un|paid /ʌ npe I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you do unpaid work or are an unpaid worker, you do a job without receiving any money for it. □� Even unpaid work for charity is better than nothing. □� The unpaid volunteers do the work because they love it.

2 ADJ Unpaid taxes or bills, for example, are bills or taxes which have not been paid yet. □� The taxman caught up with him and demanded �17,000 in unpaid taxes. □� The bills remained unpaid because of a dispute over the quality of the company's work.

un|pal|at|able /ʌnp� l I təb ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe an idea as unpalatable , you mean that you find it unpleasant and difficult to accept. □� It is an unpalatable fact that rape makes a good news story. □� It was only then that I began to learn the unpalatable truth about John.

2 ADJ If you describe food as unpalatable , you mean that it is so unpleasant that you can hardly eat it. □� �a lump of dry, unpalatable cheese.

un|par|al|leled /ʌnp� rəleld/ ADJ If you describe something as unparalleled , you are emphasizing that it is, for example, bigger, better, or worse than anything else of its kind, or anything that has happened before. [EMPHASIS ] □� Germany's unparalleled prosperity is based on wise investments. □�[+�since ] The country is facing a crisis unparalleled since the Second World War. [Also +�in ]

un|par|don|able /ʌnpɑː r dənəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone's behaviour is unpardonable , you mean that it is very wrong or offensive, and completely unacceptable. □� �an unpardonable lack of discipline. □� I must ask a question you may find unpardonable.

un|pick /ʌ np I k/ (unpicks , unpicking , unpicked )

1 VERB If you unpick a piece of sewing, you remove the stitches from it. □�[V n] You can always unpick the hems on the dungarees if you don't like them.

2 VERB If someone unpicks a plan or policy, they disagree with it and examine it thoroughly in order to find any mistakes that they can use to defeat it. [BRIT ] □�[V n] A statesman wants to unpick last year's reform of Europe's common agricultural policy.

un|play|able /ʌ nple I əb ə l/ ADJ In some sports, if you describe a player as unplayable , you mean that they are playing extremely well and are difficult to beat. If you describe a ball as unplayable , you mean that it is difficult to hit. [BRIT ]

un|pleas|ant /ʌnple z ə nt/

1 ADJ If something is unpleasant , it gives you bad feelings, for example by making you feel upset or uncomfortable. □� The symptoms can be uncomfortable, unpleasant and serious. □� The vacuum has an unpleasant smell. □� It was a very unpleasant and frightening attack. ●� un|pleas|ant|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □� The water moved darkly around the body, unpleasantly thick and brown. □� The smell was unpleasantly strong. □� My heart was hammering unpleasantly.

2 ADJ An unpleasant person is very unfriendly and rude. □� She thought him an unpleasant man. □� Don't start giving me problems otherwise I'll have to be very unpleasant indeed. □� �a thoroughly unpleasant person. ●� un|pleas|ant|ly ADV □� Melissa laughed unpleasantly. □� The Heidlers are an unpleasantly hypocritical pair. ●� un|pleas|ant|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� There had to be a reason for the unpleasantness some people habitually displayed.

un|plug /ʌ nplʌ g/ (unplugs , unplugging , unplugged ) VERB If you unplug an electrical device or phone, you pull a wire out of a socket so that it stops working. □�[V n] I had to unplug the phone.

un|plugged /ʌ nplʌ gd/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n] If a pop group or musician performs unplugged , they perform without any electric instruments. [JOURNALISM ] □� Do you remember when everyone went unplugged and acoustic?

un|pol|lut|ed /ʌ npəluː t I d/ ADJ Something that is unpolluted is free from pollution.

un|popu|lar /ʌ npɒ pjʊlə r / ADJ If something or someone is unpopular , most people do not like them. □� It was a painful and unpopular decision. □� In high school, I was very unpopular, and I did encounter a little prejudice. □�[+�with ] The Chancellor is deeply unpopular with voters. ●� un|popu|lar|ity /ʌ npɒpjʊl� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □�[+�among ] �his unpopularity among his colleagues.

un|prec|edent|ed /ʌnpre s I dent I d/

1 ADJ If something is unprecedented , it has never happened before. □� Such a move is rare, but not unprecedented. □� In 1987 the Socialists took the unprecedented step of appointing a civilian to command the force.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unprecedented , you are emphasizing that it is very great in quality, amount, or scale. [EMPHASIS ] □� Each home boasts an unprecedented level of quality throughout. □� The scheme has been hailed as an unprecedented success.

un|pre|dict|able /ʌ npr I d I ktəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unpredictable , you mean that you cannot tell what they are going to do or how they are going to behave. □� He is utterly unpredictable. □� �Britain's notoriously unpredictable weather. ●� un|pre|dict|ably ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Monthly costs can rise or fall unpredictably. □� �her son's unpredictably violent behavior to others. ●� un|pre|dict|abil|ity /ʌ npr I d I ktəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □�[+�of ] �the unpredictability of the weather.

un|pre|pared /ʌ npr I peə r d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are unpreparedfor something, you are not ready for it, and you are therefore surprised or at a disadvantage when it happens. □�[+�for ] I was totally unprepared for the announcement on the next day. □� Faculty members complain that their students are unprepared to do college-level work. □� We were caught completely unprepared.

2 ADJ If you are unpreparedto do something, you are not willing to do it. □� He was unprepared to co-operate, or indeed to communicate.

un|pre|pos|sess|ing /ʌ npriːpəze s I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unprepossessing , you mean that they look rather plain or ordinary, although they may have good or special qualities that are hidden. [FORMAL ] □� We found the tastiest food in the most unprepossessing bars and caf�s.

un|pre|ten|tious /ʌ npr I te nʃəs/ ADJ If you describe a place, person, or thing as unpretentious , you approve of them because they are simple in appearance or character, rather than sophisticated or luxurious. [APPROVAL ] □� The Tides Inn is both comfortable and unpretentious. □� �good, unpretentious pop music.

un|prin|ci|pled /ʌnpr I ns I p ə ld/ ADJ If you describe a person or their actions as unprincipled , you are criticizing them for their lack of moral principles and because they do things which are immoral or dishonest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is a market where people can be very unprincipled and unpleasant. □� �the unprincipled behaviour of the prosecutor's office during the crisis.

un|print|able /ʌ npr I ntəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something that someone has said or done as unprintable , you mean that it is so rude or shocking that you do not want to say exactly what it was. □� Her reply was unprintable. □� �some quite unprintable stories.

un|pro|duc|tive /ʌ nprədʌ kt I v/ ADJ Something that is unproductive does not produce any good results. □� Research workers are well aware that much of their time and effort is unproductive. □� �increasingly unproductive land.

un|pro|fes|sion|al /ʌ nprəfe ʃən ə l/ ADJ If you use unprofessional to describe someone's behaviour at work, you are criticizing them for not behaving according to the standards that are expected of a person in their profession. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� What she did was very unprofessional. She left abruptly about 90 minutes into the show. □� He was also fined $150 for unprofessional conduct.

un|prof|it|able /ʌ nprɒ f I təb ə l/

1 ADJ An industry, company, or product that is unprofitable does not make any profit or does not make enough profit. [BUSINESS ] □� �unprofitable state-owned industries. □� The newspaper is believed to have been unprofitable for at least the past decade.

2 ADJ Unprofitable activities or efforts do not produce any useful or helpful results. □� �an endless, unprofitable argument. □� The day proved frustratingly unprofitable.

un|prom|is|ing /ʌ nprɒ m I s I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as unpromising , you think that it is unlikely to be successful or produce anything good in the future. □� In fact, his business career had distinctly unpromising beginnings. □� Their land looked so unpromising that the colonists eventually gave most of it back.

un|pro|nounce|able /ʌ nprənaʊ nsəb ə l/ ADJ An unpronounceable word or name is too difficult to say.

un|pro|tect|ed /ʌ nprəte kt I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] An unprotected person or place is not looked after or defended, and so they may be harmed or attacked. □� What better target than an unprotected girl, going along that river walkway in the dark? □� The landing beaches would be unprotected.

2 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If something is unprotected , it is not covered or treated with anything, and so it may easily be damaged. □� Exposure of unprotected skin to the sun carries the risk of developing skin cancer. □� This leaves fertile soil unprotected and prone to erosion.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If two people have unprotected sex, they do not use a condom when they have sex.

un|prov|en /ʌ npruː v ə n, -proʊ v-/ or unproved /ʌnpruː vd/ ADJ If something is unproven , it has not definitely been proved to be true. □� There are a lot of unproven allegations flying around.

un|pro|voked /ʌ nprəvoʊ kt/ ADJ If someone makes an unprovoked attack, they attack someone who has not tried to harm them in any way.

un|pub|lished /ʌ npʌ bl I ʃt/ ADJ An unpublished book, letter, or report has never been published. An unpublished writer has never had his or her work published.

un|pun|ished /ʌ npʌ n I ʃt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] If a criminal or crime goes unpunished , the criminal is not punished. □�[+�by ] Persistent criminals have gone unpunished by the courts. □� I have been amazed at times that cruelty can go unpunished.

un|quali|fied /ʌ nkwɒ l I fa I d/

1 ADJ If you are unqualified , you do not have any qualifications, or you do not have the right qualifications for a particular job. □�[+�for ] She was unqualified for the job. □� Unqualified members of staff at the hospital were not sufficiently supervised.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unqualified means total or unlimited. [EMPHASIS ] □� The event was an unqualified success. □� They have given almost unqualified backing to the government.

un|ques|tion|able /ʌnkwe stʃənəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unquestionable , you are emphasizing that it is so obviously true or real that nobody can doubt it. [EMPHASIS ] □� He inspires affection and respect as a man of unquestionable integrity. □� There is an unquestionable link between job losses and deteriorating services. ●� un|ques|tion|ably /ʌnkwe stʃənəbli/ ADV □� They have seen the change as unquestionably beneficial to the country. □� He is unquestionably a star.

un|ques|tioned /ʌnkwe stʃənd/

1 ADJ You use unquestioned to emphasize that something is so obvious, real, or great that nobody can doubt it or disagree with it. [EMPHASIS ] □� His commitment has been unquestioned. □� The play was an immediate and unquestioned success in London.

2 ADJ If something or someone is unquestioned , they are accepted by everyone, without anyone doubting or disagreeing. □� Stalin was the unquestioned ruler of the Soviet Union from the late 1920s until his death in 1953.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone's belief or attitude as unquestioned , you are emphasizing that they accept something without any doubt or disagreement. [EMPHASIS ] □� Royalty is regarded with unquestioned reverence.

un|ques|tion|ing /ʌnkwe stʃən I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or their beliefs as unquestioning , you are emphasizing that they accept something without any doubt or disagreement. [EMPHASIS ] □� Isabella had been taught unquestioning obedience. □� For the last 20 years, I have been an unquestioning supporter of comprehensive schools. ●� un|ques|tion|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She supported him unquestioningly.

un|quote /ʌ nkwoʊt/ PHRASE You can say quote before and unquote after a word or phrase, or quote, unquote before or after it, to show that you are quoting someone or that you do not believe that a word or phrase used by others is accurate. [SPOKEN ] □� He drowned in a boating quote 'accident' unquote.

un|rav|el /ʌnr� v ə l/ (unravels , unravelling , unravelled ) in AM, use unraveling , unraveled1 VERB If something such as a plan or system unravels , it breaks up or begins to fail. □�[V ] His government began to unravel because of a banking scandal.

2 VERB If you unravel something that is knotted, woven, or knitted, or if it unravels , it becomes one straight piece again or separates into its different threads. □�[V n] He could unravel a knot that others wouldn't even attempt. □�[V ] The stairway carpet is so frayed it threatens to unravel.

3 VERB If you unravel a mystery or puzzle, or if it unravels , it gradually becomes clearer and you can work out the answer to it. □�[V n] A young mother has flown to Iceland to unravel the mystery of her friend's disappearance. □�[V ] Gradually, with an intelligent use of flashbacks, Yves' story unravels.

un|read /ʌ nre d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If a book or other piece of writing is unread , you or other people have not read it, for example because it is boring or because you have no time. □� All his unpublished writing should be destroyed unread. □� He caught up on months of unread periodicals.

un|read|able /ʌ nriː dəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you use unreadable to describe a book or other piece of writing, you are criticizing it because it is very boring, complicated, or difficult to understand. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� For some this is the greatest novel in the world. For others it is unreadable.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a piece of writing is unreadable , it is impossible to read because the letters are unclear, especially because it has been damaged in some way. □� �if contracts are unreadable because of the microscopic print.

3 ADJ If someone's face or expression is unreadable , it is impossible to tell what they are thinking or feeling. [LITERARY ] □� He looked back at the woman for approval, but her face was unreadable.

un|real /ʌ nriː l/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that a situation is unreal , you mean that it is so strange that you find it difficult to believe it is happening. □� It was unreal. Like some crazy childhood nightmare. □� It felt so unreal to be talking about our son like this. ●� un|re|al|ity /ʌ nri� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� He felt light-headed, with a sense of unreality.

2 ADJ If you use unreal to describe something, you are critical of it because you think that it is not like, or not related to, things you expect to find in the real world. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �unreal financial targets. □� Almost all fictional detectives are unreal.

un|re|al|is|tic /ʌ nriəl I st I k/ ADJ If you say that someone is being unrealistic , you mean that they do not recognize the truth about a situation, especially about the difficulties involved in something they want to achieve. □�[+�in ] There are many who feel that the players are being completely unrealistic in their demands. □� It would be unrealistic to expect such a process ever to be completed. □� �their unrealistic expectations of parenthood. ●� un|re|al|is|ti|cal|ly /ʌ nriəl I st I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� Tom spoke unrealistically of getting a full-time job that paid an enormous sum. □� �unrealistically high standards of expectation.

un|rea|son|able /ʌnriː zənəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that someone is being unreasonable , you mean that they are behaving in a way that is not fair or sensible. □�[+�in ] The strikers were being unreasonable in their demands, having rejected the deal two weeks ago. □� It was her unreasonable behaviour which broke up their friendship. □� It's unreasonable to expect your child to behave in a caring way if you behave selfishly. ●� un|rea|son|ably /ʌnriː zənəbli/ ADV □� We unreasonably expect near perfect behaviour from our children.

2 ADJ An unreasonable decision, action, price, or amount seems unfair and difficult to justify. □� �unreasonable increases in the price of petrol. □� One in four consumers now say water prices are very unreasonable. ●� un|rea|son|ably ADV [usu ADV adj] □� The banks' charges are unreasonably high.

un|rea|son|ing /ʌnriː zən I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Unreasoning feelings or actions are not logical, sensible, or controlled. [LITERARY ] □� At this moment of success I found only an unreasoning sense of futility. □� Niki's voice provoked a new bout of unreasoning anger.

un|rec|og|niz|able /ʌ nre kəgna I zəbl, -na I z-/ in BRIT, also use unrecognisable ADJ If someone or something is unrecognizable , they have become impossible to recognize or identify, for example because they have been greatly changed or damaged. □� Jean's face was twisted, unrecognizable. □�[+�to ] The new town would have been unrecognisable to the original inhabitants.

un|rec|og|nized /ʌ nre kəgna I zd/ in BRIT, also use unrecognised1 ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone does something unrecognized , nobody knows or recognizes them while they do it. □� He is believed to have worked unrecognised as a doorman at East End clubs.

2 ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If something is unrecognized , people are not aware of it. □� There is the possibility that hypothermia can go unrecognized. □� There must be many vases, bowls or bottles sitting unrecognised in people's homes.

3 ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If you or your achievements or qualities are unrecognized , you have not been properly appreciated or acknowledged by other people for what you have done. □� Hard work and talent so often go unrecognised and unrewarded. □� There really is a wealth of unrecognised talent out there.

4 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] An unrecognized organization, position, or event is not formally acknowledged as legal or valid by the authorities. □� He claimed that the rank of Cardinal was unrecognized by those who were not Catholic.

un|re|con|struct|ed /ʌ nriːkənstrʌ kt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe systems, beliefs, policies, or people as unreconstructed , you are critical of them because they have not changed at all, in spite of new ideas and circumstances. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the unreconstructed racism of the official opposition. □� She accused him of being an unreconstructed male chauvinist.

un|re|cord|ed /ʌ nr I kɔː r d I d/ ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] You use unrecorded to describe something that has not been written down or recorded officially, especially when it should have been. □� The statistics don't reveal, of course, unrecorded crime. □� 7,000 people had been infected, but many cases were going unrecorded.

un|re|fined /ʌ nr I fa I nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unrefined food or other substance is in its natural state and has not been processed. □� Unrefined carbohydrates include brown rice and other grains. □� �the price of unrefined oil as it comes out of the ground.

un|re|hearsed /ʌ nr I hɜː r st/ ADJ Unrehearsed activities or performances have not been prepared, planned, or practised beforehand. □� In fact, the recordings were mostly unrehearsed improvisations.

un|re|lat|ed /ʌ nr I le I t I d/

1 ADJ If one thing is unrelatedto another, there is no connection between them. You can also say that two things are unrelated . □�[+�to ] My line of work is entirely unrelated to politics. □� Two of them died from apparently unrelated causes.

2 ADJ If one person is unrelatedto another, they are not members of the same family. You can also say that two people are unrelated . [WRITTEN ] □�[+�to ] Jimmy is adopted and thus unrelated to Beth by blood.

un|re|lent|ing /ʌ nr I le nt I ŋ/

1 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as unrelenting , you mean that they are continuing to do something in a very determined way, often without caring whether they hurt or embarrass other people. □� She established her authority with unrelenting thoroughness. □� In the face of severe opposition and unrelenting criticism, the task seemed overwhelming.

2 ADJ If you describe something unpleasant as unrelenting , you mean that it continues without stopping. □� �an unrelenting downpour of rain.

un|re|li|able /ʌ nr I la I əb ə l/ ADJ If you describe a person, machine, or method as unreliable , you mean that you cannot trust them. □� Diplomats can be a notoriously unreliable and misleading source of information. □� He had an unreliable car. ●� un|re|li|abil|ity /ʌ nr I la I əb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� �his lateness and unreliability.

un|re|lieved /ʌ nr I liː vd/ ADJ If you describe something unpleasant as unrelieved , you mean that it is very severe and is not replaced by anything better, even for a short time. □� �unrelieved misery. □�[+�by ] The sun baked down on the concrete, unrelieved by any breeze.

un|re|mark|able /ʌ nr I mɑː r kəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unremarkable , you mean that they are very ordinary, without many exciting, original, or attractive qualities. □� �a tall, lean man, with an unremarkable face. □� �a rather unremarkable town in North Wales.

un|re|marked /ʌ nr I mɑː r kt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] If something happens or goes unremarked , people say nothing about it, because they consider it normal or do not notice it. [FORMAL ] □� His departure, in fact, went almost unremarked. □� It did not pass unremarked that three-quarters of the petitions were instituted by women.

un|re|mit|ting /ʌ nr I m I t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is unremitting continues without stopping or becoming less intense. [FORMAL ] □� I was sent to boarding school, where I spent six years of unremitting misery. □� He watched her with unremitting attention. ●� un|re|mit|ting|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� The weather was unremittingly awful.

un|re|pent|ant /ʌ nr I pe ntənt/ ADJ If you are unrepentant , you are not ashamed of your beliefs or actions. □�[+�about ] Pamela was unrepentant about her strong language and abrasive remarks. □� �unrepentant defenders of the death penalty.

un|rep|re|senta|tive /ʌ nrepr I ze ntət I v/ ADJ If you describe a group of people as unrepresentative , you mean that their views are not typical of the community or society to which they belong. □�[+�of ] The President denounced the demonstrators as unrepresentative of the country.

un|rep|re|sent|ed /ʌ nrepr I ze nt I d/ ADJ If you are unrepresented in something such as a parliament, legislature, law court, or meeting, there is nobody there speaking or acting for you, for example to give your opinions or instructions. □� Their interests frequently went unrepresented in urban redevelopment.

un|re|quit|ed /ʌ nr I kwa I t I d/ ADJ If you have unrequited love for someone, they do not love you. [LITERARY ] □� �his unrequited love for a married woman.

un|re|served /ʌ nr I zɜː r vd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unreserved opinion or statement is one that expresses a feeling or opinion completely and without any doubts. □� Charles displays unreserved admiration for his grandfather. □� Jones' lawyers are seeking an unreserved apology from the newspaper. ●� un|re|serv|ed|ly /ʌ nr I zɜː r v I dli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� We apologise unreservedly for any imputation of incorrect behaviour by Mr Taylor.

un|re|solved /ʌ nr I zɒ lvd/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] If a problem or difficulty is unresolved , no satisfactory solution has been found to it. [FORMAL ] □� The murder remains unresolved. □� �unresolved issues.

un|re|spon|sive /ʌ nr I spɒ ns I v/

1 ADJ An unresponsive person does not react or pay enough attention to something, for example to an urgent situation or to people's needs. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] He was totally unresponsive to the pressing social and economic needs of the majority. □� �a cold, unresponsive man.

2 ADJ If a person or their body is unresponsive , they do not react physically in a normal way, or do not make any movements. [FORMAL ] □� I found her in a coma, totally unresponsive.

un|rest /ʌ nre st/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is unrest in a particular place or society, people are expressing anger and dissatisfaction about something, often by demonstrating or rioting. [JOURNALISM ] □� The real danger is civil unrest in the east of the country. □�[+�among ] There is growing unrest among students in several major cities.

un|re|strained /ʌ nr I stre I nd/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as unrestrained , you mean that it is extreme or intense, for example because they are expressing their feelings strongly or loudly. □� There was unrestrained joy on the faces of the people.

un|re|strict|ed /ʌ nr I str I kt I d/

1 ADJ If an activity is unrestricted , you are free to do it in the way that you want, without being limited by any rules. □� Freedom to pursue extra-curricular activities is totally unrestricted. □� The Commissioner has absolutely unrestricted access to all the files.

2 ADJ If you have an unrestricted view of something, you can see it fully and clearly, because there is nothing in the way. □� Nearly all seats have an unrestricted view.

un|re|ward|ed /ʌ nr I wɔː r d I d/ ADJ You can say that someone goes unrewarded , or that their activities go unrewarded , when they do not achieve what they are trying to achieve. □� The jockey rushed back from America to ride at Nottingham on Monday but went unrewarded. □� �a long and unrewarded struggle.

un|re|ward|ing /ʌ nr I wɔː r d I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe an activity as unrewarding , you mean that it does not give you any feelings of achievement or pleasure. □� �dirty and unrewarding work. □� Listening to it in its entirety is also fairly unrewarding.

un|ripe /ʌ nra I p/ ADJ Unripe fruit or vegetables are not yet ready to eat.

un|ri|valled /ʌnra I v ə ld/ in AM, use unrivaled ADJ If you describe something as unrivalled , you are emphasizing that it is better than anything else of the same kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� He had an unrivalled knowledge of south Arabian society, religion, law and customs. □�[+�in ] It's a team unrivalled in stature, expertise and credibility.

un|roll /ʌ nroʊ l/ (unrolls , unrolling , unrolled ) VERB If you unroll something such as a sheet of paper or cloth, or if it unrolls , it opens up and becomes flat when it was previously rolled in a cylindrical shape. □�[V n] I unrolled my sleeping bag as usual. □�[V ] They show movies on the screen that unrolls from the ceiling.

un|ruf|fled /ʌ nrʌ f ə ld/ ADJ If you describe someone as unruffled , you mean that they are calm and do not seem to be affected by surprising or frightening events.

un|ru|ly /ʌnruː li/

1 ADJ If you describe people, especially children, as unruly , you mean that they behave badly and are difficult to control. □� It's not good enough just to blame the unruly children. □� �unruly behaviour.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unruly hair is difficult to keep tidy. □� The man had a huge head of remarkably black, unruly hair.

un|safe /ʌ nse I f/

1 ADJ If a building, machine, activity, or area is unsafe , it is dangerous. □� Critics claim the trucks are unsafe. □� She was also warned it was unsafe to run early in the morning in the neighbourhood.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are unsafe , you are in danger of being harmed. □� In the larger neighbourhood, I felt very unsafe.

3 ADJ If a criminal conviction is unsafe , it is not based on enough evidence or is based on false evidence. [BRIT , LEGAL ] □� An appeal court decided their convictions were unsafe.

un|said /ʌ nse d/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v, oft v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If something is left unsaid or goes unsaid in a particular situation, it is not said, although you might have expected it to be said. □� Some things, Donald, are better left unsaid. □� I would not intentionally be dishonest, but some things would go unsaid.

un|sale|able /ʌ nse I ləb ə l/ also unsalable ADJ If something is unsaleable , it cannot be sold because nobody wants to buy it. □� Most developers reserve the right to turn down a property they think is virtually unsaleable.

un|sani|tary /ʌ ns� n I tri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ Something that is unsanitary is dirty and unhealthy, so that you may catch a disease from it. □� �diseases caused by unsanitary conditions. □� Discharge of raw sewage into the sea is unsanitary and unsafe.

un|sat|is|fac|tory /ʌ ns�t I sf� ktəri/ ADJ If you describe something as unsatisfactory , you mean that it is not as good as it should be, and cannot be considered acceptable. □� The inspectors said just under a third of lessons were unsatisfactory. □� He asked a few more questions, to which he received unsatisfactory answers.

un|sat|is|fied /ʌ ns� t I sfa I d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are unsatisfiedwith something, you are disappointed because you have not got what you hoped to get. □� The game ended a few hours too early, leaving players and spectators unsatisfied. □�[+�with ] The centre helps people who are unsatisfied with the solicitors they are given.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a need or demand is unsatisfied , it is not dealt with. □� �products for which unsatisfied demand exists.

un|sat|is|fy|ing /ʌ ns� t I sfa I I ŋ/ ADJ If you find something unsatisfying , you do not get any satisfaction from it. □� Rose says so far the marriage has been unsatisfying. □� The boredom is caused as much by people's unsatisfying home lives as by lack of work.

un|sa|voury /ʌnse I vəri/ in AM, use unsavory ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person, place, or thing as unsavoury , you mean that you find them unpleasant or morally unacceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The sport has long been associated with illegal wagers and unsavoury characters.

un|scathed /ʌnske I �d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you are unscathed after a dangerous experience, you have not been injured or harmed by it. □� Tony emerged unscathed apart from a severely bruised finger. □�[+�by ] The east side of the city was left unscathed by the riots.

un|sched|uled /ʌ nʃe djuːld, [AM ] -ske d-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unscheduled event was not planned to happen, but happens unexpectedly or because someone changes their plans at a late stage. □� �an unscheduled meeting with the Foreign Secretary. □� The ship made an unscheduled stop at Hawaii.

un|schooled /ʌ nskuː ld/ ADJ An unschooled person has had no formal education. [LITERARY ] □� �unskilled work done by unschooled people. □� He was almost completely unschooled.

un|sci|en|tif|ic /ʌ nsa I ənt I f I k/ ADJ Research or treatment that is unscientific is not likely to be good because it is not based on facts or is not done in the proper way. □� The team's methods were considered totally unscientific. □� �this small, unscientific sample of voters.

un|scram|ble /ʌ nskr� mb ə l/ (unscrambles , unscrambling , unscrambled ) VERB To unscramble things that are in a state of confusion or disorder means to arrange them so that they can be understood or seen clearly. □�[V n] All you have to do is unscramble the words here to find four names of birds. □�[V n] TV users need a set-top device capable of unscrambling the signal.

un|screw /ʌ nskruː / (unscrews , unscrewing , unscrewed )

1 VERB If you unscrew something such as a lid, or if it unscrews , you keep turning it until you can remove it. □�[V n] She unscrewed the cap of her water bottle and gave him a drink. □�[V ] The base of the lamp unscrews for wiring and mounting.

2 VERB If you unscrew something such as a sign or mirror which is fastened to something by screws, you remove it by taking out the screws. □�[V n] He unscrewed the back of the telephone and started connecting it to the cable.

un|script|ed /ʌ nskr I pt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unscripted talk or speech is made without detailed preparation, rather than being read out. □� �unscripted radio programmes.

un|scru|pu|lous /ʌnskruː pjʊləs/ ADJ If you describe a person as unscrupulous , you are critical of the fact that they are prepared to act in a dishonest or immoral way in order to get what they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� These kids are being exploited by very unscrupulous people. □� �the unscrupulous use of hostages.

un|sea|son|ably /ʌ nsiː zənəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] Unseasonably warm, cold, or mild weather is warmer, colder, or milder than it usually is at the time of year. □� �a spell of unseasonably warm weather. □� It was unseasonably mild for late January.

un|seat /ʌ nsiː t/ (unseats , unseating , unseated ) VERB When people try to unseat a person who is in an important job or position, they try to remove him or her from that job or position. □�[V n] It is still not clear who was behind Sunday's attempt to unseat the President.

un|secured /ʌ ns I kjʊə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unsecured is used to describe loans or debts that are not guaranteed by a particular asset such as a person's home. □� We can arrange unsecured loans for any amount from �500 to �7,500.

un|seed|ed /ʌ nsiː d I d/ ADJ In tennis and badminton competitions, an unseeded player is someone who has not been ranked among the top 16 players by the competition's organizers. □� He was understandably dejected after losing in the first round to an unseeded American.

un|see|ing /ʌ nsiː I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you describe a person or their eyes as unseeing , you mean that they are not looking at anything, or not noticing something, although their eyes are open. [LITERARY ] □� In the hallway Greenfield was staring at the wood panelling with unseeing eyes. □� He stared unseeing out of the window.

un|seem|ly /ʌnsiː mli/ ADJ If you say that someone's behaviour is unseemly , you disapprove of it because it is not polite or not suitable for a particular situation or occasion. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�for ] It would be unseemly for judges to receive pay increases when others are struggling. □� �unseemly drinking, brawling and gambling.

un|seen /ʌ nsiː n/

1 ADJ If you describe something as unseen , you mean that it has not been seen for a long time. □� �a spectacular ballroom, unseen by the public for over 30 years. □� We print a selection of previously unseen photos from the Spanish rider's early years.

2 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v] You can use unseen to describe things which people cannot see. □� For me, a performance is in front of a microphone, over the radio, to an unseen audience. □� There was barely time for the two boys to escape unseen.

un|self|ish /ʌ nse lf I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe someone as unselfish , you approve of the fact that they regard other people's wishes and interests as more important than their own. [APPROVAL ] □� She started to get a reputation as an unselfish girl with a heart of gold. □� As a player he was unselfish, a true team man. ●� un|self|ish|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� She has loyally and unselfishly spent every day at her friend's side. ●� un|self|ish|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �acts of unselfishness and care.

un|sen|ti|men|tal /ʌ nsent I me nt ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as unsentimental , you mean that they do not allow emotions like pity or affection to interfere with their work or decisions. □� She was a practical, unsentimental woman. □�[+�about ] They are unsentimental about their impact on employees.

un|set|tle /ʌ nse t ə l/ (unsettles , unsettling , unsettled ) VERB If something unsettles you, it makes you feel rather worried or uncertain. □�[V n] The presence of the two police officers unsettled her.

un|set|tled /ʌ nse t ə ld/

1 ADJ In an unsettled situation, there is a lot of uncertainty about what will happen. □� Britain's unsettled political scene also worries some investors.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are unsettled , you cannot concentrate on anything because you are worried. □� A lot of people wake up every day with a sense of being unsettled and disturbed.

3 ADJ An unsettled argument or dispute has not yet been resolved. □� They were in the process of resolving all the unsettled issues.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unsettled places are places where no people have yet lived. □� Until very recently Texas was an unsettled frontier.

5 ADJ Unsettled weather is unpredictable and changes a lot. □� Despite the unsettled weather, we had a marvellous weekend.

un|set|tling /ʌ nse təl I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as unsettling , you mean that it makes you feel rather worried or uncertain. □� The prospect of change of this kind has an unsettling effect on any organisation. ●� un|set|tling|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� It was unsettlingly quiet.

un|shad|ed /ʌ nʃe I d I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] An unshaded light or light bulb has no shade fitted to it.

un|shake|able /ʌ nʃe I kəb ə l/ also unshakable ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's beliefs as unshakeable , you are emphasizing that they are so strong that they cannot be destroyed or altered. [EMPHASIS ] □� She had an unshakeable faith in human goodness and natural honesty.

un|shak|en /ʌ nʃe I kən/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If your beliefs are unshaken , you still have those beliefs, although they have been attacked or challenged. □� His faith that men such as the Reverend John Leale tried to do their best is unshaken.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are unshakenby something, you are not emotionally affected by it. □�[+�by ] Mona remains unshaken by her ordeal and is matter-of-fact about her courage.

un|shav|en /ʌ nʃe I v ə n/ ADJ If a man is unshaven , he has not shaved recently and there are short hairs on his face or chin.

un|sight|ly /ʌnsa I tli/ ADJ If you describe something as unsightly , you mean that it is unattractive to look at. □� My mother has had unsightly varicose veins for years.

un|signed /ʌ nsa I nd/

1 ADJ An unsigned document does not have anyone's signature on it.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unsigned band has not signed a contract with a company to produce music.

un|skilled /ʌ nsk I ld/

1 ADJ People who are unskilled do not have any special training for a job. □� He went to Paris in search of work as an unskilled labourer.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unskilled work does not require any special training. □� In the U.S., minorities and immigrants have generally gone into low-paid, unskilled jobs.

un|smil|ing /ʌ nsma I l I ŋ/ ADJ An unsmiling person is not smiling, and looks serious or unfriendly. [LITERARY ] □� He was unsmiling and silent. □� �the unsmiling woman in the ticket booth.

un|so|ciable /ʌnsoʊ ʃəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is unsociable does not like talking to other people and tries to avoid meeting them. □� The experience has made me reclusive and unsociable. □� I am by no means an unsociable person.

un|so|cial /ʌnsoʊ ʃ ə l/ ADJ If someone works unsocial hours, they work late at night, early in the morning, at weekends, or on public holidays. In Britain, people are often paid extra for working unsocial hours. [BRIT ]

un|sold /ʌ nsoʊ ld/ ADJ Unsold goods have been available for people to buy but nobody has bought them. □� �piles of unsold books. □� 20,000 tickets remain unsold for the game on Saturday.

un|so|lic|it|ed /ʌ nsəl I s I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is unsolicited has been given without being asked for and may not have been wanted. □� Ignore relatives who will give you lots of unsolicited advice.

un|solved /ʌ nsɒ lvd/ ADJ An unsolved mystery or problem has never been solved. □� �America's unsolved problems of poverty and racism. □� David's murder remains unsolved.

un|so|phis|ti|cat|ed /ʌ nsəf I st I ke I t I d/

1 ADJ Unsophisticated people do not have a wide range of experience or knowledge and have simple tastes. □� It was music of a rather crude kind which unsophisticated audiences enjoyed listening to. □�[+�in ] She was quite unsophisticated in the ways of the world.

2 ADJ An unsophisticated method or device is very simple and often not very effective. □� �an unsophisticated alarm system.

un|sound /ʌ nsaʊ nd/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a conclusion or method is unsound , it is based on ideas that are wrong. □� The thinking is good-hearted, but muddled and fundamentally unsound. □� The national tests were educationally unsound.

2 ADJ If something or someone is unsound , they are unreliable. □� No sensible person would put his money in a bank he knew to be unsound.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , usu adv ADJ ] If you say that something is unsound in some way, you mean that it is damaging in that way or to the thing mentioned. □� The project is environmentally unsound. □� A diet extremely low in calories can also be a diet that is nutritionally unsound.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a building or other structure is unsound , it is in poor condition and is likely to collapse. □� The church was structurally unsound.

un|speak|able /ʌnspiː kəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unspeakable , you are emphasizing that it is extremely unpleasant. [EMPHASIS ] □� �the unspeakable horrors of chemical weapons. □� �unspeakable crimes. ●� un|speak|ably /ʌnspiː kəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj] □� The novel was unspeakably boring.

un|speci|fied /ʌnspe s I fa I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You say that something is unspecified when you are not told exactly what it is. □� The government said an unspecified number of bandits were killed. □� He was arrested on unspecified charges.

un|spec|tacu|lar /ʌ nspekt� kjʊlə r / ADJ If you describe something as unspectacular , you mean that it is rather dull and not remarkable in any way. □� His progress at school had been unspectacular compared to his brother. □� �pleasant, if largely unspectacular, countryside.

un|spoiled /ʌ nspɔ I ld/ in BRIT, also use unspoilt /ʌ nspɔ I lt/ ADJ If you describe a place as unspoiled , you think it is beautiful because it has not been changed or built on for a long time. □� The port is quiet and unspoiled. □� �the unspoiled island of Cozumel.

un|spo|ken /ʌ nspoʊ kən/

1 ADJ If your thoughts, wishes, or feelings are unspoken , you do not speak about them. □� His face was expressionless, but Alex felt the unspoken criticism. □� The other unspoken fear here is of an outbreak of hooliganism.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] When there is an unspoken agreement or understanding between people, their behaviour shows that they agree about something or understand it, even though they have never spoken about it. □� There had been an unspoken agreement between them that he would not call for her at Seymour House.

un|sport|ing /ʌ nspɔː r t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone playing a game as unsporting , you are critical of them because they have done something that is unfair to their opponent. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Players can be fined and even disqualified for unsporting actions.

un|sta|ble /ʌ nste I b ə l/

1 ADJ You can describe something as unstable if it is likely to change suddenly, especially if this creates difficulty or danger. □� After the fall of Pitt in 1801 there was a decade of unstable government. □� The situation is unstable and potentially dangerous.

2 ADJ Unstable objects are likely to move or fall. □� Both clay and sandstone are unstable rock formations.

3 ADJ If people are unstable , their emotions and behaviour keep changing because their minds are disturbed or upset. □� He was emotionally unstable.

un|stat|ed /ʌnste I t I d/ ADJ You say that something is unstated when it has not been expressed in words. □� The implication was plain, if left unstated. □� An additional, unstated reason for his resignation may have been a lawsuit filed against him.

un|steady /ʌnste di/

1 ADJ If you are unsteady , you have difficulty doing something, for example walking, because you cannot completely control your legs or your body. □� The boy was very unsteady and had staggered around when he got up. □� He poured coffee into the mugs, and with an unsteady hand, held one of them out to David. ●� un|steadi|ly /ʌnste d I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� She pulled herself unsteadily from the bed to the dresser.

2 ADJ If you describe something as unsteady , you mean that it is not regular or stable, but unreliable or unpredictable. □� His voice was unsteady and only just audible.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unsteady objects are not held, fixed, or balanced securely. □� �a slightly unsteady item of furniture.

un|stick /ʌnst I k/ (unsticks , unsticking , unstuck )

1 VERB If you unstick something or if it unsticks , it becomes separated from the thing that it was stuck to. □�[V n] Mike shook his head, to unstick his hair from his sweating forehead. □�[V ] The stewards' badges do not unstick from a car and therefore cannot be passed around.

2 →�see also unstuck

un|stint|ing /ʌnst I nt I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unstinting help, care, or praise is great in amount or degree and is given generously. □� The task was made easier by the unstinting help extended to me.

un|stop|pable /ʌnstɒ pəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is unstoppable cannot be prevented from continuing or developing. □� The progress of science is unstoppable. □� �the country's seemingly unstoppable economy.

un|stressed /ʌ nstre st/ ADJ If a word or syllable is unstressed , it is pronounced without emphasis. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the unstressed syllable of words like 'above', 'surround' or 'arrive'.

un|struc|tured /ʌ nstrʌ ktʃə r d/ ADJ Something such as a meeting, interview, or activity that is unstructured is not organized in a complete or detailed way. □� Our aim was that these meetings be unstructured and informal.

un|stuck /ʌnstʌ k/

1 PHRASE If something comes unstuck , it becomes separated from the thing that it was attached to. □� The brown vinyl covering all the horizontal surfaces is coming unstuck in several places.

2 PHRASE To come unstuck means to fail. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� Economics comes unstuck when it doesn't take account of the actions of human beings. in AM, usually use come unglued3 →�see also unstick

un|sub|scribe /ʌ nsəbskra I b/ (unsubscribes , unsubscribing , unsubscribed ) VERB If you unsubscribe from an online service, you send a message saying that you no longer wish to receive that service. [COMPUTING ] □�[V ] Go to the website today and you can unsubscribe online.

un|sub|stan|ti|at|ed /ʌ nsəbst� nʃie I t I d/ ADJ A claim, accusation, or story that is unsubstantiated has not been proved to be valid or true. □� I do object to their claim, which I find totally unsubstantiated. □� �unsubstantiated rumours about his private life.

un|suc|cess|ful /ʌ nsəkse sfʊl/

1 ADJ Something that is unsuccessful does not achieve what it was intended to achieve. □� His efforts were unsuccessful. □� �a second unsuccessful operation on his knee. □� There were reports last month of unsuccessful negotiations between guerrillas and commanders. ●� un|suc|cess|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He has been trying unsuccessfully to sell the business in one piece since early last year.

2 ADJ Someone who is unsuccessful does not achieve what they intended to achieve, especially in their career. □� Successful people don't spend much more time working than many unsuccessful people do. □�[+�in ] He and his friend Boris were unsuccessful in getting a job.

un|suit|able /ʌ nsuː təb ə l/ ADJ Someone or something that is unsuitablefor a particular purpose or situation does not have the right qualities for it. □�[+�for ] Amy's shoes were unsuitable for walking any distance.

un|suit|ed /ʌ nsuː t I d/

1 ADJ If someone or something is unsuitedto a particular job, situation, or place, they do not have the right qualities or characteristics for it. □�[+�to ] He's totally unsuited to the job. □�[+�to ] The snow cruiser proved hopelessly unsuited to Antarctic conditions.

2 ADJ If two people, especially a man and a woman, are unsuitedto each other, they have different personalities or interests, and so are unlikely to have a successful relationship. □�[+�to ] By the end of that first year, I knew how totally unsuited we were to each other.

un|sul|lied /ʌ nsʌ lid/ ADJ If something is unsullied , it has not been spoiled or made less pure by the addition of something unpleasant or unacceptable. [LITERARY ] □� She had the combined talents of toughness, intellect, experience and unsullied reputation. □�[+�by ] He smiled, unsullied by doubt.

un|sung /ʌ nsʌ ŋ/ ADJ Unsung is used to describe people, things, or places that are not appreciated or praised, although you think they deserve to be. [WRITTEN ] □� They are among the unsung heroes of our time.

un|sup|port|ed /ʌ nsəpɔː r t I d/

1 ADJ If a statement or theory is unsupported , there is no evidence which proves that it is true or correct. □�[+�by ] It was a theory unsupported by evidence. □� The letters contained unsupported allegations.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unsupported person does not have anyone to provide them with money and the things they need. □� Unsupported mothers are one of the fastest-growing groups of welfare claimants.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unsupported building or person is not being physically supported or held up by anything. □� �the vast unsupported wall of the Ajuda Palace in Lisbon. □� �the child's first unsupported step.

un|sure /ʌ nʃʊə r /

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are unsure of yourself, you lack confidence. □�[+�of ] He made her feel hot, and awkward, and unsure of herself. □� The evening show was terrible, with hesitant unsure performances from all.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are unsureabout something, you feel uncertain about it. □�[+�about ] Fifty-two per cent were unsure about the idea. □�[+�of ] Scientists are becoming increasingly unsure of the validity of this technique.

un|sur|passed /ʌ nse r pɑː st, -p� st/ ADJ If you describe something as unsurpassed , you are emphasizing that it is better or greater than anything else of its kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� The quality of Smallbone furniture is unsurpassed. □�[+�for ] �the Hamburg weekly, surely unsurpassed in the world for its intellectual range and quality.

un|sur|pris|ing /ʌ nsə r pra I z I ŋ/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If something is unsurprising , you are not surprised by it because you would expect it to happen or be like it is. □� It is unsurprising that he remains so hated. □� His choice was unsurprising. ●� un|sur|pris|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Unsurprisingly, not everyone agrees that things are better. □� The proposals were swiftly and unsurprisingly rejected by Western ministers.

un|sus|pect|ed /ʌ nsəspe kt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unsuspected , you mean that people do not realize it or are not aware of it. □� A surprising number of ailments are caused by unsuspected environmental factors.

un|sus|pect|ing /ʌ nsəspe kt I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use unsuspecting to describe someone who is not at all aware of something that is happening or going to happen. □� They are charged with selling worthless junk bonds to unsuspecting depositors. □� �his unsuspecting victim.

un|sweet|ened /ʌ nswiː t ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unsweetened food or drink does not have any sugar or other sweet substance added to it.

un|swerv|ing /ʌnswɜː r v I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's attitude, feeling, or way of behaving as unswerving , you mean that it is strong and firm and does not weaken or change. □� In his diary of 1944, he proclaims unswerving loyalty to the monarchy.

un|sym|pa|thet|ic /ʌ ns I mpəθe t I k/

1 ADJ If someone is unsympathetic , they are not kind or helpful to a person in difficulties. □� Her partner was unsympathetic and she felt she had no one to turn to. □� �an unsympathetic doctor.

2 ADJ An unsympathetic person is unpleasant and difficult to like. □� �a very unsympathetic main character. □� He's unsympathetic, but charismatic and complex.

3 ADJ If you are unsympathetic to a particular idea or aim, you are not willing to support it. □�[+�to ] I'm highly unsympathetic to what you are trying to achieve.

un|tamed /ʌ nte I md/ ADJ An untamed area or place is in its original or natural state and has not been changed or affected by people. [LITERARY ] □� �the wild, untamed undergrowth. □� The interior of Corsica is high and untamed.

un|tan|gle /ʌ nt� ŋg ə l/ (untangles , untangling , untangled )

1 VERB If you untangle something that is knotted or has become twisted around something, you undo the knots in it or free it. □�[V n] He was found desperately trying to untangle several reels of film. □�[V n] �a light, non-sticky mousse which untangles hair and adds brilliant shine.

2 VERB If you untangle a confused or complicated situation, you make the different things involved clear, or put the situation right. □�[V n] Lawyers and accountants began trying to untangle the complex affairs of the bank.

un|tapped /ʌ nt� pt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An untapped supply or source of something has not yet been used. □� Mongolia, although poor, has considerable untapped resources of oil and minerals.

un|ten|able /ʌ nte nəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] An argument, theory, or position that is untenable cannot be defended successfully against criticism or attack. □� This argument is untenable from an intellectual, moral and practical standpoint.

un|test|ed /ʌ nte st I d/

1 ADJ If something or someone is untested , they have not yet been tried out or have not yet experienced a particular situation, so you do not know what they will be like. □� The Egyptian Army remained an untested force.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a drug or chemical as untested , you mean that it has not been subject to scientific tests to find out if it is safe to use. □� �the dangers of giving untested drugs to people.

un|think|able /ʌnθ I ŋkəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is unthinkable , you are emphasizing that it cannot possibly be accepted or imagined as a possibility. [EMPHASIS ] □� Splitting the family in this way was almost unthinkable. ●�N‑SING The unthinkable is something that is unthinkable. □� Edward VIII had done the unthinkable and abdicated the throne.

2 ADJ You can use unthinkable to describe a situation, event, or action which is extremely unpleasant to imagine or remember. □� This place is going to be unthinkable without you.

un|think|ing /ʌ nθ I ŋk I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that someone is unthinking , you are critical of them because you consider that they do not think carefully about the effects of their behaviour. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He doesn't say those silly things that unthinking people say. ●� un|think|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� They use their own judgment, rather than unthinkingly obeying instructions.

un|ti|dy /ʌnta I di/

1 ADJ If you describe something as untidy , you mean that it is not neat or well arranged. □� The place quickly became untidy. □� �a thin man with untidy hair. □� Clothes were thrown in the luggage in an untidy heap. ●� un|ti|di|ly /ʌnta I d I li/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� Her long hair tumbles untidily around her shoulders. □� �the desk piled untidily with books and half-finished homework. ●� un|ti|di|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The dust and untidiness in her room no longer bothered her.

2 ADJ If you describe a person as untidy , you mean that they do not care about whether things are neat and well arranged, for example in their house. □� I'm untidy in most ways.

un|tie /ʌ nta I / (unties , untying , untied )

1 VERB If you untie something that is tied to another thing or if you untie two things that are tied together, you remove the string or rope that holds them or that has been tied round them. □�[V n] Nicholas untied the boat from her mooring. □�[V n] Just untie my hands.

2 VERB If you untie something such as string or rope, you undo it so that there is no knot or so that it is no longer tying something. □�[V n] She hurriedly untied the ropes binding her ankles. □�[V n] Then she untied her silk scarf.

3 VERB When you untie your shoelaces or your shoes, you loosen or undo the laces of your shoes. □�[V n] She untied the laces on one of her sneakers. □�[V -ed] Your boot lace is untied.

un|til ◆◆◆ /ʌnt I l/

1 PREP If something happens until a particular time, it happens during the period before that time and stops at that time. □� Until 2016, he was a high-ranking officer in the army. □� �consumers who have waited until after the Christmas holiday to do that holiday shopping. ●�CONJ Until is also a conjunction. □� I waited until it got dark. □� Stir with a metal spoon until the sugar has dissolved.

2 PREP You use until with a negative to emphasize the moment in time after which the rest of your statement becomes true, or the condition which would make it true. □� The traffic laws don't take effect until the end of the year. □� It was not until 1911 that the first of the vitamins was identified. ●�CONJ [CONJ after neg] Until is also a conjunction. □� The E.U. will not lift its sanctions until that country makes political changes.

3up until →�see up ➋ USAGE until

1 You only use until or till when you are talking about time. Don�t use these words to talk about position. Don�t say, for example, � She walked until the post office �. You say �She walked as far as the post office�. □� They drove as far as the Cantabrian mountains.

2 Don�t use �until� or �till� to say that something will have happened before a particular time. Don�t say, for example, � The work will be finished until four o�clock �. You say �The work will be finished by four o�clock�. □� Total sales reached 1 million by 2017.

un|time|ly /ʌnta I mli/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an event as untimely , you mean that it happened earlier than it should, or sooner than you expected. □� His mother's untimely death had a catastrophic effect on him.

2 ADJ You can describe something as untimely if it happens at an unsuitable time. □� �an untimely visit from the milkman. □� I am sure your readers would have seen the article as at best untimely.

un|tir|ing /ʌnta I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or their efforts as untiring , you approve of them because they continue what they are doing without slowing down or stopping. [APPROVAL ] □� �an untiring fighter for justice, democracy and tolerance.

un|tit|led /ʌ nta I t ə ld/

1 ADJ If something such as a book, film, or song is untitled , it does not have a title. □� The full-length feature, as yet untitled, will include footage of their live gigs.

2 ADJ Someone who is untitled does not have a title such as 'Sir' or 'Lord'.

unto /ʌ ntu/

1 PREP Unto was used to indicate that something was done or given to someone. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ] □� And he said unto him, 'Who is my neighbor?' □� I will do unto others what they did to me.

2 PREP Unto was used to indicate that something continued until a particular time. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Be ye faithful unto the end.

un|told /ʌ ntoʊ ld/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use untold to emphasize how bad or unpleasant something is. [EMPHASIS ] □� The demise of the industry has caused untold misery to thousands of hard-working tradesmen. □� This might do untold damage to her health.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use untold to emphasize that an amount or quantity is very large, especially when you are not sure how large it is. [EMPHASIS ] □� �the nation's untold millions of anglers.

un|touch|able /ʌntʌ tʃəb ə l/ (untouchables )

1 ADJ If you say that someone is untouchable , you mean that they cannot be affected or punished in any way. □� I want to make it clear, however, that no one is untouchable in this investigation. ●�N‑COUNT An untouchable is someone who is untouchable. □� �an anti-corruption squad nicknamed the 'Untouchables'.

2 ADJ If you describe someone, especially a sports player or entertainer, as untouchable , you are emphasizing that they are better than anyone else in what they do. [EMPHASIS ] □� A lot of the players began to feel they were untouchable.

3 N‑COUNT Some people refer to Hindus of the lowest social rank as untouchables . [OFFENSIVE ] □� He was born an untouchable in a very poor village in south India.

un|touched /ʌ ntʌ tʃt/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] Something that is untouchedby something else is not affected by it. □�[+�by ] Few areas of life remain untouched by technology.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If something is untouched , it is not damaged in any way, although it has been in a situation where it could easily have been damaged. □� Amongst the rubble, there was one building that remained untouched. □� Some banknotes were taken but credit cards left untouched.

3 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] An untouched area or place is thought to be beautiful because it is still in its original state and has not been changed or damaged in any way. □� Ducie is one of the world's last untouched islands, nearly 5,000km from Australia.

4 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] If food or drink is untouched , none of it has been eaten or drunk. □� The coffee was untouched, the toast had cooled.

un|to|ward /ʌ ntəwɔː r d, [AM ] -tɔː r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that something untoward happens, you mean that something happens that is unexpected and causes difficulties. [FORMAL ] □� The surveyor's report didn't highlight anything untoward. □� Tampering with a single enzyme can lead to untoward effects elsewhere.

un|trace|able /ʌ ntre I səb ə l/ ADJ If someone or something is untraceable , it is impossible to find them. □� �a world where electronic crime is untraceable.

un|trained /ʌ ntre I nd/

1 ADJ Someone who is untrained has not been taught the skills that they need for a particular job, activity, or situation. □� It is a nonsense to say we have untrained staff dealing with emergencies. □� Our Intelligence Service was untrained, cumbersome, and almost wholly ineffectual.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a voice or a mind, for example, as untrained , you mean that it has not been developed through formal education or training. □� It was often said that he had the best untrained mind in politics.

un|tram|melled /ʌntr� m ə ld/ in AM, use untrammeled ADJ Someone who is untrammelled is able to act freely in the way they want to, rather than being restricted by something. [LITERARY ] □� The global credit crunch exposed the limits of untrammelled free markets. □�[+�by ] She thought of herself as a free woman, untrammelled by family relationships.

un|treat|ed /ʌ ntriː t I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If an injury or illness is left untreated , it is not given medical treatment. □� If left untreated, the condition may become chronic. □� �the consequences of untreated tuberculosis.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Untreated materials, water, or chemicals are harmful and have not been made safe. □� �the dumping of nuclear waste and untreated sewage.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Untreated materials are in their natural or original state, often before being prepared for use in a particular process. □� All the bedding is made of simple, untreated cotton. □� In its untreated state the carbon fibre material is rather like cloth.

un|tried /ʌ ntra I d/ ADJ If someone or something is untried , they have not yet experienced certain situations or have not yet been tried out, so you do not know what they will be like. □� He was young and untried, with no reputation of his own. □� �a long legal battle through untried areas of law.

un|trou|bled /ʌ ntrʌ b ə ld/ ADJ If you are untroubledby something, you are not affected or worried by it. □�[+�by ] She is untroubled by the fact that she didn't win. □� �an untroubled night's sleep.

un|true /ʌ ntruː / ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a statement or idea is untrue , it is false and not based on facts. □� The allegations were completely untrue. □� It was untrue to say that all political prisoners have been released. □� Such remarks are both offensive and untrue.

un|trust|wor|thy /ʌ ntrʌ stwɜː r �i/ ADJ If you say that someone is untrustworthy , you think they are unreliable and cannot be trusted. □� I think he is shallow, vain and untrustworthy. □� His opponents still say he's a fundamentally untrustworthy figure.

un|truth /ʌ ntruː θ/ (untruths /ʌ ntruː �z/) N‑VAR An untruth is a lie. [FORMAL ] □� The Advertising Standards Authority accused estate agents of using blatant untruths. □� I have never uttered one word of untruth.

un|truth|ful /ʌ ntruː θfʊl/ ADJ If someone is untruthful or if they say untruthful things, they are dishonest and say things that they know are not true. □� He must not be untruthful, or a coward. □� Some people may be tempted to give untruthful answers.

un|tu|tored /ʌ ntjuː tə r d, [AM ] -tuː t-/ ADJ If someone is untutored , they have not been formally trained to do something, although they may be quite skilled at it. [FORMAL ] □� This untutored mathematician had an obsession with numbers. □�[+�in ] They had left school at fifteen and were quite untutored in writing.

un|typi|cal /ʌ nt I p I k ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is untypicalof a particular type of person or thing, they are not a good example of the way that type of person or thing normally is. People sometimes say something is not untypical when they mean that it is quite normal. □�[+�of ] Anita Loos was in many respects untypical of the screenwriting trade. □� I believe our results are not untypical. ●� un|typi|cal|ly /ʌ nt I p I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □� Untypically for a man in that situation he became interested in Buddhism.

un|us|able /ʌ njuː zəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is unusable is not in a good enough state or condition to be used. □� Bombing had made roads and railways unusable.

un|used Pronounced /ʌ njuː zd/ for meaning 1 , and /ʌ njuː st/ for meaning 2 . 1 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] Something that is unused has not been used or is not being used at the moment. □� �unused containers of food and drink.

2 ADJ If you are unused to something, you have not often done it or experienced it before, so it feels unusual and unfamiliar to you. □�[+�to ] Mother was entirely unused to such hard work.

un|usual ◆◇◇ /ʌnjuː ʒuəl/

1 ADJ If something is unusual , it does not happen very often or you do not see it or hear it very often. □� They have replanted many areas with rare and unusual plants. □� To be appreciated as a parent is quite unusual.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as unusual , you think that they are interesting and different from other people. □� He was an unusual man with great business talents.

un|usu|al|ly /ʌnjuː ʒuəli/

1 ADV [ADV adj] You use unusually to emphasize that someone or something has more of a particular quality than is usual. [EMPHASIS ] □� He was an unusually complex man. □� �this year's unusually harsh winter.

2 ADV You can use unusually to suggest that something is not what normally happens. □� Unusually among British prime ministers, he was not a man of natural authority. [Also +�for ]

un|ut|ter|able /ʌnʌ tərəb ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can use unutterable to emphasize that something, especially a bad quality, is great in degree or intensity. [WRITTEN , EMPHASIS ] □� �unutterable rubbish. ●� un|ut|ter|ably /ʌnʌ tərəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj] □� I suddenly felt unutterably depressed.

un|vary|ing /ʌnveə ri I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unvarying , you mean that it stays the same and never changes. □� �her unvarying refusal to make public appearances.

un|veil /ʌ nve I l/ (unveils , unveiling , unveiled )

1 VERB If someone formally unveils something such as a new statue or painting, they draw back the curtain which is covering it. □�[V n] �a ceremony to unveil a monument to the victims. ●� un|veil|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the unveiling of a monument to one of the Croatian heroes of the past.

2 VERB If you unveil a plan, new product, or some other thing that has been kept secret, you introduce it to the public. □�[V n] Companies from across the country are here to unveil their latest models. ●� un|veil|ing N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the unveiling of a detailed peace plan.

un|waged /ʌ nwe I dʒd/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to people who do not have a paid job as the unwaged . [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □� There are special rates for the under 18s, full-time students, over 60s and the unwaged. ●�ADJ Unwaged is also an adjective. □� �the effect on male wage-earners, unwaged females, and children.

un|want|ed /ʌ nwɒ nt I d/ ADJ If you say that something or someone is unwanted , you mean that you do not want them, or that nobody wants them. □� �the misery of unwanted pregnancies. □� She felt unwanted. □� Every year thousands of unwanted animals are abandoned.

un|war|rant|ed /ʌ nwɒ rənt I d, [AM ] -wɔː r-/ ADJ If you describe something as unwarranted , you are critical of it because there is no need or reason for it. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Any attempt to discuss human rights was rejected as unwarranted interference. □� He accused the police of using unwarranted brutality.

un|wary /ʌnweə ri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as unwary , you mean that they are not cautious or experienced and are therefore likely to be harmed or deceived. [FORMAL ] □� With its quicksands the river usually drowns a few unwary visitors every season. ●�N‑SING The unwary are people who are unwary. □� Specialist subjects are full of pitfalls for the unwary.

un|washed /ʌ nwɒ ʃt/

1 ADJ Unwashed people or objects are dirty and need to be washed. □� Leftover food and unwashed dishes cover the dirty counters.

2 PHRASE The unwashed or the great unwashed is a way of referring to poor or ordinary people. [HUMOROUS ] □� A scowling man briskly led the Queen away from the great unwashed.

un|wa|ver|ing /ʌnwe I vər I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe a feeling or attitude as unwavering , you mean that it is strong and firm and does not weaken. □� She has been encouraged by the unwavering support of her family. □� His attitude was unwavering.

un|wel|come /ʌnwe lkəm/

1 ADJ An unwelcome experience is one that you do not like and did not want. □� The media has brought more unwelcome attention to the Royal Family. □� A colleague made unwelcome sexual advances towards her.

2 ADJ If you say that a visitor is unwelcome , you mean that you did not want them to come. □� �an unwelcome guest. □� She was, quite deliberately, making him feel unwelcome.

un|wel|com|ing /ʌnwe lkəm I ŋ/

1 ADJ If someone is unwelcoming , or if they behave in an unwelcoming way, they are unfriendly or hostile when you visit or approach them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� His manner was cold and unwelcoming. □� Both women were unwelcoming, making little attempt to put Kathryn at her ease.

2 ADJ If you describe a place as unwelcoming , you mean that it looks unattractive or difficult to live or work in. □� My room was cold and unwelcoming.

un|well /ʌ nwe l/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are unwell , you are ill. □� He had been riding in Hyde Park, but felt unwell as he was being driven back to his office late this afternoon.

un|whole|some /ʌ nhoʊ lsəm/

1 ADJ Unwholesome food or drink is not healthy or good for you. □� The fish were unwholesome and old.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's feelings or behaviour as unwholesome , you are critical of them because they are unpleasant or unnatural. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� My desire to be rich was an insane, unwholesome, oppressive desire.

un|wieldy /ʌnwiː ldi/

1 ADJ If you describe an object as unwieldy , you mean that it is difficult to move or carry because it is so big or heavy. □� They came panting up to his door with their unwieldy baggage.

2 ADJ If you describe a system as unwieldy , you mean that it does not work very well as a result of it being too large or badly organized. □� His firm must contend with the unwieldy Russian bureaucracy. □� �an unwieldy legal system.

un|will|ing /ʌ nw I l I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu v-link, usu ADJ to-inf] If you are unwillingto do something, you do not want to do it and will not agree to do it. □� Initially the government was unwilling to accept the defeat. □� For months I had been either unwilling or unable to go through with it. ●� un|will|ing|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to-inf] □� �their unwillingness to accept responsibility for mistakes.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use unwilling to describe someone who does not really want to do the thing they are doing. □� A youthful teacher, he finds himself an unwilling participant in school politics. ●� un|will|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� My beard had started to grow, and I had unwillingly complied with the order to shave it off. □� Unwillingly, she moved aside.

un|wind /ʌ nwa I nd/ (unwinds , unwinding , unwound )

1 VERB When you unwind , you relax after you have done something that makes you tense or tired. □�[V ] It helps them to unwind after a busy day at work.

2 VERB If you unwind a length of something that is wrapped round something else or round itself, you loosen it and make it straight. You can also say that it unwinds . □�[V n] One of them unwound a length of rope from around his waist. □�[V ] The thread unwound a little more.

un|wise /ʌ nwa I z/ ADJ If you describe something as unwise , you think that it is foolish and likely to lead to a bad result. □� It would be unwise to expect too much. □� �a series of unwise investments in plastics and shipping. ●� un|wise|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She accepted that she had acted unwisely and mistakenly.

un|wit|ting /ʌnw I t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or their actions as unwitting , you mean that the person does something or is involved in something without realizing it. □� We're unwitting victims of the system. □� It had been an unwitting blunder on the Prime Minister's part. ●� un|wit|ting|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� He was unwittingly caught up in the confrontation.

un|work|able /ʌ nwɜː r kəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something such as a plan, law, or system as unworkable , you believe that it cannot be successful. □� There is the strong possibility that such cooperation will prove unworkable. □� Washington is unhappy with the peace plan which it views as unworkable.

un|world|ly /ʌ nwɜː r ldli/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as unworldly , you mean that they have not experienced many things in their life and do not know what sort of things usually happen to other people during their lives. □� She was so young, so unworldly. □�[+�about ] He is a little unworldly about such matters.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as unworldly , you mean that they are not interested in having a lot of money or possessions. □� Kitty's family was unworldly, unimpressed by power, or money.

un|wor|thy /ʌnwɜː r �i/

1 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] If a person or thing is unworthyof something good, they do not deserve it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] He felt unworthy of being married to such an attractive woman.

2 ADJ If you say that an action is unworthyof someone, you mean that it is not a nice thing to do and someone with their reputation or position should not do it. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] His accusations are unworthy of a prime minister.

un|wound /ʌ nwaʊ nd/ Unwound is the past tense and past participle of unwind .

un|wrap /ʌ nr� p/ (unwraps , unwrapping , unwrapped ) VERB When you unwrap something, you take off the paper, plastic, or other covering that is around it. □�[V n] I untied the bow and unwrapped the small box.

un|writ|ten /ʌ nr I t ə n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something such as a book that is unwritten has not been printed or written down. □� Publishers have bought the unwritten book of this trip for very large sums.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unwritten rule, law, or agreement is one that is understood and accepted by everyone, although it may not have been formally or officially established. □� They obey the one unwritten rule that binds them all�no talking.

un|yield|ing /ʌnjiː ld I ŋ/

1 ADJ You describe someone as unyielding when they have very strong, fixed ideas about something and are unlikely to change their mind. [WRITTEN ] □� The authorities proved unyielding on one crucial opposition demand. □� His unyielding attitude on this subject was that since he had done it, so could everyone.

2 ADJ If a barrier or surface is unyielding , it is very solid or hard. [LITERARY ] □� �the troopers, who had to build roads through those unyielding mountains. □� He sat on the edge of an unyielding armchair, a cup of tea in his hand.

un|zip /ʌ nz I p/ (unzips , unzipping , unzipped )

1 VERB When you unzip something which is fastened by a zip or when it unzips , you open it by pulling open the zip. □�[V n] James unzipped his bag. □�[V ] This padded changing bag unzips to form a convenient and comfortable mat for nappy changing.

2 VERB To unzip a computer file means to open a file that has been compressed. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] Unzip the icons into a sub-directory.

up

➊�PREPOSITION, ADVERB, AND ADJECTIVE USES

➋�USED IN COMBINATION AS A PREPOSITION

➌�VERB USES

➊ up ◆◆◆ The preposition is pronounced /ʌp/. The adverb and adjective are pronounced /ʌ p/. Up is often used with verbs of movement such as 'jump' and 'pull', and also in phrasal verbs such as 'give up' and 'wash up'. →�Please look at category 22 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 PREP If a person or thing goes up something such as a slope, ladder, or chimney, they move away from the ground or to a higher position. □� They were climbing up a narrow mountain road. □� I ran up the stairs and saw Alison lying at the top. □� The heat disappears straight up the chimney. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Up is also an adverb. □� Finally, after an hour, I went up to Jeremy's room. □� Intense balls of flame rose up into the sky. □� He put his hand up.

2 PREP If a person or thing is up something such as a ladder or a mountain, they are near the top of it. □� He was up a ladder sawing off the tops of his apple trees. □� The Newton Hotel is halfway up a steep hill. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Up is also an adverb. □� �a research station perched 4000 metres up on the lip of the crater.

3 ADV [ADV after v] You use up to indicate that you are looking or facing in a direction that is away from the ground or towards a higher level. □� Paul answered, without looking up. □� Keep your head up, and look around you from time to time.

4 ADV [ADV after v] If someone stands up , they move so that they are standing. □� He stood up and went to the window. □� He got up and went out into the foyer.

5 PREP If you go or look up something such as a road or river, you go or look along it. If you are up a road or river, you are somewhere along it. □� A line of tanks came up the road from the city. □� We leaned on the wooden rail of the bridge and looked up the river. □� He had a relation who lived up the road.

6 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If you are travelling to a particular place, you can say that you are going up to that place, especially if you are going towards the north or to a higher level of land. If you are already in such a place, you can say that you are up there. [mainly SPOKEN ] □� I'll be up to see you tomorrow. □� He was living up North. □� I live here now, but I've spent all my time up in Swaziland.

7 ADV [ADV after v] If you go up to something or someone, you move to the place where they are and stop there. □�[+�to ] The girl ran the rest of the way across the street and up to the car. □� On the way out a boy of about ten came up on roller skates. □�[+�to ] He brought me up to the bar and introduced me to Dave.

8 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If an amount of something goes up , it increases. If an amount of something is up , it has increased and is at a higher level than it was. □� They recently put my rent up. □� Tourism is up, jobs are up, individual income is up. □� Germany's rate has also risen sharply, up from 3 percent to 4.5 percent. □� Over the decade, women in this category went up by 120%.

9 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are up , you are not in bed. □� Are you sure you should be up? □� Soldiers are up at seven for three hours of exercises.

10 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a period of time is up , it has come to an end. □� The moment the half-hour was up, Brooks rose. □� When the six weeks were up, everybody was sad that she had to leave.

11 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] You say that a road is up when it is being repaired and cannot be used. [BRIT ] □� Half the road was up in Leadenhall Street, so their taxi was obliged to make a detour.

12 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a baseball player is up , it is their turn to bat.

13 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a computer or computer system is up , it is working. Compare down .

14 EXCLAM People sometimes say ' Up yours! ' as an insult when you have said something to annoy them or make them angry. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □� 'Up yours,' said the reporter and stormed out into the street.

15 PHRASE If someone who has been in bed for some time, for example because they have been ill, is up and about , they are now out of bed and living their normal life. □� How are you Lennox? Good to see you up and about.

16 PHRASE If you say that something is up , you mean that something is wrong or that something worrying is happening. [INFORMAL ] □� What is it then? Something's up, isn't it? □� Mr. Gordon stopped talking, and his friends knew something was up.

17 PHRASE If you say to someone ' What's up? ' or if you tell them what's up , you are asking them or telling them what is wrong or what is worrying them. [INFORMAL ] □� 'What's up?', I said to him.�'Nothing much,' he answered. □� Let's sit down and then you can say what's up.

18 PHRASE If you move up and down somewhere, you move there repeatedly in one direction and then in the opposite direction. □� He continued to jump up and down like a boy at a football match. □� I strolled up and down thoughtfully before calling a taxi. □� There's a lot of rushing up and down the gangways.

19 PHRASE If you have ups and downs , you experience a mixture of good things and bad things. □� Every relationship has a lot of ups and downs. □� The organisation has had its ups and downs. □�[+�of ] �the ups and downs of parenthood.

20 PHRASE If something is on the up or on the up and up , it is becoming more successful. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� They're saying that the economy is on the up. □� People had money, opportunities, hope�things were on the up and up.

21 PHRASE If someone is on the up and up , they are honest and sincere. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� I'm a pretty good judge of men. If you're honest and on the up and up, I'll be able to tell it.

22up in arms →�see arm ➋

➋ up ◆◆◆ /ʌ p/

→�Please look at categories 9 to 12 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 PHRASE If you feel up to doing something, you are well enough to do it. □� Those patients who were up to it could move to the adjacent pool. □� His fellow-directors were not up to running the business without him.

2 PHRASE To be up to something means to be secretly doing something that you should not be doing. [INFORMAL ] □� Why did you need a room unless you were up to something? □� They must have known what their father was up to.

3 PHRASE If you say that it is up to someone to do something, you mean that it is their responsibility to do it. □� It was up to him to make it right, no matter how long it took. □� I'm sure I'd have spotted him if it had been up to me.

4 PHRASE Up until or up to are used to indicate the latest time at which something can happen, or the end of the period of time that you are referring to. □� Please feel free to call me any time up until half past nine at night. □� Up to 1989, the growth of per capita income averaged 1 per cent per year.

5 PHRASE You use up to to say how large something can be or what level it has reached. □� Up to twenty thousand students paid between five and six thousand dollars. □� It could be up to two years before the process is complete.

6 PHRASE If you say that something is not up to much , you mean that it is of poor quality. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� My own souffles aren't up to much.

7 PHRASE If someone or something is up for election, review, or discussion, they are about to be considered. □� A third of the government are up for re-election.

8 PHRASE If you are up against something, you have a very difficult situation or problem to deal with. □� The chairwoman is up against the greatest challenge to her position. □� They were up against a good team but did very well.

9up to your ears →�see ear

10up to par →�see par

11up to scratch →�see scratch

➌ up /ʌ p/ (ups , upping , upped )

1 VERB If you up something such as the amount of money you are offering for something, you increase it. □�[V n] He upped his offer for the company.

2 VERB If you upand leave a place, you go away from it, often suddenly or unexpectedly. □�[V and v] One day he just upped and left.

u p-and-co ming ADJ [ADJ n] Up-and-coming people are likely to be successful in the future. □� �his readiness to share the limelight with young, up-and-coming stars. □� He used the League Cup as a proving ground for up-and-coming players.

up|beat /ʌ pbiːt/ (upbeats )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If people or their opinions are upbeat , they are cheerful and hopeful about a situation. [INFORMAL ] □� The Home Secretary gave an upbeat assessment of the campaign so far. □� Neil's colleagues say he was actually in a joking, upbeat mood.

2 N‑COUNT In music, the upbeat is the beat before the first beat of the bar.

up|braid /ʌpbre I d/ (upbraids , upbraiding , upbraided ) VERB If you upbraid someone, you tell them that they have done something wrong and criticize them for doing it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] His mother summoned him, upbraided him, wept and prayed. □�[V n +�for ] She was upbraided for the inaccuracies in her autobiography.

up|bring|ing /ʌ pbr I ŋ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Your upbringing is the way that your parents or carers treat you and the things that they teach you when you are growing up. □� Martin's upbringing shaped his whole life. □� Sam's mother said her son had a good upbringing and schooling.

up|chuck /ʌ ptʃʌ k/ (upchucks , upchucking , upchucked ) VERB If you upchuck , food and drink comes back up from your stomach and out through your mouth. [AM , INFORMAL ] in BRIT, use throw up

up|com|ing /ʌ pkʌm I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Upcoming events will happen in the near future. □� �the upcoming Commonwealth Games. □� We'll face a tough fight in the upcoming election.

up|country /ʌ pkʌ ntri/ also up-country ADJ [ADJ n] Upcountry places are towards the middle or north of a large country, usually in the countryside. □� �a collection of upcountry hamlets. ●�ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] Upcountry is also an adverb. □� I run a cattle station some miles up-country. □� We went up-country to Ballarat.

up|cycle /ʌ psa I k ə l/ (upcycles , upcycling , upcycled ) VERB If you upcycle something such as an old item of furniture, you repair, decorate, or change it so that it can be used again as something more fashionable or valuable. □�[V n] He hit upon the idea of upcycling weather-beaten sail cloth into jackets and bags. □�[V ] �some tips to help you upcycle. □�[V -ed] �upcycled furniture. ●� up|cy|cling N‑UNCOUNT □� Upcycling is a growing trend.

up|date (updates , updating , updated ) The verb is pronounced /ʌpde I t/. The noun is pronounced /ʌ pde I t/. 1 VERB If you update something, you make it more modern, usually by adding new parts to it or giving new information. □�[V n] He was back in the office, updating the work schedule on the computer. □�[V ] Airlines would prefer to update rather than retrain crews. □�[V -ed] �an updated edition of the book.

2 N‑COUNT An update is a news item containing the latest information about a particular situation. □� She had heard the news-flash on a TV channel's news update. □� �a weather update. □� �football results update.

3 VERB If you update someone on a situation, you tell them the latest developments in that situation. □�[V n +�on ] We'll update you on the day's top news stories.

up|end /ʌ pe nd/ (upends , upending , upended ) VERB If you upend something, you turn it upside down. □�[V n] He upended the can, and swallowed. □�[V -ed] �upended flower pots.

u p fro nt also up-front , upfront

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are up frontabout something, you act openly or publicly so that people know what you are doing or what you believe. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] You can't help being biased so you may as well be up front about it. □� They tended to have a much more up-front attitude.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If a payment is made up front , it is made in advance and openly, so that the person being paid can see that the money is there. □� For the first time the government's actually put some money up front. □� Some companies charge a fee up front, but we don't think that's right. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Up front is also an adjective. □� The eleven percent loan has no up-front costs. □� �up-front charges.

up|grade (upgrades , upgrading , upgraded ) The verb is pronounced /ʌpgre I d/. The noun is pronounced /ʌ pgre I d/. 1 VERB [usu passive] If equipment or services are upgraded , they are improved or made more efficient. □�[be V -ed] Helicopters have been upgraded and modernized. □�[V -ed] �upgraded catering facilities. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Upgrade is also a noun. □� �equipment which needs expensive upgrades. □�[+�in ] �upgrades in the level of security.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is upgraded , their job or status is changed so that they become more important or receive more money. □�[be V -ed +�to ] He was upgraded to security guard.

3 VERB If you upgrade or are upgraded , you change something such as your air ticket or your hotel room to one that is more expensive. □�[V ] You can upgrade from self-catering accommodation to a hotel. [Also V n]

up|heav|al /ʌphiː v ə l/ (upheavals ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] An upheaval is a big change which causes a lot of trouble, confusion, and worry. □� Wherever there is political upheaval, invariably there are refugees. □�[+�in ] Having a baby will mean the greatest upheaval in your life.

up|held /ʌphe ld/ Upheld is the past tense and past participle of uphold .

up|hill /ʌ ph I l/

1 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If something or someone is uphill or is moving uphill , they are near the top of a hill or are going up a slope. □� He had been running uphill a long way. [Also +�from ] ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Uphill is also an adjective. □� �a long, uphill journey. □� The walk from the village to Greystones was uphill all the way.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to something as an uphill struggle or an uphill battle, you mean that it requires a great deal of effort and determination, but it should be possible to achieve it. □� It had been an uphill struggle to achieve what she had wanted. □� It's an uphill battle but I think we're going to win.

up|hold /ʌphoʊ ld/ (upholds , upholding , upheld )

1 VERB If you uphold something such as a law, a principle, or a decision, you support and maintain it. □�[V n] Our policy has been to uphold the law. □�[V n] �upholding the artist's right to creative freedom.

2 VERB If a court of law upholds a legal decision that has already been made, it decides that it was the correct decision. □�[V n] The crown court, however, upheld the magistrate's decision.

up|hold|er /ʌphoʊ ldə r / (upholders ) N‑COUNT An upholder of a particular tradition or system is someone who believes strongly in it and will support it when it is threatened. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �upholders of the traditional family unit.

up|hol|stered /ʌphoʊ lstə r d/ ADJ Upholstered chairs and seats have a soft covering that makes them comfortable to sit on. □�[+�in ] All of their furniture was upholstered in flowery materials.

up|hol|ster|er /ʌphoʊ lstərə r / (upholsterers ) N‑COUNT An upholsterer is someone whose job is to make and fit the soft covering on chairs and seats.

up|hol|stery /ʌphoʊ lstəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Upholstery is the soft covering on chairs and seats that makes them more comfortable to sit on. □� �white leather upholstery. □� Simon rested his head against the upholstery.

up|keep /ʌ pkiːp/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The upkeep of a building or place is the work of keeping it in good condition. □� The money will be used for the estate's upkeep. □�[+�of ] The maintenance department is responsible for the general upkeep of the park.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The upkeep of a group of people or services is the process of providing them with the things that they need. □� He offered to pay �100 a month towards his son's upkeep.

up|land /ʌ plənd/ (uplands )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Upland places are situated on high land. □� �San Marino, the tiny upland republic. □� It's important that these upland farms continue to survive.

2 N‑PLURAL Uplands are areas of high land. □� �a deep valley ringed about by green uplands.

up|lift (uplifts , uplifting , uplifted ) The verb is pronounced /ʌpl I ft/. The noun is pronounced /ʌ pl I ft/. 1 VERB If something uplifts people, it helps them to have a better life, for example by making them feel happy or by improving their social conditions. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] We need a little something to help sometimes, to uplift us and make us feel better. □�[V n] Art was created to uplift the mind and the spirit. ●�N‑VAR Uplift is also a noun. □�[+�for ] This victory was a massive uplift for us.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In economics, an uplift in something such as the price of shares is an increase in their value. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�in ] �an uplift in the stock market. □� Its shares were down across the first quarter, but are now showing a 20 per cent uplift.

up|lift|ed /ʌpl I ft I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If people's faces or arms are uplifted , they are pointing them upwards or are holding them up. [LITERARY ] □� The men support the ballerinas, who pose with their uplifted arms. □� �her white, uplifted chin.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something makes you feel uplifted , it makes you feel very cheerful and happy. □� �people whose presence left you feeling uplifted, happy and full of energy. □�[+�by ] �a smile so radiant that he felt uplifted by it.

up|lift|ing /ʌpl I ft I ŋ/ ADJ You describe something as uplifting when it makes you feel very cheerful and happy. □� �a charming and uplifting love story. □� I like a film to be uplifting.

up|load /ʌ ploʊd/ (uploads , uploading , uploaded ) VERB If you upload data, you transfer it from a computer or phone to another device or to the internet. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] You can upload the video directly to your website. ●�N‑VAR Upload is also a noun. □� Her blog features regular updates and picture uploads for her fans.

up|market /ʌ pmɑː r k I t/ also up-market ADJ [usu ADJ n] Upmarket products or services are expensive, of good quality, and intended to appeal to people in a high social class. [mainly BRIT ] □� Anne chose an upmarket agency aimed at professional people. □� �restaurants which years ago weren't quite so upmarket as they are today. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Upmarket is also an adverb. □� Japanese firms have moved steadily upmarket. [in AM, usually use upscale ]

upon ◆◆◇ /əpɒ n/ In addition to the uses shown below, upon is used in phrasal verbs such as 'come upon' and 'look upon', and after some other verbs such as 'decide' and 'depend'. 1 PREP If one thing is upon another, it is on it. [FORMAL ] □� He set the tray upon the table. □� He bent forward and laid a kiss softly upon her forehead.

2 PREP You use upon when mentioning an event that is followed immediately by another event. [FORMAL ] □� The door on the left, upon entering the church, leads to the Crypt of St Issac. □� Upon conclusion of these studies, the patient was told that she had a severe problem.

3 PREP You use upon between two occurrences of the same noun in order to say that there are large numbers of the thing mentioned. □� Row upon row of women surged forwards.

4 PREP If an event is upon you, it is just about to happen. □� The long-threatened storm was upon us.

up|per ◆◇◇ /ʌ pə r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n, the ADJ ] You use upper to describe something that is above something else. □� There is a smart restaurant on the upper floor. □� Students travel on the cheap lower deck and tourists on the upper.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use upper to describe the higher part of something. □� �the upper part of the foot. □� �the upper rungs of the ladder.

3 PHRASE If you have the upper hand in a situation, you have more power than the other people involved and can make decisions about what happens. □� The government was beginning to gain the upper hand. □� It was easy to see who had the upper hand.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The upper of a shoe is the top part of it, which is attached to the sole and the heel. □� Leather uppers allow the feet to breathe.

u p|per ca se ADJ [usu ADJ n] Upper case letters are capital letters. □� Most schools teach children lower case letters first, and upper case letters later. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Upper case is also a noun. □� I'm wondering if 'per capita' ought to have upper case, or should it be lower case?

u p|per cla ss (upper classes ) also upper-class N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The upper class or the upper classes are the group of people in a society who own the most property and have the highest social status, and who may not need to work for money. □� �goods specifically designed to appeal to the tastes of the upper class. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Upper class is also an adjective. □� All of them came from wealthy, upper class families.

upper|class|man /ʌ pə r klɑː smən/ (upperclassmen ) N‑COUNT An upperclassman is a junior or senior student in an American high school, college, or university. [AM ]

u p|per cru st also upper-crust N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] Theupper crust are the upper classes. [INFORMAL ] □� �the kind of lifestyle of the privileged upper crust. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Upper crust is also an adjective. □� Sergeant Parrott normally spoke with an upper-crust accent.

upper|cut /ʌ pə r kʌt/ (uppercuts ) N‑COUNT An uppercut is a type of punch used in boxing. It is a hard upward blow to the chin.

U p|per Hou se (Upper Houses )

1 N‑PROPER In Britain, theUpper House is theHouse of Lords . □�[+�of ] The decision was announced after objections were raised in the Upper House of Parliament.

2 N‑PROPER In the United States, theUpper House is theSenate .

3 N‑COUNT [oft N -PROPER ] In other countries where the parliament is divided into two groups of members, theUpper House is the more senior of these groups, although it may not be more powerful. □�[+�of ] The Upper House of parliament is to meet today.

u p|per li p (upper lips )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your upper lip is the part of your face between your mouth and your nose. □� The beginnings of a moustache showed on his upper lip.

2 N‑COUNT Your upper lip is the higher of your two lips. □� His upper lip was flat, but the lower one sagged.

upper|most /ʌ pə r moʊst/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Theuppermost part of something is the part that is higher than the rest of it. Theuppermost thing is the highest one of a group of things. □� John was on the uppermost floor of the three-storey gatehouse. □� The rain spattered on the uppermost leaves. ●�ADV [n ADV ] Uppermost is also an adverb. □� Lift the fish and carefully place it on a large board, flat side uppermost.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is uppermostin a particular situation, it is the most important thing in that situation. □� The economy appears to be uppermost in people's minds.

up|pi|ty /ʌ p I ti/ ADJ If you say that someone is uppity , you mean that they are behaving as if they were very important and you do not think that they are important. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� If you just tried to show normal dignity, you were viewed as uppity.

up|raised /ʌ pre I zd/ ADJ If your hand or an object is upraised , you are holding it up in the air. □� A soldier stood on the centre line of the road, his arm upraised. □� �the landlady's upraised glass.

up|right /ʌ pra I t/ (uprights )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , oft ADJ n] If you are sitting or standing upright , you are sitting or standing with your back straight, rather than bending or lying down. □�[+�in ] Helen sat upright in her chair. □�[+�on ] Jerrold pulled himself upright on the bed. □� He moved into an upright position.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An upright vacuum cleaner or freezer is tall rather than wide. □� �the latest state-of-the-art upright vacuum cleaners.

3 ADJ An upright chair has a straight back and no arms. □� He was sitting on an upright chair beside his bed, reading.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to vertical posts or the vertical parts of an object as uprights . □�[+�of ] �the uprights of a four-poster bed.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe people as upright when they are careful to follow acceptable rules of behaviour and behave in a moral way. □� �a very upright, trustworthy man.

u p|right pia |no (upright pianos ) N‑COUNT An upright piano is a piano in which the strings are arranged vertically, rather than horizontally as they are in a grand piano.

up|ris|ing /ʌ pra I z I ŋ/ (uprisings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] When there is an uprising , a group of people start fighting against the people who are in power in their country, because they want to bring about a political change. □�[+�against ] �a popular uprising against the authoritarian government. □� Isolated attacks in the north-east of the country have now turned into a full-scale uprising.

u p-ri ver also upriver ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] Something that is moving up-river is moving towards the source of a river, from a point down the river. Something that is up-river is towards the source of a river. □� Heavy goods could be brought up-river in barges. □� He has a house down there but it's miles upriver. □�[+�of ] The vineyards of Anjou extend from west of Angers to up-river of Saumur. □�[+�from ] �La Reole, up-river from St-Macaire. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Up-river is also an adjective. □� �an upriver trip in Central Africa.

up|roar /ʌ prɔː r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N , oft in N ] If there is uproar , there is a lot of shouting and noise because people are very angry or upset about something. □� The announcement caused uproar in the crowd. □� The courtroom was in an uproar.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] You can also use uproar to refer to a lot of public criticism and debate about something that has made people angry. □� The town is in uproar over the dispute. □� The surprise announcement could cause an uproar in the United States.

up|roari|ous /ʌprɔː riəs/ ADJ When events or people are uproarious , they make people laugh in a very noisy way. [LITERARY ] □� He had spent several uproarious evenings at the Embassy Club. □� The noise of talk and laughter was uproarious. ●� up|roari|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� Bob laughed uproariously. □� �an uproariously funny story.

up|root /ʌpruː t/ (uproots , uprooting , uprooted )

1 VERB If you uprootyourself or if you are uprooted , you leave, or are made to leave, a place where you have lived for a long time. □�[V pron-refl] �the trauma of uprooting themselves from their homes. □�[V n] He had no wish to uproot Dena from her present home. □�[be V -ed] �refugees who were uprooted during the civil war.

2 VERB If someone uproots a tree or plant, or if the wind uproots it, it is pulled out of the ground. □�[V n] �fallen trees which have been uprooted by the storm. □�[V -ed] �uprooted trees.

up|scale /ʌ pske I l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Upscale is used to describe products or services that are expensive, of good quality, and intended to appeal to people in a high social class. [AM ] □� �upscale department-store chains such as Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Upscale is also an adverb. □� T-shirts, the epitome of American casualness, have moved upscale. [in BRIT, use upmarket ]

up|set ◆◇◇ (upsets , upsetting , upset ) The verb and adjective are pronounced /ʌpse t/. The noun is pronounced /ʌ pset/. 1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are upset , you are unhappy or disappointed because something unpleasant has happened to you. □� After she died I felt very, very upset. □� Marta looked upset. □� She sounded upset when I said you couldn't give her an appointment. □�[+�by ] They are terribly upset by the break-up of their parents' marriage. [Also +�about ] ●�N‑COUNT Upset is also a noun. □� �stress and other emotional upsets.

2 VERB If something upsets you, it makes you feel worried or unhappy. □�[V n] She warned me not to say anything to upset him. □�[V pron-refl] Don't upset yourself, Ida. ●� up|set|ting ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □�[+�for ] Childhood illness can be upsetting for children and parents alike. □� I will never see him again and that is a terribly upsetting thought.

3 VERB If events upset something such as a procedure or a state of affairs, they cause it to go wrong. □�[V n] �a deal that would upset the balance of power in the world's gold markets. ●�N‑COUNT Upset is also a noun. □�[+�in ] Markets are very sensitive to any upsets in the economic machine.

4 VERB If you upset an object, you accidentally knock or push it over so that it scatters over a large area. □�[V n] Don't upset the piles of sheets under the box.

5 N‑COUNT A stomach upset is a slight illness in your stomach caused by an infection or by something that you have eaten. □� Paul was unwell last night with a stomach upset. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Upset is also an adjective. □� Larry is suffering from an upset stomach.

6to upset the applecart →�see applecart

up|shot /ʌ pʃɒt/ N‑SING The upshot of a series of events or discussions is the final result of them, usually a surprising result. □� The upshot is that we have lots of good but not very happy employees.

up|side down /ʌ psa I d daʊ n/ also upside-down

1 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] If something has been moved upside down , it has been turned round so that the part that is usually lowest is above the part that is usually highest. □� The painting was hung upside down. □� Salter held the bag by the corners and shook it upside down. ●�ADJ Upside down is also an adjective. □� His eyes were open and everything he saw was upside down. □� Tony had an upside-down map of Britain on his wall.

2to turn something upside down →�see turn

up|stage /ʌ pste I dʒ/ (upstages , upstaging , upstaged )

1 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] When an actor is upstage or moves upstage , he or she is or moves towards the back part of the stage. [TECHNICAL ] □� Upstage and right of centre, Robert Morris stands with his back to the audience. □� Position a camera upstage. □� They slowly moved from upstage left into the centre. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Upstage is also an adjective. □� �the large upstage box that he used for his production of King Lear.

2 VERB If someone upstages you, they draw attention away from you by being more attractive or interesting. □�[V n] He had a younger brother who always publicly upstaged him.

up|stairs /ʌ psteə r z/

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you go upstairs in a building, you go up a staircase towards a higher floor. □� He went upstairs and changed into fresh clothes.

2 ADV [be ADV , n ADV ] If something or someone is upstairs in a building, they are on a floor that is higher than the ground floor. □� The restaurant is upstairs and consists of a large, open room. □� The boys are curled asleep in the small bedroom upstairs.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] An upstairs room or object is situated on a floor of a building that is higher than the ground floor. □� Marsani moved into the upstairs apartment. □� �an upstairs balcony.

4 N‑SING The upstairs of a building is the floor or floors that are higher than the ground floor. □�[+�of ] Frances invited them to occupy the upstairs of her home.

up|stand|ing /ʌpst� nd I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Upstanding people behave in a morally acceptable way. [FORMAL ] □� You look like a nice upstanding young man.

up|start /ʌ pstɑː r t/ (upstarts ) N‑COUNT You can refer to someone as an upstart when they behave as if they are important, but you think that they are too new in a place or job to be treated as important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Many prefer a familiar authority figure to a young upstart.

up|state /ʌ pste I t/ ADJ [ADJ n] Upstate means belonging or relating to the parts of a state that are furthest to the north or furthest from the main city. [mainly AM ] □� �an idyllic village in upstate New York. ●�ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] Upstate is also an adverb. □� These buses will carry families upstate to visit relatives in prison.

up|stream /ʌ pstriː m/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV , n ADV ] Something that is moving upstream is moving towards the source of a river, from a point further down the river. Something that is upstream is towards the source of a river. □� The water rose high enough for them to continue upstream. □�[+�of ] �the river police, whose headquarters are just upstream of the Isle St Louis. [Also +�from ] ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Upstream is also an adjective. □� Steps lead down to the subway from the upstream side.

up|surge /ʌ psɜː r dʒ/ N‑SING If there is an upsurgein something, there is a sudden, large increase in it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] �the upsurge in oil prices. □�[+�of ] Saudi bankers say there's been an upsurge of business confidence since the end of the war.

up|swing /ʌ psw I ŋ/ (upswings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An upswing is a sudden improvement in something such as an economy, or an increase in an amount or level. □�[+�in ] �an upswing in the economy. □� Violent crime is on the upswing.

up|take /ʌ pte I k/

1 N‑SING A person's uptakeof something is the amount of it that they use. [TECHNICAL ] □� The drug increases the number of red cells in the blood, enhancing oxygen uptake by 10 percent. □�[+�of ] �research in relation to the uptake of nitrate into vegetables.

2 PHRASE You say that someone is quick on the uptake when they understand things quickly. You say that someone is slow on the uptake when they have difficulty understanding simple or obvious things. □� She is not an intellectual, but is quick on the uptake. □� Carol was absent-minded and a little slow on the uptake.

u p-te mpo also uptempo ADJ [usu ADJ n] An up-tempo piece of music has a fast beat. □� �an up-tempo arrangement of 'Some Enchanted Evening'.

up|tick /ʌ pt I k/ (upticks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is an uptick in something, it increases. □� The worst that might happen is an uptick in inflation.

up|tight /ʌ pta I t/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is uptight is tense, nervous, or annoyed about something and so is difficult to be with. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] Penny never got uptight about exams.

u p-to-da te also up to date

1 ADJ If something is up-to-date , it is the newest thing of its kind. □� �Germany's most up to date electric power station. □� �enhancing the system and bringing it up to date. □� This production is bang up-to-date.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are up-to-date about something, you have the latest information about it. □� We'll keep you up to date with any news.

u p-to-the-mi nute also up to the minute ADJ [usu ADJ n] Up-to-the-minute information is the latest information that you can get about something. □� �24 hours a day up-to-the-minute instant news. □� Computers give them up-to-the-minute information on sales and stocks.

up|town /ʌ ptaʊ n/ ADV [ADV after v] If you go uptown , or go to a place uptown , you go away from the centre of a town or city towards the edge. Uptown sometimes refers to a part of the city other than the main business district. [mainly AM ] □� He rode uptown and made his way to Bob's apartment. □� Susan continued to live uptown. □� There's a skating rink uptown. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Uptown is also an adjective. □� �uptown clubs. □� �a small uptown radio station. □� �uptown New York.

up|trend /ʌ ptrend/ N‑SING An uptrend is a general improvement in something such as a market or the economy. □� The company's shares have been in a strong uptrend. □� Many analysts think the dollar is on an uptrend.

up|turn /ʌ ptɜː r n/ (upturns ) N‑COUNT If there is an upturn in the economy or in a company or industry, it improves or becomes more successful. □�[+�in ] They do not expect an upturn in the economy until the end of the year. □�[+�in ] There has been a modest upturn in most parts of the industry.

up|turned /ʌ ptɜː r nd/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is upturned points upwards. □� �his eyes closed and his palms upturned.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is upturned is upside down. □� �upturned buckets. □� He clung to the upturned boat, screaming for help.

up|ward /ʌ pwə r d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An upward movement or look is directed towards a higher place or a higher level. □� She started once again on the steep upward climb. □� She gave him a quick, upward look, then lowered her eyes.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to an upward trend or an upward spiral, you mean that something is increasing in quantity or price. □� �the Army's concern that the upward trend in the numbers avoiding military service may continue.

u p|ward|ly mo |bile ADJ If you describe someone as upwardly mobile , you mean that they are moving, have moved, or are trying to move to a higher social position. □� The Party has been unable to attract upwardly mobile voters. ●�N‑PLURAL The upwardly mobile are people who are upwardly mobile. □� �the large detached houses of the upwardly mobile.

up|wards /ʌ pwə r dz/ also upward

1 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] If someone moves or looks upwards , they move or look up towards a higher place. □� 'There,' said Jack, pointing upwards. □� They climbed upward along the steep cliffs surrounding the village. □� Hunter nodded again and gazed upwards in fear. □� Lie face upwards with a cushion under your head.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If an amount or rate moves upwards , it increases. □� �with prices soon heading upwards in high street stores. □� Unemployment will continue upward for much of this year. □� The share price is likely to leap upwards.

3 PHRASE A quantity that is upwards of a particular number is more than that number. □�[+�of ] �projects worth upwards of 200 million pounds. □�[+�of ] It costs upward of $40,000 a year to keep some prisoners in prison.

up|wind /ʌ pw I nd/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If something moves upwind , it moves in the opposite direction to the wind. If something is upwind , the wind is blowing away from it. □� �riding a bike upwind. □�[+�of ] The rich went to live in the west of London, upwind of the smell of people and industry. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Upwind is also an adjective. □� �big trees at the forest's upwind edge.

ura|nium /jʊre I niəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal that is used to produce nuclear energy and weapons.

ur|ban ◆◇◇ /ɜː r bən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Urban means belonging to, or relating to, a town or city. □� Most of the population is an urban population. □� Most urban areas are close to a park. □� �urban planning. SYNONYMS urban ADJ

civic:�the businessmen and civic leaders of Manchester.

metropolitan:�the metropolitan district of Miami.

municipal:�the municipal library.

ur|bane /ɜː r be I n/ ADJ Someone who is urbane is polite and appears comfortable in social situations. □� She describes him as urbane and charming. □� In conversation, he was suave and urbane. ●� ur|ban|ity /ɜː r b� n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Fearey had all the charm and urbanity of the trained diplomat.

ur|bani|za|tion /ɜː r bəna I ze I ʃ ə n/ in BRIT, also use urbanisation N‑UNCOUNT Urbanization is the process of creating towns in country areas.

ur|ban|ized /ɜː r bəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use urbanised1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An urbanized country or area has many buildings and a lot of industry and business. □� Britain is still far from being the most urbanised landmass in Europe. □� All the nice areas in Florida are becoming more and more urbanized.

2 ADJ An urbanized population consists of people who live and work in a town.

u r|ban my th (urban myths ) or urban legend N‑COUNT An urban myth is a strange or surprising story which many people believe, but which is not actually true.

ur|chin /ɜː r tʃ I n/ (urchins )

1 N‑COUNT An urchin is a young child who is dirty and poorly dressed. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� We were in the bazaar with all the little urchins watching us.

2 →�see also sea urchin

Urdu /ʊə r duː, ɜː r -/ N‑UNCOUNT Urdu is an official language of Pakistan. Urdu is also spoken in India.

urge ◆◆◇ /ɜː r dʒ/ (urges , urging , urged )

1 VERB If you urge someone to do something, you try hard to persuade them to do it. □�[V n to-inf] They urged parliament to approve plans for their reform programme.

2 VERB If you urge someone somewhere, you make them go there by touching them or talking to them. □�[V n prep/adv] He slipped his arm around her waist and urged her away from the window. □�[V n] 'Come on, Grace,' he was urging her, 'don't wait, hurry up.'

3 VERB If you urge a course of action, you strongly advise that it should be taken. □�[V n +�on ] He urged restraint on the security forces. □�[V n] We urge vigorous action to be taken immediately.

4 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] If you have an urgeto do or have something, you have a strong wish to do or have it. □� He had an urge to open a shop of his own.

▸� urge on PHRASAL VERB If you urge someone on , you encourage them to do something. □�[V n P ] She had a strong and supportive sister who urged her on. □�[V P n] Visitors remember a lean, cheerful figure on horseback urging on his men.

ur|gent ◆◇◇ /ɜː r dʒ ə nt/

1 ADJ If something is urgent , it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. □� There is an urgent need for food and water. □� He had urgent business in New York. ●� ur|gen|cy N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The urgency of finding a cure attracted some of the best minds in medical science. □� It is a matter of utmost urgency. ●� ur|gent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Red Cross officials said they urgently needed bread and water. □� The money was most urgently required.

2 ADJ If you speak in an urgent way, you show that you are anxious for people to notice something or to do something. □� His voice was low and urgent. □� His mother leaned forward and spoke to him in urgent undertones. ●� ur|gen|cy N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�in ] She was surprised at the urgency in his voice. ●� ur|gent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� They hastened to greet him and asked urgently, 'Did you find it?'

uri|nal /jʊra I n ə l, [AM ] jʊ r I n ə l/ (urinals ) N‑COUNT A urinal is a bowl fixed to the wall of a men's public toilet for men to urinate in.

uri|nary /jʊə r I nəri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Urinary means belonging to or related to the parts of a person's body through which urine flows. [MEDICAL ] □� �urinary tract infections.

uri|nate /jʊə r I ne I t/ (urinates , urinating , urinated ) VERB When someone urinates , they get rid of urine from their body.

urine /jʊə r I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Urine is the liquid that you get rid of from your body when you go to the toilet.

URL /juː ɑːr e l/ (URLs ) N‑COUNT A URL is an address that shows where a particular page can be found on the World Wide Web. URL is an abbreviation for 'Uniform Resource Locator'. [COMPUTING ] □�[+�for ] The URL for Collins dictionaries is http://www.collinsdictionary.com.

urn /ɜː r n/ (urns )

1 N‑COUNT An urn is a container in which a dead person's ashes are kept.

2 N‑COUNT An urn is a metal container used for making a large quantity of tea or coffee and keeping it hot.

us ◆◆◆ /əs, STRONG ʌs/ Us is the first person plural pronoun. Us is used as the object of a verb or a preposition. 1 PRON A speaker or writer uses us to refer both to himself or herself and to one or more other people. You can use us before a noun to make it clear which group of people you are referring to. □� Neither of us forgot about it. □� Heather went to the kitchen to get drinks for us. □� They don't like us much. □� He showed us aspects of the game that we had never seen before. □� Another time of great excitement for us boys was when war broke out.

2 PRON Us is sometimes used to refer to people in general. □� All of us will struggle fairly hard to survive if we are in danger. □� Each of us will have our own criteria for success.

3 PRON A speaker or writer may use us instead of 'me' in order to include the audience or reader in what they are saying. [mainly FORMAL ] □� This brings us to the second question I asked.

4 PRON In non-standard English, us is sometimes used instead of 'me'. [BRIT , SPOKEN ] □� 'Hang on a bit,' said Eileen. 'I'm not finished yet. Give us a chance.' USAGE us

In standard English, don�t use �us� as the object of a sentence when we is the subject. Don�t say, for example, � We bought us some drinks �. You say �We bought ourselves some drinks�. □� After the meeting we introduced ourselves .

US /juː e s/ also U.S. N‑PROPER [N n] TheUS is an abbreviation for theUnited States . □� The first time I saw TV was when I arrived in the U.S. in 1956. □� They are to inherit 100,000 U.S. dollars.

USA /juː es e I / also U.S.A. N‑PROPER TheUSA is an abbreviation for theUnited States of America .

us|able /juː zəb ə l/ ADJ If something is usable , it is in a good enough state or condition to be used. □� Charity shops and jumble sales welcome usable clothes. □� Half of the island's population has no usable English.

USAF /juː es e I e f/ also U.S.A.F. N‑PROPER TheUSAF is an abbreviation for theUnited States Air Force .

us|age /juː s I dʒ/ (usages )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Usage is the way in which words are actually used in particular contexts, especially with regard to their meanings. □� The word 'undertaker' had long been in common usage. □�[+�of ] He was a stickler for the correct usage of English.

2 N‑COUNT A usage is a meaning that a word has or a way in which it can be used. □� It's very definitely a usage which has come over to Britain from America.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Usage is the degree to which something is used or the way in which it is used. □� Parts of the motor wore out because of constant usage. □� If your water usage is very small, it may be worthwhile opting for a meter.

USB /ju ː es bi ː/ (USBs ) N‑COUNT A USB on a computer is a place where you can attach another piece of equipment, for example a printer. USB is an abbreviation for 'Universal Serial Bus'. [COMPUTING ] □� The device plugs into one of the laptop's USB ports.

USB stick (USB sticks ) N‑COUNT A USB stick is a small object for storing digital information that you can connect to the USB part of a computer or other device. [COMPUTING ] □� My history lectures are saved as PowerPoint files on a USB stick.

use

➊�VERB USES

➋�NOUN USES

➊ use ◆◆◆ /juː z/ (uses , using , used )

1 VERB If you use something, you do something with it in order to do a job or to achieve a particular result or effect. □�[V n] Trim off the excess pastry using a sharp knife. □�[V n] He had simply used a little imagination. □�[V n to-inf] Officials used loud hailers to call for calm. □�[V n prep] The show uses Zondo's trial and execution as its framework.

2 VERB If you use a supply of something, you finish it so that none of it is left. □�[V n] You used all the ice cubes and didn't put the ice trays back. □�[V n] They've never had anything spare�they've always used it all. ●�PHRASAL VERB Use up means the same as use . □�[V P n] It isn't them who use up the world's resources. □�[V n P ] We were breathing really fast, and using the air up quickly.

3 VERB If someone uses drugs, they take drugs regularly, especially illegal ones. □�[V n] He denied he had used drugs.

4 VERB You can say that someone uses the toilet or bathroom as a polite way of saying that they go to the toilet. [POLITENESS ] □�[V n] Wash your hands after using the toilet. □�[V n] He asked whether he could use my bathroom.

5 VERB If you use a particular word or expression, you say or write it, because it has the meaning that you want to express. □�[V n] The judge liked using the word 'wicked' of people he had sent to jail.

6 VERB If you use a particular name, you call yourself by that name, especially when it is not the name that you usually call yourself. □�[V n] Now I use a false name if I'm meeting people for the first time.

7 VERB If you say that someone uses people, you disapprove of them because they make others do things for them in order to benefit or gain some advantage from it, and not because they care about the other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] Be careful she's not just using you. □�[be V -ed] Why do I have the feeling I'm being used again?

8 →�see also used ➊

➋ use ◆◆◇ /juː s/ (uses )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Your use of something is the action or fact of your using it. □�[+�of ] The treatment does not involve the use of any artificial drugs. □� �research related to microcomputers and their use in classrooms. □�[+�of ] We are denied use of the land by the ruling classes. □�[+�of ] He would support a use of force if the U.N. deemed it necessary.

2 N‑SING If you have a use for something, you need it or can find something to do with it. □�[+�for ] You will no longer have a use for the magazines. □�[+�for ] They both loved the fabric, but couldn't find a use for it.

3 N‑VAR [oft adj N ] If something has a particular use , it is intended for a particular purpose. □� Infrared detectors have many uses. □� It's an interesting scientific phenomenon, but of no practical use whatever. □� French furniture was designed for every use. □�[+�for ] The report outlined possible uses for the new weapon. □�[+�as ] �elderflower water for use as an eye and skin lotion. □�[+�of ] We need to recognize that certain uses of the land upon which we live are simply wrong. [Also +�in ]

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] If you have the useof something, you have the permission or ability to use it. □�[+�of ] She will have the use of the car one night a week. □�[+�of ] �young people who at some point in the past have lost the use of their limbs. □�[+�of ] You will have full use of all the new leisure club facilities.

5 N‑COUNT A use of a word is a particular meaning that it has or a particular way in which it can be used. □�[+�of ] There are new uses of words coming in and old uses dying out.

6 N‑UNCOUNT Your use of a particular name is the fact of your calling yourself by it. □�[+�of ] Police have been hampered by Mr Urquhart's use of bogus names.

7 PHRASE If something is for the use of a particular person or group of people, it is for that person or group to use. □� The leisure facilities are there for the use of guests. □� He raises crops mainly for the use of his family.

8 PHRASE If you say that being something or knowing someone has its uses , you mean that it makes it possible for you to do what you otherwise would not be able to do. [INFORMAL ] □� Being a hospital Sister had its uses.

9 PHRASE If something such as a technique, building, or machine is in use , it is used regularly by people. If it has gone out of use , it is no longer used regularly by people. □� The system he created is still in use today. □� The site has been out of use for many years.

10 PHRASE If you make use of something, you do something with it in order to do a job or achieve a particular result or effect. [WRITTEN ] □� Not all nursery schools make use of the opportunities open to them. □� �making use of the same bottle time after time.

11 PHRASE You use expressions such as it's no use , there's no use , and what's the use to indicate that a particular action will not achieve anything. □�[PHR v-ing] It's no use arguing with a drunk. □� There's no use you asking me any more questions. □� What's the use of complaining?

12 PHRASE If you say it's no use , you mean that you have failed to do something and realize that it is useless to continue trying because it is impossible. □� It's no use. Let's hang up and try for a better line.

13 PHRASE If something or someone is of use , they are useful. If they are no use , they are not at all useful. □�[+�to ] The contents of this booklet should be of use to all students. □�[+�to ] I'm sorry, I've been no use to you.

used

➊�MODAL USES AND PHRASES

➋�ADJECTIVE USES

➊ used ◆◆◇ /juː st/

1 PHRASE If something used to be done or used to be the case, it was done regularly in the past or was the case in the past. □� People used to come and visit him every day. □� He used to be one of the professors at the School of Education. □� I feel more compassion and less anger than I used to.

2 PHRASE [with neg] If something used not to be done or used not to be the case, it was not done in the past or was not the case in the past. The forms did not use to and did not used to are also found, especially in spoken English. □� Borrowing used not to be recommended. □� At some point kids start doing things they didn't use to do. They get more independent. □� He didn't used to like anyone walking on the lawns in the back garden.

3 PHRASE If you are used to something, you are familiar with it because you have done it or experienced it many times before. □� I'm used to having my sleep interrupted. □� It doesn't frighten them. They're used to it.

4 PHRASE If you get used to something or someone, you become familiar with it or get to know them, so that you no longer feel that the thing or person is unusual or surprising. □� This is how we do things here. You'll soon get used to it. □� He took some getting used to.

➋ used /juː zd/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A used object is dirty or spoiled because it has been used, and usually needs to be thrown away or washed. □� �a used cotton ball stained with makeup. □� He took a used envelope bearing an Irish postmark.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A used car has already had one or more owners. □� Would you buy a used car from this man? □� His only big purchase has been a used Ford.

use|ful ◆◆◇ /juː sfʊl/

1 ADJ If something is useful , you can use it to do something or to help you in some way. □�[+�for ] The slow cooker is very useful for people who go out all day. □�[+�in ] Hypnotherapy can be useful in helping you give up smoking. □� The police gained a great deal of useful information about the organization. ●� use|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �the problems to which computers could be usefully applied. □� We need to find ways of dealing creatively and usefully with our feelings. ●� use|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] His interest lay in the usefulness of his work, rather than in any personal credit.

2 PHRASE If an object or skill comes in useful , it can help you achieve something in a particular situation. □� The accommodation is some distance from the clubhouse, so a hire car comes in useful. SYNONYMS useful ADJ 1

helpful:The following information may be helpful to readers.

effective:Simple antibiotics are effective against this organism.

valuable:The experience was very valuable.

beneficial:�vitamins which are beneficial to our health.

worthwhile:The President's trip to Washington this week seems to have been worthwhile.

use|less /juː sləs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is useless , you cannot use it. □� He realised that their money was useless in this country. □� Computers would be useless without software writers. ●� use|less|ly ADV □� His right arm hung rather uselessly. ●� use|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� The car had rusted almost to the point of uselessness.

2 ADJ If something is useless , it does not achieve anything helpful or good. □� She knew it was useless to protest. □� �a useless punishment which fails to stop people trafficking. ●� use|less|ly ADV □� Uselessly, he checked the same pockets he'd checked before. ●� use|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the uselessness of their research.

3 ADJ If you say that someone or something is useless , you mean that they are no good at all. [INFORMAL ] □� Their education system is useless. □�[+�at ] He was useless at any game with a ball.

4 ADJ If someone feels useless , they feel bad because they are unable to help someone or achieve anything. □� She sits at home all day, watching TV and feeling useless. ●� use|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �the sense of uselessness and the boredom of empty days.

Use|net /juː znet/ N‑UNCOUNT Usenet is a computer network that links newsgroups on the internet. [COMPUTING ]

user ◆◇◇ /juː zə r / (users ) N‑COUNT A user is a person or thing that uses something such as a place, facility, product, or machine. □� Beach users have complained about people walking their dogs on the sand. □�[+�of ] �a regular user of Holland's health-care system. □�[+�of ] �a user of electric current, such as an electric motor, a lamp, or a toaster.

u ser-frie ndly ADJ If you describe something such as a machine or system as user-friendly , you mean that it is well designed and easy to use. □� This an entirely computer operated system which is very user-friendly. □� �user-friendly libraries.

u ser group (user groups ) N‑COUNT A user group is a group of people with the same interests, who use a particular product or service. □� PLATFORM is an alliance of more than 80 rail user groups. □� There is always someone else online in the patient user group.

user|name /juː zə r ne I m/ (usernames ) N‑COUNT Your username is the name that you use when accessing a particular computer, program, website, or service. □� I typed in my username and password and the screen was just blank.

ush|er /ʌ ʃə r / (ushers , ushering , ushered )

1 VERB If you usher someone somewhere, you show them where they should go, often by going with them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] I ushered him into the office. □�[V n prep/adv] They were quickly ushered away.

2 N‑COUNT An usher is a person who shows people where to sit, for example at a wedding or at a concert. □� He did part-time work as an usher in a theatre.

3 N‑COUNT An usher is a person who organizes people who are attending a law court in Britain.

▸� usher in PHRASAL VERB If one thing ushers in another thing, it indicates that the other thing is about to begin. [FORMAL ] □�[V P n] �a unique opportunity to usher in a new era of stability.

USMC /juː es em siː / also U.S.M.C. N‑PROPER USMC is an abbreviation for United States Marine Corps .

USN /juː es e n/ also U.S.N. N‑PROPER USN is an abbreviation for United States Navy .

USP /ju ː es pi ː/ (USPs ) N‑COUNT The USP of a product or service is a particular feature of it which can be used in advertising to show how it is different from, and better than, other similar products or services. USP is an abbreviation for 'Unique Selling Point'. [BUSINESS ] □� Fabulous lake views are the USP of this single-storey home.

usu.usu. is a written abbreviation for usually .

usu|al ◆◆◇ /juː ʒuəl/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Usual is used to describe what happens or what is done most often in a particular situation. □� It is a neighborhood beset by all the usual inner-city problems. □� She's smiling her usual friendly smile. □� After lunch there was a little more clearing up to do than usual. □� It is usual to tip waiters, porters, guides and drivers. ●�N‑SING Usual is also a noun. □� The barman appeared to take their order. 'Good morning, sir. The usual?'

2 PHRASE You use as usual to indicate that you are describing something that normally happens or that is normally the case. □� As usual there will be the local and regional elections on June the twelfth. □� The front pages are, as usual, a mixture of domestic and foreign news.

3 PHRASE If something happens as usual , it happens in the way that it normally does, especially when other things have changed. □� When somebody died everything went on as usual, as if it had never happened.

4business as usual →�see business

usu|al|ly ◆◆◇ /juː ʒuəli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] If something usually happens, it is the thing that most often happens in a particular situation. □� The best information about hotels usually comes from friends who have been there. □� They ate, as they usually did, in the kitchen. □� Usually, the work is boring. □� Offering only one loan, usually an installment loan, is part of the plan.

2 PHRASE You use more than usually to show that something shows even more of a particular quality than it normally does. □� She felt more than usually hungry after her excursion. □� He was more than usually depressed by problems at work. SYNONYMS usually ADV 1

normally:Social progress is normally a matter of struggles and conflicts.

generally:I generally say and feel too much about these issues.

commonly:Parsley is probably the most commonly used of all herbs.

usurp /juːzɜː r p/ (usurps , usurping , usurped ) VERB If you say that someone usurps a job, role, title, or position, they take it from someone when they have no right to do this. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Did she usurp his place in his mother's heart?

usurp|er /juːzɜː r pə r / (usurpers ) N‑COUNT A usurper is someone who takes another person's title or position when they have no right to. [FORMAL ]

usu|ry /juː ʒəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Usury is the practice of lending money at a high rate of interest. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ute /juː t/ (utes ) N‑COUNT A ute is a vehicle that is designed to travel over rough ground. Ute is an abbreviation for 'utility vehicle'. [AUSTRALIAN , INFORMAL ]

uten|sil /juːte ns ə l/ (utensils ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Utensils are tools or objects that you use in order to help you to cook or to do other tasks in your home. □� �utensils such as bowls, steamers and frying pans.

u|ter|ine /juː təra I n, [AM ] -r I n/ ADJ Uterine means relating to the uterus of a woman or female mammal. [MEDICAL ]

uter|us /juː tərəs/ (uteruses ) N‑COUNT The uterus of a woman or female mammal is her womb. [MEDICAL ] □� �an ultrasound scan of the uterus.

uti|lise /juː t I la I z/ →�see utilize

utili|tar|ian /juː t I l I teə riən/ (utilitarians )

1 ADJ Utilitarian means based on the idea that the morally correct course of action is the one that produces benefit for the greatest number of people. [TECHNICAL ] □� It was James Mill who was the best publicist for utilitarian ideas on government. ●�N‑COUNT A utilitarian is someone with utilitarian views. □� One of the greatest utilitarians was Claude Helvetius.

2 ADJ Utilitarian objects and buildings are designed to be useful rather than attractive. □� Bruce's office is a corner one, utilitarian and unglamorous.

utili|tari|an|ism /juː t I l I teə riən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Utilitarianism is the idea that the morally correct course of action is the one that produces benefit for the greatest number of people. [TECHNICAL ]

util|ity /juːt I l I ti/ (utilities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The utility of something is its usefulness. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Belief in the utility of higher education is shared by students nationwide. □�[+�of ] He inwardly questioned the utility of his work.

2 N‑COUNT A utility is an important service such as water, electricity, or gas that is provided for everyone, and that everyone pays for. □� �public utilities such as gas, electricity and phones.

uti l|ity room (utility rooms ) N‑COUNT A utility room is a room in a house which is usually connected to the kitchen and which contains things such as a washing machine, sink, and cleaning equipment.

uti l|ity ve |hi|cle (utility vehicles ) N‑COUNT A utility vehicle is a vehicle that is designed to travel over rough ground. [AUSTRALIAN ]

uti|lize /juː t I la I z/ (utilizes , utilizing , utilized ) in BRIT, also use utilise VERB If you utilize something, you use it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Sound engineers utilize a range of techniques to enhance the quality of the recordings. □�[be V -ed] Minerals can be absorbed and utilized by the body in a variety of different forms. ●� uti|li|za|tion /juː t I la I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] □�[+�of ] �the utilisation of human resources.

ut|most /ʌ tmoʊst/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use utmost to emphasize the importance or seriousness of something or to emphasize the way that it is done. [EMPHASIS ] □� It is a matter of the utmost urgency to find out what has happened to these people. □� Security matters are treated with the utmost seriousness. □� You should proceed with the utmost caution.

2 N‑SING If you say that you are doing your utmostto do something, you are emphasizing that you are trying as hard as you can to do it. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He would have done his utmost to help her, of that she was certain.

3 PHRASE If you say that something is done to the utmost , you are emphasizing that it is done to the greatest extent, amount, or degree possible. [EMPHASIS ] □� My limited diplomatic skills were tested to the utmost. □� The best plan is to continue to attack him to the utmost of our power.

uto|pia /juːtoʊ piə/ (utopias ) N‑VAR If you refer to an imaginary situation as a utopia , you mean that it is one in which society is perfect and everyone is happy, but which you feel is not possible. □� We weren't out to design a contemporary utopia. □� �the social utopias of revolutionary peasants.

uto|pian /juːtoʊ piən/

1 ADJ If you describe a plan or idea as utopian , you are criticizing it because it is unrealistic and shows a belief that things can be improved much more than is possible. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was pursuing a utopian dream of world prosperity. □� A complete absence of national border controls is utopian.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Utopian is used to describe political or religious philosophies which claim that it is possible to build a new and perfect society in which everyone is happy. [FORMAL ] □� His was a utopian vision of nature in its purest form.

ut|ter /ʌ tə r / (utters , uttering , uttered )

1 VERB If someone utters sounds or words, they say them. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] He uttered a snorting laugh. □�[V n] They departed without uttering a word.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use utter to emphasize that something is great in extent, degree, or amount. [EMPHASIS ] □� This, of course, is utter nonsense. □� �this utter lack of responsibility. □� A look of utter confusion swept across his handsome face.

ut|ter|ance /ʌ tərəns/ (utterances )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's utterances are the things that they say. [FORMAL ] □� �the Queen's public utterances. □� �a host of admirers who hung on her every utterance.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Utterance is the expression in words of ideas, thoughts, and feelings. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] I will give free utterance to my complaint.

ut|ter|ly /ʌ tə r li/ ADV [ADV with v] You use utterly to emphasize that something is very great in extent, degree, or amount. [EMPHASIS ] □� Everything about the country seemed utterly different from what I'd experienced before. □� The new laws coming in are utterly ridiculous.

U -turn (U-turns )

1 N‑COUNT If you make a U-turn when you are driving or cycling, you turn in a half circle in one movement, so that you are then going in the opposite direction.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a change in a politician's policy, plans, or actions as a U-turn , you mean that it is a complete change and that they made the change because they were weak or were wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�by ] �a humiliating U-turn by the party.

Vv

V , v /viː / (V's, v's )

1 N‑VAR V is the twenty-second letter of the English alphabet.

2V or v is an abbreviation for words beginning with v, such as 'verse', 'versus', 'very', and 'volt'. □� �England v France.

vac /v� k/ (vacs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vac is a period of the year when universities and colleges are officially closed. Vac is an abbreviation for 'vacation'. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �the summer vac.

2 N‑COUNT A vac is an electric machine which sucks up dust and dirt from carpets. Vac is an abbreviation for 'vacuum cleaner'. [INFORMAL ]

va|can|cy /ve I kənsi/ (vacancies )

1 N‑COUNT A vacancy is a job or position which has not been filled. □� Most vacancies are at senior level, requiring appropriate qualifications.

2 N‑COUNT If there are vacancies at a building such as a hotel, some of the rooms are available to rent.

va|cant /ve I kənt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is vacant , it is not being used by anyone. □� Half way down the coach was a vacant seat.

2 ADJ If a job or position is vacant , no one is doing it or in it at present, and people can apply for it. □� The post of chairman has been vacant for some time.

3 ADJ A vacant look or expression is one that suggests that someone does not understand something or that they are not thinking about anything in particular. □� She had a kind of vacant look on her face. ●� va|cant|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He looked vacantly out of the window.

va|cate /ve I ke I t, [AM ] ve I ke I t/ (vacates , vacating , vacated ) VERB If you vacate a place or a job, you leave it or give it up, making it available for other people. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He vacated the flat and went to stay with an uncle. □�[V n] He recently vacated his post as Sales Director.

va|ca|tion /vəke I ʃ ə n, [AM ] ve I -/ (vacations , vacationing , vacationed )

1 N‑COUNT A vacation is a period of the year when universities and colleges, and in the United States also schools, are officially closed. □� During his summer vacation, he visited Russia.

2 N‑COUNT [oft on/from N ] A vacation is a period of time during which you relax and enjoy yourself away from home. [AM ] □� They planned a late summer vacation in Europe. □� We went on vacation to Puerto Rico. in BRIT, use holiday3 N‑UNCOUNT If you have a particular number of days' or weeks' vacation , you do not have to go to work for that number of days or weeks. [AM ] in BRIT, use holiday4 VERB If you are vacationing in a place away from home, you are on vacation there. [AM ] □�[V prep/adv] Myles vacationed in Jamaica. □�[V ] He was vacationing and couldn't be reached for comment. in BRIT, use holiday

va|ca|tion|er /ve I ke I ʃənə r / (vacationers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Vacationers are people who are on vacation in a particular place. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use holidaymakers

vac|ci|nate /v� ks I ne I t/ (vaccinates , vaccinating , vaccinated ) VERB [usu passive] If a person or animal is vaccinated , they are given a vaccine, usually by injection, to prevent them from getting a disease. □�[be V -ed +�against ] Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper. □�[have n V -ed against n] Have you had your child vaccinated against whooping cough? □�[be/get V -ed] Measles is spreading again because children are not being vaccinated. ●� vac|ci|na|tion /v� ks I ne I ʃ ə n/ (vaccinations ) N‑VAR □� Parents were too frightened to bring their children for vaccination. □� Anyone who wants to avoid the flu should consider getting a vaccination.

vac|cine /v� ksiːn, [AM ] v�ksiː n/ (vaccines ) N‑VAR A vaccine is a substance containing a harmless form of the germs that cause a particular disease. It is given to people, usually by injection, to prevent them getting that disease. □� Anti-malarial vaccines are now undergoing trials. □� Fortunately there are two types of vaccine against the disease.

vac|il|late /v� s I le I t/ (vacillates , vacillating , vacillated ) VERB If you vacillatebetween two alternatives or choices, you keep changing your mind. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�between ] She vacillates between men twice her age and men younger than herself. □�[+�on , V ] We cannot vacillate on the question of the party's leadership.

va|cu|ity /v�kjuː I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you refer to the vacuity of something or someone, you are critical of them because they lack intelligent thought or ideas. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� His vacuity was a handicap in these debates. □� �a campaign notable for its intellectual vacuity and personal nastiness.

vacu|ous /v� kjuəs/ ADJ If you describe a person or their comments as vacuous , you are critical of them because they lack intelligent thought or ideas. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Male models are not always so vacuous as they are made out to be.

vacuum /v� kjuːm, -juːəm/ (vacuums , vacuuming , vacuumed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone or something creates a vacuum , they leave a place or position which then needs to be filled by another person or thing. □� His presence should fill the power vacuum which has been developing over the past few days.

2 PHRASE If something is done in a vacuum , it is not affected by any outside influences or information. □� Moral values cannot be taught in a vacuum.

3 VERB If you vacuum something, you clean it using a vacuum cleaner. □�[V n] I vacuumed the carpets today. □�[V ] It's important to vacuum regularly.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vacuum is a space that contains no air or other gas.

va cuum bot|tle (vacuum bottles ) N‑COUNT A vacuum bottle is the same as a vacuum flask . [AM ]

va cuum clean|er (vacuum cleaners ) also vacuum-cleaner N‑COUNT A vacuum cleaner or a vacuum is an electric machine which sucks up dust and dirt from carpets.

va cuum flask (vacuum flasks ) N‑COUNT A vacuum flask is a container which is used to keep hot drinks hot or cold drinks cold. It has two thin silvery glass walls with a vacuum between them. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use Thermos , vacuum bottle

va cuum-pa cked ADJ Food that is vacuum-packed is packed in a bag from which most of the air has been removed, in order to keep the food fresh.

vaga|bond /v� gəbɒnd/ (vagabonds ) N‑COUNT A vagabond is someone who wanders from place to place and has no home or job. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

va|gary /ve I gəri/ (vagaries ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Vagaries are unexpected and unpredictable changes in a situation or in someone's behaviour which you have no control over. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �the perplexing vagaries of politics.

va|gi|na /vədʒa I nə/ (vaginas ) N‑COUNT A woman's vagina is the passage connecting her outer sex organs to her womb.

vagi|nal /vədʒa I n ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Vaginal means relating to or involving the vagina. □� The creams have been used to reduce vaginal infections.

va|gran|cy /ve I grənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Vagrancy is a way of life in which someone moves a lot from place to place because they have no permanent home or job, and have to ask for or steal things in order to live. □� Vagrancy and begging has become common-place in London.

va|grant /ve I grənt/ (vagrants ) N‑COUNT A vagrant is someone who moves a lot from place to place because they have no permanent home or job, and have to ask for or steal things in order to live. □� He lived on the street as a vagrant.

vague /ve I g/ (vaguer , vaguest )

1 ADJ If something written or spoken is vague , it does not explain or express things clearly. □� The description was pretty vague. □� �vague information. ●� vague|ly ADV □� 'I'm not sure,' Liz said vaguely. □� They issued a vaguely worded statement. ●� vague|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the vagueness of the language in the text.

2 ADJ If you have a vague memory or idea of something, the memory or idea is not clear. □� They have only a vague idea of the amount of water available. □� Waite's memory of that first meeting was vague. ●� vague|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Judith could vaguely remember her mother lying on the sofa.

3 ADJ If you are vague about something, you deliberately do not tell people much about it. □�[+�about ] He was vague, however, about just what U.S. forces might actually do. □� Democratic leaders under election pressure tend to respond with vague promises of action.

4 ADJ If you describe someone as vague , you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. □� She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman. □� His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something such as a feeling is vague , you experience it only slightly. □� He was conscious of that vague feeling of irritation again.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A vague shape or outline is not clear and is therefore not easy to see. □� The bus was a vague shape in the distance. PRAGMATICS vagueness

In this dictionary, the label VAGUENESS indicates that you use the word or expression to show lack of certainty. People often use vague language to make statements 'softer', so that what they say does not appear too direct or too strongly stated. Examples of vague language are presumably�, Do you know what I mean?, kind of�, and sort of� .

vague|ly /ve I gli/

1 ADV [ADV adj] Vaguely means to some degree but not to a very large degree. □� The voice on the line was vaguely familiar, but Crook couldn't place it at first.

2 →�see also vague

vain /ve I n/ (vainer , vainest )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A vain attempt or action is one that fails to achieve what was intended. □� The drafting committee worked through the night in a vain attempt to finish on schedule. ●� vain|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He hunted vainly through his pockets for a piece of paper.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a hope that something will happen as a vain hope, you mean that there is no chance of it happening. □� He glanced around in the vain hope that there were no witnesses. ●� vain|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He then set out for Virginia for what he vainly hoped would be a peaceful retirement.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as vain , you are critical of their extreme pride in their own beauty, intelligence, or other good qualities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� I think he is shallow, vain and untrustworthy.

4 PHRASE If you do something in vain , you do not succeed in achieving what you intend. □� He stopped at the door, waiting in vain for her to acknowledge his presence.

5 PHRASE If you say that something such as someone's death, suffering, or effort was in vain , you mean that it was useless because it did not achieve anything. □� He wants the world to know his son did not die in vain.

vain|glo|ri|ous /ve I nglɔː riəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as vainglorious , you are critical of them because they are very proud of what they have done and boast a lot about it. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ]

val|ance /v� ləns/ (valances )

1 N‑COUNT A valance is a piece of cloth that hangs down over the sides of a bed in order to make it look nice.

2 N‑COUNT A valance is a long narrow piece of wood or fabric which is fitted at the top of a window for decoration and to hide the curtain rail. [AM ] in BRIT, use pelmet

vale /ve I l/ (vales ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A vale is a valley. [LITERARY ] □� �a small vale, sheltering under mist-shrouded hills.

vale|dic|to|ri|an /v� l I d I ktɔː riən/ (valedictorians ) N‑COUNT A valedictorian is the student who has the highest marks in their class when they graduate from high school, college, or university, and who gives a speech at their graduation ceremony. [AM ]

val|edic|tory /v� l I d I ktəri/ (valedictories )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A valedictory speech, letter, or performance is one that is intended as a way of saying goodbye when someone leaves another person, a place, or a job. [FORMAL ] □� �Mr Walker, making his valedictory address after two years as chairman.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A valedictory is a speech that is given by the student with the highest marks in their class at their graduation ceremony. [AM ]

val|en|tine /v� lənta I n/ (valentines ) N‑COUNT A valentine or a valentine card is a greetings card that you send to someone who you are in love with or are attracted to, usually without signing your name, on St Valentine's Day, the 14th of February.

val|et /v� le I , -l I t/ (valets , valeting , valeted )

1 N‑COUNT A valet is a male servant who looks after his employer by doing things such as caring for his clothes and cooking for him.

2 VERB If someone valets a vehicle, they are paid to clean it thoroughly inside and out.

val|iant /v� liənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A valiant action is very brave and determined, though it may lead to failure or defeat. □� Despite valiant efforts by the finance minister, inflation rose to 36%. ●� val|iant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He suffered further heart attacks and strokes, all of which he fought valiantly.

val|id /v� l I d/

1 ADJ A valid argument, comment, or idea is based on sensible reasoning. □� They put forward many valid reasons for not exporting. ●� va|lid|ity /v�l I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □� The editorial in the Financial Times says this argument has lost much of its validity.

2 ADJ Something that is valid is important or serious enough to make it worth saying or doing. □� Most designers share the unspoken belief that fashion is a valid form of visual art. ●� va|lid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the validity of making children wear cycle helmets.

3 ADJ If a ticket or other document is valid , it can be used and will be accepted by people in authority. □� All tickets are valid for two months.

4 →�see also validity

vali|date /v� l I de I t/ (validates , validating , validated )

1 VERB To validate something such as a claim or statement means to prove or confirm that it is true or correct. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] This discovery seems to validate the claims of popular astrology. ●� vali|da|tion /v� l I de I ʃ ə n/ (validations ) N‑VAR □� This validation process ensures that the data conforms to acceptable formats.

2 VERB To validate a person, state, or system means to prove or confirm that they are valuable or worthwhile. □�[V n] The Academy Awards appear to validate his career. ●� vali|da|tion N‑VAR □�[+�of ] I think the film is a validation of our lifestyle.

va|lid|ity /vəl I d I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Thevalidityof something such as a result or a piece of information is whether it can be trusted or believed. □�[+�of ] Shocked by the results of the elections, they now want to challenge the validity of the vote. □�[+�of ] Some people, of course, denied the validity of any such claim.

2 →�see also valid

Va|lium /v� liəm/ (Valium ) N‑VAR Valium is a drug given to people to calm their nerves when they are very depressed or upset. [TRADEMARK ]

val|ley ◆◇◇ /v� li/ (valleys ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A valley is a low stretch of land between hills, especially one that has a river flowing through it. □� �a wooded valley set against the backdrop of Monte Rosa. □� �the Loire valley.

val|our /v� lə r / in AM, use valor N‑UNCOUNT Valour is great bravery, especially in battle. [LITERARY ]

valu|able ◆◇◇ /v� ljuəb ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as valuable , you mean that they are very useful and helpful. □� Many of our teachers also have valuable academic links with Heidelberg University. □� The experience was very valuable.

2 ADJ Valuable objects are objects which are worth a lot of money. □� Just because a camera is old does not mean it is valuable. □� �valuable books.

valu|ables /v� ljuəb ə lz/ N‑PLURAL Valuables are things that you own that are worth a lot of money, especially small objects such as jewellery. □� Leave your valuables in the hotel safe.

valua|tion /v� ljue I ʃ ə n/ (valuations ) N‑VAR A valuation is a judgment that someone makes about how much money something is worth. □�[+�of ] �an independent valuation of the company. □� Valuation lies at the heart of all takeovers.

value ◆◆◆ /v� ljuː/ (values , valuing , valued )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] The value of something such as a quality, attitude, or method is its importance or usefulness. If you place a particular value on something, that is the importance or usefulness you think it has. □� Further studies will be needed to see if these therapies have any value. □�[+�on ] Ronnie put a high value on his appearance. ●�PHRASE If something is of value , it is useful or important. If it is of no value , it has no usefulness or importance. □�[+�to ] This weekend course will be of value to everyone interested in the Pilgrim Route.

2 VERB If you value something or someone, you think that they are important and you appreciate them. □�[V n] I've done business with Mr Weston before. I value the work he gives me. ●� val|ued ADJ □� As you are a valued customer, I am writing to you to explain the situation.

3 N‑VAR The value of something is how much money it is worth. □�[+�of ] The value of his investment has risen by more than $50,000. □� The country's currency went down in value by 3.5 per cent. ●�PHRASE If something is of value , it is worth a lot of money. If it is of no value , it is worth very little money. □� �a brooch which is really of no value. □� It might contain something of value.

4 VERB When experts value something, they decide how much money it is worth. □�[V n] Your lender will then send their own surveyor to value the property. □�[have n V -ed] I asked him if he would have my jewellery valued for insurance purposes. □�[V -ed] He has been selling properties valued at �700 million.

5 N‑UNCOUNT You use value in certain expressions to say whether something is worth the money that it costs. For example, if something is or gives good value , it is worth the money that it costs. □� The restaurant is informal, stylish and extremely good value. □� Courses which are offered through these local colleges are fantastic value for money.

6 N‑PLURAL [oft with poss] The values of a person or group are the moral principles and beliefs that they think are important. □� The countries of South Asia also share many common values.

7 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] Value is used after another noun when mentioning an important or noticeable feature about something. □� The script has lost all of its shock value over the intervening 24 years.

8 →�see also face value SYNONYMS value NOUN 1

importance:We have always stressed the importance of economic reform.

usefulness:His interest lay in the usefulness of his work, rather than in any personal credit.

benefit:For maximum benefit, use your treatment every day.

merit:The argument seemed to have considerable merit.

advantage:A good crowd will be a definite advantage to me and the rest of the team.

va lue-a dded tax also value added tax N‑UNCOUNT Value-added tax is a tax that is added to the price of goods or services. The abbreviation VAT is also used. [BRIT ]

va lue judg|ment (value judgments ) in BRIT, also use value judgement N‑COUNT If you make a value judgment about something, you form an opinion about it based on your principles and beliefs and not on facts which can be checked or proved. □�[+�about ] Social scientists have grown extremely unwilling to make value judgments about cultures.

value|less /v� ljuːləs/ ADJ If you describe something as valueless , you mean that it is not at all useful. □� Such attitudes are valueless unless they reflect inner cognition and certainty. □� �commercially valueless trees.

valu|er /v� ljuːə r / (valuers ) N‑COUNT A valuer is someone whose job is to estimate the cost or value of something, for example a house, or objects that are going to be sold in an auction. [BRIT ] in AM, use appraiser

va lue sys|tem (value systems ) N‑COUNT The value system of a group of people is the set of beliefs and attitudes that they all share.

valve /v� lv/ (valves )

1 N‑COUNT A valve is a device attached to a pipe or a tube which controls the flow of air or liquid through the pipe or tube.

2 N‑COUNT A valve is a small piece of tissue in your heart or in a vein which controls the flow of blood and keeps it flowing in one direction only. □� He also has problems with a heart valve.

3 →�see also safety valve

vamp /v� mp/ (vamps ) N‑COUNT If you describe a woman as a vamp , you mean that she uses her sexual attractiveness to get what she wants from men. [DISAPPROVAL ]

vam|pire /v� mpa I ə r / (vampires ) N‑COUNT A vampire is a creature in legends and horror stories. Vampires are said to come out of graves at night and suck the blood of living people.

va m|pire ba t (vampire bats ) N‑COUNT A vampire bat is a bat from South America which feeds by sucking the blood of other animals.

van ◆◇◇ /v� n/ (vans )

1 N‑COUNT A van is a small or medium-sized road vehicle with one row of seats at the front and a space for carrying goods behind.

2 N‑COUNT A van is a railway carriage, often without windows, which is used to carry luggage, goods, or mail. [BRIT ] □� In the guard's van lay my tin trunk. in AM, use baggage car , boxcar

van|dal /v� nd ə l/ (vandals ) N‑COUNT A vandal is someone who deliberately damages things, especially public property.

van|dal|ise /v� ndəla I z/ →�see vandalize

van|dal|ism /v� ndəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Vandalism is the deliberate damaging of things, especially public property. □� �acts of vandalism.

van|dal|ize /v� ndəla I z/ (vandalizes , vandalizing , vandalized ) in BRIT, also use vandalise VERB If something such as a building or part of a building is vandalized by someone, it is damaged on purpose. □�[be V -ed] The walls had been horribly vandalized with spray paint. □�[V n] About 1,000 rioters vandalized buildings and looted stores.

vane /ve I n/ (vanes )

1 N‑COUNT A vane is a flat blade which pushes or is pushed by wind or water, and forms part of a machine such as a fan, a windmill, or a ship's propeller.

2 →�see also weather vane

van|guard /v� ngɑː r d/

1 N‑SING If someone is in the vanguard of something such as a revolution or an area of research, they are involved in the most advanced part of it. You can also refer to the people themselves as the vanguard . □� They are in the vanguard of a movement reshaping the computer industry. □� �the role of the Party as the political vanguard.

2 N‑SING The vanguard of an army is the part of it that goes into battle first. □�[+�of ] They could strike quickly and effectively at the vanguard of an invading army.

va|nil|la /vən I lə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Vanilla is a flavouring used in ice cream and other sweet food. □� I added a dollop of vanilla ice-cream to the pie.

2 ADJ If you describe a person or thing as vanilla , you mean that they are ordinary, with no special or extra features. □� �just plain vanilla couples like me and Tony.

van|ish /v� n I ʃ/ (vanishes , vanishing , vanished )

1 VERB If someone or something vanishes , they disappear suddenly or in a way that cannot be explained. □�[V ] He just vanished and was never seen again. □�[V +�from ] Anne vanished from outside her home last Wednesday. □�[V +�into ] The gunmen paused only to cut the wires to the house, then vanished into the countryside.

2 VERB If something such as a species of animal or a tradition vanishes , it stops existing. □�[V ] Near the end of Devonian times, thirty percent of all animal life vanished. □�[V +�from ] He does not think that craftsmanship has vanished from our world.

va n|ish|ing point (vanishing points )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The vanishing point is the point in the distance where parallel lines seem to meet. □� The highway stretched out ahead of me until it narrowed to a vanishing point some miles away.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something has reached vanishing point , you mean it has become very small or unimportant. □� By 1973, this gap had narrowed almost to vanishing point.

van|ity /v� n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's vanity , you are critical of them because they take great pride in their appearance or abilities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Men who use steroids are motivated by sheer vanity.

van|quish /v� ŋkw I ʃ/ (vanquishes , vanquishing , vanquished ) VERB To vanquish someone means to defeat them completely in a battle or a competition. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] A happy ending is only possible because the hero has first vanquished the dragons.

van|tage point /vɑː nt I dʒ pɔ I nt, v� nt-/ (vantage points )

1 N‑COUNT A vantage point is a place from which you can see a lot of things. □� From a concealed vantage point, he saw a car arrive.

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] If you view a situation from a particular vantage point , you have a clear understanding of it because of the particular period of time you are in. □� From today's vantage point, the 1987 crash seems just a blip in the upward progress of the market.

vape /ve I p/ (vapes , vaping , vaped )

1 VERB If someone vapes , they breathe in a flavoured steam containing nicotine from a special device, instead of smoking burning tobacco in a cigarette or pipe. □�[V ] Some airports allow travellers to vape; some do not.

2 N‑COUNT A vape is a device that produces flavoured steam containing nicotine. □� He smokes as well as using a vape.

vap|id /v� p I d/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as vapid , you are critical of them because they are dull and uninteresting. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the Minister's young and rather vapid daughter. □� She made a vapid comment about the weather.

vap|ing /ve I p I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Vaping is the act or habit of breathing in a flavoured steam containing nicotine from a special device. □� Vaping can be a really effective way to quit smoking.

va|por /ve I pə r / →�see vapour

va|por|ize /ve I pəra I z/ (vaporizes , vaporizing , vaporized ) in BRIT, also use vaporise VERB If a liquid or solid vaporizes or if you vaporize it, it changes into vapour or gas. □�[V ] The benzene vaporized and formed a huge cloud of gas. □�[V n] The blast may have vaporised the meteorite.

va|pour /ve I pə r / (vapours ) in AM, use vapor N‑VAR Vapour consists of tiny drops of water or other liquids in the air, which appear as mist. □� �water vapour.

va |pour trail (vapour trails ) in AM, use vapor trail N‑COUNT A vapour trail is a white line of water vapour left in the sky by an aeroplane, a rocket, or a missile.

vari|able /veə riəb ə l/ (variables )

1 ADJ Something that is variable changes quite often, and there usually seems to be no fixed pattern to these changes. □� The potassium content of foodstuffs is very variable. □� �a variable rate of interest. ●� vari|abil|ity /veə riəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�between ] There's a great deal of variability between individuals.

2 N‑COUNT A variable is a factor that can change in quality, quantity, or size, which you have to take into account in a situation. □� Decisions could be made on the basis of price, delivery dates, or any other variable.

3 N‑COUNT A variable is a quantity that can have any one of a set of values. [TECHNICAL ] □� It is conventional to place the independent variable on the right-hand side of an equation.

vari|ance /veə riəns/ (variances )

1 PHRASE If one thing is at variancewith another, the two things seem to contradict each other. [FORMAL ] □�[+�with ] Many of his statements were at variance with the facts.

2 N‑VAR The variance between things is the difference between them. [FORMAL ] □�[+�in ] �the variances in the stock price.

vari|ant /veə riənt/ (variants ) N‑COUNT A variant of a particular thing is something that has a different form to that thing, although it is related to it. □�[+�of ] The quagga was a strikingly beautiful variant of the zebra.

vari|ation /veə rie I ʃ ə n/ (variations )

1 N‑COUNT A variation on something is the same thing presented in a slightly different form. □�[+�on ] This delicious variation on an omelette is quick and easy to prepare.

2 N‑VAR A variation is a change or slight difference in a level, amount, or quantity. □�[+�in ] The survey found a wide variation in the prices charged for canteen food. □� Every day without variation my grandfather ate a plate of cold ham.

vari|cose vein /v� r I koʊs ve I n/ (varicose veins ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Varicose veins are swollen and painful veins in a person's legs, which sometimes require a medical operation.

var|ied /veə rid/

1 ADJ Something that is varied consists of things of different types, sizes, or qualities. □� It is essential that your diet is varied and balanced.

2 →�see also vary

varie|gat|ed /veə riəge I t I d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A variegated leaf or plant has different colours on it. [TECHNICAL ] □� The leaves are a variegated red.

2 ADJ Something that is variegated consists of many different parts or types. [FORMAL ] □� �our variegated dialects.

va|ri|ety ◆◆◇ /vəra I I ti/ (varieties )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If something has variety , it consists of things which are different from each other. □�[+�in ] Susan's idea of freedom was to have variety in her lifestyle.

2 N‑SING A varietyof things is a number of different kinds or examples of the same thing. □�[+�of ] The island offers such a wide variety of scenery and wildlife. □�[+�of ] People change their mind for a variety of reasons.

3 N‑COUNT A varietyof something is a type of it. □�[+�of ] She has 12 varieties of old-fashioned roses.

vari|ous ◆◆◇ /veə riəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that there are various things, you mean there are several different things of the type mentioned. □� The school has received various grants from the education department.

2 ADJ If a number of things are described as various , they are very different from one another. □� The methods are many and various. □� �the country's rich and various heritage.

vari|ous|ly /veə riəsli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] You can use variously to introduce a number of different ways in which something can be described. □� �the crowds, which were variously estimated at two to several thousand.

var|nish /vɑː r n I ʃ/ (varnishes , varnishing , varnished )

1 N‑VAR Varnish is an oily liquid which is painted onto wood or other material to give it a hard, clear, shiny surface. □� The varnish comes in six natural wood shades.

2 N‑SING The varnish on an object is the hard, clear, shiny surface that it has when it has been painted with varnish. □� He brought out the fiddle, its varnish cracked and blistered.

3 VERB If you varnish something, you paint it with varnish. □�[V n] Varnish the table with two or three coats of water-based varnish. □�[V -ed] �the varnished floorboards.

4 →�see also nail varnish

var|sity /vɑː r s I ti/ (varsities )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] People sometimes use varsity to describe things that relate to universities, especially sports activities or teams at a university or competitions between universities. [BRIT , mainly JOURNALISM ] □� Women must have the same opportunities to participate in varsity sports.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] The varsity is the main or first team for a particular sport at a high school, college, or university. [AM ] □� She has been in the playoffs every year since she made the varsity.

vary ◆◇◇ /veə ri/ (varies , varying , varied )

1 VERB If things vary , they are different from each other in size, amount, or degree. □�[V ] As they're handmade, each one varies slightly. □�[V +�from ] The text varies from the earlier versions. □�[V -ing] Different writers will prepare to varying degrees.

2 VERB If something varies or if you vary it, it becomes different or changed. □�[V ] Ferry times vary according to seasons. □�[V n] You are welcome to vary the diet.

3 →�see also varied SYNONYMS vary VERB

1

differ:The story he told police differed from the one he told his mother.

diverge:His interests increasingly diverged from those of his colleagues.

contrast with:Johnson's easy charm contrasted sharply with the moody behaviour of his boss.

2

change:A changing world has put pressures on the corporation.

transform:Your metabolic rate is the speed at which your body transforms food into energy.

alter:Little had altered in the village.

vas|cu|lar /v� skjʊlə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Vascular is used to describe the channels and veins through which fluids pass in the bodies of animals and plants. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the oldest known vascular plants. □� �vascular diseases of the legs.

vase /vɑː z, [AM ] ve I s/ (vases ) N‑COUNT A vase is a jar, usually made of glass or pottery, used for holding cut flowers or as an ornament. □� �a vase of red roses.

vas|ec|to|my /vəse ktəmi/ (vasectomies ) N‑VAR A vasectomy is a surgical operation in which the tube that carries sperm to a man's penis is cut, usually as a means of contraception.

Vas|eline /v� səliːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Vaseline is a soft clear jelly made from petroleum, which is used to protect the skin and for other purposes. [TRADEMARK ]

vas|sal /v� s ə l/ (vassals )

1 N‑COUNT In feudal society, a vassal was a man who gave military service to a lord, in return for which he was protected by the lord and received land to live on.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that one country is a vassal of another, you mean that it is controlled by it. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] The question is whether the country is destined to end up as a vassal of its larger northern neighbour.

vast ◆◇◇ /vɑː st, v� st/ (vaster , vastest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is vast is extremely large. □� �Afrikaner farmers who own vast stretches of land. □� The vast majority of the eggs would be cracked. ●� vast|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the vastness of the desert. SYNONYMS vast ADJ 1

huge:�a tiny little woman with huge black glasses.

massive:�a massive steam boat.

enormous:The main bedroom is enormous.

immense:�an immense cloud of smoke.

vast|ly /vɑː stli, v� st-/ ADV Vastly means to an extremely great degree or extent. □� The jury has heard two vastly different accounts of what happened.

vat /v� t/ (vats ) N‑COUNT A vat is a large barrel or tank in which liquids can be stored.

VAT ◆◇◇ /viː e I tiː , v� t/ N‑UNCOUNT VAT is a tax that is added to the price of goods or services. VAT is an abbreviation for 'value added tax'. [BRIT ]

Vati|can /v� t I kən/ N‑PROPER [N n] The Vatican is the city state in Rome ruled by the Pope which is the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. You can also use the Vatican to refer to the Pope or his officials. □� The President had an audience with the Pope in the Vatican.

vat|man /v� tm�n/ also VAT man N‑SING You can refer to the government department which advises and checks the accounts of people who have to pay VAT as the vatman . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� If you have had a problem with the vatman, let us know.

vau|de|ville /vɔː dəv I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Vaudeville is a type of entertainment consisting of short acts such as comedy, singing, and dancing. Vaudeville was especially popular in the early part of the twentieth century. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use music hall

vault /vɔː lt/ (vaults , vaulting , vaulted )

1 N‑COUNT A vault is a secure room where money and other valuable things can be kept safely. □� Most of the money was in storage in bank vaults.

2 N‑COUNT A vault is a room underneath a church or in a cemetery where people are buried, usually the members of a single family. □� He ordered that Matilda's body should be buried in the family vault.

3 N‑COUNT A vault is an arched roof or ceiling. □�[+�of ] �the vault of a great cathedral.

4 VERB If you vault something or vaultover it, you jump quickly onto or over it, especially by putting a hand on top of it to help you balance while you jump. □�[V n] He could easily vault the wall. □�[V prep] Ned vaulted over a fallen tree.

vaunt|ed /vɔː nt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as vaunted or much vaunted , you mean that people praise it more than it deserves. [FORMAL ] □� Simpson's much vaunted discoveries are in fact commonplace in modern sociology.

vbVb is a written abbreviation for verb .

VC /viː siː / (VCs )

1 N‑COUNT The VC is a medal awarded to soldiers, sailors, and airmen in Britain and the Commonwealth for acts of great bravery in battle. VC is an abbreviation for 'Victoria Cross'. ●�N‑COUNT A VC is a soldier who has been awarded a Victoria Cross. □� Aren't you the boy whose father was a VC in the war?

2VC is a written abbreviation for vice-chancellor .

VCR /viː siː ɑː r / (VCRs ) N‑COUNT A VCR is a machine that was used in the past to record television programmes or films onto videotape, so that people could play them back and watch them later on a television set. VCR is an abbreviation for 'video cassette recorder'.

VD /viː diː / N‑UNCOUNT VD is used to refer to diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhoea which are passed on by sexual intercourse. VD is an abbreviation for 'venereal disease'.

VDT /viː diː tiː / (VDTs ) N‑COUNT A VDT is the same as a VDU . VDT is an abbreviation for 'visual display terminal'. [mainly AM ]

VDU /viː diː juː / (VDUs ) N‑COUNT A VDU is a machine with a screen which is used to display information from a computer. VDU is an abbreviation for 'visual display unit'. [BRIT ] in AM, use VDT

-'ve /- ə v/ 've is the usual spoken form of 'have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb. It is added to the end of the pronoun which is the subject of the verb. For example, 'you have' can be shortened to 'you've'.

veal /viː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Veal is meat from a calf.

vec|tor /ve ktə r / (vectors )

1 N‑COUNT A vector is a variable quantity, such as force, that has size and direction. [TECHNICAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A vector is an insect or other organism that causes a disease by carrying a germ or parasite from one person or animal to another. [MEDICAL ]

veep /viː p/ (veeps ) N‑COUNT A veep is a vice-president, especially the vice-president of the United States. [AM , INFORMAL ]

veer /v I ə r / (veers , veering , veered )

1 VERB If something veers in a certain direction, it suddenly moves in that direction. □�[V prep/adv] The plane veered off the runway and careered through the perimeter fence.

2 VERB If someone or something veers in a certain direction, they change their position or direction in a particular situation. □�[V prep/adv] He is unlikely to veer from his boss's strongly held views.

veg /ve dʒ/ (veg ) N‑VAR Veg are plants such as cabbages, potatoes, and onions which you can cook and eat. Veg is an abbreviation for 'vegetables'. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �fruit and veg. in AM, usually use veggies

ve|gan /viː gən/ (vegans ) ADJ Someone who is vegan never eats meat or any animal products such as milk, butter, or cheese. □� The menu changes weekly and usually includes a vegan option. ●�N‑COUNT A vegan is someone who is vegan.

veg|eburg|er /ve dʒibɜː r gə r / (vegeburgers ) also veggieburger N‑COUNT Vegeburgers are flat round cakes of food made from vegetables mixed with flour and flavourings. You grill or fry them.

veg|eta|ble ◆◇◇ /ve dʒtəb ə l/ (vegetables )

1 N‑COUNT Vegetables are plants such as cabbages, potatoes, and onions which you can cook and eat. □� A good general diet should include plenty of fresh vegetables. □� �vegetable soup.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vegetable matter comes from plants. [FORMAL ] □� �compounds, of animal, vegetable or mineral origin. COLLOCATIONS vegetable NOUN 1

noun +�vegetable : root, salad, stir-fry; spring, winter

adjective +�vegetable : green, leafy, mixed, seasonal; fresh, frozen, organic; pickled, roasted, steamed

vegetable+�be +�adjective : soft, tender

verb +�vegetable : grow, plant; chop, eat, cook, wash

veg|etar|ian /ve dʒ I teə riən/ (vegetarians )

1 ADJ Someone who is vegetarian never eats meat or fish. □� Yasmin sticks to a strict vegetarian diet. ●�N‑COUNT A vegetarian is someone who is vegetarian. □� �a special menu for vegetarians.

2 ADJ Vegetarian food does not contain any meat or fish. □� �vegetarian lasagnes.

veg|etari|an|ism /ve dʒ I teə riən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone practises vegetarianism , they never eat meat or fish.

veg|etate /ve dʒ I te I t/ (vegetates , vegetating , vegetated ) VERB If someone vegetates , they spend their time doing boring or worthless things. □�[V ] He spends all his free time at home vegetating in front of the TV.

veg|etat|ed /ve dʒ I te I t I d/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If an area is vegetated , it is covered with plants and trees. [FORMAL ] □� That part of Castle Walk is not thickly vegetated.

veg|eta|tion /ve dʒ I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Plants, trees, and flowers can be referred to as vegetation . [FORMAL ] □� The inn has a garden of semi-tropical vegetation.

veg|eta|tive /ve dʒ I tət I v, [AM ] -te I t-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone is in a vegetative state, they are unable to move, think, or speak, and their condition is not likely to improve. [MEDICAL ] □� She was in what was described as a vegetative state.

veg|gie /ve dʒi/ (veggies )

1 ADJ Veggie means the same as vegetarian . [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� You can cook a cheap veggie chilli in 15 minutes. ●�N‑COUNT A veggie is someone who is vegetarian.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Veggies are plants such as cabbages, potatoes, and onions which you can cook and eat. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� �well-balanced meals of fresh fruit and veggies, chicken, fish, pasta, and no red meat. in BRIT, usually use veg

veg|gie|burg|er /ve dʒibɜː r gə r / →�see vegeburger

ve|he|ment /viː əmənt/ ADJ If a person or their actions or comments are vehement , the person has very strong feelings or opinions and expresses them forcefully. □� She suddenly became very vehement and agitated, jumping around and shouting. □� She is a vehement critic of government policy. ●� ve|he|mence N‑UNCOUNT □� He spoke more loudly and with more vehemence than he had intended. ●� ve|he|ment|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Krabbe has always vehemently denied stealing the car.

ve|hi|cle ◆◆◇ /viː I k ə l/ (vehicles )

1 N‑COUNT A vehicle is a machine such as a car, bus, or truck which has an engine and is used to carry people from place to place. □� �a vehicle which was somewhere between a tractor and a truck.

2 N‑COUNT You can use vehicle to refer to something that you use in order to achieve a particular purpose. □�[+�for ] Her art became a vehicle for her political beliefs.

ve|hicu|lar /v I h I kjʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vehicular is used to describe something which relates to vehicles and traffic. [FORMAL ] □� �vehicular traffic. □� There is no vehicular access.

veil /ve I l/ (veils )

1 N‑COUNT A veil is a piece of thin soft cloth that women sometimes wear over their heads and which can also cover their face. □� She's got long fair hair, but she's got a veil over it.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to something that hides or partly hides a situation or activity as a veil . □�[+�of ] The country is ridding itself of its disgraced prime minister in a veil of secrecy. □�[+�of ] The chilling facts behind this veil of silence were slow to emerge.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to something that you can partly see through, for example a mist, as a veil . [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] The eruption has left a thin veil of dust in the upper atmosphere.

4 PHRASE If you draw a veil over something, you stop talking about it because it is too unpleasant to talk about. □� The clamour to draw a veil over the minister's extra-marital activities reeks of hypocrisy.

veiled /ve I ld/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A veiled comment is expressed in a disguised form rather than directly and openly. □� He made only a veiled reference to international concerns over human rights issues. □� This last clause is a thinly-veiled threat to those who might choose to ignore the decree.

2 ADJ A woman or girl who is veiled is wearing a veil. □� A veiled woman gave me a kindly smile.

vein /ve I n/ (veins )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your veins are the thin tubes in your body through which your blood flows towards your heart. Compare artery . □� Many veins are found just under the skin.

2 →�see also varicose vein

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu adj N ] Something that is written or spoken in a particular vein is written or spoken in that style or mood. □� It is one of his finest works in a lighter vein.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A veinof a particular quality is evidence of that quality which someone often shows in their behaviour or work. □�[+�of ] This Spanish drama has a vein of black humour running through it.

5 N‑COUNT A veinof a particular metal or mineral is a layer of it lying in rock. □�[+�of ] �a rich and deep vein of limestone.

6 N‑COUNT The veins on a leaf are the thin lines on it. □�[+�of ] �the serrated edges and veins of the feathery leaves.

veined /ve I nd/

1 ADJ Veined skin has a lot of veins showing through it. □� Helen's hands were thin and veined.

2 ADJ Something that is veined has a pattern or colouring like that of veins showing through skin. □� �a bronze ashtray shaped like a veined leaf.

Vel|cro /ve lkroʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Velcro is a material consisting of two strips of nylon fabric which you press together to close things such as pockets and bags. [TRADEMARK ]

veldt /ve lt, fe lt/ also veld N‑SING Theveldt is a high area of flat grassy land with very few trees in southern Africa.

vel|lum /ve ləm/ N‑UNCOUNT Vellum is strong paper of good quality for writing on.

ve|loc|ity /v I lɒ s I ti/ (velocities ) N‑VAR Velocity is the speed at which something moves in a particular direction. [TECHNICAL ] □� �the velocities at which the stars orbit. □� �high velocity rifles.

ve|lour /vəlʊə r / N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Velour is a silk or cotton fabric similar to velvet. □� �a gold Mercedes with red velour seats.

vel|vet /ve lv I t/ (velvets ) N‑VAR [usu N n] Velvet is soft material made from cotton, silk, or nylon, which has a thick layer of short cut threads on one side. □� �a charcoal-gray overcoat with a velvet collar.

vel|vet|een /ve lv I tiː n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Velveteen is a soft fabric which looks and feels like velvet and is sometimes used as a cheaper alternative to velvet. □� �a black velveteen coat. □� �loose blouses of bright-coloured velveteen.

vel|vety /ve lv I ti/ ADJ If you describe something as velvety , you mean that it is pleasantly soft to touch and has the appearance or quality of velvet. □� The grass grew thick and velvety.

ve|nal /viː n ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as venal , you disapprove of them because they are prepared to do almost anything in return for money, even things which are dishonest or immoral. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Government propaganda made the radicals appear at best deluded, at worst venal. □� �venal politicians.

ven|det|ta /vende tə/ (vendettas ) N‑VAR If one person has a vendettaagainst another, the first person wants revenge for something the second person did to them in the past. □�[+�against ] The vice president said the cartoonist has a personal vendetta against him.

vend|ing ma|chine /ve nd I ŋ məʃiːn/ (vending machines ) N‑COUNT A vending machine is a machine from which you can get things such as cigarettes, chocolate, or coffee by putting in money and pressing a button.

ven|dor /ve ndə r / (vendors )

1 N‑COUNT A vendor is someone who sells things such as newspapers, cigarettes, or food from a small stall or cart. □� �ice-cream vendors.

2 N‑COUNT The vendor of a house or piece of land is the person who owns it and is selling it. [LEGAL ] □� Remember, the estate agent is working for the vendor.

ve|neer /v I n I ə r / (veneers )

1 N‑SING [adj N ] If you refer to the pleasant way that someone or something appears as a veneer , you are critical of them because you believe that their true, hidden nature is not good. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] His super-clean image gave a veneer of respectability to the new professional set-up.

2 N‑VAR Veneer is a thin layer of wood or plastic which is used to improve the appearance of something. □� The wood was cut into large sheets of veneer.

ven|er|able /ve nərəb ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A venerable person deserves respect because they are old and wise. □� �a venerable old man with white hair.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is venerable is impressive because it is old or important historically. □� May Day has become a venerable institution.

ven|er|ate /ve nəre I t/ (venerates , venerating , venerated ) VERB If you venerate someone or something, you value them or feel great respect for them. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] My father venerated General Eisenhower. ●� ven|er|at|ed ADJ □� Jerusalem is Christianity's most venerated place. ●� ven|era|tion N‑UNCOUNT □� Churchill was held in near veneration during his lifetime.

ve|nereal dis|ease /v I n I ə riəl d I ziː z/ (venereal diseases ) N‑VAR Venereal disease is used to refer to diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhoea which are passed on by sexual intercourse. The abbreviation VD is also used.

Ve|netian blind /vəniː ʃ ə n bla I nd/ (Venetian blinds ) N‑COUNT A Venetian blind is a window blind made of thin horizontal strips which can be adjusted to let in more or less light.

venge|ance /ve ndʒ ə ns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Vengeance is the act of killing, injuring, or harming someone because they have harmed you. □�[+�on ] He swore vengeance on everyone involved in the murder.

2 PHRASE If you say that something happens with a vengeance , you are emphasizing that it happens to a much greater extent than was expected. [EMPHASIS ] □� It began to rain again with a vengeance.

venge|ful /ve ndʒfʊl/ ADJ If you describe someone as vengeful , you are critical of them because they feel a great desire for revenge. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The house is terrorised by vengeful ghosts.

veni|son /ve n I z ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Venison is the meat of a deer.

ven|om /ve nəm/ (venoms )

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use venom to refer to someone's feelings of great bitterness and anger towards someone. □�[+�for ] He reserved particular venom for critics of his foreign policy.

2 N‑VAR The venom of a creature such as a snake or spider is the poison that it puts into your body when it bites or stings you. □� �snake handlers who grow immune to snake venom.

ven|om|ous /ve nəməs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or their behaviour as venomous , you mean that they show great bitterness and anger towards someone. □� She has endured more sustained and venomous attacks than any woman politician.

2 ADJ A venomous snake, spider, or other creature uses poison to attack other creatures. □� The adder is Britain's only venomous snake.

ve|nous /viː nəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] Venous is used to describe something which is related to veins. [MEDICAL ] □� �venous blood.

vent /ve nt/ (vents , venting , vented )

1 N‑COUNT A vent is a hole in something through which air can come in and smoke, gas, or smells can go out. □�[+�in ] There was a small air vent in the ceiling.

2 VERB If you vent your feelings, you express them forcefully. □�[V n] She phoned her best friend to vent her frustration. □�[V n +�on ] The rioters were prevented from venting their anger on the police.

3 PHRASE If you give vent to your feelings, you express them forcefully. [FORMAL ] □� She gave vent to her anger and jealousy.

ven|ti|late /ve nt I le I t/ (ventilates , ventilating , ventilated ) VERB If you ventilate a room or building, you allow fresh air to get into it. □�[V n] Ventilate the room properly when paint stripping. □�[V -ed] �badly ventilated rooms. ●� ven|ti|la|tion /ve nt I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� The only ventilation comes from tiny sliding windows.

ven|ti|la|tor /ve nt I le I tə r / (ventilators )

1 N‑COUNT A ventilator is a machine that helps people breathe when they cannot breathe naturally, for example because they are very ill or have been seriously injured.

2 N‑COUNT A ventilator is a device that lets fresh air into a room or building and lets old or dirty air out.

ven|tri|cle /ve ntr I k ə l/ (ventricles ) N‑COUNT A ventricle is a part of the heart that pumps blood to the arteries. [MEDICAL ]

ven|trilo|quist /ventr I ləkw I st/ (ventriloquists ) N‑COUNT A ventriloquist is someone who can speak without moving their lips and who entertains people by making their words appear to be spoken by a puppet.

ven|ture ◆◇◇ /ve ntʃə r / (ventures , venturing , ventured )

1 N‑COUNT A venture is a project or activity which is new, exciting, and difficult because it involves the risk of failure. □� �his latest writing venture. □� Both parties sounded full of high hopes for their joint venture.

2 VERB If you venture somewhere, you go somewhere that might be dangerous. [LITERARY ] □�[V adv/prep] People are afraid to venture out for fear of sniper attacks.

3 VERB If you venture a question or statement, you say it in an uncertain way because you are afraid it might be stupid or wrong. [WRITTEN ] □�[V with quote] 'So you're Leo's girlfriend?' he ventured. □�[V that] He ventured that plants draw part of their nourishment from the air. □�[V n] Stephen ventured a few more sentences in halting Welsh.

4 VERB If you ventureto do something that requires courage or is risky, you do it. □�[V to-inf] 'Don't ask,' he said, whenever Ginny ventured to raise the subject.

5 VERB If you venture into an activity, you do something that involves the risk of failure because it is new and different. □�[V +�into ] He enjoyed little success when he ventured into business.

ve n|ture capi|tal N‑UNCOUNT Venture capital is capital that is invested in projects that have a high risk of failure, but that will bring large profits if they are successful. [BUSINESS ]

ve n|ture ca pi|tal|ist (venture capitalists ) N‑COUNT A venture capitalist is someone who makes money by investing in high risk projects. [BUSINESS ]

ven|ture|some /ve ntʃə r səm/ ADJ If you describe someone as venturesome , you mean that they are willing to take risks and try out new things. [FORMAL ] □� �the venturesome graduate who is determined to succeed.

venue ◆◇◇ /ve njuː/ (venues ) N‑COUNT The venue for an event or activity is the place where it will happen. □�[+�for ] The International Convention Centre is the venue for a three-day arts festival.

ve|rac|ity /vər� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Veracity is the quality of being true or the habit of telling the truth. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] We have total confidence in the veracity of our research.

ve|ran|da /vər� ndə/ (verandas ) also verandah N‑COUNT A veranda is a roofed platform along the outside of a house.

verb /vɜː r b/ (verbs )

1 N‑COUNT A verb is a word such as 'sing', 'feel', or 'die' which is used with a subject to say what someone or something does or what happens to them, or to give information about them.

2 →�see also phrasal verb

ver|bal /vɜː r b ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use verbal to indicate that something is expressed in speech rather than in writing or action. □� They were jostled and subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse. □� We have a verbal agreement with her. ●� ver|bal|ly ADV □� Teachers were threatened with kitchen knives, physically assaulted and verbally abused.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use verbal to indicate that something is connected with words and the use of words. □� The test has scores for verbal skills, mathematical skills, and abstract reasoning skills.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In grammar, verbal means relating to a verb. □� �a verbal noun.

ver|bal|ize /vɜː r bəla I z/ (verbalizes , verbalizing , verbalized ) in BRIT, also use verbalise VERB If you verbalize your feelings, thoughts, or ideas, you express them in words. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �his inability to verbalize his feelings. [Also V ]

ver|ba|tim /və r be I t I m/ ADV [ADV after v] If you repeat something verbatim , you use exactly the same words as were used originally. □� The President's speeches are regularly reproduced verbatim in the state-run newspapers. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Verbatim is also an adjective. □� She gave me a verbatim report of every conversation she's had this week.

ve rb group (verb groups ) N‑COUNT A verb group or verbal group consists of a verb, or of a main verb following a modal or one or more auxiliaries. Examples are 'walked', 'can see', and 'had been waiting'.

ver|bi|age /vɜː r bi I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's speech or writing as verbiage , you are critical of them because they use too many words, which makes their speech or writing difficult to understand. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Many mission statements are nothing but empty verbiage.

ver|bose /vɜː r boʊ s/ ADJ If you describe a person or a piece of writing as verbose , you are critical of them because they use more words than are necessary, and so make you feel bored or annoyed. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �verbose politicians. □� His writing is difficult and often verbose.

ver|dant /vɜː r d ə nt/ ADJ If you describe a place as verdant , you mean that it is covered with green grass, trees, and plants. [LITERARY ] □� �a small verdant garden with a view out over Paris.

ver|dict ◆◇◇ /vɜː r d I kt/ (verdicts )

1 N‑COUNT In a court of law, the verdict is the decision that is given by the jury or judge at the end of a trial. □� The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. □� Three judges will deliver their verdict in October.

2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's verdict on something is their opinion of it, after thinking about it or investigating it. □� The doctor's verdict was that he was entirely healthy. [Also +�on ] SYNONYMS verdict NOUN 1

decision:A decision was taken to discipline Marshall.

finding:The government hopes the court will announce its findings before the end of the month.

judgment:The industry was awaiting a judgment from the European Court.

ver|di|gris /vɜː r d I gr I s, -griːs/ N‑UNCOUNT Verdigris is a greenish-blue substance that forms on the metals copper, brass, and bronze after they have been left in wet or damp conditions.

verge /vɜː r dʒ/ (verges , verging , verged )

1 PHRASE If you are on the verge of something, you are going to do it very soon or it is likely to happen or begin very soon. □� The country was on the verge of becoming prosperous and successful. □� Carole was on the verge of tears.

2 N‑COUNT The verge of a road is a narrow piece of ground by the side of a road, which is usually covered with grass or flowers. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use shoulder

▸� verge on PHRASAL VERB If someone or something verges on a particular state or quality, they are almost the same as that state or quality. □�[V P n] �a fury that verged on madness.

veri|fi|able /ve r I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ Something that is verifiable can be proved to be true or genuine. □� This is not a romantic notion, but verifiable fact.

veri|fy /ve r I fa I / (verifies , verifying , verified )

1 VERB If you verify something, you check that it is true by careful examination or investigation. □�[V n] I verified the source from which I had that information. □�[V that] A clerk simply verifies that the payment and invoice amount match. ●� veri|fi|ca|tion /ve r I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] All charges against her are dropped pending the verification of her story.

2 VERB [no cont] If you verify something, you state or confirm that it is true. □�[V n] The government has not verified any of those reports. □�[V that] I can verify that it takes about thirty seconds.

veri|ly /ve r I li/ ADV Verily is an old-fashioned or religious word meaning 'truly'. It is used to emphasize a statement or opinion. [EMPHASIS ] □� Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

veri|si|mili|tude /ve r I s I m I l I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Verisimilitude is the quality of seeming to be true or real. [FORMAL ] □� At the required level of visual verisimilitude, computer animation is costly.

veri|table /ve r I təb ə l/ ADJ You can use veritable to emphasize the size, amount, or nature of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� �a veritable feast of pre-match entertainment.

ver|ity /ve r I ti/ (verities ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The verities of something are all the things that are believed to be true about it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �some verities of human nature.

ver|mil|ion /və r m I liən/ COLOUR Vermilion is used to describe things that are bright red in colour. [LITERARY ] □� �her vermilion lip gloss. □� The furniture on it is glossy vermilion.

ver|min /vɜː r m I n/ N‑PLURAL Vermin are small animals such as rats and mice which cause problems to humans by carrying disease and damaging crops or food.

ver|mouth /vɜː r məθ/ (vermouths ) N‑VAR Vermouth is a strong alcoholic drink made from red or white wine flavoured with herbs.

ver|nacu|lar /və r n� kjʊlə r / (vernaculars ) N‑COUNT Thevernacular is the language or dialect that is most widely spoken by ordinary people in a region or country. □� �books or plays written in the vernacular.

ver|ru|ca /vəruː kə/ (verrucas ) N‑COUNT A verruca is a small infectious lump which grows on the bottom of your foot. [BRIT ]

ver|sa|tile /vɜː r səta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that a person is versatile , you approve of them because they have many different skills. [APPROVAL ] □� He had been one of the game's most versatile athletes. ●� ver|sa|til|ity /vɜː r sət I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Aileen stands out for her incredible versatility as an actress.

2 ADJ A tool, machine, or material that is versatile can be used for many different purposes. □� Never before has computing been so versatile. ●� ver|sa|til|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� Velvet is not known for its versatility.

verse /vɜː r s/ (verses )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Verse is writing arranged in lines which have rhythm and which often rhyme at the end. □� I have been moved to write a few lines of verse.

2 →�see also blank verse

3 N‑COUNT A verse is one of the parts into which a poem, a song, or a chapter of the Bible or the Koran is divided. □� This verse describes three signs of spring.

versed /vɜː r st/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you are versed in or well versed in something, you know a lot about it. □�[+�in ] Page is well versed in many styles of jazz.

ver|sion ◆◆◇ /vɜː r ʃ ə n, -ʒ ə n/ (versions )

1 N‑COUNT A versionof something is a particular form of it in which some details are different from earlier or later forms. □�[+�of ] �an updated version of his book. □�[+�of ] Ludo is a version of an ancient Indian racing game.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's versionof an event is their own description of it, especially when it is different to other people's. □�[+�of ] Yesterday afternoon the White House put out a new version of events.

ver|sus /vɜː r səs/

1 PREP You use versus to indicate that two figures, ideas, or choices are opposed. □� Only 18.8% of the class of 1982 had some kind of diploma four years after high school, versus 45% of the class of 1972. □� �bottle-feeding versus breastfeeding.

2 PREP Versus is used to indicate that two teams or people are competing against each other in a sporting event. □� Italy versus Japan is turning out to be a surprisingly well-matched competition.

ver|te|bra /vɜː r t I brə/ (vertebrae /vɜː r t I bre I /) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Vertebrae are the small circular bones that form the spine of a human being or animal.

ver|te|brate /vɜː r t I br I t/ (vertebrates ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A vertebrate is a creature which has a spine. Mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish are vertebrates.

ver|ti|cal /vɜː r t I k ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is vertical stands or points straight up. □� The gadget can be attached to any vertical or near vertical surface. ●� ver|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� Cut each bulb in half vertically.

2 N‑SING The vertical is the direction that points straight up, at an angle of 90 degrees to a flat surface. □� Pluto seems to have suffered a major collision that tipped it 122 degrees from the vertical.

ver|tigi|nous /vɜː r t I dʒ I nəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A vertiginous cliff or mountain is very high and steep. [LITERARY ]

ver|ti|go /vɜː r t I goʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you get vertigo when you look down from a high place, you feel unsteady and sick.

verve /vɜː r v/ N‑UNCOUNT Verve is lively and forceful enthusiasm. [WRITTEN ] □� He looked for the dramatic, like the sunset in this painting, and painted it with great verve.

very ◆◆◆ /ve ri/

1 ADV [ADV adj/adv] Very is used to give emphasis to an adjective or adverb. [EMPHASIS ] □� The problem and the answer are very simple. □� It is very, very strong evidence indeed. □� I'm very sorry. □� They are getting the hang of it very quickly. □� Thank you very much. □� The men were very much like my father.

2 PHRASE Not very is used with an adjective or adverb to say that something is not at all true, or that it is true only to a small degree. □� She's not very impressed with them. □� It's obviously not used very much. □� 'How well do you know her?'�'Not very.'

3 ADV You use very to give emphasis to a superlative adjective or adverb. For example, if you say that something is the very best , you are emphasizing that it is the best. [EMPHASIS ] □� They will be helped by the very latest in navigation aids. □� At the very least, the Government must offer some protection to mothers who fear domestic violence.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use very with certain nouns in order to specify an extreme position or extreme point in time. [EMPHASIS ] □� At the very back of the yard, several feet from Lenny, was a wooden shack. □� I turned to the very end of the book, to read the final words. □� He was wrong from the very beginning. □� We still do not have enough women at the very top.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] You use very with nouns to emphasize that something is exactly the right one or exactly the same one. [EMPHASIS ] □� Everybody says he is the very man for the case. □� She died in this very house.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You use very with nouns to emphasize the importance or seriousness of what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� At one stage, his very life was in danger. □� This act undermines the very basis of our democracy. □� History is taking place before your very eyes.

7 PHRASE The expression very much so is an emphatic way of answering 'yes' to something or saying that it is true or correct. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Are you enjoying your holiday?'�'Very much so.'

8 CONVENTION Very well is used to say that you agree to do something or you accept someone's answer, even though you might not be completely satisfied with it. [FORMULAE ] □� 'We need proof, sir.' Another pause. Then, 'Very well.'. □� Very well, please yourself.

9 PHRASE If you say that you cannot very well do something, you mean that it would not be right or possible to do it. □� He couldn't very well go to her office and force her to write a check. □� I said yes. I can't very well say no. USAGE very

1 Don�t use �very� to say that something happens because someone or something has a quality to an unusually large extent. Don�t say, for example, � He looked very funny that we couldn�t help laughing �. You say �He looked so funny that we couldn�t help laughing�. □� We were so angry that we asked to see the manager.

2 Don�t use �very� with comparatives. Don�t say, for example, � Tom was very quicker than I was �. Say �Tom was much quicker than I was� or �Tom was far quicker than I was�. □� It is much colder than yesterday. □� It is a far better picture than the other one.

3 Don�t say that someone is � very awake � or � very asleep �, or that two things are � very apart �. Say that they are wide awake , fast asleep , or far apart . □� He was wide awake all night. □� Chris is still fast asleep in the other bed.

ves|pers /ve spə r z/ N‑UNCOUNT In some Christian churches, vespers is a service in the evening.

ves|sel ◆◇◇ /ve s ə l/ (vessels )

1 N‑COUNT A vessel is a ship or large boat. [FORMAL ] □� �a New Zealand navy vessel.

2 N‑COUNT A vessel is a bowl or other container in which liquid is kept. [FORMAL ]

3 →�see also blood vessel

vest /ve st/ (vests , vesting , vested )

1 N‑COUNT A vest is a piece of underwear which you can wear on the top half of your body in order to keep warm. [BRIT ] in AM, use undershirt2 N‑COUNT A vest is a sleeveless piece of clothing with buttons which people usually wear over a shirt. [AM ] in BRIT, use waistcoat3 VERB [usu passive] If something is vestedin you, or if you are vestedwith it, it is given to you as a right or responsibility. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�in ] All authority was vested in the woman, who discharged every kind of public duty. □�[be V -ed +�with ] The mass media have been vested with significant power in modern societies. □�[V -ed] There's an extraordinary amount of power vested in us.

ve st|ed i n|ter|est (vested interests ) N‑VAR If you have a vested interestin something, you have a very strong reason for acting in a particular way, for example to protect your money, power, or reputation. □�[+�in ] The administration has no vested interest in proving whether public schools were good or bad.

ves|ti|bule /ve st I bjuːl/ (vestibules ) N‑COUNT A vestibule is an enclosed area between the outside door of a building and the inside door. [FORMAL ]

ves|tige /ve st I dʒ/ (vestiges ) N‑COUNT A vestigeof something is a very small part that still remains of something that was once much larger or more important. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] We represent the last vestige of what made this nation great�hard work.

ves|tig|ial /vest I dʒiəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vestigial is used to describe the small amounts of something that still remain of a larger or more important thing. [FORMAL ] □� Vestigial remains of these plays are now seen in the Christmas pantomime.

vest|ments /ve stmənts/ N‑PLURAL Vestments are the special clothes worn by priests during church ceremonies.

ves|try /ve stri/ (vestries ) N‑COUNT A vestry is a room in a church which the clergy use as an office or to change into their ceremonial clothes for church services.

vet /ve t/ (vets , vetting , vetted )

1 N‑COUNT A vet is someone who is qualified to treat sick or injured animals. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use veterinarian2 N‑COUNT A vet is someone who has served in the armed forces of their country, especially during a war. [AM , INFORMAL ] □� All three are Vietnam vets.

3 VERB If something is vetted , it is checked carefully to make sure that it is acceptable to people in authority. [mainly BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] He can find no trace of a rule requiring research to be vetted before publication. □�[V n] He had not been allowed to read any book until his mother had vetted it.

4 VERB [usu passive] If someone is vetted , they are investigated fully before being given a particular job, role, or position, especially one which involves military or political secrets. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] She was secretly vetted before she ever undertook any work for me. ●� vet|ting N‑UNCOUNT □� The government is to make major changes to the procedure for carrying out security vetting.

vetch /ve tʃ/ (vetches ) N‑VAR Vetch is a wild plant. Some types of vetch are sometimes grown as a crop.

vet|er|an ◆◇◇ /ve tərən/ (veterans )

1 N‑COUNT A veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces of their country, especially during a war. □�[+�of ] The charity was formed in 1919 to care for veterans of the First World War.

2 N‑COUNT [usu N n] You use veteran to refer to someone who has been involved in a particular activity for a long time. □� �the veteran Labour MP and former Cabinet minister. COLLOCATIONS veteran NOUN

1

noun +�veteran : army, combat, navy, war

adjective +�veteran : wounded; retired

2

noun +�veteran : industry; comedy, screen, showbiz, theatre

adjective +�veteran : grizzled, seasoned

Ve t|er|ans Day N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, Veterans Day is November 11, when people honour those who have served or are serving in the armed forces.

vet|eri|nar|ian /ve tər I neə riən/ (veterinarians ) N‑COUNT A veterinarian is a person who is qualified to treat sick or injured animals. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use vet

vet|eri|nary /ve tərənəri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Veterinary is used to describe the work of a person whose job is to treat sick or injured animals, or to describe the medical treatment of animals. □� It was decided that our veterinary screening of horses at events should be continued.

ve t|eri|nary sur|geon (veterinary surgeons ) N‑COUNT A veterinary surgeon is someone who is qualified to treat sick or injured animals. [BRIT , FORMAL ] in AM, usually use veterinarian

veto /viː toʊ/ (vetoes , vetoing , vetoed )

1 VERB If someone in authority vetoes something, they forbid it, or stop it being put into action. □�[V n] The Treasury vetoed any economic aid. ●�N‑COUNT Veto is also a noun. □� The veto was a calculated political risk.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Veto is the right that someone in authority has to forbid something. □� �the President's power of veto.

vex /ve ks/ (vexes , vexing , vexed )

1 VERB If someone or something vexes you, they make you feel annoyed, puzzled, and frustrated. □�[V n] It vexed me to think of others gossiping behind my back. ●� vexed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □� Exporters, farmers and industrialists alike are vexed and blame the government. ●� vex|ing ADJ □� There remains, however, another and more vexing problem.

2 →�see also vexed

vexa|tion /vekse I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Vexation is a feeling of being annoyed, puzzled, and frustrated. [FORMAL ] □� He kicked the broken machine in vexation.

vexed /ve kst/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A vexed problem or question is very difficult and causes people a lot of trouble. □� Ministers have begun work on the vexed issue of economic union. □� �the vexed question of whether it was acceptable for players to be paid for their performances.

2 →�see also vex

VHF /viː e I tʃ e f/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] VHF is used to refer to a range of frequencies that is often used for transmitting radio broadcasts in stereo. VHF is an abbreviation for 'very high frequency'.

via ◆◇◇ /va I ə, viː ə/

1 PREP If you go somewhere via a particular place, you go through that place on the way to your destination. □� Mr Baker will return home via Britain and France.

2 PREP If you do something via a particular means or person, you do it by making use of that means or person. □� Translators can now work from home, via electronic mail systems. SYNONYMS via PREP

1

through:The main path continues through a tunnel of trees.

by:Daddy called and asked me to drop by his office.

2

by means of:This is a two-year course taught by means of lectures and seminars.

through:The thought of someone suffering through a mistake of mine makes me shiver.

by:The all-female yacht crew made history by becoming the first to sail round the world.

vi|able /va I əb ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is viable is capable of doing what it is intended to do. □� They struggled initially to make the business viable. □� �commercially viable products. ●� vi|abil|ity /va I əb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the shaky financial viability of the nuclear industry.

2 ADJ Foetuses, seeds, or eggs are described as viable if they are capable of developing into living beings without outside help. [TECHNICAL ] □� Five viable pregnancies were established.

via|duct /va I ədʌkt/ (viaducts ) N‑COUNT A viaduct is a long, high bridge that carries a road or a railway across a valley.

Vi|ag|ra /va I � grə/ N‑UNCOUNT Viagra is a drug that is given to men with certain sexual problems in order to help them to have sexual intercourse. [TRADEMARK ]

vial /va I əl/ (vials ) N‑COUNT A vial is a very small bottle which is used to hold something such as perfume or medicine. [FORMAL ]

vibe /va I b/ (vibes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Vibes are the good or bad atmosphere that you sense with a person or in a place. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�about ] Sorry, Chris, but I have bad vibes about this guy.

vi|brant /va I brənt/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is vibrant is full of life, energy, and enthusiasm. □� Tom felt himself being drawn towards her vibrant personality. □� Orlando itself is vibrant, full of affordable accommodation and great places to eat. ●� vi|bran|cy /va I brənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT □� She was a woman with extraordinary vibrancy and extraordinary knowledge.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vibrant colours are very bright and clear. □� Horizon Blue, Corn Yellow and Pistachio Green are just three of the vibrant colours in this range. ●� vi|brant|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� �a selection of vibrantly coloured cast-iron saucepans.

vi|bra|phone /va I brəfoʊn/ (vibraphones ) N‑COUNT A vibraphone is an electronic musical instrument which consists of a set of metal bars in a frame. When you hit the bars they produce ringing notes that last for some time.

vi|brate /va I bre I t, [AM ] va I bre I t/ (vibrates , vibrating , vibrated ) VERB If something vibrates or if you vibrate it, it shakes with repeated small, quick movements. □�[V ] The ground shook and the cliffs seemed to vibrate. □�[V n] The noise vibrated the table. ●� vi|bra|tion /va I bre I ʃ ə n/ (vibrations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] The vibrations of the vehicles rattled the shop windows.

vi|bra|to /v I brɑː toʊ/ (vibratos ) N‑VAR Vibrato is a rapidly repeated slight change in the pitch of a musical note. Singers and musicians use vibrato to make the music sound more emotional. □� I encourage oboe and clarinet players to use plenty of vibrato.

vi|bra|tor /va I bre I tə r , [AM ] va I bre I tər/ (vibrators ) N‑COUNT A vibrator is an electric device which vibrates. It is used in massage to reduce pain, or to give sexual pleasure.

vic|ar /v I kə r / (vicars )

1 N‑COUNT A vicar is an Anglican priest who is in charge of a church and the area it is in, which is called a parish. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A vicar is a priest who is in charge of a chapel that is associated with a parish church in the Episcopal Church in the United States. [AM ]

vic|ar|age /v I kər I dʒ/ (vicarages ) N‑COUNT A vicarage is a house in which a vicar lives. [BRIT ]

vi|cari|ous /v I keə riəs, [AM ] va I k� r-/ ADJ [ADJ n] A vicarious pleasure or feeling is experienced by watching, listening to, or reading about other people doing something, rather than by doing it yourself. □� She invents fantasy lives for her own vicarious pleasure. ●� vi|cari|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� �a father who lived vicariously through his sons' success.

vice ◆◇◇ /va I s/ (vices )

1 N‑COUNT A vice is a habit which is regarded as a weakness in someone's character, but not usually as a serious fault. □� Intellectual pretension was never one of his vices.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Vice refers to criminal activities, especially those connected with pornography or prostitution. □� He said those convicted of offences connected with vice should be deported.

3 N‑COUNT A vice is a tool with a pair of parts that hold an object tightly while you do work on it. [BRIT ] in AM, use vise

PREFIX vice-

is used before a rank or title to indicate that someone is next in importance to the person who holds the rank or title mentioned. For example, the vice-president of a country is a senior political leader who has a position that is immediately below that of the president.

vice-cha ncellor (vice-chancellors )

1 N‑COUNT In a British university, the vice-chancellor is the person in charge of academic and administrative matters.

2 N‑COUNT In an American university, the vice-chancellor is the person next in rank below the chancellor, who acts as the chancellor's deputy or substitute.

vice|roy /va I srɔ I / (viceroys ) N‑COUNT In former times, a viceroy was the person who ruled a colony on behalf of his king, queen, or government.

vi ce squad (vice squads ) N‑COUNT [N n] Thevice squad is the section of a police force that deals with crime relating to pornography, prostitution, and gambling. □� �ten vice-squad officers.

vice ver|sa /va I sə veː r sə/ PHRASE Vice versa is used to indicate that the reverse of what you have said is true. For example 'women may bring their husbands with them, and vice versa' means that men may also bring their wives with them. □� Teachers qualified to teach in England are not accepted in Scotland, and vice versa.

vi|cin|ity /v I s I n I ti/ N‑SING [oft in N ] If something is inthe vicinityof a particular place, it is near it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] There were a hundred or so hotels in the vicinity of the railway station.

vi|cious /v I ʃəs/

1 ADJ A vicious person or a vicious blow is violent and cruel. □� He was a cruel and vicious man. □� He suffered a vicious attack by a gang of white youths. □� The blow was so sudden and vicious that he dropped to his knees. ●� vi|cious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� She had been viciously attacked with a hammer. ●� vi|cious|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the intensity and viciousness of these attacks.

2 ADJ A vicious remark is cruel and intended to upset someone. □� It is a deliberate, nasty and vicious attack on a young man's character. ●� vi|cious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'He deserved to die,' said Penelope viciously.

vi |cious ci r|cle (vicious circles ) or vicious cycle N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vicious circle is a problem or difficult situation that has the effect of creating new problems which then cause the original problem or situation to occur again. □� Anxiety produces physical symptoms, and the two feed each other in a vicious circle.

vi|cis|si|tudes /v I s I s I tjuːdz, [AM ] -tuːdz/ N‑PLURAL You use vicissitudes to refer to changes, especially unpleasant ones, that happen to someone or something at different times in their life or development. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Whatever the vicissitudes of her past life, Jill now seems to have come through.

vic|tim ◆◆◇ /v I kt I m/ (victims )

1 N‑COUNT A victim is someone who has been hurt or killed. □� Not all the victims survived. □�[+�of ] Statistically, our chances of being the victims of violent crime are remote.

2 N‑COUNT A victim is someone who has suffered as a result of someone else's actions or beliefs, or as a result of unpleasant circumstances. □�[+�of ] He was a victim of racial prejudice. □� Infectious diseases are spreading among many of the flood victims.

3 PHRASE If you fall victim to something or someone, you suffer as a result of them, or you are killed by them. □� In the early 1960s, Blyton fell victim to Alzheimer's disease.

vic|tim|ize ◆◇◇ /v I kt I ma I z/ (victimizes , victimizing , victimized ) in BRIT, also use victimise VERB If someone is victimized , they are deliberately treated unfairly. □�[be V -ed] He felt the students had been victimized because they'd voiced opposition to the government. [Also V n] ●� vic|timi|za|tion /v I kt I ma I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �society's cruel victimization of women.

vic|tim|less /v I kt I mləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A victimless crime is a crime which is considered to be less serious than other crimes because nobody suffers directly as a result of it. [JOURNALISM ] □� �the so-called victimless crime of prostitution.

vi c|tim sup|po rt N‑UNCOUNT Victim support is the giving of help and advice to people who are victims of crime. □� When the attack took place, there were no victim support schemes.

vic|tor /v I ktə r / (victors ) N‑COUNT The victor in a battle or contest is the person who wins. [LITERARY ]

Vic|to|rian /v I ktɔː riən/ (Victorians )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Victorian means belonging to, connected with, or typical of Britain in the middle and last parts of the 19th century, when Victoria was Queen. □� We have a lovely old Victorian house. □� �The Early Victorian Period.

2 ADJ You can use Victorian to describe people who have old-fashioned attitudes, especially about good behaviour and morals. □� Victorian values are much misunderstood. □� My grandfather was very Victorian.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The Victorians were the British people who lived in the time of Queen Victoria.

Vic|to|ri|ana /v I ktɔː riɑː nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Interesting or valuable objects made in the time of Queen Victoria are sometimes referred to as Victoriana .

vic|to|ri|ous /v I ktɔː riəs/ ADJ You use victorious to describe someone who has won a victory in a struggle, war, or competition. □� It has been a season in which he has been on the victorious side just three times.

vic|to|ry ◆◆◇ /v I ktəri/ (victories )

1 N‑VAR A victory is a success in a struggle, war, or competition. □� Union leaders are heading for victory in their battle over workplace rights. □�[+�over ] He led the team to victory over France.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone has won a moral victory , you mean that although they have officially lost a contest or dispute, they have succeeded in showing they are right about something. □� She said her party had won a moral victory.

video ◆◆◇ /v I dioʊ/ (videos , videoing , videoed )

1 N‑COUNT A video is a film or television programme recorded digitally (or in the past on tape) for people to watch on a television set. □� �the makers of films and videos.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Video is the system of recording films and events either digitally or (in the past) on tape. □� She has watched the race on video. □� �manufacturers of audio and video equipment.

3 N‑COUNT A video is a machine used in the past to record television programmes and play videos on a television set. [mainly BRIT ] □� He'd set the video for 8.00. in AM, usually use VCR4 VERB If you video an event, you record it on video. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] She had been videoing the highlights of the tournament. in AM, usually use tape5 N‑UNCOUNT Video is a system by which you can see television images or films on your computer, rather than on a television set.

vi deo ca mera (video cameras ) N‑COUNT A video camera is a camera that you used in the past to record events to watch later on video.

vi deo cas|se tte (video cassettes ) N‑COUNT In the past, a video cassette was a cassette containing videotape, on which you could record or watch moving pictures and sounds.

vi deo-co nference (video-conferences ) N‑COUNT A video-conference is a meeting that takes place using video conferencing. [BUSINESS ]

video con|fer|enc|ing /v I dioʊ kɒ nfrəns I ŋ/ also video-conferencing , videoconferencing N‑UNCOUNT Video conferencing is a system that enables people in various places around the world to have a meeting by seeing and hearing each other on a screen. [BUSINESS ]

vi deo di a|ry (video diaries ) N‑COUNT A video diary is a film that someone makes of the things that happen to them over a period of time, which they upload to a website.

vi deo game (video games ) N‑COUNT A video game is a computer game that you play by using controls or buttons to move images on a screen.

video|tape /v I dioʊte I p/ also video tape N‑UNCOUNT Videotape is magnetic tape that is used to record moving pictures and sounds to be shown on television.

vie /va I / (vies , vying , vied ) VERB If one person or thing is vyingwith another for something, the people or things are competing for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�with ] California is vying with other states to capture a piece of the growing communications market. □�[V to-inf] Four rescue plans are vying to save the zoo. □�[V +�for ] In hospitals, business plans vie with patients for doctors' attention. □�[V +�for ] The two are vying for the support of New York voters.

view ◆◆◆ /vjuː / (views , viewing , viewed )

1 N‑COUNT [N that] Your views on something are the beliefs or opinions that you have about it, for example whether you think it is good, bad, right, or wrong. □�[+�on ] Neither of them had strong views on politics. □� My own view is absolutely clear. What I did was right. □� You should also make your views known to your local MP.

2 N‑SING Your viewof a particular subject is the way that you understand and think about it. □�[+�of ] The drama takes an idealistic, even a naive view of the subject. □�[+�of ] The whole point was to get away from a Christian-centred view of religion.

3 VERB If you view something in a particular way, you think of it in that way. □�[V n +�as ] First-generation Americans view the United States as a land of golden opportunity. □�[V n +�with ] Abigail's mother Linda views her daughter's talent with a mixture of pride and worry. □�[V n with adv] We would view favourably any sensible suggestion for maintaining the business. [Also V n +�in ]

4 N‑COUNT The view from a window or high place is everything which can be seen from that place, especially when it is considered to be beautiful. □�[+�from ] The view from our window was one of beautiful green countryside.

5 N‑SING If you have a viewof something, you can see it. □�[+�of ] He stood up to get a better view of the blackboard.

6 N‑UNCOUNT You use view in expressions to do with being able to see something. For example, if something is in view , you can see it. If something is in full view of everyone , everyone can see it. □� She was lying there in full view of anyone who walked by. □� A group of riders came into view on the dirt road.

7 VERB If you view something, you look at it for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They came back to view the house again.

8 VERB If you view a television programme, video, or film, you watch it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] We have viewed the footage of the incident. □�[V -ing] 'Elizabeth R', a TV portrait of the Queen, had record viewing figures.

9 N‑UNCOUNT View refers to the way in which a piece of text or graphics is displayed on a computer screen. [COMPUTING ] □� To see the current document in full-page view, click the Page Zoom Full button.

10 PHRASE If you takea dim view or a poor viewof someone or something, you disapprove of them or have a low opinion of them. □� They took a dim view of local trade unionists.

11 PHRASE You use in my view when you want to indicate that you are stating a personal opinion, which other people might not agree with. □� In my view, things won't change.

12 PHRASE You use in view of when you are taking into consideration facts that have just been mentioned or are just about to be mentioned. □� In view of the fact that Hobson was not a trained economist, his achievements were remarkable.

13 PHRASE If you have something in view , you are aware of it and your actions are aimed towards it. □� They have very clear career aims in view. □� Ackroyd worked out this whole plot with one objective in view.

14 PHRASE If you take the long view , you consider what is likely to happen in the future over a long period, rather than thinking only about things that are going to happen soon. □� Some investors are taking the long view. [Also +�of ]

15 PHRASE If something such as a work of art is on view , it is shown in public for people to look at. □� A significant exhibition of contemporary sculpture will be on view at the Portland Gallery.

16 PHRASE If you do something with a view to doing something else, you do it because you hope it will result in that other thing being done. □� He has called a meeting of all parties, with a view to forming a government.

view|er ◆◇◇ /vjuː ə r / (viewers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Viewers are people who watch television, or who are watching a particular programme on television. □� These programmes are each watched by around 19 million viewers every week.

2 N‑COUNT A viewer is someone who is looking carefully at a picture or other interesting object. □� �the relationship between the art object and the viewer.

view|finder /vjuː fa I ndə r / (viewfinders ) N‑COUNT A viewfinder is a small square of glass in a camera that you look through in order to see what you are going to photograph.

view|point /vjuː pɔ I nt/ (viewpoints )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's viewpoint is the way that they think about things in general, or the way they think about a particular thing. □� The novel is shown from the girl's viewpoint.

2 N‑COUNT A viewpoint is a place from which you can get a good view of something. □� You have to know where to stand for a good viewpoint.

vig|il /v I dʒ I l/ (vigils ) N‑COUNT A vigil is a period of time when people remain quietly in a place, especially at night, for example because they are praying or are making a political protest. □� Protesters are holding a twenty-four hour vigil outside the socialist party headquarters. ●�PHRASE If someone keeps a vigil or keeps vigil somewhere, they remain there quietly for a period of time, especially at night, for example because they are praying or are making a political protest. □� She kept a vigil at Patrick's bedside.

vigi|lant /v I dʒ I lənt/ ADJ Someone who is vigilant gives careful attention to a particular problem or situation and concentrates on noticing any danger or trouble that there might be. □� He warned the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. ●� vigi|lance N‑UNCOUNT □� Democracy is fragile and will not survive without constant vigilance.

vigi|lan|te /v I dʒ I l� nti/ (vigilantes ) N‑COUNT Vigilantes are people who organize themselves into an unofficial group to protect their community and to catch and punish criminals. □� �vigilante patrols.

vi|gnette /v I nje t/ (vignettes ) N‑COUNT A vignette is a short description, picture, or piece of acting which expresses very clearly and neatly the typical characteristics of the thing that it represents. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The book is an excellent vignette of some of the major debates in science.

vig|or|ous /v I gərəs/

1 ADJ Vigorous physical activities involve using a lot of energy, usually to do short and repeated actions. □� Very vigorous exercise can increase the risk of heart attacks. □� African dance is vigorous, but full of subtlety. ●� vig|or|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He shook his head vigorously.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A vigorous person does things with great energy and enthusiasm. A vigorous campaign or activity is done with great energy and enthusiasm. □� Sir Robert was a strong and vigorous politician. □� �a vigorous campaign against GM food. ●� vig|or|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The police vigorously denied that excessive force had been used.

vig|our /v I gə r / in AM, use vigor N‑UNCOUNT Vigour is physical or mental energy and enthusiasm. □� His body lacks the bounce and vigour of a normal two-year-old.

Vi|king /va I k I ŋ/ (Vikings ) N‑COUNT The Vikings were men who sailed from Scandinavia and attacked villages in most parts of north-western Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries.

vile /va I l/ (viler , vilest ) ADJ If you say that someone or something is vile , you mean that they are very unpleasant. □� She was in too vile a mood to work.

vili|fy /v I l I fa I / (vilifies , vilifying , vilified ) VERB If you are vilified by someone, they say or write very unpleasant things about you, so that people will have a low opinion of you. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed +�for ] His lawyer was vilified for representing him. □�[be V -ed] He was vilified, hounded, and forced into exile by the FBI. [Also V n, V n +�as ] ●� vili|fi|ca|tion /v I l I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Clare did not deserve the vilification she had been subjected to.

vil|la /v I lə/ (villas ) N‑COUNT A villa is a fairly large house, especially one that is used for holidays in Mediterranean countries.

vil|lage ◆◆◇ /v I l I dʒ/ (villages ) N‑COUNT A village consists of a group of houses, together with other buildings such as a church and a school, in a country area. □� He lives quietly in the country in a village near Lahti. □� �the village school.

vil|lag|er /v I l I dʒə r / (villagers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] You refer to the people who live in a village, especially the people who have lived there for most or all of their lives, as the villagers . □� Soon the villagers couldn't afford to buy food for themselves.

vil|lain /v I lən/ (villains )

1 N‑COUNT A villain is someone who deliberately harms other people or breaks the law in order to get what he or she wants.

2 N‑COUNT The villain in a novel, film, or play is the main bad character.

vil|lain|ous /v I lənəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A villainous person is very bad and willing to harm other people or break the law in order to get what he or she wants. □� �her villainous father.

vil|lainy /v I ləni/ N‑UNCOUNT Villainy is very bad or criminal behaviour. [FORMAL ] □� They justify every villainy in the name of high ideals.

vinai|grette /v I n I gre t/ (vinaigrettes ) N‑VAR Vinaigrette is a dressing made by mixing oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and herbs, which is put on salad.

vin|di|cate /v I nd I ke I t/ (vindicates , vindicating , vindicated ) VERB If a person or their decisions, actions, or ideas are vindicated , they are proved to be correct, after people have said that they were wrong. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The director said he had been vindicated by the experts' report. [Also V n] ●� vin|di|ca|tion /v I nd I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] □�[+�of ] He called the success a vindication of his party's free-market economic policy.

vin|dic|tive /v I nd I kt I v/ ADJ If you say that someone is vindictive , you are critical of them because they deliberately try to upset or cause trouble for someone who they think has done them harm. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a vindictive woman desperate for revenge against the man who loved and left her. ●� vin|dic|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� �a dishonest person who is operating completely out of vindictiveness.

vine /va I n/ (vines ) N‑VAR A vine is a plant that grows up or over things, especially one which produces grapes.

vin|egar /v I n I gə r / (vinegars ) N‑VAR Vinegar is a sharp-tasting liquid, usually made from sour wine or malt, which is used to make things such as salad dressing.

vin|egary /v I n I gəri/ ADJ If something has a vinegary taste or smell, it tastes or smells of vinegar. □� The salads taste too vinegary.

vine|yard /v I njə r d/ (vineyards ) N‑COUNT A vineyard is an area of land where grape vines are grown in order to produce wine. You can also use vineyard to refer to the set of buildings in which the wine is produced.

vin|tage /v I nt I dʒ/ (vintages )

1 N‑COUNT The vintage of a good quality wine is the year and place that it was made before being stored to improve it. You can also use vintage to refer to the wine that was made in a certain year. □� This wine is from one of the two best vintages of the decade in this region.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Vintage wine is good quality wine that has been stored for several years in order to improve its quality. □� If you can buy only one case at auction, it should be vintage port.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Vintage cars or aeroplanes are old but are admired because they are considered to be the best of their kind. □� The museum will have a permanent exhibition of 60 vintage cars.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use vintage to describe something which is the best and most typical of its kind. □� This is vintage comedy at its best.

vint|ner /v I ntnə r / (vintners )

1 N‑COUNT A vintner is someone whose job is to buy and sell wine. [FORMAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A vintner is someone who grows grapes and makes wine. [FORMAL ]

vi|nyl /va I n I l/ (vinyls )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Vinyl is a strong plastic used for making things such as floor coverings and furniture. □� �a modern vinyl floor covering. □� �a reclining chair upholstered in shiny blue vinyl.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] You can use vinyl to refer to records, especially in contrast to cassettes or compact discs. □� The shop sold 20% of its music on vinyl.

viol /va I əl/ (viols ) N‑VAR Viols are a family of musical instruments that are made of wood and have six strings. You play the viol with a bow while sitting down.

vio|la /vioʊ lə/ (violas ) N‑VAR A viola is a musical instrument with four strings that is played with a bow. It is like a violin, but is slightly larger and can play lower notes.

vio|late ◆◇◇ /va I əle I t/ (violates , violating , violated )

1 VERB If someone violates an agreement, law, or promise, they break it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] They went to prison because they violated the law. ●� vio|la|tion /va I əle I ʃ ə n/ (violations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] To deprive the boy of his education is a violation of state law. □�[+�of ] He was in violation of his contract. ●� vio|la|tor (violators ) N‑COUNT □�[+�of ] �a government which is a known violator of human rights.

2 VERB If you violate someone's privacy or peace, you disturb it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] These men were violating her family's privacy.

3 VERB If someone violates a special place, for example a grave, they damage it or treat it with disrespect. □�[V n] Detectives are still searching for those who violated the graveyard. ●� vio|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] The violation of the graves is not the first such incident. SYNONYMS violate VERB 1

break:We didn't know we were breaking the law.

infringe:The jury ruled that he had infringed no rules.

disobey:He urged the soldiers to disobey orders if asked to fire on civilian targets.

breach:The newspaper breached the code of conduct on privacy.

contravene:He said the article did not contravene the industry's code of conduct.

vio|lence ◆◆◇ /va I ələns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Violence is behaviour which is intended to hurt, injure, or kill people. □� Twenty people were killed in the violence. □� They threaten them with violence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you do or say something with violence , you use a lot of force and energy in doing or saying it, often because you are angry. [LITERARY ] □� The violence in her tone gave Alistair a shock. SYNONYMS violence NOUN 1

brutality:Her experience of men was of domination and brutality.

savagery:�the sheer savagery of war.

terrorism:They were accused of terrorism.

brute force:He used brute force to take control.

vio|lent ◆◇◇ /va I ələnt/

1 ADJ If someone is violent , or if they do something which is violent , they use physical force or weapons to hurt, injure, or kill other people. □� A quarter of current inmates have committed violent crimes. □� �violent anti-government demonstrations. □� Sometimes the men get violent. ●� vio|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Some opposition activists have been violently attacked.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A violent event happens suddenly and with great force. □� A violent explosion seemed to jolt the whole ground. ●� vio|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� A nearby volcano erupted violently, sending out a hail of molten rock and boiling mud.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as violent , you mean that it is said, done, or felt very strongly. □� Violent opposition to the plan continues. □� He had violent stomach pains. □� �an outburst of violent emotion. ●� vio|lent|ly ADV □� He was violently scolded.

4 ADJ A violent death is painful and unexpected, usually because the person who dies has been murdered. □� �an innocent man who had met a violent death. ●� vio|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� �a girl who had died violently nine years earlier.

5 ADJ A violent film or television programme contains a lot of scenes which show violence. □� It was the most violent film that I have ever seen. SYNONYMS violent ADJ

1

bloodthirsty:They were savage and bloodthirsty.

brutal:He was the victim of a very brutal murder.

vicious:He suffered a vicious attack by a gang of white youths.

savage:This was a savage attack on a defenceless young girl.

aggressive:Some children are much more aggressive than others.

2

devastating:The city of Ormac took the full force of the winds and devastating floods.

raging:The field trip involved crossing a raging torrent.

wild:The wild weather did not deter some people from swimming in the sea.

vio|let /va I əl I t/ (violets )

1 N‑COUNT A violet is a small plant that has purple or white flowers in the spring.

2 COLOUR Something that is violet is a bluish-purple colour. □� The light was beginning to drain from a violet sky.

3 PHRASE If you say that someone is no shrinking violet , you mean that they are not at all shy. □� When it comes to expressing himself he is no shrinking violet.

vio|lin /va I əl I n/ (violins ) N‑VAR A violin is a musical instrument. Violins are made of wood and have four strings. You play the violin by holding it under your chin and moving a bow across the strings. □� Lizzie used to play the violin.

vio|lin|ist /va I əl I n I st/ (violinists ) N‑COUNT A violinist is someone who plays the violin.

VIP /viː a I piː / (VIPs ) N‑COUNT A VIP is someone who is given better treatment than ordinary people because they are famous, influential, or important. VIP is an abbreviation for 'very important person'.

vi|per /va I pə r / (vipers ) N‑COUNT A viper is a small poisonous snake found mainly in Europe.

vi|ral /va I ə rəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A viral disease or infection is caused by a virus. □� �a 65-year-old patient suffering from severe viral pneumonia.

2 ADJ A viral film clip, story, or message is one that spreads quickly because people share it on social media and send it to each other. □�[go +ADJ ] The Facebook post soon went viral. □� �viral videos.

vir|gin /vɜː r dʒ I n/ (virgins )

1 N‑COUNT A virgin is someone who has never had sex. □� I was a virgin until I was thirty years old.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use virgin to describe something such as land that has never been used or spoiled. □� Within 40 years there will be no virgin forest left.

3 PHRASE If you say that a situation is virgin territory , you mean that you have no experience of it and it is completely new for you.

4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] You can use virgin to describe someone who has never done or used a particular thing before. □� Until he appeared in 'In the Line of Fire', the actor had been an action-movie virgin.

vir|gin|al /vɜː r dʒ I n ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as virginal , you mean that they look young and innocent, as if they have had no experience of sex. □� Somehow she'd always been a child in his mind, pure and virginal.

2 ADJ Something that is virginal looks new and clean, as if it has not been used or spoiled. □� �abandoning worn-out land to cultivate virginal pasture.

vir|gin|ity /və r dʒ I n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Virginity is the state of never having had sex. □� She lost her virginity when she was 20. ●�PHRASE When you lose your virginity , you have sex for the first time.

Vir|go /vɜː r goʊ/ (Virgos )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Virgo is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a young woman. People who are born approximately between the 23rd of August and the 22nd of September come under this sign.

2 N‑COUNT A Virgo is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Virgo.

vir|ile /v I ra I l, [AM ] -r ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe a man as virile , you mean that he has the qualities that a man is traditionally expected to have, such as strength and sexual power. □� He wanted his sons to become strong, virile, and athletic like himself. ●� vi|ril|ity /v I r I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □� Children are also considered proof of a man's virility.

2 ADJ Something that is described as virile is considered to be very strong and forceful. [LITERARY ] □� �Prokofiev's most virile, aggressive music.

vir|tual /vɜː r tʃuəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use virtual to indicate that something is so nearly true that for most purposes it can be regarded as true. □� Argentina came to a virtual standstill while the game was being played. □� �conditions of virtual slavery.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Virtual objects and activities are generated by a computer to simulate real objects and activities. [COMPUTING ] □� The site provided a virtual meeting place for activists. ●� vir|tu|al|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� People speculate about virtuality systems, but we're already working on it.

vir|tu|al|ly ◆◇◇ /vɜː r tʃuəli/ ADV You can use virtually to indicate that something is so nearly true that for most purposes it can be regarded as true. □� Virtually all cooking was done over coal-fired ranges. □� It would have been virtually impossible to research all the information. SYNONYMS virtually ADV

practically:He'd known the old man practically all his life.

almost:He was almost as tall as Pete, but skinnier.

nearly:Several times Thorne nearly fell.

vi r|tual me mo|ry N‑UNCOUNT Virtual memory is a computing technique in which you increase the size of a computer's memory by arranging or storing the data in it in a different way. [COMPUTING ]

vi r|tual re|a l|ity N‑UNCOUNT Virtual reality is an environment which is produced by a computer and seems very like reality to the person experiencing it. [COMPUTING ]

vi r|tual sto r|age N‑UNCOUNT Virtual storage is the same as virtual memory . [COMPUTING ]

vir|tue /vɜː r tʃuː/ (virtues )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Virtue is thinking and doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. □� She could have established her own innocence and virtue easily enough.

2 N‑COUNT A virtue is a good quality or way of behaving. □� His virtue is patience. □� Humility is considered a virtue.

3 N‑COUNT The virtue of something is an advantage or benefit that it has, especially in comparison with something else. □�[+�in ] There was no virtue in returning to Calvi the way I had come.

4 PHRASE You use by virtue of to explain why something happens or is true. [FORMAL ] □� The article stuck in my mind by virtue of one detail.

5 PHRASE If you make a virtue of something, you pretend that you did it because you chose to, although in fact you did it because you had to. □� The movie makes a virtue out of its economy.

vir|tu|os|ity /vɜː r tʃuɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] The virtuosity of someone such as an artist or sports player is their great skill. □� At that time, his virtuosity on the trumpet had no parallel in jazz.

vir|tuo|so /vɜː r tʃuoʊ zoʊ/ (virtuosos or virtuosi /vɜː r tʃuoʊ zi/)

1 N‑COUNT A virtuoso is someone who is extremely good at something, especially at playing a musical instrument. □� He was gaining a reputation as a remarkable virtuoso.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A virtuoso performance or display shows great skill. □� England's football fans were hoping for a virtuoso performance against Cameroon.

vir|tu|ous /vɜː r tʃuəs/

1 ADJ A virtuous person behaves in a moral and correct way. □� Louis was shown as an intelligent, courageous and virtuous family man.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as virtuous , you mean that they have done what they ought to do and feel very pleased with themselves, perhaps too pleased. □� I cleaned the flat, which left me feeling virtuous. ●� vir|tu|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� 'I've already done that,' said Ronnie virtuously.

vi r|tu|ous ci r|cle N‑SING If you describe a situation as a virtuous circle , you mean that once one good thing starts happening, other good things happen, which cause the first thing to continue happening. □� Exercise creates its own virtuous circle. You feel so good you want to continue. □�[+�of ] �a virtuous circle of investment and growth.

viru|lence /v I rjʊləns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Virulence is great bitterness and hostility. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The virulence of the caf� owner's anger had appalled her.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The virulence of a disease or poison is its ability to harm or kill people or animals. □� Medical authorities were baffled, both as to its causes and its virulence.

viru|lent /v I rjʊlənt/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Virulent feelings or actions are extremely bitter and hostile. [FORMAL ] □� Now he faces virulent attacks from the Italian media. ●� viru|lent|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� The talk was virulently hostile to the leadership.

2 ADJ A virulent disease or poison is extremely powerful and dangerous. □� A very virulent form of the disease appeared in Belgium.

vi|rus ◆◇◇ /va I ə rəs/ (viruses )

1 N‑COUNT A virus is a kind of germ that can cause disease. □� There are many different strains of flu virus.

2 N‑COUNT In computer technology, a virus is a program that introduces itself into a system, altering or destroying the information stored in the system. [COMPUTING ]

visa /viː zə/ (visas ) N‑COUNT A visa is an official document, or a stamp put in your passport, which allows you to enter or leave a particular country. □� His visitor's visa expired. □� �an exit visa. □� �a tightening of U.S. visa requirements.

vis|age /v I z I dʒ/ (visages ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's visage is their face. [LITERARY ] □� �his milky-white innocent visage.

vis-�-vis /viː z ɑː viː / PREP You use vis-�-vis when you are considering a relationship or comparison between two things or quantities. [FORMAL ] □� Each currency is given a value vis-�-vis the other currencies.

vis|cera /v I sərə/ N‑PLURAL Viscera are the large organs inside the body, such as the heart, liver, and stomach. [MEDICAL ]

vis|cer|al /v I sərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Visceral feelings are feelings that you feel very deeply and find it difficult to control or ignore, and that are not the result of thought. [LITERARY ] □� �the sheer visceral joy of being alive.

vis|cose /v I skoʊs/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Viscose is a smooth artificial fabric. [mainly BRIT ] □� �a black viscose floral dress. in AM, usually use rayon

vis|cos|ity /v I skɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Viscosity is the quality that some liquids have of being thick and sticky. □�[+�of ] �the viscosity of the paint.

vis|count /va I kaʊnt/ (viscounts ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A viscount is a British nobleman who is below an earl and above a baron in rank. □� �a biography of Viscount Mourne.

vis|count|ess /va I kaʊnt I s/ (viscountesses ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A viscountess is the wife of a viscount or a woman who holds the same position as a viscount.

vis|cous /v I skəs/ ADJ A viscous liquid is thick and sticky. □� �dark, viscous blood.

vise /va I s/ →�see vice3

vis|ibil|ity /v I z I b I l I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Visibility means how far or how clearly you can see in particular weather conditions. □� Visibility was poor.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the visibility of something such as a situation or problem, you mean how much it is seen or noticed by other people. □� �the global visibility of the protests.

vis|ible ◆◇◇ /v I z I b ə l/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is visible , it can be seen. □� The warning lights were clearly visible. □�[+�to ] They found a bacterium visible to the human eye. [Also +�from ]

2 ADJ You use visible to describe something or someone that people notice or recognize. □� The most visible sign of the intensity of the crisis is unemployment. □� He was making a visible effort to control himself. ●� vis|ibly /v I z I bli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □� They emerged visibly distressed and weeping.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In economics, visible earnings are the money that a country makes as a result of producing goods, rather than from services such as banking and tourism. [BUSINESS ] □� In the U.K. visible imports have traditionally been greater than visible exports. SYNONYMS visible ADJ 1

perceptible:Pasternak gave him a barely perceptible smile.

noticeable:It is noticeable that women do not have the rivalry that men have.

observable:Mars is too faint and too low in the sky to be observable.

vi|sion ◆◇◇ /v I ʒ ə n/ (visions )

1 N‑COUNT Your visionof a future situation or society is what you imagine or hope it would be like, if things were very different from the way they are now. □�[+�of ] I have a vision of a society that is free of exploitation and injustice. □�[+�of ] That's my vision of how the world could be.

2 N‑COUNT If you have a visionof someone in a particular situation, you imagine them in that situation, for example because you are worried that it might happen, or hope that it will happen. □�[+�of ] He had a vision of Cheryl, slumped on a plastic chair in the waiting-room. □�[+�of ] Maybe you had visions of being surrounded by happy, smiling children.

3 N‑COUNT A vision is the experience of seeing something that other people cannot see, for example in a religious experience or as a result of madness or taking drugs. □� It was on 24th June 1981 that young villagers first reported seeing the Virgin Mary in a vision.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Your vision is your ability to see clearly with your eyes. □� It causes blindness or serious loss of vision.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Your vision is everything that you can see from a particular place or position. □� Jane blocked Cross's vision and he could see nothing.

6 →�see also tunnel vision SYNONYMS vision NOUN 1

idea:My idea of physical perfection is to be very slender.

dream:My dream is to have a house in the country.

fantasy:�fantasies of romance and true love.

vi|sion|ary /v I ʒənri, [AM ] -neri/ (visionaries )

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a visionary , you mean that they have strong, original ideas about how things might be different in the future, especially about how things might be improved. □� An entrepreneur is more than just a risk taker. He is a visionary.

2 ADJ You use visionary to describe the strong, original ideas of a visionary. □� �the visionary architecture of Etienne Boulle�.

vis|it ◆◆◆ /v I z I t/ (visits , visiting , visited )

1 VERB If you visit someone, you go to see them and spend time with them. □�[V n] He wanted to visit his brother in Worcester. □�[V ] Bill would visit on weekends. ●�N‑COUNT Visit is also a noun. □� Helen had recently paid him a visit.

2 VERB If you visit a place, you go there for a short time. □�[V n] He'll be visiting four cities including Cagliari in Sardinia. □�[V n] Caroline visited all the big stores. □�[V -ing] �a visiting truck driver. ●�N‑COUNT Visit is also a noun. □� I paid a visit to my local print shop.

3 VERB If you visit a website, you look at it. [COMPUTING ] □�[V n] For details visit our website at www.cobuild.collins.co.uk.

4 VERB If you visit a professional person such as a doctor or lawyer, you go and see them in order to get professional advice. If they visit you, they come to see you in order to give you professional advice. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] If necessary, the patient can then visit his doctor for further advice. ●�N‑COUNT Visit is also a noun. □�[+�from ] You may have regular home visits from a neonatal nurse.

▸� visit with PHRASAL VERB If you visit with someone, you go to see them and spend time with them. [AM ] □�[V P n] I visited with him in San Francisco. SYNONYMS visit VERB 1

call on:Sofia was intending to call on Miss Kitts.

stop by:I'll stop by to see Leigh before going home.

look up:She looked up some friends of bygone years.

vis|ita|tion /v I z I te I ʃ ə n/ (visitations )

1 N‑COUNT A visitation is an event in which God or another non-human being seems to appear to someone or contact them. □�[+�from ] The young people have claimed almost daily visitations from the Virgin Mary.

2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer humorously to a visit from someone, especially from someone in authority, as a visitation . □�[+�from ] They had another visitation from Essex police.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Visitation is the act of officially visiting someone. [FORMAL ] □� House-to-house visitation has been carried on, under the regulations of the General Board of Health. □� I had visitation rights.

vi s|it|ing fi re|man (visiting firemen ) N‑COUNT A visiting fireman is an important visitor, who gets special treatment. [AM ]

visi|tor ◆◇◇ /v I z I tə r / (visitors ) N‑COUNT A visitor is someone who is visiting a person or place. □�[+�from ] The other day we had some visitors from Switzerland. □�[+�to ] As a student I lived in Oxford, but was a frequent visitor to Belfast.

vi|sor /va I zə r / (visors )

1 N‑COUNT A visor is a movable part of a helmet which can be pulled down to protect a person's eyes or face. □� He pulled on a battered old crash helmet with a scratched visor.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A visor is a piece of plastic or other material fixed above the windscreen inside a car, which can be turned down to protect the driver's eyes from bright sunshine.

vis|ta /v I stə/ (vistas )

1 N‑COUNT A vista is a view from a particular place, especially a beautiful view from a high place. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] From my bedroom window I looked out on a crowded vista of hills and rooftops.

2 N‑COUNT A vista is a vision of a situation or of a range of possibilities. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] These uprisings come from desperation and a vista of a future without hope.

vis|ual /v I ʒuəl/ (visuals )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Visual means relating to sight, or to things that you can see. □� �the graphic visual depiction of violence. □� �music, film, dance, and the visual arts. ●� visu|al|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □� The colours we see visually affect us.

2 N‑COUNT A visual is something such as a picture, diagram, or piece of film that is used to show or explain something. □� Remember you want your visuals to reinforce your message, not detract from what you are saying.

vi s|ual ai d (visual aids ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Visual aids are things that you can look at, such as a film, model, map, or slides, to help you understand something or to remember information.

visu|al|ize /v I ʒuəla I z/ (visualizes , visualizing , visualized ) in BRIT, also use visualise VERB If you visualize something, you imagine what it is like by forming a mental picture of it. □�[V n] Susan visualized her wedding day and saw herself walking down the aisle on her father's arm. □�[V n prep] He could not visualize her as old. □�[V n v-ing] She visualized him stomping to his car, the picture of self-righteousness. □�[V wh] It was hard to visualize how it could have been done. ●� visu|ali|za|tion /v I ʒuəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (visualizations ) N‑VAR □�[+�of ] �a perfect visualization of reality.

vi|tal ◆◇◇ /va I t ə l/

1 ADJ If you say that something is vital , you mean that it is necessary or very important. □� The port is vital to supply relief to millions of drought victims. □� Nick Wileman is a school caretaker so it is vital that he gets on well with young people. □� After her release, she was able to give vital information about her kidnapper. ●� vi|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □� Lesley's career in the church is vitally important to her.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as vital , you mean that they are very energetic and full of life. □� They are both very vital people and a good match.

vi|tal|ity /va I t� l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something has vitality , you mean that they have great energy and liveliness. □� Without continued learning, graduates will lose their intellectual vitality.

vi |tal si gns N‑PLURAL The vital signs of a seriously ill person are the things such as their blood pressure and temperature which show that they are alive.

vi |tal sta|ti s|tics

1 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] The vital statistics of a population are statistics such as the number of births, deaths, or marriages which take place in it.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Someone's vital statistics , especially a woman's, are the measurements of their body at certain points, for example at their chest, waist, and hips.

vita|min ◆◇◇ /v I təm I n, [AM ] va I t-/ (vitamins ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] Vitamins are substances that you need in order to remain healthy, which are found in food or can be eaten in the form of pills. □� Butter, margarine, and oily fish are all good sources of vitamin D.

vi|ti|ate /v I ʃie I t/ (vitiates , vitiating , vitiated ) VERB If something is vitiated , its effectiveness is spoiled or weakened. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed] The Commission's handling of its finances is vitiated by error and fraud. □�[V n] But this does not vitiate his scholarship.

vit|re|ous /v I triəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vitreous means made of glass or resembling glass. [TECHNICAL ]

vit|ri|ol /v I trioʊl/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to what someone says or writes as vitriol , you disapprove of it because it is full of bitterness and hate, and so causes a lot of distress and pain. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The vitriol he hurled at members of the press knew no bounds.

vit|ri|ol|ic /v I triɒ l I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's language or behaviour as vitriolic , you disapprove of it because it is full of bitterness and hate, and so causes a lot of distress and pain. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� There was a vicious and vitriolic attack on him in one of the Sunday newspapers two weeks ago.

vitro /viː troʊ/ →�see in vitro

vi|tu|pera|tion /v I tjuː pəre I ʃ ə n, [AM ] va I tuː p-/ N‑UNCOUNT Vituperation is language that is full of hate, anger, or insults. [FORMAL ]

vi|tu|pera|tive /v I tjuː pərət I v, [AM ] va I tuː p-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Vituperative remarks are full of hate, anger, or insults. [FORMAL ] □� He is often the victim of vituperative remarks concerning his wealth. □� �one of journalism's most vituperative critics.

viva /va I və/ (vivas ) N‑COUNT A viva is a university examination in which a student answers questions in speech rather than writing. [BRIT ]

vi|va|cious /v I ve I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as vivacious , you mean that they are lively, exciting, and attractive. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □� She's beautiful, vivacious, and charming.

vi|vac|ity /v I v� s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has vivacity , you mean that they are lively, exciting, and attractive. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ]

viv|id /v I v I d/

1 ADJ If you describe memories and descriptions as vivid , you mean that they are very clear and detailed. □� People of my generation who lived through World War II have vivid memories of confusion and incompetence. □� On Wednesday night I had a very vivid dream which really upset me. ●� viv|id|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� I can vividly remember the feeling of panic.

2 ADJ Something that is vivid is very bright in colour. □� �a vivid blue sky. ●� viv|id|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □� �vividly coloured birds.

vivi|sec|tion /v I v I se kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Vivisection is the practice of using live animals for scientific experiments. □� �a fierce opponent of vivisection.

vix|en /v I ks ə n/ (vixens ) N‑COUNT A vixen is a female fox.

viz.viz. is used in written English to introduce a list of specific items or examples. □� The school offers two modules in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, viz. Principles and Methods of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.

vlog /vlɒ g, [AM ] vlɔː g/ (vlogs ) N‑COUNT A vlog is a set of videos that someone regularly posts on the internet in which they record their thoughts or experiences or talk about a subject. □� He has his own lifestyle vlog. ●� vlog|ger (vloggers ) N‑COUNT □� Zoe Suggs is a beauty vlogger known as Zoella. ●� vlog|ging N‑UNCOUNT □� He is a Youtube vlogging sensation.

V -neck (V-necks ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A V-neck or a V-neck sweater is a sweater with a neck that is in the shape of the letter V.

vo|cabu|lary /voʊk� bjʊləri, [AM ] -leri/ (vocabularies )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] Your vocabulary is the total number of words you know in a particular language. □� His speech is immature, his vocabulary limited.

2 N‑SING The vocabulary of a language is all the words in it. □� �a new word in the German vocabulary.

3 N‑VAR The vocabulary of a subject is the group of words that are typically used when discussing it. □�[+�of ] �the vocabulary of natural science.

vo|cal /voʊ k ə l/

1 ADJ You say that people are vocal when they speak forcefully about something that they feel strongly about. □�[+�in ] He has been very vocal in his displeasure over the results. □� A public inquiry earlier this year produced vocal opposition from residents. ●� vo|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� Both these proposals were resisted by the developed countries, most vocally by the United States.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Vocal means involving the use of the human voice, especially in singing. □� �a wider range of vocal styles. ●� vo|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Vocally, it is often a very accomplished performance.

vo |cal co rds also vocal chords N‑PLURAL Your vocal cords are the part of your throat that vibrates when you speak.

vo|cal|ist /voʊ kəl I st/ (vocalists ) N‑COUNT A vocalist is a singer who sings with a pop group.

vo|cal|ize /voʊ kəla I z/ (vocalizes , vocalizing , vocalized ) in BRIT, also use vocalise1 VERB If you vocalize a feeling or an idea, you express it in words. □�[V n] Archbishop Hunthausen also vocalized his beliefs that women and homosexuals should be more active in the church.

2 VERB When you vocalize a sound, you use your voice to make it, especially by singing it. □�[V n] In India and Bali, students learn to vocalize music before ever picking up instruments. [Also V ]

vo|cals /voʊ k ə lz/ N‑PLURAL In a pop song, the vocals are the singing, in contrast to the playing of instruments. □� She started out singing backing vocals for her brother.

vo|ca|tion /voʊke I ʃ ə n/ (vocations )

1 N‑VAR If you have a vocation , you have a strong feeling that you are especially suited to do a particular job or to fulfil a particular role in life, especially one which involves helping other people. □� It could well be that he has a real vocation. □� Diana was convinced of her vocation to provide support for her pupils.

2 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] If you refer to your job or profession as your vocation , you feel that you are particularly suited to it. □� Her vocation is her work as an actress.

vo|ca|tion|al /voʊke I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vocational training and skills are the training and skills needed for a particular job or profession. □� �a course designed to provide vocational training in engineering. ●� vo|ca|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □� �a variety of vocationally oriented courses.

voca|tive /vɒ kət I v/ (vocatives ) N‑COUNT A vocative is a word such as 'darling' or 'madam' which is used to address someone or attract their attention. [TECHNICAL ]

vo|cif|er|ous /vəs I fərəs, [AM ] voʊs-/ ADJ If you describe someone as vociferous , you mean that they speak with great energy and determination, because they want their views to be heard. □� He was a vociferous opponent of Conservatism. ●� vo|cif|er|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □� He vociferously opposed the state of emergency imposed by the government.

vod|ka /vɒ dkə/ (vodkas ) N‑VAR Vodka is a strong, clear, alcoholic drink.

vogue /voʊ g/

1 N‑SING If there is a voguefor something, it is very popular and fashionable. □�[+�for ] Despite the vogue for so-called health teas, there is no evidence that they are any healthier.

2 PHRASE If something is in vogue , is very popular and fashionable. If it comes into vogue , it becomes very popular and fashionable. □� Pale colours are much more in vogue than autumnal bronzes and coppers. □� �the hippie-ethnic look which came into vogue in the late 60s.

voice ◆◆◇ /vɔ I s/ (voices , voicing , voiced )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N , adj N ] When someone speaks or sings, you hear their voice . □� Miriam's voice was strangely calm. □� 'The police are here,' she said in a low voice. □� There was a sound of loud voices from the kitchen.

2 N‑COUNT Someone's voice is their opinion on a particular topic and what they say about it. □�[+�of ] What does one do when a government simply refuses to listen to the voice of the opposition?

3 N‑SING If you have a voice in something, you have the right to express an opinion on it. □�[+�in ] The people themselves must be an important voice in the debate.

4 VERB If you voice something such as an opinion or an emotion, you say what you think or feel. □�[V n] Some scientists have voiced concern that the disease could be passed on to humans. □�[V -ed] This is a criticism frequently voiced by opponents.

5 N‑SING In grammar, if a verb is in the active voice , the person who performs the action is the subject of the verb. If a verb is in the passive voice , the thing or person affected by the action is the subject of the verb.

6 PHRASE If you give voice to an opinion, a need, or a desire, you express it aloud. □� �a community radio run by the Catholic Church which gave voice to the protests of the slum-dwellers.

7 PHRASE If someone tells you to keep your voice down , they are asking you to speak more quietly. □� Keep your voice down, for goodness sake.

8 PHRASE If you lose your voice , you cannot speak for a while because of an illness. □� I had to be careful not to get a sore throat and lose my voice.

9 PHRASE If you raise your voice , you speak more loudly. If you lower your voice , you speak more quietly. □� He raised his voice for the benefit of the other two women. □� She'd lowered her voice until it was barely audible.

10 PHRASE If you say something at the top of your voice , you say it as loudly as possible. [EMPHASIS ] □� 'Damn!' he yelled at the top of his voice.

11 PHRASE If a number of people say something with one voice , they all express the same opinion about something. □� This would enable the community to speak with one voice in world affairs.

voi ce box (voice boxes ) N‑COUNT Your voice box is the top part of the tube that leads from your throat to your lungs, which contains your vocal cords.

voiced /vɔ I st/ ADJ A voiced speech sound is one that is produced with vibration of the vocal cords. [TECHNICAL ]

voice|less /vɔ I sləs/ ADJ A voiceless speech sound is one that is produced without vibration of the vocal cords. [TECHNICAL ]

voi ce mail N‑UNCOUNT Voice mail is a system of sending messages over the phone. Calls are answered by a machine which connects you to the person you want to leave a message for, and they can listen to their messages later.

voi ce-over (voice-overs ) also voiceover N‑COUNT The voice-over of a film, television programme, or advertisement consists of words which are spoken by someone who is not seen. □� 89% of advertisements had a male voice-over.

void /vɔ I d/ (voids , voiding , voided )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a situation or a feeling as a void , you mean that it seems empty because there is nothing interesting or worthwhile about it. □�[+�in ] His death has left a void in the cricketing world which can never be filled.

2 N‑COUNT You can describe a large or frightening space as a void . □� He stared into the dark void where the battle had been fought.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Something that is void or null and void is officially considered to have no value or authority. □� The original elections were declared void by the former military ruler. □� The agreement will be considered null and void.

4 ADJ If you are void of something, you do not have any of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] He rose, his face void of emotion as he walked towards the door.

5 VERB To void something means to officially say that it is not valid. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The Supreme Court threw out the confession and voided his conviction for murder.

voile /vɔ I l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Voile is thin material which is used for making women's clothing, for example dresses, blouses, and scarves.

vol. (vols ) Vol. is used as a written abbreviation for volume when you are referring to one or more books in a series of books.

vola|tile /vɒ ləta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/

1 ADJ A situation that is volatile is likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly. □� The international oil markets have been highly volatile since the early 1970s. ●� vola|til|ity /vɒ lət I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] He is keen to see a general reduction in arms sales given the volatility of the region.

2 ADJ If someone is volatile , their mood often changes quickly. □� He has a volatile temper.

3 ADJ A volatile liquid or substance is one that will quickly change into a gas. [TECHNICAL ] □� It's thought that the blast occurred when volatile chemicals exploded.

vol|can|ic /vɒlk� n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Volcanic means coming from or created by volcanoes. □� Over 200 people have been killed by volcanic eruptions.

vol|ca|no /vɒlke I noʊ/ (volcanoes ) N‑COUNT A volcano is a mountain from which hot melted rock, gas, steam, and ash from inside the Earth sometimes burst. □� The volcano erupted last year killing about 600 people.

vole /voʊ l/ (voles )

1 N‑COUNT A vole is a small animal that looks like a mouse but has very small ears and a short tail. Voles usually live in fields or near rivers.

2 →�see also water vole

vo|li|tion /vəl I ʃ ə n, [AM ] voʊl-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Your volition is the power you have to decide something for yourself. [FORMAL ] □� We like to think that everything we do and everything we think is a product of our volition.

2 PHRASE If you do something of your own volition , you do it because you have decided for yourself that you will do it and not because someone else has told you to do it. [FORMAL ] □� Makin said Mr Coombes had gone to the police of his own volition.

vol|ley /vɒ li/ (volleys , volleying , volleyed )

1 VERB In sport, if someone volleys the ball, they hit it before it touches the ground. □�[V n prep/adv] He volleyed the ball spectacularly into the far corner of the net. □�[V ] McNeil volleyed more effectively in the second set. ●�N‑COUNT Volley is also a noun. □� She hit most of the winning volleys.

2 N‑COUNT A volleyof gunfire is a lot of bullets that travel through the air at the same time. □�[+�of ] It's still not known how many died in the volleys of gunfire.

volley|ball /vɒ libɔːl/ N‑UNCOUNT Volleyball is a game in which two teams hit a large ball with their hands backwards and forwards over a high net. If you allow the ball to touch the ground, the other team wins a point.

volt /voʊ lt/ (volts ) N‑COUNT A volt is a unit used to measure the force of an electric current.

volt|age /voʊ lt I dʒ/ (voltages ) N‑VAR The voltage of an electrical current is its force measured in volts. □� The systems are getting smaller and using lower voltages. □� �high-voltage power lines.

volte-face /vɒ lt fɑː s/ (volte-faces ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone's behaviour is a volte-face , you mean that they have changed their opinion or decision completely, so that it is the opposite of what it was before. [FORMAL ] □� The day's events were a remarkable volte-face.

vol|uble /vɒ ljʊb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone is voluble , you mean that they talk a lot with great energy and enthusiasm. [FORMAL ] □� She was voluble with excitement. □� Bert is a voluble, gregarious man. ●� vol|ubly /vɒ ljʊbli/ ADV [ADV with v] □� In the next booth along, he could see an elderly lady, talking volubly.

vol|ume ◆◆◇ /vɒ ljuːm/ (volumes )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The volumeof something is the amount of it that there is. □�[+�of ] Senior officials will be discussing how the volume of sales might be reduced. □�[+�of ] �the sheer volume of traffic and accidents.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The volume of an object is the amount of space that it contains or occupies. □� When egg whites are beaten they can rise to seven or eight times their original volume.

3 N‑COUNT A volume is a book. [FORMAL ] □� �a 125-page volume.

4 N‑COUNT A volume is one book in a series of books. □�[+�of ] �the first volume of his autobiography.

5 N‑COUNT A volume is a collection of several issues of a magazine, for example all the issues for one year. □�[+�of ] �bound volumes of the magazine.

6 N‑UNCOUNT Thevolume of a radio, television, or sound system is the loudness of the sound it produces. □� He turned down the volume. □�[+�of ] He came to complain about the volume of the music.

7 PHRASE If something such as an action speaks volumesabout a person or thing, it gives you a lot of information about them. □�[+�about ] What you wear speaks volumes about you. SYNONYMS volume NOUN 1

amount:He needs that amount of money to survive.

quantity:�a small quantity of water.

size:Iraq itself has oil reserves second in size only to Saudi Arabia's.

vo|lu|mi|nous /vəluː m I nəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is voluminous is very large or contains a lot of things. [FORMAL ] □� The FBI kept a voluminous file on Pablo Picasso.

vol|un|tary ◆◇◇ /vɒ ləntri, [AM ] -teri/

1 ADJ Voluntary actions or activities are done because someone chooses to do them and not because they have been forced to do them. □� Attention is drawn to a special voluntary course in Commercial French. □� The scheme, due to begin next month, will be voluntary. ●� vol|un|tar|ily /vɒ ləntrəli, [AM ] -ter I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □� I would only leave here voluntarily if there was a big chance to work abroad.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Voluntary work is done by people who are not paid for it, but who do it because they want to do it. □� He'd been working at the local hostel on a voluntary basis.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A voluntary worker is someone who does work without being paid for it, because they want to do it. □� Apna Arts has achieved more with voluntary workers in three years than most organisations with paid workers have achieved in ten. □� We depend solely upon our voluntary helpers.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] A voluntary organization is controlled and organized by the people who have chosen to work for it, often without being paid, rather than receiving help or money from the government. □� Some local authorities and voluntary organizations also run workshops for people with disabilities. SYNONYMS voluntary ADJ 1

optional:A holiday isn't an optional extra. In this stressful, frantic world it's a must.

discretionary:Magistrates were given wider discretionary powers.

vol|un|teer ◆◇◇ /vɒ lənt I ə r / (volunteers , volunteering , volunteered )

1 N‑COUNT A volunteer is someone who does work without being paid for it, because they want to do it. □� She now helps in a local school as a volunteer three days a week. □� Mike was a member of the local volunteer fire brigade.

2 N‑COUNT A volunteer is someone who offers to do a particular task or job without being forced to do it. □� Right. What I want now is two volunteers to come down to the front.

3 VERB If you volunteerto do something, you offer to do it without being forced to do it. □�[V to-inf] Aunt Mary volunteered to clean up the kitchen. □�[V +�for ] He volunteered for the army in 1939. □�[V +�as ] She volunteered as a nurse in a soldiers' rest-home. □�[V n] He's volunteered his services as a chauffeur. [Also V ]

4 VERB If you volunteer information, you tell someone something without being asked. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] The room was quiet; no one volunteered any further information. □�[V with quote] 'They were both great supporters of Franco,' Ryle volunteered. □�[V that] The next week, Phillida volunteered that they were getting on better.

5 N‑COUNT A volunteer is someone who chooses to join the armed forces, especially during a war, as opposed to someone who is forced to join by law. □� They fought as volunteers with the rebels.

vo|lup|tu|ous /vəlʌ ptʃuəs/ ADJ If you describe a woman as voluptuous , you mean that she has large breasts and hips and is considered attractive in a sexual way. □� �a voluptuous, well-rounded lady with glossy black hair.

vom|it /vɒ m I t/ (vomits , vomiting , vomited )

1 VERB If you vomit , food and drink comes back up from your stomach and out through your mouth. □�[V ] Any product made from cow's milk made him vomit. □�[V n] She began to vomit blood a few days before she died. □�[V n with up ] He vomited up all he had just eaten. ●� vom|it|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting may accompany migraine.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Vomit is partly digested food and drink that has come back up from someone's stomach and out through their mouth.

voo|doo /vuː duː/ N‑UNCOUNT Voodoo is a form of religion involving magic which is practised by some people in the West Indies, especially Haiti.

vo|ra|cious /vəre I ʃəs, [AM ] vɔːr-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person, or their appetite for something, as voracious , you mean that they want a lot of something. [LITERARY ] □� Joseph Smith was a voracious book collector. □� �the band's voracious appetite for fun. ●� vo|ra|cious|ly ADV □� He read voraciously.

vor|tex /vɔː r teks/ (vortexes or vortices /vɔː r t I siːz/)

1 N‑COUNT A vortex is a mass of wind or water that spins round so fast that it pulls objects down into its empty centre. □� The polar vortex is a system of wintertime winds.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a situation as a vortex , you feel that you are being forced into it without being able to prevent it. □� This decision propelled her into a vortex from which there seemed no escape.

vote ◆◆◆ /voʊ t/ (votes , voting , voted )

1 N‑COUNT A vote is a choice made by a particular person or group in a meeting or an election. □� He walked to the local polling centre to cast his vote. □� The government got a massive majority�well over 400 votes. □� Mr Reynolds was re-elected by 102 votes to 60.

2 N‑COUNT Avote is an occasion when a group of people make a decision by each person indicating his or her choice. The choice that most people support is accepted by the group. □�[+�on ] Why do you think we should have a vote on that? □� They took a vote and decided not to do it.

3 N‑SING Thevote is the total number of votes or voters in an election, or the number of votes received or cast by a particular group. □� Opposition parties won about fifty-five per cent of the vote.

4 N‑SING If you have thevote in an election, or have avote in a meeting, you have the legal right to indicate your choice. □� Before that, women did not have a vote at all.

5 VERB When you vote , you indicate your choice officially at a meeting or in an election, for example by raising your hand or writing on a piece of paper. □�[V ] Two-thirds of the electorate had the chance to vote in these elections. □�[V prep] It seems many people would vote for the government, if there was a new leader. □�[V to-inf] The residents of Leningrad voted to restore the city's original name of St Petersburg. □�[V by n to-inf/prep] The board of trustees voted by majority vote to remove the director. □�[V num +�for ] The council voted 9:8 for a five percent tax increase. ●� vot|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Voting began about two hours ago.

6 VERB If you vote a particular political party or leader, or voteyes or no , you make that choice with the vote that you have. □�[V n] 52.5% of those questioned said they'd vote Labour. □�[V yes ] A single candidate is put forward and the people vote yes or no. [Also V no ]

7 VERB If people vote someone a particular title, they choose that person to have that title. □�[V n n] His class voted him the man 'who had done the most for Yale.'.

8 →�see also block vote

9 PHRASE If you vote with your feet , you show that you do not support something by leaving the place where it is happening or leaving the organization that is supporting it. □� Thousands of citizens are already voting with their feet, and leaving the country.

10 PHRASE If you say ' I votethat ' a particular thing should happen, you are suggesting that this is what should happen. [INFORMAL ] □� I vote that we all go to Holland immediately.

11 PHRASE One man one vote or one person one vote is a system of voting in which every person in a group or country has the right to cast their vote, and in which each individual's vote is counted and has equal value. □� We have a democratic voting system of one man one vote.

▸� vote in PHRASAL VERB If people vote in a particular person or political party, they give enough votes to that person or party in an official election for them to hold a position of power. □�[V n P ] If he fails, then he will have little excuse in the eyes of those who voted him in. □�[V P n] The members of the national assembly will vote in a prime minister by a simple majority.

▸� vote out PHRASAL VERB If people vote out a particular person or political party, they give that person or party so few votes in an official election that they no longer hold a position of power. □�[V n P ] And if the President doesn't make things better, other voters say, we'll vote him out, too. □�[V n P +�of ] They cannot join forces to vote her out of office. □�[V P n] And of course we all know we can vote out our councillors. SYNONYMS vote NOUN 1

poll:Polls show that the European treaty has gained support in Denmark.

election:�the first fully free elections for more than fifty years.

ballot:The result of the ballot will not be known for two weeks.

referendum:Estonia said it too planned to hold a referendum on independence.

vo te of co n|fi|dence (votes of confidence )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vote of confidence is a vote in which members of a group are asked to indicate that they still support the person or group in power, usually the government. □�[+�in ] The Prime Minister lost a vote of confidence in Parliament.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vote of confidence is something that you say or do which shows that you approve of or support a person or a group. □�[+�in ] The merger represented a vote of confidence in Internet stocks.

vo te of no co n|fi|dence (votes of no confidence ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vote of no confidence is a vote in which members of a group are asked to indicate that they do not support the person or group in power, usually the government. □�[+�in ] The opposition has called for a vote of no confidence in the government.

vo te of tha nks (votes of thanks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vote of thanks is an official speech in which the speaker formally thanks a person for doing something. □�[+�to ] I would like to propose a vote of thanks to our host.

vot|er ◆◆◇ /voʊ tə r / (voters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Voters are people who have the legal right to vote in elections, or people who are voting in a particular election. □� Austrian voters went to the polls this weekend to elect a successor to the President.

vouch /vaʊ tʃ/ (vouches , vouching , vouched )

▸� vouch for

1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that you can or will vouch for someone, you mean that you can guarantee their good behaviour. □�[V P n] Kim's mother agreed to vouch for Maria and get her a job.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that you can vouch for something, you mean that you have evidence from your own personal experience that it is true or correct. □�[V P n] He cannot vouch for the accuracy of the story.

vouch|er /vaʊ tʃə r / (vouchers ) N‑COUNT [n N ] A voucher is a ticket or piece of paper that can be used instead of money to pay for something. □� �gift vouchers.

vouch|safe /vaʊ tʃse I f/ (vouchsafes , vouchsafing , vouchsafed ) VERB If you are vouchsafed something or it is vouchsafedto you, you are given or granted it. [FORMAL ] □�[be V -ed n] As we approached the summit, we were vouchsafed a rare vision. □�[V n n] Eric gritted his teeth and vouchsafed them a few more drops of brandy. □�[V n] 'He drives like a madman,' was all the information he vouchsafed. [Also V n +�to ]

vow /vaʊ / (vows , vowing , vowed )

1 VERB If you vowto do something, you make a serious promise or decision that you will do it. □�[V to-inf] While many models vow to go back to college, few do. □�[V that] I solemnly vowed that someday I would return to live in Europe. □�[V with quote] 'I'll kill him,' she vowed. □�[V n] They have vowed a quick and decisive response.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf, N that] A vow is a serious promise or decision to do a particular thing. □� I made a silent vow to be more careful in the future.

3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Vows are a particular set of serious promises, such as the promises two people make when they are getting married. □�[+�of ] He had broken his vow of poverty.

vow|el /vaʊ əl/ (vowels ) N‑COUNT A vowel is a sound such as the ones represented in writing by the letters 'a', 'e' 'i', 'o' and 'u', which you pronounce with your mouth open, allowing the air to flow through it. Compare consonant . □� The vowel in words like 'my' and 'thigh' is not very difficult.

vox pop /vɒ ks pɒ p/ (vox pops ) N‑VAR In a radio or television programme, a vox pop is an item consisting of a series of short interviews with ordinary members of the public. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ]

voy|age /vɔ I I dʒ/ (voyages , voyaging , voyaged )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A voyage is a long journey on a ship or in a spacecraft. □� �the first space shuttle voyage to be devoted entirely to astronomy.

2 VERB To voyage to a place means to travel there, especially by sea. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] They voyaged across the North Sea in longboats. ●� voy|ag|er (voyagers ) N‑COUNT □�[+�to ] �fifteenth-century voyagers to the lands now called America and the Caribbean. ●� voy|ag|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Our boat would not have been appropriate for ocean voyaging.

vo|yeur /vwa I ɜː r , [AM ] vɔ I -/ (voyeurs )

1 N‑COUNT A voyeur is someone who gets sexual pleasure from secretly watching other people having sex or taking their clothes off.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a voyeur , you disapprove of them because you think they enjoy watching other people's suffering or problems. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The media has made unfeeling voyeurs of all of us.

vo|yeur|ism /vwa I ər I zəm, [AM ] vɔ I ɜː r-/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Voyeurism is the practice of getting sexual pleasure by secretly watching other people having sex or taking their clothes off.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe someone's behaviour as voyeurism , you disapprove of them because you think they enjoy watching other people's suffering or problems. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The BBC yesterday defended a series featuring dramatic crime reconstructions against suggestions of voyeurism.

vo|yeur|is|tic /vwa I ər I st I k, [AM ] vɔ I -/

1 ADJ Voyeuristic behaviour involves getting sexual pleasure from secretly watching other people having sex or taking their clothes off.

2 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as voyeuristic , you disapprove of them because you think they enjoy watching other people's suffering or problems. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� We as a society are growing more commercial and voyeuristic all the time.

vs.vs. is a written abbreviation for versus . □� �England vs. Brazil in the U.S. Cup.

V -sign (V-signs )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a V-sign is a rude gesture which is made by sticking up your first two fingers in a V shape, with the palm of your hand facing you.

2 N‑COUNT A V-sign is a gesture which is made by sticking up your first two fingers in a V shape, with the palm of your hand facing away from you, as a sign of victory.

VSO /viː es oʊ / N‑PROPER VSO is a British organization that sends skilled people to developing countries to work on projects that help the local community. VSO is an abbreviation for 'Voluntary Service Overseas'.

vul|gar /vʌ lgə r /

1 ADJ If you describe something as vulgar , you think it is in bad taste or of poor artistic quality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The film is tasteless, vulgar and even badly shot. ●� vul|gar|ity /vʌlg� r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] I hate the vulgarity of this room.

2 ADJ If you describe pictures, gestures, or remarks as vulgar , you dislike them because they refer to sex or parts of the body in a rude way that you find unpleasant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The women laughed coarsely at some vulgar jokes. □� The lyrics were vulgar. ●� vul|gar|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� There's a good deal of vulgarity.

3 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as vulgar , you mean that they lack taste or behave rudely. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was a vulgar old man, but he never swore in front of a woman. ●� vul|gar|ity N‑UNCOUNT □� It's his vulgarity that I can't take.

vul|ner|able ◆◇◇ /vʌ lnərəb ə l/

1 ADJ Someone who is vulnerable is weak and without protection, with the result that they are easily hurt physically or emotionally. □� Old people are particularly vulnerable members of our society. ●� vul|ner|abil|ity /vʌ lnərəb I l I ti/ (vulnerabilities ) N‑VAR □� David accepts his own vulnerability.

2 ADJ If a person, animal, or plant is vulnerableto a disease, they are more likely to get it than other people, animals, or plants. □�[+�to ] People with high blood pressure are especially vulnerable to diabetes. ●� vul|ner|abil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] Taking long-term courses of certain medicines may increase vulnerability to infection.

3 ADJ Something that is vulnerable can be easily harmed or affected by something bad. □�[+�to ] Their tanks would be vulnerable to attack from the air. □� Goodyear could be vulnerable in a prolonged economic slump. ●� vul|ner|abil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�to ] �anxieties about the country's vulnerability to invasion.

vul|ture /vʌ ltʃə r / (vultures )

1 N‑COUNT A vulture is a large bird which lives in hot countries and eats the flesh of dead animals.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a person as a vulture , you disapprove of them because you think they are trying to gain from another person's troubles. [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� With no buyer in sight for the company as a whole, the vultures started to circle.

vul|va /vʌ lvə/ (vulvas ) N‑COUNT The vulva is the outer part of a woman's sexual organs. [TECHNICAL ]

vy|ing /va I I ŋ/ Vying is the present participle of vie .

Ww

W , w /dʌ b ə ljuː/ (W's, w's )

1 N‑VAR W is the twenty-third letter of the English alphabet.

2W or w is an abbreviation for words beginning with w, such as 'west' or 'watt'.

wacko /w� koʊ/ ADJ If you say that someone is wacko , you are saying in an unkind way that they are strange and eccentric. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Lampley was obviously completely wacko.

wacky /w� ki/ (wackier , wackiest ) also whacky ADJ If you describe something or someone as wacky , you mean that they are eccentric, unusual, and often funny. [INFORMAL ] □� �a wacky new television comedy series.

wad /wɒ d/ (wads ) N‑COUNT A wadof something such as paper or cloth is a tight bundle or ball of it. □�[+�of ] �a wad of banknotes. □�[+�of ] �a wad of cotton soaked in cleaning fluid.

wad|ding /wɒ d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Wadding is soft material which is put around things to protect them, for example in packing.

wad|dle /wɒ d ə l/ (waddles , waddling , waddled ) VERB To waddle somewhere means to walk there with short, quick steps, swinging slightly from side to side. A person or animal that waddles usually has short legs and a fat body. □�[V prep/adv] McGinnis pushed himself laboriously out of the chair and waddled to the window. [Also V ]

wade /we I d/ (wades , wading , waded )

1 VERB If you wade through something that makes it difficult to walk, usually water or mud, you walk through it. □�[V prep/adv] Rescuers had to wade across a river to reach them.

2 VERB To wade through a lot of documents or pieces of information means to spend a lot of time and effort reading them or dealing with them. □�[V +�through ] It has taken a long time to wade through the 'incredible volume' of evidence.

▸� wade in or wade into PHRASAL VERB If someone wades in or wades into something, they get involved in a very determined and forceful way, often without thinking enough about the consequences of their actions. □�[V P ] They don't just listen sympathetically, they wade in with remarks like, 'If I were you�'. □�[V P n] Police waded into a crowd of protesters.

wad|er /we I də r / (waders )

1 N‑COUNT A wader is a bird with long legs and a long neck, which lives near water and feeds on fish. There are several different kinds of waders.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Waders are long rubber boots which cover all of the legs and are worn by fishermen when they are standing in water.

wadge /wɒ dʒ/ →�see wodge

wadi /wɒ di/ (wadis ) N‑COUNT A wadi is a river in North Africa or Arabia which is dry except in the rainy season. [TECHNICAL ]

wa d|ing pool (wading pools ) N‑COUNT A wading pool is a shallow artificial pool for children to play in. [AM ] in BRIT, use paddling pool

wa|fer /we I fə r / (wafers )

1 N‑COUNT A wafer is a thin crisp biscuit which is usually eaten with ice cream.

2 N‑COUNT A wafer is a circular, thin piece of special bread which the priest gives people to eat in the Christian service of Holy Communion.

wa fer-thi n ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] Wafer-thin means extremely thin and flat. □� Cut the fennel into wafer-thin slices.

waf|fle /wɒ f ə l/ (waffles , waffling , waffled )

1 VERB If you say that someone waffles , you are critical of them because they talk or write a lot without actually making any clear or important points. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] My teacher often tells me I waffle. □�[V +�about ] There was some bloke on the phone waffling about an airline ticket. ●�PHRASAL VERB Waffle on means the same as waffle . □�[V P ] Whenever I open my mouth I don't half waffle on. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Waffle is also a noun. □� He writes smug, sanctimonious waffle.

2 VERB If someone waffles on an issue or question, they cannot decide what to do or what their opinion is about it. [AM ] □�[V +�on ] He's waffled on abortion and gay rights. □�[V ] He kept waffling and finding excuses not to close the deal. [Also V +�about/over ]

3 N‑COUNT A waffle is a kind of square cake made of batter with squares marked on it. Waffles are usually eaten with syrup poured over them.

waft /wɒ ft, w� ft/ (wafts , wafting , wafted ) VERB If sounds or smells waft through the air, or if something such as a light wind wafts them, they move gently through the air. □�[V prep/adv] The scent of climbing roses wafts through the window. □�[V n prep/adv] A slight breeze rose, wafting the heavy scent of flowers past her. ●�N‑COUNT Waft is also a noun. □�[+�of ] A waft of perfume drifted into Ingrid's nostrils.

wag /w� g/ (wags , wagging , wagged )

1 VERB When a dog wags its tail, it repeatedly waves its tail from side to side. □�[V n] The dog was biting, growling and wagging its tail.

2 VERB If you wag your finger, you shake it repeatedly and quickly from side to side, usually because you are annoyed with someone. □�[V n] He wagged a disapproving finger.

3 VERB If you wag your head, you move it from side to side, often because you are unhappy about a situation. □�[V n] He wags his head unhappily.

wage ◆◇◇ /we I dʒ/ (wages , waging , waged )

1 N‑COUNT Someone's wages are the amount of money that is regularly paid to them for the work that they do. □� His wages have gone up. □� This may end efforts to set a minimum wage well above the poverty line.

2 VERB If a person, group, or country wages a campaign or a war, they start it and continue it over a period of time. □�[V n] �the three factions that had been waging a civil war. COLLOCATIONS wage NOUN 1

adjective +�wage : average, minimum, weekly; decent, high, low

verb +�wage : earn, receive; pay, raise, set SYNONYMS wage NOUN 1

pay:�their complaints about their pay and conditions.

earnings:Average weekly earnings rose by 1.5% in July.

remuneration:$31,000 is a generous remuneration.

income:Over a third of their income comes from comedy videos.

waged /we I dʒd/

1Waged is the past tense and past participle of wage .

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Waged workers receive money regularly for doing a job. Waged work is work that you are paid to do. □� �the influx of women into the waged workforce. □� They want secure, waged employment.

wa ge pack|et (wage packets ) N‑COUNT People's wages can be referred to as their wage packet . [mainly BRIT ] □� They work long hours in order to take home a fat wage packet. in AM, usually use paycheck

wa|ger /we I dʒə r / (wagers , wagering , wagered )

1 VERB If you wageron the result of a horse race, football match, or other event, you give someone a sum of money which they give you back with extra money if the result is what you predicted, or which they keep if it is not. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V +�on ] Just because people wagered on the Yankees did not mean that they liked them. □�[V n +�on ] He never wagered money on games involving his own team. ●�N‑COUNT Wager is also a noun. □�[+�on ] There have been various wagers on certain candidates since the Bishop announced his retirement.

2 VERB If you say that you will wagerthat something is the case, you mean you are confident that it is the case. □�[V that] She was willing to wager that he didn't own the apartment he lived in.

wag|gle /w� g ə l/ (waggles , waggling , waggled ) VERB If you waggle something, or if something waggles , it moves up and down or from side to side with short quick movements. □�[V n] He was waggling his toes in his socks. □�[V ] �puppet animals with eyes that move and ears that waggle.

wag|on /w� gən/ (wagons ) in BRIT, also use waggon1 N‑COUNT A wagon is a strong vehicle with four wheels, usually pulled by horses or oxen and used for carrying heavy loads.

2 N‑COUNT A wagon is a large container on wheels which is pulled by a train. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use freight car

3 PHRASE Someone who is on the wagon has stopped drinking alcohol. [INFORMAL ] □� I'm on the wagon for a while. Cleaning out my system.

4 →�see also station wagon

wag|tail /w� gte I l/ (wagtails ) N‑COUNT A wagtail is a type of small bird which moves its tail quickly up and down as it walks.

wah-wah /wɑː wɑː/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] In music, wah-wah is used to describe the sound produced by covering and uncovering the open end of a brass instrument. This sound can also be produced electronically, especially when playing the electric guitar. □� He played some wah-wah guitar.

waif /we I f/ (waifs ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a child or young woman as a waif , you mean that they are very thin and look as if they have nowhere to live. □� �a dirty-faced waif of some five or six years.

wail /we I l/ (wails , wailing , wailed )

1 VERB If someone wails , they make long, loud, high-pitched cries which express sorrow or pain. □�[V ] The women began to wail in mourning. □�[V +�for ] �a mother wailing for her lost child. ●�N‑COUNT Wail is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Wails of grief were heard as visitors filed past the site of the disaster.

2 VERB If you wail something, you say it in a loud, high-pitched voice that shows that you are unhappy or in pain. □�[V with quote] 'Now look what you've done!' Shirley wailed. □�[V that] Primrose, stupefied by tiredness, began to wail that she was hungry. [Also V +�about ]

3 VERB If something such as a siren or an alarm wails , it makes a long, loud, high-pitched sound. □�[V ] Police cars, their sirens wailing, accompanied the lorries. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Wail is also a noun. □�[+�of ] The wail of the bagpipes could be heard in the distance. ●� wail|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� Our artillery opened up and we heard a fearful wailing and screeching.

waist /we I st/ (waists )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your waist is the middle part of your body where it narrows slightly above your hips. □� Ricky kept his arm round her waist. □� He was stripped to the waist. ●� -waisted COMB □� Sarah looked slender-waisted, fragile and very beautiful.

2 N‑COUNT The waist of a garment such as a dress, coat, or pair of trousers is the part of it which covers the middle part of your body. ●� -waisted COMB □� �high-waisted dresses.

waist|band /we I stb�nd/ (waistbands ) N‑COUNT A waistband is a narrow piece of material which is sewn on to a pair of trousers, a skirt, or other item of clothing at the waist in order to strengthen it.

waist|coat /we I stkoʊt, we skət/ (waistcoats ) N‑COUNT A waistcoat is a sleeveless piece of clothing with buttons which people usually wear over a shirt. [BRIT ] in AM, use vest

waist|line /we I stla I n/ (waistlines )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your waistline is your waist measurement. □� A passion for cooking does not necessarily have to be bad for your waistline.

2 N‑COUNT The waistline of a piece of clothing is the place where the upper and lower parts are sewn together, which is near to your waist when you wear it.

wait ◆◆◆ /we I t/ (waits , waiting , waited )

1 VERB [no passive] When you waitfor something or someone, you spend some time doing very little, because you cannot act until that thing happens or that person arrives. □�[V +�for ] I walk to a street corner and wait for the school bus. □�[V +�for ] Stop waiting for things to happen. Make them happen. □�[V to-inf] I waited to see how she responded. □�[V ] Angus got out of the car to wait. □�[V n] We will have to wait a week or so before we know whether the operation is a success. □�[V -ing] He told waiting journalists that he did not expect a referendum to be held for several months. [Also V n +�for ] ●� wait|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� The waiting became almost unbearable.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A wait is a period of time in which you do very little, before something happens or before you can do something. □�[+�for ] �the four-hour wait for the organizers to declare the result.

3 VERB [usu cont] If something is waitingfor you, it is ready for you to use, have, or do. □�[V +�for ] There'll be a car waiting for you. □�[+�for ] When we came home we had a meal waiting for us. □�[V to-inf] Ships with unfurled sails wait to take them aboard. [Also V ]

4 VERB [no cont] If you say that something can wait , you mean that it is not important or urgent and so you will deal with it or do it later. □�[V ] I want to talk to you, but it can wait. □�[V ] Any changes will have to wait until sponsors can be found.

5 VERB You can use wait when you are trying to make someone feel excited, or to encourage or threaten them. □�[V +�until ] If you think this all sounds very exciting, just wait until you read the book. □�[V ] As soon as you get some food inside you, you'll feel more cheerful. Just you wait.

6 VERB Wait is used in expressions such as wait a minute , wait a second , and wait a moment to interrupt someone when they are speaking, for example because you object to what they are saying or because you want them to repeat something. [SPOKEN ] □�[V n] 'Wait a minute!' he broke in. 'This is not giving her a fair hearing!'

7 VERB If an employee waitson you, for example in a restaurant or hotel, they take orders from you and bring you what you want. □�[V +�on ] There were plenty of servants to wait on her. □�[V +�at ] Each student is expected to wait at table for one week each semester.

8 PHRASE If you say that you can't wait to do something or can hardly wait to do it, you are emphasizing that you are very excited about it and eager to do it. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □� We can't wait to get started. □� It's gonna be great. I can hardly wait.

9 PHRASE If you tell someone to wait and see , you tell them that they must be patient or that they must not worry about what is going to happen in the future because they have no control over it. □� We'll have to wait and see what happens. □� �a wait-and-see attitude.

▸� wait around in BRIT, also use wait about PHRASAL VERB If you wait around or wait about , you stay in the same place, usually doing very little, because you cannot act before something happens or before someone arrives. □�[V P +�for ] The attacker may have been waiting around for an opportunity to strike. □�[V P to-inf] I waited around to speak to the doctor. □�[V P ] �the ghastly tedium of waiting about at the airport.

▸� wait in PHRASAL VERB If you wait in , you deliberately stay at home and do not go out, for example because someone is coming to see you. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P +�for ] If I'd waited in for you I could have waited all day.

▸� wait on PHRASAL VERB If you are waiting on something, you are waiting for it to happen, for example before you do or decide anything. [AM ] □�[V P n] Since then I've been waiting on events.

▸� wait up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you wait up , you deliberately do not go to bed, especially because you are expecting someone to return home late at night. □�[V P +�for ] I hope he doesn't expect you to wait up for him. □�[V P ] Don't wait up.

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu imper] If you ask someone to wait up , you are asking them to go more slowly or to stop and wait for you. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] I was running down the hill shouting, 'Michael, Michael, man, wait up'.

wait|er /we I tə r / (waiters )

1 N‑COUNT A waiter is a man who works in a restaurant, serving people with food and drink.

2 →�see also dumb waiter

wai t|ing ga me (waiting games ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you play a waiting game , you deal with a situation by deliberately doing nothing, because you believe you will gain an advantage by acting later, or because you are waiting to see how other people are going to act. □� He's playing a waiting game. He'll hope to hang on until the pressure is off.

wai t|ing list (waiting lists ) N‑COUNT [oft on N ] A waiting list is a list of people who have asked for something which cannot be given to them immediately, for example medical treatment, housing, or training, and who must therefore wait until it is available. □�[+�for ] There were 20,000 people on the waiting list for a home.

wai t|ing room (waiting rooms ) also waiting-room N‑COUNT A waiting room is a room in a place such as a railway station or a clinic, where people can sit down while they wait.

wait|ress /we I trəs/ (waitresses , waitressing , waitressed )

1 N‑COUNT A waitress is a woman who works in a restaurant, serving people with food and drink.

2 VERB A woman who waitresses works in a restaurant serving food and drink. □�[V ] She had been working in a pub, cooking and waitressing. ●� wait|ress|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� She does a bit of waitressing as a part-time job.

waive /we I v/ (waives , waiving , waived )

1 VERB If you waive your right to something, for example legal representation, you choose not to have it or do it. □�[V n] He pleaded guilty to the murders of three boys and waived his right to appeal.

2 VERB If someone waives a rule, they say that people do not have to obey it in a particular situation. □�[V n] The art gallery waives admission charges on Sundays.

waiv|er /we I və r / (waivers ) N‑COUNT A waiver is when a person, government, or organization agrees to give up a right or says that people do not have to obey a particular rule or law. □�[+�of ] �a waiver of constitutional rights.

wake ◆◇◇ /we I k/ (wakes , waking , woke , woken ) The form waked is used in American English for the past tense. 1 VERB When you wake or when someone or something wakes you, you become conscious again after being asleep. □�[V ] It was cold and dark when I woke at 6.30. □�[V +�to ] Bob woke slowly to sunshine pouring in his window. □�[V to-inf] She woke to find her dark room lit by flashing lights. □�[V n] She went upstairs to wake Milton. ●�PHRASAL VERB Wake up means the same as wake . □�[V P ] One morning I woke up and felt something was wrong. □�[V n P ] At dawn I woke him up and said we were leaving.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, with poss] The wake of a boat or other object moving in water is the track of waves that it makes behind it as it moves through the water. □�[+�of ] Dolphins sometimes play in the wake of the boats.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A wake is a gathering or social event that is held before or after someone's funeral. □� A funeral wake was in progress.

4 PHRASE If one thing follows in the wake of another, it happens after the other thing is over, often as a result of it. □� The governor has enjoyed a huge surge in the polls in the wake of last week's convention.

5 PHRASE [usu with poss] Your waking hours are the times when you are awake rather than asleep. □� It was work which consumed most of his waking hours.

6 PHRASE If you leave something or someone in your wake , you leave them behind you as you go. □� Adam stumbles on, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.

7 PHRASE If you are following in someone's wake , you are following them or their example. □� In his wake came a waiter wheeling a trolley. □� �the endless stream of female artists who released albums in her wake.

▸� wake up

1 PHRASAL VERB If something such as an activity wakes you up , it makes you more alert and ready to do things after you have been lazy or inactive. □�[V P n] A cool shower wakes up the body and boosts circulation. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see also wake1

▸� wake up to PHRASAL VERB If you wake up to something, you become aware of it. □�[V P P n] People should wake up to the fact that people with disabilities have got a vote as well.

wake|ful /we I kfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is wakeful finds it difficult to get to sleep and wakes up very often when they should be sleeping. ●� wake|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� It is never a good idea to take sleeping tablets regularly for this kind of wakefulness.

wak|en /we I kən/ (wakens , wakening , wakened ) VERB When you waken , or when someone or something wakens you, you wake from sleep. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] The noise of a door slamming wakened her. □�[V ] Women are much more likely than men to waken because of noise. ●�PHRASAL VERB Waken up means the same as waken . □�[V n P ] 'Drink this coffee�it will waken you up.' □�[V P ] If you do waken up during the night, start the exercises again.

wa ke-up call (wake-up calls )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A wake-up call is a phone call that you can book through an operator or at a hotel to make sure that you wake up at a particular time.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that something is a wake-up call to a person or group of people, you mean that it will make them notice something and start to take action. □�[+�to ] The Ambassador said he hoped the statement would serve as a wake-up call to the government.

walk ◆◆◆ /wɔː k/ (walks , walking , walked )

1 VERB When you walk , you move forward by putting one foot in front of the other in a regular way. □�[V ] Rosanna and Forbes walked in silence for some while. □�[V prep/adv] She turned and walked away. □�[V n] They would stop the car and walk a few steps. □�[V n +�to ] When I was your age I walked five miles to school.

2 N‑COUNT A walk is a journey that you make by walking, usually for pleasure. □� I went for a walk. □� He often took long walks in the hills.

3 N‑SING A walk of a particular distance is the distance which a person has to walk to get somewhere. □�[+�to ] It was only a three-mile walk to Kabul from there. □�[+�from ] The church is a short walk from Piazza Dante.

4 N‑COUNT A walk is a route suitable for walking along for pleasure. □� There is a 2 mile coastal walk from Craster to Newton.

5 N‑SING A walk is the action of walking rather than running. □� She slowed to a steady walk.

6 N‑SING Someone's walk is the way that they walk. □� George, despite his great height and gangling walk, was a keen dancer.

7 VERB If you walk someone somewhere, you walk there with them in order to show politeness or to make sure that they get there safely. □�[V n prep/adv] She walked me to my car.

8 VERB If you walk your dog, you take it for a walk in order to keep it healthy. □�[V n] I walk my dog each evening around my local streets.

9to be walking on air →�see air

10to walk tall →�see tall

▸� walk away PHRASAL VERB If you walk away from a problem or a difficult situation, you do nothing about it or do not face any bad consequences from it. □�[V P +�from ] The most appropriate strategy may simply be to walk away from the problem. □�[V P ] No one knows you're a part of this. You can just walk away.

▸� walk away with PHRASAL VERB If you walk away with something such as a prize, you win it or get it very easily. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V P P n] Enter our competition and you could walk away with �10,000.

▸� walk in on PHRASAL VERB If you walk in on someone, you enter the room that they are in while they are doing something private, and this creates an embarrassing situation. □�[V P P n] I walked in on him chatting to a woman on webcam.

▸� walk into

1 PHRASAL VERB If you walk into an unpleasant situation, you become involved in it without expecting to, especially because you have been careless. □�[V P n] He's walking into a situation that he absolutely can't control.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you walk into a job, you manage to get it very easily. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] When I left school, I could walk into any job.

▸� walk off with PHRASAL VERB If you walk off with something such as a prize, you win it or get it very easily. [JOURNALISM ] □�[V P P n] The delighted pensioner walked off with a �2,000 prize.

▸� walk out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you walk outof a meeting, a performance, or an unpleasant situation, you leave it suddenly, usually in order to show that you are angry or bored. □�[V P +�of ] Several dozen councillors walked out of the meeting in protest. □�[V P ] Mr. Mason walked out during the performance.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone walks outon their family or their partner, they leave them suddenly and go to live somewhere else. □�[V P +�on ] Her husband walked out on her.

3 PHRASAL VERB If workers walk out , they stop doing their work for a period of time, usually in order to try to get better pay or conditions for themselves. □�[V P ] Nationwide industrial action began earlier this week, when staff at most banks walked out.

▸� walk over PHRASAL VERB If someone walks over you, they treat you very badly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] Do you think you can walk over me? Well, you won't, ever! SYNONYMS walk VERB 1

stride:He turned abruptly and strode off down the corridor.

wander:They wandered off in the direction of the nearest store.

stroll:Afterwards, we strolled back and settled down with the newspapers.

march:He marched into the kitchen without knocking.

walk|about /wɔː kəbaʊt/ (walkabouts ) N‑COUNT A walkabout is a walk by a king, queen, or other important person through a public place in order to meet people in an informal way. [mainly BRIT ] □� He was ambushed by angry protesters during a walkabout in Bolton. ●�PHRASE If a king, queen, or other important person goes walkabout or goes on a walkabout , he or she walks through crowds in a public place in order to meet people in an informal way. [BRIT ] □� The Prime Minister insisted on going walkabout in Belfast.

walk|er /wɔː kə r / (walkers )

1 N‑COUNT A walker is a person who walks, especially in the countryside for pleasure or in order to keep healthy.

2 N‑COUNT A walker is a special kind of frame which is designed to help babies or people who are ill or who have a disability to walk. □� She eventually used a cane, then a walker, and finally was confined to the house.

walkie-talkie /wɔː ki tɔː ki/ (walkie-talkies ) N‑COUNT A walkie-talkie is a small portable radio which you can talk into and hear messages through so that you can communicate with someone far away.

walk|ing /wɔː k I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Walking is the activity of taking walks for exercise or pleasure, especially in the country. □� Recently I've started to do a lot of walking and cycling. □� �a walking holiday.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use walking in expressions like a walking disaster or a walking dictionary in order to emphasize, for example, that someone causes a lot of disasters, or knows a lot of difficult words. [HUMOROUS , EMPHASIS ] □� He was a walking encyclopaedia.

wa lk|ing stick (walking sticks ) N‑COUNT A walking stick is a long wooden stick which a person can lean on while walking.

Walk|man /wɔː kmən/ (Walkmans ) N‑COUNT A Walkman is a small cassette player with light headphones which people carry around so that they can listen to music, for example while they are travelling. [TRADEMARK ]

wa lk of li fe (walks of life ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The walk of life that you come from is the position that you have in society and the kind of job you have. □� One of the greatest pleasures of this job is meeting people from all walks of life.

wa lk-on ADJ [ADJ n] A walk-on part in a play or film is a very small part which usually does not involve any speaking. □� He and his family have walk-on parts in the latest film.

walk|out /wɔː kaʊt/ (walkouts )

1 N‑COUNT A walkout is a strike.

2 N‑COUNT If there is a walkout during a meeting, some or all of the people attending it leave in order to show their disapproval of something that has happened at the meeting. □� The commission's proceedings have been wrecked by tantrums and walkouts.

walk|over /wɔː koʊvə r / (walkovers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that a competition or contest is a walkover , you mean that it is won very easily.

wa lk-up (walk-ups ) N‑COUNT A walk-up is a tall apartment block which has no lift. You can also refer to an apartment in such a block as a walk-up . [AM ] □� She lives in a tiny fifth floor walk-up in New York's East Village.

walk|way /wɔː kwe I / (walkways ) N‑COUNT A walkway is a passage or path for people to walk along. Walkways are often raised above the ground.

wall ◆◆◆ /wɔː l/ (walls )

1 N‑COUNT A wall is one of the vertical sides of a building or room. □�[+�of ] Kathryn leaned against the wall of the church. □� The bedroom walls would be painted light blue. □� She checked the wall clock. ●� -walled COMB □� �a glass-walled elevator.

2 N‑COUNT A wall is a long narrow vertical structure made of stone or brick that surrounds or divides an area of land. □� He sat on the wall in the sun.

3 N‑COUNT The wall of something that is hollow is its side. □�[+�of ] He ran his fingers along the inside walls of the box.

4 N‑COUNT A wallof something is a large amount of it forming a high vertical barrier. □�[+�of ] She gazed at the wall of books. □�[+�of ] I was just hit by a wall of water.

5 N‑COUNT You can describe something as a wallof a particular kind when it acts as a barrier and prevents people from understanding something. □�[+�of ] The police say they met the usual wall of silence.

6 →�see also cavity wall , dry-stone wall , fly-on-the-wall , hole-in-the-wall , off-the-wall , retaining wall , sea wall , stonewall , wall-to-wall

7 PHRASE [usu cont] If you say that you are banging your head against a wall , you are emphasizing that you are frustrated because someone is stopping you from making progress in something. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� I appealed for help but felt I was always banging my head against a wall. □� I wondered if I was banging my head against a brick wall.

8 PHRASE If you have your back to the wall , you are in a very difficult situation and can see no way out of it. [INFORMAL ] □� Their threat to hire replacement workers has the union with its back to the wall.

9 PHRASE If you say that something or someone is driving you up the wall , you are emphasizing that they annoy and irritate you. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The heat is driving me up the wall. □� I sang in the bath and drove my parents up the wall.

10 PHRASE If a person or company goes to the wall , they lose all their money and their business fails. [INFORMAL ] □� Even quite big companies are going to the wall these days.

11a fly on the wall →�see fly

12the writing is on the wall →�see writing

▸� wall in PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone or something is walled in , they are surrounded or enclosed by a wall or barrier. □�[be V -ed P ] He is walled in by a mountain of papers in his cluttered Broadway office.

wal|la|by /wɒ ləbi/ (wallabies ) N‑COUNT A wallaby is an animal similar to a small kangaroo. Wallabies live in Australia and New Guinea.

wall|covering /wɔː lkʌvər I ŋ/ (wallcoverings ) also wall covering N‑VAR A wallcovering is a material such as wallpaper that is used to decorate the walls on the inside of a building.

walled /wɔː ld/ ADJ If an area of land or a city is walled , it is surrounded or enclosed by a wall. □� �a walled rose garden.

wal|let /wɒ l I t/ (wallets ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A wallet is a small flat folded case, usually made of leather or plastic, in which you can keep banknotes and credit cards.

wall|flower /wɔː lflaʊə r / (wallflowers )

1 N‑COUNT A wallflower is a plant that is grown in gardens and has sweet-smelling yellow, red, orange, or purple flowers.

2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a wallflower , you mean that they are shy and do not get involved in dancing or talking to people at social events.

wal|lop /wɒ ləp/ (wallops , walloping , walloped ) VERB If you wallop someone or something, you hit them very hard, often causing a dull sound. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n prep] Once, she walloped me over the head with a frying pan. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Wallop is also a noun. □� With one brutal wallop, Clarke flattened him.

wal|low /wɒ loʊ/ (wallows , wallowing , wallowed )

1 VERB If you say that someone is wallowing in an unpleasant situation, you are criticizing them for being deliberately unhappy. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�in ] His tired mind continued to wallow in self-pity.

2 VERB If a person or animal wallowsin water or mud, they lie or roll about in it slowly for pleasure. □�[V +�in ] Never have I had such a good excuse for wallowing in deep warm baths.

wall|paper /wɔː lpe I pə r / (wallpapers , wallpapering , wallpapered )

1 N‑VAR Wallpaper is thick coloured or patterned paper that is used for covering and decorating the walls of rooms. □�[+�in ] �the wallpaper in the bedroom.

2 VERB If someone wallpapers a room, they cover the walls with wallpaper. □�[V n] We were going to wallpaper that room anyway.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Wallpaper is the background on a computer or phone screen. [COMPUTING ] □� � pre-installed wallpaper images.

Wa ll Street ◆◇◇ N‑PROPER Wall Street is a street in New York where the Stock Exchange and important banks are. Wall Street is often used to refer to the financial business carried out there and to the people who work there. [BUSINESS ] □� On Wall Street, stocks closed at their second highest level today. □� Wall Street seems to be ignoring other indications that consumers are spending less.

wa ll-to-wa ll

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A wall-to-wall carpet covers the floor of a room completely.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use wall-to-wall to describe something that fills or seems to fill all the available space. □� �television's wall-to-wall soccer coverage.

wal|ly /wɒ li/ (wallies ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a wally , you think that they are stupid or foolish. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

wal|nut /wɔː lnʌt/ (walnuts )

1 N‑COUNT Walnuts are edible nuts which have a wrinkled shape and a hard round shell that is light brown in colour. □� �chopped walnuts.

2 N‑VAR A walnut or a walnut tree is a tree on which walnuts grow. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Walnut is the wood of this tree. □� �a handsome walnut desk.

wal|rus /wɔː lrəs/ (walruses ) N‑COUNT A walrus is a large, fat animal which lives in the sea. It has two long teeth called tusks that point downwards.

waltz /wɔː lts/ (waltzes , waltzing , waltzed )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A waltz is a piece of music with a rhythm of three beats in each bar, which people can dance to. □� �Tchaikovsky's 'Waltz of the Flowers'.

2 N‑COUNT A waltz is a dance in which two people hold each other and move around the floor doing special steps in time to waltz music. □� Arthur Murray taught the foxtrot, the tango and the waltz.

3 VERB If you waltz with someone, you dance a waltz with them. □�[V +�with ] 'Waltz with me,' he said, taking her hand. □�[V +�around ] Couples are waltzing round the wooden floor. [Also V ]

4 VERB If you say that someone waltzes somewhere, you mean that they do something in a relaxed and confident way. [INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] She's probably got herself a new man and gone waltzing off with him.

wan /wɒ n/ ADJ If you describe someone as wan , you mean that they look pale and tired. [LITERARY ] □� He looked wan and tired.

wand /wɒ nd/ (wands ) N‑COUNT A wand is the same as a magic wand . □� You can't simply wave a wand and get rid of nuclear weapons.

wan|der /wɒ ndə r / (wanders , wandering , wandered )

1 VERB If you wander in a place, you walk around there in a casual way, often without intending to go in any particular direction. □�[V prep/adv] They wandered off in the direction of the nearest store. □�[V n] Those who do not have relatives to return to are left to wander the streets and sleep rough. ●�N‑SING Wander is also a noun. □�[+�around ] A wander around any market will reveal stalls piled high with vegetables.

2 VERB If a person or animal wanders from a place where they are supposed to stay, they move away from the place without going in a particular direction. □�[V adv/prep] Because Mother is afraid we'll get lost, we aren't allowed to wander far. □�[V ] To keep their bees from wandering, beekeepers feed them sugar solutions.

3 VERB If your mind wanders or your thoughts wander , you stop concentrating on something and start thinking about other things. □�[V ] His mind would wander, and he would lose track of what he was doing.

4 VERB If your eyes wander , you stop looking at one thing and start looking around at other things. □�[V prep/adv] His eyes wandered restlessly around the room.

wan|der|er /wɒ ndərə r / (wanderers ) N‑COUNT A wanderer is a person who travels around rather than settling in one place.

wan|der|ing /wɒ ndər I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Wandering is used to describe people who travel around rather than staying in one place for a long time. [LITERARY ] □� �a band of wandering musicians.

wan|der|ings /wɒ ndər I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Someone's wanderings are journeys that they make from place to place without staying in one place for a long time. □� On his wanderings he's picked up Spanish, Italian, French and a smattering of Russian.

wan|der|lust /wɒ ndə r lʌst/ N‑UNCOUNT Someone who has wanderlust has a strong desire to travel. □� His wanderlust would not allow him to stay long in one spot.

wane /we I n/ (wanes , waning , waned )

1 VERB If something wanes , it becomes gradually weaker or less, often so that it eventually disappears. □�[V ] While his interest in these sports began to wane, a passion for rugby developed. □�[V -ing] �her mother's waning strength.

2wax and wane →�see wax

3 PHRASE If something is on the wane , it is becoming weaker or less. □� In 1982, with his career prospects on the wane, he sold a script for �5,000.

4 VERB [usu cont] When the moon is waning , it is showing a smaller area of brightness each day as it changes from a full moon to a new moon. □�[V ] The moon was waning, and each day it rose later.

wan|gle /w� ŋg ə l/ (wangles , wangling , wangled ) VERB If you wangle something that you want, you manage to get it by being clever or persuading someone. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] We managed to wangle a few days' leave. □�[V n] He had wangled his way into the country without a visa. □�[V n n] I asked the Captain to wangle us three tickets to Athens. □�[V n +�for ] Amanda had wangled a job for Robyn with the council.

wank /w� ŋk/ (wanks , wanking , wanked ) VERB To wank means to masturbate. [BRIT , VERY RUDE ] ●�N‑SING Wank is also a noun.

wank|er /w� ŋkə r / (wankers ) N‑COUNT If someone calls a man a wanker , they do not like him and they think he is very stupid or unpleasant. [BRIT , VERY RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

wan|na /wɒ nə/ Wanna is used in written English to represent the words 'want to' when they are pronounced informally. □� I wanna be married to you. Do you wanna be married to me?

wanna|be /wɒ nəbiː/ (wannabes ) also wannabee N‑COUNT [usu n N , N n] If you call someone a wannabe , you are saying in an unkind way that they are trying very hard to be like another person or group of people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a feeble James Dean wannabe.

want ◆◆◆ /wɒ nt/ (wants , wanting , wanted )

1 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you want something, you feel a desire or a need for it. □�[V n] I want a drink. □�[V n] Ian knows exactly what he wants in life. □�[V to-inf] People wanted to know who this talented designer was. □�[V n to-inf] They began to want their father to be the same as other daddies. □�[V n v-ing] They didn't want people staring at them as they sat on the lawn, so they put up high walls. □�[V n -ed] He wanted his power recognised. □�[V n n] I want my car this colour. □�[V n adj/prep] And remember, we want him alive.

2 VERB [no cont, no passive] You can say that you wantto say something to indicate that you are about to say it. □�[V to-inf] Look, I wanted to apologize for today. I think I was a little hard on you.

3 VERB [no cont, no passive] You use want in questions as a way of making an offer or inviting someone to do something. □�[V n] Do you want another cup of coffee? □�[V to-inf] Do you want to leave your bike here?

4 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say to someone that you want something, or ask them if they wantto do it, you are firmly telling them what you want or what you want them to do. □�[V n] I want an explanation from you, Jeremy. □�[V n to-inf] If you have a problem with that, I want you to tell me right now. □�[V to-inf] Do you want to tell me what all this is about? □�[V n adv/prep] I want my money back!

5 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say that something wants doing, you think that it needs to be done. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V v-ing] Her hair wants cutting.

6 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you tell someone that they wantto do a particular thing, you are advising them to do it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] You want to be very careful not to have a man like Crevecoeur for an enemy.

7 VERB [usu passive] If someone is wanted by the police, the police are searching for them because they are thought to have committed a crime. □�[be V -ed +�for ] He was wanted for the murder of a magistrate. ●� want|ed ADJ [ADJ n] □� He is one of the most wanted criminals in Europe.

8 VERB If you want someone, you have a great desire to have sex with them. □�[V n] Come on, darling. I want you.

9 VERB If a child is wanted , its mother or another person loves it and is willing to look after it. □�[be V -ed] Children should be wanted and planned. □�[V n] I want this baby very much, because it certainly will be the last.

10 N‑SING A want of something is a lack of it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a want of manners and charm.

11 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Your wants are the things that you want. □�[+�of ] Supermarkets often claim that they are responding to the wants of consumers.

12 PHRASE If you do something for want of something else, you do it because the other thing is not available or not possible. □�[+�of ] Many of them had gone into teaching for want of anything better to do.

▸� want out PHRASAL VERB If you want out , you no longer want to be involved in a plan, project, or situation that you are part of. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] We've had enough, John. We want out.

wa nt ad (want ads ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The want ads in a newspaper or magazine are small advertisements, usually offering things for sale or offering jobs. [mainly AM ]

want|ing /wɒ nt I ŋ/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you find something or someone wanting , they are not of as high a standard as you think they should be. □� He analysed his game and found it wanting. [Also +�in ]

wan|ton /wɒ ntən/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A wanton action deliberately causes harm, damage, or waste without having any reason to. □� �this unnecessary and wanton destruction of our environment.

2 ADJ If someone describes a woman as wanton , they disapprove of her because she clearly enjoys sex or has sex with a lot of men. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �the idea that only wanton women have sexual passions.

WAP /w� p/ N‑UNCOUNT WAP is a system which allows devices such as mobile phones to connect to the internet. WAP is an abbreviation for 'Wireless Application Protocol'.

war ◆◆◆ /wɔː r / (wars )

1 N‑VAR A war is a period of fighting or conflict between countries or states. □� He spent part of the war in the National Guard. □� They've been at war for the last fifteen years.

2 N‑VAR War is intense economic competition between countries or organizations. □� The most important thing is to reach an agreement and to avoid a trade war.

3 N‑VAR If you make waron someone or something that you are opposed to, you do things to stop them succeeding. □�[+�against ] She has been involved in the war against organised crime. □�[+�on ] �if the United States is to be successful in its war on corruption.

4 →�see also civil war , Cold War , council of war , warring

5 PHRASE If a country goes to war , it starts fighting a war. □� Do you think this crisis can be settled without going to war?

6 PHRASE If two people, countries, or organizations have a war of words , they criticize each other because they strongly disagree about something. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�with ] Animal rights activists have been engaged in a bitter war of words with zoos. [Also +�between ]

7to lose the battle but win the war →�see battle

war|ble /wɔː r b ə l/ (warbles , warbling , warbled )

1 VERB When a bird warbles , it sings pleasantly. □�[V ] The bird continued to warble. □�[V n] A flock of birds was already warbling a cheerful morning chorus.

2 VERB If someone warbles , they sing in a high-pitched, rather unsteady voice. □�[V ] She warbled as she worked. □�[V n] �singers warbling 'Over the Rainbow'.

war|bler /wɔː r blə r / (warblers ) N‑COUNT Warblers are a family of small birds that have a pleasant song.

wa r chest (war chests ) N‑COUNT A war chest is a fund to finance a project such as a political campaign. □� Governor Caperton has the largest campaign war chest.

ward /wɔː r d/ (wards , warding , warded )

1 N‑COUNT A ward is a room in a hospital which has beds for many people, often people who need similar treatment. □� A toddler was admitted to the emergency ward with a wound in his chest.

2 N‑COUNT A ward is a district which forms part of a political constituency or local council. □�[+�of ] �the marginal wards of Reading Kentwood and Tilehurst West.

3 N‑COUNT A ward or a ward of court is a child who is the responsibility of a person called a guardian, or of a court of law, because their parents are dead or because they are believed to be in need of protection. □�[+�of ] Alex was made a ward of court.

▸� ward off PHRASAL VERB To ward off a danger or illness means to prevent it from affecting you or harming you. □�[V P n] She may have put up a fight to try to ward off her assailant. □�[V P n] Mass burials are now under way in an effort to ward off an outbreak of cholera. [Also V n P ]

war|den /wɔː r d ə n/ (wardens )

1 N‑COUNT A warden is a person who is responsible for a particular place or thing, and for making sure that the laws or regulations that relate to it are obeyed. □�[+�at ] He was a warden at the local parish church. □� Game wardens were appointed to enforce hunting laws in New Hampshire.

2 →�see also traffic warden

3 N‑COUNT The warden of a prison is the person in charge of it. [AM ] □� A new warden took over the prison. in BRIT, use governor

war|der /wɔː r də r / (warders ) N‑COUNT A warder is someone who works in a prison supervising the prisoners. [BRIT ] in AM, use guard

ward|robe /wɔː r droʊb/ (wardrobes )

1 N‑COUNT A wardrobe is a tall cupboard or cabinet in which you can hang your clothes.

2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's wardrobe is the total collection of clothes that they have. □� Her wardrobe consists primarily of huge cashmere sweaters and tiny Italian sandals.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The wardrobe in a theatre company is the actors' and actresses' costumes. □� In the wardrobe department were rows of costumes.

-ware /-weə r / COMB -ware combines with nouns to refer to objects that are made of a particular material or that are used for a particular purpose in the home. □� �boxes of cheap glassware.

ware|house /weə r haʊs/ (warehouses ) N‑COUNT A warehouse is a large building where raw materials or manufactured goods are stored until they are exported to other countries or distributed to shops to be sold.

wa re|house club (warehouse clubs ) N‑COUNT A warehouse club is a large shop which sells goods at reduced prices to people who pay each year to become members of the organization that runs the shop.

ware|hous|ing /weə r haʊz I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Warehousing is the act or process of storing large quantities of goods so that they can be sold or used at a later date. □� All donations go towards the cost of warehousing.

wares /weə r z/ N‑PLURAL Someone's wares are the things that they sell, usually in the street or in a market. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □� Vendors displayed their wares in baskets or on the ground.

war|fare /wɔː r feə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT Warfare is the activity of fighting a war. □� �the threat of chemical warfare.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Warfare is sometimes used to refer to any violent struggle or conflict. □� Much of the violence is related to gang warfare. □� At times party rivalries have broken out into open warfare.

wa r game (war games )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] War games are military exercises that are carried out for the purpose of training, and that are designed to imitate a real war as closely as possible.

2 N‑COUNT A war game is a game in which model soldiers are used to recreate battles that happened in the past. War games can also be played on computers.

war|head /wɔː r hed/ (warheads ) N‑COUNT A warhead is the front part of a bomb or missile where the explosives are carried. □� �nuclear warheads.

war|horse /wɔː r hɔː r s/ (warhorses ) also war-horse , war horse N‑COUNT You can refer to someone such as an old soldier or politician who is still active and aggressive as a warhorse .

war|like /wɔː r la I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Warlike people seem aggressive and eager to start a war. □� The Scythians were a fiercely warlike people.

war|lord /wɔː r lɔː r d/ (warlords ) N‑COUNT If you describe a leader of a country or organization as a warlord , you are critical of them because they have achieved power by behaving in an aggressive and violent way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He had been a dictator and a warlord who had oppressed and degraded the people of the South. □� He was the most feared warlord during the Liberian civil war.

warm ◆◆◇ /wɔː r m/ (warmer , warmest , warms , warming , warmed )

1 ADJ Something that is warm has some heat but not enough to be hot. □� Because it was warm, David wore only a white cotton shirt. □� Dissolve the salt in the warm water.

2 ADJ Warm clothes and blankets are made of a material such as wool which protects you from the cold. □� They have been forced to sleep in the open without food or warm clothing. ●� warm|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □� Remember to wrap up warmly on cold days. □� �warmly dressed.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Warm colours have red or yellow in them rather than blue or green, and make you feel comfortable and relaxed. □� The basement hallway is painted a warm yellow.

4 ADJ A warm person is friendly and shows a lot of affection or enthusiasm in their behaviour. □� She was a warm and loving mother. □� I would like to express my warmest thanks to the doctors. ●� warm|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� New members are warmly welcomed. □� He greeted me warmly.

5 VERB If you warm a part of your body or if something hot warms it, it stops feeling cold and starts to feel hotter. □�[V n] The sun had come out to warm his back. □�[V n] She went to warm her hands by the log fire.

6 VERB If you warm to a person or an idea, you become fonder of the person or more interested in the idea. □�[V +�to ] Those who got to know him better warmed to his openness and honesty.

▸� warm down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you warm down after doing a physical activity, you do special exercises to help relax your muscles and joints. □�[V P ] He always warms down after training.

2 →�see also warm-down

▸� warm up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you warm something up or if it warms up , it gets hotter. □�[V n P ] He blew on his hands to warm them up. □�[V P n] All that she would have to do was warm up the pudding. □�[V P ] The weather had warmed up.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you warm up for an event such as a race, you prepare yourself for it by doing exercises or by practising just before it starts. □�[V P ] In an hour the drivers will be warming up for the main event.

3 →�see also warm-up

4 PHRASAL VERB When a machine or engine warms up or someone warms it up , it becomes ready for use a little while after being switched on or started. □�[V P ] He waited for his car to warm up. □�[V P n] We spent a frustrating five minutes while the pilot warmed up the engines. [Also V n P ]

5 PHRASAL VERB If a comedian or speaker warms up an audience or the audience warms up , the audience is prepared for the main show or speaker by being told jokes, so that they are in a good mood. □�[V P n] They would always come out and warm up the audience. □�[V P ] The crowd began to warm up.

wa rm-bloo ded ADJ A warm-blooded animal, for example a bird or a mammal, has a fairly high body temperature which does not change much and is not affected by the surrounding temperature.

wa rm-down (warm-downs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A warm-down is a series of special exercises that you do after doing a physical activity to help relax your muscles and joints.

wa rm-hea rted ADJ A warm-hearted person is friendly and affectionate.

war|monger /wɔː r mʌŋgə r / (warmongers ) N‑COUNT If you describe a politician or leader as a warmonger , you disapprove of them because you think they are encouraging people to start or join a war. [DISAPPROVAL ]

warmth /wɔː r mθ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The warmth of something is the heat that it has or produces. □�[+�of ] She went further into the room, drawn by the warmth of the fire.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The warmth of something such as a garment or blanket is the protection that it gives you against the cold. □� The blanket will provide additional warmth and comfort in bed.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Someone who has warmth is friendly and enthusiastic in their behaviour towards other people. □� He greeted us both with warmth and affection.

wa rm-up (warm-ups ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, N n] A warm-up is something that prepares you for an activity or event, usually because it is a short practice or example of what the activity or event will involve. □�[+�for ] The exercises can be fun and a good warm-up for the latter part of the programme. □�[+�for ] The criticism was merely a warm-up for what is being prepared for the finance minister.

warn ◆◆◇ /wɔː r n/ (warns , warning , warned )

1 VERB If you warn someone about something such as a possible danger or problem, you tell them about it so that they are aware of it. □�[V n that] When I had my first baby, friends warned me that children were expensive. □�[V n +�of/about ] They warned him of the dangers of sailing alone. □�[V that] Analysts warned that Europe's most powerful economy may be facing trouble. □�[V +�of ] He also warned of a possible anti-Western backlash.

2 VERB If you warn someone not to do something, you advise them not to do it so that they can avoid possible danger or punishment. □�[V n to-inf] Mrs. Blount warned me not to interfere. □�[V with quote] 'Don't do anything yet,' he warned. 'Too risky.' □�[V n with quote] 'Keep quiet, or they'll all come out,' they warned him. □�[V n +�against ] I wish I'd listened to the people who warned me against having the operation.

▸� warn off PHRASAL VERB If you warn someone off , you tell them to go away or to stop doing something because of possible danger or punishment. □�[V n P ] The police warned the intruder off. □�[V n P n] The band's management have warned them off late nights. [Also V n P v-ing, V P n]

warn|ing ◆◇◇ /wɔː r n I ŋ/ (warnings )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N that, N to-inf] A warning is something which is said or written to tell people of a possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant thing that might happen. □� The minister gave a warning that if war broke out, it would be catastrophic. □�[+�for ] The week's second severe weather warning for heavy rain was issued yesterday.

2 N‑VAR [oft without N ] A warning is an advance notice of something that will happen, often something unpleasant or dangerous. □� The soldiers opened fire without warning. □� With no warning, he was fired from his job.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Warning actions or signs give a warning. □� She ignored the warning signals. □� Some fog warning signs had been put up with flashing yellow lights. COLLOCATIONS warning NOUN 1

noun +�warning : health, safety; flood, travel, weather; government

adjective +�warning : dire, stark, stern; repeated

verb +�warning : give, issue, sound; heed, ignore SYNONYMS warning NOUN 1

threat:He may be forced to carry out his threat to resign.

caution:There was a note of caution for the Treasury in the figures.

alarm:The other man rang the alarm bell.

alert:Due to a security alert, this train will not be stopping at Oxford Circus.

omen:Her appearance at this moment is an omen of disaster.

wa r of ne rves N‑SING A war of nerves is a conflict in which the opposing sides try to make each other feel less confident. □�[+�between ] �the continuing war of nerves between the army and the leadership.

warp /wɔː r p/ (warps , warping , warped )

1 VERB If something warps or is warped , it becomes damaged by bending or curving, often because of the effect of heat or water. □�[V ] The firm makes floors that won't shrink or warp. □�[V n] It should have prevented rain water warping the door trim.

2 VERB If something warps someone's character, it damages them or it influences them in a bad way. □�[V n] I never had any toys, my father thought that they would warp my personal values. □�[V n] Their lives have been warped by war.

3 N‑COUNT [n N ] A warp in time or space is an imaginary break or sudden change in the normal experience of time or space. □� The house retains much of its original detailing without being stuck in a time warp.

4 N‑SING In weaving, the warp is the threads which are held in a frame or machine called a loom while another thread is passed across through them. Compare weft .

wa r paint also warpaint N‑UNCOUNT War paint is the paint which some groups of people used to decorate their faces and bodies before they fought a battle.

war|path /wɔː r pɑːθ, -p�θ/ PHRASE If you say that someone is or has gone on the warpath , you mean that they are angry and getting ready for a fight or conflict. [INFORMAL ] □� I had warned the children that daddy was on the warpath.

war|plane /wɔː r ple I n/ (warplanes ) also war plane N‑COUNT A warplane is an aircraft that is designed to be used for fighting, for example to attack other aircraft or to drop bombs.

war|rant /wɒ rənt, [AM ] wɔː r-/ (warrants , warranting , warranted )

1 VERB If something warrants a particular action, it makes the action seem necessary or appropriate for the circumstances. □�[V n] The allegations are serious enough to warrant an investigation. ●� war|rant|ed ADJ □� Do you think this fear is warranted?

2 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A warrant is a legal document that allows someone to do something, especially one that is signed by a judge or magistrate and gives the police permission to arrest someone or search their house. □�[+�for ] Police confirmed that they had issued a warrant for his arrest. □� �a search warrant.

3 →�see also death warrant

wa r|rant of|fic|er (warrant officers ) N‑COUNT A warrant officer is a person in the army, the air force, or the marines who is above the rank of sergeant and below the rank of lieutenant. In the United States Navy, a warrant officer is above the rank of petty officer and below the rank of ensign.

war|ran|ty /wɒ rənti, [AM ] wɔː r-/ (warranties ) N‑COUNT [oft under N ] A warranty is a written promise by a company that, if you find a fault in something they have sold you within a certain time, they will repair it or replace it free of charge. □� �a twelve month warranty. □� The equipment is still under warranty.

war|ren /wɒ rən, [AM ] wɔː r-/ (warrens )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A warren is a group of holes in the ground which are connected by tunnels and which rabbits live in.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a building or an area of a city as a warren , you mean that there are many narrow passages or streets. □�[+�of ] �a warren of narrow streets.

war|ring /wɔː r I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Warring is used to describe groups of people who are involved in a conflict or quarrel with each other. □� The warring factions have not yet turned in all their heavy weapons. □� �warring brothers and sisters.

war|ri|or /wɒ riə r , [AM ] wɔː r-/ (warriors ) N‑COUNT A warrior is a fighter or soldier, especially one in former times who was very brave and experienced in fighting.

war|ship /wɔː r ʃ I p/ (warships ) N‑COUNT A warship is a ship with guns that is used for fighting in wars.

wart /wɔː r t/ (warts ) N‑COUNT A wart is a small lump which grows on your skin.

wart|hog /wɔː r thɒg, [AM ] -hɔːg/ (warthogs ) N‑COUNT A warthog is a wild pig with two large teeth that curve upwards at the sides of its mouth. Warthogs live in Africa.

war|time /wɔː r ta I m/ also war-time N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N , N n] Wartime is a period of time when a war is being fought. □� �his wartime experiences in France.

wa r wid|ow (war widows ) N‑COUNT A war widow is a woman whose husband was killed while he was in the armed forces during a war.

wary /weə ri/ (warier , wariest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are waryof something or someone, you are cautious because you do not know much about them and you believe they may be dangerous or cause problems. □�[+�of ] People did not teach their children to be wary of strangers. □�[+�about ] They were very wary about giving him a contract. ●� wari|ly /weə r I li/ ADV [usu ADV with v] □� She studied me warily, as if I might turn violent.

was /wəz, STRONG wɒz, [AM ] wʌz/ Was is the first and third person singular of the past tense of be .

wash ◆◇◇ /wɒ ʃ/ (washes , washing , washed )

1 VERB If you wash something, you clean it using water and usually a substance such as soap or detergent. □�[V n] He got a job washing dishes in a pizza parlour. □�[V n prep] It took a long time to wash the mud out of his hair. □�[V n with adv] Rub down the door and wash off the dust before applying the varnish. ●�N‑COUNT Wash is also a noun. □� That coat could do with a wash. □� The treatment leaves hair glossy and lasts 10 to 16 washes.

2 VERB If you wash or if you wash part of your body, especially your hands and face, you clean part of your body using soap and water. □�[V ] They looked as if they hadn't washed in days. □�[V n] She washed her face with cold water. □�[get V -ed] You are going to have your dinner, get washed, and go to bed. ●�N‑COUNT Wash is also a noun. □� She had a wash and changed her clothes.

3 VERB If a sea or river washes somewhere, it flows there gently. You can also say that something carried by a sea or river washes or is washed somewhere. □�[V prep/adv] The sea washed against the shore. □�[V n with adv] The force of the water washed him back into the cave. [Also V n prep]

4 N‑SING The wash of a boat is the wave that it causes on either side as it moves through the water. □�[+�from ] �the wash from large ships.

5 VERB If a feeling washesover you, you suddenly feel it very strongly and cannot control it. [WRITTEN ] □�[V +�over ] A wave of self-consciousness can wash over her when someone new enters the room.

6 VERB If you say that an excuse or idea will not wash , you mean that people will not accept or believe it. [INFORMAL ] □�[V ] He said her policies didn't work and the excuses didn't wash. □�[V +�with ] If they believe that solution would wash with the Haitian people, they are making a dramatic error.

7 →�see also washing

8 PHRASE If you say that something such as an item of clothing is in the wash , you mean that it is being washed, is waiting to be washed, or has just been washed and should therefore not be worn or used. [INFORMAL ] □� Your jeans are in the wash.

9to wash your dirty linen in public →�see dirty

10to wash your hands of something →�see hand ➊

▸� wash away PHRASAL VERB If rain or floods wash away something, they destroy it and carry it away. □�[V P n] Flood waters washed away one of the main bridges in Pusan. [Also V n P ]

▸� wash down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you wash something, especially food, down with a drink, you drink the drink after eating the food, especially to make the food easier to swallow or digest. □�[V n P ] He took two aspirin immediately and washed them down with three cups of water. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you wash down an object, you wash it all, from top to bottom. □�[V P n] The prisoner started to wash down the walls of his cell. [Also V n P ]

▸� wash out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you wash out a container, you wash the inside of it. □�[V P n] It was my job to wash out the fish tank.

2 PHRASAL VERB If dye or dirt washes out , it can be removed by washing. □�[V P ] With permanent tints, the result won't wash out.

3 PHRASAL VERB If rain washes out a sports game or other event, it spoils it or prevents it from continuing. □�[V P n] Rain washed out five of the last seven games.

4 →�see also washed-out , washout

▸� wash over PHRASAL VERB If something someone does or says washes over you, you do not notice it or it does not affect you in any way. □�[V P n] The television headlines seemed to wash over her without meaning anything.

▸� wash up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you wash up , you wash the plates, cups, cutlery, and pans which have been used for cooking and eating a meal. [BRIT ] □�[V P ] I ran some hot water and washed up. □�[V P n] I bet you make breakfast and wash up their plates, too. [Also V n P ] in AM, use wash the dishes2 PHRASAL VERB If you wash up , you clean part of your body with soap and water, especially your hands and face. [AM ] □�[V P ] He headed to the bathroom to wash up. in BRIT, use wash3 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If something is washed upon a piece of land, it is carried by a river or sea and left there. □� Thousands of herring and crab are washed up on the beaches during every storm. □�[V -ed P ] The fossils appear to be an early form of seaweed washed up on a beach.

4 →�see also washed up , washing-up

wash|able /wɒ ʃəb ə l/ ADJ Washable clothes or materials can be washed in water without being damaged. □� Choose washable curtains.

wash|basin /wɒ ʃbe I s ə n/ (washbasins ) also wash basin N‑COUNT A washbasin is a large bowl, usually with taps for hot and cold water, for washing your hands and face. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use sink

wash|cloth /wɒ ʃklɒθ, [AM ] -klɔːθ/ (washcloths ) N‑COUNT A washcloth is a small cloth that you use for washing yourself. [AM ] in BRIT, use flannel , facecloth

wa shed-ou t also washed out

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Washed-out colours are very pale. □� He stared at me out of those washed-out blue eyes.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone looks washed-out , they look very tired and lacking in energy. □� She looked washed out and listless.

wa shed u p also washed-up ADJ If you say that someone is washed up , you mean that their career or success has ended. [INFORMAL ] □� He's all washed up, but he still yells at everyone.

wash|er /wɒ ʃə r / (washers )

1 N‑COUNT A washer is a thin flat ring of metal or rubber which is placed over a bolt before the nut is screwed on.

2 N‑COUNT A washer is the same as a washing machine . [INFORMAL ]

wash|ing /wɒ ʃ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Washing is a collection of clothes, sheets, and other things which are waiting to be washed, are being washed, or have just been washed. □� �plastic bags full of dirty washing.

wa sh|ing line (washing lines ) N‑COUNT A washing line is a strong cord which you can hang wet clothes on while they dry.

wa sh|ing ma|chine (washing machines ) N‑COUNT A washing machine is a machine that you use to wash clothes in.

wa sh|ing pow|der (washing powders ) N‑VAR Washing powder is a powder that you use with water to wash clothes. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use soap powder , laundry detergent

wa shing-u p

1 N‑UNCOUNT To do the washing-up means to wash the plates, cups, cutlery, and pans which have been used for cooking and eating a meal. [BRIT ] □� Martha volunteered to do the washing-up. in AM, use wash the dishes2 N‑UNCOUNT Washing-up is the plates, cups, cutlery, and pans which you have to wash after a meal. [BRIT ] □� �a brimming bowl of washing-up. in AM, use dirty dishes , the dishes

wa shing-u p liq|uid (washing-up liquids ) N‑VAR Washing-up liquid is a thick soapy liquid which you add to hot water to clean dirty dishes. [BRIT ] in AM, use dishwashing liquid , dish soap

wash|out /wɒ ʃaʊt/ (washouts ) N‑COUNT If an event or plan is a washout , it fails completely. [INFORMAL ] □� The mission was a washout.

wa sh-rag (wash-rags ) also washrag N‑COUNT A wash-rag is the same as a washcloth . [AM ]

wash|room /wɒ ʃruːm/ (washrooms ) N‑COUNT A washroom is a room with toilets and washing facilities, situated in a large building such as a factory or an office block.

wash|stand /wɒ ʃst�nd/ (washstands ) N‑COUNT A washstand is a piece of furniture designed to hold a bowl for washing your hands and face in, which was used in former times before washbasins had taps on them.

wasn't /wɒ z ə nt, [AM ] wʌ z-/ Wasn't is the usual spoken form of 'was not'.

wasp /wɒ sp/ (wasps ) N‑COUNT A wasp is an insect with wings and yellow and black stripes across its body. Wasps have a painful sting like a bee but do not produce honey.

WASP /wɒ sp/ (WASPs ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] WASP is used to refer to the people in American society whose ancestors came from northern Europe, especially England, and who are considered to have a lot of power and influence. WASP is an abbreviation for 'White Anglo-Saxon Protestant'. [AM , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a WASP with a Yale degree.

wasp|ish /wɒ sp I ʃ/ ADJ A waspish remark or sense of humour is sharp and critical.

wast|age /we I st I dʒ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Wastage of something is the act of wasting it or the amount of it that is wasted. □�[+�of ] �a series of measures to prevent the wastage of water. □� There was a lot of wastage and many wrong decisions were hastily taken.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Wastage is the process by which part of someone's body gets weaker or smaller because they are very ill or have not eaten enough. □� This can lead to bodily weakness and muscle wastage.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Wastage refers to the number of people who leave a company, college, or other organization, especially before they have completed their education or training. [BRIT ] □� British universities have very little wastage and their graduates are good.

4 →�see also natural wastage

waste ◆◆◇ /we I st/ (wastes , wasting , wasted )

1 VERB If you waste something such as time, money, or energy, you use too much of it doing something that is not important or necessary, or is unlikely to succeed. □�[V n v-ing] There could be many reasons and he was not going to waste time speculating on them. □�[V n +�on ] I resolved not to waste money on a hotel. □�[V n] The system wastes a large amount of water. ●�N‑SING Waste is also a noun. □�[+�of ] It is a waste of time going to the doctor with most mild complaints. □�[+�of ] I think that is a total waste of money.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Waste is the use of money or other resources on things that do not need it. □� The packets are measured to reduce waste. □� I hate waste.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Waste is material which has been used and is no longer wanted, for example because the valuable or useful part of it has been taken out. □� Congress passed a law that regulates the disposal of waste. □� Up to 10 million tonnes of toxic wastes are produced every year in the U.K� □� �the process of eliminating body waste.

4 VERB If you waste an opportunity for something, you do not take advantage of it when it is available. □�[V n] Let's not waste an opportunity to see the children. □�[V -ed] It was a wasted opportunity.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Waste land is land, especially in or near a city, which is not used or looked after by anyone, and so is covered by wild plants and rubbish. □� Yarrow can be found growing wild in fields and on waste ground.

6 N‑PLURAL [adj N ] Wastes are a large area of land, for example a desert, in which there are very few people, plants, or animals. □�[+�of ] �the barren wastes of the Sahara.

7 →�see also wasted

8 PHRASE If something goes to waste , it remains unused or has to be thrown away. □� Mexican cookery is economical, she says. Nothing goes to waste.

9to waste no time →�see time

▸� waste away PHRASAL VERB If someone wastes away , they become extremely thin or weak because they are ill or worried and they are not eating properly. □�[V P ] Persons dying from cancer grow thin and visibly waste away. COLLOCATIONS waste NOUN

2

verb +�waste : eliminate, reduce; hate

3

noun +�waste : food, household

adjective +�waste : hazardous, nuclear, radioactive, toxic; domestic, industrial

verb +�waste : dispose of, dump; recycle VERB 1

waste+�noun : effort, energy, money, time

waste|basket /we I stbɑːsk I t, -b�sk-/ (wastebaskets ) N‑COUNT A wastebasket is the same as a wastepaper basket . [AM ]

wast|ed /we I st I d/

1 ADJ A wasted action is one that is unnecessary. □� I'm sorry you had a wasted journey.

2 ADJ Someone who is wasted is very tired and weak, often because of an illness. □� They look too wasted to care about much.

wa ste dis|pos|al (waste disposals ) N‑COUNT A waste disposal or a waste disposal unit is a small machine in a kitchen sink that chops up vegetable waste. [BRIT ] in AM, use garbage disposal

waste|ful /we I stfʊl/ ADJ Action that is wasteful uses too much of something valuable such as time, money, or energy. □�[+�of ] This kind of training is ineffective, and wasteful of scarce resources. □� Try to avoid wasteful duplication of effort.

waste|land /we I stl�nd/ (wastelands )

1 N‑VAR [oft adj N ] A wasteland is an area of land on which not much can grow or which has been spoiled in some way. □� The pollution has already turned vast areas into a wasteland.

2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If you refer to a place, situation, or period in time as a wasteland , you are criticizing it because you think there is nothing interesting or exciting in it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[+�of ] �the cultural wasteland of Franco's repressive rule.

waste|paper bas|ket /we I stpe I pə r bɑːsk I t, -b�sk-/ (wastepaper baskets ) N‑COUNT A wastepaper basket is a container for rubbish, especially paper, which is usually placed on the floor in the corner of a room or next to a desk.

wast|ing /we I st I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A wasting disease is one which makes you gradually become thinner and weaker.

wast|rel /we I strəl/ (wastrels ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a wastrel you mean that they are lazy and spend their time and money on foolish things. [LITERARY ]

watch

➊�LOOKING AND PAYING ATTENTION

➋�INSTRUMENT THAT TELLS THE TIME

➊ watch ◆◆◆ /wɒ tʃ/ (watches , watching , watched )

→�Please look at categories 15 and 16 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 VERB If you watch someone or something, you look at them, usually for a period of time, and pay attention to what is happening. □�[V n] The man was standing in his doorway watching him. □�[V n inf] He watched the waiter prepare the coffee he had ordered. □�[V n v-ing] Chris watched him sipping his brandy. □�[V ] I watched as Amy ate a few nuts.

2 VERB If you watch something on television or an event such as a sports match, you spend time looking at it, especially when you see it from the beginning to the end. □�[V n] I'd stayed up late to watch the film. □�[V n] They spent a great deal of time watching television.

3 VERB If you watch a situation or event, you pay attention to it or you are aware of it, but you do not influence it. □�[V n] Human rights groups have been closely watching the case. □�[V ] Annoyed commuters could only watch as the departure time ticked by.

4 VERB If you watch people, especially children or animals, you are responsible for them, and make sure that they are not in danger. □�[V n] Parents can't be expected to watch their children 24 hours a day.

5 VERB If you watch someone, you follow them secretly or spy on them. □�[V n] Ella was scared that someone was watching her.

6 VERB If you tell someone to watch a particular person or thing, you are warning them to be careful that the person or thing does not get out of control or do something unpleasant. □�[V n] You really ought to watch these quiet types. □�[V n] If you're watching the calories, don't have mayonnaise.

7 N‑COUNT A watch is a period of carefully looking and listening, often while other people are asleep and often as a military duty, so that you can warn them of danger or an attack. □� I had the first watch that May evening.

8 PHRASE If someone keeps watch , they look and listen all the time, while other people are asleep or doing something else, so that they can warn them of danger or an attack. □� Jose, as usual, had climbed a tree to keep watch.

9 PHRASE If you keep watchon events or a situation, you pay attention to what is happening, so that you can take action at the right moment. □� U.S. officials have been keeping close watch on the situation.

10 PHRASE You say ' watch it ' in order to warn someone to be careful, especially when you want to threaten them about what will happen if they are not careful. □� 'Now watch it, Patsy,' the Sergeant told her.

11 PHRASE If someone is on watch , they have the job of carefully looking and listening, often while other people are asleep and often as a military duty, so that they can warn them of danger or an attack. □� Apart from two men on watch in the engine-room, everyone was asleep.

12 PHRASE If you are on the watchfor something, you are expecting it to happen and you therefore pay attention to events so that you will notice it when it does happen. □�[+�for ] Environmentalists will be on the watch for damage to wildlife.

13 PHRASE If someone is being kept under watch , they are being guarded or observed all the time.

14 PHRASE You say to someone ' you watch ' or ' just watch ' when you are predicting that something will happen, and you are very confident that it will happen as you say. □� You watch. Things will get worse before they get better.

15to watch your step →�see step

▸� watch for or watch out for PHRASAL VERB If you watch for something or watch out for it, you pay attention so that you notice it, either because you do not want to miss it or because you want to avoid it. □�[V P n] We'll be watching for any developments. □�[V P P n] He called out to them to watch out for the unexploded mine.

▸� watch out PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone to watch out , you are warning them to be careful, because something unpleasant might happen to them or they might get into difficulties. □�[V P ] You have to watch out because there are land mines all over the place.

▸� watch out for →�see watch for

▸� watch over PHRASAL VERB If you watch over someone or something, you pay attention to them to make sure that nothing bad happens to them. □�[V P n] The guards were originally hired to watch over the houses as they were being built.

➋ watch ◆◇◇ /wɒ tʃ/ (watches ) N‑COUNT A watch is a small clock which you wear on a strap on your wrist, or on a chain. SYNONYMS watch VERB ➊1

look:She turned to look at him.

see:I saw a man making his way towards me.

peer:He watched the Customs official peer into the driver's window.

stare:Tamara stared at him in disbelief, shaking her head.

watch|dog /wɒ tʃdɒg, [AM ] -dɔːg/ (watchdogs ) N‑COUNT [N n] A watchdog is a person or committee whose job is to make sure that companies do not act illegally or irresponsibly. □� �an anti-crime watchdog group funded by New York businesses.

-watcher /-wɒtʃə r / (-watchers ) COMB -watcher combines with nouns to form other nouns that refer to people who are interested in a group of animals or people, and who study them closely. □� The bird-watchers crept about in the bushes. □� Royal-watcher Mary Hayes said: 'It looks like it is going to be an unhappy time for the Queen.'

watch|ful /wɒ tʃfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is watchful notices everything that is happening. □� The best thing is to be watchful and see the doctor for any change in your health.

-watching /-wɒtʃ I ŋ/ COMB -watching combines with nouns to form other nouns which refer to the activity of looking at a group of animals or people and studying them because they interest you. □� Whale-watching has become a growth leisure industry. □� He is said to have invented the sport of celebrity-watching.

watch|man /wɒ tʃmən/ (watchmen )

1 N‑COUNT A watchman is a person whose job is to guard a building or area.

2 →�see also nightwatchman

watch|tower /wɒ tʃtaʊə r / (watchtowers ) N‑COUNT A watchtower is a high building which gives a person a good view of the area around the place that they are guarding.

watch|word /wɒ tʃwɜː r d/ (watchwords ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's watchword is a word or phrase that sums up their attitude or approach to a particular subject or to things in general. □� Caution has been one of Mr Allan's watchwords.

wa|ter ◆◆◆ /wɔː tə r / (waters , watering , watered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Water is a clear thin liquid that has no colour or taste when it is pure. It falls from clouds as rain and enters rivers and seas. All animals and people need water in order to live. □� Get me a glass of water. □� �the sound of water hammering on the metal roof. □� �a trio of children playing along the water's edge.

2 N‑PLURAL You use waters to refer to a large area of sea, especially the area of sea which is near to a country and which is regarded as belonging to it. □� The ship will remain outside Chinese territorial waters. □�[+�of ] �the open waters of the Arctic Ocean.

3 N‑PLURAL [adj N ] You sometimes use waters to refer to a situation which is very complex or difficult. □� �the man brought in to guide him through troubled waters. □� The country may be in stormy economic waters.

4 VERB If you water plants, you pour water over them in order to help them to grow. □�[V n] He went out to water the plants.

5 VERB If your eyes water , tears build up in them because they are hurting or because you are upset. □�[V ] His eyes watered from the smoke.

6 VERB If you say that your mouth is watering , you mean that you can smell or see some nice food and you might mean that your mouth is producing a liquid. □�[V ] �cookies to make your mouth water.

7 →�see also mouth-watering

8 PHRASE When a pregnant woman's waters break , the fluid in her womb that surrounds the baby passes out of her body, showing that the baby is ready to be born. A doctor or midwife can break a woman's waters so that the birth can begin. □� My waters broke at six in the morning and within four hours Jamie was born.

9 PHRASE If you say that an event or incident is water under the bridge , you mean that it has happened and cannot now be changed, so there is no point in worrying about it any more. □� He was relieved his time in jail was over and regarded it as water under the bridge.

10 PHRASE If you are in deep water , you are in a difficult or awkward situation. □� I could tell that we were getting off the subject and into deep water.

11 PHRASE If an argument or theory does not hold water , it does not seem to be reasonable or be in accordance with the facts. □� This argument simply cannot hold water in Europe.

12 PHRASE If you are in hot water , you are in trouble. [INFORMAL ] □� The company has already been in hot water over high prices this year.

13 PHRASE If you pour cold water on an idea or suggestion, you show that you have a low opinion of it. □� City economists pour cold water on the idea that the economic recovery has begun.

14 PHRASE If you test the water or test the waters , you try to find out what reaction an action or idea will get before you do it or tell it to people. □� You should be cautious when getting involved and test the water before committing yourself.

15like water off a duck's back →�see duck

16to take to something like a duck to water →�see duck

17to keep your head above water →�see head

▸� water down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you water down a substance, for example food or drink, you add water to it to make it weaker. □�[V P n] He was careful to check that his suppliers were not watering down the product. □�[V n P ] I bought a water-based paint, then decided to water it down even more.

2 VERB If something such as a proposal, speech, or statement is watered down , it is made much weaker and less forceful, or less likely to make people angry. □�[be V -ed P ] Proposed legislation affecting bird-keepers has been watered down.

3 →�see also watered-down

water|bed /wɔː tə r bed/ (waterbeds ) also water bed N‑COUNT A waterbed is a bed which consists of a plastic case filled with water.

wa |ter bird (water birds ) N‑COUNT A water bird is a bird that swims or walks in water, especially lakes and rivers. There are many kinds of water bird.

wa ter-borne also waterborne

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A water-borne disease or infection is one that people can catch from infected water.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is water-borne travels or is transported on water. □� �a waterborne safari down the Nile. □� Environmental pressures are strengthening the case for waterborne freight.

wa |ter bot|tle (water bottles )

1 N‑COUNT A water bottle is a small container for carrying water to drink on a long journey.

2 →�see also hot-water bottle

wa |ter buf|fa|lo (water buffaloes or water buffalo ) N‑COUNT A water buffalo is an animal like a large cow with long horns that curve upwards. In some countries water buffalo are kept for their milk and are used to draw ploughs.

wa |ter butt (water butts ) N‑COUNT A water butt is a large barrel for collecting rain as it flows off a roof. [BRIT ] in AM, use rain barrel

wa |ter can|non (water cannons or water cannon ) N‑COUNT A water cannon is a machine which shoots out a large, powerful stream of water. It is used by police to break up crowds of people who are protesting or fighting.

wa |ter chest|nut (water chestnuts ) N‑COUNT A water chestnut is the thick bottom part of the stem of a plant which grows in China. It is used in Chinese cookery.

water|colour /wɔː tə r kʌlə r / (watercolours ) in AM, use watercolor1 N‑VAR Watercolours are coloured paints, used for painting pictures, which you apply with a wet brush or dissolve in water first. □� �a collection of rich paintings in watercolour, acrylic and oil.

2 N‑COUNT A watercolour is a picture which has been painted with watercolours. □� �a lovely watercolour by J. M. W. Turner.

wa |ter cool|er (water coolers )

1 N‑COUNT A water cooler is a machine that dispenses drinking water, especially in an office. [mainly AM ]

2 N‑SING Water cooler is used in expressions that refer to the informal conversations that people have in their office or workplace. □� Three out of four Americans watched Roots, and then the next day could talk about race relations at the water cooler.

water|course /wɔː tə r kɔː r s/ (watercourses ) also water course N‑COUNT A watercourse is a stream or river, or the channel that it flows along. [FORMAL ]

water|cress /wɔː tə r kres/ N‑UNCOUNT Watercress is a small plant with white flowers which grows in streams and pools. Its leaves taste hot and are eaten raw in salads.

wa tered-do wn also watered down

1 ADJ If you describe something such as a proposal, speech, or statement as watered-down , you mean that it is weaker or less forceful than its original form. □� The British government introduced a watered-down version of the proposals.

2 →�see also water down

water|fall /wɔː tə r fɔːl/ (waterfalls ) N‑COUNT A waterfall is a place where water flows over the edge of a steep, high cliff in hills or mountains, and falls into a pool below. □� �Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall.

wa |ter fea|ture (water features ) N‑COUNT A water feature is something such as an artificial pond or waterfall, usually in a garden.

water|fowl /wɔː tə r faʊl/ (waterfowl ) N‑COUNT Waterfowl are birds that swim in water, especially ducks, geese, and swans.

water|front /wɔː tə r frʌnt/ (waterfronts ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A waterfront is a street or piece of land which is next to an area of water, for example a harbour or the sea. □� They went for a stroll along the waterfront.

wa |ter hole (water holes ) also waterhole N‑COUNT In a desert or other dry area, a water hole is a pool of water where animals can drink.

wa |ter|ing can (watering cans ) N‑COUNT A watering can is a container with a long spout which is used to water plants.

wa |ter|ing hole (watering holes ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a pub or bar where people go to drink and meet their friends as a watering hole . □� I was in my favorite watering hole, waiting for the game to start.

wa |ter jump (water jumps ) N‑COUNT A water jump is a fence with a pool of water on the far side of it, which people or horses jump over as part of a race or competition.

wa |ter lily (water lilies ) also waterlily N‑COUNT A water lily is a plant with large flat leaves and colourful flowers which floats on the surface of lakes and rivers.

water|line /wɔː tə r la I n/ (waterlines ) also water line N‑COUNT [usu sing] The waterline is a line, either real or imaginary, on the side of a ship representing the level the water reaches when the ship is at sea. □� Ray painted below the waterline with a special anti-rust paint.

water|logged /wɔː tə r lɒgd, [AM ] -lɔːgd/ also water-logged ADJ Something such as soil or land that is waterlogged is so wet that it cannot absorb any more water, so that a layer of water remains on its surface. □� The match is off because of a waterlogged pitch.

wa |ter main (water mains ) N‑COUNT A water main is a very large underground pipe used for supplying water to houses and factories.

water|mark /wɔː tə r mɑː r k/ (watermarks )

1 N‑COUNT A watermark is a design which is put into paper when it is made, and which you can only see if you hold the paper up to the light. Banknotes often have a watermark, to make them harder to copy illegally.

2 →�see also high-water mark

wa |ter mead|ow (water meadows ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Water meadows are wet fields of grass near a river, which are often flooded. [mainly BRIT ]

water|melon /wɔː tə r melən/ (watermelons ) N‑VAR A watermelon is a large round fruit with green skin, pink flesh, and black seeds.

water|mill /wɔː tə r m I l/ (watermills ) also water mill N‑COUNT A watermill is a mill powered by a water wheel.

wa |ter pis|tol (water pistols ) N‑COUNT A water pistol is a small toy gun which shoots out water.

wa |ter polo N‑UNCOUNT Water polo is a game played in a swimming pool in which two teams of swimmers try to score goals with a ball.

water|proof /wɔː tə r pruːf/ (waterproofs , waterproofing , waterproofed )

1 ADJ Something which is waterproof does not let water pass through it. □� Take waterproof clothing�Orkney weather is unpredictable.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Waterproofs are items of clothing which do not let water in. [mainly BRIT ] □� For staying dry you'll want nice lightweight waterproofs to wear over your leathers.

3 VERB [usu passive] If something is waterproofed , it is treated so that water cannot pass through it or damage it. □�[be V -ed] The whole boat has been totally waterproofed.

wa |ter rate (water rates ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] In Britain, the charges made for the use of water from the public water supply are known as the water rates .

wa ter-resistant ADJ Something that is water-resistant does not allow water to pass through it easily, or is not easily damaged by water. □� Microfibre fabrics are both water-resistant and windproof.

water|shed /wɔː tə r ʃed/ (watersheds )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something such as an event is a watershedin the history or development of something, it is very important because it represents the beginning of a new stage in it. □�[+�in ] The election of Mary Robinson in 1990 was a watershed in Irish politics.

2 N‑COUNT Thewatershed is a time before which television broadcasters have agreed not to show programmes unsuitable for children, for example programmes that contain scenes of sex or violence. [BRIT ] □� The advert should only be shown after the 9pm watershed.

water|side /wɔː tə r sa I d/ N‑SING [oft N n] The waterside is the area beside a stretch of water such as a river or lake. □� Her garden stretches down to the waterside.

wa ter-ski (water-skis , water-skiing , water-skied ) also waterski VERB If you water-ski , you stand on skis in the water while being pulled along by a boat. □�[V ] The staff will be happy to help arrange for you to swim, sail, or water-ski. ●� water-skiing N‑UNCOUNT □� He offered to teach them water-skiing.

wa ter-so luble also water soluble ADJ Something that is water-soluble dissolves in water. □� Vitamin C is water soluble. □� �oat bran and other water-soluble fibres.

wa |ter sup|ply (water supplies ) N‑COUNT The water supply in an area is the water which is collected and passed through pipes to buildings for people to use. □� The town is without electricity and the water supply has been cut off.

wa |ter ta|ble (water tables ) N‑COUNT Thewater table is the level below the surface of the ground where water can be found. □� Environmentalists say that diverting water from the river will lower the water table.

water|tight /wɔː tə r ta I t/ also water-tight

1 ADJ Something that is watertight does not allow water to pass through it, for example because it is tightly sealed. □� The flask is completely watertight, even when laid on its side.

2 ADJ A watertight case, argument, or agreement is one that has been so carefully put together that nobody will be able to find a fault in it. □� The police had a watertight case. They even got his fingerprints from that glass cabinet.

wa |ter tow|er (water towers ) N‑COUNT A water tower is a large tank of water which is placed on a high metal structure so that water can be supplied at a steady pressure to surrounding buildings.

wa |ter vole (water voles ) N‑COUNT A water vole is a small furry animal that can swim. Water voles live in holes in the banks of rivers. [mainly BRIT ]

water|way /wɔː tə r we I / (waterways ) N‑COUNT A waterway is a canal, river, or narrow channel of sea which ships or boats can sail along.

wa |ter wheel (water wheels ) also waterwheel N‑COUNT A water wheel is a large wheel which is turned by water flowing through it. Water wheels are used to provide power to drive machinery.

water|works /wɔː tə r wɜː r ks/ (waterworks ) N‑COUNT A waterworks is a building where a supply of water is stored and cleaned before being distributed to the public.

wa|tery /wɔː təri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is watery is weak or pale. □� A watery light began to show through the branches. □� Martha managed to produce a dim, watery smile.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe food or drink as watery , you dislike it because it contains too much water, or has no flavour. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �watery stew.

3 ADJ Something that is watery contains, resembles, or consists of water. □� Emma's eyes went red and watery.

watt /wɒ t/ (watts ) N‑COUNT A watt is a unit of measurement of electrical power. □� Use a 3 amp fuse for equipment up to 720 watts. □� �a 100-watt lightbulb.

watt|age /wɒ t I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT The wattage of a piece of electrical equipment is the amount of electrical power which it produces or uses, expressed in watts.

wat|tle /wɒ t ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Wattle is a framework made by weaving thin sticks through thick sticks which is used for making fences and walls. [BRIT ] □� �the native huts of mud and wattle. □� �wattle fencing.

wave ◆◆◇ /we I v/ (waves , waving , waved )

1 VERB If you wave or wave your hand, you move your hand from side to side in the air, usually in order to say hello or goodbye to someone. □�[V +�to/at ] He waved at the waiter, who rushed to the table. □�[V ] He grinned, waved, and said, 'Hi!'. □�[V n] Elaine turned and waved her hand lazily and left. [Also V n prep] ●�N‑COUNT Wave is also a noun. □�[+�of ] Steve stopped him with a wave of the hand. □� Paddy spotted Mary Ann and gave her a cheery wave.

2 VERB If you wave someone away or wave them on, you make a movement with your hand to indicate that they should move in a particular direction. □�[V n adv/prep] Leshka waved him away with a show of irritation.

3 VERB If you wave something, you hold it up and move it rapidly from side to side. □�[V n] Hospital staff were outside to welcome him, waving flags and applauding. □�[V n adv/prep] She was apt to raise her voice and wave her hands about. ●� -waving COMB □� Hundreds of banner-waving demonstrators took to the streets. □� �a flag-waving crowd.

4 VERB If something waves , it moves gently from side to side or up and down. □�[V ] �grass and flowers waving in the wind.

5 N‑COUNT A wave is a raised mass of water on the surface of water, especially the sea, which is caused by the wind or by tides making the surface of the water rise and fall. □� �the sound of the waves breaking on the shore.

6 N‑COUNT If someone's hair has waves , it curves slightly instead of being straight.

7 N‑COUNT A wave is a sudden increase in heat or energy that spreads out from an earthquake or explosion. □�[+�of ] The shock waves of the earthquake were felt in Teheran.

8 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Waves are the form in which things such as sound, light, and radio signals travel. □� Sound waves, light waves, and radio waves have a certain frequency.

9 N‑COUNT If you refer to a waveof a particular feeling, you mean that it increases quickly and becomes very intense, and then often decreases again. □�[+�of ] She felt a wave of panic, but forced herself to leave the room calmly.

10 N‑COUNT A wave is a sudden increase in a particular activity or type of behaviour, especially an undesirable or unpleasant one. □�[+�of ] �the current wave of violence. □� �an even newer crime wave.

11 →�see also long wave , medium wave , Mexican wave , new wave , short-wave , tidal wave

wave|band /we I vb�nd/ (wavebands ) N‑COUNT A waveband is a group of radio waves of similar length which are used for particular types of radio communication.

wave|length /we I vleŋθ/ (wavelengths )

1 N‑COUNT A wavelength is the distance between a part of a wave of energy such as light or sound and the next similar part. □�[+�of ] Sunlight consists of different wavelengths of radiation.

2 N‑COUNT A wavelength is the size of radio wave which a particular radio station uses to broadcast its programmes. □�[+�of ] She found the wavelength of their broadcasts, and left the radio tuned to their station.

3 PHRASE If two people are on the same wavelength , they find it easy to understand each other and they tend to agree, because they share similar interests or opinions. □� It's great to work with people who are on the same wavelength.

wave|let /we I vlət/ (wavelets ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Wavelets are small waves on the surface of a sea or lake. [LITERARY ]

wa|ver /we I və r / (wavers , wavering , wavered )

1 VERB If you waver , you cannot decide about something or you consider changing your mind about something. □�[V ] Some military commanders wavered over whether to support the coup. □�[V ] Coleman has never wavered in his claim that he is innocent.

2 VERB If something wavers , it shakes with very slight movements or changes. □�[V ] The shadows of the dancers wavered continually.

wavy /we I vi/ (wavier , waviest )

1 ADJ Wavy hair is not straight or curly, but curves slightly. □� She had short, wavy brown hair.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A wavy line has a series of regular curves along it. □� The boxes were decorated with a wavy gold line.

wax /w� ks/ (waxes , waxing , waxed )

1 N‑VAR Wax is a solid, slightly shiny substance made of fat or oil which is used to make candles and polish. It melts when it is heated. □� There were coloured candles which had spread pools of wax on the furniture. □� She loved the scent in the house of wax polish.

2 VERB If you wax a surface, you put a thin layer of wax onto it, especially in order to polish it. □�[V n] We'd have long talks while she helped me wax the floor.

3 VERB If you have your legs waxed , you have the hair removed from your legs by having wax put on them and then pulled off quickly. □�[have n V -ed] She has just had her legs waxed at the local beauty parlour. □�[V n] She would wax her legs, ready for the party.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Wax is the sticky yellow substance found in your ears.

5 VERB If you say that someone, for example, waxes lyrical or waxes indignant about a subject, you mean that they talk about it in an enthusiastic or indignant way. □�[V adj] He waxed lyrical about the skills and commitment of his employees. □�[V adj] Tom sat himself down and waxed eloquent about all the advantages of the new plan.

6 PHRASE If something waxes and wanes , it first increases and then decreases over a period of time. □� Portugal and Spain had possessed vast empires that waxed and waned.

wa xed pa |per N‑UNCOUNT Waxed paper is the same as wax paper .

wax|en /w� ks ə n/ ADJ A waxen face is very pale and looks very unhealthy. [LITERARY ]

wa x pa|per N‑UNCOUNT Wax paper is paper that has been covered with a thin layer of wax. It is used mainly in cooking or to wrap food. [AM ] in BRIT, use greaseproof paper

wax|work /w� kswɜː r k/ (waxworks )

1 N‑COUNT A waxwork is a model of a person, especially a famous person, made out of wax.

2 N‑COUNT A waxworks is a place where waxworks are displayed for the public to look at. Waxworks is both the singular and the plural form.

waxy /w� ksi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is waxy looks or feels like wax. □� Choose small waxy potatoes for the salad. □� �the waxy coating on the insect's body.

way ◆◆◆ /we I / (ways )

1 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] If you refer to a wayof doing something, you are referring to how you can do it, for example the action you can take or the method you can use to achieve it. □�[+�of ] Another way of making new friends is to go to an evening class. □� I worked myself into a frenzy plotting ways to make him jealous. □� I can't think of a worse way to spend my time. □� There just might be a way. □� 'All right, Mrs Bates,' she said. 'We'll do it your way'.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu adj N ] If you talk about the way someone does something, you are talking about the qualities their action has. □� She smiled in a friendly way. □�[+�of ] He had a strange way of talking.

3 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] If a general statement or description is true in a particular way , this is the form of it that is true in a particular case. □� Computerized reservation systems help airline profits in several ways. □� She was afraid in a way that was quite new to her.

4 N‑COUNT You use way in expressions such as in some ways , in many ways , and in every way to indicate the degree or extent to which a statement is true. □� In some ways, the official opening is a formality. □� She described her lover as 'perfect in every way'.

5 N‑PLURAL The ways of a particular person or group of people are their customs or their usual behaviour. □� He denounces people who urge him to alter his ways. □� He said he was against returning to old authoritarian ways.

6 N‑SING [with poss] If you refer to someone's way , you are referring to their usual or preferred type of behaviour. □� In her usual resourceful way, she has started her own business. □� Direct confrontation was not his way.

7 N‑COUNT You use way to refer to one particular opinion or interpretation of something, when others are possible. □� I suppose that's one way of looking at it. □�[+�of ] With most of Dylan's lyrics, however, there are other ways of interpreting the words. □� Sometimes, the bank manager just doesn't see it your way.

8 N‑COUNT You use way when mentioning one of a number of possible, alternative results or decisions. □� There is no indication which way the vote could go. □� The judge could have decided either way.

9 N‑SING The way you feel about something is your attitude to it or your opinion about it. □� I'm terribly sorry�I had no idea you felt that way.

10 N‑SING If you mention theway that something happens, you are mentioning the fact that it happens. □� I hate the way he manipulates people. □� You may remember the way each scene ended with someone looking pensive or significant.

11 N‑SING You use way in expressions such as push your way , work your way , or eat your way , followed by a prepositional phrase or adverb, in order to indicate movement, progress, or force as well as the action described by the verb. □�[+�into ] She thrust her way into the crowd. □�[+�into ] He thought we were trying to buy our way into his company.

12 N‑COUNT Theway somewhere consists of the different places that you go through or the route that you take in order to get there. □�[+�to ] Does anybody know the way to the bathroom? □� I'm afraid I can't remember the way. □� We're not even a third of the way there.

13 N‑SING If you go or look a particular way , you go or look in that direction. □� As he strode into the kitchen, he passed Pop coming the other way. □� They paused at the top of the stairs, doubtful as to which way to go next. □� Could you look this way?

14 N‑SING You can refer to the direction you are travelling in as your way . [SPOKEN ] □� She would say she was going my way and offer me a lift.

15 N‑SING If you lose your way , you take a wrong or unfamiliar route, so that you do not know how to get to the place that you want to go to. If you find your way , you manage to get to the place that you want to go to. □� The men lost their way in a sandstorm and crossed the border by mistake.

16 N‑COUNT You talk about people going their different ways in order to say that their lives develop differently and they have less contact with each other. □� When we each went our separate ways I began to learn how to do things for myself. □� You go your way and I'll go mine.

17 N‑SING If something comes your way , you get it or receive it. □� Take advantage of the opportunities coming your way in a couple of months. □� If I run into anything that might interest you, I'll send it your way.

18 N‑SING [in/out of N ] If someone or something is in theway , they prevent you from moving forward or seeing clearly. □� 'You're standing in the way,' she said. 'Would you mind moving aside'. □� Get out of my way!

19 N‑SING You use way in expressions such as the right way up and the other way around to refer to one of two or more possible positions or arrangements that something can have. □� The flag was held the wrong way up by some spectators. □� It's important to fit it the right way round.

20 ADV [ADV adv/prep] You can use way to emphasize, for example, that something is a great distance away or is very much below or above a particular level or amount. [EMPHASIS ] □� Way down in the valley to the west is the town of Freiburg. □� These exam results are way above average.

21 N‑PLURAL [num N ] If you split something a number of ways , you divide it into a number of different parts or quantities, usually fairly equal in size. □� When she retires her job is to be split three ways. □� Splitting the price six ways had still cost them each a bundle. ●�COMB [ADJ n] Way is also a combining form. □� �a simple three-way division.

22 N‑SING Way is used in expressions such as a long way , a little way , and quite a way , to say how far away something is or how far you have travelled. □� Some of them live in places quite a long way from here. □� A little way further down the lane we passed the driveway to a house.

23 N‑SING Way is used in expressions such as a long way , a little way , and quite a way , to say how far away in time something is. □� Success is still a long way off. □� August is still an awfully long way away.

24 N‑SING You use way in expressions such as all the way , most of the way and half the way to refer to the extent to which an action has been completed. □� He had unscrewed the caps most of the way. □� When was the last time you listened to an album all the way through?

25 PHRASE You use all the way to emphasize how long a distance is. [EMPHASIS ] □� He had to walk all the way home.

26 PHRASE You can use all the way to emphasize that your remark applies to every part of a situation, activity, or period of time. [EMPHASIS ] □� Having started a revolution, we must go all the way.

27 PHRASE If someone says that you can't have it both ways , they are telling you that you have to choose between two things and cannot do or have them both. □� Countries cannot have it both ways: the cost of a cleaner environment may be fewer jobs.

28 PHRASE You say by the way when you add something to what you are saying, especially something that you have just thought of. [SPOKEN ] □� The name Latifah, by the way, means 'delicate'. □� By the way, how did your seminar go?

29 PHRASE You use by way of when you are explaining the purpose of something that you have said or are about to say. For example, if you say something by way of an introduction , you say it as an introduction. □� 'I get very superstitious about things like that,' she said by way of explanation.

30 PHRASE If someone changes their ways or mends their ways , they permanently improve their behaviour or their way of doing something. □� What can be done to encourage convicted offenders to change their ways?

31 PHRASE If you clear the way , open the way , or prepare the way for something, you create an opportunity for it to happen. □� The talks are meant to clear the way for formal negotiations on a new constitution. □� The decision could open the way for other children to sue their parents.

32 PHRASE If you say that someone takes the easy way out , you disapprove of them because they do what is easiest for them in a difficult situation, rather than dealing with it properly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� It is the easy way out to blame others for our failure.

33 PHRASE You use either way in order to introduce a statement which is true in each of the two possible or alternative cases that you have just mentioned. □� The sea may rise or the land may fall; either way the sand dunes will be gone in a short time.

34 PHRASE If you say that a particular type of action or development is the way forward , you approve of it because it is likely to lead to success. [APPROVAL ] □� �people who genuinely believe that anarchy is the way forward.

35 PHRASE If someone gets their way or has their way , nobody stops them doing what they want to do. You can also say that someone gets their own way or has their own way . □� She is very good at using her charm to get her way.

36 PHRASE If one thing gives way to another, the first thing is replaced by the second. □� First he had been numb. Then the numbness gave way to anger.

37 PHRASE If an object that is supporting something gives way , it breaks or collapses, so that it can no longer support that thing. □� The hook in the ceiling had given way and the lamp had fallen blazing on to the table.

38 PHRASE If you give wayto someone or something that you have been resisting, you stop resisting and allow yourself to be persuaded or controlled by them. [WRITTEN ] □� It seems the President has given way to pressure from the hardliners.

39 PHRASE If a moving person, a vehicle, or its driver gives way , they slow down or stop in order to allow other people or vehicles to pass in front of them. [BRIT ] □� Give way to traffic coming from the left. in AM, use yield

40 PHRASE If you say that someone or something has a way of doing a particular thing, you mean that they often do it. □� Bosses have a way of always finding out about such things.

41 PHRASE If you say that a person has a way with something or someone, you mean that that person seems to have a natural skill or instinct for dealing with them. [mainly SPOKEN , APPROVAL ] □� Constance doesn't have a way with words like you do.

42 PHRASE You use in no way or not in any way to emphasize that a statement is not at all true. [EMPHASIS ] □� A spokesman insisted the two events were 'in no way related'.

43 PHRASE If you say that something is true in a way , you mean that although it is not completely true, it is true to a limited extent or in certain respects. You use in a way to reduce the force of a statement. [VAGUENESS ] □� In a way, I suppose I'm frightened of failing. □� It made things very unpleasant in a way.

44 PHRASE If you say that someone gets in the way or is in the way , you are annoyed because their presence or their actions stop you doing something properly. □� 'We wouldn't get in the way,' Suzanne promised. 'We'd just stand quietly in a corner.'

45 PHRASE To get in the wayof something means to make it difficult for it to happen, continue, or be appreciated properly. □�[+�of ] She had a job which never got in the way of her leisure interests.

46 PHRASE If you know your way around a particular subject, system, or job, or if you know your way about it, you know all the procedures and facts about it. □� He knows his way around the intricate maze of European law.

47 PHRASE If you lead the way along a particular route, you go along it in front of someone in order to show them where to go. □� She grabbed his suitcase and led the way.

48 PHRASE If a person or group leads the wayin a particular activity, they are the first person or group to do it or they make the most new developments in it. □� Sony has also led the way in shrinking the size of compact-disc players.

49 PHRASE If you say that someone or something has come a long way , you mean that they have developed, progressed, or become very successful. □� He has come a long way since the days he could only afford one meal a day.

50 PHRASE You can use by a long way to emphasize that something is, for example, much better, worse, or bigger than any other thing of that kind. [EMPHASIS ] □� It was, by a long way, the worst meeting I have ever attended.

51 PHRASE If you say that something is a long way from being true, you are emphasizing that it is definitely not true. [EMPHASIS ] □� She is a long way from being the richest person in Britain.

52 PHRASE If you say that something goes a long waytowards doing a particular thing, you mean that it is an important factor in achieving that thing. □�[+�towards/to ] Although not a cure, it goes a long way towards making the patient's life tolerable.

53 PHRASE If you say that someone has lost their way , you are criticizing them because they do not have any good ideas any more, or seem to have become unsure about what to do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Why has the White House lost its way on tax and budget policy?

54 PHRASE When you make your way somewhere, you walk or travel there. □� He made his way home at last.

55 PHRASE If one person or thing makes wayfor another, the first is replaced by the second. □� He said he was prepared to make way for younger people in the party.

56 PHRASE If you say there's no way that something will happen, you are emphasizing that you think it will definitely not happen. [EMPHASIS ] □� There was absolutely no way that we were going to be able to retrieve it.

57 PHRASE You can say no way as an emphatic way of saying no. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� Mike, no way am I playing cards with you for money.

58 PHRASE You use in the way of or by way of in order to specify the kind of thing you are talking about. □� Latvia is a country without much in the way of natural resources. □� Meetings held today produced little in the way of an agreement. □� The man with whom she maintains a relationship provides nothing by way of support.

59 PHRASE If you are on your way , you have started your journey somewhere. □� He has been allowed to leave the country and is on his way to Britain. □� By sunrise tomorrow we'll be on our way.

60 PHRASE If something happens on the way or along the way , it happens during the course of a particular event or process. □� You may have to learn a few new skills along the way.

61 PHRASE If you are on your way or well on your wayto something, you have made so much progress that you are almost certain to achieve that thing. □� I am now out of hospital and well on the way to recovery.

62 PHRASE If something is on the way , it will arrive soon. □� The forecasters say more snow is on the way. □� She is married with twin sons and a third child on the way.

63 PHRASE You can use one way or another or one way or the other when you want to say that something definitely happens, but without giving any details about how it happens. [VAGUENESS ] □� You know pretty well everyone here, one way or the other.

64 PHRASE You use one way or the other or one way or another to refer to two possible decisions or conclusions that have previously been mentioned, without stating which one is reached or preferred. □� We've got to make our decision one way or the other. □� I didn't really care one way or another.

65 PHRASE You use the other way around or the other way round to refer to the opposite of what you have just said. □� You'd think you were the one who did me the favor, and not the other way around.

66 PHRASE If something or someone is on the way out or on their way out , they are likely to disappear or to be replaced very soon. □� The British seaside holiday is apparently on the way out.

67 PHRASE If you go out of your wayto do something, for example to help someone, you make a special effort to do it. □� He was very kind to me and seemed to go out of his way to help me.

68 PHRASE If you keep out of someone's way or stay out of their way , you avoid them or do not get involved with them. □� I'd kept out of his way as much as I could. □� He warned the army to stay out of the way of the relief effort.

69 PHRASE When something is out of the way , it has finished or you have dealt with it, so that it is no longer a problem or needs no more time spent on it. □� The plan has to remain confidential at least until the local elections are out of the way.

70 PHRASE If you go your own way , you do what you want rather than what everyone else does or expects. □� In school I was a loner. I went my own way.

71 PHRASE You use in the same way to introduce a situation that you are comparing with one that you have just mentioned, because there is a strong similarity between them. □� My parents are together and, if anything, closer than ever. In the same way, I also feel closer to both of them.

72 PHRASE You can use that way and this way to refer to a statement or comment that you have just made. □� Some of us have habits few people know about and we keep it this way. □� We have a beautiful city and we pray it stays that way.

73 PHRASE You can use that way or this way to refer to an action or situation that you have just mentioned, when you go on to mention the likely consequence or effect of it. □� Keep the soil moist. That way, the seedling will flourish.

74 PHRASE If an activity or plan is under way , it has begun and is now taking place. □� A full-scale security operation is now under way. □� The court case got under way last autumn.

75 PHRASE Every which way and any which way are used to emphasize that something happens, or might happen, in a lot of different ways, or using a lot of different methods. [AM , also BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� He re-ran the experiment every which way he could.

76 PHRASE Every which way is used to emphasize that things move in a lot of different directions or are arranged in a lot of different positions. [AM , also BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� �cars parked every which way.

77 PHRASE You can say ' Way to go ' to show that you are pleased or impressed by something someone has done. □� As he left, the fans broke into applause and someone called out 'Way to go, Mike'.

78to see the error of your ways →�see error

-way /-we I /

1 COMB -way combines with numbers to form adjectives that describe a means of communication that functions or takes place between the stated number of people. □� �a two-way radio. □� �a system of three-way communication.

2 →�see also one-way , two-way

way|lay /we I le I , [AM ] -le I / (waylays , waylaying , waylaid ) VERB If someone waylays you, they stop you when you are going somewhere, for example in order to talk to you, to steal something from you, or to attack you. □�[V n] The trucks are being waylaid by bandits. □� I'm sorry, Nick, I got waylaid.

wa y of li fe (ways of life )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N , adj N ] A way of life is the behaviour and habits that are typical of a particular person or group, or that are chosen by them. □�[+�of ] Mining activities have totally disrupted the traditional way of life of the Yanomami Indians.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a particular activity as away of life for someone, you mean that it has become a very important and regular thing in their life, rather than something they do or experience occasionally. □�[+�for ] She likes it so much it's become a way of life for her.

wa y-ou t ADJ If you describe someone or something as way-out , you are critical of them because they are very unusual, often in a way that is very modern or fashionable. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� They will not allow your more way-out ideas to pass unchallenged.

way|side /we I sa I d/ (waysides )

1 N‑COUNT Thewayside is the side of the road. [LITERARY ]

2 PHRASE If a person or plan falls by the wayside , they fail or stop before they complete what they set out to do. □� Amateurs fall by the wayside when the going gets tough.

wa y sta|tion (way stations )

1 N‑COUNT A way station is a place where people stop to eat and rest when they are on a long journey.

2 N‑COUNT A way station is a small station between two large stations on a railway. [AM ]

way|ward /we I wə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or their behaviour as wayward , you mean that they behave in a selfish, bad, or unpredictable way, and are difficult to control. □� �wayward children with a history of severe emotional problems.

WC /dʌ b ə ljuː siː / (WCs ) N‑COUNT A toilet is sometimes referred to as a WC , especially on signs or in advertisements for houses, flats, or hotels. WC is an abbreviation for 'water closet'. [BRIT ]

we ◆◆◆ /w I , STRONG wiː/ We is the first person plural pronoun. We is used as the subject of a verb. 1 PRON A speaker or writer uses we to refer both to himself or herself and to one or more other people as a group. You can use we before a noun to make it clear which group of people you are referring to. □� We ordered another bottle of champagne. □� We students outnumbered our teachers.

2 PRON We is sometimes used to refer to people in general. □� We need to take care of our bodies.

3 PRON A speaker or writer may use we instead of 'I' in order to include the audience or reader in what they are saying, especially when discussing how a talk or book is organized. [FORMAL ] □� We will now consider the raw materials from which the body derives energy.

weak ◆◆◇ /wiː k/ (weaker , weakest )

1 ADJ If someone is weak , they are not healthy or do not have good muscles, so that they cannot move quickly or carry heavy things. □� I was too weak to move or think or speak. □� His arms and legs were weak. ●� weak|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� 'I'm all right,' Max said weakly, but his breathing came in jagged gasps. ●� weak|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Symptoms of anaemia include weakness, fatigue and iron deficiency.

2 ADJ If someone has an organ or sense that is weak , it is not very effective or powerful, or is likely to fail. □� Until the beating, Cantanco's eyesight had been weak, but adequate. □� She tired easily and had a weak heart.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as weak , you mean that they are not very confident or determined, so that they are often frightened or worried, or easily influenced by other people. □� You have been conditioned to believe that it is weak to be scared. ●� weak|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Many people felt that admitting to stress was a sign of weakness.

4 ADJ If you describe someone's voice or smile as weak , you mean that it not very loud or big, suggesting that the person lacks confidence, enthusiasm, or physical strength. □� His weak voice was almost inaudible. ●� weak|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He smiled weakly at reporters.

5 ADJ If an object or surface is weak , it breaks easily and cannot support a lot of weight or resist a lot of strain. □� The owner said the bird may have escaped through a weak spot in the aviary. □� Swimming is helpful for bones that are porous and weak.

6 ADV A weak physical force does not have much power or intensity. □� The molecules in regular liquids are held together by relatively weak bonds. ●� weak|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □� The mineral is weakly magnetic.

7 ADJ If individuals or groups are weak , they do not have any power or influence. □� The council was too weak to do anything about it. ●�N‑PLURAL The weak are people who are weak. □� He voiced his solidarity with the weak and defenceless. ●� weak|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� It made me feel patronised, in a position of weakness.

8 ADJ A weak government or leader does not have much control, and is not prepared or able to act firmly or severely. □� The changes come after mounting criticism that the government is weak and indecisive. □� The chief editorial writer also blames weak leadership for the current crisis. ●� weak|ly ADV □� �the weakly-led movement for reform. ●� weak|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Officials fear that he might interpret the emphasis on diplomacy as a sign of weakness.

9 ADJ If you describe something such a country's currency, economy, industry, or government as weak , you mean that it is not successful, and may be likely to fail or collapse. □� The weak dollar made American goods relative bargains for foreigners. ●� weak|ness N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □�[+�of ] The weakness of his regime is showing more and more.

10 ADJ If something such as an argument or case is weak , it is not convincing or there is little evidence to support it. □� Do you think the prosecution made any particular errors, or did they just have a weak case? ●� weak|ly ADV □� His efforts to refute these 'stereotypes' are weakly argued. ●� weak|ness (weaknesses ) N‑VAR □� �the strengths and weaknesses of the government's case.

11 ADJ A weak drink, chemical, or drug contains very little of a particular substance, for example because a lot of water has been added to it. □� �a cup of weak tea. □� �a very weak bleach solution.

12 ADJ Your weak points are the qualities or talents you do not possess, or the things you are not very good at. □� Geography was my weak subject. □�[+�on ] His short stories tend to be weak on plot. ●� weak|ness N‑VAR □� His only weakness is his temperament.

13 →�see also weakness

weak|en ◆◇◇ /wiː kən/ (weakens , weakening , weakened )

1 VERB If you weaken something or if it weakens , it becomes less strong or less powerful. □�[V n] The recession has weakened so many firms that many can no longer survive. □�[V ] Family structures are weakening and breaking up.

2 VERB If your resolve weakens or if something weakens it, you become less determined or less certain about taking a particular course of action that you had previously decided to take. □�[V ] Jennie weakened, and finally relented. □�[V n] The verdict hasn't weakened his resolve to fight the charges against him.

3 VERB If something weakens you, it causes you to lose some of your physical strength. □�[V n] Malnutrition obviously weakens the patient.

4 VERB If something weakens an object, it does something to it which causes it to become less firm and more likely to break. □�[V n] A bomb blast had weakened an area of brick on the back wall.

wea k-knee d ADJ If you describe someone as weak-kneed , you mean that they are unable or unwilling to do anything because they are influenced by a strong emotion such as fear. [INFORMAL ] □� He would need all his authority to keep the weak-kneed volunteers from bolting.

weak|ling /wiː kl I ŋ/ (weaklings ) N‑COUNT If you describe a person or an animal as a weakling , you mean that they are physically weak. [DISAPPROVAL ]

weak|ness /wiː knəs/ (weaknesses )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have a weaknessfor something, you like it very much, although this is perhaps surprising or undesirable. □�[+�for ] Stephen himself had a weakness for cats. □� His one weakness, apart from aeroplanes, is ice cream.

2 →�see also weak

weal /wiː l/ (weals ) N‑COUNT A weal is a swelling made on someone's skin by a blow, especially from something sharp or thin such as a sword or whip. [BRIT ] in AM, use welt

wealth ◆◇◇ /we lθ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Wealth is the possession of a large amount of money, property, or other valuable things. You can also refer to a particular person's money or property as their wealth . □� Economic reform has brought relative wealth to peasant farmers.

2 N‑SING If you say that someone or something has a wealth of good qualities or things, you are emphasizing that they have a very large number or amount of them. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □�[+�of ] �such a wealth of creative expertise.

wealthy /we lθi/ (wealthier , wealthiest ) ADJ Someone who is wealthy has a large amount of money, property, or valuable possessions. □� �a wealthy international businessman. ●�N‑PLURAL The wealthy are people who are wealthy. □� �a measure to raise income taxes on the wealthy.

wean /wiː n/ (weans , weaning , weaned )

1 VERB When a baby or baby animal is weaned , its mother stops feeding it milk and starts giving it other food, especially solid food. □�[V n] When would be the best time to start weaning my baby? □�[V n +�off ] Phil took the labrador home and is weaning him off milk on to meat.

2 VERB If you wean someone off a habit or something they like, you gradually make them stop doing it or liking it, especially when you think is bad for them. □�[V n +�from ] It has been good for him to be gradually weaned from depending on me.

weap|on ◆◆◇ /we pən/ (weapons )

1 N‑COUNT A weapon is an object such as a gun, a knife, or a missile, which is used to kill or hurt people in a fight or a war. □� �nuclear weapons.

2 N‑COUNT A weapon is something such as knowledge about a particular subject, which you can use to protect yourself or to get what you want in a difficult situation. □� I attack politicians with the one weapon they don't have, a sense of humor.

weap|on|ize /we pəna I z/ (weaponizes , weaponizing , weaponized ) in BRIT, also use weaponise VERB If a substance or material is weaponized , it is used as a weapon or made into a weapon. If an area is weaponized , it is used as a location for weapons. □�[V n] They were close to weaponizing ricin - a lethal plant toxin. □�[V n] �the plan to weaponize outer space.

wea|pon|ry /we pənri/ N‑UNCOUNT Weaponry is all the weapons that a group or country has or that are available to it. □� �rich nations, armed with superior weaponry.

wea pons-grade ADJ [ADJ n] Weapons-grade substances such as uranium or plutonium are of a quality which makes them suitable for use in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. □� �equipment which can produce weapons-grade uranium.

wea p|ons of mass de|stru c|tion N‑PLURAL Weapons of mass destruction are biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons.

wear ◆◆◇ /weə r / (wears , wearing , wore , worn )

1 VERB When you wear something such as clothes, shoes, or jewellery, you have them on your body or on part of your body. □�[V n] He was wearing a brown uniform. □�[V n] I sometimes wear contact lenses. □�[V n] She can't make her mind up what to wear.

2 VERB If you wear your hair or beard in a particular way, you have it cut or styled in that way. □�[V n prep/adv] She wore her hair in a long braid. □�[V n] He wore a full moustache.

3 VERB If you wear a particular expression, that expression is on your face and shows the emotions that you are feeling. □�[V n] When we drove through the gates, she wore a look of amazement.

4 N‑UNCOUNT You use wear to refer to clothes that are suitable for a certain time or place. For example, evening wear is clothes suitable for the evening. □� The shop stocks an extensive range of beach wear.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Wear is the amount or type of use that something has over a period of time. □� You'll get more wear out of a hat if you choose one in a neutral colour.

6 N‑UNCOUNT Wear is the damage or change that is caused by something being used a lot or for a long time. □� �a large, well-upholstered armchair which showed signs of wear.

7 VERB If something wears , it becomes thinner or weaker because it is constantly being used over a long period of time. □�[V ] The stone steps, dating back to 1855, are beginning to wear. □�[V adj] Your horse needs new shoes if the shoe has worn thin or smooth.

8 VERB You can use wear to talk about how well something lasts over a period of time. For example, if something wears well , it still seems quite new or useful after a long time or a lot of use. □�[V adv] Ten years on, the original concept was wearing well.

9 PHRASE If one person in a couple, especially the woman, wears the pants , or in British English wears the trousers , they are the one who makes all the decisions. [INFORMAL ] □� She may give the impression that she wears the trousers but it's Tim who makes the final decisions.

10 PHRASE [usu cont] If your patience or temper is wearing thin , you are becoming annoyed and are likely to get angry soon. □� He was sympathetic at first but his patience soon wore thin.

11 PHRASE [usu cont] If you say that something is wearing thin , you mean that people do not find it funny or interesting any more and are becoming annoyed with it, because they have seen or heard it so many times. □� Some of Wilson's eccentricities are beginning to wear thin.

12 PHRASE If you say that someone is the worse for wear , you mean that they are tired, ill, or in a bad state because they have been very active, been through a difficult experience, or been drinking alcohol. [INFORMAL ] □� He arrived on January 9, disheveled and much the worse for wear.

▸� wear away PHRASAL VERB If you wear something away or if it wears away , it becomes thin and eventually disappears because it is used a lot or rubbed a lot. □�[V P n] It had a saddle with springs sticking out, which wore away the seat of my pants. □�[V P ] The softer rock wears away. [Also V n P ]

▸� wear down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you wear something down or if it wears down , it becomes flatter or smoother as a result of constantly rubbing against something else. □�[V P n] Extreme changes in temperature can wear down the top layer of your skin. □�[V P ] The machines start to wear down, they don't make as many nuts and bolts as they used to. □�[V n P ] Elephants wear the tusk down faster than they can grow it.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you wear someone down , you make them gradually weaker or less determined until they eventually do what you want. □�[V P n] They hoped the waiting and the uncertainty would wear down my resistance. □�[V n P ] He believed that he could wear her down if he only asked often enough.

▸� wear off PHRASAL VERB If a sensation or feeling wears off , it disappears slowly until it no longer exists or has any effect. □�[V P ] For many the philosophy was merely a fashion, and the novelty soon wore off. □�[V P ] Now that the initial shock was wearing off, he was in considerable pain.

▸� wear on PHRASAL VERB If you say that time wears on , you mean that it passes, especially when it seems to pass slowly. □�[V P ] As the day wore on, Brand found himself increasingly impressed.

▸� wear out

1 PHRASAL VERB When something wears out or when you wear it out , it is used so much that it becomes thin or weak and unable to be used any more. □�[V P ] Every time she consulted her watch, she wondered if the batteries were wearing out. □�[V n P ] Horses used for long-distance riding tend to wear their shoes out more quickly. □�[V P n] He wore out his shoes wandering around Mexico City.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something wears you out , it makes you feel extremely tired. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] The past few days had really worn him out. □� The young people run around kicking a ball, wearing themselves out. □�[V P n] The effect of the continuous attacks has been to wear out his troops.

3 →�see also worn out

wear|able /weə rəb ə l/

1 ADJ Wearable clothes are practical, comfortable, and suitable for ordinary people to wear, rather than being very unusual or extreme. □� It's fashionable but wearable, and it's easy to look after.

2 ADJ A wearable electronic device is designed to be worn on the body. □� �wearable technology.

wear and tear /weə r ən teə r / N‑UNCOUNT Wear and tear is the damage or change that is caused to something when it is being used normally. □�[+�on ] �the problem of wear and tear on the equipment in the harsh desert conditions.

wear|er /weə rə r / (wearers ) N‑COUNT [n N ] You can use wearer to indicate that someone is wearing a certain thing on a particular occasion or that they often wear a certain thing. □� These suits are designed to protect the wearer from cold shock as they enter the water. □� The mascara is suitable for contact lens wearers. [Also +�of ]

wear|ing /weə r I ŋ/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that a situation or activity is wearing , you mean that it requires a lot of energy and makes you feel mentally or physically tired. □� She finds the continual confrontation very wearing.

wea|ri|some /w I ə r I səm/ ADJ If you describe something as wearisome , you mean that it is very tiring and boring or frustrating. [FORMAL ] □� �a long and wearisome journey. □� Sympathising with him eventually becomes somewhat wearisome.

wea|ry /w I ə ri/ (wearies , wearying , wearied , wearier , weariest )

1 ADJ If you are weary , you are very tired. □� Rachel looked pale and weary. □� �a weary traveller.

2 ADJ If you are weary of something, you have become tired of it and have lost your enthusiasm for it. □�[+�of ] They're getting awfully weary of this silly war.

3 VERB If you weary of something or it wearies you, you become tired of it and lose your enthusiasm for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�of ] The public had wearied of his repeated warnings of a revolution that never seemed to start. □�[V n] The political hysteria soon wearied him and he dropped the newspaper to the floor.

wea|sel /wiː z ə l/ (weasels ) N‑COUNT A weasel is a small wild animal with a long thin body, a tail, short legs, and reddish-brown fur.

weath|er ◆◆◇ /we �ə r / (weathers , weathering , weathered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The weather is the condition of the atmosphere in one area at a particular time, for example if it is raining, hot, or windy. □� The weather was bad. □� I like cold weather. □� Fishing is possible in virtually any weather. □� �the weather conditions.

2 VERB If something such as wood or rock weathers or is weathered , it changes colour or shape as a result of the wind, sun, rain, or cold. □�[V ] Unpainted wooden furniture weathers to a grey colour. □�[be V -ed] This rock has been weathered and eroded. [Also V n] ●� weath|ered ADJ □� The facade of the building was a little weathered. □� The man had a worn, weathered face.

3 VERB If you weather a difficult time or a difficult situation, you survive it and are able to continue normally after it has passed or ended. □�[V n] The government has weathered its worst political crisis.

4to weather the storm →�see storm

5 PHRASE If you say that someone is making heavy weather of a task, you are critical of them because they are doing it in an inefficient way and are making it seem more difficult than it really is. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Some of the riders in this section made heavy weather of the cross-country race.

6 PHRASE If you say that you are under the weather , you mean that you feel slightly ill. □� I was still feeling a bit under the weather. USAGE weather

Weather is an uncountable noun. Don�t use �a� with it. Don�t say, for example, � We are expecting a bad weather �. Say �We are expecting bad weather �. □� They completed the climb despite appalling weather .

wea ther-beaten also weatherbeaten

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If your face or skin is weather-beaten , it is rough with deep lines because you have spent a lot of time outside in bad weather. □� �a stout man with a ruddy, weather-beaten face.

2 ADJ Something that is weather-beaten is rough and slightly damaged after being outside for a long time. □� They would look out through the cracks of their weather-beaten door.

wea th|er fore|cast (weather forecasts ) N‑COUNT A weather forecast is a statement saying what the weather will be like the next day or for the next few days. □� What's the weather forecast for tomorrow?

wea th|er fore|cast|er (weather forecasters ) N‑COUNT A weather forecaster is a person whose job is to study weather conditions and make reports predicting what the weather will be like for the next few days.

wea th|er girl (weather girls ) N‑COUNT A weather girl is a young woman who presents weather forecasts at regular times on television or radio.

weather|man /we �ə r m�n/ (weathermen ) also weather man N‑COUNT A weatherman is a man who presents weather forecasts at regular times on television or radio.

weather|proof /we �ə r pruːf/ ADJ Something that is weatherproof is made of material which protects it from the weather or keeps out wind and rain. □� Use a weatherproof rucksack to carry your camera and lenses around in.

wea th|er sta|tion (weather stations ) N‑COUNT A weather station is a place where facts about the weather are recorded and studied.

wea th|er vane (weather vanes ) N‑COUNT A weather vane is a metal object on the roof of a building which turns round as the wind blows. It is used to show the direction of the wind.

weather|woman /we �ə r wʊmən/ (weatherwomen ) also weather woman N‑COUNT A weatherwoman is a woman who presents weather forecasts at regular times on television or radio.

weave /wiː v/ (weaves , weaving , wove , woven ) The form weaved is used for the past tense and past participle for meaning 4 . 1 VERB If you weave cloth or a carpet, you make it by crossing threads over and under each other using a frame or machine called a loom. □�[V n] They would spin and weave cloth, cook and attend to the domestic side of life. □�[V ] In one room, young mothers weave while babies doze in their laps. ●� wo|ven ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� �woven cotton fabrics. ●� weav|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� When I studied weaving, I became intrigued with natural dyes.

2 N‑COUNT A particular weave is the way in which the threads are arranged in a cloth or carpet. □� Fabrics with a close weave are ideal for painting.

3 VERB If you weave something such as a basket, you make it by crossing long plant stems or fibres over and under each other. □�[V n] Jenny weaves baskets from willow she grows herself. ●� wo|ven ADJ [usu ADJ n] □� The floors are covered with woven straw mats.

4 VERB If you weave your way somewhere, you move between and around things as you go there. □�[V prep] The cars then weaved in and out of traffic at top speed. □�[V n +�through ] He weaves his way through a crowd.

5 VERB If you weave details into a story or design, you include them, so that they are closely linked together or become an important part of the story or design. [WRITTEN ] □�[V n +�into ] She weaves imaginative elements into her poems. □�[V n with together ] Bragg weaves together the histories of his main characters.

weav|er /wiː və r / (weavers ) N‑COUNT A weaver is a person who weaves cloth, carpets, or baskets.

web ◆◇◇ /we b/ (webs ) The spelling Web is also used for meaning 3 . 1 N‑COUNT A web is the thin net made by a spider from a sticky substance which it produces in its body. □� �the spider's web in the window.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A web is a complicated pattern of connections or relationships, sometimes considered as an obstacle or a danger. □�[+�of ] He's forced to untangle a complex web of financial dealings. □�[+�of ] They accused him of weaving a web of lies and deceit.

3 N‑PROPER The Web is the same as the World Wide Web . [COMPUTING ]

webbed /we bd/ ADJ [ADJ n] Webbed feet or toes have a piece of skin between the toes. Water birds have webbed feet.

web|bing /we b I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Webbing is strong material which is woven in strips and used to make belts or straps, or used in seats to support the springs.

web|cam /we bk�m/ (webcams ) also Webcam N‑COUNT [usu sing] A webcam is a video camera that saves real-time images and video to a computer or streams them through a computer network. [COMPUTING ]

web|cast /we bkɑːst, -k�st/ (webcasts ) also Webcast N‑COUNT A webcast is an event such as a musical performance which you can listen to or watch on the internet. [COMPUTING ]

web|i|nar /we b I nɑː r / (webinars ) N‑COUNT A webinar is an interactive seminar conducted over the internet. [COMPUTING ]

web|log /we blɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ also Web log , web log (weblogs ) N‑COUNT A weblog is the same as a blog . [COMPUTING ]

web|master /we bmɑːstə r , -m�st-/ (webmasters ) also Webmaster N‑COUNT [usu sing] A webmaster is someone who is in charge of a website, especially someone who does that as their job. [COMPUTING ]

we b page (web pages ) also Web page N‑COUNT A web page is a set of data or information which is designed to be viewed as part of a website. [COMPUTING ]

web|site ◆◇◇ /we bsa I t/ (websites ) also Web site , web site N‑COUNT A website is a set of data and information about a particular subject which is available on the internet. [COMPUTING ]

web|space /we bspe I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Webspace is computer memory that you can use to create web pages. [COMPUTING ] □� There's also 5Mb of webspace so that you can create your own personal web site.

wed /we d/ (weds , wedded ) The form wed is used in the present tense and is the past tense. The past participle can be either wed or wedded . 1 VERB [no cont] If one person weds another or if two people wed or are wed , they get married. [JOURNALISM , OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] In 1952 she wed film director Roger Vadim. □�[V ] The couple wed late at night in front of just nine guests.

2 →�see also newlywed , wedded

Wed. also Weds.Wed. is a written abbreviation for Wednesday . □� Our big task for tomorrow (Wed.) is to get them exit visas.

we'd /w I d, STRONG wiːd/

1We'd is the usual spoken form of 'we had', especially when 'had' is an auxiliary verb. □� Come on, we'd better get back now.

2We'd is the usual spoken form of 'we would'. □� I don't know how we'd have managed without her!

wed|ded /we d I d/

1 ADJ If you are wedded to something such as an idea, you support it so strongly or like it so much that you are unable to give it up. [FORMAL ] □�[+�to ] Conservationists are mostly wedded to preserving diversity in nature.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Wedded means the same as married . [FORMAL ] □� He proposed she become his lawfully wedded wife.

wed|ding ◆◇◇ /we d I ŋ/ (weddings ) N‑COUNT A wedding is a marriage ceremony and the party or special meal that often takes place after the ceremony. □� Most Britons want a traditional wedding. □� �a wedding present. □� �the couple's 22nd wedding anniversary.

we d|ding band (wedding bands ) N‑COUNT A wedding band is the same as a wedding ring .

we d|ding cake (wedding cakes ) N‑VAR A wedding cake is a large cake, usually decorated with icing, that is served at a wedding reception.

we d|ding dress (wedding dresses ) N‑COUNT A wedding dress is a special dress that a woman wears at her wedding.

we d|ding ring (wedding rings ) N‑COUNT A wedding ring is a ring that you wear to show that you are married.

wedge /we dʒ/ (wedges , wedging , wedged )

1 VERB If you wedge something, you force it to remain in a particular position by holding it there tightly or by fixing something next to it to prevent it from moving. □�[V n] I shut the shed door and wedged it with a log of wood. □�[V n adj] We slammed the gate after them, wedging it shut with planks.

2 VERB If you wedge something somewhere, you fit it there tightly. □�[V n prep] Wedge the plug into the hole.

3 N‑COUNT A wedge is an object with one pointed edge and one thick edge, which you put under a door to keep it firmly in position.

4 N‑COUNT A wedgeof something such as fruit or cheese is a piece of it that has a thick triangular shape.

5 PHRASE If someone drives a wedgebetween two people who are close, they cause ill feelings between them in order to weaken their relationship. □� I started to feel Toby was driving a wedge between us.

6 PHRASE If you say that something is the thin end of the wedge , you mean that it appears to be unimportant at the moment, but that it is the beginning of a bigger, more harmful development. [BRIT ] □� I think it's the thin end of the wedge when you have armed police permanently on patrol.

wed|lock /we dlɒk/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Wedlock is the state of being married. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 PHRASE If a baby is born in wedlock , it is born while its parents are married. If it is born out of wedlock , it is born at a time when its parents are not married. [FORMAL ]

Wednes|day /we nzde I , -di/ (Wednesdays ) N‑VAR Wednesday is the day after Tuesday and before Thursday. □� Come and have supper with us on Wednesday, if you're free. □� Did you happen to see her leave last Wednesday? □� David always collects Alistair from school on Wednesdays. □� On a Wednesday afternoon, the shop was shut.

wee /wiː / (wees , weeing , weed )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Wee means small in size or extent. [SCOTTISH , INFORMAL ] □� He just needs to calm down a wee bit.

2 VERB To wee means to urinate. Wee is an informal word used especially by children. [BRIT ] □�[V ] He said he wanted to wee. ●�N‑VAR Wee is also a noun. □� The baby has done a wee in his potty.

weed /wiː d/ (weeds , weeding , weeded )

1 N‑COUNT A weed is a wild plant that grows in gardens or fields of crops and prevents the plants that you want from growing properly. □� �a garden overgrown with weeds.

2 N‑VAR Weed is a plant that grows in water and usually forms a thick floating mass. There are many different kinds of weed. □� Large, clogging banks of weed are the only problem.

3 VERB If you weed an area, you remove the weeds from it. □�[V n] Caspar was weeding the garden. □�[V ] Try not to walk on the flower beds when weeding or hoeing. ●� weed|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� She taught me to do the weeding.

▸� weed out PHRASAL VERB If you weed out things or people that are useless or unwanted in a group, you find them and get rid of them. □�[V P n] He is keen to weed out the many applicants he believes may be frauds. □�[V n P ] A small group of neo-Nazis have infiltrated the ranks. We must weed them out as soon as possible.

weed|killer /wiː dk I lə r / (weedkillers ) N‑VAR Weedkiller is a substance you put on your garden to kill weeds.

weedy /wiː di/ (weedier , weediest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A weedy place is full of weeds.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as weedy , you are criticizing them because they are thin and physically weak. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

week ◆◆◆ /wiː k/ (weeks )

1 N‑COUNT A week is a period of seven days. Some people consider that a week starts on Monday and ends on Sunday. □� I had a letter from my mother last week. □� This has been on my mind all week. □� I know a wonderful restaurant where we can have lunch next week.

2 N‑COUNT A week is a period of about seven days. □� Her mother stayed for another two weeks. □� Only 12 weeks ago he underwent major heart transplant surgery. □� Three million people will visit theatres in the annual six-week season.

3 N‑COUNT Your working week is the hours that you spend at work during a week. □� It is not unusual for women to work a 40-hour week. □� �workers on a three-day week.

4 N‑SING The week is the part of the week that does not include Saturday and Sunday. □� �the hard work of looking after the children during the week.

5 N‑COUNT You use week in expressions such as 'a week on Monday', 'a week next Tuesday', and 'tomorrow week' to mean exactly one week after the day that you mention. □� The deadline to publish the document is a week tomorrow. □� The 800 metre final is on Monday week.

6 N‑COUNT You use week in expressions such as 'a week last Monday', 'a week ago this Tuesday', and 'a week ago yesterday' to mean exactly one week before the day that you mention. □� She returned home to Leicestershire a week last Sunday.

7weeks on end →�see end

week|day /wiː kde I / (weekdays ) N‑COUNT A weekday is any of the days of the week except Saturday and Sunday. □� If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to come on a weekday.

week|end ◆◆◇ /wiː ke nd/ (weekends ) N‑COUNT A weekend is Saturday and Sunday. □� She had agreed to have dinner with him in town the following weekend. □� He told me to give you a call over the weekend.

week|end|er /wiː ke ndə r , [AM ] -endər/ (weekenders ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A weekender is someone who goes to a place or lives at a place only at weekends. □� He converted his barns into cottages for weekenders.

week|ly ◆◇◇ /wiː kli/ (weeklies )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A weekly event or publication happens or appears once a week or every week. □� Each course comprises 10-12 informal weekly meetings. □� We go and do the weekly shopping every Thursday. □� �a weekly newspaper. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Weekly is also an adverb. □� The group meets weekly. □� �a magazine published weekly since 2 January 1909.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Weekly quantities or rates relate to a period of one week. □� In addition to my weekly wage, I got a lot of tips.

3 N‑COUNT A weekly is a newspaper or magazine that is published once a week. □� Two of the four national daily papers are to become weeklies.

week|night /wiː kna I t/ (weeknights ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A weeknight is the evening or night of a weekday. [mainly AUSTRALIAN ] □� �the half-hour weeknight show.

wee|nie /wiː ni/ (weenies ) →�see wienie

weep /wiː p/ (weeps , weeping , wept )

1 VERB If someone weeps , they cry. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] She wanted to laugh and weep all at once. □�[V -ing] The weeping family hugged and comforted each other. □�[V n] She wept tears of joy. ●�N‑SING Weep is also a noun. □� There are times when I sit down and have a good weep.

2 VERB If a wound weeps , liquid or blood comes from it because it is not healing properly. □�[V ] In severe cases, the skin can crack and weep. □�[V -ing] �little blisters which develop into weeping sores.

wee p|ing wi l|low (weeping willows ) N‑VAR A weeping willow is a type of willow tree. It has long thin branches that hang down to the ground.

weepy /wiː pi/ (weepies )

1 ADJ Someone who is weepy is sad and likely to cry easily. □� I suddenly felt very weepy. □� �weepy moods.

2 N‑COUNT A weepy is a film or a story which is sentimental and makes you cry. [INFORMAL ]

wee|vil /wiː v I l/ (weevils ) N‑COUNT A weevil is a small insect which feeds on grain and seeds, and destroys crops.

weft /we ft/ N‑SING In weaving, theweft of a piece of cloth is the threads which are passed sideways across the other threads. Compare warp .

weigh ◆◇◇ /we I / (weighs , weighing , weighed )

1 VERB [no cont] If someone or something weighs a particular amount, this amount is how heavy they are. □�[V amount] It weighs nearly 27 kilos (about 65 pounds).

2 VERB If you weigh something or someone, you measure how heavy they are. □�[V n] The scales can be used to weigh other items such as parcels.

3 VERB If you weigh the facts about a situation, you consider them very carefully before you make a decision, especially by comparing the various facts involved. □�[V n] He is weighing the possibility of filing criminal charges against the doctor. □�[V wh] She spoke very slowly, weighing what she would say. ●�PHRASAL VERB Weigh up means the same as weigh . [mainly BRIT ] □�[V P n] The company will be able to weigh up the environmental pros and cons of each site. □�[V P wh] You have to weigh up whether a human life is more important than an animal's life. [Also V n P ]

▸� weigh down PHRASAL VERB If something that you are wearing or carrying weighs you down , it stops you moving easily by making you heavier. □�[V n P ] He took off his shoes. If they had to swim, he didn't want anything weighing him down. □�[V P n] These nests increase in size each year, and can eventually weigh down the branch.

▸� weigh up

1 →�see weigh3

2 PHRASAL VERB If you weigh someone up , you try and find out what they are like and form an opinion of them, especially when you are suspicious of them. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n P ] My recruiting sergeant weighed me up when I first walked into his office. [Also V P n] SYNONYMS weigh VERB 3

consider:You do have to consider the feelings of those around you.

study:I invite every citizen to carefully study the document.

examine:I have given the matter much thought, examining all the possible alternatives.

contemplate:For a time he contemplated a career as an army medical doctor.

wei gh-in (weigh-ins ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] When there is a weigh-in on the day of a boxing match, each competitor is weighed to check their weight before the match.

weight ◆◆◇ /we I t/ (weights , weighting , weighted )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] The weight of a person or thing is how heavy they are, measured in units such as kilograms, pounds, or tons. □� What is your height and weight? □� This reduced the weight of the load. □�[+�of ] Turkeys can reach enormous weights of up to 50 pounds. ●�PHRASE If someone loses weight , they become lighter. If they gain weight or put on weight , they become heavier. □� I'm lucky really as I never put on weight. □� He lost two stone in weight during his time there.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] A person's or thing's weight is the fact that they are very heavy. □� Despite the vehicle's size and weight, it is not difficult to drive.

3 N‑SING If you move your weight , you change position so that most of the pressure of your body is on a particular part of your body. □� He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. □� He kept the weight from his left leg.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Weights are objects which weigh a known amount and which people lift as a form of exercise. □� I was in the gym lifting weights.

5 N‑COUNT Weights are metal objects which weigh a known amount and which are used on a set of scales to weigh other things.

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to a heavy object as a weight , especially when you have to lift it. □� Straining to lift heavy weights can lead to a rise in blood pressure.

7 VERB If you weight something, you make it heavier by adding something to it, for example in order to stop it from moving easily. □�[V n] It can be sewn into curtain hems to weight the curtain and so allow it to hang better.

8 VERB If you weight things, you give them different values according to how important or significant they are. □�[V n] �a computer program which weights the different transitions according to their likelihood. □�[V -ed] Responses were weighted by region to more accurately reflect the population. .

9 N‑VAR If something is given a particular weight , it is given a particular value according to how important or significant it is. □�[+�on ] The scientists involved put different weight on the conclusions of different models.

10 N‑UNCOUNT If someone or something gives weight to what a person says, thinks, or does, they emphasize its significance. □� The fact that he is gone has given more weight to fears that he may try to launch a civil war.

11 N‑UNCOUNT If you give something or someone weight , you consider them to be very important or influential in a particular situation. □�[+�on ] This might have been avoided had ministers placed more weight on scientific advice.

12 →�see also dead weight , weighting

13 PHRASE If a person or their opinion carries weight , they are respected and are able to influence people. □� That argument no longer carries as much weight. □� He still carries considerable weight in medical circles.

14 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is worth their weight in gold , you are emphasizing that they are so useful, helpful, or valuable that you feel you could not manage without them. [EMPHASIS ] □� Any successful manager is worth his weight in gold.

15 PHRASE If you pull your weight , you work as hard as everyone else who is involved in the same task or activity. □� He accused the team of not pulling their weight.

16a weight off your mind →�see mind ➊

▸� weight down PHRASAL VERB If you weight something down , you put something heavy on it or in it in order to prevent it from moving easily. □�[V n P ] Put some tins on top to weight it down. COLLOCATIONS weight NOUN 1

noun +�weight : body, birth; target

adjective +�weight : healthy, ideal, normal; considerable, excess, extra

verb +�weight : bear, carry; gain, lose, reduce, shed; maintain

weight|ed /we I t I d/ ADJ A system that is weighted in favour of a particular person or group is organized so that this person or group has an advantage. □� The current electoral law is still heavily weighted in favour of the ruling party.

weight|ing /we I t I ŋ/ (weightings )

1 N‑COUNT A weighting is a value which is given to something according to how important or significant it is. □� The tests and teacher assessments have equal weighting.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A weighting is an advantage that a particular group of people receives in a system, especially an extra sum of money that people receive if they work in a city where the cost of living is very high. □� I get an extra �2,700-a-year London weighting.

3 →�see also weight

weight|less /we I tləs/

1 ADJ Something that is weightless weighs nothing or seems to weigh nothing. □� Photons have no mass�they are weightless. □� �weightless silk curtains.

2 ADJ A person or object is weightless when they are in space and the earth's gravity does not affect them, so that they float around. □� Helen described life in a weightless environment during her period in space. ●� weight|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT

weight|lifter /we I tl I ftə r / (weightlifters ) N‑COUNT A weightlifter is a person who does weightlifting.

weight|lifting /we I tl I ft I ŋ/ also weight-lifting N‑UNCOUNT Weightlifting is a sport in which the competitor who can lift the heaviest weight wins.

wei ght train|ing N‑UNCOUNT Weight training is a kind of physical exercise in which people lift or push heavy weights with their arms and legs in order to strengthen their muscles.

weighty /we I ti/ (weightier , weightiest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as an issue or a decision as weighty , you mean that it is serious or important. [FORMAL ] □� Surely such weighty matters merit a higher level of debate?

2 ADJ You use weighty to describe something, especially a book, that is heavy or heavier than you would expect. [LITERARY ] □� Simon lifted a weighty volume from the shelf.

weir /w I ə r / (weirs )

1 N‑COUNT A weir is a low barrier which is built across a river in order to control or direct the flow of water.

2 N‑COUNT A weir is a wooden fence which is built across a stream in order to create a pool for catching fish.

weird /w I ə r d/ (weirder , weirdest ) ADJ If you describe something or someone as weird , you mean that they are strange. [INFORMAL ] □� He's different. He's weird. □� In the 70s, we did a lot of creative things but also some weird things. □� It must be really weird to be rich.

weir|do /w I ə r doʊ/ (weirdos ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a weirdo , you disapprove of them because they behave in an unusual way which you find difficult to understand or accept. [INFORMAL , mainly SPOKEN , DISAPPROVAL ]

welch /we lʃ/ (welches , welching , welched ) also welsh VERB If someone welcheson a deal or an agreement, they do not do the things they promised to do as part of that deal or agreement. [INFORMAL ] □�[V +�on ] He welched on his agreement with the club that he would play for them in February.

wel|come ◆◆◇ /we lkəm/ (welcomes , welcoming , welcomed )

1 VERB If you welcome someone, you greet them in a friendly way when they arrive somewhere. □�[V n] Several people came by to welcome me. □�[V n adv/prep] She was there to welcome him home from war. □�[V -ing] The delegates received a welcoming speech by the President. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Welcome is also a noun. □� There would be a fantastic welcome awaiting him back here.

2 CONVENTION You use welcome in expressions such as welcome home , welcome to London , and welcome back when you are greeting someone who has just arrived somewhere. [FORMULAE ] □� Welcome to Washington. □� Welcome back, Deborah�It's good to have you here.

3 VERB If you welcome an action, decision, or situation, you approve of it and are pleased that it has occurred. □�[V n] She welcomed this move but said that overall the changes didn't go far enough. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Welcome is also a noun. □� Environmental groups have given a guarded welcome to the Prime Minister's proposal.

4 ADJ If you describe something as welcome , you mean that people wanted it and are happy that it has occurred. □� This was certainly a welcome change of fortune.

5 VERB If you say that you welcome certain people or actions, you are inviting and encouraging people to do something, for example to come to a particular place. □�[V n] We would welcome your views about the survey.

6 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is welcome in a particular place, you are encouraging them to go there by telling them that they will be liked and accepted. □� New members are always welcome. □�[+�in ] I told him he wasn't welcome in my home.

7 ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If you tell someone that they are welcometo do something, you are encouraging them to do it by telling them that they are allowed to do it. □� You are welcome to visit the hospital at any time.

8 ADJ If you say that someone is welcome to something, you mean that you do not want it yourself because you do not like it and you are very willing for them to have it. □�[+�to ] If women want to take on the business world, they are welcome to it as far as I'm concerned.

9 →�see also welcoming

10 PHRASE If you make someone welcome or make them feel welcome, you make them feel happy and accepted in a new place.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone outstays their welcome or overstays their welcome , you mean that they stay somewhere longer than they are wanted or expected to. □� After the kindness that had been shown to him, he didn't want to outstay his welcome.

12 CONVENTION You say ' You're welcome ' to someone who has thanked you for something in order to acknowledge their thanks in a polite way. [FORMULAE ] □� 'Thank you for the information.'�'You're welcome.'

wel|com|ing /we lkəm I ŋ/ ADJ If someone is welcoming or if they behave in a welcoming way, they are friendly to you when you arrive somewhere, so that you feel happy and accepted. □� When we arrived at her house Susan was very welcoming.

weld /we ld/ (welds , welding , welded ) VERB To weld one piece of metal to another means to join them by heating the edges and putting them together so that they cool and harden into one piece. □�[V n +�to ] It's possible to weld stainless steel to ordinary steel. □�[V n with together ] They will also be used on factory floors to weld things together. □�[V ] Where did you learn to weld? [Also V n] ●� weld|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� All the welding had been done from inside the car. □� �welding equipment.

weld|er /we ldə r / (welders ) N‑COUNT A welder is a person whose job is welding metal.

wel|fare ◆◇◇ /we lfeə r /

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The welfare of a person or group is their health, comfort, and happiness. □� I do not think he is considering Emma's welfare. □�[+�of ] He was the head of a charity for the welfare of children.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Welfare services are provided to help with people's living conditions and financial problems. □� Child welfare services are well established and comprehensive. □� He has urged complete reform of the welfare system.

3 N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, welfare is money that is paid by the government to people who are unemployed, poor, or sick. □� States are making deep cuts in welfare. SYNONYMS welfare NOUN 1

wellbeing:I'm concerned for her wellbeing.

good:Furlaud urged him to resign for the good of the country.

interests:Did those directors act in the best interests of their club?

health:Caffeine is bad for your health.

happiness:I think mostly she was looking for happiness.

we l|fare sta te N‑SING In Britain and some other countries, the welfare state is a system in which the government provides free social services such as health and education and gives money to people when they are unable to work, for example because they are old, unemployed, or sick.

well

➊�DISCOURSE USES

➋�ADVERB USES

➌�PHRASES

➍�ADJECTIVE USE

➎�NOUN USES

➏�VERB USES

➊ well ◆◆◆ /we l/ Well is used mainly in spoken English. →�Please look at category 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 ADV You say well to indicate that you are about to say something. □� Well, I don't like the look of that.

2 ADV You say well to indicate that you intend or want to carry on speaking. □� The trouble with City is that they do not have enough quality players. Well, that can easily be rectified.

3 ADV You say well to indicate that you are changing the topic, and are either going back to something that was being discussed earlier or are going on to something new. □� Well, let's press on.

4 ADV You say well to indicate that you have reached the end of a conversation. □� 'I'm sure you will be an asset,' she added. 'Well, I see it's time for lunch.'

5 ADV You say well to make a suggestion, criticism, or correction seem less definite or rude. □� Well, maybe it would be easier to start with a smaller problem. □� Well, let's wait and see.

6 ADV You say well just before or after you pause, especially to give yourself time to think about what you are going to say. □� Look, I'm really sorry I woke you, and, well, I just wanted to tell you I was all right.

7 ADV You say well when you are correcting something that you have just said. □� The comet is going to come back in 2061 and we are all going to be able to see it. Well, our offspring are, anyway.

8 ADV You say well to express your doubt about something that someone has said. [FEELINGS ] □� 'But finance is far more serious.'�'Well, I don't know really.'

9 EXCLAM You say well to express your surprise or anger at something that someone has just said or done. [FEELINGS ] □� Well, honestly! They're like an old married couple at times.

10 CONVENTION You say well to indicate that you are waiting for someone to say something and often to express your irritation with them. [FEELINGS ] □� 'Well?' asked Barry, 'what does it tell us?'. □� 'Well, why don't you ask me?' he said finally.

11 CONVENTION You use well to indicate that you are amused by something you have heard or seen, and often to introduce a comment on it. [FEELINGS ] □� Well, well, well, look at you.

12 CONVENTION You say oh well to indicate that you accept a situation or that someone else should accept it, even though you or they are not very happy about it, because it is not too bad and cannot be changed. [FEELINGS ] □� Oh well, it could be worse. □� 'I called her and she said no.'�'Oh well.'

13very well →�see very

➋ well ◆◆◆ /we l/ (better , best )

1 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something well , you do it to a high standard or to a great extent. □� All the Indian batsmen played well. □� He speaks English better than I do. □� It is a formula that worked very well indeed. □� I don't really know her very well.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something well , you do it thoroughly and completely. □� Mix all the ingredients well. □� Wash your hands well with soap.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you speak or think wellof someone, you say or think favourable things about them. □�[+�of ] 'He speaks well of you.'�'I'm glad to hear that.'. □�[+�of ] It might help people think better of him.

4 COMB Well is used in front of past participles to indicate that something is done to a high standard or to a great extent. □� Helen is a very well-known novelist in Australia. □� People live longer nowadays, and they are better educated. □� British nurses were among the best trained in Europe.

5 ADV You use well to ask or talk about the extent or standard of something. □� How well do you remember your mother, Franzi? □� This new career doesn't pay nearly as well as the old one. □� He wasn't dressed any better than me.

6 ADV You use well in front of a prepositional phrase to emphasize it. For example, if you say that one thing happened well before another, you mean that it happened a long time before it. [EMPHASIS ] □�[+�after ] Franklin did not turn up until well after midnight. □�[+�over ] He stands well over six feet tall.

7 ADV [ADV adj] You use well before certain adjectives to emphasize them. [EMPHASIS ] □� She has a close group of friends who are very well aware of what she has suffered. □� The show is well worth a visit.

8 ADV [adv ADV , ADV with v] You use well after adverbs such as 'perfectly', 'jolly', or 'damn' in order to emphasize an opinion or the truth of what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □� You know perfectly well I can't be blamed for the failure of that mission. □� I'd got myself into this situation and I jolly well had to get myself out of it.

9 ADV You use well after verbs such as 'may' and 'could' when you are saying what you think is likely to happen. [EMPHASIS ] □� The murderer may well come from the estate. □� Ours could well be the last generation for which moviegoing has a sense of magic.

➌ well ◆◆◆ /we l/

→�Please look at categories 14 to 18 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 PHRASE You use as well when mentioning something which happens in the same way as something else already mentioned, or which should be considered at the same time as that thing. □� If the university invites one candidate to speak, all others will be invited as well. □� I prefer to paint landscapes. I like to paint butterflies and gardens as well.

2 PHRASE You use as well as when you want to mention another item connected with the subject you are discussing. □� It is in his best interests as well as yours. □� As well as running my organics company, I am Ronnie's PA.

3 PHRASE If you say that something that has happened is just as well , you mean that it is fortunate that it happened in the way it did. □� Judging from everything you've said, it was just as well she wasn't there.

4 PHRASE You say it is as well to think or do something when you are advising someone to think in a particular way or to take a particular action. □� It is as well to bear in mind that laughter is a great releaser of tension.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone would do well to do something, you mean that you advise or recommend that they do it. □� He would do well to remember that, sooner or later, everyone's luck runs out. □� Investors would do well to take a look at the Swiss economy.

6 PHRASE If you say that something, usually something bad, might as well be true or may as well be true, you mean that the situation is the same or almost the same as if it were true. □� The couple might as well have been strangers. □� We might just as well be in prison for all the quality our lives have at present.

7 PHRASE If you say that you might as well do something, or that you may as well do it, you mean that you will do it although you do not have a strong desire to do it and may even feel slightly unwilling to do it. □� If I've got to go somewhere I may as well go to Birmingham. □� Anyway, you're here; you might as well stay. □� I'll come with you if you like. I might as well.

8 PHRASE If you say that something is all well and good , you are suggesting that it has faults or disadvantages, although it may appear to be correct or reasonable. □�[+�for ] It's all well and good for him to say he's sorry, but has he told you why he did it?

9 PHRASE You say well and good or all well and good to indicate that you would be pleased if something happens but you are aware that it has some disadvantages. □� If they arrive before I leave, well and good. If not, the responsibility will be mine. □� This is all well and good, but we have to look at the situation in the long term.

10 PHRASE If you say that something is well and truly finished, gone, or done, you are emphasizing that it is completely finished or gone, or thoroughly done. [mainly BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □� The war is well and truly over.

11all very well →�see all

12to know full well →�see full

13to mean well →�see mean ➊

14pretty well →�see pretty

➍ well ◆◆◆ /we l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are well , you are healthy and not ill. □� I'm not very well today, I can't come in. □� I hope you're well.

➎ well /we l/ (wells )

1 N‑COUNT A well is a hole in the ground from which a supply of water is extracted. □� I had to fetch water from the well.

2 N‑COUNT A well is an oil well. □� About 650 wells are on fire.

➏ well /we l/ (wells , welling , welled )

1 VERB If liquids, for example tears, well , they come to the surface and form a pool. □�[V ] Tears welled in her eyes. □�[V +�from ] He fell back, blood welling from a gash in his thigh. ●�PHRASAL VERB Well up means the same as well . □�[V P ] Tears welled up in Anni's eyes.

2 VERB If an emotion wells in you, it suddenly becomes stronger, to the point where you have to express it. □�[V +�in/inside ] Gratitude welled in Chryssa. □�[V ] Her love for him welled stronger than ever. ●�PHRASAL VERB Well up means the same as well . □�[V P +�in/inside ] He could feel the anger welling up inside him. □�[V P ] Hope welled up.

we'll /w I l, STRONG wiːl/ We'll is the usual spoken form of 'we shall' or 'we will'. □� Whatever you want to chat about, we'll do it tonight. □� Will there be anything else?�If there is, we'll let you know.

we ll-adju sted also well adjusted ADJ A well-adjusted person has a mature personality and can control their emotions and deal with problems without becoming anxious. □� �a happy, loving and well adjusted family.

we ll ad|vi sed also well-advised ADJ If someone says that you would be well advisedto do a particular thing, they are advising you to do it. □� Moderates believe the party would be well advised to talk to the government.

we ll-appoi nted ADJ A well-appointed room or building has furniture or equipment of a high standard. [FORMAL ]

we ll-ba lanced also well balanced

1 ADJ If you describe someone as well-balanced , you mean that they are sensible and do not have many emotional problems. □� �a fun-loving, well-balanced individual.

2 ADJ If you describe something that is made up of several parts as well-balanced , you mean that the way that the different parts are put together is good, because there is not too much or too little of any one part. □� �a well-balanced diet.

we ll-beha ved also well behaved ADJ If you describe someone, especially a child, as well-behaved , you mean that they behave in a way that adults generally like and think is correct. □� �well-behaved little boys.

we ll-being also wellbeing N‑UNCOUNT Someone's well-being is their health and happiness. □� Singing can create a sense of wellbeing. □�[+�of ] His work emphasised the emotional as well as the physical well-being of children.

we ll-bo rn ADJ Someone who is well-born belongs to an upper-class family.

we ll-bre d also well bred ADJ A well-bred person is very polite and has good manners. □� She was too well-bred to want to hurt the little boy's feelings.

we ll-brought-u p also well brought up ADJ If you say that someone, especially a child, is well-brought-up , you mean that they are very polite because they have been taught good manners.

we ll-bui lt also well built ADJ A well-built person, especially a man, has quite a big body and quite large muscles. □� Mitchell is well-built, of medium height, with a dark complexion.

we ll-conne cted also well connected ADJ Someone who is well-connected has important or influential relatives or friends.

we ll-defi ned also well defined ADJ Something that is well-defined is clear and precise and therefore easy to recognize or understand. □� Today's pawnbrokers operate within well-defined financial regulations.

we ll dis|po sed also well-disposed ADJ If you are well disposedto a person, plan, or activity, you are likely to agree with them or support them. □�[+�to ] They are likely to be well disposed to an offer of a separate peace deal. □�[+�towards ] He felt well disposed towards her.

we ll do ne

1 CONVENTION You say ' Well done ' to indicate that you are pleased that someone has done something good. [FEELINGS ] □� 'Daddy! I came second in history'�'Well done, sweetheart!'

2 ADJ If something that you have cooked, especially meat, is well done , it has been cooked thoroughly. □� Allow an extra 10-15 min if you prefer lamb well done.

we ll-dre ssed also well dressed ADJ Someone who is well-dressed is wearing smart or elegant clothes. □� She's always well-dressed.

we ll-ea rned also well earned ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use well-earned to indicate that you think something is deserved, usually because the person who gets it has been working very hard. □� Take a well-earned rest and go out and enjoy yourself. □� �his well-earned win in Sunday's race.

we ll-endo wed

1 ADJ If someone says that a woman is well-endowed , they mean that she has large breasts. If someone says that a man is well-endowed , they mean that he has a large penis. People often use this expression if they are trying to be polite. □� I spotted a well-endowed girl in the audience wearing a tight white T-shirt. □� �the chalk figure of a well-endowed warrior.

2 ADJ A well-endowed organization has a lot of money or resources. □� Our village was blessed with a well-endowed school.

we ll-esta blished also well established ADJ If you say that something is well-established , you mean that it has been in existence for quite a long time and is successful. □� The University has a well-established tradition of welcoming postgraduate students from overseas. □� �well-established companies in this specific sector.

we ll-fe d also well fed ADJ If you say that someone is well-fed , you mean that they get good food regularly. □� �his well-fed children.

we ll-fou nded also well founded ADJ If you say that a report, opinion, or feeling is well-founded , you mean that it is based on facts and can therefore be justified. □� These fears seem well-founded.

we ll-groo med also well groomed ADJ A well-groomed person is very neat and tidy, and looks as if they have taken care over their appearance.

we ll-hee led ADJ Someone who is well-heeled is wealthy.

we ll-hu ng ADJ If someone says that a man is well-hung , they are saying in a polite or humorous way that he has a large penis.

we ll-info rmed (better-informed ) also well informed ADJ If you say that someone is well-informed , you mean that they know a lot about many different subjects or about one particular subject. □� �a lending library to encourage members to become as well-informed as possible.

wel|ling|ton /we l I ŋtən/ (wellingtons ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Wellingtons or wellington boots are long rubber boots which you wear to keep your feet dry. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use rubber boots

we ll-inte ntioned also well intentioned ADJ If you say that a person or their actions are well-intentioned , you mean that they intend to be helpful or kind but they are unsuccessful or cause problems. □� He is well-intentioned but a poor administrator. □� �rules that, however well-intentioned, are often hopelessly impractical.

we ll-ke pt also well kept

1 ADJ A well-kept building, street, garden, or other place is always neat and tidy because it is carefully looked after. □� �two idyllic thatched cottages with well-kept gardens.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A well-kept secret has not been told or made known to anyone, or has been told or made known to only a small number of people.

we ll-kno wn ◆◇◇ also well known

1 ADJ A well-known person or thing is known about by a lot of people and is therefore famous or familiar. If someone is well-knownfor a particular activity, a lot of people know about them because of their involvement with that activity. □� He surrounds himself with attractive, intelligent, or well-known people. □�[+�for ] Budapest is well-known for its food and its spa baths.

2 ADJ A well-known fact is a fact that is known by people in general. □� It is well-known that bamboo shoots are a panda's staple diet. SYNONYMS well-known ADJ 1

famous:�England's most famous landscape artist, John Constable.

celebrated:He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.

renowned:�Sir William Crookes, the renowned chemist.

we ll-ma nnered ADJ Someone who is well-mannered is polite and has good manners.

we ll-mea ning also well meaning ADJ If you say that a person or their actions are well-meaning , you mean that they intend to be helpful or kind but they are unsuccessful or cause problems. □� He is a well-meaning but ineffectual leader. □� Even well-meaning attempts at conservation can bring problems.

we ll-mea nt also well meant ADJ A well-meant decision, action, or comment is intended to be helpful or kind but is unsuccessful or causes problems. □� Any decision taken by them now, however well-meant, could complicate the peace process. □� �a well-meant experiment gone wrong.

well|ness /we lnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Your wellness is how healthy you are, and how well and happy you feel.

we ll-ni gh also well nigh ADV [ADV adj] Well-nigh means almost, but not completely or exactly. □� Finding a rug that's just the colour, size and price you want can be well-nigh impossible.

we ll-o ff also well off ADJ Someone who is well-off is rich enough to be able to do and buy most of the things that they want. [INFORMAL ] □� My grandparents were quite well-off. ●�N‑PLURAL The well-off are people who are well-off. □� �higher tax rates on the well-off.

we ll-oi led ADJ [ADJ n] Journalists sometimes refer to a system or organization that is operating very efficiently as a well-oiled machine. □� �a well-oiled publicity machine.

we ll-pai d also well paid ADJ If you say that a person or their job is well-paid , you mean that they receive a lot of money for the work that they do. □� Kate was well paid and enjoyed her job. □� I have an interesting, well-paid job, with opportunities to travel.

we ll-prese rved also well preserved

1 ADJ If you describe a middle-aged or old person as well-preserved , you mean that they look good for their age. □� Annie is a well-preserved 50-year-old.

2 ADJ A well-preserved object or building does not show any signs of its age. □� �well-preserved fossils.

well-read /we l re d/ also well read ADJ A well-read person has read a lot of books and has learned a lot from them. □� He was clever, well-read and interested in the arts.

we ll-rou nded →�see rounded

we ll-spo ken also well spoken ADJ A well-spoken person speaks in a polite correct way and with an accent which is considered socially acceptable. □� I remember her as a quiet, hard-working and well-spoken girl.

we ll-thu mbed ADJ A book or magazine that is well-thumbed is creased and marked because it has been read so often.

we ll-ti med also well timed ADJ A well-timed action or comment is done or made at the most appropriate or suitable time. □� He built the company through a string of well-timed acquisitions. □� One well-timed word from you will be all it needs.

we ll-to-do ADJ A well-to-do person is rich enough to be able to do and buy most of the things that they want. □� �a rather well-to-do family of diamond cutters. □� �two well-educated girls from well-to-do homes. ●�N‑PLURAL The well-to-do are people who are well-to-do. □� �a firm that installed stereo equipment in homes of the well-to-do.

we ll-tra velled in AM, use well-traveled ADJ A well-travelled person has travelled a lot in foreign countries.

we ll-trie d also well tried ADJ A well-tried treatment, product, or method is one that has been used many times before and so is known to work well or to be successful. □� There are a number of well-tried remedies which are perfectly safe to take.

we ll-tro dden

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A well-trodden path is used regularly by a large number of people, and therefore looks worn and is easy to see. □� He made his way along a well-trodden path towards the shed.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use well-trodden , especially in expressions such as a well-trodden path and well-trodden ground , to indicate that a plan or course of action has been tried by a lot of people and so the result of it is easy to predict. □� Political power has long been a well-trodden path to personal wealth. □� These working parties will be going over well-trodden ground.

we ll ve rsed also well-versed ADJ If someone is well versedin a particular subject, they know a lot about it. □�[+�in ] Page is well versed in many styles of jazz.

we ll-wisher (well-wishers ) also wellwisher N‑COUNT [usu pl] Well-wishers are people who hope that a particular person or thing will be successful, and who show this by their behaviour. □� The main street was lined with well-wishers.

we ll-wo rn also well worn

1 ADJ A well-worn expression, remark, or idea has been used so often that it no longer seems to have much meaning or to be interesting. □� To use a well-worn cliche, it is packed with information.

2 ADJ A well-worn object or piece of clothing has been worn or used so frequently that it looks rather old and untidy. □� �well-worn brown shoes.

wel|ly /we li/ (wellies ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Wellies are long rubber boots which you wear to keep your feet dry. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

welsh /we lʃ/ →�see welch

Welsh

1 ADJ Welsh means belonging or relating to Wales, or to its people, language, or culture. ●�N‑PLURAL TheWelsh are the people of Wales.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Welsh is the language that is spoken in some parts of Wales.

Welsh|man /we lʃmən/ (Welshmen ) N‑COUNT A Welshman is a man who was born in Wales and considers himself to be Welsh.

welt /we lt/ (welts ) N‑COUNT A welt is a mark which is made on someone's skin, usually by a blow from something such as a whip or sword.

wel|ter /we ltə r / QUANT A welter of something is a large quantity of it which occurs suddenly or in a confusing way. [WRITTEN ] □�[+�of ] �patients with a welter of confusing symptoms. □�[+�of ] �the welter of publicity that followed his engagement.

wench /we ntʃ/ (wenches ) N‑COUNT A wench was a girl or young woman who worked as a servant or served people food or drink. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

wend /we nd/ (wends , wending , wended ) PHRASE If you wend your way in a particular direction, you walk, especially slowly, casually, or carefully, in that direction. [LITERARY ] □� Sleepy-eyed commuters were wending their way to work.

We ndy house (Wendy houses ) N‑COUNT A Wendy house is a small toy house for a child to play in. [BRIT ] in AM, use playhouse

went /we nt/ Went is the past tense of go .

wept /we pt/ Wept is the past tense and past participle of weep .

were /wə r , STRONG wɜː r /

1Were is the plural and the second person singular of the past tense of be .

2Were is sometimes used instead of 'was' in certain structures, for example in conditional clauses or after the verb 'wish'. [FORMAL ] □� He might withdraw if he were allowed to keep part of a disputed oil field.

3as it were →�see as ➊

we're /wiːə r / We're is the usual spoken form of 'we are'. □� I'm married, but we're separated.

weren't /wɜː r nt/ Weren't is the usual spoken form of 'were not'.

were|wolf /weə r wʊlf/ (werewolves ) N‑COUNT In stories and films, a werewolf is a person who changes into a wolf.

west ◆◆◆ /we st/ also West

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The west is the direction which you look towards in the evening in order to see the sun set. □� I pushed on towards Flagstaff, a hundred miles to the west. □� The sun crosses the sky from east to west.

2 N‑SING Thewestof a place, country, or region is the part of it which is in the west. □�[+�of ] �physicists working at Bristol University in the west of England.

3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go west , you travel towards the west. □�[+�to ] We are going west to California.

4 ADV Something that is westof a place is positioned to the west of it. □�[+�of ] �their home town of Paisley, several miles west of Glasgow.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The west part of a place, country, or region is the part which is towards the west. □� �a small island off the west coast of South Korea.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] West is used in the names of some countries, states, and regions in the west of a larger area. □� Mark has been working in West Africa for about six months. □� �his West London home. □� �Charleston, West Virginia.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] A west wind is a wind that blows from the west.

8 N‑SING The West is used to refer to the United States, Canada, and the countries of Western, Northern, and Southern Europe. □� �relations between Iran and the West.

west|bound /we stbaʊnd/ ADJ [ADJ n] Westbound roads or vehicles lead to or are travelling towards the west. □� Traffic is slow on the westbound carriageway of the M4. □� �the last westbound train to leave Chicago.

west|er|ly /we stə r li/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A westerly point, area, or direction is to the west or towards the west. □� �Finisterre, Spain's most westerly point.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A westerly wind blows from the west. □� �a prevailing westerly wind.

west|ern ◆◆◇ /we stə r n/ (westerns ) also Western

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Western means in or from the west of a region, state, or country. □� �hand-made rugs from Western and Central Asia. □� �Moi University, in western Kenya.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Western is used to describe things, people, ideas, or ways of life that come from or are associated with the United States, Canada, and the countries of Western, Northern, and Southern Europe. □� Mexico had the support of the big western governments. □� Those statements have never been reported in the Western media.

3 N‑COUNT A western is a book or film about life in the west of America in the nineteenth century, especially the lives of cowboys.

west|ern|er /we stə r nə r / (westerners ) also Westerner N‑COUNT A westerner is a person who was born in or lives in the United States, Canada, or Western, Northern, or Southern Europe. □� No westerner could fly in without a visa.

west|erni|za|tion /we stə r na I ze I ʃ ə n/ in BRIT, also use westernisation N‑UNCOUNT The westernization of a country, place, or person is the process of them adopting ideas and behaviour that are typical of Europe and North America, rather than preserving the ideas and behaviour traditional in their culture. □�[+�of ] This 18th century cartoon shows the westernization of Russian hair styles. □� The explosive growth in casinos is one of the most conspicuous signs of Westernisation.

west|ern|ized /we stə r na I zd/ in BRIT, also use westernised ADJ A westernized country, place, or person has adopted ideas and behaviour typical of Europe and North America, rather than preserving the ideas and behaviour that are traditional in their culture. □� �the influence of westernized forms of Hinduism.

west|ern|most /we stə r nmoʊst/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] The westernmost part of an area or the westernmost place is the one that is farthest towards the west. □� �the westernmost province of North Sudan.

We st Ge r|man (West Germans )

1 ADJ West German means belonging or relating to the part of Germany that was known as the Federal Republic of Germany before the two parts of Germany were united in 1990. West German also means belonging or relating to the people or culture of this part of Germany.

2 N‑COUNT A West German is someone who was a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany, or a person of West German origin.

We st I n|dian (West Indians )

1 ADJ West Indian means belonging or relating to the West Indies, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A West Indian is a person who comes from the West Indies.

west|ward /we stwə r d/ also westwards ADV [usu ADV after v, oft n ADV ] Westward or westwards means towards the west. □�[+�from ] He sailed westward from Palos de la Frontera. □� Within hours, she was free to resume her journey westward. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Westward is also an adjective. □� �the one-hour westward flight over the Andes to Lima.

wet ◆◇◇ /we t/ (wetter , wettest , wets , wetting , wetted ) The forms wet and wetted are both used as the past tense and past participle of the verb. 1 ADJ If something is wet , it is covered in water, rain, sweat, tears, or another liquid. □� He towelled his wet hair. □� I lowered myself to the water's edge, getting my feet wet. □� My gloves were soaking wet. □�[+�with ] I saw his face was wet with tears. ●� wet|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� Her hair clung wetly to her head. ●� wet|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� Anti-perspirants stop wetness, deodorants stop odour.

2 VERB To wet something means to get water or some other liquid over it. □�[V n] When assembling the pie, wet the edges where the two crusts join. □�[V n] Fielding nervously wet his lips and tried to smile.

3 ADJ If the weather is wet , it is raining. □� If the weather is wet or cold, choose an indoor activity. □� It was a miserable wet day. ●�N‑SING The wet is used to mean wet weather. □� They had come in from the cold and the wet.

4 ADJ If something such as paint, ink, or cement is wet , it is not yet dry or solid. □� I lay the painting flat to stop the wet paint running.

5 VERB If people, especially children, wet their beds or clothes or wetthemselves , they urinate in their beds or in their clothes because they cannot stop themselves. □�[V n] A quarter of 4-year-olds frequently wet the bed. □�[V pron-refl] To put it plainly, they wet themselves.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is still wet behind the ears , you mean that they have only recently arrived in a new place or job, and are therefore still not experienced. SYNONYMS wet ADJ 1

damp:Her hair was still damp.

moist:The soil is reasonably moist after the September rain.

soaked:My tent got soaked last night in the storm.

wet|back /we tb�k/ (wetbacks ) N‑COUNT Wetback is sometimes used to refer to a Mexican or a Mexican-American who has entered the United States illegally in order to work or live there. [AM , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE ]

we t bla n|ket (wet blankets ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a wet blanket , you are criticizing them because they refuse to join other people in an enjoyable activity or because they want to stop other people enjoying themselves. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

we t drea m (wet dreams )

1 N‑COUNT If a man has a wet dream , he has a dream about sex which causes him to have an orgasm while he is asleep.

2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If someone says that a person or thing is a particular person's wet dream , they are saying in an unkind and mocking way that this person or thing would give that person a lot of pleasure. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

wet|land /we tl�nd/ (wetlands ) N‑VAR [oft N n] A wetland is an area of very wet, muddy land with wild plants growing in it. You can also refer to an area like this as wetlands . □� �a scheme that aims to protect the wilderness of the wetlands. □� There are some areas of wetland which are of ancient origin.

we t nurse (wet nurses ) also wet-nurse N‑COUNT In former times, a wet nurse was a woman who was paid to breast-feed another woman's baby.

we t suit (wet suits ) also wetsuit N‑COUNT A wet suit is a close-fitting rubber suit which an underwater swimmer wears in order to keep their body warm.

we've /w I v, STRONG wiːv/ We've is the usual spoken form of 'we have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb. □� It's the first time we've been to the cinema together as a family.

whack / h w� k/ (whacks , whacking , whacked )

1 VERB If you whack someone or something, you hit them hard. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] You really have to whack the ball. □�[V n prep] Someone whacked him on the head. ●�N‑COUNT Whack is also a noun. □�[+�across ] He gave the donkey a whack across the back with his stick.

2 N‑SING [oft poss N ] Your whack of something is your share of it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The majority of people in this country pay their whack. □�[+�of ] We need to win a fair whack of the contracts.

whack|ing / h w� k I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can use whacking to emphasize how big something is. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The supermarkets may be making whacking profits. ●�ADV [ADV adj] Whacking is also an adverb. □� �a whacking great hole.

whacky / h w� ki/ →�see wacky

whale / h we I l/ (whales )

1 N‑COUNT Whales are very large mammals that live in the sea.

2 →�see also killer whale , sperm whale

3 PHRASE If you say that someone is having a whale of a time , you mean that they are enjoying themselves very much. [INFORMAL ] □� I had a whale of a time in Birmingham.

whal|er / h we I lə r / (whalers )

1 N‑COUNT A whaler is a ship which is used in hunting whales.

2 N‑COUNT A whaler is someone who works on a ship which is used in hunting whales.

whal|ing / h we I l I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Whaling is the activity of hunting and killing whales. □� �a ban on commercial whaling. □� �the whaling industry.

wham / h w� m/ EXCLAM You use wham to indicate that something happens suddenly or forcefully. [INFORMAL ] □� Then I met someone and wham, bam, I was completely in love.

wham|my / h w� mi/ N‑SING [adj N ] Whammy is used in expressions such as double whammy and triple whammy to indicate that two or three unpleasant or difficult situations occur at the same time, or occur one after the other. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □�[+�for ] This is a double whammy for public sector workers.

wharf / h wɔː r f/ (wharves or wharfs ) N‑COUNT A wharf is a platform by a river or the sea where ships can be tied up.

what ◆◆◆ / h wɒ t/

1 PRON You use what in questions when you ask for specific information about something that you do not know. □� What do you want? □� 'Has something happened?'�'Indeed it has.'�'What?' □� Hey! What are you doing? ●�DET What is also a determiner. □� What time is it? □� 'The heater works.'�'What heater?' □� What kind of poetry does he like?

2 CONJ You use what after certain words, especially verbs and adjectives, when you are referring to a situation that is unknown or has not been specified. □� You can imagine what it would be like driving a car into a brick wall at 30 miles an hour. □� I want to know what happened to Norman. □� Do you know what those idiots have done? □� We had never seen anything like it before and could not see what to do next. □� She turned scarlet from embarrassment, once she realized what she had done. ●�DET What is also a determiner. □� I didn't know what college I wanted to go to. □� I didn't know what else to say. □� �an inspection to ascertain to what extent colleges are responding to the needs of industry.

3 CONJ You use what at the beginning of a clause in structures where you are changing the order of the information to give special emphasis to something. [EMPHASIS ] □� What precisely triggered off yesterday's riot is still unclear. □� What I wanted, more than anything, was a few days' rest.

4 CONJ You use what in expressions such as what is called and what amounts to when you are giving a description of something. □� She had been in what doctors described as an irreversible vegetative state for five years.

5 CONJ You use what to indicate that you are talking about the whole of an amount that is available to you. □� He drinks what is left in his glass as if it were water. ●�DET What is also a determiner. □� They had to use what money they had.

6 CONVENTION You say ' What? ' to tell someone who has indicated that they want to speak to you that you have heard them and are inviting them to continue. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'Dad?'�'What?'�'Can I have the car tonight?'

7 CONVENTION You say ' What? ' when you ask someone to repeat the thing that they have just said because you did not hear or understand it properly. 'What?' is more informal and less polite than expressions such as 'Pardon?' and 'Excuse me?'. [SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □� 'They could paint this place,' she said. 'What?' he asked.

8 CONVENTION You say ' What ' to express surprise. [FEELINGS ] □� What! You want Saturday off as well?

9 PREDET You use what in exclamations to emphasize an opinion or reaction. [EMPHASIS ] □� What a horrible thing to do. □� What a busy day. ●�DET What is also a determiner. □� What ugly things; throw them away! □� What great news, Jakki.

10 ADV [ADV n] You use what to indicate that you are making a guess about something such as an amount or value. □� It's, what, eleven years or more since he's seen him.

11 CONVENTION You say guess what or do you know what to introduce a piece of information which is surprising, which is not generally known, or which you want to emphasize. □� Guess what? I'm going to dinner at Mrs. Combley's tonight.

12 PHRASE In conversation, you say or what? after a question as a way of stating an opinion forcefully and showing that you expect other people to agree. [EMPHASIS ] □� Look at that moon. Is that beautiful or what? □� Am I wasting my time here, or what?

13 CONVENTION You say so what? or what of it? to indicate that the previous remark seems unimportant, uninteresting, or irrelevant to you. [FEELINGS ] □� 'I skipped off school today,'�'So what? What's so special about that?' □� 'You're talking to yourself.'�'Well, what of it?'

14 PHRASE You say ' Tell you what ' to introduce a suggestion or offer. □� Tell you what, let's stay here another day.

15 PHRASE You use what about at the beginning of a question when you make a suggestion, offer, or request. □� What about going out with me tomorrow?

16 PHRASE You use what about or what of when you introduce a new topic or a point which seems relevant to a previous remark. □� Now you've talked about daffodils, what about other flowers, like roses?

17 PHRASE You say what about a particular person or thing when you ask someone to explain why they have asked you about that person or thing. □� 'This thing with the Corbett woman.'�'Oh, yeah. What about her?'

18 PHRASE You say what have you at the end of a list in order to refer generally to other things of the same kind. [VAGUENESS ] □� So many things are unsafe these days�milk, cranberry sauce, what have you. □� My great-grandfather made horseshoes and nails and what have you.

19 PHRASE You say what if at the beginning of a question when you ask about the consequences of something happening, especially something undesirable. □� What if this doesn't work out?

20 PHRASE If you know what's what , you know the important things that need to be known about a situation. □� You have to know what's what and when to draw the line. □� You should come across the river with us. Then you will really see what's what.

21what's more →�see more USAGE what

Don�t use �what� when you are asking about one of a small number of people or things. For example, if someone has hurt their finger, don�t say to them � What finger have you hurt ?� Say �Which finger have you hurt?� □� Go down that road.� � �Which one?�

what|ev|er ◆◆◇ / h wɒte və r /

1 CONJ You use whatever to refer to anything or everything of a particular type. □� Franklin was free to do pretty much whatever he pleased. □� When you're older I think you're better equipped mentally to cope with whatever happens. □� He's good at whatever he does. ●�DET Whatever is also a determiner. □� Whatever doubts he might have had about Ingrid were all over now.

2 CONJ You use whatever to say that something is the case in all circumstances. □� We shall love you whatever happens, Diana. □� People will judge you whatever you do. □� She runs about 15 miles a day every day, whatever the weather.

3 ADV [n ADV ] You use whatever after a noun group in order to emphasize a negative statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� There is no evidence whatever that competition in broadcasting has ever reduced costs. □� I have nothing whatever to say.

4 PRON You use whatever to ask in an emphatic way about something which you are very surprised about. [EMPHASIS ] □� Whatever can you mean?

5 CONJ You use whatever when you are indicating that you do not know the precise identity, meaning, or value of the thing just mentioned. [VAGUENESS ] □� I thought that my upbringing was 'normal', whatever that is.

6 PHRASE You say or whatever to refer generally to something else of the same kind as the thing or things that you have just mentioned. [INFORMAL ] □� They tried to get me to play piano, clarinet or whatever, but agreed to buy me the guitar.

7 CONVENTION You say ' whatever you say ' to indicate that you accept what someone has said, even though you do not really believe them or do not think it is a good idea. [FEELINGS ] □� 'We'll go in your car, Billy.'�'Whatever you say.'

8 PHRASE You say whatever you do when giving advice or warning someone about something. [EMPHASIS ] □� Whatever you do, don't lose your sense of humour.

what|evs / h wɒte vz/ ADV Whatevs is a rude way of saying 'whatever', and shows that the speaker does not respect what someone has just said to them. [INFORMAL ] □� 'If you don't hurry, we'll go without you.'�'Yeah, whatevs.'

what|not / h wɒ tnɒt/ PHRASE People sometimes say ' and whatnot ' or ' or whatnot ' after mentioning one or more things, to refer in a vague way to other things which are similar. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , VAGUENESS ] □� The women were there in their jeans and T-shirts and overalls and whatnot. □� The council can send messages or letters or whatnot in Spanish.

what's / h wɒ ts/ What's is the usual spoken form of 'what is' or 'what has', especially when 'has' is an auxiliary verb.

whats|her|name / h wɒ tsə r ne I m/ also whatsername PRON You say whatshername instead of a woman's name when you cannot remember it or are trying to remember it. [SPOKEN ] □� That's the thing that whatshername gave me.

whats|his|name / h wɒ ts I zne I m/ also whatsisname PRON You say whatshisname instead of a man's name when you cannot remember it or are trying to remember it. [SPOKEN ] □� �the new junior minister, whatshisname, Donald Sinclair.

whats|it / h wɒ ts I t/ (whatsits ) N‑VAR You use whatsit instead of a noun or name which you cannot remember or which you do not want to say because it is rude. [SPOKEN ] □� We wanted to be here early in case the whatsit, maintenance supervisor had forgotten.

what|so|ev|er / h wɒ tsoʊe və r / ADV [n ADV ] You use whatsoever after a noun group in order to emphasize a negative statement. [EMPHASIS ] □� My school did nothing whatsoever in the way of athletics. □� I don't think they'll have any idea how I'm feeling. None whatsoever.

wheat / h wiː t/ (wheats )

1 N‑VAR Wheat is a cereal crop grown for food. Wheat is also used to refer to the grain of this crop, which is usually ground into flour and used to make bread. □� �farmers growing wheat, corn, or other crops. □� �wheat flour.

2to separate the wheat from the chaff →�see chaff

wheat|germ / h wiː tdʒɜː r m/ also wheat germ N‑UNCOUNT Wheatgerm is the middle part of a grain of wheat which is rich in vitamins and is often added to other food.

whee|dle / h wiː d ə l/ (wheedles , wheedling , wheedled ) VERB If you say that someone wheedles , you mean that they try to persuade someone to do or give them what they want, for example by saying nice things that they do not mean. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] Cross decided to beg and wheedle a bit. □� He managed to wheedle his way into the offices. □�[V n +�out of/from ] �an opportunity to wheedle more money out of Wilson. [Also V n]

wheel ◆◇◇ / h wiː l/ (wheels , wheeling , wheeled )

1 N‑COUNT The wheels of a vehicle are the circular objects which are fixed underneath it and which enable it to move along the ground. □� The car wheels spun and slipped on some oil on the road. ●�PHRASE Something on wheels has wheels attached to the bottom, so that it can be moved easily. □� �a trolley on wheels. □� The stove is on wheels so it can be shuffled around easily.

2 N‑COUNT A wheel is a circular object which forms a part of a machine, usually a moving part. □� �an eighteenth century mill with a water wheel.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The wheel of a car or other vehicle is the circular object that is used to steer it. The wheel is used in expressions to talk about who is driving a vehicle. For example, if someone is at the wheel of a car, they are driving it. □� My co-pilot suddenly grabbed the wheel. □� Curtis got behind the wheel and they started back toward the cottage. □� Roberto handed Flynn the keys and let him take the wheel.

4 VERB If you wheel an object that has wheels somewhere, you push it along. □�[V n prep/adv] He wheeled his bike into the alley at the side of the house. □�[V n prep/adv] They wheeled her out on the stretcher.

5 VERB If something such as a group of animals or birds wheels , it moves in a circle. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] A flock of crows wheeled overhead.

6 VERB If you wheel around, you turn around suddenly where you are standing, often because you are surprised, shocked, or angry. □�[V adv] He wheeled around to face her.

7 N‑PLURAL People talk about the wheels of an organization or system to mean the way in which it operates. □�[+�of ] He knows the wheels of administration turn slowly.

8to oil the wheels →�see oil

9 →�see also Catherine wheel , meals on wheels , potter's wheel , spare wheel , spinning wheel , steering wheel , water wheel

whee l and dea l (wheels and deals , wheeling and dealing , wheeled and dealed ) VERB If you say that someone wheels and deals , you mean that they use a lot of different methods and contacts to achieve what they want in business or politics, often in a way which you consider dishonest. □�[V ] He still wheels and deals around the globe. ●� wheel|ing and deal|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� He hates the wheeling and dealing associated with conventional political life.

wheel|barrow / h wiː lb�roʊ/ (wheelbarrows ) N‑COUNT A wheelbarrow is a small open cart with one wheel and handles that is used for carrying things, for example in the garden.

wheel|base / h wiː lbe I s/ (wheelbases ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The wheelbase of a car or other vehicle is the distance between its front and back wheels.

wheel|chair / h wiː ltʃeə r / (wheelchairs ) N‑COUNT A wheelchair is a chair with wheels that you use in order to move about in if you cannot walk properly, for example because you have a disability or are sick.

whee l clamp (wheel clamps , wheel clamping , wheel clamped )

1 N‑COUNT A wheel clamp is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away. The motorist has to pay to have the clamp removed. [BRIT ] in AM, use Denver boot2 VERB If a car is wheel clamped , a wheel clamp is fixed to one of its wheels so that it cannot be driven away. [BRIT ] □�[be V -ed] Unauthorized vehicles will be wheel clamped or towed away. in AM, use boot ●� wheel-clamping N‑UNCOUNT □� �drivers forced to pay wheel-clamping charges.

whee ler-dea ler (wheeler-dealers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone, especially in business or politics, as a wheeler-dealer , you disapprove of the way that they try to succeed or to get what they want, often by dishonest or unfair methods. [DISAPPROVAL ]

wheel|house / h wiː lhaʊs/ (wheelhouses ) N‑COUNT A wheelhouse is a small room or shelter on a ship or boat, where the wheel used for steering the boat is situated.

wheelie bin / h wiː lib I n/ (wheelie bins ) N‑COUNT A wheelie bin is a large, rectangular dustbin with a hinged lid and wheels on two of the corners. [BRIT , AUSTRALIAN ]

wheel|wright / h wiː lra I t/ (wheelwrights ) N‑COUNT A wheelwright is someone who makes and repairs wooden wheels and other wooden things such as carts, carriages, and gates.

wheeze / h wiː z/ (wheezes , wheezing , wheezed ) VERB If someone wheezes , they breathe with difficulty and make a whistling sound. □�[V ] He had quite serious problems with his chest and wheezed and coughed all the time. □�[V with quote] 'Boy,' wheezed old Pop Ryan.

wheezy / h wiː zi/ ADJ A wheezy cough or laugh comes from someone who has difficulty breathing, so it makes a whistling sound.

whelk / h we lk/ (whelks ) N‑COUNT A whelk is a creature like a snail that is found in the sea near the shore. Whelks have hard shells, and soft bodies which can be eaten.

whelp / h we lp/ (whelps ) N‑COUNT A whelp is a young animal, especially a young dog or wolf. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

when ◆◆◆ / h we n/

1 ADV You use when to ask questions about the time at which things happen. □� When are you going home? □� When is the press conference? □� When were you in this house last? □� 'I'll be there this afternoon.'�'When?'

2 CONJ If something happens when something else is happening, the two things are happening at the same time. □� You can even track how many calories you burn when sleeping. □� Mustard is grown in the field when weeds are there.

3 CONJ You use when to introduce a clause in which you mention something which happens at some point during an activity, event, or situation. □� When I met the Gills, I had been gardening for nearly ten years.

4 CONJ You use when to introduce a clause where you mention the circumstances under which the event in the main clause happened or will happen. □� When he brought Imelda her drink she gave him a genuine, sweet smile of thanks. □� I'll start to think about it when I have to write my report.

5 CONJ You use when after certain words, especially verbs and adjectives, to introduce a clause where you mention the time at which something happens. □� I asked him when he'd be back to pick me up. □� I don't know when the decision was made.

6 PRON You use when to introduce a clause which specifies or refers to the time at which something happens. □� He could remember a time when he had worked like that himself. □� In 1973, when he lived in Rome, his sixteen-year-old son was kidnapped.

7 CONJ You use when to introduce the reason for an opinion, comment, or question. □� How can I love myself when I look like this?

8 CONJ You use when in order to introduce a fact or comment which makes the other part of the sentence rather surprising or unlikely. □� Our mothers sat us down to read and paint, when all we really wanted to do was to make a mess.

whence / h we ns/ ADV Whence means from where. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ] □� No one ordered him back whence he came.

when|ever ◆◇◇ / h wene və r /

1 CONJ You use whenever to refer to any time or every time that something happens or is true. □� She always called at the house whenever she was in the area. □� You can have my cottage whenever you like. □� I recommend that you avoid processed foods whenever possible.

2 CONJ You use whenever to refer to a time that you do not know or are not sure about. □� He married Miss Vancouver in 1963, or whenever it was.

where ◆◆◆ / h weə r /

1 ADV You use where to ask questions about the place something is in, or is coming from or going to. □� Where did you meet him? □� Where's Anna? □� Where are we going? □� 'You'll never believe where Julie and I are going.'�'Where?'

2 CONJ You use where after certain words, especially verbs and adjectives, to introduce a clause in which you mention the place in which something is situated or happens. □� He knew where Henry Carter had gone. □� If he's got something on his mind he knows where to find me. □� Ernest Brown lives about a dozen blocks from where the riots began. ●�PRON Where is also a relative pronoun. □� �available at the travel agency where you book your holiday. □� Wanchai boasts the Academy of Performing Arts, where everything from Chinese Opera to Shakespeare is performed.

3 ADV You use where to ask questions about a situation, a stage in something, or an aspect of something. □� If they get their way, where will it stop? □� It's not so simple. They'll have to let the draft board know, and then where will we be?

4 CONJ You use where after certain words, especially verbs and adjectives, to introduce a clause in which you mention a situation, a stage in something, or an aspect of something. □� It's not hard to see where she got her feelings about herself. □� She had a feeling she already knew where this conversation was going to lead. □� I didn't know where to start. ●�PRON Where is also a relative pronoun. □� �that delicate situation where a friend's confidence can easily be betrayed. □� The government is at a stage where it is willing to talk to almost anyone.

5 CONJ You use where to introduce a clause that contrasts with the other parts of the sentence. □� Sometimes a teacher will be listened to, where a parent might not.

where|abouts Pronounced / h weə rəbaʊts/ for meaning 1 , and / h weə rəbaʊ ts/ for meaning 2 . 1 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb, with poss] If you refer to the whereabouts of a particular person or thing, you mean the place where that person or thing may be found. □�[+�of ] The police are anxious to hear from anyone who may know the whereabouts of the firearms.

2 ADV You use whereabouts , usually in questions, when you are asking or talking about where something or someone is exactly. □�[+�in ] Whereabouts in Liverpool are you from? □� 'I actually live near Chester.'�'Whereabouts?' □� I spoke with him three days ago but I don't know whereabouts he is.

where|as ◆◇◇ / h weər� z/ CONJ You use whereas to introduce a comment which contrasts with what is said in the main clause. □� Pensions are linked to inflation, whereas they should be linked to the cost of living.

where|by / h weə r ba I / PRON A system or action whereby something happens is one that makes that thing happen. [FORMAL ] □� �the system whereby Britons choose their family doctors and the government pays those doctors. □� They voted to accept a deal whereby the union will receive nearly three-quarters of a million pounds from the International Miners Organisation.

where|fores / h weə r fɔː r z/ PHRASE The whys and wherefores of something are the reasons for it. □� Even successful bosses need to be queried about the whys and wherefores of their actions.

where|in / h weər I n/

1 PRON Wherein means in which place or thing. [FORMAL , LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ] □� �a riding school wherein we could learn the art of horsemanship.

2 ADV Wherein means in which part or respect. [FORMAL ] □� Wherein lies the truth?

where|upon / h weə rəpɒ n/ CONJ You use whereupon to say that one thing happens immediately after another thing, and usually as a result of it. [FORMAL ] □� Mr Muite refused to talk to them except in the company of his legal colleagues, whereupon the police officers departed.

wher|ever / h weəre və r /

1 CONJ You use wherever to indicate that something happens or is true in any place or situation. □� Some people enjoy themselves wherever they are. □� Jack believed in finding happiness wherever possible.

2 CONJ You use wherever when you indicate that you do not know where a person or place is. □� I'd like to leave as soon as possible and join my children, wherever they are.

3 ADV You use wherever in questions as an emphatic form of 'where', usually when you are surprised about something. [EMPHASIS ] □� Wherever did you get that idea? □� Wherever have you been?

where|with|al / h we ə r w I �ɔːl/ N‑SING [oft N to-inf] If you have the wherewithal for something, you have the means, especially the money, that you need for it. □� She didn't have the financial wherewithal to do it. [Also +�for ]

whet / h we t/ (whets , whetting , whetted ) PHRASE If someone or something whets your appetitefor a particular thing, they increase your desire to have it or know about it, especially by giving you an idea of what it is like. □�[+�for ] A really good catalogue can also whet customers' appetites for merchandise.

wheth|er ◆◆◆ / h we �ə r /

1 CONJ You use whether when you are talking about a choice or doubt between two or more alternatives. □� To this day, it's unclear whether he shot himself or was murdered. □� They now have two weeks to decide whether or not to buy. □� I don't know whether they've found anybody yet.

2 CONJ You use whether to say that something is true in any of the circumstances that you mention. □� The more muscle you have, the more fat you'll burn, whether you're working out or fast asleep. □� Babies, whether breast-fed or bottle-fed, should receive additional vitamin D.

whet|stone / h we tstoʊn/ (whetstones ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A whetstone is a stone which is used for sharpening knives or other tools that have a blade.

whew EXCLAM Whew is used in writing to represent a sound that you make when you breathe out quickly, for example because you are very hot, very relieved, or very surprised. [FEELINGS ] □� 'Whew,' he said. 'It's hot.'

whey / h we I / N‑UNCOUNT Whey is the watery part of sour milk that is separated from the thick part called curds, for example when you are making cheese.

which ◆◆◆ / h w I tʃ/

1 PRON ; DET You use which in questions when there are two or more possible answers or alternatives. □� Which do they want me to do, declare war or surrender? □� Which are the ones you really like? □� 'You go down that passageway over there.'�'Which one?' □� Which vitamin supplements are good value?

2 DET You use which to refer to a choice between two or more possible answers or alternatives. □� I wanted to know which school it was you went to. □� Scientists have long wondered which parts of the brain are involved in musical tasks. ●�CONJ Which is also a conjunction. □� In her panic she couldn't remember which was Mr Grainger's cabin. □� There are so many diets on the market, how do you know which to choose?

3 PRON You use which at the beginning of a relative clause when specifying the thing that you are talking about or when giving more information about it. □� Soldiers opened fire on a car which failed to stop at an army checkpoint. □� He's based in Banja Luka, which is the largest city in northern Bosnia. □� Colic describes a whole variety of conditions in which a horse suffers abdominal pain.

4 PRON You use which to refer back to an idea or situation expressed in a previous sentence or sentences, especially when you want to give your opinion about it. □� Since we started in September we have raised fifty thousand pounds, which is pretty good going. ●�DET Which is also a determiner. □� Some people are allergic to the gelatine in the capsule, in which case you can get drops.

5 PHRASE If you cannot tell the difference between two things, you can say that you do not know which is which . □� They all look so alike to me that I'm never sure which is which.

6any which way →�see way

7every which way →�see way

which|ever / h w I tʃe və r /

1 DET You use whichever in order to indicate that it does not matter which of the possible alternatives happens or is chosen. □� Israel offers automatic citizenship to all Jews who want it, whatever colour they are and whichever language they speak. ●�CONJ Whichever is also a conjunction. □� We will gladly exchange your goods, or refund your money, whichever you prefer.

2 DET You use whichever to specify which of a number of possibilities is the right one or the one you mean. □� �learning to relax by whichever method suits you best. ●�CONJ Whichever is also a conjunction. □� Fishing is from 6 am to dusk or 10.30pm, whichever is sooner.

whiff / h w I f/ (whiffs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a whiffof a particular smell, you smell it only slightly or only for a brief period of time, for example as you walk past someone or something. □�[+�of ] He caught a whiff of her perfume.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A whiffof something bad or harmful is a slight sign of it. □�[+�of ] Not a whiff of scandal has ever tainted his private life.

Whig / h w I g/ (Whigs )

1 N‑COUNT A Whig was a member of a British political party in the 18th and 19th centuries that was in favour of political and social changes. [BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT In the American Revolution, a Whig was an American who supported the revolution against the British. [AM ]

3 N‑COUNT A Whig was a member of an American political party in the 19th century that wanted to limit the powers of the President. [AM ]

while

➊�CONJUNCTION USES

➋�NOUN AND VERB USES

➊ while ◆◆◆ / h wa I l/ The form whilst is also used in formal or literary English, especially British English. 1 CONJ If something happens while something else is happening, the two things are happening at the same time. □� Racing was halted for an hour while the track was repaired. □� Her parents could help with child care while she works.

2 CONJ If something happens while something else happens, the first thing happens at some point during the time that the second thing is happening. □� The two ministers have yet to meet, but may do so while in New York. □� Never apply water to a burn while the casualty is still in contact with electric current.

3 CONJ You use while at the beginning of a clause to introduce information which contrasts with information in the main clause. □� The first two services are free, while the third costs �35.00.

4 CONJ You use while , before making a statement, in order to introduce information that partly conflicts with your statement. □� While the numbers of such developments are relatively small, the potential market is large. □� While the news, so far, has been good, there may be days ahead when it is bad.

➋ while ◆◆◇ / h wa I l/ (whiles , whiling , whiled )

→�Please look at categories 3 and 4 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑SING Awhile is a period of time. □� They walked on in silence for a while. □� He was married a little while ago. □� Working at low intensity means that you can continue to perform the activity for a long while.

2 PHRASE You use all the while in order to say that something happens continually or that it happens throughout the time when something else is happening. □� All the while the people at the next table watched me eat.

3once in a while →�see once

4worth your while →�see worth

▸� while away PHRASAL VERB If you while away the time in a particular way, you spend time in that way, because you are waiting for something else to happen, or because you have nothing else to do. □�[V P n] Miss Bennett whiled away the hours watching old films. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS while CONJ ➊3

though:He's very attractive, though certainly not a ladykiller.

although:Although the shooting has stopped for now, the destruction left behind is enormous.

despite the fact that:She criticized the film despite the fact that she hadn't seen it.

whilst ◆◇◇ / h wa I lst/ CONJ Whilst means the same as the conjunction while . [mainly BRIT , FORMAL or LITERARY ]

whim / h w I m/ (whims ) N‑VAR [oft on/at N ] A whim is a wish to do or have something which seems to have no serious reason or purpose behind it, and often occurs suddenly. □� We decided, more or less on a whim, to sail to Morocco. □�[+�of ] The premium can increase at the whim of the insurers.

whim|per / h w I mpə r / (whimpers , whimpering , whimpered )

1 VERB If someone whimpers , they make quiet unhappy or frightened sounds, as if they are about to start crying. □�[V ] She lay at the bottom of the stairs, whimpering in pain. □�[V -ing] He made another pathetic whimpering sound. ●�N‑COUNT Whimper is also a noun. □� David's crying subsided to a whimper.

2 VERB If someone whimpers something, they say it in an unhappy or frightened way. □�[V with quote] 'Let me go,' she whimpered. 'You're hurting me.' □�[V n] She whimpered something inaudible.

whim|si|cal / h w I mz I k ə l/ ADJ A whimsical person or idea is unusual, playful, and unpredictable, rather than serious and practical. □� McGrath remembers his offbeat sense of humor, his whimsical side.

whim|sy / h w I mzi/ also whimsey N‑UNCOUNT Whimsy is behaviour which is unusual, playful, and unpredictable, rather than having any serious reason or purpose behind it.

whine / h wa I n/ (whines , whining , whined )

1 VERB If something or someone whines , they make a long, high-pitched noise, especially one which sounds sad or unpleasant. □�[V ] He could hear her dog barking and whining in the background. □�[V ] The engines whined. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Whine is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the whine of air-raid sirens.

2 VERB If you say that someone is whining , you mean that they are complaining in an annoying way about something unimportant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�about ] They come to me to whine about their troubles. □�[V that] �children who whine that they are bored. □�[V with quote] 'Why can't you tell me?' I whined.

whinge / h w I ndʒ/ (whinges , whingeing or whinging , whinged ) VERB If you say that someone is whingeing , you mean that they are complaining in an annoying way about something unimportant. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V ] All she ever does is whinge and complain. [Also V with quote]

whing|er / h w I ndʒə r / (whingers ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a whinger , you are critical of them because they complain about unimportant things all the time. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

whin|ny / h w I ni/ (whinnies , whinnying , whinnied ) VERB When a horse whinnies , it makes a series of high-pitched sounds, usually not very loudly. □�[V ] The girl's horse whinnied. ●�N‑COUNT Whinny is also a noun. □� With a terrified whinny, the horse shied.

whip ◆◇◇ / h w I p/ (whips , whipping , whipped )

1 N‑COUNT A whip is a long thin piece of material such as leather or rope, fastened to a stiff handle. It is used for hitting people or animals.

2 VERB If someone whips a person or animal, they beat them or hit them with a whip or something like a whip. □�[V n] Eye-witnesses claimed Mr Melton whipped the horse up to 16 times. ●� whip|ping (whippings ) N‑COUNT □� He threatened to give her a whipping.

3 VERB If something, for example the wind, whips something, it strikes it sharply. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] A terrible wind whipped our faces.

4 VERB If someone whips something out or whips it off, they take it out or take it off very quickly and suddenly. □�[V n with adv] Bob whipped out his notebook. □�[V n with adv] Players were whipping their shirts off.

5 VERB When you whip something liquid such as cream or an egg, you stir it very fast until it is thick or stiff. □�[V n] Whip the cream until thick. □�[V n adv/prep] Whip the eggs, oils and honey together. □�[V -ed] �strawberries and whipped cream.

6 VERB If you whip people into an emotional state, you deliberately cause and encourage them to be in that state. □�[V n +�into ] He could whip a crowd into hysteria.

7 N‑COUNT A whip is a member of a political party in a parliament or legislature who is responsible for making sure that party members are present to vote on important issues and that they vote in the appropriate way. □� The whips have the job of making sure MPs toe the line.

8 PHRASE If you have the whip hand , you have power over someone else in a particular situation. □� These days the shopper has the whip hand, and will not buy at high prices.

▸� whip up PHRASAL VERB If someone whips up an emotion, especially a dangerous one such as hatred, or if they whip people up into an emotional state, they deliberately cause and encourage people to feel that emotion. □�[V P n] He accused politicians of whipping up anti-foreign sentiments in order to win right-wing votes. [Also V n P +�into ]

whip|lash / h w I pl�ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the head suddenly moving forwards and then back again, for example in a car accident. □� His daughter suffered whiplash and shock.

whip|per|snap|per / h w I pə r sn�pə r / (whippersnappers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a young person as a whippersnapper , you disapprove of them because you think that they are behaving more confidently than they should. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

whip|pet / h w I p I t/ (whippets ) N‑COUNT A whippet is a small thin dog with long legs. Some whippets are used for racing.

whi p|ping boy (whipping boys ) N‑COUNT If someone or something is a whipping boy for a particular situation, they get all the blame for it. □�[+�for ] He has become a convenient whipping boy for the failures of the old regime.

whi p|ping cream N‑UNCOUNT Whipping cream is cream that becomes stiff when it is stirred very fast.

whip|poor|will /w I pʊə r w I l/ (whippoorwills ) N‑COUNT A whippoorwill is a North American bird that is active at night and has a call that sounds like 'whip poor will'.

whi ^p-round N‑SING When a group of people have a whip-round , money is collected from each person so that it can be used to buy something for all of them or for someone they all know. [INFORMAL ]

whir / h wɜː r / →�see whirr

whirl / h wɜː r l/ (whirls , whirling , whirled )

1 VERB If something or someone whirls around or if you whirl them around, they move around or turn around very quickly. □�[V adv/prep] Not receiving an answer, she whirled round. □�[V n adv/prep] He was whirling Anne around the floor. □�[V ] The smoke began to whirl and grew into a monstrous column. [Also V n] ●�N‑COUNT Whirl is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �the barely audible whirl of wheels.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a lot of intense activity as a whirl of activity. □�[+�of ] In half an hour's whirl of activity, she does it all. □� Your life is such a social whirl.

3 PHRASE If you decide to give an activity a whirl , you do it even though it is something that you have never tried before. [INFORMAL ] □� Why not give acupuncture a whirl? □� We decided to give it a whirl.

whirl|pool / h wɜː r lpuːl/ (whirlpools ) N‑COUNT A whirlpool is a small area in a river or the sea where the water is moving quickly round and round, so that objects floating near it are pulled into its centre.

whirl|wind / h wɜː r lw I nd/ (whirlwinds )

1 N‑COUNT A whirlwind is a tall column of air which spins round and round very fast and moves across the land or sea.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can describe a situation in which a lot of things happen very quickly and are very difficult for someone to control as a whirlwind . □�[+�of ] I had been running around southern England in a whirlwind of activity.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A whirlwind event or action happens or is done much more quickly than normal. □� He got married after a whirlwind romance. □� � a whirlwind tour of France.

whirr / h wɜː r / (whirrs , whirring , whirred ) also whir VERB When something such as a machine or an insect's wing whirrs , it makes a series of low sounds so quickly that they seem like one continuous sound. □�[V ] The camera whirred and clicked. □�[V -ing] �the whirring sound of the film projector. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Whirr is also a noun. □�[+�of ] He could hear the whirr of a vacuum cleaner.

whisk / h w I sk/ (whisks , whisking , whisked )

1 VERB If you whisk someone or something somewhere, you take them or move them there quickly. □�[V n prep/adv] He whisked her across the dance floor. □�[V n prep/adv] I was whisked away in a police car.

2 VERB If you whisk something such as eggs or cream, you stir it very fast, often with an electric device, so that it becomes full of small bubbles. □�[V n] Just before serving, whisk the cream. □�[V n with together ] In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar and the yolks.

3 N‑COUNT A whisk is a kitchen tool used for whisking eggs or cream. □� �an electric whisk.

whisk|er / h w I skə r / (whiskers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The whiskers of an animal such as a cat or a mouse are the long stiff hairs that grow near its mouth.

2 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the hair on a man's face, especially on the sides of his face, as his whiskers . □� �wild, savage-looking fellows, with large whiskers, unshaven beards, and dirty faces.

3 N‑SING You can use whisker in expressions such as by a whisker or within a whisker of to indicate that something happened or is true, but only by a very small amount or degree. □� A new pet census showed that cats now outnumber dogs by a whisker (7 million to 6.9 million). □�[+�of ] She came within a whisker of taking a gold medal. □� Unemployment is now a whisker away from three million.

whisk|ery / h w I skəri/ ADJ If you describe someone as whiskery , you mean that they have lots of stiff little hairs on their face. □� �a whiskery old man.

whis|key / h w I ski/ (whiskeys ) N‑VAR Whiskey is whisky that is made in Ireland or the United States. □� �a tumbler with about an inch of whiskey in it. ●�N‑COUNT A whiskey is a glass of whiskey.

whis|ky / h w I ski/ (whiskies ) N‑VAR Whisky is a strong alcoholic drink made, especially in Scotland, from grain such as barley or rye. □� �a bottle of whisky. □� �expensive whiskies and brandies. ●�N‑COUNT A whisky is a glass of whisky. □� She handed him a whisky. WORD HISTORY whisky

The word whisky comes from Scottish Gaelic uisge beatha , meaning 'water of life'.

whis|per ◆◇◇ / h w I spə r / (whispers , whispering , whispered )

1 VERB When you whisper , you say something very quietly, using your breath rather than your throat, so that only one person can hear you. □�[V with quote] 'Keep your voice down,' I whispered. □�[V prep] She sat on Rossi's knee as he whispered in her ear. □�[V n prep] He whispered the message to David. □�[V that] Somebody whispered that films like that were illegal. □�[V n] She whispered his name. ●�N‑COUNT Whisper is also a noun. □� Men were talking in whispers in every office.

2 VERB If people whisper about a piece of information, they talk about it, although it might not be true or accurate, or might be a secret. □�[V +�about ] We hit it off so well that everyone started whispering about us. □�[be V -ed that] It is whispered that he intended to resign. □�[V n] But don't whisper a word of that. ●�N‑COUNT Whisper is also a noun. □� I've heard a whisper that the Bishop intends to leave.

whist / h w I st/ N‑UNCOUNT Whist is a card game in which people play in pairs against each other.

whis|tle / h w I s ə l/ (whistles , whistling , whistled )

1 VERB When you whistle or when you whistle a tune, you make a series of musical notes by forcing your breath out between your lips, or your teeth. □�[V ] He was whistling softly to himself. □�[V n] As he washed, he whistled a tune.

2 VERB When someone whistles , they make a sound by forcing their breath out between their lips or their teeth. People sometimes whistle when they are surprised or shocked, or to call a dog, or to show that they are impressed. □�[V ] He whistled, surprised but not shocked. □�[V prep] Jenkins whistled through his teeth, impressed at last. ●�N‑COUNT Whistle is also a noun. □� Jackson gave a low whistle.

3 →�see also wolf-whistle

4 VERB If something such as a train or a kettle whistles , it makes a loud, high sound. □�[V ] Somewhere a train whistled. □�[V -ing] �the whistling car radio. ●� whis|tling N‑SING □� �the whistling of the wind.

5 VERB If something such as the wind or a bullet whistles somewhere, it moves there, making a loud, high sound. □�[V prep] The wind was whistling through the building. □�[V prep] As I stood up a bullet whistled past my back.

6 N‑COUNT A whistle is a loud sound produced by air or steam being forced through a small opening, or by something moving quickly through the air. □�[+�of ] Hugh listened to the whistle of a train. □�[+�of ] �the whistle of the wind.

7 N‑COUNT A whistle is a small metal tube which you blow in order to produce a loud sound and attract someone's attention. □� On the platform, the guard blew his whistle.

8 N‑COUNT A whistle is a simple musical instrument in the shape of a metal pipe with holes. You play the whistle by blowing into it.

9 →�see also tin whistle

10 PHRASE If you blow the whistleon someone, or on something secret or illegal, you tell another person, especially a person in authority, what is happening. □� Companies should protect employees who blow the whistle on dishonest workmates.

11 →�see also whistle-blower

12 PHRASE If you describe something as clean as a whistle , you mean that it is completely clean.

whi stle-blower (whistle-blowers ) also whistleblower N‑COUNT A whistle-blower is someone who finds out that the organization they are working for is doing something immoral or illegal and tells the authorities or the public about it. [JOURNALISM ] □� If the government is serious about reducing medical risk, then it must change the law to protect whistle-blowers.

whi stle-blowing also whistleblowing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Whistle-blowing is the act of telling the authorities or the public that the organization you are working for is doing something immoral or illegal. □� It took internal whistle-blowing and investigative journalism to uncover the rot.

whi stle-stop ADJ [ADJ n] If someone, especially a politician, goes on a whistle-stop tour, they visit a lot of different places in a short time.

whit / h w I t/

1 PHRASE [with neg] You say not a whit or not one whit to emphasize that something is not the case at all. [mainly FORMAL or OLD-FASHIONED , EMPHASIS ] □� He cared not a whit for the social, political or moral aspects of literature.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Whit means the same as Whitsun . □� The orchestra gave its first performance on Whit Monday.

white ◆◆◆ / h wa I t/ (whiter , whitest , whites )

1 COLOUR Something that is white is the colour of snow or milk. □� He had nice square white teeth. □� He was dressed in white from head to toe. ●� white|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] Her scarlet lipstick emphasized the whiteness of her teeth.

2 ADJ A white person has a pale skin and belongs to a race which is of European origin. □� He was white, with brown shoulder-length hair and a moustache. ●�N‑COUNT [usu pl] Whites are white people. □� It's a school that's brought blacks and whites and Hispanics together.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone goes white , the skin on their face becomes very pale, for example because of fear, shock, anger, or illness. □� Richard had gone very white, but he stood his ground. □�[+�with ] His face was white with fury. ●�PHRASE If someone looks white as a sheet or as white as a sheet , they look very frightened, shocked, or ill. □� He appeared in the doorway, white as a sheet, eyes wide with horror.

4 ADJ White wine is pale yellow in colour. □� Gregory poured another glass of white wine and went back to his bedroom. ●�N‑VAR You can refer to white wine as white . □� I bought a bottle of Californian white.

5 ADJ White coffee has had milk or cream added to it. [BRIT ] □� Wayne has a large white coffee in front of him.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] White blood cells are the cells in your blood which your body uses to fight infection.

7 N‑VAR The white of an egg is the transparent liquid that surrounds the yellow part called the yolk.

8 N‑COUNT The white of someone's eye is the white part that surrounds the coloured part called the iris.

white|board / h wa I tbɔː r d/ (whiteboards ) N‑COUNT A whiteboard is a shiny white board on which people draw or write using special pens. Whiteboards are often used for teaching or giving talks.

whi te Chri st|mas (white Christmases ) N‑COUNT A white Christmas is a Christmas when it snows.

whi te-co llar also white collar

1 ADJ [ADJ n] White-collar workers work in offices rather than doing physical work such as making things in factories or building things. □� White-collar workers now work longer hours.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] White-collar crime is committed by people who work in offices, and involves stealing money secretly from companies or the government, or getting money in an illegal way.

whi te e l|ephant (white elephants ) N‑COUNT If you describe something as a white elephant , you mean that it is a waste of money because it is completely useless. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The pavilion has become a �14 million steel and glass white elephant.

whi te goods N‑PLURAL People in business sometimes refer to fridges, washing machines, and other large pieces of electrical household equipment as white goods . Compare brown goods .

whi te-hai red ADJ Someone who is white-haired has white hair, usually because they are old.

White|hall ◆◇◇ / h wa I thɔːl/ N‑PROPER Whitehall is the name of a street in London in which there are many government offices. You can also use Whitehall to mean the British Government itself. □� �people with banners marching down Whitehall. □� Whitehall said that it hoped to get the change through by the end of June.

whi te-ho t ADJ If something is white-hot , it is extremely hot. □� It is important to get the coals white-hot before you start.

Whi te House ◆◇◇ N‑PROPER [N n] The White House is the official home in Washington DC of the President of the United States. You can also use the White House to refer to the President of the United States and his or her officials. □� He drove to the White House. □� The White House has not participated in any talks.

whi te kni ght (white knights ) N‑COUNT A white knight is a person or an organization that rescues a company from difficulties such as financial problems or an unwelcome takeover bid. [BUSINESS ] □� �a white-knight bid.

whi te-knu ckle

1 ADJ [ADJ n] In a fairground, a white-knuckle ride is any large machine that people ride on which is very exciting but also frightening. □� �white-knuckle rides such as the rollercoaster.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A white-knuckle experience is something that you find very exciting but also very frightening. □� �a hellish white-knuckle ride through the heavy London traffic.

whi te lie (white lies ) N‑COUNT If you refer to an untrue statement as a white lie , you mean that it is made to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to avoid trouble, and not for an evil purpose.

whi te mea t (white meats ) N‑UNCOUNT White meat is meat such as chicken and pork, which is pale in colour after it has been cooked.

whit|en / h wa I t ə n/ (whitens , whitening , whitened ) VERB When something whitens or when you whiten it, it becomes whiter or paler in colour. □�[V ] Her knuckles whiten as she clenches her hands harder. □�[V n] �toothpastes that whiten teeth.

whi te noi se N‑UNCOUNT White noise is sound, especially of a continuous kind, that seems to have no pattern or rhythm. □� The hiss of an empty radio channel will give white noise.

Whi te Pa ges N‑PLURAL White Pages is used to refer to the section of a telephone directory which lists names and telephone numbers in alphabetical order. Compare Yellow Pages . [AM ]

Whi te Pa |per (White Papers ) N‑COUNT In Britain, Australia, Canada, and some other countries, a White Paper is an official report which describes the policy of the Government on a particular subject.

whi te pe p|per N‑UNCOUNT White pepper is pepper which has been made from the dried insides of the fruits of the pepper plant.

whi te sau ce (white sauces ) N‑VAR White sauce is a thick white sauce made from milk, flour, and butter. Meat, fish, or vegetables are often cooked in or served in white sauce.

whi te spi r|it N‑UNCOUNT White spirit is a colourless liquid that is made from petrol and is used, for example, to make paint thinner or to clean surfaces. [BRIT ] in AM, use turpentine

whi te trash N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Some people use white trash to refer to poor white people who they think are worthless. [AM , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a place peopled by illiterate poor white trash.

white|wash / h wa I twɒʃ/ (whitewashes , whitewashing , whitewashed )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Whitewash is a mixture of lime or chalk and water that is used for painting walls white.

2 VERB If a wall or building has been whitewashed , it has been painted white with whitewash. □�[be V -ed] The walls had been whitewashed. □�[V -ed] �a town of picturesque whitewashed cottages.

3 VERB If you say that people whitewash something, you are accusing them of hiding the unpleasant facts or truth about it in order to make it acceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n] The administration is whitewashing the regime's actions.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Whitewash is an attempt to hide the unpleasant facts or truth about someone or something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He pledged that there would be no whitewash and a full investigation.

whi te-wa ter ra ft|ing N‑UNCOUNT White-water rafting is the activity of riding on a raft over rough, dangerous parts of a fast-flowing river.

whi te we d|ding (white weddings ) N‑COUNT A white wedding is a wedding where the bride wears white and the ceremony takes place in a church. [mainly BRIT ]

whith|er / h w I �ə r / ADV Whither means to where. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ] □� They knew not whither they went.

whit|ing / h wa I t I ŋ/ (whitings or whiting ) N‑VAR A whiting is a black and silver fish that lives in the sea. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Whiting is this fish eaten as food. □� He ordered stuffed whiting.

whit|ish / h wa I t I ʃ/ COLOUR Whitish means very pale and almost white in colour. □� �a whitish dust.

Whit|sun / h w I ts ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Whitsun is the seventh Sunday after Easter, and the week that follows that Sunday. [mainly BRIT ]

Whi t Su n|day N‑UNCOUNT Whit Sunday is the seventh Sunday after Easter, when Christians celebrate the sending of the Holy Spirit to the first followers of Christ.

whit|tle / h w I t ə l/ (whittles , whittling , whittled ) VERB If you whittle something from a piece of wood, you carve it by cutting pieces off the wood with a knife. □�[V n] He whittled a new handle for his ax.

▸� whittle away PHRASAL VERB To whittle away something or whittle awayat it means to gradually make it smaller, weaker, or less effective. □�[V P n] They have slowly whittled away the opposition. □�[V P +�at ] Their approach is to whittle away at the evidence to show reasonable doubt.

▸� whittle down PHRASAL VERB To whittle down a group or thing means to gradually make it smaller. □�[V n P +�to ] He had whittled eight interviewees down to two. □�[V P n] The president has agreed to whittle down his proposal. [Also V n P , V n P +�from ]

whizz / h w I z/ (whizzes , whizzing , whizzed ) VERB If something whizzes somewhere, it moves there very fast. [INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] Stewart felt a bottle whizz past his head. □�[V prep/adv] A car whizzed past.

whi zz-kid (whizz-kids ) also whizzkid , whizz kid N‑COUNT If you refer to a young person as a whizz-kid , you mean that they have achieved success at a young age because they are very clever and very good at something, especially making money. [INFORMAL ] □� �a financial whizz kid. □� �a whizz-kid physics student.

whizzy / h w I zi/ (whizzier , whizziest ) ADJ Whizzy is used to describe products and activities that are new, exciting, and based on the latest technology. [INFORMAL ] □� Japanese camera makers continually introduce whizzy new electronic models.

who ◆◆◆ /huː / Who is used as the subject or object of a verb. See entries at whom and whose . 1 PRON You use who in questions when you ask about the name or identity of a person or group of people. □� Who's there? □� Who is the least popular man around here? □� Who do you work for? □� Who do you suppose will replace her on the show? □� 'You reminded me of somebody.'�'Who?'

2 CONJ You use who after certain words, especially verbs and adjectives, to introduce a clause where you talk about the identity of a person or a group of people. □� Police have not been able to find out who was responsible for the forgeries. □� I went over to start up a conversation, asking her who she knew at the party. □� You know who these people are.

3 PRON You use who at the beginning of a relative clause when specifying the person or group of people you are talking about or when giving more information about them. □� There are those who eat out for a special occasion, or treat themselves. □� The woman, who needs constant attention, is cared for by relatives.

whoa / h woʊ /

1 EXCLAM Whoa is a command that you give to a horse to slow down or stop.

2 EXCLAM You can say whoa to someone who is talking to you, to indicate that you think they are talking too fast or assuming things that may not be true. [INFORMAL ] □� Slow down! Whoa!

who'd /huː d, huːd/

1Who'd is the usual spoken form of 'who had', especially when 'had' is an auxiliary verb.

2Who'd is a spoken form of 'who would'.

who|dun|nit /huːdʌ n I t/ (whodunnits ) also whodunit N‑COUNT A whodunnit is a novel, film, or play which is about a murder and which does not tell you who the murderer is until the end. [INFORMAL ]

who|ever /huːe və r /

1 CONJ You use whoever to refer to someone when their identity is not yet known. □� Whoever wins the election is going to have a tough job getting the economy back on its feet. □� Ben, I want whoever's responsible to come forward.

2 CONJ You use whoever to indicate that the actual identity of the person who does something will not affect a situation. □� You can have whoever you like to visit you. □� Everybody who goes into this region, whoever they are, is at risk of being taken hostage.

3 ADV You use whoever in questions as an emphatic way of saying 'who', usually when you are surprised about something. [EMPHASIS ] □� Ridiculous! Whoever suggested such a thing?

whole ◆◆◆ /hoʊ l/ (wholes )

1 QUANT If you refer to the whole of something, you mean all of it. □�[+�of ] Early in the eleventh century the whole of England was conquered by the Vikings. □�[+�of ] I was cold throughout the whole of my body. □�[+�of ] �the whole of August. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Whole is also an adjective. □� He'd been observing her the whole trip. □� We spent the whole summer in Italy that year.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A whole is a single thing which contains several different parts. □� An atom itself is a complete whole, with its electrons, protons and neutrons.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is whole , it is in one piece and is not broken or damaged. □� I struck the glass with my fist with all my might; yet it remained whole. □� Small bones should be avoided as the dog may swallow them whole and risk internal injury.

4 ADV [ADV adj] You use whole to emphasize what you are saying. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� It was like seeing a whole different side of somebody. □� His father had helped invent a whole new way of doing business. ●�ADJ [ADJ n] Whole is also an adjective. □� That saved me a whole bunch of money.

5 PHRASE If you refer to something as a whole , you are referring to it generally and as a single unit. □� He described the move as a victory for the people of South Africa as a whole. □� As a whole we do not eat enough fibre in Britain.

6 PHRASE You use on the whole to indicate that what you are saying is true in general but may not be true in every case, or that you are giving a general opinion or summary of something. □� On the whole, people miss the opportunity to enjoy leisure. SYNONYMS whole ADJ 1

entire:He had spent his entire life in China as a doctor.

total:The total cost of the project would be more than $240 million.

complete:A complete tenement block was burnt to the ground.

full:�a full tank of petrol.

whole|food /hoʊ lfuːd/ (wholefoods ) N‑VAR Wholefoods are foods which have not been processed much and which have not had artificial ingredients added. [mainly BRIT ] □� It pays to avoid food additives and eat only wholefoods.

whole|grains /hoʊ lgre I nz/ also whole grains The forms wholegrain and whole-grain are used as modifiers. N‑PLURAL Wholegrains are the grains of cereals such as wheat and maize that have not been processed. □� Fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains are rich in potassium. □� �crusty wholegrain bread.

whole|hearted /hoʊ lhɑː r t I d/ also whole-hearted ADJ If you support or agree to something in a wholehearted way, you support or agree to it enthusiastically and completely. [EMPHASIS ] □� The Government deserves our wholehearted support for having taken a step in this direction. ●� whole|hearted|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� That's exactly right. I agree wholeheartedly with you.

whole|meal /hoʊ lmiːl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Wholemeal flour is made from the complete grain of the wheat plant, including the outer part. Wholemeal bread or pasta is made from wholemeal flour. [BRIT ] □� �a slice of wholemeal toast. in AM, use wholewheat2 N‑UNCOUNT Wholemeal means wholemeal bread or wholemeal flour. [BRIT ] □� �one slice of white and one of wholemeal. in AM, use wholewheat

whole|ness /hoʊ lnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Wholeness is the quality of being complete or a single unit and not broken or divided into parts. □� �the need for wholeness and harmony in mind, body and spirit.

who le note (whole notes ) N‑COUNT A whole note is a musical note that has a time value equal to two half notes. [AM ] in BRIT, use semibreve

who le nu m|ber (whole numbers ) N‑COUNT A whole number is an exact number such as 1, 7, and 24, as opposed to a number with fractions or decimals.

whole|sale /hoʊ lse I l/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Wholesale is the activity of buying and selling goods in large quantities and therefore at cheaper prices, usually to shopkeepers who then sell them to the public. Compare retail . [BUSINESS ] □� Warehouse clubs allow members to buy goods at wholesale prices. □� I am in the wholesale trade.

2 ADV [ADV after v] If something is sold wholesale , it is sold in large quantities and at cheaper prices, usually to shopkeepers. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�to ] The fabrics are sold wholesale to retailers, fashion houses, and other manufacturers.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use wholesale to describe the destruction, removal, or changing of something when it affects a very large number of things or people. [EMPHASIS ] □� They are only doing what is necessary to prevent wholesale destruction of vegetation.

whole|sal|er /hoʊ lse I lə r / (wholesalers ) N‑COUNT A wholesaler is a person whose business is buying large quantities of goods and selling them in smaller amounts, for example to shops. [BUSINESS ]

whole|sal|ing /hoʊ lse I l I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Wholesaling is the activity of buying or selling goods in large amounts, especially in order to sell them in shops or supermarkets. Compare retailing . [BUSINESS ]

whole|some /hoʊ lsəm/

1 ADJ If you describe something as wholesome , you approve of it because you think it is likely to have a positive influence on people's behaviour or mental state, especially because it does not involve anything sexually immoral. [APPROVAL ] □� �good, wholesome fun.

2 ADJ If you describe food as wholesome , you approve of it because you think it is good for your health. [APPROVAL ] □� �fresh, wholesome ingredients. □� The food is filling and wholesome.

whole|wheat /hoʊ l h wiːt/ also whole wheat

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Wholewheat flour is made from the complete grain of the wheat plant, including the outer part. Wholewheat bread or pasta is made from wholewheat flour. □� �vegetables with wholewheat noodles.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Wholewheat means wholewheat bread or wholewheat flour. □� �a chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat.

who'll /huː l, huːl/ Who'll is a spoken form of 'who will' or 'who shall'.

whol|ly /hoʊ lli/ ADV [ADV adj] You use wholly to emphasize the extent or degree to which something is the case. [EMPHASIS ] □� While the two are only days apart in age they seem to belong to wholly different generations. □� For urban areas this approach was wholly inadequate.

who lly-o wned sub|si di|ary (wholly-owned subsidiaries ) N‑COUNT A wholly-owned subsidiary is a company whose shares are all owned by another company. [BUSINESS ] □� The Locomotive Construction Company Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trust.

whom ◆◆◇ /huː m/ Whom is used in formal or written English instead of 'who' when it is the object of a verb or preposition. 1 PRON You use whom in questions when you ask about the name or identity of a person or group of people. □� 'I want to send a telegram.'�'Fine, to whom?' □� Whom did he expect to answer his phone?

2 CONJ You use whom after certain words, especially verbs and adjectives, to introduce a clause where you talk about the name or identity of a person or a group of people. □� He asked whom I'd told about his having been away.

3 PRON You use whom at the beginning of a relative clause when specifying the person or group of people you are talking about or when giving more information about them. □� One writer in whom I had taken an interest was Immanuel Velikovsky.

whom|ever /huːme və r / CONJ Whomever is a formal word for whoever when it is the object of a verb or preposition.

whoop / h wuː p, [AM ] huː p/ (whoops , whooping , whooped )

1 VERB If you whoop , you shout loudly in a very happy or excited way. [WRITTEN ] □�[V ] She whoops with delight at a promise of money. ●�N‑COUNT Whoop is also a noun. □� Scattered groans and whoops broke out in the crowd.

2 →�see also whoops

whoo|pee / h wʊpiː / EXCLAM People sometimes shout ' whoopee ' when they are very happy or excited. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� I can have a lie in tomorrow. Whoopee!

whoop|ing cough /huː p I ŋ kɒf, [AM ] - kɔːf/ N‑UNCOUNT Whooping cough is a serious infectious disease which causes people to cough and make a loud noise when they breathe in.

whoops / h wʊ ps/ EXCLAM You say ' whoops ' to indicate that there has been a slight accident or mistake, or to apologize to someone for it. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Whoops, that was a mistake. □� Whoops, it's past 11, I'd better be off home.

whoosh / h wʊ ʃ, [AM ] hwuː ʃ/ (whooshes , whooshing , whooshed )

1 EXCLAM People sometimes say ' whoosh ' when they are emphasizing the fact that something happens very suddenly or very fast. [EMPHASIS ] □� Then came the riders amid even louder cheers and whoosh! It was all over.

2 VERB If something whooshes somewhere, it moves there quickly or suddenly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V adv/prep] Kites whooshed above the beach at intervals.

whop|per / h wɒ pə r / (whoppers )

1 N‑COUNT If you describe a lie as a whopper , you mean that it is very far from the truth. [INFORMAL ] □� �the biggest whopper the president told.

2 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a whopper , you mean that it is an unusually large example of the thing mentioned. [INFORMAL ] □� As comets go, it is a whopper.

whop|ping / h wɒ p I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe an amount as whopping , you are emphasizing that it is large. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� The Russian leader won a whopping 89.9 percent 'yes' vote.

whore /hɔː r / (whores ) N‑COUNT A whore is the same as a prostitute .

who're /huː ə r , huːə r / Who're is a spoken form of 'who are'. □� I've got loads of friends who're unemployed. □� Who're you going to the pictures with?

whore|house /hɔː r haʊs/ (whorehouses ) N‑COUNT A whorehouse is the same as a brothel .

whorl / h wɜː r l, [AM ] h wɔː r l/ (whorls ) N‑COUNT A whorl is a spiral shape, for example the pattern on the tips of your fingers. [LITERARY ] □� He stared at the whorls and lines of her fingertips. □� �dense whorls of red-purple flowers.

who's /huː z, huːz/ Who's is the usual spoken form of 'who is' or 'who has', especially when 'has' is an auxiliary verb. USAGE who's

Who is and who has are sometimes contracted and pronounced /hu:z/. When you write down what someone says, you can write �who is� or �who has� as who�s . Don�t write them as �whose�. □� �Edward drove me here.���Who�s Edward?� □� �an American author who�s moved to London.

whose ◆◆◆ /huːz/

1 PRON You use whose at the beginning of a relative clause where you mention something that belongs to or is associated with the person or thing mentioned in the previous clause. □� I saw a man shouting at a driver whose car was blocking the street. □� �a speedboat, whose fifteen-strong crew claimed to belong to the Italian navy. □� �tourists whose vacations included an unexpected adventure.

2 PRON ; DET You use whose in questions to ask about the person or thing that something belongs to or is associated with. □� Whose was the better performance? □� 'Whose is this?'�'It's mine.' □� 'It wasn't your fault, John.'�'Whose, then?' □� Whose car were they in?

3 DET You use whose after certain words, especially verbs and adjectives, to introduce a clause where you talk about the person or thing that something belongs to or is associated with. □� I'm wondering whose mother she is then. □� I can't remember whose idea it was for us to meet again. ●�CONJ Whose is also a conjunction. □� I wondered whose the coat was. □� That kind of person likes to spend money, it doesn't matter whose it is.

who|so|ever /huː soʊe və r / CONJ Whosoever means the same as whoever . [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ] □� They can transfer or share the contract with whosoever they choose.

who've /huː v/ Who've is the usual spoken form of 'who have,' especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb.

why ◆◆◆ / h wa I /

1 ADV You use why in questions when you ask about the reasons for something. □� Why hasn't he brought the bill? □� Why didn't he stop me? □� 'I just want to see him.'�'Why?' □� Why should I leave?

2 CONJ You use why at the beginning of a clause in which you talk about the reasons for something. □� He still could not throw any further light on why the elevator could have become jammed. □� Experts wonder why the U.S. government is not taking similarly strong actions against AIDS in this country. □� I can't understand why they don't want us. ●�ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] Why is also an adverb. □� I don't know why. □� It's obvious why. □� Here's why.

3 PRON You use why to introduce a relative clause after the word 'reason'. □� There's a reason why women don't read this stuff; it's not funny. □� Unless you're ill, there's no reason why you can't get those 15 minutes of walking in daily. ●�ADV [n ADV ] Why is also an adverb. □� He confirmed that the city had been closed to foreigners, but gave no reason why.

4 ADV You use why with 'not' in questions in order to introduce a suggestion. □� Why not give Claire a call? □� Why don't we talk it through?

5 ADV You use why with 'not' in questions in order to express your annoyance or anger. [FEELINGS ] □� Why don't you look where you're going? □� Why don't they just leave it alone?

6 CONVENTION You say why not in order to agree with what someone has suggested. [FORMULAE ] □� 'Want to spend the afternoon with me?'�'Why not?'

7 EXCLAM People say ' Why! ' at the beginning of a sentence when they are surprised, shocked, or angry. [mainly AM , FEELINGS ] □� Why hello, Tom.

8the whys and wherefores →�see wherefores

Wic|ca /w I kə/ N‑PROPER Wicca is a pagan religion that practises witchcraft.

wick /w I k/ (wicks )

1 N‑COUNT The wick of a candle is the piece of string in it which burns when it is lit.

2 N‑COUNT The wick of a paraffin lamp or cigarette lighter is the part which supplies the fuel to the flame when it is lit.

wick|ed /w I k I d/

1 ADJ You use wicked to describe someone or something that is very bad and deliberately harmful to people. □� She described the shooting as a wicked attack. □� She flew at me, shouting how wicked and evil I was.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as wicked , you mean that they are rather naughty, but in a way that you find attractive or enjoyable. □� She had a wicked sense of humour.

wick|er /w I kə r / N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Wicker is long thin sticks, stems, or reeds that have been woven together to make things such as baskets and furniture. □� �a wicker basket.

wicker|work /w I kə r wɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Wickerwork is the same as wicker .

wick|et ◆◇◇ /w I k I t/ (wickets )

1 N‑COUNT In cricket, a wicket is a set of three upright sticks with two small sticks on top of them at which the ball is bowled. There are two wickets on a cricket pitch.

2 N‑COUNT In cricket, a wicket is the area of grass in between the two wickets on the pitch.

3 N‑COUNT In cricket, when a wicket falls or is taken, a batsman is out.

wicket|keeper /w I k I tkiːpə r / (wicketkeepers ) also wicket-keeper N‑COUNT A wicketkeeper is the player in a cricket team who stands behind the wicket in order to stop balls that the batsman misses or to catch balls that the batsman hits.

wide ◆◆◆ /wa I d/ (wider , widest )

1 ADJ Something that is wide measures a large distance from one side or edge to the other. □� All worktops should be wide enough to allow plenty of space for food preparation. □� �a wide-brimmed sunhat.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A wide smile is one in which your mouth is stretched because you are very pleased or amused. □� It brought a wide smile to his face and laughter to his eyes. ●� wide|ly ADV [ADV after v] □� He was grinning widely, waving to her as he ran.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ n] If you open or spread something wide , you open or spread it as far as possible or to the fullest extent. □� 'It was huge,' he announced, spreading his arms wide. □� His eyes were wide in disbelief.

4 ADJ [as ADJ as ] You use wide to talk or ask about how much something measures from one side or edge to the other. □� �a corridor of land 10 kilometres wide. □� The road is only one track wide. □� �a desk that was almost as wide as the room.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use wide to describe something that includes a large number of different things or people. □� The brochure offers a wide choice of hotels, apartments and holiday homes. □� The proposed constitution gives him much wider powers than his predecessor. ●� wide|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □� He published widely in scientific journals. □� He was widely travelled.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use wide to say that something is found, believed, known, or supported by many people or throughout a large area. □� The case has attracted wide publicity. □� I suspect this book will have the widest appeal of all. ●� wide|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� At present, no widely approved vaccine exists for malaria.

7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A wide difference or gap between two things, ideas, or qualities is a large difference or gap. □� Research shows a wide difference in tastes around the country. ●� wide|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □� The treatment regime may vary widely depending on the type of injury.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Wider is used to describe something which relates to the most important or general parts of a situation, rather than to the smaller parts or to details. □� He emphasised the wider issue of superpower cooperation.

9 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something such as a shot or punch is wide , it does not hit its target but lands to the right or left of it. □� Nearly half the missiles landed wide.

10wide awake

11far and wide →�see far

12wide of the mark →�see mark

13wide open →�see open

-wide /-wa I d/ COMB -wide combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that something exists or happens throughout the place or area that the noun refers to. □� �a Europe-wide conference on security and cooperation. □� Is the problem one that's industry-wide? ●�COMB [n ADV , ADV after v] -wide also combines to form adverbs. □� Employers want to be sure recruits understand business Europe-wide.

wi de-angle le ns (wide-angle lenses ) N‑COUNT A wide-angle lens is a lens which allows you to photograph a wider view than a normal lens.

wi de awa ke ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are wide awake , you are completely awake. □� I could not relax and still felt wide awake.

wi de boy (wide boys ) N‑COUNT A wide boy is a man, especially a young man, who has a lot of money but who earns it in a dishonest or illegal way. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

wi de-eyed ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as wide-eyed , you mean that they are inexperienced and innocent, and may be easily impressed. □� Her wide-eyed innocence soon exposes the pretensions of the art world.

wid|en /wa I d ə n/ (widens , widening , widened )

1 VERB If you widen something or if it widens , it becomes greater in measurement from one side or edge to the other. □�[V n] He had an operation last year to widen a heart artery. □�[V ] The river widens considerably as it begins to turn east.

2 VERB If you widen something or if it widens , it becomes greater in range or it affects a larger number of people or things. □�[V n] U.S. prosecutors have widened a securities-fraud investigation. □�[V ] The search for my brother widened.

3 VERB If your eyes widen , they open more. □�[V ] His eyes widened as he spoke the words.

4 VERB If a difference or gap widens or if something widens it, it becomes greater. □�[V ] Wage differences in the two areas are widening. □�[V n] �policies that widen the gap between the rich and the poor.

wi de-ra nging ADJ If you describe something as wide-ranging , you mean it deals with or affects a great variety of different things. □� �a package of wide-ranging economic reforms.

wide|screen /wa I dskriːn/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A widescreen television has a screen that is wide in relation to its height.

wide|spread ◆◇◇ /wa I dspred/ ADJ Something that is widespread exists or happens over a large area, or to a great extent. □� There is widespread support for the new proposals.

widg|et /w I dʒ I t/ (widgets )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to any small device as a widget when you do not know exactly what it is or how it works. [INFORMAL ] □� The secret is a little widget in the can.

2 N‑COUNT A widget is a small computer program that you can use on a personal computer or mobile phone. [COMPUTING ] □� If you want to follow all the videos, you can do so by adding this widget to your blog.

wid|ow /w I doʊ/ (widows ) N‑COUNT A widow is a woman whose spouse has died and who has not married again.

wid|owed /w I doʊd/ V-PASSIVE If someone is widowed , their husband or wife dies. □�[be V -ed] More and more young men are widowed by cancer. □�[V -ed] Imogen stayed with her widowed sister.

wid|ow|er /w I doʊə r / (widowers ) N‑COUNT A widower is a man whose spouse has died and who has not married again.

wid|ow|hood /w I doʊhʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Widowhood is the state of being a widow or widower, or the period of time during which someone is a widow or widower. □� Nothing can prepare you for the shock and grief of widowhood.

width /w I dθ/ (widths )

1 N‑VAR The width of something is the distance it measures from one side or edge to the other. □�[+�of ] Measure the full width of the window. □� The road was reduced to 18ft in width by adding parking bays. □� Saddles are made in a wide range of different widths.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The width of something is its quality of being wide. □� The best utensil for steaming is a wok because its width easily accommodates a whole fish.

3 N‑COUNT A width is the distance from one side of a swimming pool to the other. □� We swam several widths.

wield /wiː ld/ (wields , wielding , wielded )

1 VERB If you wield a weapon, tool, or piece of equipment, you carry and use it. □�[V n] �a lone assailant wielding a kitchen knife.

2 VERB If someone wields power, they have it and are able to use it. □�[V n] He remains chairman, but wields little power at the company.

wie|nie /wiː ni/ (wienies ) also weenie N‑COUNT Wienies are sausages made from smoked beef or pork. [AM ]

wife ◆◆◆ /wa I f/ (wives )

1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's wife is the woman they are married to. □� He married his wife Jane 37 years ago. □�[+�of ] The woman was the wife of a film director.

2 →�see also old wives' tale COLLOCATIONS wife NOUN 1

adjective +�wife : beloved, dear, loving; first, former, future, second; estranged

verb +�wife : marry, meet; leave

wife|ly /wa I fli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Wifely is used to describe things that are supposed to be typical of a good wife. □� She strove to perform all her wifely functions perfectly.

Wi-Fi also wi-fi /wa I fa I / N‑UNCOUNT Wi-Fi is a system of using the internet without being connected with a wire. [COMPUTING ] □� There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. □� You can send data to the printer wirelessly over your wi-fi network.

wig /w I g/ (wigs ) N‑COUNT A wig is a covering of false hair which you wear on your head, for example because you have little hair of your own or because you want to cover up your own hair.

wig|gle /w I g ə l/ (wiggles , wiggling , wiggled ) VERB If you wiggle something or if it wiggles , it moves up and down or from side to side in small quick movements. □�[V n] She wiggled her finger. □�[V prep/adv] Your baby will try to shuffle or wiggle along the floor. ●�N‑COUNT Wiggle is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �a wiggle of the hips.

wig|wam /w I gw�m, [AM ] -wɑːm/ (wigwams ) N‑COUNT A wigwam is the same as a tepee .

wi|ki /w I k I , -i ː-/ (wikis ) N‑COUNT A wiki is a website that allows anyone visiting it to change or add to the material in it. □� �wiki technology. □� Most wikis are collaborative websites.

wild ◆◆◇ /wa I ld/ (wilds , wilder , wildest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Wild animals or plants live or grow in natural surroundings and are not looked after by people. □� We saw two more wild cats creeping towards us in the darkness. □� The lane was lined with wild flowers.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Wild land is natural and is not used by people. □� Elmley is one of the few wild areas remaining in the South East. ●� wild|ness N‑UNCOUNT □�[+�of ] �the wildness of the mountains.

3 N‑PLURAL The wilds of a place are the natural areas that are far away from towns. □�[+�of ] They went canoeing in the wilds of Canada.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Wild is used to describe the weather or the sea when it is stormy. □� The wild weather did not deter some people from swimming in the sea.

5 ADJ Wild behaviour is uncontrolled, excited, or energetic. □�[+�with ] The children are wild with joy. □� As George himself came on stage they went wild. □� They marched into town to the wild cheers of the inhabitants. ●� wild|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� As she finished each song, the crowd clapped wildly.

6 ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as wild , you mean that they behave in a very uncontrolled way. □� The house is in a mess after a wild party. ●� wild|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Five people were injured as Reynolds slashed out wildly with a kitchen knife. ●� wild|ness N‑UNCOUNT □� He had come to love the danger and the wildness of his life.

7 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is wild , they are very angry. [INFORMAL ] □� For a long time I daren't tell him I knew, and when I did he went wild.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] A wild idea is unusual or extreme. A wild guess is one that you make without much thought. □� Browning's prediction is no better than a wild guess. ●� wild|ly ADV □� 'Thirteen?' he guessed wildly.

9 →�see also wild child , wildly

10 PHRASE If you are wild about someone or something, you like them very much. [INFORMAL ] □� I'm just wild about Peter, and he's just wild about me.

11 PHRASE Animals that live in the wild live in a free and natural state and are not looked after by people. □� Fewer than a thousand giant pandas still live in the wild.

12 PHRASE If something or someone, especially a child, runs wild , they behave in a natural, free, or uncontrolled way.

13beyond your wildest dreams →�see dream

14in your wildest dreams →�see dream

15to sow your wild oats →�see oats SYNONYMS wild ADJ 1

savage:�a savage dog lunging at the end of a chain.

untamed:�the wild, untamed undergrowth.

feral:�feral cats.

wi ld boa r (wild boar or wild boars ) N‑COUNT A wild boar is a large fierce pig which has two long curved teeth and a hairy body, and lives in forests.

wi ld card (wild cards ) also wildcard

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone or something as a wild card in a particular situation, you mean that they cause uncertainty because you do not know how they will behave. □�[+�in ] The wild card in the election was the radical party.

2 N‑COUNT If a sports player is given a wild card for a particular competition, they are allowed to play in it, although they have not qualified for it in the usual way. You can also use wild card to refer to a player who enters a competition in this way.

3 N‑COUNT A wildcard is a symbol such as * or ? which is used in some computing commands or searches in order to represent any character or range of characters. [COMPUTING ]

wild|cat /wa I ldk�t/ (wildcats )

1 N‑COUNT A wildcat is a cat which is very fierce and lives especially in mountains and forests.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A wildcat strike happens suddenly, as a result of a decision by a group of workers, and is not officially approved by a trade union. □� Frustration, anger and desperation have led to a series of wildcat strikes.

wi ld chi ld N‑SING Journalists sometimes use wild child to refer to a teenage girl who enjoys herself in an uncontrolled way, for example by going to a lot of parties. [BRIT ]

wil|de|beest /w I ld I biːst, v I l-/ (wildebeest ) N‑COUNT A wildebeest is a large African antelope which has a hairy tail, short curved horns, and long hair under its neck. Wildebeest usually live in large groups.

wil|der|ness /w I ldə r nes/ (wildernesses ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A wilderness is a desert or other area of natural land which is not used by people. □� �the icy Canadian wilderness.

wild|fire /wa I ldfa I ə r / (wildfires )

1 N‑COUNT A wildfire is a fire that starts, usually by itself, in a wild area such as a forest, and spreads rapidly, causing great damage. □� �a wildfire in Montana that's already burned thousands of acres of rich grassland.

2 PHRASE If something, especially news or a rumour, spreads like wildfire , it spreads extremely quickly. □� These stories are spreading like wildfire through the city.

wi ld flow|er (wild flowers ) also wildflower N‑COUNT Wild flowers are flowers which grow naturally in the countryside, rather than being grown by people in gardens.

wild|fowl /wa I ldfaʊl/ also wild fowl N‑PLURAL Wildfowl are birds such as ducks, swans, and geese that live close to lakes or rivers.

wi ld goo se chase (wild goose chases ) also wild-goose chase N‑COUNT [usu on N ] If you are on a wild goose chase , you waste a lot of time searching for something that you have little chance of finding, because you have been given incorrect information. □� Harry wondered if Potts had deliberately sent him on a wild goose chase.

wild|life /wa I ldla I f/ N‑UNCOUNT You can use wildlife to refer to the animals and other living things that live in the wild. □� People were concerned that pets or wildlife could be affected by the pesticides.

wild|ly /wa I ldli/

1 ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] You use wildly to emphasize the degree, amount, or intensity of something. [EMPHASIS ] □� Reports of his drinking have been wildly exaggerated. □� The island's hotels vary wildly.

2 →�see also wild

Wi ld We st N‑SING The Wild West is used to refer to the western part of the United States during the time when Europeans were first settling there.

wiles /wa I lz/ N‑PLURAL Wiles are clever tricks that people, especially women, use to persuade other people to do something. □� She claimed that women 'use their feminine wiles to get on.'

wil|ful /w I lfʊl/ in AM, use willful1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe actions or attitudes as wilful , you are critical of them because they are done or expressed deliberately, especially with the intention of causing someone harm. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Wilful neglect of our manufacturing industry has caused this problem.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as wilful , you mean that they are determined to do what they want to do, even if it is not sensible. □� Francesca was a lively child, quite wilful and demanding.

will

➊�MODAL VERB USES

➋�WANTING SOMETHING TO HAPPEN

➊ will ◆◆◆ /w I l/ Will is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. In spoken English and informal written English, the form won't is often used in negative statements. 1 MODAL You use will to indicate that you hope, think, or have evidence that something is going to happen or be the case in the future. □� You will find a wide variety of choices available in school cafeterias. □� Representatives from across the horse industry will attend the meeting. □� 70 per cent of airports will have to be upgraded. □� Will you ever feel at home here? □� The ship will not be ready for a month.

2 MODAL You use will in order to make statements about official arrangements in the future. □� The show will be open to the public at 2pm; admission will be 50p. □� When will I be released, sir?

3 MODAL You use will in order to make promises and threats about what is going to happen or be the case in the future. □� I'll call you tonight. □� Price quotes on selected product categories will be sent on request. □� If she refuses to follow rules about car safety, she won't be allowed to use the car.

4 MODAL You use will to indicate someone's intention to do something. □� I will say no more on these matters, important though they are. □� We will describe these techniques in Chapters 20 and 21. □� 'Dinner's ready.'�'Thanks, Carrie, but we'll have a drink first.' □� What will you do next? □� Will you be remaining in the city?

5 MODAL You use will in questions in order to make polite invitations or offers. [POLITENESS ] □� Will you stay for supper? □� Will you join me for a drink? □� Won't you sit down?

6 MODAL You use will in questions in order to ask or tell someone to do something. □� Will you drive me home? □� Wipe the jam off my mouth, will you?

7 MODAL You can use will in statements to give an order to someone. [FORMAL ] □� You will now maintain radio silence. □� You will not discuss this matter with anyone.

8 MODAL You use will to say that someone is willing to do something. You use will not or won't to indicate that someone refuses to do something. □� All right, I'll forgive you. □� He has insisted that his organisation will not negotiate with the government.

9 →�see also willing

10 MODAL You use will to say that a person or thing is able to do something in the future. □� How the country will defend itself in the future has become increasingly important. □� How will I recognize you?

11 MODAL You use will to indicate that an action usually happens in the particular way mentioned. □� The thicker the material, the less susceptible the garment will be to wet conditions. □� There's no snake that will habitually attack human beings unless threatened.

12 MODAL You use will in the main clause of some 'if' and 'unless' sentences to indicate something that you consider to be fairly likely to happen. □� If you overcook the pancakes they will be difficult to roll.

13 MODAL You use will to say that someone insists on behaving or doing something in a particular way and you cannot change them. You emphasize will when you use it in this way. □� He will leave his socks lying all over the place and it drives me mad.

14 MODAL You use will have with a past participle when you are saying that you are fairly certain that something will be true by a particular time in the future. □� As many as ten million children will have been infected by the end of the decade.

15 MODAL You use will have with a past participle to indicate that you are fairly sure that something is the case. □� The holiday will have done him the world of good.

➋ will ◆◆◇ /w I l/ (wills , willing , willed )

1 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] Will is the determination to do something. □� He was said to have lost his will to live. □� �the inevitable battle of wills as your child realises that he can't have everything he wants.

2 →�see also free will

3 N‑SING [with poss] If something is thewillof a person or group of people with authority, they want it to happen. □�[+�of ] Democracy responds and adjusts to the will of the people.

4 VERB If you will something to happen, you try to make it happen by using mental effort rather than physical effort. □�[V n to-inf] I looked at the phone, willing it to ring.

5 N‑COUNT A will is a document in which you declare what you want to happen to your money and property when you die. □� Attached to his will was a letter he had written just days before his death.

6 PHRASE If something is done against your will , it is done even though you do not want it to be done. □� No doubt he was forced to leave his family against his will.

7 PHRASE If you can do something at will , you can do it when you want and as much as you want. □� �scientists who can adjust their experiments at will.

will|ful /w I lfʊl/ →�see wilful

wil|lie /w I li/ →�see willy

will|ing ◆◆◇ /w I l I ŋ/

1 ADJ If someone is willingto do something, they are fairly happy about doing it and will do it if they are asked or required to do it. □� The military now say they're willing to hold talks with the political parties. □� There are, of course, questions which she will not be willing to answer.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Willing is used to describe someone who does something fairly enthusiastically and because they want to do it rather than because they are forced to do it. □� Have the party on a Saturday, when you can get your partner and other willing adults to help.

3God willing →�see god

will-o'-the-wisp /w I l ə �ə w I sp/ (will-o'-the-wisps ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to someone or something that keeps disappearing or that is impossible to catch or reach as a will-o'-the-wisp .

wil|low /w I loʊ/ (willows ) N‑VAR A willow or a willow tree is a type of tree with long branches and long narrow leaves that grows near water. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Willow is the wood of this tree. □� �willow furniture.

wil|lowy /w I loʊi/ ADJ A person who is willowy is tall, thin, and graceful.

will|power /w I lpaʊə r / also will-power , will power N‑UNCOUNT Willpower is a very strong determination to do something. □� His attempts to stop smoking by willpower alone failed.

wil|ly /w I li/ (willies ) also willie N‑COUNT A boy's or man's willy is his penis. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

willy-nilly /w I li n I li/ also willy nilly

1 ADV [usu ADV with v] If something happens to you willy-nilly , it happens whether you like it or not. □� The government were dragged willy-nilly into the confrontation.

2 ADV [usu ADV after v] If someone does something willy-nilly , they do it in a careless and disorganized way, without planning it in advance. □� Clerks bundled papers into files willy-nilly.

wilt /w I lt/ (wilts , wilting , wilted )

1 VERB If a plant wilts , it gradually bends downwards and becomes weak because it needs more water or is dying. □�[V ] The roses wilted the day after she bought them.

2 VERB If someone wilts , they become weak or tired, or lose confidence. □�[V ] She soon wilted in the morning heat. □�[V ] The government wilted in the face of such powerful pressure.

wily /wa I li/ (wilier , wiliest ) ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as wily , you mean that they are clever at achieving what they want, especially by tricking people. □� His appointment as prime minister owed much to the wily manoeuvring of the President.

wimp /w I mp/ (wimps ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a wimp , you disapprove of them because they lack confidence or determination, or because they are often afraid of things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

wimp|ish /w I mp I ʃ/ ADJ Wimpish means the same as wimpy . [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

wimpy /w I mpi/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as wimpy , you disapprove of them because they are weak and seem to lack confidence or determination. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a wimpy unpopular schoolboy. □� This portrays her as wimpy, but she has a very strong character.

win ◆◆◆ /w I n/ (wins , winning , won )

1 VERB If you win something such as a competition, battle, or argument, you defeat those people you are competing or fighting against, or you do better than everyone else involved. □�[V n] He does not have any realistic chance of winning the election. □�[V ] The top four teams all won. □�[V amount] Konta won 2-6, 6-4, 6-3. ●�N‑COUNT Win is also a noun. □� �Arsenal's dismal league run of eight games without a win.

2 VERB If something wins you something such as an election, competition, battle, or argument, it causes you to defeat the people competing with you or fighting you, or to do better than everyone else involved. □�[V n n] That sort of gain for Labour is nothing like good enough to win them the general election.

3 VERB If you win something such as a prize or medal, you get it because you have defeated everyone else in something such as an election, competition, battle, or argument, or have done very well in it. □�[V n] The first correct entry wins the prize. □�[V n] She won bronze for Great Britain in the European Championships.

4 VERB If you win something that you want or need, you succeed in getting it. □�[V n] �moves to win the support of the poor. □�[V n] British Aerospace has won an order worth 340 million dollars.

5 VERB If something wins you a prize or wins you something else that you want, it causes you to get it. □�[V n n] The feat won them a prize of �85,000.

6 →�see also winning

7to lose the battle but win the war →�see battle

8to win the day →�see day

9to win hands down →�see hand ➊

▸� win back PHRASAL VERB If you win back something that you have lost, you get it again, especially as a result of a great effort. □�[V P n] The Government will have to work hard to win back the confidence of the people. □�[V n P ] So he went and filed a suit and won his job back.

▸� win out or win through PHRASAL VERB If something or someone wins out or wins through , they are successful after a competition or struggle. □�[V P ] Sometimes perseverance does win out.

▸� win over in BRIT, also use win round PHRASAL VERB If you win someone over or win them round , you persuade them to support you or agree with you. □�[V P n] He has won over a significant number of the left-wing deputies. □�[V n P ] They still hope to win him round.

▸� win round →�see win over

▸� win through →�see win out

wince /w I ns/ (winces , wincing , winced ) VERB If you wince , the muscles of your face tighten suddenly because you have felt a pain or because you have just seen, heard, or remembered something unpleasant. □�[V ] Every time he put any weight on his left leg, he winced in pain. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Wince is also a noun. □� He suppressed a wince as motion renewed the pain.

winch /w I ntʃ/ (winches , winching , winched )

1 N‑COUNT A winch is a machine which is used to lift heavy objects or people who need to be rescued. It consists of a drum around which a rope or chain is wound.

2 VERB If you winch an object or person somewhere, you lift or lower them using a winch. □�[V n with adv/prep] He would attach a cable around the chassis of the car and winch it up on to the canal bank.

wind

➊�AIR

➋�TURNING OR WRAPPING

➊ wind ◆◆◇ /w I nd/ (winds , winding , winded )

→�Please look at category 14 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑VAR A wind is a current of air that is moving across the earth's surface. □� There was a strong wind blowing. □� The leaves rustled in the wind.

2 N‑COUNT Journalists often refer to a trend or factor that influences events as a windof a particular kind. □�[+�of ] The winds of change are blowing across the country.

3 VERB If you are winded by something such as a blow, the air is suddenly knocked out of your lungs so that you have difficulty breathing for a short time. □�[be V -ed] He was winded and shaken. □�[V n] The cow stamped on his side, winding him.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Wind is the air that you sometimes swallow with food or drink, or gas that is produced in your intestines, which causes an uncomfortable feeling.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The wind section of an orchestra or band is the group of people who produce musical sounds by blowing into their instruments.

6 PHRASE If someone breaks wind , they release gas from their intestines through their anus.

7 PHRASE If you get wind of something, you hear about it, especially when someone else did not want you to know about it. [INFORMAL ] □� I don't want the public, and especially not the press, to get wind of it at this stage.

8 PHRASE If you sail close to the wind , you take a risk by doing or saying something that may get you into trouble. □� Max warned her she was sailing dangerously close to the wind and risked prosecution.

9to throw caution to the wind →�see caution

➋ wind ◆◆◇ /wa I nd/ (winds , winding , wound )

1 VERB If a road, river, or line of people winds in a particular direction, it goes in that direction with a lot of bends or twists in it. □�[V prep/adv] The Moselle winds through some 160 miles of tranquil countryside. □�[V n prep/adv] The procession wound its way downhill. □�[V -ing] �a narrow winding road.

2 VERB When you wind something flexible around something else, you wrap it around it several times. □�[V n prep/adv] The horse jumped forwards and round her, winding the rope round her waist.

3 VERB When you wind a mechanical device, for example a watch or a clock, you turn a knob, key, or handle on it several times in order to make it operate. □�[V n] I still hadn't wound my watch so I didn't know the time. ●�PHRASAL VERB Wind up means the same as wind . □�[V P n] I wound up the watch and listened to it tick. □�[V n P ] Frances took the tiny music box from her trunk and wound it up.

4 VERB To wind a tape or film back or forward means to make it move towards its starting or ending position. □�[V n adv] Now wind the film forward to what will happen if the next government doesn't solve the problem.

▸� wind down

1 PHRASAL VERB When you wind down something such as the window of a car, you make it move downwards by turning a handle. □�[V P n] Glass motioned to him to wind down the window. □�[V n P ] If a stranger stops you, just wind the window down a fraction.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you wind down , you relax after doing something that has made you feel tired or tense. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P ] I regularly have a drink to wind down.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone winds down a business or activity, they gradually reduce the amount of work that is done or the number of people that are involved, usually before closing or stopping it completely. □�[V P n] Foreign aid workers have already begun winding down their operation. □�[V P ] In 1991 the Ada plant began to wind down. [Also V n P ]

▸� wind up

1 PHRASAL VERB When you wind up an activity, you finish it or stop doing it. □�[V P n] The President is about to wind up his visit to Somalia. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB When someone winds up a business or other organization, they stop running it and close it down completely. [BUSINESS ] □�[V P n] There was no alternative but to wind up the business. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you wind up in a particular place, situation, or state, you are in it at the end of a series of actions, events, or experiences, even though you did not originally intend to be. □�[V P prep/adv] He could wind up in gaol. □�[V P v-ing] Little did I know that I would actually wind up being on the staff. □�[V P adj/n] Both partners of the marriage wound up unhappy.

4 PHRASAL VERB When you wind up something such as the window of a car, you make it move upwards by turning a handle. □�[V n P ] He started winding the window up but I grabbed the door and opened it.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you wind someone up , you deliberately say things which annoy them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] This woman really wound me up. She kept talking over me. [Also V P n]

6 PHRASAL VERB If you wind someone up , you say untrue things in order to trick them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P ] You're joking. Come on, you're winding me up. [Also V P n]

7 →�see also wind ➋ 3 , wind-up , wound up SYNONYMS wind NOUN ➊1

breeze:�a cool summer breeze.

gust:A gust of wind drove down the valley.

draught:On a cold day there can be quite a draught from the letterbox.

wind|bag /w I ndb�g/ (windbags ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a windbag , you are saying in a fairly rude way that you think they talk a great deal in a boring way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

wind-blown /w I nd bloʊn/ also windblown

1 ADJ You can use wind-blown to indicate that something has been blown from one place to another by the wind. □� �the wind-blown sand which forms the 60 ft dunes.

2 ADJ If something such as someone's hair is wind-blown , it is untidy because it has been blown about by the wind.

wind|break /w I ndbre I k/ (windbreaks ) N‑COUNT A windbreak is something such as a line of trees or a fence which gives protection against the wind.

Wind|breaker /w I ndbre I kə r / (Windbreakers ) N‑COUNT A Windbreaker is a warm casual jacket. [mainly AM , TRADEMARK ]

wind|fall /w I ndfɔːl/ (windfalls )

1 N‑COUNT A windfall is a sum of money that you receive unexpectedly or by luck, for example if you win a lottery.

2 N‑COUNT A windfall is a fruit, especially an apple, that has fallen from a tree.

wind farm /w I nd fɑː r m/ (wind farms ) N‑COUNT A wind farm is a place where windmills are used to convert the power of the wind into electricity.

wind in|stru|ment /w I nd I nstrʊmənts/ (wind instruments ) N‑COUNT A wind instrument is a musical instrument that you blow into in order to produce sounds, such as a flute, a clarinet, or a recorder.

wind|lass /w I ndləs/ (windlasses ) N‑COUNT A windlass is a mechanical device for lifting heavy objects, which uses a motor to pull a rope or chain around a cylinder.

wind|less /w I ndləs/ ADJ If the air is windless , or if it is a windless day, it is very calm and still.

wind|mill /w I ndm I l/ (windmills ) N‑COUNT A windmill is a building with long pieces of wood on the outside which turn around as the wind blows and provide energy for a machine that crushes grain. A windmill is also a similar structure that is used to convert the power of the wind into electricity.

win|dow ◆◆◇ /w I ndoʊ/ (windows )

1 N‑COUNT A window is a space in the wall of a building or in the side of a vehicle, which has glass in it so that light can come in and you can see out. □� He stood at the window, moodily staring out. □� The room felt very hot and she wondered why someone did not open a window. □� �my car window.

2 N‑COUNT A window is a large piece of glass along the front of a shop, behind which some of the goods that the shop sells are displayed. □� I stood for a few moments in front of the nearest shop window.

3 N‑COUNT A window is a glass-covered opening above a counter, for example in a bank, post office, railway station, or museum, which the person serving you sits behind. □� The woman at the ticket window told me that the admission fee was $17.50.

4 N‑COUNT On a computer screen, a window is one of the work areas that the screen can be divided into. [COMPUTING ]

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have a window in your diary for something, or if you can make a window for it, you are free at a particular time and can do it then. □�[+�in ] Tell her I've got a window in my diary later on this week.

6 →�see also French window , picture window , rose window

7 PHRASE If you say that something such as a plan or a particular way of thinking or behaving has gone out of the window or has flown out of the window , you mean that it has disappeared completely. □� By now all logic had gone out of the window.

8 PHRASE If you say that there is a window of opportunity for something, you mean that there is an opportunity to do something but that this opportunity will only last for a short time and so it needs to be taken advantage of quickly. [JOURNALISM ] □�[+�for ] The king said there was now a window of opportunity for peace.

wi n|dow box (window boxes ) N‑COUNT A window box is a long narrow container on a shelf at the bottom of a window and is used for growing plants.

wi ndow-dressing also window dressing

1 N‑UNCOUNT Window-dressing is the skill of arranging objects attractively in a window, especially a shop window, or the way in which they are arranged.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to something as window-dressing , you are critical of it because it is done in order to create a good impression and to prevent people from realizing the real or more unpleasant nature of someone's activities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The measures are little more than window dressing.

wi n|dow frame (window frames ) N‑COUNT A window frame is a frame around the edges of a window, which glass is fixed into.

window|pane /w I ndoʊpe I n/ (windowpanes ) also window pane N‑COUNT A windowpane is a piece of glass in the window of a building.

wi n|dow seat (window seats )

1 N‑COUNT A window seat is a seat which is fixed to the wall underneath a window in a room.

2 N‑COUNT On a train, bus, or aeroplane, a window seat is a seat next to a window.

wi n|dow shade (window shades ) N‑COUNT A window shade is a piece of stiff cloth or heavy paper that you can pull down over a window as a covering. [AM ] in BRIT, use blind

wi n|dow shop|ping also window-shopping N‑UNCOUNT If you do some window shopping , you spend time looking at the goods in the windows of shops without intending to buy anything.

window|sill /w I ndoʊs I l/ (windowsills ) also window sill N‑COUNT A windowsill is a shelf along the bottom of a window, either inside or outside a building.

wind|pipe /w I ndpa I p/ (windpipes ) N‑COUNT Your windpipe is the tube in your body that carries air into your lungs when you breathe.

wind|screen /w I ndskriːn/ (windscreens ) N‑COUNT The windscreen of a car or other vehicle is the glass window at the front through which the driver looks. [BRIT ] in AM, use windshield

wi nd|screen wip|er (windscreen wipers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A windscreen wiper is a device that wipes rain from a vehicle's windscreen. [BRIT ] in AM, use windshield wiper

wind|shield /w I ndʃiːld/ (windshields ) N‑COUNT The windshield of a car or other vehicle is the glass window at the front through which the driver looks. [AM ] in BRIT, use windscreen

wi nd|shield wip|er (windshield wipers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A windshield wiper is the same as a windscreen wiper . [AM ] in BRIT, use windscreen wiper

wind|surf|er /w I ndsɜː r fə r / (windsurfers )

1 N‑COUNT A windsurfer is a long narrow board with a sail attached to it. You stand on a windsurfer in the sea or on a lake and are blown along by the wind.

2 N‑COUNT A windsurfer is a person who rides on a windsurfer.

wind|surf|ing /w I ndsɜː r f I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Windsurfing is a sport in which you move along the surface of the sea or a lake on a long narrow board with a sail on it.

wind|swept /w I ndswept/ ADJ A windswept place has no shelter and is not protected against strong winds. □� �the remote and windswept hillside.

wind tun|nel /w I nd tʌn ə l/ (wind tunnels ) N‑COUNT A wind tunnel is a room or passage through which air can be made to flow at controlled speeds. Wind tunnels are used to test new equipment or machinery, especially cars and aeroplanes.

wind-up /wa I nd ʌp/ (wind-ups )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A wind-up device is a mechanical device with a handle or key that you turn several times before you use it in order to make it work. □� �an old-fashioned wind-up gramophone.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A wind-up is a joke or trick in which someone deliberately tells you something untrue in order to annoy you. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�by ] At first I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a wind-up by one of my mates.

wind|ward /w I ndwə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Windward is used to describe the side of something, especially a ship, which is facing the wind. □� �the windward side of the quarterdeck.

windy /w I ndi/ (windier , windiest ) ADJ If it is windy , the wind is blowing a lot. □� It was windy and Jake felt cold.

wine ◆◆◇ /wa I n/ (wines , wining , wined )

1 N‑VAR Wine is an alcoholic drink which is made from grapes. You can also refer to alcoholic drinks made from other fruits or vegetables as wine . □� �a bottle of white wine. □� This is a nice wine. ●�N‑COUNT A glass of wine can be referred to as a wine .

2 COLOUR Wine is used to describe things that are very dark red in colour. □� She wore her wine-coloured gaberdine raincoat.

3 PHRASE If you wine and dine , or if someone wines and dines you, you go out, for example to expensive restaurants, and spend a lot of money. □� Colleagues were furious at doing her work while she wined and dined. □� A lot of money went on wining and dining prospective clients.

wi ne bar (wine bars ) N‑COUNT A wine bar is a place where people can buy and drink wine, and sometimes eat food as well.

wi ne glass (wine glasses ) N‑COUNT A wine glass is a glass, usually with a narrow stem, which you use for drinking wine.

win|ery /wa I nəri/ (wineries ) N‑COUNT A winery is a place where wine is made. [AM ]

wing ◆◆◇ /w I ŋ/ (wings )

1 N‑COUNT The wings of a bird or insect are the two parts of its body that it uses for flying. □� The bird flapped its wings furiously. ●� -winged COMB □� �black-winged birds.

2 N‑COUNT The wings of an aeroplane are the long flat parts sticking out of its side which support it while it is flying. ●� -winged COMB □� �a wide-winged plane.

3 N‑COUNT A wing of a building is a part of it which sticks out from the main part. □� We were given an office in the empty west wing.

4 N‑COUNT A wing of an organization, especially a political organization, is a group within it which has a particular function or particular beliefs. □� The military wing of the organisation was banned.

5 →�see also left-wing , right-wing

6 N‑PLURAL In a theatre, the wings are the sides of the stage which are hidden from the audience by curtains or scenery. □� Most nights I watched the start of the play from the wings.

7 N‑COUNT In a game such as football or hockey, theleft wing and theright wing are the areas on the far left and the far right of the pitch. You can also refer to the players who play in these positions as theleft wing and theright wing .

8 N‑COUNT A wing of a car is a part of it on the outside which is over one of the wheels. [BRIT ] in AM, use fender9 VERB If you say that something or someone wings their way somewhere or wings somewhere, you mean that they go there quickly, especially by plane. □�[V n adv/prep] A few moments later they were airborne and winging their way south. □�[V n adv/prep] A cash bonanza will be winging its way to the 600,000 members of the scheme. □�[V adv/prep] The first of the airliners winged westwards and home.

10 PHRASE If you say that someone is waiting in the wings , you mean that they are ready and waiting for an opportunity to take action. □� There are big companies waiting in the wings to take over its business.

11 PHRASE If you spread your wings , you do something new and rather difficult or move to a new place, because you feel more confident in your abilities than you used to and you want to gain wider experience. □� I led a very confined life in my village so I suppose that I wanted to spread my wings.

12 PHRASE If you take someone under your wing , you look after them, help them, and protect them. □� Her boss took her under his wing after fully realising her potential.

wi ng back (wing backs ) also wing-back N‑COUNT In football, a wing back is a defender who also takes part in attacking play.

wi ng com|ma nd|er (wing commanders ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A wing commander is a senior officer in the British air force. □� �Wing Commander Christopher Moran.

winged /w I ŋd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A winged insect or other creature has wings. □� Flycatchers feed primarily on winged insects.

wing|er /w I ŋə r / (wingers ) N‑COUNT In a game such as football or hockey, a winger is an attacking player who plays mainly on the far left or the far right side of the pitch.

wi ng mir|ror (wing mirrors ) N‑COUNT The wing mirrors on a car are the mirrors on each side of the car on the outside.

wing|span /w I ŋsp�n/ (wingspans ) also wing span N‑COUNT [usu sing] The wingspan of a bird, insect, or aeroplane is the distance from the end of one wing to the end of the other wing. □� �a glider with an 18-foot wingspan.

wink /w I ŋk/ (winks , winking , winked )

1 VERB When you winkat someone, you look towards them and close one eye very briefly, usually as a signal that something is a joke or a secret. □�[V +�at ] Brian winked at his bride-to-be. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Wink is also a noun. □� I gave her a wink.

2 PHRASE If you say that you did not sleep a wink or did not get a wink of sleep , you mean that you tried to go to sleep but could not. [INFORMAL ] □� I didn't get a wink of sleep on the aeroplane.

win|kle /w I ŋk ə l/ (winkles , winkling , winkled ) N‑COUNT Winkles are small sea snails that can be eaten. [BRIT ] in AM, use periwinkles

▸� winkle out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you winkle information outof someone, you get it from them when they do not want to give it to you, often by tricking them. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V P n] The security services will pretty well go to any lengths to winkle out information. □�[V n P +�of ] The detective was trying to winkle information out of her. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you winkle someone outof a place where they are hiding or which they do not want to leave, you make them leave it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[V n P +�of ] He somehow managed to winkle Picard out of his room. □�[V n P ] Political pressure finally winkled him out and on to a plane bound for Berlin. □�[V P n] It will not be easy to winkle out the old guard and train younger replacements.

win|ner ◆◆◇ /w I nə r / (winners )

1 N‑COUNT The winner of a prize, race, or competition is the person, animal, or thing that wins it. □� She will present the trophies to the award winners. □� The winner was a horse called Last Town.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that something or someone is a winner , you mean that they are popular and successful, or that they are likely to be popular and successful. [INFORMAL ] □� They think the appeal is a winner. □� Selling was my game and I intended to be a winner.

win|ning ◆◇◇ /w I n I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use winning to describe a person or thing that wins something such as a competition, game, or election. □� �the leader of the winning party. □� Donovan scored the winning goal.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use winning to describe actions or qualities that please other people and make them feel friendly towards you. □� She gave him another of her winning smiles.

3 →�see also win SYNONYMS winning ADJ 1

victorious:In 1978 he played for the victorious Argentinian side in the World Cup.

triumphant:Duncan and his triumphant soldiers celebrate their military victory.

successful:I am looking forward to a long and successful partnership with him.

win|nings /w I n I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] You can use winnings to refer to the money that someone wins in a competition or by gambling. □� I have come to collect my winnings.

win|now /w I noʊ/ (winnows , winnowing , winnowed ) VERB If you winnow a group of things or people, you reduce its size by separating the ones that are useful or relevant from the ones that are not. [LITERARY ] □�[V n] Administration officials have winnowed the list of candidates to three.

▸� winnow out PHRASAL VERB If you winnow out part of a group of things or people, you identify the part that is not useful or relevant and the part that is. [WRITTEN ] □�[V P n] The committee needs to winnow out the nonsense and produce more practical proposals. □�[V P n] Time has winnowed out certain of the essays as superior.

wino /wa I noʊ/ (winos ) N‑COUNT Some people refer to alcoholics, especially homeless ones, as winos . [INFORMAL ]

win|some /w I nsəm/ ADJ If you describe a person or their actions or behaviour as winsome , you mean that they are attractive and charming. □� She gave him her best winsome smile.

win|ter ◆◇◇ /w I ntə r / (winters , wintering , wintered )

1 N‑VAR Winter is the season between autumn and spring when the weather is usually cold. □� In winter the nights are long and cold. □� Last winter's snowfall was heavier than usual. □� �the winter months. □�[+�of ] �the late winter of 1941.

2 VERB If an animal or plant winters somewhere or is wintered there, it spends the winter there. □�[V adv/prep] The birds will winter outside in an aviary. □�[be V -ed prep/adv] The young seedlings are usually wintered in a cold frame. □�[V -ing] �one of the most important sites for wintering wildfowl. [Also V n prep/adv]

3 VERB If you winter somewhere, you spend the winter there. [FORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] The family decided to winter in Nice again.

wi n|ter sports N‑PLURAL Winter sports are sports that take place on ice or snow, for example skating and skiing.

winter|time /w I ntə r ta I m/ also winter time N‑UNCOUNT Wintertime is the period of time during which winter lasts.

win|try /w I ntri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Wintry weather is cold and has features that are typical of winter. □� Wintry weather continues to sweep across Britain. □� �a dark wintry day.

wi n-wi n ADJ [ADJ n] A win-win situation is one where you are certain to do well or be successful. □� This is a win-win scenario. ●�N‑COUNT Win-win is also a noun. □� When meetings are more effective, we can have fewer of them. That's what I call a win-win.

wipe ◆◇◇ /wa I p/ (wipes , wiping , wiped )

1 VERB If you wipe something, you rub its surface to remove dirt or liquid from it. □�[V n] I'll just wipe the table. □�[V n with adj] When he had finished washing he began to wipe the basin clean. □�[V n +�on ] Lainey wiped her hands on the towel. ●�N‑COUNT [usu sing] Wipe is also a noun. □� She gave the table a quick wipe and disappeared behind the counter.

2 VERB If you wipe dirt or liquid from something, you remove it, for example by using a cloth or your hand. □�[V n prep] Gleb wiped the sweat from his face. □�[V n] He shook his head and wiped his tears with a tissue.

3 N‑COUNT A wipe is a small moist cloth for cleaning things and is designed to be used only once. □� �antiseptic wipes.

4to wipe the floor with someone →�see floor

5to wipe the slate clean →�see slate

▸� wipe away or wipe off PHRASAL VERB If you wipe away or wipe off dirt or liquid from something, you remove it, for example by using a cloth or your hand. □�[V P n] He wiped away the blood with a paper napkin.

▸� wipe off →�see wipe away

▸� wipe out PHRASAL VERB To wipe out something such as a place or a group of people or animals means to destroy them completely. □�[V P n] The oil spill could wipe out the area's turtle population. □�[V P n] The man is a fanatic who is determined to wipe out any opposition. [Also V n P ]

▸� wipe up PHRASAL VERB If you wipe up dirt or liquid from something, you remove it using a cloth. □�[V n P ] I spilled my coffee all over the table and Mom leaned across me to wipe it up. □�[V P n] Wipe up spills immediately.

wip|er /wa I pə r / (wipers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A wiper is a device that wipes rain from a vehicle's windscreen.

wire ◆◇◇ /wa I ə r / (wires , wiring , wired )

1 N‑VAR A wire is a long thin piece of metal that is used to fasten things or to carry electric current. □� �fine copper wire. □� �gadgets which detect electrical wires, pipes and timbers in walls.

2 N‑COUNT A wire is a cable which carries power or signals from one place to another. □� I ripped out the phone wire that ran through to his office. □� �the voltage of the overhead wires.

3 VERB If you wire something such as a building or piece of equipment, you put wires inside it so that electricity or signals can pass into or through it. □�[V n] �learning to wire and plumb the house herself. □�[be V -ed +�for ] Each of the homes has a security system and is wired for cable television. □�[V -ed] �a badly wired appliance. ●�PHRASAL VERB Wire up means the same as wire . □�[V P n] He was helping wire up the Channel Tunnel last season. □�[V n P ] Wire the thermometers up to trigger off an alarm bell if the temperature drops. [Also V n P to/into n]

4 N‑COUNT A wire is the same as a telegram . [mainly AM ]

5 VERB If you wire an amount of money to a person or place, you tell a bank to send it to the person or place using a telegram message. [mainly AM ] □�[V n n] I'm wiring you some money. □�[V n prep] They arranged to wire the money from the United States. [Also V n]

6 PHRASE If something goes to the wire , it continues until the last possible moment. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □� Negotiators again worked right down to the wire to reach an agreement.

7 →�see also barbed wire , high wire , hot-wire , live wire

wired /wa I ə r d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is wired , they are tense, nervous, and unable to relax. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □� Tonight he is manic, wired and uptight.

2 ADJ A computer, organization, or person that is wired has the equipment that is necessary to use the internet. [INFORMAL ] □� Once more people are wired, the potential to change the mainstream media will be huge.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Wired is used to describe material or clothing that has wires sewn into it in order to keep it stiff. □� �a length of wired ribbon.

wire|less /wa I ə r ləs/ (wirelesses )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Wireless technology uses radio waves rather than electricity and therefore does not require any wires. □� �the fast-growing wireless communication market.

2 N‑COUNT A wireless or wireless set is a radio. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

Wi re|less Ap|pli|ca|tion Pro to|col →�see WAP

wire|tap /wa I ə r t�p/ (wiretaps , wiretapping , wiretapped ) also wire-tap VERB If someone wiretaps your phone, they attach a special device to the line so that they can secretly listen to your conversations. [AM ] □�[V n] The coach said his club had wire-tapped the hotel room of a player during a road trip. ●�N‑COUNT Wiretap is also a noun. □� �recordings of phone conversations that can have been obtained only by illegal wiretaps. ●� wire|tapping N‑UNCOUNT □� �allegations of wiretapping. [in BRIT, use tap ]

wi re woo l N‑UNCOUNT Wire wool consists of very thin pieces of wire twisted together, often in the form of small pads. These are used to clean wooden and metal objects. [BRIT ] in AM, use steel wool

wir|ing /wa I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT The wiring in a building or machine is the system of wires that supply electricity to the different parts of it.

wiry /wa I ə ri/

1 ADJ Someone who is wiry is rather thin but is also strong. □� His body is wiry and athletic.

2 ADJ Something such as hair or grass that is wiry is stiff and rough to touch. □� Her wiry hair was pushed up on top of her head in an untidy bun.

wis|dom /w I zdəm/ (wisdoms )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Wisdom is the ability to use your experience and knowledge in order to make sensible decisions or judgments. □� �the patience and wisdom that comes from old age. □� �a great man, who spoke words of great wisdom.

2 N‑VAR Wisdom is the store of knowledge that a society or culture has collected over a long period of time. □� �this church's original Semitic wisdom, religion and faith.

3 N‑SING If you talk about the wisdom of a particular decision or action, you are talking about how sensible it is. □�[+�of ] Many Lithuanians have expressed doubts about the wisdom of the decision.

4 N‑VAR You can use wisdom to refer to ideas that are accepted by a large number of people. □� Health education wisdom in the U.K. differs from that of the United States. □� Unchallenged wisdoms flow swiftly among the middle classes. ●�PHRASE Theconventional wisdom about something is the generally accepted view of it. □� �the conventional wisdom that soccer is a minor sport in America.

wi s|dom tooth (wisdom teeth ) N‑COUNT Your wisdom teeth are the four large teeth at the back of your mouth which usually grow much later than your other teeth.

wise ◆◇◇ /wa I z/ (wises , wising , wised , wiser , wisest )

1 ADJ A wise person is able to use their experience and knowledge in order to make sensible decisions and judgments. □� She has the air of a wise woman. ●� wise|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� The three of us stood around the machine nodding wisely.

2 ADJ A wise action or decision is sensible. □� She had made a very wise decision. □� It is wise to seek help and counsel as soon as possible. ●� wise|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� They've invested their money wisely. □� Our man had wisely decided to be picked up at the farm.

3 PHRASE If you get wise to something, you find out about it, especially when someone has been trying to keep it secret. [INFORMAL ] □� Dealers have already got wise to the trend and increased their prices accordingly.

▸� wise up PHRASAL VERB If someone wises up to a situation or state of affairs, they become aware of it and take appropriate action. [INFORMAL ] □�[V P +�to ] Some insurers have wised up to the fact that their clients were getting very cheap insurance. □�[V P ] It's time to wise up and tell those around you that enough is enough.

-wise /-wa I z/

1 COMB -wise is added to nouns to form adverbs indicating that something is the case when considering the particular thing mentioned. □� Career-wise, this illness couldn't have come at a worse time. □� It was a much better day weather-wise.

2 COMB [ADV after v] -wise is added to nouns to form adverbs indicating that someone behaves in the same way as the person or thing that is mentioned. □� We were housed student-wise in dormitory rooms.

wise|crack /wa I zkr�k/ (wisecracks ) N‑COUNT A wisecrack is a clever remark that is intended to be amusing, but is often rather unkind.

wise|crack|ing /wa I zkr�k I ŋ/ also wise-cracking ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use wisecracking to describe someone who keeps making wisecracks. □� �a wisecracking private eye.

wi se guy (wise guys ) also wiseguy

1 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a wise guy , you dislike the fact that they think they are very clever and always have an answer for everything. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

2 N‑COUNT A wise guy is a member of the Mafia. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

wish ◆◆◇ /w I ʃ/ (wishes , wishing , wished )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A wish is a desire or strong feeling that you want to have something or do something. □�[+�for ] Clearly she had no wish for conversation. □� She wanted to go everywhere in the world. She soon got her wish. □�[+�of ] The decision was made against the wishes of the party leader.

2 →�see also death wish

3 VERB If you wishto do something or to have it done for you, you want to do it or have it done. [FORMAL ] □�[V to-inf] Older children may not wish to spend all their time in adult company. □�[V ] We can dress as we wish now. □�[V +�for ] There were the collaborators, who wished for a German victory.

4 VERB [no cont] If you wish something were true, you would like it to be true, even though you know that it is impossible or unlikely. □�[V that] I wish that I could do that. □�[V n to-inf] The world is not always what we wish it to be.

5 VERB If you wish for something, you express the desire for that thing silently to yourself. In fairy stories, when a person wishes for something, the thing they wish for often happens by magic. □�[V +�for ] We have all wished for men who are more considerate. ●�N‑COUNT Wish is also a noun. □� Blow out the candles and make a wish.

6 VERB [no cont] If you say that you would not wish a particular thing on someone, you mean that the thing is so unpleasant that you would not want them to be forced to experience it. □�[V n +�on ] It's a horrid experience and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

7 VERB If you wish someone something such as luck or happiness, you express the hope that they will be lucky or happy. □�[V n n] I wish you both a very good journey. □�[V n adv] Goodbye, Hanu. I wish you well.

8 N‑PLURAL [adj N ] If you express your good wishes towards someone, you are politely expressing your friendly feelings towards them and your hope that they will be successful or happy. [POLITENESS ] □� I found George's story very sad. Please give him my best wishes. SYNONYMS wish NOUN 1

desire:I had a strong desire to help and care for people.

longing:Imelda spoke of her longing to return home.

aspiration:�the needs and aspirations of our pupils.

urge:He had an urge to open a shop of his own.

need:Charles has never felt the need to compete with anyone. USAGE wish

Don�t use �wish� with a clause to say that you hope something good will happen to someone. Don�t say, for example, � I wish you�ll have a nice time in Finland �. Say �I hope you�ll have a nice time in Finland� or �I hope you have a nice time in Finland�. □� I hope you like this village.

wish|bone /w I ʃboʊn/ (wishbones ) N‑COUNT A wishbone is a V-shaped bone in chickens, turkeys, and other birds.

wi sh|ful thi nk|ing N‑UNCOUNT If you say that an idea, wish, or hope is wishful thinking , you mean that it has failed to come true or is unlikely to come true. □� It is wishful thinking to expect deeper change under his leadership.

wi sh list (wish lists ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] If you refer to someone's wish list , you mean all the things which they would like to happen or be given, although these things may be unlikely. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �one special toy that tops the wish list of every child.

wishy-washy /w I ʃi wɒʃi/ ADJ If you say that someone is wishy-washy , you are critical of them because their ideas are not firm or clear. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� If there's anything I can't stand, it's an indecisive, wishy-washy customer.

wisp /w I sp/ (wisps )

1 N‑COUNT A wispof hair is a small, thin, untidy bunch of it. □�[+�of ] She smoothed away a wisp of hair from her eyes.

2 N‑COUNT A wispof something such as smoke or cloud is an amount of it in a long thin shape. □�[+�of ] A thin wisp of smoke straggled up through the trees.

wispy /w I spi/

1 ADJ If someone has wispy hair, their hair does not grow thickly on their head.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A wispy cloud is thin or faint.

wis|te|ria /w I st I ə riə/ N‑UNCOUNT Wisteria is a type of climbing plant which has pale purple or white flowers.

wist|ful /w I stfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is wistful is rather sad because they want something and know that they cannot have it. □�[+�about ] I can't help feeling slightly wistful about the perks I'm giving up.

wit /w I t/ (wits )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Wit is the ability to use words or ideas in an amusing, clever, and imaginative way. □� Boulding was known for his biting wit.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a wit , you mean that they have the ability to use words or ideas in an amusing, clever, and imaginative way. □� Holmes was gregarious, a great wit, a man of wide interests.

3 N‑SING If you say that someone has the witto do something, you mean that they have the intelligence and understanding to make the right decision or take the right action in a particular situation. □� The information is there and waiting to be accessed by anyone with the wit to use it.

4 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] You can refer to your ability to think quickly and cleverly in a difficult situation as your wits . □� She has used her wits to progress to the position she holds today.

5 N‑PLURAL You can use wits in expressions such as frighten someone out of their wits and scare the wits out of someone to emphasize that a person or thing worries or frightens someone very much. [EMPHASIS ] □� You scared us out of our wits. We heard you had an accident.

6 PHRASE If you have your wits about you or keep your wits about you, you are alert and ready to act in a difficult situation. □� Travellers need to keep their wits about them.

7 PHRASE If you say that you are at your wits' end , you are emphasizing that you are so worried and exhausted by problems or difficulties that you do not know what to do next. [EMPHASIS ] □� We row a lot and we never have time on our own. I'm at my wits' end.

8 PHRASE If you pit your wits against someone, you compete against them in a test of knowledge or intelligence. □� He has to pit his wits against an adversary who is cool, clever and cunning.

9 PHRASE To wit is used to indicate that you are about to state or describe something more precisely. [LITERARY ] □� The Oracle's advice was sound, to wit: 'Nothing in excess.'

witch /w I tʃ/ (witches )

1 N‑COUNT In fairy stories, a witch is a woman, usually an old woman, who has evil magic powers. Witches often wear a pointed black hat, and have a pet black cat.

2 N‑COUNT A witch is a man or woman who claims to have magic powers and to be able to use them for good or bad purposes.

witch|craft /w I tʃkrɑːft, -kr�ft/ N‑UNCOUNT Witchcraft is the use of magic powers, especially evil ones.

wi tch doc|tor (witch doctors ) also witch-doctor N‑COUNT A witch doctor is a person in some societies, for example in Africa, who is thought to have magic powers which can be used to heal people.

wi tch ha|zel N‑UNCOUNT Witch hazel is a liquid that you put on your skin if it is sore or damaged, in order to help it to heal.

wi tch-hunt (witch-hunts ) N‑COUNT A witch-hunt is an attempt to find and punish a particular group of people who are being blamed for something, often simply because of their opinions and not because they have actually done anything wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ]

witchy /w I tʃi/ or witch-like ADJ A witchy person looks or behaves like a witch. Witchy things are associated with witches. □� My great-grandmother was old and witchy looking.

with ◆◆◆ /w I �, w I θ/ In addition to the uses shown below, with is used after some verbs, nouns and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. With is also used in most reciprocal verbs, such as 'agree' or 'fight', and in some phrasal verbs, such as 'deal with' and 'dispense with'. 1 PREP If one person is with another, they are together in one place. □� With her were her son and daughter-in-law. □� She is currently staying with her father at his home.

2 PREP If something is put with or is with something else, they are used at the same time. □� Serve hot, with pasta or rice and French beans. □� Cookies are just the thing to serve with tall glasses of real lemonade.

3 PREP If you do something with someone else, you both do it together or are both involved in it. □� Parents will be able to discuss their child's progress with their teacher. □� He walked with her to the front door.

4 PREP If you fight, argue, or compete with someone, you oppose them. □� About a thousand students fought with riot police in the capital. □� He was in an argument with his landlord downstairs.

5 PREP If you do something with a particular tool, object, or substance, you do it using that tool, object, or substance. □� Remove the meat with a fork and divide it among four plates. □� Doctors are treating him with the drug AZT.

6 PREP If someone stands or goes somewhere with something, they are carrying it. □� A man came round with a tray of chocolates.

7 PREP Someone or something with a particular feature or possession has that feature or possession. □� He was in his early forties, tall and blond with bright blue eyes. □� Someone with an income of $34,895 can afford this loan.

8 PREP Someone with an illness has that illness. □� I spent a week in bed with flu.

9 PREP If something is filled or covered with a substance or with things, it has that substance or those things in it or on it. □� His legs were caked with dried mud. □� They sat at a Formica table cluttered with dirty tea cups.

10 PREP If you are, for example, pleased or annoyed with someone or something, you have that feeling towards them. □� He was still a little angry with her. □� I am happy with that decision.

11 PREP You use with to indicate what a state, quality, or action relates to, involves, or affects. □� Our aim is to allow student teachers to become familiar with the classroom. □� He still has a serious problem with money. □� Depression lowers the human ability to cope with disease.

12 PREP You use with when indicating the way that something is done or the feeling that a person has when they do something. □� �teaching her to read music with skill and sensitivity. □� He agreed, but with reluctance.

13 PREP You use with when indicating a sound or gesture that is made when something is done, or an expression that a person has on their face when they do something. □� With a sigh, she leant back and closed her eyes. □� The front door closed with a crash behind him.

14 PREP You use with to indicate the feeling that makes someone have a particular appearance or type of behaviour. □� Gil was white and trembling with anger. □� I felt sick to my stomach with sadness for them.

15 PREP You use with when mentioning the position or appearance of a person or thing at the time that they do something, or what someone else is doing at that time. □� Joanne stood with her hands on the sink, staring out the window. □� Michelle had fallen asleep with her head against his shoulder.

16 PREP You use with to introduce a current situation that is a factor affecting another situation. □� With all the courses available, there is no excuse for not getting some training. □� With the win, the U.S. reclaimed the cup for the first time since 1985.

17 PREP You use with when making a comparison or contrast between the situations of different people or things. □� We're not like them. It's different with us. □� Sometimes I'm busy and sometimes I'm not. It's the same with most jobs.

18 PREP If something increases or decreases with a particular factor, it changes as that factor changes. □� The reason your heart rate increases with exercise is to meet the demands for more oxygen. □� Blood pressure decreases with exercise.

19 PREP If something moves with a wind or current, it moves in the same direction as the wind or current. □� �a piece of driftwood carried down with the current.

20 PREP If someone says that they are with you, they mean that they understand what you are saying. [INFORMAL ] □� Yes, I know who you mean. Yes, now I'm with you. □� I'm not with you. Tell me what you mean.

21 PREP If someone says that they are with you, they mean that they support or approve of what you are doing. □� 'I'm with you all the way.'�'Thank you.'

with|draw ◆◆◇ /w I �drɔː / (withdraws , withdrawing , withdrew , withdrawn )

1 VERB If you withdraw something from a place, you remove it or take it away. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He reached into his pocket and withdrew a sheet of notepaper. □�[V n +�from ] Cassandra withdrew her hand from Roger's.

2 VERB When groups of people such as troops withdraw or when someone withdraws them, they leave the place where they are fighting or where they are based and return nearer home. □�[V ] He stated that all foreign forces would withdraw as soon as the crisis ended. □�[V n +�from ] Unless Hitler withdrew his troops from Poland by 11 o'clock that morning, a state of war would exist between Great Britain and Germany. □�[V +�from ] Troops withdrew from the north east of the country last March. [Also V +�to ]

3 VERB If you withdraw money from a bank account, you take it out of that account. □�[V n] Open a savings account that does not charge ridiculous fees to withdraw money. □�[V n +�from ] They withdrew 100 dollars from a bank account after checking out of their hotel.

4 VERB If you withdrawfrom an activity or organization, you stop taking part in it. □�[V +�from ] The African National Congress threatened to withdraw from the talks. [Also V ]

5 VERB If you withdraw a remark or statement that you have made, you say that you want people to ignore it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He withdrew his remarks and explained what he had meant to say. SYNONYMS withdraw VERB 1

remove:He went to the refrigerator and removed a bottle of juice.

take away:They're going to take my citizenship away.

extract:He extracted a small notebook from his hip pocket.

pull out:They have pulled out patients' teeth unnecessarily.

with|draw|al ◆◇◇ /w I �drɔː əl/ (withdrawals )

1 N‑VAR The withdrawalof something is the act or process of removing it, or ending it. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] Sometimes the withdrawal of a particular stress can bring on anxiety.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's withdrawalfrom an activity or an organization is their decision to stop taking part in it. □�[+�from ] �his withdrawal from government in 1946.

3 N‑COUNT A withdrawal is an amount of money that you take from your bank account.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Withdrawal is the period during which someone feels ill after they have stopped taking a drug which they were addicted to. □�[+�from ] Withdrawal from heroin is actually like a severe attack of gastric flu. SYNONYMS withdrawal NOUN 1

removal:Parliament had decided that his removal from power was illegal.

termination:�a dispute which led to the abrupt termination of trade.

cancellation:�a march by groups calling for cancellation of Third World debt.

with|dra w|al symp|toms N‑PLURAL When someone has withdrawal symptoms , they feel ill after they have stopped taking a drug which they were addicted to.

with|drawn /w I �drɔː n/

1Withdrawn is the past participle of withdraw .

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is withdrawn is very quiet, and does not want to talk to other people. □� He had become withdrawn and moody.

with|drew /w I �druː / Withdrew is the past tense of withdraw .

with|er /w I �ə r / (withers , withering , withered )

1 VERB If someone or something withers , they become very weak. □�[V ] When he went into retirement, he visibly withered. □�[V ] Industries unable to modernise have been left to wither. ●�PHRASAL VERB Wither away means the same as wither . □�[V P ] To see my body literally wither away before my eyes was exasperating.

2 VERB If a flower or plant withers , it dries up and dies. □�[V ] The flowers in Isabel's room had withered.

▸� wither away →�see wither1

with|ered /w I �ə r d/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or a part of their body as withered , you mean that they are thin and their skin looks old. □� �her withered hands.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Withered is used to describe someone's leg or arm when it is thin and weak because of disease or injury. □� She has one slightly withered leg, noticeably thinner than the other.

with|er|ing /w I �ər I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A withering look or remark is very critical, and is intended to make someone feel ashamed or stupid. □� Deborah Jane's mother gave her a withering look.

with|hold /w I �hoʊ ld/ (withholds , withholding , withheld /w I �he ld/) VERB If you withhold something that someone wants, you do not let them have it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] Police withheld the dead boy's name yesterday until relatives could be told. □�[V n] Financial aid for Britain has been withheld. [Also V from n/-ing]

with|ho ld|ing tax (withholding taxes ) N‑VAR A withholding tax is an amount of money that is taken in advance from someone's income, in order to pay some of the tax they will owe. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ]

with|in ◆◆◆ /w I � I n/

1 PREP If something is within a place, area, or object, it is inside it or surrounded by it. [FORMAL ] □� Clients are entertained within private dining rooms. □� Land-use can vary enormously even within a small country. ●�ADV [usu from ADV , oft ADV after v] Within is also an adverb. □� A small voice called from within. 'Yes, just coming.'

2 PREP Something that happens or exists within a society, organization, or system, happens or exists inside it. □� �the spirit of self-sacrifice within an army. □� Within criminal law almost anything could be defined as 'crime'. ●�ADV [usu from ADV , oft ADV after v] Within is also an adverb. □� The Church of England, with threats of split from within, has still to make up its mind.

3 PREP If you experience a particular feeling, you can say that it is within you. [LITERARY ] □� He's coping much better within himself.

4 PREP If something is within a particular limit or set of rules, it does not go beyond it or is not more than what is allowed. □� Troops have agreed to stay within specific boundaries to avoid confrontations. □� Exercise within your comfortable limit.

5 PREP If you are within a particular distance of a place, you are less than that distance from it. □� The man was within a few feet of him. □� It was within easy walking distance of the hotel.

6 PREP Within a particular length of time means before that length of time has passed. □� About 40% of all students entering as freshmen graduate within 4 years. □� Within 24 hours the deal was completed.

7 PREP If something is within sight , within earshot , or within reach , you can see it, hear it, or reach it. □� His boat was moored within sight of West Church. □� The people at every table within earshot fell silent instantly.

8within reason →�see reason

wi th it also with-it

1 ADJ If you say that someone is with it , you mean that they are fashionable or know about new things, especially in culture. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is not with it , they do not feel alert and therefore fail to understand things. [INFORMAL ] □� She wasn't really with it. She hadn't taken in the practical consequences.

with|out ◆◆◆ /w I �aʊ t/ In addition to the uses shown below, without is used in the phrasal verbs 'do without', 'go without', and 'reckon without'. 1 PREP You use without to indicate that someone or something does not have or use the thing mentioned. □� I don't like myself without a beard. □� She wore a brown shirt pressed without a wrinkle.

2 PREP If one thing happens without another thing, or if you do something without doing something else, the second thing does not happen or occur. □� He was offered a generous pension provided he left without a fuss. □� They worked without a break until about eight in the evening. □� Alex had done this without consulting her.

3 PREP If you do something without a particular feeling, you do not have that feeling when you do it. □� Janet Magnusson watched his approach without enthusiasm. □� 'Hello, Swanson,' he said without surprise.

4 PREP If you do something without someone else, they are not in the same place as you are or are not involved in the same action as you. □� I told Franklin he would have to start dinner without me. □� How can I rebuild my life without you?

wi th-pro fits ADJ [ADJ n] A with-profits savings scheme or financial plan is one in which the people who put money into the scheme receive extra money each year based on how successful the investment has been. [BUSINESS ] □� Returns on with-profits bonds have improved.

with|stand /w I �st� nd/ (withstands , withstanding , withstood /w I �stʊ d/) VERB If something or someone withstands a force or action, they survive it or do not give in to it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] �armoured vehicles designed to withstand chemical attack.

wit|less /w I tləs/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as witless , you mean that they are very foolish or stupid. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a witless, nasty piece of journalism.

wit|ness ◆◇◇ /w I tnəs/ (witnesses , witnessing , witnessed )

1 N‑COUNT A witnessto an event such as an accident or crime is a person who saw it. □�[+�to ] Witnesses to the crash say they saw an explosion just before the disaster. □� No witnesses have come forward.

2 VERB If you witness something, you see it happen. □�[V n] Anyone who witnessed the attack should call the police.

3 N‑COUNT A witness is someone who appears in a court of law to say what they know about a crime or other event. □� In the next three or four days, eleven witnesses will be called to testify. [Also +�for ]

4 N‑COUNT A witness is someone who writes their name on a document that you have signed, to confirm that it really is your signature.

5 VERB If someone witnesses your signature on a document, they write their name after it, to confirm that it really is your signature. □�[V n] Ask a friend to witness your signature.

6 VERB If you say that a place, period of time, or person witnessed a particular event or change, you mean that it happened in that place, during that period of time, or while that person was alive. □�[V n] India has witnessed many political changes in recent years.

7 PHRASE If a person or thing bears witness to something, they show or say that it exists or happened. [FORMAL ] □� Many of these poems bear witness to his years spent in India and China. COLLOCATIONS witness NOUN 3

noun +�witness : defence, prosecution

adjective +�witness : credible, reliable, unreliable; expert, key

verb +�witness : call, summon; cross-examine, interview, question VERB 2

witness+�noun : accident, event, incident

witness+�adverb : first-hand

wi t|ness box N‑SING The witness box in a court of law is the place where people stand or sit when they are giving evidence. [BRIT ] in AM, use witness stand

wi t|ness stand N‑SING The witness stand is the same as witness box . [AM ]

wit|ter /w I tə r / (witters , wittering , wittered ) VERB If you say that someone is witteringabout something, you mean that they are talking a lot about things that you think are silly and boring. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V +�about ] They just sat there wittering about what lectures they had tomorrow. [Also V ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Witter on means the same as witter . □�[V P +�about ] They started wittering on about their last trip to Provence. [Also V P ]

wit|ti|cism /w I t I s I zəm/ (witticisms ) N‑COUNT A witticism is a witty remark or joke. [FORMAL ]

wit|ting|ly /w I t I ŋli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you do something wittingly , you are fully aware of what you are doing and what its consequences will be. [FORMAL ] □� The private sector would never wittingly expose itself to substantial risk.

wit|ty /w I ti/ (wittier , wittiest ) ADJ Someone or something that is witty is amusing in a clever way. □� His plays were very good, very witty. □� He is a very witty speaker.

wives /wa I vz/ Wives is the plural of wife .

wiz|ard /w I zə r d/ (wizards )

1 N‑COUNT In legends and fairy stories, a wizard is a man who has magic powers.

2 N‑COUNT If you admire someone because they are very good at doing a particular thing, you can say that they are a wizard . [APPROVAL ] □� �a financial wizard.

3 N‑COUNT A wizard is a computer program that guides you through the stages of a particular task. [COMPUTING ] □� Wizards and templates can help you create brochures, calendars, and Web pages.

wiz|ard|ry /w I zə r dri/ N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to a very clever achievement or piece of work as wizardry , especially when you do not understand how it is done. □� �a piece of technical wizardry.

wiz|ened /w I z ə nd/ ADJ A wizened person is old and has a lot of lines on their skin. □� �a little wizened old fellow with no teeth.

wk (wks ) wk is a written abbreviation for week . □� �6 wks holiday.

WMD /dʌ b ə ljuː em diː / N‑PLURAL WMD is an abbreviation for weapons of mass destruction .

wob|ble /wɒ b ə l/ (wobbles , wobbling , wobbled ) VERB If something or someone wobbles , they make small movements from side to side, for example because they are unsteady. □�[V ] The table wobbled when I leaned on it. □�[V prep/adv] I narrowly missed a cyclist who wobbled into my path. ●�N‑VAR Wobble is also a noun. □�[+�in ] We might look for a tiny wobble in the position of a star.

wob|bly /wɒ bli/

1 ADJ Something that is wobbly moves unsteadily from side to side. □� I was sitting on a wobbly plastic chair. □� �a wobbly green jelly. □� �wobbly teeth.

2 ADJ If you feel wobbly or if your legs feel wobbly , you feel weak and have difficulty standing up, especially because you are afraid, ill, or exhausted. □� She could not maintain her balance and moved in a wobbly fashion.

wodge /wɒ dʒ/ (wodges ) also wadge N‑COUNT A wodgeof something is a large amount of it or a large piece of it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] �a wodge of syrupy sponge.

woe /woʊ / (woes )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Woe is very great sadness. [LITERARY ] □� He listened to my tale of woe.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] You can refer to someone's problems as their woes . [WRITTEN ] □� He did not tell his relatives and friends about his woes.

3woe betide →�see betide

woe|be|gone /woʊ b I gɒn/ ADJ Someone who is woebegone is very sad. [WRITTEN ] □� She sniffed and looked woebegone.

woe|ful /woʊ fʊl/

1 ADJ If someone or something is woeful , they are very sad. □� �a woeful ballad. ●� woe|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� He said woefully: 'I love my country, but it does not give a damn about me.'

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use woeful to emphasize that something is very bad or undesirable. [EMPHASIS ] □� �the woeful state of the economy. ●� woe|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV before v] □� Public expenditure on the arts is woefully inadequate.

wog /wɒ g/ (wogs ) N‑COUNT Wog is an extremely offensive word for anyone whose skin is not white. [BRIT , VERY OFFENSIVE ]

wok /wɒ k/ (woks ) N‑COUNT A wok is a large bowl-shaped pan which is used for Chinese-style cooking.

woke /woʊ k/ Woke is the past tense of wake .

wok|en /woʊ kən/ Woken is the past participle of wake .

wolf /wʊ lf/ (wolves , wolfs , wolfing , wolfed )

1 N‑COUNT A wolf is a wild animal that looks like a large dog.

2 VERB If someone wolfs their food, they eat it all very quickly and greedily. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] I was back in the changing-room wolfing tea and sandwiches. ●�PHRASAL VERB Wolf down means the same as wolf . □�[V P n] He wolfed down the rest of the biscuit and cheese. □�[V n P ] She bought a hot dog from a stand on a street corner and wolfed it down.

3 PHRASE If someone cries wolf , they say that there is a problem when there is not, with the result that people do not believe them when there really is a problem.

▸� wolf down →�see wolf2

wolf|hound /wʊ lfhaʊnd/ (wolfhounds ) N‑COUNT A wolfhound is a type of very large dog.

wo lf-whistle (wolf-whistles , wolf-whistling , wolf-whistled ) also wolf whistle VERB If someone wolf-whistles , they make a whistling sound with a short rising note and a longer falling note. Some men wolf-whistle at a woman to show that they think she is attractive, and some women find this offensive. □�[V +�at ] They wolf-whistled at me, and I was so embarrassed I tripped up. [Also V ] ●�N‑COUNT Wolf whistle is also a noun. □� Her dancing brought loud cheers, wolf whistles and applause.

wolves /wʊ lvz/ Wolves is the plural of wolf .

wom|an ◆◆◆ /wʊ mən/ (women )

1 N‑COUNT A woman is an adult female human being. □� �a young Lithuanian woman named Dayva. □� �men and women over 75 years old. □� �a woman doctor.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to women in general as woman . □� �the oppression of woman.

3 →�see also career woman

4woman of the world →�see world USAGE woman

It is more polite to call someone an old lady or an elderly lady , rather than an �old woman�. □� There�s an old lady who rides a bike around town.

-woman /-wʊmən/ COMB [ADJ n] -woman combines with numbers to indicate that something involves the number of women mentioned. □� �a seven-woman team.

wom|an|hood /wʊ mənhʊd/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Womanhood is the state of being a woman rather than a girl, or the period of a woman's adult life. □� Pregnancy is a natural part of womanhood.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to women in general or the women of a particular country or community as womanhood . □� She symbolised for me the best of Indian womanhood.

wom|an|iz|er /wʊ məna I zə r / (womanizers ) in BRIT, also use womaniser N‑COUNT If you describe a man as a womanizer , you disapprove of him because he likes to have many short sexual relationships with women. [DISAPPROVAL ]

wom|an|iz|ing /wʊ məna I z I ŋ/ in BRIT, also use womanising1 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about a man's womanizing , you disapprove of him because he likes to have many short sexual relationships with women. [DISAPPROVAL ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A womanizing man likes to have many short sexual relationships with women. [DISAPPROVAL ]

wom|an|kind /wʊ mənka I nd/ N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to all women as womankind when considering them as a group. [FORMAL ]

wom|an|ly /wʊ mənli/ ADJ People describe a woman's behaviour, character, or appearance as womanly when they like it because they think it is typical of, or suitable for, a woman rather than a man or girl. [APPROVAL ] □� She had a classical, womanly shape. □� �womanly tenderness.

wo man-to-wo man also woman to woman ADJ [ADJ n] If you talk about a woman-to-woman conversation, you are talking about an honest and open discussion between two women. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Woman to woman is also an adverb. □� Maybe she would talk to her mother one day, woman to woman.

womb /wuː m/ (wombs ) N‑COUNT A woman's womb is the part inside her body where a baby grows before it is born.

wom|bat /wɒ mb�t/ (wombats ) N‑COUNT A wombat is a type of furry animal which has very short legs and eats plants. Wombats are found in Australia.

wom|en /w I m I n/ Women is the plural of woman .

women|folk /w I m I nfoʊk/ N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] Some people refer to the women of a particular community as its womenfolk , especially when the community is ruled or organized by men. □� Men never notice anything in a house run by their womenfolk.

wo m|en's group (women's groups ) N‑COUNT A women's group is a group of women who meet regularly, usually in order to organize campaigns.

Wo m|en's Li b N‑UNCOUNT Women's Lib is the same as Women's Liberation . [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

Wo m|en's Lib|era |tion N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Women's Liberation is the belief and aim that women should have the same rights and opportunities in society as men. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

wo m|en's move|ment N‑SING You use thewomen's movement to refer to groups of people and organizations that believe that women should have the same rights and opportunities in society as men.

wo m|en's room (women's rooms ) N‑COUNT Thewomen's room is a toilet for women in a public building. [mainly AM ]

won /wʌ n/ Won is the past tense and past participle of win .

won|der ◆◆◇ /wʌ ndə r / (wonders , wondering , wondered )

1 VERB If you wonderabout something, you think about it, either because it interests you and you want to know more about it, or because you are worried or suspicious about it. □�[V wh] I wondered what that noise was. □�[V +�about ] 'He claims to be her father,' said Max. 'We've been wondering about him.' □�[V ] But there was something else, too. Not hard evidence, but it made me wonder.

2 VERB If you wonderat something, you are very surprised about it or think about it in a very surprised way. □�[V +�at ] Walk down Castle Street, admire our little jewel of a cathedral, then wonder at the castle. □�[V that] We all wonder that you're still alive.

3 N‑SING If you say that it is a wonderthat something happened, you mean that it is very surprising and unexpected. □� It's a wonder that it took almost ten years. □� The wonder is that Olivier was not seriously hurt.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Wonder is a feeling of great surprise and pleasure that you have, for example when you see something that is very beautiful, or when something happens that you thought was impossible. □� 'That's right!' Bobby exclaimed in wonder. 'How did you remember that?'

5 N‑COUNT A wonder is something that causes people to feel great surprise or admiration. □�[+�of ] �a lecture on the wonders of space and space exploration. □�[+�of ] �the wonder of seeing his name in print.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer, for example, to a young man as a wonder boy, or to a new product as a wonder drug, you mean that they are believed by many people to be very good or very effective. □� He was hailed as the wonder boy of American golf.

7 PHRASE You can say ' I wonder ' if you want to be very polite when you are asking someone to do something, or when you are asking them for their opinion or for information. [POLITENESS ] □� I was just wondering if you could help me.

8 PHRASE If you say ' no wonder ', ' little wonder ', or ' small wonder ', you mean that something is not surprising. □� No wonder my brother wasn't feeling well. □� Under such circumstances, it is little wonder that they experience difficulties.

9 PHRASE You can say ' No wonder ' when you find out the reason for something that has been puzzling you for some time. □� Brad was Jane's brother! No wonder he reminded me so much of her!

10 PHRASE If you say that a person or thing works wonders or does wonders , you mean that they have a very good effect on something. □� A few moments of relaxation can work wonders. COLLOCATIONS wonder NOUN 5

adjective +�wonder : architectural, natural; one-hit

verb +�wonder : discover, experience, explore; perform

won|der|ful ◆◆◇ /wʌ ndə r fʊl/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as wonderful , you think they are extremely good. □� The cold, misty air felt wonderful on his face. □� It's wonderful to see you. □� I've always thought he was a wonderful actor. ●� won|der|ful|ly ADV □� It's a system that works wonderfully well.

wonder|land /wʌ ndə r l�nd/ N‑UNCOUNT Wonderland is an imaginary world that exists in fairy stories.

won|der|ment /wʌ ndə r mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Wonderment is a feeling of great surprise and pleasure. [LITERARY ] □� His big blue eyes opened wide in wonderment.

won|drous /wʌ ndrəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as wondrous , you mean it is strange and beautiful or impressive. [LITERARY ] □� We were driven across this wondrous vast land of lakes and forests.

won|ky /wɒ ŋki/ ADJ If something is wonky , it is not straight or level. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� The wheels keep going wonky.

wont /woʊ nt, [AM ] wɔː nt/

1 ADJ If someone is wontto do something, they often or regularly do it. [WRITTEN ] □� Both have committed their indiscretions, as human beings are wont to do.

2 PHRASE If someone does a particular thing as is their wont , they do that thing often or regularly. [WRITTEN ] □� Paul woke early, as was his wont.

won't /woʊ nt/ Won't is the usual spoken form of 'will not'. □� His parents won't let him come.

woo /wuː / (woos , wooing , wooed )

1 VERB If you woo people, you try to encourage them to help you, support you, or vote for you, for example by promising them things which they would like. □�[V n] They wooed customers by offering low interest rates. □�[V n with adv] They are trying to woo back electoral support. ●� woo|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] □�[+�of ] �the candidates' wooing of each other's traditional political bases.

2 VERB If a man woos a woman, he spends time with her and tries to persuade her to marry him. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □�[V n] The penniless author successfully wooed and married Fanny. ●� woo|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] □�[+�of ] �the hero's wooing of his beautiful cousin Roxanne.

wood ◆◆◇ /wʊ d/ (woods )

1 N‑VAR Wood is the material which forms the trunks and branches of trees. □� Their dishes were made of wood. □� There was a smell of damp wood and machine oil. □� �a short piece of wood.

2 N‑COUNT A wood is a fairly large area of trees growing near each other. You can refer to one or several of these areas as woods , and this is the usual form in American English. □� After dinner Alice slipped away for a walk in the woods with Artie. □� About a mile to the west of town he came upon a large wood.

3 →�see also dead wood

4 PHRASE If something or someone is not out of the woods yet, they are still having difficulties or problems. [INFORMAL ] □� The nation's economy is not out of the woods yet.

5 CONVENTION You can say ' touch wood ' in British English, or ' knock on wood ' in American English, to indicate that you hope to have good luck in something you are doing, usually after saying that you have been lucky with it so far. □� She's never even been to the doctor's, touch wood. □� Touch wood, I've been lucky enough to avoid any other serious injuries.

6your neck of the woods →�see neck

7can't see the wood for the trees →�see tree

woo d-burning sto ve (wood-burning stoves ) N‑COUNT A wood-burning stove is the same as a wood stove .

woo d carv|ing (wood carvings ) N‑VAR A wood carving is a decorative piece of wood that has been carved in an artistic way.

wood|chip /wʊ dtʃ I p/ (woodchips )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Woodchip is a type of wallpaper which has lots of small lumps on its surface that are formed by tiny pieces of wood glued to the underneath.

2 N‑VAR Woodchips are very small pieces of wood, usually made from waste wood, which are used in processes such as making paper. □� �the domestic market for woodchips. □� �the Government's decision to cut woodchip exports by 20%.

wood|cock /wʊ dkɒk/ (woodcocks or woodcock ) N‑COUNT A woodcock is a small brown bird with a long beak. Woodcock are sometimes shot for sport or food.

wood|cutter /wʊ dkʌtə r / (woodcutters ) N‑COUNT A woodcutter is someone who cuts down trees or who chops wood as their job. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

wood|ed /wʊ d I d/ ADJ A wooded area is covered in trees. □� �a wooded valley.

wood|en ◆◇◇ /wʊ d ə n/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Wooden objects are made of wood. □� �the shop's bare brick walls and faded wooden floorboards.

2 ADJ If you describe an actor as wooden , you are critical of them because their performance is not at all lively or natural. [DISAPPROVAL ]

woo d|en spoo n (wooden spoons )

1 N‑COUNT A wooden spoon is a spoon that is used for stirring sauces and for mixing ingredients in cooking. It is made of wood and has a long handle.

2 N‑COUNT If someone gets thewooden spoon , they come last in a race or competition. [BRIT ] □�[+�in ] Jarvis took the wooden spoon in the first tournament.

wood|land /wʊ dlənd/ (woodlands ) N‑VAR Woodland is land with a lot of trees.

wood|louse /wʊ dlaʊs/ (woodlice /wʊ dla I s/) N‑COUNT A woodlouse is a very small grey creature with a hard body and fourteen legs. Woodlice live in damp places.

wood|pecker /wʊ dpekə r / (woodpeckers ) N‑COUNT A woodpecker is a type of bird with a long sharp beak. Woodpeckers use their beaks to make holes in tree trunks.

wood|pile /wʊ dpa I l/ (woodpiles ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A woodpile is a pile of wood that is intended to be burnt on a fire as fuel.

woo d pulp N‑UNCOUNT Wood pulp is wood that has been cut up into small pieces and crushed. Wood pulp is used to make paper.

wood|shed /wʊ dʃed/ (woodsheds ) N‑COUNT A woodshed is a small building which is used for storing wood for a fire.

woo d stove (wood stoves ) in AM, also use woodstove N‑COUNT A wood stove is a device that burns wood in order to heat a room.

wood|wind /wʊ dw I nd/ (woodwinds )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Woodwind instruments are musical instruments such as flutes, clarinets, and recorders that you play by blowing into them.

2 N‑SING Thewoodwind is the section of an orchestra which consists of woodwind instruments such as flutes and clarinets.

wood|work /wʊ dwɜː r k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the doors and other wooden parts of a house as the woodwork . □� I love the living room, with its dark woodwork, oriental rugs, and chunky furniture. □� He could see the glimmer of fresh paint on the woodwork.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Woodwork is the activity or skill of making things out of wood. □� I have done woodwork for many years.

3 PHRASE If you say that people are coming out of the woodwork , you are criticizing them for suddenly appearing in public or revealing their opinions when previously they did not make themselves known. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Since I've had this column, several people from my past have come out of the woodwork.

wood|worm /wʊ dwɜː r m/ (woodworms or woodworm )

1 N‑COUNT Woodworm are very small creatures which make holes in wood by eating it.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Woodworm is damage caused to wood, especially to the wooden parts of a house or to furniture, by woodworm making holes in the wood. □� �treating the ground floor of a house for woodworm.

woody /wʊ di/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Woody plants have very hard stems. □� Care must be taken when trimming around woody plants like shrubs and trees.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A woody area has a lot of trees in it. □� �the wet and woody Vosges mountains.

woof /wʊ f/ N‑SING ; N‑COUNT Woof is the sound that a dog makes when it barks. [INFORMAL ] □� She started going 'woof woof'.

wool /wʊ l/ (wools )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Wool is the hair that grows on sheep and on some other animals.

2 N‑VAR Wool is a material made from animal's wool that is used to make things such as clothes, blankets, and carpets. □� �a wool overcoat. □� The carpets are made in wool and nylon.

3 →�see also cotton wool , steel wool , wire wool

4 PHRASE If you say that someone is pulling the wool over your eyes , you mean that they are trying to deceive you, in order to have an advantage over you. □� Stop trying to pull the wool over my eyes! What were you two fighting about just now?

wool|len /wʊ lən/ (woollens ) in AM, use woolen1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Woollen clothes or materials are made from wool or from a mixture of wool and artificial fibres. □� �thick woollen socks.

2 N‑PLURAL Woollens are clothes, especially sweaters, that are made of wool. □� �winter woollens.

wool|ly /wʊ li/ (woollies ) in AM, also use wooly1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is woolly is made of wool or looks like wool. □� She wore this woolly hat with pompoms.

2 N‑COUNT A woolly is a woollen piece of clothing, especially a sweater. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

3 ADJ If you describe a person or their ideas as woolly , you are criticizing them for being confused or vague. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� �a weak and woolly Government.

woozy /wuː zi/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel woozy , you feel rather weak and unsteady and cannot think clearly. [INFORMAL ] □� The fumes made them woozy.

word ◆◆◆ /wɜː r d/ (words , wording , worded )

1 N‑COUNT A word is a single unit of language that can be represented in writing or speech. In English, a word has a space on either side of it when it is written. □� The words stood out clearly on the page. □� The word 'ginseng' comes from the Chinese word 'Shen-seng'. □� �swear words.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft with poss] Someone's words are what they say or write. □� I was devastated when her words came true. □�[+�of ] The words of the young woman doctor echoed in his ears.

3 N‑PLURAL Thewords of a song consist of the text that is sung, in contrast to the music that is played. □� Can you hear the words on the album?

4 N‑SING If you have a word with someone, you have a short conversation with them. [SPOKEN ] □�[+�with ] I think it's time you had a word with him. □� James, could I have a quiet word?

5 N‑COUNT If you offer someone aword of something such as warning, advice, or praise, you warn, advise, or praise them. □�[+�of ] A word of warning. Don't stick too precisely to what it says in the book.

6 N‑SING If you say that someone does not hear, understand, or say a word , you are emphasizing that they hear, understand, or say nothing at all. [EMPHASIS ] □� I can't understand a word she says. □� Not a word was spoken.

7 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] If there is word of something, people receive news or information about it. □�[+�from ] There is no word from the authorities on the reported attack. □� Word has been spreading fast of the incidents on the streets.

8 N‑SING If you give your word , you make a sincere promise to someone. □� �an adult who gave his word the boy would be supervised. □� He simply cannot be trusted to keep his word.

9 N‑SING If someone gives the word to do something, they give an order to do it. □� I want nothing said about this until I give the word.

10 VERB To word something in a particular way means to choose or use particular words to express it. □�[V n adv/prep] If I had written the letter, I might have worded it differently. ●� -worded COMB □� �a strongly-worded statement. □� �a carefully-worded speech.

11 →�see also code word , four-letter word , play on words , printed word , spoken word , wording , written word

12 PHRASE If you say that people consider something to be a dirty word , you mean that they disapprove of it. □� So many people think feminism is a dirty word.

13 PHRASE If you do something from the word go , you do it from the very beginning of a period of time or situation. □� It's essential you make the right decisions from the word go.

14 PHRASE You can use in their words or in their own words to indicate that you are reporting what someone said using the exact words that they used. □� Even the Assistant Secretary of State had to admit that previous policy did not, in his words, produce results.

15 PHRASE You use in a word to indicate that you are giving a summary of what you have just been saying, or are giving a reply, in as brief a way as possible. □� 'Shouldn't he be given the leading role?'�'In a word�No.'

16 PHRASE If someone has the last word or the final word in a discussion, argument, or disagreement, they are the one who wins it or who makes the final decision. □� She does like to have the last word in any discussion. □� The final word will still come from the Secretary of State.

17 PHRASE If you say that something is the last word in luxury, comfort, or some other quality, you are emphasizing that it has a great deal of this quality. [EMPHASIS ] □� The spa is the last word in luxury and efficiency.

18 PHRASE If you say that someone has said something, but not in so many words , you mean that they said it or expressed it, but in a very indirect way. □� 'And has she agreed to go with you?'�'Not in so many words. But I read her thoughts.'

19 PHRASE If news or information passes by word of mouth , people tell it to each other rather than it being printed in written form. □� The story has been passed down by word of mouth.

20 PHRASE You say in other words in order to introduce a different, and usually simpler, explanation or interpretation of something that has just been said. □� The mobile library services have been reorganised�in other words, they visit fewer places.

21 PHRASE If you say something in your own words , you express it in your own way, without copying or repeating someone else's description. □� Now tell us in your own words about the events of Saturday.

22 PHRASE If you say to someone ' take my word for it ', you mean that they should believe you because you are telling the truth. □� You'll buy nothing but trouble if you buy that house, take my word for it.

23 PHRASE If you repeat something word for word , you repeat it exactly as it was originally said or written. □� I don't try to memorize speeches word for word.

24not get a word in edgeways →�see edgeways

25not mince your words →�see mince

26the operative word →�see operative

27war of words →�see war

-word /-wɜː r d/ (-words ) COMB You can use -word after a letter of the alphabet to refer politely or humorously to a word beginning with that letter which people find offensive or are embarrassed to use. □� It was the first show to use the F-word and show nudity on stage. □� Politicians began to use the dreaded R-word: recession.

wo rd class (word classes ) N‑COUNT A word class is a group of words that have the same basic behaviour, for example nouns, adjectives, or verbs.

word|ing /wɜː r d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] The wording of a piece of writing or a speech are the words used in it, especially when these are chosen to have a particular effect. □�[+�of ] The two sides failed to agree on the wording of a final report. □� The wording is so vague that no one actually knows what it means.

word|less /wɜː r dləs/

1 ADJ You say that someone is wordless when they do not say anything, especially at a time when they are expected to say something. [LITERARY ] □� She stared back, now wordless. □� The two women live in wordless isolation. ●� word|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� Gil downed his food wordlessly, his attention far away.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone makes a wordless sound, they make a sound that does not seem to contain any words. [LITERARY ] □� �a wordless chant. □� He shrieked a long, wordless cry.

word|play /wɜː r dple I / also word play N‑UNCOUNT Wordplay involves making jokes by using the meanings of words in an amusing or clever way.

wo rd pro |cess|ing also word-processing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Word processing is the work or skill of producing printed documents using a computer. [COMPUTING ]

wo rd pro |ces|sor (word processors ) N‑COUNT A word processor is a computer program or a computer which is used to produce printed documents. [COMPUTING ]

wo rd wra p|ping N‑UNCOUNT In computing, word wrapping is a process by which a word which comes at the end of a line is automatically moved onto a new line in order to keep the text within the margins. [COMPUTING ]

wordy /wɜː r di/ ADJ If you describe a person's speech or something that they write as wordy , you disapprove of the fact that they use too many words, especially words which are very long, formal, or literary. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The chapter is mostly wordy rhetoric.

wore /wɔː r / Wore is the past tense of wear .

work ◆◆◆ /wɜː r k/ (works , working , worked )

1 VERB People who work have a job, usually one which they are paid to do. □�[V prep/adv] He works for the U.S. Department of Transport. □�[V prep/adv] I started working in a recording studio. □�[V ] Where do you work? □�[V +�as ] He worked as a bricklayer's mate. □�[V ] I want to work, I don't want to be on welfare.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/out of N ] People who have work or who are in work have a job, usually one which they are paid to do. □� Fewer and fewer people are in work. □� I was out of work at the time. □� She'd have enough money to provide for her children until she could find work.

3 VERB When you work , you do the things that you are paid or required to do in your job. □�[V ] I can't talk to you right now�I'm working. □�[V prep/adv] He was working at his desk. □�[V n] Some firms expect the guards to work twelve hours a day.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Your work consists of the things you are paid or required to do in your job. □� We're supposed to be running a business here. I've got work to do. □� I used to take work home, but I don't do it any more. □� There have been days when I have finished work at 2pm.

5 VERB When you work , you spend time and effort doing a task that needs to be done or trying to achieve something. □�[V prep] Linda spends all her time working on the garden. □�[V prep] The most important reason for coming to university is to work for a degree. □�[V prep] The government expressed hope that all the sides will work towards a political solution. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Work is also a noun. □� There was a lot of work to do on their house. □� We hadn't appreciated how much work was involved in organizing a wedding.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [usu to/at N ] Work is the place where you do your job. □� Many people travel to work by car. □� She told her friends at work that she was trying to lose weight.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Work is something which you produce as a result of an activity or as a result of doing your job. □� It can help to have an impartial third party look over your work. □� Tidiness in the workshop is really essential for producing good work.

8 N‑COUNT A work is something such as a painting, book, or piece of music produced by an artist, writer, or composer. □� In my opinion, this is Rembrandt's greatest work.

9 VERB If someone is working on a particular subject or question, they are studying or researching it. □�[V +�on ] Professor Bonnet has been working for many years on molecules of this type. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Work is also a noun. □� Our work shows that 10 per cent of families were behind on their rent or mortgage.

10 VERB If you workwith a person or a group of people, you spend time and effort trying to help them in some way. □�[V +�with/among ] She spent a period of time working with people dying of cancer. ●�N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Work is also a noun. □�[+�among ] She became involved in social and relief work among the refugees.

11 VERB If a machine or piece of equipment works , it operates and performs a particular function. □�[V ] The pump doesn't work and we have no running water.

12 VERB If an idea, system, or way of doing something works , it is successful, effective, or satisfactory. □�[V ] 95 per cent of these diets do not work. □�[V adv] A methodical approach works best.

13 VERB If a drug or medicine works , it produces a particular physical effect. □�[V ] I wake at 6am as the sleeping pill doesn't work for more than nine hours. □�[V prep/adv] The drug works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.

14 VERB If something works in your favour, it helps you in some way. If something works to your disadvantage, it causes problems for you in some way. □�[V prep] One factor thought to have worked in his favour is his working class image.

15 VERB If something or someone works their magic or works their charms on a person, they have a powerful positive effect on them. □�[V n +�on ] As Foreign Secretary, he had to work his charm on leaders from Stalin to Truman.

16 VERB If your mind or brain is working , you are thinking about something or trying to solve a problem. □�[V ] My mind was working frantically, running over the events of the evening.

17 VERB If you work on an assumption or idea, you act as if it were true or base other ideas on it, until you have more information. □�[V +�on ] We are working on the assumption that it was a gas explosion.

18 VERB If you work a particular area or type of place, you travel around that area or work in those places as part of your job, for example trying to sell something there. □�[V n] Brand has been working the clubs and the pubs since 1986, developing her comedy act.

19 VERB If you work someone, you make them spend time and effort doing a particular activity or job. □�[V n adv/prep] They're working me too hard. I'm too old for this. [Also V n]

20 VERB If someone, often a politician or entertainer, works a crowd, they create a good relationship with the people in the crowd and get their support or interest. □�[V n] The Prime Minister has an ability to work a crowd�some might even suggest it is a kind of charm.

21 VERB When people work the land, they do all the tasks involved in growing crops. □�[V n] Farmers worked the fertile valleys.

22 VERB When a mine is worked , minerals such as coal or gold are removed from it. □�[be V -ed] The mines had first been worked in 1849, when gold was discovered in California.

23 VERB If you work a machine or piece of equipment, you use or control it. □�[V n] Many adults still depend on their children to work the computer.

24 VERB If something works into a particular state or condition, it gradually moves so that it is in that state or condition. □�[V adj] A screw had worked loose from my glasses.

25 VERB If you work a substance such as dough or clay, you keep pressing it to make it have a particular texture. □�[V n] Work the dough with the palm of your hand until it is very smooth.

26 VERB If you work a material such as metal, leather, or stone, you cut, sew, or shape it in order to make something or to create a design. □�[V n] �the machines needed to extract and work the raw stone.

27 VERB If you work a part of your body, or if it works , you move it. □�[V n] Each position will work the muscles in a different way. □�[V ] Her mouth was working in her sleep.

28 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, usu n N , N n] A works is a place where something is manufactured or where an industrial process is carried out. Works is used to refer to one or to more than one of these places. □� The steel works could be seen for miles.

29 N‑PLURAL Works are activities such as digging the ground or building on a large scale. □� �six years of disruptive building works, road construction and urban development.

30 →�see also working

31 PHRASE If someone is at work they are doing their job or are busy doing a particular activity. □� The salvage teams are already hard at work trying to deal with the spilled oil. □� Television cameras were invited in to film him at work.

32 PHRASE If a force or process is at work , it is having a particular influence or effect. □� It's worth being aware of the psychological forces at work during the evening.

33 PHRASE If you say that you will have your work cut out to do something, you mean that it will be a very difficult task. □�[+�for ] The new administration has its work cut out for it. □� He will have his work cut out to get into the team.

34 PHRASE If something is in the works , it has already been planned or begun. [mainly AM ] □� He said there were dozens of economic plans in the works. in BRIT, usually use in the pipeline

35 PHRASE You can use work to talk about how easily or quickly a particular task is done. For example, if a person or thing makes short work of doing something or makes light work of it, they do it quickly and easily. □� An aerosol spray will make short work of painting awkward objects. □� This horse made light work of the cross-country course.

36 PHRASE If you put someone to work or set them to work , you give them a job or task to do. □� By stimulating the economy, we're going to put people to work. □� Instead of sending them to prison, we have set them to work helping the lemon growers.

37 PHRASE If you get to work , go to work , or set to workon a job, task, or problem, you start doing it or dealing with it. □� He promised to get to work on the state's massive deficit. □� He returned to America where he set to work on a new novel.

38 PHRASE If you work your way somewhere, you move or progress there slowly, and with a lot of effort or work. □� Rescuers were still working their way towards the trapped men. □� Many personnel managers started as secretaries or personnel assistants and worked their way up.

39to throw a spanner in the works →�see spanner

▸� work in or work into PHRASAL VERB If you work one substance into another or work it in , you add it to the other substance and mix the two together thoroughly. □�[V n P ] Gradually pour the liquid into the flour, working it in carefully with a wooden spoon. □�[V P n] Work in the potato and milk until the mixture comes together. □�[V n P n] Work the oil gradually into the yolks with a wooden spoon.

▸� work off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you work off energy, stress, or anger, you get rid of it by doing something that requires a lot of physical effort. □�[V P n] She went for a brisk walk to work off her frustration. □�[V n P ] If I've had a bad day I'll work it off by cooking.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you work off a debt, you repay it by working. □�[V P n] The report proposes that students be allowed to work off their debt through community service. □�[V n P ] There were heavy debts. It would take half Edward's lifetime to work them off.

▸� work out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you work out a solution to a problem or mystery, you manage to find the solution by thinking or talking about it. □�[V P n] Negotiators are due to meet later today to work out a compromise. □�[V P wh] It took me some time to work out what was causing this. □�[V n P ] 'How will you contact me?'�'We haven't worked that out yet.' ●�PHRASE If you have something all worked out , you have thought about it carefully, and know exactly what you are going to do or exactly what you want. □� I had the ideal man all worked out in my mind.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you work out the answer to a mathematical problem, you calculate it. □�[V P n] It is proving hard to work out the value of bankrupt firms' assets. □�[V n P ] If you asked me to add 2 and 2, I would not have the brain power to work it out.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something works outat a particular amount, it is calculated to be that amount after all the facts and figures have been considered. □�[V P +�at ] The price per pound works out at �3.20. □�[V P adj] It will probably work out cheaper to hire a van and move your own things.

4 PHRASAL VERB If a situation works out well or works out , it happens or progresses in a satisfactory way. □�[V P prep/adv] Things just didn't work out as planned. □�[V P ] One of the ways people experience loss is when relationships don't work out.

5 PHRASAL VERB If a process worksitselfout , it reaches a conclusion or satisfactory end. □�[V pron-refl P ] People involved in it think it's a nightmare, but I'm sure it will work itself out.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you work out your service or your notice, you continue to work at your job until you have completed a specified period of time. □�[V P n] There was an interim before her successor actually came because she had to work out her notice. [Also V n P ]

7 PHRASAL VERB If you work out , you do physical exercises in order to make your body fit and strong. □�[V P ] Work out at a gym or swim twice a week.

8 →�see also workout

▸� work up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you workyourselfup , you make yourself feel very upset or angry about something. □�[V pron-refl P +�into/to ] She worked herself up into a bit of a state. □�[V pron-refl P ] Don't just lie there working yourself up, do something about it.

2 →�see also worked up

3 PHRASAL VERB If you work up the enthusiasm or courage to do something, you succeed in making yourself feel it. □�[V P n] Your creative talents can also be put to good use, if you can work up the energy.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you work up a sweat or an appetite, you make yourself sweaty or hungry by doing exercise or hard work. □�[V P n] You can really work up a sweat doing housework.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you work up something such as a piece of writing, you spend time and effort preparing it. □�[V P n] I sketched the layout of a prototype store and worked up a business plan.

work|able /wɜː r kəb ə l/ ADJ A workable idea or system is realistic and practical, and likely to be effective. □� Investors can simply pay cash, but this isn't a workable solution in most cases.

worka|day /wɜː r kəde I / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Workaday means ordinary and not especially interesting or unusual. □� Enough of fantasy, the workaday world awaited him.

worka|hol|ic /wɜː kəhɒ l I k, [AM ] -hɔː l-/ (workaholics ) N‑COUNT A workaholic is a person who works most of the time and finds it difficult to stop working in order to do other things. [INFORMAL ]

work|bench /wɜː r kbentʃ/ (workbenches ) N‑COUNT A workbench is a heavy wooden table on which people use tools such as a hammer and nails to make or repair things.

work|book /wɜː r kbʊk/ (workbooks ) N‑COUNT A workbook is a book to help you learn a particular subject which has questions in it with spaces for the answers.

work|day /wɜː r kde I / (workdays ) also work day

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A workday is the amount of time during a day which you spend doing your job. [mainly AM ] □� His workday starts at 3.30 a.m. and lasts 12 hours. in BRIT, usually use working day2 N‑COUNT A workday is a day on which people go to work. □� What's he doing home on a workday?

wo rked u p ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is worked up , they are angry or upset. □� Steve shouted at her. He was really worked up now.

work|er ◆◆◆ /wɜː r kə r / (workers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A particular kind of worker does the kind of work mentioned. □� �office workers. □� The society was looking for a capable research worker.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Workers are people who are employed in industry or business and who are not managers. □� Wages have been frozen and workers laid off.

3 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You can use worker to say how well or badly someone works. □� He is a hard worker and a skilled gardener.

4 →�see also care worker , caseworker , dock worker , social worker , teleworker , youth worker SYNONYMS worker NOUN 2

employee:He is an employee of Fuji Bank.

hand:He now works as a farm hand.

labourer:Her husband had been a farm labourer.

workman:Millson saw the workman, Terry, descending the ladder.

work|fare /wɜː r kfeə r / N‑UNCOUNT Workfare is a government scheme in which unemployed people have to do community work or learn new skills in order to receive welfare benefits.

work|force /wɜː r kfɔː r s/ (workforces )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The workforce is the total number of people in a country or region who are physically able to do a job and are available for work. □� �a country where half the workforce is unemployed.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The workforce is the total number of people who are employed by a particular company. □� �an employer of a very large workforce.

work|horse /wɜː r khɔː r s/ (workhorses )

1 N‑COUNT A workhorse is a horse which is used to do a job, for example to pull a plough.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe a person or a machine as a workhorse , you mean that they can be relied upon to do a large amount of work, especially work that is dull or routine. □�[+�of ] �the Wellington bomber, the great workhorse of the war. □� She was never late, a real workhorse, who never complained.

work|house /wɜː r khaʊs/ (workhouses ) N‑COUNT In Britain, in the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, a workhouse was a place where very poor people could live and do unpleasant jobs in return for food. People use the workhouse to refer to these places in general. □� �a struggling Shropshire family which lived in fear of the workhouse.

work|ing ◆◆◆ /wɜː r k I ŋ/ (workings )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Working people have jobs which they are paid to do. □� Like working women anywhere, Asian women are buying convenience foods.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Working people are ordinary people who do not have professional or very highly paid jobs. □� The needs and opinions of ordinary working people were ignored.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A working day or week is the amount of time during a normal day or week which you spend doing your job. [mainly BRIT ] □� For doctors, the working day often has no end. □� Automation would bring a shorter, more flexible working week. in AM, usually use workday , work week4 ADJ [ADJ n] A working day is a day on which people go to work. [mainly BRIT ] □� Tuesday is the first working day after the three day holiday weekend. in AM, usually use workday5 ADJ [ADJ n] Your working life is the period of your life in which you have a job or are of a suitable age to have a job. □� He started his working life as a truck driver.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] The working population of an area consists of all the people in that area who have a job or who are of a suitable age to have a job. □� Almost 13 per cent of the working population is already unemployed.

7 ADJ [ADJ n] Working conditions or practices are ones which you have in your job. □� The strikers are demanding higher pay and better working conditions.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Working clothes are designed for doing work in, and are intended to be practical rather than attractive.

9 ADJ [ADJ n] A working relationship is the relationship you have with someone when you work with them. □� The vice-president seems to have a good working relationship with the president.

10 ADJ [ADJ n] A working farm or business exists to do normal work and make a profit, and not only for tourists or as someone's hobby.

11 ADJ [ADJ n] The working parts of a machine are the parts which move and operate the machine, in contrast to the outer case or container in which they are enclosed.

12 ADJ [ADJ n] A working model is one that has parts that move.

13 ADJ [ADJ n] A working knowledge or majority is not very great, but is enough to be useful. □� This book was designed in order to provide a working knowledge of finance and accounts.

14 ADJ [ADJ n] A working title or definition is one which you use when starting to make or do something, but which you are likely to change or improve. □� His working title for the script was 'Trust the People'.

15 N‑PLURAL Theworkingsof a piece of equipment, an organization, or a system are the ways in which it operates and the processes which are involved in it. □�[+�of ] Neural networks are computer systems which mimic the workings of the brain.

16in working order →�see order ➌

wo rk|ing ca pi|tal N‑UNCOUNT Working capital is money which is available for use immediately, rather than money which is invested in land or equipment. [BUSINESS ]

wo rk|ing cla ss (working classes ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The working class or the working classes are the group of people in a society who do not own much property, who have low social status, and who do jobs which involve using physical skills rather than intellectual skills. □� �increased levels of home ownership among the working classes. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Working class is also an adjective. □� �a self-educated man from a working class background. □� The group is mainly black, mainly working-class.

wo rk|ing group (working groups ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A working group is the same as a working party . □�[+�on ] There will be a working group on international issues.

wo rk|ing me n's clu b (working men's clubs ) N‑COUNT A working men's club is a place where working people, especially men, can go to relax, drink alcoholic drinks, and sometimes watch live entertainment.

wo rk|ing par|ty (working parties ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A working party is a committee which is formed to investigate a particular situation or problem and to produce a report containing its opinions and suggestions. [mainly BRIT ] □� They set up a working party to look into the issue. in AM, usually use working group

wo rk-in-pro |gress N‑UNCOUNT In book-keeping, work-in-progress refers to the monetary value of work that has not yet been paid for because it has not yet been completed. [BUSINESS ] □� �two million pounds' worth of work-in-progress.

wo rk-li fe ba l|ance N‑UNCOUNT Your work-life balance is how you organize your days, for example how many hours you spend at work, and how much time you spend with friends or doing things you enjoy. □� Senior managers stipulated work-life balance as their main criterion when choosing jobs.

work|load /wɜː r kloʊd/ (workloads ) also work load N‑COUNT The workload of a person or organization is the amount of work that has to be done by them. □� The sudden cancellation of the President's trip was due to his heavy workload.

work|man /wɜː r kmən/ (workmen ) N‑COUNT A workman is a man who works with his hands, for example building or repairing houses or roads. □� In University Square workmen are building a steel fence.

work|man|like /wɜː r kmənla I k/ ADJ If you describe something as workmanlike , you mean that it has been done quite well and sensibly, but not in a particularly imaginative or original way. □� Really it's a workmanlike conference rather than a dramatic one. □� The script was workmanlike at best.

work|man|ship /wɜː r kmənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Workmanship is the skill with which something is made and which affects the appearance and quality of the finished object. □� The problem may be due to poor workmanship. □� The standard of workmanship is very high.

work|mate /wɜː r kme I t/ (workmates ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your workmates are the people you work with. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� My workmates, and, even more, the management, didn't want me to leave.

wo rk of a rt (works of art )

1 N‑COUNT A work of art is a painting or piece of sculpture which is of high quality. □� �a collection of works of art of international significance.

2 N‑COUNT A work of art is something which is very complex or which has been skilfully made or produced. □� The actual nest is a work of art.

work|out /wɜː r kaʊt/ (workouts ) N‑COUNT A workout is a period of physical exercise or training. □� Give your upper body a workout by using handweights. □� �a 35-minute aerobic workout.

work|place /wɜː r kple I s/ (workplaces ) also work place N‑COUNT Your workplace is the place where you work. □� �the difficulties facing women in the workplace.

work|room /wɜː r kruːm/ (workrooms ) N‑COUNT A person's workroom is a room where they work, especially when their work involves making things.

work|sheet /wɜː r kʃiːt/ (worksheets ) N‑COUNT A worksheet is a specially prepared page of exercises designed to improve your knowledge or understanding of a particular subject.

work|shop /wɜː r kʃɒp/ (workshops )

1 N‑COUNT A workshop is a period of discussion or practical work on a particular subject in which a group of people share their knowledge or experience. □�[+�for ] Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave ran a jazz workshop for young artists.

2 N‑COUNT A workshop is a building which contains tools or machinery for making or repairing things, especially using wood or metal. □� �a modestly equipped workshop.

wo rk-shy also workshy ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as work-shy , you disapprove of them because you think they are lazy and do not want to work. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ]

work|station /wɜː r kste I ʃ ə n/ (workstations ) also work station N‑COUNT A workstation is a screen and keyboard that are part of an office computer system.

wo rk sur|face (work surfaces ) also worksurface N‑COUNT A work surface is a flat surface, usually in a kitchen, which is easy to clean and on which you can do things such as prepare food.

work|top /wɜː r ktɒp/ (worktops ) N‑COUNT A worktop is a flat surface in a kitchen which is easy to clean and on which you can prepare food. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use countertop , counter

wo rk week (work weeks ) N‑COUNT A work week is the amount of time during a normal week which you spend doing your job. [mainly AM ] □� The union had sought a wage increase and a shorter work week. in BRIT, usually use working week

world ◆◆◆ /wɜː r ld/ (worlds )

1 N‑SING The world is the planet that we live on. □� It's a beautiful part of the world. □� The satellite enables us to calculate their precise location anywhere in the world.

2 N‑SING [N n] Theworld refers to all the people who live on this planet, and our societies, institutions, and ways of life. □� The world was, and remains, shocked. □� He wants to show the world that anyone can learn to be an ambassador. □� �his personal contribution to world history.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use world to describe someone or something that is one of the most important or significant of its kind on earth. □� He was regarded as a leading world statesman. □� China has once again emerged as a world power.

4 N‑SING You can use world in expressions such as the Arab world , the western world , and the ancient world to refer to a particular group of countries or a particular period in history. □� Athens had strong ties to the Arab world. □� �the developing world.

5 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's world is the life they lead, the people they have contact with, and the things they experience. □� His world seemed so different from mine. □� I lost my job and it was like my world collapsed.

6 N‑SING You can use world to refer to a particular field of activity, and the people involved in it. □� The publishing world had certainly never seen an event quite like this. [Also +�of ]

7 N‑SING You can use world to refer to a particular group of living things, for example the animal world , the plant world , and the insect world .

8 N‑COUNT A world is a planet. □� He looked like something from another world.

9 →�see also brave new world , New World , real world , Third World

10 PHRASE If you say that two people or things are worlds apart , you are emphasizing that they are very different from each other. [EMPHASIS ] □� Intellectually, this man and I are worlds apart.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone has the best of both worlds , you mean that they have only the benefits of two things and none of the disadvantages. □� They want the best of both worlds - sport and luxury in one car.

12 PHRASE If you say that something has done someone the world of good or a world of good , you mean that it has made them feel better or improved their life. [INFORMAL ] □� A sleep will do you the world of good.

13 PHRASE You use in the world to emphasize a statement that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □� The saddest thing in the world is a little baby nobody wants. □� He had no one in the world but her.

14 PHRASE You can use in the world in expressions such as what in the world and who in the world to emphasize a question, especially when expressing surprise or anger. [EMPHASIS ] □� What in the world is he doing?

15 PHRASE You can use in an ideal world or in a perfect world when you are talking about things that you would like to happen, although you realize that they are not likely to happen. □� In a perfect world, there would be the facilities and money to treat every sick person.

16 PHRASE If you say that someone is a man of the world or a woman of the world , you mean that they are experienced and know about the practical or social aspects of life, and are not easily shocked by immoral or dishonest actions. □� Look, we are both men of the world, would anyone really mind? □� �an elegant, clever and tough woman of the world.

17 PHRASE If you say that something is out of this world , you are emphasizing that it is extremely good or impressive. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� These new trains are out of this world.

18 PHRASE You can use the outside world to refer to all the people who do not live in a particular place or who are not involved in a particular situation. □� For many, the post office is the only link with the outside world.

19 PHRASE If you think the world of someone, you like them or care about them very much. □� I think the world of him, but something tells me it's not love. □� We were really close. We thought the world of each other.

20not be the end of the world →�see end

21the world is your oyster →�see oyster

22on top of the world →�see top

wo rld beat|er (world beaters ) also world-beater N‑COUNT If you describe a person or thing as a world beater , you mean that they are better than most other people or things of their kind. [BRIT ]

wo rld-cla ss ADJ [usu ADJ n] A world-class sports player, performer, or organization is one of the best in the world. [JOURNALISM ] □� He was determined to become a world-class player.

wo rld-fa mous ADJ Someone or something that is world-famous is known about by people all over the world. □� �the world-famous Hollywood Bowl.

wo rld lea d|er (world leaders )

1 N‑COUNT A world leader is someone who is the leader of a country, especially an economically powerful country.

2 N‑COUNT A product, company, organization, or person that is a world leader is the most successful or advanced one in a particular area of activity. [JOURNALISM ] □� London has established itself as a world leader in hosting major cultural and sporting events.

world|ly /wɜː r ldli/

1 ADJ Worldly is used to describe things relating to the ordinary activities of life, rather than to spiritual things. [LITERARY ] □� I think it is time you woke up and focused your thoughts on more worldly matters.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is worldly is experienced and knows about the practical or social aspects of life. □� He was different from anyone I had known, very worldly, everything that Dermot was not.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Worldly is used to describe things relating to success, wealth, and possessions. [mainly LITERARY ] □� Today the media drive athletes to the view that the important thing is to gain worldly success.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can refer to someone's possessions as their worldly goods or possessions. [LITERARY ] □� �a man who had given up all his worldly goods.

wo rldly-wi se ADJ If you describe someone as worldly-wise , you mean they are experienced and know about the practical or social aspects of life, and are not easily shocked or impressed.

Wo rld Tra de Or|gani|za|tion N‑PROPER TheWorld Trade Organization is an international organization that encourages and regulates trade between its member states. The abbreviation WTO is also used.

wo rld view (world views ) also world-view N‑COUNT A person's world view is the way they see and understand the world, especially regarding issues such as politics, philosophy, and religion. □� Many artists express their world view in their work.

wo rld wa r ◆◇◇ (world wars ) N‑VAR A world war is a war that involves countries all over the world. □� Many senior citizens have been though two world wars. □� At the end of the Second World War, he was working as a docker.

wo rld-wea ry ADJ A world-weary person no longer feels excited or enthusiastic about anything.

world|wide ◆◇◇ /wɜː r ldwa I d/ also world-wide ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] If something exists or happens worldwide , it exists or happens throughout the world. □� His books have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. □� Worldwide, an enormous amount of research effort goes into military technology. ●�ADJ [usu ADJ n] Worldwide is also an adjective. □� Today, doctors are fearing a worldwide epidemic. SYNONYMS worldwide ADV

global:�a global ban on nuclear testing.

international:�emergency aid from the international community.

universal:The desire to look attractive is universal.

Wo rld Wide We b N‑PROPER The World Wide Web is a computer system which links documents and pictures into a database that is stored in computers in many different parts of the world and that people everywhere can use. The abbreviations WWW and the Web are often used. [COMPUTING ]

worm /wɜː r m/ (worms , worming , wormed )

1 N‑COUNT A worm is a small animal with a long thin body, no bones and no legs.

2 N‑PLURAL If animals or people have worms , worms are living in their intestines.

3 VERB If you worm an animal, you give it medicine in order to kill the worms that are living in its intestines. □�[V n] I worm all my birds in early spring. □�[be V -ed] All adult dogs are routinely wormed at least every six months.

4 VERB If you say that someone is worming their way to success, or is worming their way into someone else's affection, you disapprove of the way that they are gradually making someone trust them or like them, often in order to deceive them or gain some advantage. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V n prep/adv] She never misses a chance to worm her way into the public's hearts.

5 N‑COUNT A worm is a computer program that contains a virus which duplicates itself many times in a network. [COMPUTING ]

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is opening a can of worms , you are warning them that they are planning to do or talk about something which is much more complicated, unpleasant, or difficult than they realize and which might be better left alone. □� You've opened up a whole new can of worms here I think.

worm|wood /wɜː r mwʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Wormwood is a plant that has a very bitter taste and is used in making medicines and alcoholic drinks.

worn /wɔː r n/

1Worn is the past participle of wear .

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Worn is used to describe something that is damaged or thin because it is old and has been used a lot. □� Worn rugs increase the danger of tripping.

3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone looks worn , they look tired and old. □� She was looking very haggard and worn.

4 →�see also well-worn

wo rn ou t also worn-out

1 ADJ Something that is worn out is so old, damaged, or thin from use that it cannot be used any more. □� �the car's worn out tyres. □� �faded bits of worn-out clothing.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is worn out is extremely tired after hard work or a difficult or unpleasant experience. □� Before the race, he is fine. But afterwards he is worn out.

wor|ried ◆◇◇ /wʌ rid, [AM ] wɜː rid/ ADJ [ADJ that] When you are worried , you are unhappy because you keep thinking about problems that you have or about unpleasant things that might happen in the future. □� He seemed very worried. □�[+�about ] If you're at all worried about his progress, do discuss it with one of his teachers. ●� wor|ried|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □� 'You don't have to go, you know,' she said worriedly.

wor|ri|er /wʌ riə r , [AM ] wɜː riər/ (worriers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a worrier , you mean that they spend a lot of time thinking about problems that they have or unpleasant things that might happen.

wor|ri|some /wʌ r I səm, [AM ] wɜː r-/ ADJ Something that is worrisome causes people to worry. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use worrying

wor|ry ◆◆◇ /wʌ ri, [AM ] wɜː ri/ (worries , worrying , worried )

1 VERB If you worry , you keep thinking about problems that you have or about unpleasant things that might happen. □�[V ] Don't worry, your luggage will come on afterwards by taxi. □�[V +�about ] I worry about her constantly. □�[V that] They worry that extremists might gain control.

2 VERB If someone or something worries you, they make you anxious because you keep thinking about problems or unpleasant things that might be connected with them. □�[V n] I'm still in the early days of my recovery and that worries me. □�[V n] 'Why didn't you tell us?'�'I didn't want to worry you.'

3 VERB [oft with neg] If someone or something does not worry you, you do not dislike them or you are not annoyed by them. [SPOKEN ] □�[V n] The cold doesn't worry me.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Worry is the state or feeling of anxiety and unhappiness caused by the problems that you have or by thinking about unpleasant things that might happen. □� His last years were overshadowed by financial worry.

5 N‑COUNT A worry is a problem that you keep thinking about and that makes you unhappy. □� My main worry was that Madeleine Johnson would still be there. □�[+�about ] His wife Cheryl said she had no worries about his health.

wor|ry|ing /wʌ ri I ŋ, [AM ] wɜː ri I ŋ/ in AM, usually use worrisome ADJ If something is worrying , it causes people to worry. [mainly BRIT ] □� It's worrying that they're doing things without training. □� �a new and worrying report about smoking. ●� wor|ry|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj] □� The rate of assaults was worryingly high.

worse ◆◇◇ /wɜː r s/

1Worse is the comparative of bad .

2Worse is the comparative of badly .

3Worse is used to form the comparative of compound adjectives beginning with 'bad' and 'badly.' For example, the comparative of 'badly off' is 'worse off'.

4 PHRASE If a situation goes from bad to worse , it becomes even more unpleasant or unsatisfactory. □� For the past couple of years my life has gone from bad to worse.

5 PHRASE If a situation changes for the worse , it becomes more unpleasant or more difficult. □� The grandparents sigh and say how things have changed for the worse.

6 PHRASE If a person or thing is the worse for something, they have been harmed or badly affected by it. If they are none the worse for it, they have not been harmed or badly affected by it. □� Father came home from the pub very much the worse for drink. □� They are all apparently fit and well and none the worse for the fifteen hour journey.

7for better or worse →�see better

wors|en /wɜː r sən/ (worsens , worsening , worsened ) VERB If a bad situation worsens or if something worsens it, it becomes more difficult, unpleasant, or unacceptable. □�[V ] The security forces had to intervene to prevent the situation worsening. □�[V n] These options would actually worsen the economy and add to the deficit. □�[V -ing] They remain stranded in freezing weather and rapidly worsening conditions.

wor|ship /wɜː r ʃ I p/ (worships , worshipping , worshipped ) in AM, use worshiping , worshiped1 VERB If you worship a god, you show your respect to the god, for example by saying prayers. □�[V n] I enjoy going to church and worshipping God. □�[V ] �Jews worshipping at the Wailing Wall. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Worship is also a noun. □� St Jude's church is a public place of worship. ●� wor|ship|per (worshippers ) N‑COUNT □� At the end of the service, scores of worshippers streamed down to the altar.

2 VERB If you worship someone or something, you love them or admire them very much. □�[V n] She had worshipped him for years.

wor|ship|ful /wɜː r ʃ I pfʊl/ ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has a worshipful attitude to a person or thing, they show great respect and admiration for them. □� �Franklin's almost worshipful imitation of his cousin.

worst ◆◇◇ /wɜː r st/

1Worst is the superlative of bad .

2Worst is the superlative of badly .

3 N‑SING The worst is the most unpleasant or unfavourable thing that could happen or does happen. □� Though mine safety has much improved, miners' families still fear the worst. □�[+�of ] The country had come through the worst of the recession.

4Worst is used to form the superlative of compound adjectives beginning with 'bad' and 'badly'. For example, the superlative of 'badly-affected' is 'worst-affected'.

5 PHRASE You say worst of all to indicate that what you are about to mention is the most unpleasant or has the most disadvantages out of all the things you are mentioning. □� I felt tired and depleted, but worst of all I felt all my confidence drop away.

6 PHRASE You use at worst or at the worst to indicate that you are mentioning the worst thing that might happen in a situation. □� At best Nella would be an invalid; at worst she would die.

7 PHRASE When someone is at their worst , they are as unpleasant, bad, or unsuccessful as it is possible for them to be. □� This was their mother at her worst. She was ready to be angry at anyone.

8 PHRASE You use if the worst comes to the worst to say what you might do if a situation develops in the most unfavourable way possible. The form if worst comes to worst is also used, mainly in American English. □� If the worst comes to the worst I guess I can always ring Jean. □� He was asked whether he would walk out if the worst came to the worst.

wor|sted /wʊ st I d/ (worsteds ) N‑VAR Worsted is a kind of woollen cloth.

worth ◆◆◇ /wɜː r θ/

1 ADJ If something is worth a particular amount of money, it can be sold for that amount or is considered to have that value. □� These books might be worth �80 or �90 or more to a collector. □� The contract was worth �25 million a year.

2 N‑COUNT Worth combines with amounts of money, so that when you talk about a particular amount of money'sworth of something, you mean the quantity of it that you can buy for that amount of money. □�[+�of ] I went and bought about six dollars' worth of potato chips. ●�PRON Worth is also a pronoun. □� 'How many do you want?'�'I'll have a pound's worth.'

3 N‑COUNT Worth combines with time expressions, so you can use worth when you are saying how long an amount of something will last. For example, a week's worth of food is the amount of food that will last you for a week. □�[+�of ] You've got three years' worth of research money to do what you want with. ●�PRON Worth is also a pronoun. □� There's really not very much food down there. About two weeks' worth.

4 ADJ If you say that something is worth having, you mean that it is pleasant or useful, and therefore a good thing to have. □� He's decided to get a look at the house and see if it might be worth buying. □� Most things worth having never come easy.

5 ADJ If something is worth a particular action, or if an action is worth doing, it is considered to be important enough for that action. □� I am spending a lot of money and time on this boat, but it is worth it. □� This restaurant is well worth a visit. □� It is worth pausing to consider these statements from Mr Davies.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Someone's worth is the value, usefulness, or importance that they are considered to have. [FORMAL ] □� He had never had a woman of her worth as a friend.

7 PHRASE If you do something for all you are worth , you do it with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. □� We both began waving to the crowd for all we were worth. □� Push for all you're worth!

8 PHRASE If you add for what it's worth to something that you say, you are suggesting that what you are saying or referring to may not be very valuable or helpful, especially because you do not want to appear arrogant. □� I've brought my notes, for what it's worth.

9 PHRASE If an action or activity is worth someone's while , it will be helpful, useful, or enjoyable for them if they do it, even though it requires some effort. □� It might be worth your while to go to court and ask for the agreement to be changed.

10worth your weight in gold →�see weight

worth|less /wɜː r θləs/

1 ADJ Something that is worthless is of no real value or use. □� The guarantee could be worthless if the firm goes out of business. □� Training is worthless unless there is proof that it works. □� �a worthless piece of old junk.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is described as worthless is considered to have no good qualities or skills. □� You feel you really are completely worthless and unlovable.

worth|while /wɜː r θ h wa I l/ ADJ If something is worthwhile , it is enjoyable or useful, and worth the time, money, or effort that is spent on it. □� The President's trip to Washington this week seems to have been worthwhile. □� It might be worthwhile to consider your attitude to an insurance policy.

wor|thy /wɜː r �i/ (worthier , worthiest )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a person or thing is worthyof something, they deserve it because they have the qualities or abilities required. [FORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The bank might think you're worthy of a loan. □�[+�of ] The Minister says the idea is worthy of consideration.

2 ADJ A worthy person or thing is approved of by most people in society and considered to be morally respectable or correct. [FORMAL ] □� �worthy members of the community.

-worthy /-wɜː r �i/

1 COMB -worthy can be added to words to form adjectives which indicate that someone or something deserves a particular thing or action. For example, if a remark or person is quote-worthy , they are worth quoting. □� �a few newsworthy events. □� You may see yourself as useless, incompetent and blameworthy.

2 →�see also airworthy , creditworthy , newsworthy , noteworthy , praiseworthy , seaworthy , trustworthy

wotWot is sometimes used in writing to represent what , to show that someone is speaking very informally or that they are being humorous. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� 'Cor, wot brilliant prizes!'

would ◆◆◆ /wəd, STRONG wʊd/ Would is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. In spoken English, would is often abbreviated to 'd . 1 MODAL You use would when you are saying what someone believed, hoped, or expected to happen or be the case. □� No one believed he would actually kill himself. □� Would he always be like this? □� He expressed the hope that on Monday elementary schools would be reopened. □� A report yesterday that said unemployment would continue to rise.

2 MODAL You use would when saying what someone intended to do. □� The statement added that these views would be discussed by both sides. □� George decided it was such a rare car that he would only use it for a few shows.

3 MODAL You use would when you are referring to the result or effect of a possible situation. □� Ordinarily it would be fun to be taken to fabulous restaurants. □� It would be wrong to suggest that police officers were not annoyed by acts of indecency. □� It would cost very much more for the four of us to go from Italy.

4 MODAL You use would , or would have with a past participle, to indicate that you are assuming or guessing that something is true, because you have good reasons for thinking it. □� You wouldn't know him. □� His fans would already be familiar with Caroline. □� It was half seven; her mother would be annoyed because he was so late.

5 MODAL You use would in the main clause of some 'if' and 'unless' sentences to indicate something you consider to be fairly unlikely to happen. □� If only I could get some sleep, I would be able to cope. □� A policeman would not live one year if he obeyed these regulations.

6 MODAL You use would to say that someone was willing to do something. You use would not to indicate that they refused to do something. □� They said they would give the police their full cooperation. □� She indicated that she would help her boss. □� He wouldn't say where he had picked up the information.

7 MODAL You use would not to indicate that something did not happen, often in spite of a lot of effort. □� He kicked, pushed, and hurled his shoulder at the door. It wouldn't open. □� The battery got flatter and flatter, until it wouldn't turn the engine at all.

8 MODAL You use would , especially with 'like', 'love', and 'wish', when saying that someone wants to do or have a particular thing or wants a particular thing to happen. □� Right now, your mom would like a cup of coffee. □� Ideally, she would love to become pregnant again. □� He wished it would end.

9would rather →�see rather

10 MODAL You use would with 'if' clauses in questions when you are asking for permission to do something. □� Do you think it would be all right if I opened a window? □� Mr. Cutler, would you mind if I asked a question?

11 MODAL You use would , usually in questions with 'like', when you are making a polite offer or invitation. [POLITENESS ] □� Would you like a drink? □� Perhaps you would like to pay a visit to London.

12 MODAL You use would , usually in questions, when you are politely asking someone to do something. [POLITENESS ] □� Would you come in here a moment, please? □� Oh dear, there's the doorbell. See who it is, would you, darling.

13 MODAL You say that someone would do something when it is typical of them and you are critical of it. You emphasize the word would when you use it in this way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� Well, you would say that: you're a man.

14 MODAL You use would , or sometimes would have with a past participle, when you are expressing your opinion about something or seeing if people agree with you, especially when you are uncertain about what you are saying. [VAGUENESS ] □� I think you'd agree he's a very respected columnist. □� I would have thought it a proper job for the Army to fight rebellion. □� I would imagine she's quite lonely living on her own.

15 MODAL You use I would when you are giving someone advice in an informal way. □� If I were you I would simply ring your friend's bell and ask for your bike back. □� There could be more unrest, but I wouldn't exaggerate the problems.

16 MODAL You use you would in negative sentences with verbs such as 'guess' and 'know' when you want to say that something is not obvious, especially something surprising. □� Chris is so full of artistic temperament you'd never think she was the daughter of a banker.

17 MODAL You use would to talk about something which happened regularly in the past but which no longer happens. □� Sunday mornings my mother would bake. I'd stand by the fridge and help.

18 MODAL You use would have with a past participle when you are saying what was likely to have happened by a particular time. □� Within ten weeks, 34 million people would have been reached by our commercials.

19 MODAL You use would have with a past participle when you are referring to the result or effect of a possible event in the past. □� My daughter would have been 17 this week if she had lived. □� If I had known how he felt, I would never have let him adopt those children.

20 MODAL If you say that someone would have liked or preferred something, you mean that they wanted to do it or have it but were unable to. □� I would have liked a life in politics. □� She would have liked to ask questions, but he had moved on to another topic.

wou ld-be ADJ [ADJ n] You can use would-be to describe someone who wants or attempts to do a particular thing. For example, a would-be writer is someone who wants to be a writer. □� �a book that provides encouragement for would-be writers.

wouldn't /wʊ d ə nt/ Wouldn't is the usual spoken form of 'would not'. □� They wouldn't allow me to leave the room.

would've /wʊdəv/ Would've is a spoken form of 'would have', when 'have' is an auxiliary verb. □� My mum would've loved one of us to go to college.

wound

➊�VERB FORM OF 'WIND'

➋�INJURY

➊ wound /waʊ nd/ Wound is the past tense and past participle of wind 2.

➋ wound ◆◆◇ /wuː nd/ (wounds , wounding , wounded )

→�Please look at category 7 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.

1 N‑COUNT A wound is damage to part of your body, especially a cut or a hole in your flesh, which is caused by a gun, knife, or other weapon. □� The wound is healing nicely. □� Six soldiers are reported to have died from their wounds.

2 VERB If a weapon or something sharp wounds you, it damages your body. □�[V n] A bomb exploded in a hotel, killing six people and wounding another five. □�[V -ed] The two wounded men were taken to a nearby hospital. ●�N‑PLURAL The wounded are people who are wounded. □� Hospitals said they could not cope with the wounded.

3 N‑COUNT A wound is a lasting bad effect on someone's mind or feelings caused by a very upsetting experience. [LITERARY ] □� She has been so deeply hurt it may take forever for the wounds to heal.

4 VERB If you are wounded by what someone says or does, your feelings are deeply hurt. □�[be V -ed] He was deeply wounded by the treachery of close aides.

5to rub salt into the wound →�see salt

wound up /waʊ nd ʌ p/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is wound up , they are very tense and nervous or angry.

wove /woʊ v/ Wove is the past tense of weave .

wo|ven /woʊ v ə n/ Woven is a past participle of weave .

wow /waʊ / (wows , wowing , wowed )

1 EXCLAM You can say ' wow ' when you are very impressed, surprised, or pleased. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� I thought, 'Wow, what a good idea'.

2 VERB You say that someone wows people when they give an impressive performance and fill people with enthusiasm and admiration. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Ben Tankard wowed the crowd with his jazz.

WPC /dʌ b ə ljuː piː siː / (WPCs ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Britain, a WPC is a female police officer of the lowest rank. WPC is an abbreviation for 'woman police constable'.

wraith /re I θ/ (wraiths ) N‑COUNT A wraith is a ghost. [LITERARY ] □� That child flits about like a wraith.

wran|gle /r� ŋg ə l/ (wrangles , wrangling , wrangled ) VERB If you say that someone is wranglingwith someone over a question or issue, you mean that they have been arguing angrily for quite a long time about it. □�[V +�over ] The two sides have spent most of their time wrangling over procedural problems. □�[V +�with/over ] A group of MPs is still wrangling with the government over the timing of elections. [Also V ]

wran|gler /r� ŋglə r / (wranglers ) N‑COUNT A wrangler is a cowboy who works with cattle and horses. [AM ]

wrap ◆◇◇ /r� p/ (wraps , wrapping , wrapped )

1 VERB When you wrap something, you fold paper or cloth tightly round it to cover it completely, for example in order to protect it or so that you can give it to someone as a present. □�[V n] Harry had carefully bought and wrapped presents for Mark to give them. □�[V n +�in ] Mexican Indians used to wrap tough meat in leaves from the papaya tree. ●�PHRASAL VERB Wrap up means the same as wrap . □�[V P n] Diana is taking the opportunity to wrap up the family presents. [Also V n P ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Wrap is the material that something is wrapped in. □�[+�around ] I tucked some plastic wrap around the sandwiches to keep them from getting stale. □� �gift wrap.

3 VERB When you wrap something such as a piece of paper or cloth round another thing, you put it around it. □�[V n +�around/over ] She wrapped a handkerchief around her bleeding palm.

4 VERB If someone wraps their arms, fingers, or legs around something, they put them firmly around it. □�[V n +�around ] He wrapped his arms around her.

5 →�see also wrapping

6 PHRASE If you keep something under wraps , you keep it secret, often until you are ready to announce it at some time in the future. □� The bids were submitted in May and were meant to have been kept under wraps until October.

▸� wrap up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you wrap up , you put warm clothes on. □�[V P adv/adj/prep] Markus has wrapped up warmly in a woolly hat. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you wrap up something such as a job or an agreement, you complete it in a satisfactory way. □�[V P n] Defense ministers wrap up their meeting in Brussels today. □�[V n P ] Seeing Sticht was keeping him from his golf game, and he hoped they could wrap it up quickly.

3 →�see also wrap1 , wrapped up

wra pped u p ADJ If someone is wrapped upin a particular person or thing, they spend nearly all their time thinking about them, so that they forget about other things which may be important. □�[+�in ] He's too serious and dedicated, wrapped up in his career. [Also +�with ]

wrap|per /r� pə r / (wrappers ) N‑COUNT A wrapper is a piece of paper, plastic, or thin metal which covers and protects something that you buy, especially food. □� I emptied the sweet wrappers from the ashtray.

wrap|ping /r� p I ŋ/ (wrappings ) N‑VAR Wrapping is something such as paper or plastic which is used to cover and protect something. □� �food wrapping.

wra p|ping pa|per (wrapping papers ) N‑VAR Wrapping paper is special paper which is used for wrapping presents.

wrath /rɒ θ, [AM ] r� θ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Wrath means the same as anger. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] He incurred the wrath of the authorities in speaking out against government injustices.

wreak /riː k/ (wreaks , wreaking , wreaked ) The form wrought can also be used as the past participle. 1 VERB Something or someone that wreaks havoc or destruction causes a great amount of disorder or damage. [JOURNALISM , LITERARY ] □�[V n] Violent storms wreaked havoc on the French Riviera, leaving three dead and dozens injured.

2 VERB If you wreak revenge or vengeance on someone, you do something that will harm them very much to punish them for the harm they have done to you. [JOURNALISM , LITERARY ] □�[V n] He threatened to wreak vengeance on the men who toppled him a year ago.

3 →�see also wrought

wreath /riː θ/ (wreaths )

1 N‑COUNT A wreath is an arrangement of flowers and leaves, usually in the shape of a circle, which you put on a grave or by a statue to show that you remember a person who has died or people who have died. □�[+�of ] The coffin lying before the altar was bare, except for a single wreath of white roses.

2 N‑COUNT A wreath is a circle of leaves or flowers which someone wears around their head.

3 N‑COUNT A wreath is a circle of leaves which some people hang on the front door of their house at Christmas.

wreathe /riː �/ (wreathes , wreathing , wreathed )

1 VERB If something is wreathedin smoke or mist, it is surrounded by it. [LITERARY ] □�[be V -ed +�in ] The ship was wreathed in smoke. □�[V n] Fog wreathes the temples.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is wreathedwith flowers or leaves, it has a circle or chain of flowers or leaves put round it. □�[be V -ed +�with/in ] Its huge columns were wreathed with laurel and magnolia.

wreck /re k/ (wrecks , wrecking , wrecked )

1 VERB To wreck something means to completely destroy or ruin it. □�[V n] A coalition could have defeated the government and wrecked the treaty. □�[V n] His life has been wrecked by the tragedy. □�[V -ed] �missed promotions, lost jobs, wrecked marriages.

2 VERB [usu passive] If a ship is wrecked , it is damaged so much that it sinks or can no longer sail. □�[be V -ed] The ship was wrecked by an explosion. □�[V -ed] �a wrecked cargo ship.

3 N‑COUNT A wreck is something such as a ship, car, plane, or building which has been destroyed, usually in an accident. □�[+�of ] �the wreck of a sailing ship. □� The car was a total wreck. □� We thought of buying the house as a wreck, doing it up, then selling it.

4 N‑COUNT A wreck is an accident in which a moving vehicle hits something and is damaged or destroyed. [mainly AM ] □� He was killed in a car wreck. in BRIT, usually use crash5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone is a wreck , you mean that they are very exhausted or unhealthy. [INFORMAL ] □� You look a wreck.

6 →�see also nervous wreck

wreck|age /re k I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] When something such as a plane, car, or building has been destroyed, you can refer to what remains as wreckage or the wreckage . □�[+�of ] Mark was dragged from the burning wreckage of his car.

wreck|er /re kə r / (wreckers )

1 N‑COUNT A wrecker is a motor vehicle which is used to pull broken or damaged vehicles to a place where they can be repaired or broken up, for example after an accident. [mainly AM ]

2 N‑COUNT Wreckers are people whose job involves destroying old, unwanted, or damaged buildings. [mainly AM ]

wren /re n/ (wrens ) N‑COUNT A wren is a very small brown bird. There are several kinds of wren.

wrench /re ntʃ/ (wrenches , wrenching , wrenched )

1 VERB If you wrench something that is fixed in a particular position, you pull or twist it violently, in order to move or remove it. □�[V n prep] He felt two men wrench the suitcase from his hand. □�[V adj n] They wrenched open the passenger doors and jumped into her car.

2 VERB If you wrench yourself free from someone who is holding you, you get away from them by suddenly twisting the part of your body that is being held. □�[V pron-refl prep] She wrenched herself from his grasp. □�[V n adj] He wrenched his arm free. □�[V adj] She tore at one man's face as she tried to wrench free.

3 VERB If you wrench one of your joints, you twist it and injure it. □�[V n] He had wrenched his ankle badly from the force of the fall.

4 N‑SING If you say that leaving someone or something is awrench , you feel very sad about it. [BRIT ] □� I always knew it would be a wrench to leave Essex after all these years. □� Although it would be a wrench, we would all accept the challenge of moving abroad.

5 N‑COUNT A wrench or a monkey wrench is an adjustable metal tool used for tightening or loosening metal nuts of different sizes.

6 PHRASE If someone throws a wrench or throws a monkey wrench into a process, they prevent something happening smoothly by deliberately causing a problem. [AM ] □�[+�into ] They threw a giant monkey wrench into the process by raising all sorts of petty objections. [Also +�in ] in BRIT, use throw a spanner in the works

wrest /re st/ (wrests , wresting , wrested )

1 VERB If you wrest something from someone else, you take it from them, especially when this is difficult or illegal. [JOURNALISM , LITERARY ] □�[V n +�from ] For the past year he has been trying to wrest control from the central government. □�[V n with back ] The men had returned to wrest back power. [Also V n with away ]

2 VERB If you wrest something from someone who is holding it, you take it from them by pulling or twisting it violently. [LITERARY ] □�[V n +�from ] He wrested the suitcase from the chauffeur. □�[V n with away ] He was attacked by a security man who tried to wrest away a gas cartridge.

wres|tle /re s ə l/ (wrestles , wrestling , wrestled )

1 VERB When you wrestlewith a difficult problem, you try to deal with it. □�[V +�with ] Delegates wrestled with the problems of violence and sanctions.

2 VERB If you wrestle with someone, you fight them by forcing them into painful positions or throwing them to the ground, rather than by hitting them. Some people wrestle as a sport. □�[V ] They taught me to wrestle. [Also V n]

3 VERB If you wrestle a person or thing somewhere, you move them there using a lot of force, for example by twisting a part of someone's body into a painful position. □�[V n prep] We had to physically wrestle the child from the man's arms.

4 →�see also wrestling

wres|tler /re slə r / (wrestlers ) N‑COUNT A wrestler is someone who wrestles as a sport, usually for money.

wres|tling /re sl I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Wrestling is a sport in which two people wrestle and try to throw each other to the ground. □� �a championship wrestling match.

wretch /re tʃ/ (wretches )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone as a wretch when you feel sorry for them because they are unhappy or unfortunate. [LITERARY ] □� Before the poor wretch had time to speak, he was shot.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone as a wretch when you think that they are wicked or if they have done something you are angry about. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Oh, what have you done, you wretch!

wretch|ed /re tʃ I d/

1 ADJ You describe someone as wretched when you feel sorry for them because they are in an unpleasant situation or have suffered unpleasant experiences. [FORMAL ] □� These wretched people had seen their homes going up in flames.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use wretched to describe someone or something that you dislike or feel angry with. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □� Of course this wretched woman was unforgivably irresponsible.

3 ADJ Someone who feels wretched feels very unhappy. [FORMAL ] □� I feel really confused and wretched.

wrig|gle /r I g ə l/ (wriggles , wriggling , wriggled )

1 VERB If you wriggle or wriggle part of your body, you twist and turn with quick movements, for example because you are uncomfortable. □�[V ] The babies are wriggling on their tummies. □�[V n] She pulled off her shoes and stockings and wriggled her toes.

2 VERB If you wriggle somewhere, for example through a small gap, you move there by twisting and turning your body. □�[V adv/prep] He clutched the child tightly as she again tried to wriggle free. □�[V adv/prep] Bauman wriggled into the damp coverall.

▸� wriggle out of PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone has wriggled out of doing something, you disapprove of the fact that they have managed to avoid doing it, although they should have done it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □�[V P P n] The Government has tried to wriggle out of any responsibility for providing childcare for working parents. [Also V P P v-ing]

wring /r I ŋ/ (wrings , wringing , wrung )

1 VERB If you wring something out of someone, you manage to make them give it to you even though they do not want to. □�[V n +�out of/from ] Buyers use different ruses to wring free credit out of their suppliers.

2 PHRASE If someone wrings their hands , they hold them together and twist and turn them, usually because they are very worried or upset about something. You can also say that someone is wringing their hands when they are expressing sorrow that a situation is so bad but are saying that they are unable to change it. □� The Government has got to get a grip. Wringing its hands and saying it is a world problem just isn't good enough.

▸� wring out PHRASAL VERB When you wring out a wet cloth or a wet piece of clothing, you squeeze the water out of it by twisting it strongly. □�[V P n] He turned away to wring out the wet shirt. □�[V n P ] Soak a small towel in the liquid, wring it out, then apply to the abdomen.

wring|er /r I ŋə r / PHRASE If you say that someone has been put through the wringer or has gone through the wringer , you mean that they have suffered a very difficult or unpleasant experience. [INFORMAL ]

wrin|kle /r I ŋk ə l/ (wrinkles , wrinkling , wrinkled )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Wrinkles are lines which form on someone's face as they grow old. □� His face was covered with wrinkles.

2 VERB When someone's skin wrinkles or when something wrinkles it, lines start to form in it because the skin is getting old or damaged. □�[V ] The skin on her cheeks and around her eyes was beginning to wrinkle. □�[V n] �protection against the sun's rays that age and wrinkle the skin. ●� wrin|kled ADJ □� I did indeed look older and more wrinkled than ever.

3 N‑COUNT A wrinkle is a raised fold in a piece of cloth or paper that spoils its appearance. □�[+�in ] He noticed a wrinkle in her stocking.

4 VERB If cloth wrinkles , or if someone or something wrinkles it, it gets folds or lines in it. □�[V ] Her stockings wrinkled at the ankles. □�[V n] I wrinkled the velvet. ●� wrin|kled ADJ □� His suit was wrinkled and he looked very tired.

5 VERB When you wrinkle your nose or forehead, or when it wrinkles , you tighten the muscles in your face so that the skin folds. □�[V n] Frannie wrinkled her nose at her daughter. □�[V ] Ellen's face wrinkles as if she is about to sneeze.

wrin|kly /r I ŋkli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A wrinkly surface has a lot of wrinkles on it. □� �wrinkly cotton and wool stockings.

wrist /r I st/ (wrists ) N‑COUNT Your wrist is the part of your body between your hand and your arm which bends when you move your hand.

wrist|watch /r I stwɒtʃ/ (wristwatches ) N‑COUNT A wristwatch is a watch with a strap which you wear round your wrist.

writ /r I t/ (writs ) N‑COUNT A writ is a legal document that orders a person to do a particular thing. □�[+�against ] He issued a writ against one of his accusers. [Also +�for ]

write ◆◆◆ /ra I t/ (writes , writing , wrote , written )

1 VERB When you write something on a surface, you use something such as a pen or pencil to produce words, letters, or numbers on the surface. □�[V n adv/prep] If you'd like one, simply write your name and address on a postcard and send it to us. □�[V ] They were still trying to teach her to read and write. □�[V n] He wrote the word 'pride' in huge letters on the blackboard.

2 VERB If you write something such as a book, a poem, or a piece of music, you create it and record it on paper or perhaps on a computer. □�[V n] I had written quite a lot of orchestral music in my student days. □�[V n] Finding a volunteer to write the computer program isn't a problem. □�[V n +�for ] Thereafter she wrote articles for papers and magazines in Paris. □�[V n n] Jung Lu wrote me a poem once.

3 VERB Someone who writes creates books, stories, or articles, usually for publication. □�[V ] Jay wanted to write. □�[V +�for ] She writes for many papers, including the Sunday Times.

4 VERB When you writeto someone or write them an email or a letter, you give them information, ask them something, or express your feelings in an email or letter. In American English, you can also write someone. □�[V +�to ] Many people have written to me on this subject. □�[V n n] She had written him a note a couple of weeks earlier. □�[V n +�to ] I wrote a letter to the car rental agency, explaining what had happened. □�[V ] Why didn't you write, call, anything? □�[V n] He had written her in Italy but received no reply.

5nothing to write home about →�see home ➊

6 VERB When someone writes something such as a receipt or a prescription, they put the necessary information on it and usually sign it. □�[V n] Snape wrote a receipt with a gold fountain pen. □�[V n n] He wrote me a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication. [Also V n +�for ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Write out means the same as write . □�[V P n] We went straight to the estate agent and wrote out a cheque. □�[V n P n] Get my assistant to write you out a receipt before you leave. [Also V n P ]

7 VERB If you writeto a computer or a disk, you record data on it. [COMPUTING ] □�[V +�to/onto ] You should write-protect all disks that you do not usually need to write to. [Also V , V n +�to/onto ]

8 →�see also writing , written

▸� write back PHRASAL VERB If you write back to someone who has sent you a letter, you write them a letter in reply. □�[V P ] Macmillan wrote back saying that he could certainly help. □�[V P +�to ] I wrote back to Meudon at once to fix up a meeting.

▸� write down PHRASAL VERB When you write something down , you record it on a piece of paper using a pen or pencil. □�[V P n] On the morning before starting the fast, write down your starting weight. □�[V n P ] Only by writing things down could I bring some sort of order to the confusion.

▸� write in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you write in to an organization, you send them a letter. □�[V P ] What's the point in writing in when you only print half the letter anyway? □�[V P +�to ] So there's another thing that you might like to write in to this programme about.

2 PHRASAL VERB In the United States, if someone who is voting in an election writes in a person whose name is not on the list of candidates, they write that person's name on the voting paper and vote for him or her. □�[V P n] I think I'll write in Pat Wilson. □�[V n P ] I'm going to write him in on my ballot next year.

3 →�see also write-in

▸� write into PHRASAL VERB If a rule or detail is written into a contract, law, or agreement, it is included in it when the contract, law, or agreement is made. □�[be V -ed P n] They insisted that a guaranteed supply of Chinese food was written into their contracts. □�[V n P n] I didn't write that into the rules but I don't think it's a bad idea.

▸� write off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you write off to a company or organization, you send them a letter, usually asking for something. □�[V P +�to ] He wrote off to the New Zealand Government for these pamphlets about life in New Zealand. [Also V P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone writes off a debt or an amount of money that has been spent on a project, they accept that they are never going to get the money back. [BUSINESS ] □�[V P n] The committee decided to write off this debt. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB If you write someone or something off , you decide that they are unimportant or useless and that they are not worth further serious attention. □�[V n P ] He is fed up with people writing him off because of his age. □�[V n P +�as ] His critics write him off as too cautious to succeed. □�[V P n +�as ] These people are difficult to write off as malingering employees.

4 PHRASAL VERB If someone writes off a vehicle, they have a crash in it and it is so badly damaged that it is not worth repairing. [BRIT ] □�[V P n] John's written off four cars. Now he sticks to public transport. □�[V n P ] One of Pete's friends wrote his car off there.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you write off a plan or project, you accept that it is not going to be successful and do not continue with it. □�[V P n] We decided to write off the rest of the day and go shopping. □�[V n P ] The prices were much higher. So we decided to write that off.

6 →�see also write-off

▸� write out

1 PHRASAL VERB When you write out something fairly long such as a report or a list, you write it on paper. □�[V P n] We had to write out a list of ten jobs we'd like to do. □�[V n P ] The application form is important. Sit down and write it out properly.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a character in a drama series is written out , he or she is taken out of the series. □�[be V -ed P +�of ] After twice being arrested for drugs offences, he was written out of the show. [Also V n P ]

3 →�see write7

▸� write up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you write up something that has been done or said, you record it on paper in a neat and complete form, usually using notes that you have made. □�[V P n] He wrote up his visit in a report of over 600 pages. □�[V n P ] Mr Sadler conducted interviews, and his girlfriend wrote them up.

2 →�see also write-up

wri te-in (write-ins ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] In the US, a write-in is a vote that you make by writing the candidate's name on the ballot paper. □� When Republican write-ins were included, Johnson's margin of victory was only 330 votes.

wri te-off (write-offs )

1 N‑COUNT Something such as a vehicle that is a write-off has been so badly damaged in an accident that it is not worth repairing. [BRIT ] □� The car was a write-off, but everyone escaped unharmed.

2 N‑COUNT A write-off is the decision by a company or government to accept that they will never recover a debt or an amount of money that has been spent on something. □�[+�of ] Mr James persuaded the banks to accept a large write-off of debt.

3 N‑SING If you describe a plan or period of time as a write-off , you mean that it has been a failure and you have achieved nothing. [INFORMAL ] □�[+�for ] Today was really a bit of a write-off for me.

writ|er ◆◆◇ /ra I tə r / (writers )

1 N‑COUNT A writer is a person who writes books, stories, or articles as a job. □� Turner is a writer and critic. □� �detective stories by American writers. □� �novelist and travel writer Paul Theroux.

2 N‑COUNT The writer of a particular article, report, letter, or story is the person who wrote it. □�[+�of ] No-one is to see the document without the permission of the writer of the report. SYNONYMS writer NOUN 1

author:�Jill Phillips, author of the book 'Give Your Child Music'.

novelist:�a romantic novelist.

columnist:�the gossip columnists' favourite target.

hack:�tabloid hacks, always eager to find victims in order to sell newspapers. COLLOCATIONS writer NOUN 1

noun +�writer : comedy, crime, food, travel; woman

adjective +�writer : aspiring, prolific; freelance

wri te-up (write-ups ) N‑COUNT A write-up is an article in a newspaper or magazine, in which someone gives their opinion of something such as a film, restaurant, or new product. □� The show received a good write-up. □�[+�of ] The guide book contains a short write-up of each hotel.

writhe /ra I �/ (writhes , writhing , writhed ) VERB If you writhe , your body twists and turns violently backwards and forwards, usually because you are in great pain or discomfort. □�[V ] He was writhing in agony. □�[V adv/prep] The shark was writhing around wildly, trying to get free.

writ|ing ◆◆◇ /ra I t I ŋ/ (writings )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Writing is something that has been written or printed. □�[+�on ] 'It's from a notebook,' the sheriff said, 'And there's writing on it.' □� If you have a complaint about your holiday, please inform us in writing.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to any piece of written work as writing , especially when you are considering the style of language used in it. □� The writing is brutally tough and savagely humorous. □� It was such a brilliant piece of writing.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Writing is the activity of writing, especially of writing books for money. □� She had begun to be a little bored with novel writing. □� �activities to help prepare children for writing.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Your writing is the way that you write with a pen or pencil, which can usually be recognized as belonging to you. □� It was a little difficult to read your writing. □� I think it's due to being left handed that he's got terrible writing.

5 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] An author's writings are all the things that he or she has written, especially on a particular subject. □� Althusser's writings are focused mainly on France. □�[+�of ] The pieces he is reading are adapted from the writings of Michael Frayn.

6 PHRASE If you say that the writing is on the wall , you mean that there are clear signs that a situation is going to become very difficult or unpleasant. □� After two defeats, the writing is on the wall for the manager.

wri t|ing desk (writing desks ) N‑COUNT A writing desk is a piece of furniture with drawers, an area for keeping writing materials, and a surface on which you can rest your paper while writing.

wri t|ing pa|per (writing papers ) N‑VAR Writing paper is paper for writing letters on. It is usually of good, smooth quality.

writ|ten ◆◇◇ /r I t ə n/

1Written is the past participle of write .

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A written test or piece of work is one which involves writing rather than doing something practical or giving spoken answers. □� Learners may have to take a written exam before they pass their driving test.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A written agreement, rule, or law has been officially written down. □� The newspaper broke a written agreement not to sell certain photographs.

4to be written all over someone's face →�see face ➊

wri t|ten wo rd N‑SING You use the written word to refer to language expressed in writing, especially when contrasted with speech or with other forms of expression such as painting or film. □� Even in the 18th century, scholars continued to give primacy to the written word.

wrong ◆◆◇ /rɒ ŋ, [AM ] rɔː ŋ/ (wrongs , wronging , wronged )

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say there is something wrong , you mean there is something unsatisfactory about the situation, person, or thing you are talking about. □� Pain is the body's way of telling us that something is wrong. □� Nobody seemed to notice anything wrong. □�[+�with ] What's wrong with him?

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you choose the wrong thing, person, or method, you make a mistake and do not choose the one that you really want. □� He went to the wrong house. □� The wrong man had been punished. □� Could you have given them the wrong information by mistake? □� There is no right or wrong way to do these exercises. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Wrong is also an adverb. □� You've done it wrong. □� I must have dialled wrong.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If something such as a decision, choice, or action is thewrong one, it is not the best or most suitable one. □� I really made the wrong decision there. □� The wrong choice of club might limit your chances of success. □� We got married when I was 30 for all the wrong reasons.

4 ADJ If something is wrong , it is incorrect and not in accordance with the facts. □� How do you know that this explanation is wrong? □� 20 per cent of the calculations are wrong. □� �a clock which showed the wrong time. □� Lots of people got the questions wrong. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Wrong is also an adverb. □� I must have added it up wrong, then. □� It looks like it's spelled wrong. □� I can see exactly where he went wrong. ●� wrong|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� A child was wrongly diagnosed as having a bone tumour. □� Civilians assume, wrongly, that everything in the military runs smoothly.

5 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is wrong or goes wrongwith a machine or piece of equipment, it stops working properly. □�[+�with ] We think there's something wrong with the computer. □�[+�with ] Something must have gone wrong with the satellite link.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are wrong about something, what you say or think about it is not correct. □�[+�about ] I was wrong about it being a casual meeting. □� It would be wrong to suggest that we are emotionally weaker than our forefathers. □� I'm sure you've got it wrong. Kate isn't like that. □� It's been very nice to prove them wrong. [Also +�in ]

7 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] If you think that someone was wrongto do something, you think that they should not have done it because it was bad or immoral. □� She was wrong to leave her child alone. □� We don't consider we did anything wrong. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Wrong is also a noun. □� �a man who believes that he has done no wrong.

8 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Wrong is used to refer to activities or actions that are considered to be morally bad and unacceptable. □� Is it wrong to try to save the life of someone you love? □� They thought slavery was morally wrong. □� The only thing I consider wrong is when you hurt someone. □�[+�with ] There is nothing wrong with journalists commenting on the attractiveness of artists. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Wrong is also a noun. □� Johnson didn't seem to be able to tell the difference between right and wrong.

9 N‑COUNT A wrong is an unfair or immoral action. □� I intend to right that wrong. □�[+�of ] The insurance company should not be held liable for the wrongs of one of its agents.

10 VERB If someone wrongs you, they treat you in an unfair way. □�[V n] You have wronged my mother. □�[V n] She felt she'd been wronged. □�[V ] Those who have wronged must be ready to say: 'We have hurt you by this injustice.'

11 ADJ [ADJ n] You use wrong to describe something which is not thought to be socially acceptable or desirable. □� If you went to the wrong school, you won't get the job.

12 PHRASE If a situation goes wrong , it stops progressing in the way that you expected or intended, and becomes much worse. □� It all went horribly wrong.

13 PHRASE If someone who is involved in an argument or dispute has behaved in a way which is morally or legally wrong, you can say that they are in the wrong . □� He didn't press charges because he was in the wrong.

14not far wrong →�see far

15to get off on the wrong foot →�see foot

16to get hold of the wrong end of the stick →�see stick ➊

17to be barking up the wrong tree →�see tree

wrong|doer /rɒ ŋduːə r , [AM ] rɔː ŋ-/ (wrongdoers ) N‑COUNT A wrongdoer is a person who does things that are immoral or illegal. [JOURNALISM ]

wrong|doing /rɒ ŋduː I ŋ, [AM ] rɔː ŋ-/ (wrongdoings ) N‑VAR Wrongdoing is behaviour that is illegal or immoral. □� The city attorney's office hasn't found any evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

wro ng-foo t (wrong-foots , wrong-footing , wrong-footed ) also wrong foot VERB If you wrong-foot someone, you surprise them by putting them into an unexpected or difficult situation. [mainly BRIT ] □�[V n] He has surprised his supporters and wrong-footed his opponents with his latest announcement.

wrong|ful /rɒ ŋfʊl, [AM ] rɔː ŋ-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A wrongful act is one that is illegal, immoral, or unjust. □� He is on hunger strike in protest at what he claims is his wrongful conviction for murder. □� One of her employees sued her for wrongful dismissal. ●� wrong|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □� People are being wrongfully imprisoned.

wro ng-hea ded ADJ If you describe someone as wrong-headed , you mean that although they act in a determined way, their actions and ideas are based on wrong judgments.

wrote /roʊ t/ Wrote is the past tense of write .

wrought /rɔː t/

1 VERB [only past] If something has wrought a change, it has made it happen. [JOURNALISM , LITERARY ] □�[V n] Events in Paris wrought a change in British opinion towards France and Germany.

2 →�see also wreak

wrou ght i ron also wrought-iron N‑UNCOUNT Wrought iron is a type of iron that is easily formed into shapes and is used especially for making gates, fences, and furniture.

wrung /rʌ ŋ/ Wrung is the past tense of wring .

wry /ra I /

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a wry expression, it shows that they find a bad situation or a change in a situation slightly amusing. □� Matthew allowed himself a wry smile.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A wry remark or piece of writing refers to a bad situation or a change in a situation in an amusing way. □� There is a wry sense of humour in his work.

wt also wt.Wt is a written abbreviation for weight .

WTO /dʌ b ə ljuː tiː oʊ / N‑PROPER WTO is an abbreviation for World Trade Organization . □� The world desperately needs an effective WTO.

wuss /wʊ s/ (wusses ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a wuss , you are criticizing them for being afraid. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

WWW /dʌ bljuː dʌbljuː dʌ bljuː/ WWW is an abbreviation for 'World Wide Web'. It appears at the beginning of website addresses in the form www . [COMPUTING ] □� Check out our website at www.collinsdictionary.com.

WYSIWYG /w I ziw I g/ WYSIWYG is used to refer to a computer screen display which exactly matches the way that a document will appear when it is printed. WYSIWYG is an abbreviation for 'what you see is what you get'. [COMPUTING ] □� �the first WYSIWYG application for creating documents on the Web.

Xx

X , x /e ks/ (X's, x's )

1 N‑VAR X is the twenty-fourth letter of the English alphabet.

2 When writing down the size of something, you can use x in between the measurements to mean 'by'. □� The conservatory measures approximately 13ft x 16ft.

X chro|mo|some (X chromosomes ) N‑COUNT An X chromosome is one of an identical pair of chromosomes found in a woman's cells, or one of a non-identical pair found in a man's cells. X chromosomes are associated with female characteristics. Compare Y chromosome .

xeno|pho|bia /ze nəfoʊ biə/ N‑UNCOUNT Xenophobia is strong and unreasonable dislike or fear of people from other countries. [FORMAL ] WORD HISTORY xenophobia

Xenophobia comes from the Greek words xenos , meaning 'stranger', and phobos , meaning 'fear'.

xeno|pho|bic /ze nəfoʊ b I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as xenophobic , you disapprove of them because they show strong dislike or fear of people from other countries. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Xenophobic nationalism is on the rise. □� Stalin was obsessively xenophobic.

Xer|ox /z I ə rɒks/ (Xeroxes , Xeroxing , Xeroxed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A Xerox is a machine that can make copies of pieces of paper which have writing or other marks on them. [TRADEMARK ] □� The rooms are crammed with humming Xerox machines.

2 N‑COUNT A Xerox is a copy of something written or printed on a piece of paper, which has been made using a Xerox machine.

3 VERB If you Xerox a document, you make a copy of it using a Xerox machine. □�[V n] I should have simply Xeroxed this sheet for you.

XmasXmas is used in informal written English to represent the word Christmas. □� Merry Xmas!

X -ray (X-rays , X-raying , X-rayed ) also x-ray

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] X-rays are a type of radiation that can pass through most solid materials. X-rays are used by doctors to examine the bones or organs inside your body and are also used at airports to see inside people's luggage.

2 N‑COUNT An X-ray is a picture made by sending X-rays through something, usually someone's body. □� She was advised to have an abdominal X-ray.

3 VERB If someone or something is X-rayed , an X-ray picture is taken of them. □�[be V -ed] All hand baggage would be x-rayed. □�[V n] They took my pulse, took my blood pressure, and X-rayed my jaw.

xy|lo|phone /za I ləfoʊn/ (xylophones ) N‑COUNT A xylophone is a musical instrument which consists of a row of wooden bars of different lengths. You play the xylophone by hitting the bars with special hammers.

Yy

Y , y /wa I / (Y's, y's )

1 N‑VAR Y is the twenty-fifth letter of the English alphabet.

2 N‑SING A YMCA or YWCA hostel is sometimes referred to as the Y . [AM , INFORMAL ] □� I took him to the Y.

SUFFIX -y

1 forms adjectives that mean that something is like something else. For example, if something looks silky , it looks like silk, although it is not actually silk.

2 also forms adjectives that indicate that something is full of something else or covered in it. For example, if something is dirty , it is covered with dirt.

yacht ◆◇◇ /jɒ t/ (yachts ) N‑COUNT A yacht is a large boat with sails or a motor, used for racing or pleasure trips. □� �a round-the-world yacht race.

yacht|ing /jɒ t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Yachting is the sport or activity of sailing a yacht. □� �the yachting regatta.

yachts|man /jɒ tsmən/ (yachtsmen ) N‑COUNT A yachtsman is a man who sails a yacht.

yachts|woman /jɒ tswʊmən/ (yachtswomen ) N‑COUNT A yachtswoman is a woman who sails a yacht.

ya|hoo (yahoos ) Pronounced /jɑːhuː / for meaning 1 , and /jɑː huː/ for meaning 2 . 1 EXCLAM People sometimes shout ' yahoo! ' when they are very happy or excited about something.

2 N‑COUNT Some people refer to young rich people as yahoos when they disapprove of them because they behave in a noisy, extravagant, and unpleasant way. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

yak /j� k/ (yaks or yak ) N‑COUNT A yak is a type of cattle that has long hair and long horns. Yaks live mainly in the Himalayan mountains.

yam /j� m/ (yams )

1 N‑VAR A yam is a root vegetable which is like a potato, and grows in tropical regions.

2 N‑VAR Yams are the same as sweet potatoes . [AM ]

yank /j� ŋk/ (yanks , yanking , yanked ) VERB If you yank someone or something somewhere, you pull them there suddenly and with a lot of force. □�[V n with adj] She yanked open the drawer. □�[V n] A quick-thinking ticket inspector yanked an emergency cord. [Also V +�at ] ●�N‑COUNT Yank is also a noun. □� Grabbing his ponytail, Shirley gave it a yank.

Yank (Yanks ) N‑COUNT Some people refer to people from the United States of America as Yanks . This use could cause offence. [INFORMAL ]

Yan|kee /j� ŋki/ (Yankees )

1 N‑COUNT A Yankee is a person from a northern or north-eastern state of the United States. [mainly AM ]

2 N‑COUNT Some speakers of British English refer to anyone from the United States as a Yankee . This use could cause offence. [INFORMAL ]

yap /j� p/ (yaps , yapping , yapped ) VERB If a small dog yaps , it makes short loud sounds in an excited way. □�[V ] The little dog yapped frantically.

yard ◆◆◇ /jɑː r d/ (yards )

1 N‑COUNT [num N ] A yard is a unit of length equal to thirty-six inches or approximately 91.4 centimetres. □�[+�from ] The incident took place about 500 yards from where he was standing. □� �a long narrow strip of linen two or three yards long. □�[+�of ] �a yard of silk.

2 N‑COUNT A yard is a flat area of concrete or stone that is next to a building and often has a wall around it. □� I saw him standing in the yard.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a large open area where a particular type of work is done as a yard . □� �a railway yard. □� �a ship repair yard.

4 N‑COUNT A yard is a piece of land next to someone's house, with grass and plants growing in it. [AM ] □� He dug a hole in our yard on Edgerton Avenue to plant a maple tree when I was born. in BRIT, use garden

Yar|die /jɑː r di/ (Yardies ) N‑COUNT A Yardie is a member of a secret criminal organization, based in Jamaica, which is especially associated with drug dealing. [BRIT ]

ya rd sale (yard sales ) N‑COUNT A yard sale is a sale where people sell things they no longer want from a table outside their house. [AM ]

yard|stick /jɑː r dst I k/ (yardsticks ) N‑COUNT If you use someone or something as a yardstick , you use them as a standard for comparison when you are judging other people or things. □� There has been no yardstick by which potential students can assess schools.

yarn /jɑː r n/ (yarns )

1 N‑VAR Yarn is thread used for knitting or making cloth. □� She still spins the yarn and knits sweaters for her family. □� �vegetable-dyed yarns.

2 N‑COUNT A yarn is a story that someone tells, often a true story with invented details which make it more interesting. □� Doug has a yarn or two to tell me about his trips into the bush.

yaw /jɔː / (yaws , yawing , yawed ) VERB If an aircraft or a ship yaws , it turns to one side so that it changes the direction in which it is moving. [TECHNICAL ] □�[V ] As the plane climbed to 370 feet, it started yawing. □�[V prep/adv] He spun the steering-wheel so that we yawed from side to side.

yawn /jɔː n/ (yawns , yawning , yawned )

1 VERB If you yawn , you open your mouth very wide and breathe in more air than usual, often when you are tired or when you are not interested in something. □�[V ] She yawned, and stretched lazily. ●�N‑COUNT Yawn is also a noun. □� Rosanna stifled a huge yawn.

2 N‑SING If you describe something such as a book or a film as a yawn , you think it is very boring. [INFORMAL ] □� The debate was a mockery. A big yawn. □� The concert was a predictable yawn.

3 VERB A gap or an opening that yawns is large and wide, and often frightening. [LITERARY ] □�[V ] The gulf between them yawned wider than ever.

Y chro|mo|some (Y chromosomes ) N‑COUNT A Y chromosome is the chromosome in a man's cells which will produce a male baby if it joins with a female's X chromosome. Y chromosomes are associated with male characteristics. Compare X chromosome .

yd (yds ) also yd.yd is a written abbreviation for yard . □� The entrance is on the left 200 yds further on up the road.

ye /jiː/

1 PRON Ye is an old-fashioned, poetic, or religious word for you when you are talking to more than one person. □� Abandon hope all ye who enter here.

2 DET Ye is sometimes used in imitation of an old written form of the word 'the'. □� �Ye Olde Tea Shoppe.

yea /je I /

1 CONVENTION Yea is an old-fashioned, poetic, or religious word for 'yes'.

2 CONVENTION Yea is sometimes used to mean 'yes' when people are talking about voting for or agreeing to do something. □� The House of Commons can merely say yea or nay to the executive judgment.

yeah ◆◆◆ /jeə /

1 CONVENTION Yeah means yes. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� 'Bring us something to drink.'�'Yeah, yeah.'

2 →�see also yes

year ◆◆◆ /j I ə r / (years )

1 N‑COUNT A year is a period of twelve months or 365 or 366 days, beginning on the first of January and ending on the thirty-first of December. □� The year was 1840. □� We had an election last year. □� �the number of people on the planet by the year 2050.

2 →�see also leap year

3 N‑COUNT A year is any period of twelve months. □� The museums attract more than two and a half million visitors a year. □� She's done quite a bit of work this past year. □� The school has been empty for ten years.

4 N‑COUNT Year is used to refer to the age of a person. For example, if someone or something is twenty years old or twenty years of age, they have lived or existed for twenty years. □� He's 58 years old. □�[+�of ] I've been in trouble since I was eleven years of age. □� This column is ten years old today.

5 N‑COUNT A school year or academic year is the period of time in each twelve months when schools or universities are open and students are studying there. In Britain and the United States, the school year starts in September. □� �the 1990/91 academic year. □�[+�at ] The twins didn't have to repeat their second year at school.

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone who is, for example, in their first year at school or university as a first year . [BRIT ] □� The first years and second years got a choice of French, German and Spanish.

7 N‑COUNT A financial or business year is an exact period of twelve months which businesses or institutions use as a basis for organizing their finances. [BUSINESS ] □� He announced big tax increases for the next two financial years. □� The company admits it will make a loss for the year ending September.

8 N‑PLURAL You can use years to emphasize that you are referring to a long time. [EMPHASIS ] □� I haven't laughed so much in years. □� It took me years to fully recover.

9 →�see also calendar year , fiscal year

10 PHRASE If something happens year after year , it happens regularly every year. □� Regulars return year after year.

11 PHRASE If something changes year by year , it changes gradually each year. □� This problem has increased year by year. □� The department has been shrinking year by year because of budget cuts.

12 PHRASE If you say something happens all year round or all the year round , it happens continually throughout the year. □� Town gardens are ideal because they produce flowers nearly all year round. □� Drinking and driving is a problem all the year round.

13donkey's years →�see donkey USAGE year

When you use year to talk about age, you must use old after it. Don�t say, for example, � She is now seventy-four years �. Say �She is now seventy-four years old �.

year|book /j I ə r bʊk/ (yearbooks ) N‑COUNT A yearbook is a book that is published once a year and that contains information about the events and achievements of the previous year, usually concerning a particular place or organization. □�[+�for ] �an American college yearbook for 1955.

yea r-lo ng ADJ [ADJ n] Year-long is used to describe something that lasts for a year. □� The miners ended their year-long strike in March 1985.

year|ly /j I ə r li/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A yearly event happens once a year or every year. □� The seven major industrial countries will have their yearly meeting in London. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Yearly is also an adverb. □� Clients normally pay fees in advance, monthly, quarterly, or yearly.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use yearly to describe something such as an amount that relates to a period of one year. □� In Holland, the government sets a yearly budget for health care. ●�ADV [ADV after v] Yearly is also an adverb. □� The school paid $1,300 yearly for the use of our facilities.

yearn /jɜː r n/ (yearns , yearning , yearned ) VERB If someone yearnsfor something that they are unlikely to get, they want it very much. □�[V +�for ] He yearned for freedom. □�[V to-inf] I yearned to be a movie actor.

yearn|ing /jɜː r n I ŋ/ (yearnings ) N‑VAR [N to-inf] A yearningfor something is a very strong desire for it. □�[+�for ] He spoke of his yearning for another child. □� He always had a yearning to be a schoolteacher.

-year-old /-j I ər-oʊld/ (-year-olds ) COMB [ADJ n] -year-old combines with numbers to describe the age of people or things. □� She has a six-year-old daughter. □� �their 200-year-old farmhouse in Ohio. ●�COMB -year-old also combines to form nouns. □� Snow Puppies is a ski school for 3 to 6-year-olds.

yea r-rou nd ADJ [ADJ n] Year-round is used to describe something that happens, exists, or is done throughout the year. □� Cuba has a tropical climate with year-round sunshine. ●�ADV Year-round is also an adverb. □� They work 7 days a week year-round.

yeast /jiː st/ (yeasts ) N‑VAR Yeast is a kind of fungus which is used to make bread rise, and in making alcoholic drinks such as beer.

yea st e x|tract (yeast extracts ) N‑VAR Yeast extract is a brown sticky food that is obtained from yeast. It can be used in cooking or spread on bread.

yeasty /jiː sti/ ADJ Something that is yeasty tastes or smells strongly of yeast.

yell /je l/ (yells , yelling , yelled )

1 VERB If you yell , you shout loudly, usually because you are excited, angry, or in pain. □�[V with quote] 'Eva!' he yelled. □�[V +�at ] I'm sorry I yelled at you last night. □�[V n] Christian pushed him away, yelling abuse. ●�PHRASAL VERB Yell out means the same as yell . □�[V P ] 'Are you coming or not?' they yelled out after him.

2 N‑COUNT A yell is a loud shout given by someone who is afraid or in pain. □� Something brushed past Bob's face and he let out a yell.

▸� yell out →�see yell1

yel|low ◆◆◆ /je loʊ/ (yellows , yellowing , yellowed )

1 COLOUR Something that is yellow is the colour of lemons, butter, or the middle part of an egg. □� The walls have been painted bright yellow.

2 VERB If something yellows , it becomes yellow in colour, often because it is old. □�[V ] The flesh of his cheeks seemed to have yellowed. □�[V -ing] She sat scanning the yellowing pages.

ye l|low ^card (yellow cards ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In football or rugby, if a player is shown the yellow card , the referee holds up a yellow card to indicate that the player has broken the rules, and that if they do so again, they will be ordered to leave the pitch.

ye l|low fe |ver N‑UNCOUNT Yellow fever is a serious infectious disease that people can catch in tropical countries.

yel|low|ish /je loʊ I ʃ/ ADJ Something that is yellowish is slightly yellow in colour. □� �a small yellowish cauliflower.

ye l|low li ne (yellow lines ) N‑COUNT A yellow line is a narrow yellow line painted at the edge of a road to warn drivers that parking is not allowed there, or is only allowed at certain times.

Ye l|low Pa ges N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Yellow Pages is a book that contains advertisements and telephone numbers for businesses and organizations in a particular area, grouped according to the type of business they do. Compare White Pages . [TRADEMARK ]

yel|lowy /je loʊi/ ADJ Something that is yellowy is slightly yellow in colour. ●�ADJ Yellowy is also a combining form. □� �black ink, fading now to a yellowy brown.

yelp /je lp/ (yelps , yelping , yelped ) VERB If a person or dog yelps , they give a sudden short cry, often because of fear or pain. □�[V ] Her dog yelped and came to heel. ●�N‑COUNT Yelp is also a noun. □�[+�of ] I had to bite back a yelp of surprise.

Yem|eni /je m I ni/ (Yemenis )

1 ADJ Yemeni means belonging or relating to the Yemen, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Yemeni is a Yemeni citizen, or a person of Yemeni origin.

yen /je n/ (yen )

1 N‑COUNT The yen is the unit of currency that is used in Japan. □� She's got a part-time job for which she earns 2,000 yen a month. ●�N‑SING The yen is also used to refer to the Japanese currency system. □� �sterling's devaluation against the dollar and the yen.

2 N‑SING [N to-inf] If you have a yento do something, you have a strong desire to do it. □�[+�for ] Mike had a yen to try cycling.

yeo|man /joʊ mən/ (yeomen ) N‑COUNT In former times, a yeoman was a man who was free and not a servant, and who owned and worked on his own land.

yep /je p/ CONVENTION Yep means yes. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� 'Did you like it?'�'Yep.'

yer /jɜː r /

1Yer is used in written English to represent the word 'your' when it is pronounced informally. [BRIT ] □� Mister, can we 'elp to carry yer stuff in?

2Yer is used in written English to represent the word 'you' when it is pronounced informally. [BRIT ] □� I bloody told yer it would sell.

yes ◆◆◆ /je s/ In informal English, yes is often pronounced in a casual way that is usually written as yeah . 1 CONVENTION You use yes to give a positive response to a question. □� 'Are you a friend of Nick's?'�'Yes.' □� 'You actually wrote it down, didn't you?'�'Yes.' □� Will she say yes when I ask her out?

2 CONVENTION You use yes to accept an offer or request, or to give permission. □� 'More coffee?'�'Yes please.' □� 'Will you take me there?'�'Yes, I will.' □� 'Can I ask you something?'�'Yes, of course.'

3 CONVENTION You use yes to tell someone that what they have said is correct. □� 'Well I suppose it is based on the old lunar months isn't it.'�'Yes that's right.' □� 'That's a type of whitefly, is it?'�'Yes, it is a whitefly.'

4 CONVENTION You use yes to show that you are ready or willing to speak to the person who wants to speak to you, for example when you are answering a phone or a knock at your door. □� He pushed a button on the intercom. 'Yes?' came a voice. □� Yes, can I help you?

5 CONVENTION You use yes to indicate that you agree with, accept, or understand what the previous speaker has said. □� 'Not everyone has the gift of a husband like Paul.'�'Oh yes.' □� 'It's a fabulous opportunity.'�'Yeah. I know.'

6 CONVENTION You use yes to encourage someone to continue speaking. □� 'I remembered something funny today.'�'Yeah?'

7 CONVENTION You use yes , usually followed by 'but', as a polite way of introducing what you want to say when you disagree with something the previous speaker has just said. [POLITENESS ] □� 'She is entitled to three thousand pounds of income.'�'Yes, but she doesn't earn any money.'

8 CONVENTION You use yes to say that a negative statement or question that the previous speaker has made is wrong or untrue. □� 'That is not possible,' she said. 'Oh, yes, it is!' Mrs Gruen insisted. □� 'I don't know what you're talking about.'�'Yes, you do.'

9 CONVENTION You can use yes to suggest that you do not believe or agree with what the previous speaker has said, especially when you want to express your annoyance about it. [FEELINGS ] □� 'There was no way to stop it.'�'Oh yes? Well, here's something else you won't be able to stop.'

10 CONVENTION You use yes to indicate that you had forgotten something and have just remembered it. □� What was I going to say. Oh yeah, we've finally got our second computer.

11 CONVENTION You use yes to emphasize and confirm a statement that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □� He collected the �10,000 first prize. Yes, �10,000.

12 CONVENTION You say yes and no in reply to a question when you cannot give a definite answer, because in some ways the answer is yes and in other ways the answer is no. [VAGUENESS ] □� 'Was it strange for you, going back after such a long absence?'�'Yes and no.' USAGE yes

1 Don't say 'yes' if you want to agree with a negative question. For example, if someone says �Aren�t you going out this evening?�, say �No , I'm not�. Don�t say � Yes, I'm not �. □� �Didn�t you get a dictionary from him?� � �Yes , I did.�

2 Similarly, don't say 'yes' if you want to agree with a negative statement. For example, if someone says �He doesn�t want to come�, say �No , he doesn't�. Don�t say � Yes, he doesn't �. □� �That isn�t true.� � �Oh yes , it is.�

ye s-man (yes-men ) N‑COUNT If you describe a man as a yes-man , you dislike the fact that he seems always to agree with people who have authority over him, in order to gain favour. [DISAPPROVAL ]

yes|ter|day ◆◆◆ /je stə r de I , -di/ (yesterdays )

1 ADV You use yesterday to refer to the day before today. □� She left yesterday. □� Yesterday she announced that she is quitting her job. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Yesterday is also a noun. □� In yesterday's games, we beat our opponents two-one.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the past, especially the recent past, as yesterday . □� The worker of today is different from the worker of yesterday.

yes|ter|year /je stə r j I ə r / N‑UNCOUNT You use yesteryear to refer to the past, often a period in the past with a set of values or a way of life that no longer exists. [LITERARY ] □� The modern-day sex symbol has now taken the place of the old-fashioned hero of yesteryear.

yet ◆◆◆ /je t/

1 ADV [ADV with v] You use yet in negative statements to indicate that something has not happened up to the present time, although it probably will happen. You can also use yet in questions to ask if something has happened up to the present time. In British English the simple past tense is not normally used with this meaning of 'yet'. □� They haven't finished yet. □� No decision has yet been made. □� She hasn't yet set a date for her retirement. □� 'Has the murderer been caught?'�'Not yet.' □� Have you met my husband yet? □� Hammer-throwing for women is not yet a major event.

2 ADV [ADV with v] You use yet with a negative statement when you are talking about the past, to report something that was not the case then, although it became the case later. □� There was so much that Sam didn't know yet. □� He had asked around and learned that Billy was not yet here.

3 ADV [ADV with v] If you say that something should not or cannot be done yet , you mean that it should not or cannot be done now, although it will have to be done at a later time. □� Don't get up yet. □� The hostages cannot go home just yet. □� We should not yet abandon this option for the disposal of highly radioactive waste.

4 ADV [n ADV ] You use yet after a superlative to indicate, for example, that something is the worst or the best of its kind up to the present time. □� This is the BBC's worst idea yet. □� Her latest novel is her best yet. □� �one of the toughest warnings yet delivered.

5 ADV [ADV before v] You can use yet to say that there is still a possibility that something will happen. □� A negotiated settlement might yet be possible.

6 ADV [n ADV ] You can use yet after expressions which refer to a period of time, when you want to say how much longer a situation will continue for. □� Unemployment will go on rising for some time yet. □� Nothing will happen for a few years yet. □� They'll be ages yet.

7 ADV [ADV to-inf] If you say that you have yetto do something, you mean that you have never done it, especially when this is surprising or bad. □� She has yet to spend a Christmas with her partner. □� He has been nominated three times for the Oscar but has yet to win.

8 CONJ You can use yet to introduce a fact which is rather surprising after the previous fact you have just mentioned. □� I don't eat much, yet I am a size 16. □� It is completely waterproof, yet light and comfortable.

9 ADV You can use yet to emphasize a word, especially when you are saying that something is surprising because it is more extreme than previous things of its kind, or a further case of them. [EMPHASIS ] □� I saw yet another doctor. □� They would criticize me, or worse yet, pay me no attention. □� We will not have anything to eat yet again.

10 PHRASE You use as yet with negative statements to describe a situation that has existed up until the present time. [FORMAL ] □� As yet it is not known whether the crash was the result of an accident.

yew /juː / (yews ) N‑VAR A yew or a yew tree is an evergreen tree. It has sharp leaves which are broad and flat, and red berries. ●�N‑UNCOUNT Yew is the wood of this tree.

Y -fronts N‑PLURAL Y-fronts are men's or boys' underwear with an opening at the front. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ]

Yid|dish /j I d I ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Yiddish is a language which comes mainly from German and is spoken by many Jewish people of European origin.

yield ◆◇◇ /j I ə ld/ (yields , yielding , yielded )

1 VERB If you yieldto someone or something, you stop resisting them. [FORMAL ] □�[V +�to ] Will she yield to growing pressure for her to retire? □�[V ] Men of courage faced down injustice and refused to yield.

2 VERB If you yield something that you have control of or responsibility for, you allow someone else to have control or responsibility for it. [FORMAL ] □�[V n] He may yield control.

3 VERB If a moving person or a vehicle yields , they slow down or stop in order to allow other people or vehicles to pass in front of them. [AM ] □�[V +�to ] When entering a trail or starting a descent, yield to other skiers. □�[V ] �examples of common signs like No Smoking or Yield. in BRIT, usually use give way4 VERB If something yields , it breaks or moves position because force or pressure has been put on it. □�[V ] The door yielded easily when he pushed it.

5 VERB If an area of land yields a particular amount of a crop, this is the amount that is produced. You can also say that a number of animals yield a particular amount of meat. □�[V n] Last year 400,000 acres of land yielded a crop worth $1.75 billion.

6 N‑COUNT A yield is the amount of food produced on an area of land or by a number of animals. □� Polluted water lessens crop yields.

7 VERB If a tax or investment yields an amount of money or profit, this money or profit is obtained from it. [BUSINESS ] □�[V n] It yielded a profit of at least $36 million.

8 N‑COUNT A yield is the amount of money or profit produced by an investment. [BUSINESS ] □�[+�on ] The high yields available on the dividend shares made them attractive to private investors. □�[+�on ] �the yield on a bank's investments.

9 VERB If something yields a result or piece of information, it produces it. □�[V n] This research has yielded a great number of positive results. COLLOCATIONS yield NOUN

7

noun +�yield : crop, grain, milk

adjective +�yield : good, poor

verb +�yield : boost, increase, produce

9

noun +�yield : bond, dividend, gilt

adjective +�yield : attractive, high, low; average, gross, net, prospective SYNONYMS yield VERB

1

give in:Officials say they won't give in to the workers' demands.

submit:If I submitted to their demands, they would not press the allegations.

surrender:General Martin Bonnet called on the rebels to surrender.

succumb:Don't succumb to the temptation.

2

relinquish:He does not intend to relinquish power.

hand over:They handed over their financial affairs to another body.

surrender:Nadja had to surrender all rights to her property.

cede:The General had promised to cede power by January.

yield|ing /j I ə ld I ŋ/ ADJ A yielding surface or object is quite soft and will move or bend rather than staying stiff if you put pressure on it. □� �the yielding ground. □� �the soft yielding cushions.

yip /j I p/ (yips , yipping , yipped ) VERB If a dog or other animal yips , it gives a sudden short cry, often because of fear or pain. [mainly AM ] □�[V ] Far up the west rim of the canyon, a coyote yipped twice. ●�N‑COUNT Yip is also a noun. □�[+�of ] �a yip of pain.

yip|pee /j I piː / EXCLAM People sometimes shout yippee when they are very pleased or excited.

YMCA /wa I em siː e I / (YMCAs ) N‑COUNT TheYMCA is a place where men can stay cheaply, which is run by the YMCA organization. YMCA is an abbreviation for 'Young Men's Christian Association'.

yo /joʊ / CONVENTION People sometimes say ' yo ' to greet other people or to get their attention. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □� Yo, Carl, great outfit man!

yob /jɒ b/ (yobs ) N‑COUNT If you call a boy or a man a yob , you disapprove of him because he behaves in a noisy, rude, and perhaps violent way in public. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� Violent and dangerous yobs deserve to be locked up.

yob|bish /jɒ b I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe a boy or a man as yobbish , you disapprove of him because he behaves in a noisy, rude, and perhaps violent way in public. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □� �yobbish football supporters.

yob|bo /jɒ boʊ/ (yobbos ) N‑COUNT A yobbo is the same as a yob . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

yo|del /joʊ d ə l/ (yodels , yodelling , yodelled ) in AM, use yodeling , yodeled VERB When someone yodels , they sing normal notes with very high quick notes in between. □�[V ] You haven't lived till you've learned how to yodel at a tea dance in a mountain hut! ●� yo|del|ling N‑UNCOUNT □� Switzerland isn't all cow bells and yodelling, you know.

yoga /joʊ gə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Yoga is a type of exercise in which you move your body into various positions in order to become more fit or flexible, to improve your breathing, and to relax your mind.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Yoga is a philosophy which first developed in India, in which physical exercises and meditation are believed to help people to become calmer and united in spirit with God.

yo|ghurt /jɒ gə r t, [AM ] joʊ -/ →�see yogurt

yogi /joʊ gi/ (yogis ) N‑COUNT A yogi is a person who has spent many years practising the philosophy of yoga, and is considered to have reached an advanced spiritual state.

yo|gurt /jɒ gə r t, [AM ] joʊ -/ (yogurts ) also yoghurt N‑VAR Yogurt is a food in the form of a thick, slightly sour liquid that is made by adding bacteria to milk. A yogurt is a small pot of yogurt.

yoke /joʊ k/ (yokes , yoking , yoked )

1 N‑SING [adj N ] If you say that people are under the yokeof a bad thing or person, you mean they are forced to live in a difficult or unhappy state because of that thing or person. [LITERARY ] □�[+�of ] People are still suffering under the yoke of slavery.

2 N‑COUNT A yoke is a long piece of wood which is tied across the necks of two animals such as oxen, in order to make them walk close together when they are pulling a plough.

3 VERB If two or more people or things are yokedtogether , they are forced to be closely linked with each other. □�[V n together ] The introduction attempts to yoke the pieces together. □�[V n +�to/into ] They want their own currency instead of being yoked into someone else's monetary system. □�[be V -ed] Farmers and politicians are yoked by money and votes.

yo|kel /joʊ k ə l/ (yokels ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a yokel , you think they are uneducated and stupid because they come from the countryside. [DISAPPROVAL ]

yolk /joʊ k/ (yolks ) N‑VAR The yolk of an egg is the yellow part in the middle. □� Only the yolk contains cholesterol. □� �buttered toast dipped in egg yolk.

YOLO /joʊ loʊ/ YOLO is the written and sometimes spoken abbreviation for 'you only live once', used to say that people should do exciting things and enjoy life. [INFORMAL ]

Yom Kip|pur /jɒ m k I pʊə r / N‑UNCOUNT Yom Kippur is the religious holiday when Jewish people do not eat, but say prayers asking to be forgiven for the things they have done wrong. It is in September or October.

yon /jɒ n/

1 DET Yon is an old-fashioned or dialect word for 'that' or 'those'. □� Don't let yon dog nod off.

2hither and yon →�see hither

yon|der /jɒ ndə r / ADV [ADV with v] Yonder is an old-fashioned or dialect word for 'over there'. □� Now look yonder, just beyond the wooden post there.

yonks /jɒ ŋks/ N‑PLURAL Yonks means a very long time. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □� �the most wonderful club I've been to for yonks.

yore /jɔː r / PHRASE Of yore is used to refer to a period of time in the past. [JOURNALISM , LITERARY ] □� The images provoked strong surges of nostalgia for the days of yore.

York|shire pud|ding /jɔː r kʃə r pʊ d I ŋ/ (Yorkshire puddings ) N‑VAR Yorkshire pudding is a British food which is made by baking a thick liquid mixture of flour, milk, and eggs. It is often eaten with roast beef.

you ◆◆◆ /juː/ You is the second person pronoun. You can refer to one or more people and is used as the subject of a verb or the object of a verb or preposition. 1 PRON A speaker or writer uses you to refer to the person or people that they are talking or writing to. It is possible to use you before a noun to make it clear which group of people you are talking to. □� When I saw you across the room I knew I'd met you before. □� You two seem very different to me. □� I could always talk to you about anything in the world. □� What is alternative health care? What can it do for you? □� What you kids need is more exercise.

2 PRON In spoken English and informal written English, you is sometimes used to refer to people in general. □� Getting good results gives you confidence. □� In those days you did what you were told.

you'd /juːd/

1You'd is the usual spoken form of 'you had', especially when 'had' is an auxiliary verb. □� I think you'd better tell us why you're asking these questions.

2You'd is the usual spoken form of 'you would'. □� With your hair and your beautiful skin, you'd look good in red and other bright colors.

you'll /juːl/ You'll is the usual spoken form of 'you will'. □� Promise me you'll take very special care of yourself. □� I think you'll find everything you need here.

young ◆◆◆ /jʌ ŋ/ (younger /jʌ ŋgə r /, youngest /jʌ ŋgəst/)

1 ADJ A young person, animal, or plant has not lived or existed for very long and is not yet mature. □� In Scotland, young people can marry at 16. □� �a field of young barley. □� He played with his younger brother. ●�N‑PLURAL The young are people who are young. □� The association is advising pregnant women, the very young and the elderly to avoid such foods.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use young to describe a time when a person or thing was young. □� In her younger days my mother had been a successful fashionwear saleswoman.

3 ADJ Someone who is young in appearance or behaviour looks or behaves as if they are young. □�[+�for ] I was twenty-three, I suppose, and young for my age.

4 N‑PLURAL The young of an animal are its babies. □� The hen may not be able to feed its young.

you ng gu n (young guns ) N‑COUNT [oft plural] You can use young guns to talk about people, especially young men, who have lots of energy and talent, and are becoming very successful. [JOURNALISM ] □� He may have been eclipsed by the young guns, but his films are still very popular.

young|ish /jʌ ŋ I ʃ/ ADJ A youngish person is fairly young. □� �a smart, dark-haired, youngish man.

young|ster ◆◇◇ /jʌ ŋstə r / (youngsters ) N‑COUNT Young people, especially children, are sometimes referred to as youngsters . □� Other youngsters are not so lucky. □� I was only a youngster in 1935. SYNONYMS youngster NOUN

adolescent:Young adolescents are happiest with small groups of close friends.

youth:�gangs of youths who broke windows and looted shops.

teenager:As a teenager he attended Tulse Hill Senior High School.

juvenile:The number of juveniles in the general population has fallen.

your ◆◆◆ /jɔː r , jʊə r / Your is the second person possessive determiner. Your can refer to one or more people. 1 DET A speaker or writer uses your to indicate that something belongs or relates to the person or people that they are talking or writing to. □� Emma, I trust your opinion a great deal. □� I left all of your messages on your desk. □� If you are unable to obtain the information you require, consult your telephone directory.

2 DET In spoken English and informal written English, your is sometimes used to indicate that something belongs to or relates to people in general. □� Pain-killers are very useful in small amounts to bring your temperature down. □� I then realized how possible it was to overcome your limitations.

3 DET In spoken English, a speaker sometimes uses your before an adjective such as 'typical' or 'normal' to indicate that the thing referred to is a typical example of its type. □� Stan Reilly is not really one of your typical Brighton Boys.

you're /jɔː r , jʊə r / You're is the usual spoken form of 'you are'. □� Go to him, tell him you're sorry. □� I think you're expecting too much of me.

yours ◆◇◇ /jɔ ː r z, jʊə r z/ Yours is the second person possessive pronoun. Yours can refer to one or more people. 1 PRON A speaker or writer uses yours to refer to something that belongs or relates to the person or people that they are talking or writing to. □� I'll take my coat upstairs. Shall I take yours, Roberta? □� I believe Paul was a friend of yours. □� If yours is a high-stress job, it is important that you learn how to cope.

2 CONVENTION People write yours , yours sincerely , or yours faithfully at the end of a letter before they sign their name. □� With best regards, Yours, George. □� Yours faithfully, Michael Moore, London Business School.

3yours truly →�see truly

your|self ◆◆◇ /jɔː r se lf, jʊə r -/ (yourselves ) Yourself is the second person reflexive pronoun. 1 PRON A speaker or writer uses yourself to refer to the person that they are talking or writing to. Yourself is used when the object of a verb or preposition refers to the same person as the subject of the verb. □� Have the courage to be honest with yourself and about yourself. □� Your baby depends on you to look after yourself properly while you are pregnant. □� Treat yourselves to a massage to help you relax at the end of the day.

2 PRON You use yourself to emphasize the person that you are referring to. [EMPHASIS ] □� They mean to share the business between them, after you yourself are gone, Sir. □� I've been wondering if you yourselves have any idea why she came.

3 PRON You use yourself instead of 'you' for emphasis or in order to be more polite when 'you' is the object of a verb or preposition. [POLITENESS ] □� A wealthy man like yourself is bound to make an enemy or two along the way.

4by yourself →�see by

youth ◆◆◇ /juː θ/ (youths /juː �z/)

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's youth is the period of their life during which they are a child, before they are a fully mature adult. □� In my youth my ambition had been to be an inventor. □� �the comic books of my youth.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Youth is the quality or state of being young. □� Gregory was still enchanted with Shannon's youth and joy and beauty. □� The team is now a good mixture of experience and youth.

3 N‑COUNT Journalists often refer to young men as youths , especially when they are reporting that the young men have caused trouble. □� �gangs of youths who broke windows and looted shops.

4 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Theyouth are young people considered as a group. □�[+�of ] He represents the opinions of the youth of today.

you th club (youth clubs ) N‑COUNT A youth club is a club where young people can go to meet each other and take part in various leisure activities. Youth clubs are often run by a church or local authority. □� �the youth club disco.

youth|ful /juː θfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is youthful behaves as if they are young or younger than they really are. □� I'm a very youthful 50. □� �youthful enthusiasm and high spirits.

you th hos|tel (youth hostels ) N‑COUNT A youth hostel is a place where people can stay cheaply when they are travelling.

you th work|er (youth workers ) N‑COUNT A youth worker is a person whose job involves providing support and social activities for young people, especially young people from poor backgrounds. [mainly BRIT ]

you've /juːv/ You've is the usual spoken form of 'you have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb. □� Now you've got your degree, what will you do? □� Many of the fruits you've tasted on your holidays can be found in supermarkets.

yowl /jaʊ l/ (yowls , yowling , yowled ) VERB If a person or an animal yowls , they make a long loud cry, especially because they are sad or in pain. □�[V ] The dog began to yowl. ●�N‑COUNT Yowl is also a noun. □� Patsy could hardly be heard above the baby's yowls. ●� yowl|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� I couldn't stand that yowling.

yo-yo /joʊ joʊ/ (yo-yos ) N‑COUNT A yo-yo is a toy made of a round piece of wood or plastic attached to a piece of string. You play with the yo-yo by letting it rise and fall on the string.

yr (yrs ) also yr.yr is a written abbreviation for year . □� Their imaginations are quite something for 2 yr olds.

yuan /juː� n, [AM ] -ɑː n/ (yuan ) N‑COUNT [num N ] The yuan is the unit of money that is used in the People's Republic of China. □� For most events, tickets cost one, two or three yuan. ●�N‑SING The yuan is also used to refer to the Chinese currency system. □� The yuan recovered a little; it now hovers around 8.2 to the dollar.

Yu|go|slav /juː gəslɑːv/ (Yugoslavs ) ADJ Yugoslav means belonging or relating to the former Yugoslavia, or to its people or culture. ●�N‑COUNT A Yugoslav was a Yugoslav citizen, or a person of Yugoslav origin.

Yu|go|sla|vian /juː gəslɑː viən/ ADJ Yugoslavian means the same as Yugoslav .

yuk /jʌ k/ EXCLAM Some people say ' yuk ' when they think something is very unpleasant or disgusting. [INFORMAL ] □� 'It's lamb stew and cabbage,' said Malone. 'Yuk,' said Maureen.

Yule /juː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Yule is an old-fashioned word for Christmas .

Yule|tide /juː lta I d/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Yuletide is the period of several days around and including Christmas Day. □� �ideas for Yuletide food, drink and decorations.

yum /jʌ m/ EXCLAM People sometimes say ' yum ' or ' yum yum ' to show that they think something tastes or smells very good. [INFORMAL ]

yum|my /jʌ mi/ ADJ Yummy food tastes very good. [INFORMAL ] □� I'll bet they have yummy ice cream. □� It smells yummy.

yup|pie /jʌ pi/ (yuppies ) N‑COUNT A yuppie is a young person who has a well-paid job and likes to show that they have a lot of money by buying expensive things and living in an expensive way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� The Porsche 911 reminds me of the worst parts of the yuppie era.

YWCA /wa I dʌb ə ljuː siː e I / (YWCAs ) N‑COUNT TheYWCA is a place where women can stay cheaply, which is run by the YWCA organization. YWCA is an abbreviation for 'Young Women's Christian Association'.

Zz

Z , z /ze d, [AM ] ziː / (Z's, z's ) N‑VAR Z is the twenty-sixth and last letter of the English alphabet.

zany /ze I ni/ (zanier , zaniest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Zany humour or a zany person is strange or eccentric in an amusing way. [INFORMAL ] □� �the zany humour of the Marx Brothers.

zap /z� p/ (zaps , zapping , zapped )

1 VERB To zap someone or something means to kill, destroy, or hit them, for example with a gun or in a computer game. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] A guard zapped him with the stun gun.

2 VERB If you zap channels while watching television, you change channels using the remote control. [INFORMAL ] □�[V n] Men like to zap the TV channels, something that can drive certain women berserk.

3 VERB To zap something such as a computer file or document means to delete it from the computer memory or to clear it from the screen. [COMPUTING , INFORMAL ]

zap|per /z� pə r / (zappers ) N‑COUNT A zapper is a small device that you use to control a television, video, or stereo from a distance. [INFORMAL ]

zeal /ziː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Zeal is great enthusiasm, especially in connection with work, religion, or politics. □�[+�for ] �his zeal for teaching. □� Mr Lopez approached his task with a religious zeal.

zeal|ot /ze lət/ (zealots ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a zealot , you think that their views and actions are very extreme, especially in following a particular political or religious belief. [DISAPPROVAL ] □� He was forceful, but by no means a zealot.

zeal|ous /ze ləs/ ADJ Someone who is zealous spends a lot of time or energy in supporting something that they believe in very strongly, especially a political or religious ideal. □� She was a zealous worker for charitable bodies.

zeb|ra /ze brə, ziː -/ (zebras or zebra ) N‑COUNT A zebra is an African wild horse which has black and white stripes.

ze b|ra cro ss|ing (zebra crossings ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a zebra crossing is a place on the road that is marked with black and white stripes, where vehicles are supposed to stop so that people can walk across.

zeit|geist /za I tga I st/ N‑SING The zeitgeist of a particular place during a particular period in history is the attitudes and ideas that are generally common there at that time, especially the attitudes and ideas shown in literature, philosophy, and politics. □�[+�of ] He has caught the zeitgeist of rural life in the 1980s very well indeed.

Zen /ze n/ N‑UNCOUNT Zen or Zen Buddhism is a form of the Buddhist religion that concentrates on meditation rather than on studying religious writings.

zen|ith /ze n I θ, [AM ] ziː -/ N‑SING [usu with poss] The zenith of something is the time when it is most successful or powerful. □� His career is now at its zenith.

zero ◆◆◆ /z I ə roʊ/ (zeros or zeroes , zeroing , zeroed )

1 NUM Zero is the number 0. □� Visibility at the city's airport came down to zero, bringing air traffic to a standstill. □� �a scale ranging from zero to seven.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Zero is a temperature of 0�. It is freezing point on the Centigrade and Celsius scales, and 32� below freezing point on the Fahrenheit scale. □� It's a sunny late winter day, just a few degrees above zero. □� That night the mercury fell to thirty degrees below zero.

3 ADJ You can use zero to say that there is none at all of the thing mentioned. □� This new ministry was being created with zero assets and zero liabilities.

▸� zero in on

1 PHRASAL VERB To zero in on a target means to aim at it or move towards it. □�[V P P n] He raised the binoculars again and zeroed in on an eleventh-floor room.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you zero in on a problem or subject, you give it your full attention. □�[V P P n] Many of the other major daily newspapers have not really zeroed in on the problem. SYNONYMS zero NOUN 1

nought:Sales rose by nought point four per cent last month.

nothing:Homes in this corner of Mantua that once went for $350,000 are now worth nothing.

nil:They beat Argentina one-nil in the final.

ze ro-emi ssion ADJ [ADJ n] A zero-emission vehicle does not produce any dangerous gases. □� �zero-emission electric cars.

ze ro-ho urs con|tract also ze ro-ho ur con|tract (zero-hours contracts ) N‑COUNT A zero-hours contract is a contract where the employer does not have to provide regular work for the employee, but the employee has to be on call in case they are needed to work. [BUSINESS ]

ze ro-su m game N‑SING If you refer to a situation as a zero-sum game , you mean that if one person gains an advantage from it, someone else involved must suffer an equivalent disadvantage. □� They're playing a zero-sum game, where both must compete for the same resources.

ze ro to l|er|ance N‑UNCOUNT If a government or organization has a policy of zero tolerance of a particular type of behaviour or activity, they will not tolerate it at all. □�[+�for ] They have a policy of zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

zest /ze st/ (zests )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Zest is a feeling of pleasure and enthusiasm. □�[+�for ] He has a zest for life and a quick intellect.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Zest is a quality in an activity or situation which you find exciting. □� Live interviews add zest and a touch of the unexpected to any piece of research.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] The zestof a lemon, orange, or lime is the outer skin when it is used to give flavour to something such as a cake or a drink. □�[+�of ] Mix the rest of the olive oil with the zest and juice of the lemon.

zig|zag /z I gz�g/ (zigzags , zigzagging , zigzagged ) also zig-zag

1 N‑COUNT A zigzag is a line which has a series of angles in it like a continuous series of 'W's. □� They staggered in a zigzag across the tarmac. □� �a zigzag pattern.

2 VERB If you zigzag , you move forward by going at an angle first to one side then to the other. □�[V prep] I zigzagged down a labyrinth of alleys. □� Expertly he zigzagged his way across the field. [Also V ]

zilch /z I ltʃ/ PRON Zilch means nothing. [INFORMAL ] □� At the moment these shares are worth zilch.

zil|lion /z I ljən/ (zillions ) NUM If you talk about a zillion people or things, you are emphasizing that there is an extremely large number of them. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □� It's been a zillion years since I've seen her.

Zim|mer frame /z I mə r fre I m/ (Zimmer frames ) N‑COUNT A Zimmer frame or a Zimmer is a frame that old or ill people sometimes use to help them walk. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, use walker

zinc /z I ŋk/ N‑UNCOUNT Zinc is a bluish-white metal which is used to make other metals such as brass, or to cover other metals such as iron to stop a brown substance called rust from forming.

zine /ziː n/ (zines ) N‑COUNT A zine is a magazine about a particular subject, written by people who are interested in that subject rather than by professional journalists.

zing /z I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If you refer to the zing in someone or something, you mean the quality that makes them lively or interesting. [INFORMAL ] □� He just lacked that extra zing. □� There's nothing like fresh basil to put a zing into a tomato sauce.

zing|er /z I ŋə r / (zingers ) N‑COUNT A zinger is a witty remark, or something that is lively, interesting, amusing, or impressive. [AM , INFORMAL ] □�[+�of ] The panelists are left to compress their inquiries into one good zinger of a question. □� I thought it looked like a zinger.

Zi|on|ism /za I ən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Zionism is a movement which was originally concerned with establishing a political and religious state in Palestine for Jewish people, and is now concerned with the development of Israel.

Zi|on|ist /za I ən I st/ (Zionists )

1 N‑COUNT A Zionist is someone who believes in Zionism. □� He was an ardent Zionist.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Zionist means relating to Zionism. □� �the Zionist movement.

zip /z I p/ (zips , zipping , zipped )

1 N‑COUNT A zip or zip fastener is a device used to open and close parts of clothes and bags. It consists of two rows of metal or plastic teeth which separate or fasten together as you pull a small tag along them. [mainly BRIT ] □�[+�of ] He pulled the zip of his leather jacket down slightly. in AM, usually use zipper2 VERB When you zip something, you fasten it using a zip. □�[V n] She zipped her jeans. □�[V n] I slowly zipped and locked the heavy black nylon bags.

3 VERB To zip a computer file means to compress it so that it needs less space for storage on disk and can be transmitted more quickly. [COMPUTING ] ●�PHRASAL VERB Zip up means the same as zip . □�[V P ] These files have been zipped up to take up less disk space. [Also V P n]

▸� zip up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you zip up something such as a piece of clothing or if it zips up , you are able to fasten it using its zip. □�[V P n] He zipped up his jeans. □�[V P ] My jeans wouldn't zip up. [Also V n P ]

2 →�see zip3

zi p code (zip codes ) N‑COUNT Your zip code is a short sequence of letters and numbers at the end of your address, which helps the post office to sort the mail. [AM ] in BRIT, use postcode

zi p disk (zip disks ) N‑COUNT A zip disk is a computer disk, similar to a floppy disk but capable of storing greater amounts of data. [COMPUTING ] □� Zip disks could be used to store the equivalent of three music CDs.

zi p drive (zip drives ) N‑COUNT A zip drive is a piece of computer equipment that you use for storing large amounts of data. [COMPUTING ] □� Zip drives help people to organise their important information.

zi p file (zip files ) N‑COUNT A zip file is a computer file containing data that has been compressed. [COMPUTING ] □� When you download the font it may be in a compressed format, such as a zip file.

zip|per /z I pə r / (zippers ) N‑COUNT A zipper is a device used to open and close parts of clothes and bags. It consists of two rows of metal or plastic teeth which separate or fasten together as you pull a small tag along them. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use zip

zit /z I t/ (zits ) N‑COUNT Zits are spots on someone's skin, especially a young person's. [INFORMAL ]

zith|er /z I �ə r / (zithers ) N‑COUNT A zither is a musical instrument which consists of two sets of strings stretched over a flat box. You play the zither by pulling the strings with both hands.

zo|di|ac /zoʊ di�k/ N‑SING The zodiac is a diagram used by astrologers to represent the positions of the planets and stars. It is divided into twelve sections, each of which has its own name and symbol. The zodiac is used to try to calculate the influence of the planets, especially on someone's life. □� �the twelve signs of the zodiac.

zom|bie /zɒ mbi/ (zombies )

1 N‑COUNT You can describe someone as a zombie if their face or behaviour shows no feeling, understanding, or interest in what is going on around them. □� Without sleep you will become a zombie at work.

2 N‑COUNT In horror stories and some religions, a zombie is a dead person who has been brought back to life. WORD HISTORY zombie

Zombie comes from an African word zumbi , meaning 'good-luck charm'.

zone ◆◇◇ /zoʊ n/ (zones , zoning , zoned )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A zone is an area that has particular features or characteristics. □� Many people have stayed behind in the potential war zone. □� The area has been declared a disaster zone. □� �time zones.

2 VERB [usu passive] If an area of land is zoned , it is formally set aside for a particular purpose. □�[be V -ed] The land was not zoned for commercial purposes. ●� zon|ing N‑UNCOUNT □� �the use of zoning to preserve agricultural land.

▸� zone out PHRASAL VERB If you zone out , you stop being aware of what is happening around you, either because you are relaxed or because you are bored. □�[V P ] When I'm on the train, I put on my headphones and zone out. SYNONYMS zone NOUN 1

area:Local authorities have been responsible for the running of schools in their areas.

region:�Barcelona, capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia.

sector:Officers were going to retake sectors of the city.

district:I drove around the business district.

zonked /zɒ ŋkt/ ADJ If someone is zonked or zonked out , they are not capable of doing anything because they are very tired, drunk, or drugged. [INFORMAL ]

zoo /zuː / (zoos ) N‑COUNT A zoo is a park where live animals are kept so that people can look at them. □� He took his son Christopher to the zoo. □� �the penguin pool at London Zoo.

zo|ol|ogy /zuːɒ lədʒi, zoʊ-/ N‑UNCOUNT Zoology is the scientific study of animals. ●� zoo|logi|cal ADJ [ADJ n] □� �zoological specimens. ●� zo|olo|gist /zuːɒ lədʒ I st, zoʊ-/ (zoologists ) N‑COUNT □� �a renowned zoologist and writer.

zoom /zuː m/ (zooms , zooming , zoomed )

1 VERB If you zoom somewhere, you go there very quickly. [INFORMAL ] □�[V prep/adv] We zoomed through the gallery.

2 VERB If prices or sales zoom , they increase greatly in a very short time. □�[V ] The economy shrank and inflation zoomed.

3 N‑COUNT A zoom is the same as a zoom lens .

▸� zoom in PHRASAL VERB If a camera zooms inon something that is being filmed or photographed, it gives a close-up picture of it. □�[V P +�on ] �a tracking system which can follow a burglar round a building and zoom in on his face.

zoo m lens (zoom lenses ) N‑COUNT A zoom lens is a lens that you can attach to a camera, which allows you to make the details larger or smaller while always keeping the picture clear.

zuc|chi|ni /zuːkiː ni/ (zucchini or zucchinis ) N‑VAR Zucchini are long thin vegetables with a dark green skin. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use courgette

Zulu /zuː luː/ (Zulus )

1 N‑COUNT A Zulu is a member of a race of black people who live in Southern Africa.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Zulu is the language spoken by Zulus and also by many other black South Africans.

Zum|ba /zʊ mbə/ N‑UNCOUNT Zumba is an exercise programme that uses Latin-American music and dance steps. [TRADEMARK ] □� Zumba turns 10 styles of Latin dancing into an innovative, energetic workout.

zy|gote /za I goʊt/ (zygotes ) N‑COUNT A zygote is an egg that has been fertilized by sperm, and which could develop into an embryo. [TECHNICAL ]

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http://www.harpercollins.com

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